Elite Traveler Spring 2021
SPRING 2021
The Adventures Issue LOOK NO FURTHER FOR THIS YEAR'S RUNDOWN OF THE MOST EXCITING ANDMEMORABLE TRAVEL EXPERIENCES IN THE WORLD
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etr li at ve eler SPRING 2021 13
Welcome
@ELITETRAVELER AROUND THEWORLD The Elite Traveler team has been talking to some leaders in the sustainable luxury sphere and coming to grips with fine-dining’s new normal. For daily updates, follow us on Twitter @elite_traveler and on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest @elitetraveler
I was part of a panel discussion a fewweeks ago that focused on the luxury travel sphere in 2021, and how it had radically changed over the last 12 months. One of the questions put to me was about the trends we’re seeing for the future. As a media outlet, we hold a unique position where all the exciting things that people are working on — new releases, upcoming projects and passions — land in our inbox every day. We are privy to real-time, first-look insights into the inner workings of a broad range of industries, from the watch market to hotels, travel operators to jet manufacturers. And the overarching trend we’re seeing for 2021 is this: Companies that
previously had no connection are now working together on partnership projects. They are putting their services together, creating a more cohesive and safe experience. So the current atmosphere has forced, or encouraged, companies to innovate and focus on their service proposition, and to examine how they can support their clients; this working together has been a really positive outcome. We’re also already seeing some incredible innovations to come out of the last 12 months. From a new app that enables you to search for private jet journey quotes at the touch of a button, to the company that is using solar-powered technology to turn C02 into the world’s first carbon-negative spirit, there are some exciting things on the horizon. Elsewhere in this edition, our inspiration guide to the Top Adventures should fill you with wanderlust and renew some of that joie de vivre we’ve all been missing recently. What better way to spend your time than with a fishing trip at Montana’s Flint Creek Mountain Range, a US charter member of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World eco-lodge collection. Or how about taking the family to spot humpback whales, seals and sea lions from a kayak in Alaska’s Clover Passage? From a kayak to a superyacht, explorer vessels, by definition, are there to push the boundaries and take you into the unknown. We’ve collected some of the very best to charter if you’re searching for unique experiences. Their garages are jam-packed with tenders and toys to entertain you, but many are also equipped with important scientific equipment to track the awesome nature of the ocean while you cruise. Spending time with family is now more important than ever, no matter how fraught lockdown with a teenager might seem! We’ve rounded up the most family-friendly escapes for you to look forward to. Kids clubs come as standard, but how about a hands-on course in the wilderness of the Scottish highlands teaching your kids the basics of map reading? Or sunsets spent roasting s’mores around the fire? Cue unforgettable memories and say goodbye to wrestling away the iPad. The Hot List in this edition explores the ingenious Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo’s guide to celebrating the milestones the last 12 months may have caused you to miss, so whether it’s a silver wedding anniversary, graduation party, honeymoon or sweet 16, the hotel can create a personalized event that will be so special you’ll forget it’s 14 months late. We also look at the hotels that have taken a practical approach to their offering by creating programs of remote learning that combine the expertise of academic tutors with unique practical educational experiences that only the hotel can offer, such as beach cleaning or turtle conservation. We round out this issue with a remote wild stay in a lighthouse in Sweden. Isolate yourself in the rugged beauty and let nature’s power fill you with hope for the future.
Ieva Balciute (left) and Magda Daniloaia (right) speak to Kim Ayling about Aequem, a sustainable and socially conscious luxury shopping platform.
Emma Al-Mousawi talks to Indré Rockefeller who, together with Andy Krantz, founded the luxury eco-luggage and accessories brand, Paravel.
Alex Martin gets a handle on fine dining’s new normal —Michelin- starred dining at home. He enjoyed this selection from Pollen Street Social in London.
Arnaud Christiaens, seen here in Bordeaux, is the founder of wine firm SGC (Le Secret de Grands Cru); he has a modern and maverick approach to wine.
Sophie Killip discovers Heatherwick Studio’s first residential project is a manifestation of biophilic living in Singapore.
The vegetable and spice garden at three-Michelin-star restaurant Azurmendi, a champion of sustainability. See our guide to Spain’s best restaurants.
Thea Halstead Head of Luxury, Editor thea.halstead@elitetraveler.com
CONTENTS
Inspire: Top Adventures The rugged beauty of Salmon Falls in Alaska (above) naturally lends itself to adventure: fishing, whale watching, kayaking, or hopping in a floatplane and soaring over the Misty Fjords. Page 56
On the cover Named for the Norse King of the Vikings, Ragnar is a powerful and luxurious yacht, with full ice-breaking functionality and an impressive 6,000 nm range. Available for charter through Burgess, we think the waters off Greenland are ideal for chilly water sport adventures.
