A Yacht Charter to Nowhere with Camper & Nicholsons

Camper & Nicholsons renowned charter department is pioneering a new idea, Charter to Nowhere. With the effects of the global pandemic, travelers focused on privacy and safety are increasingly looking at a particular yacht as the destination and building an itinerary around the vessel’s current location.

Few other experiences rival yacht charter in the feeling of total isolation from the outside world without feeling confined. With unrivaled amenities and service, a yacht charter to nowhere can allow you to focus on creating an exceptional experience of your choice aboard a superyacht where the location becomes secondary as the backdrop to your dream yacht experience. Your charter can be designed to focus on a variety of themes from wellness and fitness to water sports and haute cuisine. With access to enchanting beach clubs and state of the art technology, you need not step ashore during your charter.

By crafting a charter based on your specific needs and preferences, the charter team along with the crew will work to ensure everyday aboard is an adventure in and of itself. Onboard daily itineraries can focus on high teas and banquets or more casual diving, fishing, or navigation workshops. Some guests have chosen to enjoy golf competitions, treasure hunts, and even movie marathons in an on-deck cinema under the stars.

Three yachts currently being highlighted as part of the Charter to Nowhere program include the 91.5 meter TRANQUILITY, 64.5 meter SILVER ANGEL, and the 50 meter TRENDING.

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Tranquility, built by Oceanco, is perfectly suited for large family charters with the ability to accommodate 26 guests in 11 cabins. The Andrew Winch designed Tranquility boasts a “beach club and fully-equipped gym, spa suite with Hamman, sauna and massage room, and large swimming pool.” Embarkation/Disembarkation is in the Maldives.

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With accommodation for up to twelve guests, the 64.5 meter Silver Angel, built by Benetti in 2009, is an art deco masterpiece with a striking monochrome interior. Described as the perfect vessel to channel Jay Gatsby from, Silver Angel is characterized by spacious interior rooms and a wide selection of entertaining areas including 4 bars. Wellness spaces and a five deck exterior configuration are further highlights. Embarkation/Disembarkation is in the Maldives.

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Last, but not least, the 50 meter Trending was the passionate project of owners who spent 20 years chartering, before investing their knowledge in creating the “perfect charter vessel.” Built by Westport and launched in 2006, Trending underwent a “$4 million refit at the time of purchase in 2015/2016, the yacht’s interiors were completely redesigned with a focus on luxury furnishings that combine elegance and comfort, while windows were enlarged to optimize both views and light without compromising on privacy and two deck areas were extended.” Trending can accommodate 12 guests in six staterooms; Embarkation/Disembarkation: Antigua, St. Barths and St. Maarten.

_{Image Credit: Camper & Nicholsons}

This 1993 Land Rover Defender Has A Powerful Secret

Osprey Custom Cars in Wilmington, North Carolina is well regarded for crafting exceptionally customized vehicles, though few combine the best of power, luxury, and extreme off-road capability, like the customization shop’s latest build. Yet, this 1993 Land Rover Defender 110 ticks all three boxes with it’s “Supercharged 600 hp V8, modern chassis with multiple upgrades, [as well as] high end paint and interior [finishes].”

“We gave this truck performance and aesthetic upgrades that make this a very distinctive vehicle”, said Aaron Richardet, founder and manging director of Osprey.  “This truck looks great at the country club or off road.  And it will surprise a lot sport car drivers from a stop light.”       

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Beneath a striking exterior finished in Land Rover’s classic Alaskan White, is a remarkable 6.2 litre supercharged LSA V8 boasting “approximately 600HP and 580lb-ft torque”. Additional powertrain and chassis modifications to the example include “a 6L80E 6-speed automatic transmission, HD transfer case, HD front and rear axles, custom front and rear drive shafts, galvanized chassis  powder-coated gloss black, MD Terra Firma springs, shock absorbers, steering damper, steering components, HD caster-corrected front radius arms, HD rear cranked control arms, front and rear anti-sway bars, 4-wheel power disc brakes“. The exterior of the vehicle has been outfitted with a Stornoway Gray hood and top as well as 8” Sterling defender rims finished black/silver and extensive LED lighting.

