The Evolution of Fine Art Galleries During COVID-19: An Interview with Johann König

Thirty-nine year old German Art Dealer Johann König has built a collection of galleries in Berlin, London and Tokyo, as well as a significant following on a concept that is almost entirely nonexistent in the art world: “transparency”. In a recent interview to discuss the effects of the Global Pandemic on art galleries, Mr. König told us “I think we are able to introduce a lot of new people into the art market.” He went on to explain that providing straightforward transparent pricing is instrumental to König’s success, adding that “we could see that especially it was newcomers into the market, like people from the start-up tech scene. It is much easier for them to enter via transparent [pricing] than if it is behind closed doors.”

Born to a family of artists and museum directors, Mr. König founded his gallery in Berlin nearly two decades ago. Today KÖNIG GALERIE represents a group of 40 mainly young modern, interdisciplinary artists. Instillations at König’s galleries range from a mix of sculpture, video, sound, painting, printmaking, photography to live performance. Over the course of the last decade, the gallery has experienced considerable growth opening 3 premiere locations in the most unconventional of spaces. Despite being partially blinded due to a childhood accident, almost nothing seems to stand in the way of one of our generations most prolific modern art dealers.

To learn more about König and the current climate of the art market during Covid 19, please read on to our Q&A to immerse yourself in one of today’s most exciting galleries.

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For those of us who are not already familiar with KÖNIG, how would you describe your gallery?

“I think we are more of a media house or a kind of communication amplifier for art [rather than a typical gallery]… We really try to bring art to the people on all levels.”

Can you tell us how the pandemic has affected your day to day at KÖNIG Galerie?

“We kind of answered the pandemic with new ideas like the art show “Messe in St. Agnes”, that translates to ‘St. Agnes Fair for Contemporary Art’, which [lasted until the 20^th] and [brought] together works from the primary and secondary art market. [This] was the answer to the effect that all major art shows were canceled. And then another thing, which [was] kind of [an] idea born in the pandemic: Instagram Live Talks, I always wanted to do it in the evening, but then my wife said “why can’t you do it at work hours?” And then I did it at 10 A.M. in lockdown [hence the name 10 AM Series].

But [it] was worse in the evening because it was always 10 A.M. where my guests [that] I talked to came from; so it was artists, museum people, and [curators], but always kind of surrounded [by] art. Later on we even started to [host] open calls because I started [to feel it’s] very difficult for these artists that have no spokesperson and no gallery. I tried to give them a form in hosting these open calls where random artists can just join and present their works to a wider audience, and apparently great things came out of it, like sales. I mean not to us, but to them, and group participations. So it was kind of a digital community building.”

Have these digital forms of communication reached a new type of collector than KÖNIG has reached in the past, or are you connecting with the same type of collectors and just reaching them in a different way?

“I think I had this conversation yesterday with a very big collector of ours, who because of [how] Art Basel was [cancelled], we held the first edition of “Messe in St. Agnes” in Berlin at the exact same time Art Basel would have taken place in June. For knowledgeable and established collectors, they know what’s behind every gallery name. But I think that if you look at the growth of luxury products, in the end art is a luxury product because we really need it to live, but in the end we don’t really need it.

If you look at the developments in the [luxury] market [with] watches, cars, clothing, leather goods and so on, [they are] really rising, but art is kind of staggering. I think that has to do with the [lack of] transparency and opaqueness of the market; and with these conversations we had with artists and collectors and so on, people start to understand how that market functions. I think this applies to every market, if you understand how it works, then you can navigate in it. I don’t know why so many art market participants try to keep it opaque because I don’t see any reason for it to be not accessible. The more accessible it is, the more it can grow and the more it gives artists the chance to make a living out of their art.”

Have all of your Galleries been affected in the same way regardless of their location? Or have you observed differences based on each of the individual markets they cater to?

