Unique Issue 31

BOARINI MILANESI

Delight your loved one with a Boarini Milanesi handbag: the perfect gift for every special occasion.

Every Boarini Milanesi handbag is unique, made to order exclusively for the client with their name delicately embossed on the leather.

www.boarini-milanesi.com

www.boarini-milanesi.com

STEINWAY & SONS MODEL D

With more than 170 hours of precision machining behind each speaker, the Model D speaker is a rugged powerhouse of strength and performance. Unrestricted by the vibrations of conventional cabinets, it interacts with the room like a Steinway & Sons grand piano does, resulting in extremely open and life-like musicality, with no resonance and no coloration.

WE FOUND YOUR VILLA

Who better to find your yacht?

When you become an Engel & Völkers client, you become part of a world where there are no limitations. Anything you need is provided to you from one superior and professional brand; Your dream home, your private jet, your luxury yacht, and itineraries tailored to your desires.

ED'S LETTER

Brighter future

As we say goodbye to the pioneering Learjet and say hello to the biggest and best Falcon 10X and E-Hang flying taxis, it's reassuring to think that every ending marks a fresh beginning.

Now more than ever, that positive message has more resonance, as the world finally seems to be coming to terms with life after the devastating COVID-19 pandemic.

While parts of the world are opening their borders and once again welcoming private jet travellers with open arms, the appetite for both leisure and business travel seems as strong as ever, especially for those that have had their movements restricted during multiple lockdowns.

There is talk of a global rebound and lust for life reminiscent of the Roaring Twenties a century ago, but it will also be interesting to see how cautious people are and what lasting impact the pandemic will have on societies that have been gripped by fear and may be changed forever.

These are unprecedented times, some may say UNIQUE, and we will continue to bring you the finest that life has to offer, whatever that might be, both now and in the future.

Scott Birch, Editor

COMPENDIUM

MANDARIN ORIENTAL RITZ, MADRID

Following an extensive three-year renovation of the iconic 110-year-old Hotel Ritz, Madrid, the Mandarin Oriental Ritz opened in Madrid in April.

The new hotel, a stunning renovation of the original centuryold hotel conceived by legendary hotelier Cesar Ritz in 1910, preserves the striking Belle Epoque character of the original and incorporates a number of valuable artistic pieces from the property’s collection, including crystal chandeliers, antique paintings and sculptures.

Add to this the fact it is prestigiously located in the historic Golden Triangle of Art, opposite the famed Prado and Thyssen museums, and in the heart of Madrid’s main shopping and historic district, and Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid, is poised to reclaim its place as one of the most iconic hotels in Europe.

Reflecting the important cultural and social role the building has always had within the city, the Mandarin Oriental Ritz will collaborate with local artists, artisans and brands to deliver unique creations and presentations.

The historic Palm Court with its signature glass dome, reinstated after more than 80 years, will display a selection of artworks inspired by the strong connection the hotel has with the city, while the ballroom and function spaces, with their oversized windows facing the Prado Museum have been beautifully restored.

Along with its cultural setting and prestigious central location comes 153 luxurious rooms and 53 suites, among them two stunning suites located in the top floor turrets and featuring private balconies and magnificent views over the Prado Museum.

The hotel’s five restaurants and bars have been designed, developed and overseen by one of Spain’s most celebrated chefs, Quique Dacosta, and the hotel’s new leisure and wellness facilities include a heated indoor swimming pool, vitality pool, experience showers, steam room, fitness centre and a sanctuary room offering a range of exclusive local treatments.

www.mandarinoriental.com

Scandinavian design meets Dutch functionality in this stunning collection of portable speakers that are perfect both for hanging out at the pool this summer, or getting on a plane for destinations anew.

Following their collaboration on the unique design of a TV in 2019, Danish design brand Georg Jensen, renowned for its handcrafted silverware and table settings, and Dutch electronics powerhouse Philips, come together once more but this time on the creation of a stunning trio of audio products that are as beautiful and tactile as they are technologically advanced.

The collection includes two portable Bluetooth speakers, one large and the other small with 20 hours and eight hours of playback time, respectively. The smaller speaker, designed in an upright form, also features a microphone for handsfree calls and USB-C charging making it the perfect travel companion and ideal for use outdoors. But the real genius is that both models support ‘daisy changing’ which means they can be used in tandem to create surround sound.

Designed in a style that is characteristic of Georg Jensen’s Scandinavian aesthetic, the speakers feature streamlined and sleek pebble-like

forms clad in a mix of mirror-polished stainless steel and Kvadrat’s Audiomix textile in slate blue, the colour a nod to Georg Jensen’s signature ‘slate blue’ high-polished steel design. The textile features an open weave that’s designed to preserve the quality of sound.

All speaker controls and the LED battery life indicator are seamlessly and elegantly integrated into a subtle and sleek control panel atop each speaker. As well as the speakers, the collection includes a portable power bank, also crafted from highly polished stainless steel and brown muirhead leather, which offers stylish and easy recharging on the go.

TOM DIXON TANK TABLEWARE

When it comes to entertaining in contemporary style, British designer Tom Dixon makes it both easy and luxurious with a variety of functional yet contemporary tabletop and entertaining collections.

Always stand-out and often dramatic, Tom Dixon’s luxurious tableware collections offer the perfect functionality for modern entertaining, delivering everything from cocktail glasses and decanters to serving platters and jugs, and utilising the most prestigious of materials, from marble, wood and cast iron to brass, copper and mouth-blown glass, with all pieces designed in a British heritage style and crafted to perfection.

Tank is a glassware entertaining collection that serves a multiplicity of drinking, pouring, storing and displaying food and drink purposes, featuring low-balls, high-balls, whisky, wine and champagne glasses, a decanter and a jug.

A solid yet sexy collection of glassware that takes entertaining to new and luxurious heights, Tank is made from mouth-blown clear glass, finished with the same precision as cut crystal.

Tank features Tom Dixon’s signature geometric volumes taking its sculptural cue from the functional shapes and volumes of scientific apparatus with traditional lab kit an underlying influence across the collection.

The black family of Tank features a modern faded black finish that delivers a mysterious and sophisticated tone, while the copper family offers a more elevated and luxe feel.

So that while Tank is minimal in shape, with crisply cut and polished edges, it is maximum in decoration with a sharply applied band of precious metallic copper detailing. Each piece is ornamented with real liquid gold and colourants, hand-painted with Tom Dixon’s signature copper detailing and the logo sand-blasted on the base.

GEORG JENSEN X PHILIPS AUDIO COLLECTION

APPLE AIRPODS MAX

Bringing the magic of the world’s most popular headphones, AirPods, to a stunning over-ear design with highfidelity audio, Apple’s AirPods Max have been carefully crafted to provide exceptional acoustic performance for each user.

Delivering a breakthrough listening experience, AirPods Max feature a 40mm Apple-designed dynamic driver providing rich, deep bass, accurate mid-ranges, and crisp, clean highfrequency extension so that every note can be heard. A unique dual neodymium ring magnet motor allows the pods to maintain total harmonic distortion of less than 1% across the entire audible range, even at maximum volume.

Equipped with an Apple-designed H1 chip in each ear cup, a custom acoustic design, and advanced software, the headphones use computational audio to deliver the highest quality listening experience possible.

Utilising each of the chips’ 10 audio cores, computational audio powers a breakthrough listening experience that includes Adaptive EQ, which automatically adjusts the sound to the fit and seal of the ear cushions; Active Noise Cancellation, which delivers immersive sound; Transparency Mode, which allows users to switch to music while also hearing the environment around them; and Spatial Audio which places sounds vritually anywhere in a space delivering an immersive, theatrelike experience.

The headphones have great battery life, up to 20 hours, and the Digital Crown offers precise volume control and the ability to play or pause audio, skip tracks, answer or end phone calls, and activate Siri.

They feature a flexible and adjustable stainless-steel headband frame in breathable knit mesh canopy with each cup attaching to the headband through a revolutionary mechanism that balances and distributes ear cup pressure, to pivot and rotate to fit the contours of a user’s head. The AirPods Max comes in five gorgeous colours – grey, silver, sky blue, green and pink – and come with a soft, slim Smart Case that also helps preserve battery charge.

FAI & MCLAREN

FAI Aviation Group has renewed its partnership with Formula 1 race team, McLaren Racing. The multi-year partnership aligns two established brands who are both committed to excellence.

The McLaren partnership enables FAI to raise its profile within the Formula 1 community, with their logo displayed on the rear floor section of the McLaren cars in the 2021 F1 season.

FAI also helps McLaren with logistics – recently FAI organised the trip from Farnborough Airport to Bahrain

International Airport for the first race of the season.

“We are delighted to renew our partnership with McLaren Racing supporting the team, enabling them to fly to their itineraries in Covid-compliant aircraft around the world,” said Siegfried Axtmann, Group Chairman and Founder, FAI Aviation Group. “We look forward to further promoting our services within the Formula 1 community and once again serving the McLaren team as their official aviation provider during the season.”

Zak Brown, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Racing added: “McLaren Racing and FAI share a commitment to excellence, and we are thrilled to renew this partnership with the leading aviation service provider. This partnership with FAI will continue to assist and enable us to fly our team safely across the globe for the 2021 Formula 1 season.”

FAI Aviation Group operates Germany´s largest Bombardier business jet fleet, with seven Global Express jets, one Challenger 850, six Challenger 604s, 12 Learjet 60s, plus two Premier 1A light jets and one King Air turboprop.

Mental health self-medication on the increase: how to seek help

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s understandable that health concerns still persist. Besides dealing with the virus itself, reduced freedoms, economic concerns and long periods of being at home have taken a toll on our collective mental health, and are likely to have a lasting impact.

According to premium health insurer Bupa Global’s Executive Wellbeing Indexi, 70% of high net worth individuals (HNWIs) have reported potential symptoms of mental ill-health including a lack of energy, fatigue, low mood or anxiety during the pandemic.

But rather than seeking medical support or confiding in friends

and family, HNWIs have been tackling their worries through self-medication, using coping mechanisms like alcohol and cigarettes, prescription or recreational drugs, or gambling to help them get through the difficult times, as this report has revealed.

THE SCALE OF THE ISSUE

Bupa Global’s Executive Wellbeing Index highlights the extent of the problem. In the UK for example, more than a quarter (27%) of board-level executives have been using alcohol to ‘alleviate or cope with poor mental health’ during this period. 18% have turned to smoking or vaping and nearly one in five (16%) say they’ve been taking recreational drugs to help.

BUPA GLOBAL’S RESEARCH INDICATES THAT 31% OF HNW INDIVIDUALS HAVE DELAYED SEEKING HELP FOR THEIR MENTAL HEALTH DURING THE PANDEMIC

Dr Pablo Vandenabeele, Bupa Global’s Clinical Director for Mental Health, says: “The pandemic has exacerbated mental health concerns. However, while selfmedication can seem like a quick-fix solution that may help with anxiety or depression in the short term, it won’t help solve the underlying mental health issues and could ultimately make things worse.”

ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGE

The answer to helping these HNW individuals address self-medication issues is in dealing with mental health problems both quickly and proactively.

Worryingly, Bupa Global’s research indicates that 31% of HNW individuals have delayed seeking help for their mental health during the pandemic.

When it comes to mental health, Dr Pablo Vandenabeele encourages people to seek help. “We know that stigmas and uncertainty around mental health can lead to delays in treatment, but that early diagnosis and treatment improves outcomes. Although many people may feel like now is not the time to speak up on mental health, I’d encourage people to seek help sooner rather than later.”

With the future being uncertain, it is important for HNWIs to begin taking action now to protect against immediate and longerterm mental health worries.

YOUR PARTNER IN HEALTH Bupa Global is a premium health insurer and has resources to help you and your family cope. At Bupa Global, your health and wellness are as important to us as they are to you. From the very beginning, we’re by your side. With Bupa Global, you’re a truly private patient.

You’ll be allocated your own Private Clients Manager, on hand to make choosing and organising your health plan as simple as possible. We will arrange a personal consultation in the comfort of your home, office or virtually, to ensure we understand your situation and

to help you choose a plan that is right for your needs.

Our Ultimate Health Plan is the highest level of cover from Bupa. Designed by medical experts, it brings a combination of everyday care with holistic health management and prevention to help give you peace of mind.

To experience more from your health insurance, arrange a personal consultation with our Private Clients team on 0371 705 2023 or visit bupaglobal.com/ privateclients

Calls may be recorded. Bupa Global is a trading name of Bupa Insurance Limited and Bupa Insurance Services Limited. Bupa Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Bupa Insurance Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

According to Bupa Global’s Executive Wellbeing Index, conducted by Opinium Research in July and August 2020 among 450 Global high net worth individuals defined as those with over £1 million (or market currency equivalent) in annual salary and investable assets.

Antigua & Barbuda

Where Freedom, Safety & Mobility

Are Priceless

If greater mobility, unique and better value investment options, safety, and alternate citizenship are what you seek, then Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP) is the programme of choice for you. Already proving more popular in the global investment migration industry, this programme has responded to this demand with more efficient processing, a common sense approach to application process, and more competitive offerings.

Antigua and Barbuda’s CIP continues to demonstrate its responsiveness to market needs by streamlining the application processing framework to ensure seamless client services delivery even as physical lockdown was imposed on global businesses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Chief Executive Officer of the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), Charmaine Quinland-Donovan, was excited to share with IFC Media that the CIU remained open for business to serve investors as they explored safer and more viable alternatives in a very uncertain period.

The dedicated team of professionals at the CIU continues to diligently process applications, completing them in as little as six weeks. Furthermore, keen attention continues to be placed on the investment offerings to maintain their attractiveness and continued alignment with the ever evolving needs of the market.

Why Antigua And Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Programme?

• Visa-free access to more than 160 countries, including Hong Kong, Singapore, United Kingdom, and Schengen area.

• Decision rendered in 60 to 80 days on most files.

• No restrictions on dual nationality.

• Citizenship for life, once residency requirement is met.

• Straightforward application process; no minimum net worth requirement or previous business experience.

• No tax on worldwide income, inheritance, capital gains or investment returns.

• Stable economy and democracy.

• Modern health care system and facilities.

• Well-established legal and regulatory framework, supporting civil and commercial relationships.

• Well-educated workforce, skills and abilities for the modern workplace.

• Internationally comparable education system for all ages

• No annual application quota

• Experience the warmth of the people stemming from the country’s long history in high-end tourism.

• Paradise becomes your home

In addition to visa-free travel, eligible investors have the right to reside permanently on the two islands which comprise this beautiful gem of the Caribbean. The recent elimination of personal income tax makes it even more attractive.

What Are The Available Investment Options?

Applicants must be 18 years or older and may include their dependent, spouse, children, parent, in-laws and grandparents in the application using any of the four (4) available investment options.

Option 1 - National Development Fund

Single applicant up to a family of four (4) makes a contribution of US$100,000 and processing fees of US$30,000.

Where the family includes 5 or more individuals, the required contribution is US$125,000 with processing fees of US$30,000 and US$15,000 for the 5th and each additional dependent thereafter.

Option 2 - Investment in Approved Real Estate

An application may be submitted for investment in an approved property, valued at a minimum of US$400,000.

