72 The New Standards in Men’s Staples from Rise & Fall
73 Derek Rose’s Celebration Collection
76 Fall 2025 Offers Heritage and Modern Edge with G.H. Bass
BEAUTY
79 Parfums de Marly presents Les Extraits, The Essence of Haute Parfumerie
80 Nicole Kidman joins Clé de Peau Beauté as Global Brand Ambassador
JEWELRY
82 2025’s Most Exquisite Creations
94 Wildly Sparkling Jewels
TIMEPIECES
96 The Most Expensive Watches of 2025
HOMES + INTERIORS
108 Turning Over a New Leaf, Morukuru River House
112 Create The Look
116 Home Trends
120 Mariya Naumov & Gianpiero Pugliese, Enriching the Lives of People by Creating Beautiful Places
128 Elevate Your Living Space
132 At Home with Patti Woods
TRAVEL + DESTINATIONS
136 What’s New! - Chalet Cervinia, Finca Banyols, Hale ‘O Ka La, The Claremont Boutique Hotel, Delfin I,
143 Opening Acts of Elegance, The Year’s Most Glorious Room Keys
172 A Botswana Trigology, The Wilderness Way
176 Ol Donyo Lodge, Conserving the Land and Its Wildlife
PROFILES
180 Silvia Bellot, On Racing, Resilience, and the Road Ahead
184 Sir Richard Branson, Launches London Hotel with Balearic Virgin Vibes & is Back in Mallorca’s Bunyola!
GASTRONOMY + SPIRITS
194 The Culinary Gold List, The Best Restaurants of 2025
204 The Classic Meets Contemporary, The Blvd Restaurant elevates Beverly Hills Dining with a Global Twist
206 Travel the World with Delicious Cocktails from Grand Hotel Fasano
WINES + CELLARS
215 2025’s Most Coveted Vintages, Where Terroir, Time, and Technique Converge in Unforgettable Expressions
GADGETS + INNOVATIONS
219 Briggs & Riley, Elevates Luggage with their new ZDX Collection
220 Px8 S2 by Bowers & Wilkins, True Sound, Refined
221 Tumi, Marking 50 Years with “Icons Tested”
BOOK REVIEWS
222 Our Favorite Selection of Book Reviews for the Fall
ALINA LEYVA (CABRAL)
PUBLISHER / FOUNDER
PUBLISHER@UPSCALELIVINGMAG.COM
786.760.9133 cell
EDITOR IN CHIEF
DIGITAL EDITOR
ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER
SALES & MARKETING EXECUTIVES
ALINA ROSA LEYVA
PRISCILLA PILON
HELÉNE RAMACKERS
RICH MUROWSKI
KATERINA MENDEZ
WEB DEVELOPER
MARKETING RESEARCH
ACCOUNTS MANAGER
ARC DESIGNS
LOUISA ANDERSON JULIANA
ALTMORE
CONTRIBUTORS
Helene Ramackers Somnath Chatterjee Jarone Ashkenazi
Tracy Beard
Adam Jacot De Boinod Felicity Carter
Kevin Pilley Elaine Miller Isabelle Kellogg
Copyright 2025 Upscale Living Magazine. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of Upscale Living Magazine. The Publisher will be held responsible for any errors found in the magazine. The Publisher accept no liability for the accuracy of statements made by advertisers. Ads in this publication are not intended as an offer where prohibited by state laws. www.upscalelivingmag.com
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Letter from the PUBLISHER
A Year Defined by Refinement
There’s something about the rhythm of a year in luxury that reveals how the world is evolving — subtly, elegantly, and often without fanfare. In 2025, luxury has transcended display; it has become a language of intention. It’s no longer about how much we have, but how deeply we feel what we choose to surround ourselves with.
This issue of Upscale Living Magazine — The Best of Luxury 2025 — is our annual celebration of that evolution. It’s a curated journey through the finest hotels that remind us of the art of stillness, automobiles that merge design with soul, and artisans whose hands continue to shape beauty the world may never mass-produce.
In an age of constant motion, true luxury has returned to stillness. It is found in the quiet architecture of a handcrafted watch, in the calm precision of a private jet’s cabin, in the unspoken dialogue between light and stone within a Tuscan villa. Luxury today whispers, it doesn’t shout — and in that whisper lies its most profound strength.
Each page of this collector’s edition reflects what our team believes defines excellence now: craftsmanship, authenticity, and an unwavering devotion to detail. We honor those who create, preserve, and innovate — the visionaries behind the maisons, ateliers, and destinations shaping the art of living exceptionally.
As we close another extraordinary year, I am reminded that luxur y is not a pursuit of more, but a pursuit of meaning. May these stories inspire you to discover beauty in nuance, purpose in indulgence, and refinement in the everyday.
With gratitude and anticipation,
Alina Leyva Publisher, Upscale Living Magazine
series of the BBC programme QI for Stephen Fry.As a researcher, he discovered that there are 27 ways of describing both moustaches and eyebrows inAlbanian.
Native to LosAngeles, JaroneAshkenazi writes about luxury hotels, VIP experiences and upscale restaurants. He spends his free time traveling, playing sports and going on outdoor adventures. You can connect with him on Twitter at @JaroneAsh or at jaroneashkenazi.com
Hel ne Ramackers, a freelance journalist who enjoys interviewing local and international celebrities but thinks she has found her calling amongst the travel writing fraternity.
Somnath Chatterjee biggest luxury is the freedom to go anywhere at any-time and that is something which the humble automobile gprovide us with.His passion is automobile reviews.
Tracy Ellen Beard is a professional writer, editor and photographer. Her writing focuses on luxury and adventure
s s dining, wine, outdoor activities, and s s favorite pasttime includes hiking, people, and experieincing
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There was a time when luxury announced itself — gleaming façades, grand gestures, the language of opulence spoken in exclamation points. But the past few years have drawn us inward, toward a subtler, more resonant vocabulary. In 2025, luxury no longer needs to declare; it simply is — measured not by its volume, but by its vibration.
Desire has been redefined. Today, it’s shaped not by possession, but by emotion — the feeling of being somewhere no algorithm could predict, the stillness of an Aman morning, the scent of oiled leather in a handmade atelier.
The true architecture of desire has shifted from what can be built to what can be felt.
Across the worlds of travel, design, and craftsmanship, this evolution has taken tangible form. Villas open to the wind rather than the world. Superyachts designed for privacy, not spectacle. Watches that whisper heritage through the rhythm of their movement. Every expression of excellence now serves a single idea — connection. To place, to artistry, to the self.
This is luxury with conscience and clarity. Sustainability is no longer an afterthought; it is the framework. The best maisons are choosing to refine rather than expand, focusing on timelessness instead of novelty. Craft is celebrated not as nostalgia but as rebellion — a deliberate refusal to let the human touch disappear.
We find ourselves at a fascinating intersection: where the digital and the tactile coexist, where an AI-driven world yearns for imperfection, and where exclusivity once meant access, but now means authenticity.
The most coveted luxury is time — time to disconnect, to listen, to appreciate.
The architecture of desire, then, is not built in stone or steel. It resides in the fleeting, the intangible, the exquisitely personal. It’s the pause between notes, the reflection in a glass of vintage wine, the calm that follows arrival.
In 2025, luxury has reclaimed its soul. It is quieter, rarer, and infinitely more human.
W H E E L S & W I N G S
An Elite Ensemble of Design & Dynamism, Where Engineering Becomes Art
The Most Coveted Cars Steering 2025 Forward
From electrified elegance to track-born adrenaline, 2025 has delivered a new class of automotive marvels engineered for those who refuse to settle for ordinary. These machines represent the pinnacle of design, performance, and prestige — a rare intersection where innovation becomes artistry and power takes on a sculptural form. Here, we spotlight the automobiles that are not just leading the year, but redefining what the road ahead looks like for the world’s most discerning drivers.
LAMBORGHINI TEMERARIO
The Lamborghini Temerario marks the Italian brand’s bold leap into its next era, replacing the beloved Huracán with a plug-in hybrid powerhouse. At its heart: a newly engineered twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 revving to an astonishing 10,000 rpm, partnered with three electric motors for a combined output of 920 hp and a blistering 0-62 mph sprint in around 2.7 seconds. With a sleek aluminumchassis architecture, advanced aerodynamics that boost downforce dramatically over its predecessor, and a cockpit that offers both precision and usability, the Temerario delivers supercar bravado wrapped in cutting-edge engineering and unmistakable Lamborghini DNA.
RIMAC NEVERA R
The Rimac Nevera R pushes the boundaries of what an electric hypercar can be. With more than 2,100 horsepower from its quad-motor setup, it has smashed global acceleration and braking records — including a staggering 0–400–0 km/h run in just under 26 seconds. Enhanced aerodynamics, a fixed rear wing, and Michelin Cup 2 tires give it even sharper track performance, while a top speed of 268 mph places it firmly among the fastest road-legal machines on the planet. Limited to only 40 units, the Nevera R is a statement of pure electric dominance and future-forward engineering.
2025 MCLAREN SOLUS GT
The McLaren Solus GT is the apex of track-focused automotive engineering: a single-seat machine built with uncompromising performance in mind. Weighing less than 1,000 kg and powered by a naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 engine that revs beyond 10,000 rpm, it delivers in excess of 840 hp and produces around 1,200 kg of downforce at speed. With a central driving position under a canopystyle cockpit, a bespoke carbonfibre monocoque, push-rod suspension derived from racing, and a sequential 7-speed gearbox with straight-cut gears, the Solus GT offers the raw experience of a race car with production-car precision. Limited to just 25 units and designed purely for the track, it’s McLaren’s daring demonstration of what happens when virtual concept becomes real world performance.
FERRARI 12CILINDRI
The Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider captures the thrill of a high-revving V12 in a sleek, open-top design. Its naturally aspirated engine delivers explosive power and dramatic top-end sound, paired with sharp aerodynamics and a modern driverfocused cockpit. Blending classic Ferrari emotion with contemporary refinement, it’s a convertible built for those who want the full symphony of performance in the open air.
ASTON MARTIN VALHALLA
The 2025 Aston Martin Valhalla is a long-awaited hybrid supercar that pairs a twin-turbo V8 with electric power for over 1,000 hp and breathtaking speed. With active aerodynamics inspired by Formula 1 and a driver-focused cockpit wrapped in refined materials, it balances track capability with Aston Martin luxury. Limited to 999 examples, the Valhalla signals a powerful new direction for the brand’s performance future.
ROLLS-ROYCE SPECTRE
The 2025 Rolls-Royce Spectre ushers the brand into a new era of fully electric grand touring, pairing silent power with unmistakable Rolls-Royce elegance. Its sculpted fastback form, opulent bespoke interior details, and effortless performance redefine what electric luxury can be. Confident, serene, and exquisitely crafted, Spectre stands as the new benchmark for an electrified ultra-luxury experience.
A Symphony of Speed, Scenery, and Tuscan Soul
LAMBORGHINI’S EXPERIENZA GIRO TOSCANA
| BY ALINA ROSA LEYVA
Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy — October 9, 2025. Tuscany’s undulating hills, gilded in autumn light, became the stage for a rare automotive ballet — Esperienza Giro Toscana 2025 — Lamborghini’s invitation-only journey through one of Italy’s most storied regions.
A celebration of art, engineering, and the Italian spirit, Esperienza Giro encapsulates Lamborghini’s signature approach to connection — uniting owners not just through horsepower and precision, but through culture, gastronomy, and the kind of shared moments that linger far beyond the drive.
A Tuscan Prologue
Guests arrived at the magnificent Castel Monastero, a restored medieval hamlet west of Siena, where old-world elegance met Lamborghini’s contemporary allure. As the sun dipped beneath terracotta rooftops, an aperitif welcomed participants to a dinner in the village square — complete with period storytelling and market-style culinary vignettes, a prelude to the days ahead.
On the Open Road
The next morning began in true Italian fashion — espresso, briefing, ignition. The convoy of vibrant Lamborghinis carved through sunlit Tuscan roads toward Castello di Meleto, where history and theatre intertwined in a comedic retelling of the castle’s colorful past.
From there, the journey wound through Chianti’s scenic arteries to Tenuta Tolaini, where handmade pasta and artisanal delights were prepared before the guests’ eyes. Later, an exhilarating drive over twisting mountain passes reaffirmed the essence of Lamborghini — controlled power, freedom, and precision. The evening crescendoed with dinner at the Michelin-starred Poggio Rosso, where fine cuisine met the elegance of Italian design.
Wine, Heritage, and the Heart of Tuscany
Day three took drivers south to Montepulciano, birthplace of one of Italy’s most distinguished wines. After a leisurely espresso and a gaze over sweeping vineyards, the route led through golden valleys to Tenuta Col d’Orcia, where a Tuscan barbecue lunch was served among vines heavy with fruit.
That evening, guests dined at Castello di Brolio, home of Chianti Classico for nearly eight centuries. Beneath vaulted ceilings, a private banquet and medieval performance captured the enduring soul of Tuscany — timeless, dramatic, and intoxicatingly beautiful.
A Farewell Drive
After covering over 500 kilometers of Tuscany’s most scenic terrain, the journey concluded in the 15th-century hamlet of Monticchiello, where a private lunch of local specialties marked the end of an unforgettable tour.
Above The Horizon
The New Language of Private Aviation
There was a time when private aviation spoke the language of speed — of altitude records, thrust, and range. But in 2025, the conversation has changed. Today’s most visionary aircraft whisper rather than roar, blending engineering with emotion, silence with sophistication.
For the new generation of owners and flyers, the jet has become a habitat of the air: an architecture of light, material, and stillness, designed not only to transport but to transform.
From Gulfstream’s panoramic sanctuaries to Bombardier’s whisper-quiet suites, the modern jet has evolved into something far rarer — the art of atmosphere itself.
GULFSTREAM G800
With a range of 8,000 nautical miles, the Gulfstream G800 is less an aircraft than an idea — that distance and serenity can coexist. Its elongated fuselage and vast oval windows invite the horizon inward, dissolving the boundary between sky and interior.
The cabin feels less designed than composed: muted cashmere upholstery, champagne-tinted veneers, and cabin pressure calibrated for coastal calm. The jet cruises at Mach 0.925, yet inside, the only sound is the soft rhythm of air over carbon fiber.
“The G800 doesn’t fly faster,” said one designer, “it flies more beautifully.”
BOMBARDIER GLOBAL 8000
Bombardier’s Global 8000, technology meets poetry. It holds the record for the fastest business jet in service — Mach 0.94 — yet what defines it is not velocity, but voice. Or rather, the absence of one. Bombardier’s advanced sound-damping and “Smooth Flex Wing” structure make turbulence feel theoretical. Inside, the air is purified every 90 seconds; circadian lighting aligns to each destination. Passengers arrive not merely rested, but renewed. A jet so quiet, one can hear thought itself.
DASSAULT FALCON 10X
If the G800 is about reach and the Global 8000 about quiet, Dassault’s Falcon 10X is about taste. It is aviation interpreted through the sensibility of a Paris atelier — an aircraft built with the precision of haute couture. The cabin — the largest in its class — can be customized like a residence: fireplace-style lounge, marble-accented lavatory, even an onboard dressing suite. Every surface is an invitation to touch; every line, a gesture of French modernism. “It’s not luxury,” notes its lead designer. “It’s intimacy at 51,000 feet.”
EMBRAER PRAETOR 600
Among the midsize jets, the Embraer Praetor 600 is a study in understated mastery. With fly-by-wire precision and a range that rivals larger aircraft, it represents the democratization of design purity. Brazilian craftsmanship brings warmth: subtle wood accents, hand-stitched textures, and diffused sunlight through electrochromatic windows. It feels both human and futuristic — an airborne penthouse with the heart of a pilot’s machine. “For those who measure luxury not in space, but in grace.”
AIRBUS ACJ220TWOTWENTY
When Airbus Corporate Jets reimagined its narrow-body platform, it didn’t build a jet — it built a home. The ACJ220 offers 785 square feet of personal space, six living zones, and the quiet confidence of an intercontinental retreat. Design partnerships with Pagani Automobili and Winch Design have transformed its interior into a study of contemporary minimalism: pale oak floors, sculptural seating, and light that travels as if choreographed. “It is not travel,” one owner said. “It is levitation.”
Y A C H T S & S U P E R Y A C H T S
The Art of Yachting
Masterpieces of Movement and Majesty
There is something eternal in the language of the sea — that quiet conversation between wind, light, and horizon. In 2025, the world’s most visionary shipyards have transformed that dialogue into design. Today’s superyachts are not symbols of possession; they are meditations on presence. Their architecture is emotional, their craftsmanship philosophical. These are floating expressions of what luxury has become: not louder, but purer. Not faster, but freer.
LÜRSSEN OPERA
The 146-meter Lürssen Opera brings a serene new interpretation of superyacht luxury. Designed with refined curves and an interior by Winch Design, she blends grand scale with intimate, light-filled spaces — from a glass-wrapped spa to a cinematic observatory. More than a vessel, Opera is crafted as an experience of calm and quiet sophistication at sea.
BENETTI 67M CALEX
Benetti’s Calex, at 67 meters, remains one of Italy’s most elegant ambassadors. Built for a private owner with a penchant for discretion, she embodies the quiet theatre of bella figura. Every deck reveals balance — teak terraces opening onto the horizon, light filtering through honey-toned interiors, a private gym suspended over the sea. The details are deliberate yet effortless: bronze fixtures, silk upholstery, seamless transitions between exterior and interior. Calex is the yacht that never announces herself — and in doing so, becomes unforgettable.
“True elegance is when comfort and craft become one language.”
FEADSHIP PROJECT 821
For decades, Feadship has mastered tradition; with Project 821, it reinvents it. The world’s first hydrogen-powered superyacht is a triumph of restraint — whisper-quiet propulsion, zero emissions, and craftsmanship untouched by compromise. Hand-polished teak and leather meet aerospace precision. It’s an act of engineering as devotion — a vision of yachting’s future that honors its past. “Innovation without noise — the new definition of refinement.”
HEESEN ULTRA G
Heesen’s Ultra G is the pure embodiment of energy refined. At 60 meters, she’s sculpted for motion — light, fast, and effortlessly graceful. Twin MTU engines deliver 37 knots of performance, yet the experience remains almost meditative: speed translated into serenity. Her interiors echo a masculine modernism — carbon fiber, bronze, and fine leather — all orchestrated by Winch Studio. Ultra G isn’t built to chase the horizon; she’s designed to merge with it. “She is what happens when engineering becomes emotion.”
OCEANCO LEVIATHAN
At 111 meters, Oceanco’s Leviathan is a modern epic — not measured in tonnage but in intention. Launched in 2025, she signals a turning point: a diesel-electric hybrid superyacht conceived for sustainability, science, and soul. Her exterior lines, conceived with precision and poetry, conceal vast internal volumes sculpted by Mark Berryman Design. The interiors breathe — glass, ash wood, and linen creating a lightness that feels alive. Crew and guest spaces flow together, designed for wellbeing and quiet collaboration.
F A S H I O N & S T Y L E
SCAROSSO
THE ART OF ITALIAN CRAFTSMANSHIP
Italian Elegance in Every Step
Scarosso was founded with a clear vision: to craft premium, entirely Made in Italy footwear and offer it directly to customers through a modern direct-to-consumer approach. Its mission is to make artisanal shoes accessible to a wider audience without compromising on quality or authenticity. Guided by the principle “a modern take on timeless classics,” Scarosso merges traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design and a strong digital mindset.
Every pair of Scarosso shoes is handcrafted in Montegranaro, in Italy’s Marche region, by artisans with generations of expertise. Each stage—cutting, stitching, shaping, and finishing—is handled by skilled hands that transform fine leather into something that feels natural from the first wear. Their expertise ensures precision and consistency while preserving the individuality that comes from handmade work.
