ROAD DEMON | The 754bhp ‘carbotanium’ dazzler defies convention by weighing 80kg less than its hard-topped counterpart
The Pagani Huayra convertible version is here to blow your minds away. Traditionally, convertible versions of sports cars are heavier and slower than their fixed-roof counterparts. But Pagani has broken with tradition and created a roadster that is both lighter and more powerful than its coupe version.
The Convertible boasts of the Mercedes-AMG twin-turbocharged V12 that makes 764 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. The hardtop can match the torque number, but falls short on power by 44 horses. The use of a lighter gearbox and suspension system, an ultra-stiff ‘Carbo-Triax’ monocoque, and the brand’s patented ‘carbotanium’ bodywork make for a 1,280kg dry weight, an impressive 80kg less than the coupé.
The subtle aesthetic changes, such as the flared rear headlights, and elongated nose, have added to the 2.3m-euro hypercar’s menace. The radical blue-tinted bodywork, made out of titanium woven with carbon fiber, also features some nifty gills where the cover leads up to the seat hoops, plus wider wheel arches versus the Coupe. The biggest change, though, is the open roof, which can be filled by either a carbon fiber and glass roof, or a fabric one that can be stowed inside the car when not in use.
The roadster’s four flaps produce maximum downforce at any speed, and coupled with the active front suspension and a five-mode stability control system, help keep the rocket firmly to the ground. The only possible downside to this dream machine is that Pagani is making only 100 of these sleek roadsters. And although the hardtop’s ‘Gullwings’ have been replaced by conventional side-opening doors, nobody’s complaining—because all 100 of these mean machines have already been claimed.
Chanel has roped in the daughter of Johnny Depp and Vannessa Paradis as the face of its new Rouge Coco Gloss collection. Lily-Rose Depp will be the brand ambassador for this latest lip gloss line developed in partnership with the brand’s global creative makeup and colour director Lucia Pica. The glosses that come in 24 different colours, ranging from nude to chocolate brown and several shades of pink, red and purple, have been created with a melting gel texture through a “hydraboost complex” formulation, comprising natural waxes of jojoba, sunflower and mimosa, plus a natural coconut oil derivative. And the collection further helps your lips echo your mood through a delightful range of accompanying top coats: a clear topcoat with added sparkle, a translucent neon orange-yellow and a deep black.
Fancy a completely customizable vacation where you can set up your own accommodation wherever you fancy? London-based travel agency Black Tomato is offering just that: The Blink Luxury Travel Experiences, lets you create a personalized trip with perfect personalised accommodations in exotic, unspoiled locations. They offer you a questionnaire to fill in that helps Black Tomato understand your preferences, with which they go ahead to help you decide upon the right tent or dome to fit the environment and actually modulate it to your specifications. Their crew sets up the Blink campsite and then removes it for you afterwards so that the natural environment is left as pristine as possible. The Blink package, priced above $66,000, apparently has 751,074,508,800 possible trip combinations. So this is your opportunity to experience a vacation that is minutely, uniquely crafted for you alone.
Since losing out the top spot to Mercedes Benz in India for two successive years, Audi has revealed grand new plans for as many as 10 upcoming launches this year in the country. The company has declared its intention to launch ‘a couple of completely new models’ as part of its ongoing efforts to bolster its bid for the top spot. Audi has already launched the diesel version of its best-selling sedan A4 in India. It is also preparing for the new A3 sedan. Media reports quoted Audi India Head Rahil Ansari’s words that while volume models were important, they will be looking at launching cars which provide a ‘Halo effect’, effectively turning ‘customers into fans’. That seems like great news for the Indian car aficionado, because we’re sure to be looking at some great performance-oriented denizens of the road.
Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing are celebrating 10 years of their partnership with the creation of the 50-foot, $1.8 million boat Marauder AMG. Inspired by the Mercedes-AMG GT R, the boat features plenty of carbon fiber, which makes it 1300 lbs. lighter than previous creations. The cockpit, consoles, and engine cover have all been given the carbon fiber touch. Powered by two Mercury Racing 1550/1350 Quad Cam 4 Valve (QC4v) engines and M8 stern drives, the Marauder has up to 3,100 horsepower at its disposal. The exterior colour scheme by Daimler chief design officer Gorden Wagener references the GT R’s Green Hell Magno coloring. Skip Braver, the CEO of Cigarette Racing calls it their most ‘impressive high performance boat yet’.
Among the royal retreats is the Sawai Man Singh Suite from Taj Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
India has some of the most opulent retreats the world can offer. Feast your eyes on the most breathtakingly exquisite Royal Suites of some of the best hotels in India
Maharajah’s Pavilion, The Raj Palace, Jaipur
RAJAH’S RETREAT | Acknowledged as ‘Asia’s Leading Suite’ by World Travel Awards for three consecutive years in a row
Maharajah’s Pavilion, the topmost opulent suite at The Raj Palace is a four-bedroom, 16,000-square-foot palatial retreat. Taking up four floors, the first level includes a private lobby, secretarial area and lounge with bar. The second floor houses a double-height reception room, gold leafed painted walls gold and silver furniture, museum displaying the Old Throne and Bolsters of The Thakur Sahib (the Maharajah) and a private passage connecting the different pavilions (levels). Other amenities include a private theater, library, kitchen staff, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, rooftop terrace and its own spa. It has been acknowledged as ‘Asia’s Leading Suite’ by World Travel Awards for three consecutive years in a row. And the hotel itself has been voted as the “World’s Leading Heritage Hotel” by The World Travel Awards consecutively for nine years 2007 – 2016.
Tariff: Rs 12 lakh per night (including taxes)
The Tata Suite at Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai
MODERN MONARCH | Created in the honor of the Founder, The Tata Suite is an extravagance of exotic artefacts and fine architectural detailing
Created in the honor of the Founder, The Tata Suite is an extravagance of exotic artefacts, lush carpets, priceless paintings, authentic colonial furniture and fine architectural detailing. With hand-woven silk draperies and upholstery embroidered with gold and silver threads and finest crystal chandeliers, the suite boasts of colonial furniture from the Campaign to Bombay style. It also comes with a private spa fully equipped with a personalised Jiva Spa menu, steam room, sauna and two professional masseurs. The mirrored master-bathroom offers exotic aroma salts and scents to relax in while gazing at the majestic Gateway of India.
Tariff: Rs 10 lakh (excluding taxes)
Sukh Niwas and Suryavanshi Suites at Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
SUKH NIWAS | Arched stonework, rich drapes, gold-leaf frescoes, opulent furniture and accessories define these suites
Arched stonework, rich drapes, crystal chandeliers, gold-leaf frescoes, opulent furniture and accessories define the Sukh Niwas and Suryavanshi suites. These suites are some of the most sought after places in the capital of Rajasthan. The perfect destination wedding for rich non-Indians, Rambagh Palace has made its name in various travel guides.
Tariff: Rs 10 lakh per night(excluding taxes)
SURYVANSHI SUITE | These suites are some of the most sought after places in the capital of Rajasthan
Nizam Suite at Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad
NIZAM’S OWN | Shaped like a scorpion, the Nizam Suite has ornate interiors and a private swimming pool
The Nizam Suite was formerly the chamber of the Nizam of Hyderabad and going by the reputation of the Nizam, this duplex suite is claimed by Taj to be the largest presidential suite in the country. Shaped like a scorpion, the Nizam Suite is immaculately done up with ornate interiors and a private swimming pool. Not to mention all the privileges of the Nizam way of life.