An application may be submitted for investment in an approved property, valued at a minimum of US$200,000

Two (2) applications from related parties can make a joint investment in an approved property, with each applicant investing a minimum of US$200,000 in order to qualify.

Processing fees for a single applicant up to a family of four (4) are US$30,000.

For the 5th dependent onwards, an additional US$15,000 in processing fees is required.

Option 3 - Investment in an Approved Business

Where a person proposes to make an investment in an approved business, two thresholds apply:

A minimum of US$1,500,000 for a single investor.

A minimum of two (2) persons to make a joint investment in an approved business of at least US$5,000,000 where each applicant is required to make an investment of at least US$400,000.

Processing fees for a single applicant up to a family of four (4) are US$30,000.

For the 5th dependent onwards, an additional US$15,000 in processing fees is required.

Option 4 - University of the West Indies Fund

A family, consisting of a minimum of 6 individuals, makes a contribution of US$150,000 (inclusive of processing fees). For the 7th dependent onwards, an additional US$15,000 in processing fees is required.

One member of the family is eligible to one year free tuition at the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus.

What Makes The Antigua And Barbuda Programme So Successful?

There are several factors that contribute to the rapid success of the programme, which include the Unit’s highly competent staff, drawn almost exclusively from the private sector.

With a turnaround time of 60 days on average, the CIU has quickly become one of the most efficient units in the region, surpassing countries that had been in the industry much earlier.

Antigua and Barbuda has maintained a strong presence in the high-end tourism sector for more than five (5) decades which resulted in high quality infrastructure and has propelled country as an attractive portal for those seeking to invest in exquisite real estate.

The twin-island state had the opportunity to learn from the already-established programmes and to model its real estate offerings and escrow arrangements to support a robust programme. In order to assure investors that developers will deliver quality real estate, the CIU exerts some control over the management of escrow funds.

The CIU has been very visible in the international community by participating in various industry conferences and establishing a strong

presence in a number of high-quality publications. This visibility, along with the culture of efficiency, a robust due diligence process, transparency, and accountability of the programme, made international industry partners confidently promote Antigua and Barbuda as the number one programme in the region.

As far as innovation is concerned, Antigua and Barbuda was the first Caribbean nation to permit investment in approved businesses. Other programmes have since integrated this feature. We were also the first to expand the investment offerings to include the opportunity to live and study for a year in the country.

How Has Antigua and Barbuda Benefited from The Programme?

Over the life of the programme, Antigua and Barbuda has seen a resurgence in the country’s real estate sector and renewed interest in the hotel sector. This economic boost has allowed for

environmentally responsible projects such as solar energy and reverse osmosis to be developed.

The local populace has also benefited from direct contributions to social development schemes. Additionally, the construction boom expected as a result of the programme will create more employment opportunities to improve the economic livelihood of national Antiguans and Barbudans.

Looking to the future, the country anticipates that the revenue flows from CIP will assist in fostering cottage industries such as agro-processing, improve the agricultural sector and support the creation of new industries, thereby ensuring diversification of the economy.

For more information about the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program, go to cip.gov.ag or email info@cip.gov.ag

BLACK MAGIC

With younger generations now falling for the aural and tactile pleasures found in listening to and collecting LPs, the allure of analogue continues. But how to keep them pristine? NICK RICE discovers a vinyl cleaning machine that leaves the rest in the dust.

Photography: Natacha Elmir

The perennial debate… what is the superior format for listening to music? I’m not going down that wormhole though, we’re all agreeing for the following pages that it is the one which has been around since the 1890s, that disappeared for a while in the 1980s with the ubiquity of the CD (now largely residing in charity shops and landfills) and has been stealthily returning to prominence since around 2006. In 2020, despite the global lockdowns, vinyl records outsold CDs for the first time since 1986, and in many countries today, LPs are outperforming downloads.

Vinyl is once again considered, not only the coolest, but the best way to play back recorded music. Over the last 18 months, people all over the world have spent an abnormal amount of time at home. The unprecedented confinements and the respite from the frantic pace of modern life has allowed people to rediscover past pleasures.

With more time to actually sit and listen, record collections have been brought down from the loft or salvaged from the garage or basement and dusted off.

With a faintly sweet musty odour, one redolent of an old record store, you can imagine the black vinyl emerging from long neglected album sleeves, not quite as bright and shiny as it once was, but still intact and ripe for rejuvenation. Bring forth the vinyl cleaning machine! Alongside the resurgence in LPs is a growing market for machines to rescue vintage vinyl collections and to keep new albums in pristine condition.

Vinyl cleaning contraptions range in quality, price point and technology. There’s the cheap Record Washer System MKII by Spin-Clean, where the user places a record in the slot and manually turns the record through water with a plastic crank. Priced at less than $80, it’s been around since 1975 and does a basic job. There’s the mid-range which are largely automated machines

that use wet and dry cleaning or vacuum processes, with popular models by Pro-Ject and Okki Nokki set around the $500 mark, and then, if you really want to conserve your precious albums, there’s the top end with prices at $4000 and upwards.

The most striking of innovations in this bracket is the Degritter. Developed by a talented young team of entrepreneurs from Estonia, the Degritter is a gamechanger. What immediately distinguishes the Degritter is its design. While almost all the competition build clunky, industrial boxes, the team behind Degritter have paid due attention to form as well as function.

The Degritter evokes the 50s stylings of a classic Chevrolet or Oldsmobile. Looking like a sleek 21st century magic toaster, you simply pop in a slice of vinyl and five minutes later it is freshly rejuvenated, stains and smudges visibly removed and the sound quality greatly enhanced.

At the heart of the Degritter is a proprietary 120kHz ultrasonic cleaning system. The cleaning process happens in water that is vibrated with ultrasonic horns powered by an amplifier. This vibration causes the water to “tear apart” leaving behind countless microscopic bubbles. These bubbles collapse and release minuscule water jets into the record grooves, cleaning out dirt which is then removed by an active filtering system.

The bubble formation and collapse cycle happens with a frequency of roughly a hundred thousand times per second and it’s on such a small scale that it’s invisible to the human eye. Once complete the process leaves the vinyl surface clean to a microscopic level.

The Degritter uses a custom ultrasonic bath with a custom 300W ultrasonic amplifier specifically designed for cleaning vinyl records. The cleaning bath has four ultrasonic transducers (emitters), two on both sides covering

the whole record. The Degritter also comes with a unique ‘Frequency Sweep’ feature, which provides better cavitation energy and power distribution. It is the only cleaning solution on the market working at 120kHz and which looks good enough to share pride of place next to your turntable.

Uku Püttsepp, the COO of Degritter, explains how he came to join the company and how he learned to love vinyl. “Well, a university friend of mine, Jaanus Kalde, was developing microsatellites and space cameras, but was in parallel helping out a friend, our present CEO Taniel Põld, in building an ultrasonic cleaning device. Jaanus asked me to come over and meet the team as they were interested in having me on board. I have a background in physics and electronics. For the record, I was not actively listening to vinyl back then. had some records from my grandparents… some Mozart, some organ music… and a salvaged record player. I sometimes spun these records but the sound

quality was not on the top of the list. I’ve turned into a vinyl lover now. I’d like to add that the space company Jaanus helped to found is now actually going to send cameras to the moon with NASA. Space and Degritter have something in common.”

The initial idea for the Degritter came from the CEO, Taniel Põld. Uku says, “He had a small record collection at home and was unimpressed with what the market offered. He disliked how the cleaning machines looked, how troublesome they were to operate, and he saw a price-shave opportunity too.”

After a startup team was assembled, Degritter ran two beta testing campaigns where real users gave feedback about the early prototypes, which provided invaluable lessons before the Degritter was launched with an IndieGoGo crowdfunding campaign in Spring 2018. It wasn’t plain sailing, but Uku says, “What kept us going was a strong inner drive and commitment, a desire for

perfection and user-centeredness. We have a very strong team. You have to be undaunted by failures and learn as you go.”

The company has proved agile and adaptable, even coming through the challenges of the pandemic with positive momentum. “We’ve expanded our production team quite a bit to cope with the demand. We’ve quadrupled our production space in the past two years,” Uku says.

With vinyl sales continuing to grow year on year, ask if he believes there will be a growing and sustainable demand for the Degritter? After a moment’s pause he responds, “We do not see the current Degritter model having an infinite demand curve, but we have something cooking in the kitchen too. A good company always has one foot in sales and one in research and development. The present Degritter model will continue to be our brand icon though and we’ll keep pouring our support and love into it.”

While the creators of the Degritter have not neglected the visual impact of the machine, it is obviously the function of

the invention that is paramount. I pose the question – what is more important, how well it works or how good it looks?

Uku reflects for just a second and says, “An everyday product cannot be in either extreme – it’s a balance of both. Coming back to space, consider how the new SpaceX crew modules look on the inside. This is an example of form and function meeting in a way which was not possible before. The old space capsules were all function inspired. In future long space-journeys we’ll need some aesthetic form too. It’d be cool to have a Degritter on Mars. I love space, it’s full of energy and vibrancy.”

The other key factor when considering investing in a vinyl cleaning machine is the sound produced. Many machines on the market not only look industrial, they sound it too, generating a real racket during the cleaning and drying process. Again, the Degritter is ahead of the pack by keeping the ultrasonic cleaning process down to just a slight hiss. For the louder part, the drying process, Degritter has provided 20 different fan power settings. Set to a five-minutes drying time, it’s a notable sound, but on low settings with longer

drying times, the fans are almost inaudible.

Always keeping the end-user in mind, the Degritter features an SD card slot that allows owners to update its software, and it also includes a set of adapters so that it’s possible to clean 7-inch and 10-inch records. Responding to who this invention is really for and who is buying it, Uku concludes;

“The Degritter is for anyone who wants to clean their records with comfort, effectiveness and style. The Degritter has a definite ‘living room acceptance factor’ which was so far lacking in other cleaners. Our largest markets are in the USA, Southeast Asia, and the EU, but you can find a Degritter seller in pretty much all the corners of the Earth. It’s cool to think that a machine made in Tartu, a small Estonian city, makes record collectors’ lives a bit better all over the world.”

The Degritter is available for US$3,000 purchased directly from the Degritter factory webstore, but faster service and delivery is optional by locating your closest retailer via https://degritter.com/region

Aim for the CLOUD

NexGen Cloud is a relatively young company with bold ambitions. An infrastructure solution specialist to the cloud computing industry, and already working with the most advanced distributed computing platforms and hardware providers, the business is taking on the giants of cloud computing.

NICK RICE speaks at length with Chris Starkey, the company’s Co-Founder & Director

Most people have heard of the cloud, but perhaps they would not be able to accurately define it. With a vague gesture to the sky above, maybe they would tell you it’s about the Internet, and storage. It’s where your photos go, so you can get them back if you lose your phone.

The fact is, the cloud is essential for the functioning of the Internet and the global businesses that rely on it. Cloud computing is fundamentally the on-demand availability of computer system resources, and most critically, data storage and computing power. The term is generally used to describe data centres available to a multitude of users over the Internet.

It can be visualised as a vast pool, or cloud, of resources, from raw compute power to application functionality, all available on demand. When a customer procures cloud services, the provider fulfils those requests using advanced automation rather than manual provisioning. The key benefit is agility: the ability to apply abstracted compute, storage, and network resources to workloads as needed and access an immeasurable wealth of existing services.

Five years ago, the global cloud demand was slightly under $100 billion, Last year it surpassed the $300 billion mark. By the time 2021 is over, this number will be shattered again. There are approximately 400 million active servers operating for this industry and by 2025 the expected demand will be well over

600 million servers to support the aggressive growth of this sector. Small surprise that Amazon and Google are currently taking lucrative advantage and controlling 50 per cent of market share between them.

However, NexGen Cloud aim to make an impact on that. The company was cofounded by serial entrepreneurs Antony

Wade and Chris Starkey, who are also the co-founders of the private investor network, The Bure Valley Group, which “bridges the funding gap between business owners seeking funding, and private investors looking for high returns.”

Wade says, “At Bure Valley, we love innovation. That’s why we seek to unite the creators of exciting new products, services and industry breakthroughs with those who wish to invest in them. With over £40 million already raised and many active, exciting projects in the pipeline, our dynamic network of angels, consortiums and sophisticated investors exists to expand your exposure to financial success.”

Wade has been working in the tech industry for over 30 years, including trading tech companies on the London Stock Exchange and in senior management for a world leading blue chip manufacturing company.

Wade has helped to raise millions in investment for young tech companies in the Bure Valley network, and it was as a result of his drive to put new tech

companies on the map, that the idea of NexGen was conceived. He says,

“We’re seeing huge advancements in the cloud computing industry right now, with some of the more advanced platforms creating opportunities that we’ve never seen before as investors. We’re at a stage now where anyone who owns hardware can become a supplier and generate high levels of profit, with little or no experience at all. NexGen has created an affordable opportunity for people to buy into this emerging industry, which requires no oversight from them. Results are accessible and trackable 24/7 online. It’s a chance to become part of the rise of the private networks.”

There is both a public and a private cloud, whichever one is used, they represent the platform of choice for the businesses of today and tomorrow. Enterprises of all sizes are selecting the cloud, where a constant array of new technologies and innovations offer users endless possibilities.

The difference between public and private cloud is essentially that the public cloud is a service offered to multiple customers by the same cloud

provider. Popular public cloud offerings – such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure – exemplify cloud computing. Today, many businesses take a multi-cloud approach, which simply means they use more than one public cloud service.

The private cloud allows the same advantages but the service is not shared with any other organisation. This gives developers access to a pool of computing power that scales on-demand without putting security at risk. There are also hybrid clouds, combining one or more public clouds with a private cloud, or with on-premises infrastructure.

NexGen operates in the private cloud market, where there are three service models – Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). NexGen operates in the IaaS market, which is comprised of servers and storage devices. This is the fastest growing category of cloud spending with a fiveyear CAGR of 33.7%.

Chris Starkey is the Co-Founder and Director of NexGen Cloud, and he brings a decade’s worth of experience in tech start up investment. He has raised tens

of millions and mentored many startups, several of which have gone on to win partnership contracts with blue chip companies or become market leaders within their respective industries, which in turn has resulted in huge ROI for investors.

Chris’s passion for NexGen Cloud is palpable as he talks to Unique about this rapidly expanding industry.

What does NexGen Cloud bring to the sector and what is its vision?

Well, despite the great benefits cloud compute has brought to the world, businesses have faced many outstanding issues. The launch of our cloud compute offering to the world will help resolve that. Despite the success of most cloud and tech businesses during a challenging year, NexGen and its partners have addressed solutions to ensure more transparency to the cloud market. We can offer blue chips and SMEs the ability to plan accordingly for requirements, without being tied into deceptive free trials from the market leaders. Our vision is not only to bring enterprise compute workloads to businesses up to 10 times cheaper than the likes of Amazon (AWS), but also to

do this using renewable energy data centres and focusing on reducing the carbon footprint of the compute sector.

