The Review - Monica Bellucci - Issue #2

monica bellucci

la bella donna

SIROCCO HEESEN’s 47-METRE PRINCE

ASTON MARTIN THE DB9 THROUGH WINE COUNTRY

LE RICHEMOND

GENEVA’S TIMELESS ELEGANCE

HOLLYWOOD HILLS OUR MAN IN LA GOES GATSBY

AN

E L E G ANT

PERFORMANC E

THE ALL NEW QUATTROPORTE. A CELEBRATION OF ELEGANCE, TECHNOLOGY AND POWER The all new Quattroporte is more than just the finest luxury high performance sports saloon. It blends extraordinary beauty with uncompromising performance from a range of V6 and V8 engines. A classic and exclusive grantourer with unmistakeable Italian design.

For more information on the new Maserati Quattroporte, call 01943 871660 or visit maserati.co.uk

Official fuel consumption figures for Maserati Quattroporte range in mpg (l/100km): Urban 16.2 (17.4) – 36.2 (7.8), Extra Urban 33.2 (8.5) – 54.3 (5.2), Combined 23.9 (11.8) – 45.6 (6.2). CO2 emissions 274 – 163g/km. Fuel consumption and CO2 figures are based on standard EU tests for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results.

Q U A T T R O P O R T E

www.maserati.co.uk

William Baldwin Alpina Brand Ambassador

DIVINGCOLLECTION

EXTREME DIVER CHRONOGRAPH Professional diving watch Alpina AL-725 automatic chronograph caliber Unidirectional rotating diving bezel Anti-reflective treatment Sapphire crystal and transparent case back Screw-in crown 300m (1000ft) water resistant

Tel +41 (0)22 860 87 40 • www.alpina-watches.com

THE

REVIEW ‘LIFE.

T

he weatherman tells me that the UK is wreathed in a cataract of gilded sunshine. I can just about see what he’s talking about. The azure sky kisses the emerald green terrain.

The leaves, like little mirrors, vivify the horizon and reflect the summertime frolic.

Girls in parks wear thigh-brushing dresses and unapologetic bikinis. Apple wood and mesquite barbeques imbibe the air.

There’s only one cloud in the sky, and it’s hanging over me; relentless and hoary, like smoke bellowing through a chimney.

It’s a figurative cloud, of course. You see, I’m stuck inside, writing these words.

Whenever anyone asks my advice about getting into writing, I always forget to tell them about days like these; days that start on the good side of the bed, with mental verbosity and creative optimism. But then, nothing: no ideas, no words, no finishing early, no cold beers, no girls skimping around with blithe abandon. Instead, my summer is framed by an office window.

Writer’s block is meant to happen when the UK is blighted and sodden, not happy and psychedelic. Winter reflects our naturallydepressive demeanour, all dour and misanthropic. In summer, it’s the other way around: we wear the weather. We flaunt day-glo smiles, high-fives and factor-fifty.

And we write until our souls are nurtured, our copy is filed, and our invoices are paid.

But it’s been worth it, if only to see this issue of The Review blossom. I, for one, don’t take our first female front cover for

STYLE.’

granted. And holy smokes, what a cover it is.

Monica Bellucci sits down with us to discuss her unique and illustrious career as a model and actress, as well as her relationship with Dolce and Gabbana .

Your motoring editor, Smith, gets mawkishly British on us, as he reviews the Rolls Royce Wraith. Robinson reflects on his life-long love of Aston Martin and takes the DB9 for a test drive. Beauty editor Phelan takes the

plunge and gets hair extensions, and looks at this summer’s must-have cosmetics. The ever-intrepid and witty McNichol does the New York thing in style, Minns explains the sartorial rules of engagement, and I tuck a table cloth into my collar and take a big bite of London’s top restaurants.

Enjoy the summer – it won’t be long until we can get back to being ourselves.

TR

L A I T H A L - K A I S Y, E D I T O R I N - C H I E F T w itter : @ laithalkaisy F ollo w T he R e v ie w on T w itter : @ the R e v ie w

THE REVIEW 2014 9

CONTENTS

INTERVIEW 14. MONICA BELLUCCI

TRAVEL 102. villa sandryon 108. Hotel Lungarno 110. RELAIS SANTA CROCE 112. THE GALLERY HOTEL 116. LE RICHEMOND 118. THE WELLINGTON 120. CHATEAU BAGNOLS 128. THE MARGI 130. Shangri-LA Bosphorus 132. LAGUNA LODGE 136. TOSA LA LAGUNA 142. THE VICEROY 144. THE W HOTEL 140.THE ROYALTON

AUTOMOTIVE 20. Rolls RoYCE WRAITH 26. ASTON MARTIN DB9 32. DRIVE SOUTHWEST 38. PORSCHE BOXSTER 98. Know your vintage

TIPPLE 92. THE BACK BAR 94. WINE CLUB

PROPERTY & INVESTMENT 124. THE BAYMEN 181. property moose 185. time to invest 126. ESTILO DE VIDA

uality and feature designs which m to maintain the classic look and with a tasteful spin and even the custom design your own pair with poke boot builder. d coffins are always in demand will only notice if one of those is lity. The integrity is ensured by e of the boots being handmade. n Spain no less, each pair takes a ng 21 days to make, and before the of them being made anywhere but ptonshire has you charging up and drawing room wielding a poker monstrating about ‘BLOODY FORS!’, the Spanish produce some of leather riding boots in the world. tt the Director of Dukes boots says: e focus for Dukes was to produce heritage British footwear which out into more modern takes on onal designs” iness Dukes boots have it right; onal heart and a solid product the ability to add variation which ose the origins of what it’s about,

CONTENTS

FA S H I O N : D U K E S only enhancing it.

Daisy goes on to say: “Keeping Dukes fresh and current is highly important to me - I don’t want the brand to become boring!

I’m constantly working on new designs and ideas, just sticking to the core boot shapes and adding a little twist.”

People with beards and skinny jeans will also be pleased to learn that Daisy has no plans to ‘sell out’ to ‘the man’: “The plan for the future of Dukes is to keep everything organic and controllable as I don’t want jeopardise the quality of the boots and that’s what it’s all about. I would like to see Dukes being stocked by independent British boutiques where I believe they’ll fit well. One day it would be great to have a little shop for Dukes alone – but who knows? Maybe that’s a few years down the line yet!”

So whether stepping out of a Land Rover or sauntering onto your 30m motor yacht, there will be a style to suit and a dash to be cut…and it looks like they’re here to stay.

Get you pair now at: www.dukesboots.com

THE REVIEW 2013 115

DINING 86. Table manner 96. Le JARDIN

STYLE 46. BLT 48. Upper Street 58. DUKES BOOTS 154. Hollywood glamour 168. Sunrise avenue

HEALTH & BEAUTY 148. SKIN DEEP 152. SUMMER TIPS

NAUTICAL 62. HEESEN SIROCCO

CULTURE 68. TIM WALLACE 84. DESIGN 44. Economies of karma

TIME

50. BRM 54. JEAN RICHARD

TECH 188. TECH ROUND-UP

THE REVIEW 2014 11

CONTRIBUTORS

MICHAEL PHILLIPS MOSKOWITZ OPINION WRITER

Looking to secure an original Eames lounger, perhaps the Tag Heuer Monaco that McQueen wore in Le Mans, Moskowitz is your emissary into the world of the coveted. As Ebay’s chief curator and founder of Bureau of Trade, Moskowitz has an engaging take on life as we know it.

AMY McNICHOL

OLIVER SMITH

JAMES CLARKE

DAVID MINNS

FOOD & TRAVEL WRITER

MOTORING EDITOR

DESIGN WRITER

STYLE EDITOR

Clarke is an accomplished bespoke furniture designer and maker. At the helm of True Bespoke, Clarke is creative director and ensures that only the finest furnishings leave their workshop in Bristol. Having spent the last 20 years fitting out desirable residencies from the South of France to Moscow, Clarke has the right stuff.

In his capacity as Bristol’s Local Tailor, Minns dresses the discerning man at his studio at Hotel du Vin’s Humidor, the home of Brown in Town.

Something of a renaissance man, he loves nothing more than waxing sartorial over a fine cigar.

McNichol has worked across six of the BBC’s titles. She regularly writes for The London Word on all things food and booze related. A former Bangkok dweller and features writer at Thai glossy, Traversing the Orient, she considers herself an expert on (eating) oriental cuisine.

Smith is our very own automotive editor.

By day, he is the lead man at Pointer Media looking after an array of prestige and heritage clients. By night... well... just don’t give him cigars and a magnum of champagne.

The Hangover doesn’t come close.

BOBBY REYES

PETER J ROBINSON

ROBB PRITCHARD

AMANDA ELIAS

BEAUTY EDITOR

STYLIST & PRODUCER

TRAVEL EDITOR & PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

TRAVEL WRITER

BEAUTY WRITER

Aside from reviewing the hottest new beauty products and services, she also runs her own digital marketing agency, DigitalBinx. Phelan has previously worked at the Daily Mirror and Elle Magazine, and is a lover of red lipstick, vintage fashion and ‘oldies’ tag radio.

Reyes is our man on the ground in the city of angels. He styles for fashion shows, events and photo shoots.

Hopefully one day he will wave goodbye to his life in the business of the business and come back to old London town.

Rebel without a cause.

Robinson has spent the past six years working in luxury print and publishing. This we feel may of jaded him slightly. He now heads up The Review’s partner video production agency and so you are more likely to find him on set than at an editorial meeting.

As travel editor, Robinson has clocked up almost 50’000 miles.

We wonder where the air miles go.

Pritchard is a man of mystery, His 5 ton ‘Dictator’ truck only got as far as Warsaw on the Gumball so he hitch-hiked with our owner and by the time they got to Monaco he was signed up as a staff writer. The vital stats: 36 years old, nearly a 100 countries visited, published in 31 countries.

Elias is a skincare sherpa. Beauty already in the blood, Amanda prides herself on the quality, effectiveness and competitive pricing of Bravura London’s products and their dedication to providing trustworthy advice to customers.

GEMMA PHELAN

Monica Bellucci

Few women have the title of ‘Siren’, in my opinion. Only a handful make the cut these days. It not only requires an artistic flair that makes them seem both crazy and magnificent in equal parts, but also an otherworldly, almost Elysian quality. If there ever were more than three or four of these empyrean femme fatales, Monica Bellucci would be chairwoman of the board.

Words: ALEXANDRA WRIGHT

I N T E RV I E W : M O N I C A B E L L U C C I

THE REVIEW 2014 15

A

s writers, we spend months chasing up interview requests and ultimately pursuing the proverbial white whales.

Monica Bellucci is The Review’s first female front cover.

And what a cover.

Spanning a career that arguably began in the late-80s, when she signed with Elite Model Management, Bellucci has had an enviable métier. She originally studied law at the University of Perugia. As is often the case, after her career took off, she quit her studies and moved to Milan. She quickly made the switch to treading the boards and her career to date has included such critically-acclaimed films as L’Appartement, alongside Hollywood box office hits, including Bram Stoker’s Dracula and The Matrix Reloaded.

“I’m very lucky I’ve had the chance to work with so many directors,” she admits. “That’s the richness of my work.”

Last year, we interviewed Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana. You encapsulate the brand ethos perfectly. Why do you think that is?

I work and have been friends with Domenico and Stefano for many years. In 1989, they saw me just as a young Italian model. Years have passed, but they still invite me to participate in promotions and be a face of the brand. It is very touching of them. The meaning of beauty there is not necessarily ‘young’. It’s really a faithful Italian story of love and friendship.

When we do shoots, it’s not work; it’s having fun with friends creating, beautiful and timeless pictures together. We have the same ideal of beauty, probably because of where we are all from. If I was raised in France and confirmed to their sense of beauty then I might say Brigitte Bardot epitomises beauty but I’m Italian and I grew up with actresses like Sophia Loren, so they’re my continuing ideal of beauty.

Why do you think Italian culture is so closely linked with beauty and, of course, high fashion?

My home of Perugia was a vacuum when it came to style. So I didn’t start to appreciate fashion until I moved away, when I was older.

Italian woman have gossamer of femininity that is very strong. All of the world’s big fashion brands have offices in Milan and the

“I think like anyone trying to make it. The hardest part was the beginning.” women there are hugely into their fashion – although the style is much more reserved, traditional and elegant than Rome.

Your career is impressive. Have there been any serious obstacles to your success over the years?

I think like anyone trying to make it. The hardest part was the beginning. It has taken over 20 years and, in that time, I have started to work in the fashion business, after working in movies. The transition from one to the other demanded patience, strength and awareness. It’s all about appearance, depth of character, and you must be able to play hard too.

You are considered by many men and women to be a true ‘siren’. Who do you find more complicated, the female or male of the species?

Oh, that’s a really difficult question. I cannot say for certain, I know only one side of the coin, so can only speak as the ‘siren’. I suppose sometimes this world does not want to see strong women, because by our nature we are considered the ‘weaker’ gender. Whatever the case, I’m glad to be a woman.

Do you think you would have been as successful as male?

I would have used my skills to the best of my ability – siren or red-blooded male.

Speaking of red-blooded men, I remember watching your ex-husband Vincent Cassel in Oceans 13 and muttering the coolest sounding, vitriolic swearing I have ever heard: “Les petits fils de pute”.

He will always be one of the most dashing-

THE REVIEW 2014 17

men I know. Marriage, we never know how long it will last. I never got involved in the choice of his papers nor in mine, we are very independent, we lived in different worlds, his friends were our friends, mine are different.

towards infidelity, but merely have a penchant for amorous behaviour.

There is a generally accepted comedic concept in England towards the French and Italians, with regards to mistresses and lovers. Do you think this is a fair stereotype?

I have a strong sense of self and national pride. I travel around the globe but I am still Italian at heart. I think that I embody the place I come from. Family, friends, food, these things are all intricate to our culture, I seem to keep my family traditions going like breathing – it is part of who I am.

Each culture has its own relationship principals. I have friends that adore the attention they receive when they come to Italy and, conversely, Italian friends that think all the men in London are gay because of the lack of attention. In Italy, we flirt and we charm all the time, it is nothing more than a look, or a gesture, but then nothing happens afterwards.

So no, I don’t think we have a predisposition

So, that said, what does being Italiano mean to you personally?

What are you working on at the moment?

I have been working for a while with the Serbian filmmaker, Emir Kusturica. It’s a project called Love and War and it’s dedicated to a man who survived war and became a monk.

It is my first time in Serbia and I have never been to such a magical, mysterious place. The scenery is breathtaking. What spirit! I’ve actually been living at the home of Emir Kusturica. I’m considering learning Serbian as well.

Is it a culture shock working in Europe as opposed to the big studios in the US? America is the land that gave birth to the modern studio system. In Italy, we have cinema, talented directors and producers, but not in the same way as America. To get a project off the ground, you need money. We don’t have enough money in the arts, films, ballet, opera, these things all need investment. Obviously, I left Italy to pursue a global career and I am pleased that I did, otherwise I would not have known this success, but Italy will always be my first love.

TR

Wraith Rolls Royce

Only a handful of times during a lifetime do you really experience one of those moments when the planets align. Let me tell you about one of those moments that happened to me.

Words: OLIVER SMITH

THE REVIEW 2014 21

T

he planet was Jupiter as composed by Gustav Holst. The place was Doughton on the A433 in Gloucestershire. And the car was the Rolls Royce Wraith. For those of you who don’t know the piece of music, there is a point when all goes quiet and through the expectation builds a rousing instrumental of the well-known hymn ‘I Vow to Thee, My Country’. It’s hard to communicate, but on that sunny Friday afternoon, wafting along in the Rolls, just past the entrance to the Prince of Wales’ country pile listening to such a rousing piece of music actually made me well-up.

You see, in Britain, as I see it, we’ve spent many, many years shuffling along, looking at the ground and apologising into our sleeves.

Apologising for our history, our traditions, our wars, our tastes and

ourselves. To me, this small moment was a chance for a man who has grown up in that era to glimpse what made us. And more importantly, what makes us great. A chance not to apologise, a chance to look down the bonnet of one of the finest motor cars in the world and watch the trees and landscape of our green and pleasant land flash by in the reflection of the spirit of ecstasy.

You know the Rolls Royce Wraith is an excellent car. You know it’s fast, you know it’s quiet, and you know that it’s built with the attention to detail and craftsmanship that saw our country be named as the only one in the world with the word ‘Great’ in front of it. You can Google the numbers, but I’m here to tell you how it feels.

From the suicide doors to the frosted art deco glass inserts behind the internal door handles, this car oozes style. It’s as though the chaps and chapettes as Rolls thumbed through a history book,

AU T O M O T I V E : W R A I T H marked out a point in time when Britain was great, cigarettes were good for you, and women were just as sexy with their clothes on, then said: ‘Righto, fritz, you write the cheque out and we’ll set about nailing the old girl together’.

And nail her together they did: hand-selected leather (cows occasionally stumble into barbed wire fences and a machine won’t pick out that kind of imperfection on a hide you see), beautiful design cues, and enough wood to make you feel a little bit sad for them tribal folk in National Geographic who have clearly forgone a tree house of two so that I can coo over the way Rolls have matched the grain perfectly on the inlays.

This car is interesting in a way that it embraces and embodies lots that made us great as a nation. I think the reason that onlookers love it is because it’s a safe way to tip their hat to a once great and

proud nation. Like an empty place at the table the morning after a bombing raid in WW2. The cutlery was still laid out as if to say, ‘You’re gone, but we remember what you did’.

This car isn’t about being efficient or practical (even though it is a little of those things). It’s about being unashamedly fabulous. It’s the equivalent of crashing your tiger moth into Buckingham Palace, stepping calmly from the wreckage dressed in last night’s tux with a magnum of Krug ‘66 in one hand and a half smoked Sobranie in the other.

It’s the courage of the Light Brigade in October 1854. It’s the boys who gave their lives in the Battle of Britain. It’s that sunny afternoon with the girl you love lazing under an English oak. It’s Keates. It’s Tennyson. It’s Winston bloody Churchill.

Most of all though, it’s a Rolls Royce. And it’s British.

TR

THE REVIEW 2014 23

DB9 Aston Martin has always held a special place in my heart. As a boy, I remember watching Timothy Dalton drive across Arctic tundra in the V8 Vantage Volante, being chased by the Ruskies. Times have changed, though, and the Iron Curtain has fallen.

Words: PETER J ROBINSON

AU T O M O T I V E : D B 9

THE REVIEW 2014 27

T

his issue, we couldn’t be further from tundra. This quarter, I convinced the ladies and gents at the hallowed Aston Martin Lagonda head office to loan us their new V12 DB9 Volante for an epic drive from Bristol to Antibes. The last time I drove across Europe was in a One Series BMW, following a team of 110 Defenders from Copenhagen to Monaco on the Gumball Rally. The trip itself was debauched, but the solo return journey from Nice to Bristol (in one day) was ill-advised for my mental health.

I had been told for a number of years by classic motoring friends, the drive down through France was a beautiful experience.

I was determined to try it again in a car of substance; a car that truly defines automotive beauty in the 21st century.

The V12 DB9 Volante is a 2+2 convertible with more style and panache than the right half of Terry Thomas’s moustache. A car so well-balanced, so well built, it makes you shed a tear for this generation’s design students. How do you follow it?

When the car arrived on a sunny Thursday afternoon, I was meeting with my accountant, who by now knows better than to judge our fiscal reality based on the office driveway. Now, instead of raising her eyebrows when she sees a six figure-plus marque in the car park, she reacts like everyone in the office. iPhones held to head height, extend by two feet, press shutter button repeatedly. I can only assume she uses the images on social media to proclaim that her clients are doing better than Gerard Depardieu.

Once the office had cleared out, I took a stroll downstairs to take a proper look at this engineering deity. It was the first week of June, so the weather was perfect. The roof came down with no regard for people’s scornful looks in the city centre. Actually, it’s less scorn and more covetousness. I cannot begrudge people that – who wouldn’t yearn for a DB9.

The engine notes on ignition are like the angels of war calling

forth reinforcements. It really does have a formidable sound. The AM11 engine is the most powerful in the DB9’s history, so it’s no surprise that it sounds like an archangel striking ground.

Rather than schlep across the channel with the roundabout appreciation society and hundreds of school children packed into coaches, we opted for the much quicker and frankly more-efficient Euro Tunnel. At a mere 35 minute crossing, it is three times faster than the good old ferry.

Arguably, you need to be careful keeping the DB9’s Pirelli P Zero’s inside the track lines in the shuttle bay, but at just over half an hour, you can’t afford to waste an hour-plus with the ferry.

35 minutes later, we were flying through the French countryside with the roof up. One thing you instantly realise is how quiet the car is for a convertible. It is ashamedly quieter than my hardtop, believe it or not. The silence is quickly broken by the 1000W Bang & Olufsen BeoSound wafting out The Black Keys to an unsuspecting French Sunday afternoon. Both Aston Martin and B&O were founded at the start of the 20th century and neither follow function – they clearly reinvent form. The audio system is a masterpiece, from the two speakers that arise, knighted, from the front dash to the soul-stirring bass.

