Elite Traveler Spring 2020
SPRING 2020
Ultimate Experiences ADVENTURE AWAITS IN ALL FOUR CORNERS OF THE GLOBE, PLUS THE WORLD’S BEST GOLF COURSES AND HOWTO GIVE BACK WHILE TRAVELING
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L O V E L A N A I . C O M
THE UNCOMMON LIFE DELIVERED MOMENT BY MOMENT Turnberry Ocean Club Residences has already set a new paradigm for rare fi ed oceanfront living. Even so, the most meaningful a ffi rmation we receive won’t come in accolades, but in the countless moments of quiet satisfaction brought on by the culture of personalized attention known as Turnberry Legendary Service. ™ “We wrote the book on private club lifestyles.” VISIT OUR SALES GALLERY 215 185th Street, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160 888.817.1707 TurnberryOceanClub.com
COMPLETION SUMMER 2020 Residences from $4 million to over $10 million
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Welcome Today’s travelers have been there, done that. Now, they are looking for experiences like no other. So we have scoured the globe to find the most heart-pumping and unique trips out there. Welcome to our first-ever Ultimate Experiences issue. Whether you’re looking to take a dip in the pristine waters of an Alaskan glacier or charter a megayacht and sail to remote islands, you will find plenty of inspiration here. If you love long drives, head straight to our Motoring pages, where we detail the best new Grand Tourers. Prefer to fly? We introduce you to Aman’s new private jet. By sea? We look at a groundbreaking yacht design and Sea Cloud Cruises, which sails classic, three-masted ships around the world. And what to wear on your exotic jaunts? The Style section will outfit you for a safari, a trip on the high seas or a tropical beach vacation. We also round up the best watches for diving, flying and exploring, so you can be sure your watch is up to whatever challenge you take it on. In our Influence section, we speak to the minds behind two iconic brands, Georges Kern at Breitling and Torsten Müller-Ötvös at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, about how they are reinventing their companies’ storied heritage. And as this issue coincides with Earth month, renowned explorers Sebastian Copeland and Justin Packshaw share how travel can positively affect our planet, and what you can do. Our Top Adventures span the globe, taking you everywhere from a safari in Angola to fat biking in the Arctic Circle and exploring hidden beaches in Asia. In the rest of the Inspire section, we look at the history behind Louis XIII’s cognac, showcase the best new hotel golf courses and celebrate the return of St Barths. Whether you’re looking for beachside relaxation or exploration, you’ll find it in our destination guides. First, we take you to Turks and Caicos, a sublime archipelago of white-sand beaches dotted among the most picturesque turquoise waters. Looking for more action? How about Cambodia? We have the ultimate guide to experience Siem Reap, and invite you to explore the rest of this magical country by visiting more obscure parts of it — still in total luxury. For the ultimate combination of travel and philanthropy, be sure to check out our Top Suites for Giving Back. What are your favorite adventures and hidden gems? We’d love to hear from you at editorial@elitetraveler.com
Photo Kelly Serfoss
@ELITETRAVELER AROUND THEWORLD For daily around-the-world updates, follow us on Twitter @elite_traveler and on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest @elitetraveler
Kristen Shirley went to the home of Louis XIII in France and planted an oak sapling for future barrels
Alex Martin visited Dubai to test out Waldorf Astoria’s Aston Martin driving experience
Kristen took the Bentley Continental GT through its paces from Sedona to the Grand Canyon
Emma Reynolds visited St Barths to report on how the island has bounced back after the hurricane
CONTENTS
Inspire: Top Adventures Fromdaredevil storm chasing in the heart of the US to diving for your own seafood off the coast of Tasmania and whale watching in New Zealand, here is our definitive list of the best adventures to embark on this year Page 82
On the cover Photographer Frederic Lagrange shows us the luxurious side of Cambodia where you can live in perfect harmony with nature. Explore the country’s unique natural wonders, including pristine beaches, craggy coastlines,
lush jungle and vibrant orange sunsets.
Photo Neil Protheroe, Frederic Lagrange/Trunk Archive
A N E W U R B A N I S T T OW N O N T H E P R I S T I N E B E A C H E S O F F L O R I D A ’ S G U L F C O A S T
Where every detail makes luxury seem simple, and a life of beauty, simplicity, balance, and grace still thrives. This is life defined.
