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Timeless Elegance, the history of PIAGET

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DUNHILL present the Quintessential English Gentleman ROLLS ROYCE inspired by fashion

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George V Hotel, PRIDE OF PARIS home to the stars

ISSUE ONE

JULY 2016

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CONTENTS u 28

u FASHION

Ralph & Russo Blending Tradition & Modernity 12 Piaget - Timeless Elegance 28 Rolls Royce Wraith - Inspired by Fashion 36

u TRAVEL

Monte Carlo - A Glittering City of Extravagence 46 Silversea - Explore, Dream, Discover 52 George V Hotel - The Pride of Paris 72

u LIVING

Lights, Camera, Action in Cannes Time is Money Sotogrande - The Only Place To Be

80 84 92

u DINING

La Reserva - a world-class clubhouse Savour the taste of Michelin Sherry Time in Jerez

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u POWER

Aston Martin’s DB11 Dominator 800 Monaco Yacht Show

132 140 144

u SPORT

Born to Run Game of Kings Volvo Ocean Race

149 153 162

u HOME

Chippendale - Timeless Classic What You See is What You Hear The Iconic World of Versace

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u PROPERTY

Christie’s Real Estate Report Redrawing Ancient Landscapes One Hyde Park - The Most Exclusive Address

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WELCOME u

A luxury a way of living... We often describe luxury as being lavish and ostentatious, and that’s definitely one aspect but luxury comes in all shapes and sizes. Luxury isn’t just a price point but a mindful way of indulging oneself. A way of living. Here at Luxury Living magazine we reflect on these pleasures of life and places of special interest around the globe to offer you - Inspiration. As the world emerges from a global recession, this exclusive first edition marks the beginning of a new chapter redefining, what luxury is and what is has to offer showcased within this new luxury magazine which will be published 6 times per year. We believe one of the best ways to indulge oneself is of course travel, so within this first issue we present a series of exclusive travel destinations from the prestigious George V in Paris to the extravagant and vibrant city of Monte Carlo. We also introduce SOTOGRANDE, a magical private enclave nestled on the Iberian Peninsula. Here, life offers a more relaxed, enjoyable and family oriented way of living, and within each edition of Luxury Living Magazine we will showcase its breath-taking beauty and captivating wilderness along with its world-class golf and sporting facilities, first class hotels and exquisite restaurants. Thanks for reading, STAN ISRAEL

u PRODUCED AND PUBLISHED BY PRESSPREFER PUBLISHING SL Centro Comercial Atenea, Local 18 - 19, Km 168 CN340, 29688 Estepona, Malaga T: +34 951 127 200 E: info@presspreferpublishing.com The Luxury Living Magazine takes no responsibility for claims made in advertisng or advertorials in this magazine. No part of Luxury LivingMagazine may be reproduced or copied in any way without prior witten consent. © Press Prefer Publishing S.L. for Luxury Living Magazine. Deposito Legal: MA 681-2016. ISSN No. 2529-9387

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FASHION There are numerous brands of luxury clothing spread throughout the entire world that influence the fashion industry and it is they who dictate the trends you see sashaying along the high streets and catwalks. Luxury Living Magazine goes behind the scenes to bring you not just fashion reviews but some of the fashion worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best kept secrets.

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RALPH

RUSSO

A subtle blend of tradition and modernity

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REINVENTING THE RULES RALPH & RUSSO COUTURE

Building on the House’s adoration of delicate femininity, decadent elegance and masterly craftsmanship, Ralph & Russo’s new collection heralds the promise for renewal and frisson of youth. All is dreamlike and weightless, echoed in billowing crêpe capes, airy bell sleeves and clouds of gazar. Tender ribbons of organza in powdery shades are pin-tucked into geometric waves, cascading over mighty corolla trains – light as butterfly wings. Erogenous is the waist; a defined line where from abundant volumes unfurl. Peplums, architectural and graphic, bring a modern definition to the quintessential hourglass of the 1950s. And corseted bustiers gesture at pin-up glamour, sharpening silhouettes beneath sheer, diaphanous robes.

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The shoulders are aphrodisiacs, at times gracefully bared by graphic and precise cut-outs in fluid kimonos, at others enveloped by infinitely fragile feather boleros. In dazzling masterpieces of intricate technique, vast surfaces are fully adorned, yet retaining an exquisite delicacy. Organza petal appliquĂŠ glistens with crystal dewdrops amidst three-dimensional silk threadwork. Micro-paillettes underlayers shimmer through geometric cut-outs, recalling the iridescence of natural grey pearls. And crystal drops shower column dresses with effervescent sparkle. Hand-painted peonies and tulips in sapphire, blush pink and lavender grey flow like wild grass in a continuous ink line with multiple densities, evoking Chinese ancestral calligraphy. Bold strokes that at times are encrusted like jewels, at others diffuse like the summer mist. Spiderwebs of Chantilly lace in dreamcatcher dresses trickle over the body, sometimes spun to the floor. Every now and then a petal or feather gets caught, trembling in the scented midnight breeze. The Summer 2016 Collection brings a new aesthetic, reconciling a regal demeanour with a douceur de vivre in a sublimely subtle blend of tradition and modernity.

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U L T I M A T E

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ALL HAIL THE QUINTESSENTIAL ENGLISH GENTLEMAN Blazers are for men, what the little black dress is for women, a classic item that never goes out of fashion and as such should be a mandatory part of any wardrobe. This season British brand, Dunhill, presents us with their vision of the gentleman’s blazers, which will certainly attain great popularity. Dunhill blazers are far from ordinary - they are also redesigned to balance the refinement and boyish charm. Although traditional blazers are blue, the brand’s new collection includes a little more nuances. Practical and individual, these designs are associated with military history with interesting brass buttons. The tradition of the garment is something that cannot be changed. Blazers are a piece of clothing that balances between business and casual clothing, with a touch of elegance and timeless characteristics. Combine it with a tie and dark trousers for formal occasions, or with unbuttoned striped shirt and white pants for a relaxed but still elegant look. Remember – Blazers should never be in the same tone as the pants If you choose this piece of clothing, which represents more than a hundred years of tradition and style that’s cultivated by the royal family, you can hardly go wrong.

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Since time immemorial, jewellery has adorned the bodies of women for many reasons. Some for beauty, some as a status symbol and some for religious significance. However, the most revered of jewels is the Pearl.The pearl’s iridescent luminosity has bewitched men and women alike for thousands of years. Whether offered in romance or taken in victory, worn as a symbol of chastity or a mystical aphrodisiac, pearls have been - and continue to be - among the most coveted gems in the world. The ancient Greeks wore pearls at their wedding ceremonies, believing they would ensure marital bliss and prevent new brides from crying. This time-honoured custom lives on today, with brides of many cultures wearing pearls to enhance their beauty and symbolize the purity of their love. So greatly were pearls valued, they have even changed history. After accepting Cleopatra’s wager that she could consume the wealth of an entire nation in one meal, Marc Antony watched as she removed a pearl earring, dissolved it in a glass of vinegar and then drank it. Awed by her extravagant gesture, he became enamoured, neglecting his duties to the Roman Empire.

TIMELESS, ELEGANT AND VERSATILE Today, pearls are staging a fashion revival. Fashion designers at Chanel and Oscar de la Renta have unveiled pearl studded clothing and accessories within their latest collections. Not limited to just fashion, poplets such as Rhiannon & Lady Gaga have taken to the stage covered in pearls so what is it about this gems that have stood the test of time? Pearls have been a source of fascination for centuries. They are considered the most magical and feminine of all gems and are the only one created by a living organism. Pearls emanate a certain warmth and glow not found in other gems, due to their unique beginnings and bringing these beautifully gems to mainstream fashion is successful pearl jeweller Kokichi Mikimoto. Hailed as the “King of Pearls” Japanese pearl jeweller and founder of Mikimoto, Kokichi is the pioneer of cultured pearls after successfully culturing the world’s first semi-spherical pearl in 1893 his dream was to adorn every woman’s neck with pearls and now, 120 years on, the brand continues to present elegant masterpieces envied by women young and old. For more information visit: www. www.mikimoto.com 24 LUXURY LIVING

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16 x 19mm White South Sea Baroque Cultured Pearl. Akoya Cultured Pearl and Diamond Bracelet set in 18k White Gold

16 x 21mm White South Sea Baroque Cultured Pearl. Akoya Cultured Pearl and 15.44ct Diamond Necklace set in 18k White Gold

12X14mm White South Sea Baroque Cultured Pearl, Akoya Cultured Pearl and Diamond Earrings set in 18k White Gold

REGALIA

THE WORLDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FOREMOST PURVEYOR OF CULTURED PEARL JEWELLERY 7

15 mm White South Sea Cultured Pearl and 1.2ct Diamond Earrings set in 18k White Gold

16mm White South Sea Cultured Pearl. Akoya Cultured Pearl 1.54ct Diamond Pendant set in 18k White Gold

16mm White South Sea Cultured Pearl and 1.12ct Diamond Ring set in 18k White Gold 26 LUXURY LIVING

18mm White South Sea Baroque Cultured Pearl and 3.28ct Diamond Ring set in 18k White Gold

16mm White South Sea Cultured Pearl and 2.24ct Diamond Ring set in 18k White Gold

13mm White South Sea Cultured Pearl. Akoya Cultured Pearl and Diamond Earrings set in 18k White Gold

166mm White South Sea Cultured Pearl. Akoya Cultured Pearl and 5.14ct Diamond Necklace set in 18k White Gold

Mikimoto proudly introduces Mikimoto Regalia, the exquisite new collection of cultured pearl jewellery inspired by unique treasured pieces from the Mikimoto archives. Mikimoto Regalia celebrates the brand’s privilege of designing and customizing jewellery for esteemed women of nobility throughout history. For this collection, Mikimoto’s most skilled designers and artisans spent two years exploring the brand’s substantial archives to craft unique, new pieces of symbolic significance.

19mm White South Sea Baroque Cultured Peal and 2.5ct Diamond Earrings set in 18k White Gold

13.-15mm White South Sea Baroque Cultured Pearl and Diamond Necklace set in 18k White Gold

15mm White South Sea Baroque Cultured Pearl and 6.24ct Diamond Bracelet set in 18kt White Gold

For more information visit: www.mikimoto.com 27

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TIMELESS ELEGANCE Piaget has certainly made an enduring impression on the watchmaking world since the company was founded back in 1874. This virtuosity reflects an unrelenting search for the very highest standards of excellence, combining deep rooted expertise, a constant urge to experiment and respect for the traditional watchmaking skills. This is the very essence of the Piaget signature. Piaget’s legitimacy and expertise as a company are founded on 140 years of innovation and excellence. Faithful to its motto “Always do better than necessary”, Piaget combines technical precision and boundless creativity to create exceptional timepieces. With 37 movements to their credit, including no fewer than 25 ultra-thin and 11 major complications, interspersed with 14 records for watch thinness, the master watchmakers of the Manufacture de Haute Horlogerie Piaget continue along their path of virtuoso innovation to reign at the very summit of their art. Piaget’s pioneering spirit first made its appearance in 1874, in a little village in the heart of the Swiss Jura mountains, a region that since the mid-19th century had become a centre of micro-mechanical craftsmanship specialising in the assembly of watch movements. In a workshop set up inside his family home in La Côte-aux-Fées, 19-year-old Georges Édouard Piaget founded the company that still bears his name today. A dedicated work ethic and a penchant for risk quickly enabled Piaget’s reputation to spread far beyond the company’s native Jura.

“Always do better than necessary” 29

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THE UNDISPUTED MASTER OF THE ULTRA-THIN WATCH Passing from one generation to the next, the brand has grown exponentially, first under the guidance of the founder’s grandsons, Gérald and Valentin Piaget, and later under that of Yves G. Piaget. In 1945, Piaget devoted itself to the creation of the ultra-thin watch movements, an endeavour that was to become a defining feature of the Piaget identity and synonymous with the name. The creation of two movements, in particular, revolutionised the watch market and brand itself. The famous 9P hand-wound ultra-thin movement, which is only 2 mm thick and the Calibre 12P which with its thickness of only 2.3 mm was one of the thinnest self-winding movements in the world. This achievement attracted the attention of numerous connoisseurs and collectors. Out of a total of 37 movements developed by Piaget, 25 are ultra-thin calibres, including 14 recordholders for thinness underlying the brand’s uncontested status as a Maison of Haute Horlogerie. 9P Movement

Calibre 12P Movement

As a manufacture dedicated to the ultra-thin watch, Piaget continues to defy the limits of the impossible, for both hand-wound and self-winding movements. The brand is intransigent in its requirements for each timepiece, making no concessions in terms of the elegance of their designs, their technical reliability or their durability. An example of such virtuosity is the Piaget Emperador Coussin Automatic Minute Repeater watch, which won a double record for thinness in its category in 2013: only 4.8 mm for the new Calibre 1290P, despite its 407 components, and 9.4 mm for the whole case.

G0A38019 (2) Piaget Emperador Coussin Automatic Minute Repeater watch 31

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THE RISE OF THE WATCHMAKER-JEWELLER At the time of their creation, the first two ultra-thin calibres, 9P and 12P, offered a new aesthetic freedom and provided the opportunity to give full expression to an incomparable spirit of creative fantasy. Piaget watches became jewels in their own right, extravagant items set with diamonds, rubies and emeralds. Having become the uncontested jeweller of the watch movement and the alchemist of the finest gems and ultra-thin calibres, Piaget now turned its attention to creating authentic pieces of jewellery in a refined style. Enamelling, miniature painting, guillochage, engraving and gem-setting were among the many techniques to which the brand paid close attention.

Now a jeweler in its own right, Piaget creates jewels that is either unique pieces or produced in limited editions, and which are both experimental yet respectful of tradition exclusively using only gold or platinum both for its watches and jewellery. At the apex of fashion and contemporary culture, Piagetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Haute Joaillerie creations have taken their place on the international stage, much sought after by countless stars and famous personalities.

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In the mid-1990 Piaget launched an iconic jewellery collection with its Possession line, representing the power of love depicted as forging a link between two elements. Next came its Limelight creative collections, inspired by the glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age, with generous dimensions, purity of form and surfaces set with diamonds. Many offshoots of this iconic collection have succeeded in creating a new element of surprise. The Limelight Paris-New York collection, for example, is inspired by the dazzling architecture and haute couture of those two great metropolises. The Limelight Precious Couture collection is also inspired by the world of fashion, and specifically lace, corsetstrings and the decorative details found on many garments. In 2014, Piaget celebrated the 140th anniversary of its founding by presenting a special collection entitled “Extremely Piaget” at the 27th Biennale des Antiquaires show in Paris. The collection, consisting of 88 pieces of jewellery and 37 watches, showcased a key period in the creative history of Piaget, the 1960s and 1970s, enhanced by the most precious materials: diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, hard stones and gold. The audacious designs played with asymmetry, fluidity and stylisation. In the case of certain pieces, the distinction between jewel and watch completely disappeared. Colour was all-important, particularly with regard to the numerous hard stone dials, a Piaget signature feature. “Always do better than necessary”: A passion for innovation Constantly reinventing themes that are close to Piaget’s heart, is part of the Piaget DNA. Its designers take their inspiration from Hollywood glamour, garden magic or the universe, and it is the fervent desire to constantly experiment and explore potential new avenues both in terms of technique and aesthetic design that enables Piaget to continually write new pages in the history of Haute Horlogerie.

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ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS UNVEILS

‘WRAITH – INSPIRED BY FASHION’ Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and the world of Haute Couture have long been bound by a common philosophy – to take the very finest materials and craft them into the most exquisite and desirable luxury goods, appointed to the customer’s exact specifications. In this spirit, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is delighted to unveil ‘Wraith – Inspired by Fashion’. Fittingly, the marque’s first showroom in Conduit Street, Mayfair was founded a short step from London’s famous centre of tailoring excellence, Savile Row. Here, Sir Henry Royce and his partner The Honourable Charles Rolls echoed the offerings of their illustrious neighbours by providing London’s most stylish denizens with the automotive equivalent of the finest cloths; a perfectly engineered Rolls-Royce chassis and running gear. The customer would then call upon their preferred coachbuilder, who would furnish the car with personal touches and accoutrements specified perfectly to their requirements. A century later, a bold new generation of customers continue to share the same appetite for commissioning expressions of their taste and lifestyle. ‘Wraith – Inspired by Fashion’ provides a modern take on this grand tradition. Akin to commissioning a fine suit or elegant piece of couture, the journey of creating a highly Bespoke Rolls-Royce motor car begins at the marque’s equivalent of the tailor’s atelier, the Bespoke Design Studio at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England. Here, the Designers honed the aesthetic theme of the car, drawing inspiration from colour palettes, materials and techniques used in the world of high fashion. The result is an extraordinary interpretation of Wraith’s characteristic blend of power, style and drama.

