gavroche january edition

GAVROCHELuxury magazine

so good

Issue 1, January 2015

Luxuryhas never been MEET THE FASHION

PIONEERS WHO COMBINE

A LOVE OF STYLE WITH

THEIR VISION FOR AN

ETHICAL WORLD

SELECTING OUR STARS

A GUIDE TO THE WORLD ’S

GREATEST MICHELIN

RESTAURANTS

YOUR NEW BEST FRIENDWHAT TO LOOK FOR IN

RARE COLOURED DIAMONDS

THE FUTURE OF MOBILITYMERCEDES -BENZ AND

TESLA’S LATEST

INNOVATIONS

One of the most beautiful destinations in Europe.

EXPERIENCE ISTRIA

Crystal clear Adriatic Sea, friendly hospitality, cultural and historical points of interest make this region to an interesting holiday destination. Explore the blue coastal Istria, a pleasureground of swimming, sailing, diving – and the green interior, with its wine & olive oil routes. Feel the open-air museums across the peninsula, some of them used for music & film events and as cafés. The options for eating out are almost limitless, from quiet local tavernas, hidden away off a back road in the inland and serving the most delicious homemade pasta with truffles, to exquisite seafood restaurants near the waterfront.This heart-shaped peninsula offers some of the best of Croatian accommodation facilities. Apart from 4- and 5-star-hotels and small luxury family hotels, it also offers a wide selection of holiday villas with pool.

Visit www.istra.com for more information.

I_Redakt_210x297_Gavroche.indd 1 09.01.15 13:15

3JANUARY 2015


EXPERIENCE ISTRIA




4GARVOCHE LUXURY

CONTENTSJanuary 2015

YACHTS

THE MOST ALLURING MARINAS . . . 6

FINE DINING

FINE DINING AND RESTAURANTS . . . 11

MOTOR

REVIVAL OF THE CLASSIC CAR . . . 18

THE FUTURE OF MOBILITY . . . 22

FASHION

THE HEART OF LUXURY FASHION . . . 28

RARE COLOURED DIAMONDS . . . 33

WATCHES

INTERVIEW WITH FOUNDER OF NIALL . . . 38

FINANCE

THE NEW PHILANTHROPY . . . 43

A LASTING LEGACY: FAMILY OFFICES . . . 44

TRAVEL

CARIBBEAN RESORTS & VILLAS . . . 48

ISLAND INVESTMENT . . . 52

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE . . . 54

ECO DESTINATIONS: CENTRAL AMERICA . . . 58

11

58

6

22

5JANUARY 2015

FOUNDER & EDITOR-IN -CHIEF

Martin Garvey

EDITOR

Nigella Wingate Gray

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Danni Landa

COPYWRITER

Daniel Spence -Agnew

COPYWRITER

Marie -Anne Hamilton

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Alexandra Wilk

HEAD OF SALES

Ernest Mohedrano Garcia De Vicuna

PUBLISHER

MGDS Media Ltd.

www.mgdsgroup.com

TEL: +44 208 432 2819

GAVROCHE MAGAZINE

www.gavrocheluxury.com

TEL: +44 203 637 2848

EDITOR ̓S NOTE

A warm welcome.. .

I am very excited to announce my new appointment as editor of Gavroche

Luxury .

I would l ike to take this t ime to wish my predecessor, Marie -Anne Hamilton all

the very best with her excit ing new venture, and I thank her for the support and

expertise she has contributed as a labour of love to Gavroche . I have also inherited

an incredibly talented and devoted team, who don’t merely create a magazine, but

engineer a uniquely crafted original product with each issue.

Our long term aim is not only to have Gavroche recognised as being at the

epicentre of luxury and wealth but also as a brand that genuinely tries to make a

posit ive difference. We f irmly believe that people and businesses can do good and

do well at the same time.

Our launch edit ion features a brand which has made a signif icant social impact

by establishing a fashion house with a charitable ethos. Daniel Spence Agnew

has reviewed the most exclusive gourmet Michelin starred restaurants in the f ine

dining section. Our yachting section featurs the most al luring marinas globally and

this theme will be continued in our next issue.

This edit ion is packed with features relating to high-end luxury, philanthropy

and corporate social responsibil i ty and will be distributed at strategic locations

during the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland

January 2015.

I am bursting at the seams with creative ideas and targeted strategies that wil l

guarantee Gavroche Luxury ʼs continued success as we once again move forward

and posit ion ourselves to become the number one unique luxury and philanthropic

publication globally.

Nigella Windgate Gray, Editor

COVER IMAGE PROVIDED BY

LE MEURICE, FEATURED p.11

6GAVROCHE LUXURY

THE MOST ALLURING MARINAS IN THE

WORLDITALY, SOUTHERN FRANCE AND THE CARIBBEAN ARE HARD

TO BEAT, BUT THE YACHTING COMMUNITY IS TRAVELLING

FURTHER AFIELD THESE DAYS. SEEKING OUT OLD

FAVOURITES AND LESSER KNOWN DESTINATIONS, GAVROCHE

PINPOINTS THE PLACES TO BE SEEN

By Marie -Anne Hamilton

7JANUARY 2015

From quaint European harbours to glossy new marinas packed with designer boutiques or gl istening Caribbean harbours, there is

no shortage of magnif icent yachting destinations. The most challenging question may well be where to go next. “The Mediterranean remains the place to see – or perhaps more appropriately, ‘the place to be seen ’” , says Lea Tintaud, Charter Fleet Manager at Edmiston. “It has the infrastructure, the restaurants, nightl i fe, scenery and facil i t ies that people have come to expect.” “There ʼs also a continued increase in the number of yachts venturing further af ield, with many wanting to explore more exotic destinations.” Croatia, Greece and Turkey are al l popular these days. “It seems extraordinary that a destination such as Croatia has remained relatively undiscovered, but now it ʼs on every yachtʼs must -see l ist ,” says Lea. “The Caribbean ʼs not as popular as i t was, but thatʼs diff icult to see i f youʼre anchored off St Barts for New Year!”

1. Marina Grande, Capri This exclusive haven has always attracted a glamorous crowd. In the 1950s, the l ikes of Clark Gable, Sofia Loren and Jackie Kennedy would congregate on the island, while more recently, celebrit ies such as George Clooney, Julia Roberts and Harrison Ford have f locked there. Even so, with its pastel houses and brightly coloured f ishing boats, Capri st i l l retains more than a dash of old-world charm. There are 10 superyacht berths, al l just a short stroll from numerous designer boutiques stocking Ital ian labels such as Pucci, Ferragamo and Versace, plus delicatessens sell ing Neapolitan delicacies. The most expensive marina in the world, i t costs an average of EUR 2,900 to moor a superyacht.

When to go: The Rolex Capri Sail ing Week, May

2. Marina di Portofino One of the prett iest harbours of al l , idyll ic Portofino was once a small f ishing vil lage and is often only accessible by sea – the single road leading to i t is closed for most of the year. Regular visitors include Steven Spielberg and Coldplayʼs Chris Martin, and Russian bil l ionaire Andrey Melnichenko – owner of 119 metre Phil ippe Starck-designed superyacht A. “You can sit in the restaurants and watch the l i tt le pointu boats [tradit ional sai l ing boats] hustle for space amongst the large superyachts,”

YACHTS

8GAVROCHE LUXURY

small wooden bridges connecting the different vil lages.” During summer months, the place heaves with the Ital ian jet -set and the l ikes of Kate Moss, Denzel Washington and George Clooney.

When to go: Deluxe Fair, June; Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, September

4. Vieux Port de Cannes, Cote dʼAzur

says Tintaud.

With only 14 berths for yachts, including six for superyachts, i t can be hard to get a space.

When to go: Portofino Rolex Trophy, May

3. Porto Cervo, Sardinia Porto Cervo was founded by the Aga Khan who used it as a private retreat for his fr iends and family. These days, Silvio Burlusconi owns a vil la here, and come high summer, the marina is packed with superyachts. “Mooring up outside Café du Port amongst the other large yachts is fantastic,” says Tintaud. “The l itt le vi l lage on the island is also very beautiful with quaint houses and luxury boutiques. I also love the

Anyone wanting to soak up the glamour of Cannes Film Festival should book at least a year in advance to guarantee a coveted spot here on the French Riviera. “The marina in itself is pretty common although the sight of the Palais du Festival is very impressive,” says Tintaud. “It ʼs perfect for those who want to go luxury shopping and clubbing!” The place is brimming with history and visitors can stroll in the streets l ined with plane trees or visit the morning f lower market.

When to go: Cannes Film Festival , May; Cannes Yachting Festival , September

5. Port Hercules, Monaco Nestl ing in the heart of this

At night al l the

l ights from the bars

and restaurants

reflect in the sea

9JANUARY 2015

“The impressive rocks are layered l ike cake and the old fortress town is out of this world. You can f ind along the promenade small markets and boutiques for picking up some lovely souvenirs and the restaurants are always buzzing in the summer.”

When to go: Anytime over the summer.

7. Porto Montenegro, Croatia Since opening in 2009, on the site of a formal naval base, Porto Montenegro has grown to be one of the hottest destinations for the el ite yachting crowd – particularly as it caters for todayʼs larger superyachts. There are plenty of boutiques, restaurants and sporting faci l i t ies, as well as cultural events at Porto Montenegro Yacht Club. “A great new marina and perfectly

The town is

brimming with

history and in

quieter moments

exclusive principality, at the foot of the Rock of Monaco, Port Hercules is hard to beat when it comes to gl i tz and glamour. It has the most mill ionaires per square capita in the world and even featured in the James Bond movie GoldenEye. That said, some prefer Monaco ʼs smaller Port de Fontviei l le. “But Port Hercule is st i l l a great location to be in and a necessity for stopping in Monaco!” says Tintaud.

When to go: Monte Carlo Rally, January; Monaco Grand Prix, May; Monaco Yacht Show, September.

6. Port de la Plaisance de Bonifacio, Corsica This spectacular port wins hearts. “To me, this is the most beautiful port entrance of the world,” says Lea .

situated for those making their way further down the Dalmation Coast,” says Tintaud.

When to go: September and October for peaceful late summer days. . .

8. Marina Hvar, Croatia Said by some to be the most beautiful place in Croatia, the island of Hvar is famed for i ts lavender f ields, ol ive groves and vineyards. Meanwhile, the picturesque main town boasts cobbled streets, pretty shuttered windows and sophist icated

night l i fe. “The marina offers the best scene in the evening, but most prefer to anchor off one of the thousand islands and inlets,” explains Tintaud. “Hvar and Porto Montenegro have some way to go to catch up with Monaco, but people certainly have it in their sights.”

When to go: June/July to see the lavender f ields; August for parties.

9. Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi While Middle Eastern marinas may lack in old - fashioned charm, they do boast the most fabulous faci l i t ies. Handily situated beside Abu Dhabiʼs Formula 1 race track, on the man-made island, Yas Marina has been compared to Cannes. Despite being a Muslim country, locals are said to be tolerant of the lavish parties thrown at the marina during the Grand Prix. “Dubai, Qatar and Abu Dhabi have grown very popular,” says Libby Gordon from The Yacht Harbour Association. “They ʼre not as pretty as some of the European marinas, but people love the shopping and hotels.”

When to go: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, November

10. YCCS Marina Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands An ideal base for cruising the Caribbean, this corner of paradise not only has a state-of -the -art marina, but also benefits from being close to Bitter End Yacht Club and Relais and Chateau hideaway Biras Creek Resort. As well as the endless possibil i t ies for scuba diving, f ishing and snorkell ing, i t is also the Caribbean base of Yacht Club Costa Smeralda. The marina, which opened in 2012, was developed using sustainable design practices and accommodates 38 yachts up to 88 metres long.

