Victor Magazine Issue 2 2016

Issue 2 2016 exclusive interview

Staying power Airbnb’s Joe Gebbia on the business of design in Milan p18

Caribbean crush

How Havana became Cuba’s capital of culture p30

Fine tuning

Inside the music industry + A history of Ibiza p64

Artistic licence

A new vision of Kenya by its most creative photographer p82

Fancy seeing this with your own eyes?

Turn to p92 to find out more.

Welcome

to the latest issue of Victor Magazine.

I

t’s not every day you sit down with the billionaire founder of a revolutionary business. But that’s exactly what happened when Victor went to Milan to meet Joe Gebbia, who’s completely changed the way we stay with Airbnb.

Staying in Italy, we also speak to Anthony Lassman, the brains behind travel and lifestyle management company Nota Bene (p56). He describes his ideal long weekend getaway – the Amalfi Coast is involved – and in the process shows us that sometimes it pays to stick with the classics. Like all good designers know, when you do it right the first time round there’s no need for change.

There are a few more gems within these pages, not least the latest instalment in our series on Seasonal Cities (p30). We sent Victor’s Healey Young to Havana, the capital that’s on a mission to show the world a new identity. Fixed for so long in the popular imagination as a crumbling outpost of communism, now is the right time to discover somewhere bursting with colour.

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As ever, it’s a packed magazine because it reflects the diversity of what Victor can offer you – it’s a pleasure to have you with us.

Enjoy the issue.

With very best wishes,

Phil Thomas Editor phil.thomas@flyvictor.com

EDITOR’S NOTE

On the cover: Milan’s Piazza del Duomo.

In other areas of life, of course, change is a good thing – always on the lookout for the next big idea, the music industry is a case in point. On page 64, veteran agent Cecily Mullins reveals what it’s really like behind the scenes in an environment most of us only get to see from in front of the stage. And on a related note (pun definitely intended), Victor’s very own Communications Director Ben Lovett provides us with a potted history of Ibiza: did you know the White Isle has been famous as a party destination for 2,700 years, ever since the Phoenicians arrived looking to let their hair down?

Alongside the pleasure, there’s also plenty of business. Our special supplement explains what Victor for Business can do to help your company thrive, and features a selection of industry insiders. From the Dutch shipping company to the insurance broker specialising in emergency evacuation, the reasons for chartering a jet run far and wide.

F LYVICTO R.C O M W E LC O M E

Gebbia was in Italy’s second city to attend Salone del Mobile, the annual furniture fair that celebrates the very best in design. What at first might sound incongruous – what’s a portal for booking accommodation doing at an event like this? – makes perfect sense when you learn the reason for Airbnb’s existence. The goal is nothing less than to rethink the concept of home, and with it how we experience city life. Gebbia explains all on page 18.

Just a short hop from Ibiza is the resurgent Mallorca, one of three delightful destinations suggested by Nine Concierge’s Timmy Coles-Liddle on page 88. Now that summer is almost here, we asked him for some travel ideas that were slightly off the beaten track yet familiar enough to keep us feeling comfortable – Madagascar, here we come!

PRIVATE JET TRAVEL SUMMARY

UK, EUROPE, RUSSIA & CIS Victor’s Private Jet Travel Report, in association with leading aviation researcher WingX, offers a comprehensive guide to current travel trends. This summary provides a snapshot of the full findings, which show a buoyant market across Europe and beyond

• PRIVATE JET TRAVEL ACROSS EUROPE IS ON THE RISE FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2008.

• WESTERN EUROPE IS HOME TO THE LARGEST AND FASTEST-GROWING POPULATION OF ULTRA-HIGH-NET-WORTH INDIVIDUALS. • IT’S ALSO THE WORLD LEADER IN UHNW PROPERTY AND TOURISM.

COUNTRIES MOST LIKELY TO FLY PRIVATE PRIVATE JET TRAVEL GROWING AMONGST COUNTRIES WITH MOST LEISURE ACTIVITY

FRANCE GERMANY UK 19.2% 15.4% 12.8%

• UNITED KINGDOM • FRANCE • SPAIN • ITALY

4 VICTO R M AGA ZIN E V I CTO R W I T H W I N GX

TURKISH FAVOURITE HAWKER 800 MIDSIZE BUSINESS JET

NORWEGIANS AND TURKS GET AROUND EUROPE’S EMERGING JET-SET COUNTRIES NORWAY

TURKEY

100% FLIGHT INCREASE

TURKEY

BELGIUM

33% FLIGHT INCREASE

NORWAY

31% FLIGHT INCREASE

MOST POPULAR DESTINATIONS BUSIEST OVERALL PRIVATE JET ROUTE PARIS FRANCE

IBIZA, SPAIN 5,634 FLIGHTS/YEAR

GENEVA SWITZERLAND

NICE, FRANCE 13,250 FLIGHTS/YEAR

ITALY

OLBIA, ITALY 6,220 FLIGHTS/YEAR

DOMESTIC PRIVATE JET TRAVEL TRENDS

NOT ALL ABOUT THE G6

MOST POPULAR PROP BEECH KING AIR 200 50,000+ DEPARTURES

JET ON THE RISE DASSAULT FALCON 7X 10% DEPARTURE INCREASE

UK DOMESTIC TRAVEL INCREASES 5% TO 48,000 FLIGHTS/YEAR FRANCE LEADS ON DOMESTIC TRAVEL WITH 85,000 FLIGHTS/YEAR

GO THE DISTANCE

ULTRA–LONG-RANGE JETS IN DEMAND

F LYVICTO R.C O M V I CTO R W I T H W I N GX

MOST POPULAR ULR JET

ON THE RISE (8%+) ULR JETS PROMISE ALMOST NONSTOP SERVICE TO NEARLY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD

BOMBARDIER GLOBAL EXPRESS 7,077NM RANGE

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PRIVATE FLIERS GET INTIMATE

TRAFFIC SKYROCKETS AT SMALL AIRPORTS DURING SUMMER SEASON

LONDON NORTHOLT 113% WIMBLEDON JUNE-JULY

PARIS LE BOURGET 25% TOUR DE FRANCE FINISH JULY

EUROPEANS FLOCK TO NICE FOR THE MEDITERRANEAN SUMMER HIGH SEASON

TOP DESTINATIONS TO/FROM NICE

GENEVA

ISTANBUL

LONDON

Methodology: The Victor Private Jet Travel Report 2015 is a business aviation (private jet travel) industry report, based on data from business travel charter bookings and research conducted by WingX Advance. Report findings are based on 2014 and 2015 data drawn from national private jet travel associations, Eurocontrol, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), covering 50 European, Middle Eastern and North African national territories.

AVIATION ANALYSIS

ST PETERSBURG 292% STARS OF THE WHITE NIGHTS JULY-AUGUST

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68 18 30

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6 VICTO R M AGA ZIN E P E O P L E & P L AC E S

CONTENTS Some of the places we’ve been and the people we’ve met to bring you this issue 10 Fast forward The future of flight is supersonic.

12 The best things come in threes Life’s little luxuries, as recommended by the people who know them best.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW 18 Inside the head of Airbnb | milan The world-changing hospitality company’s cofounder Joe Gebbia reveals why building his brand is all about design.

30 Capital assets | havana Touching down and living it up in a city on the cusp of change.

&

43 Victor for Business Special Report How we can help to get your business off the ground.

76 Sea and be seen The powerboats that are going places.

54 Victor victorious Revolutionising private aviation: the Victor model, as reported by Spear’s magazine.

82 Grand old time | kenya Ladies rule: a photographic reimagining of the grannies in charge of Africa, by digital artist Osborne Macharia.

56 One to remember | amalfi coast Nota Bene’s Anthony Lassman describes his perfect weekend away.

64 Hitting the right note | london The music business from backstage with Coda Agency’s Cecily Mullins.

88 Feeling hot Nine Concierge’s Timmy Coles-Liddle selects his top three destinations to inspire, intrigue – and to indulge in.

68 All white on the night | ibiza A brief musical history of the Balearics’ buzziest island.

94 Air ways With over 7,000 at your disposal, there’s a jet for every occasion.

Victor Magazine is published by: Victor 60 Sloane Avenue London SW3 3XB +44 20 7384 8550 info@flyvictor.com @flyvictor Design by roseatwork.com Concept by philr.co

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CONTRIBUTORS Stephanie Drax Since a trip on a superyacht three years ago, Drax has carved a nautical niche in her journalism: editing a superyacht magazine and writing our feature on Vector powerboats.

PURSUITS, p76

Ben Lovett An Ibiza veteran who also happens to be Victor’s Communications Director, Lovett actually remembers when the terrace of legendary superclub Space was still open to the elements.

MUSIC #2, p68

Alyn Griffiths “At university, I shared a flat with a girl who owned a pink novelty pen shaped like a flamingo that made me sad to look at.”

Griffiths shares his thoughts on design in our Airbnb story.

GAMECHANGERS, p18

Healey Young Blessed with terminal wanderlust, this issue Young reports from Havana. Back home in Santa Barbara, she also serves as an Academy Award campaign consultant and mother to two young boys.

SEASONAL CITIES, p30

Rose Bircham As Victor Magazine’s designer, Bircham is well versed in everything from font sizes to Pantone colours.

Her current favourite is P2425, like the flowers found on the Amalfi Coast.

INDUSTRY INSIDERS, p56

WORLD OF VICTOR

Norman As official consort to Coda Agency’s Cecily Mullins, Norman is used to the jet-set world of the music industry. As a mini dachsund, he fits in most carry-on luggage and is a fixture on global guest lists.

MUSIC #1, p64

FAST FORWARD 10

VICTO R M AGA ZIN E S - 512 S U P E R S O N I C J E T

NUMBERS GAME Speed: Mach 1.6 (1100mph) Passengers: 12-18 Range: 6200nm Price: £69m ($100m)

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esigned by Spike Aerospace in Boston, the aircraft features a “multiplex digital cabin” that allows passengers to project maps, movies and presentations onto the interior walls – or, thanks to a live feed from its six exterior cameras, transform the environment with a panorama of the world zooming past outside.

Images: Spike Aerospace Inc

With space for up to 18 passengers depending on the configuration, and boasting connectivity worthy of the White House Situation Room, the S-512 has the potential to become the bestappointed boardroom in the sky among international conglomerates – and the ultimate star vehicle for the planet’s biggest entertainers. spikeaerospace.com

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

It’s all down to the “video windows”, a thin layer of screens that wrap around the cabin in place of conventional windows. They also serve to make the S-512 lighter, quieter inside, and cheaper to build than traditionally designed jets, and contribute to its

speed: capable of travelling at Mach 1.6 or 1100mph, the three- to four-hour commute between London and New York that was previously the preserve of Concorde is finally back on the cards.

F LYVICTO R.C O M S - 512 S U P E R S O N I C J E T

Imagine a business meeting taking place faster than the speed of sound. That could become a reality by 2020, when the S-512 supersonic jet is set for take-off

12 VICTO R M AGA ZIN E I N V E N TO R Y

The best things come in threes From watches to whiskies (and cigars in between), Victor asks the experts to cover the bases with a selection of their favourite threes

WATCH IT

Simon Spiteri is the accessories buyer for online style destination Mr Porter CONTEMPORARY When the Sekford team set about researching the history of horology, they acquired an appreciation for the intricate lettering and clarity of pocket-watch dials. Exemplifying the quintessential functionality of traditional timepieces, the brand’s Type 1A Gold and Cordovan Leather Watch is clean-lined, classic and ageless. It’s been meticulously crafted in Switzerland with a gold PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) bezel, which was originally used by the military to reduce friction and wear. This fuss-free model has a sleek white face and a black leather strap, offset by pared-back indexing.

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CLASSIC Zenith is an established brand with a strong heritage and history of watchmaking, yet still enjoys an under the radar appeal. With a beautiful design and retro look, the El Primero Chronomaster 1969 Stainless Steel and Alligator Watch is a pure classic, and the perfect addition to your collection.

CONNOISSEUR The Ressence Type 3 Titanium and Leather Watch is a feat of industrial design, pushing the boundaries of the industry. The result of years of dedicated research and development, its concept and construction is distinctive and forward-thinking, with a clean aesthetic. Very limited in production, Ressence is an exciting independent brand – and Mr Porter is proud to be the exclusive online retailer.

3x3

mrporter.com

Mike Choi is the manager of the Edward Sahakian Cigar Shop at the Bulgari Hotel in London 14 VICTO R M AGA ZIN E I N V E N TO R Y

CONTEMPORARY The range of brands I would normally suggest are Hoyo de Monterrey (light strength), H Upmann (mild to medium), Por Larranaga (mild to medium), Romeo y Julieta (medium), Trinidad (medium) and Cohiba (medium upwards).

