Tag Archives: luxuo malaysia

SUNSHOWER: Celebrating Southeast Asian Art

Auspiciously, as the ASEAN celebrates its 50th year of existence, an ambitious art exhibition has launched to highlight the region’s diversity. Entitled “SUNSHOWER: Contemporary Art from Southeast Asia 1980s to Now”, the exhibition is hosted by the National Art Center and the Mori Art Museum, located in Roppongi, Tokyo’s art-forward neighbourhood.

“SUNSHOWER” is a culmination of field work spanning two years by a curating team of 14. Hundreds of gallery and studio visits, interviews and consultation with experts were conducted to select 180 pieces from 86 multi-generational artists. Eleven are Malaysians, including notable names like photomedia creator and film producer Yee I-Lann and veteran Wong Hoy Cheong. Visitors can expect to see large-scale installations and interactive pieces address post-colonial democracy, identity and how, despite periods of economic volatility in the region, Southeast Asian art has seen the much needed benefits of prosperity trickle into its scene.

“SUNSHOWER” will be staged simultaneously, from July 5 through October 23, 2017 at the National Art Center and the Mori Art Museum.

World’s Rarest Hermès Birkin Bag Worth USD380,000 Was Auctioned By Christie’s

Hermes’ Birkin bags are one of the most highlight sought after luxury fashion items in the world. Hence, there’s no surprise that a diamond-encrusted crocodile-skin Hermes Birkin handbag with white gold details has broken the record for the world’s most expensive ever sold at auction, fetching nearly US$380,000 at a Hong Kong sale. The rare Himalaya Niloticus Crocodile Diamond Birkin 30 went to an unknown phone bidder Wednesday for HK$2.94 million after intense bidding, a spokeswoman for auction house Christie’s told AFP. The new record beat one set last year, also in Hong Kong, by an identical Hermes bag that sold for HK$2.32 million.

Only one or two Diamond Himalayas are created each year globally, making it one of the rarest production runs for handbags, according to Christie’s. “It actually has been rumoured that they will discontinue Himalayas altogether this year, which may be part of the reason that we’ve seen the increase in the value this season,” Matthew Rubinger, Christie’s international head of handbags and accessories division, told AFP.

Designer handbags are increasingly seen as investment opportunities and have become a craze for collectors, taking global auction houses by storm and scoring record prices.

The handmade bag—described by the London-based auctioneers as “the most desirable handbag in existence”—is encrusted with diamonds, while the buckle and trademark mini Hermes padlock are from 18 carat white gold.

The bag was made in 2014 and is from Hermes’ “Birkin” series named after actress and singer Jane Birkin, who was born in Britain and lives in France.

5 Floating Home Concepts That Are Straight Out of a Sci-Fi Movie

Photo: Dymitr Malcew

Coastal or seaside residences have a certain allure that allow you to enjoy a view that is worth every pretty penny. However, we have discovered something that offers much more than a scenic view of the ocean far out in the distance. Since 2015, architectural firms have teased us with the designs of floating homes that give a whole new meaning to “right on the water” and with this new venture, your dreams may just be a reality. The idea of floating residences has long been a concept explored by design firms. With the recent interest of these buoyant babies, we take a look at five of the most promising ventures in the pipelines!

1.BMT Asia Pacific (BMT) SeaScape

The first on our list is the SeaScape, which is a floating villa conceptualised by BMT Asia Pacific. Unlike your usual oblong shaped villas, the SeaScapes take on a triangular platform base provides you with the perfect opportunity to attach several of the 700-square-foot units together for a larger villa to suit your needs. By combining multiple units, you can look forward to  sundecks and pools to lounge in, on top of a stunning underwater master bedroom. This state of the art modular design could allow owners to transform their villas into a variety of styles such as a floating bar with a submarine lounge.

For more information, do visit BMT.

2. Dubai’s Floating Seahorse Villas

One of the many unique designs to have garnered an immense amount of hype recently happens to be the Floating Seahorse Villas. A truly unique luxury experience, the Floating Seahorse is a three-story villa, with one submerged story. The first edition has been completely snapped up and it’s easy to see why. The underwater portion features a master bedroom and bathroom, with a spectacular coral garden right outside the walls. What’s better is an upcoming “Signature Edition” Villa designed for larger groups. With these $12 million dollar upgrades, you will be able to add your own personal touch to the villas. The new edition will be fully customizable to your personal style — bringing a whole new meaning to the term “signature”.

For more information, do visit The Heart of Europe.

3. The Floating House

Designed by Singapore based architect Dymitr Malcew, The Floating House is an imaginative project that is based on the idea of living on the water. This house is a picture perfect example of serenity for those who enjoy having nature right at their doorstep. With floor to ceiling glass walls, the house celebrates the feeling of freedom and openness, the main goal of the architect is to complement the houses’ surroundings. With nature being the underlying theme, most of the interior is made from wood. An engine can even be installed upon request to cater to the wanderlust of homeowners!

For more information, do visit Dymitr Malcew.

4. Unidentified Floating Object 2.0 (UFO)

This ultra-futuristic floating home is like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. The UFO 2.0 spans nearly 4,000 square feet and consists of three levels. The various levels include a living space, a kitchen and — you guessed it — an underwater bedroom. Made almost entirely out of fiberglass, this incredible villa was created by Italian design firm Jet Capsule, and is the second of its kind. The floating villa is equipped with two 80-hp electric engines, which are able to move the structure at a maximum speed of nine knots.

For more information, do visit Jet Capsule.

