SUPERCARSJEWELLERYINTERVIEWS

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LUXURIOUSAFRICA

GRANDPARK HOTEL

FAVOURITEWATCHESOF 2012

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For those that know what they want from lifetm

luxurious magazine®

www.luxuriousmagazine.comUK WINTER EDITION 2012 / 2013

Dear Readers,

I am delighted in my newly appointed position as Editor, to welcome you to the Winter UK 2012/2013 Edition of Luxurious Magazine, the rst in a series of subject-specic publications which we will be introducing over the coming months. This issue brings an international avouravour and the very best from luxury marques across the globe, from Aston Martin to Zenith, whilst we also sample some of the nest restaurants and hotels that the UK and Africa have to offer. In addition, we catch up with the renownedrenowned jewellery designer Andrew Geoghegan, look back at some of the nest automobiles and timepieces launched during 2012, and hear the thoughts of Michael Breen, CEO of the P1 Supercar Club.

WWe do hope you enjoy reading this Edition, and we would like to once again thank everyone who has helped and contributed over the past twelve months to the success story of Luxurious Magazine which we have witnessed so far. We look forward to bringing you more luxurious fea-tures, news, and reviews in 2013.

Yours,Simon Wittenberg MOIJ

Sim on

LUXURIOUS MAGAZINE - UK Edition

Editor’s Insight

2012 was a spectacular year for the United Kingdom, The Queens Diamond Jubilee, The Olympics and Paralympics, a euphoric wave swept the nation and put the Great back into Britain once more. It was incredible to see the nation stand proudly together as we celebrated as one and rekindled the pride in being British.

AsAs you will have no doubt seen, Simon Wittenberg has been appointed as the Editor of Luxurious Magazine, a superb chap and remarkably talented journalist. This allows me to continue opening new markets for Luxurious Magazine from my base on the other side of the world in Asia. This does not mean that I will not be getting my "hands dirty", forfor this edition I have picked some of my favourite luxurious time pieces of the past twelve months. The list was always going to be difcult to compile, the rst six on my list were obvious, the next six were drawn from a shortlist of 10, any of them deserved to be in the Godbold Favourite Watch List of 2012. I don't want to keep you from what’s inside this issue, so until next time.. enjoy!

Paul Godbold MIOJFounder of Luxurious Magazine

Putting the Great Back In

Simon Wittenberg MIOJ Natasha Godbold

Reena Patel Pascale Hayward

A French native living in England since 1990. Although Pascale loves England and more particularly the English countryside she is still very much attached to her home country of France and its great quality of life. Pascale is passionate about fresh wellwell prepared food, luxury travel and the great wines from her home coun-try.

Luxurious Magazine in partnership with

Luxurious Magazine in partnership with

(Head Office)Luxurious Magazine5 St Johns LaneLondonEC1M 4BH

Tel: +44 (0)207 193 8380TTel: +44 (0)20 7549 2899editorial@luxrs.comwww.luxuriousmagazine.com

AboutTheThe magazine was created by Paul Godbold, an entrepreneurial Englishman with a Malaysian heritage and a member of the Chartered Institute of Journalists. Originally, Luxurious Magazine® was pproduced solely as a website gaining a huge number of visitors worldwide whilst building strong relationships along the way with many of the premier luxury brands. Due to frequent requests, we ventured into the world of electronic digital publishing. This is proving to be incincredibly successful based on feedback from our partners and global readership.

AdvertisingLuxurious Magazine® operates differently to most publications. Advertising oppor-tunities are predominantly via invitation, however we do make exceptions in certain circumstances if the product or service being advertised is suitable for our publication. For further information email advertising@luxrs.com. Rates can be found within our media pack on luxuriousmagazine.com.

General InformationNoNo part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of the publisher. Views and opinions expressed in this publication are strictly those of the writers, photographers and contributors, and are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort has been taken to ensure the correctness andand accuracy in the material published in this electronic issue of Luxurious Magazine®.

The publisher and editorial staff accept no responsibility for any effect arising from errors. Whilst every effort has been made to trace and request permission to use copyright materials in this electronic magazine, this has been impossibleimpossible in some case. All copyrights are retained by their creators and originators and there is no intended infringement on those rights. Materials used in the magazine are solely for informational purposes. If notified, we will be pleased to rectify any omissions.

Born in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and now based in London, Simon Wittenberg is the Editor of Luxurious Magazine . A specialist in the automotive sector, Simon has worked with some of the world's most iconic marques such asas Lotus Cars, Ferrari, and Tesla Motors. His passions include luxury goods, motorsport, and travel.

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Reena is a health, beauty, gas-tronomy, luxury travel specialist and the Deputy Editor of Luxurious Magazine . Reena’s frequent and well documented visits to the worlds most luxurious destinations and finest restaurants provide some of thethe most popular articles in the Magazine. In 2010, she was awarded the PRCA-PCG Freelancer of the Year Award.

EditorialLuxurious Magazine®

Moscow-born Brit, Natasha has an obvious love of luxury making her aperperfect match for her husband Paul, the founder of Luxurious Magazine . Natasha accompanies Paul on their frequent travel and dining reviews, assisting in the writing, photography and filming. Travel, fashion, dining, fine jewellery, health and beauty are thethe areas that she is passionate writing about.

Ong Chin Huat

Diane Roncone

Based in New York, Diane served as an editor for Niche Media, the parent company of luxury niche magazines across the United States. She was executive editor of Hamptons, as well as an editor for Niche’s Bridgehampton Polo magazines, andand Los Angeles Confidential. She has traveled across the globe, has an unquenchable thirst for adventure and a never-ending curiosity about the world and its many peoples.

Shanghai based Jonathan Hasson, (originally from Italy), was born in Belgium and grew up in Africa. He has a Bachelor of Arts (International Affairs & Economics) from an American University in Brussels and has spent many years researching luxuluxury trends in Asia. Jonathan speaks fluent English, French, Italian, and conversational Mandarin.

Jonathan Hasson

Luxurious Magazine in partnership with

Luxurious Magazine in partnership with

® ®

Sabi Phagura

Cover ImageThis edition’s front cover features: The Piaget Rose Jewellery Collection.“It seems to have been picked in a garden“It seems to have been picked in a garden of diamonds. Surrounding a heart of light, it appears in all its facetted glory, adorning studs or pending earrings, a pendant or ring, necklace or a “secret” watch…”

ManagementPublisher: Paul Godbold Publisher: Paul Godbold MIOJEditor: Simon Wittenberg MIOJDeputy Editor: Reena PatelCreative Director: Natasha GodboldLifestyle Editor Asia : Ong Chin HuatAdvertising Head: Pascale HaywardHead of Finance: Malcolm Gilbey MISM

Although graduating from the London School of Economics with a law degree, Chin decided to pursue a career as a journalist. Having been the social editor of the Hong Kong Tatler and as well as writing a twice-weekly column inin Hong Kong’s leading English language newspapers, the South China Morning Post, Chin has met and interviewed everyone from business tycoons and supermodels to movie stars, royalty and world class athletes.

Sabi Phagura is a health, fitness, travel and lifestyle journalist as well as a fitness instructor with over 14 years experience in both the print and broadcasting media. She has written for The Sun, Sunday Mirror, Mail on Sunday, Daily Mail, The GuaGuardian, Daily Mail, Daily Express, Daily Star, and The Metro.

EditorialLuxurious Magazine®

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The Guardian by DoettlingThe world’s rst security luggage

Out of Africa andBeyondDeputy Editor Reena Patel journeys across Africa on a luxury Safari

Whittlebury Hall Hotel and SpaEditor Simon Wittenberg spends a weekend at this English country hotel

Horological Machine No’5 - On the Road AgainWe talk to Maximilian Busser founder of MB&F and creator of the HM5

A Year in MotionSome of the best British-made cars of 2012 and what’s to come in 2013

The Piaget Rose CollectionIt seems to have been picked in a garden of diamonds.

La Residencia Sabi Phagura visits The Thai Square Spa in London's Covent Garden

March & WhiteWe talk to the founders of this British Interior Design Company

Macalister Mansion in Georgetown, PenangHigh-end luxury arrives on the Pearl of the Orient

High Time for High Tea Fortnum & Mason’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon

Off-Piste: The Grand Park Hotel and Spa in Austria Sabi Phagura samples some pure Austrian luxury

Best Watches of 2012Paul Godbold reveals his favourite watches of 2012

The Copacabana Palace Hotel in RioThe grandest hotel in Rio gets a well earned makeover

Jewellery Designer, Andrew GeogheganAn interview with one of the UK’s leading Jewellery Designers

The P1 Supercar ClubInterview With Michael Breen, the Founder and CEO

Jewellery Designer, Alexandra Mor We talk to to one of New Yorks leading Jewellery Designers

Jonathan HolmesInterview With Jonathan Holmes, CEO And Founder Of Luxdeco.com

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AUDIO VISUAL - Bang & Olufsen BeoVision 11

A masterpiece of sound, picture, and digital entertainment

Bang & Olufsen BeoVision 11

Bang & Olufsen’s BeoVision 11 is the company’s most inclusive and ambitious TV to date. Beyond the Smart TV’s luxuriously understated aesthetics await not only spectacular sound and best-in-class video, but alsoalso convenient access to a complete range of online possibilities. Seamless connection between content and everyone in the digital household has never been this simple, or exquisitely designed.

BeoVision 11 was conceived to provide the entire family with a comprehensive array of up-to-date digitaldigital entertainment of the highest calibre without compromising the timeless aesthetics, intuitive controls, and high-quality sound that Bang & Olufsen is famous for.

Producing high-quality and powerful sound from the limited physical volume of a atscreen cabinet is a contradictioncontradiction in terms for most producers. Bang & Olufsen has packed in no fewer than six speakers into the BeoVision 11’s slim interior, and each is powered by its own amplier. A complete surround sound module is also built in which can be connected to the full range of exible Bang & Olufsen speakers. In crystal-clear 2D and 3D, BeoVision 11 introduces a wealth of the latest technologiestechnologies for optimal viewing, including a unique sensor developed by Bang & Olufsen that continuously adjusts brightness and contrast for optimal viewing-comfort.

And to keep up with the many different types of content used by families today such as lm, sports, gaming or news, BeoVision 11 seamlessly adapts its picture mode to a variety of video inputs to deliver optimal perfor-mance no matter who is watching what.

Easy access to content and convenient control, BeoVision 11 is the rst television to feature Bang & Olufsen Smart TV, a new platform that lets users switch easily between television channels, the Internet, and other interactive content. BeoVision 11 comes with a remote that enables the management of the many featufeatures simply and intuitively, and is also ready for the BeoRemote app on a tablet. Furthermore, BeoVision 11 makes it easy to match décor with a television, thanks to a choice of six front fabric colours, a front frame in silver or black, and rear cabinet in black or white.

AndAnd with four stand options, the Bang & Olufsen Smart TV may be situated where it ts best into the family’s home and lifestyle, whether it is courtesy of the luxury of the motorised oor stand or wall bracket. Viewers can simply grab the remote to turn the TV out from the wall in any angle up to 90 degrees and turn it back, and out of the way. A wall bracket with manual turn and an easel stand astand are also available.

Expect to pay from £4,995.00.

The Döttling GuardianThe World’s First High Security Luggage

Döttling, the German safe manufacturer based in Maichingen near Stuttgart, has unveiled the ‘Guardian’, the world’s rst high security luggage, which provides protection for up to six watches, jewellery, money, or important documents whilst on the move.

TheThe centrepiece of the Guardian is the multi-layered, high-security cylinder built into the leather outer cover, which was developed in-house at Döttling. This consists of a range of high-tech materials, which have been interlockedinterlocked in a top-secret composition. The carbide component is nearly as hard as a diamond and destroys tools such as drills or saws attempting to attack the Guardian.

Several layers of highly tearproof and cut-resistant aramid carbon-bre fabric, which is also used in bulletproof vests, also prevents any drilling or sawing.

The outermost and innermost stratum of the high-security cylinder is made of polycarbonate,polycarbonate, a material which is also used for anti-riot shields and helmet visors. A high-security safe door is integrated into one end of the cylinder, which is also reinforced with aramid carbon-ber fabric, and can only be opened with a three-digit code.

WhenWhen entered correctly, the lock, consisting of four high-gloss polished carbon steel bars, opens. The product is equally equipped with a GPS tracking device, and can thus be precisely located around the globe.

AsAs for the exterior of the Guardian, the same applies as for all Döttling products: there are virtually no limits set to individuality. For example, the handle brackets made of high-glosshigh-gloss polished stainless steel can be engraved. Any conceivable variation in fabric or leather is also possible for the cover. This ensures that the Guardian is not recognized as a “travel safe” – providing a further plus in terms of security.

TheThe Döttling Guardian can be carried with a handle or shoulder strap, and thanks to its compact dimensions (37 cm in length and 13.5 cm in diameter), it can also be placed in a suitcase, and weighs only 4 kg.

The quilted calf leather Guardian costs €12,000, whilst the saltwater crocodile versionversion is priced at €14,500. Both can be purchased at the New Bond Street store, Kronometry1999, in London.

For more information visit: www.doettling.com

By Natasha Godbold

TRAVEL - Georgetown, Penang

A sight to behold is one way to describe Design Hotels’ new member, Macalister Mansion, an luxurious boutique hotel in George Town, Penang.

Glamorous and pristine white as it shines proudly in the sun by day. At night, with the help of clever lighting its sheer grandeur takes your bgrandeur takes your breath away.

Authentic, quirky, stylish and sophisticated, Macalister Mansion is the rst addition from Malaysia to the Design Hotels collection. The 100-year old colonial estate was creatively renovated by its owners - Dato Sean H’ng and Datin Karen H’ng in close collaboration with Colin Seah of Singapore's rrenowned rm Ministry of Design. While striving to restore the original features, like the wrought iron spiral staircase leading to a viewing tower in one of the guest-rooms, the designers brought the hotel into the modern era by adding stunning contemporary amenities and bespoke xtures and furnishings.

The end result is an exquisite combination of old andand new, preservation and innovation, unique, exclusive and unexpected.

On 7 July 2008, George Town was, together with Malacca, formally inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is ofcially recognized as having a unique architectural and cultural townscape with-out parallel anywhere in East and Southeast Asia

Located along the historic Macalister Road in George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site city and the capital of Penang, a bustling, diverse and colourful metropolis amid the sea, Macalister Mansion is perfectly in tune with its surroundings.

NotNot unlike the city itself, it strives to preserve its multi-cultural heritage whilst keeping up with the modern development. Macalister Mansion is the rst project under Heritage Redened, a conservation initiative headed by Dato Sean to showcase the regeneration of Penang’s old colonial buildings and bringing them into the 21st century.

Named after Colonel Norman Macalister, the rst British Governor of the state at the dawn of the 19th century, Macalister Mansion is paying homage to history by displaying unique art work and bespoke decorative pieces representing various stages and adventures of the colonel’s life throughout the guest-rooms and public areas.

Images on this page supplied by Penang State Tourism Development, Culture, Arts & Heritage.

Bagan BarAA space to chillout and relax in the company of old friends and familiar faces. Work your way through our customised range of signature Macalister Mansion cocktails/mocktails. Bagan Bar will have a drink to suit your every mood and in all colours of the rainbow. This space will be a perfect end to the day with entertainment from their live inhouse band.

Macalister Mansion is based upon the idea of an old English mansion. Each space is designed to provide hospitaliy akin to that of an actual home – good food, beverages, engaging conversation, soothing music, a good night’s sleep or simply lounging by the pool.

No two rooms in the building look the same. There are 8 beautifully spacious guest-rooms, each following a dif-ferent theme and thus individual in every way from size and décor to furnishing and original features. With the owners being renowned supporters of local arts and crafts, unique pieces of artwork were specially created by prominent Southeast Asian artists for decoration and fufurnishing of the hotel, like the specially commissioned love sonnet for The Bridal Suite or the Grace Tan textile piece in Room 7 paying tribute to the tartan colors of the Macalister clan. Bespoke Furniture pieces and hand-picked carpets, ligree inspired silver and white mosaic in the bathrooms and circular mirrors suspended from the ceilings at a distance from the walls – these are only some of the features that create a specialspecial feel of warm and relaxing ambiance that make guests feel like they are staying in a beautiful private mansion rather than a typical hotel. Attention to detail at Macalister Mansion deserves a special mention, from specially designed uniforms to personalised stationery; nothing escaped the designer’s careful and thorough consideration.

MacalisterMacalister Mansion is also a new hip hangout place to see and be seen, highly desirable for events, gatherings and parties. Dato Sean is using his new creation to strengthen his reputation as a successful culinary entrepreneur by offering the guest a choice of ve rrestaurants and bars catering for variety of tastes and pallets. From contemporary French cuisine in The Dining Room, that would please most ne-dining

enthusiasts to local variety with a special twist for those favouring Asian avours at The Living Room. There is an exclusive Cigar Bar - The Den, where guests can indulge in an impressive collection of cigars and whiskies,whiskies, a ‘swim-up’ pool bar The Lawn and a hip and trendy Bagan Bar attracting a sophisticated night-club type of crowd with a great selection of drinks, a dance oor and live music performances.

On top of the unforgettable experience of actually stayingstaying within mesmerizing colonial estate, the location of Macalister Mansion, while being set somewhat away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, allows you to explore the Island of Penang with its historical architecture, world-renowned culinary delights, and diverse and colourful multicultural heritage.

Reena Patel takes an afternoon to enjoy this time honoured tradition at Fortnum & Mason’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon.

FINE DINING - Fortnum & Mason

High Time For High Tea

Fanciful festive window dressings welcomed us into Fortnum & Mason, the exquisite department store on London’s Piccadilly.

WWe took the lift up to the fourth oor, where the entire space has been elegantly refurbished to reveal a quint-essentially English tea salon. Georgian style duck egg blues and crisp whites dress the fresh, spacious room with soft hints of silver, while a grand piano plays with subtlety in the background. It’s just the place to mark special occasions and makes a wonderful sojourn from the surthe surrounding mayhem of Mayfair.