When to go: al l year round, especially March for the Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta.

YACHTS

Selecting Our

A guide to the world's

greatest Michelin restaurants

BY DANIEL SPENCE AGNEW

STARS

12GAVROCHE LUXURY

Michelin Stars are awarded to an el ite number of restaurants and are highly coveted by international

chefs. A truly luxurious award and synonymous with excellence, a Michelin restaurant wil l command loyalty and custom through its stars alone. As the watermark of luxury cuisine, Michelin awards 0 to 3 stars to restaurants on the basis of the anonymous reviews. Concentrating on the quality, technique, personality and consistency of the cuisine, they do not look at interiors or service when awarding stars. However, the guide does show forks and spoons, which simply conveys just how elegant or informal a restaurant may be. A three -star Michelin restaurant is one “worthy of a special journey, indicating exceptional cuisine where diners eat extremely well , often superbly. Distinctive dishes are precisely executed, using superlative ingredients” .

London ʼs Dorchester Hotel With regular appearances in countless best -restaurant l ists across the world, Alain Ducasseʼs three -star Michelin restaurant at Londonʼs Dorchester Hotel is one of the f inest in Europe. There are only four UK restaurants with three Michelin stars and London ʼs crème de la crème resides in fashionable Mayfair. Surrounded by 4,500 shimmering f ibre optics, which drop dramatically from the ceil ing, the ‘Table Lumière ’ is the centrepiece of the restaurant, adorned with specially selected Hermès china, Puiforcat si lverware and exquisite Saint -Louis crystal . French chef Alain Ducasse takes guests on an immersive culinary journey, starting with luxuriously presented amuse -bouche served in a porcelain egg and f inishing with divine ‘Chamonix ’ cakes. Seasonal produce from Britain and France are eloquently served on The Dorchester menu. His signature dishes include ‘Sauté gourmand ’ of lobster, truff led chicken quenelles and homemade pasta; Fil let of beef Rossini , crunchy cos lettuce, ‘sacristain ’ potatoes and the decadent Baba l ike in ‘Monte -Carlo ’ .

Le Meurice, Paris Likewise his equally sophist icated Le Meurice restaurant in Paris has three Michelin stars too. France is home to 27 three -star Michelin restaurants and nine are located in Paris. Capturing the essence of a luxury French restaurant, the rococo ceil ing décor of Le Meurice takes inspiration from the royal apartments of Versail les. French designer Phil ippe Starckʼs dining rooms have a gi lded Napoleonic Empire style, with antique furnishings covered in French and Ital ian

13JANUARY 2015

FINE DINING

14GAVROCHE LUXURY

brocades. The enormous Belle Etoile Suite has an extraordinary 360-degree panorama and outdoor terrace measuring nearly 3,000 square feet - the only one of i ts kind in Paris. Bathrooms are equally luxurious with marble detail ing, designer toi letries, and deep tubs. Operating under the guidance of superstar chef Alain Ducasse since autumn 2013, Le Meurice offers superb dining with his young protégé Christophe Saintagne serving refined French cuisine that exemplif ies the seasonal ingredients.

La Pergola, Rome Rivall ing the quality of Ducasseʼs French cuisine is Romeʼs only three -

star Michelin restaurant, La Pergola, which overlooks St Peterʼs Basil ica from the starry heights of Monte Mario. Surrounded by rare Aubusson tapestry, Sèvres porcelain, imperial furniture and a wonderful collection of hand-blown glass by Emile Gallé , the Ital ian restaurant also has an exclusive Cigar Lounge, where you can savour a great cigar with a vintage l iquour while savouring the beautiful décor. Widely considered to be the ‘best restaurant in Rome’ , the Michelin Guide has honoured La Pergola with three stars and f ive forks, which is a universal symbol of exceptional cuisine. Indeed any restaurant that has a wine cellar with over 60,000

bottles, a water menu with 29 choices, can make a f ine claim of culinary excellence. Running under the aegis of German chef Heinz Beck, La Pergolaʼs, haute cuisine, is served on vermeil plates and cutlery. Capturing the seasonal qualit ies of the Mediterranean, Rome ʼs only three -star Michelin restaurant is a master class in Ital ian cuisine. Individual highlights include the black cod in a f iery, peppery minestrone soup, venison in a pistachio crust and Beckʼs signature dish, ‘Fagotell i La Pergola’ . Beck is a chef who not only possesses a remarkable culinary abil i ty but also a palate of the utmost refinement. His remarkable taster dishes are

15JANUARY 2015

FINE DINING

16GAVROCHE LUXURY

17JANUARY 2015

object lessons in the art of balance of f lavours, textures and colour.

Eleven Madison Park, New York Likewise across the Atlantic, Swiss chef Daniel Hummʼs masterfully prepared cuisine at Eleven Madison Park in New York rivals anything you may experience in Europe. Arguably the f inest dining experience in the Big Apple, the three-star Michelin restaurant is co-owned by Will Guidara. The magnif icent Art Deco restaurant has soaring 35- foot ceil ings and spectacular views of Madison Square Park. Offering beautiful views of New York, the restaurant is the perfect sett ing for Hummʼs styl ish cuisine, which innovatively pays homage to the cityʼs culinary tradit ions. While the epic New York building

contrasts heavily with the modest portions, guests should expect to devote three or four hours here as this three-star Michelin restaurant is made up of many acts. The multi-course tasting menu is around $225 and pays homage to New York longstanding food culture. The Franco - influenced greenmarket cuisine includes dishes such as Muscovy duck glazed with lavender honey, and foie gras terrine with plums, umeboshi and bitter almonds. Renowned for i ts four-course and f ive -course tasting menus, the seasonal cuisine celebrates local New York farm and sea ingredients: oysters, scallops, lobster, duck, and aged beef. The foie gras terrine with plum and bitter almond is a special favourite, and the sturgeon presented as take on a New York City bagel

is a truly mesmerising experience. There are also homemade ales and spirits served exclusively for Eleven Madison Park by Ithaca Beer Co. and St. George Spirits. Like her counterparts in Europe, the three-star Michelin restaurant focuses on the extraordinary agricultural bounty of the local environment. Capturing a universal theme of culinary excellence, the Michelin-star chefs of Alain Ducasse, Heinz Beck and Daniel Humm represent the joie de vivre of international cuisine. Serving fresh, seasonal dishes in historic sett ings, the Michelin star chefʼs have food connoisseurs marvell ing over their taster courses and innovate cuisine. For excellence represents the wise choice of many alternatives - choice, not chance, wil l determine your culinary destiny.

FINE DINING

18GAVROCHE LUXURY

A VINTAGE INVESTMENTWITH THRILLSAS PRICES CONTINUE TO RISE,

CLASSIC MOTORS COULD BE

THE ULTIMATE INVESTMENT

VEHICLE, BUT HAVE THE

ENTHUSIASTS SIMPLY GOT

CARRIED AWAY?

By Marie -Anne Hamilton

19JANUARY 2015

A VINTAGE INVESTMENTWITH THRILLS

At the giddy top end of the market, there seems no l imit to what collectors wil l pay for their ult imate classic car.

With prices cl imbing an astonishing 47 per cent last year, what was once a hobby suddenly started to seem like a dream investment. “The return can be astronomical. Classic cars have outperformed the FTSE by a considerable percentage in the last f ive years,” says Marcus Atkinson of classic car insurers Hagerty International. “People are choosing to invest disposable money in cars, f ine art and wine. You canʼt show off a certi f icate of stock market results, but you can show off an Aston Martin DB5. With cars, thereʼs a certain element of nostalgia but you can also drive them, touch them, smell them, feel them.” Exemption from capital gains tax and continued low interest rates make classic cars even more attractive. “Ultimately any market is about supply and demand. Thereʼs a f inite supply of collectorsʼ motor cars and presently a healthy appetite for them,” points out James Knight, Bonhams Global Head of Motoring. Recent high profi le sales include a 1954 Mercedes W196 that fetched almost $30 mill ion (£19 mill ion) last year, and a 1997 McLaren F1 GTR Longtail which went for $5.28 mill ion (£32 mill ion) in January. Expectations were off the scale when a certain 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO was auctioned by Bonhams in August, and the hammer came down at $38 mill ion (£23 mill ion) that day in California - less than many expected. According to an index of classic cars compiled by Historic Automobile Group International (HAGI), the market has indeed slowed - growing by a modest 8.42 per cent for the year to July. But while recent years have been reminiscent of the classic car boom of the late 1980s (prices fel l steeply in the early 1990s), experts remain undaunted. “I don ʼt think it ʼs going to crash as before, because this t ime people are buying with cash instead of borrowing,” explains Atkinson. “They say ‘I ʼve always loved that car. I f I get a good return, thatʼs just the icing on the cake ’ . Different areas of the market are coming into play - South America, the Far East and China.” While the old classics - the Ferraris, Aston Martins and E-Type Jags - continue to appreciate in value, the rally cars of the 1980s are attracting more attention. “It ʼs the modern collector cars which are being courted by the next generation - the l ikes of the Ford Sierra Cosworth and the BMW M3 Evo,” says Atkinson. “A 1985 Audi Quattro Sport SWB Coupé sold for £115,740 at Goodwood Revival last year.” Sports racing cars of the 1950s that

MOTOR

20GAVROCHE LUXURY

are equally at home on road or track are also performing well , according to Knight of Bonhams: “They ʼre a t icket to some of the worldʼs greatest events such as the Mille Miglia Retrospective, Le Mans Classic and Goodwood Revival.” Of course, a six f igure sum is far from essential to land a vintage motor. An MG Midget can be bought for £3,000 to £4,000 and a Triumph TR4 for less than £20,000. The dream for many is a ‘barn f ind ’ , in need of care after decades languishing in a garage. At Classic Motor Cars in Bridgnorth, Shropshire, Peter Neumark oversees the restoration of Jaguars and other vintage motors. It typically costs around £150,000 to restore an E -Type, and 60 per cent of his cars are exported - to Europe, the Middle East, Austral ia and North America. “It was not always the case that you could put money into a restoration and get a return on your investment, but these days you do,” he says. “We try to make the restoration process enjoyable for our cl ients. Theyʼre involved in the specif ications, the

colour, the trim, and if they want we ʼ l l give them tasks to do in the workshop. Anything is possible. A Texan cl ient asked us to stretch his E -type by 4.5 inches.” Sadly, car investment funds have yet to take off . One of the latest projects is the PHD Classic Car Fund. Launched earl ier this year by PHD Equity Partners, they require a minimum investment of £50,000. “It ʼs been a very buoyant market, and we ʼre trying to give people exposure to that, but with the added benefit that they can use the cars - rather l ike a prestige car club,” explains investment associate Keith Benson. “We want to invest in cars worth £250,000 to £400,000 - the ones that quali fy for high end events l ike Goodwood Revival. These are the models that attract value.” They are yet to raise the £2 to £2.5 mill ion need to start investing -possibly because wealthy enthusiasts tend to own their own vintage cars. Dietrich Hatlapa, a former banker and founder of the Historic Automobile Group, sounds a note of caution, pointing out that cars that

do well in a rising market are more vulnerable in periods of decline. “They do not compare to mainstream investments, and are highly i l l iquid,” he warns. “You should buy with your heart, not to boost your wallet .” That said, he believes it is possible to use classic investment strategies. “Look for cars in sectors that have underperformed, such as Mercedes Benz and Porsche. Itʼs also worth looking at the performance of individual cars, l ike the Aston Martin V8.” Ferraris have risen most steeply, with prices going up by 62 per cent last year alone. “Prices are very much determined by rarity. Ferraris were built in much smaller numbers than Jaguar, but If you want to enjoy driving a car, why not buy a car that ʼs been built in larger numbers?” suggests Hatlapa. “We recommend you get involved in the sector before buying a car, maybe join a classic car club and go to events. I f youʼre an enthusiast, by all means invest in cars, but i f youʼre not, f ind something youʼre passionate about.”