5. Amillarah Private Islands

What’s better than having a whole floating home to yourself? Why it’s having an entire floating island abode!  With the Amillarah Private Islands, not only are these residences fully customizable, you can also choose the location of your home. Each villa comes with a private beach, natural greenery as well as a jetty. Designed with its owner’s absolute privacy in mind, the Amillarah Private Islands are truly a chance for you to create your own exclusive paradise.

Words by Teri Chong. From: Luxuo. For more information, visit Amillarah.

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Bang and Olufsen’s New BeoSound Shape Provides Amazing Sound and Spruces Up Plain Walls

Danish manufacturer Bang & Olufsen has unveiled the BeoSound Shape, a new wireless speaker system with a sleek minimalist design and a modular setup. Launched at the Salone de Mobile Milan, the new audio system is made up of a series of hexagonal tiles, arranged on a wall in a unique, customisable and modular design. The system can even help improve interior acoustics when not in use.

Each tile has a specific function, as a speaker, an amplifier, an acoustic damper or a connectivity hub. They can be pieced together in endless combinations of varying sizes and are available in several colors. What’s more, the arrangement of the tiles has a direct impact on the acoustics of the room. At the heart of the speakers is the BeoSound core, a connectivity hub that has the hardware for AirPlay, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, and Bluetooth 4. Although the speakers are largely focused on wireless connectivity, it also has wired inputs for Ethernet.

The system uses an algorithm, developed by Bang & Olufsen, to ensure an immersive, centered soundstage no matter where you are in the room. In other words, the lead singer stays in the center of the soundscape and the instruments join in from the sides, seemingly staying in their place even when you move around. This creates what Bang & Olufsen calls a “band on the wall,” giving listeners the impression of a band playing live in the room. B&O has also developed an online design tool to help audio fans pick a layout for their tiles, suggesting optimal placements for the best results.

The BeoSound Shape will be available from Bang & Olufsen stores from August 2017. Prices depend on configurations (size, fabrics, etc.), but the basic kit, including eight tiles (four speakers, two sound-absorbing acoustic dampeners, one amplifier and one housing for the BeoSound Core connectivity hub) will start at €4,000 (approx. $4,265).

For more information, do visit Bang & Olufsen. Check out the B&O BeoSound Shape in this video:

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Most Expensive Vinyl Record: The Beatles’ White Album

Prices at auction are often determined by ownership pedigree and one particular copy of the Beatles White Album is now regarded as the most expensive vinyl record of all time. Owned by none other than Ringo Starr himself, this has become the most expensive vinyl ever sold, certified by a Guinness Record to that effect.

The band member’s 1968 copy of the White Album sold at auction last December for $790,000. The AFP reports that this new figure is a correction of the amount which was originally thought to be $910,000. Regardless though, the figure was good enough for the Guinness Records and that is all the validation needed.

The record, which was allegedly stored in a vault for 35 years, came with the serial number 0000001. The first four numbers of the album belonged to the members of the legendary group.

According to Starr, all proceeds from the sale went to his Lotus Foundation, a charity with broad social welfare goals.

The previous most expensive record was an acetate of Elvis Presley’s first recording, which is currently owned by Jack White (he paid $300,000 for it).

Consequence of Sound brings this point up so we will too… Some readers might wonder why America’s Most Hated Martin Shkreli’s purchase Once Upon a Time in America by the Wu Tang clan doesn’t get Guinness recognition but it was actually a private sale of a record that was previously never owned by anyone.

From: Luxuo

Universal Studios Hollywood Adds Evening Dazzle to Harry Potter Castle

Visitors of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood will be offered a nocturnal experience this summer that will shine a new light on Hogwarts under the cloak of night. As night falls on Hogsmeade Village, visitors will be treated to a new special effects and light show that will be projected against Hogwarts Castle.

Set against a musical arrangement by composer to the stars John Williams—whose soundtrack credits include the Harry Potter movies, “Jaws,” “E.T.” “Star Wars” “Indiana Jones” —”The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle” will showcase the four houses of Hogwarts: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin. The new show will be projected multiple times a night, beginning from June 23.

The thrill ride “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey,” which combines action sequences with a robotic ride system, was also upgraded from 3D to 4K-HD for a more hyper-realistic experience, at 120 frames per second.

The ride will take guests through the corridors of Hogwarts, Dumbledore’s office, the Gryffindor common room, and above the castle grounds.

Your New Luxury Property Purchase Now Comes With A Designer Interior

A living space overlooking a glimmering city skyline, a desirable location in the heart of a city, high-end amenities and privileges. These value-adding factors behind living in luxury residential developments can all have a huge impact on the saleability of a property, regardless of its geographical location. Increasingly, another amenity that is sought after by many international developers and that continues to lend desirable results for residential sales is a name of a noted architect or interior designer attached to a project, lending it an additional air of exclusivity and prestige. Developers of the latest crop of luxury residential properties increasingly seek to differentiate their developments by attracting clients with an allure of well-designed space that goes deeper than the bare bones of a residential structure, adding further integrity to already lucrative investments.

Building a Name

In demanding global property markets, where property appeal to a prospective buyer is key to landing a sale, developers turn to big name designers who will resonate with buyers. “Art, design and exquisite collectables are interlinked”, comments Charlie Walsh, Director, Sales, Lodha UK on the interconnectivity between a designer’s name and exclusive lifestyle. “Top fashion houses are increasingly partnering with five star hotels and hottest bars around the world to curate spaces. This has filtered down to residential, a trend which is likely to continue”.

