Rediscover culinary roots with the Luxury Group by Marriott International

The Luxury Group by Marriott International is bringing the Luxury Dining Series back to the Asia Pacific in 2025.

Source: The Luxury Group by Marriott International. Key visual for the Luxury Dining Series 2025.

This year’s lineup of luxury hotels includes The Ritz-Carlton, Perth; The St Regis Singapore; The St Regis Jakarta; and The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok. Each property will offer curated culinary experiences prepared by Marriott International’s culinary and mixology team.

“We are thrilled to unveil the latest edition of the Luxury Dining Series, featuring an expansion of stops with a broader lineup of culinary talents across our global portfolio of luxury hotels,” said Oriol Montal, Regional VP, Luxury, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International.

“This year’s exclusive collaborations and experiences will celebrate ancient ingredients reimagined for the modern palate, reflecting a key theme identified in The Future of Food 2025 report – forgotten flavours. Through immersive collaborations and multisensory storytelling, we are offering crafted, unforgettable culinary experiences that seamlessly blend craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and innovation.”

Australia - August 15-17 - The Ritz-Carlton, Perth

Curated by Chef Brian Cole of Hearth and Chef Katsuhito Inoue from Chef’s Table at The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, the East Meets West dinner will offer a fusion of Australian open-fire cooking and Western Australian produce with Japanese kaiseki in a traditional multicourse dining format. 

The two culinary maestros will also pair up for a second farm-to-table menu, dubbed Farmers’ Bounty. Available for one night only, this menu pays homage to the land, the season, and the hands behind the harvest. Presented by Chef Cole and Pastry Chef Jiu Jiang, Hearth’s reimagined afternoon tea experience will celebrate Western Australia’s diverse landscapes, stories, and flavours, including the creamy delights of Margaret River Dairy and the aromatic nuances of native bush spices. 

An exceptional tasting will be prepared by Marco Barsotti, Beverage & Bars Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Perth, and award-winning Head Bartender Kentaro Wada from The Bar at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo. Expect handcrafted tipples, paired with distinctive bites by Executive Sous Chef Stephen Cocks. 

Singapore - August 29-31 - The St Regis Singapore

Staying true to the Forgotten Flavours theme, The St Regis Singapore will feature an authentic four-hands Cantonese menu at Yan Ting by Executive Chinese Chef Chan Chung Shing and Daniel Wong, Michelin-starred Chinese Executive Chef of Jin Xuan Chinese Restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong. The menu reintroduces indigenous ingredients in inventive ways to bridge tradition and innovation. 

Guests can also look forward to a six-hands menu at The Astor Grill curated by Chef Vladmir Veiga - Head Chef of one Michelin-starred LAB by Sergi Arola of The Ritz-Carlton, Penha Longa Resort, Executive Chef Fabio Granata of The St Regis Singapore, and Chef de Cuisine Angelo Sergio of The Astor Grill. 

In celebration of the 60th anniversary of Singapore’s independence, Chef Angela Lai, former pastry chef of two-Michelin starred Tairroir Taipei, and winner of Asia’s Best Pastry Chef in 2021 by Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, joins forces with Executive Pastry Chef Ng Chee Leong to reimagine beloved sweet and savoury flavours. 

To spotlight three of Asia’s most compelling cocktail destinations - Singapore, Jakarta, and Bangkok, Marco Dongi, Bar Manager of Bar Sathorn at W Bangkok from last year’s Luxury Dining Series returns to collaborate with Paulo Naranjo, Bar and Beverage Manager of The St Regis Jakarta to shake things up at The St Regis Bar.

Indonesia - September 11-14 - The St Regis Jakarta

Gastronomic adventures in Jakarta will kick off with a tasting of fine confections by celebrated Pastry Chef Janice Wong, featuring the rich flavour profiles of Indonesian cacao beans. Experience the Michelin-starred touch of IGNIV Bangkok as Chef Arne Riehn brings his distinctive interpretation of modern Swiss cuisine to Jakarta. Journey through the Indonesian archipelago with a family-style dinner led by Chef Almatino “Tino” Gabriel Ibrata, where the evening begins with a pre-dinner reception featuring a traditional wayang performance.

The St Regis Afternoon Tea experience will be designed by two pastry visionaries, Chef Janice Wong and Chef Kevin Lee. The menu marks an elevated take on afternoon tea, showcasing their avant-garde and flavour-driven approaches to desserts with a curated selection of sweet and savory bites.

Exceptional evening experiences include a noteworthy bar takeover that will honour the origins of punch in Batavia. During this event, Yasuhiro Kawakubo of Punch Room at The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza, and Giovanni Graziadei of Punch Room at The Singapore EDITION will present signature creations from their respective bars that reflect the rich legacy of mixology.

Thailand - September 25-28 - The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok

This year’s series concludes in Bangkok at the new The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok. At Duet by David Toutain, Toutain himself and Chef Valentin Fouache will join hands with Chef Adam Catterall of Hong Kong’s Michelin-starred Roganic, the acclaimed outpost of three-Michelin-starred Chef Simon Rogan. The trio will present a six-hands European tasting menu rooted in honouring local terroir. 

The Bangkok and Hong Kong collaborations continue with another six-hands meal focused on French tradition and Asian finesse starring Chef Toutain and Chef Fouache and Hong Kong’s Louise with Executive Chef Loïc Portalier.

For a special Friends of Lily’s brunch helmed by Chef Pop, guests can further expect an explosion of Middle Eastern, French and Thai flavors prepared by Chef Tala Bashmi - crowned MENA’s Best Female Chef by The World’s 50 Best, Chef Portalier, and Chef Jai of Charmgang.

Adding to the excitement is an intimate private dining experience at Lily’s, exclusive to 10 guests. Crafted by Chef Bashmi, diners can expect a delectable blend of Bahraini cuisine in each soulful bite. 

Headed by Bar and Beverage Manager Ewen Ledan, Calēo Bar will feature a guest bar takeover by Simone Rossi - celebrated cocktail master from Hong Kong and creator of Ratafia Rossi, a distinctive Italian ratafia cherry liquor, and Angelo Sparvoli, Head Bartender of the legendary American Bar at The Savoy, London.

Featuring beans from some of the most distinctive cacao regions around the world, guests can dive into a multisensory chocolate afternoon tea experience at Calēo, where they can enjoy guided tastings, and live demonstrations into the craftsmanship of Executive Pastry Chef Sylvain Constans behind each bite.

Marriott Bonvoy members will also have the opportunity to bid on exceptional dining events using their Marriott Bonvoy Moments loyalty points. The experiences include exclusive dining collaborations, cocktail masterclasses and more, at each of the seven destinations in this year’s Luxury Dining Series.

To explore Marriott Bonvoy Moments, please visit https://moments.marriottbonvoy.com

Hashtag: #MarriottBonvoyMoments

Luxury Group by Marriott International unveils Luxury Wellbeing Series 2025

Source: The Luxury Group by Marriott International. The Luxury Wellbeing Series 2025 is now live.

