A1 1 by fentonandgregory

People, Places & Lifestyle

We drive Wraith

The most dynamic Rolls-Royce in history

CONTENTS 10 14 21 28 34 40 44 50

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HOTELS: Claridgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s BESPOKE: Touring Superleggera YACHTS: Hunton CARS: Rolls-Royce Wraith PROPERTY: Palazzo Tornabuoni JEWELLERY: Elizabeth Gage VILLAS: Samujana PRIVATE: Soneva Fushi

A1 is an online magazine published by Fenton & Gregory. Copyright 2018: Design, photography & text Derek Gregory. The right of Derek Gregory to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by him in accordance with the copyright designs and patents act 1988. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any other information storage and retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the publisher. The articles published do not necessarily represent the views of the author, publisher or Fenton & Gregory. Artwork production by Graphic Bubble. Derek Gregory, Fenton & Gregory, 30 Gay Street, Bath BA1 2PA England In all correspondence please E Mail: gregory@fentonandgregory.com

PUBLISHER

Private Office normally refers to a business, or in my case an individual, that operates an office for either one or several private wealth clients. This can be in the form of a family office - either single or multi, or an individuals wealth. Many institutions now also run ‘private offices’ through their mainstream businesses. Most private banks now operate separate private office departments, set aside for their wealthiest clients. Clients who favour this type of business are generally very private and therefore prefer to note a product or service of interest, and then request their private office to make arrangements thereafter. As an example, my own office has worked with clients in the past, to source everything from cars, to yachts to aircraft, and even their summer holiday Villa! A1 has been developed with the assistance of several private clients, with whom I have engaged in detailed conversation about the various ways in which they purchase products and services. Private clients don’t have the time to sit down reading magazines all day, and so it was with this in mind, I developed A1 which, rather than produced in printed form, is sent as a simple E Mailed web-link. Readers who are all by invitation only, then open the link sent from me each month, which takes them to a private access page on the ISSUU platform, where each new edition can be viewed. A1 can be viewed on any device, to help simplify the reader’s life. Open A1 on your iPhone, iPad, MacBook or any other device, and view in high-resolution, wherever you are in the world! Having established our readers, we then established the sectors they’re most interested in, which include subjects such as, Travel, Yachts, Aircraft, Cars, Jewellery, Investment, Health, Wine, Property and Art. We then

set out to discuss with the best products and services within these sectors, to work together to provide a monthly magazine aimed squarely at the high spending but highly private client. Private referrals are also very important, as we all want to know what a private Villa is like, or how someone enjoyed chartering ‘Alfa Nero’, or did you have a good experience in the bespoke department of Rolls-Royce, when you ordered your Wraith… A1 is different here too, as unlike most other magazines, we only offer space within our pages by invitation - and then we only offer an annual opportunity to be featured, rather than by month. This allows us to work closely with our selected products and services to build a picture over several issues, with editorial in every issue, along with regular adverts. We aim not only to be different for the private client who receives A1, but also be different towards the way in which we engage with our advertisers and editorial content. Whether you’re a private client, having received this sample issue through your wealth advisor, private bank, family office or business associate, or you are a potential advertiser. Welcome. We have some great editorial ahead, about private islands and aircraft and a great editorial on commissioning a super yacht from one of our clients, to a visit to one of the oldest Champagne houses, and a personal visit to one of the most beautiful private hire Villas in Tuscany. It’s all coming up in future issues ■

Derek Gregory Derek Gregory Publisher

WRAITH And the world stood still

Introducing Wraith â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the most dynamic Rolls-Royce in history. Experience the power, style and drama for yourself.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd The Drive, Westhampnett, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0SH. +44 (0) 1243 38 4000 www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com ÂŠ Copyright Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited 2014. The Rolls-Royce name and logo are registered trademarks.

A1 HOTELS

SUITE DREAMS at Claridge’s

One instinctively knows when something is right, as the TV advert used to say, and this is very true when walking through the doors at Claridge’s in London. 10

A1 HOTELS

f you are visiting for the first time, you are treated with the courtesy and politeness of a new relationship, and if you are a returning guest, you are treated like a member of the Claridge’s extended family. For me, this is what is comfortable about a hotel. It’s the detail and the familiarities, and which of course can make or break a hotel. Claridge’s has so much history attached to it, that you can spend the time there just wandering the public rooms, thinking about past guests. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, were regulars, as well as many different heads of state, with notably Sir Winston Churchill declaring suite 212 as Yugoslavian territory so that Crown Prince

Alexander II could be born on his own countries soil. Countless celebrities have also made Claridge’s their home-from home, such as Hollywood stars, Cary Grant, Audrey Hepburn and Spencer Tracey, who said he’d prefer to go to Claridge’s than heaven when he dies. On a recent visit to London, a client visiting from Brazil asked me for a recommendation as to where he should stay. I replied that he should stay at Claridge’s, in one of the Claridge’s Suites. I had myself just stayed a night in one, whilst having several client meetings during the day, and found the room to be of a very good size for entertaining guests, as well as staying a night or, (as in my client’s case), four nights. As some of the largest suites in the hotel, each suite features an imposing entrance hall, opening out onto

an impressive sitting room and elegant bedroom. A grand, marble bathroom, many featuring, (as mine did), a separate shower and double vanities, is a lavish addition to these magnificent suites. Each unique in character and designed by renowned interiors expert Guy Oliver or British designer, Linley, (mine Linley at my request), the Claridge’s suites are a fine reflection of the Victorian and art deco periods, both of which have shaped the hotel’s history. Staying in a Claridge’s suite, guests also enjoy the services of a personal butler for the duration of their stay, and I would be delighted to introduce clients to Mr. Thomas Kochs, the Hotel General Manager, and can assure you of his and his teams attention to you at all times ■

