Elite Traveler March-April 2015

Issue 2/Volume 15 March/April 2015

DISCOVER Le Flâneur by Hermès, a new Bentley flyer, 1970s style

INFLUENCE Gerard Basset, Elena Arzak, Elizabeth Doerr

INSPIRE Top 10 tented camps, high-adrenaline breaks

EXPLORE Vancouver, New Zealand, St Petersburg, Istanbul

Into the wild

ADVENTURE SPECIAL THE WORLD'S

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elite traveler MAR/APR 2015 ISSUE 2 21

WELCOME THE PRIVATE JET LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Adventure travel. Two words that conjure up distant, exotic locations and wild, adrenaline- fueled weekends. Whether it’s a night spent under the stars in a luxurious tent or a dramatic dive between tectonic plates, in this issue we push the boundaries. This is no less than Elite Traveler readers have come to expect. The editorial team has been out and about searching the world, from the remote wilds of Patagonia to previously unexplored parts of the Himalayas, to bring together an issue with all the adventure of an action movie. Fancy a trip into the heart of a volcano? Or to scale a previously unclimbed peak (and so name it for yourself)? Then read on. But while high-end travelers like to experience extremes of adventure, you also want to do it in style. So we’ve rounded up our top 10 luxury tented camps, picked out the top suites in the exotic city of Istanbul and paid a visit to New Zealand’s South Island, home to Queenstown, the so-called “adventure capital of the world”. If you think there’s an activity or adventure we missed, we’d love to hear from you. Email us with your favorite adventures at editorial@elitetraveler.com.

Elite Traveler tip One signature of the Elite Traveler editorial has been our tireless pursuit of the inside intelligence that makes life easier. Watch out for this symbol throughout.

Phoeby English top and skirt Bibi van der Velden bracelets

EXPLORE In a range of detailed guides, Explore covers where to stay, what to eat and who to call to get that Elite Traveler experience. Look out for exclusive tips on how to maximize your time from the moment you arrive.

INSPIRE Uplifting, in-depth content focusing on aspirational experiences around the world. Inspire includes amazing fashion, perfect road trips, our respected travel Top 10s and longer reads from big-name writers.

INFLUENCE Unique insights from key players in the worlds of art, fine wine, watches, fashion, technology and more. With themed Q&As, profiles and columns, Influence showcases the voices of the people who matter.

DISCOVER The place to find out about the best new things in life. Discover covers the latest watches, cars, fashion and beauty, as well as design, culture, tech, travel news, the global food and drink scene and more.

CONTENTS MARCH/APRIL 2015, VOLUME 15, ISSUE 2

DISCOVER

35 Object of desire HERMÈS LE FLÂNEUR BIKE 36 Watches MONTBLANC, CHRISTOPHE CLARET AND BREVA GENÈVE 40 Motoring FIRST DRIVE: BENTLEY MULSANNE SPEED AND OFF-ROAD STARS 42 Men’s style TECHNICAL JACKETS AND PACK A PUNCH WITH YOUR LUGGAGE 46 Women’s style SWEET SEVENTIES VIBE AND NEOPRENE LEAVES THE WATER 50 Jewelry INTRODUCING IRENE NEUWIRTH 52 Technology THE MAD MAX CLOCK AND WEATHER-BEATING BINOCULARS 54 Travel CABIN FEVER AND EXPLORING CUBA 56 Food &Drink SWITZERLAND'S EXCITING NEW EXPORT 58 Design UP ON THE ROOF WITH PARKS IN THE SKY 60 Flash PARTY LIKE IT'S AWARDS SEASON INFLUENCE 66 Gerard Basset ON CHÂTEAU LE PIN 67 JuanMari and Elena Arzak ARZAK’S DUO ON THEIR FAVORITE DINING SPOTS 68 Elizabeth Doerr NEW PIECES FROM RICHARD MILLE AND GREUBEL FORSEY

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800 927 4367 | KWIAT.COM

CONTENTS

INSPIRE

74 Top 10 TENTED CAMPS 86 Fashion TAKING A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE 98 From the heights to the depths EXPLORING DEEP SEA AND SPACE TRAVEL 104 Off on an adventure TRIPS TO MAKE YOUR HEART BEAT FASTER 115 Hard-knock life THE WORLD OF WATCH TESTING EXPLORE

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Joss wears dress by Valentino . Shot on location at The Banyan Tree Bintan. See page 95 for more details.

122 Total Guide WHERE TO EAT, STAY, DRINK & SHOP IN VANCOUVER 130 Itinerary NEW ZEALAND’S SOUTH ISLAND ON THREE TIMESCALES 139 Life Through a Lens A PHOTOGRAPHER’S TOUR OF ST. PETERSBURG BY SLAVA KOROLEV 144 Top Suites WHERE TO STAY IN STYLE IN ISTANBUL 152 Flight of Fancy PICNIC UNDER CHRIST THE REDEEMER, RIO DE JANEIRO

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130

CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE’S GLOBE-TROTTING TEAM

2 Montreal Illustrator Raymond Biesinger Illustrator and artist Raymond Biesinger is based in Montréal, Canada, and his work illustrates the feature One Step Beyond on page 98. Among other things, he likes making music, politics, Instagram and 19th century bird’s-eye view panoramic maps.

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Vancouver Writer Nikki Bayley Nikki Bayley loves exploring new cities. She fell in love with Vancouver a few years ago and decided to take the plunge and move there. Her infatuation shines through her guide to Vancouver on page 122. Nikki also loves checking out spas, stepping aboard cross-country trains and eating well.