We began with a short tea tasting session, inviting us to sip on a few blends before choosing ours from the incredible selection of over 150 varieties. Our expert ‘tea-rista’ presented us with a bowl of delicate, pale coloured Japanese Silver Needle Pekoe - a top grade white tea with a gentle smokiness.

We also tried a smoky Chinese blend – Handmade Dongting Bi Luo Chun - originating from West Island inin Tai Lake near Suzhou, with a light and slightly sweet avour and a soft, savoury aroma. Our favourite was the Margaret’s Hope Muscatel second ush Darjeeling - a ne golden liquor with a pronounced classic off dry character. In the world of tea, Darjeeling is known as the champagne of teas and we couldn’t resist in ordering a pot to accompany our food menu.

WWe also chose the Irish Breakfast - a bracing blend of expertly selected Assam and Kenyan teas, where the rst provides maltiness and the second adds bright-ness. For me, afternoon tea would not be complete without sipping on a cup of Earl Grey Classic - black tea avoured with aromatic and stimulating oil of bergamot.SteepedSteeped in rich tea history, the world of tea and the name of Fortnum & Mason have been intertwined for over three centuries.

Fortnum & Mason were one of the rst companies to successfully bid for the new Indian teas when they were rst auctioned in London in the mid- 1830s. Today, the iconic establishment holds the royal warrant for the Queen for grocers and provisions merchant and as tea merchant and grocers to the Prince of Wales.

TheThere’s an impressive selection of menus to choose from here. As well as the classic afternoon tea served with nger sandwiches, moving on to scones and desserts, a savoury version awaits those with slightly less of a sweet tooth. For warm, hearty dishes pre-desserts, there’s the celebratory high tea option, which is what we decided to go for.

AfterAfter a sparkling glass of rose champagne, our magni-cent high tea started with delicious hot plates of salmon sh cakes with caper butter sauce and a light, uffy haddock and cheddar cheese soufé topped with a poached egg and a chive butter sauce. Next appeared a stunning three-tier stand, lled with sun-dried tomato and herb scones served with basil cream cheese and hamham and cheese scone with mustard butter. The top tier presented us with a smoked salmon blini with crème fraiche and caviar, smoked duck breast on crisp toasted pain d’epice with a pear and saffron chutney, mushroom and tarragon shortcrust pie with garlic crumb and mille feuille with tomato and black olive, mascarpone and white anchovy.

Our afternoon tea affair continued with another pretty cake stand, delicately laced with mini mince pies, a rose éclair, a modern twist on black forest gateau and other delightful mini patisseries and cakes. The middle tier crammed with classic fruit and plain scones, accompaniedaccompanied by Somerset clotted cream and Fortnum’s preserves. As is the tradition with afternoon tea, they are all replenishable goodies.

Our host explained that we could also enjoy any of the Highgrove cakes displayed on the grand carriage towards the centre of the room. We indulged in two large sharing slices of moist chocolate with a decadentdecadent ganache coating and a walnut and maple with buttercream frosting. There was also a raspberry bakewell leading us further down the path of sweet temptation but we decided our tea was complete with a fresh caffeine-free infusion of perfumed chamomile owers, known for its calming qualities. Decadently divine.

wwwww.fortnumandmason.com

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The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon

Off-Piste

THE GRAND PARK HOTEL HEALTH & SPA

TRAVEL - The Grand Park Hotel Health & Spa, Austria

The Ski season is well and truly upon us and many winter sports acionados are now busy gearing up ready to plough the pistes. The Grand Park Hotel Health & Spa in Bad Hofgastein, Salzburg, offers a great diversion for both skiers and non-skiers alike, and it was the draw of this ve-star hotel's excep-tional spa and its exquisite culinary delights that truly lulured me to this location.

The Grand Park Hotel Health & Spa is ideally situated in the Gastein Valley, which unfolds over a precipitous beautiful hillside and is home to 18 natural hot springs. Visitors can take to the water at more than a dozen local spas in the area to relax or treat ailments. It’s the healing properties of the radioactive thermal waters that have attracted people to the region since thethe 13th century, and the radon-rich water from the mineral springs in the Gastein Valley is especially popular with patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

There are 89 bedrooms in total, all of which vary slightly according to the individual's needs. Mine re-sembled the ground oor of a luxury house complete with a walk-in wardrobe and an en-suite bathroom. The view from my French-style doors opening on to a balcony was simply magnicent, and I could witness

rst-hand the speed and skill of skiers coming down the slopes. It was so easy to get absorbed by the scenery from the balcony that I found myself lost in it on a number of occasions. Just beyond the reception of the hotel is a seating area equipped with the cosiest sofas and armchairs, and if that isn’t enough to welcome you, it boasts an open wood re to toast your hands and feet when coming inside after being knee-deep in snowhen coming inside after being knee-deep in snow.

Sabi Phagura enjoys the ve-star après-ski on offer in the Austrian Gastein Valley.

Once immersed in the spa, it takes just 15 minutes in the radon-rich 37 degree-celsius warm water to stimulate the immune system while the heat improves blood circulation. It takes around three hours for the body to rid itself of the inert gas completely - the effect however, keeps going for a long time. I had a number of treatments during my stay, but perhaps one of my favouritesfavourites was the Tui Na (pronounced ‘twee-nah’) massage with Dr Liane Weber. Like all traditional Chinese medicine, this treatment is a complete healing system which works both body and mind.

TTui Na is often used in combination with acupuncture, re cupping and herbalism. Fundamental to this theory is the life powering energy that the Chinese call Qi (pronounced chee). Every aspect of bodily function dependsdepends upon Qi and its ow through the tissues. According to the ancient discipline, it is impossible to treat a specic condition with Tui Na without improving the overall Qi status of the body. Chronic, neck, shouldershoulder and back pain can all be treated by this method as well as any underlying emotional problems. Liane told me that only qualied doctors in Austria can practice this massage so that it is carried out correctly. From the moment Liane started to work on me, I let the gentle lull of the melodic music drift me to a place far away. I lay semi-conscious as Liane used her soft hands toto brush, knead, roll, press, and rub the areas between each of the joints, known as the eight gates, to attempt to open the body’s defences and get the energy moving in the meridians and the muscles. I could sense that Liane was using motion and traction and massage com-bined with the stimulation of acupuncture points. The 90 minutes covered every inch of my body, and I would have been very happy to have laid there for another 90 minutes as I felt so relaxed in my half-dazed state!

When it comes to dining, the food served in the PARK restaurant is mostly organic, and all of the meals are planned with your taste buds and health equally in mind. The gourmet dishes served delight the eyes as well as the palate, and every day guests can choose from the ve-course menus or à la carte dishes. Once a week, the venue also serves a 7-course gala dinner completecomplete with some musical entertainment. The restaurant itself is magnicent with a grand ceiling and windows from which you could see the snow covered mountains glistening in the dark.

The meals I ate were all well cooked and beautifully presented, and some of the mouth watering dishes I enjoyed were just out of this world. These included the sea bass llet on eggplant-tomato-mousseline and the tuna-trufe cream. With desserts such as marzipan-chocolate soufé and white chocolate ice-cice-cream presented in the most creative of ways, it was hard to say no. Even as a diabetic, vegetarian or vegan, you need not miss out on any culinary delight as gluten and lactose-free products are available.

To really sum up this experience, if you have made a new year’s resolution to become more healthy, I can assure you that a trip away at the Grand Park Hotel Health & Spa is worth every penny.

The Grand Park Hotel Bad Hofgastein's seven-night TCM Retreat starts from €1,245 per person and includes:includes: Accommodation in a double room (two sharing) on a full board basis, 1 initial medical examination, 1 nal medical examination, 1 Tui Na Massage and needle acupuncture by Dr. Weber, 1 lecture about healthy diet and lifestyle by Dr. Weber, 2 partial body massages (each 25 min.), 1 sea salt body peeling (20 min.), 1 tibetantibetan bell massage (30 min.) 1 lecture or workshop about healthy nutrition and lifestyle, and use of the spacious 2,000 sqm spa.

For further information and reservations visit www.grandparkhotel.at or call. +43 6432 6356 0.

A Fresh NewLook For

Libby LondonFor SS13, Libby London launches a stunning new collectioncollection of sophisticated, feminine dresses and separates in tempting candy colours, bright prints and elegant muted tones. Founder Libby Hart’s philosophy is to make day to evening dressing effortlessly easy for any woman, regardless of her age or occupation. From work and weekends, to formal events and summer weddings, her goal is to inspire modern women to crcreate a wardrobe that will multi-task for them.

Originally designed for the working girl, Libby London dresses have proven to be styles which just as quickly and easily can translate to the evening with the addition of the right, carefully chosen accessories. The new collection has lightness for spring with irty, pleated skirt dresses, classic shirt dresses and stylish separates crafted from soft silks and practical, washablewashable blends. Bestselling dresses such as the Tamar and Thames have been brought back in new and exciting colourways. No detail is overlooked in creating the perfect shape such as draped or dropped waists to compliment any gure, while the placing of attering necklines, cuffs and bell sleeves on shirts and dresses have all been carefully considered.

HighlightsHighlights include the Ribble, wrap style dress with its pleated skirt and a new range of separates such as the sophisticated pleated Beck skirt and Brook silk camisole top. Exclusive prints such as the Helford with its striking green and white print and the monochromia print on the Tamar and sleeves of the Roxby allow you to show your fashion air whilst still being appappropriately dressed for the ofce.

The new collection will be available to buy online at www.libbylondon.com from January 2013.

GODBOLD PICKS - Favourite Watches of 2012

Paul Godbold, picks 12 of his favourite timepieces launched

during 2012.

It’s never easy picking your favourites watches, especially when you are in the type of position position that I am. Having many friends in the horological world, I am bound to upset some people and expect to get a few questions along the lines of

“Why did you not choose us? What’s wrong with ourour time piece?” and “You don’t know what you are talking about”.

This selection of time pieces is quite simply, based upon my own personal preferences. In compiling this list I have taken into consideration aspects such as the overall beauty, design and the technology used.

So why should I have an opinion? II am a keen watch collector with over fifty different time pieces in my collection, These include rare models from Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, Bvlgari, Omega, Aspreys and some outstanding independent watch brands. I also work extensively with many of the world’s leading watch companies on a regular basis, and for those unaware, I am the founder of Luxurious Magazine.Magazine.

If you feel that I have inadvertently made an obvious omission, please email me at paul@luxrs.com and tell me why. If I agree, we’ll feature your suggestion in a future issue with your reasons.

So, sit back and enjoy my favourite watches of 2012.

The Five-Minute Clock above the stage of the Semper Opera House in Dresden represents a high point of Saxon clock making artistry.

Its digital indication was revolutionary at the time, and has been indicating the exact time – visible even from the back row – during all performances of musical masterpieces since 1841. About 150 years later, it inspiinspired A. Lange & Söhne in the creation of another world premiere: The Lange 1, with the rst ever outsize date indication in a series-production watch. The Lange outsize date is also a characteristic feature of the new A. Lange & Söhne Grand Lange 1, which is about to come onto the market, providing a good opportunity to revisit the history behind the famous twin apertures.

WithWith the A. Lange & Söhne Grand Lange 1, the movement has been a totally redeveloped to provide a pleasingly at design. With a diameter of 40.9 millimetres, the case (available in rose and yellow gold or platinum) is only 8.8 millimetres high, providing an extremely harmonious ratio of width to height.

In addition it has been possible to transfer the precisely balanced dial arrangement of the Lange 1 to the larger model without any overlapping. The importance the Lange product developers attach to the principle of delity of scale is demonstrated even in the smallest details:details: The Lange outsize date, the hands and even the solid gold appliques have been increased in the same proportion as the case.

Although the height of the movement is only 4.7 millimetres, the A. Lange & Söhne Grand Lange 1 has an impressive power reserve of 72 hours. To save space, the movement has only one barrel. Inside the elaboratelyelaborately hand-decorated and twice-assembled Lange manufacture calibre L095.1, a balance spring made in-house ensures maximum precision.

A. Lange & Söhne Grand Lange 1 and the Five-Minute Clock

Breguet Tradition Breguet 7047 Tourbillon Fusée Or Rose

Breguet’s emblematic “Tradition” collection is enriched this year with a model in 18-carat rose gold.

ThisThis Grande Complication timepiece with fusee-type tourbillon and Breguet balance-spring in silicon joins the existing yellow gold and platinum models. Inspired by the legendary “souscription” watches created by A.-L. Breguet, this objet d’art symbolises both a return to roots and a resolutely future-oriented brand vision.

Its pure, modern aesthetic sets the stage for the tourbillontourbillon and the fusee-and-chain transmission positioned on the top of the plate. This sculptural model highlights the contrasts and depth effects, thereby giving life to each component. Four patents protect these technical accomplishments and symbolise Breguet’s watchmaking excellence.

Movement Hand-wound, anthracite-coated tourbillon, Calibre 569, 18,800 vib/h, 16 lignes, 43 jewels, 50-hour power reserve, titanium upper tourbillon carriage, titanium balance with 4 gold adjustment screws, silicon balance-springFunctionsFunctionsHours, minutes, seconds, and power-reserve indicatorCase18K rose gold, nely uted middle, 41 mmSapphire crystal, front and backWelded lugs with rounded endsWater-resistant to 30 m / 3 ATM/ 3 barDialDialOff-centre at 7 o’clock, hand-guilloché, black-coated 18K rose goldIndividually numbered and signed Breguet60-second tourbillon at 1 o’clockMoon-tipped “Breguet” hands in polished steelBracelet/Strap BBrown alligator with 18K rose gold pin buckle

The Daniel Roth Papillon Voyageur is an exclusive Haute Horlogerie timepiece with an essential feature for inveterate travellers: a second time zone. Graduated over 24 hours, the local hour appears in a vertical window at 12 o'clock by means of a jumping display. The second time zone is indicated by a central, open-work hand that sweeps a guilloché disc, also graduated overover 24 hours. Minutes are read from the Papillon® mechanism. Positioned in the centre of the dial, it counts the minutes on a bearing disc. Two independent and pivoting lozenge-shaped hands move across two 180° segments in turn. One measures the 60 minutes in the hour while the other counts ten-minute increments. 99-piece limited series.

BVLGARI Papillon Voyageur

Grieb & Benzinger Blue Whirlwind Skeletonized Tourbillon Minute Repeater

The rare Patek Philippe tourbillon movement found its way to Grieb & Benzinger thanks to a hardcore watch collector and a happy coincidence. It took more than fteen months from rst touching Caliber RTO 27 PS for it to take on its nal form – without knowing the kind of hype that this movement would create in 2011: this very same movement caused a giant sensation as itit sold within a one-of-a-kind Patek Philippe Tourbillon Minute Repeater in stainless steel, which was donated to the Only Watch charity auction in Monaco 2011. The result was literally sensational: the hammer fell at 1.4 million Euros.

This sensational auction result inspired the masters at Grieb & Benzinger to create a breathtaking new wristwatch. This intense horological work took the artisans’ full attention since the ne guilloché on thethe plates and bridges necessitated moving original drillings by less than one-twentieth of a millimeter, and the movement needed to be carefully reassembled, adjusted, disassembled, and reassembled in order to guarantee full harmonious functioning of the great number of levers. This movement with 336 individual components not only includes a tourbillon, but additionallyadditionally a minute repeater mechanism – making it one of the most complicated movements in the world.

This movement was completely modied in the style characteristic of Grieb & Benzinger: fully skeletonized, guilloché and engraved by hand. Even gear wheels were embellished with guilloché and the 12 nely guilloché bridges and cocks coated with rhodium and guilloché bridges and cocks coated with rhodium and rose gold. As if that were not enough, an additional mysterious wheel, visible on the back side, replaces the original gold drive wheel for the tourbillon.

In hand-skeletonizing the base plate, the team at Grieb & Benzinger journeyed to the edge of what is possible and is proud to have created the world’s rst visible skeletonized tourbillon based on a Patek Philippe movement. After the skeletonization and guilloché, the base plate was coated with blue platinum,platinum, a signature element of every single unique Grieb & Benzinger piece that was developed by the rm.

The skeletonized Sterling silver dial in striking rregulator style was embellished with a rare Breguet frosted nish created using the classic method, which is only presently practiced in this manner at Grieb & Benzinger.

A skeleton watch and minute-repeater, Répétition 5 captures the spirit and savoir-faire of Claude Meylan. Pinions, wheels and gears form an orchestra that sounds the hours and ve-minute intervals on demand. Time told in music, and a celebration of mechanical beauty, technical precision, and the sobriety of the whole. A masterpiece in steel or in gold, dedicateddedicated to one of the most prestigious watchmaking complications.

Proposed as a 100-piece limited series.

Movement Automatic, ETA 2892 DD89, fully skeletonised, decorated and engraved by handFunctions Hours, minutes, seconds, strikes the hours and 5 Hours, minutes, seconds, strikes the hours and 5 minutesCaseSteel or 18K gold, 42 mmSapphire crystal and numbered transparent backWater-resistant to 20 m / 2 ATMDialGGrey ange with applied Arabic numeralsBreguet handsBracelet/StrapBlack or brown alligator with steel or 18K gold buckle

Claude Meylan Répétition 5 ref 8731

The new El Primero Chronomaster 1969 Chronograph is pure Zenith. For the rst time, the original colours combine with the opening in the dial, now a signature feature, to offer a glimpse of the perfectly synchronised beating heart and the magic of the wheels in motion.

Indeed, the two chIndeed, the two chronograph counters – 30-minute at 3 o'clock, 12-hour at 6 o'clock – borrow the midnight blue and anthracite grey of the 1969 model. Again with aesthetics in mind, Zenith's master watchmakers have gone as far as to rethink the movement construction, and move the regulating organ, vibrating ten times a second, to the edge of the movement.

ThisThis new automatic chrono calibre - the El Primero 4061, designed, developed and made by Zenith - completes this contemporary, classic timepiece.