21JANUARY 2015

MOTOR

CLASSIC CAR MARKET RELATIVE PERFORMANCE

THE SECRET OF SUCCESS

- Get advice from someone neutral c lass ic car c lubs can often help. There are plenty of consultants who wi l l accompany you to check out a car.

- Look for a good badge such as Jaguar, Mercedes, Maserat i , Aston Mart in . Seek out something a l i t t le

quirky pr ices for the Aston Mart in DB40, the DB5 and DB6 have r isen steeply, so t ry an ear ly DB7.

- F ind a car that has been cher ished, with one ownership and low mi leage. - Establ ish the provenance of the car. An i l lustr ious past wi l l add s ignif icant value. In July, a 1987 Mercedes given to Madonna by Sean Penn sold for 69,575 Euros (£55,700) wel l above the expected pr ice .

- St ick to your budget . Consider the costs of restorat ion, maintenance and storage.

-Auct ions are where the prominent cars tend to go. But websi tes wi l l a lso offer a wealth of cars .

- Dr ive as many as possible . Cal l up and ask how long the car ʼs been on the market? Has anyone test-dr iven i t? What d id they l ike and dis l ike about i t?

IT PAYS TO DO YOUR RESEARCH WHEN BUYING A CLASSIC CAR, SAYS MARCUS ATKINSON OF HAGERTY INTERNATIONAL

22GAVROCHE LUXURY

THEFUTURE

OFMOBILITY

GAVROCHE LUXURY TAKES A LOOK AT MERCEDES-BENZ AND TESLA'S LATEST INNOVATIONS

Tesla Motors ʼ mission is to accelerate the world ʼs transit ion to sustainable transportation. Tesla, based in California,

designs and manufactures electric vehicles, as well as electric vehicle powertrain components for industry partners.

Introducing a car so advanced it sets the new standard for premium performance. Designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle, Model S takes performance to the next level. Equipped with the 85 kilowatt -hour battery and the rear wheel drive 380hp motor power, Model S will cover 0-60mph in 5.4 seconds. When f itted out with the larger 690hp motor power available on the P85D, the all-wheel drive Model S with Dual Motors wil l complete a run

from 0-60mph in 3.2 seconds.At the heart of the vehicle is the

proven Tesla powertrain, del ivering both unprecedented range and a thri l l ing drive experience. With a rigid body structure, nearly 50/50 weight distribution and a remarkably low centre of gravity, Model S offers the responsiveness and agil i ty expected from the worldʼs best sports cars while providing the ride quality of a saloon.

Every mill imetre of Model S is

23JANUARY 2015

FUTURE

designed to reduce drag. The door handles are no exception. When not in use, the handles retract into the body, streamlining airf low. When a driver approaches the vehicle with the key, the handles sl ide out and unlatch with a simple touch.

Model S is not simply a car designed with the environment in mind; i t is also a driverʼs car. Behind the wheel, the combination of meticulous noise engineering with Tesla ʼs uniquely quiet powertrain

creates the sound dynamics of a recording studio.

The touchscreen, digital instrument cluster and steering wheel controls seamlessly integrate media, navigation, communications, cabin controls and vehicle data. From the moment the door opens, the high-resolution Model S17 touchscreen powers on and returns to i ts last function. The most commonly used controls l ine the bottom of the screen for easy access any t ime.

Model S drivers can l isten to any song they want with a choice of HD radio, online radio, on-demand internet radio and Bluetooth or USB audio devices. Planning ahead is made easy with Google Maps with l ive traff ic information and visualise the cars energy consumption instantaneously. When reversing, drivers can see behind the car with the industry ʼs f irst full HD backup camera which is optimised for ult imate visibi l i ty and safety.

24GAVROCHE LUXURY

Model S comes standard with a forward looking camera, radar, and 360 degree ultrasonic sensors that actively monitor the surrounding roadway. Progressive software updates, available to download via the built in 3G or when connected to a Wi -Fi connection, wil l over t ime enable sophist icated safety and convenience features that use these sensors to respond to real world condit ions.

Safety features include systems that warn drivers of potential hazards and help avoid or lessen the impacts of coll is ions. Safety features, today and in the future, are included in every Model S with Autopilot hardware. Convenience features wil l be included in the Tech Package.

Model S has an unbeaten electric vehicle range of up to 295 miles at 65mph, meaning long distances in an electric vehicles are no longer out of the questions. Most customers wil l charge mainly at home, waking up to

25JANUARY 2015

a completely recharged battery.Tesla Superchargers al low Model

S owners to travel for free between cit ies along well-travelled routes in Europe. Superchargers provide half a charge in as l i t t le as 20 minutes and are strategically placed to al low owners to drive from station to station with minimal stops. 108 Superchargers are active in Europe and with more and more Supercharger sites opening each day, driving Model S has never been so simple. To see where Tesla Superchargers are located, the in-built Google maps will l ist the Superchargers in a convenient tab, al lowing direct navigation.

Travell ing with the family or plenty of luggage is no problem in Model S. The car comfortably seats 5 adults. The rear facing seat option provides addit ional seating for two children. Optimised for safety and equipped with 5 -point seatbelts, the bucket seats provide a comfortable ride for children at least 3 ’1" tal l and

between 35 and 77 pounds. When not in use, the jump seats fold completely f lat .

The unique architecture of Model S creates unprecedented storage space. Overall , Model S has up to 63 cubic feet of possible storage and can transport a mountain bike, a surfboard and a f lat screen TV - all at once. Fold the seats f lat and Model S boasts more than 58 cubic feet of storage in the cabin alone, with an addit ional 5 cubic feet available under the hood.

The Model S battery is a rigid, high performance structure in its own right and when married to the state-of -the -art body structure, Model S achieves even higher torsional rigidity and a lower centre of gravity. The body is a state -of -the -art, aluminium-intensive design.

Weight -saving benefits make aluminium a natural choice. Extrusions, stampings, and castings are expertly joined for rigidity and strength. The rigid and strong structure not only protects passengers, but also contributes to overall control behind the wheel, proven by the recently awarded 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating making Model S one of the safest cars on the road.

Model S is designed to ensure maximum contact between the road and the tyres. Traction Control prevents loss of traction and maintains control . Stabil i ty Control reacts in moments of understeer or oversteer by reducing torque and applying the brakes to individual wheels for enhanced control when cornering.

Visit www.teslamotors.com/en_GB to book a test drive or visit Tesla at one of the 4 permanent locations; Westfield White City, West Drayton (near Heathrow), Gatwick and Birmingham or at a temporary pop-up location.

MOTOR

Mercedes -Benz assumes a pioneering role where autonomous driving is concerned. The

declared aim is to develop the automobile further, from a self-moving ( ‘automobile ’) vehicle to an independent ( ‘autonomous ’) vehicle.

With the S 500 INTELLIGENT DRIVE and the Future Truck 2025, Mercedes -Benz has already turned the vision of autonomous driving into reality. The German car manufacturer is now pursuing its work on concrete ideas for the future shape of autonomous driving.

At the CES in Las Vegas Dr. Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler, wil l present an autonomous driving luxury l imousine of the future. This concept car goes well beyond purely technical realization of automated driving and anticipates various scenarios: The luxury saloon of the future wil l provide the option of autonomous driving, offering people totally new freedoms.

The trai lblazing “ interior of the future” demonstrates new dimensions in communication and interaction with the vehicle. With the new luxury-class interior concept, the car of the future wil l be more than purely a means of transport – rather, i t wil l become a variable and private area of retreat in increasingly dense urban traff ic, offering the occupants of autonomous vehicles the freedom to put their t ime spent travell ing to even more varied use.

As one of the f irst automobile manufacturers permitted to do so, Mercedes -Benz has been testing autonomously driving automobiles on public roads in the US state of California since September. In addit ion, the company will from now

26GAVROCHE LUXURY

on also use Concord Naval Weapons Station (CNWS), the largest test bed site in the US, for further testing of i ts future technology.

“We can use the test site in Concord, California, to run simulation tests with self -driving vehicles in a secure way, including specif ic hazardous situations” , explained Dr Axel Gern, head of autonomous driving at Mercedes-Benz Research and Development North America, Inc. (MBRDNA). “Taken in conjunction with the results of our test drives on public roads, these tests wil l help us with the ongoing development of our autonomous cars.” The focus of research nevertheless continues to l ie on the tests undertaken in a real- l i fe environment, he emphasized.

The auto manufacturer was able to provide impressive proof of the viabil i ty of autonomous driving in today's complex urban and inter-city traff ic already last year: In August 2013 the Mercedes-Benz S 500 INTELLIGENT DRIVE, a new -model S -Class equipped with near -production -standard technology, drove fully autonomously the 100 km distance between the German cit ies of Mannheim and Pforzheim, fol lowing the historic route taken by Bertha Benz.

Since mid -September of this year Mercedes -Benz, as one of the pioneers of autonomous driving, has also held the off icial l icense from the US state of California to test self -driving vehicles on public roads. The addit ional testing opportunit ies provided by the Contra Costa Transportation Authority at the

CNWS site wil l enable the company to expand signif icantly the scope of i ts research activit ies.

The test site in the south-west of the US features a network of surfaced roads resembling an urban grid plan, making it an ideal location for testing autonomously driving vehicles in surroundings that are as close to real l i fe as they can be.

For security reasons the testing ground, which is operated by the US Navy in conjunction with the City of Concord and the Contra Costa County Transportation Authority, is not accessible to the public. With a test area covering 2,100 acres, the CNWS site is currently the largest and most secure test bed site in the US.

Further information about Mercedes-Benz is available online:

www.daimler.com and www.mercedes-benz.com

Or contact:

Katharina Beckertel . no: +49 (0)711 [email protected]

Koert Groeneveld tel . no: +49 (0)711 [email protected]

27JANUARY 2015

MOTOR

28GAVROCHE LUXURY

The heart of luxuryfashionThe founders of a

London fashion label

have proved that

ethical clothing can

be chic and the idea

is taking root across

the globe.

PORCELAIN -White feather

print, backless full length

gown, £695.00

29JANUARY 2015

“It was a culture shock, but our experience there had a huge impact,” admits Brennan, 27, who lodged with a couple who had adopted six boys with HIV, and was overwhelmed to see the love they lavished on the youngsters. “They had given up so much of their l ives to help others. . .” she remembers.

For Rufus Isaacs daughter of the 4th Marquess of Reading, and a pal of Prince Will iam and Prince Harry the trip had special meaning. Her great-

It was a culture

shock, but our

experience there

had a huge impact

Two young women from London were sipping tea at the Imperial Hotel in Delhi enjoying a Sunday treat away from the

slums where they were working as volunteers when they hit upon the idea of starting a fashion label with a charitable ethos.

The idea might easi ly have been forgotten once they returned to the comforts of home back in 2010, but Natasha Rufus Isaacs and Lavinia Brennan felt compelled to help the victims of traff icking who they had met in India.

“We had no experience in fashion, and everyone probably thought we were sl ightly bonkers, admits Rufus

Isaacs, 31, who had recently left her job at Sotheby ’s. But the idea came from wanting to do something good.”

Armed with dress samples made up in India, they threw themselves into sett ing up their company, Beulah London. Within months, they were sell ing their f irst designs, soon to be worn by cl ients including Pippa Middleton, The Duchess of Cambridge, Sienna Miller, Sarah Jessica Parker and Katherine Jenkins.