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On the inside, this Defender 110 boasts an interior that combines luxury with utility; sporty charcoal leather seats pair well with the PUMA-spec gauge cluster and piano-black finish center dash binnacle trim. Technological amenities such as “Dual USB charging points with wireless charging pads in front of center console and a 7” touch screen Alpine AM/FM/CD/MP3/Bluetooth head unit w/ Apple Car Play, set this Defender apart from the pack.

_{Images courtesy of: Osprey Custom Cars provided via Publicity Factory}

2021 New Year’s Resolutions Prioritize Health & Wellness

It’s that time of year again where we take a moment to look back at all that has happened and reevaluate our lives as well as celebrate the prospects of what the new year holds for both ourselves and those around us. On this momentous occasion, we share a time honored tradition, which has been maintained in order to reflect and make improvements upon: our New Year’s Resolution. In spite of the ongoing pandemic, making New Year’s resolutions is a great solution to take our minds away from the quarantine and focus our energy on something more constructive.

Please see the below New Year’s resolutions that will allow for eco-friendly changes that bring both health benefits and exciting new challenges for year 2021.

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RESOLUTION: Less Screen Time

Reducing screen time can have a strong, positive impact on decreasing depression as well as getting better quality sleep, something many today are struggling with due to quarantine and remote work. Homes at Washington D.C.’s luxury waterfront rental Watermark encourage residents to take a break from copious screen time with its floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Anacostia River with views of the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge and Riverwalk Trail. The 453-unit building, which was co-developed by Douglass Development and PTM Patners, also features tons of outdoor amenities, including a rooftop infinity pool, outdoor courtyards and a dog park. One reason a couple living at Watermark decided to move in was because of these perks that will allow them to decrease their screen time.

RESOLUTION: Learn an Instrument

Music naturally relaxes the body and mind, and the simple routine of practicing an instrument can help melt away stress. Llewellyn, a new 318-unit apartment community in LA’s Mission Junction neighborhood, houses a dedicated 600 square-foot jam room, in which residents can practice and record music in an acoustically isolated setting that maximizes sound while reducing disruption to neighbors. The space is also ideal for other creative audio pursuits, such as podcasting.

RESOLUTION: Help the Environment

New Caribbean residential resort Rock House makes it easy to make sustainability a top priority in 2021. Helping the environment is proven to reduce eco-anxiety and, once the project is completed next year, residents can relax knowing rainwater and grey (waste) water will be harvested for day-to-day irrigation to minimize water waste. Natural ventilation will cool the homes, while instant hot water heaters will be used for maximum efficiency, as only the required hot water is heated. The project’s low-density nature ensure a very low environmental impact, plus reduces irrigation cost and waste. Plus, no foliage will be imported for Rock House and all flora is indigenous to the site. The native landscape’s trees, shrubs and succulents, including the centuries old, slow-growing Joewood trees, are housed in an onsite nursey during construction in order to be incorporated back into the resort’s landscaping once complete.

RESOLUTION: Focus on Fitness

Townhouse on The Park, a 75-unit luxury rental development in Long Island City, NYC is ideal for those determined to prioritize their mental and physical health in the New Year. The gorgeous triplexes feature ample health and wellness amenities like MIRROR home gym systems in every unit, allowing residents to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle both while sheltering in place and once restrictions have lifted. With a Citi Bike station conveniently located at the property, cycling enthusiasts will love exploring the plethora of nearby bike trails. Additionally, to provide residents with a connection to nature, which is associated with improved mental health, all apartments feature private outdoor space via private gardens or rooftop balconies, as well as wall-to-wall windows to allow for natural light. Leading Queens brokerage, Modern Spaces is handling marketing and leasing for the building.

RESOLUTION: Take More Walks

A Sloan Kettering Registered Nurse, who currently lives in Astoria, purchased at 567 Ocean a sight unseen due to her hectic schedule. The proximity to the iconic, 586-acre Prospect Park (less than half a mile away) was what heavily influenced her to move forward – she also plans to have a dog once she moves in, who she’ll be able to share the enjoyment of living by the park with.