The Luxury Group by Marriott International will introduce the Luxury Wellbeing Series 2025 from August. According to the Group's latest luxury travel trends report – The Intentional Traveler, 90% of high-net-worth travellers cite wellness offerings as a key factor in their booking decisions.

In addition, wellness travellers are planning to spend more. Beyond just feeling good, there is a growing demand for immersive, holistic wellness journeys over passive pampering, and Asia is the top destination of choice for such experiences.

Spanning multiple cities in Asia, this wellness odyssey integrates the three pillars of wellness — sleep, nutrition, as well as physical and mental wellbeing — with the cultural tapestry and natural splendour of Bali, Maldives, and Goa. The participating properties will each offer a tailored wellness escapade.

"Beyond tranquil retreats, affluent travellers are seeking impeccable, personalised, exceptional wellness experiences," said Oriol Montal, Regional VP, Luxury, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International.

"As the Luxury Group aspires to predict and exceed travellers' ever-evolving expectations, the Luxury Wellbeing Series is more than just a wellness programme — it's a transformative expedition catering to global luxury travellers' growing desire for holistic enrichment."

Bali | Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Sleep: Delve into the traditional use of medicinal plants in the Balinese Medicinal Plants Workshop, exploring how local flora can enhance sleep quality and overall health with centuries-old recipes. Follow this with Yogic Sleep Therapy, a 60-minute session focused on achieving deep relaxation through controlled breathing, gentle yoga techniques, and calming delta wave music.

Nutrition: Explore Bali with the guided Foraging with the Adventure Car tour led by the hotel's Executive Sous Chef Eka Sunarya. This hands-on sensory excursion takes guests through lush greenery where they will taste freshly-picked wild herbs, aromatic spices and tropical fruits while gaining insights into their culinary and cultural significance. 

To further embrace the deep-rooted appreciation of nature in Balinese culture, make your own traditional drinks in the hour-long Balinese Herbal Drink Workshop using local ingredients that are believed to detoxify, energise and heal.

Physical and mental wellbeing: Dive into the depths of self-awareness with the Vipassana meditation sessions, an ancient practice designed to sharpen mindfulness and foster inner tranquility. By closely observing their breath, sensations, thoughts, and emotions, guests can easily regain mental clarity and emotional resilience. 

Guests can let their artistic side shine with the Mandala Art activity, which fosters self-expression and emotional release. 

Maldives | The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands 

At The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, wellness is a deeply personal journey, shaped by each guest's unique path to balance. Rooted in the resort's Deep Blue philosophy, which celebrates the ocean's healing rhythm and the science of the blue mind, the experience draws on the power of water to calm, centre, and inspire. 

From private consultations with the resort's Director of Spa and Wellness and Executive Chef upon arrival to bespoke treatments and personalised nutrition plans, every element is designed to dissolve stresses and restore inner peace.

Sleep: Taking place at the oceanfront bedrooms, the Balance of Stillness workshop will give guests an introduction to sleep cycles and creating their own sleep sanctuary with the curated sleep ritual kits to help establish a calming bedtime routine. Guests will enjoy a personalised turndown service featuring chakra tea and a sound card selected based on their initial wellness consultation.

Nutrition: A Taste of the Maldives cooking class offers guests a chance to delight in the flavours of the Maldives. They will prepare dishes using the day's fish catch alongside a vegetarian option and have a one-on-one session with the in-house wellness guru and the chef for tailored nutrition guidance. 

Following a comprehensive review of the guest's health history, lifestyle, and wellness goals, the professionals will provide guidance on a customised meal plan, portion control, mindful eating, and nutrient timing.

Physical and mental wellbeing: Set the tone with a Sunrise Floating Sound Healing Session, where sound vibrations gently align body and mind. Healing moments will be further elevated by B Strong, a powerful blend of strength training and conscious breathwork to improve resilience and clarity. 

A guided snorkelling trip and private coral regeneration experience further enrich this journey, deepening the connection between wellbeing and the healing power of the ocean.

India | The St Regis Goa Resort 

The newly-renovated St Regis Goa Resort is dedicated to the ancient practices of Ayurveda, designed to address and harmonise guests' overall health and wellbeing. The journey begins with a personalised consultation with a team of in-house wellness consultants to uncover underlying health imbalances, followed by customised treatments delivered by expert therapists.

Sleep: The Sleep Ritual harnesses the calming effects of Yoga Nidra alongside herbal tisanes to promote a deep, restorative sleep. This ritual is specifically crafted to help guests truly unwind.

Nutrition: Guests will indulge in a Dosha-Specific Farm-to-Table Lunch, aligned with individual Ayurvedic profiles using the freshest ingredients from local farms. A visit to the resort's Spice Garden further enriches this experience, offering insights into the healing properties of traditional herbs and spices integral to Ayurvedic cuisine.

Physical and mental wellbeing: The revitalising mornings begin with a therapeutic Sound Bath Session, using Himalayan singing bowls to realign the body's energies. This is further complemented by the Estuary Walk & Yoga, a reflective journey along the water's edge blending tranquil surroundings with the physical and mental discipline of yoga. 

Following the initial consultation upon arrival, The St Regis Spa offers on a series of bespoke Ayurvedic treatments designed to address guests' specific health concerns and promote a profound sense of peace and wellbeing.

The Signature Suites debut at Regent Hong Kong

The reimagined Regent Hong Kong has unveiled the Signature Suites, a trio of luxury residential retreats. The Signature Suites represent the crème de la crème of the 129 suites at Regent Hong Kong. Each Suite has a private outdoor terrace and whirlpool, views of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong skyline, enhanced by bespoke service.

Showcasing the aesthetic of Hong Kong-born architect and designer Chi Wing Lo, the Presidential Suite, Terrace Suite and CEO Suite are ideal for cocktail receptions and other private events. Each signature suite has a private terrace as well as spacious lounge and dining areas. The decor is dominated by warm cream tones, custom furnishings in natural oak with leather detailing and artisan craftsmanship.

Michel Chertouh, Regent Hong Kong MD said: “Each of our Signature Suites is designed to offer a highly personalised experience and the height of sophistication and discreet luxury. Guests will feel as if they are living in a luxurious contemporary residence with spaces that become their own, rather than a hotel suite.”

All three Signature Suites are privy to around-the-clock personalised service “on your terms” by dedicated Regent Masters. Signature Suite guests also enjoy access to Regent Club, a private sanctuary with breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktail experiences.

Presidential Suite

Regent Hong Kong’s Presidential Suite has long been known as one of the world’s most spectacular hotel suites and rooftop penthouses. This 7,000 sq ft duplex suite includes an infinity swimming pool.