Just a few years ago, the concept of ‘ethical luxury ’ was virtually unheard of , but Beulah London is one of many small companies to prove that ethical can be chic, i t’s not al l about hemp T -shirts and hippy pants. Fashionistas have taken the cause to their hearts, and the big luxury brands are gett ing increasingly involved too.

The whole business has been a steep learning curve for Rufus Isaacs and Brennan starting with their two months in a Delhi slum, where their afternoons were spent teaching sewing to girls who had been traff icked for the sex trade.

FASHION

30GAVROCHE LUXURY

“People are starting

to understand that

sustainable fashion

does not lack in design

and can be upmarket”

CELESTE - Plum/ Navy,

Shift Dress, £295.00

31JANUARY 2015

all known for their sustainable collections. Amazingly, McCartney’s studios and off ices are even powered by wind energy.

Orsola de Castro is the driving force behind London Fashion Week ’s Estethica - a showcase for sustainable eco - fashion and is seeing att i tudes evolve across the world.

“Many brands are really looking at how they ’re producing their clothes” , says the Ital ian designer. “It ’s something everyone is taking seriously.” The Kering Group [owners of Gucci, Saint Laurent Paris and Balenciaga] are one company encouraging posit ive change. Inditex, owner of high street chain Zara, is one of the most advanced in terms of the l iving wage, and Valentino in terms of the dyes they use.

High -end designer Stamo founded Ecoluxe London in 2010, and the non -profit organisation recently opened a boutique sell ing clothes and jewellery.

“Our customers have access to the best things, so it has to be something that catches their eye, she says.”

“People are starting to understand that sustainable fashion does not lack in design, and can be upmarket. It’s actually more expensive to produce!”

“It ’s always going to be about the beautiful dress” , adds de Castro. “But what I ’m starting to see is people saying I don’t think I want to buy this dress unless I know how it’s been made.”

great -grandfather was once a Viceroy of India. “It was very poignant being there” , she says.

Both art history graduates, who met at church, the friends were spurred into action by the hopeless situation of the women they worked with in the slum. Init ial ly, they funded Beulah London with family loans, sett ing up camp in Brennan’s mother ’s basement in Parsons Green, London. They were sell ing their designs within months and word spread fast , helped by the high profi le women spotted wearing their designs.

“One of the f irst was [US actress] Jessica Alba who wore one of our scarves in LA. That was really excit ing!” admits Rufus Isaacs. “And a completely new demographic for us!”

Last year the pair opened a pop-up shop in London’s Belgravia, and stayed there. Though the main collection is made in the UK. It’s much easier to control the quality canvas bags, given away with every product sold, are made in Delhi . Meanwhile, the Beulah Trust funds skil ls courses for the victims of traff icking.

Subtle touches hint at the charitable ethos without labouring the point. Beulah is a bibl ical term meaning to come from a place of darkness into one of l ight, and dove print fabric al ludes to love and peace in the current collection.

“People associate charity with poor quality, I think ,” says Rufus Isaacs. “First and foremost, we’re a luxury

FASHION

fashion label. I f a woman spends £400 or £500 on a dress, i t has to be beautiful . People discover about the charitable ethos afterwards.”

“We have very loyal customers who come back to us, and who are ambassadors for the brand, because they love the story. They’ l l talk to their fr iends about i t . I think they understand that through their purchase they are making a difference, but the main thing is they l ike the product.”

Her view is echoed by Dr Iain Davies from University of Bath, a lecturer in marketing and expert on ethical luxury markets.

“If you ’re looking at luxury fashion, the f irst thing you’re going to consider is the cut, the design, the fabric. The values behind it are secondary, and talking about them can even damage a brand” , he says.

He believes people would rather not know about sweat shops, child labour and other dubious practices. Even so, he says large luxury brands have benefited from publicity after introducing ethical collections, and the effect has been to encourage others to fol low suit .

“Overall I think the fashion industry is better than it was f ive years ago,” he says. “As more companies get involved, there’s more pressure on companies who don’t do these things. It can create change.”

High profi le designers are influential . Zandra Rhodes, Stella McCartney and Donna Karan are

32GAVROCHE LUXURY

33JANUARY 2014

When an investment opportunity coll ides with an object of pure beauty it can only be described as

divine serendipity. It can happen with art , i t can happen with property but when it happens with a rare, natural element the investment becomes more than the movement of money and assets, i t becomes otherworldly.

Natural coloured diamonds are the ult imate symbol of nature ’s exquisiteness. Extremely rare, with

YOUR NEW

BEST FRIENDRare Coloured Diamonds

It s̓ possible you missed the new penchant for

coloured diamond rings, but if you have any

knowledge of investment trends or the love lives

of pop stars and A-listers you will know that rare

coloured diamonds are now officially a “thing”.

colours ranging from cherry-blossom pink to gooseberry green to the whole spectrum of sunset these diamonds are the must have item for savvy and chic investors across the globe.

As with everything that is beautiful i t is imperfection that makes coloured diamonds so valuable. Chemical impurit ies and structural f laws in the stone ’s crystal latt ice create colour. The more intense the colour the more valuable and desirable the piece.

WHY INVEST NOW?

Diamonds are running out. In 2013 an estimated 146 mill ion carats of rough diamonds were mined, that 's well below the 2005 peak of 176 mill ion carats. With mines around the world slowly shutting down supply is expected to decline from 2020. While many mining companies are spending on exploration there has been l i tt le to zero signif icant f inds with any potential ly viable site located in isolated, challenging and often,

by Danni Landa

34GARVOCHE LUXURY

FANCY COLOURS

Fancy Co lours a re g raded t o a n in e -t i e r ed sy s t em f rom Fain t t o Viv id Fancy.

A l l o f th em are th en ra t ed on th e i r sa tu ra t i on , hue and t one. Sa tu ra t i on i s

th e s t r eng th o r in t ens i t y o f th e co l our, hue i s an ind i ca t i on o f th e dominan t co l our and t one d e f in e s l i gh tn e s s o r darkne s s.

Se condar y hue s a re labe l l ed as ov e r t one s o r mod i f i e rs.

THE NINE-TIERED

GRADING SYSTEM

faintvery l ight

l ightfancy l ight

fancyfancy dark

fancy intensefancy deepfancy v iv id

For e xampl e, th e famous Hope Diamond i s cla s s i f i ed by th e GIA as fancy d e e p

g re y i sh blu e.

rates diamonds on the 4 Cs: colour, clarity, cut and carat (more on that below). The scale ranges from D (totally colourless) to Z (l ight yellow or brown). Diamonds that fal l out of that range are considered coloured and are most commonly called Fancy Colours by the industry.

CLARITY

Is far more important in colourless diamond. In Fancies, blemishes or “ inclusions” (threads of minerals, uncrystall ised carbon, t iny fractures) are often obscured by colour and can even enhance a diamond ’s beauty. Clarity is graded by six categories from flawless (FL) to included (where f laws can be seen by the naked eye).

CARAT

Not to be confused with karat, which is a purity measure for gold, carat refers to the weight of gem stones. Realising that big doesn ’t always mean better the carat system was developed in the middle ages to determine a gems worth. A single carat is equal to 200 mill igrams.

unstable locales. De Beers reported in 2013 that, “the probabil i ty of a major profitable new diamond discovery will remain relatively low” . According to Goldman Sachs, demand for diamonds is expected to expand at 11% between 2013 and 2017. Demand will be considerably driven by a recovering US economy but increasingly from the emerging markets of China and India. Analysts predict a steady increase in diamond prices in coming years, especially rare examples of exceptional beauty.

In early November Bunny Mellon's 9.75 -carat fancy vivid blue pear shaped diamond fetched a whopping $32.6 mill ion at Sotheby ’s New York.

“It ’s a connoisseur and investor market,” says Jean -Marc Lieberherr, managing director of Rio Tinto Diamonds - His f irm owns the Argyle Diamond Mine in Western Austral ia, the world ’s only consistent source of extremely rare and highly collectible pink diamonds with a particular deep, candy-sweet hue and scinti l lat ing bri l l iance. Prices of Argyle pink diamonds greater than 0.15ct have seen on average sustained double -digit growth for the past 12 years, he says, and, on a normalised price -per -carat basis, have trebled since 2000.

WHY COLOURED DIAMONDS?

There are two kinds of diamond investors - those who buy jewellery to admire, wear or give away and those who buy serious stones. However, investment in natural coloured diamonds requires a different set of processes, i t ’s for serious investors, people who know what they want and require beauty as a prerequisite.

Ex -Bulgari executive, Mahyar Makhzani, has set up an asset management company for the Sciens Coloured Diamond Fund. The fund invests in rare, intense and vivid coloured diamonds. Makhzani suggests that colourless diamonds are best left as gifts while their coloured cousins can be highly attractive assets. Prices for colourless diamonds can f luctuate but rare coloured stones are gett ing stronger and stronger.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

If you are a f irst t ime diamond investor then l ike any investment you need to do your research. The market can be unpredictable and the lack of a definite global index can make for heart pumping purchases. Finding trustworthy advisors with special ised experience can take the heat off newbies.

The most definit ive diamond grading system was developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) - the foremost authority on diamonds - in the 1950s. The system

CUT

As Marilyn Monroe once breathlessly intoned, “Square cut or pear shaped these rocks don't lose their shape” . There are dozens of cuts and styles but when looking for investment pieces a good cut wil l maximise the value of the diamond by enhancing colour saturation. A well-cut diamond will reflect l ight internally from one facet to another and diffuse it through the top. Cut is the only aspect where the human hand has influence in the beauty of a diamond; the more balance and symmetry the more value.

WHERE TO BUY

Rare coloured diamonds are mostly sourced from Austral ia, Canada and South Africa. The Rio Tinto Argyle mine in Austral ia is renowned for the f ine quality and spectrum of colour that is sourced there. The pinks and occasional reds from Argyle have a saturation of colour unseen elsewhere and are less than 0.1% of the mine ’s production. It ’s not a surprise that the Argyle Pink is extremely coveted. According to Josephine Johnson, Manager of Argyle Pink Diamonds, the “combination of rarity and beauty makes them highly valuable and collectable. The f inest 50-60 of these diamonds are tendered each year to the trade through our Argyle Pink Diamonds Signature Tender and these few carats of diamonds are particularly collectable and sought after the world over. Each is unique in hue, saturation, shape and size and they are very much the connoisseur’s diamond, more akin to works of art than commodities.”

SUSTAINABILITY

If ethics and community protection are a concern it is best to st ick to Austral ian and Canadian mines. They have a good reputation for sustainabil i ty, corporate social responsibil i ty and human resources management. Companies Such as Rio Tinto, a global mining brand, are adopting a more modern approach by recognising their responsibil i ty to operate sustainably and ensure that local communities benefit from their operations. They establish community partnerships in order to generate employment and business benefits for local communities, many of which are Aboriginal. They also invest locally through community contribution programmes and scholarships.

When selecting a sustainable source it is vital to do your research. The Responsible Jewellery Council is a "supply chain standards init iat ive from mine to retai l" . A conglomerate of mining companies, high-end jewellers and various industry organisations the RJC is committed to granting certi f ication of responsible business practice from mine to store. When it comes to investment stones be sure to buy from a certi f ied dealer.

FASHION

35JANUARY 2015

www.beulahlondon.com

36GAVROCHE LUXURY

37JANUARY 2015

It is a great honor to interview one of the manufacturers of American Crafted Luxury Timepieces, Mr. Michael Wilson, CEO and co-founder of Niall Luxury.

Mr. Wilson is focused on challenging the status quo and those who say American manufacturing is dead. Through its flagship product l ine, luxury timepieces, Niall is on a quest to strike the perfect balance of style and expert craftsmanship, while creating the next great American brand in the process.

