Luxury Insider's Current Affairs

Yellow Tree House Restaurant, New Zealand

Admin — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 02:24:00 +0800

The New Zealand Yellow Pages is hard at work on a project that easily puts any other telephone directory’s marketing efforts to shame – a chrysalis-shaped treehouse restaurant perched 10 meters high in a redwood tree near Warkworth, New Zealand.

The showpiece of the company's new communications campaign, the restaurant, designed by Pacific Environment Architects, was constructed entirely through sourcing taken entirely from the Yellow Pages itself, which reflects its task of proving that the Yellow Pages can help people do just about anything.

Upon entering the surreal restaurant by means of an elevated walkway, visitors will be treated to a fully functioning dining area, replete with bar, waiters and enough seating room for 18 people.

This wasn’t the only challenge for the architects however, as they were also required to consider appropriate lighting angles and unobstructed views of the surrounding valley.

A staggering number of experts, including structural and fire engineers, traffic and town planners and arborists were roped into the project to ensure its safety and viability - a precaution surely welcomed by those planning to pay a visit to this mini architectural wonder, which should be completed in time for Christmas this year.

Follow the progress of the construction on the official Yellow Tree House website at www.yellowtreehouse.co.nz.

All images are copyrighted and courtesy of Peter Eising and Lucy Gauntlett of Pacific Environments Architects NZ Ltd.

Porsche Updates the Boxster and Cayman for 2009

Admin — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 20:10:00 +0800

By LAWRENCE TAN

We brought you news of special limited editions of the Porsche Boxster and Cayman in August this year. The German automaker has also followed up its tradition of minor tweaks and tucks to the 2009 models of the Boxster and Cayman, now on display at the LA Auto Show.

This time, however, the changes go further than merely cosmetic, the highlight of which are the new engines that will power the new-look duo, and a host of new technology brought over from the 911 Carrera PDK. PDK of course, refers to Porsche’s new double-clutch gearbox, which goes by the tongue-twisting name "Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe".

Power is now up to 255bhp from a 2.9-liter plant in the Boxster, and 265bhp in the Cayman. S versions now house a 3.4-liter engine featuring direct fuel injection, boosting power to 310bhp in the Boxster S and 320bhp in the Cayman S.

Despite the increase in power and performance, Porsche claims the new Boxsters and Caymans have remarkably cut their diet, with fuel consumption down by 11 percent in the 2.9-liter models, and an even more impressive 16 percent in the 3.4-liter versions over their respective Tiptronic S predecessors. Needless to say, both engines will score well with the stringent EU emissions standards.

As for the facelifts we mentioned earlier, watch out for new front and rear panels, larger halogen headlights with integrated direction indicators, and new LED rear lights.

'Live' pictures at the LA Auto Show are taken from Autoblog

Porsche

Marcello de Cartier Bags

Admin — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:15:00 +0800

By JOYCE KHOO

The new incarnations of the iconic Marcello de Cartier handbags have landed. Season two of the collection take on deep, sensual hues of red, brown and bronze this season, echoing the sensibilities of the confident, mature woman.

The super-sized international bags, perfectly designed for the glamorous traveler, come in supple ostrich skin or grained leather, and boast of a distinctive double-C logo on its stitched front – the indubitable stamp of Cartier.

Smaller handbags are also available in red, beige, brown and black nubuck leather, with karung corners, and piping and exotic accents such as seductive full-grain crocodile and alligator skins, dyed cowhide and goatskins, and buffalo hide. Exquisite lines and delicate stitching wrap up the charm of the Marcello de Cartier bags.

Cartier

Oberoi Group Offers Exciting Vacation Packages

Admin — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:22:00 +0800

The Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur

By LAWRENCE TAN

Oberoi Hotels & Resorts are attempting to entice travelers with a series of comprehensive vacation packages this holiday season.

With three Oberoi hotels occupying the top five spots in Condé Nast Traveler’s Top 100 Readers’ Choice Awards for the Top 100 Asia Hotels, the Oberoi Exotic Vacations package lets you experience living like a king in one of their grandiose palaces.

The Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra

Priced at US$3,490 for a six-night stay or US$622 for a night’s stay for two, choose from one of the four magnificent palaces, The Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur, The Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra, The Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur or The Oberoi Vanyavilas in Ranthambhore.

All packages include accommodation in a Premier Room, daily breakfasts, and return transfers from the nearest airport or railway station.

The Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur

The Oberoi Vanyavilas in Ranthambhore

Pencil in a cruise along the tranquil backwaters of Kerala aboard The Oberoi MV Vrinda during your regal adventures in India.