Such is the case with properties like Lodha Fiorenza, Lodha Group’s luxury development in Mumbai, exclusively developed by Jade Jagger. In 2012, Lodha also partnered with Philippe Starck to design the residences of Lodha Evoq, a 63-storey tower in Mumbai’s New Cuffe Parade. For one of its latest projects, Lincoln Square – a new development in central London – Lodha UK collaborated with Patricia Urquiola, who put her signature stamp on many of the development’s amenities including the private club, library, dining room and billiards room.

Lodha UK handpicked Urquoila to seek the expertise of a world-class designer to create a range of distinctive living spaces that represented Urquoila’s signature style. Says Walsh, “When you visit the places that Urquiola has designed such as Il Sereno on Lake Como or the Mandarin Oriental in Barcelona, it is an incredible feeling. That is the effect we want to have on buyers at Lincoln Square, where Urquiola’s use of coloured glass, timber, marble and bronze metals has created something remarkable”.

Developers seeking to create buzz around their upcoming residential projects are benefitting from getting promotional clout from the names of famous designers. This is the strategy that was taken on by The Related Group, one of Florida’s most notable builders who signed on Karim Rashid as a designer for MyBrickell in Miami’s financial district. The Related made a deal to brand the building after Rashid’s name and, after the success of the project, applied the same strategy to other residential developments, including 690-unit Brickell Heights, with amenities designed by David Rockwell.

Expert Collaborations

There is unique value to having a residence crafted by a designer to position a residential project as a one-of-a-kind investment. Property developers are enlisting interior designers to maximise the usage and layout of residential spaces and help prospective buyers to envisage themselves in a unit as befitting of a buyer’s lifestyle.

While interiors and exteriors are often crafted by different parties, interior designers can help to create a harmony between the exterior architecture and interior spaces to ensure that a development is worth an investment.

This strategy paid off for The Riverwalk in Westminster, London— a duplex penthouse on the north bank of the River Thames by Ronson Capital Partners— that relied on several collaborations with noted design studios to create a series of distinctive apartments to set the development apart from other luxury developments and complement its riverside location. Lisa Ronson, Commercial Director, Ronson Capital Partners, worked with luxury designers Fiona Barratt and Bowler James Brindley, with Lisa Ronson Home to design the elegant show apartments and Spinocchia Freund with Lisa Ronson Home to design the penthouse.

Enthusiastic about collaborations, Ronson welcomes the creative spirit that comes with working with interior design studios. In Ronson’s words, “Collaborations are always a popular choice in luxury developments, as in addition to stunning locations and multiple amenities, unique interior design and finishes maximise the offering and ensure an irreplaceable development”.

Buying into the Bespoke

Andrew Murray, founder of Belgravia-based design house Morpheus London that worked on a number of international projects in Monte Carlo, London and Singapore, attests to the notion that interior designers are invaluable in bringing professional and practical skills to a development project, including furniture supply and installation, sourcing artwork and dressing the space exquisitely to showcase the property to its maximum potential. “The interior design scheme is one of the first things that any potential buyer will see when viewing a property and it is our job to create a beautiful and enticing space which in turn attracts buyers and creates sales desirability and a maximum return for the client”, says Murray.

The craftsmanship and exclusivity of owning a one-of-a-kind residence provide an enticing allure of a living experience that captures the ideals of comfort, attention to detail and elegance. A collaboration with a designer can ensure the highest levels of craftsmanship and attention to detail, elevating the property value and complementing other prized elements of a development for an all-round luxury package.

A discerning interior designer can offer solutions that are customised to a buyer’s lifestyle and feel unique, straddling tradition and trends and respecting the neighbourhood context. Buyers can appreciate residences that feel very personal and specific, like the duplexes at 155 E. 79th Street in New York, where developer Anbau Enterprises enlisted Andrew Sheinman, founder of Pembrooke & Ives, to design residential environments that put emphasis on high-quality materials and felt customised to the buyers.

For the interiors at Chelsea Island, Hadley Property Group worked with prominent practice Arney Fender Katsalidis, crafting interiors that showcased a modern take on traditional British craftsmanship to complement the development’s exclusive waterside destination at Chelsea Harbour. Lending an air of exclusivity, the partnership with a design firm was part of Hadley Property Group’s strategy to unveil to potential buyers a vision of what life can be life in an exclusive waterfront neighbourhood. James Taylor, Group Director of Sales and Marketing at Hadley Property Group explains, “Collaborating with a renowned interior designer ensures that the utmost levels of craftsmanship and attention to detail are achieved, which is key for boosting the value proposition of a property while setting a benchmark in terms of quality and craftsmanship”.

From: Palace #19.

These Hecate Verona Dog Manors With Smart Home Technology Are Next Level Luxury

A man’s best friend only deserves the very best! British company Hecate Verona honours your favourite pooches by creating the world’s first luxury dog manors. A twist on your usual doghouses, these manors are created for the comfort of your beloved pup. These exclusive products are now on sale in the USA and ships globally.

According to Alice Willimas, Creative Director of the firm, the product development was triggered by simple questions: Why wouldn’t a dog house be as elegant and beautiful as its owner’s? Why shouldn’t an architect design a house for the dog? What if it could be beautiful, stylish and also practical? What if it had miniature engravings, windows, doors etc all in proportion with the dog house? Why is it that during a time when a dog is considered to be a family member can’t a dog also have its own dog mansion equal to its owner’s, where he can lie comfortably when outdoors? “Our objective was to create a majestic and royal looking dog manor which seeks to complement the garden and its surrounding in which it stands.” Ms. Willimas added.

