As AMG completes 50 years of its existence, the German carmaker is all set to reveal the Mercedes AMG GT-C at the Detroit Auto Show this year. The GT C is a two-seat hardtop equipped with a 550hp twin turbo 4-liter V8 engine. With a 0-100km/h sprint time of 3.7 seconds, the GT C boasts top speeds of 196mph (316 km/h approx.) The launch model of the car will be the Edition 50, a 50-car limited edition witha matte black external paint finish and black chrome exterior trim. Black Nappa leather lines the interiors of the car.
Louis Vuitton plans to launch its Cruise 2018 collection in Japan, after having presented previous collections in Monaco, Palm Springs and Rio de Janeiro. The LV Cruise 2018 presentation will be held on May 14, 2017. Louis Vuitton claims to have strong inspirational ties with Japan since the end of the 19th century; the mon (family crest) inspirations of the Monogram canvas; the long list of renowned Japanese clients; Louis Vuitton’s first store in Tokyo in 1978; and the collaborations with Japanese contemporary artists such as Takashi Murakami, Yayoi Kusama, Rei Kawabuko and now Hiroshi Fujiwara. The city and specific location of the Cruise show will be announced closer to the date.
MEDIEVAL LUXE | The Orange County resort Hampi is one of the newly minted resorts in India, offering authentic Indo-Islamic architecture with modern indulgences
India’s got a trio of new resorts perfectly designed for the uber-luxe vacationer. From princely suites to authentic local and international cuisine, from pure Ayurvedic spas to culture trails and relaxing shorelines, experience the vibrance of the Indian landscape in true Maharaja and Maharani style.
Orange County Resort, Hampi
The most luxurious suite of all is the Zenana suite, inspired by the Queen’s quarters
Four kilometres away from the medieval city of Hampi, famous for its temples and courtyards declared World Heritage sites by UNESCO, stands the Orange County Resort. The hotel is luxury personified, with a breathtaking combination of Indo-Islamic architecture and the most luxurious of modern indulgences. The suites on offer are positively enchanting, taking you back to the times of the kings—or the Rayas as they were known in Hampi. The most luxurious of them all is the Zenana suite, inspired by the Queen’s quarters; Nilaya the terrace suite and Nivasa, the deluxe suite. Each of these suites feature separate living, dining and sleeping areas—and a private Jacuzzi to bask it all in.
Lotus Mahal, the massage room
The Ayurvedic Spa Vaidyasala uses “India’s ancient system of wellness and healing to refresh, revive and rejuvenate you in body, mind and spirit.” The experts at the spa offer a customized regimen suited to the guests’ specific needs and constitution. A reading room, an infinity pool and two special restaurants are some of the little luxuries provided by the resort in this quaint historic city that was the 14th-century home of the Vijayanagar Empire. And the hotel helps you explore all that history and architecture with heritage trails: the Raya Trail and the Virupakasha Trail. There’s also the Vitthalapura Walk and the Tungabhadra Trek, which promise picturesque vistas and captivating sunsets. This one promises to be royally opulent.
Narendra Bhawan, Bikaner
This regal hotel was the erstwhile home of the last reigning Maharaja of Bikaner and uses events from his life to create an array of artefacts adorning the interiors
While still on the trail of Royalty, let’s head to Narendra Bhawan in Bikaner, the erstwhile home of the last reigning Maharaja of Bikaner, His Highness Narendra Singhji. MRS Group’s third offering, this is an unconventionally curated hotel, that tells the story of the ruler’s memories from his travels to destinations near and far, enchantingly using the best moments of the Maharaja’s life to create an array of curious options – some interestingly epicurean, others fantastically novel. Elaborate ceilings, Bikaner terrazzo floors and traditional crafts sit in harmony with Portuguese tiles and a distinctly vivid colour palette.
