ILE MAISON
--ARTFUL LIVING MEETS WELL-BEING--
Editor: Ilona Lee
Publisher: ILA LEE LLC
Cover Photo:
Waldorf Astoria New York
Contact: phone: + 1 917 291 9491
Email: info@ilonalee.com
www.ilemaison.com
MAISON
Redefining Private Aviation with Transparency & Disruption- OPES JET - 05
BitBasel Festival at Art Basel Miami - Ile Maison Media Partnership - 07
The Waldorf Astoria New York. The Return of a Global Icon - 010
The Leonard A. Lauder Collection - A Legacy in Masterpieces - 017
Paris Design Week 2025 Celebrating 15 Years of Reinvention - 021
The Fondation Cartier opening in the heart of Paris - 025
Île Maison Privé welcomes BOX Concept Studio - 028
A Chiroscuro Condition: Architecture in Caravaggio’s Light - 029
The Zaha Hadid Trophy Residence of St. Julian’s, Malta - 035
UNICO Yachting Expands to the United States - 042
Welcome to Cannes Yachting Festival 2025 - 046
Perlage - the Sparkle of Fine Dining & Fashion - 052
Art of Remembrance: 9/11 at New York City Hall with Mayor Adams - 054
Investing in Real Estate with Purpose:- Reflections from IMN’s CFO & COO Forum East - 056
From Loss to Legacy: LA- based Terra Fund joins Île Maison Privé - 058
Unlocking Indian Ocean Treasures with Vilimek & Vagner Asset Management - 060
Malta as a Second Home - 062
The Future of Wealth in the Hamptons - Reflections Family Office & Private Wealth Legacy Summit 2025 - 065
Hampton Classic 2025 - Fifty Years of Elegance & Equestrian Excellence - 067
Megan Emily Ely- A Surrealist Vision Unveiled - 071
A Legacy Return to the Gatsby Era in Southampton -073
Château de Mercuès, Cahors, France - 077
Editor Ilona Lee
Contact phone: +1 917 291 9491
e-mail: info0ilonalee.com www.ilemaison.com
The Art of Light
As the golden light of Autumn settles over our cities and shores, I am reminded of how profoundly light defines our lives - not only as illumination, but as revelation. Light uncovers, elevates, and transforms. It is both a mirror and a guide, helping us see beauty in places we once overlooked, and hope in times when shadows felt endless.
In this XXIedition, ÎLE MAISON turns its gaze toward the many ways light shapes legacy. From Caravaggio’s chiaroscuro, where light and shadow meet in timeless dialogue,designofZahaHadid to the radiant vision of Peter Brincat and Box Concept Studio joining our circle, we explore how light becomes architecture, artistry, and identity.
We honor the legacy of visionaries who have carried their own beams into the world - from the enduring brilliance of the Leonard A. Lauder Collection to the luminous return of The Waldorf Astoria New York as a global icon. We journey from the Paris Design Week’s reinvention of heritage through innovation, to the sparkle of Perlage - where fine dining meets fashion in a cascade of elegance.
WealsowelcomeUNICOYachtingtoÎLEMAISONPrivé,markinganewchapterofexpansioninto theUnitedStatesandapartnershipthatredefineseleganceandfreedomonwater.
Light also guides us into remembrance. In New York City, Mayor Adams opens the doors of City Hall for “Art of Remembrance: 9/11,” ensuring that memory, though shadowed by loss, remains illuminated by resilience. And in the Hamptons, reflections on legacy and wealth remind us that true prosperity lies in what endures across generations.
At ÎLE MAISON, light is never just metaphorical. It is the energy that connects - illuminating paths for visionary leaders, investors, and creators to build futures with meaning, purpose, and beauty.
As we enter this season of shorter days and longer nights, may this issue remind you that light is never lost. It is always carried - within art, within architecture, within each of us.
With light and gratitude,
Where the World of Private Capital Meets Milan's Momentum at the iconic Palazzo Castiglioni.
Organized in partnership with the City of Milan. October 27-29, 2025
Palazzo Castiglioni, Milan, Italy RSVP:
https:/ /www.O1OOconferences.com
Redefining Private Aviation with Transparency & Disruption.
We are honored to welcome OPES JET as a distinguished member of Île Maison Privé.
In the world of private aviation, OPES JET stands as a bold disruptor—an operatoragnostic, customer-centric, and pricetransparent platform designed for the next generation of discerning travelers. As the newest member of ÎLE MAISON PRIVÉ, OPES JET embodies our values of innovation, and refined living.
Flying Private, Reimagined
For decades, the private jet charter market has been dominated by opaque broker systems, hidden fees, and inefficiencies. OPES JET dismantles this outdated model with a reverseauction marketplace where clients connect directly with operators—removing intermediaries and ensuring unbeatable charter pricing
Unlike traditional apps tied to brokers, OPES JET offers: 100% transparent, final price visibility; No commissions, no kickbacks, no subscription fees; Intuitive, mobile-first design that simplifies booking from request to takeoff in under 12 minutes; Unbiased market intelligence, empowering clients with full visibility into operator offers.
Download Opes Jet here.
The Benefits of OPES JET:
Direct Access to Over 10,000 Global Aircraft: From light jets to intercontinental challengers, OPES JET gives our members the full spectrum of choice
Privacy Assured: With no third-party tracking, your movements remain discreet and secure . Efficiency for Operators: By cutting daily quote overload, OPES JET ensures higher-quality responses and better client-operator relationships.
Concierge-Level Support: Every client benefits from integrated expert assistance at every stage of the journey.
Why OPES JET Is Different
While traditional brokers focus on commission, OPES JET is built around client experience, value, and transparency. Its disruptive fee structure is the lowest in the industry, delivering unmatched savings and clarity for frequent flyers. .
Behind this innovation are two commercial pilots and seasoned aviation experts, who built OPES JET not as an app, but as a movement reshaping private travel with trust, fairness, and vision
We invite you to BitBasel 2025
Where Art, Innovation & Purpose Converge in Miami. December 3–7, 2025 | The Sagamore Hotel, Miami Beach
Île Maison Magazine — Official Media Partner, 2025 Edition
Each December, Miami transforms into a living mosaic of creativity as Art Basel Week draws connoisseurs, collectors, creators, and visionaries from every corner of the globe. In the midst of that electric pulse, BitBasel 2025 stands as a beacon — an invitation to not only witness the future of art, but to actively participate in its unfolding.
Île Maison Magazine is honored to join as media partner, and to celebrate how BitBasel continues to expand the horizon of possibility.
From December 3 to 7, at the Sagamore Hotel, BitBasel will re-imagine the very notion of an art fair. Galleries give way to immersive spaces; panels give way to conversation; installations merge with digital experience. Anchored in community and innovation, this edition will feature celebrity-led exhibitions, visionary keynotes, and brand activations intent on crafting dialogues between form, technology, and impact. For more information contact: info@ilonalee.com
SEA + SPACE: Art in Dialogue with Nature & Cosmos
One of BitBasel’s most thoughtprovoking activations this year is SEA + SPACE — a program dedicated to exploring the intersection of ocean ecology and cosmic imagination.
This immersive initiative invites artists to reflect on the relationships between seas, skies, and our shared future creating experiences that ripple between the deep and the infinite. Through installations, multimedia works, VR, and participatory elements, SEA + SPACE re-frames how we relate to ecosystems, climate, and meaning itself.
By highlighting oceanic conservation alongside cosmic wonder, SEA + SPACE becomes more than aesthetic—it becomes a call for stewardship, resonance, and poetic action.
The Sagamore Transformed
Located on the ocean’s edge, the Sagamore already breathes art. During BitBasel, it becomes a living canvas — its terraces, halls, and gardens hosting experiences that span the terrestrial and the digital, from the Sculptural Garden Main Stage to branded bungalows and secret lounges. Under starlight and palm, conversations, performances, and chance encounters unfold in soft Miami nights.
