The Most Luxurious Spa in Monaco | Meet Spa Metropole by Givenchy

Situated within the world renowned Hotel Metropole Monte Carlo, is the Didier Gomez designed Spa Metropole by Givenchy which is the closest one can come to a true Haute Couture Spa. Having just re-opened this month after a period of closure due to the global pandemic, we took an opportunity to explore the Principality of Monaco’s finest spa.

One of the first and most significant aspects of Spa Metropole’s design language is the use of elegant black and white marble coupled with soft furniture that gives the space a clean, yet soft and relaxing atmosphere void of sharp lines and aggressive design elements found in many modern facilities. Our favorite design que? A wall of virtually projected plants which transport one into a serene rain forest state of mind.

With ten treatment rooms varying both in size and shape, Spa metropole offers luxurious facilities fit for individuals and couples, alike. Options include a double suite and single suite equipped with a private bath and hammam. The walls of the facilities’ treatment rooms are anything but ordinary, featuring embossed paneling reminiscent of a white Givenchy lace gown. An elegant finishing touch to the design work are the candle like light fixtures.

A list of over two dozen unique and fascinating treatment options leave little to be desired. Massage options, which last between 60 and 90 minutes, include muscle coaching, energy boost, anti gravity, and divine harmony. One of the most unique options, the Anti Gravity treatment focuses on stimulating blood circulation and detoxing, and is said to leave guests “walking on air.” Other treatment highlights include the “Givenchy Man”, a skin treatment for gentlemen combined with a massage, as well as the L’Intemporel, an anti aging treatment to leave your skin looking more youthful. Though our personal favorite is the “Heat Experience” package, which includes sauna, hammam, caldarium, ice fountain, and sensory shower treatments.

A more uncommon offering at the Spa Metropole is the ability to select a Givenchy fragrance to accompany you throughout your treatment. To accomplish this, a fragranced tissue is placed in your bathrobe or on your treatment table.

A section of the spa has been dedicated to a Givenchy boutique, which showcases the Maison’s finest collection of skincare, fragrance and makeup products, including the exclusive L’Atelier de Givenchy fragrance consisting of 11 unique scents that made their debut in Monaco. For the woman who seeks only the finest beauticians, Spa Metropole offers “The Givenchy Makeover” with options ranging from express make up services to makeup lessons.

With its unique environment, exceptional collection of formulas and world class treatments, the Spa Metropole by Givenchy offers an unforgettable experience of the highest caliber.

The Spa Metropole by Givenchy is open daily from 8.30 am to 7.30 pm. Treatments are available by appointment between 10am and 7pm. For those who seek to combine their spa treatment with an overnight stay, the Hotel Metropole Monte Carlo is currently offering a “Happy Days!” promotion until September 30th, 2020. The offer, which is available starting from 480 Euros per night, includes accommodation in a superior room, American breakfast, and two complimentary cocktails at the ODYSSEY pool area designed by Karl Lagerfeld.

Images courtesy of Hotel Metropole Monte Carlo

Despite Covid 19 Turks & Caicos Real Estate Enjoys Increased Popularity

Although many of us would expect Covid 19 to trigger a reduction in second home demand, nothing could be further from the truth on the Caribbean Island of Turks & Caicos. The Sotheby’s Turks and Caicos office reportedly closed $70M in sales during the month of June. Some speculate that the high sales are the result of the reduced stamp duty on the islands, but is there something more significant driving these high sales volumes?

We caught up with Nina Siegenthaler, a Vice President at Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty to learn more, “We are finding purchasers are looking for the high-quality real estate and amenities that resorts like Grace Bay’s new Rock House Resort on the Islands of Turks & Caicos have to offer. Buyers are also attracted to the islands’ low-density nature and relative ease of access from main hubs across the [United States].”