A 4-day, 3-night stay onboard the lavishly appointed eight-cabin cruiser starts at US$1,837, inclusive of daily meals, visits to a gigantic Buddha statue at Karumadi, a century-old Hindu temple, and traditional Kathakali dances inspired by ancient Hindu epics.

The Oberoi MV Vrinda Kerala

Meanwhile, Oberoi’s sister brand, Trident Hotels, has also launched a ‘Discover India with Trident’ package, with an option of a 3-night and 5-night stay in a Deluxe Room and daily breakfasts starting at US$ 597 and US$ 995 respectively.

Hotel Lobby at Trident, Agra

Built of red sandstone reminiscent of the Mughal era, Trident, Agra is situated right next door to India’s most recognizable landmark, the Taj Mahal while the Trident, Jaipur and Trident, Udaipur are set in the midst of manicured gardens, charming lakes and graceful hills.

Jal Mahal Restaurant at Trident, Jaipur

Trident, Udaipur

Oberoi Hotels & Resorts

Trident Hotels

XIV – Michael Mina's First Restaurant In Los Angeles

Admin — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 06:11:00 +0800

By CRYSTAL GOH

American celebrity chef Michael Mina has teamed up with the Restaurant and Nightlife division of SBE to open XIV, his first restaurant to open its doors in Los Angeles’ fashionable Sunset Boulevard. Mina, who already has three Michelin stars to his name, is famed for his modern American cuisine.

With interiors by Philippe Starck, diners will find themselves transported into an opulent European chateau, accented with the contemporary touches Starck is best known for.

In between stainless steel panels and hand-painted artwork from centuries past, guests will get to enjoy the new and innovative dining experience that is XIV.

A uniquely reorganized menu completely does away with the traditional course structure, and instead, presents dishes individually to allow guests to create their very own tasting menu from categories of shellfish, vegetables, poultry and light meats, fish, meat and game, cheese, fruit and nuts and chocolate.

These countless food permutations are topped off with wines categorized by taste to match the menus, instead of by region or country, completing an all new dining experience where the customer can take total control.

XIV by Michael Mina

Aquariva Super Yacht by Riva

Admin — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 02:17:00 +0800

By ASHOK SOMAN

For the upcoming festive season, Italian yacht-builder Riva is proposing a rather special gift: the Aquariva Super. A 33-footer, this yacht is the smallest of Riva’s 10 designs and the company suggests that it would make a rather charming gift.

With a top speed of 41 knots and cruising speed of 36 knots – delivered by twin 380hp Yanmar motors – the boat packs a powerful punch.

But power is just a side benefit as Riva has kitted this yacht out with carved wooden decks (mahogany inlaid with maple) and leather trimmings on the dashboard and helm, emphasizing the company’s attention to detail and finesse.

The Aquariva Super is the successor to the Aquarama, a lifestyle icon of generations past seen. Riva, a Ferretti brand, makes prices available upon request.

Riva

Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder

Admin — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:21:00 +0800

By LAWRENCE TAN

After stealing the show in Paris last month with the Lamborghini Estoque, Sant’Agata rolled out another stunner at the Los Angeles Auto Show today – the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder.

The droptop version of the Gallardo LP560-4, which only made its debut in Geneva in March this year, shares the same 5.2-liter V10, shelling out 552 bhp and 398 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels.

That translates to a 0-62mph acceleration in four seconds, with top speed pegged at 202 mph. But Lamborghini says the increased power and performance have not increased fuel consumption and carbon footprint, and instead, claims an 18 percent drop in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The LP560-4 Spyder also boasts a lighter transmission with faster shift times, and an all-new chassis and suspension.

The folding roof retracts in 20 seconds into a raised rear deck, aided by a hydraulic pump and electric motor, and comes in a variety of color options including black, blue, grey and beige.

The Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder should offer an interesting proposition alongside the recently announced Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M, with first deliveries expected in spring 2009.

'Live' pictures at the LA Auto Show are taken from Autoblog

Lamborghini

BMW Designs Another Coffee Machine for Saeco

Admin — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:19:00 +0800

By LAWRENCE TAN

After revamping its entire line of automated coffee machines with the help of BMW Group DesignworksUSA last year, Saeco has once again turned to the design arm of the famous German automaker to come up with another design for its latest brewer.

Dubbed the Saeco Xsmall, it slots into the Saeco portfolio as the smallest model, and incorporates design elements from its current Primea, Talea and Odea lines.

This means the same two-color tone, animated enclosing surfaces around a centralized knob control, and user-friendly interface have been retained.

The Xsmall’s contour lines also echo the same design theme that inspired the first three offerings, which involves mimicking ‘the flow of coffee into the cup”..

