Classic Cars 1968 Ferrari 330gtc

06 February 2011

At the 1966 Geneva Motor Show the Ferrari 330 GTC was first unveiled to an eager audience who were keen to see the new car that Ferrari had produced. The car was intended to fit between production of the Ferrari 275 GTB and the Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 models which had been made in the previous and consecutive years. The 330 GTC mixed fantastic handling with a 4 litre engine, the classic looks of the 275 and a chassis that was suspended.

One of the reasons that this classic car handled so well was down to its rear suspension, which was initially introduced on the Ferrari 275 GTB. The gearbox was now in the suspension at the rear of the car via a transaxle which gave the 330 GTC even more power than previous models. This meant that individuals who were looking for a powerful and responsive car found it in the Ferrari 330 GTC.

The top speed of the classic 1968 Ferrari GTC was 150 miles per hour and it took just 6.9 seconds for the car to go from 0 -60 miles per hour. As shown this car was superfast and it was a definite pleaser for car fans who wanted to have plenty of power behind them while they were in the driver’s seat. In fact to show just how fast this car accelerated it took just 16.7 seconds for the car to go from 0 -100 miles per hour.

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The Patek Philippe Grand Exhibition in Singapore A Grand Show

01 January 2011

Thursday, 13 May 2010

The Patek Philippe Exhibition wads a treat for horology lovers. It was organized in Singapore during the fag end of May early this year. The exhibition extended over four days and was unveiled at the St Regis ballroom in the city.

It was a treat to all those who were interested in the rare designs and machinery of the most exclusive brand of watches priced at an obscene amount. It is most definitely a watch connoisseur’s delight.

The company is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and the exhibits displayed were more than two hundred and fifty special editions from their museum. It is an exhibition that must be visited unless one wants to go all the way to Geneva to quench a watch lover’s thirst for those beauties.

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The 1967 Aston Martin DBS Car A Beauty on Wheels

19 December 2010

The original Aston Martin DBS or the 1967 Aston Martin was the first along the line of luxury cars manufactured by the Aston Martin Lagonda. The number 1967 signifies the year that the car was built in.

The DBS or the 1967 was succeeded by the Aston Martin DB6. The car has a stylish rear end and front protective metal grill and attractive steel veneer and wire wheels. The DBS also has a powerful 4.0 L DOHC I6 engine that gives a power of 283 bhp at 5500 rpm and 390.5 N-m torque at 3850 rpm.

The details of the car are as follows:

It is a 2-door coupe and the front engine has a configuration of 4.0 liters and DOHC I6. It boasts of a power of 283 bhp at 5500 rpm with a torque of 390.5 N-m torque at 3850 rpm. In addition, the transmission is manual at 5-speed. In terms of the dimensions, the car sits on top of the wheelbase at 2610 mm and has four wheel disc brakes which provide the car with a strong stopping power. The width of the car is 1830 mm, the length is 4585 mm. It is 1330 mm high and weighs approximately 3500 lbs.

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Luxury Yacht Sales INDEPENDENCE Builder: Perini Navi

07 October 2010

When thinking about how brutal this economy has been for regular Joe’s and Jane’s of the world, one might think that something like a luxury yacht wouldn’t be a high-valued item. However, large yachts are still being built, bought and sold in today’s market. One yacht currently for sale is the impressive Perini Navi-built Independence.

Independence was launched in 1998 by Perini Navi and is one of the largest ships they’ve built. Coming in at just over 173-feet, Independence is a sophisticated sailing yacht with a classy exterior design and a luxurious and spacious interior that’s one of a kind. Perini Navi took care of most of the design in-house, and the builder proved it had a knack for design.

Like a lot of yachts out there, it’s customary for a refitting or restyling process after 10 years or so. Independence was no exception, and she was recently refitted in 2008 with new sailing gear, new interior and exterior design features, and a complete overhaul in the entertainment department with many new features added in.

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Classic Cars 1955 Mercedes 300sl

05 October 2010

In today’s world of high-priced luxury automobiles, Mercedes is one of the most well-known and sought after brands around. This isn’t anything new for Mercedes, though; this auto brand has been developing and releasing luxury automobiles for decades. The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gull-wing is one of the manufacturer’s best examples and one of their most loved models.

Long before this unique two-seater coupe was a collector’s item worth a small fortune, the Benz 300SL was introduced in 1954 as more of a racecar-like automobile for high-speed motor enthusiasts and those already familiar with the brand of luxury Mercedes released. It wasn’t an automobile put out there for mass appeal, to say the least.

At the time of its release, this unique gull-wing (think similar to today’s Lamborghini doors) was the fastest production car on the road. It was basically a fuel-injected replica of the Mercedes-Benz 300SL competition sports car released in 1952.

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Classic Cars 1991 Lamborghini Diablo

29 September 2010

For decades now Lamborghini has been one of the hottest, fastest and most sought after cars on the road. Usually, when a person thinks of a classic car, they think of a 1950s or 60s model. Rarely does a car built in the 1990s register. With the 1991 Lamborghini Diablo, however, conventional wisdom flies out of the window for this instant classic.

The first-generation Diablo was produced by Lamborghini in 1990 and was released as the 1990/91 model. It was extremely impressive right off the shelf, boating features that other Lamborghinis did not.

The Diablo is Lamborghini’s follow-up to the Countach. Not that the Countach was outdated, but when the Lamborghini Diablo smoked the speedometer by reaching a top speed of 202 miles per hour, Countach’s 180 seemed like a slow, outdated pace car.

It was the sheer speed of Diablo that first made it pop. When Lamborghini presented this car at the Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo in January of 1990, every sports car enthusiasts went nuts over this supercar with a price tag of $240,000.

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Ultimate Gifts Steinway Lyngdorf Model-D Music System

17 September 2010

If you’re planning on purchasing a gift for the music lovers out there, then you’ll certainly have plenty of options. You can also choose from something like an iPod, a Zune player, or a countless list of other MP3 players. If you’re looking for a real gift though - something ultimate - then the Steinway Lyngdorf Model-D has everything you want and then some.

Audiophiles of the world appreciate nothing more than great sound. An old, scratch-laden record has its place in the hearts of the nostalgic, but with the new digital age comes higher demands on sound quality and standards. The Model-D takes what you think you know about good music and literally amplifies it.

The Steinway Lyngdorf Model-D is like the best of theater surround sound taken to an entirely new level. Not only does this gigantic music system stand out as the most impressive thing in any room, but the sound quality is truly impeccable and the type of engineering used is cutting-edge and, to this point in audio engineering, one of a kind.

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Classic Car Review - 1957 Jaguar XKSS

05 September 2010

You might not initially think of conceptual supercars when waxing nostalgic about the 1950s, but a few high-end auto manufacturers of the day were attempting to push the proverbial envelope with futuristic sports cars that not only performed better than anything previous, but that would also help carry the brand through the years to come.

One of the biggest projects happening in the 1950s was headed up by Jaguar. The end result was a stunning sports car that became an instant classic and is widely sought after by classic car lovers today - the 1957 Jaguar XKSS.

In actuality, the XKSS wasn’t that far removed from previous Jaguar D-Types in function; but in terms of personality and conceptual originality, the XKSS was created to be the equivalent of a the fighter jet to a sky full of single-engine crop-dusters.

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Ultimate Gifts: Clive Christian No. 1 Perfume

27 August 2010

People not only enjoy looking their best, as evidenced by the countless high-end fashion lines around the world, but they also enjoy smelling their best. Colognes and perfumes are always among the biggest sellers. Whether you classify perfumes as health and beauty products, fashion accessories or hygiene products, most people would simply call them “must-have” essentials.

However, a perfume doesn’t usually seem like the “ultimate” gift. It’s always a nice gesture, and if it’s a good designer brand you know you’ll score some points. But the idea of perfume being comparable to other luxury gifts out there doesn’t sit right. Well, until now, that is, with Clive Christian’s No. 1 Perfume.

What makes Clive Christian No. 1 Perfume the ultimate gift? For starters, you can expect to pay around $1,000 USD (give or take) for a one fluid ounce bottle of this designer fragrance. To justify the high price tag, the ingredients list reads like a formula for nuclear fusion, in the sense that most of it is extremely rare and, in some cases, unheard of.

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The Ultimate Gift for that Special Lady - Tiffany & Co. Majestic Diamond Necklace

20 August 2010

Diamonds have been one of the world’s most precious gems for millennia. The ancient Egyptians and Greeks knew they had something special on their hands when they found these crystalline carbon deposits, and these rare stones have only grown more popular with age - so much so that many labs in the world actually create diamonds now.

There are hundreds of slogans that go along with diamonds, claiming everything from their infinity to their friendly relationship with women. Over the years, diamonds have sealed the deal for weddings, helped many a-man with an apology and, of course, simply made for the ultimate gift.

Tiffany & Co. has been one of the big players in the diamond market in recent years, and one of their most prized - and most expensive - pieces is the Majestic Diamond Necklace.

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Classic Cars: 1993 Jaguar XJ220 Review

15 August 2010

Jaguar has been a top-of-the-line auto manufacturer for many decades, mostly producing high-end models of coupes and sports cars. In 1992, Jaguar released what would become one of the first mainstream “supercars” on the planet, the XJ200 - a mid-engine sports car with amazing speed capabilities of over 217 miles per hour.

Although the car was officially released to the public in 1993, the concept started over a decade earlier. Members of an unofficial Jaguar team called “The Saturday Club” used to meet on the weekends during the 1980s and discuss various design concepts of automobiles. Jim Randle, chief engineer of Jaguar, had the vision of what would become the XJ model.

After the initial design was unleashed, the company was impressed and decided to build the car for the 1988 British Motor Show. That version was very similar to what would eventually become public, but it would take another few years before Jaguar finally got around to producing the XJ220.

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Company Overview: Personal Aircraft Manufacturers, SOCATA

12 August 2010

There’s certainly no shortage of personal aircraft manufacturers around the globe. Many have fallen on irreparable hard times and have had to close up shop, but others are able to stay above the fold due to their innovation and commercial appeal. SOCATA is an aircraft manufacturer with a hundred years under its belt - so it’s seen the best of times and the worst of times.

It’s hard to picture aircrafts back in 1911, but that’s when the company we know of as DAHER-SOCATA today got its start. Leon and Robert Morane, along with Raymond Saulnier, opened a small aircraft company in France and began production of the Model A.

The company, named Aeroplanes Morane-Saulnier, had a bit of immediate success due to their cutting-edge wing warping technology that allowed for high-speed maneuverability. However, their first commercially successful plane didn’t come until the Morane-Saulnier G, the first release of a long series of aircraft.

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Classic Cars: 1952 Bentley Continental R-Type

11 August 2010

It’s extremely rare that you’ll ever hear the name Bentley unless it’s in the context of absolute luxury, and this is certainly no exception. Bentley is a lavish British automobile brand that personifies luxury, and the R-Type Bentley, the second series of postwar automobiles released by the company, was the quintessential picture of opulence and excess.

For those who could afford the steep price of a Bentley, the R-Type was the must-have car of its day; and although the Continental R-Type was produced until 1955, any enthusiast will tell you that nothing beats the original - the 1952 Bentley Continental R-Type.

The R-Type was in line to replace the popular Mark VI model. Originally, designers referred to the new concept as the Mark VII, as much of the structure of the car was the same, including the chassis and other internal components. Much of the Bentley R-Type was shaping up to be a more modern version of the VI, in fact.

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World's Fastest Sports Cars - 1967 Sting Ray Corvette

26 July 2010

The first Chevrolet Corvette was introduced to the world in 1953. Chevy had made a name for itself by producing reliable and affordable automobiles, and their Corvette model was an attempt to give car lovers a faster, sleeker, more attractive sports car for the road. In 1963, Chevy really went all out with their Sting Ray model, and 1967’s Sting Ray Corvette is considered the best of the lot.

There’s some confusion about Chevy’s Corvette line. Some sports car enthusiasts still can’t figure out what qualifies as a Sting Ray, or a Stingray, which is a slightly later vintage.

Furthermore, there is debate whether or not all Corvettes could carry either name. Simply put, the Sting Ray was a model of Corvette available from 1963 until 1967, and the Stingray Corvette was in production from 1969 until 1976. The Sting Ray and Stingray are different generation cars (C2 and C3). Popular consensus says that every other Corvette is just that - a Corvette.

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For A Truly Exclusive Gift - How About A Custom Bronze Scultpure?

18 July 2010

Bronze has been one of the most popular metals on the planet for hundreds if not thousands of years. The metal is lightweight, strong, and easy to work with, as well as abundant with an attractive appearance that doesn’t succumb to the elements as easily as other metals. This is why using bronze for sculptures has always been so popular.

Sculptors found long ago that bronze was ideal due to the actual chemistry of the metal. Of course, sculpting a metal statue or figure isn’t like woodwork. You cannot simply whittle away the material with a sharp utensil. Instead, a mold must be made and the metal must be poured in. Bronze expands before it sets, allowing every last detail to be seen in the finished product.

For individuals looking to purchase an original gift for themselves or their family or friends, a personal bronze portrait sculpture makes for the ultimate gift. Not only is a personal sculpture wholly gratifying, lifelike and lavish, but it’s also an affluent gift. Bronze is not a cheap metal. It’s an alloy consisting of 90% copper and 10% tin.

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World's Most Historic Companies - Harrods, London

14 July 2010

Founded in 1934 by Charles Henry Harrod, Harrods is one of the world’s foremost luxury department stores. After nearly 200 years in business, Harrods is now owned by the Qatar Investment Authority and employs over 5,000 people around the globe. The famous store is located in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea in London.