Ms. Siegenthaler went on to add that her office’s buyers have been looking to secure properties for long-term stays rather than more typical short term stays that they’ve seen in the past. At The Extravagant we’ve taken into consideration the limitations placed on US citizens traveling abroad. Whereas Americans are facing serious limitations on European travel, this has not been the case for Americans visiting many Caribbean nations like the Turks & Caicos. With relative ease of access for both Americans and many other nationalities, Siegenthaler stated “These buyers are looking for commensurate high-end management teams with seasoned experience and the right set of residential amenities to provide security for their ownership and own enjoyment. With kids potentially schooling from home and adults opening up their work-from-home options, we foresee that personal usage of owners’ vacation homes in Turks and Caicos will increase above the averages of the past decade.” 

Citing specifics from the The Agency Turks and Caicos‘s Q2 market report, we can learn that not only are sales up by 23% compared to Q2 of 2019, but the seemingly largest increase is the higher level of demand for luxury condominiums (priced over $1M), a 25% increase in number of sales compared to Q2 2019.

With choices ranging from brand new condos, to beachfront villas, and 30+ acre beach front parcels, the Turks & Caicos offer the variety necessary to please the most discerning of vacation home buyers. At the Rock House resort, one can choose from a selection of floorplans, including single family homes starting at 1,261 square feet. Homes on the resort’s 14 acres even enjoy private pools facing the resort’s 600 feet of ocean frontage.

If you’re seeking greater privacy and more living space than a luxury condo can provide, Cascade Villa, a six bedroom six and a half bath beachfront home, eagerly awaits its next buyer. This 9,800 square foot villa located on a half acre lot on Blue Mountain on the central north coast of Providenciales is hard to beat. The stunning white villa, which was built in 2015, is currently being offered for sale by Christie’s International Real Estate for $7,500,000 USD. Amenities include 100 feet of beachfront, six master bedrooms, outdoor showers and baths, as well as panoramic views of the ocean.

But for the buyer who truly requires nothing short of the best of the best, this 36+ acre undeveloped lot situated along Cotton Bay, Grace Bay Beach may be just the spot to develop a private compound or tourism project. This parcels six separately titled lots encompass over 1300 feet of pristine white-sand beach frontage. Offered at $65 million USD by Christie’s International Real Estate, the property offers close proximity to Blue Haven Marina, a harbor which can accommodate super yachts of up to 220 feet in length.

With seemingly endless stretches of stunningly beautiful white, sandy beaches, the Turks & Caicos certainly do offer an interesting appeal to a wide range of foreign second home buyers and investors.

Images Courtesy of: Rockhouse provided via Quinn PR

Looking for an Escape? Try this Gilded Age Mansion in Tuxedo Park

Tuxedo Park is as close as one gets to Lake Como in America. The three square mile guard gated community just 40 miles from Manhattan, was founded by Pierre Lorilland IV in 1885. Lorilland had grown tired of vacationing in Newport, and craved a community where he and other members of America’s elite could enjoy the best of hunting and fishing. What developed from a humble hunting retreat, soon grew into a gilded age paradise that gave its first name to the most common iteration of formal menswear.

Among the community’s many gilded age mansions, is Chastellux a 24,000 square foot spread constructed in 1929 to a design by McKim Mead and White. The 16 fireplace mansion was built for Ruth Hill Beard Lorillard Heideseck. The home, which sits prominently on 8.2 acres above Tuxedo Lake, is the ideal weekend retreat for a New York City based family with 9 family bedrooms and 4+ staff bedrooms along with 11.5 bathrooms. Interiors of the residence were designed by renowned American interior decoration firm, McMillen.

For sale for the very first time in decades, this 10.9 million dollar mansion, which was recently listed for sale by Tuxedo Hudson Realty represents some of the finest value in American classical real estate. Chatellux’s landscape design was carried out by none other than the Olmsted Brothers, and takes perfect advantage of the estate’s glorious position overlooking the lake. Inside the home, gilded age details transport you back in time within a residence that is both classical and fresh.

Chastellux offers its owner the ability to enjoy grand scale living, as well as hiking, swimming, golfing, and boating surrounded by over 70,000 acres of forest and parkland. With both the Ramapo Mountains and the Hudson River to the west, there are few comparable spaces to enjoy the best of New York’s natural beauty. Tuxedo Park’s prestigious members only club offers ‘golf, tennis, sailing, rowing, racquet sports and sunset dining overlooking the lake.’