Slender cigars are elegant and have a different blend to their wider cousins.

Your sex has nothing to do with the width of the cigar you can enjoy. Offering skinny small cigars to women should be avoided: it’s better to let someone choose the size they feel comfortable with. I’ve served many ladies with double coronas and sublimes.

My go-to brand for those who want a light-flavoured 45-minute smoke is the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure no 2.

This is a classic, robustly-sized cigar that is light in strength but also has plenty of flavour and aroma.

CLASSIC If you smoke a variety of blends on a fairly regular basis then I would recommend the Cohiba Siglo VI. This brand is the flagship of the Cuban distribution company Habanos, and the Siglo VI is the top-selling size of Cohiba.

Measuring 150x52mm, this is the last in the Siglo range.

CONNOISSEUR Fortunately, we have a good selection of rare and vintage cigars sourced from Davidoff of London, some of which have been sitting in the humidor for over 30 years. I would say we have some true bucket-list cigars for the connoisseur, including the 1986 Cuban Davidoff Anniversario no 1.

Siglo means century in Spanish, and each Siglo size represents a 100-year anniversary of the discovery of Cuba.

The VI was released a little early in 2002 but we are very glad about that.

It has a lovely medium strength, which develops flavour very evenly. Cohiba is known for extra-maturing its tobacco, and you can taste this in the rounded evenness of the VI.

Zino Davidoff was a legend in the cigar industry, receiving the very rare honour of being invited to develop his own line of cigars at the mystical El Laguito factory in Havana in 1969. Measuring a whopping 220x48mm, the Anniversario no 1 always attracts attention in our display. bulgarihotels.com/en-us/london/ bar-and-restaurant/cigar-shop

F LYVICTO R.C O M I N V E N TO R Y

SMOKIN’ ACES

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VICTO R M AGA ZIN E I N V E N TO R Y

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CONTEMPORARY The Mortlach 16 Years is a single malt from Speyside, and an upcoming cult whisky that remains largely unknown.

It has a rich, complex, spicy yet sherried character. (1) CLASSIC Now the cabernet sauvignon is becoming difficult to find, The Dorchester is currently serving the last bottle of The Dalmore 1973.

If I had the money, this is the one I’d drink all the time. Its royal connections date from 1263, when an ancestor of Clan Mackenzie saved King Alexander III from being gored by a stag with a single arrow. The grateful king granted him the right to bear a stag’s head in his coat of arms, along with the motto “Help the King”, and every bottle of The Dalmore is adorned with a stag’s head to signify royalty. (2) CONNOISSEUR Tribute to Honour is a blend of the rare whiskies kept for over 45 years in the double-locked Royal Salute Vault, during which time the angel’s share can expand to account for as much as 90 percent. The bottle is also rare, made from high-gloss glaze New Zealand pigmented clay by the French porcelainmaker Revol. (The clay is mined and due to its rarity it is only used for the very finest porcelain.) Hundreds of bottles were cast in the manufacturing process but only 21 were kept. These chosen few were then hand-delivered to the queen’s jeweller Garrard & Co, which spent over 341 hours attaching 413 diamonds to each one. (3) dorchestercollection.com/en/london/ the-dorchester/restaurant-bars/ the-bar-at-the-dorchester

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GOLD RUSH

Giuliano Morandin is the bar manager of The Bar at The Dorchester in London

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18 VICTO R M AGA ZIN E AIRBNB

INSIDE THE HEAD OF AIRBNB As the cofounder of multibillion-dollar hospitality company Airbnb, Joe Gebbia knows a thing or two about the way we live now.

He explains all to Phil Thomas

“Thirty years ago, the idea of having a designer in the boardroom, making business decisions, was absurd”

“Design is a natural extension of who we are as a company”

“Communal living is becoming more and more popular again in cities like New York and Tokyo because of a few factors: economic need, urbanisation and, I believe, the search for human connection in a digital world”

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“At my core, I am a service designer – the only difference right now is the medium”

GAMECHANGERS

Left: Making and baking in full swing at Ristorante Marta.

Above: Rooms with a view: Airbnb’s Joe Gebbia.

Right and bottom right: The twin inspirations behind the Makers & Bakers title are Carter Were, who supplied the baked goods, and her sister Harry, who provided hand-knitted items.

20 VICTO R M AGA ZIN E AIRBNB

J

oe Gebbia looks at home. Clad in a flowery shirt and jeans, the 34-year-old cofounder of Airbnb is relaxing in front of a rustic kitchen table groaning with breads, cakes and orange juice so fresh you can smell it wafting out of the customdesigned pitchers it’s being served in.

“To me, home is a feeling of comfort and belonging, much more than it is a physical space. It means friends, warmth, happiness and contentment.

This could be at my apartment in San Francisco, or with new hosts in Bhutan,” he says.

and reclaimed post-industrial waste – reflects the exhibition’s cosy concept of home. According to the notes, “Design has the transformative ability to heighten our daily rituals, especially the convivial dining experience,” and, looking around, it’s hard to disagree.

The space is full of chattering guests passing plates, urging each other to try the latest baked goods arriving from the kitchen, and radiating an air of well-fed bonhomie. Open from morning to night during the fair, Airbnb has certainly put its money where its (and your correspondent’s) mouth is.

Today, the physical space is the Airbnb exhibition at Milan’s Salone del Mobile, the annual furniture fair that pulls in the great and the good of the design world for a week of parties, press events and product launches. Titled Makers & Bakers, and located on the premises of Ristorante Marta on Via Matteo Bandello, everything – from the handmade herringbone vases to the serving trays comprised of recycled

Contributing more to the local economy than Milan Fashion Week, Salone has evolved from a simple trade show for furniture companies to flog their wares to a forum for debate and ideas about design. A graduate of the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Gebbia is clear on what it means to him: “To design is to look at the world and say, ‘Why is it like that? How would I make it different?’ At Airbnb, we

like to remain in a constant state of inquiry, asking ourselves not only how things can be different but empowering our team members to ask the same question. To me, curiosity is the catalyst for innovation.”

That curiosity has upended how the world thinks about hospitality.

Whereas the average traveller’s options used to lie somewhere between chain hotel and dreary pension, the properties listed on Airbnb vary as much as their owners do, and users can search based on neighbourhood and lifestyle. As of 2016, airbnb.com boasts more than 2,000,000 listings in 34,000 cities and 191 countries, and the properties range from budget to blowout. “For me, design means so much more than working specifically in product or furniture or lighting,” Gebbia asserts. “Design is a way of thinking, a way of doing that is unique and creative. This can be applied to the next iconic chair, or the next successful start-up.”

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Photos: Cristian Castelnuovo

$25.5

BILLION AIRBNB VALUATION

“When Airbnb approached me with this project, I wanted to honour one of the company’s core values of building community through the experience of travel, and celebrate how that is enabled through design. I started to think about what makes Salone del Mobile a beacon for the design community, and how the spirit of Airbnb could be expressed through an exhibition.

In a greater sense, this exhibition is about appreciating the special and personal experiences that are provoked and enhanced by design. We now live in a connected world where sharing has become the lingua franca – we share everything from our photos to our homes!”

F LYVICTO R.C O M AIRBNB

AMBRA MEDDA, CO-CURATOR OF MAKERS & BAKERS, ON HER INSPIRATION

Photos: Saverio Lombardi Vallauri

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As Salone has grown in stature, so too has how we think about design – and the creativity that comes with it. Time was when a company’s creative types were kept behind closed doors and away from clients, but these days a chief product officer is as likely to be found on the board as their financial counterpart. “I think that businesses never considered that the creative person in the room could be the one that most affects their bottom line,” says Gebbia. “Thirty years ago, the idea of having a designer in the boardroom, making business decisions, was absurd.

Now, most major global companies have innovation and design executives, and are hiring creative thinkers to give them a competitive edge. It is hard to say why this is the case, but it is really refreshing to see things changing.

Seeing artists, designers and writers have a prominent place in business will help us think differently and broadly tackle challenges, both in our own companies and for the world.”

Perhaps he’s being modest, but when you consider the size of Airbnb (it was valued at $25.5 billion, or £17.5 billion, around this time last year), it’s not that hard. It would be remiss of a big company not to follow the listings website’s lead in looking at the way it does business from

Mixing things up seems to be a key part of the Airbnb game-plan. After all, it’s the seamless combination of tech and the tangible that has proven so popular with customers: just a few taps on your smartphone and an authentic Milanese appartamento – or, for that matter, a Tuscan farmhouse

By 2050, 66 percent of the world’s population will live in cities a wider perspective. “I am living hybridity – a designer in the boardroom, a creative heading up a successful hospitality company – and I think that duality, having one foot in each camp, makes me better at what I do, and gives me a richer experience overall,” Gebbia believes. “I would like to see more designers in the boardroom – thinking beyond the traditional paths for creatives.”

and a Michelin-starred chef (see box on p24) – can be yours for the weekend.

Like other famous names in the online marketplace, community plays an important role: “While our main platform may live online, we are all about offline experiences,” Gebbia says.

“Our community is what drives us, and we believe community has the power to change the world. Airbnb joins together the essence of global and local: there is nothing more global than a worldwide

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I

t’s an interesting time to be the cofounder of a privately owned and operated multibillion-dollar hospitality company, not least because it gives you a reason to question how the planet is going live together in the future. By 2050, 66 percent of the world’s population will live in cities, which will not only have a huge impact on how resources are utilised but also shared. Refreshingly, Airbnb is also thinking about what happens to those left behind as humanity’s great urban experiment unfolds, and its role outside the city limits. “In August, our exhibition at House Vision (the Tokyo symposium on modern living) will explore new ways of thinking about how villages and rural towns might reutilise their spaces to host global travellers,” he reveals.

That said, how we experience big-

city life is still very much part of the Airbnb business model, and Gebbia has ideas on that too: “Communal living is becoming more and more popular again in cities like New York and Tokyo because of a few factors: economic need, urbanisation and, I believe, the search for human connection in a digital world. I believe some semblance of shared living is in our future, both because of growing urbanisation and lack of housing units, and also because it is a smarter, more connected way to live.” Shared living – and the sharing economy – is nothing new, it seems, although this time round it’s accessed via the glossy perfection of a backlit screen. He goes on: “There are many examples over the centuries of how people have experienced shared living, going back to tribes in villages. More recently, places like Denmark have intentionally designed for shared living.

The country has hundreds of cohousing communities with shared facilities and good social interaction.”

2,000,000 LISTINGS 34,000 CITIES 191 COUNTRIES Above left: Giuseppe Bavuso’s design for Rimadesio follows strict architectural principles.

Above right: Sawaya & Moroni’s presentation includes the last piece of furniture from Zaha Hadid.

F LYVICTO R.C O M AIRBNB

platform, and nothing more local than a person’s own home.”

Ever the designer, Gebbia enthuses about one particular property that, for him, sums up the ever-changing nature of how we live: “One of my favorite examples is the Sawaman apartment building in Kochi City, Japan.

The apartment is a five-storey do-ityourself structure that has been shaped over time by the people living there.

The structure is constantly evolving as tenants add and subtract rooms, and create new gardens and green spaces.”

Humanity’s ability to adapt has always been key to its survival as a species, and perhaps it’s the same for Airbnb as a company too. If the internet disappeared tomorrow – no email, no apps, no nothing – what would he do?

“That core facet of who I am wouldn’t change, simply the medium I use to create,” Gebbia says. “I would still sketch, still seek to travel and inspire myself and my creative process with the

places I go and the people I meet, and design would always be my output.”

Right: The Before Design: Classic project was conceived to highlight the beauty and contemporary appeal of classic furniture.

It’s clear that Airbnb is a very personal affair, both for Gebbia and for the audience it serves. “Design has been a driving force in my life both before founding Airbnb and since,” he affirms.

Because both Brian (Chesky, the company’s other cofounder) and I are trained designers, it has been at the core of Airbnb since the beginning; we have created a company and service that puts our users and community at the centre.” In the end, what it comes down to is giving people the facilities they need to connect with each other – wherever they are. Like he says, “I think the incredible thing about travel is finding that you can have homes all over the world.” airbnb.com

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THE BEST OF AIRBNB Renting the world: three to see

Tuscan topography

Sea and the city

Beachfront beauty

Podere Palazzo farmhouse Acquapendente, Lazio, Italy Midway between Florence and Rome, this five-bedroom farmhouse sits in the middle of oak woods, pastures, olive orchards and vineyards. Cooking classes from Michelin-starred chefs can be arranged by request.