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Giles Taylor, Director of Design for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, commented, “This iteration of Wraith provides a canvas for materials and finishes most commonly associated with the world of fashion. Inspiration was sourced from international catwalks and Bespoke Tailors, resulting in an aesthetically stunning and sartorially on-point motor car.” ‘Wraith – Inspired by Fashion’ two-tone exterior colour scheme of Andalucian White and Arctic White offers a neutral setting for a choice of accent colours, namely Jasmine, Tailored Purple or Mugello Red. Wraith’s signature shoulder-line is accentuated deftly with the addition of a handapplied feature-line in the chosen highlight colour, alluding to the divergent interior of the motor car. Like the finest bespoke garments, beauty is found in the subtlest details. On opening Wraith’s coachdoors you will find a contemporary impression of the car’s classic Arctic White and Black interior colour scheme. Beyond the traditional placement of embroidered headrests, seat stitching and piping, the accent colour has found an elegant new application via a striking two-tone composition steering wheel. A seamless stitch, a highly complex craft technique from the world of fine tailoring, was mastered and applied to the wheel by the craftspeople in the Leather Shop at the Home of Rolls-Royce. The very finest garments are crafted exclusively from the most luxurious materials – with tactility, comfort and quality as important an attribute as the aesthetic of the piece itself. The Bespoke design team took inspiration from this approach in appointing the car’s front and rear door pockets with fine silks, adorned with an abstract representation of the Spirit of Ecstasy with each emblem set precisely at fifty-five degrees to complement the lines of the door. The remarkable craftsmanship and attention-to-detail employed in the creation of any Rolls-Royce is evident in the exquisite application of wood to the dashboard, with the lacquering process for ‘Wraith – Inspired by Fashion’ alone taking nine days to painstakingly complete. This is completed elegantly with the integration of a Bespoke Clock, set as a piece of jewellery, styled exclusively to emit a pearl effect, reminiscent of silk fabrics. The contemporary fashion theme is completed with the integration of welting, a specialist technique most commonly associated with Bespoke tailoring. Presented as a colourful silk strip, the welting stylishly frames Wraith’s signature leather door-panel. To mark the occasion of the creation of this timeless Wraith, the motor car took part in a landmark shoot on the production line at the Home of Rolls-Royce in the South of England. The luxurious materials and distinctive features presented in the motor car were accentuated by fashion models, set against a backdrop of the hand-made motor cars. The remarkable success of Wraith in attracting a new generation of successful entrepreneurs to the marque has been underpinned by a surge in demand for bespoke personalisation – a remarkable 95% of all Wraith motor cars left the Home of Rolls-Royce with an element of Bespoke design last year, giving bold expression to the notion that Bespoke is Rolls-Royce.

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WRAITH INSPIRED BY FASHION

At Hermès, we strive to provide our clients with elegant, creative and functional objects for their everyday lives. What more contemporary and relevant expression of this principle could there be than this collaboration with Apple” Pierre-Alexis Dumas, Hermès’s Executive Vice President in charge of Artistic Direction.

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WHEN MODERN TECHNOLOGY AND EXQUISITE CRAFTSMANSHIP

COLLIDE WATCH

As one of the most recognizable brands in the world, known for its innovative, functional and advanced technologies Apple is the 21st century’s most popular brand so when it announced a collaboration with the Hermès a 178-year-old French luxury brand last year, many were shocked. But what a collaboration it has been! The Apple Hermès watch is an extraordinary timepiece reflecting the synchronized thinking of both brands a ‘united vision’ of utility and beauty blending together the unparalleled innovation of Apple with the heritage and exquisite craftsmanship of Hermès. Beautiful design has always been a hallmark of the Apple brand, so teaming up with a luxury label that has a status following among the elite was a clever move. The watches modeled on the iconic Hermès timepieces - Clipper, Cape Cod and Espace - are available in three designs, single loop, double loop and cuff and feature a stainless steel case that displays an etching of the brands signature and a specially designed user interface in three versions of Hermès famous orange dials. The beautifully crafted classic equine-style leather strap which was initially released in brand colours Fauve (tan), Noir (black) and Capucine (red), has now been updated with four new bright colourways: the classic Hermès Bleu Paon (green), Bleu Saphir (blue), Blanc (white) and Feu (orange) added for Spring /Summer 2016.

The collection is now available to buy at select Apple retail stores, select Hermès stores, specialty stores and department stores in 14 countries around the world. 43

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TRAVEL One of the greatest pleasures of life is being able to travel the world and wonder in awe at its beauty. From faraway exotic lands to exclusive destinations, resorts, spas, villas for your family vacation or romantic getaway Luxuary Living Magazine features some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest luxury hotels and travel destinations.

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A GLITTERING CITY OF

EXTRAVAGANCE Monte Carlo is one of the fourth quarters in Monaco and is situated on a prominent escarpment at the base of the Maritime Alps along the French Riviera. A busy, cosmopolitan city synonymous for its high-end luxury casinos and vibrant nightlife however; the wealth of the city extends far beyond the Place Du Casino as the atmosphere of extravagance can also be seen in its restaurants, bars and luxury boutiques.

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For more than seven centuries, the Grimaldi Family has presided over the Principality of Monaco’s destiny. This remarkable longevity is a good illustration of the national unity between the Princes and the people of Monaco. An independent sovereign state, the Principality of Monaco faces the Mediterranean Sea and rubs shoulders with several municipalities in the French “département” of the Alpes-Maritimes (from west to east, Cap d’Ail, La Turbie, Beausoleil and Roquebrune-Cap Martin Today Prince Albert II is the reigning monarch of the Principality of Monaco, and head of the Princely House of Grimaldi. He is the son of Rainier III, Prince of Monaco, and the American actress Grace Kelly.

u PLACE DU CASINO The Place du Casino is the attractive central square located in Monte Carlo Monaco from where some of Monaco’s top tourist attractions can be found including the: Cafe de Paris, Grand Casino, Hotel de Paris & Hotel Metropole.

“The world famous Place du Casino is an international byword for the extravagant display and reckless dispersal of wealth”

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HÔTEL DE PARIS Situated in the very heart of Monte-Carlo on the famous Place du Casino, the Hôtel de Paris MonteCarlo is a real “address” in the world of great French hotels. An extravagant pure-white swan of a building, the Hotel de Paris is arguably the true palace of Monte Carlo. Belle Epoque columns and spires adorn the facade; statuettes of nubile nymphs flank arched doorways and fountains, and a bronze statue of Louis XIV on horseback stands in the lobby, the horse’s knees rubbed shiny by over a century of superstitious gamblers. Built in 1864 with the ambition to offer the best of an era, the Hôtel de Paris continues to symbolize this same excellence in the art of hospitality. Enchantingly situated on the Golden Square of the Place du Casino, with 182 luxurious rooms and suites and stunning salons for top meetings, the Hotel de Paris is heir to the spirit of Palaces. Historically, the Hotel de Paris catered to some of the most demanding guests, Winston Churchill, novelist Colette, and of course, Princesses Grace and Caroline. The doormen are extremely formal and polite, if a touch forbidding in their Lagerfeld-designed outfits. The rooms are nice enough, especially the ones facing the Mediterranean, and all of them have massive marble bathrooms. You can spend an entire day on your bed gazing at the yachts and helicopters below, ordering turbot in hollandaise and caviar while your concierge books you a translator and secretary. But it is the downstairs that is truly spectacular. The cathedral-like lobby drips with gilt and even the men’s restroom is adorned with Louis XV chairs. The restaurant, Le Louis XV, features the three-starred cuisine of Alain Ducasse and a wine cellar with millions of dollars’ worth of century-old Napoleon brandy and Chateau Margaux 1920. But restaurant aside, the Hotel de Paris is also the best located and most convenient address in town. It’s down the road from the city’s largest spa, Les Thermes Marins, across the street from the Cafe de Paris, and adjoins the Casino of Monte Carlo. While Monte Carlo is no longer as extravagant as it once was its 50’s heyday the jacket and tie have replaced the tuxedo and tourists wander around innocently in shorts this said the Hotel de Paris has not changed a bit. Princess Caroline still throws fêtes here in the awe-inspiring ballroom, and you still half expect Churchill to wander by at ten in the morning, a snifter of priceless cognac in hand. 49

THE MONTE-CARLO CASINO This legendary Casino has been a cornerstone in Monte-Carlo success. Its architecture, history and the people who came here to gamble have all played their part in making the Casino de MonteCarlo a myth in the eyes of the entire world... The Monte Carlo Casino is the natural home of premium gaming. Built in 1863, in honour of Prince Charles III of Monaco its glamorous ocean-side Mediterranean location, is the perfect setting for a premium casino. Located on the Place du Casino it is surrounded by beautiful olive groves and lemon tree orchards against a backdrop of the deep blue sea. The stylish and elegant Casino de Monte-Carlo has always epitomised high-class gaming. The iconic building is a central feature on the route of the Monaco F1 Grand Prix, and also contains a ballet and opera house. The meticulous art-déco architecture has made it a landmark of MonteCarlo, with an unassailable air of grace and panache, combined with the heady allure of exclusive high-stakes wagering. Casino de Monte-Carlo is inextricably entwined with the history of high-class European gaming entertainment. It is the acknowledged home of the most classic casino games, and of the most elegant and luxurious of all European casinos. This is also where French roulette was first introduced in the 18th century. Casino de Monte-Carlo has become the most revered name in casino mythology. The rooms have been immortalised in films and popular cultural legend. The mere mention of a Monte-Carlo Casino instantly conjures up iconic, tension-filled showdowns over the baccarat, roulette or poker tables. The suave, audacious style of James Bond in ‘Casino Royale’ is forever associated with its Monte-Carlo setting.

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PRINCELY PALACE Guardian of an ancient tradition, the Palace is located in a unique setting upon the “Rock” of Monaco, and was built on the site of a fortress erected by wealthy Genoese merchants. The Princely Palace is one of the oldest monarchical homes in the world that is still in use today. Just as it has been for centuries past the Princely Palace is still the official residence of the Monegasque sovereign and, as such, is the heart of the political and social life of Monaco. Part of the unique beauty of the palace is the blending of styles, part modern Mediterranean palace, part medieval fortress, sharing Italian and French styles as well as others. This all goes back to the palace being originally built as a military fortress, a castle, by the Genoese republic in 1191 before it was taken over by the House of Grimaldi in 1297. Legend has it that in January 1297 François Grimaldi took shelter at the fortress disguised as a monk; once admitted, he and his men captured the castle and took it over as their stronghold. The fortress has over the years had a long, dramatic history defending the territory from attacks by other states, and has been repeatedly bombarded, damaged and restored. Throughout the centuries it has been transformed into one of the most luxurious residences in the style of Louis XIV. Today the splendours of this Palace can be admired by all, such as its Italian-style gallery and its 15th century frescoes; its Louis XVth lounge all in yellow and gold, its blue room, a harmonious blend of glorious blue and gold; its Mazarin room covered with multi-coloured wood-panelling; the Throne Room, decorated with an impressive Renaissance fireplace; the Palatine Chapel built in the 17th century; St-Mary’s Tower, built from the white stones of nearby La Turbie; the Main Courtyard and its 17th century Carrara marble double staircase. Today, Prince Albert II still maintains his formal residence at the Princely Palace which, in recent years, has become as much a tourist attraction as many other Monegasque landmarks. State rooms are open to the public in the summer months, parts have the appearance of a museum, but the smart changing of the guard the - Carabiniers du Prince – at 11.55am every day reminds all that it is still a monarchical residence.

Apart from its stunning architecture Monte Carlo Monte Carlo is also known for playing host to a variety of international sporting events throughout the year, such as the Monaco Grand Prix, the first stage of the World Rally Championship, the European Poker Tour, the Monaco Yacht Show and a number of world championship boxing matches. Whatever sporting, cultural or leisure activity you are interested in Monte Carlo will surely cater to your tastes. 51

EXPLORE. DREAM. DISCOVER. What is it that makes Silversea the benchmark of luxury cruising? The cuisines by Relais & Chateaux? The all-inclusive luxury? The sumptuous suites with luxury soaps... The butler who anticipates your every need? Or perhaps it is Silverseaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Italian heritage, a European sophistication that so appeals to well-travelled, international guests. Aboard our ships you can explore secluded harbours untouched by time and tourists. Enjoy insider access in the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great cities. Bespoke tours so that you can roam where you please. Hardly what you would expect on an ordinary cruise. But then this is small-ship cruising. And we are Silversea. Ask about our all-inclusive fares with special savings, complimentary air fares and transfers. 52 LUXURY LIVING

For more information or to book, please call Silversea at 866 204 8769, visit www.Silversea.com or contact you local travel agent 53

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DISCOVER THE MARVELS OF THE ARCTIC CIRCLE

From the perspective of sea level of a true expedition cruise Silversea can be seen at its best the marvels of the Arctic Circle. Discover stunning snow capped mountains and glaciers filled bays. Polar bears walking down the coasts and huge colonies of sea birds with their nests among the craggy coastal cliffs and walrus huddled for a nap. The Prince Albert I of Monaco explored the Svalbard Achipelago in the early last century to study glaciers, crate maps of previously uncharted areas and conduct a scientific investigation. A century later, Prince Albert II, his grandson and name of the Silversea expedition ship, made a similar course for a cruise to the Arctic Circle with the intention to draw international attention to the effects of global warming in these regions North. The Prince Albert II created for this purpose is a tribute to these two great men with their luxurious cruise to the Arctic Circle. Few regions of the world have the richness of legend and lore as the Arctic - from stories about its spectacular fauna like National Geographic’s film and book, Arctic Tale, to work by poets such as Emily Dickinson who once wrote about an Arctic flower, to beloved fantasies about Santa Claus, his elves and flying reindeer. During a 16-day expedition to the Arctic aboard Silversea’s Silver Explorer, we found out why this natural wonderland has inspired so many. “Here, Mother Nature reigns,” said Conrad Combrink, expedition leader. “It is a modern-day adventure. Mother Nature dictates where we go, and we are not in complete control. Flexibility is our middle name.” Unlike Antarctica, the Arctic is not a continent which is the predominant different between the two polar regions. Under the massive ice cap of the Arctic lies the Arctic Ocean whose depths reach 15,000 feet below the surface. Often times the two polar regions are confused due to their having such similar names. The Arctic was discovered by Phoenician sailors years before the common era (CE). They named the newly discovered region after a polar star which guided them to the end of the earth. The star was called “Arktos” by the Greeks during this time which meant “land of the big bear”. Coincidentally, this title helps many people remember that polar bears are found in the Arctic rather than Antarctica. Also found in the Arctic region is the arctic fox, different species of seals and whales, hares, fulmars and other bird species.

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THE SILVER EXPLORER A highlight of the expedition, of course, is the ship herself. Legendary explorers like Amundsen and Peary would have been green with envy at the level of comfort and luxury of the expedition. The Silver Explorer (formerly the World Discoverer II of the now defunct S0ciety Expeditions) acquired by Silversea in 2007, given a multi-milliondollar refit and launched in June of 2008, is a 6,072-ton expedition vessel accommodating 132 passengers. With an ice class rating of 1A (the hightest) from Lloydâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Register, the ship has eight zodiacs for up-close exploration and an expedition team of experts who offer lectures on the fauna, geology and other aspects of the islands of the Arctic, give briefings, and lead field studies. Each passenger receives a complimentary parka and waterproof backpack (to keep). During the day, in addition to lectures, whale watches from the ship and zodiac excursions and hikes with naturalists, diversions include a spa, gym, observation lounges, two whirlpools, a cigar lounge and a well-stocked library with Internet access (there is also Wi-Fi in the accommodations).

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LUXURY LIVING TRAVEL u The accommodations themselves are all ocean-view suites and staterooms with private bath - on average they are the most spacious of any expedition ship ranging from 175 square feet to 675 square feet - all with such conveniences as interactive flat-screen television with complimentary on-demand movies, marble bath, European bath amenities, plush bedding with choice of pillow, robes, slippers, and a beverage cabinet stocked and replenished to guests’ preferences as well as chilled champagne upon arrival. The Silver Suite, with living room, bedroom, bath with tub and separate shower, walk-in wardrobe and two narrow French balconies. The outstanding butler, will spoil you with, among other things, unpacking/packing service, afternoon tea with pastries, occasional wine and hors d’oeuvres and a daily chilled bowl of fresh berries. The stewardess, keeps things spotless and the luxury soaps, lotions and shampoos replenished, as well as leaving Godiva chocolates each evening. When the day’s explorations are done, passengers stow away the parkas, boots, gloves, caps and other gear and don chic casual or informal attire (there are no formal nights). Most passengers usually head for the Panorama Lounge where you can sit and unwind and here there is a pianist/vocalist for entertainment and staff serve tapas and cocktails (cocktails and wine are complimentary, so you do not have to be signing for them). Then it is on to a gourmet dinner at the open-seating The Restaurant (where the attentive wait staff serves dishes inspired in the chefs of Relais & Chateaux) and feast on such delights as beef Wellington, rack of lamb and lobster. After the impeccably served meal, some passengers can head for the cigar lounge or the observation lounge to take in the panoramas of the Arctic and enjoy an after-dinner drink and conversation with new found friends.

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THE RESIDENCE

EXPERIENCE Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has unveiled the new product and service on its Airbus A380 and Boeing B787 Dreamliner aircraft, including The Residence by Etihad™, the world’s most luxurious living space in the air, available only on the airline’s A380 aircraft. A truly unique and bespoke travel experience, delivered with complete discretion and limitless hospitality – The Residence by Etihad. Designed for up to two guests travelling together, it has been created by leading interior designers and hospitality experts who understand the discernment and sophistication expected by the private traveller. The Residence is a haven of tranquillity, reflecting an exclusive lifestyle that offers the ultimate in high-end luxury.

