Page 142 – Theluxecafe

ROOM WITH A VIEW | Located in the towering Burj Khalifa, the Armani Dubai Suite, designed by maestro himself, at the iconic Armani Hotel promises sophisticated indulgence

When it comes to the room with a view, this title has some worthy contenders. The Palace Downtown’s Imperial Suite is a tasteful four-bedroom affair with a private balcony opening out to the majestic dance opera of the Dubai Fountains; the Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa delivers an exquisite lounge and desert grandeur with its Presidential Suite; the Palm Atlantis delves into aqua fantasia through its Underwater Suite that offers you floor-to-ceiling views of nearly 70,000 marine creatures; while the ubiquitous Burj Al Arab discards all attempts at subtlety with the blazing gold swagger of its Royal Suite, a private cinema, personal elevator and rotating bed included. But our pick of the lot merges class, sophistication and grandeur with an iconic sense of fashion – the Armani Dubai Suite at the Armani Hotel. Occupying Level 39 of the towering Burj Khalifa, this Giorgio Armani-designed ode to sensibility and sensuality is opulence minus the silly frills – two bedrooms, a bar, study, a private gym area – each accented in stunning hues of grey and dull turquoise and absolutely ravishing. Armani Dubai – www.armanihotels.com
[Tip: If a luxe hotel perched on a lush waterfront plot, surrounded by the fabulous Dubai creek and beautiful gardens, is more your idea of fun then look no further than the Palazzo Versace Dubai, a stunning property in the midst of the Culture Village. Check yourself in for a lavish experience and don’t forget to check the American Express Extra Night Offer at Preferred Hotels & Resorts’s properties, whereby you can enjoy an extra third, fourth, or fifth night when you book two, three, or four consecutive nights based on the property you choose and pay with any American Express® Card from February 1, 2016 to October 31, 2016.]

A BITE THAT LINGERS | Strolling over the shores you arrive at this vision perched on water which is Dubai’s famed Pier Chic where you can savour some seafood goodness

You’re welcome to have an affair with Pier Chic and its romantic, bedecked ambience jutting out into the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf, with an array of note-perfect seafood at hand. Or you could dabble in Executive Chef Julian Mercier’s stylish French flavourings at Margaux. Within Eauzone’s modern Asian aromas and stunning pool-dipped environs, romance is but a given. You could give in to your Arabic cravings at Al Hadheerah’s cultured Bedouin setting and flourishes of Middle Eastern exotica. Or you could pick the Izakaya shared-dining ethos, stunning selection of cocktails, and robust sake cellar of Zuma. But if we had just one vote to cast, it would go to another Japanese star. Tomo, situated on the 17th floor at Raffles, has quickly become the go-to address for those who like their drinks with stunning views of the city’s skyline, their food with an authentic touch courtesy Chef/Owner Chitoshi Takahashi, and their Japanese with a delicious selection of Wagyu, Sushi, Sashimi, and creative Japanese dessert such as the chestnut, baked cheesecake, and rolled milk cake assemblage of the Cake Sanshu on the menu. Tomo – www.tomo.ae
[Tip: If you are looking at combining a great stay with a food-fueled itinerary then the Grand Excelsior Hotel Bur Dubai, with easy access to Dubai’s commercial hub, and an impressive array of eight bars and restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisines is yours to pick. Remember to book with your American Express Card and avail benefits of the Extra Nights Offer at the Preferred Hotels & Resorts listed properties].

A HEADY TIPPLE | Relish the rich Arabian inspired ambience and lounge in style at the Rooftop in One&Only Royal Mirage

Nightlife roars across the city’s richly diverse assortment of bars, lounges, pubs, and clubs. During Dubai’s cooler period between November and February, al fresco is the way to go. The Four Seasons Resort scores on this front with its rooftop Mercury Lounge, inclusive of spectacular views, a gamut of exotic cocktails, décor that oozes chic, and bar snacks that put many primary menus to shame. Another hot ticket is White Dubai at The Meydan, which spoils you with an open view of Dubai’s quintessential skyline, and a sound & light system custom fit for a bevy of international DJs. If White seems too showy and starts to get on your nerves though, head on over to Mina A’Salam’s Bahri Bar, a breezy colonial style affair whose big wooden verandah is perfect for conversation and flirtation, as are those sundowners accompanied by a sublime sunset. And while the Address’ Neos, the Hilton’s Pure Sky Lounge, and the Grosvenor’s Siddharta Lounge are other undeniably sexy affairs, our nod goes to an old classic – the Rooftop at One&Only Royal Mirage – where an Arabian nights vibe, plush Moroccan décor, potent spirits, and lounge sounds from the Orient whisk you away to a little place called bliss. Rooftop – www.oneandonlyresorts.com