RESOLUTION: Prioritize Self-Care

Nestled in “Millionaire’s row,” Turnberry Ocean Club is setting the new standard for ultra-luxury living. Developed by Jeffrey Soffer and opening in 2021, this 54-story Carlos Zapata-designed glass tower will be Sunny Isle Beach’s new wellness destination. The three stories of unlimited wellness amenities offers residents premium levels of self-care, including:   

• Sun & swim level with an infinity pool that cantilevers from the 30th floor
• Fitness & spa level with an indoor/outdoor open-air gym, hydrotherapy and revitalization spa with relaxation lounge, a yoga/Pilates studio and more
• Social and dining level with a sunset lounge and spacious indoor & outdoor dining 

RESOLUTION: Learn a New Language

Although most in-person adult learning classes are canceled amid the COVID-19 pandemic, some are choosing to use this time effectively, by learning a new language. Nick Anderson, a resident at 26-story rental tower Herald Towers, has been learning the Spanish language from the comfort of his studio apartment until it’s safe to practice in-person again. Developed by JEMB Realty, Herald Towers is located at 50 W 34^th St. in New York City.

RESOLUTION: Become a Plant Parent

Owning and taking care of house plants not only cleanses the air of toxic chemicals, but helps you relax and alleviate stresses from quarantining. Another resident at Washington D.C.’s 453-unit luxury waterfront rental Watermark, Ashley Elstro, is working towards her goal of becoming a plant parent pro in 2021. She has already started purchasing house plants and has been studying how to best take care of them by watching YouTube videos and gathering tips from local plant shop owners. Ashley has even started weaving her very own macramé plant holders.

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Featured Image Courtesy of Turnberry Ocean Club provided by Quinn PR

An Exciting Vacation Atop The Ski Slopes This Season | VistaJet-to-Slopes

VistaJet released a new offering for its members under the banner of their Private World Collection dubbed VistaJet-to-Slopes. This addition allows members to engage in a wonderous experience skiing down the icy cold slopes of Aspen, Colorado. Not without boasting first-class accommodations, the collection can take you to places such as Hotel Jerome, a heartwarmingly lavish destination that is sure to provide you with the perfect resting place after an exciting time on the slopes.

Recognized as one of Aspen, Colorado’s most luxurious properties, Hotel Jerome comfortably accommodates 93 guests rooms with sweeping views of the mountains and suites in the vicinity. The key points of this cozy stay, however, is four incredible skiing spots located at four of the surrounding mountains: Aspen, Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. Those looking for some fun on the slopes can reach any of the aforementioned mountains through a lift ticket, and afterwards take a trip back in order to enjoy the hotel’s spa. VistaJet collaborates with their members to give them a stress-free journey; from taking care of check-in to ensuring the utmost in privacy to playing host by offering personal services along the way, its the little details that make the trip all the more enjoyable.

(Hotel Jerome)

Built in 1889, Hotel Jerome, which is but one of several properties under Auberge Resorts Collection’s portfolio, has been labeled a modern Aspen landmark since its founding. The hotel radiates a very special vibe stemming from its elegantly designed rooms and Western inspired décor. In addition to Hotel Jerome, the VistaJet features several other remarkable skiing oriented properties that are also included in VistaJet’s latest collection.

Another property from Auberge Resorts Collection in Telluride, the Madeline Hotel and Residences stands out in particular for skiers and travel enthusiasts, alike. The hotel is situated at the cusp of a canyon from which red rock elevates from the ground and a beautiful backdrop of the San Juan Mountains’ snow covered peaks is a sight to behold and experience with immediate access to the slopes.

(The Madeline Hotel & Residences)

More of a home away from home than a skier’s lodging, the Caldera House has become an ideal place to rest from an adventurous day of skiing the slopes of Jackson Hole, with it being placed nearby the mountain’s tram. Located within scenic national parks, this recently added skier’s hotspot offers its guest eight massive suites and a number of amenities that would rival that of a five-star hotel. The concierge will also promptly provide guests with offerings of tailor-made experiences, which can be added to their daily itinerary.