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THE AIRBUS A380 RESIDENCE EXPERIENCE VIP TRAVEL CONCIERGE SERVICE The VIP Travel Concierge Service takes care of guests booked into The Residence from the moment of reservation right through until the end of their stay with Etihad. From a luxury chauffeur to private check-in and lounge, the travel experience is seamless and discreet.

THE ETIHAD BUTLER On board, The Etihad Butler is on hand to ensure all arrangements are in place and plan both the inflight and aprĂ¨s-flight itinerary according to personal preferences.

INFLIGHT CHEF An Inflight Chef can prepare meals from a range of gourmet menu options or even create a guests favourite dish.

THE ONLY THREE-ROOM SUITE IN THE SKY LIVING ROOM With a living room, separate bedroom and ensuite bathroom, The Residence by Etihad is the only three-room suite in the sly. The Living room has a luxurious Poltrona Frau leather double-seat sofa with ottoman, two dining tables, chilled drinks cabinet and 32 inch flat screen TV.

ENSUITE BATHROOM A soft-carpeted hallway leads to the ensuite bathroom with shower, exclusive toiletries and bathrobes.

BEDROOM The bedroom in The Residence is decorated with delicate fabrics and furnished with natural fibre mattress double bed, Egyptian cotton sheets and choice of pillows. Experience the ultimate in luxury, high above the clouds and wake up to breakfast in bed over an expanse of beautiful skies.

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AFRICA’S MOST

LUXURIOUS RESORT Situated at the centre of Cape Town’s fashionable Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, overlooking the marina and with panoramic views across to Table Mountain, the 131-key One&Only Cape Town resort opened on 3 April 2009, six months ahead of schedule. The property has become Africa’s most spectacular urban resort.

One&Only Cape Town provides a comprehensive range of luxury services and serves as a gateway to the myriad experiences of the continent – from safaris to pristine beaches to the exploration of the world-renowned Cape wine region. The exclusive Spa Island features the most comprehensive and expansive spa in Cape Town. An oasis of serenity and privacy surrounded by water and dense vegetation, the 1,000m2 One&Only Spa offers 12 treatment suites of which two have private wet areas for couples treatments. Two vitality pools complement the relaxation spaces, sauna and steam rooms, and a hair salon and the celebrated Bastien Gonzalez Pedi:Mani:Cure Studios provide additional facilities. The 200 square metre One&Only Fitness Centre, located in the main resort building, features state-of-the-art fitness equipment from Technogym® with personalised workout programmes developed for guests and residents. A dedicated Kinesis training room offers tri-dimensional pulley system training and there are spacious studios for Yoga and Pilates. One&Only Cape Town displays the hallmarks of excellence found in all One&Only resorts around the world. It offers an unparalleled commitment to the finest experiences, luxurious accommodation, lively entertainment, a wealth of activities, warm service, a state-of-the art Spa and unforgettable cuisine. 65

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ESPA INTRODUCES SIGNATURE TREATMENTS UTILIZING SOUTH AFRICAN INGREDIENTS On its very own private island at the heart of One&Only Cape Town lies an exclusive, unparalleled spa retreat. An oasis of serenity surrounded by water and lush vegetation, One&Only Spa offers tailored holistic experiences, ranging from pure relaxation to unique and signature wellness ‘journeys’. With soothing therapies and calming rituals, One&Only Spa has created a carefully considered environment for total wellbeing and is a true reflection of today’s modern spa. Defining personal service and quiet indulgence, the spa embraces local African influences and combines this with contemporary design. One&Only Spa encompasses no less than 12 treatment rooms many of which have pitched roofs, highlighting the lofty spaciousness of the suites and giving a distinctly African feel through the extensive use of natural wood. Private wet areas for couples’ treatments are offered in two of the treatment suites.

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Two vitality pools with air massage recliners, sauna and aroma-steam rooms, and ‘experience’ showers with three different kinds of water settings complement the relaxation spaces. A hair salon, two beauty suites and the celebrated Bastien Gonzalez Pedi:Mani:Cure Studios - with three dedicated rooms - provide additional facilities. The beautifully landscaped Spa gardens enhance the tranquillity of the Spa with integrated seating areas allowing guests to relax fully whilst being surrounded by unique sculptures from the African continent. Designed by Bangkok-based landscape designer, Bensley Design, which also designed the lush gardens of award-winning One&Only Reethi Rah and One&Only Le Saint Géran, the gardens lead to the peaceful yoga pavilion offering one to one, couple sessions and classes for different levels involving beautiful, calming sequences of postures, breathing exercises and relaxation of body tension. Based on ESPA’s innovative ‘Unwind, Elevate and Restore’ spa philosophy, One&Only Spa offers tailored treatment plans, making use of powerful authentic techniques, indigenous ingredients and highly natural, paraben-free products produced by ESPA, all tailored to restoring natural equilibrium. These holistic Spa experiences range from deep relaxation to energising revitalisation with every treatment offered by the Spa centred on one of the three philosophies:

ELEVATE Everyday stress can often lower your energy levels, leaving a sense of exhaustion. The Elevate Treatments are targeted towards creating a balanced state of wellbeing, helping restore energy levels whilst promoting a feeling of inner calm.

UNWIND In the fast-paced world, it is often difficult to slow down and let the mind, body and soul unwind and relax. The Unwind Collection of Treatments are relaxing, calming and soothing, helping bring peace to the mind, reduce muscular tension, and cool the skin.

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RESTORE During times of stress, lifestyles can become unhealthy and bodies may feel sluggish and in need of detoxification. Restore Treatments are tailored to help stimulate the circulation and lymphatic system, and assist in improving the look and feel of the skin. Highly qualified therapists – all from South Africa and intensively trained by ESPA on site for a minimum of eight weeks - recommend the programme most suited to each guest. Alternatively guests can purchase a block of Spa Time, during which they will be guided through their ‘journey’ of treatments and rituals most suited to their needs. For those looking for complete escapism, One&Only Spa offers Private Spa Suites which can be reserved for two people. Couples can enjoy the soaking bath for two, steam shower and side by side treatments. Treatments, as well as design, at One&Only Spa reflect the African environment. Inspired by local Bushmen who relied on seashore provisions, the One&Only Cape Town Essence of Earth and Ocean Experience makes use of indigenous African ingredients. Local sea salt exfoliates whilst Baobab Tree Oil is used to massage and a re-mineralizing South African seaweed wrap provides conditioning effects. Offering 120 minutes of pure therapy, it is the definitive indigenous Signature treatment on the menu. A 350 square metre free-form, infinity-edge pool is located on the island and offers guests sitting areas with double chaise lounges, ideal for sunbathing or relaxing under shaded pavilions. For the more active, the resort’s Marina Rise is home to the 200 square metre One&Only Fitness Centre, featuring state-of-the-art fitness equipment from Technogym®. Offering personalised workout programmes developed for the individual needs of guests and residents and linked with the other One&Only resorts and gyms using Technogym® equipment, guests can follow the same programme wherever they are. The programme is also fully integrated with specific spa treatments and nutritional advice. A dedicated Kinesis training room offers tri-dimensional pulley system training and there are additional studios for Yoga and Pilates.

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It established a reputation for understated opulence and exemplary service, and today these are still the qualities that enable the George V to consistently head any list of world class destination hotels, and continue to be the home-away from-home for many of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most famous people.

PRIDE OF PARIS

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A TRUE PARISIENNE PALACE Located just steps away from the Champs-Elysees, the George V hotel in Paris is steeped in history, since its inauguration in the 1920s, it has become a true icon of the City of Light. Designed by Richard Martinet the George V hotel was named in tribute to the reigning king of England and can only be described as the epitome of luxury. After four decades of service in October 1997, the George V hotel closed its doors as part of an exhaustive renovation and rebranding project under the watchful eyes of its new owners Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, who reportedly spent $167 million to acquire the property from the London-based Granada Group, and $125 million more on rebuilding and design. The project was steered by the construction giant Bouygues, the same firm that refurbished the Louvre and more than 1,100 artisans and workmen were involved in the renovation, in December of 1999 the rebranded Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris was opened. This incredible eight-story landmark building sparkles with period architectural details, lavish interior and exterior spaces and offers some of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest dining. The Art Deco gates and medallions over the glass entrance doors of the George V have been replaced and now look as they did in 1928, when the historic hotel opened. The long, narrow gallery once again has a 500-square-foot Savonnerie carpet, three Murano crystal chandeliers and a 17th-century Flemish tapestry. Its tall windows look out onto the interior courtyard, with its restored iron-grille balconies and replicated royal-blue awnings. Even the 16 planted magnolia trees were nurtured through the two-year renovation period.

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The renovation not only restored the original Art Deco design and facade, but it provided state-of-the-art infrastructure and contemporary amenities. Guests will find the spirit of the old George V in the well-dressed guests who meet for afternoon tea and drinks in La Galerie, toting Ferragamo and Fendi shopping bags from the neighbourhood fashion houses. They can also see the new Four Seasons appeal in energetic young couples in casual dress working out in the health club, business travellers plugging in their laptops and families with well-behaved youngsters. Part of the reason for the hotel’s tremendous appeal is its location. Situated within the Triangle D’or Paris’ Golden Triangle the Four seasons George V hotel is a stone’s throw from the most exclusive areas of Paris, like the Avenue Montaigne and the Rue SaintHonoré and some of the city’s most famous architectural treasures.

A DEFINING SPIRIT OF ELEGANCE AND CHARM The Four Seasons’ world-renowned restaurant Le Cinq is among the city’s most elegant dining rooms and has been awarded a coveted two Michelin stars. Boasting beautiful views of the hotel’s courtyard, with its crystal chandelier, marble columns and palm trees, it is an elegant setting for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The executive chef, Philippe Legendre, came from the Michelin three-star rated Taillevent. The La Galerie Lounge is the heart and soul of the Hotel, La Galerie showcases beautiful Flemish tapestries, 19th-century paintings and furniture, as well as many exquisite objets d’art. The atmosphere is of elegance and genuine peace, highlighted by the pianist. This is the best spot for people-watching, intimate conversation and light fair.

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SUMPTUOUS SUITES The hotel’s original 300 rooms were reduced to 245 rooms and suites, during the refurbishment with the 184 rooms divided into three classes: Superior, Deluxe and Premier. The 61 suites and apartments; 30 with private terraces, are in nine categories: Executive Suite, One- Bedroom Superior and Deluxe Suites, Duplex Apartment, Two-Bedroom Superior and Deluxe Suites, Specialty Suites, and Presidential and Royal Suites. Rooms are a generous 450 to 600 square feet, and suites range from 750 to 1,660 square feet. Each room or suite is coordinated around one of three colour schemes; buttercup yellow, celadon green or lavender blue, which is echoed in the walls, carpets, damask bedspread, fabrics, and even in the classically French-style Louis XVI or Empire painted wooden cabinets and consoles that hold the TV, VCR, CD and video game station. Rooms also feature a desk with three telephone lines, including a data port for modems, a separate fax line and voice mail. Every room has a computer keyboard that, with the television monitor, provides high-speed Internet access. Spacious bathrooms are fashioned in Four Seasons’ signature beige marble, with sink top and design details that echo each room’s dominant colour. Large separate showers, deep bathtubs, separate toilet stalls, thick terry robes and oversize towels, hair dryers and Bulgari toiletries all serve to provide the bathroom luxury to which veteran Four Seasons guests are accustomed.

u LUXURIOUS SPA For the ultimate in pampering and luxury, an elaborate health club includes a 30 x 17-foot blue mosaic-tile swimming pool, whirlpool, saunas and steam rooms, with fitness instructors and the latest training equipment. The full-service spa offers various massage therapies, facials, body treatments and double massage rooms for honeymooners, and was voted ‘Best Hotel Spa in Europe’ in 2010 by Travel and Leisure for the fourth consecutive year. 76 LUXURY LIVING

SOTOGRANDE

· SPA

MASAJE QUIROGOLF · 60’ Descubra una experiencia de lujo 100% golf. Natura Bissé le mima con un masaje exclusivo y exquisito realizado con bolas de golf. Incorpora técnicas basadas en cuatro pilares que actúan sinérgicamente: la relajación, la preparación muscular, el masaje terapéutico y la flexibilidad del cuerpo. QUIROGOLF MASSAGE · 60’ Discover a lavish experience that’s 100% golf. Natura Bissé indulges you with an exclusive and stylish golf-ball massage. Deep-tissue relaxation to give you focus, muscle warm-up and flexibility to improve your game.

Avda Almenara s/n, 11310 Sotogrande, San Roque, Cádiz | Tel.: 956 582029 | elysium.sotogrande@nh-hotels.com www.hotelalmenara.com

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IVING

LIVING Luxury is in the eye of the beholder, but when it comes to a luxurious lifestyle, we like to think that we know a thing or two. Our responsibility is to connect our readers with the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most prestigious companies and events, such as the Cannes Film Festival, Art Basel and of course, the Monaco Yacht Show. We are unashamedly luxurious and believe life is far too short to not enjoy the finer things in life.

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LIGHTS CAMERA ACTION... ON the surface, a city such as Cannes perhaps might not strike you as the place to host the world’s most famous film festival. It’s not a capital city, or even near one. Yes, cinema was invented in France - but that was in Paris, not Cannes. And sure, the weather in Cannes may be nice, but that certainly isn’t a unique selling point. So just how did a reasonably small resort town end up hosting the most prestigious film festival there is?

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Like much of the world as we know it today, the Cannes Film Festival exists as an indirect result of the rise of the fascist regimes in Europe during the 1930s. Its roots date back to 1932 when the first competitive international film festival was held in Venice. In those days, the Mostra di Venezia - and chiefly its awards - was as much about the national prestige of the participating countries as it was about the films. As the decade marched on, both the official selection and the prizewinners began to noticeably favour the countries of the fascist alliance, particularly Germany and Italy. Matters came to a head though in 1938 when Jean Renoir’s “La Grande Illusion” was overlooked for the festival’s top prize - known back then as the Coppa Mussolini (“Mussolini Cup”) - despite being the clear favourite amongst both festivalgoers and jury members. Instead, the Coppa was jointly-awarded to a two-part German film called “Olympia”, commissioned by Joseph Goebbels to document Nazi successes at the 1938 Berlin Olympics; and “Luciano Serra, Pilota”, made under the supervision of Il Duce’s own son. When the results were announced, the French were of course outranged and withdrew from the festival. Both the British and American jury members also resigned in protest at the idea that politics and ideology were able to stamp all over artistic appreciation. “La Grande Illusion” - a largely anti-war film - was subsequently banned in Germany and Italy; Goebbels himself labelling it ‘Cinematographic Enemy No.1’. But Venice’s folly turned out to be Cannes’ triumph. Later that same year, a group of critics and filmmakers got together to petition the French Government to underwrite the cost of running an alternative international film festival in France - one where films could be shown and compete without bias or political censorship. Afraid of upsetting Mussolini, the French government was initially lukewarm to the idea, but the powerful lobby group wasn’t going to be easily dissuaded. Headed by Philippe Erlanger (head of Action Artistique Française), Robert Favre Le Bret (who would become the festival’s longest serving president), and Louis Lumière (the co-inventor of cinema), the group put intense pressure on the government, which eventually caved in and gave the event the green light. The Festival International du Film was scheduled to kick-off on 1st September 1939, but the festival only managed its opening night before being closed down following the outbreak of World War II the following day. During the war the festival remained in hiatus, re-emerging for a second re-opening on 20th September 1946 – And thus The Cannes Film Festival was born Today, Cannes is the most famous of all film festivals and one of the largest media events on the planet. The festival has an annual budget of around €20m, half of which comes from the French Ministry of Culture and Communications (through the Centre National du Cinéma), with the rest from the City of Cannes, various regional authorities, and a large group of corporate sponsors. Each year more than 1,500 films from over 100 countries are submitted to be considered for a very limited number of berths in the official selection this attracts stars and starlets, famous directors, cinematographers, writers and of course the legions of fans. Careers are made and broken during the Cannes Festival, winning a prize means certain success, and directors who fail to make the grade, or producers who fail to get the funding, may disappear without trace.

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TIME IS MONEY A VINTAGE WRISTWATCH STANDS OUT IN AN AGE OF MASS-PRODUCED UNIFORMITY We all know that money can be made from investing in art and good wine but Investing in a vintage collectible watch has proven to be one of the best modes of investment for those looking to invest lots of disposable income in alternative investments. The market for collectible watches has been evolving and the best watch brands that have stood the test of times and are every passionate watch lovers favourite, including Patek Philippe, Rolex, Breguet and Cartier.

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Legend has it that the wristwatch first became popular in World War I. Soldiers and aviators found having to fumble around in a pocket to find their watch while engaging with the enemy troublesome. Until then, wristwatches had been mainly worn by women, but the trend was rapidly adopted by the population at large. Cartier was the first of the Swiss watchmakers to produce a wristwatch, the Santos, which appeared in 1911, but soon the other brands followed suit. Today the early Swiss wristwatches are regarded as the best pieces and fetch 10s â&#x20AC;&#x201C; or even hundreds â&#x20AC;&#x201C; of thousands of pounds at auction.

