International Property & Travel Volume 32 Number 5

A jewel in the Caribbean

the Table

Buying Barbados On

Argentina and

Mexico

Dubai

London Kensington

Motoring

Watches

Jewellery

The Mill House, Bishop Hall Lane Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1LG, United Kingdom

Telephone: +44 (0)1245 250981

Web: www.ipropertymedia.com

Email: info@ipropertymedia.com

PUBLISHER

Stuart Shield stuart@ipropertymedia.com

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Paul Wright paul@ipropertymedia.com

EDITORIAL TEAM

EDITOR

Victoria Taylor victoria@ipropertymedia.com

ARTS EDITOR

Andrea Marechal Watson andrea@ipropertymedia.com

DESIGN TEAM

Andrew Cockburn andrew@ipropertymedia.com

Emma Baxter emma@ipropertymedia.com

Jo Higgs jo@ipropertymedia.com

SUPPORT TEAM

Accounts: Claire Collins, Oscar Bentley accounts@ipropertymedia.com

INTERNATIONAL HOTEL AWARDS DIRECTOR

Steven Scott steven@ihotelawards.com

PUBLISHED BY International Property Media

Copyright © INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MEDIA 2025

INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY & TRAVEL ISSN 2053-9347

WELCOME

n the September/October issue of International Property & Travel, we follow the tide of change sweeping through some of the world’s most sought-after locations.

Barbados greets this season with renewed energy, where the Welcome Stamp and forward-thinking residency initiatives have brought not only new arrivals but a surge in development. Andrew Blandford-Newson and Chris Parra share how shifting priorities have kept the island firmly on the radar of those seeking

both second homes and permanent moves.

Argentina’s market has found its footing, drawing locals, expats and returning investors back with the promise of stability and long-term value. Mexico is also attracting attention from a new wave of buyers, from young families to remote workers, drawn by its lifestyle, cultural vibrancy and strong sense of community.

Beyond property, this issue takes in interiors that balance elegance with ease, Dubai’s architectural ambition, and yacht selections where engineering meets style. Whether your attention is caught by a coastal villa, a city hideaway or the finer details of a superyacht, these pages capture places and projects that reflect the changing ways we live, invest and dream.

The only real decision is what to enjoy first, so read on and start making your shortlist.

Happy reading!

Victoria Taylor

victoria@ipropertymedia.com

HAVE A STORY TO SHARE?

If you have an interesting project, home or story you feel would sit perfectly within the pages of International Property & Travel, we’d love to hear from you. Please send copy and images to the editor at editor@ipropertymedia.com

International Property & Travel | www.ipropertymedia.com

While great care has been taken in the receipt and handling of material, production and accuracy of content in this magazine, the publishers will not accept any responsibility for any errors, loss or omissions which may occur. The publishers would like to thank all those companies and individuals who took part in the magazine and wish them every success.

READERS PLEASE NOTE: Some properties will be actually priced in foreign currency and subject to exchange fluctuation. Property buyers should allow for extra financial costs such as legal advice, local taxes etc. which may not be covered in the advertised prices. The descriptions of properties, the contents, whereabouts and price are given in this magazine as a guide only. Please request further details from the advertiser as required. Private advertisers are responsible for their own descriptions. Please take care to verify what you are buying in writing before proceeding. The publisher suggests all buyers of property seek independent legal advice before entering into any contract to purchase. All information and prices were correct at time of going to press – fluctuations in the currency market mean that some prices will have changed. Supplied editorial material cannot be returned.

A fresh start awaits in

Holding its place as a West London favourite

Regal residences once occupied by A-listers

The newly appointed and forthcoming developments around the

Wearable art for stylish connoisseurs

LIFESTYLE & HOME

Hotels and resorts focused on rest, health, and space

A design idea with lasting appeal

What’s new, what’s next, and what’s making noise in motoring

A closer look at life on the water

Andrea Marechal Watson previews exhibitions and fairs around the globe

Argentina and Mexico share the spotlight

Trends, opportunities and what’s fuelling demand in Barbados

68 60

97

92

20

Emirates has highest number of First and Business Class travellers in the world and, with in-flight cabin and lounge distribution, International Property & Travel magazine has the wealthiest captive audience of travellers, property buyers and investors.

Send details of your

With a digital distribution of over 35,000 additional readers, you can reach a massive audience of active buyers.

Your home will also be seen by travellers on over 50 other international airlines through airport lounge distribution and in-flight electronic entertainment systems.

Middle East MAGNET

A selection of homes that are ready for their next owner

Waves Opulence is the final waterfront development within the Sobha Hartland community in Mohamed Bin Rashid City, spanning an impressive 8 million sq. ft. Situated at the heart of this landmark location, it provides everything needed for an elegant lifestyle by the water.

The project includes a contemporary infinity pool, balconies with sweeping views, and carefully designed landscaped areas. Amenities for residents include a barbecue zone, spaces for active recreation, and children’s play areas. The wellness centre features a sauna, while fitness facilities include both indoor and outdoor workout spaces, as well as a yoga studio. Waves Opulence is conveniently located near two international schools and an array of high-quality restaurants and cafés, offering a lively and comfortable living environment.

Sobha Realty | www.sobharealty.com

PEAK LIVING

On the 108th floor of the world’s tallest tower, The Opus, a penthouse is now on the market. At 460 metres above the ground, the aptly named Sky Palace is a 21,000 sq. ft. apartment spread across two floors, connected by a private lift. It is described as the highest residential property available for purchase globally.

The apartment offers sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf, the Palm Jumeirah, and, on a clear day, the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah to the north. Features include a private internal lift and 12 reserved parking spaces. The shelland-core layout allows buyers to customise the space entirely to their preferences.

Residents of the Burj Khalifa benefit from a private lounge located on the 123rd floor, outdoor pools and jacuzzis on the 43rd and 76th floors, a 25-metre swimming pool, and two high-end spas. Additional amenities include access to gated private gardens,

TRANQUIL RETREAT

Trussardi Residences, located in Al Furjan, offers a prime location with easy access to major highways and proximity to landmarks such as Dubai Marina, Bluewaters, and Palm Jumeirah.

This modern and well-connected community in the heart of Dubai is ideal for those seeking a luxurious yet affordable lifestyle. The 11-storey building features 140 exclusive apartments, all fully furnished by Trussardi Casa. The interiors boast neutral tones, chosen for their aesthetic appeal and efficiency.

Residents can enjoy a one-minute walk to the metro, ample parking with a basement and three podium levels, and a stunning rooftop terrace. The development also provides a three-year maintenance warranty, ensuring a high standard of living and peace of mind.

Mira Developments | www.miradevelopments.ae

a children’s play area, three gyms, tennis courts, and the facilities of the Armani Hotel.

£39.7m / €47.2m / $49.5m

The Opus by Omniyat | www.omniyat.com

GRAND SCALE

PRIME by Betterhomes presents a rare opportunity to own one of Palm Jumeirah’s most striking residences – a six-bedroom triplex penthouse in One Crescent. Spanning 22,600 sq. ft., this home is designed to deliver absolute comfort and visual impact, with sweeping views of the Palm, Marina skyline, and the Arabian Gulf.

The penthouse features both indoor and outdoor pools, a private gym, spa, office, cinema room, and a roof terrace. Private beach access, eight parking spaces, and a dedicated elevator ensure complete privacy and convenience. This property brings the feel of a grand private estate into one of Dubai’s most exclusive locations. Its layout and finish offer scale and refinement rarely matched in the city. Every detail is tailored for those who expect space, design and setting to work in harmony.

PRIME by Betterhomes | www.prime.bhomes.com

Spas Swimming Pools Acrylic-Walled Pools & Spas

Energy-Efficient Portable Spas Swim Spas Tile-ready Pools & Spas Water Features Cold Therapy Plunge Pools Luxury Custom Indoor & Outdoor Bath Fixtures

ROOFTOP STAINLESS STEEL SPA WITH ACRYLIC WALLS, BENCH SEATING, LED LIGHTING & FRONT INFINITY EDGE WATER FEATURE WITH CATCH BASIN

Photographer: Weldon Brewster Photography

ELENA MELNIKOVA Company Owner and Manager RE House | www.rehouse.ae

Founded in Tallinn, Estonia – the innovation hub of Europe – and now headquartered in Dubai, RE House was created with a founding vision: to transform and elevate international real estate investment. This vision has shaped a unique concept that redefines the conservative real estate sector with global market intelligence, proprietary AI tools, and refined personal service to deliver a uniquely seamless investment experience, backed by advanced technology and a deep understanding of global market dynamics.

With a focus on high-end residential, leisure, and branded property assets, we provide direct access to exclusive, secure, and thoughtfully structured real estate investments across international markets. These include the UAE — the fastest-growing luxury market in the world — as well as the Mediterranean (Spain, Cyprus, Greece), and high-potential growth zones like Mauritius, Maldives, Zanzibar, Oman, Bali, and Mexico. In the world of luxury real estate, we are building direct bridges between visionary developers and investors. Our strong global developer partnerships open doors to exclusive properties that don’t just promise financial returns — they are able to preserve wealth, enrich lifestyles, and create legacies across generations.

With careful curation, we focus on properties that are not just homes but investments, structured for stability and growth. Our clients benefit from asymmetric, risk-controlled returns, combining steady rental income with capital appreciation, while minimizing exposure to market volatility and development risks.

BEYOND THE TRANSACTION

AT RE HOUSE, WE BELIEVE THAT REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT IS MORE THAN A TRANSACTION – IT’S A GATEWAY TO LEGACY, LIFESTYLE, AND LONG-TERM PROSPERITY

Our portfolio features ready-to-invest properties carefully selected to streamline the investment process and mitigate risks associated with new developments. This clarity ensures our clients have full control and transparency, investing directly in tangible, high-quality assets without hidden complexities. Our service is tailored to each individual’s wealth objectives and legacy planning. We guide our clients in structuring their portfolios thoughtfully, leveraging real estate not only for capital appreciation but also as a dependable multi-layer source of passive income. This approach transforms investments into strategic, enduring solutions.

Beyond the numbers, real estate is an expression of identity, lifestyle, and aspiration. The homes we select for our clients reflect this belief – they are trophy assets and family sanctuaries, each a symbol of achievement and refined living. Whether you are a distinguished golf player,

require daily access to a tennis court, or focus on wellbeing, we ensure every detail is thoughtfully incorporated. By integrating blockchain technology, cryptocurrency, and AI analytics into our platform, we deliver a smarter, more transparent, and efficient solution for managing real estate investments – seamlessly blending tradition with technology to meet the needs of the modern investor. For our most discerning investors we provide exclusive access to a private VIP Investors Club – an invite-only circle designed to elevate both lifestyle and business. From luxury yacht charters and private jet flights to bespoke concierge support, the club is designed to ensure every aspect of our clients’ investment journey is seamless and exceptional.

In essence, RE House is more than another agency. We are a partner in crafting enduring legacies through real estate – building wealth across borders, and across generations.

KENSINGTON CALLING

With confident local buyers, steady demand for family homes, and a shift in pace, this corner of west London remains quietly desirable

Jordanna Mancina Sales Manager

Knight Frank, Kensington

he property market in Kensington has gone through several shifts in recent years, with both pricing and buyer behaviour influenced by broader economic conditions and policy changes. According to Jordanna Mancina, Sales Manager in Knight Frank’s Kensington office, the effects of the postpandemic housing boom have now levelled off. “Following the busy post-COVID market, prices have slowly come down,” she explains. “Prices are down 15-20% since the peak of the market in 2014/15.”

Despite the price correction, Kensington continues to draw serious interest, mainly from domestic buyers. “The market is busy with end-users,” says Jordanna. “That is a combination of family house, affluent first-time buyers and downsizers.” The area’s appeal remains tied to its long-standing strengths:

“Kensington has the perfect blend of good transport links, excellent schools, green space and excellent local amenities that make it appealing to a wide variety of buyers. All of this, combined with the fact that there are some of London’s finest properties, makes it a consistently appealing place to buy.”

In terms of property type, not all segments are performing equally. “Demand in the luxury flat market is down,” Jordanna notes. “In this market, we rely heavily on wealthy international buyers who have come out of the market as they have been affected by additional Stamp Duty Land Tax and

the repercussions of overhauling the non-dom tax system.” This shift away from overseas investors has left higher-end apartments more difficult to move, in contrast to the continued resilience of family houses.

Some pockets of Kensington are faring better than others. “Yes, the Hillgate Village and the Cherry Tree Estate are outperforming,” she says. “Demand for these beautiful Victorian terraced houses remains very strong from the family house buyers and can often result in multiple bids.” Such areas are attracting competition despite the wider slowdown in other segments of the market.

Rising interest rates over the past year had a mixed impact, but there’s been a recent shift in momentum. “Overall transaction numbers are on upward trajectory,” Jordanna comments, “but this is taking some time due to there being circa 10-15% more stock on the market, giving buyers more time to consider their options.” More choice means longer decision-making periods, but it’s also a sign of a less pressured, more balanced market.

Looking ahead, Jordanna remains cautiously optimistic. “Best in class stock will continue to prove popular and purchased under competition, whilst value will become the key driver for the market in Kensington,” she predicts. “With interest rates moving downwards, we expect this to improve sentiment, drive buyer appetite and help recover the market in the longer term.”

REFINED INTERIORS

Extending to 2,613 sq. ft., this exceptional and wider-thanaverage house with a 63-foot garden is situated on the east side of a highly sought-after street in the heart of Notting Hill.

Beautifully refurbished by the current owners, the property is presented in immaculate condition and set back from the road, an appealing feature in itself. The raised ground floor offers an impressive double reception room with ceiling heights approaching three metres, allowing for an abundance of natural light throughout.

Kensington Park Road is one of Notting Hill’s most desirable addresses, known for its attractive architecture, independent boutiques, and excellent restaurants. It is within close proximity to renowned schools, fashionable Westbourne Grove, and the iconic Portobello Road market. The location also benefits from superb transport connections across London, with Notting Hill Gate station (Central, Circle & District lines) just a short walk away.

£5.3m / €6.1m / $6.9m

Maskells www.maskells.com

“Kensington has the perfect blend of good transport links, excellent schools, green space and excellent local amenities that make it appealing to a wide variety of buyers.”

GRAND PROPORTIONS

An exceptional seven-bedroom family home extending to approximately 4,775 sq. ft., complete with off-street parking and a 16-metre swimming pool. Meticulously refurbished and thoughtfully designed, the house combines generous proportions with highquality finishes throughout.