Community, Purpose & Innovation.
BitBasel is more than spectacle — its mission is rooted in connection, impact, and legacy. It brings together creators, technologists, collectors, and thinkers around shared values. It stands for art that matters: that speaks to justice, ecology, future systems. As Île Maison aligns with this vision, we affirm that innovation without soul is hollow — but purpose without platform is powerless.
Join the Experience
— Let’s Co-Create Tomorrow
Whether you are an artist, brand, curator, or visionary, there are pathways to participate, sponsor, or partner in BitBasel 2025: from curated exhibitions and immersive activations to collector programs and branded experiences. To explore how you can become part of BitBasel’s evolving story, reach out to info@ilonalee.com
WALDiQ,R'FASTORIA: NEWYORK
The Return of a Global Icon
THE WALDORF ASTORIA
“The
Greatest of Them All," ~Conrad Hilton
Few names in hospitality carry the weight of legacy quite like the Waldorf Astoria New York.
Known for nearly a century as a beacon of elegance, culture, and power, the grand hotel has reopened its storied doors after a meticulous restoration—ushering in a new era while honoring the past that made it legendary.
A Legacy Reborn
When Conrad Hilton famously described the Waldorf as “The Greatest of Them All,” he was not exaggerating. The hotel has been the setting for state dinners, society galas, royal visits, and countless cultural milestones since it first opened its Park Avenue doors in 1931.
Today, the property stands renewed under the vision of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (architecture) and Pierre-Yves Rochon (interior design), striking a balance between heritage and modernity that redefines luxury for the 21st century.
Photos: The Waldorf Astoria, New York
History Carved in Stone & Spirit
Throughout its transformation, the Waldorf’s most iconic artifacts were not only preserved but celebrated:
The Waldorf Astoria Clock, crafted for the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, remains a symbol of the hotel’s global prestige.
The Spirit of Achievement, sculpted by Nína Sæmundsson, still watches over the Park Avenue entrance, representing innovation and ambition.
Cole Porter’s “High Society” Steinway Piano, on which the composer created many of his greatest works, once again takes pride of place in Peacock Alley, where its notes continue to echo the glamour of another age.
Vivienne Lee, Ilona Lee
The Waldorf Astoria Clock,
Design & Art Deco Elegance
The new guest rooms and suites —375 in total, alongside 372 private residences—offer a contemporary interpretation of Art Deco, the style synonymous with the Waldorf’s golden era.
Custom furnishings, spa-like marble bathrooms, and details such as fireplace grills inspired by the hotel’s historic Starlight Roof imbue each space with both modern comfort and timeless character.
In the residences, designed by JeanLouis Deniot, curated art by Simon de Pury and furnishings by B&B Italia merge with sweeping views of Park Avenue, ensuring that the Waldorf remains not just a hotel but a way of life-a permanent address steeped in history and sophistication.
The Leonard A. Lauder Collection - A Legacy in Masterpieces
Sotheby’s will unveil The Leonard A.Lauder Collection this November, and it will not simply be an auction; it will be a cultural landmark moment.
With an estimated total in excess of $400 million, this 24-lot evening sale marks the beginning of a new chapter for Sotheby’s, inaugurating its global headquarters at the historic Breuer Building on Madison Avenue.
The influence of Leonard A. Lauder – Chairman Emeritus of The Estée Lauder Companies –extends far beyond the beauty industry.
One of the art world’s most passionate and influential collectors, philanthropists, and civic leaders for more than half a century, Lauder’s first significant art purchase – a late collage by the German Dadaist Kurt Schwitters –was acquired at Sotheby’s Parke Bernet in 1966. Over the following decades he built the world’s finest private collection of Cubist art.
His landmark gift of 89 seminal Cubist works to The Metropolitan Museum of Art transformed the museum’s modern holdings. At the Whitney Museum of American Art, where he served as chairman, he is regarded as the institution’s greatest champion.
In 2008, his record $131 million gift – the largest single donation in the Whitney’s history – underpinned the museum’s move to its downtown home. He also donated and helped the museum acquire hundreds of works for its collection.
The evening sale will be led by one of the finest and most intricately conceived of the celebrated fulllength portraits Klimt created during Vienna’s early 20th century Golden Age. Depicting the young Elisabeth Lederer, the daughter of Klimt’s greatest patrons, the painting has never before appeared on the open market. It will now be offered with an estimate in excess of $150 million.
Complementing the portrait are two signature square-format landscape paintings of Attersee, Klimt’s beloved summer retreat: Blumenwiese (estimate in excess of $80 million), a jewel-like mosaic of wildflowers from 1908, and Waldhag bei Unterach am Attersee of 1916 (estimate in excess of $70 million), painted with the broader, lyrical touch of Klimt’s mature style. These works, too, have never before been publicly offered.
Photos: Sotheby's Auction House, New York
Also unprecedented is the offering of six iconic sculptures by Henri Matisse. Major works by Edvard Munch, Pablo Picasso, Agnes Martin, Claes Oldenberg and Coosje van Bruggen, among others, reveal the full sweep of Mr. Lauder’s peerless eye.
This exceptional collection, to be unveiled for the first time at Sotheby’s this fall, shines a new light on the full breadth of Mr. Lauder’s far-ranging connoisseurship.
Photos: Sotheby's Auction House
“A towering figure in the worlds of art, philanthropy and business, Leonard A. Lauder will long be remembered as an extraordinary art patron with a passion for collecting across artistic periods, mediums and genres, and for transforming the Whitney and Metropolitan Museums with his vision and generosity. We are honored to be entrusted with his exceptional collection which will captivate collectors worldwide.”
Charles F. Stewart, Sotheby’s Chief Executive Officer
“Leonard Lauder’s legacy as a patron and collector is deeply intertwined with the history of postwar American art. His steadfast support of the Whitney Museum of American Art is echoed in the emphasis on the great American artists of the 1960s in the collection. Led by Agnes Martin’s rare and sensational ‘The Garden’ from 1964, and featuring exceptional works by Kenneth Noland, Robert Rauschenberg, Claes Oldenburg, and Alexander Calder, Lauder’s collection showcases the triumph of American artists in this critical era of art history.”
Lisa
Dennison, Sotheby’s Chairman Americas
Celebrating 15 Years of Reinvention
The 2025 edition celebrated its milestone anniversary by reaffirming Paris’s position as a global capital of design—a city where history and modernity collide, and where surprise itself is an art form.
A City Transformed Across 375 venues and 180 emerging talents, Paris became an openair stage for design.
From the cobblestone streets of Le Marais to the literary heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and the grandeur of Opéra to the vibrancy of Bastille, the festival turned every quartier into a laboratory of ideas.
Highlights included the Grand Palais’s new concept store, La Chance’s contemporary showcase, and editorial houses bringing fresh, radical voices to the design landscape.
Paris Design Week 2025
For fifteen years, Paris Design Week has transformed the city into a living gallery of creativity, heritage, and innovation.
'ESPRI DE OBJE DANS : PARIS
HeritageHighlights
Colonne de Juillet, Place de la Bastille:
Textile artistAudeFranjou wrapped history in spiraling threads.
Hôtel Sully:
Olfactory designers Lucas Huillet & Alexandre Helwanitransformed a terrace into a sensory exploration of Madness.
Hôtel de la Marine:
JérémyPradier-Jeauneau reimagined the courtyard as a labyrinth of contemporary design.
Maison Victor Hugo:
Designer SandraBenhamou brought a poetic dialogue between legacy and modern creativity.
