King Power : Jean-Claude Biver, CEO of Hublot, talks luxury
When the majestic Jean-Claude Biver, CEO of Hublot, talks luxury, everyone listens. He shares his personal convictions and beliefs on the subject of luxury with us
by Jill Triptree in LuxuryInsideHublot is the official watch of Formula One, not because CEO Jean-Claude Biver is interested in motor racing, though he does admit to liking the cars, the noise and the smell of oil – “I’m like any man who wants to transform the toy cars he once had into a sports car, a helicopter” – but because there is a synergy between the two.
“Most people who like cars like watches,” says Biver, who was in Hong Kong late last year to present the latest Hublot F1 watch, the Monza. “I’m only interested in [doing what's best for] Hublot, that’s it, I won’t steer the company in a direction which doesn’t suit it for personal reasons. You see, I never brought Blancpain to F1; it wasn’t the right fit.” Hublot and top-end motor sport share the same customer base, high technology, search for new ultra-light materials and a certain racy glamour so “to enter this world was logical”.
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To mark the 10th anniversary of his three-Michelin-star restaurant at the Plaza Athénée hotel in Paris, Alain Ducasse decided it was time for a change. With a desire to get back to basics, Ducasse implemented his new Essentiel concept, which eschews flamboyance and fussiness in favor of purity, quality, and authenticity. Ingredients are carefully sourced from Ducasse’s handpicked suppliers and served at the peak of seasonal freshness. For example, scallops from Normandy, where water conditions are prime for the shellfish, are gathered in the morning and served that very evening. Technique takes a backseat so the supreme ingredients can shine, unsullied by superfluous flavorings and fancy treatments. The less-is-more statement also translates to the table decor, which has been pared down from the typical extravagant array of flatware and dishes. Complementing the enormous glittering chandeliers and shimmering new decorative screens handmade by Paris’ haute-couture masters, tables are minimally set with sculpted, modern, porcelain plates specially designed to hold the menus. In another insouciant move, an appetizer of tender crevettes is served in the sauté pan with a long, delicate fork. Such casual touches may seem out of place in a dining room of such stature, but at Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée the reverence is reserved for the food.
Air New Zealand is an airline on the move, transforming every aspect of its international service to set a new benchmark in comfort, convenience and style. With newly refurbished aircraft, new classes of service, expanded routes, high-tech in-flight entertainment and a high-profile consultant chef, Air New Zealand is taking the flight experience to a new level. In addition to being consistently rated among the world?s best international airlines, Air New Zealand offers more direct flights to the South Pacific than any other airline.Air New Zealand is an airline on the move, transforming every aspect of its international service to set a new benchmark in comfort, convenience and style. With newly refurbished aircraft, new classes of service, expanded routes, high-tech in-flight entertainment and a high-profile consultant chef, Air New Zealand is taking the flight experience to a new level. In addition to being consistently rated among the world?s best international airlines, Air New Zealand offers more direct flights to the South Pacific than any other airline. 
With five different classes available you will be sure to find one that suits your needs. The best of the best is the Diamond Class Suite, offering multiple configurations and tons of privacy. The Suite also offers a massage chair, mini bar and more. Pearl Business and both first classes offer lie-flat beds. Etihad’s Pearl Business class also won the World?s Best Business Class as voted by Skytrax 2009.
With their vision to be the “best airline”, Cathay Pacific Airways is an international airline registered and based in Hong Kong, offering scheduled cargo and passenger services to more than 110 destinations around the world. However, the airline remains committed to it’s roots in Hong Kong seeking to continue to make substantial investments to develop Hong Kong’s aviation industry and enhance Hong Kong’s position as a regional transportation hub. Even if you’re not flying out of Hong Kong directly, you’ll be sure to appreciate the aircraft. If you’re flying first-class on Cathay Pacific you may actually wish the flight was longer. In 2006 Air Transport World magazine’s Airline of the Year honors went to Cathay also marking the airline’s 60th year of operation solid. 
Swiss Airlines have had a longstanding reputation for courtesy and efficiency, and so far their reputation remains solid topping some of the best airlines around. All the expected luxury appointments and services are present but for those wishing for a bit more, your inner techno- geek will appreciate too-cool features that are all too entertaining to ignore. For one, your video monitor can display flight data, such as air speed, distance flown and distance remaining. While such technology has been around for years, Swiss, always innovative, has upped the ante: two onboard cameras let you watch the world in front of the aircraft as well as below it.