Arranged over four floors, it offers superb entertaining space, including a double reception room on the ground floor and a spacious kitchen/dining room on the lower ground level, opening directly onto a landscaped garden. This floor also

includes a staff bedroom and bathroom. The upper levels comprise five further bedrooms and four bathrooms, including two guest suites with en suite shower rooms. Additional features include a media room, a 600-bottle wine cellar, and a fully equipped gym with shower and changing facilities. A rare opportunity to acquire a substantial and beautifully finished property, ideally suited to modern family living.

£6m / €6.9m / $7.9m

Strutt & Parker www.struttandparker.com

SPACIOUS AREAS

An impressive four-bedroom family home with a south-facing garden, located on a highly sought-after road in Kensington.

The property has recently been refurbished to a high standard and combines classical charm with contemporary design. Arranged over four floors and extending to approximately 2,045 sq. ft., the house provides an excellent balance of living and entertaining space, wellsuited to family life. Upon entering the property, there is an elegant hallway leading to a beautifully bright, open-plan double reception room featuring high ceilings, a character fireplace and delightful views over the garden.

£3.65m / €4.2m / $4.9m

Knight Frank www.knightfrank.co.uk

Prime Property Finance

PRIME ADDRESS

Academy Gardens is a highly regarded address set within secure, gated grounds with beautifully maintained landscaping. Residents benefit from 24-hour concierge, valet parking, a swimming pool, and a gym. Originally a college, the building was redeveloped in 2004 behind an attractive Victorian facade and is now considered one of the most desirable addresses in central London.

The expansive 34-foot reception room faces south, with views over mature trees and communal gardens. It is complemented by a triple-aspect library and a formal 22-foot dining room, which opens into a Bulthaup kitchen and breakfast area. The principal suite features separate his-and-hers bathrooms and a walk-in

CALM CONTRAST

Reimagined with minimalist poise, this three-bedroom duplex on Hewer Street brings a refined edge to its industrial past. Behind its characterful facade, a hallway clad in tongue-and-groove panelling sets a quietly uplifting tone. On the upper floor, natural textures meet striking lines in the open-plan living space.

A vaulted glass roof invites light in from above, while a porthole window adds charm to the contemporary kitchen, finished with teal tiles and marble worktops. Blonde timber floors flow to a relaxed seating area framed by an exposed chimney breast, with sliding doors opening onto a private decked terrace.

The principal bedroom continues the calm, with pale tones and a bold black fireplace for contrast. A flexible dressing room or home office links to a smart en suite with a full-size bath. Two additional bedrooms share a shower room where cream mosaics and soft blue tiles lend a subtle lift. A considered balance of form, function and quiet elegance.

£2.5m / €2.9m / $3.4m

Domus Nova | www.domusnova.com

dressing room. Further accommodation includes four guest or family bedrooms, a study, guest cloakroom, and utility room.

This well-maintained third-floor apartment, with underfloor heating, comfort cooling and parquet flooring, has remained in the same family since

the development was completed. At 5,055 sq. ft., it is the largest single-floor residence within the building.

£13.95m / €16.1m / $18.6m

Knight Frank | www.knightfrank.co.uk

Set on a coveted street in the Oxford Gardens conservation area, this fivebedroom semi-detached townhouse features a mosaic path that leads to the front door, hinting at the character within. Inside, period details take centre stage, from decorative cornicing to soaring ceilings and an expansive bay window.

The double reception room is both generous and refined, with original fireplaces anchoring each end. It’s a space designed for both quiet evenings and lively gatherings, with green glass doors at the rear opening directly onto a southfacing garden.

Outside, the paved patio invites relaxed outdoor dining, while the lawn beyond is framed by mature planting for a sense of privacy and calm. Carefully updated to support family life without compromising on character, the house pairs elegant finishes with timeless architectural bones, a rare find in a sought-after neighbourhood.

£5.95m / €6.9m / $7.9m

Domus Nova

www.domusnova.com

RESIDENTIAL EXCELLENCE

ZAFIRO HOMES DELIVERS HIGH-SPECIFICATION RESIDENCES ACROSS THE SOUTH EAST, COMBINING THOUGHTFUL DESIGN WITH STRATEGIC LAND DEVELOPMENT EXPERTISE

Zafiro Homes is a family-owned property development company committed to delivering luxury residences throughout the South East of England. The focus is to blend the latest technologies and finest furnishings, ensuring an unmatched living experience tailored to your needs.

Each Zafiro property is crafted with bespoke specifications, showcasing distinctive architectural features that make a lasting impact. Collaborations with renowned architects and interior designers help to transform dream homes into reality in London and the surrounding Home Counties.

The company’s dedication to excellence extends beyond design and construction, with the company actively pursuing land opportunities across the South East of England. Specialising in acquiring land without existing planning permission, Zafiro Homes have honed their expertise in overcoming complex planning obstacles, even for sites that have previously encountered planning rejections.

The company’s ability to turn challenges into opportunities leverages its industry knowledge and innovative approach to create exceptional living spaces. Whether you are looking for a new home or a sound investment, Zafiro Homes is poised to exceed your expectations, offering unparalleled quality and sophistication in every residence that is developed. The company’s commitment to excellence ensures that each home is not just a place to live, but a sanctuary of luxury.

Zafiro Homes www.zafirohomes.com

HALL of FAME

WATERFRONT ACCESS

Once the summer retreat of philanthropists Paul and Bunny Mellon, this historic Massachusetts Cape Cod estate is now on the market with Christie’s International Real Estate. Acquired by businessman and America’s Cup winner William I. “Bill” Koch in 2013, the 7.5-acre property sits within the exclusive Oyster Harbors enclave.

The Mellons, whose legacy includes the founding of the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C., purchased the property in the 1950s. Bunny Mellon, a celebrated landscape designer, sculpted the grounds into a refined blend of natural beauty and structure. The eight-bedroom main house blends into the landscape, with views of sea and garden.

Natural paths link the main house to two guest cottages, a greenhouse, a beach house, and Bunny’s former art studio, now a private suite.

With over 500 feet of waterfront, a dock, and access to a protected bird sanctuary on a neighbouring private island, this is a rare and serene coastal retreat.

Paul and Bunny Mellon photographed on the terrace

£19.9m / €23.5m / $26.7m Savills | www.savills.com

BOND VILLA

Still affectionately known in the area as “Sean’s place” or the “Bond villa,” Sean Connery’s former home in the French Riviera remains an unmistakable landmark. Found on a one-acre plot perched at the edge of a cliff, the villa is tucked away on a winding road with sweeping views of Nice, the Mediterranean Sea, the Promenade des Anglais and the Old Port.

Set behind wrought-iron gates, the five-level stone villa is designed in the style of 1920s French architecture and partially hidden beneath vines of wisteria. The rooftop terrace and cliffside stone walkways offer uninterrupted views, while the gardens and terraces bring calm and seclusion.

Inside, the property opens with colourful tiled floors and a grand staircase leading to a reception room lined with windows. The main level includes a living room with dark green walls, coffered ceilings,

and a kitchenette. Upstairs, the main suite takes over the top floor, complete with its own sitting area, dressing room, private balcony, and en suite bathroom with a sliding door, his and hers sinks, and Mediterranean views. Additional bedrooms and bathrooms are spread across the remaining floors. The lower level includes the kitchen, dining area and a large gym, which opens onto manicured gardens and a heated outdoor infinity pool. There’s also an indoor pool and spa, as well as a lift connecting all floors.

Outside, the barbecue and dining area sit shaded by tall trees, next to a table set for eight or more guests. The tiered gardens and grassy lawns above the pool bring even more space and greenery to the property.

Even today, this villa remains a striking reminder of Connery’s presence on the Riviera, refined, discreet, and unforgettable.

MARKET LEADERS

WITH OVER 4,000 RESIDENTIAL UNITS AND 120+ PROJECTS MARKETED, BEST PLACE GROUP SETS THE PACE IN GERMANY’S HIGH-END REAL ESTATE SEGMENT

The Best Place Group stands for individuality, personality and projects that are one thing above all: diverse. Thanks to the company’s long-standing and comprehensive experience in planning, marketing and selling property developments to both a domestic and international clientele, it can confidently promise that it is the ideal partner at your side. With over 120 projects and more than 4,000 residential units in marketing, Best Place is the leading independent platform for the sale of exclusive real estate in Germany’s major cities.

At the Best Place Property Center on Unter den Linden, Berlin, professional consultation meets a full-service concept and a 120-strong team of PR and property development experts who will create a unique brand identity for your project. Years of expertise and a transparent approach will ensure that the sale of your property is an international success. In recent years, the company has achieved a sales volume of up to €200 million per year.

The company’s service portfolio extends beyond traditional property marketing to include strategic positioning, targeted customer acquisition, and innovative digital marketing solutions. Each project requires a tailored approach, which

is why customised marketing strategies are developed that reflect the unique characteristics of the development. An international network of partners and investors enables access to qualified buyers across global markets, ensuring maximum exposure for the property.

The combination of local market knowledge and international reach sets Best Place Group apart in the competitive real estate landscape. A commitment to excellence, coupled with a proven track record of successful project launches, makes Best Place Group the preferred choice for discerning developers seeking exceptional results in today’s dynamic property market.

t. +49 (30) 443 51 96 0

e. info@bestplace-immobilien.de

a. Unter den Linden 39, 10117 Berlin - Germany

Best Place Immobilien GmbH & Co. KG www.bestplace-immobilien.de

Your Home the Mediterranean in the Heart of

Experience a life of luxury at Malta’s most sought-after residential address in the historic town of Rabat. This prestigious collection of residences, duplexes, panoramic mansions and penthouses blends timeless elegance with the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside. Each move-in-ready home is finished to the highest standards and thoughtfully designed for elevated living.

Residents enjoy privacy and tranquillity, enhanced by landscaped gardens, five-star amenities and services, including a dedicated concierge, round-the-clock security and an infinity pool with breathtaking views. As a Special Designated Area, the Verdala Terraces offer a truly distinctive setting for refined living in the heart of the Mediterranean.

PROPERTY NEWS

PRIVATE RETREATS

The Red Sea Residences offers a new coastal address on Saudi Arabia’s western shore, with homes across Shura Island and Ummahat now available to buy. Each location has its own pace and personality, whether you prefer island golf and marina living or quiet shores and uninterrupted sea views.

On Shura Island, buyers can choose from homes by Four Seasons, Jumeirah, Miraval, and SLS, each designed with privacy, space, and comfort in mind. Residents enjoy access to tailored facilities: spas, private pools, padel courts, and restaurants. At Ummahat, Ritz-Carlton Reserve offers complete seclusion in a natural setting only reached by boat or seaplane.

Red Sea Global’s approach focuses on long-term environmental care. Every home is part of a master-planned community powered entirely by renewables. The nearby Red Sea International Airport ensures easy international access, while the surrounding coral reefs, mangroves, and quiet beaches offer space to breathe, recharge, and settle into a slower rhythm of life.

Distinctive Living

Kinland, the London-based developer known for its design-led, lifestyle-driven approach, is expanding into Europe with two new projects in Portugal and France. These mark the firm’s first ventures outside the UK, signalling a confident step in its continued growth.

Following the sell-out success of its debut London schemes, Eastbrook in East Dulwich and Bristow Mews in Brixton, Kinland is now turning its attention to international locations that show strong demand and potential for architectural distinction. Both schemes achieved record sales prices, reinforcing the

company’s belief in craft-focused, thoughtfully designed homes.

The Portugal project will see nine ocean-facing villas developed on a countryside plot in the Algarve, while in Les Houches, near Chamonix, Kinland plans a multiunit residential build that blends Alpine craft traditions with a fresh design perspective.

Managing Director Alex Macaulay describes the move as a chance to bring Kinland’s human-first approach to places ready for change, working with local artisans to create homes that feel individual and connected to their setting.

Red Sea Global | www.redseaglobal.com

Algarve, Portugal

www.valouran.com

Leadership Growth

Valouran has announced the expansion of its senior leadership team with the appointment of five seasoned figures from the residential and hospitality sectors. Richard Shaw, Richard Luffingham, Derek Mackenzie, Dani Charleson-Gallacher and Sarah Campbell join the firm as it continues to build momentum in the property development space.

The appointments follow Valouran’s move to a new 3,500 sq. ft. headquarters in London’s West End. Designed by

INDUSTRY EXPERTISE

Frasers Hospitality has appointed Darryl Walker as Commercial Director EMEA, a new role created to strengthen the group’s commercial strategy across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. With more than two decades of experience in the extended stay sector, Walker will lead all commercial departments across the region, working with head office and local teams to drive performance and identify growth opportunities.

His previous roles include senior positions at edyn, where he led global distribution for brands such as Locke and Cove, and supported a partner network of over 80,000 units. He also serves as Deputy Chairman of ASAP, contributing to sector-wide initiatives. Walker has begun engaging with teams across the region to better understand local needs. His focus will include optimising distribution, expanding reach, and developing targeted strategies to meet rising demand, particularly from Asia. His appointment marks a key step in aligning Frasers Hospitality’s commercial goals with evolving market dynamics.

international studio Eliycon, the office reflects the company’s focus on high-quality environments that support wellbeing, both in the workplace and through its wider developments.

This latest growth signals Valouran’s intent to strengthen its position in prime real estate and hospitality, backed by a leadership team with deep sector expertise and a clear vision for the future. The West End base will act as a central hub as the business enters its next phase of expansion.

Frasers Hospitality www.frasershospitality.com

Valouran

Darryl Walker

A DEVELOPMENT by LCH Developments

MONTEGO BAY’S LUXURY REVOLUTION: HOW JAMAICA’S SECOND CITY IS REDEFINING CARIBBEAN ELEGANCE AND URBAN LIVING

When legendary service meets permanent residence, something extraordinary emerges, and The Pinnacle in Montego Bay represents this rare convergence of uncompromising luxury and effortless living. Here, the boundaries between five-star resort experiences and home dissolve entirely, creating a lifestyle where sophisticated hospitality becomes the foundation of daily existence rather than a temporary escape.

This marks Accor/Ennismore’s – the global powerhouse behind iconic brands like Mondrian and Morgans Originals – first residential venture in Jamaica, bringing decades of five-star hospitality expertise to permanent living. Imagine mornings that begin with personalised butler service delivering perfectly crafted espresso to your private terrace, afternoons spent at championship-level wellness facilities, and evenings where world-class dining experiences unfold steps from your front door. The implications extend far beyond property management –residents inhabit a curated lifestyle where white-glove concierge services and bespoke experiences transform everyday moments into extraordinary memories.

