30 ON FINE WATCHES… The first generation of “smart” watches is finally here, by Samsung on its Galaxy Gear platform. At $299, it is less than the cost of the clasp or a replacement strap for a high-end mechanical watch, and is probably equivalent to lunch and a glass of wine for two at a fine-dining restaurant. If you couldn’t care less about mechanical watches (although many folks like you do—elite travelers account for over $9 billion in mechanical watch purchases annually), the smart watch may or may not catch your attention. As someone who has come to enjoy mechanical watches, the launch of “smart” watches is a good opportunity to talk about what I’ll refer to as “genius” watches. Look up Intel cofounder Gordon Moore’s proc- lamation, “The number of transistors incorpo- rated in a chip will approximately double every 24 months.” In other words, the pace of progress in the high-tech world is without doubt supersonic. Unlike the technology that powers the just- launched smart watches, most of which has been developed in the past decades and probably the last six months, the technology behind “genius” mechanical watches dates back more than 300 years. While it has been refined, improved, and enhanced, when it comes to accurate timekeep- ing, the same engineering principles that were created and applied in the Swiss Alps centuries ago have, at best, been incrementally beaten by the powers of the modern world. The beauty of mechanical watches for those that appreciate and that’s fine too—I find it spectacular that in a constantly evolving world of technology, the art of keeping time is something that was near- ly perfected several hundred years ago. That said, I am sure Samsung and Apple will do just fine, as well. In the meantime, I am looking for- ward to attending the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie, the “Oscars of the watch industry,” in Geneva in November to see the latest generation of “ge- nius” watches. ELITE TRAVELER TV At Elite Traveler Media Group our goal is to pro- vide content that’s of interest to elite travelers, a group we describe as folks who traverse the world on private jets. Earlier this year we re- launched Elitetraveler.com with over 60 destina- tion guides providing VIP contacts on shopping, pictorials on top suites, and everything you need to “know before you go.” Using a responsive tech- nology platform means that whether you are ac- cessing us from a tablet or smart phone (as 40 percent of you do), or from a laptop or desktop computer, the website provides a great experi- ence without the need to download various apps. Our digital library of Elite Traveler print publica- tions over the past five years provides fingertip access to stories you read about recently or want to reference again. Coming up in 2014 is our “Best Residential Developments” list, as well as our ever-popular compilations of the world’s “Top Restaurants” and “Top Suites.” them escalates into the many complications one can have, from minute repeaters to a perpetual calendar that will take into account the earth’s erratic rotation for the next 100 years. And it’s a special fact that many of today’s watchmakers are descendants of those farmers and still live in or around the same small villages where the in- dustry was born. Of course, no industry is foolproof. Steam en- gines became diesel engines, which morphed into electric bullet trains; biplanes transformed into DC-3s, then jets, and then jumbo jets. Each rendi- tion brought dramatic improvement in speed or capacity. The famed “Quartz Crisis” crippled the mechanical watch industry in the 1970s, until the trade was rescued by Nicolas Hayek, the legend- ary founder of Swatch Group, and the likes of Jean-Claude Biver (today chairman of Hublot, who was then a young gun at Blancpain). My bet is that this new wave of technology is barely a ripple, particularly for the intricate time- pieces that can range five, six, and seven digits in cost. If one judges by the recent Only Watch auc- tion in Monaco, where a Patek Philippe watch was bought for nearly three million euros and 33 timepieces were sold for over five million euros, undoubtedly there is a large interest in fine watchmaking. In a world that changes so fast, this is something that has endured for generation after generation. While there are many elite travelers who en- joy nice watches as a way of accessorizing— PRESIDENT’S PAGE REF. 5004T / PATEK PHILIPPE FAWAZ GRUOSI / DE GRISOGONO JORDAN HANSELL / NETJETS SINGLE MALT “YOICHI” / NIKKA WHISKY
53
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Transcript
30
ON FINE WATCHES…The first generation of “smart” watches is finally
here, by Samsung on its Galaxy Gear platform.
At $299, it is less than the cost of the clasp or a
replacement strap for a high-end mechanical
watch, and is probably equivalent to lunch and a
glass of wine for two at a fine-dining restaurant.
If you couldn’t care less about mechanical
watches (although many folks like you do—elite
travelers account for over $9 billion in mechanical
watch purchases annually), the smart watch may
or may not catch your attention. As someone who
has come to enjoymechanical watches, the launch
of “smart” watches is a good opportunity to talk
about what I’ll refer to as “genius” watches.
Look up Intel cofounder Gordon Moore’s proc-
lamation, “The number of transistors incorpo-
rated in a chip will approximately double every 24
months.” In other words, the pace of progress in
the high-tech world is without doubt supersonic.
Unlike the technology that powers the just-
launched smart watches, most of which has been
developed in the past decades and probably the
last six months, the technology behind “genius”
mechanical watches dates back more than 300
years. While it has been refined, improved, and
enhanced, when it comes to accurate timekeep-
ing, the same engineering principles that were
created and applied in the Swiss Alps centuries
ago have, at best, been incrementally beaten by
the powers of the modern world. The beauty of
mechanical watches for those that appreciate
and that’s fine too—I find it spectacular that in
a constantly evolving world of technology, the
art of keeping time is something that was near-
ly perfected several hundred years ago. That
said, I am sure Samsung and Apple will do just
fine, as well. In the meantime, I am looking for-
ward to attending the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie,
the “Oscars of the watch industry,” in Geneva in
November to see the latest generation of “ge-
nius” watches.
ELITE TRAVELER TV
At Elite Traveler Media Group our goal is to pro-
vide content that’s of interest to elite travelers, a
group we describe as folks who traverse the
world on private jets. Earlier this year we re-
launched Elitetraveler.com with over 60 destina-
tion guides providing VIP contacts on shopping,
pictorials on top suites, and everything you need
to “know before you go.” Using a responsive tech-
nology platform means that whether you are ac-
cessing us from a tablet or smart phone (as 40
percent of you do), or from a laptop or desktop
computer, the website provides a great experi-
ence without the need to download various apps.
Our digital library of Elite Traveler print publica-
tions over the past five years provides fingertip
access to stories you read about recently or want
to reference again. Coming up in 2014 is our
“Best Residential Developments” list, as well as
our ever-popular compilations of the world’s “Top
Restaurants” and “Top Suites.”
them escalates into the many complications one
can have, from minute repeaters to a perpetual
calendar that will take into account the earth’s
erratic rotation for the next 100 years. And it’s a
special fact that many of today’s watchmakers
are descendants of those farmers and still live in
or around the same small villages where the in-
dustry was born.
Of course, no industry is foolproof. Steam en-
gines became diesel engines, which morphed into
electric bullet trains; biplanes transformed into
DC-3s, then jets, and then jumbo jets. Each rendi-
tion brought dramatic improvement in speed or
capacity. The famed “Quartz Crisis” crippled the
mechanical watch industry in the 1970s, until the
trade was rescued by Nicolas Hayek, the legend-
ary founder of Swatch Group, and the likes of
Jean-Claude Biver (today chairman ofHublot, who
was then a young gun at Blancpain).
My bet is that this new wave of technology is
barely a ripple, particularly for the intricate time-
pieces that can range five, six, and seven digits in
cost. If one judges by the recent Only Watch auc-
tion in Monaco, where a Patek Philippe watch
was bought for nearly three million euros and 33
timepieces were sold for over five million euros,
undoubtedly there is a large interest in fine
watchmaking. In a world that changes so fast,
this is something that has endured for generation
after generation.
