Luxury with Italian Style

Consumer Reports Names Infiniti G37 “Top Pick” Sports Sedan

2011-03-03T00:45:00.000-08:00

Infiniti G37

The 2011 Infiniti G37 has been named a “Top Pick” by influential Consumer Reports in the sports sedan category, besting such competitors as the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4.

CR is highly regarded because it accepts no advertising — so is seen as isolated from pressure from advertisers. The magazine’s testers buy cars anonymously to ensure they are typical of what you’d get. Most other auto testers evaluate vehicles borrowed from automakers, which have been specially maintained and are often loaded with features.

MBandF HM3 ReBel watch is designed to be worn on the right wrist

2011-03-03T00:42:00.000-08:00

MBandF HM3 ReBel watch

Individualists demand excellence, exclusivity and choice, and for the very same reason, famous watchmaking firm Maximilian Büsser & Friends (MB&F) produces amazing timepieces that are true works of art. Lately, we were looking at the lastMB&F HM2 editions and now, we have the new HM3 ReBel timepiece. The HM3 ReBel– R for right (hand), B for Black (case) – is a rock ‘n roll mirror-image of the HM3 designed for the individuals who love to wear their watch on the right wrist. Under the black PVD-treated white gold case of the timepiece are the charcoal-colored movement plates and bridges. The gold clover-head screws on top of the black case look like rivets in an upmarket biker’s leather jacket.

The 36 functional jewels and 304 components in an inverted mechanism have been paired with two high-tech ceramic bearings. The HM3 ReBel, with an anarchistic appearance and unconventional right-wrist architecture, shows some serious attitude. The twin cones show the hours and minutes, with the hour cone capped by a day/night indicator. An excerpt from the press release reads…

James Dean was a Hollywood Rebel Without a Cause; Billy Idol had a Rebel Yell; Star Wars had its Rebel Alliance; and now MB&F pokes the establishment firmly in its conservatively-focused eye with the HM3 ReBel.

We think James Dean would have worn one; Billy Idol would have sang about it; and the Rebel Alliance would have fought for it.

Waldorf-Astoria Announces United Arab Emirates Hotel

2011-03-02T01:31:00.000-08:00

Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts in Dubai

Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts has announced its second hotel in the Middle East the Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah. The hotel is located in the United Arab Emirates about 40 minutes away from the Dubai International Airport. The new hotel will have 349 rooms in an Arabian-themed palace hotel with outdoor swimming pools, 10 restaurants and bars, a new spa concept, meeting and ballroom space and more. The hotel is part of a development that will also have an 18-hole golf course, a private beach and a convention center with capacity for 3000 people.

Guests will also have access to the recently opened shopping mall located within the Al Hamradevelopment. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Saud Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Al Hamra Group dubbed Al Hamra "a stunning oasis of luxury and tranquility, where guests can come to relax and unwind." The hotel is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of this year. Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah will be the second Waldorf Astoria property to open in the Middle East. Existing Hilton Worldwide properties in Ras Al Khaimah are the Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa, the Hilton Ras Al Khaimah and the soon-to-open Doubletree by Hilton Ras Al Khaimah.

The hotel group takes its name from originalThe Waldorf=Astoria Hotel in New York. All of the branded Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts offer a luxury experience including spas and culinary excellence to world-class golf and hotels extend from Orlando to Shanghai.

Clubby new Coca-Cola bottle’s by Daft Punk

2011-03-02T01:15:00.000-08:00

Clubby new Coca-Cola bottle’s by Daft Punk

French house DJ duo Daft Punk is teaming up with Coca-Cola in the design of a new line of soda dubbed “Club Coke.”Coca-Cola posted a video featuring Daft Punk beats and the austere gold and silver bottle design, which mimics the helmets the duo wear during live performances.

The new beverage is set to be released next month and will be available at dance clubs across Europe, as previous “Club Coke” lines have been. A special collector’s package with both bottles will be available exclusively through the French boutique colette, according to online fashion magazine Hypebeast.

There is no mention yet on whether the beverage will be distributed in other countries, including the United States. This marks Coca-Cola’s third branding collaboration on their “Club Coke” line. In 2009, the company teamed up with another French electronic duo, Justice, and designer So Me in a new bottle design.

Last year, the company also signed on British singer-songwriter Mika in a bottle design featuring a jungle scene.