WHERE PARADISE MEETS SOPHISTICATION

Positioned on Reading Peninsula beside Montego Bay’s Marine Reserve, The Pinnacle offers hurricane-resistant architecture and smart home integration, while sustainable technologies including rainwater harvesting and solar energy demonstrate environmental consciousness. The development’s four towers and 12 villas create an exclusive ecosystem where championship sports facilities, infinity pools, and private marina access deliver resort-level amenities for permanent residents.

Discerning buyers recognise convergent trends: remote work normalisation, increased international mobility, and growing preferences for branded residential experiences. Jamaica offers political stability and English-speaking advantage that positions it strategically within the Americas.

“This project marks the start of a brand-new chapter, not just for Jamaica but for the Caribbean,” notes Yangsen Li, CEO of LCH Developments. The Pinnacle represents more than property acquisition; it’s securing position in the Caribbean’s luxury evolution, where early purchasers access both immediate lifestyle benefits and long-term appreciation potential.

META SUCCESS STORY

QUIRARTE CEO & Director of ZMG Inmobiliaria

For over 14 years, Antonio Sandoval Quirarte has worked tirelessly to transform the way people buy and sell real estate. Today, from Guadalajara, Mexico, he is proud to lead a shift that’s already impacting the global luxury property market: virtual reality applied to real estate.

In October 2024, Antonio had the honour of receiving four International Property Awards in Los Angeles, including Best Real Estate Agent in Mexico. Beyond the awards, this recognition validates a philosophy he has always believed in: technology does not replace the agent, it enhances trust and breaks physical barriers.

And while innovation is a powerful tool, the foundation of Antonio’s work has always been to ensure legal security in every transaction, protect his clients, and prevent any form of fraud throughout the process. In a fast-changing market, trust remains the most valuable asset. Over seven years ago, Antonio began integrating virtual tours into his company, ZMG Inmobiliaria, but with the arrival of Meta Quest technology, he took things to the next level. Clients can now tour properties in Guadalajara and the Metropolitan Area from the

comfort of their homes in Paris, New York, or Dubai. Meta recognised ZMG Inmobiliaria as a global success story, not just for implementing VR, but for the company’s full digital strategy. Antonio was invited to speak at their “Accelerating with Meta” event in Mexico City, sharing how this technology is already transforming the international buyer experience. We spoke with Antonio about the journey so far, his tech-led approach, and what’s next.

Question. You’ve been in the real estate industry for over 14 years. What inspired you to start ZMG Inmobiliaria, and how has your vision evolved over time?

Answer. I founded ZMG Inmobiliaria in 2017, driven by a constant desire to grow, innovate, and professionalise real estate brokerage in Mexico. With years of experience specialising in the brokerage of premium residential properties and land, I identified key opportunities to enhance client service and integrate advanced technology. Over time, my vision has evolved into a more global approach, focusing on international clients and leveraging digital tools to facilitate seamless remote transactions.

ANTONIO SANDOVAL

Q. ZMG Inmobiliaria emphasises innovation and client-focused service. How have you integrated technology to enhance client experiences?

A. I personally lead the entire digital strategy, from property sourcing to virtual tour editing, Meta Ads campaigns, FPV drone piloting, and sales completions. This ensures a highly personalised, efficient, and trustworthy experience for every client at every stage of the process.

Q. You recently participated as a panellist at a Meta event in Mexico City. What insights did you gain from that experience, and how does it align with your work?

A. Being invited by Meta as a success story and panellist at their “Accelerating with Meta” event was an honour. I shared how virtual reality and digital campaigns have transformed the way I sell properties, building trust with clients around the world.

Q. Virtual reality is gaining traction in real estate. How is ZMG Inmobiliaria using it?

A. We use immersive Matterport tours compatible with Meta Quest Technology, allowing clients to explore properties from anywhere in the world as if they were there. This has been essential for attracting international buyers.

Q. The Meta Quest Technology offers advanced features. How do you see this technology shaping the future of property marketing?

A. Meta Quest Technology is revolutionizing property marketing by enabling immersive, real-time experiences that bridge distance and build trust. I use it to showcase properties in Mexico to international buyers as if they were physically present, reducing decision times and travel costs.

Q. Antonio Sandoval Quirarte received the ‘Best Real Estate Agent Mexico 2024–2025’ award. What strategies led to this success, and how will you maintain momentum?

A. The key has been integrating marketing, technology, direct client care, and personal branding. I lead every detail of my campaigns and will keep evolving with new tools while maintaining strong ethics and client trust. Now, I aim to build a professional team worldwide to deliver the best international real estate service through technology and personal branding.

Q. For international clients investing in Mexico, what support does ZMG Inmobiliaria provide?

A. We guide clients through the entire legal, notarial, and fiscal process, including bank trusts. We offer professional service in English and other languages through AI, manage secure processes with the

Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and use contracts approved by PROFECO (Federal Consumer Protection Office), ensuring legal clarity and client protection.

Q. Looking ahead, what trends do you foresee in the real estate market, and how is ZMG Inmobiliaria preparing?

A. The market is moving towards digitalisation, personalised attention, and global investment. We are preparing with emerging technologies, AI-powered automation, and international positioning strategies to remain ahead of the curve.

Sell your luxury property with me anywhere in the world. Send me a WhatsApp.

ZMG Inmobiliaria | www.zmginmobiliaria.com Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok: @antoniosandovalrealtor

Antonio Sandoval Quirarte winning at the International Property Awards 2024-2025

t. +357 25 34 32 32

YOO Limassol www.yoolimassol.com

YOO LIMASSOL

STARCK’S MEDITERRANEAN VISION OF LUXURY LIVING

More than just a residential project, YOO Limassol is a bold interpretation of highend coastal living in Cyprus. Designed by the globally renowned Philippe Starck and branded under the prestigious “YOO Inspired by Starck” label, this seafront development introduces the concept of a city within a city, a self-contained luxury community that offers not only a home, but an entire lifestyle.

The exclusive collection of YOO Villas embodies this vision, combining avant-garde architecture with refined interiors, private pools, panoramic sea views, and smart, functional layouts.

YOO residents benefit from a full spectrum of resort-level amenities: 45,000 m² of landscaped gardens, scenic walking and cycling paths, outdoor and indoor pools, spa and wellness facilities, a fitness club, water sports, cinema, cigar lounge, business spaces, and a supervised kids’ club.

This thoughtfully curated environment supports a balanced lifestyle, further elevated by rare privileges, such as access to a private yacht club and a fleet of luxury sports cars.

Beyond lifestyle, YOO Limassol represents a sound investment. Demand for exclusive seafront residences in Cyprus continues to rise, and properties of this calibre are limited and steadily appreciating in value.

YOO Limassol is developed by Property Gallery, one of the most awarded and trusted real estate developers in Cyprus with over 20 years of experience in the industry.

Villa exterior example

Villa exterior example

YOLLA EL-KHOURY CEO of ACE Gallagher Holding

Running a business is often romanticised as a journey of vision, strategy, and leadership. And while that’s partly true, there’s another side that rarely makes the glossy covers: the quiet 2 a.m. moments where decisions weigh heavier than any title. It’s not the day-to-day that keeps CEOs up at night – it’s the future.

NAVIGATING A COMPLEX GLOBAL AND REGIONAL LANDSCAPE

CEOs today must operate in a world that is anything but predictable. In regions like the Middle East, geopolitical instability, economic reforms, and fast-evolving regulatory frameworks demand constant vigilance, agility, and strategic foresight. A single crisis in a neighbouring country can send shockwaves through markets.

Beyond regional challenges, global macroeconomic pressures continue to mount. Inflation, capital market volatility, and a rising tide of populism and protectionism are reshaping international trade and business norms.

THE UNSEEN RISKS: CYBER AND CLIMATE

Cyber risk has transformed into a board-level crisis point. No longer confined to IT departments, it now affects operational continuity, regulatory compliance, and brand integrity. For firms handling sensitive client data, especially in insurance and

RISK REWARD

WHAT KEEPS CEOS UP AT NIGHT WHILE CULTIVATING LEADERSHIP AND GROWING THEIR BUSINESS

financial services, the threat of a breach poses existential consequences. Equally urgent is the environmental transformation underway. Climate change is already redefining risk in ways that demand our attention today. Insurers are witnessing increased property damage claims, more frequent business interruptions, and growing uncertainty in modelling climate-exposed industries.

THE WEIGHT OF HIGH-STAKES DECISIONS

Leadership at the executive level is defined not by routine choices but by navigating trade-offs where no perfect option exists. The stakes here exceed operational concerns; they influence the very course of the organisation, its workforce morale, and its relationship with stakeholders. The impact extends far beyond the balance sheet—it touches people, reputations, partnerships, and the very legacy of the institution.

WHY THE TEAM MATTERS MORE THAN EVER

In this landscape of continuous disruption, the strength of a leadership team becomes a defining asset. Resilient organisations are rarely built by individual visionaries, they are the product of aligned teams, unified culture, and shared commitment.

Whether it is client advisers navigating complex claims, compliance experts interpreting shifting

regulations, or IT teams defending against cyber threats, modern enterprises rely on deeply interconnected human systems.

LOOKING AHEAD: FROM FEAR TO RESPONSIBILITY

It’s not fear, but responsibility, that causes CEOs to lose sleep at night. The responsibility to anticipate the next disruption before it hits. The responsibility to protect employees, serve clients, and futureproof the organisation. The responsibility to lead decisively in an age that punishes hesitation.

But within that weight lies a sense of conviction. That with the right leadership culture, a disciplined mindset, and a willingness to adapt, then rather just surviving disruption, organisations become the architects of what comes next.

Words by: Yolla El-Khoury, CEO of ACE Gallagher Holding

ACE Gallagher Holding www.ace-gallagher.com

Maserati unveils MCPURA, the refi ned evolution of the MC20 halo car. Built in Modena, this new model maintains the heart of the Nettuno engine with an innovative 3.0L twin-turbo V6 delivering 630 CV and 720 Nm, while updating design and materials for a

elements, including a rear bumper inspired by the GT2 Stradale and an optional oversized spoiler.

The convertible adds a PDLC glass roof that shifts from transparent to opaque with a tap. The launch colour, AI Aqua Rainbow, comes in matte for the coupe and gloss for the Cielo, refl ecting Maserati Fuoriserie’s customisation.

The MCPURA features a carbon-fi bre chassis, butterfly doors, and Alcantara-rich interiors. Available in coupe and convertible (MCPURA Cielo) versions, the car o ers new aerodynamic

www.maserati.com

Maserati

Beauty with Purpose

Chasing that elusive balance between beauty and performance in sports cars, the Lotus Emira had my full attention the moment it was announced. As the final combustionengine sports car from the brand, the Emira is more than just another model – it’s a closing chapter and a celebration of everything Lotus stands for.

After spending a few days behind the wheel of the 2.0-litre variant, I can say with confidence: the Emira doesn’t just meet expectations; it redefines them. Even before opening the door, the Emira makes a statement. Lotus has taken inspiration, infusing the Emira with sharp, modern aerodynamics and a sculpted, purposeful silhouette. The mid-engine proportions, low, wide, and sleek, communicate its sporting intent from a standing start. What sets the Emira apart is how it blends style with genuine presence on the road.

This photo was taken at Gosfield Hall | www.gosfield-hall.co.uk

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of driving my son to his school prom in the Emira. As we pulled up to the venue, surrounded by an impressive lineup of Ferraris, AMGs, and even a McLaren, the Emira stood its ground. The low-slung silhouette, dramatic LED lighting, and curved shapes turned it into a magnet for attention.

People walked over, snapped photos, and asked questions. It was a moment that showcased the Emira’s ability to turn heads through elegance and presence.

THE AMG HEARTBEAT

The 2.0L version of the Emira is powered by a turbocharged inline-four sourced from MercedesAMG, and it’s every bit as lively as you’d hope. The power delivery is crisp, the throttle response immediate, and the sound, while more subdued

than the V6, still carries a distinctive growl that encourages spirited driving.

What’s impressive is how Lotus has tuned this engine to feel uniquely their own. The integration with the chassis is seamless, providing an experience that remains faithful to Lotus’s reputation for purity and driver involvement. Paired with a slick 8-speed dualclutch transmission, the 2.0L Emira feels agile, responsive, and thoroughly modern.

DESIGN THAT WORKS AS HARD AS IT LOOKS

Every detail on the Emira serves both form and function. The air intakes are beautifully integrated into the bodywork. The razor-sharp headlights have a futuristic edge. The rear diffuser isn’t just aesthetic, it actively contributes to downforce and stability. In a crowd of more expensive supercars,

the Emira holds its own, not just because it looks sharp, but because every line, curve and detail earns its keep.

A NEW INTERIOR STANDARD FOR LOTUS

If you’ve experienced older Lotus cabins, you’d expect stripped-down simplicity, more race car than road car. But the Emira turns that notion on its head. Stepping into the 2.0L model, I was immediately struck by the quality of materials and the attention to detail. The leather-trimmed dash, digital instrument cluster, and intuitive infotainment system mark a new era for Lotus interiors. The driving position is pure sports car: low, centred, and focused, yet now paired with the comfort and refinement necessary for everyday use.

FINAL THOUGHTS: THE EMIRA’S LEGACY

The Lotus Emira 2.0L makes a real statement with its design maturity, engineering precision, and emotional pull. In many ways, it’s the Lotus we’ve all been waiting for. One that stays true to the brand’s legendary dynamics while finally delivering the comfort and finish modern drivers expect. They haven’t just stuck this car together. Lotus have nailed it. And on that prom night, watching the look on my son’s face as we pulled up was a sharp reminder of why cars like this matter. They don’t just get you from A to B, they move you from one place to another – they move your soul.

I didn’t want to hand the keys back. It felt like parting with something that had quietly stolen a piece of my heart. It’s comfortable, composed, and just outrageous enough to make everyday driving feel a bit less… everyday. A proper head-turner with real substance, and the sort of car that makes you want to take the long way home.

Words by Paul Wright Director, International Property Media

ADVANCED COMFORT

The inaugural Royal Automobile Club Concours was held on 9 July, set against the backdrop of the Club’s historic Woodcote Park estate, adjacent to Epsom Downs in Surrey, UK. Over 200 of the world’s finest road and track cars were showcased, spanning pioneering models to modern-day supercars and Formula 1 legends.