Regeneration:
TheThemeofTomorrow
In collaboration with Maison&Objet, the festival embraced Regeneration as its guiding theme a manifesto for creation with purpose. From collectible design at Espace Commines to editorial experiments at 116 rue de Turenne, every installation spoke of reinvention, sustainability, and resilience.
Photos: Paris Design Week
Featured DesignStudio:
PINTO
Paris
Since 2009, Pinto has been creating collections of furniture, tableware and accessories in rare materials, most of them in one-off or limited editions.
FondationCu-t1e1·
2 Place du Palais-Royal, Paris
Opening: October 25, 2025
On October 25, 2025, the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain will open its new premises to the public at 2 Place du Palais-Royal, in the heart of Paris, with an inaugural exhibition drawn from its Collection, entitled Exposition Générale.
The building that will house the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain from 2025, Place du Palais-Royal, Paris. Interior architecture by Jean Nouvel. Photo © Luc Boegly
H
istory Carved in Stone & Spirit
Located in the historic centre of Paris, the Fondation Cartier’ s new space is situated within a Haussmannian building that once housed the Grands Magasins du Louvre.
Designed by Jean Nouvel, the architectural project opens generously to the city through its vast bay windows. Comprising of five mobile platforms, its dynamic architecture reimagines the possibilities of exhibition-making.
In this striking meeting place where past and future converge, the architecture of the new Fondation Cartier becomes an extension of both the urban landscape and the building’s storied past.
On view until the end of August 2026, Exposition Générale will showcase both the Fondation Cartier’s artistic identity and its legacy, through nearly six hundred works by more than one hundred artists who have participated in its programming since 1984 to the present day.
The Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain, 2 Place du Palais-Royal, Paris.© Jean Nouvel / ADAGP, Paris, 2025.
Photo © Martin Argyroglo
The Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain, 2 Place du Palais-Royal, Paris.©
Jean Nouvel / ADAGP, Paris, 2025. Photo © Martin Argyroglo
Reflecting the institution’s history and its openness to the world in all its diversity, the Fondation Cartier Collection bears witness to forty years of contemporary international creation. The exhibition draws from this unique collection, shaped and built over time through its programming. The inaugural presentation will include solo exhibitions and thematic ensembles that reflect the Fondation Cartier’s long-standing artistic commitments. Architecture, living worlds, technology, and the sciences are explored through emblematic works and key fragments of selected past exhibitions that have defined the history of the institution.
The title Exposition Générale echoes the 19th century exhibitions of objects and clothing once held in the Grands Magasins du Louvre. Existing at the same time as the World Fairswhose first Parisian edition in 1855 coincided with the building’s construction during Haussmann’s urban transformation – these “Expositions Générales” (general exhibitions) served as spaces of discovery and social encounter and offered a new understanding of material culture. The building may be seen as a symbol of modernity in Paris, which the Fondation Cartier intends to bring into dialogue with its Collection. In the spirit of those early “Expositions Générales”, founded on a philosophy of openness, this inaugural exhibition is conceived by the institution as a public space for experimentation and exchange in the heart of the city.
Île Maison Privé welcomes Box Concept Studio
Peter Brincat is a founding partner and Director at Box Concept Studio, a Maltabased boutique design practice rooted in dialogue, research, and process. His work - ranging from civic landmarks to private residences - translates context, material, and scale into spaces that carry cultural resonance and communicative clarity.
Alongside studio leadership, Peter is a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Malta, where he mentors undergraduate and postgraduate studios and contributes to conversations that bridge architecture with wider cultural discourse. At once a thinker and a maker, he remains focused on strategic leadership, legibility and future-ready place-making.
boxconceptstudio
A Chiroscuro Condition: Architecture in Caravaggio’s Light.
Tracing light and shadow from Malta’s baroque to today’s visionary spaces.
~by Peter Brincat
It had been a long day of reviewing plans over too many espressos, and I was giving Franck a lift back to his hotel while we exchanged lessons learned. We’ve known each other for over a decade, first meeting on Valletta’s new City Gate, his intense contemplations always leaving me intrigued.
“I was awarded a project in Benin thanks to a shift in perspective,” he told me. “They have this amazing tradition... the Zangbeto. Guardians of the night. They don’t expect everything to be revealed in light - so they tamed the darkness culturally. I proposed a lighting concept that inverted my own understanding. There, I reduced the light to a minimum, to let the darkness sing.”
Immersion breathes a shift in perspective.
That nighttime exchange stayed with me: sincere fascination can upend the deepest assumptions. I call this lingering insight the chiaroscuro condition.
Caravaggio’s Malta
To inhabit Malta is to surrender to a rhythm as fluid as the sea around it. Light here is not just illumination - it sculpts, carving depth in a limestone morphology steeped in history. Against such a backdrop, the drama of chiaroscuro feels inevitable.
Few embodied it more than Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. At the dawn of the 17th century, he arrived on the island a fugitive. He chose Malta strategically, having hoped to gain favor with the ruling order, the Knights of St. John, who’s close ties to the papacy would allow for his pardon.
Malta promised sanctuary and delivered spectacle.
Within months he was knighted “Fra Michelangelo” and awarded the most important commission of his career. Soon after, it is said on the eve of the unveiling his grandest work, he was arrested and imprisoned in a stone pit, only to escape in a scandalous episode still whispered today.
Caravaggio, The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist
Architecture of Light.
Miguel is an Architect, Photographer, and Design Lead at Box Concept Studio, Malta. He has contributed to architectural projects such as the AX ODYCY Hotel and Finance Incorporated Offices, with his photography featured on ArchDaily and other international platforms. Miguel’s work explores the relationship between architecture, light, and human experience, combining design practice with visual storytelling.
The Mediterranean has long been a laboratory for light as raw material. In Malta, narrow streets and stone-built vernacular dwellings filter daylight into a scarce prize to be sculpted. Designing here implies a fascination for shadow as much as for illumination.
In our residential projects, we orchestrate light like a performance. Loggias are drawn into the home, rooms stretch toward the sky. Light is not merely admitted but staged, revealing the poetry of changing shadows and the passage of time.
For decades, sustainability has been the prevailing measure of value in architecture. Yet the most coveted residences today are no longer just green - they are atmospheric.
Homes are reinterpreted as tailored choreographies of serenity, privacy, and poetry.
Our practice responds to this evolution with a subtler register, guided by Malta’s chiaroscuro. Sustainability remains essential, but it is subsumed within a wider meditation on atmosphere and symbolic capital.
Luxury is no longer only about function or form. It is about experience - spaces that intrigue, reflect identity, and foster belonging. The role of the architect is not to layer, but to illuminate what is worthy of deep fascination.
Photos: Miguel Petrovic
Post-Sustainability Luxury
We have come to see that good architecture is not additive, but revelatory. It is the act of finding one element so profound it rearranges assumptions and re-frames desire.
Our fascination with what we call postsustainability luxury lies in this: successful projects promise spectacle and deliver sanctuary.
That is the chiaroscuro condition. To recognize that light and dark, absence and presence, spectacle and sanctuary are not opposites but twin currents of a single source - roots of an inspirational reality, their tension fertile ground for fascination. It is here - between drama and stillness - that the future of luxury architecture resides.
Note:
This article was conceived through parallel exploration in image, realized in collaboration with Miguel Petrovic, Box Concept Studio, Malta.
Image: Miguel Petrovic
The Zaha Hadid Trophy Residence of St. Julian’s, Malta
High above the iconic coastline of Malta, on the 28th level of St. Julian’s most prestigious development, lies a residence that defines rarity. Set within the island’s only Zaha Hadid-designed tower, this full-floor home is more than a property—it is a true collector’s piece for the world’s most discerning connoisseurs of property. (Price Upon Request, Contact: Ilona Lee: info@ilonalee.com)
Zaha Hadid, the visionary force of late 20th- and early 21stcentury design, transformed skylines around the globe with her unmistakable fluid forms and futuristic lines. This tower stands as her enduring mark on Malta: bold, sculptural, and unapologetically modern.
