December 2018 - Best of Luxury 2018 - Upscale Living Magazine

UPSCALE WINTER 2018-2019

THE BEST OF LUXURY

Luxury Lifestyle

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PRIVATE JETS 22 MEBAA Air Show

Airbus, Bell and Golfstream soar at

MEBAA Air Show 24

6 of the Most Luxurious Private Jets Private Jets each sparing no expense when it comes to decadence: - Boeing BBJ 777-8 - Airbus ACJ 319Neo - Bombardier Global 7000 - Gulfstream G650ER - Embraer Lineage 1000E - Gulfstream G500

YACHTS 28 Maritime Novella Inside CRN’s 50m M/Y Latona with Costanza Pazzi

JEWELRY 12 The Best & Brightest Jewels of 2018 Gorgeous jewels range in designs from classic to ultra-modern

TIMEPIECES

14 The Best Watches of 2018 Showcasing timepieces of high quality & diversity - Audemars Piguet 25th Anniversary Royal

Oak Offshore - TRotonde de Cartier Skeleton Mysterious

Double Tourbillon - Franck Muller Vanguard World Timer GMT - IWC Tribute to Pallweber Edition 150 Years - Tag Heuer BWD Monaco - Nomos GlashÜette Tangente Bauhaus group of

watches in three sizes with three color rings - Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur Military - H. Moser & Cie. Endeavour Tourbillon Concept - Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface - Montblanc Star Legacy Nicholas Rieussec Chronograph

ART + CULTURE 18 The Best Museums in the World - The Louvre, France - Prado National Museum, Spain - Hermitage Museum, Russia - The Metropolitan Museum of Art, USA - Musee D’Orsay, France - The British Museum, UK - Acropolis Museum, Greece - The Shrine of The Book, Israel - The Egyptian Museum, Egypt - Kunsthistorisches Museum, Austria - Vatican City, Italy - Galleria DeGli Uffizi, Italy - The Natural History Museum, UK

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32 The Best Yachts & Yacht Concepts - Sinot Yacht- Nature - Heesen Yacht - Home - Dynami - GTT 115 - MESD 100 Superyacht Concept - Baglietto 43M Fast HT - Arcadia Sherpa - Panta Rei III

AUTOMOBILES 34 McLaren Speedtail McLaren Automotive unveiled its first Hyper-GT 36 Aston Martin’s DBS 59 Aston Martin Lagona celebrates with a 1-2 win in the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans race 38 Audi RSQ E-Tron Audi is taking it to the next level by debuting their new concept car, the RSQ E-Tron

DESIGN + INTERIORS 41 Top Best Interior Designers of 2018 - Alex Papachristidis Interiors - Nate Berkus Designs - Jeff Andrews Design - Jacqui Hunter from Imagenius Interiors - Janine Butter, Huis Van Middenmeer - Martyn Lawrence Bullard Design - Kari Whitman Interiors - Michelle Dirkse Interior Design - Steven Zelman from Zelman Style Interiors - Celia Sawyer from Celia Sawyer Interior

Architecture & Design

DESIGN + INTERIORS (Cont’d)

CULINARY (Cont’d)

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86 - Nobu Restaurants (various locations) - Noma Restaurant, Copenhagen, Denmark - Pujol, Mexico City, Mexico - Spago Restaurant, Los Angeles, CA, USA - St John Restaurant, London, UK - Michel Bras, Laguiole, France - El Celler De Can Roca, Girona, Spain - Osteria Francescana Restaurant, Modena, Italy - Nihonryori Ryugin Restaurant, Tokyo, Japan - Steirereck Restaurant, Vienna, Austria - D.O.M. Restaurant, San Paulo, Brazil - Le Bernardin Restaurant, New York, NY, USA

A Peak Inside 4926 DeLoache Avenue Bella Custom Homes

TRAVEL 56

Sunset Marquis Hotel & Villas A Hidden Gem in the Heart of the Sunset Strip

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Vignamagio Mona Lisa’s Former Family Home in the Chianti Hills

64 Dulini River Lodge Opulent suites with unsurpassed views of the Sand River in Sabi Sand, South Africa 68 Casa Tesoro in Punta Mita Unparalleled privacy, amenities and ocean views 72

The Luxurious Lineage of The Londra Palace in Venice

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The Best Rental Villas in North America - The Lodge at Spruce Peak, VT - Sunset Marquis Villa Resort, CA - Sky Villa, UT - Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa, CO - The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, CO - Pronghorn Villa, OR - Wailea Beach Villas, HI

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Most Luxurious Hotels in Lake Como - Grand Hotel Remezzo - Villa D’Este - Il Sereno - Vista Palazzo Lago Di Como - Mandarin Oriental Lago Di Como - Villa Pliniana - Villa Sola Cabiati

PROFILE 74

Interview with Mr. Alain Bullo General Manager of Hotel Londra Venice

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Exclusive Interview with Matthias Schmid, Emirates Senior Vice President, North America The Future of Emirates Airlines

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The 19 Most Influential Restaurants in the World - Alinea Restaurant, Chicago, IL USA - L’Arpege Restaurant, Paris, France - Husk Restaurant, Charleston, South Carolina, USA - Asador Etxebarri Restaurant, Atxondo, Spain - Au Pied De Cochon Restaurant, Montreal, Canada - Gramercy Taverne, New York, NY, USA - French Laundry, Yountville, California, USA - Le Chateaubriand Restaurant, Paris, France

92 The Reinvention of the French Room Fine Dining at the iconic Adolphus Hotel 93 Interview with Chef Anthony Dispensa

SPIRITS + WINES 94 The Top 8 Luxury Spirits - D’Amalfi Limoncello Supreme - Henri IV Dudognon Heritage Cognac - Platinum Bottle by Tequila Ley - Watenshi Japanese Angel Gin - Eye of the Dragon Vodka - Mendis Coconut Brandy - Diva Vodka - Macallan M. Imperiale Whisky 96 10 Stellar Wines under $100 that taste like they cost a lot more!

- Fort Ross Vineyard 2014 Stagecoach Road Pinot Noir - Clos Pegase 2016 Hommage Chardonnay, Carneros - 90+ Cellars Lot 26 Barolo, Piedmont, Italy - 2017 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir - Brunello Di Montalcino - Cakebread Cellars 2015 Chardonnay Reserve - Chianti Classico “Vigna Vecchia” Grand Selezione D.O.C.G. - Mullan Road Cellars 2015 Red Wine Blend - Muga Prado Enea Grand Reserve Rioja 2010 - 2014 Cadaretta Windthrow 98 The World’s Most Expensive Sherry 99 The Martell Trunk by Pinel & Pinel

REAL ESTATE 100 America’s Most Expensive Home Sold at Auction Le Palais Royal, now renamed Playa Viste Isle in Hillsboro Beach Florida sold for $139 million while under construction

Upscale Living

BEST OF LUXURY 2018

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JEWELS

Omi Privé Moonstone, Sapphires and Diamond Earrings

This company is known for its exceptional gemstones placed in classically designed jewels. These18k white gold earrings feature blue sheen oval moonstones accented by round sapphires, pear shape diamonds and round brilliant diamonds.

Mizuki Pearl and Diamond Necklace Mizuki Goltz is an awardwinning jewelry designer who has earned a strong following for her contemporary pearl jewelry designs. This one-of-a-kind pearl necklace from the Privé collection is fully adjustable. Strung on a gold chain the diamond clasp can be placed between pearls at any length.

Marco Bicego Lunaria Earrings

THE BEST & BRIGHTEST Jewels Of 2018

The well-known Italian gold jewelry created these subtle handcrafted 18k yellow gold earrings with rounded subtle shapes and textured finishes that are simple and elegant.

Assael Tahitian Pearl and Garnet Ring

| By ANTHONY DEMARCO

Sustainable sourcing of materials, world record breaking auctions and new gem discoveries (such as rubies in Greenland) all led to an exceptional 2018 for jewelry. Designers in particular have been diligent in their personal expression and their artistry. The jewels below range in designs from classic to ultra-modern.

And they range in style from big bold baubles to pieces with subtle details to very versatile jewels that

This ring is centered with a single Tahitian natural colored cultured pearl button (13.2 x 12.5mm) set in 18k yellow gold with two barion-cut triangular mint garnets (5.73 carats).

can be worn for any occasion and in multiple ways.

In addition, pearls made a comeback as they are being featured in new, dramatic designs.

The one thing all of these jewels have in common is they are available for purchase by the general public and they represent the best of what was on offer for the year. These and other products made 2018 a spectacular year for jewelry.

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Jewelmer La Mer en Majesté Ring

The French-Filipino pearl company has created a collection of pearl jewels that appear to rise from the oceans.

For this ring a South Sea golden pearl balances on 18k white gold with touches of diamonds and blue sapphires.

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JEWELS

Maria Canale Flapper Bracelet

David Webb Necklace

The big bold colorful jewels from this famed U.S. designer are making a comeback for both new pieces and those on the auction market. This necklace features tiger’s eye beads, green enamel, and 18k in various shapes.

Sleek, silky, smooth, soft and sexy, this bracelet is a fine example of the exceptional work by this New York-based designer who previously spent many years behind the scenes, creating iconic jewels for some of the world’s best-known luxury jewelry brands, including Tiffany, Mikimoto and Harry Winston. This 18K yellow gold and diamond bracelet combines silky strands of golden bead chain with a soft cascade of diamond fringe that is centered with a diamond buckle.

Antonini Extraordinaire Ring

This ring from the Antonini’s Extraordinaire collection ring, features a 2.57-carat ruby mounted in 18k gold and further enhanced with diamonds the fall down the ring like sparkling water.

Coomi X Muzo collection Bloom Earrings

The jeweler’s latest collection is based on responsibly sourced Colombian emeralds from the famed Muzo mine. These one-of-a-kind 20k yellow gold earrings are set with 13.20 carats of Muzo Colombian trapiche emeralds. These are matched with cabochon emeralds, diamonds, and black enamel.

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TIMEPIECES

10 BEST WATCHES OF 2018

I

t was a great year for the luxury watch industry with record breaking sales in the U.S. and much of the world. As a result the output of new watches for the year was quite impressive and diverse. The selection below shows both this high quality and the diversity. They include watches with mystery movements, modern recreations of iconic timepieces and designs emphasizing thematic concepts. Some of the watches were created to honor anniversaries and milestones. There are chronographs, classic watches and world timers. And they include pieces from some of best-known luxury brands and lesser-known small independent brands. So enjoy these watches as the industry is already producing pieces for 2019. | ANTHONY DEMARCO Audemars Piguet 25th Anniversary Royal Oak Offshore

Audemars Piguet is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its iconic Royal Oak Offshore.

The Swiss watchmaker presented three new versions of the sports watch: a re-edition of the original 42 mm Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph; and a new 45 mm Royal Oak Offshore Tourbillon Chronograph with a contemporary dial design in stainless steel and pink gold. Since it was introduced in 1993, the Swiss watch brand has launched more than 120 references of this highly popular 42 mm model in various materials, including stainless steel, titanium, gold and platinum.

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Franck Muller Vanguard World Timer GMT

TRotonde de Cartier Skeleton Mysterious Double Tourbillon

The mysterious double tourbillon movement, first created

by Cartier in 2013, shows a tourbillon that appears to be suspended in mid-air with no connection to the rest of the movement. As a double flying tourbillon, it completes a rotation in 60 seconds, while the tourbillon cage performs a second five-minute rotation. On the dial skeletonized bridges are in the shape of Roman numerals with the mysterious tourbillon encased in the transparency of the skeleton. A subdial at 12 o’clock indicates hours and minutes with blued steel sword-shaped hands. The watch is housed in a 45 platinum case and powered by the Caliber 9465MC manual movement with a 52hour power reserve.

IWC Tribute to Pallweber Edition 150 Years

IWC Schaffhausen turned 150 years old in 2018 and to celebrate the company unveiled its first wristwatch to feature the original digital hours and minute display as it appeared on the Pallweber pocket watches back in 1884. It shows the hours and minutes in large numerals on rotating discs, has an 18k red gold case, white dial with a lacquered finish, white display discs, and a blued seconds hand.

As a reference to the design of the historic Pallweber watches and a tribute to F. A. Jones — the American watchmaker who founded IWC — the windows of the digital display are labeled as “Hours” and “Minutes.”

It is powered by the IWCmanufactured 94200 caliber.

TIMEPIECES

A raised sunray brushed world map is on the center of the dial. It references the major cities for each of the 24 time zones through a disc that includes a day/night indicator.

It displays the hours, minutes and seconds along with a separate GMT hand with red arrow that points to the time in a second time zone.

A three-position crown and separate push button operate the functions of the watch.

The tourneau shaped 18k rose gold and stainless steel case measures an extra-large 53.70 mm width, 44 mm length and 14.50 mm height.

Tag Heuer BWD Monaco

Tag Heuer teamed with George Bamford of Bamford Watch Department to create a radically altered version of the classic Monaco watch, one of the most recognizable racing chronographs in the world. Bamford is known for customizing and personalizing aftermarket luxury watches. This 2018 Monaco still has the square 39mm dial, the crown positioned on the left, and chronograph push buttons at 2 and 4 o’clock. However, it now has a textured black carbon case and a black dial with Bamford’s signature details, including its “Aquablue” color for the chronograph counters at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock, date window at 6 o’clock and indices. The Monaco watch was introduced by Heuer (prior to its merger with Tag) in 1969 for the Monaco Grand Prix. It was revolutionary for being what is believed to be the first automatic chronograph and the first square-case chronograph. Steve McQueen wore the watch in the 1971 feature film, Le Mans.

More recently, the Monaco played a prominent role in the TV series, Breaking Bad.

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TRAVEL

Nomos Glashütte Tangente Bauhaus group of watches in three sizes with three color rings

The German watch brand has quietly earned an international following for its timepieces that combine watchmaking precision with a design esthetic inspired by the Bauhaus movement of the early 20th Century. It seems fitting that the company would celebrate the 100th anniversary of the short lived but highly influential Bauhaus German art school with a nine-piece special edition of its Tangente watch. The watches for men and women are available in 33, 35, and 38 millimeters. The overall beige tint of the dial is described as “sketch paper” by Nomos. This is offset by black numerals and hands,

Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur Military

The Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur Military is a direct descendant of the pocket chronometers prized by sea captains of 19th and early 20th century, redesigned for a modern era.

Available with a white or black dial, both models have an oversized crown, 44mm case with a steel sand-blasted finish, are water-resistant to 50 meters, and stamped on the back with the distinctive torpedo boat. It is powered by the UN-118 in-house automatic movement featuring Ulysse Nardin’s proprietary silicon anchor escapement.

H. Moser & Cie. Endeavour Tourbillon Concept

A flying tourbillon positioned with skeletonized bridges at 6 o’clock is the standout item on this true minimalist timepiece. The tourbillon and leaf-shaped hour and minute hands, are the only items on the “funky blue” fume dial, giving the watch a pure and minimalist appearance. It is housed in a 42mm 18k white gold case and is powered by the in-house built HMC 804 automatic movement. This independent Swiss watchmaker is known for producing aesthetically refined timepieces with superior mechanics.

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Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface

This limited edition interpretation of the iconic Reverso watch has a pink gold case with a two-tone cordovan leather strap crafted by celebrated Argentinean boot makers, Casa Fagliano. The watch offers two contrasting dials. A slate grey sunray dial with hand-applied hour markers that echo its dauphine hands and small seconds dial in a round minute track brings. On the other side the local time is displayed on a silvered dial with two finishes — a Clous de Paris guilloché on the background, and an opaline finish in the centre with a day/ night indicator.

BEST OF LUXURY 2018 |

TRAVEL

Montblanc Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph

Nicolas Rieussec is credited with inventing the first chronograph in 1821. Since 2008, Montblanc has presented various monopusher chronographs that reinterpret the original invention. This 2018 version has a 44.8 mm stainless steel case with a reworked silvery-white dial. The off-centered hour-circle and the chronograph’s titanium turning discs are domed, giving it a three-dimensional effect. Slim black Arabic numerals are surrounded by a railway minute track. The date is at 6 o’clock and enhanced with a display applied on the dial with blued screws. The dial is finished with a guilloché pattern. Two rotating vertically-aligned discs on the dial serve as 60-second and 30-minute counters that turn below a blued fixed double index. This design is inspired by Rieussec’s original inking chronograph. In addition, a second time zone is displayed by a skeletonized hand on the off-centered dial. The chronograph is powered by the Caliber MB R200 automatic chronograph movement.

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ART + CULTURE

The Best Museums in the World | By Jarone Ashkenazi | Photos courtesy of each museum

For those travelers looking to get an immersive cultural experience in a new local during a vacation, there is no better stop then visiting a museum. Rich with artifacts, documents and detailed exhibits, museums provide a lens into the path and include items that are true marvels. Across the world there are numerous locations with one-of-a-kind exhibits, but these top museums around the world are a step above the rest.

Listed in no particular order, make sure to take a pit stop while galivanting on your next vacation.

THE LOUVRE FRANCE The Louvre is the world’s largest art museum encompassing over 780,000 square feet and is a historic monument in Paris. On the Right Bank of the Seine, The Louvre holds over 35,000 objects from prehistory to the 21st century. Through the beautiful Tuileries Garden and the Porte De Lions Entrance, the collections in the museum are so vast and diverse in eight thematic departments. Housed in the Palais du Louvre (Louvre Palace), the former seat of French royalty, The Louvre is a behemoth and is the world’s most visited museum.

