Le Grand Spa in Gstaad is simply Spectacular

High within Switzerland’s ancient Alps, is Le Grand Spa located within the prestigious resort-town of Gstaad.  Le Grand Spa is set inside of the palatial 57 room Le Grand Bellevue hotel, which was founded in 1912, making the property one of the oldest resorts in the town.  The Hotel & Spa’s mission has never ceased to offer the finest experiences for complete wellness in body, mind and soul.

With the recent add on of several new areas, Le Grand Spa is now in excess of 2,800 square meters (30,000 square feet), making this spa one of the very largest & most opulent in the world.  Some of the recent add ons to the spa include two new relaxation areas as well as a private alpine suite, where couples are able to enjoy a private Rasul chamber, among other more common offerings.  Le Grand Spa gives guests the option to custom build rejuvenation programs to suit their own specific desires; whether that be de-stressing rituals, hot & cold therapy pools or yoga classes, their team will ensure that you leave this alpine retreat perfectly rejuvenated.

The entire motif of the spa is that of an updated swiss chalet, light colors and wood accents make for a spectacularly calming environment.  Highlight treatments include a Himalayan salt grotto, turkish steam bath, ice grotto, and Finnish & infrared saunas.  Overall the property offers a total of over ten treatment rooms for nearly 20 different wellness experiences.  Regardless of which treatments you select during your time at Le Grand Spa, we are sure that your time in this Alpine Spa will leave you refreshed & renewed.  And even if you decide to spend some time outside of the spa, you will be instantly captivated by the quaint town of Gstaad and the shopping, dining, wildlife, hiking and or skiing, which the locale has come to be known and loved for.

Best of Show Winner at the 67th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

On August 20th, 2017, the 67th annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance celebrated their Best of Show winner, Bruce R. McCaw’s 1929 Mercedes-Benz S Barker Tourer.  The vintage Mercedes-Benz came from the restoration shop of Steve Babinsky in Lebanon, New Jersey, to participate in the competition, where it masterfully achieved the top prize.  The vehicle was first delivered to a Captain Miller on behalf of Earl Howe, who co-founded the British Racing Drivers’ Club with Dudley Benjafield in 1928.

“We’ve had the car for several years,” said McCaw, of Bellevue, Washington. “The question was whether or not to restore it. I always hate to restore something that doesn’t need it. But we finally found enough pictures that we knew the car needed to be restored.”

Retaining its original Marchal lighting equipment and chrome-plated wheels; the Mercedes-Benz S Barker Tourer features low-cut doors and unconventional torpedo-style running boards storing tools as well as other appurtenant equipment and or supplies.  The car’s vibrant blue color is depictive of a dress made out of peacock feathers in the 1850s.

“This Mercedes-Benz S Barker Tourer is a combination of speed, style and power,” said Concours Chairman Sandra Button. “Somehow these three elements—along with those fantastic torpedo running boards—become the very definition of elegance.”

Bruce McCaw and his Mercedes-Benz S Barker Tourer raced in the final circle against his brother John McCaw who, along with his wife Gwen McCaw, contended for the Best of Show with their stunning 1957 Ferrari 315 S Scaglietti Spyder.  This year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, set on the 18 fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links, gathered 204 classic car competitors from all corners of the world, 54 of which were newcomers to the event.  Within the winners circle, there was even a ravishing 1932 Packard 906 Twin Six Dietrich Convertible Victoria owned by car collector and Hong Kong resident William E. (Chip) Connor.

The 67th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance raised over $1.6 million charitable donations.  The hosts of the event as well as the primary charitable partner of the Concours, the Pebble Beach Company Foundation, will pass these charitable funds to provide aid to more than 80 local charities.

Celebrity guest who made an appearance in this vintage automotive celebration included many famous, well-known names such as comedian Jay Leno, media personality and former defensive end for the New York Giants Michael Strahan, former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, actor Jerry Seinfeld, and Chief Creative Officer of Pixar John Lasseter.

Gooding & Company, the official auction house of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, realized more than $91.5 million at the annual Pebble Beach Auctions.  The highlight of Friday’s auction was a 1970 Porsche 917K, which became the most valuable Porsche ever sold at the auction house with it reaching a price of $14,080,000.  Achieving a record-breaking selling price, the 1970 Porsche 917K, surpassed Gooding & Company’s previous Porsche record-holder, a 1982 Porsche 956 that sold for $10,120,000 in 2015.  Furthermore, the climax from Saturday’s auction was the 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/C, as the car set yet another new world record auction price when it cumulated $14,520,000.