To live here is to inhabit a fragment of architectural history, an address shaped by one of the greatest design minds of our time.
Life at the Centre of Malta
Steps away lie Michelin-starred restaurants, designer boutiques, casinos, and beach clubs, making St. Julian’s the island’s most cosmopolitan address. And yet, at 28 floors high, the residence is its own sanctuary serene, elevated, timeless.
For international buyers, its SDA project designation streamlines ownership, reinforcing its value as a global investment.
A Masterpiece in Architecture
~by Visionary Zaha Hadid
Panoramas
Without Parallel
Spanning the entire floor, the residence embraces a 270-degree panorama across the Mediterranean Sea and Malta’s dynamic cityscape. Two expansive balconies invite the breeze and shifting light, turning each day into a cinematic experience. From sunrise in the east-facing master suite to sunsets over limestone cliffs, the residence captures Malta in every moment of its beauty.
The Art of Refined Living
The 100 sqm living and dining space is a study in balance: minimalist design softened by luxurious detail. Italian marble, bespoke timber finishes, and a five-meter Gaggenaufitted island anchor the kitchen and entertaining areas. Every element, from materials to light, is chosen to heighten the experience of living well.
The private quarters extend this sense of refinement:
-A master suite of 100 sqm, with open-concept bath and twin shower, where morning light and sea views merge seamlessly.
- A VIP guest suite with its own lounge, bathroom, and terrace for private sunset views.
-Three additional bedrooms, each with ensuites, balconies, and crafted wardrobe space.
Legacy Elevated
This residence is not about excess; it is about living at the intersection of architecture, art, and identity. Within its walls, Zaha Hadid’s legacy meets the Mediterranean horizon, creating a home that belongs as much to the future as to the present.
It is, in every sense, a true collector’s piece for the world’s most discerning connoisseurs of property—a landmark residence destined to become part of Malta’s architectural legacy.
Inquiries:
Ilona Lee
+1 917 291 9491
info@ilonalee.com
Meet Ilona Lee
As a Licensed Global Real Estate Portfolio Advisor with Sotheby’s International Realty in New York, Ilona caters to collectors of luxury, well-being-centered homes in Manhattan, other major international cities and stunning beach residences and resorts.
Ilona believes that a home is an investment in health and well-being, focusing on properties with features like abundant natural light, peaceful surroundings, access to green spaces, and health-oriented amenities. She guides clients to find homes that support their physical and emotional well-being.
Certified as a Strategic Coach by the Tony Robbins Training Center, Ilona empowers clients to transform their homes and lives, guiding them towards new beginnings with personalized service and support.
“By integrating these two aspects, I provide comprehensive support for my clients, helping them not only find a home that nurtures their well-being but also empowering them to cultivate inner strength and resilience for a fulfilling life.”- Ilona Lee
Yachting the Mediterranean -a New Chapter with Île Maison Privé & UNICO Yachting
Île Maison Yachting
- where heritage meets horizon.
As the turquoise waves of the Mediterranean continue to seduce the world’s most discerning travelers, Île Maison Privé announces an exciting new chapter: an exclusive partnership with UNICO Yachting to offer a full-service, ultra-curated concierge for yacht lovers and legacy-minded voyagers.
Whether purchasing a super-yacht, exploring innovative barter options, registering a vessel under the best flag for your needs, or securing discreet financing solutions — Île Maison now offers endto-end yachting advisory with a refined Mediterranean focus.
Île Maison Yachting doesn’t stop at acquisition. It extends to legacy ownership strategies, investment alignment, onboard art and design curation, and even bespoke itinerary planning — all tailored for those who live with purpose and sail with vision.
UNICO Yachting Expands to the United States
- Redefining Luxury in the Mediterranean and Beyond.
We are honored to welcome UNICO as a distinguished member of Île Maison Privé.
“For those who seek more than travel, UNICO Yachting offers a lifestyle built on elegance, freedom, and the thrill of the sea.”
- Michael J. Zammit
Founded by Michael J. Zammit, UNICO Yachting forming part of the CSB Group, a name recognized for integrity and excellence in the yachting industry. Zammit shares the company’s vision:
With refined leisure in mind, UNICO Yachting now extends its expertise across the Atlantic, expanding its presence into the United States while maintaining its strong base in the Mediterranean.
Headquartered in Malta, the company has built decades of experience in the yachting industry, making the dream of luxury life on the water an attainable reality. This new step into North America reflects UNICO’s vision to connect Mediterranean excellence with the growing demand for luxury yachting in the United States.
With over 50 years of combined experience, the UNICO team offers clients an unmatched combination of personal attention and professional expertise.
UNICO Yachting sets itself apart through a full suite of services designed to simplify and enrich yacht ownership and charter experiences. Its offerings include:
Brokerage:
Expert guidance in buying and selling pre-owned yachts, including models from prestigious brands such as San Lorenzo, Princess, Sunseeker, Azimut and Ferretti Yachts.
Charter:
Bespoke itineraries crafted for leisure, corporate events, or celebrations.
Registration:
Including Malta Flag registration and legal and fiscal support.
VAT Consulting & Structuring:
Competitive VAT solutions.
Yacht Finance:
Tailored solutions to protect and support clients’ investments.
Surveys & Maintenance:
Detailed yacht inspections and ongoing care to preserve performance.
Yacht Support:
From insurance and transportation, customs clearance and financial management to gardiennage and delivery of yachts.
Crypto Payments:
Accepting seamless transactions through cryptocurrency.
Presence at World-Class Yachting Events
UNICO Yachting actively connects with the global yachting community through prestigious events. In September 2025, the company showcased its services at the Cannes Yachting Festival, one of the world’s leading luxury boating events. Now, it is preparing for the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show taking place in October 2025, where it will meet new clients and strengthen its presence in North America. In the same month, UNICO will also participate in the Malta Boat Show, reinforcing its commitment to local ties while broadening its international reach.
These appearances highlight UNICO’s dedication to creating personal connections in the yachting world, providing an opportunity for clients to experience its service offering firsthand.
Mediterranean Luxury Living
Malta offers a unique base for a Mediterranean yachting lifestyle. Positioned at the heart of the Mediterranean, it provides effortless access to some of the world’s most sought-after cruising destinations Sardinia, Sicily, the Amalfi Coast, and beyond. For travelers who value exploration and elegance, UNICO Yachting delivers curated experiences that blend comfort, style, and adventure.
Whether you seek a classic Princess for a spontaneous weekend trip or a chartered San Lorenzo for a week exploring hidden coves along the Italian coast, UNICO offers both the vessels and the expertise to turn each journey into an unforgettable experience.
UNICO Yachting is not just a brokerage.
It is a lifestyle brand that embodies maritime luxury, offering discerning clients access to an extraordinary yachting world. From expert brokerage to bespoke charter planning, the company transforms luxury dreams into reality, anchored in experience, service, and passion.
Contact UNICO USA: Ilona Lee info@ilonalee.com +1 917 291 9491 www.ilemaison.com
Welcome to Cannes Yachting Festival 2025
Each September, the Bay of Cannes transforms into the beating heart of global yachting. This year, the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025 celebrated its 48th edition with historic numbers, groundbreaking premieres, and an atmosphere of elegance that reaffirmed its position as Europe’s largest in-water boat show
Legacy of the Riviera
Since its founding in 1977, the Cannes Yachting Festival has embodied the art of Mediterranean living a union of innovation, lifestyle, and seafaring heritage. In 2025, the festival welcomed 56,000 visitors and gathered 677 exhibitors, presenting 711 boats, from sleek sailing vessels to grand superyachts. With 147 world premieres, it became not only a showcase but also a stage for unveiling the future of yachting
A Passing of the Torch
This year also marked a symbolic transition. After a distinguished tenure, Sylvie Ernoult passed the helm to Constance Brément, who will guide the festival into its next era of growth and global influence. Together, they inaugurated the event alongside city officials and industry leaders, highlighting the Festival’s continued importance as a strategic platform for the world’s nautical community
A Historic Edition on the Riviera
LOUIS ROEDERER
CANNES YAOH"ING FESTIVAL
The festival’s unique dual setting
Vieux Port & Port Canto offered visitors an immersive journey through the full spectrum of nautical excellence.
