French Riviera
www.prestige-magazine.com
Lifestyle
complimentary
01.49.70.15.15
W W W.ESCADA .COM
P H
r
LIP p . 'p L E I N ,
@
MONTE CARLO
ST. TROPEZ
CANNES
MOSCOW
www.philipp-plein.com
VIENNA
K1TZBOHEL
FORTE DEI MARMI
c o n t e n t s Fashion From Russia with Luxe Olga Roh a Luxury Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8
Dress Divine Head Turning Dresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10
How to be glamourous Tips on Becoming Chic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18
Maximum Exposure This Seasons Beachwear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22
Interviews Individualized Luxury Lorenz Baümer – Fine Jewelry Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30
Roja Dove Perfumer Roja Dove – Fine Fragrance Expert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
32
The Sound Of Freedom Cindy Gomez- Singer & Songwriter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
36
Voices From The Valley Tom Jones & Duffy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
42
Focus On
Welcome Editor’s letter
F
or many of us the next few months are the most enjoyable seasons. Spring might be more moderate in temperature but summer is the ideal time to take full advantage of the renowned Mediterranean lifestyle. In this issue we have tried to capture the true essence of the French Riviera, discovering the many fine elements that make this part of the world such a special place. Food, places, leisure, glamour and of course luxury living, it’s all here waiting to be uncovered and enjoyed by you. Fantastic food being at the top of most peoples wish list was the inspiration behind us uncovering exceptional places to dine. So much is on offer here with outstanding chef’s ready to share the flavours of our region and turn a meal into a ritual for your senses. Make sure you seek them out and experience true excellence. With such a glamorous events diary all year round, our fashion shoot focuses on dresses that will take you from a red carpet event straight to the cocktail parties on the dazzling stretches of beach. Then returning to the beach to top up your tan, we look at this seasons sexy styles of beach wear and accessories, ensuring you your perfect Ursula Andress, Bond girl moment. For the men we turn the spotlight onto the hot new launches from the motoring world and our very own motoring journalist, Tim Barnes-Clay tells us about his test drive in the new Aston Martin Rapide. Earlier this month whilst having lunch with some dear friends, the conversation turned to golf and I was asked the question “so where do I go to play golf here?” So especially with you in mind Nick, we’ve done a roundup of the beautiful golf resorts, I am sure you will agree there is an excellent choice. Our exclusive interviews see us catching up with super talented Cindy Gomez, a young singer who made her debut onto the music scene by way of an avatar on a mobile phone. Cindy is the special guest star at many V.I.P events here this summer; she also works closely with Dave Stewart who was part of the very successful 80s duo, The Eurythmics. If you don’t get chance to see Cindy this time round, be sure to look her up on the internet.
Restaurant Recommendations Fine Dining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
53
Hotels & Palaces Luxury Hotels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
80
International Travel Kasbah Tamadot – Morocco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
86
Par For The Course Riviera Golfing Hotspots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
89
Motoring 2011 New Car Launches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
93
Finally, we are very appreciative of the support we have from the businesses and our readers and we are thrilled you like us so much. The fact that Prestige is growing as a publication makes us more determined to deliver you a magazine each time that betters the last.
Heaven On Earth Why Massage Good . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24
A sincere thank you to you all.
Trainer Truths Running Safely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25
Luxury Living Harrods Design Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
70
Life & Living
Contact Prestige Office: +33(0) 493 543 804 Editor: rachael@prestige-magazine.com Sales/Publicite: prestigepublicite@ymail.com Editorial: prestigeeditorial@ymail.com Designer: Paul Harwood Contributors: Tim Barnes-Clay, Gill Hart, Adrian Shaw & Louise Alexandre
We also interviewed one of the most important men in the perfumery industry whilst he was here buying oil for his fine fragrances. The genuine passion, with which Roja Dove speaks about fragrance, and the evocative language he uses, touches all who listen. Truly an enlightening and inspirational interview.
Rachael
Enjoy this edition and see you soon!
Front Cover Photographer: Hadriel Gonzalez Fashion Stylist: Carla Loo Makeup/Hair: Sandy Maranesi Model: Breanne Riggs at 301 Models Dress: Roland Mouret
Please note: Reproduction of the contents of this magazine in whole or in part including advertising is not permitted without prior consent from the publisher. While every care is taken in the making of this publication, the publisher accepts no liability under any circumstances should any of the magazines contents be incorrect.
Join us on
Prestige French Riviera … and follow us on
Prestigefr
www.prestige-magazine.com
New to Nice R
SCAPA
ecently opened in the heart of Nice’s, Carré D’or is the specialist monobrand shop Scapa who offer fine Scapa classic and originals clothing and the sporty Scapa sports line. Since the opening, Scapa has dressed many local residents as well as tourists from around the world. Owners, Elsie and Pieter De Mik, are well accustomed to the brand and the Scapa team in Belgium and are now introducing new clients to the collection and quality that Scapa offer. Many of them have already become loyal and return often, not only because of the clothes, but also because of the highly comfortable atmosphere you will find in this store. Clients can take time and browse at the pace they wish, and if needed are guided and given advice on the collections by the team. Alexandra who plays a key role in the Nice store, is not only on hand to assist clients, but she also chooses the collection
with Elsie enabling them both to advise you personally. Scapa often hosts special events for its clients, such as fashion shows, private shopping and presentations of their new collections. You can ask in store for further details about how you can receive more information about these events. As well as being a fashion shop, Scapa is also an outlet for Scapa Home products. You will find smaller articles in the shop but larger articles and furniture can easily be ordered in store. A winning combination of outstanding service and high quality products has already seen Scapa become a partner to several local interior designers and architects. Discover Scapa at 5 rue de la Liberté, 06000, Nice (Less than a 100 metres from Galeries Lafayette) Opening hours Monday to Saturday 10am - 7.30pm
0 3 2 + ' , % 1 4 6 ) % (= 8 3 ; ) % 6 % ' ' ) 7 7 3 6 - ) 7 0 3 2 + ' , % 1 4 ' 3 1
Olga Roh the beauty & brains behind the luxury label Rohmir
From Russia with luxe R
OHMIR is a luxury ready-to-wear label which captivates the elegance of Parisian couture with a fierce injection of European sophistication, sensuality and femininity. Olga Roh founded ROHMIR in 2007, finding her forte in luxury fashion design. Hailed from Russian nobility, with a vast experience in fashion and savoirvivre style, she has seamlessly established herself as a designer of ready-to-wear collections which perfectly capture cosmopolitan glamour. Olga’s background combines fashion and academia, following an established career in modelling working for the likes of Valentino and Ungaro, as well as many others. Olga is currently studying a Master’s Degree in Fashion Design at the
8
Istituto Marangoni in London and she also has a PhD to her extensive portfolio of achievements. Olga lives the epitome of a jet-set lifestyle, splitting her time between Monaco, Hong Kong, Switzerland and the UK. She personifies the saying ‘brains behind the beauty’ fusing her glamorous persona with an acute eye for business. The ROHMIR name derives from the meaning of ‘Roh’s universe’ in Russian which reflects the essence of the brand’s cultural references. Olga saw the vision to build the labels raison d’être upon timeless elegance, taking inspiration from her own edifying heritage. With a focus on the Garçonne era of the Twenties and Thirties, Louis XIV and Brigitte Bardot, each collection is created with a romantic allure.
Rohmir’s collections have a signature style of beautifully cut evening gowns and luxe daywear featuring sexy low waistlines, plunging necklines and vintage embroidery. Made using only the finest fabrics; silks, cashmere and fur combined with precision tailoring to ensure each chic creation glorifies women, whatever the occasion Olga manages ROHMIR from Monaco and Hong Kong with showrooms and stockists in Paris, Monte Carlo, St Tropez, Zurich and at the ROHMIR flagship store at 58 Maddox Street, London, W1
Available to buy at: Windy - Nice, Monte-Carlo Forever - Monaco & The Passion - St Tropez
9
Winter 2011 Sneak Preview
Dress Divine S
weeping us off our feet from the red carpet events and placing us safely in the arms of cocktail season is the sexy but fashionable dress. Reflecting femininity and passion, dresses make an
early appearance this year but guarantee to carry us through to the sizzling summer soirĂŠes.
Photographer: Hadriel Gonzalez Fashion Stylist: Carla Loo Make up/Hair Stylist: Daniel Pazos Model: Xenia Deli/Elite Miami For stockists see our Address Book on page 100
10
Red gown by Donna Karan Earrings by Alexis Bittar
11
Green dress by Narciso Rodriguez Shoes by Prada
12
One sleeve dress by Marchesa Shoes by Sergio Zelcer
- -
13
Black dress by Dolce & Gabbana Black cuff by Ashley Pittman
14
Blue cocktail dress by Marchesa Shoes by Yves Saint Laurent
15
Brown dress by Monique Lhuillier Necklace by Giles & Brother
16
Gold bow dress by Angel Sanchez
17
G
lamour, unlike beauty, is something women have to work at rather than being born with. If you get it right, it can turn a plain woman into a goddess, whatever your age and shape. Glamour and style are a manufactured quality. They have to be cultivated like a blossoming flower. Learning to love yourself in the mirror, creating your own personal style and having the self-confidence to stand out in a crowd are all necessary ingredients for feeling glamorous. Style is also something that evolves with age (although French and Italian women seem to have developed the knack almost from puberty!) When you are twenty-something you can afford to get away with fast-fashion of the throw-away variety, but as you get older, fashion gives way to style, although the two are by no means necessarily exclusive. How to Transform Yourself from Plain Jane to Glamorous Goddess Achieving a sense of style means dressing in cuts and luxury fabrics that flatter your figure, wearing mainly classics that are timeless, and investing in the best when it comes to the quality of those wardrobe basics. Looking glamorous also means accentuating your outfits with some on-trend accessories, mixing timeless pieces with some up-to-the-minute ones, and adding new season colours to ensure you don’t look stuffy or overdressed. In her book Things I Wish My Mother Had Told Me, lifestyle journalist, Lucia Van Der Post says, “Never underestimate the power of glamour. It’s life-enhancing and even the plainest woman can be glamorous.” Just a headscarf, a good quality pair of shades, a gorgeous belt or a well-turned heel can make the difference between a plain-Jane or an Audrey Hepburn moment. Whilst we can’t all afford redsoled Christian Louboutins, a Hermès scarf or a Louis Vuitton bag, we can learn to understand how fashion accessories can transform a look and work them to create a more glamorous wardrobe.
18
© Nicolas Genin
© 2009 Frank Ockenfels-AMC-Lionsgate-BBC
© Milton. H. Greene
How to be Glamorous & Chic
The Current Celebrity Culture Being glamorous has never been so on-trend. We are obsessed with celebrity culture; fascinated by what A-listers wear, where they go and what they do – from images of celebrity red-carpet moments, advice from their personal stylists to their setting of new celebrity trends. We live in an age where celebrities are now more popular than models when it comes to creating fashion fads and endorsing trends. Starlets like Lindsay Lohan, Mischa Barton, Paris Hilton, Scarlet Johannson and Jessica Simpson are idolised as role models for contemporary glamour by millions of twenty-somethings, whilst women in their 40s and 50s hanker after that touch of old fashioned-style and Hollywood glamour, epitomised by fashion icons such as Hepburn, Kelly, Onassis and Monroe. The fact that much of the last few seasons’ fashions have been heavily influenced by Hepburn’s look is no accident. Women want to feel feminine and glamorous once again. How to Glamorise Your Wardrobe Whilst we can’t all be an Onassis or Hepburn; glamour, which was once a fantasy can become a reality. It doesn’t happen overnight. By following a few simple style tips you can learn to glamorise your wardrobe; building a collection of clothes that are stylish rather than overtly fashionable, and are, therefore, less likely to go out of date: Learn to get to know your figure. The current Mad Men trend in 1950s-style clothes is perfect for hourglass shaped women, but if you have a boyish figure then ‘60s cuts are better, a la Jane Birkin, Twiggy or Jean Shrimpton. Buying vintage automatically gives you a head start on style. You are wearing something unique, which no one else is likely to be seen in. However, to appear truly stylish, a vintage garment has to fit well, otherwise it looks as if you’ve found it in some sale bin in a bargain-basement store. Whatever vintage piece you wear, study the look of that era and try to match accessories to complement it. This means, wearing vintage-inspired items, or adding something that is so modern that it brings your vintage outfit up-to-date. As glamour needs to be acquired, take tips from the many personal and celebrity stylists who have been there and done that! This includes style guides
such as Rachel Zoe’s Style A to Zoe, and Karen Homer’s Things a Woman Should Know about Style. The UK’s Telegraph, in its article “How to be Chic” of 16 March 2008, recommends getting hold of a copy of the 1950s movie, All About Eve. Watch how Bette Davis and Anne Baxter move and act, and you’ll learn everything there is to know about being stylish. All About Eve is a classic women’s film, and in its time was nominated for 14 Academy Awards, the largest number of Academy Award nominations to be given to any movie. Learn to love the way you look, not yearn for the body you wish you had. According to the Telegraph, the reason why French women have such a glamorous reputation is that they know themselves so well. They are prepared to spend hours in front of the mirror, finding the right look and accentuating the positive aspects of their bodies. This is particularly true here on the French Riviera, where stylish women are in abundance. They have a certain je ne sais quoi, which has deservedly earned them their chic reputation. Whatever her age, every woman needs highheels. This is instant glamour the moment you put them on. Alternatively, go for a very low heel in the guise of Hepburn-esque flats. However, nothing transforms the look of an outfit more than a pair of stilettos – not to mention their magic figureslimming properties. Appearing glamorous is also about the way you walk. Slouching and shuffling does nothing for an outfit, yet alone your posture. Hold you head up high, keep your back straight and your eyes fixed on your destination. Learning to walk in high heels is an art form, (they don’t call them taxi shoes for nothing!), but once you’ve cracked it, stilettos have the power to boost your confidence and make you walk tall, literally! If you don’t believe it, just try! Finally, never underestimate the power of accessories. This is another aspect that French women do so well. Paired with some classic pieces from your wardrobe, a short cut to chic can be a single good quality item, such as a timeless designer handbag, a pair of smart patent pumps or a cashmere scarf. Gill Hart
,
Photographer: Alberto Gonzalez. Stylist: Waina Chancy & Obe Santos. Hair & Make Up: Evy E.
.
'
"
FRAN<;OISE www.francoiseelizee.com . . "."
..
Photographer: Alberto Gonzalez. Stylist: Waina Chancy & Obe Santos. Hair & Make Up: Evy E.
www.francoiseelizee.com
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat This cult beauty product used by celebrities and models, captures the light, banishing signs of fatigue and fading out imperfections. In just one click, this moisturising emulsion eliminates shadows and embellishes the eye area, making you look rested and bright-eyed. The pure magic of Touche Éclat can also be applied to the lip contour to create fuller looking lips, or to the side of the nose to give your face a touch of radiance.
Evian Facial Spray
Benefit Speed Brow
Evian facial is now part of the daily routine of most Hollywood stars, this natural spring water acquires its purity and its unique balance of beneficial minerals in the 15 years it takes to flow down through the Alpine glacial sands. Evian water is tested more than 300 times a day and the mineral content has remained the same for many years. Proven by 3 clinical studies, Evian facial spray increases the upper layers of the epidermis moisture by up to 16%. It will also help fix your makeup.
This little gem can tame, tint and set brows in a single swipe! The brush-on gel dries to a natural-looking finish for instantly beautiful brows. It’s the magic wand for brows, you will never want to be without it. One natural shade caters for all brow colours.
Summer Goddess
Beauty products to keep you looking fresh & flawless this summer
Dior 5-Colour Eyeshadow Dior’s bestselling eye palette offers endless possibilities with fantastic on trend colours. Rich, versatile colors designed for easy application and long wear allow you to create a different look from simple to sophisticated.
Benefit ‘That Gal’ Face Primer A silky pink primer that takes your complexion from dull to radiant! Smooth on for the look of brighter, smoother skin. All skin tones are brightened by one shade , it can be worn alone, under or over makeup.
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
Guerlain Rouge G Lipstick (Serie Noire)
This miracle eyeshadow primer is unmatched by any other in the beauty industry! The genie in this bottle fulfills three wishes: eyeshadow that lasts, more vibrant and lasting color, and absolutely NO creasing. Apply Primer Potion to lids before shadow application. It dries down almost instantly (and invisibly), creating smooth lids that are super powered eyeshadow magnets. A little goes a long way so apply a thin coat and let dry, then apply your eyeshadow as you normally would.
This collector’s edition hides its colours in a precious case, dressed in black lacquer and the seal of Guerlain. The rich and voluptuous texture adorns the smile in an ultra-sophisticated coloured caress. Lips are deliciously shiny and subtly tinted in this seasons must have colours.
Guerlain Blush G (Serie Noire) A mix of 4 complimentary translucent and natural shades, each with a subtle pink for natural blush undertone, created to highlight the complexion. These healthy glow boosters harmonise perfectly to revive the complexion and give it energy and vitality.
Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder Biotherm Suncare Biotherm’s range of suncare and self-tan products are an important step in maintaining healthy, beautiful skin. Whether you choose to use in-sun or self-tan formulas, your skin will radiate with a sunkissed glow that shows that it is well protected and perfectly cared for.
Since its creation in 1984, Terracotta Moisturising Bronzing Powder has become a legendary product and the secret weapon of all women! Its unique texture has always been Guerlain’s best kept secret. It leaves no lines or marks, only a natural, radiant luminous tan as never seen before. Its formula enriched with moisturising ingredients does not dry out the skin and ensures long-lasting comfort. Its lightness, ease of application, bewitching and instantly recognisable scent make it a truly cult product.
Lancôme Définicils Precious Cells Mascara As with the original Lancôme best-selling Définicils, this formula not only defines lashes beautifully, but also creates a fuller lash look. It contains the nourishing apple lysate ingredient used in Lancôme’s Absolue Precious Cells skincare collection, and boasts an new creamy texture. A blend of five, triple-coated waxes delivers lash fullness from the lash root to tip.
21
Maximum窶右xposure Make sure your perfect holiday moment is captured in this seasons sizzling beachwear and accessories.
Brooke Kanani Brooke Kanani is a jewelry designer and maker. She apprenticed for four years with an old world craftsman from Poland, where she learned anything is possible with a little time and determination. Brooke’s pieces are made by hand from start to finish, including clasps, hinges, and chains. . From childhood, Brooke’s been collecting natural objects that she viewed as beautiful. The juxtaposition of these objects with the refined qualities of precious metals and stones is a way of paying homage to nature in a way that she truly fit. Each piece is stamped with Brooke’s signature “13.” www.brookekanani.com
23
Photos: freedigitalphotos.net
Heaven On Earth Why is Massage so good & why is it so good for you?
T
he most beautiful thing about massage is that it is the simplest & most direct way to connect with one another. Dare is say that this facilitates ‘passage of energy’ in a very real sense. ‘Energy’, I hear you say, ‘what is that?’ Well, that’s a deep one, best left for the likes of Mr. Hawkins. Alternatively, an Eastern perspective is given later in the read. Masseurs & receivers can feel a great sense of connectedness during a massage. Yes, it’s profoundly relaxing & kind of forces you to ‘let go’ for a while! If you are not good at ‘letting go’, then try to ‘hold on’ during a good massage. That’s the test of a good masseur! But what’s actually happening to the brain & body during a massage? Theory has it that, massage initiates a parasympathetic (rest) response, which means it slows down and calms our body & mind functions. A good massage should allow you to fully ‘forget’ or ‘embrace’ the moment! Many current Westerners endure or enjoy their ‘monkey mind’ from the moment of awakening to sleep time. Spiraling thought patterns are becoming a human condition in itself. Positive thinking can be, indeed, self-empowering; however, stressful thinking increases ‘cortisol’ release, your potentially unfriendly foe. Cortisol increases blood sugar & suppresses the immune system. Prolonged cortisol secretion (a result of chronic stress) has much more far reaching effects! Massage, a natural, chemical free & pleasurable remedy, reduces the release of cortisol’!
The previously mentioned ‘passage of energy’ can be well understood using the theory of Shiatsu. Shiatsu is a hands on, age old Japanese therapy, practiced on a fully clothed client, on a futon. The theory suggests that we are made of energy, which fluctuates, and can collect to areas of required attention (pain/ pleasure). This energy movement thus leaves another area vacant of its usual amount of energy. This quiet area is our area of perceived need. This can be an organ, a meridian, a pressure point or a region of the body. Unfortunately, the client is not always conscious of this area of need. This area of need is sometimes very poignant. It is sometimes the part of ourself that we have oppressed or hidden deep in the unconscious because its convenient or we don’t believe we can address this need head on, quite yet. A psychologist might argue that it is therapeutic to revisit all areas of our psyche. A body therapist may add that the mind can be addressed through the body, suggesting that ‘your body tells a story!’ The point is, is that, however painful it may be to open up old wounds, (physical or otherwise) one certainly benefits from doing so. The pain eventually brings increased awareness! As excruciating as a visible or hidden pain might be, one must revisit it until one transcends with equanimity! Where we are in the present moment shows where we were in the past! As was said by Ernest Holmes (The Science of Mind)
“Right where the pain seems to operate, the presence of God is”
If you teach yourself & your partner massage, it is a wonderful way of showing your appreciation for That’s a profound claim, but experience tells us it’s each other and it doesn’t take long to get good at true! Pain is our teacher & therefore, our friend! it! A good start is to practice hand & foot massage the pain &S appreciate pleasure of life: in silence (to best appreciate the experience) orA as aD REmbrace IAN H Athe W start, perhaps whilst watching TV. M a s s a g e T h esince r athey p i sare t heavily P e r sinterwoven o n a l tinrnature. ainer
If you feel you need more guidance then please do contact me…
ADRIAN
HOW TO GIVE MASSAGE 1. Most importantly, you must want to do it
2. Second most importantly, relax while you give long, not too strong at first, flowing strokes, with relaxed hands
3. Slowly increase intensity 4. Do this for 10 mins
5. Begin to lift the muscles using kneading
techniques. For example, on the back move to the side pull one hand towards you while you push the other hand away, so that they meet at the spine move down the back and back up
6. You can alternate with long flowing deep strokes
7. Finish using tapotement techniques by
DRIAN SHAW tapping the body with sides of hands in aM a s sA age Therapist Personal tra chopping movement
8. Each time you massage, learn a new kneading technique - there are many.
ADRIAN
SHAW
Massage Therapist Personal trainer www.lifestyleriviera.com +33 (0)660 215
ADRIAN
SHAW
Massage Therapist Personal trainer www.lifestyleriviera.com +33 (0)660 215 496
SHAW
Massage Therapist Personal trainer www.lifestyleriviera.com +33 (0)660 215 496 ADRIAN
SHAW
Massage Therapist Personal trainer
24
ADRIAN
SHAW
Massage Therapist Personal trai
Photo: Nike
The Heat Is On
Trainer Truths W
ith the arrival of the gorgeous weather many of you will be feeling motivated to pound the routes of the Riviera in a bid to get that perfect summer body.
Flat - This will leave a print of the whole sole of the foot suggesting no, or little, arch. The flat-footed runner needs a high stability shoe with firm midsoles. Stay away from highly cushioned soles.
But don’t just grab that old pair of plimsolls and think that they will do, they won’t. The right trainer is essential to prevent injury and support your feet, ankles, knees and ...well your entire body really. There’s no ‘one shape suits all’ when it comes to trainers. Everyone has different needs based on gender, the surfaces you run on, the shape of your feet and your biomechanics. All of these need to be taken into consideration when you are choosing your perfect trainer.
High-arch - The print of the sole and the heel will be disconnected, or connected by a very thin band between the two. A cushioned trainer with plenty of flexibility is best in this case.
Gender Men and women are obviously very different. Women’s child-bearing hips affect the way we run meaning what women need from trainers is very different to what men need. Until recently women’s trainers were just smaller versions of men’s and didn’t take into account the differing biomechanics. When choosing a pair of trainers it is essential to pick gender-specific trainers to avoid injury. Running surface Other than indoor running on a treadmill, there are two main types of running surface - road and trail. Road is quite simply paths and pavements, while trail covers off-roading and cross-country terrain. Whether you run only on one or a mixture of the two there is a trainer out there to suit all terrains. Foot shape There are 3 main foot shapes: normal, flat and high-arched. You can test which you have simply by looking at your wet footprint on a dry floor: Normal - The sole will be connected to the heel by a broad band of the mid-foot. This runner doesn’t need too much support and should go for a stability shoe with moderate control.
Biomechanics & running style Other things to consider include whether you strike with your heel, mid-foot or ball of your foot when running as well as whether your foot rolls in (over-pronation), out (under-pronation) or is set in a neutral position when running. Those who over-pronate tend to have flat feet, those who under-pronate - high-arch feet and neutral runners - normal feet. Most good running shops selling trainers will indicate which shoe is best for which foot shape, terrain and running style. If it isn’t obvious ask a member of staff to help you pick out the best trainer for your foot type. Some even offer a gait analysis service but make sure you check the assistant is knowledgeable enough to ‘diagnose’ you. Remember you don’t have to spend a fortune on trainers. Once you are aware of your foot type and running style you can find great value trainers online and in store. The new releases tend to be the most expensive, so you can always opt for a trainer that was launched 2 or 3 years ago - they still have many of the same qualities as the new releases at a fraction of the price. Whatever your needs there is a trainer to suit you.
With thanks to Becca Maclachlan and the RRCA
R
unning in the heat of summer can be dangerous if proper precautions and preparations are not followed. Follow these tips for safe summer running. If you have heart or respiratory problems or you are on any medications, consult your doctor first about running . Avoid running outside if the heat is above 98.6 degrees and the humidity is above 70-80%. While running, the body temperature is regulated by the process of sweat evaporating off of the skin. If the humidity in the air is so high that it prevents the process of evaporation of sweat from the skin, you can quickly overheat and literally cook your insides from an elevated body temperature. Avoid dehydration! You can lose between 6 and 12 oz. of fluid for every 20 minutes of running. Therefore it is important to pre-hydrate (10–15 oz. of fluid 10 to 15 minutes prior to running) and drink fluids every 20–30 minutes along your running route. To determine if you are hydrating properly, weigh yourself before and after running. You should have drunk one pint of fluid for every pound you’re missing.. Keep in mind that thirst is not an adequate indicator of dehydration. When running, if you become dizzy, nauseated, have the chills, or cease to sweat… STOP RUNNING, you could be suffering from heatstroke. Find shade, and drink water or a fluid replacement drink. If you do not feel better, get help. Heatstroke is a life-threatening medical emergency, requiring emergency medical treatment. Run in the shade whenever possible and avoid direct sunlight. When you are going to be exposed to the intense summer rays of the sun, apply at least 15 spf sunscreen and wear protective eyewear that filters out UVA and UVB rays. Consider wearing a visor that will shade your eyes and skin but will allow heat to transfer off the top of your head. Do not wear long sleeves or long pants or sweat suits. Do wear light colored breathable clothing. Running in sweat suits on hot days to lose water weight is dangerous! Plan your route so you can refill water bottles or find drinking fountains. Be sure to tell someone where you are running how long you think you will gone, and carry identification.