MovementAutomatic, El Primero 4061, 282 parts, 31 jewels, 36,000 vib/h, 50-hour power reserve, oscillating weight with "Côtes de Genève" motifFunctionsHours, minutes, seconds, chronograph and tachymeterCaseCaseStainless steel, 42 mmDomed anti-reective sapphire crystal on both sides and transparent backWater-resistant to 100 m / 10 ATMDialSilvered, sunburst nish and openworkedRhodium-plated,Rhodium-plated, facetted hourmarkers and hands, coated with Superluminova30-minute counter at 3 o'clock, 12-hour counter at 6 o'clock, small seconds at 9 o'clockBracelet/StrapBlack alligator with rubber lining and steel buckle or triple folding clasp

Zenith El Primero Chronomaster 1969

For more than a century, Ulysse Nardin has devoted its talent to the manufacture of marine chronometers, and carries on this tradition in 2012. The Marine Chronometer Manufacture combines the art of grand feu enamel with the precision of the UN-118 calibcalibre, introduced in 2011.

Its imposing 45-mm case in pink gold is enhanced with a new crown whose rubber casing facilitates winding and setting. The hand-crafted dial in snow white enamel contrasts with the black Roman numerals and cherry-red accents.accents. Ulysse Nardin further demonstrates its creativity in the pproprietary movement whose lever escapement is manufactured in DiamonSIL, a revolutionary alloy of diamond and silicon. The gold model is proposed as a 350-piece limited series.

Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer Manufacture

Harry Winston Histoire de Tourbillon 3

Act 3 in this Histoire de Tourbillon leaves no doubt as to the visionary path taken by this collection, which Harry Winston launched in 2009. Proposed as a 20-piece limitedlimited series, Histoire de Tourbillon 3 draws the eye deep into the mesmerising meanders of its perpetually rotating mechanisms, framed by a case in white gold and Zalium®. The dial's three openings are completely independent yet intimately linked. Resplendent at 9 o'clock is the bi-axial double tourbillon whose outer cage makes a complete revolution in 120 seconds whewhereas the inner cage makes its revolution in 40 seconds. At 6 o'clock, a single-axis tourbillon rotates in 36 seconds. The off-centre hours and minutes are displayed on two rotating discs, while seconds regularly tick by. The third zone is for the power-reserve indicator, on a disc set with sapphires and citrines.

An architecture dictated by avant-garde design, set free by time in all its dimensions.

With Icons of the World, Michel Jordi pays tribute to some of the world’s most legendary places. One collection, eight locations, each issued in a limited edition of three. In cooperation with Jean-François Mojon, Michel Jordi has created an unusual gong-striking mechanism. Instead of the usual vibrations of the caseback, a hammer strikes the gong at a low frequency of 2Hz, reminiscent of the cadence of the ringing of a mountain chapel bell. Christophe Moinat is in charge of the design of this model, which reects the signature codes of the Swiss Icon collection, including a sapphire crystal cambecambered like a pebble from the River Rhône and the cylinder-shaped crown featuring a deconstructed Swiss ag. It is however the day/night indicator that springs the biggest surprise by revealing at 10 o’clock the place or monument that gives its country such an iconic nature. The titanium and red gold case lendslends the timepiece a nal touch of strong character.

Michel Jordi - Icons of the World

Cuervo y Sobrinos Historiador RetrogradoSwiss-Made but Latin through and through! The Historiador Retrogrado is the quintessential Cuervo y Sobrinos timepiece, when 1940s Havana meets centuries of watchmaking expertise. Each model becomes an expression of this uniquely individualindividual and eclectic style. The form of the Historiador Retrogrado case takes us back to a watch which the brand made early in its history, while the name is inspired by its functions of day indicator and retrograde date. The pink gold-plated case houses an automatic movement while the traditional "Clous de Paris" decoration of the dial makes an elegant counterpoint to the blued "Breguet" style hands.

This is a statement watch for a gentleman of character and sophistication who will never compromise on style or performance. Available from February 2013.

Introducing Horological Machine N°4 in an envelopeenvelope of red gold, titanium and sapphire. Beneath the aerodynamic shell are two barrels, connected in parallel and which transfer power to the two identical, turbine-shaped indication pods. In the central cockpit, the streamlined cock has been cut away in its middle to reveal as much of the oscillating wheel as possible, and the sophisticatedsophisticated nish of these micromechanics. This three-dimensional aesthetic was conceived specically to house the engine, whose 311 components are all tailor-made.

MB&F HM4 Thunderbolt RT

For many years, whether on the canvas where the painter brings his work into being or the

dial where the sculptor applies hisrelief decoration, the brand's

workshops have paidhomage to birds andbrought them to life.

and my favourite watch of 2012...

offspring, the wings of its companion spread to reveal their delicate shades of color. An egg in the middle of the nest opens to reveal a chick, while the water of the stream ows in a continuous cascade.

TheThe Bird Repeater is an authentic automaton, with a cam system inherited directly from the century of Enlightenment, and it calls upon the resources of all the decorative crafts. Jaquet Droz engravers and painters have worked together to produce the yellow, blue, white and deep black of the birds' plumage, the perfectly balancedbalanced volumes and the nely detailed wisps of grass forming the nest.

To achieve the realism of this scene no less than eight different animation mechanisms act in synchronism: the movement of the birds' heads and wings, the movement of the edglings, the hatching of the egg, the sparkle of the owing water.

The Jaquet Droz Bird Repeater

For many years, whether on the canvas where the painter brings his work into being or the dial where the sculptor applies his relief decoration, the brand's work-shops have paid homage to birds and brought them to life.

Today, Jaquet Droz adds a new dimension to mankind's age-old dream of ying and pushes back the boundar-ies of Haute Horlogerie with The Bird Repeater. This exceptional timepiece, conceived by the craftsmen of the House, blends the history, know-how and imaginative power of Jaquet Droz in a way as precious as it is original.

InIn a stunning visual show, The Bird Repeater represents two Blue Tits, symbolic of Pierre Jaquet-Droz’s native Jura region, together over the nest containing their edglings. In another nod to the origins of the Manufacture, the Saut du Doubs waterfall also gures on the dial of this new horological treasure. Fully animatedanimated by a mechanism of unequalled complexity, this three-dimensional picture truly comes to life. While one of the birds bobs to give a beakful of food to its

True to the brand's extremely exacting philosophy, Jaquet Droz has given The Bird Repeater one of haute horlogerie's most virtuoso complications: Minute Repetition. Simply pressing the pushbutton makes the watch strike the hours, quarters and minutes and sets the wonderful animated sequencessequences in motion. The resonance and mellow tone of its cathedral gong, generated by two turns around the mechanism, are equaled only by the complexity of the system of chimes incorporated in the gold case, 47 mm in diameter and only 18.4 mm thick.

The Bird Repeater, made up of 508 separate components, has a 48-hour power reserve, and is available in two versions, one in grey gold set with diamonds and the other in red gold, each one in a limited edition of just 88 pieces. The outcome of two years of development, this new, dazzling masterpiece is the latest illustration, and doubtless the most extreme example of the uniqueness of the Jaquet Droz spirit: giving life, like no other, to the poetry of Time.

TheThe Bird Repeater is already on view today, but the Manufacture is in the process of completing a piece that will be the crowning glory of its historic link with the world of birds when it is presented at Baselworld 2013. At La Chaux-de-Fonds, like the song of the blue tits and the music of the Saut du Doubs waterfall, the enchantment of Time will not soon fade away.

To celebrate the 90th anniversary of its creation, the regal Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro has just received a present like no other – a $20 million refurbishment to take its grandeur to the next level.

TheThe Brazilian beauty, favourite of the stars and celebri-ties alike from all over the globe, has been featured as one of the leading luxury hotels in Rio for decades since opening in 1923, but now, in time for the festivities it was time for change. To make the lady look better than ever the proud owners Orient-Express have pulled out all the stops.

Maintaining its prime location on the glamorous Copacabana Beach, without altering its renowned neo-classicist dazzling white façade or compromising on its high levels of service and luxury, one of Rio’s historical gems has just started to shine even brighter.

Paying careful attention to preserving the original features and history of the building, the designers have given the whole structure a breath of fresh air. If you once were a guest of this glamorous establishment, you’d notice the changes immediately. A brand new glass and stainless steel portico now shines above the main entrance protecting the new arrivals from the elements, and the sweeping exterior has been expendedexpended to allow for more than one car at a time to pull up and drop off the guests.

TTo enhance your rst impression further, while increas-ing the ease and ow of checking-in, the main lobby has been extended by 80%, completely transforming the feel of the interior into a magically light and airy space by widening the carrera marble staircase and restoring

the original ceiling, discovered under the plaster during the renovation. All 145 rooms and suites have also received the contemporary infusion, including the complete change of fabrics and furniture, redesign of the layout and restructuring of the bathrooms.

WhileWhile paying homage to the glamorous days of the past, when stars like Marlene Dietrich and Orson Welles were among guests of the hotel, the designers do not compromise on the comforts of the modern days. The individually designed rooms expound elegance and sophisticationsophistication with period furniture and unique original works of art while being equipped with a must-have Wi-Fi and iPod docks. The majority of bathrooms was expanded and underwent complete structural redesign. Beautiful porcelain enamel bathtubs now perfectly

complement separate shower cubicles and marble counter tops with dual basins.

Another new addition is an intAnother new addition is an introduction of two boutiques – 1923 and Villa Copa, selling a range of stylish apparel including swimwear and accessories for men and women – ranging from chic basics to one-of-a-kind designer exclusives by both local and international designers.

TheThe rst part of the renovation programme, started back in 2011, that pioneered the remodeling of the hotel, was the Cipriani Restaurant. One of the hotel’s best assets the redesigned restaurant remains famously chic and sophisticated with lighter and airier feel.

TheThe delicate décor reects the easy-going elegance of the city without compromising on the sophistication and exclusivity of the place.

Another new feature is an introduction of a “table du chef” in the kitchen giving the lucky few an opportunity of an intimate dining experience. As part of a celebration of the re-launching of the restaurant a brand new menu was introduced - Chef Nicola Finamore included classics from the restaurant’s namesake in Venice as well as innovative Italian cuisine.

WithWith its unbeatable position on the famous Copacabana Beach and easy access to one of the most vibrant cities in the world, Copacabana Palace has been a landmark in Rio for almost 90 years.

ItIt offers a unique opportunity to explore the attractions of Rio de Janeiro without missing out on a fabulous holiday on the beach, while providing a comfortable haven and a luxurious retreat when you are ready to escape bustling streets of Rio at the days end.

From its early days the hotel has established a rreputation for excellent service, luxurious accommoda-tion. With its bar having had its own facelift in 2009, it is now one of the coolest drinking and star spotting places in the city, welcoming countless high prole guests from the world of politics, business, and sports, as well as stars from the big screen. All this gives testa-ment that it really is the premier luxury hotel in Rio. The completion of the refurbishment at the hotel will kick start a year of celebrations, as the hotel embarks on its 90th year.

This dreamily romantic ringevokes a tender promise of love. A rosebud inspired by the Yves Piaget rose delicately unfurls its pink gold petals, creating a lifelike illusion of a real rose.

Piaget Rose CollectionThe Ultimate Romantic Expression of Love

Piaget Rose - Limelight Garden Party secret watch. Case in 18K pink gold set with 231 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 1.4 cts). Dial in white mother-of-pearl set with 101 brilliant-cut diamonds.

WhiteWhite satin strap. Buckle set with 51 brilliant-cut diamonds.

At Piaget, every jewel is a symbol of love, a message of seduction and sensuality, whose inspiration is translated into a thou-sand and one bouquets of light dedicated to feminine beauty. So it was completely natural that the rose, the most frequently gifted ower in the world, should from the SixtiesSixties onwards became a motif dear to the House whose collections were inspired by plant life. Discover our garden and offer your loved one the most beautiful rose of all, the Yves Piaget rose.

Piaget Rose pendant in 18K pink gold set with 2 brilliant-cut diamonds.

Limelight Dancing Light watch. Case in 18K pink gold set with 52 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 1.6 cts). Dial in white mother-of-pearl with rotating rose in 18K pink gold set with 155 brilliant-cut dia-monds. White satin strap. Buckle set with 15 brilliant-cut diamonds. set with 15 brilliant-cut diamonds.

FINE DINING - Seven Park Place

Just as he presented our nal dish of the evening, our host spoke the words: ‘life is always full of little surprises’, a phrase which could not have summed up our experience more beautifully at the ‘Seven Park Place’ restaurant by William Drabble.

TTucked away on Park Place behind the busy thorough-fare of London’s Piccadilly, this eatery of the ve-star boutique St James Hotel and Club was ofcially re-launched in September 2009. After just over a year, ‘Seven Park Place’ and Executive Chef, WIliam Drabble, who has worked in some of England’s most inuential hotels and restaurants, were awarded four AA rosettes and a prestigious Michelin star, a feat which was repeated for the third time two months ago. Housing only nine tables and 26 covers, ‘Seven Park Place’ ppresents an intimate dining experience surrounded by décor chosen by Drabble himself to reect his love of modern French-style food made using the best British seasonal produce.

In addition to being highly acclaimed, what was different here at ‘Seven Park Place’, is that the meal which we were about to embark on was neither pprocessional, nor predictable. Even if you could remember what you had ordered, every course, whether large or small, was explained in detail as it was placed before you.

However, these were the only details which were to be revealed throughout the evening. The rst surprise: an amuse bouche of frog’s legs. Although this was not to our preference, this did not matter, because behind the scenes, and without us even asking, our host had taken the initiative and effort to inform the chef of our ‘decision’‘decision’ who, in turn, created an alternative in the form of homemade carrot soup.

This opening dish simply oozed avour which set the tone nicely for our starter of a llet of red mullet, whose delicate avours intertwined seamlessly with the nely cut fennel and warm blood orange vinaigrette.

ComeCome the main course, and I was equally taken aback by the sumptuous textures of the roasted Brill which was set on a bed of baked endive, and rounded off by a creamy sauce of cepes which was nothing short of superb. My guest was also rightly waxing lyrical about their artistically-presented griddled llet of Sea Bass with braised Jerusalem artichokes subtly dressed with parsley puparsley puree and read wine jus.

As if this wasn’t enough, these dishes were paired perfectly by the restaurant’s Sommelier with a crisp 2011 Chateau de la Roulerie Anjou Blanc wine.

Culinary Surprises At ‘Seven Park Place’ By William DrabbleBy Simon Wittenberg MIOJ

For dessert, the menu greets diners with a range of irresistible and indeed difcult choices which can each be joined by one of the restaurant’s personally recommended digestifs. Whilst there is milk chocolate mousse or Pina colada bavarois with poached pineapple,pineapple, my heart was set on ‘An Assiette of Apple’. This translated as an array of apple-based sweets, neatly organised to form a tantalising sequence of carefully-crafted desserts spanning from a tarte tatin at one end of platter to a bramley apple mousse at the other, a combination which worked awlessly. My guest opted for the selection of British cheeses by Paxton & WhiteldWhiteld (a business founded in 1797 and the ofcial cheesemonger to HM Queen Victoria). These were intelligently arranged on a slate platter in order of strength, starting with the Aldwych goat's cheese and culminating in Stilton, and were served with a medley of savoury biscuits.

Time for another surprise compliments of the Chef: caramelised banana with homemade banana ice cream, a dish which indeed left our pallets feeling nicely rrefreshed. Just as we were starting to mull over what had been a truly enjoyable evening, our host arrived with one nal offering and maybe the toughest decision of all: to choose from selection of homemade confec-tionary (including dark chocolate and coffee or baileys, and pistachio macaroons) and ‘melt-in-your mouth’ marshmellows. There was no wrong move to be made, butbut it was just a matter of how much room could be found to accommodate yet another sumptuous delicacy by Seven Park Place.

As well as being full of great twists, this was a meal that was immaculate in terms of presentation and delivery. Therefore, it was only apt that I was able to return my own compliments to Chef William Drabble in person, as this was a man who had, after all, created a masterpiece from start to nish.

ForFor further information, or to book a table at Seven Park Place, visit www.stjameshotelandclub.com

Lionel Messi, Ambassador for Audemars Piguet wins fourth Ballon d'Or.

PEOPLE - Lionel Messi

Audemars Piguet Ambassador Leo Messi was voted for the fourth time the world’s best football player in 2012 by journalists, national coaches and captains cementing his legacy as the best player of modern times.

LeoLeo Messi broke the record he jointly held with Michel Platini, Marco Van Basten and Johan Cruyff, who were each awarded three times. Regarded by many as the best player of his generation, this award now puts him within a group of elite playersplayers including Pele, Maradonna, Cruyff, Zidane who can all lay claim to the title of the worlds greatest ever player.

When you consider that the modern day era of football is far more strategic and the modern day football player is considered to be a better athelete than previous generationsgenerations of players, scoring 91 goals in 69 games in 2012, 79 for Barcelona and 12 for Argentina is an achievement that many thought would be almost impossible.

Messi also scored twice in eight succes-sive games and they were almost all goals of barely plausible brilliance.

Upon receiving the trophy, Lionel Messi said “to tell you the truth this is really quite unbelievable, the fourth award that I have had is just too great for words”.

HonouringHonouring a true legend and a great sportsman of our time, Audemars Piguet launched in 2012 the Royal Oak Chronograph Leo Messi Limited Edition in steel, pink gold and platinum versions and will auction the N°10 watch of the platinum edition in Spring 2013. All sale proceed-ingsings will go to the Leo Messi Foundation aimed to help deprived children around the world.

The timepiece will also be accompanied by a signed football jersey bearing Messi’s N°10. Recognised for his mastery and artistry, Leo Messi’s outstanding and break-through performances embody Audemars Piguet’s philosophy, “To break the rules, you must rst master them”.