Harrods is the biggest shop of its sort in the UK. It covers an impressive 4.5 acres of land and has over a million square feet of shopping space. This is the only department store they have, but Harrods also has its brand all over the globe, with ventures like Harrods Aviation, Air Harrods, Harrods Estates, Harrods Bank, and more.

One of the things the original owner Charles Henry tried to convey was a sense of pride in everything Harrods sold. Since the store first opened up its doors to the public, it earned a reputation for excellent quality of goods and services, and their customers-first mentality helped not only the store to grow in fame, but also the entire Harrods brand.

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World's Fastest Sports Cars - Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Review

09 July 2010

Mercedes has long produced some of the most lavish and undoubtedly head-turning cars on the road. In recent years, the Mercedes SLR McLaren was known as one of the finest sports cars on the planet. Not a company to rest on their laurels, Mercedes quickly went to work again to produce the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG to replace their award-winning model.

Sales are almost ready to begin for the SLS AMG in Europe, with the US market getting their taste in 2011. The price for this Benz is expected to be in excess of $200,000 USD, making it one of the more expensive sports cars on the road, although still behind other big names like Ferrari and Lamborghini.

Mercedes immediately picked up a lot of recognition for this model when it was first unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show in Germany. Although it’s not technically out on the road yet, it is already the safety car for the Formula One Championship series, and it is also already featured in the PlayStation 3 videogame Gran Turismo 5.

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A Review Of The Classic Sports Car, The 1949 Jaguar XK120

02 July 2010

Jaguar has long been one of the best car manufactures on the globe. They started up from humble beginnings in 1922 and eventually worked their way into the mainstream. Sir William Lyons and William Walmsley founded the company in England, and today it’s located in Coventry. Worldwide, Jaguar employs over 10,000 people and is a top player in their field.

The car manufacturer was turning heads soon after opening in the 1920s. Their SS 100 was a one-of-a-kind car that, unlike many others of the era, didn’t require an onboard mechanic due to constant failures. Jaguars were well put-together pieces of machinery, and after the war, they began working on their XK120 model in 1948.

Originally, the XK120 wasn’t even supposed to be a car. William Lyons had planned on the Jaguar’s body acting as more of a vessel to showcase the new Jaguar XK engine. This inline 6-cylinder engine with a dual overhead camshaft was a beast for its day. The high-torque, low-stress design of the engine made it popular in the automotive world in general.

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World's Most Luxurious Yachts - Forty Love

21 June 2010

Yachts are extremely hot big-ticket items these days. Nearly every wealthy person on the planet is attempting to hit the water in some type of luxurious boat.

For two yacht owners, the usually run-of-the-mill design wasn’t going to cut it. They worked with their builders to create one of the best yachts on the ocean today, Forty Love.

Forty Love isn’t your typical yacht. Most large yachts over 120-feet long do not differ very much in terms of layout and structure. This yacht, however, is the culmination of decades of ownership expertise. When West Coast Custom Yachts was commissioned to build Forty Love, the everyday playbook was tossed out.

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World's Fastest Cars - Audi R8

20 June 2010

Audi, as part of the Volkswagen Group, wasn’t always known for their sports cars. Most Audis are sleek, stylish and fast, but they never really stacked up against legitimate sports cars like models from Ferrari and Porsche. All of this changed in 2006 with Audi’s introduction of the R8 V10 road car.
 
The R8 V10 road car wasn’t exactly a new design idea by Audi. In fact, the R8 was nearly a decade old by the time Audi decided it should be produced for basic road ownership. There were two models of Audi R8 built in 1999 for the 24-hour Le Mans, the R8R and R8C. There was also the Audi R8 racecar built in 2000, and there’s an Audi R8 Le Mans Concept 12-cylinder diesel in the works.

Audi announced its plans to transform the R8 into a V10 road car in 2005 and had planned on it being available by 2007. The idea was to create something unique and original while not completely abandoning the R8 concept that made Audi’s racecars so successful. The production went to one of Audi’s subsidiaries, quattro GmbH.

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1985 Ferrari Testarossa Review

18 June 2010

Ferrari has a formidable presence in the international motoring scene and there isn’t a car enthusiast in the world who can’t automatically paint a mental picture of the Ferrari Testarossa when called to task.

The cherry-red finish with the silver rims and cream-colored interior is the combination that made Ferrari famous and that made the Testarossa the most admired car of the 1980s, leagues above Chevrolet’s Stingray Corvette.

Ferrari started production of the Testarossa in 1984, with the first model to hit the streets being the 1985. For the 11 years it was in production, there were a few minor tweaks to improve the overall appeal and functionality of the sports car, but the basic model stayed the same, and the original was always considered to be the best of the bunch.

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Overview of Private Plane Manufacturers Cirrus

16 June 2010

Before the economic downturn of 2008 put on a damper on any visions of futuristic taxi-like air travel, Cirrus Design was well on their way to becoming one of the most successful small aircraft design companies on the planet.

They’re still a popular aircraft manufacturer today, and they’re continuing to push toward a future where light aircraft are far more commonplace in the skies.

Cirrus Design is located in Duluth, Minnesota. They’re strong employers in a region that desperately needs it. The Northern United States was all but abandoned by auto manufacturers, so the 1,300 people employed by Cirrus are a blessing to the entire community. There are also manufacturing facilities in North Dakota, the Isle of Wight, England, and in Brisbane, Australia.

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Bond Street London's Most Elegant Shopping Experience

14 June 2010

Bond Street has a long history of being one of the foremost shopping locations in all of London. Oddly enough, however, there is no actual Bond Street to be found. It’s more of a nickname that survived the times and was picked up due to the southern section being known as Old Bond Street and its northern counterpart known as New Bond Street.

The street runs through Mayfair from Piccadilly on the south end and up to Oxford Street in the north. This large shopping area is located in London’s posh West End shopping district, and it easily beats Regent Street in terms of high-end boutiques and clientele. Bond Street has been a fashionable shopping experience in London since the 18th century, and it continues on today.

Bond Street was named after Sir Thomas Bond, a developer who purchased property in the area. Bond would immediately begin demolishing the mansion he purchased and building up the area, including the nearby Albemarie and Dover Street. It wasn’t long until the area (Old Bond Street) was completed and shops started to open up.

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Goldvish Le Million Mobile Phone Review

13 June 2010

There’s no question that technology is moving up in both style and price. Function doesn’t necessarily need to be groundbreaking, but add-on features will certainly make or break any new design to hit the market. Cellular phones rely solely on popularity these days, since all basically perform the same function - and the Goldvish Le Million is popular for a few reasons.

For starters, the name “Le Million” isn’t a coincidence. It costs around a million dollars (or more depending on your currency). Golvish Le Million stands out as one of the most lavish gadgets ever to hit the market. It’s an updated version of the Goldvish Queen and is marketed solely to an affluent audience wishing to make a statement with their choice of cell phone.

The body of the Goldvish is really what makes it stand out from other phones. The million-dollar model is 18k gold covered with grade 1 diamonds available and is available in pink, yellow or white.

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Private Islands For Sale - Emerald Cay, Turks And Caicos Islands

12 June 2010

The Turks and Caicos Islands in the Caribbean Sea are a group of islets and cays that have undergone an upscale transformation thanks to private ownership and the real estate market. You won’t find any remote villagers inhabiting these islands; instead, developers have gone all out in developing world-class property in hopes of turning a big profit. Emerald Cay is among the group’s gems.

Approximately 2.3 acres in size, Emerald Cay isn’t exactly a sprawling piece of land. However, it is a private island, surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean on all sides and granting access to the mainland via a remote controlled drawbridge.

Emerald Cay isn’t a solid piece of land, either. It’s made up of smaller pieces of land, powdery white-sand beaches and sporadic patches of woodland. It’s perhaps one of the most unique properties currently on sale in the Caribbean.

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Extreme Experiences - Russian Top Gun Adventure

10 June 2010

Not everyone in the world is cut out to be a military pilot. With the quick reaction time needed, the keen vision required and a devil-may-care attitude when approaching combat, only the bravest men and women in the world sign up to fly fighter jets. However, there are plenty among us who would love the adventure aspect of it, and Russia’s Top Gun adventure provides it.

The Russian Top Gun Adventure is a week-long package provided by Incredible Adventures. The basic idea here is to take a tour of Russia, learn about the history of flight, and suit up for your own sound barrier-breaking flight in a legitimate fighter jet.

The jets used here aren’t retired military jets or planes that couldn’t make the grade. The MiG-29 and MiG-31 are top-of-the-line fighter jets that can easily fly to the edge of the atmosphere and reach incredible speeds. Any guest will be accompanied by a world-class pilot, of course, but the real fun is in having control of the jet for a short time.

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An Overview of Fashion Brand Twenty8Twelve by Sienna Miller

06 June 2010

Famous British model, actress and fashion designer Sienna Miller has recently risen above being known as the better half in Jude Law’s rocky relationship. With a hit fashion label called Twenty8Twelve, Miss Miller is showing an undeniable flair for trendy clothing and accessories. Launched in 2007, Twenty8Twelve is still doing well on its own.

Since Twenty8Twelve is one of the newest fashion lines, there isn’t a lot of history involved beyond the career of Sienna and a relationship with her sister Savannah. When the girls were still very young, Savannah displayed a knack for fashion while Sienna concentrated more on writing plays and on her dreams of becoming a famous actress.

Eventually, Sienna’s star shone bright enough to gain some recognition in the acting world. She started to become part of the Hollywood mainstream in the late 1990s and kept turning up in hit movies throughout the early 2000s. Her relationship with Jude Law helped to catapult her into the limelight, but Sienna ultimately carved out her own niche with her acting talents.

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World's Most Exclusive Resorts - Commune by the Great Wall

04 June 2010

The Great Wall of China is one of the world’s wonders, and as such, it brings in massive amounts of tourism every year. This wall was built to keep the Ancient Chinese Empire safe from outside invaders. It was originally constructed around the 5th century BC and has been rebuilt and maintained regularly.

In 2002, the Chinese decided that their Great Wall could be even more lucrative if they decided to build a luxurious resort beside it. Commune by the Great Wall was a massive undertaking by China, and 12 of the best architects in Asia lent their expertise to seeing this project to fruition. Commune consists of a collection of private villas in Beijing, China.

Badaling has always been one of the focal points of the Great Wall, so when it was time to build a luxury resort, this section of the wall was the perfect spot. The plan in building these private villas was to inspire tourism, obviously, and also to inspire other Asian architects to eventually lend their creative vision to the project and expand the resort.

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The Story of Champagne - The World's Most Exclusive Alcoholic Drink

03 June 2010

Champagne is one of the most recognized alcoholic beverages around the world. It’s used to toast special occasions, in christenings and in championship celebrations. The drink takes its name from the region of France it’s produced in, Champagne, and is a sparkling wine that has been fermented in the bottle for carbonation after fermenting in barrels.

Champagne is located in the northeastern region of France. The name “Champagne” comes from the Latin word Campania - which is a part of Rome, Italy. Now famous for its namesake sparkling wine, Champagne, France was once renowned for the large fairs held throughout the region in the High Middle Ages (11th - 13th centuries).

The early wine of the Champagne region was pale and even pink in color, using the Pinot noir brand of grape exclusively. It was a carryover from the Roman influence on the land. They were the first to cultivate this region and plant grapes. In 987, Hugh Carpet was named the King of France and the area’s wine was often on display at formal banquets.

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Review of The Eurocopter Super Puma EC225

28 May 2010

Introduced to the public in 2004, the Eurocopter Super Puma Mk II+ is one of the newer models of the Eurocopter line. The company hasn’t been around for a very long time. Eurocopter showed up on the scene in 1992. Today they’re one of the larger helicopter manufacturing companies dealing on a global level. They’re ranked number-one in the industry in revenues and turbine deliveries.

Eurocopter has headquarters in France, Spain and Germany, and also a number of subsidiaries in countries like the USA, Brazil and Australia. They have dozens of helicopter models on the market, plus many more in production. Although the company isn’t very large, employing only 15,600 people, their global reach is astonishing.

The Super Puma Mk II+ is one of the best ever produced by the Eurocopter Group. It’s a favorite among nearly all heli enthusiasts and turned heads at the Paris Air Show. The copter is a long-range passenger transport model, and is the next generation in the civilian Super Puma line. In terms of average helicopters, the Super Puma is absolutely huge.

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World's Most Luxurious Resorts - Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Thailand

25 May 2010

Mandarin Oriental Hotels are among the world’s largest and most popular group of luxury five-star resorts. They have a few widely popular locations around the globe, and their hotel in Chiang Mai, Thailand is certainly one of the nicest. The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Dhara Dhevi is much more than your average vacation hot spot. It takes up 60 acres in Chiang Mai and every inch is high detailed.

The Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi claims to have built a self-contained world of beauty. The entire landscape is more like a small town than simply an average resort. You’ll find the main hotel buildings, paddy fields, sprawling plantations and the surrounding mountain scenery almost too much to take in.

Mandarin Oriental Hotels offer guests a cultural experience specific to the resort’s location. For Chiang Mai’s resort, the Mandarin was designed to be a tribute to the traditional Lanna architecture of the area. Along with many antiques from Thailand and cuisine from some of the best chefs around, guests at Dhara Dhevi get to experience a little bit of what life was like in the area in past centuries. The only difference being, of course, everyone visiting is treated like royalty.

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Property For Sale - Hans Lollik Islands in The Caribbean

24 May 2010

Personal property for sale is certainly nothing new. Expensive cars, lavish homes and luxury jets are bought and sold frequently. However, it’s not very often than an entire island comes up on the market - much less two. Located in the US Virgin Islands, the Hans Lollik Islands are currently for sale by their owners, Bruce Randolph Tizes and Peter R. Morris.