25
Past, Present & Future Family heirlooms celebrate the future by preserving the past; why not create your lifetime of memories with these glorious gems
Dominic Walmsley
Piaget
Asscher Cut Diamond With 2 trillion cut diamonds set in platinum.
Golden Nectar 44 brilliant-cut diamonds and one cushioncut citrine set in 18k gold.
Tiffany
Lorenz B채umer
Cocoon Blue sapphire & diamonds set in 18k white gold.
Tutti Frutti Diamonds, emeralds, yellow diamonds, red spinels, orange sapphires, rubies rubellite, amethyst, garnet, yellow beryl and rubellite set in 18k gold. Fancy Yellow From top: square, step-cut yellow diamond set in 18k yellow gold and platinum cushion-cut yellow diamond with diamond set in 18k yellow gold and platinum.
Tiffany Gemstone From left: emerald-cut sapphire and diamonds, emerald-cut Colombian emerald with diamonds set in platinum.
Sex On The Beach Brilliant-cut diamonds, one round-cut pink tourmaline and one carved peridot set in 18k white gold.
Musique Pink tourmaline & diamonds set in 18k white gold.
Coupelle Piage Rubellites, pink tourmalines, citrines and diamonds set in 18k pink gold.
See address book for stockists
26
Nicea Mariage
20 avenue de la RĂŠpublique - 06300 Nice Tel: 04 93 89 14 66 Open Tuesday to Saturday 10h00 - 12h00 and 14h00 - 19h00 Monday by appointment only
www.nicea-mariage.com
International Services: Magazine Editorials Advertising Campaigns Music Videos & Films Personal Shopping Fashion Consulting www.carlaloo.com 001-786-564-8989 c@carlaloo.com *No advertising Calls Please
Clarysse Phot ography Mimosa, delicate yellow flakes that are nature’s representation of the south Bursting with sunshine their glow illuminates the Cote d'Azur
Creative Photographer for: Weddings • Family Portraits • Events • Venues • Commercial • Wall Art To discuss your requirements, please call: +33 (0) 613 308 198 or email: art.clarysse@gmail.com
The Midas Touch J
acques Blanc is no stranger to working with all things luxury, he has headed up advertising campaigns for brands such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Hugo Boss. Jacques now brings his new concept of a luxury brand with “Gold on Skin”. Jacques Blanc first launched his business in 2008 with an innovative new patented process to cover a car’s roof with the purest gold leaf, for wealthy supercar clients wanting extra-extravagant customisation. This lavish service would start at 14,500€ and each rooftop was signed and numbered and the client presented with a certificate of authenticity. Jacques Blanc told Prestige; “Gold-leafing vehicles isn’t a new luxury. The Egyptians mastered the technique more than 3000 years ago, for example Tutankhamun’s chariot was decorated with gold
leaves. We are simply continuing this ancient and opulent tradition.” For the launch of the James Bond films Casino Royale, Jacques created a one off vehicle by completely gilding a new Aston Martin DBS, in 24-carat gold and platinum. Jacques fascination with gold has led him to set up a new concept in luxury, pure ephemeral gold jewels on the skin. Jacques launched his concept in May 2010 in Paris with Colette, and at The Cannes’ Film Festival to much acclaim. With the innovation of a new patented process, his team of artists are able to apply in minutes a thin spread of 24 carat gold on the skin. Beautiful body decorations such as rings, necklaces and other design effects can be created which last 24 hours. Jacques has recently extended his service to include gemstones and can even cover safely an entire body with gold.
On his palette, you will also find platinum, sterling silver and other precious golds like rosé gold. Pure 24 carat gold is extremely rare and its unique brillance makes it from Tutankhamun’s time the most sought after material. It is neither affected by air nor by fashion’s mood whether you are in Wellington boots or a ballgown. Jacques “Gold On Skin” is ideal for special luxury events, ladies events, charity events and prestigious product launches. Prices start from 24€ for a ring to over 200,000€ for a whole body art work. For further information: Tel: 06 85 99 20 91 Email: JBBlanc@hotmail.com Website: www.JacquesBlanc.com
29
The Art of
“Individualized Luxury” I
f you are lucky enough to be accepted as a client of Lorenz Bäumer, then you have experienced the true meaning of “individualized luxury.” More than just a wearable work of art created from precious and semi-precious stones, this remarkable designer, with his movie-star good looks and modest charm, captures the true essence of each of his clients’ personalities in every piece he custom designs. “My goal is to design jewellery that is so distinctive to the individual, that even if they are not wearing it, one could know who it belongs to.” Lorenz’s clients come from all over the world, and from the moment they step into his salon, on the ultra-chic, Place Vendôme in Paris, they know that they are about to embark on a sophisticated journey of inner exploration and luxurious indulgence. Just gazing around the elegant, but understated reception area of his salon, you realise that you are in the presence of no ordinary designer - for his creative expressions are not limited to his exquisite jewellery. Lorenz has designed and created all of the crystal, bronze, straw, and shagreen furnishings that are found throughout his salons and so perfectly showcase his creations. Like his jewellery, his use of color, materials, and textures in the salon’s décor are both contemporary and timeless, making each who enters, feel welcome, inspired and somewhat in awe. “The salon is a very important part of my image,” Lorenz told us “Clients come to me because they want something very special, very different - a piece of jewellery that they will never see on anyone else - or quite possibly that is so individual, few others could wear it. My salon evokes this same type of distinctive intimacy. My clients instantly know that they have entered a world that is as individual as they are.” And it is this “world” that Lorenz works so very hard to uncover when interviewing prospective clients. “I can’t possible design a piece of jewellery for a client until I know all about them - not just their budget or favorite stone - but truly know about them. I must learn as much as I can about their personality. Do they have a sense of humour? Do they prefer casual or formal? What are their favourite foods - hobbies? What is their day like? What outside influence are they stimulated by?” Lorenz will spend hours discussing, chatting and mostly listening, because, as he states: “Listening, really listening is very important - who are they really buying this for? Some people buy for themselves; others buy to impress friends. Men typically buy quality, women size - but not always - and assuming this means that I may miss an important aspect of their personality.” He has also been known to travel across the globe, such as his recent trip to a small mine in Brazil, where he finally found the “perfect” Imperial Topaz for one of his clients. With this type of marketing, dedication and people savvy, it’s no wonder that
30
Lorenz Bäumer, although only in his 30s, is such a highly esteemed figure in the world of fine jewellery. His talent first came to light in 1988, when he created a crystal earring with Baccarat that is worn without a clip. He went on to launch his own successful line of costume jewellery under the name LORENZ. This initial foray catapulted him into the world of fine jewellery, fulfilling his never-ending desire for perfection. Lorenz grew up in an environment dedicated to art and the quest for beauty. His mother, a gifted painter on china for some of France’s most coveted luxury brands, helped nurture his appreciation of aesthetics. Later, his engineering degree provided
Interview with Lorenz Bäumer Fine Jewelry Designer him with extensive knowledge of how to employ different shapes and elements to create spectacular pieces of jewellery. To this day, Lorenz incorporates a wide variety of materials in his pieces, ranging from high-quality gemstones to unusual materials such as tiger’s eye, rhodochrosite and jade. “Jewellery is so personal,” Lorenz comments. “Not everyone will settle for diamonds or rubies. There is so much more out there to work with.” As a designer and collector of twentieth century decorative art, Lorenz finds inspiration from the simplest of things. Nature is one of his favorite subjects. And with an underlying sense of whimsy, refers to himself as: “I am a creative ‘gardener’ and have great fun ‘harvesting’ fruit and vegetable jewellery from a variety of precious and semi-precious stones and materials.” Some of his favourite “home grown” delicacies include: a ripe tomato ring in the rich tones of red jasper; a leak brooch in jade with multicoloured sapphires; strawberry earrings that sparkle with diamonds; and lemon wedges that are carved from rock crystal; a bee that has landed on a ruby ring,
in the shape of lips - or as earrings, it plays with the subtle shades of sapphire, citrine and gold. Lorenz’s inspirations also flow from the oceans of the world, where he loves to surf. Rings follow the shapes of waves, swirling around a diamond or pearl. Thin diamond pavé ropes - in the shape of sailor’s knots - wrap themselves around sea coloured gems. Yellow and white diamonds form a ring in the shape of two entwined sea snakes. Like a sculptor, Lorenz also utilizes the play of light created by the precise organisation of geometric shapes. He follows the facets of precious stones to create the perfect “frame” for each. Whether it is a stone provided by a client, or one, which he specially selects, Lorenz translates their personalities into unique works of art. Lorenz does not choose to design for everyone, but for everyone he chooses to design for, a piece of jewellery is created that will eternally express the essence of that individual’s being. And since all of Lorenz’s creations are made in the finest Parisian workshops, with the highest regard for quality, each of his clients leave with a work of art that is truly “individualized luxury.” Lorenz Bäumer – My Own Dictionary Writing the Book on Extraordinary A stunningly beautiful bilingual French-English book, aptly titled Le Dictionnaire égoïste. Over 288 full-color pages, My Own Dictionary takes you on a journey of discovery with glimpses into the enigmatic and often private world of haute couture. A grand collector and a typical figure in the world of art, Lorenz Bäumer presents the keys to his universe, his sources of inspiration, his secrets of fabrication, and his iconoclastic designs. Constructed around words so dear to a jeweler, this multi-faceted book reveals the various steps in the creation of a piece of jewelry, as well as the secrets in its finishing that are reserved to the world of haute joaillerie. Finally, it shows an art, born of the Renaissance, but continuously reinvented by Lorenz Bäumer. This is not the type of book you read, but rather you savor. You carefully place it on a tabletop and slowly stroll through Bäumer’s world of imagination, art, humor, and inspiration. My Own Dictionary is a must-have for anyone who loves jewelry and all things extraordinary. Review by Diana S. Zimmerman Price 85 €. Publisher: Editions de La Martinière 2, rue Christine, 75006 Paris. T: +33.140 515 200 LORENZ BÄUMER Joaillier Salons are open Mon-Fri from 10 am to 12.30 pm and 2 pm to 6.30 pm, or by special appointment. 4, Place Vendôme, 3rd floor, 75001 Paris T: +33 (0) 1 42 86 99 33. www.lorenzbaumer.com
31
Roja Dove Perfumer The Fragrance Expert & Inspirational Speaker
R
oja’s comments and his great expertise are quoted in relation to nearly every manufacturer of fragrance in the world, as an inspirational speaker at events his anecdotes keep world-wide audiences on a rollercoaster of laughter, astonishment and fascination. Roja knows the rules of perfumery, he knows the rules of business and he knows what the market has done, is doing and will be doing next year. Roja Dove is not rare. Roja Dove is unique. There are celebrated noses in the multi-billion international business of perfumery and there are small pools of astonishing creativity in what has become a corporate, highest of high tech; but anyone who asks for real knowledge—for a sorcerer’s grasp of what really happens in the perfumery industry is always, always referred to Roja Dove. Roja’s fascination with fragrance began at a very early age when he was kissed goodnight by his mother. Later beguiled by the magical odours and exotic names of the many different scents available, Roja’s interest developed into a passion. He celebrated his 21st birthday with a visit to the Guerlain Boutique on the Champs-Elysées; this visit decided him on his career – he was going to work for them. Having decided his path, Roja started to research the House, bombarding the global subsidiaries for information. Eventually to shut this young man up, Robert Guerlain decided that this level of enthusiasm was better harnessed inside their company and he was recruited to work in training and public relations with a special remit within fragrance. Six years later he was bestowed the title of the world’s sole ‘Professeur de Parfums’, later becoming Guerlain’s Global Ambassador – the first non Guerlain family member to hold this honour. Throughout his years in perfumery, and his constant travelling and lecturing, Roja has become the fragrance connoisseurs’ connoisseur, sharing his passion of the mysteries of perfume, whilst working with all the top names the industry has to offer. However, this is by no means all. Roja is a perfumer, creating his own fragrances, but like the true original he is, even this started differently. Launched at a
32
charity event at Christie’s Auction House in London, Roja began creating bespoke fragrances for a very exclusive clientele. In 2004, Roja opened The Roja Dove Haute Parfumerie – the world’s most luxurious, rarefied perfumery. Nestling amongst the black lacquer and crystal are a thousand bottles, each one full of the finest, the most creative, the best that the world of fragrance has to offer; famous names vie to shine out in such elated surroundings. It has become the benchmark for true luxury and opulence, for everything that is perfect in the world of fragrance. Roja’s bespoke fragrance work, and the demand in the Roja Dove Haute Parfumerie for quality fragrances, both convinced and inspired him to start to create a fragrance in each of the three main fragrance styles; nearly three years later the trilogy of Roja Dove’s first commercially available fragrances was launched – Scandal, Unspoken and Enslaved. Roja continues to pass on his unsurpassable knowledge at prestigious charity events across the globe and at culturally important lectures from The Barbican or Victoria & Albert Museum in London, or across the Atlantic to the Museum of Fine Art in Boston, mesmerising his audiences wherever he goes, whilst also enthralling the readers of publications, such as Vanity Fair, The Sunday Times, or Wallpaper, that he is commissioned to write for – always with his individual style and a personal touch. For Roja the south of France is very important, not only does he feel is it the home of modern perfumery but it is where he discovered it. When visiting Théoule-sur-Mer, Roja describes the air as heavy with the smell of dried lavender that has been scorched by the sun. There is also the smell of eucalyptus and pure heat, which is a very evocative, special smell and beyond in the distance he loves seeing Nice and Cannes shimmering in the heat. When Roja ventures up to Grasse, he describes the air as being much cooler and the smells become softer away from the heat near the sea. In May you can smell the Rose de May, which is a very specific rose that grows only in that region. It has the most highly praised smell of all the roses and it takes just more than 3,000 blossoms to produce a kilo of the oil. It has a very soft, sweet, delicate scent. In the summer you have the Grassoise jasmine a luxury oil of extremely high quality and therefore very expensive, it takes 5 million flowers to produce one kilo of oil and Roja pays around £32,000.00 a kilo.’ Only ever used by a highly skilled perfumer, it will raise the standard and the price of a perfume. Very few people grow Grassoise jasmine and as far as Roja is aware he is the only private individual who buys it for creation, but apparently to smell it in the heat is wonderfully overwhelming. The genuine passion, with which Roja speaks about fragrance, and the evocative language he uses, touches all who listen – he unlocks the mysteries of fragrance and truly conveys the emotion and artistry which made the truly great compositions great.
The Trilogy of Scandal, Unspoken, Enslaved will be re-launched as part of the new Roja Parfums; 100ml Perfume (£375) and 100ml EDP (£175). Roja will be launching new female fragrances (from £175) and ten new scented candles (£75) throughout 2011 and 2012 to further sublimate the brand.
Roja Dove Parfums are exclusively available at Roja Dove Haute Parfumerie, 5th Floor, Harrods and from May 2011 in Harrods Black Hall Perfumery.
interview with Roja Dove Describe to us that defining moment with your mother that sparked your interest in fragrance? When my mother came to kiss me goodnight as a small boy aged five or six. I remember her standing in my doorway, she was wearing a gold lame cocktail dress, lit from behind, it was as if she had a corona around her. I had only seen such an image in a book, maybe as a picture of something magical. As she kissed me goodnight, her scent finished the metamorphoses and determined my destiny. What was the first scent you wore? Eau de Lavande by Balenciaga. I adored it and felt terribly smart whenever I wore it. What scent are you currently wearing? A scent I created, as the one I used for many years no longer smells like the scent I remember as it has been altered. Tell us about your time at Guerlain as Professeur de Parfums. I worked for Guerlain for a few months short of twenty years and was the first person to represent the brand as a global ambassador who was not a member of the family. It was at Guerlain that I learnt the art of perfumery – I never had any doubt that this was the only company I wanted to work for as I admired the house so much and thought Jean-Paul Guerlain to be a genius, and his grandfather, Jacques Guerlain, I consider to be the greatest perfumer to have lived. Tell us how Roja Dove Haute Parfumerie in Harrods came about. I was invited for a cup of tea by a man called George Hammer. Before I was seated he said I would like to open a perfumery with you. I was so surprised I said I would just like a cup of tea please. After we spoke for a while I thought maybe it would be a good idea to open a shop and Harrods has to be the greatest store on earth to open a shop in – so I agreed. I decided that I wanted to open a perfumery that only stocked the scents that I thought were the very best examples of their type, and so the perfumery is the only one in the world where someone has been able to go to the houses and select only the scents that I believe fitted my criteria - an edited selection of the very best, not the industry norm of having to represent the brands main catalogue. When it came to naming the perfumery, I said, “you know, most perfumeries sell the equivalent of pret a porter, it will be like haute couture – like haute parfumerie”. And so the name was a born, the Roja Dove Haute Parfumerie. I was the first person to use this term, it has now entered the mainstream, with many other companies using it. What made you decide to create your own range of fragrances? Before I opened the Haute Parfumerie, I had already started creating bespoke fragrances for an elite clientele: the first one was auctioned at Christies for a charity and fetched the highest price which told me there was a demand. When I opened the perfumery, many people thought I was sitting there blending fragrances, which of course was not the case. That said so many people came asking for my fragrances that I realised there was a demand and so I created a
floral, Scandal, a chypre, Unspoken, and an oriental, Enslaved. They were a huge success. Many stores around the globe have asked to stock them, but I have always said no as we were not set up to cater for the demand. This year I will launch Roja Parfums on the ground floor of Harrods. We will keep the Haute Parfumerie, but launch my three existing creations, along with three new feminine scents, two men’s, an Aoud, and fifteen candles. We will also launch in Europe and the Middle East in the next year and America in 2012. Can you tell us about your bespoke fragrance service. I was asked to create a scent for a charity auction at Christies. Manolah Blanik put up a pair of shoes with the original drawing of them, Mercedes put up a new sports car, and there was a holiday for eight in the Maldives. I decided to ask Baccarat, I had very good friends working there at the time, if they would re-blow an art deco bottle I loved for me, they said yes, and so I decided to put up the empty bottle as my auction lot. The winner would then have a scent made for them to put into it. It fetched the highest price at the auction, so then I knew there was a clientele out there who did not want to smell like everyone else and were happy to pay the price and wait to have their own scent made. I never speak to the press about this service unless they ask, and never give my clients names. Discretion is an important part of the appeal. My clients are not brash or showy, they are some of the most pre-eminent people in their respective worlds and love the fact that they know the secrets shared, ream in just that. Which fragrance of yours is your favourite & why? I love one of my semi bespokes, it is called ‘V’. I love how rich, warm, and sensual it is. I will wear it until the day I no longer remember it’s formula! How important is the bottle in the making of a perfume? The bottles are very important - take Clive Christians Imperial Majesty as a perfect example with its five carat diamond in the collar sitting atop the half litre Baccarat crystal bottle. Everyone wants to know what the scent inside such a creation smells like. That said if the scent is not good the consumer will never come back for the second, third, and fourth bottle. Which is why brands like Clive Christian, Houbigant, Xerjoff, Pure Distance, and the lavishly beautiful creations by Baccarat for Grossmith attract the consumer, but each of these houses key emphasis is on the liquid inside. Lots of perfume houses use a celebrity to endorse their fragrances, how do you feel about this? We live in a world driven by celebrities - for many it is almost an obsession. I luckily am very happy in my skin, in my own world, and so really do not care who is being paid to be the ‘face of’. If it makes a consumer happy, great. It will always make the brand and the model/celebrity happier than the consumer though as they are the ones who count the return of the consumers investment. If a scent is great a consumer will always sniff it out.
How do you feel about the current trend of celebrities launching their own fragrances? I believe there should be something for everyone. They are generally unsophisticated, synthetic, and vapid. What makes a great fragrance and should the price be a reflection of the quality? Price does not always reflect quality. If a house is paying to use a famous face and is conducting huge marketing campaigns on TV, magazines and newspapers, the money to pay for it has to come from somewhere - so of course the formulae cannot be as good as from some small brands who invest everything into the content of the bottle. This is a huge question to answer and what I am saying is a generalisation, but everything today is about ‘the brand’. The brands then get bought up by huge corporations who are always looking at the bottom line and have the financial wear, with all, to create an image that seduces us, the scent is often secondary. Many small companies pay a fortune for the content of their creations and don’t have spare money to advertise, and retail their scents at the same sort of price as the larger houses. It is important to understand that when I buy Jasmine and pay £32,000 per kilo it really does smell different to the Jasmine that costs £150 kilo. That was a very hard question to answer! Do you believe in the “signature scent”? I think it is great to have many fragrances for mood etc, but I think there is little that beats being known and remembered for having your own, signature scent. What should we buy - parfum or eau de toilette? With an eau de toilette approximately 80% will disappear within four hours, with perfume approximately 50% lasts for twenty four hours. So perfume is the most long lasting and is also the softest and most refined. When buying fragrance as a gift, what advice would you give us? Find out the ‘family’ of the scent the person uses and at least try to find one from the same one. If they love niche perfumery make sure the one you choose is of that type, (think Houbigant or Grossmith) or mainstream fashion brand (think Chanel or Dior) etc. What advice would you give to someone shopping for a fragrance? Take time, never take a friend, and never go out wearing scent Can you tell us why you are in the South of France at the moment? I have been in Provence as it is the Mimosa season - and more importantly I think it is one of the most beautiful places on earth. What would you say have been the iconic fragrances from the last 20/30 years? Clive Christian No1, Angel, Cool Water & L’Eau d’Issey Finally Roja, please will you divulge your client list to Prestige. “No,” (he smiles), because I know, you know who some of them are.
33
Sail into a new career on board a
Super Yacht! W
ith the opportunity to live and work in warm climates, visiting some of the most beautiful places on earth, it’s easy to see why so many people choose a career in the yachting industry. Whether you’re a career change professional transferring your skills from another industry, or a young person embarking on your first career, marine employers are looking to recruit the skills, energy and dedication to excellence that you have to offer. Whatever your age, or motivation for change, a career in yachting offers a unique working environment with an unparalleled opportunity and variety of work. Can life on the seas working on a Super Yacht with the rich and famous really be a perfect job? Prestige caught up with Nicholle Mackenzie who is living the dream! “When I’m standing on the deck of a super yacht looking out over St. Tropez in the glorious sunshine, I have to pinch myself. My life is so different to how it was a few years ago working as an accountant. Now I get paid to visit places I used to dream about at my office desk. Working as part of the crew on a huge yacht means that I can explore some of the most exclusive places in the world on my days off and I even have my meals cooked for me by the on-boards chefs! I’ve sunbathed on Nikki Beach in St. Tropez, gone clubbing in Monaco and I’ve met some amazing people, including models and royalty. Because my food and board comes with the job, I save enough money to go travelling in the off-season and top up my tan with some winter sun.” We ask Nicholle how did it all begin. “I was holidaying in France in 2006 when I saw my first super yacht. A crowd had gathered on the pier trying to spot a model or a Hollywood star on board. On the deck stewardesses in pristine uniforms served champagne and other deck-hands had a feel about them that they really enjoyed being part of the whole experience. I used to sail when I was younger, I’d worked in hospitality and I loved to travel - this made perfect sense for a career. At the time, I was wary of giving up my steady accounting job. However, two years later, I was feeling stuck in a rut. I remember how excited I’d felt seeing the super yacht in France, so I Googled ‘stewardess training’, found UKSA in Cowes and signed up for the Essential Marine Hospitality course. I used my holiday allowance to spend a month learning bartending, silver service, table setting and flower arranging to the exceptional standards expected. It was intense, but fun! Once the course had finished, everything happened incredibly fast. I was so excited. I quit my accounting job, worked my notice, and headed to the South of France,
34
where I worked on three different super yachts for up to a year at a time. Some have Jacuzzis, pools, and gyms, and some hair salons and masseuse rooms. Guests receive seven-star service, 24/7. After arriving in a chauffeured car or fresh from a private jet, they’re welcomed onboard with champagne and introduced to the crew. Some of these evenings can be very decadent, with 10-course meals and Japanese, Mexican and Grecian-themed nights, where everybody dresses up. Being a stewardess is very demanding. Some days last from 6am to 1am, and you’re always on the go. You have to deal with any situation that arises - from an impromptu party to a guest who can’t sleep. The main season in the Mediterranean is March - October and being away for months on end means that you will miss your friends and family initially, and as I share my room with the chief stewardess, I have a smaller wardrobe than I am used to, but it is a tiny price to pay for the rewards. I love my job. Waking up to a different view each morning is like moving offices every day…but much more beautiful.”
Do you fancy a career change? For more information, get in touch with maritime charity USKA. With almost 25 years of experience, UKSA is a globally recognised professional training provider in yachting and watersports. UKSA’s career training programmes are proven to equip you with the practical skills, knowledge and qualifications to ensure your success working worldwide on yachts and motor yachts of every size. UKSA has a strong alumni network in the global maritime industry. Its graduates include the world-renowned sailor Dee Caffari. UKSA’s reputation attracts students from all over the world, with 25 per cent of students travelling from outside the UK. The key to their reputation and success lies in the quality of the training, understanding of the industry and the support provided by their industry guidance service. www.uska.org
Friend-in-France F
riend-in-France, an English-run company based in the South of France, offers a free reservation and English language information service covering a wide selection of activities and tours in the region. We asked Mira, the company director, to recommend some outings that will make your stay on the Riviera all the more memorable.