(Caldera House)

Last, but certainly not least, on this skiing adventure by VistaJet is the Collection’s L’Empyrée 1850, which is a 250 square metre duplex penthouse apartment situated in the centre of Courchevel. This skiing retreat in the form of a penthouse lays at the corner of the tree-lined Bellecôte piste, which is around a minute long walk from the hotel’s bars, restaurants, spa, and retail outlets.

Images Courtesy of: VistaJet.com

2020 Gift Guide – New Fragrances for Men

Colognes have long been a popular gift each holiday season for men. While classics like Bleu de Channel, Acqua di Gio, and Polo Green never go out of style, a new fragrance is a unique gift that allows your loved one to make a statement this coming year. Despite the chaotic and unexpected year that has been 2020, the world of fragrance has luckily not slowed down. Here are some of our favorite new-to-the-scene additions for 2020 colognes for men.

Jo Malone – Midnight Musk and Amber

Jo Malone’s Midnight Musk and Amber is a unisex fragrance that is perfect for the winter months. The top note is juniper, middle note is amber, and bottom note is midnight musk. The cologne is subtle, leaving just a trace of the warm scent on the wearer. Juniper berries are a popular holiday decoration, making Midnight Musk and Amber a perfect choice this holiday season. The berries give the cologne the freshness and aromatic qualities on the top, while the amber rounds the fragrance out with some woodiness. Finally, the midnight musk is a blend of “three musk molecules” that round out the scent as a whole. Although it is new to the Jo Malone collection, the fragrance is already gaining popularity as a daily-wear.

Image Credit: Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton – Météore

It was only in 2018 when iconic luxury house Louis Vuitton launched its first fragrance for men collection. Quickly becoming a massive success, LV has since expanded its range for men from the original five. This year they launched Météore (read as meteor in English), a scent LV describes as a “sizzle of spicy mandarin.” The name Météore implies power, light, and heat which LV captures with the fragrance notes. The top notes are three citrus fruits: Madarin oranges, Sicilian Oranges, and Calabrian bergamot, which gives Météore a more complex citrus note than if it were simply one of the three. The middle notes are spicier scents, including pink pepper, black pepper, sichuan pepper, neroli from Tunisia, and cardamom. Finally, the base layer is vetiver from Java. While this is more of a citrusy spring or summer fragrance, it still has been a success this year and a bright scent might be welcome this coming winter.

Parfums de Marly Pegasus Exclusif

Founded in 2009, Parfums de Marly gives a contemporary spin on the classic tradition of French fragrance. Pegasus Exclusif is described as “unfettered masculinity’–an update on Parfum de Marly’s 2012 fragrance, Pegasus. The addictive woody scent was used as the launch pad for this new fragrance and the perfumers kept the bitter almond and vanilla notes, while adding woody notes from sandal, oud, and guaiac to form the base. For the middle notes, florals, such as geranium, jasmine, and lavendar were added and finally elegant touches of bergamot, pink pepper, cardamom and heliotrope form the top notes. Definitely a unique scent, Pegasus Exclusif will make a special gift this winter season.

Image Credit: Francis Kurkdijian

Maison Francis Kurkdijian Paris – L’Homme À la rose

Perhaps the most niche fragrance on this list, L’Homme À la rose comes from Maison Francis Kurkdijian Paris, the house of Francis Kurkdijian the legendary perfumer who created iconic scents such as Le Male for Jean Paul Gaultier and My Burberry for Burberry. L’Homme À la rose takes a traditionally more feminine scent, rose, and gives it a bright yet masculine twist. The first top notes are grapefruit and Damask rose. The scent is rounded out with a deep French sage and a dark, woody amber. A unique twist on a classic rose scent, L’Homme À la rose makes a unique gift for the man in your life who likes to stand apart from the crowd.

Dior Homme – Eau de Toilette

Classics are classics for a reason and Dior Homme Eau de Toilette is no exception. Dior Homme Eau de Toilette was first launched in 2005 and has been a world-wide favorite ever since. This year, Dior re-invented and re-launched the fragrance, reinventing the scent and the bottle. Including quintessentially masculine fragrance notes, Dior Homme Eau de Toilette’s base notes are Amber and Cedar; middle note is Tuscan Iris; and the top notes are grapefruit, bergamot, and coriander, which add a refreshingly bright top layer to the darker base layers.