Mr. Wilson, tell me about the origin and evolution of Niall company?

Niall really started from a passion for watches. My father gave me a Tag Heuer Professional for my high school graduation when I was 17 years old. Ever since that t ime, I ’ve had an appreciation, love and passion for higher -end t imepieces.

Pair that passion with my background in the American manufacturing industry and it really drove my thirst to build a t imepiece. After spending two years learning, meeting with watchmakers, buying equipment and talking with other manufacturers, we ʼve launched our f irst product - the Niall One.

How are the products designed?

When discussing our bigger design strategy, we design products within categories we feel have great potential . The Niall One.2 is a great pairing between a sport and dress watch with a f lare of masculinity. We’ve mixed several features between

INTERVIEW

by Ernest J.M. de Vicuna @Ernest_JMV

these two categories in order to create a product that can be worn with jeans and a t -shirt , khakis and a sweater, or with a suit or tuxedo. Simply, the Niall One.2 was designed to be an everyday watch.

When discussing the details of the watch, we looked deep into the Niall heritage and legend in order to drive the f ine elements of the t imepiece. For example the bezel on the Niall One.2 was actually inspired by the land around the Hil l of Tara in Ireland - the epicenter of ancient Irish Kingship. Our next i teration, the Niall One.3, has a pendulum that us designed after an Irish battle axe. We make it a point to put meaning and purpose into every l i tt le object that we design at Niall .

What is the main material for manufacturing Niall ’s watches?

While there are a lot of components, the case and bezels are constructed from a sol id block of 316L stainless steel . All colored models are f irst electropolished and then bead blasted

before being coated in diamond- l ike -carbon. This process yields a matte black f inish that many collectors have praised as the best DLC look they’ve ever seen.

Addit ionally, another key material in the Niall One is Corning Goril la® Glass. Niall is the f irst luxury t imepiece in the world to integrate Goril la Glass, a chemically engineered super glass. In testing, Corning researchers, press and our team have all found Goril la Glass to be a superior product over sapphire. The results are an incredibly durable t imepiece that integrates a cutt ing edge technology and material .

Niall has brought the craft back to America, is it true?

I would say we’re playing a big role in bringing it back. I dream of a future where there is an American Watchmaking Council , where there are dozens of U.S. manufactured watches, where we have a commercial-scale American-based movement company, and where U.S. companies collaborate on being competit ive in a global landscape. It ’s a big dream, but there are plenty of companies that share this vision. It ’s my dream to unite them.

When speaking to Niall specif ically, while there are a lot of brands, we consider ourselves a brand and a manufacturer. We’ve made signif icant investments in producing as much as we can with companies in America and we’re educating people everyday on how to retool and reorganize their faci l i ty to produce precision components for watchmaking. This collaboration with companies in the

WATCHES

With Michael Wilson of

NIALL LUXURY

38GAVROCHE LUXURY

United States is a true showcase of the American spirit .

Could you please talk about the inspiration for the timepieces collections?

Our current collection and future collections are al l inspired by the things we love in watches, the things we love in l i fe and the purpose and spirit we want to inject into the design. The Niall One.2 is a screw- in bezel design that is bold and modern. It stands out on a wrist . The screw-in design is very diff icult to achieve from a manufacturing standpoint - and frankly there was some appeal to taking the diff icult path.

The next collection, coming soon, is far more classic and tradit ional in shape and form. While we’re going from a modern design to a classic design, we’re st i l l incorporating some really innovative aspects to the t imepiece and some major

announcements around the movement. We’re not quite yet ready to reveal what that is , but you can expect us to push forward from the design and engineering perspective.

When did the concept for the brand “Niall” begin?

The Niall brand stems from my personal heritage. Through a DNA test, I discovered that I was a direct male descendent of King Niall , the patriarch of the O’Neil dynasty in Northern Ireland. When digging into his story, we discovered a lot of King Arthur - l ike tales, stories and legends. This personal connection, paired with our Midwestern, United States roots became the genesis of our brand.

Our Co -Founder Mark O’Renick is the gentleman I must give praise to for driving the direction of our brand. He’s a genius and I ’m thankful he and I are able to work together on building the next great luxury brand.

Addit ionally, Mark and his company were early investors in Niall . Salva O’Renick + Ingenology provides al l our branding, packaging, and marketing assets. This partnership with such a well-respected agency has accelerated our company by several years.

Which markets are you targeting and what is your ideal customer demographic?

We often say that Niall is a wearable reminder of what i t means to be all in. We want Niall to resonate with the people that work hard to build their dreams. The ones that stay up late at night obsessing over their passion. The craftsmen, the builder, the entrepreneur. Niall really is built to encapsulate the American spirit .

I had a good friend from Kuwait tel l me why Niall is becoming such a popular brand across the world. He stated, “Mike, despite the polit ical

39JANUARY 2015

WATCHES

situations of any government, people st i l l really enjoy the freedoms and entrepreneurial spirit that America exudes. You’re simply doing a great job at representing the best of who you are.”

What are your plans to grow your retail distribution network?

It is our intention to rapidly grow distribution through three channels next year. Retail partners, online and what we call our concierge network.

From a retai l perspective, we are in talks with several great locations in the United States, United Kingdom and Middle East. We are also actively seeking partners around the world that share our passion and vision for building Niall . We have the luxury to be building a company that wil l be around for a long t ime - so we’re very strategic in regards to choosing our partners.

Online, you’re going to see more interactive experiences from us. We will be expanding our website with new products and new design features that wil l make engaging with our brand and products far more interactive.

The last piece of this strategy is our concierge network. We’re building out a new channel for distribution that transforms the sell ing and buying process into a more personal and customized experience. You can imagine, in the near future, having the choice of going into your favorite retai l location or meeting with a Niall Concierge at the W Hotel for drinks and in -depth horological conversation. Our Concierges wil l be Niall experts - localized - on a global scale.

What Niall ’s timepiece would you specially recommend to the readers of Gavroche magazine?

The Niall One.2 Two Tone and Stealth Black models have been immensely popular amongst consumers. The two tone is a great watch for casual or business casual att ire - it pairs with just about anything in your closet. I f you’re looking for something with a l i t t le more refinement, the Niall Silver/Black is my personal favorite. It classes up casual att ire and accents a suit or tuxedo.

If you’re a tastemaker, I would recommend contacting us about our customization program. We have the abil i ty to customize the Niall One.2 ’s accent colors, dial color, band stitching and more. Our custom program has been an absolute hit and we’re excited to have built a company that enables us to do something on such a personal level for our customers.

How do you see the development

of American luxury market in the coming years?

In America we spend a lot of money on electronics. Big TVs, a laptop, an iPad, an iPhone, a Bluetooth headset, an expensive pair of headphones, a smart thermostat, and a f i tness activity tracker… the l ist goes on and on. It ’s a behavior and culture that has evolved over t ime and been perpetuated by the technology and Internet boom of the 1990’s and early 2000’s. While we spend thousands of dollars on electronics, much of the rest of the world spends their disposable income on fashion and luxury goods. America is a different market, but I can see a shift happening of American’s desire for longer lasting goods non-electronic goods. People are burnt out on technology. They are t ired of charging things. They are overwhelmed with the constant f low of data. The seek something of value that they can pass on for generations. When that shift happens, you’ l l see a resurgence of luxury products purchased in America.

From a business perspective - In America, we have to redefine what it means to be an “American” company/brand. We can’t compete on price in a global landscape - nor should we. American’s often seek what is cheaper, faster and better. However, a wise man once told me “cheaper, faster, better - pick two.” It ’s my belief that the convergence of fashion and technology will yield a new manufacturing boom in America. It wil l take a few entrepreneurs with a bold vision to pave that way.

What is your opinion about the European luxury brands of watches?

European brands dominate the luxury market currently. If my memory serves me well , 23 out of the top 25 watch manufacturers by revenue are European. The Swiss have done phenomenal job convincing everyone that they are the best watchmakers in the world. Just l ike De Beers has convinced every man and woman on planet earth that diamonds are the only token of true love.

I love European design and a European company’s passion for elegance and perfection. Combine these traits of a European brand, with the spirit of an American company and the values of midwestern founders, and I think we have a winning formula to be a competit ive brand on a global landscape.

How does the American manufactured watch compare with traditional European Luxury brand watches?

This is st i l l being defined. There are 17 American watch brands but only three watch manufacturers (by some

people ’s calculations). Niall is one of those. What you’ l l f ind with an American watch manufacturer is a dedication to in-house or American-based components.

In an American manufactured t imepiece, you’ l l f ind the next generation of craftsman and artisans that obsessions and passions are directly translated into the products and components they build. In less than f ive years, I suspect you will see the amount of manufacturers double as well as the introduction of commercial -scale American-based movement company.

Who would you consider to be your nearest competitor in the European market?

You could say any European luxury brand is a competitor. In America, competit ion is considered a healthy thing and the pursuit of metaphoric throne is encouraged. If I had to directly answer that, I would say Rolex because of what the brand represents. What Rolex has done a phenomenal job of representing is status. They’ve built a brand that has become so popular that your average person would state “Rolex” when asked to name a watch company. They’ve built a brand that ’s customers are perceived to be “successful .” Alternatively, Niall wants to represent those that are al l in. In our vision of the future, Niall is the secret handshake of the entrepreneur, the engineer, the builder and the craftsman. We’re building a strong brand and it is our intention to

While I say Rolex is our nearest competitor, i t ’s also the further from who we are. They are the biggest in the market and have a series of super factories. We are a small company from the Heartland of America and craft everything we do on a very

40GAVROCHE LUXURY

41JANUARY 2015

WATCHES

personal and intimate level. With a Rolex t imepiece you are l i terally one of a mill ion yearly. With Niall , you are one of an el ite few and if you build a customized Niall t imepiece you are one of one.

What international luxury destinations are you focusing on?

We’ve let organic demand drive our focus on an international landscape. Right now the United Kingdom and Middle East have reflected the largest demand. Specif ically, we’re in discussion with retai l locations in London, Dublin, Belfast , Kuwait and Dubai. We have a strong interest in China, but we also understand the resources and strategy necessary to make that happen with great success.

What innovations make the Niall brand appeal to the luxury watch buyer?

The Niall brand will push new materials and processes into luxury t imepieces. The f irst showcase of that is with the use of Corning Goril la® Glass in place of sapphire. Goril la® Glass is now uti l ized in over 3 bil l ion electronic devices and we’ve worked with Corning to develop something very specif ic for the luxury t imepiece market.

At Niall , we view nothing as “sacred.” Sapphire for many, many years has been considered “sacred” and a “must have” at the luxury price point. We believe otherwise and will continue to innovate the l i tt le detai ls that other brands may simply pass over.

What are Niall ’s expectations in the short term?

In the short term, you’re going to see a new iteration of the Niall One.2 called the Niall One.3. The next version of the Niall One will integrate new fine details l ike custom in-house polishing on our movements, a very meaningful and customized pendulum, brand messages imprinted throughout the watch (movement, bands, clasps, etc.) and other statements of craftsmanship that we have yet to announce.

Addit ionally, you're going to see Niall begin a brand campaign. You’l l learn very soon, visually, who Niall is and what we represent. We’re putting a lot of t ime and focus with some really bri l l iant people into our 2015 campaign. We’re very excited to showcase our purpose with our customers and the world.

How can people make contact with Niall Luxury company?

Our website is : http://niall luxury.com If you’re ever interested in connecting with us feel free to e-mail : concierge@niall luxury.com or call +1 (816) 301-7902

Additionally, i t is personally important for me to remain accessible throughout the growth of our company to our customers and partners. I f you are a customer or interested in partnering / collaborating with Niall free to e -mail me at:mwilson@niall luxury.com or call +1 (913) 203-1281 - which is my direct l ine at the company.