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Miami Writer Rachel Felder

Former music journalist Rachel investigated the world of watch testing on page 115. Rachel enjoys the best of all worlds, splitting her time between Miami and New York.

Istanbul Writer Sevil Delin Sevil Delin is a Turkish/ American writer and although she was raised in the US, Turkey, Egypt, Hong Kong and the UK. She studied English at Oxford University and is currently working on a biography of her family. She checks out the best suites in Istanbul on page 144. 6 journalist based in Istanbul, Turkey –

St Petersburg Photographer Slava Korolev The port city of St Petersburg is the place photographer Slava Korolev calls home. He shares his viewpoint of his home city in Life Through a Lens on page 139 . His favorite place is the Peterhof gardens as that is where he met his wife. 5

4

New Zealand Writer Shane Boocock As author of the acclaimed travel guidebook, The New

Zealand Adventure Guide , Shane Boocock was well qualified to write our itinerary for New Zealand’s South Island on page 130. As an avid skier, mountain biker, fisherman, kayaker and hiker he enjoys everything NZ has to offer. Including the excellent food and wine.

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THE PRIVATE JET LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE elite traveler

ELITE TRAVELER MEDIA GROUP Executive Vice President, Publisher Norman M. Miller Vice President, Associate Publisher, Marketing & Publishing Operations Lorraine Chu Vice President, Associate Publisher, Multimedia Greg Licciardi elitetraveler.com

PROGRESSIVE CUSTOMER PUBLISHING Managing Director Dan Davey Group Account Director Sam Gallagher Progressive Media International COO Andy Hunt progressivecp.com

PROGRESSIVE CUSTOMER PUBLISHING EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief Richard Cree Consultant Editor Emily Mathieson Chief Sub-Editor Jacquetta Picton Design Director Ewan Buck Consultant Art Director Finnie Finn Art Director Ian Hart Senior Designer Penny Clements Picture Editor John Kilpatrick Production Director Angela Derbyshire

ELITE LUXURY PUBLISHING MARKETING/PRODUCTION/CIRCULATION VP/Associate Publisher, Marketing & Publishing Operations Lorraine Chu +1 646 430 7908 lorraine.chu@elitetraveler.com

Distribution Director Kat Czarnecki +1 646 430 7907 kat.czarnecki@elitetraveler.com

Marketing Services Manager Christina Castro +1 646 430 7909 christina.castro@elitetraveler.com Events and Marketing Manager Tameka Porte +1 646 430 7904 tameka.porte@elitetraveler.com Senior Coordinator, Sales & Marketing Operations Jessica Moreira +1 646 439 1030 jessica.moreira@elitetraveler.com

WEB EDITORS Aoife Moriarty, Zahra Al-Kateb

CONTRIBUTORS Gerard Basset, Nikki Bayley, Lydia Bell, Raymond Biesinger, Emily Black, Shane Boocock, Francesca Cotton, Sevil Delin, Elizabeth Doerr, Anat Dychtwald, Henry Farrar-Hockley, Rachel Felder, William Garrett, Charlie Mellor, Chris Moss, Lucinda Rogers, Andrew Smith, Joe Warwick

For editorial inquiries, please contact editorial@elitetraveler.com

Circulation Director Randy Silverman +1 917 626 9799 randy.silverman@elitetraveler.com EDITORIAL Luxury Editor Kristen Shirley +1 646 430 7911 kristen.shirley@elitetraveler.com

ELITE LUXURY PUBLISHING, INC. 708 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10017, www.elitetraveler.com

SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES Elite Traveler is the only BPA-audited publication for private jet travelers. With distribution in over 100 countries aboard private jets and in private jet terminals, each issue is read by over 630,000 ultra-affluent consumers with an average household income of $5.3m*. To make sure you never miss an issue, subscribe to Elite Traveler , the private jet lifestyle magazine. For details on how, visit elitetraveler.com/subscribe To keep up-to-date with the latest private jet lifestyle news, sign-up for weekly email round-up Elite Traveler Update at elitetraveler.com *Source: Prince & Associates

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THE PRIVATE JET LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE elite traveler

ELITE TRAVELER MEDIA GROUP Executive Vice President, Publisher Norman M. Miller Vice President, Associate Publisher, Marketing & Publishing Operations Lorraine Chu Vice President, Associate Publisher, Multimedia Greg Licciardi elitetraveler.com

NORTHEASTERN US/MID-ATLANTIC/ MIDWEST/EASTERN CANADA 708 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10017, USA VP/Associate Publisher Multimedia Greg Licciardi +1 646 439 1028 greg.licciardi@elitetraveler.com Director (jewelry, watches, beauty) Heather Hanson +1 646 430 7918 heather.hanson@elitetraveler.com Director (travel, luxury goods) Brooke Laffan +1 646 430 7913 brooke.laffan@elitetraveler.com Head of Fashion Sean Griffith +1 646 430 7903 sean.griffith@elitetraveler.com Director (automotive, financial, spirits, home, real estate) Suzanne Puchalsky +1 646 439 1022 suzanne.puchalsky@elitetraveler.com SOUTHEAST US/CARIBBEAN/CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA Regional Director Cheryl Ricossa +1 305 582 0802 cheryl.ricossa@elitetraveler.com WESTERN US/WESTERN CANADA/HAWAII 2712 182nd Place, Redondo Beach, CA 90278 USA Regional Director Tiffany H. Carey +1 310 383 6028 tiffany.carey@elitetraveler.com Naomi Hazelton +1 808 737 8711 naomi@elementmediahi.com EUROPE/MIDDLE EAST/AFRICA John Carpenter House, John Carpenter Street, London EC4Y 0AN UK Head of Sales Bryony Raisey +44 207 936 6432 bryony.raisey@elitetraveler.com Sales Director Marina Khachatouri +44 207 936 6442 marina.khachatouri@elitetraveler.com