PRADO NATIONAL MUSEUM

HERMITAGE MUSEUM

In the central of Madrid, the Prado National Museum contains art dating from the 12th century to the early 20th century. Home to the single best collection of Spanish art from masters like Francisco Goya, the single most extensively represented artist, as well as by Hieronymus Bosch, Titian, and Diego Velázquez, El Prado’s collection comprises drawings, paintings, prints and sculptures. The best-known work on display at the museum is Las Meninas by Velázquez.

Located on the banks of the Neva River, The Hermitage was formerly a palace of the Russian czars and as such is quite ornamental. Inside the structure that features frescoed walls and ceilings, mosaic-tiled floors, and crystal chandeliers, is a collection comprised of over three million items. In five of the museum’s six buildings which are open to the public, enjoy a large collection which features works from Da Vinci, Raphael, and Rembrandt. Free of charge the first Thursday of every month for all visitors, accessible through the Courtyard come to the Winter Palace to purchase your tickets.

SPAIN

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RUSSIA

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AR T + CULTURE

THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART

MUSEE D’ORSAY

UNITED STATES

FRANCE

Featuring more than 5,000 years of art from across the world in its location on Fifth Avenue, The Metropolitan Museum of Art is located in New York City’s Museum Mile on the Upper East Side. Known as “The Met”, it is the largest art museum in the United States whose permanent collection contains over two million works. From works of art from classical antiquity and ancient Egypt, European masters, modern art and more, The Met regularly hosts notable special exhibitions from esteemed artists across the world.

Housed in the former Orsay railway station, Musée​d’Orsay is wellknown for its collection of impressionist art and Old Masters. On the Left Bank of the Seine, the museum holds mainly French art dating from 1848 to 1914 including those of Paul Cézanne, Claude Monet and Auguste Renoir. The museum is one of the largest art museums in Europe and houses the largest collection of impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces in the world which includes: paintings, sculptures, furniture, and photography.

THE BRITISH MUSEUM

ACROPOLIS MUSEUM

Founded in 1753, The British Museum is the first public museum in the world and houses a number of antiquities, books, manuscripts and ethnographic material. Dedicated to human history, art and culture, the museum’s permanent collection hovers around eight million pieces. The Museum has 10 curatorial and research departments spanning the globe and includes prints, drawings, coins and medals, antiquities and other significant research materials.

Focused on the findings of the archaeological site of the Acropolis of Athens, the Acropolis Museum houses artifacts from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece. Located over the ruins of a part of Roman and early Byzantine Athens, the archaeological museum was founded in 2003 and exhibits more that 4,000 objects. Located just a short walk from the Parthenon, it is perched above Athens and is framed by olive trees and propped up by concrete pillars in the central neighborhood of Makrigianni.

UNITED KINGDOM

GREECE

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ART + CULTURE

THE EGYPTIAN MUSEUM

THE SHRINE OF THE BOOK ISRAEL

EGYPT

In the Givat Ram neighborhood of Jerusalem, The Shrine of the Book is a wing of the Israel Museum that houses the Dead Sea Scrolls. The white-tiled dome structure features two thirds of the museum below the ground, the shrine houses the Isaiah scroll, dating from the second century BCE, the most intact of the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the Aleppo Codex.

Home to an extensive collection of ancient Egyptian antiquities, The Egyptian Museum houses over 120,000 items on its two floors. The ground floor features an extensive collection of papyrus and coins used in the Ancient world while the first floor includes artifacts from the final two dynasties of Egypt, including items from the tombs of the Pharaohs, while two rooms contain mummies of kings.

KUNSTHISTORISCHES MUSEUM

VATICAN CITY

AUSTRIA

ITALY

Housed in its festive palatial building on RingstraĂ&#x;e, the Kunsthistorisches Museum was opened in 1891. Crowned with an octagonal dome that is 60 meters high, the museum features eight collections ranging from a collection of Greek and Roman Antiquities, Imperial Armoruy and the Kunstkammer Wien. The lavish interior of the building houses the collections of the Habsburg emperors and archdukes from ancient Egypt and Greece to the late 18th century.

The independent city-state enclaved within Rome, Vatican City is the smallest state in the world by both area and population. Established in 1929 with the Lateran Treaty, the area is ruled by the pope and contains religious and cultural sites such as St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums. One of the most sacred places in Christendom, it is the site of the tomb of the Apostle Saint Peter and is a creation of the Renaissance and of Baroque art

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AR T + CULTURE

GALLERIA DEGLI UFFIZI ITALY

Located adjacent to the Piazza della Signoria in the Historic Centre of Florence, the Galleria degli Uffizi holds priceless works especially from the Italian Renascence period. The gallery was opened to the public originally in 1765 before formally becoming a museum in 1865. From ancient sculptures and paintings from the Middle Ages to the Modern period, the gallery also includes busts from the Medici family, whose collection is featured throughout the gallery.

THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM UNITED KINGDOM In Central London, The Natural History Museum cares for more than 80 million specimens spanning billions of years. Broken into five main collections: botany, entomology, mineralogy, paleontology and zoology, the museum is also a leading science research center. One of the most famous and certainly most prominent of the exhibits is the 105-foot long replica of the Diplodocus dinosaur skeleton, approximately nicknamed Dippy.

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JET

AIRBUS, BELL & GULFSTREAM SOAR AT

MEBAA AIR SHOW |By Dellvin Roshon

“MEBAA has grown to provide a platform for the industry’s biggest players”

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Since 2005, the Middle East & North Africa Business Aviation Association’s (MEBAA) biannual show and exhibition has become one of the industry’s veritable must-attends in the aerospace calendar. From its humble beginnings as part of the Dubai Air Show, MEBAA has grown to provide a platform for the industry’s biggest players to unveil intelligent, next-generation design and engineering. This year, Airbus Corporate Jet (ACJ), Bell Aircraft, and Gulfstream launched a series of forward-thinking projects that take the business aircraft experience to destinations hitherto unknown.

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The ACJ319neo, belle of the proverbial aviation ball, accommodates eight passengers at 6,750 nautical miles for more than 15 hours, while the ACJ320neo can hold 25 passengers at 6,000 nautical miles or more than 13 hours. The ACJ320neo for Acropolis Aviation, the first of the new fleet, has cabin design developed in partnership with Baselbased French photographer and interior designer Alberto Pinto.

Similarly, Gulfstream—having received both type and production certification on the same day— proudly displayed the G500 and G600. The new editions join the Gulfstream fleet, which include the Gulfstream G280, the Gulfstream G550 and the flagship Gulfstream G650ER. With 14 large Gulfstream panoramic windows and a travel range of 5,200 nm, the G500 connects distant cities from Dubai to Cape Town at Mach 0.85. The G600 outfits 19 and sleeps 9 at a cruising altitude of 51,000ft. The G600 is also the longest cabin of its class at 45ft, 2 inches.

L

ong regarded as a world above others in its class, ACJ have been the go-to for HighNet-Worth and Ultra-High-Net-Worth executive travel for more than two decades; the Middle East is ACJ’s largest market for business jets and VIP wide bodies with more than 600 Airbus aircraft in service; and by 2034, Airbus the total number of passenger fleet airlines domiciled in the Middle East is projected to grow by more than 2,000 new passenger aircraft. So it should come as no surprise that ACJ introduce the ACJ319neo and the ACJ320neo, the newest editions to a fleet of more than 500 in the A320 Family at MEBAA.

But MEBAA is about more than panoramic views and digital LED lighting, and Smart Glass technology. Interested parties, as Ali Alnaqbi, Founding & Executive Chairman of MEBAA, tells Upscale Living, is about “getting closer to the aircraft, studying the interiors, and better understanding the technology, the engines, and most of all, talk with company representatives face-to-face.”

“The aviation sector,” Alnaqbi explains, “accounts for more than 27 percent of Dubai’s GDP, or $26.7 billion, according to Oxford Economics, while business and private aviation make up

JET

between 3 to 5 percent of the aviation sector across the MENA region. With figures like these it is not surprising that the region is considered a key market by key global players such as those you mention and many others.

“The MEBAA Show is the only dedicated and biggest business aviation show in the MENA region and provides a platform for the entire industry to meet, network and do business in the region.

The region puts a premium on face-toface networking as an integral part of doing business and the MEBAA show has provided the ideal forum for this.”

Which brings me to Bell, a staple in private luxury air transport, where Bell’s 505 Jet Ranger X light single engine helicopter, one of Bell’s most in demand commercial aircraft, and the 429, were also on display in the elite VIP terminal. With over 10,000 hours, the fiveseater was designed to ensure that both the pilot and passenger have a safe and enjoyable experience. The 429 has a large cabin that can easily be customized for luxurious amenities and the spacious seating to provide ample comfort for a more enjoyable journey. The Bell 429 multi-mission aircraft has been chosen by corporate clients, law enforcement, and medical teams around the world for time-sensitive missions.

ACJ, Gulfstream. And Bell were not the only cast of characters on display. HondaJet, made its second appearance at the MEBAA Show; Boeing Business Jets’ B787-8 Dreamliner will be making its first appearance at the Show; and Bombardier also brought a Challenger 650 and a Global 5000.

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JET

6 of the most luxurious private jets in the world When it comes to flying thousands of feet in the air, there is nothing quite like flying private. For those willing to shell out the fair chunk of change to either purchase a private jet of their own, or those who book a luxurious getaway and fly private, some customers just prefer to be lavish up in the sky. Luxury air travel has been taken to new heights with state-of-the-art ultra-long-range executive jets and those who will even turn commercial airliners into a flying masterpiece. Below find some of the world’s most luxurious private jets, each sparing no expense when it comes to decadence. | JARONE ASHKENAZI | PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH COMPANY

Boeing BBJ 777-8

The recently launched Boeing BBJ 777X can fly more than half way around the world without stopping, farther than any business jet ever built. Coming in two models, BBJ 777-8 and BBJ 777-9, the BBJ 777-8 ($444 million) offers the longest range of 11,645 nautical miles and a spacious 3,256sf cabin. With multiple dining options and a suite to rest and rejuvenate, the jet features large windows with an electronically adjustable tint throughout the cabin. Equipped with Smoother Ride Technology, passengers enjoy a more comfortable flight while also enjoying a quitter cabin due to its advanced technology.

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Airbus ACJ319Neo

Before even getting into its customization, the Airbus ACJ319Neo costs a whopping $101.5 million. With a range of 6.750 miles, it is the business version of the Airbus A319neo airliner and is the widest and tallest cabin of any business jet. Together with Italian hypercar Atelier Pagani Automobili, its unique Infinito designed-cabin is state-of-the-art with distinctive style. Able to have over 15 hours of non-stop flight and stop high-speed internet, the ACJ319Neo’s interiors can be fully customizable giving passengers’ infinite possibilities to create unique spaces.

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Bombardier Global 7000

With a range of 7,700 nautical miles and seating 19, the Bombardier Global 7000 ($73 million) is the world’s largest and longest-range business jet. With a full-size kitchen and a dedicated crew suite, the business jet features four true living spaces and the revolutionary deep recline of the Nuage seats. Featuring an array of floor plans and furnishing options, the all-new nice Touch cabin management system designed exclusively for the Global 7500 aircraft dials up the cabin experience. Making use of precision engineering that delivery stability and a top speed of Mach 0.925, lounge in the club suite, dine in the conference suite, watch a movie in the entertainment suite and relax in the private suite.

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Gulfstream G650ER

The flagship from Gulfstream, the Gulfstream G650ER ($66.5 million) has a range of more than 7,500 miles and max speed of Mach 0.925.

Combining form and function, the custom cabin can be controlled using a smartphone app while being stocked with rich leathers, fine wood veneers, and stylish stonework. Its cabin is replenished with 100 percent fresh air every two minutes and standard features include HD video equipment, convection oven, porcelain dinnerware and more. Seating 19 and sleeping eight, the Gulfstream Cabin Management System (GCMS allows passengers to control temperature, lighting, window shades and entertainment devices on their smart devices.

Embraer Lineage 1000E

The Embraer Lineage 1000E ($53 million) includes five luxurious cabin zones offering space for fine dining, entertainment, work or peaceful rest. With a range of 4,600 nautical miles and max operating Mach 0.82, it is a variant of the Embraer 190 regional jet airliner. The ultra large business jet with comfortable seating for 19, can be configured with a master bedroom and a walk-in shower or tricked out to your own specifications by Embraer's design chief, Jay Beeve.

Making use of exquisite materials and high-tech features, the Embraer Lineage 1000E also gives travelers the ability to navigate restrictive airports in popular destinations.

JET

Gulfstream G500

The new Gulfstream G500 ($44 million) with powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada engines, give the aircraft a range of 5,200 nautical miles at Mach 0.85 with a maximum of Mach .0925.

Fly from Los Angeles to London, Istanbul to Cape Town, South Africa and San Francisco to Tokyo in style with a typical passenger outfitting of up to 18 and sleeping eight. One of its most notable features is that it has high-speed internet that's 30 times as fast as that of its current competitors. From its 14 large panoramic windows to its handmade carpets of silk or cashmere, the Gulfstream G500 is optimized for stylish performance.

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YACHTS

MARITIME NOVELLA Inside CRN’s 50m M/Y Latona with Costanza Pazzi |By Dellvin Roshon

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YACHTS

If all art, as Oscar Wilde once reckoned, is at once surface and symbol, then CRN’s recent collaboration with Zuccon International Project, the 50m M/Y Latona, is nothing short of a maritime novella. Balancing highly evocative fin de siècle Art Nouveau-inspired interiors and open-air spaces with a subtle, modern silhouette, the Tiffany-blue turquoise super yacht is somehow spellbinding. Like a conduit to another age.

A

rt Nouveau is an elusive late nineteenth century decorative style that unifies literature, painting, and architecture into a singular coherent expression. The works of American, Russian, and European poets, essayists, and architects defined the aesthetic mood of the period. In the decorative arts, sculpted furniture, stained glass, church frescos, and embroideries, for example, were critically important elements in furnishing a room. Latona’s signature style pays homage to Italy’s version of Art Nouveau with its own concept: Stile Liberty—also a source of inspiration for CRN’s “SuperConero” concept of the 1960s and 70s. Enter Costanza Pazzi, CRN Interior Design Specialist and Chief Architect.

“The Latona,” she tells Upscale Living, “is a yacht endowed with a strong personality capable of harmoniously combining her truly distinctive design with highly functional outdoor and indoor areas … we worked together with Zuccon International Project to balance the sophisticated décor of interiors with the style of external areas, which have a fresher touch.”

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YACH TS

indoors; a circular walnut 12-seater dining table—the centerpiece of the main salon, is flanked by deep loungers with unobstructed access to sea views; the master stateroom boasts a dark walnut and light blue velvet crown headboard, a hand crafted ceiling and dark brown bespoke carpet embroidery; and all of this as an expertly curated grey Calacatta-veined marble bathroom with a hydromassage tub, and a walk-in shower—with seats, awaits.

“The design features onboard,” Pazzi continues, “create a high degree of functionality plus maximum space for enjoyment, especially thanks to the exterior guest areas – wide and diverse – and further technical areas, transformed into leisure ones—via the tender bay that can be integrated with the beach club for a total surface of more than 80 square meters.

This, of course, is a multi-purpose area for the whole family to enjoy. It also includes a wellness and fitness area and a beautiful hammam.”

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The Latona comfortably accommodates up to ten guests in five cabins, including the master cabin, two VIP cabins, two double cabins, and a crew of nine. “Guests onboard the Latona,” Pazzi adds, “can enjoy the vast exterior spaces like the sundeck, designed with Mediterranean style, is completed by a Jacuzzi and an aft solarium with four sunbeds. On the main deck, instead, the dining area can be open on three sides, when at anchor, to dine al fresco and enjoy breath-taking views from the twosided terraces.”

Far from the Ecole de Architecture Paris graduate’s first venture with CRN, Pazzi has been in charge of all things interior from A to Z since 2008; back in 2011, Pazzi delivered CRN’s 60m Darling Danama in collaboration with Alexandre and Cristina Negoescu; she and Omega Architects and Droulers Architecture, Pazzi also worked together on the 73m Yalla, CRN’s first vessel built on their 12.50m-wide platform; and her 2017 joint venture with Winch Design on CRN’s 74m

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Cloud 9—also Mediterranean in style and character with marine-inspired artwork, basrelief décor, and mother-of-pearl elements, further elucidate Pazzi’s talent for fusing elegance and sophistication with modern style.

From the deep lyre-shaped sofa and white-lacquered grand piano to generous living spaces, sunpads and an inflatable slide at aft, open-air design and unparalleled interior craftsmanship play a central role in Latona’s navigation experience. Most notable is her float-in tender bay that transforms into a salt water swimming pool. In the end, though, it is Cosatnza Pazzi’s leadership at CRN, in general, and her flair for spectacular, world class interiors, in particular, that reflect a design philosophy that is both wildly indulgent and quintessentially Italian. And much like the character and style of Art Nouveau aboard the Latona, a movement unto itself.

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YACHTS

the best yachts and yacht concepts | BY JARONE ASHKENAZI

P

urchasing a mega-yacht cements your status in the ultra-wealthy. Owning a multimillion-dollar massive vessel can be perfect to explore exotic and uncharted parts of the globe or also to invite friends and have a fun time at sea. For those who are ready to join this elite club or looking for inspiration

for the design of their next yacht, here are some of the best yacht and yacht concepts that we have come across in 2018. We’ve said it before, but it bears repeating. There is simply no greater status symbol purchase than a massive vessel perfect for you and a few dozen friends to explore the most beautiful and exotic parts of the globe. So for

those in this elite club (or those ready and eager to join), we have prepared a prime selection of the most exceptional yachts for sale and yacht concepts for 2018. Fresh from the big boat shows (Fort Lauderdale, Monaco), here are our most illustrious finds.