The 68th annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance will be held on Sunday, August 26th of 2018, which will take place on the fourth, instead of the third, Sunday a full seven days later than the standard time the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is usually held.

For more information on the Pebble Beach Concours visit:  www.pebblebeachconcours.net

Photo Credit: Copyright © Kimball Studios / Courtesy of Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

Cirrus starts deliveries of the Vision Jet

Cirrus has just begun deliveries of their first jet, the industry shaking $2 million Vision SF50, which is capable of surpassing it’s competition in nearly every dimension.  Whether that is the speed and cruising altitude of similarly sized turbo propeller planes or the higher purchase and operating costs of other small jets in the Cirrus’s segment.

Stand-out design characteristics are the Vision Jet’s carbon fiber monocoque construction, which allows for segment leading take-offs requiring less than a 2,100 foot long runway; allowing for the flexibility afforded by turbo-props.  The Vision Jet’s well finished and customizable interior features large windows and allows for seven passengers to travel up to nearly 1,400 miles at a cruising speed of 300 KTAS in perfect comfort.  And last, but not least, safety features of the Vision Jet include the groundbreaking Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS).

While previewing the Vision Jet during McCall’s Motorworks Revival at Monterey Car Week, we learned that Cirrus recently received their FAA as well as the necessary European certifications in Spring of 2017.  With already a growing order book making up 600 preorders, Cirrus expects considerable growth in this segment over the coming years.

Photo Gallery: The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance has been widely known as the world’s foremost celebration of the automobile.  For it’s 67th year, the grand event once again became a gathering point for some of the most legendary cars ever seen, and were accompanied by celebrity guests as well as a multitude of leading names in the automotive and luxury industry.  Each year alone, the concours attracts tens of thousands of automotive enthusiasts from around the globe.

In what first began as a small social gathering that introduced a thrilling road race through Pebble Beach’s pine and cypress forests, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance has continued to grow exponentially into what is now one of the best automotive collector competitions in the world.  The concours presents over 60 automotive and luxury goods sponsors every year, some of which include names like Bentley Motors, Rolls Royce Motorcars, McLaren Automotive, Bugatti, and fine Italian Jeweler, Bvlgari.

The 67th annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance showcased marques and special classes such as Isotta Fraschini, Castagna Coachwork, Ferrari Major Race Winners, Ferrari One-off Spéciales, American Dream Cars of the 1960’s, etc…  Just like the name entails, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is not a competition of absolute speed, but a contest of sheer elegance.  The contestants, ranging from old to modern classics and motorcycles, are assessed by judges based on their historical accuracy, their technological value, and lastly their flair of elegance.

The celebration draws in 200 preeminent entrants to be displayed along the renowned 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links—setting the stage for one of the biggest automotive competitions in the world.  In addition to the vintage automobiles often displayed at the event, the Concours also presents some of the most anticipated concept cars, prototypes, and newest car debuts each year on the upper lawn of The Lodge at Pebble Beach.  Further functions at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance include auctions and sales as well as exceptional art and automobilia exhibitions.

Southeast Asian Escape: The Magnificent Sisindu T Villa in South Sri Lanka

Offered among Red Savannah’s properties is the stunning “Sisindu T” villa in Sri Lanka.  Located on a promontory hill near the city of Galle, Sri Lanka sits a new six bedroom villa named Sisindu T, the villa offers a relaxing and tranquil environment which proves to be a perfect retreat for a large group or family.  The villa offers all of the creature comforts of a large resort within the privacy of your own villa, whether an infinity pool with a view, spa or your very own chef, Sisindu T provides.  Special care was taken by the British owners who have an eye for design in the selection of furnishings in the villa to ensure a seamless blend of style to match the locale’s natural elements.  High vaulted ceilings provide an airy feel in the villa’s rooms, and a Master bedroom that features an indoor/outdoor bathroom.

The villa is situated 800 feet above sea level on an 8 acre tea, cinnamon, pepper and fruit plantation named Pokkuluwa Kanda, and showcases brilliant views of both the jungle and the Laccadive sea.  Accommodation at the residence offers five inherently unique bedroom suites, as well as a “Jungle Room” which can be converted into an additional bedroom with two beds with en suite shower and a massage room.

The well proportioned villa was designed by one of Sri Lanka’s finest architects, and offers close proximity to many stunning sites, which include the town of Galle that was settled by Europeans in the 16th century.  Other highlights of the area include tranquil beaches and the Sri Lankan jungles that are lush with abundant wildlife including both exotic birds and monkeys.