Thai Airways was founded in 1960 with overseas flights inauguration and intercontinental services in 1971. After 40 consecutive years of profit — no small feat in the corporate world, it has topped luxury airline lists for years. Based in Bangkok, Thai Airways has become one of Asia’s best carriers. Thai seeks to aquaint you with some of the best attendants in the air take care of you on the trip and will serve you amazing meals even for plane fair, complemented of course by the some of the best wines and champagnes any airline has to offer. Thus, all of this accurately embodies the mission statement of Thai Airways, which encourages you to fly sabai the Thai word for “healthy mind and body”.
For Singapore Airlines, spaciousness is key as SA may soon claim to have the biggest plane in the air. As of 2006 they are the first carrier to fly the new Airbus A380, which is capable of carrying up to 555 passengers in all. Even without luxuriousness of the A380, the first class experience is amazing. SkySuites are appropriately named and with only 12 of them in first class all are perfectly alluring. In addition, seats cradle you in Connolly leather allowing for the feeling of traveling more in a spacious luxury liner than plane.
Since 1951, JAL has been a leader in first-class comfort, and apparently they intend to keep a good thing going. Select flights now feature their Skysleeper Solo specialty which is the airlines special airline’s interpretation of coddling for traveler’s. The seat’s leather upholstery is by sofa manufacturer Poltrona Frau, ensuring your comfort whether awake or asleep in the chair’s flat-bed configuration. Whether your palate yearns for traditional Kyoto cuisine or your cravings lie more in Western food, JAL has you covered as both menus are offered to satisfy varying palates. Both are so delicious that you’ll swear an Iron Chef is on board.
Considering that famed Sir Richard Branson is at the company’s helm, you’re going to get your money’s worth and then some. Virgin poses a strong argument for first-class — ahem, Upper Class Suite — travel, for which the carrier is quick to suggest it offers more spacious appointments than competing airlines. Either way, you’ll love the pampering, including the surprisingly roomy beds, which convert from your seat. If all you want is a good night’s rest, Virgin also accommodates this desire: Certain Upper Class overnight flights feature the “Snooze Zone,” with dimmed lights and minimal distractions. Virgin America is a new, California-based airline that is on a mission to make flying quality again, with brand new planes, attractive fares, topnotch service, and a host of fun, innovative amenities that are reinventing domestic air travel. With fleet-wide in-flight internet, mood-lit cabins, custom-designed leather seats, power outlets, and a video touch-screen at every seat back offering guests on-demand menus and countless entertainment options the Virgin America experience is unlike anything else in the skies.
Flying internationally can leave you longing for the comforts of home.True flat bed seats, expanded in-flight entertainment, and gourmet meals make “dining up” as delicious as dining out. Experience these and other in-flight amenities by booking a BusinessElite ticket the next time you travel overseas. You’ll touch down rested and ready to go.Delta Sky Priority: From booking to baggage claim*, you’ll enjoy an accelerated and streamlined trip with shorter lines, early boarding and priority baggage service.
From a humble beginning with only a pair of planes in 1985, Emirates has thenceforth become a luxurious force to be reckoned with. While many airline carriers have barely kept lights on their offices, Emirates announced that their 2005 fiscal year profit was $762 million. As a passenger, you’ll feel like a million dollars too. Getting quality rest and relaxation won’t be difficult; Emirates has made quiet cabins a high priority. An exceptional journey from start to finish Emirates® has been recognized many times over the years for the quality of in-flight cuisine, the breadth of in-flight entertainment, and for excellent overall service.
Rolls-Royce aircraft engines are legendary, and you’d swear the company had an influence on British Airways cabins. BA’s luxurious first-class demi cabins multitask to serve as workspaces, dens, and even places to stretch and sleep. Awake time can be spent viewing many video options or dining on your own schedule, not the crews. As a thoughtful touch, evening and late-night flights offer dining in elegant land lounges before the flight so you can maximize your sleep time in the air. In operation since shortly after World War I, British Airways self-proclamation as The World’s Favorite Airline holds true for many travelers, and with a modern mission statement that aims, to be the best and most successful airline in the world, British Airlines tops the list.
Wealthy women, like Paris Hilton pictured test driving a Roller, buying the smaller ‘baby’ Rolls-Royce Ghost models are fuelling the boom in sales from the company’s hi-tech factory. 
by Ariel Adams at Luxist
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