SINOT YACHT – NATURE

HEESEN YACHT – HOME

Raising the bar in the mega yacht luxury category is the 120-meter Nature by Sinot Yacht. Unveiled at the Monaco Yacht Show, Nature follows Sinot’s policy of using the highest quality natural materials in each custom build on its outdoor decks and interior spaces. Designed to feel organic and harmonious with the environment, one of the yachts unique features is that the stern and side hatches expand, along with extending the roof hatches, which opens an open pool area perfect for both relaxation and entertaining. Along with an immaculate day spa and full-size gym, one of its key design elements is the spiral staircase at the center of the vessel which appears to float in place and connect lower and upper levels.

The lightweight aluminum hull of Home by Hessen Yacht allows it to be fuel efficient and achieve a top speed of 16.3 knots. Paired with hits near-silent hybrid propulsion, the wide staircase which leads from the swim platform to the main deck aft provides a grand entrance to the luxury yacht. The 50-meter yacht was designed by Italian designer Cristiano Gatto and gives cruisers an extremely modern and stylish feel on the water. In six staterooms, Home accommodates up to 12 guests and includes freestanding Paola Lenti furniture throughout a color palette of white, grey, silver and burgundy.

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DYNAMI – GTT 115

MESD 100 SUPERYACHT CONCEPT

The first superyacht with Porsche DNA, the 35-meter GTT 115 blends comfortable high-speed cruising with race-car inspired design. With a max speed of 21 knots and cruising speed of 19 knots using hybrid propulsion, the yacht has ceiling heights over 7ft and comes in a 3-cabin or 4-cabin deck plan. Available in Carrara White, Rhodium Silver, Chalk, or special Monte-Carlo Blue from Porsche line exterior colors, the 1000+sqft sun deck has four versatile zones: bar and barbecue zone; aft sunbathing area, an alfresco dining area with 75-inch home theatre screen and a forward pool. With a build time of 20 months from contract signature, only seven are to be built, making this yacht a truly an exclusive collector’s edition.

The 100-meter MESD 100 is the Superyacht concept from Norwegian Yacht designer Marius Skjolde. Included in the mega yacht is a large sloping deck with 7-meter pool and sundeck along with the yacht’s beach club which features a lounging space, spa area as well as a bar and a gym and direct access to the sea. With floor-to-ceiling windows on its upper deck and helipad found forward of the main deck, the sleek superyacht has a larger sun deck and a larger aft area from its predesccor.

BAGLIETTO – 43M FAST HT

ARCADIA SHERPA – PANTA REI III

The 43m Fast HT was designed by Francesco Paszkowski while the interiors by Margherita Casprini and is scheduled to be delivered in 2019. With a maximum speed of 28 knots and cruising speed of 25 knots, the sleek yacht can host up to 10 guests with seven crew members. Along with larger windows, significantly increased interior volumes and a hardtop to its sundeck, the interior uses beige and brown tones for a contemporary vibe.

The 17-meter custom yacht Arcadia Sherpa Panta Rei III starts with a Rolls Royce iconic Silver Sand color on the exterior, which went through two months of testing. The elegant sky lounge, with white sofas and 360-degree views, can also turn into an enclosed space, when its side windows are risen up to the hard top.

The two-cabin yacht are designed with rare marbles, handcrafted adornments, such as the hand-woven Jacaranda Chapatur carpet and spacious bathrooms.

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YACHTS

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AUTOMOBILE

McLaren Speedtail | By Scott Huntington

McLaren Automotive recently unveiled the Speedtail, the next in the company’s McLaren Ultimate Series and its first Hyper-GT. The car features a beautiful, aerodynamic design and incredible power.

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cLaren will produce just 106 of the vehicles, and all of them are already reserved at a price of £1.75 million, or about $2.2 million, plus taxes. About a third of the buyers are in the United States, according to Car and Driver, where the cars will not be street-legal.

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At its top speed, the Mclaren Speedtail can hit 250 miles per hour, even more than the record top speed of the McLaren F1. It can go from 0 to 300 kilometers per her, or 186 mph, in just 12.8 seconds.

This speed is made possible in part by the car’s aerodynamic design. Its teardrop-shaped body and cockpit and the reduced number of shutlines create an uninterrupted flow of air from the front of the vehicle to the back. The carbon fiber front-wheel static aero covers, active rear ailerons and retractable digital rearview camera, which take the place of mirrors, add to the aerodynamics.

Underneath the LED headlights are slim vertical ducts that provide cooling to the car’s low-temperature radiators. Any airflow that 2018 www.upscalelivingmag.com

doesn’t go into the LTR ducts flows over the Speedtail’s bonnet and into two upper front clam intakes. It is then ducted through the body and around the wheelarch before exiting from the lower door vents. This decreases the amount of air moving around the side of the vehicle to minimize turbulence.

The car is also exceptionally lightweight. It’s built around a McLaren Monocage carbon fiber structure and has a carbon fiber body, carbon ceramic brakes and aluminum active suspension. All in all, it weighs about 3,153 pounds without fluids. The Speedtail is narrower than the Mclaren P1 but measures about half a meter longer at nearly 17 feet.

The car’s powertrain, which is a gas-electric hybrid, also contributes, of course. It provides

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1,050 PS, which equals about 1,036 horsepower.

To achieve the car’s top speed, you need to enter Velocity mode, which optimizes the powertrain for high speeds, angles the active rear ailerons and retracts the rear-view cameras. It also lowers the Speedtail by 1.4 inches, bringing the car’s highest point to just 3 feet 8 inches.

McLaren even developed a tire designed especially for the Speedtail’s high speeds with Pirelli, a McLaren technology partner.

The cockpit of the Speedtail provides a unique experience. The driver’s seat is positioned in the center of the cockpit, and there is seating for two in the rear of the

vehicle. The car’s windscreen curves upward to the meet the roof and glazed upper portion of the dihedral doors. The glass rearquarterlights extend back behind the rear seats. The glass cockpit lets in a large amount of light but also features electrochromic technology that allows the driver to turn parts of the glass opaque. This capability replaces the need for sun visors.

The car has storage space in both the tail and nose, and McLaren will provide a luggage set to every owner that matches the interior of the Speedtail. The interior model features both aniline leather and a new lightweight semi-aniline leather.

AUTOMOBILE

McLaren has said that it is highly unlikely that any two Speedtails will be exactly the same. Buyers will be able to choose unique stitching patterns, colors and decorative forms to be created in the leather.

At a recent private preview held in London, future Speedtail owners saw a design model of the car with a silver, non-metallic paint and natural leather as well as leather finished in black, dark glacier and cool white colors.

McLaren will begin deliveries of the Speedtail in 2020.

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AUTOMOBILE

Aston Martin’s DBS 59 | By Scott Huntington

The name Aston Martin Lagonda has long been synonymous with luxury and power. The Lagonda company was started in 1904, and Aston Martin launched in 1913. The two merged in 1947 to become the powerhouse of automotive engineering we know today. The company made history in 1959 with a 1-2 win in the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans race, and Aston Martin Lagonda is celebrating this achievement in the best way possible — with a new special edition car.

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THE 1959 24 HOURS OF LE MANS VICTORY The 8.4-mile long circuit used for the 24 Hours of Le Mans race is one of the most punishing in the world. Drivers must balance the need for speed with the punishment a car will take while driving for 24 hours straight. Even with today’s technology, only 41 of the 60 cars that qualified for the race in 2018 were able to survive the entire event.

Before the 1959 race, Aston Martin had never won a 24 Hours of Le Mans race.

They’d come in second, third and fourth, but first place eluded them. 1959 was the year they changed that.

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Aston Martin took both first and second place — and third place was an astonishing 26 laps behind the winner.

The first-place car was driven by Roy Salvadori of the U.K. and Carroll Shelby — the mind behind the Shelby Mustang — of the United States. Maurice Trintignant of France and Paul Frere of Germany drove the second-place car.

Both of these models were known as DBR1 — one of the fastest production cars Aston Martin ever made, named for the David Brown Racing Team which led the company to first place. Only five of these race models were ever built.

They were some of Aston Martin’s most expensive cars, selling for $22.5 million.

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So what does this victory have to do with Aston Martin’s newest venture?

INTRODUCING THE DBS 59 Inspired by this victory and its swiftly approaching 60th anniversary, Aston Martin commissioned 24 special edition DBS Superleggeras — one for each hour of the race.

The car itself can generate 715 horsepower with a top speed of 215 miles per hour. The bespoke exterior and interior set this beautiful piece of automotive engineering apart.

The exterior will be painted Aston Martin’s signature Racing Green, with the roof, hood, and trim made of carbon fiber. The interior will be upholstered with black and tan leather — a nod

to the interior of the original DBR1. Accents and trims will all be done in bronze to add a polished look to the interior. The same bronze accents will adorn the exterior, in the Aston Martin and Superleggera logos and front fender badge.

The cars will also feature helmet pods in the rear to store the custom designed crash helmet, race suits and gloves that come with each vehicle.

Other accessories in this package include race overalls, a replica of Caroll Shelby’s racing gloves and a two-piece set of Aston Martin branded luggage.

AUTOMOBILE

GET YOUR SPECIAL EDITION ASTON MARTIN While Aston Martin has been a significant name in the luxury car world for decades, Lagonda has faded into obscurity. But that will soon change.

In 2021, the brand plans to relaunch as the world’s first electric luxury car brand. If you want to get your hands on one of these fantastic special editions Aston Martins, orders are open now, but you’ll want to act quickly!

These special editions will be numbers 1-24. Once they’re gone, no more will be manufactured.

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AUTOMOBILE

Audi’s RSQ E-Tron | By Scott Huntington

We’re no stranger to seeing cars on the big screen. There have been notable movie franchises, like the Fast and Furious films, that are centered around the vehicles. Even animated movies, like Disney’s Cars, have featured some iconic cars. Audi is taking it to the next level by debuting their new concept car — the RSQ e-tron — in 20th Century Fox’s new animated film Spies in Disguise.

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SPIES IN DISGUISE Spies in Disguise follows super-spy Lance Sterling — voiced by Will Smith — who, during the course of his job, is turned into a pigeon. While Lance is stuck in pigeon form, it’s up to him and his tech genius sidekick Walter — voiced by Spiderman alumni Tom Holland — to save the world.

main character needs. It also features a holographic dash display, which we’re close to seeing in today’s cars.

What we’re most excited about is his car — the Audi RSQ e-tron. This fantastic concept car is a fully electric car that still manages to emit the growling engine noise of a standard supercar, in spite of not having a gasoline engine. The car itself is also fully autonomous and equipped with both artificial intelligence and technology to help it transform into whatever the

ELECTRIC FOR THE NEXT GENERATION Audi isn’t just showcasing their brand in this new family movie. By creating the RSQ e-tron for Spies in Disguise, Audi is showing the next generation just how cool electric cars can be. The e-tron might not even get a model, but it’s very similar to the current

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While you won’t see the e-tron on the showroom floor at your local Audi dealership, this movie is still a smart move for the car manufacturer.

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concept cars being produced by Audi’s R&D department. The PB18, for example, is an electric car that the manufacturer is currently working on.

The PB18, named for Pebble Beach where it’s being showcased, features a transparent OLED display that sits in the driver’s line of sight. While it’s not as cool as the hologram display featured in the RSQ e-tron, it’s a step up from analog and digital dashboards that we’ve had in cars in the past.

This existing e-tron is made primarily of carbon fiber and aluminum, making it one of the lightest electric cars on the market.

Instead of an engine, the area under the

hood is occupied by a solid state, liquidcooled battery pack. The battery pack is why you won’t see this electric vehicle on the market anytime soon — this solid-state battery technology hasn’t been adopted in the automotive marketplace as of yet.

In spite of its electric powertrain, the PB18 concept has a range of 311 miles and can generate 671 horsepower thanks to three electric motors. The core motor under the hood creates 200 horsepower, and the two individual engines that power the rear wheels create a total of 603 horsepower.

AUTOMOBILE

the PB18 on the market anytime soon, this movie is a step in the right direction when it comes to electric cars in popular media. It’s the perfect example of what the engineers at Audi can do, both in reality and in animation.

You can see the RSQ e-tron in Spies in Disguise when it hits theaters in September of 2019. Hopefully, in the next few years, we’ll be able to see these fantastic electric luxury cars hitting the highways of the real world.

Electric cars are more than just eco-friendly.

Audi has proven that they can be cool too, and we can’t wait to see the RSQ e-tron in action in Spies in Disguise.

A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION While we might not see the RSQ e-tron or

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TOP BEST INTERIOR DESIGNERS

2018

| By Heléne Ramackers

Conceptualizing the best interior designs for their clients and sticking to the budget is all par for the course for the crème de la crème of our 10 Best Interior Designers of 2018.

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ALEX PAPACHRISTIDIS Alex Papachristidis Interiors

DESIGN + INTERIORS

The first ever commission for Alex Papachristidis was to decorate a large Manhattan apartment while he was still a student at Parsons School of Design. His second project was for a couple he met at a dinner party in the South of France. All this work

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inspired him to start his own firm in 1987, and he has never looked back.

He is known to have an elegant approach, with a modern perspective and sophisticated details, making even a small room sizzle with style.

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Alex cannot imagine doing anything else as he finds decorating the most fulfilling career. A born shopper, he has traveled wisely, cultivating his eye by visiting many beautiful homes in Europe and America. www.alexpapachristidis.com

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NATE BERKUS Nate Berkus Design

With a full house consisting of husband and fellow interior designer Jeremiah Brent, two adorable children, daughter Poppy and son Oskar, Nate Berkus has once again found inspiration with his motto of ‘every home tells a story’.

Having fashioned the Beverly Hills home of close friends Ricky Martin and Jwan Josef and their twin sons, Matteo and Valentino, Nate knows the intricacies all too well of converting a house into a family home. For their own home, Nate and Jer-

DESIGN + INTERIORS

emiah chose neutral shades and artwork that will stand the test of time. Except for the ‘princess’s’ room, with smidgens of pink, you know who is queen of the Berkus-Brent castle. www.nateberkus.com

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DESIGN + INTERIORS

JEFF ANDREWS

JEFF ANDREWS DESIGN

An enviable client list has seen to it that Jeff Andrews is a master of his craft. His sense of home has incorporated his natural talent with an infusion of warmth, sophistication and the boldness he is so loved for. Key to any home is comfort, beauty and

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livability, which Jeff achieves in a heartbeat.

Pushing design boundaries whilst still respecting and refining traditional design aesthetics makes Jeff the interior designer to the stars, having worked on

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the homes of Ryan Seacrest, Micheal C. Hall, Kaley Cuoco, Kris Jenner and Kourtney Kardashian. www.jeffandrewsdesign.com

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JACQUI HUNTER IMAGENIUS INTERIORS

Her effervescent personality has won the hearts of many of Jacqui Hunter’s clients and in doing so, she has garnered acclaim for her exquisite work.

Her latest project in South Africa’s Sabi Sand, Silvan Safari, has put her in the pound seat as

one of South Africa’s top interior designers.

Attention to detail and an innate knowledge of the lodge’s surroundings has imprinted the DNA of her winning concept for many upscale lodges in

DESIGN + INTERIORS

Southern Africa. Conscious of her environment and treading with a light footprint, Jacqui’s interpretation of the complete guest experience is a joyous celebration. www.imagenius.co.za

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JANINE BUTTER huis van middenmeer

DESIGN + INTERIORS

For Dutch-born Janine Butter, her start-to-finish involvement in the interior design for the stunning Morukuru Beach Lodge in Cape Town, South Africa’s De Hoop Nature Reserve brought about a breath of fresh air. Not only for herself, but for the property too.

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Immersed in fynbos with the sea as her foreground, Janine chose her signature bold colors, complimenting harmonious tones between interiors and exteriors. The bedrooms house hues of green, blue and yellow, reflecting the natural environment, whilst the dining

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area’s use of marine colors embody the shades of the sea. http://www.detuinvanmiddenmeer.nl

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martyn lawrence bullard martyn lawrence bullard DESIGn

Martyn Lawrence Bullard’s client list reads like the who’s who of Alisters – Tommy Hilfiger, Kourtney Kardashian, Ellen Pompeo, Khloe Kardashian, Cher and Eva Mendes to name a few. Not only has he spruced up the abode of many a celebrity, he has overseen

the design of a number of premier hospitality properties around the world.

With his own atelier shop on Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood, Martyn has collaborated with Cole & Son for his own wallpaper

DESIGN + INTERIORS

line, the launch of indoor and outdoor performance fabrics with textile giant Perennials as well as a collection of home décor, home furnishings and art with the leading home luxury multichannel retailer Frontgate. www.martynlawrencebullard.com

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DESIGN + INTERIORS

KARI WHITMAN KARI WHITMAN INTERIORS

Redoing her childhood room every week ignited a passion for interior design in Kari Whitman. She loves being creative and analytical, with a job that takes her all over the country, building beautiful spaces.

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For Kari, a timeless interior design style goes hand in hand with remembrance of the space, for time gone by to her is timelessness. The vibe, the smell, the look, she loves them all.