RELAXATION SUPREME | Pamper yourself with spa treatments and luxurious soaks in the hammams at the plush and pretty Talise Ottoman Spa at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

While Dubai’s Spa and relaxation offerings are just as memorable, we’re not even going to bother with options for this one. Our uncontested pick is the celebrated Talise Ottoman Spa at the hush-hush Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. Delicately carved turquoise doors usher you within a palatial haven of hydrotherapy rooms, floating baths, snow rooms, saunas, and thalassotherapy pools, culminating in the Turkish Hammam whose exquisite collection of murals and mosaics will have you sighing even before you’ve begun with any treatments. The much-awarded Talise is a discovery for both senses and soul, and as you sit back later with an al fresco mint tea at one of Dubai’s Lebanese gems, Al Nafoorah, you’d be forgiven for thinking that life is a leisurely breeze. For appointments at Talise – JZStalise@jumeirah.com

With the opening date of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB) 2016 – December 12 –drawing ever nearer, participating artists have begun making their way through Kochi’s warrens and bylanes to explore the location and gain context of the spaces that will eventually hold their works. Among these visitors is Pedro Gómez-Egaña, a Colombian-born artist from Norway who is among the ‘First 25’ artists announced as participants in the third edition of India’s only Biennale, which runs up to March 29, 2017. For insight into Gómez-Egaña’s art practice and his thought process as he prepares for the Biennale, the Kochi Biennale Foundation held an Art Talk by him yesterday evening at BTH Ernakulam, titled ‘The Crash of George’. Trained in music composition and visual art, Gómez-Egaña’s practice expands across performance, sculpture, video, installation, and sound. His works refer to historical and cultural intersections between technology and temporality. His thinking draws from the contentions of French ‘philosopher of speed’ Paul Virilio that technological progress corresponds to the growth in potential for accidents: ‘When you invent the ship, you also invent the shipwreck; when you invent the plane you also invent the plane crash; and when you invent electricity, you invent electrocution… Every technology carries its own negativity’. The Art Talk event was supported by the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA), Office of Contemporary Art, Norway and the City of Bergen.

To celebrate the month of Ramadan, Burberry has designed an exclusive collection of its latest runway bag, The Patchwork. The collection is showcased alongside floor-length lightweight evening dresses in a dedicated Ramadan campaign featuring British model Eliza Fairbanks, shot in the Middle East. Each one-of-a-kind Patchwork bag is individually designed for Ramadan and named after a British town, street or village and is available in a variety of materials and fabrics including metal studs, sequins and crystals. Designed in London and made in Italy, the specially curated collection of floor-length evening dresses are available in lightweight fabrics including cotton blended tulle, silk and woven lace. The collection is available on Burberry.com in the Middle East and in select Burberry stores globally, including the Middle East Mall of the Emirates flagship store.

Africa, as the home of modern civilization, is the inspiration for Louis Vuitton’s Spring-Summer 2017 collection presented in Paris on June 23. It is a metaphor of a return to roots, to formative influences. This African heritage is combined with a touch of London Punk and the emblematic savoir faire of the Maison. The journey between these destinations and influences evokes the spirit of travel, which is the very essence of Louis Vuitton. Africa is evoked through rich, intricate textile treatments, exotic skins and a menagerie of animal prints. In a continuation of his first Louis Vuitton show about his childhood in Kenya and Bostwana, Kim Jones, Men’s Artistic Director revisits Africa expressing notions of the safari and the gentleman traveler. The palatte is dominated by Savannah-bleached shades; jackets have Saharienne detailing. Punk, on the other hand, brings edge, transparent rubber, mohair, zips and straps, all infused with African pattern. Louis Vuitton’s second commission with Jake and Dinos Chapman surrenders four prints depicting twisted animals; their veldt is the Vuitton Monogram. Mohair is knitted to imitate animal markings, and zebra patters are colored in a petroleum blue. Footwear especially draws on Punk themes, parachute straps forming sandal designs and crepe soles added to laced brogues.