What makes Hecate Verona’s innovative product so delightful is the perfect blend of craftsmanship and technology. The development of these dog manors were led by craftsmen adept in luxury yacht making. The manors feature smart house technologies that acclimatise the house to the needs of different dog breeds. From heating, air conditioning, indoor and outdoor lighting, automated food and water systems, treat dispensers, sound systems and even television sets, this house has everything both pup and owner would want.

The manors are made with materials of exceptional quality. Hardwood floors made from beech, oak and larch line the house, alongside structures carved from marble and dolomite. The interior walls of the manor are water and moisture resistant, and so are the terrace and shelter which are scratch resistant. The manors are bespoke; with the design needs of each client personally assessed.

During the development period of this product, the company has run many tests on different breeds and consulted with expert veterinarians in order to create the optimal living space for your precious pets. As a result, the living space has been divided into a bedroom and living room, with the latter giving a good panoramic overview of the surroundings. Windows have been lowered accordingly to the dog’s height which gives the dog a clear view of the surroundings and its territory.

“Our customers and their dogs typically live indoors so we see our dog manor as an extra that gives a pet more comfort – it is dog’s own house that has all the comforts of an indoor living room, making the whole experience of staying outdoors more fun and enjoyable. This leads to the dog enjoying the outdoors even more and staying more active and that is highly recommended by veterinarians,“ Alice Willimas, creative director of Hecate Verona, explained.

Each manor takes on average 2-4 months to be completed. Prices start at $40,000 with fully equipped high end models costing up to $200,000. The Hecate Verona bespoke dog mansions sure are a new frontier in the pet industry. For more information, do visit Hecate.

Words by Teri Chong. From: Luxuo

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These are the Top 10 Favourite Destinations of Wealthy Travellers

When money is no obstacle, and the world is your pearl-studded oyster, wealthy travelers are more apt to jet off to Italy than any other destination. That’s according to the luxury travel agency network Virtuoso, which looked at the most popular destinations sought by their wealthiest clients in the US at member agencies around the world. For the list, experts looked at bookings made for this summer through their network which, so far, total more than $39.7 billion USD in transactions.

The list of the 10 most popular destinations is dominated by Europe, with the quartet of traditional favourites Italy, the UK, France and Spain topping the ranking.

Along with offering natural and cultural attractions—among the most important priorities for affluent globetrotters—the strength of the US dollar against the Euro and the British pound are making Europe a particularly appealing destination for 2017.

South Africa is also a favourite for travellers looking to strike off bucket-list dreams, notably safaris and wilderness retreats. This year, Canada has also become top of mind as the country celebrates its 150th anniversary with a slew of events planned coast to coast. Canada Day is July 1. Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands are also popular, particularly for ocean and river cruisers.

Here’s where wealthy American travellers are most likely to jet off to this summer, according to Virtuoso:

  1. Italy
  2. United Kingdom
  3. France
  4. Spain
  5. South Africa
  6. Germany
  7. Ireland
  8. Canada
  9. Netherlands
  10. Denmark

Gourmet French Brand Bijoux Caviar Brings Foodies World Class Caviar From China

Caviar farming began in China in the 1970s. Before that, in Imperial China, wild sturgeon were caught and harvested for caviar in the Heilongjiang or Black Dragon River in the frigid northeast of China, bordering Russia. Sturgeon is rigorously protected in China under the CITES convention since the 1980s, and is cherished and regarded as the “panda of the seas”. There are farms all across China producing caviar of varying qualities, but the global fine dining elite unanimously consider high-quality Chinese caviar to be the best in the world at this point in time, and its quality is only set to improve further.

Many renowned French caviar brands actually get 100 percent of their caviar supply from China. Bijoux Caviar, one of the rising stars in caviar suppliers to high-end restaurants, hotels and other establishments in Europe and the Middle East, harvests its sturgeon in four enchanting locations in western China: Pengzhou, Xinjiang, Xichang and Dujiangyan. The first three farms are new and use large lakes to rear the sturgeon in semi-wild conditions. Dujiangyan is a protected compound due to its historical importance. Here, 2,500 years ago, the world’s oldest continuously used irrigation system was created and is set amidst ancient architecture. The sturgeon farmed are from the Kaluga and Amur breeds and a small amount from Almas Beluga.

Almas Imperial, which means “diamond” in Persian, comes from the Beluga Sturgeon and is by far the most exclusive breed.

It can cost twice as much as gold and almost all of it goes to Middle Eastern royals. Bijoux Caviar typically attains one to two kilograms of this per year. Both Kaluga and Amur caviar from Bijoux Caviar are of extremely high quality and can be considered the best in the world. The main reason for the difference in price lies in the greater rarity and demand for Kaluga caviar, the longer maturation period for Kaluga sturgeon as compared to Amur, and the larger size of the Kaluga pearls and slightly richer.

Both Kaluga and Amur caviar from Bijoux Caviar are of extremely high quality and can be considered the best in the world.