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We all know that money can be made from investing in art and good wine but Investing in a vintage collectible watch has proven to be one of the best modes of investment for those looking to invest lots of disposable income in alternative investments. The market for collectible watches has been evolving and the best watch brands that have stood the test of times and are every passionate watch lovers favourite, including Patek Philippe, Rolex, Breguet and Cartier. Legend has it that the wristwatch first became popular in World War I. Soldiers and aviators found having to fumble around in a pocket to find their watch while engaging with the enemy troublesome. Until then, wristwatches had been mainly worn by women, but the trend was rapidly adopted by the population at large. Cartier was the first of the Swiss watchmakers to produce a wristwatch, the Santos, which appeared in 1911, but soon the other brands followed suit. Today the early Swiss wristwatches are regarded as the best pieces and fetch 10s – or even hundreds – of thousands of pounds at auction.

BRAND KNOWLEDGE Rolex is certainly the first name that springs to most people’s minds when talking about vintage watches. The company was actually founded in London in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis to import watches from Switzerland, but it soon turned to watchmaking and moved to Switzerland. Rolex’s fame springs largely from its reputation for innovation – it produced the first watches with automatically changing day and date indictors, and it was a pioneer in developing waterproof timepieces, first the Oyster and then the Submariner. The undisputed aristocrat among Swiss watchmakers is Patek Philippe. The company started making pocket watches in 1839 and has been responsible for some key innovations in the industry, such as the perpetual calendar, split-seconds hand, chronograph and minute repeater. The Patek Philippe Nautilus is among the all-time classics. First introduced in 1976, its design was inspired by the shape of a porthole. The company is responsible for some of the most expensive watches ever sold. An ultra-complicated Patek Philippe watch originally made in 1933 as a complete one-off sold 66 years later for $11 million (£7.3 million) – a world record at the time. Obviously there are many collectable brands of watch. Among the best-known are Omega, Vacheron & Constantin, Audemars Piguet, Longines, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Cartier, Tissot, Breitling and TAG Heuer.

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GETTING STARTED THE BASICS When you start buying watches for the first time, the jargon can be rather perplexing. Watches are generally divided into ‘sport’ and ‘dress’, but there is a whole mechanics and functionality lexicon to get to grips with. Watch aficionados call any additional horological functions a ‘complication’. Typical examples are small windows displaying the day of the week, date or other time zones. Then there are different generic types of watch. A chronometer is a precision watch that usually comes with a certificate testifying to its accuracy. A chronograph has stopwatch functions. Gold watches are not necessarily worth more than their stainless steel equivalents. White gold, platinum and rose gold are as popular as yellow gold, which is seen by some as a shade vulgar. Fakes are a real hazard for the watch collector. Watchmakers in India and China have produced pieces that are almost impossible to distinguish from the real thing. And that’s why you will almost certainly need the services of a reputable dealer to begin with. Hallmarks are no guarantee of authenticity as they can be easily faked. More to the point, a vintage watch only has real value if every single part of it is original and individual components have not been replaced.

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KNOWLEDGE IS POWER BRAND HISTORY: what is the brand known for or what do they stand for? Focus on watchmakers that are well-known for specific innovations or craftsmanship, the likes of Rolex, Patek Phillippe or Cartier. Rolex, for example, carved a reputation for tool watches; watches engineered and designed for professionals, such as divers (Submariner), pilots (GMT) and adventurers (Explorer I). Some contemporary watchmakers present an interesting prospect for collectors as well, but it is difficult to assess their appreciation, so you are taking a risk investing in them. Take Richard Mille: the brand is known for the use of super lightweight materials and advanced engineering, but also its collaborations with world renowned athletes, as a means to emphasize on precision, reliability and high performance. RARITY: the rarer a particular model, the more valuable it is. Patek Philippe’s stainless steel models from 1940s and 1950s make good investments because they were not popular at the time and the company released small editions. For contemporary pieces, look out for limited editions. PROVENANCE: if a watch is linked to a popular figure or has been worn by a famous person, the value of the piece increases tremendously. For example, in 2008 Albert Einstein’s wristwatch - a simple gold rectangular Longines dating back to 1929 - fetched $596,000 at Antiquorum’s New York auction. Eric Clapton – a well-known watch collector – had a Patek Philippe auctioned by Christies for $3.6m. When looking to buy a vintage watch, pay attention to its authenticity and its condition. If possible get the original documentation and certificate. Ensure that the watch has been well maintained, is working well and that the original parts are still intact. While gaining knowledge and understanding will polish your investment skills (and whet your appetite), working with a seasoned collector can help you hone your skills faster, gain confidence in your taste and ultimately make better investments.

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A high level service, flexibility linebanking banking services A highoflevel of service, flexibilityand andfull full line services are fundamental to ustoinusour relationship withyou. you. However, are fundamental in our relationship with However, we want to offer you more than that – we want to offer youyou a a we want to offer you more than that – we want to offer bank out of the ordinary. bank out of the ordinary.

JYSKE BANK (GIBRALTAR) LTD. • 76, Main Street • P.O. Box 143 • Gibraltar Tel. +350 606 33322 • Fax +350 200 76782 • info@jyskebank.gi • www.jyskebank.gi Jyske Bank (Gibraltar) Ltd. is licensed by the Financial Services Commission, Licence No. FSC 001 00B.

and productsLTD. are not available everybody, for instance not to• Gibraltar residents of the US. JYSKE BANKServices (GIBRALTAR) • 76, MaintoStreet • P.O. Box 143 Tel. +350 606 33322 • Fax +350 200 76782 • info@jyskebank.gi • www.jyskebank.gi

Jyske Bank (Gibraltar) Ltd. is licensed by the Financial Services Commission, Licence No. FSC 001 00B. Services and products are not available to everybody, for instance not to residents of the US.

SHORT PLEASURES ASSORTMENT The Davidoff “Short Pleasures” Assortment offers aficionados of premium cigars a rich assortment of four cigars that promises to be the perfect companion for short, relaxing moments in their hectic everyday lives.

The Davidoff Short Pleasures Assortment includes: 1 - Davidoff Entreacto (3.5” x 43) 1 - Davidoff Grand Cru #5 Corona (4” x 41) 1 - Davidoff Millenium Short Robusto (4.2” x 52) 1 - Davidoff Puro d’Oro Gordito (3.7” x 58)

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LO-RES

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THE ONLY PLACE TO BE

Sotogrande is one of the most sought after addresses on the Iberian Peninsula, encompassing a 20 square kilometre stretch from the Mediterranean coastline to dramatic hills and protected parkland. Its reputation as Andalucía’s largest private enclave of luxury and sporting pursuits has long since drawn discerning families, visitors and second homers from Europe and beyond. This magical hideaway offers an altogether different experience from the chaos of the Costas but still close enough for you to delve in to should you wish. Aside from the world class golf, polo and sailing for which Sotogrande has carved out a reputation there is so much more. Sotogrande’s charm lies not only in its unsurpassed experiences for families and friends to enjoy but in its captivating wilderness that surrounds it within striking distance. Choose to discover this dramatic paysage of hills, wild olive groves, pathways studded with cork oaks or take in the stunning vistas across the Mediterranean and Gibraltan Straits on foot, mountain bike or on horseback with a tailored trip arranged via Hipica, Sotogrande’s equestrian centre in La Reserva. Quaint and brimming with Andalucian spirit, Hipica’s cobbled courtyard, dotted with citrus trees, can house and provide livery for up to one hundred horses in its stables painted in vibrant hues of pink, yellow and green. Here you can indulge in every manner of equestrian pasttime from hack, to dressage to jumping to a specially equipped pony club for children. Keeping children of all ages busy in a nurturing and fun environment plays a very important role at Sotogrande. The area enjoys a stretch of over 12km of sandy beaches to play on, with several beach clubs to enjoy long laid back lunches or thrill in a range of watersports on offer from kayaking, snorkeling and paddleboarding to wakeboarding and kitesurfing. Private or group boat tours can be arranged to experience the Mediterranean’s magical marine life with the Orca, sperm and pilot whale and playful bottlenose dolphin all swimming these cobalt waters. To simply hit relax and repeat, Sotogrande does it in characteristically effortless style, allowing you to revive body and mind in the Elysium Spa at the resort’s Almenara Hotel. The peaceful hillside location and lavish hydrothermal circuit with Finnish sauna and Turkish bath, and impressive treatment menu make it an oasis to restore wellbeing. Then the resort’s choice of gyms also offers a range of yoga, Pilates and fitness classes throughout the year. 93

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If the endless diversion of sporting pursuits or more relaxing pasttimes still leave you wanting to experience more, Sotogrande is ideally situated to satisfy an appetite for culture and breathtaking scenery. Andalucía’s wondrous cities of Jerez, Granada, Seville and Cadiz, rooted in the folkloric tradition of flamenco, gastronomy and the torero, offer a glimpse into Spain’s Moorish past. Adding to Sotogrande’s year round appeal, is the Sierra Nevada mountain range which is only a two-hour scenic drive and offers skiing in winter months, then spectacular hiking and mountain biking throughout the rest of the year. Perhaps Sotogrande’s most exciting news to date is the transformation currently underway at La Reserva. Located in the heart of Sotogrande La Reserva, with its club house and18-hole golf course designed by Cabell B Robinson, is being extensively renovated. Envisioned for La Reserva is a state of the art country club together with a range of new amenities, all within immediate reach or within a stone’s throw. Located in the utmost secured environment, the new country club will provide a meeting place and destination for all the generations and anchor the inclusive community spirit for La Reserva residents and their guests. Celebrated French landscape architect, Jean Mus, whose client list includes the Hotel de Paris in Monaco, Saint Jean Cap de Ferrat Hotel and LVMH will create a uniquely Andalucian setting and parklands using only indigenous vegetation to blend harmoniously with La Reserva. This breathtaking terrain will surround a new three-hectare lagoon structure – set to be one of Europe’s largest - complete with sandy beaches, a beach club and a variety of activities for both adults and children. With a stunning vantage point overlooking the lagoon will be a new state of the art spa and wellness centre. Then adding to La Reserva’s impressive new experiences on offer will be a tennis centre, nature trail and dedicated zoned tailored to children of all ages.

Watch this space 94 LUXURY LIVING

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INDULGE YOURSELF u THE WORLD’S MOST EXPENSIVE SPEAKER With a design ethos of “Less is More”, the Tone’s River Speaker encrusted in diamonds and covered in pure gold is certainly not that” The premium speaker system created by the legendary Sony audio acoustic designer Michio Sakamoto for Anodic Supply is a perfect combination of advanced technology and cutting-edge craftsmanship and promises to deliver “sonic purity of the highest calibre”. Each speaker system is individually hand-crafted and constructed with only the finest quality materials, according to Sakamoto, the solid gold casing helps to achieve the lowest ‘longitudinal elastic modulus/density,’ which further results in incredible clarity and pure gold signals. While the company offers custom-design options on request, the speakers housing is available in different editions such as gold; gold and silver forms, solid sterling silver and gold plated version. Priced at $5million the Tone’s River Speaker is the ultimate design statement. www.rivers-tone.com

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LUXURY PIANO With its smooth, sleek lines and curved back the Royal Digital Grand Piano evokes an image of a whale emerging from the water. In a departure from the classic grand piano, the bespoke piano designed by Polish designer Robert Majku for British company Whaletone, is an artistic sculpture for musical instrument fans. Using hammers and strings to replicate the sound of a string piano, it also has 50 in built various highquality electronic sounds to generate not only an authentic string piano sound but that of an electric piano as well. USB connection sockets built into the piano offer the capability of recording saving and playing back your sessions while a headphone socket ensures late-night jamming sessions wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wake the neighbours. Perhaps the most impressive feature is the Moving Keys function, where the piano plays performances from your favourite artists completely independently. Each Whaletone can be adapted to order with fully bespoke finishing options available. www.whaletone.com

u MARKING YOUR TERRITORY We all know that a manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home is his castle so it makes sense to stamp your name of approval across your fixtures and fittings. For some the humble door-knob may not be the first object that springs to mind for in-your-face personalization but as subtle and refined addition to the home the Haute DĂŠco studio Monogram Doorknobs are beautiful addition to any home. Recently launched as part of their new Signature Collection, the doorknobs are crafted individually by hand with cristalle resin at a small atelier in England. www. hautedeco.com

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AN ICONIC WRITING INSTRUMENT The Cross Peerless 125 Collection is the culmination of the Cross brands rich history of innovation and unparalleled accomplishment. Designed to celebrate their heritage, it is likely the finest writing instrument that Cross has ever introduced. The Peerless 125 celebrates two great landmark moments in the brand*s history - The 1889 debut of the original Peerless Pen and the introduction of the iconic Century line in 1935. Fusing elements of these two classic designs together, Cross has created a collection that embodies the simple, beautiful design language and attention to detail that has made the Cross brand legendary. The bold, wide-bodied design complements Cross’s signature conical top that holds a premium Swarovski crystal with a brilliant faceted cut. The Ball Pen includes the new Satnink - the satin smooth hybrid technology, which combines the smooth writing qualities of a gel pen with the quick drying features of a ballpoint for an even smoother writing experience. The fountain pen is cartridge/converter fill (converter included). The Selectip Rollerball is interchangeable to porous point, highlighter and jumbo ballpoint refills. The impressive 18kt gold fountain pen nibs are available in M,F,XF,B and Zoom widths.

As part of the collection Cross have launched a limited edition version, inspired by three well-known iconic works or architecture that have left their mark on the modern cities of our world; London’s Elizabeth Towers, New York’s Chrysler Building and Tokyo Skytree design. “In CROSS brand, we’re always talking about human greatness and achievements, it is simply part of our DNA, looking at the history and future. Big cities have always been incubators of top minds, who have achieved remarkable results in many areas. For this reason, as a tribute to the concept of the urban center as a bastion of genius, we are presenting Peerless Special Edition collection, “said Magnus Jonson, global CMO CROSS Company. www.cross.com 98 LUXURY LIVING

YOUR TIME IS NOW. CREATE A FIRS T IMPRESSION THAT DEMANDS A SECOND LOOK.

Fiaba Date

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VENICE CONSOLE TABLE Designed by Claudio Bellini, this table sports a unique and sculptural style by integrating natural and the industrial elements together. Pieces of weathered watery logs of briccole wood constitute its base providing a natural look to the item. The logs are cracked and add a distinct note with their imperfections. The look of the furniture is complemented by its top which is made in smooth polished steel. The table topâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s design draws reference to the water surface with its smooth and reflective surface. The logs penetrate the table top. The design of the item makes it ideal to be used in contemporary or rustic-styled interiors. www.riva1920.it

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DINING Exploring the culture of taste and the pleasures of conviviality. Dining reviews some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest restaurants, chefs and wines.

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LA RESERVA A WORLD-CLASS CLUBHOUSE TO MATCH A PREMIER CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF COURSE La Reserva is a world-class golf course and clubhouse in the heart of Sotogrande. It is the landing place and spiritual home for Joseph McMicking, the industrialist and philanthropist who conceived of an exclusive destination resort for those seeking a place of comfort and discretion. In 1962 the community of Sotogrande started coming to life, building homes and world-class sporting facilities among some of Andalusia’s finest Mediterranean landscape. Central to La Reserva is the 18-hole, 7,400-yard golf course designed by Cabell B. Robinson, one of the world’s renowned architects who also envisioned the courses at Finca Cortesin nearby and the Royal Palm in Marrakesh. Mentored by Robert Trent Jones, who created the masterpiece Club Real at Sotogrande, Robinson’s is the fifth course is the fifth course to join Sotogrande and occupies a favorable top-tier position overlooking the Mediterranean, the Andalusian hills and the Straits of Gibraltar. The original La Reserva clubhouse, built in 2003 to provide a focal point to the golf course, was designed to incorporate key architectural motifs that blended Andalusian and historic Moorish influences such as horseshoe arched windows, internal courtyards and vaulted beamed ceilings. In recent months La Reserva clubhouse has undergone something of a Renaissance, laying the ground for the creation of further amenities in this area such as a swimmable lagoon, exceptional wellness spa, tennis club and children’s club. Together these will be the cornerstones to creating a secure and fully contained community within La Reserva.

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Thanks to the acute eye of Paris-based creative architectural studio, Des Sources, the refurbished clubhouse is a worthy marker of all that La Reserva is and promises to be for the future, a suitably contemporary partner to pair with the championship golf facilities. Reopened in January 2016 and warmly welcoming non-members, the clubhouse has been lightened and brightened inside and out, with spaces reconfigured to have a more logical flow between rooms and embrace its enviable position overlooking the putting green. As founder Manon Sbaïz explains, “The exercise was to keep the space modern while harnessing the traditional aspects of some of the architecture. We wanted it to feel like a large family house where you can live and enjoy the space, where you can discover a personal history, rather than feel like you are walking through a museum.” Modernising and contemporising La Reserva was achieved through deceptively simple but strategically well-considered approaches. Originally painted externally in terracotta hues, the new white and grey tones are fresh and joyful, reminiscent of traditional finca architecture of southern Andalusian while being current and bright. When the sun shines on the building, its whiteness is dramatic. Internally the very high beamed ceiling has also been whitened, to make it homely. Terracotta flooring was replaced with wide floorboards to add a modern twist. Lamps and lighting are brought down to table level to help humanize the volume of the large room. Domed lampshades are paired with hand-blown glass pendants by British firm, Rothschild & Bickers. With the wall behind the bar an impressive 12-metres long, Des Sources specified a wallpaper from Italian firm, Wall & Deco, which blends old distressed block printing with contemporary colourways. The bold pattern has been scaled specifically for the space. “It is a fabulous and sophisticated place to dine,” continues Ms Sbaïz. “We wanted to create a sense of arrival, something very different, so now when you approach La Reserva through the courtyards, you are intrigued and drawn in by the relationship that the outside has with the building itself.” Such a welcome is achieved through subtle, considered planting using a palette of pale lavenders, pinks, white and gentle greens, with a grove of olive trees creating a beautifully shaded seating area overlooking the driving ranges. The internal courtyards have also been reconfigured with rhythmic geometrical patterning, and lush planting and water features as the focal point. Comfortable seating under the shaded walkways provides a blissful place of repose and reflection.