Cambodia joins the list of destinations where you can seek out a Six Senses Resort. Six Senses Krabey Island is scheduled to premiere in 2017. Located on the island of Krabey, the resort is comprised of 40 pool villas set around the 30-acre island, with its highest point being 42 meters above sea level. Guests arrive at the mainland reception before the short water transfer to the island. Sihanoukville Airport is less than a 10 minute drive from the mainland jetty and has domestic as well as international flights from Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, with the capability to facilitate international private jets and helicopters. The resort’s indulgences include living rooms with a day bed that can be adapted to an additional bed, master bedrooms featuring a bed with a netting canopy and villas with outdoor showers. All units include a private plunge pool and decking ideal for sunbathing and al fresco poolside dining. The Sleep with Six Senses experience includes Naturalmat mattresses and dedicated sleep ambassadors to guide guests. For cuisine, the specialty dining restaurant Indochine will also include a communal dining table in front of the show kitchen, while hands-on cooking classes introduce budding chefs to some of the finer points of Indochine-inspired cuisine. Not to be forgotten is the Six Senses Spa Krabey Island featuring the Six Senses specialty menu as well as ancient Cambodian healing traditions and multi-day rejuvenation journeys, Six Senses Integrative Wellness, detox, yoga and workshops.

SPRINTING ON THE SEAS | These charter yachts give you a mix of thrill and luxury, where exploring meets pampering

What’s a better way to celebrate the season of the sun than hop onto a charter yacht and cruise into the Mediterranean? Here’s a handpicked trio of super-luxurious superyachts from the charter selection of SuperYachtsMonaco that would be just perfect for a glorious vacation at the world’s most splendid beaches and resorts—or quiet fishing villages, if peace and culture is more your cup of tea. These yachts don’t just come equipped with the most appealing water sports equipment but also beauty treatments and full time fitness trainers.

Mac Brew

With a cruising speed of 14 knots and maximum speed of 24 knots, the Mac Brew is the perfect combination of performance and luxury. Built in 2002 by Heesen, this baby is formally known as A Khali. Her plush, grand interiors have been designed by Omega Architects, while the exterior styling is by Heesen. With her beautiful furnishings, crew of 8 and opulent seating the Mac Brew has grandeur written all over it. To charter this princess of the seas, you’d have to shell upwards of a cool €100,000 per week.

Chimera

This queen of speed is the perfect companion for seekers of thrill. A 35 meter motor yacht built and launched by British yacht builder Sunseeker in 2013, she can accommodate up to ten guests in her luxury five cabin layout which has a master staterooms and four guest staterooms. Her modern interior and enormous flybridge beckon to the seekers of luxe experiences. She comes equipped with an impressive list of toys to tantalise those looking for an adrenaline filled adventure— a Williams 5.65m diesel jet tender, 2 x stand up jet skis, Wakeboard, Water Skis and more. The cost of a week aboard the Chimera starts at €110,000.

Cloudbreak

This one is the latest and best equipped and, according to SuperYachts Monaco, “one of the most luxurious expedition yachts ever launched”. 72.5 m in length, the Cloudbreak comes adorned with myriad pleasure on board—from Yamaha Jet Skis to Slingshot Kite Surfing Boards and a Centurion Ski Boat, among others. With Cloudbreak you can spend all summer exploring— heli-ski on virgin slopes, surf undiscovered breaks and dive in some of the world’s best dive locations within the British Columbia, Caribbean or Central America. And while you’re seriously involved in the business of fun and frolic, the Cloudbreak doesn’t forget to take care of your health and wellness. From occasional beauty treatments to full-time fitness trainers, this yacht has all the equipment you need to stay in top shape. Here’s a list of fitness equipment available on board: Ballet Barre, kenesis, Body Bikes (Spinning Bike), Treadmill, Free Weights, Medicine Balls, Kettle Bells, Punch Bags…need we go on? The crew of 22 consists of qualified professionals that can provide myriad services such as acupuncture, beauty treatments, massages and personal training sessions. But all this indulgence brings its own price tag: €750,000 for a week on board. Ah well, that’s what decadence is all about!