Mixing old with new and being

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a trendsetter, not a follower is the best way to remember a space, which makes it timeless. www.kariwhitmaninteriors.com

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MICHELLE DIRKSE MICHELLE DIRKSE INTERIOR DESIGN

Sophistication is the key approach at Michelle Dirkse Interior Design, mixed with daring and eclectic uniqueness and customization for each and every project. A fresh perspective is imperative,

interspersed with a desire to relay their client’s narrative.

Michelle and her team shift boundaries to tell stories, while rising above the traditional to create beautiful yet functional spaces. With a history of

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celebrating color and contrast, their years of experience and knowledge around custom design and fine art make them the ideal choice for a juxtaposing of old and new designs. www.michelledirkse.com 2018 www.upscalelivingmag.com

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STEVEN ZELMAN

ZELMAN STYLE INTERIORS

Specializing in high-end residential and commercial interiors for individual client’s custom homes and villas, Zelman Style Interiors is a full-service design firm. Headed up by versatile interior designer and founder Steven Zelman, Steven and his team will readily inspire their clients with their creativity and passion for design.

With a vision and devotion for design, the Zelman Style Interiors Team make it a priority for each client to create a unique space to fit their lifestyle. Their designs are like snowflakes, no two are exactly the same. Creating unique and personal environments that are visually appealing, while staying practical, functional, but most of all beautiful. www.zelmanstyle.com

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CELIA SAWYER

CELIA SAWYER INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

DESIGN + INTERIORS

Stylish with a tad of glitter can be expected when acquiring the interior design expertise of Celia Sawyer. With over two decades of experience under her classy belt, she designs homes, yachts, private aviation and commercial interiors worldwide.

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Her belief that service accounts for almost all successful business is a maxim she firmly trusts. She loves the creativity of her job and how it comes to life when she witnesses what she has achieved. Being able to create beautiful things for

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people and hugely improve their lifestyles and seeing the joy on their faces is one of her favorite things as an interior designer. www.celiasawyer.com

Great Homes Happen By DesignÂŽ 800.691.7302 | stillwaterdwellings.com

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By Deve Sanford Photographs courtesy of Bella Custom Homes

One of the most rapidly growing cities in the nation, Dallas is not only establishing itself within the world of luxury real estate, it’s defining it.

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n walks custom builder, Bella Custom Homes.

Creating an impeccable reputation for exceptional quality it has been building homes in some of Dallas’ most prominent neighborhoods since 1993.

They personally partner with each of their clients in seeing their dreams come to fruition while upholding high quality standards.

Tony Visconti, President of Bella Custom Homes is a third generation builder and takes great pride in each one of his properties. Joining forces with Stacy Brotemarkle, Vice President & Lead Interior Designer for Bella Custom Homes, they collectively bring decades of experience to luxury architecture and design.

One of their most recent projects include a stunning gated Mediterranean Estate in one of Dallas’ most sought after zip codes, Preston Hollow. 4926 Deloache is a 14,179 square ft exquisite, luxury home, flooded with natural light and many cutting-edge amenities. Set on 1.645 acres, it boasts seven bedrooms, eight full and five half baths, and seven living areas, with all three floors accessible from an elevator.

TONY VISCONTI

How did your career in luxury home design begin?

I started framing homes in high school and then went onto work for my family building homes in New York.

What is the history of Bella Custom Homes?

I started Bella Custom Homes in 1993. I initially built homes in Willow Bend, Stonebriar, then went into Preston Hollow and University Park. Following that, I ventured into Flower Mound and built in Chateau De Lac and Point Noble. These days, we build anywhere in the metroplex. You can see some recent projects in Preston Hollow, Frisco, and McKinney.

How do you think the luxury home market has evolved over the last decade and what predictions can you make about the future?

Building sciences have evolved greatly in the last decade. There are new products almost daily, and we have to stay up date on these new emerging technologies and products.

Where are your properties located and how do you determine locations for upcoming projects?

As we all know, the number one rule in real estate is Location, Location, Location. When selecting a new build site, I always take into account things like the location and neighborhood amenities. We like building on topography a lot too. We like the challenge

of creating something that isn’t really there yet. It’s a great opportunity to turn your backyard into several different and unique destinations. Your home can really have that resort feel.

What’s the biggest challenge that you’re facing in matching client expectations?

Every client is different and every clients has different wants and wishes. We always strive to exceed our client’s expectations. When they move in, we want them to feel like there is no other destination that they would rather call home.

Current projects?

We have one completed home in Frisco, and another available home in Preston Hollow. We are also at plan stage with a few others that will be in McKinney, Frisco, and Preston Hollow.

Looking towards the future, where do you see Bella Custom Homes in the next decade?

Bella Custom Homes will continue to be known for our quality of workmanship, timeless architecture, numerous happy clients, and we will continue to flourish. We always want to be at the forefront of the home building industry.

Dream project?

Every home is a dream project to us. Each homes is someone’s dream and we thoroughly enjoy bringing that to each and every family. We love that we have built homes for several repeat clients. It says a lot about our reputation.

STACY BROTEMARKLE What’s your role with Bella Custom Homes?

I am both the Vice President and Interior Designer for Bella Custom Homes. I wear several different hats, helping with everything from plan designs, to project management, to making the decorative selections once the projects are up and running. I truly enjoy seeing the projects evolve from start to finish. I am the third generation in my family to be a part of the building industry. So, it was in my blood and it truly is my passion.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

I have been around this industry my entire life. I love enveloping myself in the home building and interior design world. I am constantly looking at photos on Houzz, Pinterest, and magazines. I won’t lie, I love to watch HGTV too. I also stay up to date with continuing education classes and always visit showrooms to see what is new. I love staying up on the latest trends, while still incorporating timeless

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classic design elements in my projects too. I also love traveling and taking photos. You never know when you may draw inspiration from a photo that you took previously. Fashion is a great inspiration too. A lot of interior design trends follow fashion.

Have there been any unexpected shifts in luxury design in home building that have taken you by surprise?

Surprise is what keeps things interesting! That’s another thing that I love about this industry; things are always changing and two days are never alike. I will say the “tiny house” trend did take me by surprise. I’m not sure that I could do that. I have too many sentimental things that I like to have around me, and I love entertaining too.

What would your dream home look like?

I have spent my whole life around the water, so my dream home would have to be on the water. It brings me such peace and serenity.

My dream home would have a “collected” feeling. I love unusual pieces that you don’t see everywhere, especially those that you pick up from travels, or have sentimental value. The color pallet would be soft neutral colors with lots of textures. It would be filled with the things that I love, and have space for entertaining family and friends.

Tony Visconti

Stacy Brotemarkle

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What role do you think technology plays in providing the next level in luxury home design?

I think technology is very important and is going to be incorporated into every home in some form or fashion. Homeowners are looking for security and peace of mind. They love being able to look on their phones and see what the kids are doing or who is at their front door. They also love the endless possibili-

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ties with music and television. This industry changes almost daily, there is always something new and exciting on the horizon.

Do you think luxury and eco or energy efficiency can coincide?

Yes, I do. This too is always evolving. There are new products emerging constantly, and it’s exciting to incorporate them into new designs.

We have to think about future generations and try to use the sustainable resources that we have.

How would you describe your design style?

I would say that personally I’m more “eclectic.” I don’t box myself into one design style.

I tend to incorporate several different design styles into my personal home. Again, I love using things from travels, or things collected over the years. I want my home to evoke a sense of family, love, and travels. In my professional career, I enjoy working in different styles too. I have done everything from French and English, to Mediterranean and Italian Renaissance, and even more transitional designs.

Architect or design mentors?

I love the classic architects like Phillip Johnson and Frank Lloyd Wright. Their designs are so timeless and still relevant today. One of my favorite buildings in New York City is Johnson’s AT&T Building that was built in the 80s. It’s post-modern design with the Chippendale pediment at the top is so classic.

As far as Interior Designers, I truly enjoy looking at other designers’ work. I think you can draw some sort of inspiration from so many of them.

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HOTEL + VILLA

SUNSET MARQUIS

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By Christopher Cope Photographs courtesy Sunset Marquis Hotel & Villas

An exclusive sanctuary in the heart of the Sunset Strip. A homeaway-from-home for generations of creators and innovators, movers and magic-makers. A place where “luxury” defines not only the fine amenities and attention to detail but the attentive way we cater to you.

W

hatever brings you to Los Angeles, whether you’re closing deals over brunch, making future pop history, enjoying a day of soaking up the sun, or simply stepping out for a stroll down Sunset Blvd., the only thing more inspiring than our hotel is what you’ll do when you get here.

The Villas at Sunset Marquis are nestled in some of the most secluded and lush gardens in West Hollywood. Our One Bedroom Villas offer a luxury experience, perfect for singles or couples seeking a secluded getaway.

Our Two Bedroom Villas, Grand Villas, and our Presidential Villa each offer unique amenities like private elevators, kitchens, dining rooms perfect for entertaining and an array of sizes and configurations to fit any desire.

Whether you’re joining us for a special occasion or arriving with a group, we can prepare a single Villa or multiple Villas grouped together to accommodate any level of privacy, as well as most small to medium sized groups. If you need anything from a private garage, luxury vehicle rental, food or drink preparation or even want use one of

our many musical instruments, just let our Concierge team know and we’ll do our best to make any dream come true.

MORRISON HOTEL GALLERY You wouldn’t have rock ‘n’ roll without rock photography. Morrison Hotel Gallery celebrates the images that created the icons and the photographers behind them.

Morrison Hotel Gallery at Sunset Marquis represents hundreds of photographers and is co-owned by Henry Diltz and Timothy White, both of whom have been two of the most sought-after celebrity photographers in the field for over 40 years.

NIGHTBIRD RECORDING STUDIOS What’s in our underground? Just one of the most successful recording studios in the world. It’s a 24-hour compound and the birthplace of records that changed the world by some of the most iconic artists ever from Aretha Franklin and Aerosmith to Kanye West and Kings of Leon to U2 and Usher, to name a few, of the more than a thousand to have graced our grounds.

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vignamagio MONA LISA’S FORMER FAMILY HOME IN THE CHIANTI HILLS

By KEVIN PILLEY Photographs courtesy of Vignamagio

D

id Mona Lisa play ping pong?

Did she wax, exfoliate, book facials and care about her bikini line? Or did she just leave it to Leonardo Da Vinci to make her skin look so luminous, smooth and radiant and give her that famous enigmatic expression of a representative of the Tuscan “Quattrocentro” gentry and the look of a woman hiding bad teeth as well as perhaps a heavily sliced backhand?

“The moment I saw Vignamaggio I fell in love with it”

Mona (Monna in Italian) Lisa’s former family home in the Chianti hills above Greve and close to Panzano, forty minutes south of Florence, now has a spa and wellness centre, Infinity pool, mountain bikes and a table tennis table.

In 2014 architect and garden designer, 65-year-old Patrice Taravella bought the “Villa Rinascimentale” (Renaissance villa) and grounds and has begun restoring them to their former glories.

Born to Italian parents in Falaise, Normandy - also the birthplace of William the Conqueror -Taravella studied architecture at the Beaux Arts in Paris.

For twenty years, he worked on various projects - theatres, schools and commercial malls. Before focussing on a new concept : the garden-farm-hotel and creating the Prieure d’Orsan monastic kitchen garden in France’s Berry region and Babylonstoren in the Cape Winelands of South Africa designed in an ecological way, integrating best organic practices with medieval-tapestry-inspired walled gardens.

“The moment I saw Vignamaggio I fell in love with it. Its position in the middle of forests near the source of the Greve river, the 1926 Sanminiatelli garden, box hedges, Lecci (holms) and 300-year-old cypress trees as seen in Sir Kenneth Branagh’s 1993 “Much Ado About Nothing”, the region’s long gardening culture and the estate’s prox-

imity to Florence airport were the main reason to invest money and time in it.”

It is a work in progress and labour of love. A new spa is being built and the villa given a makeover, offering twelve luxury rooms. “I want to create something that has conservation of the past at its heart, while being a farm of the future.

“Vignamaggio’s landscape was adapted by farmers’ necessities. Its beauty was not an objective but a result of hard farming work. This harmony is still recognizable in Chianti. Despite industrialization. My aim is to rescue the landscape and at the same time create an avant-garde farm.

“We have 62 hectares of vines, 5000 olive trees - Frantoio, Leccino, Morailolo ad Pendolino and 12 hectares of orchards.”

The walk to breakfast in the Casolese Sala delle Colazioni is one of the prettiest imaginable. A olive tree -flanked path takes you to your apricot jam “crostata” baked pies, “schiacciata alla Fiorentina” flatbread cake, “torta alla yogurt”, honey tart, plum cake, “torta della nonna” (grandmother’s tart) and “sfogliatelle” stacked leaf pastries.

One of Tuscany’s oldest farming estates (originally called Prenzano), Vignamaggio has been making wine since 1404.

The Gherardinis moved from their Montagliari castle over the valley to Vignamagio in 1421 and lived there until 1831.

Mona Lisa was born in Via Maggio, Florence in 1479 living in various addresses around the city - near the Santa Trinita church, Basilica di Sant Spiriti, Via dei Pepi , near the Franciscan Santa Croce (burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo and Rossini) and over the road

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from Leonard Da Vinci’s father, lawyer Ser Piero. Painter and model may have met in Florence or in Chianti. Lisa may have sat in Vignamaggio. Her family had a home in Poggia.

The oil on white Lombardy poplar in the Louvre and property of the French Republic was probably commissioned by Lisa’s silk merchant husband, Francesco di Bartolomeo di Zanobi dei Giocondo. Probably to celebrate their marriage or her pregnancy. She was his third wife and had five children before dying in Covent d’Osola where she may be buried or in the family crypt in the Basilica della Santissima.

Da Vinci is probably buried in Ambroise castle in the Loire. 2019 is the 500th anniversary of his death. You can visit his childhood home in Vinci. Its castle has a museum.

His unfinished and unpaid for masterpiece was probably painted between 1503-6.

“Monna” means “Madam” or “Mrs” in Italian.

Art historian Georgio Vasari identified Monna Lisa Gherardini daughter of Anton Maria dio Noldo Gherardini as the subject.

Mona Lisa spent a lot of time in Chianti.

In 1716, Grand Duke of Tuscany Cosimo 111 , officially demarcated the Chianti production zone. Chianti is the land between the provinces of Florence and Siena traditionally covering the communities of Castellina, Gaiole, Greve and Radda.

Baron Bettino Ricasoli (who became PM of the Kingdom of Itay) created the recipe of 70% angiovese, 15% Canaiolo and 15% Malvasia Bianca. A true Chianti must be made with at least 80% Sangiovese grapes.

Although “fiascos” (bottles in straw baskets) are now rare.

On the villa tour you see the sundial which stops at midday as it’s on the east side of the hous, the four seasons statues and hear how a black rooster (“gallo nero”) became the region’s symbol. Two medieval knights set off at dawn (cock’s crow) and where they met would be the border. Siena’s white cock slept in and the black one woke early hungry so the Florentine knight had a head start. And Florence got the major share of Chianti. The first grape growers’ consortium was established in 1924.

“Most of our grapes are of course Sangiovese” says agronomist Francesco Naldi.

“Chianti Classico and Chianti are two different wines as Super Tuscan. Gran Selezione must be aged for thirty months.

And Classico Riserva twenty-four.”

“Our flagship wines are Gherardino Reserve (Sangiovese and Merlot) and ruby red Monna Lisa (Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon),” says winemaker Giorgio Marone. “We also make grappa and our amber Vinsanto dessert wine made from Malvasia Lunga and Trebbiano.

the past. Wanting to follow tradition does not mean that you’ve chosen to come to a stop.” www.vignamaggio.com agriturismo@vignamaggio.com www.easyjet.com

“We produce 300,000 bottles a year. We’ve also initiated a vine variety restoration project planting lesser known vines like Occhorososso, Ciliegiolo and the violet Mammolo, restoring the area’s vinicultural heritage.”

Although evolving daily, Vignamaggio is already “a small oasis of biodiversity”, replicating the mixed farming of the Medicis drawn by Bartolomeo Bimbi in the sixteenth century.

Rooms and suites with names like “Gelsomino” (jasmine), “Ciclamino” (cyclamen), Glicine (wisteria) and “Mimosa” are between E190-450. The villa rooms, reached by stone staircases are currently small, spartan , beamed but atmospheric.

There is no fifteenth century loggias, semicircular renaissance “pozzetto” chairs or priceless artwork.

But plenty of winding roads and parapets.

They will be “luxuriated” like the estate’s designer farmhouse rooms with their Merediani couches and Rubinetterie Fioretine bathrooms. Wallpaper is a map of medieval Florence.

Several kilometres up the hill is Lamola, named after the gullies through the Chianti’s “macigno” soil and rock, its famous for its irises – the symbol of Florence. The village used to produce orris root perfume for Catherine d’Medici.

But the stunning Vignamaggio is the place to explore the Via Chiantigiana – its hilltop villages, “pieves” (rural churches with bell towers and baptisteries), chesnut woods, “fossiliferous sites”, Pleistocene hills, “cicina tipica”, abbeys, ceramics, marshlands, medieval fortifications and defensive facades.

And table tennis facilities. And spa treatments.

There’s no eyebrow threading service.

Which is historically accurate, Mona Lisa has no eyebrows. Or eyelashes.

“Our motto is – per bello il giorno – to make your day beautiful. It encapsulates Vignamaggio not only as a place but something to be experienced.”