“I think we [in Berlin] for example aren’t so affected because I own the building [that] I am in, but the ones who have to maintain very expensive high streets, they aren’t. For [another] example, we also have a gallery in London; some gallery owners in London, [whom] rent from Grosvenor are rent-free now because the Grosvenor doesn’t want to have this kind of broken window theory, you know that [the galleries] will move out due to the pandemic and then all the tenants are gone, but [the] Kuwaiti Fund which [owns] the other side of the street insists on payment [of] rent. It’s really hard to say, but I think we in Germany are doing pretty well overall.”

Would you say the same in Tokyo and London as well?

“No, no. I mean Tokyo was pretty difficult also because of the cancelled Olympics and London is like a ghost town right now. And here in Berlin it [feels] pretty much as normal as always, but also the government spent a lot of money on the arts. Like if you are a mother or a single father and [are] artists and have kids, there is 1.5 million support umbrella for this. Then there was this immediate payment for artists who have no income. What’s interesting in the beginning is that we are all in this pandemic together, which we are of course because the whole world was in a lockdown, but I think that the social net is so much stronger in Germany than in the US for example.”

Have you noticed a change in the way clients acquire works?

“I think there are purchases made online, but I think only because [the collector] encountered the original body of work [by that artist] before [in-person]. So you know that somehow the people have been in-touch with the work already, and not this particular [work], but [others] from the artist. So, I think that the art is a physical experience, and will always be. There’s no way around it, that’s why we came to the idea of our art fair”

Do you believe that the pandemic has only accelerated a more remote way of showing and selling art that was ultimately going to occur eventually?

“I feel the role of a gallery [will] become more irrelevant, and solutions like Instagram offer new ways [for] safe promotion and marketing. I think this is a very interesting development.”

What similarities do KÖNIG’s forthcoming exhibitions share with past pre-pandemic instillations? And how have they evolved for today’s current climate?

“We try to avoid the white space. Our exhibitions in the main space upstairs really try [not to] always cater to this idea of a white cube. I love to do art shows or art projects in non-art spaces. So the space in Berlin is a former church. The space in Tokyo is at the MCM building, which is a luxury store. And then the space in London is in a former parking garage.”

What have been some of the exhibitions that you are doing right now since the pandemic?

“We have a [current exhibition] right now up at the space in Berlin. And then we have the open call show in London, and in Tokyo we just closed a show by Alicja Kwade, who was also [exhibiting] on the roof garden of the Metropolitan Museum.”

Where can we follow you and KÖNIG GALERIE?

“On Instagram of course, and on Facebook and hopefully soon on Netflix, but maybe that’s too early to say.” [Johann can be followed on Instagram @johann.koenig]

Featured Image Credit: Friedrich Kunath, Sensitive Euro Man, 2020, KÖNIG GALERIE NAVE, exhibition view, photo by Roman März, courtesy of the artist and KÖNIG GALERIE Berlin, London, Tokyo

The Most Magnificent Yachts Currently on the Brokerage Market

As the yacht world continues to experience high levels of new builds over 80 meters in length, the brokerage market has equally seen an influx of yachts the size of palatial villas. From Shahid Khan’s Kismet to a late Tech billionaire’s 126 meter explorer yacht, we’ve assembled a list of the most magnificent yachts publicly listed for sale on the brokerage market.

_{Featured image: MY LADY MOURA , provided courtesy of: Camper & Nicholsons International}

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KISMET

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The 312.4 foot / 95.2 meter Kismet was brought to life by Espen Oeino and Reymond Langton Design, the same design team credited with the creation of the award winning MY Serene. Launched by Lurssen in 2014 for Jacksonville Jaguars owner, Shahid Khan, Kismet boasts a large sun deck, swimming pool, spa, and the ability to accommodate 16 guests in 8 staterooms. Additionally, this includes a master stateroom with jacuzzi and direct access to the yacht’s helipad. Kismet’s interior is extravagant to say the least, incorporating elements of art deco, Persian, and oriental design. Kismet’s excellent crew to guest ratio of 28 to 16 is also a highly desirable feature.

Kismet is listed for sale with Moran Yacht & Ship with an asking price of €169,000,000.