While there are many elite travelers who en-
joy nice watches as a way of accessorizing—
PRESIDENT’S PAGE
REF. 5004T
/ PATEK
PHILIPPE
FAWAZ
GRUOSI / DE
GRISOGONO
JORDAN
HANSELL /
NETJETS
SINGLE MALT
“YOICHI” /
NIKKA WHISKY
Currently we are launching Elite Traveler TV
on Elitetraveler.com, as well as ElitetravelerTV
on Youtube.com. To date, we have about two doz-
en videos, including tours of top suites, dining
insider info with our award-winning food critic
Andy Hayler, lessons in mixology, and CEO inter-
views under the banner “Elite Traveler Meets.”
The interviews include top jewelry designers
such as DeGrisogono founder Fawaz Gruosi and
NetJets CEO Jordan Hansell, who shares an
amusing story about what it’s like to place the
largest order of private jets in the history of avia-
tion, and working for Warren Buffett.
NEW HOTELS
During an average year, I visit at least 150 hotels
for site inspections. I don’t stay at the properties,
just check out the suites and facilities. At least
half of what I visit is preopening, or to put it an-
other way, an active construction zone. The idea
is to preview what you will be experiencing.
Many times I end up doing five or six inspections
in a single day, such as during my recent trip to
Bali, an idyllic island that has become the literal
epicenter of luxury hotel construction and expan-
sion. There are multiple new hotels under con-
struction, including Luxury Collection and Ritz-
Carlton properties that complement recently
opened hotels from Regent and independent op-
erators (you can look forward to our “Top Suites of
FREE LUXURY INSIDER NEWSLETTER! ENTER YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS AT www.elitetraveler.com or email [email protected]
LAURENT FERRIER, GALET
CLASSIC TOURBILLON DOUBLE SPIRAL
It was an honor to have this quiet yet ambi-
tious independent brand well-represented at
Only Watch, where I had the privilege to view
the piece in person: It has an aesthetic qual-
ity similar to the tranquil beauty of a Zen gar-
den. The Galet (meaning “pebble” in French)
is sublime to the touch as its exact curvature
has been calculated with micrometer preci-
sion. The grand feu enamel dial in soft brown
pictures a dove to represent peace. The
movement is highly complicated, its tourbil-
lon fitted with a double balance spring in or-
der to achieve a level of precision qualified by
Geneva’s strict chronometer Besançon Ob-
servatory board. Flawless attention to detail
appears effortless in this unique timepiece
that fully realizes Ferrier’s aesthetics and
raised about $177,039 at auction. Stateside
collectors should look out for a greater local
presence from Laurent Ferrier.
PATEK PHILIPPE REF. 5004T
As Patek Philippe is one of the most sought-
after watch brands in the world, all eyes
were focused on how well this watch would
do at auction, and it did not disappoint,
bringing in about $2,165,890. Ref. 5004T is a
modern interpretation of the now discontin-
ued Ref. 5004, an iconic complicated design
that touts a split-seconds chronograph, per-
petual calendar, moon phase, leap year, and
24-hour indications. The unique Ref. 5004T
is cased in titanium, an atypical case mate-
rial for the brand. The lightness of the case
is matched by the sporty dial design featur-
ing a guilloché carbon fiber pattern with a
red hand as an accent. The textile strap,
meanwhile, has a geometric design mimick-
ing the carbon fiber dial design down to its
red stitching. For a Patek Philippe collector,
a piece like this comes around only once in a
lifetime, and likely remains in one’s collec-
tion for a long time.
For more information about the Only Watch auction, contact: Valeria Chevchenko, 41-22-909-28-50; [email protected]; www.onlywatch.com
ZENITH, EL PRIMERO STRATOS
FLYBACK STRIKING 10TH TRIBUTE TO
FELIX BAUMGARTNER, PROTOTYPE 1/1
If there were only one “groundbreaking”
watch at this auction, this would be it. The
same model was worn by Felix Baumgartner
during the first supersonic dive from space
back to earth that broke the sound barrier.
This watch, which sold at auction for about
$61,149, was carefully created and preci-
sion-tested to meet the needs of Baumgart-
ner’s feat, to withstand the temperature and
gravitational differences between space and
earth. The movement consists of silicon in-
stead of traditional metal to account for tem-
perature changes. Once again a watch has
been associated with great human achieve-
ment, just as Rolex is still remembered as
the watch that Mercedes Gleitze wore when
she first crossed the English Channel and
the Omega Speedmaster as the first watch to
reach the moon.
AUCTION HIGHLIGHTSHeld on September 28, the 2013 edition of the charitable Only Watch auction in the beautiful seaside setting of Monaco was not only a celebration of
fine watchmaking but also a coup for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy research, the beneficiary of 100 percent of the auction proceeds—just under $6.9
million this year, topping last year’s total by more than a million. BY SAORI OMURA, WATCH DIRECTOR ANTIQUORUM, LEADING AUCTIONEER FOR TIMEPIECES
72
HOROLOGY
747474
1 The Kalla Pampilles watch from Vacheron Con-
stantin has a secret: The timepiece itself is hid-
den away beneath an asymmetrical smattering of
39 princess-cut and 184 round-cut diamonds that
sparkle down the wrist. The 40mm-by-56mm white
gold watch is home to a manual-wind caliber 1005
movement (about $748,440).
Contact: Michel Ly at Vacheron Constantin
in Shanghai, 86-215-228-7881;
www.vacheron-constantin.com
2 Don’t give up sugar entirely! de Grisogono’s Sug-
ar collection features colorful gem-covered watch-
es with stones that cascade gracefully off the bezel
onto the wrist. The rose gold and white diamond in-
terpretation is particularly striking and just as sweet
as its namesake (price available upon request).
Contact: Daniel Morales at de Grisogono in New
York, (212) 434-4220; www.degrisogono.com
3 The honeycomb design of Chaumet’sBeeMy Love
makes for another sweet option. The white gold
quartz movement watch has a 19.5mm case, a be-
zel covered in 24 pavé diamonds, a dial boasting 164
pavé diamonds, and a slender bracelet and buckle
with 68 diamonds—Chaumet’s gemstone setters
have been busy bees indeed (about $113,226).
Contact: Patricia Phang at Chaumet in Hong Kong,
852-2196-8668; www.chaumet.com
4 The 36mm Premier Glacier watch from Harry
Winston has a fractal, icy beauty about it. The
quartz movement timepiece (only five will be made)
counts 254 baguette diamonds on its shimmering
bracelet and another 130 baguette diamonds on its
white gold case. The dial motif is so complex that
only about half a dozen diamonds can be set a day
by the house’s master gem setter ($782,200).
Contact: Laurie Adorno at Harry Winston in New
York, (212) 399-1000; www.harrywinston.com
5 The serpent has long been a symbol of inspiration
forBoucheron, andon thequartzmovementAjourée
Amvarawatch, it assumes the role of protector, coil-
ing around the off-center, mother-of-pearl dial. The
white gold snake has scales of round-cut diamonds,
while the piece’s openwork design adds 3D energy to
the cold-blooded creature so elegantly guarding the
passage of time (price available upon request).
Contact: Alfred Koh at Resorts World Sentosa in
Singapore, 65-6723-8022; www.boucheron.com
VIEW OUR COMPLETE SWISS WATCH GUIDE AT www.elitetraveler.com/swisswatch
4
32
5
1
DIAMONDS ARE FOREVERWe all know that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but these dazzling timepieces have us
convinced that the coveted gemstone is getting pretty cozy with haute horologists as well.