The centrepiece display was the Club’s most treasured trophy, celebrating 75 years of Formula 1. The two-handled gold cup, awarded annually to the winner of the British Grand Prix, displayed the name of the 2025 winner, Lando Norris, freshly engraved alongside all the other winners, just three days after he claimed it.

The trophy was flanked by two cars: the Mercedes-Benz W 196 R, driven by Juan Manuel Fangio during his 1955 championship-winning season, and the Atlassian Williams FW47, representing the current F1 era. The Club Concours featured seven classes: Grand Tourers, Riviera, Coachbuilder’s Art, Limousines, Mille Miglia, Pioneers, and Motorcycles. A panel of expert judges included five-time Le Mans winner Derek Bell mbe, car designer Peter Stevens, and television presenter and classic car enthusiast Alan Titchmarsh.

The top honour was awarded to a 1927 Bentley 3-Litre Boat-Tail Speed Model, owned by the Jacques family. The car underwent nearly a decade of restoration, during which time its owner, Chris Jacques, passed away. His son completed the project. Other notable winners included the Rolls-Royce Phantom V once owned by John Lennon, Carl Fogarty’s 2000 Ducati 996 F00 Superbike, and the 1936 Packard Twelve by LeBaron, featured in The Godfather movies.

Words by Stuart Shield CEO, International Property Media

Royal Automobile Club Concours

If you have an exceptional car for sale, please send a selection of images and text to the IP&T team at: editor@ipropertymedia.com

FOR SALE FERRARI 430 SCUDERIA

Michael Schumacher helped Ferrari develop this special edition of the F430 spending many hours refining its performance and handling on track to make the 430 Scuderia an exceptional sports car that is gaining in value due to the small numbers built (499).

Said to be the only example in this colour, it was sold new by Thomas Sportwagen Ferrari in Hamburg Germany in 2008 and imported by

a Ferrari collector into the UK in 2017. The car has featured in the media including an extensive article in the Ferrari Owners Club magazine. The car has covered just over 60,000 miles and is offered for sale.

One of just 499 built, offers are invited over £150,000

Contact: Stuart Shield t. +44 (0)7747 605566 e. sshield@ipropertymedia.com

Engineering Excellence

The Goodwood Festival of Speed celebrated 75 years of Formula 1, bringing together a group of champions, including the oldest, Sir Jackie Stewart, who, along with the others, drove their cars up the hill and stood together on the Goodwood House balcony for a neverto-be-repeated photo opportunity. Sir Jackie was joined by Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell, Mario Andretti, Jacques Villeneuve, Mika Häkkinen, Emerson Fittipaldi, and Damon Hill. The crowd also gave a big cheer when Bernie Ecclestone joined the champions alongside the Earl of Richmond.

There was so much to take in for the 200,000 visitors that it was impossible to see all the action and activity for those who attended only one of the four days. Legendary car designer Gordon Murray, now 79, was honoured with a towering white-painted metal sculpture of his company logo placed in front of Goodwood House.

Murray designed Brabham and McLaren Formula One cars, as well as the road-going McLaren F1 supercar, which was also an outright Le Mans 24 Hour winner. His latest designs include the T.50, which features a massive rear fan to generate significant downforce.

Lamborghini chose the Goodwood Festival of Speed to unveil the Temerario GT3, placing it alongside the roadgoing version of the model set to replace the Huracán. It was a significant moment in the company’s history;

Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann, along with all his senior directors, attended, while a large media presence was on hand to capture the moment the cover was removed, revealing a striking design that gives the impression of being larger than the model it replaces.

For a lucky few, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars transported guests from the Festival to their nearby factory to see how the cars are

assembled. Upon arrival, guests saw the very first Phantom produced at Goodwood in 2003, when just one car per day rolled off the line. While the company will never be a mass producer, due to the exceptional detail in every vehicle, they now produce 40 cars per day.

Words by Stuart Shield CEO, International Property Media

Goodwood www.goodwood.com

LE MANS REVIVAL

The biggest problem with the Le Mans Classic was that it only happened once every two years. Then, last year, the world’s oldest motor racing spectacle celebrated its 100th anniversary, and the biannual classic took a turn for the better.

People are in love with nostalgia. Compared with modern motorsport, the public also yearns for the romantic era of racing, when cars were distinctly different, the wind tunnel hadn’t yet erased their individuality, and the deafening roar of unsilenced engines was considered music to the ears.

The organisers, witnessing the ever-increasing number of fans attending, realised the event needed to become an annual fixture. So the 2025 12th edition drew a crowd of just under 340,000, a figure just shy of the attendance for the Le Mans 24 Hours. It may well be that in just a few years, the Classic will overtake the 24 Hours in popularity.

Today’s younger generation may prefer Xbox or PlayStation thrills to the real sounds and smells of 100-octane action, where Ford GTs once again recreate their battles with the old enemy, Ferrari. The Le Mans Classic is also great for families, especially children, whose attention spans rarely last more than a few minutes. There were 220 car clubs displaying over 9,200 immaculately presented classics, with many making the pilgrimage by road from a long list of countries. All that shining chrome parked across 3,200 acres might have been visible from the International Space Station.

Formula 1 racing legend Felipe Massa started the 2025 four-day event, though many fans might have preferred Le Mans legends such as David Brabham or Derek Bell. At least their cars made an appearance, and the on-track action didn’t disappoint – four days of flat-out racing thrilled the crowd.

Next year’s event takes place from 2nd to 5th July. If you’re planning to attend, spend at least a week in this beautiful region of France. After all, your body, mind, and soul will need time to recover from all the adrenaline you’ll experience.

Words by Stuart Shield CEO, International Property Media

OCEAN Engineering

DESIGNS THAT COMBINE AESTHETICS, COMFORT, AND PERFORMANCE IN FLOATING FORM

CUSTOM BUILD

Limerence is a one-of-a-kind 53-metre custom superyacht built by Alia Yachts in collaboration with Azure Yacht Design. With its certified helideck, onboard refuelling, and cavernous garage packed with high-performance tenders, dive gear, and water toys, this is a vessel designed for serious adventure.

Despite her rugged capability, Limerence surprises with refined interiors, featuring three spacious en suite cabins and a boutique hotellevel finish. Her helideck doubles as a sports court, nightclub, or open-air cinema, proof that performance and lifestyle can coexist.

Originally conceived as a support yacht, Limerence evolved into a fully capable standalone platform, ideal for guests seeking comfort, style, and extreme mobility. Her charter schedule includes France, Italy, Croatia, and Greece in summer; the Caribbean, Bahamas, and possibly Costa Rica in winter.

Every line, feature, and detail reflects the full-custom philosophy of Alia Yachts and the adventurous vision of her owner, making Limerence a standout in any anchorage. Alia Yachts www.aliayachts.com

Columbus Yachts www.columbusyachts.it

REFINED INTERIORS

Columbus Yachts has revealed the new 47-metre Atlantique model, M/Y Acqua Chiara, a full-displacement superyacht built for immersive cruising and refined onboard living.

Designed by Hot Lab, her fluid exterior lines, sculptural stern, and 499GT volume reflect a balance of engineering and elegance.

Crafted with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, she offers expansive outdoor areas across three aft levels, including a scenic pool with fold-out balconies and a sea-level platform just 50cm above the

water. Interiors feature natural oak, Vetrite panels, Sicis mosaics and custom furnishings, creating a modern yet warm atmosphere. The owner’s suite includes a Galaxyblue palette, leather details, and a marble bathroom with hammam. Guest accommodation comprises four en-suite cabins below deck.

With a 5-metre tender, multiple jet skis, and two garages, Acqua Chiara is both equipped and elegant. Twin 1350hp engines deliver 15.5 knots max speed and a 3,400-nautical mile range at 12 knots, perfect for extended voyages in complete comfort.

GEULUNEL | MAJESTY: SALE & CHARTER

BATON ROUGE | ICON: SALE & CHARTER

Charter the brand-new 37.5m M/Y GEULUNEL, crafted by Gulf Craft in 2025. Designed by Cristiano Gatto, she hosts 12 guests in six luxurious cabins, with a pool, beach club, cutting-edge tech, toys, and Mediterranean availability. Enquire today for more.

CLIC | SANLORENZO: CO-OWN OPPORTUNITY

M/Y CLIC is a 2022 Sanlorenzo SL96A with an asymmetric layout that enhances space, views, and guest flow. Designed by Zuccon, she offers five cabins, advanced tech, 28-knot speeds, stabilizers, and low engine hours - available now in Fort Lauderdale in pristine condition.

Baton Rouge is a 62.5m Icon yacht designed by Tim Heywood with interiors by Redman Whiteley Dixon. She hosts 14 guests in seven cabins, cruises globally with MTU engines, and offers luxury amenities, advanced tech, and superb comfort for a discerning traveler.

DOM 133 | BAGLIETTO: SALE (2027)

The 40.6m DOM 133 by Baglietto is a sleek aluminium yacht blending Italian elegance with cutting-edge design. With a top speed of 17 knots and 3,500nm range, she accommodates 10 guests in luxurious comfort and features a stunning beach club. Delivery 2027, contact us today.

BARNES Yachting Headquarter Ch. De Rennier 52 | 1009 Pully, Switzerland +34 (0)634 81 37 95 | yachting@barnes-international.com

BARNES-YACHTING.COM

BARNES YACHTING UNPARALLELED LUXURY & INNOVATIVE SERVICES

Through its innovative Co-Ownership model, BARNES Yachting makes owning a luxury yacht more accessible. Clients enjoy all the perks of ownership without the full financial or logistical burden.

JET. SET. CHARTER

For those seeking a taste of the high life without the commitment of ownership, BARNES Yachting’s chartering services offer an unrivalled opportunity. Their fleet of immaculately maintained yachts provides the perfect setting for unforgettable sea experiences, with curated dining, bespoke itineraries, and unmatched service. All aboard!

HAND CRAFTED FOR YOU

BARNES Yachting’s sales division is not merely about transactions; it’s about keeping promises. With an exquisite portfolio of some of the world’s most prestigious yachts, each vessel is a carefully selected masterpiece, curated to cater to the discerning tastes of their elite clientele.

SHOW TIME

BARNES Yachting proudly participates in the world’s most prestigious yacht shows, including the Monaco Yacht Show, the Cannes Yachting Festival, and other major international events. These showcases offer the perfect stage to present the company’s latest fleet additions, unveil new co-ownership opportunities, and engage with clients and partners who share a passion for the yachting lifestyle.

With a commitment to innovation and excellence, BARNES Yachting continues to redefine what it means to experience the sea in stylewhether through sales, chartering, investment, or shared ownership.

BARNES Yachting

Discover our newly launched website or get in touch via: t. +34 634 81 37 95 | +44 20 4587 8777

e. yachting@barnes-international.com www.barnes-yachting.com

YOUR TROPICAL OASIS AWAITS

STARTING FROM AED 1,650,000 / USD 450,000

Branded by NH Collection Hotels & Resorts Designed by B8 Architecture

Allocated Parking

Indoor Cinema

Indoor & Outdoor Gym

Steam Room

Zen Garden

Valet Parking

Infinity Pool

Pet-Friendly Deck

Sky Roof Bar

Sport’s Bar

F&B Spaces (All-Day Service)

Meeting Rooms

Spa & Private Jacuzzi

Terrace Jacuzzis

Concierge Services

Photo-Worthy Spots

Rooftop with See-Through Cantilever

Mini-Bar

Nominated

Co-Working Spaces

Sauna Room

Kids Club & Play Area

24-Hour Security

Minor Loyalty Card À la Carte Service

Panoramic Lift for F&B

GALLERY GLIMPSES

Andrea Marechal Watson rounds up some of the summer’s art highlights

TATE TO TATE

I have long wanted to try out Tate to Tate, the riverboat that takes you from Tate Modern to Tate Britain and slices 40 minutes off the journey by underground. Three new exhibitions provided the impetus. Starting at Tate Modern, I was intrigued by fame of Emily Kam Kngwarray (c.1914-1996), who emerged as an artist in her late sixties and became internationally renowned within a decade.

The show opens with a map of the Northern Territory of Australia where she was born in the Anmatyerr tribe. Place names like Mosquito Bore, Black Fellow Bone Bore and Utopia Station give a flavour – enhanced by recorded chanting – of the Aboriginal country which is fundamental to this art. Beginning with batik, Kngwarray transitioned to

large acrylic paintings covered in constellations of dots in the 1980s, a period which saw the rise of distinctive style, now a hallmark of Western Desert Aboriginal art. The term Dreaming is often used to describe the subject matter of this art with its complex cultural concepts but it’s misleading. Aboriginal art has more to do with knowledge of the earth, natural forces and ancestral spirits than dreams and fantasy.

Artists may express themselves through song, dance and storytelling as well as painting, there being no traditional written Aboriginal culture. Kngwarray explored all these forms but it’s really the dot paintings that dominate this show – until the last rooms where we find Kngwarray exploring line, and at the very end employing bold brushwork and

vibrant colours in wonderfully expressionistic works almost as if she had suddenly discovered Kandinsky.

The next stop would take me – via the boat – into the altogether different dimension of the lesser known British painters Edward Burra (1905-1976) and Ithell Colquhoun (1906-1988) both at Tate Britain (far from the tranquil cruise I was expecting the journey was bouncy and noisy but had a great view of the Houses of Parliament.) Burra, crippled by ill health throughout his life, grew up parodying the Bohemian characters and cafe life during Europe’s Roaring Twenties. His art was the drug he used to control his chronic arthritis and anemia – but his suffering remains visible in often vicious caricatures of people like the Dolly Sisters and gay sailors who frequented the bars of Marseilles and Toulon.

Yam awely

Emily Kam Kngwarray, 1995 National Gallery of Australia, Canberra © Emily Kam Kngwarray/Copyright Agency

Kngwarry is at Tate Modern until 11th January 2026. Edward Burra and Ithell Colquhoun at Tate Britain until 19th October www.tate.org.uk

When Europe was plunged into war, beginning with the Spanish Civil War and later the Second World War, life took a very different turn. Satire becomes despair in disturbing canvases commenting on the horrors of war. A number of macabre paintings such as Hostesses 1932 were included in Surrealism exhibitions – although Burra was not a member of the group. Passing rather rapidly through these depressing rooms, one reaches the section focussing on Burra’s post-war life in Britain. With his health declining further, his travels were limited to driving tours of Britain and Ireland. Now there was a new threat to deal with – the horrors of industrialisation. Mine shafts litter mountains and petrol stations occupy the countryside in Cornish Clay Mines 1970, in contrast to the carefree world Burra had once known and painted.