_{Images courtesy of: Moran Yacht & Ship}

OCTOPUS

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OCTOPUS was built with serious global exploration in mind, whether exploring the deepest areas of the sea or the farthest corners of the earth, the design brief demanded that OCTOPUS was more than capable to do it all. Designed by Espen Oeino, the 414 foot / 126 meter OCTOPUS was reportedly the fourth longest yacht in the world at her launch from Lurssen in 2003, according to superyachts.com. This yacht, which ranks in at number 21 today, is probably still the most capable explorer yacht in the world. The nearly 10,000 gross ton OPTOPUS was built to Ice-class 1A standards and has the capability of travelling 12,500 nautical miles on a single journey.

With 13 staterooms, OCTOPUS will easily transport you and your 25 closest friends and/or family to the most remote corners of the globe, even in the most extreme conditions. The yacht’s interior, which was designed by Jonathan Quinn Barnett, includes amenities such as, a cinema, recording studio, observation lounge, and a large beach club/diving deck. She also has a pool, gym, and a spa. However, what may be OCTOPUS’ most impressive feature is her ability to carry a significant amount of tenders, aircraft, and toys. The yacht boasts two helipads (located forward & aft), a helicopter garage for two, and an integrated dock that accommodates a 13 meter dive tender and a 10 person submersible. OCTOPUS has the ability to carry an additional six or more good size tenders.

OCTOPUS is jointly represented by Stuart Larsen of Fraser Yachts and Burgess Yachts, with an asking price of €295,000,000.

_{Images courtesy of: Stuart Larsen of Fraser Yachts, Photographer Credit: Thierry Ameller}

LADY MOURA

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Best known as the Queen of Monaco’s Port de Hercule, Lady Moura has probably inspired every other yacht on this list. Launched by Blohm + Voss in 1990, the 344 foot / 104.85 meter Lady Moura pioneered now quintessential design elements like the fold down dive platform and modern beach club. At over 6,000 gross tons, Lady Moura’s volume is certainly immense: she packs features such as, 13 staterooms, a cinema, top deck indoor pool with retractable roof, massive helipad, and accommodations for a staggeringly large crew of 72.

A true floating palace, with 2,600 square meters of interior living space finished in the finest woods and marbles, Lady Moura leaves little to be desired. An excellent separation of guest and family staterooms, and of informal and formal living areas, make this yacht’s general arrangement truly one of a kind. Impressive commercial grade equipment combined with an 8,000 nautical mile range make Lady Moura capable of visiting just about anywhere your heart may desire. Despite having been launched 3 decades ago, Lady Moura’s condition is nothing short of pristine with both low engine hours and having recently undergone a refit this year. Interested parties can register on the Camper & Nicholsons website for a video tour of Lady Moura.

With just one owner since new, Lady Moura is currently listed for sale by Camper & Nicholsons with an asking price available upon application. Lady Moura’s replacement value is estimated to be around €200,000,000.

_{Images courtesy of: Camper & Nicholsons International}

TRANQUILITY

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Well known during its days as Equanimity, when the vessel made headlines as the crown jewel of notorious businessman Jho Lo’s many extravagant purchases. TRANQUILITY, as she has been newly named, is back on the market following her sale by the Malaysian government as part of the 1 MDB scandal. Characterized by its stunning interior by Andrew Winch design, TRANQUILITY is another masterpiece of Oceanco, having been launched in 2014 to great acclaim.

The Ice Class 300 foot / 91.5 meter TRANQUILITY boasts sumptuous accommodation for 26 guests in 11 cabins, but even more fascinating is her certification to cruise with 36 guests. An interior characterized by a subdued oriental influence and materials such as Italian marble and bleached oak floors are the essence of TRANQUILITY. One of the most remarkable elements of her interior is “a fully operational, perspex-cased piano” located in the upper saloon. A formal dinning room with the ability to seat 18 is a particular highlight alongside the yacht’s marble lobby with glass elevator. An aft beach club with nearby full spa and gym make extended periods of cruising as comfortable as possible.

TRANQUILITY’s upper deck features a massive full width master stateroom with a shared bathroom and his and hers dressing rooms. Nearby the master is an office, which can easily convert to a guest cabin with an ensuite bathroom. However the most notable feature of the upper deck is the massive outdoor Jacuzzi located aft of the superstructure.