BY JESSICA MICHAULT
WATCH TRENDS
767676
6 Patek Philippe’s latest Nautilus Haute Joail-
lerie rose gold watch, the 7021/1R, uses a “grid-
less pavé” designed to give the gems more access
to light and thus sparkle even brighter. The 33.6mm
watch features a Caliber 324 S C mechanical self-
winding movement and a sapphire crystal display
case back ($334,200).
Contact: Christine Donahue at Patek Philippe
at Tiffany & Co. in New York, (212) 755-8000;
www.patek.com
7 The all-white Cat’s Eye Snow Tourbillon from
Girard-Perregaux balances more than 1,000 snow-
set diamonds with the dial in a very modern way. The
dial has been crafted frommother-of-pearl but cut to
resemble a multitude of round pearls. The in-house
designed GP09700 movement features a tourbillon at
6 o’clock and has a 70-hour power reserve ($292,500).
Contact: Caroline Anderson at Girard-Perregaux
in New York, (646) 495-9915;
www.girard-perregaux.com
8 The Royal Oak Selfwinding watch from Aude-
mars Piguet maintains an air of machismo. The
37mm brushed white gold case, prominent lugs, and
case screws act as counterpoints to the pavé and
brilliant-cut diamonds, anchoring the timepiece—
complete with a 60-hour power reserve and a display
case back—in a masculine universe ($78,100).
Contact: Goly Noghrey at Audemars Piguet in New
York, (888) 214-6858; www.audemarspiguet.com
9 Carrera y Carrera’s latest timepiece, from its
Circle of Fire collection, is dramatic yet feminine.
The 38mm watch’s black backdrop is the perfect
canvas on which to display a white diamond-covered
dragon. The mythical creature stalks the watch, its
claws ready to strike, guarding the quartz move-
ment timepiece at its center ($42,300).
Contact: Lauren Goldsmith at Cellini in New York,
(212) 751-1555; www.carreraycarrera.com
10 The distinctive look of thePiaget Limelight Gala
collection, with cases whose bezels seem to be try-
ing to escape by curling along the watch straps, is
the perfect place to play with diamonds. The 38mm
18K rose gold version, set with 413 brilliant-cut
diamonds and paired with a crisp white satin strap,
has a lovely, sun-kissed freshness to it ($71,000).
Contact: Jared Maclane at Piaget in New York,
(212) 246-5555; www.piaget.com
DOWNLOAD A FREE SWISS WATCH GUIDE AT www.elitetraveler.com/swisswatch
9
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10
6
WATCH TRENDS
RUNWAY REPORT
he music industry has long had a major influence on the direction of fashion,
but this season, is it not so much the sartorial choices being made by the
current crop of music industry stars that has gotten the fashion industry’s
creative juices flowing. Instead, the past musical movements of the ‘80s
and ‘90s have bubbled back up to the surface of style. The rebellious
spirit of punk, the disgruntled and disheveled grunge movement, and the
androgynous aesthetic of singers like Patti Smith have flooded the catwalks
with their distinctive attitude.
The Met’s Costume Institute’s “PUNK: Chaos to Couture” exhibition,
which closed on August 14 and whose theme was announced way back in
September of last year, obviously played a role in inspiring the trend. The
gala opening of the exhibition eachMay is now considered a “Fashion Oscars”
of sorts, and a number of designers used their fall runways to propose to
industry insiders their take on the highly original form of dress.
Donatella Versace went with a very literal interpretation of the style,
cutting her second-skin dresses in vinyl; tricking them out with studs,
spikes, and zippers; and then covering them up with optional tartan print
coats. Junya Watanabe’s take was a bit more of a mash-up, blending a red
perfecto jacket with tartan fabrics and denim blue jean accents on a dress,
or slicing a double-breasted jacket through with a smattering of industrial
zippers. A seriously sexy version of the trend came from red-hot designer
Anthony Vaccarello, whose metal-eyelet-embellished outfits had a cool
handicraft feel.
Fashion’s grunge movement was led by Hedi Slimane and his creations
for Saint Laurent. The collection could have been mistaken for vintage were
it not for the crystal embellishments. Other big players in the new grunge
were the dark and sporty visions from Givenchy and Rodarte’s California-
cool (read tie-dye) renditions.
As for those androgynous options, the best way to pull the look off (besides
having a stick-figure frame) is to go for something that envelops the body.
Designer Ennio Capasa of Costume National has made it his life’s work to
figure out a way to dress women sexily in traditionally male attire. Other
leaders in this particular look are Ann Demeulemeester and Rick Owens,
two designers who revel in ambiguity.
This winter let your musical muses lead you in a new sartorial direction—
you might just like dressing to a new rhythm.
PUNK AND GRUNGE ARE BACK, BUT ON A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT STAGE… FROM THE INFLUENTIAL HALLS OF THE MET TO THE HOTTEST RUNWAYS
TO YOUR STYLISH WINTER WARDROBE. BY JESSICA MICHAULT
T
SAINTLAURENT
COSTUMENATIONAL
ANTHONYVACCARELLO
ANNDEMEULEMEESTER
RODARTE
JUNYAWATANABE
VERSACE
RICKOWENS
78
PUNKREDUX
FASHION FINDS
IN THE BAGDie-hard fashionistas have discovered the charming Brazilian handbag designer
Paula Cademartori. Her colorful Italian-made bags have been seen on the armof many a fashion world It girl. They are easy to spot with their distinctive clasps,
created by Cademartori to represent the symbol for “pi”—a choice that makes more
sense once you learn that she earned a degree in industrial design before getting
her master’s in fashion accessories and graduating magna cum laude from the
Istituto Marangoni. A tangible representation of the designer’s own character, her
bags are practical, original, and a perfect blend of girly and graceful.
80
RUNWAY REPORT
WHERE TO BUY.AGNONA. Contact: Customer Service, (305) 571-8018; www.agona.it .ANN DEMEULEMEESTER.Contact: Sophie Depret, 32-3-216-01-33; www.
anndemeulemeester.be .ANTHONY VACCARELLO.Contact: John Capizzi, (212) 872-8708 .COSTUMENATIONAL. Contact: Fabio Falconieri, (212) 431-1530; www.costumenational.com .GIVENCHY.Contact: John Capizzi, (212) 826-8900; www.
Gucci and Lapo Elkann are a match made in sartorial heaven. In the past, Gucci
Creative Director Frida Giannini and Elkann teamed up to launch a limited-
edition Fiat 500 with Gucci interiors. Car buffs know that Elkann is the grandson
of Gianni Agnelli and currently a creative force at Fiat. But besides being an
innovator in the automotive field, Elkann is also known for his uniquely Italian
style of dressing—a style so distinctive it put him in Vanity Fair’s Best Dressed
hall of fame by the time he hit 30.
Now comes a new collaboration between these two Italian icons of style. It’s a
made-to-measure capsule collection by Gucci fittingly called Lapo’s Wardrobe.
It is filled with suave and timelessly chic pieces, like a double-breasted blazer in
the perfect shade of navy with buttons crafted from titanium, and jackets lined in
vintage Gucci prints that have an Italian bravado about them.
ITALIAN INGENUITY
FROM SPORTY FURS TO UPDATED LEATHER PIECES, IT’S TIME TO TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT THE COATS
THAT WILL SHIELD YOU FROM WINTER’S COLD WHILE SHEATHING YOU IN STYLE. BY JESSICA MICHAULT
82
LANVIN
MAISONMARTIN
MARGIELA
BURBERRY
VALENTINO
LAPO’SWARDROBE (2)
MUGLER
T-TIME
ALEXANDERMCQUEEN (3)
ET: What motivated you to launch your eponymousmenswear line?BJ: This has been something that I’ve wanted to do since I was 10 or 11. Back then I was very
passionate about activewear andwanted to have a company like Nike or Adidas. As time passed,my
style continued to evolve, leading to the creation of BJC.Motived froman entertainment background
through my parents, I felt as though there was no apparel company that truly spoke to creatives. I
strongly believe BJC will become that brand.