I expected to find more joy in the show devoted to Ithell Colquhoun (which is included in the ticket price) who left her collection to the Tate. A member of the Surrealist group before being ejected on the grounds of her obsession with the occult and mysticism, she was also a committed feminist which did not sit too well with a movement rooted in chauvinism. Many of her works delve into the notion of the divine female, and she drew inspiration from Celtic tradition and Cornwall where she lived and worked.

The Repentant Magdalen Georges de La Tour, c. 1635-1640

Emily Kam Kngwarray installation view at Tate Modern 2025 © Emily Kam Kngwarray Copyright Agency Photo © Tate (Kathleen Arundell)

Although she had attended the Slade Art School where her teachers included Henry Tonks, her interest in the occult increasingly influenced her art, much of which seems to have been inspired by communication with psychic forces: not something that the deeply traditionalist Tonks would have approved of.

Her name fell entirely into obscurity but thanks to the sudden surge of interest in female surrealists she now has a show at the Tate and – flawed and minor as it is – her surreal masterpiece of 1938, Scylla, is alone worth the visit.

GEORGES DE LA TOUR: FROM SHADOW TO LIGHT

The work of Caravaggio has so often overshadowed that of his followers that it’s good to see the Musée Jacquemart-André in Paris devoting an exhibition to Georges de La Tour (1593-1652): one of the greatest French painters of the 17th century whose luminous works are often confused with those of Caravaggio. The exhibition promises to offer a new perspective on the painter’s career, and to answer some of the questions surrounding the path he took.

Few original works survive. This has not helped art historians in their research, but despite this Georges de La Tour remains an influential figure. His subtle and spiritual works influenced the iconography of subsequent French artists for generations. The museum has bought together some 30 paintings and graphic works including genre scenes and portraits of saints and including his famed use of artificial lighting to create effects.

Rather than imitating Caravaggio, La Tour interpreted the use chiaroscuro in a highly personal way, infused by both the radical realism and intense spirituality that give his works a particular modernity.

From 11th September 2024 to 25th January 2026 at the Musée Jacquemart-Andre, Paris, France | www.musee-jacquemart-andre.com

Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

We are Designers

At Lead8, we transform visions into experiential places that leave a lasting impression on the cities and communities they serve.

Bintaro Jaya Xchange Mall 2 Greater Jakarta, Indonesia

JENNY SAVILLE The Anatomy of Painting

The National Portrait Gallery devotes most of its lower floor to the work of Jenny Saville, the Glasgow School graduate who shot to fame on graduation when she was commissioned by Charles Saatchi to make new work for his London gallery. “Who else was going to give a 22-year-old a huge gallery and say ‘make a 21-foot triptych’. I was lucky.”

Saville has amply fulfilled the early promise she showed. Propped, a large nude portrait of herself perched awkwardly on a stool, is among the works that greet you at the entrance to this highly acclaimed show but if landscapes of flesh are not to your liking, best visit the permanent collection.

The vast nudes give way to a room I assumed was portraits of ladies having cosmetic surgery – a subject Saville studied in New York –because there was a lot of anguish and blood in the faces but they turned out to be just portraits. They are unmistakably by the hand of Saville, but along with many of her portraits they are also in some

sense selfies. It’s the mouths – whether they are of children or women – and eyes – it’s Saville’s mouth and eye, which is disconcerting and a bit formulaic.

The show includes less well-known drawings, which unlike the paintings are relatively small – apart from Pieta, her tribute to Michelangelo’s Deposition, a monumental study. There are sketches of children playing on a beach, a couple of small portraits and many studies of heavily pregnant women holding children. As with the paintings, Saville mixes her media with huge confidence, using pencil, pastel, charcoal, red chalk and acrylic with verve and confidence. Saville has been compared to Peter Paul Rubens and is seen as a successor to the great Lucien Freud.

Until 17th September at the National Portrait Gallery, London UK | www.npg.org.uk

Jenny Saville

Collection of the artist © Jenny Saville, courtesy NGS

BENEATH THE COBBLESTONES, THE EARTH

Arles is probably best known as being the final home of Vincent Van Gogh who moved from Paris to Provence in 1887, renting the famed Yellow House in Arles. It was a disastrous time and within a year he was admitted to an asylum and soon took his own life.

The town is now a place of pilgrimage and although sadly the Yellow House has been torn down, Arles now has the Vincent Van Gogh Foundation. Ironically the Foundation cannot afford to own a single picture by the artist who famously sold only one work in his lifetime, so the focus of the foundation is on exhibitions that explore Van Gogh’s work and its influence.

The Foundation has however secured the loan of two works by Van Gogh, which open their summer exhibition on Sigmar Polke (1941-2010). The show brings together paintings, photographs, prints, sculptures and films to highlight the audacious nature of a man whose character was marked by a German sense of humour, a passion for experimentation, and a critical view of his time. With Gerhard Richter he founded a movement known as Capitalist Realism, a humorous twist on the Soviet Union’s Socialist Realism, using the iconography of advertising in works that parody our consumer society. A passionate self-taught photographer Polke experimented widely with his camera even when he could not afford to print his works. He travelled widely and made a series of famous studies of vagrants in New York. His interest in the alchemy of paint was also a part of his wide-ranging practice. He was fascinated by Tyrian purple, a dye extracted from sea snails. Among other materials he used were arsenic, meteor dust, smoke, uranium rays and lavender as a means of adding historical, material, and conceptual layers to his practice.

Until 26th October at the Fondation Vincent Van Gogh, Arles, France | www.fondation-vincentvangogh-arles.org

Flüchtende (Fugitives)

Sigmar Polke, 1992

Carré d’Art, Musée d’art contemporain de Nîmes © The Estate of Sigmar Polke, Cologne –Adagp, Paris, 2025. Photo Frank Sperling

Peasant and Peasant Woman Planting Potatoes, Nuenen Vincent van Gogh, April 1885 Kunsthaus Zürich, 1927

THE EMPIRE OF SLEEP

Ideas about the nature and importance of sleep underwent major changes in the Enlightenment when scientists began to delve into the psychological effects of how we spend a third of our lives.

But the poets already knew much of what they would discover: Shakespeare made so many references to sleep and dreams that scholars have wondered if he suffered from insomnia. Not surprisingly artists also loved sleeping subjects – for one thing it was easier for the models.

But they also found profound beauty in the somnambulant faces and figures of subjects dozing and asleep. If it’s beauty you are after in art, the must-see show – The Empire of Sleep – opens at the Musée Marmottan Monet in Paris next month. It’s quite easy to forget all the blurb about how the exhibition will explore the symbolic and allegorical implications of

Le sommeil [El sueno]

Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes, 1790

© Photo, Nalonal Gallery of Ireland

sleep and the ways in which sleep-related scientific, philosophical and psychoanalytical research have influenced art, and simply indulge in enjoying the gorgeous paintings for themselves.

The exhibition focuses the period from 1800 to c.1920 and key themes include dreams, nightmares, Biblical visions, innocence and ambivalence – sleep as a

Pines in Winter Landscape

metaphor for death. The exhibition will also explore mesmerism and insomnia. A section of the exhibition is dedicated to the bedroom – after all we are in the City of Love – Paris.

From 9th October to March 1st 2026 at the Musée Marmottan Monet, Paris, France www.marmottan.fr

HILMA AF KLINT: What Stands Behind the Flowers

MoMA – New York’s Museum of Modern Art – is probably the last place you would look for botanical illustrations but by a quirk of the times, that’s what you will currently see. What Stands Behind the Flowers includes a portfolio of 46 botanical drawings and a couple of landscapes by the Swedish artist Hilma af Klint (1862-1944) which the museum have just acquired.

Readers may recall that we recently reviewed how this rediscovered female artist and mystic had stepped out of the shadows and was held to be Europe’s first abstract painter - seizing a title usually given to Kandinsky. The result of this sudden attention has led among other things to a long running family dispute over her legacy and accusations of attempts to cash in on her new success.

All this makes the show at the MoMA rather more interesting as we look at the portfolio, which was created by Af Klint in the spring and summer of 1919 and 1920. The works combine her approach to abstraction with traditional botanical drawing. Enigmatic abstract diagrams accompany the drawings, such as a sunflower paired with circles and a narcissus crowned by a pinwheel of colours – in the artist’s words “What stands behind the flowers.”

Until 27th September at the Museum of Modern Art, New York, USA www.moma.org

Hilma af Klint

Hilma af Klint Foundation

West Point: Live the Extraordinary

Welcome to West Point, where an extraordinary life awaits in Mexico. Here, luxury transcends amenities—it’s a deeply personal, all-encompassing experience.

We believe true luxury is the absolute certainty that you’ve finally arrived home.

Nestled in Western Mexico, in Guadalajara’s prestigious Zona Diamante, West Point is a landmark of architectural brilliance and refined living. Every detail has been thoughtfully curated for the most discerning tastes, offering a privileged lifestyle and a true sense of belonging.

Secure your place in this exclusive community with our bespoke pre-sale opportunities.

Anabela Chan

Tourmaline Spirulina Petunia Ring 18K Yellow Gold Vermeil, Laboratory-Grown and Created Emerald, Apple Green Tourmline, with Pavé-Set Green Tourmalines

/ $1,578

Paraiba Blueberry Petunia Ring Hodium Vermeil,

and Created Paraiba Tourmaline, Sky Blue Spinel

Anita Ko

18K Gold, Emerald Cut

Bezeled Emerald Ring

£129,051 / €150,637 / $171,287

Based in Los Angeles, Anita Ko designs fine jewellery that balances sharp design with wearability.

Her pieces are modern, considered and made with care, using diamonds and precious gemstones in ways that feel both refined and relaxed. Her collections move easily between everyday use and more formal occasions, offering jewellery that fits a range of contexts without losing its clarity or intent. Alongside her main line, Ko creates bespoke and one-off pieces for collectors around the world.

Anita Ko | www.anitako.com

Anita Ko

Anabela Chan

Flower and Spirulina Garden Ring

18K Gold Vermeil, Laboratory-grown Emerald, Paraiba Tourmaline

£1,390 / €1,622 / $1,843

global appeal

£2,367 / €2,761 / $3,142

20" 18K Gold Shell by the Yard Diamond Necklace

£7,634 / €8,898 / $10,130

Diamond Puka Shell Pendant

Anabela Chan

Spirulina Petunia Studs

18K Gold Vermeil, Laboratorygrown Emerald, 14K Gold

£1,290 / €1,505 / $1,711

FRUIT FUSION

Anabela’s Fruit Gems collection continues the studio’s theme of turning waste into something of worth, using surplus fruits and vegetables to create labgrown gemstones. Drawing from ancient methods of extracting natural pigments, each gem is made from colour compounds found in plants such as beetroot, spinach, dragon fruit, and spirulina. These pigments are then stabilised using plant-based bioresins from materials like corn husks and avocado seeds.

Anita Ko

Large Rope Earrings with Colombian Emerald Drop, 18K Gold, Diamond £54,487 / €63,559 / $72,247

The process involves crushing, simmering, drying, and curing to form rough stones that are later cut and polished by hand. The collection also introduces RegenerativeGemstones, made from autumn leaves and recycled lapidary offcuts. It’s a practical response to waste, and a reminder that value can be made, not just found.

Anabela Chan www.anabelachan.com

FINERY

SHAPE SHIFT

Eden Presley

Lariat Necklace, 14K Gold, Diamonds

£3,084 / €3,598 / $4,091

Eden Presley’s Bubbles collection offers a lighter take on fine jewellery without losing depth or substance. Designed by founder Gwen Myers, the pieces explore shape and playfulness while staying rooted in craftsmanship and thoughtful material choices.

Each design is available in two finishes, solid gold and diamonds, or a more accessible version with beaded stones, responding to shifts in the cost of gold and gems. The result is jewellery that feels joyful, tactile and well-made. Bubbles is meant to be worn across moods and moments, whether casual or dressed, lighthearted or serious, without losing its sense of refinement.

Eden Presley

www.edenpresley.com

Eden Presley

Beaded Stack Ring 14k Gold, Diamonds, Pink Opal, Tiger's Eye, Moonstone

Eden Presley

Double Wrap Flex Bangle, 14k Gold, Diamonds, Pink Opal, Tiger's Eye, Moonstone

£1,928 / €2,248 / $2,558

£1,388 / €1,620 / $1,840

Brooke Gregson

9.95ct Emerald, .47ct Diamond Enamel Snake Ring, 18K Gold

£17,640 / €20,577 / $23,400

Brooke Gregson

Galaxy Shield 3.3ct Emerald, 1.23ct Diamond, 18K Gold Ring

£25,300 / €29,517 / $33,575

4.65ct Emerald Heart Chakra, 18K Gold, 1.01ct Emerald Pave Ring

£19,100 / €22,283 / $25,353

LASTING BEAUTY

Brooke Gregson designs fine jewellery that carries emotional weight, rooted in natural materials and thoughtful craftsmanship. With a background in textile design, her collections reflect a deep sensitivity to texture, colour and form.

Each piece is handmade in her London and Los Angeles studios using 100% recycled gold and carefully sourced gemstones, chosen for their individual beauty and character. Brooke works

closely with a team of experienced craftspeople to ensure each design is made with care and purpose. The result is jewellery that feels personal and lasting. Since 2006, she has built an international following drawn to the honesty and clarity of her approach.

Brooke Gregson www.uk.brookegregson.com

For the first time, Frederique Constant brings mother-ofpearl to its Classic Tourbillon Manufacture, pairing refined materials with one of its most technical calibres.

Limited Edition

Frederique Constant www.frederiqueconstant.com

The 39mm case, crafted from 18-carat white gold, surrounds a naturally iridescent dial, where applied indexes and polished hands sit above the rotating tourbillon. Each of the 36 numbered pieces is assembled by hand in Geneva and powered by the updated FC-980 calibre, now in its fourth generation. The silicon escapement ensures resistance to magnetic fields and shifts in temperature, while a 38-hour power reserve keeps the movement steady.

Visible from both sides, the tourbillon completes a full rotation every 60 seconds. Minimal dial markings allow the mother-ofpearl’s shifting tones to remain the focal point. Paired with a pale blue alligator strap, this model brings contrast and clarity without excess.