TRANQUILITY is represented by Burgess with an asking price of €149,900,000

_{Images courtesy of: Burgess}

LUMINOSITY

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We originally wrote about the 353 foot / 107 meter LUMINOSITY when she was simply known as FB272 following her launch from Benetti last year. With a volume of nearly 6,000 gross tons and what may feel like acres of glass windows, but is just really over 800 square meters to be exact, LUMINOSITY is a rare creation. The yacht accommodates up to 27 guests in 12 staterooms, and boasts amenities such as, a commercial helipad and 230 square meter beach club with gym, spa, and lounging/dinning areas. LUMINOSITY is being sold as a “brand new” yacht with a “2 Year Warranty.”

A hybrid diesel electric propulsion system that is noteworthy for its clean exhausts and batteries allowing for half a day of silent operation at anchor, make LUMINOSITY a yacht that can explore protected cruising grounds and therefore is one of the most fascinating yachts for sale today. LUMINOSITY has an 8,000 nautical mile range.

LUMINOSITY is jointly represented by Stuart Larsen of Fraser Yachts and Burgess Yachts with an asking price of €225,000,000.

_{Images courtesy of: Stuart Larsen of Fraser Yachts, Photographer Credit: Giuliano Sargentini}

SUNRAYS

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Constructed to an exterior design by Bjorn Johansson and with an interior by Terence Disdale, it’s hard for SUNRAYS to be anything other than spectacular. The 281 foot / 85.5 meter yacht was the fifth hull in Oceanco’s Y700 series. Still in her original ownership, SUNRAYS has been often praised for her unique blend of outdoor living spaces and “multi functional interior layout.”

Having undergone a substantial refit in 2018, SUNRAYS’ gorgeous blue hull shines as bright as ever. Highlights of her design include six decks of elegant accommodation for 22 guests in 9 suites (when used privately), a main salon, formal dinning room, and a lounge which can be converted into a cinema. SUNRAYS also boasts a helipad suitable for an EC 145 or comparable aircraft as well as the ability to house 30 crew.

SUNRAYS is listed for sale with Edmiston with an asking price of €129,000,000.

_{Images courtesy of: Edmiston}

AMADEA

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The 106.1 meter AMADEA launched by Lurssen in 2017 is the third yacht on this list to have been completed to an exterior design by Espen Oeino. This vessel’s striking lines and straight edges give her a timeless military profile that is a sharp contrast to her plush indoor living spaces. Functionality meets luxury with this highly capable vessel.

AMADEA’s Francois Zuretti interior can provide for 16 guests in 8 cabins, and offers a range of unique amenities, such as a bridge deck salon which can convert into a cinema and a Winter Garden with a massive dinning area that can accommodate 28 guests with unparalleled sea views. Zuretti’s interior design scheme focuses on the use of classically elegant materials, such as marble, wood, and fine paneling combined with elaborate furnishings. AMADEA’s exterior perfectly complements the interiors’ splendor with a a different take on luxury. The yacht’s exterior spaces are both simple and massive due to her 18 meter beam and have thus allowed for an incredible amount of diverse spaces. The most notable elements of AMADEA’s exterior layout is her 10 meter long infinity pool, which spills over aft to give a waterfall effect. A large forward helipad, garages for two 11 meter limo tenders, a crew of 36, and an impressive private owner’s deck are just a few more of AMADEA’s numerous features.

AMADEA is represented by Imperial Yachts with an asking price available upon request.

_{Image credit: PHOTOS © IMPERIAL YACHTS PHOTOGRAPHER GUILLAUME PLISSON}

5 Remarkable Cigars To Enjoy in 2020

From long lasting cigars with mature and robust flavors to more mild shorter smokes, we’ve assembled a list of 5 remarkable cigars we think you may enjoy this year.