Waterfront villa Coogee, Sydney, Australia Perched on top of Gordons Bay with a back gate onto the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, this modernist sixbedroom villa boasts terraces on every level and a saltwater infinity pool – all just 15 minutes from the airport.

La Casa del Mar beach house Playa Hermosa, Jaco, Costa Rica Located right on the sand inside the gated community of Hermosa Palms, this brand-new six-bedroom house boasts ocean views through doubleheight floor-to-ceiling windows.

Wonderful weather comes as standard.

airbnb.co.uk/rooms/523576

airbnb.co.uk/rooms/73802

airbnb.co.uk/rooms/51360

F LYVICTO R.C O M AIRBNB

Photo by Alessandro Russotti

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MILAN MUST-SEES The design community’s top five fixtures 1. Ristorante Giacomo Arengario If classic bistro fare is your thing, then this is the place for you. Perched on top of the Museo del Novecento, the restaurant’s décor reflects the museum’s 20th-century collection and boasts fine views of the Duomo across the eponymous piazza. giacomoarengario.com

2. Bar Basso Always packed during Salone, this is where you’ll find the great and the good of the design world spilling out onto the streets until the early hours of the morning. Try a signature Negroni Sbagliato or two – but make sure you don’t have a 9am meeting. barbasso.com

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3. Villa Necchi Campiglio The true star of the film I Am Love, this 1930s residence was built as a stage for the real-life drama of the industrialists living there. Tucked away in the centre of town, it’s the perfect place for some quiet contemplation amid the madness. visitfai.it/villanecchi

4. Ristorante Marta Owned by design legend Rossana Orlandi and boasting gallery, gardens, and a place to eat, this is where cooking and culture come together – exactly the reason why Medda chose it as the perfect place for the Airbnb exhibition. rossanaorlandi.com

5. Palazzo Crespi Ever wondered what it’s like to live in grand Milanese style, swooping through jaw-droppingly beautiful courtyard gardens en route to dinner in a ballroom strewn with family heirlooms? Score an invite to this private residence and you’ll find out.

Accesso solo con invito

VICTOR RECOMMENDS Fly from London to Milan in a Cessna Citation XLS Ideal for a family of 4 or 5

LTN 1h50m

LIN

ALYN GRIFFITHS, DESIGN EDITOR OF PORT MAGAZINE, ON WHY ITALY MAKES THE PERFECT ONE-STOP SHOP FOR CRAFTSMANSHIP “Italy’s affinity with design can be traced back to the postwar period, when the country experienced a boom in industrial mass production. At that time, many family-run furniture producers expanded their operations and began collaborating with leading talents to bring Italian design to a global audience.

Design is a way to add value to the things we interact with every day.

That value can be measured in fiscal terms or in terms of enjoyment and satisfaction. Either way, it’s a crucial tool when developing new products.

2016 saw many of the world’s biggest brands, including Airbnb, Lexus, Nike and PepsiCo, use the event as a platform to engage with the global creative community. People travel from around the world to be in Milan for that one week, so it’s a great opportunity for companies to demonstrate and test new ideas.

Despite an increasing number of alternative design events popping up around the world, Salone remains the one everyone wants to participate in because of its unrivalled heritage and the fact that many of the leading furniture brands are based in Milan.

However, if it wants to retain its position in the longer term at a time when fewer business deals are conducted face-to-face, it will need to innovate and develop new ways to captivate the industry.”

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An appreciation for beautifully designed or brilliantly functional objects has always existed, but mass consumerism has accelerated the awareness of design’s role as a commercial driver.

Events like Salone may well promote creativity, but they wouldn’t exist without commerce to back them up.

DAWN A striking, seductive encounter The new Dawn has arrived - a Rolls-Royce like no other.

A striking true four-seater, it captures the exhilaration of open-top driving with an interior crafted in anticipation of unforgettable moments between friends.

Anything is possible. Contact us to start your journey.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars The Drive, Westhampnett, Chichester, West Sussex PO18 0SH Tel: 01243 384000 www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com Official fuel economy figures for the Rolls-Royce Dawn: Urban 13.2mpg (21.4l/100km). Extra Urban 28.5mpg (9.9l/100km).

Combined 20.0mpg (14.1l/100km). CO2 emissions 330g/km. Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions. Š Copyright Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited 2015. The Rolls-Royce name and logo are registered trademarks.

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Treading a fine line between communist and commercial, Cuba is a destination with a difference.

Healey Young discovers the new face of Havana

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Capital assets

SEASONAL CITIES

Previous spread: Café Madrigal.

Left: Healey Young and friends arrive courtesy of the Bombardier Learjet 45.

Right (clockwise from top left): The street scene outside the Saratoga Hotel.

The Saratoga Hotel Lobby Bar. An American classic.

Arte Corte in Barbershop Alley.

The Gran Teatro de la Habana, home to the Cuban National Ballet.

Art, ruins and the promise of renovation outside the Lizt Alfonso Dance Academy.

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A

fter our jet touched down on the private side of José Martí International Airport and we stepped into the blazing sun of a Havana morning, we were greeted by Cuban officials who eyed us as curiously as we did them.

Intrepid travellers we might be but the questions still loomed: is this really legal? Will our visas be honoured?

What lies ahead? Breezing through passport control, we stepped into a lovingly restored silver 1958 Chevy Bel-Air for the 20-minute trip into the city. As we passed horse-drawn carts, the formidable Plaza de la Revolución with its omnipresent images of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara, and the bustling cobblestoned streets of Habana Vieja, our trip into the past had begun. Welcome to Havana 2016: a time capsule waiting to be opened…

For more than 50 years, Cuba was in a state of suspended animation under an oppressive US embargo: travel between the two countries was restricted, and

exports and imports forbidden. As the first private jet company to charter flights from 19 US cities direct to Cuba, Victor is at the forefront of the island’s next travel wave, enabling voyagers to experience this once-forbidden land now before it becomes widely accessible to all later this year. With

Christopher Columbus in 1492 on his quest for a passage to India, Cuba became a Spanish colony under order of the Pope, who saw a prime audience for Catholic conversion. Centuries of Spanish rule, briefly interrupted by British occupation, ended with the Spanish American War, which led to a

There is no better time to visit this storied island before it changes forever commercial flights to and from the US expected to begin in the fall of 2016 for the first time since 1960, the lines of communication between governments and industry open for the first time in decades, and abundant opportunities for investment unfolding, there is no better time to visit this storied island before it changes forever.

A kaleidoscope of colour and culture, Cuba is a feast for the senses and the inner philosopher. Discovered by

free Cuba in 1902. With a populace that prided itself on education, culture and international travel, the Cuban people and the country they built evolved in a wholly unique way.

“We are a Caribbean island completely different than any other,” explains Miguel Coyula, Havana’s leading urban planner and architect. Citing the firsts that occurred on this formidable island, including the Americas’ first aqueduct, first fortress and

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first railroad (only the sixth in the world), Coyula describes the “baroque grandiosity” that fuelled the building of his nation. From the 19th-century palaces that stretch entire city blocks to the grand theatres in every town from Havana to Santiago de Cuba, the cultural contribution is matched only by the spectacular coastline. “We have ballet, music, opera that you cannot see anywhere but in Cuba… and we have 3,000 kilometers of coast and untouched reefs,” he says.

By the 1950s, Cuba had become a hedonist’s playground, with ferries visiting daily from Miami, grand hotels and casinos lining the Malecón, and the US mafia profiting from all manner

of illicit enterprises just beyond the reach of the FBI. The biggest names of the day, from Frank Sinatra to Winston Churchill, stayed at the Hotel Nacional, which also served as the backdrop for mafia meetings – including one where the hit on gangster Bugsy Siegel was plotted. The Copa Room of famed mob accountant Meyer Lansky’s swank Hotel Habana Riviera was inaugurated

by Ginger Rogers, and the pool was frequented by Esther Williams.

But on New Year’s Eve 1958, everything changed. As President Fulgencio Batista fled the island and a guerilla force led by Fidel Castro seized power, it was as if the clock began to slow.

Over the next 58 years, a complex

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“ T here is an intoxicating energy in the air.

The feeling of excitement, optimism and dynamism is palpable. It draws people in, and artists, musicians and actors are flocking to Havana to experience it"

political experiment unfolded: despite great achievements in education and healthcare, there were also crippling losses of personal freedom, a mass exodus, a Cold War showdown, an extended period of great austerity, and a half-century feud between politicians.

Today’s Havana feels less like the elegant city of yesteryear, and more like a movie set with its iconic candycoloured, 60-year-old American autos, tired Russian Ladas, and exhaustspewing Koko taxis zipping past faded buildings. In stark contrast to the neon flash of the past, billboards now feature La Revolucion – and a luxury commercial district simply doesn’t exist.

H

avana and its people are living examples of fortitude and exquisite craftiness: it’s not unusual to find private living rooms transformed into stylish paladar restaurants that give new meaning to the term “pop-up”. Everywhere you look you find brilliantly re-purposed antique items that would probably have been landfill-bound in our I-have-to-have-anew-iPhone culture. And it’s quite the norm to discover your guide is also a professor who has travelled the world, speaks three languages, and watched every episode of House of Cards.

The new order has brought new opportunities – and new challenges.

Ushering in the next wave of industry

with an inspiring commitment to help the local population are entrepreneurs like Collin and Michael Laverty, American brothers who run Cuba Educational Travel and Havana Solutions respectively. They have become the go-to guys for every type of excursion, ranging from exploratory business delegations, to politico/ dignitary summits, to 200-person executive retreats, to world-recognised musicians seeking their next venue, to bespoke cultural itineraries for private individuals and groups.

relations between the US and Cuba, and who wrote the Center for Democracy in the Americas report Cuba’s New Resolve: Economic Reform and its Implications for US Policy. “The country is changing – at its own rhythm and within its own context – and there’s tremendous potential for the future,” he says. “There is an intoxicating energy in the air,” adds Michael. “The feeling of excitement, optimism and dynamism is palpable. It draws people in, and artists, musicians and actors are flocking to Havana to experience it.”

“This is an important and exciting moment in Cuba,” says Collin, who has spent the past decade deeply entrenched in the ever-evolving

“It’s also a fragile moment,” Collin explains, “with economic challenges requiring a significant reform programme and an upcoming political

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succession from one generation to the next. The new relationship with the United States has brought much hope, but also some fear of whether the country’s capable of coping with the buzz of interest in travel, trade and investment on the island.”

Previous spread: On the cusp of change, glimpses of old Havana can still be found.

Left (clockwise from top left): Cigar- and rum-tasting at the home of artist Esterio Segura.

Outside La Guarida.

A Cuban classic.

Stairway to La Guarida.

View of El Capitolio from the Saratoga Hotel pool.

The Lizt Alfonso Dance Academy.

Exploring the city with the Lavertys is like going on a highly charged tour with modern-day Cuban conquistadors. We smoked cigars and drank rum with the provocative artist Esterio Segura – whose studio features artworks of mind-bending Fidel images – and famed protest singer Carlos Varela.

Musician Frank Delgado gave a private performance and explained the Nueva Trova movement. Rising artists Adrian Fernandez, Mabel Poblet Pujol and Alex Hernández Dueñas opened their studio spaces for private showings.

“The transformation that is occurring now in Cuba was not possible 10 years ago,” says Carlos Alzuguray, former Cuban ambassador to the European Union, who credits the regime that has evolved since Raúl Castro became president in 2008. But with change comes the uncertainty of entering into uncharted waters. Alzuguray explains: “It’s very different to prepare for a war than it is to prepare for peace. This new relationship came out of nowhere, and in many ways having no relation with the US was easier (...) because when the US comes, they will expect the change to be rapid.”

We drank in one last sunset over the El Capitolio (which, for those keeping score, is six feet taller than the US model) from the rooftop pool of the historic Saratoga Hotel, and marvelled at a nation that could stand so proud through such an extended period of strife. And we pondered what might be next for this island on the brink of a comeback. Raúl Castro says he will step down from the presidency in 2018, opening the office to a non-family member for the first time in 60 years.

The future is waiting to be written.

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In 2015 the number of American travellers to Cuba increased by 77 percent to 160,000. Projections are that this will double in 2016 and will likely increase 10- to 20-fold once the travel restrictions are fully lifted – with some suggesting as many as 10 million visitors annually.