NexGen is already negotiating with many organisations on global contracts, to provide the transparency, efficiency and affordable green powered compute and blockchain, and future requirements to build additional infrastructure to fulfil the demand of the market. The rise of the private networks is happening now and we’re at a stage now where anyone who owns hardware can become a supplier and generate high levels of profit with little or no experience at all. Challenging established thinking and achieving sustainable advantage, we’ve created an opportunity that gives everyone the chance to step into this highly lucrative market without requiring industry knowledge, or previous experience – with game changing automated technology.

How would you describe the state of the global cloud industry at this time?

We’ve seen significant growth year on year for the last two decades, however, the last 12 months have been explosive. Due to global restrictions with the pandemic, working from home, and

significant growth in the gaming sector, we believe that we may have seen three to four years’ worth of growth over the last year. The public cloud businesses like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft and Google have had record breaking earnings in their cloud verticals. But despite their growth, a new breed of cloud is increasing as more and more companies are awakening to alternatives such as private networks and hybrid solutions, which can offer similar services at significantly lower prices.

NexGen Cloud specialises in the private cloud sector and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), which is currently the fastest growing cloud service. So, business must be booming. How has the sector evolved in recent years and what are the key trends that have emerged?

IaaS has seen significant growth year on year and is projected to be the fastest growing segment of enterprise cloud. With endless demand in power for better graphics with video rendering, artificial intelligence, machine learning etc., businesses are seeing more affordable solutions than buying hardware, which is currently challenging globally, and will continue to be, but also renting power

to support their current infrastructure. These services cannot replace what the hyperscalers do today, but when blending both cloud and IaaS it can reduce costs and improve efficiency greatly.

What are the main reasons for the present success of NexGen Cloud and how do projections look for the company’s progress?

NexGen’s core principals are to support growing blockchain technologies focused around the revolution of cloud computing and all of its verticals, such as enterprise workloads and data storage. Both of these industries need progression, in our opinion, due to the monopolies held by public cloud businesses. As well as cloud, the element of supporting blockchains during their growth phases allows us to have a variety of income streams, allowing scalability of NexGen into a player within the Web 3.0 era and hopefully changing the world for the better.

NexGen proposes a greener, more sustainable model that truly embraces the sharing economy, but are there any difficulties or complexities presented

by the fact that your business services so many different industries?

We believe in providing green powered services and would like to be on the forefront of this revolution, ensuring sustainability not only on our projects’ investments but also ensuring we support the shift into global sustainability. On the contrary, we believe that demand for green powered cloud services, data centres, and the ability to provide more affordable services is a requirement for the world and will continue to follow our principles.

Who are your main competitors besides the giants of Amazon, Microsoft and Google, and how do you manage to drastically undercut them?

Quite frankly, we look to integrate in hybrid scenarios with these companies. The big three have large investment requirements to ensure their monopoly is maintained and just as they have changed the world, it does not mean that there are not alternatives, which

blockchain has brought to the world. In the future, we expect our clients to still use these companies but use our data storage services and IaaS solutions that can reduce their costs by up to 95 per cent and yet still give great margins for our business. What seemed like science fiction years ago, such as driverless cars, virtual reality, AI – have already arrived and the growth is exponential with plenty of market share to cater for.

Will NexGen constrain itself to the IaaS sector or could expansion into other areas be on the horizon further down the line?

Although IaaS is our vision, we’re quickly progressing into other types of infrastructure such as data centre construction and have recently released our data storage project than can house between 50-100 petabytes worth of storage at affordable prices this year… and that’s in our first year of operation.

One of your key partners is Cudo, which provides an innovative platform

to provide computing power from any device in a decentralised network. How did that relationship form?

Firstly, our parent company Bure Valley Group has always been involved in ground breaking technologies and had a keen eye to enter the market ourselves. BVG helped Cudo raise its first few rounds of funding, leaving ourselves and our network with good equity in that business. Following our investment, we felt the natural progression is to provide permanent infrastructure to their platform to assist them with their growth and show significant returns from both blockchain support and future workloads.

Are there any challenging growing pains in an expanding industry?

The biggest challenge this year has been hardware. Due to the huge growth in cloud and blockchain, supply chains have been effected across the world and simply we do not have enough supply to meet demand. This has,

however, allowed us to grow into other subsectors and allowed us to operate a more diverse set of services.

Are there any new directions in your industry that people should be embracing right now?

Yes, the storage industry is changing! Not only that, the Internet and the way we use it is changing also. We have heavily supported and are continuing to support the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS – a protocol and peer-to-peer network for storing and sharing data in a distributed file system) and FileCoin. IPFS is a true competitor to the current HTTP Internet model. If adopted at a global scale, we’d experience huge bandwidth improvements of around 60-70 per cent in efficiency, and we would also kiss goodbye to DDoS attacks. (Distributed Denial-of-service attack occurs when multiple systems flood the bandwidth or resources of a targeted system).

I mean this is huge! If you are a company that operates in cloud or are an Internet-

based business, DDoS or ransomware attacks are the everyday norm. Imagine if that was no more?

With IPFS this is the reality and this is the type of shift that we’re supporting. In order for IPFS to succeed they need a decentralised storage mechanism to support and store all of the data created within the network, this is what FileCoin was created to be. It acts not only as a storage mechanism, it supports the IPFS network and increases its rate of expansion as every FileCoin miner becomes an IPFS node and is paid to do so, very well I might add.

FileCoin offers a much more secure blockchain storage solution compared to traditional storage methods currently supplied by AWS or Google for example, and at a fraction of the price. Combined, IPFS and FileCoin are a revolution and are rapidly being adopted by businesses all over the world.

Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your business?

Dare we say it, business improved during the pandemic! We saw not only an increase in sales but an increase in productivity from our staff also. We managed to raise millions of dollars to support our projects during the crisis, which has spring boarded us into the upper tiers a lot earlier than projected in our road map.

Where is NexGen most successful and what’s the outlook for expanding globally?

Currently we are gaining most success from our mining operations, supporting new innovative blockchains. Decentralised storage platforms such as FileCoin and IPFS represent huge potential for startup companies like us to compete with the likes of AWS and Google.

We currently have storage operations in Belgium and Sweden. We have planned expansion projects in the UAE, UK, Iceland and Portugal.

www.nexgencloud.co.uk

DUTCH MASTERS

SUPERYACHT BRAND MOONEN YACHTS DRAWS ON ITS HERITAGE AND EXPERTISE TO CREATE STUNNING YACHTS DESTINED FOR GREATNESS

Established in 1963, Dutch superyacht builder Moonen Yachts has a rich history of creating quality yachts that are sophisticated, luxurious and unique. The company rebranded as Moonen 40 years ago and continues to produce custom and semi-custom yachts built on nearly 60 years of expertise.

Few years in the company’s history will have been as disrupted as 2020, but it also proved a productive one for Moonen as the COVID-19 pandemic saw a surge in demand for their quality yachts as a great escape.

“In general, the pandemic has opened up new opportunities; people are searching for a place where they can feel safe and secure with their family and friends and if you are on board your own yacht, it’s your own secure bubble,” said Marianne Hendricks, Managing Director of Moonen Yachts (pictured right).

The enthusiasm and encouragement of new Australian company owners, Matthew and Louise Baxter, have helped management to lift the spirits of employees and push the Moonen Yachts brand worldwide.

“In addition to Australia, Moonen finds customers in the US, Middle East and of course Europe,” said Hendricks. “We build local, we act global.”

Currently in production, two 36-metre Moonen Martinique’s YN200 and YN201 have been designed by René van der Velden and Diana Yacht Design. The first in line for completion, YN200, will build on the success of her predecessors by incorporating the addition of a Jacuzzi on the extra-large sundeck, which has been extended by 2.5 metres from the original design. Martinique exudes space and feels larger than other yachts in her size range.

The generous interior of YN200 will accommodate 12 guests in 4 staterooms

and an impressive master stateroom, all with private luxury bathrooms.

The spacious main deck of this stunning superyacht comprises a large salon with an adjacent formal dining area, a large and well-equipped galley and the master stateroom. The newly extended sun deck will continue to enjoy a spacious lounge area with a bar and grill for entertaining.

Alongside the Martinique, Moonen also has the 42-metre Marquis amongst their Caribbean portfolio. This larger yacht, with a slightly different exterior design, is also gaining a lot of interest. Marquis will have three expansive decks. Her owners and guests will feel spoilt for choice with the many relaxation areas positioned to

enjoy the very best that the superyacht life has to offer.

Last year Moonen announced the Moonen 110 – the classically inspired gentleman’s yacht that would become their next build – YN202. The shipyard says the Moonen 110 is an evolution of two of their most timeless builds – the Moonen 84 and Moonen 97 – and promises their beauty and luxury with a modern twist.

With construction now underway and delivery scheduled for 2023, this stunning, first Moonen 110 is available for sale to one lucky owner – will that be you?

www.moonen.com

COSTA RICA rising

Peninsula Papagayo unveils two luxury ownership opportunities at exclusive private resort

Costa Rica is enjoying its time in the sun in 2021, as new luxury resorts and destinations catch the eye of high-end travellers looking for the latest great escape.

As more UHNWIs consider Costa Rica, it’s timely that the 1,400-acre resort and private club community, Peninsula Papagayo, has released two new and exclusive ownership opportunities as demand peaks.

Bahías Peninsula Papagayo is a collection of 13 private family compounds designed by renowned architect and AIA Gold Medalist, Antoine Predock. Situated on one of the Peninsula's prized locations, the Bahías Residences showcase spectacular design and offer the ultimate in seclusion.

The Andaz Costa Rica Residences at Peninsula Papagayo has launched 25 fully serviced residences adjacent to the existing Andaz Costa Rica Resort. The Residences feature stunning views and private plunge pools.

The latest homes hit the market after high demand at Peninsula Papagayo in early 2021 after a record year in 2020.

“Costa Rica, particularly Peninsula Papagayo, has reached a tipping point in demand, underpinned by a shift in lifestyle and priorities of the affluent second-home buyer,” said Donald McGregor, head of development for Latin America at Gencom, developer and co-owner of Peninsula Papagayo.

“Papagayo's club and resort community aligns perfectly with the growing trend of second home buyers seeking safe havens for their families in exotic destinations offering tailored eco-adventure experiences. These two new offerings are designed to meet this demand and unlock a connection to Costa Rica's natural wonder for a new generation of families.”

Situated on 17 acres overlooking islands and back-to-back bays, Bahías is set apart by its elevated design. Constructed to blend seamlessly into the landscape, each residence emerges from the forest canopy high above the Pacific Ocean. Each unique residence sits on up to two acres with 8,500 to 10,500 square feet of combined indoor and outdoor living. The homes offer two or three levels and feature private infinity-edge pools, spas, glamping rooms, and private garages. Owners will have the opportunity to personalise their homes with custom furnishings and decor.

“In Costa Rica, nature is a dominating force,” said Predock, Founder and Principal of Antoine Predock Architect. “When you come to Papagayo, you are not merely looking at nature, you are in it. We wanted to create a fully immersive experience that would honour the cultural landscape – not to bring something predetermined, but to derive our design out of the place itself.”

Sitting alongside the Andaz Costa Rica Resort, the collection of Andaz Costa Rica Residences at Peninsula Papagayo offers 25 fully turnkey, wholly owned, two- and three-bedroom residences.

Designed by Costa Rican architect Ronald Zürcher, they range in size from 2,400 to 3,400 square feet of indoor and outdoor living, including private outdoor spaces and plunge pools. Paths the resort and residences providing access to the fitness centre and spa, multiple beaches, pools, restaurants, and nearby Marina Papagayo. Fully managed by Hyatt, future owners will enjoy inresidence dining, daily housekeeping, valet, dry cleaning, laundry, grocery provisioning and off-site transportation and optional rental program.

One of the many benefits of ownership at Bahías and Andaz will include a membership in the Club at Peninsula Papagayo. The club features golf, tennis, swimming, and social facilities for the whole family. Owners will also enjoy experiences offered by Papagayo Explorers, the peninsula's program of exclusive land, ocean, aerial and cultural immersion adventures led by a team of expert guides, naturalists, and translators.

Situated on Costa Rica's North Pacific coast in the province of Guanacaste, Peninsula Papagayo is Latin America's ultimate coastal retreat. The private resort and club community includes Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo, Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo, Prieta Beach Club, Arnold Palmer-designed signature Ocean Course, Marina Papagayo, and an exclusive collection of oceanfront homes and villas.

Peninsula Papagayo is located 30 minutes from Liberia International Airport, which offers weekly flights from major cities in the US, Canada, UK, and across Central America.

DESTINY HAS ONE ADDRESS

The next step of greatness awaits.

One Vanderbilt.

The next level of office space in New York City...

Exclusive penthouse terraces

Sweeping 360-degree helicopter views

State-of-the-art infrastructure

16’6” to 24’ floor slabs, column-free floors

Daniel Boulud’s signature restaurant

One-of-a-kind tenant only amenity floor

Floors 72 & 73

SKY FLOORS | Slab 20’ & 24’

9,871 to 10,790 sq. ft. each

Floors 60 to 66, 68

PENTHOUSE | Slab 16’6”

22,944 to 26,363 sq. ft. each

SPEED DEMON

Bentley Motors unveils the new Continental GT Speed – the most dynamic road car in the luxury carmaker’s 101-year history

UK-based Bentley Motors has unveiled the new Continental GT Speed, which it calls the most dynamic road car in its 101-year history and ultimate performance-focused interpretation of the luxury Grand Tourer.

Designed, engineered, developed and handcrafted in Bentley’s carbon neutral factory in Crewe, this third-generation model builds on a long tradition of Speed variants, originally introduced with the Continental GT Speed in 2007.

“This new model is the most powerful expression of Continental GT values, exciting and dynamic, with unique Speed detailing to enhance the ownership experience and offering customers more control over the character of the car,” said Dr Matthias Rabe, Member of the Board for Engineering at Bentley Motors.

“The world’s most luxurious Grand Tourer is now truly more capable than ever before, with a new sportier edge which will appeal to performancefocused drivers. The Speed is the latest chapter in the Continental GT story, helping Bentley customers to create their own extraordinary journeys.”

There is certainly some smart chassis technology going on here. Electronic

All-Wheel Steering enhances the dynamic nature of the Speed in Bentley and Comfort driving modes. But in Sport mode, at low and medium speeds, the car’s rear wheels are steered in the opposite direction to the front wheels, making it noticeably nimbler. At high speeds, the rear wheels steer in the same direction as the front, to improve stability.

For the first time in a Bentley, the GT Speed uses an electronic rear differential (eLSD) that works with the traction control and active chassis systems, delivering better traction in adverse road conditions.

There is also a new Carbon Ceramic optional brake system on the GT Speed. Carbon Silicon Carbide discs provide additional brake bite while also saving more than 33kg of weight.

The GT Speed is equipped with an uprated version of Bentley’s renowned 6.0-litre W12 TSI engine, delivering 650 bhp and 900 Nm of torque. This results in a top speed of 208 mph (335 km/h) and 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds).

The muscular bodywork of the Continental GT has been amplified still further on the GT Speed. Unique exterior

detailing complements a powerful, athletic stance.

Speed models add a Dark Tint radiator grille and lower bumper grille, as well as sculpted sports sills, and discreet Speed badging in chrome on the front fender.