ET: What was the inspiration behind the fall/winter 2013 collection?BJ: The collection is heavily inspired by travel. Most creative types are focusedon exploration and discovering new things, so I wanted to give our customers
items that are comfortable for travel, yet can be worn for any occasion such as
work, nightlife, fine dining, or during their next creative endeavor.
ET: Your line is produced in Italy—clearly, craftsmanship is tantamount tothe brand. How hands-on are you in the production of the collection andwhy is the manufacture so important to you?BJ: I always believe in quality over quantity. I want to create pieces that are
going to last for years and not just a few months. I think a lot of people skimp
on the quality goods just to make a dollar rather than giving the consumer
sustainable goods. I am hands-on from design concepts to selecting the
fabrics and leathers to choosing the models for the ad campaign. If you want
things done right, do it yourself. Not to mention there are no other African
American male designers that have taken the leap into luxury menswear like
this, so I take a lot of pride in building this brand to the
best of my abilities.
ET: What are some of the key pieces the BJC man will be gravitatingtowards for fall?BJ: There are four pieces that really stand out for me: Our lambskin and
shearling bomber vest, the quilted leather hoodie, the leather trimmed
peacoat, and the high-top sneakers. These are must-haves for this season!
ET: Tell us about the new ad campaign—what kind of tone wereyou trying to set for the brand and what was the creative processlike behind the scenes?BJ: The setting for the ad campaign is a country escape. I think
I speak for most people when I say that it’s imperative to take
time away from work and just relax. The peace and serenity that
suburbs provide for city dwellers is extremely rejuvenating and
allows those individuals to recharge their batteries to be able to
function at elite levels.
VISIT WWW.BRETTJOHNSON.CO TO SHOP THE FALL/WINTER COLLECTION
BRETT JOHNSONCOLLECTION
AT JUST 24 YEARS OLD, BRETT JOHNSON HAS ALREADY CARVED OUT A NICHE FOR HIMSELF
IN THE COMPETITIVE MENSWEAR MARKET WITH HIS HIGH-END EPONYMOUS FASHION LINE.
LAUNCHING FOR FALL/WINTER 2013, THE BRETT JOHNSON COLLECTION OFFERS LUXE, WEAR-
FOREVER INVESTMENT PIECES WITH A COOL, CONTEMPORARY EDGE. ELITE TRAVELER CAUGHT
UP WITH A JETSETTING JOHNSON TO FIND OUT WHAT DRIVES THE YOUNG DESIGNER AND
ENTREPRENEUR, AND WHAT TO EXPECT FROM HIS BURGEONING FASHION EMPIRE.
SPECIAL PROMOTION
83
BEST SUITES OF BANGKOKWhether you prefer to base your Siam sojourn in a space replete with traditional
Thai motifs or sleek design that speaks to the mystique of modern Bangkok, you
won’t want for choice: Our selection of urban retreats spans spa sanctuaries to
party pads to refined residences—a suite to suit every purpose and fancy.
BY MARGIE GOLDSMITH
GLITTERING SKYLINE / BANGKOK
TOP SUITES
THE ST. REGIS BANGKOKTHE PENTHOUSE AT THE RESIDENCES
Key selling points | Perched on floor 44, this two-story
penthouse—adorned with Yul Brynner’s costumes and other
memorabilia from The King and I—features three bedrooms,
dining for 16, a wine room, spa treatment room, and a balcony
boasting a 22-foot infinity pool and panoramic city views.
Standout service |When a guest left his wallet in a tuk-tuk,
the bellman went to the tuk-tuk gathering spot, found the
driver, and returned the wallet to the guest.
Style | Sophisticated elegance, by Studioaria with personal
decorative touches by the hotel owner, 2013
Special amenities | 55- and 65-inch Panasonic HD flat-
BACKES & STRAUSS USAAs Master of Diamonds since 1789, Backes& Strauss, the world’s oldest diamondcompany, launched an exclusive luxury watchbrand, creating masterpieces in the famousworkshops of Franck Muller Watchland,Switzerland. Marriage with such an expertwatchmaker produces the most eleganttimepieces featuring diamonds of the finestquality, custom cut into unique shapes,polished, and then hand set to perfection.www.backesandstrauss.com
BELVEST USA, INCSince 1964 Belvest has impeccably blended theworld of sartorial craftsmanship with the mosttechnically advanced fabrics on the market.From hand-tailored suits to casual sportcoats, Belvest is your perfect companion for animpeccable look for any occasion.(212) 317-0460
BENTLEY MOTORS LIMITEDBentley is the definitive British luxurycar company, dedicated to developingand personally crafting the world’s mostdesirable luxury cars.www.bentleymotors.com
BOMBARDIER BUSINESS AIRCRAFTBombardier’s Global aircraft family allowsworld visionaries and business leaders toinspire others internationally. Are you Global?www.businessaircraft.bombardier.com
BOVET 1822Bovet 1822 luxury ultra-complicatedtimepieces are individually crafted bymaster watchmakers and decorated to thehighest Swiss standards by artisans withrespect to the patrimony and heritage of thisindependent watchmaking house.(888) 909-1822; www.bovet.com
BREGUETThe Breguet balance spring was invented in1795. The new Tradition 7047PT timepiecewith fusée tourbillon pushes the limits ofprecision timekeeping by combining theaccuracy of the Breguet balance spring’sterminal curve and the anti-magneticproperties of silicon.www.breguet.com/invention
CAMPER & NICHOLSONS INTERNATIONALEnjoying a vacation aboard your own yachtextends far beyond the limits of any five-starexperience. CNI caters to your exacting tastes.(954) 524-4250; www.cnconnect.com
CARL F. BUCHERERThe ultra-exclusive Carl F. Bucherertimepiece collection—mechanicalmasterpieces and precious jewelry watches—has finally arrived in the United States.(800) 395-4306
CARUSOCaruso is the sartorial clothing brand madein Italy, and most important, preferred byItalians. Remember: “In menswear, do as theItalians do.”www.carusomenswear.com
CHARLES KRYPELLCharles Krypell is a brand synonymouswith exclusivity, luxury, and craftsmanship.His designs continue to impress the mostdiscerning jewelry wearer as his threedifferent collections, Precious Pastels(platinum), Pastels (18K), and Sterling, appealto any and all [email protected];www.charleskrypell.com
CLEARJET.NETClearJet.net is the world’s first flat-fee,direct-access private jet charter marketplace.Anonymously receive multiple flight quotesfrom top safety-rated jet operators fromaround the country, direct to you.(877) 9-CLEARJET; www.clearjet.net
CVSTOS USACvstos, with its distinctive high-tech approachto haute horlogerie, has boldly risen to the
challenge of creating an innovative styleand a new market position. Taken directlyfrom Latin for “guardian,” the name Cvstoswas inspired by the boundless creativityof an exceptional team of talented people.Illustrating a powerful holistic concept, theCvstos style embraces a particularly modernapproach to design, one that manifests itselfin the perfect balance between traditionalwatchmaking and state-of-the-art innovation.www.cvstos.com
THE DALMOREThe Dalmore Constellation Collection bringstogether the complete spectrum of vintagescreated in The Dalmore’s iconic Highlanddistillery from 1964 to 1992. Consisting of 21individual releases, these magnificent, boldwhiskeys have spent their lives finessingin the finest casks from around the worldbefore being bottled at cask strengthto ensure that none of the collection’scharacter has been [email protected];www.thedalmore.com
DEWITTClassical audacity: Every DeWitt timepieceis built by a dedicated master horologist andincludes an audacious twist on the classicalwatchmaker’s art.www.dewitt.ch
FOREVERMARKForevermark is built on the promise thateach diamond to earn our name must bebeautiful, rare, and responsibly sourced. TheExceptional Diamond Collection representsthe pinnacle of that promise.forevermark.com/exceptionals