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Offered by Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty (AZ DRE # LC646682009). The residential project described herein (the “Residential Project”) and the residential units within the Residential Project (the “Residential Units”) are not owned, developed, or sold by Host Camelback I LLC or its affiliates, and Host Camelback I LLC does not make any representations, warranties or guaranties whatsoever with respect to the Residential Units, the Residential Project or any part thereof. PHCN LandCo LLC uses the Phoenician® brand name and certain Phoenician® trademarks (collectively, the “Trademarks”) in connection with the sales and marketing of the Residential Units in the Residential Project under a limited, non-exclusive license from Host Camelback I LLC. All renderings contained herein are merely intended for illustration purposes. Developer reserves the right to make any modifications as deemed necessary. THE IMPROVEMENTS DESCRIBED OR DEPICTED HEREIN (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ENTRY FEATURES, LANDSCAPING IMPROVEMENTS, AMENITIES, BUILDINGS, HARDSCAPE, FENCING OR WALLS OR THE LACK THEREOF), ARE PROPOSED ONLY AND NOWARRANTY IS GIVEN OR IMPLIED THAT THE IMPROVEMENTS WILL BE COMMENCED OR COMPLETED. ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING AND SHALL NOT BE DEEMED TO BE REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THE DOCUMENTS THAT ARE REQUIRED BY ARIZONA REVISED STATUTES, 32-2181, et seq,. TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. This is not an offer of real estate for sale or solicitation of an offer to buy, to residents of any state, province or other jurisdiction where the Project is not registered in accordance with applicable law or where such offering or solicitation would otherwise be prohibited by law. Void where prohibited. No sales will occur until permitted by the Arizona Department of Real Estate. All sales are conditioned upon the issuance by the Arizona Department of Real Estate and buyers’ receipt and acceptance of a Disclosure Report for the Project (or applicable portions thereof). Only lot reservations will be accepted by Developer, and only as permitted by the Arizona Department of Real Estate, until the Disclosure Report for the development has been issued; provided, that Developer is under no obligation to accept lot reservations. Developer is committed to the letter and spirit of the policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity.
etr li at ve eler SPRING 2021 16 Contents
42 Dress the part for a trip to Cambridge, UK in a Totême roll-neck sweater
Discover 27 Object of desire An epic tome that has replicated Michelangelo’s painting 28 Motoring The family-friendly sedans that don’t compromise on style
Influence 48 The interview Photographer, poet and activist Alexi Lubomirski on creativity, equality and inclusivity 50 The voyager Avid global explorer Robyn Woodhead on her work in Antarctica 52 A day in the life of Swedish interior architect and product designer Martin Brudnizki
30 Aviation What you can expect when flying privately this year 34 Wine and spirits Extraordinary innovations in the wine and spirit industry
36 Men’s watches Verdant green and vibrant blue dials are perfect for spring 38 Women’s watches
40 Jewelry Chunky chains and large links are perfect for stacking and layering 42 Destination style Visit Cambridge for a city break while dressed for the occasion
Gold gets versatile with these elegant masterpieces
50 Meet the woman
behind White Desert, a carbon-neutral camp in Antarctica
48 Alexi x Movado steel watch with Alexi ‘Water’ photographic Museum dial
28 The sparkling interior of the new Rolls-Royce Ghost
Have a healthy journey with all precautions taken down to the smallest detail for your in-flight safety. TIME TO MEET AGAIN
18
etr li at ve eler SPRING 2021
108 Capture all your adventures with the Insta360 ONE
Contents
elitetraveler.com
Inspire 56 Top adventures Life-enriching, out-of- the-ordinary experiences that are as guilt-free as
98 Top family hotels Scoop up your loved ones and take them for a vacation they’ll never forget; these hotels have something for every age group 108 Destination guides Whether you’re island- hopping in the Maldives or immersed in the rich culture of Santiago, our destination guides ensure Explore
124 Property Adventure lovers rejoice: We’ve rounded up some of the most incredible properties with a twist 128 Flight of fancy Embrace the elements at this remote lighthouse on an island off Sweden’s ragged western coast
they are bespoke 76 Top yachts
The explorer vessels that push the boundaries of the seven seas — and where to take them
you’re in the know 116 The hot list
Elite Traveler ’s Top Suites Database The newly launched Top Suites database is the definitive tool for researching the best hotel accommodations on the planet. Constantly updated throughout the year, and presented alongside stunning behind-the-scenes images, descriptions and luxury rankings, the database lets you search for your next hotel stay using over 60 different criteria including size, bedroom number, privacy and access. The Most Luxurious Eco-Friendly Hotels Sustainable tourism doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort, and this roundup of hotels are here to prove it. Think a carbon- neutral lodge in the Galapagos, a geodesic pod tucked into the sloping Swiss mountainside with views across the Alps, and an award-winning private game reserve in South Africa.
