Tempus 09

Cyrus / Maldives Paradise / Ro g er Fed er er / Lifestyle management / Shamballa Jewels / S pa s p ec i a l / Montblanc / Whisky guide / P i err e Gag n a i r e / Jaguar F-Type

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Explore the Energy of Creation

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The Berkeley Baguette 40 57 diamonds weighing 10.67 carats hand set in 18kt rose gold

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Bespoke Unitas 6497 hand-wound movement (Calibre JJ02) from master watchmaker, Johannes Jahnke / Each piece, of only 250, personally assembled by Johannes in our Swiss atelier / Supremely engineered, 43mm, 316L stainless steel case with full diameter transparent case-back / Unique serial number engraved on case and movement Premium Louisiana alligator deployment strap / 5 year movement guarantee

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Foreword

issue

nine Contributors

From the editor Editor

Scott Manson

scott.manson@astongreenlake.com 020 3617 4693 Art Director

Ross Trigg

ross.trigg@astongreenlake.com 020 3006 2122 Writer

Hannah Silver

hannah.silver@astongreenlake.com Business Development Director

Mark Edwards

mark.edwards@astongreenlake.com 020 3617 4688 Senior Account Manager

Tom Pettit

t.pettit@astongreenlake.com Senior Account Manager

Maxime Mendelewitsch

maxime@astongreenlake.com Managing Director

Jay Boisvert

Tempus is published monthly

by Aston Greenlake Ltd, 8th floor, 6 mitre passage, london se10 0er.

TEL: 020 3617 4688

After careful analysis, I have come to the conclusion that watch designers are crazy. Not eccentric, not kooky, but full on toys-in-the-attic bonkers. The sheer level of unhinged creativity that I see on a daily basis is staggering, and is testament to the timepiece industry possessing some of the finest design minds on the planet. From the just-launched MB&F Horological Machine No.5 (more on that next issue) to the spooky high-end pieces built by the Finnish mad scientist Stepan Sarpaneva, and the master watchmakers let loose on Harry Winston’s annual Opus pieces, this is a world where imaginations run wild.

This month’s cover star, or rather planet, is a case in point.

There’s no earthly reason why anyone needs a watch which demonstrates, through a revolving sphere, the sidereal time of the planet Mars. But it’s such a wonderfully cool feature, and one that truly demonstrates the watchmaker’s skills, that even the most staunchly traditional watch aficionado couldn’t fail to appreciate it.

If you’re looking for further fabulous examples of masters at work, then turn to our review of the London watch show Salon QP, on page 70. Sadly, space didn’t permit us to highlight all of our favourites, but the cherrypicked selection should be sufficient incentive for readers to book tickets for next year’s event now.

Elsewhere, we discover paradise in the Maldives, reveal the key players in the world of personal concierge services, interview the Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire and reveal what’s next from the team behind the iconic Shamballa jewellery brand. I also get hands-on at the Montblanc factory, testing the latest in bespoke writing instrument technology, while ignoring the team’s sniggers at my ridiculously bad handwriting. Put it this way, there’s a reason why there’s no signature at the bottom of this letter…

Enjoy the issue.

Scott Manson Editor

Kabir Suharan As a brand ambassador for Johnnie Walker whisky, Kabir is well placed to reveal the best bars for enjoying the ‘water of life’, on page 56.

Kate Lacey If you’re in need of someone to guide you through the minefield of buying a vintage watch, then Kate Lacey can help. Find out more from Bonhams’ watch buyer on page 29.

Sophia Koopman Sophia Koopman is the owner of Koopman Contemporary Art, a small arts consultancy. On page 30 she reveals what to look for when investing in modern art.

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108 New Bond Street | London W1S 1EF | www.frostoflondon.co.uk 000_Ad.indd 1

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Contents

Photography - Rolex / Mario Testino

Inside issue nine

14 - Take Me There

62 - Spiritual Luxury

Take to the slopes in the stunning surrounds of the French Alps

The evolution of Shamballa Jewels

17 - Luxury Briefing

We reveal the most exciting timepieces showcased at SalonQP

70 - London Calling

Because, it turns out, the best things in life aren’t free, after all

78 - Your Lifestyle, Managed

The rise and rise of the personal concierge

22 - Auction Watch

Our pick of the best items going under the hammer 25 - Food and Drink

Where to eat, drink and be merry

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29 - The Word

The only spa guide you’ll ever need 98 - Cool Runnings

Get in shape with a little help from these gadgets

32 - Object of Desire

All eyes are on Corum

101 - A Legend, Reborn

36 - Fashion and Accessories 39 - King of the World

Montblanc CEO Lutz Bethge reveals the secret of the brand’s success 90 - And Relax…

Kate Lacey on vintage watch buying; Sophie Koopman on modern art investment

Exclusive adornments

84 - Rarefied Status

Cover: Cyrus Klepcys Mars Edition

The passion and performance of Roger Federer

Will the Jaguar F-Type become a design classic?

103 - Grooming

Our resident expert on the ultimate detox for partied-out skin

44 - Partners in time

106 - Paradise Found

Laurent Lecamp, founder of Cyrus watches, reveals what drives him

Why the Maldives is still heaven on earth

52 - Whisky Galore

112 - Boutique Bolthole

The world’s best whiskies, and where to drink them 60 - Star Power

In conversation with legendary chef Pierre Gagnaire

Special thanks: Charlotte Johnson @ThePressOffice Simon Berkovitch & Ben Smith

The hidden delights of Chelsea’s Blakes hotel 114 - Moments in Time

Elizabeth Taylor and her Bulgari Serpenti

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Take me there

A skier blasts down a run from Arc 2000 in the French Alps towards Arc 1950, part of 425km of ski runs that Paradiski – the ski area in which Les Arcs resides – has to offer. Home to one of the world’s largest cable

cars, the Vanoise Express, visitors have access to the tree-lined slopes of Peisey-Vallandry, the adrenaline junkies’ playground of Les Arcs and miles of runs in La Plagne. Also look out for new arrivals this year – the Les Arcs

Igloo village, which is perfect for large parties and corporate events, and three new hotels: Aiguille Grive in Arc 1800, Mont d’Eden in La Plagne and L’Orée des Neiges in Peisey-Vallandry.

en.paradiski.com

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Photography - Manu Reyboz 014-015_Take me there_SB.indd 15

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Luxury briefing

Clear winner Nottage Design

Because the best things in life aren’t free

Beautifully minimalist, the G-4 pool table is an ultramodern take on a classic game. The clear playing area is made of a patented Vitrik transparent playing surface on top of 15mm of toughened glass, and replicates the rolling resistance of an average speed cloth. A further bespoke option offers conversion into a dining or table tennis table.

quintessentiallygifts.com

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06/12/2012 10:35

Luxury briefing

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Liquid assets HYT

The car’s the star Lamborghini

HYT’s hydro-mechanical watchmakers have broken new ground with the H1 which, uniquely, uses luminous liquid as its time indicator.

A mechanical movement activates a complex hydro system incorporating a piston and bellows which push liquid around the face. Waterproofing is key, and the watch’s shock protection is of the highest standard. The result – using technology inspired by NASA – is an incredibly impressive and undeniably unusual timepiece.

hytwatches.com The Lamborghini Aventador Roadster is one of the most exciting luxury sports cars on the market, with newly designed geometric lines along the upper area giving a beautiful profile. The two-piece roof is made entirely from carbon fibre, with each component weighing less than 6kg, and is easily removable thanks to a redesigned rear pillar that offers total support. It may be £288,000, but this is a truly cutting edge car.

lamborghini.com

Stroke of genius Art Chalet While there’s a wealth of chalet options in Courchevel over ski season, Art Chalet has to be one of Courchevel 1850’s most prestigious places to stay. Impeccably stylish, it’s full of beautiful works of art and fabulous features such as a waterfall swimming pool, private nightclub, sleek glass elevators and a casino-style room. Frankly, you’d be forgiven for never making it to the slopes.

firefly-collection.com

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06/12/2012 10:36

Luxury briefing

Superstar signing Breitling In a canny move, Breitling has named David Beckham the face of its new Transocean Chronograph Unitime.

This news may grab the headlines, but the fact remains that this is a seriously accomplished watch. The ‘universal time’ model has a caliber entirely developed and produced in-house and a double disk that means you can tell the time anywhere in the world at a quick glance. It’s ideal for the seasoned time zone-hopping traveller, allowing them to change the hour and date with a simple flick of the crown.

breitling.com

The art of Venice Adriano Ribolzi Christmas in Monaco is always a social whirl, and this year is no exception. One of the most anticipated events is Adriano Ribolzi’s latest art exhibition, which celebrates the best of Venice.

Ribolzi traditionally specialises in 17th- and 18th-century furniture and Old Masters paintings, and his impeccable taste will no doubt be evident here. One for the diary.

adrianoribolzi.com

Auto exotica Meccaniche Veloci Meccaniche Veloci has united again with Brembo, the renowned disc brakes constructor, to launch new pieces from its Evolution line. The Quattro Valvole 48 Four Strokes CCM is a solid piece, with a case crafted from titanium and a dial made from a resistant mix of carbon and ceramic. High pressure water jet technology is used to toughen the hard material and transform it into the beautifully thin dial plates you see here.

frostoflondon.co.uk

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The World’s Finest Luxury Mobile Phones

Discover the pearl white apple iphone 5 – intricately hand tailored with 24k yellow gold and vs1 diamonds www.continentalmobiles.com

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Tel: 44 (0) 20 7129 1311

11/12/2012 09:27

Auction watch

Underthe hammer Quality timepieces, classic tipples and a TT legend… Here’s the best that auctioneers have on offer

Bloomsbury Auctions While Bloomsbury Auctions specialises in contemporary art, antiques and antiquarian books, its fine watch sales, held four times a year, are worth keeping an eye on too.

The last auction had this classic Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 18ct gold chronograph which went for £13,420.

For similarly impressive timepieces, put the following date in your diary.

The Fine Watch sale is on 19 March, 2013. bloomsburyauctions.com

Bonhams

Bonhams’ wine sales consistently offer rare bottles from around the world, with its December auction including exceptional Spanish wines from 1925, top Italian wines and 12 vintages of the unusual 1979 Lebanese Chateau Musar. Its access to private European wine cellars means quality is always assured.

Prices for a case begin from around £1,500. The next Fine and Rare Wine sale is on 14 February, 2013. bonhams.com

Bonhams

Although iconic Italian motorbike manufacturer Garelli withdrew from racing at the end of 1924, riders such as Erminio Visioli continued to race its bikes with considerable success.

His chosen ride for the Isle of Man TT race in 1926 is a formidablelooking machine with four carburettors and two expansion chamber exhausts that would have sounded as impressive as it looks.

Estimated at £25,000 to £35,000.