FRANCK MULLER USAThe Franck Muller Group was founded in1991 by Franck Muller and Vartan Sirmakeswith the aim of creating exclusive timepiecescharacterized by complicated movementsand an original sense of design. Thanksto its ability to innovate in the numerousfields of horology, this young company hasrapidly grown into a symbol of boldness andcreativity. Its original design has shaken anypreconceived ideas about watchmaking, andits complicated movements have won thehearts of both watch experts and collectors.www.franckmuller.com
GIRARD-PERREGAUXGirard-Perregaux, a true Swiss manufacturerknown for its legendary timepieces, combinessharp design with innovative technology suchas the three gold bridge tourbillon. Recentlyit unveiled the Constant Escapement, theonly movement housing a true constant forceescapement.www.girard-perregaux.com
GRAN PATRÓN TEQUILAGran Patrón Platinum tequila is producedfrom the highest-quality agave grown in theHighlands of Jalisco, Mexico. This uniquetequila is triple distilled and then restedin oak tanks for a short time, making itextraordinarily smooth and full bodied. Everyetched label bottle is a handcrafted crystal(lead-free) piece of art that is hand polished,signed, and numbered.www.patrontequila.com
HUBLOTFor Hublot, polo is a byword for excellence:The Argentine ambassador Facundo Pieresis the embodiment of the inspiration andsupreme talent that this sport demands.www.hublot.com
INDIA TOURISMCome and discover Incredible India’s vibrant,modern mood and ancient cultural heritage.(212) 586-4901; www.incredibleindia.org
ITALIAN DESIGNItalian Design is a jewelry company createdby young Italians with the goal of making theessence of Italian Design products knownaround the world.www.italian-design.it
JACOB & CO.Founded by Jacob Arabov more than 25years ago, Jacob & Co. draws on the finesttraditions of design and craftsmanship forconnoisseurs both present and future. Whatbegan as a small design and manufacturingoperation in the heart of the jewelry industryin New York City has become a brand carriedby the world’s finest watch and jewelrystores and seen on a variety of celebrityambassadors and notables.www.jacobandco.com
JAEGER-LECOULTREA leading player in watchmaking historysince 1833, Jaeger-LeCoultre hasmastered the over 180 skills required todevelop and produce the most prestigioustimepieces. Committed to a constantquest for excellence and supported by auniquely inventive spirit, Jaeger-LeCoultrealso perpetuates the tradition of GrandeComplication models introduced by themanufacture through a succession ofextraordinary creations.www.jaeger-lecoultre.com; (877) JLC-1833
KOREAN AIRKorean Air, America’s largest Asian airline,flies frommore cities in the Americas to moredestinations in Asia than any other airline inthe world. FlexJet Connect is Korean Air’sbranded private jet connection from anywherein the US.www.koreanair.com
THE LEADING HOTELS OF THEWORLDWhen extraordinary and one-of-a-kindintersect, you have likely found a LeadingHotel. The Leading Hotels of the World isan exceptional collection of 430 independentluxury hotels and resorts throughoutthe world.www.lhw.com
LEBUA HOTELS & RESORTSUniquely memorable, infinitely personal, andsimply exceptional. lebua Hotels & Resortsoffers distinct luxury hotels and innovativerestaurants and bars. Locations includeBangkok, Thailand; Jaipur and Udaipur, India;and Lake Rotorura, New Zealand.www.lebua.com
LILA DELMAN REAL ESTATEA passion for distinctive properties in coastaland historic Rhode Island. A commitment tothe fine art of delivering exceptional resultsfor all of our clients.www.liladelman.com
LLADRÓWhether you are looking for the ideal gift ora great accent piece for your home, Lladróporcelain is perfect.www.lladro.com
LOUIS GLICK & CO.Only extraordinary diamonds...Unsurpassed in beauty and quality, thediamonds of Louis Glick & Co. are eachhand selected from the best the earthhas to offer and then cut and polished torelease their innate character. Louis Glick& Co.’s exclusive jewelry pieces, createdin-house, are one of a kind and showcasethe diamonds’ brilliance and color. With aclientele ranging from prestigious retailjewelers to heads of state and internationalroyalty, Louis Glick & Co.’s diamonds anddiamond jewelry remain among the mostsought-after and highly prized gems inthe world.(212) 259-0300; [email protected];www.louisglick.com
LUFTHANSA FIRST CLASSThe new Lufthansa First Class: Fromhumidified air and sound-dampeningmaterials to one of the widest full-flat bedsin the industry, every amenity is designed tooffer tranquility and comfort.www.lufthansa.com/first-class
MASTOLONIFor over 80 years, Mastoloni has established
itself as the leading American importer andmanufacturer of fine quality cultured pearljewelry; revered for quality, meticulousdesign, and craftsmanship.(800) 347-3275; www.mastoloni.com
MEXICO TOURISM BOARDExperience Elite Mexico... A luxuriousworld where style and sophistication meethistorical, cultural, and natural wonders toentice and excite the imagination. Mexico.Beyond Your Expectations.www.visitmexico.com
OFFICINE PANERAIOfficine Panerai combines Italian design andSwiss horlogical perfection to create highprecision timepieces with a strong identityrooted in distinction, aesthetics and function.www.panerai.com
THE ONE AND ONLY ONE–PADULO PRIVEPadulo Prive is a luxury brand marketingagency whose mission is to define beauty,style and design for some of the most famousnames in fashion and jewelry since 1967. Pastand present clients include: Ambrosi, Autore,Bayco, Black Starr & Frost, Cellini, Dorfman,Eiseman, Molina, Picchiotti, Prince Dimitri &Stefan Hafner, and others.www.paduloprive.com
RICHARD MILLEEstablished in 2001, Richard Mille timepiecespoint resolutely towards the future, whileholding steadfast to the time-honoredtraditions of fine watchmaking.www.richardmille.com
SCOTTSDALE CVBScottsdale is a world-class destination withpremier resorts, spas, and golf coursesnestled into a peaceful Sonoran Desertsetting. Plan your vacation getaway today.www.experiencescottsdale.com
SHAMBALLA JEWELSMads and Mikkel Kornerup establishedShamballa Jewels in 2005, creating jewelryinspired by spiritual principles. With theirjewelry, the brothers hope to encouragepeople to find their inner Shamballa, amythical Himalayan kingdom inhabitedby enlightened, compassionate people.Shamballa Jewels crafts customizablebracelets, necklaces, cuff links, earrings, andrings that are set, braided, and polished byhand in Copenhagen, Denmark.www.shamballajewels.com
SIMON G.Combining old-world tradition and the pursuitof perfection, Simon G. Jewelry’s modernworkshop produces some of the world’s mostinnovative and timeless jewelry.www.simongjewelry.com
TIFFANY & CO.Tiffany & Co., the world-renowned jeweler,presents their anniversary collectionfeaturing gemstones that Tiffany introducedto the world. Handcrafted by master artisansand mounted in custom settings, theselegendary gemstones—morganite, tanzanite,Tsavorite, and kunzite—are the finest tributeto Tiffany’s 175th anniversary.www.tiffany.com
ULYSSE NARDINMakers of fine mechanical and technicallyinnovative timepieces since 1846.(561) 988-8600; www.ulysse-nardin.com
WALDORF ASTORIAThere’s more than one Waldorf Astoria. Theoriginal luxury hotel experience can be foundat over 20 properties worldwide.www.waldorfastoria.com
WESTIMEVisit Westime in Beverly Hills, La Jolla,and now its newest location on SunsetBoulevard in West Hollywood, California,for extraordinary watches, jewelry, andlifestyle luxuries.www.westime.com
THE BLUE TRAINTop cabin | Luxury Suite
Key selling points | These elegantly designed suites, decorated with rich chest-
nut wood finishes, feature Italian marble bathrooms with gold-plated fixtures
(plus a choice of a standup shower or full bathtub). The ultimate in comfortable
luxury, these suites transform from a spacious lounge into an inviting sleeping
space. Enjoy watching the beautiful passing landscape through the oversized
picture window, while your personal butler attends to your every need.