Remote learning at some of the best hotels in the world, and the new residences inMiami that come with a newAston Martin SUV
76 Adastra has a striking, futuristic design
Masterfully Designed Living
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Contributors
Antarctica ROBYNWOODHEAD Co-founder, explorer
Co-founder of luxury desert camp White Desert, Robyn Woodhead is no stranger to adventure. What does a typical day in the carbon-neutral camp in Antarctica look like? According to Robyn, there’s no such thing, but: “In the morning, we hike to the ice waves, where you can delve down into a series of incredible ice tunnels. The tunnels are over 650-ft long and are flooded by this vivid, iridescent blue light that is truly surreal. It is probably my favorite thing to do out of all our activities on offer.” p50
London, UK FINN CAMPBELL NOTMAN Illustrator Originally from London, Finn Campbell Notman has lived and worked in San Francisco, Barcelona, Brussels and Andalusia as well as British idylls Norfolk and Somerset. He has produced artworks for Harrods, Johnnie Walker, Audi, Penguin Random House and Coca Cola, to name a few. His exceptional illustrations encapsulate not just the place but the emotions felt, and the harmonious tones are hauntingly beautiful. Finn provides the illustration for this issue’s Flight of Fancy: a remote lighthouse on a barren Swedish island, named Paster Norter after the prayer that sailors would recite as they sail through the treacherous waters that surround it. p128
Austin, US BECCA HENSLEY Writer
Award-winning travel and lifestyle writer Becca Hensley can’t resist “the unexplored alley, that glass of champagne in an unknown bar or taking the train far beyond the planned destination.” Her inquisitive nature and boundless enthusiasm spills into her writing — check out this issue’s Hot List where she explores the ‘remote learning’ trend. When asked about her favorite adventures, she explains that “choosing between trips is quite like choosing between children — and I have had so many amazing experiences. But safaris in East Africa and
South Africa SAMANTHA COLES Managing Editor, Elite Traveler
As Elite Traveler ’s managing editor for the past four-and-a-half years, Samantha’s labor of love has always been the Top Adventures list in each spring edition. She’s looked at this year’s compilation through a different lens to embrace sustainable luxury. Speaking of lenses, when she’s not working on the pages you see here, she can be found snapping photographs in the English countryside (a beloved golden labrador features in many a shot). Her favorite adventure? Searching for wildlife on safari in the South African bush. p56
spiritual exploits to India (especially one with my daughter) top my list.”. p116
Words Samantha Coles. Photo Photo Faith Robbins
“I invented and made it”
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THE PRIVATE JET LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE elite traveler
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DISCOVER
Mercedes-Maybach S 580 4MATIC Sedan Particularly suited for chauffeured driving, Mercedes-Maybach’s new S-Class sedan sits on 21-inch wheels and features a seven-inch addition to the wheelbase. Page 28
Page 27 Object of Desire A three-volume book collection re-creates a famous painting. Page 34 Wine & Spirits A number of innovative brands are using unusual methods to create exceptional spirits. Page 36 Men’s Watches Spring has truly sprung with these interesting watches in shades of blue and green. Page 40 Jewelry Get linked in with a statement gold chain. Page 42 Destination Style Head to the historic city of Cambridge, England.
Photo media.daimler.com
Fine jewelry handcrafted in New York
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DISCOVER
etr li at ve eler SPRING 2021 27
Object of Desire by Samantha Coles THE PAINTING’S ON THE WALL
The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City is one of the most famous paintings in history. A linchpin of High Renaissance art, the legendary fresco was painted between 1508 and 1512 by the equally legendary Michelangelo (although the rumor that he painted it while lying on his back is unfounded). It is simply astounding and has been a source of inspiration for centuries — particularly The Creation of Adam , a transcendent image interpreted from Genesis that shows the hands of God and Adam nearly touching. It has been replicated everywhere from pop art reincarnations to Coca-Cola ads, and is a universally recognized symbol of humanity. If you’ve seen the paneled fresco in person, you’ll understand how breathtaking it is but, with the current travel restrictions, you can now peruse the painting in the comfort of your own home. The Sistine Chapel is a three-volume, collectors’ limited edition book series, created from a collaboration between Callaway Arts and Entertainment, the Vatican Museums and Italian art publisher Scripta Maneant of Bologna. Each silk-covered book measures a whopping 24x17 inches and weighs around 25 lbs. Across the collection’s 822 pages, the fresco is presented in 1:1 life size with 99% color fidelity. The series was five years in the making — not far off the time it took Michelangelo to create the original. The Sistine Chapel , $22,000, callaway.com
Clockwise The series of books took five years to create; details from
Michelangelo’s famous painting
Photos ©Musei Vaticani - Scriptamaneant
DISCOVER
Motoring by Alexandra Cheney
SMOOTH SPECTER: ROLLS-ROYCE GHOST lambswool deep pile carpets.
