Lifestyle

These Brands Are Creating Luxury Lifestyle Experiences

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

These Brands Are Creating Luxury Lifestyle Experiences

March 28, 2024
10:38 am

From Louis Vuitton’s LV The Place Bangkok to Dior’s Dior Café this is certainly not a list of your regular neighbourhood coffee shops.

Luxury brands are branching out into the food and beverage industry with their own iterations of chic restaurants and luxurious café. This is part of a growing trend where brands create lifestyle spaces that translate their brand identity in a visually compelling way aimed at reaching broader markets and wider demographics. Higher footfall translates to higher brand visibility and wider exposure across a range of clients with different tastes and budgets. Customers can now indulge in luxurious setting courtesy of their favourite brands and buy into a brand without having to spend “luxury prices”. This is a strategy that brands are investing in to create a new holistic experience that takes what clients might see online, into the realm of reality. Take for instance, Louis Vuitton’s LV The Place Bangkok — the space includes Louis Vuitton’s men’s and women’s ranges as well as a restaurant all under one roof highlighting a closely knit web of interactions for a better customer experience. Customers come in to shop and sit down for a meal or a drink before leaving. This is a strategic form of marketing — selling the consumer something they didn’t know they needed.

LUXUO finds out the physical manifestations of what happens when these brands mix their own brand aesthetics with gastronomical excellence.

LV The Place Bangkok

Louis Vuitton has unveiled their new café and restaurant helmed by celebrated Indian chef Gaggan Anand. This is the Maison’s first restaurant in South Asia, and features a seasonal menu infusing Thai cuisine with Louis Vuitton’s signature style codes. Aside from the unique culinary journey, the location is also home to an immersive exhibition dubbed “Visionary Journeys”, and a contemporary store that continues the alluring fashion venture with elegant layouts that capture the essence of Louis Vuitton. LV The Place Bangkok offers a lot more than a memorable food journey.

Find the location here:

LV The Place Bangkok

Gaysorn Amarin Level G-2,

496-502, Ploenchit Rd, Bangkok

Dior Café

After a series of pop-up coffee shops throughout Asia, Europe and North America, Shanghai’s Dior café is one of a select number of permanent Dior hospitality offerings worldwide, alongside the Monsieur Dior restaurant in Paris and the Dior Café in Seoul. Expect a fusion of Asian and French cuisine served up with panoramic views of the city. The interiors are decorated with black-and-white houndstooth chairs as an ode to the late Christian Dior being one of the first designers to design with the print in the 1940s.

Discover the location here:
Shop Unit S-L3-14,
Shanghai Qiantan Taikoo Li,
No. 1-9, Lane 500 Dongyu Road

Coach Restaurant

The Coach Restaurant and Coach Coffee Shop has recently opened its doors at the Grand Indonesia Mall in Jakarta. The space harkens back to Coach Play Singapore Shophouse, which made its debut in 2023. The Coach Restaurant combines a local charm and optimistic New York spirit to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience. The restaurant’s interior decoration is inspired by an elevated take on classic New York diners and steakhouses with leather booths and mirrored walls. Next door is the Coach Coffee Shop that offers an assortment of New York-style pizzas with delicious pastries and desserts featuring motifs of the Coach Rexy.

Find the restaurant here:
Grand Indonesia West Mall, Level G.
Jl. MH Thamrin No.1,
Jakarta Pusat, 10310

Emporio Armani Caffè

The Emporio Armani Caffè first opened its doors in Milan in 2000. The Emporio A\rmani Caffè Milano brings a sophisticated simplicity that perfectly encapsulates the brand to the food and beverage industry. An exclusive location paired with creative dishes leads to an authentic sensorial experience. Divided into two sections the ground floor holds a large café area where one can sample freshly made pastries and other delicacies, as well as a lounge area in which to have a quick bite or a relaxing aperitif. The restaurant sits on the first floor with a new “champagne bar” situated at the entrance.

You can find it here:
Armani Hotel Milano
Address: Via dei Giardini, 2,
20121 Milano MI, Italy

Café Kitsuné

Maison Kitsuné‘s Café Kitsuné’s reinvents caffeine classics with Parisian and Tokyo influences. Presented first and foremost as a “production site with a roastery run by the artisan roaster Florian Decousser”, customers can indulge in classic specialties that include the americanos, dirty chai, and mochaccino along with teas, pastries, juices and ice cream.

It is worth noting that while The Café Kitsuné coffee beans are roasted in Okayama, the popularity of the brand has made its way down to Southeast Asia with three new branches in the region — Cafe Kitsune in Kuala Lumpur at The Exchange TRX (aptly located nearby the Maison Kitsuné store), Cafe Kitsune Singapore and Cafe Kitsune in Indonesia. The concept behind Café Kitsuné is to create a space that marries the simplistic beauty of the small and intimate coffee bars set in the heart of modern, cosmopolitan cities. In 2019, Café Kitsuné successfully extended its activities to include roasteries, bars and restaurants, further showcasing the brand’s international influence.

Cafe Kitsune in Kuala Lumpur
G.77.0, Plaza The Exchange TRX,
Persiaran TRX,
Tun Razak Exchange 55188
Kuala Lumpur

Cafe Kitsune Singapore
13 Stamford Rd,
#01-11, 178905
Singapore

Cafe Kitsune in Indonesia
Ashta at District 8 GF 31 & 31A
SCBD Lot 28 Jl Jenderal Sudirman
Kav. 52-53, 12190
Jakarta

Café Kitsuné
Aoyama CAFÉ & BAR 3-15-9
Minami Aoyama,
Minato-ku
Tokyo

Vivienne Westwood Café

The Vivienne Westwood Café is available in both Shanghai and in Hong Kong’s Harbour City. Divided into an 18th-century-style French tea room and a modern shooting studio, the restaurant is the whimsical representation of past meets present. The late Westwood aesthetic goes off the catwalk and onto the wallpaper with trompe l’oeil painting techniques. The utensils and tea sets used in the Café are engraved with Vivienne Westwood’s signature Orb logo or decorated with the label’s signature tartan. Westwood often remodeled and renamed her shop according to the changes in the theme of her designs.

The Vivienne Westwood Café is located at:
300 Huaihai Zhong Road Luwan District,
Huangpu,
B3 Shanghái

The Blue Box Café by Tiffany & Co.

Serving up signature dishes made with the highest quality and regionally sourced ingredients, one can expect the restaurant’s menu to evolve through the seasons in true Tiffany fashion. The new café offers a unique take on dining at

Tiffany & Co with Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud bringing a seasonally inspired menu alongside a redesigned space that includes a private dining area and bar with art installations.

Tiffany & Co. The Landmark
727 5th Ave, 6th Floor, New York,
Ny 10022

Ralph’s Coffee Shop

First opened in 2014 in New York City, this Café has now reached Singaporean shores. Located at Marina Bay Sands, the American fashion label also released a range of Singapore-exclusive menu items. Expect to see bright clean white surfaces with a classic mosaic floor and the cafe’s signature dark green aesthetic and wood trimmings.

The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
2 Bayfront Avenue, #01-71

Agnès b. Café & Fleuriste

Agnès b. Café & Fleuriste offers everything from floral bouquets to cakes and gifts for just about any occasion ranging from birthdays to weddings. Agnès b. Café & Fleuriste also serves up a range of French delicacies and delicious pastries, in a relaxed yet stylish setting. “I like to be a catalyst, to make things happen for people. That, alongside my own work, is my greatest pleasure”, says Agnés b., founder and designer of agnés b.

K11 MUSEA
Address: Unit #B122,
18 Salisbury Rd,
Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

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Martin Schnider on the Magic of the Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

Martin Schnider on the Magic of the Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur

March 25, 2024
8:49 am

Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur’s general manager Martin Schnider shares his career milestones and the upcoming plans for the hotel.

