Die Swaene Hotel in Bruges

Bruges, Belgium is undoubtedly one of the most romantic and enchanting medieval cities in all of Europe. The Die Swaene (The Swan) Hotel, situated alongside Bruges’ famed and picturesque Groenerei Canal, is the embodiment of a city that boasts not only an incredibly rich history, but also a definitive taste for luxury.

Only a short walk from the Burg – the location of Bruges’ Town Hall and several palaces – Die Swaene is a 30 room family owned property that is celebrated for its unwavering elegance and sumptuous detail; the finest antiques and rich custom fabrics can be found throughout the hotel’s common areas and guest suites. The atmosphere in Die Swaene is nothing short of intimate and warm, and the lounge in particular, dating back to 1779, is a wonderful place to enjoy appetizers and cocktails while taking in the stunning original painting on the ceiling. Die Swaene has recently opened a magnificent new wing known as the Canal House; featuring eight rooms and two suites that provide unforgettable views over the water, Canal House further elevates the offerings of a hotel that was already on par with excellence. The hotel’s restaurant, Pergola Kaffee, situated on the terrace overlooking the canal, is one of the hotspots in Bruges for mouthwatering gastronomic delights. The restaurant’s hip, young chef, Nick Coppens, is adept at ‘new generation’ cooking and knows how to meld classical and modern cuisine in an innovative and trendsetting way. Further amenities within Die Swaene include: A historic attic conference room, a Spa & Wellness Center and world-class concierge services.

Die Swaene's Original 18th Century Guildhall

Additionally, THG faucetry and accessories are proudly featured within the luxury bath environments of Die Swaene. For a hotel that lavishes such attention on quality and detail, the Parisian manufacturer was a natural choice.

Hotel Le Plaza, Brussels

There’s a certain degree of class and refinement that can only come with age; since 1930, Hotel Le Plaza in Brussels, Belgium has been honing these fine traits and in the process, become a bolt-hole for Europe’s leading businessmen, politicians and aristocracy. Today, Hotel Le Plaza is undeniably one of the finest hotels in all of Europe, and the world.

Situated in the heart of Brussels and just a few steps away from the famed Theatre de la Monnaie and the Stock Exchange, the 190 room Hotel Le Plaza could not be in a more ideal location for taking in the breathtaking city. Michel Polak – the famed architect who designed the building – took inspiration from Georges V Hotel in Paris, incorporating French facades in “pierres de France”, vaulted ceilings and vast spaces intricately designed to exude refined elegance. The result: an ideal place to relax and enjoy a holiday or rendezvous for even the most highly discerning guests. Hotel Le Plaza is most notable for several suites that take the meaning of luxury to a markedly new level including: the Presidential Suite, which is a luminously opulent apartment that boasts splendid views over the rooftops of Brussels, a touch screen lighting system, a 24 hour butler and a bath environment that features a Jacuzzi, a multi jet shower and a heated floor; and the Plaza Suite, notable for its special attention to design including dynamic shading elements and color gradations that tantalize the imagination. Hotel Le Plaza features a world-class dining option in Brasserie Estérel, a restaurant that Executive Chef Olivier Bontemps has dedicated to the finest in French nouveau cuisine. The Bar & Salon at the hotel, formerly a winter garden, features an elegant, yet cozy atmosphere that is perfect for enjoying a glass of champagne or an evening cocktail. Hotel Le Plaza underwent a restoration in 1996 with careful attention paid to conserving the building’s original features; today, the hotel is a member of the prestigious Worldhotels Deluxe Collection – an assortment of unique hotels that all share a common commitment to excellence.

Hotel Le Plaza Bathroom

Additionally, the bath environments of Hotel Le Plaza feature THG luxury faucetry and accessories. The Parisian manufacturer was an ideal choice for a hotel that takes such a distinguished level of pride in the quality of its design.

Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort

The principality of Monaco, lavishly situated on the north central coast of the Mediterranean, has long been a playground of the jet set; these days, the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort is where those in-the-know jet-setters treat themselves to the finest in luxury accommodations, top-notch service and wish-fulfilling amenities.