The interior showcases Bentley’s expertise, with handcrafted materials blending with unique trim and badging that are only available in the Speed and that can be further personalised with a choice of 15 main and 11 secondary hide colours, as well as the use of leather in lieu of Alcantara. The centre console can be finished in new dark tint engine turned aluminium.

Bentley’s Diamond in Diamond quilting is included as standard, and Speed embroidered headrests distinguish the cabin. A range of veneers are available with Piano Black as standard.

As with all Continental GTs, the Speed offers four seats and grand touring luggage capacity of 358 litres. Packed with exquisite detail, a technologically advanced instrument panel and the acclaimed Bentley Rotating Display, the new driver-focused model widens the Continental GT’s performance credentials.

EHang Vertiport

EHang, the autonomous aerial vehicle (AAV) technology platform company which we have featured several times in these pages, is working up with Italian architecture firm Giancarlo Zema Design Group (GZDG) to extend its air mobility solutions in the EU – including this incredible ‘vertiport’.

GZDG has designed and will build this eco-sustainable vertiport in Italy using green design and construction materials. It will also generate energy to recharge the EH216 passengergrade AAVs. When integrated into the existing transportation infrastructure, vertiports can serve as aerial hubs for tourists.

Inspired by the native African tree Baobab, the 30-metre-high

tower with a steel and laminated wood structure features a waiting room, a café, a 200sqm panoramic restaurant and connecting lift. The take off-and-landing platform will be on the roof terrace.

Power is provided by the vertiport’s photovoltaic panels that can generate over 300 KW of electric power per day.

With the Baobab vertiport, EHang and GZDG aim to enter the emerging global eco-tourism sector, with multiple projects being planned in Europe and Southeast Asia.

The future of air travel looks like it is just around the corner.

BIG SKY COUNTRY

Montana is the fourth-largest state in the USA and is unofficially nick-named The Last Best Place. This pristine wilderness is a haven in which to spend measureless mountain days.

By Nick Rice

“It seems to me that Montana is a great splash of grandeur. The scale is huge but not overpowering. The land is rich with grass and color, and the mountains are the kind I would create if mountains were ever put on my agenda.”

So effused the great American author John Steinbeck after visiting the state named after the Spanish word for mountain – montaña. The Spanish explorers who came upon this land gave the most obvious name to this glorious peak-filled area in the Western region of the United States. However, there is more than snow-capped majesty here. Surrounding the ancient mountains is an awe-inspiring wilderness filled with shimmering lakes, sweeping valleys, rivers and streams, diverse wildlife, imposing glaciers, and a rugged, arresting beauty.

Montana is an expanse that has to be witnessed. No matter how spectacular the photographs, there is no substitute for breathing in the crisp air, sinking under crystalline waters or beholding the final rays of sunlight that blanket this unspoiled jewel in the USA.

When Jennifer Shelley came upon Montana as a twenty-something graduate from northwest New Jersey, it

was the physical manifestation of a place she’d known only in her imagination. “I found Northwest Montana 35 years ago” she says in our interview, adding, “I’d dreamed about this place since I was five years old when my dad came home from his trips out West. Now I’m sharing this place with others, and what is most important is that I’m not selling real estate, I’m selling a lifestyle.”

Chatting with Jennifer it soon becomes

clear that her trailblazing success as a realtor in Montana has this essential foundation – she is so passionate about this part of the world, and still so grateful to have found it, that she is more than happy to share it. She’s not just selling bricks and mortar, she is helping people to change their lives and fulfil their dreams.

“What think is one of the most important challenges for anyone working in real

estate is earning trust,” she explains. “Working with people in the purchase and sale of a property, wherever you are in the world, the fact is it’s a very personal and important decision for them and for their families, especially when you are dealing with legacy properties.”

The global pandemic has had all manner of ramifications and one striking phenomenon seen all over the world is a retreat from the cities to the open spaces

of the countryside. With the sting of enforced lockdowns still fresh in people’s minds, there is something of a reverse exodus in motion. After long months enduring the confinement of four walls, people are seeking wide open spaces, the calming embrace of nature, and the absence of crowds.

Whilst the impact of COVID-19 has been colossal, the US economy is recovering steadily and buyers are keen to invest

in real estate again. Alongside exciting investment opportunities, there is a wealth of options for those seeking a “forever home” in the sticks. For international and domestic property buyers alike, Montana is a treasure trove of diverse and spellbinding properties.

Jennifer is one of the most successful realtors at PureWest Real Estate, the dominant luxury broker in Montana, and the area she is most passionate about in

the state is the Flathead Valley. Nestled into the northwest corner of Montana, the Flathead Valley is situated between Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. It’s an area of breathtaking natural wonder and Flathead’s climate is notably mild for an area this far north, thanks to being protected by mountain ranges on all sides except for the south, where the lake sits.

The great weather allows for all kinds of recreation in every season. Think outdoor activities such as hiking, backpacking, rafting, canoeing, skiing, hunting and fishing. As well as the glorious outdoors, the valley is also home to enchanting towns like Bigfork, Kalispell, Columbia Falls, Polson, and Whitefish. A world away from Netflix, laptop yoga/gym sessions, and countless trips from the sofa to the fridge and back.

Jennifer left a career in the software development and technology industry as she felt that helping people to buy and sell their homes was her true professional calling. She joined the profession in 2009 during a recession in the real estate sector. A brave move as people were leaving the industry in their droves. She dug in and worked all hours and by 2015, Jennifer had climbed into the Top 1% of all agents in the Flathead Valley – a position she has maintained ever since.

Jennifer balances her busy real estate career to swim, boat, snowshoe and compete in sporting clay shooting. The fact that Jennifer actually embodies the lifestyle here enables her to convey to

potential clients just how magical the daily experiences in Montana can be.

When I ask her to really nail down what it is about Montana that would draw a potential homebuyer to the region, she sits back, laughs, and says with a beaming smile, “Oh my, what is NOT about Northwest Montana and the Flathead Valley that would draw potential buyers? This is not a place with big sprawling malls, traffic and pollution. What we have here is a place of serenity… beautiful lakes, rivers and mountains, and a sense of culture and community that brings us all together. A little piece of heaven.”

Jennifer is in the top echelon of the 195 Sales Associates at PureWest Real Estate, which has been bringing important properties to the global market since 1972 and is consistently in the top tier of realtors in the Flathead Valley. The company has 16 locations across the state and it leads the luxury market in Montana with the highest closing percentage of sales. PureWest successfully closed more than 1.6 billion dollars in sales volume in 2020, far exceeding any other brokerage in the state.

As well as leading the domestic market, the business also has a truly global impact via the strategic partnerships with Christie’s International Real Estate, which has 32,000 Sales Associates in 940 Offices across 48 Countries, achieving $510 billion in sales in the last five years, and Leading Real Estate Companies of the World (an invitationonly global community of more than 550 independent real estate firms), which has 135,000 Sales Associates in 4,600 Offices across 70 Countries, closing $257 billion in sales.

When Jennifer joined the ownership team at PureWest Christie’s International Real Estate in 2018, she already had a decade of experience partnering with buyers and sellers in the Flathead Valley and she knew that the exclusive affiliation PureWest has with the real estate arm of the iconic art auction house would allow her to continue forging meaningful relationships with her clients, friends, and business associates.

“My philosophy is simple” she says, “It’s to create genuine, lasting partnerships with my clients, and so the PureWest

Christie’s motto –Relationships for Life— is an excellent fit.”

Having helped clients buy and sell real estate all over the Flathead Valley and surrounding areas, Jennifer has received a huge number of testimonials over her career. Just one from thousands of satisfied clients says, “Jennifer was one of the most effective and efficient realtors that I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the years. I’ve been involved in housing development since the early 1980s and dealt with many real estate professionals. Jennifer consistently keeps the client’s needs foremost in her mind, communicates as much as is needed to keep everyone up to speed, and is always available. She goes the extra mile and is always positive and upbeat. She does whatever it takes to get the deal done and is a true joy to work with. I look forward to working with her again if the opportunity arises.”

After building a career from scratch and battling through difficult times to rise to the top of her field, ask Jennifer how she manages to sustain

"What we have here is a place of serenity… beautiful lakes, rivers and mountains, and a sense of culture and community that brings us all together. A little piece of heaven"

her infectious enthusiasm. “It has to do with relationships. The relationships established through hard work and effort is what sustains me because when I have a client who commends and appreciates my hard work and dedication in one of the most important decisions they will ever make, I know I’ve done the very best I can do for them.”

When I ask what is on the horizon now, and how she sees the evolution of PureWest Real Estate, Jennifer says, “Our ownership team, along with our incredible top-producing agents, has created the number one real estate brokerage in Montana, and our association with Christie’s International Real Estate keeps us on the cutting edge, providing the highest quality marketing for our clients’ success. We are not a franchise. We set the standard.”

Just days after our interview, Jennifer was inducted into Christie’s Master Circle Progam, placing her among the topperforming luxury real estate specialists globally. Reflecting on how it feels to have her career and passion for her work recognised she says, “Being selected

for Christie’s Master Circle was never my goal, but every day put my head down and try to do my very best for my clients. That is my only goal.”

The PureWest promise has held true for nearly 50 years and with the passion and dedication of its realtors like Jennifer, it ensures the continued success of the business. The promise states, “We believe that – just as a house is not a home – real estate is not a transaction. It is a relationship with people and place and purpose. We know why you want to live here. It’s why we live here, too. It’s more miles of trail than anyone could explore in a hundred lifetimes. It’s the glacial lakes framed by crooked Whitebark pine. It’s 400 inches of dry powder that falls every winter. And it’s the creative communities – in the cities and small towns alike – that drive Montana forward through constant innovation. The people who choose this place also choose each other, and the resulting sense of kinship makes our neighborhoods tight-knit. If there’s a better way to live, we haven’t found it.”

www.purewestrealestate.com

ROGERS CABIN

Rogers Cabin is one example among many of the luxury properties available in Montana. This alluring home is located at 13464 River Run Loop in Bigfork, which is within the 42-acre Kootenai Lodge Estates on Swan Lake’s eastern shoreline, in Northwest Montana’s Swan Valley.

This traditional log home offers 4,855 square feet of total escape from city life. Perched on the banks of the Swan River, where it merges with Swan Lake, it comprises a luxurious main level Master Suite wing, with three guest suites, a spacious “Great Room”, and expansive covered wraparound porch which brings to mind classic American movie scenes, a gourmet kitchen, and plenty of outdoor entertaining space.

The cabin shares meticulously maintained private grounds and common buildings with newly constructed residences and historic buildings. The Kootenai Lodge, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designed by Kirtland Cutter, the designer of Glacier National Park’s Lake McDonald Lodge, is the venue for a calendar of events and also features a pool, hot tub, museum, work out and yoga studios, barn, beach, dock, and boat.

MONTANA’S ATTRACTIONS

Glacier National Park – The “Crown of the Continent” boasts over a million acres of America’s most awe-inspiring wilderness.

Yellowstone National Park – A stunning wilderness area on a volcanic hot spot, the park features dramatic canyons, gushing rivers, hot springs, geysers and rolling forests.

Lewis and Clark Trail – Also known as the Corps of Discovery Expedition, this was the US expedition to cross the newly acquired western portion of the country. Lewis & Clark traversed more land in Montana than in any other state. This trail covers a wealth of landmarks along their historic trail.

Whitefish Mountain Resort – Located at Big Mountain, this is home to some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world.

Jewel Basin Hiking Area – A unique 15,000-acre hiking area located in the Flathead National Forest.

Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex – This is the third largest wilderness complex in the lower 48 states and covers an area of more than 1.5 million acres. One of the most carefully conserved mountain ecosystems in the world, with bold peaks, alpine lakes, pounding waterfalls, rolling meadows, towering forests, and winding big river valleys.

ALL ABOUT the Girl

GÜBELIN JEWELLERY

Springtime evokes nature’s awakening as it bursts into full bloom, exuding energy and welcoming the change of seasons – celebrated by Gübelin Jewellery with gemstones in spring colours. Deeply inspired designs reflect season and its full range of colours.

The Lily Dew line combines contemporary, floral design, gemstones with a sophisticated mix of cuts and an exciting colour palette. The line is inspired by the fascinating inner world of the rare padparadscha sapphire. Gübelin Jewellery designers associated the unique shapes and structures within a padparadscha sapphire with birds’ plumage, which inspired them to create the Splendid Feather line.

As well as with padparadschas, the line is also available with sapphires in other colours. White gold emphasises the beauty of the blue and green sapphires.

Emeralds, with their characteristic shades of green, are associated with nature, springtime and youth. Gleaming at the centre of the Glowing Ember ring is a cushion-shape emerald from Colombia, 4.32 ct, its outline reflected by two brilliant-cut diamond entourages.

“As a member of the sixth generation of our family-owned company, I am very proud of the way in which we combine beauty, knowledge and artisanship,” says Raphael Gübelin, President of the Swiss family-owned firm.

Every piece from Gübelin Jewellery contains a ruby. The ruby is considered the King of Gems and stands for love and passion. In addition, it symbolises the House of Gübelin’s Deeply Inspired philosophy.

PATEK PHILIPPE TWENTY~4 COLLECTION

Patek Philippe has released three new Twenty~4 models – refreshing its elegant collection for modern women. The “manchette” or cuff-style models with quartz movements now include a new version in rose gold with a chocolate-brown sunburst dial.

The round case Twenty~4 Automatic offers two new models –one in steel with an olive-green sunburst dial, the other in rose gold with a matching sunburst.

When Patek Philippe launched its first exclusively feminine collection in 1999, it had the lives of modern women in mind. A watch with timeless style complementing fashionable business clothes and the most elegant eveningwear.

The Twenty~4 quartz “manchette” model, featuring a cambered rectangular case and a dial adorned with applied Roman numerals, appeared in a wealth of different versions. In 2018, Patek Philippe launched the Twenty~4 Automatic.

While this model stands out by its round case and its dial’s Arabic numerals, it retains the same exclusive bracelet and the same spirit – that of a modern classic.

The creative impulse continues today with these new Twenty~4 models, so women have the choice of 12 watches – with either a round or “manchette” design, a quartz or automatic movement, a steel or rose-gold case and bracelet, and a palette of dials, together with diamond-set versions.

LOUIS VUITTON ON THE BEACH

As well as being the place most of us would rather be right now, On The Beach is the latest fragrance from Louis Vuitton’s range of unisex cologne perfumes.

The new fragrance follows on from California Dream, Afternoon Swim, Cactus Garden, and Sun Song.

The Louis Vuitton On The Beach reconnects with the ambiance of the West Coast – a territory that’s free, passionate and wildly creative – extending the atmosphere of fragrances that have all the spontaneity of colognes, combined with the sophistication of perfumes. The exhilaration of a beautiful day, when the landscape is transformed by mist radiating in dazzling azure. When the ocean’s metronomic lapping lulls into a summer trance.

On the Beach was creation by Master Perfumer Jacques Cavallier Belletrud and brings together the emotions of a day spent on a sunny beach.

“Yuzu creates that brilliance. It’s a citrus from Japan that I’ve been passionate about for 30 years. It has a complex scent, like a cross between grapefruit, mandarin and orange. It’s a cardinal, lively note that sweeps into an explosion of freshness,” says Belletrud.

