The perfect accompaniment to luxury skiing holidays - a Brunnello Cucinelli store

Get that ice: the Brunello Cucinelli store in Geneva

Brunello Cucinelli has recently opened new boutiques in Geneva and St. Moritz. Situated not far from the shores of the lake, and perfect for anyone on a luxury skiing holidays, the shop in the Rue Céard suits with the elegant but subtle style that Geneva is known for.  The simple unfussy concept of the Cucinelli stores, arranged over two floors, has been complemented with antiques and unique decorative pieces sourced from some of the many galleries and shops that cater to collectors and more general shoppers in the cobbled streets of the town centre.

  In St. Moritz, the boutique has been inspired by beautiful landscapes of the Upper Engadine Valley. Natural wood plank floors and bleached wood panelling on the walls create a country chic look, neither too rustic nor too sophisticated, that blends perfectly with the timeless allure of the small but cosmopolitan town.

  Meanwhile, Brunello Cucinelli continues its expansion in the Orient. Over the next few days, Cucinelli will be opening the Macao boutique in the Shoppes at Four Seasons and a second store at the Shenyang Charter Shopping Centre.

  Located in what are among the most prestigious shopping malls of the two cities, the new flagship Brunello Cucinelli stores are introducing Italian fashion concepts and lifestyle to a new Chinese market. The elegant store interiors and meticulously arranged merchandise are bringing part of the life of Umbria and Solomeo to the Orient, merging it with the ancient local culture.

  These openings are the continuation of the development plan for China, a country where the Solomeo-based brand already has a presence in four outlets.

 With the new openings in Geneva, St. Moritz for those on luxury skiing holidays plus Macao and Shenyang for the Chinese luxury market, there are now 59 Brunello Cucinelli stores plus more than 1000 stores, on five continents, that offer pieces from the Cucinelli collections.

Porsche and RIM to launch new luxury mobile phone

Harrods is to offer a new luxury mobile phone. The Porsche Design BlackBerry P'9981 has a brushed metal design from Porsche and a proper QWERTY keyboard. There’s also a hand-wrapped leather back. As with all of RIM’s high-end BlackBerry 7 devices, the new Porsche version features a very fast 1.2GHz application processor inside, along with contactless payments technology.

  It has also 8GB of internal memory, along with a microSD memory card slot with support for up to 32GB of additional storage space. This new luxury mobile phone also includes a 2.8-inch touchscreen display, along with a high-quality camera on the back, with support for HD 720p video recording. It will cost you around £1,275 and will be available shortly.

  This isn’t, by any means, the first non-automotive consumer item that Porsche has designed. The portfolio includes watches, pens, luggage and even kitchens. Neither is this first luxury mobile phone to hit market– Vertu is probably the best known name in this niche division. See my earlier entry on luxury mobile phones.

  However, as RIM attempts to move on from the embarrassing technical problems that it suffered this year, the collaboration with Porsche to create a new luxury mobile phone certainly makes sense.

How much is that bubbly in the window?

100 years ago, during the 1911 harvest, Moët & Chandon’s chief vigneron enthusiastically noted “année mémorable!” Prophetic words indeed: that year’s grapes were transformed into a legendary wine, Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage Collection 1911.

  100 years later, Moët & Chandon have released 11 luxurious, limited-edition coffrets of six bottles of Grand Vintage Collection 1911, one of which will be available exclusively at Harrods at a cost of £65,000.  Wine connoisseurs will be able to view this exquisite historic offering in the Harrods Wine Department from November 2011.

  For a truly extraordinary wine like Grand Vintage Collection 1911, greatness begins with the fruit itself – and the year’s conditions were perfect. Even then, the House knew that 1911 would go down in history as a wine of exceptional quality, both bold and elegant. As Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage Collection 1911 matured it soon took its place as one of the House’s most distinguished champagnes, meriting the rarely-bestowed descriptive: inclassifiable, unclassifiable, of such incomparable excellence that it is in a category all its own. 

  After experiencing this legendary wine at Moët & Chandon in Epernay earlier this year in July 2011, Tom Stevenson, one of the world’s foremost champagne experts, said: “Tasting this outstanding wine was an enormous privilege. Although a champagne of this age would usually be a copper brown, Grand Vintage Collection 1911 is a beautiful pale yellow gold. The nose is still floral and fruity and after a century, it’s still bubbly on the palate! Grand Vintage Collection 1911 is a superb vintage champagne, both elegantly mature and deliciously lively!

  Champagne expert Richard Juhlin, who tasted with Tom, said: “Grand Vintage Collection 1911 is one of the most memorable champagnes I have ever tasted—a moving experience, absolutely ‘mind blowing’! The bouquet is profound and the flavour is exceptional, lively and complex with a finish that is pure perfection. A magnificent champagne!”

  Benoît Gouez, Moët & Chandon Chef de Cave, is equally enthusiastic. “Absolutely stunning champagne—an inspiration! After one hundred years, Grand Vintage Collection 1911 literally overflows with vitality and energy, plus the charm of discreet bubbles. A wonderfully complex wine with both impressive depth and amazing freshness, an unrivalled champagne experience!”