JEWELLERY - Andrew Geoghegan

If you’re not familiar with Philip Howard’s great accomplishments, he is also the man behind another double Michelin-starred townhouse restaurant in Notting Hill called The Ledbury, alongside Nigel Platts-Martin and with his former Sous Chef Brett Graham. His third and fourth London restaurants, Kitchen W8 (which hashas one Michelin star) and Sonnys Kitchen are in partnership with Rebecca Mascarenhas. He was also recently one of the winning nalists on the BBC’s Great British Menu.

To get in plenty of variety, we decided to opt for the seasonal tasting menu – nine courses, each one cleverly and carefully well thought out to complement the previous and the next.

Since The Square’s doors opened back in 1991, Philip Howard has managed to stay current with his menu but avour.

Andrew GeogheganIn pursuit of the ‘perfect’ piece

LM: Firstly, let us congratulate you on the birth of your son, how are you feeling, and how are you coping with balancing two jobs - Managing Director and Dad!

AG:AG: Thanks Paul, the birth of my son Arthur was incred-ible and I went through a whole array of emotions during and just after the event. I have to say at this point how brilliant my partner Lindsay was, I knew she was tough but I saw a new level of toughness! A few weeks into it now and I feel I am into the Dad groove – some good advice I had was to ‘keep calm’ which I keeping at the foforefront of my mind – even when it is 3am and there is a sound that would send most dogs out of the room!

Two weeks of paternity leave was perfect for me to embrace my new role and meant that I did not come back to too much catch up. Presently I seem to be coping well with Dadship and MDship - good job too as we have just despatched a colossal amount of ne jewellery to my clients. The sleepless nights do take their toll so it is a good thing that my job is seldom customer facing.

LM: Andrew, as you know we are big fans of your wonderfulwonderful jewellery, some of our readers may not be as familiar with you work as we are. So, give us an in-sight into your background and how you became a jewellery designer.

AG: During my early school years it was obvious that I was an ‘arty’ and inventive type and when possible I would steal away to my Dad’s garage and see what I could create. My art fuelled schooling soon led me to more sculptural endeavours during A-levels and I most denitely had a passion for working with metal.

As I consider it now, I love the way I have almost total control of the media – I can melt, twist, beat, drill etc. This appears to echo how I am quite controlling in my personal life (control freak I hear you cry).

AA few years at university developing my skills in working metal and designing sparked my fascination with com-bining metal and stone so my pursuit into the world of jewellery was a foregone conclusion. After some very short lived apprenticeships, short mainly due to my youthful arrogance, the rst four years of my business were spent in a garden potting shed kindly donated by mymy parents! With an unconventional training, the jewel-lery industry started to take note of my style as it ap-peared to be a fresh approach.

LM: If you hadn't become a jewellery designer, what do you think you would be doing today?

AG: One of my passions as a lad was archaeology. I loved the fact that I could unearth something hidden – this is paralleled in my spiritual endeavours where you could say I am trying to ‘unearth’ something through meditation which is of great interest to me.

SoSo if not an archaeologist, then I think I would be in India sat in a cave or ashram with a very long beard!

LM: Do you recall what the rst piece of 'true' jewellery you made was?

AG: Yes, it was an architectural inspired piece at University which I have in my studio in Leeds. It was basicallybasically utilising different gauge square wires to create a ring. Unequivocally early AG due to the hard angles – in fact there is not a curve in sight. My tutor thought it was brilliant and this added fuel to the re that was already pretty damn warm!

Fission Cluster Oval Spinel1.69ct (8x5mm) Lilac Spinel Other stone sizes and

qualities available on request

LM: Your jewellery range is stunning, pretend that I am not that familiar with your products, how would you describe your jewellery to me?

AG:AG: First thing to say is that I have one foot rmly in two camps – Engagement Rings and Cocktail Rings. Not to say that I don’t design other forms but these two foci have become synonymous with my range.

As alluded to already my style has changed as has my charactecharacter, circumstances and personal interests. Currently I would say that there are three very important features to my work – Fluidity, Innovation and Intrigue. The uidity of my pieces I believe can project a ring in more of a sculptural light as opposed to more functional.

ByBy ensuring that the entire ring comes into play and there are no contrived elements, the piece can be appappreciated as she should be, as a piece of art. Innovation harks back to my early days where I was always trying to invent something – a real motivation for me is to develop new styles of setting or never-before-seen forms. I want to inspire people by being inventive and innovative.

On a slightly different take, I would describe my jewellery as impeccably made. During the past 16 years of business I have sought only the best craftspeople and believe that my business is only as good as these individuals.

LM: Talks us through some of your professional highlights?highlights?

AG:AG: Being twice shortlisted for ‘Designer of the Year’ in the UK Jewellery Awards were special for me and my team. The other awards such as Editors Choice and Platinum Innovation Award were similarly important and have helped build my condence as a designer. In more recent years, being accepted as a supplier to Houlden, the most prestigious buying group in the UK was inin valuable to my business and is giving me the opportunity to really push my business forward. As a man obsessed with design I would also site the creation of two of my signature pieces as professional highlights – they are the Reveal engagement ring and the Satellite cocktail ring. These two designs have been instrumental in pushing my business into the limelight.

LM: What's the best and worst aspect of running a jewellery design business?

AG:AG: Best is doing something I love doing which is designing and inventing jewellery. I am mindful that this is quite rare especially as I never get tired of it. I could also describe this aspect as the worst in that I nd it a struggle to totally detach from my work. When a passion runs deep, and not just the designing aspect but the running of the business inin general, then the temptation to work on it is incredible.

As with my pieces, I have a tendency to constantly improve and this, whereas an excellent quality in most cases, can also lead to a ‘never satised’ frame of mind. I am sure Geoghegan junior will in some way be helping me create a healthy detachmentdetachment from the business. It is only very recently that I came to the conclusion that whereas I do not have a boss in the conventional meaning of the word, internally I have a boss which is called ‘the business’.

ThisThis created boss has certain expectations of me and in a way does become an entity (although unreal) in its own right. The more I contemplate this the more I appreciate the importance of ensuring that I develop the business to work for me and my circumstance as opposed to me slogging my guts out for this pseudo boss!

LM:LM: Tell us about your bespoke jewellery service.

AG: To compliment the ranges we create, we offer a wonderfully comprehensive bespoke service. This is aimed at clients who want to have an input into the design, or want something totally unique. II use the Matrix CAD programme which gives me excellent versatility to create anything my beloved customers want.

It also gives me the opportunity, by sending excel-lent quality renders, to keep the expensive precious metals out of the picture until the design is conrmed. When I jumped on the CAD band wagon a few years ago the whole design process for my range pieces as well as bespoke was changed for good and for the better. We have created a whole range of diverse bespoke products from Dog tags to piercings that would literally make you weep!

Chocolate Box Rose

Reect Peridot

Satellite with Tourmalined Quartz

Sugar Coated1ct Natural Fancy Intense Yellow Pear Cut Diamond centre stone

LM: Where does the inspiration come from for your designs?

AG: The inspiration behind my designs has been somewhat a mystery however I am aware of certain themes running through the collection. At the start of my career, the pieces were all about angles and at surfaces – this possibly a reection of my youthful arrogance, rigid mind and ‘wannabe’ tough guy! As time progressed, my designs have noticeablynoticeably softened – reecting more uid and accepting character traits. Colour has been an important feature in recent years and I would say this was partly due to an increasing condence and a desire to express my art in other ways as opposed to just form and nish. So much so that the more colourful pieces in the collection are becoming the most talked about – especially where I create discord with certain colours. As I write this I would suggest that the entirety and unfolding ofof my life experiences are my inspiration and trying to conne it to single events or ‘things’ doesn’t quite seem to t.

I would go as far to say that everything we do is an expression of our self in some way and designing is no different.

Decadence Diamond Set Wedding Ring / eternity band.

8 x 2pt princess cut diamonds equally spaced around the band

LM: When socialising, do you nd yourself looking closer than the average person at what jewellery people are wearing?

AG:AG: The Kinetica range of rings which I created some years ago was based on my observation of how people wear their rings – or more precisely what they do with them. I noticed that some women (and men) would rotate their ring around the nger or ick it from side to side. Most likely unconsciously and a similar action to biting nger nails or tapping the foot. The rapid movementmovement of the ring had become for some a way of expressing their unease, impatience, boredom, excitability etc. So I developed the Kinetica which has a free moving setting which the owner could spin to their hearts desire. I am very jewellery observant when out socially and have probably made some a littleuncomfortableuncomfortable by staring at their pendant just a little too long.

How do you know when something has met your high standards?

AG: Part of my business ideology is ‘in pursuit of perfection’. This keeps my team and myself striving to better our craft but is ultimately an unachievable goal asas the closer you look, the more imperfections are visible. I don’t see this as demoralising, just that it keepskeeps everyone on their toes and chances are there to constantly improve the product. Every piece we create is painstakingly loupe checked for any ‘imperfections’ by my goldsmith, setter and by myself. We know ex-actly what to look for in each piece so once it passes all our beady eyes, the piece is t for purpose and by any trained critical eye is immaculate.

LM: If you can, describe a typical day in the ofce for Andrew Geoghegan?

AG: Not as exciting as some would think. A great deal of time is spend in front of a computer replying to emails, sending quotes, typing out interview answers and generally running the business. This is interspersedinterspersed with meetings with my PA, quality control of work and countless conversations with suppliers and customers. The majority of design work actually happens at home due to the fact that there are too many distractions at the ofce. If my dog Wilbur is with me, we may go for a stretch at lunchtime in a local graveyagraveyard. My 60 plus retail partners have the pleasure of my company from time to time and that is usually a very pleasant affair accompanied with herbal tea. So as you can see not the most rock ‘n’ roll working day!

LM: Is there a piece or pieces you've created that you would consider your favourite?

AG:AG: As alluded to already, the Reveal and the Satellites are rm favourites of mine. They both have the key qualities for the type of ring they are; the Reveal has versatility, clean lines, intrigue and grace whereas the Satellite is innovative, high impact and totally tactile. The Satellite is so tactile that I would go as far to say that it brings the sense of touch into the mix as much as the visual.mix as much as the visual.

LM: What do you have planned for the next 12 months?

AG: Firstly a little time off with my family for New Year/Jan in France. Then the year will start very strongly with the introduction of new tough platinum for AG, an online campaign to rival the ‘World’s First Facebook Ring’, delicious new designs including my take on the traditional Cluster, and the possibility of us setting up some accounts outside of the UK.

LM:LM: Andrew, thank you for your time, as you know we've been planning this interview for a few months now and were keen to tell all our readers around the world about your stunning creations. Is there anything that you would like to add before we nish?

AG:AG: Just to say thanks for giving me this opportunity and for your tireless support of luxury brands espe-cially the smaller, independents like myself.

www.andrewgeoghegan.com

Exclusive Luxurious Magazine Interview With Michael Breen

CARS - The P1 Supercar Club

In 2000, the P1 Supercar Club, based in Surrey, UK, pioneered the concept of a private members’ club ooffering shared access to a eet of supercars. Today the business, the largest of its kind in the world, provides its clients with unrivalled access to a stable of the nest and fastest cars ever made. In return for an annual membership fee, the club takes care of the cost of depdepreciation, insurance, servicing and maintenance, leaving members free to enjoy the cars for a fraction of the cost of ownership of just one model. We caught up with their Founder and CEO, Michael Breen, to nd out more.

LM:LM: What is the philosophy behind the P1 Supercar Club, and what were your motivations to found the business?

MB: I was very frustrated with the way some supercar dealers treated their customers and I wanted to make a difference and give the industry a bit of a shake-up. I believebelieve that I have solved the very difcult problem of depreciation on supercars whilst at the same time adding the ability to drive a whole eet of supercars rather than just one, in an unbelievably cost effective way.

LM: Where are the majority of your members based?

MB:MB: The vast majority of our members are based in London and the Home Counties in the UK, although we do also have quite a few clients overseas.

LM: Who are your customers in terms of profession?

MB: They come from all types of professions, but in general, most of our users come from the banking, property, and IT sectors.

LM: Are there many female supercar users at P1 International, and is it a growing trend?

MB: We have a few women who drive our cars. However, I wish there were more, and it is something that we are looking to grow.

LM:LM: In recent years, some of your competitors have gone out of business as the economic climate has become more challenging. What has been your recipe for success to still be here today?

MB:MB: It is like any business – a lot of hard work, keeping members happy, and providing a rst class service is key. From the members who come across to us from the competition, they tell us that service is where a lot of our rivals really drop the ball.

LM: What was the reason for not running the company on a franchise model?

MB:MB: My view in business is ‘never say never’. The real issue for me unsurprisingly is service. We are looking at franchising in a number of territories right now and I am pleased to say that I have found some partners that I can work with and be condent that they will provide exactly the same level of service that we have become renowned for in the UK.

LM: What is the most expensive car you have ever offered to customers at the P1 Supercar Club?

MB: It has to be the £325,000 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren! None of our competition ever got anywhere close to offering something like that….

LM:LM: What's next for Group 5? Are there any plans for the Bugatti Veyron, Pagani Huayra, or McLaren P1 supercars to be added to the eet?

MB: Not right now, but again, it is not something I would turn away if the demand was there.

LM: Which new luxury car stood out the most for you in 2012?

MB:MB: That’s an easy one! it would have to be the McLaren P1 especially as McLaren were kind enough to name it after our Club!

LM: What are your ambitions for 2013?

MB: To launch P1 in the US and Asia to go alongside our new Swiss branch.

LM: And about you Michael, have you always been an automotive enthusiast and what is your favourite car of all time?

MB:MB: Yes I am a true petrolhead. My favourite car of all time – that’s a tricky one. You see, I am all about having the right car for the right occasion. I also love variety, and I don’t like being limited to just one car so I would have to say I would opt for a P1 membership every timeand drive them all!

LM:LM: Thank you for your time Michael, and we wish you all the success for 2013.

For further information on the P1 Supercar Club, visit www.p1international.com.

McLaren Automotive has designed and developed a range of products inspired by, and focused on, the passion of driving. The products are all available from the recently launched McLaren eStore – www.mclarenstore.com – and the range includes a variety of stylish accessories, clothing and luggage, based around the designs evident throughout McLaren and thethe groundbreaking 12C high performance sports car. These fashionable and versatile items are perfect for the most avid McLaren fan or those most focused on enjoying the thrill of the open road.

McLaren Automotive MerchandiseInspired by the 12C Sports Car

Men’s accessoriesMcLaMcLaren has a long-standing relationship with TAG Heuer, and the Swiss luxury watchmaker has produced a special edition chronograph wristwatch, designed in collaboration with McLaren Automotive Design Director, Frank Stephenson. The Tag Heuer Carrera MP4-12C chronograph takes direct inspiration from the high performanceperformance 12C sports car after which it is named, through the use of carbon bre for the dial. On the reverse, sapphire crystal inserts reveal the movement behind the high-tech face. Limited to only 1,000 pieces globally, it is available exclusively through the McLaren global retail network and at the McLaren eStore.

HighlightingHighlighting the pioneering steps made by McLaren is a carbon bre and mesh McLarenSport mechanical bracelet by Links of London. McLaren rst introduced a carbon bre chassis to Formula 1 in 1981, setting a new benchmark in the sport. From here, all McLaren cars, both for the road and for the circuit, have been built using the lightweight structure. The stylish bracelet includesincludes design features motivated by the components of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 cars, with the woven mesh of the bracelet inspired by the piping used by McLaren Racing.

Bags of spaceDesignedDesigned to maximise the 144 litres of space beneath the bonnet of the 12C is the stylish, tted luggage set. The three bespoke cases were designed in collaboration with the McLaren Automotive design studio, and are made from an exclusive carbon bre outer material, with carbon bre handles and silver or McLaren Orange detail stitching. The design on the exterior of the bags emulates the engine cover of the groundbreaking 12C, whilewhile the lining of each case is nished with ‘Space Fabric’, which is used to upholster the seats in the 12C. The cases are available in three sizes – 59cm x 43cm x 22.5cm; 59cm x 39cm x 22.5cm; 40cm x 30cm x 16cm.

Men’s accessoriesMcLaMcLaren has a long-standing relationship with TAG Heuer, and the Swiss luxury watchmaker has produced a special edition chronograph wristwatch, designed in collaboration with McLaren Automotive Design Director, Frank Stephenson. The Tag Heuer Carrera MP4-12C chronograph takes direct inspiration from the high performanceperformance 12C sports car after which it is named, through the use of carbon bre for the dial. On the reverse, sapphire crystal inserts reveal the movement behind the high-tech face. Limited to only 1,000 pieces globally, it is available exclusively through the McLaren global retail network and at the McLaren eStore.

HighlightingHighlighting the pioneering steps made by McLaren is a carbon bre and mesh McLarenSport mechanical bracelet by Links of London. McLaren rst introduced a carbon bre chassis to Formula 1 in 1981, setting a new benchmark in the sport. From here, all McLaren cars, both for the road and for the circuit, have been built using the lightweight structure. The stylish bracelet includesincludes design features motivated by the components of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 cars, with the woven mesh of the bracelet inspired by the piping used by McLaren Racing.

What has been your highlight for 2012It is so hard to choose, it has been an amazing and rewarding year for us. If I may, I'd like to share two of them with you.

The Gem elds CollaborationII was honored to be selected to collaborate with Gem elds mines in creating a special piece for their launch in the USA and Asia. The fruits of this collaboration brought a one of a kind 26.16 carat elevated sugarloaf cabochon emerald ring to life (see right).

The Quintessentially Gems BookQuintessentiallyQuintessentially Gems, by Tamara Kaminsky and Quintessentially Publishing, showcases the world's most treasured jewelry creators to reect a collector's rened tastes and continuous desire to own something truly special. I am honored to be included in this book, and be among the world's leading jewelers, whose work is considered to be collectiblecollectible art. We call our clients 'collectors' because I view my work as art and once they buy one piece, or get to experience a made to order piece, they always come back for more. As my tagline says, "I like to think about my pieces as heirlooms in the making".