The recent agreement on commercial air travel between the US and Cuba allows for 110 daily flights to begin in the autumn of 2016, 20 of which will be in and out of Havana. This huge surge in demand has already led to major rate increases at hotels in Havana, making it difficult to book a room.

Renovations are underway at several of the city’s iconic hotels, including the Habana Riviera and the Havana Libre, and construction has begun on several new five-star properties. But until these accommodations are complete, demand has given rise to a rip-roaring rental market, with Airbnb blazing the trail.

Fresh from appearances at the Latin Grammy Awards and a recent Marc Anthony video, the talented troupe from the Lizt Alfonso Dance Academy showed us the impressive 1,200-student school that has launched many a career. We dove into the industrial chic of art collective and performance space/art/bar warehouse La Fabrica de Arte Cubano, as edgy as anything in New York or London. And a visit to the NostalgiCar Garage provided insight into the entrepreneurial endeavours of modern Cubans, who have fused industriousness with necessity.

HAVANA

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DETAILS

Dialling code +53

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Airport code HAV (José Martí International Airport)

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Currency Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) & Moneda Nacional (MN)

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Victor’s picks 1 331 Art Space When not touring the world or exhibiting at Art Basel, Adrian Fernandez, Alex Hernández Dueñas and Frank Mujica are often to be found working in their modern studio/gallery space, which is available for private tours.

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La Fabrica de Arte Cubano It’s hard to tell if you’re in Havana, Soho or SoHo when you walk through this art/performance space factory conversion. fac.cu

3 Clandestina Seemingly the only shop in Havana selling more than the standard-fare Cuba flag T-shirts and hand-carved tchotchkes, Clandestina proudly declares itself “99 percent diseno Cubano”. clandestinacuba.com

4 La Guarida The grande dame of paladars with multiple decks overlooking the city, plus five-star cuisine and service, La Guarida is famed for its role in Cuba’s first Oscar-nominated film, Fresa y Chocolate. laguarida.com

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Atelier Housed in the Vedado mansion of a former Cuban senator, Atelier boasts a prime position overlooking the city, an eclectic urban style, and insanely good ropa vieja.

6 El Cocinero Occupying a chicly converted former vegetable oil factory, Cocinero is three storeys of clean-lined modernity in the form of both restaurant and outdoor bar.

Thanks to a prime location adjacent to the art/entertainment hotspot La Fabrica del Arte Cubano, it’s packed nightly. facebook.com/elcocinero.habana

7 Paladar Dona Eutimia Run, don’t walk, to this authentic paladar and look forward to “the world’s greatest frozen mojito”. facebook.com/paladardona.eutimia

8 Saratoga Hotel This five-star beauty offers luxury corner suites with 20-foot ceilings, wraparound balconies, a rooftop pool with a supreme cityscape view, and a prime central address across from El Capitolio. hotel-saratoga.com

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Don’t miss 9 Habana Vieja (Old Havana) With its 16th-century stone fortifications and five large plazas, Habana Vieja is the heart and soul of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

12 Plaza de la Revolución The images of Camilo Cienfuegos and Che Guevara dominate this square, which is the site of all major public gatherings.

10 Castillo de los Tres Reyes Magos del Morro Built in 1589, this fortress guarded Havana from invaders. Its prominent perch across the harbour from Vieja Habana was visible from miles out at sea, and came complete with a half-mile chain to catch any rogue ship attempting to dock.

13 The Malecón No trip to Havana is complete without a classic convertible ride down the Malecón – but watch out for rogue waves.

11 Vedado neighbourhood You can almost see the ghosts of ancient rum and sugar barons as you stroll the grand avenues where their crumbling belle époque mansions once stood so proud. A private home tour is an amazing step back in time.

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Hotel Nacional The famed Nacional is an icon of many eras. Once the hotel of choice for Frank Sinatra, Winston Churchill and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, it became a war bunker during the Cuban Missile Crisis – cannons and trenches can still be seen in the hotel gardens. hotelnacionaldecuba.com

15 Habana Riviera Opened in 1957 just months before the Cuban Revolution, the Riviera is a 1950s design time capsule. Check out the Copa Room, inaugurated by Ginger Rogers, and the lobby styling from another era. hotelhavanariviera.com

WHY FLYING PRIVATE IS A CUBA TRAVELLER’S BEST BET In the autumn of 2016, for the first time in more than 50 years, commercial planes from the US will start landing in Cuba with up to 20 flights a day expected at Havana’s already-congested José Martí International Airport. Considering that communism and customer service are often strange bedfellows, the smart traveller’s best bet is to charter: arriving via private jet will avoid the chaos and hours of waiting that have already become standard. As the first private jet company to charter flights from 19 US cities direct to Cuba, Victor is pioneering the next great travel wave.

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VICTOR RECOMMENDS Fly from Los Angeles to Havana in a Gulfstream G550 View from the upper bar at La Guarida Ideal for big groups

LAX 5h00m

HAV

Q&A WITH MICHAEL LAVERTY, PRESIDENT OF HAVANA SOLUTIONS, ON THE FUTURE OF BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT IN CUBA What is the current investment climate like?

It’s improving. The Cuban government passed a new investment act and launched the Special Economic Development Zone of Mariel to attract foreign investment. The new act provides tax incentives, allows for 100 percent foreign ownership, and clarifies currency issues.

The improving relationship with the US has stimulated interest and investment in Cuba, and led to a number of recent deals with international investors.

What are the biggest risks?

Political risk is on everyone’s radar.

Two US presidential candidates have vowed to reverse the Obama administration’s policy changes, and the Cuban government has a mixed history when it comes to dealing with foreign investors. In addition, the regulatory context in both the US and Cuba for US businesses investing in Cuba is complex and cumbersome.

What are the biggest investment opportunities?

Tourism is the most obvious sector for short-term investment. Significant investment is required in order to upgrade the infrastructure to cope with the increase in US travellers. Currently, however, US policy limits most investment in this sector. Construction is another attractive sector, with huge requirements to rebuild and restore Cuba’s crumbling infrastructure.

Telecommunications, technology, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy are all sectors with a range of opportunities that are possible under existing US law.

Can you provide some projections on what the next 10 years of industry look like for this country?

Anyone who understands Cuba knows that predicting the future is a fool’s errand. There are a number of domestic and international political factors that will determine the ultimate course of economic changes in Cuba.

That said, I expect the process of economic reform will continue and that Cuba will gradually open up to more foreign investment. Joint ventures between US companies and the Cuban government in hospitality, construction, manufacturing, agriculture and other sectors are likely.

41 F LYVICTO R.C O M H AVA N A

What kind of business clients are coming to Cuba now?

Every kind. Tourism, real estate, telecommunications, tech, manufacturing, consumer products, professional services, agriculture, pharmaceuticals. The interest has been overwhelming. Many of the companies coming to Cuba are restricted by US law from investing but are developing a Cuba strategy so they can be well positioned to take advantage of the opportunities as they open up.

What are the limitations on foreign investment?

The limitations are two-sided.

US policy prevents most US companies from directly investing in Cuba, and the Cuban government has historically severely restricted foreign investment.

However, this is changing on both sides. The US is relaxing restrictions on a number of investments, and the Cuban government is opening up to new opportunities. A number of deals have been signed recently, including the opening of an American manufacturing facility in Cuba, indicating that things are moving in the right direction.

Victor for Business Special Report 2016

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It’s your time, it’s your jet charter

CONTENTS 44 VICTO R M AGA ZIN E CONTENTS

45 Introduction | victor Founder and CEO Clive Jackson explains what makes Victor different.

46 Industry Perspective | spliethoff Controller Norman van der Meijden on shipping in the 21st century.

47 Industry Perspective | cti The travel management company’s CEO Clive Wratten explains how business travel is changing – and staying the same.

48 Industry Insiders | risky business For Doug Milne, of Special Contingency Risks, dealing with danger is all in a day’s work.

“ A n Oxford Economics study showed that every £1 spent on travel produced £12 in revenue."

Paul Wait, GTMC

50 Industry Perspective | etihad airways Daniel Barranger, Senior Vice President Global Sales, discusses how the airline keeps its brand flying high – and what’s next for the flag-carrier of the UAE. 51 Industry Perspective | gtmc As CEO of the travel management companies’ representative body, Paul Wait reveals why business travel is a vital investment – and the contribution it can make to growth.

52 Why Victor | 10 good reasons From saving time to a streamlined service (and eight more reasons in between), here’s why Victor for Business makes business sense.

Welcome

to our Victor for Business special supplement.

Having gained extensive travel management experience at British Airways, and a record as the youngest general manager of the UK’s leading luxury bespoke tour operator, 20 years in the travel business has seen me working alongside many FTSE 250 and Fortune 500 luxury, travel and lifestyle brands.

Victor is here to help smart businesses become more efficient than ever before.

With an expert team that’s well versed in the special requirements of business travel, from flat-rate pricing structures to easy accountability, we hope you will consider doing business with us.

Best wishes,

Clive Jackson Founder & CEO

INTRODUCTION

From big picture to tiny detail, knowing how to work with the travel industry and procurement departments, and understanding the needs of the C-suite, are key. Service, transparency and accountability; anticipating client desires and preventing any problems – these are the things that Victor does best today.

Inside these pages you’ll find interviews with a selection of our business clients, in a variety of industries including aviation, shipping and travel. Smart businesses all, they understand that how you spend one of your most precious resources – time – is key to gaining the competitive advantage.

F LYVICTO R.C O M / BUSIN E SS W E LC O M E

W

hen we opened our doors in 2011, it was with a mission to make private jet charter easier and faster than ever before. As Victor continues to expand and we develop our product range, it’s clear that easier and faster are two important words for the business travel community too.

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SPLIETHOFF SHIPPING | Norman van der Meijden How is technology – and mobile technology in particular – changing business travel?

With mobile technology it becomes so much easier to be the director of your own travel plans. It used to be that your travel agency or secretary would be in control of flights, hotels and dates. But nowadays you can book or adjust flights and hotels on a phone wherever and whenever you want to.

46 VICTO R M AGA ZIN E INTERVIEW #1

And how has mobile technology changed the way you do business generally?

As a shipping company we are pretty “old school” in the way we do business – but it’s simple things like the ability to use email on a phone or tablet that give you so much more flexibility, and free you from being bound by time or location.

What do you look for when booking business travel?

Business travel should be a balance between cost efficiency and travel efficiency.

And finally, what is your favourite mobile app or gadget?

The Victor and the Netflix apps of course! And the most-used is Outlook for iOS.

Do you anticipate an increase in business travel in 2016, and how important do you think face-to-face meetings are to doing good business?

We are seeing an increase in the use of Skype and other types of videoconferencing, which is the perfect way to discuss details, but when it really matters and you need to perform, nothing beats face to face.

Norman van der Meijden is a controller at Spliethoff Group, a Dutch shipping company that owns and operates a fleet of multipurpose, heavy-lift and ro-ro vessels ranging in size from 2,100 to 23,000 tonnes.

The group consists of Spliethoff and her subsidiaries BigLift Shipping (heavy lift), Sevenstar (yacht transport), Wijnne Barends (short sea) and Transfennica (liner service). spliethoff.com

How do you adapt to deliver a VIP service like Victor for your senior executives?

We are living in a truly 24-hour economy. If you have a jet service partner that understands this, you know you have someone you can count on.

Built in 2000, the Spiegelgracht is an S-type general cargo ship with a length of 168.21m and a breadth of 25.20m.

CTI TRAVEL | Clive Wratten How is technology – and mobile technology in particular – changing business travel?

Technology of course is driving change, mostly for the better, and the benefits for the traveller and the booker include speed, accessibility to information and choice. But what it can never replace is knowledge and experience. So even though the technological progress is great, there will always be a need for human interaction in the corporate travel arena.

Do you anticipate an increase in business travel in 2016, and how important do you think face-to-face meetings are to doing good business?

I absolutely see a trend for increased business travel this year, subject to any serious world event. It is our responsibility to get Britain trading and growing, which can only be done by investment – and that means investment in corporate travel too.

How do you adapt to deliver a VIP service like Victor for your senior executives?

It’s about delivering an outstanding product both through technology

and your people, but most importantly we have to listen to what senior executives want, what stresses them when travelling and what puts a smile on their faces when they are working away. If you do that and then deliver solutions to those concerns rather than simply assuming what they want then you deliver a VIP service, as Victor has shown.

And finally, what is your favourite mobile app or gadget?

I have to be honest and say I am ever so slightly addicted to Twitter. I love the immediacy and the soundbites it gives me whilst on the move.