Saeco

Alfred Dunhill Limited Edition Mechanical Belt

Admin — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 06:20:00 +0800

By MICHAEL OMAR

Only 25 discerning buyers in the world will get the chance to savor Alfred Dunhill's latest demonstration in decadence, the limited edition US$10,600 Mechanical Belt.

Available only in the affluent British company’s flagship stores in London, New York, Shanghai and Tokyo, the belt’s claim to fame is not so much its choice of two easily interchangeable black and brown alligator skin straps, but rather its intricate mechanical buckle.

The aesthetically and functionally striking five-axel buckle is crafted by expert artisans with 18 carat rose gold, diamonds and stainless steel.

It also utilizes a patented system of over 108 movable mechanical parts (including plates, levers and roller bearings) by Swiss horology experts to allow for surgically precise, one-handed adjustments of 35mm - the length traditionally used by tailors to add extra comfort to tailor-made suits for activities such as neatening one’s outfit, letting loose after a hearty meal, or even exiting a low-riding car.

Rolling out just in time for the year-end festive season, the Mechanical Belt presents a unique gift opportunity for those lucky enough to secure one.

dunhill

Paramount - London's Room With A View

Admin — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 02:23:00 +0800

By CRYSTAL GOH

High up in one of London’s most iconic buildings, Centre Point, sits Paramount, the latest venue designed by renowned English interior designer Tom Dixon.

Situated at the heart of London’s West End and overlooking the bustling Oxford Street, Paramount is a member’s-only club that boasts one of the best views the city has to offer.

Spread over three floors at the top of the landmark building, Paramount features a viewing gallery offering members breathtaking panoramic views through floor-to-ceiling windows of the city as they sip champagne from the bar and gaze out into the night.

There's also a members bar, lounge and restaurant serving up a menu of both casual fare and fine food, and an entire floor reserved specially for private events and parties, complete with a ten-meter long zinc bar.

Membership at Paramount involves a lengthy application, screening and selection process, one that makes the nightspot one of the most elite and exclusive of the trendy new nightspots to hit the streets of London.

Paramount

via thecoolhunter

Hermes Dresses the Smart fortwo

Admin — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 22:29:00 +0800

By MICHAEL OMAR

After lending its lavish touch to the already exclusive Bugatti Veyron at the Geneva 2008 Motor Show earlier this year, French luxury brand Hermès is now turning its sights on a comparatively modest vehicle – the smart fortwo.

Made just in time for the Smart fortwo’s tenth year on the road, the special Hermès edition’s untampered exterior does nothing to give away the surprise of its decadent interior, a characteristic-to-Hermes haute couture extravaganza of high quality leather and Hermès’ proprietary Toile H canvas.

This treatment isn’t however just reserved to expected mediums like the dashboard, steering wheel, door panels, gear shift covers and seats – even the tridion safety cell itself is swathed in similarly fine materials.

Priced at US$48,500 (3.5 times more expensive than the original model), only 10 of the Hermès Smart fortwos have been produced, and come in a full spectrum of colors consisting of ebony, charcoal, gold, bright red, indigo, sky, pink, lime, and Hermès’ trademark orange.

Hermes

Thailand on Top at the AsiaSpa Awards 2008

Admin — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:30:00 +0800

By LAWRENCE TAN

Thailand emerged the biggest winner at the AsiaSpa Awards 2008, taking home eight awards at a glamorous gala awards ceremony held at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong last Sunday.

More than 400 industry VIPs were in attendance at this year’s awards to witness Thailand’s handsome trophy haul, with Hong Kong coming in at a close second with five awards, and Indonesia with three.

Traditional ‘big sisters’ like the Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts and the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group shared the limelight with smaller independent spas Sense of Touch and the Shinta Mani Spa.

Now into its fourth year, the AsiaSpa Awards, presented by AsiaSpa magazine, recognizes the best spas in Asia, competing in 26 categories and voted on by 29 independent judges.

“We are very proud to support the best businesses in the industry and to give them the recognition they deserve,” said Olivier Burlot, Managing Director of Blu Inc Media. “Despite the challenging times that lie ahead we are very optimistic about the strength of both the industry and our publication.”