The interior has that smell that only wallet-shredding cars produce. You would have thought that all car leather, irrespective of how you skin the cow, would generate that thick, leather, testosterone-fuelled musk, like Tom Ford smoking a cigar. And you would be wrong. Aston Martin use seven bridge of weir hides to trim the cabin of a DB9; it is beautifully appointed. The leather stitched detailing, the walnut, the carbon fibre gear paddles – as always, the interior is flawless. My only gripe with the paddles is the need to then push a circular button on the dash to reverse. I am sure though that anyone with the power of sight will say “I don’t care if it’s engineered by the Chuckle Brothers, take my money”. My advice is to keep the sport button pressed, however. The throttle awakens noticeably and the sound is like a pack of feral dogs truffle-hunting in a French forest.

At about 18:00, we arrived in Dijon on a lazy Sunday afternoon to collect Dr Farrow who had arrived from Heidelberg. Despite parking in a somewhat addled manner on the side of the road next to a junction, we received no beeping or shouting from our 2CV driving friends. Not a murmur, just the mere creak of necks as the locals drove past, craning to see the DB9 for a few more fleeting seconds.

They didn’t smile, of course. This is still France, and we had very

yellow, very British number plates. I settled for the obvious sense of superiority that one derives from driving the epitome of British engineering through central France.

We had ourselves a deadline: the chateau dinner reservation.

Having left the autoroute and taken a mortgage out at the Péage, I was faced with sunset-drenched country roads and a car full of weary passengers, who were not quite as adrenaline-fuelled as I was. The next time I drive across France, I will remember to have everyone else fly. Or, indeed, have them all killed.

The screaming was completely unnecessary; there was a good 30 meters of room and the vehicle holding up proceedings was (obviously) a small French car being driven by the most dishevelled old woman, no doubt heading for a Bastille re-enactment. Overtaking was the only sensible option, I assure you.

The car most definitely had the power. We made dinner with time to spare and I had the opportunity to use my Pigeon French to talk to the concierge about the love I had for the DB9. Aston Martin: breaking down cultural barriers.

The following morning, we set off from the chateau on the outskirts of Leon for our final 283-mile stretch to the Riviera. Despite my continued disdain for the French toll system, it does mean that mile after mile of beautifully-smooth tarmac is kept in pristine condition. The only thing that made the drive a little awkward was trying to pack four people into the DB9. No doubt short stints and children would be fine, but adults on a 12-hour cruise would be well-advised to shell out and get a car each. It’s the right way to do it, people.

The wide expanse of motorway surely turned into winding roads once again. The DB9 wills you onward, as if your self-preservation switch disengages in the pursuit of those enviable engine notes.

Driving along the coastal road to the Villa Sandryon was breathtaking. White sand beaches, bright blue water and more non-French people on mopeds that you can shake a stick at.

The Aston handled like it was born on rails and, of course, demands that you stay on the power and enjoy yourself that little bit longer. I wondered if parking in the small coastal provinces of Cannes, Nice, Antibes and Juan Les Pins would be tricky. It was. The DB9 is no smart car and she certainly isn’t a moped. Luckily, the Aston Martin brand heritage is currency on the Riviera, so we were never far from a casino or hotel concierge who was willing to take the DB9 off our hands for a fleeting moment.

THE REVIEW 2014 29

Over the years, we have driven quite a few Astons, but the DB9 is by far my favourite thus far. Of course, I say that after driving each new Aston Martin. The DB9 is something special, though: another gold medal on Aston Martin’s journey to automotive nirvana. The car has lines as sharp as Jean Reno shooting you a glare across a bar for spilling his Pastis – and the minerals to back it up.

The DB9 is a car I know I can fawn over without fear of retribution; thankfully, everyone loves an Aston. You could pull up to the highest of ivory-clad Cannes-grade hotels and the most debauched of bars in the DB9.

The only question I was asked by the doormen, as they took my keys and sat in the car, was “Monsieur, what is that beautiful smell?”

“It’s my aftershave. I have it distilled from the bilge water of Rupert Murdoch’s yacht”.

TR

M AKERS OF THE W ORLD’S F INEST S PORTING S HOTGUNS AND R IFLES & S UPPLIERS OF L UXURY S HOOTING G IFTS AND A CCESSORIES N EW Y ORK +1 212 752 7755

L ONDON

+44 (0)

20 7499 4411

www.hollandandholland.com

M OSCOW +7 495 937 4553

AU T O M O T I V E : D R I V E S O U T H W E S T

DRIVE SOUTH W EST

I

Words: PETER J ROBINSON

t’s a mystery to me why more people don’t realise that you can hire a supercar in the UK. Day after day, petrol-heads squeeze themselves into a special helmet two sizes too small and drive a few laps around a local track on an ‘experience day’. As if it isn’t bad enough that you are wearing a helmet, you are given an instructor to glare at you every time you change gear or push the car over 60. As if you need the helmet; you’re never going to hit a speed that would be likely to do any damage.

Suffice to say, you are much better off hiring a sports car and spending a few days with it in order to properly experience it.

For those of you who don’t feel like investing in a luxury marque and just want to hire one when you’re next in the country, the team at Drive South West are your go-to guys.

We collected a red Ferrari F430 Coupe on a blistering June afternoon this year from an undisclosed location in Wiltshire (no secret, it’s on the website). If you are spending a few weeks in the country and need something fun to drive, or even if you just need to indulge a midlife crisis, I recommend heading over to Drive South West and considering their range of Aston Martins, Porches, Bentleys, Maseratis, Ferraris, Audis – the list goes on.

Once we collected the F430, it was down to business. Our production team were heavily salivating, but don’t worry, they were kept away from the body work. We drove out with our motoring editor, who was driving the new Rolls Royce Wraith.

Who do you think caught more attention?

I have driven many cars in my life, but nothing captivates people’s minds like a Ferrari. It seems people can spring a conversation out of mid-air at a petrol station (“Expensive to run, is it?”) once you own a Ferrari. Running costs are luckily not really an issue.

In this instance, however, it was no issue at all. We would be handing it back somewhat begrudgingly in a few days, so purchasing costs

THE REVIEW 2014 33

don’t factor. I could tell you about the launch control, the horse power, the engine sound on the down-shift, but let’s be honest, you can book up and hire it yourself.

Mark Hanner, managing director at Drive South West, was there to welcome us and give us a tour of the car.

“I have been enthusiastic about cars since I was a nipper,” he told me. “As I came to the point in life where I could start driving and appreciating cars, this enthusiasm just grew and grew. For many of us, myself included, owning and running a sports car isn’t cheap, and most of us wouldn’t have time to drive them enough anyway. So, hiring a car for the odd day or a weekend away is a much more affordable

alternative.

“Another reason for starting the business was due to my own frustrations in finding a sports car to hire in the local area. There just seemed to be very little choice, and most only offered classics. The kind of cars I was looking to hire seemed to be huddled around the big cities, which, let’s face it, isn’t the best place to fully appreciate a sports car.

“So, I thought I would try to start bridging that gap by creating ‘Drive South West’, and really promote the idea of a drive in the country. We’re not part of a franchise or larger outfit, and we update the website ourselves, so our aim is to keep prices very reasonable, offer something more than just a car to drive, and to develop the collection

W: drivesouthwest.co.uk T: 01225 667373 SOUTHWEST

E: info@drivesouthwest.co.uk

of cars on offer.”

There are few things more pleasurable in life for me than driving a supercar across our green and pleasant land whilst the sun shines.

Rather than keep the Ferrari locked up over the weekend, we smoked up to Beaufort Polo Club’s afternoon fixture. When we decided to head to the cashpoint at midday, we were faced with exiting the grounds towards the flow of oncoming traffic. Far from ideal.

Luckily, people tend to melt in the presence of a Ferrari. Gates open, champagne falls from the heavens, and so on. We were given access to the owner’s private lane. We were also directed into the VIP entrance, until we explained that we preferred to ‘rough’ it with the

locals. Better drinks and a younger crowd was the real reason. A Ferrari certainly does open doors for you. Remembering, of course, that new money shouts and old money whispers quietly into a gold lined velvet cushion. This means that, as the F430 is a classic model, you do look like you have owned it for years. Not only that, but where are you likely to find an opportunity to drive a classic Ferrari. You can buy one, or hire one. Your options are sparse.

So, whether you’re looking for a weekend escape, need a fun runaround whilst you’re here on business, or just get bored of the weekday saloon, Drive South West have got the horse power for you – minus the overheads.

TR

THE REVIEW 2014 35

Boxster Words: OLIVER SMITH

AU T O M O T I V E : B OX S T E R

THE REVIEW 2014 39

N

ever has a car been plagued so badly by cheap clichéd jokes as the Porsche Boxster. ‘Girl’s car’, ‘hairdresser mobile’, and even the intellectual leviathan that is Jeremey Clarkson waded in and gave the world ‘cockster’.

But what caused this? Why the hate?

Back in the halcyon days of the Porsche 930 Turbo being bought by the city’s emerging middleclass or yuppies in the mid-1980s, Porsche was a badge that the lower end of the gene pool saw as an easy target, and one that the less fortunate loved to hate. Less than a decade later and combine this badge with a car that, upon launch, had cheeky looks along with a petit road presence, and you had the

prefect target for the green-eyed, small-minded simpleton to take out his frustrations at having amounted to nothing in life.

‘The English love an underdog’ is what they all say, but in reality, we are the worst sufferers of tall poppy syndrome in the world. This may seem like an odd way to begin a sports car review, but people’s perceptions are a factor. You have to admit that you wouldn’t drive a car that made you look stupid or brought out the worst in onlookers.

Thankfully, Porsche’s image is back where it belongs – on the top of the pile – and with the new Boxster, it’s staying there.

It’s handsome, wide and fast. That’s not to say that it’s a hairyarsed brute. It’s more track-and-field less cage fighter. The 20-inch optional wheels on the test car go a long way to enhancing the appearance, and the black contrast against the white car works well.

The body is only 0.8 of an inch wider than the first Boxster, but looks a lot stauncher in its appearance.

The Boxster has 265bhp and will hit 60mph in 5.5 seconds.

These figures are the mathematical equation for a great deal of fun.

Whilst lacking the torque of the 315bhp ‘S’ version, the power is usable and you can rev the engine out without needing miles of straights. It engages you.

The flat six sounds glorious with the sports exhaust, and in manual mode (we had the PDK equipped car) you could be forgiven for coming over all Targa Florio on a B-road. Traditionally, I’m a bit of a flappy paddle hater, but the PDK transmission is impressive, even if you don’t subscribe to the idea. I really don’t see where paddle shift can go from here; they really have nailed it.

The sport plus button is a nice feature, but on bumpier roads and in the wet, it takes away a little compliance. And while the car is never skittish, it can get unsettled.

The EPAS steering is very good and I only noticed the difference

when I drove a car with hydraulic steering back-to-back.

Overall though, the handling is nothing short of superb. It hooks up under power and catapults you through bends (let’s not get into the engine positioning debate). Porsche are obviously proud of this and have included a G-force meter, so you too can share in their smugness. It rides beautifully and has very little roll, with only a touch of understeer if pushed.

Competition-wise, the cost brings it perilously close to the entry level F-Type. The basic Boxster starts at £38k, but with only a handful of options, the car tested was just over £54k. Having said this, handling-wise, it would pip the Jaguar past the post.

This car is a masterpiece in design, marketing and engineering, and because of those three things, the Porsche Boxster should no longer be perceived as a girl’s car.

Truth be told, it’s barely unisex anymore.

TR

THE REVIEW 2014 41

LUXURY HANDMADE FOOTWARE www.dukesboots.com

The Economies of Karma ‘Good’ is the world’s fastest growing currency. Michael Phillips Moskowitz, founder of Bureau of Trade and Ebays chief curator, gives us his take on the benefit of the good deed.

N

o good deed ever goes unpublished. People chronicle acts of kindness. They note, register and record gestures of generosity. They remember virtue.

Too often in business, niceties are eschewed in the name of efficiency, speed, focus, or tooth-and-claw competition. Goodness is equated with weakness; niceness is evidence of naïveté. In such a context and culture, altruism rarely stands out as a brightly-feathered arrow in anyone’s quiver.

That paradigm is flawed. And that premise is faltering. I believe we’re on the precipice of a paradigmatic shift.

Powerful ideas take time to take hold.

Consider the trajectory of Design Thinking.

Twenty years ago, IDEO trumpeted the belief that empathy was critical both as a design principle and a critical business pillar. At first, it failed to persuade executives in C-suites across the globe. Fast-forward two decades, and it’s become accepted wisdom, notably a central part of academic and everyday business lexicon. But its ascension wasn’t due entirely to evangelism—it required time to prove measurable results and repeatable

dividends.

Such is the case today with what we might call ‘the economy of goodness’. The world at large has yet to realise the true value of karma (in the colloquial sense): the currency of good deeds. Simple favours. Personal introductions.

Proactive generosity. Preemptive connections.

Not merely the realm of give-and-take or quid pro quo. Not social indebtedness, but a culture of goodwill. Professional momentum by way of ‘consequential kindness’.

If success is increasingly determined by who and not just what you know, then the manner in which we treat people may (and likely will) soon prove the key arbiter of pros-

O P I N I O N : M I C H A E L P H I L L I P S M O S KO W I T Z perity. For evidence, no single person paints a more vivid, vibrant, compelling portrait than Pharrell Williams.

Pharrell didn’t ‘Get Lucky’ in the summer of 2013 with the stratospheric success of Blurred Lines and Daft Punk’s Random Access Memories. On the contrary. The fruits of his programmatic approach to work and life started ages ago. He quietly adopted and started humbly demonstrating a commitment to a simple premise—be good. Do good. Support goodness.

In his polysyllabic career, Pharrell’s consistent (and rising) appeal hasn’t been rooted

in celebrity—or in his ineffable ‘otherness’.

It’s been in his unequivocal commitment to good. To behaving generously. Conscientiously. With kindness. With purpose. With a keen awareness that we can never keep what we covet—only what we give away. I say these things not merely as his fan, but also as a friend.

There’s a strong business case to be made chances to aid others. If, like Atul Gawande’s for growth through giving, or momentum brilliant Checklist, there’s a simple playbook through menschlichkeit. The simple lesson: to follow, it might look something like this: celebrate other people. Connect with people you respect. Connect them to one another.

• Actively connect great people with Spread affection. Opportunistically seek out great people. Send flattering,

personal, detailed email introductions • When asked for help, say yes • Go out of your way to help others realise their dreams • When people provide even minor assistance, send personal thankyou notes—handwritten cards when possible • Remember birthdays, with notes, phone calls or tiny gifts. Facebook messages don’t suffice

THE REVIEW 2014 45

.BLT. THE

The formidably styled and fiercely sartorial Lord of the Trad Clan, David The Minns. formidably and fiercely Lord of the Trad David This styled issue, Minns looks sartorial takes power dressing in hisClan, stride.

Minns. This issue, Minns talks about ‘The Rules of Engagement’.

Pictures: MANY Pictures: MANY Words: DAVID MINNS Words: DAVID MINNS

E

B LT : T H E R U L E S

ver since Adam utilised the proverbial fig leaf to protect his modesty, we have worn some form of clothing or another. Whether or not your vestments are designed to keep you warm, or indeed, if you are blessed with clement weather in your world, to keep the sun from scorching you, they are, or at least were, designed for the express purpose of protecting us from the elements.

And, where sartoria is concerned, if you must wear a suit, or rather, if you prefer to wear a suit out of convenience, or indeed, necessity, tradition or simplicity, then there a few rules of engagement which will ensure that you are getting the most of your armour. Regardless if you choose your suit because you liked the look of it, or because it’s the colour worn by your peers, it provides security and protects us from the outside world.

Cloth I begin with cloth because one of the chief requirements of the majority of my (male) customers is that their suiting cloth must be lightweight, as they are prone to run a little hot, and so, do not want a suiting cloth which is too heavy. However, of the suits which Brown in Town is commissioned to make, it is not necessarily the case that they are all made using lightweight cloths.

Now, there is cloth and there is cloth. Some cloth is fashioned from manmade fibre like polyester, whilst others are made from natural fibres like wool, cotton and linen. Manmade fibres are generally understood to be a little harder wearing, but do not have the ability to breathe as natural fibres do. Ergo, it is important to understand which cloth is suitable for the occasion, and by this I do not mean not wearing brown into town, as our name suggests. We encourage the underdog, the experimental and the dandy.

Colour Concerning ourselves with which colour suit, shirt, tie, shoes or even pocket squares to wear is not something which occurs to most men until after we become disinterested in the vagaries of fashion. Or we become exasperated by the same colour garments being brought home for us by our memsahibs for consideration from the weekly trips to M&S, Primani or John Lewis.

The majority of Brown in Town’s patrons fall into two categories: grooms and businessmen. The former, generally speaking, want a garment which is flattering and conjures something of tradition, whilst speaking volumes of their own personal style and taste. The latter would be best served wearing something which is flattering, which conjures something of tradition, and which should almost certainly not speak volumes about their personal style and taste – with the exception, of course, of gentlemen’s pleasures, the age old tradition of wearing your heart discreetly on the inside of your sleeve, under your collar, or most popular of all, the custom lining of their coats.

Given the business suits application (e.g. to impress one’s peers and clients), a certain level of conservatism is probably encouraged. However, this does not exonerate anyone from wearing ill-fitting suits with poorly colour coordinated shirt-andtie combinations.

THE REVIEW 2014 47

At Brown in Town, we pride ourselves on finding just the right colour suiting cloth, shirting cloth, tie, pocket square and handkerchief to suit, ahem.

Fit Wearing clothes which fit you is a good idea for many reasons – not least they are more flattering of the wearer. In addition, wearing ill-fitting suits, or indeed clothes is a sure-fire way of attracting unwanted attention not only from your peers, but also members of the opposite sex. And nobody wants to wear clothes which cause members of the opposite sex to take pity on them.

Moreover, wearing clothes which fit – and fit well – will prolong their life. For, if there are less rough, or indeed, loose edges to be hewn, the garment is more likely to enjoy an easier life and be longer-lasting. Understandably, having one’s suits made may seem like a luxury to some, but if you consider that those garments which are made using our measurements, and for our frame, then we are ostensibly the mould for that garment and, ergo, will keep it in shape just by wearing it – a good, well-cut suit would rather be worn to bed, or during a flight than be hung in a wardrobe, or folded up in a case.

Form Following cloth and colour, it is the proportions of a suit which we at Brown in Town concern ourselves with. For, irrespective if the wearer has a long or short torso, or long or short legs, if the jacket accounts for half of the total length of the ensemble, e.g. from collar of jacket to hem of jacket, and ergo, the trousers the other half from the hem of the jacket to the hem of the trousers, then the suit should appear perfectly balanced.

Etiquette versus Style And if form, function and flattery are all that you muster, then you have done very well indeed. However, if you really want to make your mark, then it is sartorial etiquette, and therefore style which will most impress, and which sets those in the know apart from those who are not – as follows:

Puddling Trouser length speaks volumes about the wearer’s consideration for his appearance. If the trousers are too long, a la premier league football players’ suit trousers, known as puddling, then the wearer is either trying to mirror the style of his chinos or jeans, but failing hopelessly as cotton will ‘ruck’ up the shin, whereas wool will collect at the ankle, or he cannot be bothered to have them tailored. Tisk, tisk.

A single break (dent) in the crease of your trousers at shinlevel is considered de rigueur for all but military personnel, for whom no break is the order of the day. If your trousers are not made for you at the prerequisite length, or if you have chosen to ignore the advice of your tailor, having trousers taken up by a seamstress costs very little and will not only improve the drape of your trousers, stop you treading on and tearing the hem of your trousers, but also ensure your beautiful handmade shoes are shown in all their glory.

Shoes Not all shoes are equal. Nor are all shoes handmade. Ask any self-respecting woman and they will inform you in no uncertain terms that you can (and will) ruin the appearance of a perfectly good suit by donning a pair of appalling shoes.

Sometimes Always Never It is generally accepted that a jacket should be fastened by a single button at all times: it accentuates the silhouette of the coat and best displays the narrowing at the waist and the cut, as intended. If you are wearing a three button jacket, then it is necessity – e.g. inclement weather, or a need for additional security (ideal for those used to wearing waistcoats) – which dictates if the top button should be fastened or not. Under no circumstances should the bottom button be fastened.

Shooting Cuff It is generally considered appropriate (moreover, good form) to reveal about half inch of shirt cuff beneath your coat sleeve when arms are rested at your sides. It provides a border, if you will, between your coat and your hand. And at the very least, should act as a guide for your coat sleeve length which should come to rest at the top of your hand, where thumb meets wrist, and so if you are shooting more than, let’s say, one inch of cuff, you will know that you are on the Laurence Llewelyn Bowen side of sartorial correctness.

Untied It was once said that it is better to be the only man in a room wearing a tie than the only man in the room not wearing a tie. I don’t think there’s any need to consider this sartorial dilemma any further.

Now, these rules of engagement may purport to be for the consideration of the suit wearers among us, or indeed, renaissance men, dandies, and those who want to make an impression – but not exclusively. The basics – being cloth, colour and fit – can be applied to anyone from Adam to Eve. It’s a sartorial quagmire out there, but together, we can navigate it.

Best of luck.