Weekly rates start from $12,600 USD, for more information please visit:  www.redsavannah.com

The All New Ferrari Portofino

The all new V8 GT dubbed the Portofino by Ferrari has been revealed and is expecting to make considerable waves in its segment.  The Portofino will be replacing the Ferrari California T (Ferrari’s entry level model).  The new design provides a spectacular harmony of luxury, comfort and sportiness, which will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Appropriately named Portofino, the all new GT instantly evokes images of cruising the Genoan coastline around the stunningly beautiful city of Portofino.  In addition the vehicle’s launch color “Rosso Portofino” was also dedicated to the charming town.  The Ferrari Portofino features a 552 horsepower turbocharged V8 engine derived from the California T that is capable of a not to sixty time of only 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 199 mph, without any compromise to space or comfort.  And the all new Portofino is significantly lighter than the California T and also considerably more rigid.

The V8 exhaust soundtrack has also been improved through the use of modern revolutionary components, this symphony is also of course magnified when retracting the convertible hardtop.  Other improvements have made way for zero turbo lag and improved fuel efficiency.

Similar to it’s predecessor the Portofino will have four seats, improved legroom for rear-seat occupants, a folding hardtop, and a modified wind deflector to allow for a more serene cabin environment when cruising with the top-down.  Additional attention was also payed to new interior features such as the 10.2″ infotainment display, passenger display similar to the GTC4 Lusso, an improved air conditioning system, 18 way adjustable seats with a newly designed backrest that allows for improved rear seat legroom, and a new wind flow deflector that reduces air flow by thirty percent.  No figures have been released regarding pricing, but expect a base price of around $200,000 similar to the outgoing California T.

For more information please visit:  www.Ferrari.com

2017 Cadillac XT5: The Ultimate Crossover

We had the opportunity to experience the all-new XT5 during Monterey’s annual Car Week, it gave us an extensive understanding of just how remarkable the vehicle is.  The car’s lightweight construction allows for dexterous handling, which is bolstered by a 3.6-litre V-6 and eight-speed automatic transmission with an electronic shifter.  Although many reviews described the XT5’s electronic shifter as difficult to use, we found it to be quite simple.  The XT5 crossover was made to assist the driver with any task they are in the middle of, as it offers reinvented versatility that helps keep the driver stay in complete control at all times, major convenience features included the great heads up display and CUE infotainment system; one area that we hope Cadillac improves on is the addition of a button free door unlocking option, like in the XT5’s German and English Revivals.

It’s expansive sized interior incorporates advanced technological features to maintain passenger safety, whilst demonstrating sleek, chiseled exterior lines; making it both inside and out progressive yet elegant.  The XT5’s interior quality is a major upgrade from the SRX, and proves to be superior to its rivals in quality.  Our test vehicle was equipped with the range topping Platinum Package which featured an alcantara headliner, front facia and plush leather seats.

While on the road, the XT5 drives effortlessly; it steers and handles swiftly without any complications.  The XT5’s 3.6-liter V6 engine provides nimble acceleration as it produces 310 hp (231 kW) and 271 lb·ft (367 N·m) torque.  At the test track, the XT5 accomplished the zero-to-60-mph run in 6.6 seconds.  The instruments aboard XT5 such as it’s CUE infotainment system that utilizes a responsive 8.0-inch high-resolution touchscreen, as well as 4G connectivity, or tech features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.  The 8 inch display made parallel parking during the week incredibly convenient with the cars brilliant 360 degree view from the car’s four cameras.

On our test drive our XT5 let us know of fire engines on scene nearby albeit a few moments prior to spotting them.  The Adaptive Cruise Control made our driver a little nervous at first, being someone who enjoys the total (being in control) driving experience, but passing responsibility to the adaptive cruise soon became quite a nice experience.  Given the choice of Touring mode or Sport mode, hands down Sport mode was most responsive and fun, our recommendation is to drive in Sport mode full-time.  The Navigation experience kept us up-to-date with current road conditions and alternate time-saving routes.  Our highway driving gave us better than expected, 31 mpg, but around town during car week with some unusually slow and go, we calculated around 13 mpg.  Overall we were pleased with the gas milage of the XT5.

The vehicle’s all-wheel-drive system and electronically operated rear differential flawlessly distributes torque both to stabilize traction and augment handling.  In addition, the system can distribute 100 percent of torque to the front or rear axle as needed, while the differential is capable of dividing the rear axle’s allotment left to right transferring all power to one wheel.  This exceptional piece of added technology ensures safety and security to its passengers as its highest priority.