108108 FREE LUXURY INSIDER NEWSLETTER! ENTER YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS AT www.elitetraveler.com or email [email protected]
TOP LUXURY TRAIN SUITES | AFRICA
ROVOS RAILTop cabin | Royal Suite
Key selling points | Comprising half a carriage, the stately Royal Suite is
outfitted with gorgeous wood paneling, period Edwardian pieces—such as
wingback armchairs in the lounge—and rich textiles and fabrics. The large
bathroom boasts a standup shower and a Victorian claw-foot tub with a view
of the ever-changing panoramas through large windows.
Standout service | The crew stopped the train on a bridge near Victoria Falls,
cleared the observation car, scattered rose petals on the open-air balcony, and
left a bottle of champagne and two glasses for a guest who wanted to propose
to his girlfriend at sunset.
Style | Pre-war glamour, by Rohan and Anthea Vos, 1989
Special amenities |Granny Goose linens, African Extracts bath amenities, Rovos
Rail slippers, complimentary postal services, plastic goggles (for guests who
want to stick their head out the window so they can shield their eyes from debris)
Square footage | 172
Number of bedrooms | One open-plan space
Number of bathrooms | One
Number of cabins on train | 36 suites
Who’s slept here? | Sports professionals and notable businessmen
Rate | From $2,730 for a two-night itinerary
Route | The train operates eight different routes: Two-night excursions from
Pretoria to Cape Town, Victoria Falls, and Durban; a nine-day Golf Safari, African
Golf Collage, or Namibia Safari that all originate in Pretoria; a two-week Cape
Town to Dar es Salaam journey; and a 28-day Cape Town to Cairo trip.
Charter | Rovos Rail operates separate trains for private charters that,
depending on availability, can travel along any railway line in Southern Africa.
They can also allocate one leg of a scheduled departure to a private charter.
EXPERIENCE CHINESE ICONS WITHTHE LEADING HOTELS OF THE WORLDAs the world's largest luxury hotel collection, with more than 430 of the world's greatest properties in over 80 countries, The Leading Hotels of
the World seeks out the exceptional, connecting you with iconic hotels around the world and unique experiences no one else can offer. With a
portfolio that includes historic grand palaces, intimate city hideaways, ancient castles, sumptuous safari tent villages and more, each property in
the collection strives to celebrates the culture of its destination. Leading Hotels selects only hotels that meet the highest standards of quality and
distinctiveness. If you are seeking the ideal cultural experience in China, that includes the very best of the region's legendary service and commit-
ment to high-end luxury, consider the exceptional Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai, a grand dame property steeped in heritage and gravitas, and
the Fuchun Resort in Hangzhou, an idyllic countryside getaway that offers unparalleled relaxation along with world-class golf and other activities.
FAIRMONT PEACE HOTELSHANGHAI, CHINA
The Sassoon Presidential Suite
One of the most prestigious luxury hotel suites in Shanghai, the 2,885-square-
foot Sassoon Presidential Suite occupies the entire 10th floor penthouse of
Fairmont Peace Hotel, where the hotel’s creator and former owner, Victor
Sassoon, once lived. An entrepreneurial businessman and hotelier from the
Sassoon banking family, Sir Victor transformed the city, establishing various
commercial entities to support rapid development, particularly on the Bund.
The suite features a spacious bedroom and a grand living room, both overlook-
ing the breath-taking view of the Bund, the Huangpu River and Pudong Skyline.
The Leading Hotels of the World offers a one-of-a-kind experience at the
Sassoon Presidential Suite (LOK). The Historical Shanghai Experience
starts at about RMB 38,888 ( USD 6,366) and includes:
• Three nights in the Sassoon Presidential Suite
• Daily breakfast, two-way airport limousine transfer and complimentary
pressing
• Dinner for two in the Dragon Phoenix Chinese restaurant; afternoon tea in
the Jasmine Lounge; welcome roof-top drinks; a Willow Stream Spa treat-
ment for two; private tours to Shanghai’s famous Silk Market, 33 historical
buildings and an historical water village.
FUCHUN RESORTHANGZHOU, CHINA
The Fuchun Villas
Grouped in small clusters according to traditional Chinese village-style, the
Fuchun Villas meld traditional design elements with modern comforts to
create an atmosphere of casual elegance. The villas are concealed quietly
in the embrace of mountains, and offer distinguished guests a secluded and
cozy spot to conduct business dining or a private holiday environment with
24-hour butler service. While most city dwellers tend to escape to the sea-
shore, Shanghai natives head inland to experience the beauty, rest and re-
juvenation offered at the Fuchun Resort. The property, set amidst a hillside
tea plantation in the lake district of Fuyang, near Hangzhou, was inspired by
a 13th-century painting by Huang Gongwang. Serenity is also found within at
the renowned spa that offers sessions of Himalayan yoga.
The Leading Hotels of the World offers an exclusive Fuchun Villa experience
that combines the resort’s stunning 18-hole golf course and club with the re-
sort’s signature Mingqian Longjing tea. The Fuchun Tea Picking Experience
and Golf program gives guests access to the the international-standard 18-
hole, 72-par course designed by Daniel J. Obermeyer, as well as a tea ceremony
in the property’s amphitheatre at sunset--an experience not to be missed.
For details of these exclusive experiences,
kindly contact a Leading Hotels Representative
(800) 223-6800 . www.lhw.com
DUSK/FUCHUN RESORT
SASSOON PRESIDENTIAL SUITE/FAIRMONT PEACE HOTEL
GRAND PRESIDENTIAL SUITE
/ TAJ FALAKNUMA PALACE
14 DAYS
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14 DAYS: THE INDIA LESS TRAVELEDJourneys to India are as intense as its colors are vibrant; senses become alive, and even
chaos resonates with beauty. But India becomes its most profound when you truly live it. Ker
& Downey’s new Experiential Luxuries of India does just that. Designed as the ultimate India
dream trip, this 14-day itinerary weaves together the best of India outside the major cities, and
with customized “wow” experiences in each destination, this unique private jet tour of the
subcontinent promises unparalleled access that gives a total sense of place. BY SCOTT GOETZ
As commercial connections aren’t the easiest to Goa, a jet definitely maximizes time and affords the opportunity for a true beach break as you make
your way to Northern India. From Dabolim Airport head south through the jungle past centuries-old Portuguese mansions and fishing villages to
Margao’s Fatorda District to shop at Fab India for contemporary Indian home décor and clothing that makes great resort wear. At The Leela Goa your
butler welcomes you into your 4,305-square-foot Presidential Suite (about $2,834 a night). The time is yours to recharge: Take a dip in your private
plunge pool or Jacuzzi, play a round on the 12-hole golf course outside your door, or work up an appetite by strolling on the pristine beach just beyond. A
driver stands by to deliver partiers to the legendary nightlife and internationally renownedmusic scene at Gaudí-esque LPK, aka Love, Passion, Karma.
