The Jewelry Royal Chess Set

in 2005 British Jeweler Boodles set out to create The Jewelry Royal Chess Set.  The end result; a solid gold and platinum set featuring diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires and even black & white pearls.  Each knight contains a gem-studded spiral, and the king alone is priced at an astonishing $100,000.   The price?  A record breaking $9.8 million.

Though if your in search for a piece equally as extravagant yet considerably less expensive you may want to check out the $1 million Art of War Chess Set.  Created by Victor Scharstein, the game comes with a velvet lined wooden case complete with lock & key and features a board made of ebony with gold inlay.

Etihad Airways Brings Comfort To Their First Class Lounge & Spa

Etihad Airways has opened their flagship First Class Lounge & Spa to the world bringing pleasure & enjoyment to the many travelers who are surely in need of some good R&R.  Situated within the Abu Dhabi International Airport’s Terminal 3, featuring over 1,700 square meters for 16 unique zones, diligently designed with geometric patterns and a color inspired by the United Arab Emirate’s Flag.  The Lounge & Spa were greatly influenced by the world’s most prestigious hotels, private members clubs, and fine dining restaurants.

Unlike most airport lounges that usually serve a buffet, Etihad serves you more directly with their a la carte menu of Arabian, Indian, and other international cuisines.  The Lounge & Spa is quite extensive.  Gentlemen can partake in a cigar, with nine carefully selected brands and are given a selection of only the finest cognac or whisky.  Ladies can get ready for their departure with the lounge’s professional hairstylists and manicurists.  The Spa also offers revered guests complimentary treatments to relax the mind and body, as the fitness rooms offers a wide-range of the most cutting edge equipment around.

“Our new First Class Lounge & Spa is the jewel in the crown of our new lounge offerings worldwide and represents the best of our home city of Abu Dhabi. It is a showcase of intelligent product design, innovation, ‎and superlative hospitality and service. This is not just a lounge but the ultimate airline hospitality experience and one which perfectly mirrors Etihad Airways’ evolution into the best airline in the world,” said Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive Officer.

For more information visit www.etihad.com

Rolls Royce Creates The Ultimate Ride For a Villain

Rolls-Royce is a name synonymous with old school luxury, but is ready to attract a younger generation of buyers.  And they are hoping to help accomplish their mission with the unveiling of the all new Black Badge versions of the Ghost and Wraith at the Geneva Motor Show, which seem to be playing Jaguar’s villain card.  The Rolls Royce insignia’s letters are now silver with a black background,  the grill is darker, and even the Spirit of Ecstasy, which sits prominently atop the bonnet, is made from an ash-colored metal.  The Black Badge is aimed to appeal to a younger generation looking to set themselves apart in a truly bespoke experience.  Though apart from the dark finishes, buyers will be able to choose whichever interior and exterior color options they desire.

The Black Badge treatment is only available on Rolls-Royce’s entry level vehicles (Wraith & Ghost models), both of which are more performance-oriented than the company’s Flagship Phantom-series models.  Rolls-Royce has also stated that they have no plans to offer the Black Badge customization on the Dawn, (the convertible version of the wraith).  Though that may change depending on the customer demand they receive.

Both models will also receive performance upgrades to complement their villainous looks.  The Ghost’s V12 will be modified to produce 603 horsepower, an additional 40 more than an ordinary Ghost.  The Wraith’s V12 that produces 623 horsepower, which I presume Rolls Royce feels is more than adequate.  As such the Wraith Black Badge experienced an upgrade in torque rather than horsepower, now pulling considerably more at low speed accelerations.  Both vehicles will also have sportier suspension and even more aggressive transmission settings.  If your in the market for a villainous V12 we see no better option.  Priced at $350,000.

For more information visit:  www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com

Say Hello To Mister Dior

Dior Homme shows the world that their signature bags are one of a kind, just like the people that buy them.  Bringing in beautiful bags that look simply incredible, Dior Homme has been a big hit as Christian Dior SA’s menswear division presenting a characteristic slim silhouette which has since taken off within the fashion industry.

This amazingly new collection: Mister Dior, was influenced by founder Christian Dior’s penchant for globetrotting, Mister Dior is the perfect bag to accompany you as you go about your day.  The collection will come in two document holders and a messenger bag, you can even fit your laptop or tablet inside the latter.  Whether carrying it in your arms or having it slung over your shoulders with its adjustable nylon straps, the Mister Dior will be with you to make your day all the more enjoyable.