Find out more at http://www.superyachtsmonaco.com/

ART FOR THE HEART | Your heart and mind must work in conjunction to give you a true taste of art collecting

Turning yourself into a connoisseur of art is an art in itself. You need a keen eye for fine detail, a shrewd sense of emerging trends, and knowledge of the history behind each piece. But fret not — we have some spot-on advice from the stables of the world’s leading art business and fine art auction house—Christie’s. Straight from the horse’s mouth, so to speak.

A selection of specialists, gallerists and dealers reveal their secrets on how to turn from a novice into a collector in the contemporary art market:

1. Buy with your heart — but have a strategy

The art that catches your heart would catch your money too. But even in love, you need preparation. ‘I always tell clients you buy with your heart but your brain has to come into play,’ says Han-I Wang, a First Open auctions specialist in New York. ‘That means taking ownership of a piece by knowing where the momentum is and buying with a strategy. For example, you might want to set a maximum bid before you buy at auction.’

KLARA LIDEN | Plasterboard panel and rubber, in ten parts, estimated at £20,000-30,000

2. Think about how art will fit into your home

Obviously, when you’re buying a masterpiece, you’d want to show it off. But when you bring home some of the most famous names in the history of art, take care they don’t feel out of place in your abode! ‘Remember that buying art for your home means that you will live with it every day,’ says Dina Zhang, a First Open specialist in Hong Kong. ‘It is important, therefore, to select works that please your eye rather than buying as an investment.’ Works from different decades and by artists with markedly different styles can comfortably co-exist in the same space. ‘A well-curated art collection can reinforce the style and tone you’ve chosen for your home, whether it’s opulence, drama, or bright show-stopping colours,’ says Zhang.

3. Scout for early works by established masters

Seasoned collectors are always on the lookout for major works by established artists, and these remain out of reach for the collections of mere mortals. But don’t despair— there are more accessible works, even for novice collectors. An artist’s early drawings, for example, represent a fantastic starting point for anyone wishing to own a work by a famous name. Also, certain motifs remain incredibly important to artists, recurring throughout their careers and becoming an essential part of their visual vocabulary. When buying, consider going for works that capture some of the most distinct elements of an artist’s practice.

MARY HEILMANN | Glazed ceramic, estimated at £4,000-6,000

4. Pay attention to provenance

‘In simple terms, provenance is the record of ownership for a work of art,’ says Han-I Wang. Did an important collector own the piece? Has it been exhibited before? These factors will play into the work’s price, so keep an eye out for this information in the sale catalogues. Digging into the past has been known to yield treasures!

5. Navigate the now

Embrace technology more than ever. ‘There’s a much more open feeling among younger artists and collectors,’ says Bianca Chu, Head of Sale for First Open in London. ‘It’s easier to gain access and understanding about contemporary artists thanks to social media platforms and the way we use imagery today has affected the way we collect art.

‘It sounds basic but a great way for collectors to learn about artists is using hashtags on Instagram. You see lots of images — who has posted them and where they have been posted from. Virtual reality has become engrained in contemporary art.’

MICHAEL DEAN | Digital C-print, estimated at£2,000-3,000

6. Stay on top of trends

Like all things beautiful, the trends in art dominate the present. ‘Now the trend seems to be African art,’ says Seattle-based gallerist Mariane Ibrahim. ‘I’m told the next big thing will be minimalist contemporary art from Korea. Trends are advantageous because they expose people to work they haven’t seen.’

NICOLE WERMERS | C-print, stainless steel clips and Plexiglas, estimated at £2,000-3,000

7. Learn which galleries offer windows on emerging art scenes

‘One of the best things about major art fairs,’ says Stephen Mccoubrey, co-curator of the UBS Art Collection, ‘is that it is a fantastic learning experience and a great place to pick up new ideas. There’s nowhere else like Art Basel Hong Kong for seeing so much Asian art in one place, with south-east Asian galleries like Nadi, and Arndt which provides a really interesting window on the Indonesian scene. You may know an artist, but their new body of work can be wildly different in form and function. We’re now starting to see this, in cultures such as South Korea and China where formal abstraction has no background.