42GAVROCHE LUXURY

43JANUARY 2015

In Ancient Greek the work philanthropy means to love mankind (from phil love and anthropos mankind). In the 1600s Sir Francis Bacon declared it a synonym with ‘goodness ’ . I t was American lexicographer, Noah Webster (he of the dictionary) who gave philanthropy its modern and common definit ion - the giving of money and t ime to for the wellbeing of others.

The semantics of the word aside, philanthropy these days is serious business. While some may dream of their names emblazoned across hospital wings and university halls and others have access to a never ending pot of bi l l ionaire goodwill with which to fund global init iat ives there is another group of younger, dynamic and tech savvy philanthropists on the rise. And those looking for good works would do well to take note of them.

Gone are the days of gentlemen's clubs and lunching ladies deciding whatʼs good for the poor. Now is the t ime of the conscious philanthropist . These are people who have made their money early and are looking to engage with giving on a more personal level. No longer wil l ing to just sign a cheque and attend a gala these people run their giving l ike they run their businesses; they talk about outcomes, due dil igence, accountabil i ty and excellence in delivery. They are talking about social return on investment or SROI.

These concepts in philanthropy took off in the dot com boom when a new generation of successful business people earned huge wealth in a short space of t ime. Wondering what came next many of them saw an opportunity to make signif icant social change, taking their entrepreneurial expertise into a new sector. Then came the burst bubble and the crisis . While some new foundations fel l by the wayside others metamorphosed into stronger and more knowledgeable organisations.

A notable leader in the f ield is the Omidyar Network created by eBay founder Pierre Omidyar. The main philosophy of the Omidyar Network is that “business can be a powerful force for good” . People lack opportunity, not capabil i ty, and the Network intends to provide that opportunity through its various projects. And its not just

THE NEW PHILANTHROPY

throwing money at a problem, these new ber-givers are also providing their business expertise, connections and most importantly, their t ime.

The renowned f inancier Chris Hohn and his wife Jamie Cooper -Hohn set up a hedge fund exclusively to raise money for their organisation - the Children's Investment Fund Foundation. This power couple wanted to start seeing a correlation to the money earned in the f inance sector and the money spent on social investment, they thought that people should be doing more than just writ ing cheques. Their Foundation looks at root causes and solutions to issues affecting children around the world.

As anyone in business wil l tel l you information is power. With this in mind services such as GuideStar have developed in -depth analysis of the non-profit sector to provide as much guidance and information as possible for potential and current investors. Taking it a step further is NPC who matches up new donors with various organisations by offering research, grant-making, strategic advice and bespoke donor portfol ios - a bit l ike your f inancial advisor but with a warm fuzzy feel ing.

And in case you're thinking, “this al l sounds great but I just want to retire” there are myriad other ways you can be involved without leaving your house. Taking things right back to grass roots is KIVA. A website designed to bring lenders and borrowers together. Based on an entrepreneurial model, KIVA borrowers have their profi les and stories posted on the website. Reading through the borrower profi les presents a mill ion stories of hardship and determination and a mill ion more of success and wellbeing. Donors can pick and choose and start with an investment of as l i t t le as $25. You can keep track of the borrowers progress and when the money is paid back you can continue to lend or withdraw. Helping someone out and making a direct impact doesn't get easier than that.

These days it is becoming easier to fol low those wise and optimistic words of Anne Frank “How wonderful that no one need wait a single moment to improve the world.” Wonderful , indeed.

Things have changed since the days of grandiose public works by the likes of Rockefeller

and Carnegie and the self-effacing ideals of self-improvement encompassed in the British institutions of old. Todayʼs philanthropists

are young, tech-savvy entrepreneurs who are changing the way people help people.

FINANCE

by Danni Landa

44GAVROCHE LUXURY

Leaving the right legacy for children and grandchildren weighs on the mind of many wealthy individuals, and increasing numbers are turning away from private banks and sett ing up family off ices to manage their affairs. Like a bespoke suit , these companies can be tai lored to the most exacting requirements.

Catering solely for the needs of the founding family, the team might manage a portfol io of investments as well as providing services such as property management and tax planning. Many prominent famil ies such as the Goldsmiths, Sainsburys and the Guinesseses have all gone down this route.

“The benefit of having a family off ice is that youʼre in control of i t ,” explains Clarmond House chief executive Chris Andrew. “They ʼre a long term thing and seem to work very well . You donʼt hear of single family off ices having issues or crises.” The concept originated in 18th century Europe, but was developed in the US, notably by the Rockefeller family. In recent years, they have grown in popularity globally, with many based in London. Some are founded after a family business is sold, others when it ʼs t ime to pass the reins to the next generation. Losing a fortune during the 2008 f inancial crisis was the spur for many.

“The main advantage is improved visibi l i ty: most importantly a deeper understanding of risks. As well as better cost calculations,” says Geoffroy Dedieu, CEO of TY Danjuma Family Office. “The Global Financial Crisis al lowed famil ies to see what hidden risks are embedded in the strategies recommended by private banks and fund managers . . . . at a huge cost.”

Key to it al l is having unbiased advice from a trusted individual with a deep understanding of the familyʼs situation, and who is l ikely to be in place for a long t ime to come.

“These days, you ʼve got lots of people giving advice – legal , tax, investment advice, but nobody between you and the advisor. You should get someone, or an organisation, you trust to help you f i l ter the advice,” suggests Andrew.

“Often you talk to a family which has money in f ive different banks, and hasnʼt told any of them the whole picture, so their portfol ios are out of control .”

The general consensus it that family off ices are suited to those with net assets of £60 mill ion upwards, though Dedieu believes the arrangement is more accessible than many think.

He calculates that a private bank might charge $2.1 mill ion (£1.3mill ion) to manage a $100 mill ion (£60 mill ion) portfol io, while i t would cost just $1.3 mill ion (£785,000) to run a family off ice looking after the same amount. At a lower level of investment, a property portfol io of $10 mill ion (£6 mill ion) could support a full-t ime staff of three.

“On the down side, sett ing up a single family off ice is a lot of work, much harder than signing up a mandate with a private wealth manager or a multi-family off ice,” he admits. “The choice is whether you want to go for the f luffy carpets, nice off ices and Wimbledon t ickets or roll up your sleeves and do it yourself .”

Multi - family off ices provide services to a number of famil ies, often catering for those with £20 mill ion upwards. But the fact that many have grown out of single family off ices can be viewed as problematic.

“The name, muti - family, suggests youʼre al l equal, but often there ʼs one family who has the equity of the business, so you can ʼt al l be equal,” points out Andrew, who says another problem lies at the heart of multi- family off ices.

“People assume that money makes people have the same interests and I donʼt think you could say that Richard Branson and the Fleming family share much, except money. Multi - family off ices have often been set up by a family that is a few generations away from the sharp end of making money. And a lot of the new money is coming out of a more entrepreneurial framework. They donʼt necessari ly talk the same language.”

Even so, multi - family off ices can benefit from a huge range of resources and eff iciencies of scale. Some say they also attract a more ambitious type of employee.

Andrew Nolan is managing director of Stonehage, which

A LASTING LEGACY

Americans have long used family offices to preserve wealth for future generations, and the

concept is increasingly popular in Europe

by Marie-Anne Hamilton

45JANUARY 2015

“Those who engage in philanthropic activities are better at preserving wealth”

looks after some 200 famil ies with assets of £30 mill ion plus.

“We have huge practical experience, gained through dealing with many other famil ies who are in similar situations,” he says. “There are very few issues that come up where we haven ʼt seen something similar before. Our service goes far beyond giving technical and professional advice.”

Investment management accounts for around 20 per cent of the business - the company does everything from buying property to hiring staff and managing art collections for their cl ients. It also helps famil ies develop their philanthropic activit ies and runs seminars for the next generation - the sort of work tradit ionally carried out by single family off ices.

“The best input that a single family off ice can have on next-generation dynamics is something that banks and multi - family off ices cannot do,” says Dedieu. “That is to help with business plans, providing guidance, coaching and challenge to family-sponsored ventures.”

“Philanthropy is an area thatʼs been evolving at rapid pace in the past few years. The next big thing for family off ices that run f inancial portfol ios wil l be to implement either social ly responsible or Impact Investing strategies.”

Andrew Nolan from Stonehage explains

why philanthropy is a growing part of

what a family office does and how it will

help a family to prosper

FINANCE

Wealth can be a negat ive thing. I t ʼ s important to ensure that future generat ions are adequate ly g rounded – that they understand what money i s, unders tand the world they l ive in , how pr iv i leged they are, and the responsibi l i t ies that go with these pr iv i leges.

Phi lanthropy i s not jus t about us ing money for good causes, but a l so pass ing on values to your fami ly, which help subsequent generat ions to have a bet ter re lat ionship with the world they l ive in as r ich people.

Funni ly enough, we have qui te s trong

evidence that those who engage in phi lanthropic act iv i t ies are bet ter at preserving weal th, because of the lessons they lear n from that and the way they work together.

There ʼ s a g rowing real i sat ion that phi lanthropy i s not jus t good for world, not jus t good for the conscience of the indiv idual - or his or her image - but that i t ʼ s good for the fami ly.

We ʼre not only try ing to pass on weal th from one generat ion to the next , but a complete legacy. I t ʼ s about how you use that weal th for the g reater fu l f i lment of future generat ions.

46GAVROCHE LUXURY

This was probably one of the hardest art icles we have had to produce. To choose our favourite resorts and vil las in the Caribbean

out of the many unique and beautiful places to stay was sheer agony. We're usually very good at making decisions but this was clearly a task built by evil people. No doubt our readers wil l have their own opinions and recommendations but we managed to dist i l our very, very long short l ist to these specimens of luxurious and

joyful nirvanas. Splendour is impossible to avoid

in the Caribbean; i t comes with the territory. Package tourism is, however, easy to circumvent. Our choices here are in no way intended to be the ult imate l ist but just a l i t t le taste of what we love best - magnif icence, privacy and refinement.

As the venerable Nobel Prize winner, poet, playwright and Santa Lucian, Derek Walcott writes, “Visual surprise is natural in the Caribbean; i t comes with the landscape, and faced with its beauty, the sigh of History dissolves” . We thoroughly agree.

Viceroy Beach Front Villa, Anguilla

This is the best of both worlds: a private vil la with all of the conveniences of hotel service. The vil las are spacious and beautifully decorated but the best thing about staying here - other then the prist ine location, world class faci l i t ies and excellent food - is the kids programs. While the grown ups hang out at the adults only pool or in the private pool at the vil la the kids are off on one of the Viceroy ’s programs - swimming in the family pool, crafts, cooking classes, rock cl imbing, beach

THE CARIBBEAN S̓ FINEST RESORTS & VILLAS

Sometimes too much choice can be a bad thing. This is certainly the case when it comes to choosing lodging for your Caribbean vacation. Here at Gavroche, we like to make things easy for you. So after much debate and deliberation and only the barest hint of argument we've come up with a few of our favourites.

by Danni Landa

47JANUARY 2015

Olympics, nature walks and who knows what else. All that matters is that everyone is doing exactly what they want.

www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com

Bajacu, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

Mexican architect and artist Marco Aldaco designed and decorated this award -winning vil la. Notes of his native land are obvious and expertly combined with a warm palette and art from Africa and Asia. This is the kind of place you may have trouble

leaving. Perched amongst a lush, 11 acre property practically palpitating with beauty you ’ l l be spending days in the Palapa, an open thatched l iving space surrounded by aromatic f lowers and palm trees and evenings fol lowing the moonlight to secluded romantic nooks.

www.bajacu.com

Little Whale Cay, BahamasSome people might f ind it too

quaint but you can absolutely imagine the F. Scott Fitzgeraldʼs behaving badly on this unique 1930s property.