8 5 0 . 213 . 5 5 0 0 — A LY S B E A C H . C O M
elite traveler SPRING 2020 22 Contents
44 Let beautiful and eco-friendly design take center stage
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Discover 33 Object of desire An exquisite chandelier brings the magic of the Vatican home with you 34 Motoring A trio of Grand Tourers that will delight on long and short drives 38 Cruises Sea Cloud Spirit harks back to the golden age of sailing, plus a hybrid
Style
Influence 72 GeorgesKern Breitling’s CEO is upending the watch industry one timepiece at a time 74 Torsten Müller-Ötvos The CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars balances heritage with innovation 76 Sebastian Copeland Roberta Naas speaks to the talented adventure photographer on his new watch with Ulysse Nardin 78 JustinPackshaw The adventurer, explorer and philanthropist helps people strive for excellence through travel
40 Aviation Aman debuts its first custom-branded private jet 42 Technology Savoir introduces a fully rotating bed, and at-home light therapy 44 Design Eco-friendly design doesn’t have to be boring. We round up stunning and sustainable pieces 46 Wine & Spirits Rum’s great return, and two spirits for cognac lovers
50 Men’s fashion Let your wardrobe inspire your travels with chic safari- and sea-inspired looks 52 Men’s watches The best watches to wear when diving, flying or exploring 54 Women’s fashion Bright tropical prints and shimmering sequins dominated the runways 56 Women’s watches Floral watches in unexpected colors dazzle the wrist 58 Jewelry Magnificent blue lapis lazuli, and black ceramic with diamonds
60 Destination style We head west to showcase Los Angeles’ effortlessly cool style and inspired designers 62 The Voyager Gray Malin shares his travel must-haves for the Italian Riviera 64 Craftsmanship What goes into an exceptional timepiece from Parmigiani Fleurier 66 Accessories shoot This season’s hottest trends, from fresh floral prints to chic sneakers
cruise ship 39 Yachts
Show-stopping Artefact makes her debut, and the best charters to book this year
38 Watch the Northern Lights from Hurtigruten’s new
hybrid ship, MS Fridtjof Nansen
Photo Karsten Bidstrup
elite traveler SPRING 2020 24 Contents
elitetraveler.com
Inspire 82 Top Adventures Trek to one (or all) corners of the globe in search of once-in-a- lifetime adventures 96 Spotlight St Barths is back — an inside look into how the island is faring post- hurricane 100 Heritage The magic behind Louis XIII’s century-old cognac 104 Superyachts Scout is making waves in the superyacht world — Ellie Brade gives us an exclusive tour 108 Top Golf We round up the best new hotel golf courses that are refreshed, reimagined and ready to play
Explore
120 Top suites for giving back These nine resorts allow guests opportunities to give back while traveling 130 Destination guides Fun in the sun in Turks and Caicos, and an immersive cultural experience in Cambodia 138 New hotels Dominica’s first five-star resort, and a modern island oasis in Madeira 142 The hot list These sublime itineraries take you from Italy’s wine country to India, Japan, Peru and beyond 148 Elite luxury homes Homes with wellness benefits, and two elegant abodes in Marbella, Spain 152 Flight of fancy Swimming within Alaska’s Trimble Glacier
A bespoke wine-tasting dinner The Samling Hotel is located in England’s stunning Lake District, and it has an incredible wine list, which earned The World of Fine Wine ’s prestigious three-star award. Recently, the hotel created a special wine-tasting dinner for Elite Traveler .
Leaders in luxury: JacobArabo Very few jewelers are recognized by just their first name, but Jacob the Jeweler is no ordinary man. He creates megawatt jewelry for hip-hop stars and socialites, as well as multimillion-dollar timepieces for watch collectors. He speaks exclusively to us about his inimitable career, his inspiration and what is next. Ferrari’s New York Tailor Made Center Step inside one of the most exclusive car-design studios on Earth. Ferrari opened its first US Tailor Made Center, where clients can design their dream cars with expert advice and a direct link to the Italian headquarters. We speak to Enrico Galliera, Ferrari’s CMO, about the showroom.
134 Escape into Camodia’s jungles
Photos SLR Photography, Tom Silbey
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Contributors
Auckland, New Zealand ELLIE BRADE Writer Ellie is a London- born, Auckland, New, Zealand-based writer who specializes in superyachts. She has interviewed some of the most important designers and yacht builders of our time for publications including Financial Times , Bloomberg , Superyacht Times and more. In this issue, she guides us through the most impressive new yachts to charter this year. p39
Italian Riviera GRAYMALIN Photographer
Known for his enchanting aerial imagery of beaches, nature and animals, Gray is particularly inspired by the Italian Riviera — and in this issue he details where to stay, where to eat and what to do while there. Gray has shot series for famed institutions, like The Beverly Hills Hotel, Coral Casino and Parker Palm Springs, and in beautiful destinations around the world. p62
London JUSTIN PACKSHAW Philanthropist and adventurer