Two-storey plate glass windows showcase panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong skyline from the duplex living room. The dining room which seats eight. The master bedroom has an ensuite Oasis bathroom with private sauna and steam rooms, plus a private gym. The Presidential Suite also has a tea room, kitchenette and powder room. In addition to the master bedroom, four outer-connecting bedrooms create a five-bedroom suite.

Terrace Suite

Source: The Regent Hong Kong. Rooftop terrace, Terrace Suite.

The Terrace Suite at 5,500 sq ft is now a one-bedroom duplex suite with the feel of a sophisticated apartment. The main level includes a living room with a lounge area. The living room has an elongated green granite console which can be used for buffet service. An adjoining entertainment room accommodates four, and there are two powder rooms.

An internal glass staircase leads to the harbour-facing master bedroom upstairs, as well as an Oasis bathroom with a round Oasis bath and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong Island skyline. A changing and lounging area and built-in makeup table with abundant natural light complete the space.

Designed for special occasions and events, the 3,300 sq ft rooftop terrace includes a whirlpool, lounge areas and a dining table for up to eight guests – all overlooking Victoria Harbour.

CEO Suite

The two-bedroom CEO Suite, at 4,200 sq ft, is home to a central living room with comfortable lounge seating and a wall of harbourview windows. Sliding doors on either side of a central wall with a large smart TV, open to the master bedroom, while glass doors open into the terrace overlooking Victoria Harbour. With a built-in wine fridge and Lo custom-designed bar cabinet, the living room with its is a haven for relaxation and convivial conversation.

The 3,200 sq ft terrace, with sweeping views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island, includes a whirlpool, sundeck, lounge area and a dining table for up to eight guests.

Details

The Suite MICHELIN Dining package pairs a suite stay with a meal at the MICHELIN-starred Cantonese restaurant at Regent Hong Kong. Nobu enthusiasts can opt for the Unwind and Delight package. A Stay Longer and Save offer rewards extended visits with restaurant experiences and a daily breakfast. 

Contact Regent Hong Kong at + 852 2313 2333 or email reservations.regenthk@ihgcom for reservations.

VistaJet World unveils year-end trips

VistaJet World aims to top every Christmas wishlist with a variety of ultra-exclusive and luxurious destinations.

Unconventional and unique trips for the Asia Pacific region include:

The Great Maharajas | India

Source: VistaJet. Enjoy India on the Maharajas trip.

Be hosted by the maharajas from palace to palace, resting overnight in luxury Taj Hotels properties throughout.

- Join the maharajas in their palaces

- Stay at Taj Hotels

- Exclusive access to Mehrangarh Fort

- Visit the Taj Mahal

- Go on safari at Ranthambore National Park

- Unwind at wellness retreat Vana Spa, where VistaJet members will receive bespoke benefits

Price: from US$295,000 (for a couple sharing accommodation)

Volcano Expedition | Vanuatu, South Pacific

Camp on the side of an active volcano with a team of experts. Peer down over the edge of The Son of Benbow and capture footage of a bubbling lava lake.

- Abseil over the edge of an active volcano to photograph a bubbling lava lake

- An extreme expedition, camping on the edge of the volcano

- Immersive experiences with local villages and the Ni-Vanuatu people

- ving experiences and water sports in the surrounding areas

Price: from US$275,000 (for a couple sharing accommodation)

VistaJet, the global private aviation company, launched VistaJet World in October. VistaJet World curates one-of-a-kind, multistop travel adventures tailored around its members’ passions. Customers have access the entire fleet whilst paying only for the hours they fly, free of the responsibilities and asset risks linked to aircraft ownership. VistaJet’s Program membership offers customers a bespoke subscription of flight hours on its fleet of mid- and long-range jets. 

Rolls Royce to send off the Ghost with Zenith Collector's Edition

· Ingot made from 2009 Ghost concept 200EX commemorated in Ghost Zenith’s interior

· Blueprint-inspired artwork depicting technical data of 200EX engraved on centre console

· Contemporary complex marquetry celebrates Ghost’s dual passenger and driver nature

· Collection limited to only 50 examples

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is celebrating the success of the Rolls-Royce Ghost with an extremely limited Zenith Collector’s Edition of the luxury icon.

The Ghost is coming to the end of its tenure. When production began in 2009, patrons were drawn to its elegant lines and dynamic offering. It is the most successful Rolls-Royce motor car ever built, attracting young entrepreneurs who have reduced the average age of a Rolls-Royce customer to around 43.

Source: Rolls-Royce. The three colour ways for the Ghost Zenith Collection.

The 50 instances in the Ghost Zenith Collection will feature the highest levels of bespoke ever seen on a Ghost Collection car, the company said. An equally limited number of Phantom VII Zeniths were created in 2016 to celebrate the end of its the Phantom's reign. Such cars are highly sought after.

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, commented, “The Ghost Zenith Collection presents an entirely forward-looking study of the unique characteristics that have seen Ghost ascend to the status of the most progressive super-luxury saloon ever conceived. This unique collection provides patrons of the marque with a rare opportunity to own a motor car truly evocative of our time. Ghost is the most successful Rolls-Royce ever created and the Zenith Collection marks an important milestone in our modern history.”

When shown at Geneva in 2009, 200EX introduced a concept that was both driver- and passenger-focused. The Ghost Zenith Collection draws many references from 200EX, with perhaps the most significant being the inclusion of a commemorative ingot made from the original 200EX Spirit of Ecstasy, melted down and set in to the centre console of each of the 50 Zeniths. Engraved with the three key design lines of Ghost, the plaque details its origins. The collection’s own Spirit of Ecstasy and clock are engraved with the name of the collection.

The 200EX is also immortalised in an engraving on the centre console of the Ghost Zenith. A blueprint-inspired artwork enlarged to a point of abstraction has been divided into 50 distinct parts, providing each Ghost Zenith customer with a personal and individual work of art, while at the same time uniting the collection as a group homage to Ghost.

The eye is naturally drawn to the interior of the collection’s doors, which have illuminated door pockets. Ambient light glows through perforated leather, enhancing the architectural elegance of the Zenith Ghost’s interior. The door marquetry is complex and available in either wood, technical fibre or piano-finished veneer, transitioning from the driver’s suite to the passenger suite, and emphasising the dual nature of Ghost.

The rear seats feature embroidery inspired by seat details of the original 1907 Silver Ghost. This embroidery transitions from the rear to the front of the cabin, and in the case of the Extended Wheelbase Zenith, the headliner thrusts forward into the poised silhouette of the Spirit of Ecstasy. The seats themselves are accentuated in a contrasting leather.

Occupants of the Ghost Zenith Standard Wheelbase will experience a unique shooting star effect. The starlight headliner is presented in shooting stars that fire at random across the cabin roof. This feature consists of over 1,340 individually-mapped and hand-woven fibre optic lights.