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Head chef, Cristina Gutierrez Bergue Gastronomic excellence at L’Olive at La Reserva is provided under the watchful stewardship of Parisian, Olivier Claude de Paepe. Having honed his skills in Aruba and at the five-star Hotel Beauvallon at St-Maxime on the Côte d’Azur, he says, “I love golf and the international scene. I am so comfortable with all the players and understand straight away the things that they need. We offer culinary excellence in a relaxed setting.” Such pre-emptive service is evident in the continually changing menu by head chef, Cristina Gutierrez Bergue, which offers some of the finest Andalusian and European cuisine to be found in this part of southwest Spain. The changing menu makes a play on seasonal specialties including tuna and other Mediterranean fish, fresh vegetables and herbs and special outdoor grill nights to make the most of balmy summer evenings. Coming soon will be a special menu offering some of the favourite dishes of Manuel Piñero, who is curating an exhibition of his extended golfing career at La Reserva. Add to this a growing collection of fine and grande cuvée wines, it is no wonder that the impressive L’Olive at La Reserva restaurant continues to draw regular and new clients from Sotogrande and further afield.

L’Olive at La Reserva can be contacted on (+34) 956 785252. For further information regarding the interior design at La Reserva please visit www.des-sources.com 109

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WHISKEY WITH A TOUCH OF

ROMANCE SPEY from Speyside Distillery celebrates 200th anniversary of Byron’s marriage with an exclusive 200 limited edition release Two hundred years after the marriage of celebrated Romantic poet Lord Byron, Speyside Distillery has launched an exclusive limited edition release to commemorate this special wedding anniversary. Matured in port casks, the whisky has a taste as sophisticated as the aristocrat and as complex as his personality. Just 200 cases – amounting to 1,200 bottles – of the limited edition expression have been produced. The boutique distillery nestled at the foot of the Cairngorm mountains has a historic link to the George Gordon Byron, who was known for his scandalous private life as much as his talents as a wordsmith. Lord Byron is said to have gifted a cask of his favourite SPEY whisky to King George III to celebrate the occasion of his wedding in 1815 to Lady Annabelle Millbanke - a union that was to last less than two years. Speyside Distillery chief executive officer John Harvey McDonough believes that Lord Byron - who was known to enjoy a dram - would have approved of the gesture. He adds, “It is a fascinating part of our history and one of which we are incredibly proud. It is understood that when Lord Byron wed at Seaham Hall in Northumberland, a cask of SPEY whisky was sent down to Kew Palace in London as a gift for the King. A replica of the cask remains in Seaham Hall, where SPEY has a mini museum in the cellar. Two centuries have passed, but we are still making SPEY whisky in the same time-honoured traditional ways and we are continuing to create very desirable drams. We believe that Lord Byron would have been delighted that we have chosen to mark the anniversary by creating a new single malt expression in his name. We wonder if it would have stirred him enough to put pen to paper - we can only dream of the words he would have conjured up in tribute.” SPEY Lord Byron expression is a delicate balance of warm, nutty, tawny port hues with a soft sweet toffee aftertaste and a fresh, fruity lingering note which soothes the palate like the finest warm honey caressing ones tongue. At 46% ABV, 70c, it has an RRP of £95. Lord Byron spent his early years in Aberdeen - around 100 miles from Speyside Distillery - before completing his education at Harrow School and Cambridge University. After returning to England following a tour of European countries, he began to court Annabelle Millbanke. Said to be a highly moral woman - as well as a gifted mathematician and heiress - she refused his first proposal but later accepted his hand in marriage. He may have been one of the greatest poets of the Romantic Movement, but Lord Byron treated his new wife poorly: there were rumours of scandalous affairs and he also mounted up significant debts. The couple had a daughter - Ada - but just a year into the marriage, Lady Byron left him. Lord Byron left England later that year, never to return. He died in Greece on 19 April, 1824 after developing a fever. John adds, “Many, many years after the marriage at Seaham Hall, in a strange quirk of fate, my family developed a further connection to the historic property. My grandfather Alec Harvey ran a whisky export business from Seaham Hall, and exported whisky to the US during the prohibition era”. 110 LUXURY LIVING

“My grandfather had a very long list of customers - including one Al Capone - who helped to establish demand for SPEY across the Atlantic. It was the drink of choice for those in the know - a secret that was actually on every whisky lover’s lips.”

For further information about Speyside Distillery, visit www.speysidedistillery.co.uk. Follow Speyside Distillery on Twitter @SpeySingleMalt and on Facebook at facebook.com/speysidedistillery 111

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SAVOUR THE TASTE OF MICHELIN

There’s no debate that good food can be found in the Côte d’Azur via the Michelin guide; it is a tried and tested method. As the stars go up, so does the quality of service, ambiance and of course food. Inevitably, so does the price. But it’s important to remember what the stars mean. That is, your palate might be satisfied with one star but it might not be in the grandest of surroundings. And it’s worth noting that everything is measured against the benchmark of a rather formal fine dining experience. Then again, it is merely a guide and you are the discerning navigator. Since the majority of the Michelin-starred restaurant do offer menus of varying prices, it’s easy to pick one that suits you. Yes, much less freedom is offered by lunch and set menus but if you’re receiving the same quality of food and service for a snip of the price then all the better for it.

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LE LOUIS XV ALAIN DUCASSE

uuu Place du Casino , 9800 Monte-Carlo, Monaco T: +377 98 06 88 64 | lelouisxv@alain-ducasse.com | www.alain-ducasse.com

In Monte-Carlo, the Louis XV-Alain Ducasse is dedicated to good taste and fantasy. Since its opening, within the Hotel de Paris more than 25 years ago, authenticity and culinary elegance have always been delicately combined. In an elegant room set in light and gold, reminiscent of Versailles Grand Siècle, all the hands on the clocks are stopped on 12 as a reminder that inside this Palace of Pleasure, time is of no consequence. The menu, a Mediterranean and seasonal symphony of a style that Alain Ducasse qualifies in one word as “essential”, suggests a wide pallet of exquisite dishes. The wine cellar, filled with 400 000 bottles, is a wine aficionados’ dream. But above all, the chef has ensured that every detail reveals the magic of this incomparable place. A timeless enchantment. Discover the specialties that have contributed to the renown of the Louis XV: Mediterranean sea bass studded with marjoram and cooked flat, roasted spiny artichokes, anchovy fritters; Pyrenean baby lamb seasoned with Espelette pepper and roasted in the fireplace, radicchio, fennel and offal “alla romana”; Rum baba with your choice of rum and whipped cream.

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LE PETIT NICE-PASSÉDAT GÉRALD PASSÉDAT

uuu Anse de Maldormé, Corniche JF Kennedy, 13007 Marseille T: + 33 (0)4 91 59 25 92 | contact@ passedat.com | www.passedat.com

To love Marseille means to love the Mediterranean, inseparable from the city, just like Gérald Passédat’s cuisine. This restaurant has a remarkable setting, sitting above a series of rocks not far from Marseilles harbour (le Vieux Port), looking out to the Mediterranean. Picture windows allow the sunlight and the sea breeze through to the dining room, while below you can see waves breaking on rocks used by a few adventurous sunbathers. This certainly has one of the most spectacular views of any restaurant in the world. The dining room itself is simple, with wooden floors and white tablecloths; no fancy distraction is needed with a view like this. As for the menu; first come sea anemones, bonito, sea urchins, crabs and shellfish. Then fish occupies the heart of his cuisine. Fished locally, always freshly caught that morning, he serves more than 65 varieties over the year such as tub gurnard, rascasse, red porgy, comber fish, common dentex. These little-known fish give you the delicious impression of being immersed in a sea of blue. The cult dish of course is ‘Bouille Abaisse’, light, iodized and zephyr-like, and also the famous Lucie Passédat sea bass and Tante Nia sea bream. As for the sea, it is everywhere… with superb views from the terrace and from the restaurant. 115

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LA VAGUE D’OR ARNAUD DONCKELE

uuu Résidence de la Pinède Plage de la Bouillabaisse St. Tropez 83990 T: (33) 04 94 55 91 00 | reservation@residencepinede.com www. residencepinede.com

Located within the luxurious five star Hotel of Residence de la Pinede, La Vague D’or Restaurant offers diners exceptional cuisine in a truly beautiful setting. The restaurant first opened its doors in 1954 and gained its first Michelin star in 1990, its second in 2011 and its third in 2013. Critically acclaimed chef Arnaud Donckele trained at Gourmand-Prunier in Paris before working with the great Michel Guérard at Eugénie-les-Bains in 1998. He took over as head chef at La Vague D’or in 2005, working with his chef de cuisine Guillaume Gaudin. With picturesque views of the gulf of St Tropez, chef Arnaud Donckele orchestrates an a la carte and prix fixe tasting menu of culinary fanfare beginning with seasonal and locally inspired dishes. A French style ceviche with fish and crabmeat marinated in local mandarin oranges, lobster serviced four ways including a gelee and pearl caviar or Zitone pasta with black truffle or foie gras. Further courses yield Dover sole with summer truffle, langoustine in rosemary butter or rack of lamb with Sicilian eggplant and tomato puree. Arnaud Donckele weaves an inventive magic with the best Mediterranean ingredients. And the service is both correct and welcoming.

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JOËL ROBUCHON MONTE-CARLO JOËL ROBUCHON

uu 4 Avenue de la Madone, Hotel Metropole, 98000 Monte-Carlo T: +37 793151510 | www.metropole.com

Joel Robuchon is widely recognised as one of the best chefs in the world holding an accumulated total of 28 Michelin stars, more than any of his contemporaries. Although he has a presence in destinations ranging from Tokyo to Las Vegas, the Frenchman is perhaps most associated with Monaco’s Joel Robuchon restaurant located within the Hotel Metropole. The décor mixes heavy swag drapery and sweeping landscape mural with plush-upholstered chairs and tables adorned in white tablecloths and gourmet accoutrement. Walls of glass open to a large, formal terrace with the buzz of heavily trained staff that helps complete this 2-star Michelin dining experience. More playful than his Alan Ducasse competition at Hotel de Paris, Joel Robuchon presides over a selection of prix-fixe menus with dishes like asparagus mimosa with caviar, lobster veloute with burrata and seared foie gras presented with garden peas. Further presentations of homemade gnocchi with morels, sea bass steak with broad beans and quail with caramelized skin that’s stuffed with foie gras prove one of the best meals you will have in Monte-Carlo.

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SEDUCE YOUR SENSES

THE MOST EXPENSIVE SHERRY IN THE WORLD Spanish winery Barbadillo, presents the world’s most expensive sherry. Versos 1891 is a super-rare mixture dating back to the 19th century and thought to be one of the oldest and rarest sherries on the market today, the limited run of 100 bottles will cost you £8,000 / € 12,000 per bottle. The sherry has a very intense flavour and has long been prized for its elegance and other incredible quality. Presented in a crystal decanter shaped like an inkwell, the bottle is finished with platinum paint on the collar and has Versos etched into the glass in gold leaf. This is then further encased in an exclusively designed Spanish leather box made in Ubrique in the Sierra of Cadiz in Andalusia, home of some of the world’s finest luxury leather craftsmen.

LOUIS XIII UNVEILS L’ODYSSÉE D’UN ROI Four French luxury houses; Louis XIII, Hermes, Saint Louis and Puiforcat have come together to give rise to the most monumental masterpiece, L’Odyssée d’Un Roi. To pay ode to the luxury travel heritage of Louis XIII, each house has contributed its own centuries-old savoir-faire to the creation of a series of three objets d’art. These one-of-a-kind masterpieces are being presented in culture capitals on different continents as part of a yearlong traveling exhibition. Each crystal edition, which contains a rare mixture of Louis XIII, has passed through the hands of more than 50 different artists who have dedicated more than 1,000 hours of work to each piece of L’Odyssee d’Un Roi. The seamless packaging that is designed for this exclusive creation is actually handmade by Hermes brand, created from the finest leather. Modelled on the classic bags, the interior of the packaging is very luxurious and has enough room for unique magnum decanter of Louis XIII. Pipette engraved with white gold is the work of masters Puiforcat, and is meant for an exquisite ritual serving of this precious drink. Special crystal decanter, or a carafe, and appropriate glasses are hand-blown, processed and engraved in Saint Louis Royal Crisallerie. Sotheby’s will hold an auction for the sale of all three Louis XIII Unveils L’Odyssee d’Un Roi items, and proceeds will be directed Film Foundation, a non-profit organization, founded by Martin Scorsese with several leading directors, with the aim of preservation and restoration of classic films, ensuring their survival for future generations. 118 LUXURY LIVING

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Black Pearl CAVIAR

Celebrate in Style Find out more about our world class caviars www.blackpearlcaviar.com 120 LUXURY LIVING

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THE BLACK GOLD OF THE CULINARY WORLD

IF you ask anyone to name a gourmet food the first words from their lips would be caviar. Known as one of the mos expensive foods in the world caviar is lightly salted roe or fish eggs. There are four main types, the Beluga, Ossetra, Sterlet & Sevruga however for the connoisseur amongst us there is also a fifth the luxurious Almas. ALMAS CAVIAR is, undeniably, the most luxurious and exclusive food known to mankind - This unique kind of caviar is priced as high as $12,000/lb. and is considered the jewel of the crown in the caviar world. This extremely rare caviar is originated from specimens more than 100 years old. As the sturgeon gets older, their eggs take on a more elegant, smooth, aromatic and spongier texture. Almas, which in Russian means “diamond”, is stunning white in colour making the dish look like fancy, beautiful gems. This fish is only found in limited areas of the Caspian Sea. Beluga has traditionally been thought of in certain circles as the most expensive caviar simply because Almas is so difficult to find and because the beluga sturgeon only produces eggs every three or four years, and only after the fish has reached 15 years of age. These delicate fish eggs are defined by their black-grey colour and the buttery, rich flavour. There are less than a hundred Beluga sturgeon fish caught each year OSETRA CAVIAR is known for its dominant flavour and the size of the fish it belong to – The Osetra Sturgeon fish can get as big as 400 Lbs. each! Medium in size and ranging between grey and brown in colour, the Osetra or Ossetra has a nutty and somewhat fruity flavour than Beluga’s unique taste. STERLET CAVIARS are small and have a golden hue. This variety is also very rare and was once exclusively served for Iranian Shahs, Austrian Emperors and Russian Tsars. As a fish Sterlets in Russia, are held in high esteem on account of its excellent flesh. Last but not least is the SEVRUGA CAVIAR it is regarded as the lowest quality in the real caviar hierarchy due its small size. The roe of the Sevruga is dark black to very light grey colour. It is more abundant and the least expensive. It also has somewhat the same taste as Beluga a bit buttery but saltier and with a more distinct intense flavour. 121

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DID YOU KNOW? • Caviar is audible! Specialty caviar experts examine the sounds of the eggs in order to determine its freshness and quality levels. • Caviar is known as a natural anti-depressant and used to be prescribed as one. I think when you have money for caviar every day, you automatically become less depressed • There’s plenty of fish in the sea but the only fish eggs that are considered caviar come from the sturgeon fish, which has 26 different varieties. The older the caviar the more expensive, because the flavours are richer and the colour is brighter. Cheaper caviar will have darker colours, smaller eggs and mild aromas.

HOW TO EAT THIS DELICACY? Caviar will often be served with a buttery toast, rich cracker or the known pairing – Bellini crepes that looks and taste similar to delicate small pancakes. If you order caviar in a restaurant in EastEurope, expect to get a plate of caviar over steamed potatoes. In Russia, some places will serve caviar rolled inside Bellini crepes.