TR

I

remember a rather odd meeting a long time ago at the Saint James in Paris. I was driving across France with an old friend to review the then-new Ferrari California. We had taken a pit-stop at the St James and my colleague had arranged a meeting with a gentleman representing BRM watches.

He said, “As a Frenchman, I am proud of my country. We have beautiful countryside, great wine, magnificent food. If it wasn’t for the French, it would be a beautiful place”.

I tell you that story for no other reason than to point out that the engineers at BRM are a little eccentric. I am not a staunch anglophile; I appreciate other cultures, especially those that advise daily consumption of great wine and mistresses.

When we finally cracked the combustion engine in the 19th century, it was only a matter of time before men acted as men do and wanted to see whose race car could go faster and further. With the creation of motorsport came the need for accurate timekeeping.

BRM (Bernard Richards Manufacture) takes inspiration from automotive technology. For 25 years, Bernard has combined his passion for racing with the family business of watchmaking. BRM now produce over 2000 pieces every year in northwestern France.

Some pieces are a race-fan’s wet dream, combining titanium and checkered flags, whilst others are a little more genteel in their design.

Which do you think we opted to feature?

TR

The V7-38 is manufactured with a superfine 18/8 stainless-steel and, as all BRM watches, the V7 -38 features: - Piston shaped case - Lugs applied to the case - Extra light hands - White dials - Race numbers applied on the dial - Movements 2824-2 - Crystal sapphire front and back - Water resistant up to 100 meters - 3 years warranty

T R AV E L : T O S A R E T R E AT

The V6-44 is manufactured with superfine 18/8 stainless-steel and features : - Piston shaped case, - Lugs applied to the case, - Extra light hands, - Black dials, - White, black or brushed dials, - Movements 2824-2, - Crystal sapphire front and back, - Water resistant up to 100 meters,

THE REVIEW 2014 51

.BLT. The formidably styled and fiercely sartorial, Lord of the Trad clan, David The formidably styled andThis fiercely sartorial, of Fox the Trad clan, David Minns. issue, DavidLord visits Brothers & Co.Minns. This issue, David talks about his man crush on Sir Michael Caine.

Pictures: MANY Photography: MANY

FOOD : EBRINGTON ARMS

A friend recently introduced me to the new owners of Fox Brothers & Co., the last remaining cloth mill in the south west of England. Accepting an invitation to visit the showroom at their mill in Wellington, Somerset (given that I live just an hour away in Bristol), I was keen to learn more of Fox’s provenance.

The mill itself is no longer in its original location, but driving through the country lanes en route, one can see the original Georgian red-brick buildings in the distance – and how majestic they are too.

Fox once employed 5000 staff. Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that the company employed Wellington, as it was, at the time, the largest employer in the area – not dissimilar to Clarks, also in Somerset, whose shoe empire built the village of Street. a Before I’d even entered the reception of the mill, I could hear the clatter-clatter of some original looms, weaving some of the finest cloths in the world. To the front of the mill is tailor Brian Smith’s workshop. Brian was master cutter for Huntsman for many years, but now works his sartorial magic in the surroundings of this mill, which he is very familiar with (tailor’s nirvana?). And there, in the window of Brian’s workshop, was the cloth that had eluded me my entire tailoring career: the Prince of Wales check flannel. Its mix of autumnal-coloured yarns, ever pleasing to the eye, almost brought a tear to mine.

And the PoW is not the only true British classic that Fox Brothers produce, as their archives proved. To say I was in my element, perusing the tomes of cloths produced over the past hundred or so years, would be putting it mildly. The selection of wonderful worsteds and flannels (for which Fox are renowned) seemed endless, yet so of the moment. It is encouraging to see a business, founded in 1772, not only flourishing and upholding such timehonoured tradition, but also being so relevant to modern style.

Of course, suits are currently enjoying something of a renaissance, and have been for a number of years, but there’s nothing quite like following in the footsteps of some of our greatest sartorial icons. Here are just some of Fox’s discerning and well-known patrons.

Cary Grant: Bristolian, Hollywood icon and greatest sartorial inspiration of The BLT’s patrons. Grant favoured Fox’s plain worsteds. Picture Grant and you envisage Fox Brothers cloth.

Sir Winston Churchill: esteemed prime minister, political heavyweight and cigar aficionado, Churchill favoured Fox’s chalk stripe flannel cloth. Churchillphiles can not only partake in smoking Churchill’s eponymous cigars, but also acquire his favoured chalk stripe cloth, for use in their very own version of his classic three piece suit.

The Duke of Windsor: king, sartorial hero of mine, and once bearer of the title HRH Prince of Wales. Edward VIlI may not have been the namesake of this beloved cloth, but he certainly did much to promote it. So, whether you are a renaissance man (like me) or simply a classic dresser, there is surely nothing more hallowed than sporting a suit made of cloth of such provenance.

THE REVIEW 2013 3

JEAN RICHARD Y Remember the chap that landed his stricken aircraft safely on the Hudson, becoming a US national hero and providing us with another YouTube video to stare at wide eyed. He isn’t your everyday brand ambassador. ou have to wonder how the team at Jean Rich-

ard approached Captain Chesney Sullenberger.

Gently, one would assume, and with no sudden movements. No doubt by now the media have circled and dispersed. Another interesting choice is James Blunt.

But Jean Richard are no-flash-in-the-pan, oh no. As the sister brand of Girad-Perregaux, they have worked hard over the past few years to really develop the brand and

design. Jean Richard base their communication on four different pillars, which are the watchmaking tradition: the land, the water and the air. Respectively, their collections embody these pillars with the 1681, the Terrascope, the Aquascope and the Aeroscope. For each of these environments, Jean Richard is looking to tell the stories of people whose passions have driven their philosophies to do extraordinary things. This issue we showcase a selection of the Jean Richard range from air, sea and land:

Polished and strong vertically satin-finished titanium and black DLC-coated titanium case Black DLC-coated titanium bezel engraved and filled with white painting Pusher’s bumpers in carbon fiber composite 44 mm Height: 12.67 mm Antireflective sapphire crystal Titanium case-back screw-down, engraved Waterresistant to 100 m

HOROLOGY : JEAN RICHARD

THE REVIEW 2014 55

Sandblasted and vertically satin-finished black – DLC-coated stainless steel case 44.00 mm Height: 12.60 mm Antireflective sapphire crystal Black case-back screw-down, engraved Water-resistant to 100 m Movement JR60, self-winding Calibre: 11 ½’’ Frequency: 28,800 vibrations /hour (4 Hz) Jewels: 26 Power reserve: minimum 38 hours Functions: hour, minute, second, date Black matt dial Luminescent sandblasted indexes Rhodium-coated sandblasted hands with luminescent material Black rubber strap Black PVD-coated

Polished and vertically satin-finished blue PVD coating stainless steel case Circular satin-finished stainless steel bezel Unidirectional rotating bezel 44.00 mm Height: 13.05 mm Antireflective sapphire crystal Case-back, screwed-down, engraved Screwed-down crown Water-resistant to 300 m Movement JR60, self-winding Calibre: 11 ½’’ Frequency: 28,800 vibrations/hour (4 Hz) Jewels: 26 Power reserve: minimum 38 hours Functions: hour, minute, second, date Blue “Hokusai” style engraved dial Suspended rhodium-coated indexes with luminescent material Rhodium-coated hands with luminescent material Blue rubber strap or stainless steel bracelet Stainless steel folding or butterfly buckle

THE REVIEW 2014 57

PUT UP YOUR

Bored of floating around on the fickle winds of fashion? I think that you need something reliable in your life.

Words: OLIVER SMITH

A

s a country boy, I work on the premise of ‘If it’s not in fashion, then it can never be out of fashion’. And I pride myself on my mantra of ‘Tradition, tradition, tradition’.

However, contrary to what you may now think, we don’t just wear baggy-arsed red corduroy trousers with turn-ups at half-mast.

When not slowly pickling oneself in port for the six months of darkness, the winds of fashion do occasionally blow through the ‘the sticks’.

These winds tend to bring variations on tweedy classics and the odd flowery printed pair of wellies. This time, though, change is here to stay.

Dukes Boots is a new British brand, designing and producing handmade chelsea boots, monk straps and riding boots – all staples of the self-respecting country-type’s wardrobe.

Dukes was setup to produce a line of footwear delivering handmade, high-quality shoes at prices that shoes should cost. Your feet are important, but then so is being able to afford to eat. That’s not to say that these

FA S H I O N : D U K E S boots are cheap and nasty; they’re of the highest quality and feature designs which allow them to maintain the classic look and feel, but with a tasteful spin and even the ability to custom design your own pair with their bespoke boot builder.

Shoes and coffins are always in demand, but you will only notice if one of those is poor quality. The integrity is ensured by the nature of the boots being handmade.

Crafted in Spain no less, each pair takes a painstaking twenty-one days to make, and before the mention of them being made anywhere but Northamptonshire has you charging up and down the drawing room wielding a poker whilst remonstrating about ‘bloody foreigners’, the Spanish produce some of the finest leather riding boots in the world.

Daisy Livett, director of Dukes Boots, says: “The core focus for Dukes was to produce a line of heritage British footwear which branches out into more modern takes on the traditional designs” As a business Dukes boots have it right; a traditional heart and a solid product

but with the ability to add variation which doesn’t lose the origins of what it’s about, only enhancing it.

Daisy goes on to say: “Keeping Dukes fresh and current is highly important to me.

I don’t want the brand to become boring!

I’m constantly working on new designs and ideas, just sticking to the core boot shapes and adding a little twist.”

People with beards and skinny jeans will also be pleased to learn that Daisy has no plans to sell out to the Man: “The plan for the future of Dukes is to keep everything organic and controllable, as I don’t want jeopardise the quality of the boots, and that’s what it’s all about. I would like to see Dukes being stocked by independent British boutiques where I believe they’ll fit well. One day, it would be great to have a little shop for Dukes alone – but who knows?

Maybe that’s a few years down the line yet.”

So, whether stepping out of a Land Rover or sauntering onto your 30-metre motor yacht, there will be a style to suit and a dash to be cut. And it looks like they’re here to stay.

TR

THE REVIEW 2014 59

I

f you are a regular reader of The Review, you may have noticed that we are somewhat lacking in the nautical editorial department. Now, this is nothing to do with our interest in all things sea bound – very much the opposite. It’s because we have always strived to genuinely review the best and brightest for you, accepting no substitutes along the way, and no doubt ruffling some feathers.

But that’s our job and we work tire-

lessly at it, so your moisturised debutant hands don’t have to. No doubt your father slaved away at the Fortune 500 company he inherited, so that you could go to Harrow and Oxford, and eventually end up aboard a super-yacht being served an endless supply of champagne and canapés.

One day, however, you will have to strike out on your own and start looking at building your own flotilla. Heesen yachts are one of a handful of specialist yacht makers that make your average pleasure cruiser look like a bloody toy.

Based in the Netherlands and established

in 1978, Heesen has worked with a myriad of individuals lucky enough to have their nautical dreams turned into a reality. They have also designed more yachts over 30 metres in the last ten years than any other yard. Heesen currently has a 70-metre yacht in production that has already been sold. The owner has chosen Espen Oeino International to design the exterior lines and Sinot Design for the interiors.

Last year, the team at Heesen were the talk of the yacht building community when they built the 65-metre Galactica Star, which, had it not been for a spot of bad weather

NAU T I C A L : H E E S E N S I R O C C O

SIROCCO

at the Monaco Yacht Show, we would have been aboard. It’s okay though, our time would come.

This year we were invited aboard the 47-metre Sirocco by yacht manager Nicholas Sevier at Titan Fleet Management and, of course, the fantastic team at Heesen Yachts.

I can’t honestly say that my nautical etiquette is up to scratch. Well, it probably is for a racing catamaran, but not something with a range of 3400 miles. I pulled into the Golfe-Juan parking area in the DB9 and luckily found myself a spot. A short walk

along the promenade and there she was: the Sirocco.

Built in 2006 and flying the Isle of Man flag, she cuts an impressive figure. Obviously if you squint heavily, the Isle of Man flag becomes the Union Jack. Accommodating 12 guests and 9 crew, and with a max speed of 26 knots, is there a better way to navigate the globe.

We have been invited to yacht shows and boat yards before, but we opted to hold out for a firm with pedigree. Heesen are producing yachts that Poseidon would be proud of (and probably wouldn’t be able to catch).

Captain Marc Colomb welcomed us aboard via the gleaming aluminium intercom, and within a few minutes, we were heading out of the marina and into the bay.

There is a strange novelty about being asked to come to the bridge to see the captain.

With 30 years under his belt, Captain Marc is a seasoned veteran of both sail, motor, private and charter.

“Where would you like her?” he asked with a certain savoir-faire.

“This is perfect,” I said.

It is hard to find anything imperfect aboard a yacht of this calibre. The Sirocco

THE REVIEW 2014 63

is named after an intense, desiccating southerly wind that blows up from the Sahara Desert. Interesting that her owner would name her in reference to that winds great power.

Her interior is designed to reflect an anhydrous African heritage, sporting makassar wood, natural stone, leather all swathed in sultry earth tones. The Sirocco is a 154’ TriDeck, all-aluminium, twin-screw megayacht, (troglodyte translation: really big, fast boat).

Every yacht in the world is built in sections, mating hulls, decks, housings and flybridges together. But when it’s a yacht built entirely from aluminium, these sub-sections form a structure that’s akin to unibody construction. Or the sea-going equivalent to

Gibraltar’s rock.

I decided once we were out on the open water and the sun was beating down, it might be time for some obligatory nibbles. Chef Jochen Provost doesn’t do ‘nibbles’. Well, he does, and they are delicious, but you couldn’t just call them ‘nibbles’. Joe trained formally in Belgium in two Michelin-star restaurants for over five years, so let’s all agree that he is clearly a master of the culinary arts.

With the table laid on the bow deck, Chief Stewardes Lien Van Basselaere and her team served champagne whilst we enjoyed the view from across the Cote d’Azur.

Sirocco’s sundeck presents a pair of circular couches and tables, while inside, under

the radar/sat-nav cluster, is an exercise gym, along with an icemaker and sink, plus two counters with storage beneath. Aft is a huge sun pad and fresh-water jacuzzi with cover, plus underwater spotlights, fit for a crowd of eight happy mariners.

The master suite is on the wheelhouse deck, with its gigantic party dining area accessible at the rear deck. Though it’s no less sumptuous than any other location, a king-size berth is centred, facing aft, with its headboard forward and storage beneath.

Large pillars not only add motif, they add structural support and double as storage.

Fixtures are THG Chantilly, crystal-gold finish. A triplet of windows invite daylight

into the room from starboard. A double-size, glass-enclosed shower and large tub, plus toilet and bidet complete the amenities.

Speckled, gold-leaf tiles echo the master sink decoration in the form of wood floor inlays. A separate and dedicated room forward on the main deck, a divided lounging and entertainment room (a family room, of sorts).

Situated between two of Sirocco’s gigantic hull windows, guests can gaze over the horizon or catch up on the outside world with a giant plasma screen. Subtle details tie all of Sirocco’s elements together, such as the twine that binds the wood cross sections in the ceiling, or the reptilian leather that

covers select furnishings.

In the formal dining area, a spectacular cherrywood table looms up as the crowning element of this spare but spacious and well-organised section. The theme, polished wood and embossed leather, is carried out here as well, on flooring, sideboards and display spaces. Tableware cabinets at each beam provide for any occasion. The ceiling echoes Sirocco’s African earth tones throughout, with overhead, subtle lighting spotted in a regular pattern.

In regards to toys, the Sirocco has a Bauer dive compressor, water-skis, a wakeboard, and snorkelling gear. Of course, you might want to head into town at some point, so the

Castoldi, Nouvurania, or Zodiac rescue boat will be there to help.

Each Heesen yacht is designed and conceived by their team of engineers, naval architects, welders and carpenters. Each yacht is crafted to the owner’s specific needs, using the latest in naval technology and technical advances.

Overall the Sirocco is a true work of art.

It was honestly hard to leave. That might have been the amount of champagne that Lien plied us with, though. We tip our hat to Captain Marc Colomb, his crew, and to Nick Sevier at Titan Fleet Management who will look after any of your charter, management or brokerage needs.

TR

THE REVIEW 2014 65

Heesen Yachts Rijnstraat 2, 5347 KL, Oss, The Netherlands Tel: +31 (0)412 66 55 44 Web: www.heesenyachts.com

Nick Sevier Titan Fleet management.

79 Avenue des Freres Roustan Golfe Juan 06220 Web: www.titanfleet.com Tel: + 33 492931743

C U LT U R E : T I M WA L L AC E

TIM WALLACE Tim Wallace Is a critically-acclaimed photographer, whose breathtaking work spans the commercial and advertising industries.

Tim started out in the dark rooms of the Daily Mail Group, where he developed his unique appreciation for tone and contrast. With work also published in the Times, Guardian, and Independent, Tim’s career was definitely on track.

Fast-forward to the UK recession, when Tim decided that is was time for some fiscal stability. Aged 22, he joined the Royal Navy and went on to serve with 42 Commando Royal Marines in many parts of the world. But in 2006, Tim decided that it was time to go back to photography, and established Ambient Life. Over the past decade, Ambient Life has worked with a who’s-who of automotive royalty – from Morgan and Aton Martin to Chevrolet and Lamborghini – and his work is highly sought-after. This is all compounded by his string of awards, including International Commercial Advertising Photographer of the Year, and UK Motor Industry Car Photographer of the Year. His ability to create shots that showcase a car’s personality and soul are unparalleled. And here, we take a look back at Tim’s fantastic body of work.

TIM WALLACE

THE REVIEW 2014 69

THE Aston Martin Vanquish Shooting prestige cars is all about emotion, capturing not only how they look but also how they make you feel, they are an emotional purchase and as such it’s my job to stir those emotions through my photography.Â

THE REVIEW 2014 71

Aston Martin DB6 ‘Power Beauty and Soul’, words that were born from the classic legends of the past and that carry through to the modern day Astons. I always prefer to shoot within the natural environment, using lighting to create the drama and inspiration for my shot.

THE REVIEW 2014 73

AstOn Martin DBR2r This capture of this classic racer was shot using a sequence of lighting positions to build up the whole scene.

It’s time consuming as 17 positions were used in total for the final capture but it gives me A chance to create the light I need in small pockets over the whole scene.

THE REVIEW 2014 75

Shelby GT500 I often interpret a car’s personality when planning a shoot, and in this case, the Shelby was a working class hero. So I opted for a very industrial, hard environment to light and shoot the car.

Genevieve Yacht shoot Lifestyle is an essential part of this kind of shoot. It’s not only about showing the yacht, but setting the tone and creating an image that evokes a type of lifestyle. In this case, I wanted to give a feeling of beauty, of 60s romance, classic and elegant in its nature.

THE REVIEW 2014 77

Genevieve Super Yacht Shot off the coast of Palma this is in many ways the showcase image of that set, simple and elegant and shot using a single twin head flash at full power to provide the light and balance against the aggressive midday sun.Â

THE REVIEW 2014 79

DB5 GaugeS I often take time to consider what I want to say with each photograph and use lighting, and a low depth of field, getting in close to focus and concentrate on a angle detail to get across the emotion of a car, in this case the rev counter of a classic DB5.

CONTACT DETAILS Main Business site http://www.ambientlife.co.uk Online Portfolio http://www.commercialphotographerportfolio.co.uk Email: tim@ambientlife.co.uk Telephone: +44 (0) 7816 615 604 Twitter: twitter.com/Ambient_life Facebook AmbientLife: facebook.com/pages/AmbientLife/116635535114 Facebook Personal: facebook.com/tim.wallace.942 KelbyOne Seminar tutorial videos http://kelbyone.com/members/twallace/

Next public appearances Newcastle Upon Tyne - August 7th 2014 - Project Darwin showing at Digitalab’s F Stop Gallery Las Vegas – Sept 2014 – Photoshop World, I will be giving 3 talks on stage over the 3 days including a live shoot demonstration on stage London – November 2014, Exclusive Live shoot seminar of car photography with Profoto UK in London

Ferrari Capturing a car in its essence is sometimes a case of breaking down the elements and showing less, rather than more. Like the curve of a woman’s back, we don’t need to see everything to be seduced by the lines and be inspired.

THE REVIEW 2014 81

Charles Rennie Mackintosh, 1868 -1928

Charles Rennie Mackintosh has always intrigued me. Odd, given that while I appreciate the nuances of the Nouveau movement, I’ve never really been swayed by it – preferring instead, the boldness and opulence of Art Deco.

P

Words: JAMES CLARKE

erhaps it’s Mackintosh’s defiance in the face of adversity that I admire?

The son of a Glaswegian police superintendant, and one of a brood of eleven, he was fortunate to have the opportunity to nourish his creativity and pursue his passion in design and architecture during the late 1800s. Following his apprenticeship as an architectural draftsman at John Honeyman’s practice in Glasgow, he went on to win various scholarships and prizes. No doubt his biggest achievement was in the latter part of his career, when he was commissioned to design the magnificent Glasgow School of Art. Mackintosh eventually became a partner at what was to become Honeyman and Keppie in 1904. Although this partnership didn’t end so well, dissolving by 1913, due to his over-enthusiastic interest in hard Liquor.