Create your own fragrance… …in the Perfume Capital of the World. If a miniature Eiffel Tower or a yellow provencal table cloth aren’t quite your cup of tea, perhaps the famous perfume factories of Grasse can provide you with an exceptional souvenir. The perfumerie Galimard was founded in 1747 and they still maintain the traditional methods of production. Their multilingual staff are passionate about perfume and as they guide you through the factory they will share their enthusiasm and knowledge about the history of Grasse and the manufacturing process. Visitors are shown ancient copper stills and fragrance extraction tables as well as the state of the art laboratory and conditioning room. Galimard offer you the opportunity to compose your own fragrance with the expert guidance of a ‘Nose,’ who will explain the architecture of a good perfume and evaluate your olfactory sensitivities. Armed with this knowledge, you will be allocated your own individual perfume organ from which to compose your unique fragrance. The guided visit is free. The perfume creation and 100ml bottle of your very own scent costs 40€/PP and a private chauffeur to ferry you back and forth costs 250€ for a half day.
To add a touch of glamour…
Ever wanted to pilot a helicopter?
…to your holiday, lunch and shop in St Tropez. Take a 90 minute scenic drive with our chauffeur service to Port Grimaud, France’s answer to Venice. This chocolate-box village is built on a maze of canals and can be explored on foot or by boat (small electric boats are available for hire). Then St Tropez, is just a 20 min ferry boat ride away and our chauffeur will be waiting to escort you to the famous Place des Lices where authentic Provençal pétanque is played in the shade of centenary plane trees. The colourful streets of Old St Tropez lead down to the port, where an alfresco lunch can be had at one of the trendy eateries along the quay. We recommend that you skip dessert and head back to the Place des Lices to indulge in a local specialty, ‘The Tropézienne’ at the Tarte Tropezienne bakery. If you fancy trying your hand at a game of pétanque before the return drive, the staff at the coffee shop ‘Le Café’ are usually happy to lend a set of boules to visitors. Take advantage of the Spring and Autumn months to take this trip as traffic around St Tropez in peak season (July & August) can be congested. A day trip costs 130€/PP.
Treat yourself to this very “Côte d’Azur” experience! After a 20 minute lesson covering the essential controls, aerodynamics and mechanics you can take to the skies with an experienced instructor in a jointcontrolled helicopter. Flying over Cannes and the Lérins islands, you will see Cap d’Antibes, Monaco and Italy to the East, St Tropez and the Estérel mountains to the West, as well as the Southern Alpes inland. This is most definitely the playground of the rich and famous and for at least 20 minutes you can be the king of the castle! Share this experience with up to three passengers. Prices start at 170€ for the piloting lesson and one passenger. If you prefer to take a back seat, we recommend a 30 min helicopter transfer to the stunning village of Moustiers Sainte Marie in the Gorge de Verdon. This is arguably the most beautiful village in France, surrounded by spectacular gorges, turquoise lakes and lavender fields. A wonderful glimpse of authentic Provencal life, culminating in a leisurely meal at ‘La Bastide de Moustiers’, owned by the famous French Chef Alain Ducasse. A return transfer to Moustiers Sainte Marie (based on 2 hours for lunch and a total of 60 minutes transfer time) costs 1800€ for 5 people. Gastronomic helicopter transfers are also possible to top restaurants in other locations including St Paul de Vence.
Visit Friend-in-France online to discover their full range of activities: Website: www.friend-in-france.com Enquiries: info@friend-in-france.com
35
The Sound of Freedom C
indy Gomez became the first artist to make her debut via 40 million mobile handsets worldwide, with the game, “Dance Fabulous” on N-Gage by Nokia. The game included a dancing Gomez avatar and five of her songs which positioned her at the forefront of a trend that marries music with mobile entertainment. It came less than a year and a half after she met producer and songwriting collaborator Dave Stewart, best known for his tenure in the Eurythmics. Cindy impressed Stewart right away. “She needed no rehearsal at all,” Stewart said. The two quickly hit it off while talking about music in the CNN green room. “It became clear that she could make up melodies very easily,” Stewart explains. “And because she learned to sing in several different languages, she’s able to flip into other ways of thinking melodically,” he added. To Stewart’s ears, she instantly stood out among contemporary pop-oriented singers, wielding a sense of history and knowledge of international music. “She’s sultry and sexy, but also a real performer who’s in control,” he says. “We experimented a lot with songs and rhythms in the studio, but everything we did was meant to set up her big voice. It’s a vision that we can see going all the way to arenas – she’s a real singer, and a real songwriter with a knack for huge melodies.”
36
Gomez’s & Stewart’s joint efforts resulted in a danceable sound built on percolating club beats, with the pining “Again & Again” as her first single. “Out Of Your Mind” and “World Gone Crazy” incorporate stinging guitar sounds, while “Street Dancing” hints at Gomez’s Latin roots. “Her determination and ethic reminds me of Beyonce or Madonna,” says Stewart of the relentlessly upbeat Gomez. “She’s very positive.” Cindy has already collaborated with many of the world’s top songwriters and producers such as Dave Stewart, Desmond Child (Ricky Martin’s “Living La Vida Loca”, Bon Jovi’s “Living on a Prayer”, Katy Perry’s “Waking up in Vegas”..etc) Andreas Carlsson (NSync “Bye Bye Bye” & “It’s Gonna be me”, Celine Dion “One Heart”, “I’m Alive” “That’s the way it is”..etc), A.R. Rahman (Oscar Winner for music in Slum Dog Millionaire), Glen Ballard (Alanis Morisette entire album Jagged Little Pill, Micheal Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror”...etc) amongst many others. “Saddle up, it’s the thrill of the ride,” Gomez sings in “World Gone Crazy.” Soon enough, it seems, the world will be going crazy for Cindy as 2011 sees the release of her album, on Universal Records.
37
38
interview with Cindy Gomez At what age did you discover your singing talent? At the age of 8 I decided I wanted to be a singer and so I asked my dad “what do I need to do to sing” and he told me to sing every single day in front of a mirror, watch what I was doing with my mouth and when it sounded good he would tell me, so I kept at it for a while until one day he said it was good. Do you come from a musical background? My father’s mother sang opera and played piano beautifully though not professionally and on my mothers side there are a few musicians, my uncle played the trumpet and even performed in Carnegie Hall in ny.
In 2009 you and Dave perfomed live in front of 70,000 people at the Life Ball in Vienna, Europe’s largest aids benefit event. How do you prepare yourself for such a huge performance? Performing has always been such a magical experience for me. I feel like I am at home when I’m on stage. The energy you can give and receive from an audience is just incredible. The bigger the audience the more excitement there can be, but performing in general, no matter how big or small the audience is has always been very special for me. Dave and I co-wrote the song “I Bring You Love” for the show and I was super excited when they invited me to sing it live.
What did you do for a job before working in music? I was working for a company selling office furniture! It was quite tiring as I would go to work in the day and then head to the studios after work So how and where were you discovered? In 2008 I got a phone call that would change my life from Michael Bradford, a producer whom I had worked with. He asked if I was free to fly to Los Angeles right away and sing background vocals for Ringo Starr on Larry King Live and a few other TV shows… Of course I said yes!!! Then I was discovered by Dave Stewart whom I met backstage at the Larry King Live show and the rest is history.
Your first single Again And Again had everybody singing along at Prestige, it’s very catchy, we love it! Which artists are you listening to again & again at the moment? I’m always listening to some of my favourties U2, Coldplay and Edith Piaf but I currently love Bruno Mars.
So what can we expect from your first album and when will it be available? Expect to hear ‘The Sound Of Freedom” which is what the album is called. The sound will be a hybrid of pop/rock/urban beats. It will be a mini album of 4 songs and 3 months later I will release another mini album of 4 songs. Basically I will have 3 mini albums per year each comprising of 4 songs. After the albums, whats next for you? Travel and performing around the globe and who knows what exciting things will come around the corner…
If you had to choose one of Dave’s songs to sing from his time in the Eurythmics or his solo career, what would you choose & why? Thats a tough question as he’s got so many great songs but I think I would have to say “Here Comes The Rain Again” as it’s such a classic, stunning song.
In 2008 you appeared in the video American Prayer which was written by Dave Stewart & Bono for Barack Obama. The video featured some great actors and singers, what was that experience like for you? It is always an honor for me to be able to work with such talented people. Dave’s world is filled with fun and magic, being in his studio is an incredible experience on its own and you never know who will come by.
If you were to release a cover of a record, what would it be and why? Actually i’m expecting to release a full album in the future that is filled with emotional love songs in various languages such as la vie en rose and top classic beautiful love songs.
Describe how the last couple of years have been and what it has meant to you. The last few years have been a “thrill of a lifetime” I have traveled quite alot and seen beauty in various parts of the world. I’ve had the chance to collaborate with some incredible top writers and producers. I’ve also learned quite a bit in this tough entertainment industry and have learned to treasure each moment.
Tell us about the business relationship you now have with Dave Stewart. Dave and I are great friends and have co-written many songs together. He is such a visionary and because of him I became an avatar for Nokia’s N-Gage mobile video game “dance fabulous” and released 5 songs via 40 million handsets which led to my record deal with Universal Records.
You also sang ‘Time Only Knows’ on the soundtrack for the Prince Of Persia computer game which incorporates you singing opera, so are you classically trained as well? Yes I did sing on Prince Of Persia, it was a great experience. No I am not classically trained in opera but my Belgium grandmother and her sister did sing opera though not professionally, so maybe I got it from them.
Is there anybody you would like to record a duet with? I would love to do a duet with Charles Aznavour, something classic and beautiful
You can sing in eight tongues: English, French, Spanish, Italian, Latin, Hindi, Cantonese and Mandarin, how did this come about? I was raised in the satellite city of Toronto, Canada it is a huge multicultural melting pot and all my good friends are from various nationalities so it seemed quite a natural progression. I have always been interested in traveling and various cultures and though music can always bridge any communication gap, singing a song in someone else’s language truly connects you to your audience. Were there any particular singers that you feel influenced you when you were growing up? My absolute favorite singer is Edith Piaf. Her emotion and her story captivated me from a very young age and so I learned “La Vie En Rose” and would sing along to her songs. I also grew up with Spanish music, classical-opera and the pop diva singers such as Whitney Houston, Celine Dion and Mariah Carey.
So when will you be in the South Of France again and what will you be up to? I adore the South Of France, its a great getaway for visiting friends and relaxing. This year I will be performing for Fashion Night Cannes, in Villa Oxygene on May 12th
You can follow Cindy on her website at… www.cindygomez.com where you can link to her Facebook and Twitter accounts. Or log onto Facebook… www.facebook.com/pages/Cindy-Gomez/6232424003 …and follow her on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/cindy_gomez
39
Riviera Events June 18-25 - Giraglia Rolex Cup St.Tropez, France / Genoa, Italy
June 5 - Shakira Live in Concert Palais Nikaia. Time: 8pm Tickets avaliable at: FNAC Nice , FNAC Cannes, FNAC Monaco & Virgin Megastore Nice Global sensation and Grammy winner Shakira has sold close to fifty million albums. Her collaborations with such stars as Beyonce and Alejandro Sanz have helped keep her audience expand continually. Stopping off in Nice whilst on her World Tour, Shakira promises to deliver a 2 hour spectacle with songs in English & Spanish.
June 6-10 - The Monte-Carlo Television Festival This TV festival celebrates its 51st anniversary and takes place at the Grimaldi Forum. Celebrities, writers and producers from around the world will all be attending and awaiting the results for who will be awarded the prestigious Golden Nymph. The general public can enjoy the stars arriving at the opening ceremony, autograph-signing sessions and premiere screenings.
Organised by the Yacht Club Italiano in association with the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez, the Giraglia Rolex Cup comprises three days of inshore racing in the bay of Saint-Tropez followed by a 243 nautical mile offshore race. The offshore component is one of the most renowned races in the Mediterranean, and has been a tradition for European sailors for over 50 years. From the start off the historic port of Saint-Tropez the fleet heads to the idyllic Iles des Hyères before turning east across the Ligurian Sea to round the Giraglia, a rocky islet off northern Corsica. This year the finish port is Genoa.
Les Voiles d’Antibes – Trophée Panerai is an event that embraces the pure tradition of yachting. For five days, the dockside ambiance is as friendly as ever. Cocktails, Live Music and many other surprises ensure that the atmosphere in Port Vauban and the old town of Antibes is not to be missed.
40
Juan-les-Pins was the town which welcomed the first European Jazz Festival in 1960, now this long running and stylish festival has established itself over the decades as a legendary venue. The line up includes Keith Jarrett Trio, BB King, Carlos Santana, Curtis Stigers and Jamie Cullum. Don’t miss this amazing event, It’s where jazz memories were born, but above all where jazz lives on. Jazz On The Beach If you would like to make a special night of it with friends, then why not book the V.I.P tickets for Jazz On The Beach. On a private beach of your choice,within the immediate vicinity of the Gould pine grove, enjoy spending time with your friends for an evening cocktail buffet from 6:30pm to 8:15pm, then access your private box seats at Pinède Gould (via V.I.P. entrance) to enjoy your entertainment. Buy tickets online at: www.jazzajuan.com
June 23-25th - International Jumping Monte-Carlo. Tickets start at 35€ The International Jumping of Monte Carlo takes place in front of the Mediterranean Sea, at the bottom of the Princes’ Rock of Monaco, at the heart of the Port Hercule. An event as spectacular as it is thrilling and a gathering of the world’s finest riders. A gold-standard event, this three-day Monaco competition offers a spectacle of unparalleled calibre.
JUNE 8-12 - Les Voiles d’Antibes For further details call: + 33 (0)4 93 34 42 47 At this prestigious event you will see a selection of the most impressive Vintage Yachts (built before 1950) Classics (built before 1976), Metric Classes (6 Metre, 8 Metre and the Twelves, competitors of the America’s Cup from 1958 to 1987) and Spirit of Tradition Yachts made up since the end of the 19th century, the great history of international Yachting.
JULY 14-24 - Jazz à Juan Antibes Juan-les-Pins, Pinède Gould
July 8 until AUGUST 27 Monte-Carlo Sporting Summer Festival Ticket Reservations: 00377 98 06 36 36
© Triangle Events - IMFR 2010
June 26 - Ironman Make your way down to the Promenade des Anglais for a 6.30am start and cheer on the 2500 triathletes, male and female who have signed up for this challenge. All will be battling it out for one of the 50 qualifying slots for the Ford IRONMAN World Championship in Hawaii on October 2011. Watch as they swim 3,8km in the Mediterranean Sea, bike 180km and run 42,195km marathon, (4 loops) on the Promenade des Anglais.
Every summer in Monaco, the Sporting Summer Festival brings your favourite stars to the Riviera and this year it’s more spectacular than ever, all in the prestigious setting of Monaco. Shows include… JULY 8-9 . . . . . . . Janet Jackson 26 . . . . . . . . James Blunt 13-14 . . . . . Supertramp 27 . . . . . . . . Al Jarreau 15-16 . . . . . Santana 30 . . . . . . . . Bryan Ferry AUGUST 2-3 . . . . . . . Liza Minnelli 6 . . . . . . . . . Duffy 5 . . . . . . . . . Joe Cocker 7 . . . . . . . . . Texas 8-12 & . . . . Man In The Mirror 16-19 The Michael Jackson Musical 13 . . . . . . . . Renzo Arbore - L’orchestra Italiana 26-27 . . . . . Tom Jones
Live Swing Music with The Boogiemen
AUGUST 5-7 - Fête du Jasmin Tickets: Adult 7€; Under 12, 3.50€. Tel: 0497 05 57 92 JULY 15 - Jimmy Cliff Theatre de Verdure, 1, Promenade Des Anglais, Nice Starts 9pm. Tickets 29.90€ from www.fnactickets.com Still a powerful performer, Jamaican ska and reggae legend Jimmy Cliff comes to Nice. Don’t miss a rare chance to witness an iconic figure in reggae music playing live . Jimmy will be unveiling his new album “Existence” later in the year. JULY 1-2 - The Royal Wedding
Grasse, the centre of France’s perfume industry, celebrates its annual Fête du Jasmin (jasmine festival). The fun begins on Friday evening with a jazz concert followed by fireworks. Saturday from 2pm onwards will see bands playing in the streets, a procession of floats decorated with flowers and young women dressed in jasmine who throw bouquets and jasmin water into the crowds. A tradtional Provencal mass will take place on Sunday at 10am at the Princess Pauline gardens. A wonderful family day out!
The civil marriage ceremony of H.S.H. Prince Albert II and Miss Charlene Wittstock will take place on Friday 1st July 2011 at 5 pm, in the Throne Room of the Prince’s Palace. The religious marriage ceremony will take place on Saturday 2nd July 2011 at 5 pm, in the Main Courtyard of the Palace. 3,500 guests are expected to attend on the Palace Square. Screens will be installed in the Principality to allow the greatest number of people to follow this event. We wish them much happiness for the future.
SEPTEMBER 6-11- Cannes International Boat & Yacht Show Vieux Port & Port Pierre Canto One day special offer - online registration: 13€ Under 12’s free. Hours: 10am - 7pm Late night: Friday September 9 until 10pm www.salonnautiquecannes.com With 80,000 m² of exhibition space on land and in the water, and more than 500 boats on display, the Festival de la Plaisance de Cannes is Europe’s leading in-water boat show and arguably the world’s most prestigious. It attracts more than 54,000 visitors from the four corners of the earth, who come to discover an international gathering of close to 200 new models, on show for first time ever worldwide.
T
he Boogiemen are a sensational seven piece Swing band who have built their reputation on delivering an authentic, atmosphere wherever they play with songs from the 30s, 40s and 50s The band boasts a line-up of some of the best musicians on the Riviera’s music scene with vocals from the charismatic Brice and the fabulous Julie Follis who has sang with the likes of Madeleine Peyroux. From the first note played the band will have will have you singing, toe tapping and dancing along. The Boogiemen are available to hire for all kinds of prestigious functions including weddings and other private events. Whether you’re looking for a seven piece band or something smaller for more an intimate get together, then the band can work to your requirements. Some of the Boogiemen’s regular satifisied clients include the Anjuna Plage, Eze and Bono. Catch the Boogiemen live: Every Sunday - from 7.30pm - Le Master Home 11 Rue de la Préfecture, Vieux Nice Every Thursday - from 7.30pm - Wine Room 1 descente du marché, Vieux Nice June 21st - Fête de la musique Anjuna Plage - Eze Beach For private bookings please contact: East End Promotions - Tel 0611 983 536 or email: eastendpromotions@gmail.com
JULY 8-12 - Nice Jazz Festival Place Massena, Jardins de Albert 1er Theatre des Verdure Tickets: Under 10’s - Free; Children (10-16) -15€; Adult-35€; 2 day pass : 55€; 5 day pass: 120€ Ticket orderline: 0 892 68 36 22
September 21-24 - 21st Monaco Yacht Show Port Hercules. Open from 10am to 6.30pm For further information call: +377 93 10 41 70
Established in 1948 the Nice Jazz Festival takes us to its new home in Place Massena and as expected an amazing line up awaits us. Soul stars such as Macy Gray will be performing on Monday 11th at 8.30pm followed by Seal at 10pm. You can also chill out to the silky smooth voice of Roberta Gambarini, winner of Female Jazz Vocalist -2010 Jazz Journalists Awards & 2010 Grammy Nominee for Best Jazz Vocal album -’so In Love’.
The MYS considers itself to be representative of the luxury yachting sector : Shipyards, brokers, designers, equipment manufacturers and luxury good firms. A selection of 100 exceptional super and megayachts from 25 to over 90 m long are presented by the most renowned brokers and shipyards.With 20,300m² of exhibition space on the quayside and 9,000m² of stand space, this event welcomes 500 exhibiting companies.
Hear the Boogiemen and Julie Follis at: www.myspace.com/theboogiemenswing www.myspace.com/juliefollismusic
41
Voices from the Valley
The Monte Carlo Sporting Summer Festival is the eagerly awaited event of live concerts bringing some of the world’s biggest music acts to the Cote d’Azur. The 2011 line up is as spectacular and prestigious as ever, offering something for everyone. Two Welsh singers, the iconic Sir Tom Jones and the unique sounding Duffy will be performing and bringing their different sounds from the valley to the French Riviera.
Tom Jones
I
n his native Wales, he is known as “Jones the Voice”. Today, he is one of the enduring personalities in the music entertainment business. His unique vocal power, ability and charismatic persona make him one of the most respected, admired and loved performers in modern popular music.
The Early Years
B
orn Thomas Jones Woodward in Pontypridd, South Wales, Great Britain on June 7, 1940, his father worked the coal mines of the Rhondda Valley, while his mother tended the house and the two children. Tom was singing at an early age. He sang in the church and with the choir at the Treforrest Secondary Modern School. He would ask his mother to ‘Pull the drapes and announce me,’ as he sang on his ‘stage’ in the sitting room. A more or less unsuccessful school career ended, as it did for most boys at age 15, with a wife and son to follow at age 16. Tom brought in money for his new family from an assortment of jobs, including a builder’s labourer, a glove cutter, paper miller and door to door vacuum salesman. He sang in the pubs at night, working with local groups. By 1963, he had gained notoriety with his own group, Tommy Scott and the Senators, and was playing regularly in the demanding atmosphere of the working class clubs and dance halls. In late 1964, after a move to London, Tom landed a record contract with Decca Records. The first single was not a great success, but the next choice, a new song penned by Mills called It’s Not Unusual, was a huge international hit. Considered ‘too hot’ by the established BBC radio at the time, it was broken by the pirate offshore station Radio Caroline. By the next year, Tom found himself opening for the Rolling Stones at London’s Beat City and gigging with the Spencer Davis Group. Some of the huge single hits to follow were What’s New Pussycat, Help Yourself, Never Fall In Love Again and Without Love. The next few years of recording successes found Tom performing a remarkably varied repertoire, cultivating his natural abilities by listening and learning from his favourite artists of the time. His early performance inspiration came from Solomon Burke, Little Richard, Jackie Wilson, Brook Benton, Big Bill Broonsy and many other Blues and R&B greats. The soul of Rock ‘n’ Roll he found in Jerry Lee Lewis.
42
Bridging The Gap
I
n 1987 the single A Boy From Nowhere reached no.2 on the British charts that summer, prompting insistent requests for It’s Not Unusual in the London clubs and a very successful re-release of the song in the charts. A new interest in Tom Jones emerged amongst a whole new generation of fans. Late in 1988, the British avant-garde techno-pop group The Art of Noise requested a collaboration with Tom on a cover of Prince’s Kiss. The results were sensational and highly contemporary, and the record put Tom back into the Top 10 charts in Europe and the Top 40 in America. The video of Kiss was seen in strong rotation on both MTV and VH-1, winning the Breakthrough Video MTV Award that year. Tom Jones was once again seen in a format reaching across all demographics worldwide.
A long friendship with Elvis Presley was built on mutual respect and admiration. Elvis would warm up his voice to Delilah before his own performances, and when Green Green Grass of Home hit for Tom in 1966, Elvis would call radio stations repeatedly to request the song. “Elvis came to see me at the Flamingo on my first dates, and afterwards he told me: ‘You’ve given me confidence to do a comeback, because I feel we’re very similar in what we do, and seeing you perform on a live stage in Vegas successfully has given me the strength to come and do it.’ Elvis had played in Vegas in the 50s unsuccessfully, because Vegas was not ready for rock & roll then, but I’m glad to say that I gave him the inspiration to try it again – and we remained friends until he passed away,” explains Tom. A succession of gold and platinum singles and albums were soon to follow: Delilah, Help Yourself, Love Me Tonight and I’ll Never Fall In Love Again in 1968, Funny Familiar Forgotten Feelings, and LPs Tom Jones Live, Tom Jones in Las Vegas and This Is Tom Jones in 1969. For most of the year, several of the LPs were in the Top 10 Charts in both Europe and the United States. Tom was offered his own television show the summer of 1969. A contract was drawn with ABC that was the largest ever between network and artist. The show’s location was split between London and Los Angeles, and included an impressive roster largely suggested by Tom: Aretha Franklin, Burt Bacharach, Elvis and Priscilla Presley and Stevie Wonder were but a few of the guests involved. Tom has always been a champion of the collaboration, interested in the fusion of talents and styles. In 1974 whilst touring huge amounts in the states, Tom decided to move his family to America there he purchased Dean Martin’s tudour style mansion in Bel Air. It all seemed very good timing as it was about the time that Labour came into power and huge taxes were introduced and he was hardly ever at his house in the UK spending most of my time in the US. All he was doing was giving all his money to the government so it seemed the obvious thing to do.
Enjoying his renewed success Tom headed into the 90s continuing to bridge the gap between the young and old. Tom accepted an invitation to perform as the ‘special guest’ at Glastonbury Festival in Somerset, England. For over 40 years it has been the largest festival in Europe, with four stages that showcase contemporary, alternative, jazz and worldmusic artists as well as performers of other medium. Tom stunned an audience of 75,000 at sundown, giving perhaps the watershed performance of this career period. Tom enjoyed a sensational and memorable few moments in 1998 as he performed a medley of Full Monty songs at the BRIT Awards with UK hit act Robbie Williams. “Singing with Robbie, that was great, because I didn’t expect the reaction to be so big. We just wanted to sing together, the songs from The Full Monty. But he was so good, he bounced off me – he was wearing the leathers instead of me! Afterwards, he told me: really I was doing you to you! But it worked!” says Tom of the performance. Late 1999 saw the release of Tom’s recording of RELOAD on the UK indie label Gut Records. This highly successful project (not released in the US) was a collection of duets and collaborations with a diverse set of partners. Artists included are: The Cardigans, The Divine Comedy, Van Morrison, The Pretenders, Robbie Williams, Catatonia, Stereophonics, Nathalie Imbruglia, James Dean Bradfield (Manic Street Preachers), Portishead and Simply Red. RELOAD is Tom’s most successful project since those of his early career, garnering a selection of certifications. Ending a decade on a high and entering a new millennium, Tom went on to win numerous awards, perform in prestigious venues such as Buckingham Palace for The Queen’s Golden Jubilee and was also awarded an OBE. In 2005, Tom made a triumphant return to Pontypridd his hometown for his 65th birthday where he celebrated with a concert for his family, friends and 25,000 fans.