Martin Schnider is the man behind one of the most luxurious accommodations in Kuala Lumpur. Set amidst the expansive flowering gardens of the KLCC Park and the dramatic heights of the Petronas Twin Towers, Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur offers impressive views from its elegantly designed rooms and exquisite suites.

Starting out as a food and beverage trainee at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore in 1994, Martin Schnider would eventually work his way up the corporate ladder to become assistant food and beverage manager at Mandarin Oriental, Manila before joining Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur in 2000. Schnider moved from his role as food and beverage manager to resident manager five years later. Today, Schnider holds more than 20 years of experience at Mandarin Oriental hotels in the Asia-Pacific region. Overlooking elegant rooms and suites set in a tranquil atmosphere alongside stunning views at the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s city Centre, Schnider ensures that each guest at the Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur experiences a personalised stay steeped in luxury and hospitality. Renowned for focusing on excellence in all aspects, Schnider has a record for maintaining superb hotel service and product quality.

LUXUO sits down with the seasoned hotelier to discuss the evolution of Kuala Lumpur in recent years and how the Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur differentiates itself from its competitors.

You left Doha to come back to Malaysia in 2023. Clue us in to your experience in hospitality.

Hospitality remains a very competitive industry and our guests continue to evolve at the same time in terms of their needs and wants.

How does it feel being back at the Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur after your first job two decades ago?

It feels great to be back in Malaysia after a long time and I will always reflect fondly on my experience in Kuala Lumpur from March 1999 to October 2005. This hotel holds a very special place in my heart.

How have you seen Kuala Lumpur evolve over the years?

It is almost a completely different city from when I was working here back in the early 2000s. From my perspective, it has changed and matured in the sense that there are a lot of new buildings, hotels, people, and of course, free-standing restaurants.

What is the DNA of the Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur hotel and how does it differentiate itself from other high-end hotels in the capital city?

The DNA of Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur will always be steeped in class and high-quality service. With the increasing standard of service across the industry, it is important that we maintain the way we do things in the hotel.

What do guests love most at the Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur?

Our guests always appreciate the prestige and recognition that staying here brings. We reciprocate this by ensuring that all their needs are met and that they are kept happy regardless of if they are staying for one night or more. Therefore, everything we do must revolve around an experience that cannot be matched. If we are able to give guests this experience, they will continue to appreciate what we do for them.

On the fine dining side and as a food lover yourself, tell us more about what the Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur currently has on offer.

Our hotel has many things to offer from a business perspective to a leisure perspective. For business needs, we are strategically located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur where several key businesses are. It is also conveniently located next to venues like KLCC Convention Centre, the PETRONAS Twin Towers, and many luxury branded shops. We also have the largest Club Lounge in Kuala Lumpur. Our MO Club Lounge is an ideal place for guests who want a relaxing and quiet space to work. It also offers one meeting room as well as a boardroom for bigger groups. These spaces can be used for private discussions, presentations and more. At the same time, the 270-degree view of the Kuala Lumpur skyline also provides a stunning backdrop for work or casual discussions. Our dedicated colleagues are always on standby to cater to guest needs whether it’s a simple cup of coffee or a meal.

For leisure, we have many options such as an award-winning spa at Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur, Peter Burwash International certified tennis courts, an infinity pool overlooking KLCC Park, a well-equipped fitness centre and many top dining outlets.

All these make Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur more of an urban resort as opposed to the more traditional business hotel.

Your hotel’s durian pancake at the Lai Po Heen Chinese restaurant has become something of a culinarily icon. Are these among your personal favourites?

To be honest, I’m not a fan of durian, but the pancakes are decadent. However, I do enjoy sweets once in a while.

As general manager, what are your plans for the hotel from 2024 to 2025?

My focus is always on delivering legendary service and exceptional experiences. I believe that when it comes to the hotel industry, especially for Mandarin Oriental, what truly sets us apart is our passion for quality service. These are the things that guests remember along with amazing facilities, amenities and dining options.

To cap off this interview, indulge us in one secret that you have never shared about the Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur? Perhaps a hidden location or a secret experience?

When you book an MO Club Room or Suite, you will have one of the most exclusive MO Club experiences in the city. Benefits include flexible check-in and check-out times, an airport fast-track service, priority bookings and of course access to the MO Club Lounge, the biggest Club Lounge in the city.

For more on the Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur, head to the link here.

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DP World Tour’s Porsche Singapore Classic Returns With The Latest Porsche On The Line

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

DP World Tour's Porsche Singapore Classic Returns With The Latest Porsche On The Line

March 21, 2024
12:18 am

Until 24 March, Title Partner Porsche announces the new Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid as the hole-in-one prize

There’s a misconception that golf is reserved for a particular faction. It’s a fair assumption but not an entirely accurate one. Enter the upcoming Porsche Singapore Classic, which merges top-quality competitive action with delightful sport and lifestyle activities to make the game more accessible to spectators, aspiring players and new followers of golf.

Some key facts to know about the tournament is that this is the opening event of the DP World Tour’s Asian Swing. Players competing include 2019 Open champion Shane Lowry, PGA Tour winner Matthieu Pavon and newly-crowned DP World Tour winner Rikuya Hoshino, among others. The prize purse has increased to USD 2.5 million, and Porsche is offering their latest Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid Porsche as the prize for the professionals and spectators (more on that later) scoring a hole-in-one on Hole 17.

DP World Tour events in Singapore have been pretty significant for Asian talent in particular. Both Arjun Atwal (India) and Zhang Lian Wei (China) made history for being respective country firsts by clinching their Tour titles here. Fellow top regional golfers you’ll catch on the green at the Porsche Singapore Classic include Hoshino of Japan, as well as Kiradech Aphibarnrat (Thailand), Gavin Green (Malaysia), Li Haotong (China) and Kho Taichi (Hong Kong).

Locally, Singaporean Mardan Mamat won the Singapore Masters in 2006 and remains our only winner on the DP World Tour to date. And this year, all three international qualifying spots for the Porsche Singapore Classic were swept by Singaporeans Nicklaus Chiam, Joshua Yap and Irvyn Tan, so keep your eyes peeled for these rising talents at the Laguna National Golf Resort Club.

If you are new to the game, this gateway to sport works for all. At the Porsche Singapore Classic, a unique spectator village located conveniently within the beautiful Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore resort boasts a slew of tantalising food and beverage options as well as entertaining fringe activities. These include putting challenges, shootout games, and the chance for spectators to win a Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid. Make it a family outing while you’re at it—children aged 16 and below enjoy free entry into the Porsche Singapore Classic, as long as they are accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket.

And why Porsche?

A natural question but it’s worth noting that the automobile giant has been involved in golf since 1988 through the Porsche Golf Cup, a series of amateur tournaments for Porsche customers. The Porsche Golf Cup has grown to become one of the company’s most successful customer events—over 17,000 Porsche customers recently took part in 261 worldwide qualifying tournaments. Porsche is no stranger to the professional golf scene too as title sponsor to the DP World Tour’s European Open, and is now expanding its presence in the Asian market as Title Partner of the Singapore Classic. Porsche Singapore has also supported the upcoming tournament with a fleet of 20 Taycan shuttle cars for VIP guests and players, and the Porsche 996 Swan will be on display at Laguna National as well.

Which means if you’d like to catch a glimpse of the freshly-launched hybrid Porsche (and who’s walking away with it), watch top golfers in action, or simply kickstart that overdue interest in the sport, wait no more. We’ll see you at the Porsche Singapore Classic.

Get tickets to the Porsche Singapore Classic happening until 24 March at Laguna National Golf Resort Club.