SWITZERLAND 10 Coin Greinge, CH-1270 Trélex, Switzerland Media Representative Susanne Samuelsson +41 22 960 0926 ssamuelsson@bluewin.ch MEXICO 12585 Bridle Bit Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80908 USA Jerry Landress +1 719 495 2145 Mexico: +52 624 14 21650 jrlandress@earthlink.net Comunicabos, Màrquez de Léon S/N, Esq., Ampliación I., Zaragoza, Col. Centro, San José Del Cabo, BCS, CP 23400, Mexico Armando Figaredo +52 624 14 22640 ccabos@prodigy.net.mx ITALY Media Representative Ferruccio Silvera +39 022 846716 ferruccio@silvera.it INDIA Global Media Network, M-138 Greater Kailash 11, New Delhi 110048, India Vimal Anand +91 11 40581544 vimal@gmnindia.com THAILAND Don’t Blink Media Co. Ltd, 10th Floor, Maneeya Centre Building, 518/5 Ploenchit Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Thailand Media Representative Laurent Malespine +66-2-652-0889 laurent.malespine@gmail.com

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33 elite traveler MAR/APR 2015 ISSUE 2

DISCOVER WATCHES / MOTORING / FASHION / JEWELRY / TECHNOLOGY / TRAVEL / FOOD & DRINK / DESIGN

A stylish edit of the latest products, experiences and openings for the discerning global citizen

Enjoy perfect skin with 111 Skin Celestial Black Diamond Cream made from black diamonds

Photo: Ben Yagbes Photography/Leibish & Co

RESIDENCES DESIGNED for LIFE Waterfront living in the heart of Miami Beach

A Limited Collection of Exquisite Condominium Residences. Designed by Piero Lissoni. Priced from $2 Million to $40 Million.

Sales Gallery Open Daily. 4701 North Meridian Avenue, Miami Beach For a Private Appointment Please Call 888-438-0365 TheResidencesMiamiBeach.com

Exclusive Sales Agents: Premier Sales Group, Inc. and ONE Sotheby’s International Realty. The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Miami Beach are not owned, developed or sold by The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. or its affiliates (“Ritz-Carlton”). 4701 North Meridian, L.L.C. uses The Ritz-Carlton marks under a license from Ritz-Carlton, which has not confirmed the accuracy of any of the statements or representations made herein. This graphic is an “artist’s rendering” and is for conceptual purposes only. THIS OFFERING IS MADE ONLY BY THE OFFERING DOCUMENTS FOR THE CONDOMINIUM AND NO STATEMENT SHOULD BE RELIED UPON IF NOT MADE IN THE OFFERING DOCUMENTS. THIS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL, OR SOLICITATION OF OFFERS TO BUY, THE CONDOMINIUM UNITS IN STATES WHERE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION CANNOT BE MADE. PRICES, PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. OBTAIN THE PROPERTY REPORT REQUIRED BY FEDERAL LAW AND READ IT BEFORE SIGNING ANYTHING. NO FEDERAL AGENCY HAS JUDGED THE MERITS OR VALUE, IF ANY, OF THIS PROPERTY. ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING THE REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, REFERENCE SHOULD BE MADE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BYA DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE.

DISCOVER

elite traveler MAR/APR 2015 ISSUE 2 35

Object of desire

Hermès bike

Playfully named Le Flâneur (literal translation: stroller), the Hermès stable of haute bikes comprises just two styles – an everyday city bike and a streamlined racer, each epitomizing the maison’s lightweight, carbon fiber monobloc frame, while the saddle, bullhorn-style handlebars and carry handle have eschewed the house’s signature bullcalf leather for matte black crocodile. Designed to be as easy on the road as it is on the eye, this modish transport also features hydraulic disc brakes, a Shimano Alfine 11-speed internal gear hub, belt-driven transmission knack for timelessly understated elegance. Le Flâneur Sportif d’Hermès racer has a

and removable lights. $12,500; hermes.com

Words: Henry Farrar-Hockley

DISCOVER

elite traveler MAR/APR 2015 ISSUE 2 36

Montblanc’s Geosphère three- dimensional globes depict the world’s 24 time zones

Watches

The essence of adventure is easily captured in fine timepieces. Designs interpret the spirit of aviation (Breitling, Bremont), deep-sea diving (Rolex, Blancpain) or even space (Omega, Zenith). The signature piece of the latest Montblanc collection is rather a paean to exploration itself. The Montblanc Collection Villeret Tourbillon Cylindrique Geosphères Vasco da Gama is an homage to the great 15th century Portuguese explorer. Besides a triple-time-zone complication and 12-hour compass rose at the six o’clock position, this 18 karat red gold timepiece also features a pair of three-dimensional globes depicting the world’s 24 time zones across the northern and southern hemispheres. The globes, unique in watchmaking, also display the passage of day and night. Parallels will be drawn with Greubel Forsey’s GMT world timer – relaunched for 2015 – but for our money, Montblanc is poles apart. $286,000, montblanc.com MONTBLANC’S GEOSPHÈRES TIMEPIECE IS AWORLD BEATER IN EVERY SENSE Golden globes