‘Twas an otherworldly type of day on the coast, where fog meddles with the marine layer, producing a thick, damp mist. Emerging from the shadows, the new Ghost — not quite a phantom and certainly not a wraith — evoked a supernatural vibe. An Arctic White apparition cloaked in an unearthly vapor... it was almost as if Rolls-Royce had ordered the weather as backdrop for the debut of its latest 6.75-liter, twin-turbo V12 sedan. The British-born, now German-raised manufacturer uses words like “post-opulence” and “minimalist” to describe the new Ghost, which succeeds best within the construct of its own design language; Rolls-Royce relies on familiarity to comprehend and appreciate its details and evolutions. From the newly debuted all-wheel drive and all-wheel steering, to the equal-size front and rear door openings onto the beloved Starlight Headliner, which received the addition of exciter speakers (in effect transmuting the ceiling into a large, twinkling speaker) the new Ghost impresses. And let’s not forget the
These aren’t bells and whistles, they’re simply part of the 563 hp automobile and experience of owning a Rolls-Royce. It’s a kind of redefined restraint and categorical beauty. Take panel gaps, those pesky lines around doors, the hood and trunk that interrupt the eye as it traverses the length of the car. Ghost’s body panels flow undisturbed thanks to a quartet of welders who work in concert to assure an unbroken seam during assembly. All four doors on the Ghost electrically open and close, the in-door umbrellas remain, and the double-damped front suspension, which utilizes a dual camera setup to scan the foreground and anticipate road conditions, excite. Among the Rolls-Royce’s family of vehicles, Ghost’s grille is less prominent, its headlights are more proportional, and its exterior lines are cleaner. From $332,500, rolls-roycemotorcars.com
The Rolls-Royce Ghost is a 6.75-liter, twin-turbo V12 sedan
etr li at ve eler SPRING 2021 29
Speaking clearly: Mercedes-Maybach S 580 4MATIC Sedan
Gazing over the heated, multifunction steering wheel and past the softly arced hood of the Mercedes-Maybach S 580 4MATIC Sedan, clouds, the Pacific Ocean and everything else fall below the horizon; the world appears quite literally laid at its wheels. Teetering on hyperbole, that is, until one realizes the folks at Mercedes-Maybach purposefully positioned the car near a cliff’s edge high in the Malibu hills for its unveiling. From this uninterrupted vista, the vehicle’s indubitable radiance cannot be ignored. Celebrating its centennial this year, Maybach has worked to redefine luxury from the outset, through its incorporation into the Mercedes lineage in 2012, and now finds transformation as Mercedes-Maybach, the ultra- luxury equivalent to its performance-oriented sibling, Mercedes-AMG. Particularly suited for chauffeured driving, the Mercedes-Maybach S 580 sedan sits on 21-inch wheels and features a seven-inch addition to the wheelbase as compared to the regular S-Class, which entirely benefits the rear. Add in the 64-color, individually operable active LED ambient lighting, first-in-class standard rear airbag, Maybach-specific scent and capability to close the back doors with a (contactless) gesture from either multi- contoured seat, and, simply put, enjoy the ride. To top it off, there’s also an optional champagne cooler with silver-plated champagne flutes and dedicated cupholders. For those who prefer to be in the driver’s seat, the 496 hp, 4.0L V8 biturbo with EQ Boost boasts new near-ear speakers integrated into the front seats for personalization (for example, only the driver can hear navigation instructions) in the impressive 30-speaker Burmester 4D surround sound system. A duo of resonators (read: speakers) built into each seat creates an entirely new audio experience. From $184,900, mbusa.com
Ghost’s body panels flow undisturbed thanks to a quartet of welders who work in concert to assure an unbroken seamduring assembly.