Williams Formula One Racing Team Offered on Frankfurt Stock Exchange

2011-02-14T08:01:00.000-08:00

Williams Formula One Racing Team

Have you ever wanted to own an Formula One team? Usually that would cost you millions upon millions of dollars, the kind of cash that only an automaker (like Ferrarior Mercedes-Benz) or an incredibly wealthy individual (like Richard Branson orVijay Mallya) could afford. But the Williams F1 team is offering an unprecedented opportunity to get in on the ground floor.

For the first time in F1 history, the team will offer publicly-traded shares on the open stock market – in this case the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. It’s part of an effort to raise capital and ensure the team’s future as its leadership – Frank Williams and Patrick Head – are growing older.

Although the team has nine world championships to its name, these days it’s having trouble keeping up with the competition.

Luxury All Villa Resort - The Raffles Praslin Seychelles

2011-02-14T05:25:00.000-08:00

The Raffles Praslin Seychelles

The Raffles Praslin Seychelles resort is surrounded by historic and important flora. The UNESCO World Heritage Site Vallée de Mai is a palm forest which will take you back to prehistoric times. The area has remained unchanged and offers a glimpse into the past, millions of years ago.

This luxury all villa resort also has the best crystal clear waters from the Indian Ocean and a stunning white beach that overlooks Curieuse Island, which is a National Marine Park.

Attention to detail seems to be Raffles Praslin signature. The villa’s have all been built on a slope, cleverly allowing dramatic and un interrupted clear views of the flora and Ocean.

The Raffles Praslin Seychelles

Millenary hand-wound Minute Repeater with Audemars Piguet escapement

2011-02-14T05:22:00.000-08:00

Audemars Piguet

Indication of the time, initially created to “tell” the time in the dark in an age when electricity had not yet been invented, is the oldest of all horological complications. Audemars Piguet has made it part of its fundamental identity, by creating minute repeater and grand strike models right from the time of its founding in 1875. The new Millenary Minute Repeater model is in direct line with this tradition. This exceptional watch with its oval case and three-dimensional architecture reveals the essentials of its refined movement: a new Audemars Piguet escapement, a double balance-spring, as well as the striking mechanism and its gongs. The result is a genuine visual delight.

Valentino's 22-carat gold pearl belt-cum-necklace glitters with Swarovski crystals

2011-02-14T05:20:00.000-08:00

Valentino's 22-carat gold pearl belt

This is why I love buying accessories from Valentino you can buy one accessory and double it up as another too! This time around, the luxury brand has on offer 22-carat gold pearl and Swarovski crystal belt crafted in brushed-gold brass and accented with blue and green Swarovski crystal. The belt also spots floral embellishment with three strands of freshwater pearls. The belt priced at $1,175 comes with a tinted glass detail for the center ornament and a lobster style clasp. The medium sized belt can also be worn as a neck piece. That's what I call value for money!

Velo Bikes by Pharrell Williams and Domeau & Pérès

2011-02-14T05:18:00.000-08:00

Velo Bikes

Pharrell Williams and Domeau & Pérès have come together along with Brooklyn Machine Works to create limited edition “Velo” bikes in frame size 56. The bicycles are crafted with 4130 chromemoly seamless airplane grade steel tubing and spot hand-stitched water buffalo leather upholstering. Limited to 12 pieces only you can get a color of your choice too. But in a bid to keep each of these $32,125 bikes exclusive, no color will be repeated after the order has been placed.

Last Minute Half-Term Chalet Le Marti Offer

2011-02-14T05:16:00.000-08:00

Chalet Le Marti

Even at the last minute, good things happen to those who wait. For those vacationers out there who have been anticipating or waiting for the best promo to appear at the last minute, you’re in luck, because that’s exactly what Chalet Le Marti has in store for you!

For the month of February, the luxury vacation rental agency Dynamic Lives is offering the high-class, premium-grade, luxury catered ski chalet Le Marti for only £2,250for all UK residents for the half-term week of February 20 to February 27, 2011.

Le Marti has proven itself to be a world-renowned, boutique-style luxury chalet with few or any peers, as evidenced by its myriad of offerings such as dedicated housekeeper service, its doting hosting privileges, its driver, its meticulous chalet manager, its in-house chef who knows a variety of dishes from around the globe, and its fully staffed chalet.