"To me, jewellery is an art form" Elizabeth Gage

Creative and unconventional, the world of Elizabeth Gage is one whereby the canvas is meticulously crafted gold: the paint; precious stones, the inspiration; the English garden and works of art; exquisite and timeless.

A1 BESPOKE

“YOUR SUPERCAR IS READY SIR..” the Alfa Romeo Disco Volante, by Touring. Words & Photographs: Derek Gregory

When only the very best will do, and you want to join the very rarest of clubs, it’s time to visit the Italian coachbuilding company, Touring Superleggera..

here’s a certain kind of customer across all sectors of lifestyle purchases, whether cars, boats, jets or jewellery, for whom the very best and most expensive luxury item on sale is simply not enough. That’s why many manufacturers of luxury companies are now producing special bespoke divisions. You won’t generally find prices for these items, as often they are privately arranged, and as one-off’s, no price list need be produced - and of course at this highest of bespoke levels, should you need to know the price, you definitely won’t be able to afford it. For car manufacturers it can still be a difficult thing to overcome for some buyers. If it’s a Ferrari, it’s a Ferrari, even when it’s been heavily altered and the finish is a one-off bespoke, and so for some clients, even this level of bespoke is simply not bespoke enough. And it

“After all, this is your own creation, and is not a mass production, but just for you and your own personal taste.”

he is hand creating in his Milano workshop. To be one of only eight customers in the world to personally specify the entire car, from the colours of the exterior, of which there are literally thousands, to the choice of finishes on the interior, is an amazing thing. After all, this is your own creation, and is not a mass production, but just for you and your own personal taste.

was at this point, I entered the debate with Piero Mancardi, the CEO of Italian Coachbuilder, Touring Superleggera.

“More and more people are getting bored with mass production cars,” says Piero Mancardi, chief executive of Milanese coachbuilder Touring Superleggera, “so the wealthy are ready to do something different. We are almost unique in being able to respond to this.”

Piero believes, and I agree, that there are some customers, even though they are in very small numbers globally, who want to have something even more bespoke than to have one of the eight Alfa Romeo Disco Volante’s

This is where coachbuilding comes into its own, and this small corner of the automotive industry, with companies such as Touring Superleggera, with its impeccable heritage is witnessing an ▶ incredible rise in demand.

A1 BESPOKE

If you have enough money, Touring Superleggera can build you a bespoke luxury car with beautiful design, engineering and build quality, and this is where the story of the Alfa Romeo Disco volante really starts to unfold. The Disco Volante, is a striking new supercar based on the Alfa Romeo 8C and only eight will be made, and with half of that number already sold, as of July 2014. The 8C is already a beautiful creation, and so to purchase one to then hand over to Touring, to effectively ‘chop up’, is a hard decision, but perhaps consider this more like going to a plastic surgeon for some delicate, ‘but strikingly beautiful’ work to

“It’s a very special car indeed, but that’s not a surprise when you consider Touring’s history.” be carried out, and this analogy might make it less painful. The 8c does however retain its superb 444bhp 4.7-litre V8 engine, but it’s the body which has been replaced with a Touring-designed one

that mixes hand-beaten aluminium and carbon fibre-reinforced plastic panels. The result is a car with Alfa Romeo engineering, and everything you touch, feel, see and admire being the lovingly hand-crafted work of Touring Superleggera. It’s a very special car indeed, but that’s not a surprise when you consider Touring’s history. Founded as a coachbuilder in 1926, the company carved its niche by patenting Superleggera body construction, which consists of small tubes to form the body shape, with alloy panels attached to strengthen and

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A1 BESPOKE

shape, which then becomes lightweight, creating some of the most evocative car designs in history.

the early Ferrari road cars, such as the 166, 195 and 212 GTs, and also many legendary Maseratis.

Take the Aston Martin DB5. That most iconic of British cars has a Touring body that was licensed back to Newport Pagnell for manufacture. Look closely on the DB5’s bonnet and you’ll see the ‘Superleggera’ logo.

Despite this amazing heritage, Touring closed in 1966 following an industry move away from low-volume built products to mass-built cars. The famous name lay dormant until it was quietly reborn, without fuss 40 years later.