DISCOVER
etr li at ve eler SPRING 2021 30 Aviation by Alex Martin
The JetASAP app
AWHOLE NEWWORLD
As we tentatively dip our toes into the changing waters of international and domestic travel, it comes as no surprise that the private aviation industry is an increasingly trusted option. But what is traveling going to look like in a post- Covid world? NetJets has introduced a rigorous testing regime to make sure every crew member and pilot is free of the virus through regular testing, including antibody tests, and, of course, passengers are screened for symptoms before they board. The firm has also reduced the amount of commercial travel each of its crew members take, reducing the chance of exposure outside of work, and has invested $12m into aircraft cleaning since the pandemic started. All aircraft interiors are treated with an antimicrobial barrier that provides lasting protection from various bacteria, germs and viruses like Covid-19. Its durability comes from the molecular bond it forms with surfaces once it's cured; however, as a safeguard, NetJets reapplies the product at a minimum of every 90 days. Compare this with a commercial aircraft, which has up to 400 people on board per flight and flies with far greater frequency. With such a big cabin to clean and more pressure to turn it over for the next flight, it is impossible for
commercial airlines to implement an equally thorough hygiene program. The aircraft may not even be the biggest problem when it comes to exposure; a recent study from Air Charter Service found that a typical commercial flight sees passengers come into close contact with over 600 people door-to-door. That is compared to just eight close contacts on an average private jet journey — a staggering difference. If you fly first class and enjoy the privacy of a lounge before your flight, you will come into contact with an average of 136 people. Some private jet operators are going much further than protecting you from bacteria and viruses. Flexjet, a fractional ownership specialist, has partnered with Health Nucleus to offer its owners a state-of-the-art health checkup that can identify potential health issues. The diagnostic screening gathers over 150 gigabytes of data from a mixture of genome sequencing, MRI scans and blood biomarker analysis to give patients actionable insights into their overall health. The screening can help identify cancer cells, heart disease and metabolic disease such as pre-diabetes while they
are still at an early and treatable stage. netjets.com, aircharter.co.uk, flexjet.com
We love...JetASAP This innovative new private jet company enables users to source and book their own private travel quickly and efficiently via a simple app that guides them through the process. Lisa Kiefer Sayer, CEO and founder, created JetASAP to cater to the sudden influx of first-time flyers brought to the market through Covid-19, who wanted greater control and transparency. Kiefer Sayer explains: “We are democratizing the industry by providing access to the same information on a scale previously available only to industry insiders.” jetasap.com
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QATAR EXECUTIVE: A NEWHORIZON
non-stop from the Middle East to North America, or from destinations in Asia to Africa. In 2020, there was a 30% increase on flights onboard the G650ER compared to 2019. Qatar Executive’s fleet also includes the Bombardier Global 5000 and Global Express XRS. While 2019, 2020 and 2021 have been challenging for many, Qatar Executive is looking optimistically to the future — specifically, the FIFA World Cup, to be held in Qatar in 2022. The event will bring long-term exposure to the city, though the event also presents a few logistical challenges. “We have already been organizing flights for the 2022 World Cup, leveraging our existing relationships as well as exploring new opportunities for both pre- and post-World Cup 2022,” explains Khalil. “We have various packages available through selected partners working with Qatar Executive that will re-create the same VVIP experience that matches our onboard flying experience.” For more information visit qatarexec.com.qa
The year 2020 changed the world in ways none of us could have possibly imagined. Travel came to a complete standstill at times as countries went into lockdown, leaving some travelers stranded and unable to fly. A number of airlines grounded their planes and stopped operating — but Qatar Executive experienced a surge in demand. Based in Doha, Qatar Executive is a leading provider of jet aircraft charter services (including aircraft management, maintenance and a full range of FBO services); it continued to operate throughout 2020. The airline adapted and implemented new hygiene and safety measures, and worked tirelessly to help passengers: “We worked closely with our award-winning parent airline, Qatar Airways, using Doha as a hub to connect passengers to destinations no longer serviced by commercial schedules, many of which were for specific companies needing to get people in and out of destinations,” explains Captain Husam Khalil, Acting Executive Vice President. “We have experienced a big growth in demand versus the
same quarter last year and have been flying significantly more hours per month than last year.” Qatar Executive has seen an average of 60% increase in bookings during 2020 versus 2019, and December 2020 was its best month ever in both flying hours and revenue. The company has also seen an increase of ad-hoc business as a result of pricing instability in the market and clients not wanting to lock into fixed hourly rates. Qatar Executive has an impressive fleet of luxurious and high-performing business jets, and is the largest commercial operator worldwide for the Gulfstream G650ER. The G650ER is the fastest ultra-long-range business jet in the world and is one of the most coveted aircraft among the global traveling elite, due to its phenomenal range capabilities, industry-leading cabin technology and unparalleled passenger comfort. The Qatar Executive G650ER aircraft can fly at a faster speed for longer distances than any jet of its kind with its incredible 7,500 nautical mile range — it is capable of flying
“We have experienced a big growth in demand versus the same quarter last year and have been flying significantly more hours per month than last year.” —Captain Husam Khalil, Acting Executive Vice President
Clockwise Qatar Executive’s impressive fleet, showing the elegant interiors of the Gulfstream G650ER
DISCOVER
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Wine & Spirits by Alex Martin
Unusual Methods The methods for making fine wine and spirits have been refined over millennia, but these mavericks have discovered new and novel ways to take their product to the next level. From using state-of-the-art technology to returning to the most primitive techniques, these disruptive producers are all cutting their own paths to success — paths that others may soon follow.