Writer: Henry Farrar-Hockley

Montblanc’s 12-hour compass is in keeping

with the explorer theme

DISCOVER

elite traveler MAR/APR 2015 ISSUE 2 38

The IWC Portugieser Annual Calendar took watch designers five years to develop

Hot dates

In January, the great and the even greater of Richemont’s horological portfolio gathered in Geneva for the 25th annual Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH). Even before the 16 exhibiting Maisons opened their doors, an emergent trend was taking shape among the pre-show announcements. And it was evident that 2015 will be the year of the

PAST TIMES

calendar. As opposed to the conventional single-date complication, calendar mechanisms display day, date and month. This seemingly facile task is made extraordinarily complex by the requirement for seamlessly interlocking wheels beneath the watch face, while factoring in the differing lengths of the months. Notable exemplars of this modish functionality include IWC, whose Portugieser Annual Calendar, complete with seven-day power reserve, proudly displays its calendar across three curved windows at the 12 o’clock position. Jaeger-LeCoultre, meanwhile, has “merely” refreshed its iconic Master Calendar, which combines apertures for day and month with a crescent-shaped pointer for the date. Then there’s the Rotonde de Cartier Grande Complication Skeleton, an astonishing illustration of watchcraft that shoehorns a flying tourbillon and astrorégulateur into its fully skeletonized 43.5mm platinum casement, alongside three centrally positioned day, date and month dials. iwc.com jaeger-lecoultre.com cartier.com

Inspired by a passion for history, haute horologist Christophe Claret has created Aventicum – a timepiece that reveals a replica gold bust, measuring less than 3mm in length, of the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius. The original bust was excavated near the Swiss town of Avenches in 1939. Using a mirascope, mirrors magnify and create a

hologram of the miniscule bust.

Price: Red gold and anthracite, $53,000 , christopheclaret.com

BRAND PROFILE/// BREVA GENÈVE

A former fashion entrepreneur and gallerist, Vincent Dupontreué founded his watch brand in 2010 to craft timepieces capable of “monitoring your environment”. Named after the warm southern wind that aids the agreeably mild microclimate around Lake Como in Italy, his first timepiece stemmed from the idea of a mechanical watch that could forecast the weather. After three years’ R&D, he achieved just that with the Génie 01, the first wristwatch with a barometer. Next came a high-performance altimeter – the Génie 02 – and, earlier this year, the introduction of a watch with a speedometer, the Génie 03. From $55,000, breva-watch.com

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GÉNIE 01 The world’s first mechanical

GÉNIE 02 Available in two versions, Air and Terre. The Breva Génie 02 can calculate current altitude with even greater accuracy, plus a second dial displays height above sea level in metric and imperial units.

GÉNIE 03 The first wristwatch to boast a speedometer, this ingenious design uses a retractable, miniature anemometer to measure local wind speed, displaying the results on a scale of between 12-124mph.

wristwatch displaying time, altitude and weather-forecasting barometric pressure – via two recessed aneroid capsules capable of measuring minute changes in air pressure.

Suddenly, the word smooth seems totally inadequate.

Gran Patrón Platinum starts with the finest Weber Blue Agave, hand selected for the highest sugar content. It’s then distilled three times and rested in oak, making it extraordinarily smooth, with a clean, full-bodied taste and a long, peppery finish.

patrontequila.com simply perfect

DISCOVER

GAC Witstar A Chinese concept car paraded at NAIAS in January featured a point-to- point autopilot mode and a fishtank

Motoring

First Drive: BENTLEYMULSANNE SPEED It’s on my second day with Bentley’s new flagship model that it strikes me that the boffins behind it have missed a trick. Bentley’s engineers are some of the brightest in the business, so why did no one think to fit a “clone” button? I spent all the time I was with the car wanting to be in two places at once. When I was driving I envied those luxuriating in the rear and when I rode in the back, I longed to be back behind the wheel. Cloning is the only way owners can really enjoy all the car’s delights. Those delights are pure Bentley. The firm has long been synonymous with “turbo-charged armchairs”, but the Mulsanne Speed ups the ante. This is a new RPG. Welcome to Bentley’s rocket-propelled gentleman’s club. Like all the best clubs, there is more to it than opulence. For all the quilted leather and built-in wine coolers, there is plenty of tech, including wi-fi, iPads and Bluetooth keyboards. Luxurious seats are matched by a sensational, 20-speaker Naim hi-fi. With this tech on board the cabin can be either a cinema on wheels or a functioning office. This blend of heritage and modernity extends to the mechanics as well. Under the hood is Bentley’s brilliant 6.75-litre, V8 with a heritage stretching back to the middle of the last century. Thanks to some fancy tweaking (twin turbos and variable valve timing, for a start) it also manages to be an utterly beguiling modern masterpiece. The bald numbers tell half the story. It boasts an immense 811lb-ft of torque at 1,750rpm and 530bhp. And it leaps from standstill to 60mph in 4.9 seconds and on to 190mph. But thanks to a recalibrated automatic, eight-speed gearbox all this extra power and torque is surprisingly easy to handle. Stamp down your right foot and the sensation feels like the moment in Star Trek when warp drive is engaged. The lack of increase in noise or vibration is a shock. It’s as if the world outside has slowed down. If only they could devise a way to allow us to drive it from the comfort of the back seat. $338,325, bentley.com