Rosewood Phnom Penh Offers an Idyllic Southeast Asian Sojourn

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

Rosewood Phnom Penh Offers an Idyllic Southeast Asian Sojourn

March 15, 2024
10:32 am

Rosewood Phnom Penh’s managing director Daniel Simon unveils what awaits at this luxury hotel — from culinary excellence to an exclusive golfing programme

Image courtesy of Rosewood Phnom Penh

Swedish-born Daniel Simon is a luxury hospitality veteran. With three decades of hotel and restaurant management experience under his belt, Daniel’s resume also includes stints in 11 cities across the United States, Southeast Asia, Canada, and Australia alongside significant experience in the cruise industry — where he worked as the hotel director of Celebrity Cruises for two years. Having traversed the waters of Asia, Alaska, the Caribbean, and Europe, Simon now finds himself in Cambodia’s capital as the managing director of the Rosewood Phnom Penh where the hospitality savant oversees the ultra-luxury property’s operations, guest engagement efforts, and the hotel’s talented team. LUXUO speaks to Daniel Simon on his role as managing director that sees him hone in on his leadership skills in Phnom Penh, alongside cluing LUXUO in on all the latest offerings from the Rosewood. With thoughtful details and experiences that evoke a sense of discovery and inspiration, Simon speaks to why one should make the Rosewood Hotel Phnom Penh part of their next Southeast Asian getaway.

You have a passion for Southeast Asia. Having worked in Koh Samui, Bangkok and now in Phnom Penh, tell us about your experience in hospitality in this vibrant part of the world.

Working in hospitality in Southeast Asia is a fascinating experience due to the cultural tapestry, diverse culinary scene, and the remarkable warmth and hospitality of the people. Each destination brings its own unique charm and challenges, but overall, it’s a dynamic and rewarding environment to work in.

Unlike anywhere else, the hospitality here is deeply heartfelt, making guests feel like family with genuine warmth and sincerity. Every interaction — from warm smiles to heartfelt greetings — is infused with this sense of hospitality from the heart. Whether in bustling Bangkok, tranquil Koh Samui, or vibrant Phnom Penh, the hospitality of Southeast Asia shines through, reflecting the region’s rich heritage of welcoming travelers with open arms. This creates memorable and meaningful experiences, leaving guests with cherished memories and a desire to return.

Today, you are at the head of the Rosewood Phnom Penh; how has Phnom Penh evolved over recent years?

Being in Phnom Penh now is truly remarkable, especially witnessing the country’s incredible growth. Change is evident every day, with the city undergoing significant development and modernisation in recent years. Phnom Penh has experienced infrastructure improvements, economic growth, and a surge in tourism and expatriates. This rapid growth has spurred the expansion of the hospitality industry, resulting in the emergence of new hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues catering to a more diverse audience.

During our stay, we noticed the extreme attention to detail — both within the rooms and across all the hotel’s food and beverage outlets. What is the DNA of the Rosewood brand and how does it differentiate itself from other high-end hotels in Cambodia?

Image courtesy of Rosewood Phnom Penh

The Rosewood Hotels and Resorts brand is renowned for its dedication to luxury, sophistication, and hospitality. What sets us apart from other high-end hotels in Cambodia is our commitment to delivering a distinctive combination of contemporary design, cultural authenticity, and meticulous attention to detail. We take pride in crafting unforgettable experiences for our guests, whether it’s through our exquisite accommodations, personalised services, diverse dining options, or immersive cultural activities.

What do your guests enjoy the most at the Rosewood Phnom Penh?

Our guests consistently praise the personalised and engaged service provided by our dedicated team, who go above and beyond to ensure guest satisfaction. They also express admiration for our comfortable rooms, which offer unparalleled views overlooking the city and the legendary Mekong River.

Culinary director Jan Van Dyk, and director of bars Bob Louison joined the Rosewood Phnom Penh a year ago to further enhance the hotel’s refined food and beverage experiences. Tell us more about the six food and beverage outlets at the Rosewood Phnom Penh?

Image courtesy of Rosewood Phnom Penh

Since opening its doors in 2018, Rosewood Phnom Penh has firmly established itself as Cambodia’s premier dining and drinking destination. Boasting six exquisite F&B venues — including the acclaimed Brasserie Louis, sophisticated steak and seafood grill Cuts, and contemporary Chinese restaurant Zhan Liang — the ultra-luxury hotel has garnered a reputation for its refined and innovative cuisine, captivating designs and settings, and unwavering commitment to setting the gold standard for cuisine, mixology, and hospitality in the region. The restaurants are led by director of culinary Jan Van Dyk, who not only implements new sustainable practices in cuisine but has also innovated it by creating Cambodia’s very first indoor hydroponic farm, providing fresh and pesticide-free produce to all six dining outlets. Additionally, chef Van Dyk ensures collaboration with local partners and suppliers to support the local community.

A highlight not to be missed in our dining offerings is the iconic bar Sora, where director of bars, Bob Louison, has curated a captivating cocktail menu inspired by Japanese legends, aptly named “The Book of Yokai” — I highly recommend savoring one from Sora’s deck, offering the best sunset view in the city.

Your property hosts a contemporary art gallery. How do you select the artists on display? Clue us in on the importance of art at the Rosewood Phnom Penh?

Image courtesy of Rosewood Phnom Penh

Rosewood Phnom Penh invites guests on an artistic journey of discovery, enriching and deepening their appreciation for the “A Sense of Place” philosophy of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts. Reflecting the concept of life as a living canvas, the hotel’s curated art collection thoughtfully connects guests to the charm, personality, and traditions of Cambodia and its capital. Inspired by Khmer tradition, merging it seamlessly with modernisation, the distinctive art collection finds its home in this ultra-luxury hotel, situated in the tallest building in the Kingdom of Cambodia — a fitting symbol for this theme.

To enhance our art offerings, we have dedicated a space of 112 square meters, welcoming the country’s most influential and up-and-coming artists to showcase some of Cambodia’s most exciting contemporary artworks. Each year, we host at least five different art exhibitions covering various themes, ranging from traditional Khmer art to street art, fashion, cinema, architecture, sculpture, photography, and more.

You have implemented a social community programme aiming at providing support to families in need alongside allocating jobs to talented individuals within these families. Can you tell us more about this initiative?

Image courtesy of Rosewood Phnom Penh

Rosewood Phnom Penh’s social community program — Rosewood Empowers — reflects the hotel’s commitment to creating positive change in both society and the environment. The initiative aims to empower underserved communities by providing equal access to opportunities, with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The Open Door Program — launched in 2021 in collaboration with École d’Hôtellerie et de Tourisme Paul Dubrule — offers hands-on learning opportunities to disadvantaged Cambodian youth pursuing careers in hospitality. Providing financial support, including a monthly allowance, service charge payments, and medical insurance, the program also offers invaluable real-world experience to participants.

Collaborating with local NGOs like PSE, Paul Dubrule, Sala Bai, and Don Bosco, Rosewood Phnom Penh offers apprenticeship opportunities to students, with over 100 transitioning to full-time associates after training at the hotel’s outlets. Cross-department training further promotes professional growth and development among colleagues.

The hotel also extends its support to rural communities in Cambodia, donating school supplies and food items through partnerships with organisations like the Coconut School and SOS Children’s Village Kampot. Future plans include expanding outreach efforts to benefit more communities.

Through these initiatives, Rosewood Phnom Penh aims to meaningfully impact the lives of individuals in Cambodia, foster inclusive workplaces, and support local communities in their journey towards a brighter future.

The Rosewood Phnom Penh has partnered with three other high-end properties across Cambodia to provide an immersive experience of the kingdom both on land and water. Can you tell us more about these partnerships?

Vattanac Capital Tower

Image courtesy of Rosewood Phnom Penh

This luxury tour spans 12 days, allowing guests to explore four stunning destinations and indulge in the most luxurious accommodations in the country — from the iconic Angkor Wat to lush jungles, pristine islands, and opulent urban settings — guests are treated to a diverse and in-depth exploration of Cambodia’s spectacular attractions.

