News
News
Arabian Nights
12 September 2011
Eloise Napier visits the far-reaching sandy expanse of Oman’s Empty Quarter and discovers a land blessed with relative anonymity and void of commercial influence
The legendary explorer Wilfred Thesiger called Oman ‘a bitter, desiccated land that knows nothing of gentleness or ease … a cruel land that can cast a spell which no temperate clime can match’. Sitting on the top of a sharkfin shaped dune, with an ice-cold glass of elderflower cordial in one hand, a pair of small binoclars in the other and a bowl of fresh pistachio nuts at my feet, I have a feeling that Thesiger was exaggerating a bit.
Mount Hartman Bay Estate
12 September 2011
The challenge was on. A fortieth birthday loomed. How to throw a memorable house-party, and fine-tune the invitation list to accommodate parents, god-parents, a clutch of recalcitrant teenagers, another clutch of turbo-charged pre-schoolers and the demands of a bunch of high-achieving closest mates.
Did such a villa exist anywhere in the world that would be large enough, special enough and flexible enough to live up to such an occasion?
King of the Castle
12 September 2011
Eloise Napier takes a look at some of the most beautiful residences Europe has to offer for that perfect royal retreat
Château Bagnols, France
With its moat, formal gardens and twelve metre thick, honey-coloured walls, the 13th century Château Bagnols rapidly transports visitors back to a bygone age of romance and chivalry – without doubt one of the reasons why it has such a high profile list of guests, including Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. The other-worldly sensation is enhanced by four-poster beds, vast, intricately carved open fireplaces and beautiful trompe l’oeils. A Michelin starred restaurant serves mouthwatering food and a complimentary decanter of wine is delivered to your room each day. Situated in the heart of Beaujolais country, there are vines as far as the eye can see – true paradise for oenephiles.
www.bagnols.com
Body Beautiful
30 August 2011
If discreet surgical enhancement along with five-star treatment and beautiful surroundings for your recovery is what you are after, then look no further than this selection of luxury medical spas. Anastasia Stephens looks at some of the best places to visit that are in-demand as never before.
The Top 10 Most Desirable Children’s Toys
30 August 2011
Every birthday, the little darlings clamour for the latest toy craze, but sometimes the classics are best. Kathryn Bath and Alanna Lynott reveal the most desirable presents for children.
The Top 10 Scents in the World
30 August 2011
Frederic Malle, the creator of ‘Editions de Parfums’ gives the Secret Insider his expert guide to the top ten scents ever produced by a luxury brand. His own approach to perfumery is
bespoke, creative and guided by the search for true quality. They are works of art limited only by the imagination of their composers.
Super-Chef Marco Pierre White Had It All
30 August 2011
Marco Pierre White fixes me with one of his disarmingly intent stares, and then tells me that he has fallen in love. Such is the force of his extravagant – at times alarming – magnetism and commitment to the moment, that for a millisecond I wonder if he is declaring his amour for me. Granted, it would be unorthodox even by his standards, given that we met just twenty minutes ago, but then, White is an all-or-nothing sort of chap. This is the man who slavishly pursued the ultimate gastronomic triumvirate through his twenties and early thirties, grabbed his three Michelin stars by the record-smashing age of 33 (he was also the first Brit to do so), and then, in an unprecedented move, gave them back just five years later.
Hotel Lone has just opened in Rovinj !
19 August 2011
July saw the opening of developer Maistra’s new property, Hotel Lone, in the picturesque Istrian resort of Rovinj, Croatia. The 248-key hotel is situated in a unique location near the sea, surrounded by centuries-old Park Forest Zlatni Rt and only a few minutes’ walk to the town centre. Together with the five-star Hotel Monte Mulini (opened March 2009), and hotels Eden and Park, Hotel Lone will be part of the exclusive Monte Mulini zone.
The five-star hotel is Croatia’s first member of Design Hotels, and features a striking contemporary build in the shape of a white ocean liner – a reference to its Adriatic location. Hotel Lone is the sister property of Hotel Monte Mulini (www.montemulinihotel.com), which launched as Istria’s first five-star hotel two years ago.
Finally, one of Hotel Lone’s main attractions is its spa. Covering an area of 1,700 square metres, it connects to the wellness centre of Hotel Monte Mulini, creating an impressive total of 2,500 square metres. The wellness offer at Lone is focused on facial and body treatments including massages and a scented steam sauna, Finnish sauna and infrared sauna; gym, relaxation room, indoor fresh-water pool with special hydro-massage effects; and two connected “sunken” rooms offering the opportunity to float and relax on hydro massage beds and chairs. There are eight multi-function treatment rooms using Bioline and Comfort Zone products, some of which have glass walls with views of the surrounding national park.
LIFESTYLE BOUTIQUE IN THE PRESS
15 June 2008
THE FINANCIAL TIMES – FT WEALTH MAGAZINE – LIFESTYLE BOUTIQUE
“It feels like I have 3 wishes! The caliber of their staff is top notch… they surpassed themselves. I cannot recommend the service highly enough!”~ Tanya Rose, MD Mason Rose
Founder Member, Lifestyle Boutique
“The biggest benefit for members is the 24-hour concierge service, which can book hard-to-get restaurant reservations and hotel room upgrades at a moment’s notice.”~ Forbes.com
“There’s a lot to learn from Lifestyle Boutique…their 36 hour city guides give the top three of everything to do in a particular city. To summarise London in such a space is an achievement”~ Spear’s Wealth Management Survey, Autumn 2008
“Members have 24-hour access to two luxury experts.”~ Luxury Finance, July 2008
“Member requests recently fulfilled have included a £7m hotel booking…a journey to a ‘lost civilisation’…and the creation of a new specimen of rose for a member’s wife.”~ Luxury Briefing, July-August 2008
“Lifestyle Boutique is resourceful.”~ hereisthecity.com
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INSIGNIA Lifestyle Boutique is the newest outlet of an internationally successful concierge service only available to ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
Lifestyle Boutique
Lifestyle Boutique
INSIGNIA Lifestyle Boutique is the newest outlet of the most successful international concierge servicefounded by a leading European financial services provider.
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