Scarosso combines heritage craftsmanship with a contemporary perspective. The brand’s design philosophy is rooted in proportion, balance, and the integrity of materials. The brand does not follow seasonal trends but creates timeless styles. The look is polished but practical, elegant without being overly formal—a modern interpretation of Italian refinement that fits easily into everyday life.
This season’s women’s collection continues that approach with a selection that feels both classic and current. The range includes ankle boots, high boots, slingback pumps, mules, and loafers, made from fine Italian leather and rich suede. Each hue is carefully chosen to complement the materials and suit any wardrobe: black, butter, tobacco, cognac, dark brown, and bordeaux.
Design and function are treated with equal importance; the ankle and high boots are shaped for structure and comfort, made for movement without stiffness. Slingbacks and mules offer versatility and refinement, perfect for transitional dressing. The loafers represent the brand’s core strength: understated pieces that elevate everyday wear.
Comfort is fundamental to Scarosso’s philosophy, and attention to fit and form is central to every design. The leather is supple, and the internal structure is refined to support the natural shape of the foot. The result? Well, it’s footwear that’s cool, effortless, elegant, and forever stylish.
LA COLLEZIONE BY INTIMISSIMI
I“Silk, light, and movement define the effortless elegance of Intimissimi’s fall capsule”.
ntimissimi’s new capsule, La Collezione, brings together three interpretations of modern femininity through thoughtful design and luxurious fabrics. Each piece has a distinct character, yet they all share an easy sense of sophistication that feels current without trying too hard.
The campaign unfolds against the warmth of a setting sun, with the city skyline glinting in the background. The atmosphere is soft and cinematic, highlighting the textures and shapes of the collection. There’s a sense of movement and light that turns each look into something quietly dramatic, balancing sensuality with polish.
The Dark Moon Girl series catches the eye first, with sequins and beadwork that shimmer just enough to draw attention without overstatement. A bustier that doubles as outerwear, a tulle bodysuit, and a sheer baby-doll create a line that feels natural and fluid. It’s intimate but not fragile. The Handcrafted Luxury range takes a more refined approach, pairing silk with tulle in pale tones that feel effortless. These are pieces that can be layered, styled, or worn on their own, blending the worlds of lingerie and ready-to-wear. The final chapter, A Moment of Glamour, revisits animal print through a different lens. Here, silk and leopard devoré combine for something more sophisticated than wild—a statement that feels smart, playful, and intentional.
Photographed across terraces at sunset, the campaign reflects the way these pieces move through space. Fabrics shift with the light, architecture frames the silhouettes, and the city becomes part of the story. Lingerie isn’t shown as something to hide; it’s part of the outfit, part of the attitude. The result feels urban, feminine, and distinctly European, but with a relaxed modern edge.
Behind the design is a production model that gives Intimissimi a level of control most fashion brands can only talk about. Ninety-four percent of the garments sold in its stores are made in factories owned by the company in Italy and abroad. This setup allows the brand to oversee every stage of production, maintaining quality while keeping prices accessible. It also supports thousands of jobs and strengthens the communities where the factories operate.
That commitment extends online, where each product listed on intimissimi. com includes a “Traceability” section that shows exactly where it was made and who was involved. The brand’s nightwear, for example, comes from facilities in Serbia, Sri Lanka, and Bulgaria before arriving at the logistics hub in Vallese, Italy, for global distribution. The system gives customers a direct view into how the clothes they buy are produced, a simple idea that makes the experience more transparent and personal.
La Collezione is ultimately a reflection of what Intimissimi does best: creating beautiful pieces that are both considered and natural; it’s all about design that looks effortless, fabrics that move easily, and an elegance that leaves a lasting impression.
Hitting The Slopes with LOUIS VUITTON
| BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS
With
ski season around the corner, who better than Louis Vuitton for the ultimate in style. Introducing the Women’s LV Ski 2025. This sophisticated and high-end collection elevates the House’s Art of Travel to new heights.
Specially designed for winter sports, choose between a range of graphic coats and salopettes in ultra-lightweight and fully waterproof fabric. Leather goods further enhance an already chic ski wardrobe, and the Monogram Mioir canvas pays tribute to metal trunks from the 1890s which were reworked in the turn of the century.
Louis Vuitton Turtle Top - $1,750
Louis Vuitton Hooded Puffer Jacket - $7,850
Louis Vuitton Shell Pants - $3,500
Louis Vuitton LV Tramontane Mask - $555
Cashmere Gets the STRATHBERRY Treatment
Pure Scottish Luxury
Strathberry’s latest move feels like a love letter to its roots. The Scottish luxury label, known for its clean lines and signature metal bar, has just launched its first cashmere collection — and it’s every bit as refined as you’d expect.
Made in some of Scotland’s most storied mills — on the west coast and in Hawick, famously “The Home of Cashmere” — the collection blends generations of craftsmanship with a modern, minimalist sensibility. Think buttery-soft capes, gloves, and beanies that look as good as they feel.
Each piece is crafted from responsibly sourced fibers, washed in the naturally soft waters of the Firth of Clyde and River Teviot to achieve that perfect, cloud-like texture. Strathberry’s commitment to sustainability runs deep here too: the accessories are made using Whole Garment technology, which means they’re knitted in one seamless piece with zero waste.
Highlights include the Kite Woven Cape, finished with the brand’s unmistakable gold bar, plus an edit of travel wraps, cable headbands, and other winter essentials designed to last for years.
Prices range from £65 to £525 (or $90 to $750).
Available at strathberry.com and in the brand’s Edinburgh and London boutiques, this debut cashmere line captures what Strathberry does best, timeless style with a distinctly Scottish soul.
The New Standard in Men’s Staples from RISE & FALL
Modern luxury is built on craft, quality, and timeless design.
Rise & Fall began in 2018 with a clear goal: to make top-quality products at fair prices. Founders Jed Coleman and Will Coulton started with bedding, working directly with some of the world’s best factories to produce sheets and homewares on par with luxury labels but without the inflated price tag. It was a simple idea that caught on quickly, built on transparency, craftsmanship, and good design.
The move into clothing came naturally, after proving they could deliver quality materials for the home, Rise & Fall turned to everyday essentials for the wardrobe. The men’s collection follows the same straight-
forward approach, think small production runs, natural fabrics, and direct-to-customer pricing.
The fall collection focuses on timeless pieces that work hard and wear well. Cashmere and merino are the backbone of the range, appearing in crew-necks, polos, and quarter-zips made from top-grade Mongolian cashmere and fine Merino wool sourced from certified ethical producers. There are also tailored coats in double-faced wool, refined knit shirts, and crisp cotton tees made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton. Every item is built with attention to fit, fabric, and feel.
The clothes come from the same factories that make for major luxury brands, but
Rise & Fall’s direct model means prices are up to 80% lower, and the difference shows in the details, cue the smooth seams, the dense knit, the even weight of the fabrics.
The color palette stays classic with navy, camel, olive, and charcoal, so they’re pieces that can be worn year after year, with no visible branding, just timeless silhouettes and quality fabrics that last.
Rise & Fall is also a certified B Corp, which means it meets high standards for environmental and social responsibility; it’s a sign of how the company operates, from fabric sourcing to packaging, offering clothing that’s both stylish and good for the planet.
Derek Rose marks its 100th year with a collection that turns quiet luxury into an art form.
As winter settles in, there’s something magnetic about the art of slowing down. The clink of a glass by the fire, the weight of a cashmere throw, and the soft precision of a shirt that feels like it was made just for you. For those who appreciate the beauty of good downtime, Derek Rose’s new Celebration Collection for Fall/Winter 2025/26 is designed to elevate it.
This season marks a milestone for the British heritage brand as it approaches its 100th year in 2026. The collection honors the past while stepping confidently into the future, celebrating a century of crafting pieces that define quiet refinement.
REFINED COMFORT FOR THE MODERN GENTLEMAN
At the heart of the collection is a renewed focus on what Derek Rose does best: elevated comfort. The new Orson Merino Polo sets the tone, lightweight, breathable, and impossibly soft. It transitions effortlessly from fireside lounging to city strolls. The brushed cotton Long Sleeve Shirt layers perfectly over a tee or under a sweater, while the debut Denim Jean introduces a new era for the brand. Tailored in dark or mid-indigo, these jeans deliver the softness and ease of lounge-wear with a polished edge.
Accessories follow the same idea. The pure cashmere Baseball Cap is understated, tactile, and quietly cool, a standout for those who appreciate detail without flash.
A SUBTLE CELEBRATION
Prints this season mix nostalgia and geometry. Roses, diamonds, and intricate florals re-imagine Derek Rose’s design heritage. Hero motifs include the abstract Celebration stripe, the faceted Diamond print, and the modern Camo Rose, all available across lounge-wear and sleepwear for men, women, and children. Rich tones of burgundy, green, and gold bring an easy festive warmth that feels right for the holidays without tipping into cliché.
LINEN DAYS AND GETAWAY NIGHTS
Looking ahead to the new year, the Resort 2026 collection shifts the mood. Think light linen shirts, relaxed shorts, and swimwear for men, paired with breezy T-shirts and dresses for women. Designed for warm days and long evenings by the sea, it continues the same design philosophy: pieces that look sharp, feel effortless, and move with you.
As Derek Rose steps into its 100th year, it’s clear that comfort and craftsmanship aren’t just part of the brand’s story. They are its soul. The Celebration Collection captures that perfectly—timeless, tactile, and quietly luxurious.
Fall 2025 Offers Heritage and Modern Edge
G.H.BASS
|
BY
FELICITY CARTER
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE BRAND
Founded in Maine in 1876, G.H.BASS is the American footwear brand that gave the world its first penny loafer. For nearly 150 years, it has been the choice for those who want timeless style with real staying power.
For Fall 2025, the men’s collection takes center stage. It’s a season built on the classics, but refreshed with rich leathers, new textures, and sharper silhouettes. Penny loafers arrive in deep tones that grow more beautiful with age, and the Easy Weejuns line evolves with sleeker rubber soles that make these icons even more versatile. Venetian loafers lean into refinement with brogued details and polished finishes, while the rugged Ranger Moc expands with soft suedes and weather-ready soles that handle both streets and trails.
Boots are a highlight this season, proving that utility and elegance can walk the same path. The Benson Boot is crafted for durability but finished with subtle polish, while the Alpine Boot—once worn by the U.S. Olympic Ski Team—returns with a modern ski-inspired edge that feels as at home downtown as it does in the mountains.
The women’s line adds balance, with glossy patent loafers, floral touches, and bold hardware that give classics a playful modern twist.
G.H.BASS has always had a way of making heritage feel fresh, and this season is no exception. From loafers built to last a lifetime to boots designed for both grit and style, the Fall 2025 line proves that true icons never fade, they just keep evolving.
B E A U TY & S
P A S
Parfums de Marly presents LES EXTRAITS
The Essence of Haute Parfumerie
| BY FELICITY CARTER
Few houses capture modern French luxury like Parfums de Marly. Founded by Julien Sprecher, the Maison celebrates the opulence of the 18th century and the grandeur of the Château de Marly, a world where art, refinement, and creative daring defined true elegance.
With Les Extraits, Parfums de Marly takes its craft to an even higher level. This new collection, Carios, Eragon, and Valero, distills centuries of savoir-faire into three fragrances that redefine sophistication. Each scent is composed around rare, noble notes and presented in sculptural bottles with guilloché-inspired caps, echoing the Château’s architectural beauty.
Carios is made for those who command attention without asking for it, an amber fougère built around red mandarin, thyme, warming spices, and roasted tonka bean. A fragrance of charisma and drive.
Eragon burns with light and energy. A spicy amber inspired by the Sun King, it’s the olfactory armor of the visionary: radiant, instinctive, creative.
Valero is all about balance and depth. A woody fougère that blends Bourbon geranium, lavender, sandalwood, and ambrox, it’s a fragrance for those grounded in tradition yet set on shaping the future.
From bottle to blend, Les Extraits captures everything Parfums de Marly stands for: French artistry, noble materials, and a fearless sense of elegance. This is haute parfumerie at its most refined, confident, and unmistakably luxurious.
Nicole Kidman Joins Clé de Peau Beauté
As Global Brand Ambassador
| BY FELICITY CARTER
Clé de Peau Beauté, the luxury skincare and makeup house known for its blend of science and artistry, has tapped Nicole Kidman as its new Global Brand Ambassador. The Academy Award-winning actor and producer brings her signature poise and substance to the role, perfectly capturing the brand’s idea of “Radiance” — a balance of intelligence, creativity, and purpose.
Kidman’s career has always been about depth and evolution. For more than four decades, she has chosen roles that challenge expectations and celebrate complexity. That same spirit defines Clé de Peau Beauté’s philosophy: beauty
that reflects both inner strength and outer luminosity.
“We are delighted to welcome Nicole to the Clé de Peau Beauté family,” said Mizuki Hashimoto, Chief Brand Officer. “Radiance is more than appearance; it’s an inner strength that drives positive change. Nicole embodies that belief through her inspiring journey.”
Off-screen, Kidman has made a lasting mark as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, advocating for education, gender equality, and the empowerment of women and girls around the world. Her philanthropic work mirrors Clé de Peau Beauté’s global initiatives, including
its partnership with UNICEF and the Power of Radiance Awards, which honor women making meaningful contributions to their communities. “I’m thrilled to be joining the Clé de Peau Beauté family,” Kidman said. “The brand’s commitment to celebrating individual beauty across all aspects of life truly inspires me. I look forward to what we can create together.”
T I M E P I E C E S & J E W E L R Y
2025’s Most Exquisite Creations
Jewels of Distinction
MARIYEH GHELICHKHANI
A signature piece from Dubai-based designer Mariyeh Ghelichkhani’s Orchid Collection, the Blush ring captures the fleeting beauty of an orchid in its first bloom. Made in 18-karat rose gold, the beautiful ring is set with a sumptuous South Sea pearl, an Australian opal, and tourmaline. While brilliant cut diamonds glisten like morning dew, subtle enamel detailing adds warmth to the botanical design.
DIOR MILLY DENTELLE HIGH-JEWELRY COLLECTION
Dior unveils the Dior Milly Dentelle highjewelry collection, a poetic tribute to Christian Dior’s estate in Milly-la-Forêt. Designed by Victoire de Castellane, the 76-piece line translates the delicacy of lace into gold — white, yellow, and pink — with airy structures that highlight vibrant diamonds, sapphires, rubies, tourmalines, and pearls. Inspired by lush gardens and asymmetric natural forms, the creations balance couture refinement with modern femininity, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship and creative flair of the Dior ateliers.
THE RIVIERA
FRESHWATER
PEARL NECKLACE
Brochu Walker expands its minimalist luxury aesthetic into fine jewelry with the launch of its first pearl piece: the Riviera Freshwater Pearl Necklace. Featuring individually hand-knotted cultured pearls measuring 9.5–11.5 mm and finished with an 18K yellow gold bead clasp, the 16-inch design blends timeless sophistication with artisanal detail. Available exclusively through Brochu Walker’s website and select boutiques, it’s conceived as an heirloom that embodies the brand’s refined, wear-everywhere elegance.
PIAGET’S ESSENCE OF EXTRALEGANZA HIGH JEWERLY COLLECTION
Piaget captures couture elegance and high-jewelry artistry in this transformable cuff crafted from rose gold. The fluid Milanese mesh, edged in diamonds, is crowned with an articulated lattice engraved in the maison’s signature Décor Palace finish. A vivid 4.42-carat Madagascar pink sapphire and a 6.40-carat spessartite garnet anchor the design with striking color and personality. Sculptural yet effortlessly wearable, it exemplifies Piaget’s flair for innovation wrapped in timeless sophistication.
Maestria is a celebration of precision elevated to art — where expertise is sculpted into form and brilliance becomes architecture.
At its heart, a remarkable 8.88-carat Colombian emerald commands attention, flanked by two equally vivid gems, all framed in a meticulously structured composition of diamonds that echo Louis Vuitton’s signature geometry. It’s a masterclass in control and craftsmanship, transforming savoir-faire into a striking statement of exceptional luxury.
MAESTRIA NECKLACE BY LOUIS VUITTON
ANNAMARIA CAMMILLI’S HYPNOSIS RING
Annamaria Cammilli’s Hypnosis ring, crafted in 18K white gold with the brand’s Black Lava finish, wraps the finger in fluid, wave-inspired curves highlighted by a 0.21-carat halo of brilliant diamonds. Rooted in the graceful motion of water, the Hypnosis collection blends sculptural design with Cammilli’s signature satin textures and refined craftsmanship — a modern expression of timeless elegance.
SETHI COUTURE’S STACKABLE SHADOW RINGS
Sethi Couture’s stackable Shadow rings exemplify the brand’s flair for effortless layering and everyday luxury. Crafted in 18K gold and set with diamonds in a variety of shapes, each ring is designed to mix, match, and build a personalized look — making the collection a standout choice for those who love to curate their own style on the hand.
GRAFF EMERALD-CUT & ROUND EMERALD NECKLACE WITH DIAMONDS
Luminous emeralds and diamonds sweep around the neckline in intertwining strands, creating a sculptural expression of unity and power. At the center, three remarkable stones — a 3.31-carat emerald-cut emerald, a 2.92-carat octagonal emerald, and a striking 3-carat emerald-cut diamond — command the eye with their vivid intensity. With a total of approximately 34.51 carats of gemstones, this high-jewelry masterpiece blends impeccable craftsmanship with an unmistakable aura of prestige.
TIFFANY & CO. RETRO AQUAMARINE PENDANT CARATS
Tiffany & Co. delivers Retro-era glamour at its most commanding with this remarkable pendant necklace, centered on an imposing 201.08-carat aquamarine cut in a sleek octagonal silhouette. Its radiant blue presence is heightened by sculptural gold scrolls that embrace the stone, each accented with a diamond-set platinum detail for added brilliance. Fourteen round sapphires — a combined 6.80 carats — form a vivid halo around the centerpiece, completing a design that feels both architectural and richly expressive.
DAVID WEBB RUBY PENDANT NECKLACE, 31.50 CARATS
With a bold geometry that channels the spirit of Art Deco, this striking David Webb necklace showcases the house’s talent for sculptural design and vivid color. A suite of deep red rubies totaling 31.50 carats is paired with 15.80 carats of bright white diamonds, creating a dramatic interplay of light and intensity. The detachable pendant adds versatility — allowing it to transition seamlessly from statement necklace to standalone jewel — all beautifully finished in richly polished 18K yellow gold.
WILDLY SPARKLING
| BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS
Since its inception in 1972, The Back Vault’s passion for discovering and curating one-of-a-kind vintage jewelry has been the heart and soul of the company. The diversity on offer of renowned designers include Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, Bvlgari, David Webb and many more. We chose a few animal pieces, perfect to spruce up any wardrobe.
The Back Vault Cartier Panthere 18K Yellow Gold Skeleton Ring with tsavorite garnets and onyx
The Back Vault Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Falcon Eagle Bird Enameled Cuff Links with round cut diamonds
The Back Vault David Webb Leopard Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Diamonds, Emeralds, Black Enamel Brooch
The Back Vault Boucheron 18K Rose Gold Bagha Tiger Sapphire and Diamond Bangle Bracelet
The Back Vault
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Swan Earrings
THE MOST EXPENSIVE WATCHES OF 2025
Where Innovation Meets Timeless Craft
Frederique Constant
Limited Edition Classic Tourbillon
Frederique Constant’s Limited Edition Manufacture Classic Tourbillon distills refined Swiss watchmaking into an elegant, wearable form. Powered by the in-house FC-980 automatic movement with a flying tourbillon showcased at 6 o’clock, it offers 42 hours of autonomy within a polished 39 mm stainless-steel case. Slim, dignified, and finished with a blue alligator strap, the watch is capped at just 350 pieces worldwide — a sophisticated introduction to high horology for collectors who appreciate discreet excellence and enduring craftsmanship.
Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu King Gold Blue (42mm)
The Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu King Gold Blue (42 mm) is a striking collaboration with Sang Bleu that merges bold geometry and luxury craftsmanship. Crafted in 18 K King Gold and fueled by the HUB4700 skeleton chronograph movement, it features a transparent dial layered with angular motifs, vibrant blue accents, and a black-and-blue rubber strap. With 100 m water resistance and contemporary design cues, it offers both technical sophistication and avant-garde wrist presence.
The Breguet Classique 7235
The Breguet Classique 7235 reimagines the historic “No. 5” pocket watch with a 39 mm gold case, hand-guilloché detailing, and a traditional dial layout featuring a power reserve, moon phase, and small seconds. Powered by the self-winding Calibre 502.3 DRL with a 45-hour reserve, this limited edition of 250 pieces offers a refined celebration of the brand’s storied heritage and enduring craftsmanship.
The Patek Philippe 5308G Grand Complication
The Patek Philippe 5308G Grand Complication is a showcase of haute horlogerie, combining a minute repeater, a split-seconds chronograph, and an instantaneous perpetual calendar inside a meticulously crafted white gold case. Its new automatic movement — nearly 800 components working in harmony — drives a striking display defined by an ice-blue sunburst dial and a rich navy alligator strap. Elegant yet technically formidable, it stands as a sophisticated choice for collectors who value true mechanical artistry.
Roger Dubui’s Excalibur Grande Complication
Unveiled at Watches and Wonders 2025, the Excalibur Grande Complication highlights Roger Dubuis’ flair for bold innovation, placing a flying tourbillon in a striking lower-dial position. Crafted in a 45 mm pink gold case and produced in an edition of just eight pieces, it commemorates the brand’s 30th year with a blend of technical prestige and unmistakable presence.
Bvlgari × MB&F Serpenti Rose Gold collaboration
A striking crossover between two horological innovators, this limitededition creation marries MB&F’s technical audacity with Bvlgari’s sculptural elegance. Encased in rose gold sized at 53 × 39 mm and restricted to just 33 pieces, it showcases a manually-wound inhouse movement beneath a multisapphire-crystal case that channels the serpent motif with bold three-dimensional form. The greendial variant with rotating domes replaces traditional hands, boasting a 45-hour power reserve and water resistance to 30 m. With its rapid-turn production (six to eight pieces per month) and approx. $170,000 price tag, this is a highly exclusive timepiece engineered as a horological statement.
Rolex Land-Dweller
The 2025 Rolex LandDweller introduces an entirely new collection, offered in 36 mm and 40 mm with options from steel to platinum. It debuts the integrated “Flat Jubilee” bracelet and the Calibre 7135 movement with a high-frequency 5 Hz escapement, marking a bold step forward in both design and technology for the brand.
Cartier Tank Á Guichets
Cartier brings back the intriguing 1928 Tank à Guichets, a minimalist design that tells time through two dial apertures rather than hands — a jump-hour display above and rotating minutes below. The standout of the new releases is a platinum edition, limited to 200 pieces, sized at 37.6 × 24.8 mm and offering a 7-day power reserve. Priced at $61,000, it’s a refined, mechanical take on early “digital” timekeeping, wrapped in Cartier’s signature elegance.
Zenith G.F.J.
Zenith celebrates 160 years with the G.F.J., a platinum limited edition powered by the revived Caliber 135. Featuring a lapis lazuli dial, 39.15 mm case, and 70hour power reserve, this 160-piece release honors the brand’s founder while signaling a renewed future for its historic movement. Priced at $49,900, it blends heritage with modern refinement for true collectors.
Chopard Alpine Eagle 41 SL Cadence 8HF
Chopard continues to evolve its Alpine Eagle line — the sport watch introduced in 2019 — with a standout new model crafted from Super Light ceramicized titanium. The Alpine Eagle 41 SL Cadence 8HF pairs an industrialinspired aesthetic with impressive precision, thanks to a COSC-certified high-frequency 8Hz movement housed in a 41 mm case. With a 60-hour power reserve and priced at $25,000, it reinforces Chopard’s ability to blend technical performance with refined contemporary style.
H O M E S & I N T E R I O R S
Turning Over a New Leaf
MORUKURU RIVER HOUSE
| BY HEL É NE RAMACKERS
On the border of South Africa and Botswana, Madikwe Game Reserve is a hidden jewel in the safari sphere that should definitely be explored.
It was here that Morukuru Family owners Ed and Anka Zeeman’s love for South Africa originated. They instantly fell in love with Madikwe Game Reserve when they visited for the very first time in March 2003. Securing a piece of land and building their own lodge further cemented their adoration for the African continent. With a portfolio of seven stunning properties – three exclusive-use safari villas in Madikwe Game Reserve, a lodge and a private villa in De Hoop Nature Reserve, as well as a boutique hotel and private villa in Sandton, they have created the most extraordinary accommodation for guests who truly appreciate the beauty of contemporary style and private use properties.
Morukuru Family has been around for two decades. It comes as no surprise that the exclusive use Morukuru River House falls in the Ultra-luxury lodge category. Three individual homesteads sit in a private concession in Madikwe Game Reserve’s southeastern corner. These lodges ensure exclusivity and a feeling of coming home.
We arrive at the Molatedi gate after a scenic road transfer between Johannesburg and Madikwe. Guide Jacques meets us with the Morukuru Family Land Rover for the final 40-minute stretch to Morukuru River House. Lodge manager Lara welcomes us, along with the entire staff who will be looking after us during our three-night stay.
Following devastating floods in February 2025, the Morukuru Family owners saw a chance to refresh the interiors. This was done for both River House and Owner’s House. “In the bush, nature teaches resilience,” Ed tells me. “What began as a challenging event became an opportunity to re-imagine two soulful homes. Our guests will hopefully be delighted to return somewhere familiar in spirit, newly inspired in detail, and as private and flexible as ever under our Morukuru Freedom Concept”.
Morukuru River House comprises three bedrooms en-suite, a dining room, a study which doubles as a kid’s bedroom, a lounge, an outside area idea for alfresco dining, an outdoor deck with couches and a lap pool, a sala for lunches or dinners, and a spa with views over the river. The house comes with a private chef, butler, housekeeping staff and a sculler. Sitting down in the lounge, butler Kitso presents us with a refreshing drink. Jacques enquires about what we would like to do during our stay. He suggests a few activities which are only guidelines. There is no set schedule at any of the Morukuru Family properties.
Amy Kidger from South African firm Hinterland Studio was tasked with the new interiors. She went about integrating the client’s brief and instituting various changes. “Both Owners House and River House are situated within dense trees, so the client requested that we lighten the spaces,” Amy explains. “They asked us to incorporate specially commissioned photographic art by Leana Clunies-Ross. These depict beautiful ladies shrouded in striking garments, which set the tone for injecting bold colors into the homes. This approach helped us create what we feel are very warm, cozy and inviting spaces.”
Taking her inspiration from the lushness of the reserve after the floods, Amy was struck by the vibrant pops of color visible in the landscape, from the trees to the hues in the soil. With both homes located in the African bush, she aimed to draw the energy of the constant flow of life in the river and on land into the spaces, which she successfully did. “This is evident in the colorful fabrics, hand painted tiles and textured finishes, such as the light fittings,” Amy continues. “There is also a lot of movement in some fixtures, for instance, the chandelier above the dining table moves and chimes when the wind blows, creating a very special moment,”
When it came to preferred textiles to use for the new interiors, Amy admits that she loves mixing textures. Using a great deal of timber applied in different techniques sits very well against the stone clad walls. These comprise the bulk of the wall finishes. It was important for the interior team to soften the spaces, given the extensive use of stone. The use of linens of varying grain for drapery had the desired effect. An impressive detail is the inclusion of woven and traditional cultural elements. This can be seen in the beadwork of some mirrors and light fittings, as well as the varying woven rugs, textured wallpapers, hand-sewn bed throws and authentic artifacts.
The bedrooms are dreamy, with billowing mosquito nets, silky white bedding and vistas over the river and bushveld. It’s not uncommon to hear and see wildlife around the lodge. Sitting at dinner on our second night, it’s incredible to be privy to the sounds of branches breaking. An elephant is feeding on the opposite side of the river. It certainly adds an air of magic at Morukuru River House. Green and reddish earthy tones in the surrounding landscape served as motivation for the color palette of River House. The ochre and mustard tones in the bedrooms were found in nature and in the stone cladding.
Meals at River House are crafted by chef Thuli, who can whip up the most delicious fare imaginable. Dining takes on a whole new meaning as you seldom feast in the same place twice, unless you want to, of course. We were treated to lunch under the trees, dinner in the sala, a bush breakfast, dinner next to the pool, breakfast at the dining room table, and a bush dinner on our last night where hyenas wanted to join the party.
Guests at both Morukuru River House and Owners House can enjoy wellness therapy in the sala. Situated on the lower deck with views over the Marico River, wildlife might amble by. You may even choose to delight in a relaxing massage in the privacy of your room or have one poolside. A variety of treatments are on offer with the wonderfully fragrant Africology skincare and body products.
Morukuru River House remains a space to feel nature’s calm, with luxury that whispers. The restoration brings quiet sophistication in the form of custom furnishings, rich natural timbers, and handpicked textiles that soothe rather than shout. Every detail is designed for deep relaxation, with sunlight and river views painting the walls. The result is a private haven where comfort is king, and the bush whispers just beyond your doorstep.
Create THE LOOK
| BY HEL É NE RAMACKERS
We asked Morukuru Family owner Anka Zeeman to assist Upscale Living magazine readers Create in creating the comfortable lounge at Morukuru River House for their own homes.
ARMCHAIR | Round Back Armchair
Timber by Tonic
TABLE | Boogie Nights Coffee Table, individually crafted with ceramic tile and Verdigris copper top and antique copper burnished base, by Egg Design
CARPET | Honeycomb panja earth handwoven carpet by Herringbone
WALL ART | Bolga grass fan available at Kaya Living
LAMPS | Hanging lampshades by Ashanti Design
OUTDOOR TRENDS
Brown Jordan marks eighty years of design excellence with the Solenne Collection, a striking new line that redefines outdoor elegance. Solenne Collection is a groundbreaking expression of the brand’s legacy, and combines sculptural lines, luxurious materials, and inviting textures to create a collection that is both timeless and modern.
| BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS
With a 360° presence, sculpted curves, and generous proportions, each item in warm teak and powder-coated aluminum offers seamless detailing, enduring comfort, and effortless versatility
The new collection’s beauty lies in its thoughtful mix of materials, where powder-coated aluminum slats provide structure and airflow, and sculpted teak accents add warmth and contrast.
Solenne is fully finished from every angle, making it ideal for open layouts where pieces are meant to float at the center of attention with depth, dimension, and ease.
The furnishings are as architectural as they are inviting, and Solenne offers a quiet strength and layered elegance to open-air spaces.
Plush cushions soften Solenne’s sculptural silhouette, resulting in a tactile harmony of form and comfort that is built to endure the elements with ease.
MARIYA NAUMOV & GIANPIERO PUGLIESE
Enriching The Lives of People by Creating Beautiful Places
| BY HEL É NE RAMACKERS
Husband and wife team Mariya Naumov and Gianpiero Pugliese heading up international design and architecture firm Audax spoke exclusively with Upscale Living magazine about creating meaningful spaces for their clients.
Mariya and Gianpiero, tell us a bit about yourselves.
Gianpiero: I’ve always been drawn to design and architecture to shape how people experience the world around them. I studied architecture at the University of California, Berkeley, and later earned my Master of Architecture at Harvard University. A formative chapter for me was my study abroad experience at IUAV in Venice, Italy, where I was able to further immerse myself in Europe’s rich architectural history and connect more deeply with my Italian heritage. That experience reinforced my lifelong respect for the enduring principles of classical architecture -principles that enable us to create spaces that inspire and uplift, and that reflect our commitment to restoring the true essence of beauty in the built environment.
Mariya: My path has always been rooted in art and design. I completed a Bachelor of Arts in Art History at the University of Toronto and later earned my Bachelor of Interior Design from Toronto Metropolitan University. My time working in galleries and my personal practice as a painter
gave me a deep appreciation for artistic principles, materiality, and composition. Those early experiences continue to shape my approach to creating interiors that feel rich, layered, and meaningful.
Did you have an influence in your youth that shaped your career path?
Gianpiero: Absolutely. My time in Venice was a turning point. Being surrounded by the city’s architectural heritage deepened my appreciation for balance, proportion, and history in design. It gave me an awareness of the responsibility architects have to honor the past while building for the future.
Mariya: For me, it was art. Studying art history and painting gave me an instinctive understanding of color, light, and composition. Those influences continue to guide how I approach interiors, ensuring that every space I create feels both timeless and personal.
When did you start your firm, Audax?
Both: Audax was founded in 2007 and the firm evolved to bring together architec-
ture, interiors, and construction under one umbrella. From the beginning, our vision was to embrace the historic model of the “architect as master builder,” ensuring every project could be seamlessly executed from concept to completion.
What and who inspires you?
Both: We’re inspired by history and by the principles that have shaped great architecture across time, such as symmetry, proportion, and materiality. At the same time, we’re energized by our clients, who trust us to interpret their vision and bring it to life. Inspiration also comes from travel, art, and design across cultures.
What is the favorite part of your job?
Gianpiero: I get to spend every day working with my wife - that’s pretty special. But beyond that, there’s nothing quite like the moment when we photograph a finished project. To see something that started as a simple sketch on a blank page come to life - to walk through a space that was once just an idea - is incredibly rewarding. Watching both the architecture
PHOTO COURTESY OF SARAH AKBAY INTERIORS
and interiors materialize exactly as we envisioned them is one of the most satisfying parts of what we do.
Mariya: For me, design always begins as a kind of daydream. I love creating a story - imagining the ideal living environment and then bringing that vision to life. In many ways, it feels like developing a film: it starts as a fantasy, and through collaboration and creativity, becomes something real. The best part is seeing our clients’ dreams for their homes come true.
Gianpiero, how do you go about navigating change in your line of work, eg. 3-D modeling, or do you embrace it?
Gianpiero: We’ve always embraced change - you have to. Technology evolves so quickly, and if you don’t move with it, you fall behind. From the very beginning, we’ve been committed to staying current with the latest tools and innovations, always looking for ways to make our work more productive and efficient.
Most technology is good; it expands what’s possible and enhances creativity. But I’ve always believed that new tools should complement, not replace, the traditional ones. Even with all the advances in AI and digital modeling, we still start every project with a pen and a blank sheet of paper. There’s something essential about that human connection to drawingtechnology can build on it, but it should never erase it.
And the use of technology in architecture, has that improved the way you fashion structures?
Gianpiero: Yes, in many ways. One of the most exciting areas of advancement has been in materials. Take interior design, for example - kitchen countertops used to be primarily stone or granite, but now we’re seeing incredible innovations with man-made materials like large-format porcelain slabs. These materials are constantly evolving, offering new properties, finishes, and applications that expand what’s possible in both design and durability. That said, much of how we build still relies on the same craftsmanship and techniques that have been used for decades. So, while technology continues to move us forward, the essence of good architecture - thoughtful design, solid construction, and beauty that endures - remains unchanged.
Mariya, you are an avid painter. How has that paved the way for your expertise in creating amazing interiors?
Mariya: Painting taught me to see the world differently - to notice the subtleties of color, the
PHOTO COURTESY OF ERIK ROTTER
way light interacts with surfaces, and how textures and tones can create mood. That sensitivity translates directly into interior design. When I’m creating a space, I think of it as a canvas: the composition of materials, textures, and forms must harmonize to create something timeless and emotionally resonant.
Do you have a specific color palette you favor? And textures?
Mariya: Not really - I know some designers have a defined palette or signature style, but what sets us apart is that we don’t limit ourselves to one look. Our projects can be modern or traditional, depending on the story we’re trying to tell. Every design begins with that initial dream or fantasy we want to bring to life, and the color palette
and textures evolve from there.
For our own home, for instance, I drew inspiration from Vermeer’s paintings - the soft, muted tones, the way light moves across surfaces, and the quiet beauty of old-world living. I literally extracted colors from his works to shape our palette. But for a more contemporary project, I might take an entirely different direction. It always starts with the narrative and what best expresses the spirit of the space.
Please tell us about Human Architecture.
Both: Our philosophy of Human Architecture emerged from our recognition that today’s built environments all too often overlook the importance of beauty. Modern cities, buildings, and interiors frequently emphasize functionality and efficiency at the expense of aesthetic appeal. This shift, which began with the modern movement, has resulted in the unremarkable environments we encounter today.
Human Architecture is our deliberate response to this trend. Our goal is to restore the enduring principles of design that have historically ensured beauty. These principles, or axioms, include symmetry, proportion, repetition, hierarchy, materiality, and the emotive qualities that resonate deeply with our physical human nature. Our innate appreciation for balance, rhythm, and harmony is rooted in how we perceive and interact with the world. By embracing these timeless principles, we strive to create contemporary spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and deeply meaningful. We hold that beauty is objective and not merely a matter of personal opinion.
Our approach involves a thorough study of historical architecture and design, drawing lessons from the past to inform our contemporary practice. This historical insight allows us to craft modern designs that are rich in character and timeless in their elegance. Rather than adhering to a single style, we use our Human Architecture philosophy to guide a variety of design styles, ensuring that each project is uniquely suited to its context while maintaining the core principles of beauty and harmony. This approach enables us to create spaces that inspire and uplift, reflecting our commitment to restoring the true essence of beauty in the built environment.
You have done some exquisite projects. Has there been a favorite?
Both: It’s difficult to choose because every project we take on is unique - from luxury residential homes and multi-unit developments to exclusive commercial spaces, prestigious hos-
PHOTO COURTESY OF PATRICK BILLER
PHOTO COURTESY OF PATRICK BILLER
pitality venues, and even religious buildings. That said, Villa Cortile in Toronto is a project that stands out because it perfectly embodies our philosophy of Human Architecture. Inspired by Italian design traditions, it combines symmetry, proportion, and material richness with contemporary innovation, creating a home that feels both timeless and deeply connected to its context.
It would also be remiss not to mention our own home, which has been a personal and ongoing project. Most recently, we completed our kitchen, which was inspired by Vermeer’s The Art of Painting. It’s a space where history, art, and contemporary living come together - a painterly composition of light, materiality, and craftsmanship. It’s also where we spend the most time as a family, which makes it especially meaningful.
How hands-on are you with each project?
Both: Extremely hands-on. We built Audax intentionally so that we could manage architecture, interiors, and construction together. This integrated approach allows us to maintain quality and accountability at every stage. We’re involved from the earliest sketches to the final
PHOTO COURTESY OF PATRICK BILLER
PHOTO COURTESY OF SHAI GIL
finishes, ensuring that every detail reflects our vision and our client’s needs.
Have there been projects you declined? If yes, why?
Both: Yes, we have. The relationship between us and our clients is absolutely essential. For a project to be successful, there has to be trust, mutual understanding, and shared values. If we sense that alignment isn’t there - whether in vision, priorities, or approach - it’s better for everyone to step back.
Trust is the foundation of every project we take on. Without it, the process can’t thrive. We also look for clients who share our belief in what design can do - as our mission states, “enriching the lives of people by creating beautiful places.” We want to work with people who value creating spaces that are not only beautiful and timeless, but also deeply meaningful and designed to enhance everyday life.
Running a business as husband and wife sounds amazing, but when do you switch off or close the proverbial office door? Or is it advantageous to have a sounding board?
Both: Audax is more than a business - it’s our way of life. We live and breathe design, and our home in Toronto is directly connected to our studio, much like many businesses in Europe. We don’t draw a line between work and home, but in a way that feels natural for us. We see this as advantageous because we’re constantly a sounding board for each other, and our shared passion for design enriches both our work and our family life.