The Grand Palais auction is on 6-7 February, 2013. bonhams.com

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06/12/2012 10:47

A REFLECTION OF YOUR STYLE INTRODUCING THE STERLING COLLECTION Luxury Leather Goods and Accessories Hand Crafted in the United Kingdom

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12/12/2012 11:43

Food & Drink

Trends and news from the best bars and kitchens

The greenhouse

Reviewed by Ross Trigg A lunch date in the week that this magazine goes to the printers is generally a well-drilled, quick and efficient affair. In and out, and then rush back to the office to keep proofing pages. Hell, there isn’t even time for dessert and a coffee.

A word to the wise. In a busy week, whatever industry you work in, don’t arrange said lunch at The Greenhouse in Mayfair. As without question, you’ll be there until … ooh, early evening at least.

Such is the languorous nature of this fine dining room.

The entrance itself, hidden behind a rainforest-style courtyard, seems to usher you in to a different world.

Instantly, the visitor is transported away from the hustle and bustle of the West End into what feels like a dreamy day at a country retreat.

Within five minutes of being seated, the Tempus editor and I had decided that this wasn’t to be an express lunch.

Pages could be proofed from the table, by smartphone, surely? God bless technology.

As expected from a Michelin-starred kitchen, the food is plated with skill and artistry, almost graphic in style.

To start, I plumped for hare three ways (loin, rack of ribs and sausage), chervil roots with cocoa nibs – a truly delightful combination of rich meatiness.

Meanwhile, the Ed opted for a lighter starter of Highland scallop with ponzu, mandarin, green mango and samphire.

By now, if I’m brutally honest, page proofing had been put on the back burner.

All our concentration was focused on the double meat feast that was the main course. Scottish venison with salsify, gingerbread, pear and Tasmanian pepper was a deep and satisfying hit, while the Yorkshire lamb, served with quirky Asian-inspired soy glazed aubergine, plus sesame seeds and red spring onion, proved delightfully light and cooked to a perfect rose pink.

Chef Arnaud Bignon, a relatively new arrival, already has this restaurant operating at the highest level, combining classic French technique with contemporary flavour combinations.

This is the New French, and I love it.

Now, about those deadlines…

greenhouserestaurant.co.uk

Manhattan transfer

London’s Chelsea has acquired a touch of its NYC namesake with the recent launch of Upper West on the King’s Road. Head to the rooftop garden with its cascading pools and olive trees for great views of one of Britain’s most exclusive enclaves. upperwestlondon.com 25

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Food & Drink

Bordeaux raid

The world’s most important and affluent wine-growing area is rarely out of the wine press, often for the producers’ latest price hike. The great news is that now attention is grabbed for all the right reasons. The 2010 vintage is now in bottles and is as magnificent as it was in barrel. One of the best vintages ever, in fact. At a recent London tasting organised by Bibendum there were 150 on show and, of the 80 I tasted, there was only one that was not to my palate.

by Peter Dean

Pichon-Longueville-Baron

Bread Street Kitchen My word, it’s loud. We’re in Gordon Ramsay’s latest London restaurant, in the unlikely setting of a shopping centre (albeit the upmarket One New Change, near St Paul’s) and the seething buzz of hundreds of diners and drinkers hits us like a wall of sound at the entrance. It’s a Thursday night, which means party time for those who work in the nearby City.

There may be a recession on, but no one has told the champagne-ordering crowd in Bread Street Kitchen.

The elaborate 250-cover room, filled with leather banquettes that sweep across the vast black and white tiled floor, feels perfectly in tune with the party spirit. With an aged industrial-meets-art deco backdrop, and an open kitchen, it’s a far cry from the hushed temples of gastronomy that are the hallmark of other Ramsay operations. The food is suitably modish, with zippy urban

Reviewed by Scott Manson

brasserie favourites including some wonderfully sticky tamarind chicken wings and a rich king crab and apple cocktail, spiked with pink peppercorns.

A prawn cocktail that’s hired a stylist, in other words.

We followed that with beautifully fresh sea bream with braised leeks, razor clams, samphire and shellfish dressing. I resisted the short rib burger, despite the chap on the table next to me making his seem like the second coming in meat form. Instead, I enjoyed a mutton hotpot, served in an iron dish with a lovely cheesy potato crust and rich, slow-cooked, savoury meat below.

If you want a romantic dinner for two, look elsewhere, but if you’re after a buzzing, bang-on-trend dining room to kick off a night of carousing, then Bread Street Kitchen is it.

breadstreetkitchen.com

This was the top Pauillac, in fact the top wine, of the evening.

A monumental blend of 79% cabernet sauvignon and 21% merlot, this is a cassis fruit bomb, powerful but beautifully integrated both with tannins and an almost electric alcohol.

I predict Parker will give it a magic 100 points on his re-evaluation. £1,550 a dozen laywheeler.com

Pavie Macquin,

2010 is noteworthy for both Left Bank and Right Bank having stellar wines. This was my favourite – a blend of 85% merlot, 14% cabernet franc and 1% cabernet sauvignon. It’s also intense (14.5% alcohol) and jammed full of black fruit and vanilla. £847 a dozen frw.co.uk

Pape Clement Blanc

One of my favourite whites, this is drinking perfectly right now.

It’s a blend of five grapes but primarily, as with all Grave whites, sauvignon blanc and semillon.

Spicy with heaps of citrus, unctuous over the tongue – after tasting the 80 reds that preceded it, my brain simply wouldn’t allow my mouth to spit any of this out. £1,142 a dozen frw.co.uk

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25/04/2012 11:32

The Word

Kate Lacey

V i n ta g e s e e k e r s

Vintage watches hold great charm. They have that extra bit of character that is sometimes lacking in a more modern piece.

I firmly believe there is a vintage watch out there to suit all tastes and budgets. One common misconception we come across at Bonhams is that all vintage pieces are expensive, which isn’t true.

In our specialist watch sales in Knightsbridge, buyers can pick up a smart, wearable vintage piece for as little as £500.

The vintage world can seem like a minefield of confusing information at times, but by buying at auction collectors can check the condition of the watch beforehand, and benefit from specialist advice. The watch market is a global one, and pieces differ stylistically from country to country. An auction is a great way to see the wide range of pieces out there, and to meet collectors from all over the world. We’ve definitely seen a rise in the number of female collectors in recent years.

Vintage watch-buying is also less fashion-led than people might expect. Of course the latest episode of Mad Men or the new James Bond film might revive interest in a particular trend, but we tend to find the most popular watches at auction are those with interesting heritage. The difference that interesting, provable provenance makes to the value of a watch is often hard to quantify, but it certainly adds to its appeal. Similarly, the continued allure of the most famous brands is that, while they continue to create spectacular and innovative designs, they also try to remain true to their original craft and history.

Experienced buyers are pretty scrupulous when it comes to investing their money at auction. They not only want the condition of the watch to be near-perfect, but they want the original papers and box. New buyers are advised to look for the same. The value in vintage watches comes from original condition and as complete a history as possible.

If I were buying a vintage watch today, if money were no object, I would choose a complicated vintage or military-issue Rolex or Patek Chronograph. Rolex watches with brightly coloured ‘stellar’ dials are popular at the moment, and the brand’s Daytona Paul Newman (named after the actor) retains its appeal. With less to spend I would perhaps choose a stylish 1960s Cartier, a 1930s Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso, or a vintage Heuer, as favoured by racing drivers of the 1960s and 1970s. I would also love to own a really beautiful early piece. We have a collection coming up for sale next year that includes watches dating back to 1630.

I am fortunate that my role at Bonhams allows me to travel the world finding exceptional pieces for auction. We leave no stone unturned in our quest for that extra-special piece. One particularly good find was the Patek Philippe Ref: 2526 that was one of the top lots in our recent New Bond Street sale. It had been sitting in its owner’s drawer for years. He bought it simply because he liked it, not realising at the time it was one of the rarest references they made. The best part of my job is undoubtedly delivering good news like this – that a watch someone bought in the 1960s is now worth upwards of £25,000 at auction. It’s a fascinating, magical world to be a part of.

Kate Lacey is the watch specialist for Bonhams auction house, London

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06/12/2012 12:27

The Word

Sophia Koopman

M a k i n g th e m o st o f m o d er n a rt

On the face of it, investing in modern art is a daunting affair for the layman. It doesn’t have to be that way, though. Here, then, are a few golden rules to guide you on the first steps to building a collection you can be proud of.

First don’t look for ‘it’ artists. Don’t ask dealers who’s hot and who’s not. Don’t surf artnet.com and try to spot a rising star. Don’t buy artworks like they are share certificates for your filing cabinet.

If you want to buy modern art, look at the art.

Art – great art – should generate an emotional response when you look at it. You feel inspired, troubled, tormented, soothed, joyful, excited. It compels you to think differently about life, death, love, loss, the society that you live in or the wider world around you.

Truly outstanding art will retain these qualities. 75 years after Picasso painted Guernica, it still confronts us with the suffering of those who died in the Spanish civil war. It’s hard to simply dismiss the conflict as a battle between political ideologies when we are forced to look at the wrenching agony of its victims.

Art is not about being fashionable or finding something that blends perfectly with your interior decorating scheme. These things are distractions. If they’re your buying criteria, you’ll end up with pieces that are merely pretty or fleetingly hip, and you’ll miss the pieces of real importance and excitement.

If you want to invest in modern art, seek art works that resonate with history and that capture significant aspects of our fastchanging world. In essence, art is the visual language for interpreting and understanding the world. It compels us to see more. It drives our understanding.

The photography of Bernd and Hilda Becher, for example, not only documented the fast-disappearing industrial architecture of Germany, it also changed the way that people felt about the buildings and in many cases led to their preservation.

Look for art that uses new media or traditional media in novel ways, such as the paintings of the abstract expressionists. Rather than recording the ‘reality’ of the visible world, these artists used lines, shapes, forms and the physicality of the paint itself to present an immediate response to emotion. Their nonrepresentational paintings expressed spiritual and emotional truths in a new and striking way.

The same is true of artists working today. Eduardo Hoffman, for example, has unleashed the drama and texture of colour by using enormous canvases during his five-decade career. This is why his work is exhibited at international art fairs, auctioned at Sotheby’s and chosen by major collectors, such as Peter Sutherland of BP, Amalita Fortabat and the Miguens Bemberg family.

If you want to invest in art, seek pieces that excite you and that force you to see the world in a new way.

Because this is the art that lasts. This is the art that is collected by museums and institutions such as Tate and MoMa. This is the art that’s talked about for generations.

Ironically, the best way to increase the financial value of your art collection is to value the art for its inherent qualities.

Because if you do, others will too. And that’s when you’ll have willing buyers and art that grows in value. Let your collection start here.