Present & Future
T
om Jones still continues to both deliver and surprise. Upon turning 70 he released ‘Praise and Blame’, his latest album and quite simply his finest work to date. The album is Tom Jones going back to his roots of gospel, blues, traditional and country songs, wearing his heart on his sleeve, emotionally raw and true. Tom has quite simply delivered his tour de force. It’s him bearing his soul, singing from the heart, telling it like it is. Whether it’s John Lee Hooker’s ‘Burning Hell’, Bob Dylan’s ‘What Good Am I’, Jesse Mae Hemphill’s ‘Lord Help The Poor And Needy’, Susan Werner’s ‘Did Trouble Me’ or Billy Joe Shaver’s ‘If I Give My Soul’, Tom stamps his own authority upon the songs, it’s as if they were written with him personally in mind. Tom has managed to grow and sustain his career like few others in the pop music industry. His voice is recognised worldwide and his live performances are legendary. His delivery is as driven as it is seasoned, his persona bold, witty and charming. He is completely devoted to his craft and talent, and hopes only that the quickly changing faces of popular music will embrace him and allow him to be challenged as an artist. This incomparable voice and unique talent will be touching the minds and hearts of music lovers for many more years to come. “I really have to hold myself back not to sing, so I can’t see me retiring. I can’t see it at all. I might slow down in years to come, perhaps not work quite as much, but I hope I’ll always be able to go out and do shows as long as I live.”
See Tom Jones live at the Monte Carlo Sporting Summer Festival: 26th & 27th August. For tickets call the reservation team: +377 98 06 36 36
43
Well,Well,Well,it’s Duffy! Duffy is one of only nine solo female superstars in UK chart history to hold the number 1 spot on the singles and album charts simultaneously with “Mercy” & “Rockferry.”
S
he was also awarded the Breakthrough Act of the Year at the Q Magazine Awards and Song Of The Year (“Mercy”) at the Mojo Awards. In 2009, Duffy won an Ivor Novello Award for songwriting, three Brit Awards and a Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album. In 2010 Duffy hit back with her follow up album Endlessy, an album that was more mature and took its inspiration from disco, Europop, and vintage R&B. In this interview Duffy tells us why the second album nearly didn’t happen but thanks to fate stepping in, it did. “I think one can be a little bit afraid of being frivolous with music, of being tongue-in-cheek,” she says. “Sometimes it really is just about having fun.” The sweeping strings and the sassy brass we know from ‘Mercy’ and ‘Warwick Avenue’ still feature on the album. But it was very much ‘Chapter 2’. Ten songs recorded in three weeks with esteemed songwriter Albert Hammond (famed for such mega-hits as ‘The Air That I Breathe’, ‘When I Need You’, ‘It Never Rains In Southern California’, and others) and performed by The Roots, the album certainly did surprise people.
once again (similarly she didn’t know Suede when she met Bernard Butler). When they met he told Duffy “I’ve got this song title ‘Don’t Forsake Me’. Duffy replied ‘That sounds like the soundtrack of my life’. “Around that time in LA, there were always massive parties,” continues Duffy. “So I had a choice: I could either go dancing with Hollywood or go and hang with Albert. So I went to Albert’s house, and his wife made me tea.” Hammond had worked up some music to his ‘Don’t Forsake Me’ title, but Duffy wasn’t so sure (here’s one singer who certainly knows her own mind). “He’s 66, he’s the most esteemed songwriter and I had the balls and the audacity to start ripping it apart,” Duffy laughs. “I look back and think ‘How rude!’ But I knew this was a song that reflected some elements of my life. Albert was, like, ‘Brave, kid. Well done’.”
Remarkable, given that Duffy wasn’t even sure she wanted to make a second album. “I thought about walking away, I really did,” she says. “Not because I thought ‘I’d done it’. It’s just that I missed the simple things in life. Life had got so complicated.” Months on end of road touring for ‘Rockferry’, becoming hugely famous in America, doing The Grammys, even having a Welsh daffodil named after her – Duffy was at a crossroads. “At the end of that whole cycle I needed to be reminded of what I was here to do. I forgot for a while what my job was; what my role was. I’m not a model. I’m not a celebrity. So who am I? It all gets so complicated. Holding onto your integrity is really difficult, you know? Having anything you want... It’s really unhealthy.” Unsure how to progress and what her next movements were to be, fate intervened in the unlikely form of 66-year-old Albert Hammond. Or, to be more precise, Albert Hammond’s wife. “He was in his house in LA one day and his wife went ‘Albert! Albert! Look at this girl on TV,she sounds like a black woman!’ he looked and went “Oh my God”. Duffy was performing ‘Stepping Stone’ on Saturday Night Live. Hammond hadn’t been involved in music for a decade, he hadn’t wanted to (perhaps he figured he’d leave that to his son, Albert Hammond Jr, of The Strokes) but he was intrigued. Hammond asked to meet Duffy, she had no idea about his background
From then on the songs came quickly – remarkably so, given the four-year gestation period of ‘Rockferry’. “We did a few days in LA, a week in Spain and a week in London and it was done swiftly” Duffy says. “We had these songs and in my heart they sounded so charming on acoustic demos. And that is what I needed to hear. No complications. You know, there is such a thing as working too hard. When everyone does too much you can kill something. But it was Albert and me having fun.” Half the time it seemed that Albert was having more fun than her. “It was four in the morning; I remember looking at him thinking ‘You’re 40 years older than me. I do not know where you get your energy from. He was dancing around; championing everything. It shouldn’t have been me being the disciplinarian! It should have been the other way round. I’m, like, okay: focus: ‘Albert, I know you’re dancing, but what we need to do now is record the second verse!’”
The two became firm allies. Albert’s wife even chipping in with fashion advice – approving,as she was, of Duffy’s demure, 1960s-influenced wardrobe. Duffy says. “When they turn on the TV, people of that generation, they’re not used to seeing pop stars with no clothes on. They find it quite offensive!” she laughs. Along the way Albert had spotted another musical inspiration on the Late Night With Jimmy Fallon show (“I think he must watch a lot of TV,” giggles Duffy. “It’s where he gets all his ideas from”), a band he was unfamiliar with. She feared the worst. “I know his son’s in The Strokes, and he’s probably got good taste, but I thought they were going to be some Nashville ‘dang-dang-dang’ band!” In fact, the group on TV were Philadelphia hip-hop legends The Roots – widely regarded as one of the greatest live bands going. Duffy was stunned. Four years ago she’d walked into London’s The Jazz Café with Rough Trade’s Geoff Travis and watched the same band DJ. She’d been blown away. She’d even given the Roots founder Ahmir ‘?uestlove’ Thompson a CD of ‘Rockferry’. So Duffy (after Albert’s insistent prompt) called up LA Reid, the boss of Island Def Jam Music Group, of which her US label Mercury is part of, and asked for a favour. Could Reid set-up a meeting with The Roots? Within 48-hours it was arranged. Duffy and the band hit it off immediately. The Roots’ tight live sound, a world away from the machine-driven pop that makes up most of the Top Ten these days, was the final piece of the ‘Endlessly’ puzzle. “I said to Ahmir ‘I gave you a copy of ‘Rockferry’ years ago – you never called me back!’ He said ‘I’ll dig it out now!’” You might not have put Duffy together with The Roots but then you might not have put Duffy together with Albert Hammond, either. To be truthful, neither would she have. Yet together they came together to make a remarkable album – a more-than worthy successor to ‘Rockferry’. A album that didn’t alienate any of Duffy’s old fans, but won her plenty of new ones. “It was almost as if it was always going to be done that way,” Duffy says, wide and blue eyed. “All those songs had been welling up inside me, for years. We did it, I just stuck with the Godfather of songs, my friend Albert”.
You can see Duffy live at the Monte Carlo Sporting Summer Festival on 6th August 2011. For tickets call the reservation team: +377 98 06 36 36
44
With thanks to Chuff Media
-
. .u
45
All That Glitters
If you are looking for “bling” then your search is over. Michael Winkler or the “GlitterKing” as his clients and fans know him as; truly is a one-of-a-kind glitter artist, he can add sparkle to anyone, anywhere and to anything…
M
ichael Winkler, the “The Glitterking” began his career as a coating designer coating and polishing cars, guitars, concert pianos as well as furnishings. In 2002 his love for glitter led him to produce a glitterreflection-coating, enabling him to glitter just about anything. Michaels work has taken him all the over world, London, Dubai, New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas Bangkok, Moscow, Marbella as well as Cannes & Monaco which is his second home. Based in Berlin, his list of prestigious clients around the world include F1 Racing, The Cannes Film Festival, Berlin Movie Festival, The Oscar’s, Monaco World Music Awards 2010 for the rock band The Scorpions, Millionaire Shows in Dubai, hotels such as The Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi or Burj Al Arab in Dubai and Music Fairs such as the American Namm Show, all are testament to his dedication and passion in delivering something unique. One of the most popular services he offers is to glitter a full size car, they truly are show stopping pieces, ideal for new model launches, car shows or eye-catching window displays. Some of Michaels first glitter car projects were for AMG McLaren and for a private client in Dubai, who just wanted to see how his car looked all sparkly. Michael uses his temporary glitter coating to create the effect, so there is no need to worry about damage as not a trace of glitter is left and the car is always returned to its former glory. If something more permanent is what you are looking for then
Michael’s long lasting glitter coating can be used for creating feature walls, furniture, art objects, accessories of all kind or even something as small as your mobile phone, which seems to be all the trend in London, Berlin,Dubai and New York at the moment. Michael is also very active in the music industry; he is the man behind the creative promo artworks and special art campaigns for members of mega bands like the Scorpions, as well as other one off pieces for the foundations or private uses of musicians like Alice Cooper, Bon Jovi and many more. Michaels love of rock music combined with the fact that he was in a Rockband from an early age led him to start his ‘Arts For Music’ side of the business, he developed a very glossy high-tech coating like “nano glass “ which he puts on microphones, drumsticks and keyboards. Many bands have commissioned him to make one off items such as guitars and signed glitter merchandise. The ‘crème de la crème’ of Michael’s music designs is a set of drumsticks with a glass tip, in which is a real diamond is placed, as you can imagine these have been well received within the rock world. Many Rock stars have signed his artworks and some of them even have his interior art design works in their private homes. Michael is currently working on a new creative “Arts For Music” promotion ideas alongside the personal celebrity managers or promo managers of Recording Companies of The Scorpions, Aerosmith, Iron Maiden ,Bon Jovi and many more…he is also
working with the long time Michael Jackson (RIP) personal manager these days again for a new upcoming major act from London. From time to time he exhibits his “Rock Music Artworks” backstage in the VIP areas of concerts. His last exhibition was with The Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts, who is touring with his own music project in Europe this year. Forever searching for new ideas in which he can use glitter, Michael is soon to launch his “Lady Glitter Show” a stage show where he glitters a beautiful young lady by using glitter cannons. This has garnered much interest in the glitzy, showbiz world of Las Vegas. When asked the question, what would be your dream glitter project? He told Prestige “I would love to glitter a space rocket” this proves there really is no limit to the “GlitterKing’s”arty imagination Returning to the Cote d’Azur in May for the Cannes Fashion Night, Michael will also be filming in Monaco, along the Riviera and in Saint Tropez with his own camera team shooting for “Glitterking TV”, which starts later this summer. It will be a sketchy reality documentary which will include interviews with stars and people like you & him from all over the world. To contact Michael about his event ideas or his products call: +49 (0) 177 333 55 90, +33 (0) 649 348 364 or 0033 (0) 698 438 990 You can also view more of Michaels work on his website – www.glitterking.com
47
Casino de Monte-Carlo
T
Riviera Nights For all you night owls’ looking for glitz, glamour and oodles of opulence, read on to find out some of our favorite Riviera haunts.
Black Legend
U
nveiled in October 2009 by Antoine Chevanne and His Serene Highness, the Sovereign Prince Albert II, it gathered the who’s who of Monaco and many celebrities, such as Emma de Caunes, Vahina Giocante, Zoe Felix, Gabriella Wright, Olivier Martinez, Nelson Piquet Jr, Jean-Paul Goude, John Altman and William Balde and with the exceptional participation of two legendary bands of the Motown era, The Supremes and Martha and the Vandellas. The Black Legend Monaco is ideally located on the harbor of the Principality of Monaco. An exceptional and innovative concept, simultaneously a restaurant (open from noon to midnight without interruption), bar, lounge, live music venue and nightclub, all in one. It is a warm, welcoming place, where people from different generations can interact, united around one theme: Motown music, a musical symbol of inter-generational transmission. The DJ’s play music from legendary names such as Michael Jackson & The Jackson Five, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, Isaac Hayes, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Edwin Starr, Lionel Richie & The Commodores and Stevie Wonder. The lighting is precise, the dance floor features coloured tiles that light up as in Saturday Night Fever and the bar is topped by a mirror whose shelves showcase coloured bottles, giving the room the atmosphere of a New York bar in the 1970s… all these features turn the Black Legend into a welcoming, elegant and original space. The Black Legend Monaco has already established itself as one of the milestones of Monte-Carlo… the place to see and be seen! Black Legend Monaco Quai Albert 1er, Route de la piscine, Monaco Phone: +377 93 30 09 09
he greatest of all the grand casinos, this gem of Belle Époque gave respectability to European roulette, it remains today’s ultimate reference for every player and boasts the most prestigious and comprehensive range of table games in Europe. Enter through “the front door” and fall beneath the spell of the charming atmosphere of yesteryear combined with the contemporary approach to gambling.The Casino de Monaco consists of five establishments including the Casino de Monte-Carlo, Casino Café de Paris, Sun Casino, Bay Casino and Casino d’Été. An array of 1,160 slot-machines offers the widest choice of games and betting possibilities throughout Europe. Several ways of playing are available to players, who select the machines according to the playing strategies or themes proposed. In MonteCarlo, pay-out rates are higher and there are no deductions from your winnings If you prefer to try your luck at something else than choose from English a European Roulette , 30/40, Chemin de Fer, Punto Banco, Banque À Deux Tableaux or Black Jack. This is certainly one place you must experience in your life. Casino de Monte-Carlo Place du Casino. 98000, Monte Carlo Téléphone : +377 98 06 21 21 Admission to the gaming rooms is now authorised for people over 18. A passport or identity card must be shown at the entrance. Corect attire is mandatory and it is obligatory to wear a jacket and tie in the evening for the Private Gaming Rooms (“Salons Privés”).
Les Caves du Roy » Byblos Hotel St Tropez
A
true symbol of the Saint-Tropez nightlife, Les Caves du Roy is getting ready for another exceptional season. In 2009, the Caves du Roy benefited from its first real “facelift” since 1979. Its distinct style and general atmosphere, which have contributed to the success of this myth of the international night, still remain the same. Padded leather banquettes allow an even more comfortable rest between dances and warm shades of beaten copper were added to the bars. This jewel box will continue to host the most famous parties and the most intimate encounters. The equipment now includes the most environmental-friendly yet high-performance materials. There is new LED-lighting and computermonitored light effects, which was part of the complete renovation of the sound system. Another great year lays ahead for this legendary club that will continue to welcome the most famous night owls and, now, the most cherished guests in the world! Hotel Byblos Avenue Paul Signac, 83 990 Saint Tropez Phone: +33 4 94 56 68 00 Open: April 22nd 2011- October 2nd 2011
Black Pearl
T
he Black Pearl is a unique and refreshing welcome to the English bar scene here on the Riviera. The striking baroque-style interior along with the addictive atmosphere makes for one great place to meet with friends after work for that all-important wind down session. Each Thursday, from 8:30 pm, live music bands play as well as live DJ’s who play pop, rock, club, hip-hop, old school and international sounds. The bartenders are friendly and helpful and with an inventive chef who cooks up delicious dishes, there really is enough here to satisfy anyone’s appetite and quench everyone’s thirst. Perfectly located just off the Croisette, this stylish and elegant bar will welcome you from 6pm to 2.30am, 7 days a week. Black Pearl, English Pub & Fine Bar 22 rue macé, 06400, Cannes Tel : +33(0)4 93 38 17 30
Bâoli - Cannes
T
he unique idea to merge three concepts: a lounge bar, a restaurant and a club, has resulted in Bâoli becoming the sought out destination for anyone seeking the ultimate evening experience. Famous for its beauty, refined décor and glamorous clientele,Tthe Bâoli is skillfully orchestrated by Christophe Caucino and Pierre Antoine Navarro. The restaurant, located in the heart of Port Canto has envious views of the world’s finest yachts that come to anchor in lush greenery and palm trees. During dinner the ambiance is chic and cosy with candles and lounge music The atmosphere and the music crescendo as the night deepens. The DJ skillfully sets the pace with intoxicating rhythms that turn this temple of the night into a partying paradise. Around midnight, the restaurant and lounge take a back seat to make way for the club. As the music takes hold, the ambiance becomes over excited and cocktails and champagne flow until early morning. The club has a capacity for 1500 persons with VIP spaces and a service that is top of the range. Cigar box, premium alcohols, valet parking, security, hostess…Everything is set to satisfy even the most demanding clients. Over its time The Bâoli has welcomed film premieres such as Star Wars II, Kill Bill II, Gangs of New York, Apocalypse Now, Ocean 13 and Inglorious Bastards for the Film Festival. The Bâoli has also played host to prestigious events such as the after show party for U2, a Chopard soirée and Dolce & Gabbana, who every year have an exceptional gathering of celebrities where the entire international press turn out and snap away to their hearts content. Le Bâoli Port Pierre-Canto Boulevard de la Croisette, 06400, Cannes Email : reservations@lebaoli.com Tél : +33 (0)4 93 43 03 43 Restaurant: 8pm – 12am. Club: 12am – 5am
49
Here Come The Girls
T
he Girly Show is a collaboration of London’s hottest and most requested dancers and singers. They tailor make beautiful bespoke shows adding sparkle and glamour to exclusive parties and events. The Girly Show fuses neo-burlesque with stunning choreography to create an unforgettable spectacle for their clients and add a twist to any event. Specialising in the“high end” and the celebrity party circuit the girls from ‘The Girly Show’ were the glamorous stars in the most infamous dance music video of all time ‘Call On Me’ by Eric Prydz. From events at The Dorchester Ball Room, London and the Monaco Grand Prix to Sir Sol Kerzners private yacht party in Sardinia, these girls are a first class act with shows that ooooze glamour and style. Rest assured, when you book the “The Girly Show” you are guaranteed the very highest level of class and entertainment. Both men and woman alike enjoy The “Girly Show” they have a unique approach to entertainment and are now recognised all over the world. Offering an amazing repertoire of themed shows including a twist on Burlesque, 80’s, Miami Beach, gorgeous Signature Girly Shows and everything in between there certainly is something for everyone and every event. Laura Jayne the “Girly Shows” Director has been a successful dancer all her life. She made her West End debut at the young age of 18 as lead dancer in the hit musical Saturday Night Fever. She later went on to tour internationally with many artists such as Kanye West, Kylie, Westlife and more recently danced and sang backing vocals on the successful Take That World Tour. Laura decided to start her own company as she felt there was a gap in the market for beautiful bespoke shows by the most fabulous dancers so she set up The Girly Show. In fact success seems to run in Laura Jayne’s family, she also has a famous brother, Matt Smith who is the current Dr Who and he is dating the gorgeous model Daisy Lowe. From the slickest choreography to the dazzling crystals on each costume the whole bespoke package is brought to you from a team who are very dedicated and passionate about what they do.
Laura Jayne with her brother Matt Smith otherwise known as Dr Who
50
The girls have oodles of experience and their CVs are all overflowing with references to their performances at ‘A’ list celebrity events to appearances in West End Theatres, TV shows and films. Boasting a client list that reads like a star studded night at an awards ceremony, the girls have toured the world with Dianna Ross, Take That, Kylie Minogue and have danced for many different artists such as Sir Cliff Richard and Snoop Dog. They have also performed for many celebrities at private parties and elite events including Cheryl Cole, Shirley Bassey, Hugh Grant, Liz Hurley, Naomi Campbell, Sir Phillip Green, Geri Halliwell, The Duchess of York and Princess Beatrice to name a few. So far this year it’s been non-stop for the girls and it seems there is no sign of them slowing down either. New Year’s Eve saw them performing at a celebrity event at the Atlantis in the Bahamas followed by a visit to Las Vegas to perform an exclusive show with the Dolls at The Pussy Cat Doll Lounge, Caesars Palace. They visited Nikkii beach, Russia and even popped over to New Delhi for a socialite wedding! Laura Jayne has just finished producing their very own Girly Show Lounge in London at the famous Windmill Theatre which saw their celebrity guest Miss Daisy Lowe step into the spotlight and twinkle like the fabulous star that she is. Still buzzing with energy the girlies have lots of new projects in the pipeline, such as planning their next Lounge to working on their own individual TV and music projects in the UK & USA. Something tells us that were going to be seeing a lot more of these girls on the Riviera – watch this space and look out for a sparkly pink bikini near you! For further information visit: www.thegirlyshow.com Or for booking enquiries email: princess@thegirlyshow.com Watch show reel of the girls live events on: www.youtube.com/user/TheGirlyShowUK
The Girly Show at the Windmill Theatre with special guest, Miss Daisy Lowe
Laura Jayne and Daisy Lowe backstage after the show
LE BIENVENUE r e s tau r a n t
Free Aperit if We wel co m e reader Prestige sw free ap ith a eritif
We Promise You Exceptional Value & An Unforgettable Experience Lunch Time Menu - Served 11.30am - 2pm
Traditional French cuisine, served in ambient surroundings
12.50€ to include - main course + glass of wine + coffee
Always using the freshest ingredients our menu includes
Evening Dining - Served 6pm - 10pm
fresh meat, fish, pasta. risottos, foie gras, salads & soup
Exceptional Value -3 courses for 16€ or 29€
Wine served by the glass, pichet or bottle
includes - starter + main course + desert
Closed Monday all day and Tuesday lunchtime
5 Place Saint François, Vieux Nice For Reservations please call: +33 (0) 493 798 440
Prestige online virtual magazine Our virtual magazine allows you to read Prestige as if it were in your hands Turn the pages at your leisure, click to zoom in and out and connect to business websites direct
Read Prestige online at: www.prestige-magazine.com
Cuisine gourmande Saint Paul
At the Vieux Moulin we deliver a truly authentic mediterranean experience with dishes that are simple but refined. Our restaurant, an old converted mill, is in the mythical village of Saint Paul de Vence and is the perfect setting to experience all the flavours, perfumes and colours of the French Riviera.
Lieu-dit Sainte-Claire Route de Vence 06570 Saint Paul de Vence Tel: 04 93 58 36 76 www.levieuxmoulinsaintpaul.fr
Restaurant Recommendations
Felix, Cannes
I
deally located on the prestigious Croisette avenue, Felix is considered as one of the best gourmet restaurant in Cannes. Felix is the place of the international jet-set and the epicureans looking for exception. The owner, Mr Yann Anciaux who is also a property manager in luxury real estate, purchased the restaurant in 2009. His vision changed the restaurant into a contemporary place of culinary delights within a chic and glamorous setting. The Chef, Nicolas Rondelli, performs creative cuisine based on the Mediterranean flavours; he is always respectful of the products and their seasonality. Working passionately with regional
products he is constantly researching in order to create exquisite dishes. Managed efficiently by Jean-Philippe Vanthielt and his team, the restaurant provides a high quality of service, whether you choose to dine on the sunny terrace or in the elegant dining room, Felix enjoys a lively and sophisticated atmosphere. Felix 63, boulevard de la Croisette, Cannes Reservation required Tel: +33 (0) 493 940 690 www.felix-cannes.com
53
Luc Salsedo, Nice
L
Restaurant Luc Salsedo 14, rue Maccarani, 06000, Nice Reservation required. Open 6.30pm till 10.30pm. Closed Wednesday.Tuesday lunch only - 12 till 2pm Tel:+33(0)493 822 412 www.restaurant-salsedo.com
54
Photos: Frédéric Santos
uc Salsedo, originally from Nice is a young chef, who discovered a passion for the culinary arts at an early age. Passionate, and simmering with ideas, Luc Salsedo is constantly seeking new challenges that raise the bar in his culinary universe. Making his debut in major institutions such as la Bourride, L’Hostellerie de l’Abbaye , Diamant Rose, Louis XV in Monaco and l’Eden Roc Hotel in Cap d’Antibes and finally at la Chèvre d’Or in Eze. Luc has learnt from and worked alongside some of the great chefs of French cuisine: Hervé Kobzi, Alain Ducasse, Christian Plumail, Daniel Ettlinger, Franck Cerrutti, Arnaud Poëtte and Jean Marc Delacourt. In 2004, armed with the strength of all his experiences, he opened his own restaurant in the heart of Nice. Luc Salsedo’s restaurant is located near to the Reformed church and its garden, close to Avenue Jean Medecin .The heart and soul of his cuisine is moulded around the creative use of Mediterranean flavors using local produce in keeping with the markets and seasons, hence the reason that the menu changes every 10 days. Gourmets and lovers of top of the range cooking keep returning to sample the new southern recipes of Luc Salsedo served on plates or olive tree boards (planchia). Although small the restaurant’s menu has a broad appeal and the uniquely presented dishes display skill and exude wonderful flavours. Expect to find dishes such as foie gras and beef cheek braised in red wine accompanied by gnocchi with Taggiasca olives and tart mandarin minute. The doors open nightly from 6:30 p.m. (except Wednesday) with a welcome drink on your arrival. You have the choice between two menus, the first is 44 euros and the “discovery menu” is 65 euros, there are also ‘a la carte’ suggestions. A final, but important touch to your dining experience is the 60 different wines on offer; it includes the fine and famous as well as the smaller producers from all the regions of France. Following the trend of gourmet cooking classes Luc now opens up his kitchen to allow you to learn about his cooking, with themed lessons that take place every Saturday morning at the restaurant. After a presentation around breakfast you’ll be proud to don apron and cap and enter into the kitchen where you will prepare the dishes with Luc. Classes are taught in a relaxed but informative way and you will have the ultimate pleasure of cooking and tasting your culinary accomplishments at the end of your lesson. Reasonably priced at 100 euros for a few hours, it will whet the appetite of a novice and quench the thirst of gourmet aficionados. Constantly looking for new ideas in which he can please loyal and new clients, Luc, with his team of seven faithful companions who work alongside him are now offering a new concept, a one-plate TV dinner. For 30 euros you can now take home Luc’s amazing food this includes choices from his 3 course menu & cheeses. So now there really is no excuse not to eat well, Luc Salsedo comes to you!