The itinerary begins with a three-night stay at Rosewood Phnom Penh, where guests luxuriate in the comfort of a Mekong Suite. This urban oasis serves as the perfect starting point and grand finale to the luxury adventure.

Next, guests spend three nights at Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas, where they are treated to an exquisite experience in a luxurious Bensley Collection Pool Villa. Here, guests can relax in pure extravagance while exploring the historic temples of Angkor Wat and indulging in the finest amenities and experiences Siem Reap has to offer.

The journey continues with a three-night stay at Six Senses Krabey Island, where guests unwind in a Hideaway Pool Villa Suite. Surrounded by pristine nature, guests reconnect with local culture and wellness experiences on this private island paradise.

Finally, guests spend three nights at Shinta Mani Wild – A Bensley Collection, where they immerse themselves in ultimate luxury and adventure in the wilderness. With all-inclusive amenities and adrenaline-filled activities like a 400m zip line arrival over the forest canopy, guests experience the most breathtaking jungle and nature experience in Southeast Asia.

Overall, this partnership between Rosewood Phnom Penh and other luxury properties offers guests an unparalleled journey through Cambodia, combining opulent accommodations with unforgettable experiences in some of the country’s most breathtaking destinations.

You have set a special golfing programme for golf aficionados. What does the special golf package cover?

Guests can escape with our exclusive golf package at Rosewood Phnom Penh. The package includes an epic round of 18 holes at the prestigious Vattanac Golf Resort, designed by Sir Nick Faldo. Home to an award-winning course, the East Course promises an unforgettable play, complete with a dedicated caddie and convenient cart. Guests will relax with round transfers between Rosewood Phnom Penh and Vattanac Golf Resort in a Jaguar F-Pace limousine. Additionally, they will receive a special Vattanac Golf Resort souvenir gift pack to commemorate their unforgettable experience. This offers guests the perfect golfing getaway in Cambodia, along with a luxurious stay and daily breakfast at Brasserie Louis, as well as roundtrip airport transfers.

As managing director, what plans do you have for the hotel in 2024 to 2025?

My vision for Rosewood Phnom Penh from 2024 to 2025 is one of continued excellence and innovation. We have welcomed new talents to elevate our dining experience, with chef Omar Konateh at Cuts, sommelier Sara Penh, and bar manager Mr. KT Lam from Darkside, ensuring we maintain our status as the premier dining destination in Southeast Asia.

Our commitment to social responsibility remains unwavering. We’re initiating fundraising events, like the prestigious Phare Ponleu Selpak charity dinner, to support our community. We’re also expanding our efforts to uplift individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds by providing them with opportunities for growth and development within our team.

Furthermore, we’re dedicated to sustainability, transitioning towards zero waste operations which we have started with the Hydroponic Garden. Our goal is to lead by example in environmental stewardship while continuing to deliver unparalleled luxury and service to our guests.

Above all, we will stay true to our core value of offering relationship hospitality. It’s the genuine connections we forge with our guests that drive us forward, ensuring that every stay at Rosewood Phnom Penh is nothing short of extraordinary.

To end this interview, tell us one secret that you have never shared about the Rosewood Phnom Penh? Perhaps a hidden location or a secret experience?

Image courtesy of Rosewood Phnom Penh

As a special insider tip, I’ll reveal a hidden gem at Rosewood Phnom Penh: Cuts houses a secret room known as the “chef’s table,” nestled right in the heart of the bustling kitchen. Imagine this: when you book this exclusive experience, there’s no menu presented to you. Instead, our talented chef and sommelier curate a bespoke dining journey tailored specifically to your preferences and the season’s freshest ingredients. Picture yourself seated in this intimate setting, watching the chef craft succulent sauces and prepare each dish right before your eyes. What’s more, the chef has their own indoor potager behind the kitchen — a sight normally reserved for staff only — giving you a rare glimpse into our culinary craftsmanship. It’s an unforgettable dining experience that’s truly one-of-a-kind at Rosewood Phnom Penh.

For more on the Rosewood Phnom Penh, head to the link here.

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“Liquidline” Series Takes Center Stage at Immersive Art Show “Into the Invisible”

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

“Liquidline” Series Takes Center Stage at Immersive Art Show “Into the Invisible”

March 1, 2024
8:36 pm

The seen and unseen collide as the transformative power of Lindsey Nobel’s art is intertwined with music from Daniel Grace and Jocelyn Ng.

Renowned American artist Lindsey Nobel unveils her “Liquidline” series as part of an upcoming immersive art exhibition dubbed “Into the Invisible”. Organised by SJArt+ (She&Jul Media), the showcase is set to tantalise the senses and challenge the perception of viewers. Curated by acclaimed media producer Julliet Pan, the exhibition will take guests on a transformative journey through Nobel’s mesmerising artworks that take center stage alongside the premiere of an original musical composition by talented composer and Berklee School of Music graduate, Daniel Grace.

“Into the Invisible,” is comprised of approximately 30 selections from four bodies of work that, together, represent many of her key techniques and formal motifs.

Held at the Visual Art Centre from 4 March to 10 March, this ground-breaking exhibition aims to “shatter the mold” of traditional art displays by combining bespoke musical compositions with Nobel’s captivating visual pieces to indulge audiences in a multi-sensory odyssey that transcends the boundaries of sight and sound. For over 30 years, Lindsey Nobel has explored ways of visualising the interconnectedness between biological life forms and the informational networks through which life is expressed, from the cellular level to the digital infosphere — which is communicated through her “Liquidline” series.

Julliet Pan, Daniel Grace and Jocelyn Ng

Utilising a dynamic interplay of diverse mediums, including oil paintings, acrylics, watercolor, coffee, resin, plastic, and bronze, “Into The Invisible” is a series of works that epitomises Nobel’s contemporary artistic style. Her signature syringe pieces feature her innovative “Liquidline” technique which for Nobel, came from a place close to home, “it is from when I lived in a stilt house on top of the ocean in Malibu. I would watch the water and the waves crash and see all the white lines of foam form patterns on top of the ocean,” she explains. Here, Nobel transforms abstract concepts into visually compelling expressions of human connection and technological advancement. Her work masterfully captures the intangible energy that permeates our interactions with technology, the natural world, and the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Nobel’s artistic vision is deeply rooted in the exploration of the invisible connections that bind humans to the vast network of organic and inorganic phenomena that pervade our existence.

“Into the Invisible” will transcend the visual realm with an original musical composition by talented composer Daniel Grace, inspired by Lindsey Nobel’s ethereal artistic style. The composition will seamlessly intertwine classical violin melodies with contemporary electronic textures, creating an auditory journey that mirrors the transformative nature of the exhibition. The fusion of Lindsey Nobel’s mesmerising artworks with the musical maestro of Daniel Grace’s original composition and a live performance by renowned Singaporean violinist Jocelyn Ng promises to create an immersive and unforgettable experience for visitors. This unique artistic synergy aims to “transport” audiences to a realm where the seen and unseen gracefully intertwine, mirroring the essence of Nobel’s captivating “Liquidline” series.

Lindsey Nobel’s artwork

Julliet Pan also founded SJArt+ which lies the belief that art is not just a visual experience but a total sensory journey that engages the viewer on multiple levels. “Our aim is to craft these immersive experiences, drawing audiences into a world where each piece tells a story that resonates both visually and emotionally,” she explains. She also states that she plans to make SJArt+ a vibrant hub for international artistic exchange and for it to become more than just an art space but to serve as “a catalyst for evoking deep emotions, stimulating thought, and adding meaningful depth to people’s lives”. Through this endeavour, she aims to not just build a community but to also nurture a space where art becomes a bridge to richer, more reflective life experiences.