Sophia Koopman is an arts writer and owner of an arts consultancy

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Objects of desire

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Corum In its 50-year history, Corum has consistently impressed with watches that, while technically impressive, have retained a classic subtlety.

The latest piece, the Admiral’s Cup Legend 42 Tourbillon MicroRotor, is a welcome rerun of the iconic Admiral’s Cup. The highlight is a world-class openworked tourbillon bridge that is gilded and polished and can be admired on the dial. It’s powered by caliber CO503, an impressive mechanical movement that operates at a frequency of 28,800

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vibrations per hour and has a useful 60-hour power reserve. Available in strictly limited quantities, it’s available now in three versions – 18ct red gold, steel or two-tone complete with 18ct red gold bezel.

frostoflondon.co.uk

06/12/2012 12:28

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02

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Fashion & Accessories frostof london.co.uk

The luxe to love The latest in romantic luxury from Frost of London Photography Omer Knaz

01 Theo Fennell This snake key pendant is a sinful twist on the diamond trend.

£7,150

02 Backes & Strauss

The company has set its elegant timepiece in 18ct rose gold with two rows of diamonds.

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£44,640

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03 Frost of London

Its tennis chain in 18ct yellow gold will bring flapper luxe to any outfit.

£24,000

04 Shamballa

Shamballa has mixed white diamonds on rose gold for a classic bracelet.

£57,630

05 Talento

A gold ring with quartz fume diamonds makes for a wonderfully quirky piece of fine jewellery.

£5,584

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06/12/2012 15:43

M ESURE ET DÉMESURE *

TONDA QUATOR Rose gold Automatic movement Hermès alligator strap Made in Switzerland

* EXACT AND EXULTANT

www.parmigiani.ch

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20/09/2012 11:35

PARMIGIANI • Tonda Quator • Format: 240x300 mm • Magazine: Tempus (GB) • Calitho 09-12-78321

Good times Words - Alexandra Willis

Words – Scott Manson

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06/12/2012 14:29

Good times Words - Alexandra Willis

King of the court

At 31, some may say Roger Federer is living on borrowed time in the tennis world, but the man who’s as synonymous with Wimbledon as strawberries and cream kicked that argument into touch in passionate style in 2012: he not only won his 17th Grand Slam singles title but also became the first male player to spend over 300 weeks as the world number one.

Roger also has a passion for Rolex: his impressive collection includes the Day-Date, a Datejust with fluted bezel and a vintage 1981 6263 Daytona in stainless steel, which he received for his 30th birthday.

We grab some of the Swiss athlete’s valuable time to talk achievements and inspiration…

Q. How do you reflect on 2012? What are your goals for the new year?

If 2012 is anything to go by, sporting legend and Rolex fan Roger Federer has no plans to call time on tennis just yet

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It’s been a fantastic season to be part of – four different Grand Slam champs. Then having the Olympics, as well, was obviously unique.

I’m happy I stayed injury-free throughout.

I’m very pleased that I was able to pick up my performance at the end of the season.

06/12/2012 14:29

That obviously gives me confidence for next year, although I haven’t really set clear goals yet. I’ll see what’s most important to me and the team and I’ll go from there.

Q. Having achieved so much, what inspires you to keep playing?

I think it’s the love for the game, the appreciation I get from the crowds, playing for records from time to time [and] playing against different types of generations and playing styles. I think you need inspiration, motivation from different angles to keep you going… it isn’t that simple just to wake up every morning and go for another travel around the world, another practice, all these other things, another fitness workout, another stretch. It obviously takes a lot of sacrifice. For the time being, I’m willing to do all of that. But you need to have some success and you need to have the right reasons why you’re doing it. I think I’ve always been able to do that and I really enjoy myself out on the court.

Q. Do you think you would still be playing tennis if you didn’t have such legendary rivals pushing you at the highest level?

Yes, I would. It’s part of the puzzle that makes me motivated, trying to play against them. But Novak, Andy and Rafa are not the only guys out there. I love playing against particularly young guys as well. To many I’m an idol, sometimes. It’s nice seeing them grow; see what the next generation comes up with. Then, of course, you have guys that are my age. That’s been fun, too, still seeing them playing as well – like Tommy Haas, Roddick, Hewitt, Ferrero.

Q. What did it mean to you to win your seventh Wimbledon title in summer 2012?

Your life as a tennis player is complete if you win Wimbledon, in my opinion. It’s unique in so many ways, and from the get-go I really felt like I’m supposed to play well there.

There was so much on the line this time, so

I didn’t try to think of the world number one ranking or the seventh or the 17th. Number one is a nice feeling every day when you wake up and you think, okay, you’re the best at something. But trophies are what really gets you going. Obviously it was very special.

Q. You have been described as one of the greatest athletes of all time.

Do you think of yourself that way?

If I can help the game of tennis with its image or with making it more popular, that’s enough for me. I want to leave the game better off than when I came into it, which was already unbelievable with the great rivalries we had: Becker-Edberg, Courier and Agassi and Sampras. And then the other sports – that’s so different anyway that you can’t compare. But I drew a lot of inspiration from other great athletes, like Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods and Valentino Rossi. They inspire me to keep on pushing further.

Roger Federer is a brand ambassador for Rolex. rolex.com

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Cyrus frostoflondon.co.uk

Partners

in time Meet Julien and Laurent Lecamp, creators of the one of the coolest watch collections to emerge in recent years. Read on to discover the 2,500 years of history that helped to inform the creation of Cyrus‌ 44 044-048_Cyrus.indd 44

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et’s face it, conquering a country is generally an unpleasant business. Between the burning, destroying and ensuring the natives bend to your iron will, there’s not much scope for being a nice guy.

Unless, that is, you are Cyrus The Great (580-529 BC), the founder of Persia who, in his day, controlled one of the greatest empires ever seen. He’s best remembered, though, for his tolerance and magnanimous attitude to those he defeated, showing great respect towards the religious beliefs and cultural traditions of other races. In return, the people over whom he ruled were, by all accounts, a pretty happy lot.

It’s this spirit of benign conquest that drove the creation of Cyrus watches, a relatively recent arrival in the prestige timepiece market which, like its namesake, is slowly building an army of devoted followers.

The brand, run from its manufacture in the Swiss watchmaking city of Le Locle, was

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launched by two cousins: Laurent and Julien Lecamp. As with the best businesses, they both bring unique skills to the table – Laurent has a marketing background in the luxury arena, with years spent working for LVMH, while Julien is a skilled architect.

The result is a collection of watches that are nothing short of stunning.

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“It is Julien who really helped define us,” says Laurent. “His architectural training means that his mind is more free than traditional watch designers. He designed the dials, the logo, the screws, everything.

Everything is made in-house.”

Or, at least, almost everything. While the brand’s Klepcys collection is 100% manufactured in-house, the Kurus model runs on a modified ETA movement.

However, when Cyrus debuts its first manually wound watch at Baselworld next year – featuring an ingenious power reserve display – it too will be entirely manufactured in-house.

“Other brands who claim to manufacture in-house actually source parts from other countries,” says Laurent. “Going forward, everything will be done at our base in Le Locle, with all of our suppliers based in the same building.”

And while the technical specs of Cyrus watches are undeniably impressive, it’s in the area of design that the brand truly excels.

“For a start, it’s the shape,” says Laurent.

“Before we launched, we realized that 80% of the watches on the market were round.

Think about it, it’s not a logical shape for a watch as the crown can hurt the wrist. More than that, though, it’s not unique. We wanted a watch that was instantly recognisable.”

A case in point is the distinctive Kuros model, with its wrist-hugging profile, crown guard and, on the caseback of the gold

“We wanted to build a watch that was instantly recognisable”

Above right: The Klepcys ‘moon’ Far right: The beautiful design and detail of the Cyrus Kuros

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models, a replica of a 2,500 year old coin (the original is owned by Laurent) which was forged in the time of Cyrus The Great.

And while Kuros is the ‘entry level’ Cyrus, although still commanding a price close to £10,000, then its Klepcys collection is truly for the cognoscenti. Retailing at around £60,000, the watches are highly functional, exotic pieces that demonstrate an imaginative way to tell the time. It’s indicated by a clever system of two moving discs and a retrograde hour hand that

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Cyrus frostoflondon.co.uk

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Cyrus frostoflondon.co.uk

doubles as a day/night indicator. Elsewhere, the date is shown by a wonderfully executed spinning cubic hand and, perhaps the neatest touch, a golden moon orb slowly moves in order to indicate the phase of the moon. It is, frankly, a watch bursting with innovation and complication.

“You know the Robert Frost poem, when he describes taking the road less travelled?” says Laurent. “Well, that is the route we always strive for. We will always strike out to embrace the unusual.

“I carry a book with me at all times, which is full of notes on things I see or hear that intrigue me or excite me. It could be the way

light plays along a building, spotting a dog wearing an unusual winter coat, anything! I go back and refer to it for ideas time and again.”

The most recent example of this creative thinking is the release of Cyrus’s new interpretation of its Klepcys model, the Mars Edition, designed in partnership with renowned watchmaker Jean Francis Mojon, who worked on the iconic Harry Winston Opus X. In another celebration of the

“This is a timepiece which is perfectly f it for purpose” brand’s interest in the solar system, it features the famous image of the ‘face on Mars’ on the dial, as well as a miniature construction of the entire planet. Rather brilliantly, the spheroid on the Klepcys actually rotates at the planet’s real-world sidereal speed (time that it takes the planet to rotate once on its axis) of 24 hours, 37 minutes and 22 seconds.

At 48mm, it’s a big watch that makes a bold statement, but the skill of the Cyrus

designers means that it still fits snugly on the wrist. Indeed, every part of this timepiece feels perfectly fit for purpose.

Like all Cyrus models, it’s strictly limited edition, with just 33 pieces available in either titanium or black DLC titanium.

In total, Cyrus will build 100 Kelpcys and 350 Kuros models in 2013.

“Our third collection will debut very soon,” says Laurent. “Once again, it will surprise and shake up the traditional watchmaking world.”

Spoken like a true conqueror. Cyrus The Great would be proud.

cyrus-watches.ch

Left: The Kuros in close-up Right: The innovative indicator on the Klepcys

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Turbine Xl, A1050/1 Technology of the Double Rotor.

Made by movement

www.perrelet.com

108 New Bond Street, London, W1S 1EF Tel: 020 3372 0108 www.frostoflondon.co.uk

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Drinks

Whisky galore Words - Scott Manson

Exciting new names are emerging to challenge established distillers – and serious whisky fans can’t lose hile boutique gins were the big story in 2011, the resurgence of interest in fine whisky was the talking point among the drink’s cognoscenti in 2012.

Although traditional brands and blends were still popular, either neat or as part of inventive cocktails, many lesser-known brands gained traction with whisky lovers this year. In the World Whiskies Awards, for example, Japanese distillery Suntory scooped top honours in the single malt whisky category for Yamazaki, while South Africa, better known for its wine, grabbed the world’s best blended whisky title for Three Ships.