In addition to his role as CEO of British cashmere, jewelry and handbag brand De Roemer, Justin is an avid adventurer and philanthropist who leads daring expeditions (many are world firsts) to all corners of the globe that carry out scientific research and raise money for important charities. In this issue, he writes about his upcoming trips
Dominica TERRYWARD Writer
Florida-based writer Terry started freelance travel writing in 2000 and since then, she has been to far-flung corners of the globe in search of incredible culture, people and sights. Of all the places she’s been to, Indonesia and Norway never fail to reignite her love for travel. Her writing can be found in Condé Nast Traveler , Robb Report , Afar and Travel + Leisure , among others. p140
and how he inspires people to strive for excellence. p78
Words Emma Reynolds
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THE PRIVATE JET LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE elite traveler
Senior Vice President, Associate Publisher Lorraine Cousland Head of Luxury, Editor Thea Halstead Group Sales Director Richard Crosby
EDITORIAL Luxury Editorial Director Kristen Shirley Managing Editor Samantha Coles Contributing Timepiece Editor Roberta Naas Assistant Luxury Editor Emma Reynolds Web Editor Alex Martin Chief Sub-Editor Patti Stallard Group Art Director Henrik Williams Designers David Cooper, Sandra Boucher
ADVERTISING EASTERN US/MIDWEST/CARIBBEAN Regional Advertising Director Corey Zaretsky corey.zaretsky@elitetraveler.com NORTH AMERICA Executive Director, NA, multimedia (jewelry, watches, beauty) Heather Hanson heather.hanson@elitetraveler.com
WESTERN US/CANADA/HAWAII Regional Director Tiffany H Carey tiffany.carey@elitetraveler.com EUROPE/MIDDLE EAST/AFRICA
CONTRIBUTORS Ellie Brade, Alexandra Cheney, Nicholas Duers, Becca Hensley, Frederic Lagrange, Gray Malin, Roberta Naas, Finn Campbell Notman, Justin Packshaw, Sandra Ramani, Diana Spechler, Shaun Tolson, Terry Ward MARKETING/CIRCULATION Senior Director of Distribution & Operations Kat Czarnecki kat.czarnecki@elitetraveler.com Circulation Director Randy Silverman randy.silverman@elitetraveler.co m
Sales Director Jiggs Patel jiggs.patel@elitetraveler.com Head of Luxury and Agency Bryony Raisey bryony.raisey@elitetraveler.com Account Director Marina Khachatouri marina.khachatouri@elitetraveler.com Business Development Director Stephen Berthier stephen.berthier@compelo.com Business Development Director Karan Kohli karan.kohli@elitetraveler.com Business Development Manager Eishah Sulaiman eishah.sulaiman@elitetraveler.com MEXICO Director General Jerry Landress jrlandress@earthlink.net Marketing Director Armando Figaredo afigaredo@cabovision.tv ITALY Media Representative Ferruccio Silvera ferruccio@silvera.it INDIA Media Representative Vimal Anand vimal@gmnindia.com THAILAND/LAOS/CAMBODIA/MYANMAR Media Representative Laurent Malespine laurent@dontblink.co.th
EVENTS Global Head of Events Nelita Groppa nelita.groppa@newstatesman.co.uk
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DISCOVER
A GT at the Grand Canyon We take the new Bentley Continental GT V8 on an all-American road trip, from Sedona’s steep and winding roads through stretches of endless desert to finish at the majestic Grand Canyon Page 34
Page 39 Yachts A look inside the recently launched hybrid superyacht Artefact , and the best new yacht charters to book this year. Page 40 Aviation Aman Resorts launches its first custom-branded private jet. Page 42 Technology Savoir introduces the world’s first fully rotating bed, and light therapy devices to improve your mood. Page 46Wine & Spirits Rum makes an exciting comeback, and two exceptional spirits for cognac lovers.
Photo Kelly Serfoss
SALES GALLERY, BY APPOINTMENT 401 No r t h Mi ch i gan Avenue , 28t h F l oo r, Ch i cago , I l l i no i s t r i bune t owe r. com 3 1 2 .967. 3700 Stor ied Luxur y C O N T E M P O R A R Y H O M E S . I C O N I C A R C H I T E C T U R E .
DL# 2556130 All floor plans shown are for illustrative purposes only. Floor plans may not depict final design of units as constructed and may not be drawn to scale. All sketches, renderings, architectural models, materials, plans, specifications, terms, prices, conditions and statements, including estimated timeframes and dates, contained herein are proposed only and are not intended to constitute representations. Developer reserves the right to make modifications in its sole discretion and without prior notice. All photographs and renderings are merely intended as illustrations of the activities and concepts depicted therein as interpreted by the artists. Developer makes no representations regarding any view and/or exposure to light at any time including any existing or future construction by either owner or a third party. Square footage and ceiling heights are approximate and may be based on various measurement methodologies, subject to construction variances and tolerances, as well as redesign, and vary from unit to unit (and may vary from floor to floor). This brochure shall not constitute a valid offer in any jurisdiction where prior registration is required and not yet fulfilled. Where used, developer shall mean Tribune Tower West (Chicago) Owner, LLC and its affiliated entities and their respective managers, members, directors, shareholders, partners, agents, affiliates and employees. Developer License #2556130.