The main reason for the difference in price lies in the greater rarity and demand for Kaluga caviar, the longer maturation period for Kaluga sturgeon as compared to Amur, and the larger size of the Kaluga pearls and slightly richer flavour, which can best be appreciated when tasted alongside the brand’s Amur caviar. Kaluga is the exemplar of Chinese caviar and produces the largest pearls available, due to Beluga becoming extinct and illegal to source. The Amur breed is similar in flavour to Kaluga and is named after the Russian name for the Black Dragon Lake where they originate from. Both offer a rich and full taste and are excellent to pair with gourmet chocolate and champagne. What makes Bijoux Caviar unique is the pearl’s

What makes Bijoux Caviar unique is the pearl’s colour being of a glistening emerald shade and the shape being large and well rounded. They have a rich, multi-layered and multifaceted aroma while being tight and pert which means they burst open, rather than inferior caviar which is soggy, wrinkly and indistinct in shape and semi-watery. Finally compared to many inferior types of caviar currently available, Bijoux Caviar has a buttery taste and is not too salty due to being 100 per cent malossol. The processing facilities where the caviar is extracted from the sturgeon is of a standard of cleanliness that rivals surgical theaters and watchmaking facilities. Add to this the fact that they are raised in unparalleled terroir, in unspoilt nature away from any hint of pollution, and you get the high-quality pearls and sturgeon meat that can be eaten raw after they are harvested.

When eating this fine delicacy one should use a mother-of-pearl or horn spoon as you do not want the metals leaving a metallic taste in your mouth.

Bijoux Caviar commissioned the French Haute orfèvrerier Christofle to produce a sterling silver Caviar Server and horn spoon with silver handle, with the Bijoux Caviar seal engraved by hand on them, specifically for their clients to fully enjoy the caviar at home. The brand’s caviar also has to be kept between negative three degrees and three degrees Celsius, and thus should be served in a crystal bowl atop ice. One then takes the spoon and scoops it onto the outer palm of their hand to eat, essential for getting the full flavour. You can also eat it accompanied by bread, crackers, and truffles.

For those of you who need more of a reason to consume this fine food, it is also said to be great for your skin, as well as lowering one’s heart rate and with just one serving you’ll have all the vitamin B12 needed for an entire day. However, you must consume caviar regularly for these benefits, so talk to the guys at Bijoux Caviar to get your daily fix started today.

Words by Robbie Wilson.

From: Luxuo

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924 Bel Air Road in Los Angeles is the Most Expensive Home in America

To call 924 Bel Air Road a house seems inaccurate. Even describing it a mansion is somehow amiss. The colossal spec-home, which is currently on the market for USD 250 million floats on the hillside above Elizabeth Taylor’s former residence like an oversized yacht. The property is all blues and whites and greens with pools and terraces and a water feature that runs along the parameter. In the evening, it glows like a hilltop citadel.

Built by luxury developer Bruce Makowsky, who made his fortune in handbags and leather goods, it is the most expensive home ever listed in the United States and it joins a wave of American spec-homes being built to satisfy the whims of the super-rich. Last year, properties priced upwards of USD 100 million were listed in California, Florida, New York and Nevada. Recently, Nile Niami, an LA-based film producer-turned-developer announced he is building a mansion he plans to sell for USD 500 million.

As the spec-home trend gains momentum, developers continue to raise the stakes. 924 Bel Air Road come with 150 pieces of original artwork, around USD 30 million worth of classic cars, a dozen high-performance motorcycles and a deactivated helicopter.

“The house comes with a lot of great toys”, Mr. Makowsky grants as we begin our tour on the ground floor, passing a car gallery, a four-lane bowling alley, custom-made glass ping-pong and pool tables and a wall-mounted candy dispenser. Showpieces certainly abound. Also on this floor is a champagne pinball machine, a chrome-plated machine gun sculpture and diamond encrusted Fender guitar.

“There are five bars in the property”, Mr. Makowsky tells me as we round the corner and ascend to the next level, but I quickly lose count. There are wine and champagne cellars, televisions at every turn, including a giant outdoor hydraulic screen that rises up behind the infinity pool. If that’s not enough to entertain, there’s a 40-seat Dolby home theatre with surround sound that shakes my plush leather armchair.

Makowsky loves leather, marble, and polished steel. Occasionally he also likes wood, evidenced in a giant teak accent wall on the second floor. He also likes vintage cars, airplane parts, antique meat cutters, helicopters and boats. When it comes to furniture, he tends toward Italian design, though he also has a soft spot for Hermès and German hardware for the bathrooms.

What doesn’t he like? Imperfections. These are scarcely found across 38,000 sq. ft. of carefully curated living space. And if they appear, they don’t last long. When the wind sweeps tree pollen in through the retractable glass walls, Mr. Makowsky snatches up the tiny brown pods from the buffed marble floor before I can tread on them. When we pass the third floor lounge area, he notes a minute smudge on the blue Potrana Frau chairs like an eagle might spy the tail of a mouse in a mountain valley. To keep up appearances, the house comes with seven full time staff. They follow our tour, offering water, popcorn and candy, and I imagine, sweep up in the wake of our footsteps.

Those who toss around the phrase “attention to detail” casually haven’t met Mr. Makowsky. He supervised every last detail of the property down to the door handles and tapped into his wide-reaching network of luxury tastemakers to get the crème de la crème. After extensive negotiating he paid USD 250,000 for a large purple crystal he had his sights on, and had it carved into a sink for the powder room. When he saw a sculpture of a Leica camera he was keen on, he commissioned artist Yibai Liao to create another one and placed the oversized model, made from polished stainless steel at the bottom of the free-floating staircase.

Nothing is accidental here, and nothing is lacking, except perhaps a sense of organic comfort – the home isn’t exactly cozy. But then, that isn’t really the point. The property is meant to offer up every imaginable detail for its future magnate owners to have a good time. And according to Mr. Makowsky, they’ll be willing to pay for it.

“Until now, the ultra-luxury market was void of homes that even came close to matching the level of mega-yachts and private jets that billionaires spend millions of dollars on every year”, he says. “There are hundreds of new billionaires created each year and they are increasingly setting their sights on this coveted enclave of California for everything the state has to offer”.