Here’s the full list of winners at the AsiaSpa Awards 2008:

Destination Spa of the Year: Holistic Spa, Kamalaya Koh Samui, Thailand

Urban Spa of the Year: The Oriental Spa, Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, Thailand

Day Spa of the Year: Tamarind Springs, Koh Samui, Thailand

New Spa of the Year: Spa Village Resort, Tembok Bali, Indonesia

Spa for Men of the Year: The Mandarin Barber, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong

Spa Retreat of the Year: The Farm, The Philippines

Eco-Spas of the Year: Six Senses Resorts & Spas

Socially Responsible Spa of the Year: The Shinta Mani Spa, Shinta Mani Hotel and Institute of Hospitality, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Medi-Spa of the Year: TRIA Integrative Wellness, Bangkok, Thailand

Asian Spa Capital of the Year: Bali, Indonesia

Spa Association of the Year: Australasian Spa Association

Spa Event of the Year: Cosmoprof Asia 2007, Hong Kong

Spa Personality of the Year: Catherine Feliciano-Chon, CatchOn & Company, Hong Kong

In-Spa Training of the Year: CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts

Spa Academy of the Year: Frederique Academy, Hong Kong

Spa Design of the Year: The Barai, Hyatt Regency, Hua Hin, Thailand

Spa Treatment of the Year: Himalayan Tsangpo Ritual – CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La, Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand

Holistic Treatment of the Year: Inner Flow Therapy, The Dheva Spa, Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Men’s Spa Treatment of the Year: ‘Cheers to Beers’ Therapy, Sense of Touch, Hong Kong

Spa’s Therapist Team of the Year: Jari Menari, Bali, Indonesia

Spa Product of the Year: Comfort Zone

Anti-Ageing Product of the Year: Pro-Collagen Oxygenating Night Cream, Elemis

Natural Products of the Year: Aromatherapy Associates

Men’s Product of the Year: Optimale Refreshing Eye Contour Care by Payot Homme

Spa Cuisine of the Year: Chiva-Som International Health Resort, Hua Hin, Thailand

Spa Marketing of the Year: Pevonia

AsiaSpa Awards 2008

Piaget Magic Hour is Favorite Ladies Watch

Admin — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:15:00 +0800

By ASHOK SOMAN

The Magic Hour watch by Piaget has been crowned Favorite Ladies’ Watch at the Grand Prix de l’horlogerie de Geneve 2008. Piaget CEO Philippe Leopold-Metzger was officially presented with the prize 13th November 2008 in Geneva.

As the only watch in the world that can be three entirely different watches, thanks to a clever mechanism that allows the case to be rotated, this is a deserving honor for the brand. Leopold-Metzger demonstrated the watch’s properties for the audience at the ceremony and praised his entire staff.

Seen here are the two editions the watch comes in: white gold with black satin strap and pink gold with white satin strap, the latter being the version that caught the jury’s eye.

Piaget

via Watch Tribune

Falper for 'His' and 'Her' Furniture Styles

Admin — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 10:24:00 +0800

By LISA ZAHRAN

Forty years ago, Guldo Fallavena’s creative entrepreneurial spirit started Falper as an industry of plastic production in plastic material for furniture. Since the 1980s however, Falper began to orientate towards modern bathroom designs that soon saw Falper gain recognition across Europe.

Two of Falper’s latest collections are the George and the Coco. George is masculine in nature, whilst Coco takes on the feminine side with the sophisticated Coco Chanel as the inspiration.

George is a freestanding designer vanity unit with sharp features designed by Michael Schmidt, and comes in two style options. The first is a large oval column with a removable side drawer and the second is a compact circular unit that goes well in pairs.

Designed in polished steel, pristine white ceramic and black resin, an engraved quilted detailing finishes the look with a unique and discerning touch.

Coco is designed by Paola Navone to be unfussy in style with timeless colors, just like the elegance of the Chanel brand. Spacious enough to store plenty of beauty essentials, it is also discerning with a quilted effect, exuding an air of chic sophistication.

Manufactured to internationally recognized quality standards, Falper’s George and Coco collections have something to take any his-‘n’-her space to a stylistic level.

Falper

via Trendir

Audi Launches Lengthened A4L Exclusively for China

Admin — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:09:00 +0800

By LAWRENCE TAN

Audi is targeting a larger piece of the Chinese market by introducing a long wheelbase version of the A4, a move similar to what they have previously done for the A6 back in 2000.

The extended Audi, called the Audi A4L, will line up in China’s premium B segment, and will roll out of Audi’s plant in Changchun, China.

Measuring 4.76m, the Audi A4L has a wheelbase that is six centimeters (or 2.36 inches) longer than the standard A4. All that additional length will provide more legroom in the rear passenger compartment. In addition to being stretched, the Audi A4L also has a chassis that has been specially tailored to handle the rugged roads in China.

Powered by a 180hp 2.0 TSI or a six-cylinder 3.2 TSI outputting 265hp, the Audi is expected to make its debut at the Guangzhou Motor Show on November 18, and will land in showrooms across Chinese dealerships come January 2009.

Audi