Au Petit Gari, Nice
M
Au Petit Gari 2 Place Garibaldi & 66 boulevard Risso, 06300, Nice Reservation required. Closed Saturday & Sunday. Tel: 04 93 26 89 09 www. aupetitgari.com
Photos: Marcel Jolibois
arc Chevalier a former Maitre D’ in Paris and Cannes (of Chez Yvan, Castel, Hôtel Martinez and la maison Lenôtre) has long been satisfying locals for their need of good old fashioned home cooking. Making a recent expansion to his restaurant Marc is even more determined to deliver the taste of home cooking to the people in Nice. Recently featured in the Gault & Millau 2011 Guide, ‘Au Petit Gari’ now deservedly sits alongside Frances best gourmet restaurants. Marc’s natural passion for creating excellent food using local produce has garnered him a faithful following with the locals here in Nice and like all good news that travels fast the word has spread to the internationals living, working and visiting here. If you have ever dined at ‘Au Petit Gari’ on Place Garibaldi, then you will have reveled in the fact that Marc and his team deliver good old fashioned service, backed up by good wholesome French cuisine with an extensive wine list. The wonderful charm of the ‘home from home’ décor makes for an authentic French dining experience, with all the kitchen paraphernalia and soft lighting you really do feel like part of the Chevalier family. The newly opened Parisian Neo-bistro side which has its entrance on boulevard Risso opposite the museum of modern & contemporary arts (MAMAC) is a dining delight. Rich in colour, contemporary but welcoming, everything here catches the eye; the design importantly still makes it feel like part of the original restaurant. Large windows let in floods of light allowing you to fully appreciate your food, its ingredients and presentation. Marc’s new menu offers tempting starters such as Fish Carpaccio in a Japanese style marinade with thinly sliced vegetables of yuzu (14€), twelve hot snails served with a butter sauce (12€), buffalo mozzarella and tomato salad (12€). For mains choose from Marc’s acclaimed sea bass encrusted with spices (24€) whole roasted duck breast (21€), Angus beef with parsley garnish (25€) and penne pasta served with capers, mesclun and raw ham (15€). Finally naughty, but very, very nice deserts all priced at 7€ will leave you bursting at the seams, these include profiteroles with hot chocolate sauce, red fruit tiramisu and banana split. Marc’s excellent food is off course backed up by a list of forty plus, different wines which includes wines from all regions of France, from the small wine producers to the great Burgundy and Bordeaux wines. Offering views across place Garibaldi, ‘Au Petit Gari’s terrace is ideal for summer dining, after eating you can relax with a digestif and watch the world go by. During peak season the terrace seats 60 and this runs from April to September. For those who love alfresco dining, without the sunshine an enclosed, heated terrace with 16 places is open all year long, The opening of the second restaurant is a much welcomed addition, it makes for getting a table there all the more likely, however you will still need to make a reservation.
55
Le Restaurant Le Palais de la Mediterrane, Nice
L
Le Restaurant Le Palais de la Mediterranee 13 Promenade des Anglais, 06000, Nice Open daily during the summer. Closed during the rest of the year on Sundays and Mondays. Open noon to 3pm and from 7pm to 10pm. Reservation required Tel: +33 (0)4 92 14 76 00 www.palais.concorde-hotels.fr
56
Food photos: Marcel Jolibois. Premises photos: Fabrice Rambert
e Restaurant offers a warm and friendly setting with truly gastronomic, quality cuisine, not only to its hotel guests but also for regulars who live in Nice. There is a certain exotic quality, mixed with a touch of Provence, pervading Le Restaurant’s decoration. The ambience throughout Le Restaurant is chic and relaxed, and one gets a marked impression that it is a most pleasant late-night hangout. The prettiest terrace on the Promenade as soon as the season turns, Le Restaurant takes over the terrace located in the centre of the hotel. As the nearby swimming pool brings a note of joyful relaxation, you can enjoy lunch or dinner there with a view on the sea, far away from the hustle and bustle of Nice’s most famous avenue down below. So it is, as you enjoy the sunshine and the outstanding panorama before you, that you will delight in the cuisine served. A cuisine meant for everyone, what could be more natural here than to offer Mediterranean cuisine that changes with the seasons. In summer, making due use of the superb terrace, an opulent “salads bar” is yours to enjoy, as well as great variations on tartars and carpaccios. In the same way, the grill will thrill light cuisine enthusiasts. Besides, the most fervent gourmets can order lobster, crayfish and whole fish the day before, by asking the head waiter. Yet whatever the season, the restaurant’s gastronomic menu represents the full expression of the chef’s talent. One of Nice’s leading venues Le Restaurant is indeed renowned thanks to the quality of its cuisine. The menu highlights beautiful seasonal products, delicately adapted to Mediterranean-influenced recipes. Thus the roasted pavé of sea bass on the skin with peach caponata and almond virgin sauce will unveil its subtle blend of flavours, or the veal pastilla with fruit and vegetable tagine will propel you across the Mediterranean! An ingenious, tasty cuisine designed as much for hotel guests as for the many Nice inhabitants who no longer hesitate to cross the lobby and head for the 3rd floor.
The Parcours Live Falicon
S
Restaurant Parcours Live 1, place Marcel Eusebi, 06950, Falicon Reservation required. Closed Sunday evening, Monday & Tuesday from October till end of June. Tel: +33 (0) 493 849 457 www.restuarant-parcours.com
Photos: Frédéric Santos - SMKPHOTO
ituated just 15 minutes from the centre of Nice is a quaint perched village facing Mount Chauve called Falicon. Here chef Frédéric Galland of The Parcours Live Restaurant is reveling in the fact that he is awakening the senses of this fairytale place by serving up magical, contemporary southern cuisine Frédéric Galland made his mark in L’Auberge du Loisel ,Halluin with the chef Christian Philippo in Switzerland at the ”Palace of the Three Kings” in Basel, with heads Weber and Vicky, the “Schumarernzunft“ and ”Wiezsengarten“ in Rihen and then in Lille he trained as a chief ,for three years at the “l’Orange Bleue”. In 2007 armed with the strength from his experiences and his undeniable talent, Frédéric launched and opened his own gastronomic restaurant Le Parcours Live on the square of the charming medieval village of Falicon. The creations of Frédéric change and evolve regularly to cater for the pleasure of your taste buds. Dishes like his pressed foie gras, red smoked tuna, roasted scallops served on a bed of mixed crunchy purple artichokes and mushrooms, never fail to deliver. At lunch and dinner, weekdays or weekends, Frédéric Galland plays with your senses and promises you delightful dishes in a perfect setting where you can choose from the express menu or his 3 or 5 course set meal menus. A generous wine cellar holds a vast array of wines from small producers to the finest wines from all regions of France. La Parcours Live plunges guests literally into a live atmosphere, the three plasma screens show live pictures of your dishes being prepared and cooked just before they are served to you at your table. The muted and trendy décor is simple and neat and the whispering background music all adds to the ambience. The windows reflect natural light providing breathtaking panoramic views across to Nice and the coastline. Ebony black tables are well spaced with comfortable benches and chairs that respect the privacy of its 55 diners. New to launch this year are Frédéric’s cookery master classes. Due to popular demand by his guests you can now work alongside him as his accomplice in his kitchen. Themed cooking courses will take place throughout 2011 and they will have an emphasis on the season’s flowers and vegetables from the market. Create unforgettable dishes and memories in magical surroundings alongside a great chef! Finally, if you are looking for a venue to host a private lunch, party or business meeting then Frédéric invites you to discuss your requirements with him regarding the privatisation of the restaurant. The Parcours Live can cater for 10 to 85 people and their aim is to make your event special, just like the memories you take away with you.
57
Le Saint-Martin Restaurant Chateau St- Martin & Spa, Vence
L
e Saint-Martin Restaurant is a highly refined restaurant that caters for 35 guests and celebrates the talent of the chef, Yannick Franques and two Michelin stars. Blending tradition and modernity, this former student of Alain Ducasse, Christian Constant and Eric Frechon takes an inspired new look at great French classics. Gastronomy is a top priority! That’s the new challenge taken up by the Château Saint-Martin & Spa which is embarking on a new season with Yannick Franques, Head Chef, awarded by the Michelin guide with two Michelin stars in 2010 . His talent is again awarded with the title of “Grand Chef” Relais & Chateaux” for 2011. Yannick Franques, joined Château Saint-Martin in 2008 and has turned this property, perched on the hill slopes above Vence, into one of the best-known gourmet high spots on the Côte d’Azur. The secret of his success? First, his ingredients: “a story of a true romance with the terroir”, and then, what he calls “his desire to delight” not to mention a love of sharing, which all combine to create “the excitement of a fine meal”. In his dining room at the Saint Martin, he serves “warm langoustine carpaccio, carrot foam with caraway, winkles and rocket in Sarawak pepper”, “lobster poached in a saffron-infused fish soup, bread-crumbed black olives, with a hint of aniseed”, “pigeon à la royale, spaghetti of truffled celeriac, sauce thickened with spiced dark chocolate” and other star dishes from a memorable signature menu. As for desserts, the talent of Jean-Michel Manière, Head Pastry Chef, expresses itself in variations on pure dark chocolate and fruits. Perfectly blending the sweet and acid flavors of fruits and aromatic plants of the region to the melting and intensity of chocolate, this young and talented pastry chef succeeds in making us believe, from the top of the hills of Vence, that Paradise is not that far away. His specialities include Grand Cru Majari 64% in a soft savarin-style biscuit, raspberries in a translucid tube, chocolate ice-cream, Saint-Martin soufflé that with apricot sorbet and rosemary grown on the domain. Le Saint-Martin Restaurant Chateau Saint-Martin 2490 Avenue des Templiers BP 102 , 06142, Vence Tel: + 33 (0)4 93 58 02 02 www.chateau-st-martin.com
58
La Passagére Juan-Les-Pins
T
he Hôtel Belles Rives’ gastronomic table shines with Hollywood quality. A glamorous ambience runs from the golden columns of the dining room to the extravagant terrace... without doubt it is one of the French Riviera’s most envied spots to watch the sunset. Located on the Cap d’Antibes, Hotel Belles Rives is a luxurious palace-hotel in Juan-les-Pins. The glamour of the original 1920’s mansion - once home to Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald - has been carefully restored, keeping the spirit of the Années Folles alive, while adding state-of-the-art amenities and 5-star quality guest services. The gourmet restaurant La Passagère is headed up by Chef Guillaume Anor who took over the running of the restaurant at the beginning of 2010, after working with other leading chefs in Paris such as Alain Solivérès (Taillevent), Yanik Alleno (Le Meurice) and John François Traps (Crillon). Guillaume was given a free reign from the hotels owner to design a new menu and deliver dishes that reflected the venue and satisfied the high expectations of its loyal and new diners. The result, a breathtaking menu that plays on Mediterranean notes, Guillaume has created a menu the way a designer would a collection, placing the fresh Provence produce right there, in the spotlight. Imagine dining on Cannelloni of lobster or poached foie gras surrounded by original frescoes and chandeliers all with a guaranteed spectacle of large screen shots of the Lerins Islands and the Esterel’s… the scene is set, let the tasting begin! Hôtel Belles Rives 33 boulevard Edouard Baudoin, 06160, Juan Les Pins Reservation required Open March to 2nd January 2012. Open Wednesday to Sunday – 12 to 2:30 pm and 7:30 to 10:30 pm Tel: +33(0)4 93 61 02 79 www.bellesrives.com
59
Restaurant L’Oasis La Napoule
A
cross the port of Mandelieu-La-Napoule, protected by the walls of a beautiful neo-gothic villa, discover a flamboyant patio of exotic plants. This is the Oasis : one of the Riviera’s most prestigious culinary institutions. In the shade on the patio, surrounded by palm trees and other exotic flowers, this lush green oasis of sensations is the setting for the renowned cuisine of the Raimbault brothers. Depending on what catches their eye at the Forville market in Cannes, Stéphane and Antoine put together a menu that is contemporary, Provencal and Asian. Their brother François, the patissier in the family, adds the finishing touches to this magical symphony. Throughout the years and thanks to the perfectionnism and will-power of the Raimbault brothers, the Oasis has maintained its historic standards of excellence. It has become a quiet retreat where gastronomy meets elegance, where, with nightfall, a unique patio shine with culinary prowess. As you set foot inside, you can visualise the comfortable restaurant, its cosy lounging areas, the green patio outside and the silver-granite kitchen… all in one glance. Both modern and typically Provencal, the Oasis is an invitation to a world of tastes, textures and scents ! The formal dining room is bathed in warm tones of orange and light green pastels. Its large bay windows open onto the patio and melts into its own exotic ambience.With the first rays of sunshine, the dense foliage of century-old plane trees shelter the garden with a fresh shade of green. The rest of the year, for lunch and dinner as well, the restaurant becomes a winter garden of comfort and modernity. Stéphane, Antoine and François Raimbault : one goal, one shared passion… Season after season, the brothers orchestrate a gourmet composition for the pleasure of Epicurians and food amateurs. Restaurant L’Oasis : 2 Michelin stars you can actually afford ! Oasis Raimbault Gastronomic Restaurant L’Oasis - Bistrot L’Etage 6 Rue Jean Honoré Carle, 06210, La Napoule Open for lunch and dinner, Tuesday - Saturday Tel: +33 (0)4 93 49 95 52 www.oasis-raimbault.com
60
Résidence de la Pinède Saint Tropez
L
ying on the Bouillabaisse beach at the entrance to Saint Tropez, the Résidence de la Pinède was created in 1936, the same year that France discovered paid holidays: a little historical detail linked to the hotel that has always combined the summer holiday spirit with elegance and a friendly welcome. There’s something for all five senses here: the scent of the pine grove, the song of the cicadas, the view of the sea, the soft caress of the sea breezes, and… the cooking of the Résidence de la Pinède’s Normandy-born chef Arnaud Donckele. And ever since he came to Saint Tropez at barely 30 in 2004, he has provided daily living proof that you don’t need to be long in the tooth to show your worth. He can totally enchant you with virtually nothing… A nice little fresh and crunchy salad with a glass of rosé de Provence; a sea bass grilled to perfection, with a just a trickle of fragrant olive oil and a few grains of salt, accompanied by a glass of Cassis, the white wine of Provence with subtle, iodised aromas. But why be simple when being complicated is such an art? With a remarkable technique serving a fertile imagination, the chef boldly creates unusual combinations, mingling garden peas with caviar, calissons (ground almond lozenges) with pigeon, lobster with basil and black Carpentras truffles. It’s complex, subtle, daring – and always a success. It must be said that Donckele has plenty to fall back on, as his road to success would make even the most blasé gourmet’s mouth water. His impressive culinary education involved serving under Alain Ducasse before becoming right-hand man to Jean-Louis Nomicos, the chef at Lasserre, Paris’s monument to good eating. He came out of all this with solid credentials, a taste for strict standards and an immense passion for produce. And it means he is constantly on the lookout for new ingredients to regale his guests. His cooking is a voyage of discovery. One day it will take you to far-flung corners of the world to find the intense flavour of the combawa, a Mauritian cousin of the lime. Another time, it will transport you to the other side of the Mediterranean to introduce you to the “hazelnut” flavour of argan oil and the refined scents of herbs from the Atlas. Pure bliss… Residence de la Pinede Plage de la Bouillabaisse, 83990, Saint-Tropez Reservation required The Terrace Restaurant Open for lunch only 12:30 - 2:30pm The Vague d’Or restaurant Evening only, from April 28th to Oct 2nd inclusive. Tel: +33 (0) 494 559 100 www.residencepinede.com
61
Mocca, Cannes
M
occa’s menu takes you on a journey of exploration through a mixture of dishes and flavors from around the world. Expect to taste the classic, the exotic and the luxury all at this one destination. Mocca’s holds a privileged location opposite de Palais des Festivals in Cannes and is perfect for lunch or dinner. The interior is elegant welcoming and cosy, almost lounge like which makes you feel instantly relaxed, whilst their large terrace allows you to take in all the glamour of Cannes. The exciting menu combinations will not disappoint you it is overflowing with contemporary dishes and reinterpreted classics. Offering tempting varieties of pasta, seafood and meat, it encourages you to browse and discuss your choice. Starters such as Grande assiette d’ ANTIPASTI (assortment of grilled vegetables, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan and smoked ham) 18.50€, Tart of black pudding & granny apple 18.00€ and chicken Caesar salad 16.50€. Main courses offer up taste discoveries like gratin of macaroni with red lobster and large prawn 26.00€, roast duckling with spices 24.00€, Mediterranean sea bass & fried chickpeas 24.90€, Penne with Black truffle, 22.00€ and a hearty Grilled Rib-Eye steak with anchovy butter 20.90€. Bottles of wine start at 25€. Enjoy refined cuisine with a creative touch that is taste pleasing. Mocca 1 boulevard la Croisette, 06400, Cannes Open Monday - Sunday 8am to 2:30am with a non-stop service from 11:30am to 1 am. Tel: +33 (0) 493 689 300 www.moccarestaurant.com
Previous Recommendations Nice Gaglio - 2 Place Saint Francois Gossip - 7, rue Bonaparte (off Place Garibaldi) L'Atra Bottiglia - 28, rue Cassini Le pain à Table - 3, rue Louis Gassin Sarao - 7, Promenade des Anglais Vieux Nice Bienvenue - 5, rue Saint François Distilleries Ideales - 24, rue de la Prefecture L'effervescence - 10, rue de la Loge Resto Wine Notes - 6, rue Sainte Reparate The Snug & Cellar - 22, rue Droite Belluga - Quai Poncharlier, Villefranche-Sur-Mer Buddha Bar - Place du Casino, Monaco Chateau Eza - rue de la pis, Eze Village L'Atelier - 12, Place du Chateau, Les Haut de Cagnes
62
gossip bar nice
gossip gos.sip [’gasǝp] [US]
I. n 1. Bavard, -arde 2.[talk]Bavardage m, cancans mpl, potin m II. v.i. Bavarder have you heard the latest g.? tu connais las dernière? g. column chronique mundane to spread a piece of g. faire courier un bruit III.commère f commèrage(s) m(pl) he’s such a g.! quelle commère! mt Synonymes: papotage m, ragots mpl, racontars mpl, Synonyms: chat, talk, babble, twitter
7, rue bonaparte TEL: 04 83 45 72 15
Grand Designs S
ince its inception in 1987, the House of Christian Lacroix has electrified the fashion world with its collections inspired by Gypsy and Provençal traditions, and by the flamboyant Haute Couture scene in Paris and London during the ‘Swinging 60s.’ Now the Iconic international luxury brand launches its first collection of fabrics and accessories for the home under license to Designers Guild. Directing the new launch for Christian Lacroix is Sacha Walckhoff, who is of French-Swiss origin. Sacha has been an artistic consultant for the House of Christian Lacroix and has worked alongside Mr. Lacroix for more than 17 years. Having been in charge of the prêt-à-porter collections and accessories lines for a number of years, Sacha is today the creative director of the brand and overseas the artistic strategy for the House. Sacha tells us: “To be able to express the essence of the House of Christian Lacroix through this first home furnishing fabrics collection, with the complicity of Tricia Guild, is both an honour and a true joy. It has been a wonderfully exciting experience translating the spirit of Lacroix couture into a beautiful collection of fabrics for the home. We have always created the fabrics for our Ready to Wear and Haute Couture collections.”
64
Following a natural progression the extraordinary talent of Designers Guild, the idea of creating a Christian Lacroix collection of home furnishing fabrics has now become a reality. Inspired by the contrasts which define the South of France the region of our origins, the designs are varied and rich. A velvet ‘Paseo’ woven in golden thread mingles with a ‘Feria’ a stamped rustic linen, while a ‘Taleguilla’ taffetas, embroidered in jais like a ‘Trompe l’oeil’ pairs with an unpretientious ‘Sol y Sombra’ silk stripe. Rooted yet again in this flamboyant South filled with traditions, the ‘Vuelta’ panel conjures up the scene of flowers thrown at the torero’s after the corrida, and ‘Forum’ is the spectacular woven evocation of a 19th century engraving of the Arles monuments, now emblematic of our House. Lastly, as a reference to South of farniente and dolce vita ‘Tempera’, the sketch of a painted horizon at sunset and ‘Riviera’ printed in such a way that it is gathered and crumpled after a summer nap, are in the image of one’s own character and wishes…
For Designers Guild stockists see our address book
•
12 Rue Cassini 06300 Nice 04.93.56.98.71 www.kfactory.eu
•
Massena
Citrine
Citrine, Massena, Collet and La Vague Bleue are available to rent through nicepebbles.com
Massena
Photos by TMG-PHOTO Tel: 06 68 66 43 70 Email: tim.mcguffog@sfr.fr
Citrine
Collet
W
hether your purchase is a villa, apartment or studio, for personal use, investment or both, MB Design & Renovation offers a personal package taking all of the headache out of designing and renovating your property on the Cote dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Azur.
La Vague Bleue
MB Design & Renovation work closely with all their clients to guarantee the finished result fulfils all the requirements. From managing the project, budget and by liasing and using only their trusted local sub-contractors and suppliers they ensure that they can deliver your dream property on budget and on time. Mobile: 00 33 (0)6 98 25 17 46 Email: mb.designrenovation@yahoo.fr
Pebbles Sales
Nice Pebbles doesn’t just have charming apartments and homes to rent – you can buy with us too. Let us guide you in choosing your perfect property for investment, pleasure or perhaps a bit of both.
1 City Centre – 2 bedrooms – 70m² (€370 000)
1
This popular Nice Pebbles rental apartment is now for sale. Located near the Old Town and shopping, this elegant apartment offers an open plan living area, two bathrooms and a South-facing balcony. Rented through Nice Pebbles for the last three years, the apartment achieved €17,000 NET to the owner in 2010. Sold fully furnished with rental income assured. Exclusive to Nice Pebbles – website ref EX00020
Promenade – Studio – 27m² (€239 000)
2
Sea view properties with terraces are always sought after for rentals or private pied-à-terre. Some work is necessary, but if done well this can be a good rental investment for a modest outlay. The price of this Promenade studio includes a parking space at the rear of the building and a storage cave in the basement. Exclusive to Nice Pebbles – website ref EX10004
Carré d’Or – 1 bedroom – 51m² (€350 000)
2
3
Situated on the second floor of a prestigious new building in the centre of the Carré d’Or district, this is perfect home for city living and investment. Nice Pebbles successfully rents three apartments in this building for which we can provide figures on request. As well as a 7m2 terrace and full air conditioning, the apartment is sold with a private garage and underground storage area. We also have a two-bedroom apartment with terrace in the same building for €450,000. Nice Pebbles - website ref MS00004
Contact: sales@nicepebbles.com Sales office: +33.(0)4.89.05.06.60 20 rue de l’Hôtel des Postes, Nice 06000
www.nicepebblessales.com
3
Pebbles Rentals
Relax with friends or loved ones in plush and comfortable living and dining space. Prepare drinks, snacks or more in fully equipped kitchens. Enjoy Egyptian cotton sheets and towels, luxury packages, airport transfers and a concierge service during your stay. Can your basic hotel room measure up? Nice Pebbles. We’ve raised the standards in short-term holiday rentals across the French Riviera from what guests expect to what guests deserve.
Collet (from €90 a night) Rue du Collet A romantic one-bedroom jewel in a historic setting. Perfectly located in the heart of the Old Town action.
Masséna (from €90 a night) Rue Chauvain Style and space dominate this one-bedroom apartment. Excellent location close to the Promenade des Anglais where most visitors want to be.
François (from €90 a night) Rue Raoul Bosio The view at dusk from the apartment and balcony are hard to beat. A luxury one-bedroom apartment just off the Cours Saleya.
www.nicepebbles.com www.rivierapebbles.com SARL Nice Pebbles 23 rue Gioffredo Nice 06000 +33.(0)4.97.20.27.30
The Studio at Harrods
offers luxury tailor-made living
I
n a world where convenience is paramount and aspirational living is key, Harrods has once again delivered on its promise of exceptional customer service by presenting the ultimate luxury interior design service, The Studio - one that epitomises luxury tailor-made living at its best. Headed up by up-and-coming interior designer, Sara Cosgrove, the team is made up of some of the most creative and design savvy individuals within the industry who boast a wealth of experience in luxury interior design. In a move that underlines Harrods commitment to the pursuit of excellence in the Home, Interiors and Design categories, the 360 degree service - which is solely client centric - includes bespoke interior design, interior architecture and project co-ordination, all conveniently located in a new stunning area on the Third Floor. Four individual client suites have been created to evoke the senses and each has been beautifully designed by team at The Studio using an impressive array of aspirational brands which seek to inspire the interior designer within.
70
David Miller comments: “We are extremely proud to include The Studio amongst our Home portfolio. Harrods has duty of care to its customers and we have identified the necessity for an outstanding interior design service that matches the needs of our valued clientele.” He went on to say: “The multi-lingual team at The Studio work relentlessly to achieve the highest possible standards, always aiming to exceed expectation and this has resulted in an unmatched end-to-end service that delivers beautiful, luxurious residences which are flawlessly finished.” Sara Cosgrove, Head of Interior Design, says: “At The Studio, the design philosophy is quite simply to realise each client’s vision. With a wealth of experience, the multi-talented team create exceptional interior design using an extensive range of lavish finishes and luxurious furnishings sourced from Harrods and beyond. We boast outstanding interior designers, project managers, and master craftsmen, who all work together to realise each clients dream by creating something exquisite and enduring.”
The Studio at Harrods is a truly global service; from bijoux pieds-à-terre to luxury villas and palaces, the team have designed interiors all over the world. After a private and confidential consultation in The Studio, an interior designer prepares a series of design boards based on the clients individual taste and requirements - whether Belle Epoque or cuttingedge contemporary - illustrating paint colours, fabrics, wallpapers and furnishings. The team draws on all the customised Harrods ranges together with carpets, fabrics, wall coverings and soft furnishings from the store’s expansive range to give a completely customised service to the individual client.