The Ghost Zenith Collection’s exterior styling features a two-tone application with a gloss-contrast paint finish. Patrons may select three different colour ways: Iguazu Blue with Andalusian White, Premiere Silver with Arctic White or Bohemian Red with Black Diamond, with multiple variants available.

These cars are the final opportunity to acquire a Ghost. Each is handcrafted at The Home of Rolls-Royce in the UK.

Details:

Contact Rolls-Royce in Singapore

KEEPERS Red Letter Sale to showcase Singapore designer brands

The largest Singapore designer sale will be returning in 2019, larger than before, with over 50 designers offering up to 90% discount.

The sophomore edition of the KEEPERS Red Letter Sale will see offerings from favourite accessory brands, publishing houses, home and décor labels, fashion and footwear brands as well as a selection of food and beverage partners to keep shoppers energised. Shoppers will be able to:

- Explore local tales and fables at Epigram Books

- Create their own scents with local perfumeries Artisan of Sense, The LAB Fragrances and SIX

- Try out eco-conscious and natural skincare labels such as Alcheme Skincare, which offers a free skin consultation for a custom skincare blend, Frank Skincare, a small-batch luxury skincare brand that is made entirely in Singapore, and RE:ERTH, powered by exclusive nature-derived active ingredients such as Japanese white turmeric (Curcuma zedoaria).

- Enjoy Nodspark's non-toxic vinyl nail wraps. There is a S$4 discount off the next purchase for every eight empty Nodspark packaging sent back to the retailer.

Ladies' fashion brands at the sale include A.Oei Studio, Aijek, Ans.ein, Dotted Line, GINLEE Studio, Hansel, Max Tan, Run After, Sabrina Goh, The Form, Triologie, Twotaels Co, Vilry.co, Weekend Sundries and Whole9Yards.

Men can look forward to local labels such as Ashenfeld, evenodd (both menswear and womenswear) and Graye Studio (a unisex label). Peas and Plums also covers kidswear.

Source: KEEPERS. Poster for the event.

Get swimsuits and lounge wear from K.BLU ad Kenzlily. Queenmark scarves will be on sale, and Rocket Eyewear’s travel-inspired shades. Shoes will be available at Anothersole and The World at Your Feet.

There will be accessories galore, from Desti Saint’s leather clutches and bags to Gnome & Bow’s storytelling bags and wallets, It Takes Balls’ hand-knit bags and Ling Wu’s bags of exotic leather. Round out the look with Blithe & Merry’s tassel earrings or Eden & Ellie’s beaded jewellery, pearl and semi-precious gems with Stones that Rock, and Carrie K.’s meaningful modern heirlooms.

Carrie K.’s Modern Heirloom collection is a contemporary twist to Singapore's multicultural, heritage stories, inspired by the Peranakan tiles. Carrie K. Hexa Rings come in auspicious Pink Amethyst, Amethyst, Sky Blue Topaz, Green Amethyst, White Topaz, and Red Garnet, all part of the CNY 2019 Zodiac Lucky Colours series. Each hexagon-shaped gemstone is custom-cut and bezel-set.

Refuelling stations will be operated by Demochoco, Fossa Chocolate, GTCL, Intermission Bar by The Projector, Spatula & Whisk and Wine & Philosophy.

 KEEPERS works to foster greater appreciation and desire for craftsmanship and independent design in Singapore. Through regular events at the National Design Centre, KEEPERS offers a platform for designers and craftsmen to connect with the public.

Details:

The Keepers Red Letter Sale will be held from 11 to 13 January 2019 on levels one and two at the National Design Centre, from 11 am to 7 pm.

Rolls-Royce debuts Spirit of Ecstacy Fabergé egg

Eggs from the jeweller Fabergé are famous around the world over for their exquisite design and the precious materials used. Each egg-shaped creation, typically commissioned for Easter, is decorated sumptuously outside, and opens up to reveal a surprise within. Only 50 pre-1917 Imperial eggs were ever completed.

The Spirit of Ecstasy Fabergé egg.

One patron can now take ownership of a new Fabergé egg that is a collaboration between Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and Fabergé. The Spirit of Ecstasy Fabergé egg contains the enigmatic mascot that has adorned Rolls-Royce motor cars since 1911, in a contemporary design conceived by Rolls-Royce Designers Stefan Monro and Alex Innes and rendered by Fabergé Lead Designer Liisa Talgren, then brought to life by Fabergé workmaster Paul Jones.

The egg is only the second ever to be commissioned in the Imperial Class since 1917 – a category reserved only for Fabergé’s most illustrious creations. It celebrates the history, heritage and legend for which both Rolls-Royce and Fabergé have been revered for more than a century.

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars commented, “The Spirit of Ecstasy Fabergé egg was born from an intrinsic desire to further the realms of bespoke personalisation. Responding to the continuing demands of patrons in search of unique and cherished possessions, a designer at the House of Rolls-Royce sketched an egg, igniting a fascination that will undoubtedly become one of the most collectable items of modern times.”

Design cues from Fabergé’s heritage are interwoven into the intricate shell, which stands at 160mm and weighs 400g. The artwork rests on an engine-turned, hand-engraved, purple enamel guilloché* base of 18 K white gold. Arms of rose gold define the shape of the egg. A discreet lever at the base of the stand move the boughs open to present a figurine of the Spirit of Ecstasy, hand-sculpted in frosted rock crystal. The rose gold vanes, embellished with nearly 10 carats of round white diamonds, resolve into swathes of natural amethyst weighing over 390 carats, specially selected for their colour saturation and quality. The purple hue of the enamel and amethyst provide a playful nod to the use of colour in Fabergé’s heritage.

The highly complex operating mechanism was conceived through computer-aided design and animation, and developed with micro engineering. The success of this mechanism, and in turn the piece as a whole, can be attributed to the goldsmiths’ art as craftspeople and their ability to meld this skill with technology, creating a work of art that could not be created by man alone. The piece embodies both the artistic design and engineering skill that one expects from a collaboration between Rolls-Royce and Fabergé, and has probably the most complicated opening mechanism of any Fabergé egg to date.

Sean Gilbertson, CEO, Fabergé said, “A unique moment in both our companies’ history, the creation of the Spirit of Ecstasy egg represents the meeting of two masters of unrivalled quality and design, showcasing two globally recognised symbols – the Fabergé egg and the Spirit of Ecstasy.”

Josina von dem Bussche-Kessell, Business Development and Global Sales Director, Fabergé added, “Two years in the making, we are very excited to unveil this special piece to our clients and partners across the globe together with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and are proud to continue making history by creating bespoke and unique pieces such as this. The Spirit of Ecstasy egg marks a demonstration of the reputation that Fabergé proudly carries today.”

Fifty Imperial Easter eggs were created for the Russian Imperial family between 1885 and 1916. Ten eggs were produced from 1885 to 1893 during the reign of Emperor Alexander III; a further 40 were created during the rule of his son Nicholas II, two per year – one for his mother the dowager, the second for his wife. As it so happens, Tsar Nicholas II was also a patron of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

The egg is now on public display in Fabergé’s London, UK window for Christmas.