In the early part of his career, Mackintosh, somewhat embittered by the lack of recognition at home in Scotland (and even less so in England) found the warm welcome his work received from the German avant garde, was the affirmation he needed.

Leaders of the Vienna Secession such as Josef Hoffman and Joseph Maria Oldrich, were delighted with the clean simple lines of Mackintosh’s interiors, and the distinct styling of his furniture.

Mackintosh and his wife Margret McDonald, also a noted talent, were invited to exhibit at the ‘Eight Secession Exhibition’ to great acclaim.

This is not to say he didn’t leave his mark on his hometown.

As is often the case with great artists, he was never given much favour within his lifetime, but examples of his architecture and design are now revered. The recent, tragic destruction by fire of the library at Glasgow School of Art is a terrible loss to the record of his ability and achievements.

Gaining few commissions from private clients or for commu-

nal projects, Mackintosh lavished his talents on the highly fashionable tea salons that ware so popular at the time. Commissioned by longstanding patron Miss Kate Cranston, proprietor of a number of such establishments, Mackintosh set to work on the Willow Tea Rooms with gusto. And this is where we find Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s most iconic piece of furniture: The Willow Chair.

Designed specifically for the supervisor, the chair was positioned as a physical boundary between two decorative styles within the tea room. The supervisor must have had to take a stark upright position, given the design of the chairs vertical back – ergonomics yet to be invented!

Throne-like and with clear oriental influence, it was indeed a seat of power within the Willow Tea Rooms. Whilst passing orders from waitress to kitchen, the supervisor had a grand position to ensure that order reigned within the tea empire. The subtle curve in the back of the chair, as opposed to the sharp linear geometry of the tree motif, gives shape to the piece. The ebonised latticed oak frame gives a clear view through the chair, yet it still holds great dominance and poise.

So, it may not have been the most comfortable of seats, but if form wins over function every time, aren’t we at a terrible loss?

I just love it. It’s no lounger to kickback with a book, or sit and ponder the world. It’s a statement piece, not a Sunday piece.

And truth be told, if that ‘price upon request’ tag ever becomes plausible, I’m sure I’ll be sat in a much more comfortable chair to admire its fine lines.

Overall, my deep appreciation of this chair is with the perfect lines maintained in the build quality. The fine cutting and shaping of the 144 blocks (yes, I counted them) which make up the horizontal line is fastidious work, to say the least.

This articulate demonstration of style and inclination towards presentation rather than practicality are a testament to his artistry.

And for this I applaud him.

TR

D E S I G N : C H A R L E S R E N N I E M AC K I N T O S H

THE REVIEW 2014 85

Table Manner

F

ew questions are harder to answer than “What’s your favourite restaurant?” There’s a profusion of posers I can answer without a stutter, without an afterthought, but I have no idea which restaurant I’d visit above any other. I know how I’d choose to die, spend my lottery winnings, how much I’d sell my body for, even how I’d dispose of a corpse (a criminologist friend advised grinding the bones and scattering on a beach).

Some people claim to know their favourite restaurant, but who wants to know about it? All our mothers’ cooking is the best, but we don’t tell each other, because we know everyone thinks the same. Plus, there’s a certain amount of snobbery that comes with choosing a favourite restaurant. It comes down to status, identity and expectation: “My appetite is more refined, less conventional, more ethical, and less pompous”. And you can’t tell the truth

Words: LAITH AL-KAISY

and say your local Chinese is your favourite haunt, despite it being the restaurant you frequent most.

When it comes to choosing favourite restaurants, everyone turns into a great contrarian. But at least we can all agree on the stinkers, right? Bad restaurants are what really fuel our table talk. People can argue about bad books, bad art, bad films, bad sports teams, but no one sticks up for bad food. It’s all spilt milk and sour grapes: the overcooked steak, the raw chicken, the soggy fries, the bland curry, the gravy-less roast – it’s not only a supreme offense and insult, but when food’s at its worst, the body physically revolts, spewing effluent and scat and sweat.

William Burroughs described the title of his novel ‘Naked Lunch’ as a “frozen moment when everyone sees what is on the end of every fork”. Showing people what’s at the end of your fork isn’t just a declaration of taste, it strips and exposes and defines you. It leaves you bare and vulnerable, and wraps you up in a neat societal label.

We live in an age where friends habitually show us what’s on the end of their forks. They insufferably seek validation by posting photos of every meal they eat on social media. If you ever wanted to know the importance of the relationship between food and the self, look no further than your Facebook timeline. And if you’re one of those people who can’t resist posting a snap of your insipid-looking food, I suggest making a bonfire of your life and starting again.

As for my favourite place to eat, I’m still stumped. Almost every week, the lady and I stop off at a quaint café in Islington, where I order the exact same thing, which costs all of £3.50. We don’t go for the price, the food, or the drink. We go for that unquantifiable and uncontrollable factor that can make or break any meal: expectation – or in this case, the lack of expectation. So, for now, take that as my favourite place to eat.

You don’t need a name, you don’t need a photo, and you certainly don’t need to see what’s on the end of my fork.

D I N I N G O U T : TA B L E M A N N E R

Alyn Williams at The Westbury, London, W1S

Funny things are tasting menus: blessings to dithering, indecisive gastro-tards like me. I’d much rather sample one of everything than all of one thing. But tasting menus go much deeper than that.

They offer a culinary journey, an artistic impression of a chef.

Dishes can be a single bite or five, but either way, each mouthful is meant to be taken with focus and intent, like eating an exclamation mark. You can’t talk with a gobful of art; you can’t swallow in the middle of conversation.

By most accounts, Alyn Williams at The Westbury delivers one of the most revered tasting menus in London, which has earned the eponymous chef a Michelin star. The restaurant is situated in that concentrated hotbox of eateries in Mayfair, most of which seem to attract Russian oligarchs and Japanese tourists, but for very

different reasons. It’s all thick accents and gesticulation, so everyone communicates through a transnational smile (except the Japanese, of course, who always look like they’re eating the last supper).

The meal started with langoustine in lemongrass, chilli, coconut and cucumber.

A Thai-influenced dish like this may seem out of place on an otherwise Anglo-Frenchinspired menu, but it was a strong opener nevertheless. The langoustine was a hit of sea-sweetness, swimming in a carefullybalanced Asian broth.

Humble as it sounds, Cornish hake with bean casserole was pimped up with morcilla (a Spanish version of black pudding) and black truffle, giving the delicate fish a much-needed kick up the arse. Foie gras semi fredo is a clever idea and sat well (despite being the third course) and was punctuated with a synthesis of prune, celeriac, bacon and espresso. Ordinarily, I’d not order something as experimental from

the a la carte, but as part of a tasting menu, this dish proved that bravery pays off.

Take four familiar ingredients: welsh lamb, potatoes, samphire, and caramalised lemon. Reading this on a menu, I could take it or leave it, but that’s the trick of great food: it forgets the familiarity of its ingredients. The lamb was blushing and grassy; the potatoes light and buttery; and the lemon calm enough not to overpower the gentle meat.

Dessert was mango, avocado, meringue and sherbet, which, though pleasant, was largely forgettable. Chocolate, melilot, date and salt was properly grown-up, and provided a final reminder why Alyn Williams is one of the most inventive and respected chefs in the country.

The tasting menu here defies expectation and convention. What separates good chefs from great chefs is frankly unquantifiable. It’s all wrapped up in one bite of extraordinary talent and imagination.

THE REVIEW 2014 87

L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, London, WC2H

I’ve just turned 30. I’m weight-conscious, I drink whisky neat, I eat offal in restaurants, I only have sex with one person, I don’t argue with my parents, I speak pejoratively of young people, and I’ve suddenly started making plans for the future.

No one warns you about this. There’s no guidebook, though there should be. There should be some padding, some your-dog’sgone-to-live-on-a-farm compassion. Someone should warn you that you can’t eat crisps every day for the rest of your life. Weight-gain isn’t exclusive to the working class; it’s alive and well and indiscriminate, and it’s landed on my abdomen.

So, there was only one way to lament this passage of time and see in my thirtieth birthday: by visiting an unmistakeably adult restaurant.

Situated a few doors down from The Ivy, the décor in L’Atelier is black as the Ace of Spades, properly raven, with smatterings of red, velvet curtains and more black and red.

You could shoot an S&M porno there. We were greeted effusively and shown to our table – or should I say, the bar – which gave a front row

seat to the kitchen. Now, I understand that some people have this weird desire to watch food being cooked by the chefs whilst sitting communally around a sushi-bar-esque conveyer table – but not me. We stayed for glass of Veuve Clicquot and requested to be moved to a proper table – you know, an adult table.

Don’t go the L’Atelier and order off the a la carte. This is a pricey restaurant, so it’s worth stumping up for the eight-course, £129 tasting menu. First was salmon tartar with a very generous helping of imperial caviar atop.

Now, I’d never order salmon, it’s one of the few things I don’t choose to put in my mouth.

Yet, this wasn’t only the best salmon I’ve ever tasted, but one of the best dishes I’ve had this year: silky, subtle and indulgent.

Scallops arrived majestically, the size of ice hockey pucks, with earthy black truffle; an absolute joy, albeit slightly over-perfumed by the fungus. Poached egg with black truffle was decent, but it’s hard to get excited about an egg, and looking at the other dishes available on the a la carte, it’s perplexing that the chef would include this on the tasting menu.

Lobster in a pepper velouté was much better than it should have been, and demonstrated the skill in getting the maximum

flavour from familiar ingredients. The lobster was silky as a mermaid’s breast, and the broth was lip-smackingly fiery.

Sweetbreads can be sublime, but are so difficult to pull off. After all, we’re talking thymus and pancreas here. Chefs have to work hard at making glands taste perfectly edible, which is exactly what they did: meltingly tender and muscular meat with, you guessed it, black truffle.

The pork arrived pink which, anywhere else, I’d probably have sent back. But I was completely invested in the gastronomic journey by this point. And it was a triumph: the unmistakeable flavour of piggy goodness accentuated and texturised by brittle, salty crackling.

This is cooking at its most refined, adult and informal. L’Atelier lost one star in the most recent Michelin Guide. But screw Michelin. This is a setting suitable for every occasion, that doesn’t subscribe to the vainglory, condescension and exclusivity of its neighbourhood rivals. Sure, it’s on the pricey side, but when you’re talking about some of the best food in the country, the question shouldn’t be can I afford to go, but can I afford not to.

Camino, London, N1

I never thought it’d get to this point. But last week, having been invited to one of London’s most revered Michelin-star restaurants, I chose not to go. Not because I was ill, not because anyone died, but simply because I couldn’t be bothered.

I’d been out for tapas the night before and ate my weight in squid and sliders. Then, of course, there was the cataract of rioja. It was fun in the truest sense of the word, and I just couldn’t see myself feeling the same way the following night in a stuffy Michelin place.

I’m aware that, word-by-word, column by column, I’m showing signs of chronic discontent, but it’s the pox of the profession.

Friends are always bitching to me about how they detest seeing critics on the television.

They question how these curmudgeons sleep at night after sardonically shitting on things that most people seldom get to experience.

That’s what I love about tapas joints: they’re pure egalitarianism. The food, the pomp, the ceremony is secondary to the convivial nature of Spanish mealtime. My only real problem with tapas in the UK is the portions. In the spirit of sharing and trying as many dishes as possible, you generally order one of each thing. But, to be honest, I only ever want a couple of dishes, and plenty of them.

Camino, unlike many London tapas joints, excels with portions. It serves bountiful plates of food that are well-sourced and authentic.

The prawns in chilli, garlic and white wine were as you’d expect: tender and sea-fresh, with the diligent hum of background heat.

Crispy squid I can eat endlessly, and Camino’s was no exception: crisp and dry batter protecting delicate meat and tentacles.

The potato omelette was exemplary, with properly puffy egg encasing thinly-sliced,

buttery spuds. Food memory is an important gastronomic trick, and somehow this low-key tapas restaurant has managed to imprint a modest dish of egg and potato on my mind for nearly half a year. Chorizo with piquillo peppers was expectedly good, as if the chef knew I was coming. These may be two of my favourite ingredients, but let’s face it: it’d probably take a kitchen fire to mess up such an uncomplicated dish.

The only problem with Camino is that you’ve had all this food before – and often better. However, it doesn’t really matter, because it was our conviviality that set the tone for the food, not the other way around.

Tapas is tapas. Without pioneering the field with unusual ingredients, it’s hard to stick out from the crowd. Still, if you want a night out without the formality, frippery and expectation of Mayfair, you could do a lot worse than Camino.

THE REVIEW 2014 89

Theo Randall at the Intercontinental, London, W1J

If, like me, you’re addicted to cooking shows, you’ll be familiar with Theo Randall.

He’s often on Saturday Kitchen, which the majority of us sit through with a hangover or a comedown. To me, chefs are proper celebrities, so when visiting Randall’s restaurant on Hyde Park Corner, there was a modicum of excitement about seeing him prepare our meal in the open kitchen.

Despite Randall being as English as rosy cheeks and Sunday lunch, his culinary proclivity is exclusively Italian. That’s fine, but unless you’re actually indigenous, I’ll never understand why you’d choose to dedicate yourself solely to one national cuisine.

When it comes to Italian restaurants,

I never even order from the authenticallyItalian side of the menu anyway. It’s always steak or seafood. And any talk of Italian food I usually leave to others, much like selfies, X-Factor and climate change. As I mentioned in my review of Babbo, to me, Italian cooking isn’t about the food. It’s about what the food represents: pasta, bread, oil, olives, wine – it’s all sustenance for the soul, mouthfuls of ambition, and the protein of providence. But above all, it’s about passion, which is the secret ingredient that makes Theo Randall more properly Italian than your local Luigi’s.

The scallops were opaque and muscular, as they should be, with chilli, parsley and lentils. Blue lobster came atop spaghetti, tomatoes and chilli, and though I’d normally

opt against fish in such a rich-sounding sauce, this was light as anything and lovingly concepted.

Sea bass is one of my favourite fishes, and this lived up to expectation, served with potatoes, artichokes and olive. The meat was well portioned and dewy, still tasting of the ocean. The pièce de résistance here, however, is the roast fillet of beef, which arrived rare and well-rested. Every restaurant in London has beef on the menu, but you only ever get served a good steak or a bad steak.

This was unimpeachable, bovine brilliance.

There are only a handful of restaurants I’d visit twice, but for the standout cooking and grown-up atmosphere, Theo Randall convinces me that high-end Italian cooking has a place on that list.

TR

The Back Bar

This issue, we look under the carpet at the Tomatin Distillery, located in the Monadhliath Mountains, just south of Inverness. Established in 1897, the distillery is one of the highest in Scotland, at 315 meters above sea level.

We get it: you look down on us.

Tomatin 14 year old port wood finish single malt, 70cl, 46% £48.95

D

escribed as ‘soft and smooth’, the 14-yearold whisky has spent 13 years aging in Bourbon casks and a further one year finishing in Portuguese port pipes, which held Tawny port for between 30 and 40 years.

“In recent years we have really started to make our mark in the single malt market with recognition for the high quality whisky on offer from the Tomatin Distillery,” said Stephen Bremner, sales director for Tomatin.

“I am confident this new expression will sit nicely within the range and, most importantly, will be enjoyed by our customers.”

The high alcohol levels dull the nose on this dram. It is finished in Tawny Port pipes for just over a year. The new wave of craft distillers are using port wood to take whisky into new realm. In general, port pipes are tremendously difficult to get hold of these days. Huge, long-staved casks capable of holding 550 to 600 litres, they are hard to work with and store, and are in short supply.

This is what makes the 14-year-old that much sweeter to savour.

It’s a rich aroma of coffee, dark chocolate and bark. For me, I like to return from a day’s grind, take a thick-base tumbler from the cabinet and place one small cube of ice into it. The sound the scotch makes as it hits the glass, the smell that bounds towards you, the way it feels in your hand; there is arguably a ritual that goes along with finew. Or at least, there is for me.

DRINKS : WHISKY EXCHANGE

‘Both the 14 year old and 30 year old Tomatin are availale from www.thewhiskyexchange.com’ Tomatin 30 year old 70cl, 46%, £160 Every time I sip a whisky in the same age range as myself, I remember Robert Redford in Spygame. Pitt turns to Redford and says “I thought spies drank Martinis”, Redford looks up from his glass and says, “Scotch never less than twelve years old.”

“Is that right? Agency rules?”, “My rules.”

Not the worst mantra to live by, I thought at the time. Remembering that Spygame came out in 2001 and I was barely at college meant that I wasn’t necessarily opting for the 30-year-old single malts in the local pub.

What a waste of a drinking age.

The Tomatin 30-year-old is limited to just 2000 bottles a year, and is initially matured in Bourbon Hogsheads before being finished for over three years in Oloroso sherry butts.

For those of you that like your scotch with a sermon – there you go.

It has a fruity attack on the pallet. At 46%, the alcohol should hit you with a hammer, but is it any surprise that it doesn’t. It has a slight bite, as you would expect, and an oily feeling that lingers. It’s a drop I’d be proud to bring out of the cabinet and dust off for an old friend or close family. That being said, I rarely drink single malt with my family; my uncles tend to pour themselves measures by the half glass and sink them quicker than the Belgrano. I spent too many nights watching them polish off a ‘good’ bottle of scotch whilst grinding my teeth. My dear mother began to hide her good whisky under vases, and such, it quickly became a Molière play with everyone looking for the ‘good’ whisky.

The 30-year-old is a spicy dram, and for an ageing whisky, it is full of life. On face value and initial taste, it is bright and youthful, full of vigour. Of course, behind the Brown In Town suit is a gentleman of a whisky; a man of character and courage no doubt.

TR

THE REVIEW 2014 93

Grapes of Wrath

We put our resident booze hound Gemma Phelan in charge of reviewing a wine club. Over this year, she’s been sampling some of the best bottles from Berry Bros. & Rudd. It wasn’t an easy option, as there are some fantastic wine clubs out there, but Berry Bros. & Rudd seemed the best fit, as Britain’s oldest wine and spirit merchant. It has traded from the same shop since 1698 and offers outstanding wines from a variety of regions.

Words: GEMMA PHELAN

As a member of the club, Phelan receives twelve bottles every other month, with the ability to swap, skip or add cases at a moment’s notice. Here’s what she thought of the most recent delivery.

2011 De Martino Legado Reserva Chardonnay, De Martino Wines

De Martino’s multi-regional sourcing of ingredients sets out to redefine the character of Chilean wine. With its pale lemon-green colour and citrus and stone fruits nose, this elegant, lightweight Chardonnay is a perfect match for seafood or white meat.

The palate has very fresh acidity an array of ripe fruit characters ranging from lemon and white peach to pineapple, with a very subtle spice and sweetness from oak, keeping your tastebuds occupied from first sip to empty bottle.

2012 Trebbiano d’Abruzzo, Le Vigne, Faraone

The Faraone family produces traditional Montepulciano d’Abruzzo wines. Their 9 hectare property is now focused on the new ‘Collepietro’ vineyard at Mosciano Sant’Angelo near the Adriatic Sea which gives this dry, light to medium bodied wine an underlying saltiness. Notes of lemon pith and verbena make this wine a delicious accompaniment to simple, fresh fish dishes.

The Faraone family produces traditional Montepulciano d’Abruzzo wines. Their 9 hectare property is now focused on the new ‘Collepietro’ vineyard at Mosciano Sant’Angelo in the Colline Teramane zone of Abruzzo.

DRINKS: WINE

2013 Sauvignon De Touraine, Jean-Christophe Mandard

A dry, light-bodied Sauvignon Blanc from Touraine, the district at the very heart of France’s Loire Valley wine region. This aromatic, steely Sauvignon is infused with white peach, pink grapefruit and citrus. A perfect match for salads, vegetarian dishes or Thai food.

Jean-Christophe says the deep clay soil above the village of Mareuil-sur-Cher avoids the heaviness and loss of aroma which can affect water-stressed sandier soils north of the river. Sauvignon Blanc is my white of choice

for any sun-soaked occasion and this delightful bottle is no exception.

pie. Decant to separate the sediment, pour at room temperature and enjoy.

2010 Ch, Du Mouret, Graves 2011 Moulin a Vent, Couvent Rouge, Des Thorins, Jean Medeville et Fils Chateau Du Moulin a Vent

Chateau Du Mouret covers 22 acres of white and 10 acres of red wine varieties.

Facing south and south-west, the vineyard is located on a gravel hilltop and is owed and run by the Medeville family.

A full-bodied deep-purple red. This wine has volume, richness and energy. The nose reveals aromas of dark fruits, a good match with beef tartar, sausage dishes or shepherd’s

Le Couvent des Thorins is a dry lightbodied red wine with the authenticity and charm of a classic Beaujolais. A deep garnet colour, aromas of red fruits and spices on a delicious freshness ideal for summer drinking, whether this year or next.

Made using typical Beaujolais whole bunch carbonic maceration techniques, and bottled in the summer after the vintage.

This wine is super easy to drink, enjoy with tasty meats, grilled red meats, poultry simply toast, hard cheeses.