If money was no object, what would the ultimate present that someone could give you? InIn a world that is all mass production, an authentic made-to-order piece is the ultimate gift of all. It allows one to express and bring to life everything his/her heart desires and one of the most enjoyable parts of creating a jewel for a client is having them participate in its creation. When designing a piece for a customer, especially a wedding ring, I typically share three design options, we pick a favorite and then rene it together in stages until we arrive at a nal design. It’s a very collaborative approach and I love that aspect.

ForFor clients who I can’t meet in person, I’ve created a section in my website called ‘My Jewelry Box’. A customer basically receives a personal log-in and can go to their own account on alexandramor.com. Once there, they can view virtually every stage of their creation’s production from the comfort of their computer: they get to see the design concepts and they can approve design renderings before they’re nal. Clients get a real kick out of this, and so do I, because they not only own the ring because they paid for it, they also own the experience and the story of the piece.

What do you / the company have planned for 2013?What do you / the company have planned for 2013? We're planning a bridal line and continuing the special tradition of making one of a kind pieces for one of a kind moments. Getting engage is a magical experience and should be done with thoughtfulness. The jewel a couple carries will walk with them for a long time and is a symbol of their love and friendship. I have been designing for couples since day one, and am excited to introduce it soon as an ofcially additional line of service from Alexandra Mor.

wwwww.alexandramor.com

ALEXANDRA MORFounder, Jewelry Designer and Creative Director

"I like to think of my pieces as heirlooms in the making"

PEOPLE - Jonathan Holmes

Luxdeco.com is a new online retail concept for high net worth individuals who are looking to purchase luxury furniture and homewares from some of the world’s most renowned designers and brands using one website, whilst also en-joying a personalised experience. We caught up with Jonathan Holmes, their CEO and FoundeFounder, to nd out more.

LM: What is the concept of Luxdeco.com, and how does this shopping portal and members’ area function?

JH: There is a huge audience of afuent consumers who are looking for beautiful things in their homes. The problem is that there is no single destination online or on the high street that is synonymous for luxury furniture and homewares. And without an interior designer, people just do not know where to start.

The concept of LuxDeco is to address this problem by offering a personalised, online shopping experience that helps members discover and buy luxury homeware. Everything on the site has been curated – which means it goes through a process of selection, styling, and editingediting – by a team of dedicated interior designers and stylists. The portal also allows customers to explore products to complement a piece they want to buy or already own. Ultimately this means our members can create the home they desire.

We also offer members the latest trends and most sought-after pieces from some of the world’s best designersdesigners and brands. In addition, we work with furniture and product designers, both in the UK and overseas, to create exclusive ranges and individual pieces especially for LuxDeco members.

Another part of our offering is an online interior styling and concierge service.

Interview With Jonathan Holmes, CEO And Founder Of Luxdeco.comBy Simon Wittenberg MIOJ

Whether members seek style advice, want to arrange bespoke or customised items, require more information about a product, or want a particular piece from a favourite brand, a team of stylists will ensure every wish is fullled.

LM: Which are the major brands featured?

JH:JH: LuxDeco, so far, works with over 150 brands that specialise in stylish products for the luxury home and discerning homemaker. They include Linley, Hugo Boss, Kenzo Home, Agent Provocateur, and Haviland Porcelain.

LM: How do you select which products you make available to customers? 

JH:JH: We look for the best quality, most innovative design, and a sense of luxury in our products. We have a buying team with experience from the UK’s leading retailers, such as Harrods and Selfridges, with backgrounds in interior and product design. We also invite interior designersdesigners and stylists to guest curate collections to share with our members. Our team is always looking for quality of craftsmanship and materials, and attention to detail to suit members’ tastes. 

LM: How does Luxdeco.com set itself apart from the competition?

JH:JH: LuxDeco sets itself apart from the competition with a strong emphasis on discovery, curation, and choice. Unlike many online homeware retailers, products are current, cutting edge, and high-end and we are working with many brands which were not previously available to buy online. Our focus is on the luxury shopping experienceexperience from every touch point. Not only do we offer the latest trends and products, our curated collections are carefully edited so that customers are able to gain insight into how to create a specic look or feel.

We are constantly striving to ensure that our user experience is unrivalled, in an attempt to mirror the shopping experience of the high street. LuxDeco‘s strapline is “luxury discovered” and our “Stylist Picks”, “Concierge” and “My Showroom” features set us apart from the competition.

LM:LM: When will the full version be launching, and can purchases be made during the Beta phase? 

JH: Yes, products can be bought during our Beta phase. In fact, we took our rst order after just 90 minutes of being live. So far, we have shipped products across the UK, Europe, Russia, and the USA.

Although everything on the site is functional, the pproduct we have launched with is essentially a 'lite' version. We are working at making the site more personable and emphasising discovery, rather than just straightforward sales. We plan to have these extra features in place by spring/summer 2013.

LM: What do you expect to be the most popular purchases, and by which type of client?

JH:JH: We expect the most popular purchases to be the exclusive products that we offer, that can't easily be found elsewhere. We also expect the products that we feature in our magazine, as seen on photo shoots or in celebrities’ homes, to be popular sellers too.

II also expect LuxDeco to have clients that to begin with, nd making large purchases for their home daunting. A lot of these clients will start by using the “Concierge” feature and “Stylist Picks” for trusted advice when making such decisions.

One-oOne-off items, for example console tables, occasional chairs, and duvets and pillows, are traditionally very popular sellers online as they are bulky to buy and transport from a physical shop.

LM: What have been the main interior design and furniture trends of 2012? Have any materials, colours, or pieces particularly stood out?

JH: The most striking interior design trends of 2012 come from designs which use colour, as seen in our "Geometry Collection" and “Colour Blocking Collection”.

SophisticatedSophisticated neutrals, monochrome, and shades of grey are also popular. The use of natural materials and a range of textures with hand-nished details will also be present in 2013.

LM: How do you see the luxury interior design and accessories industry performing in 2013?

JH:JH: 2013 will show increasing steady growth for the luxury interior design and accessories industry. Over the past few years in times of austerity it has become apparent that people are, contrary to common belief, investing in statement pieces for their homes and are not put off by price. A great example of this is the successsuccess of Portuguese furniture company, Boca Do Lobo. Its breakthrough designs are not for the fainthearted but they are most certainly leading the way for luxury furniture. This year, we expect to see custom-ers continuing to invest in big statement pieces to give real impact and create a look in their home. The trend to shop a look will continue to grow from strength to strength too.

I also see mobile commerce in luxury homeware set to increase dramatically. In turn, over the coming year, luxury interior brands that are not yet available online will begin to offer their products through mobile commerce platforms.

ForFor LuxDeco, one area we will be focusing on in 2013 is curation. This is a trend that has grown steadily in 2012. The luxury furniture space is no longer monopolised solely by the Italians, and we are seeing increasing numbers of designs from Portugal and the UK. It is the discovery of great new furniture designers that we will focus on sharing with our customers.

LM: What are clients now looking for in a concierge service?

JH: The LuxDeco member looks for expert advice, understanding, and a level of excellence (similar to a VIP service). As well as sharing knowledge and advice, we offer our members a friendly and approachable concierge contact that has aa “nothing is too much trouble” attitude when dealing with all requests and we go above and beyond to help our customers.

To our loyal customers, we offer a dedicated concieconcierge contact, as we understand that part of the luxury shopping experience is the familiarity and trust of an individual dealing with requests. This is something you would experience in a store environment and is something we strive for in our customer service approach.

LM: And about you, Jonathan, what is your background in the luxury sector?

JH: As a child, I was lucky enough to experience luxury and I was surrounded by nice things. I remember being mesmerised the rst time I visited a boutique on London’s Sloane Street. The environment and retail experienceexperience was a memory that I have never forgotten and I think that's where my passion for luxury began.

While at university I started a design and digital agency and over the years I have worked with a diverse sector of luxury clients, from fashion to travel. I have spent years working with clients to understand luxury consumers and what works for them both online and oofine.

It was only when I was looking to furnish my own property that I realised there was a gap in the market for luxury furniture and furnishings, particularly online. I went to my mum, an interior designer, for help and togethertogether we tested the business model by launching www.ikandi-interiors.co.uk. The success of this led me to start the LuxDeco concept with real experience and an understanding that would have been difcult to gain elsewhere.

LM:LM: Which other businesses have you worked for and with, and where do you see yourself in ve years’ time?

JH: Throughout my 14-year career working in the digital space I have been able to work with some of the most pioneering luxury and digital brands, on some fantasticfantastic projects. At the age of 18, I co-founded my rst start up and the passion has stayed with me throughout my career.

Working as a consultant for these brands allowed me to continue to exercise my entrepreneurial instinct along the way.

II hope that in ve years’ time, LuxDeco will be one of the largest luxury retailers on the web and dominate the homeware sector in the same way Net-a-Porter has revolutionised luxury fashion. Furniture online is still a few years behind fashion, so the best is yet to come.

On a personal level, I would ultimately like to be able to help rst time entrepreneurs face the challenges ofof a start-up, not just with funding but being there with advice and knowledge to help them succeed. My investors are successful entrepreneurs who still work very hard, yet they are on-hand to help me and offer advice. This is a position I hope to be in once LuxDeco has reached great heights.

LM:LM: Thank you for your time Jonathan, and we wish you all the success with LuxDeco in 2013.

Escape to the Country

By Simon Wittenberg MIOJ

TRAVEL - Whittlebury Hall Hotel

Whittlebury Hall Hotel & SpaIt is nice to see that Whittlebury Hall Hotel & Spa in rural Northamptonshire hasn’t lost its touch, and is just as impressive as when I last visited this property in 2006 during an adrenaline-fuelled launch of the Lotus Exige S sportscar. It was the perfect choice back then because many of the facilities at this four-star deluxe property are themed around the fast-paced sport of Formula 1, and thethe corners of the neighbouring Silverstone British Grand Prix circuit.

Fast forward six years, and although for different rea-sons, it remains the perfect choice, as the hotel and spa offer a relaxing break away from the stresses of modern life and the cold and gloom brought by the English winter.

On arrival, Whittlebury Hall instantly makes a good rst impression which you can’t help but admire. Guests are greeted by a sweeping driveway that meanders through the beautifully-kept and lush grounds of Whittlebury Park, before being welcomed by the hotel itself which sports a ‘classic-meets-modern’ Georgian-style aarchitecture. Housing over 200 en-suite bedrooms, four individually-designed suites, as well as conference facilities, the property can only be described as spacious and well-laid out.

One of the hotel’s key selling points, which it rightly prides itself on, is ‘The Day Spa’ which was this year voted as the winner of the ‘Best Spa - Midlands Category’ in the pprestigious Good Spa Awards. As one of the largest in the country, and set across two levels, ‘The Day Spa’ features 23 treatment rooms, state-of-the-art Manicure and Pedicure stations, Hammam and Rasul Chambers, as well as over 60 luxurious individual treatments carried out by professional therapists. On the lower oor is the ‘Heat and Ice Experience’ where guests are invited to both gravitate atat their own pace between hot and cool areas such as the Caldarium - Roman Hot Bath and the Ice Cave to provide different body sensations, and relax in the central luke-warm hydrotherapy pool which comes complete with water jets of differing intensity.

There are numerous day and residential spa packages to choose from at Whittlebury Hall depending on the desidesired treatments, and time available. For a typical ‘Spa Relaxation Day’ for two people which translates as a two-course buffet lunch, the Heat and Ice Experience, and use of the Leisure Club, this starts from £79 for each visitor and rises to £169 per person for the more extensive ‘Deluxe Day’ spa package which takes into account all of the above plus ESPA Holistic ArAromatherapy Body Care and a luxury manicure. Whether for a weekend or for the day, spa goers also have access to the hotel’s Roman baths-esque Leisure Club where they have the use of a 19-metre pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, two saunas, and 44-station gymnasium.

Beyond the tranquil havens of The Day Spa and Leisure Centre, there is plenty of space to unwind and enjoy the company of family and friends. For those looking to congregate round the TV with a drink, there is the more traditional Silverstone Bar, or just a couple paces away beyond the reception area, there is the homely ‘Lounge’ area where guests can enjoy refreshments and curl up on the sofa in fon the sofa in front of an open replace.

Sitting at the heart of this luxury property are the numer-ous eateries which span from the pool-side Terrace Café which serves light lunch and afternoon tea, to Whittlebury Hall’s three restaurants which are tailored to

different occasions and budget come the evening meal. These range from Astons (named after the luxury automotive marque, Aston Martin) which accommodates around 300 people and offers conventionalconventional dishes such as slow cooked beef brisket, tortellini, and chicken jambonette, through to the more intimate Murrays (in tribute to Formula 1 Commentator, Murray Walker).

This private room delivers a two AA rosette-ne dining experience for up to 30 guests, and a sophisticated menu featuring delicacies such as pig’s cheeks, poached Brill, and a selection of ne British cheese.

AtAt dawn, Astons is transformed into a buzzing hive of activity where guests can dip in and out of a generous and nicely presented breakfast buffet. There are of course the essential ingredients of the hearty cooked English, but there are equally the lighter options of fresh fruit, cheeses, and cereals, meaning that there should be something to suit most taste buds and appetites.

AlthoughAlthough there is no shortage of facilities to use and experience on-site, visitors seeking to venture further aeld can enjoy the nearby attractions of Stowe Gardens, the architecturally-impressive Warwick Castle, and the City of Oxford. Nearer to home, there is always the local picturesque village of Whittlebury which is ideal for an afternoon stroll.

Since Whittlebury Hall Hotel & Spa opened in 1999, it has certainly earned its spurs and acclaims, and for a good reason. Whether for a romantic weekend getaway, birthday celebration, or just a day out, this high-calibre property should be top of the list for anyone looking for a temporary sanctuary from the daily grind. It is one of those special places which you really have to tear your-selfself away from, and that keeps driving you to go back for more. Expect to pay from £89 per person for a double room (including dinner and breakfast).

With thanks to the staff at Whittlebury Hall Hotel & Spa for an enjoyable stay and their generous hospitality throughout.

www.whittleburyhall.co.uk

Out of AfricaandBeyondBy Reena Patel

TRAVEL - Out of Africa andBeyond

We received an arrival like no other at andBeyond Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp - the rst destination on our bespoke safari trip.

Big friendly smiles by our private butler and his entourage warmly welcomed us to check-in at the laid-back guest lounge, while the calls of wild resident hippos gave us their own striking serenade.

andBeyondandBeyond Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp is tucked into a strip of riverine forest in the remote western reaches of the Serengeti National Park. It lies near to the Grumeti River, which is the perfect vantage point to view the thundering herds of the Great Migration, its entrancingentrancing wildebeest crossings and enormous Nile crocodiles. We embraced our short but perfectly sweet three-night stay here and eagerly accepted the invitation to an early evening game drive.

It wasn’t long before we were out on the road in a comfy open 4x4 safari vehicle, spotting impalas, lions, bubuffalos, baboons, zebras and more – just minutes away from our camp. Here, you can also see black and white colobus monkeys that inhabit the riverside thickets (found nowhere else in the Serengeti).

Drives are hosted by professional guides and rangers, who have an unsurpassable wealth of knowledge and

expertise on all walks of bird, plant and wild life for a truly well informed safari.

We were lucky to encounter an abundance of such wildlife. Most of the action was unbelievably caught literallyliterally right within our camp: hippos leisurely lounge in the crocodile laden river and along muddy banks, while a 200 strong herd of elephants and some 50 giraffes gathered around the area for an enthralling drive.

Reena Patel heads to Tanzania for

THE safari adventure of a lifetime

Evidently, nothing is ever done by halves with andBe-yond. Before heading back to the camp, our ranger set up a mini-bar with snacks on a pop-up table in the remote surrounds of the Serengeti for an exclusive scenic sundowner. For those who set out on daytime drives, a gourmet picnic hamper is prepared so you can stop for lunch mid-way.

On return, our very own private butler (who attentively took care of our every imaginable need during our stay) was already primed to safely escort us back

to our room.

Suites here are the epitome of tented luxury, granting contemporary touches without losing the rugged, outdoorsyoutdoorsy charm of an authentic safari experience. Ten amboyant tents under shady palm frond roofs feature a colourful interior design with huge king size bed and al fresco shower open to the sun and stars. A complimentary same-day laundry service is also includedincluded - another special touch that’s offered at most andBeyond sites. Continental-style breakfasts are complemented with pan-African cuisines for dinner,

using traditional jikos (res) and outdoor ovens. The magically lit boma open restaurant makes a stunning backdrop for a romantic dinner under the night sky.During the day, if it’s hot enough and you’re not in the mood for a game drive, guests can also relax in the camp’s pool, or lounge on the spacious decks, which overlook the river

TRAVEL - Out of Africa andBeyond

Our next stop was on to andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge for two incredible nights – boasting 30 sumptuous safari suites, perched on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater.

OnceOnce a gigantic volcano, it is the largest intact caldera in the world and shelters a permanent population of more than 30,000 animals. Nearly three million years old, it shelters one of the most beautiful wildlife havens on Earth. It is also a World Heritage Site and one of the Wonders of the World.

OurOur andBeyond guide drove us through the misty clouds, down rocky rubble roads and to the Crater oor in a pop up roof vehicle. Here, we saw endangered black rhino, which are protected within this natural Eden, giant tusked elephants wandering the forests, pink and white amingoes crowding the soda lakes, ostrichostrich and so much more. On our way back up to our cabins, we also came across a large number of the local Maasai, who follow tradition by grazing their cattle on the Crater oor.

The magnicent architecture of each stilted suite at andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is inspired by the Maasai mud and stick manyatta (or homestead).

Next Stop: andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

The raw materials used are typically African, from mud plaster on the external walls, to banana leaf ceilings and makhuti palm roofs. Each remarkable lodge features an eclectic mishmash of interior furnishings and ttings with African styles and European inuences: graceful antiques, African ttreasures neatly placed, beaded chandeliers hanging above large gilt mirrors and billowing raw silk curtains that brush the tops of beautiful Persian carpets.