The smaller island is known as Little Hans Lollik. Little Hans isn’t so small, however, and is still a rather large private island of a few hundred acres. Great Hans Lollik Island is the jewel, at around 600 acres. The two sit side-by-side only 8,000 feet removed from St. Thomas.

Located in the Eastern Caribbean, Great Hans Lollik Island and its little sister island are both perfectly suitable for human occupation. In fact, these islands were long inhabited by people of the region and their presence has played a large role in the ecology of the island. During the 1700s, Great Hans was a perfect tropical location to grow cotton.

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Most Luxurious Cruise Ships - Royal Caribbean's Oasis of The Seas

19 May 2010

Oasis is a class of luxury cruise ship designed by Royal Caribbean International - the biggest passenger ships in the world. Two such ships were ordered in early 2006, and Royal Caribbean began production on two of the world’s most impressive cruise liners, Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas. Allure is currently under construction, but Oasis was finished in 2009.

Oasis is expected to join up with her sister ship by 2011, but for the moment, she stands alone as the largest vessel at sea and certainly the jewel of the Royal Caribbean fleet. The previous largest cruise liner was the Freedom-class cruise ships of Royal Caribbean. The Freedom-class ships were 1,111 feet long and 208 feet high and were like towns at sea.

Coming in even larger and with more room, the Oasis of the Seas is like a floating city. The ship’s displacement is about 100,000 tons, and its weight is astonishing at over 225 thousand gross tons. This ship was created for stability. Amazingly, only 30 feet of the ship sits beneath the water. It’s so wide that the displacement is well distributed, helping the ship to handle waves.

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Worlds Most Luxurious Hotels - Abano Ritz Hotel Terme, Italy

17 May 2010

Renowned for its unsurpassed hospitality and 18th century Venetian-style opulence, the Abano Ritz Hotel Terme is easily one of the finest hotels in Italy. In the heart of Abano Terme, just over an hour’s flight from Rome, this member of the large Ritz group is constantly rated as one of the area’s premier destinations.

With plenty of activities in the immediate vicinity and more than a few great features within, the Abano Ritz scores big points. This elegant establishment has a wide range of features.

The spa strives to provide world-class service to every guest. With thermal pools, personal trainers for fitness programs, state-of-the-art equipment and a huge list of available beauty treatments, the Abano Ritz’s spa is one of the hotel’s primary features.

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Luxurious Cars - The Ferrari 458 Italia

16 May 2010

The Italian-made Ferrari has been one of the biggest-selling sports cars of all time. Not only do the cars look sleek and stylish and like something you’d see in the sky as opposed to on the ground, but they’re also extremely well built, lightning fast and rugged enough to hold up to the rigors of prolonged high performance. One of the newest Ferrari’s is the 458 Italia.

The 458 Italia came along to replace the Ferrari F430. Not that the F430 was obsolete or a lesser car by any stretch of the imagination. It’s just common practice with a lot of automakers to bring in the new to get out with the old.

Unlike Ferrari models of the past, this new design wasn’t really based on any old design of street model car, per se. Instead, Ferrari used their experience with Formula 1 racing and new technologies and designs to piece together the 458. The results speak for themselves.

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World's Most Luxurious Yachts - The Sanlorenzo SL100 New

14 May 2010

The shipyard at Sanlorenzo headquarters didn’t waste much time getting started with a new yacht model after releasing the SL 108 only a few short years ago. The Sanlorenzo trademark is world renowned, and the company produces some of the finest superyachts in the world. Their latest venture, the SL 100 New, was a risky joint venture.

The basic idea behind the SL 100 New was to separate it from their old model SL 100 with some unique design features and improvements. Not that building a better ship is risky by any stretch of the imagination, but when a builder decides to release an entirely new model in this market after only a few short years, a lot could go wrong.

Sanlorenzo introduced the plans for the SL 100 New at the Genoa boat show. The announcement received a mixed bag of reactions at first, but after Sanlorenzo explained what they were trying to accomplish, yacht fans became very interested in the innovative way the company was approaching the revamped edition of their famous SL model.

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Worlds Most Luxurious Yachts - Fountaine Pajot Summerland 40

28 April 2010

Fountaine Pajot has been designing some impressive and unique yachts for years now, and their 2009 Summerland 40 Trawler Cat is no exception. This 40-foot power catamaran isn’t like the typical yachts you see in the water everyday.

Catamarans are a completely different design and made more for long, slow cruises in medium-depth waters. Even still, the market is huge.

The Summerland 40 catamaran was specifically engineered to hold up very well on long cruises. The boat was designed to carry a large family safely, and there is plenty of room onboard to have a family outing chocked full of activities.

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World's Most Luxurious Yachts - Numarine 78HT

21 April 2010

Numarine has long been in the yachting game, building some impressive motoryachts that have caught the attentions of boat shows including Monaco last year plus top publications around the world. The company released their 78 model not long ago, available in both a hardtop (HT), and a FLY (Flybridge) model. For their HT model, Numarine really pushed the envelope.

While most yachts are certainly designed with style in mind, most stay within the accepted norms and feature light solid colors, sleek hull designs and boast an overall elegant look. Numarine’s 78 HT blew these preconceived notions out of the water with their brazing yacht design.

Paying homage to the water reptiles that have roamed the waters since long before mankind ever came along, Numarine’s HT is a colorfully designed yacht with a hull more in the shape of an alligator or lizard than any other yacht on the market. The colors also pop, with purples and greens included in the design instead of the basic blacks and whites.

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World's Most Luxurious Yachts - Sessa Fly 54

16 April 2010

Sessa has been one of the most formidable names in yacht building for years now, renowned mostly for their stunning line of smaller sportscruisers. Recently, the yacht company decided to take on a more upscale task by building their first ever flybridge model, the Flybridge 54. The key to Sessa’s success is that they didn’t stray far from their area of expertise.

Instead of taking a chance and attempting to reinvent the wheel, Sessa stuck with what they knew and simply integrated their previous sporting style into the Flybridge. Not only does this make for a sleek-looking boat, but it also allowed Sessa to produce a feature-rich product that rivals boats twice its size.

The normal size for a flybridge design is 54-feet. This leaves little room for the types of accoutrements that larger yachts come equipped with. Even still, by traveling their own path, Sessa incorporated a very large cockpit into the yacht and also kept room for a unique bathing platform that’s large yet still blends in with the ship’s fast look.

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The Monaco Yacht Show

11 March 2010

The 19th annual Monaco Yacht Show was held September 23rd through the 26th. An estimated 30,000 people arrived over the three-day event, making it one of the busiest in recent memory in terms of foot traffic. However, this years show seemed to feature fewer businesses in attendance and fewer big yacht unveilings.

The lack of big-budget releases can be due to the economic downturn finally forcing even the rich and famous to tamp down their spending habits. It can also be to avoid negative publicity. Some publications love nothing more than to rail against the owners and companies of the newest and most lavish yachts, especially in times like these. It sells papers.

However, the event was far from a bust. An estimated 500 companies participated to showcase their latest offerings to the world of yachting. Not only do the companies have a welcoming and eager platform to unveil their latest builds, but it also gives them an opportunity to whet the appetites of potential buyers by divulging news and plans of future builds.

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Barvikha Hotel & Spa - World's Most Luxurious Hotels

26 February 2010

In the world of luxury hotels and resorts, one might expect that Moscow would be the last place to find a first-rate hotel, never mind a luxurious and modern hotel/spa hybrid thats both warm and welcoming. However, Moscow has come a long way, and the Barvikha Hotel & Spa easily stands out as one of the finest new resorts on the planet.

The hotel is located in the Barvikha Luxury Village an ultra exclusive suburb of Moscow. This high-end area, known for its style and elegance, is the quintessential spot for such a well-designed, chic property, and the design team pulled no punches when it was time to build the resort only a few short years ago.

To handle the modern design aspect of the luxury hotel, Antonio Citterioa world famous designerwas brought in. Antonio outfitted the hotels 65 suites and spa with features such as separate terraces, fireplaces, private unique massage tables, steam showers, and an overall chic and modern feel thats light years removed from how Moscow is viewed.

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World's Most Exclusive Auction Houses - Skinner of Massachusetts

27 October 2009

With so much competition from auction houses like Sotheby’s and Christie’s, it’s hard for other names to even be recognized, much less stay in business long enough to build up a solid reputation. However, the American auction house Skinner has managed to stand toe-to-toe with other giants of the industry and not only hold their own, but even out duel the heavy-hitters in many areas.

Skinner is on a relatively small scale, only dealing primarily in one state and in two locations, but their reach is expansive in terms of sales power. A lot of their business and reputation comes from the appraisals they perform of fine art and other items to be auctioned.

Skinner has reputable galleries in Boston and Marlborough, Massachusetts. The company is a full-service auctioneer, dealing in both antiques and fine art. Their auctions are held year round in both of their locations.

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Luxurious Cars - Ferrari Enzo - a road car that emulates the technology of Formula 1

22 October 2009

Very few automobiles in history can match the pure performance power and sleek intensity of a Ferrari. This Italian sports car has long been a favorite of car connoisseurs all over the globe.

Ferrari have produced many classics; however, none rival the brand’s most awe-inspiring project, the Enzo. Named after Enzo Ferrari, the car’s founder, this mid-engine wonder - put out in 2002 and halted in 04 - is still one of today’s most powerful production automobiles.

Everything about the Enzo is sleek, stylish and oh-so powerful. To make this car a rival for some of the competitors out there, Ferrari decided to emulate Formula One’s technology and build the Enzo using a state-of-the-art carbon-fiber body. This creates strength without adding drag - and the end result is a stronger, faster, better-handling car.

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The Exclusive City of London Club - now available for private hire

17 September 2009

The private members only City of London Club was once one of city’s oldest clubs. Established in 1832, the establishment was originally known as the London Gentlemen’s Club, but later changed its name. The building is located at 19 Broad Street in the City of London, and in order to receive membership in this posh environment, applicants had to be either a partner or director of the club’s firm.

It was ultra exclusive. In 1970, the club tried to sell off its large building to be used as office space. The idea was to relocate to a newer and larger premise. The club stayed put after a failed attempt.

Today, the City of London Club doesn’t offer private membership to anyone. Those days are long gone. However, the original building on Broad Street remains open and is used as a private hire venue. Private hire means, simply, that the building is available to be rented out for various occasions.

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Yves Saint Laurent - the man and the brand he created

09 September 2009

Yves Saint Laurent has become one of the most popular fashion brands in the modern world. Taking inspiration from turn-of-the-century attire and constantly modernizing it with a "today" look, YSL is a consistent contender for every major fashion award in the land.

The company’s namesake, Yves Saint Laurent, was born in Oran, Algeria in 1936. He intended on becoming a fashion designer from a young age, showing his drawings to the famous director of Vogue, Michel de Brunhoff, at only 17 years of age. Laurent was immediately published and introduced to a hotshot designer named Christian Dior. Laurent and Dior worked closely until Christian’s death in 1957.

Laurent turned tragedy into triumph by taking over as lead art director for Dior, and subsequently launching his first collection for the Ligne Trapeze Company that year. Surprisingly, the success of the line rivaled Dior’s, and Laurent won a Neiman Marcus Oscar.

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The Cessna CitationJet provides luxury air travel for any executive

08 September 2009

Among the common pilot, Cessna is one of the most well-known brands of airplanes around. Cessna is an American aircraft company, founded in 1927 and stationed in America’s heartland, Wichita, Kansas. The smaller brand is a subsidiary of Textron.

Recently, the solo-fliers’ favorite has been trying to expand their line to include the high-class business world. The Cessna CitationJet (CJ) Model 525 is the result, and as one of the first models, the CJ1+ remains among the most popular.

The CitationJets come in CJ1, CJ2, CJ3 and CJ4 editions, but they’re all just slightly different jets from the same family. Model 525 is the staple of Cessna’s business jet world, and the first CJ was launched in 1989.

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Overview of The Leading Auction House Sotheby's

03 September 2009

As the third largest auction house in the world, Sotheby’s enjoys the type of name recognition that only few companies in world history have had. Today, Sotheby’s has a few locations open.

Their New York location is one of the premier auction houses in the world. Sotheby’s headquarters is in London, England, and they have additional auction houses set up in Moscow and Hong Kong. There’s also a Sotheby’s International Realty, a subsidiary of the auction houses.

Sotheby’s was founded in London in March of 1744 by Samuel Baker. At the time, the house was known as Baker’s, and it gained recognition after Samuel procured a slue of rare books from the library of Sir John Stanley. These items were not auctioned off, and Baker’s wasn’t well known for selling much of anything in its early years.

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Company History on De Beers, 100 years in Diamonds

30 August 2009

De Beers is the head of an extremely large diamond company, dealing in various facets of the diamond market, including mining and exploration, manufacturing, selling and trading. The company was founded in 1888 by Cecil Rhodes, and for over 100 years, De Beers has been an essential player in the diamond market.

They’re active in every major category of mining, like underground, large-scale, deep sea, and other mining exploits in Namibia, Canada, South Africa and Botswana. The company employs roughly 20,000 people and it earns an estimated $6 billion annually.

The De Beers diamond company basically controls the flow of diamonds in many countries around the globe. They’ve been labeled as a cartel and even viewed as cruel in some circles. This is no doubt due to their founding principles.

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World's most Exclusive Bars - 21 Club

25 August 2009

America is a culture that works extremely hard to glorify excess. It is how money is made, pure and simple. We see this predominantly in the many alcohol advertisements on the TV; however, it wasn’t always like that.