Most notably however, are the Alfa Romeos of the 1950s and 1960s which all wear the Touring logo, as does the Jensen Interceptor, along with the first Lamborghini, the 350GT in 1963. Enzo Ferrari commissioned Touring to design many of

Since then the firm has turned the Maserati Quattroporte into a fastback called Bellagio and converted a Bentley Continental GT into a ‘Flying Star’ estate.. Its comeback has however been fully announced with the sublime Disco Volante. ▶

A1 BESPOKE

The Disco Volante is Touring’s way of using its history to promote its future. “Many people don’t know what Touring is,” Piero Mancardi says, “but when they find out what we’ve done they’re amazed.” Touring chose to pay homage to Alfa by re imagining the C52 Disco Volante of 1952. “If you go to the Alfa Romeo museum, half the cars are done by Touring,” says the firm’s chief designer and Disco Volante creator, Louis de Fabribeckers. “The Disco Volante is such a fascinating beautiful car, with proportions that

A1 BESPOKE

“The finish on the interior is absolutely stunning, with the use of the highest quality leather throughout.”

inspired a generation of sports cars, so it was a natural car to reference.” A production run of eight was chosen as “a car built in eight units can be as rare as a one-off, but the passion is shared between people, adds value, and confirms you made a good choice,” according to Mancardi. As you approach the car for the first time, the timeless proportions of the 8C underneath remain obvious, but it’s the quality of the panel fit and finish that really impresses. There’s nothing quite as special as

hand built, and the work here is truly perfection. The finish on the interior is absolutely stunning, with the use of the highest quality leather throughout, as well as a neat little tidy tray in the boot, which is of course custom designed, made and finished perhaps as one would expect, in Tuscan leather. The Disco Volante is clearly not going to be for everyone, but that’s its point. It isn’t trying to be, and more importantly has no desire to be for everyone. Just eight very lucky individuals, who are probably as individual as the car they have chosen to purchase ■

Beyond the expected

www.thealpinagstaad.ch Alpinastrasse 23

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T. + 41 33 888 98 88

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info@thealpinagstaad.ch

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- 25mm

A1 YACHTS

LUXURY AND POWER

From the uniquely British Hunton 21

A1 YACHTS

iona Pool is the CEO of British luxury powerboat manufacturer, Hunton, and she’s a woman who knows what she wants, and has set out on a course to ensure she gets it.

To say that she is formidable would give the wrong impression, but she is a person who knows exactly what it takes to run a company like Hunton, as she is used to running several successful businesses after an equally successful career in banking. When she was approached by the two new owners in 2010 to run the business, she jumped at the chance. The company hadn’t really been marketed outside of the UK, so Fiona saw this as a huge and exciting opportunity to get involved and take Hunton global. As an example of her dogged determination, she has secured the first ever pop up dealership in Harrods for the whole of August. This

“Today’s Hunton has the racing heritage of it’s founder, along with his name, but today’s Hunton is all about luxury, speed and refinement” shows tenacity from a company which is setting itself up for the big time, with plans to expand through inward investment into North America, Asia and the all important flourishing Middle Eastern ‘day boat’ market. So who are Hunton and what are their boats actually like?

Hunton was started back in 1979 by offshore powerboat racer, Jeff Hunton, who competed successfully for several years, and after taking the title in 1980, went on to win the British Offshore Powerboat Championship, a hugely impressive six times. But to assume the boats of today are merely pared back muscle boats would be very wrong. Today’s Hunton has the racing heritage of it’s founder, along with his name, but today’s Hunton is all about luxury, speed and refinement, and although Jeff Hunton is no longer at the helm of this company, he is retained as consultant naval architect. When you see a Hunton for the first time, you can immediately appreciate the lines of the hull which helped to shape the racing pedigree of the past. But nowadays it’s the high end performance, coupled with the overall luxury, craftsmanship and aesthetic lines that go towards making a Hunton a luxury day-boat for now and into the future. ▶

A1 YACHTS

The boats are generously fitted with all of the required equipment one would expect to find, but as Fiona pointed out to me on a recent visit, every Hunton that leaves the yard is a bespoke one-off, and this is where Hunton are carving out a niche for themselves, and where the market is actually going, as nowadays it’s all about bespoke finishing - and with that, Hunton can fulfil pretty much every whimsical feature, suitable for a seagoing vessel. You want your boat to be in ‘Lady Penelope’ pink, with cream leather seating and a silver stipe along the hull. You just have to ask. That’s the beauty of bespoke finishing, and more importantly, a small luxury company which builds for just a small number of clients each year, and which in turn ensures you have very little chance of

“Powerful, yet supremely luxurious, driving the XRS43 presents a thrilling blend of speed, exhilaration and fun”

parking next to another Hunton in Monaco for the Formula 1 - and even more unlikely it will be in your own ‘Lady Penelope’ Pink! Hunton boats are hand built at their headquarters in Hampshire, England. Here you’ll find stateof-the-art technology meets with traditional craftsmanship, and where the clean lines of the race-inspired hull on the XRS43, blends effortlessly with the timeless elegance, exquisite finishes and seductive power. The XRS43 is the ultimate combination of performance and luxury. Powerful, yet supremely luxurious, driving the XRS43 presents a thrilling blend of speed, exhilaration and fun. Coupled with good head