How do you balance what I can only imagine is a demanding career and raising three children?
Both: Balance is always a work in progress, but our children are an integral part of our lives, just as much as Audax is. We make it a priority to be present with them, and we often draw inspiration from the life we share together as a family. Ultimately, our work is about creating spaces that enhance life, and our children remind us every day what that truly means.
What do you do for fun?
Mariya: I love to read - mostly history booksideally with a good cup of coffee in hand. It’s my quiet escape and a way to keep learning and finding inspiration.
Gianpiero: For me, travel is the ultimate way to unwind. I love exploring new places, taking in the architecture, and of course, finding time to
just relax somewhere beautiful.
Exciting plans on the horizon?
Both: We’re thrilled to be entering a new chapter with Audax - we’ve just opened our first U.S. office in Palm Beach, Florida. It’s an exciting step in expanding our practice internationally and allows us to bring our Human Architecture philosophy to South Florida’s dynamic luxury market.
Palm Beach is a natural fit for us, given its vibrant design culture and its international community. Having a local office means we can be more present for our clients, strengthening relationships and ensuring we remain hands-on throughout every stage of a project.
We’ve already begun work on a residential project in the Bahamas and have several South Florida projects in progress. Our vision is to establish a meaningful body of work in Palm Beach and across the southeastern U.S., while continuing to push boundaries with projects that are timeless, elegant, and deeply connected to the people who live in them.
https://www.audax.ca/
PHOTO COURTESY OF ALEX LUKEY
PHOTO COURTESY OF ERIK ROTTER
ELEVATE YOUR LIVING SPACE
Light the way to an elevated living experience with Lodes’ array of cutting-edge fixtures. The family-owned contemporary lighting brand collaborates with visionary designers and brands from across the globe to create pieces that range from bold, sculptural profiles that blur the line between art and design, to subtle orbs that cast an ambient cascade of light, to striking fixtures combining rich textures and unique materials.
| BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS
Cono di Luce (Ron Arad for Lodes)
The result of a thought-provoking collaboration between Lodes and Ron Arad, the Cono di Luce suspension light offers an enlightening architectural presence in any dining room. Known for his iconic industrial pieces showcased in museums and installations worldwide, Arad’s latest version continues to marry his artistry with design and Lodes’ technical know-how. The ‘cone of light’ is Arad’s sketch brought to life with the cutting-edge implementation of PCB (printed circuit board) technology, harnessed to create an aesthetically pleasing pattern that forms the lamp’s graphic motif.
Elara (Nika Zupanc for Lodes)
Slovenian designer Nika Zupanic designed Elara, a striking suspension lamp inspired by the graceful motion of planets, for Lodes. Two metal rings form its sculptural frame – one adjustable to create dynamic angles, the other anchoring a small satellite sphere that emits light in two opposing directions. Designed for fluidity and movement, Elara invites the eye to orbit around it, much like the celestial paths that inspired its form. Perfect as a singular focal point over a dining table or arranged in multiples for dramatic scale and contrast, Elara pairs its astral elegance with customizable finishes to suit any interior universe.
IVY (Vittorio Massimo for Lodes)
Italian architect Vittoria Massimo joined forces with Lodes to create IVY – a minimal lighting solution composed of a die-cast zinc alloy ring with a made-tomeasure LED module. The ultimate conversation starter, IVY is available with a single (IVY I) and double (IVY V) cables. When arranged in a cluster using one of Lodes’ multiple canopies, the cables intertwine and overlap in the same way as its namesake IVY plant – adopting to the environment while subtly highlighting certain details in a space. The rings, reminiscent of precious pendant jewelry, are available in three finishes: matte black, extra-matte champagne, and terra – allowing for multicolor compositions. IVY offers limitless configurations.
Obló (Paolo Navone for Lodes)
An innovative suspension lamp evoking the sensations of the sea, Lodes Obló was designed in collaboration with Paolo Navone –OTTO Studio. Obló’s soft rounded form is available in three shapes and five finishes, three of which are transparent to conjure the quality of seawater. While a single lamp offers a playful point of light, Obló can be displayed in clusters for unlimited installations over dining table and more.
Random Cloud (Chia-Ying for Lodes)
Random Cloud, by Chia-Ying Lee for Lodes, reimagines the chandelier as a luminous, cloud-like cluster – perfect for casting an elegant glow over dining tables. An evolution of the brand’s Random Solo pendant, it links multiple glass spheres to a central canopy in configurations of 7, 14, 19 or 23 lights, with varied cable lengths creating its signature floating effect. Each 23- or-28-centimeter sphere houses a discreet 3W LED for even illumination, and comes in seven finishes, including Glossy Smoke, Rose Gold, and Frosted White – making it as versatile as it is striking in a dining room setting.
AT HOME WITH PATTI WOODS
Alabama-based interior designer Patti Woods shows us her stunning home in Birmingham, which she shares with her husband Philip.
Patti, please tell us a bit about yourself.
I founded my interior design firm in 2008 after careers in graphic design, fashion photo styling, and art. It was a natural transition, as I had been helping my friends with their homes for years. Art has always been at the center of my work, and the interior design world is no different. We are based in Birmingham, AL (where I’m from) but work well beyond Alabama!
Did you have an influence in your youth that shaped your career path?
I am a first-generation Italian American, and our family grew up driving from Birmingham to New York City for two weeks every summer. Spending time with my Sicilian grandparents in Brooklyn, experiencing the multi-day event of food preparation, learning what
| BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS
it meant to create a home where people wanted to gather, was important to my adult and working life.
Please tell us more about your home. I have lived in a 1938 two-story, foursquare, colonial home for the last 35 years. It was a great find at the time, because nothing had been majorly renovated since the 1970s. It gave us the opportunity to create our own version of the home. We’ve done a series of renovations through the years, some of which were adding a guest house, home office, and screened porch. In terms of interiors, they are always being tweaked or changed slightly. There have been periods of colorful paint and wallpaper, and periods of pulling things back for a more minimal look. I’m currently in the process of bringing more color back into my home and exploring different kinds of layers.
I’m in a stage of more, not less!
You are the Principal of Patti Woods Interiors. Did you opt to do your home’s own interior design?
I did! I have a lot of creative friends I
love bouncing ideas off of, and I’m always drawing inspiration from different sources. But overall, I’ve always done the design for my own spaces.
How would you best describe your design style?
I’m drawn to both traditional and eclectic styles, mixing antiques with contemporary designs. Overall, my style is versatile, which allows me to adapt to each client and architectural setting.
Where / what / who inspires your design style?
I’m a sentimental and romantic person at heart, and I like to invoke memories or stories into the spaces I create. I also find that antiques, art, and music can bring inspiration, or experiencing other people’s homes and seeing what they find beautiful.
How do you keep things fresh and new in terms of decorating?
There will always be timeless elements in design, but I think it’s important to stay aware of its evolving landscape. I like evaluating which trends are likely to
be short-lived versus the ones worth investing in. Fabrics are a great way to bring something new into a space—drapery, upholstery, wall textiles—changing a fabric can completely transform a room.
Is there a specific color you are drawn to in interior design?
Lately, I’ve been drawn to turmeric and golden tones—for example, Benjamin Moore’s “Golden Dunes.” I’m actually considering painting my own mudroom that color. In general, I’ve always loved warm whites, with a favorite being Benjamin Moore’s “Swiss Coffee.”
Do you believe in repurposing?
Yes, absolutely—when it makes sense. Furniture can have many lives by being moved around and finding new functions. For instance, an old antique trunk can serve as a coffee table in a living room or as storage at the foot of a bed. I once repurposed a freight box from a Pucci light fixture into a coffee table by adding an acrylic base, painting the sides white, and sealing the entire piece with a clear coat. My daughter still has it in her apartment in New York today.
Do you have any special heirloom pieces?
I have many! Some of my favorite pieces are the vintage French Art Deco leather chairs in my den, a 19th century linen press in my bedroom, and an antique French chandelier with wooden beads. I also designed a custom wrought-iron dining table and had it built by an iron maker in Tennessee. The top is all blue tile that I selected and placed, and it currently lives on my screened porch.
Which part of your home is you favorite?
I love all of the rooms in my house, but my favorite place is probably my bedroom. There is a beautiful view of our trees from the bed, and it gets both East and West light keeping it sunny all day long. Also, years ago I invested in a great mattress, and I have loved it every day since. Don’t underestimate the power of a great mattress!
In which part of your home do you spend the most time?
The most used place is the kitchen and keeping room, which is one large open area. It’s where my husband and I spend most nights, and it’s also where everyone winds up congregating during a party.
May I please ask who you share your home with? As an expert in your field, were / are you open to design suggestions from them?
I share the home with my husband of 43 years! He’s a residential custom homebuilder, so the space has always been a collaborative process. I share my company with my daughter, so we are always going back and forth about new ideas or what could be tweaked.
Do you have any designers that inspire you? Ben Pentreath, Rose Uniacke, and Neal Beckstedt are always creating interesting and beautiful spaces.
https://www.pattiwoodsinteriors.com/
T R A V E L &
D E S T I N A T I O N S
WHAT’S NEW
“Bringing you the finest places around the world is what we love to do here at Upscale Living magazine. In keeping with this tradition, we are focusing on introducing you to new kids on the block or accommodation establishments with a re-looked lease on life. Grab your travel diary as you want to get to these places as soon as possible!”
| BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS
CHALET CERVINIA
VAL D’ISÈRE, FRENCH ALPS
Chalet Cervinia is the latest masterpiece from owners Etienne and Jeanne Roesch Degoy, the husband-and-wife team behind Purple Ski’s award-winning Chalet Inoko. The property is a brand-new build, a rarity when it comes to well-located chalets in the Alps’ premier resorts. A true passion project for the couple, the chalet derives its name from the Italian name for the Matterhorn, the famous Swiss peak Etienne – a keen mountaineer – climbed earlier in 2025.
Tucked away in the quiet lanes of the charming Le Joseray area of Val d’Isère, the opulent three-story residence is a true hidden gem that effortlessly blends classic alpine design with state-of-the-art facilities. Less than 60 miles from the Joseray piste, and a short walk from the village center with its bustling shops, bars and restaurants, Chalet Cervinia is the ultimate choice for those in
search of a serene and luxurious retreat just moments from the action.
A sprawling open-plan living-dining space sits at the heart of the property, flanked by sun-soaked balconies to the south and east, ideal for soaking up the picturesque views of Val d’Isère village and the snowy treetops and peaks beyond. The inviting space is the vision of owner-interior designer Jeanne Roesch Degoy and combines a magnificent fireplace, wooden beams, stunning pendant lighting and floor-to-ceiling windows to create a luxurious yet cozy setting for family dinners and intimate nights by the fire.
Comprising five elegant double bedrooms plus a children’s bunk room, each with its own en-suite bathroom, the chalet is the ideal choice for families and groups of friends alike.
Guests will find ample opportunity to unwind après-ski at
the on-property spa, with its hot tub, sauna, massage room and expansive sapphire-hued swimming pool.
On the ground floor, a stateof-the-art home screening room delivers a true cinema experience, completed with tiered seating and ceiling lighting featuring a starry-night sky design, while the custom boot room provides a comfortable space to prepare for an exhilarating day on the slopes.
As with all chalets in the Purple Ski collections, guests of Chalet Cervinia have access to a full team of staff, daily housekeeping, an in-chalet ski and boot fitting service and a private chauffeured minibus, as well as a dedicated concierge service to cater to every guest’s wish.
https://www.purpleski.com/ chalets/cervinia/
FINCA BANYOLS
MALLORCA, SPAIN
Finca Banyols the exquisite 32room, 5-star retreat effortlessly blends traditional Mallorcan charm with contemporary sophistication. Following a meticulous renovation and restoration, the estate invites guests to experience unmatched tranquility and beauty in one of the island’s most breathtaking settings, nestled within the UNESCO-protected Tramuntana mountains.
As you approach Finca Banyols, expansive vistas unfurl before you. Nestled among 250 acres of ancient olive groves and fragrant citrus orchards, the estate commands sweeping views of the rugged mountain range—a serene oasis that feels worlds away from the rush of modern life. As the next chapter begins, fruit from these historic groves, orchards and vineyards will once again become a vital part of Finca Banyols’ evolving story becoming key components to the experience at the property.
Step inside the meticulously restored main house and feel instantly embraced by its warm, welcoming atmosphere. Elegant yet intimate, the interiors blend rustic charm with modern comfort—high-beamed ceilings, weathered wooden floors, hand-hewn Santanyí stone, and carefully curated furnishings that pay homage to the property’s rich heritage.
The sophistication of Mediterranean style finds expression in the timeless elegance of the 32 cozy rooms and suites. High ceilings and wooden floors lend a sense of airy spaciousness and warmth, blending classical charm with enduring quality. Light, natural tones infuse the spaces with brightness and serenity, while carefully curated details create an inviting, stylish atmosphere. Preserving the spirit of the original house, the interiors are enriched with subtle contemporary accents. Natural materials, warm hues, and soft textures foster a deep
sense of comfort and tranquility. Wood, organic fabrics, and thoughtfully selected accessories harmonize with the heritage surroundings, celebrating the balance between tradition and modern living: underfloor heating provides extra comfort, while beds are dressed in fine Egyptian cotton linens for a restful night’s sleep. Bespoke toiletries have been created by Viti Vinci - ‹Jardi de Banyols’ offers intense notes of bergamot and citrus with soft floral, woody, and spicy profiles.
For a touch of artistic flair, renowned fashion designer Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada has designed a vibrant signature suite, complete with a private garden—exhibiting a bold expression of her celebrated love of color and individuality. Beyond the main residence, the estate offers an array of refined amenities designed for the discerning traveler.
https://www.fincabanyols. com/en/
HALE ‘O KA LA
BIG ISLAND, HAWAII
Destinations in Paradise, the boutique collection of luxury private villas in some of the world’s most coveted coastal settings, announces the debut of Hale ‘O Ka La, its fully re-imagined Big Island estate. Following an $8 million renovation, the property reopens as a discreet retreat for multi-generational travelers, corporate groups, and private celebrations, offering a refined interpretation of contemporary Hawaiian living.
Set on a cliff within the prestigious Mauna Kea Resort on the Kohala Coast, Hale ‘O Ka La, meaning “House of the Sun,” was rebuilt from the ground up after the 2023 coastline fires. The 5,358-square-foot villa now marries the estate’s original character with a fresh, modern aesthetic, positioning it as a centerpiece of the region’s ongoing renaissance. The redesign was a collab-
oration between local firms, Diane Bobek Designs, Taleah Smith Design, and Pono Hana Builders. In a nod to the property’s legacy, the team preserved select dark wood accents and Asian antiquities while introducing lighter finishes, refined textures, and sculptural elements throughout. Copper fragments salvaged from the original roof now feature in the kitchen’s pendant lighting, creating a quiet link between past and present.
The kitchen itself, anchored by a vast Neolith island, has been conceived as the heart of the home, ideal for guest chefs and convivial gatherings. In the bedrooms, custom white oak and walnut beds lend a sense of natural warmth, while carefully curated lighting and contemporary art pieces create an elegant ambiance. From each bedroom, the home’s ultimate luxury unfolds—a dramatic volcano view. One
guest suite gazes directly over Pu’ukoholā Heiau, one of the Hawaiian Islands’ most storied historic sites, while the master suite looks to a modern pilgrimage: the emerald fairways of the Mauna Kea Resort’s golf course.
The estate’s landscaping holds its own narrative of renewal. Original architect and owner, Ray Lager, returned to oversee the redesign of the grounds, blending lush tropical foliage with serene water features to heighten the home’s sense of seclusion. A saltwater pool with a waterslide and swim-up palapa bar, a waterfall grotto with jacuzzi, and shaded lounging areas transform the estate into a private island playground.
In 1928, English entrepreneur Frederick Henry Dumas Man commissioned Magdalena Gertrude Sauer, one of South Africa’s first female architects, to design a Cape Town residence that blended European refinement with Cape heritage.
The result was “The Andros”, a stately Cape Dutch Revival manor whose gables, sash windows, and timber floors reflected the spirit of its time.
Nearly a century later, this residence has been re-imagined as The Claremont Boutique Hotel, a 15-room hideaway in the leafy suburb of Claremont.
Now part of the Sabi Sabi Collection, it carries forward a legacy of heritage, authenticity, and warm South African hospitality. Importantly, it also marks the Collection’s first expansion beyond the bushveld, extending its philosophy of place and empathy from the Sabi Sabi Lodges in the Kruger area to Cape Town.
Perfectly positioned beneath
the famed Table Mountain, and close to the Constantia Winelands and the vibrant Atlantic Seaboard, The Claremont creates a seamless city-and-safari journey. With only fifteen rooms, the experience is quietly personal.
Choose between Deluxe Rooms, Classic Rooms and the exclusive Sauer Villa, some located in the manor house, others opening onto the gardens or nestled beside the pool. Rooms are generous, with en-suite bathrooms, luxury amenities and incredible views.
Each room tells its own story through original architectural details and considered décor — from William Morris prints to floral inspirations drawn from the gardens outside.
Spend time in The Safari Room, a library and lounge space, which is lined with books, artifacts and design details that nod to the bushveld, creating a quiet corner for reading or conversation.
It acts as a bridge between the Sabi Sabi Lodges and the Cape, carrying forward the atmosphere of safari storytelling into the city, with Table Mountain often visible in the backdrop beyond Claremont’s leafy avenues.
The Sun Lounge is a lightdrenched space that opens onto the gardens. With sun filtering through sash windows and views of the Plane tree, it is the heart of slow afternoons, tea service, or simply enjoying the hotel’s calm ambiance.
Whether as a gentle pause before or after safari, or a Cape sojourn of its own, The Claremont completes the Sabi Sabi journey — from bushveld to city, heritage to hospitality, memory to home.
https://www.sabisabi.com/
Delfin Amazon Cruises, the world’s first Relais & Châteaux Cruise company and a leader in luxury river expeditions in the Upper Peruvian Amazon, has meticulously re-imagined Delfin I. The vessel redefines authentic elegance, comfort, and sustainability. As Peru’s only family-owned and operated high-end river cruise company, Delfin Amazon Cruises (Delfin) takes great pride in its heritage, its role in fostering local prosperity, and its commitment to protecting the Amazon’s vibrant ecosystem.
Guided by founders Aldo Macchiavello and Lissy Urteaga, Delfin integrates the cultural richness and natural splendor of the Amazon into every journey. Delfin I has oversized suites with private panoramic terraces, two of which include private whirlpools for an indulgent retreat. Floor-to-ceiling windows immerse guests in the rainforest, creating a seamless connection with nature.
Enhanced features include remodeled bathrooms, threetimes-daily personalized cabin service, and an upgraded exterior with an air-conditioned observation deck and observatory balconies. On the top deck, guests can unwind in a newly designed lounge area, savor handcrafted cocktails at the bar, and stargaze under some of the world’s clearest night skies. These enhancements reflect Delfin’s unwavering commitment to offering elevated, intimate experiences in harmony with the natural environment.
Whether booked suite by suite or as a private floating villa, the Delfin I offers a serene retreat that combines privacy, authenticity, and sustainability. The Delfin I’s transformation is a family-driven project brought to life by the creative vision of Vicca Verde, an architectural studio founded by Mateo Peschiera, Gonzalo Zegarra, and Horacio Goitre. Horacio worked closely with Lissy Ur-
teaga to ensure the renovation honors the Amazon’s cultural and natural heritage, while also overseeing construction alongside Aldo Macchiavello in Iquitos.
Inspired by the geometric patterns of Shipibo art, the vessel’s ornamental railings echo the spiritual essence of this ancestral culture. Handwoven ceilings, crafted by local artisans using natural fibers, celebrate the region’s rich traditions, while sustainable Anacaspi wood highlights the Amazon’s biodiversity.