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Cameron Diaz Carrying Bottega Veneta Nero Intrecciato Duffle Bag

2011-02-13T06:43:00.000-08:00

ameron Diaz Carrying Bottega Veneta Nero Intrecciato Duffle Bag

Cameron Diaz was spotted out in Miami on vacation with her boyfriend Alex Rodriguez carrying a Bottega Veneta Nero Intrecciato Large Duffle Bag ($3,920 seen below in black). This roomy travel bag is detailed with the Bottega Veneta signature weaving and comes with a detachable shoulder strap and tubular handles. A-Rod is wearing a pair of Nike Air Force 1 Sneakers ($125) in a white khaki gum colorway.

Bottega Veneta Nero Intrecciato Duffle Bag

Ferrari vs Ford: The F150 Name Game

2011-02-12T10:02:00.000-08:00

Ferrari vs Ford: The F150 Name Game

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) – Ford made it very clear to Italian sports car maker Ferrari, that the name “F150″ is a truck – not a racecar. Faced with a lawsuit over the matter, Ferrari backed down.

Ferrari had named its new Formula 1 racecar the F150, in celebration of the 150th anniversary of Italy’s unification. But the name tag already has a strong following as one of the best-selling vehicles in America – the Ford F-150 pickup truck.

Not wanting the Italian automaker messing with its name, Ford filed a lawsuit against Ferrari. And on Thursday, Ferrari was the first one to step away from the F150 fight.

The Italian automaker announced it was changing the way it referred to its racecar. … It will now be called the F150th Italia.

However, Ferrari still doesn’t understand what upset Ford so much.

“Ferrari believes its own contender in the upcoming F1 Championship cannot be confused with any other types of commercially available vehicle whatsoever, nor can it give the impression that there is a link to another brand of road-going vehicle,” Ferrari said in a statement. “Therefore it is very difficult to understand Ford’s viewpoint on the matter.”

For the love of your pup grab the Operetta Pet Lounge

2011-02-11T14:41:00.000-08:00

Operetta Pet Lounge

Pet furniture represents a growing market, wherein demand for innovative and exclusive products seems to be continually escalating. Designers and manufacturers are striving to satiate this need through introduction of new and unique creations that promise to treat your favourite pet in the lap of lavish care. The Operetta Lounge by Philippine industrial designer, Kenneth Cobonpue, is one such pet bed that is sure to make fellow canines drool.

Made using Polyethylene on an Aluminium base, Operetta is minimalistic in design and durable in functionality. This woven pet lounge is undoubtedly stylish, and available in brown or whitewash finish.

Spinella office chair offers both support and silicone for a fuller back

2011-02-11T14:39:00.000-08:00

Spinella

The digital lifestyle revolves around the office chair, which makes it all the more important to choose an ergonomic office chair. The latest in the luxurious office chairs is the “Spinella,” designed not with aesthetics in mind but with relaxation in mind by relaxation therapist Sanne Buhl. The spine-shaped chair not only provides adjustable lumbar support but it also features “TechnoGel” used in breast implants to even out the pressure perfectly. The only 30 cm deep seat relieves the pressure on the back of the thighs’ nerves and blood vessels. The chair enables freedom of movement, with big backward tilt and the independent seat tilt. And design-wise as well, the chair is available in 101 colors and in 4 different fabrics. There is even the Tweeny Spinella for children for those who work from home.

Jamie Moyer Drops The Price Of His Seattle Home

2011-02-11T14:38:00.000-08:00

Jamie Moyer

Last weekend professional baseball pitcher Jamie Moer was in Texas for the Super Bowl and his annual fundraising initiative for The Moyer Foundation his nonprofit which has a mission to provide comfort and support to children enduring a time of profound physical, emotional or financial distress. The Moyer Foundation joined with chef Mario Batali and The Mario Batali Foundation to present “Spaghetti Western”, which was held right next to Chef Tim Love’s Love Shack restaurant in Fort Worth, Texas. The event raised $ 145,000.

But today Moyer is on my radar for a real estate price chop. Moyer, who is 48 and still pitching (although currently not active due to elbow surgery) is trying to sell his home in Seattle’s Magnolia area. He was traded from the Seattle Mariners to the Philadelphia Phillies in 2006. He put his home on the market in 2009 for $ 8.9 million. In December 2010 it popped back up on the market for $ 7.8 million. Moyer is apparently serious about selling, it just had another price cut, to $ 6.75 million.