WHAT DRINK TO PAIR CAVIAR WITH? You can’t go wrong with the classic combination of Champagne and caviar, but if you’re not a fan of the bubbly, you can always substitute it with a good bottle of chardonnay. 122 LUXURY LIVING

RATED THE No. 1 CHAMPAGNE IN THE WORLD ARMAND DE BRIGNAC

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IF IT’S FERIA TIME IT MUST BE SHERRY TIME BY XAVIER PEDDINGTON

It’s that time of year again. You are walking along the street and suddenly come across groups of people on horses, in typical Andalucian costume, and girls in flouncing polka-dot dresses dancing to hand clapping. Yes, the Spanish feria season is in full swing, having started with the classic Seville Feria in early April, followed by local ferias that keep you awake into the small hours and go on all through the summer ending with the San Pedro Feria in late October Wherever you live, your feria experience will be inimitable. In some towns and villages the local feria, always celebrating the patron saint, may only last an extended weekend, while at the other extreme can be more than a week long. Most municipalities have their dedicated feria ground, used just once a year for this event, and in others the main square is the focus of all the fun. How do you explain to someone who has never experienced an Andalucia town or village fair what it consists of ? Days - and nights - of drinking, eating, dancing, with everyone from toddlers to octogenarians enjoying themselves as if there were no tomorrow. There is just no equivalent to the almost 24/7 celebration where vino fino, rebujito, ham, cheese, all sorts of cooked food, paellas, with of course the distinctive sevillanas and rumbas that are danced until dawn. One thing is certain. If you enter into the spirit of the fair you will enjoy yourself, and possibly even more so if you partake of that typical feria drink, fino sherry. No-one has to the best of my knowledge explained exactly why drinking sherry is synonymous with the enjoyment of Spanish ferias, but it unquestionably is. Without any exaggeration hundreds of thousands of bottles get drunk in every Andalucian fair, whether it be the city fairs like Córdoba, Granada, Málaga, the already-mentioned Seville, or the annual town celebrations in places like Marbella, Fuengirola, Estepona, El Puerto de Santa María, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Antequera, Torre del Mar, etc, right down to the little village affairs, of Ojén, Coín, Benahavis, Istán... A curiosity is that all feria sherry is drunk in half bottles. This actually used to be the general custom in Spain, since, as long-dead wine expert André Simon went on record as saying, “A bottle of fino, once opened, will go off between luncheon and dinner.” At that time sherry was not intentionally stabilised to the same degree as currently, so one just opened the bottle and threw the cork away; (please note, cork, not the metal caps many of them use now).

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I truly do not know many foreigners who like fino sherry. They usually consider it to be too dry and to have an unusual taste. Indeed, it is very low on sugar and the tang is down to it being a wine that is blended (there is no such thing as a vintage sherry) and will always contain base wines of considerable age. Many people prefer the less dry varieties like amontillados and olorosos, which are darker in colour and have more body - and more alcohol. An old oloroso, for example, can have up to 20º. When you visit a sherry bodega you will be served this variety first before moving to a fino session - that can last a long time - and you certainly could not stay upright if you drank the same amount of these heavier wines. So how about the old battle: fino versus manzanilla? Traditionally, and many years ago, it was definitely not done to drink manzanilla almost anywhere outside Sanlúcar de Barrameda, where it comes from. Never properly marketed, always the poor cousin of proud Jerez’s fino, cheaper and generally a tad less refined, why drink it at all? However with diet-conscious Spaniards turning more and more to ‘light’ versions of everything in sight, someone in Sanlúcar had the bright idea of producing a ‘light’ sherry, this eventually materialising in a manzanilla with less alcohol. And I suppose if you are drinking sherry at the feria from midnight until six in the morning, this can be an advantage. It caught on, and before you could say Tio Pepe or La Ina, the manzanilla brands of La Guita, La Gitana, Solear and others had swept the board. But as usual in such cases the gap subsequently narrowed. The Jerezanos reduced the alcohol content in fino, and the price of the best manzanillas climbed to the same as that of fino. So back to square one.

However a dyed-in-the-wool Jerezano will never order a copa of manzanilla, at a feria or anywhere else. Nevertheless many aficionados maintain that being made in a coastal town you can taste the sea in it. As Sanlúcar has become more built up, local lore maintains that the bodegas on the lower ground facing the ocean no longer receive the sea breezes, and their wine has changed in character, while the bodegas on the higher level (of which Barbadillo is the largest), still preserve this unusual and attractive characteristic. Another story, is that if you take a barrel of manzanilla to Jerez, inland, and vice-versa, the manzanilla will become fino and the fino will become manzanilla. Which is why every large Jerez producer has a maturing warehouse in Sanlúcar. Miracles of that wonderful living creature which is wine. So, if we are heading off to the feria, which brands do we order? Well, as at any time, the betterknown brands are usually the safest. Solear, from Barbadillo (who also produce the ubiquitous bestselling white table wine, Castillo de San Diego) is a top-ranker. La Goya, from Delgado Zuleta, is termed a manzanilla pasada (or, in the modern idiom, manzanilla fina) and is excellent, although not easy to find. Argüeso is one of the oldest Sanlúcar bodegas, and their wine is superb, but harder to get hold of outside the immediate area. La Guita, perhaps the best-known manzanilla of them all, now belongs to the Estevez Group, and is the most consumed wine in many local ferias starting with Seville. It sells all it can produce with hardly any going for export. 127

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There is no mystery about the best finos, starting with the classic Domecq La Ina (now owned by Lustau, the bodega with the widest range of sherries in the area) followed by Tio Pepe, Inocente and Tio Mateo. There used to be dozens of small sherry houses each with their own excellent brand, but these days the business is concentrated into a half dozen major firms. Regrettably sherry sales figures in Spain have been heading south for years, and there was at one time real concern about the future. In recent years practically the only time sherry was traditionally drunk was, and still is, at Andalucian ferias, and although the quantities are huge, they cannot support the capital-intensive production methods necessary for the wine. Most bodegas have vast stocks and have to see an annual rotation. Otherwise the traditional solera system that blends wine from different years and makes it so special and unique cannot be maintained as it needs to be. Fortunately there are now signs that sales are picking up again, above all in overseas markets. Britain is showing a renewed interest in the stuff and even young people have started drinking it. But the biggest boost is from celebrity chefs who are using it increasingly in signature dishes, and two awardwinning London restaurants, Moro and Fino, offer tasting menus to combine with different varieties of sherry. The increase in popularity of tapa bars has also helped, and what is happening in Britain is being replicated in the USA. Oriental eateries are also promoting sherry. As an accompaniment to most eastern cuisine it has no rival, and even with Indian food it can stand up for itself much better than ordinary wines - although beer and cava will always be best. So there you have it, sherry the unsung hero of Andalucian ferias

“If I had a thousand sons, the first human principle I would teach them, should be to forswear potations, and to devote themselves to Sherry”

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

Another story, again true, is that if you take a barrel of manzanilla to Jerez, inland, and vice-versa, the manzanilla will become fino and the fino will become manzanilla. Which is why every large Jerez producer has a maturing warehouse in Sanlúcar. Miracles of that wonderful living creature which is wine. So, if we are going off to the feria, which brands do we order? Well, as at any time, the better-known brands are usually the safest. Solear, from Barbadillo (who also produce the ubiquitous best-selling white table wine, Castillo de San Diego) is a top-ranker. La Goya, from Delgado Zuleta, is termed a manzanilla pasada (or, in the modern idiom, manzanilla fina) and is excellent, although not easy to find. Argüeso is one of the oldest Sanlúcar bodegas, and their wine is superb, but harder to get hold of outside the immediate area. La Guita, perhaps the best-known manzanilla of them all, now belongs to the Estevez Group, and is the most consumed wine in many local ferias starting with Seville. It sells all it can produce with hardly any going for export. There is no mystery about the best finos, starting with the classic Domecq La Ina (now owned by Lustau, the bodega with the widest range of sherries in the area) followed by Tio Pepe, Inocente and Tio Mateo. There used to be dozens of small sherry houses each with their own excellent brand, but these days the business is concentrated into a half dozen major firms.

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Regrettably sherry sales figures in Spain have been heading south for years, and there was at one time real concern about the future. In recent years practically the only time sherry was traditionally drunk was, and still is, at Andalucian ferias, and although the quantities are huge, they cannot support the capital-intensive production methods necessary for the wine. Most bodegas have vast stocks and have to see an annual rotation. Otherwise the traditional solera system that blends wine from different years and makes it so special and unique cannot be maintained as it needs to be. Fortunately there are now signs that sales are picking up again, above all in overseas markets. Britain is showing a renewed interest in the stuff and even young people have started drinking it. But the biggest boost is from celebrity chefs who are using it increasingly in signature dishes, and two awardwinning London restaurants, Moro and Fino, offer tasting menus to combine with different varieties of sherry. The increase in popularity of tapa bars has helped, and what is happening in Britain is being replicated in the USA. Oriental eateries are also promoting sherry. As an accompaniment to most eastern cuisine it has no rival, and even with Indian food can stand up for itself much better than ordinary wine can although beer and cava will always be best. Anyway ten years ago Marks & Spencerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sherry range consisted of five wines and it now has 12, with sales up 18%.

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POWER Fast and fabulous, Power exudeS everything one aspires from a luxurious life. Fast cars, fast yachts and private jets, what more could one ask for!

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ASTON MARTIN UNVEILS THE

THE LATEST IN AN ILLUSTRIOUS BLOODLINE

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A new chapter in Aston Martin’s history began at the 86th International Geneva Motor Show with the unveiling of the DB11. The first product launched under the company’s ‘Second Century’ plan, DB11 is the bold new figurehead of the illustrious ‘DB’ bloodline and an authentic, dynamic sporting GT in the finest Aston Martin tradition. The DB11 showcases a fresh and distinctive design language, pioneering aerodynamics and is powered by a potent new in-house designed 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine. Built upon a new lighter, stronger, and more space efficient bonded aluminium structure, DB11 is the most powerful, most efficient and most dynamically gifted DB model in Aston Martin’s history. As such, it is the most significant new Aston Martin since the introduction of the DB9 in 2003. Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Dr Andy Palmer said: “We aspire to make the most beautiful cars in the world. DB11 is the absolute embodiment of what an Aston Martin should be and we have worked tirelessly to ensure that DB11 combines both exceptional design with the latest technology throughout. A brand new bonded aluminium platform, clever aerodynamics, a new characterful twin-turbo V12 and class-leading infotainment systems are just a few aspects which make this the sports car that will proudly spearhead Aston Martin’s second century plan.”

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Heralding a new design era for Aston Martin, DB11 is the latest landmark in a remarkable aesthetic journey; one that gave us icons such as the DB2/4, DB5 and, most recently, the DB10 developed specifically for James Bond. DB11 re-imagines the relationship between form and function with a series of fresh design signatures. Foremost amongst these are the front-hinging clamshell bonnet, distinctive LED headlights and accentuated lines of the iconic Aston Martin grille. The profile is equally dramatic, thanks to the roof strakes that flow uninterrupted from A-pillar to C-pillar. The clean lines continue at the rear, with a sloping deck lid that smoothly blends into boldly sculpted tail-lights to create a new and unmistakable graphic. Innovative aerodynamics play their part in this aesthetic revolution with clever management of airflow both over and through the bodywork aiding stability while preserving the DB11’s uncluttered surfaces. Front-end lift is reduced by the gill-like Curlicue which releases high-pressure air from inside the wheel arch via a concealed vent within the redesigned side-strake. Meanwhile, rear-end lift is reduced by the Aston Martin AeroBladeTM; a virtual spoiler fed by discreet air intakes located at the base of each C-pillar. Air is ducted through the bodywork, before venting as a jet of air from the aperture in the rear deck lid. Like every Aston Martin, the heart of the DB11 is found beneath the bonnet, though unlike any Aston Martin before it, the DB11’s heart is a 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12. Designed in-house this new engine develops 608PS1 (600BHP1) and 700Nm1 of torque, making DB11 the most powerful production DB model ever. Naturally, it’s the most dynamic and most accelerative too, with a top speed of 200mph1 and a 0-62mph time of just 3.9sec1. Thanks to intelligent bank activation and stop-start technology that potency is matched by greatly improved efficiency.

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LUXURY LIVING POWER u To exploit the advantages of its new body structure and harness the immense performance of the new twin-turbo V12 engine, the DB11’s chassis, suspension, steering and electronics have been reimagined and key new technologies embraced. Multiple driver-selectable dynamic modes - GT, Sport and Sport Plus - progressively intensify the response of the engine, 8-speed automatic ZF transmission together with the new electric power steering and Torque Vectoring by braking while increasing the firmness of the adaptive damping for a greater sense of agility. The result is a driving experience that combines exemplary ride comfort and true sports car agility, for an extraordinary breadth of dynamic capability. As a true 21st century Aston Martin the DB11 combines the very latest technology developed in conjunction with technical partner, Daimler AG, with the finest quality and hand craftsmanship. Using a full-colour 12” TFT LCD display, the all-new instrument cluster presents primary vehicle information with absolute clarity, while a second, centrally-mounted 8” TFT screen is dedicated to infotainment. Controlled via an intuitive rotary control, with an optional touchpad offering character recognition, multi-touch and gesture support, the new satellite navigation and audio system have never been more effective, sounded better or been easier to operate. A newly implemented auto-park assist feature and 360-degree birds-eye view camera helps provide safe manoeuvring at slow speeds and is also operated via the car’s infotainment system. With wider door apertures, significantly increased occupant space - especially head and legroom in the rear - fully integrated rear ISOFIX mounting points for a pair of child seats plus a luggage compartment large enough to accommodate two large holdalls plus carry-on baggage, the DB11 is a genuine Grand Tourer. Thanks to an inspiring palette of colours and a vast array of detailing options, its interior can be perfectly in-tune with your unique personal style. From calming, carefully co-ordinated tones to sharp contrasts in hue and texture, your choices are virtually limitless. Nexus quilting and Celestial perforation add layers of beautiful complexity and intrigue, while ornate leatherwork, such as intricate brogue detailing, creates areas of visual and tactile delight.

Recommended Retail Price from £154,900 in the UK, €204,900 in Europe and $211,995 in USA, first deliveries of the DB11 car are scheduled to begin during the fourth quarter of 2016. 136 LUXURY LIVING

Charter your own yacht ...and make unforgettable memories

Charters and Sales Spain: (+34) 951 560 594 / 616 193 864 Avenida Julio Iglesias 9, Puerto BanĂşs, Marbella, MĂĄlaga, Spain

Gibraltar: (+350) 200 610 61 Montarik House, Bedlam Court, Gibraltar

Email: sales@yachtdealsww.com

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DOMINATOR 800 THE EVOLUTION

THE LATEST IN AN ILLUSTRIOUS BLOODLINE

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This custom-made 80-foot yacht with cutting-edge technology and a minimalist interior design has been designed due to customer demands for a larger galley and living area. Italian designer Alberto Mancini created the custom layout decorated in understated shades of beige, taupe, and grey. High-end sofa manufacturer Minotti designed two custom ostrich-leather sofas for the main saloon, which also features a large TV and easy access to a patio with plenty of outdoor seating. The bespoke pleasure yachtâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;which can accommodate 16 peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;has four guest cabins and two crew cabins, along with a breakfast bar, a dining-room table with seating for six, a bathroom with a walk-in shower and vanity, and a deck equipped with a bar, comfortable lounge seating, and ample space for sunbathing.

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LUXURY LIVING POWER u While its amenities are plush, the true star of the show is the shipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tailormade technology. The hull construction uses vacuum-infusion technology, with sandwich laminate and fiberglass, which reduces the weight of the boat while providing additional strength. Two Seakeeper 9 gyroscopic stabilizers provide motion stabilization at anchor, and a Fortjes 4000 propulsion system distributes power to two separate propellers, resulting in a more stable method of manoeuvring. Also thanks to the propulsion system, the boat is more efficient than others in its class and uses less powerâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;conserving energy without sacrificing comfort. The Dominator 800 can travel at a long-range cruise speed of 24 to 25 knots for 390 nautical miles; its top speed is 35 knots. With intelligent technological solutions and precise weight and balance calculations, the Dominator 800 is well prepared for any situation, ready to dominate the high seas.

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MONACO YACHT SHOW Playground for the rich and famous with the highest number of billionaires per capita in the world Monaco is the ideal destination to host the world’s most prestigious yachting event of the year. Set in the iconic Port Hercules of the Principality of Monaco, the MYS is the only place to admire, visit and purchase around 120 extraordinary one-off superyachts built by the world’s most respectful shipyards. This year the event is promising to be bigger and better with more luxury superyachts (for charter and sale), designers and yacht builders exhibiting than ever with 40 new world premier launches unveiled. Recognised as the most prestigious yacht show in the world, MYS 2016 will feature a stunning array of the world’s finest quality superyachts including a line-up from the global charter fleet. The best shipyards, top yacht designers, key yacht broker agencies and superyacht equipment suppliers will all be in Port Hercules to show off their newest products, luxury services and future superyacht projects. The event attracts around 28,000 yachting professionals and high net worth clients each year to looking to explore the luxury superyachts on display ranging from 25 to 90 metres in length.

MONACO YACHT SHOW FACTS: l The Quayside exhibition has over 500 exhibiting companies exhibit within a 15000sqm area l The average value of yachts displayed equals 25million euros. l The Floating Exhibition where more than 100 of the world’s finest 82 to 262 feet luxury yachts congregate. Each year around 40 motor and sailing yachts premier at the Monaco Yacht Show l The Participants (over 26 000 people) featuring private individuals who are interested in new yacht models and yacht purchase, international yachting professionals and the actual participants representing over 40 nationalities (Exhibitors & visitors).

www.davidcapellari.com

YACHT DESIGNERS, NAVAL ARCHITECTS AND LUXURY YACHT BUILDERS IN ATTENDANCE AT MONACO Key Super Yacht Manufacturers at the show include: OceAnco, Lurssen, Feadship, Azimut, Benetti, Dubois,Alloy Yachts, Canados, Couach, ISA, Jongert, Perini Navi, Pershing, Riva, Rodriquez, Royal Denship, Sunreef, Sunseeker, Ferretti, Heesen, Holland Jachtbouw, Trinity, Abeking & Rasmussen and Wally, to name a few. For more information visit: www.monacoyachtshow.com

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28 SEPT - 01 OCT 2016

PORT HERCULES

MONACO

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SPORT Sport is a pastime that not everyone has the luxury to enjoy. Some sporting activities such at motorracing, polo and yachting can be extremely expensive pastimes but watching them can be just a fun. Here we review the most luxurious sporting events coming up.