“We take immense pride in our collaboration as a family and our dedication to showcasing Peru’s cultural and natural treasures. This is our country, this is our home,” says Lissy Urteaga. “This renovation is a tribute to the beauty of the Amazon and the communities that make it so special.”
Set on Barbados’ prestigious Sandy Lane Estate, Laughing Waters is a 32,000-square-foot private villa designed for those who expect the finest in seclusion and service. The estate spans four lush acres with 12 luxurious bedrooms across three residences, complemented by a private cinema, gym, and sophisticated entertainment spaces. Guests enjoy exclusive access to a nearby AAA Five Diamond resort, championship golf, and a members-only beach club — blending the privacy of a private estate with elite resort privileges. Supported by a full staff including chef, concierge, and security, Laughing Waters offers a world-class Caribbean escape tailored to the most discerning travelers.
HOTEL LA POSTA, BAGNO VIGNONI, ITALY La Posta, formerly Albergo Posta Marcucci, reopened in March 2025 as a five-star retreat in the thermal village of Bagno Vignoni, within Tuscany’s UNESCO-protected Val d’Orcia. Part of the Casa Costa 1956 collection, the hotel balances refined comfort with regional authenticity — featuring 35 newly refreshed rooms, serene thermal pools, and panoramic countryside views. Focused on wellness, gastronomy, and eco-minded hospitality, La Posta offers a tranquil base for exploring vineyards, hill towns, and Tuscan landscapes, while honoring its heritage with warm service and a strong connection to local culture.
SAUDADE, BAZARUTO, MOZAMBIQUE
Saudade is an intimate luxury villa set along the unspoiled coastline of Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago, offering a refined escape for up to 10 guests — or 16 when privately booked. Surrounded by lush gardens and overlooking a dazzling crescent-shaped beach, the property blends contemporary elegance with authentic Mozambican craftsmanship. Thoughtfully designed by Sarah and Mike van Hone, its five suites, infinity pool, and seamless indoor–outdoor living areas celebrate the region’s rich maritime culture. With exceptional dining and access to a UNESCO World Heritage marine sanctuary teeming with dolphins, whales, rays, and rare dugong, Saudade delivers a secluded, world-class retreat rooted in place and natural wonder.
COUR
DES LOGES LYON, LYON, FRANCE
Cour des Loges Lyon, now part of the Radisson Collection, reopens as a meticulously restored five-star hotel in the heart of Vieux Lyon. Rooted in 14th-century history and set around six Renaissance courtyards, the property offers 61 uniquely designed rooms and suites that blend period character with modern luxury. The restoration preserves the building’s cultural legacy while enhancing guest comfort, complemented by fine dining at Les Loges, where Chef Anthony Bonnet crafts seasonal, locally inspired cuisine. A stay at Cour des Loges is an immersive experience in Lyon’s timeless architecture, gastronomy, and charm.
THE PENINSULA NEW YORK, NY
The Peninsula New York has unveiled a sophisticated redesign inspired by the glamour of 1920s Manhattan, paired with contemporary comfort and personalized service. Its transformed lobby and reception areas now feature elegant, lighter interiors and striking architectural details, while all 219 rooms and suites deliver a refined, residential ambiance with custom furnishings, curated art, and advanced in-room technology. Highlights include the stunning new Pen Top rooftop venue overlooking Fifth Avenue and the intimate Gotham Lounge piano bar, both poised to become standout social destinations in Midtown. A timeless New York landmark has been thoughtfully reimagined for the modern era.
FAIRMONT TOKYO HOTEL, TOKYO, JAPAN
Fairmont debuts in Japan with the opening of Fairmont Tokyo, a striking luxury hotel positioned atop the new BLUE FRONT SHIBAURA Tower with sweeping views of the bay and city skyline. Conveniently located near major transport hubs and cultural landmarks, the hotel spans floors 35 to 43 and welcomes guests with artful interiors, lush terrace spaces, and a warm greeting from its “Chief Happiness Officer,” a resident Labrador Retriever. Seven dining venues highlight Tokyo’s celebrated culinary scene, while a spa, health club, and dual pools offer restorative wellness high above the city. Thoughtfully designed by BAR Studio, the property blends contemporary vibrancy with nods to Japanese craftsmanship, bringing Fairmont’s legacy of global elegance to Tokyo for the first time.
THE RITZ-CARLTON RESIDENCES, WAIKIKI BEACH, HAWAII
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach has completed a major multi-million-dollar transformation, marking a fresh chapter for the island’s premier residential-style luxury hotel. Enhancements include redesigned guest rooms in the ‘Ewa Tower, upgraded infinity pools and public spaces, and the debut of a new Ritz-Carlton Signature Suite Collection. Guests can also experience Solera, the hotel’s new dining destination focused on modern Hawai‘i-inspired cuisine, along with cultural programming that deeply connects visitors to O‘ahu’s heritage. Drawing design inspiration from Waikīkī’s ocean, mountains, and skies, the refreshed property continues its commitment to elevated service and a strong sense of place ahead of its 10-year anniversary.
GRAND HOTEL FASANO, LAKE GARDA, ITALY
Grand Hotel Fasano, a historic former Habsburg hunting lodge on Lake Garda, reopened in 2025 with newly added suites, a fully refreshed spa, and enhanced dining experiences — including its Michelin-starred restaurant Il Fagiano. With 86 elegant rooms and a prime lakefront setting surrounded by subtropical gardens, the property blends refined heritage with a relaxed Italian resort atmosphere. Guests can enjoy expanded wellness facilities, including indoor-outdoor pools and a serene lakeside spa garden, while exploring the cultural richness of nearby medieval villages and iconic northern Italian cities. Reaffirming its reputation as one of the region’s premier gastronomic and luxury retreats, Grand Hotel Fasano enters its next chapter with elevated comfort and timeless charm.
THE CAPE GRACE HOTEL, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
The Cape Grace Hotel, managed by Fairmont and nestled on its own private quay at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, blends nautical elegance with modern luxury. With views of the marina, Table Mountain and the harbor, the hotel offers about 110-120 individually styled rooms and suites, all wrapped in warm, sophisticated décor that nods to Cape culture. Thoughtful service, a celebrated restaurant, a whiskey-rich bar, and top-tier spa amenities add to the experience. Whether arriving by yacht or exploring the city, staying at Cape Grace feels like being at the heart of Cape Town while securely cocooned in refined comfort.
DESERT ROCK RESORT, RED SEA, SAUDI ARABIA
Nestled within the ancient granite mountains of Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea destination, Desert Rock Resort is a dramatic fusion of architecture and nature. Around 20 minutes from Red Sea International Airport, this ultra-luxury retreat features 54 pool villas and 10 suites carved into the rock face itself — part of a minimalist yet divine experience designed to vanish into the landscape. With state-of-the-art spa and wellness facilities, destination dining embedded in the terrain, and a commitment to sustainability through LEED Gold design and climate-sensitive development, Desert Rock offers a deeply immersive escape where rugged beauty and refined hospitality converge.
THE MARBELLA CLUB, COSTA DEL SOL, SPAIN
The Marbella Club is a storied luxury resort on Spain’s Costa del Sol, located along Marbella’s famed Golden Mile. Founded in 1954 and set within lush subtropical gardens, it blends Andalusian charm, beachfront elegance, and a legacy of jet-set hospitality. Guests can stay in richly appointed rooms, suites, and villas, and enjoy amenities including a thalasso spa, championship golf, world-class dining, and a vibrant beach club. From serene relaxation to sophisticated leisure, the Marbella Club remains an enduring destination for refined travelers.
WYNN HOTEL, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
Wynn Las Vegas stands as a benchmark of luxury on the Las Vegas Strip—a Forbes Five-Star resort where refined service, exceptional dining, and resort-style entertainment merge seamlessly. The beachfront-inspired pools and cabanas, world-class spa, and designer-laden retail promenade support an atmosphere of elevated indulgence. With spacious, sophisticated rooms and suites, 18+ restaurants, and award-winning amenities, Wynn combines the spectacle of Las Vegas with the subtlety of a private sanctuary.
ROYAL PALM HOTEL, PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
Located on Royal Palm Way in Palm Beach, Palm House offers a bespoke boutique experience enveloped in the island’s signature style. The 79-room property flaunts coral-hued design touches — from the Murano chandeliers and pink marble bar to seashell-covered lobby walls — blending modern luxury with Palm Beach nostalgia. Dining includes a Peruvian-Japanese fusion restaurant and a social lounge set by the pool deck, while the guest rooms deliver high-end comfort with stylish finishes and thoughtful amenities. Every detail is curated for an elevated yet distintively Palm Beach stay.
THE ST. REGIS CAP CANA RESORT, PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
The St. Regis Cap Cana Resort sits along a pristine stretch of coastline within Punta Cana’s exclusive Cap Cana enclave, offering a luxurious hideaway surrounded by turquoise waters and lush tropical landscapes. The resort blends refined Caribbean style with the St. Regis tradition of personalized service — including its signature butler program. Spacious suites and beachfront villas feature private pools and elegant indoor-outdoor living, while multiple dining venues celebrate fresh Dominican flavors and global cuisine. A world-class spa, championship Jack Nicklaus golf nearby, and one of the region’s most beautiful beaches create an escape designed for guests who want both tranquility and sophistication in paradise.
The Wilderness Way
A BOTSWANA TRIGOLOGY
| BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS
Starting in the west at Tubu Tree before heading east to Mokete, concluding with King’s Pool in the north of Botswana, the trifecta of lodges is an ideal combination to experience the supreme luxury of Wilderness.
Tubu Tree
The Okavango Delta. One of the most pristine wilderness areas on the planet. It’s a bucket list destination for many past, present and prospective visitors. Situated on the western fringe of the Delta, Tubu Tree sits within the private Jao Reserve. A diverse variety of habitats are present, from palm dotted floodplains to lush, riverine forests. The annual floods from Angola turn the landscape into a watery wonderland as the tributaries start filling with life-enhancing liquid. This occurrence makes wildlife flock to the spectacular part of Botswana.
It’s a short 35-minute flight from Maun International Airport with Wilderness Air. Captain Botshelo flies the Cessna 208 and lands the fixed wing aircraft on the Hunda airstrip. Guide Bino collects me and drives me to Tubu Tree, which is only five minutes away. Warmly welcomed by the staff, I’m shown to my Tented Suite for the next two nights. After High Tea, we depart on a game drive to see the wildlife that inhabit this concession.
A large bull elephant is sprinkling himself with dust. It’s clear from the darker spots on his body that he has recently enjoyed a mud bath. On the opposite side of the game path, the matriarch
is pointing her trunk in the air. The rest of the elephants follow her lead, and it’s entertaining to watch the calves doing the same. They haven’t quite managed how to use their trunks as it takes a certain amount of skill. A calf suddenly breaks away from the rest, and rushes over to us with ears flapping. We all laugh, as this is mostly a playful display of the youngster, showing how big and strong he is.
Perched on a bare tree branch, a lilac-breasted roller’s iridescent plumage is clearly visible. On the bank of the Delta’s seasonal channel, an African fish eagle is gripping something in her right talon. When she takes off, we notice that she is clasping the fish she has caught. Fast asleep in the shade of a tree, an unidentified male lion momentarily opens his eyes and lifts his head. Looking towards the plains, he flops down on his side to continue his slumber.
The last morning’s safari drive provides the most incredible sightings. Blind in her right eye, the female leopard has paused on the side of a termite mound. She is about 400 ft away from where we are parked in the Tubu Tree safari vehicle. Unbeknownst to her, a big male lion is sitting at the edge of one of the islands that dot
the landscape. She starts advancing through the tall turpentine grass, obscured from his view. We hold our collective breaths as she edges closer to him. Will he see her? Will she catch his scent? She completely flattens herself, crawling through the camouflaging grass, popping her head up to scan the area before disappearing again. Taking in the splendor of my tented suite, the design blends seamlessly into the landscape. A refurbishment in 2024 brought about a more contemporary aesthetic, while at the same time preserving the camp’s authentic, core charm. Large sliding doors and mesh panels have been strategically placed for the feeling of fluidity with the surroundings. Earthy tones are interspersed with splashes of green, a nod to the vibrant foliage of the enveloping trees. Creating a harmonious blend of nature meets nurture, Tubu Tree exudes tranquility and sophistication.
MOKETE
Raw, wild and untamed are just a few words to describe Mokete. Meaning ‘celebration’ or ‘feast’ in Botswana’s local Setswana language, Mokete is located in the Mababe Depression where the landscape meets the marsh. Only accessible by helicopter, Helicopter Horizons line pilot Cole steers the Robinson 44 in an easterly direction. Flying at 500 ft over the Okavango Delta, I enjoy a bird’s eye view of the floodplains. In just over an hour, we land on the helipad and guide Emmanuel drives me to camp. I’m handed a fragrant cooling towel before being offered a refreshing drink. It’s time for brunch, which is a selection of salads, a meat dish, fruit and cheeses. The main arrival area is open plan, with an interspersion of whites and wooden finishes. Honoring the environment, the camp is a fusion of African and European influences. This is evident in the design details, with woven textiles and rope finishes.
Here, predator meets prey in the ultimate death-defying dance and survival of the fittest, and strongest. A pride of fourteen lions known as the Mokete Pride dominates the plains. It consist of two males, six females and six cubs. For the lionesses to be able to produce
nutrient-rich milk for their offspring, they have to eat. The cubs are old enough to also enjoy feeding on a carcass, but this is very much a give or take when the adults are involved. There’s a hierarchy when it comes to who eats first - it’s always the King of the Jungle. Unless he’s not there when the food is served. Let’s be honest, the circle of life is not easy to watch, but it’s a necessity as old as time. We find the Mokete pride on a buffalo kill during our morning safari with all six females and cubs present. Even here, there’s a pecking, or rather feeding order. A lot of snarling and growling indicates that someone must let go and back off, which is primarily aimed at the cubs.
The temptation of skipping the last morning’s safari lasts a fleeting few seconds. With a serious amount of FOMO (fear of missing out), I decide to go. Setting off towards where we left the lions the previous day, the male has made an appearance. He is gorgeous, with a light mane, and he’s allowing three of his sons to join him in feasting on the buffalo. There is zero etiquette with a male lion in the mix. He will simply look at the cub and show his teeth, making it known that the cub needs to feed elsewhere. The lionesses
are lying in the road, and two of the cubs are nursing. One of the females gets up, stretches and starts moving for the marsh. There is water for them to quench their thirst. Another one joins, and a few of the cubs follow suit. We drive around to see them lapping up the much-needed liquid sustenance from the marsh. The muddy part of the marsh must be cool as they have laid down and gone to sleep.
Eventually, the male makes his way towards the rest of the pride after chasing a black backed jackal away. Walking proudly with his head held high, this prime specimen joins his family for a well-deserved slumber. Seeing them all together except one of the males, it’s clear that they established a comfortable home range. Long may they prosper.
king’s pool
Bordering Namibia and located on Chobe National Park’s western boundary, King’s Pool is fit for royalty. Departing Mokete via helicopter, Helicopter Horizons line pilot Zakai is flying in a northerly direction. Before landing, he needs to be aware of any wildlife that might be obscured from sight. A rogue elephant is standing a few feet away from where he needs to set down the Robinson 44. The helicopter hovers in the air and the elephant scurries away, commanding an unexpected sighting. Talk about making an entrance!
King’s Pool was named in honor of King Carl Gustav XVI, the Swedish King who spent his honeymoon here. Choosing Africa for special occasions is a great idea, or simply luxuriating at a spectacular lodge is even better. Guide Andy drives me from where the helicopter has landed to the King’s Pool arrival area. An all-female team is there to usher me in, with happy smiles and incredible hospitality.
My table for brunch has been set up in the sunken dining section. Looking out over the Linyanti River, a number of shapes in the water look like rocks to the naked eye. All of a sudden, one lifts his head. It’s a pod of hippos! They are
clearly enjoying the cooling properties of the water. On the opposite side of the riverbank, a large crocodile is sunning himself. It seems as though I don’t even have to leave the comfort of King’s Pool to have amazing wildlife encounters.
Tented suite number 5 is where my bags have been dropped, and it’s a short walk from the main area. The dark wooden front door is beautifully crafted, leading to a large dwelling with glorious finishes.
Opening the door, I am met by the magnitude of the space. The suites have been designed to mimic the surrounding bush with canvas walls and thatched roofs. A dreamy bedroom with a four-poster bed overlooks the river. Blue chairs perfectly complement the white bedding and dark wooden floors. Copper touches pay homage to yesteryear’s safari, but with every modern convenience of today.
A lilac-breasted roller appears to like the tree in front of my suite. He spends a lot of time on a branch where he eyes out any insect he wants to catch. When a troop of baboons and vervet monkeys start alarm calling, it surely points to something unusual. The male baboon is barking right outside my suite. Andy later informs me
that a leopard cub has been walking through camp in the middle of day.
Following a delicious selection of treats for High Tea, Andy rounds us up for the afternoon safari. There is a watering hole close to camp, where guests can also use the underground hide. Driving in that direction, a small breeding herd of elephants are en route to have a drink. Mom is there with an older calf, and a young baby with no tail. The tailless calf is undeterred by his missing bit and dunks his mouth in the water to sip the liquid.
There is radio chatter that a leopard has been spotted, and we find her sitting in a tree. She is nervously feeding on what we assume is a carcass left by another leopard. Looking towards the base of the tree every so often, it’s clear that she has not had a meal for a while.
In the heart of the unfenced Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier area, the Linyanti Reserve doesn’t fail to deliver. The morning safari is one for the books. A juvenile Verreaux eagle sitting on a nest. Hearing and seeing a breeding colony of carmine bee-eaters. Finding a female lioness with her cub. All this while being ensconced in absolute luxury at the magnificent King’s Pool.
OL DONYO LODGE
CONSERVING THE LAND AND ITS WILDLIFE
| BY HEL É NE RAMACKERS
Blending contemporary design with Maasai influences, ol Donyo is what a safari lodge should truly embody.
Taking to the skies in the 4-seater Cessna 206, Captain Morris informs me that the flight from Kimana to ol Donyo’s private airstrip will take a mere eleven minutes. “Be prepared for a few bumps along the way,” he cautions. Having been on numerous small planes, I know full well that a turbulent flight is mostly attributed to heat, which is the case today. The aircraft looks like its modeled on a giraffe’s coat pattern, and Morris waves as he takes off again.
My guide Seki is waiting at the airstrip, ready to drive me to the lodge in the Great Plains Conservation Toyota Land Cruiser. The scenery en route is breathtaking, as is the setting of ol Donyo Lodge tucked into Kenya’s Chyulu Hills. I’ve made it in time for lunch, which consists of reversed seared chicken with zhaug sauce, wild rice salad with papaya and ginger, green beans/roasted peppers/sesame seeds salad, glazed baby carrots with yogurt and pomegranate, garden leaves salad with pickled radish and seeds, bread of the day and dessert and/or cheese platter.
A Great Plains Conservation Réserve Collection lodge and a Relais + Châteaux property, I’m excited to see where I’ll be spending the next two nights. At the end of the path, a gate with the name El Mau is where room steward Solonka pauses. “Welcome to your new home,” he says with a smile. He goes on to explain that the name refers to the twin peaks in the distance. El Mau houses two separate pool villas, and I’m staying in number 10.
The dark wooden door swings open, and as is custom with any of the Great Plains properties, the space is incredibly opulent. Cement floors are cool underfoot and lead to the dreamy bedroom, where wooden floors covered with Persian carpets are a nod to a juxtaposition of old-world charm meets new style. Draped at night in mosquito netting, the bed is so large that it takes three sets of pillows. Crafted nightstands flank both sides of the bed and two writing desks with leather chairs are the ideal place to pen a postcard or letter to your loved ones. Be warned, they will be bright green with envy as the Great Plains Conservation name is globally renowned.