Details:

Watch a video of the egg mechanism in action

*This refers to decoration that looks like braided or interlaced ribbons.

Emirates refreshes premium offerings in First and Business Class

Emirates has announced new luxury products in First and Business Class stemming from collaborations with BYREDO skincare, Bowers & Wilkins and Emirates’ longstanding partner Bulgari. 

Source: Emirates. The BYREDO for Emirates Wellness kit.

BYREDO for Emirates Wellness kit

The BYREDO travel wellness range of skincare is placed in Emirates First Class private suites. The allergen-free and Chamomile collections were exclusively created for Emirates. The collection by BYREDO was first introduced in Emirates’ new fully enclosed suites on the Boeing 777 last year and is now being rolled out across the fleet. 

The BYREDO for Emirates Wellness kit contains:

 
Cleansing face towelette
Facial toner 

Eye cream 
Chamomile roll-on sleep oil - this is applied on pulse points to ease into relaxation.
Chamomile pillow mist spray 

The kits are paired with a faux leather notebook and branded pen.

Bowers & Wilkins Active Noise Cancelling E1 headphones

The airline is also rolling out new Bowers & Wilkins Active Noise Cancelling E1 headphones in First Class. These headphones are created exclusively for Emirates using hybrid noise cancellation technology optimised for Emirates First Class cabins.

The headphones are lightweight and made of materials such as aluminium and sheepskin leather. Customers can use the headphones to view up to 3,500 channels of on-demand entertainment on a 32" TV screen. The entertainment selection on Emirates' ice platform across all classes includes up to 950 movies, 400 TV channels and 2,400 music and podcast channels. The headphones’ sound quality can also be tested on The Bowers & Wilkins Superior Sound playlist, a selection of tracks from ice selected for their acoustic excellence.

Bulgari amenity kits

The new kits for both First and Business Class feature Bulgari’s fragrance – Eau Parfumée Au Thé Vert (green tea) - and contain skincare essentials. 

The First Class kit bags, made from faux leather, come in eight designs with a new range of colours for men and women. Eight additional designs are available in Business Class – four for men and four for women. The amenity kits are available on long-haul overnight flights and designs are refreshed every nine months. The bags have been designed to be reused, and can easily store headphones, makeup or jewellery.

In addition to the Bulgari amenity kits, First Class customers will also be given Hydra Active moisturising sleep suits on long haul overnight flights.

Emirates’ premium onboard experience is complemented by on the ground with 42 dedicated Emirates Lounges located within major airports around the globe. First and Business Class passengers can also travel to and from the airport via Emirates’ complimentary chauffeur-driven service, available in over 70 cities.

Explore:

Fans of the First Class experience can purchase the Emirates sleep suits, First Class blanket or the Bowers & Wilkins PX headphones from the Emirates Official Stores.

Cleanse and detox on July and August weekends at the REVĪVŌ in Bali

Source: REVĪVŌ. Cleanse and detox retreats will be held every weekend in July and August.

Luxury wellness resort REVĪVŌ in Bali, Indonesia has launched cleanse and detox weekend retreats every weekend for the months of July and August.

With the option of attending for either one or two days for the retreats, the cleanse and detox programme begins at 10am every Saturday, starting with a cold-pressed juice followed by a yoga, Pilates or meditation class. After the session, guests will be served a kombucha (flavoured fermented tea) and detox lunch at NŪTRIŌ restaurant – with the aim of introducing alkaline-forming plant foods into the diet, while reducing the intake of acidic, toxin-rich foods.

Throughout the programme, guests will have unlimited access to the main pool, two hydro Vichy shower beds, hot and chill plunge pools, infrared saunas, jacuzzi, steam rooms and a saltwater floating pool. There will also be the option to enjoy an hour long lymphatic drainage massage at REMISSIŌ spa for an additional cost of US$30. The massage uses very light pressure and long, gentle, rhythmic strokes to enhance blood circulation throughout the body. 

The programme concludes at 6pm and starts again at 10am the next day for those signed up for the two-day retreat. All guests will receive complimentary transfers to and from Seminyak for added convenience (or airport transfers if flying in internationally), and for those looking to have the full REVĪVŌ experience, the Garden Suite at the resort is available at a special nightly rate of US$350.
 

REVĪVŌ offers 16 Balinese-style suites, including two four-bedroom villas.  

 

Details:

The Cleanse & Detox retreat is available in the following packages: 

 

•   One-day Cleanse & Detox – US$45; US$75 with an additional massage

 

•   Two-day Cleanse & Detox – US$80; US$140 with two additional massages 

 

All prices are subject to 10% government tax and 11% service charge

TrustYou lists the best hotels in SEA

TrustYou, the guest feedback platform, has published its research* on the best hotels in Southeast Asia. 

Leading the pack out of 11 properties in Singapore is Naumi Hotel Singapore, followed by Oasia Hotel Novena by Far East Hospitality, Hotel Jen Orchardgateway Singapore, The Ritz - Carlton Millenia Singapore and Conrad Centennial Singapore.

The March 2018 list of best-rated luxury hotels from TrustYou, covering Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos and the Philippines, lists The Westin Langkawi in Malaysia as the top hotel among the countries surveyed, followed in No. 2, No. 3 and No. 4 place by Thai hotels: the JW Marriott Phuket, the Hansar Bangkok, and the Renaissance Phuket. The New World Manila, Philippines, is in No. 5 place, followed by sixth-ranked Grand Hyatt Jakarta. The Naumi Singapore, the InterContinental Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, the Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort in Thailand, and the Oasia Hotel Novena Singapore round out the top 10.

The three best-rated hotels in Vietnam are:

• Hotel de l'Opera Hanoi
• Paloma Cruise - this is a boat which offers overnight stays
• InterContinental Saigon

For Cambodia, they are:

• Anantara Angkor Resort
• Hotel Shinta Mani Siem Reap
• Heritage Suites Hotel

There is one entry for Laos, the Luang Say Residence. For the Philippines, Solaire Resort & Casino is ranked No. 2, and the Monaco Suites de Boracay is ranked 3rd. In Indonesia, the Mulia Villas in Bali is ranked No. 2, while the JW Marriott Hotel Jakarta is No. 3. In Malaysia, the JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur is in third place. 

These aggregated results are drawn from TrustYou’s keyword analysis of travel reviews associated with hotels, destinations and travel websites scattered across the vast and fragmented market. The company draws its data from over 230,000 travel reviews a month from various sources and transforms this content into actionable insights and visualisations for over half a million hotels.

*A hotel is defined as luxury hotel if it gets a certain amount of keywords such as "luxury" and "luxurious" in their reviews that TrustYou analyses. The company looks at reviews, popularity within the same city, and popularity globally.