2010 Okto Red, Domaine Lyrarakis

A family-owned winery in Crete, Lyrarakis was established in 1966, but it wasn’t until 1992 that they first bottled their own wine using the Lyrarakis name. These grapes come from cooler high altitude and north facing vineyards.

A deep ruby red with a bouquet of fresh blackberries and spices. The ripe and supple flavours match well with any red meat or hard cow’s milk cheese.

TR

Visit bbr.com for more on the wine club.

THE REVIEW 2014 95

T

Le Jardin

here are few settings more beautiful than the banks of Lake Geneva, a place where time stands still. So, there could be no better view to gaze over from than the terrace at Le

Jardin.

Dining out at the Dorchester Collection’s, Le Richemond is, of course, an experience.

Head Chef Sylvain Bailly has a certain culinary finesse. He trained for six years with Alain Ducasse and his collaborators.

Le Jardin is a Gault et Milau winning restau-

rant and is listed in the Swiss guide. The menu is local and uses seasonal produce with a focus on fine Italian fare.

The dining room was beautiful: crimson and crystal detailed. But with only a few guests on a warm evening, the terrace is the only place to be.

Private and calm, this ground-floor foundation has been central to the hotel for many years.

Rather than go in with a full Charles Campion appetite for the a la carte menu, we opted to let the chef’s menu do the talking. I find that the simple choice of letting the experts choose can sometimes be the best option. Chefs have

a tendency to experiment with their day-to-day menus, trying out new culinary accoutrements and sauces that might well then disappear altogether.

Many years ago, when it first hit restaurant menus, I had a squid ink risotto. Sounds insipid, doesn’t it? Au contraire: it was quite the masterpiece. But can I find anywhere else that does it as well, or even comes close? Not in the slightest. The same can be said for Le Jardin’s ethereal strawberry gazpacho, financier moelleux and basil sorbet. I doubt I will ever find an eatery in the UK that will produce a dish of such

DINGING : LE JARDIN

mind-blowing edible artistry.

Effectively, the sorbet was encased in a sugar prison, and several bands of the finest sugar ribbon encased this delightful dish. The ribbon was even held together with sugar foil. This was a pudding-lover’s dream. And I must confess, I did look a little desperate crunching my way through large pieces of brightly-coloured pearlescent sugar. Then I remembered, I have absolutely no shame what so ever. Confidence is something that lesser mortals see as arrogance.

It isn’t. I am simply self-assured of my place in life. And at that time, at that place, it was to

push sugar ribbon into my mouth like a small child heading for a sugar tantrum or a coma.

Taking a step back and working in reverse, the roasted sea bream with bourride sauce and saffron vegetables was a light but delicious dish.

I personally like a strong piece of fish. If you are going to go for something aquatic, it should have an undeniable aroma.

The amuse-bouche of ice green peas with mint, fresh goats cheese and crispy vegetables was a great opener, and the roasted scampi with bisque and seasonal mushrooms could have come in a feed bag and there still wouldn’t have

been enough to satisfy my quickly developing addiction to them.

Marco Stigliani, our sommelier, paired the evening’s grapes perfectly. Light as necessary and full bodied when required. Either my ‘oh really’ face is getting better, or Marco recognised me for the wine connoisseur I yearn to be.

I am always astounded by a sommelier’s ability to stand table-side and deliver a pre-prepared synopsis of the wine’s terroir convincingly.

Marco garnered my attention perfectly, educating me whilst helping to inebriate me.

Le Jardin is rapturous.

TR

THE REVIEW 2014 97

Know your vintage Words: OLIVER SMITH

I like to think that we’ve all been there (in truth it’s probably just my very small warped mind that’s obsessed about this, but you’re reading it, so hey-ho). Allow me to set the scene: I was having a lovely evening in polite company and someone had brought an American with them. Either as a quaint distraction or through a genuine love of all things dumbed-down. Whilst said American was grappling with a receptacle that holds less than one (US) gallon of drink and was staring at knives and forks with confusion, I found myself feeling constantly uneasy at the next topic of conversation or misnomer to be blurted out between mouthfuls of food and

gulps of drink (which they seem to put in their mouths at the same time).

As time progressed, our American acquaintance had behaved so far and only managed to offend everyone by wearing chinos, a short-sleeved blue shirt and a button-down collar with a tie (shudder).

Feeling buoyed by this experience, I begin to relax. And then it happened: somebody mentioned cars. Like an oil tanker crashing into a dockside, I could see this coming a mile off, but had no choice but to sit there and while away the painful minutes before bracing for impact. ‘Oh my gaaaad Aaahhhliver, you like vinnage coors too?’

Deep breath.

I stared across the table at this man with a resigned look of disgust on my face. A millisecond later I was on my feet, my chair had fallen over backwards and I was lunging desperately over the table to get to him, as I clamoured at the table cloth sweeping crockery to one side, women were screaming and wine glasses were smashing. I bawled “Not this time yank, I’ve had enough and you are going to get totally fucked, do you hear?!”

In the excitement, I had upended a candelabra, which rather inconveniently had set one of the curtains ablaze. The brouhaha was magnificent, and before I knew what was go-

AU T O M O T I V E : K N O W Y O U R V I N TAG E

ing on, the other guests were attacking each other with whatever came to hand, some tried to get deadly purchase on chicken thighs (take it from me, they make a most ineffective weapon), whilst one man was standing in the corner glaring wildly around the room with a torn shirt wielding an entire wheel of brie. Impressive. To this day, I can’t fathom whether he had designs on using it in anger or was simply anticipating the ‘spoils’ of battle. The candelabra curtain fire very soon began to fill the room with choking black smoke, but I was still writhing across the table clawing at the button-down collar.

I don’t recall exactly how the brawl ended,

although I’m told it involved a stale baguette and two buckets of ice. I only remember later standing in a line with the other guests outside of the house. Shirts and dresses filthy and dishevelled, we stood in stock silence with one man clutching a bottle of champagne (I admire presence of mind in an emergency).

The light from the flames flickered out of every window in the house. As the sirens from the fire brigade broke our collective trance, someone turned to me and asked “What the hell was that about?”

I looked across calmly, put my shoulders back and said quietly “Vintage is pre-1931.

My car is 1933, therefore classified as pre-war.

Wow! He made such a fool of himself didn’t he?”

Everyone just looked at me in silence.

Pedantry is a term made up by people who don’t have an appreciation for detail. If it’s not right, it’s wrong.

Below are the facts:

The beginning of time – 1918 – Veteran 1918 – 1930 – Vintage 1931 – 1939 – Post Vintage/Pre-War 1945 – 1950 – Post War 1950 – 1980 – Classic 1980 – 2000 – Retro 2000 – Current - Dull

THE REVIEW 2014 99

THE REVIEW 2013 3

Villa Sandryon Robinson and his merry men travel to Antibes in the Côte d’Azur in search of rest and relaxation.

T

he resort town, or commune, of Antibes is probably best known as one of high society’s original summer retreats. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Picasso, Marlene Dietrich, and Scott Fitzgerald were all enamoured by the Jewel of the Cote d’Azur, located half way between Nice and Cannes.

In the 1930s, the Antibes region and, more specifically, Juan-Les-Pins was regarded as a bolthole for the international jet-set, casinos, nightclubs and white beaches stretching out as far as your monocle could see. Some 80

years later, and whilst the former lodgings of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Chateau la Croe, has like many regency buildings, fallen to the Oligarch, Juan-Les-Pans has retained much of its charm.

We arrived on a sunny June afternoon and were welcomed to the Villa Sandryon with a large glass of chilled rosé and a selection of canapés. They know me well.

The sun-drenched roof terrace looked out across the bay towards the infamous Eden Rock Hotel, on the tip of the cap. Orange terracotta roofs and palm trees framed the glistening Mediterranean Sea, as John Barry played in the background. The villa is just 200 meters from the waterside, down the private access road. As we weren’t quite willing to

venture down to the well-stocked kitchen to cook, we made use of the rooftop’s fully-fitted outdoor kitchen. The property benefits from three kitchens in total and is well-geared towards entertaining guests and family.

I always feel that good interior design should put you at rest and not impede your experience. That is to say, it should welcome you and make you feel like it could be your own home. The furnishings and style of the Villa Sandryon are a luxurious blend of regency architecture in the communal areas and bedrooms, and a subtle French farmhouse regency blend in the kitchen. The property has obviously been styled by an expert with a keen eye for design and relaxation.

Within the space of about 24 hours at the

T R AV E L : V I L L A S A N D RY O N

villa, we had acclimatised to the Cote d’Azur: summer dresses were flitting around the place, pastel chinos and striped shirts were the order of the day. My reclusive white jacket even made an appearance, an item I acquired and used to regally wear in the UK when my sensibilities were a little more brazen. There is no better place for outlandish nautical fashion accessories than Juan Les Pins.

Later that night, having spent several hours on the roof and then the poolside dining area, we ventured up to another of the villa’s terraces for a well-deserved soak in the jacuzzi, and a spot of drying out in the sauna.

It would appear that the villa really did have all the creature comforts one could want for.

Its five bedrooms comprise two first-floor

doubles with en-suite, two second floor dou- escape to the Cap. I could see myself drying bles with a large balcony, and a master suite out here in the future, should I ever need to.

The following morning, I was charged with driving into town to pick up petit dejeuner.

Rather than use the DB9 and spend an age trying to park, I decided to use the property’s smart car. That’s right – if you prefer, the villa comes stocked with a Mini Cooper convertible, scooter and smart car. Trust me, parking is at a premium and so better you use something bijou and save the Aston for travelling to the casino or supper.

Minutes later, breakfast was served on the roof terrace. Silence fell over the group a few times, perhaps because of the lack of coffee, with a bathroom that leads into a fully-stocked but in my opinion, it was because of the sheer gym and private terrace. No wonder people beauty of the property and its surroundings.

“Orange terracotta roofs and palm trees framed the glistening Mediterranean Sea, as John Barry played in the background.”

THE REVIEW 2014 103

The shaded and landscaped gardens provided a certain tranquillity I doubt any of our group had seen for some time.

The Villa Sandryon not only provided us with breathtaking lodgings during our stay, but also a location with which to enjoy the entire length and breadth of the Cote d’Azur, in unmatched sumptuous luxury.

TR

To Book Villa Sandryon, go to: W: www.villasandryon.com T: 01452 814849

LUXURY EYEWEAR, WHENEVER, WHEREVER exclusive eyewear styling concierge, UK wide

eyesite P

R

I

V

E

THE EYEWEAR STYLISTS www.eyesiteprive.co.uk

(+44)1482 844875

@eyesiteprive

THE REVIEW 2013 3

Hotel Lungarno

O

n approach, the Hotel Lungarno exterior appears unassuming and sensitive to its surroundings. The reception is warm and inviting, and the Riverboat lounge, the first space you are introduced to on arrival, is a welcome haven. Being situated on the banks of the Arnos River, the large windows gave the whole lower floor a nautical feel, allowing you the opportunity to stare out across the ripples to

Words: TOM HATTON where the Ponte Vecchio nestles on the horizon.

Its proximity to the drama of downtown Florence made the location very practical, but it also acted as secluded retreat, hidden away and detached from the commotion of the bustling crowds that surround the vibrant Artists quarter. The views can only be described as spectacular and picturesque, and without question one of the most overwhelming elements of the hotel’s charm. The sense of tranquillity was all-encompassing and the iconic views felt uncannily familiar yet strangely surreal.

Where we were seated at breakfast gave the sense of the River Arnos flowing underneath us, and breakfast itself was, in a word, amazing – Tuscan hospitality at its best. There was a full choice of English and continental cuisine, and selections of local charcuterie: bressola, mortadella, proscuittio di parma and salamis a plenty. Pastries galore, granola, fresh fruits and juices. The dining room was perfectly presented, the cutlery had a gleaming shine, and our dining experience there was nothing but delicious. It was an epicurean feast and intensely

T R AV E L : H O T E L L U N G A R N O

serene to observe the gentle waters play with the light over the magnificent cityscape opening up before us.

The design of the hotel allowed the flow of history, culture, style and tradition to sing together in perfect harmony. It had a generally classic interior with art nouveau-style furnishing that kept the place clean and crisp, and the hotel also boasted a collection of over 200 original pieces of art, some by artist as prestigious as Pablo Picasso himself. Each and every room had been tailored with a piece of unique

antique furniture to gently remind guests of their salubrious surroundings and the exclusivity of their current abode.

And this was it, the final touch was always taken subtly, both careful and unintrusive; as one might imagine from a brand presided over by the son of Salvatore Ferragamo, a man who has made his millions through the trading of luxury goods. From the Tuscan truffles to Salvatore Ferragamo toiletries, our softly lit room, with its luxuriously big bed, neutral palette and fusion of neo-classic and modernist dĂŠcor

exceeded our expectations.

All of the staff at the Hotel Lungarno were approachable, pleasant and charming, and our interactions with them were professional and efficient. With such a plethora of restaurants and bars on the doorstep, finding a decent place to eat could sometimes prove slightly overwhelming, but fortunately any hesitance was mitigated as the hotel lobby staff had a great local knowledge and were forthcoming with suggestions of restaurants and trattorias that could cater to our whims.

TR

THE REVIEW 2014 109

T

he opulence of Relais Santa Croce (unsurprisingly so, considering its original incarnation as 18th century palace built for the Pope’s treasurer, Marquis Baldinucci) was immediately breathtaking. On entering, it felt as if I was trapped in a Wes Anderson movie with a set designed

by Tim Burton. With its 12ft granite coulombs, archways and chequered marble floors, lining our journey to reception, it emulated the intense grandeur that typifies the architectural ideals of the birthplace of the Renaissance.

After going through the formalities of checking in (over a glass of champagne and some delicately crafted Tuscan pastries), our concierge introduced us to some of the more unique features of the hotel.

The ‘sala della musica’ (music room) was a masterpiece of aesthetical conjury. The intricacy of the decorative mouldings adorning the ceiling and walls, handcrafted door frames, and the frieze that crowned the room, made this a luxurious setting for either an intimate drink or a quiet read. Its lofty ceilings and elevated revolving panels (intended for musicians, some as illustrious as Mozart, to entertain captivated audiences), made the room feel dramatic and enchanting. It was like a voyage back in time. Even in the smoking room, with its ornate frescoed ceilings and period furnishings, one could imagine retiring to discuss science and politics with a bourgeoning Florentine elite.

Whilst the splendour and décor of the hotel itself felt grandiose and spectacularly imposing, our room, in contrast, was an entirely different realisation of the building’s potential. Minimalist, chic and

stylish, this light and airy space allowed the original architectural features to speak for themselves. And above and beyond many other hotel experiences, this modern rendition permitted guests to impose their own personality on their surroundings and develop a more intimate connection to the space. It also contained all the contemporary comforts a traveller might need to rest, relax and wind down after a busy day consuming the artistic treasures located in this romantic and unforgettable city.

The service was outstanding and the staff were welcoming, courteous and informative. This style of refined Tuscan hospitality was unassuming, but still attentive to our every need (he only minor mishap being their recommendation of a local trattoria, Il Frencescano, which was cosy and reasonably-priced, but the service made the overall experience middling). In comparison, the sumptuous breakfast spread laid out by the Relais Santa Croce embraced an international palate, but really delivered with its assortment of locally-sourced, traditional Tuscan cuisine. The tranquil atmosphere was perfect to ease in the day after the late evenings Barolo-fuelled escapades.

Situated in the very heart of Florence, just 50m from the Basilica of Santa Croce, it was also convenient for meandering around the centre of the city and allowed for a hassle-free jaunt to much of the historical attractions that draw visitors to this famous and influential cultural centre.

The Relais Santa Croce made for a truly lavish and unforgettable experience that felt true to the aesthetic values that underpin the vision of this beautiful city.

TR

The Relais Santa Croce Words: TOM HATTON

T R AV E L : R E L A I S S A N TA C R O C E

THE REVIEW 2014 111

The Gallery Hotel Art

T

Words: TOM HATTON

he Gallery Hotel Art is a design hotel created by Florentine architect Michele Bonan. Located in a quiet courtyard close to Palazzo Strozzi, only minutes away from Ponte Vecchio, the building recognises and respects its landscape, but adds something novel and contemporary into the mix.

Inspired by the Renaissance period, but taking influences from Eastern minimalist design, the clear lines, living colours and lavish materials used in crafting the furnishings and features produce a space that feels innovative, fresh and modern.

Used like a revolving art space, exhibitions by different artists and photographers allow this hotel the freedom to continually reimagine itself, and for the chosen artist to manipulate and alter the environment as

they see fit. Rather than a classical composition like Antonio Vivaldi’s Le Quattro Stagioni (although, conceptually-speaking, not an entirely bad idea for a future installation), the Gallery Hotel Art was more like the free jazz of John Coltrane, where arrangement and structure are dependent upon the ebbs and flows of the artist’s mood, rather having a fixed form.

Yet even with the fluidity of this evolving space, it still retained an air of Tuscan elegance and comfort. The staff were professional, accommodating and chirpy, especially in our hour of need, when some of our travel arrangements went a little pear-shape. The warm and inviting lounge-library had the atmosphere of classic coffee shop and was a tranquil setting to indulge in the culinary pleasures of a good Tuscan kitchen.

The breakfast we enjoyed embraced a range of local delicacies (exquisite pastries, cheeses, and cured meats), while also redefining what is meant

T R AV E L : G A L L E RY H O T E L A R T

by ‘continental’ with a staggering array of cereals and fruits, and bacon and eggs, which would have put even the best British fry-up to shame.

Alternatively. if you fancied something different, you could take the time to experience the Asian-Mediterranean cuisine served at the sleek and stylish Fusion bar and restaurant. Although Asian-Tuscan fusion sounds brave, when executed with perfection, this thematic cuisine clearly complemented the pioneering vision of this hotel.

The décor of our room was simple, unpretentious and cosy; painted in calm neutral colours and brought together with some cleverly-chosen bespoke furniture that gave the room a unique quality. And this sense of individuality was entirely deliberate to ensure the continuity of the hotel’s vision throughout. For this reason, each room was distinguished by an individual artistic theme – the room in which we stayed in establishing

some of its personality through the monochrome cityscapes and iconic architectural feats displayed across the walls. It came with all the functional necessities required for a comfortable stay, and the only small issue came from the bellowing sound of the wind against the contours of the building, which was slightly intrusive and rarely abated.

This alternative approach to the classical interiors and traditional hotel experience offered by the other residences we took up during our stay made the Gallery Hotel Art satisfyingly new and refreshing. In avoiding some of the more clichéd models of how hospitality should look, the craftsmanship and coherent vision of this hotel offers another dimension.

For this reason, it has the potential to appeal to new aspirational class of trendy young people who value creativity, playfulness and expression over traditional attitudes.

TR

THE REVIEW 2014 113

Le Richemond

L

Words: PETER ROBINSON

ocated across from the Square des Alpes, Le Richemond sits in pride of place on the banks of Lake Geneva.

We arrived on a quiet Saturday evening, sat-nav fully deployed in the DB9. If, like me, Geneva is a mere stop-off destination before heading for the Alps, it really should be given the respect it deserves.

Now, I cannot work out if we arrived slightly off centre in regards to which side of the road we should be on, or if we went down a one-way street. Either way, anyone coming faceto-face with an Aston Martin DB9 tends to give way, especially in Geneva. It turns out we needn’t have used the sat-nav; you can spot Le Richemond by its beautiful red floral arrangements that adorn the outside of the hotel.

Le Richemond first opened its doors in 1875 and was run under the name Le-Riche-Mont. This quartermaster of the lake has 109 spacious rooms and 22 suits, all decorated in the hotel’s signature elegant style.

Le Richemond has a global reputation for offering the sort of service that landed gentry would expect in a well-staffed home. Need your jacket pressed just before dinner? Decide to invite everyone to your suite at 2am for steak and cigars?

Nothing is a drama at Le Richmonde. The staff are attentive and engaging, whilst being extremely discrete.

Once we had checked in, we were shown to our executive room on the top floor. Le Richemond has an old world art deco style. Of course, if you are thinking of spending a while at the hotel, why not use your own furniture.

The hotel can move your personal furniture in and keep it in storage for you. Although, with a view as good as we had, little time was spent in the room. The view of the lake was magnificent. It has a real romantic lustre that is key to its charm.

The hotel houses three meetings rooms and a ballroom, which can welcome up to 200 guests. The restaurant, Le Jardin, offers carefully-crafted menus in a stylish setting on the hotel’s terrace.

Yes, people, break out the pearls and the smoking jacket. If Le Richemond had a soundtrack, it would be Dizzy Gillespie playing ‘I Can’t Get Started’. Chic and understated, it is no wonder that the hotel is part of the Dorchester Collection.

The combination of old-money opulence and private-club intimacy is what has made Le Richemond famous over the years. Next time you are flying into Geneva en-route to Zermatt, spend a few days in the warm company of the team at Le Richmonde.

TR

T R AV E L : L E R I C H E M O N D

THE REVIEW 2014 117

The Wellington Experience As memories of Britain’s warm summers fade, many people nearing pension age may be considering the prospect of retirement abroad.

More and more of us are giving Blighty the heave-ho and heading for any continent that’s skyline is adorned with flat roofs. Put bluntly, fair old England just doesn’t have a climate that’s conducive to retirement.