America went through a long period of prohibition, where all alcoholic beverages were forbidden to be sold or consumed. As a result, many establishments opened "underground" and were referred to in some circles as speakeasies. One of the most famous speakeasies of the era was the 21 Club in New York - opened on New Year’s Eve 1930.

The club had first opened in Greenwich Village in 1922 as a speakeasy, but it wasn’t until it reached its destination of 21 West 52nd Street that it adopted its now current name. After the police raided the establishment, the wine cellar was placed behind an extremely large steel door where it remains to date. This raid was the first of many to take place during the prohibition era, but the owners were never caught in possession of alcohol.

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World's Most Exclusive Department Stores: Harrods

12 August 2009

No matter where you go in the world, if there’s a city, there’s bound to be a historic shopping location that pulls in the posh and precise customers alike. Located on the famed Brompton Road in Knightsbridge, London, Harrods is one of England’s most popular department stores.

Of course, in this day and age, businesses and brands expand rapidly, hoping to share in various aspects of the marketplace. Harrods, once a lonely - yet thriving - department store is now a bank, real estate service, aircraft manufacturer and air travel provider.

The extensions of Harrods name turn the store into a legitimate conglomerate, but on its own, the London store takes up over 4 acres of prime real estate and the store has a robust size of over 1,000,000 square-feet of space with well over 300 separate departments.

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World's Luxurious Sports Cars - Porsche Carrera GT

05 August 2009

It’s common practice for a well-known sports car manufacturer to take the leap and attempt to release the ultimate supercar. All the big names have done it: Lamborghini, Ferrari, Mercedes, and in 2004, Porsche did it too with their Carrera GT. Porsche’s version of a supercar is a long time in the making.

They went completely outside of their comfort zone and delivered an automobile that has the body style of a Ferrari but offers the reliable performance that clearly screams Porsche. Through two years until 2006, the company produced 1,270 of these cars. Its predecessor was the GT1 - a supercar in it’s own right, although built strictly for racing.

Porsche’s supercar is a bit contradictory. For starters, they used some serious state-of-the-art technology in a lot of aspects of the automobile; however, in other aspects, the Carrera GT operates much like a standard Porsche.

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Missoni, the Sumirago fashion house

03 August 2009

Missoni is often considered one of the most beautiful fashion houses in the entire world. Although every design they put forth may not be cutting-edge, the style is always there. They are one of the only fashion brands to carry a reputation for consistent beauty. Missoni’s powerful tradition of creating new products has trickled down to their competitors. The business has meager beginnings, starting in 1953 to little acclaim and eventually building a lavish and luxurious fashion empire. The Missoni name has come a long way since the days of a basement studio in Sumirago, Milan.

Rosita and Ottavio Missoni met during the 1948 Olympic Games in London, England. Carrying on a relationship for the next five years, the two wed in 1953 and decided to take the plunge into fashion designing. They started a very small knitwear operation in the aforementioned Milan basement, and after much hard work and meager sales, the line started to take off in the 1960s.

It was during this time that the brand Missoni began to turn heads due to the colorful palettes, unique textures and a wide range of fabrics. The Missoni’s definitely had more than one ace in the deck, proving time and again that they could produce chic originality on demand.

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World's Most Luxurious Cars - Maybach 62

24 July 2009

With the reemergence of Maybach, the line proves that a supercar doesn’t have to be solely about muscle; it can be about supreme luxury, too. In 1909, Maybach started out as a manufacturer of luxury German automobiles. The brand eventually faded away in the mid 1900s.

Today however, Daimler AG has taken the reigns and Maybach is back on the map with their impressive 57 and 62 models. The Maybach 62 is based on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan concept car, and in 2008, the Luxury Brand Status Index awarded 1st place to Maybach ahead of both Bentley and Rolls-Royce in an unprecedented upset.

The outside of the car has a classic sedan look, only extended. But inside of the car is where the term luxury is taken to an entirely new level. Of course, you can already assume that the soft leather seats and a spacious interior score big points for the 62, but an incredibly long list of amenities also includes automatic door closers, fully reclining rear seats, a built-in refrigerator, window curtains, massaging seats, and 10 airbags.

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Top Fashion Brand Overview Of Fendi

22 July 2009

The luxury line Fendi develops some of the most in-demand fashions of the day, including expensive handbags adorned by some of the world’s most famous celebrities. Like most reputable fashion lines, however, Fendi didn’t automatically start out with their merchandise flying off the shelves. It took hard work, dedication, and a little bit of luck before this brand stood out above the competitors.

A lot of the fashion moguls in 2009 have been around for a long time, and while Fendi doesn’t set any records for being the oldest around, they are pushing close to a century in age, starting out in 1925 when Edoardo and Adele Fendi married in del Plebiscito, Italy, and decided to start up a leather goods store.

The tiny shop produced very trendy and expensive bags for the time, working with high-quality material and professional craftsmen. The workmanship made them an instant success in their respective territory, but the rest of the rest of the world wasn’t so eager to buy the bags.

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World's Leading Sports Cars - Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren

15 July 2009

Videogame lovers got their first taste of Mercedes’ sporty venture in the late 1990s with the then mere concept McLaren in the game Need for Speed. It wasn’t long until McLaren Automotive, working with Mercedes, released the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren in 2003.

From the start, this supercar turned heads with its impressive outer design and inner powerhouse components. The SLR (Sport, Light, Racing) was built at a rate of 500 per year for the 6 years it was in production. No matter if it’s the newest model off the lines or one of the oldest, this supercar can fly past the competition with ease.

The outside of the McLaren is incredibly futuristic, to say the least. On the inside, with the help of an onboard computer, the car is basically alive - with the ability to adjust its own spoiler height and angle of elevation.

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Plastic for the Super-Rich: The Visa Black Card

14 July 2009

Barclay’s of Delaware had a brilliant marketing strategy a few years ago. They released a credit card that was advertized as ultra-exclusive, intended for only the top 1% of earners. Although Visa is a gigantic player in the credit card industry, the small Delaware bank that released the Visa Black Card was relatively unknown to the rest of the world prior to Black’s release.

The Black Card was Barclay’s answer to the AMEX Centurion, and for big spenders, the added perks and stricter criteria of access proved to be music to their ears.

Only a select few people around the world-to scale-have access to a Visa Black Card. Not only does your credit history have to be absolutely immaculate, but you also have to earn enough money to be able to match Black’s spending power.

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World's Leading Sports Cars - Lamborghini Murcielago

07 July 2009

Although the brand has some tough competition in the new millennium, Lamborghini is still the name to aspire to for both wannabe sports car owners and manufacturers alike. With only 3,000 Murcielago’s built from 2001 to 2007, Lamborghini’s newest model - replacing the Diablo - become the most sought-after sports car in recent history.

The all-wheel-drive (AWD) Murcielago, like most from the Lamborghini line, immediately turned heads. Even though the brand is certainly Italian, the name Murcielago means "bat" (as in the animal) in Spanish. Language lessons aside, to the common person, Murcielago simply means "wow."

Lamborghini hasn’t really dropped off the map in terms of trendsetting power in recent years; it’s just that other manufacturers, like Bugatti, have caught up. Of course, the Murcielago’s 6.5-liter V12 632 horsepower engine is nothing to sneeze at, but it’s not the most powerful out.

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World's Top Watchmakers - IWC

01 July 2009

There are only a few watchmakers in the world who have endured over one hundred years of fluctuating marketplaces and ever-changing public tastes and opinions. Although they’ve had their share of hot and cold runs, IWC has always been able to stand out as a creator of fine watches.

IWC, which stands for the International Watch Company, was founded in 1869 when Florentine Ariosto Jones, an engineer from America, decided to make the big move to the hub of watch-making, Switzerland. At first, the company only produced high-quality parts for watches and shipped them mostly overseas.

A few years after IWC proved to be a successful venture, Jones met a fellow watchmaker, Johann Heinrich Moser, and the duo began to produce a line of pocket watches.

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Top Fashion Brand Overview of Dolce & Gabbana

25 June 2009

Dolce & Gabbana is another in a long line of famous fashion houses by way of Italy. For a country barely larger than the state of California, an overwhelmingly large percentage of the world’s high-end fashion is a result of the boot-shaped land mass. The fashion conglomerate takes its name from the owners: Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana. The brand is relatively new in comparison to other fashion lines out there, getting their start in the 1980s and experiencing the height of their success only a few short years later.

Dolce & Gabbana are the quintessential power couple of the fashion world. Their partnership began while they were each working as assistants to fashion designers in Milan, Italy. The duo discovered that they shared a lot of interests in common, and after forming a partnership in love, they merged their names for fashion in 1985 after the organizers of the Milano Collezioni invited them both to participate in a new talent show launch. In 1986, the duo tirelessly worked to produce their line and subsequent "ready-to-wear" women’s fashion show. The show was a smash hit, and stars of the day like Madonna and Nicole Kidman flocked to the line.

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The Aston Martin Vanquish S

22 June 2009

Aston Martin has a history of producing and releasing spectacular sports cars. A defining difference of the Aston Martin line, compared to other manufacturers, is the non-imposing, driver-friendly design of their high-end models. The cars are sleek and stylish, without looking like something out of a science fiction movie. The simplistic elegance mixed with pure power is a perfect marriage of ingenuity that has helped Aston Martin become one of the world’s foremost makers of powerful sports cars. The best model of the AM line, the Vanquish S, is in a class all its own.

Vanquish is the fastest production model ever designed and released by Aston Martin. It’s packed full of not only the charm and charisma the world has come to respect from the brand, but also a powerhouse engine that’s built for one thing: Speed. The Vanquish S made its debut in September of 2004 at the Paris Motor Show. Show-goers were amazed by AM’s addition to the show with their powerful model. Although it’s not breaking any land speed records, the Vanquish still has a top speed of 200 mph, and is powered by a 520 horsepower 6.0-liter V12.

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World's Top Watchmakers - Bulgari

17 June 2009

A good watch is often considered to be one of the finest instances of craftsmanship on the planet. The best watches, the timeless classics, can cost a small fortune. They’re more than timepieces; they’re small marvels of human ingenuity that you can’t rightly put value on.

One of the world’s finest watch brands is Bulgari. For over 100 years, Bulgari has been a driving force of innovation in the watch-making world. Their brand has expanded to include clothes, other jewelry, fragrances, and more, but to most, they’ll always be craftsmen of fine timepieces.

Although their brand is pushing over 100 years old, their legacy dates back thousands of years. The Bulgari family is a direct descendent of an ancient line of Greek silversmiths. If predisposition plays any factor at all in the way people live their lives, the Bulgari’s were destined to be craftsmen.

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Top Fashion brand review of Tiffany & Co.

06 June 2009

Tiffany & Co. is one of the world’s most legendary designers of premium goods. Unlike other fashion brands, T&C; deal strictly in accessories such as jewelry, watches, glassware, lamps, bags, and more.

While most fashion is judged on a simple set of criteria that includes originality and appeal, Tiffany goods are judged on their quality and painstaking craftsmanship. Long before the modern "bling" era of jewelry, Tiffany was the A-#1 designer in the land, dominating the 1990s in earnings and popularity. "He went to Jared" was never heard. Instead, one word said it all, "Tiffany."

In 1837 Charles Lewis Tiffany and lifelong friend John Young made the trek to New York from New England with a dream of designing high-end jewelry. After a few years of dabbling around and attempting to form a legitimate business, the duo opened Tiffany & Young, a stationery and goods emporium on Broadway in NYC.

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Top Fashion brand review of Givenchy

29 May 2009

The Givenchy line produces a wide array of clothing and accessories, including perfumes, cosmetics, and even couture fashions. Hubert de Givenchy founded the line in 1952 and for years left an indelible stamp on the fashion industry. However, he turned over control of his line to John Galliano in 1995, and he was later replaced by Alexander McQueen.

Julien McDonald was the Artistic Director for the women’s line, and Ozwald Boateng was in charge of the men’s wear line in the early 2000s. Today, Givenchy has brand new designers working to keep the line relevant. The ready-to-wear and haute couture lines are headed up by Riccardo Tisci.

The man behind it all, Hubert Givenchy, was born in 1927 in Saint-Louis, Beauvais, France. Just like many sports stars around the world show their talent for the game at an early age, so too did Givenchy show his flair for fashion. At only ten years of age, Givenchy visited the World’s Fair in Paris and decided that he would become a fashion designer.

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Top Fashion Brand Roberto Cavalli

19 May 2009

One of the most recognized fashion brands to date is Italy’s Roberto Cavalli. Name of both the brand and the man who created it, Cavalli is a high-end fashion line that produces everything from shoes to sunglasses, and the couture, mega-expensive items worn in between.

Born in Florence, Italy in 1944, Roberto Cavalli had a firm grip on what he expected to do with his life as an adult. He wanted to be a fashion designer. He attended the Florence Art Academy, and after graduating, he and a female companion he met in school began painting t-shirts in 1965.

At only 21 years old, Cavalli was ready to delve into the world of fashion. He set up a factory where the printing of the painted tees would take place, and along with a few young friends, his painting sessions would sometimes get a little messy. Tattooing had been an art for thousands of years, but painting on skin is something that no other fashion designer was doing.

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World Fastest Cars - Koenigsegg CCX

16 May 2009

The Koenigsegg CCX combines raw power with an attractive style that makes it perfect for a Sunday drive down the coast or a quick race at the track. This Swedish supercar is a sight to behold if you’re a fan of sports vehicles. The body itself is enough to induce a purchase from many.