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“Whether you are in it to win or finish, these footraces will test you in ways you never thought possible - expect the unexpected.”

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BORN TO RUN

Gone are the days when running a marathon earned you bragging rights for life. Today, every man and his dog seems to be entering one for charity, so for those with a hankering for extreme sport, the humble marathon has stepped up a gear with the emergence of the ‘ultra-marathon’ sweeping the world of supreme fitness. From desert to jungles to Himalayan peaks, ultra-marathons push the body to its limits and then some. Ran over some of the world’s most treacherous terrains, ultra-marathons are about exploring boundaries physically and mentally so it’s surprising how this extreme sport has grown in numbers over the past decade. The origins of the sport can apparently be traced back to tribes such as the Tarahumara Indians of Mexico but in the modern world the ultra-marathon, which is technically a marathon which exceeds the standard 26.2miles, began over 30 years ago with the Marathon des Sables (MDS), classed as the “toughest footrace on earth” it sees competitors run the equivalent of 6 marathons over six days in one of the world’s most inhospitable environments where temperatures regularly reach 50°C. At the other end of the spectrum is the Montane Yukon Arctic Ultra, the world’s coldest ultra-marathon. Set in the wilderness of Whitehorse, Canada where temperatures often plummet to well below -50°C the ultra follows the course of the Yukon quest trail, a tough dog sled race. Raced over 3 disciplines of 430 miles, 300 miles or 100 miles the Yukon Artic combines elements of mountain biking, cross-country skiing and a running race and is often quoted as being the “harshest race known to man.” Just as scaling Mount Everest has become big business so too has the ultra-marathon. Each year thousands flock to the events, all for the privilege of putting themselves through untold measures of physical and mental torture. Surprisingly, many consider ultra-marathons to be easier thanstandard marathons, and one would assume that it’s because they take place on a more varied terrain and that the challenge of competing and completing the race, rather than finishing it as fast as possible, is the driving force.

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Another key difference between ultra-marathons and standard marathons is the social aspect and camaraderie many competitors maintain that they’ve formed lifelong friendships with fellow runners over the course of a race, and it’s clear to see why. With both your mental and physical strengths pushed to their limit and beyond, shedding a tear or two with a fellow competitor who knows the pain you are suffering can only help to motivate you further. Below we take a look at some of the best events on the ultra-marathon calendar, ranging from the icy peaks of Mont Blanc to the thick foliage of the Peruvian jungle.

ULTRA-TRAIL DU MONT-BLANC Each year 2,300 participants gather in August to complete a 168km course, throughout which they’ll climb 9,600 metres and pass through France, Italy and Switzerland. Since the inaugural race in 2003 it has been called the “race of all the superlatives”, with the competition open only to those with the requisite number of qualification points. Following the Tour du Mont Blanc hiking path, the route usually takes walkers seven to nine days to complete. Regarded by many as the single most challenging ultramarathon in Europe, the Tour du Mon Blanc is today made up of five ultra-marathons, with the Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) being the biggest of them all. The other four are either smaller in scale or encompass more technical challenges, not least the Courmayeur-Champex-Chamonix, or “the little one”, which takes runners on a 101km track and a 6,100m climb.

MONTANE SPINE RACE Britain’s toughest endurance race is a non-stop 269 mile trek through Edale, Derbyshire, the Peak District, the Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland National Park, eventually finishing up at the Scottish Borders. Taking place in January, only the most courageous of competitors are capable of enduring the crippling mental and physical demands of the course. The current record of 110h 45m was set in 2014 by Pavel Paloncy as part of what is widely regarded as one of the most impressive feats of endurance yet witnessed in the UK.

JUNGLE ULTRA A true icon - The Jungle Ultra takes place over five stages and covers 230km of winding jungle trails, lofty mountain paths and little-known village tracks. Competitors must descend on foot 10,500 feet from Peru’s Cloud Forest to the Amazon Jungle, with a time limit of six days to complete the course in its entirety. The event asks that participants carry everything they need for the duration of the race, including a hammock, sleeping bag, food and water. Humidity levels can reach close to 100 percent, leaving competitors saturated for long periods of time, whilst the unforgiving terrain gives participants little to no respite throughout.

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GAME OF KINGS Let other people play at other things - the King of Games is still the Game of Kings This verse, inscribed on a stone tablet beside a polo ground South of the fabled silk route from China to the West at the ground in Gilgit, Pakistan, sums up the ancient history of what is believed to be the oldest organized sport in the world.

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Today “The Sport of Kings” as it is now referred to, is firmly linked to royalty and the world of high society and celebrity. It is played all over the world and is no longer restricted to just the summer season. The modern sport today is truly an international one where the professional circuit can be seen during the spring In Dubai, the summer season in England and Spain, the fall season at Palermo in Buenos Aires and the winter season at Palm Beach, America. The biggest polo club in Europe is SANTA MARÍA POLO CLUB located in the most prestigious residential area in the world – Sotogrande. Offering a landscape of spectacular beauty with more than a million square meters of gardens, 9 luxury polo fields of the highest quality, ensure privacy at all times. International brands like Land Rover, Bacardi, Lexus, Cartier, Bulgari, Loewe, Louis Vuitton, Hublot, BMW, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Hackett, Carrera & Carrera, Air France, Vodafone, EFG Bank or Nespresso, among others, have decisively supported the club events.

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Every year the club hosts more than 25 tournaments of the most exclusive sporting event with more than 75,000 visitors, 220 teams, 800 players, and 2500 horses involved. Recently the 43rd International Polo Tournament, the greatest event in the history of the championship, ended as a great success. This year was especially remarkable because of the huge number of visitors and players from Russia attending with two formidable teams participating for the first time.

POLO IT SEEMS HAS NOW CONFIDENTLY ENTERED THE RUSSIAN MARKET… As one of the most exclusive and elitist hobbies in the world with prestigious colleges such as Oxford, Eton, Harrow, Cambridge, Yale & Stanford all listing polo within their programs, it is little wonder that a polo handicap is often said to be a passport to high society and top level business. Churchill once famously said, “A polo handicap is a passport to the world.” Among the players there are highprofile titles and old families. For example, in England all the men in the royal family are required to play polo, whether they like it or not and celebrities such as Tommy Lee Jones, Nacho Figueras, Ralph Lauren, Sultan de Brunei, Sheikh of Abu Dhabi …..as well as many others, are also avid players.

BUILDING A FUTURE To introduce the next generation to this incredible sport and its exceptional facilities the Santa María polo club has specially created the Polo Academy for college students. The Academy is designed to make the game accessible, affordable, safe and fun. As well as introducing children to the game it will also be a platform to empower the very best players to compete on the International stage as part of their Elite Squad. The Polo Academy takes place at the Santa María Polo Club and open to children aged 8 to 18, from beginners to advanced level, all year round.

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18 - 21 AUGUST 2016

POLOGSTAAD.CH

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HUBLOT

POLO GOLD CUP GSTAAD

When sport meets glamor, the Swiss Alps become the setting for one of the most highly regarded tournaments of the season. A not-to-be-missed event, the Hublot Polo Gold Cup held in Gstaad is certainly one of the most spectacular summer events in Switzerland with over 6000 attendees. Taking place in a wonderful natural setting, four teams battle it out to win the tournament’s much-coveted Hublot watch. This year for the first time in over 20 years of history, a Chinese team will take part in Switzerland’s only High-Level Goal polo summer tournament. Team China will be skippered by Shilai Liu who will be leading the team against Argentina and two Swiss outfits (Polo Friends and Team Banque Eric Sturdza). Liu goes into the competition in Gstaad with plenty of experience and is also the owner of one of the largest polo clubs in Beijing. Pierre Genecand, President of the Polo Club Gstaad has expressed excitement in welcoming the new team to the games, “This year is going to be very special! Following Hublot’s initiative, I am thrilled to welcome a Chinese Team. Mr Shilai Liu has a fantastic Polo Club in Beijing. I was very impressed by the quality of the polo club and by his fantastic hospitality! I am honoured that he has accepted to come to play in Gstaad for Team Hublot. We will make sure to show him and his players what the Swiss hospitality is! This year’s event will definitively have a Chinese feel!” Hublot, the title Sponsor since 2008, Banque Eric Sturdza SA and Gstaad Palace will also sponsor a team this year. The 4th team “Polo Friends” is being sponsored by private people or companies who wanted to support the event in an innovative way. Each year, over 6000 spectators attend the 3 days of competitions as well as the traditional Players’ parade through Gstaad on Friday afternoon. The famous Gala night on Saturday August 20th shall again be the weekend’s highlight. In the VIP tent, the team of Gstaad Palace will make sure guests have a fantastic time. The party will once again last well into the small hours. The Hublot Polo Gold Cup always displays great sport with fiercely contested matches, every team vying for the much coveted trophy. What shall this year’s outcome be? All will become clear on August 21st 2016 in Gstaad. 159

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VOLVO OCEAN RACE

•••••••••

Photo: PUMAsailingnewsroom.com

ROUND THE WORLD

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Photo: Cory Silken / Team SCA

According to legend it all started over a beer in a Portsmouth pub; 38 years on, it is still gale-force winds, mountainous seas and sleep deprivation.

In 1969 Robin Knox-Johnston won The Sunday Times Golden Globe Race and history was born on two fronts. He had not only become the first man to complete a single-handed non-stop circumnavigation of the planet, but he had also put an idea in the minds of two men that would ultimately change the face of offshore yachting. Guy Pearce and Anthony Churchill were fascinated by Knox-Johnstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s feat, but, pertinently, they were convinced of the potential of a crewed race following the old square rigger routes around the world. Nothing of its kind existed at the time and skippers were drawn in by the promise of such an adventure. Finding a sponsor and an organising club proved difficult until Churchill and Pearce took their plan to the Royal Naval Sailing Association, who they wanted to run the race. Something clicked and, so the story goes, in 1971 in a smoky pub in Portsmouth Colonel Bill Whitbread, of the brewing family, and Admiral Otto Steiner, of the Royal Naval Sailing Association, met to enjoy a beer and discuss the proposal. The first race was held in 1973.

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Photo: Victor Fraile/PSI/Volvo Ocean Race

Some 17 boats carrying 167 sailors left the Solent on September 8, 1973 and headed south for Cape Town. Their yachts were the standard ocean cruisers of the time and the crews were, generally speaking, adventurers paying for the privilege or servicemen on an exciting training mission. The skippers were experienced and got paid but the spirit was Corinthian and this was very much a step into the unknown for almost everyone. They raced with the tools of the time, navigating by dead reckoning and sextant (Roddy Ainslie, a skipper from that first race, admitted his boat was lost much of the time). Their paths followed those of the old square riggers of the 19th century and boats were comfortable. There were separate cabins for the lucky, shared ones for those who werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t, and stories emanating from Sayula II, the winner of that first lap, told of six bottles of wine being consumed per day. Fridges packed with fresh meat were standard and it was not uncommon in the first few editions for a full-time cook to live onboard.

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The adventure came from the challenge of taking on the oceans and the elements at their most unpredictable, surviving enormous journeys to far-flung places. Tragically, three sailors were lost in that first race and a further two sailors died at sea in the nine editions that followed. But the lessons learned have been part of the continuing evolution of the sport Four decades on from Pearce and Churchill’s brainwave, there has been a quantum leap in development. Today the yachts are built from the materials that go into space shuttles and the speeds quantify the improvement: in 1973, Eric Tabarly’s Pen Duick VI did the fastest 24-hour run, clocking up 305 miles; in 2008, Torben Grael’s Ericsson 4 managed 596.6 miles. The most expensive, advanced technologies have gone into the transformation, leaving no stone unturned in pursuit of greater speeds. And yet the lifestyles of the crews could not be more primitive. While some sailors dispute the often told tales of sawn-off, weightsaving, shared toothbrushes, the attention that goes into making a light boat has bordered on obsession. One race legend of the 1997-98 events told a story of the winning skipper yelling at his crew because three pair of sunglasses had been placed on the leeward side of the boat. The cabins, wine, meat, cooks and fresh water have long since gone, replaced by shared bunks, desalinated water, GPS, rehydrated powder food and protein bars. The crews are world champions, Olympic champions and only the most talented youngsters get a foot in the door.

Guangzhou

Artic Ocean

Gothenburg Cardiff

Hong Kong Lisbon

Newport

Alicante

Atlantic Ocean

Pacific Ocean

Atlantic Ocean Itajai

Cape Town

Auckland The Hague

Indian Ocean

Southern Ocean

The route the fleet will take for the 13th edition in 2017-18 will, at nearly 45,000 nautical miles, be the longest course ever in the 43-year history of the race. It will be tough, intense and feature almost three times as much Southern Ocean Sailing as the previous editions. It will cross four oceans and take in 11 major cities on five continenents. Alicante, Lisbon, Cape Town, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Auckland,Itajaí, Newport R.I., Cardiff, Gothenburg and The Hague. Interest in the Race has never been higher especially after the 12th edition proved the closest in history. 166 LUXURY LIVING

Prepared to be awed!

Photos: Gilles Martin-Raget, Amory Ross/Team Alvimedica & Rick Tomlinson/Team SCA

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AM ERICAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CU P. B R ITISH TIM EKEEPIN G .

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REGATTA AC

Bremont has been appointed the Official Timing Partner of the 35th America’s Cup and of the defending champions, ORACLE TEAM USA. To celebrate, we’ve created a collection of limited edition timepieces. The Regatta Series, specially designed to be used by sailors, incorporates a unique countdown chronograph movement. So the question is, which of these fine watches should you choose? Sorry, you’re on your own.

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HOME Offering an insight into the world of luxury interiors Luxury Living Magazine helps you create the perfect home. Whether your taste is classic or contemporary- or an eclectic mix of both - youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find ideas and inspiration, the latest information and tools to help you decorate, renovate, and entertain stylishly.

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CHIPPENDALE TIMELESS CLASSIC Most of us like our home to be decorated in a way which is in keeping with our personal style and there is no better way of creating a totally unique space than mixing antique furniture with more modern options. Antique furniture has stood the test of time and will continue to do so for many more years to come this is because antique furniture was built from quality timbers as opposed to todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s modern furniture which is constructed from cheaper materials and made to look like wood. Whether you have or are looking for an antique bookcase, stunningly opulent wardrobe or perhaps a simple but well-constructed antique chest of drawers, there is quite simply no home that can fail to benefit from the inclusion of a stunning piece of antique furniture. One of the main merits of antique furniture is that they will blend in with any interior dĂŠcor theme seamlessly and with truly effortless beauty. From the most modern, minimalist interior to traditional homes, the inclusion of antiques adds a new dimension to any theme and compliments anything and everything around. Furthermore, there is also the additional bonus that comes by way of antiques having already proven their timelessness and ability to stand the test of time, therefore there is no question whatsoever as to whether or not they will continue to remain truly decadent for many years, decades and generations to come. Antique furniture is not only decorative but very useable and a valuable investment for the home because if you decide to sell them in years to come they will most probably have increased in value.

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One of the best known and copied masters of antique furniture is Thomas Chippendale. Thomas Chippendale was one of the most important furniture makers in British history who became popular towards the end of the 18th century during the reign of King George III. Thomas Chippendale â&#x20AC;&#x201C; after whom the style is named provided furniture for some of the most important and wealthy people of the Georgian period. His furniture was made from the most expensive materials and he used some of the most intricate techniques of the time to create his works of art.