For more information on Chastellux, please visit: Tuxedo Hudson Realty

Images courtesy of Francine Liza of Tuxedo Hudson Realty

An Idyllic East Hampton Escape Brought to Life by Mojo Stumer

One of design firm Mojo Stumer’s latest projects is this idyllic getaway in East Hampton. Designed in a traditional shingle style and paired with modern interiors typical of Long Island, Stumer’s team created an airy atmosphere perfect for weekend or summer getaways.

Located in Georgica Pond, East Hampton, this particular residence boasts a massive living room, ample natural lighting, and an outdoor entertaining area that rivals nearby resorts. By stepping into the 1,000+ square foot living room, visitors are greeted by a high ceiling and a surrounding balcony, the room’s design is complimented by 3 Hervé Van Der Straeten chandeliers, which add a touch of splendor. “It was important to our clients that we created a space with a clean, modern design but also [for it to] be a comfortable space for the family to sit around. Our team further enhanced the design by selecting exquisite furnishings, contemporary yet modern and added a “pop of color” to the final design.” A custom wool area rug, Bassano table, and DDC chairs complete the space.

Some of the residence’s most stunning aspects are the outdoor entertaining spaces made up of a stone porch, pool area, and elegant gardens. Crafted of mahogany angled ceiling Tongue & Groove boards, the porch is understated and inviting. The area, partially enclosed by a myriad collection of windows provides a space that is warm and flooded in natural light. Here a Plexi Tate Bench by Hudson Furniture is the perfect space to catch up on reading.

Finally, the home’s study and master bedroom are characterized by warm tones and modern furnishings. In the study, walls of custom cerused oak shelving are complimented by a white painted backsplash. A Herman Miller Collection desk chair and coffee table, end tables, and a desk from Dennis Miller Associates’ French Series complete the space. In the master bedroom high ceilings are a particular highlight, here a seating nook and subtle color palette allows for the furniture collection to take center stage. The bed, dresser, bench, night stands, and Ecume chair by Christian Liaigre pair beautifully with the Ralph Pucci chandelier and Viola Table Lamp by Fuse.

For more information on Mojo Stumer’s design work, please visit: mojostumer.com

Image credit: Mark Stumer, provided courtesy of Quinn PR

Too Many Cars and Not Enough Space? Gordon McCall has the Perfect Solution!

Do you suffer from the all too common problem of having too many cars and not enough garage space? We’ll, a garage condo at Gordon McCall’s 90,000 square foot Monterey Motorsport Park might be just the solution for you. Whether you own a residence on the coveted Monterey Peninsula or are an annual car week pilgrim, there are few comparable options to store your prized exotic cars, vintage automobiles, or cherished motorcycles than your very own garage condo steps from the Monterey Airport and Jet Center.

Not only does Central California pay host to the annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the area also offers enthusiasts one of the world’s most spectacular stretches of coastal roads. With units at the complex ranging in size from nearly 18 by 30 to 50 by 64 feet, space is generous to say the least. Aside from easy access to a joy ride down to Big Sur, Monterey Motorsports Park offers “24-Hour Gated Entry, Proactive Remote Guarding, Easy Drive-In or Walk-In Access, Wall and Roof Insulation, and Unique Mezzanines [perfect for entertaining.]”

Speaking on the subject of Monterey Motorsport Park, one of the developments’ partners Gordon McCall told The Extravagant “Every unit has a mezzanine in it, so every [space] has the ability to have a getaway office, a satellite office, home office, whatever you want to call it. We have been approved [for] multiple business uses. For instance, wholesale and retail dealer licenses have been approved by the State, which is a big deal. [The units] range [in size] from 600 square feet up to about 2700 square feet. It’s a great opportunity, it really is. So many people around [the Monterey Peninsula] have storage units tucked away. They’ve got Wifi, they’ve got their car collection, but they’re in a storage unit. It’s like ‘you pay your rent, you go month to month and there you are.’ Well, here’s your chance to own a place and actually have a nice address that goes along with it.”