Each camp has its own lounge and dining room, outdoor dining area and viewing deck, plus a spectacularspectacular en-suite bathroom that features a huge shower and ornate freestanding bathtub. Our beds were made extra toasty on colder evenings with elec-tric heated blankets.

Personal butlers discreetly tend to every need. Ours politely offered us wake up calls, to bring us tea in bed, stoked the replace in our room and even drew us a luxurious bath after a long game drive, whimsically laced with rose petals.

We were awestruck by the decadently domed dining room and bar at this lodge, which is bedecked with lavish design features such as crystal chandeliers, rugs, utterly cosy cushioned sofas and not forgetting all-important Wi-Fi, to gain access to the rest of the world.world. andBeyond owns and operates 33 individual and intimate lodges and camps in select breath-taking high-spots across Africa, India and Sri Lanka.

TheThe noble measure is that with andBeyond, it doesn’t just entertain pure guest indulgence. This pioneering luxury safari travel company holds a strong commitment to sustainable responsible travel. It also has a core ethic of ‘Care of the Land, Care of the Wildlife, Care of the People, to enrich and empower the communities that surround the reserves. By choosing to travel with this multi-awamulti-award winning company, guests are also making a difference to ongoing biodiversity protection and conservation development.

A captivating and almost indescribable experience, andBeyond gave us an almost indescribable journey to Africa

that we will never forget.

Luxurious Magazine takes a look back at some of the British-made luxury cars which made the headlines during the last twelve months, and reveals what we

can expect in the coming year.

CARS - The Luxurious Review 2012

A Year in Motion2012By Simon Wittenberg MIOJ

Aston Martin had three major model launches in 2012, starting with the Vanquish (available in a 2+2 or 2+0 conguration) which made its rst London appearance at the suitably star-studded surroundings of the London Film Museum, Covent Garden.

TheThe Vanquish features a signicantly upgraded 6.0-litre V12 engine boasting 573 PS allowing the £189,995 Super GT to reach a top speed of 183 mph. This model was followed closely by the introduction of an extreme new sports car in the form of the V12 Vantage Roadster, as well as the refreshed £131,995 DB9.

JaguarJaguar uncovered their highly anticipated F-Type two-seater which supersedes the iconic E-Type. Costing from £58,500, customers can choose from three different variants which boast the company’s most advanced iteration of Jaguar’s acclaimed rigid and lightweight aluminium architecture to date. The company’s Academy of Sports Ambassador and Olympic athlete, Jessica Ennis, made its UK dynamic debut in front of a crowd of over 500,000 people at the Lord Mayor’s Show in London.

Bentley chose the Moscow International Auto Salon (MIAS) in August for the international debut of the 205 mph Continental GT Speed coupe, the fastest road car the company has ever produced. The British marque also signalled their return to motorsport with the Continental GT3 concept racer, the rst time they will be hitting the track since their historic sixth Le Mans victory back in 2003.back in 2003.

Land Rover brought out their new generation Range Rover, the world’s nest luxury SUV which retails from £71,295. The latest line-up features an Autobiography 4.4-litre SDV8, Vogue 3.0-litre TDV6, and two Autobiography models propelled by the 5.0-litre LR-V8 Supercharged petrol engine. Additions in terms of equipment include panoramic and contrast roofs, and thethe all-aluminium body enables signicantly enhanced performance and efciency.

Just before 2012 came to a close, Lotus Cars in Hethel launched the Evora ‘Sports Racer’, a visually enhanced and optimised version of their mid-engined 3.5 litre V6 sports car. The ‘Sports Racer’ receives unique contrasting accents of gloss black across the roof, front splitter, rear diffuser and side sills, exaggerating the Evora's aggressive stance and sleek silhouette. This car comes fully loaded, boasting Lotus' ultimate specication, and expect to pay £65,900 for the top-end 350 PS supercharged Evora S.

At the Paris Motor Show, McLaren Automotive took the wraps off a concept version of their P1 supercar which is slated to cost in the region of £800,000 when it goes on sale in the latter part of 2013. This followed the launch of the convertible version of their 12 C model, named the 12 C Spider, which made its ofcial European debut in the summer at the inaugural Windsor ConcoursConcours of Elegance which took place within the grounds of the town’s royal residence.

Looking forward, after what was an exciting year for the sector, 2013 is set to be a signicant milestone in the history of some of the world’s best loved brands. Aston Martin will be celebrating their rst 100 years with a festival which is set to take place from 15 to 21 July. Designed to appeal to owners and enthusiasts of the brand, the Centenary Week will include open house activitiesactivities at the manufacturer’s exclusive Gaydon head-quarters, including factory-based events and driving tours. Furthermore, McLaren will be commemorating 50 years since Bruce McLaren founded what is now one of today’s most revered and innovative automotive and racing marques.

Luxurious Magazine will be reporting from the Geneva Motor Show in March.

FINE DINING - The Square

If you’re not familiar with Philip Howard’s great accom-plishments, he is also the man behind another double Michelin-starred townhouse restaurant in Notting Hill called The Ledbury, alongside Nigel Platts-Martin and with his former Sous Chef Brett Graham. His third and fourth London restaurants, Kitchen W8 (which has one Michelin star) and Sonnys Kitchen are in partnership withwith Rebecca Mascarenhas. He was also recently one of the winning nalists on the BBC’s Great British Menu.

To get in plenty of variety, we decided to opt for the sea-sonal tasting menu – nine courses, each one cleverly and carefully well thought out to complement the previous and the next.

Since The Square’s doors opened back in 1991, Philip Howard has managed to stay current with his menu but still hold on to the heart of what drove him to this unequivocal success. Our host informed us that the sautéed langoustine tails (our fourth course on the tastingtasting menu) have been on the cards since inception and is still one of the most popular dishes served at The Square today. We couldn’t wait to tuck in. First, the autumn minestrone broth with a beautifully slow cooked quail egg and a miniature tarte ne of savoury onions and cepes to add a sharp-sweet contrast to the soupy avour.

Then, a refreshing ocean-spray, with rillette of smoked Cornish mackerel with vinaigrette of Poole prawns, oysters, seawater jellies, cucumber and caviar.

Our sommelier, a clearly consummate professional, presented us with ne wine pairings for each dish. Our favouritefavourite was the Mád Tokaji Furmint, 2011 – a Hungarian white that worked fantastically well with our aforementioned fourth course - sauté of Scottish langoustinelangoustine tails with Parmesan gnocchi and a potato and trufe emulsion. It certainly hit the spot. Course number ve was llet of turbot with autumn trufe and walnut pesto with a smoked celeriac and bay milk puree, followed by a well-presented breast of grouse with turnip and celeriac, pearl barley, pancetta and blackberries. For those not keen on game, diners can choosechoose the llet of beef with smoked cream potato, cepes and red wine. The Square can also cater for anyone who is vegetarian.

Our cheese course continued our epicurean feast, with a bite of Beaufort and an ultra creamy pot of Stinking Bishop served with crispy thins. Our key favourites were the desserts - Brillat-Savarin cheesecake with mango, passionfruit and lime and the melt-in-your-mouth nale, plum soufé with almond ice-cream.

Reena Patel Checks In At Top Dining Experience, The SquareWe arrived at this double Michelin starred restaurant with eager anticipation and curiosity. With Philip Howard as chef and co-owner of this upmarket Mayfair establishment, we had heard nothing but high praise for the culinary talent that he has brought to British ne dining with modern French food.

The Square had already won us over but for the sweetest send-off, we were ppresented with a colourful display of jelly candy lollipops – vanilla coated mini apples, hibiscus-infused jelly covered pineapple pieces and more. A plate of candy-popping trufes sent us out on to Bruton Street satised and in full agagreement with the two notorious stars hanging on The Square’s name.

ForFor those who wish to try out Philip Howard’s recipes at home, check out newly published The Square, The Cookbook: Savoury – the rst volume of his debut food bible on learning the basics, plus recipes for soups, salads, sh and meat dishes and more. It teaches youyou how to rustle up various meals, giving you invaluable lessons on timing things right when in the kitchen.

www.squarerestaurant.com

CARS - Aston Martin 100 Years

The globally-renowned British luxury sports car maker will mark its rst 100 years with a series of UK and international celebrations highlighting the unique success of the brand worldwide.

Boasting the strongest product line-up in its 99 years to date, Aston Martin has recently introduced its new ultimateultimate GT – the exceptional Vanquish – and timeless new DB9. The new cars have been unveiled to global media acclaim and, in the case of the Vanquish, numer-ous prestigious awards.

Aston Martin has also played a key role in one of the year’s most hotly-anticipated lms, with the iconic DB5 stealing the automotive limelight in the latest James Bond blockbuster, Skyfall.

Centenary launch15 January 2013 marks the ofcial incorporation of thethe company 100 years ago and to commemorate the historic occasion the oldest surviving Aston Martin – A3 – and a stunning new Vanquish, the brand’s ultimate GT, will take their places at a photo call at Henniker Mews in Chelsea – the original home of Aston Martin – where a commemorative plaque will be unveiled.

Centenary weekThe centrepiece of the celebrations will be a week-long festival of all things Aston Martin which is set to take place from 15 July to 21 July next year. Designed to appeal to owners and enthusiasts of the brand, the Centenary Week will include open house activities atat Aston Martin’s exclusive Gaydon headquarters, including factory-based events and driving tours.

The week will culminate in a 1,000-guest ‘birthday party’ on Saturday 20 July and a spectacular Centenary Concours event in central London on Sunday 21 July.

ThisThis highlight of the centenary celebrations will be held in central London in partnership with the Aston Martin Heritage Trust and the Aston Martin Owners Club. It will feature the 100 most iconic cars in a concours display and up to 1,000 Aston Martins forming the largest gathering in the 100-year history of the great British marque.

Centenary drivesCentenary drivesAA number of centenary drives will also be held to coincide with the birthday party and the concours event. These will include a James Bond-themed route around England and Wales taking in a number of the iconic Bond lm locations, a drive through the Highlands and Islands of Scotland and a rally through six European countries in six days. InIn America, the Pebble Beach centenary drive programme offers an opportunity to visit some of California’s most scenic regions before spending the weekend at the legendary Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

Centenary logoTTo mark its rst century in business, Aston Martin has created a special centenary logo: a dynamic spiralling design derived from the nautilus shell, one of the most perfectly proportioned and mathemati-cally precise objects found in nature. Ninety nine points arranged in an elegant helix spiral out from the Aston Martin logo and culminate in a red '100' toto mark the celebration year. The logo has been designed to express forward motion while also acknowledging the importance of the past.

1913 to 2013On 15 January 1913, Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford founded a new automotive venture.

TheyThey called their company Bamford & Martin which later became Aston Martin, acknowledging Robert Bamford’s success at the Aston Clinton Hillclimb in Buckinghamshire, where he had successfully raced their very rst cars. Bamford and Martin began their business in Chelsea’s Henniker Mews in London, becoming well known as providers of sporting machinesmachines to enthusiastic racers and discerning enthusiasts.

InIn the century that followed Aston Martin has come to represent many things, from sporting prowess through to technical innovation, beautiful design, ne craftsman-ship and superior performance. In Aston Martin's rst 90 years the company built fewer than 15,000 cars. The open bodied two-seater sports specials of the pre-war years gave way to the David Brown era of the 1950s and beyondbeyond which saw the introduction of the legendary DB2/4, DB4, DB5, DB6 and DBS, before the V8 Vantage and Virage led Aston Martin to the DB7, original Vanquish and on into the modern era.

A second celebration sees Aston Martin mark its rst decade at Gaydon, in Warwickshire, moving in to its purpose-built premises on 3 January 2003. Since that date Aston Martin, overseen by CEO Dr Ulrich Bez, has produced 45,000 cars to huge critical and commercial acclaim. The original DB9 and Vantage were joined by the Rapide, DBS, Virage and now the timeless new DB9 andand ultimate GT, the Vanquish – Aston Martin's latest agship sports car.

Aston Martin is, too, no longer focused on the domestic market but an international player, exporting 75% of its annual production around the world to 146 dealerships in 41 countries.

FINE DINING - Le Méridien Piccadilly hotel

Situated on the second oor of the property, overlook-ing Piccadilly, one of the Capital’s most famous thoroughfares, the 60-seater restaurant is both contemporary and chic, and presents a pleasant and sophisticated environment in which to dine.

TheThe menu sports a distinctly British theme, courtesy of Chef de Cuisine, Michael Dutnall, and offers an array of meat, game, poultry, and sh dishes. For the starter, I chose the chicory and walnut salad with a blue cheese sauce, whilst my guest opted for the goat’s cheese and beetroot tart dressed with watercress, pine nuts, and herb oil. The subtle avours of the principal ingredients used in both of these deliveused in both of these delivered nicely-balanced entrées.

Main courses range from lamb cutlets and steamed seabass with mussels, to grilled native lobster and whole roast Packington chicken. With our tastebuds erring on the side of sh, I tried the pan fried lemon sole with a portion of hand cut chips, whilst my guest sampled the grilled whole boneless trout accompanied by sides of spinach and sauté potatoes with soft onions.MyMy compliments go to the chef as this course was nothing short of divine.

Aside from being very generous in size, the lemon sole which was decorated by a delicate garnish of grilled cherry tomatoes, was cooked perfectly resulting in a succulent texture, whilst the lemon, herb, and butter sauce complimented the sh superbly with every bite.

My guest was equally impressed with the trout, which boasted a moist consistency and elegant presentation.

Dining With A ViewThe Terrace Grill & Bar At Le Méridien Piccadilly

Come the dessert, and if like me, you have a sweet tooth, there is a mouth-watering choice of puddings which span from a British cheese board through to a Lemon Syllabub. Following some lengthy deliberation, the nal decisiondecision came in the form of home-made ice cream decorated with blueberries and a bright orange Physalis fruit as a centrepiece, and a chocolate trufe with raspberry sorbet. After ample starters and mains, the light and subtle composition of these sweets rounded off the meal beautifully.

The service throughout was well chochoreographed (there was around a 15-minute gap between nishing one course and the next one arriving), but not fast enough to feel like they were pining after the table for the next sitting. Our host for the evening was very hospitable,hospitable, and more importantly, smiley. But what stood out the most for us was his careful and thoughtful manner as to how he positioned every item on the table so as to create the least intrusion and interruption to the ow of conversation.

ThisThis was yet another reection of this eatery’s passion for detail which we had witnessed during the evening at the Terrace Grill & Bar.

Considering that this is a restaurant of a luxury hotel on one of London’s most popular streets, the prices are very reasonable for its location. Expect to pay between £21 and £35 each for sh and up to £45 for a single meat dish. Coupled with sides, mineral water, as well as a bottle of house white wine (a crisp 2010 Pinot Grigio in this case), you are realistically looking in the region of around £100 and upwards for three courses for two people minus hot beverages and cocktails (which can also be enjoyed in the gin bar and upper lounge aand upper lounge area).

Upon departure, we were both comforted by the fact that we had enjoyed a meal that left you feeling that you had eaten well, but were not bursting at the seams. The best way to really sum up this venue is that if you are looking for smart surroundings, excellent food and service, and a sensibly-priced meal away from the hustle and bustle, the Terrace Grill & Bar will not disappoint.

For more information on the Terrace Grill & Bar, visit www.terracegrillandbar.com.

HM5 On the Road Again may appear relatively simple, but it’s complicated: the hour and minute displays look straightforward, but they are bi-directional jumping hours with indications inversed, reected 90° to the vertical and magnied 20%; HM5 has a futuris-tic case design, but it's from the 1970s; the case of HM5 is not water resistant, but its movement is; HM5 has a modern automatic winding mechanical movement, but it was inspired by an era when quartz was King; the rear louvres on supercars block light, but on HM5 they let it in; HM5 has exhaust pipes, but they drain water; HM5 is On the Road Again, but its inspiration baAgain, but its inspiration barely left the garage.

The last decade or two have seen an exponential growth in inventions that have revolu-tionised our lives. Robots may not cook dinner, but they can build cars, vacuum the home and mow the lawn. Sending a man to Mars is not a question of if, but when.

But imagine the exciting anticipation of the future in the early 1970s with the arrival of supercars, hovercrafts, supersonic Concords, Apollo moon landings; and high-precision quartz watches. Everything seemed possible: humanoid robots, jet-packs and ying cars. In the 1970s the future wasn’t tomorrow, it was today!

WATCHES - HM5 ‘On The Road Again’

“Imagine telling somebody in 1972 that in 2012, most people would be wearing round watches with round dials and three hands. That would sound crazier and more far-fetched than the idea of living on Mars!” Maximilian Büsser

InIn 1972, one plucky watch brand, Amida, decided to take on the quartz usurpers at their own game with the Digitrend, which featured a fashionably futuristic ta-pered case and vertical digital LED-look display pow-ered by a mechanical movement. It looked just like a cutting-edge quartz watch and it eventually became an iconic timepiece. Unfortunately, appreciation came too late to save Amida.

The unmistakable wedge-shaped case of On the Road Again is direct homage to the daring Amida Digitrend. However, it also takes unmistakable cues from the sleek low-slung supercars of the epoch, with louvres on their near horizontal rear windows blocking sunlight and heat. Conversely, the slide operated louvres on HM5 open to allow light in to charge on the Super-LumiNova numbers on the time disks. numbers on the time disks.

Another distinguishing feature of supercars are throaty exhaust pipes. HM5 has dual exhausts to drain water, in case – like James Bond’s Lotus in ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’ – HM5 gets wet. An inner water-resistant case keeps HM5’s Engine nice and dry.

An optical grade sapphire prism reects the horizontal hour and minutes so that they display vertically and a convex lens magnies the numeral by 20% for im-proved legibility. The vertical forward-facing display makes HM5 an excellent driver’s watch as there is no need to lift your wrist from the steering wheel to read the display.

HM5HM5 takes these 1970s icons and now, 40 years into the future, puts them On the Road Again.

Maximilian Büsser

Q. With the roaring success of MB&F, the M.A.D Galleries and fatherhood, meetings, interviews and awards how are you nding balancing everything?