The two-door car has a sleek and stylish body that looks more like a fighter jet than a conventional car. The removable top is able to be stored under the trunk, so changing on the go isn’t a problem. The carbon-fiber construction also adds a lightweight durability to the body. Similar to Lamborghini, the actuation doors add another stylish and convenient touch to the exterior.

Koenigsegg released their CCX (Competition Coupe X) in 2006 at the Geneva Motor Show. Another model was also released, the CCXR, that ran on bio fuel, making it very eco-friendly, but the original model is the one that’s stuck in the hearts and minds of sports car enthusiasts everywhere. After this lightweight, powerful roadster with a wide wheelbase and picturesque body arrived at the show, it was clear Koenigsegg had developed a real contender.

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Luxury travel baggage brand Mandarina Duck

11 May 2009

For people who know anything about fashion, Italy is often cited as the original home to the majority of popular fashion brands of the world. Mandarina Duck is no exception. Known primarily for their high-end luggage and travel accessories, Mandarina Duck is headquartered in Bologna, Italy, and has also stretched as far as Barcelona, London, Dusseldorf, and Paris.

Instead of fashioning a name and logo after the names of their founders, a mandarina duck is actually a real breed of the fowl that lives on the Ussuri River on the border of China and Russia.

Mandarina Duck didn’t start out as a high-end luggage producer. The founders, Paolo Tento and Pietro Mannato, childhood friends, were once in the market of producing head-sealed produced. In 1976, after a decade-long design stint in the heating front, the duo decided to form Mandarina Duck.

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The Bugatti Veyron, super fast, super car

01 May 2009

In the world of fast sports cars, there’s fast, and there’s ridiculously, crazy fast. The Bugatti Veyron is the latter. This exotic sports car is one of the smallest around, even smaller than the Porsche 911. But what this car lacks in size, it makes up for in shear power.

The Veyron has a top-end speed of 252-mph, making it the fastest production car in the world. Its W16 engine puts out an amazing 1,001 horsepower, which also makes it the most powerful. With a carbon fiber and aluminum body and frame to help reduce the car’s weight, it checks in at 4,500 pounds - which is still surprisingly heavy for its size.

W16 refers to the Veyron 16.4 cylinder and turbocharger engine. This quad-turbo 8-liter monster is one of the most powerful engines ever constructed for an automobile. The "W" refers to the two narrow-angled Volkswagen V8s that are joined together. The Bugatti Veyron literally has two Corvette engines.

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Worlds Top Yachts - Pershing 62

17 March 2009

Oh, the lifestyles of the rich and famous. It’s something a lot of people envy in their own special way. The big houses, the rare sports car collections, the private jets, the jewels with more karats than a garden - who wouldn’t want to ride on easy street? The meek may indeed inherit the earth, but you better believe they wouldn’t turn down an opportunity to cruise on a yacht, especially the Pershing 62.

Some think of a yacht as just a boat on steroids. The Pershing is more like the Titanic’s little brother. The Ferretti Group, an Italian yacht building conglomerate, is responsible for the Pershing. Ferrettis is the only nautical group on the 500 Hot Growth Companies in Europe list. And with their stellar yachts, it’s easy to see why.

The Pershing 62 introduces people to an entirely new way of yachting. It was designed with a family concept in mind, and is characterized by both the material and stylistic solutions. The emphasis is more on yacht living than yacht cruising.

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Worlds Top Watchmakers - Omega

15 March 2009

For those who don’t know exactly what "Omega" means, it’s the last letter of the Greek alphabet and represents success and perfection. And though Omega has been around for more than a thousand years, the watchmaker’s run has only lasted about 150.

The fine wristwatches produced by Omega have become something of a status symbol over the years. Though they’re not quite as popular as Rolex, but in most cases, Omega’s steep price dwarfs the former. In the same class as Vacheron Constantin, Blancpain and Piguet, Omega exudes a sophisticated stream of elegance that the well-to-do can’t seem to get enough of. When the watch power rankings drop, Omega is consistently near the top.

Omega’s story begins in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, in 1848. The 23-year-old founder, Louis Brandt, opened a sub-contracting sales office strictly for his watches. By the time 1880 rolled around, Brandt was forced to move into a factory due to a far greater supply than manpower available to meet the demand. It was during this timeframe that the Labrador and Gurzelen were introduced.

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Overview of Fashion Company Chanel

05 March 2009

Chanel is one of the world’s most recognized fashion names. From the first Chanel shop to open in 1912, Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel quickly rose to fame and became one of the premier fashion designers in France.

Her fashion themes ushered in a new era for women of Paris. Instead of the tight and restricting corsets of old, she introduced a comfortable and casual feel to women, yet her designs were still elegant and transcending. Her simple suits, women’s trousers, jewelry, and various textiles helped to cement her position in the fashion world before 1920.

Born in Auvergne in 1883, Chanel was primarily raised by her father after her mother died when Gabrielle was only six-years-old. She picked up the name Coco during a very brief career as a caf� singer in the early 1900s. She was a mistress to a wealthy industrialist, and later would design some simple hats that quickly became something of a legend.

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The Monarch Suite in The Monarch Dubai

18 February 2009

Dubai is one the most well-known places on the planet. Sitting at the corner of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is among the world’s leaders of technological building. They’re more known for catering to the mega-wealthy and rich and famous in the world than anything. The city is home to some of the world’s most famous hospitality and some of the finest luxury hotels. As a premier travel destination, Dubai has worked increasingly hard to make bigger and better monuments of luxurious over-abundance. Their premier hotel is The Monarch, and the hotel’s premier suite is the Monarch Suite.

The Monarch Dubai was recently named the Middle East’s leading new business motel, and subsequently, the Monarch Suite was named the Middle East’s leading suite - and later captured that title for the entire world. This is no small feat, especially considering popular hotels like the Hilton (and their many locations), the Four Seasons, and the Ritz Carlton. The General Manager of the Monarch Dubai, Henning Fries, stated that this recognition comes as a climax to a very successful first year of business for this flagship project.

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Worlds Top Fashion Brands - Gucci

13 February 2009

Some fashion brands start out on massive scales and end up bankrupted to oblivion. Others start from very humble beginnings and surprisingly transcend and become legendary. The latter are often considered more lucky than good. However, when you peer into the genius of the world-renowned brand, Gucci, you will find that luck has nothing to do with it.

Guccio Gucci was born in 1881 as the son of a modest craftsman. He spent most of his childhood years contented that he’d follow in his father’s footsteps. But after honing his talents for crafting leather goods, Gucci decided to open a saddle shop, where he began to sell his leather goods to the public.

Gucci’s clientele admired his keen eye for detail. During the 1920s, he began to fashion leather bags and sell them to various horsemen. Eventually, he progressed to high-end leather luggage after the horseback riders went the way of the horseless carriage.

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Ferragamo goes Green with Eco Ferragamo

23 January 2009

With the strong emphasis placed on healing the planet these days, even fast food restaurants are attempting to "go green." This watching of one’s carbon footprint is a direct result of a heating planet - or global warming. As mankind is faced with the threat of mass extinction (as a worst-case scenario), millions of people have banded together in an attempt to reverse these potentially dire effects. Ferragamo, a famed fashion brand, has even jumped aboard the trend and introduced a new line of environmentally-friendly handbags: Eco Ferragamo.

The Ferragamo line of fashion was introduced in the early 1900s by Italian shoe designer Salvatore Ferragamo. Salvatore worked with and designed fashions for many of the United States’ most rich and famous during the 1920s. He then returned to Italy where he founded the eponymous company, which specialized in designing unique hand-made footwear. Ferragamo’s approach to fashion was more science-driven, as he made many innovations in the world of fashion, such as the wedge and cage heel. As more and more film stars continued their love affair with Ferragamo’s fashions - even after his death - the Ferragamo line became a fashion empire that now spans the entire globe.

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The Kee Shanghai Private Members Club

21 January 2009

In Hong Kong, the KEE Private Members club has always been amongst the top attractions for the rich and famous. The well-to-do clientele of this club have experienced some of the finest luxury and concierge service via this brand of luxury salon. The private member scenario was something admired by Shanghai for years, and finally, after a long wait, KEE has brought its elegant style to Shanghai’s doors and given the city its own KEE Private Members club.

KEE Shanghai offers the same unique luxury of KEE Hong Kong, which has been so instrumental at drawing in huge business for the area. Some very famous people are members of the KEE club, including heads of state, film directors, and celebrities like Michael Jordan, Jude Law, Mick Jagger, Ron Wood, Sting, and many, many more. KEE’s private club is sort of an Elk or Moose Lodge for the world’s most popular.

KEE Shanghai is located behind an ultra-elegant grand stone entrance and iron gates at Haui Hai Road in Shanghai. KEE Shanghai resides in a beautiful heritage mansion, Twin Villas, from the 1920s, and shares the location with Richemont Shanghai headquarters.

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The American Express Centurion Black Card

20 January 2009

Before Barclay’s introduced their Visa Black Card, American Express had the industry’s most popular credit card with their version of the Black Card, the Centurion Card. AMEX didn’t introduce their card until 1999, but for decades previous, rumors were all over about a mysterious black credit card with insane spending power.

Some speculate that AMEX actually got their idea for Centurion from the urban legends floating around. AMEX’s Centurion is a widely sought after card, with markets in Europe, Canada, Australia, Japan and the US.

Like Visa, Centurion requirements are strict. Not only is this card exclusive, but it’s also expensive. Just to own the card will cost an annual fee of $2,500, with an initiation fee of 5 grand. Not to mention the spending requirements and other credit requirements to even be considered for the AMEX Centurion.

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Have you been bitten by Hello Kitty?

14 January 2009

Cooking supplies, clothes, lunchboxes, games, a television show, and other fashion accessories - is there anything Hello Kitty doesn’t do? Originating in Japan in 1974 with their signature vinyl coin purse, Hello Kitty quickly made its way to the United States in 1976. Today, the Hello Kitty line pulls in over a billion dollar annually, and you can find Hello Kitty stores and boutiques all over the world.

When it comes to clothes, you’ve probably seen the Hello Kitty line, even if you’ve never purchased or wore anything from the brand. The trademark symbol of the line is a white cat adoring the front of handbags, t-shirts, and more. Girls from their toddler years to well into their adult lives purchase clothes from the Hello Kitty line, and the fashions continue to evolve to meet today’s fashion-conscious needs.

Last April, the Hello Kitty spokes model - the short, white cat adorned in red - needed a makeover. This popular cat character was featured in an issue of Japanese Vogue, where she was dressed in the latest autumn and winter designs by mega-popular designers like John Galliano and Dior.

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Worlds Top Resorts - Casa Contenta

09 January 2009

The United States is sometimes seen as a place where hard work can earn a modest and freedom-filled life of opportunity. And other times, it’s seen as an absolute overindulgence to the umpteenth degree. For anyone who’s ever ventured off the shores of Miami, Florida’s famed South Beach, they know all too well that the latter is true. Located on the ultra-exclusive gated community Palm Island, guests can find the true meaning of luxury at Casa Contenta. This extravagant two-story residence covers over an entire acre, and that doesn’t include the surrounding areas.

The Spanish-style Casa Contenta resort boasts an exceptionally designed and decorated interior. The pristine quality of the resort looks more like a livable museum than your average "hotel." You can find authentic French furnishings, priceless artwork, and the classic feel is well rounded out by state-of-the-art technologies available to guests, so they never miss a bit of business.

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Worlds Top Fashion Brands - Louis Vuitton

03 January 2009

The Vuitton name has carved out one of the world’s strongest niches. Their handbags are classic, sheik, elegant, timeless, and any other positive word you could dream of attaching. The Louis Vuitton name is no stranger to fashion enthusiasts around the world. And since the mid 1800s, many people have been well aware of their overall presence and influence on subsequent style.

In 2008, the name Louis Vuitton is synonymous with high fashion. And most of their stardom has to do with the classic handbags they sell, but they also offer shoes and other accessories.

Louis Vuitton came onto the scene in Paris circa 1854. The brand started primarily as a developer of high-end, handcrafted leather luggage. Shortly thereafter, their handcrafted handbags quickly became a huge hit with many of the women in France.

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Worlds Top Private Jets - Bombardier Global Express XRS

28 December 2008

Bombardier Aerospace introduces their Global Express XRS, a long-range business jet that was released as an improved version of the original jet. This new jet offers higher cruising speeds, improved cabin layout, greater range, and much better lighting. The letters "XRS" are said to have no real significance.

They were selected by focus groups who hoped to revitalize the overall brand of Global Express. The GE first arrived on the scene in 1999. From the first flight, it was clear that this jet offered something different from competitors. Not only is the Global Express used as a private business jet, they’re also used by the UK Ministry of Defence.

The XRS adds extra fuel for an ultra long-range flight. It can travel 6,150 nautical miles at .85 Mach without having to refuel. This aircraft also has a new design called "zero flaps" take-off ability, which allows the jet access to more airports.

The jet first entered service in 2006, and since then, the price has climbed to around $45-million. With improved computer systems onboard the XRS, it takes approximately 15 minutes less to completely refuel the jet, even though the tank holds 1,486 extra pounds of fuel.

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Worlds Top Yachts - Evergreen

23 December 2008

Stick with what works. That’s the mantra for millions of property owners who realize that it’s far easier to rebuild on an existing structure than to demolish and build from the ground up. Another set of words to live by, "if it’s not broken - don’t fit it," is the approach Evergreen yacht owners took when deciding to have their mega-ship refurbished.