This global competition identifies the most outstanding working hotels and hospitality design in each region for a range of general and specialist categories. Entries are open to both working hotels and to companies involved in the interior design and architecture of new or existing hotels.

 Hotels are promoted to Emirates airlines first and business travellers.

 Access to High Net Worth travellers.

 Awards are designed to assist hotels to increase sales.

 The independent endorsement of your hotel’s expertise, professionalism and quality.

 Global media coverage.

 Increase in sta morale.

Mindful STAYS

Discover hotels and resorts that will leave you feeling completely refreshed, re-energised, and ready to take on the world

A RARE LUXURY STAY IN CAPPADOCIA, ARGOS WITH MODERN COMFORT, CAVE SUITES, SWEEPING VIEWS, AND TURKEY’S LARGEST CAVE SPA

Argos in Cappadocia is one of the region’s few true luxury hotels, set within the remains of a thousand-year-old monastery, cave system, tunnels, and historic stone houses.

This large-scale restoration brings together ancient stonework and contemporary design. Suites are carved into soft tuff rock and feature fireplaces, minibars, private pools, and views across to Mount Erciyes. Ideal for couples after peace and atmosphere, the rooms offer a quiet kind of comfort.

ARGOS IN CAPPADOCIA

The hotel also houses Turkey’s largest cave spa, newly opened and built by local stonemasons and architects. Located in the original monastery complex, the spa combines the site’s historic character with modern wellness facilities.

Guests can enjoy a sauna, indoor pool, whirlpool, and the Wellbeing Bar, which serves light, health-focused food and drink. With thoughtful design and a strong sense of place, Argos manages to feel both timeless and current.

Argos in Cappadocia www.argosincappadocia.com

Kateka kateka.co.za

KATEKA

TUCKED AWAY IN KLASERIE PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE, KATEKA OFFERS A MODERN, DESIGN-FORWARD RETREAT WHERE NATURE, WELLNESS AND GENUINE HOSPITALITY MEET

Set in the untouched wilderness of the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, Kateka offers a distinct take on the safari lodge experience. With a design inspired by contemporary minimalism rather than colonial tradition, it balances natural beauty with modern comfort. The eight secluded villas, including a generous three-bedroom suite, provide privacy and stillness, ideal for those looking to recharge or simply enjoy time in nature without compromise.

Kateka goes beyond safari. Between game drives, guests can take part in rooftop yoga, unwind in the infrared Himalayan salt sauna, or brave the 10°C plunge pool after a session in the state-of-the-art F45 gym.

The Wellness Centre also features an indoor jacuzzi and tranquil treatment spaces, rounding out the restorative experience.

At its core, Kateka is about making people feel at home, a five-star home surrounded by wildlife. The team’s attention to detail and genuine hospitality creates a space where guests can pause, reconnect, and leave feeling part of something personal. Whether you’re drawn by the landscape, the wellness offering, or the warm human connection, Kateka is designed to make it hard to say goodbye.

THE

UNIQUE

GOOSE DOWN DUVET WITH

PATTERN DESIGNED IN GERMANY

Since 1847, BRINKHAUS has stood for tradition and the highest quality in bedding. The company‘s latest innovation, the honeycomb cassette down duvet, continues this tradition and presents an intricately constructed duvet that offers a unique solution for ultimate sleeping comfort.

BRINKHAUS‘ history is characterized by innovation and craftsmanship. The honeycomb construction of this down duvet allows for optimal distribution and expansion of the down, resulting in outstanding thermal insulation and air circulation. The result? Down that remains airy and dry for a long time. This exceptional cassette construction has been registered as a utility model with the German Patent and Trademark Office and is exclusively available at BRINKHAUS. Each cassette duvet is manufactured in our own factory to ensure the highest quality and craftsmanship.

Discover the future of sleep with BRINKHAUS‘ new honeycomb down duvet - for unparalleled comfort and restful nights, driven by over 175 years of experience and passion for top-quality bedding. Available in three different warmth levels so that every type of sleeper can find the perfect duvet. Filled with 90% high-quality new white superior Hungarian goose down for ultimate luxury and comfort. Additionally, the duvet is equipped with removable buttons, allowing for different warmth levels to be combined with each other.

As part of the EuroComfort Group, BRINKHAUS benefits from a wealth of expertise in the bedding industry. The group‘s competencies include sourcing the finest materials, innovative product development, and a commitment to sustainability throughout the production process.

Visit our website to explore more new additions to our range: www.brinkhaus.de

ON THE QUIETER EDGE OF SOUTH TULUM BEACH, LA VALISE OFFERS A SERENE ESCAPE WHERE JUNGLE, SEA AND MAYAN-INSPIRED WELLNESS COME TOGETHER

La Valise Tulum is a luxury boutique hotel on the quieter stretch of South Tulum Beach, where the jungle meets the Caribbean Sea. With just 22 suites, half facing the ocean, half nestled in lush greenery, it offers a peaceful escape with a strong sense of place.

Each suite is individually designed and features handcrafted pieces by local Mexican artisans, creating a relaxed yet refined atmosphere rooted in the spirit of the region.

In 2023, the hotel introduced La Valise Spa, a thoughtful addition shaped by Mayan traditions and years of collaboration with local healers. Treatments and rituals are grounded in the principles of connection, gratitude, and inner alignment. Guests can take part in breathwork, yoga, sound therapy, and

fire, cacao, or lunar ceremonies. The spa uses natural materials including Mayan stones, hand-mixed clays, and oils made from local plants and medicinal trees, offering a deeply grounded experience shaped by the land and its people.

LA VALISE TULUM

La Valise Tulum www.lavalisetulum.com

Quiet Grandeur

A SERENE PARIS RETREAT WHERE FINE MATERIALS AND BELLE ÉPOQUE GRACE MEET

The Lorenza apartment, part of Le Narcisse Blanc Hôtel & Spa, is a refined 55m² residence in Paris’s prestigious 7th arrondissement. Designed by Valeriane Lazard, it brings together contemporary elegance and classic Parisian refinement.

Valériane Lazard www.valerianelazard.com

From the moment you step inside, the warm light woodwork sets a welcoming tone, complemented by striking lava stone and Arabescato Corchia marble. The lime-washed walls add a gentle, tactile texture, enhancing the calm, sophisticated atmosphere. The bedroom suite offers the comfort and intimacy of a private retreat. Bespoke furniture, conceived by Lazard and crafted by J. De Missolz, carries discreet wrought iron buds inspired by the White Narcissus flower, a subtle emblem of the hotel. Every detail is

meticulously considered, ensuring a visually harmonious and sensory-rich environment.

Positioned next to the hotel itself, the apartment is only a short walk from the Eiffel Tower and Les Invalides, giving residents privileged access to Paris’s cultural and historical landmarks. Available for long-term rental, it provides the rare chance to enjoy the French art of living in an exceptional setting.

Its name honours the ballet Lorenza, the final celebrated performance of Belle Époque dancer Cléo de Mérode, staged at the Folies Bergère in 1901. Known as the “little narcissus,” her elegance and artistry are reflected in the apartment’s graceful aesthetic, making it both a luxurious retreat and a tribute to Parisian heritage.

Living with Intention

HOZHAO INTERIOR ON MEMORY, MATERIAL, AND THE POETICS OF SPACE

MS. IRIS LIU, DESIGN DIRECTOR OF HOZHAO, REFLECTS ON HER EVOLVING DESIGN PHILOSOPHY, ROOTED IN SENSORY AWARENESS, CULTURAL RESONANCE, AND CLIMATE RESPONSIVENESS. FROM INK-INSPIRED SMART HOMES TO PANDEMIC-ERA ADAPTATIONS, THE STUDIO OUTLINES HOW FORM FOLLOWS RHYTHM, AND HOW ARCHITECTURE CAN QUIETLY SUPPORT A LIFE IN MOTION.

Question. How does HOZHAO INTERIOR define its design philosophy, and how has this evolved with your projects over time?

Answer. Design has never been merely a layering of surface aesthetics; it is an integrated practice that bridges function, culture, and emotion. I firmly believe that space should hold memory, awaken the senses, and create a sense of psychological safety (Norberg-Schulz, Genius Loci, 1980). A design concept should not be a matter of style alone, but a bridge between intention and perception (Pallasmaa, The Eyes of the Skin, 2005).

Early in my career, I focused more on form and proportion. Over time, my work shifted toward relational spatiality— placing the human relationship with space at the centre of design thinking. I use natural light to guide emotional rhythms, employ ma (negative space) to invite mental breathing room, and rely on the tactile qualities of materials to initiate an emotional dialogue between the space and its occupants. Space, in this sense, becomes an extension of the psyche, not just a container.

My projects often revolve around the sense of place (Tuan, Space and Place, 1977), exploring how design shapes human behavior and memory. Circulation transforms into narrative; texture and sound become interactive elements; and cultural symbols are reinterpreted as spatial metaphors. These layers are not decorative gestures, but sincere portrayals of authentic living.

Thus, my design philosophy continues to evolve – from physical composition to states of awareness, and from visual aesthetics to a poetic, multisensory integration of culture and experience.

Q. In what ways does HOZHAO INTERIOR address the balance between aesthetics and practicality, especially when designing for long-term living?

over time. True beauty lies in a space that remains visually enduring, comfortable, and materially resilient. Functionality is not a compromise to design; rather, it can be expressed through subtle, integrated solutions—such as hidden storage, intuitive circulation, durable materials, and easy maintenance.

My approach emphasises Human-Centered Design and what I call “chronological awareness” – design that anticipates the evolving needs of users across different stages of life. A well-designed space should accommodate not just the present, but offer flexibility and adaptability for the future. I believe the ideal space quietly supports its users and communicates through details.

From the angle of natural light, the depth of storage, the rhythm of circulation, to the tactile warmth of materials— each design choice should work together to create a sense of timeless, everyday beauty.

Q. What were the most significant challenges you faced during the development of the Ink Realm project, particularly regarding the integration of smart systems and sustainable materials?

A. One of the greatest challenges in designing a space inspired by ink painting and literary tradition was integrating smart systems and sustainable materials without compromising the cultural essence. These spaces require stillness and subtlety – restrained brushstrokes, layered shadows, and warm tactile materials. Yet, smart systems often involve visible sensors, interfaces, and wiring, which clash with the minimalist elegance and spatial silence central to ink-inspired aesthetics.

To resolve this tension, I applied an “Intelligent Building Integration” approach:

• Embedding lighting and climate systems within concealed ceilings and custom latticework, allowing the technology to fade into the background.

HOZHAO INTERIOR DESIGN e. irishozhao@gmail.com

A. In interior design, balancing aesthetics and functionality is not a fixed answer but an evolving process shaped by time and everyday use. Especially in spaces intended for long-term living, design must extend beyond immediate visual delight to engage with the rhythm and habits of daily life. To me, aesthetics is not about visual pleasure alone – it’s about creating a space one can live with

• Utilising modular, hidden sensors that preserve intuitive user experience while remaining visually unobtrusive.

• Selecting low-carbon materials such as bamboo fibre panels, mineral-based coatings, and recycled pulp finishes to balance sustainability with handcrafted texture.

The real difficulty wasn’t technical – it was cultural translation: how can users engage with technology while still feeling immersed in a refined, serene environment? One solution was a voice-activated bookshelf wall, where reciting a line of poetry triggers a gradual shift in lighting – an emotional spatial interface where culture drives the interaction.

Through this project, I’ve learned not just how to implement technology, but how to make it invisible – so that culture can take centre stage.

Q. How did you tailor the flexible layout and environmental features of Ink Realm to the homeowner’s lifestyle, especially their cross-country travel and retirement plans?

A. For a client who frequently travels internationally and is preparing for retirement, the design needed to move beyond conventional spatial divisions. It had to address the uncertainty of time, variable occupancy patterns, and shifting life stages. Drawing from the philosophy of ink, I developed a spatial strategy that is adaptable yet serene – ready to evolve with a globally mobile lifestyle.

Zoning Flexibility:

Sliding screens, foldable partitions, and modular furniture allow the space to shift across three modes:

• Unoccupied: Minimal-maintenance configuration

• Short-term stays: Compact, efficient living setup

• Long-term residence: Fully expanded living system

Spatial Modularity Inspired by Ink Aesthetics:

Ink painting emphasises void and flow. I translated this into spatial elements such as:

• Movable bookshelf walls that define space while providing storage and display

• Frosted glass and wooden louvres that create breathable, layered light

• Circulation patterns inspired by “drifting clouds and flowing water,” adding elegance to everyday movement

Future Adaptability:

To accommodate the homeowner’s plans to live abroad, return seasonally, or host friends, I incorporated:

• A multifunctional tatami room for reading, meditation, or guests

• A convertible entryway storage system for quick packing and unpacking

• Smart climate control and remote monitoring features for seamless long-distance home management

This approach is not just about aesthetic preference – it’s a thoughtful response to the fluid rhythm of modern global living.

Q. What role did the pandemic play in influencing the design and construction strategy for this project?

A. The pandemic posed unprecedented challenges to the design and construction of the Ink & Literature-Inspired Residence. Yet, it also triggered a deeper reflection on our role as designers – we were not merely building a space, but cultivating a lifestyle capable of withstanding uncertainty.

Shifts in Design Strategy

Lockdowns and isolation highlighted the need for residential spaces to be both functionally flexible and emotionally supportive. We adapted the original reading- and display-focused concept to include:

• Multi-functional zones that could be converted for remote work and education

• Enhanced natural lighting and cross-ventilation to support mental wellness during prolonged indoor periods

• Antibacterial, easy-to-clean materials such as inorganic coatings and bamboo-fibre panels to ensure hygiene

Adjustments in Construction Execution

On-site implementation followed a “low-density, high-standard” protocol to safeguard worker health and reduce crowding:

• Staggered scheduling and segmented work phases

• Preference for dry construction methods – such as modular partitions and prefabricated elements – to minimise wet trades

• Prioritised sourcing from local suppliers to mitigate the risk of global supply chain delays

Deepening

the Spatial Narrative

Interestingly, the pandemic reframed the idea of “home.” The core inkinspired values – stillness, emptiness, and introspection – resonated with the emotional state of a confined world. In this project, the condition of “being enclosed” was not resisted, but reimagined as a meditative and transformative experience. The resulting space feels not only poetic, but quietly resilient and emotionally grounded.