DISCOVER
elite traveler SPRING 2020 33
Object of Desire by Emma Reynolds
DIVINE LIGHT Anyone who has made the pilgrimage to St Peter’s Basilica in Rome knows just how holy the experience is. The Renaissance-style church, built within the papal enclave, Vatican City, was completed in the 17th century. Its biggest attraction is the wondrous dome designed by famed Italian artist Michelangelo, which features intricate portraits of Jesus, his disciples, the Virgin Mary and Joseph, among others. After spending a night admiring the basilica from Piazza San Pietro, founders of Milan-based interdisciplinary design firm AMeBE Studio, Alessandra Mantovani and Eleonora Barbareschi, were inspired to create a piece of art that captured its magic. The result is an exquisite chandelier, nearly four feet high and over three feet wide, that evokes their ethereal encounter. The design duo, who focus on sculpture and industrial design, describe feeling that night that they “experienced a deity.” This hyper-realistic masterpiece allows people to have that same divine feeling at home. The exterior resembles the actual basilica, while the interior features the exact holy depictions as the original. It’s made of polyurethane resin, fiberglass, nylon, silver and brass; only eight mesmerizing cupolas will be made. From $98,000. Contact Eleanor Taylor, communications manager, info@davidgillgallery.com, +44 20 3195 6600, davidgillgallery.com
DISCOVER
Interiors are totally customizable; choose from nappa leather trim, softgrain luxury leather or suede-like Alcantara fabric
by Alexandra Cheney Motoring
Designed to handle high speeds and great distances in chorus, Grand Tourers function as both a bragging right and cornerstone for any car manufacturer. Possessing power, grace and beauty, GTs typically include enough seats for four passengers plus luggage, as well as the ability to pass anything that may interfere with its continent-crossing intentions. Here, a trio of tourers each present a singular interpretation of the celebrated moniker
Mid-mounted pixie: McLarenGT
In the mountains above Cannes, France lies an undulating road that slinks through theMercantour National Park. Navigated by the emperor himself, Route Napoléon tenders hairpin turns peppered with inimitable vistas and the perfect pavement for a high-performance jaunt. McLaren’s GT, the newest car in the automaker’s latest segment, features a mid-engine 4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 engine capable of seizing Napoléon’s curves and defeating its elevation gains. Although it’s odd to liken a 612-hp supercar with a blithe motoring experience, that’s exactly what the GT offers. It’s possible to navigate the barrage of motorcycles and French lorries with ease, in part thanks to the GT’s lean lineage; it weighs 3,373 lbs, roughly 286 lbs lighter than its closest competitor. Utilizing a specially modified carbon-fiber tub as its primary chassis structure, McLaren’s engineers merged racetrack technology with road-trip trunk space. A staggering 20.1 cu ft of storage, including its 14.8-cu-ft luggage area just above the engine and underneath a glazed glass tailgate, means there’s enough space for one golf bag or two sets of skis. To maximize the remaining 5.3 cu ft of ‘frunk’ (front trunk) space, it’s best to indulge in
McLaren’s custom luggage. Surpassing 15 ft in length, the GT’s slender frame thickens through the rear courtesy of its voluptuously spherical air intakes —which look as if they could double as jet engines. Providing a natural break from the side panels, the scoops inhale air to cool both the luggage bay and engine underneath. Remaining true to its grand touring heritage, McLaren debuted five mellower exterior colors, ranging from a toned-down copper to a deep, mica-filled blue. No need for neon here. For its GT arrival, it’s worth noting that the British brand broke several traditions. Although the segment is typically a thirsty one, there’s no gas guzzler tax on this model. The EPA rates it at an impressive 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway. There’s also no room for friends; the two-passenger vehicle bucks the historical four-person convention. The GT’s additional space lies in an unlikely place. Serving a purely utilitarian purpose, McLaren intensified its uncharacteristically extended front and rear overhangs. Steeper approach angles create curb-friendly proportions, a must for urban parking and country driving. From $210,000, mclaren.com
Photos Kelly Serfoss, Beadyeye
From top Bentley Continental GT V8’s sumptuous interiors; the car marries the expected comfort of a Bentley with impressive supercar capabilities; the hybrid Polestar
elite traveler SPRING 2020 35
Few places on Earth are as breathtaking as Sedona, Arizona, where the landscape is covered with red rock formations, mountains and buttes that shoot up from the desert. Driving anywhere takes longer than usual, as you will frequently find yourself pulling over to take yet another photo of the incredible scenery. Here, we start our journey in Bentley’s new Continental GT V8 on an epic trip through Arizona to the Grand Canyon, putting the car through its paces while enjoying its unadulterated luxury. The GT perfectly marries performance and comfort. Christophe Georges, president and CEO of Bentley in the Americas, describes it as having the engine and the capabilities of a supercar, but the pure comfort expected of a Bentley. It maneuvers the hairpin turns from Sedona to the Grand Canyon with ease and grace, and on open stretches of highway through the Arizona desert, it shows its power by roaring from zero to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. The 4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 engine has a top speed of 198 mph. The hand- stitched leather seats are so cozy that an all-day drive is not something to be tolerated, but something to be enjoyed. Bentley has also solved the perennial question for anyone driving a convertible: top up or down? You don’t have to choose, since the roof can be opened or closed in under 20 seconds, as long as you’re traveling under 30mph. And you won’t be chilly, since the seats have new neck warmers and heated armrests. by Kristen Shirley From $198,500, bentley.com A splendid supercar: Bentley Continental GTV8