For the packaging, Louis Vuitton continues to work with artist Alex Israel, who previously dressed Sun Song, Cactus Garden, Afternoon Swim and California Dream in his artworks.

A painter, sculptor, writer and filmmaker, Israel is a multimedia artist inspired by his hometown Los Angeles. This proved the inspiration for the beach-like design and vibe.

Israel will also be designing a new fragrance trunk, travel case and a surfboard which will be released to support the launch of the perfume.

LAVAZZA A MODO MIO SMEG ESPRESSO MAKER

Coffee connoisseurs rejoice! The most stylish barista-standard appliance on the coffeemaking block comes courtesy of two fabulous Italian brands. Celebrated Italian coffee brand, Lavazza, has collaborated with stylish Italian appliances brand SMEG in the creation of the ultimate at home espressomaking experience.

Enter the Lavazza A Modo Mio SMEG coffee machine, a super-stylish and compact espresso machine that delivers authentic Italian espresso in iconic style.

Crafted both with innovation and style, the elegant design takes inspiration from the 1950s in form, colour, art and fashion and is typical of SMEG’s iconic style with sleek curves, retro style and classic colourways – black, red and cream. As well as as offering a glamorous touch to any kitchen, it’s also compact with a

fairly small countertop footprint.

Not just stylish, but also effortless, quick and convenient, it features two pre-dosed and programmable coffee settings for the creation of both espresso and milk-based recipes, meaning you simply put the water in, add a pod and press a button for the perfect expresso hit. Its three automated light e-alerts – empty water tank, full capsule drawer and descaling – provide convenience and its large 0.9L water tank make it functional and easy to use.

But that’s not all – it also brags sustainability credentials with the espresso maker offering compatibility with Lavazza’s eco caps, which comes in seven varieties including Passionale, Intenso and Delizioso, and are 100% industrially compostable, so you can add them to your food waste.

MONICA VINADER JEWELLERY

A favourite among celebrities, from Meghan Markle to Emma Watson to the Duchess of Cambridge, British demi-fine jewellery brand Monica Vinader is known for successfully bridging the gap between affordability and luxury.

The Spanish-born designer uses precious metals including sterling silver, 18k gold and rose gold vermeil, along with colourful precious stones like Onyx, Amazonite, Aquamarine and Lemon Quartz, to create discreet and delicate pieces in organic shapes and with a contemporary aesthetic.

Artisanship and sustainability are central to the brand’s ethos with all gold vermeil and sterling silver 100% recycled, reducing CO2 emissions by over 60%, and the diamonds, which feature heavily in the Riva collection, are all ethically sourced. All pieces are handcrafted while artisan cutters are used in the creation of the gemstones which feature the brand’s unique cuts.

Signature pieces include the popular stacking rings; friendship bracelets, whose coloured codes have difference meanings; stacking rings set with vibrant gemstones; and medallion pendants dangling from chain link bracelets and necklaces.

The brand’s pendant charms are understated and customisable and come in a variety of sizes and irregular shapes (teardrop, round) in silver, gold and rose gold, and can be linked on to any chains, bracelets or earrings, and layered with other charms or pendants. While the Ziggy collection features an organic hammered design, the Siren collection is inspired by sea-worn treasures and the glamour of Southern Italy delivering a slightly hammered surface.

What’s especially unique about Monica Vinader’s designs is how versatile the pieces are, with many adjustable and can be customised with add-ons, such as the chain rings or Alta collection pieces with clasping links to which charms, ID tabs and alphabet letters in some 300 designs can be added to suit different occasions. The brand also offers a bespoke engraving service across a selection of bracelets, pendants and rings.

WELLIGOGS WG FLEX ACTIVEWEAR

Fitness fans can take a step forward to a more sustainable way of buying clothes and working out with the new environmentally friendly activewear from Welligogs.

Designed to be sustainable, lightweight, functional and unique, WG Flex Activewear is made of recycled plastic bottles, delivering not just a smarter, eco-friendly design, but using plastics that would otherwise clog landfills and threaten wildlife.

Renowned for its classic heritage design with high fashion that is both city-ready and country chic, the range will largely consist of hand-painted designs, including the Pink Marble design with its blue piping and rose gold detailing which is sure to grab attention, and the Blue Roses design with its pastel shades offering a more feminine choice.

British-designed, the leggings are manufactured using

premium recycled polyester fabric and made with up to 10 recycled plastic bottles, while the custom bra tops are made with the brand’s exclusive 240gsm fabric, made from 83% recycled polyester and 17% elastane for the ultimate fit. Designed for all scenarios and work-out types, these recycled bra tops can be worn either as an underlayer or outer layer and have removable bra pads.

While most brands use virgin polyester in clothes production, Welligogs aim to close the loop between production of polyester and recycled fabrics. This oil-based plastic does not biodegrade efficiently and can clog up landfills for decades if not hundreds of years.

By recycling plastic bottles into fabrics, Welligogs uses around 30% less energy as it reduces the need for primary extraction of crude oil and reduces amounts that are disposed of in landfills.

www.welligogs.com

Beach Club Couture

PURE DECADENCE ELEVATES STATEMENT SWIMWEAR TO NEW HEIGHTS WITH ITS HANDMADE, DESIGNER COLLECTIONS

Like so many successful brands, Pure Decadence was born out of passion and spotting a gap in the market. UK designer Danielle Howell created Pure Decadence – a range of designer swimwear and beachwear – after working in a swimwear store at a beach club in Marbella.

Danielle thought the designs were basic and poor quality, so decided to launch her own handmade range of unique pieces featuring luxurious Italian fabrics and looking straight off a catwalk.

“All beach clubs offer a unique experience so to ensure we reach our target market I design and manufacture a collection of swimwear that is suitable for all women – regardless of how they feel about their body,” says Danielle.

“Hitting the beach is usually a time to unwind and relax but as a woman I understand how much pressure is placed on women to look ‘beach body ready’ during her holidays. At Pure Decadence, our swimwear collection offers a range of styles and designs so whether she chooses a swimsuit or bikini, our pieces will ensure she stands out from the crowd.”

Pure Decadence has elevated swimwear to luxury statement pieces for special occasions, all handmade using the highest quality Italian fabrics and hardware. Now, after two years of hard work and evolving collections supplied to luxury boutiques and exclusive beach clubs, Danielle is also opening a store on The Palm Jumeirah in Dubai while continuing to partner with select outlets globally.

“I am proud that myself and my team have strived hard over the last two years in helping to design swimsuits that truly make our clients stand out and feel beautiful,” says Danielle.

Pure Decadence understands the desire to look and feel great on the beach and the pressure placed on women. Its unique range of bespoke swimwear and matching cover ups have been designed with both enhanced body image and luxury in mind.

Pure Decadence was established by women, for women – to ensure that women encompass beauty and confidence. The ethos of the company is simple –’ be kind to yourself and develop a love for your body’.

As well as their own Collections, including the stunning SS2021 seen here, Pure Decadence works with beach clubs to ensure the designs are appropriate to their clientele, literally tailoring the swimwear to suit their most discerning patrons.

Business is going from strength to strength, and Danielle is keen to work with partners and beach clubs around the world to deliver wholesale, limited-edition swimwear designs.

www.pure-decadence.com

STAY WITH ARMANI

ARMANI HOTEL DUBAI IS THE MOST STYLISH HOSPITALITY DESTINATION IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN DUBAI, AND CENTREPIECE OF THE WORLD’S TALLEST BUILDING

When global fashion legend Giorgio Armani envisioned his signature hotel in Dubai, there could only be one location iconic enough –Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building and heart of Downtown Dubai.

Welcome to a place where each and every element embodies the Armani lifestyle and design philosophy; where passion for worldclass service and elegance reflects guests’ own discerning tastes.

Located in the city’s vibrant retail and entertainment hub, the Armani lifestyle experience is complemented by exclusive access to a collection of upscale boutiques,

international dining hotspots and the world’s largest mall. Offering 40,000 square metres of contemporary luxury, the Armani Hotel Dubai features 160 guestrooms and suites with unrivalled views of the sparkling Arabian Gulf and The Dubai Fountain.

A warm and welcoming experience echoes Giorgio Armani’s own highly personal approach to hospitality. Armani ambassadors deliver the ultimate in personalised service through the signature Stay with Armani lifestyle concept, with each guest hosted by a dedicated Lifestyle Manager. From fast track check-in to customised spa treatments and added value touches, your Lifestyle Manager is

on call around the clock to ensure that you get the most out of your stay and visit to Dubai.

Guestrooms feature restful living spaces using custom-created fabrics and bespoke furniture. Whether you are looking for a place for quiet relaxation or a beautifully designed environment for work or play, all guestrooms and suites blend stunning architecture and natural light to create an atmosphere of calm.

Exquisite culinary experiences are also on the menu and cosmopolitan Dubai is the backdrop for a culinary journey around the globe that blends contemporary Armani style with a novel approach to world cuisine.

Award-winning restaurants showcase the flavours of Italy at Armani/Ristorante

and modern regional Indian cuisine at Armani/Amal to Mediterranean favourites at Armani/Mediterraneo, fashionable Japanese dining at Armani/Hashi and the first Kosher restaurant in the UAE, Armani/Kaf. After dark, the city’s social set heads for Armani/Privé, the late-night VIP lounge.

Balance is key to embracing the Armani lifestyle philosophy and the hotel’s 12,000-square-foot spa offers tailor-made sensory therapies designed to meet your individual wellness needs. Treatments come in three therapeutic themes – Mu quenches a desire for relaxation and stillness; Libertà encourages freedom of movement and the release of physical pain; and Fluidità enhances vitality, restoring internal balance.

www.armanihotels.com

BEING CRYSTAL PALACE

DOMINIC FIFIELD EXPLAINS WHAT IT MEANS TO SUPPORT CRYSTAL PALACE FOOTBALL CLUB

It is probably safe to assume that those grand plans, the brainchild of the architect Will Alsop proposed well over a decade ago, to transform Croydon (a borough on the outskirts of London) into “the new Barcelona” have been quietly shelved. If governmental austerity put paid to the more ambitious elements of the scheme, then the pandemic probably saw them consigned to gather dust in a filing cabinet in some forgotten council office storage facility.

The glass apartment blocks linked by high level covered walkways that were to straddle the main drag will have to wait. As will the 30-storey greenhouse, complete with sky gardens as part of its own vertical Eden Project, the “emerald necklace” of parks and the raising of the forgotten river Wandle from its lonely 50-year meander through culverts. This corner of south London must remain an ugly, sprawled tribute to Corbusian modernism a while longer, shunned and derided as it yearns for its glittering revamp.

Yet the hopeful comparisons with Barca need not go completely forgotten. Not in terms of football heritage, at least.

No one is suggesting Selhurst Park, the home of Crystal Palace FC, equates to Camp Nou just yet but, at its heart, this community has its own focal point in red and blue. Its own version of La Masia is under construction, hoping to tap into a conveyor belt of talent on its doorstep. There are fresh, skilful footballers honing their skills in the cages of the estates or dazzling on the splashes of green parkland of Brockley to Beckenham, Norwood to Norbury. The 12 boroughs south of the Thames have delivered a disproportionately high number of players to the Premier League of late – and, for that matter, the distant Bundesliga – with Croydon, the ‘concrete Catalonia’, arguably the most productive of all.

At the heart of that borough lies Crystal Palace FC. The club has always had potential. At times, what it might become has actually blinded people –owners, players, supporters – to what it actually is already, with plenty who have occupied the boardroom over the years attempting to run before they could walk. They have been enticed

by its vast catchment area. In the late 1970s, when crammed terraces were en vogue, they once lured over 51,000 to a Second Division fixture against Burnley and boasted the seventh highest average attendances in the country. The potential is clear, obvious, and since then, largely untapped.

The current owners are moving to rectify that. Under the chairmanship of Steve Parish, a local businessman made good, and with the American private equity investors David Blitzer and Josh Harris as fellow major shareholders, Crystal Palace FC is currently enjoying its longest ever stint in the English Premier League. Palace may live in the shadow of more established, glamorous names north of the river, but it is a team that has regularly ruffled feathers among the elite since climbing back to this level in 2013, winning at Stamford Bridge and the Emirates stadium, and beating Liverpool and Manchester United on their own patches. They have even claimed the scalp of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City at the Etihad stadium en route. Next season will be their ninth successive campaign

spent in the top division. They have never had it so good.

The raucous atmosphere whipped up by their supporters in more normal, nonpandemic times is the envy of plenty of loftier names up and down the division, with those in the Holmesdale end – the main stand – bellowing out songs for 90 minutes whether winning or losing. A heaving, old school stadium shudders in the din in celebration of the excellence of Wilfried Zaha and Eberechi Eze, as it once did when Vince Hilaire and Jim Cannon wore this club’s colours. Eden Hazard once trotted out of the tunnel at the back of Chelsea’s line of players on his first visit to Selhurst back in 2014 and had the fright of his life as Kayla, the club’s late resident bald eagle, swooped down spreading her wings to their full seven feet as she cut through the air. Her presence added to the raw mystique of the place. Games in this arena are an event.

A trip to Selhurst is a throwback. Yes, that is a reflection of the state of the Arthur Wait and Holmesdale stands, with their inconvenient pillars and cramped

leg room. But it is just as much about the atmosphere: the crackle of anticipation and roar of celebration, a din that shakes the stands and reverberates across the borough when times are good. The experience extends beyond the confines of the ground, of course, to the smoke of Tasty Jerk West Indian Take Away Restaurant on Whitehorse Lane, the beery murmur at the Pawsons or Clifton Arms Pubs… even the pungent whiff of horse dung, a legacy of the mounted patrols separating home and away partisans on the labyrinth of tightly packed streets around the stadium.

These are the sensations fans missed through the pandemic, when football endured a 15-month hiatus behind closed doors. Nothing will feel normal until they are restored to daily life.

The exile endured through COVID-19 times has drawn the focus almost entirely on the exploits of the first-team and their on-going relationship with the money-flushed Premier League. It has also pushed attitudes to the extremes. Plenty within the supporterbase have taken to venting their spleen

occasion, rallied under new owners to gain unlikely promotion to the Premier League within three years of staring into oblivion.

They have twice endured nail-biting afternoons to avoid relegation to the third tier, but have not actually experienced life at that level since 1977. They rejoice in the stardust that was sprinkled upon them by Malcolm Allison and his famous fedora, transforming Glaziers into Eagles clad in red and blue, despite the reality ‘Big Mal’ was the manager who took them from the topflight to third tier in successive seasons. They have reached two FA Cup finals, confronting and losing to Manchester United on each occasion, and, promotion trophies aside, the only significant silverware in their trophy cabinet remains the Full Members’ Cup, a competition set up while English clubs were banned from Europe, which was won back in 1991 when it was sponsored by Zenith Data Systems. For the record, that competition was disbanded a year after Palace’s success.

to prove a point. Steve Coppell’s team leant on the goalscoring of Wright, a tearaway striker rejected by numerous league clubs before excelling as an amateur with Ten Em Bee in Bromley. Andy Gray was rough and ready, and excellent, having made his name at nearby Dulwich Hamlet. Both went on to represent England as Palace players in a team that finished third in the top division.

on social media of late, grumbling at the perceived tedium of the last two seasons despite the reality that, at virtually any other time in the club’s 116year history, solid mid-table finishes in the top division – there have been nine in succession – would have represented a pipedream. Palace, after all, were more normally associated with boom and bust, and as likely to conjure the farcical as the fantastic.