To RSVP for the exhibition, click here.

“Into the Invisible” takes place at the Visual Arts Centre at 10 Penang Rd, #01-02 Dhoby Ghaut Green, Singapore 238469, from 4 March to 10 March 2024

SJArt+ will also collaborate with Soho House for a members-only opening night reception on 4 March, and New York University, ESSEC Business School for their alumni exclusive reception on 6 March and 7 March.

For more on the latest art and culture reads, click here.

Interior Jewellery: Linking gemstones, energy and beautY

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

Interior Jewellery: Linking gemstones, energy and beauty

February 29, 2024
11:51 am

Paris-based Nicolas Jourdier is an ‘interior jeweller’ who crafts unique pieces in gemstones that add positive energy and a wow factor to homes and yachts.

Nicolas Jourdier

Nicolas Jourdier is a self-titled ‘interior jeweller’ who creates jewelled art including tables, consoles, mirrors, lamps and statues. His unique work featuring semi-precious stones now features in major contemporary art collections in Europe and Asia, including in Hong Kong and Manila.

All his creations are custom-made in a Parisian workshop that’s open to the public by appointment – and where he also opened up for an interview with Yacht Style.

Amazonite side table, sold in Hong Kong

Where did the term ‘interior jeweller’ come from?

I invented the term. We describe someone who decorates an interior as an interior designer. A jeweller designs jewellery for the body – rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces and pendants. On the other hand, I create large-sized jewellery to beautify interiors; some of my sculptures stand 2m tall. I create interior jewels to grace prestigious residences and yachts.

How do you approach your work?

I craft unique pieces of jewellery specifically designed for the interiors of my clients and tailored to their wishes and energy. I only use minerals that emit positive energies, so they do good by their buyers.

Amber-framed mirror, backed by LEDs

I also work on the association of metals and stones, so they resonate with each other and increase the desired energy. For each jewel, I individually choose each stone, even the smallest one, and place it carefully in a precise and specific position.

When did your passion for stones begin?

When I was 10, my grandfather gifted me stones and fossils he had found around the world including crystallised galena from the Libyan Desert. I was captivated by the stones’ history, mystery and beauty. He frequently took me to museums and gifted me books, and a passion was born.

Malachite console table plated in gold leaf

By 14, I was the youngest member of the Paris-based Mineral and Fossil Study Group (Groupe D’Etudes de Minéraux et Fossiles). We explored the French countryside to collect minerals and fossils. Each search is like a treasure hunt. You dig, you excavate, but you never know if you’ll discover something or if the stone or fossil will be of good quality.

In 2005, after a few years in Hong Kong and Paris, I finally started to live my dream in Florence. I designed and made a table in hardstone marquetry (pietra dura) with materials drawn from old stocks jealously guarded by Florentine craftsmen. I wanted each stone to come from the same quarry as the stones used in the 17th and 18^th centuries. Then I created 15 table trays in pietra dura.

Amber wall light

What inspires you when creating your works?

I always start with a stone that inspires me due to its beauty, shape or energy. From the stone, I craft a piece. For example, malachite is a stone that offers protection and inner rebirth, so I designed a console to be placed in an entrance to guard the home from negative energies.

Amber is a valuable, fossilised resin that radiates positive energy and a calming influence. I craft rocks to place in living rooms, imparting peace and good vibes when entertaining guests. I also make mirrors framed with amber, behind which I install LEDs that emit a beautiful light through the translucent nuggets.

Tiger’s eye mirror, backed by LEDs

Tiger’s eye boosts creativity and wards off negative thoughts. Sometimes, I enhance my creations with gold or bronze, like flowers made of tiger’s eye and gold, or gold-plated rocks inlaid with amber.

Do stones genuinely possess virtues?

In France, we put amber necklaces on young children when they’re teething. It helps alleviate their pain and it’s very effective. Stones include iron, copper and silica. Each element has distinct properties, and the pharmaceutical industry uses them.

Malachite side table

I select stones based on their colours and energies. Some stones are electrostatic, some absorb, others emit energy. For example, a table covered in hundreds of malachite pieces doesn’t possess the same properties and energies as one covered in amber. I design each piece based on my clients’ desires and personalities.

How do you source your stones?

I travel to find inspiring stones. For example, I visited Brazil to explore the amethyst mines I had dreamed of visiting since my childhood. I brought back over a tonne of minerals including three magnificent amethyst geodes of exceptional quality, superior to anything in the Paris museums.

Rose quartz mirror, backed by LEDs

Which accomplishments are you proud of?

I sold a gold-plated rock inlaid with dozens of amber pieces to the largest contemporary Asian art collection in France. I also designed a mirror encircled with amber for them. Now, we’re planning to craft a room entirely covered with mirrors and rose quartz, the stone of love.

www.nicolasjourdier.com

The Rise of Car Gallery Homes

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

The Rise of Car Gallery Homes

February 22, 2024
1:07 pm

Architects are riding on the wave of “carchitecture” where car enthusiast homeowners desire their wheels to be the focal point in their abode.

Forget the garage — the rise of car gallery homes leads many car collectors to create better spaces for their prized machines.

“Carchitecture” is a newly coined phrase that describes the world of cars and architecture coming together in a fluid, cohesive design. Celebrating the adoration of fluidity, lines and optimisation of space and spectacular design, owners of these collectable cars often seek an architect or interior designer to integrate the vehicle into the home and frame it like a beautiful object.

No discerning car collector would allow his or her automobile treasures to sit in some dank and dark garage, nor can you park in the street for fear of being stolen or scratched. From rare Aston Martins, classic Porsches and highly-prized Mercedes-Benz cars, these car collectors are now taking a new approach to admiring their exceptional vehicles without going into a garage.

Their beloved cars have become celebrated objects in the heart of their penthouse, mansions, or bungalows. Etienne Borgos, one of the co-directors of Borgos Pieper Studio who has designed homes for car collectors, “Clients are choosing to have their cars in their homes or apartments, even at the penthouse level, as a celebration of the car as a design object. It’s taking car ownership to the next level.”

Now integrated into an interior setting rather than a garage, the car gives rise to all the spoils and extravagances. Some notable projects include a modern Shenzhen home designed by O-office Architect where the homeowner has a classic Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 Stradale as the centrepiece. Over in the Netherlands, a homeowner wanted his 2008 Tesla Roadster as the piece de resistance in the living room, so he got architectural firm Studio OXL to transform a carpenter’s workshop into a spacious loft while preserving the former entryway of the factory.

O-Office Architects converted a textile factory in Shenzhen to house a client’s Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 Stradale. Image:Steffen Jahn

For these clients, money is no concern as setting up a small car gallery starts from £ 2 million. Jonathan Clark runs an architectural practice called Jonathan Clark Architects but has also set up another architectural practice that delves into “luxury spaces for cars”. Clark also owns a trove of classic Porsches, a Ferrari and an Alfa Romeo, and it allows him to connect with his car-adoring billionaire customers who enjoy sitting at home to appreciate beautiful cars in a gallery-like space.

Such car art galleries have become the playground for wealthy individuals who desire houses and interior spaces built around their expensive wheels, such as the USD 135 million 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe, which sits decidedly beautifully next to your dining room or indoor swimming pool.

Architect Jonathan Clark at Garage Deluxe designs spaces built around cars, so now collectors can display them in a ‘gallery’ or even alongside their indoor pool. Image: Garage Deluxe.

Clark also revealed that he has designed projects he lost out to another rival firm. One was an “underground car cathedral” designed for a French billionaire with 25 cars. The structure was designed under a field next door to his house in France. It was a double-height space with a mezzanine, so you could entertain friends or chill out alone. The cavernous area would hold 3,000 sqm of space where the cars could be driven down a ramp and circle into the basement.