Elsewhere, all eyes were on Chivas Brothers, who wowed the design world with the recent release of its limited edition Chivas 18, with its numbered bottles and cases designed by Italian design icons

Pininfarina. And the best whisky the Tempus team tasted over the festive period?

That honour would have to go to Old Pulteney, whose 21-year-old expression was named the best whisky of 2012 by Whisky Bible writer Jim Murray. Here, then, is our selection of the whiskies that everyone should have in their home bar.

Talisker / From Skye’s only distillery, this has a wonderfully peppery hit. At 35 years old, it’s the oldest Talisker ever offered by the distillery and it comes in a limited edition of 3,090 bottles. £525, malts.com Lagavulin / A near neighbour of Laphroaig

on Islay, Lagavulin’s 21-year-old is pricier and more refined, and packs an amazing punch. It’s sweeter than the other Islay whiskies, and is the last fully sherried release. £825, islayinfo.com

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Drinks

Johnnie Walker / Whisky fans will

already be familiar with this brand’s Blue expression, but Platinum Label is also well worth a look. With sweet, warming chocolate tones, it’s perfect for a cold winter’s night. £64, johnniewalker.com

Yamazaki / Bit of a wildcard, this one.

The top single malt at the World Whiskies Awards, and easily the match of anything Scottish, Yamazaki is probably the finest of the growing Japanese market and offers complex flavours with a hint of smoke.

Londoners should head to Roast restaurant, above Borough market, for one of the widest selection of Japanese whiskies in the capital.

of special limited edition 40-year-old bottles, each hand-filled from American bourbon and Spanish sherry casks where the malt has been maturing. A fine crystal decanter ensures it looks as good as it tastes.

£1,450, oldpulteney.com

Chivas / Chivas blends never fail to excite,

with the Royal Salute being our tipple of choice. January 2013, though, gives collectors something truly special to get their hands on, with the release of limited edition Pininfarina-designed Chivas 18 bottles,

complete with cool collectors’ box. Or, for the truly hardcore (and deep pocketed – think £100,000) collector, there’s an artistic wooden-frame bottle holder which is modelled on a car’s wing and hand-built in Italy by Pininfarina’s design perfectionists.

From £90, chivas.com

Auchroisk / The oldest distillery release from Auchroisk, and available in a limited number of 2,976 bottles, expect a rush of fruit and spices on the palate. It also comes in at a hefty 54.7% ABV. £230, bbr.com

£110, suntory.com

Old Pulteney / As you’d expect from Whisky Bible’s drink of the year, Old Pulteney single malt is seriously good. To celebrate, the brand has released a collection

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MOVE Collection, Gold and diamond

108 New Bond Street, London W1S 1EF Tel : 020 3372 0108

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Drinks

Where to drink it

Kabir Suharan, Diageo Reserve Johnnie Walker brand ambassador, selects his five favourite London sipping spots

Boisdale

The Connaught

Whisky Mist

Albannach

Boisdale Canary Wharf (above) has a staggeringly large whisky selection, with more than 1,000 malt and blended whiskies on its shelves. Along with traditional Scottish cuisine, live music, a cigar terrace and library – plus a caviar and oyster bar – Boisdale is a luxurious setting to enjoy this fabulous spirit.

The Connaught has two beautiful bars: the intimate and relaxed Coburg bar, and the stylish Connaught bar, inspired by 1920s English and Irish cubism. Both stock all the Johnnie Walker variants, including the ultra-deluxe The John Walker.

The Connaught bar’s indulgent Whiskey Concept Tasting pairs Johnnie Walker Platinum Label with handmade bespoke chocolates.

Whisky Mist combines a fantastic whisky list in a glamorous boutique club environment. Try the Johnnie Walker Liquid Gold cocktail featuring Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve charged in a soda siphon with ginger, lemongrass and peach.

Set right on Trafalgar Square, the Albannach has a wide and varied whisky list in a setting which combines fine dining, a cocktail bar and a celebrated live music club.

boisdale.co.uk

whiskymist.com

albannach.co.uk

St Pancras Grand Whisky Bar The decadent touches of the St Pancras Grand whisky bar, set in an art deco-style restaurant, ensure a feeling of seclusion and luxury. The bar has recently been awarded the coveted Imbibe Seal of Fine Whisky.

stpg.co.uk

the-connaught.co.uk

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108 New Bond Street London, W1S 1EF Tel: 020 3372 0108 www.frostoflondon.co.uk

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14/09/2012 11:02

Food & Drink Words – Scott Manson

Star power

Born into a family of restaurateurs, Pierre Gagnaire has spent his 40-year career picking up Michelin stars. His first came when he was just 26 and he now has 12 restaurants, spanning everywhere from Las Vegas to Saint-Tropez, and holds 12 Michelin stars. His restaurant in London, Sketch, which he co-founded with Mourad Mazouz, was awarded a second star in the latest Michelin guide.

First of all, apologies for dragging you away from the kitchen. Have you been at the pass overseeing things?

At the pass? No, no, no, behind the pass. I have been cooking!

Congratulations on the second Michelin star. How did you feel when it was announced earlier this week?

I made me very happy. When we first opened Sketch ten years ago, it was a challenge. A lot of people were very critical

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about what we were doing here. They didn’t understand the food or the concept. There were difficult times for a while, sometimes we might only get 20 people in for one evening, but now it’s more like 150. I am happy for Mourad [Mazouz, owner of Sketch] – he is a man who had a dream, and did not give up that dream despite the tough times. The stars are my gift to him and to this city. They are a confirmation of our hard work and dedication.

What was the key to winning the second star?

You know, all I really want to do is to improve what I do; to be the best in the world. I could be anywhere in the world, because my world, my universe, is the kitchen. It is all I know.

If you want to keep the energy, the intensity, the quality, you must concentrate on what you do. Mourad provides the fun, I provide the creativity. Through this, we achieve great, magical things.

You worked with the French chemist Hervé This, who is regarded as one of the founding fathers of the molecular gastronomy movement. Do you feel you unleashed a monster on the culinary world?

Ah no, the chemist is my friend and we did great things but the way I work is not really molecular. My big realisation was that it was possible to convey emotion through food to my guests.

I try to use every method to create something special, something unique, to embrace the idea of food as art. But the basics must be right. I am French so the delicate qualities of the sauce, for example, are very important.

Things are very different today, compared to when I started cooking in the late-1960s. Now, chefs are told they are stars at the age of 20. When I was 20, I was in the cellar peeling vegetables!

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“The food in English pubs is vastly improved.

Everything has got better, to be honest”

What sort of boss are you? Do you shout and scream like Gordon Ramsay?

I think Gordon has his TV show face and the real face. It’s important that your team is close to you, and want to work with you, not fear you. It’s very difficult to build a good team, to find chefs who truly understand how best to use good produce.

How does the quality of produce differ between Britain and France?

At the beginning it wasn’t great, but now it’s better. We used to buy all our strawberries from France, and now we buy them all in England. Asparagus, apple, pears, mushrooms, carrots – England does all of them very well. We also like your meat, particularly the lamb. With seafood, we are very respectful of the produce. We only use dived scallops and line-caught sea bass. We also won’t buy sea bass in January or February as that’s when the fish are carrying eggs.

What sort of misconceptions do you think people have about you?

When you have a problem with your wife, you are always the last to know, so this I cannot say [laughs].

Is your cooking trend-driven?

No, we are not in East London, working above a pub like your Young Turks [a collective of cool UK chefs]. They are our friends and make great food, but they are very different to us.

How has the restaurant scene changed since you began?

Molecular cuisine for sure. Also finger food and sharing. The food in English pubs is vastly improved. Everything has got better, to be honest. In France we now have Starbucks everywhere. People say ‘oh what a shame’ but it is clean, the coffee is good, it’s quick and cheap. When you go in an independent café in Paris, it’s not clean,

the coffee is bad and the guy who serves you is unfriendly [laughs].

The profile of chefs has risen, so they are almost like rock stars, in recent years. What do you think about this?

It’s good but it’s also dangerous. People forget that they have work at it. It’s not just about talent, it’s about opportunity and discipline too. If you don’t work, you’re dead. Also, it’s become such big business that it’s hard for a talented young chef to set up on his own. The best are poached by big companies. They make their name, sure, but it is like they are in a jail. Trapped, with no independence. No longer are they in touch with the farmer, the producer, or the gift of nature.

I think I have maybe eight to ten years left as a chef. So I have limited time to share my philosophy and my collection.

I have so much more to give.

sketch.uk.com

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Shamballa frostoflondon.co.uk

Shamballa may grace the wrists of A-listers, but the brand remains in harmony with its Buddhist origins for its latest lines he cult of Shamballa is in full force. Brothers and company founders Mads and Mikkel Kornerup struck gold with their simple string bracelets studded with precious jewels back in 2001, and since then they have single-handedly changed the way both men and women wear jewellery. Their

designs have become ubiquitous and are loved by celebrities and designers alike, including Karl Lagerfeld and Valentino, who are frequently spotted piling the beaded bracelets high on their wrists.

Their original design was inspired by Buddhist prayer beads and uses ancient techniques to braid the bracelets together.

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GALERIE ADRIANO RIBOLZI Principality of Monaco

VENEZIA VENEZIA

Vedute from Francesco Guardi to Tobia Ravà

Exhibition – November 22nd, 2012 – January 19th, 2013 Francesco Guardi - Maître de Langmatt - Francesco Tironi - Giacomo Guardi Giorgio de Chirico - Filippo de Pisis

www.c-graphik.fr

GALERIE ADRIANO RIBOLZI

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Founded in 1920 – From 1974 in the Principality of Monaco

Fine Furniture, Old Masters paintings and Works of Art – Modern Paintings and Sculptures 3 avenue de l’H ermitage – 98000 MONACO Phone : +377 97 97 03 77 - ribolzi@libello.com - www.adrianoribolzi.com

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Shamballa frostoflondon.co.uk

Right: from sketch to glorious reality.

Centre: a Shamballa master craftsman at work. Below: designers such as Karl Lagerfeld are brand devotees

These aren’t mere adornments, though, as Mads and Mikkel’s work is also shot through with a spirit of compassion and enlightenment, a sentiment that obviously struck a chord in cynical Hollywood.

The jewellery-buying public’s obsession with Shamballa refuses to wane. Like other luxury brands celebrated for a signature style – Hermès for its butter-soft orange leather; Jacob & Co for its multicoloured dials – Shamballa has always known how to branch out into other lines while keeping its core styles fresh. A back-to-basics approach for the brand’s latest line sees it take inspiration from most rudimentary of sources – the elements themselves.