They were a yo-yo team who lost 9-0 at Anfield and, a few months later, somehow beat Kenny Dalglish’s allconquering Liverpool side 4-3 in one of, if not the most entertaining FA Cup semi-finals of all time. A club whose homegrown players attacked promotion to the old First Division with such swagger under the stewardship of a young, now former English Manager and English Legend Terry Venables, that they were christened, “The Team of the Eighties” and briefly topped the league, only to suffer relegation in 1981 and sink back into obscurity almost as quickly as they had left it. And an institution that has twice floundered in financial administration yet, on each

Plenty of ambitious chairmen have ended frustrated, and bankrupt, after periods in situ at Selhurst. Yet there is something indefatigable about this club’s spirit, which probably reflects its supporter-base. “We represent south London,” said Roy Hodgson, the former England manager who grew up in Croydon and was briefly on the club’s books at youth level, upon taking up the reins as manager in the autumn of 2017. “We’re the big, big team in the region, and in a good part of the capital. An area where football is so important to so many. We mean a lot to people born in this area or who have come to live in this area.

“That’s all that really matters. It’s about community.”

Crystal Palace, when at their most successful, have invariably reflected that community.

Venables’ side leant heavily on a youth system that set a standard in the 1970s, developing youngsters from Hilaire to Kenny Sansom, and was the envy of clubs up and down the land. When the rest caught up and, indeed, overhauled the south Londoners, Palace opted instead to mine the local non-league scene for raw, hungry footballers eager

More recently, when money was tight, Palace turned to their homegrown supply-line to supplement the first-team and sustain the club financially. Victor Moses, an orphaned refugee from Nigeria who settled in Croydon, dazzled in the second tier, was sold on by the administrators for £2.5 million, and has since enjoyed stints with Chelsea, Liverpool and Inter Milan. Nathaniel Clyne, a kid from the streets of Brixton who also ended up at Anfield for a spell, a forward of Ivorian heritage who grew up around the corner from Selhurst Park, drew a £15 million departure fee for Manchester United, which ensured the club was promoted to the Premier League debt-free, with the forward subsequently returning for a fraction of the price. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, such a level-headed performer, became the world’s most expensive right-back when he was sold to United for £45 million in 2019.

These are the figures, the graduates whom Palace helped forge, in whose progress the support takes pride. For all that, there has been a certain regret to see a flurry of other established names lured away by the bright lights of Chelsea’s extensive youth set-up. Or the opportunities promised to them by other category one academies in Fulham, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. Callum Hudson-Odoi, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Emile Smith-Rowe, Jonathan Panzo and Jadon Sancho all flourished elsewhere when they might have been at Palace. The hope is that exodus will now be checked.

The true legacy of Palace’s recent stretch as a Premier League club, whenever it is curtailed, will be their newly developed academy site in Beckenham. It is the £20 million investment in their future, rather than the success or failure of short-term signings or managerial appointments, which offers a true vision of what this club

might achieve. Parish made it his priority and chastised himself, unfairly, at all the delays in construction while resources were poured into the senior team to help establish them at the higher level.

Sourcing the investment and securing the planning permission took time. The result will be a sparkling new complex to be unveiled at the end of the 2020-21 season, complete with a full-size DESSO hybrid pitch with under-soil heating, a covered full-size 3G pitch, a second floodlit 3G surface and six additional pitches of varying sizes. All alongside the education centre to accommodate the 200 players in Palace’s care, the swimming pool for fitness and rehab work, and facilities in which the club’s foundation can operate. This is visible evidence of Palace’s progress.

“We can regale ourselves as very much a bona fide Premier League club now after eight seasons, so it was always important to have the academy system and facilities to back that up,” said Hodgson, a manager who saw his clout in the transfer market severely reduced by the onus placed on achieving category one status at the academy by his employers. “It’s so impressive to see. We can enjoy in how well our under-18s have done this season – and there are one or two players in that group who we think have a very bright future – but, in terms of recruitment, it is the academy complex that matters.

“I’m pleased our work over these four years has maybe freed up that sort of money for them to make that investment in the club’s long-term future. It will allow us to compete with the biggest clubs, and to make a real impression in this part of the capital. So, again, it ties in with community and the effect this club is having on the area in which it operates.”

There was a period, back in 2016, when this part of London supplied 14% of the English footballers in the Premier League. Croydon alone, with its population of around 400,000 (or 0.6% of the country’s population) was responsible for 5% of all the active English Premier League players in 201617. The area has started to produce a different kind of footballer, too, reflecting its unique demographics – a melting pot of cultures. “There can’t be many more diverse areas in the country,” says Harry

Hudson, a former Palace academy coach who set up the Croydon-based charity The Kinetic Foundation in 2011 and has helped over 40 players sign professional deals at clubs up and down the pyramid.

“It is a real mix of people and that means you have so many different cultures playing together, with certain elements from each culture coming through.

“If you look at Jadon Sancho or Callum Hudson-Odoi, they aren’t traditionally English-style players like David Beckham or Paul Scholes and have games that are more about flair. It is also very competitive in south London – there is a certain resilience that players have to have to be successful. It’s very dog eat dog.”

This is England’s equivalent of Paris’ “boys from the banlieues”. “France won the World Cup in 2018 with eight members of the squad from Paris,”

says a scout at a rival Premier League club, currently ensconced in the top six, upon condition of anonymity. “But south London matches Paris. It probably outstrips it in many ways. The French league have long since recognised that, if they nurture local talent, big clubs from abroad – from England, Italy, Spain –will come in and buy those players for big money. In the years when Palace or Charlton Athletic have struggled, and bled young players as a result, they offered opportunities to Zaha and Joe Gomez, Wan-Bissaka and Ademola Lookman.

“That’s what happens when these kids are given a chance. And there are definitely more Zahas in Croydon. There’s this pool of talent there and, with the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP, a scheme aimed to raise standards in coaching which was introduced by the Football Association a decade ago in

conjunction with the Premier League), the overall level of coaching available to these kids has cranked up a level.”

“It’s the best catchment area in the country for talent,” added Parish. “Securing category one status for our academy was always imperative for us to be competitive in attracting the very best young players, and there is an abundance of raw footballing talent in south London. To have our entire academy set-up on one site in Bromley, where we can increase our contact time with young players, and also vastly enhance our education provision and support infrastructure for them, will be of enormous benefit to the club and the young players too.”

All of which should make the Palace sides of the future all the more reflective of the community in which the club is based. And that should be a source of pride. This club is unlikely ever to attract a Russian oligarch or small Gulf state to render money no object overnight. Private American investors, adding to their already burgeoning portfolio of sports clubs across the Pond, are about as close as they are likely to get to serious financial backing. So, they have to offer something different which enables them to compete.

Tapping into everything south London has to offer, “the new Barcelona” or not, could yet set them apart.

ULTIMA ESCAPE

THE ULTIMA COLLECTION OF SUPERIOR RETREATS PROVIDES PERFECT WELLNESS ESCAPES, AND A NEW DESTINATION IN STUNNING COURCHEVEL

While all talk in the hospitality industry is about “pent-up demand” for great escapes, the focus is now very much about wellness retreats and isolated locations surrounded by unspoilt nature away from the crowds.

It is timely then that the Ultima Collection’s latest addition to its impressive portfolio is the stunning Ultima Courchevel Belvédère, an ultra-luxury resort with 13 stunning chalets and an array of beauty and wellness amenities in the beautiful French Alps. The new resort has two world-class spas, treatment rooms, a restaurant and ski rooms with direct access to the slopes.

Ultima Courchevel Belvédère will offer all the luxury services you would expect from a five-star resort while also offering the privacy and seclusion of private, fully serviced chalets. Each chalet has four or five bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, making them perfect for families or groups of friends.

Each chalet has its own private lift and is available with on-demand luxury services including a 24-hour concierge, housekeeping, butler, and private chef. Private jet and helicopter transfers to Courchevel Altiport and Chambéry

Aerodrome can also be organised on request.

Ultima Collection is a unique, award-winning group of ultra-luxury private villas and residences, a 5-star superior hotel, resort and spas, situated in the most sought-after locations in Europe –featuring not only ski resorts, but oceanfront and urban retreats too, with a portfolio of properties in Gstaad, Crans-Montana, Megève, Geneva, Corfu and Courchevel Belvédère.

Now guests can also choose The Ultima Escape – a minimum month-long retreat available at all of their properties with a personalised programme of treatments for mind, body, gut and soul.

The Ultima Escape has three main pillars: immunity protection, lifestyle and the environment, and future healing. The treatments are curated through DNA analysis and personalised recommendations to help guests to make positive, long-term changes, and mitigate the risks of developing illnesses in the future. Guests are also offered aesthetic treatments to ensure guests return home feeling truly fulfilled and rejuvenated.

ultimacollection.com

SLS DUBAI

THIS NEW DUBAI HOTEL HAS PLENTY OF WOW FACTOR, AND IT CERTAINLY NEEDS IT WHEN RUBBING SHOULDERS WITH SO MANY EYE-CATCHING PROPERTIES

SLS Dubai opened in April and is the latest SLS property following Beverly Hills, Miami, Bahamas, and Cancun, with two more properties coming in 2022.

Culinary artistry, theatrical interiors, subversive design touches and unexpected indulgences are at the heart of every SLS property. Collaborations with leading developers, architects, designers and chefs allow SLS to continue anticipating, innovating and shaping the future of luxury lifestyle living.

SLS Dubai is one of the city’s tallest buildings, located in the Downtown district, and offering 360-degree views over the city, with unobstructed views of the iconic Burj Khalifa. The 75-storey tower makes SLS Dubai one of the tallest hotels and residences in the region.

Developed in collaboration with international architecture firm Aedas, SLS Dubai features 254 hotel rooms by acclaimed designer Paul Bishop, 371 residential units, 321 hotel apartments and – in true SLS fashion – contemporary art, sleek accents and exceptional fittings that are unique characteristics of the brand's DNA.

SLS Dubai presents a host of elevated experiences – from Fi'lia, the entirely female-run restaurant that celebrates food and identity, to Carna by the awardwinning Italian butcher Dario Cecchini's contemporary steakhouse.

Hotel guests take an express elevator to the Sky Lobby on the 71st floor, giving them panoramic views of the city's skyline. On the 75th floor, sits Privilege, a lounge and nightlife venue, featuring the region's highest two infinity pools.

SLS Dubai also includes Ciel Spa, the epitome of luxury with treatment rooms, plunge pools, a hair and nail salon, a fully equipped gym and two outdoor terraces.

BECAUSE HE’S WORTH IT

DUNHILL MEN’S SPRING/SUMMER 2021 COLLECTION

Utility meets refinement in Dunhill’s Spring/Summer 2021 collection which is all about ease, fluidity and celebrating the craftsmanship of tailoring.

Fusing 1980s ‘new romanticism’ with relaxed Japanese and Italian tailoring, Dunhill’s easy-going collection experiments with construction and deconstruction exploring the inner side of bespoke jackets to add texture to the exterior. It’s all about showcasing the process of fashion’s craft, showing the mechanics of Dunhill’s impeccable

finishing, so that fabrics that are conventionally used on the inside of pieces – canvas, horsehair, linen – are instead used on the outside.

For example, Dunhill takes foundational fabrics such as chest canvas and shoulder canvas, usually reserved for internal reinforcements, and showcases them, while Linen Holland, a glazed linen that’s most often found strengthening and building pockets, is featured throughout. These materials and the exposure of craftsmanship and

superb tailoring with it is combined with more traditional luxury fabrics including tumbled satins and super-fine bonded leathers.

The collection is all about layering and hints at a Japanese sensibility with voluminous wrap jackets, shirts, reverse-pleated peg-leg trousers, and waterproof silk outerwear.

The accessories similarly embrace new shapes and evolve existing Dunhill icons. Following on from its launch for AW20, the Lock Bag has been reimagined in a luxurious white eel skin, paired with polished silver hardware, while the Large Utility Tote makes its debut featuring Duke-leather trims and AD brass hardware.

The Link Strap loafer has had a monochrome makeover. Crafted in soft French calfskin and finished with mall black hardware that draws inspiration from watch chain straps, all pieces are crafted by hand.

DR BARBARA STURM MEN’S SUPER-ANTI-AGING SET

Facialist to the stars, including Kim Kardashian who swears by Sturm’s Vampire Facial, Dr Barbara Sturm is a German aesthetics doctor famed on the beauty scene for putting science first and for the non-surgical anti-ageing skin treatments she delivers at her popular clinics.

With waiting lists for treatments long, however, Sturm has taken her scientific approach to beauty to a line of molecular cosmetic products that delivers her antiinflammatory philosophy to de-ageing and a less is more approach. According to Sturm, “world-class skincare yields maximum results with a minimum number of products”.

Each formula utilises molecular cosmetics, a process that uses the body’s own proteins to promote skin rejuvenation, and among the line of anti-

ageing products are those specifically designed for men’s skin. According to Sturm, men’s skin is thicker, rougher and produces more sebum and so her products for men contain ingredients that help soothe and protect men’s skin.

Perfect for travel, the Men’s Super-AntiAging Set delivers a comprehensive skincare regime to help men reboot their skin and defend against both harsh conditions and some of the visible signs of ageing. The collection includes a Cleanser, Super Anti-Aging Serum, Eye Cream and Face Cream, all delivering a potent cocktail of active antioxidant ingredients to promote a healthy skin matrix while combating the visible signs of irritation, fine lines and wrinkles.

In all products, Sturm utilises anti-ageing powerhouse Purslane, an ingredient which calms the skin and is proven

to promote anti-ageing and boasts anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

In particular, Sturm extols the virtues of a good serum, and one ideally containing hyaluronic acid, as it replenishes both superficial and deeper moisture reservoirs for an intensive hydration boost, and the men’s Super Anti-Aging Serum uses both low and high molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid to do just that.

The specially formulated Face Cream for men, which is lightweight and fastabsorbing is packed with potent active ingredients (Purslane and Skullcap) the soothe irritation and also protect the skin from harsh influences such as shaving or stress; while the Eye Cream packs a de-puffing and moisturising punch with its combination of Purslane and active Omega lipids.

CZECH & SPEAKE NO.88

The quintessentially English fragrance

N.88 from heritage-driven London brand Czech & Speake turns 40 this year.

Unveiled in 1981 as the brand’s first-ever fragrance and named after its London studio address (No.88 Jermyn Street), this classic and fresh English scent has become both iconic and bestselling and today is used by everyone from Colin Firth to David Beckham.

Still housed in its iconic black bottle with gloss label inspired by 19th century apothecaries, No.88 was designed to look great on the bathroom shelf, as is typical of all of Czech & Speake’s elegant and architecturally designed grooming products – hardly surprising considering founder Frank Sawkins’ interior design background.