The Diana Yacht Design masterpiece Evergreen was a beautiful yacht that stretched over 92 meters from bow to stern. It had a displacement of 2,621 tons, and seemed to float on a cushion of air. Her gorgeous hull was steel, and her higher decks were aluminum - making for a strong and sleek vessel worthy of admiration.

Evergreen displayed an elegant, distinguished profile in the water. The interior components of the ship were outright impeccable and included a grand saloon and a large recreation center with a karaoke bar and full dance floor. The ship contained 14 luxury guest cabins, fully decked-out in lavish comforts and amenities. And when it comes to the master stateroom, the Evergreen’s setup rivaled some of the best real estate in the world.

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Worlds Top Watchmakers - Chopard

19 December 2008

Everyone loves a good wristwatch, that’s a no-brainer. However, there’s a fine line between quality and classic. When you think of quality, you think of a rugged, durable, affordable watch that looks good but is an even better investment. You’ll most likely grab a watch like Citizen, which is directly aimed at that "type".

However, when you think of classic, you’re thinking of elegance, status, beauty, and a timeless name - you’re thinking Chopard. For over 100 years, Chopard has been adorning the wrists of everyone from royalty to your well-to-do businessman. Chopard is one of the few remaining brands that don’t have to smother their designs in jewels to justify attaching a hefty price tag.

Around the middle of the 16th century, watch makers started to pop up all around Switzerland. In a few short years, Geneva and Jura became the epicenters of the watchmaking world. Slowly, many people started to make watches; the watches of the day were essentially miniaturized pocket clocks.

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Worlds Top Fashion Brands - Calvin Klein

15 December 2008

On a world scale, American fashion designers don’t often get a lot of credit for being unique and original. But with Brooklyn’s own Calvin Klein, the stigma of Euro-influence disappears, and what you’re left with is a fashion label that has grabbed the world’s attention and refused to let go.

In the late 1940s, Klein began to develop a knack for sketching and sewing outfits for women. He would earn a scholarship to the New York High School of Art and Design, and the Fashion Institute of Technology. And the more impressive feat here is that America’s tastes were decades behind Klein’s talents, yet they were recognized by an ultra-conservative nation.

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Worlds Top Resorts - Musha Cay

12 December 2008

It doesn’t matter where you live, when you think of a vacation, the Bahamas have probably crossed your mind. No where else in the world can you find such beautiful views, pristine waters, and luxurious places to stay. For example, Musha Cay resort, located in the heart of the Bahamas, is considered to be the prime location for all vacationers. However, with its incredible price - which makes it the most expensive place to stay in the Bahamas - the dream is never realized for most, and their stay at Musha Cay gets chalked up to another champagne wish and caviar dream that never came true.

This lush and secluded resort is a hotbed for the rich and famous. From seasoned Hollywood royalty like Harrison Ford to the newest of newbie Wall Street upstarts, Musha Cay has a reputation of decadent elegance. If you can afford the tab, this beautiful resort is the idea location for anniversaries, family reunions, Christmas and other holidays, or simply a great way to find a summer-like atmosphere year round. This Exuma Chain wonderment is an "anytime" choice.

Musha Cay is located on the coast of a 150-acre island, full of unspoiled habitat. The white-sand beaches and sky blue waters are a feast for the eyes. Musha Cay employs a full-time staff of 30, well-qualified members who cater to a guest’s every need. The resort can hold up to 24 guests.

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Worlds Top Resorts - Necker Island

01 December 2008

Not too long ago, Necker Island was considered a drab location with no commercial appeal whatsoever. However, after one of Britain’s most outlandish figures, the multi-billionaire Sir Richard Branson, purchased the property, the little praised getaway in the British Virgin Islands quickly became a mega-popular success.

The resort is operated as a private residence, and all guests have the freedom to explore the entire island and the surrounding scenery. And a staff of 31 works to provide up to 26 guests with around-the-clock service, be it a simple room cleaning or a gourmet meal.

Necker Island is 74-acres, and has a 10-bedroom Balinese villa, along with two 1-bedroom Balinese houses named Bali Hi and Bali Lo. These houses are beautifully designed and boast many wonderful features. Each house has a private swimming pool, open-air lounging areas, outdoor dining areas, and many other state-of-the-art amenities.

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The Four Seasons Ty Warner Penthouse

30 November 2008

New York New York, big city of dreams. We’ve all heard that line before. And if you’ve ever ventured into Manhattan, the grandiose displays of ultra-luxurious hotels and mega-expansive buildings do look somewhat like a dream.

On the "Luxist List," a well-regarded poll of the world’s most expensive and elegant places to stay, the Ty Warner penthouse tops the 10-most list at number-one. Available at the Four Seasons in Manhattan, the Ty Warner room is an insanely popular draw. However, more people like to talk about it than purchase a night’s stay in the posh penthouse. Ty Warner is the CEO of Ty Inc., creator of the Beanie Babies and owner of the Four Seasons. His estimated net worth is around $6-billion.

The Ty Warner Penthouse cost $50-million to construct, and was designed by acclaimed architect I.M. Pei, Peter Marino, and Ty Warner even lent a helping hand. The breathtaking views of Manhattan are literally indescribable.

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Worlds Top Fashion Brands - Giorgio Armani

27 November 2008

Some fashion brands are recognized worldwide due to their overwhelming appeal. Others are recognized due to their overwhelming price. Armani is a brand that that meets comfortably in the middle.

The man behind the universal fashion brand, Giorgio Armani, was born in Piacenza, Italy in 1934. Unlike many fashion designers who had lifelong aspirations of cementing their place in history, Armani was an aspiring photographer and had a brief stint in the medicinal field. He also joined the military, a far cry from the fashion designer he would later become.

After his time was served in the Armed Forces, Armani began his fashion career as a simple window dresser at a large Milanese department store, La Rinascente. A few years later and a whole lot wiser, Armani realized that he could incorporate his naturally-gifted sense of style and form his own fashion company - but this dream wouldn’t be realized right away.

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The bespoke tailoring centre of the world Savile Row

25 November 2008

Savile Row is a street in Mayfair, London that is basically synonymous with bespoke tailoring. The street, as well as surrounding areas, is riddled with tailor’s shops. Like Little Italy in New York City, Savile Row has become a safe haven for many people with the same interest: tailoring.

Tailors have been filling this area up since the early 19th century, and these artisans have worked extremely hard to build their well-established businesses. These businesses hold both quality and style as their highest standards. And after years of business, Savile Row is known as the place to receive a quality tailored garment.

Savile Row is located on the lands that were once known as the gardens of Burlington House. After London officials decided that it was a time for a change, way back in 1733, construction began on several row houses. Dorothy Savile, wife of the Earl of Burlington, christened the street, thus giving it the name.

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Worlds Top Yachts - The Utopia

24 November 2008

From the first plans to build the superyacht Utopia, Feadship knew they were in for a huge job. Utopia was originally designed to be a 58-meter yacht, but the owner had a desire for a much larger ship full to the brim with top-level content.

The customer urged Feadship to lengthen to ship to 71.60-meters, thus making this one of the most complex ship construction projects in history. Aboard the Utopia, there are six decks which are all completely decked out with the latest innovative technologies and all the correct ultra-lavish comforts for the mega-rich.

It took very careful and precise work to build the Utopia, and the painstaking craftsmanship reflects on every single square inch of the finished product.

The level of finish leaves most astonished at the intricate detail. On an aesthetics level, Utopia reprises some solutions already successfully expressed by De Voogt Naval Architects, and also for Feadship. Rounded lines form the bow of the upper deck, and plenty of glass is set between the decks, making the ship appear more like a floating office building from a distance.

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Luxurious, lavish and totally Bentley

14 November 2008

The Bentley brand of automobile is the quintessential luxury car of today’s world. Other brands such as Mercedes and Lexus have challenged for the top spot, but Bentley proves time and again that their take on lavishness is what the consumer wants.

In a world of refined mineral water, Bentley can be viewed as Perrier; pure from the springs. Like any luxury car, however, you can expect to pay a small fortune for the rights to drive your own. Even the lesser popular models have price tags of six-figures.

Bentley’s sedans and coupes are famously handmade in Great Britain, by and large, at the state-of-the-art manufacturing site, Crewe factory. The Bentley benchmark is deeply imprinted, and the fine craftsmanship-meets modern day technology approach produces a regularly superior automobile.

Bentley Motors is nearing 100-years-old, and was founded by Walter Owen Bentley in 1919. He quickly put the nose to the grindstone and within two years, Bentley had released the first model, the rapid 3-litre debut. Soon after the first release received public acclaim, Bentley followed up with other impressive models.

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Breitling Watches a legendary watchmaker

11 November 2008

Every wristwatch fan in the world knows that Switzerland is the place where it all started. The Breitling watch company is no exception. In 1884, Leon Breitling decided to take his dream for quality-crafted precision timepieces to the next level. He founded his company with the specific purpose of developing chronographs and counters for scientific applications.

However, his brand became so popular in just a few short years that Breitling was forced to relocate to La Chaux-de-Fonds in 1892, due to massive growth. This was the Mecca of the watch world, and Leon held on until 1914, when he passed away and left his company in the hands of his son Gaston.

The younger Breitling picks up where his father left off, and only a short year later, Breitling released their first chronograph wristwatch. Gaston would continue to make varied important developments as a watchmaker.

He even supplied the first wristwatch instruments to aviators. Breitling developed the first independent chronograph push piece in 1923, and in 1934, Gaston’s son, Willy Breitling, took control of the company and added a second push piece to the classic watch, enabling cumulative or incremental recording (current configuration).

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Worlds Top Yachts - Sea Ray Sundancer

05 November 2008

Ocean lovers set out and cruise the open water for multiple reasons. Some like the deep sea fishing, others like the feeling of freedom, and some like to flaunt their stuff with their luxury boats. Well, you really can’t refer to a man’s pride and joy as a boat.

They’re pleasure cruisers, power cruisers, and yachts, with all the luxurious amenities of a classy hotel. Even the smaller ones have enough room to maneuver comfortably. One of the more popular brands of boats floating around is the Sea Ray. Manufactured by the Brunswick Corporation, Sea Ray’s top model is the Sundancer. These boats range from 17-foot power cruisers to 60-foot yachts.

Perhaps the most popular yacht in Sea Ray’s catalogue is the 44 Sundancer. It is the number 1 selling boat in its class. And Sea Ray encourages everyone to jump aboard and see why.

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Worlds Top Yachts - The Princess 25m

29 October 2008

Some people just can’t get enough luxury. As if a regular yacht wasn’t good enough, true opulence lovers opt for yachts which resemble wingless airplanes that gently stay afloat on the ocean’s surface. And one of the more popular brands of ultra-yacht is the posh powerhouse, Princess Yachts International.

Don’t let the name fool you at all, Princess Yachts are truly fit for a King. Founded in 1965 as Marine Projects Ltd, the company was purchased in 1981 by a South African businessman named Graham J. Beck. He eventually sold the company to a French businessman’s investment group in 2008. Throughout the years, Princess’ Motor Yachts have been turning heads throughout the seven seas.

One of the most popular models is the Princess 25m. This extravagant yacht flawlessly combines the best in style, with an overwhelming presence and heart-stopping performance. This powerhouse can easily reach high speeds for long-distance cruising.

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Worlds Top Resorts - Altamer Anguilla

26 October 2008

The key to a good vacation is options. When you’re planning your next trip, take some extra time to think about every conceivable detail. Of course you’ll be thinking about where to go, what to eat, where to stay, what to see while you’re there, etc. But when it comes time for that much needed vacation, ask yourself the most important question of all: Do you want to go someplace simply to say, or are you looking for luxury? Any old hotel won’t do.

Besides how often do you really get to take a vacation? It would be a shame to stay in some rundown shack. If you’re thinking of a Caribbean vacation, then you’re not alone. Millions visit each year for a fresh breath of island life. And if you’re stopping in Anguilla, the Altamer resort is a place you must check out.

Altamer offers guests some of the finest luxury on the island. Their villas are amazing, and you won’t soon forget your stay. The villas were created for people who live for luxurious settings. Everything about Altamer screams 5-stars: the museum quality interior, fine wine and dining, royal service, and priceless views.

Altamer resort is a place where you can relax and be a part of the island. There are three villas at Altamer for you to choose from: the smallest is 10,000 sq ft, next we have the 12,000 sq ft villa, and finally, the African Sapphire Villa, which boasts an impressive 14,000 sq ft.

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Ferrari, a car maker and formula one giant

21 October 2008

Ferrari is one of the most popular sports cars in the world. With its sleek style and ultimate performance capability, it’s often the most sought after car by connoisseurs and anyone with a particular need for speed.

Ferrari is based in Maranello, Italy, and was founded by Enzo Ferrari in 1929 as Scuderia Ferrari. Ferrari is also very well known in the Formula One racing world, where it has enjoyed phenomenal success on the track.

Today, Ferrari employs almost 3,000 people, and pulls in annual revenue of over €1,688. From the very beginning, something was different about Ferrari. No one ever expected the cars to be as popular as they are today, not even founder Enzo Ferrari.

Enzo Ferrari never intended to produce such a popular brand of sports cars. In fact, he formed Scuderia Ferrari in 1929 as a sponsor for amateur drivers headquartered in Modena. Enzo helped prepare and successfully raced various drivers in Alfa Romeo models until 1938, where he was then hired by Alfa Romeo to head their motor racing department.

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Tag Heuer, makers of world class chronography watches

20 October 2008

Tag Heuer is one of the most prestigious brands of luxury timepieces in the world. Second to only Rolex in popularity, Tag is another Swiss watch brand known for its sports watches and chronographs.