Sticking with the spiritual theme, its jewellery philosophy is inspired by the colours of Buddhist prayer flags that represent many of the world’s natural elements, such as yellow (earth), green (water), red (fire), white (air) and blue (sky).

The combination of these five elements traditionally brings harmony, a trait that Shamballa hopes will spread to the wearer.

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Left: the new Lock Bracelets are a twist on classic Shamballa, available in sapphire (centre) and ruby (below) design variations

The Lock Bracelets represent the next stage in Shamballa’s evolution. A twist on the brand’s classic beaded style, they see precious jewels set in a square, with the elements represented by a wealth of gems including red rubies, blue sapphires, green emeralds, turquoise and white and brown diamonds. It takes seven master craftsmen to turn the raw gems into square plates, before they are set, braided and polished by hand.

There’s a delightful looseness to the design, too, with no two gems being exactly the same colour, although the bracelets are assembled so the slight colour variations complement each other.

It’s this easygoing attitude and philosophy that has made Shamballa such a success. The brand’s emphasis has never been on perfection but rather on creating fine, inspired pieces with a spiritual message. It’s not easy to pull off ‘everyday luxury’, but Shamballa continues to set a shining example.

frostoflondon.co.uk

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© Berenguer Marc Berenguer © Marc

© Marc Berenguer

© Marc Berenguer

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Le Chabichou boasts Four star hotel accommodation open year-round A Two Michelin star restaurant, and a gourmet style bistro A modern 1 100 m² spa concept Mountain and family tradition for fifty years Le Chabichou boasts Four star hotel accommodation open year-round A Two Michelin star restaurant, and a gourmet style bistro Le Chabichou boasts Four star hotel accommodation open year-round A modern 1 100 m² and spa concept A Two Michelin star restaurant, a gourmet style bistro Mountain and family for fifty years A modern 1 100tradition m² spa concept Mountain and family tradition for fifty years

Rochedy Family • Courchevel 1850 • France +33 (0)4 79 08 00 55 • www.chabichou-courchevel.com

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© Marc Berenguer

Le Chabichou boasts Four star hotel accommodation open year-round A Two Michelin star restaurant, and a gourmet style bistro A modern 1 100 m² spa concept Mountain and family tradition for fifty years

Rochedy Family • Courchevel 1850 • France +33 (0)4 79 08 00 55 • www.chabichou-courchevel.com

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SalonQP

LOndon calling Four days of luxury, star power and horological genius, SalonQP has become a magnet for the watch world’s finest.

Here are the highlights

Words - Scott Manson & Hannah Silver

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SalonQP

It takes a lot to reduce the Tempus team to stunned silence, but the opulence and watchmaking prowess on display at this year’s SalonQP did just that. At every turn, the tourbillons, precious jewels – and even white-coat clad watchmakers building timepieces – kept visitors entranced. It was horological heaven.

For the uninitiated, SalonQP is one of the most important fairs in the luxury watch market. Over 50 leading brands gather in the suitably artistic setting of the Saatchi gallery in west London, from old-school masters such as Hermès and Vacheron Constantin to top independent talent from the likes of Urwerk, MB&F and Schofield.

As if that was not enough, SalonQP also hosted a lifestyle section, featuring the finest in luxury audio, jewellery and watch winders. There to sample the quality were the likes of Olympic sailing hero Ben Ainslie and Bremont ambassador Charley Boorman, and aficionados also attended packed screenings of The Watchmaker’s

Apprentice, a documentary of the life and work of the late George Daniels, widely considered the world’s finest horologist, and his protege Roger W Smith.

The real stars of the event, though, were the beautiful watches on display.

It was tough to pick out the top performers, but the following all stopped the Tempus team in its tracks.

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Piaget Altiplano Skeleton Ultra-Thin

Piaget is no stranger to ultra-skinny models – or perhaps supermodels is the better word. Its latest, the Altiplano Skeleton Ultra, is the world’s thinnest self-winding skeleton model and houses the world’s thinnest self-winding skeleton movement.

Creating the calibre took over three years of research and development, resulting in a piece that includes long curves extending across the bridges to ensure optimum rigidity. Expect to pay around £40,000 for this fabulous ‘tuxedo watch’.

piaget.com Vacheron Constantin Metier d’Art

Jewelled watches don’t get much more complex than Vacheron Constantin’s Metier d’Art collection, and this year sees the launch of the third and final set. Available in strictly limited quantities, the latest pieces are Japanese-inspired and depict spring, autumn and winter in black lacquer and gold dust.

vacheron-constantin.com

Badollet Ivresse

One of 20 independent brands at this year’s event, Badollet make understated but perfectly executed pieces. Its latest, the Ivresse, has a clean aesthetic with a hidden flying tourbillion encased in a rectangular platinum case. The pared-back design makes this an elegant, readable piece.

badollet.com

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Bulgari Giocatore Veneziano

Swiss watchmaker Daniel Roth has collaborated with Bulgari to produce the beautiful Giocatore Veneziano, which is inspired by Caravaggio’s painting The Cardsharps. The dial is entirely hand-painted and when the watch is activated details such as the dice and the gambler’s arms become animated. A brilliant example of Bulgari and Roth’s mastery of the intricate and unusual.

bulgari.com

Tag Heuer MikrotourbillonS

Tag Heuer created the most precise watch ever with the launch of the Mikrograph, capable of timing to a hundredth of a second. Now, the brand has set its sights even higher.

The MikrotourbillonS also times to a hundredth of a second but further increases accuracy thanks to two tourbillons, both responsible for regular and split-second timing, with the latter operating at an incredible 360,000 beats an hour. Expect to pay around £175,000 for one of these limited edition pieces.

Jaeger LeCoultre Amvox 7

Jaeger LeCoultre has marked eight years of working with Aston Martin with the release of the Amvox 7, a slick, sporty piece crafted in titanium with attractive black and red elements. New features include a “radical power reserve display” – two red strips on the dial that recede as the power drains – a result of the new in-house made automatic movement which offers 65 hours of power.

jaeger-lecoultre.com

tagheuer.com

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Manufacture Royale Androgyne Full Black

Manufacture Royale’s history of incredibly technical timepieces means its latest – the Androgyne Full Black – has a lot to live up to. Fortunately, it exceeds expectations thanks in part to its sleek, futuristic appearance and to the hand-wound mechanical movement that is produced, decorated and assembled entirely in house. It’s regulated by a tourbillion that brings a traditional touch to this ultra-modern piece.

manufactwure-royale.ch

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Chopard LUC Triple Certification Tourbillion

Schofield Signalman

Schofield is an exciting new British brand launched last year by Giles Ellis. A former graphic artist, he personally designed the Signalman as a modern, nautically inspired piece with a chunky oversized crown and unusual flanked case that provides easy reading for two time zones. We love the tweed strap option, too – very old-school.

Chopard’s new watch is a feat of technical achievement. The only watch in the world to bear the three most prestigious Swiss watchmaking certifications, it represents the best of haute horology. Two of the certificates are a testament to the perfect reliability of the movement, the only one to be fitted with four stacked and series-coupled barrels, giving a full nine days of operating autonomy.

Fabulously over-engineered.

chopard.com

schofieldwatchcompany.com

Speake-Marin Resilience

Since his company launched 12 years ago, Peter Speake-Marin has collaborated with Harry Winston on the stunning Excenter Tourbillion, and with Maîtres du Temps on the Chapter One and Chapter Two. Now he’s come into his own with the Resilience.

Inspired by antique pocket watches, it’s a quietly elegant piece with an oven-fired enamel dial, blued-steel hands and automatic winding calibre.

A classic in the making.

speake-marin.com

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30/11/2012 11:48

Concierge services Words - Lizzie Rivera

managed

Your lifestyle, managed

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Illustration - Dan Williams

There are some things money can’t buy. But it’s worth checking with a concierge service first

hat do you do if you are holidaying in Barbados and leave your valuables on the beach while you go to lunch, only to have them washed out to sea? Panic and spend the rest of your holiday making phone calls and filling out forms? Or call someone to sort it all out for you while you relax with a cocktail and laugh at how foolish you were? Nightmare over, dream holiday just beginning.

Kimberley O’Callaghan found herself in exactly this situation six years ago, and had

no choice but to do the former. When she got back to the UK, she decided to quit her company directorship and set up The Fixer – a concierge service that does everything from organising your travel and bringing you a clean shirt when you’ve spilled orange juice on yours to sourcing a Pink Ladies jacket signed by the original cast of Grease.

So, what else can they do? Absolutely anything – as long as it’s not illegal or unethical. A client asked concierge service Ten the name of the restaurant in Paris they once visited once that does “that sauce” and they not only tracked down the restaurant

for them (Le Relais de l’Entrecôte), they booked them an ‘unbookable’ table. They have organised matches with chess grandmasters, sourced a blue diamond and a unique De Bethune timepiece, handdelivered Birkin bags and tied 69 personal messages to 69 red roses.

When one client told concierge service The Anonymous of a suspected security breach, they sent over a team to scan his home and his car, and spent five hours pulling out secret cameras and sound recording equipment. They spoke to Blackberry to find out how secure their

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Concierge services

Who’s who in concierge services

Ten From £95 a month (no joining fee).

VIP membership is £500 for the first month then £300 a month thereafter.

tengroup.com

Th e Fixer £30 an hour – choose how many hours you want each month (minimum of three hours within London) Corporate rates on application.

the-fixer.co.uk

Qu i ntessentially £12,000 a year for their Elite membership package.

Quintessentially Lifestyle is available at lower rates.

quintessentially.com phones are (very), and made sure a new model was encrypted for future use. They then put their client in touch with the best lawyers, and put him up in a hotel while finding him a new apartment to rent.

Looking for a gamekeeper for your game reserve? Ask The Fixer. New to London or want a huge party organised in one day?

Then Luxuria London are the go-to guys.

Quintessentially is renowned for its amazing events and exclusive privileges, Harrods’ concierge for personal shopping, Bon Vivant is great for City boys and Little Emperors for shopping discounts.

These are, of course, very specific examples, and most would say they could tap into their extensive networks of contacts to pull off any of the above feats. Only one company admitted to not be able to deliver – once.

On Christmas Eve a client wanted a watch picked up from a shop two hours before it closed and delivered to their house that evening. A lack of resources, combined with freak weather, meant that they could only get it there for Christmas Day afternoon. Still, that’s quite an achievement, no? Apparently not. The client wanted it for the morning

and for the concierge service, that’s just not good enough.

Choosing a concierge service is not about changing on a whim – choose the right one and they will adapt to meet your every need.

They learn to pre-empt your requirements and are always on the other end of your phone or email. “Only clients have our direct numbers,” says O’Callaghan. “We’re very strict about that. Clients need an immediate response; half an hour later is too late.”