Vieux Port presented 358 motor yachts, 75 superyachts, tenders, and the Power Catamaran Village, highlighting cutting-edge motor innovation.
Port Canto mirrored this scale with 353 boats across the Sailing Area, Power Boat Marina, and Broker & Toys zone. It included the world’ s largest fleet of new sailing boats on water, and three superyachts over 50 meters in length.
This carefully curated sectorization, coupled with newly improved sea shuttles linking the ports every 15 minutes, created an elegant and seamless visitor experience.
Shaping the Future of the Sea
The Cannes Yachting Festival is more than a boat show it is a living dialogue between heritage and innovation, luxury and responsibility. It reflects the broader transformations of the industry, where design, technology, and sustainability converge on the waters of the Mediterranean.
Photos: Cannes Yachting Festival
Innovation on the Horizon
Yachting today is as much about responsibility as it is about luxury. Through its Innovation Route, the festival showcased eco-performance as the new standard of excellence. From hybrid propulsion to sustainable materials, 42 projects were highlighted from a juryselected pool of 120 applications.
As Sylvie Ernoult, outgoing Director of the Festival, noted:
“Innovation in sailing is no longer a promise, it is a concrete reality. The winners embody this ongoing revolution.”
The Elegance of Partnerships
Beyond the yachts themselves, the festival remains a celebration of lifestyle and refinement. Louis Roederer Champagne, Roche Bobois, and Mercedes ByMyCar joined as partners, infusing the festival’s VIP lounges and services with a spirit of French luxury.
Technical partnerships with Yamaha, Mercury Marine, MG Energy, and Focus Motor Yachts underscored the blend of tradition and innovation that defines the event.
Perlage - the Sparkle of Fine Dining & Fashion
Award-Winning Journey from NYFW Runway to the World’s Finest Tables
We are honored to represent Perlage Water USA as a distinguished member of Île Maison Privé.
Hydrating Haute Couture: NYFW 2025
In a world where luxury, wellbeing, and beauty converge, Perlage rises as a symbol of refined purity and quiet prestige.
Known for its delicate effervescence and iconic glass-stopper sophistication, this premium natural mineral water —sourced from the renowned Nałęczów Health Resort in Poland offers more than refreshment.
It is an experience, a sensory ritual in harmony with the world of haute cuisine and intentional living.
At New York Fashion Week 2025, Perlage made its backstage debut a discreet yet glamorous presence. As models prepped for the runway, Perlage offered hydration with style, served in its signature blue bottle that radiates timeless elegance.
"Hydration is now part of the haute couture ritual. Beauty, after all, begins within — and Perlage is the water of choice for those who live by that credo."
World's Finest Dining Rooms
Perlage is not simply a water selection — it is a table companion to Michelin-starred moments.
Beloved by chefs and sommeliers, Perlage enhances the experience of wine and cuisine with its low mineralization and ultra-fine, long-lasting bubbles. Its velvet-like texture is specially designed to cleanse the palate without overpowering flavors, making it a perfect partner to a 1990 Château Margaux or a tasting of Amalfi lemon-infused crudo.
This balance is achieved through the patented Perlage Method, which introduces natural CO₂ to the mineral water in a way that preserves its structure while elevating its elegance — much like a fine champagne.
Award-Winning Prestige
Perlage has captivated international juries and earned a seat among the world’s most decorated waters, including:
Superior Taste Award International Taste & Quality Institute, Brussels
Crystal Taste Award for sustained excellence over three consecutive years
AVPA Paris & FineWaters International Best Taste recognitions
World’s Best Sparkling Water Distinctions placing Perlage among the global elite
These accolades underscore Perlage’s dedication to quality, purity, and the artistry of stillness and sparkle — values shared by fine wine and haute cuisine connoisseurs alike.
TASTE& DESIGN AWARDS 2025
Art of Remembrance: 9/11 at New York City Hall with Mayor Adams
Through the Ground Zero 360 exhibition, NYC unites history, heritage & the voices of its heroes.
On September 8, 2025, we stood in the grand Rotunda of New York City Hall among NYC Mayor Eric Adams, distinguished guests, first responders, community leaders, and citizens brought together by a shared commitment: to remember. The 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks was observed in a way that was solemn, artistic, and deeply moving — through Ground Zero 360, the art exhibition that bridges memory, history, and the enduring legacy of New York’s courage.
What Is Ground Zero 360?
Ground Zero 360 is a powerful, traveling art exhibition co-founded by Dublin photographer Nicola McClean and retired NYPD Inspector Paul McCormack, both of whom have a deeply personal connection to 9/11.
McClean’s photographs capture the aftermath, destruction, and quiet human moments at Ground Zero; McCormack, who responded as an officer during the attacks and later lost much of his sight because of post-9/11 health effects, works to keep those stories alive.
The exhibition aims to do more than memorialize: it invites viewers to inhabit the emotions of those days through art, voice, and lived artifacts.
This year, the exhibition — which has traveled to several cities — was brought for the first time to City Hall in New York. Over 30 works from a larger collection (more than 120 pieces) are on display.
City Hall is more than a location; it is a symbol. Its classical architecture and storied halls represent New York’s history, resilience, governance, and spirit. To gather there for Ground Zero 360 felt fitting: as though memory is anchored not only in photographs or sculptures but also in the spaces we inhabit — spaces built over time, places of civic identity and shared past.
Mayor Eric Adams’ remarks reminded all of us present that remembrance carries obligation. Among his lines: “Freedom is never for free." Such words compel us to remember not only what we lost, but also how we build forward — with courage, unity, compassion.
Ilona Lee, New York City Hall.
NYC Mayor, Eric Adams
Investing in Real Estate with Purpose:
Reflections from IMN’s CFO & COO Forum East
On September 11, ÎLE MAISON Magazine had the honor of attending the Real Estate CFO & COO Forum
East in New York, organized by IMN, as an official Media Partner. The event brought together more than 700 senior CFOs, COOs, executives, and innovators — a gathering of the minds where finance met foresight, and the conversation reached far beyond balance sheets.
A Valuable Gathering of Leaders
The forum was a vivid reminder of how powerful it is when industry leaders convene to not only navigate today’s challenges but to actively design tomorrow’s opportunities.
A warm thank you goes to IMN, the outstanding speakers, and the sponsors for curating such a valuable day of insight and exchange.
Key Themes & Highlights:
Operate Smarter, Finance Creatively
The overarching theme was clear: the future belongs to those who can balance inventive financing with operational discipline.
Capital, Accounting & Tax
From capital strategy to fund administration, accounting updates, and tax planning, financial stewardship emerged as the foundation of resilience.
Data, Technology & AI
Technology is no longer optional. Executives discussed how data pipelines, predictive analytics, and artificial intelligence are reshaping decision-making and revenue management across portfolios.
Operational Excellence
Risk management, procurement, supply chain resilience, and human capital were emphasized as essential to safeguarding margins in a volatile market.
ESG with Accountability
Environmental, Social, and Governance considerations are evolving into structured benchmarks and investor-grade disclosures - elevating ESG from rhetoric to responsibility.
Closed-Door Candor
Private roundtables fostered unfiltered, practical exchanges between CFOs and COOs, a signature feature of this forum.