Luxury or leisure?  Mister Dior demonstrates both, as you get to know it.  The bags are elevated with grained and smooth calfskin in one’s favored navy or black.  Offering palladium finishes, Dior Homme signature adorned in tone-on-tone or silver, and the iconic Dior Homme “scar”.  Mister Dior is sure to please any buyer, and if you don’t take my word for it then go see it for yourself.

If you need someone to be by your side, Mister Dior will be there for you!

For more information visit:  www.dior.com

The Super Yacht Concept That Hovers Above The Water

Designer Jonathan Schwinge has created a conceptual super yacht named Tetra with a pyramid-shaped body that’s designed to lift itself above the water at high speeds.  This futuristic yacht gets its name Tetra from its unconventional tetrahedron shape, making its appearance unlike any other yacht concept thus far.

The yachts hovering like presence would be formed by a “hydrofoil small waterplane area ship” a (HYSWAS) hull.  Hydrofoil vessels have hulls fitted with shaped vanes (commonly called foils) underneath, which brings the hull out of the water at travelling speed, allowing the vessel to move faster by reducing drag on the waters surface.  Jonathan Schwinge said “The design is instigated by the re-thinking of the form, superstructure and propulsion of the modern superyacht into a radically simple enclosure and an elevated mode of travel above the water line.”

Utilizing the same fundamentals, the Tetra would travel using three hulls on its underside at low speeds.  Once it picks up momentum, a torpedo-shaped strut would expand downwards – to help in bringing the yacht out of the water using its rotating side-mounted adjustable foils.  “The concept design of this HYSWAS craft is based upon an existing hull design that has been developed by several companies, notably the Maritime Applied Physics Corporation in America, and has been proven by their technology demonstrator – The Quest – in 1995,” said Schwinge.

The yacht could provide a smoother ride in stormy ocean conditions when its out of the water, according to the designer.  When docked, portions of Tetra’s three sides would fold down to become enlarged deck areas and the horizontal panels could emerge overhead to provide sun shades.

The yacht would use Carbon Fibre and stainless steel for the superstructure making it lighter and giving it more strength compared to most traditional yachts, which have heavy and difficult to maneuver bodies.  The concept would be able to accommodate six passengers and four crew members.  Presently we are not sure whether the design would be realized or not, but it is a very interesting concept to say the least.

For more information visit schwinge.co.uk

The Sultan’s Golden Cake

The five-star Ciragan Palace Hotel (a place the Sultans of the Ottoman Empire called home), serves an appropriately debauched dessert of figs, apricots, pear, and quince that have been marinated in Jamaican rum for at least two years.  The dish takes approximately 72 hours to prepare once requested, a process that includes the infusion of rare French Polynesian vanilla, a topping of caramelized black truffles, and a coating of 24-karat edible gold flakes.  The cake, which looks more like a gold brick, is then served in a sterling-silver box with a gold seal.  If you feel like having the royal treatment, then The Sultan’s Golden Cake is as royal as it gets.  Priced at $1,000.

For more information visit: Ciragan Palace Hotel

Hotel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes

Belonging to the Lucien Barrière Group, the Hotel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes has been a go to hotel for film stars attending the annual Cannes Festival for decades.  This historic luxury property on the Croisette in Cannes was first constructed in 1926 and remodeled in 2011.

The present hotel is the result of a merger of the parcels of the former hôtel Beau-Rivage and of two neighboring villas.  Construction began in 1923 under the leadership of architect Théo Petit, also architect of the Hôtel Normandy at Deauville.  He produced an art deco design with a main facade and 2 rear wings, but only the east wing and the main body were finished when the hotel opened in 1926.  The rest of the buildings central body was extended in 1928 by the architects Charles Nicod (prix de Rome) and Émile Molinié, at which date the interiors were also redecorated by Maurice Debenedetti.  In addition two floors were added to the top of the building in 1965 and 1990, the façades were rebuilt uniformly in their original art deco style.

Hotel Barriere Le Majestic Cannes epitomizes the glamour of the Cannes Film Festival creating an atmosphere to attract the worlds elite.  In addition the hotel is a Conde Nast Award Winner dubbing it one of the best hotels in the world.  The Hôtel boasts 265 rooms and 84 suites.  Unique on the French Riviera, 2 penthouse apartments overlook the palm trees along La Croisette.  The services the hotel offers are of a rare quality, as to be expected from the “Leading Hotels of the World” label.