Clone ranger Owners will want to be in the front and back at once

All-terrain car Driving in the city or country is a delight

Welcome to the rocket-propelled gentlemen’s club

elite traveler MAR/APR 2015 ISSUE 2 41

TAKE THREE/// SURPRISING OFF-ROAD STARS

The curvy NSX Acura says the new NSX is as innovative as the 1990 original

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2 MINI Having stormed to success in the 2015 Dakar Rally, taking four of the top five places, while the Mini may have lost its original miniature charm, its retained rally smarts. If you want to rattle bones across parts of South America, it seems there is no better vehicle. KIRAVAN At the other end of the size spectrum, the Kiravan shouts “survivor”. It can carry food and water for three people for three weeks and fuel for 3,000 miles. Accessories include a full satellite comms system. Not just an off-roader, this is a full expedition vehicle. MERCEDES G-WAGON With Land Rover about to stop making its Defender, the G-Wagon will be the elite’s off-roader of choice. From a “basic” $125,000, to customized monsters (the military-inspired G63 AMG 6x6, pictured), nothing says you’re happy leaving the road safely like a G-Wagon. THE CONCEPT: MASERATTI 2+2 The Italian carmaker turned heads when it revealed the Alfieri 2 + 2, a Pininfarina-designed production-ready concept. It looks set to try and pinch sales from Jaguar’s F-Type. Based on a Gran Tursismo Stradale, performance will match the Alfieri’s racing heritage. 3

Ford’s surprise Detroit hopes to set pulses racing with the sexy new GT

This year’s Detroit auto show had many highlights, but perhaps the biggest surprise was the simultaneous relaunch of two motoring icons. After years of promises, Acura finally unveiled its new NSX, while Ford pulled the sheets off a new GT. When the first NSX was launched in 1990 it built a fan base that extolled it as the perfect marriage of Italian good looks (the design came courtesy of Pininfarina) and Japanese engineering. It featured all kinds of firsts, including an all-aluminum body and an engine (also aluminum) with variable valve timing. And the new NSX doesn’t disappoint. The first supercar with a female chief designer, it has a bold, highly sculpted exterior, which is as punchy as the mid-engined, twin-turbo V6 inside. In combination with three electric motors, this produces a total output in excess of 550bhp. The NSX boasts what Acura calls “sport hybrid super-handling all-wheel drive”, which means one electric motor assisting the rear-wheels, while the others help at the front (notably in corners). Expect plenty of thrills and a high-tech cabin. Ford’s new supercar also has big tyres to fill. The original Ford GT was launched after Enzo Ferrari pulled out of a deal to sell his company to Ford. Henry Ford II had wanted to tap into Ferrari’s racing success and having been snubbed by the Italian decided to beat him at his own game, heading for Le Mans in 1963 to do just that. It took three years, but having claimed all the podium positions in 1966, Ford repeated the trick for the next three years. Ford may have replaced the raucous old V8 with a politer V6 Ecoboost engine, but it still produces a walloping 600bhp. No definitive performance stats are available as yet, but expect a now-standard supercar 0-60mph time of about three seconds, with a top speed approaching 200mph. The Acura NSX is expected to cost over $150,000, with Ford’s new GT likely to be over $200,000. Both are expected to start shipping early in 2016. Which is best, East or West?

DISCOVER

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Men’s style

Loro Piana, New Regatta

Technical merit The rise and rise of audacious outdoor pursuits have seen a concomitant evolution in next-generation fabrics that keep the wearer warm and dry while they risk life, limb and insurance policy excesses. These research advances have now inevitably crossed over into the menswear domain where, importantly, style no longer has to be constrained by the limitations of performance materials. Take Moncler, whose latest Grenoble collection features fully waterproof nappa detailing, structural heat-bonded inserts and reinforced zips in its lightweight quilted jackets. Similarly, Loro Piana’s patented Wind Storm

Moncler, Antifer

System technology ensures that its New Regatta jacket – designed for the Italian label’s annual superyacht festival, but equally suited to dry land – is both waterproof and wind-resistant thanks to a unique, breathable three-layer microfiber. Yet it is Z Zegna that has embraced this pioneering approach to the max, its new season “tech-luxe” collection referencing what it calls “tailoring meets sportswear”, a full wardrobe – including, naturally, fashionable trainers – that neatly blends practicality and elegance through its exclusive high-tech fabrics. This also extends into suiting via the Milanese tailor’s 100 per cent superfine Techmerino wool – a material that can be worn next to the skin if desired, to benefit from its heat-retaining and moisture- wicking properties – although we will be keeping our shirts on.

Words Henry Farrar-Hockley. Photos style.com Z Zegna, in Techmerino

Moncler, St Etienne

www.jaquet-droz.com

DISCOVER

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Ceramic chic from Alice Made This These laser-etched beauties are formed from Technox zirconia, an engineered ceramic perfect for precision F1 car parts, military vehicle armor and, now, cufflinks. $898 , alicemadethis.com

ADVENTUROUS LUGGAGE ANDWHAT IT SAYS ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION

While the maxim of “pack little, travel often” still stands, the bag or case you choose should ideally suit the trip. And the finest luggage exhibits the perfect balance of strength, aesthetics and weight. 1 LOUIS VUITTON V-LINE PULSE BACKPACK Water-repellent calfskin leather with multiple compartments

Best suited to Day trip on the Montenegrin idyll

of Sveti Stefan From $3,300 louisvuitton.com

2 BILLIONAIRE COUTURE OSTRICH HOLDALL Ostrich leather with grip handles and detachable shoulder strap Best suited to Spur of the moment weekenders to J.K. Place Roma $10,560 billionairecouture.com