A1 YACHTS

height, a spacious salon, separate heads and shower, a well-appointed galley and a double berth, with teak decking, leather upholstery and bespoke design finishes as standard, Hunton is the brand for those that know and appreciate high performance, luxurious powerboats. All models across the Hunton range are built in low numbers for boating connoisseurs: those looking for a blend of performance and luxury unavailable elsewhere, and who are driven by an uncompromising quest for excellence. For more than thirty five years, Hunton has been committed to building the best boats of its generation, and with plans ahead for exciting new releases, it is a brand which is truly going to be seen in all the right places â&#x2013;

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A1 CARS

ROLLS-ROYCE Wraith

Words & Photographs: Derek Gregory

Arriving at the Rolls-Royce factory is in itself a grand day out, but knowing, as I did, that I would be leaving behind the wheel of a new Wraith, made it even grander.

had last visited the Rolls-Royce factory at Goodwood, during the start of their production of The new Phantom. Lots has changed since my last visit, not least the fact that the factory is now a lot busier. Back at my last visit, it was just The Phantom as a standard or extended wheel base model choice, but nowadays there is the Phantom, plus Extended Wheelbase, Drophead Coupé and Coupé. Then there’s the Ghost, now into series 2, plus Ghost Extended Wheelbase and a Ghost V-Specification, and finally what brings me to Goodwood..The Wraith. The name of which has not been used by RollsRoyce, since the Wraith of 1938, which sets in motion a true understanding of the history of this famed automobile.

A1 CARS

There’s a sense of both grace and beauty as you approach the Wraith, and from any angle you immediately can tell this is not a shape you’ve seen before, but then you spot the giveaway clue in the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament, which for the development of the design of the Wraith has itself been tilted forward by five degrees. The Wraith is a bold statement; not just for Rolls-Royce, but for owners. It’s very much a drivers cars, as opposed to a chauffeur car, and its most definitely not all good fastback looks, as beneath the mighty hood lies a twin turbo V12, which gives it a 0-60 time of just 4.4 seconds. Do not however misunderstand, as the Wraith is no GT bruiser; it is every inch a refined and luxurious Rolls-Royce, with every conceivable extra, and for those of us who ▶

A1 CARS

want every conceivable extra - and then some more, Rolls-Royce will point you towards their Bespoke department. It’s now a fact that customers of luxury products are no longer satisfied with the product they are buying into, unless it can be slightly different to someone else’s, and Rolls-Royce is no exception, with a whopping 95% of all cars leaving the factory, having been in some way bespoke finished. So popular has the starlight headlining been in the Phantom range, it has for the first time been offered outside of the Phantom, and now Wraith customers can have starlight headlining, which features thousands of tiny fibre optic lamps hand woven by craftspeople into the roof lining. This is one of the company’s most endearing and

“Every Rolls-Royce has presence and grace in every respect, but if you want to be less noticed than if you will be arriving in a Phantom, then my choice has to be the Wraith”

A1 CARS

popular features, and which can also be bespoke finished by customers opting to have any celestial constellation they desire! So what’s it like to drive? Given it’s size, I can honestly say effortless, which may come as a bit of a shock . This in part thanks to an eight speed, automatic ZF transmission, which combined with its ‘Satellite Aided Transmission’, or SAT ensures you are in the best possible gear for not just the moment you are in - but the moments you are about to be in, as it thinks ahead of you to every bend and curve in the road. Driving the Wraith, you are not quite as noticed as perhaps in a Phantom, this in part due to its slightly slimmer and shorter size, and on a personal note, I personally prefer the option of having the silver lady hidden away, (with

a click on the control panel she will disappear), as for me she is just a bit too “look at me I have a Rolls-Royce”, and if you can be discreet in a Wraith, then this certainly helps, and of course protects her by not being openly visible when parked. Every Rolls-Royce has presence and grace in every respect, but if you want to be less noticed than if you will be arriving in a Phantom, then my choice has to be the Wraith. “One is so accustomed to seeing Rolls-Royces slipping silently through Mayfair or purring down to Ascot in a 30mph traffic stream that one is apt to forget that these cars are just about the fastest non-sporting proposition of their time” - The Earl of Cardigan May 1930. I bet he would have loved to drive a 2015 Wraith! ■

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A1 PROPERTY

ENJOYING ITS RENAISSANCE

Florence is most definitely the place to go.. Palazzo Tornabuoni is a former Medici Palace, set in the very heart of Florence and which has been painstakingly restored and converted into a series of grand and spacious apartments. As if that isn’t enough, the Palazzo is set on Via Tornabuoni, Florence’s version of London’s Bond Street, where all that glitters is most surely gold.

nside, the apartments vary in shape and sizes, some with balconies, and some with a modern contemporary twist but all still retaining period details, such as ornate 16th century frescos and locally inspired artisan chandeliers. Some apartments are so unbelievably stunning, I had to pinch myself as I looked from one apartment window across to Brunelleschi’s Duomo! Available to either to purchase as a Membership or as a Whole Ownership apartment, some current owners started off as Members and have moved up to whole ownership as they enjoy spending time at the Palazzo so much. There are few Private Residence Clubs in the world which are associated with Renaissance cardinals like Alessandro Ottaviano de’ Medici, who bought the palace in 1574, when he was appointed archbishop of Florence (he would later become the short-lived Pope Leo XI). Discreetly and skilfully managed by Four Seasons Hotels, Palazzo Tornabuoni can ▶