Lucky star? Polestar 1
Born in Sweden and raised in China, Polestar debuted stateside in America’s technology capital. Driving the streets of San Francisco, the special-edition, plug-in hybrid Grand Tourer — unambiguously named Polestar 1 — turned heads. For the (kind of) newly minted company, objective accomplished. Polestar began 25 years ago as a third-party Volvo racing tuner before assimilating in-house. The Swedish automaker refocused its energies to creating limited-edition Volvos. Fast forward to 2017, and Polestar is rebranded again, this time as a full-fledged automaker co-funded by Volvo and its Chinese owner Geely. Its mission to construct performance electric vehicles in a purpose-built factory in Chengdu, China seems at odds with its launch product. But that’s the rub. Polestar would be an enigma had it not pulled a play from Tesla’s book: Unveil the brand with a limited-run premium vehicle before shifting to more mass- market offerings. Capped at 500 cars globally per year for three model years, the four-seater Polestar 1 is already a collector’s item. A profoundly atypical option
in a quickly crowding electric landscape, the vehicle is an absolute indulgence. Based on the Volvo Concept Coupe of 2013, Polestar 1’s resemblance to it proves uncanny enough to engender a double take from passersby. While its hammer-like headlights allude to its Swedish beginnings, its concave grille, dramatically curved backside and subtle badging provide fresh visual cues. At 5,170 lbs, Polestar 1 weighs more than a Chevy Silverado 1500, but with double the power. An impressive 619 hp hails from a 2.0-liter supercharged and turbocharged combustion engine that controls the front wheels, along with a duo of electric motors and a 34 kWh battery that commands the rear (a rather uncommon all-wheel drive). Rather than working separately, the powertrain melds its two disparate energy sources. The result: four drive modes, with the fastest, Power, enjoying zero to 60 mph in a healthy 4.2 seconds. It’s possible to run the car on pure electricity, but that’s best left for traffic-filled city driving. From $150,000, polestar.com
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DISCOVER
elite traveler SPRING 2020 38 Cruises by Emma Reynolds
Ship Ahoy!
Travel back to the golden age of sailing whenmasted sailboats with grand, white sails and wooden decks dominated the high seas. Unlike today’s motor yachts and cruise ship companies, Sea Cloud Cruises operates passenger sailing ships that are rigged and sailed completely by hand, without compromising on modern-day luxuries. In fact, the company’s first ship, Sea Cloud , is a relic of the past; the ship was first built in 1931 for American businesswoman and socialite Marjorie Merriweather Post and her financier husband, Edward F Hutton, as the largest private yacht in the world. Sea Cloud Cruises currently sails Sea Cloud and Sea Cloud II , and will be launching a third ship, Sea Cloud Spirit , that will set sail in August. Despite Sea Cloud Spirit ’s elegant, old-world features, the three- masted, fully rigged ship feels like a luxury yacht once you’re onboard. There are 69 cabins, including three Owner’s Suites, all traditionally outfitted with dark, lacquered wood, red-and-yellow furnishings, ample lounge space and plenty of natural light from oversized windows. The ship has a spacious lounge and library; fine-dining restaurant with a 180-degree panoramic view of the ocean; bar and bistro; sun deck with loungers; boutique; spa with two treatment rooms, a Finnish sauna, steam bath, beauty parlor and salon; fitness room; swim platformwith water sports; and four Zodiacs for day excursions. There is a crew of 85, so exceptional service is guaranteed. Both casual and fine-dining options are available, each with a strong focus on fresh and organic food from local suppliers. And though the ships are elegant enough to host black-tie affairs, there is, refreshingly, a casual dress code. Sea Cloud Spirit prides itself on its eco-friendly offerings: When sailing isn’t possible, the ship relies on environmentally conscious diesel-electric drives, which use low-sulfur marine diesel in place of heavy oils. And because of its size, Sea Cloud Spirit can travel to smaller, less-frequented ports in Nicaragua, Honduras, Belize, Costa Rica, Panama and throughout Europe. The inaugural sail this August will take you to the western Mediterranean for a 13-night voyage, and future trips will sail to the South of France, Spain, Morocco, the Canary Islands and the Caribbean. seacloud.com
HURTIGRUTEN’S SUSTAINABLE EDGE
Norway-based exploration company Hurtigruten is committed to bringing eco-friendly expedition cruising to the high seas. In late 2019, the company (which offers both cruise itineraries and on-land adventures) launched the world’s first hybrid expedition ship, MS Roald Amundsen , which uses electric propulsion and low-sulfur diesel fuel as backup, cutting emissions up to 20 percent. At the end of this year, her near-identical sister ship, MS Fridtjof Nansen , will launch and travel to several polar and arctic regions, such as: Antarctica, Patagonia, the Falklands, Greenland, Iceland, the Norwegian fjords and parts of western Europe.