Le Labo – Baie 19

Also of note this year is Baie 19 from Le Labo, a New York City perfume brand. To learn more about Baie 19, please follow the link.

Featured Image: Louis Vuitton

This Restaurant Combines The Best of Japanese & Mediterranean Cuisine as well as Décor

Having just reopened, the 13,000 square foot Mediterranean-Asian rooftop restaurant, MILA Miami, is back with an appetizing new menu that brings together two phenomenal styles of cuisine. Situated in South Beach, Florida, this 250-seat restaurant delivers an unforgettable culinary experience accompanied by an inclusive selection of Balearic music, all the while surrounded by fine wooden sculptures by Russian artist Denis Milovanov and French artists Etienne Moyat and Benoit Averly, whereas internationally recognized Kay Lynne Sattler finished the interior’s façade with her clay and paint pieces, among others. With their Mediterranean heritage as well as passion for Japanese cooking & culture, native French owners’ Gregory and Marine Galy have realized a truly innovative space alongside LA based interior designer, Olya Volkova.

Well known for the design she created for the Fig & Oliver restaurants, Olya had taken this project as a challenge to bring harmony to a space with a varied design brief. “To find the points of connection and common thread between the two deep and rich cultures and cuisines was an exciting challenge that took time and iteration to discover,” states Interior Designer, Olya Volkova. “First, we dove deep into the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi which really resonated with Greg and Marine personally, tying back to the aesthetics of their Mediterranean roots. We then layered in natural and artisanal elements from areas like the Cycladic and Balearic Islands to add texture and color evoking a sense of eudaimonia – peace of mind, happiness and inner fulfillment. Only through these exercises we were able to achieve a balance between natural materials and natural beauty in a space that evokes the sense connection between these different but similar food, culture and lifestyle experiences.” 

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Upholding their mantra of “joie de vivre”, which means joy of living, MILA cultivates a dining experience like no other as Miami’s thrilling nightlife integrates with the space’s intimate ambience. Palatable ingredients, such as miyazaki wagyu, olive wagyu and ohmi wagyu, which are imported from Japan, will no doubt satiate even the most refined pallet. The menu continues to entice oneself with a sizeable list of signature dishes: black rock lava grilled prime filet, beef short rib ‘kalbi,’ foie gras & uni diver scallop, truffle rossejat, shawarma-spiced wagyu gyoza, and a ‘MediterrAsian’ maki program, to name just a few. To enhance your eating experience, preparation tables have been set up for the diner’s enjoyment. Here you can watch an entire branzino being put under a blaze with pastis and rosmary; the full process of how a shiso guacamole is blended with a side of black rice chips; a raw bar serving crudo, poke and sashimi atop ice and dry ice; or some delectable desserts served over dry ice and nitrogen ice cream.

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“Being able to collaborate with amazing artists and artisans from all over the world, for me, was the most meaningful aspect of this project,” said Olya. “Etienne Moyat wood carved a wall installation specifically for the MILA concept. Also custom pieces like the reception desk by Denis Milovanov, ceramic pieces from Kay Lynne Sattler, Sarah Jerath, Jereime Hirson, Patricia Shone, [and} Boylan Moskov bring the concept of understated elegance to life.”

Withstanding social distancing protocols and safety standards, the festive atmosphere shows no signs of letting up with its savory culinary offerings, high-class service, and stunning design scheme. From the artists’ numerous works to the various raw materials that were utilized to establish its warm and inviting presence, it all contributed to the design philosophy. “One of the key notions in wabi-sabi philosophy is beauty in imperfection and this was our main guiding principle for selecting the community of artists that contributed to MILA – natural, ever-changing and transcendental,” says Olya.

Images Courtesy of: Quinn PR

Why not work from Anguilla’s Zemi Beach House?