Built by the infamous f inancier Wallace Groves (he used to hang out with Meyer Lansky) this 93-acre private island has three cottages decked out in the pastel shades associated with a certain era of decadence and fol ly. It just begs for champagne and canapés, sequins and tennis whites.

www.vil lasofdist inction.com

The Turtle Cottage at Blue Waters, Antigua

This resort was built in the 1960s and sti l l retains a sense of nostalgic

48GAVROCHE LUXURY

charm. The Turtle Cottage is definitely one of the best vi l las of the property. Elegantly furnished with a private fresh water swimming pool and a fridge stocked to the gi l ls with anything your heart desires it is truly a luxurious home away from home. The best things about staying here? The complimentary mobile phone that connects you to your personal concierge and the no-motorised water sports rule.

www.bluewaters.net

Villa Dunes, St. BarthsThis. . . this is the future. Walking

into Vil la Dunes you ’d be forgiven for thinking you were starring in a new James Bond fl ick. Nestled into verdant land a few meters from Saline beach this property is 16000 sq meters of amazing. Every bedroom is superb. Deep Wenge wood and oak f i tt ings give a depth to the modernity of the design. It ’s an instant classic.

www.myprivatevil las.com

Jade Mountain, St. LuciaThe rooms here are called

sanctuaries, and for good reason. They are so completely private that you could l i terally get up to anything. Especially with your own indoor/outdoor private infinity pool. The vistas are nothing short of breath-taking. The gl immering sea reflecting blues only Picasso could dream of and the majestic Pitons rising l ike nature ’s watch towers. The resort has been designed so sensit ively that sky bridges and walkways connect various pavil ions. You l i terally become one with your surrounds. The restaurant serves exquisite meals using produce

Viceroy Beach Front Villa,

Anguilla

Above and right, Bajacu,

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

49JANUARY 2015

TRAVEL

50GAVROCHE LUXURY

Above and right, Jade Mountain,

St. Lucia

51JANUARY 2015

plucked fresh from Jade Mountain ’s very own organic farm.

www.jademountain.com

Secret Bay, Zabuco Honeymoon Villa, Dominica

You don ’t have to be on honeymoon to full grasp the beauty of this eco-fr iendly resort. You can embrace your inner Robinson Crusoe with the tree house - l ike structures of this boutique hotel and with the nature driven exploration available. Secret Bay is romantic, secluded and nature bound.

www.secretbay.dm

Montpelier Plantation and Beach, Nevis

Steeped in a history dating back to the 1600s this plantation house turned luxury boutique hotel is a daydreamers paradise. Run by the outrageously handsome Hoffman family it doesn ’t take long after arrival to feel l ike one of the gang. The private beach, ruins of long lost sugar mills and quaint Georgian vil lages mark this spot as the quintessential Caribbean experience.

www.montpeliernevis.com

One & Only, Ocean Club, Paradise Island, Bahamas

Sophisticated, elegant and graceful the One & Only Ocean Club is an icon of seduction and discretion. Previously the private estate of playboy and art collector Huntington Hartford II this property has been meticulously restored and decorated. Service is impeccable and the gardens designed after Versail les are fault less.

Hartford bought a stone French cloister from Randolph Hearst and spent over a year assembling it on the grounds of the estate. Eerily romantic, i t ʼs the perfect location for a moonlight stroll .

www.oneandonlyresorts.com

Musha Cay, Exumas, BahamasIn his usual brash style owner

David Copperfield had no qualms about naming the bay after himself . However, this moment of celebrity tastelessness is easi ly overlooked when you arrive at Musha Cay. It is exquisite.

Every detail has been meticulously executed. Things you didn ’t even know you wanted appear before you ’ve even formulated the thought. The crystal lagoon, sand bar, even the website is a work of art . And remaining true to his call ing, Copperfield has created a secret vi l lage of ruins to explore.

www.mushacay.com

Montpelier Plantation and Beach,

Nevis

TRAVEL

52GAVROCHE LUXURY

Antigua is the quintessential Caribbean island - sun -soaked, fr inged with lush white sand and set by a romantic

aquamarine sea. Anyone who has dreamt of buying property on a tropical island will have considered the Caribbean at some point. With stel lar accommodations available in breath taking locations, the region offers a host of attractive options to prospective buyers. From the cocktail beauty of the Caribbean to the choppy Atlantic east coast, Antigua and its sister island of Barbuda, both offer stupendous views and glorious l i festyle opportunit ies.

Antigua ʼs appeal l ies f irmly in its turquoise seaside views and pearl white peaches. Most guests and prospective buyers are attracted to the easy l i fe and friendly locals - and the wide variety of beaches - available on the island.

Back in 1784, Admiral Horatio Nelson sailed into Antigua and established Britain ’s most important Caribbean base. In the modern era, the Caribbean region has now become a popular tourist destination and the landmark Heritage Quay, St Johnʼs in Antigua with its casino and duty free complex is the commercial epicentre of the island.

Capturing the essence of luxury, half of the world ʼs yachting fraternity pitch up in the Caribbean for their annual regatta. The twin islands of Antiqua and Barbados come alive in April with Antiguaʼs Sail ing Week, an international event that takes place over a f ive -day period. Alongside neighbouring Falmouth Harbour, the English Harbour is the picturesque centre of Antiguaʼs sai l ing industry, dominated by Nelsonʼs Dockyard, the world ʼs only surviving Georgian dockyard.

For the island and wider region

IslandINVESTMENT

There exists a type person who arrives at a place and instinctively knows it’s where they belong. They feel a deep connection or simply fall in love with a specific location. It comes from the gut and it never goes away - those who feel it would do well to invest in a slice of paradise just for themselves. Here are some pointers for people who’s spiritual home is an island in the sun.

by Danni Landa

53JANUARY 2015

TRAVEL

possess affordable real estate that are primed for growth. Each market has an inventory of move- in -ready properties that are suitable for retirement and investment purposes. They are also relatively inexpensive.

One of the real estate highlights is Galley Bay Heights, which boasts twenty -three luxury vil las with 8 plots, scattered along the picturesque Caribbean landscape. The area is set within an outstanding private development, where a mix of international owners, including designer Giorgio Armani and guitarist Eric Clapton, have chosen to make their Caribbean homes. Less than four miles from the bustl ing capital city of St. John ’s, and twenty minutes from VC Bird International airport, Galley Bay Heights has access to the most secluded beaches in Antigua and guests are only a short boat ride from Royal Beach in Deep Bay.

Deep Bay is a luxury curved beach that ’s perfect for swimming and snorkell ing. If you own or hire a boat this is the perfect bay to throw down your anchor, as i tʼs largely protected from the elements and nearby choppy waters. Guests can take a ten minute hike to nearby Fort Barrington that sits on the northern end of the bay. The old Brit ish fort used to protect the southern approach into St. John ’s. The historic fort i f ications that you see today date back to the late eighteenth century.

Galley Bay Heightʼs vil las are surrounded by tropical gardens f i l led with exotic f lowers, palms, fruit trees and romantic sunsets. Resplendent with exquisite colonial architecture and a roof top gardens f lourishing with tropical f lowers, there are 23 luxury vil las, and the estate represents one of the most luxurious property opportunit ies in Antigua.

Jolly Harbour has proven to be a popular residential choice with the eastern Caribbeanʼs largest manmade marina. Home to sun kissed beaches, shops, restaurants and a luxury golf course, the west coast resort is a haven for famil ies and romantic couples. Properties range from two-bedroom waterfront and golf homes from just over £100,000 to multi -mill ion pound vil las with harbour-side moorings. Overall the real estate community is a fr iendly mix of Europeans, Canadians and Americans.

Tamarind Hills is a situated between two of the islandʼs most beautiful southwest beaches, with fabulous views across to Montserratʼs smouldering volcano. The complex has 62 apartments, townhouses and vil las, and for an estimated £360k, an investor should be able to successfully purchase a two bedroom property. UK investors have been tradit ionally fond of buying property in the Nonsuch Bay Resort, which has always attracted a sai l ing crowd because of i ts trade winds and two square miles of protected waters. One -to -three -bedroom apartments, townhouses and vil la plots are available from an estimated £227k and represent excellent value for money.

Antigua is an attractive location for Brit ish home buyers because it has direct f l ights with London, a famil iar legal system and English is widely spoken. Steeped in Brit ish colonial history, Antiguaʼs al lure predominately l ies in its 365 white sandy beaches and turquoise Caribbean seas.

The prospect of owning your own Caribbean home in Antigua will lure investors from across the world. The global sai l ing community have long been aware of the idyll ic qualit ies of this Caribbean island and investors may never get a better chance of owning a luxury property at such affordable rates. For global property investors it ʼs t ime to sai l away from the safe harbour and catch the trade winds in your sails . There has never been a better t ime to explore, dream and discover in Antigua.

“Attracting visitors

from across

the world, the

Caribbean island

is the perfect

location for a long-

term property

investment”

Antigua, Caribbean

54GAVROCHE LUXURY

Something for everyone...There is nothing wrong with doing nothing. In fact, some of the best

holidays are the ones where you just kind of mooch your way through the

day, marking the passing hours by meal times and cocktail hour, perhaps

occasionally reading a few pages of a book. Alas, it's not for everyone and

even the most languorous amongst us need a bit more action every-so-

often. For those times you can bear to tear yourself away from the sunbed

we created this list of things to do.

Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park,

Molinere Bay, Grenada

by Danni Landa

55JANUARY 2015

Something for everyone...

For the Curious Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park, Molinere Bay, Grenada

In 2006, art ist Jason deCaires Taylor created the world 's f irst underwater sculpture park in Molinere Bay. The f irst concrete sculptures were cast from the body of a local woman called Grace hence the name Grace Reef. Since then, six more installat ions have been created. At a depth of 12 to 14 feet the sculptures are easy to snorkel around. The most recognised piece is Vicissitudes, a circle of 26 children, cast from local famil ies, holding hands and facing outwards. Unlike tradit ional art works on display in a gallery the installat ion is in a state of constant change as sea creatures make their home amongst the sculptureʼs surfaces creating a l iving art .

www.underwatersculpture.comwww.grenadaunderwatersculpture.com

Study Volcanoes via Helicopter, Montserrat

Montserrat ’s Soufriere Hil ls volcano had been dormant for centuries when it erupted in 1995 destroying the island ’s capital , Plymouth, and rendering the entire south side of the island uninhabitable. Sti l l active and under surveil lance by the Montserrat Volcano Observatory access is completely prohibited. Visit ing the site by helicopter is thri l l ing and you can see f irst hand the remarkable difference between the ash stricken south and the st i l l lush and green west. Get up close to the now uninhabited town of Plymouth and the newly formed Tar River Gorge - a result of avalanches of hot gas, dust, rock and ash.

www.caribbeanhelicopters.com

Hang out with Kalinago People - the original Caribbeans, Dominica

The Kalinago People, sometimes referred to as Caribs, have inhabited the Lesser Anitl les for approximately 500 years. Around 3000 Kalinagos l ive in 8 hamlets spread throughout the north east of Dominica. Visitors are encouraged to explore the Kalinago culture through performances, tours and homestays. This fascinating sl ice of history encompasses guided tours of tradit ional herbal medicines, cuisine, weaving and other tradit ional crafts.

www.kalinagoterritory.com

Retrace the steps of Captain Jack Sparrow, St. Vincent

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56GAVROCHE LUXURY

World Creole Music Festival, Dominica

Started in 1997 Dominicaʼs World Creole Music Festival has become the most popular get together for Creole musicians from around the world. Held over three nights during the last weekend of October the festival is definite highlight in Dominica ʼs full social calendar. Its pulsating rhythms are infectious and persuades even the most t ightly wound traveller to loosen those hips and let swing.

www.wcmfdominica.com

International Regatta, St. ThomasFor yachties this is the most

important party of the Caribbean sail ing calendar. Now in its 41st year the St. Thomas International Regatta is known as the Crown Jewel of the Caribbean and is one of the US Virgin

Islands biggest events. With entries from all over the world this is an excit ing race to witness. The beauty and decadent luxury of St. Thomas makes it an ideal event for both sailors and non-sailors al ike.

www.stthomasinternationalregatta.com

For the AdventurersWalk along the seabed, St Martin

Sure you can snorkel or SCUBA dive or go in a submarine (more on

The islands of the Caribbean are a supremely photogenic and many a f i lm crew have set up shop on one island or another. The most famous of al l has to be Pirates of The Caribbean. Amazingly there doesn ’t yet seem to be any locals taking advantage of the popular f i lm series and visitors are left to seek out the ruins of the f i lm alone; no doubt a jovial adventure (especially i f i ts interspersed with rum breaks). Prime locations for POC buffs are Wall i labou Bay, Black Point and Petit Tabac.

