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.

Chewton Glen in Hampshire, England

Boasting 130 acres of Hampshire countryside on the cusp of the New Forest National Park, Chewton Glen is the premier 5-Star luxury country house hotel in the United Kingdom; and it is nothing short of a breathtaking, English original.

A proud member of Relais & Chateaux – a collection of the most opulent and beautiful restaurants and hotels located throughout the world – Chewton Glen offers its guests effortlessly gracious English hospitality and a strikingly poised balance between heritage and forward-thinking. Offering 58 individually decorated rooms in a sophisticated modern-classic style, the utilization of antique furnishings and rich fabrics treat guests to the ultimate in luxury. For the most discerning guests, Chewton Glen offers four traditional Master Suites that are the embodiment of English country living. The Jacob Faithful Suite offers a private balcony overlooking the hotel’s sweeping and meticulously manicured lawns, as well as an elegant sitting room perfect for enjoying an afternoon spot of tea. Further adding to Chewton Glen’s allure is its 3 AA-Rosette restaurant, featuring an eclectic style of cookery by world-renowned Head Master Chef Luke Matthews. Matthews’ flair for turning fresh local produce such as wild mushrooms, game from the New Forest and seafood from Christchurch, into delectable works of culinary artistry, keeps guests satiated and tantalized at once. Furthermore, the restaurant’s wine cellar offers 700 bottles handpicked from the finest wine regions around the world. Additional luxury amenities include a world-class spa and gym, an ozone treated indoor swimming pool, a stunning 9-hole par 3 gold course, a well-appointed tennis center and a spectacular croquet lawn. Chewton Glen is undoubtedly a very special place in the world, voted “One of the Top Hotels in the World” and “Best Hotel in the British Isles” at the 2010 Condé Nast Traveller annual readers awards.

Chewton Glen Lounge

Chewton Glen Hotel

Chewton Glen’s sumptuous interiors are further enhanced by THG faucetry and accessories; designers of the most luxurious hotel interiors frequently gravitate towards THG, as the Parisian manufacturer’s products embody the finest in quality and luxury.

Octopus, a megayacht owned by Paul Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft

When billionaire Paul Allen, American investor and philanthropist who co-founded Microsoft with Bill Gates, decided he wanted his own yacht, he naturally went all out and spared no expense. The result: a 414-foot megayacht, affectionately known as Octopus, which is among the largest privately owned vessels of its kind in the world.

The magnificent exterior of the Octopus was designed by Espen Øino Naval Architects and the vessel was built by the German shipbuilders Lürssen in Bremen, Germany and HDW in Kiel, Germany; the stunning interior was imagined by celebrated designer Jonathan Quinn Barnett. Upon first glance at Octopus, it is easy to see the vessel embodies German discipline, preciseness and flawlessness. Octopus offers luxury accommodation for up to 26 guests in 41 suites. She is also capable of carrying up to 57 crewmembers onboard to ensure a relaxed luxury yacht experience. Octopus’ highly unique features include two helipads on the top deck each with their own choppers, a sixty-three foot tender docked in the transom, seven boats varying in size and scope, several jet skis, a pool on one of the upper decks, a full length basketball court, and perhaps most notably, two submarines. One of the submarines is a ground crawler operated by remote control and ideal for researching the bottom of the ocean; the other is a 10-man vessel designed to endure up to two weeks underwater and a capacity to sleep up to eight. Octopus is the ultimate vessel on which to entertain and considering that Allen is well known for keeping eclectic and high profile company, the two are a match made in heaven. On one particular News Year’s eve, for example, Allen threw a bash that included EU Commissioner of Trade, Peter Mandelson, and superstar pop artist Usher. On other occasions, Octopus has hosted members of U2, Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, and clothing designer Diane von Furstenberg. Most recently, the ship was spotted at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival, where Allen was hosting a Brazilian-themed party onboard. Guests included supermodel Bar Refaeli, Jane Fonda, Jodie Foster, Paul Haggis and Ryan Gosling, who sipped on caipirinhas and dined on authentic Brazilian cuisine. The megayacht is an ideal shelter for Allen and his high profile guests who seek refuge from maddening crowds and intrusive media. Octopus is frequently seen en route to exotic locales and ports in Barbados, Jamaica, Florida, Greece, Croatia, Norway, and Tahiti. The vessel is valued at around $200 million, with an estimated $20 million annual budget to operate.

Additionally, Octopus features THG luxury faucetry and accessories within its bath environments. When designing one of the world’s most lavish yachts, the Parisian manufacturer was a natural choice in achieving the look and feel of opulence.