It is a division of LVMH, a leading luxury goods company. The company has a motto, "Swiss Avant-Garde Since 1860." Today, a Tag Heuer timepiece can be purchased from multiple locations. Their watch styles and models number in the hundreds, but it is a few particular types from which their popularity was born.

The watchmaking company was founded in 1860 by Edouard Heuer. He slowly built the company from the ground up, and was a very innovative watchmaker. Heuer patented the first crown-winding mechanism for his pocket watches in 1869. And then, during the Universal Exhibition in Paris, 1889, the Heuer Company won the silver medal for its collection of various pocket chronographs.

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Worlds Top Yachts - Lioness aka April Fool

19 October 2008

The latest Feadship luxury motoryacht launched by Royal van Lent is the 200-foot April Fool, project name Lioness. Feadship brings their high standards in craftsmanship and luxury to the table for this ultimate yacht-lovers delight.

Highlights of this massive ship include a four-deck elevator, a custom electric awning on the sun deck, and a stellar full-beam owner’s suite. In addition to the owner’s suite, April Fool has four other spacious staterooms and other quarters to house up to eighteen crewmembers.

Every Feadship launch is a special occasion, but project Lioness was particularly special. Hundreds of people contributed in this yacht from design to development. The launch was a chance to show the hard work and dedication that went on for several years. Naturally, the date the owners chose to receive the April Fool was April 1st.

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James Bond's favourite car brand, Aston Martin

17 October 2008

Aston Martin Lagonda Limited is a British luxury performance car manufacturer. Their headquarters are based in Gaydon, England, and the company’s name is derived from one of the company’s founders, Lionel Martin, and from the Aston Hill speed hillclimb located near Aston Clinton in Buckinghamshire.

Aston Martin’s are most well known for being prestigious luxury cars owned by the rich and famous. Perhaps most famously, Aston Martin is a favorite automobile of none other than 007 himself, Mr. James Bond. Of course, Aston Martin didn’t start out so prestigiously. Similar to most other car brands, AM had to pay their dues.

Aston Martin was founded in 1913 by Robert Bamford and Lionel Martin. The two had met the previous year while selling cars made by Singer. Martin frequently raced specials at Aston Hill, and the two eventually began to manufacture their own cars.

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Worlds Top Resorts - Cayo Espanto

12 October 2008

Belize is one of the more famous countries in Central America. Formerly known as British Honduras, and once part of the great Mayan and Spanish empires, Belize has a storied history that rivals Greece and Rome. Vacationers love visiting the area, and in recent years, more people are enjoying their stay at the private resort, Cayo Espanto.

There are only six villas available at Cayo Espanto, but don’t let the island fool you, it’s quite deceptive. With ruffled mangrove borders and a palm tree center, Cayo Espanto appears to be a very large island, and you’ll never see another guest unless you’re out on the water or on your dock.

The anonymity of the island has made it a favorite spot for today’s celebrities. Among the many famous frequent guests are Robert De Niro, Tiger Woods, and Leonardo DiCaprio.

As well as being breathtakingly beautiful and secluded, Cayo Espanto is also famed for its fine cuisine. This isn’t like a 5-star restaurant that serves appetizer portions for dinner - Cayo Espanto dishes out the gourmet meals at belly buster rates. With all of that food, guests will definitely need some exercise to work off the calories.

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A review of Rolls Royce, the prestige automobile company

09 October 2008

Rolls-Royce is undoubtedly the most luxurious car brand on the planet. For over a century, Rolls-Royce has been the marquee standard when it comes to the development of a luxury car, and other carmakers have copied, imitated, and stolen Rolls-Royce design concepts for decades.

Due to a recent resurgence in popularity, Rolls-Royce has once again taken the top spot as kings of the automotive world. The company was officially formed in 1906 when Charles Stewart Rolls and Fredrick Henry Royce formed a partnership. The company’s six-cylinder Silver Ghost was debuted that same year. RR was unlike any other manufacturer of the era. Their attention to detail and dedication to quality was clear from the start.

During the 1920s, Rolls-Royce opened a second factory in Springfield, Massachusetts in order to keep up with the rising demand. This factory only stayed open for 10 years, but they launched the Phantom 1, which would ultimately become the defining Rolls-Royce model.

The car was powered by a pushrod-operated overhead valve engine with detachable cylinder heads. This was very cutting-edge technology for the time. And in 1931, with the acquisition of Bentley, Rolls-Royce had the market of luxury cars cornered.

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Worlds Top Yachts - Alfa Four

06 October 2008

Alfa Four is the yacht owned by Greek yachtsman and entrepreneur Theodore Angelopoulos and his wife, Gianna. The first mission of the Alfa Four was to play host to the VIP guests during the Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. Alfa Four began its life at Oceanco with the codename Ambrosiana.

It is a near-sistership to Lady Lola, winner of the 2003 ShowBoats award for Best Full-Displacement Motor Yacht over 38 meters. Slated to be a 60-meter ship, Ambrosiana was originally contracted for a German client. Although halfway through the construction, the project came to an abrupt halt. Meanwhile, Angelopoulos has sold a 66-meter yacht he had been building at Feadship. He was looking for a replacement when he came across Alfa Four.

Many of the spectacular features of Alfa Four are drawn directly from Angelopoulos’ experience with yachting. The yacht’s master suite comprises a flexible and dramatic multitier space arrangement. The master is entered through a companionway off the central foyer that passes.

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Worlds Top Resorts - Sandy Lane

01 October 2008

If your next vacation takes you to Barbados, then there’s a must-see resort that will leave you breathless. Sandy Lane in Barbados is an exclusive luxury beach vacation resort. This paradise is absolutely perfect for honeymooners, and it offers a stellar combination of privacy, a plethora of vacation activities, and world-class service.

Sandy Lane is located on the western coast of the island of Barbados. Some of the great features of Sandy Lane include three professional-style golf courses, and a 47-thousand square foot spa. In front of the resort, you’ll be met by a remarkable white sand beach, and the most beautiful look at the Caribbean Sea you could ever imagine.

Sandy Lane is a wonderful place to visit no matter what time of year you go. The island of Barbados has a tropical climate with yearly temperatures between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit, making for picture perfect weather. Apart from being a perfect honeymoon destination, Sandy Lane is also a popular stop for some of the world’s top golfers.

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Worlds Top Yachts - Wally Power

29 September 2008

If you’ve ever laid eyes on the Wallypower Superyacht, then you’ve probably thought the government created a stealth-like boat in their secret labs and you would subsequently be blindfolded and ultimately disposed of for witnessing the floating fortress.

Relax. This isn’t the case all; you’re totally safe. The Wally is a sleek, futuristic yacht straight out of a science-fiction movie, but it’s non-lethal. Everything about this yacht screams out cool and original. The 118-foot, Italian designed sea-beast blows contemporary yachts out of the water with its amazing speed as well.

Most yachts barely pick up enough speed to cause the water to ripple, but Wally chugs along at over 110 kilometers per hour (68.3mph).

The reason for its shape is simple: performance. Wally was built to travel at blazing fast speeds, all while keeping its guests aboard draped in luxury. The radical styling of the yacht was tested at Ferrari’s wind tunnel to ensure it would break the waves.

The Wally is equipped with three 5,600 horsepower gas turbines that are designed similarly to a jet fighter plane. Air inlets on either side of the boat effectively funnel air into the engines, thus allowing for faster revolutions and ultimate power output. It can travel at top speed for over 400 nautical miles. Wally comes in different models with price tags of $26-million and $20-million for two-engine models.

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The world renowed Cartier, where it all came from

26 September 2008

Cartier SA is a French jeweler and watch manufacturer that is a subsidiary of Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA. The company carries the name of the Cartier family of jewelers whose control came to an end in the 1960s. The company has a very long and distinguished history of serving all manors of royalty, celebrities, and the well-to-do.

The Prince of Wales once hailed Cartier as "Jeweler to the Kings, King of Jewelers." Louis-Francois Cartier founded the company in Paris in 1847. He took over the workshop of his master and began making quality pieces of jewelry. Louis’ son, Alfred Cartier, took over administration of the company in 1874, but it was Alfred’s sons, Pierre, Jacques and Louis who were responsible for establishing the world-wide brand name of Cartier.

In 1904, a British aviator named Alberto Santos-Dumont complained of the unreliability of using pocket watches while flying. Dumont’s friend, Cartier, took it upon himself to answer the challenge and developed a flat wristwatch. This watch was a hit with many of Cartier’s clients, and thus the "Santos" design was born.

This was the first men’s wristwatch in history. Louis was responsible for a lot of Cartier’s designs, such as the mystery clocks, fashionable wristwatches, and Art Deco designs. Cartier signed a contract with Edmond Jaeger in 1907, and agreed to exclusively supply the movements for Cartier watches. Cartier had several branches by this time, including branches in London, St. Petersburg, and New York. Cartier was quickly becoming the most popular watch brand in the world.

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One of the more desirable sports cars in the world, the Zonda Pagani

23 September 2008

In 1999, Pagani introduced their sports car Zonda. It is a mid-engined sports car that comes in 2-seat coupe and convertible versions. The body construction is mainly carbon fiber, making these cars lightweight and durable.

Some of the early Zonda models were developed by Formula One champion, Juan Manuel Fangio. The car was originally set to be named after Fangio (the Fangio F1), but after his death, it was named after an air current above Argentina. Zonda’s C12 debuted at the 1999 Geneva Motor Show.

It was powered by a Mercedes-Benz M120 V12 engine, capable of reaching speeds of 210mph. Since then, Zonda has introduced new models, including the 2000 Zonda C12 S; 2002 Zonda C12 S 7.3; 2003 Zonda GR; C12 S Monza; 2005 Zonda F; Zonda Roadster; Zonda R Clubsport; and Zonda Cinque.

Pagani has always produced luxurious, fast, and well-built automobiles. Since the Italian company was founded in 1992 by Horacio Pagani, the manufacturer has turned out some of the best sports cars in Europe. Pagani, an Argentinean-born Italian, was Lamborghini’s former composite department manager.

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Worlds Top Yachts - Blue Moon

21 September 2008

The oceans seem to be flooded by the massive egos of boat owners. A battle for supremacy is taking place in the form of a yachting contest. Who owns the biggest, the best, and the most lavish?

These are all questions the rest of us now want to know. Among the top contenders is the Blue Moon, built by Feadship for owner Richard Duchossois, now in his late 80s. This 198-foot yacht is about as luxurious as a yacht can possibly get. It is Duchossois’ third attempt at his supreme boat, and thus far, he seems to be happy with the results. The third Blue Moon is a triumphant masterpiece in the world of yachtbuilding.

Blue Moon has two skylights in the roof of the observation lounge that add an elegant glow to the ship at night. The forward, half-crescent panel lights up the observation lounge completely, and the second round skylight shines down on the elevator shaft. On the top deck, a large Jacuzzi pool sits surrounded by lounge furniture.

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Worlds Top Resorts - Fregate Island

19 September 2008

Fregate Island is the easternmost island of the granitic Inner Islands of the Seychelles. Situated in the Indian Ocean, northeast of the island of Madagascar, Seychelles has long been known as a top vacation destination. And its pride and joy is Fregate Island. Fregate is primarily known as a secluded, private resort for the well-to-do.

The Times have voted Anse Victorin beach "The World’s Best Beach," and Fregate Island’s popularity is at an all-time high. Explorer Lazare Picault named the island after witnessing an abundance of frigatebirds on the island. The island is covered with beautiful Indian almond trees, takamaka, and cashew. The water directly off the coastline also provides some of the world’s best snorkeling.

The resort at Fregate is comprised of 16 luxury villas, allowing for a total number of 40 guests to stay on the private island at any one time. The island remains totally exclusive to its guests. Unless you’re staying at the resort, then you’re not allowed to step foot on Fregate Island.

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Worlds Top Private Jets - The Boeing Business Jet

15 September 2008

Boeing is one of the most popular aircrafts in the world. Based in Seattle, Washington, Boeing was founded in 1916 and employs over 55-million as of 2008. Their most popular model, the 737 jet which took its first flight in 1967, has now become a scaled-down version.

These rearranged airplanes are referred to as private business jets. Boeing’s jets are all factory conversions of Boeing airliners. Some of the jets are able to seat between 25 and 50 passengers in luxury, and include master bedrooms, washrooms with shower(s), a dining/conference area, and a living area. The Boeing Business Jet 2 is based on the 737-800.

Boeing advertises their jets for large scale business. When you need a plane large enough to handle your business, yet wish to fly in luxury, the BBJ2 is a solid choice. The Boeing jet has a range of up to 5,735 nautical miles, and offers passengers (up to 19 in the BBJ2 Multiflight model) 3 times more personal space than conventional jets.

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Worlds Top Resorts - Turtle Island Fiji

12 September 2008

The 500-acre Turtle Island is a private island resort which is part of the Yasawa group in the Republic of Fiji. This island is the perfect getaway for honeymooners, families, and anyone else who wants a great, secluded vacation in paradise. If you’ve ever wanted to experience a private island resort, Turtle Island is the perfect luxury beach vacation.

Fiji sits in the South Pacific Ocean east of Vanuatu, and provides some of the greatest scenery on earth. The water blends in with the sky in perfect blue harmony. Even some of the local fish share the same breathtaking color, making Fiji one of most popular diving/snorkeling destinations in the Pacific, and Turtle Island is Fiji’s pride and joy.

Vacationers can be as relaxed or as active as they wish on Turtle Island. If you prefer the latter approach, then the area’s open for scuba diving, horseback riding, deep-sea fishing, hiking, kayaking, and you can even grab a nice, quiet picnic on the beach. And, of course, you can lounge out on a hammock and enjoy the beautiful breeze blowing over you.