Roll-up truck doors of 14′ x 14’ or 12’ x 14’, 26 foot high ceiling, and mezzanines along with the potential to install a private restroom and kitchen make units entirely unique and luxurious. With well over 75% of the 86 unit complexes’ condos already spoken for, it’s the perfect time to invest in that extra space for your cherished automobiles. 686 square foot units are priced from $242,000 USD.

Image Credit: Chase Woodward (CodyCreek), images provided courtesy of: Monterey Motorsport Park

Belmond reopens their Italian hotels in a truly Nostalgic Fashion

Following Italy’s challenges with Covid-19, Belmond has announced the reopening of their 6 properties from Venice to Portofino with a short film by director Francesco Carrozzini. The film, which is romantic, nostalgic, and entirely captivating, enlivens our senses and makes us dream of our next escape to Italy.

The film commissioned by Belmond is appropriately titled ‘My Love Letter to Italy’. In a press release, parent organization LVMH states “[Carrozzini] presents a passionate and personal account of his native land, showcasing its splendor and people.” To commemorate the reopening after months of closure, Belmond felt Carrozzini was a perfect choice to write, direct, and nararate a story that epitomizes Italy’s charms. The director’s career includes works such as, music videos for Jay-Z and Beyoncé.

The captivating film, which can be viewed below, is a perfect picture of the best of the Italian peninsula. Carrozzini’s love for his home country comes to life in 92 seconds of nostalgia and splendor. From cuisine to views, hospitality to generosity, sea to hills, the director captures the beauty of Italy’s landscape and the warm hearts of its people in a film that feels more like a memory.

“The Italian director lovingly captures those simple moments of day-to-day life he misses most whenever he’s away from Italy for too long.“

Featured image credit: © Belmond provided courtesy of LVMH

Apartment 3304 | A World Class Residence at The Pierre

Manhattan’s legendary “The Pierre” now has room with a view, ready and waiting for its next lucky resident. Built in 1930, The Schultze and Weaver designed Pierre is one of New York City’s defining Art Deco masterpieces along with the famed Waldorf Astoria and the Park Lane Hotel.

The Pierre was transformed from solely hotel use into a mixed use co-op and hotel in 1959, which brings us to the subject of Apartment 3304. The 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath co-op that recently hit the market at $14.95 million USD is owned by philanthropist and former chairman/CEO of First Data, Corp Ric Duques and his wife Dawn. The Duques transformed their 3,000 square-foot residence during a recent renovation in which the couple expanded the kitchen, refinished floors, and enlarged closets. Particular highlights of the Fifth Avenue facing home include direct views of Central Park, a corner master suite, formal dinning room, and two guest bedrooms currently configured as a library and reception room.

With discreet access via a semi-private elevator landing, guests enter Apartment 3304 through a “a gracious vestibule that opens to a marble gallery and corner living room with oversized windows.” In addition to the residence’s unobstructed Central Park vistas, the Hudson River, George Washington Bridge and Midtown Manhattan are all within sight.

Boasting the most spectacular of 5 star hotel services, residents of the Pierre enjoy “full access to all hotel services, including 24-hour concierge, twice-daily maid service, spa and fitness center, conference room, business center and beauty salon.” Room service is also available from the hotel’s dinning facilities, which include Perrine, a new French/American restaurant, along with Two E Bar/Lounge and the famed Rotunda.

Chris Fry and Shea Mena of Elegran hold the listing.

For more information please visit: Apartment 3304 

Image credit: Elegran, provided courtesy of Quinn PR

Enjoy Paris’ Best Shopping from The Hôtel Mansart

Situated just around the corner from Place Vendôme, the Hôtel Mansart is where one can truly begin an all-out shopping spree. Located nearby some of the most prestigious boutiques in Paris, the hotel is within walking distance from Charvet, Bulgari, Cartier, Chanel and Gucci, to name just a few. Art is another prominent aspect of the area around Hôtel Mansart as the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, the Musée des Arts et Métiers, the Musée d’Orsay, the Louvre Museum and the Rodin Museum can be found in the vicinity. Sitting in the middle of the arts and business district, the Hôtel Mansart is a wonderful choice to stay for those looking to explore the wonders of the City of Paris.