I'veI've never been more balanced. You have to imagine how obsessed I had to be at the beginning of MB&F to make this crazy idea exist. Focused is a mild word. Nothing counted outside allowing MB&F to be born and become viable. Now, seven years later, I have a fantasticfantastic team of 14 super competent people who do, much better than I would, everything I was doing on my own the rst years.

Now I can concentrate on what I love most and therefore do best: creating, inspiring, engaging.

OneOne often says that life goes through seven year cycles. I believe that at MB&F our rst cycle is ending and opening up to the next big chapter of our creative process. It is exhilarating…

Q. What has been your highlight(s) for 2012?

No doubt, when my wife told me she was pregnant.

Q. What do you have planned for you and the company in 2013?

As usual many many new projects! AA new Machine, a new Performance Art piece and a few other surprises… We just opened our rst mono-brand MB&F boutique in China and will probably be opening our second M.A.D. Gallery in Taipei this year (following the success of our Geneva M.A.D.M.A.D. Gallery). You will also see some amazing creative projects which are not linked to the watch industry and that should make you smile. 2013 will be an amazing vintage!

Q. Congratulations on your recent double win at the Grand Prix de l’Horlogerie de Genève. When the Legacy Machine 1 (LM1) won both the Public Prize and the Best Men’s Watch, describe your feelings when you heard the announcement.

InitiallInitially, on being rewarded the Public prize it was just shock. And then just as the numbing was still subsiding, we found that we won Best Men’s watch of the year, so yet more shock! I think I spent the rest of the ceremony in a complete daze.

Then,Then, after walking out of the theater and discovering the look on my team’s faces, true happiness exploded!

Discreetly (and oh so cool and exclusively) tucked away on the border of the Square Mile in east London, is the latest bespoke Chinese ne dining experience to be introduced by the Hakkasan Group: HKK.

To be in such great company with the likes of top eaterieseateries Chrysan, Yauatcha and of course, Hakkasan, our standards were set really high before arriving. With that said, it didn’t take us very long to discover that HKK naturally lives up to all expectations. Just like its well-established sister restaurants, this place is fast becoming one of the hottest gourmet spots around.

HKKHKK exclusively offers a single, ever-evolving tasting menu for lunch and dinner. Our unique evening meal comprised of 15 carefully crafted courses – each one completely different yet wholly complementary to the previous and next. Here, the menu philosophy tellstells the story of China through reviving and modernis-ing old recipes, using authentic wok and barbecue cooking methods alongside present-day sous vide techniques.

Guests dine in a round, facing a central serving table, so you can watch as mouthwatering dishes are prepared in front of your eyes. A long, well-equipped bar also stretches across almost one entire side of the wall, shaking up various signature cocktails and decanting ne spirits and exquisite wines from around the world, including sake. We were impressed to see a deliciously variedvaried and well thought out vegetarian menu, plus non-alcoholic drinks pairings; a series of fresh juices, mixed cocktails and teas. We decided to enhance our meal with a wonderfully paired ight of wines, each one excellently described by our charming and informed sommelier.

After our Chinese-inspired cocktail aperitifs, we began our four starter-style courses with ‘four treasure’ Iberico ham wrap, paired with a savoury white Spanish no. Next arrived the 20 years Gu-yue-long-shan drunken chicken. Cherry wood roasted Peking duck followed by poulet de Bresse and a well-presented dried scallop soup was suitably matched with a light, ruby red pinot noinoir. Course ve was a dim sum trilogy of Gai-lan, shimeji mushroom and lily bulb in XO sauce, served with a daring yet refreshlingly vibrant, orange coloured cocktail called ‘Bitter Fortune’. Wok fried lobster with pan-mee went down a treat with the crisp taste of

Australian chardonnay.

Reena Patel Feasts on 15-Courses of Fine Culinary Cantonese Fayre at HKK

The skill and creativity of Michelin-starred chef Tong Chee Hwee shines beyond comprehension. He injects his talent for presenting complex avoured Cantonese dishes with a modern air, delivering originality and vi-tality to every dish at HKK. Mid-way follows a ritualistic afternoon tea course: a high quality blend of Da Hong Pao oolomg (also known as ‘Big Red Robe’ and is the mostmost expensive tea per pound in the world), served with osmanthus ower jelly and water chestnut cake to help cleanse the palette – t enough for a Chinese emperor.

We were then on to the main courses of monksh llet with Louis Roederer champagne sauce and toban of homemade pumpkin tofu, served with rice wine, sake. Our favourites were the next two dishes: jasmine tea-smoked Wagyu beef and steamed razor clam with chilli, mui-choi glutinous rice. Our imperial banquet was topped off with a helping of lychee tapioca with a tropical sorbet and passion jam, followed by pineapple fritter, salted lime jelly and vanilla ice-cream and a selec-tion of petits fours, along with a luscious Italian dessert wine.

HKK is denitely a sensational sensory and sumptuous experience not to be missed.

www.hkk.com

It seems to have been picked in a garden of diamonds. Surrounding a heart of light, it appears in all its facetted glory, adorning studs or pending earrings, a pendant or ring, a necklace or a “secret” watch…

Piaget Rose

JEWELLERY - Piaget Rose

A delightful jewel on which time has no hold. A wind of gentle madness gently sways it at this meeting point of re-invented love and nature, and as if it had been re-enchanted by the jeweller whose creative exuberance it so powerfully inspires.

AA sculpted rose, an openworked rose, a lacework rose, blooming amid the heady euphoria of an allegory quivering with desire… Its kingdom is metamorphosis. It is surrounded by an omnipresent glow, and its garden is an endless spring.

Expertise and careAtAt Piaget, the rose is rst and foremost the expression of a natural environment that is interpreted in a stylised rather than naturalist fashion. Voluptuous. Sensual. Jubilant, like a woman in a fuchsia coloured evening gown walking through her rose garden. Posing in broad daylight and out of context. The advertising visual pro-duced by Tim Walker for Piaget is the echo of the work ofof Piaget’s jewellery artisans, attentively cultivating this rose garden, ignoring conventions, to better exalt its spirit.

Piaget Rose ring in 18K white gold set with 178 brilliant-cut diamonds and a central brilliant-cut diamond. Ref. G34U5600

Piaget Rose - Limelight Garden Party watch with case-spring. Case in 18K white gold set with 668 brilliant-cut diamonds. Black satin strap. Folding-clasp buckle in 18K white gold set with 40 brilliant-cut diamonds. Piaget 56P quartz movement.Ref. G0A37180movement.Ref. G0A37180

The spirit of the Piaget Rose: loving, gen-erous, relaxed. A rose with character, a rose that is almost a peony. Present in the lines of a simple pendant as well as in the swirls of a ring set with 158 diamonds and a 5,1 carat, pink sapphire dewdrop. A rose appealing to both mind and heart.

For the House of Piaget, the rose is a tal-isman. A message of eternity and re-newed love that pulsates daily. A gener-ous, joyous icon mirroring the rose of which it is the muse: the Yves Piaget rose.

“The rose is the most universal ower. For me, it brings to mind childhood, and my rst love for the wild roses called Sweet Briars, which grow wild at 1,100 metres. It was when I left La Côte-aux-Fées to go to Neuchâtel that I discovered nursery roses.”

“I“I have always been in love with roses, fascinated by the work done by breed-ers, whose imagination is matched by their absolute discipline. They seek only beauty and performance. In 1982, when the rose peony was christened the Yves Piaget rose, it was an extremely emo-tional moment for me.

“I love these graded shades from pink to mauve, I love its exceptional perfume. It’s a true delight. To celebrate this joy daily, all you need is a little row of a dozen rose bushes.” Yves Piaget

Once upon a time there was a rose … The Yves Piaget rose

InIn 1982, in the prestigious setting of the Concours International de Roses Nouvelle de Genève (Geneva International Competition of New Roses), the winning rose was christened the “Yves Piaget” rose. After being cultivated for two years in the rose garden in GenevaGeneva’s Parc des Eaux Vives, the rose won the three most important prizes that year: Diplôme de Médaille d’Or, Prix de la Ville de Genève, Coupe du Parfum-Rose d’or …

A legend was born.OfOf a pale pink Neyron hue, and with a very particular shape that resembles a peony, the Yves Piaget rose ourishes in a volup-tuous swirl of more than 80 lace petals, exhaling a Rosa Centifolia perfume as powerful as its owering is abundant in the folds of its pink and mauve dress.

A heady passion.A heady passion.ThirtyThirty years later, the emotion is as strong as ever. “On that day, I was the same colour as my rose …” remembers Yves Piaget. In 1982, this tribute thus rendered sealed his veritable commitment to the queen of owers, a passion so precious to him that he created in 1979 a trophy: a life-sizelife-size rose in 18-carat gold made in the Piaget workshops for the Concours International de Roses Nouvelles de Genève, and which he awarded no less than 30 times.

The Piaget garden … or the rose sagaAt Piaget, every jewel is a symbol of love, a message of seduction and sensuality, whose inspiration is translatedtranslated into a thousand and one bouquets of light dedicated to feminine beauty. So it was completely natural that the rose, the most frequently gifted ower in the world, should from the Sixties onwards became a motif dear to the House whose collections were inspired by plant life. Interlacing golden petals, hearts set with diamonds, brooches, sautoir necklaces, medallions, ringsrings and cuff-watches – all make reference to the garden, combining the eternity of stones with the fresh bloom of feelings. At Piaget, the rose has established itself as the queen of its creative garden, suffusing it with new light with each new season.

2012 saw the Yves Piaget rose turn 30 years old. Piaget is celebrating this birthday in the most natural way imaginable – by treating its collections to an efores-cence of new models. From ear studs to the “secret” watch set with 668 diamonds – the dream is intact.

Flower jewel, jewel owerForFor Piaget, the rose is the symbol of a passion – that of Yves Piaget, and that of the designers and jeweller craftsmen it inspires. Through their talent, some 100 creations have bloomed in Piaget’s rose garden, offering three interpretations of a rose that remains as unique as ever.

A rose blooming with diamondsInIn gold, in diamond, at its heart glistens a drop of dew exalted by the most luminous gem of them all. It voluptuously unfurls its entirely diamond-set stylised petals, blossoming generously just like a real rose.

The openworked roseItIt plays with light like a ower awakening under the rst rays of sunlight, revealing the joyful roundness of its open golden petals, polished or set with diamonds. An icon of true feelings, with a diamond beating at its heart.

The lacework roseIts open petals caress the skin, as if to leave their pprecious imprint. Its intensely sensual, light and sinuous interlacing motifs enhanced by gold and sometimes diamonds, trace the contours of a vibrant, exquisitely delicate rose.

Secrets of a roseIn Piaget’s jewellery workshop, craftsmen have developed their technique so as to give this gold or diamonddiamond ower the volume and sparkle of a real rose. Every element is made individually, and then assembled. The petals cut from a gold plate are individually formed by pliage.

To enable each diamond to be magnied by light, on the back of each petal the jeweller pierces the metal at the exact spot each gem is positioned, using the “honey-comb” technique. On this particular place, the gemset-ter prepares the gold, which has already been polished, to receive the stones, and forms the grains that will hold it in the precious metal. This method brings additional sparkle to the setting. He then sets the nal touch by making a delicate engraving on the perimeter of the petals in order to accentuate their curve. The rose thus begins to take shape. Each element is mounted from the inside and from the top to the bottom of the ower, thereby ensuring that the Piaget Rose continues to preserve the secret of its generous voluptuousness.

Pen connoisseurs everywhere will love this eye-catching diamond encrusted fountain pen - the rst of a strictly limited collection of handcrafted jewelled masterpieces by Graf von Faber-Castell.

This decadent writing instrument is dressed with 60 gems - 58 of which are diamonds - with a combined weight of 4.6 carats. The barrel has been cast in solid 18 carat gold. Two Brazilian Madeira citrines shine at the cap and the end of the barrel, which is crowned with hand-set diamonds. The pen cap and end cap and all other metal parts are 24 carat gold plated, while the 18 carat bi-colour gold nib has been run in by hand to ensure smooth and even ink ow.

UponUpon purchase, you also receive a certicate on the weight, carat and numbering, signed by Count Anton-Wolfgang von Faber-Castell himself. The ‘Pen of the Year 2012 Diamond Edition’ fetches for a cool £60,000 at Harrods. Graf von Faber-Castell also offers a tidy Desk Accessories Gift Box for £995, which is made of the nest Italian calfskin in your choice of brown or black. It holds a selection of six stylish accesso-ries, including letter opener, notepad holder and pen holder to store your beautiful writing jewels. There’s also space for a pen tray, six Guilloche pencils in an elegant sliding case and a desk pad.

Perfect for a slick study.

With the jingle bells of Christmas and festive reworks of New Year celebrations behind us; it’s time to launch into a brand new year with new brand plans and expectations.

HaveHave you already made plans for Saint Valentine’s Day? If you are still looking for ideas, we’ve got a good one for you. How about whisking away your loved one for a romantic weekend in Mallorca? With Orient-Express’ La Residencia opening for a new season 2013 you’ve got a perfect opportunity to do it in style.

PePerched on the edge of an artists’ village of Deià, on the north-west coast of Mallorca, and sheltered by grand mountains of Tramuntana on one side and a pretty swimming cove on the other, this historic mansion come luxurious boutique-hotel is the epitome of a love nest. Set amongst beautiful gardens surrounded by olive and lemon groves, the estate is hidden from stress andand noise of the modern-day high-paced life, and offers peace and tranquility in a picturesque setting with spectacular views of the mountains and the sea. What better place for a memorable celebration of the most romantic day of the year?

If that sounds tempting, La Residencia offers a special package for The Valentine’s Day celebration to set a romantic tone to your stay. You will receive an automatic upgrade to a Junior Suite, a complimentary bottle of Champage and a beautiful bouquet of owers to welcomewelcome you, a four-course dinner in El Olivo, the hotel’s exquisite ne dining restaurant, and a €50 credit at La Residencia’s award-winning Spa for each guest. In addition to that, the morning after, you can take your time greeting the new day with the loved one by your side, as breakfast can be served in your suite till as late as 2 o’clock in the afternoon, which is also a part of the package.package.

Whether you come to stay for two days or longer, you are in no danger of being bored. There are plenty of things you can enjoy together. To make the most of the breathtaking scenery and bohemian location, the hotel offers car and bike excursions, hot-air balloon and helicopterhelicopter rides, as well as sailing or motor boat trips around the beautiful coastline. If you are into physical activities, why not to explore the local hiking tracks on foot or astride a cute resident donkey and take in the stunning panoramic views along the way, or try out the hotel‘s two superb tennis courts surrounded by the Tramuntana Mountains and overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean.Mediterranean. There are Yoga, Tai-Chi and Pilates sessions as well as indoor heated pool aqua-aerobics classes on offer.

For creative souls, there is a fantastic opportunity to see artists at work and to try your hand at painting, ceramics or sculpting under the instruction of a professional. There are hands-on demonstrations, art classes and workshops for guests as well as a hotel gallery featuring a remarkable contemporary collection of original works of art created by artists who have lived and worked in Deià or MalloDeià or Mallorca.

When you get hungry, being busy with all the activities, there are plenty of options to fulll all your gastronomic needs right in front of you. From ne dining in the award-winning El Olivo, set in a 16th-century olive ppress and offering a superb spread of Mediterranean delicacies in a romantic, elegant ambience, all the way to a cozy traditional picnic outside with a view to behold.

And,And, of course, there is an award-winning La Residencia Spa to consider at the end of an adventur-ous day. What better way to complete your wonderful break together than to get pampered side by side at a fabulous spa with a view? Some of the treatment rooms have open-air terraces, so that you could enjoy the astonishing views while having a soothing treatment. There is a wide range of therapeutic treatments that will help you relax and unwind, as well as an indoor pool, Jacuzzi and sauna to enhance your experience.

So, if you are planning an unforgettable romantic get-away this February, La Residencia in Mallorca might be just what you are looking for.

A fairy-tale mansion in gorgeous surroundings… Who said that romance is dead?

By Sabi PhaguraTake Thai'm Out To Relax

By Simon Wittenberg MIOJ

It’s virtually impossible to nd some quality ‘me’ time.

But sometimes that’s just the ticket we need to relax, rrejuvenate and recharge our batteries, before we can get going again. With this in mind, I jumped at the chance to review a day spa where I could get a few hours all to myself and relax. And who would’ve thought that hidden amidst the bustling streets of London’s Covent Garden, I would nd just the place. The Thai Square chain is popularly known for its rich traditionaltraditional cuisine and the spa I discovered, extends this reputation to food for the soul. It specialises in bringing traditional Thai treatments to London and has various divine facilities including seven treatment rooms, two luxury copper baths and a mosaic steam Rasul suite.

Housed in a converted Victorian warehouse, I immedi-ately escaped the buzzing shops of London, and entered into the lap of tranquil surroundings of the spa. After being welcomed by the lovely and calm staff, I was greeted by my therapist Noo, who told me she would be treating me to a Thai Hot Compress treatment.

This massage she said, uses traditional herbal remedies, rolled up into a ball encased in muslin bag and heated before being placed all over my body. II couldn’t get into my silky robe and slippers quick enough, ready to bask in any heat I could get considering the sub-zero temperatures I’ve had to endure the last week. The treatment began with a oral foot soak, whereby my feet were plunged into a terra-cotta bowl of soothing warm soapy water with rose petals and herbs.

While Noo worked on cleansing my tired feet, I took sips from a cup of their signature tea – the Thai bael fruit tea. This fruit, I was informed, is normally used in religious rituals including healing internal wounds and getting rid of toxins in the intestines. I remember thinking I would need more than just a cup!

AsAs soon as I lay face down on the massage bench, I was in pure luxurious bliss. Noo was clearly an expert, having trained at the popular Wat Po training school in Thailand, and applied just the right amount of pressure with the compressor, to push and stretch the tension out of my body. The pressure from the compressor was fairly hot and rm but not painful and completely invigo-rating.rating. I remember thinking I would sleep soundly that night but sleep came sooner – at the massage bench!