Adds Taravella: “I’m not trying to re-do

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CASA DELL’OLIO 50022 Greve in Chianti (FI) Italy - Via Petriolo 5 Phone: +39 055 854661 Fax: +39 055 8544468 Email: agriturismo@vignamaggio.com

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By Heléne Ramackers Photographs courtesy of Dulini and by Heléne Ramackers

Cradled in the surrounding majesty of age-old ebony trees, Dulini River Lodge is a homecoming second to none, with unsurpassed views of the majestic Sand River from every vantage point. Six opulent suites are testament that the lap of luxury is an integral necessity of a well-deserved safari.

“More rosettes everyone?” guide Justin Hall asks, as though we are ordering from a menu. Eyes veiled behind sunglasses, I can hardly contain my excitement.

Four affirmations are all that’s required. Unbeknownst to us, we have the fortitude of a leopard whisperer in our midst.

While Justin is busy explaining the human track marks in the sand in front of our vehicle, our leopard whisperer points to the right, where out of the long grass, the Ravenscourt male leopard makes his appearance.

in search of her, but don’t spot her. Leopards are notorious tree-climbers, and Basile is no different as they look up to see her suspended on a tree branch directly above them.

Today, it’s the turn of the Basile female leopardess, and her majestic beauty can’t possibly be described; it has to be experienced in person. How she evaded us is a mystery, but having driven straight past her, she suddenly appears right in our peripheral vision. She is moving through an open clearing when she unexpectedly disappears into the thicket. Justin and tracker Dyke Ndlovu exit the vehicle

I have often fantasized about a life in the bush, away from the city and the routine humdrum of everyday life. Substituting pollution for fresh air, wide open spaces, animals, yes animals. And the best of the best in accommodation. I have stayed at many such places where it’s been so ‘wow’ that I’ve vowed to return. But this time, it’s different. I cannot stop thinking about this place. It has liter-

We conclude our morning game drive with the Dewane leopard, scarred from many battles, he careens down the tree stump to find solace in the shade. It’s rumored that he is being pushed out of his territory by younger and stronger males, vying for dominance.

DULINI RIVER LODGE SABI SAND, SOUTH AFRICA

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ally and figuratively gotten under my skin. I would happily become a ‘stowaway’ here, but they will obviously find me as there are only six lavish suites.

It’s not only about the lodgings and everything that comes with it; it’s also about the people. They’re just so incredibly congenial. Co-owners Iain and Sue Garratt are proof that life in the bush is a calling, having come full circle and ending up at Dulini again after a hiatus of eight years.

“Growing up in Durban,” Iain recounts, “we used to migrate to the bush during the holidays to avoid the stampede at the Coast. As a young boy aged nine, the bush left an indelible impression on me – the freedom of adventure coupled with the privilege of exploring the bush on our own terms.

At that age, the more I learnt and read up about this wondrous eco-system we have of wilderness, the more it captured my heart because it all made sense; everything had its purpose, its reason and season. I just saw a perfect balance and purpose in all of that and knew there and then that I would be in this environment.”

Once Iain had completed his schooling, followed by his South African army service, he returned to the bush, starting off as a guide. With an innate yearning for more knowledge, Iain studied Conservation Ecology and Resource Management, with his honors in Resource Management and Statistics with a thesis on pangolins. “During this time, I was working with my parents to manage and set up the farm that is now Dulini, which was then owned by the mining group Gencor, utilized as a very exclusive corporate camp.”

With romance the furthest thing from Iain’s mind, he met his wife, Sue, who was a guest at another lodge. “It was love at first sight,” they both say in unison. Sue put her career as a school teacher on the back burner and started a life with Iain in the bush, working together at Dulini, taking over the commercial component. With years of history and a firm friendship with Dulini role-players, Iain and Sue said goodbye to the bush, purchased a macadamia farm in White River while Sue went back to teaching.

“We thought our season in the bush was over; we had had the most incredible innings. Little did we know that in 2010, when we were on holiday with our long-standing friends and Dulini partners Mick and Barbara Davis, Mick put a proposal to me to partner with him in establishing our own wildlife retreat in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect, as both families were ready to invest in terms of lifestyles and finances. So, in 2012 we were blessed to reacquire Dulini, which was the most incredible coming home.”

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And so, Dulini was once again in the hands of Iain and Sue and they took over operations in Febru-ary 2013. With the success of Dulini Lodge, came the interest of the Gutknecht family of Switzerland who also dreamt of their own bush escape and approached Iain and Mick to find them an equivalent property. Thus, the Dulini Collection was born with

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the addition of River Lodge and Leadwood Lodge in 2016. The Dulini ship is faring well with sustainability on both the business and operational ends. The realization of a dream for both the Garratt and Davis families, has culminated in making The Dulini Collection the destination of choice it is today.

We are dining under the enormous sausage tree this afternoon, served the most scrumptious lunch, consisting of spring rolls, sticky ribs and salad. Each and every meal is succulently prepared with care and perfection. Our lantern-lit Boma dinner is beautifully set next to a roaring fire, with song and dance by the Dulini choir. The food is exceptional, with all the delicacies you can imagine enjoying while on safari.

Let’s talk about my sumptuous suite for a moment. It can only be described as heavenly.

Imagine an enormous four-poster bed, with the softest white bedding, billowing mosquito nets, a gigantic bathroom with a freestanding bath overlooking the river, double vanities, an inside and outside shower, an outside deck with loungers, a plunge pool, a writing desk and a dressing area. I could easily stay here forever.

The structural refurbishment of River Lodge was the combined genius of architect Rob Marneweck and Paul Swart from Marneweck Swart Architects. “When we conceived the idea to transform the original building, which was very linear and offered a delayed view of the river,” Iain explains, “we wanted to turn the whole building sideways so that from the point of arrival, guests would see the entire grandeur, the spectacle of the river and the big trees. Incorporating the theme ‘A River Runs Through It’, I believe we attained that, and so much more.”

Design elements throughout River Lodge encapsulate the river system; the textures, colors, feel and especially the views. Not wanting to overwhelm guests with what they’ve built, but rather to fashion an end product so comfortable, the environment comes out as the hero.

The luxuriating factor is key in all areas,

from the suites where every single thing was thought of – even a dental kit should you have left home without your toothbrush, to the game drive vehicles, which take a maximum of six guests to the eye-catching Ardmore pillows in the lounge area. The maxim of ‘we provide everything a guest could possibly want without ever having to ask for it’ rings true at River Lodge.

The Ardmore pillows are so striking that even the leopards make a play for them, Sue tells us at dinner. Good taste must be evident for these cat burglars. Together with decorator Almi Prinsloo of Amalia Interiors and Front Door in White River, Sue ensured that local talent and artists were utilized, without forfeiting on local style, whilst reflecting international trends.

“Iain and I believe that our style of hospitality should inform the form and function of interiors. Comfort is the foundation of the lavish luxury we offer our guests and hence, relaxation is guaranteed, and a sense of indulgent homecoming is achieved. River Lodge reflects the magnificence of its riverine setting with the tranquil shades of sand and granite punctuated with shots of aqua.”

Apart from the magnificent stay at River Lodge, game viewing was astonishing, and I certainly got my ‘leopard fix’. I still daydream about the illustrious Tlangisa and her cub, playing on the rocks in the dry riverbed. This is contemporary comfort without compromise. Don’t take my word for it. Come see for yourself.

Views expressed are the author’s own.

Thank you to Gillian Gernetzky from Nicky Arthur PR for making the arrangements and to Iain and Sue Garratt for their wonderful hospitality. https://www.dulini.com/river-lodge

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HOW TO GET THERE: Airlink is a privately owned Airline business. As a Regional Feeder Airline, Airlink offers a wide network of regional and domestic flights within Southern Africa and operates as a franchisee to SAA. Connecting City to Bush: Experience the heart of the African bush with daily direct flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Nelspruit KMIA as well as the iconic Skukuza Airport, gateway to the Timbavati, Sabi Sand, the Kruger national Park, Phinda and the private game lodges.

A unique 20-minute airside transfer connects you onward to the doorstep of your safari destination on Airlink’s Lodge Link service to Ngala, Ulusaba, Arathusa, Londolozi and Phinda Airstrips. You also have the freedom to enjoy a short open safari vehicle transfer from the Phinda, Ngala, Ulusaba and Arathusa Airstrips to adjoining private game lodges in the reserve.

A short air transfer from the lodge airstrips or Skukuza Airport to Nelspruit KMIA connects you conveniently to Livingstone (Zambia) and Vilanculos (Mozambique), gateway to the Bazaruto and Benguerra Islands.

Connectivity: Through our alliance with SAA travelers can connect conveniently with SAA, their Partner airlines and other carriers throughout Southern Africa and the world.

Frequent Flyer Programme: Airlink is a member of South African Airways (SAA) Loyalty programme - Voyager.

Website: www.flyairlink.com Flight Bookings: online, booking agent or SAA Central Reservations +27 11 978 1111.

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By Tim Cotroneo

In Mexico’s uber-exclusive Punta Mita community, the new oceanfront Casa Tesoro residence feels like it invented getting away from it all. Tesoro takes breathing room to new heights with its five buildings, seven bedrooms, and 30,000-square feet of indoor-outdoor living.

Casa Tesoro guests are inspired by a vibe and a view that soars from a bluff overlooking your own private cove. This treasure of a luxury residence delivers a Riviera Nayarit ambiance that feels like oxygen for the soul.

Guests revel in indoor/outdoor living, multi-level infinity pools, fire pits, and rock formations that are one with nature. The reasons for choosing Casa Tesoro are too many to count, but let’s try.

THE SETTING Tesoro’s blufftop location stands above one of the most private enclaves in all of Punta Mita.

This Euro meets Mexico megavilla offers the perfect backdrop for enjoying vacation time. Punta Mita is a destination in which the sun, sand, ocean breezes, and tropical landscapes converge.

Punta Mita vacationers enjoy almost 10 miles of coastline.

The intimacy of this former fishing village has been transformed into a spectacular resort and residential community covering more

than 1,500 acres. Punta Mita sits on a spear-shaped peninsula surrounded on three sides by white sand beaches, Pacific Ocean waters, and lush tropical flora.

The gated master-planned community of Punta Mita offers FiveStar hotels, exclusive residences, and an array of world-class recreational amenities, including two Jack Nicklaus-designed championship golf courses. Vacationers decompress in an upscale “beach-chic” lifestyle.

THE VIEW Tesoro’s architecture places a premium on comfortable outdoor living while connecting with Punta Mita’s one-of-a-kind surroundings. The superb climate of this region was the key determining factor for creating Tesoro as the perfect place for an al fresco style of living.

Ultimately, Tesoro’s Pacific Ocean views offer guests a game-changing ambiance for unwinding, entertaining, and thrilling to this extraordinary window on the

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Cuisine options include Mexican, Italian, Asian-Fusion, Mediterranean, American, and other international specialties. The fresh fish and seafood offerings are unparalleled and personally selected by the chef from the local fish market each morning. Casa Tesoro also has its own custom-designed brick pizza oven.

world. Whale watching, surfing, and simply indulging in the panoramic scenery is in a word: priceless.

THE ACCOMMODATIONS Tesoro’s expansive suites all point toward maximizing relaxation, sublime slumber, and offer as much privacy as you desire.

Choices include three oceanfront master suites, two ocean view guest suites, and two garden view guest suites.

Each suite includes a private balcony, Four Seasons Hotel signature mattresses, mini bar, indoor and outdoor showers, bathtubs, and ultra-high speed WiFi. TESORO LIVING AND AMENITIES With its emphasis on seamless indoor/ outdoor living, Casa Tesoro leaves no stone unturned when it comes to living space and fingertip amenities.

Covered oceanfront terraces give way to ceiling-high glass doors, infinity pools,

comfortable seating, and fine dining.

A massive Chef ’s kitchen is perfect for enttaining. Tesoro is a wine lover’s dream with a plethora of cellars and coolers.

Sensory indulgences range from largescale televisions, audio systems, a 150inch theater system, and your own disco with bar and DMX lights.

Further Tesoro pleasures include a spa with steam, jacuzzi, massage table, an in-house salon and a yoga/cardio room.

There’s even a kids’ room and babysitting service.

AT YOUR SERVICE In addition to your own butler, Tesoro also includes Chef Jose Manuel to address your every culinary need. The Tesoro Chef connects with locally available ingredients to add a modern twist to classic dishes. Organic produce and the bounty of fresh local seafood are the staples that have shaped Manuel’s own personal style.

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If you’d like to take advantage of Punta Mita’s world-class dining options, Tesoro is just a five-minute drive from the Four Seasons and St. Regis luxury resorts featuring 12 restaurants combined. Your butler can arrange transportation to suit your off-property needs.

THE BEACH Tesoro guests enjoy direct ocean access from an adjacent beach, as well as an incredible under-the-radar snorkeling spot. From your living room you’re steps away from an oceanfront, 60-foot heated multi-level swimming pool with submerged lounge seating.

Your casa is a whale watchers dream. Punta Mita’s humpback whale watching season begins in December and continues through the end of March. From Tesoro’s elevated perch, guests thrill to a birds-eye view of the whale migration and their spontaneous water show. You’ll even find a telescope in Tesoro’s living room.

TREASURE IN PUNTA MITA Tesoro is the Spanish word for “treasure.” Positioned at the top of a secluded bluff overlooking a private cove, Casa Tesoro delivers a treasure trove of reasons why it’s Punta Mita’s best escape for getting away from it all. https://www.casatesoro.com/

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“Exclusive Interview with Alain Bullo” General Manager of the Hotel Londra Palace

By Deve Sanford Photographs courtesy Londra Palace

Situated on one of most idyllic waterfronts imaginable, The Londra Palace combines the charm and luxury of a historic Venetian hotel with all the comfort of the latest services and amenities. The magnificent, Relais & Châteaux property is located on the Riva degli Schiavoni and is only steps away from some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Piazza San Marco and the Bridge of Sighs.

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etting around is quick and effortless as the hotel is located directly opposite an embarkation point for taxis, public water buses and their very own private boat. Built over 140 years ago in 1853, the hotel was first known as the Hotel d’Angleterre & Pension and then the Londres. Today the Londra has 53 rooms all boasting beautiful, enchanting views of the city. Every area of the hotel has been purposefully designed to evoke emotions of well-being and has become the perfect sanctuary for those craving an authentic ambience.

Remaining true to its rich heritage, the hotel’s restaurant, Do Leoni is among the finest in Venice with Chef Loris Indri’s interpretation of authentic local cuisine.

The meeting place for artists, intellectuals and travelers alike the Londra has hosted a long lists of notable guests. The Russian composer, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, who composed the first three movements of

his Symphony No. 4, originally entitled the “Do Leoni”, stayed in room 106 on December 1877. Other prominent visitors have included the Argentinian poet Jorge Luis Borges and the Russian poet and essayist Joseph Brodsky, winner of the Nobel Prize for literature.

Every great recipe has its own secret and for the Londra Palace, the dashing general manager, Alain Bullo is the key ingredient. Though he’d rather insists himself to be a “conductor” of a very well oiled machine, he humbly admits that he’s only as good as his staff. Known for his magnetic smile and strong principles seeped deep in hospitality; he values the luxury of simplicity above all. His connection to the property is one made of childhood fairytales, when his father a Venetian and a concierge at the Londra Palace for over fifty years, and his mother, a Frenchwoman, met in this hotel.

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Interview with Mr. Alain Bullo General Manager of Londra Hotel Venice How did you get started in the hospitality industry?

I started more than twenty years ago. I finished my studies in foreign language and literature in Venice and then went on to university for my masters, studying business tourism administration. At the time my father was working in the hotel business so I said, I will never work in the hotel business. The moral of the story is never say never.

Is the Londra Palace part of a hotel group?

It is a private owned hotel but is affiliated with Relais & Châteaux.

How many rooms does the Londra have?

We have 53 rooms, all appointed differently and what is really nice here is that most of the rooms face the lagoon, and the others that are on the back still have a spectacular view of the beautiful city of Venice.

I understand that you have a very famous restaurant on property?

Yes, it’s called Do Leone which in Venetian means, the two lions. In the lobby of the hotel we have a letter that Tchaikovsky wrote when he stayed at the hotel and during his stay he worked on what would become the Symphony No. 4 but it originally it was entitled “Do Leoni.”

What is your ongoing strategy and vision for the hotel?

We became a five star hotel roughly two years ago, but in truth we’ve always been a five star hotel. Little by little we try to improve each day.

We are not a large hotel so it really comes down to details, authenticity and atmosphere. This is why for example, we keep small touches like having a key, because we want to maintain that interaction and guests really enjoy it.

Who is the Londra Palace guest?

It’s couples in love, families, it’s everyone. We seek people that want to feel at home but want a sense of luxury too.

How would you describe the Londra Palace to someone that has never visited?

The Palace is modern and it’s classical. It has all the elements that you would expect in a Venetian home. Before you open the windows and see the beautiful view, you already know you are in Venice.

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The Best 7 Rental Villas in north america | By JARONE ASHKENAZI | Photos courtesy of each Villa

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herever your travels may take you, travelers search for that special place that merges something new and different with comfort. A place to rest their heads and take a much-needed respite from their busy lives and escape into a luxurious paradise.

There are all types of hotels and resorts around the USA, but sometimes you want more of a home conducive to a larger family or group of friends. These villas across the USA provide a unique blend of privacy, luxury, bespoke amenities and more for you to plan your special vacation.