The building which the Hôtel Mansart now occupies was originally built in 1720 by John Law, who was known for inventing the Assignats currency. Famed French Architect Jules-Hardouin Mansart, who was the chief architect of Louis XIV, designed the building. Many of Mr. Mansart’s works are still appreciated today, including his work at the Château de Versailles and the admirable Dôme des Invalides. Furthermore, the Jeweller to the Crown, Alexandre-Gabriel Lemonnier moved in during the Second Empire where he he had a hand in turning Place Vendôme into a district for jewellers. One of the most notable works of Alexandre-Gabriel Lemonnier is Empress Eugénie’s crown, a beautiful piece that is currently on display at the Louvre Museum.

In the later half of the 19th Century, the building transitioned into the hotel it is today. The Hôtel Mansart, now in the possession of Esprit De France, upholds the history of the building by not only naming it after its creator, but also by adding touches throughout that are reminiscent of its former brilliance. The Hôtel Mansart has influences ranging from the 17th century to the 19th century. People say that the jewels in the building during Alexandre-Gabriel Lemonnier’s stay there were secretly stored at the back of the indoor shutters, which remain safeguarded to this day in the hotel suites.

The interior design language of the hotel honours the historical time periods the building has gone through. In conjunction with the stunning interior of the hotel, the vicinity around the building is a haven for shopping, eating and browsing art museums. However, the hotel itself is also has an extensive art collection of approximately 120 pieces. Displayed throughout rooms and various open areas, the art spans many different periods and in the form of paintings, engravings, sculptures and furniture. Even while in the comfort of your own room, guests can revel in the artistry of breathtaking period pieces.

Significant works of art include the Portrait of Eugénie de Montijo and the Portrait of Napoleon III, which are oil paintings done on identical canvases and hold historic meaning to the hotel. Both of these beautiful paintings are exhibited in the same room where the jeweler who made their jewels at the culmination of the 18th century was received.

Additional standout pieces include “Alpheus Pursuing Arethusa“, “Narcissus Reflected in a Fountain” and “The Chariot of Bacchus” that make up mythological scenes which are placed near everyday scenes like “Softly Sleeping“, “The Good Mother“, “The Kiss”  and “Trying on a Corset” in a harmonious setting.

The hotel’s large collection of art spans ceaselessly throughout, as beautiful pieces of art greet you at even the simplest of times. Located amidst a flight of stairs in the hall is a piece named “Spirit of France” that was sculptured by Georges Jeanclos. The artist, who is highly regarded as one of the best sculptors at the end of the 20th century, had created this sculpture expressly for Hôtel Mansart. Within the breakfast room is a unique work, a ‘discrete portrait of Mansart’ (pictured above) that signifies the deep connection between the building of the past to the hotel of today.

When staying at the Hôtel Mansart the morning must always begin with an ambrosial breakfast to inspirit yourself for an exciting day of wandering the city’s beloved attractions. After entering the breakfast room, you are welcomed by period stained-glass windows, which only provides to highlight the hot and cold buffet tables in the centre of the room.

High quality French produce and other ingredients grown in organic farms make up the menu. This list includes freshly squeezed fruit juice, Alain Milliat jam, pastries from the Pâtisserie des Rêves, Echiré butter and a plate of mature cheeses. The scrumptious breakfast is served along Bernardaud porcelaine in the Esprit de France colours.

When it comes time to return from a fun time of shopping or taking in the local colour, the Hôtel Mansart’s open access bar is an ideal place to stop by. Situated on the first floor, the bar offers guests an enticing list of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Guests can enjoy a drink while relaxing at a quiet lounge; a great relief for guests who spent their day shopping or visiting some of the prominent art museums.