Let’s get back to the Iuxury pool suite. In the bedroom, there is a seating area indoors and outside, with the most magnificent views over the landscape. And that’s not all! Down the passage, the bathroom has double vanities, a freestanding bath, an inside +outside shower, and a flush loo. A pool and sun loungers on my private deck offer respite on warm days. The piece de resistance? On the rooftop, you will find a star bed, where you can spend the night under a blanket of stars.
With twice daily game drives, there is always an air of anticipation of what wildlife we might encounter. Departing on the afternoon safari, Seki heads towards the area where the lions were last seen. On the way there, a very young giraffe is standing all alone amongst the red oats grass. We both wonder where its mom is but decide to rather leave as to not attract unwanted attention to this cute foal.
Out on the plains, we can hardly make out what shape is lurking in the camouflaging grass. All of a sudden, one of them sits upright. It’s the Lesoit pride of lions, consisting of 26 members of different ages. Lesoit means rock in the local Maasai language. The cubs are intent on joining the hunt. A female has her sights set on an oryx, but he catches her scent and scurries off into the distance.
Dinner is served in the dining room, which is a great conclusion to a wonderful day. An askari escorts me to my suite as walking unaccompanied between sunset and sunrise is not allowed. Feeling refreshed after a good night’s sleep, Seki wants to see if he can locate the cheetahs. Setting off from the lodge’s reception area, there is a
‘bushbaby’ (warm water bottle) and the iconic Great Plains Kenya Masai blanket on the seat for me to use. With the sun just making an appearance, we see a solitary hyena, a journey of giraffe, and the most adorable black backed jackal pups. There are three of them!
The search continues for the cheetahs, and we eventually find them resting under a tree. Way in the distance, a Grand gazelle is standing, which Seki thinks could be the perfect meal for mom cheetah and her three cubs. She flattens herself, and the cubs follow suit. Moving slowly along, she has seen the gazelle, but he might be a bit on the large size. Which could be a challenge for her. They take a break every couple of yards, and one of the cubs uses a termite mound as a lookout point.
Returning to the lodge, we swing by the watering hole, which is a hive of activity. Guests can access the open-air or sunken hides from the steps leading down from the main area. Seeing an animal from eye-level offers such a unique perspective. A bull elephant is enjoying the refreshing water and makes his displeasure known when another elephant wants to come for a drink. He lets out a low rumble, but the two eventually settle their differences and have a peaceful mud spray.
One of the most interesting things to witness in the wild is a giraffe drinking. At between 13 and 20 feet tall, they have to splay their front legs and bend their knees. Then they lower their necks to be able to reach the surface of the water. This also makes them rather vulnerable when predators are around. A very tall male approaches the watering hole, but instead of stopping at the edge, he walks right through it. Crouching down, I can see his beautiful long black eyelashes. He is clearly thirsty as he laps up the liquid refreshment with vigor. Spending more time here than I anticipated, it’s clear why the ol Donyo hide is slated as one of the best in Africa.
Founded by conservation and sustainability stalwarts Dereck and Beverly Joubert, Great Plains Conservation was launched in 2006. With their adoration for the African continent, the National Geographic Filmmakers at large have poured over four decades into making award-winning wildlife documentaries. Establishing camps in the African countries of Zimbabwe, Botswana and Kenya, Dereck has
a soft spot for guests visiting the Great Plains camps.
“Here at Great Plains, we love nothing more than when a special occasion request comes to camp and we relish in pulling out all the stops to give our guests a memorable and magical experience,” commented Great Plains CEO Dereck Joubert. “There’s nowhere better to celebrate life’s most important occasions than Africa, where memories of a lifetime are waiting to be made. Of course, our guests often find their ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ escapes are too good to experience just once, meaning they like to come back over and over again!”
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SILVIA BELLOT
On Racing, Resilience, and the Road Ahead
| BY FELICITY CARTER
Silvia Bellot has built her career at the center of some of the fastest, most demanding environments in motorsport. Now serving as Vice President of Sporting and Race Operations for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, she oversees every aspect of the race on and off the track. A native of Barcelona, she began as a marshal at 16 and went on to become the first female FIA Steward in Formula 1 and later the first female FIA Race Director. Today, she balances her role in Las Vegas with her position as Race Director for F1 Academy, helping shape the future of women in racing. With years of experience across Formula 1, Formula 2, and Formula 3, Bellot has a unique perspective on how the sport is evolving, both technically and culturally.
We caught up with her to talk about what it takes to stage a race on the Las Vegas Strip, how F1 Academy is driving change, and what progress for women in motorsport really looks like.
You were the first woman to serve as an FIA Steward in Formula 1 and later the first female FIA Race Director, do those moments feel like personal milestones or more like markers for the sport?
Both! Starting out with marshalling courses at 16, I couldn’t have predicted this journey. I didn’t have many female role models to look up to as I climbed up the career ladder, which was a little daunting at times, especially transitioning from stewarding to becoming a Race Director. But I believe it’s important to step out of your comfort zone if you want to grow within your career. Looking back, I realize I was pioneering a new path, but at the time, my focus was following my passion and just doing everything I could to build my career within motorsport. It sounds simple but working hard and a clear vision of what you want to achieve in life invaluable is in this industry.
Did you feel extra pressure being the first and how did you handle that?I wouldn’t say I feel pressure; I view it more as having a responsibility for the next generation. As I mentioned, I didn’t have a specific female role model to look up to at the time, but I recognize that I
may be that role model for a female out there. To me, that is empowering and motivates me to do the best job I can.
What has been the hardest part of staging a night race on the Las Vegas Strip from your perspective?
Each Formula 1 race adopts to the personality of its host destination, and Las Vegas is known for its dazzling lights and the iconic Strip at night. Anything but a night race on one of the world’s most famous and busy streets simply wouldn’t make sense, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
That said, our iconic track creates unique demands. One of my team’s main responsibilities is overseeing the track openings around the circuit. Our goal is to quickly reopen the streets to the public when we aren’t racing. On our 3.8-mile circuit, we manage 42 track openings, much more than any other F1 circuit, where barriers are closed for track activity and then reopened each day. This requires immense planning and coordination; we even mock up sections of the track off-site for practice. This naturally becomes a less difficult process year after year. We learn and grow each year based on feedback, insights and experience.
What lessons from the inaugural race are you applying this year?
One major change this year is that the on-track sessions will all be two hours earlier than in year’s past, which everyone has been happy about. In 2023, we would have cars on the track at 1 a.m. local time, and that just put too much pressure on the teams, drivers and was late for the fans as well. One thing that’s new for 2025 that I am really excited about is having F1 ACADEMY racing as our support race in Las Vegas. As Race Director for the series, F1 ACADEMY has a special place in my heart. Our circuit is the last race on the calendar for F1 ACADEMY, so we are hopeful to crown a champion at our race!
What can we look forward to for this year’s race?
It’s no secret that the Las Vegas Strip Circuit has produced two incredible races already, with high speeds and a high number of overtakes, and I think we’re looking forward to plenty of action on track again this year. Last year, the Las Vegas Grand Prix featured 113 overtakes, which was the most of any race last season. The year before that, we had an astounding 181 overtakes, which obviously made for a thrilling race. Additionally, we are the third-to-last track on the circuit, and this late-season timing often results in high stakes and championship drama at our race. Last season, Max Verstappen’s Drivers’ Championship was determined at the Las
PHOTO COURTESY OF SARAH AKBAY INTERIORS
Vegas Grand Prix, and we are hoping to again crown a champion at this year’s race.
You are also Race Director for the F1 Academy, what excites you most about that?
The most exciting aspect of my position within F1 ACADEMY is growing the sport among females and connecting with the younger generation of female racers. Within F1 ACADEMY, we developed the Discover Your Drive initiative, which is aimed to promote and increase female participation in motorsport both on and off the track. We’ve developed activities that range from the grassroots level and community initiatives to professional racing programs. It’s exciting to really extend our reach to the grassroots level and empower women to have confidence within motorsport. It’s important to build the base of the pyramid when it comes to growing female participation in motorsport, and with F1 ACADEMY taking part in Las Vegas, we are hoping to inspire a new generation of female racing enthusiasts that realize there is plenty of opportunity in motorsport.
One of the reasons why I love working in a feeder series like F1 ACADEMY is to be able to contribute to the driver’s career and see their progress in the sport. Some of the drivers join the series before they turn 18 and have limited knowledge in regulations and track procedures. We can see a clear evolution when they complete the two years in the series. It’s a great feeling to see that you helped them to turn into professional racing drivers and that they are ready for the next chapter.
What is the biggest challenge for women trying to climb the motorsport ladder right now?
The sport is much most diverse when I joined F1 14 years ago. As I mentioned before, there weren’t many role models when I joined, while now you see women working as mechanical workers, engineers, marketing, communications, race officials… also there is clear career paths to reach these roles.
On the other hand, there is still work to do to bring more women into senior and management positions. I’m particularly excited for the day a talented woman takes on a top leadership role like Sporting Director, Team Principal, or CEO within an F1 team.
Finally, on the driver’s side, we are seeing an increase of female drivers in lower categories like F4, but we still need to see an increase in the F3 and F2 level. In just three years of F1 ACADEMY, we clearly see how each generation of female drivers is better than the one
before, so I have no doubt we will see this pretty soon.
You started as a marshal at 16, what drew you into motorsport so early?
My father, José Maria Bellot, worked as an official with the Royal Spanish Automobile Federation for more than 40 years. I can remember waking up at 4 a.m. to watch the Australian Grand Prix with him. So motorsport was always a part of my life, and I knew I wanted to one day end up in an F1 paddock. I started a marshalling course on the day of my 16th birthday. To me, my clearest path to F1 was to support the races in my hometown of Barcelona as a race official, so that’s what I did. I never thought that it could be my year-round job that I would make a living from, but I feel very fortunate to have been able to climb up the ranks at the international race level.
You have worked as a steward, team manager, race director and now VP of operations, how did those different roles prepare you for this job?
I had the fortunate advantage of being able to absorb race world information at a young age. I specifically know race control very well. I remember as a kid being able to sit back and see several different experienced people work whenever I tagged along with my father. My experiences as a Steward help a lot, not specifically with race control, but for the systems, knowing the people and their responsibilities as well as the procedures around Formula 1 or F1 ACADEMY.
Much of the focus on women in motorsport is on drivers, how do you think female leadership behind the scenes can change the culture?
We are beginning to see this progression already within the Las Vegas Grand Prix itself. Our president and CEO is Emily Prazer, who is also the chief commercial officer for Formula 1. Beyond Emily, we have a strong female presence all throughout our organization, not just within our race operations team, but throughout all levels of the organization. We didn’t specifically seek out to only hire women, we simply look for the best candidates for the positions, and I am proud to be alongside a great group of talented women.
F1 ACADEMY also obviously has a strong female presence beyond just the drivers. Susie Wolff serves as the director for F1 ACADEMY, and she has always been an inspiration for women within motorsport. She founded Dare
to be Different in 2016, an organization that aims to encourage and increase participation of women within motorsport. So we are fortunate to have many female leaders that use their platform to grow the sport for women as much as possible.
Looking ten years ahead, what would you like the landscape for women in motorsport to look like?
The ultimate goal is to have a female driver competing at the highest level of motorsport, Formula 1. That was the vision for F1 ACADEMY, to expand the base of the pyramid and get more young women driving at all levels first. With participants within F1 ACADEMY only being eligible to race for two years, we want to establish F1 ACADEMY as the first true stepping stone for women in Formula 1. We have a few talented female drivers taking part in Formula 4 racing, but the ultimate goal is to have a mainstay competing at Formula 1. A lot of people don’t realize this, but there have been five total female drivers that have competed in Formula 1, most notably Lella Lombardi, who competed in 17 races from 1974-76 and remains the only female to record a point. While we have had trailblazers within the sport already, a female hasn’t competed in Formula 1 since 1992. Looking ahead in 10 years, I want women to not only be a strong presence within Formula 1 but competing for wins and championships.
Richard at Virgin Hotels, London Shoreditch
Sir RICHARD BRANSON
LAUNCHES LONDON HOTEL WITH BALEARIC VIRGIN VIBES & IS BACK IN MALLORCA’S BUNYOLA!
| BY ANGELA SARA WEST
Britain’s best-known entrepreneur chats exclusively with our celebrity cover journalist Angela Sara West about the recent launch of his hip new London hotel, his love for adventure and long-standing love affair with Mallorca, and how he adores his favorite retreat on the stunning Spanish island so much, he bought it twice!
Planes, trains and Virgin mobiles… With outstanding resorts around the globe, too, this billionaire businessman has transformed the world’s landscapes and skies with his boundless brand.
Unafraid to challenge the status quo, he says his go-for-it “Screw it, let’s do it!” attitude and doing things differently is the philosophy that has fueled Virgin’s exponential growth.
Driving a giant red suitcase to his new London location, the founder of the Virgin Group opened his first hotel in the UK capital this spring, over five decades on from beginning his lucrative business life in the city.
“It feels really special,” said Sir Richard Branson on officially opening Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch. “I’m absolutely delighted to celebrate the grand opening. London is where we started over 50 years ago.”
HOT HOTELS - LONDON CALLING
This cool new boutique city crash pad by Virgin Hotels is housed in a former Mondrian hotel.
“The team has done such a brilliant job transforming it,” Richard exclusively told me. “Located in Shoreditch, the local area breathes the same bold, creative spirit that defines the Virgin brand.”
Virgin Hotels – the luxury lifestyle hospitality brand of the Virgin Group and Virgin Limited Edition (the private global collection of unique hotels, villas, safaris and private islands owned by Richard) - recently came together under new parent brand Virgin Hotels Collection. The two iconic, award-winning and world-class luxury hospitality brands comprise some of the most incredible and unique properties within the industry and will now be joined by Virgin Residences.
Following our chat in Mallorca, home to his Spanish sanctuary, a few years ago, I caught up with the billionaire businessman again post-launch of his latest hot new hotel - his first in the UK capital.
“The reception has been fantastic!” elated Richard told me. “In true Virgin style, it’s been a celebration to remember… Most excitingly, the launch also marked the opening of my favorite addition to the hotel - the brand-new hi-fi listening bar, Hidden Grooves.”
HIDDEN GROOVES…
The retro 70s-style setting comes complete with album-themed cocktails, weekly vinyl sessions plus music memorabilia, serving as a nod to the early days of the Virgin Records label.
“Inspired by Japanese listening bars, the Hidden Grooves HiFi Lounge space plays homage to Virgin’s roots in music –including my own collection of favorite LPs,” the biz icon continued as we chatted. “The bar’s got a fantastic atmosphere and fits so well into the creative and music-loving scene in Shoreditch. It’s a lovely tribute to Virgin’s musical roots.”
BLUE MARLIN BALEARIC VIBES
Alfresco, a seductive swimming space beckons. “I love the hotel’s fabulous rooftop pool,” the bold businessman told me. “Rooftop pools are hard to come by in London, and with the wonderful weather the UK has been experiencing this year, it’s been busy! We were lucky to have sunshine for the launch, and so I enjoyed several wonderful meals at our rooftop restaurant, Marlins. My favorite spot is by the pool.”
Oozing glamour, this 5-star collab with Blue Marlin is a shot of Ibiza adrenaline in the arm of edgy Shoreditch. Take a refreshing dip in the iconic rooftop pool and drink in the views from the Ibiza-inspired pool-bar-lounge to chillaxing live music, the whole of London at your feet.
“Guests can enjoy Marlin’s on the Roof restaurant, a private nightclub, gym, treatment rooms and so much more…” the Virgin boss explained to me.
The new signature restaurant serves up modern Mediterranean cuisine, while with a sushi lounge too, you’re spoilt for choice at this swanky private members’ club.
Aimed at a cosmopolitan, forward-thinking
crowd, London’s hip new global hub features industrial style with none of the grit and ALL of the glam. Think exposed bricks, steel-framed windows and incredible vibes. Want to experience the capital’s beating pulse? Then this is the city center hotel for you.
“I love the stunning new suites with Virgin Hotels’ iconic red doors and famous ‘lounge beds’, plus access to exclusive treats, too,” Richard also conveyed at the launch of his first hotel in the city, which boasts dedicated workspaces to boot.
ROYAL ROOTS - HOW IT ALL BEGAN…
A young seven-year-old Richard Branson boarded at Surrey’s Scaitcliffe preparatory school near the royal Windsor Great Park in London before switching to Buckinghamshire’s prestigious boarding school, Stowe.
Sitting on a 1,000-year-old estate only a speedy stone’s throw away from the famous Silverstone Circuit, home to the Formula One British Grand Prix, Stowe has spawned notable other alumni…
The swinging 60s saw famous foursome The Beatles make an appearance at the school’s
Roxburgh Theatre, while other famous faces who have walked its historic halls include royalty, with Prince Rainier of Monaco, who married late American actress Grace Kelly, amongst its aristocratic attendees, along with Zimbabwean businesswoman Chelsea Davy, who dated Prince Harry whilst boarding at the high-class public school.
BUILDING THE VIRGIN EMPIRE
Relentless risk-taker Richard studied at Stowe until sweet 16, when he left having hit upon and implemented his innovative idea to start the super-successful ‘Student Magazine’.
Now one of the richest men in the world via his famous Virgin brand, having first founded Virgin as a mail order record retailer in 1970, this imaginative visionary went on to open his Virgin Megastore record shop on London’s famous Oxford Street and signed spirited, edgy bands such as The Sex Pistols, turning Virgin Records into the biggest independent record label in the world.
During the ‘80s, the Virgin brand grew rapidly as Richard expanded his music label and set his
Image Courtesy of Virgin Hotels, London Shoreditch’
sights on the skies, setting up his Virgin Atlantic airline and forming Virgin Holidays.
From Virgin Money, Virgin Radio and Virgin Media to Virgin Books, Virgin Brides and Virgin Sport, he has also launched vertiginous Virgin Balloon Flights and wonderful Virgin Wines.
FROM MUSIC & MOVIES TO CRUISE SHIPS & SPACESHIPS
Having clocked up close to six decades in business, Virgin’s expansion has seen this irrepressible impresario successfully diversify in copious sectors with his curious, adventurous mindset. Not all concepts have landed, but there have been healthcare and wellbeing clubs, cruise ships and spaceships, telecommunications and banking, and so much more, with his phenomenally fruitful world-renowned brand giving us everything from music and mobiles (cell phones), comics and gyms, to highspeed trains and transatlantic travel.
Images Courtesy of Virgin Hotels, London Shoreditch’
VIRGIN VACATIONS & CHIC CULTURE CLUB CELEBRATIONS
Teaming up with music legend Nile Rodgers to give young people a seat at the table, Virgin Unite’s 20th anniversary at Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch saw Richard join Nile and his band CHIC on stage to announce their collaboration between Virgin Unite (Virgin’s charity arm and non-profit foundation) and Nile’s We Are Family Foundation to support young changemakers.
While making new waves at sea, Virgin Voyages last year brought Boy George on board to celebrate over 40 years after Virgin Music’s release of Culture Club’s very first groundbreaking, and smash hit, album. For your own adults-only party afloat, the fleet’s award-winning sister ships Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady are now joined by the all-new Brilliant Lady, which set sail on its virgin voyage this summer.
US & CANADA CALLING
Virgin Hotels opened its flagship hotel in New York in 2023. In the heart of Manhattan on Broadway, the hotel was built from the ground up, each room boasting floor-to-ceiling windows providing magnificent Empire State Building views. The collection also includes Virgin Hotels New Orleans, Las Vegas, Dallas and Nashville, with every hotel intermixing a passion for food and beverage, music and culture, fusing with the local landscape to provide a vibrant and inclusive environment for travellers and locals alike.