I certainly don’t see myself spending my golden years pottering around the house, watering the plants and occasionally meeting the chaps for a cigar and game of Rummy.

Though this form of retirement suited my grandfather, I don’t think it is for me.

If you could choose a location to have been born and raised, I doubt very many would choose England’s inclement isles. Suffice to say, whilst we enjoy a number of democratic freedoms during our lives, retirement for me is a much warmer affair.

Portugal currently ranks in the Forbes top fifteen locations to retire globally. Healthcare, finance, weather and general quality of life all factor highly in their considerations – and so they should. Forming one quarter of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal is famed for its rich history, good health care and wonderful weather. Sharing time zones with the UK, pensioners will also find it remarkably cheap to live here. For example, it’s around three

times cheaper to buy property in Portugal than in France. It also has the third largest European expat community, after Spain and France. (Not to mention that retiring to France would require you to deal with the French sense of entitlement.)

So, you have waved goodbye to the family who are now rubbing their hands with glee at the thought of visiting for a free holiday.

Now begins the job of securing a property, registering with a doctor, liaising with your IFA to transfer your assets, much of which needs to be done in the native language – a daunting task for a middle-aged family, let alone someone in their older years.

But what other options are there? Where can you find top tier healthcare, solid and dependable financial and legal planning,and the community and lifestyle you enjoy in good old England?

We talk to John Snape, chairman of The Wellington Retreat and Hotel in Portugal, about his retirement journey.

hotel for residents who are at present in reasonably good health and who wish to live out their retirement in unashamed luxury, comfort, state of the art security and unrivalled care and service surrounded by like-minded people. The Wellington is not for everyone, nor is it designed to be. It is an exciting, new, specifically designed hotel for people of a certain age and of a more discerning nature who will expect (and receive) the very best of all that the Wellington has to offer. This really is complete decadence, luxury and opulence at its very best. Living in the sun, enjoying life and having fun for the rest of your days, comforted in the knowledge that you will be cared for. - See more at: www.wellingtonhotelportugal.com

What is the Wellington Retreat?

Phase 2 , The Wellington Retreat is a place where your home really is your castle. The development is aimed at over 55s, designed to improve their later years and enhance their lifestyle. The Retreat comprises one and two bedroom apartments, villas, and What is the Wellington Hotel?

Phase 1, The Wellington Hotel has been de- three bedroom penthouses. It really is luxury signed as an exclusive, luxurious, retirement living at its best: sunshine, security, privacy,

T R AV E L : T H E W E L L I N G T O N care, a friendly environment, and peace of mind situated in close proximity to Marinha Grande. See more at: www.wellingtonretreatportugal.com.

How did the prospect of your own retirement shape the ethos behind the Wellington Retreat and Hotel?

All my life I have worked hard, honestly and diligently to achieve a certain level of comfort with a decent retirement in mind. Now that I have reached my “Golden” age, I find that most of what I have worked for will be taken off me in taxes. My children and my dearest darling widow will be further taxed on my hard earned cash and it feels that whatever is left will go to either a corrupt politician or a refuge for some cause or another.

A lightning bolt awakened a dormant realisation: how many others must be like me?

Dreading the inevitable coming of a lonely old age, in some transformed, converted Victorian house, in some freezing seaside town back in England; moody insolent staff eager and willing to abuse me either verbally, physically, or even both; degraded, living a miserable existence with only a fraction of my wealth to live on, living alongside people supported by the very same taxes taken from me.

Why can’t I live alongside people of a similar ilk and share rewarding companionship?

Why should I be penalised for being rich

and not have the comfort and pleasure that my wealth could afford me? And finally, why should my money not be just that – MY MONEY, to enjoy in comfort and spend as I please, leaving the rest to my loved ones and not whichever greedy chancellor is in power at the time of my happy demise.

And why shouldn’t you?

What kind of facilities can people expect?

The facilities are endless. Practically every conceivable necessity is catered forincluding laundry, dry cleaning, swimming pools, gyms, postal services, shopping and errand services, hairdressing, and even a dog walking service!

Of course, we facilitate social events and activities too, including day trips.

On top of this, there is on-site fine dining in our gourmet restaurant. You can even have an apartment service, where the cuisine is brought to you. We hope that Our afternoon English tea will be very popular with residents.

With such a move, many people will be considering the financial and health implications, alongside the general living costs. Are there particular areas to consider?

People should consider these things, because buying a property is one of the most

important decisions someone will make in their lifetime. However, from the moment you decide on a Wellington home, our friendly and experienced team are on hand to advise and assist you, making all aspects of the move as easy as possible.

We want to make sure the Wellington is not only your last move, but your best move. For anyone worried or struggling with finances, we have formed a partnership with a specialist company, Strategic Alternatives, which delivers quality and trustworthy financial solutions. They will help guide you through the financial maze, with such solutions as equity release, mortgage of your UK property, secured loans, and bridging finance.

The health of our residents is paramount, which is why we monitor everyone’s health, 24 hours a day. Health and care professionals provide remote care using monitoring solutions, empowering individuals to live more independently and safely in their own home.

We are currently offering Phase 1 off plan, The Wellington Hotel. Please look at our website www.wellingtonhotelportugal.com or phase2 www.wellingtonretreatportugal. com.

To view more details on The Wellington Retreat go to:

www.wellingtonretreatportugal.com www.facebook.com/WellingtonRetreatPortugal www.twitter.com/Wellington_Ret Tel: 0113 251 2211

THE REVIEW 2013 119

CHATEAU BAGN

NOLS

T R AV E L : C H AT E A U B AG N O L S

I

s there anything more splendid than spending a night in a chateau? Of course, I am accustomed to penthouses, apartments, villas and the like, but nothing has the quite the same feel as a chateau.

I first encountered this mainstay of the French countryside whilst visiting the Comte and Comtesse de Vanssay in the Loire valley. How wonderful it was to wake up in such a grand building every day, and to become part of that building’s history.

The Chateau de Bagnols was built, or at least started, between 1217 and 1222 by Guichard d’Oingt. He built the main defensive fortress with three round towers linked by curtain walls with arrow loops. After the Hundred Years War – during which the château was owned by royalist d’Albon and de Balzac families – the Medicis arrived in Lyon in 1466 and were instrumental in the city’s rise to the position of commercial and banking capital of France.

It was in 1987 that the present owners discovered Château de Bagnols; a sad, but ravishingly beautiful building with leaking roofs, creepers running rampant, cracked walls and a family of crows living in one tower. It was, however, a ‘Monument Historique Classe’, a building protected by the State for its architectural and historical importance.

As much as I would like to educate one and all, the chateau has over eight centuries of history, so you are best off visiting.

We arrived in the evening, desperate to

THE REVIEW 2014 121

try and arrive before the chef and team decided to call it a night.

Luckily we called ahead and were told that the restaurant would stay open late on a Sunday for guests.

No more than twenty minutes later, we were sat in the Salle des Gardes, champagne popped and the sun setting over the vineyards below. The French have basically got it made. The chateau has twenty-two bedrooms and suites, each of which is big enough to host an after party.

I have come to learn that there is always a bottle of champagne on ice when you stay at a French retreat. Our room was to be the Seigneur d’Albon. The Knights of Albon owned the chateau from 1288 to 1453. Each piece of carefully selected furniture dates from the 17th and 18th century. The whole feel of the chateau is wonderfully escapist, a place I could easily have spent a week at.

One thing worth mentioning is that the hotel has a beautiful pool in its gardens; it isn’t, however, open all year round. Even for British travellers who see the four or five degree temperature increase as a reason to emulate Jack Cousteau.

The restaurant is run by head chef Jean Alexandre Ouaratta.

Jean was head chef with Bocuse and worked alongside Yannick Alleno at the Palace Hotel in Paris and Courchevel’s Le Cheval Blanc, to name a few. I recommend the snails cooked with herbs, which were to die for. The eggs benedict that followed in the morning was also a dish of pure, unadulterated joy.

If you are planning a long break, why not take the hotel chopper to Courchevel to stay at their sister property, Les Suites de la Potiniere. The chateau is a grand escape. “Awasiwi Odinak. Far from the things of man.”

TR

The Baymen

T

he Baymen is a new luxury jungle retreat being built in the Cayo district of the Belizean rainforest.

Ever wished that you could get away from the drudgery of everyday life, whilst relaxing in the wilds and not having to worry

about your money? Well, funny you should say that. Pack your machete and Louboutins, folks, we’re going to the jungle.

The development is a combination of allout luxury, with a romantic, old-age pioneering feel. This is carried throughout, with the individual wooden lodges being named after the glorious explorers of old, such as Shackleton and Livingston. The romance of four-poster beds shrouded in mosquito nets,

along with open verandas and audible wildlife are complemented by modern touches, such as infinity pools and hot-tubs.

However, building in such a delicate ecosystem means that every care must be taken to minimise the impact on the area. Jan Meerman is the environmental consultant and has worked with the Tropical Conservation Foundation on numerous projects.

He explains: “Ecology has to play a strong

P R O P E RT Y : T H E B AY M E N

part in the build as it allows the guest to get closer to nature whilst knowing that every possible care has been taken to ensure that the development works with the surrounding eco-system and not against it.”

In this truly-magical setting, there is also no concern for your invested: with 70% occupancy, a projected net return of over $55,000 per annum is on the cards for a two-bed hotel residence. On top of this, the

owner will have 30 days’ worth of exclusive usage, not only of the Baymen, but its hugely successful sister, the Belize Ocean Club.

Due for completion in November 2015, there are three sizes and three price points.

The first is ‘Luxury’, the second is ‘Deluxe’, and the third consists of two bedrooms.

These range from $230,000 to $460,000 for time share sale and hotel rental. The fact that this development is backed by Noble

House Hotels highlights that big companies can feel the Central American property market growing, and the Baymen is shaping up to be an investment to watch as the market continues to expand.

Maybe just pack the Louboutins and leave the machete at home.

TR

Get more info here: www.thebaymen.com

THE REVIEW 2014 125

Estilo de Vida

A

new development backed by the mighty Noble House hotel group is the Estilo de Vida build in Argentina. Surrounding the highly successful Dos Luna’s hotel, the development embodies all of the rugged charm of the area but with the added luxury and privacy that a personal hotel residence affords.

The One Bedroom Hotel Residences offer

a limited collection of traditional luxuriously appointed residences.

Personal space won’t mean poor service as all residences will be situated in an area that is close enough to the existing hotel to ensure access and practical servicing, but far enough away to ensure privacy and exclusivity to each and every residence. The specific location of each residence has been hand-selected to give each one stunning, unobstructed views of Condor Mountain in the distance, with forests, valley and rolling hills below. Every

residence will be facing the beautiful sunsets, which can be enjoyed from the terrace or private plunge pool from each residence.

True to its heritage, the hotel is renowned for offering some of the best horseback riding in Argentina. Catering to all riding abilities, there are about 50 horses to choose from and 5,600 beautiful acres of rolling hills to be explored. There are also a multitude of other activities within and nearby the property including mountain biking, paragliding, trekking, historic sightseeing, bird-watching

P R O P E RT Y : E S T I L O D E V I DA

or fishing. Of course, it’s also the perfect venue for simply relaxing. Dos Luna’s features a swimming pool and a golf course is under construction along the Grand Estates.

It’s not just luxury and natural beauty at Estilo de Vida as a return on investment is high on the list. Hotel Residences are available to support the high occupancy of the well-known Dos Luna’s boutique hotel, which has been operational for over a decade. There is opportunity for investors to integrate their unit into the hotel rental pool with revenue

shared 50/50. Current average rates are $600 USD per night for the existing hotel suites.

The One Bedroom Hotel Residences are expected to start at $750 USD. The One Bedroom Hotel Residences offer a limited collection of traditional luxuriously appointed residences. Each owner is entitled to 4 weeks personal use per year. The personal use can also be used at Dos Luna’s sister property, The Belize Ocean Club in Placencia, Belize.

A maximum of 23 One Bedroom Hotel

Residences and 2 Two Bedroom Hotel Residences will be constructed in two phases.

Based on a 50% occupancy, annual yields are expected to be 9.2% for the one-bedroom residences and based on a 50% occupancy, annual yields are expected to be 10.1% for the two-bedroom residences.

Prices are starting from $300,000 USD for the one bedroom residencies and $425,000 USD for the two beds.

TR

See more here: www.edvargentina.com

THE REVIEW 2014 127

Margi

I

Words: ROBB PRITCHARD

love Athens. The modern capital of the ancient world, it’s become a little schizophrenic in its old age, as modernity keeps pulling away from its past. It’s a living, breathing museum that is a capital of the country. But if it’s not the heat or the incessant traffic in the main streets fraying nerves, it’s the throngs of tourists around the archaeology sites.

So, if the city gets a bit too much, why not do what people have done for thousands of years: head to the sea and the Athens Riviera.

From the road outside, they’ve done a pretty good job of making it look just like any other hotel. So much so that, when I arrived, I was a bit distrustful of the taxi driver. But once inside the Margi, it’s instantly a little oasis. To say that I found myself in another world is a bit of a cliché, but with the 38-degree city closed away behind the sliding doors, as I entered the lobby, that’s exactly what it was.

Light brown walls, soft edges, suffuse lighting, little mirrors at random places and the floor scattered with Persian rugs – it’s so nice compared with what my senses had to deal with in the city that I instantly want to sigh loudly and go to sleep. Just from the walk up to the reception desk, it could almost be called a wellness centre.

Not every hotel can be like Carmos, which I reviewed in Portugal a couple of issues ago. The room was a little smaller than I’d imagined it would be from looking through the website, although the huge mirror and big windows help with that. But it was perfectly appointed and relaxing. That might have something to do with the fact that the cooling earthy colours and obtrusive delicate wooden furniture told my senses that I was in Tuscany, not downtown Athens. The bathroom, all laid out in exquisite marble was perfect.

If the hotel was on the beach, it would be perfect. You’d never have to leave. The sea is not too far to walk, but it’s not that easy to get to the waterfront, so the hotel loses a couple of points on location. But come the morning, with the walls washed with gold from the rising sun and fresh sea breeze welcoming me to breakfast by the pool, all this is forgotten and I’m thinking that I could stay here are a few more days (even before I’ve poured my first coffee of the day).

But for me, the best thing about the Margi isn’t the room; it’s the ground floor. As a writer, I’m always looking for cosy places to sit and wait for words to come. There were a couple of nice cafes in the city, but in the Margi, everywhere is perfect to summon inspiration: soft couches in front of the gorgeous fireplace, and secret nooks tucked away by reception and the pool. The gently flapping cloth canopies are nice in the day, but in the late evening and night, this area simply stunning. What they’ve done with the lighting is incredible: giant lanterns on Persian rugs, piles of collisions and candles flickering in the mirrors. I loved it.

TR

T R AV E L : T H E M A R G I

THE REVIEW 2014 129

Shangri-La, Bosphorus Words: ROBB PRITCHARD

T

he Maybach, with diplomatic flags in the car park, gave a good indication of what to expect inside. And I wasn’t disappointed. Plenty of places can do luxury, many can make you feel pampered, but it’s a rare hotel indeed that can make you feel like a prince.

Well, here in Istanbul, ‘sultan’ is probably a more accurate term.

Walking to the reception desk of Shangri-La, Bosphorus, everything shivers with Grand Duo. The giant vases at the door, rows of crystal chandeliers – it’s the hospitality of aristocracy.

As a teenager, travelling alone around the Middle East, I remember being mesmerised by the blue mosque, Hagir Sofia, and getting lost in the grand bazaar. Istanbul really is a

city you have to see in your lifetime – but now there’s another landmark to add to the list.

Even if you don’t stay here, you should at least come to have a meal. The dishes are divine. And though the food and surroundings are fit for royalty, the price certainly wouldn’t cripple your account. Glance at the menus back over the bridge in Sultanhammet, a short taxi ride away, and the prices compare with plenty of ‘normal’ places in the old city.

The room definitely wasn’t the biggest or the best in the 165-room hotel, but it was gorgeous. And despite not facing the Bosphorus, the view wasn’t the best on offer, but it did mean we had a balcony and the minarets of the blue mosque stabbed at the skyline, while the call to prayer echoed from somewhere nearby. Magic.

The bathroom was incredible: rare black marble-lined the walls and the bath itself with little packets of salts, so you

T R AV E L : S H A N G R I - L A can give yourself a mineral spa. And something else I loved: I haven’t owned a TV for over 15 years, I haven’t watched one for more years than I can remember, but the one in the bathroom mirror I just couldn’t get enough of.

Nothing compares to exiting the lift on the ground floor though, with a massive chandelier that is two-stories high.

Works of art line the walls, and there are two ballrooms, nine meeting rooms, eight spa suites, including a Turkish bath and a hammam, and that’s before you get to the dining area.

Imagine a shopping centre food court – again, built for

royalty – boasting the only authentic Chinese restaurant in the city, a sushi bar, and a wine bar. The head chef is French, but combines world cuisine with a Turkish flair, and I’ll say it again: if you are staying somewhere else in the city, for a real Istanbul experience, you should really visit this place for an evening.

And the breakfast buffet is exquisite. Not only for the things that you can have, but for everything that you can try.

Even the cutlery has been especially designed. Lost Horizon, indeed. No, I really didn’t want to leave!

TR

THE REVIEW 2014 131

Laguna Lodge Words: ROBB PRITCHARD

T R AV E L : L AG U NA L O D G E

I

know what I like more about boutique hotels than ‘just’ luxury ones; it’s the fact that the owners have been involved in every process, generally all the way from the initial conception to the design, build, interior decoration, even to actually welcoming guests. A perfect example of this is Carmo’s in northern Portugal, which to this day is still my favourite hotel I’ve ever stayed in. Now I am in Guatemala, on Lake Atitlan, one of my favourite places in the world, and the divine Laguna Lodge has a lot in common. That means that I like it from the moment I step off the boat.

It’s not actually billed as a retreat, but with the only access by boat and only the wind to disturb you, it could be. At first the quality of what’s inside seems a little disguised by the rough palm leaves hanging off every balcony but once on the decking it’s easy to see that this is a special place. Through a door of ancient wood the room is lovely. Decked out with local, gorgeous brick kiln fired titles, hardwood floor that just beckons you to take your shoes and socks off, stucco walls that have a few cracks, beautifully carved antique furniture, the wall of windows that opens onto a private balcony with a soft, bilious couch… it all added up to a perfect balance of rustic prestige.

But then there’s the little details too. The slippers are made of the hand-spun fabrics that the local Maya tribes wear and the stays at the end of the bed are made by local artisans. Even the sheets are Guatemalan cotton. Organic, of course. And as if the room isn’t already enough the balcony overlooks one of the most incredible views you could ever hope to see. An azure blue caldera lakes sparkles in the afternoon breeze, but it’s the horizon that attention is drawn to and what elicits the stunned gasps. San Pedro volcano stands 3000 metres tall, crowned with a halo of clouds, crowning its majesty. For a moment the room is almost forgotten… but it’s not yet all explored.

On Guatemalan public transport you don’t have to travel very far to feel very travel weary, but the indulgent bathroom is more than enough to make thoughts of American school buses speeding through the mountains just distant memories. The sinks are gorgeous painted bowls that you could find in a local art gallery and they are set in a stand of gorgeous dark wood. The soft lighting makes a perfect setting… and yes, if a plain shower isn’t enough you can get a variety of different massages and spas to treat yourself with here!

Dinner has to be pre-booked as they have to go out into the reserve behind the hotel to pick the ingredients. Food doesn’t get

THE REVIEW 2014 133

any fresher than that. It’s also quite out of this world. You might glance over the green papaya soup on the menu but that would be a mistake as it is really something special. The dinner was the best I had my whole four-month trip around South America.

And here I got to meet the owner Maya. Twenty years ago she fell in love with the lake, which if you’ve ever been will understand it’s by no means an unusual occurrence. Before a trip to the Bahamas she bought some local handicrafts to sell and accidentally earned enough money to buy a plot of land on the nearby hill… which she built a little house on. Then she met Geoff and bit by bit they bought more land until they got down to the lakefront, where they decided to start building. But building with principals. Low impact, using only local materials and workers, beneficial to the local indigenous tribes… And high end. “We built what we wanted, our ideas, our dreams, without labelling it” she says. “Then one day we went to an eco-lodge seminar in Norway and it was only there that we discovered what we were!”

Then something in the bar blows my mind. It’s not just antiques and handicrafts in the rooms but also museum-worthy archaeology finds. At reception, have a look at that three-footed ceramic bowl

with the guidebooks and leaflets in it. It looks authentic, right?

That’s because it’s 2000 years old!! The best examples of what they found while making the hotel are in the bar. In a little cabinet there is a 3000 year old jug next to the Chivas Regal. Geoff got it out and let me hold it and I have to say it was an incredible experience.

Upstairs is a lovely chill out area complete with hammocks and soft couches and on the front patio next to the lake are the infinity pool, hot tub and sun loungers… all with the same incredible view.

But if you’ve had enough relaxing and want to stretch your legs there is also 100 acre reserve behind the hotel. The views of the jagged mountains cutting into the lake are stunning and you will have complete solitude, just the crickets and the birds to listen to.