The Leela Goa: General Manager Shridhar Nair, 91-832-6621234; [email protected]; www.theleela.com
8&9
DESERT ESCAPE, JAISALMER
Skip the six-hour drive to Jaisalmer: Ker & Downey has
cleared you for landing in the Golden City where no com-
mercial planes fly. Check into The Serai, a 21-tent luxury
camp on the edge of The Great Thar Desert. The Royal
Suite ($1,131 a night) harks to the days of maharajas’ lav-
ish hunting safaris, and boasts a private garden, spa, out-
door pool, and separate tents in which to dine, lounge, and
sleep in the air-conditioned comfort of this 100-acre oasis.
Dining at thisRelais&Châteaux destination is as delicious
as the silence is serene and the views breathtakingly vast.
The Serai: GeneralManager Jtin Sahni, 91-2997-200014;
After a leisurely breakfast in your tented compound, venture into the 800-year-old Jais-
almer Fort, identical to what was seen by 12th-century merchants on camel caravans.
Shopping is fun but touristy, so get out quick to spend more time at your next home,
Suryagarh, a newly built haven that combines modern and ancient, while sensually
celebrating the exotic. By creating tailored experiences for each guest, hotelier Karan
Singh delivers an uncompromising sense of place with the magic of Prospero. Full moon
Dinners on the Dunes with desert performances, camel excursions to opium tea cer-
emonies, desert rallies in fortified Humvees, haunted midnight hikes into an abandoned
village, and spiritual awakenings in both the Rait Spa and out on the dunes are all pos-
sible for those who are open to letting the desert, and your host, take the reins for a day.
Suryagarh: General Manager Karan Singh, 91-299-2269269; [email protected];
www.suryagarh.com
THE LAST MEALS, JAISALMER & DELHI
Wake up in the Jaisalmer Suite (about $1,216 a night) before dawn and head out to a surprise destination for a scotch and cigar breakfast in the company of
hundreds of wild peacocks who join you to greet the sun. Afterwards, relax in your suite’s rooftop pool to savor your last moments in the Thar before pointing the
jet to Delhi. Ease back into civilization in the Presidential Suite (about $4,809 a night) of the new Oberoi, Gurgaon close to the airport. Butler Sumit Vashisht
packs and takes care of airport formalities while you attend a farewell dinner at Amaranta, where a tasting menu of freshly caught seafood has been flown in for
you. The Indian breads sprinkled with salts and spices from each of the regions you visited, along with Kerala fish curry, butter paper garlic crab from Goa, and
lobster in banana leaves inspire conversations of recently made India memories that are bound to become stories of a lifetime.
The Oberoi, Gurgaon: General Manager David Mathews, 91-124-2451234; [email protected]; www.oberoihotels.com
12 13
14
SPA / THE SERAI SWIMMING POOL / SURYAGARH THE OBEROI, GURGAON / GURGAON
14 DAYS
BEHIND THE SCENESHandling VVIPs in India is the Ker & Downey tradition. These top pros take true interest in their clients, and are adept at getting to know them and anticipating
their wishes. Selling luxury travel for a decade, Ker & Downey’s India luxury specialist Sunita Hedaoo grew up on the subcontinent and now returns twice a year to
consult with her A-list connections. She scouts out the best experiences so she can craft incredibly personal itineraries that unveil India’s cultural soul, and works
with like-minded hotels, such as the Taj Group, so that an entire on-the-ground India team can facilitate fantastical events for guests—events like the takeover of
the Mehrangarh Fort for clients, who, on elephant back, joined a procession of musicians and dancers, or a personal bejeweling session with the nizam’s jeweler in
the presidential suite where the nizam would throw diamonds into his private pool.
On the jet front, Taj offers an exclusive charter service, Taj Air, with the new Taj Air Falcon 2000/2000LX and P.180 Avanti II turbo-prop aircraft, which give
the choice of 130 destinations across India (compared to 71 commercial stops). A mere four hours of advanced notice makes extensions to this 14-day itinerary
possible so you can remain royal at Rambagh Palace in Jaipur and Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur; head to Mumbai’s Taj Lands End, where the royal butler will pack
while you escape for a day in Bollywood; and jet to a tiger safari at Taj Safaris, Mahua Kothi on the edge of Bandhavgarh National Park.
Contact: Ker & Downey Vice President David Jones, (281) 371-2500; [email protected]; www.kerdowney.com
FINANCE
(800) 247-2433 • airculinaireworldwide.com
Air Culinaire, CaterLink, and Air Chef have
been reborn as Air Culinaire Worldwidesm,
with a focus on the entire in-flight catering
experience, from ordering to delivery to
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operated kitchens, along with hundreds
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Fly meto a totally
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The costs of running a family office have always been a consideration,
but have become even more scrutinized since 2008. According to Steffianna
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conceptually captures the factors that need to be evaluated in determining
Pr iVAte AV iAt ion SPeciAl iStS in A clASS of the ir own.
INDULGE INA WESTERNADVENTUREIn a powerful grand tourer like the Bentley
Continental, the drive from San Francisco to
Vegas becomes a real-life Western adven-
ture. Race through wild, unspoiled desert
and dense, prehistoric forest as the miles
melt away, until the glittering oasis of Vegas
takes shape on the horizon.
SPECIAL PROMOTION
41
5
3
2
GO TO EXTREMES
This 745-mile odyssey through the American West
includes ancient forest highlands and the sun-
baked floor of Death Valley, bookended by the Gild-
ed Age splendour of San Francisco and, at its cli-
max, the vibrant majesty of Las Vegas. But let’s face
it: to do this journey justice, you need the right car.
A fast, luxurious grand tourer like the Bentley Con-
tinental will transport you and your passengers at
speed and in style. With 616 horsepower and all-
wheel drive, there’s no better way to indulge your
inner runaway and head for the horizon.
As you embrace the open road, the drop-top allows
you to decide exactly how much of it you and your
companions enjoy, from the elemental thrill of to-
tal, top-down exhilaration to a serenely insulated
cruise through some of the most dramatic scenery
on the planet. San Francisco represents a natural
jumping-off point. The city has always been asso-
ciated with auspicious beginnings, combining the
birthplace of Beat poetry with the spiritual home of
the modern high-tech startup. Heading east across
the Bay Bridge, you soon leave the city’s legendary
mists behind. Before long, you’re in pure Ameri-
cana – where pickup trucks on monster tyres prowl
the highways, the scent of pine trees all around as
you climb through the Eldorado National Forest to-
wards the pristine Lake Tahoe.
ALL ROADS LEAD TO VEGAS
The primeval wonders of Yosemite National Park,
with trees that date back more than two millennia,
give way to high-desert driving at its best, an en-
vironment the Continental was made for. Whether
it’s a pre-dawn drive, taking in the sleeping desert’s
cool air, or the full hypnotic glory of midday, Death
Valley offers the archetypal Western experience –
the feeling of making your way across inhospitable
territory in a supremely capable vehicle.
Every extreme needs its antidote, which brings us
to Las Vegas, rising from the sands at the end of
the journey. It’s one of the world’s great tributes to
chutzpah and oneupmanship, its casinos and res-
taurants competing over the decades to offer the
most lavish and outlandish experiences. There are
Michelin stars aplenty, reflecting the decision of
many of the world’s top chefs to open their flagship
restaurants here, in the middle of the desert. Sa-
vour the irony – but remember, the drive back is its
own reward.