ATOMOS WINE
Unless you are a wine expert, it can be difficult to differentiate a $1,000 bottle of wine from a $10 bottle. They all look the same. Atomos Wines is changing that. Its striking 1L bottle, presented in a handsewn Alcantara pouch, is sheer luxury, and the liquid inside is just as special. Award- winning winemaker Giovanni Basso sources the finest vines in Bucchianico and Navelli in Italy, and manually destems every single grape to ensure they have the perfect properties for vinification. The patent- pending process is arduously slow and results in far lower yields, but the result is a wine that is richer, more complex and more exclusive than anything else in this price bracket. From $290, atomosco.com
NC’NEAN SINGLE MALT WHISKY
Above Nc’nean Organic Malt Scotch Whisky’s bottle
This Scottish distillery claims to be “quietly rebellious,” but it made a huge noise when its very first bottle of organic single malt sold for over $53,000 at auction — a world record. Big things are expected of Nc’nean and its disruptive approach. There is an uncompromising focus on sustainability in everything it does. The distillery is 100% powered by renewable energy, and all waste materials are reused on the distillery’s family farm. The bottle is also made from fully recycled material, reducing its carbon footprint by 40%. Uninhibited by long-standing traditions, Nc’nean’s debut whisky has been well-received across the industry, and its first batch sold out in a mere 36 hours. $65, ncnean.com
made from fully recycled material Below left Aerial view of the Nc’nean distillery
AIR VODKA
Carbon capture is a process that extracts CO2 from the air to reduce the effects of global heating. Usually, the carbon is stored in the ground, but Air Vodka has come up with a different use for it: alcohol. Using a patented, solar-powered technology, the sustainably driven company turns extracted C02 into pure
ethanol. That is then mixed with water to create what is believed to be the world’s first carbon-negative spirit. Each bottle takes a pound of carbon out of the air and, as there are only two ingredients, the vodka is ultra-refined and impurity- free —making it perfect for sipping on the rocks. From $68, aircompany.com
FAMILY IS THE CORNERSTONE OF EVERY LEGACY.
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Investments: Not FDIC Insured. No Bank Guarantee. May Lose Value. ©2021 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
DISCOVER MEN’S WATCHES
by Roberta Naas
SPRING HUES
It’s no secret that one of the most beloved dial colors for luxury watches is blue. Brands have been offering blue hues for years, and making them brighter and bolder every year. Recently, however, green has also been garnering the spotlight — in rich, verdant shades that grab the eye and the heart. Top brands are achieving these blue and green dial colors via plating processes, lacquer or enamel work, and even by turning to nature’s finest stones like lapis lazuli and malachite. With the grass getting greener for spring and skies getting bluer, it’s the perfect time to indulge in green...or blue...or both!