But be warned though, this is a real hike up a rough path. Don’t attempt it in flip-flops.

And the morning… Those palm leaves that looked a little strange on the trip in, they bristle with the morning breeze, perfectly complementing the sounds of the lake lapping at the shore. I roll over and see the volcanoes rising over the dawn mists. Wondering if you are in heaven is quite a nice way to start the day!

TR

LIFESTYLE ON FILM

WWW.SCREAMINGEAGLE.CO.UK

Tosa La Laguna

T

Words: ROBB PRITCHARD

he power of first impressions should never be underestimated. How many hotel lobbies have you walked into and made an instant judgement about where you’re about to stay? Passport still in my pocket, I hadn’t even checked in yet, but my feet were in a ball of warm, mineral-laced water being massaged by a beautiful 20-year-old girl, a cranberry and kombusha cocktail in hand. As far as first impressions go, they don’t get any better than that.

Across the lake from the Laguna Lodge, the south coast of Atitlan is prime real estate. When the ride in the back of a Toyota pickup through the indigenous villages ends the mansions begin, one even has a helipad and some wouldn’t look out of place in Beverly Hills.

But the Tosa Retreat is something straight out of Tolkien, with a bit of Port Marian thrown in for good measure. The buildings are all pods, which don’t look like they fit on each other, and there’s not a right angle to be seen anywhere. As Lindsey gently places one foot back in the water and lifts the other into her lap, I think that the sci-fi appearance of the hotel goes well with the out of this world welcome.

The catchwords here are luxurious isolation. It’s a wellness centre without being a centre; an alternative retreat without being too alternative. And yes, it is so unique, it’s quite hard to describe by comparing it to other places. The folder of treatments includes such strange things as ozone therapy, ionic detox foot bath, Egyptian energy rods, a ‘bliss machine’ invented by Nicolas Tesla, and something called quantum analysis, which you’ll have to look more into yourself, as it really does elude a simple description. But at no point does anything feel wacky or airy-fairy. For the more traditionalminded, there is of course more mainstream indulgences on offer, such as sunrise yoga, facial massage, body scrubs, and something I personally highly recommend, the Mayan sauna. Coming out steaming and looking up at the clear stars while cooling off was a highlight.

But even if it’s not exactly a spa holiday you are looking for, both the rooms and the food are more than enough to make a magical

T R AV E L : T O S A R E T R E AT

THE REVIEW 2014 137

and relaxing stay. And a romantic one too. This would be the perfect place for a honeymoon. I had the Queen Suite, which is down on the shore of the lake. Part of the pod extends out over the water where the acoustics of the curved walls make the lapping sounds of the little waves sound deeply relaxing. It’s a bit like being on a boat, but without the movement. The views out over the water to the volcanoes are spectacular, and this room is a very special place for a creative person looking for some natural inspiration.

The theme is Indian palace. The furniture is all gorgeous, antique Indian hardwood and stands against the deep red walls, while the bed is covered with a throw that has hundreds of little mirrors sewn in. And if the rhythm of the water isn’t enough to lull you into a deep sleep, the bed is a Matisse. You will have a good night.

There are tea and coffee making facilities, but the not perhaps how you would expect. I laughed when I found it. It’s a little camping stove. You come here to get off the grid, and the hotel is totally off the grid. Electricity comes from solar panels up the hill, so the wattage needed to boil a kettle is saved by using gas.

Up a delightfully irregular stone stairway is the kitchen and

restaurant. There’s a great selection of free teas, but it’s the coffee that is special. And local. If you’re feeling adventurous, a scramble up a rocky path will bring you to the plantation. I’ve never had such a local brew. The genial cooks are from the village and, apart from being such sweet ladies, boy, can they cook. Food is all vegetarian and locally-sourced and, if you want, vegan. And it’s delicious. It’s world fusion cuisine made by happy women who are artists with ingredients.

The dinner table is in a wood-clad pod that gives the impression that you are hanging over the lake, and while your body will be taking in whatever divine dish is on the menu, your eyes will be full of the view. There’s a special light on Atitlan, the colour of the water and shades of the steep hills and volcanoes are constantly changing.

The local Maya hold that it is sacred – and I want to agree. The ladies also make the best cappuccino I’ve ever had.

It’s a wonderful place to visit, but an even better place to stay. To forget the habits of your life takes a few days, so I really recommend at least four nights to truly get the full soul-refreshing experience that can Tosa offer.

TR

Free as a bird It’s a flight like no other.

Glide effortlessly through your private lounge to board a truly impressive aircraft.

Relax in pure luxury, arrive in style. This is travel designed around you. www.privatejetcharter.com

Dedicated to you every step of the way

The Royalton Words: AMY McNICHOL

W

e shove open grand mahogany doors and stride over the threshold from dusty and sweaty sidewalk into the fresh and cooling lobby in midtown Manhattan. It takes a moment to mop brows, flatten barnets and adjust as our surroundings leap from hustle and bustle and car horns to a gentle buzz punctuated with the clink of coffee cups.

Despite our mid morning arrival it’s dark inside Royalton and the dim lighting helps create a sense of calm. It’s an interesting

mish mash of warm and cold, old worldly and ultra modern, comfortably familiar and cutting edge which is apparently exactly what NYC design giants Roman and Williams were aiming for. “Our goal was to design a space that transcends place and time,” explain principals, Robin Standefer and Stephen Alesch. Warming wooden pillars intersect the open plan space which is peppered with hide-covered chairs and suede upholstery.

That aspect is all pretty quaint and these elements are set against impressive, slate-coloured walls, a massive bronze fireplace and some other heavy-looking metal furnishings.

It’s like a log cabin in a way. But a really

big, really sophisticated one, from the future.

In contrast, the suite is relatively light and airy considering the fact the view from the window isn’t one that’ll let a whole load of natural light in. The floor plan is unusual and I think, works really well. As we walk in there’s a door to the left which marks the entrance to a bathroom like no other (more on that later), directly in front of us is a door to the bedroom while on the right is a corridor that leads to the living room.

The living quarters are home to a flat screen HDTV, a decent sized desk and are topped off with some serious lounging equipment in the shape of two arm chairs and a sofa that

T R AV E L : T H E R OYA LT O N

runs the width of the room underneath the window. The bedroom and living quarters are separated by heavy, lux drapes.

By the time The Boy and I get to spending a night at Royalton we’ve been in NYC for five long, exciting but hugely tiring days.

This is the third place we’ll be resting our weary heads and I’ve become more demanding in the accommodation stakes. Now, not only do I require a decent mattress, I’m also looking carefully at the bathroom situation.

In Brooklyn there was a disco lights Jacuzzi bath, last night there was a shower with a porthole to nosey out of but today trumps the lot. Thanks to clever designer and archi-

tect Philippe Starck, there’s a mirror mosaic wall that wraps round half the bath. Sitting and splashing around in that generous, circular tub is like bathing inside a mirror ball.

And if a shower is more your thang, there’s a rainfall showerhead so powerful you could probably launch a rocket with it.

If you can drag yourself out of your own private, glitz-tastic paddling pool for eating purposes, Forty Four is Royalton’s ground floor bar and restaurant. The wine cellar is stocked with over 3,000 bottles of wine while the restaurant serves a whole heap of classic American fodder from burgers to club sarnies. If of course

leaving the magic of the mirror ball is too upsetting, one may order room service on weekdays and feast on such things with wrinkly, bubble bath sodden finger tips.

Location-wise, Royalton is a tourist’s dream. It can be found at 44 West 44th Street, just around the corner from Broadway, Grand Central, the Empire State Building, Times Square and the Rockefeller Center.

But despite all this, the clientele couldn’t be further away from the I heart NYC tee wearers who swarm into those places. This is a sauve hotel for sauve folk and there’s not a single piece of tourist memorabilia in sight.

TR

THE REVIEW 2014 141

The Viceroy

F

Words: AMY McNICHOL

rom somewhere inside the shiny black building, the doorman spots us pulling in.

He strolls over to pull open the door of our iconic yellow taxi. Sunnies on, I stick daintily-heeled feet out of the cab and place them onto the sidewalk, first one, then the other. The Boy, clad in something rather fetching, generously tips the driver and follows me into the long, thin lobby.

This was the way I’d imagined rocking up at New York’s Viceroy for our first evening in Manhattan. Unfortunately, our arrival wasn’t half so movie-like. We’d been in Brooklyn for the first three nights of our NYC adventure and had hopped on the subway to our new abode. I say ‘hopped’ like that’s something one is able to do with a medium sized suitcase, a backpack and a tote bag stuffed with newly-purchased vinyl. We dragged our sweaty, sorry asses up onto street level and negotiated the madness of 57th Street. The understated gold ‘Viceroy’ lettering on black winks at us in the early morning sunlight.

Viceroy New York opened its doors late in 2013 and offers 240 luxury guest rooms across 29 stories. A decent percentage of these boast floor-to-ceiling windows that reveal sprawling views of Central Park. I was told before my arrival that this joint would not only be the new guy on the block, but that it was looking to be a ‘game-changer’ in the midtown hotel arena. How? It is designed, inside and out, by the Roman and Williams design firm who wanted to appeal to the sharp, trendsetting traveller via a cool downtown appearance and an uptown sophistication.

Speaking of game changing, the first thing I notice as we step inside is the aroma. It’s like what I imagine heaven pongs like. It’s not exactly an assault on the nostrils but it is gently noticeable. When I quiz the delightful Lendal on the front desk about it he reveals that this scent is made specifically for the hotel and is pumped through vents in communal spaces. Now, I’d hate to reveal myself to be a Neanderthal here, but that’s not standard practice, is it? That’s something that’s a little bit spesh.

Upon hearing this, I can’t flipping wait to clap eyes on our 25th floor Park View Suite.

Card inserted, green light flashes and the lock moves aside.

I push open the door and bolt past the kitchen and bar area, through the living room to the vast window. The view is glorious. Cabs move in bursts down on the 57th, like wind up toys in need of another twist. We look down on roof tops, across at blackened windows on a similar level to us and then up at the big boys making a real impact on the skyline. Beyond this, a couple of blocks away is a golden and burnt orange Central Park, not quite awake from its winter slumber.

If you can tear yourself away from that, the suite is packed with top notch stuff from a Beats by Dr. Dre™ Beatbox Portable™ audio sound system, Neil George spa products, an illy coffee machine and a mini bar with bottles of spirits almost worth breaking the bank for. There’s also a splendid magazine selection on the coffee table – something that’s often underappreciated.

The bathroom is a regal dream and comes in four parts. The

sink and supplies of fluffy whites are positioned in the bathroom ‘hallway’ if you will. Off that is a loo, a cloakroom (home to one’s robe) and a walk in shower complete with cheeky porthole window.

Another big pull for Viceroy New York is The Roof, their bar which is located on the 29th floor. There’s an inside bit which isn’t all that special to look at but the terrace at dusk is magical for anyone who’s a sucker for a big city. While in Manhattan, we think it only decent to sup a couple of Manhattans up there.

It’s a Thursday evening and the venue is packed with locals. It seems that loads of groups come here straight from work, their

T R AV E L : T H E V I C E R OY

weekends within sight. I imagined it might have been quite a chilled out vibe but even by half six, there’s a lot of whooping and hollering going on.

Fabulous as it is, it’s all a bit noisy up there for date night so we descend the 29 levels and step out of the shiny black building. Sunnies on, I saunter out on to the sidewalk, The Boy, clad in something pretty fetching follows me. It’s time for a good feed before heading back to a slumber in our suite.

In-season room rates at Viceroy New York start from £333, based on double occupancy, with a special weekend rate of £273.

TR

THE REVIEW 2014 143

The W Hotel Words: AMY McNICHOL

W

Hotels are a force in most corners of the world. Their reputation as boutique design hotels is synonymous with cutting-edge, swish style and the gregarious, rich young folk who flock to them. It’s no surprise then that in New York, a city saturated in chic, a city which is one of the most progressive places on the planet, there are FIVE W establishments.

All are located close to the good stuff and all of them are fashion, music and design-centered. It’s just a matter of choosing the right one to suit your interests. Shoppers may be drawn towards the Lexington Avenue branch in close proximity to the allure of 5th Avenue’s booming retail stores, for example. However, for the full-on, super-sized with nacho dog on the side, US-of-A tourist experience, one might be better off right in the NYC heartbeat in the Ws in Times Square or Union Square.

That’s not to say that the W guests have their foam finger baseball gloves at the ready, but step out the door and you’re sure to spot folk going hard on the tourist tat.

For those looking to retreat a little more in the evening, Hoboken, located on the New Jersey waterfront, might appeal marginally more.

Guests can feast their eyes on the twinkling NYC skyline in all its glittering glory, knowing it’s only a 14-minute train journey away.

Finally, there’s W Downtown, which is spitting distance from the New York Stock Exchange and, most poignantly, looks over Ground Zero and stares up at the Freedom Tower.

The latter of the five is to be our luxurious resting place for the two nights at the end of our week.

Upon entering the W, we take the lift to the lobby on the fifth floor. We step out on to a reflective black surface, so shiny it should probably have a couple of those ‘caution: slippy surface’ cones up, suing culture being what it is here. To the right there’s the Living Room Bar and to the left is reception, but joining the two and running above our heads are spacey lines of lights that follow the wild contours of a wavy ceiling. It’s like a snapshot of what it’d look like if fairy lights floated and someone chucked strings of into a wave machine. It’s spectacular and bonkers and it’d take something a bit spesh to trump it.

T R AV E L : T H E W

THE REVIEW 2014 145

Cue the view from the terrace. Straight in front of the lifts are the doors that lead out to the terrace. It’s substantial and hosts pretty funky-looking furniture, but it’s the view which is something else. The Freedom Tower, all 541m of it, lives up to its name and towers, uninhibited and strong above, well, above everything really. A drink out here after dark is absolutely essential.

Room-wise, the entry-level one is dubbed a ‘Wonderful Room’ and in most respects, I reckon that’s pretty accurate. There is plenty of light thanks to a mahoosive window that runs the length of the room; the bathroom is equipped with delicious Bliss bath products, but unfortunately lacks a tub to soak weary limbs in. The beds are really decent (though after five days of tiring, Big Apple excitement, one could probably nod off with their face on the sidewalk and sleep soundly). Although wifi is free in the lobby and bar area, one must pay to get online from their Wonderful Room – which is a little odd for 2014.

A tourist’s morning in the Big Apple have to be just so to set them up for the day ahead. BLT Bar and Grill on the ground floor of the W Downtown does just that.

This lot aren’t messing about – the menu lists a bagel and cream cheese as a ‘side’.

Sipping a glorious, freshly-squeezed orange juice, I tuck in to my brioche french toast and cinnamon-caramelised apples, while the fella sets about his eggs benedict in the same manner he might were he playing a tactically complicated game. He twists the plate and weighs up his options on where to start.

Something that W definitely deserves a high five for is their W Insiders service.

If you’re a W guest and rock up having had zero time to research the place where you’ve landed, the W Insider is on hand to tell you everything from the city’s hottest parties to the latest sample sales to pop up restaurants. In a city as buzzing as this, always ask! Even if you think you’ve got an app for that, you don’t want to be kicking yourself afterwards.

TR

100% SHERRY CASKS 100% NATURAL COLOUR 100% THE MACALLAN

THE MACALLAN GOLD The Macallan 1824 Series has been created to showcase the beautiful range of natural colour found in our whiskies – each expression becoming darker and more complex.

The Macallan Whisky Maker, Bob Dalgarno, has handpicked 100% sherry casks to deliver the rich, 100% natural colour and the full bodied aromas and flavours for which The Macallan is recognised and famed.

THE MACALLAN GOLD, A SINGLE MALT OF EXEMPLARY CHARACTER AND FLAVOUR

DI SCOV ER THE M ACA LL A N 1 8 2 4 SERIE S AT THEM ACA LL A N .COM P L E A SE SAVOUR RE SP ON SIBLY

THE REVIEW 2013 3

Deep Skin

Summer lovin’ . This season’s must-have beauty products Words: GEMMA PHELAN

Estee Lauder - Bronze Goddess Summer Collection 2014 This summer, Estee Lauder captivates the senses with a sultry limited edition colour look in the new Bronze Goddess Summer 2014 Collection. From the collection, we opted to try the Bronze Goddess Powder Bronzer, as no summer skin is complete

without a warm, sun-kissed glow. The powder creates a perfectly natural, sun-warmed skin effect and glides onto cheeks evenly.

We recommend you use your own plump blusher brush for initial application and use the brush provided for top-ups throughout the day.

The Nudes Eyeshadow Palette is beautifully suited for all skin tones. This expertly

designed and adaptable custom palette-ofeight shades, highlights, defines and dramatises eyes to achieve either a soft and subtle or sultry and sensual look. To complete the alluring eye look, use the Sumptuous Extreme Waterproof Mascara in Extreme Black to magnify and multiply lashes with big, bold volume.

TR

B E AU T Y : S U M M E R L O V I N

Estee Lauder Clear Difference To keep your skin looking fresh and blemish free this summer, try Estee Lauders Clear Difference, a highly-effective, rapidacting system comprised of Clear Difference Advanced Blemish Serum and Clear Difference Targeted Blemish Treatment that targets, treats and dramatically reduces the look of blemishes, effectively yet gently. In addition, EstĂŠe Lauder introduces Clear Difference Complexion Perfecting BB Creme SPF 35 to help protect skin and disguise imperfections.

TR

THE REVIEW 2014 149

I’ve never been ‘that girl’ with the hair everyone envies - far from it. I have suffered a lifetime of layered haircuts, volumising sprays and thickening shampoos, in a futile bid to achieve something that doesn’t resemble an Afghan Wolfhound on show day. To add insult to injury, my hair doesn’t grow past my shoulder blades, ponytails look more like rat tails, and too much conditioner makes my hair look greasy, not sexy.

Despite all this, I’ve never opted to have hair extensions to thicken or lengthen my sad-looking locks. I’ve always worried that, with it being so fine, glueing, weaving or sewing in extensions would cause inevitable and irreversible damage. Horror stories of hair extensions causing headaches, bleeding and some cases Traction Alopecia (permanent damage to the hair follicles which prevents hair regrowth) were enough to scare me off.

Plus, the thought of having someone else’s hair glued into my head is just creepy.

It wasn’t until recently, when I came across MarkGlenn hair enhancement, that I considered there may be a safe method to transform my tired tresses. For starters, MarkGlenn use synthetic hair which is half the weight of human hair. Not only is this less stressful on the scalp, but good quality fibre extensions have no intrinsic personality (in the form of natural kinks or waves)

for the new owner to contend with.

The hair is also custom-blended to each individual client. No ‘closest match’ or ‘offthe-shelf’ block colours. I imagine watching the girls survey, match and blend my new hair to be close to watching John Sargent painting his portrait of Theodore Roosevelt.

The likeness was impeccable. These girls truly are artists.

But more importantly for me, synthetic hair absolves the wearer of any bad karma that comes with supporting such an exploitative industry as the human hair trade industry. It’s no secret that some hair extensions are made from hair taken from dead bodies, prisoners, or from young girls offering their hair as a sacrifice in Indian temples. Despite countless customer requests, MarkGlenn has resisted the temptation to use real hair for ethical reasons. I really respect them for this.

Aside from their ethics, what really sets MarkGlenn apart from most high-end hair enhancement salons is the method by which the hair extensions are braided in. It’s a twoperson job, where a small section of existing hair is taken and split this into two. The fibre is also split into two to make the braid and is finally wrapped around the base of the hair, protecting it. The fibre is then sealed to itself using a gentle heated tool. This does

make application more of a job, as there are two technicians working simultaneously throughout. Plus, technicians must train for a year to eighteen months to become competent in the technique. It’s surprising how MarkGlenn are able to keep the cost of their hair extensions so reasonable, considering how much time and training goes into each individual client’s treatment.

On the MarkGlenn website, each service comes with ‘unlimited love and refreshments’. This couldn’t be truer. From the moment I stepped into the salon to leaving after my first wash, I felt looked after and cared about. A good proportion of MarkGlenn clientele are hair-loss clients, so it’s important for them to create an environment where people feel comfortable. The team at MarkGlenn do just that: they’re energetic, friendly, clearly love what they do, love hair, and love seeing the smiles on people’s faces as they leave the salon – in many cases, with life-changing results.

On that note, I want to say a personal thank you to the lovely Sarah Connolly, Davie Mehmet and Emma Burletson for creating and styling my new hair and for making me feel like a princess for the next three months. The one downside of hair extensions: they’re super addictive. So, I’m sure I’ll be seeing you all in September!

TR

B E AU T Y : M A R K G L E N N

THE REVIEW 2014 151

SEVEN

SENSATIONAL

SUMMER TIPS

Amanda Elias, Beauty Expert and Founder of Bravura London (www.bravuralondon.com) Words: AMANDA ELIAS

1. The first thing you want to think about is sun protection, the sun is the main cause of premature ageing which can leave your skin dull, dry, wrinkled and with hyperpigmentation (brown spots), protect all exposed skin with a broad spectrum SPF (protects against both UVA & UVB) of at least 30, preferably a mineral SPF which acts as a sunblock to instantly block the sun’s rays, look for a product that’s waterproof and don’t forget your lips, ears and the back of your neck. Re-apply frequently.