Kimberley believes that this is just beginning for concierge services. “There are lots of small companies around and there’s a marked increase in businesses helping their employees in this way.” Dan Alexis, head of corporate communications at Quintessentially, agrees: “PAs don’t know every maître d’ in the city, who to call to gain access to private events, and what to do if they need a bespoke suit from Savile Row with just a few hours’ notice.”

Service really doesn’t get much better than this. Despite there being a wide choice of companies, the market is far from saturated, “It’s competitive, sure, but that just spurs you on and ensures the quality of your service is

“PAs don’t know every maitre d ’ in the city, or who to call to get access to private events”

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Mauritius

BC_Maurit Tempus 11/12_Layout 1 29/11/2012 09:30 Page 1

Paradis Hotel and Golf Club

The best choice of luxury hotels on the island

As the first hotel company in Mauritius, Beachcomber Hotels had the first pick of the most stunning locations and the best of the beaches when choosing to place its hotels.

We are now fortunate to have a choice of eight individual and exceptional hotels on the island.

We’ve got everything from indulgent luxury to superb all inclusive options.

For families all of our resorts are family friendly offering a range of free land and water sports, free children’s clubs for 3 to 12 year olds, a choice of spacious family accommodation and family friendly dining options.

For the ultimate luxury stay at the best address in Mauritius, the Royal Palm Hotel. For golfers challenge yourself on the Paradis Golf Course. And for the perfect family holiday choose one of our villas at Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa, Paradis Hotel & Golf Club or Trou Aux Biches Resort & Spa.

For the very best Mauritius holidays call 01483 445 634

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Concierge services

“Someone asked if we could arrange for her to go to the theatre with Prince Albert of Monaco”

Luxu ria Lon don £850 for a lifestyle manager for six months. £1,500 for a lifestyle manager for a year.

Corporate rates available on request.

very high,” says Michael Yohannes, founder of Luxuria London. Demand is increasing faster than supply – Ten is opening six new offices, from Tokyo to Mexico City, in the next 12 months to meet increasing demand for their services, and The Anonymous have a waiting list.

Asking which the best is a bit like asking which is better – a Bentley or a Ferrari. Cost helps some to decide: fees range from £30 an hour paid on a monthly basis, to £30,000 for a year’s membership. So it really depends how much time you need dedicated to you and what level of service you require.

Those who are looking for a private dinner with a decision-maker, to pitch an idea to ITV, or to get their child into an over-subscribed school are looking at the top end of the scale, such as The Anonymous, and well-established services with extensive global networks, such as Ten and Quintessentially.

Of course, despite the best efforts of any team, there are always requests that simply can’t be met. Emyr Thomas, founder of Bon Vivant, recalls one particularly amusing moment.

“We once had someone call us, not a client I hasten to add, asking if we could arrange

for her to go to the theatre with Prince Albert of Monaco,” she says. “Sadly, that is not a service we offer.”

Those simply looking for a superior bookings service to get into popular restaurants with no booking policies, to pick up their shirts from the dry cleaners and box them in exactly the way they like, or to water their plants while they’re away can scale down costs significantly. Indeed, the CEO of The Anonymous, Veronica Voronina, admits paying her company to perform only these tasks would probably be a waste of money.

There’s a lot of trust involved in letting someone into your house, allowing them to babysit your child or to replace your secretary for a day. Fortunately, concierge services rely on their reputation. So much of their business is networking and word-of-mouth, and as such they normally have stringent vetting processes. At the very least every good concierge operation should be performing staff CRB checks, and The Anonymous carry out vast background checks and even drugtests. “Reputation is very important,” says Voronina. “We need people who really enjoy taking care of others.”

And we always need people who enjoy taking care of us, don’t we?

luxuria-london.co.uk

Th e An onym o us £15,000 a year for lifestyle management. £30,000 a year for a dedicated lifestyle manager.

From £5,000 a month for a business concierge service.

Quarterly membership available.

the-anonymous.com Bo n Vivant £150 a month or £1,500 a year.

Bespoke membership from £500 a month

bonvivant.co.uk

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30/10/2012 11:33

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Montblanc Words – Scott Manson

A giant of the written word, Montblanc’s signature style has also become a distinctive feature of the watchmaking landscape his is embarrassing. I’m sitting at a desk in the Hamburg headquarters of Montblanc, maker of the world’s finest writing instruments, and several members of its team are watching me write. My handwriting, frankly, is appalling. Imagine the worst doctor’s scrawl combined with a spider whose feet have been daubed in ink marching across a page, and you’re still not even close.

The reason there’s so much interest in my scribbling is because the writing instrument I’m holding, a beautiful Meisterstück fountain pen, has been fitted with a digital transmitter. With it, I write a prepared

statement along with my signature. Below my piece of paper is an electronic desk pad that scrutinises my writing style.

Montblanc has designed software that measures a person’s writing based on five key measurements: speed, pressure, pen rotation, swing range and inclination angle.

After an awkward minute or two, in which we quietly contemplate the hideous scrawl I’ve produced with this iconic pen, a certificate prints with my writing measurements and a recommendation. Due to my low rotation and ‘expansive’ writing style, a broad nib is recommended.

“We can make a fountain pen, with the nib hand-ground to suit your writing Charlene Wittstock and Prince Albert of Monaco sign the marriage register in 2011

ra r efi ed status

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20/11/2012 11:28

Montblanc

1906

1913

Company founded by stationer ClausJohannes Voss, banker Alfred Nehemias and engineer August Eberstein, in Hamburg, Germany

Montblanc’s white star emblem appears for the first time

DNA,” says Montblanc CEO Lutz Bethge.

“We can even inscribe the nib with your name, for the ultimate bespoke touch.”

A 22-year veteran of the venerable brand, Bethge has helped build on the company’s century-old writing instrument heritage to become a worldwide luxury operator – it has 100 stores in China alone. It now makes stunning watches, jewellery and leather goods, all bearing the brand’s famous star stamp, representing the snowcapped peak of Mont Blanc as seen from above. The new bespoke nib experience is just one of many initiatives he’s spearheaded.

1924 Legendary Meisterstück fountain pen is released

T h e h i s t o ry of montblanc 1963

1992

John F Kennedy helps Konrad Adenauer out of a diplomatic tight spot by lending him his Meisterstück 149

Montblanc diversifies range with the launch of small luxury leather goods.

First annual ‘collector’s edition’ pen released

1997

2008

2010

First Montblanc watch, the Meisterstück, is unveiled at Geneva’s Salon International de Haute Horlogerie

First in-house watch calibre released, the MB R100

World premiere of Metamorphosis, a highly complex double-faced watch

“They could write with a biro, they could check the time on their phone, but that’s not who they are” In today’s digital world, it’s interesting that Montblanc is seeing huge success with two products in particular that some may feel are superfluous: luxury pens and watches. This, says Bethge, is because there are still plenty of people who seek quality in everything they do. They could write with a biro, they could check the time on their phone, but that’s not who they are. “We are seen as a brand for successful people, people who lead a refined lifestyle, or a purveyor of the lifetime companion that goes with all the important events in your life,” he says.

“Think of love letters. Today, people send love messages by email or text, but you wouldn’t print them out and put them in a box would you? A handwritten letter, though, has an emotion – it says ‘you are important to me’. In today’s busy world, it shows you giving the most precious thing, which is your time.”

Arguably the boldest step came in 1997 when Montblanc entered the mechanical watch market. Despite setting up a manufacture in the renowned Swiss watchmaking city of Le Locle, the brand was initially dismissed. “In the beginning, few people took us seriously,” says Bethge.

“We’d get comments such as ‘where will you

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Montblanc

put the ink?’. But we believed, perhaps naively, that it would work.”

And work it did. Like its writing instruments, Montblanc watches are sophisticated, quality products that are built for a lifetime. As such, the timepieces have helped the brand become a major player in the world of Swiss watchmaking.

“Our customers trust us. We could never just stick a label on a watch for the prestige value. We had to manufacture our own movements and do everything properly,” says Bethge.

Since its launch 15 years ago, the Montblanc timepiece range has grown and grown. It now includes lines such as the Star, Sport, Summit and stunning Timewalker collection. More recently, the Nicolas Rieussec collection, named after the man who invented the chronograph and the ‘superwatch’ that is the skeletonised Timewriter II Bi-Fréquence 1000, has also enjoyed critical acclaim. The latter, incredibly, can measure to a thousandth of a second, with a chronograph power reserve of 45 minutes.

“Yes, I think that the watch surprised a few people,” laughs Bethge. “It was very difficult to build and it represents the high level of in-house technical skill we have. In January 2013 we will reveal yet more developments to the Timewalker.”

Left: attention to fie detail in the Montblanc production process.

Below: the result

“It was very diff icult to build and it represents the high level of in-house technical skill we have” At its heart, though, for all its hi-tech know-how, like the best luxury operators Montblanc is an emotionally inspiring brand – every purchase has a story behind it.

“When my son was young, 13 or so, he used to ask me what was the point of owning a nice pen or a good watch,” says Bethge. “When he graduated, however, we gave him a Montblanc writing instrument with a note on the box which said ‘Now it is time for you to write your own destiny.’

He was truly touched, and that is the emotion that comes with every Montblanc purchase.”

Montblanc may be over a century old, but its feel-good factor is as fresh as ever.

montblanc.com

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06/12/2012 15:18

NE077A Nene Tempus Ad v1:Layout 1

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Tradition, tailored for your lifestyle.

Since 1988, Nene Overland have been crafting outstanding, powerful and stunning iconic defenders to suit every adventure, taste and lifestyle. For sheer excellence with the most precise road holding and ride without compromise, take yourself on a journey of adrenalin with our bespoke range of sport wagon and soft tops. Work with our team to create your own unique Icon loaded with style, speed and performance.

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20/11/2012 11:24

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Spa special Words – Hannah Silver

A great spa experience stays with you forever but, despite the many pretenders, truly special ones are few and far between. The very best take inspiration from stunning surroundings and channel that aesthetic through their architecture, treatments and philosophy.

Not just a way to relax, a good treatment should leave you feeling rejuvenated and energised. We’ve selected some of the most outstanding spots that deliver on that promise to soothe body and soul, as well as offering the opportunity for an unforgettable holiday.

T er r e B l a n c h e S pa A large resort in the south of France that combines the best of the casual Provence style with a dash of the chic Côte d’Azur.

The spa has 14 private treatment rooms and two vast suites as well as pools with underwater massage, steam baths, sauna, laconium, hammam and baths of crushed ice. Inspired by resources from the local surroundings, treatments use lavender buds, salt crystals and olive oil to restore skin tone and leave you feeling wonderfully relaxed.

terre-blanche.com

T h e Ro c k S pa

And relax ...