THE LODGE AT SPRUCE PEAK STOWE, VT

Spruce Peak is Stowe’s only slope-side destination and is open year-round providing guests to enjoy outdoor activities such as alpine skiing and snowboarding in the winter to mountain biking and fly fishing in spring and summer. Spruce Peak affords over 300 guest-stay options from suites to penthouses, club residences and mountain cabins. The Lodge at Spruce Peak offers guests a fleet of Mercedes to tour the countryside and those who stay in a Penthouse or Rental retreats can make use of such amenities as a dedicated concierge assistance, daily continental breakfast so much more. The five-bedroom 4,500sf homesite is three stories and showcases floor-to-ceiling windows showing stunning views of Spruce Peak Village and Mt. Mansfield. Guests also have access to the Adventure Center, skating rink, community pool, shopping and Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center.

SKY VILLA

SUNSET MARQUIS VILLA RESORT LOS ANGELES, CA

PARK CITY, UT

Centrally located between Beverly Hills, Hollywood, downtown Los Angeles and the beaches, Sunset Marquis Hotel in West Hollywood offers 152 luxurious suites and villas along with an indoor/outdoor restaurant, Cavatina, the iconic Bar 1200, two heated pools and a spa. Within 3.5 acres of lush gardens and private retreats, their two-bedroom Villas, Grand Villas, and the Presidential Villa provide a secluded getaway with private elevators, kitchens, dining rooms perfect for entertaining visitors, complimentary access to Equinox Health Club and more. The two-story, threebedroom Presidential Villa encompasses 3,200 square feet and features a private screening room, among other luxury amenities.

High on the mountain at Canyons Resort, Sky Villa gives guests unparalleled ski-in/ski-out access and includes a private concierge service.

Offering the privacy of a vacation home with the amenities of a luxury lodge, floor-to-ceiling windows offer uninterrupted views of the surrounding mountains and includes a family room with a multitude of games like billiards, foosball and more. Along with a fitness facility, sauna and a convenient ski locker room, guests at Sky Villa get to take advantage of a private hot tub, heated pool and barbecue grill during the warmer months. All of the six bedrooms provide gorgeous mountain views and the villa is just a 15-minute drive to Main Street Park City.

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GATEWAY CANYONS RESORT & SPA

THE RITZ-CARLTON, BACHELOR GULCH

With 58 guest rooms and suites and 14 Palisade Casitas, Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa edges the Colorado/Utah border and is cradled in the shadow of the Experience Palisade rock formation. The world’s first and only discovery resort – created to nourish guests’ curiosity through the art of discovery and adventure within a naturally intriguing environment – allows guests to experience numerous adventure activities like being near the highest concentrations of dinosaur fossils on the planet. Ranging from 875-2,074sf of luxurious living, the Palisade Casitas boast custom furnishings, outdoor showers, private decks with fire pits and personalized service from a Casita Butler during their stay. Guests also get to enjoy other amenities like a reserved cabana at the Palisade Casita Pool, private in-room dining and spa services and private tours of the Gateway Colorado Auto Museum.

Surrounded by a legendary landscape delivering picturesque views of the ski slopes, The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch is an unrivaled ski-in/ski-out access resort tucked into the enclave of Beaver Creek, along with a luxury spa and multiple distinct dining experiences including an exclusive, private dining experience at Anderson’s Cabin tucked into the woods, choose from one of their 180 lodge-inspired accommodations including suites and residences. Accessed by a private elevator and providing exclusive use to the 9th floor, the Four Bedroom Penthouse encompasses 3,125sf with two spacious balconies and a chef style kitchen. Offering Vail valley views and custom-designed wood doors and millwork throughout, the penthouse includes a large great room with rock fireplace at the helm of the living and dining area, oversized soaking tubs in the bathrooms and exclusive Asprey bath amenities.

PRONGHORN VILLA

WAILEA BEACH VILLAS

Surrounded by 20,000 acres of federally protected land amidst a 1,000-year-old Juniper forest, Pronghorn Club and Resort is situated on 640 pristine acres at the eastern base of the Cascade Mountains. Along with a selection of suites and lodges, Pronghorn offers: Estates and Pronghorn, Four Peaks, Residences, the Huntington Lodge, two premier golf courses and villas. with large patios, cozy fire pits and trellised walkways, the villas at Pronghorn provide luxurious residential accommodations.

These one-of-a-kind townhomes range from 2,700-4,700ft on the interior and offers guests a wide variety of adventures like the bike ride and catered picnic and are situated along the 18th hole of the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course with remarkable views of the Cascade Mountains.

Nestled on the stunning Wailea Beach, the Wailea Beach Villas offers Maui condo rentals among a private sanctuary and tropical oasis of waterfalls, exotic gardens and tiki-lit pathways. The private villa resort features 98 villas with a private oceanfront infinity pool is situated amongst worldclass spas, championship golf courses and more. The furnished multimillion-dollar villas allow visitors to relax and enjoy a vacation of splendor alongside the beautiful blue of the ocean just outside their windows. With open floor plans and options for units up to 3,100sf, guests can cook up a storm in their gourmet kitchen or enjoy the private lanai with Viking barbecue grill. A three-night minimum is requited and each villa comes with a personal housekeeping attendant.

GATEWAY, CO

BEAVER CREEK, CO

BEND, OR

MAUI, HI

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MOST LUXURIOUS HOTELS IN LAKE COMO | By Nicole Trilivas | Photos courtesy of each hotel

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ake Como has always been desirable. Though first celebrated during the Roman Empire, it was the fourteenth- and fifteenth-century aristocracy who crafted the iconic lakeside villas and dreamy palazzos that are still coveted today. Later, came the Hollywood royalty and celebrity designers, adding a sense of fashion to this sleepy-but-noble piece of paradise. And now, with the emergence of a slew of chic new hotels, Lago di Como has all but guaranteed itself a glamorous future. Ready to find out what all the fuss is about? From the legendary oldworld hotels to the buzzy bijou newcomers, here’s where to stay to live it up on Italy’s most lavish lake.

GRAND HOTEL TREMEZZO Arguably Lake Como’s most prestigious hotel, the exclusive and family-owned Grand Hotel Tremezzo boasts over-the-top luxury that still feels comfortable and inviting. With five restaurants and bars, three pools, a chic spa, and gorgeous lake views of Bellagio, this swoon-worthy property will not disappoint. With remarkable service on top of the amenities, it’s no surprise that this hotel makes constant appearances on best-of lists.

IL SERENO With youthful, modern appeal and an understated-but-cool aesthetic, Il Sereno ushers Lake Como into the modern era. The all-suite, contemporary resort also boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant, Ristorante Berton Al Lago, which surprisingly, is somewhat of a rarity in this exclusive area.

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VISTA PALAZZO LAGO DI COMO The newest addition to the town of Como, VISTA Palazzo Lago di Como is defined by chic interiors and boutique stylishness. The property’s 18 bathrooms—lavishly covered in marble in peaceful hues like seafoam green and pale yellow—just may be the prettiest in all of Lake Como.

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VILLA SOLA CABIATI

Picture Renaissance gardens, sweeping staircases suited for Disney princesses, and a pool that floats atop the lake and you’ll get Villa d’Este. Dating back to 1568, this property is considered one of Lake Como’s grande dame hotels and has the guest list to prove it.

When a hotel just won’t suffice, the gorgeous and private Baroquestyle Villa Sola Cabiati should be booked immediately. Under the watchful management of Grand Hotel Tremezzo, this completely private villa is stocked with a full staff and endless luxuries for you and your eleven best friends.

MANDARIN ORIENTAL LAGO DI COMO

VILLA PLINIANA

(Coming Spring 2019) - Set between a lush botanical garden and the lakefront, the nostalgically glitzy CastaDiva Resort is set for a spring rebrand and revamp, which will transform it into the Mandarin Oriental Lago di Como. The property will be an excellent complement to the nearby Mandarin Oriental Milan, one of the city’s most extraordinary and tasteful properties.

Another member of the Sereno hotels group is Villa Pliniana, a sixteenth-century private estate sat lakeside on a whopping 18 acres.

The palazzo comes with 18 bedrooms, dedicated staff, private boat dock and helicopter landing pad, and the kind of romantic interiors that will make your head spin. Recently, it played host to a Dolce & Gabbana fashion show after party.

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“Exclusive Interview with Matthias Schmid” Emirates Senior Vice President North America

By Deve Sanford Photographs courtesy Emirates Airlines

For 14 years and counting Emirates Airlines has been named as the World’s Best Airline for InFlight Entertainment by travelers. Operating almost exclusively through its hub at Dubai International Airport, it has developed into one of the globe’s premier long-haul carriers. Emirates boasts the largest fleet of Airbus A380 superjumbo and Boeing 777 wide-body jets on the globe and is recognized for its state-of-the-art inflight entertainment system, including a wide array of on-demand video and music options. Persistent with their reputation, Emirates prepares for the future by embracing new trends in luxury travel, while building on its past, of providing a level of service that only one of world’s best airlines can provide.

Please share your background and what led you to pursue a career with Emirates?

I was born in Zurich and throughout my career have worked and lived in six different countries on three continents. The global and ever transitioning nature of the travel industry felt like a natural fit.

My career in the airline industry spans over 20 years. I have held numerous managerial and executive positions for different airlines such as Swissair and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines before joining the team at Emirates Airline.

I joined my career with Emirates in Vienna, Austria when Emirates launched the daily service between Dubai and Vienna and from there moved to the corporate head quarter in Dubai for 4 years before I assumed

my role here in North America. The main motivator to join Emirates was the opportunity to actively contribute to the growth of Emirates which has been indeed quite an adventure considering that we had 90 aircraft in our fleet when I joined and today operate a fleet of more than 250 aircraft.

What do you enjoy most about your career in the aviation industry?

Every job has its benefits and challenges. I first started in Europe and then got transferred to Dubai where I had a more global strategic role. I was then transferred to the U.S. five and half years ago. One of the aspects I enjoy most about my career is the rapid changing nature of the aviation industry and how to adapt to this growth and manage the organization along the way.

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in the air. We listen carefully to our customers, and then relentlessly challenge ourselves to deliver and exceed expectations.

In 2018, our offering across all three classes has grown – we continue to enhance our inflight travel experience and push the boundaries of innovation. We also expanded our global network, offering greater choice for our customers by introducing new destinations, as well as layering on services to existing points.

In addition to our rich product offerings and expansive route network, Emirates remains at the forefront of technology as we continue to embrace new technologies to reach and interact with our customers in new and innovative ways.

When I first joined the U.S. team, we had just started this massive expansion from six gateways with 49 weekly flights, to now 12 gateways with over 100 weekly flights. This was such an eye opening experience to not only manage this growth but make sure we were managing the organization in a way that was sustainable.

enclosed First Class Suite on some of our Boeing 777s. It offers a truly luxurious experience with your own private hotel room 40,000 feet in the sky. Game-changing technology includes temperature controls and mood lighting, an industry first with virtual windows, and soft leather seating reminiscent of a Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

The airline industry is one of the fastest moving and most dynamic industries with very thin margins which makes the management of this business a challenge every single day.

Why is it so important to have these wow factors?

At Emirates, we believe the most important thing is for travelers to enjoy the flight and want to fly with us time again. We want travelers to view the flight as something they look forward to and not a journey they need to endure before a holiday or business trip.

With the first class suites, showers and the lounge, do you think Emirates set the bar on how other airlines view passenger experiences?

At Emirates, we are always in pursuit of excellence when it comes to delivering the best experience possible to our customers, both onground and on-board. This includes tailoring our product offering to the particular markets in which we operate. This is a clear positive in terms of customer experience.

Emirates always tries to exceed customer expectations and this is evident in our innovative ways. As an airline, we’ve had many firsts that have set us apart from the rest. We were the first airline to install personal video systems in all classes in 1992, first airline to equip entire Airbus fleet with in-flight phones in 1993 or the first airline to allow passengers to use their own mobile phone for calls and SMS in 2008. But what really propelled the airline and brand were being the first to order the industry game-changing A380 and then fit it out with our iconic on board Lounge and Shower Spa. What also makes us stand apart is our attention to every detail in the products and services we offer throughout a customers’ journey.

From the first class suites, onboard showers and onboard lounges, we are always pushing innovation. We recently introduced the fully

When you fly Emirates, the experience is never ordinary. Since we first took off it’s been our philosophy to offer something different, something better, no matter the class you’re flying in. That’s why we’ve invested so much in having a good product - which wins us numerous awards, and more critically, wins us new customers and loyal fans. This means flying young and modern aircraft that are efficient to operate, and kitting it out with the latest on board features to ensure our customers get the best value and experience. It means investing continually in product enhancements to stay ahead of what our customers expect – not just our airport lounges, on board seats and cabin ambience, but also the “softer” aspects such as service, amenity kit bags, fine wines and spirits, quality food prepared by gourmet chefs, free Wi-Fi, Live TV on board, etc.…

What do you feel is the most overlooked aspects of a passengers experience on board and how is Emirates addressing this?

Emirates has always put our customers at the heart of what we do, and we work hard to deliver the very best experience possible to our customers at every touchpoint, every day, all around the world. We constantly invest in our product and services, both on the ground and

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Emirates’ culinary experience on board was also refurbished in 2018 as refreshed our spirits offering across all classes with a range of premium brands. Spirits on board are served complimentary across all classes and routes and include a range of whiskeys, cognacs, gins, vodka and flavoured liqueurs amongst others.

The new selection was made by an in-house team of experts who spent two years working directly with suppliers to curate the brand new spirits offering. Emirates has invested in long term partnerships with some of the world’s best brands resulting in the finest spirits as well as exclusive selections available on board.

Emirates’ new spirits menu is an extensive offering of over 30 new spirits and liqueurs served across all classes. The spirits complement Emirates’ world class offering of over 80 fine wines and champagnes served across its network daily.

On the technology and innovation front, in 2018, Emirates introduced 3D seat models on emirates.com, becoming the first airline to introduce web virtual reality (VR) technology on its digital platform. The 3D seat model is a visualisation engine that displays an immersive 3D 360 degree view of the interior of the Emirates A380 and the Emirates Boeing 777, giving customers a chance to explore their seats, the spacious cabin and the Emirates onboard product. This new feature available on emirates. com allows users to navigate through the Economy, Business and First Class cabins, as well as the iconic Onboard Lounge and Shower Spa on the Emirates A380 using navigational hotspots.

Tell us about Emirates’ new partnership with FlyDubai.

In July 2017, Emirates announced its extensive partnership with flydubai. Both airlines have continued to be managed independently, but leverage each other’s network to scale up their operations and accelerate growth.

The innovative partnership goes beyond

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code-sharing and includes integrated network collaboration with coordinated scheduling. The new model will give flydubai customers seamless connectivity to Emirates’ worldwide destinations spanning six continents. For Emirates’ customers, it opens up flydubai’s robust regional network.

Emirates further developed its partnership with flydubai, offering customers even more benefits as both airlines combined their loyalty programs under Emirates Skywards. Customers also enjoy new flight choices as Emirates and flydubai continued to leverage their complementary networks to optimize flight schedules and offer new city-pair connections through Dubai, as well as open new routes including Kinshasa (Congo), Krakow (Poland), and Catania (Italy) in the first half of 2018-19.

In such a competitive industry, what are Emirates plans to stay competitive and innovative within this airline industry?

The challenges facing the industry have become increasingly complex, however we will go into 2019 with a renewed sense of confidence in the global market environment, and more importantly, we continue to create a robust foundation for our future ambitions as an airline.

Our strategy remains the same – we will focus on our own organic growth, work with partners to offer even better services and connect city pairs that make commercial sense for tourism and trade, while delivering the best value-for-money experience for our customers. Ensuring that we are consistent on that promise will always be key.

We are also progressing our longer-term digital transformation plans to ensure our business is future fit and in line with changing consumer behavior.

How do you think Emirates has become one of the world’s most respected brands in aviation?

The success of Emirates, so far, has been a sum total of many attributes. We invest strategically in building our brand and it is reflected in everything that we do. We have differentiated the Emirates brand not only through our marketing and sponsorships initiatives, but also through our competitive combination of quality products and services, and technology-driven customer initiatives that our teams deliver everyday both on the ground and on board.

We spoke about our product which is key to our success in question 4. Our business model is to connect Dubai to the world, and connect the world through Dubai with efficient air transport services. Dubai’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and Asia, has been at the foundation of Emirates’ success in building up a global hub for travelers and cargo. From Dubai, we are able to serve about

one-third of the world’s population within a four-hour flying radius, two-thirds of the world’s population within an eight-hour flying radius, and almost 90% of the world’s population with non-stop flights using the latest ultra-long range aircraft. Emirates continue to add new routes and destinations, connecting more people with more places globally.

Last but not least, it’s our people. Emirates’ workforce reflects the diverse mix of global talent that can be found in Dubai. We recruit and retain the best people from around the world, and we’re very proud of our team of passionate men and women who hail from 160 nations, bringing together the best insights and practices from around the world to contribute to our success.

What does your growth plan entail for the Emirates’ US network?

We’re looking at opportunities and always consider, trying to grow further. Our focus is on connectivity of the US market with Dubai and then continuing on to other parts of the world.

Any new distribution strategies for the US and have you seen a steady increase in US corporate contracts?

We actively manage our distribution portfolio on an ongoing basis in order to maximize the contribution of each of the segments while keeping a strong focus on our distribution cost. We aligned our commercial organization over the past years in order to better serve our strategic distribution channels and provide expertise service to our key accounts in each of the channels.