Sara Cosgrove Head of Interior Design for The Studio at Harrods
A
graduate of Trinity College Dublin, Sara completed a diploma in Fashion Design at the Grafton Academy which led to a prestigious internship with legendary design house John Rocha - an experience which ignited her true passion for interior & architectural design. Enrolling for formal training at KLC Design School in Chelsea Harbour, Sara then joined luxury lifestyle brand Allegra Hicks as Assistant Interior Designer where she worked during 2005 on interior projects in the über exclusive 199 Knightsbridge development. Joining Helen Green Design later that year, Sara worked up to the role of Senior Interior Designer leading a team on various high profile projects including luxury yacht and residential developments. Working on both classic and contemporary interiors, Sara’s portfolio includes 103-104 Eaton Square for The Grosvenor Estate, the Battersea Reach Penthouses for St. George, Lygon Place for O&H Properties and the stunning Nero yacht commissioned by Corsair, as well as numerous private UK and international clients. Sara’s next move was to renowned property development and interior design firm Candy & Candy where she joined as Senior Interior Designer on the One Hyde Park project - a task which involved overseeing the design of one of worlds the most prestigious interior design briefs. With this successful project behind her, Sara was then approached to work with the senior home team at Harrods in the development of a world class interior design service, dedicated to creating stunning luxury interiors for the global Harrods customer. During the past two years ‘The Studio’, as the service has become known, under her guidance has gone from strength to strength creating unique bespoke interiors for the most discerning clients, and is now a bona fide presence on the world luxury design stage. The Studio Harrods Ltd, Third Floor, 87-135 Brompton Road Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7XL Tel: +44 (0)207 225 5926
71
THE SMART WAY TO FIND -AND RENT-YOUR RIVIERA APARTMENT OUR REPUTATION
THE PEBBLES GUIDE
The Pebbles brand was established in 2006. We are the only apartment rental company recommended in Fodor’s, TimeOut, Footprints and Lonely Planet. We are the highest-ranking rental apartment company on TripAdvisor® for Nice. In less than 3 years, we surpassed all rental agencies in Nice to become Number One for most yearly rental income for owners, and most weeks booked per year. Nice Pebbles / Riviera Pebbles rank on the first page of Google® for the most popular relevant search terms.
The Pebbles Guide to Nice and the French Riviera is our way of giving something back to our guests and the community. The YOUR TRAVEL GUIDE TO THE FRENCH RIVIER A guide is available free of charge in many outlets across the French Riviera, including English bookshops. As well as offering www.nicep ebbles.com articles of interwww.rivier apebbles.c om FREE est, activities for all ages, and discount offers, it promotes local businesses as well as Pebbles. WHAT’S ON Six SecreT BeAc HeS ruBieS ON THe rue cOTe D’AZur reSTAurANTS riVierA SAle S & reNTAlS ciTY MAPS
OUR ONLINE BOOKING SYSTEM We have a real time availability calendar and an instant access online booking facility. Our guests book accommodation with minimum fuss and maximum speed. This means more bookings for our owners and more convenience for our guests.
OUR GUEST LOYALTY 40% of our guests are either repeat guests or have been recommended to us by a previous guest. Our online booking system also allows guests to collect loyalty points for their stay, resulting in more bookings for owners and continued loyalty from our guests.
1
WE COMPLY WITH ALL FRENCH LEGAL REQUIREMENTS We are fully licensed and insured and comply with all legal requirements to offer seasonal rentals in France. Nice Pebbles SARL is backed by FNAIM insurance. Since we operate with full compliance with French requirements, we are fully licensed. In these difficult financial times this means to both guests and owners the monies we are holding are insured and are completely safe. Owners and guests are not at any risk when working with us.
OUR ATTENTION TO DETAIL
OUR PEOPLE
Read our reviews. We succeed in giving guests great service. We insist on uniformity throughout the apartments, and on the little things that mean so much–Egyptian cotton bed linens, a welcome basket, fine toiletries, the Pebbles Guide, customer care cards and personalized concierge service. This keeps guests coming back to us and recommending us to their friends and families.
All members of the Pebbles team are chosen for their attention to detail, customer focus and enthusiasm. We all know that “it will do” just won’t do. Team members either contract with us or are French salaried employees. All are operating within French regulations and are committed to carry out the highest level of service to our owners and our guests.
OUR PROPERTIES
We do not take a higher commission during “peak” booking times. We do not rely on “peak weeks”; we work hard year-round to fill your entire annual calendar.
Our standard of apartments, the furnishings offered in them, the amenities included, maintenance and the overall cleanliness are paramount to our reputation.
FINANCIAL PLANNING SERVICES
ge bo
tte me
Du
au sB de ue Av en
ugo
or H Boulevard Vict
d Boulevar
Nice Pebbles
Jean
lʼHôtel redo
Rue Gioff
Avenue Felix Boulevard
Promen ad
e
Des
des
s
te Pos
ernatis
Galeries Lafayette
Rue de
R.Gub
in
Medec
OUR SERVICE TO OUR OWNERS
Avenue
Our guests know that they can call us 24 hours a day in the event of an emergency. We have two centrally located offices in Nice, as well as agents on call throughout the Riviera to assist where necessary. All guests are met personally at the start of their stay with us. They are shown the apartment and given tailored individual advice to help them enjoy all the region has to offer. Happy guests, who meet us personally, mean guests who respect our owners’ properties and us.
uc
s
OUR SERVICE TO OUR GUESTS
Gare Nice-Ville
ha
We will maintain owners’ properties and keep them clean and well cared for. You will receive reports on any maintenance and suggestions of any improvements or remedial work. We will arrange and organise all repairs and have a dedicated team of reliable workmen.
We can offer personalized financial advice to all our owners throughout our business relationship. With the assistance of Pebbles financial advisor Peter Brooke, we can suggest how to make the most of your investment. We can help you comply with French laws and regulations. We can save you money and hassle and guide you to make the most out of your investment.
Faure
ès Jean Jaur
Anglais
MER MEDITERRANEE
www.nicepebbles.com www.rivierapebbles.com
Our owners can email or call us with any issues or for advice. We provide regular updates and suggestions on how to maximize your investment, assistance with financial and legal matters and contacts for anything you may need. Personal bookings are just an online click away for you, your friends and family. Owners are free to order services from us when they or their guests use their properties.
Unlike many other agencies, we offer complete transparency with rental monies received. You know when we know of all bookings and the price obtained. You always receive the same percentage for every booking. The harder we work, the more bookings we bring in, the more we all profit.
20 rue de l’Hôtel-des-Postes and 23 rue Giofreddo, Nice 06000 33 (0) 9 52 78 27 65 44 (0)161 408 1289 info@rivierapebbles.com
LUXE LUXE PEBBLES
including
LUXE PEBBLES Luxe Pebbles rental properties are an exclusive collection of high-end private villas and luxury apartments with renowned locations, stunning views, and just the right venue for enjoying every aspect of the French Riviera. All Pebbles rentals are hand-picked by our experienced staff to meet the high expectations of our discriminating clientele. Our Luxe rentals invite you to indulge in the elegance, relaxation, and indoor-outdoor livability that is the French Riviera. Experience the holiday of a lifetime whether it is with family and friends or a romantic villa getaway for two.
www.nicepebbles.com www.rivierapebbles.com 23 rue Gioffredo, Nice 06000 +33 (0)4 97 20 27 30 info@rivierapebbles.com
La Sitelle
-~--
Handmade Exclusive Furniture since 1972
To order your brochure email: info@styldecor.be
Keep up to date with life on the French Riviera
Join us on Facebook Prestige French Riviera
Follow us on Twitter Prestigefr
www.prestige-magazine.com Lifestyle • Fashion • Beauty • People • Events • Music • Nightlife • Leisure • Travel • News
RIVIERA WORLD PROPERTIES Due to successful sales and rentals we now need more properties to sell and rent. We are looking for all types of properties from apartments to villas in all different price ranges. Contact us for an appointment or informal chat with complete discretion and without obligation.
Riviera World - We speak your language!
www.riviera-world.com
7, bis rue Antoine Gauthier 06300 Nice - Port - Tel/Fax : 04 920 48 920 - Email: contact@riviera-world.com
The Majestic Barrière A faithful partner of the Cannes Film Festival, the palace in Cannes enjoys a privileged relationship with the stars.
78
Then there is the sublime Gong Li, whose delicacy is matched only by her beauty. Welcomed in Chinese by a trainee, this beautiful Asian actress persuaded the hotel management to allow the young girl to act as her interpreter for the duration of her stay in Cannes.
© Georges Biard
One example is Jean Rochefort who, impeccable in his white tuxedo, maintains his reputation as a real gentleman on each of his visits. The housekeeping staff at the Majestic Barrière also cherish an excellent memory of the first visit of Béatrice Dalle. She insisted on meeting all of them as soon as she arrived. Hélène de Fougerolles is also unanimously popular, charming everyone with her simplicity and serenity a few hours before stepping on the famous red carpet, she would be seen reading quietly in the sun, in the hotel gardens. © Georges Biard
A
s everyone knows, in the month of May, Cannes lives in tune to its most famous Festival. The elite of international cinema meet up on the Croisette to discover some of the year’s best movies and finalize budgets for up-coming masterpieces in the allies of the Film Market. The eyes of the entire world are riveted on the men and women who climb the steps of the Palais des Festivals each night, their exquisite silhouettes further embellished by the most illustrious fashion houses. The Majestic Barrière is, of course, one of the privileged partners of this great “high mass” held in celebration of the Seventh Art. It accommodates 8,000 festival-goers. It hosts about 100 television shows and over 200 radio shows. It covers itself with 80 advertisements, generating income of over 350,000 euros. It empties more than 50 of its rooms to transform them into ephemeral office space. There’s not a single square metre which is not requisitioned for the occasion. In the preceding summer, the establishment refuses up to to 80 reservations a day for the Festival period. Which does not prevent a few people severely lacking in foresight from turning up at the last minute, like a certain American who, in 1983, set down his bags in the lobby, at the height of the Festival. Lucien Barrière in person, who then kept a private apartment in the hotel, gave it to him. The hotel had to admit that the impromptu guest was not entirely unknown: it was Paul Newman, the unforgettable “Cool Hand Luke”. With his very warm personality, this giant of Hollywood had conquered all the staff by the end of his stay. Stars behind the scenes. The American actor was not the only one to leave a lasting impression. Far from capitalizing on their celebrity status, many movie-stars have shone by their friendliness.
Another characteristic largely shared among the Majestic Barrière’s most famous guests is a taste for good food. Morgan Freeman and Chris Tucker have treated themselves to a balotine of duck foie gras with bacon followed by a steak of Canary drum with cumin. Sting once enlisted the help of three cooks from the hotel’s kitchen brigade to comment on the dishes for his dinner, explain how they were prepared and give him the recipe. Michèle Laroque just adored the caramels the chef proposed to her after her meal. So much so that she sent him an order for an impressive quantity. As for the appetite of Jeff Goldblum, it became apparent as early as breakfast time. His ritual never changes: after a really daunting workout, the American orders a breakfast which is, in fact, a hearty meal. On the menu: two bowls of porridge, an omelette, salmon, mixed salad and a bowl of strawberries. And yet, ‘The Fly’ keeps a figure that has earned him the admiration of many fans, including one mysterious admirer who, one year, had a bouquet of 50 red roses delivered three days in a row.
and the movies an unending love story
A Unique Collection
The kitchens prepare 25,000 meals served in the restaurant or at private functions held in the hotel’s salons (where there are about 20 receptions per day). Colossal activity that accounts for 15% of the hotel’s annual revenue is in the catering sector. To meet demand, the commissary handles mountains of food: two tons of lobster, three tons of fish, 40 tons of fruit and vegetables, 160,000 eggs, 50 kilos of caviar, 350 kilos of foie gras and 800 kilos of crayfish. 18,500 bottles of wine, over half of which consisting of champagne, are also brought up from the cellar. Hôtels Majestic Barrière 10, La Croisette, Cannes. Tel. +33 (0)4 92 98 77 00 www.lucienbarriere.com
© Georges Biard
S
o what happens behind the scenes when this luxury hotel caters for the Cannes Film Festival? For the twelve days of the Festival, the Majestic Barrière chalks up record figures. The laundry handles a total of 14,000 bath towels, 15,000 sheets and 8,000 bathrobes. 16,000 bars of soap and 1,000 litres of bath foam are placed in the bathrooms. The maids also arrange more than 8,000 roses in the guestrooms. The dry-cleaning service is also on full alert with 500 pairs of pants and shirts to clean and iron a day. To cope with this peak of activity, the palace doubles its workforce from 350 to 700 people. The security staff consists of about 100 agents.
A
t the Majestic Barrière, the magic of the Film Festival only lasts about twelve days. However it lives on all year-round thanks to a remarkable collection of over eight hundred photographs. Four hundred were acquired in 1999 to adorn the walls of Le Fouquet’s Cannes. In the winter of 2008, over 1,000 more black-and-white prints were obtained to decorate the corridors and staircases of the hotel itself. Five hundred more photos now adorn the new wing. Tracing 60 years of the Festival, the walls of images exhibit the most talented stars in Hollywood (Al Pacino, Francis Ford Coppola, Robert De Niro, Steven Spielberg…) as well as the superstars of French cinema: Alain Delon, Bourvil, Jean-Paul Belmondo, Romy Schneider, Catherine Deneuve… Curiously, it has been noticed that guests linger longer over some portraits than others. Guess which? Those, of course, of the most beautiful women in the history of the movies: Grace Kelly, Halle Berry, Laetitia Casta and Sharon Stone, to name but a few.
© Siebbi
Twelve days unlike any others
79
Monte Carlo Beach
T
he Groupe Monte-Carlo SBM wanted to breathe new life – a fighting spirit and modernity – into this emblematic address on the Riviera. A luxurious and convivial setting, reviving the splendour and glamour of the Roaring Twenties. Today, the Monte Carlo Beach boasts a new terracotta-coloured exterior which greatly enhances the building and creates a perfect harmony with the cobalt blue waters of the Mediterranean just a few metres away... a tribute to the great potters who made the region famous. The Monte Carlo Beach, in all its finery, seems to play with the sun all day long, each hour providing the pretext for presenting a different colour of the spectrum. Reopened in March 2010 and redsigned by India Mahdavi, the Monte Carlo Beach is an ode to the Mediterranean. From the moment you enter the lobby, featuring a Terrazzo marble floor, you are aware of the designer’s very personal touch. From the terrace of the Elsa restaurant to the corridors on the second floor, decorated with large portholes, there is a resolutely dynamic air about the place. The forty airy rooms and suites are in perfect harmony. With the Mediterranean as the only horizon, the feeling of spaciousness and light is accentuated A gastronomic paradise, the Monte Carlo Beach invites you to discover its other gourmet venues: the Deck, the Vigie, and the Sea Lounge. According to the time and mood, you can savour chef Jean-Claude Brugel’s cuisine in relaxed mode by the pool in front of the Deck, on the terrace at the Vigie, tucked away in the greenery with just one other guest – the Mediterranean below, or in the chic and trendy surroundings of the Sea Lounge. Monte Carlo Beach, Avenue Princesse Grace, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin Tel: +377 98 06 25 25
© Eric Cuvillier
© Eric Cuvillier
Luxury Hotels & Palaces Hotel Metropole
T
80
© Marcel Jolibois
© Marcel Jolibois
he privately owned Hotel Metropole first welcomed guests in 1886 and quickly became synonymous with the ultimate glamour of Monte-Carlo. Among its many well-known clientele, the five-star hotel has hosted Claudia Schiffer, Britney Spears and Sting, who epitomise the hotel’s sophistication and prevailing chic. The hotel’s opulent atrium, with its unique glass dome, sets the scene for the stylish and lavish atmosphere. Each bedroom is finished to the highest specification and is rich in textures. Cool colours come together with the finest natural materials including solid wood and smooth slate to offer stunning bathrooms. All bedrooms are designed to equally suit the needs of leisure and business travellers. The chic bar and lounge area offers all-day dining and the gourmet restaurant provides stunning sea views and a bird’s eye view of the Grand Prix circuit. Under the expert guidance of Joël Robuchon, Christophe Cussac is the in-house chef. The restaurant, with a “cuisine ouverte”, offers culinary delights to tempt even the most particular of taste-buds. Contemporary cuisine based on the light fresh flavours of the Mediterranean, can be enjoyed inside, overlooking the fabulous Casino gardens and the striking Mediterranean Sea. A real hot spot in Monte-Carlo, the Hotel Metropole offers the only outdoor heated seawater swimming pool on Casino Square, fabulous for both lazy days and star-filled nights. Opened since May 2005 the swimming pool has its own bar and restaurant, which is surrounded by a superb teak sun deck for further relaxation. Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo, 4, Avenue de la Madone, Monaco Tel: +377 93 15 15 35
Hôtel de Paris
S
tanding majestically in the very heart of the Place du Casino, opposite the Café de Paris is the Hôtel de Paris, an everlasting symbol of all things prestigious since its inauguration in 1864, this splendid hotel has never become frozen in its own legend, its gilding or its marble. Whilst its perfectly preserved Belle Epoque architecture is greatly admired by guests, it is young at heart and offers a very contemporary way of life, taking part in the dazzling life of the Principality. This emblematic luxury hotel boasts 182 rooms, including 74 junior-suites and suites and two Monte-Carlo Diamond Suites (the Winston Churchill and the Charles Garnier). Fine furniture, designer fabrics, gorgeous bathrooms, state-ofthe-art equipment… exquisite luxury. Hôtel de Paris, Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco Tel : +377 98 06 30 00
Hotel Hermitage
R
elaxation, the art of true living, an unmistakable sophistication such is the spirit of the Belle Epoque which brings the Hotel Hermitage to life. A century later, the same spirit is still intact in the Eiffel Hall, the salons, the guest rooms, each with an individual, intimate atmosphere where discrete luxury joins with classic pleasure from times pasts. Facing the waves, each day Chef Joel Garault whose talents are recognised worldwide pays a flavoursome tribute to the sea and prepares seasonal meals at the Vistamar and at the Limùn Bar. Hôtel Hermitage, Square Beaumarchais, Monaco Tel : +377 98 06 40 00
Château Eza
E
xquisite and intimate, the 11 room and suite château clings to the side of the ancient rock walls of Eze, a thousand-year-old medieval village more than 400 metres above the Mediterranean Sea. Chateau Eza offers 10 luxurious rooms and suites, each of them uniquely designed in the tradition of the castle. Château Eza, Rue de la Pise F, Eze Village Tel. +33 (0)4 93 41 12 24
Grand Hotel Cap Ferrat
T
he Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, entirely refurbished by Pierre-Yves Rochon, re-opened its doors on 15thMay 2009 after 14 months of extension and refurbishment work. Their new wing, the “Residence”, created by the Nicean architect Luc Svetchine, offers 16 new rooms, 8 exclusive suites with private swimming pools, and a 750m² new spa. With the arrival of Michelin-starred Chef Didier Anies, recognised as Meilleur Ouvrier de France in 2000, the gourmet cuisine of the restaurant Le Cap has really taken off: it is a cuisine which is unfussy, full of flavour, low key yet elegant. The chef and his team offer inventive gourmet cuisine showcasing topquality seasonal produce. The restaurant re-opens on April 21st 2011. Grand Hotel Cap Ferrat, 71 Boulevard du Général de Gaulle, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat Tel: +33 (0)4 93 76 50 50
Hotel La Pérouse
L
a Pérouse Hotel is located at the foot of Chateau Jardin, in the heart of Nice, with a breathtaking view of the legendary Baie des Anges. Elegantly renovated, the hotel offers a very special atmosphere, both refined and warm. La Pérouse Hotel has 7 Junior Suites, Suites and 53 rooms overlooking the sea. Combining comfort and elegance, the rooms are decorated in an elegant mediterranean style. The restaurant of the hotel runs from February to November. In the shade of lemon trees, you can enjoy their exquisite dishes while admiring the turquoise blue of the Mediterranean and the roofs of the city. The bar, open all year round, offers an exclusive and relaxing atmosphere near to the blue waters of the pool and near the spa and jacuzzi. Enjoy all the charm of the French way of life... Hotel La Pérouse, 11 Quai Rauba Capeu, Nice Tel. + 33 (0) 4 93 62 34 63
Hôtel Le Negresco
O
n January 8th 1913 the NEGRESCO first opened its doors and ever since it has been regarded as one of the most prestigious palace hotels in the world, it is also one of the few remaining privatelyowned palaces still existing in the world. The hotel was created as a unique living museum where epic periods in the history of France are represented, from the Renaissance period to the third millennium. The different themed floors, and the palatial rooms individually designed are rich in colour and house rare tapestries and masterpieces from French history to reflect styles as different as LouisXIII and art deco. Walking along the corridors of the hotel feels like walking through a rare museum with individual works of art. 2010 marked an exciting time in the hotel’s history as the Negresco underwent extensive renovation work. After it’s re-opening 6 months later it now boasts 125 rooms & suites including an Executive Floor where guests can appreciate nine suites and six rooms all with “touch” functions.The gastronomic restaurant, Le Chantecler, has a one star rating in the Michelin red guide and is celebrated as one of the best gastronomic restaurant in Nice and in France. Hôtel Le Negresco, 37, Promenade des Anglais, Nice Tel +33 (0)4 93 16 64 00
82
Hotel du Cap Eden Roc
T
he Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc is without doubt one of Europe’s most exquisite properties. Situated at the furthest tip of Cap d’Antibes in a park of 22.5 acres, the superb Napoleon III building is a legendary haven. This temple form the 18th century is located between Cannes and Nice, the old fortified town of Antibes and the lively neighbourhood of Juan-Les-Pins, Its pinewood with its fragrance and a romantic rose-garden flanks a majestic alley leading to the Pavillon Eden Roc, built on a terrace above the sea: its spectacular infinity pool is, in itself, a living record of indelible memories. The ‘fifties and ’sixties bore witness to the landing of the world’s elite, often by sea in a very eclectic parade from the Kennedy familly to the Greek shipbuilder Niarkos, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and Marlene Dietrich all seeking their share of the dream luxury in all simplicity. Hotel Du Cap-Eden-Roc, Boulevard JF Kennedy, 06601, Antibes Tel. : +33 (0)4 93 61 39 01 Website: www.hotel-du-cap-eden-roc.com
Hotel Juana
I
n the heart of the Gould pine tree park, is a resolutely chic and urban hideaway with contemporary 1930's design. The Hotel Juana's 40 rooms and suites bathe in Mediterranean sunlight, facing the shimmering bay of Juan les Pins. The hotels Café Marianne is young and dynamic, it is the place to see and be seen, for a drink on the terrace, dinner with friends and dancing to cutting edge DJ sets ! The contemporary furniture finds its place in the veranda-like restaurant, with an elegant sobriety that opens onto a white marble terrace, quietly nestled under the shade of palm trees. The stage is set for an authentic market cuisine of home-made specialties as well as a "vinothèque"... the new wine-by-the-glass cellar features some 25 references to chose from as well as a yummy pastry corner... try them at the Juana or take them home ! This is a fine Café at affordable rates, just so you can afford to indulge ! Hôtel Juana, La Pinède - Avenue Gallice, 06160 Juan-les-Pins Tel : +33 (0)4 93 61 08 70
Belles Rives
O
ff the mythical road to Cap d'Antibes, the Hotel Belles Rives stands right by the blue water of the Mediterranean, with the Lérins Islands and Esterel in the background. Deeply rooted in an Art Deco style, the “Roaring Twenties” subtle extravagance is their signature... wild parties and relaxed elegance, the Belles Rives stands at the crossroads of history and modernity. A unique experience : they introduce you to a forgotten Riviera, a Riviera both peaceful and glamourous, nostalgic and riotous. The subtle energy of the Belles Rives lies in a refined combination of culture, sports and 'Dolce Vita'... like taking a holiday every day of the year. The Hôtel Belles Rives' gastronomic table shines with Hollywood quality. A glamourous ambience runs from the golden columns of the dining room to the extravagant terrace... no doubt one of the French Riviera's most envied spots for sunset catching ! The show is just spectacular, with the big screen picture of the Lérins Islands and Esterel. The Chef plays on Mediterranean notes, of course, with a menu created the way a designer would a collection, placing the freshed Provence produce right there, in the spotlight. Hôtel Belles Rives, 33 Boulevard Edouard Baudoin, Juan-les-Pins Tel : +33 (0)4 93 61 08 70
Hotel Martinez
A
n illustrious history befits a hotel that has always been at the social heart of Cannes. The site at 73, Boulevard De La Croisette has seen many incarnations of the building that is now known as the Hotel Martinez. It was originally a villa known as ‘La Coquette’ and built by English aristocrats during the real estate boom of the late nineteenth century. In prime position, Hotel Martinez has been an important landmark since the thirties. With architecture from this bygone era, inside and out it exudes gracious elegance. The hotel overlooks the classic image of the French Riviera, the palm tree lined avenue, the golden sandy beach and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea beneath the red skies and the warmth of the sunshine. The port, the classic French boutiques and cafes are all within walking distance. Hotel Martinez, 73 La Croisette, Cannes Tel: +33 (0) 4 92 98 73 00
Byblos
© Marcel Jolibois
© Marcel Jolibois
© Marcel Jolibois
S
ince 1967, the Hotel Byblos is the luxurious milestone of SaintTropez. It embodies the casual spirit of the city, represents its freedom and expresses its exceptional qualities. It is one of the few examples of how a property can perfectly blend into the place where it is located. The casual luxury of the Byblos continues to seduce an international clientele, diverse and of all ages. Now the proud owner of a 5th star the Hotel Byblos has recently been redesigned and refurbished, the suites, often complemented by a terrace or organized in duplex, can be as spacious as 650 square feet to 1,950 square feet! At the new poolside B. restaurant, Chef Vincent Maillard is continuing to develop his concept of Byni’z. It’s a dish that allows three to four different tastes built around a common theme. These light bites are a kind of mezze, kemia, antipasti or tapas, depending on the interpretation made by the international clientele of the Byblos… The Byni’z can be crunched, picked up, pinched or dipped… it’s entertaining, original, creative, and above all, delicious and full of flavors. There are two ways to choose your Byni’z: the ‘classical’ version (tuna with foie gras and ginger, squid tempura…) or among the 12 ‘innovations’ starting with exotic caviar, shellfish or tropical fruits… Choose your theme, express your mood and just let go and enjoy! Created more than 10 years ago by Alain Ducasse, Spoon is present today in several countries (Hong Kong, Paris, Mauritius, etc). Spoon by Byblos is located directly by Place des Lices and boasts a beautiful garden-terrace surrounded by trees lit with romantic mini-chandeliers. The cuisine pays tribute to the Mediterranean region with inspirations from the Riviera and also from Italy, Greece, Lebanon or the south of Spain. Spoon by Byblos is exceptional dining, a delightful culinary discovery in a sophisticated yet casual atmosphere. Hôtel Byblos, Avenue Paul Signac, Saint Tropez Tel: +33 4 94 56 68 00
Residence de la Pinede
T
he Résidence de la Pinède occupies part of the Bouillabaisse beach at the entrance to Saint Tropez, a few minutes from the town centre. It has 35 spacious rooms with Mediterranean-style decoration: ochre walls bursting with spring sunshine, and fabrics in deep, luminous colours dominated by yellow and navy blue. A large number of its rooms open out onto a terrace, and have a wonderful view of the Mediterranean, the Gulf of Saint Tropez, the citadel, the old port and the famous bi-coloured bell tower. The hotel owes its name to the pretty pine grove surrounding it. This is very popular with the clientele: at the height of summer, they can enjoy its refreshing coolness during the day, and its welcoming warmth when evening falls. So you can lunch under the shade of the parasol pines, and dine under the stars. This green setting contains a magnificent sapphire: the overflow swimming pool, which seems to merge with the sea. But the hotel's finest jewel is without any shadow of a doubt its private white sand beach: a house exclusive found with no other four-star hotel in Saint Tropez. This bathing area, with a wealth of deck chairs and yellow and gold parasols, is naturally reserved for the hotel's guests alone, and they really appreciate its quietness and privacy. Here the main activities are of the farniente persuasion... That said, there are other more lively leisure activities available, as the beach has a private pontoon providing a number of water sports like parascending, jet-skiing, and trips out to sea. If you are looking for thrilling sensations or a bit of escapism, the beach manager can arrange it in a jiffy. Residence de la Pinede, Plage de la Bouillabaisse, Saint-Tropez Tel : +33 (0)4 94 55 91 00
Château de la Messardière
P
oised on a hilltop, Château de la Messardière is one of the centrepieces of Saint Tropez., this sumptuous 19th-century building was restored and extended in 1989. Its powerful and harmonious architecture, featuring turrets and domes, vaults and arcades, offers striking contrasts of light and shade, plus all the charm and character of bygone days. Today, it is a superb Mediterranean-style hotel, offering 45 suites and 73 luxurious rooms, plus top-of-the range services. The hotel interior is airy and light-filled. Typical Provençal ochre rivals with the azure blue of the Mediterranean skies, soft oranges light up the hall, and the restful hues of the rooms offer a cool contrast to the fiery sunlight. Managers have embellished the Château creating successful marriages of Oriental rugs and cushions, wrought ironwork, Carrara marble and terracotta, coupled with a typical Englishman's club-style bar and Southern-style restaurant. The Château additionally hosts art exhibitions by major international artists every year. The memory of the ancient Messardière family is also honoured, with works by the last descendant, Victoire de la Messardière, adorning the Château walls. Chateau Hotel de la Messardiere, Route de Tahiti, Saint Tropez Tel. +33(0)4 94 56 76 11
85
Kasbah Tamadot S
ir Richard Branson’s retreat, Kasbah Tamadot is set in the spectacular Atlas Mountains and is now one of Morocco’s most sought after hideaways. The spirit and traditional charm of the Moroccan design is beautifully infused with contemporary elements, creating an ambience of luxurious serenity and a hint of exotic adventure. The Kasbah Tamadot was the former home of Luciano Tempo who purchased the property and filled it with beautiful antiques from India, Africa and the Far East. In 1998 Richard Branson went to Morocco with the goal of circumnavigating the globe in a hot air balloon. Whilst there, his parents found a beautiful Kasbah and dreamed of turning it into a wonderful Moroccan retreat. Sadly, Richard did not quite manage to realise his goal on that occasion, but his mother eventually convinced him to purchase the property. The hotel now employs local Berber staff from the surrounding villages, giving guests a sense of staying in a Moroccan home rather than a hotel. The refurbishment of the building was extensive, though the character and charm of the original complex of spaces were retained and enhanced. The design concept marries traditional Moroccan colours, textures and patterns with a more contemporary treatment to the interior architecture. When Richard Branson bought Kasbah Tamadot, he also inherited
86
Luciano’s 1000 square metre warehouse in Asni, filled to the brim with his treasures. As you wander around you will see pieces of Luciano’s collection that have been used to furnish the Kasbah. The extensive grounds are filled with staircases, courtyards and gardens. On the ground level are two internal courtyards, an indoor pool, a spa, a Hammam and access to the outdoor pool and the Master Suite. A main staircase leads up to a traditional Moroccan painted courtyard that surrounds a deep blue reflecting pool on the first floor. Opening from here are a series of bedrooms, a guest salon, a library and restaurant. From the outdoor pool you can meander along pretty garden paths to the tennis courts. The rooftop is complete with breathtaking views and a seating area where drinks can be served. Each of the 24 rooms and suites at Kasbah Tamadot have been individually decorated to reflect the beautiful architecture of the building. For those looking for a little more privacy there are six luxury Berber Tented suites that are perched on the hillside overlooking a pretty valley below. Each Berber Tented Suite features a king-size bed, large bathtubs for soaking while you gaze over the mountains, a terrace with private plunge pool, sun loungers and outdoor dining. The luxurious tents are decorated in a similar style to the rooms in the main building, with Moroccan inspired furnishings, and
come equipped with split air-conditioning/heating units to keep cool in summer and warm in winter. With breathtaking views, the hotel’s restaurant Kanoun offers diners an intimate fireside bar for predinner cocktails, a stunning dining area for delicious lunches and dinners. The restaurant serves a mouthwatering range of local and international cuisine and a great selection of international and Moroccan wines. For the romantic diners why not choose to dine al fresco next to the beautiful infinity pool bar, on the rooftop terrace underneath the stars, or somewhere private just for two! To the north of Kasbah Tamadot extends a steep river valley with sheer rocky limestone and forested mountains, contrasting with the view of the breathtaking snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains on the southern side. To the east, across the river, you can see a traditional Berber village (Asni) built into the side of the mountain in keeping with the landscape. Within the grounds of KasbahTamadot is a beautiful garden of specimen fruit trees, a collection of cacti and a rambling rose garden. Kasbah Tamadot is a magical place of rest and relaxation where you can do as much or as little as you like. Enjoy cocktails, conversation and contemplation in idyllic surroundings where the table is always set, but the pace isn’t.