Taste rum direct from the distillery, Barbados

It ’s no surprise that there are dozens of rum dist i l leries in the Caribbean. One of the most intriguing ones to visit is St. Nicholas Abbey in Barbados. The plantation and dist i l lery is a microcosm of Barbadian history. The Great House is an original Jacobean mansion that has been beautifully preserved. The property includes an 17th century herb garden, a functioning steam mill and a tradit ional rum dist i l lery.

www.stnicholasabbey.com

For the Partygoers Swim to the bar, Reduit Beach, St. Lucia

If you spot an eclectic looking vessel adorned with f lags and pieces of colourful fabric meandering along the undulating sea off the shore of Reduit Beach best you take a lazy swim and order yourself a rum cocktail . That 's not a mirage itʼs a bar!

Carnival All Year RoundThe people of the Caribbean

understand what it means to party. It ʼs in their bones. You can enjoy carnival practically the whole year. There are over 30 different carnivals happening at any given moment. Each one has its own unique tradit ions. You really shouldn ’t visit the Caribbean without doing at least one carnival. . .or maybe two.

Jazz Festival, St. LuciaGoing strong for the last 23

years the St. Lucian Jazz and Arts Festival is for those whose taste in music spans tradit ional jazz to R&B and Calypso. Past performers have included Al Green, Luther Vandross, Chaka Khan, Amy Winehouse and host of other famous names. Running for 10 days in the f irst week of May it is definitely one of the coolest place to be seen.

www.stluciajazz.org

57JANUARY 2015

that below) but why would you do that when you can actually walk along the seabed. Donning a space age helmet with its own air supply Sea Trek takes you on a one-hour tour of sunken wrecks and vivid sea l i fe and all the while your hair stays dry.

www.seatrekstmaarten.com

Go Submarining, ArubaIf you ’ve brought the kids along

then you should look at the Atlantis Submarine experience in Aruba, Barbados, Cayman Islands and St. Martin. For almost 2 hours the sub will cruise at depths of 130 feet through the dreamy underworld seascape passing cruising sea turtles, bri l l iant f ish and mysterious wrecks.

www.depalmtours.com

However, i f you have left the kids

at home then perhaps you should spend a night in Lover ’s Deep - a private submarine for couples that comes with a captain, chef and butler. The vessel can be moved to your preferred vista and while speedboat transfers are the norm helicopter beach landings can also be organised.

www.oliverstravels.com

Hike to the centre of a dead volcano, Grenada

The wildl i fe sanctuary of Grand Étang contains miles of excellent hiking options for al l levels. Crossing f ishing streams and sighting Mona monkeys and many species of birds a hike here should include a swim under the Seven Sisters Waterfall and culminate at the Grand Étang Lake - a 36 square mile stretch of cerulean blue water that f i l ls the crater of the extinct volcano.

Saddle Up, BermudaThings get started late in the

Caribbean so an early morning horse ride along a deserted white sand beach is probably one of the most romantic and picturesque thing you could do. Especially when itʼs fol lowed by a delicious Bermudian breakfast.

www.spicelandsriding.com

Catch your own lobster, NevisAt the Four Seasons Resort

guests get dressed for dinner in wet suits. A chef and dive master wil l take you out on a yacht for a day of diving where you can catch your own spiny lobster using a tradit ional lasso. Back on shore your chef wil l demonstrate how to prepare your catch sharing a recipe for a Nevisian barbecue marinade while you sip cocktails . Bon apetit .

TRAVEL

Soufri ère Hills Volcano,

Montserrat

58GAVROCHE LUXURY

ECO DESTINATIONS CENTRAL

AMERICA

If you're looking to expand your dinner party

conversation with some adventurous eco tales then

Central America is your next destination. What these

countries lack in luxury they sure make up for in

exhilarating moments. Here are three to get you started.

by Danni Landa

59JANUARY 2015

60GAVROCHE LUXURY

What to do.. .

Take a day tour with ACTUAR

A community based conservation tourism organisation, ACTUAR arranges activit ies based on your interests. Whether you are an avid bird watcher or keen to meet and cook with the locals ACTUAR can f ind the right f i t for you.

www.actuarcostarica.com

Visit the Jaguar Rescue Centre

Along with the endangered jaguar the centre also helps orphan monkeys, sloths, anteaters and other exotic animals.

www.jaguarrescue.com

Protect A Sea Turtle

Green Sea Turtles can weigh up to 160kilos and measure around 1.5 meters. The arduous task of laying eggs makes them prime targets for poachers. By helping to count eggs, tag turtles and record data you can protect these beautiful creatures for generations to come.

www.conserveturtles.org

Where to stay.. .

Rancho Pacifico, Quepas

Surrounded by 250 acres of prist ine rainforest Rancho Pacif ico has f ive suits and f ive vil las. The total capacity is just 20 people (no children), which makes for a very exclusive experience. With dozens of trai ls to fol low through the rainforest canopy leading to waterfal ls and swimming holes it ’s a luxurious version of Indiana Jones' compound. Sleek as opposed to opulent Rancho Pacif ico is understated with every design choice and amenity adhering to the strict green credentials of the owners.

www.ranchopacif ico.com

Pacuare Lodge, Talamanca Mountains

Staying here is for the more adventurous traveller. This gorgeous resort is located along side the Pacurare River in a 25,000 acre high-bio diverse rainforest. Arrival is via white water raft down the river (or a 4x4 drive, cable ferry and a short hike for hesitators). Owned by self-confessed foodies guests can indulge in excellent dishes made with local , exotic ingredients. Educational and cultural programs are on offer along with hikes, r iver adventures and simple relaxation.

www.pacuarelodge.com

Florblanca, Nicoya Penninsula

This small , exquisite hotel is situation along a beautiful white sand beach. With a high sustainabil i ty ranking Florblanca offers myriad of experiences from ocean front yoga sessions to surfing, zip l ines, horse riding and hiking. Beachfront vil las feature enormous showers, luxe furnishing and appropriately placed hammocks.

www.florblanca.com

COSTA RICA

BELIZEWhere to stay.. .

Coppola Resorts

After fal l ing in love with the tropical cl imate of the Phil ippines while f i lming Apocalypse Now Francis Ford Coppola went on the hunt for a place where he could peacefully replicate the experience. In the 1980s he'd found his sweet spot in Belize. Ten years on he decided to open up to the public and led the way in eco-accommodation in the area. There are two properties to choose from - Turtle Inn and Blancaneaux Lodge - and each has its unique style and offers diverse experiences. The thing they have in common is a sense of Coppola 's idiosyncratic f lair and an outstanding green profi le.

www.coppolaresorts.com

Matachia Resort, Ambergris Caye Island

Private beach, divine casitas and vil las, nearby reef teeming with f ish and sea creatures, exceptional food, indulgent spa. . . there ’s not really much else one needs.

www.matachica.com

Ka ’ana, San Ignacio

This boutique hotel nestled in the Mayan jungle is has been decorated with hand carved furniture and local crafts. The palette is warm and rustically luxurious. Rooms have an indoor/outdoor design and beautiful antique touches. Ka ’ana has an impeccable environmental reputation and also prides itself on preserving the local culture. The spa employs the last remaining shaman in the area and has a menu of delectable treatments. Only three miles away are some of the most impressive Mayan ruins in Belize.

www.kaanabelize.com

What to do.. .

Check out the Mayan ruins and temples

Once home to over 2 mill ion Mayans, Belize is full of fascinating sites to visit . An extensive network of underground cave systems, which are easi ly accessible on inner tubes, adds to the adventure of discovering the Mayan culture. History buffs should make sure they pay a visit to the swim - in Foot Print Cave which was used by the Mayans as a sacred site and is st i l l scattered with artefacts.

Take a night walk through the jungle.

Rancho Pacifico, Quepas,

Costa Rica

Florblanca,

Nicoya Penninsula,

Costa Rica

61JANUARY 2015

Join up with The Maya Centre who organise night tours of the jungle. You ’ l l possibly see a few paccas, kinkjous or tapir and if you're really lucky you spot one of the f ive big cat species that roam Belize.

www.mayacenter.com

Go to the Chocolate Festival

Southern Belize is recognised as one of the top producers of quality cacao. Obviously, this requires a yearly celebration of al l things chocolate. Over three days in the Toledo District locals and visitors enjoy dancing, music, crafts and of course chocolate in great abundance.

www.chocolatefestivalofbelize.com

GUYANAOne of the least developed countries on our l ist Guyana really does require a tour guide. Rustic, underdeveloped and amazingly beautiful .

Where to stay.. .

Iwokrama River Lodge, Essequibo River

It ’s not luxury in the sense of a pil low menu or a room service. But location and friendliness of the staff wil l make up for any lack of lavishness. However, i f a unique adventure is what you need then this is definitely the place. A bumpy journey will bring you to this oasis tucked into one of the last remaining frontier

rain forests in the region. Expert guides wil l reveal the secrets of the rainforest while spider monkeys, macaws, toucans and the odd jaguar saunter past.

www.iwokramariverlodge.com

Surama Eco Lodge, Rupununi

Sharing a boundary with the Iwokarama River Lodge the vil lage of Surama offers homestays. Populated by around 230 Makushi people, each member of the vil lage spends part of the week running the lodge facil i t ies. Staying here opens up an incredible world of lost tradit ions and contributes directly to the Surama economy. This award winning eco lodge experience is a must do.

www.suramaecolodge.com

Maipaima Eco Lodge, Kanuku Mountains

Basic but beautiful Maipaima is one of the most remote eco lodges in the world. The surrounding forest and mountains wil l provide you with some

of the most stunning scenery you will encounter.

www.maipaimaecolodge.com

What to do.. .

Kaieteur Falls

Four t imes larger than Niagara these falls are impressive, especially by plane.

Iwokrama Forest and Petroglyphs

Take a canopy walk of the Iwokrama forest stopping off to spot tapirs, monkeys, sloths and macaws. Hang out at Turtle Mountain camp and make sure you take in the ancient petroglyphs carved into the rocks.

Go back in time

The Dutch Colonial homes and shop fronts that l ine the city streets of Paramaribo are impeccably preserved. This world heritage site is a delightful stopover on route to the wild landscape of Guyana.

Coppola Resorts,

Belize

Maipaima Eco Lodge,

Kanuku Mountains, GuyanaKanuku Mountains, Guyana

TRAVEL


EXPERIENCE ISTRIA




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gavroche january edition

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heartshaped peninsula

blue coastal istria

beautiful destinations

exquisite seafood restaurants

friendly hospitality

historical points

delicious homemade pasta