The 2017 Cadillac XT5’s spacious cabin boasts heated and ventilated seats along with a range of adjustment settings such as lumbar support for the driver.  The rear seats smoothly recline and slide forwards and backwards; a 40/20/40 split-folding seatback offers rear seat passengers extensibility at its most convenient.  The cavernous cargo hold is very extensive, especially so when all three rear seats are down, which creates up to 63 cubic feet of cargo room.  In addition, the front cabin offers extensive storage space beneath the center console, door pockets, and large glove box.  Another highlight is the premium Bose stereo, which was superb in every area including clarity, base, and power.

With an economical starting price of just under $40,000 and pricing for the top of the range Platinum model at $63,000, the XT5 proves to not only be practical and cost-effective but also a vehicle that truly defines the word “luxury”.  Our car’s MSRP was $67,155 and included a couple of additional options on top of the Platinum package such as the Driver Assist Package, which offers a range of safety features including Automatic Park Assist and Pedestrian Detection.  The comforting yet luxurious interior design, in which allows passengers to undergo an immensely enjoyable ride with its elegant inner presence, creates the perfect on-the-road experience.  The XT5 is the true definition of a Cadillac.

For more information on the Cadillac XT5 or to configure your own model please visit:  Cadillac.com

Photography by: Marli Allard

Macallan Lalique Six Pillars Collection sells for $485,000 at Bonhams Whisky Auction in Hong Kong

The Macallan Lalique Six Pillars Collection took center stage on August 18th at Bonhams, where the set sold for HK$3,797,500 (US$485,244).  Crafted from the passion between the artisans of both The Macallan and Lalique, the Six Pillars collection could not be anything but the very finest.  Contained within six stunningly sculpted French made decanters are the rarest and most coveted finley aged fifty to sixty five year old single malts that Macallan has ever created.  Often sold individually, this full set is a true prize for the uncompromising whisky aficionado.

The following are the whiskies included in the set: The Macallan in Lalique – Exceptional Oak Cask, 50 Years Old, The Macallan in Lalique – Natural Color, 55 Years Old, The Macallan in Lalique – Finest Cut, 57 Years Old, The Macallan in Lalique – Curiously Small Stills, 60 Years Old, The Macallan in Lalique – Spiritual Home, 62 Years Old, The Macallan in Lalique – Peerless Spirit, 65 Years Old.

Furthermore another highlight at Bonhams was a collection of 15 whiskies bottled in both the 1970’s and 1980’s by Macallan, Highland Park, Glenfarclas, and Longmorn for the Conti Brothers grocery store in Sacramento, California which have sold for HK$269,500 (US$34,439.80).

For more information visit:  www.bonhams.com

Monterey Car Week Highlights: The Quail

The Quail event during Monterey Car Week is a must for any automotive, helicopter, party, wine, or epicurean enthusiast; there is beyond doubt something for anyone who enjoys the best.  For the price of the $600 all inclusive ticket you can spend your day surrounded by everything from a Ferrari F40 and Bugatti Veyron Vitesse to a decadent selection of 5 Buffet style pop-up restaurants prepared by Chef Ethan Mantle, offering Italian, Chinese, Carmel Valley, Beverly Hills, and French Cuisine inspired by the international Peninsula Hotel Group’s properties, who’s owner Sir Michael Kadoorie hosts the event annually at their Quail Lodge property.

This year nearly 5,000 guests attended the event to view over 200 cars and indulge in the 5 star dinning and unlimited champagne.  The Quail has been a Monterey Car Week staple since it entered the playing in 2003.  Auto Manufacturer displays included 20 vehicles on display from Pagani – including the Huayra Roadster and a Zonda Tricolore, over 10 vehicles from Koenigsegg, the all new Phantom VIII from Rolls Royce, Limited Edition vehicles from Ken Okuyama design (formerly of Pininfarina), additional stand out vehicles included Infiniti’s Prototype 9, Jaguar’s magnificent Project 8, and Bentley’s new Mulsanne Speed.

For 2017, The Quail played host to a number of both national & international debuts such as the Acura ARX-05 prototype race car, the Audi V10+ Spyder, and the Karma Revero.  The Lamborghini team celebrated with a display of the all new Aventador S, a stunningly specced dark green Huracán Performante, and the Huracán RWD Spyder.  Guntherwerks revealed a bespoke limited run Porsche 993 dubbed the 400R, which will be available to just 25 discerning buyers.  In addition to the Phantom VIII, Rolls Royce also presented a custom ordered one-off Dawn (which matched a bespoke McLaren 720s commissioned by the same owner).  Mercedes celebrated AMG’s 50th anniversary with a few unique concepts as well as the AMG GT R.  Alfa Romeo displayed the beautiful Giulia Quadrifoglio, 4C Coupe and the all-new Stelvio SUV.

