Posted on 05-03-2010
Filed Under (Chivalry, Hotels, Luxury, Social Trends) by Olivier Bassil

Chivalry in Cannes is a live Twitter-based and blog-based report from Cannes with Chivas, partner of the Cannes Film Festival. Each episode takes you a step deeper into real-life acts of Chivalry in Cannes and the world of film.

Christian Sinicropi is the Chef to the Stars. Leading all prestigious restaurants in the Martinez Hotel, Christian is not only the Executive Chef, he is an artist and his cuisine is the fruit of years of experience in France’s top kitchens, including Alain Ducasse’s. Christian is the only twice-Michelin-starred chef in the city. At the Festival, he is responsible for everything from the Jury’s first official dinner night through to the unbelievable daily schedule of his cuisine: serving 1,000 people a day, including many of the stars attending.

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Posted on 07-02-2010
Filed Under (Escape, Hotels, Sports & Races, Travel) by Olivier Bassil

We have always been dedicated to showcasing luxury brands and the inspiring stories of their craftsmanship, such as Vertu and their unique phones, Piaget and their magnificent jewelery or Belvedere and its world first premium vodka. The quality that characterizes every single of these brands is, beyond a true and genuine excellence in product making, a living dedication to an entire universe of their own, an entire lifestyle, most of the time a dedication lived first and foremost by their very founders.

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Posted on 11-12-2009
Filed Under (Hotels, Social Trends, Travel) by Olivier Bassil

Marigot Bay is certainly one of the most fascinating bays in the Carribean and a perfect destination should you be in need of some ‘escapism’ this winter. Located on the Western coast of Saint Lucia, it is surrounded on three sides by steep, emerald-colored hills, was the historical setting of several battles between the French and Royal Navy, and has been described by numerous authors and writers as the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean.

Marigot Bay hotel - The Marigot Bay

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Posted on 12-10-2009
Filed Under (Bars & Clubs, Hotels, Social Trends) by Olivier Bassil

In its August 1 2009 issue, the bountiful FT supplement How To Spend It had a star on its cover I could not endorse more: the French Riviera. The issue passed into review why one of the most classic and chic destinations in the world is the one that sustains the most: the Survival of the Chicest. Indeed, ever since Queen Victoria, Tsar Alexander II of Russia, Napoleon III and Leopold II of Belgium, set foot on it, everything Paris has become to fashion, the Côte d’azur has become to leisure.

Survival of the Chicest

The Riviera has developed its hidden private hideaways, such as its classic Cap D’Antibes and the reviving Cap-Ferrat, as well as its hot spots in Saint Tropez, with its social life and beaches, in Cannes, with its Palais and festivals, and of course in Monaco, with its casino, hotels and nightlife. A lot of the time, the best places on the Côte d’azur are synonymous with the best places in the world, and this is the case I believe of the place I’ve just spent the evening at: the Bar Américain in the Hotel de Paris, which is one of the most sought after bars in Monaco. Read the rest of this entry »

Posted on 29-07-2009
Filed Under (Hotels, Travel) by Olivier Bassil

Luxury travel firm Kipling & Clark have issued a list of their favourite hotels in Asia based on their 6-8 weeks of Asia travel a year.

SQUA.RE Link: Peninsula - Tokyo

A ryokan is a type of traditional Japanese hotel dating from the Edo period (1603–1868), when they served travelers along Japan’s highways. They typically featured tatami-matted rooms, communal baths, and other public areas where visitors may wear yukata and talk with the owner.

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Posted on 03-07-2009
Filed Under (Hotels, Stores) by Daniel Scheffler

Luxury

From July 16th to August 29th, Printemps steps into the spotlight and becomes Printemps Palace, the only department store transformed into a luxury hotel, and explores the art of traveling in luxury Parisian hotels.

Printemps Palace

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Posted on 20-03-2009
Filed Under (Hotels) by Rebecca Anne Proctor

Nordic Light Hotel Design Hotels

Design Hotels is the epitome of creatively inspired spaces emphasizing harmony and originality in innovative surroundings. Conceived in 1993 by Claus Sendlinger when he was a travel agent, Design Hotels has now become a global operation with headquarters in Berlin and branches in London, Barcelona, New York, Singapore, Bali, Tokyo, and Perth. As an international hospitality company, Design Hotels brings together 175 independently owned and design-focused properties in more than 40 countries. Read the rest of this entry »

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Barbie, the long-limbed American icon, celebrated her golden birthday in style with a catwalk show at New York Fashion Week. The runway show put together in her honour, featured big-name designers such as Betsey Johnson, Calvin Klein and Diane Von Furstenburg, creating specially-designed outfits to celebrate Barbie’s 50 years in business.