Richard’s recent travels took him to Toronto to celebrate Virgin Atlantic’s return to Canada, when their new direct route from London Heathrow to Toronto Pearson International Airport took off this spring.
“It felt great to be back,” he said at the route launch. “There was some-
T to R Images Courtesy of Son Bunyola, Virgin Limited Edition, Mallorca
thing extra special about seeing the Virgin Atlantic crew and passengers reconnect with this wonderful city. The energy on board was electric. We can’t wait to welcome you aboard!”
He then hopped over to Niagara Falls for an exhilarating zipline ride before being interviewed on Virgin Radio Toronto.
WORLD RECORD BREAKER
With this business baron’s unparalleled taste for exploration, there have been world-record-breaking ballooning adventures and racing accomplishments aplenty (plus many a close shave along the way!), including clinching the fastest-ever Atlantic Ocean crossing in his Virgin Atlantic Challenger II.
In fact, Richard has entered the Guinness Book of Records a super-impressive seven times! “To be human is to be curious…” he has said of his natural inquisitiveness. “I love adventures. You should never let fear hold you back.”
MALLORCA BECKONED… BACK IN BUSINESS AT BUNYOLA!
His privately-owned collection of award-winning luxury hotels and retreats with Virgin Limited Edition includes idyllic Necker Island, which has seen a ‘Who’s Who’ of Hollywood heavyweights, music legends and sport icons join Richard on its stunning shores, a lavish lodge in the Swiss Alps, safari camps in Kenya, plus Kasbah Tamadot in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains.
Richard also revels in a slice of Spanish life at his recently renovated, gated Mallorcan estate Son Bunyola on the northwest coast of the beautiful Spanish island.
“Ah, Son Bunyola is such a special place,” he told me as we chatted about his long-standing love affair with the largest of the Balearic Islands. “It’s my favorite Mallorcan retreat and I try to visit as often as I can. Mallorca has always held a special place in my heart since I first visited as a child.”
But that love affair was marred with disputes with the local authorities, who refused planning permission for the British businessman to build a luxury boutique hotel at his spectacular Son Bunyola estate, resulting in him selling up in 2002, thus relinquishing his iconic La Residencia Hotel.
Following a change of heart, and Richard’s realization that he really missed Mallorca and his Mecca for A-listers - including Leonardo Caprio, Goldie Hawn and another of my world-famous interviewees about their affection for Mallorca, Michael Douglas - he says he just couldn’t resist when an amazing opportunity arose to buy Son Bunyola back lock stock in 2015.
A ROCKING MEDITERRANEAN RETREAT
Richard has since converted the finca at the heart of the tranquil estate into one of Europe’s best luxury hotels. “It was more than 20 years in the making, and it was such a wonderful feeling to restore such a monumental part of Mallorcan heritage so steeped in history,” he spilled.
“I was there recently to celebrate my wife’s birthday and was reminded of its magic,” he revealed to me. “The serenity of the location, combined with the heartfelt service offered by our brilliant people plus the hotel’s charming style, I believe it cannot be matched, and since opening the feedback has been nothing short of magical…”
HISTORIC HOUSES
Part of a World Heritage site, the expansive estate sprawls over 810 acres and Richard cites numerous reasons for choosing the area.
“The northwest coast has always been a location for which I have great fondness,” he informed me. “It has so much to offer... unspoilt nature, picturesque villages, top-class restaurants and finca hotels, and culture. The region is dominated by the Tramuntana mountain range and its breathtaking scenery and is home to some of the most historical and picturesque towns on the island. My son, Sam, even named his daughter Eva-Deia, in honor of the village of Deià, which is one of the most beautiful in the world...” Overlooking 5km of breathtaking coastline, the serene property comprises the historic Mallorquín manor house - the grand finca at the heart of the estate, recently transformed into the intimate 27-room Son Bunyola hotel - plus three country houses he had already turned into ultra-luxury villas available for exclusive hire.
“We opened villas Sa Punta de S’Aguila and Sa Terra Rotja in summer 2016, with Son Balagueret opening the following year,” Richard recounted to me re. these romantic, rustic abodes. “We usually stay in Sa Terra Rotja, our four-bedroom villa situated near the edge of the estate, but I’d be torn if I had to pick a favorite out of the three...”
Exposed beam ceilings, walkout balconies, sumptuous bedrooms, a formal dining room with a fireplace… Sa Terra seamlessly blends old and new with an elegant result. Outside, a private terrace and pool overlook the sparkling Med, while a peaceful pebble beach is a mere stone’s throw away.
Built in traditional Mallorcan style, with its original turret dating back to the 13th century, four-bedroom abode with courtyard Son Balagueret simply oozes history, while terracotta-tiled, five-bedroom Sa Punta de S’Aguila is sympathetically built into the landscape along a track above the coastline, affording panoramic mountain and ocean outlooks from the fragrant flower-lined terrace.
Each villa at this stately Mediterranean escape boasts a private pool plus a dedicated concierge service to attend to every wish’n’whim. “Not to mention stunning views!” added Richard. “A stay at Son Bunyola is not like any villa stay… It is so much more than a place to rest your head. All guests are encouraged to treat the villas like their own home from the moment they arrive; we like to ensure our guests feel special and receive excellent customer service. We aim to create a truly unique experience.”
“And central to the estate is the historic finca building surrounded by vines, citrus fruit trees, almonds and olive trees,” Richard explained. “It’s absolutely beautiful!”
GLORY DAYS
Historically, Son Bunyola was an important estate, producing its own olive oil and wine. In restoring the land to its former glory, Richard has planted almond and citrus fruit trees along with vines alongside the original ancient olive trees, dotting row-upon-row of archaic crumbling terraces.
Honoring the heritage of this historic building dating back centuries was crucial for the restoration project, with traditional and local materials at the core of the hotel’s design, ensuring this elite establishment’s conservation of all original features, fundamental to the history of the local area.
AN EXCEPTIONAL ECO RETREAT
Working with local Mallorcan design companies Gras Reynés Architecture Studio and Rialto Living, the beautifully designed rooms and suites each boast their own unique character and charm. The hotel also features two striking Tower Suites, one of which was originally a defence tower built in the 13th century.
With soaring views to boot, some suites even boast 360-degree seaand-mountain vistas. The original towers in the main house have been transformed into stunning suites showcasing vineyard views with the
majestic mountains beyond, while the former olive press is now one of two restaurants, with the pretty terrace home to a cooler-than-cool pool.
KEEPING IT LOCAL
A few of the team working at the estate today lived in the finca as children in the 1970s. With a strong ethos of giving back, the prolific philanthropist says Virgin Limited Edition’s recruiting policy is to hand back to surrounding communities by offering training and employment.
“We recruit locally at Son Bunyola, and source food and wine from right here in the region,” Richard revealed to me. “We work hard to protect the beautiful landscape we’re so fortunate to occupy. Our approach includes a commitment to responsible supply chain management, fairtrade policies, ethical dealings with our employees and the local community and, of course, the environment.”
Animals on the estate include goats and donkeys, while the natural produce grown at the Son Bunyola estate gardens and orchards is celebrated throughout the hotel in innovative ways.
NEW MICHELIN STAR FOR MALLORCA!
With a focus on a farm-to-fork ethos, ingredients include organic herbs and vegetables from the ever-expanding kitchen garden, along with citrus fruits, olives, almonds and honey from the estate’s own beehives.
Much of the produce served in the hotel’s two restaurants, Sa Terrassa and Sa Tafona, is grown in the property’s gardens and orchards, offering authentic Mallorcan flavors on the mouthwatering menus, which celebrate fresh, homegrown crops, creating unforgettable dining experiences.
And, alongside awards including Traveler’s Choice Best of the Best Winner 2025 and Top 1% of Hotels Worldwide on TripAdvisor, this luxurious
holiday hotspot now boasts a prestigious new accolade…
Son Bunyola Hotel & Villas have just been named among the world’s most exceptional hotels by The MICHELIN Guide!
Just as the MICHELIN Star recognizes the finest restaurants, the MICHELIN Key celebrates the pinnacle of hospitality, with this first-ever global selection setting a new benchmark for excellence in travel and accommodation.
The new award in the inaugural Global MICHELIN Key selection 2025 is a testament to the passion and commitment of Son Bunyola’s hardworking team and the extraordinary experiences they create for each guest, their efforts now recognized on a prestigious global stage
Honored with One MICHELIN Key, recognizing the estate as ‘a very special stay with character, personality and service that goes the extra mile to create unforgettable experiences’, Son Bunyola combines traditional Mallorcan charm with modern luxury.
Set within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this magical retreat has made a remarkable impact in just two years since opening the hotel, seeing Son Bunyola become known for offering its guests holistic wellness, relaxation and adventure in one of the island’s most stunning locations, with some of the best cycling and hiking trails right on its doorstep.
NEW VIRGIN WINE ON THE HORIZON
When it comes to cuisine, appetizing menus are paired with delectable wines handpicked by the sommelier, many of which are award-winning wines from nearby vineyards.
Boasting two outstanding restaurants, one of which, Sa Tafona, is located in the estate’s historic oil mill and retaining much of its original character, the establishment celebrates the Mediterranean’s most iconic flavors through its ever-changing Mare and Nostrum tasting menus,
Images Courtesy of Richard at his Mallorca hotel
perfectly complemented by a carefully selected range of natural wines from Mallorca and across the Mediterranean.
What’s more, Richard uncovered to me in our recent interview that a new Virgin wine will soon be in store… “Set across 810 acres, nestled into the Tramuntana mountains and stretched along three miles of stunning Mallorcan coastline, the estate is bursting with almond and olive groves, vines and citrus trees. Vines have also been replanted to grow the local grape variety and reproduce the estate’s own Malvasia wine, as it did to acclaim during the 19th century. We expect the first wine to be ready in 2026!”
RICHARD’S RECOMMENDATIONS - BALEARIC PLAYTIME
A few of his favorite things to do out and about on this idyllic isle?
“That’s the beauty of Mallorca…” Richard imparted to me. “There’s so much to do and something for everyone, even if it’s just picking a great sun lounger and sunbathing.”
The charismatic businessman’s world-record-breaking boat, Virgin Atlantic Challenger II, was found abandoned on the island after being sold to a sultan, and as an experienced kite surfer, Richard holds world records in that sport, too. “I’m a bit of an adrenaline junkie, so I must have a way to stay active and adventurous, and Mallorca is also great for hiking and cycling,” he continued.
“I’d recommend setting sail and exploring the coastline of Tramuntana, too, where you’ll find some great spots for snorkeling and the chance to discover some hidden caves. With clear Mediterranean waters, the area is also perfect for scuba diving and fishing excursions.”
When he’s not playing sports or embracing the island’s copious culture, there’s always an arresting terrace at Richard’s prestigious property for practising his other preferred pastimes of yoga and Tai Chi. He enjoys a good game of chess, too, and is something of an ace when it comes to tennis. Luckily, the court’s just a short lob away…
THE MAGIC OF MALLORCA
There are zero plans for retirement for Richard, but when it’s time for time out, there’s always this stunning Spanish island, with its dramatic scenery of verdant countryside set against a backdrop of magnificent mountains and cobalt blue waters.
“Mallorca is so special to me because it provides the perfect environment to relax, laugh, learn and love with my family,” Richard shared with me when I asked what Mallorca means to him.
A doting grandfather to five grandchildren (Etta, Artie, Lola, Bluey and Eva-Deia), he divulged he enjoys being able to spend more time in a place that means a great deal to them all.
“My favorite memories are the most simple,” he disclosed to me. “Sitting around the table talking, admiring the scenery and enjoying meals and good company. We’ve had a special bond with the island for several generations, and I’m sure it will go on for generations to come!”
EXPANDING THE
PROPERTY
EMPIRE TO INFINITY
& BEYOND… NEXT STOP? SPACE!
Back in London, “Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch marked the 17th property for the Virgin Hotels Collection, and we’re always on the lookout for new and exciting destinations,” irrepressible entrepreneur Richard let slip to me. “With Virgin’s rewards club - Virgin Red - now partnered with Virgin Hotels, we’re able to offer even more value to our guests as they can earn and spend Virgin Points on their stays.” With London now covered, too, what’s next for Virgin’s ‘Dr Yes’ and
his ever-expanding property portfolio? Space travel has been his dream ever since watching the moon landings on TV, and Richard became an astronaut in 2021, flying on board VSS Unity as part of the first fully-crewed Virgin Galactic mission, Unity 22.
He has described Virgin Galactic, the world’s first commercial space line, as being “the greatest adventure of all”, so with trips to the moon in the pipeline, maybe he’ll soon be building there, too?
THE POWER OF NOSTALGIA
But back to earth, Richard has just announced that he’s bringing the Virgin ‘Ooh là là” to a new international train service through the Chanel Tunnel, so he’ll soon be painting more of Europe’s cities red. “I’d also love to see the return of Virgin Megastores,” Richard imparted to me. “Music is in Virgin’s DNA, and in a world rediscovering vinyl and in-person experiences, never say never! Nostalgia is SO powerful. Hidden Grooves is such an exciting new space and unique offering at Virgin Hotels London, so I’d love to see similar spaces across our other hotels as well.”
Passionate about creating new places for people to retreat to, and a big believer of “turning ideas into reality”, there are no signs of this veteran businessman slowing down with his intrepid property plans.
“There are few things I love more than traveling,” he disclosed. “And discovering amazing locations and turning them into magical retreats for others to enjoy, too!”
For further details, visit www.virginhotelscollection.com
G A S T R O N O M Y & S P I R I T S
THE CULINARY GOLD LIST
The Best Restaurants of 2025
MAIDO RESTAURANT, LIMA, PERU
Headed by chef Mitsuharu “Micha” Tsumura, Maido is a culinary landmark in Miraflores celebrated for its Nikkei cuisine—a masterful fusion of Japanese technique and Peruvian ingredients. The tasting-menu experience features Amazonian fish, Andean chilis, and meticulous presentations that reflect both cultures. In 2025, Maido was crowned the number-one restaurant in the world by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Long-awaited reservations are essential.
QUINTONIL RESTAURANT, MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
Located in the upscale Polanco district of Mexico City, Quintonil is the celebrated fine-dining restaurant from chef Jorge Vallejo and director Alejandra Flores, dedicated to elevating Mexico’s native ingredients and culinary traditions into refined, modern cuisine. Acclaimed for its creativity and regional sourcing, the restaurant has earned two Michelin stars and ranks among the world’s top few restaurants — a true destination for connoisseurs seeking fresh, boundary-pushing Mexican gastronomy.
DIVERXO RESTAURANT MADRID, SPAIN
DiverXO in Madrid is the daring playground of chef Dabiz Muñoz, where haute cuisine meets theatrical storytelling. Holding three Michelin stars and ranking amongst the world’s very best, DiverXO serves a single boundary-pushing tasting menu — a whirlwind of international flavors, imaginative presentations, and irreverent charm. Guests embark on a journey of surprise dishes, playful motifs, and creative audacity that redefine fine dining and invite you to expect the unexpected.
FRANCE
Nestled at 3 Rue de Prague in Paris’s 12th arrondissement, Table by Bruno Verjus has become a beacon of haute cuisine with a mission to let exceptional ingredients shine. Chef & Owner Bruno Verjus—former food critic turned gastronomic creator—sources daily from around 200 artisanal producers and transforms the finest seasonal fare into a seamless tasting experience. The two-Michelinstar restaurant, seated mostly around a counter encircling the open kitchen, offers a single prix-fixe menu called “Couleur du Jour” and a relaxed yet refined service style. Recognised among the world’s top restaurants, it delivers artistry, simplicity and a deeply personal approach to fine dining.
TABLE BY BRUNO VERJUS PARIS,
LE BERNARDIN RESTAURANT, NEW YORK
Located in Midtown Manhattan, Le Bernardin is the institution of fine-dining seafood, led by celebrated chef Eric Ripert and coowned by Maguy Le Coze. Rooted in French technique yet inspired globally, the restaurant treats fish and shellfish as the undisputed stars of the menu. With three Michelin stars and a long-standing four-star rating from The New York Times, Le Bernardin remains a beacon of culinary precision, elegant service, and timeless luxury.
ASCEND PRIME STEAK & SUSHI RESTAURANT, BELLEVUE, WASHINGTON
Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi rises above downtown Bellevue on the 31st floor of Lincoln Square South, offering sweeping views over Lake Washington and the city beyond. The menu pairs dryaged premium steaks with impeccable sushi, presenting high-end dining with a modern twist. During weekend brunch, guests enjoy curated dishes alongside creative cocktails, all within a stylish ambience where bold design and elevated cuisine unite. Ideal for milestone celebrations or luxurious nights out, Ascend Prime brings panoramic vistas and an upscale offering to the Eastside’s dining scene.
TRÈSIND STUDIO, DUBAI
Located on Palm Jumeirah, Trèsind Studio offers a daring, immersive interpretation of Indian cuisine orchestrated by Chef Himanshu Saini. The multi-course tasting journey — drawing from India’s diverse regions — delivers striking plates served in a small, theatrical setting with just around 20 seats. Sourcing organically-grown produce and crafting dishes with a modernist lens, the restaurant has earned global acclaim, including three Michelin stars and a place on the World’s 50 Best list — an achievement that elevates Indian dining to a new level in the UAE.
KOL RESTAURANT, LONDON, UK
KOL, tucked away in Marylebone, has quickly earned its place among London’s most distinguished dining destinations. Led by chef Santiago Lastra, the restaurant blends the spirit of Mexican cuisine with the seasonal bounty of British ingredients — a creative fusion showcased in dishes like langoustine tacos with smoked chilli and sea buckthorn. Holding both a Michelin star and a spot on The World’s 50 Best list, KOL delivers a refined yet dynamic experience, complemented by a ground-floor Mezcaleria offering rare agave spirits and cocktails. With its bold flavours and considered service, KOL is both a celebration of cultural crossover and a destination for fine dining connoisseurs.
ARIETE RESTAURANT, MIAMI, FL
Located in Coconut Grove, Ariete is the Michelin-starred flagship of Chef Michael Beltrán, blending his Cuban heritage with French culinary precision and local South Florida ingredients. The intimate, indoor-outdoor dining space features seasonal tasting menus alongside bold dishes like venison tartare with bone marrow sabayon, and the tableside Canard à la Presse. Casual yet refined, Ariete celebrates Miami’s evolving food culture with heart and unmistakable flair.
Classic Meets Contemporary
THE BLVD RESTAURANT
Elevates Beverly Hills Dining with a Global Twist
| BY JARONE ASHKENAZI
Located at the iconic intersection of Rodeo Drive and Wilshire Boulevard, THE Blvd Restaurant inside the legendary Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, blends classic sophistication with modern flair. With soaring ceilings, sleek Art Deco accents, and an ambiance that exudes both glamour and warmth, THE Blvd offers a cosmopolitan yet approachable ‘see-andbe-seen’ environment that attracts both local tastemakers and international jet-setters. Helmed by Executive Chef Colin Bedford, whose culinary pedigree includes leadership at the acclaimed Fearrington House Restaurant in North Carolina, THE Blvd is now serving up a menu that celebrates California’s freshest local ingredients while giving a nod to Chef Bedford’s British roots; resulting in an elevated take on comfort food that feels both indulgent and timely.
“At THE Blvd, our goal is to create food that feels familiar yet surprises you in the best possible way,” says Bedford. “Dishes rooted in tradition, elevated with depth, technique, and just the right amount of nostalgia. We’re not chasing trends - we’re crafting a menu that reflects how people want to eat today.”
Among the highlights is Chef Bedford’s showstopping Beef Wellington, served
exclusively on Wednesdays from 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM. This refined UK classic is re-imagined Beverly Hills-style, featuring roasted beef tenderloin and bresaola wrapped in golden sour cream pastry, finished with a mushroom and truffle duxelle, velvety potato purée, and seasonal vegetables.
