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THE AGENDA
2. MILE-HIGH-EARNERS CLUB Fancy travelling the globe in a custom-designed Boeing 757 private jet, staying in some of the world’s poshest hotels and exploring some of its most fascinating destinations? Then be prepared to raid your bank account! The Four Seasons Private Jet Experience has to be the most luxurious and extravagant package holiday known to man. This is an über-luxe all-in deal for the well-heeled traveller, where a lifetime’s worth of adventure can be experienced in one spectacular journey. The Culinary Discoveries Tour (27 May14 June 2017) – curated by René Redzepi, the lauded Danish chef and co-owner of two-Michelin-star restaurant Noma in Copenhagen – takes in nine countries. It’s the highest haute cuisine all the way! The International Intrigue Tour (3-26 September 2017) allows you to discover nine of the world’s most intriguing cities and arresting landscapes. From thrilling game drives in the Serengeti to lavish palaces of St Petersburg and a private dinner on the Great Wall of China, the world will be your oyster. Finally, the Timeless Encounters Tour (1-24 March 2018) is a round-the-world journey taking in some of alluring destinations, such as the beaches of Bora Bora and the sparkling white marble splendour of the Taj Mahal. This 24-day itinerary touches down in seven other vibrant cities and tranquil island paradises. Then, after all that luxuriant pampering, it’ll definitely be a bumpy landing and back to the real world. From £110,583 (based on double occupancy), privatejet.fourseasons.com
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3. A NOVEL IDEA The main reason for buying a book is the pleasure of reading it. But what about literature as an investment? First edition, first printing books are at the heart of this burgeoning market. They’re even more valuable if signed by the author. According to the Daily Telegraph, the value of rare first edition books has risen 398 per cent in a decade. Books that have risen the most in value are the ones people still want to read – Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings, Agatha Christie or James Bond. Fuelled by the timeless allure of 007 and boosted by the movie franchise, Bond books have rocketed in value over the past two decades. Obviously, the condition of the book is everything. And always judge a book by its cover – those with their dust jackets intact can add 10 times more to the value of a book than one without the wrapper. Finally, make sure you go to a reputable antiquarian book dealer – like Peter Harrington in London. Established in 1968, it’s one of the leading rare book firms in the world. Shown here, a first edition, first impression, author’s special presentation copy of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, inscribed by the author, Ian Fleming, and still in its original dust jacket. £12,500, www.peterharrington.co.uk
4. BOMBS AWAY! Alessandro Michele, Creative Director at Gucci, has created his own quirky, sometimes chaotic aesthetic and resurrected the Italian luxury brand to such an extent that it’s hard to recall what it was like before he took over. The spring/summer 2017 collection was a great, beautifully chaotic adventure that proved 100 per cent that Michele is an unashamed maximalist. No strict architectural lines and monochrome for him. As evidence, take the resplendent silk satin bomber jacket pictured here. An American classic meets sleek Italian chic, with a riot of ornate embroidered appliqués of tropical birds, butterflies, and golden threaded tropical foliage embellishments. It also features the Gucci signature red and navy rib knit trims and has a lustrous champagne-nude satin lining, so it sits smoothly over sweaters and tees. PS. The back of the bomber is even better than the front! £4,850, www.matchesfashion.com
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