Architects have also been creative when clients come with their requests. Clark revealed how he also designed a car gallery next to the client’s underground swimming pool so the owner can peer at his Ferrari F40 while doing his morning laps. “It’s a different way of presenting a car as a focal point in an interior setting,” quips Clark. On the side, the gallery would have wash bays and space for team workers to maintain the collection. “When you have 25 cars, you can’t just leave them alone; you need someone to oil the gears and give them a spin occasionally.”

Another architect, Sam Burch, revealed how he had to incorporate ramps or even elevators into a three-storey home. It would allow the car enthusiast homeowner to park their finest machines in the living room or mezzanine whenever possible. The house also has a garage for 15 vehicles, so the owner can use the elevator and display his Porsches or BMWs on any floor.

The cost of even a small car gallery starts ‘from £2m up’. Image: Garage Deluxe.

Unbeknownst to many people, “Carchitecture” isn’t a new concept. It even intrigued famous architects such as Le Corbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright, who owned more than 80 cars during their lifetime.

A striking gallery-like space for cars to be displayed at home. Image: Sam Burch Architect.

One luxury marque has even tapped into this market — designing exceptional, customised spaces for storing their vehicles. Since 2019, Aston Martin has been offering the “Automotive Galleries and Lairs” service to take “the Aston Martin experience” even further.

The luxury automobile brand also embarked on a project with S3 Architecture where the concept of “architecture” was materialised as an 800sqm property in the heart of New York countryside. The house’s main entrance offers multiple windows through a gallery garage, allowing the owner to display their DB11, V12 Vanquish and Valkyrie-like works of art.

For more on luxury automotive reads, click here.

The Ulysse Nardin Freak is Having a Killer Moment

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

The Ulysse Nardin Freak is Having a Killer Moment

February 14, 2024
8:08 pm

The Ulysse Nardin Freak is having a moment, having received long- overdue recognition from the GPHG. The true significance of this momentous timepiece is both in the past and the future…

“I just love the Freak One. It’s just an amazing watch. It’s a status watch. It’s a killer watch,” enthuses George Bamford, of Bamford Watch Department, and a Grand Prix of Horlogerie de Geneve jury member. “I mean, just calling it the Freak is impressive enough because that must have been a huge risk when the collection was first launched over 20 years ago. But then you have all that design content, those big ideas. It’s freaking nuts. It’s freaking mad.”

In 2023, the Grand Prix of Horlogerie de Geneve named Ulysee Nardin’s Freak One the winner of its ‘iconic’ category, acknowledging this latest iteration of the line debuted in 2001 – under the leadership of Rolf Schnyder and the watchmaking radicalism of Carole Forestier and Ludwig Oechslin – as totemic of something bigger than itself: a shift in the way watches were conceived and, in turn, perceived.

Here was a watch with no crown – the display is adjusted using the bezel, the watch wound using the casebook. More impressive still, here was a watch without a dial or hands, utilising the movement itself to display the time and, in turn, proposing that the movement could find visual expression as a kind of kinetic art. Here was one that also took a new approach to materials, being the first watch with a silicium escapement. Small wonder then that the Freak line has garnered some 20 patents for Ulysee Nardin.

“What made the Freak possible was that Rolf Schynder, when he acquired the company in 1983, was determined to make substantial investments in the manufacture. More importantly, he aimed to establish a manufacture with its own vision,” explains Clemence Le Rolland, Ulysee Nardin’s brand director for South East Asia and Oceania. Surely the effect of that vision was, however, greater than perhaps he imagined.

“[The Freak] deserves its current reputation for initiating the era of ‘modern’ watchmaking,” argues Le Rolland. “This era shifted the focus away from a classical, albeit high-end, approach to watchmaking to one that prioritised creating something entirely different and innovative. It inspired other watchmaking brands and brought a twist to haute horlogerie.”

Bamford agrees. He suggests that without the Freak – a watch given additional credibility in coming from a company of historic pedigree, dating back to 1846 – potentially new brands the likes of Richard Mille or Urwerk, both also known for unconventional approaches to watch design, would have had a harder time establishing a market following their launch soon after. Maybe the timeline of modern watchmaking should be conceived as being BF and AF: Before the Freak and After the Freak.

“We are more used to seeing weird and wonderful proposals in watchmaking more often now. Even in that context the Freak remains mesmerising: you look at it and immediately ask yourself ‘so how does this work?’. Figuring that out for yourself is part of what makes the design intriguing,” he suggests. “But what I think is especially telling is that Ulysee Nardin was taking that approach so long ago. To really appreciate the Freak you have to look at [watchmaking] history and appreciate what its launch did for the watch world at large. It’s akin to Swatch or G-Shock – it’s easy to overlook how radical they were when they were launched”.

Indeed, these and other pioneering watches might be too readily appreciated now as primarily being aesthetic leaps forward. And, as notes Maximillian Busser, Grand Prix of Horlogerie de Geneve jury member and founder of MB&F – a brand that also benefited from the path paved by the Freak – the various iterations of the Freak have managed to be unconventional while also being lightweight, compact and relatively streamlined. Unlike so many other exotic watches, they have also managed to remain comfortably wearable even on a small wrist – something Busser cites as being a major trial in the creation of his own timepieces. And yet, he stresses, all that is to miss the real import of these groundbreakers.

“Sure, before [the likes of the Freak, RM001, the UR103 or the Harry Winston Opus 1] the look of high-end watchmaking was incredibly classic and conservative. But that’s not why for me the Freak has to be considered one of the great contemporary watchmaking benchmarks of the early 2000s,” says Busser. “Rather it’s because it also required the development of an incredibly complex technology to make it come to life. These kinds of watches are not only about design. They’re not just about a nicely designed packaging of an existing movement. They represent overcoming enormous technical challenges. The Freak’s lack of a crown is a case in point. Since the movement turns on itself a traditional crown-stem wouldn’t have worked. And the solution just makes the watch that much more ground-breaking.”

From the Freak’s Dual Direct escapement – at a time when a watchmakers creating their own escapement was largely unheard of, George Daniels aside – to the idea of orientating the blades of the balance wheel to exploit air resistance for a more constant amplitude; from the hugely improved energy transmission of the Grinder automatic winding system to, more recently, the escapement being treated with a silicium and synthetic diamond plasma finish for abrasion and shock resistance… The Freak series has kept the innovations coming, without the original losing its relevance.

“Remarkably, although a multitude of new ideas have emerged since then, the Freak continues to stand out as a highly creative and unique watch,” argues Le Rolland. Indeed, in a way the Freak has come to replace the marine chronographs, with which Ulysee Nardin has long been closely associated, as the most direct expression of what the brand stands for today. Simply put, “it [expresses] Ulysse Nardin’s unconventional, avant-gardist mindset in its approach to watchmaking.”

All images, except one, are of the original Freak from 2001. It is remarkable that more than 20 years after its debut, it does not look out of place amongst the novelties of today

This article first appeared on WOW’s Legacy 2024 issue.

For more on the latest in watch reads, click here.

Concept Verre’s Interior Lighting Shines Bright

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

Concept Verre’s Interior Lighting Shines Bright

February 8, 2024
3:07 pm

Indulge in customisable luxury lighting fixtures with Nice’s own Concept Verre.

Concept Verre combines exquisite interior lighting with its signature sleek design. Since its conception in 2007, Concept Verre has prided itself on combining “noble and old materials” to execute modern and refined pieces. This luxury lighting brand has grown to build a reputation with its unique mouth-blown glass. Using mass-tinted Murano glass, interior lighting pieces are made using traditional mouth-blown techniques by master glassmakers.