A1 PROPERTY

very much be all things to all men, and the relationship with the Four Seasons extends to full signing rights at their beautiful hotel property, just a fifteen minute walk away through the winding streets, and which upon arrival one can enjoy one of the largest private gardens in Florence in which to walk and dream in. Some palazzo owners have moved in full time, and others choose to treat the place like a hotel and come and go when they are in Europe, or not at one of their other global homes. Palazzo Tornabuoni also hosts a full concierge service through the club attachĂŠ, a full time member of the management team, with whom I sat and discussed various owner opportunities on one sunny afternoon in the club lounge. She explained that owners were from a wide range of

A1 PROPERTY

“At Palazzo Tornabuoni History lingers everywhere. During the epic restoration work, restorers discovered an entire room hidden between two partitions.” countries but all had one thing in common, and that is to experience the authentic Florentine lifestyle, and enjoy the various lectures, tastings, concerts, dinners and organised excursions, as

well as Italian cookery lessons, wine tastings and even truffle hunting. This unique service opens doors onto a Florentine social and cultural landscape that visitors rarely glimpse. At Palazzo Tornabuoni history lingers everywhere. During the epic restoration work, restorers discovered an entire room hidden between two partitions. With its 18th-century floral mosaic floor and a delicate white-stucco dome, this room is now part of the Michelozzo Residence. Individual apartment prices are available on request. As a guide, the apartments range from €850,000 to €5,000,000, with private residence club membership from €240,000 to €660,000 ■

A BRITISH BOATING PHENOMENON

www.hunton.co.uk 39

A1 JEWELLERY

UNCONVENTIONALLY ELEGANT With the jewellery artist Elizabeth Gage Elizabeth’s unique artistry knows no bounds. Timeless, the essence of Elizabeth Gage oscillates between her love of art and that of precious stones.

nchanted by her studies at Chelsea Art School and the British Museum, Elizabeth’s desire to channel her creativity into jewellery was sparked. With a unique philosophy, Elizabeth set out to create jewellery that was wearable from “day into night”. Presented with an ounce of gold after completing her jeweller’s qualifications at Sir John Cass College, not only did Elizabeth fashion her first ring but born, was a new age jewellery lifestyle signed Elizabeth Gage. Beyond a jewel, Elizabeths work is also an expression of how she sees the world around her: the art of nature, the myths of the past, the richness of different cultures and the ludic animal kingdom, all fuel her creativity. Starting with a precious jewel, an exquisite fossil or an historical treasure, each piece has a story. Avantgarde, her pieces of meticulous craftsmanship, bold colour and material combinations are globally identifiable, to such an extent that when one of her creations was found in a New

York gutter after being lost, the owner was able to be sourced and reunited with her jewel. The significance of Elizabeths work and the impact she has had on the world of jewellery has been widely recognised receiving, amongst other accolades, the Queens Award for Export, the De Beers Diamond Award and furthermore her work features in the prestigious Victoria and Albert Museum as part of their permanent jewellery collection.

As just one example of the detail and superb quality of Elizabeth Gage’s one-off pieces, the photograph shows, the exquisite ‘Katerina Pin’ as truly a unique work of Fine-Jewellery. Set in 18ct yellow and white gold, this pin is decorated with a stunning cushion shape faceted damask rose coloured spinel stone (12.93cts) and surrounded by sixteen off-round faceted deep pink spinel stones (9.02cts in total). This is all set on beautiful white gold oak leaves decorated with eighty-four round brilliant cut diamonds (1.24cts in total) and is finished with a wonderful grey baroque South Sea cultured pearl to the base ■

BEL AIR The Billionaire’s Secret While everyone knows about the luxury markets of Manhattan, London, and Monaco, fewer are aware that one of the most prized luxury real estate markets among the world’s billionaire elite is Los Angeles and the exclusive enclaves of Bel Air and Holmby Hills. Just last week, the luxury mansion known as Fleur De Lys sold for $102 Million (USD) among a bidding war of multiple buyers. Considered a record sale by Los Angeles standards, at only $2,000 per square foot, it’s an extraordinary value compared to other international luxury markets. Additionally, there have been 2 other recent Bel Air/ Holmby Hills home sales of $75 million and $85 million. Beverly Hills also continues to be in high demand with wealthy buyers. It’s important to note that the guard-gated communities of Beverly Park, Malibu Colony, and Fremont Place have demonstrated new record sales as well. Los Angeles offers a year-round mild climate, an internationally renowned cosmopolitan lifestyle, and tremendous values in real estate, especially when compared to other major world cities. The region also provides strong investment advantages such as the robust commercial economy of a world-class city, no VAT taxes, and excellent foreign ownership rights. The Southern California architectural landscape includes beachfront villas, grand estates, historic properties, city homes, and sleek high-rise apartments. Luxury homes and apartments range anywhere from $1 million to over $100 million.