Rolls-Royce shares Bespoke models from 2017

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has shared the finest examples of bespoke design and craftsmanship to be completed by the luxury house over the past 12 months. The Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Bespoke department is a collective of designers, engineers and craftspeople who bring patrons’ most ambitious and personal visions to reality. Today, almost every motor car made by Rolls-Royce is bespoke.

According to the company, 2017 was the year that Rolls-Royce elevated its Bespoke initiative to unprecedented new levels, resulting in one of the most significant years for the Bespoke department in the 114-year history of the brand.

Sweptail

Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. The Sweptail.

Rolls-Royce Sweptail premiered in 2017, draws on the lineage of 1920s and 1930s Rolls-Royce motor cars. The client’s vision was for a coach-built two seater coupé featuring a large panoramic glass roof.

The grille, milled from solid aluminium, presents a distinct formality. The side profile of Sweptail defines its stately character, whilst the rear taper of the motor car pays homage to the world of racing yachts. The rear culminates in the registration number 08, milled from ingots of aluminium and hand-polished to a mirror finish.

Phantom and The Gallery

Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. The Thorsten Franck Bespoke Phantom Gallery.

This new Rolls-Royce Phantom has at the heart of its design aesthetic The Gallery, a contemporary and luxury reinterpretation of a motor car’s dashboard and instrument panel.

An application of glass runs uninterrupted across the fascia, providing an unprecedented opportunity to present artwork within a car.

Dawn and Wraith at Porto Cervo

Two motor cars were created in honour of the 2017 Rolls-Royce Summer Studio, Porto Cervo, Sardinia in Italy. A bespoke Dawn drophead coupé and a Wraith Black Badge were commissioned to encapsulate the essence of the island.

Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. The Porto Cervo motif in sapphires and mother of pearl, in the Dawn.

Dawn adopted a nautical theme, evoking emotions of a Mediterranean sojourn. The Porto Cervo motif, encrusted with genuine sapphires and mother of pearl, is embedded into the front fascia of the motor car. Navy blue and arctic white hues complement an expanse of teak, including the decking and floor.

The Porto Cervo Wraith emulates Sardinia’s night time ambience. A two-tone Diamond Black exterior is contrasted with gloss and matte paint applications, while black woven leather door panniers infer Wraith Black Badge’s dark and complex character.

Spirit of Calligraphy Ghost

A special one-off commission unveiled in Dubai, UAE in 2017, the Bespoke Spirit of Calligraphy Ghost draws its design inspiration from the art of Arabic calligraphy. Words are harmoniously moulded into shapes called calligrams, creating a unique effect where text and image become one.

Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Detail of calligraphy motif, Spirit of Calligraphy Ghost.

Sir Henry Royce’s words “Take the best that exists and make it better. When it does not exist, design it”, in their Arabic form are shaped into Rolls-Royce’s flying mascot, the Spirit of Ecstasy. The calligram, created by artist Khaled Al Saaei, features as a silver inlay on the centre panel and as embroidery on the rear centre seat, amidst an array of Turchese, Black and Arctic White leathers.

Ghost Elegance

Commissioned for an individual collector, the Ghost Elegance is the first motor car to be finished in a paint infused with diamonds. Named Diamond Stardust, the unique paint incorporates 1,000 diamonds crushed to form a very fine powder, giving the finished panels unmatched lustre and sparkle.

Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. The Ghost Elegance.

The flanks of the car are highlighted with Mugello Red and Black twin coachlines, reflected inside with black leather seats and accents in Mugello Red, carried through stitching on the doors and piping on the seats. The detailed fascia of smooth open-pore Tudor Oak veneer is also complemented with a Mugello Red single stitch along the top of the dashboard, and finished with a Bespoke clock.

Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Dawn in Fuxia.

Dawn in Fuxia
In 2017, US collector Michael Fux was presented with his 10th Bespoke model from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Following a visit to Pebble Beach, US in 2016, where he collected a cluster of fuchsia petals, he challenged the Bespoke team at Goodwood - the home of Rolls-Royce - with a commission to bring a new colour to Dawn.

Dawn in Fuxia represents a unique hue to the Rolls-Royce Colour Collection, and is reserved exclusively for Fux. His most recent commission is his second Dawn, having collected the first – in one-off Fux Blue – in 2016. Reminiscent of that car, the interior of Dawn in Fuxia is trimmed in Arctic White leather.

Dawn B50 for Hotel Byblos

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Hotel Byblos in Saint-Tropez, France in 2017, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars revealed the Dawn B50, a Bespoke car inspired by the warmth and vibrancy of the Côte d'Azur.

Commissioned by the Hotel Byblos as the automotive Jewel of Saint-Tropez, the Dawn B50 has two dominant exterior colours. The combination was developed exclusively to celebrate the hotel’s anniversary, along with bespoke door treadplates and a unique hand-painted coachline on each side bearing the B50 logo. The sophisticated interior takes inspiration from the Mediterranean sun, with tangerine tones that accentuate the dashboard and echo the stitching across the seat upholstery and floor mats.

A special Silver Dawn

Prominently displayed at the Home of Rolls-Royce is a very rare 1952 Silver Dawn. It was sold new to a customer in Canada, and in 2017 a commission for a new Dawn from the same country led to a homage to this particular car in its 65th anniversary year.

Finished in two-tone Midnight Sapphire and Jubilee Silver, the new Dawn closely emulates the original finishes of the 1952 motor car, with a Bespoke painted coachline, broken for the first time on a Rolls-Royce. Inside, Selby Grey and Navy leather are combined with Crossbanded Walnut Burr veneer, closely matched to the original. The finishing touches include a Bespoke clock with 1952 lettering and a Spirit of Ecstasy veneer inlay.

Inspiration from South Korea

The Bespoke Collection for Korea embraces the aesthetic heritage of South Korea with contemporary flair. The Ghost Seoul Edition reflects colours that grace the country’s Taegukgi national flag, finished in bright Andalusian White with a twin coachline in Cobalto Blue and Mugello Red – along with a handpainted Bespoke motif that captures the silhouette of the iconic Namsan Seoul Tower. Inside, the black leather upholstery is complemented by contrasting bands in Arctic White, as well as blue and red highlights for stitching and piping.

The Wraith Busan Edition is inspired by the hues of the coastal city of the same name, with a two-tone exterior in Royal Blue and Jubilee Silver that conjures up the shimmering sea. The rear pillar motif echoes the delicate latticework of traditional Korean hanok screen doors, and is also carried inside the car across the dashboard. Emulating the dusk sky across nearby mountains, a single coachline in Blushing Pink draws attention to the shoulder line. The colour is also applied to the seat stitching, instrument panel and RR headrest monograms inside, as a flourish to the Selby Grey and Cobalto Blue upholstery.

Sacombank JCB Ultimate Credit Card debuts in Vietnam

Sacombank, one of the largest commercial banks in Vietnam, and JCB International, the international operations subsidiary of JCB, have launched the Sacombank JCB Ultimate Credit Card in Vietnam.