High-Value Networking
With hundreds of decision-makers present, the event was a catalyst for forging meaningful relationships and exploring collaborations that extend far beyond the conference hall.
Ilona Lee, Ile Maison, Hilton NYC.
From Loss to Legacy - Terra Fund joins Île Maison Privé
A next-generation real estate fund using AI and blockchain to rebuild Los Angeles & Malibu.
We are honored to welcome and represent Terra Fund as a distinguished member of Île Maison Privé.
For those who see real estate not only as an asset class but as a force for innovation and transformation, this is a chance to be part of something larger than profit: a legacy of resilience and regeneration.
If you’re interested in being part of this visin or learning more, I’d love to connect: info@ilonalee.com
In the world of real estate, some stories begin not with blueprints and capital, but with resilience, vision, and the will to rebuild.
Earlier this year, wildfires swept across Los Angeles County — devastating Malibu, Pacific Palisades, and Altadena. Among those affected was the founder of Terra Fund, who lost his home, his daughter’s school, and his business assets. From that profound loss emerged a determination to transform tragedy into purpose.
Why It Matters Now
The future of real estate lies at the intersection of innovation and impact. With climate risk rising, rebuilding communities is no longer just about property development — it is about resilience, safety, and long-term legacy. Terra Fund represents this shift, standing as a blueprint for how investment capital can align with human and environmental wellbeing.
A Fund Born From Purpose
Terra Fund was created as more than an investment vehicle — it is a movement of regeneration. Backed by cutting-edge AI and blockchain technology, the fund is committed to rebuilding smarter, safer, and more resilient communities. Its mission is not only to restore what was lost, but to shape a new model of real estate capital — one that invests in hope, innovation, and legacy.
Where traditional investment seeks return, Terra Fund seeks return with impact — proving that capital can be a force for healing and transformation. By combining advanced data intelligence with purpose-driven strategy, the fund is setting a new standard for climate resilience and future-focused real estate.
The Future of Rebuilding with Terra Fund
Technology that Protects, Heals & Sustains.
At the heart of Terra Fund’s mission lies a powerful idea: that innovation can be a form of restoration. By integrating AI, blockchain, and advanced climate-resilience systems, Terra Fund is redefining how we rebuild communities — smarter, safer, and more sustainable.
IntelligentSolutionsforResilientLiving
Through a suite of breakthrough technologies, Terra Fund supports the creation of climate-ready homes and neighborhoods equipped to withstand the challenges of a changing world:
HeatShieldHomePack – Reduces building heat gain and energy use by up to 20% through reflective coatings and advanced aerogel insulation. Designed for long-term durability and comfort, it helps homes stay cooler while cutting emissions and energy costs.
WildfireShieldKit – Provides rapid-deploy protection for homes and structures during red-flag events, using high-performance thermal shielding systems. It represents the next generation of fire resilience — simple, scalable, and life-saving.
ResilienceWaterBox – A portable purification system delivering clean water during emergencies or off-grid living. Its advanced filtration technology reflects Terra Fund’s belief that access to essentials like water must be sustainable and secure.
Together, these innovations form an ecosystem of resilience, uniting technology and humanity in service of rebuilding safer, smarter communities. Join our mission: Ilona Lee, info@ilonalee.com
Mauritius - Opportunity, Lifestyle & Legacy
with VILIMEK & VAGNER ASSET MANAGEMENT
We are delighted to welcome V&V as a distinguished member of Île Maison Privé, opening the doors to exclusive off-market opportunities for our circle.
Mauritius attracts foreign investors by combining fiscal advantages, secure legal structures, lifestyle benefits, and a gateway position to emerging markets. Beyond financial incentives, the island offers a safe, multicultural society, world-class healthcare and international schools, modern infrastructure, luxury leisure facilities, and year-round sunshine.
A jewel of the Indian Ocean, Mauritius blends natural beauty with refined living. From turquoise lagoons and championship golf courses to luxury resorts and gourmet cuisine, the island offers a lifestyle defined by elegance and tranquility. At the same time, it stands as a secure international hub, politically stable, fiscally efficient, and globally connected. Its property and residency schemes open the doors to exceptional investment opportunities, combining attractive returns with the privilege of island living. For discerning investors and global citizens, Mauritius is more than a destination: it is a sanctuary of lifestyle, opportunity, and legacy.
Strategically positioned in the heart of the Indian Ocean, Mauritius bridges Africa, Asia, and Europe, making it a preferred hub for international trade, investment, and wealth structuring. The country also offers one of the most favorable tax environments worldwide, with corporate tax at a competitive 15%, no capital gains or inheritance tax, and more than 40 double taxation treaties covering key markets in Europe, Asia, and Africa.
The property market is open to foreigners through recognized schemes such as PDS, IRS, RES, Smart City, and G+2 projects. Acquisition of eligible property not only secures valuable real estate but also grants residency permits to the investor and family. Strong demand in premium regions ensures both capital appreciation and attractive rental yields. Political stability, strong governance, and a reliable legal system, drawing on both French civil law and English common law, further strengthen Mauritius’ position as a safe and transparent jurisdiction. Its sophisticated financial services sector, supported by strict compliance standards, enhances its reputation as a trusted international hub.
Residency options are flexible and designed to accommodate investors, professionals, retirees, and digital nomads. Residency by property investment is available with a minimum threshold of USD 375,000, granting the right to live in Mauritius for as long as the property is owned, and extending to spouse, children, and dependent parents.
Occupational permits combine work and residence, offering pathways for investors, professionals, and self-employed individuals, while permanent residency grants a 20-year validity for qualifying applicants.
Retirees aged 50 and above can secure a renewable 10-year permit by transferring USD 2000 monthly (or USD 24k annually), and the Premium Visa allows digital nomads, remote workers, and longstay visitors to remain for up to one year, tax-free unless income is remitted locally.
Mauritius is therefore a unique blend of opportunity and lifestyle a hub for global investors, a paradise for retirees, and a safe, family-oriented home for those seeking relocation.
At the heart of this opportunity stands Vilimek&Vagner Asset Management, a boutique advisory firm dedicated to guiding clients seamlessly through every stage of their Mauritius journey.
From identifying business and investment opportunities to sourcing exceptional properties, handling due diligence, and navigating regulatory processes, Vilimek&Vagner Asset Management ensures that every detail is managed with precision and discretion.
For those relocating, whether as investors, retirees, or families, we provide full support from advisory on legal and financial structures to practical relocation assistance ensuring a smooth transition into island life.
"Choosing Mauritius is about more than relocation or investment; it is about embracing a lifestyle and building a legacy in one of the world’s most sought-after destinations.
With Vilimek&Vagner Asset Management as your trusted partner, you are assured not only of expert guidance but of a truly personalized approach that transforms ambition into reality."
~ Filip Vagner, Co-Founder
Filip Vagner, Co-Founder
Anna Swiecka, Vilimek & Vagner Mauritius
Malta as a Second Home
- Residency, Lifestyle, and Opportunities for U.S. Citizens
We are delighted to welcome CSB Group as a distinguished member of Île Maison Privé, opening the doors to new opportunities in Malta.
Malta offers U.S. citizens permanent residency rights, 300 days of sunshine, a safe environment with one of the lowest crime rates in Europe, English as an official language, and 7,000 years of history. Few European countries combine these attributes so effectively, which is why Americans increasingly evaluate Malta as a second home destination.
For any U.S. citizen, the first consideration is a legal route to residence in Europe. Malta provides one of the most structured options through the Malta Permanent Residence Program. Administered by the Residency Malta Agency, the program grants permanent residence rights after a thorough due diligence process. Successful applicants receive a residence certificate and card, which secure settlement in Malta and allow visafree travel for up to 90 days within a 180-day period across the 29 Schengen countries.