Clive Wratten is CEO of CTI, a travel management company that offers flights, rail, hotels and meetings and events. It also has divisions specialising in marine travel and sports travel. cti.co.uk

47 F LYVICTO R.C O M / BUSIN E SS INTERVIEW #2

And how has mobile technology changed the way you do business generally?

As a travel management company whose main task is to make sure our clients are travelling the world efficiently, technology has become integral in our offering. Online booking

tools and travel apps are a very important part of what we do, since they help keep our clients informed and in touch with us wherever they are in the world. It’s very different to the full-touch human service of some years ago.

According to the Global Business Jet Market report for 2015-19, the private jet market is projected to grow to US$33.8bn (£23.1bn) by the end of 2020.

INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE

Risky business Doug Milne is an insurance broker with a difference: as a specialist in emergency evacuation, he tells Victor what you need to know before heading into dangerous territory – and how jet charter can play a vital role For some, the daily commute is enough to deal with. But for many of Doug Milne’s clients, travel to and from work has the potential to be nothing short of extreme. As the CEO of Special Contingency Risks (SCR), those clients range from multinational corporations

to high-net worth individuals – and the operations carried out by SCR range from flying a group of oil executives out of an unstable territory in a period of political uncertainty, to negotiating ransom payments. “When we started, the high-risk territories were principally in Central and South America and kidnap was the key peril for our clients,” he says. “Today, whilst kidnap is still an important concern, more focus is on broader duty of care and the need to plan and execute emergency evacuations.”

the risks from a security and cultural standpoint, according to Milne. Once those are understood, appropriate measures must be taken to minimise those risks, ranging from a verbal or written briefing to full “meet and greet” security with armoured cars and armed guards. For those whose professions put them at the centre of the action – the journalists and NGOs working in warzones, for instance – Milne advocates attending a “hostile awareness course” covering topics like situation awareness, avoiding confrontation, hostage survival and first aid.

So, how can you prepare someone for life in a high-risk environment? Firstly, it is crucial that he or she is informed of

With much of Milne’s work following the doctor’s mantra – prevention is better

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TODAY’S TROUBLESPOTS These countries are the riskiest places in the world to do business today 5

Afghanistan No-go area for corporates 1

Chad Sahel region Kidnap/crime 2

Libya Kidnap/political unrest

6 Niger Sahel region Kidnap/crime

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Nigeria Kidnap/crime 7

Mali Sahel region Kidnap/crime

Syria No-go area for corporates

5 Mexico Kidnap/crime

9 Yemen Kidnap/political unrest

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than cure – and the riskier episodes carried out with the utmost discretion, a job well done is a job no one gets to know about. Since he started out, the business of risk has moved eastward: today, “Territories of particular concern are parts of Africa and the Middle East,” he says. “Clients most frequently face medical emergencies after an accident or from falling ill. Then it’s the need to exit a territory following political deterioration or a natural catastrophe.”

Whilst SCR is an insurance broker specialising in duty of care insurances such as kidnap and ransom, personal accident, medical and emergency repatriation, all their policies are

supported with intelligence and preventative services that are designed to assist clients to operate effectively in hostile environments. Should an emergency occur, however, SCR is on hand around the clock to help coordinate an effective response. “These services are actually usually paid for by insurers, as they clearly see the value in managing risks,” Milne asserts.

One of those services might involve getting clients out of a country – when airspace is being closed down, no mode of transport is more effective than a private jet. And what it comes down to is speed. “This means having a good network of resourceful

aircrew and access to a variety of fixed-wing and rotary air assets.

A good understanding of client demographics helps with advance planning, which is often essential in terms of obtaining permissions and visas.” The business of risk, it seems, is about being prepared for everything. Whether it’s the daily commute or an emergency evacuation, it’s clear that Milne will have you covered.

Doug Milne is CEO of Special Contingency Risks, which provides insurance and security advice to multinational companies and wealthy individuals around the world. scr-ltd.co.uk

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INDUSTRY INSIDERS

ETIHAD AIRWAYS AVIATION | Daniel Barranger How is technology – and mobile technology in particular – changing business travel?

The dynamic nature of business travel demands fast and easy access to information at any time, anywhere. Push messages, alerts and customised information enable the business traveller to focus on what is relevant to him or her, and to have almost limitless travel solutions available to them at the touch of a button. Etihad Airways’ fleet of aircraft is now equipped with full inflight connectivity to meet the needs of the modern traveller.

50 VICTO R M AGA ZIN E INTERVIEW #3

And how has mobile technology changed the way you do business generally?

The reality is that mobile technology has become the standard for all of us at work, at home or on the move – all around the world. This manifests itself in our corporate internal processes, but also in an ambition to be mobile-first in all of our guest interactions.

How has your company been able to take advantage of the on-demand economy?

While the days of being able to order an A380 to your nearest airport with

Etihad’s reimagined Airbus 380.

a mobile app are still way off, we are finding that our guests are increasingly demanding detailed information about their journeys instantaneously. As a customer-focused business, we process and provide as much data as possible to our guests so they can plan their trips and adapt to any changes instantly.

Do you anticipate an increase in business travel in 2016, and how important do you think face-to-face meetings are to doing good business?

Even though we are digitally connected and can network via all means of communication, we should not underestimate the impact of faceto-face meetings. Direct social contact is still the most effective way of networking, and business travel will always be a facilitator of this.

At Etihad Airways, we anticipate a rise in business travel via our hub in Abu Dhabi and beyond.

How do you adapt to deliver a VIP service like Victor for your senior executives?

Etihad Airways’ brand positioning is premium and innovative – and we are proud to offer the best premium products in the market on all our aircraft, including the ultra-exclusive, three-room The Residence and First

Apartments and Business Studios on the A380, and the first and business class cabins on the rest of the fleet.

We place significant focus and investment on providing our premium guests with tailor-made products in the air and on the ground, for example luxury stopover programmes, or the acclaimed 24/7 Etihad Lifestyle Concierge service for guests staying in The Residence. A VIP service such as Victor perfectly complements Etihad Airways’ premium brand positioning.

And finally, what is your favourite mobile app or gadget?

A personal favourite is the Addison Lee mobile app.

Daniel Barranger is Senior Vice President Global Sales for Etihad Airways, the National Airline of the United Arab Emirates. Passengers flying in The Residence or First Apartments can book their entire trip using the Victor app and seamlessly connect their onward journey by private jet with Victor. etihad.ae

The Business Studio cabin.

GTMC REPRESENTATION | Paul Wait

And how has mobile technology changed the way you do business generally?

It allows for constant connectivity with whomever you want, enabling

decision-making wherever you are and increasing productivity. Now both business and personal transactions can be made in downtime. The period between thinking about doing something and then doing it has reduced dramatically.

How has your company been able to take advantage of the on-demand economy?

It allows TMCs to offer a combination of access to information, and good personal service from an experienced advisor – what we like to call “nudging with value”. The on-demand economy lets them search on a client’s behalf more easily, and then quickly recommend the most appropriate solution according to their needs.

Do you anticipate an increase in business travel in 2016, and how important do you think face-to-face meetings are to doing good business?

Business travel from the UK will grow, driven by the SME sector. The government has a target of 100,000 new companies exporting by 2020, and an Oxford Economics study showed that every £1 spent on travel produced £12

And finally, what is your favourite mobile app or gadget?

It has to be Twitter.

Paul Wait is CEO of GTMC (formerly known as the Guild of Travel Management Companies), which is the only representative body for travel management companies and the business-travel community in the UK. Its mission is to show the vital role played by business travel in the economy. gtmc.org

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INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE

As many airports are reaching maximum capacity, flying on commercial airlines will become more crowded and more time-consuming. Flying privately is likely to become a real option for an increasing number of businesses.

in revenue. The GTMC survey of frequent business travellers states that exports and business revenue substantially covered the cost of the travel. Face-to-face meetings are essential to business growth.

The idea of video conferencing replacing business travel is as dead as the dodo.

F LYVICTO R.C O M / BUSIN E SS INTERVIEW #4

How is technology – and mobile technology in particular – changing business travel?

Development in technology and mobile applications in particular is driving personalisation, and a key aim for travel providers and travel management companies (TMCs) is the ability to engage more effectively with travellers.

Business travellers are increasingly seen as company assets who influence more of the decision-making – and these are people who want information at their fingertips. So the use of airline boarding passes on mobiles will spread to the hotel industry, where check-in will be online and you go straight to your room and scan your way in. The TMC needs to be the traveller’s mobile companion, there to help with itinerary changes, offer advice on the move and deal with any emergencies.

10

GOOD REASONS TO FLY VICTOR FOR BUSINESS

Whether your company already owns aircraft or prefers to charter jets on demand, the Victor model serves a wide range of businesses. Here are the top 10 reasons why corporate customers are increasingly choosing Victor:

52 VICTO R M AGA ZIN E 10 GO O D R E A S O N S

1 Simplicity Easy to book on-demand flights to supplement current set-up

6 Social Club Victor membership for executive assistants and travel bookers

2 Safety Pre-vetted and ARG/US world-leading operators

7 Secure Absolute discretion, always

3 Support Expert flight planning teams on hand around the clock

8 Service VIP concierge available

4 Streamlined No corporate membership fees 5 Savings Save up to 50% on the cost of fractional ownership and jet cards

Everything you need to fly, all in a single app.

9 Selection At least three independent quotes per flight to comply with procurement policies, plus pricematch guarantee 10 Surety Protect against unforeseen events with mechanical insurance included

According to Wing-X, the 2016 World Economic Forum at Davos attracted over 1,000 business aviation movements (arrivals and departures) to the four airports that service the event: Zurich (LSZH), Duebendorf (LSMD), Altenrhein (LSZR), and St Moritz (LSZS).

Easy to share the itinerary with your passengers.

Instant notification of any updates to your schedule.

Directions to your private departure terminal from wherever you are.

SAVE TIME With Victor, there’s no need to spend time calling the broker network or collating and comparing quotes: on our app and at flyvictor.com, you can see side-by-side jet and operator information, in minutes.

CUT COSTS Victor’s flat-rate, on-demand pricing structure is the next step in business jet charter: we can deliver the guaranteed aircraft reliability and same high level of service as pre-paid cards or fractional ownership far more cost-effectively.

GO ANYWHERE Victor’s smart technology can minimize or eliminate positioning costs, making anything from point-to-point one-ways to multilegs and round-trips more efficient than ever before.

STAY SAFE Our operators are pre-vetted and ARG/ US safety-rated – and with a wide choice of aircraft available and easily identified by tail number, you’re always connected and in control. Citation XLS+

ADD ON Hedge against paying more for your existing business jet travel with our instant-estimate pricing tool: with no membership fees, supplemental lift has never been easier.

AIM HIGH Victor’s highly experienced flight planning teams span the globe, providing an expert operations service that has your business – and the world – covered.

THE POPULAR CHOICE AMONG BUSINESS TRAVELLERS CESSNA CITATION XLS+ Super Light Jet

Range with 4 passengers:

03h 30min

Number of seats:

6 individual seats + 2-seater sofa

Cabin height:

5’8” / 1.73m

Cabin width:

5’6” / 1.68m

Length:

18’6” / 5.64m

Luggage space:

90ft3 / 2.55m3

Speed:

500mph / 800kph

Takeoff length:

3,560ft

53 F LYVICTO R.C O M / BUSIN E SS 10 GO O D R E A S O N S

Type of aircraft:

WHY VICTOR

Victor victorius C 54

How a start-up has caused turbulence in the world of private aviation.

By Ben Griffiths

VICTO R M AGA ZIN E SPEAR’S

live Jackson strides through the airy operations room of Victor, the private jet company he founded, pointing out various essential departments and introducing key staff members.

The office occupies the top floor of a smart South Kensington building that was once the car park for department store Harrods but more recently was the European HQ of NetJets, the giant rival private jet firm owned by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway.

The irony is not lost on Jackson, an energetic start-up specialist who is enthusiastic about an industry his business has managed to disrupt since

A serial tech entrepreneur, Jackson made his money with digital marketing agencies Global Beach and spin-off AutoTorq, which provided website design and build for FITSE 350 and Fortune 500 companies, particularly in the automotive sector. He entered the private jet business after discovering his

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WEALTh MAnAgEMEnT, BuSinESS AnD CuLTuRE

LuKE JOhnSOn

50_Cover_FINALversion.indd 12

regular commercial flight to Majorca, where he owns a second home, was being axed. Jackson collected business cards from frustrated fellow passengers and promised he would set up a replacement service, investing £1.1 million of his own money in the start-up.