Situated just 25 km from the aéroport de Nice via the road along the seaside, 1 km (5 mn) from the gare de Cannes, and faces the Palais des Festivals on the Croisette.  Hotel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes is also located only 8 km from Antibes, 30 km from Saint-Paul de Vence, 50 km from Monaco and 50 km from Saint-Tropez.  Its prestigious neighbors on the Croisette Include the InterContinental Carlton Cannes Hotel, the Grand Hyatt Cannes Hôtel Martinez, the JW Marriott Cannes and the Palais des Festivals.

Hotel Amenities include; a business center, executive retreat, fitness center, heated outdoor pool, on site tennis courts (five clay courts in total), child programs, high speed internet, banquets & meetings (seating up to 600 people) and an array of restaurants.  There are also a variety of exciting activities close to the hotel, which include; windsurfing, water skiing, scuba diving, sailing, jet skiing, golfing, tennis, fishing, boating, biking/touring, shopping and theatre & museums that are only steps away from the Palais de Festivals.

For more information visit www.hotelsbarriere.com

Beauty by the Green

Situated along the 2nd hole of Famed Pebble Beach Golf Links, lies Casa Robro a simply captivating Mediterranean Villa that boasts remarkable ocean and golf course views along with incredible design elements.  The home features an uncomplicated floor plan that allows you to easily flow from kitchen to the sunken living room and dining area, brimming with an innate flood of light through multiple sets of French doors which open to either the private courtyard or patio looking over the green.

Offering five bedroom suites in the main house as well as a generous retreat with expansive seating nooks and gracious en suites. The property features a total of 10 fireplaces, laundry area, private deck, his-and-hers baths and walk in closets that complete the master suite.  Other features include a library, exercise room, wine cellar, an over-sized second story veranda and an additional deck – both with fireplaces, a fire pit located right along the Links, and spectacular views of the golf course and ocean.

The property also includes a 1,300 square foot 2 bedroom caretakers quarters and a 1 bedroom guest house.  Casa Robro is currently priced at $13,750,000

For more information visit www.carmelrealtycompany.com

PXG Releases Their Brand New Milled Insert Putter Collection

With PXG’s milled insert putter collection you have the choice of 11 models (based on five head shapes), giving you many choices when enjoying a fun game of golf.  The PXG’s new line features the same TPE core technology as their irons in collaboration with a soft billet-milled 304 stainless-steel face.  The putters are all made up off Aircraft-grade aluminum and 303 stainless steel, along with sporting tungsten and titanium weighting elements.  The weighting elements allow the golfer to adjust his/her putter during the fitting and for it to be used as an alignment tool when on the green.  The putters are designed for a solid feel during your swing and a high MOI, which gives you one hell of a putting experience.  The new models include the Dagger, Drone, Brandon, Mustang, Gunboat, and P-51, which feature different shaft options.  Each model except the Gunboat has a TPE thickness of 0.150 inch.  Buyers have the choice to pick a chrome or black shafted putter.  PXG’s milled insert putter collection was created by Danielle Cutler and is currently priced from $500.

For more information visit:  www.pxg.com

The Aventador Miura: Lamborghini’s Newest Creation

Lamborghini has just unveiled yet another beast, the Aventador Miura Homage, a commemorative coupe that pays tribute to the 50th anniversary of the marque’s hallmark Miura model that was produced from 1966 to 1973.  This brand new Lamborghini features the Aventador’s awe-inspiring 700 hp 6.5-liter V-12 engine, allowing it to go from not to 62 mph in 2.9 seconds, as it reaches for a top speed of 217 mph.  The Miura can achieve up to 380 hp as well as topping out at 171 mph (The fastest production car of its day).

Extraordinary detailing is available for the special edition, it includes a dual-tone exterior (with six available colors) and a stance accentuated by 20-21-inch Dione rims in matt silver or gold.  The side of the vehicle is decorated with metallic Miura badging, as the Lamborghini logo (in black) and limited-edition plating cultivates the interior and rear, subsequently. The cabin can be adorned in either Nero Ade or Terra Emilia leather accented with tone-on-tone stitching.  Even more embellishments include the Miura 50th anniversary logo (in silver or gold) resting high on the seats and the name “Lamborghini” spelled out along the leather dashboard.

The Aventador Miura Homage debuted on June 25th at the United Kingdom’s Goodwood Festival of Speed (from June 23 to 26) and will later be showcased at numerous events planned for Miura’s 50th anniversary.  Presently, only 50 examples will be produced.

For more information visit:  www.lamborghini.com