Greg Moesser is a Certified International Property Specialist at Sotheby’s International Realty, Beverly Hills and has been consistently ranked in the top 2% of agents. Voted as an “LA Super Agent” by Los Angeles Magazine, he holds an Architectural Collection Accreditation. His encyclopedic knowledge of architectural, celebrity, and historic properties is a highly valued benefit he provides to his clients. Attributing his successes to his highly personalized model of representation, Greg also understands the importance of Internet marketing for luxury properties on a global scale. His own personal website www.LAClassicEstates.com was named Los Angeles’s Best Luxury Real Estate Website by Bel Air Magazine. One of those increasingly rare Los Angeles native’s, Greg was also a competitive equestrian prior to his real estate career. In addition to his prominent and loyal Southern California clientele, his global list of HNW clients includes individuals from Europe, South America, Russia, India, and the Middle East. Whether it’s a luxury condo purchase, the sale of a family home or large estate, or a complex international transaction, Greg represents all his clients with discretion, knowledge, and attention to detail. For more information, please contact Greg at 001.310.770.9014 or greg@laclassicestates.com. 42

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A1 VILLAS

SIMPLY SPECTACULAR

try something new, do what you love, do it all, or do nothing at all, at Samujana Villas. Samujana is an exceptional place to escape from the mundane complexities of life and dare to become a part of all that is in the present and everything that you always knew and dreamt you would be.

amujana Retreats and Residences are yours to either rent for holidays or to purchase as your own home. Perched on a hillside overlooking a coral cove with private beach access, the all pool villa estate is located on the northeastern coast of Koh Samui and just minutes from Samui International Airport and the stunning beaches of Choeng Mon and popular Chaweng. Samujana’s design seamlessly blends contemporary luxury with Thai architecture, created by the award winning, Gary Fell of Gfab Architects. Gary has designed our spectacular villas around the unique topography of the land. Samujana is set into the hillside and incorporates original rock outcrops and indigenous trees into the villas. All Samujana villas offer unadulterated sea views and are perfectly positioned to enjoy the sunrise. Large enough for laps, decadent enough for pool parties and enticing enough to steal away any ardent sun worshipper for a cooling plunge.

‘Samujana villas offer infinity edge swimming pools with complete and sublime sea and lush hillside views.’

Samujana offers an abundance of living space to enjoy social time with loved ones or precious time out with a good book. With a combination of both open and air-conditioned rooms, there’s breathing space for everyone and a sensational setting for entertaining friends and family. Boasting comfy slumber parlours from three bedrooms to seven, there’s no shortage of rooms to host your guests. Some rooms open ▶

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out onto plunge pools, jacuzzis or landscaped rooftops with space for relaxing or taking in a yoga session with a great view. All Samujana villas feature extensive living and dining areas, modern kitchens, oversized private infinity edge pools and are equipped with the latest in audio and media amenities, all inviting you to dare to relax. You’re invited to invest in a slice of magnificence and hold the key to your own Samujana home. We believe that our range of luxurious residences are superior to anything else you will find in the region. With villas boasting up to eight bedrooms, private cinemas, large living spaces and all with oversized infinity pools and breathtaking sea views, a Samujana villa has your name written all over it. We have just 27 unique villas that comprise the Samujana estate. Villas that are already owned are either used as a private residence or are managed by Samujana and rented and marketed as high-end holiday homes, therefore inclusion into the rental program maximizes your investment much further if you choose to not live in your Samujana villa all year round. We’re ideally located just minutes away from the airport and a short distance to Chaweng and Choeng Mon beaches. Our hillside location affords spectacular views and an enviable location that front onto a secluded coral bay.

‘We believe that our range of luxurious residences are superior to anything else you will find in the region.’

Gary Fell of Gfab Architects has designed Samujana with a grand vision. He began with the idea of preserving the incredible site, building the villas around the nature he encountered. Thus, several villas have mature trees and rock formations incorporated either into the living areas, the gardens or the pools. Unconstrained by budget or lack of space, the colossal living spaces surrounding the pool, including the living room, dining room, and kitchen all add to the feeling of liberty and openness. Whilst much of the villa is made of sturdy, hardwearing natural materials rather than imported designer items, there

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are no compromises with regard to the specifications and building materials used in the villas, which are kitted out with superb quality kitchens, bathrooms, and in some villas cinemas and gyms. Many of the homes utilise courtyards with water features to encourage through ventilation and extensive landscaping provides shade and privacy. Private enclosed offices, media rooms and home theatres complement the general feeling of space for occupants wishing time away from the natural breezes and a little air-conditioning. Samujana guests have a wide range of experiences to choose from whilst staying with us and we would like to dare you to try something new, do what you love, do it all, or do nothing at all!

‘Explore the glimmering coral reefs and underwater world of Koh Tao, one of the World’s best diving spots.’ Enjoy a challenging game of tennis on our all-weather, floodlit tennis court. Charter our luxury 43 ft. catamaran, ‘Kindred Spirit’ for a private cruise.