This is the highest JCB credit card family for individual customers in Vietnam and is targeted at those with an income from VND80 million per month. The Sacombank JCB Ultimate Credit Card will offer them promotions and premium privileges.

Sacombank JCB Ultimate Credit Cardholders receive cashback for all transactions on weekends in specific merchant categories such as restaurants and supermarkets, at the rate of 15% for overseas spending, 10% for domestic spending and 0.5% for spending on the weekdays. In addition, cardholders are offered a special dish when dining at high-end Japanese restaurant merchants.

Sacombank JCB Ultimate Credit Cardholders are entitled to a number of other privileges such as travel insurance packages around the world; free use of over 57 lounges in Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea, and Thailand; refunds of 0.5% of all expenditures in addition to food expenses; 24x7 global support through a free hotline when booking car rentals, hotels, restaurants, and golfing in Japan.

Christmas 2017 Hong Kong luxury gift guide

In Hong Kong, premium gift ideas abound. Stand out with the following as unique incentive or corporate gifts:

For fashionistas

Source: The 5th C. My
5-Ways chandelier
earrings.

Hong Kong-based diamond consultancy and jewellery brand The 5th C has unveiled My 5-Ways, a fully-customisable pair of diamond earrings. In their most basic form, My 5-Ways are classic stud earrings. But with a couple of quick adjustments, they can be transformed into studs with drops, dangling earrings or chandelier earrings.

In the picture on the left, the three-petalled pieces at the top can be worn on their own as stud earrings, while the pearls can also be worn by themselves, as hook earrings. The petals can also be matched with the triangular shapes alone, or with the pearls alone.

Jessica Cu, founder of The 5th C says, “While we’ve designed some unique creations in the past, My 5-Ways is something truly revolutionary from a technical standpoint.”

Each My 5-Ways is customised with the wearer’s choice of stones. “My 5-Ways are made-to-order,” Cu says. “You can mix-and-match spectacular brilliant white diamonds, black pearls, bold emerald gemstones and white, yellow, rose or black gold settings. The options are endless and completely up to the preferences of each client.”

Details:

Call +852 2654 6288 to make an appointment to visit The 5th C’s showroom in Central. 

Source: Zimmerli website.
The Sea Island v-neck t-shirt.

Necessities for modern men

The Zimmerli Sea Island v-neck or crewneck t-shirt from Swiss brand Zimmerli is designed to be worn under a shirt. The tee is made from rare cotton handpicked in Barbados. According to the Zimmerli website, Sea Island cotton from the West Indies is so soft that it can be mistaken for cashmere or silk, but is more durable. Sea Island cotton (Gossypium barbadense) is considered one of the finest cotton types in the world, and is traditionally worn by royalty.

Details:

Available at Lane Crawford, Harvey Nichols and The Swank for HK$1,480. 

Source: Falke. No. 3 Finest Camel & Silk Gentlemen Socks are made with camel fur and silk.

When it comes to socks, Falke is the name synonymous with fine socks and hosiery. The brand’s most exclusive product is their No. 3 Finest Camel & Silk Gentlemen Socks, which are woven by specialists in Italy from a mixture of camel fur and pure silk. Thanks to the insulating properties of the camel fur, these socks are cool in summer and warm in winter. Falke shears its camels when they are 18 months old, when their fur is at its softest. No camels are harmed in the process. 

Details:

Available at Sogo for HK$690 per pair.

Gourmet festive foods

Source: HABITŪ. The Brewrista di HABITŪ festive hamper.

This holiday season, HABITŪ has released a series of hampers for coffee connoisseurs. The most extravagant, the Brewrista di HABITŪ, contains a top-of-the-range Hario V60 coffee dripper complete with filter papers, a HABITŪ rose gold cup, a HABITŪ hand grinder and a stock of Christmas Edition Classico No.3 Coffee Beans. 

This Christmas blend consists of five single-origin coffee beans from around the world: Huila from Colombia, Cerrado from Brazil, Sidamo from Ethiopia, Mbeya from Tanzania and Mandheling from Indonesia. Expect a well-structured, full-bodied espresso with nutty and chocolate flavours, with a smooth and clean mouthfeel when milk is added. 

Details:

Available at all HABITŪ outlets for HK$428. View the Christmas menu (PDF)

Explore:

HABITŪ is also offering workshops and has made its venues available for Christmas parties. A three-course Christmas meal from HK$288 per person. View the Christmas party menu (PDF)

View the HABITŪ Christmas video

Turkey delivery

The Eclipse Hospitality Group, which runs the Grand Central, Coyote and McSorley's dining outlets among others, has a one-of-a-kind turkey delivery service. The premium festive turkey set includes a 4.5 to 5.4kg carved or whole roasted US turkey with the choice of several festive sides – think turkey stuffing, gravy, roasted potatoes, fiesta yams, desserts, and more.  Orders can be delivered to the doorstep between 12-6pm. A Festive Roast Package is HK$1,180, and The Feast Package costs HK$1,980.

Details:


Order online or by e-mailing events at eclipse.com.hk five days prior to pickup or delivery.

View the order form (PDF)

Meals with a difference

Source: Gaucho Restaurants. Christmas brunch.

Argentinian restaurant Gaucho has prepared a lavish Christmas feast for the holiday season, from starter platters to share and hearty mains. Light bites include the tuna ceviche and the watermelon salad, as well as braised beef baked back ribs for meat lovers.

Mains include the ancho (200g), a marbled prime ribeye steak cooked as the diner wishes; an oven baked salmon and the braised lamb shank, slow-cooked for four hours with herbs and spices. All mains are accompanied by generous portions of classic Christmas sides to share such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, and parsnips.

For sweets, Gaucho offers dulce de leche cheesecake, or dulce de leche 'cookie men’, apple crumble, and chocolate brownies.

Details:

Gaucho’s Christmas brunch will be available on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day (December 24-26) from 11am-4pm. The menu will also be available for dinner on Christmas Eve (December 24) and Boxing Day (December 26) from 6pm onwards. 

A range of sets are available, beginning with Rudolph Reindeer at HK$518 for free-flow starters, sides, and desserts with a choice of one main.

Guests who book on Dining City for Gaucho’s Christmas Brunch promotion enjoy a 10% discount off the total food and beverage bill on their booking date. Bookings are accepted till 10 December.

Gaucho is at 5th Floor, LHT Tower, 31 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong

Call +852 2386 8090 for reservations

A moment in time

Source: Studio Harcourt. Chinese actress,
television producer and pop singer Fan Binbing
by Studio Harcourt.

First established in Paris in 1934, Studio Harcourt opened its first international outpost in Hong Kong in 2016. The black-and-white Prestige Portrait is Studio Harcourt’s signature and most popular shot, featuring refined, flattering lighting inspired by the golden age of cinema. Countless celebrities have sat for their own Prestige Portrait, including Karl Lagerfeld, Fan Bingbing and Catherine Deneuve. 