Bikaner terrazzo floors and traditional crafts sit in harmony with Portuguese tiles and a vivid colour palette
From sundowners at the pastures and a visit to a representation of the Royal Ascot in Bikaner, your stay at Narendra Bhawan is sure to be an eventful one. You could also sign up for Legacy Of The Kings, a tour through Bikaner’s lavish forts and palaces including the Laxmi Niwas Palace and the Junagarh Fort. Another experience to cherish for a lifetime.
W Goa, Goa
The W Goa is W Hotels’ first property in India, where you can wallow in sea-side luxury
Yes, we know, Goa is possibly the most overdone vacation in India, but there’s always a different way of doing the same old. So here’s the W Goa, W Hotels’ first property in India where you can wallow in sea-side luxury. The hotel offers 160 rooms, chalets and villas overlooking the beach, with the lobby — Living Room —transforming into a lounge after dark, where you can savour delectable cocktails to the accompaniment of great music. At W Goa you can also try out the Spa by Clarins, the first at an Indian resort.
For the taste buds there is Spice Traders, a dining venue that offers scrumptious Peruvian, Vietnamese and Korean dishes. What’s more, the hotel’s Whenever Wherever service keeps you up with all the important events and the most gorgeous, exclusive sights that Goa can offer. You can opt for a hike up Chapora Fort with a guide, or set out on a dolphin-spotting cruise. Now if that isn’t Goa with a difference, we don’t know what is.
Bentley Supersport B55 | A performance-packed model in the vanguard of technology
The magnificent Breitling for Bentley adventure first hit the road in 2003 with the launch of the Continental GT, for which Breitling notably designed the dashboard clock. It has since given rise to a rich collection of mechanical chronographs that is now extended by a standout chronograph developed in tribute to the new Continental Supersports: the fastest Continental ever built with a top speed of 211 mph (340 km/h), a 0-60 mph (0 to 100 km/h) acceleration time of 3.5 seconds, as well as an entirely revisited design. Issued in a 500-piece worldwide edition, this Bentley Supersports B55 immediately stands out by its resolutely sporty appearance, with a sturdy and light titanium case framing a dial in carbon fibre – a favourite material in the motorsports arena and featured in many details of the new Continental Supersports. Furthermore, it is accentuated by a double-layer red-edged and lined black rubber strap.
The Bentley Continental Supersports is the fastest Bentley yet
The exceptional bodywork is enhanced by an equally exceptional engine. For the first time in the history of Breitling for Bentley, Breitling has equipped a chronograph dedicated to the British carmaker with an electronic movement – and a very special one at that. This new version of its in-house B55 connected calibre is enriched with functions tailor-made for the automobile universe. Alongside the flyback chronograph, lap timer and electronic tachymeter, this B55 “Racing” calibre features three types of exclusive chronograph functions. Firstly, the “chrono rally” function serves to record up to 30 stages, complete with the departure date of the rally, the start time and duration of each stage, as well as intermediate times for each stage, while adding in any penalties incurred. Secondly, the “chrono race” function designed for track races enables the user to record the split times for each lap and calculate the average speed per lap. Thirdly, the “regularity rally” function (useful in competitions in which the objective is to cover a given distance in a given time) affords the possibility of predefining target times or intermediate times out of a total time, and then checking at the press of a button whether one is meeting those goals.
The limited edition chronograph comes enriched with functions tailor-made for the automobile universe
The entirely autonomous Bentley Supersports B55 has been designed as a full-fledged chronograph, with the smartphone connection used to enhance its functionality and to store or transmit data. The smartphone app has been developed in Switzerland specifically for this watch. The two ultra-legible LCD (liquid crystal display) screens are equipped with a backlighting system that can be activated by pressing the crown or by tilting the wrist – a welcome asset in the heat of the action.
The Supersports B55 is a full fledged chronograph, with the smartphone connection used to enhance its functionality and to store or transmit data
A high-octane tribute to the sportiest of the Continental GT, and a showcase for Breitling’s trademark innovation, the Bentley Supersports B55 with its officially chronometer-certified SuperQuartz movement pushes the limits of functionality, precision and performance.