Sit back, breathe and focus on finding your excuse for a luxury spa getaway

The Rock Spa (below) makes the most of its location in one of the most beautiful parts of the world – Fregate Island in the Seychelles – by offering all its treatments outdoors. The spa is perched on a cliff-top plateau offering jaw-dropping views, and is reached through a rock archway at the top of a canyon surrounded by pools and waterfalls.

Treatments themselves work on the philosophy “fresh is best”and use the plants, fruits and herbs that are in season for pure relaxation, revitalisation and detoxification.

fregate.com/en/rock-spa

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Aya m e S pa A prestigious day spa buried in Mougins in the south of France, Ayame uses high-tech equipment to restore well-being and aid complete relaxation.

The award-winning spa offers advanced therapies including

290-jet balneotherapy, bed flotation and microabrasion.

Facials use the latest techniques, such as ice sticks and antipigmentation devices, to restore skin to pristine condition.

ayame-beauty.fr

L e C h a b i c h o u S pa C o u rc h e v e l There’s a wealth of good spas in Courchevel thanks to the demand from weary skiers, but Le Chabichou may be the best. As well as the usual massages and facials, they offer Turkish bath treatments and a leisure water area with aqua fitness and anti-stress zones.

One of its most popular therapies is a slimming stimulation that uses motorised rollers to break down fatty deposits and reactivate blood and lymph circulation.

chabichou-spa-courchevel.com

Reethi Rah While treatments at Reethi Rah, in the Maldives, are wonderful, it’s the luxurious treatment rooms themselves that steal the show. Each villa is crafted from the local volcanic rock and offers panoramic views of the ocean as well as vitality pools, crystal

steam rooms, ice fountains and showers that provide a deluge of tropical rain. Spa treatments are natural and healing, taking influences from Ayurvedic medicine and traditional southeast Asian therapies.

oneandonlyresorts.com

M eko n g S pa The first luxury spa in Laos, the Mekong combines traditional craftsmanship with modern comforts for an ultra-slick experience.

Set in La Residence Phou Vao, in the Unesco World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang, its spa treatments are refreshingly diverse and based on Laotian herbal remedies, using only pure botanical ingredients from local organic gardens. As well as classic body oil massages, you can choose ancient healing therapies that use the art of Hmong shamans.

residencephouvao.com

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Projet_excellia_Mise Projet_excellia_Mise en en page page 1 1 04/12/12 04/12/12 17:11 17:11 Page1 Page1

Excellia-Homes Excellia-Homes propose propose aa selection selection of of the the most most beautiful beautiful and and luxurious luxurious chalets French chalets in in the the French and and Swiss Swiss Alps Alps,, prestigious prestigious villas Provence,, Corsica Corsica villas in in Provence and and the the French French Riviera Riviera..

They They also also provide provide made made to to measure measure services services to to fulfill fulfill all all your your expectations expectations and and create create dream dream holidays. holidays.

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04/12/2012 17:00

Spa special

Ellie Andrew finds body-changing bliss – in Buckinghamshire S to k e Pa r k C o u n t ry C l u b, S pa & H ot e l What better way to spend a frosty winter’s afternoon than to be pampered, plumped and smoothed to perfection ready for the party season?

For clarity’s sake, this isn’t a Christmas turkey recipe. In fact, it was me who was being basted and readied for the oven. Specifically, by a steam and sauna combination at Stoke Park.

I had been treated by my brownie pointaccruing partner to a Thalgo Moisture Quench facial at the prestigious spa and hotel. And what a treat it was. The idyllic surroundings had me relaxed before I even stepped through the doors of this handsome and historic estate, just 35 minutes from the smog and stress of London.

The spa facilities are truly first-class, and I was soon in the capable hands of an expert who combined a brilliant massage with an ultra-hydrating serum to ease tensions and smooth away any signs of dehydration. After an hour my skin was smoother, plumper and more radiant-looking than it had been in years. With a little lunch thrown in at the wonderful San Marco restaurant next door, I felt truly pampered. And what more does any girl want for Christmas?

stokepark.com

Are you sitting comfortably?

Three bizarre spa experiences

C ryot h er a py Sa k e s pa The Garden Hospital in London offers whole body cryotherapy, which they claim kick-starts the immune system.

With temperatures between -80C and -120C, we’re guessing visits to the icy chamber are mercifully brief.

cryoclinics.co.uk

Japanese spas have the right idea.

Why use water when alcohol will do? The Hakone Kowakien Yunessun hot springs spa has bathing pools full of sake, green tea, wine, coffee and ramen noodle soup. It is, however, bad form to start sipping from your spa pool.

Snake m assa g e An armful of wriggling snakes is most people’s worst nightmare, but those who’ve enjoyed this treatment at Ada Barak’s Carnivorous Plant Farm and Spa in Israel claim it’s incredibly soothing.

+972 4 637 3473

yunessun.com

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06/12/2012 16:41

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04/12/2012 15:51

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04/12/2012 15:51

Technology Words – Alex Pell

The ones to watch for getting in shape while looking stylish

Cool runnings

Garmin Forerunner 610

When it comes to running watches, Garmin has long been the king of the road and the Forerunner 610 helps it extend this lead. Its slim, metal design, available in black or special-edition livery (pictured) is comfortable yet robust, and the recessed glass fascia adds significant protection from rough and tumble. Its new touchscreen negates the need to fiddle with bezel-based buttons while on the hoof – and works surprisingly well. This is principally a GPSbased design, with an optional heart rate strap, but the Forerunner 610 can also be mounted on a bicycle or used in tandem

with a Garmin foot pod that attaches to your shoelaces. The foot module is handy for indoor action or for running in areas with poor line-of-sight to the sky needed for GPS reception. The Garmin was able to consistently pick up a GPS signal quickly and boasts a vast array of exotic performance-analysis features.

Even so, it’s easy to get to grips with and the only significant gripe is that, although able to withstand the elements, the watch isn’t suitable for swimming.

Other than that, it’s a winner.

From £249, garmin.com

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Nike+ SportWatch GPS

Suunto Ambit

Timex Ironman Global Trainer

If you hanker for simplicity and value, this Nike, powered by TomTom, will press your buttons. For starters, it has just three physical controls or can be activated by slapping the screen. Better still, the USB connector – for transferring data onto a computer – is built into its strap. It works well with Nike’s own foot sensor (£20 extra) or a Polar heart rate monitor (£50) and so it can used both indoors and out – or even taken for a swim.

There is no cycling mode, however, and you are constrained to the Nike+ ecosystem which, though slick, is a limitation.

Suunto is known for wrist-mounted adventuring kit rather than GPS running watches and this proud heritage is abundantly clear here. The Ambit’s metal chassis is similarly slick and tough as the Garmin 610 yet throws a barometric altimeter and a magnetic 3D compass into the mix. In conjunction with an impressive battery life (up to 50 hours), the Suunto comes onto the radar of skiers or ultra runners. Despite being waterproof, its lack of support for swimming and the absence of a compatible foot pod accessory for indoor use are both disappointing surprises. Given the high price, its optional heart rate strap (£50 extra) should also really come bundled.

Whether you are a proper triathlete or merely like to mix up your training regime, this versatile bad boy has your back covered, as it can be used for all three activities (i.e. swimming, cycling and running). The way that it captures performance information is hugely customisable and the Timex even enables you to see a wealth of relevant data, neatly split into four separate windows on the watch itself. Much is this is probably overkill for casual runners and the lack of a foot pod option, for indoor training, is a major oversight. That said, the Ironman is a genuine result.

From £129, nike.com

£299, timex.co.uk

£349, suunto.com

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Not your average day on a lake below zero offers the ultimate ice driving experience for all abilities, from the fun-seeking novice to the seasoned competition professional. can you imagine mastering a specially-prepared 300 brake horsepower Porsche 911 on an ice-covered lake? meticulously prepared lake circuits, fully studded tyres and world-class instruction make ice driving with us an experience you will find hard to forget. whilst having the most fun you can have on four wheels, we will teach you how to drive these competition-ready cars to the limit. You will learn how to steer using just the throttle and how to corner sideways; what’s more, we will let you have all day behind the wheel to perfect it!

our base is a lake in the mountains of northern Sweden, near Åre, Scandinavia’s most popular ski resort. The resort and surrounding area boasts first class accommodation with excellent facilities to meet all your requirements. The nearest airports are Östersund and Trondheim with regular flights from europe and the rest of the world. Helicopter transfers can also be arranged from either airport to your hotel or even the lake. more information is available on our website and one of our team would be delighted to tell you more or book you in.

This really is something you should add to your bucket list.

belowzeroicedriving.com T. 01295 750514 e. info@belowzeroicedriving.com

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06/12/2012 05/12/2012 10:19 17:14

Motoring Words – Kyle Fortune

A legend,

With nods to the past and future, the F-Type is the most eagerly awaited sports car in Jaguar’s history

reborn

Price £79,950 / 0-60mph 4.2 seconds / Top speed 186 mph / Engine 5.0-litre V8 petrol / Transmission eight-speed automatic, rear wheel drive / Construction Aluminium body

It is hardly surprising that since the Jaguar E-Type’s demise in the early 1970s there’s been talk of a replacement. Commentators have long suggested such a car would slot into the Jaguar range to compete against the Porsche Boxster.

However, the F-Type’s anticipated pricing pitches it between Porsche’s Boxster and 911, with it gravitating towards the more expensive 911.

Yet that’s not done anything to dent anticipation for the stunning new sports car. Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar’s global brand director, recently stated that initial interest in the F-Type rivals that of the Range Rover’s huge-selling Evoque.

That clamour for the F-Type is entirely understandable, even when you see it parked alongside its iconic ancestor. More than 45 years separate the two cars, and while the F-Type’s designer Ian Callum’s polite nod to the E is obvious when the two cars

are sharing space on a wet English hillside, the differences between them dramatically delineate the passage of time.

Callum admits the E is of an era, and one unhindered by the myriad regulations that define modern cars.

He singles out the F-Type’s tail lights as evocative and characteristic of the E-Type saying “if we’re going to pull something from the past and use it as a point of inspiration, there’s nothing wrong with that, as long as it has merit in its own right.” However, Callum admits, “you can’t use the past as an excuse.”

Regardless, the E-Type was undeniably a motivating factor in the development of the F-Type. And as motivating factors go it’s as beautiful a one as you could ask for. If the F-Type’s drive lives up to the promise of its looks – we’ll find out Spring 2013 – then Jaguar showrooms are likely to be very busy indeed.

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03/12/2012 15:27

Grooming

Glowing complexions aren’t just for ladies, gents. Take note: a skin detox will get your post-party season looks back to their best, sharpish After the whirlwind of Christmas and New Year, it’s likely your health and skin will be below par. As well as forsaking fine wine for vitamin shakes and overhauling your diet, a serious skin detox will help

restore your face back to its glowing best. Our resident grooming expert, Carmelo Guastella, managing director of Melogy salon in London’s St Pancras Hotel, reveals the methods that every man needs to know.