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Design Hotels (Made by Originals) brings together distinctive individual hotels with forward-thinking design and local influences, presenting short videos of their signature collection. Here we can virtually check-in at Lisbon’s Fontana Park Hotel – established by Jorge Cosme and furniture designer Nini Andrade Silva.  The dynamic duo explain their black and white concept giving it that unique wow factor.

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Brockmans Premium Gin have created a short concept film with Director Angelo Valentino.  Shot in London, the film plays host to the philosophy of this gourmet gin; an easy going gin that can be enjoyed late into the night.  The founders of Brockmans Gin had only one objective in mind: to create a fresh taste that really changes the perception of contemporary gin.  Click on the video to join their party.

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Posted on 28-01-2009
Filed Under (Hotels) by Rebecca Anne Proctor

Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi

An enchanting landmark of luxury, the Emirates Palace is one of the most impressive hotels ever built. Operated by the luxury hotel group Kempinski Hotels & Resorts, the Palace was built and is owned by the Abu Dhabi government. Constructed for a price of three billion dollars, when the Palace opened in 2005 it proved to be one of the most colossal structures ever known to man.

The Palace architects are Wimberly Allison Tong and Goo (WATG), two of the leading hospitality designers in the world. The incredible structure of the palace is comprised of a central Palace section with the top suites, two wings with guest rooms, and a conference center. The various colors of the Palace were inspired by the different shades of the Arabian Desert and thus exemplify the beauty of Arabian culture.

The traditional décor found inside is made of a combination of silver, gold, marble, and glass mosaics. The chandeliers are made from Swarovski crystal. With 114 domes including a Grand Atrium that is higher than the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, two hundred fountains, a selection of fine restaurants offering food from around the world, the marvelous Blue Salon, and the Caviar Bar, the Emirates Palace certainly offers a lap of luxury for any guest.

There are 302 grand rooms in the Coral, Pearl, and Diamond categories offering the highest level of comfort imaginable. A separate floor is reserved for the Gulf Arab royalty. The hotel also serves as the official guest place for Abu Dhabi’s government offering 22 three-bedroom suites for Heads of State and various renowned individuals. Some notable figures who have stepped foot inside the Palace walls include Bill Clinton, Robert de Niro, Will Smith, Lawrence Fishborne, Michael Jackson, and George W. Bush.

Rooms start at $327 per night but a 165sqm room with a panoramic ocean view may cost $1797 per night. In all, the Emirates Palace is a remarkable place to visit even if it does not include staying for the night. A rich variety of artistic venues, fashion events, and international music make such a creation at once a national and international landmark for culture and luxury.

Posted on 17-01-2009
Filed Under (Hotels) by Rebecca Anne Proctor

lux3171lo71523_ub.jpgThe Bazaar is the hotel lobby of the latest SLS Beverly Hills hotel exceptionally decorated as a fête extraordinaire combining the revolutionary culinary masterpieces of José Andrés and new lounge concepts by French designer Philippe Starck. Located on La Cienaga and reconfiguring what was previously Le Meredien hotel, The Bazaar is a sumptuous treat for the eye and offers delicious sensations for the palette. Such a creation appears to be a modern indoor rendition of the Italian piazza where guests intermingle and enjoy Andrés’ avant-guarde Spanish cuisine amidst four intricately connect spaces: Bar Centro, Blanco, Rojo, and the Pâtisserie.

Guests arrive at a sleek valet area just off La Cienga Boulevard before they enter into the otherworldly creation of Philippe Starck and José Andrés’ joint artistic endeavor. Deconstructed lounge areas emphasize the restaurant as serving more than just a mere eatery, but as a grouping of public spaces differentiated according to cuisine and course. The Bazaar is decadent in every way, but it’s a decoration that encourages social interaction, curiosity, and artistic discovery.