2. You may know about cleansing, exfoliating and moisturising your face but do you spend as much TLC on your body? Ensure you exfoliate at least twice a week and if possible, slather yourself daily (after your shower) in your favourite body lo-

tion.

3. Do you find your skin flushes when you get hot? Keep a refreshing water spray or toner spray at hand to spritz your face and neck when you feel yourself overheating 4. Avoid wearing perfumes on your skin; when the sun hits the areas of skin that contain perfumes it can cause irritation. Fragrance your hair by spraying your hairbrush then brush through your locks, every time you swish your hair you’ll be surrounded by a beautiful fragrance.

5. Sun and lip gloss aren’t a good combination, remember the days of people baking in the sun covered in baby oil? Same thing. Get yourself a good lip balm that contains an SPF,

you can get plenty that have colour or line your lips with a lip pencil then top with a clear SPF balm.

6. Parched skin after too much alcohol and sun? Intensely nourish your skin with an oil such as jojoba oil, this non-comedogenic (won’t block your pores) oil is more of a wax and is close to your skin’s natural oil.

For sun burnt skin, help the healing process with pure aloe vera gel and apply 3-4 times a day.

7. Don’t forget to hydrate yourself, to keep your body functioning properly and to aid in the removal of toxins from our body it needs to be well hydrated so be sure to drink 2-3 litres of liquid (sadly this doesn’t include dehydrating substances such as cocktails and coffee) per day.

TR

Old

Hollyw Stylist/Creative Director: BoBBY REYES Lighting: TOM CICNEROS MUA: JENNIFER CORONA

Models: aMY and Flora - two mana

FA S H I O N : B O B B Y R E Y E S

wood Glamour

Photographer: TED SUN Location; home of designer: CRAIG OLSEN Hair Stylist: DanIELLE JUNE

management / piper - q models

DRESS - ALEXIS MONSANTO HEADPIECE - What a BEtty jewellery - Gotroxx

DRESS - ALEXIS MONSANTO jewellery - Gotroxx

DRESS - ALEXIS MONSANTO jewellery - Gotroxx

DRESS - ALEXIS MONSANTO jewellery - Gotroxx

DRESS - ALEXIS MONSANTO jewellery - Gotroxx

DRESS - ALEXIS MONSANTO jewellery - Gotroxx bag - vintage

DRESS - ALEXIS MONSANTO jewellery - Gotroxx HEADPIECE - What a BEtty

THE REVIEW 2014 163

DRESS - ALEXIS MONSANTO jewellery - Gotroxx HEADPIECE - What a BEtty BLACK SUEDE CLUTCH - VINTAGE I. MILLER RED BAG - Vintage

DRESS - ALEXIS MONSANTO jewellery - Gotroxx HEADPIECE - What a BEtty FOXTAIL SHAWL - vintage

THE REVIEW 2014 165

DRESS - ALEXIS MONSANTO jewellery - Gotroxx HEADPIECE - What a BEtty

DRESS - ALEXIS MONSANTO jewellery - Gotroxx HEADPIECE - What a BEtty

Sunrise

AVENUE

Stylist/Creative Director: BoBBY REYES

Lighting: JERMIN Assistant MUA/Hair: Gabby G

Photographer: Ted Sun

Key MUA/ Hair: JENNIFER CORONA Assistant fashion stylist: JESSICA G

Models: EFFY & ISKRA - two management

FA S H I O N : B O B B Y R E Y E S

dress by Alexis Monsanto necklace and bracelet by Amrita Singh

dress by Rachel Pally bracelet by Gotroxx

THE REVIEW 2014 171

DRESS - ALEXIS MONSANTO jewellery - Gotroxx

Effy wears dress by Winter Kate and necklace by Gotroxx Iskra wears DRESS - Rachel Pally BRACELET - Gotroxx

Iskra wears dress by Alexis Monsanto and earrings by Gotroxx

Effy wears dress by Rachel Pally and jewelry by Gotroxx

THE REVIEW 2014 175

All swimwear by Belusso Sunglasses by Miu Miu

Metallic sweater by Fever All jewelry by Gotroxx

THE REVIEW 2014 177

All swimwear by Belusso Sunglasses by Miu Miu

All swimwear by Belusso Sunglasses by Miu Miu

THE REVIEW 2014 179

Some companies are allowed to choose from all the investment options out there.

Some companies aren’t allowed to choose from all the investment options out there.

There, that should help you choose.

At Brewin Dolphin, we don’t have anyone telling us what to do. We’re independently owned, and have none of the restrictions that can be associated with the big banks. Our investment managers are free to search the whole of the market to find the most suitable investments for their clients.

So if you’re looking for impartial, expert investment advice, make Brewin Dolphin your choice. You’ll find that the first thing we earn is your trust.

The value of your investment may fall and you may get back less than you invested.

0207 246 1000 brewin.co.uk/250 follow us on Twitter @BrewinDolphin Brewin Dolphin is a member of the London Stock Exchange and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority No.124444

F I NA N C E : C R O W D F U N D I N G

Pensioner V Property Investor?

We are all living longer. Ten years longer than we did in the 60s on average.

Many of us can now expect to spend as long in retirement as we do in work, enjoying the good life until we’re well in to our nineties.

Words: JAMES FERGUSON

I

t might seem a lifetime away, but it’s never too soon to start thinking about a life of leisure.

Putting off planning your savings pot until too late in your career could mean you are forced to continue working well past your intended retirement date.

And by then you should be busy doing nothing. You’ve earned it after all.

Recent changes in legislation* have given Brits greater control over their retirement plans and look set to turn many more of us from pensioners into property inves-

tors.

Essentially, the changes removed restrictions on accessing retirement savings, making it easier for people to take cash out of their pension pot.

That raises the option of investing some or all of your savings in property at retirement, rather than taking more traditional route of buying an annuity.

And that looks set to prove popular in the UK, where bricks and mortar have always been a national passion.

A National Passion It’s not surprising that more people are

deserting pensions in favour of property as returns from company and private schemes are uncertain and the value of annuities are in steady decline.

Meanwhile, total annual returns on the average rental property were 10.3 per cent in the twelve months to April, up from 5.8 per cent in the twelve months to April 2013, according LSL Property Services’ Buy-to-Let Index.

According to research* from property crowdfunding website Property Moose, five times more Brits would rather invest their savings in residential property than a pen-

THE REVIEW 2014 181

sion to help achieve the lifestyle that they aspire to in retirement.

Property Moose surveyed UK consumers in an effort to judge the appetite for property in the current climate, and found 54 per cent of respondents believe residential property was a better investment than a pension, while only 11 per cent thought a pension was a better investment.

It seems we love the idea of owning a tangible asset that we can see and touch, and of course we love to sit back and watch its value grow while house price inflation works its magic and rental income rolls in.

Despite their preference for property over pensions, only one in ten (10 per cent) Brits currently has a direct investment in a property other than the one they live in, according to Property Moose’ research.

A Capital Idea By far the biggest reason putting people off investing in property so far, cited by 57 per cent of respondents, was that they didn’t have the initial capital required to buy one.

The second most common reason, cited by 15 per cent, was worries about maintaining a property whilst it was being let, while 11 per cent said they worried that investing all their money in one property was too risky.

Renovation costs, the complexity of buy-to-let and the time it takes to select, renovate, maintain, find tenants and collect rent were each cited by ten per cent of respondents.

There is no doubt that finding the funds to buy an investment property outright is

a real barrier and a career as a buy-to-let landlord can have limited appeal, to say the least.

Dealing with tenants and workmen can be a headache, especially when you are supposed to be enjoying your retirement, and while employing a third party management company can simplify your life, it eats in to your profit.

In With The In Crowd Property Moose, the online platform where investors pool their resources to buy residential properties, is designed to open up the property market to these frustrated potential investors by offering stakes in residential properties from just £500.

The small initial outlay not only removes a significant barrier to investment, it also allows investors to take stakes in multiple properties, spreading any potential risk.

The Property Moose team and its consultants preselect an exclusive selection of properties for their strong investment potential, which members can decide to invest in for a predetermined length of time, typically three to five years.

Properties are rented out to generate an annual dividend for the term of the investment.

In addition to the annual income, all the investors share in any capital growth when the property is sold.

Property Moose was co-founded by qualified solicitor and private equity specialist Andrew Gardiner alongside asset manager James Cadbury, a descendent of the Cadbury chocolate empire, who began to de-

velop student buy-to-let properties together to help fund their university studies before starting out in their respective careers.

Andrew said: “Many people are looking for alternative ways to fund their retirement using property, but they want a simpler way to invest, without taking on debt and with the added benefit of spreading their risk across a number of investments.

“Our model means people can contribute smaller amounts to larger investments, allowing them to diversify their portfolio and with the aim of ensuring better returns.”

No More Either/Or Property Moose doesn’t guarantee returns, but Andrew says the platform will only consider properties that it considers will deliver better-than-market returns.

He said: “For many it’s always been a case of either or – either invest in property or save for your retirement.

“The changes announced in the budget allow people to use pension savings for property investment if they wish.

“However, many people will have pension pots too small to buy a residential investment property outright. This will mean they need to join with other like-minded investors in order to achieve their goal of owning an investment property.

“Crowdfunding for property purchases is one way this can be achieved.”

Of course, as with any investment, investors need to rely on their own research.

But with rental yields remaining strong and capital growth improving, the property crowd looks set to live long and prosper.

TR

F I NA N C E : P R O P E R T Y

Time to invest

By Ian Samuels, founder of The Property Investor and author of Property Tycoon: A Simple Seven-step Guide to Becoming a Property Millionaire Words: IAN SAMUELS

E

veryone knows that investing is the right path for those who want to grow their wealth.

What many don’t appreciate, however, is that residential property represents the best form of long-term investment for those looking to increase their assets and set themselves up for early retirement.

Better still, it is a much safer form of investment than stocks and shares. With all the bad publicity surrounding banks and in-

vestments, people simply don’t know where to invest anymore, but history teaches us that property values stand the test of time, having increased in value by an average eight to nine per cent every year for the last 60 years.

It’s therefore fair to say that the old adage, “Safe as houses” aptly applies to property investment — whether you’re looking to dip into buy-to-let or find bargains that can be renovated and flipped back onto the market for a quick profit, wish to build up a substantial property portfolio, or simply want to minimize risk.

GOLDEN AGE OF PROPERTY INVESTMENT

Britain is now, thankfully, “postrecession”, and the UK property market is currently enjoying a golden age. Given this, 2014 – 2015 represents a great opportunity for those thinking of investing in the residential property market. In fact, now is a critical time to get on the property investment ladder as prices will never be this low again.

Property prices started rising last year and will continue to do so over the next

THE REVIEW 2014 185

seven to eight years. The Property Cycle has entered the next phase, and history tells us that the property market will experience slow and steady growth over the next four to five years, before the next ‘Boom’ phase of the cycle, beginning around 2018 – 2019.

That being said, the extraordinary recent rise in London property prices, caused mainly by a huge surge in demand by wealthy Europeans and Middle Eastern investors, does distort the figures somewhat.

A good rule of thumb for property investors is to always treat the capital as a special case, isolated from the rest of the UK. Taking a 14% hike in London property prices in 2013 out of the overall UK figures, a more realistic increase of 4% - 5% was recorded by the Nationwide and The Halifax (overall UK increase including London 7.5%). Since The Nationwide started recording house prices in the 1950s, the property cycle has nearly always followed the same pattern, rising for eight–10 years followed by a slump or stagnation, followed again by a slow and steady period of growth before entering the next boom phase.

London property prices are now showing signs of cooling and a ‘natural correction’ will inevitably occur. Those same wealthy foreign investors are now looking outside of London for better returns, mainly in the north and the Midlands for higher yields.

This in turn will bring about a continued

increase in prices around the UK while London prices stagnate, bringing equilibrium to the overall market.

BUY-TO-LET With rental yields still on the increase and first time buyers unable to find 20% 25% deposits, the rental market continues to thrive and grow, offering excellent returns for those with buy-to-let property portfolios. A steady increase of foreign students and eastern European immigrants in the UK throughout recent years has helped to create a massive surge in demand for rental properties. With more single people looking to rent and a huge backlog of young professionals unable to get on the property ladder, its no wonder rental yields continue to increase.

The recent introduction of MMR (Mortgage Market Review) and new tougher lending rules brought in by The Bank of England, in order to try and stem the increase in property prices, has resulted in a sharp decline in the number of mortgages approved by banks and building societies, creating even more demand for people looking to rent.

The government can introduce new help-to-buy schemes for first-time buyers and try to stem the increase in prop-

erty prices by introducing MMR (“Mortgage Market Review”). But whatever the Bank of England decides to do to solve Britain’s long-term housing problem, the only real solution to the housing crisis is to build hundreds of thousands of new homes, and that isn’t going to happen any time soon.

CONCLUSION

When I first became interest in property, back in the early 1990s, I started out without a plan, without money and without experience of property investment. Now, I have a portfolio worth millions of pounds.

I mention this not to boast, but to show that becoming a property tycoon is certainly achievable in the long-term, if you understand your market and know how to take advantage of opportunities when they arise.

With a lack of supply of new homes, and the surge in the number of people looking to rent, combined with where we are on the Property Cycle right now, the bottom line is that there has never been a better time to invest in residential property — especially in the areas outside London.

Property Tycoon: A Simple Seven-step Guide to Becoming a Property Millionaire

by Ian Samuels (Harriman House) is available now, priced £12.99 (paperback) and £10.79 (ebook).

The Property Cycle – Where are we now?

The property cycle in the last sixty – seventy years has almost always followed the same eight - ten year cycle, between three - four years of stagnation or small % drop in value, followed by three – four years of slow and steady growth and then another two – three years of big growth, sometimes reaching 20% - 30% in one year. The advantage of this regular cycle is that property investors can fairly accurately predict a few years ahead and prepare their finances for a boom or bust period.

We have had more than three – four years of stagnation and drop in property prices, and I believe we are about to enter a period of slow but steady growth lasting about four years. This is the time to invest in property before we encounter the next stage of the cycle. In 1988 house prices rose 23% followed by another increase of 20% in 1989. There followed four or five years of stagnation and drop in prices followed by

another five or six years of slow but steady growth averaging 5% - 6%. Then the huge increases came again in 2002, with a whopping 17% increase in house prices followed by 22% in 2003 and 18% in 2004.

What happened then in 2005 was slightly unusual in that house prices continued to rise instead of falling, as they had during previous similar stages of boom and bust cycles.

According to the regular property cycle this shouldn’t have happened, however due to the crazy bank lending situation and the ensuing madness which followed, where the nation was encouraged to borrow to keep spending, in order to keep the economy ticking along, a big bubble naturally formed.

Between 2005-2007 prices rose steadily when normally they would have fallen, creating the property bubble which in turn caused the big bust beginning in 2007. So the drop in prices this time round has been bigger than usual and lasted longer than usual, however all that means is that once the market picks up again we will experience even

bigger increases.

So where are we now on the property cycle? Looking at the house price data above showing how house prices rose and fell between 1984 - 2013 into account, you can clearly see we have now entered a new period of slow but steady growth.

IAN SAMUELS’ TOP 10 TIPS FOR BECOMING A PROPERTY TYCOON

1. Set yourself short, medium and long term goals and create a plan

who’s already been there and made a success of property investment

2. Do lots of research before deciding what area you want to start investing in, make sure its a good area for rentals and capital gain

5. Build your team. Make friends with

3. Know

6. Learn about the Property Cycle and know where you are on this cycle

your finances, and have a basic understanding of how it works.

Learn about leverage, equity, mortgages, tax, capital gain & cash-flow, yields and return on investment

4. Get

yourself a mentor, someone

builders, electricians, plumbers, decorators, estate agents, letting agents, and find a good mortgage broker

7. Always

put down at least 10 per cent – 20 per cent deposit to give yourself a cushion and to allow for any drop in house prices

8. When purchasing any property make sure the figures stack up and that it will provide a positive cash-flow 9. Let the agent manage the first one or two properties for you until you know what’s involved in managing and maintaining rental properties.

10. Remember that property prices can go down as well as up and that to make a healthy profit from property investment you must be in it for the long term TR

THE REVIEW 2014 187

TECH

ROUND UP

More tools and toys than you can shake a stick at. You can win everything listed here, just by working hard at school and putting in the hours.

Words: AMBER EDDILSTON GoPro HERO 3+ Black Edition

Gigaset SL930 Remember the humble landline? “Can John come out to play, Mrs Smith?” We have come a long, long way since the humble rotary dialler. The Gigaset SL930A lets you communicate in reliable, brilliant sound quality, connect to the internet, and download apps to control devices like your TV. You can truly have it all at your fingertips. A true display giant, the Gigaset SL930A boasts a 3.2” capacitive touchscreen offering a full-touch user interface for quick, easy navigation. And because you deserve the best audio quality, they have included HDSPTM sound performance. Tired of frequent charging? With a standby time of up to 140 hours, the Gigaset SL930A won’t let you down.

Talking isn’t everything. Sometimes you need to consult a search engine. Read your e-mails. Or check in with your social networks. Whatever your communication preferences, the Gigaset SL930A rises to the occasion. www.gigaset.com

Any action sports junkie will know that a camera is essential, in order to fully explain and brag that ‘sick jump’ to your nearest and dearest. The black edition shoots high-frame rate 1440p48, 1080p60, 960p100, 720p120, 4Kp15 and 2.7Kp30 enabling cinema quality capture. WiFi enabling iPhone connectivity and Superview mode are just a few of the GoPro’s arsenal of extras. Shockproof and waterproof to 197’ (60m), and proven in heavy surf from Tahiti to Northern California and everywhere in between, GoPro cameras can handle it, thanks to their highly engineered polycarbonate exoskeletal housing. Ready for action—from scuba diving to dirt track racing, and tough enough to take a spin across the asphalt or launch into space, GoPros are built to take a beating and keep filming.

Replacement lens kits and housings are available, so there’s little worry while going for glory—even while diving with sharks.

GoPro mounts enable you to capture a fully immersive experience of your most exciting moments while ensuring your camera is securely attached and with you for the ride.

Helmets, poles, boards, vehicles, and even yourself—whatever you’re into, there’s a GoPro camera mount that will help you get the perfect angle and POV for your most epic adventures. The HERO3 comes with a few basic mounts to get you started.

It might be smaller and lighter, but the HERO3+ is mightier. www.madison.co.uk

T E C H R O U N D U P : T OY S

Kingston HyperX 3K 120GB Any hi-spec desktop or laptop deserves an SSD. The days of the USB 128mb stick are gone my friends.

What would you store on it these days anyway? A few word documents? Most high-res photos take up 30mbs apiece. Kingston’s HyperX branding is reserved for its top-end SSDs, but the new HyperX 3K range is designed to deliver similar levels of high-end performance at a cheaper price. www.kingston.com

Samsonite Lite Locked Spinner We do a fair amount of travelling at The Review, enough to want to dispense with the soft leather weekend holdall and find something that says ‘air miles’. Samsonite has long been regarded as the leader in the field with respect to flight luggage technology. Their new Lite-locked spinner is no exception. A smart and stylish option for the discerning traveller, this 93-litre Lite-locked large suitcase by Samsonite is a testament the brand’s expertise in the field of luggagemaking.

Crafted using the brand’s unique Curv® technology, this robust case boasts a lightweight shell with exceptional impact absorption qualities, ensuring its contents are wellprotected during transit.

The German-engineered case is fitted with four easyglide spinner wheels, making for easy negotiation of airport terminals.

Also designed with a TSA approved three-point lock and elasticated garment straps, this contemporary case is as secure as it is stylish. Made with the revolutionary Curv® technology. This is an advanced impact-resistant, lightweight material: recyclable and nature friendly. Curv® is known for its high energy absorption, outstanding impact performance, especially at low temperatures. www.samsonite.com

THE REVIEW 2014 189

DJI PHANTOM 2 Let’s not argue about it: the DJI drone is the coolest product to come to market this century. The liberal’s will wax on about privacy and whatnot, but we don’t intend on mounting a first strike device on ours. We also expect the majority of people that want to buy a drone like this are doing so for the immense pleasure you get from flying a mile upward and seeing your world from a different perspective. The Phantom 2 is unbelievably easy to fly. Combined with smooth, stabilised footage from the H3-2D or H3-3D gimbal, aerial cinematography and videography has never been easier. It’s light, rugged and perfect for travel. The high capacity, high performance 5200mAh Lithium Polymer battery offers up to 25 minutes of flight time. Built in intelligence provides battery capacity data, over charge/discharge protection, as well as maintenance reminders making the battery extremely safe and reliable. By now of course you are already thinking, ‘shut-up and take my money’.

Buy yours from the best in the business: www.rcgeeks.co.uk T: 01737 457404

luxury lat

Later living in the Portuguese sun T: 0113 251 2211 W: www.wellingtonretreatportugal.com E: perry.b@wellingtonretreatportugal.com

ter living

Welcome to the exciting new world of the Wellington Retreat, a place where your home really is your castle. This is an over 55s development aimed at enhancing your lifestyle. Where you really can live your life just the way you always planned.