The development of corporate revenue is a key strategic focus for us and we have made significant progress during the past years. We have a very targeted approach to “hunt” new accounts and “farm” existing accounts and work very closely with our distribution partners to identify opportunities and design products that meet the requirements of our corporate customers.

With 12 online gateways in North America, more than 90 US cities that we connect with our partners JetBlue and Alaska Airlines, a leading product and global network we believe that we offer an ideal product for our corporate travelers.

TRAVEL

At this time, we don’t have any new routes to announce, but we are always exploring the potential for new destinations where we know there is a demand for our services.

What will be Emirates role in Expo 2020?

Emirates is the Official Airline Partner of Expo 2020 Dubai.

Emirates has installed three different decal designs to reflect the different themes of Expo 2020- namely opportunity, mobility and sustainability. The theme of the first decal installed was ‘mobility’ which also relates to Emirates’ role as a connector of people, places and opportunities, as the airline links over 150 destinations in 84 countries to, from, and via its hub in Dubai.

The main theme of Expo 2020 Dubai also revolves around ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ and Emirates is championing this vision throughout the new Expo 2020 decals that are installed on Emirates’ aircraft.

Emirates dedicated a total of 40 aircraft from its fleet, both Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s, to be emblazoned with the dedicated Expo 2020 decals starting in 2017 through to the end of Expo 2020 Dubai. In addition, all aircraft in Emirates’ fleet will also carry a new Expo 2020 nose decal.

The Expo 2020 decal installed by the Emirates Aircraft Appearance Centre is one of the largest decals to be applied on an Emirates Boeing 777 aircraft. It is also the first time that the surface area on top of the aircraft has been covered by a decal. The Expo decal applied on the Boeing 777 covers over 40% of the aircraft fuselage surface area. The design spans over 37.8 meters in length and 12 meters in width. The decal was designed, printed and installed by Emirates’ in-house graphic shop team. It took a team of 6 staff over 84 hours to complete the decal installation.

One word to describe future flights with Emirates?

Better.

Is there a strategy in place to grow partnerships and collaborations with US carriers?

At this time, we don’t have any new partnerships or collaborations to announce, but we are always looking at new possibilities based on business and bringing choice to markets.

Any new planned routes that will be launched in 2019?

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RESTAURANTS

The 19 Most Influential Restaurants in the World | By Jarone Ashkenazi | Photos courtesy of each restaurant

R

estaurants come and go, but some stand the test of time and offer something truly unique and awe-inspiring that leave diners speechless and satiated. Restaurants on this list in one way or another – creating new cuisines, crafting new dishes, pushing the boundaries of conventional cooking – have had some influence on the food and restaurant landscape over the past 30 years. From masterful grilling to fine dining and experimental cooking, here are the 20 most influential restaurants of the last 30 years.

ALINEA RESTAURANT CHICAGO, USA Serving fun and provocative dishes, Alinea uses the unique ‘Tock’ booking system, so diners need to buy a ‘ticket’ in advance of the meal. After a renovation in 2016, chef Grant Achatz and restaurateur Nick Kokona invite diners into one of their three unique and distinct experiences: the Gallery, the Salon, and the Alinea Kitchen Table. At the first-floor Gallery, guests can enjoy a multi-sensory 16-to-18 course menu that combines fine dining with experimental moments while the Salon offers a 10-14 course tasting menu and the Alinea Kitchen Table is an intimate six-person kitchen table immersive experience.

L’ARPEGE RESTAURANT

HUSK RESTAURANT

PARIS, FRANCE

Following receiving three Michelin stars in 1996, it has maintained all three ever since. Chef-owner Alain Passard cooks at the restaurant everyday featuring haute cuisine végétale with grand cru vegetables, fruits and herbs. Sourced from his biodynamic farm in Sarthe or two gardens in Eure and Manch, food is delievered to the restaurant daily.

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CHARLESTON, SC, USA Offering food of the South, Husk is located in historic downtown Charleston dishes from James Beard Award-winning Chef Sean Brock.

Set within a complex dating to the late 19th century and an ingredientdriven cuisine indigenous to the South, Husk offers new Southern cuisine with a modern approach. In the Victorian mansion, wood-fire cooking is a hallmark but the menu is ever-changing as Brock crafts menus throughout the day, responding to what local purveyors are supplying the kitchen at any given moment.

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BEST OF LUXURY 2018 |

RESTAURANTS

ASADOR ETXEBARRI RESTAURANT

AU PIED DE COCHON RESTAURANT

ATXONDO, SPAIN

MONTREAL, CANADA

At Asador Etxebarri, self-taught chef Victor Arguinzoniz brings skillful barbecuing techniques into a beautiful rural setting. Relying on fresh ingredients and masterful grilling, the menu is prepared daily with each dish having a small (or large) taste and semblance of fire and smokiness. Arguinzoniz’s juicy Palamós prawns and huge tomahawk steaks are staples on the menu, whose flavor comes from carefully selected firewood in the Atxondo valley and surrounding areas.

Martin Picard’s menu at Au Pied de Cochon is dedicated to meat, think foie gras, pig, poultry, bison and lots of beef. A disciple of nose-to-tail dining, the menu features items like the stuffed pigs trotter which are served in large portions in a long, stripped-back dining room. Gluttony and decadence is taken to a new level at Picard’s restaurant, deeming it one of the top spots in all of Canada.

GRAMERCY TAVERN

FRENCH LAUNDRY,

NEW YORK, USA

YOUNTVILLE, CALIFORNIA, USA

Opened in 1994 by restaurateur Danny Meyer in a historic landmark building, Gramercy Tavern serves refined American cuisine without pretension. Choose to eat a more casual à la carte in the front tavern room or experience the tasting menu in the dining room featuring farmto-table food. Experience the comfort of a late-19th-century American inn with the three-course $129 menu with a wide variety of choices, be sure to save room for the third course and one of pastry chef Miro Uskokovic’s delectable desserts.

The French Laundry commits itself to creating classic French cuisine with the finest quality ingredients through its daily-changing menu. A member of French-based Relais & Chateaux, Relais Gourmands and Traditions & Qualité, two nine-course tasting menus are offered daily: Chef ’s Tasting Menu and the Tasting of Vegetables, with no single ingredient being repeated throughout the meal.

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RESTAURANTS

LE CHATEAUBRIAND RESTAURANT

NOBU RESTAURANTS

PARIS, FRANCE

VARIOUS LOCATIONS

Iñaki Aizpitarte’s Le Chateaubriand was a stalwart in the bistronomy scene in Paris in the 2000s and features creative fare made without overly expensive ingredients. If you are late to make a reservation for the first seating, reservations are booked one-month in advance, you’ll have to wait in line from 9pm to enjoy improvisational cooking paired with natural wines.

Nobu currently operates 38 restaurants spanning across five continents and is one of the worlds most recognized Japanese restaurant, known for its innovative new style cuisine paired with a hip crowd and celebrity following. Chef Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa is known for his fusion cuisine blending traditional Japanese dishes with Peruvian ingredients, inspired by his background growing up in Tokyo and moving to Peru as a young adult.

NOMA RESTAURANT

PUJOL

COPENHAGEN

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO

Re-opened in February of 2014, chef René Redzepi recently transplanted the restaurant that invented New Nordic cuisine. With a rooftop garden and a cluster of huts, Danish architecture firm BIG, led by Bjarke Ingels was inspired by the clustered structures on a traditional Danish farmstead. With the reopening of noma earlier this year, the restaurant now divides the year into three seasons, during which the menu changes dramatically and features ingredients that are at their peak at any given time of the year.

Celebrity chef-owner Enrique Olvera offers Mexican food presented as haute cuisine with his own special twist. Located in the upscale Polanco district of Mexico City, Pujol features a wood-burning oven, terrazzo flooring and a private side room that serves its own taco menu. Diners can choose from a daily menu that includes snacks for all and then choose from a menu for the next six courses.

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SPAGO RESTAURANT

RESTAURANTS

ST JOHN RESTAURANT

LOS ANGELES, CA, USA

LONDON, UK

The flagship restaurant of Wolfgang Puck’s, Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group, Spago continues to set the standard for fine dining in Beverly Hills. The sleek and simple design of the restaurant complements the market-driven menu which guests can choose from a seasonal a la carte menu or explore the best of the west with the chefs’ multi-course California Tasting Menu. Spago is the recipient of the AAA Four Diamond Award and received two stars in The Michelin Guide-Los Angeles edition, one of only three restaurants in the city to win this coveted distinction.

Opened in 1994, Fergus Henderson began creating inventive dishes following the nose-to-tail dining, where nothing goes to waste. St John’s main dining room is stripped back while the bar is packed nightly with a separate short bar menu. The converted smokehouse in Clerkenwell focuses on meaty dishes like the Rabbit Offal while unique dishes like the Pigeon and Courgettes or Poached Rabbit are a plenty on the menu.

MICHEL BRAS

EL CELLER DE CAN ROCA GIRONA, SPAIN

LAGUIOLE, FRANCE Set up by Michel Bras in 1992 on a hillside in Aubrac, near the village of Laguiole, Sebastian, his son, is now the head chef. Known for inventing a dish called the chocolate coolant along with his best-known dish being the gargouillou, it has been rated three stars in the Guide Michelin since 1999.

Located in the medieval city of Girona in Catalunya, northern Spain, the Roca family moved the restaurant into an airy space with a large kitchen. Run by three brothers – Joan, chef, Josep, sommelier, Jordi, pâtissier – they take infuse ingredients, techniques and inspirations for their menu from their annual tours around the world. Guests can be invited by Josep into their magical walk-in cellar before enjoying the complex and flavorful chef ’s tasting menu.

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BEST OF LUXURY 2018 | RESTAURANTS

OSTERIA FRANCESCANA RESTAURANT

NIHONRYORI RYUGIN RESTAURANT

MODENA, ITALY

TOKYO, JAPAN

The small discreet restaurant in Modena helmed by Massimo Bottura, combines Italian tradition with modern techniques. Influenced by are and music, the kitchens creations mirror the high-quality contemporary artwork in the three dining rooms. Playing with ingredients from the surrounding regions, courses include the famous Five Ages of Parmigiano Reggiano and the Adriatic Chowder.

Recently Moved to the new Hibiya Midtown development, Nihonryori RyuGin serves contemporary kaiseki cuisine under the guidance of chef Seiji Yamamoto. Dragons play a powerful presence in the décor of the dining room and can be seen in its table settings, and derive from the restaurant’s name, Nihonryori means “Japanese cuisine,” while RyuGin is a term used in Zen Buddhism, meaning “dragon’s voice.” Yamamoto brings avant-garde cooking techniques to his cuisine grounded in kaiseki cuisine.

STEIRERECK RESTAURANT

D.O.M. RESTAURANT

VIENNA, AUSTRIA

SAN PAULO, BRAZIL

Under the guidance of chef Heinz Reitbauer, Steirereck has been family owned for generations and serves Austria’s rural Styrian region cuisine in a cutting-edge style. Located in Vienna’s Stadtpark in a monolithic glass cube, the super-modern design is bright and features a tasting menu along with the popular lunch Wiener Schnitzel. Equal part theater and precise culinary technique, the freshwater mountain fish, char, takes center stage cooked tableside.

Established in 1999 by former DJ Alex Atala, D.O.M. fuses fine dining with unique ingredients from the Amazon basin. D.O.M. stands for Deo Optimo Maximo, which translates as ‘To God, The Good, The Great’, and is a Benedictine motto which was often used to indicate places where weary pilgrims could eat and rest. Vibrant food takes center stage with native ingredients like the jambú, a herb that creates a tingling sensation on the tongue, and its use of ants in dishes

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TRAVEL

The Reinvention of the French Room

By Deve Sanford

R

emaining true to its original design concept, deeply rooted in timeless European architecture, the Adolphus achieved the almost impossible feat of preserving the best of the past while propelling into the inevitable future. The French Room’s charm deeply rooted in history and now under the direction of Chef Anthony Dispensa is cleverly enticing millennials to partake in the reinvention of their grandparent’s fine dining experiences.

For the first time ever, the French Room is offering a new à la carte menu with an ongoing seasonal selection of dishes that offer a modern interpretation of classic French cuisine. Expect to find everything from Foie Gras to Long Island Duck and extravagant supplements, including an array of caviar and selections from a cheese cart.

Whether seasoned patrons will embrace the new French Room or not, only time will tell. However, one thing is for certain; only one restaurant in the city will transport you to France when walking through its doors, and that’s the French Room.

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Long Island Duck

After a complete renovation, the French Room at the iconic Adolphus Hotel is paving the way to a new tradition in the art of fine dining. Well known for its old world allure, the Dallas landmark reopened its doors with a fresh, new aesthetic and attitude.

Easily considered to be one of the most historic restaurants in the city, it’s a place where generations of families have celebrated special occasions and created significant memories.

Beet Risotto

Photographs courtesy of the French Room

BEST OF LUXURY 2018 |

TRAVEL

Interview with Chef Anthony Dispensa

By Deve Sanford Photographs courtesy of the French Room

Can you tell me a bit about where you’re from and what led you to pursue a career as a chef?

I was born in Houston and food came into my life at a young age. A family friend is Tony Vallone and he owned Tony’s and that’s where I was introduced. Sunday Feast was a norm every Sunday at his house. This is where I fell in love with food. When I moved to the East Coast, Tony mailed me his cookbook and that’s where my journey began.

Do you have any professional mentors?

Bradley Ogden is a big mentor of mine. Every chef that I have had the privilege of working with at Dinner all helped me drastically.

How would you describe your style in the kitchen?

Clean, refined flavors really are my style. These with innovative techniques are what I strive for.

From where do you get your inspiration?

Inspiration comes from what the season is. The season projects my inspiration with what is available.

What are the important components that are key in forming a good culinary team?

Key component is that we all have the same goal. That is the most important thing. And that is to put out the best food that we can.

What do you feel is the key to creating success at the French Room?

The key to success is grabbing an evolving clientele. A more relaxed clientele that wants to be surprised. This is not just a special occasion restaurant; this is a place to come every night.

How much is seasonality a focus of your menu?

I strive to have the most seasonal menu. Being central in Dallas makes this a bit tougher, but it lets us be more innovative to get these local ingredients.

What’s one of your favorite French dishes?

I really love the classical dish, beef bourguignon.

Your most memorable trip because of the food you experienced?

That’s easy. I really enjoyed my trip to Madrid. Madrid’s food scene is incredible. There’s tons of passion in that city. I didn’t even go to any Michelin restaurants but really enjoyed the local scene and local spaces. Club El Rocoso.

Who would you most want to cook a meal for?

If I could, I would love to cook a meal for Derek Jeter. Go Yankees!

Fine dining is such a small world, which other chefs do you look up to?

Heston Blumenthal is without a doubt, my ultimate favorite chef. I also look up to Alain Ducasse, Thomas Keller and Gordon Ramsay.

Do you think today that nouvelle cuisine is relevant or are we now more focused on the excellence of raw

materials used for cooking?

You could say that we are doing Nouvelle style cuisine now at The French Room.

What would your last meal be?

It would be at the Fat Duck. I would get their tasting menu. Such an amazing experience.

Why do you think people need to experience the French Room?

The experience in The French Room is evolving and we are moving away from the quintessential special occasion restaurant to a dining experience that can be enjoyed any day of week through tasting or a la carte.

Do you think the modernization of the French Room has changed guest’s expectations as to what the level of service and cuisine will be?

Most guests have come into the dining room since I have come on board; they are very happy and thankful to have a more approachable experience. I’ve had guests in that were in awe of the space and the relatable a la carte menu. I am thankful for that, and that’s what we work for every day!

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BEST OF LUXURY 2018 | SPIRITS

Top 8 Luxury spirits | JARONE ASHKENAZI

Since the first spirit, which was originally distilled in 2nd Century India, liquor has come a long way.

From flavored spirits, unique casks and more, several high-end manufacturers have taken on the challenge of producing ultra-high-end bottles to tailor to this thirsty audience. One thing is for certain though, these extremely expensive spirits should definitely be served neat or on the rocks, so if you are looking for a bespoke cocktail look elsewhere. Here are some of the world’s most expensive spirits.

PLATINUM BOTTLE BY TEQUILA LEY Containing 4-year-old aged Anejo tequila, the Platinum Bottle by Tequila Ley ($3.5 million) is the most expensive tequila in the world.

The hand-crafted one-liter, two-piece bottle is made of 4.5 points of pure platinum and 4,100 white diamonds. The tequila contained in the bottle is Ley .925, a premium extra Añejo, made with the best quality of agave, 42 degrees of alcohol volume and that remained in barrels for 7 years.

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D’AMALFI LIMONCELLO SUPREME With only two bottles ever produced, D’Amalfi Limoncello Supreme ($44 million) is the king of bling when it comes to spirits. With three single cut flawless diamonds that total up to 13 carats on the neck and a rare 18.5 carat diamond on its body, the dazzling bottle was invented by Italy’s Antica Distilleria Russo. made by infusion in alcohol of peels of lemons from the Amalfi Coast, the yellow in color liquor produces an aromatic taste.

HENRI IV DUDOGNON HERITAGE COGNAC Aged over 100 years old, the Henri IV Dudognon Heritage Cognac ($2 million) is the most expensive cognac in the world. The bottle is made from 24 karat gold and sterling platinum and adorned with 6,500 diamonds, weighing nearly 18 pounds. Packaged by jeweler Jose Davalos, the cognac contains an alcohol content of 41% and is filled with 100 cl of this beautifully aged liquor.