This morphed into Victor, which launched in 2011. It owns no jets itself, but what Jackson created was a classic digital disruption of an established industry where the brokers – the intermediaries between aircraft owners and passengers – had all the power amid an opaque system of pricing. Victor, Jackson explains, sought to shine new light on this cosy

“We’ve proven we can disrupt, we’ve proven we can acquire customers from our competitors, and we’ve proven that we can retain them”

arriving on the scene a mere five years ago. He refers to the previous occupier of his office as the “500lb gorilla” due to the dominant position NetJets has enjoyed.

10Th AnnivER SARY iSSuE

industry where passengers found it hard to figure out exactly why they were being charged what they were, and often found the jet which arrived to collect them wasn’t quite what they were expecting. Its rapid success, especially in America during 2015, was certainly not welcomed by everyone in the jet business.

“Disruption always brings with it controversy and a huge amount of scepticism, and not least from those

niCK fOuLKES

SAM LEiTh

CLivE ASLET

iSSuE 50

£5

50> 9 772054 776002 04/04/2016 17:18

that are in the market trying to defend their current modus operandi,” Jackson says. “How are we regarded?

Sometimes hated, sometimes admired because we’ve dared to change the ground rules, and envied because we’ve had access to capital to do things that the old guard haven’t. What we’re looking to do is come to the market with a consumer proposition that disrupts the intermediary, with real people, but has transparency at the heart of its core-value proposition.

We are asking the consumer to trust us from day one in an industry where there is little trust.”

With Victor, the level of detailed information that can be accessed prior to booking is staggering. You can choose the precise aircraft you want to fly on, with information such as the colour of the interior available alongside essential data such as when the aircraft was last serviced. Providing such open access to thousands of jets carries its own risks: the consumer could just go straight to the aircraft owner and cut their own deal. Nevertheless, Jackson insists this openness has only rarely backfired.

“The number of people who have abused that trust is in low single digits per calendar month,” he says. “That’s been one of the most surprising and satisfying parts of the Victor value proposition. We list every major operator in the world, every aircraft they have, every tail number, every

age, when it was last overhauled or maintained – there is the complete directory listing and, four and a half years in, we haven’t had to say, ‘No, that transparency is killing us.’

We can deliver this quality of service to you, we are empowering you, we are giving you that transparency – of course you can do an off-book deal behind our back with the operator.

We’re actually giving the information to you without locking you into an upfront payment.”

What has made Victor an even more attractive proposition is a sophisticated app. The proprietary technology led the business to be labelled the Uber of private jet companies. Although accurate in design, the moniker is somewhat lazy, but it has suited Jackson during the past year as Victor launched into the US, the world’s largest private jet market.

Scaling the heights

“2015 was a year of being able to demonstrate that we could scale the business, what was an early-stage, fast-moving technology business that was serving the HNWs. We’re a techenabled service business.”

Jackson is especially proud that Victor featured in the Sunday Times Tech Track Top 100, which measures Britain’s fastest-growing technology companies. It was the only aviation brand in the list and was included thanks to an annualised growth rate over three years of 142 per cent in revenue. And there’s more to come.

He’s forecasting growth despite fears about a protracted global economic slowdown and the sagging price of a barrel of oil, which in itself is good for aviation companies because fuel is cheaper but has worried investors.

“I wouldn’t say HNWs are immune, though to some extent they’re insulated,” Jackson says. However, global market volatility can impact who’s flying when and where. The occasional customer is likely to be more susceptible, he adds, although

So what’s next for Victor? Firstly, another fund-raising round, which will seek to tap Victor’s existing and new shareholders, and later an institutional round to finance further expansion, with the Middle East and Asia next on the radar.

Jackson remains confident. “I haven’t come from the aviation space, but what I have been able to bring to the table is an understanding about how to build tech platforms, to do it pragmatically so that you build as much as you need when you need it, and to recognise that in some instances, no matter how good the tech is, there’s always going to be and remain a human element in that process.” Any remaining doubters should look away now.

55

This article first appeared in Spear’s magazine, the multi-awardwinning wealth management and luxury lifestyle media brand. spearswms.com

VICTOR IN THE PRESS

The global market for private aviation is worth around £14 billion a year.

Over half of that is in the US, and some £4 billion is attributed to NetJets.

Around 85 per cent of the total, Jackson reckons, is generated via the reseller channel – not via the people who necessarily own the aircraft.

Victor’s rapid progress has “scared the living bejesus out of the market”, according to Jackson. “If you can deliver a new value proposition and if you can demonstrate that you can disrupt, then your expectations go above and beyond 10, 15, 20 per cent per annum growth. They go into supergrowth. 2016 is about hyper-growth.

We’ve proven we can disrupt, we’ve proven we can acquire customers from our competitors, and we’ve proven that we can retain them, and we’ve made a big, monumental investment in the underlying supporting technology so we can transact to the lower cost more efficiently than any one of those oldworld competitors.”

past a certain net worth people care more about the fact that private aviation is effectively on demand, enabling them to achieve more in 24 hours than they could on commercial flights, and is regarded as an essential tool for competing on the global stage. “Overall we’ve been really encouraged by the reaction to Victor.” In the nine months it’s been in America, Victor has been able to raise the profile of its brand, allowing the chief executive to meet almost all the major US players personally. “We’ve talked about whether we’re on a path of convergence, a path of collaboration or a path of conflict.”

F LYVICTO R.C O M SPEAR’S

“In the US people like labels – they want to know are you a bit like X and Y, or are you a combination of A and B,” he says. “It just helps people contextualise what you do.

But fundamentally, labels aside, what we strive to prove is that consumers of private jet travel, their appetite, their demands, and their behaviour, can be changed – and are changing.

Consequently, those that can foresee how it should change can effectively disrupt a well-proven and well-trodden market where things have been pretty much the same for the last 25 years.”

Expanding does, of course, require capital, so Victor sought fresh funds from its existing shareholder base and new investors, raising a further £13 million of capital, all from UHNW investors and family offices. That capital was used to launch the US operation, acquiring a footprint by buying an established, traditional aircraft broker on the west coast.

“It gave us a capability, people knowhow, local knowledge, relationships, credibility in a new market,” Jackson explains, ‘and this year will be about scaling in the US.”

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VICTO R M AGA ZIN E N OTA B E N E

One to remember 57 F LYVICTO R.C O M N OTA B E N E

As the brains behind travel and lifestyle management company Nota Bene, Anthony Lassman knows his way around the world. But no matter where he goes, there’s one country that’s forever in his thoughts

INDUSTRY INSIDERS

“When you can jump on a plane or a boat and not have to worry about schedules or check-in, you can pack two days into one”

58 VICTO R M AGA ZIN E N OTA B E N E

W

hat led you to set up Nota Bene?

No better reason than a challenge from my wife, who knew how obsessed I was with quality and details in travel, with great hotels, and with places possessing an X factor. It started, without a business plan or strategy, as a publishing company. We printed what are now seen as iconic destination review books, which have almost become collectors’ items.

What qualities does a good travel and lifestyle manager need?

A love of people, a passion for what they do, a sound travel knowledge, and skill in coming up with a great idea.

And above all, being able to deliver superior client service.

From a certain destination to a particular type of holiday, what are the emerging trends in luxury travel right now?

The trends remain firstly for the glamour spots and the world-class hotels, villas, restaurants and beach clubs – so, places like St Barths, Tulum, the Seychelles, the Maldives, Capri, Corsica, the Amalfi Coast and Sicily.

We are also seeing a lot more topend experiential travel to places like Argentina with Uruguay; Mexico with Guatemala; and Hong Kong with the Philippines. And, closer to home, the Dodecanese islands of Greece with the Turkish Riviera, and mainland Sicily with the Aeolian Islands are also popular.

What makes a great holiday?

Transportation is key. When you can jump on a plane or a boat and not have to worry about schedules or check-in, you can pack two days into one. For example, you could be breakfasting in Istanbul, fly privately down to Bodrum for lunch, and take a powerboat to Patmos for dinner.

This is the kind of thing Nota Bene does for its clientele: it’s what makes travel bespoke, exciting and indulgent. And this is a trend among the higher-end demographic: shorter, faster-moving trips often booked at the last minute.

What’s the first thing you do when you arrive at a new destination?

Check out the room and make sure I have the view and space I expected.

For me the right accommodation and the right orientation are key. Once satisfied (and I hate any check-in

formalities), I either go for a swim if it’s a resort hotel or start driving the concierge mad if we’re in a city! And then it’s usually a glass of champagne and something to eat.

What makes a good hotel a really great one?

People make a great hotel. Obviously design, location and style are important but it’s how you’re being looked after, and the welcome, that really count.

A beautiful hotel without the right team or service is like a beautiful person without personality. It needs a great manager, top people in guest relations and restaurant managerial positions, and each department functioning correctly. Food and beverage have to be able to follow guest requirements and deliver them in a timely way; housekeeping the same; the reception and concierge desks must be efficient

and answer phones on time. Guests should not be disturbed any more than absolutely necessary. The operation needs to be seamless and appear effortless. And finally, fellow guests are important too, since they help create ambience and set the tone.

Which is the one country you keep going back to?

Italy. I love hearing the language, I love the food and wines, and I love the sheer diversity of its cities, countryside and coast. I love Venice in winter, Milan in October, Rome almost anytime. For relaxing I love Capri, Panarea, Positano (ideally in June or early July); Milan for shopping; Bologna, Liguria and the Venetia lagoon for food; Tuscany’s Val d’Orcia as well as Tuscany for countryside; the Veneto for the unique buildings of Palladio…

PACKING LIGHT – ANTHONY’S ESSENTIALS 1. My Canon G11 camera, which I cannot be without 2. W ash bag, underwear, swimwear/gym kit, shoes 3. W hite shirts of different fabrics for day/evening 4. At least one jacket 5. A pair of jeans, a pair of trousers, a pair of shorts

Previous spread: The Amalfi Coast as seen from Ravello.

Left: The Belmond Hotel Splendido in Portofino comes complete with a heated saltwater infinity pool.

Below: Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda is one of the most expensive places to buy real estate in Europe.

Next spread: The gardens at the Villa Cimbrone.

59 F LYVICTO R.C O M N OTA B E N E

VICTOR RECOMMENDS Fly from London to Naples in a Bombardier Challenger 300 Ideal for 2 families of 4

FAB 2h20m

NAP

60 VICTO R M AGA ZIN E N OTA B E N E

Describe your perfect Italian long weekend.

Fly to Naples on Thursday, with a car waiting for the drive to Positano and lunch on a sunny terrace overlooking the sea. Then up to Ravello, the most beautiful hilltop village of the Amalfi Coast, and the Villa Cimbrone’s gardens to take in that unforgettable view with an aperitif overlooking the bay of Minori down below. Then dinner at my favourite restaurant, Da Lorenzo in Scala across the hillside, before heading back to Positano for a nightcap.

Spend Friday morning sunning and swimming. Stroll around town for a little shopping before lunching on the freshest of seafood with a perfect bottle of Fiano d’Avelino and a nap at the edge of the sea. As the afternoon sun starts to cool, have your luggage placed on a waiting speedboat for the 40-minute crossing to Capri. A short nap followed by dinner at a favourite restaurant in town where the owners and hosts know what you like and just bring the food.

Not having to pore over menus or wine lists is a great luxury.

On Saturday morning, take in the colours, the fragrant flowers, the sunshine. And then a relaxed lunch overlooking the bay and the island of Ischia in the distance, followed by an afternoon massage and a stroll through the piazzetta and down to the shopping streets. Then a late dinner, Caprese-style.

On Sunday morning I’d take the boat to Recommone to see my favourite hostess Anna, the proprietress of La Conca del Sogno. I will leave it all to Anna and be confident of eating like a god at my regular table at the edge of the sea, before heading back by boat to Naples where the car will be waiting for the drive to the airport. I cannot think of a better way of spending a long weekend.

Is there anywhere you haven’t been that you’d like to visit?

I have several destinations on my 2016 agenda that I have not been to and really want to visit. These include Namibia, Sumba (Indonesia) and Norway.

Anthony Lassman is the founder of Nota Bene. notabeneglobal.com

Recreate Anthony’s perfect Italian weekend or plan another unforgettable travel experience with Nota Bene and Victor: call Nota Bene on +44 (0)20 7259 9911 or email info@notabeneglobal.com and turn your dream trip into real life today.

61 F LYVICTO R.C O M N OTA B E N E

62 VICTO R M AGA ZIN E V I CTO R FO R M U S I C

Award-winning combination: Victor’s acquisition of YoungJets – the company behind some of the most high-profile world tours of recent years, and a Tour Link Top Dog Awards “Air Charter Company of the Year” – is guaranteed to get your tour off the ground.