Bentley has plans to create a hybrid Continental GT after the Bentayga gets a hybrid powertrain, the brand recently revealed. There is speculation that the hybrid Continental GT may be released in 2018, close on the heels of the Bentayga hybrid. Bentley CEO Wolfgang Duerheimer informed that the hybrid Continental GT is expected to be powered by a V6 internal combustion engine that’s mated to an electric motor. This has been done to achieve the same power output that the current V8 motor belts out. Duerheimer sees plug-in hybrid versions of Bentley models as an option for people who need to use their vehicles within city limits, due to the tight emission standards in the future. The hybrids can be also used for long distances as pure EVs have limited ranges. Duerheimer stated that Bentley believes plug-in hybrids show off the best that EVs and ICE cars have to offer. He termed it “the best of both worlds.”
The Garden of Kalahari is a rather unusual high jewelry collection from Chopard, because it has a fantastic tale accompanying it. The entire collection is fashioned out of a legendary 34.2 carat rough diamond, christened ‘Queen of Kalahari’, which was painstakingly broken into 23 stones. And these,, quite literally, are the Queen’s offspring: a breathtaking necklace, two pendants –one heart shaped and the other pear shaped; earrings as well as a cuff bracelet. The parent stone is a D color, Type IIA rock that was discovered in Botswana’s Karowe Mine two years ago. Out of all the cut out pieces from the Queen of Kalahari, five are above 20 carats: a 50-carat round brilliant, a 26-carat heart shape, a 25-carat pear, a 21-carat emerald cut and a 20-carat cushion. Each of these designs represents a different flower, from the sunflower (round brilliant) to the poppy (cushion cut). Now isn’t that completely sigh-inducing in its gorgeousness?
The Huracan RWD Spyder, the third iteration of the Huracan, will be launched by Lamborghini in India on February 1, joining the standard Huracan Coupe and Spyder in Lamborghini’s Indian portfolio along with the special edition Avio. The car is expected to be priced at Rs 3.80 crore at launch. The Huracán RWD Spyder is powered by the same 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10 which produces 580bhp of power and 540Nm of torque, with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. The acceleration from 0-100kmph takes all of 3.6seconds and it boasts a top speed of 320 kmph. The car comes with all the driving aids and electronic gizmos the Italian manufacturer has to offer.
The Oberoi Group is expanding its presence in the UAE with the opening of The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah, a 25-minute drive from Dubai. Situated within 247 acres of mangrove forest, Al Zorah offers recreational activities to suit guests of all ages, including an 18 hole, par-72 championship golf course by Nicklaus Design, kayaking and plenty of watersports to explore the plentiful marine life. It is also a bird watchers’ paradise, inhabited by 58 species of bird, including pink flamingos. The resort itself has 113 villas, suites and penthouses offering breathtaking sea views. The Oberoi Spa features signature therapies by Alqvimia, two hammams, 85-metre infinity pool, a fully equipped gym, and day care facilities for families. Indoor, al–fresco and beachside dining venues serve the finest cuisine, ranging from Arabic delicacies to Asian specialities, complete with live cooking stations.
Lucia Silvestri, the current Creative Director of luxe jewellery brand Bulgari who’s been with the brand for three decades, recently won the prestigious Gem Award for Jewellery Design at the Annual Gem Awards held in New York. Other nominees in the category were LA-based designer Suzanne Kalan and Indian-origin designer Arun Bohra of Arunashi. The award was presented by Temple St Clair, a jewellery designer who won the same award in 2016.
Tesla’s all-electric car, the Model S, has been upgraded and improved as the Tesla Model S P100D race car, and is sure to be a thriller. Sporting a 778 horsepower engine and a body that has been lightened by 1,000 pounds, the new P100D boasts an amazing sprint time of 2 seconds—and all this is in preparation for the Electric GT Championships coming later in 2017. The championships feature vehicles that are all the same, so the carmaker that brings out the best from their speedster is the one that will bask in the glory.