What you need to know Do I need a visa? EU passport holders with a passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date do not require a visa to enter Morocco for tourist purposes. If you hold a passport from outside the European Union we strongly recommend that you check with your nearest Moroccan Embassy.
Medical information No vaccinations are required for visitors to Morocco and anti-malarial precautions are not necessary.
How about cash? What is the currency? The local currency in Morocco is the Dirham. It is not possible to obtain Dirhams outside Morocco however there are cash machines at the airport. and in central Marrakech. You can change Sterling, Dollars or Euros into Dirhams at Kasbah Tamadot, but it is illegal for a hotel to change Dirhams back into any other currency. Many places will also take Euros as payment however your change will most likely be in Dirhams. The hotel accepts Sterling,Dollars, Euros, Dirhams or credit cards to settle yourbill.
When is the best time to visit The landscape will vary depending on the season, so each visit will give a different perspective on life in the Atlas Mountains. The average daytime temperature in Marrakech in summer can be as high as 38°C/100°F with a winter daytime average of between 18°F/64°F and 23°C/73°F. It is usually a few degrees cooler up in the mountains at Kasbah Tamadot, which can be a welcome respite when the summer sun is at its hottest.
What about clothing, what will i need? The atmosphere at Kasbah Tamadot is casual and informal, however you may like to wear ‘smart casual’ attire to dinner. Jackets and ties are never necessary, but feel free to dress up if you wish as you won’t feel out of place. Morocco is a liberal Muslim country, and men and women are welcome to wear shorts, t-shirts and swimwear around the public areas of the hotel. When visiting areas outside the hotel it is recommended that women avoid wearing revealing attire if you wish to observe local customs.
What about alcoholic drinks? Although Islam forbids the consumption of alcohol by Muslims, alcoholic drinks can be legally served and sold throughout the country, though you are unlikely to find them on a menu. Morocco even produces its own range of wines, some of which are available to try at Kasbah Tamadot.
Can we get married at Kasbah Tamadot Unfortunately non residents are unable to be married or blessed in Morocco, but Kasbah Tamadot is the perfect place to spend a honeymoon.
We recommend you... Take a dip in the heated outdoor infinity pool and take in the stunning views of the Atlas Mountains. Try the heated indoor pool with its own lounge area if the outside temperature is a bit too chilly. Go for a cleansing session in the sauna. Work up an appetite on one of the two floodlit tennis courts. Racquets and are balls supplied. Chill out in the salon with its large range of books, TV, DVD player, selection of DVDs and CDs, games and a log fire. If you want some privacy, ask for the TV & DVD player to be delivered to your room. Surf the net on one of the guest computers in the Reception area. Work out at the gym. It’s equipped with a running machine, bike, multifunctional weight station and free weights. Have a hit on the ping-pong table located next to the outdoor pool. Visit the nearby market in Asni and practise your haggling skills! Visit the 12th century Tin Mal Mosque, one of only two Mosques in Morocco that is open to nonMuslims (approx 3 hours by car). Explore the local area on foot, by mule or horse or on a mountain bike.
Directions Kasbah Tamadot is approximately 45-minutes drive South from Marrakech Airport and approximately one hour South from central Marrakech in the Atlas Mountains just beyond the village of Asni. Morocco is served by direct flights from major European hubs and the UK. If you are travelling from the US you can connect either in Casablanca or a European hub as there are no direct flights to Marrakech. Luxury car transfers between Marrakech airport and other points in the city to the Kasbah can be arranged.
For further details contact: Virgin Limited Edition UK Head Office T: + 44 (0) 208 600 0430 E: enquiries@virginlimitededition.com www.kasbahtamadot.virgin.com Room Prices start at 395 € per night in low season and 475 € in high season.
Par for the Course
Tee-off with Prestige’s selection of favourite golf courses
TERRE BLANCHE
T
erre Blanche has two golf courses that are ranked among the most prestigious in Europe; they are recommended for golfers of all levels who wish to pit themselves against golfing challenges. Nature is the inspiration for the courses with valleys, lakes, ravines, waterfalls and forests all displaying their own natural talent.
The Courses Le Château This 6,616 metre course is the most demanding of the two courses. It provides a magnificent challenge that will intrigue ambitious golfers. The bunkers, greens and flag positions enable players to experience the true playing conditions of a championship course. It also rewards the best players for their precision and their distance. There are numerous spectacular water obstacles. The course is accessible to all golfers with a maximum handicap of 35. Le Riou On the side of a hill, facing the Provencal villages of the Haut Var, le Riou is a 6,005 metre technical course requiring strategy and precision. This course is reserved for Club Members, their guests and to clients of the Four Seasons Resort. It is also the venue for an Open of the Ladies European Tour Access Series.
Bar & Restaurant
Membership Four membership categories are currently available: Resident Membership Reserved for owners of property within Terre Blanche. Non-Resident Membership International country membership, reserved for residents from outside the Provence region or Monaco. Corporate Card Available for any company wishing to invite its clients or partners.
Green Fees The green fee is from 128 € in high season (April 1st to October 31st) and from 105 € in low season (November 1st to March 31st). The green fee includes a golf cart with GPS (in high season), a towel, a bottle of water, tees, club cleaning when returning from the course and access to the Golf Performance Center with 2 buckets of practice balls. Terre Blanche Golf 104, Impasse des Grandes Terrasses 83440 Tourrettes 30 minutes from Nice or Cannes Tel: +33 (0) 494 393 693 www.terre-blanche.com
Terre Blanche golf club bar and restaurant. Jean-Noël Brunet, a talented chef from the village of Fayence, will welcome you for lunch on the terrace or by the fireplace depending on the season. The bar, which opens onto expansive nature, welcomes club members and visitors. Open every day from 7.30 am to 8.30 am and four evenings a week in high season and from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm in low season. À la carte menu from 25 €.
89
Royal Mougins golf club
T
he Royal Mougins Golf Club is a private Club designated among the “finest Golf Clubs of the World” and because of this enjoys a place on the list of the most prestigious Golf Clubs. Access to the course is reserved firstly for Members of the Club and their guests. Founded in 1993, the Golf at the Royal Mougins Golf Resort has become a reference in Europe: for the quality of its course and the technicality, but equally due to the preserved natural environment and the totality of its benefits and its high-end service. Usually reserved for Members, the course is open to hotel guests (limited to a handicap of 28 for men and 32 for women) by simple reservation and payment of a green fee offered at preferential rates. This privilege permits play on an 18-hole competition private golf course laid out over some 6,004 meters (par 71). Its designer, renowned international architect Robert von Hagge, has cleverly employed the natural countryside, made up of hills and a wooded plain, to invent the lines and movements of this varied course, which includes 8 lakes linked by creeks and waterfalls. The golf was designed to be adaptable for players at all levels. Of course, the Royal Mougins Golf Resort offers all players a complete range of deluxe benefits: locker room, Pro Shop, Club House, instructors, caddies, rentals… Finally, the new “Halfway-House” welcomes players for a break (with drinks, snacks and sandwiches) in the great outdoors at the turn. Royal Mougins Golf Club 424 Avenue du Roi, 06250 Mougins 20 mins from Nice Aeroport & 10 mins from Cannes Contact Joost Rieter: +33.(0) 492 924 983 www.royalmougins.fr
90
Membership How to become a member The Royal Mougins Golf Club is a private club destined to comprise of 700 active memberships. The membership roster already includes 34 nationalities. Until the club roster is complete, a limited number of visitors - as part of the promotion of the club - will be allowed to play on the golf course. Members will always have priority over invited guests and visitors. The Royal Mougins policy of being a private golf course requires that guests may only play a maximum of 5 times per calendar year. After this, they consider that guests are able to decide if they want to become a Member or not. Membership in the Royal Mougins Golf Club is available by acquisition of a “Droit de Jeu” (Right to play), which gives access to the golf course and the clubhouse during a period of 99 years. This Membership can be sold or transferred during your life. You can also take the opportunity to buy a membership as an investment. Both the Club’s management and the admission committee has to approve and ratify your Membership’s acceptance. A letter of recommendation will be requested from your initial club if and when applicable. They can offer you the possibility to become a Member of one of the following categories: Individual Membership (1 person or 1 couple) Corporate Membership (from 1 to 4 persons) Residential Membership (1 person or 1 couple + children less than 21years old)
The Golf Country Club de Cannes-Mougins
I
f stones could talk, they had to tell the tale. The tale of a magnificent estate overlooked by an old olive oil-mill and surrounded by oaks, pine-trees and fields of jasmine, which inspired golfers from across the Channel at the beginning of the 20th century. In 1923, the Cannes Country Club was opened, thanks to the initiative taken by its illustrious founder members such as the Aga Khan, the Prince Pierre of Monaco, the Baron Edmond de Rothschild and the Duke of Vallombrosa. The Cannes-Mougins Golf Club provides all the features you would expect from a modern golf course within an historical environment. The club was founded in 1923 and, in 1977, the course was rebuilt for (18 holes ; par 72) and designed by two golf architects, Peter Allis et Dave Thomas.
This 6906 yards course is nestled in the heart of the Valmasque forest in a protected environment which is unique on the French Riviera. In the Valmasque forest, the course is crossed by a river, the Bouillide River. During 14 years, the Golf Country Club of CannesMougins has organized the Cannes Open. This competition was the highlight on the European Tour and boasts Famous winners’ such as Jean Garaialde, Greg Norman, Severiano Ballesteros, and Ian Woosnam. The Golf Country Club de Cannes-Mougins 175 avenue du Golf, 06250 Mougins 20 mins from Nice Aeroport & 10 mins from Cannes Tel : +33 (0) 493 757 913 www.golf-cannes-mougins.com
Restaurant The restaurant “Le 175” is open every day, where you can enjoy creative and refined quality cooking. Alain Franciulloti, is the manager of the restaurant, and Francis Cardaillac, the famous Michelin chef, will happily deal with any personal requirements.
Membership The Golf Country Club de Cannes-Mougins is a private club reserved to shareholders. To become a shareholder of the Golf Country Club de Cannes-Mougins, it is necessary to be: • Sponsored by two members who have had more than three years membership at the Club. • Accepted by the board of directors who will then place you on the waiting list. • Pay an entrance fee. • Buy a share (transferable). Some tee times are open for visitors with the following conditions: • You must be a Member in another Golf Club. • Have affiliation to a Golf Union. • Maximum index 28.
Visitors Green Fees 18 holes 120 €, 9 holes* 90 € (both without buggy) *Schedule depending on the season
Golf de Roquebrune
A
Annual Fees
Roquebrune golf course is situated in an ideal spot between Cannes and Saint Tropez. Peacefully nestled in completely natural surroundings, this course allows you to mix the passion for the game with a relaxing walk. Registred as an official 18 hole course by the FFG (French Golf Federation) the greens of the golf course offer views of the Argens plains that are particularly breath-taking.
Fees Second Club 2011 Individual 2200 €, Joint 3750 €
Bar & Restaurant
Special Offers 10 Games 18 Holes 620 € 10 Games 9 Holes 425 €
n intimate & prestigious address with an exceptional 18 hole course offering various landscapes between Earth & Sea, and two peaceful, ambient dining areas.
After your round of golf, why not relax in The Z Bar a stylish bar and brasserie or for something more refined you can dine on gourmet cuisine at The Restaurant Z, situated in the Club House, which offers both Mediterranean and Provençal dishes.
Individual 2450 €, Joint 4050 €, Junior 450 €, Student 800 €
Ten Month Subscription (except July and August) Individual 2150 €, Joint 3650 €
Green Fees 18 Holes 69 €, 9 Holes 47 €
Visitors Information Visitors are welcome every day. Advance booking is essential. A valid handicap certificate or card is required. Handicap limit: 53.
Golf de Roquebrune Domaine de Roquebrune, 83520 Roquebrune sur Argens 70km from Nice Aeroport,10km from Saint RaphaëlFréjus and 30km to Saint Tropez Tel: 04 94 19 60 35 www.golfderoquebrune.com
91
Les Domaines de Saint Endréol
B
etween Provence and the French Riviera, the “Domaines de Saint- Endréol Golf & Spa Resort” lies in a spectacular spot steeped in sunshine, amidst stunning surroundings. Like a watchman searching the horizon, the Rock of Roquebrune stands guard over the gentle landscapes of Provence. Contrasting sharply with this wild and barren rock, Saint Endréol golf course is a haven of soft lawns, century-old umbrella pines set against blue skies and unruffled little lakes. The 6169 metre layout embraces the site’s natural relief, for nature is the architect of this exceptional course; the hand of man has only served to reveal the site’s hidden beauty. Opened since august 1992, the 6169 meter course of impeccably maintained fairways was designed by Michel Gayon in order to create the perfect golfing experience for all levels of play. Each of the holes has its own personality: the 13th hole, with its intimidating precipice and green set on the river, is but one of the temptations and challenges awaiting golfers. Classified 4 balls out of five by Gault & Millau Golf Guide, among the top 10 Golf courses in France, the Saint Endréol Golf course is really challenging. In addition of an 18-hole golf course, there is a panel of activities: tennis courts or massages, saunas, Turkish bath, hot tub and Power Plate in a 2000m² Spa. The Palayson restaurant will delight the gourmets with its distinctively Provencal cuisine. A large range of snacks, such as sandwiches, paninis and slices of pizzas, are served as a quick bite in the lounge of the Club House where a sunny terrace overlooks the green. Draft beers and whiskeys from all around the world are also available. Les Domaines de Saint Endréol Route de Bagnols-en-Forêt, 83920 La Motte-en-Provence 45 minutes from Nice Aeroport, 30 minutes from Cannes & 40 minutes from St Tropez Tel. +33 (0) 494 518 980 www.st-endreol.com
92
Fees The Golf course is accessible to all players with a handicap lower or equal to 30. These same players will be accepted if they are accompanied by players: 1. Whose level of game meets the access criteria of to the course, 2. And engage their responsibility for compliance with local rules and speed of the game. Handicap certificate must be shown at the reception desk. Booking advised. Locker room: 10 € minimum deposit per key. Group Fees: Groups of 10 to 30 people are offered a 10% reduction on the public green fee rate and 20% reduction for groups is given exceeding 31 players. Juniors and students are not taken into account in the calculation of a group. For all group bookings during high season (school holidays and bank holidays) the group reduction is divided by two.
Green Fees • 18 holes -72.00 € • 9 holes from tee N° 10 to tee N°18 (morning only, subject to availability) - 43 € • 18 holes Members Golf PACA* (Member cards must be shown at the reception desk) - 55 € • Green Fee “3h30 before sunset”* - 47 € • Green Fee Duo + 1 golf cart* (only on Tuesday & Wednesday, booking compulsory, not valid during holidays) - 136 € *no extra discount can be added to these offers. Saint Endréol is a semi-private golf club open to the public
D ST TE V RI E
Aston Martin Rapide ATTRACTIVE? More like entrancing. That’s the effect the Aston Martin Rapide has on people.
H
and on heart, I have never had so many people stop and stare at one of my test cars before. Even while writing this a chap leaned out of his van to take a picture of the Rapide, parked on my drive. Now that’s either flattering or worrying. Do you really want a car that is going to be the centre of attention? I suspect, ‘yes’ is the answer, if you’re in the market for one of the most beautiful car brands on the planet. This particular Aston Martin is very different from its siblings though because it has four doors and four individual seats. It means you can now take your family with you to share the thrill of being in one of the fastest and best-looking cars on the road today. Now, I’m married with two small children. My youngest, only one, doesn’t know much about his cars yet, but my four year old daughter is learning fast. She certainly spotted the extra doors on the morning frost coloured (that’s pearlescent white to you and me) Rapide, and was inside the car in a shot. It was only then that I discovered you can get child seats in the individual bucket seats with ease. And without them in you can probably get away with being comfortable as long as you’re not too near the six foot mark. If you are over that, you’ll probably end up knocking your head on the sloping window frame. What’s even more functional, I discovered, is that the rear seats fold down to extend boot space from 301 litres to 750 litres. That’s some good load lugging space! If being in an Aston Martin isn’t entertaining enough for your rear seat passengers, there is plenty to keep them, young or old, happy. The entertainment package consists of a pair of fiveinch LCD screens for watching DVDs on, a remote
control and a pair of wireless headphones that allow passengers to listen to a different soundtrack to the one being played over the car’s loudspeakers. For the driver and passenger, if the glorious soundtrack of the 6.0-litre V12 engine gets too much, they can enjoy the Rapide’s dramatic Bang & Olufsen sound system. This audio setup consists of a 1,000W amplifier (that’s the same as I have in my lounge!) and monstrous 15 speakers. To top it all, when you turn the system on, the smaller speakers on the dash rise up like periscopes so that you get a high-end home cinema type of sound precision. A nice touch. But enough of all the toys, what’s under the bonnet? Well, the Rapide features a hand-built 6.0-litre V12 engine, producing 470 bhp with peak power being delivered at 6000 rpm and 600 Nm (443 lbft) peak torque at 5000 rpm. A specifically tuned six-speed Touchtronic 2 automatic transmission features as standard, allowing the driver to change gear automatically or manually via the steering column-mounted paddles. All this makes the Rapide a true sports car – a thoroughbred which can be enjoyed by four people in unison. Aston Martin engineers have spent thousands of hours tuning suspension, throttle maps, tyres, brakes and steering to create a car that, while practical, also provides a dynamically engaging drive. Despite the extra versatility, the low roof line, and therefore low centre of gravity, makes the Rapide feel like an agile coupe. Its suspension is soft and forgiving, its steering is light and its accelerator so progressive and compliant, it’s easy to forget there’s a colossal engine under the bonnet. That can all change though if you press two buttons on the dash. One is a suspension altering button; this causes the ride to become stiffer, allowing the Rapide to corner like its
on rails. The other, a sports button, makes everything go that little bit quicker; the engine becomes more eager and the Touchtronic 2 six-speed automatic gearbox changes up a little later, giving you even more pace, resulting in a 0-60 mph time of 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 184 mph. Despite all that potential power and speed you can still drive the Aston Martin Rapide sensibly, especially if, like me, you’re carrying your family around. You can even go a long way before needing to feed the car. That’s because a new fuel tank has been incorporated to hold 90.5 litres, enabling the Rapide to deliver a range of over 300 miles without reducing the car’s sporting dynamics. Behind the wheel, the Rapide never seems like a four door coupe. It genuinely feels like a supercar and is utterly pleasing in every way. If you can afford a car like this, then I’m jealous. In fact your kids’ friends will be envious too because, remember, this car won’t just be about you. There’ll be no excuses about not having enough room in your sports car to take the children to school. Your friends will all start wanting lifts too. You’re hooked though still, aren’t you?