3 GLOBE-TROTTER CENTENARY 28IN

Diemme footwear You only need look at the client list of Calzaturificio Diemme to appreciate its unique crossover between heavy-duty footwear and the luxury market. From its base at Onè di Fonte in the shadow of the Italian Dolomites, it stands apart as a specialist boot and shoe manufacturer for the trekking, mountaineering and safety industries, while continuing to lend its expertise to couture labels such as Maison Martin Margiela, Bottega Veneta and Chanel. Founded in 1992 by brothers Dennis and Maico Signor, Diemme’s trademark aesthetic is a handmade hiking boot combining full-grain leather from the tannery at Conceria Emmedue with a slip-resistant Vibram rubber sole and contrast lacing. In 2010, the manufactory established a long-term design collaboration with Norway’s Blender Agency, resulting in edgier, more contemporary styles without compromising on the brand’s utilitarian trademark. A case in point are two looks from the new spring/summer collection: the lighter-weight Marostica Mid (from $339, above) with its non-slip tread, and the ankle-height Wilson (from $389), the latter featuring the kind of decorative “broguing” more typically found on a pair of polished Oxfords. diemmefootwear.com

SUITCASE WITHWHEELS Vulcanised fiberboard with reinforced leather corners and twin locks Best suited to A week

aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express $1,660 globetrotter1897.com

THE ENDORSEMENT: ZILLI EYEWEAR LEGENDS

Zilli Eyewear has launched four newmodels in its Legends collection, named after great explorers. The Christophe (for Christopher Columbus) has titanium frames finished by experts in Japan. The Fernand (for FerdinandMagellan), pictured, has polarized lenses and a chic, tortoiseshell frame. Although inspired by adventure, they’re better suited to just relaxing on the beach. $1,000, zilli.fr

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Women’s style

Jackie O la la

The biggest look right now is the influence of the 1970s, a decade of distinctive styles, which has inspired the clothes – their hemlines, shapes, colors, patterns and details – on many of this season’s runways. From Gucci, for example, there is a button-front, slightly A-line skirt that looks like something Jackie O would have worn, and a chocolate suede, pointy-collared shirt dress that echoes the same era. The era’s iconic brown shades, from rich tan to deep chestnut, were prevalent across the board. There are midi-dresses in tie-dye prints from Pucci and black floral silk pieces from Michael Kors that are a luxe take on costumes from 1970s TV show Little House on the Prairie . Kors included peasant blouses in his collection, and the use of lace at Chloé evoked the same feeling. Fringing is everywhere, including Proenza Schouler and Saint Laurent. YSL also captured the decade in retro-inspired prints and shapes. “There’s something empowering about the ease of movement,” says Brooke Jaffe, fashion director of women’s ready-to-wear clothing at Bloomingdale’s, “something relevant

Luxe flower power Kors

Suave suede Gucci

about clothing that lets us move and breathe. It’s an upbeat, optimistic, light season.”

“There’s something empowering about the ease of movement” Brooke Jaffe , fashion director of women’s ready-to-wear clothing at Bloomingdale’s

Retro chic YSL

Lace and frills Chloe

Words: Rachel Felder

Fringe benefits Proenza Schouler

Gowns to tie-dye for Pucci

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Arrow to the heart The gold arrows on this directional Schlumberger

brooch surround a 20 karat amethyst. $100,000 tiffany.com

TAKE THREE/// THE NEW NEOPRENE

To most people, neoprene brings to mind images of wetsuits, but this season – following the lead of neoprene pioneer Alexander Wang – many designers have used the fabric for city-friendly womenswear, better suited to cocktail parties and chic restaurants.

1 PREEN Sleek neoprene tees in black and white with floaty, ultra-feminine skirts on its spring/summer runway.

2 ZAC POSEN Evening dresses use the fabric’s stiff structure to create a structured silhouette that suggests vintage gowns from the 1940s and 1950s.

3 LISA MARIE FERNANDEZ To her line of sexy, upscale neoprene swimwear, she has added trim, black trousers to wear with blazers and button downs, essentially a polished, but comfortable, take on leggings. “Neoprene makes your body look fantastic,” raves Fernandez. “It’s just extremely flattering.”

DIAL 111

Unlike many plastic surgeons, Dr Yannis Alexandrides didn’t plan on creating his own line of moisturizers and serums. “I was trying to find a product that could be

Wanted! For her spring/summer collection, the plucky accessories designer Charlotte Olympia took inspiration from America’s Wild West, with clutches covered in “Wanted” posters, slingbacks detailed with shiny spurs and chunky heels adorned with images of rodeo cowboys. The line’s most covetable shoes are also its most wearable – assuming, that is, you’re proficient in walking in extremely high heels – skyscraper platform sandals with strappy “feathers” in a potent shade

applied to my patients after surgery to minimize swelling and improve scar healing,” he explains. “I never thought I would have a skincare line.” His 111 Skin collection (the name is from his Harley Street, London, address) uses a patented formula to boost the skin’s level of glutathione, an antioxidant that decreases as we get older. To formulate the line, Dr Alexandrides commandeered space-formed ingredients, such as black diamond particles (as used in Celestial Black Diamond Cream). The newest addition is a trio of ultra-concentrated “boosters” with specific targets, such as dullness and dry skin. Celestial Black Diamond Cream $899 for 1.7oz 111skin.com

of bright, sunny yellow suede. $1,295 , CharlotteOlympia.com

Words: Rachel Felder and Emily Mathieson. Photos: Rex Features

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Jewelry

Irene Neuwirth necklace with green tourmaline, indicolite, aquamarine and diamonds Barneys New York POA