Q. How does HOZHAO INTERIOR incorporate climate-specific considerations, like Taiwan’s high temperatures and humidity?

A. In Taiwan’s humid climate, interior design must do more than pursue aesthetics – it must respond to nature and support long-term resilience. For every project, climate is not a secondary concern but a core driver of early design strategy. It shapes our choices in materials, construction methods, spatial layout, and even the pace of living.

Ink Realm by HOZHAO INTERIOR DESIGN

GREENS BLUES

A life saturated in wonder.

It’s impossible to truly describe the feeling felt on Montenegro’s only golf course surrounded by infinite sea views. But you’ll know it as soon as you step between our impeccable greens and the wildest blue sky. The beginning of a life that will forever stir the soul.

Mitigating

Moisture from the Source

Humidity in Taiwan enters not only through the air, but from foundations, condensation, and poor airflow. To address this from the outset, I integrate:

• Cross Ventilation Design (Cross-ventilation window layouts)

• Raised flooring systems to separate moisture-prone areas

• Breathable and layered wall assemblies with waterproof coatings, venting gaps, or aerated bricks

Material Strategy: Durable and Breathable

I prioritise natural materials that “breathe” while offering moisture stability, anti-microbial properties, and long-term performance:

• Thermally modified wood for moisture resistance and dimensional integrity

• Silicate-based mineral paints with natural alkalinity and anti-fungal function

• Bamboo fibre boards and moisture-resistant eco plywood with low-emission adhesives

Passive

Moisture Management through Spatial Planning

Rather than relying entirely on mechanical systems, I design for passive humidity control, allowing light and airflow to balance the space naturally:

• Ceiling height variations to promote vertical air circulation

• Floating furniture layouts that preserve airflow between surfaces

• Operable slatted screens and louvre panels to guide ventilation and reduce humidity pockets

These may seem like technical interventions, but they reflect a poetic logic – allowing interiors to breathe with the weather, and echoing the Eastern philosophy of aligning with natural rhythms.

Q. Can you share how your use of natural materials and environmental systems has evolved across different projects, and what results you’ve seen in terms of occupant health and comfort?

A. Over time, my approach to natural materials has shifted from a surface-driven aesthetic to a more integrated strategy – one that considers climate, sensory perception, and long-term wellness. This evolution is grounded in both material inquiry and consistent feedback from occupants regarding their comfort, health, and emotional well-being.

From Surface to Sensory-Climate Integration

In earlier projects, I selected natural materials like wood, linen, terrazzo, or stone for their texture and cultural resonance. These choices brought a sense of grounded calm to the interiors. But as I gained experience in diverse climates – humid Taiwan, cold-damp Shanghai, and tropical Southeast Asia – I began emphasising materials’ climatic compatibility and hygrothermal behaviour.

This led to new strategies such as:

• Breathable materials (e.g., linen, rattan, mineral coatings) that enhance moisture regulation and airflow

• Thermal and humidity buffering (e.g., diatomaceous earth, clay coatings, solid wood ceilings) that stabilise interior environments

• Non-linear organic textures that absorb light and sound, promoting acoustic softness and emotional calm

Integration with Passive Environmental Systems

Natural materials have become core components in my passive design strategies, contributing to energy efficiency and spatial comfort. Notable applications include:

• Thermally stable flooring systems combining stone with radiant heating for low-energy winter comfort

• Louvred partitions made from wood or bamboo to direct airflow while keeping zones visually connected

• Aromatic natural materials like cedar, camphor, or hinoki, which naturally repel insects and support psychological grounding

Results for Occupants: Affective and Sensory Impact

Based on post-occupancy interviews and long-term user feedback, I’ve observed the following benefits:

• Improved sleep quality in bedrooms using natural woods, mineral walls, and filtered daylight

• Eased respiratory symptoms, especially among sensitive users, by avoiding plastics and sealed interiors

• Greater emotional balance reported by remote workers exposed to tactile materials and stable indoor climates

• Slower, more mindful living through engagement with textures, scents, and shifting light within the space.

Ink Realm by HOZHAO INTERIOR DESIGN

ARGENTINA RISING

Argentina’s property market is moving with quiet confidence.

Locals,

expats and long-haul investors are investing in property again – and Víctor Arlandi explains why.

rgentina’s residential real estate market is entering a new phase. After years of volatility, both local and returning international buyers are showing renewed interest. The shift is being driven by structural changes in the economy, improved financing conditions, and growing confidence in the long-term value of property. Víctor Arlandi, President of Central Real Estate Argentina offers a clear view of the current landscape.

“Local buyers are re-engaging after a long period of hesitation. There is more confidence in the property market, driven in large part by the reactivation of 30-year mortgage credit.” With financing becoming available again, a broader group of buyers is stepping back into the market. The recovery is not limited to those living in the country. “We’re seeing many clients from the diaspora, particularly those in Spain, the United States, and neighbouring countries, investing again, especially in property for their children or as part of a future relocation plan.”

Certain parts of Buenos Aires continue to attract the most attention. “Belgrano, Recoleta, and Palermo continue to lead.” Each has distinct advantages, and Víctor points to a clear pattern of performance across market cycles. “Belgrano, with its established residential identity, excellent connectivity, leafy avenues, and rich urban tradition, has become one of the most active real estate hubs. Modern towers coexist with century-old buildings, parks, private clubs, and prestigious schools. It is,

undeniably, one of the strongholds where capital naturally preserves its value. During down cycles, Belgrano is one of the last neighbourhoods to adjust prices. During up cycles, it leads the market alongside Recoleta.”

Buyer behaviour is also evolving. “What we see now is a shift from yield-seeking to value-seeking. People are buying for capital appreciation, acquiring while prices are historically low in USD terms.” This approach reflects a more strategic mindset focused on long-term gains rather than short-term rental yields. Foreign interest is present but selective. “International buyers are increasingly visible in the high-end and rural property markets, especially in private sales.” These transactions often involve exclusive estates and off-market deals that reflect long-term investment thinking.

Puerto Madero, meanwhile, continues to play a different role in the market. “Its transaction volume is lower, and it behaves more like an investment enclave than a traditional residential hub.” Looking ahead, Víctor offers a measured forecast. “If the current reform path holds and inflation is brought under further control, we could see double-digit price appreciation, between 10% and 20%, in the most active areas.”

The clearest signal of change may be the return of decisiveness itself. “People are making decisions again.” In a market that has long been defined by hesitation, that alone marks a meaningful shift.

Víctor Arlandi President

Central Real Estate Argentina

Luxury Portfolio International

“We’re seeing many clients from the diaspora, particularly those in Spain, the United States, and neighbouring countries, investing again, especially in property for their children or as part of a future relocation plan.”

Luciano Kruk Arquitectos Property - See page 92 | Image © Daniela Mac Adden International Property &

GRAND ENTRANCE

This two-storey house, set on a 34,550 sq. ft. plot, offers 4,843 sq. ft. of covered space. A striking external staircase leads to the upper floor, where spacious living areas feature 11.15 ft ceilings and large windows overlooking the garden, pool, and polo field.

The lower floor houses the master suite, guest bedroom, two suites, and a second master suite, along with a living room, laundry, and utility area. Outside, the garden includes an infinity pool with jacuzzi, modern pergola, solarium, fire pit, and four semi-covered garages.

Comfort is ensured with underfloor heating, central air conditioning upstairs and in the master suite, plus split units in other rooms. Security is multi-layered, with alarms, infrared barriers, thermal cameras, and on-site patrolling.

An 18KW generator supports full power, including air conditioning. Other features include a freight lift, porcelain flooring, double-glazed windows with German fittings, and roller shutters. The property lies within Puesto Viejo’s 220-hectare estate, just under an hour from Buenos Aires.

£748,015 / €856,200 / $1m

Central Real Estate Argentina | Luxury Portfolio www.centralre.com.ar | www.luxuryportfolio.com

CLIFF RESIDENCE

Located on a cliff in San Pedro overlooking the Paraná River, Casa Río was designed as a tribute to the region’s landscape and traditions.

Conceived as a suspended viewpoint, the house opens fully to the river and Delta beyond. The main living floor is elevated, while the ground level includes guest and recreational spaces. Two pergolas expand the experience outward, offering shaded terraces and sweeping views. Built in exposed concrete and steel, the structure floats above the terrain, framing cargo ships as they glide by — a moving landscape that connects architecture to the river’s wild, infinite presence.

Luciano Kruk Arquitectos www.lucianokruk.com

Image © Daniela Mac Adden

Lakeside

In Timeless Comfort Living

Riviera Residencies

Welcome to Riviera Residencies, where thoughtful design meets tranquil living on the shores of Lake Victoria. Located within the master-planned Pearl Marina Estates in Garuga, Entebbe, these elegant 3 bedroom townhouses offer more than a home they offer a lifestyle surrounded by nature, serenity, and security.

With 26 units built in phase I, Riviera Residencies combines modern architecture with family functionality. Each home is crafted to offer seamless indoor-outdoor flow, blending comfort with timeless finishes. Security, privacy, and accessibility are all part of the plan.

Featuring

•3 Bedrooms + Ensuite DSQ

•Lounge

•Family Room

•Dining Area

•2 + 1/2 Bathrooms

•Open-Plan Kitchen

•Private Yard & Parking

•Gated Community

•Stunning Views

80%

Construction Complete

Nestled within Pearl Marina’s 389-acre lakeside estate, a vibrant community of villas, bungalows, apartments, serviced plots, and shared amenities like green parks, a beach zone, and nature trails. This is a destination for those who value legacy, location, and lakeside living.

Part of Something Bigger: Pearl Marina Estates.

MEXICO MOVES

From remote workers to second-home seekers, Mexico is drawing in a new kind of buyer.

he property market in Mexico, particularly in cities such as San Miguel de Allende, continues to evolve in response to shifting demographics, infrastructure growth, and changing buyer motivations. According to Jessica Patterson, a real estate agent with CDR San Miguel, this evolution has made places like San Miguel increasingly appealing to a broader crosssection of international buyers.

“Mexico has long been a favourite among international buyers, and places like San Miguel de Allende continue to stand out,” said Jessica. While traditionally popular among retirees and artists, she notes that the town is now drawing younger families, remote workers, and digital nomads. “Many of them are raising bilingual, bicultural children and embracing the lifestyle and community the city offers. The LGBTQ+ community has also found a welcoming and vibrant home here.”

The market itself remains active, with well-designed homes in desirable neighbourhoods like Centro maintaining strong demand. Jessica explained, “That said, in recent months, some buyers are approaching the market with a bit more caution. Given the global political and economic uncertainty, many are taking more time to make

decisions or being more selective in how and where they invest.” Still, she emphasises that confidence in San Miguel remains high. “San Miguel offers a rare combination: historic charm, international sophistication, strong long-term value, and a lifestyle that feels both enriching and grounded.”

Expats and second-home buyers from the U.S. and Canada are currently the most active groups in the market. “San Miguel continues to appeal to those seeking something more meaningful than just a vacation spot, it’s about quality of life, community, and long-term value,” Jessica said.

While Mexico’s coastal and resort towns have long attracted buyers, interest is growing in interior cities that offer cultural depth and walkable environments. “More and more buyers are seeking places where they can live full-time or visit regularly, not just escape to for a weekend,” Jessica shared.

Infrastructure improvements are also playing a significant role in expanding buyer interest to areas outside the historic core. “These areas offer great value and still provide the full San Miguel lifestyle: beautiful views, excellent restaurants, cultural experiences, and a strong sense

of community, just with a bit more space and often newer amenities,” Jessica said. As for property types, single-family homes are at the top of buyers’ wish lists. “People are looking for space, privacy, and the ability to enjoy indoor-outdoor living,” Jessica explained. “Homes with gardens, terraces, and thoughtful architectural details, especially those with a mix of traditional and modern design tend to move faster.”

Buyers are mostly motivated by lifestyle, but investment considerations are not far behind. “Most buyers are coming in with a lifestyle-first mindset… but there’s definitely an investment component as well,” said Jessica. Many see long-term potential and rental income opportunities as part of the appeal.

Looking ahead, Jessica sees a few trends shaping the market. “Lifestyle migration will remain strong… buyers will become more intentional… demand beyond traditional hotspots will increase… and finally, sustainability and wellness are becoming more important.”

Jessica Patterson Real Estate Agent

CDR San Miguel

CURATED SPACE

Tucked between Pilancon and Callejón Blanco, this remarkable estate features classic charm with modern refinement. Designed by New York architects Spence Sutton and Linda Warren, it captures the spirit of San Miguel while offering contemporary comforts in a secure, private setting.

Set across three individually titled lots, the property comprises three beautifully restored homes, each with its own character. Surrounded by lush gardens, two pools, a koi pond, gym, and steam sauna, the estate provides a peaceful sanctuary for both relaxation and entertaining.

Inside, Travertine limestone floors, Cantera stonework, and hand-plastered Oaxacan walls by the artisan behind the Museo de Culturas showcase impeccable craftsmanship. Interiors by Chad James and Ray Booth of McAlpine create richly layered spaces, moving beyond traditional open-plan design.

The estate also includes a guest casita and staff quarters. With its versatile

layout, it’s perfectly suited for a boutique hotel, private residence, or wellness retreat – an exceptional offering in the heart of San Miguel.

£6.3m / €7.21m / $8.4m

Luxury Portfolio www.luxuryportfolio.com

CDR Bienes Raices San Miguel www.cdrsanmiguel.com

“More and more buyers are seeking places where they can live full-time or visit regularly, not just escape to for a weekend.”

TIMELESS DETAIL

Villa Garita is a beautifully restored Colonial home in the heart of San Miguel de Allende’s Centro Histórico. Designed by interior designer Rachel Horn, this five-bedroom, five-and-a-half-bathroom residence combines period elegance with modern comfort.

Its high ceilings, original architectural details, and tranquil courtyard with a water feature create an atmosphere of calm and refinement. The property includes formal living and dining rooms, a den, a media room, and a chef’s kitchen with marble worktops, silver-leaf cabinetry, and premium appliances.

Upstairs, three of the five bedrooms have en suite bathrooms, while two share a stylishly finished bathroom. The rooftop terrace offers panoramic views of San Miguel’s iconic skyline, perfect for sunsets and celebrations. Outdoors, a lush rear garden surrounds a pool and an indoor-outdoor lounge with fireplace, wet bar, games area, and full bathroom. Offered fully furnished (with select exclusions), Villa Garita is a rare opportunity to own a landmark home in one of Mexico’s most desirable cities.