True to their Scandinavian heritage, the ships have minimalist interiors with natural materials, and there are chic fireplaces in common areas. Each ship can host up to 530 guests, and many of the spacious suites have private balconies and outdoor hot tubs. The three restaurants serve Nordic cuisine, and there’s a wellness center; outdoor observation deck with an infinity pool and hot tub to watch the Northern Lights; and custom-built adventure equipment. There’s even a scientific discovery center where guests can learn more about wildlife, research and the local culture. hurtigruten.com
Photo Sea Cloud Cruises
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elite traveler SPRING 2020 39
Yachts by Ellie Brade
Game changer
A diesel-electric Azipod propulsion system can hold Artefact ’s position without needing to drop anchor — protecting sensitive ocean floors. The clever use of glass has helped create a truly unique profile, with radically mismatched windows. With the highest glass ratio of any yacht of her size, a floor-to-ceiling central glass section has 7,965 sq ft of curved glasswork that weighs an incredible 60 tons! A wide variety of guest spaces span her many decks, with numerous alfresco dining areas, a Jacuzzi, impressive storage capacity for tenders and toys, and a refined interior with high ceilings. Designed to maximize the long-term on-board comfort of her guests, Artefact ’s many assets include a full cinema, beauty salon and gym. nobiskrug.com
Last year saw a dazzling array of brand-new superyachts hit the water for the first time, and one of the most head-turning was the 262-ft Artefact , built in Germany by Nobiskrug and designed by Gregory C Marshall with an interior by Reymond Langton Design. Artefact is notable for a number of reasons, not the least of which is her advanced hybrid technology, striking exterior design and the fact that she is the biggest-volume yacht of her size in the world. The owner’s brief was to create a yacht that blended environmental responsibility, innovative features and high comfort levels, and the design team more than delivered. Her build team pushed the boundaries of yacht design, and rightly describe her as a ‘game changer.’ Key features include the combined use of solar panels and a battery storage system that ensure the yacht can operate with no engines for windows of time.
TAKE TWO// CHARTER YACHTS
Two of the best new charter yachts on the market deliver fresh, exciting looks and a host of appealing features —perfect for ticking off a bucket-list destination in unbeatable style Bold
The Beast Built in New Zealand in 2019, with her distinctive camo paint job and a 42-ft fishing boat on the back, the 129-ft The Beast is hard to miss. Pairing a stylish, modern interior with large outdoor spaces that include a popular restaurant-style teppanyaki barbecue on the upper deck, The Beast delivers adventure with a side of luxurious living. She is available in the South Pacific, with America’s Cup charter availability. From $225,000 per week, 37southyachtcharter.com
Bold, with her Espen Oeino exterior, boasts impressive and efficient technologies, aggressive styling and voluminous spaces. Standout features on the 279-ft yacht include an eight-person Jacuzzi, disco space, outdoor cinema and winter garden. Her 12 guests can enjoy her stylish design, with opulent materials and floor-to-ceiling windows for enjoying unrivaled views. Arrive in style via Bold ’s helipad. From $1.05m per week, hillrobinson.com
Photos Francisco Martinez Photography, Guillaume Plisson
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elite traveler SPRING 2020 40
Aviation by Emma Reynolds
Travel the world on Aman’s private jet A tea ceremony in the sky, sake from Tokyo and all-natural Aman Skincare amenities are just a few things you can expect when you fly on Aman Resorts’ first-ever, custom-branded private jet. The plane, available exclusively for private charter for up to 12 guests, is a Bombardier Global 5000 — one of the most spacious and longest-range jets in its class — that can travel nearly 6,000 nm (for example, Los Angeles to Sao Paulo or Moscow to Sydney, to name a few). Every passenger who has stayed at an Aman property will feel at home in the plane’s sumptuous interiors decorated in a neutral color palette, showcasing the same zen atmosphere and East Asian style found at Aman’s resorts around the world. With this new offering, you have the freedom to book multi-leg trips, hopping from one Aman property to the next (read: less travel time and more time spent with loved ones). This program is perfect for multigenerational family trips, and Aman’s private jet concierge can book completely bespoke itineraries or suggest a pre-set, yet still fully customizable, itinerary with an emphasis on privacy and exclusivity wherever you go. If you’re not sure where you’d like to start, Aman is offering four itineraries: Bali & Beyond, exploring Indonesia’s diverse landscape; Indochina Past & Present, a journey through Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia (turn to p134 for an in-depth guide to Cambodia); From the Himalayas to the Sea, a spiritual journey through Bhutan that ends on a beach in Phuket, Thailand; and The Secrets of China, where you’ll explore both ancient and modern wonders. Each journey — which includes stays at three or more Aman hotels — is designed to immerse you within each culture through private tours of each country’s most coveted landmarks and experiences only available to guests of Aman hotels, like ceremonial blessings and spa rituals. Aman’s hospitable staff will take care of your trip from start to finish; expect special perks like seamless customs clearance and flexible departure times, plus exceptional cuisine and wine pairings chosen in advance of each leg of the trip. aman.com/private-aviation
Aman’s new private jet is a Bombardier Global 5000; the plane’s sumptuous interiors
UP IS YOUR TOTAL AVIATION SOLUTION
ARRIVE AT YOUR OWN PRIVATE PLANE WITH FRIENDS, FAMILY AND PETS 20 MINUTES BEFORE TAKEOFF AND LAND ONLY MINUTES FROM YOUR FINAL DESTINATION.