MUSIC@FLYVICTOR.COM FLYVICTOR.COM/MUSIC

BECOME A MEMBER OF VICTOR FOR MUSIC TAKE US ON TOUR WHEREVER YOU GO For a limited time only, Victor is offering music industry professionals complimentary membership to Victor for Music and all the benefits it brings: Fully transparent pricing Operator, tail and safety ratings available when you quote, with open invoicing on touring and multi-leg quotes exclusive to Victor for Music members.

and worldwide coverage from offices in the US and the UK.

Experienced touring professionals With extensive music industry and touring experience, Victor provides 24/7 contact

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One-way first look on popular music routes From Teterboro to Nashville, Atlanta to Miami, LA to NYC, Victor offers the best deals on the music industry’s most popular routes.

Download the Victor app for iOS or go to flyvictor.com/join to start your complimentary membership.

63 F LYVICTO R.C O M V I CTO R FO R M U S I C

Enter unique fast track code MPPRO to activate your account, request a quote and compare the best aircraft and operators around the globe.

VICTO R M AGA ZIN E CODA

Photo: James D Kelly

64

HITTING THE RIGHT NOTE For the music agent Cecily Mullins, discovering new talent and inventing cocktails is all in a day’s work.

She tells Phil Thomas what the industry is really like, and why she feels an affinity with chefs

Next spread: Grace Jones performing at Baroque in December 2012.

As an agent specialising in private and corporate bookings, Mullins has

MUSIC #1

Left: Coda Agency’s Cecily Mullins.

It sounds like a matter-of-fact response to what is nothing less than an all-out career change, but you get the feeling that Mullins is of the unflappable type – something that likely stands her in good stead for the unpredictability of the music industry.

“I’ve always found that if you are honest and overall a nice person, with a healthy attitude to work – and a little bit of a thick skin – you’ll go far,” she says.

Still, she admits that it’s not a place for part-timers, or those who favour the conventional 9-to-5: “You need to love what you do, as the music industry is all-encompassing. I would say that 90 percent of my life revolves around it – and I wouldn’t change it for the world.

It also helps if you’re a little bonkers.”

65

Discovering and championing new music was already part of the Mullins playbook. She had been booking the live acts for a night called Baroque at the Playboy Club in Mayfair, which at that point was the latest London cocktail bar and go-to gathering.

“We had Alt-J on,” she recalls. “And actually it was a great booking, as I’d secured them a while back – and then they ended up winning the Mercury Prize just before the date of the show.”

So what’s her secret to finding the next award-winning act? “Loving music helps,” she says simply. “You don’t have to have an encyclopaedic knowledge of music but a level of respect for artists is pretty essential.”

By the sound of things, that respect is probably reciprocated by the artists she represents: “We were all there toasting the night and Joe Newman (Alt-J guitarist and vocalist) and I decided to be silly and commissioned a drink. We called it The Cecily. Tasted of strawberries and cream but had quite a fierce kick. Sweet but strong. Got us hammered actually.”

F LYVICTO R.C O M CODA

I

t was while working in advertising in New York that Cecily Mullins answered a busker’s dreams and turned both their lives upside-down. “Once back in the UK, I asked him if he fancied proper management and we went from there,” she says. A friendly neighbour, who happened to go by the name of Adele, “was kind enough to show him some support”, one thing led to another, and a publishing deal was duly done.

become the perfect party-planner for those who want to make that birthday extravaganza even more, well, extravagant. She says the chance to watch huge acts play intimate shows still thrills: “When you’ve watched Grace Jones with just 150 other people, you know you’ve witnessed something pretty special.” Even so, it can’t all be glitz and glamour can it? What’s the ratio of spreadsheets and biscuits to champagne and canapés? “Ha! I can’t tell you all the secrets,” she laughs, before deploying that unflappable nature again. “In my line of work the more organised and diligent you are, the easier the rest becomes. There’s a lot of glitz and glam – and I’ve been privy to

a diva-ish attitude when in actual fact it’s flying from country to country day after day with very little rest, yet still having to be on top form physically and mentally for a show each night. Add press and the odd personal commitment on top and you can understand why artists get fussy. So it helps to receive an immaculate level of service and a professional attitude at all times.”

Is there anything she doesn’t like about the music business? Not really. “It is a great life,” she says, “it just takes a lot of hard work and the knowledge that you never properly switch off.” Like many jobs in the creative industries, work merges into play so it’s not that

“When you’ve watched Grace Jones with just 150 other people, you know you’ve witnessed something pretty special” 66 VICTO R M AGA ZIN E CODA

quite a few odd backstage antics – but the work has to be done first. Fail to prepare, prepare to fail as they say.”

bad – “but you can easily spot the music person because they’ll always have their phone to hand”.

It’s an attitude that comes in handy when you’re organising a performing artist’s progress around the globe: despite the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle, the travel component has to run like clockwork if schedules are to be followed and shows are to be on time. In the high season, a club DJ can play multiple sets in multiple countries around the Med and beyond – and all in the space of an evening. Nipping between the Balearics, the French Riviera and further afield to places like Berlin and Dubrovnik leaves little wriggle room for mistakes. Efficiency becomes even more important when very high-level artists are involved, Mullins says. “They have gruelling tour schedules and there is no room for error. People mistake that for

It’s time to go. Mullins gathers her things from under the table we’ve been sitting at and reveals another of her artists under management: a mini dachshund called Norman, who’s been sleeping peacefully in her handbag.

Like the rest of her charges, he seems perfectly happy that she’s calling the shots. Music is obviously close to her heart but is there another industry Mullins would liked to have worked in, in another life? “Maybe a chef on a Mediterranean island. Chefs are as mad as music people so I’d fit in nicely.”

Cecily Mullins is a private and corporate agent at Coda Music Agency. codaagency.com

To find out who could play at your party and devise an itinerary with Coda and Victor: call Coda on +44 (0)20 7017 2500 or email cecily.mullins@codaagency.com and start planning your special celebration today.

NEXT BIG THINGS CECILY’S FIVE FOR THE FUTURE 1. M ura Masa – Diplo and Kanye are fans…

2. Kiiara will also be big…

3. … as will Izzy Bizu…

4. A lessia Cara is currently touring with Coldplay and is really great, and let’s see…

5. B iBi Bourelly, who wrote Rhianna’s ‘Work’ track. Mega!

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L L A E T I H W 68

VICTO R M AGA ZIN E IBIZA

E H T ON IGHT N How did the White Isle become Europe’s number-one dance music destination?

Ben Lovett goes back to the beginning to find out 69 F LYVICTO R.C O M IBIZA

MUSIC #2

70 VICTO R M AGA ZIN E IBIZA

T

he Phoenicians were the first to settle Ibiza and even then, nearly 2,700 years ago, they saw its unique party potential. The Balearic isle’s first trading outpost was named Ibossim in honour of Bes, the Egyptian god of music and dance. Today, the ruins of Ibossim – made a World Heritage site in 1999 – can be visited just six miles west of current disco hotspot Ibiza Town. Bes must be smiling down.

After that, Ibiza was invaded and resettled constantly – by the Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantine Greeks, Moors, Norwegians and, most recently, Spanish. Continual upheaval and evolution would drive an eclectic, bohemian open-mindedness and creativity deep into the island’s DNA. When the Aragonese monarch James I conquered Ibiza for Spain in 1235, it was allowed to self-govern – and even though King Philip V reversed that decision during the early 18th century, Ibiza’s autonomous spirit was fully solidified.

This was to prove the perfect platform for yet another invasion during the 1950s and 60s – a cultural revolution that paved the way for Ibiza’s definitive, neon-lit status as the epicentre of dance music celebration. “Outside Ibiza Town, the island in the 1950s was one of the most archaic communities in

Ibiza has become as much about the VIP as it is about the superstar DJ Europe,” remarks travel writer Paul Richardson in Not Part of the Package, his account of Ibiza’s democratic rise to prominence. “Songs, dances and rural ceremonies with roots in the Carthaginian era, hundreds of years before Christ, were still being performed.” Ibiza’s mellow, naturalistic rhythm resonated with a colourful mix of India-bound pilgrims, hippies and Vietnam draft-dodgers, who were found

Previous spread: Ibiza awaits.

Top: The Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel, one of the hippest on the island, is a music destination in its own right.

Top right: A suite at Ushuaïa.

Right: London institution Sink the Pink perform at Glitterbox.

Next spread, left: La Familia behind the decks.

Next spread, right: Drinking in the last of the sun on Benirras Beach.

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Photos: laskimalphotography.com

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channelling their auras and energies at any number of fincas dotted around the island. In 1976, one particularly pivotal finca launched (loosely) as a social club and discotheque called The Workshop of Forgetfulness. Twenty-four hours later it was renamed Amnesia after the owner realised it better reflected his desire for people to leave their troubles at the door.

Amnesia, and the lifestyle it encouraged, remains just as influential today, which is all the more impressive considering Ibiza’s rapid gentrification throughout the 21st century. Those veterans of the club explosion of the late 1980s (aligned to the emergence of house music) are revisiting in 2016 with good jobs, young families and the highest expectations of

their surroundings, all of which has prompted major investment from local government and the leisure and luxury sectors to bring out the finest glassware along with the glitterball. Today, you’re as likely to rave in bikinis and swimshorts as sip vintage champagne from the Michelin restaurant of an ultra-luxe hotel (before the rave) – Ibiza has become as much about the VIP as it is about the superstar DJ. So where to unwind this summer?

Glitterbox at the iconic Playa d’en Bossa hangout Space eschews the dominant, techno-led clichés of Balearic clubbing by fusing classic house, soul and disco within a stylish, contemporary framework attuned to what is described as “an aesthetic and

aural release”. The fact that this is Space’s last-ever season makes the occasion even more remarkable – one of the most powerful consolidations of the original “free party” Ibiza vibe of recent times. Look out for DJ sophisticates including Kenny ‘Dope’ Gonzalez, Todd Terry and Norman Jay. If you prefer an altogether grittier, sweatier dancefloor affair then look no further than the stripped-back basement of two of Sankeys Ibiza’s parties – The Redlight and Tribal Sessions both rumble with raw, bass-y swagger – or the delightfully infamous Circoloco at DC-10 (formerly a small farmhouse at the end of Ibiza Airport’s runway). Also at DC-10, on Wednesdays, is Jamie Jones’ electric Paradise residency – incorporating

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“animated artwork based on a 1980s virtual reality world” into its impressive, muscular weave of underground house and techno. Jones’ special guests will include everyone from contemporary fire-starters Cassy and The Martinez Brothers to American classics Mood II Swing and Lil’ Louis.

Ibiza’s current skew, however, is towards more opulent surroundings – hence the towering success of Ushuaïa Beach Hotel, a five-star slice of uberluxury accommodation along Playa d’en Bossa’s main drag. It delivers world-class, open-air revelry and hospitality, and this summer’s stellar party hosts include global megastars David Guetta and Avicii.

At Ibiza Rocks House at Pikes Hotel,

meanwhile, there’s DJ Harvey’s wonderfully kaleidoscopic Mercury Rising, an exotic smorgasbord of glam disco, downbeat house, Latin and psychedelia that befits the boutique venue’s extravagant A-list past: Freddie Mercury’s 41st birthday bash in 1987 is the stuff of modern celebrity legend, and a worthwhile reminder, too, of Ibiza’s VIP past. Tastefully trawling the rest of the island, you have everything from Nightmares on Wax’s thrillingly alternative Wax Da Jam gathering at one of Ibiza’s oldest venues Las Dalias, to the refined beach grooves of exclusive resorts Sa Trinxa and Jockey Club, Atzaro Beach and Blue Marlin.

The latter, a particularly strong magnet for UHNW party-goers, has already welcomed underground trendsetters Seth Troxler, Black Coffee and Damian

Lazarus to play this summer – and its heady fusion of fine wining, dining and dancing will only intensify over the months ahead.

By turbo-charging its rich sociocultural heritage, Ibiza looks to be in sparkling form right now. Certain commentators bemoan the island’s inevitable commercialisation but there is enough to suggest that with this expansion and development has come an exciting, sympathetic variety of experience true to the island’s deepest, most playful roots. Bes really must be smiling down.

Ben Lovett is Victor’s Communications Director and also writes for the global house music label Defected Records.

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Sea and be

seen 76 VICTO R M AGA ZIN E V E CTO R

Vector is the world-class powerboat – and brand-new brand name – you’re about to see a lot more of.

