An Icon, a Legend, the 105 meter (344 ft) Blohm & Voss Lady Moura is many things. She is grand, she is imposing, she is the definition of a floating villa, but most of all she is arguably the best cared for yacht in the world. The story of Lady Moura begins in the 1980s when a successful businessman decided that he would like to build a refuge for his family. Although Lady Moura was the ninth largest yacht at…
Superbly situated beside Casino Square in the heart of Monte Carlo, is one of the world’s most exceptional hotels. Originally constructed in 1889, the Hotel Metropole Monte Carlo is one of Monaco’s defining Belle Époque masterpieces. The hotel’s architect, Hans-Georg Tersling is well regarded as one of the Cote d’Azur’s most prolific. Tersling defined late 19th century architecture in the South of France with commissions for the Casino de Monte Carlo and Villa Cyrnos for Empress Eugénie of France, the…
Portraits created by Fanny Rush are stylistically characteristic of a bygone era. The London based artist, who just built a new home and studio in Battersea after relocating from Chelsea, employs seldom used Old Master techniques in her portraits that immortalize both her subjects and their personalities. Rush’s prestigious commissions are numerous and include American Ambassador Robert Holmes Tuttle, famed actor Charles Dance OBE, as well as Sir William Castell, Chairman of the Wellcome Institute, to name just a few.…
Situated in the heart of London, the imposing 5-Star Rubens at the Palace sits in all its splendor. Focusing their attention on the finer details of the building, the grand hotel releases an air of traditional British style with an emphasis on inner decor. Offering stunning views of the Royal Mew of Buckingham Palace, the Rubens delivers guests an elegant experience with fantastic culinary options in a very British setting. The Rubens Hotel boasts 2 fine dining venues, 3 unique…
Recently, The Extravagant was given the exclusive privilege of interviewing Angelique de Limburg Stirum on her passion for artistic expression through portraiture. The young Belgian artist and former model is currently developing a unique take on modern portraiture. The daughter of the Count and Countess of Limburg Stirum is proving to be an innovator in a world where capturing human likeness on canvas is becoming increasingly underrated. Read on to see how Angelique’s own artistic ability has been shaped by…
Picture Cannes in the 20th century and cinematic scenes of the roaring twenties instantly come to mind. For those that desire a trip back in time on the Cote D’Azur, there are few choices that compare to the Hotel Martinez. Today’s Cannes is best known for the glitz and glam of the annual film festival, which sees the city’s hotels filled with celebrities and its bay overtaken by some of the world’s most well known yachts. The Cannes we know…
Spanning 20 countries and over 100 five-star locations, the Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts meet the true meaning of an idyllic escape as they offer guests effortless serenity and world-class comfort within a luxurious setting. The Shangri-La at the Shard in London, which opened their doors in May of 2014, welcomes guests with the grand architectural visage of the Shard: a Renzo Piano designed building. Located on St. Thomas Street, this five star hotel marks the first elevated luxury hotel in…
From the 18th to the 26th of February, 2020 Sotheby’s will offer a wide range of stunning lots online as part of their sixth NOW! sale. Made up of 20th century Design Pieces, Contemporary Works, Photographs, as well as African and Oceanic Art Works, the auction is held exclusively online. Estimates for the lots in the sale range from €500 to €50,000. Curated by Lolita Cros, the NOW! sale includes pieces by artists and designers, such as Hans Hartung, Robert…
At just shy of 100 metres, the Moonrise with her sleek lines and massive 15.5 metre beam stands as a testament to Feadship’s devotion to craftsmanship. Unveiled on the 7th of this month in Makkum, the Netherlands, Moonrise is characterized by her blend of sleek lines and modern sharp profile. Designed by Studio De Voogt, stand out elements include an aluminum ‘superstructure [which] is entirely clad in glass’ and a contrasting silver colored steel hull paired with elongated windows. Substantial…
For The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Awards’ fifth year, an award that draws eight of the concours circuits’ ‘Best of Show’ winners to compete against one another, a stunning 1958 Ferrari 335 S Spyder emerged as the champion among the competition which included some of the most coveted and timeless automobiles ever produced. This year’s winner, which boasted coachwork by Scaglietti, was dubbed the ‘Best of the Best’ after claiming “Best of Show” at the 2019 Cavallino Classic.…