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Worlds Top Yachts - The Annaliesse

10 September 2008

Annaliesse is one the largest yachts for charter in the world. Coming in at 280-feet (85.3 meters), this beautiful yacht has an amazing presence on the open water. Her sleek hull towers above the ocean’s surface and draws attention from miles away. Once onboard this stunning superyacht, guests are welcome to explore the ship’s five extravagant decks.

Annaliesse is able to accommodate up to 36 guests in ultimate luxury, and 34 crew members make sure that their every need is catered to. The Annaliesse boasts almost 26,000 square feet of living area, so everyone can enjoy their own personal space. The choices for guests range from the top-level Sun Deck, Jacuzzis, dining halls, and much, much more.

The crew at the bar will serve anything from cold cocktails to a hot lunch, 24 hours a day. If you’re a fan of sports, there are 4 waverunners aboard Annaliesse, and also two tenders, a fully equipped diving center, and more. The Bridge Deck is completely transformed at night and turned into one of the most beautiful dining areas on the planet.

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Worlds Top Resorts - Laluna in Grenada

09 September 2008

For vacationers, it’s not only about getting away from where you’re at, it’s about going some place new and exotic. Many people like to do a complete 180 when it comes to a vacation. Islands like Grenada, with its lavish appeal and tropical setting, draw people in by the hundreds of thousands every year.

And for those who like to immerse themselves in true elegance, the Laluna resort is a fantastic place to start. As one of the most beautiful attractions, not only on the island, but in the entire world, Laluna has a special ambiance and appeal that is almost indescribable. The overall beauty of this spectacular resort is truly one of a kind.

Laluna is one of Grenada’s best hotels, and lies on a breathtaking beach at Quarantine point, near the southernmost tip of the island. Its architectural design is something one may expect to find in Indonesia. The resort itself consists of 16 cottages, all thatch-covered with wood-and-stone siding.

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Where Rolex excels is its long standing history

06 September 2008

Rolex is the most recognizable watch in the world. With unsurpassed quality and craftsmanship, Rolex’s timepieces personify luxury and are coveted by the well-to-do the world over. Rolex produces over 2,000 watches daily, and earns a reported $3-billion in annual revenue.

BusinessWeek consistently ranks Rolex in the top 100 of its list of most important global brands, always topping all other watchmakers. With brilliantly designed pieces such as the Vintage Daytona and the Yacht-Master, it’s easy to see why Rolex is atop the leader boards. But this powerhouse didn’t start out the most popular; Rolex has over 100-years in the watch-making business, and any success they have now is hard-fought.

In 1905, Hans Wilsdorf and his brother-in-law Alfred Davis founded a small company, Wilsdorf and Davis, in London, England. At the time, their main business was importing Hermann Aegler’s Swiss movements to England and placing them in Dennison-made quality cases.

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How diamonds are valued and cut

05 September 2008

If you’ve been wondering how diamonds are valued exactly, you may be surprised to learn that it’s fairly simple. Rough diamonds, freshly plucked from the "wild" have a good value, but don’t sell for high prices on the common market.

What diamond lovers seek is the sleek cut of the stone; something that can be displayed or set in jewelry. Because of this, the value of a diamond runs concurrent with how it is cut. Other factors of a diamond’s value also include things such as clarity, color, and carat. But the cut of the diamond is ultimately its best selling feature.

All diamonds are separated and graded based on their four separate characteristics. This is done at a heavily guarded center, such as the DTC. The clearer a diamond is the more value it has. If you notice, all of the diamonds you see on television and in magazines are absolutely transparent and colorless for the most part. But that’s for aesthetic purposes more than anything.

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Worlds Top Private Jets - Dassault Falcon 7X

03 September 2008

When it comes to business jets, bigger is usually better. And though it’s listed as still in production, the Dassault Falcon 7X is already one of the world’s most popular business jets. The first display of Dassault’s long-range business jet took place in 2005 at the Charles Lindbergh Hall at Dassault’s Bordeaux Merignac aerospace production center.

The craft received its FAA and EASA certification in 2007, and entered service in June the same year. Over 200 orders have already been placed for the aircraft (exact numbers subject to change), and the price of ownership is set at over $40-millionUS.

The Falcon 7X is the latest member of the Falcon aircraft family. Though the family has an impressive resume, the 7X is built to outperform any previous business jet. It can fly faster, further, and higher than any of its predecessors. Dassault claims that the Falcon 7X is the world’s first fly-by-wire business jet.

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Worlds Most Luxurious Resorts - Rania The Experience

02 September 2008

For those who love the ultimate vacation, The Rania Experience is well worth checking out. Rania offers one of the most luxurious and exclusive vacations you can possibly take, and it’s all set around a very private resort that only accommodates 9 guests at any given time.

Rania is actually the name given to the 86-foot yacht which carries you through the beautiful waters of the Maldives to the exclusive, 7-acre Water Garden Island. Rania is also used to provide guests with cruises to other nearby islands. As a guest, you will travel through some of most pristine waters on the planet and beaches more beautiful than you can imagine. Anyone vacationing with Rania can divide their time between land and sea, and there are plenty of activities to occupy the time.

The vacation is happening all around, but your stay starts on the yacht. Once onboard, there are four bedrooms which are fully equipped with lavish amenities, such as a king-sized bed, en-suite bathrooms, plasma HD TVs with satellite, and more. The yacht is also complete with an open-air barbeque, a huge Jacuzzi, and indoor and outdoor lounging areas. This ship is as luxurious as it gets.

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Worlds Top Yachts - Christensen Custom 157

30 August 2008

One of the best yachts to sail the seas is the Christensen series. Their Custom 157 is turning heads for many reasons, none of which include an affordable price. Christensen’s 157 is sheer yacht perfection, and exclusively available to only the mega-rich. Christensen uses traditional design concepts and follows a specific course to ensure a finished product that is retro-modern and ultra luxurious in style and elegance.

Using an ingenious standard of engineering, these yachts are built for luxury and last a lifetime. Customers are able to have their yachts built to custom specifications, and the 157 (named for its 157-foot length) is no exception.

The yacht is essential built on a huge assembly line, on which the hull molds are compressed to form the body of the ship. During this process, buyers are able to make any specific requests or changes. The hulls are double-cored cell fiberglass, approximately 2-1/2 inches thick, and the superstructure is comprised of divinycell-core. This results in a supremely strong composite yacht that is a lighter weight than traditional yachts.

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The origins of Porsche

29 August 2008

In the world of sports cars, everyone has a favorite. For many, the Porsche is the undisputed king. And like any great car, Porsche has a long and storied history. Professor Ferdinand Porsche originally started a company called "Dr. ing. h. c. F. Porsche GmbH" in 1931, with its main office stationed in Stuttgart. The company initially offered vehicle development work and consulting, and did not build any cars under its own name.

Among the company’s earliest assignments was to design a car for the German people. The resulting automobile was the Volkswagen Beetle, which is one of the most recognizable cars of all time. The first Porsche that the company produced was the Porsche 64. It was developed in 1939, using many components of the Beetle.

The Volkswagen factory fell to the British in 1945, and Ferdinand lost his position as company chairman when he was jailed for 20 months. During that time, Ferdinand’s son, Ferry Porsche, decided to build his own car after he was unable to find one on the market worth buying. He worked in Gmund, Austria and came up with the 356. This prototype was shown to German auto dealer, and production began after the pre-orders started rolling in. After hiring Reutter Carosseri to build the body of the 356, Porsche built an assembly plant across the street. In 1948, the 356 became road certified.

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Worlds Top Resorts - Explora en Patagonia

28 August 2008

Chile is a country in South America that occupies a long, narrow coastal strip between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. It borders other famous tourist destinations such as Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina. The entire western coast of Chile looks out onto the Pacific, making this one of the more popular destinations in all of South America.

And year after year, one of the favorite sites to see is Chile’s own Explora En Patagonia, a luxurious resort located in the south of the country. With affordable rates and priceless views, Explora contradicts itself. The resort maintains a reputable and loyal list of clientele, and the widespread good word of the resort brings higher numbers of visitors annually.

In the heart of the Chilean Patagonia region lays Torres del Paine National Park. It covers 598,000 acres and offers a spectacular array of mountains, rivers, waterfalls, lakes, and more. Considered one of the most beautiful regions in the world, this is the perfect location for a secluded getaway.

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Worlds Top Private Jets - The Gulfstream G550

26 August 2008

Gulfstream Aerospace introduced their G550 model business jet in 2003. Similar to the G500, the newer model is built for pure luxury. It’s also all about performance with this jet. Its range is increased to 6,750 nautical miles, due to reductions in aerodynamic drag. The Gulfstream 550 boasts the longest range of any business jet in the world.

It has a "PlaneView" cockpit, consisting of 4 Honeywall DU-1310 EFIS screens, and a cursor-control system. It also has an enhanced vision system, and an infrared camera that displays an image of the front view on a head up display. The enhanced vision system helps the jet to land in lower-visibility instrument meteorological conditions.

The jet is an all-around masterpiece. The sleek exterior of the jet and the smooth and luxurious interior make the Gulfstream 550 a plane worth flying in. The Cabin pressurization can be maintained at the equivalent of 6-thousand feet as opposed to 8-thousand on a conventional aircraft.

This change in pressure makes for a significant improvement in passenger comfort. When gas gets trapped in the gastrointestinal tract, the middle ear, and the paranasal sinuses, the increased pressure of conventional aircrafts can cause discomfort and pain. But with the G550, the pressure is reduced, resulting in a comfortable journey.

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How diamonds are mined

25 August 2008

Diamonds are forever, a girls best friend, and downright expensive. In order to put that diamond ring on your finger, someone has to mine, ship, process, inspect, polish, set, and ultimately sell that diamond. With all of these various steps, it’s no wonder why diamonds are among the world’s most expensive items. Of every diamond mined throughout the world every year, far less than half will be gem quality. What happens to the rest of the diamonds?

They’re put into two other categories: Near-gem quality, and industrial quality. In order to be stamped as gem quality, diamonds must display the highest standard of excellence. Trained eyes painstakingly seek out any flaws. If a diamond isn’t up to par, it never will be. It’s hit or miss in the diamond industry. But before they can be professionally graded, the diamonds must be mined.

Diamonds are mined throughout the world, most notably in Africa where the diamond trade has been the root of many evils. In order to mine the gems, two methods are used: Pipe mining or alluvial mining. The first, pipe mining, refers to the extraction of diamonds from volcanic pipes. This is a lengthy process which covers tremendous ground. On average, 250 tons of ore must be mined before a one-carat gem quality diamond is produced.

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Worlds Top Yachts - The Anson Bell

22 August 2008

The HMS Anson was a French navy warship which served the British Royal Navy in the 18th and 19th centuries. When the ship wasn’t in battle, it occasionally attended to the British royal family. During a storm in 1807, the Anson wrecked off of the coast of Cornwall, England, and the ship was virtually destroyed. After the loss of the Anson, many changes were made when rebuilding the ship, all placing high emphasis on safety and rescue techniques. Now, 200 years later, the same emphasis was placed on building a ship, only this time it is for pleasure.

Palmer Johnson, an experienced ship builder with a collection of maritime artifacts, including the actual bell from the original Anson, decided to construct his new Anson Bell on American soil. He set out to construct the safest motor yacht ever built, and the 156-foot Palmer Johnson Anson Bell was born.

The yacht not only meets the requirements of the highest level of Lloyd’s Register classification, but it exceeds requirements for damage stability and fire resistance. Anson Bell is able to withstand flooding of any two compartments onboard, which adds superior stability to the ship. The Anson Bell has six bulkheads, creating eight separate compartments.

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Worlds Top Resorts - The Singita Game Reserve

21 August 2008

South Africa is becoming one of the more popular places to visit in the world. With new casino ventures and a wealth of development opportunity, tourists are flocking to the country in large numbers. For many visitors of South Africa, seeing the wild and native game is among the top things to do.

Singita Game Reserves is a one of a kind, top of the line series of resorts that brings visitors an up close and personal view of game in its natural habitat. The location is incredible, the ambiance is very personable yet magnificent, and the game drives are utterly unbeatable. It’s no mystery why Singita Game Reserves is one of the more popular tourist destinations in all of Africa. Consistently voted high on everyone’s best destination list, Singita is sure to win over even the harshest critic.

The word Singita means place of miracles. And to witness the breathtaking scenery of the resort is indeed miraculous. Through a private airport, guests are taken to the destination of their choice, where they are then greeted by the meek looking rooms which sit upon a vast and elegant terrain.

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Behind the gears of Patek Philippe

18 August 2008

As one of the most sought after watches in the world, Patek Philippe SA has literally stood the test of time. This company’s luxurious, ultra-elegant timepieces have been dazzling some very lucky people for over 140 years.

Patek Philippe was founded by Count Antoine Norbert de Patek in 1845, and in the years to come, Patek would make crucial innovations to set his watches apart from the world’s competitors. The first years were the most crucial, as in any new venture, and it would be a time marred by mundane accomplishments.

After opening his own watch company to a relatively uninterested public, Patek feared that his passion wouldn’t be enough to lure in the customers. However, he had strong ties with Poland, and the Polish people took a liking to his watches, becoming some of the first owners.

These years predate the Patek-Philippe partnership. They speak more of meager beginnings - a start that almost thwarted one of the world’s finest watches before it had a chance. In 1844, after sporadic partnerships, Patek met Adrien Philippe, a young French inventor of keyless winding mechanisms. Patek’s previous partnerships and solo efforts were all but over, and the two formed a reluctant partnership.

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