Special Features

The home includes a massage studio and wellness spa, a Technogym fitness centre, 85-foot glass tile infinity swimming pool, 40-seat 4K Dolby Atmos Theater, a four-lane bowling alley, an auto gallery with cars valued at more than USD 30 million, seven full time staff, over 100 curated art installations, an outdoor hydraulic pop-up theater, two fully-stocked champagne/wine cellars, two commercial elevators and 270-degree views of Los Angeles.

Buyer Information:

Size: 38,0000 sq. ft.
Outdoors: 17,000 sq. ft.
Levels: 4
Bedrooms: 12
Bathrooms: 21
Kitchens: 3
Bars: 5 Price:
USD250,000,000

From: Palace #19.

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Resort Style Living is at Its Finest at Angsana Beachfront Residences by Bang Tao, Phuket

Resort-style living takes on a new dimension with Phuket’s latest luxury condominiums by the Banyan Tree Group. The Angsana Beachfront Residences are situated right on Bang Tao beach, within the world renown Laguna Phuket integrated resort on Phuket’s preferred west coast and comprises 30 exclusive units over five individual low-rise beachfront condominium buildings in a unique Thai contemporary style. All three-storey buildings contain only two apartments per floor, each equipped with a private pool at the fringes of a broad outdoor patio.

The development offers a selection of two to three-bedroom residences ranging from 2,303 square feet to 3,378 square feet with spacious ground floor garden units, as well as penthouse units with a private rooftop pool and entertaining area are also attractive options. One unique aspect of this project is the ability for owners to have their property managed by Angsana Laguna Phuket, through either an investment or lifestyle option. The investment initiative allows buyers to have their property operated full-time by the resort, whilst the lifestyle choice enables owners to reside in their property on a part or full-time basis and have their property exclusively rented out by the resort either short or long term.

With the ownership of a Beachfront Residence, residents will receive privileged access to the Sanctuary Club, a global network with more than 40 resorts and hotels and over 60 spas and 80 retail galleries; and membership to the championship Laguna Phuket Golf Club voted “Thailand’s Best” in the World Golf Awards. In addition to enjoying the range of facilities and infrastructure within Phuket’s largest resort, the area also boasts modern shopping centres and art galleries, international schools and world-class hospitals. Owners may enjoy all the lifestyle benefits and activities living by the Andaman Sea as well as the highlight of having a white sandy beach on their doorstep.

PRICE ON APPLICATION

From: Palace #19

Cave Diving in Costa Cálida Will Get Your Adrenaline Pumping

If you’re the type to go for adrenaline pumping activities such as skydiving, this is perfect for you. The Costa Cálida, in the Region of Murcia, offers a rich variety of diving experiences for the beginner or skilled diver. With 250 kilometres of sparkling turquoise waters, this location is blessed with an abundance of marine life and flora as well as magnificent shipwrecks that make it a prime location for diving. Consisting of the Cabo de Palos-Islas Hormigas-Isla Grosa, Cartagena-La Azohía- Cabo Tiñoso, Mazarrón, and Águilas, shallow and deep waters are aplenty.

In Cabo de Palos, Islas Hormigas and Isla Grosa — in the north-west of the region — one finds some of the best diving opportunities in the Mediterranean: spectacular reefs brimming with fish, overhangs and many seemingly unexplored caverns. Beyond the lagoon lies an ancient volcanic chain, forming islands and undersea mountains. At the Baio de la Campana, come face to face with marine life as well as long forgotten marine vessels, both Roman and Phoenician. At one site, a Phoenician trading ship nestles beneath a Roman vessel, while both perch atop another Phoenician ship. Used as a site for naval target practice through the years, a large collection of wrecks have been generated, making the site prime for exploration.

On the other hand, Cartagena is a melting pot of treasures. Protected it is from the easterly wind; it offers the possibility of discovering archaeological remains in the sand. Some of these treasures have been taken away for safekeeping and preservation, and are displayed in the ARQUA museum. Yet, the main attraction is undoubtedly the many wrecks that provide a playground for divers.

Further up lies La Azohía, known for its cave diving, as well as Cabo Tiñoso, a marine reserve. The diving zone around Mazarrón mainly occupies 10 miles around the port, where there are depths of up to 60m, with deserted coves and underwater cave.

In order to step up with ocean preservation efforts, many of the wrecks in the area have been sunk deliberately to create artificial reefs. Home to a myriad of sealife such as moray eels, blue-spotted rays and swordfish, the wrecks almost seem like a portal to another world. For beginners, immerse yourself in a safe diving environment in the shallow waters of Mar Menor, one of Europe’s largest saltwater lagoons.

A four-night, self-catering break in Cartagena in July costs from just £193.61 per person, based on two sharing a twin or double room, at the three-star Los Habaneros hotel, in the city centre, opposite the tourist office and the ancient city walls.

Access to Costa Cálida, Región de Murcia, is simple as it is served by Murcia-San Javier airport all year round, while Alicante airport is also nearby. Both airports are served by numerous other airlines flying from a wide variety of UK and Irish airports and flights in June cost from just £26 one way.

Words by Teri Chong. For more information, do visit Murica.

From: Luxuo.

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Interview: Boat Designer Vittorio Garroni of the Beneteau Group

Designers Vittorio Garroni and his son Camillo

After visiting Southampton University, Garroni decided that Genoa, with its rich maritime history, should also be a centre of excellence for the boating industry. He went on to become one of the founding fathers for the first Italian School for Pleasure Craft Design, set up in conjunction with the Faculties of Engineering and Architecture at Genoa University. In 2000, the School of La Spezia offered its first degree-course in Naval Architecture for Pleasure Craft, and this was expanded to become a Masters programme in 2005.