The Tudor style home was built in 1933 but has plenty of modern details including a plush wood-paneled home theater/game room and an outdoor kitchen with a pizza oven. The home’s nearly 1/2 acre lot includes a pool, pool house and four-car garage. Other details include a family room with French marble floors, fireplace and butlers pantry; a living room with a vaulted ceiling; a library and a large master suite.

BMW Vision ConnectedDrive – An Extraordinary Concept Vehicle

2011-02-11T08:32:00.000-08:00

BMW Vision

BMW’s Vision EfficientDynamics from the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show was a big hit, and the company is in the process of developing a production model out of it. Before that happens, though, the BMW M8 will get a technologically advanced, bald, younger brother. BMW’s Vision ConnectedDrive, a radical concept the automaker will show in Geneva Motor Show, will showcase a flamboyant new design language and advanced technologies set to make their production debut in BMW’s future range-topping hybrid sports car due in 2013.

The Vision ConnectedDrive, a two-seat roadster, serves as a rolling test bed for new ideas on design, electrically assisted driveline architecture and programmable information displays, including a radical new three-dimensional driver interface. BMW says the design study demonstrates current and future methods of mobile networking, and says the technology within the roadster is designed to make the vehicle an integral part of the networked world.

The comfort, safety and infotainment systems within the Vision ConnectedDrive can be optimised and individualised to suit the requirements of both the driver and the passenger. Sensors in the headlights and taillights monitor the traffic and the environment, while antennas in the wing mirrors capture navigation data and transmit information to other road users.

Spiritual Wellness at the Castello di Vicarello Yoga Retreat Read more: Spiritual Wellness at the Castello di Vicarello Yoga Retreat | Paradizo.com http://blog.paradizo.com/luxury-resorts/spiritual-wellness-at-the-castello-di-vicarello-yoga-retreat/#ixzz1DfE8l6nK

2011-02-11T07:21:00.000-08:00

Castello di Vicarello in Toscana

Castello di Vicarello has been offering the ancient self-improvement wellness therapies of meditation and yoga since the twelfth century, so guests at this exclusive little destination should be aware that they’re dealing with centuries-old expertise here; the yoga-based offers by this place are genuinely helpful and steeped with tradition.

Having a Tuscany castle, the surrounding rolling hills, and a breathtaking ocean as your primary panoramas have certain perks when doing yoga; for example, your salutations to the sun will have an added sense of grandeur thanks to the wonderful scenery. Being in a place full of history also provides gravitas and inspiration to even the most mundane of activities as well. This year, Vicarello is offering Kundalini yoga to guests too as an added feature of sorts.

Lamborghini-Inspired Motoryacht

2011-02-11T07:14:00.000-08:00

Lamborghini-Inspired Motoryacht

Mauro Lecchi’s design for a Lamborghini motoryacht, we were suitably impressed, but we didn’t think it would ever grace the water. Turns out we were mistaken, because the first example has been commissioned and is currently under construction.The design takes its cues from Lamborghini sportscars and translates them into a 50-foot express power yacht and an impressive one at that made out of lightweight carbon-Kevlar. Fenice Milano the same outfit responsible for those guilded Fiats and Rolls-Royces has been brought in to work the interior, so you know it will be as outlandish as the exterior is menacing.

Lamborghini-Inspired Motoryacht

The Hermes Smart Car

2011-02-10T15:12:00.000-08:00

Smart by Hermes

We've seen the Hermes Bugatti, now here's a Hermes edition that many more people can afford. Hermes has designed a set of Hermes-lined Smart Cars to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Smart Fortwo. The cars come in 10 colors including gold, indigo, and the Hermes orange. The exterior hasn't been touched but inside there are leather-wrapped steering wheels and gear-shift covers and an interior covered in the Hermes' signature canvas "toile H." It sells for €38,000 (around $48,500) through the Como dealership in Paris.

Smart by Hermes

Peter Tanisman Carrousel Fantasia Watch

2011-02-10T09:24:00.000-08:00

Peter Tanisman Carrousel Fantasia

This watch is sort of like a baby's activity center - for adult women who love precious stones. The watch feautres a totally baguette diamond covered case, with a spinning cylinder at the bottom of the case that you can spin with your finger to get that "hand touching and turning emeralds, sapphires, and rubies sensation." Everything a developing high-society socialite requires. Behind the watch hands are columns with invididually set stones that move around with gravity. It's like an all too real version of Bejewelled on your wrist - this is the Peter Tanisman Carrousel Fantasia watch.