WHEELSUP.COM 855-FLY-8760
WHEELS UP PARTNERS LLC (“WHEELS UP”) DOES NOT OPERATE AIRCRAFT; FAA LICENSED AND DOT REGISTERED AIR CARRIERS PARTICIPATING IN THE PROGRAM EXERCISE FULL OPERATIONAL CONTROL OF ALL FLIGHTS OFFERED BY OR ARRANGED THROUGH WHEELS UP. FOR ON-DEMAND FLIGHTS AND SHUTTLE FLIGHTS OPERATED AS SCHEDULED SERVICE, WHEELS UP ACTS SOLELY AS AN AGENT FOR WHEELS UP MEMBERS AND GUESTS IN ARRANGING THESE FLIGHTS ON THEIR BEHALF. FOR SHUTTLE FLIGHTS OPERATED AS PUBLIC CHARTER SERVICE, WHEELS UP ACTS AS PRINCIPAL IN OFFERING THESE FLIGHTS SUBJECT TO THE DOT’S PUBLIC CHARTER RULES CONTAINED IN 14 CFR PART 380. ALL AIRCRAFT OWNED OR LEASED BY WHEELS UP ARE LEASED TO THE OPERATING AIR CARRIER AND ARE OPERATED EXCLUSIVELY BY THAT AIR CARRIER. WHEELS UP RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ALTER THE PROGRAM OFFERINGS AT ANY TIME, WITHOUT NOTICE.
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elite traveler SPRING 2020 42 Technology by Samantha Coles
TAKE TWO// LIGHT THERAPY
The detrimental effects of light emitted from our smart devices are well documented, but light therapy can have its benefits — especially during the dark winter months
Savoir’s Three Sixty bed is the world’s first fully rotating bed
AYO LIGHT THERAPY GLASSES Pop this app-connected headset on after a flight to combat jet lag — a blue-turquoise light, which mimics natural sunlight, is shone just above your eyes, and the app calculates how long you need to wear the headset based on the length of your flight. The light stimulates sensory cells (called photosensitive Retinal Ganglion Cells) that send signals to your brain to suppress the production of melatonin. The result? A reset body clock, more energy and an improved mood. $299, goayo.com
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SPINNING AROUND
near-infrared l meaning it can penetrate both superficial and tissues. The Jo Elite is a full-b option that is t largest and mo powerful syste (the same use by top athletes), or you can mix and match various products to build your own configuration. $5,995, joovv.com deep ovv ody he st m d
Savoir has been creating the crème de la crème of beds since 1905. It uses the finest materials, and expert craftsmen construct many of the bed’s components by hand using time-honored techniques, such as the eight-way hand-cording of the springs and hand-slipping of the mattress. The firm’s latest design marries the old and the new: A contemporary circular frame sits on a discreet turntable that allows the bed to rotate 360 degrees. If you’re enjoying a lazy morning in bed, you can use the associated app to gently turn and face your windows and watch the world go by. The Three Sixty also has custom-made reading lights and built-in USB outlets. It takes over 300 hours to make, and the end result is not only an impressive feat of technology, but it also looks quite stylish. It features luxurious materials like butter-soft leather and Italian Dedar 100% cotton velvet, as well as a custom-made HKy topper made from the rare natural fibers of an indigenious species of Yak from the Khangai region of Mongolia. From $326,000, savoirbeds.com
The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston is the city’s only AAA Five-Diamond destination boasting elegant accommodations masterfully blended with extensive conference space, prominent office space, designer fashion, signature dining and sophisticated amenities all in one tower. Upon arrival, the intuitive personalized service sets the tone for a unique experience, one of unrivaled quality and pleasure. Combined with the unmatched culinary excellence of Mastro’s Steakhouse, the two-story Rolls-Royce showroom, unparalleled wellness and ancient healing practices at the Forbes Five-Star Spa and direct helicopter pad access, The Post Oak Hotel is sure to embrace every desire of savvy business and leisure travelers alike. AN EXPER I ENCE SO UN I QUE LY RE F I NED THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE . ANYTHING BUT ORDINARY
1600 WEST LOOP SOUTH I HOUSTON, TEXAS 77027 I 844.386.1OAK (1625) I THEPOSTOAK.COM
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elite traveler SPRING 2020 44 Design by Samantha Coles
GOING GREEN
Tala is an award-winning brand that specializes in low-energy LED lighting products that have a gorgeous industrial feel, while emitting an incandescent glow. The company also has a number of partnerships, including UK’s The Heart of England Forest to restore ecosystems across the country by planting in areas that have been affected by forest fires. The Voroni range, inspired by the patterns found in nature, includes mouth- blown, hand-assembled pieces.