Vittorio believes that you need good knowledge of the past in order to be able to forecast future trends. “In the field of architectural design you need to look carefully back to the past, and analyse the evolution of trends over a sufficiently long period. Only then will you confidently be able to draw your line to the future. This is what I try to make clear to my naval architecture students when I feel their anxiety to perform a good design without previously having spent a sufficient time studying the history of design.”

Besides teaching, it was Vittorio’s love affair with boating and France that led him to work with the Jeanneau shipyard. The collaboration between Vittorio Garroni and Jeanneau started with the Prestige 41 in the 1980s, and continues to this day. Since 1988, he has been the principal designer for Jeanneau, part of the Bénéteau Group, for sail and motor boats from 5m to 20m.

Besides the Prestige line of motor yachts, Vittorio was also responsible for some of the best sellers in the history of Jeanneau, such the Cap Camarat 755 (of which some 1,000 boats were sold), the Merry Fisher, the Runabout, and all the current models in the NC and Leader lines. Garroni believes it is this partnership of Italian design with French ship building that has resulted in a line of yachts that are stylish as well as seaworthy.

Garroni has produced no less than 70 different models for Prestige since he started designing for them 30 years ago, and he says that, “customer satisfaction is the primary goal. We are always seeking to find ways of delivering more to boat owners, and this puts us ahead of our competitors.” Some of the most popular boats over the years have included the Prestige 500, 620, 750 and more recently, the Prestige 680. Garroni’s more recent designs have featured large expanses of glazing, which draws natural light into the main deck and afford guests 360-degree views.

The Jeanneau 57

Garroni Design was founded in 1971, and today Vittorio and his son Camillo continue to run the family business. “We handle numerous design projects for businesses in various industries including the marine, automobile, real estate, and even the industrial sector,” says Vittorio. “Essentially we are an Italian design team, which is composed of designers, architects, engineers, and consultants. It is a multinational team with associates from Europe to the Middle and Far East, but our cultural basis always remains typically Italian. The key to this is a shared appreciation of the Renaissance heritage; our five themes are Style, Refinement, Culture, Environment and Technology.”

“Working for a production craft yard demands a very high standard of skill and versatility,” explains Vittorio. “It is not just about the creative input. The team also needs to take into consideration the production process, with each new model that is designed.” The work doesn’t stop at the waterline. It also involves 3D modelling, engineering, and optimising the assembly of every single component of the boat. The studio’s designs, however, all begin life in the traditional way: as pencil strokes on a blank sheet of paper.

But Vittorio’s skills are not restricted to pleasure craft. 25 years ago he was invited by Mitsubishi Shipyards and NYK Line to participate in the Crystal Harmony project. “She was to be the first large Japanese built and owned cruise liner, conceived for international operations. She established new parameters for luxury and comfort, and is still now considered a reference model in the industry. I designed more than half of the passenger accommodations, and all the staterooms were conceived in my office.” Right now the company is working on two cruise ships, one at 100m and the other 300m, for a new Chinese company looking to test the domestic cruise market, and both will feature eco-technologies. The studio also designs bespoke superyachts and one of their recent projects, Margot, a 45m sailing motor yacht won the Interior Design category of the 2016 International Yacht & Aviation Awards.

Garroni says that design trends are influenced by the market that is being targeted, the social position of the customers, and their cultural roots. Generally speaking, European, American and Japanese cultures move from simplicity (minimalism) towards a more “structured peaceful refinement.” The Arabs and Chinese, who never met with minimalism, remain with locally inspired decorative trends. His approach is to respect and appreciate cultural diversity.

“I have spent 40 years sharing my life between university teaching in Europe, and working in the world, mainly in the Far East. It keeps me young! Now my son and his studio partners are experiencing the same, and it is a wonderful life!”

Last year, Garroni was named “Designer of the Year” at the 2016 World Yacht Trophy Awards at the Cannes Yachting Festival. The Award specifically recognised Garroni’s Prestige Yachts line, of which there were 13 models on display ranging from 42 ft to 75 ft.

Sailing, however, remains Garroni’s first love! Vittorio Garroni has a particular soft spot for the Sun Odyssey 54 DS, which led a revolution in the early 2000s. It was an enormous success, and over 365 units have been produced. “I had one, and she was called Bambouk. She was my great love. It was with regret that I had to separate from her, and I passed her on to a friend, who has since crossed the Atlantic with her, twice, and who continues to pamper her like a baby.”

Retiring is not on Garroni’s agenda, but he now leaves the day-to- day office duties to his son. “I will continue on with my exciting work while I go sailing with my wife in the wonderful Mediterranean Sea. The ‘new office environment’ will give me a new lease of energy, but these days I do need to factor in a bit more relaxation time. The best place for that is on the water, accompanied by my wife and our dogs… and some pasta, pizza and vino rosso!”

Words by Suzy Rayment.

From: Yacht Style #37.

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Luxury Yacht SX88 by Sanlorenzo and Interior Designer Piero Lissoni to Debut in Cannes

The new SX88 by Sanlorenzo is a 27metre motor yacht and the first model in this revolutionary range. It is unique in several ways, with its state of the art technology such as high powered lithium batteries to keep your yacht running in silence; a combined Grp hull and carbon fibre superstructure; as well as the latest in speed, performance and environment sustainability.