Boasting 10 acres on an azure blue seashore, the 334 room Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort is a modern day Garden of Eden, and hands down the most stunning modern resort Monaco has ever known. The resort’s architecture is neoclassically inspired with dramatic arcades and colonnades; the grounds are sumptuously appointed with waterfalls and lush gardens. The property features several suite choices for the discerning guest: the Superior City View is warmed by soft Mediterranean pastels, white oak furnishings and sandstone floors; the Exclusive Sea View offers the seductive charms of the Superior, enhanced by a panoramic and breathtaking view of the Mediterranean; the Prestige Sea View takes opulence to new heights with exotic woods, marble trim and the most prestigious oceanic views on offer. The hotel’s stylish gourmet eatery, Le Blue Bay, features award-winning culinary creations inspired by the bounty of the Mediterranean, along with a charming dockside view. Perhaps Monte Carlo Bay’s greatest asset is its world-class gaming, exemplified by the offerings of The Bay Casino, which is situated right in the heart of the resort. The highly contemporary casino offers a new paradigm in technology and gaming; the latest innovations in casino blackjack, craps, stud poker and numerous other games are on offer. Just outside the doors of the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort is the city’s legendary Golden Circle shopping district featuring: Chanel, Christian-Dior, Céline, Louis Vuitton, Yves St-Laurent, Sonia Rykiel, the Parisian jeweler Van Cleef & Arpels, among other exceptional icons in retail. Continue Reading »

Prince Abdul Aziz superyacht

When renowned architectural design firm Maierform Maritime Technology joined forces with shipbuilder Helsingor Vaerft, the results were undoubtedly going to be spectacular. In 1984, their joint effort resulted in the Prince Abdul Aziz, a superyacht built for the Saudi Royal Family; it is a ship that exudes luxury and opulence, and today, it continues to take to the high seas, standing as a testament to the quality of the “old generation.”

Prince Abdul Aziz is a yacht that is literally fit for a king, as it is one of the Royal Yachts in the Saudi Royal Family’s fleet and a personal vessel to King Abdullah, king of Saudi Arabia. At a length of 482 feet and beam of 60 feet, Prince Abdul Aziz can be equated more to a luxury cruise liner than a yacht – it is often referred to as a “floating palace”. The unique design of the yacht is highlighted by a large bow along with another striking visual: a helicopter landing pad. Prince Abdul Aziz is equipped for up to 64 guests with a large lobby on deck that is a design replica of the lobby from the Titanic. There is a VIP room, twelve staterooms and nine double rooms, all of which have been described as “like staying in a five-star hotel”; many have balconies, ocean views, and all offer the services of an expert onboard staff. Prince Abdul Aziz is especially notable for its lavish pool, jacuzzi and sunbathing areas situated on the main deck. The yacht’s private restaurant features world-class chefs that cater to guests’ particular tastes. The yacht is also said to feature some “secrets” including an expansive garage that holds a stellar collection of vehicles, as well as an underwater surveillance system to ensure King Abdullah and his guests are protected at all times. In 2002, the yacht underwent a major interior overhaul in Greece, but still holds on to its original charms. Prince Abdul Aziz is undoubtedly one of the wonders of 20th century yacht building and a throwback design to a time when money translated directly to quality.

Additionally, Prince Abdul Aziz features THG faucets and accessories within its bath environments. The Parisian manufacturer was a natural choice when designing a yacht fit for royalty.

Jazz of Monaco yacht by Azimut-Benetti Group

The name Benetti is synonymous with a robust, custom Italian yacht building tradition that dates back to 1873. In particular, the company Azimut-Benetti Group is known for building luxury motor yachts and “superyachts” for the most discerning international clientele. In true Benetti style and tradition, the company’s Jazz of Monaco is a superyacht that exceeds all expectations.

Jazz of Monaco extends out to a luxurious length of nearly 100 feet, offering spacious and exceptionally stylish comfort for eight guests. Featuring a master suite offering breathtaking panoramic views, a VIP suite, a double cabin and a twin cabin, Jazz of Monaco’s modern décor, neutral soft finishing and strong propensity for inviting in natural light make it a delight on which to relax and enjoy life. A well-appointed dining area, lavish bar and spacious outdoor areas including an alfresco dining space on the main deck ensure the Jazz of Monaco is the ultimate yacht on which to entertain. The upper deck – rarely found on a yacht of this length – is furnished in large sun pads for guests to lie on and soak up the Mediterranean sunshine. Additional luxury amenities onboard the Jazz of Monaco include a jacuzzi on the fly deck, a home cinema entertainment system with sky TV, several plasma screens throughout, surround sound audio system and advanced GPS capabilities. Based in Monaco, the Jazz of Monaco is available for charter during the Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix, among other notable events. It’s an ideal choice for corporate getaways and family holidays, ensuring an unforgettable cruise experience.

Jazz of Monaco Main Salon

In addition, the private ensuite baths of the Jazz of Monaco feature THG luxury faucetry and amenities. Such amenities are in line with Benetti’s longstanding tradition of delivering the utmost in opulence to its discerning clientele.