TAKE THREE /// PAIRS OFWHITE-GOLD EARRINGS Always cool and classy, the steely shimmer of white gold makes an exquisite, refined setting to offset fiery diamonds. Enhance your earlobes with its timeless beauty

1 BULGARI Fabulous Art Deco-style Intarsio earrings in 18 karat white gold with black onyx and pavé diamonds. $16,400 bulgari.com

MEET CALIFORNIA-BASED JEWELRY DESIGNER IRENE NEUWIRTH, WHOSE EVERY PIECE IS AWORK OF ART Irene Neuwirth There are two kinds of jewelry lovers:

2 HARRY WINSTON Elegant 18 karat white gold earrings, set with six (per pair) round, brilliant diamonds. POA harrywinston.com

labradorites or a Lightening Ridge black opal, with diamonds and gold. “They are for a woman who’s very self-confident and likes to take a risk,” Neuwirth says. “About 80% of the time, women buy my jewelry for themselves. I love working with these badass business women.” “The appeal is the uniqueness,” says Tomoko Ogura, senior fashion director at Barneys New York, which has a large selection of Neuwirth’s designs. “Each piece is one of a kind. You’re wearing something that’s a piece of art you’re not going to find anywhere else.” While based in Los Angeles, Neuwirth travels extensively, meeting customers at trunk shows and personal appearances drawing inspiration from this. “I’m constantly thinking of how to evolve my jewelry once I see it on somebody,” she explains. “I’m really inspired by the women who buy it.” Neuwirth’s business and profile are growing. Last year she opened her first store, a boutique onMelrose Avenue in Los Angeles. She created 300 unique launch pieces and won the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s Swarovski Award for Accessories Design. But her distinctive blend of luxe materials and earthy wearability remains the same. ireneneuwirth.com

those who veer towards classic, understated pieces and those who prefer their accessories to make an intense statement. Jeweler Irene Neuwirth speaks to the latter, creating distinctive pieces that are unique, juxtaposing unexpected stones, such as huge, faceted, deeply colored

3 VAN CLEEF & ARPELS These pretty Cosmos earclips are comprised of white gold, onyx and diamond petals clustered around a single diamond. $21,300 vancleefarpels.com

COCKTAIL HOUR: PIAGET Limelight “Blue

Lagoon” cocktail ring in 18 kt white gold set with a cushion-cut aquamarine, 13 brilliant-cut fire opals and 58 brilliant-cut diamonds. $85,000 piaget.com

Photos: Emily Berl

FORCONNOISSEURSOF THEWORLD’S MOST EXTRAORDINARYGEMS.

3134 EAST CAMELBACK ROAD, PHOENIX, AZ | 602.955.2055 | www.MolinaFineJewelers.com By Appointment Only

DISCOVER

Technology

The MadMax clock There’s something irresistible about a successful blend of old and new. With its Soviet-era East German technology, the Nixie Machine hints at a brilliant lost future. Six cold cathode tubes (glass tubes filled with gases, primarily including neon, at low pressure) house a wire-mesh anode and layered cathodes shaped like the numerals 0-9, which light up to tell the time or date. This is combined with GPS technology to ensure the local time is displayed with total accuracy. The Nixie Machine is the latest offering from Geneva’s M.A.D. Gallery (Mechanical Art Devices), the retail and gallery space curated by MB&F, creator of some of the most outlandish watches and music systems on the market. This is the latest in a series of Nixie Tube-based mechanical sculptures for M.A.D. by German artist Frank Buchwald, pictured left. Featuring an alarm, the choice of 24- or 12-hour clock, automatic time and date setting (as well as a manual option) and a night power-down mode (where the tubes and internal power can switch off for a pre-determined time to preserve the tubes and save energy, while the internal clock keeps running), this is a fully functioning clock that doubles as an amazing piece of mechanical sculptural art. Production will be limited to just 12 pieces. $26,000 mbandf.com/mad-gallery/creators/nixie-machine

CLOUD BUSTERS

help you see through the murk in real time, be it fog, snow, rain or even darkness. Additional credentials include a non-slip, dust- and water- resistant shell designed for use with gloves, not to mention an electronic compass, GPS and high-definition photo and video capability. Whether tracking iguanas on the Galápagos Islands or studying the form at the Kentucky Derby, these binoculars will give you the clearest view of the action, whatever the outlook. $4,200, ricoh.com

The chief gadget of any self-respecting explorer – binoculars – have largely managed to evade electronic embellishment in the digital age, preferring the superior eyeglass found in traditional designs to the de rigueur image-stabilizing mega zooms of contemporary cameras. But there is one scenario when even the best binoculars fail – namely bad weather. Ricoh’s NV-10A Enhanced Binoculars overcome meteorological intrusion by employing “atmospheric interference reduction” technology to

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The AirDog camera drone not only folds down when not in use, but, coupled with a wireless AirLeash unit, can follow you like an obedient aerial canine. $1,495, airdog.com