FACTS
Engine: 48 valve 5935cc V12 front mid-mounted Transmission: ‘Touchtronic 2’ six-speed gearbox Power: 470 bhp Torque: 443 lb ft at 5000 rpm Max speed: 184 mph 0 - 60 mph: 5.0 seconds Combined mpg: 19.0 mpg CO2: 355 g/km Price: Approx. 150,000 EUR OTR
© Barnes-Clay Media 2011. Follow Tim on twitter at: www.twitter.com/barnesclaymedia
By Tim Barnes-Clay – Motoring Journalist
93
Aston Martin Virage
T
he Geneva Motor Show 2011 saw Aston Martin make a world debut with the new Virage - supremely elegant and powerful, yet juxtaposed as an understated sports car. The marque can now provide customers with a class-leading range, all with different characters, yet with the same unique Aston Martin soul and luxury. Beautiful, dynamic and prestigious, the Virage combines outright sports car performance with luxury, comfort and refinement. The front midmounted V12 engine’s torque delivery provides outstanding performance, coupled with the car’s inherent agility and perfect weight distribution delivering the ideal balance between outright sports car performance and trademark sporting luxury exemplified by modern Aston Martins. Aston Martin CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez said: “100 years of automotive history has demonstrated that evolution delivers the best solutions in time. “So it is with Virage; it is the next level of evolution in our VH architecture strategy and it does everything with the perfection that you would expect today. It is the perfect balance of opposites.” The Virage sits between the enduringly elegant DB9 and overtly sporting DBS, providing customers with a car that remains luxurious and understated but delivers increased performance and crucially performance that is always accessible for effortless driving. Aston Martin’s revered hand-built 6.0 litre V12 engine produces 490 bhp (365 kW/497 PS) and 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque and through its carbon fibre prop shaft, is mated to a six-speed Touchtronic II automatic transmission mounted on the transaxle contributing to perfect 50:50 weight balance. The Virage’s dynamics have been tuned to deliver an engaging yet more refined driving experience, where the driver can extract the maximum performance from the car with greater ease. A newly developed Adaptive Damping System (ADS)
94
intelligently ‘reads’ the road to provide optimum road holding, adapting to different conditions. The system now selects up to five different stiffness settings within normal mode, and a further five stiffer settings within sport mode. Aiding driver control, a ‘Sport’ button on the facia allows the driver to select a sharper throttle response and faster gear changes while also holding the gears without automatically shifting up at the revolution limiter. Virage will be delivered with Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes as standard - bucking the trend in this market - offering progressive and tremendous stopping power. Powerful, resistant to fade and much lighter than conventional cast-iron discs, the CCM braking system means that not only is the overall vehicle weight reduced, but the weight saving at each wheel means that a better balance between ride comfort and handling can be struck. Lower rotational mass also provides improved acceleration. Virage capitalises on the technology from the DBS and unites it with the comfort and refinement found in the DB9 and Rapide. Aston Martin’s own bonded aluminium ‘VH’ architecture that forms the backbone of the marque’s sports cars, takes inspiration from the aerospace industry where weight reduction is the ultimate goal. Strong yet light, the inherent properties of modular aluminium lend themselves perfectly to an extremely rigid and versatile platform which allows the production of a Virage coupe and Volante. The Virage sits low and wide asserting the power which lies beneath; single bi-xenon headlamps follow the lines of the car’s flanks to give a more crisp and modern look from the front. A new aluminium metal front grille, inspired by the One-77, features five horizontal vanes which are chamfered creating an aerofoil profile. The new front bumper is pure and relieves the car of any visual complexities, contributing to the overall simplicity of design. The front wings distinguish the Virage from its stable
mates housing a new modern interpretation of the Aston Martin iconic side strake housing six LEDs elegantly forming the side repeater. Virage’s side sills carry the simplicity of the front bumper through to the rear diffuser which houses a body-coloured blade accentuating the width of the car. As drivers and passengers open the signature swan wing doors, they are greeted by the aroma of seven hides of the finest Bridge of Weir leather expertly hand stitched by craftsmen. Inspiration has been taken from luxury leather goods to produce a pinstripe welt which flows down either side of the facia and along the seat and door, drawing your eye through the car. Each Virage will have 70 man hours of expert craftsmanship lavished on the interior alone to create the famous sophisticated Aston Martin interior. In all, over 200 man hours will be spent handcrafting the Virage at Aston Martin’s global headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire, England as it becomes the tenth major production car to be built there in the space of less than eight years. Simplicity runs throughout the car with the new fully integrated Satellite Navigation system that has been developed in conjunction with Garmin. The new system simplifies operation through the existing four-way joystick mounted on the facia. A new 6.5 inch high resolution display uses the latest graphics and maps to visually and aurally guide the driver to their destination. Standard equipment includes heated seats (Sports seats only), cruise control, satellite navigation, Bluetooth telephone preparation and the powerful 700W Aston Martin Premium Audio System with Dolby® Pro Logic II® and full iPod® integration. The Virage and Virage Volante are on sale now, available from Aston Martin’s global dealership network spanning 132 dealerships in 41 countries. . *The V8 Vantage S and the new Tailor-Fit Cygnet city car, will be brought to production in the UK by Aston Martin in 2011.
Juergen Obermann, Founder Type-41
Luxury Supercar Club debuts on the Cote d’Azur
Unrivalled access to limited edition supercars for British homeowners and holiday makers in the South of France
A
new supercar club has recently launched in Monaco, aimed at British holiday makers and those who frequently visit the French Riviera. The club, which is run by Swiss company Type-41, will offer car enthusiasts hassle free access to an array of limited edition supercars; a first for the Cote d’Azur. “While supercar clubs are well established in the UK, Type-41 is the first to extend such a high end experience to the Cote d’Azur,” said Juergen Obermann, founder and owner of Type-41. “What better way to enhance the glamour and style of a trip to the South of France than having access to some of the world’s most exclusive supercars? We’re excited to launch the club, having recognised a real gap in the market in offering this type of luxury in Monaco.” Unlike other car clubs, Type-41 only features limited and special edition supercars, many of which are simply not available to buy or rent on the open market. The club has five categories of vehicles, including ‘Hardcore Street Racers’, ‘Open Top Street Racers’ and ‘Great Limited Cruisers’, giving its members access to an unrivalled range of rare and exceptional cars. The impressive collection houses the fastest ever road going Ferrari, the most exclusive production Aston Martin, and a Lamborghini that is one of the world’s fastest drop tops. The private club is open to invited members only. Membership, which starts at €36,000 (£30,000) and includes ‘elite’, ‘corporate’, and ‘enthusiast’ memberships, is restricted to just 111 individuals. Members will share the impressive collection of
limited and special edition cars and be able to attend a series of exclusive Type-41 events including track days on the Cote d’Azur, access to a private terrace at the Monaco Grand Prix and the unique opportunity to drive genuine Formula One and Super GT racing cars. Type-41 represents a cost effective and flexible way of enjoying some of the world’s most desirable cars in one of the most luxurious regions. Members will be able to experience year-round access to the collection of limited edition supercars without concerns about maintenance, storage and depreciation. The annual membership fee will cover all purchasing costs, tax, insurance, maintenance and storage of the entire collection of cars. Allocation of the cars will operate via a points system with each member being able to trade allocated points for use of the cars. The points required will vary depending on the category of car, the season and the booking duration. “Compared to owning just one of our limited edition supercars, Type-41 represents an annual saving of €20,000 or more,” said Obermann. “This is quite simply the best way to enjoy rare and exceptional supercars. Our members will have unrivalled variety and hassle-free motoring at a fraction of the cost.”
Type-41 members will have access to the following cars: ●● Ferrari 599 GTO - fastest ever road going Ferrari (limited to 599 production models). ●● Audi R8 GT - hard-core R8 supercar is Audi’s fastest ever road car (limited to 333). ●● Porsche 911 GT2RS - fastest, most powerful Porsche road car ever made (limited to 500). ●● Mercedes CLK DTM – simply the most exciting AMG ever 14th made (limited to 100). ●● Lamborghini LP570-4 Spyder Performante - one of the fasted drop tops around (1st in South of France) ●● Aston Martin DBS UB-2010 Volante - special edition for 10th Anniversary of Dr Ulrich Bez as CEO (limited to 20). ●● Porsche Speedster - 25 years on the Speedster is a classic Porsche dream (limited to 364). ●● Ferrari F430 F1 Spider 16M* - Ferrari F430’s swan song (one of 499 cars made). Not available at launch (delivery due later in 2011). ●● Land Rover Defender with Engage tuning (currently one of a kind). ●● Fiat Tributo - a special Ferrari limited edition version of the Fiat 500.
95
Jaguar Launch XKR-S
…and celebrate 50 years of E-Type
T
his all-new model will significantly broaden the appeal of the XK range, offering enthusiastic drivers a compelling, fresh choice in the luxury GT class. With an uprated supercharged V8 engine, overhauled suspension and a new aerodynamicallydriven design, the XKR-S is the ultimate expression of Jaguar’s long held duality of purpose: GT luxury with incredible performance. “The XKR-S is a bold and exciting new model for Jaguar,” said Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar’s new Global Brand Director. “We expect to attract both loyal and new Jaguar driving enthusiasts who still want the comfort, opulence and class only a Jaguar can offer, combined with inspirational performance.” The XKR-S produces 550PS and 680Nm of torque, enough power to offer a top speed of 186mph (300km/h). Its performance credentials speak for themselves: 0-60mph takes 4.2 seconds, with 0-100mph dismissed in just 8.6 seconds. The XKR-S is not merely the quickest Jaguar ever, but also the most agile, responsive and driverfocused. It exploits the XK’s strong, lightweight aluminium body architecture to maximise both handling and economy. Alongside its incredible performance, the XKR-S is the only car in its class that emits less than 300g/km CO2. Bespoke suspension changes to the front and rear offer ultimate precision, control and driver appeal, while a reprogrammed Adaptive Dynamics system allows the enthusiastic driver to explore the edges of the handling envelope.
96
Alongside the exciting new XKR-S, Jaguar will be marking the 50th anniversary of the E-Type with the first in a series of celebrations that take place during 2011. Jaguar will be hosting E-Type drives at the Parc des Eaux Vives in Geneva, where the original car was launched by the marque’s founder Sir William Lyons half a century ago. The appeal of E-Type transcended the automotive world. Such is the inherent rightness of its proportions, stance and purity of line, that it
is a permanent exhibit in New York’s Museum of Modern Art. Its influence is still apparent in Jaguar’s modern range - products that offer a peerless blend of performance, comfort, cutting-edge technology and award-winning design. “It is impossible to overstate the impact the E-Type had,” said Ian Callum, Jaguar Design Director. “Here was a car that encapsulated the spirit of the revolutionary era it came to symbolise.”
Jaguar Announces the Official E-Type 50th Anniversary Collectors’ Book
J
aguar has commissioned a beautiful ‘Collectors’ Edition’ coffee-table book to mark the 50th anniversary of the car that stopped the automotive world in its tracks – the E-Type. ‘E-Type – 50 Years of a Design Icon’ charts the remarkable story of this revolutionary car and is available for online purchase now. Launched at the Geneva Motor Show in 1961, the E-Type was the fastest production car in the world, capable of an incredible 150mph. Costing half the price of its rivals, the E-Type was the car to be seen in. Football legend George Best was an owner, along with Brigitte Bardot, Tony Curtis and Steve McQueen. The 144-page hardback book contains a combination of previously unseen material from the Jaguar Heritage archives, newly commissioned photography and bespoke content featuring interviews with luminaries from the worlds of design, motorsport and celebrity, including Sir Jackie Stewart, Martin Brundle, Sir Stirling Moss and Jay Leno. A must-have for both E-Type owners and Jaguar enthusiasts alike, the book is available in two stunning formats: a premium version and a limitededition VIP volume. Each individually numbered VIP book is hand-bound in a specially commissioned reproduction of the E-type’s original upholstery leather and presented in its own slipcase.
E-Type Facts The E-Type was presented to the world’s press at the restaurant du Parc des Eaux Vives in Geneva on 15th March 1961. Such was the media excitement and clamour for demonstration runs up a nearby hillclimb that Jaguar founder Sir William Lyons instructed chief test driver Norman Dewis to drive through the night from Coventry to bring another model to Switzerland. Even Enzo Ferrari admitted it was “the most beautiful car in the world”. The E-Type’s straight-six engine had powered Jaguar to five Le Mans victories in the 1950s and by 1961 in 3.8-litre form produced 265bhp and 260lb ft of torque, making the car a genuine 150mph proposition and, like its XK120 predecessor, the fastest production car in the world. The E-Type’s perfectly proportioned bodywork was the work of Malcolm Sayer, an aeronautical engineer by training who also applied his aerodynamic expertise in shaping the earlier Le Mans-winning C-Type and D-Type racers. The E-Type remained in production for 14 years, selling more than 70,000 units, making it Europe’s first mass-produced sports car. The book can be ordered online at: www.fpcreative.com/sales/etypebook/
97
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
102EX - Phantom Experimental Electric
T
oday, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars begins an exploration into alternative drive-trains, seeking clarity on which technology may be suitable to drive Rolls-Royce motor cars of the future. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars introduces the 102EX, a car that represents one of the most significant initiatives taken by the company in recent years. It is the world’s first battery electric vehicle for the ultra-luxury segment and continues a tradition of experimental cars running through the model generations. Rolls-Royce produces cars that represent the pinnacle in luxurious motoring for the world’s most discerning customers. However, the company also recognises the need to look to the future and to plan for long-term sustainable growth. An investigation into alternative drive-train options is an important step in that process. With 102EX, also to be known as the Phantom Experimental Electric (EE), it is the company’s intention to carefully test the opinions and reactions to alternative drive-train options of a range of stakeholders including owners, enthusiasts, members of the public and the media. Throughout 2011 Phantom EE will serve as a working test bed, giving owners, VIPs, the media and enthusiasts the opportunity to experience an established alternative drive-train technology and to feed back their experiences, thoughts and concerns directly. The bank of research gathered from a global drive programme that will include Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America will be crucial to decisions affecting alternative drive-trains for RollsRoyce Motor Cars.
98
The 102EX bears the famous hallmarks of the Rolls-Royce Phantom on which it is based, such as hand craftsmanship, fine detailing and iconic design cues like the pantheon grille and the Spirit of Ecstasy which celebrates its centenary in 2011. However, at the core of its design is the essence of an experimental vehicle, establishing this car’s status as a test bed, while subtly alluding to its electric power plant.
and the changes that the technology brings in terms of interior space and exterior detailing. Naturally, these changes are executed in a way that affirms the car’s credentials as a Rolls-Royce. Re-charging is undertaken with a plug and fivepin socket which takes the place of the normal fuel filling mechanism for Phantom. The standard fuel filler cap has been replaced by a design featuring a clear window, displaying the RR logo and 102EX motif. The window frames rear-mounted, tricolour LEDs which present the car’s charging status. On start up, the socket is bathed in blue light. This begins to flash as charging commences. When completely charged, the display turns green, then flashing green as the solenoid is disengaged. A potential fault in the system is indicated by either constant or flashing red light. There are no plans to build a production version of this car. Phantom EE’s role is as a test bed, designed to explore established BEV technologies, to pose as well as to answer questions. So to pose a 21st Century question from customers, enthusiasts and the media: Electric luxury – can it be perfection or does it present an unacceptable compromise for RollsRoyce Motor Cars? For further information log onto: www.electricluxury.com
The design creates a different aesthetic, experimenting with interior space and materials, as well as trims and illumination. These are framed around functional considerations for a battery electric Rolls-Royce - how the car is likely to be used
MINI Rocketman
A
t the International Geneva Motor Show 2011, the British brand presented not only the most diverse model line-up in its history, a further expanded range of engines and new, stylish personalisation options, but also another fascinating response to the challenges of urban mobility in the 21st century. The MINI Rocketman Concept fuses traditional values with innovative technology to redefine the brand’s core principle of the creative use of space. The new study car – which boasts a unique space utilisation concept. is a 3+1-seater with 3 doors and an exterior length of 3.3 metres (10 ft. 11 in.), delivers an exciting promise of personalised driving fun in major urban areas. The world premiere of the MINI Rocketman Concept introduced visitors at the International Geneva Motor Show 2011 to new ways of sampling urban driving fun in its cutting-edge form. The study car’s characteristics are geared to the multilayered demands of a contemporary target group, whose mobility needs are shaped by their desire for driving fun, a flexible use of space and extensive connectivity with their lives outside the car. The creativity of the MINI design team once again allows them to transfer fundamental MINI features and values to a groundbreaking new vehicle concept in untarnished form. The MINI Rocketman Concept is a compact and agile three-door car which offers comfortable accommodation for the driver, front passenger and another passenger, and can add a fourth individual seat in the rear if necessary. The capacity
of the luggage compartment can be adapted to the passengers’ requirements just as flexibly. The innovative door and tailgate concept developed for the MINI Rocketman Concept ensures extremely comfortable entry and uncomplicated loading, while side sills integrated into the doors allow the entry area to reach well into the interior. The two-part tailgate consists of one section which is attached to the roof and opens extremely high and a lower section which extends out of the body in the form of a drawer. The MINI Rocketman Concept body is shaped by an avant-garde interpretation of time-honoured brand features. Innovative construction techniques allow the principle used in the classic Mini – of providing the maximum amount of room on the smallest possible footprint – to be carried over to the mobility challenges of urban areas in the 21st century. The hallmark MINI design language exudes a powerful and dynamic allure, its proportions and distinctive design features ensuring that it is immediately recognisable as a member of the brand family. Large headlights and the chrome-bordered radiator grille dominate the front end, while large wheels and the three-level structural split of body, “wraparound” greenhouse and roof resting on top give the flanks the same appearance as the MINI models already in series production. The rear lights have a trapezoidal stirrup design, while the transparent glass roof is segmented by illuminated braces to recreate the look of Britain’s Union Jack flag. The innovative character of the study is defined by the systematic application of lightweight
design principles and a pure-bred interior geared to maximum driving fun. A carbon spaceframe construction, whose striking surface structure is visible from the outside both on the radiator grille and in the interior, forms the basis for a weightminimising construction. Inside the car, leather covers and high-gloss painted surfaces combine with armrests and trim strips made from a special paper that has been pressed and folded into the desired structure. A wrap-around light strip at waistline height generates a particularly harmonious ambience. The control concept for the MINI Rocketman Concept also sees the brand exploring new directions. The customary Centre Speedo houses a projection surface boasting 3D graphics presentation capability. This allows information particularly relevant to the driving situation to be displayed in the foreground. The display is operated using both the steering wheel buttons and the integrated trackball. In addition, the MINI Rocketman Concept also has a removable control element for all comfort and connectivity-related functions. This can be configured on a computer before the start of a journey, allowing the driver to transfer new music files, a navigation destination and contact details for mobile communications and internet usage into the vehicle with maximum convenience. Whilst the MINI Rocketman is still classed as a study, you can expect a road version of it to be available from 2014 to sit beside the current hatchback, convertable, estate, five door and soon to launch roadster and coupe models.
99
Address Book Fashion
Jewelry
Home
Events
Rohmir Monte-Carlo Forever, Le Métropole, 9 avenue des pélugues, 98000 Principauté de Monaco Tel: + 377 97 77 22 22
Piaget 3 avenue des Beaux Arts Monte-Carlo Tél: +377 93 50 44 16
Kitchen Factory 12 rue Cassini, Nice Tel : + 33 (0) 493 569 871
The GlitterKing Bespoke Glitter Art Tel: +49 (0) 177 333 55 90, +33 (0) 649 348 364 or +33 (0) 698 438 990
The Passion 5 Rue Allard, 83990 Saint-Tropez Tel: + 33 (0) 4 94 97 53 88 Windy 26 Rue Masséna, 06000 Nice Tel: + 33 (0) 4 93 87 75 54 Yves Saint Laurent 65 Boulevard de la Croisette 06400 Cannes Tel: +33 (0) 493 38 39 15 Marchesa Tahiti Boutique, Ramatuelle Phone: +33(0) 494 97 33 29 Donna Karan Boutique MY 6 Rue François Sibilli 83990 Saint-Tropez Tel : + 33 (0) 494 44 88 88 Dolce & Gabbana 41 Boulevard de la Croisette 06400 Cannes Tel: +33 (0) 492 59 22 82 35 Rue François Sibilli 83990 Saint-Tropez Tel : +33 (0) 494 97 95 60 Escada 62 La Croisette, Cannes Tel: +33 (0) 493 393 908 8 avenue de Verdun, Nice Tel: +33 (0) 493 822 428 Place de la Garonne, St Tropez Tel: +33 (0) 494 554 344 Philipp Plein 21 Rue des Etats Unis, Cannes Tel :+33 (0) 493 382 221 17 Avenue des Spelugues Monte Carlo, Monaco Tel: +377 93 50 41 10 Place de la Garonne, St Tropez Tel: +33 (0) 494 978 184
Accessories www.francoiseelizee.com www.alexisbittar.com www.ashleypittman.com Sergio-Zelcer – www.endless.com www.gilesandbrother.com
100
Dominic Walmsley www.dominicwalmsley.com Lorenz Bäumer 4 Place Vendome, Paris www.lorenzbaumer.com Tiffany www.tiffany.co.uk
Watches Rolex Louis Julien 71 Rue d'Antibes, Cannes Tel: +33 (0) 493 393 068 Lepage 7 venue Jean-Médecin, Nice Tel: +33 (0) 493 878 456 Kronometry 1999 4 La Croisette, Cannes Tel : +33(0) 497 066 970 Zegg et Cerlati Place du Casino, Monaco Tel : +377 99 99 66 22 Julian Joailliers Passage du port, St Tropez Tel : +33 (0) 494 972 027 Girard-Perregaux Arije, Hotel Carlton 58 bld de la croisette, Cannes Tel :+33 (0) 493 998 357 Arije, Palais Stéphanie 50 bld de la croisette, Cannes Tel :+33 (0) 493 684 773 De La Cour Kronometry 1999 4 la Croisette, Cannes Tel : + 33 (0) 497 066 970 Le Régina 13 Boulevard des Moulins 98000 Monaco Tel : +377 97 70 44 22 Le Grand Passage 3, Rue Allard, Saint Tropez Tel : +33 (0)4 98 12 62 50 Jaeger-LeCoultre 27, rue d'Antibes, Cannes Tel : +33 (0) 493 381 817
Designers Guild Histoire d'Intérieur 7 Rue Paul Negrin, Cannes Tel : +33 (0) 699 198 521 Interieur Sud 2 Place Du Commandant Lamy Cannes Tel : +33 (0) 4 93 39 06 55 Maîtresse De Maison Traverse Du Marbrier Angle Avenue Du 8 Mai 1945 Saint Tropez Tel : +33 (0) 494 548 655 Cs Décoration 14 Boulevard De Cessole, Nice Tel : +33 (0) 493 521 944 MB Design & Renovations English Renovations Tel : +33 (0) 698 251 746
Property Sales Nice Pebbles Sales 20 rue de l’Hôtel des Postes, Nice Tel :+33 (0) 489 050 660 Riviera World 7 Bis, rue Antoine Gautier, Nice Port Tel : +33 (0 )492 048 920
Holiday Rentals Nice Pebbles 23 rue Gioffredo, Nice Tel : +33 (0) 497 202 730
Other Adrian Shaw Massage Therapist Personal Trainer Tel :+ 33 ( 0 ) 660 215 496 Friend In France English Language Information Service www.friend-in-france.com
Jacques Blanc 24ct Skin Jewelry Tel: 06 85 99 20 91 The Girly Show Dance Troop For Exclusive Events www.thegirlyshow.com
Motors Jaguar British Motors 15 Bd Princesse Charlotte Monte Carlo, Monaco Tel. :+ 377 97 97 89 78 Mini Bac Monte-Carlo Stade Louis Ii, Monaco Tel :+377 97 97 55 55 Azur Autos Avenue Henri Lantelme Saint Laurent Du Var Tel :+33 (0) 493 182 208 Aston Martin Royal Motors 1390 av Campon, Le Cannet Tel : +33 (0) 493 948 488
The MINI Scooter E Concept U
rban driving fun enters a new dimension with the MINI Scooter E Concept. This innovative mobility concept embodies a combination of sustainability and lifestyle unprecedented in the two-wheel segment. A period spanning more than 50 years has seen this brand representing leading-edge vehicle concepts that encompass environmental and economic aspects while satisfying the desire for spontaneous driving fun and individual style. In its time, the classic Mini became the icon of a new kind of mouldbreaking mobility in modern urban environments. The MINI Scooter E Concept similarly delivers alternative solutions for the shifting requirements in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s urban traffic landscape. Its design in typical MINI style incorporates a pioneering operating concept and comprehensive options for creating a personalised vehicle, taking account of the sophisticated requirements of young, environmentally aware target groups who are open to new trends. The MINI Scooter E Concept represents the first mobility concept in this vehicle segment to bring sustainability and lifestyle into harmony, it represents a means of conveyance that is as classless as the classic Mini in its time. Easy operation and agile handling offer ideal conditions for giving young drivers a fascinating entry into the world of the MINI brand. At the same time, the concept will appeal to the style-conscious and environmentally aware. The cockpit of the MINI Scooter E Concept comprises of a Centre Speedo in the circular shape familiar from MINI, with a smartphone integrated in the middle The inside of the round instrument
comprises of a snap-in adapter for a smartphone, which operates simultaneously as the vehicle key, display and central control element. As soon as the rider docks his mobile phone and switches it on, the vehicle is ready to go. While the scooter is in motion, the smartphone can be used as a navigation system, music player or telephone as required. A wireless Bluetooth interface can be connected to a helmet from the MINI Collection. This is fitted with a microphone and headphones so that riders are able to use the telephone function or access their personal music collection while on the road. The drive concept incorporated in the study also underpins the consistent development efforts of the BMW Group in its quest to achieve CO2-free mobility. When riding the MINI Scooter E Concept, brief stops can be used to top up the on-board energy storage system. Consistent charging significantly increases independence and flexibility when using the electrically powered two-wheeler. The electric drive unit, concealed beneath a painted cover inside the rear wheel, is powered by electricity supplied from a lithium-ion battery. Apart from the compact battery, a charging system and connecting cable are integrated snugly in the rear of the MINI Scooter E Concept. The charging cable has a plug which fits into any conventional domestic socket, this has the major advantage that topping up the energy reserve does not depend on a special charging station being available. Stop-offs for shopping or visiting a cafĂŠ can be used for hassle-free battery recharging.
101
Girard-Perregaux 1966 Chronograph Pink gold case with traditional chronograph, 30-minute counter and central second hand. Transparent case-back and alligator strap with pin buckle.
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Oyster case in 18 ct EVEROSE gold, an alloy created by Rolex. Chocolate brown or ivory coloured dial with gold hour markers. Strap in black alligator leather with an 18 ct EVEROSE gold folding clasp and safety catch.
Vacheron Constantin Historiques Aronde 1954 Case in18K 5N pink gold, dial in Opaline silvered, hand-guilloché. Strap in brown stitched-tip, large square-scaled alligator leather. Clasp buckle in 18K 5N pink gold.
102
Rolex Yacht-Master II Bracelet in 904L steel and 18 ct EVEROSE, fitted with an EASYLINK 5 mm comfort extension link and an OYSTERLOCK clasp with a safety catch, two further Rolex innovations.
They say you can tell a lot about a man, just by looking at his watch, design and technology also reflect personality and lifestyle. The real watch aficionados’ never take for granted that a watch is just a fashion accessory.
De La Cour Mourinho City Ego 18k Rose Gold Chronograph and carbon fiber bezel, with a date indicator, 24hrs indicator and power reserve. Strap in rubber with 18k Rose Gold clasp. Limited edition 88 pieces
Piaget Automatic Tourbillon Ultra Thin World’s thinnest self-winding tourbillon watch (10.4 mm) in18-carat white gold. Black alligator leather strap with 18-carat white gold folding clasp
Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionnelle World Time Case in18K 5N Pink gold, open-worked back with transparent sapphire crystal. Strap in brown hand-stitched, saddle-finish, large square scaled alligator leather
Jaeger-leCoultre Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Italico New ultra-thin version in steel fine blued hands. Limited edition of 150 pieces.
Embodying watchmaking tradition and timeless elegance, the Capeland chronograph offers a fascinating blend of authenticity and style that keeps in perfect step with lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most precious moments. www.baume-et-mercier.com
harrods limited Knightsbridge london sW1X 7Xl t: +44 (0) 20 7225 5926
â&#x20AC;˘
F: +44 (0) 20 7225 6583
thestudio@harrods.com