WATENSHI JAPANESE ANGEL GIN Created by master distiller Will Lowe to capture the angel’s share, the Watenshi Japanese Angel gin ($2,700) used a special refined technique. The master distiller at Cambridge Distillery, was able to capture the top 1% of Japanese Gin, yielding just 15ml per distillation. This means that one bottle of Watenshi, meaning “angel’s share” in Japanese, requires 50 distillations. Distilled with half the pressure found on top of Mount Everest, the gin features notes of citrus, spice and bitter juniper.

BEST OF LUXURY 2018 |

SPIRITS

EYE OF THE DRAGON VODKA The one-of-a-kind Eye of the Dragon Vodka ($5.5 million) bottle is encrusted with 15 thousand diamonds. Created by Michel Warren and Scarselli Diamonds New York, the Royal Dragon Vodka bottle is made from made of hand-blown glass and features two kilograms of 18 karat gold, an opulent 50 carat yellow diamond and has a golden dragon emerging from its neck. The bottle alone took eight months to design and produce with the total of the 620 carat diamonds are valued at $4.6 million dollars alone.

MENDIS COCONUT BRANDY The world’s first ultra-premium coconut brandy, Mendis Coconut Brandy ($1 million) was released by distiller W. M. Mendis & Co. Ltd in 2007. The clear brandy made from coconuts is 100 percent all-natural distilled from the coconut flower and matured for a minimum of two years in Hamilla wood casks.

Along with the sweet brandy, the purchaser gets a luxurious sevenday trip which includes a firstclass flight to Maldives, a private helicopter ride to the distillery in Sri Lanka and more.

DIVA VODKA Made from premium English Grain Vodka and seven times filtered Diva Vodka ($1 million) is a keepsake for any purchaser. The pure, smooth tasting vodka’s bottle contains a hand filled wand containing a unique collection of Swarovski® elements which can be easily removed as a keepsake of a special occasion.

To add a little more shine and glamour, each bottle comes with a glittering bracelet, which can be removed and worn for any Diva moment.

MACALLAN M IMPERIALE WHISKY In a 37-pound decanter in which seventeen craftsmen spent over 50 hours to create, the Macallan M Imperiale Whisky recently sold for $628,000 in 2014. Only two out of a stock of four were ever made available to the public, it is the largest decanter Lalique has ever made and the largest the Macallan has ever filled.

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10

WINES

stellar wines UNDER $100 THAT TASTE LIKE THEY COST A LOT MORE!

By JARONE ASHKENAZI

Where do you go when you need a nice bottle that go easy on your wallet but overdeliver on price and still wow your guests? The wine chosen to pair with a nice hosted dinner with friends can make or break any evening. Hosts want to choose something nice but not too pretentious, tasteful but not overpowering. Since most of us don’t have professional sommeliers as friends to act as decision makers, here are some 10 great wines under $100 that over-deliver on their price point and share some of the same aspects of much more expensive bottles.

Fort Ross Vineyard 2014 Stagecoach Road Pinot Noir - $80.00

From the Fort Ross Vineyard in the Fort RossSeaview appellation, Sonoma Coast, the 2014 Stagecoach Road Pinot Noir comes from grapes grown in the vineyard blocks closest to the ocean with some of the darkest soils on the estate. The wine ages 10 months in 20% new and 80% neutral French oak, giving it great depth of flavor. This Pinot Noir has a decadent garnet hue with enticing aromas of black raspberry, black tea and layers of plum and spice character that finish with a mouthwatering acidity | (credit: For Ross Vineyard)

Clos Pegase 2016 Hommage Chardonnay, Carneros - $45.00

The Clos Pegase 2016 Hommage Chardonnay comes from the estate vineyard in Carneros, a region renowned for fine Chardonnay.

It spends nine months aging sur lie in 30% new French oak barrels. With only 500 cases produced, this Chardonnay has has notable complexity and richness, showing hints of butterscotch and honeysuckle along with ripe melon and Meyer lemon flavors. Beautifully crisp acidity maintains a nice flavor balance in the wine | (credit: Clos Pegase)

Brunello di Montalcino - $34.99

The 2013 dry red still wine is from the estate vineyards on the southern hills of Montalcino which are grown from stony, calcareous and well-structured soil at an altitude of 720 feet above sea level. The wine is aged for a mini96 Upscale Living Magazine | BEST OF LUXURY

mum of four years, including two years in oak barrels and provide full, soft and velvety tasting notes with traces of spice. With aromas of violets and vanilla, with hints of licorice and supple tannis and good acidity, the Brunello di Montalcino is perfect with red meats, wild game and aged cheeses | (credit: Banfi Vintners)

90+ Cellars Lot 26 Barolo, Piedmont, Italy - $34.99

Often called the “King of Wines,” Barolo is made from Nebbiolo grapes grown in vineyards south of Alba, in the Piedmont region of Italy. Made by a small family winery the wine gives guest a generously long finish and can be cellared for decades. At 14.5% alcohol content, the lean but powerful wine produces aromas that includes cherries, rose petals, cinnamon and hints of leather | (credit: Courtesy of 90+ Cellars)

2017 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir - $60.00

Offering a hallmark style of balanced intensity is the 2017 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, a limited signature appellation bottling and part of Sangiacomo’s inaugural series of premium wines. Sourced from 40% Roberts Road, 40% Fedrick and 20% Amaral Vineyards, three of the family’s collection of fourteen fruitful vineyards, the wine is barrel aged in 35% new oak, medium toast. Full of ripe, juicy berries and a bouquet of fresh violets and tea leaves on the nose, the flavors of strawberry jam, cranberry and rhubarb dance 2018 www.upscalelivingmag.com

BEST OF LUXURY 2018 |

with a mingling of vanilla and Asian five-spice. Medium-bodied, this deep ruby wine is firmly structured with refined tannins | (credit: Mike Pucci) Cakebread Cellars 2015 Chardonnay Reserve $56.00

Cakebread Cellars has over 40 harvests under their belt, producing iconic wines like the Cakebread Cellars 2014 Chardonnay Reserve, which can be enjoyed now but will gain further complexity with another five-to-seven years of aging.

The light and fresh wine features notes of creamy aromas of golden apple and Asian pear, through a long, mineral-tinged finish. From Carneros, Napa Valley, the 14.3% alcohol by volume wine is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes | (credit: Cakebread Cellars) Mullan Road Cellars’ 2015 Red Wine Blend - $45.00

Founded in 2012 by Dennis Cakebread, Mullan Road Cellars is helmed by Aryn Morrell who crrafted the Mullan Road Cellars’ Red Wine Blend from grapes from low-yielding vineyards in the Columbia Valley, including the famed Seven Hills Vineyard, as well as Stillwater Creek Vineyard and the Corfu Crossing Vineyard outside Royal City. This Bordeaux-style blend is extremely well-balanced and has notes of ripe berry fruit and licorice, with a hint of smoke and resin, and has a long, elegant finish | (credit: Mullan Road Cellars) 2014 Cadaretta Windthrow - $50.00

The Cadaretta Windthrow is a red blend of Rhone varietals (76% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre and 9% Grenache) from Cadaretta Winery based in Walla Walla, WA. The reserve-quality Rhone-varietal blend made from the top barrels of the vintage is soured from six different grape sources and expresses a perfumed nose of violets, boy-

WINES

senberry, vanilla, anise and tobacco leaf that offers a soft mouthfeel with more boysenberry, violet, anise, black cherry, and vanilla has an added venison note. The soft and delicate wine had only 259 cases produced | (credit: Karen Adair (DG Creative Branding, Inc.) Chianti Classico ‘Vigna Vecchia’ Gran Selezione D.O.C.G - $55.00

Montefili wines is located at a historic azienda in the heart of Chianti and produces its Chianti Classico ‘Vigna Vecchia’ Gran Selezione D.O.C.G from a single vineyard 500m above sea level. On the hilly terrain with Galestro and Alberese soil, the wine is made from 100% Sangiovese grapes and is aged 26 months in rotation between in large oak (30hL) and smaller barrels (10hL). Its depth of flavor which include notes of graphite, blackberry and cherry in addition to a muscular backbone allows this wine to age gracefully into 2040 | (credit: Vecchie Terre di Montefili) Muga Prado Enea Gran Reserva Rioja 2010 - $69.67

With a Parker rating of 97, the Muga Prado Enea Gran Reserva Rioja is a palate-pleaser that can be enjoyed immediately, or after it has gotten even better with age.

Made from a varietal of 80% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano, this wine is aged 16 months in American oak vats and 36 months in French oak casks.

From Rioja, Spain, this blackcherry colored wine produces notes of cinnamon, cedarwood and vanilla, following a first impression of rich blackberry. Available now at WiredforWine.com | (credit: Wired for Wine)

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SPIRITS

THE WORLD›S MOST EXPENSIVE SHERRY | BY RAJ GILL

T

ipped to be the most expensive sherry in the world the Barbadillo Versos 1891 Amontillado at $10,000 a bottle, was created for a specific reason.

Manuel Barbadillo was gifted the cask by his father as a christening present, pretty unusual present for a new-born, not quite so for this family, and the fact that it has taken on such a great value, just goes to show it was a shrewd decision. The Barbadillo brothers were all given one cask of the amontillado sherry each and it became known as “las botas de los ninos”.

The barrels remained untouched, and locked up in the family run sherry bodega in Sanlucar de Barrameda.

Manuel made his family proud, not only did he work in the family business for over five decades, he was a philanthropist, a poet and perhaps his dealings in the political arena are what made his family truly proud, he was the Mayor of Sanlucar. Sadly he passed away in 1986 and ever since the family have been brainstorming ideas on how to commemorate this great man. They found the perfect tribute with Versos 1891.

At $10,000 a bottle, to keep it exclusive, just 100 bottles of this sherry were produced to honour the memory of Manuel. The name is a reflection of Manuel’s literary interests, it 98 Upscale Living Magazine | BEST OF LUXURY

can be loosely defined as the back page of a book. The bottle is a hand blown crystal glass decanter crafted by renowned Portuguese glassmakers, Atlantis, who shaped it to resemble an inkpot, reflecting Manuel’s love of art and poetry. The bottle also includes platinum plating in the collar and Versos is etched in gold leaf on the glass. It comes packaged in its own leather case, made by Spanish craftsmen who also produce fine leather work for various companies including Louis Vuitton, also included is a serving ‘pipette’ which resembles the poet’s pen.

So the question on my mind is apart from the trappings is this sherry really worth the $10k price tag. I chatted with Barbadillo’s UK Director, Tim Holt to get the lowdown on what it is that makes this liquid so precious. “Sherries, unlike other wines, require tremendous time and patience, in order to produce something truly special, and a great example of this is the Versos 1891,” he says.

He goes on to explain, “When Manuel received the cask in 1891, the sherry was already considered to be an old Amontillado. It was aged in an old American cask and watched over by many generations, before they decided to bottle it.”

The company looked to the whisky industry, where the main players were unearthing aged whiskies and selling them from $19K up2018 www.upscalelivingmag.com

wards, they then decided to search their own cellars to see if they could make a product to challenge the sherry market. Tim, continues, “We were lucky that our cellars here in Sanlucar de Barrameda have high levels of humidity, which is the perfect condition necessary for the slow and balanced ageing process of old sherries. And we decided to scour our cellars to find something to shake up the sherry industry.”

And the taste?

Holt breaks it down for me, he says, “Versos 1891 is a sherry which is full of intensity, it is incredibly long on the palate, it has got a beautiful, full pungent nuttiness, and you can tell the great the age of the wine, by the sheer intensity and depth of flavour and it just goes on forever.”

Tim’s passion for the company, for the sherry itself are very clear to see, his face lights up and eyes shine when he discusses the brand.

Versos 1891 is unique and limited, the main buyers have come from the UK, Asia, Russia, Mexico, Spain and Australia.

So if you have a spare $10k laying around and sherry is your tipple of choice, then Versos is a good investment, as it can only rise in value.

BEST OF LUXURY 2018 |

SPIRITS

The Martell Trunk by Pinel & Pinel | JARONE ASHKENAZI | CREDIT: THOMAS DUVAL

Pinel & Pinel, a French luxury brands that produces contemporary trunks and high-end leather goods, in collaboration with The House of Martell produced the exceptional trunk, The Martell Trunk. Measuring at 2.06 meters high, 2.20 meters wide and 0.70 meters deep, The Martell Trunk is a mobile trunk-case which is the largest ever produced.

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or The Martell Trunk, the two French brands paired to create a masterpiece of fine craftsmanship which is stocked with Martell’s complete oeuvre of nine large along with 28 montres that are known as Les Assemblages Exclusifs.

The montres are made by Martell’s cellar master Benoît Fil, from exclusive blends of eau de vie derived from grapes grown in Petite Champagne, Borderies, Fins Bois and Grande Champagne.

Covered in leather which was dyed in Martell’s signature blue, the piece to 10 skilled craftsmen over 1,000 hours to produce. Using the highest grade full-grain leathers, copper, silver plate, oak, crystal and linen, the trunk has over 200 individual joints that were cut by hand. Against the gently lit backdrop of each niche, the leather lined compartments and drawers of the trunk, some pieces of the Martell Collection such as Cordon Bleu, XO, or L’Or de Jean Martell are offered. Accompanying these montres

are a treasure trove of accessories designed for connoisseurs to enjoy the complexities of the Martell cognac.

In the compartments, Sèvres crystal tulip glasses, balloon snifters, cocktail glasses, and Schott tumblers can be found along with a cigar humidor and ice machine. Smoking accessories include a: cigar cutter, lighter, matches, an ashtray in crystal and rosewood and five Roi Soleil candles from Trudon.

Complete with a sleek silver-plated metal ice bucket designed by Ercuis, the trunk contains a small booklet The Cellar Master’s Notebook which provides the handwritten tasting notes of Martell’s Cellar Master, Benoît Fil. When you are ready to prepare a cocktail, make use of the linen apron, tea towels, napkins by Alexandre Turpault and Coucke and steel accessories to make your perfect drink.

Completing the over 30 accessories which can be arranged in the trunk’s drawers and levels, is an oak chopping board that echoes the materials use to make Martell’s oak casks.

Built with an inspired mix of high-tech design, colors and refined materials, Pinel & Pinel’s trunks, accessories and other articles are both beautiful, fun and functional. Tying together the balance between aesthetics and practicality, using top quality leather – whether its calf, English cow or French lamb (tanned in Italy), the leather used is always perfect full grain – or the re-immersion of chic crocodile – the Alligator (United States), the Niloticus (Africa), the Caiman (Latin America) or the Porosus (Australia) – each piece exudes high-quality and excellence.

Martell, the oldest of the great cognac houses, is forged by passion and knowledge passed through the Martell family since 1715. From timeless classics to limited editions, Martell has created timeless cognacs enjoyed all over the world celebrating the French Art de Vivre. Passed from hand to hand in the Martell family for over 300 years, place, precision and time are three pillars that stay true to their expertise.

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2018 www.upscalelivingmag.com

BEST OF LUXURY 2018 |

REAL ESTATE

America’s Most Expensive Home Sold at Auction

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t one time Le Palais Royal, now renamed Playa Vista Isle, in Hillsboro Beach, Florida was the most expensive home on the U.S. market at $139 million while still under construction. With construction completed in 2018, it was re-listed at $159 million and will now go to auction on November 12th with no reserve.

construction owner (bridges, highways and rail) pulled it off to complete it and made additions both in land and amenities. The adjacent 2± acre north lot (part of the total 5± acres) may be left as-is or used for future development, and can accommodate an additional structure, garden area or recreational facility.

Modeled after the Palace of Versailles in France, Playa Vista Isle is located on the Atlantic Ocean, about halfway between Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale’s luxury beach condos - a wealthy enclave of ornate mansions that the locals refer to as ‘Millionaire’s Mile.’

A special feature unique to the town is that homeowners can swim and sun in their oceanfront backyards and then walk a few feet out their front doors to their yachts docked across the ritzy street on the Intracoastal Waterway.

The 58,000-square-foot Beaux Arts mansion with 30,000 square feet of living space is on over five acres between 500-feet of Atlantic Ocean beachfront and 500-feet of the Intracoastal near the picturesque Hillsboro Lighthouse. Although the South Florida beaches are public below the high tide line, this beach is hard to access behind the street of mansions and thick landscape, thereby affording the home additional privacy. The main house has a 20-car subterranean garage and 11 bedrooms and 22 baths, which include three master suites and a presidential room with a plunge pool on its outdoor terrace. There is also an 18-seat IMAX home theater with a 50-foot-wide screen. The marble floors have

Playa Vista Isle originally went on the market in 2014 as Le Palais Royal with the $139 million price tag, selling unfinished. After a year with no takers, the transportation facilities 100 Upscale Living Magazine | BEST OF LUXURY

2018 www.upscalelivingmag.com

soundproof insulation to dispel the annoying sound of high-heeled socialites clicking across the hard surface.

Prior to the new additions, grounds already included a putting green, a 29-foot, three-tier fountain, a 4,500-square-foot infinity pool, double-loop enclosed waterslide and a glassbottomed Jacuzzi suspended over the swimming pool, white sand beach and two newly constructed deep-water concrete docks on the Intracoastal. Some of the world’s best deepsea fishing and the Florida Coral Reef are just minutes away by boat via the Hillsboro Inlet.

One of the most expensive and luxurious mansions in the U.S., listed at $159 million with 500 feet of beachfront and the same on Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway, is co-presented by ONE Sotheby’s International Realty and Concierge Auctions.

Source: TOP TEN REAL ESTATE DEALS

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