Very much designed for the individual that likes spending as much time outdoors as indoors, the large windows allow in a lot of natural light and there are vast open spaces throughout. In particular, the main deck has a unique setup that permits the space from the stern to the bow to be opened up to create one large space, a first for a 27-metre yacht. Furthermore, there’s also plenty of space for sunbathing, double L-shaped sofas and coffee tables.

At the stern, there is a large 30 square metre beach area that offers space for a 15’ tender, a jet ski and a number of other toys. The space is five steps below the main deck and watercrafts are easily transferred via an integrated and well-hidden crane.

Back inside and just a flight of stairs down, the lower deck offers four or five double cabins depending on layout. The Owner’s cabin would also be on the lower deck if the open space layout is chosen, along with the galley. If it isn’t, the Owner’s cabin can be located on the main deck.

Unique designs also transfer over to the environmental friendliness of the SX88. With highly efficient lithium batteries, special thermal insulation on the glass and low consumption systems, RINA awarded her with the Green Class. The yacht can run all services on board for four to eight hours, making her emission-free during that period.

In-house yacht designer, Luca Cantella conceived this yacht, adding to a successful career having previously developed the Bluegame range of motor yachts. The design team also includes Officina Italiana Design’s Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta, Lou Codega and Italian interior designer Piero Lissoni.

Piero Lissoni’s interpretation of space is this concept: “I keep picturing boats, even very large ones, as if they were lofts, that is very open, highly liveable spaces, which make it possible to be in contact with what’s around us.” Unique to his design expertise is that he didn’t want to adapt the furniture to the space, a process that is usually typical in interior yacht design. Instead, he has arranged the furniture freely, much like you would in a home. Purchasers will also be able to customise the colours and materials used in their SX88 as they see fit. This enables them to create each yacht to suit their own specific taste.

Built at La Spezia shipyard in Italy, the SX88 will make her official debut at Cannes next September. Deliveries will start from Spring 2018, with the first six already ordered.

Words by Robbie Wilson. For more information, visit Sanlorenzo and Simpson Marine.

From: Luxuo.

Asiamarine Sells Sunseeker 95 Yacht in Philippines

Asiamarine announces the sale of a new 2017 Sunseeker 95 Yacht in Philippines Market. This marks the largest New Boat sale in the last 15 years to this new and promising market of the Philippines. The deal was Brokered by Asiamarine’s Managing Director, Luke Prince in coordination with Mark Pragnell official Sunseeker Service Provider for the Philippines.

The 95 Yacht exemplifies the latest in Sunseeker’s cutting-edge design and innovative build processes. With all the spacious elegance of its highly successful predecessor, the 28 Metre Yacht, it combines a superyacht feel with all the practical advantages of a yacht in this size category. The  95 yacht comes with a 4 or 5 cabin layout.

The 95 Yacht’s standout feature is its unique main deck layout with a special master cabin triplex configuration for even greater flexibility and freedom onboard. With the luxurious master stateroom berth on the main deck, a forward staircase leads to a mid-level dressing area and sumptuous en-suite.

The raised pilot house is another eye-catching new feature, again offering greater flexibility and contributing to the more expansive main deck layout which is truly remarkable for this size of yacht. Above deck the spacious flybridge is well equipped with bar, optional hot tub and plenty of seating for guests to be entertained in style.

The 95 yacht is based on the classic deep V hull with performance at its heart, enabling it to cruise at up to 24 knots or accelerate up to 28 knots, depending on engine option.

For more information, visit Asiamarine.

From: Luxuo

Bugatti Opens World’s Largest Luxury Hypercar Showroom in Dubai

Dubai is the single biggest market for Bugatti’s hypercars so where better to build the marque’s biggest official dealership to date? Located on the Sheikh Zayed Road, the showroom is impossible to miss despite the exclusivity of the address or of neighbouring structures, thanks to an architectural recreation of the marque’s famous horseshoe grille that serves as a four metre high arch over the plate glass doorway.

The space occupies over 240 square metres, a huge area for a dealership dealing in a single model. However, as the United Arab Emirates boasts more Bugatti owners per capita than any other region in the world, the space, created and managed by Al Habtoor Motors, needs to be something special.

“A location of this significance and appeal for our brand has earned a superlative showroom,” said Dr. Stefan Brungs, Bugatti’s global head of sales, marketing and customer service. “Many Bugatti customers who have been the closest and most loyal ambassadors of our brand for many years live in this region.”

Indeed, Al Habtoor Motors is the world’s most successful official Bugatti dealer. It maintains 55 Bugatti Veyrons for their owners and is now in the process of honouring 30 local orders for its replacement, the 1500hp multi-million-dollar Chiron.

“The UAE is always striving to be the best. Our target was, therefore, to bring the largest, most beautiful Bugatti showroom to the heart of Dubai,” said Sultan Al Habtoor, President of Al Habtoor Motors.

The experience is meant to be akin to a private art viewing while ordering a bespoke suit. Clients are welcomed into a lounge furnished with unique Bugatti furniture where they work through every conceivable option and element of personalization they would like to see on their Chiron, before examining the car itself and taking in art and design drawn from Bugatti’s rich heritage.

Such attention to detail or to personalization may seem extreme, but the average Bugatti owner also has a fleet of other equally exotic and rare automobiles and every step must be taken to make the Chiron seem like a true object of desire. “Some of [our UAE clients] are proud owners of car collections with even several Bugatti super sports cars,” said Dr Brungs, “The new showroom will not only be the perfect platform for the Chiron but also honours our special customers.”

The Chiron will be capped at exactly 500 examples. Bugatti has confirmed that over half have already been sold and that to date, 26% of all orders taken have been from clients living in the UAE.