MICHEL MAJERUS | Oil and graphite on canvas, estimated at £4,000-6,000

8. Examine the artist’s ecosystem

Collectors should be paying attention to the structure surrounding the artist, says Viviane Silvera, director of On Art, a contemporary art tour, and filmmaker: ‘Are they with the right gallery? Are they with an influential dealer who will get their work in the right shows?’ Attention to detail is everything, and asking the right questions can make a big difference.

9. Get your mistakes in early

‘Art is a bit like wine — seductive and about getting merry but the higher enjoyment comes in the subtlety and development of one’s palette,’ says Toby Clark of the Vigo Gallery in London. ‘You need to take the plunge and also to make mistakes. When starting out, making a mistake on an emerging artist is not such a big deal if you love the work.’ After all, practice makes perfect—and if you’re not making mistakes, you’re not really learning.

PAUL THEK | Oil on canvas, in two parts, estimated at £15,000-20,000

10. Look under the radar

Beating the hordes to the finish line definitely beats jumping on the bandwagon with everyone else. Your best bet is to work on digging up some originality. ‘Try to find the artist before the deluge of hype,’ argues veteran art dealer Guy Sainty. ‘Too many people in the contemporary art market still wait to buy things when they’re at the top of the market,’ he says. And before you think that’s difficult, here’s the next little surprise—cherish art for art’s sake. Yes, we’re asking you to put the investment concerns on the backfoot—and put your heart first. ‘Never think of art as an investment,”says Sainty, “but be sure your money is well spent. The two considerations are quite separate.’

So now that you have the expert opinion, open up your heart to art!

The Rolls Royce Dawn Convertible, which debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year finally makes a grand entry in the Indian market. And if you covet this baby, you’d have to dig deep into your pocket—this trophy demands no less than Rs 6.25 crore (Ex-showroom, Delhi). This new offering from the ultra luxe carmaker is being promoted as an altogether unique open-top experience altogether, with ‘superior noise isolation’ comparable to that enjoyed in a hardtop. The car combines classic design principles with the latest technology— dynamic angles, sleek surface, slender roof proportions and a strong, sweeping shoulder line. The interior features four individual seats with the cabin crafted from wood and leather, with banks of leather creating a soft line. The deck and rear are finished with handcrafted veneers. Inside the Dawn its a 6.6-litre V12 twin-turbo engine, that’s engineered to deliver a surge of ‘seemingly infinite power’—from 0 to 100kmph in 4.9 seconds. And of course, the Spirit of Ecstasy sits pretty up top, marking it unmistakably as the quintessential Rolls Royce.

The Wanda Reign on the Bund is Shanghai’s first ‘seven star’ hotel, located romantically along the waterfront. And it’s got more than its fair share of history and heritage attached. Set along the Huangpu River, this hotel is a museum of art and antique pieces by contemporary Chinese artists, and it’s making bigger waves on account of its owner Wang Sicong. At 28, Wang Scion is a flamboyant Chinese real estate baron who makes headlines for his night-out splurges and lavish ways of life. And his personality is well reflected in the hotel. All of the 193 guestrooms are controlled via iPads, and styled in Art Deco-themed aesthetics available in two different styles: modern glamour in a beige color scheme, and darker, mahogany burl wood with magnolia details. But this isn’t all—you can expect further pampering in your room with a sleep fragrance, music and bedtime reading material— and the butler service goes without saying. Guest rooms and suites are outfitted with amenities by L’Occitane and Hermès. And then there’s the sprawling 288 sq metre Chairman Suite that features a living room, dining area, adjoining pantry, bar, study, master bedroom sauna and massage bathtub. Even the staff uniforms are created by designer Laurence Xu, the first designer to join Paris Haute Couture Week. Now we’re talking decadence!

What’s more deliciously seductive in summer than sorbet? Imagine if you could make yourself as tantalisingly breath-taking as a sorbet—by literally wearing it upon your person. Bulgari’s tribute to the Roman dessert is a mesmerizingly ‘delectable’ line of jewelry—Roman Sorbet. Inspired by gelato, sorbet and Italian sweets, this collection includes diamond encrusted candy, ice lollies and precious stones scooped into ice-cream cones. The white and pink gold rings, pendants, bracelets are embellished with sapphires, amethysts and tsavorites. And before you’d try them on, you’d be positively tempted to sneak in a lick! We’re sure you’re practically salivating by now.