With Anguilla reopening hotels and resorts as of November 1^st, why not seize the opportunity to work from an Island paradise for the next year? According to CNN, “Anguilla has launched a program allowing remote workers to spend three months to a year on the island.” One resort capitalizing on this development is Zemi Beach House. The award winning resort will be offering a “home away from home” from December 14^th.

Renowned for exceptional service and a prime location in Shoal Bay on Anguilla’s North Eastern coast, Zemi Beach House allows guests to experience endless beachfront activities all while immersing themselves in native Taino History and Traditions. With 6 oceanfront acres, the resort offers a selection of rooms and suites, our favorite being the three bedroom Penthouse Suite. With over 1,500 square feet of living space and the option to connect a 4^th bedroom, the Penthouse is a perfect choice for a family looking to enjoy an extended escape.

Dining options at Zemi Beach are also rather unique and plentiful, with options that range from restaurants serving traditional island cuisine to a Rhum Room. 20 Knots is the name of Zemi Beach House’s casual beachfront restaurant; the venue is characterized by its alfresco seating and mix of Latin American and Caribbean menu items. However, for a super chic after dinner experience, we suggest you visit the Bohio Bar & Lounge named for its hut fashioned after those used by the native Taino people.

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Amenities on the property may truly be the resort’s defining highlight. The spa features a range of treatments, including holistic therapies inspired by Thai Rituals; even the treatment room is housed within a 300 year old Thai house. The resort even claims to offer the island’s only hammam. From water sports and tennis to rum tastings and three swimming pools, the resort leaves little to be desired.

Images provided courtesy of Quinn PR

The LIAIGRE Penthouse at Ritz-Carlton Residences, Miami Beach

At over 7.5 acres, The Ritz-Carlton, Residences Miami Beach is the community’s largest residential project. Created by Italian architect Piero Lissoni, the development has just unveiled its newest unit, a spectacular $5,995,000 penthouse designed by LIAIGRE.

The super chic 3 bedroom penthouse boasts almost 4,000 square feet of luxurious living space with 3,431 square feet of interior space and a 420 square foot balcony. The elegant, yet entirely livable space includes ample room sizes with a minimalist chic vibe. LIAIGRE is credited with assembling the unit’s interior design such as tables, chairs, and lamps, which were selected for their timeless aesthetic. The extensive use of wood and marble are defining elements of the space along with expansive views of the ocean and Miami skyline.

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The development is made up of a collection of 111 condos and more than a dozen standalone villas. Unique amenities at the Ritz Carlton Residences, Miami Beach include a navigable marine helipad, spa, state of the art fitness center, and “a first-of-its-kind Art Studio.” Available units at the Ritz Carlton Residences, Miami Beach are being represented by Douglas Elliman..

Images courtesy of Quinn PR

Talking Fine Porcelain With Carleigh Queenth of Christie’s

From the Marly Rouge 19th Century Sevres dessert service for Napoleon I to the the 18th Century Nymphenburg porcelain trompe l’oeil dinner service from the private collection of Jayne Wrightsman; pieces of fine decorative art such as these are more than meets the eye. What may appear to be merely a beautiful service of fine porcelain, may in many cases hold a deeper story. Whether that be a comedic hand painted pattern or an interesting story behind the reason for their creation. Fine porcelain services made by Haviland Limoges for American Presidents or Sevres for French Monarchs have witnessed a great deal. These pieces of history have often been privy to world shaping conversations, and certainly do possess a story worth telling.

Today collecting fine porcelain is not simply a process of gathering rare and splendidly crafted decorative arts, but a lifestyle one creates for themselves. To explore what is an often overlooked category of collecting, we’d like to introduce you to Carleigh Queenth, Christie’s Head of Ceramics, who has carried a passion for porcelain since childhood. Growing up in a family that held a place for both collecting and creating ceramics in their hearts, it is no surprise that this talented 18th to 19th Century ceramics expert continues to inspire collectors with her passion and extensive knowledge. We hope the below Q&A will inspire you to consider exploring, touching, and investing in fine ceramic arts.

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What advice would you give to someone who is just beginning their journey into the world of collecting fine ceramics and glass?