Bienes Raices San Miguel | Luxury Portfolio www.cdrsanmiguel.com |

BUYING BARBADOS

arbados’ property market has entered a period of steady growth and renewed international interest. Fuelled by changing lifestyle priorities, targeted government schemes and a resilient buyer base, the island continues to attract those seeking both second homes and long-term relocation.

According to Andrew Blandford-Newson, Associate at Knight Frank, “record sales volumes in 2021 off the back of Covid travel restrictions where pent-up demand was released into the market and prices started a recovery cycle as a result. The Welcome Stamp was also a contributing factor not only to the improvement of the rental market, but some of this demand translated into sales where people were able to reassess their financial and personal needs and fell in love with the Caribbean way of life.”

Chris Parra, President and CEO of One Caribbean Estates, highlights how these conditions led to long-term momentum.

“Over the past five years, property prices in Barbados have seen a steady upward trajectory, fuelled by international demand and evolving buyer preferences. The COVID-19 pandemic acted as a major catalyst, driving increased interest for private residences and turnkey investments. Government initiatives such as the Barbados Welcome Stamp and the Special Entry and Reside Permit (SERP) programme accelerated this trend, attracting new residents and capital to the island. Combined with a pro-investment government and a more streamlined business environment these factors have created a highly attractive landscape - driving a surge in development activity and significantly elevating the overall quality and diversity of the island’s real estate offering.”

Chris Parra President and CEO One Caribbean Estates

Despite economic turbulence elsewhere, both agents agree that Barbados has proven stable. Andrew notes that “despite persistent significant geopolitical and macroeconomic factors which have injected uncertainty into global real estate markets over the past few years, Barbados demand remains buoyant from a cultural and lifestyle perspective, where there was continued gradual growth throughout 2022-2023 with annual prices rising by c.1-1.5% year-on-year and even into 2024, the average discount between list and sale prices falling by 0.8% to 3.2%.”

Chris addresses the effect of wider market pressures: “While global economic uncertainty and currency fluctuations have certainly created a more cautious investment climate in some markets, their impact on Barbados’ real estate sector has been relatively limited to date. Rising construction costs – driven by tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and inflation in materials and labour – have prompted developers to adapt by sourcing alternative suppliers and rethinking timelines.”

International buyers continue to dominate. Andrew says, “Buyers continue to be primarily from the UK, Canada and the US. Most are holiday home seekers prioritising lifestyle over investment. However, there’s growing interest from globally mobile individuals seeking taxefficient jurisdictions.

With no capital gains or wealth tax, Barbados appeals to a broader profile, not just retirees, especially since COVID accelerated long-term relocation plans.”

Chris expands on the types of buyers his team is seeing: “The main buyers we are seeing in Barbados are property investors,

Barbados’ property market is holding its own, from beachfront estates to sub-million-dollar homes inland

retirees and families looking to relocate. Leading the charge are international buyers – particularly from the UK, US, and Canada – who are drawn to the island for both its lifestyle appeal and investment potential. Amongst those second home purchasers, we are increasingly noticing individuals are no longer leaving their homes vacant when they are not there; instead, they’re actively leveraging them as income-generating assets through short-term rentals. The second most prominent group comprises retirees and families seeking a permanent move, attracted by the island’s safety, climate, and sense of community.”

Price point and location trends are also shifting. Andrew notes that “the number of sales of properties priced below US$1m nearly doubled in 2024 compared the year before and accounted for more than 70% of all sales. This surge was driven by the completion of The Estates in St. George, Coral Beach in St. Peter, and new homes in The Villages at Coverley.”

Chris confirms strong demand continues along the West Coast: “The West Coast of Barbados continues to be the island’s most in-demand region, with particular interest in prime locations such as Holetown and Speightstown. Holetown remains a lifestyle hub, anchored by the luxury retail and dining offering at Limegrove Lifestyle Centre, while Speightstown is seeing renewed attention for its charm. The forthcoming Pierhead development is also generating significant excitement – it’s set to introduce a dynamic marina-style destination combining residential, commercial, and leisure components. Inland, demand remains strong around gated communities, golf resorts, and private estates, especially

among buyers prioritising privacy, space, and long-term value.”

When it comes to property types, buyers are looking for homes that are ready to go. Chris explains: “Beachfront villas remain highly desirable, but buyer preferences in Barbados have become more diversified in recent years. During the height of the pandemic, there was a notable surge in demand for standalone beachfront homes with private gardens, driven by a desire for space and privacy. At the very top end –$20 million and above – interest has cooled slightly post-pandemic, however, what consistently stands out across the market is the strong demand for turnkey properties: homes that are fully built, finished, furnished, and ready to live in.”

Andrew agrees, noting that “trends towards turnkey homes, and luxury developments in Barbados, whether these be on the beachfront or inland. Transactions above US $5 million – particularly beachfront estates – have become more prevalent, with multiple sales in this bracket in 2023. But there still remains strong demand for inland properties, particularly those located within the gated estates such as: Apes Hill – renewed confidence in estate with new ownership / investment & an ecophilosophy throughout the whole estate. Sandy Lane – retains its popularity, with privacy and world class amenities, such as the Sandy Lane Hotel and Green Monkey Championship Golf Course.”

As for the next 12 to 18 months, both Andrew and Chris are optimistic. “The market is expected to remain stable with consistent lifestyle-driven demand, supported by global mobility trends and Barbados’ appeal as a tax-efficient, wellconnected destination,” says Andrew.

“Over the past five years, property prices in Barbados have seen a steady upward trajectory, fuelled by international demand and evolving buyer preferences.”

Knight Frank

Chris adds: “The outlook is optimistic. With demand for high-quality, turnkey homes continuing and infrastructure improvements underway –investor confidence remains high. Younger buyers are expected to continue entering the market, looking for short-term rental opportunities with amenities like private gyms, offices, paddle and pickle ball courts and spas. The market is likely to remain competitive, especially in desirable West Coast areas, and new developments like Pierhead and future projects in Speightstown will only enhance Barbados’s appeal as a luxury property destination.”

When asked what sets Barbados apart from other island markets, Chris is clear: “Barbados stands apart from other Caribbean islands through its enduring architectural identity.

£5.4m / €6.2m / $7.2m

Knight Frank www.knightfrank.co.uk

Set within over an acre of landscaped tropical gardens, this elegant property in the gated Sugar Hill Estate offers panoramic sea views, a private tennis court, and a large swimming pool with separate jacuzzi.

The main house blends classic Caribbean design with modern comfort, featuring a west-facing veranda, spacious sitting areas, and four en suite guest bedrooms with private balconies. Additional highlights include a TV room, fully equipped kitchen, and a tranquil dining terrace beside a koi pond.

While destinations such as Turks & Caicos, Antigua, and St. Lucia have leaned into more contemporary design trends, Barbados has largely preserved a traditional aesthetic, reflecting the island’s maturity as a real estate market and its deep cultural heritage.”

With tax incentives, solid infrastructure, a strong rental market and a deep-rooted sense of place, Barbados continues to offer more than sunshine and sea. It’s increasingly a home base, not just a holiday address.

A separate guest cottage offers two more en suite bedrooms and a kitchenette, opening onto the poolside terrace with a sit-up bar and covered barbecue area. Below the pool deck, the tennis court and gazebo provide space for sport and relaxation. A seventh en suite bedroom for staff is located near the kitchen and laundry.

Andrew Blandford-Newson

Associate

Pendry Residences Barbados www.pendryresidencesbarbados.com

LUXE DESIGN

Pendry Residences Barbados introduces a limited collection of show villas on the island’s prestigious West Coast, offering a first look at the refined style and exclusive lifestyle soon available to owners.

Located on a luxury marina in St. Peter, this residential offering will welcome homeowners ahead of the 80room Pendry Barbados resort, set to open in 2027.

Select homes will be completed by 2026, with prices from USD $2.7 million. The 46 fully furnished residences range from two to five bedrooms, with bespoke RH interiors, marina or ocean views, and options for plunge pools and private gardens. Owners will enjoy dedicated staff and full access to resort amenities, including five dining venues, Spa Pendry, a beach club, and the Pendry Marina Club – a unique offering for those embracing a boating lifestyle in Barbados.

One Caribbean Estates www.onecaribbeanestates.com

STYLISH INTERIORS

The Fitts is a boutique aparthotel offering contemporary one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and penthouse residences just steps from Barbados’ Platinum Coast.

Designed with clean lines and quality finishes, each unit features open-plan living, Italian kitchens with quartz surfaces, air-conditioned bedrooms, and spacious terraces for outdoor dining. Select ground-floor apartments include private gardens, while penthouses enjoy elevated views.

Located in Fitts Village on the island’s prestigious West Coast, the development combines peaceful coastal living with close proximity to everyday conveniences and upscale amenities. A well-stocked supermarket is within walking distance, while the shops, restaurants, and nightlife of Holetown are a short drive away. The Fitts offers a rare opportunity to own a

modern coastal property in a desirable and well-connected part of Barbados.

One and two bedrooms from £360,000 / €414,369 / $478,377 to £520,000 / €598,504 / $690,993

Penthouses from £1.2m / €1.4m / $1.6m

BEACH LUXE

One Beachlands is a newly built beachfront villa on Barbados’ West Coast, offering refined coastal living with uninterrupted sea views. This two-storey residence features six ocean-facing bedrooms, a private gym, and a home cinema, all enhanced by smart home automation.

Designed for seamless indoor-outdoor living, the villa centres around a 75-foot infinity pool

flanked by two pavilions, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the interiors with natural light, while premium fittings and finishes reflect thoughtful craftsmanship. Guests can snorkel directly from the garden into the Caribbean Sea. A striking water feature at the carriage entrance sets a sophisticated tone on arrival.

One Beachlands offers exceptional quality in a prime beachfront setting, combining modern comforts with timeless appeal. A standout opportunity for those seeking luxury living in Barbados.

£22m / €25.4m / $29.3m One Caribbean Estates | www.onecaribbeanestates.com

£1.9m / €2.2m / $2.5m

Knight Frank www.knightfrank.co.uk

SEA VIEWS

Tucked within the sought-after Garden Wall enclave at Apes Hill, this elegant home offers privacy, comfort and effortless access to the estate’s top-tier facilities.

The open-plan layout flows from entry to covered patio, framing uninterrupted views over the 18th fairway and the Caribbean Sea beyond.

Outdoors, a 30-foot infinity pool and water deck are surrounded by both shaded and sunlit terraces, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Inside, floor-to-ceiling glass doors in the living and kitchen areas bring the outdoors in, creating a calm, airy space.

Three en suite bedrooms offer flexibility and privacy, including a ground-floor suite with its own patio, and an upstairs principal bedroom with sea views, a private veranda, and a luxurious bathroom. Extras include 24-hour security, owner’s storage, and a golf cart carport for exploring the estate with ease.

PAN PACIFIC SINGAPORE

In the heart of Singapore’s dynamic Marina Bay precinct and central business district, the iconic Pan Pacific Singapore stands as a beacon of unparalleled sophistication and gracious hospitality.

Pan Pacific Singapore holds a storied legacy as one of the pioneering luxury hotels in Singapore, having first opened its doors in 1986. Featuring 790 guest rooms, the hotel offers extensive meeting space spanning more than 2,300 square metres, a culinary haven with extensive dining options, an exclusive Pacific Club Lounge with panoramic views of the city skyline, as well as award-winning wellness and fitness facilities.

+65 6336 8111 / 800 852 6855 (Toll-free) | enquiry.ppsin@panpacific.com | panpacific.com/singapore 7 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039595

HYATT REGENCY LISBON

Hyatt Regency Lisbon is a five-star luxury hotel located in the charming Portuguese capital. Situated along the banks of the Tagus River, the hotel offers a unique experience, blending modern comfort with authentic Lisbon charm. With elegant rooms, a world-class spa, a rooftop bar with stunning views, and a prime location near major tourist attractions, Hyatt Regency Lisbon is ideal for both business and leisure travellers. The hotel also stands out for its commitment to sustainability and excellence in service, ensuring an unforgettable stay.

D MARIS BAY

Perched atop Datça Peninsula’s pine-clad hillside, D Maris Bay offers a lifetime of beauty. Amidst towering mountains and lush forests, it overlooks five white-sanded beaches, a scenic cove, and islands. The new season, which commenced on April 26th, promises exciting partnerships in luxury retail and culinary ventures, including collaboration with a 1 Michelin-starred and 1 Michelin Green Starred Chef to introduce an Aegean-inspired tasting menu at D Maris Kitchen for dinner starting in June, guaranteeing an unforgettable dining experience. Wellness remains a priority, with personalised ATP & WTA level tennis lessons offered through LUX Tennis. Catering to both hotel guests and yacht owners, D Maris Bay will introduce enhanced offerings for yacht guests.

+90 252 441 2000 | info@dmarisbay.com | www.dmarisbay.com | Instagram: @dmarisbay Hisarönü Mahallesi Çubucak Küme Evleri No:80 Marmaris, Mugla, Turkey

THE BERKELEY HOTEL PRATUNAM

The Berkeley Hotel Pratunam located in the heart of Bangkok’s Pratunam area is an ideal spot for both leisure and business travellers offering a touch of elegance. Centrally positioned near major attractions like Gaysorn Village, Siam Paragon, Central World, Platinum Fashion Mall and MBK Center, the hotel is also close to Erawan Shrine and the Trimurti statue.

With 788 spacious rooms featuring modern amenities and in-room WiFi, The Berkeley Hotel caters to a variety of guest needs through eight room categories. Our event space totaling 3,700m² includes a hall capable of hosting up to 2,000 guests.

+66 2 309 9999 | Fax +66 0 309 9900 | info@berkeleyhotel.co.th | www.berkeleypratunam.com 559 Ratchaprarop Road, Makkasan, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400

VAKKO HOTEL & RESIDENCE

A Memorable Stay, Tailored to You. Located in the heart of Istanbul, in a prime location that keeps the pulse of the city, Vakko Hotel & Residence, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the world, offers an impeccably chic Istanbul experience with the finest hospitality provided by Vakko.

A stone’s throw away from the major cultural commodities of the city, the hotel ensures easy access to some of the most significant museums, art galleries, and historical landmarks. The generous butler-serviced suites, stateof-the-art facilities, and high-end personalised services further enhance the comfort and convenience of the guest experience.

+90 212 953 90 90 | reservations@vakkohotel.com | www.vakkohotel.com Harbiye, Abdi Ipekçi Cd. No:43, Nişantaşi, Şişli, Istanbul, Turkey