Tariff: Rs 7.5 lakh per night(excluding taxes)
Maharaja Suite at The Leela Palace, Udaipur
LEELA’S LUXE | The lake facing 3,552 sqft suite Maharaja Suite is a celebrity favorite
This lake facing 3,552 sqft suite comes complete with plush interiors, contemporary fine art, a dining area with exquisite handcrafted silver furnishings and a study. The master bedroom has separate walk-in closets. It also has its own ESPA massage parlor, a spacious plunge pool and sprawling courtyards for the discreet comfort of its distinguished guests. An interconnecting room is also available for accompanying guests. This is one of the favourite choices of celebrity guests.
Burberry premiered its February 2017 collection for men and women on February 20th at its Makers House show venue in London. The collection is an exploration of sculpture and silhouette, material and process, inspired by Henry Moore, one of the most important British artists of the 20th century, and arguably the most internationally celebrated sculptor of the period. He is renowned for his semi-abstract monumental bronzes, which can be seen all over the world. The artist’s influence is articulated through form, texture and crafted detail, as well as vivid prints referencing his designs from the archive at the Henry Moore Foundation. Models including Burberry’s latest campaign cast Amber Witcomb, Elfie Reigate, Ella King, Myles Dominique, Nora Attal and Tom Fool previewed the looks on the runway, which was interspersed with bronze sculptures by Henry Moore, the iconic British artist that inspired the collection. All menswear and womenswear looks shown during the evening were made available to buy via Burberry’s physical, digital and partner retail networks immediately following the show, as part of the brand’s second straight-to-consumer collection. Makers House will open to visitors from Tuesday, offering them the opportunity to explore the new collection and the inspiration behind it through a unique exhibition, which includes over 40 of Henry Moore’s works and sculptures.
One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai has partnered with world-class Indian Chef Gaggan Anand of the award-winning Gaggan restaurant to create a pop-up restaurant this March at the resort’s fine dining restaurant, Celebrities. Chef Gaggan’s opened his namesake restaurant Gaggan in Bangkok in 2010 and has repeatedly won awards since, including being listed in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, and as the best restaurant in Asia last year for the second year running in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards. Following on from similar culinary journeys in Hong Kong, Mumbai and New Delhi, Chef Gaggan is now visiting Dubai for the first time for a pop-up restaurant which will see the master chef bring his ‘Indian progressive cuisine’ to the city on 3, 4 and 5 March 2017. Guests will be able to embark on a gastronomic discovery while enjoying over fifteen courses from the ‘Best of Gaggan’ Tasting Menu. The menu promises to feature some of the chef’s signature dishes, which will only be revealed on the night, and the highlight will include a live demonstration by Chef Gaggan of one of the dishes. “It will be the first time I serve my ‘Best of Gaggan’ menu in Dubai, and I plan to excite the minds and palates of all the guests,” commented Chef Gaggan. “I hope that my progressive Indian cuisine, each course designed to be one bite, will have guests discover more and really help tell a story about what I love to do most.”
Luxury retailer Saks Fifth Avenue is planning to open two stores in India in partnership with Aditya Birla Fashion. According to reports, the first store is expected to come up in Aerocity near the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, while the second is likely to be part of the upcoming retail project in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex business district. Saks Fifth Avenue would be retailing goods across segments such as cosmetics, apparel and accessories from luxury retailers, including Gucci and Burberry.
The first overseas property for The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, whose 12-strong portfolio has set new standards for luxury and service in India, The Lalit London has now opened its doors, following a is £50 million redevelopment procedure carried out by award winning EPR Architects Fortnum & Mason and interior design by Archer Humphryes Dr Jyotsna Suri. The Lalit London is a boutique hotel located in a Grade II-Listed property originally designed by Edward Mountford, the architect of the Old Bailey. The edifice originally housed St Olave’s Grammar School and later Lambeth College. Accordingly, the hotels rooms (on three levels) are divided into Classrooms— Junior and Senior—and Suites—Junior Suite, Senior Suite and Legacy Suite. All rooms have their original windows and cornicing and, in some cases, panelling too. The rooms all have differnet designs and layout with each one being unique and the top floor rooms have majestic 30-foot high ceilings. Several of the bedrooms also offer panoramic views of The Shard and other local landmarks.