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STYLES OF CHIPPENDALE The Chippendale style is often described as being an anglicised type of Rococo, and Rococo is one of the styles Chippendale encompasses, along with Gothic and Chinese. Rococo Chippendale furniture often displays French influence, with chairs based on Louis XV designs, although usually less ostentatious. The ribbonback chair with a broad seat and cupid’s bow-style back rail is perhaps the most famous Chippendale design. Gothic Chippendale furniture is characterised by s-shaped curves and pointed arches in the backs of chairs, while Gothic bookcases were triangular at the top and had wooden glazing bars to hold the glass in place. Chinese Chippendale creations often included cabinets and shelves, and typically featured pagoda-style pediments and glazing bars arranged in a fretwork design. This fretwork was also used on the edges of tea tables and on the backs and legs of chairs, often coated with lacquer.

u IDENTIFYING CHIPPENDALE FURNITURE Thomas Chippendale never left an identifying mark on his furniture, which makes it very difficult to precisely identify an original Chippendale piece. Perhaps the only way to know for certain that a piece of furniture is truly Chippendale is through the preservation of original bills of sale. These original bills are generally found in estate papers and other such documentation. Original Chippendale furniture is noted for its unique craftsmanship, irregularities, and fine wood. When attempting to determine if a piece of furniture is a genuine Chippendale, the legs are often the primary focal point. There are six different basic Chippendale style legs. These are the lion’s paw, the ball and claw, the late Chippendale, the Marlborough, the club and the spade. Picture books will give you an idea what each looks like but three of the styles are based on the cabriole shape which is an elegant, serpentine style ending in a distinctive foot. These include the lion’s paw, which ends with a lion paw shaped foot, the club, which is a simple round foot and the ball and claw, which (not surprisingly) looks like a claw holding a ball. The remaining leg styles are straight with the Marlborough being a plain, square leg; the spade a tapered round leg often with a square or trapezoid foot and the late Chippendale having a square leg with a square foot. There are many variations on the basic leg styles but close observation will reveal the basic pattern When we talk about Chippendale furniture today, what we are really talking about is well-constructed, midto late-18th century furniture of the Chippendale style. Wood used in this style of furniture was primarily manufactured from mahogany which was imported from the West Indies. Chippendale generally favoured solid wood because it better accommodated the detailed carving of the furniture style. Though veneers were used for furniture of this period, they are not typical of the Chippendale style. Modern reproductions of the Chippendale style will often be hand carved but will not have the depth and detail of carving that the genuine 18th century furniture has. Another feature of 18th century wood furniture is its irregularity. All the work on this furniture was done by hand and often quite exquisitely. However, handwork, no matter how well done, will not be able to match the exact regularity of machine work. When you examine a piece of wood furniture for the purpose of determining its age, look at the joinery closely. It will reveal a lot about the history of the piece. Hand crafted joints will be slightly irregular and show evidence of tool marks. Finishes on wood furniture can help reveal its age with age, wood takes on what is called a patina. Patina is the warm, mellow, aged look that wood gets from being touched, lived with, polished and cared for. It’s something you must see to appreciate.

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WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU HEAR

THE STORY When Poul Hennigsen designed the grand piano in 1931, it was an instant sensation at the “Your Home” Exhibition which was held in Copenhagen. At the exhibition Poul had decorated the area with some of his own quotations; “The grand piano that goes with all sorts of furniture” and “ A piece of furniture can be both beautiful and ugly – an instrument is always beautiful”. The idea to the grand piano occurred in a pub, while chatting with the famous Danish contemporary jazz pianist Leo Mathiesen. Mathiesen commented on the first draft, and suggested PH to make more space between the legs, so that a bass drum would be able to stand beneath it, when packing together the instruments after a concert. From 1931 to mid-1960s approximately 70 grand pianos were sold a before the production was stopped. Today it is very rare to come upon one of the original pianos, and they are seen as a highly exclusive instrument. Today the new internal components are manufactured by Blüthner, which now makes the sound as supreme as the design. The legs are curved and the overall design is made with the idea to highlight the beauty in this type of instrument, namely the strings. It is an icon in the Scandinavian design history, and a trademark for Denmark. 179

THE INSTRUMENT Steel and leather bound with a lightness of being. Graceful legs dancing to the beat of a different drummer. A cover made of crystal clear celluloid, allowing a view of the felt hammers as their movement transforms into sound. The PH Grand Piano, a contemporary work of art. The PH Grand Piano is a symbol of modernism and represents Poul Henningsen’s personal ideal of simplicity above all else. With a celluloid cover held in place by an elegantly bow-shaped, chrome-plated brass frame, the piano was given a fresh, edgy, contemporary expression of the 30´s. Specially constructed Blüthner technique, soundboard & components.

THE CONSTRUCTION The grand piano is made of steal, celluloid and goatskin. It combines elements from Bauhaus and the more traditional organic forms. It was designed to be placed in the ordinary living room, and to be easily placed in all sorts of establishments. But has ever since its launch in 1931, been seen more suitable for the modern and high class home, the exclusive interior design. The PH Grand piano is a modern timeless instrument. It lifts the surroundings and is seen both as a fine instrument as well as a piece of high quality furniture. It exudes luxury and leads ones thoughts to the surroundings of a sky bar, a fashionable hotel a highly deluxe yacht and the penthouse apartment.

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PH EXPLAINED HIMSELF THE CONSTRUCTION THIS WAY: “My starting point was that a piano is one of the few instruments played on while inside its case. I mean, you take a violin out of its packaging before playing on it. The traditional packaging of the grand piano has therefore always been that of an item of furniture, in the style of time. I wanted to turn it into an instrument and, in doing so, perhaps improve its sound, which is solely determined by the sounding board.” “The large wooden construction the bears the iron frame and the sounding board I bound as if it was a book of red shagreen. I made the lid of plexiglass, which was all the rage just then. The music rest is a part of the lid and has the entire width of the piano. The legs are of malleable cast iron and chromiumplated. They have been curved to provide space for percussion instruments, even a big drum”.

Available from Alexanders’ Collection Spain

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THE EVER ICONIC WORLD OF

VERSACE Elegant and iconic, Versace Home is the ultimate expression of the Versace lifestyle. Founded in 1992, the line began with a collection of textiles that was followed by complementary furniture and luxurious serving sets for the table. The collection embodies the lifestyle of the historic brand and is an opportunity to experience the world that is Versace. The conjunction of opposites is the winning formula of the Versace Home, whose main sources of inspiration: neoclassic, baroque and ultra-modern create an everlasting flow of unexpected harmonies The essence of the Versace style runs through a series of strong, captivating suggestions, whose uniqueness combines the appeal of precious materials with a strong taste for vibrant colours and bold ideas. The collection explores every room of the home, offering a wide selection of bed linen, bath towels, table cloths, furniture, lamps and accessories.

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Their collections are meant for people with a strong taste for detail and decoration conjuring two parallels and apparently contrasting moods : classic and modern, each offering a variety of sophisticated hints and inspirations for today’s very contemporary homes. Warm tones of woods, golden lacquers, soft lines and clean graphic shapes mixed to baroque volutes, gold, silver and stunning velvets and silks are the essence of a timeless collection. Here we present there latest offering :

LA COUPE DES DIEUX COLLECTION A new line from artistic director Donatella Versace inspired by the graphic lines of the famous Versace Greek key. La Coupe des Dieux collection includes a complete range of furniture for living, dining and bedroom.

#GREEK COLLECTION Following the catwalk debut of the #GREEK design at the Fall/Winter 2015 Versace women’s show, #GREEK has now ventured into the Versace Home collection. Its arrival revolutionizes the famous Versace Greek key by innovating the pattern with optimistic emoji’s. #GREEK is used to create the utmost elegant living and dining space.

The new #GREEK sofa is sharp and refined, in grey cashmere quilted with the greek key motif. The structure is in black wood. 186 LUXURY LIVING

A COUPE DES DIEUX The debut style is a chair that deconstructs and softens the geometrical key in gold and gunmetal steel. The leather circular back of the chair is printed with classic Versace baroque insignia, creating a style that mixes the elegance of art nouveau with total modernity.

VIA GESÙ COLLECTION 2015 Following last year’s debut, the Via Gesù collection is expanded with geometrical shapes and soft furnishings. The “V” shape defines the new Via Gesù bed with its hand-quilted headboard and the new Via Gesù sofa, now presented in a original modular version. Originally released in early 2014 Versace has recently unveiled an exclusive limited edition version of the Via Gesù sofa. A stunning piece in black and white leather, it’s embellished with the brand’s signature gold metal finishes. The V of Versace, seen in the sloping angle of the arms, becomes more pronounced with the two-colour design. You’ll also love the V stitching detail at the back and the arms. Each is trimmed in gold metal and highlighted by a gold metal Medusa head. With the outstanding design and easy-to-match colour combination, it’s bound to make a strong style statement in luxurious contemporary or classical interiors. 187

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PROPERTY Luxury Living Magazine works with the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top brokers and agents to showcase spectacular real estate, exclusive estates, and extraordinary developments from around the world. Whether you are looking to find your dream home or perfect vacation rental Luxury Living Magazine is your key to exclusive luxury living.

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WORLD CLASS LUXURY IN THE MEDITERRANEAN

NEW ALOES GIBRALTAR 190 LUXURY LIVING 2 THE ESSENTIAL COSTA DEL SOL WEBSITE - www.simplymedia-group.com

PERFECT HOMES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

1913

STUNNING VIEWS FROM DUSK TILL DAWN New Alones is a world class award-winning contemporary home that showcases breath-taking views over the Strait of Gibraltar towards Spain and deep into the Rif Mountains of Africa. Built on the site of a former Ministry of Defence building of the same name, New Aloes is a substantial 21st century home of 9,526ft² with 4,402ft² of terraces and 6,243ft² of garden. This bespoke designed mansion has 7 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, premium quality kitchen and bathrooms, garage parking for 10 cars, pool spa and a Jacuzzi set amidst verdant landscaped gardens.

SUPERB INTERIOR DESIGN New Aloes has been designed to maximize the stunning views from all the living areas. The spacious kitchen with vistas towards Spain and Morocco is dominated by the 7 metre all in one Krion preparation-dining island. Clever use of space means that the 1237 square feet living room is divided by a smokeless, odourless bioethanol fire sunk into a black granite hearth.

info@sunsearchhomesinternational.com 192 LUXURY LIVING

952 880 844

u NEW ALOES OFFERS LUXURY, PRIVACY AND ENDLESS SPACE The raised dining area has a beautiful English oak floor while the living area is Travertine marble with underfloor heating. A quiet library/study zone is separated from the living area by sliding glass panels. The seven bedrooms are distributed throughout the house to ensure privacy, while the master suite has panoramic views, a private terrace, a rotating super king bed, walk in wardrobe and an open wet room.

OUTSIDE LIVING With 5381 square feet of landscaped gardens and 4402 square feet of terraces on various levels and with different orientations, New Aloes provides an opportunity to enjoy the wonderful climate of Gibraltar from dawn to dusk. A black river stone waterfall flows through the garden towards a thatched Tahiti style chill out bar. Below is a circular 2 level pool with Jacuzzi effect jets. This pool connects via a shallow stream to the main infinity edge heated swimming pool. A spa terrace on the 2nd floor has a heated spa pool containing sculptured mosaic beds facing perfectly south west for the African sunsets. A stainless steel channel sends a cascade of water tumbling into the pool below.

Price ÂŁ10.9 million (GBP) info@sunsearchhomesinternational.com

952 880 844 193

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Homes

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Online or in hard copy, Perfect Homes Magazine can be enjoyed anywhere in the world! Sold worldwide in top stores such as Barnes & Noble (USA), WH Smith (UK & Paris), Selfridges and Harrods (London) plus many, many more outlets worldwide. Download your digital edition for a FREE trial for up to 30 days. Available from Apple Newsstand, Amazon, Google Play and Pocketmags.

LUXURY LIVING PROPERTY u

RANKING THE WORLD’S TOP PERFORMING

LUXURY PROPERTY MARKETS From recent stock market fluctuations to the shifting fortunes of emerging market buyers, the global prime property market traversed a challenging geo-political and economic landscape in 2015 and into 2016. The annual Christie’s International Real Estate Luxury Index, which synthesizes and compares luxury housing metrics, reflects these developments and acts as a measuring stick for the global luxury market. The Index ranks the 10 top property markets under two performance measures: 1) the Luxury Index rates the relative “luxuriousness” of primary market cities with at least one million residents (Exhibit 2a). 2) The Luxury Thermometer assesses the “health” of the million-dollar-plus market (Exhibit 2b) and compares primary and resort housing markets. Highlights from these findings include:

LUXURY INDEX With more luxury listings than any other city, as well as the world’s second most expensive residential sale in 2015 ($141 million / £92 million), London retains its position as the most luxurious property market worldwide. In spite of slower growth due to new taxes on prime property purchases, the city continues to attract strong domestic and international buyer demand. Even with negative annual overall sales growth and pressures from a decline in mainland Chinese capital outflow, Hong Kong narrowly edged out New York to place second in the Luxury Index. The harbor city posted the world’s top residential sale in 2015 ($194 million / HK$1.5 billion). Miami achieved a local record sale ($55 million for a new-build penthouse), which offset declines in overseas and cash buyers, ensuring a solid performance in the Luxury Index. New luxury stock and slowing buyer demand evidenced in late 2015 and early 2016 however, is likely to move it down in next year’s rankings. Singapore joined our Index rankings after showing signs of an uptick following several years of declines due to government cooling measures. Singapore knocked Dubai - where pressures from declining oil prices and an oversupply of luxury properties caused price and sales volume declines - out of the world’s top 10 luxury markets.

London tops the world’s most luxurious cities for prime property

London

Hong Kong

New York

Los Angeles

Singapore

Sydney

Miami

San Francisco

Paris

Toronto

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LUXURY THERMOMETER The world’s “hottest” city for luxury real estate based on our survey of 100 affiliate markets is Auckland, which posted an incredible 63 percent growth in million-dollar-plus sales thanks to strong international and local demand. Last year’s top-ranking market, Toronto, continues to thrive and saw an extraordinary 48 percent growth in year-on-year luxury home sales as well as a shrinking number of days on the market. Canada’s Pacific waterfront city Victoria took third place in this year’s rankings with exceptional year-on-year growth in luxury sales. High-end second-home markets - Wyoming’s mountain resort Jackson Hole saw increased interest from affluent domestic buyers whereas Spain’s beachfront paradise Valencia experienced strong growth from an uptick in tourism and “Golden Visa” overseas buyers. After several years of softening prices, Sardinia’s waterfront enclave Costa Smeralda, is beginning to witness a positive uptick, ranking seventh overall. San Francisco and Sydney, ranking fifth and ninth respectively, both saw continued luxury sales growth along with strong interest from international buyers. Two markets positively impacted by an influx of affluent tech buyers Portland and Stockholm - saw high demand yet inventory constraints hampered further growth.

Auckland overtakes Toronto as the world’s hottest luxury housing market

Auckland

Toronto

Victoria, British Columbia

Valencia, Spain

San Francisco

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Costa Smeralda, Sardinia

Portland, Oregon

Sydney

Stockholm

Source: Christie’s International Real Estate 2016 - Luxury Defined Report - www.christiesrealestate/luxury-defined 196 LUXURY LIVING

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SOTOGRANDE MARINA

LUXURY WATERFRONT LIVING

ONE OF THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS MARINAS IN SPAIN With its beautiful coastline Andalucia is home to around 30 marinas, most of which are located on the Costa del Sol. At the southern tip Sotogrande’s marina is in a league of its own. This stunning marina with its picturesque water front gardens where exclusive private homes situated just on the waters edge are accessed by bridges over canals is one of the most prestigious marinas in Spain and home to some of the most sought after properties in Europe. The Sotogrande Marina has a sailing and yachting club with a Spanish Royal Charter, “Real Club Maritimo Sotogrande”, offering a wide variety of boating activities to suit all individual requirements including RYA courses, boat hire and chartering services. Sotogrande Marina is close to Marbella, the Straits of Gibraltar, Morocco and the Costa de la Luz on the Atlantic coast. Thanks to its particular geographic location, there is plenty to see by boat with a choice of the dramatic Atlantic coast with its white sand beaches and those of the Mediterranean with their beach clubs and “Chiringuitos”.

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Ref: ARL-1503 LUXURY WATERFRONT HOUSE Completely rebuilt to an exceptionally high standard with all mod-cons and exquisitely furnished. This property is located on the peninsula a of private gated island in the heart of the Sotogrande Marina. With excellent southerly and westerly views over the water, this property is absolutely unique. The beautiful stainless steel and glass staircase is a wondefull feature of the property and brings all the 4 floors of the property together with a stylish visual impact. The spacious living/dining room, and fabulous open plan kitchen have direct access to the garden and the private heated pool. The bathrooms have all been finshed with the highest quality materials and complement the natrual elegance of the property. The price includes a 15 meter berth at the bottom of the garden.

Main Features

Holmes Property Sales, S.L.

4 bed / 3 bath 250m2 built

Tel : +34 956 79 53 40

80m2 terrace

email: info@holmesotogrande.com

Price:

www.holmesotogrande.com

2.350.000â&#x201A;Ź

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LO-RES Bookings: (+34) 902 491 616 Quote CD Number 9843498 - 5119309

(Save up to 10% with the Sunsearch discount. Quote CD Number 9843498 - 5119309 while reserving your rental car) 202 LUXURY LIVING

Bringing

LONDON property to the world

Sharing the global reach of the Harrods brand, Harrods Estates holds the key to the thriving London property market. The agency offers a broad range of services, dedicated Middle Eastern and Russian desks, as well as translators - including Mandarin speakers. Wherever a client calls home, they can access London’s most exclusive properties through Harrods Estates. • LONDON RESIDENTIAL SALES • LONDON RESIDENTIAL LETTINGS • ACQUISITIONS • NEW DEVELOPMENTS • ASSET MANAGEMENT • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

KNIGHTSBRIDGE OFFICE: 82 BROMPTON ROAD LONDON SW3 1ER T: +44(0)20 7225 6506 MAYFAIR OFFICE: 61 PARK LANE LONDON W1K 1QF T: +44(0)20 7409 9001 CHELSEA OFFICE: 58 FULHAM ROAD LONDON SW3 6HH T: +44(0)20 7225 6700 KENSINGTON OFFICE: 48-50 KENSINGTON CHURCH STREET LONDON W8 4DG T: +44(0)20 3650 4600