Since 2017, Concept Verre has combined the purity of glass with natural materials such as marble, stone and wood to create sensible and refined collections. At its core, Concept Verre aims to create lighting pieces that each have character, combining strength and grace alongside collaborating with a team of passionate designers.

Using mouth-blown glass as the centrepiece of their creations, they have chosen this storied technique to enhance indoor lighting and dress-up interior spaces. Each of Concept Verre‘s products incorporates the latest technological and normative developments and reflects their know-how in terms of originality and manufacturing quality. The company successfully balances its opulent French roots to suit an international clientele.

Concept Verre also offers customisation options on their lighting fixtures, to adapt their designs to all projects. Today, their creations are distributed internationally and adorn the spaces of the most prestigious locations. Each creation is a work of art, and they treat it as such. For all of their fixtures, each glass is checked and decorated one by one in their workshop in Nice.

Their in-house painter carries out the finishing touches; from subtle gradients to pastel hues and silvering, each finish has its own technique. They precisely apply every nuance, stroke, and detail to create a final look that perfectly matches the customer’s style.

The Circé pendant light completes the gorgeous interior of this seaside home in Marbella.

Encompassing residential property to public spaces and corporate offices, Concept Verre’s custom fixtures will add a touch of sophistication and character to any space. Each piece is lovingly and meticulously crafted to offer clients an unforgettable lighting experience.

Concept Verre’s iconic Circé collection in a vacation home on France’s West Coast.

With its wide range of personalisation options, Concept Verre believes that every fixture should be an extension of your personality and how you envision your interior to look. Be it an intimate ambiance, an explosion of colour, or a minimalist, contemporary aesthetic, Concept Verre aims to turn your vision into a reality.

Kahina pendant light in a home in Provence.

Head to Concept Verre to find out more.

For more on luxury interior stories, click here.

These Three Vintage Mercedes Benz Cars are up for Grabs

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

Stunning 1903 Mercedes-Simplex heads vintage Mercedes-Benz cars for auction

February 1, 2024
12:31 pm

The models range in price from about US$1.6 million to over US$10 million for what has been described as the “first supercar”.

The 1903 Mercedes-Simplex 60 HP “Roi des Belges”, 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster and 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing will all headline Amelia Island Auctions. The 1903 Mercedes-Simplex 60 HP “Roi des Belges”, is particularly interesting as it comes fresh to market from 121 years of continuous family ownership. The car will also be displayed at the upcoming Salon Rétromobile exhibition.

1903 Mercedes-Simplex 60 HP “Roi des Belges” (Approximately Upwards of USD 10,000,000)

Image courtesy of Gooding & Company

The Mercedes-Simplex 60 HP is a classic vintage car and was the blueprint for all of the automobiles that would follow. Considered to be the very first supercar, its design was so ahead of its time that it redefined performance capabilities, serving as the basis of Mercedes’ cutting-edge technology in their winning Grand Prix cars even as late as 1908. Manufacturers throughout the world would boast in their advertisements that their cars were built “in the style of Mercedes,” as these were the cars everyone wanted to make, drive, and own. Its importance, influence, and indelible legacy cannot be overstated.

Designed by Wilhelm Maybach and produced by Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft (DMG) at the behest of Emil Jellinek, the Mercedes-Simplex 60 HP is widely regarded as the first modern, high-performance automobile. Powered by a 9.25-liter F-head inline four-cylinder engine, which produced an ample 60 HP, the Mercedes was capable of reaching speeds topping 80 mph, making it the fastest production car in the world at the turn of the 20th century. The Mercedes-Simplex featured many of the mechanical and technical advances of its time, including a state-of-the-art chassis with a low center of gravity, a gated H-pattern four-speed gearbox, smooth scroll-type clutch, dual-chain drive, and honeycomb radiator. Between 1903 and 1905, the Mercedes-Simplex 60 HP dominated the world of racing, winning countless speed trials, hill climbs, and circuit races. Its unparalleled performance capabilities were most prominently displayed at the 1903 Gordon Bennett Cup in Ireland, where Belgian racing driver Camille Jenatzy won the race outright, defeating purpose-built racing machines in what was a stock production car delivered to a private customer.

Today, the car remains in highly original condition, with its fabulous Rothschild bodywork still retaining much of its original leather upholstery. This car is one of only four remaining examples in private ownership, with a fifth example, a Long-Wheelbase Omnibus, at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany. Further, the Harmsworth Mercedes is one of only two such cars with original coachwork still intact. Remarkably, this car has never changed hands, remaining as an heirloom within the Harmsworth family for over 120 years. However, what is most important is that this is the only Mercedes 60 HP that has a known racing pedigree, and a winning one, at that! It is being offered for sale for the very first time in its history, and is among the most significant cars to ever come to public auction. Gooding & Company has never before offered a car from such long-standing single-family ownership and is honored to present one of the most valuable antique-era cars in existence. Presented from the family of one of England’s most influential figures of the modern era, with documented period competition history, this Mercedes-Simplex comes to market as one of the most historic, important, and groundbreaking automobiles from the dawn of motoring – setting the stage for a historic moment ready to unfold in front of the world at the upcoming Amelia Island Auctions this March.

1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster (Approximately between USD 2,200,000 – USD 2,800,000)

Image courtesy of Gooding & Company

The iconic 300 SL Roadster needs no introduction, as it is one of the most coveted and revered sports cars ever produced. Gooding & Company is proud to offer one of the most original, well-preserved 300 SLs of any type in existence, chassis 198.042.7500348, for its upcoming Amelia Island Auctions. This extremely rare factory Rudge-wheel Roadster is one of less than 30 produced and is believed by the consignor to retain the vast majority of its original paint, along with its original interior, soft top, and countless other rarely seen details. This Roadster has had just three owners from new, and was retained by its second owner for a remarkable 54 years. In current ownership, the 300 SL received a painstakingly careful mechanical restoration undertaken by leading 300 SL specialists HK Engineering, who went to great lengths to preserve its original finishes in the engine compartment and other areas. The Roadster is resplendent in Silbergrau Metallic (Silver-Gray Metallic) with a Rot (Red Leather) interior and Schwarz (Black) soft top. The car is accompanied by an original set of Hepco-fitted luggage, along with manuals, a jack, tool kit, a second set of date-stamped Rudge wheels, a spare injection pump, and rare factory onboard parts kit. It also retains its matching-numbers engine, body, chassis, steering box, rear end, and front axles, per a copy of its Mercedes-Benz data card. The sheer number of this Roadster’s astonishing attributes make it an automobile of true historic import and extreme rarity. This singular Mercedes-Benz will impress anyone fortunate enough to see it, and a close inspection by even the most knowledgeable 300 SL enthusiast will be highly rewarded.

1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing (Approximately between USD 1,600,000 – USD 1,800,000)

Image courtesy of Gooding & Company

This fastidiously maintained 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing comes to Amelia Island with an exceptionally documented history from new, consisting of just two California owners from 1955 to 2023 before acquisition by the consignor. Its first owner was Glen Smith Harman, M.D., who regularly drove the car, accumulating over 130,000 miles by the end of 1967. The doctor exercised as much precision with the care of his beloved Gullwing as he did in his profession, keeping exceptional records of services and routine maintenance performed on the car throughout the decades. An engine rebuild was performed in 1973 by local 300 SL expert Rudy Geipel, and in 1986, the Gullwing was repainted in its original DB50 White. After Doctor Harman passed away in 1999, his wife Lillian carefully handpicked the car’s next caretaker, and in 2003, the Gullwing made its way into the hands of Gull Wing Group member and accomplished mechanic, Robert West. West owned the car for the next two decades, enjoying it sparingly on club events. Never before offered for public sale, this Gullwing is a true standout among the many examples that have previously graced the auction stage, retaining the essence of a well-maintained and lovingly cared-for 300 SL with a comprehensive, California-from-new provenance.