SOUND VISION

The headphone market is fiercely competitive. Where some brands are built on marketing (or a deal with a pop star), the first headphones from cable company AudioQuest take a different tack, with the focus on innovation. Aiming to limit unwanted vibrations and produce as true a sound as possible, AudioQuest engineers took the reasonable view that headphones are essentially mini speakers strapped to your head and should be built on the same principles as those guiding good speaker design, with the addition of making them more comfortable to wear. NightHawk features such arcane cleverness as drivers with “biocellulose pistonic diaphragms”, a patented split-gap motor to “reduce intermodulation distortion” and a biomimetic grille, inspired by the structure of butterfly wings. And the earcups are formed from a new substance AudiQuest calls “liquid wood”. A sustainable, more pliable substance, it involves mixing wood with reclaimed fiber, heating it, liquefying it and injection molding it. The cables, naturally, are exceptional. Expect a “deeply immersive” experience from a set of cans that look as stunning as they sound. NightHawk will take flight later this year. $TBA, nighthawk.audioquest.com

NightHawk headphones are inspired by classic speaker design

Chill factor vs. wind chill factor.

With an average temperature of 76 degrees, plus beaches, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing and dolphin encounters, and a convenient airport in the middle of it all, Marathon is a great alternative to where you are now. fla-keys.com/marathon 1.800.262.7284

K E Y L A R G O

I S L A M O R A D A

M A R A T H O N

K E Y W E S T

B I G P I N E K E Y & T H E L O W E R K E Y S

DISCOVER

Travel

Escape routes Escapism takes many forms; for some, true luxury is as much about seeking solace from the world as it is about high-thread counts and obsequious service. Two new books reflect this outlook, presenting in glamorous form the kinds of places where you really can get away from it all. Cabin Porn (due to be published later this year by Little Brown & Company) is the literary version of the popular website showcasing fantasy huts from the Wild West to the Himalayas. Remote Places To Stay by Debbie Pappyn and David de Vleeschauwer (out now, published in collaboration with Benelux, National Geographic and Rizzoli) moves things up a notch by picking out the world’s most isolated hotels and showcasing their beautifully stark locations in glorious technicolor. Stand-outs include Canada’s Fogo Island Inn (pictured), Wolwedans in the bleak deserts of Namibia and Hotel Budir in Iceland’s frozen north. cabinporn.com; findingremote.com

Words: Emily Mathieson Pictures: Corbis

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Stay at Soneva Fushi in the Maldives before the end of April and you can enlist the services of the world’s only "Healer in Residence". Think one-on-one energy readings, private spiritual assessments and personalized shamanic healing. Contact Hannah George, spa manager on +960 660 0304. soneva.com

Cuba, with its socialist ideals and crumbling architecture, may not seem an obvious destination for the affluent traveler. But the island is being tipped for big things. “We’re seeing a huge increase in bookings and the private jet airport is very busy,” says Johnny Considine, sale director for Esencia Experiences, which arranges exclusive vacations on the island. Although luxury accommodation is thin on the ground, forthcoming openings – from Aman, Chedi and Kempinski – will redress the balance. For now, Considine says, “We tend to book people into amazing private villas and penthouses,” such as the one pictured above, which is owned by a Swiss fashion designer. The time lapse between the lifting of sanctions and arrival of the five stars makes fertile ground for astute private developers. “It’s a really great destination for people interested in mixing a holiday with investment or philanthropy, but it’s still really hard to spend money. We can create the most wonderful experience for around $800 to $900 a night.” esenciaexperiences.com ON THE RADAR: CUBA

Watergate affair

The sensational history of the iconic Watergate Hotel, on the banks of the Potomac river in the US capital, will be a hot story for all the right reasons when the hotel reopens this summer following a $125m investment from Euro Capital Properties. The bold, curvy building, designed by Luigi Moretti in 1961, has been completely overhauled internally by modern-day auteur Ron Arad, who has bought his bold, industrial taste to play in the 348 rooms, most with river views. Price: Doubles from $450 a night. thewatergatehotel.com

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TAKE FIVE ///// SPAS You don’t have to forego exploration just because you prefer to relax. These new spas offer pampering and respite in some of the world’s emerging wellbeing destinations

KiChic NORTHERN PERU The charming, surfy beach spot of Máncora is just starting to gain recognition among the boho jet set. KiChic is a diminutive hotel that opened last year with a wellbeing outlook encompassing yoga on the roof, massages in a "Holy Moments" space and a host of organic products. kichic.com

Fairmont Baku AZERBAIJAN The controversial city is trying hard to shake off its business-only mantel. The Fairmont hotel’s two-floor spa by ESPA is set within the city’s unique "flame towers" building and is an indulgent, expensively-fitted space worthy of oligarchs and the most discerning spa goers. fairmont.com/baku/spa

Cape Weligama SRI LANKA At the forefront of Sri Lanka’s post-war hotel boom is Cape Weligama, the 40-villa escape on the south west coast. Spa treatments featuring local teas and spices take place in the villa, some of the largest on the island, and the infinity pool looks out across

Anantara Bazaruto MOZAMBIQUE The beautiful and little- known Bazaruto archipelago is now home to a couple of high-end escapes. The Anantara is the biggest with 44 rooms. The spa here is a romantic, open-air spot with Thai-inspired treatments and opportunities for whale watching while you’re being massaged. bazaruto.anantara.com/

Al Bustan Palace OMAN The new Six Senses spa at the indulgent Ritz-Carlton resort will combine a leave-no-trace ethos, with sybaritic treatments drawing on local Arabian influences when it opens next month. Guests can bathe in an outdoor mountainside bath or enjoy the country’s only private, women-only beach. ritzcarlton.com

the Laccadive Sea. capeweligama.com