To qualify for residence under the MPRP regulations, applicants must hold qualifying property, which can be purchased or rented.
If purchased, the property value must be a minimum of €375,000 for a property situated in a Malta or Gozo Special Designated Area (SDA) development. Owners may rent the property as an investment for periods when they are not using it, subject to a maximum number of rental days per year. If rented, the lease value must be at least €14,000 per year for a property situated in Malta or Gozo.
For discerning clients seeking exceptional property, Malta Sotheby’s International Realty, in partnership with CSB Group, offers access to Malta’s most exclusive residences, enabling buyers to find a luxury home that suits their lifestyle, whether in a vibrant city or serene countryside surroundings.
Applicants must also make a government contribution of €37,000 regardless of whether they purchase or rent, make a donation of €2,000 to a local nongovernmental organization registered with the Commissioner for Voluntary Organizations (or as otherwise approved by the Agency), and pay an administrative fee of €60,000 for the family application plus €7,500 for each adult dependent who is not the spouse. CSB Group is a licensed Agent by Community Malta and the Residency Malta Agency, managing applications, verifying supporting documents, and representing clients throughout the process to ensure compliance and efficiency.
Once residency is secure, integration into daily life becomes the next priority. Language plays a central role, and Malta offers a clear advantage here. English is an official language alongside Maltese and is used in government, business, education, and healthcare. American families find reassurance in the fact that schools in Malta are reputable and well regarded within the international community. Everyday interactions with doctors, banks, and public offices happen seamlessly in English, which simplifies relocation and reduces barriers.
Malta also stands out for its exceptional safety. The island consistently ranks among the lowest-crime nations in Europe. Both residents and visitors report a strong sense of security in daily life, whether walking urban streets or enjoying remote coastal areas. For American families seeking peace of mind, Malta offers a rare combination of Mediterranean charm and genuine safety.
With legal and linguistic foundations in place, lifestyle becomes the natural focus. Malta records around 300 days of sunshine each year, with average summer temperatures of 31°C (88°F) and mild winters averaging 15°C (59°F). The 120-mile coastline supports year-round sailing, swimming, and diving.
Outdoor cafés, open-air concerts, and marinas shape daily routines. Many Americans appreciate the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes fresh fish, olive oil, sun-ripened fruits and local produce. The climate and food together support a healthier and more active lifestyle compared to many U.S. metropolitan areas.
Living in Malta also means living amid history. The islands preserve an unbroken cultural record spanning 7,000 years, offering residents a daily connection to Europe’s heritage. Valletta, the capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was founded in 1566 by the Knights of St. John and still displays remarkable Baroque architecture. The Ġgantija temples on Gozo, built around 3600 BCE, predate Stonehenge and the pyramids of Egypt. The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, another UNESCO site, reveals advanced prehistoric engineering. Museums and national institutions curated by Heritage Malta integrate history into modern life, allowing residents to balance contemporary comforts with cultural depth.
For professionals and entrepreneurs, lifestyle blends with opportunity. Malta belongs to the European Union and the Eurozone, offering direct access to a single market of over 440 million people. The corporate tax rate stands at 35%, yet the shareholder refund system can reduce the effective rate to 5% in certain cases. More than 70 double taxation treaties, including one with the United States, provide clarity for cross-border planning. Because U.S. citizens remain subject to worldwide taxation, expert guidance becomes critical.
CSB Group supports clients with tailored tax strategies that align Maltese obligations with U.S. requirements, creating confidence for investors and business owners. To support business operations and remote working, premier business centers, like Regus, part of IWG Plc and an associated brand of CSB Group, offer flexible office spaces and professional business services across Malta, ensuring seamless connectivity and efficiency for international entrepreneurs.
Malta’s position at the center of the Mediterranean extends beyond land. The country operates the largest ship registry in the European Union and ranks among the top ten registries worldwide by tonnage. Particular strength lies in leisure and commercial yacht registration, supported by the Malta Commercial Yacht Code and efficient administration under Transport Malta.
Owners benefit from competitive registration fees, robust legal protections, and full EU recognition. CSB Group assists with yacht registration, Yacht VAT Leasing & Efficient Solutions, Yacht Financing, and Temporary Importation and Onward Supply Relief, ensuring that clients benefit from Malta’s maritime reputation. UNICO Yachting, a luxury yacht brokerage and charter company associated with CSB Group, complements these services by offering bespoke yachting solutions that enhance Malta’s appeal for leisure and commercial yacht owners. These elements—residency, language, lifestyle, culture, business, and maritime services —tie together into a comprehensive value proposition. Americans who seek a second home want not only legal certainty but also everyday convenience, a welcoming environment, professional opportunity, and international recognition. With over 35 years of experience, CSB Group delivers practical solutions across all these areas, guiding U.S. citizens in making Malta a secure, rewarding, and vibrant second home.
Opal Group
Legacy, Purpose, and the Future of Wealth in the Hamptons.
Reflections Family Office & Private Wealth Legacy Summit 2025.
At the height of summer, the Hamptons once again became a gathering place for leaders shaping the future of wealth. The Family Office & Private Wealth Legacy Summit 2025 – Hamptons Edition, hosted by Opal Group at the iconic Parrish Art Museum, brought together family offices, private investors, and thought leaders for two days of dialogue, connection, and reflection. Surrounded by the timeless beauty of art and nature, the summit explored how wealth can serve not only as an instrument of prosperity but also as a force for purpose, well-being, and enduring legacy.
A Dialogue of Purpose
From the outset, the conversations carried a clarity of intention. Sessions spanned the future of wealth, nextgeneration innovation, and digital assets, as well as the challenges of wealth transfer and succession. Yet, beneath the technical discussions lay a deeper theme: how to align financial strategy with values, impact, and philanthropy.
The summit emphasized that today’s wealth leaders are called to steward more than capital. They are shaping systems of sustainability, cultural preservation, and purposeful leadership, ensuring that legacies extend beyond balance sheets to touch generations and communities.
Key
Themes and Highlights
Enduring Legacy– Wealth as a bridge across generations, ensuring continuity of values and vision.
Impact & Sustainability – Investment strategies that prioritize people, planet, and long-term resilience.
Innovation & Next-Gen – Engaging younger generations and integrating digital assets and emerging technologies.
Philanthropy & Purpose – Redefining giving as a core element of wealth management.
Well-being & Wealth – Recognizing that prosperity must also nurture health, culture, and human connection.
These themes were interwoven with quiet moments of reflection in the museum’s serene surroundings — reminders that legacy is as much about how we live as what we leave behind.
ÎLE MAISON was honored to return as a Media Partner for this distinguished summit.
Our gratitude extends to Opal Group for their ongoing collaboration, to the speakers for their insights and inspiration, and to the sponsors and guests who made this gathering both meaningful and memorable.
Ilona Lee, Ile Maison
Opal Group
Hampton Classic 2025
- Fifty Years of Elegance
& Equestrian Excellence
The Hampton Classic Horse Show, one of the most celebrated equestrian events in the United States, marked its 50th anniversary in 2025 with a week of world-class competition, star-studded crowds, and a celebration of legacy that has defined this Bridgehampton tradition for half a century.
From August 24–31, more than 50,000 spectators, including A-list celebrities, equestrian elites, and society icons, gathered on the Classic’s 60-acre showgrounds.
Rated USEF Premier-6 and featuring FEI CSI5 and CSI2 competitions**, the event awarded over $1 million in prize money across more than 200 classes, cementing its reputation as the crown jewel of American show jumping.
Mendoza’s
Triumph
The highlight came on Sunday with the $400,000 Longines Hampton Classic 5 Grand Prix*, where Great Britain’s Jessica Mendoza claimed her first-ever 5 victory* aboard In The Air. With a flawless double-clear in 37.34 seconds, Mendoza bested an elite field of 39 horse-and-rider combinations representing 14 nations.