Go waterskiing, diving or snorkelling with our fleet of boats. Explore the glimmering coral reefs and underwater world of Koh Tao, one of the World’s best diving spots. Take a tour of our beautiful island to see the waterfalls, temples and elephants. Become a master at Thai cuisine and whip up authentic som tam and delicious Thai curries. Treat yourself to a relaxing massage in the privacy of your villa. Hone and tone with a personal fitness instructor, breathe and align with private yoga or work your way through a few rounds with a Muay Thai kickboxing champion ■

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AN ISLAND to treasure Words & Photographs: Derek Gregory

When Sonu and Eva Shivdasani built their tropical hideaway on the remote island of Kunfunadhoo in the Baa Atoll of the Maldives in 1995, they would have had no idea that the tracks and jungle pathways they were clearing and laying would be the same tracks and pathways their highly loyal guests are still cycling along and enjoying to this day.

first visited in 1997 just a couple of years after it had opened to a greatly excited press, and so I was excited to be returning to see what has changed since my visit, almost 17 years to the day. Indeed the jungle pathways are still there, and almost as I remember them to be - in fact, so untouched is the island, apart from a few extra buildings and a few updated and necessary cosmetics, that it is almost exactly as I left it, which in itself is a testament to Sonu and Eva’s philosophy of working with the nature of the island, rather than against it, as well as their personal vision of “leaving Soneva Fushi exactly as you found it”. Today, Their acronym SLOW LIFE (Sustainable-Local-Organic-Wellness Learning-Inspiring-Fun-Experiences) explains the Soneva philosophy. Intelligent Luxury, as interpreted by the Shivdasanis, is all about creating innovative, enlightening SLOW LIFE.

“There’s even a Chocolate Room, as if you need any further temptations”..

Arriving in Malé, to an early morning 26 degrees blue sky, having left a very windy and rainy 12 degrees London behind us ten hours earlier, was in itself a good start, but couple that with being met by a member of the Soneva team just outside of the customs hall, and we were suddenly in holiday mood. Whisked through the necessary formalities of our seaplane transfer, we

were quickly transferred to Soneva’s own private terminal, where we were offered cold towels, drinks and even a massage. Soon enough we were boarding our Canadian Twin Otter floatplane and skimming across the aquamarine waters, before gaining height to where the islands below now began to string-out like saltwater pearls. The following half-hour passes quickly as you begin to notice islands looking larger as you start your descent for landing just outside of the reef. The water today is a little choppy and so we bounce a couple of times before coming to an almost immediate stop next to the Soneva Fushi international Airport, (as the sign proclaims), and which in reality is a floating pontoon tantalizingly close to our very final destination. A quick transfer to the jetty by Soneva speedboat, “Ever Soneva so quick”. (They also have other boats for other uses), Ever Soneva so comfy, Ever Soneva so much faster, Ever Soneva so scuba do, and my ▶ personal favourite, Ever Soneva so private.

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Whilst onboard ‘Ever Soneva so quick’, a Soneva staff member relieves you of your shoes, which are placed into drawstring bags, never to be seen again until the return journey. Remember it’s no news and no shoes, and how amazing it feels to be walking on the warm boardwalk as you are met by several management and staff, all smiling and ushering you along, like the scene in Close Encounters where the humans interact with the aliens for the first time as they board the spacecraft. It is at this point to play out the whole Robinson Crusoe ideal you are introduced to your own personal ‘Man Friday’, or to be slightly more with the times, Mr. Friday, or Ms. Friday. Private Butlers by any other name, and ours was a smiling, slightly shy, but completely professional Mr. Abbas. Or simply Abbas as he was to become. Walking us to our villa Abbas explained he was available for our every request, whatever the time, and whenever we needed him. Our first evening I wanted to ask Abbas a question and so called his number, only to be told by a voice at the other end, “I’m sorry, Abbas is not available”, which made me roar with laughter. This to be the one and only time Abbas was (for whatever reason) unavailable to us - and he deserves a mention

for being in our opinion ‘super-man-friday’, and forever knowing what we wanted before we did, and all done in the most unobtrusive way. Soneva Fushi has a small number of villas built on the island and so is completely under developed compared to most other ‘resort’ islands, a point worthy of note, as even when busy you can sometimes not see another guest all morning. Aside from the regular (although there’s nothing regular about them), villas, Soneva have also developed a handful of private residences, which are nothing short of spectacular, and it was one of these that we decided to book. Villa 1 is a privately owned residence occupying a prime location on the sunrise side of the island, adjacent to Dolphin Beach. The villa has spectacular 180 degree uninterrupted views across turquoise water, with a pristine stretch of white sand, and at the same time benefitting from the privacy and seclusion afforded by the dense jungle around it. When you travel to Soneva Fushi you have a large number of choices to make, for special events and opportunities whilst on the island. My suggestion is to try and experience as many as you can fit in, as we did, and have so many special memories of the many well planned and thought

‘The spectacular and uninterrupted view across the turquoise water of the Indian Ocean, as seen from the upper deck of Villa 1’

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out extras which Soneva Fushi can arrange. Although the island is larger than most other resort islands, it never feels unmanageable, and part of the fun of Soneva Fushi are the bicycles which are yours for the duration of your visit and parked in bamboo parking slots directly outside each villa under a palm thatched canopy. Padded seats and padded peddles, along with ‘easy-rider’ handlebars means you can cruise around the island at leisure, through the often dense jungle pathways. Our favourite was to try and get lost by taking twists and turns we didn’t recognize, but somehow always seemed to lead us to a deserted stretch of beach, either on the sunset or sunrise side of the island, on one particular day we parked the bikes and wandered onto the jetty next to the outdoor cinema, and watched a pod of dolphins cruise past. The cinema I refer to, is another clever idea and use of space. A large circular piece of concrete, which was originally the helicopter landing pad, used to ferry passengers onboard the large and loud MI8 ‘Hummingbird’ helicopters. This was how I arrived 16 years ago, and thankfully the helicopters are now long retired and replaced by the altogether more efficient twin-otter seaplanes, which can land in the lagoon of most resort islands.