Halfway through the treatment I nodded off and it was the sound of my own gentle snoring that actually awoke me. I was a little embarrassed to say the least, but Noo reassured me I wasn’t the rst client to fall asleep during the treatment. The Thai Square Spa use Erb products, a premium natural skincare range inspired by ancient Thai herbal remedies and rituals. The range was launched in ThailandThailand in 2000 and is already recognised as one of the country’s top skincare brands. These natural products are dedicated to the wellbeing of the mind, body and soul and the ones used on my body were truly amazing, rebalancing and healing. Unfortunately time really does y by when you’re having fun but I decided to savour the surroundings of the wooden relaxation with another cupcup of warming bael fruit tea. But it was so delicious that I couldn’t make it last much longer and before long I was dressed and returned to the real world.

PRESTIGE 450S : MORE SPACE, MORE COMFORTThe interior of this new Garroni design will surprise you with a living space entirely on one level, a spacious saloon affording a panoramic view, and a galley that is ideally located near the entrance, between the saloon and the cockpit. This is truly a signature Prestige.

OOffering spacious double cabins, including one central cabin with independent access, the interior layout features many details that one would expect to nd on a much larger model. Also worth noting are the two large head compartments with separate showers.

ThisThis Prestige is truly dedicated to a superior quality of life aboard. The surprisingly generous dimensions of the cockpit give way to a large hydraulic swim platformand an immense storage compartment.

THE NEW PRESTIGE 450S AND PRESTIGE 550S

PRESTIGE 550S : THE COUPE CONCEPT REVISITEDThe concept of coupé motor yachts, as revisited by Prestige, features a large living space designed entirely on a single level, with a wide opening door to the cockpit and a large, electric opening sunroof. This congurationconguration is ideal for cruising in any latitudes, and unlike conventional express motor yachts, it will provide the added benet of comfortable cruising in any weather conditions.

Never seen before on a yacht of this size: the luxury sport ybridge is accessible by a staircase and sheltesheltered by a canopy, where the XXL sundeck on the roof of the sport top provides an additional space for relaxation, whether at anchor or at sea. The cockpit ofof the Prestige 550 S is generously proportioned and features a comfortable sunbed, with an electric sun awning for shelter on demand. The aft cabin remains accessible from the cockpit. A large hydraulic platform is the ideal place to enjoy the sea and store the tender.

The Fastest four-seat convertible in the world

202 MPH

The Bentley ContinentalGT Speed Convertible

CARS - The Bentley Continental GT

The new GT Speed Convertible combines the sensory pleasures of roof-down luxury touring with the shattering performance of a 625 PS (616 bhp) twin-turbocharged 6.0 litre W12, while delivering a fteen per cent improvement in fuel efciency.

TheThe close-ratio eight-speed transmission, uprated and lowered suspension and retuned steering provide exhilarating acceleration and sharp, communicative handling without detriment to the renowned ride comfortcomfort of Bentley’s Continental convertible. Permanent all-wheel drive ensures optimum traction and power delivery whatever the road conditions. Taking its place at the pinnacle of the Bentley Continental range, the new GT Speed Convertible has a top speed of 202 mph (325 km/h) and in true Bentley style, no compromises have been made in craftsman-ship,ship, luxury or renement to deliver this unrivalled performance. Subtle sporting design cues include exclusive 21-inch alloy wheels, dark-tint grilles and ‘ried’ exhaust tail pipes. Inside its handcrafted cabin, the GT Speed convertible features the Mulliner Driving Specication as standard, blending contemporary luxury with a distinctly sporting character.

The Continental GT Speed convertible shares its power-train specication with its Bentley stablemate the GT Speed coupé. The 625 PS (616 bhp) twin-turbocharged, 48-valve, W12 engine powers the new convertible to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.4 s.) and onto a top speed of 202 mph (325 km/h). Nought to 100 mph (160 km/h) is despatched in only 9.7 seconds. Peak totorque – an impressive 800 Nm (590 lb.ft) – is reached at just 2000 revs/min and maintains that level through to 5000 revs/min for effortless, rened performance at all times.

Inside, exclusive treadplates featuring the ‘Speed’ legend welcome you to a four-seat cabin that featufeatures the hand-craftsmanship of the Mulliner Driving Specication, with its distinctive diamond-quilted hide upholstery. For the Continental GT Speed models Bentley offers an exclusive Dark Tint Aluminium ‘engine spin’ nish, inspired by the dashboards of the Le Mans winning Bentleys of thethe 1920s. Its understated shade is the perfect complement to the exterior’s dark tint chrome radiator and bumper grilles. Other optional nishes include the full range of ne wood veneers and a satin-nish Carbon Fibre option for fascia and centre console. TheThe infotainment system features Bentley’s latest software upgrades, which vary from region to region but include renements such as point of inteinterest mapping, optional satellite landscape imag-ery, live trafc data and, where the infrastructure supports it, digital radio. The system features 15 Gigabytes of available music space, as well as the facility to play music via an iPod, MP3 player, the car’s own six-disc CD changer or SD card. Flat panel Balanced Mode Radiator (BMR) speak-ers, which combine the functions of separate tweeter and midrange speakers in one unit, direct the sound with accuracy and provide greater clarity across the audible spectrum. Alternatively, the audiophile Naim for Bentley system, incorporating custom-built speakers and eight individual Digital Sound Processing modes, is available as an option. As a thoughtful touch, the audio balance settings automatically alter when the roof is lowered to com-pensate for the change in listening environment.

CARS - Aston Martin 100 Years

The new Continental GT Speed Convertible offers the luxury and renement of a coupé yet transforms into a head-turning open tourer at the touch of a button. The four-layer hood ensures high levels of renement and acoustic insulation. Exhaustively tested in all conditions from -30°C to +50°C or more, it resists even monsoon-force rain and maintains comfortable, draft-free warmth even on the coldest days. Another practical feature, the neck warmer, makes open air driving an appealing and comfortable prospect even on the cooler days of spring and autumn. With the hood down, the Continental GT Speed convertible offers sensational performance with the sensory amplication of open-air motoring. Hood up, it’s as practical a year-round proposition as its coupé stablemate.coupé stablemate. As with every Bentley Continental model, the GT Speed convertible offers the reassuring stability of permanent all-wheel drive, biased 60:40 in favour of the rear so the spirited driver can control the car’s line with the throttle. The rear-biased torque split also minimises understeer during hard cornering while the system varies torque between the front and rear axles for optimum grip in all roadroad and weather conditions. The result is an exhilarat-ing combination of performance and practicality; a Bentley that can tackle sun-drenched boulevard or snowy alpine pass with equal aplomb.

With torsional stiffness a class-leading 22,500 Nm/degree, the bodyshell of the Continental GT Speed convertible is exceptionally rigid, laying the perfect foundation for a more engaging driving experience. The aluminium double-wishbone front suspension and trapezoidal multi-link rear setup feature revised air suspensionsuspension springs and dampers for improved agility and body control with little sacrice in ride comfort.

FFrom outside, the Continental GT Speed convertible is distinguished by a matrix radiator grille and bumper air intakes in a dark-tint chrome nish. The 21” Speed alloy wheels are unique to this model, and are available in silver or an optional dark tint. Large, elliptical exhaust tailpipes feature a ried interior, while a further, subtle design touch is revealed when the bonnet is opened – thethe black inlet manifold is unique to the Continental Speed models. As with the GT Speed coupé, the winged ‘B’ badge which crowns the radiator shell is set upon a black enamel background. The front wings of the GT Speed Convertible are created in superformed aluminium, their seamless form and crisply-dened body creases creating an impression of tension and muscularity. The 10 mm lower suspension and unique 21” wheels accentuate the wide, low and poised stance.

March & WhiteInterview with Elliot March and James WhiteBy Simon Wittenberg MIOJ

March & White is an architecture and interior design studio based in London. The rm’s portfolio of work in the luxury sector includes hotels, restaurants, as well as private residences. The studio has recently completed two signicant projects in London, the acclaimedacclaimed LIMA restaurant and an apart’hotel on Sussex Gardens. We caught up with their Directors, Elliot March and James White, to nd out more.

LM: What is the main philosophy behind the March & White business?

M&M&W: We undertake an unusually broad range of work, spanning from hotels and restaurants to houses and royal residences. But linking all of our projects is a detail-focused approach, from selecting the perfect materials to designing bespoke furniture.

A dening characteristic of our work is its holistic appapproach, merging architecture and interior design. A lot of rms treat the two disciplines as separate, but our team integrates the two skills – if you want a remarkable property, you can’t create an exciting bit of architecture that is let down by the details of the interior. Fundamentally, we see the integration of the exterior and interior as one of the key drivers for producing better buildings. better buildings. 

LM: Where are the majority of your clients from, and which type of customers do you work with?

M&W: We are lucky to have loyal clients who appreciate design and understand the value we add. This can range from private individuals in London to royal families in the Middle East. We also work with design-led developers and landed estates such asas Grosvenor on their Mayfair & Belgravia high-end residential portfolio.

LM: Luxury can also be about extravagance. Are there any specic demands or requests which have particularly stood out during projects to date?

M&W: We are currently designing a 10m high circular rrevolving dining room clad in exquisite crystal walls – that’s pretty extravagant!

LM: Is luxury in the eye of the beholder or are there materials or features which particularly make some-thing ultra luxurious?

M&W: Simply having vast quantities of space can make a project ultra-luxurious, especially if you are working in a city like Paris or London, where this is at a premium. With space, it gives you the ability to indulge yourself. We are now seeing a demand for these additional special rooms to house private collections including vintagevintage dresses, personal wine collections, and even state gifts.

LM: When you receive a commission, what are the principal steps in taking a design from concept to reality, and how much of the design is inuenced by the customer?

M&M&W: We approach each project with no preconcep-tions – we don’t have a “house style”, but we do have a process. This involves mapping out initial concept mood boards to help understand the client’s aspirations and lifestyle. Then we produce detailed designs and visualisations so we can discuss how the design is processing with the client. We then develop the design further and select the furnishing and xtures, seeing the project right through to completion. The client is involved every step of the way – we value their input, experience and aspirations as it is ultimately their own special place we are creating.

LM:LM: What is the most ambitious and challenging luxury project you have ever undertaken?

M&W: All of our projects are challenging and exciting in different ways. Our approach is not to play it safe butbut keeping on trying new ideas. However, we have a particularly remarkable project in the Middle East which is rumoured to be the largest private residence in the region!

LM: Whether you are designing a mansion or high-end hotel, what are the most important architectural considerations?

M&W: Light, space, and volume should always be at the forefront of good design, because without these, thethe design is always let down. Also, don’t design your building around your façade! We sometimes inherit buildings from architects who have planned it this way around and spend months trying to unravel the oor plans and make the interiors work, especially if they are high-end luxury apartments.

LM:LM: Are there any materials (e.g. marble/wood/slate etc) or interior design nishes which are proving particularly popular today?

M&W: We have been using metal-effect panelling by a company called Metal FX in our residential interiors, which is more commonly associated with retail and hospitalithospitality. Until now, this material has been seen as being too cold for living spaces but new matte nishes are warm and sophisticated and will become a popular choice for home-owners wanting to nd a new way of animating their spaces. For instance, we have recently completed a penthouse in Chelsea where we clad an entire feature book wall in metal Shargren, which is really beautiful.really beautiful.

LM: What do you think will be the principal luxury inte-rior design trends for 2013?

Forecasting interior design trends is always tricky because we try and blend the latest ideas, technologies, and trends with a timeless elegance. In 2013, we expect a return to 1920s glamour in the home with the creation of opulent Great Gatsby-style interiors using real signature pieces to create a very strong look, blending contemporary and classic design.

Luxury interiors will avoid becoming pastiche by focusing on craftsmanship and the use of quality natural materials such as Made a Mano tiles created from lava stone and painted by hand in Italy. But, as we say, these current styles have to be introduced subtly into an interiointerior, giving designs longevity.

LM: And about yourselves, Elliot and James, what are your backgrounds in architecture/interiors, and where do you see the business in ve years’ time?

M&M&W: We have both been in the industry for over 10 years having previously worked for renowned design rms such as Daniel Libeskind Studio, Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands and Stiff & Trevillion. We came together and created the company with an emphasis on designing the most striking and remarkable buildings and interiors.

WWe are already working on some of the most ground-breaking large scale private residences around the world, so who knows where we will be in 5 years’ time? Hopefully we will have the opportunity to design a cutting-edge hotel and resort!

LM: Thank you for your time Elliot and James, and you have given our readers a great insight into your business.

And So To Bed’s new ‘Grand Versailles’ is a sparkling bespoke dream of a bed, gilded with silver leaf andembellished with glittering Swarovski crystals.

Thousands of scintillating Swarovski crystals encrust the bed’s base and ornament the tall, intricately hand-carved headboard. Each crystal is individually hand applied, a delicate process taking more than three weeks of work. Fifteen different sizes of Swarovski crystals are used on the headboard alone, illuminating the romantic period detailing and the magnicent acanthus nial which crowns the bed.

The Ultimate Sparkle

The Grand Versailles is a wonderful rococo folly of a bed; a magnicent piece of furniture made from mahogany, upholstered to order and hand-painted or gilded in silver or gold leaf. The Swarovski crystal embellishments are also applied to order, allowing customerscustomers to specify just how glittering and gorgeous they would like their ultimate bed to be!

Guide price for bed as shown £14,995.www.andsotobed.co.uk

WINES & SPIRITS - Reviews

Grand Marnier re-invents itself every year by designing a unique bottle. This Christmas, Grand Marnier pays tribute to Paris, the home of Grand Marnier’s success story.

TheThe design provides a timeless and evocative image of a magical night in Paris, capital of French luxury and Art de Vivre.

GrandGrand Marnier was invented by Louis-Alexandre Marnier Lapostolle and was rst produced in 1880. It’s secret lies in the balance between the strength and nobility of Cognac AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée, con-trolled designation of origin) and the exoticismexoticism and nesse of bitter orange purest essence.

In 1900, the “Grand” name was sug-gested by Cézar Ritz, Director of the Ritz hotel in Paris, to associate it with a Grand Liqueur, highly appreciated in more than 150 countries and by a large number of ne connoisseurs.

Available from December 2012 at Harvey Nichols (London) and specialists wine shops, with prices starting from £25.99.

By Pascale Hayward

Grand Marnier launches their Limited Edition “Paris” bottle

Created in Żyrardów, Poland, and rst introduced to North America in 1996, Belvedere Vodka represents the pinnacle of the Polish vodka-making tradition. Produced exclusively from the nest 100% Dankowskie Gold Rye, and quadruple distilled to create the perfect balance of character and purity, Belvedere Vodka is the world’s rst super premium vodka, offering a luxury experience to a broad international audience of enthusiasts and connoisseurs. Leaving notes of vanilla and rye on the palate, the nish is crisp and clean with lingering white pepper spice.

MeticulouslyMeticulously handcrafted in small batches to ensure superiority, Belvedere vodka must go through more than 30 quality control checks before it can be released. Completely additive-free and diluted with water from Belvedere’s own artesian well, this is a vodka which combines over 600 years of expertise with an uncompromising commitment to qualityquality and heritage. This dedication was rewarded with eight Vodka Masters prizes in 2009, twice as many as any of the other 120+ vodkas in competition. Belvedere means "beautiful to see", and the stunning bottle showcases the Belvedere Palace, the former home of Polish royalty and dignitaries. The bottling process is a slow one due to the number of checks, and the spirit is almost bottled by hand. Eleven people are employed at this stage of the production process, with a throughput of 8000 bottles per shift.

Allison Dedianko: Belvedere Vodka’s Global Brand AmbassadorAllisonAllison Dedianko recently visited South Africa for the very rst time where she hosted creative cocktail sessions in Johannesburg and Cape Town’s top bars and clubs such as HUSH, Latinova, and The Orphanage, to demonstrate the latest cocktail making techniques from around the globe.

Allison joined Moët Hennessy in January 2011 as Global Brand Ambassador for Belvedere Vodka after beating thousands of contestants in the “Bartender’s Dream Job Search” competitioncompetition which Belvedere ran on their Facebook page. She was one of 11 nalists who battled it out for the global ambassador title over a three-day nal in New York where she impressed the judges with her innovative mixology skills and vodka knowledge. Allison’s favourite cocktails include an ice cold Belvedere Martini with an orange twist and a Belvedere Orange Piña Colada. She is now responsible for representing Belvedere on an international level, educating bartenders all around the world, and promoting the brand’s various products.

EXPECT TO EXPECT TO PAY: From £29.25 (70 cl bottle)

Belvedere Vodka

Family owned distiller, William Grant & Sons have crafted this ultra premium scotch blend, which is a celebration of ve generations and a family centenary of whisky making history.

ExpertlyExpertly produced at the family distillery in Scotland by master blender Brian Kinsman, Grant’s 25 Year Old contains some of the world’s most highly-prized and distinctive malt and grain whiskies. Each whiskey is unhurried over time and matured in oak casks for six months to givegive enhanced depth and complexity. This special blend includes 25 whiskies from every region of Scotland, including the rst ever laid down at Grant’s Girvan distillery and rare whiskies from distill-eries no longer in existence. The most unique element in here is Girvan Grain, the backbone of all Grant’s blends.

On the nose are deftly balanced notes of fragrant summer peach blossom and polished leather. A cinnamon and ginger bite with a fresh and mellow sweetness follows on the taste, with a rich spice nish that lingers on the tongue.

The liquor has a warm rich amber hue and is encased in a bespoke bottle has specically designed to showcase the colour of the bronze blend. It is pre-sented in an individually hand-nished gift box adorned with gold engraved metalwork, making it an ideal gift for any whisky connoisseuwhisky connoisseur.

£210Available exclusively at Selfridges: www.selfridges.com

25 YEAR OLDWHISKYGRANT’S

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