The Quail highlights a much wider array of modern cars compared to the Pebble Beach Concours.  The Quail is reminiscent of the Goodwood Festival of Speed, especially with the new unveilings like the Pagani Huayra Roadster, Rimac EV’s, and the all new Phantom – making for a diverse experience at Car Week.   Being that Ferrari has been celebrating their 70th birthday this year, there was a large collection of vintage and modern models from the manufacturer including the Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder, 275 GTB, Ferrari F40, F12 TDF, and even a La Ferrari in the event’s car park.  Surprisingly the event is so well regarded for the cars in the car park, they have created an award ceremony for the best of them; dubbed the Car Park Concours d’Quailegance Award.  Judged by Philip Kadoorie, son of The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie (Chairman of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited, parent company of The Peninsula Hotels), the trophy was awarded to a 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB. 

The Quail is highly unique in the respect that “The Rolex Circle of Champions winners” are chosen by participants of the event.  Making the owners and collectors judges of the event in their entrants respective classes and for the overall Best of Show.  See the 2017 winners below.

• Best of Show: 1964 ATS 2500 GTS owned by Bruce Milner
• Spirit of The Quail: 1938 Packard Eight Model 1601 Cabriolet owned by Robert M. Lee Automobile Collection / Anne Brockinton Lee
• Octane Editor’s Choice Award: 1964 Alpine M64 owned by Kim & Mitch McCullough
• Federation Internationale des Vehicules Anciens (FIVA) Award: 1958 Porsche 356 Speedster owned by Mark Haddawy
• Originals: 1957 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk II Fixed Head Coupe owned by Paul Colony
• Mid-Engine Marvels: 1969 McLaren M6GT owned by Mouse Motors
• Pre-War Sports and Racing Cars: 1929 Bentley Speed 6 owned by John & Gwen McCaw
• Post-War Racing Cars: 1955 Fiat 8V Zagato owned by Bruce Vanyo
• Post-War Sports Cars 1945-1960: 1954 Cunningham C-3 owned by James Taylor
• Post-War Sports Cars 1961-1975: 1973 Porsche Carrera RS owned by Edmond & Christine Blais
• Sports and Racing Motorcycles: 1939 Indian Dispatch Tow owned by F. Scott Bosés & Celesta Pappas-Bosés
• The Great Ferraris: 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spyder owned by Charles Wegner
• Supercars: 1988 Porsche 959 Komfort owned by Bill Ceno
• Custom Coachwork: After Shock owned by Rick Dore

With a stunning atmosphere that truly makes way for the best of the best, The Quail is sure to enjoy many more years of fun to come.

For more information on The Quail, a motorsports gathering please visit:  SignatureEvents.Peninsula.com

Photography by: Marli Allard

The Aston Martin DBR1 sets record as Most Expensive British Car

A 1956 Aston Martin DBR1 has been auctioned for a record $22.55 million by RM Sotheby’s auction at Monterey Car Week, making it the most expensive British car ever sold at auction; as well as the most expensive car to change hands during the 2017 Monterey Car Week.  The news of this Aston’s sale came just after the record breaking news that a one owner 1995 McLaren F1 was sold for $15.62 million by Bonhams Auction at Quail Lodge.

“Coming from the finest of all Aston Martin collections, owned by a fastidious perfectionist, DBR1/1 is not only the best presented of the five DBR1s produced, it is also without question the most correct down to the smallest of details, inside and out.”  said RM Sotheby’s “With its impeccable provenance and enviable racing record, during which this Aston Martin was driven by some of the greatest names in motor racing, DBR1/1, the first of the line and an integral team player to the end, crucial to that 1959 World Sportscar Championship victory, remains an ultimate icon of Aston Martin racing history.”

The Aston Martin DBR1’s sale broke the record of a Jaguar D type, which sold for $21.78 million last year, and was formerly the record holder of the most expensive British car sold at auction.  The DBR1 sold by RM had several rare qualities including being the first and most original conditioned DBR1 of just five produced, the car was driven by Sir Stirling Moss and Carroll Shelby, and used as a test car for it’s sister the DBR1/2 which was victorious in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.  This DBR1, even included it’s original engine in addition to a 300hp engine which was installed so that the car could be raced at the Goodwood Revival.

Images by: Marli Allard

Video by: RM Sotheby’s