The bottle’s contents are equally standout, delivering a complex and rich blend of exotic, spicy notes with a warm, dry base and featuring a fresh, woody top note of reviving and uplifting bergamot and the floral richness of geranium, rose otto and frangipani, combined with dry base notes of vetiver and sandalwood.

Described as a ‘classic, sophisticated scent sought out by those who dare to be different’, No.88 was originally designed for men, with Sawkins creating it for himself, but has since become a scent that transcends gender, as well as age and country, appealing to men and women alike and loved worldwide. The fragrance has, says Sawkins, “developed a passionate following amongst men and women”.

A long-lasting scent, No.88 uses the highest and purest quality aromatic essential oils, and utilises traditional methods of perfumery, as is the case with the brand’s other fine fragrances, all of which pay homage to different destinations and exotic lands.

While Cuba, inspired by Havana’s heady aroma of aged cigars and rich rums, delivers notes of bergamot, lime, peppermint and rum layered with spicy, floral notes of clove, bay and rose; Neroli is Japan-inspired, a fresh and uplifting scent delivering multiple layers of orange and blend notes of blossom with a unique and heady aroma of ylangylang.

HIPHI X

Shanghai-based mobility and intelligent driving research company Human Horizons, claims to have launched the world's first evolvable super SUV – the HiPhi X. HiPhi X is an EV with a lightweight hybrid aluminum-steel construction and sustainable vegan leathers and recyclable materials.

This first generation of cars will come in four different variants, all produced at the smart manufacturing plant in Yancheng, with experience stores being opened across China.

Unveiled at the Beijing International Auto Show in September 2020, the four-seater and six-seater HiPhi X Founders Edition will be joined by two more models – Performance and Luxury.

Human Horizons founder and CEO Ding Lei said: “HiPhi X is

built on three guiding principles: design defined by scenarios, vehicle defined by software, value defined by co-creation. With our increasingly diverse modern lives, people are seeking a vehicle that suits them and their personalities. These new models are designed to meet that diverse demand by providing an unparalleled combination of technology and luxury to create a completely unique driving and ownership experience.”

Ten stores are already open in cities including Beijing and Shanghai, with that number set to hit 70 by the end of 2021.

Human Horizons has also been working to provide a nationwide charging network, partnering with major suppliers to cover 300 cities as well as providing home charging.

SET SAIL

FROM MONACO TO MARRAKECH AND COSTA RICA TO CANADA, THE RITZ-CARLTON YACHT COLLECTION TAKES ITS RENOWNED LUXURY HOSPITALITY TO THE HIGH SEAS IN STYLE

Anyone who has experienced The Ritz-Carlton’s superior service at any of its fine hotels will be intrigued to know they can now take that refined luxury with them as they cruise some of the world’s most stunning destinations.

Announced back in 2017, the plan was to have bespoke yachts available for cruise itineraries for 2020 but also available for private charter.

“The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will have a distinctive personality and the vessels are

sure to be true stand outs in some of the most glamorous ports around the world,” said Herve Humler, President and COO of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. at the launch.

“This unique combination of yachting and cruising will usher in a new way of luxury travel for guests seeking to discover the world in a relaxed, casually elegant and comfortable atmosphere with the highest level of personalised service.”

After a disrupted 2020, bookings are now being taken for 2021 and beyond onboard

Evrima, the first of three yachts from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Evrima, a word of Greek origin meaning “discovery”, inspires travelers to immerse themselves in exceptional experiences, explore new destinations and foster the spirit of adventure that makes travel so rewarding.

Guests will enjoy an all-inclusive luxury experience including spacious suites, onboard activities and entertainment, multiple dining venues, WiFi and watersports from the yacht’s marina platform.

For an additional fee guests can dine at S.E.A. – the yacht’s signature restaurant designed by Michelin-starred Chef Sven Elverfeld. There are also spa treatments and carefully curated excursions offered through The Shore Collection.

For 2022 and 2023 winter season, new subregions are being added including the rainforests of Costa Rica and the secluded sands of the Bahamian islands to the historic transit through the Panama Canal.

“Unique, thoughtful itineraries are one of the defining elements of The RitzCarlton Yacht Collection,” said Douglas Prothero, CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. “The newly unveiled journeys were created to deliver additional opportunities for exploration, and we are excited to bring meaningful moments to life for our guests.

With a more leisurely cruising pace, guests of Evrima are able to enjoy more time exploring each port. Whether guests are looking for adventure, enrichment or supreme relaxation, the new Caribbean and Central American itineraries offer a luxurious escape.

Featuring an extended Mediterranean season, 2022 spring and summer itineraries feature highlight experiences such as an overnight call in Casablanca allowing guests to explore Marrakech and events such as the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection suites perfectly blend timeless elegance and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Created to feel like a private yacht, the vessel features one designer throughout.

“The distinct design of The RitzCarlton Yacht Collection places us in a new space within the industry where the vessel is a destination in and of itself,” stated Douglas Prothero, CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. “The design of our inaugural yacht and exceptional suites has been a collaborative effort and one that am particularly excited about as we were able to envision and build a yacht from the ground up that will deliver an unparalleled guest experience.”

The interior was imagined by Tillberg Design of Sweden in collaboration with The Ritz-Carlton. Each facet of luxury yachting was considered to promise a voyage which combines the lifestyle of the resorts of The-Ritz Carlton with the casual freedom of a yachting vacation.

“A yacht evokes the feeling of freedom and the ability to go where you want in the world at your own pace. The inaugural yacht of The Ritz-Carlton

Yacht Collection is designed to reflect this emotion by making guests feel as though they are onboard their own private yacht,” said Fredrik Johansson, Owner and Executive Project Director of Tillberg Design of Sweden.

“In addition to a casually elegant atmosphere in the suites, dining venues and open areas to relax, there will be plenty of little escapes and private corners of the yacht, really giving guests the ability to define their experience.”

The yacht measures 190 metres and has 149 suites in total, including several loft suites and the stunning Owner’s Suite pictured here. All suites have a private terrace, floor to ceiling windows and high ceilings.

The yachts will have one of the highest crew to guest ratios in luxury cruising, with almost one crew member for every guest. Plus, each suite has access to a Personal Concierge.

www.ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com

HOT ROCKS

THE DESIRE FOR DIAMONDS –WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BUYING BESPOKE, WITH SPECIALIST HENRY PRUWER

Much has changed during the pandemic but one thing that remained constant was our desire for diamonds. De Beers recorded £475 million in rough diamond sales in January 2021, an increase of £70 million on January 2020, ready to cater for the boom in pandemic engagements in the retail trade. But with the trend for customisation continuing, these rough diamonds could be heading for a very different future – as a piece of bespoke jewellery.

For most of us, the thought of buying bespoke can be daunting. That’s when we turn to a specialist like Henry Pruwer – a diamond expert who learned his art in the diamond capital of Antwerp and now creates bespoke pieces at his Hatton Garden studio in London.

Henry’s fascination with diamonds started when he was just 7 years old, when his uncle would visit on his way to a De Beers Sight, where a select group of diamond dealers from around the world were invited to London to purchase a package of rough diamonds. After studying accountancy, Henry moved to Germany to learn the fundamentals of the jewellery trade, then to Antwerp to work with his brother Marcel, who was president of the Antwerp Diamond Bourse.

After 15 years in Antwerp, he set up Henry Pruwer in London, where he is a member of the London Diamond Bourse, working alongside a trusted network of artisans including jewellery designers, goldsmiths, diamond setters and polishers.

Henry says he experienced a 60% increase in engagement ring enquiries during the pandemic, as well as an increased demand for bespoke pieces such as earrings as a substitute for delayed weddings. A key benefit to buying bespoke, believes Henry, is getting the finest quality diamonds for your budget:

“Most diamonds that are available to buy retail have not been screened for quality other than a generic certificate. Contrary to popular belief, any diamond can be certified, whatever the quality. The certificate merely confirms a diamond’s characteristics and whether it is a natural diamond. Buying bespoke can guide a client to the best stones, avoiding poor quality diamonds that will only sparkle under a showroom spotlight. There is the perception that buying retail guarantees quality, but that is not always the case.”

And it’s not only the ultra-rich who can buy bespoke.

“Whether a client has a budget is £3,000 or £300,000, my job is to hunt down the best ethically sourced diamond for that particular budget,” says Henry. “I will usually examine stones from around the world, having them securely couriered to me by a specialist company, and select the best to show the client. When you can show, say, three diamonds side by side, you can demonstrate the characteristics of each. It’s vital that you have complete trust in your diamond specialist as it will be their job to guide you through the process.”

One of the things drummed into the average consumer is the 4Cs of carat, cut, colour and clarity, developed by the GIA. The C that most of us have most knowledge of is carat, or diamond weight, but the size of the diamond isn’t the only consideration says Henry:

“In general, the higher the carat, the higher the price but diamond prices don’t increase smoothly. A 1.01 carat ring could be 20% more expensive than a

diamond of 0.95 carats. And you really wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. People often pay far too much attention to carat and too little to cut, clarity and colour. The cut of a diamond, for example, determines its life and brilliance.

“As a rule of thumb, the less colour in a diamond, the rarer it is, but lots of factors influence how much colour a diamond reflects, such as shape and band metal. Then, there are the fancy colour diamonds, like yellow diamonds, which are a separate category entirely. The most popular fancy colour for a bespoke engagement ring is yellow, and the most popular diamond shape is round, but there are so many diamond shapes to choose from.”

Maxim Gelmann, 36 from London is a start-up founder. Maxim opted for a bespoke engagement ring when he was planning to propose to his girlfriend, now wife, Alice, commissioning Henry to create the piece:

“I’d never bought bespoke jewellery before, but this was a one-off special occasion. I wanted the engagement ring to be personal. I was working in the commercial world at the time, in strategic consulting, so I was aware that if purchased from one of the luxury jewellery retailers that would be paying for the brand and the marketing and not getting the best value for money with the diamond.

“There is a huge amount of trust involved when you buy an engagement ring. It’s a big chunk of money and when someone presents a range of diamonds to you as a non-expert, they’ll all look the same. You need to have that expert at your side to show you the parameters.

“I had an idea of budget and setting and Henry guided me through decisions like colour, cut and clarity. Henry was able to go into depth about the diamond grades, explaining that flawless diamonds are extremely rare and that most will have inclusions. Where that inclusion is

though makes a huge difference. With Henry’s guidance I was able to choose the stone myself.

“The bespoke engagement ring Henry created was a round diamond, a ring that I felt was a safe, quality choice that Alice would like. During the design process, we talked about wedding bands too and how the engagement ring could sit with the band. Alice didn’t wear many rings at that time, so it was tricky to get the right size. managed to borrow one of her rings though and Henry sized from there.

“I planned to propose in Cuba, so it was a race against time to get the ring ready. The whole process took around 2-3 months. I carried that ring around for two weeks as we travelled across Cuba!

Thankfully, Alice said yes, and loved the ring. When we returned to the UK, Henry resized the ring to Alice’s exact size and created our wedding bands, bespoke platinum rings, so the engagement ring and wedding band sat perfectly next to each other.

“Henry made what could be a really complicated process easy. If I hadn’t had that expert guidance, I’d have just bought off the shelf.”

The first step to buying bespoke is to get an idea of what you like suggests Henry, looking in magazines or online to get an idea of shapes, settings and colours:

“When you create a bespoke piece, the possibilities are truly endless. A rough diamond is a piece of potential. It has the ability to be transformed into a truly unique, dazzling piece of jewellery, or it can become an average, forgettable piece.

“Diamonds are there to mark some of the most important times in our lives, pieces that will be treasured and handed down through the generations. I think it’s vital that each piece is made with infinite care and attention.”

GO WEST

53 West 53 is a fabulous addition to the New York City skyline with museum-like finishes and design – unsurprising given it overlooks the Museum of Modern Art, giving panoramic views of Manhattan Jean Nouvel's gracefully tapered glass tower is adjacent to the Museum of Modern Art, with interiors by Thierry Despont. 53 West 53 stands 1,050 feet tall and 82 floors high, and is comprised of 145 luxury residences, offering sweeping views of Central Park, the Hudson River, the East River and the Manhattan skyline.

Douglas Elliman Development Marketing has been appointed as the exclusive marketing and sales agent for 53 West 53 developed by Singapore-based luxury developer Pontiac Land Group and international real estate firm Hines.

Located in the heart of midtown Manhattan, residences range from oneto-four bedrooms, and from over 1,000 square feet to over 7,900 square feet.

“New York City is one of the most culturally significant cities in the world, and with the expansion of the Museum of Modern Art, 53 West 53 is truly at the epicentre of it all,” said Susan de França,

"With its unrivaled location, striking façade and impeccably detailed residences, 53 West 53 is a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity to live in a masterfully designed and best in class condominium. As it soars high above the Museum of Modern Art, the building makes a dramatic impact on the New York City skyline and its interiors exude museum-quality finishes," said Samantha Sax, Chief Marketing Officer, USA, Pontiac Land Group.

President and CEO, Douglas Elliman Development Marketing.

Residents will enjoy a host of amenities and five-star. There is a library and a double height lounge on the 46th floor overlooking Central park.

Entertainment and leisure spaces including a private theatre, private formal dining room, double-height wine tasting room, and children's playroom. The 15,000 square foot full-floor Wellness Centre includes sauna, steam and massage treatment rooms, a naturally lit 65-foot lap pool, whirlpool and cold plunge, squash court and golf simulator.

www.53w53.com

ART of TIME

Zenith and Felipe Pantone collaborate on the DEFY 21 Felipe Pantone that brings contemporary art to watchmaking

Argentinian-Spanish artist Felipe Pantone is a shining star in the world of contemporary art. His work is coveted by art-lovers and those with an eye for radical design. Zenith and Felipe Pantone began their collaboration in 2020, when the Manufacture offered the façade of its main building as a canvas to the artist. Now, Pantone has reimagined Zenith’s most advanced chronograph, creating an object that is both watchmaking prowess and wearable art.

The DEFY 21 Felipe Pantone is a colourful creation that plays with frequencies – visually and mechanically. Limited to 100 pieces, the DEFY 21 Felipe Pantone is a new kind of collaboration.

“I’m thrilled and humbled to be able to give my personal touch to a watch for the first time, and especially with a manufacture that deeply admire for its innovation and daringness,” says Pantone. “From the start, the concept was to transform this spectacular piece of watchmaking into a wearable work of kinetic art, where time and light converge into a single object. I couldn’t be more thrilled with the result.”

Just as the artist constantly explores new techniques and tools, Zenith pushed the boundaries of innovation with the DEFY 21 – even having to develop new techniques unheard of in watchmaking.

One of its most striking features are the multi-coloured bridges, a signature in Pantone’s work. The coating on the bridges reflects a gradient of metallic rainbow tones which took months to perfect. Each piece will take on slightly different colours, essentially becoming a unique work of art.

The central hour and minute hands have a distorted look like the lightning bolts that figure in much of Pantone’s work, with a rainbow gradient of colours applied through the same state-of-theart process as the movement’s bridges.