“I would tell people to buy what they love, and not to be scared of breaking items—I find the more nervous you are around objects, the more likely you are to drop or break something.  Also, don’t be afraid to walk into a dealer’s shop or into an auction preview and ask lots of questions. As a specialist, I’m always happy to educate others on my area of expertise, and I know my colleagues at Christie’s feel the same.“

When it comes to porcelain services, what advice would you give collectors? What in particular should we be paying attention to?

“My advice is to use them!  Stop waiting for a special occasion and live fabulously every day.  If you are new to buying antique china, you should always ask for a condition report.  A few chips here and there may be fine, but you want to make sure there aren’t too many cracked plates and that the items are fit for use.  Also look out for restoration, which could be fine if you just want to display the pieces in a cabinet or on a wall, but potentially toxic if you plan on eating off them.“

How should we go about living with these objects that some would say are “too nice” or “to valuable” to use in everyday life?

“I would say if they are “nice” and/or valuable, you will get far more value for your money enjoying them day to day than only bringing them out for special occasions.  Think of how often your grandparents or parents used their “special” china—probably not very often.  They would have gotten far more joy from those objects if they enjoyed them regularly.” 

Marly Rouge 19th Century Sevres dessert service

Today are you seeing more collectors looking to use and truly live with pieces or is their focus geared more towards the investment potential of these fine decorative arts?

“For a long time there seemed to be a need for collectors of 18^th and 19^th century furniture to create perfect period rooms in their homes, which could sometimes feel like living in a museum. The trend today is to create interiors with a mix of items from different dates and styles for a fresher look, and collectors are truly living with them.  Having older pieces in your home makes a statement, and creates wonderful experiences for you and your guests– reading your favorite book in a comfy Louis XVI bergère or letting your guests drink out of 19^th century glasses turn ordinary activities into something a bit more special.  It’s also green/sustainable to live with pieces from auction—you get to enjoy well made pieces that have been around for hundreds of years, and will be for hundreds more, rather than something that has just been manufactured.  You just need to remember to treat them gently; you are their steward, and someday someone else will have them.  It is the opposite of disposable culture.“

Whether it is a dinner service from Sèvres, Royal Minton, Royal Copenhagen, or even Haviland Limoges, we often see such a wide difference in values and levels of collectability. How should we evaluate the importance of a set or pattern?

“Dinner services certainly come in a variety of price points that depend on how many pieces are in the service as well as its age, rarity, and provenance. For example, 18th century Sèvres services can be quite pricey as they have survived hundreds of years and often have detailed factory records that can give important information about who the service was originally made for, whether it be for French nobility or intended as a diplomatic gift. Newly made Royal Copenhagen services in the ‘Flora Danica’ pattern also remain quite expensive as they are, to this day, still beautifully hand painted in Denmark. Their artists look directly at the original 18^th century sheets from the Flora Danica, a compendium of all the plants in Denmark, for inspiration. Most modern services, like those from Bernardaud or Haviland Limoges, can often be obtained for a fraction of their retail price at auction.“

At Christies, you’ve just completed the magnificent Jayne Wrightsman sale; with this in mind, what were some of your favorite pieces from the collection and why?

“My favorite dinner service in the Wrightsman collection was made by the Nymphenburg manufactory in Germany and dates to the late 18^th century.  It has fabulous trompe l’oeil decoration—each piece was painted to look like a different tattered monochrome landscape drawing nailed to a wooden board. It’s simultaneously rustic and incredibly chic. As far as individual objects go, my favorite item is probably a small Meissen snuff-box made to look like a rat seated on a cushion—there is one nearly identical to it at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.“

18th Century German Dinner Service with trompe l’oeil decoration

What are some pieces that are really becoming more appreciated at the moment and what are some that you are starting to see fall from popularity?

“To be quite honest, there has been a real uptick across most categories in the decorative arts since Covid began.  With people spending more time at home, they are thinking about enhancing their living spaces.  People are starting to shy away from minimalist tendencies now that most of their experiences are at home.“

Anything upcoming that we can look forward to seeing from you or Christies soon?