Stephanie Drax reports

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PURSUITS

U

ntil four years ago, there was a gap in the marine performance market exactly the size of a Vector 40R. There was no superbrand, no aquatic powerhouse, no Ferrari on water.

But the alliance of Malcolm Crease, a media-savvy entrepreneur, and Peter Dredge, a powerboat racing champion, changed everything.

In 2014, when their V40R competed for the first time at the prestigious Cowes Offshore Classic Powerboat Race, it finished over four nautical miles ahead of its nearest rival. That meant travelling at an average speed of 94mph for the 194 nautical miles of the course. The team – with Peter Dredge and Simon Powell at the helm – smashed the record, won seven trophies, and then did it all again the next year with a 19-minute lead. In 2016 they’re intent on the hat-trick and are taking delivery of a new boat with an extra 500hp to see it through.

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As if unbeatable performance wasn’t enough, Vector has partnered with the glamour of Martini – an iconic name renowned for its sponsorship of motorsports in the 1970s and 80s.

The striped livery is emblazoned across the two state-of-the-art V40Rs – aptly named Rosso and Bianco – that compete under the banner of Vector Martini Racing. And to keep things suitably classy, Porsche, Bowers & Wilkins, and Henri Lloyd are also sponsors: “We provide many of the benefits associated with the partnership of a Formula 1 team,” says Crease, who is Vector’s CEO as well as cofounder. “I simply wanted to assemble a better group of partners than any Formula 1 team in the process.”

The genesis of the V40R is in the design of the infamous B28, crafted by the world-leading powerboat architect Ocke Mannerfelt and developed by Vector Powerboats Inc. The B28 was the first to feature a stepped hull, which had a remarkable effect on efficiency and performance: it was banned from competitive racing for five years because no other manufacturer could

match its prowess. Today, the futuristic frame of the V40R comprises of carbon fibre and Kevlar, and is propelled through the water by a pair of mighty 1100bhp V10 engines. Under the closed canopy, the vessel’s bucket seats can carry four team members, each strapped into a reassuring fivepoint harness.

If you’d like to know what it feels like to skim across the waves at high speed, the iRace programme offers VIPs, corporate guests and partners a day out that turns the notion of pottering along with a fishing rod on its head: for £50,000, you can sit in the V40R alongside the team as it rattles up to 100mph. With 30 years of racing experience under his belt, plus 14 years as head of powerboat safety at the Royal Yachting Association, Dredge acts as pilot.

Backed by an unparalleled competitive record, Vector Martini Racing claims to be the only professional powerboat racing team in the world insured to allow such antics.

Like Formula 1, Vector uses highoctane competitions as a testing ground for its retail offerings. “The credibility is borne out of the race-winning and performance,” explains Crease. “We won’t put a product to market until it’s tried, tested and we know that it works.

We want to be perceived globally as a multidimensional performance brand.”

With that in mind, the company now boasts two ranges: Vector Powerboats and Vector Performance Yachts.

Manufactured in Canada, the Powerboat range is developed from the racing models but designed to offer the ultimate in comfort, style and safety.

The V28R features the “batwing” carbon fibre and Kevlar hull of the B28, which keeps it steady when the turns are tight and fast, and enables it to reach speeds of 95 knots (109mph). At 31ft with an outboard motor, the V28R coolly delivers more power and torque than a McLaren MP4-12C supercar – making it a rather nippy little superyacht tender. The V40GT, on the other hand, is a grand tourer version of the racing prototype, and features a unique

Previous spread: The V40 Bianco lifts off on Lake Como.

Top: Malcolm Crease (top) and Peter Dredge at Coniston Records Week.

Bottom: The V40 Rosso competing at the Cowes Classic.

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variable aerodynamic wing system that deploys at high speed to ensure stability and performance. If you’re not too busy zipping across the water at up to 120 knots (137mph) with four times the power of that McLaren, then you might have time to appreciate the wood veneers, leather upholstery, plush carpeting and bespoke audiovisual system. Luxury aside, this is a working powerboat through and through: the V40S was recently conceived for a Middle East defence firm using a variant of the award-winning V40 hull, and is essentially a high-speed interceptor on water. “We’re in discussion with 11 governments off the back of that build,” says Crease.

in the UK. Though each one is tailormade to the owner’s specifications, hand-stitched leather, titanium trim, carbon-fibre inlays and touch-screen audiovisual technology all come as standard. Bold and stealthy, the 55ft V55GT is constructed using epoxy carbon fibre and features automotive glass technology developed for use in

The new Vector Performance Yacht range – think both speedy and spacious – is made exclusively by Rainsford Mann Design in London, and will likely be built

F1 cars. It comfortably accommodates four, all interiors are bespoke, and the exterior can be finished in the hue of your choice. “The V55GT costs

The V40S was conceived for a Middle East defence firm and is essentially a high-speed interceptor on water. “We’re in discussion with 11 governments off the back of that build,” says Crease

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It’s likely you’ll be seeing a lot of the Vector brand on screens and in the press in the near future. The Martini Racing division is planning a TV show in which celebrities break world records in the V40R; a feature film is in development; a new racing series will be announced in 2017; and then there’s the launch of Vector World, a high-end

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£4.5 million to buy, and we already have three clients who have ordered it as a fast chase-boat for an existing superyacht, or as a day-boat,” says Crease. “This is our retail supercar and it’s designed to be exclusive.” No more than four of these boats will be built per year, and each hull will have its own unique identity to secure its rarity and resale value. Those seeking bigger models are in luck: designs are already being drawn up for the V65GT, V85GT and V125GT versions.

tourist attraction-cum-design studio: “It will have a museum, an opportunity to experience boats at high speed, and a facility where you can see your boat being built,” he reveals. The first site is due to be announced in the UAE in September, with China and Europe set to follow.

It’s jaw-dropping what the company has achieved in the space of four years.

So how did they do it? “Before I put a boat in the water I wanted to create a marine performance brand that kids could aspire to, in the same way as they would a Porsche or a Ducati,” Crease says. Whatever guise Vector takes next, it all started with one thing in mind: the perfect powerboat.

vectormartiniracing.com vectorpowerboats.com

Left: Artist’s impression of the exterior, cockpit, and open-plan interior of the V55GT. Right: The V40’s stepped hull is based on an infamous design by leading powerboat architect Ocke Mannerfelt.

Grand old time The digital artist Osborne Macharia on how he came up with the idea for his latest project, ‘Kenya’s League of Extravagant Grannies’, and why Africa’s stories are ready to be told in a different way

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PHOTOGRAPHY

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he story behind ‘Extravagant Grannies’ is a sequel to an earlier project called ‘Nywele Za Kale’, which is Swahili for “hair of long ago”. As this was predominantly old men, I wanted to do a project with grannies but I had not yet cracked it. On assignment in Somaliland, we came across this beautiful plane that had a retro vibe to it, and I knew it would go well with the grannies seemingly coming out of the plane. Slowly the whole story started coming together.

All I want to achieve with ‘Grannies’ is to entertain but as tends to happen with most of my projects, different people interpret them in different ways. All I desire is that it’s a positive interpretation that uplifts and inspires.

From the concept to the shoot to the retouching, every part of a project is important and exciting. The hardest part has to be coming up with the story, which ought to be different but also believable.

The hyper-stylisation and use of colour, which is very fashion-oriented, has come to be my signature look.

People have described my work as having a painting effect that cuts through to the emotions of the subjects.

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I decided on grannies because it sounded strange. You wouldn’t expect to see extravagant grannies living the high life and travelling from one country to another in their retirement days – especially in Africa.

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I chose digital photography because the stories we have in Africa are yet to be documented with the eye of a digital artist. There is so much content to show the world, and I love how digital art connects people and other artists across borders, cultures and languages.

Kenya does have its issues as a country, and it’s the negativity that’s picked up on. Just Google Kenya and all you tend to find is wildlife, Masai and conflict but less of the positives. This is what I would love to see changed and I am not the only photographer who feels this way. There is a whole new breed of photographers working tirelessly to change how the world sees us as a country through the kind of images we showcase. Kenya is beautiful, diverse in culture, and boasts a rich heritage that’s still going strong.

Unfortunately, my grannies are no longer around but I loved how they spoiled us when we were growing up.

Osborne Macharia is represented by K63 Studio in Nairobi. k63studio.com

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The legendary photographer Joey Lawrence is the one who inspired me to become a photographer, and with time I keep discovering others whose style I respect and look up to. Just to name a few, photographers like Marco Grob, Dean Bradshaw and Platon keep me inspired and challenged to do the best I can with the resources I have.

Feeling hot Nine Concierge’s chairman and CEO Timmy Coles-Liddle reveals a trio of luxury travel trends

88 VICTO R M AGA ZIN E H OT D E S T I N AT I O N S

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Often mistaken for vibrant Ibiza’s sleepy cousin, this is the island that keeps on giving. From the rugged backdrop of the Tramuntana mountains (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) in the north to the expansive creamy-white beaches in the south, this is nature at its most beautiful. If it’s manmade you’re after, Mallorca’s stone-built hilltop villages, surrounded by lush citrus groves, have captured plenty of hearts too. The island now arguably boasts the best of Balearic accommodation, with an abundance of contemporary art galleries and summer classical music festivals to boot – and, of course, Port Adriano, the superyacht marina designed by Philippe Starck.

Architecture buffs should reserve a lunch table at Cap Rocat. An extraordinarily charming former military fortress set on a cliff edge overlooking the Bay of Palma, it’s been cleverly reinterpreted as a boutique hotel. Better still, stay the night and enjoy the elegant surroundings of the spacious suites – each with a sense of extravagant style – the capacious wellness spa, the outdoor swimming pool, and numerous secluded terraces.

BEST TIME TO GO? No time like the present!

WHO GOES? Euro sun-seekers with a penchant for long lunches, dramatic coastal scenery and original Joan Miró paintings.

TRENDING

Celebrating its first anniversary, Hotel Sant Francesc, which is proudly situated between two breathtaking cathedrals in the lively capital Palma, infuses traditional palacio grandeur with cute, contemporary touches. The 19th-century mansion houses a buzzy restaurant, Quadrat, which serves locally sourced,

fresh Mediterranean cuisine with a playful twist. Whizz up to the 200m2 rooftop and laze by the pool on sleek iron sun-loungers with uninterrupted views across the city skyline.

F LYVICTO R.C O M H OT D E S T I N AT I O N S

MALLORCA (SPAIN)

MOROCCO Last year’s new kid on the block, the Mandarin Oriental Marrakech created a renewed level of interest in the Moroccan capital. This, together with relative economic and political stability, continues to excite both European and Middle Eastern luxury-seekers, thanks to the city’s generous people, vibrant culture, and burgeoning gastronomy and art scenes.

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If you can tear yourself away from the colourful souks in the medina, Jemaa el Fna, a short jolly out of town, is a must. A 15-minute drive will take you to the gloriously lush gardens of the Beldi Country Club, where you can enjoy a long lazy lunch of crisp Moroccan wine and Med-fusion cuisine – all locally sourced and cooked according to the season’s produce of course. The ancient olive groves, pretty rose garden and 35-metre swimming pool make for a magical setting.

BEST TIME TO GO? Spring and autumn when there are fewer crowds and the sun is slightly less oppressive.

WHO GOES? Adventurous camel-lovers who want lashings of mint tea and world-class, traditionally designed accommodation.

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91 F LYVICTO R.C O M H OT D E S T I N AT I O N S

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92 VICTO R M AGA ZIN E H OT D E S T I N AT I O N S

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MADAGASCAR For eco-luxury fans wishing to experience marine biodiversity and an unsurpassable conservation programme, the Miavana Island Sanctuary will launch just off Madagascar’s northern shore at Nosy Ankao later this year. An uncharted archipelago of five islands, the development comes complete with aquamarine bays, picture-perfect sandy beaches and placid lagoons.

The thinking behind it? To protect Nosy Ankao’s vulnerable natural resources, to provide much-needed employment to people from the local communities, and to offer world-class land and marine activities to guests – who are increasingly searching for something

more diverse and ecologically considerate than Indian Ocean offerings of the past. A speedy sea transfer from the international airport at Antananarivo, and a world away from life’s many concerns, Miavana will make the top of any island-lover’s wish list.

BEST TIME TO GO? The weather in Nosy Ankao is largely hot and tropical from July to November.

WHO GOES? Well-heeled eco-warriors seeking untapped locations without compromising on service and luxury. nineconcierge.com

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THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF

Issue 2 2016