The case itself (not sure of the size), is in 18k white gold covered with 161 diamonds (10.86 carats). There are dozens of emeralds, rubies, and sapphires all over it. Inside the watch is most likely a Swiss quartz movement with the crown on the back. The strap is red-colored reptile with an 18k gold strap (that has more diamonds on it). The Carrousel Fantasia watch also comes in other styles with different stones and tones. This luxo-curio will be fun for a few minutes on the wrist.

BMW GS R1200 Adventure – 30th Anniversary

2011-02-10T09:11:00.000-08:00

BMW GS R1200 Adventure

This commemorative 30th anniversary GS R1200 Adventure model is to die for. Has it really been 30 years? I can’t believe it. I remember when I first saw the GS, it seemed so hi-tech, so modern, so Bahaus. Now, in hindsight it looks so old where, as the new model looks highly evolved, technical and rugged. Red, White and Blue color scheme does not guarantee you Evil Kneviel status, nor Captain America. If you’re riding the thing correctly it should be covered in mud anyway. BMW MOTORRAD

BMW R1200 GS

Audubon Birdbath and Sundial is an ideal V-day gift for bird lovers

2011-02-10T09:09:00.000-08:00

Audubon Birdbath

Gone are the days when people used a sundial to tell time. Today they are treated like nothing more but a piece of art. But now there seem to be more uses of the device, which usually doubles as something else too. So if you find some of your flying feathered visitors messing up the hygiene of the beautiful open space around your house, you need a decent distraction. One such thing that you can get to enhance the luxury factor or your yard is the Audubon Birdbath and Sundial.Crafted out of 110 pounds of silicone bronze, the $6,400 birdbath-cum-sundial spots a hand-applied verdigris patina, new from the Telescopes of Vermont stable.

Roberto Cavalli’s crystal suede belt will glam up your waist

2011-02-10T06:12:00.000-08:00

Roberto Cavalli

Fashionistas are always on the hunt for exclusive designs and new trends. Roberto Cavalli’s crystal suede belt is a great way to accessorize your elegant gown for a special dinner. With Valentine’s coming in, cliché or not, it is a brilliant gift to flaunt. The belt features a push-stud to fasten it and looks regal when worn with a nice, flowing dress that Roberto is so well-known for. This $1,250 Primal Landscape belt is sure to get your woman to appreciate your sense of style.

The Finest Gin There Is - Tanqueray N° TEN

2011-02-10T04:40:00.000-08:00

Gin Tanqueray N° TEN

Luxury gin Tanqueray No TEN‘s latest gift pack, designed by curator of vintage, Wayne Hemingway, is being released exclusively to Selfridges, RRP £54.99. Containing a bottle of T10 and 2 martini glasses in a lovely pack, this highlights Tanqueray No TEN’s iconic use for martinis and is perfect for entertaining.

The interior is lined with a cocktail party guide print sourced from Wayne’s museum The Land of Lost Content, Britain’s largest archive devoted to vintage cultural artefacts. Taking inspiration from a 1930’s cocktail party guide, the print offers an insight into the classic glamour of this era and the tradition of cocktail hour.

“The finest Gin there is” is my opinion. If you have tried Tanqueray No TEN, you will be nodding in agreement. If you haven’t tried Tanqueray No TEN, you must.

Tamarai & The Most Romantic, Aromatic Valentine’s Menu.

2011-02-10T04:37:00.000-08:00

Like the Lotus flower it is named after, Tamarai adjusts from being a fine dining restaurant to a late night wine bar, complete with Video Jockey! The metamorphosis is a very clever and functional idea.

You do not have to leave after dinner to go and find a club!

If you are looking to impress your other half this Valentine’s, Tamarai is more than an ideal destination.

Manish Mehrotra, Head Chef has taken inspiration from the beauty, flavours and mysticism of the Far East to create a sumptuous and evocative Valentine’s Day Menu. The result comprises an indulgent three-course meal against a romantic and aromatic atmosphere.

If you are hungry, look away now. I am going to run through this seductive menu!