Individuals and groups can be photographed for a Prestige Portrait. Each session includes a makeup session with Studio Harcourt’s team, and the choice of a range of photos. Selections are printed on Studio Harcourt art paper and sent to Paris to be certified with the iconic Studio Harcourt signature. They are then delivered in an elegant gift box.

Details:

Prices start at HK$22,000 for an individual portrait. Studio Harcourt is located at 18/F, 18 On Lan Street, Central, Hong Kong. Call +852 2662 0030 with enquiries.

Explore:

Get into the festive mood with the WorkSmart Asia blog posts about

The gadget gift guide 2017

Festive drinks at Starbucks
 
Christmas sets at Watsons Singapore

The Christmas 2017 Singapore luxury gift guide

Christmas surprises at Goodwood Park Hotel

Hotel Jen Tanglin's festive takeaways and meals

Holidays at the Black Sheep Restaurants, Hong Kong

Festive meals at the Eclipse Hospitality Group restaurants

Aditus to connect luxury merchants with cryptocurrency owners

Aditus aims to provide a platform connecting high net worth individuals with significant Bitcoin and altcoin holdings (crypto-affluents) with luxury merchants.

According to Aditus, few luxury merchants currently accept cryptocurrencies, whereas crypto-affluents prefer to pay using them. At the same time, crypto-users value their data privacy immensely, but luxury merchants require more data for marketing. Aditus believes that bridging the two groups is a multibillion-dollar opportunity.

Aditus is a decentralised network built on the Ethereum Blockchain, integrating a decentralised smart phone app, smart contracts, encryption protocols and payment gateways.

The Aditus network will enables luxury merchants to target crypto-affluents and engage directly with them through Aditus Smart Invitations, without infringing on their privacy. Aditus also allows crypto-affluents to pay with their crypto-currency of choice while reimerchants receive payments in their currency of choice

As a result, crypto-users enjoy access to the world of luxury goods and services in privacy, while luxury merchants retain the ability to do target marketing on this entirely new customer segment.

Crypto-affluents use the Aditus secure mobile app to:

Store their encrypted personal data, used for decentralised matching with the merchant’s targeting requirements – the user data never leaves the user device without the user’s express permission

Access Smart Invitations from global luxury merchants that match their user preferences – giving access to a previously inaccessible lifestyle

Enjoy payouts in Aditus tokens as a reward for engaging with the merchants according to the terms of the Smart Invitations

Facilitate transactions via the Aditus Wallet that supports multiple cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum

Receive an invitation to join the Aditus VIP Membership programme, a suite of rewards, privileges and services previously only available on the highest tier of fiat (traditional) credit cards

In addition, Aditus organises exclusive events for Aditus users (comprising both fiat- and crypto-affluents), and users may use Aditus tokens to vote on the programme lineup of such events.

The Aditus token, offered through the upcoming token sale serves as:

- Membership proof to access Aditus’ decentralised platform

- Rewards currency within the Aditus platform

- A possible transaction currency with luxury merchants on the Aditus network

- Voting currency within the Aditus platform

Details:

The Aditus initial token sale will be launching at the end of November 2017.

Enjoy a 20 Carat Gold Getaway with JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay and Maserati

Source: JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay.
The lobby lounge.

Guests visiting the JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay will be transported to the sports university-themed resort via a Maserati automobile*. Continuing on the resort’s successful debut of DMC’s SS2017 womenswear collection, this collaboration between luxury brands JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay and Maserati will delight sports and automobile enthusiasts alike.

“With the resort’s reputation in redefining design-centric journeys, the partnership offers guests enriched experiences and reaffirms a standard of true luxury synonymous with JW Marriott,” says Ty Collins, GM, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay.

Maserati's sophistication and style have been long associated with sportiness and performance. This reputation is in line with JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay’s design narrative of being a fabled sports university as conceptualised by architect Bill Bensley. Thousands of original antique pieces, many being school-themed memorabilia, are dotted around the resort. Additional touches include sports-inspired spa treatments to “lecture room” and “auditorium” function spaces.

Visitors to the resort during this time will see the Maserati Ghibli on display at the entrance of Rue de Lamarck, the resort’s main shopping street.

Interested?

JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay is offering a 20 Carat Gold Getaway package for a retreat with Maserati, which includes:

• A 20% discount on room rates for bookings in Turquoise Suites or Villas
• Pickup from desired location in Ho Chi Minh City by Maserati*
• Complimentary round-trip airport transfers between Phu Quoc International Airport and JW Marriott Phu Quoc
• A 20% discount on spa treatments and in all dining outlets (excludes in-room dining)

Stays for the 20 Carat Gold Getaway must be completed by December 20, 2017.

*Only available for transfers between the guests' home or hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and the airport. Terms and conditions apply.

AccorHotels creates luxury footprint in the Maldives

Source: AccorHotels. The Dhevanafushi Maldives Luxury Resort, Managed by AccorHotels is a luxury resort on the private island of Meradhoo.

AccorHotels has announced its first luxury destination in the Maldives as of September 1, 2017 — Dhevanafushi Maldives Luxury Resort, Managed by AccorHotels. Set on the private island of Meradhoo surrounded by natural splendour, the resort will be repositioned following further enhancements in late 2018, and join the iconic collection of Raffles hotels and resorts.

Dhevanafushi Maldives Luxury Resort, Managed by AccorHotels presently boasts 21 island villas and 16 ocean villas with private pools, three restaurants, and an array of facilities and activities to relax, rejuvenate and reinvigorate the body, mind and spirit. These include a luxury spa, over-the-water fitness centre, yoga programmes, water sports, private dining options, 24-hour butler and private chef service, along with snorkelling and diving.

“We are thrilled to announce our very first luxury resort in the Maldives at a time when the region is enjoying excellent growth, especially with travellers from Asia Pacific. AccorHotels is bringing to the resort our expertise in delivering unparalleled luxury experiences renowned in our Raffles, Fairmont and Sofitel brands, along with the benefits of our award-wining global loyalty programme, Le Club AccorHotels,” says Patrick Basset, COO, AccorHotels, Upper Southeast and Northeast Asia.

Vincent Yeo, CEO, CDL Hospitality Trusts, adds: “With active asset management being one of the key pillars of our management strategy, we believe the appointment of AccorHotels for the resort will allow us to optimise its asset potential and redefine this resort at the very top end of the luxury resort sector in the Maldives, following the repositioning exercise in 2018.”

The resort is a 55-minute flight from Male Airport and a 15-minute speedboat transfer.

Interested?

AccorHotels takes over the management of the resort from Jumeirah. Dhevanafushi Maldives Luxury Resort, Managed by AccorHotels is located on Meradhoo Island, 20219 Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Maldives