Face the facts

Feeling flush A skin detox needs a combination of great products and a healthy lifestyle to work.

If you don’t flush out your toxins with at least two litres of water a day you’ll simply be wasting your money on expensive products. Toxins can also be eliminated through sweat, so regular exercise and a weekly visit to a sauna are the best ways to achieve this.

Food is important too: antioxidants like blueberries, blackberries and pomegranates are good for your skin, as are omega oils (found in oily fish) which will keep your skin hydrated from the inside.

Wet shave A traditional wet shave is an experience every man should try, and can help improve your complexion. I recommend using premium products, especially Decléor Energising Fluid combined with Melogy shaving oil and Decléor Eye Contour Energising gel. The Melogy shaving oil can be used at home as a preparation, shave and post-shave product, saving you time in the bathroom. decleor.co.uk, melogy.com

Invest in the best To keep skin in peak condition, you need to use the right products. Abi Gregory, head of spa therapies at St Pancras Spa (pictured left), recommends eye serums and gels rather then heavy eye creams, which can overload the delicate eye area.

“Cinq Mondes Sérum Riche de Jeuness is especially good in combatting eye bags,” she says. “It stimulates circulation around the eye area which results in lightening and brightening for troublesome dark circles. Keep in the fridge to reduce puffiness and don’t rub it in but lightly tap it.”

At home, as well as washing and moisturising every day, introduce an exfoliator once or twice a week and give skin extra vitality by using Decléor Aroma Sun Expert Self Tanning Milk Natural Glow which combats signs of ageing, creates a natural glow and boosts the skin’s natural defences. cinqmondes.com

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06/12/2012 14:47

Firefly

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From ultra-hip beach villas and dreamy private islands to jaw-dropping super yachts and chocolate-box-perfect alpine chalets, all offer exceptional service and all have the elusive wow-factor.

Villa Pearl St. Tropez

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Villa O St. Jean Cap Ferrat

Villas and Ski Chalets

to die for

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10/12/2012 13:29 10/12/12 12:43:41

Luxury accommodation… Divine dining… Undersea cocktails… The Maldives ticks all the boxes

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06/12/2012 14:36

Travel Words - Kirsten Boisvert

found

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Travel

ne of the problems about paradise destinations is that they rarely live up to expectations.

Whether it’s the fact that the sky is never as blue as it looks on the website, the sea is just a fraction too cold or they use an inferior brand of rum for the daiquiris.

First world problems, I grant you, but when you’ve paid top dollar for the trip of a lifetime, you expect perfection.

This is where the Maldives comes in. If you’re looking for a trip that fulfils every expectation – the world’s best beaches, spectacular reefs, wonderful food and sunshine virtually guaranteed – the 200 inhabited islands of this Indian Ocean archipelago represent paradise found.

First, a confession. This trip was a honeymoon so, in terms of expectations, the resort we’d planned to visit already had its work cut out. I’m not saying that I’m bridezilla (although my husband would certainly have an opinion on that) but, if there’s a fault to be found, I’ll spot it.

After consulting several travel agents, we were informed that late September wasn’t the ideal time for a tropical trip. The Caribbean? Hurricane season. Indian Ocean?

Monsoons a-plenty. Our only option for good weather was French Polynesia, which meant the wallet-busting Tahiti or Bora Bora. Then came the small print – it would take us 24 hours to get there and almost two days to get back. Not the relaxed start to married life I was looking for.

In the end, we put our faith in a higher power – okay, the confidence of our travel agent – and went with a trip to the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island.

With its wide selection of restaurants, activities, a choice of two spas, two islands connected by a very cool-looking 500m bridge and an undersea restaurant – the clincher – it was clear that even if it did rain for ten days there was plenty to do.

Two weeks later and we’re in a seaplane en route from Male airport to our island, pausing briefly before take-off to do the mandatory Facebook update: ‘We’re in the Maldives! P.S. The weather is FAB!’ .

It’s too noisy to talk, so we grin like Cheshire cats at each other and gaze down at the lagoons, coral circles and sandbanks of the atolls of the republic. In every direction the electric blue of the Indian Ocean shimmers,

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“It’s too noisy to talk, so we grin like Cheshire cats at each other and gaze down at the lagoons”

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while the sky shows no signs of the tropical storms we’d feared.

Just 30 minutes later we arrive at the Conrad to be met by staff lined up and ready to whisk us, via electric cart, to our room. To describe the staff as polite would be a huge understatement: they were the friendliest, most helpful people I have ever come across and made us feel as though we were the most important people on the island. That feeling continued on entering our room, a spa water villa. With its vast bedroom and living space, dressing room, vanity area and a bath so big it took an hour to fill, this was pure Maldivian heaven. Outside was similarly stunning – a terrace with a jacuzzi and steps down to the sea, plus our very own treatment area with yoga mats and weights. If there’s a better feeling than lying on soft linen sheets while a ceiling fan turns lazily overhead and you gaze out through open doors to the gently lapping sea, then I’ve yet to find it.

Before we came, some friends had suggested that we might get a little bored after ten days

06/12/2012 14:37

Luxury 5 bedroom ski chalet in the heart of the Grand Massif, France’s 4th largest ski area. Only 1 hour from Geneva airport.

Sensitively renovated ancient farmhouse full of character with five ensuite bedrooms, including two family suites. Sleeps 10 – 14 people.

Delectable cuisine and fine wine. Professional chef. Attentive and personal service.

Free airport transfers.

Free babysitting two afternoons a week.

Outdoor hot tub with fabulous views.

Chauffeured transport to the slopes, any time.

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04/12/2012 15:48

Travel

in the Maldives. Frankly, we’d have happily spent a month here and, towards the end of our trip, were figuring out how long we might be able to survive on coconuts if we were to sell our house and relocate.

Talking of food, the dining options were sublime – from the Atoll Market – a buffet consisting of a wide selection of cuisines, from Indian to Japanese, Chinese, Italian and more – to the ten course spectacular at the Koko Grill. With maki sushi, lobster, wagyu beef and wonderfully fresh sashimi on offer, it was the equal of any fine dining London restaurant. Top choice, though, has to be Vilu restaurant, whose pork with crackling and mash was enough to guarantee three repeat visits. Another must-do was the undersea restaurant for its

“Sipping a sundowner while f ish swim above and around you – wonderful!”

cocktail hour. Sipping a sundowner while colourful fish swim above and around you is a strange but truly wonderful experience.

More active types can enjoy water sports, snorkelling trips and night fishing. We signed up for the Lucky Dolphin Sunset cruise. The trip, sadly, didn’t live up to its name as we weren’t lucky enough to see any of these friendly mammals, but the view of the sunset from the ocean was stunning.

The real treat of the whole trip, though, is simply lying on a sun lounger, closing my eyes and letting everything go orange. It dawns on me that I am about as happy as I’ve ever been. Even my new husband’s snuffles and snores, as he sleeps beside me, can’t spoil the moment. There’s a faint hum in the air as the seaplane approaches, ready to deposit another handful of travellers on this paradise island. It’ll return for us, too soon, but right now the Maldives holds me in its magical glow.

How to do it

British Airways offer seven nights for the price of six at the five star Conrad Maldives Rangali Island (conradmaldives. com) from £2,129 per person, based on two people sharing.

The price includes return British Airways flights from Gatwick and half-board accommodation for departures between 12 May and 31 July, 2013. For reservations visit ba.com/maldives or call

0844 493 0758.

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London hotel

Boutique bolthole Simon Masters discovers a quirky delight in the heart of Chelsea

Blakes reputation as the ‘couture’ hotel is well deserved. Sumptuous and decadent, it’s as renowned for being the world’s first luxury boutique hotel as it is for its celebrity following, thanks to the importance it places on the privacy of its guests.

You simply can’t make a bad choice of room in this leafy corner of Kensington and Chelsea. But, forced to choose, our favourite of its 41 rooms would have to be the signature Director’s Doubles, which offer theatrical opulence with French gilded antique swan beds, antique Biedermeier furniture and stencilled wooden floors. The Corfu suite, which you enter from the garden, is also a good choice in the summer months.

Vibrancy and attention to detail pervade every area of the hotel, from the Anouska Hempel-curated decor to the cocktails in the bar and the excellent food in the restaurants.

The all day menu caters to all tastes, with dishes such as fried prawn dim sum and yuzu sauce and a deliciously decadent burger with foie gras. The dinner menu offers even more exciting and exotic dishes including the sublime warm potato souffle, caviar and vanilla ice cream with Oscietra caviar and red curry with gingko nuts and lime risottini.

Orchids and candles create a romantic and bohemian atmosphere, compelling you to relax, indulge and, perhaps most importantly of all, to return to this bijou bolthole time and again.

blakeshotels.com

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06/12/2012 11:00

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06/12/2012 17:17

Moments in time

Fit for a queen

Watch trends may come and go, but if there’s one thing that will guarantee the immortality of any timepiece, it’s when it’s worn by Elizabeth Taylor. The seductive Bulgari Serpenti snake watch first made its debut in 1949, but it wasn’t until Taylor wore it on the Cleopatra set in Rome in 1962 that it made history.

Typically, she didn’t go for the standard gold mesh version but instead sported a piece crafted from yellow gold, with the serpent’s head fashioned in white gold set with diamonds, and with emeralds for eyes. The head of the snake opens to reveal the timepiece inside, making this watch as clandestine as it is covetable.

bulgari.com

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06/12/2012 10:56

BAROS MALDIVES THE ESSENCE OF THE MALDIVES Pure, hassle-free luxury in lush, natural surroundings, that’s the essence of Baros Maldives. It’s a small tropical island ringed by a reef vibrant with marine life and encircled by a golden beach, with 45 thatched villas nestled among swaying palms and 25 water villas poised over a translucent lagoon. Five Water Villas have been converted to premium accommodation & named Pool water villa each with a private swimming pool set into an expanded timber veranda deck above the lagoon, with loungers for sunbathing and enjoying the view.

Created from timber and sandstone, each villa has a king size bed and décor of elegance, with en-suite bathroom in a garden courtyard or with a panoramic lagoon view. Eleven have their own beachside plunge pool.

This idyllic island retreat is blessed with an eco-friendly dive centre, blissful spa, three gourmet restaurants, a palm grove bar and a cocktail lounge, and discreet staff on hand to meet every demand.

Baros Maldives is an award-winning resort exclusive to resident guests, just 25 minutes by speedboat from Male’ International Airport. No small children, no motorised vehicles, no annoying noises disrupt the serene tranquillity of this pure tropical paradise.

Email: info@baros.com Call: +960 664 26 72

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31/10/2012 09:27

108 New Bond Street, London, W1S 1EF Tel: 020 3372 0108 - www.frostoflondon.co.uk

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10/12/2012 10:38