“It’s a pretty amazing win… This is one of the best American shows. It’s truly amazing to be here and to win the Grand Prix,” she said, dedicating the win to her incredible mare.
She was joined on the podium by Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam (second) and USA’s Kristen Vanderveen (third), both delivering thrilling performances that electrified the packed grandstands.
Mendoza’s victory also secured her the $20,000 Longines Rider Challenge for the 5* division, a crowning achievement in a summer of excellence.
A Farewell to a Legend
The Grand Prix was preceded by an emotional retirement ceremony for Ladriano Z, the 17year-old gelding who helped carry Daniel Bluman (ISR) to career-defining successes. Their journey included appearances at the 2018 World Equestrian Games, the 2022 World Championships, and the 2024 Olympic Games, along with two Hampton Classic Grand Prix wins. The farewell underscored the show’s heritage as a stage where champions are both made and honored.
Rising Stars & Global Victories
Earlier on Sunday, the $70,000 Hampton Classic 2 Grand Prix*, presented by The Deslauriers Family & Lynne Tarnopol, showcased the sport’s next generation. Qatar’s Faleh Suwead Al Ajami, in his first Hampton Classic appearance, claimed the win aboard Karmalensky. Swiss Olympian Beat Mändli and American talent Ariana Marnell completed the podium, highlighting the event’s international prestige.
Hampton Classic
Horse Show 2025
Bridgehampton, New York
Private Event Hosted by Opal Group
Table Decor by
Megan Emily Ely- A Surrealist Vision Unveiled
Elyiara Studio brings her signature blend of magic, mysticism, and fairytale imagination to the Manhattan & Miami art shows.
Ely works in a mystical surrealist idiom, weaving together influences from nature, childhood memories, myth, and fantasy. Her fine art pieces—primarily oil paintings and mixed media—invite viewers to step into imaginative worlds, create their own narratives, and rediscover wonder.
With a background as a design director in fashion and beauty, she brings a refined eye to both her artworks and her ongoing design consulting.
ToexperienceEly’sworkinperson(andonline)visit:
Poetic Tiger Gallery
Kaleidoscope Kinetics poetictiger.com
At Maison 10 NYC
October 17th-18th maison10.com
Red Dot Miami Mystry Mart Art Vending Machine:exclusive mini paintings: mystrymart.com
Aqua Miami (tbd) aquaartmiami.com
The Remembering, Megan Ely.
Hilton, Guggenheim, Rockefeller, and Pink Floyd: A Legacy Return to the Gatsby Era
in Southampton.
The Global Passion Projects Summit – Hamptons Edition, themed “Succession Meets Wall Street”, brought together more than 300 legacy families, investors, innovators, philanthropists, and cultural voices in a three-day convergence of wealth, wellness, and purpose.
From heirs of storied dynasties such as Hilton, Guggenheim, and Rockefeller to trailblazers from Silicon Valley, the summit revealed how heritage and progress are deeply intertwined.
Conversations ranged from the $27 trillion wealth transfer set to redefine global influence, to breakthroughs in longevity and healthcare innovation, the evolving role of philanthropy and impact capital in shaping a better world, and the opportunities presented by digital assets, artificial intelligence, and new energy systems.
At its core, however, the gathering transcended technical discourse, centering instead on a shared vision of legacy as a living responsibility—one that balances privilege with purpose and builds bridges for generations to come.
Culture,
Purpose & Well-being
The program moved seamlessly between intellectual forums and cultural moments. Wellness pioneers introduced breakthroughs in biotech, anti-aging, and holistic health; artists and musicians infused the days with creativity and inspiration.
Culinary artistry by Chef Todd English elevated dining into an experience of its own, while private salons and networking gatherings offered moments of intimacy and reflection.
The opening evening—aboard philanthropist David Johnson’s superyacht Eau La La in Sag Harbor set the tone for a summit that united elegance, art, and conversation.
A Symbolic Finale
One of the summit’s most powerful moments came on its final day when J. Bradley Hilton, Matthew W. Rockefeller, and H.H. Dr. Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe shared the stage. Together, they emphasized that legacy is not a relic of the past but a living duty. Hilton spoke of hospitality as human connection; Rockefeller reflected on philanthropy as transformation; and Prince MarioMax reminded all that family names are calls to service.
Their message—privilege must be matched by purpose—resonated deeply and stood as the summit’s defining theme.
Ilona Lee, Ile Maison
A Movement Beyond the Hamptons
Described by founder Andrea Bartzen as a blending of “intellect, culture, and heart,” the Global Passion Projects Summit transcended the typical conference format.
It became a movement one that invites visionaries to channel wealth, creativity, and influence toward the betterment of humanity.
From healthcare to technology, from culture to philanthropy, the summit demonstrated that when passion aligns with purpose, legacy evolves into impact.
Château de Mercuès, Cahors, France
Living Legacy in the Heart of the Lot Valley.
RELAIS& CHATEAUX
Perched high above the river Lot and surrounded by centuries-old vineyards, Château de Mercuès is a 13thcentury hilltop fortress turned Relais & Châteaux sanctuary. Once the summer residence of the Counts of Cahors, the château today is a masterful fusion of historical soul, elevated hospitality, and French art de vivre.
Framed by the golden light of the Occitanie region and steeped in noble heritage, this rare destination is more than a hotel — it is a testament to the enduring beauty of legacy, tradition, and the art of hosting with meaning.
Timeless Interiors & Noble Details
Stepping inside Château de Mercuès is like entering a living museum of elegance. The interiors reflect a meticulous restoration that honors the château’s medieval roots while embracing refined modernity.
Vaulted ceilings, antique furnishings, original stonework, and stained-glass windows tell stories of centuries past. Every detail—from the carved wood staircases to the candlelit salons —invites guests into an atmosphere where history is not only preserved but felt.
Here, luxury is quiet, soulful, and rooted in authenticity— offering a noble backdrop for moments of contemplation, connection, and ceremony.
Gastronomy as Art & Celebration
The château's Michelin-starred restaurant, La Table de Mercuès, led by the visionary Chef Julien Poisot, is a culinary tribute to elegance and terroir.
Each dish is a poetic expression of the region’s richness: black truffles, saffron, duck, and river fish elevated to art form.
The rare and sensual beauty of the Black Diamond of Quercy.
Throughout the year, the château hosts a celebrated Truffle Festival, honoring the rare and sensual beauty of the Black Diamond of Quercy.
This seasonal experience includes truffle hunting with expert foragers, chef-led demonstrations, and exquisite pairing dinners served beneath the château's vaulted ceilings.
As one of the premier producers of Malbec Grand Vins of Cahors, the château cultivates more than just grapes — it curates story, soil, and spirit. Under the visionary stewardship of the Vigouroux family, whose multi-generational legacy has shaped the wine culture of Cahors, the estate embodies a rare blend of tradition, innovation, and soul.
With each harvest, the Vigouroux family continues a lineage of passion and excellence, crafting wines that honor the land’s ancient roots while inviting new expression.
Guests are invited to walk the vineyard paths, descend into the sacred, cathedral-like cellars, and partake in curated tastings that trace the arc of centuries through every glass.
Here, winemaking is not just a craft — it is a profound act of legacy, carried forward with reverence and pride.
The Lig Terroir: Grand Vins & Malbec Legacy
Winding forest paths, riverside serenity, and gardens fragrant with lavender and vine create an atmosphere of retreat and reverence.
The surrounding Lot Valley, with its medieval towns and poetic landscapes, deepens the sense of timelessness.
Every element of the estate is curated to awaken inner stillness and inspire reflection. Here, guests reconnect not just with place, but with purpose — and often with themselves.