_{Featured image: Davidoff Royal Release Salomones, Credit: © Oettinger Davidoff AG}

Quick Smoke: COHIBA SHORT

The Cohiba short is a fascinating 10 – 20 minute smoke; the 26 ring gauge Cuban, which is not much larger than a typical cigarillo, packs a spicy earth note with a medium to full body. In our opinion the 83 millimeter Cohiba short is one of the finest short format cigars on the market today. A unique offering is the 2019 Limited Edition Humidor with two layers of 25 shorts. Montefortuna offers this package starting from $137 for a single box or 2 boxes from $251.

_{Image credit: Montefortuna Cigars}

Long Smoke: Arturo Fuente Opus X Double Corona

Moving on to something both larger and made in the Dominican Republic, is the legendary Arturo Fuente Opus X Double Corona. Crafted by one of the most significant family owned cigar makers in the world, the A Fuente Opux X Double Corona is an elegant, mature, and complex long lasting smoke. At 194 millimeters in length, this 49 ring gauge cigar has a full strength body wrapped in a Dominican Sun Grown Rosado wrapper. Delivering notes of cinnamon, pepper, and citrus, the often sold out Opus X Double Corona is sold in boxes of 32. We wish you luck finding a box, as many vendors are completely sold out.

_{Image courtesy of: Arturo Fuente}

The Aged: Partagás Limited Reserve Decadas 2019

Ten years in the making and undoubtedly worth every second of it, this is how we would describe the Partagás Limited Reserve Decadas 2019. This cigar’s 10 year old Cameroon wrapper holds together a collection of tobaccos harvested from Nicaragua, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic. Complex and full of flavor, this limited edition cigar is packed into glass tubes and sold in boxes of 10. Rarely available with only 25,000 cigars produced, the 5.5 inch 49 ring gauge smoke is an extraordinary example of the best of Partagás.

The Extravagant: Davidoff Royal Release Salomones

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The Royal Release Salomones from Davidoff is both entirely unique and extraordinarily extravagant. Offering a typically 120 minute long smoke, this cigar exhibits notes of  “leather, black pepper, cream, milk chocolate and oak wood.” Much like the Partagás Decadas mentioned in this article, the Royal Release takes ten years to craft. And let us tell you, those ten years were an extraordinarily pampered decade, from seed to boxing. Assembled with a Dominican wrapper and filler, along with a Ecuador Habano binder, the Royal Release is crafted exclusively by Davidoff’s 8 most talented rollers, each boasting more than 15 years of experience. The 8.25 inch, 57 ring gauge Salomones is available in boxes of 10 from $1,000 via Davidoff of Geneva.

_{Credits: © Oettinger Davidoff AG}

The Fair: Romeo y Julieta 1875 Connecticut Nicaragua

Finally, but certainly not least in anyway, is the Romeo y Julieta 1875 Connecticut Nicaragua. Although operating under the same name, Romeo y Julieta cigars are being made in Cuba by Habanos SA, the Cuban state-owned tobacco company, while the Dominican cigars like the Connecticut Nicaragua are made by Altadis SA, a division of Imperial Tobacco.

The Connecticut Nicaragua is noteworthy for its inherently unique flavor profile consisting of coffee, dried fruit, and milk chocolate as well as smooth clean finish. Available in a wide range of sizes, including Toro, Churchill, Gordo, and Robusto, the Connecticut Nicaragua can be purchased in boxes of 20 to 25 starting from $129.99 per box on cigar.com.

The All New Davidoff Limited Edition Robusto Intenso

In September 2020 Davidoff will make available one of it’s most interesting cigars yet. The Limited Edition Robusto Intenso is promised to be both innovative and complex. Crafted by Davidoff’s master blenders from more than 60% blended tobaccos that were aged up to 7 years, this Limited Edition Robusto Intenso will be the first released by Davidoff since 2005.

Speaking on the subject of the upcoming release, Edward Simon, Chief Marketing Officer at Oettinger Davidoff AG, stated “In the year 2005 Davidoff’s Master Blenders delivered on a pioneering challenge true to our founder Zino Davidoff: to create a cigar experience that is intense and complex, yet also exhilarant and smooth. For this task, they had masterfully achieved to blend tobaccos from five different regions of the Dominican Republic with an Ecuadorian wrapper and created the famed and highly decorated Robusto Intenso. We are honored to give aficionados the pleasure to enjoy this icon of the art of blending again after almost 15 years of waiting.” Simon went on to add “Not only being able to have the complete blend history of our cigars but also the ability to recreate iconic blends from our vintage tobacco stocks is one of our core differences that aficionados worldwide value highly with our brand and company.”