Elements of this article were referenced from Gooding & Company

For more on the latest in luxury cars and automotive news, click here.

Assessing Prime Residential Markets Globally in 2024

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

Assessing Prime Residential Markets Globally in 2024

January 26, 2024
2:57 am

Dubai and Auckland comes out tops in the markets that stand resilient for homebuyers to invest.

With holiday-goers returning from their trips and school now back in full swing, the winding down of New Year celebrations brings the rest of the year into perspective. Plans for buying a home and investing in property in 2024 might be on your mind should you decide to maximise your potential investment plans. LUXUO highlights the prime areas and risks involved when investing in property for the year to come.

Goodwood Residences in Bukit Timah. Image: Goodwood Residences.

A recent Knight Frank 2024 report has revealed “cautious optimism” based on a global forecast. The findings also revealed that frontrunner Dubai is the location to invest for 2024.

While two major geopolitical crises occur, observers have noted varying approaches within the banking industry. As prices for gas and oil remain high, this has led to leaders in Canada and the UK signalling their intent to address inflationary risks. However, their political brethren in Europe and the US come at a more relaxed stance.

Kate Everett-Allen, Head of International Residential Research, Knight Frank, opines, “Amid this backdrop, the ‘higher for longer’ trend persists, leading to a notable shift in buyer behaviour. Our global research network reports that 52 percent of prime buyers now opt for cash purchases, an increase from 46 percent six months ago.”

The Economist’s report is more alarming: “Governments are grappling with mounting challenges, as public debt in the affluent world reaches historic levels relative to GDP, surpassing post-Napoleonic War figures.”

Knight Frank

This inevitable consequence points to rising taxes, where policymakers will most likely focus on wealth and property. While these are the looming headwinds, Everett-Allen cites, “Overall prime price forecast for 2024 has grown from 2.1 percent to 2.5 percent since our mid-2023 global research team assessment. However, the outlook for 2023 has seen the most significant improvement. Our researchers projected a 1.7 percent average price increase at the year’s midpoint. However, this figure has surged to 2.4 percent with just a month remaining.

Knight Frank

So, the silver lining on the cloud? Some prime buyers think that the worst is behind us. On the demand factor, interest rate hikes are witnessing a swan song while inflation puts on its brakes; therefore, buyers have regained their appetite in certain markets. In the supply factor, it is observed that there’s a reluctance among mortgaged households to move, buoyed by persistent labour shortages, high construction costs and planning delays; all these collectively contribute to a shortage of new stock entering the market.

Some Key Findings

Dubai Dubai is one of the top destinations for homebuyers. Image: Red Magazine.

Dubai is in the lead as Knight Frank’s price forecast for 2023 points to 14 percent growth envisaged, while Auckland (+10 percent) is the frontrunner for 2024. Cash buyers, as a proportion of all prime sales, have risen from 46 percent to 52 percent in the last six months, according to Knight Frank’s research network. Upcoming elections in some key cities have become the most considerable potential risk to prime markets in 2024, with the relaxation of tax and property regulations considered the most significant opportunity.

Looking Back

A lot has changed in some key property markets, notably Singapore, Hong Kong and New Zealand. The Little Red Dot ramped up stamp duty for non-residents, taking total purchase costs to around 60 percent; Hong Kong took the opposite approach; New Zealand’s change of government offered relaxed rules for foreign buyers. Over in the United States, Los Angeles has put in place a mansion tax while New York’s authorities opted for a de facto ban on short-term lets. Prime residential prices have stood their ground with these changes in economic uncertainty and the uneasiness of geopolitical risks. Based on Knight Frank’s 2023 rankings, Dubai takes pole position where it has anticipated annual growth of 14 percent over the entire 12 months. The other countries that follow: Madrid (6.5 percent), Stockholm (five percent), Seoul (4.5 percent), and Miami (four percent), round out the top five; each city is either rebounding from recent price declines or experiencing robust wealth migration.

Knight Frank

Therefore, investors are always looking to explore new locations and diverse property sectors based on the landscape of slower price growth, courtesy of the elevated cost of debt. While persistent inflation might throw a spanner in the works, the advent of new property cycles whets the appetites of eagle-eyed opportunistic homebuyers.

Crystal Ball

Peering into the crystal ball, Knight Frank tracked 25 cities where Auckland takes the lead for 2024, where it is anticipating a 10 percent increase in luxury prices. Dubai will snag the third position in 2024 with a projected prime price growth of five percent. Dubai witnessed a stellar post-pandemic performance-based, in fact, on the slowdown in the rate of price growth. China faced a scarcity of new prime supply and renewed demand, while India will see it remain in the positive realm; all have helped Dubai’s growth. The Emirate is pulling out all the stops to woo local and international buyers by focusing on its affluent enclaves, inland villas offering lush greenery, and more.

Christine Li, Head of Research, APAC, Knight Frank, chimes in, “Singapore is one key market to look out for as it seems to be insulated from the economic headwinds, particularly the Bukit Timah zone. The nation’s stable, business-friendly environment has made it resilient. Bukit Timah remains a prime choice for luxury living for expatriates and locals.

Madrid and Stockholm have become Europe’s best performers, all thanks to offering homebuyers good value, low purchase costs, high-quality life and no regulations or restrictions on overseas buyers.

Triptych Bankside residence in London. Image: Triptych Bankside.

Everett-Allen also sheds light on Paris, “The city of lights has a diverse mix of buyers, the euro remains relatively weak, providing some with a discount; the 2024 Paris Olympics will attract global interest; it is home to the most prominent urban transport regeneration plan in Europe (Grand Paris Express), and if approved, a Bill currently going through the French National Assembly could provide Brits with an automatic right to a long-stay visa.

Prime central London did not move its needle as it is poised for a milder correction than the broader UK market. This resilience is attributed to a higher prevalence of cash sales, particularly within Zone 1, coupled with prices currently sitting 15 percent below their previous peak.

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Raffles Doha blends luxury and unforgettable hospitality

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

Raffles Doha: Where Luxury Meets Unforgettable Hospitality

January 18, 2024
6:11 am

Find out why Lucas Raven describes this hotel as one of the “best in Qatar and one of the finest in the world”.

As a seasoned traveler who has roamed the globe for years and resided in Qatar for a significant stretch, I can say without reservation that Raffles Doha stands out as not only the crown jewel of Qatar’s hotel scene but a global treasure among luxury accommodations. Nestled within the heart of Doha, the property manages the miraculous feat of being larger than life yet radiating the warm intimacy of a boutique hotel, crafting an unforgettable experience like no other.

Royal Treatment From Arrival to Departure

The Raffles Doha

From the moment you step into the awe-inspiring lobby, you’ll find yourself transported to a world where every guest is treated like a member of a royal family. The architecture is a masterpiece, marrying traditional Qatari design elements with modern, avant-garde aesthetics. The interior design, meticulously curated to perfection, effortlessly blends opulence and comfort, setting the stage for a truly regal experience.

The Raffles Doha

Yet what truly sets them apart is its impeccable butler service. The butlers here are not just well-trained; they are masters of the art of anticipation. The moment I arrived, a keen-eyed butler noticed a small issue with the leather handle on my luggage. With grace and humility, they asked if they could fix it for me. A mere day later, my luggage was returned, its handle restored to a condition that made it seem as though it had just left the workshop. It’s these small but meaningful gestures that etch memories and leave an indelible mark on your heart.

A Warm Embrace in Grandeur

The Raffles Doha

Raffles manages to maintain genuine warmth and a keen attention to detail, reminiscent of a family-run boutique hotel, despite its grand scale. The service team here is the epitome of perfection, an inspiration to all other hotels in Qatar. The personalised care and attention to even the minutest of details are the true hallmarks of a five-star experience, and this hotel effortlessly excels in this regard.