“At the end of January, we will have two auctions dedicated to the collection of Mr. & Mrs. John H. Gutfreund– they had an amazing 12,000 square foot apartment at 834 Fifth Avenue designed by Henri Samuel that overlooked the Central Park Zoo.  The collection includes lots of wonderful dining wares, and the online sale will be specially dedicated to the theme of entertaining at home.“

Where can we follow you? “You can follow me on Instagram at @breakingisbad.“

Images Courtesy of: CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD 2020

Resorts & Member’s Only Clubs Inspire Luxury Home Sales

As Luxury Real Estate sales continue to surge, resorts and exclusive Private Member’s Only clubs are inspiring second home investments around the world. Resorts and Clubs, such as Grace Bay Club in the Turks & Caicos, Exclusive Resorts spread across the globe, and Mint House in the U.S., are enjoying increased popularity despite extensive travel restrictions as a result of the pandemic. Some of these organizations are even enjoying occupancy rates of over 95% this season. One reason for the increased demand seems to stem from the ability of individuals to work remotely and enjoy residing in their very own paradise away from high-priced urban settings. In a recent interview with Mansion Global, Stephen Moroukian, head of product and proposition for Barclays Private Bank, shared “We see more of our clients looking at the French Riviera and thinking about long term requirements, being able to work remotely.”

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Image Credit: Grace Bay Resorts

In the Caribbean Island nation of the Turks & Caicos, some frequent visitors of the five-star Grace Bay Club have acquired residences at the incredibly luxurious Rock House resort to meet the needs of their regular visits to the island. According to Grace Bay Resorts, American and Canadian buyers were attracted to the island by “sunny weather, direct flights from the U.S. and Canada, and pristine beaches.” Highlights of the Rock House residences include panoramic ocean views, 600 feet of ocean frontage, and high-end construction materials that highlight the property’s understated design aesthetic.

With 75 locations around the globe, Exclusive Resorts is renowned for their vast array of sophisticated offerings of both residences and experiences in places like Kyoto, Marrakech, and St Barth’s. As a particularly noteworthy example of this second home buying trend, since 2017 Exclusive Resorts has witnessed five members acquire second homes in close proximity to club locations in “Cabo, Mexico; Scottsdale, AZ; Telluride, CO; Lake Tahoe, CA and Real del Mar, Mexico.” A similar phenomenon has been occurring in both California as well as the French Riviera, where members of exclusive golf clubs and yacht clubs have been seeking to establish permanent foot holds in places like Pebble Beach and Cannes by buying up prime properties.

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Image Credit: Mint House

Whereas Exclusive Resorts’ focus is on showcasing unique and exotic locales through multi-million dollar homes, Mint House is renowned for their collection of residential apartment complexes. A stay at Mint House boasts the amenities of a hotel combined with the conveniences of a home away from home. For those who travel to Miami, Philadelphia, or Nashville for work and stay for extended periods, Mint House is a great solution before you’re ready to commit to your next urban property purchase. Flexible lease structures, multiple bedrooms, and work spaces make Mint House a perfect temporary home for the business traveler.

For those who seek to find the perfect locale for their second, third, or fourth home, few options compare to investing in a multi-location private club membership to be introduced to and become intimately acquainted with a particular destination. Although products like VistaJet’s Private World and Richard Branson’s collection of luxury properties offer similar travel opportunities, few compare in convenience, depth and breadth of the offering by Exclusive Resorts. The vast majority of residences in the Exclusive Resort collection is owned by the club and seeks to maintain an atmosphere that combines the best of private luxury property rental and five-star hotel services. Most of all, with 90% of members having been invited by an existing member to join, Exclusive Resorts has fostered a community of like-minded individuals to create the ultimate club atmosphere.

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Image Credit: Exclusive Resorts

Unique to many of these clubs are services like The Club app, a mobile application developed by Exclusive Resorts in partnership with Bottle Rocket, a pioneer in digital experiences. Through products like this application members can connect with “service teams, plan future vacations, and enter personal travel preferences so every trip can be uniquely tailored to the Member.” Despite the challenges in travel due to the ongoing pandemic, there have been few better times to join an exclusive travel network and seek out the next gem in your luxury real estate portfolio.

Featured Image Courtesy of: Exclusive Resorts