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Aging of the four Dominican tobaccos for up to 7 years and an over 4 year old Dominican San Vincente binder leaf is said to result in a high level of complexity and an all around more balanced cigar. The Robusto Intenso’s Ecuadorian Habano wrapper has been produced exclusively for Davidoff in limited numbers and is said to deliver a “spicy yet creamy taste that emerges during the elaborate double fermentation and aging process.” According to the maker, the 52 ring gauge 5 1/8 inch cigar is said to be a 45 minute smoke.

The Robusto Intenso will be packaged in boxes of 10 and quantities of 5 cigars will be available through Davidoff’s Global Travel Retail.

For more information please visit: oettingerdavidoff.com

_{Credits: © Oettinger Davidoff AG}

Explore Southeast Asia with Motor Yacht Aqua Blu

Has Covid 19 prevented your quintessential summer Mediterranean yacht charter? If so, you may want to consider a week in South East Asia aboard the 198 foot Aqua Blu. A true expedition vessel, Aqua Blu began life in 1968 as HMS Beagle, a British Naval Explorer before being transformed into a luxury yacht in 2004. Her original namesake was an homage to the Beagle that carried Darwin to the Galapagos.

With extreme travel in her DNA and a magnificent interior honed by designer, Cor D. Rover, Aqua Blu is capable of accommodating up to 30 guests in 15 suites. Currently available for charter by Camper & Nicholsons from just $264,000 per week, Aqua Blu represents one of the finest value to money ratios in the market for those seeking a high volume charter vessel. Aqua Blu’s impressive oceangoing abilities certainly make her worthy of her original name. A 7,000 nautical mile range combined with a crew of 25 and a luxurious combination of indoor and outdoor spaces make Aqua Blu a perfect blend of both utility and luxury.

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During your stay aboard Aqua Blu, you and your guests will enjoy an ample main salon which is intimate on its own or grand in scale when opened up to the formal dinning room. A library, television room, and sky lounge bar give guests three distinct choices to end the day with. Aqua Blu’s outdoor areas are spacious to say the least, and her collection of toys are generous with kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, fishing gear and a selection of RIBs.

One of our favorite potential charter itineraries with Aqua Blu is a 5 day luxury experience focusing on the world renowned Komodo National Park. Camper & Nicholson’s sample itinerary begins with an arrival at the Labuan Bajo airport; here an afternoon exploring the village can precede a cruise to Padar, where you and your fellow guests will spend the night. Highlights of Day 2 include exploration of the uninhabited island of Padar, where sheer black cliffs, white beaches, and grassy hills enliven the spirit. Warm clear waters abundant in sea life provide a canvas for swimming, scuba diving, and kayaking.

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Day 3 is spent at Nusa Kode following a short cruise from Padar. This leads up to the bay of Rinca, which allows for morning watersports in the most remarkable sapphire waters, accompanied by a visit to the beaches where Komodo dragons roam their natural habitat. Diving and snorkeling with Manta rays from September is a focal point of Day 4, as a day of marine exploration can be brought to an end with fishing outside of the national park’s borders.

The fifth day of itinerary is devoted to Wainilu and Selat Molo. On this final day of exploring the Komodo National Park, you and your companions will be imersed in the beautiful deserted beaches which anchor each side of the Selat Molo strait between Rinca & Flores. The charter ends with a return to Labuan Bajo.

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Other exciting C&N featured yacht charter experiences in Indonesia include Bali to Gili and Raja Ampat. With an all inclusive rate of under $300,000 USD with tax paid, and the ability to accommodate over two dozen guests, Aqua Blu certainly represents one of the most fantastic charters available this season.

All images courtesy of: Camper & Nicholsons

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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