All the rooms at the hotel reflect the same elegant design elements as seen through the rest of the building; however, the Mansart Room – La Junior Suite as well as the Vendôme Room – Deluxe stand out in particular as they both boast remarkable views of Rue de la Paix. While room Mansart offers approximately 50 square metres of space (accommodating 3 guests) with high ceilings and additional views of Place Vendôme, the 28 to 38 square metre room Vendôme (accommodating 2 guests) takes you back in time with 17th century French furnishings.

Traveling while trying to ensure your wifi connection is working and getting past the roaming charges when abroad can be difficult at times, but for guests staying at the Hôtel Mansart these worries are unnecessary. Small portable wifi hotspots that weigh as little as 130 g are provided to hotel guests, allowing smooth wifi connection while anywhere within the city.

Esprit de France’s cultural newsletter, which is handed over to guests on arrival, is also a nice a touch to art enthusiasts. Updated every two weeks, it focuses on art and culture news in Paris that ranges from helpful tips and useful advice to enriching art and cultural events.

From the historical significance of the building to the hotel’s fantastic location, Hôtel Mansart is no doubt a great place to rest your head when in Paris.

For more information on the hotel please visit: Hôtel Mansart

Mojo Stumer’s Latest Project | 700 Park Avenue

A two bedroom apartment along New York’s coveted upper east side is the latest work of Mojo Stumer Associates. The firm, which is well known for their modern yet warm interior design work, brought to life 2,300 square feet of living space at 700 Park Avenue.

The team at Mojo Stumer was hired by a Manhattan couple, who were looking to downsize from a larger residence. The end result of their collaboration was the complete transformation of this residence into a chic, open, and all around spacious NYC pied-à-terre.

A key aspect of the residence’s design is the flowing nature of the floorplan; large spaces consisting of the living room, dinning room, and kitchen freely flow into one another via a central hall. Evoking a design reminiscent of a modern art gallery, the residence features materials such as rift cut oak flooring, walnut and lacquer cabinetry, as well as Pentalquartz and Thassos stone in the kitchen.

When guests enter the residence, they are immediately greeted by “a floating lacquer ceiling accented with ultra-thin linear lights, with walls on both sides clad in plain sliced walnut panels.” Geometric design is a fundamental element of the entry with a full wall length mirror and ample artwork, which leads to a living space with white walls complemented by dark accents. Furniture in this area is soft, simple and refined; thereby creating a supremely elegant atmosphere that is uncluttered. The living room also benefits from oak wood plank floors and “a functional media unit with storage and bar seating.”

Across from the living room is the dinning room, this space is similarly designed employing the use of white walls and simple yet creative shelving with glass inserts. Beside the dinning room is the apartment’s open layout gourmet kitchen, featuring a clean modern design language. The kitchen’s cabinets are uniquely finished in a polished white polyester and complimented by white quartz counter-tops. The white back painted glass back-splash is a unique touch especially when viewed in contrast to the room’s stainless steel elements.

Image credit: Mark Stumer, courtesy of Quinn PR

Capturing The Smell of Rain: Le Labo Releases Baie 19

Inspired by petrichor–the smell after it rains–Le Labo Fragrances has released a new scent called “Baie 19.” Based in New York City, Le Labo was founded in 2006 and later acquired by Estée Lauder Companies in 2014. Since its foundation, Le Labo has become synonymous with hand-crafted, made to order luxury scents for men and women. Le Labo’s naming scheme has two parts: the word refers to the primary scent note, and the number refers to the number of compounds in the scent. For the case of Baie 19, the main scent note is berry (juniper berry) and contains 19 compounds.

As Le Labo states on their website, petrichor is, “one of the most beautiful olfactive phenomena in nature.” To capture this magical scent and the intense feelings that come with the sensation, Le Labo has mixed dry juniper berry, green leaves, patchouli, and musk. The scent creates a musky and woody scent with amber and aromatic notes. Baie 19 retails online for 158 EUR/50 ML.

More information on Baie 19 can be found here.

Image credit: Le Labo