Even the external parts of the DEFY 21 Felipe Pantone case have been revisited by Felipe Pantone for a dynamic overhaul. The black ceramic DEFY 21 features a grid pattern engraved on the bezel, and “FP#1” engraved on the four corners of the case, denoting “Felipe Pantone El Primero”.

For those who prefer an even bolder look, a second rubber strap is offered, with a central insert that goes from dark grey to a flash of all the colours in the spectrum, depending on the angle of light. The colours are not actually in the strap but caused by the surface of the material and how it reflects light.

The DEFY 21 Felipe Pantone comes in a presentation box that mimics a hardcover book, complete with a signed certificate.

With the DEFY 21 Felipe Pantone 100-piece limited edition, Zenith is merging the worlds of contemporary art and watchmaking to produce a watch that is as much a high-precision instrument as it is a piece of kinetic, wearable art.

Private Island ~ All-Inclusive Luxury ~ Private Airport

Reserved exclusively for a select few, Ambergris Cay entices with a serene, natural beauty, from the endless turquoise blue waters of the Caicos Banks to starry nights with stunning views of the constellations, unobstructed by the glare of civilization.

Whether you seek a private, peaceful retreat to unwind and disconnect or prefer to stay active with water sports, fishing or nature walks, our attentive team will pamper you with bespoke service, all-inclusive gourmet meals and premium beverages, spa treatments, catered lunch on a nearby deserted island and more to ensure an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind, private island experience. For ownership opportunities, contact us at realestate@ambergriscay.com

Your all-inclusive Turks and Caicos private island experience at Ambergris Cay means 24-hour ensuite dining, five star culinary experiences at our restaurant, boating lessons, nightly turndown service, a personal golf cart to explore the island, snorkeling excursions, kids club house activities, guided nature tours, bone-fishing, reef fishing, and paddle boarding.

Private International Airport ~ 5,700 ft. Runway ~ Customs & Immigration Clearance Available

WWW.AMBERGRISCAY.COM

Dassault Aviation, the French manufacturer that builds superb business jets as well as the famous Rafale fighter jets, has launched the latest and greatest Falcon – the 10X.

As well as boasting the usual high speed, long range and high tech you’ve come to expect from Dassault, the 10X boasts the industry’s largest passenger cabin, and that really does matter. Launched in reaction to signature spacious jets from both Gulfstream and Bombardier, the 10X could be just the jet that Dassault has been striving for more more than a decade.

Dassault says the all-new Falcon will deliver a level of comfort, versatility and technology unmatched by any purposebuilt business jet. Featuring a range of 7,500 nautical miles, the Falcon 10X will fly nonstop from New York to Shanghai, Los Angeles to Sydney, Hong Kong to New York or Paris to Santiago. Top speed will be Mach 0.925.

“Today we are introducing a new benchmark in business aviation,” said Dassault Chairman and CEO Eric Trappier. “The Falcon 10X will offer an unrivalled passenger experience over both short- and long-duration

flights, along with breakthrough safety features from Dassault’s frontline fighter technology. We have optimised every aspect of the aircraft with the passenger in mind and established a new level of capability for ultra-long-range aircraft.”

The Falcon 10X will enter service at the end of 2025. The 10X will have the biggest and most comfortable cabin on the market and offer greater modularity than any other aircraft in its class, with a selection of interior configurations. The 10X is large enough to accommodate four cabin zones of equal length but owners can configure their cabin to

create a truly customised interior, including for example, an expanded dining/conference area, a dedicated entertainment area with a large-screen monitor, a private stateroom with a queen-size bed or an enlarged master suite with a stand-up shower.

“The 10X will be more than just another big step forward in business aviation. It will be absolutely the best business jet available in the ultra-long-range category, and will remain so for a long time,” said Trappier.

The 10X will have a cabin cross section larger than some regional jets. Its cabin will be 6-feet, 8-inches (2.03 m) tall and 9 feet, 1 inch wide (2.77 m). That will make it almost 8 inches (20 cm) wider and 2 inches (5 cm) taller than the widest and tallest purpose-built business jet flying today.

Pressurization will also be the best on the market, with passengers experiencing a 3,000-foot cabin pressure altitude while flying at 41,000 feet. A next-generation filtration system will provide 100-percent pure air. The aircraft will be at least as quiet as the Falcon 8X, currently the quietest business jet in service.

The 10X will feature an entirely new fuselage with 38 extra-large windows, which are nearly nearly 50% bigger larger than on the Falcon 8X.

The high-speed wing is tailored for speed and efficiency, and retractable high-lift devices offer superior maneuverability at low speeds.

The twin-engine aircraft will be powered by business aviation’s most advanced and efficient engine, the in-development Rolls Royce Pearl 10X. The 10X is the latest, largest and most powerful version of the Pearl series, delivering more than 18,000 pounds of thrust.

The Falcon 10X’s flight deck features touch screens throughout the cockpit and a next-generation Digital Flight Control System derived from Dassault’s latest military technology.

Dassault’s breakthrough FalconEye combined vision system is the first to offer both enhanced and synthetic vision capabilities and is combined with dual HUDs – meaning the 10X can operate in zero visibility conditions.

“We have set the bar for our new Falcon incredibly high,” said Trappier. “But I can confidently say that we have put this aircraft at the top of the market.”

However, while all that technology is reassuring for the passenger and means they reach their destination faster and safer, it’s the cabin that will really make the difference.

The 10X has an ingeniously flexible cabin design, allowing new layout possibilities. Starting with a baseline four-zone platform, the aircraft’s interior design concept centers around an entirely new level of modularity so that the cabin can easily be configured for a wide range of mission capabilities and customer needs.

The baseline arrangement separates the interior into four equal sections of 8 feet, 10 inches (2.7 m) with four windows a side each. However, cabin sections can be easily reconfigured into compartments of different lengths and number of windows.

So an aft stateroom suite could be 15 feet, 6 inches (4.7 m) long and include seven windows, plus a large lavatory with shower. The 10X stateroom can be equipped with a full-size queen bed— unique in business aviation.

A three-window small compartment could serve as a section for private conversations or as a media center for presentations or the viewing of videos and streaming news on a large screen.

A dining/conference area can have four or more windows a side. When dining at a four-place table, passengers nearest the windows can use the space between seats to step out without inconveniencing the aisle passenger. In many ways, it is easier to move around the cabin and to do so without disturbing other passengers.

Cabin pressurisation will be the best in the industry with the lowest cabin altitude—a 3,000-foot pressure altitude in the cabin while flying at 41,000 feet. A next-generation filtration system eliminates ozone and potential pollutants (volatile organic compounds) will provide 100 percent pure air. Humidity can be maintained at a level that makes long hours aloft more comfortable and healthful. Temperature control will be provided in each of the cabin’s four zones with air entering at the top and the bottom of the cabin for

an even temperature throughout.

Dassault’s current flagship, the Falcon 8X has the lowest interior sound levels of any business jet, the equivalent of a typical suburban living room. The 10X, using Dassault’s advanced noise reduction technologies, will be at least this quiet despite the increased cruise speed.

The 10X cabin comes with a high-speed connectivity system solution ensuring seamless in-flight communications and high-speed access to the Internet. Connectivity service options include a Ka-band network for fast and more consistent data speed. The cabin will also come equipped with the latest inflight entertainment and communications network technology.

Range is 7,500 nautical miles (13,890 km) at 0.85 Mach, making almost every city pair a nonstop flight. As large as it is, the Falcon 10X can still access typical airports serving business aviation as well as those with challenging approaches, including London’s City airport.

www.dassaultfalcon.com

54 ULTRAPRIVATE OCEANSIDE HOMES FOR SALE

One&Only Mandarina Private Homes is a collection of 54 distinct, ocean-view residences neighboring the new One&Only Mandarina, located less than an hour north of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Surrounded by pristine, sandy beaches, lush, tropical forests and soaring mountain peaks, residents enjoy absolute privacy paired with the world-class amenities of One&Only Mandarina, Rosewood Mandarina and the Mandarina Polo & Equestrian Club. welcome home to mandarina

End of an Era

SAY GOODBYE TO THE ORIGINAL PRIVATE JET ICON THAT BECAME PART OF CELEBRITY CULTURE – THE LEARJET

All good things, they say, must some to an end, and that includes the iconic Learjet. Synonymous with a private aircraft in the same way that Hoover is to a vacuum cleaner or Jeep to a 4X4, the Learjet led the way in celebrity association and the jet-set lifestyle.

Canadian manufacturer Bombardier says sales of its remaining Learjet model – the Learjet 75 – have declined as customers have upgraded to larger private aircraft like Bombardier’s own awesome Global and Challenger series.

The facts speak for themselves.

Bombardier’s best-selling Challenger 350 aircraft was the most-delivered medium category business jet in 2020, making it the category leader for a seventh consecutive year. More data from the latest General Aviation Manufacturers Association’s (GAMA) annual shipment and billings report released February 24 showed Bombardier also shipped a record 16 Global 7500 business jet deliveries in Q4 2020.

Bombardier’s family of business jets firmly positions it to respond to the growing interest in private aviation and the enhanced safety they provide as more people seek to avoid crowds. Sadly, the smaller Learjet is no longer part of that vision.

BUILT BY INNOVATION

The Learjet was originally created by US inventor Bill Lear, and first flew in 1963. More than 3,000 have been built in the almost six decades since.

Bill Lear is an interesting character and talented engineer who not only created the Learjet. He was also the brains behind the Stereo 8-track music cartridge system and developed a radio for automobiles for a company that later became known as Motorola.

One of his more innovative projects was also his last – a seven-seater aircraft with a single pusher propellor, called the Lear Fan. The story goes that Lear begged his wife to complete the project on his deathbed. With the help of investors, she tried but ultimately failed as it did not achieve FAA certification.

The Learjet was among the first private luxury planes and came to symbolise wealth and celebrity, especially in the US where it was used by Frank Sinatra, James Brown and Arnold Palmer. Sinatra famously lent his Learjet to Elvis Presley to elope with his future wife Priscilla in 1967.

But sales have dropped significantly as the market has shifted, with only around 12 Learjets a year being sold. The writing was on the wall, with the all-new Learjet 85 dropped by Bombardier in 2015 due to weak demand.

Bombardier said that production of the Learjet later this year will let the company focus on its more profitable Challenger and Global aircraft. It was hoped that the brand would live on if a buyer could be found in other domestic markets with large demand that do not require an aircraft with intercontinental range – Russia and China both sprint to mind, but that

For now, you can still get your hands on one of the last Learjet 75 Liberty aircraft to roll off the Wichita production line – it may well become a collector’s item. Or if you are already an owner, now is the time to book in for upgrades to aircraft or interiors before the production line closes (Bombardier will provide ongoing service and support).

LEARJET 75 LIBERTY

The latest Learjet 75 Liberty redefines the iconic Learjet brand and features the segment’s first private Executive Suite. Harnessing American know-how and efficiency, the Learjet 75 Liberty offers more people the freedom to stretch out and step up into a Learjet.

The advanced wing design of the 75 provides the smoothest ride in the light jet category, while Bombardier also claims to deliver the same operating costs as its closest competitors but with increased range, speed and comfort.

The Learjet 75 Liberty’s interior was designed for privacy and productivity, and features the light jet category’s first-ever forward cabin Executive Suite and pocket door. Offering the most passenger legroom and the quietest cabin in its class, the Learjet 75 Liberty raises the bar with its convenient flat floor design, access to in-flight storage and the latest in connectivity.

That quiet and spacious Executive Suite is the perfect place to catch up on work and maximise your time in the sky. The clever pocket door provides privacy

between the galley and the cabin and the Executive Suite itself has been designed to deliver comfort, with 35 inches of passenger legroom, a stowable, oversized ottoman and seats that both recline and swivel.

The Club Suite in the aft cabin features a four-seat club configuration with 24 inches of passenger legroom and a large side table, meaning work can be done in style.

There is an aft lavatory and heated storage compartment, while the main cabin can also come in an 8-seat configuration.

The Learjet 75 Liberty also boasts the best equipped cockpit in its class, integrating advanced technologies to meet current and future operational requirements. The Bombardier Vision flight deck features a Synthetic Vision System, enhanced ergonomics, and advanced controls to reduce pilot workload. With a maximum range of 2,080nm, the Liberty could fly you from Los Angeles to Miami non-stop at speeds up to 464 knots.

Grab yourself a classic while you still can.

NEED FOR SPEED

The striking OTAM 65 HT races across the ocean at up to 60 knots, arriving at speed, in style

This stunning OTAM 65 HT was conceived to meet the specific demands of a deeply passionate and brave yacht owner, driven by the desire to create a brand-new design ¬– a true unique.

It’s the fastest OTAM ever, reaching speeds of up to 60 knots thanks to two 2,000hp engines. However, this is not just a speedboat or tender. The 65 HT is a genuine 6-berth yacht from the Francesco Guida Design firm, who created the stunning layout. This yacht embodies the concepts of experience, research, development, flexibility, iconic design and top performance combined with efficiency.

Developing the OTAM 65 HT, the Italian yard has stretched its limits by setting the fastest speed ever achieved, reaching a maximum speed of 60 knots and a cruising speed of 50 knots. Moreover, it somehow achieves considerably higher fuel efficiency than other boats of the same size currently on the market.

The hardtop has been customised with new details according to the owner’s requests. One of most remarkable is the absence of doors leading to the cockpit, which creates a large, open-space area (to better enjoy outdoor life) without affecting any of the yacht’s comforts.

“In the cockpit, instead of the traditional teak,” explains Francesco Guida, “we specified grey Esthec with the ‘planks’ arranged athwartships to accentuate the width rather than the length. A challenge here was that the side cabinet had to be big enough to house not only a sink and fridge, but also other domestic appliances such as an icemaker and wine cooler, as well as plenty of storage space for tableware. The cabinet’s volume is broken up with strips of brushed stainless steel on the façade”.

Carbon fibre inserts are not just in the hardtop; they can be found in the deck rigging as well. Other than creating a contrast with the white metallic hull, carbon fibre reduces weight, considerably enhancing performance.

The interiors and the details give the vessel a timeless character and, at the same time, mark a new benchmark for interior design in the sport yachting market.

“The whole concept was based on two basic premises”, explains Guida. “The first was that the décor had to highlight the fact that she is the fastest yacht

OTAM has ever built, and probably the fastest in her class, and so we took inspiration from the even faster world of private jets.

“The second premise was that the owner wanted a monochromatic black and white colour scheme with visible reference to the carbon-fibre elements used in the yacht’s high-tech composite construction.

“One of the challenges we had to overcome is that fact there are no hull windows, so we had to make the three cabins below deck airy and inviting without natural light. All the lighting is indirect and uses the white surfaces to bounce light around the rooms. To break up the S-shaped corridor linking the cabins, we inserted an oval-shaped ‘lobby’ in the middle to provide a focal point of interest.”

Guida explains the complexity that went in to designing the OTAM 65 HT presented its own challenges, saying that the time that went into the 20-metre boat is the same that we go into a yacht twice her size. However, it was clearly worth it.

“I believe it shows: the elegant, cuttingedge geometries give the vessel a timeless character and, at the same time, represent a new benchmark for interior design in the sports yacht market,” says Guida.

There are yachts and there are Feadships.