Luxury hotels at Christmas can be a Wonderland

If you’re looking for a luxury hotel this Christmas then the Hotel Métropole in Monte-Carlo has something slightly different. The hotel is being transformed into the world of Alice in Wonderland, until 6th January 2012.

  “Miss Rose”, Hotel Métropole’s highly talented in-house stylist and florist, has created a “Christmas in Wonderland” theme inside the hotel, inspired by the famous Lewis Carroll tale. 

Wonderland:
The Metropole this Christmas

With both a twist of modernity and tradition, Hotel Métropole Monte-Carlo is welcoming guests for Christmas, New Year’s Eve and festive weekend breaks in the Principality, with this magical theme. A huge Christmas tree will be designed with a dual colour theme of powder pink and lime green, and embellished with golden touches, rock candies, giant biscuits and pocket watches, setting the scene from the moment guests’ step inside the lobby. The imaginary world of Alice in Wonderland will be subtly and elegantly created in all the public areas, including The Bar, the Restaurant Joël Robuchon Monte-Carlo, and Yoshi, Joël Robuchon’s first Japanese restaurant.

  “Tea Time in Wonderland”, the Mad Hatter’s favourite hour of the day, will be a true treat for children and adults alike, served in an enchanting atmosphere. Cakes, pastries and sweets created by Head Pastry Chef Patrick Mesiano will be showcased on a colourfully decorated trolley, and served with a choice of the finest Ronnefeldt teas. Furthermore, candyfloss will adorn the lobby, as well as a oversized chair where children are invited to pose for souvenir photographs, a symbol from the classic novel.

  For an aperitif or epicure moment, Head Barman Eddy Montana has created a selection of Christmas in Wonderland-inspired cocktails for both adult and younger guests. Adults will be able to savour the “Wonderland” cocktail, priced at €24, made from fresh lychees, vodka and a strawberry foam, while children can enjoy their own “Tiger Lily” mocktail, priced at €18, with a Tagada strawberry base, apple juice and lychee infusion, home-made lemonade, decorated with popular French animated character Barbapapa.

  An Alice in Wonderland-inspired playroom where younger guests can delve into a world of card games, croquet and storytellers, as well as video games, an electric train circuit and reading area will complete their Hotel Métropole experience, allowing parents to take advantage of the hotel’s superb facilities.

  “Stay in Wonderland” at Hotel Métropole Monte-Carlo

A “Stay in Wonderland” includes:

· Joël Robuchon breakfast

· Bottle of house Champagne on arrival

· VIP “Christmas in Wonderland” welcome

· Children’s treats, including an Alice in Wonderland story-book, teddy-bear, marshmallows and fresh juices

· Priority access to the Alice in Wonderland-inspired playroom

· Afternoon tea in the lobby lounge

Until 29 December 2011, two superior rooms (two adults and two children) start at €180

per night.

Between 3 January and 7 January 2012, two superior rooms start at €840 per night.

Between 30 December 2011 and 3 January 2012, two superior rooms start at €1,380 per night.

Between 25 November and 29 December 2011, a Superior Junior Suite (two adults and one child) starts at

€1,040 per night.

Between 3 January and 7 January 2012, a Superior Junior Suite (two adults and one child) starts at €1,040 per

night.

Between 30 December 2011 and 3 January 2012, a Superior Junior Suite (two adults and one child) starts at €1,680 per night.

Rates are subject to a minimum stay of two nights between 30 December 2011 and 2 January 2012, include taxes and service and are subject to availability. Please note that afternoon tea is not included in the package from 30 December 2011 to 1 January 2012.

Luxury ski holidays - new offer

With the growth of luxury ski chalets and an increase in smart new hotels in places such as Chamonix, Jackson’s Hole, Gstaad and other resorts, skiing is become a more luxurious experience than ever before.

  As if to underline this growing trend towards luxury ski holidays, VIP SKI have seen a 40 per cent increase this winter in client demand for the company’s Platinum Service, an upgrade designed to inject something extra special into your skiing holiday. VIP SKI are recognised architects of the ‘affordable luxury’ concept, and renowned for their beautiful Alpine chalets and outstanding service. Guests looking for luxury ski holidays can opt for an even greater degree of luxury with their Platinum Service chalets.

  VIP SKI offers its Platinum service in select chalets. Valet parking and a private taxi transfer. Personal menus with matched wines and a complimentary mini-bar. All this and much more are included within VIP SKI’s Platinum Service and guests will be pleasantly surprised by just how affordable it is.

  “We are keen to offer the very best service available to our more discerning guests who would like to spoil themselves in our finest chalets. We are also determined to provide this service at a price that is substantially better value than the ‘luxury’ operators who occupy the upper echelons of the ski market,” comments Andy Sturt, Managing Director VIP SKI.