PIAGET BLACK TIE VINTAGE REEDITION Recalling the days when Piaget was a leader in creating gemstone dials during the 1960s, this Black Tie Vintage Reedition watch boasts a dazzling natural malachite dial with its striations in horizontal format. The striking green gemstone is a thinly sliced layer of malachite that weighs 6.51 carats and creates a beautiful contrast with the 18-karat white gold stepped case. The integrated alligator strap is perfectly matched. The 43mm watch is powered by a self-winding mechanical movement that provides 42 hours of power reserve when fully wound. $34,700, piaget.com
GLASHÜTTE ORIGINAL PANOMATICLUNAR The tall fir trees in the Ore Mountains that surround this Saxony-region German watch brand provided the inspiration for the forest-green dial of the PanoMaticLunar. The brand’s in-house dial manufacture in Pforzheim, Germany, works with brass disks, coating them in galvanic nickel and then spraying a black lacquer on the outer edges. The entire dial is then painted layer by layer with transparent green lacquer to achieve the gradient effect. The watch is equipped with an in-house- made automatic winding caliber and offers off-center hour, minute and small seconds, as well as a large Panorama date and moonphase display. It is crafted in stainless steel and finished with a nubuck leather strap. $9,900, glashuette-original.com
BOVET VIRTUOSO VII The independent house of Bovet delights watch lovers with its elaborate open-worked movements and spectacular hand-guilloche dials. The green on the center dial and on the outer edges is created using an elaborate hand-painted lacquer over a dial whose pattern has been etched into the metal by hand. The highly complicated watch is equipped with a hand-wound mechanical movement and offers a retrograde perpetual calendar that displays day, month, leap year and date via a retrograde indication (in addition to the time). Even better, the 18-karat white gold AMADEO® convertible case system enables the watch to be worn on the wrist or as a pocket watch, or it can serve as a nightstand clock. $89,000, bovet.com
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H. MOSER & CIE. PIONEER CENTRE SECONDS COSMIC GREEN A master at spectacular dial colors, independent watch brand H. Moser & Cie regularly delights collectors with its bold and expressive hues. This stainless steel Pioneer Centre Seconds watch features a dial in Cosmic Green; the color is reminiscent of the Northern Lights and their jeweled tones. The dial is brightest in the center and gradually darkens as it reaches the outer edges. The indexes are tipped with a luminescent dot and the hands boast Super-LumiNova for night time reading. The watch is powered by an in-house- made mechanical movement and is finished with a contemporary fabric strap. $12,900, h-moser.com
JAEGER-LECOULTRE POLARIS MEMOVOX ALARM A beloved, iconic watch, the Memovox has captivated collectors since its very first appearance more than half a century ago. Now, Jaeger-LeCoultre releases the all-new Polaris Memovox Alarm watch with gradient royal blue dial. The bright orange markers are designed for divers, and the watch is water resistant to 1000 feet. Powered by an in-house-made self- winding movement, the watch is crafted in stainless steel. $17,600, jaeger- lecoultre.com
PATEK PHILIPPE REF. 5930GWORLD TIME CHRONOGRAPH
The vibrant blue dial of this Patek Philippe Ref. 5930GWorld Time Chronograph watch features a circular guilloche dial center that is created on vintage rose-engine machines and made entirely by hand. The outer city disks are in the same color, while the inner day/date flange offers gray and darker blue for contrast. The mechanical movement showcases time in the world’s 24 zones and offers stopwatch chronograph counter and central seconds. The 39.5mm watch is crafted in white gold. $79,250, patek.com
HERMÈS ARCEAU L’HEURE DE LA LUNE First unveiled in 2019, this complicated Hermès watch has enjoyed several dial evolutions ranging from meteorite to aventurine and this stunning lapis lazuli. This naturally occurring blue stone sometimes boasts striations or flecks of golden for intriguing appeal. The watch features a specially made module created by watchmaker Jean- François Mojon that enables the two moonphase disks on the watch to stay in position (contrary to most moonphase disks) while the main dial (including its off-center date and time subsidiary dials) rotates — forming the correct phases of the moon as the subsidiary dials pass over the moon disks. $33,200, hermes.com
VACHERON CONSTANTIN PATRIMONY PERPETUAL CALENDAR ULTRA-THIN Vacheron Constantin showcases the Patrimony Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin watch with a midnight blue dial whose color was created expressly for this line. The in-house- made self-winding movement that powers this watch offers hours, minutes, moonphase indication, day of week, date, month and leap year. The complex caliber tracks the moonphases without needing a single correction until March 1, 2100. The satin-finished blue dial is beautifully contrasted by the 18-karat gold hands and markers... $78,500, vacheron-constantin.com
DISCOVER WOMEN’S WATCHES
by Roberta Naas