Addressing the global climate crisis is on everyone’s minds — including at every major art and design show. As we become more aware of the impact of modern life on our planet, many interior designers are creating pieces that are eco-friendly and that champion environmentally friendly manufacturing. Far from bland, uninspired pieces, the latest wave of sustainable collections favor organic materials and inventive natural components
Luke Irwin’s Botanical wool rug collection is colored with all-natural, organic dyes made from ingredients such as turmeric, chili, rhubarb, tomato, indigo and henna, and no chemicals are used in the finishing process. This method means that each rug is entirely unique. Luke Irwin sandalwood and dark indigo rug, $9,050, lukeirwin.com
Hungarian brand Viaplant’s pieces are not just inspired by nature, but actually use nature’s bounty to create unique materials: Its whimsical pieces feature a material made from renewable parts of plants. The Obliq nightstand can be customized to suit your decor: Choose from the honey-colored smallweed flowers, the golden- brown reed flowers, dark red and pink roses, or a panel consisting of various shades of green grass. Viaplant Obliq nightstand, $630, viaplant.com
Tala Voroni III brass ceiling light, $1,640, tala.co.uk
Italian furniture brand Tacchini takes ‘locally sourced’ very seriously — all of its materials come fromwithin an approximately 30-mile radius in order to keep pollution and energy consumption as low as possible. The Costela armchair, winner of the Milanese Compasso d’Oro industrial design award, uses natural materials that can be recycled. Tacchini Costela armchair, $4,410, tacchini.it
Celebrated glass artist Peter Layton and his wife adopted an orphaned orangutan after seeing how deforestation in the Bornean rain forest is destroying the endangered species’ habitat. The collection, named Gito after the adopted ape, features free-blown glass pieces with swirling patterns of green inspired by the tropical canopy — and 20% of each sale goes to Orangutan Veterinary Aid, a charity dedicated to improving orangutan welfare. London Glassblowing Gito tall dropper, $815, londonglassblowing.co.uk
F R E E DOM R E I MAG I N E D a n a u t h e n t i c t r o p i c a l e x p r e s s i o n o f a n y t h i n g , a n y t i m e , a n y w h e r e
F reedom is a place where experiences your heart desires are seamless, authentic and in sync with nature. With a dedicated butler on hand to help you tailor all aspects of your time on the island, moments of magnificence await you at every turn. The AAA concept – Anything. Anytime. Anywhere, encompasses all facets of your holiday; personalised culinary creations, ocean exploration and wellness are yours to be had, all against a marvellous backdrop of the Maldives’ Lhaviyani Atoll. Committed to your well-being and that of the planet, Kudadoo reinvents sustainability – we take pride on the island being powered by the sun 100%, and on eco-conscious choices that in- tertwine the design, conceived by the architectural mastermind Yuji Yamazaki, and adventures to create a luxury experience that threads lightly. We designed Kudadoo as a place where confines of everyday life are nothing but a fading memory. Here, life revolves around moments of magnificence that you share with your loved ones. A personal butler will meet your every need, bespoke cuisine will satisfy your every craving, private experiences on sea or land will bring out your inner adventurer and the blissful well- ness retreat will rejuvenate your senses.
An unhindered enjoyment of luxuries is the norm here – the freedom to indulge in anything, anywhere and at any time is what sets the scene for you to truly live up your island fantasies and just be. Everything under the moon – unscripted dining anywhere you wish, a romantic rendezvous on Dream Island, diving on coral reefs and dolphin expeditions at sunset – can be yours. At Kudadoo, the world is your oyster. Nothing brings people together like good food. Based on our underlying concept, we make anything available to you, at anytime and anywhere with unscripted dining. Kudadoo is filled with taste experiences inspired by you, adapted to your dietary require- ments and seasoned to perfection by the executive chef. Pick a spot and delve into gastronomic perfection as we take you on a culinary journey. The owner’s wine cellar boasts 70 wine labels, featuring some of the world’s most exclusive wines, while Kudadoo’s luxury inclusive wine cellar offers 80 labels, all with a Wine Spectator rating of 88 or above – a global collection purposefully selected to enhance your culinary journey and palate. A sommelier is at your service for pairing recommendations and to assist you in finding the perfect bottle for any occasion.
Kudadoo... Moments of magnificence...
Kudadoo Maldives Private Island by Hurawalhi . Tel +960 662 2000 . reservations@kudadoo.com . kudadoo.com
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