Bentley Continental GT Specs
Powerplant: 6 litre twin-turbocharged W12
Max power: 567bhp / 423Kw / 575PS @ 6100rpm
Max speed: 195mph / 314km/h
CO2 emissions (combined): 347g/km
1. St. Regis San Francisco – A luxurious hotel
in a tower with an impeccable architectural
pedigree, the St Regis boasts one of the city’s
best Japanese restaurants, Ame.
2. The Golden Gate Bridge – San Francisco’s
most famous landmark and a triumph of Art
Deco engineering, the bridge is an American
icon on an incredible scale.
3. Yosemite National Park – Trees that date
back 2,000 years, glaciers and hot springs that
still erupt – Yosemite offers a spectacular, pre-
historic vision of America.
4. Death Valley – The lowest location in the
United States and one of the hottest on Earth,
the Valley is the ultimate place to experience
the extreme conditions of the untamed West.
5. Las Vegas – A town that needs no introduc-
tion. An unforgettable spectacle, Vegas is both a
culinary hotspot and an entertainment destina-
tion like no other.
For more information call +44 (0)845 689 1629 from UK, +1 (0)866 369 4450 from USA or +44 (0)117 244 1804 from elsewhere. www.theluxuryofspontaneity.com
Continental GTC fuel consumption: EU Drive Cycle in mpg(l/100km): Urban 14.1 (20.1); Extra-Urban 27.7 (10,2); Combined 19.0 (14.9). CO2 Emissions 347g/km. EPA Drive Cycle in USmpg: City driving 12,0; Highway driving 20,0; Combined 15.0.
134
QUICK TAKESMERCEDES-BENZ
E250 BLUETEC
TheMercedes-Benz
E250 BlueTEC die-
sel-powered sedan
benefits from an actual price reduction over its pre-
decessor while delivering a host of improvements.
A new 2.1-liter, four-cylinder bi-turbo diesel deliv-
ers V8-equivalent torque, 4MATIC all-wheel-drive
is optional, and there’s a choice of luxury or sport
versions distinguished by two different front-end
designs. Inside, refinements include the three-tube
instrument cluster. Base price: $51,400
Contact: Mercedes-Benz USA, (800) 367-6372;
www.mbusa.com
JAGUAR XKR
CONVERTIBLE
With Jaguar’s new
F-Type dominating
auto news, fans of
a more civilized approach to top-down sport tour-
ing should not overlook the elegant supercharged
Jaguar XKR. A growling 5.0-liter, 510hp V8 adds
over 100 hp to the standard version, and its blend of
thrilling road dynamics and gentlemanly style puts
it in a league of its own. Base price: $103,500.
Contact: Jaguar USA, (800) 452-4827;
www.jaguarusa.com
S63 AMG 4MATIC / MERCEDES-BENZ
GET MORE BREAKING LUXURY CAR NEWS AT www.elitetraveler.com
INSIDE OUT
As is to be expected, the specs on the new S-Class flagship’s top-of-the-line model, the S63 AMG
4MATIC, are truly impressive. Powered by a direct-injection, 5.5-liter twin–turbo V8 engine, this power
plant produces 577 hp and pushes the car from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. The hand-built AMG engine,
which features start/stop technology for better fuel economy, is mated to a multi-clutch, seven-speed
automatic transmission that is sheer poetry. In fact, all of the new S-Class variations are simply stellar
performers on the road, but the story I want to relate is all about the inside. From headlights to tail-
lights, the big sedan can be outfitted with game-changing driving assistance and safety systems you just
won’t find in any other vehicle, as well as technology for pure luxury’s sake.
A new adaptive cruise control system keeps the vehicle centered in the lane or, if no lane markings
are visible, behind a leading vehicle. The system uses radar and a stereoscopic camera to detect vehicles
ahead and to the side. It works at speeds of up to 124 mph and around slight bends, but not around sharp
curves. Similarly, a new brake assist system uses the camera to detect other vehicles and pedestrians
about to cross in front of the car and boosts braking power or automatically brakes the car to avoid hitting
a detected pedestrian at speeds of up to 31 mph. It can also sense an impending rear-end collision to the
car and applies brakes and tenses the seatbelts to mitigate whiplash injuries. A revolutionary night view
system, meanwhile, uses a thermal imaging camera to detect both pedestrians and animals at the side
of the road and automatically shows what it sees on an LCD screen behind the steering wheel.
Parking is made easier with technology that will accelerate, brake, and steer the car into any paral-
lel or perpendicular parking spot, relying on the driver only for shifting the transmission into drive or
reverse with or without his foot on the brake pedal. The technology worked flawlessly in my tests.
But the engineers’ influence goes well beyond advances in safety and convenience and into the realm
of aesthetics. This new S-Class is the first vehicle in the world with no lightbulbs inside or out. In-
stead, there are LEDs—almost 500 of them. The taillights house another world first for a car: Automatic
brightness control. Inside, the high-tech hits keep coming with surround sound systems with up to 24
speakers from a new supplier, Germany’s Burmester Audiosysteme GmbH.
Massage seats (including a “hot stone” simulator), an interior air freshener system that dissemi-
nates any aroma the owner desires, two airplane-style folding tray tables and two thermoelectric cup
holders in back, state-of-the-art entertainment systems…the list of enviable options goes on and on.
Base price for the S63 AMG is about $140,000, but technology options will add to your final price.
Contact: Mercedes-Benz USA, (800) 367-6372; www.mbusa.com
While Mercedes-Benz has historically used its flagship S-Class sedan as a gorgeous canvas for presenting the latest and greatest technology
from its workshops, this year’s models make particularly compelling, future-shock advances that will entice and excite new luxury car buyers.
BY ROBERT E. CALEM
TEST DRIVE
152
BEACH HOUSE POOL / QUALIA
BEACH HOUSE DINING AND LIVING SPACE / QUALIA
PURE DECADENCE
DECADENCE DOWN UNDERBY MIKE ESPINDLE
Hamilton Island, Australia’s resort mecca developed as the vision of local vintner/sailor Bob Oatley to the tune of about $350 million, is the luxury gateway to the
Great Barrier Reef. The unparalleled qualia resort, comprising 60 eco-forward villas nestled in the eucalyptus groves on the north-most edge of the island, is the
Oatley family’s crowning achievement. And the 2,583-square-foot, two-bedroom Beach House (about $3,454 to $4,164 a night) is the jewel of that crown. Deemed
a perfect introduction to Australia by Oprah Winfrey, this accommodation was
the media star’s first stop on a recent visit to Oz a couple of years ago.
The harmonious “haute-hut” design by architect Chris Beckingham roots
guests in the scrubby, tropical environmentwithout giving up a single inch of the
latest residential comforts. To wit: Cutting-edge entertainment technology, a
10-person dining area, separate guesthouse for the entourage, and a full-sized
private swimming pool (all situated a few privacy-ensuring steps away from
the resort’s public pool/beach club hub) combine to serve as your luxurious re-
treat among wandering wallabies and friendly sulphur-crested cockatoos. Get
out on the water (or under it) during the day, by all means. Hamilton sports its
own small but fully equipped marina and harbor center. When you return from
your aquatic adventures an incredibly idyllic, silent, and Zen-worthy spa awaits
(try a signature Li’tya Kodo “melody” massage), as does the exceptional cui-
sine of Scottish chef Alastair Waddell, who melds the bounty of the Whitsunday
Islands’ seafood varieties with Australia’s own multicultural mosaic. Another
plus: Brand new GMMatthew Taverner is theman who pretty much established
Bali’s legendary Begawan Giri resort as a jetsetter must-visit.
Contact: General Manager Matthew Taverner, 61-1300-780-959;