IN THE WORLD OF FINE WATCHES, GOLD HAS LONG BEEN THE PREFERRED METAL FOR ELEGANT LOOKS AND SWANKY APPEAL. THAT HASN’T CHANGED. BUT WHAT HAS CHANGED IS THE TYPES OF GOLD THAT WATCH BRANDS ARE OFFERING. NO LONGER IS THERE JUST 18-KARAT WHITE, PINK, ROSE OR YELLOW GOLD TO CHOOSE FROM. SOME OF TODAY’S TOP WATCH BRANDS ARE CREATING THEIR OWN PROPRIETARY COLORS OF GOLD TO OFFER UNIQUENESS, WHILE OTHERS ARE CREATING HIGH-TECH GOLD ALLOYS, TURNING TO VINTAGE JEWELRY TECHNIQUES FOR FINISHES OR —MAYBE THE BEST YET — USING ETHICALLY MINED GOLD GOLD RUSH
Panerai Due Goldtech For quite some time now, Officine Panerai has been creating its own rose-hued gold called Oro Rosso; in spring of 2020, the brand unveiled its new proprietary Goldtech gold. The 18-karat gold is infused with a percentage of copper to endow it with a richer red hue (without the expense of going to 5N rose gold) and with platinum to help guard against oxidation. The brand turns to Goldtech for this 38mm Due watch with an automatic movement and three days of power reserve. This is the thinnest of all Panerai watches; it offers hours, minutes and small seconds with a subsidiary dial at 9 and date at 3 o’clock. A transparent sapphire crystal allows for viewing of the movement. $15,300, panerai.com
Chopard Happy Sport Ethical Gold A pioneer in the world of sustainability and ethical materials, Chopard has created watches made of Fairmined Gold for several years. Recently, the brand announced that from mid-2018 forward, it would create its gold watches using only Fairmined or ethical gold. While these golds are not special alloys or colors, they are ethically sourced — an incredibly important statement in today’s world. This Chopard Happy Sport watch features a case made of stainless steel and a bezel and lug accents made in ethical 18-karat rose gold with a crown of ethical gold. Powered by an automatic mechanical movement, the watch features the two dancing diamonds and three free-floating rubies above the dial that are the signature of this iconic collection. $7,230, chopard.com
Chanel Boy.Friend Beige Gold It was five years ago in 2015 that Chanel introduced its first Boy.Friend watch — designed to be feminine yet with a slight masculine appeal. The Boy.Friend collection has grown to be an almost iconic watch for Chanel, so it makes sense that it would create a version in its exclusive ‘Beige Gold.’ The color is more toned down than yellow gold, yet not as red as pink or rose gold (the secret formula is guarded). In this version, both the case and the bezel, as well as the crown, are in 18-karat Beige Gold. The watch features an opaline guilloche dial and is powered by a high-precision Swiss quartz movement. $15,000, chanel.com
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Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Frosted Gold Double BalanceWheel Openworked Immediately recognizable from across a crowded room, Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak is a legendary watch. First designed by the famed Gerald Genta, the watch has enjoyed nearly 50 years of attention since its unveiling in 1972. The newest iteration is created using the ancient Italian jewelry technique of hand-hammering the gold for a unique frosted finish. The 18-karat white gold 37mm case and bracelet are entirely hand finished for a textured sheen that is smooth as silk. The bezel is polished and is set with a rainbow of 32 individually set baguette-cut stones. $104,600, audemarspiguet.com
Hublot Big Bang One Click Sang Bleu King Gold Hublot has long been an innovator when it comes to new materials. After all, this was the first brand to put a vanilla-infused rubber strap on a luxury gold watch. In its workshops in Nyon, Switzerland, this brand has its own top-secret research and development laboratory where it regularly devises new materials. King Gold is one of them. The King Gold, alloyed with certain materials, including platinum, is stronger and more scratch resistant than 18-karat gold, and it has a richer rose sheen. This watch, designed in cooperation with Sang Bleu, has an engraved design created by Maxime Plescia-Büchi. It is powered by a self-winding movement. $29,400, hublot.com
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date Everose A name known around the world, Rolex has been innovating since it was founded by Hans Wilsdorf in 1905. This brand created the first water-resistant watch — that became known as the Oyster — and, to this day, invents and uses a host of proprietary materials. This entire Oyster Perpetual Day-Date superlative chronometer features a case and bracelet crafted using the brand’s Everose gold. Everose was first introduced to the world in 2005 and is a blend of 18-karat pink gold with copper and a bit of platinum. It has a unique warm red hue that never loses its color. The watch is powered by a Rolex self-winding movement that is made in-house. $38,850, rolex.com
Omega De Ville Trésor Canopus Gold™ Another brand that has created several of its own proprietary golds, as well as exclusive ceramic and other materials, is Omega. This De Ville Trésor quartz watch is crafted in the brand’s own Canopus™ gold that was introduced in 2018. The white gold alloy is mixed with other metals (Omega discloses nothing) to create a high- brilliance whiteness. Unlike most 18-karat white gold watches, Canopus Gold is not ruthenium coated and yet it will not fade with time. The 36mm watch case and dial are
set with a total of 262 diamonds. $25,400, omegawatches.com
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