The cinema is a real treat, and you can request, as we did, a private viewing, as we watched Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt, in ‘As good as it gets’, whilst relaxing on sun-loungers eating freshly made popcorn, followed by Bailey’s ice cream and then a cognac, complete with a full moon overhead. The memories of which will remain a lifetime.

In fact, Soneva Fushi are very good at creating special moments for you to enjoy and then remember forever. Another of which is the private island picnic. Not just any picnic, this one is named after the owner, as one of his own favourite things to do. And so we tried ‘Sonu’s picnic’, as we set off onboard ‘Ever Soneva so much faster’ and were whizzed out to sea, passing distant islands before a dot appeared on the horizon and our crew pointed to it, and I gave a thumbs up of acknowledgement. It takes around thirty minutes to reach the private Soneva island of Nibilliga, which upon going ashore takes a full ten minutes to walk around. As we walked around the shore line, our crew set up what was to be our most memorable picnic ever. A whole leg of lamb and a whole large fish were prepared in leaves and cooked underground, whilst we were served salad and prawns with Champagne and a view to die for. Plates of fresh fruit and our previously selected favourite flavour ice cream were soon polished off, and soon our crew were leaving us to it, which is the very best part of a private and remote castaway island, as we watched the speedboat disappear into the far distance and we ran like excited schoolchildren, screaming and shouting into the sea for a whole afternoon of private fun and frolics. ▶

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There’s a serious side underlying the fun side of Soneva Fushi, with the owners taking the environment they operate in with as much care and attention to detail as possible. They import no plastic bottled water - in fact they import no water at all, instead they make their own and it is available ‘on-tap’ as it were, whenever you need it. They also operate a highly efficient waste management centre on the island, run by the enthusiastic Gordon Jackson, who lives on the neighbouring island of Eydafushi, with his Doctor wife and their four children. I never thought I would enjoy a tour of what is essentially a rubbish dump, but I did, and listening to the various ways in which they not only save their own environment, but are also helping other islands set up similar waste centres, and by doing so are becoming carbon neutral along the way, was informative, educational and fascinating. Whilst there we were introduced to a local man who has set up his own small business of collecting scrap metal from local islands, and then taking it across the water to India, where he sells it. ‘Ever so resourceful’ and a true entrepreneur in a difficult environment.

‘A multitude of separate air conditioned rooms attract you to everything from, freshly prepared breakfast pastries, to over sixty flavours of ice cream’.!

The food on Soneva Fushi is beyond first class, and from breakfast under the palm tress, through to lunch and dinner in a wide variety of restaurants, and areas to dine, we were amazed by not only the quality of presentation and tastes, but the choices, which are seemingly endless for all tastes, with much of the vegetables and salads grown in the resorts extensive organic garden. Fish wherever possible is line caught in local waters, and when it comes to wine you must not miss the opportunity to arrange a private wine tasting under the expert guidance of the in-house sommelier, who can tell you about their exhaustive list of over 500 wines, and where you can sample several bottles opened on the day.

‘In the ‘Ever so delicate’ Charcuterie, a wide selection of cold meats, and a dedicated cheese room, and of course you cannot miss the chocolate room’!!

Of course, you may prefer to stay in the confines of your villa, and the in-villa dining menu is extensive, and can on request include a chef preparing a barbecue of your choice, with a table just for you on your own stretch of beach, or in your garden next to your pool should you prefer. Remember, the choices are endless and it’s all up to you..After dinner you could always cycle to the observatory to look at

the moon, before relaxing back at the bar with a late night Cognac. With all this activity of eating and drinking, sunbathing and cycling comes the inevitable requirement for massage, and on Soneva Fushi you will be delighted to know that the Spa is a haven of peace and tranquility, where therapists will take you to Nirvana, and if you are lucky you might just come back to Soneva Fushi.

Meeting Soneva Fushi’s owner, Sonu Shivdasani again after 16 years was a great pleasure, and as we sat in the bar recounting stories from those early start-up days, I was reminded of my own policy to never return to somewhere I love, as it’s very rarely the same as the first time. In the case of Soneva Fushi, I figured a 16 year gap was sufficient enough time to try again, and how glad I am that I did, as it was exactly as a very special island should be in every possible way. It would appear I am now going to rip up my policy book, as I am already planning my next visit! Everything all of the positive reviews say is true, and more, and I left Sonu with a smile as I said that after 16 years of practicing, he’s most definitely now got everything right. So there’s never been a better time to visit or revisit and fall in love all over again with this most enchanting of tropical hideaways, and if you’ve got a spare US$7m - $15m, then you can even have your own villa on the island, but be quick, as with only a very small number being made available for purchase, and several already sold, you will most definitely not want to miss this opportunity ■

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