For weekend indulgence, Sunday diners can revel in the Super Sunday Feast, a slow-roasted prime rib and braised short rib affair served with Yorkshire pudding, red wine and shallot sauce, and a suite of comforting accompaniments that pay tribute to British Sunday roast traditions.
“As a Brit in Beverly Hills, I really enjoy reinterpreting the classics for a modern audience. The inspiration behind dishes like our Sunday Roast and Beef Wellington on Wednesdays comes from home, but the execution is all California. It’s where heritage meets seasonality,” Bedford added. But THE Blvd isn’t just for special occasions. The recently launched three-course power lunch has quickly become a staple for professionals and leisure diners alike. Available during midday hours, this dynamic menu offers flavorful picks like tuna poke, Korean fried chicken sandwich, gem Caesar salad, and mango sorbet, combining health-con-
scious ingredients with bold flavors. Guests can choose to dine beneath lofty ceilings and oversized windows, soaking in the grandeur of the restaurant’s Art Deco design that dates back to the hotel’s 1928 opening. Or can step outside onto the world-famous patio overlooking Rodeo Drive, where luxury retail meets leisurely dining in true Beverly Hills fashion.
Whether you’re stopping in for a leisurely breakfast, a post-shopping cocktail, or an elegant night out, THE Blvd offers something for every moment. The experience is elevated even further with live music every Thursday through Saturday from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, featuring Brennan Villines, a classically trained pianist and LA-based singer-songwriter whose soulful performances bring warmth and character to the Lounge.
From the atmosphere to the artistry on the plate, THE Blvd continues to set the standard for refined yet relaxed dining in Beverly Hills. With Chef Bedford’s innovative leadership and a dedication to culinary excellence, this destination restaurant seamlessly blends old-world elegance with modern global flavors, solidifying its status as a must-visit for discerning food lovers from around the world.
photos provided by The Blvd Restaurant inside the Four Seasons Hotel
Travel the World with Delicious Cocktails from GRAND HOTEL FASANO
| BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS
Grand Hotel Fasano, the five-star family-owned hotel nestled on the shores of Lake Garda, is delighted to unveil a brand-new cocktail menu, fit for any occasion. Masterminded by award-winning Bar Manager Rama Redzepi, the new menu is available at both hotel bars and features seven original cocktail creations inspired by the cultures, customs, and histories of seven different countries.
“Our new cocktail menu is a true passion project based on a love of travel and the celebration of diverse cultures, customs, and history”, commented Bar Manager Rama Redzepi. “Each drink is dedicated to a different territory, starring a ‘native’ distillate –such as bourbon whiskey from the USA or gin from the United Kingdom – and unearthing historical treasures and cultural anecdotes from across the globe.”
The new menu provides cocktail-lovers with the chance to travel the world from the al-fresco comfort of Grand Hotel Fasano’s La Terrazza - with its stunning terrace overlooking Lake Garda - or while holed up at the atmospheric Rama’s Lounge Bar, which evokes the immortal charm of the legendary bars of Havana and the vibrant energy of New York’s lounge bars.
Sunset on the Lake | Lake Garda, Italy
An ode to the setting Grand Hotel Fasano calls home, Sunset on the Lake celebrates the most breathtakingly beautiful time of day on Lake Garda. An innovative twist on quintessentially Italian flavors, the cocktail fuses chamomile-infused Campari with green apple, orange peel, oleo saccharum, fresh lime juice, and Cedrata Tassoni soda. With every ingredient playing homage to the flavors of the lake, each sip is like a walk at sunset, when the skies blaze overhead with shades of red and gold.
Ingredients:
-3.5 US tablespoons bitter Campari infused with green apple and orange peel
- 4 US teaspoons of oleo saccharum with orange
-4 US teaspoons lemon juice
-Cedrata Tassoni soda foam
Method
-Combine all ingredients in a cock tail shaker and add ice.
- Shake and strain into a cocktail coupe or martini glass, topping with the foam.
Independiente | The Philippines
A heady yet sweet blend of Don Papa Baroko rum, almond milk, red fruit tea, lime, black cherry liqueur, and fava tonka syrup, Independiente is Redzepi’s tribute to the struggle and determination of the Philippine Revolution of 1896-98. Inspired by Filipino patriot Dionisio Magbuelas, who played a fundamental role in the independence movement, each ingredient within represents a crucial element in the history of the struggle. Just like the revolution itself, the cocktail is a careful fusion of strength and sweetness, of resistance and hope.
Ingredients:
-3.5 US tablespoons milk wash (3.5 US tablespoons Almond milk infused with 4 red fruits black tea bags – see method below)
-3.5 US tablespoons rum don papa barroko
-1 US tablespoon black cherry liqueur
-1 US tablespoon lime juice
-1 US tablespoon fava tonka syrup
Method
-Create the milk wash by bringing almond milk to the boil and adding the 4 red fruit tea bags. Leave to infuse until the milk cools.
-Add all remaining ingredients and let the mixture rest for 24 hours before filtering through etamine (cheesecloth) or pa aper filter.
-Serve in a whisky glass or tumbler.
Zimowy Duch | Poland
Zimowy Duch is Redzepi’s twist on Grzaniec, a traditional Polish mulled wine. While traditional Grzaniec is served hot, providing spicy warmth on cold evenings, Redzepi’s reinterpretation is served cold and celebrates the colder months with elegance and modernity. Combining red wine with Polugar vodka – banned in 1917 by Russia and a symbol of the rebirth of the Polish distilling tradition – juniper, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, citrus, peach liqueur, nutmeg, and sugar, it is a tribute to the soul and cultural richness of Poland.
Ingredients:
-3.5 US tablespoons Polish red wine infused with cinnamon, cloves, orange peels, lemon peels, star anise, and cloves
-4 US teaspoons lemon juice
-2 US tablespoons Blueberry Polugar Wodka
-1 US tablespoons peach liqueur
-4 US teaspoons cinnamon syrup
Method
-Combine all ingredients in a cock tail shaker and add ice.
-Shake and strain into a coffee cup, topping with a cinnamon stick and star anise for decoration.
Duchess’ Decree | UK
A cocktail fit for royalty, Duchess’ Decree pays tribute to Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, who revolutionized English social habits by introducing the tradition of Afternoon Tea. A veritable party in a teacup, this innovative blend combines Portobello Road butter gin with red fruit black tea, cookie syrup, Poire Williams cognac, and fresh lemon juice. Mixing classic and creative ingredients to evoke a true aristocratic salon experience, this afternoon tea with a twist invites guests to toast to conviviality, tradition, and the sweetness of a bygone era.
Ingredients:
-3.5 US tablespoons milk wash (Milk infused with 4 red fruit black tea bags – see method below)
-3.5 US tablespoons Portobello Road Butter Gin
-5 US teaspoons lemon juice
-4 US teaspoons Poire William Cognac
-1 US tablespoon cookie syrup
Method
-Create the milk wash by bringing milk to the boil and adding the 4 red fruit tea bags. Leave to infuse until the milk cools.
-Add all remaining ingredients and let the mixture rest for 24 hours before filtering through etamine (cheesecloth) or a paper filter.
-Serve in a teapot with a teacup and petit fours.
Swing Maison | USA by way of France
Swing Maison is a soulful cocktail born and raised between the vibrant jazz and swing clubs of New Orleans, Louisiana, and Montmartre, Paris, the beating heart of the French art and music scene. A blend of Rye whiskey infused with caramel tea, grappa Evo Fumo, vermouth, Grand Marnier, old-fashioned bitters, Peychaud’s bitters, orange, and cinnamon, it is a journey between continents and tells the story of the two cities’ ocean-crossing bond and shared passion for music.
Ingredients:
-2 US tablespoons Rye Whiskey infused with caramel tea
-2 US tablespoons Evo Fumo Grappa
-2 US tablespoons blended vermouth
-2 US teaspoons Grand Marnier
-1 dash old-fashioned bitters
-1 dash Peychaud’s bitters
-5 orange peels
-1 cinnamon clove
Method
-Combine all ingredients, stir, and strain into a glass of choice. Grand Hotel Fasano uses a custom cello glass bottle, topped with smoke and poured into a cocktail coupe.
Midori No Sakura | Japan
Crafted to evoke the ancient ritual of Hanami – the Japanese custom of enjoying the transient beauty of Sakura, or Cherry Blossom season – Midori No Sakura is a delicate balance of Japanese whisky, milk-infused matcha tea, vanilla, lemon, and cherry soda. Combining the flavors and colors of Japanese spring, each sip is an invitation to stop, be present, and contemplate the ephemeral beauty of life – a toast to life, fragile but wonderfully beautiful.
Ingredients:
-3.5 US tablespoons milk wash in fused with matcha tea (1-2tsp to taste)
-2 US tablespoons Yamazakura Whis key, Cherry Edition
-4 US teaspoons lemon juice
-2 US teaspoons vanilla syrup
-3.5 US tablespoons cherry soda
Method
-Create the milk wash by bringing milk to the boil and adding a serving of matcha. Leave to infuse until the milk cools.
-Add all remaining ingredients and let the mixture rest for 24 hours before filtering through etamine (cheesecloth) or a paper filter.
-Serve in a sake bottle with a cup for pouring.
Catrina’s Embrace | Mexico
Named after Catrina, the symbolic figurehead for Mexico’s Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), Catrina’s Embrace is an intoxicating mix of two of the most iconic drinks in Mexican culture – mezcal and tequila – with vanilla syrup, fresh lime, and pineapple soda, served in a decorated skullshaped glass. Elegant, smiling and dressed in flowers and jewels, Catrina is an icon that celebrates memory, joy, and death as a natural part of life. This cocktail is a perfect meeting of tradition and invitation, and a vibrant celebration of life for all who drink it.
Ingredients:
-2 US tablespoons mezcal
-4 US teaspoons tequila
-4 US teaspoons lime juice
-2 US teaspoons vanilla syrup
-Top with pineapple soda
Method
-Combine all ingredients in a cock tail shaker and add ice.
-Shake and strain into a glass of choice, topping with the pineapple soda. Grand Hotel Fasano uses a custom ‘Day of the Dead’ calavera (skull) shaped bottle
W I N E S & CELLAR S
2025’S Most Coveted Vintages
Where terroir, time, and technique converge in unforgettable expressions.
From Burgundy’s storied parcels to trailblazing New World estates, these are the bottles destined to anchor world-class cellars — sought after by collectors and savored by those who appreciate the poetry inside a glass.
2001 Chateau Mouton Rothchild Pauillac
Domaine Ponsot Clos de la Roche
Vieilles
Vignes
2020
2021 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti La Tache
Heitz Cellar Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 1968Napa Valley
Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Krug Clos du Mesnil 1980
G A D G E T S &
I N N O V A T I O N S
Briggs & Riley
Elevates Luggage with their new ZDX Collection
| BY HEL É NE RAMACKERS
There is luggage, and then there’s Briggs & Riley. For those who have been privileged to travel the globe, luggage forms an integral part of a trip to your destination. For more than three decades, they have raised the bar with their unrivaled quality, coupled with innovation and performance.
The new ZDX collection is a breath of fresh air. With a choice of four stunning colorways, which include Hunter (green), Ocean (blue), Canyon (burnt orange) and Black, you will undoubtedly up your luggage’s appearance. And yours, of course!
Soft-sided for the ultimate in pliability (an essential part of traveling on small aircraft), choose between lightweight backpacks, duffels, toiletry kits and five sizes of spinner luggage. But why choose – get them all! Now is the time to start
your own collection.
Reimagined with advanced upgrades, the stylish and spacious ZDX Collection is a nod to Briggs & Riley’s best-selling ranges, with even better features. Who doesn’t love an expandable zippered compartment? It’s perfect for those thoughtful last-minute purchases when your wardrobe upgrade should be as chic as your luggage.
The patented Briggs & Riley’s Outsider® handle is perfect for flat packing and wrinkle-resistant technology. Gusseted outer pockets allow for easy access to items you might need at a moment’s notice, such as jackets or sweaters. The best part? The luggage is incredibly lightweight, so you can pack without stressing that your suitcase will flip the scales out of your favor.
Commenting on the launch of the new ZDX
Collection, Briggs & Riley CEO Richard Krulik said “While Briggs & Riley is known for its timeless design, we are also constantly innovating and developing new features for our travelers to enjoy. That’s why we have refreshed our ZDX range with an updated look, a new colorway (Canyon) and several new pieces. As a brand, we are focusing on continually improving both the features and design of our existing bags to meet the evolving needs of the modern traveler.”
The ZDX Collection by Briggs & Riley is available to purchase from £99, online at www. briggs-riley.co.uk and in-store and online at John Lewis, Harrods, Selfridges and select independent retailers.
Px8 S2 by Bowers & Wilkins
True Sound, Refined
British craftsmanship and pure sound in Bowers & Wilkins’ Px8 S2.
Bowers & Wilkins has done it again. The British audio house, long synonymous with craftsmanship and clarity, has introduced the Px8 S2, its new flagship wireless headphone and, by its own measure, the finest it has ever produced.
The Px8 S2 embodies everything the brand stands for: exceptional performance, timeless design, and quiet luxury. “We are incredibly proud to launch the Px8 S2, the best headphone we have ever created,” said Giles Pocock, VP of Brand Marketing. “It re-calibrates expectations for sound quality, design, and craftsmanship.”
Designed in Worthing, England, the Px8 S2 refines Bowers & Wilkins’ design language with a sleeker silhouette and a more compact carry case. It’s crafted from Nappa leather and brushed aluminum, with exposed cable detailing that feels as considered as it looks. Available in Onyx Black or Warm Stone, every
element has been engineered for both comfort and longevity, right down to replaceable ear cushions and a serviceable headband.
Performance, however, is where the Px8 S2 truly distinguishes itself. Building on the pedigree of the award-winning Px7 S3, it delivers a level of detail and resolution that places it among the best headphones money can buy. At its heart are 40mm Carbon
Cone drive units, angled precisely toward the listener’s ears for a more natural and spacious sound-stage. A dedicated amplifier powers the drivers, adding authority and scale to every note, while reducing coloration and distortion to near-zero levels.
Wireless performance has been elevated too, thanks to aptX Adaptive 24/96 and Qualcomm’s new aptX Lossless technology, both of which preserve the integrity of highresolution streams from Qobuz, TIDAL, and Amazon Music. The brand’s digital signal processing ensures every track sounds as pure and dynamic as possible. For purists, 3.5mm
and USB-C high-resolution connections are also included.
Noise cancellation has been refined to a new standard. Eight microphones, two monitoring the drivers, four detecting ambient noise, and two enhancing speech, work in harmony to create an experience that isolates beautifully without dulling the music. Even in the loudest environments, the Px8 S2 delivers remarkable clarity for both listening and calls.
Battery life reaches up to 30 hours with active noise cancellation, while a 15-minute charge gives an extra seven hours of playtime. The Bowers & Wilkins Music app adds further polish, allowing for EQ adjustments, wear sensor settings, and control customization. Later this year, an over-the-air update will introduce spatial audio and Bluetooth LE
Audio with Auracast, ensuring the Px8 S2 remains ahead of the curve.
The Px8 S2 is not merely a new model; it’s a statement. Luxurious, precise, and sonically sublime, it represents the pinnacle of sound.
TUMI Marking 50 Years with “Icons Tested”
For five decades, TUMI has shaped the way the world travels. Known for merging flawless function with refined design, the brand celebrates its 50th anniversary year with a campaign that looks at what it truly means to be iconic.
“Icons Tested” puts the spotlight on two global talents: McLaren Formula 1 driver Lando Norris and professional golfer Nelly Korda. Both embody the discipline, focus, and resilience that mirror TUMI’s own design ethos. The campaign, directed by Kiku Ohe with portraits by Simon Lipman, follows their moments of repetition and preparation, drawing a clear line between human excellence and the rigor behind every TUMI product.
At the center of the story are two of the brand’s most recognizable silhouettes; the Celina Backpack from the Voyageur collection combines lightweight versatility with modern sophistication. The Alpha Bravo Navigation Backpack, re-imagined in a new navy coated canvas, balances sharp design with durability. Each has been refined through relentless testing to meet the demands of life in constant motion.
“Being iconic doesn’t come from a single moment, but from showing up, again and again, and evolving through the process,” says Victor Sanz, TUMI’s Global Creative Director. It is a sentiment echoed by both athletes. Norris notes that consistency is everything, while Korda reminds us that meaning comes from the accumulation of moments, not perfection.
Beyond the hero backpacks, the campaign also nods to other TUMI signatures: the sleek 19 Degree collections, the lightest-ever 19 Degree Lite hardside luggage, the packable Just In Case™ line, and the McLaren capsule in Super Grey. Together they illustrate the breadth of design innovation that has kept TUMI at the forefront of performance luxury since 1975.
“Icons Tested” is a reflection of TUMI’s guiding principle: that greatness comes from discipline, refinement, and the willingness to evolve. In the hands of those who demand the best, TUMI’s creations are not just companions for the journey -- they are designed to move with purpose and built to endure.
Our Favorite Book Selection
| BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS
From one of National Geographic’s most popular photographers and her filmmaker husband, the luxe retrospective 416-page hardcover book Wild Eye - A Life in Photographs documents a 40-year odyssey through Kenya, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Tanzania. Prizewinning photographer and National Geographic Explorers at large Dereck and Beverly Joubert have spent almost a lifetime detailing the wildlife that traverse the African terrain, so who better to publish a large-format hardcover coffee table book containing more than 250 wildlife photographs taken by Beverly, with Derek as the author. “Some photographs remain etched in my memory long after the moment has passed,” says Beverly. “My new book, Wild Eye – A Life in Photographs, is a curated collection of such images. Over the past four decades, I have documented the lives of leopards, lions, elephants, and more, capturing not only their appearances but also the emotions they evoke and the silent stories they tell.”
| Published by National Geographic Books.
A vibrant celebration of the world’s most innovative modern gardens, The Contemporary Garden spans everything from rooftop gardens to wildflower gardens. Compiled and published by Phaidon editors, the book is organized alphabetically by designer, and journeys through the late 1990s to the present day, encompassing over three decades of horticultural, architectural and artistic ingenuity. Highlights include Boeri Studio’s iconic Bosco Verticale, a high-rise in Milan that explodes with greenery from top to bottom, Peter Korn and Julia Andersson’s garden in Sweden positively vibrates with its abundance of naturalistic and experimental paintings, and the urban masterpiece that is the High Line in New York City. | Published by Phaidon.
A legendary London hotel nestled in the heart of Mayfair, The Connaught is more than just a place to stay—it’s a cultural icon and enduring symbol of British hospitality, elegance, and service for well over a century. In this beautifully crafted Assouline edition, renowned journalist Bill Prince masterfully captures the soul of The Connaught, unveiling its rich legacy as a “heritage” hotel that seamlessly blends tradition with contemporary flair. From art and design to gastronomy and celebrity, this volume offers an intimate look at the many facets that make The Connaught a world unto itself. A true collector’s gem and a must-have for the armchair traveler, connoisseur, or admirer of London’s grandest addresses | Published by Assouline.
The very first and only book from one of the most soughtafter architecture and design ateliers in the world, Studio Sofield Works in an extraordinary work of bookmaking. Featuring many of its most important houses and retail settings, Studio Sofield is known for its discretion. Originating identities and design experiences for global brands such as Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Tom Ford, Yves Saint Laurent, and Harry Winston, this book epitomizes a collector’s items. A visual journey takes readers through the culture and mood of each era of their design work in gorgeous photography and interesting narratives recounting everything from the evolution of Gucci’s identity to resurrecting artisanal stone-carving techniques for a landmark building. | Published by Rizzoli New York.