  Champagne & oysters or tartiflette & claret? Platinum guests can choose to enjoy all their favourite indulgences on their skiing holiday. The private chef will call before the holiday to discuss individual likes and dislikes and to plan the evening menu. VIP SKI’s sommelier will select fine wines to accompany the personal menu. The chalet host will stock the complimentary mini-bar with cold beers, a collection of snacks and mixers. A choice of espressos and home-made fruit smoothies will be available at breakfast, along with an array of delicious cereals and cooked options, ideal before a day’s skiing. Breakfast will be served on all seven mornings and a full cleaning service is undertaken each day. A midweek linen and towel change is also included for Platinum guests.

  The Platinum service is available for guests at Chalet Davos, Val d’Isère; Taiga Lodge, Meribel and Chalet Lugano, La Plagne (and on request at other chalets in the VIP SKI program).

  VIP SKI (0844 557 3119; www.vip-chalets.com) offers 7 nights accommodation with flights, transfers and the Platinum Service from just £1039 per person (price quoted for Chalet Davos, departing 15^thApril 2012).

 For further information and reservations for your luxury ski holidays, please visit www.vip-chalets.com

New luxury hotel in Verona

The small group of luxury hotels in Verona has a new recruit.  March 2012 sees the opening of the Palazzo Victoria, the latest addition to luxury hotel portfolio, The Salviatino Collection

  Launching in Verona’s historic city centre, the five-star Palazzo Victoria will be the sister property to Il Salviatino, the luxury award-winning 15^th Century villa in Firenze, and will offer discerning travellers a luxury and intimate city centre bolthole.

  Opera fans and others looking for luxury hotels in Verona will find the Palazzo Victoria situated centrally on Corso Porta Borsari, the hotel which comprises of 71 rooms and suites will introduce a new type of luxury to Verona. Built on Medieval and Roman ruins which have been carefully preserved and feature throughout the public areas and rooms, Palazzo Victoria effortlessly blends rich heritage with seamless service, first-rate technology and bespoke amenities.

   All rooms and suites are generously proportioned and most boast dramatic high ceilings. Some feature charming wrap around iron balconies and in-room antiquities. From the De Luxe rooms to Superior Suites, all have been innovatively designed to incorporate the preservation of original Veronese décor and unique characteristics. From traditional shutters, original frescoes, textile wallpapers, mahogany furniture and hand made linens – Palazzo Victoria encapsulates the very best of Italian culture and luxury living.

   The hotel’s sweeping tree-lined entrance and an internal garden complete with columns and courtyard furniture gives Palazzo Victoria plenty of natural light and an al-fresco ambience. If you’re looking for luxury hotels in Verona you’ll enjoy the relaxing lounge bar with its luxurious Chesterfield sofas and volumes of inspiring literature leads to an outside patio space encased within the hotel’s walls. The underground conference room, which accommodates 70 people theatre style, offers delegates an alternative meeting space which also doubles up as a museum of ancient ruins.

  In a region rich of local cuisine and numerous eateries, Palazzo Victoria’s dining concept is simple encouraging guests to explore the city’s gastronomy. Overseen by The Salviatino Collection’s Michelin Star Chef – Exec Chef Carmine Calo – the hotel will offer brassiere style dining throughout the day.

   Verona was the setting of many of Shakespeare’s works, and it’s not hard to see why. The charming city centre is steeped in history, haute couture and a hive of traditional and fusion cuisine. Nestled in Northern Italy, Verona is the ideal ‘48’ hour destination and a perfect pilgrimage for romantics and culture vultures alike. Alternatively, the city makes a fantastic base for exploring the neighbouring regions, from wine-tasting in Valpolicella, sailing on Lake Garda, or skiing in the Dolomites – in the city where Romeo met Juliet, anything can happen.

Luxury men's shirts - without the washing

Quirky, luxury menswear label Archer Adams has just a launched an interesting offer, aimed no doubt, at affluent single male customers.

  Buy a shirt from the latest collection of luxury mens shirts or have one made-to-measure and you’ll receive a complimentary year's worth of shirt laundry service to keep your new collectible in tip-top condition.

  Sounds like a pretty good deal to me. Archer Adams believes that his luxurious, crisp and comfortable luxury mens shirts deserve to be worn to their fullest potential and is offering this remarkable offer during the next year of predicted hard times. When you buy an Archer Adams shirt, there is no excuse not to be anything but powerfully pristine, claims the company!

  Ready to wear luxury mens shirts start at £125.00 while made to measure go for £150.00 upwards and they’re available from the Archer Adams shop at 2 Chiltern Street, Marylebone, W1U 7PR as well as online at www.archeradams.com

  Archer Adams is a modern British menswear label with an eclectic range - everything from jackets, shirts, belts, ties, coats to unusual accessories like horsehide wallets, hand crafted silver animal head umbrellas, opulent lambskin biker jackets and made-to-measure suits.

  The entire Archer Adams range including ready to wear clothing and accessories include quirky, yet not obvious details which help define the brand, yet the close attention to detail allows every piece to achieve a truly unique look. Clients include everyone from rock stars to confident, City boys wanting to make a subtle statement reflecting their own personality and style.