Salon Privé, which returned to Syon Park from the 5th to 7th September, is very firmly established as the UK’s most prestigious Super Car Show and the Chubb Insurance Concours d’Elégance is a calendar highlight amongst enthusiasts, collectors and buyers of modern and classic super cars.
It is, however, far more than just a car show having also become a permanent fixture on the London social scene.
by www.gadling.com
1. Intercontinental, Hong Kong
At the Intercontinental Hotel, guests experience a breathtaking view over Hong Kong. The infinity pool on the roof of the hotel makes for a perfect experience: The lowered edge of the pool gives the illusion that it goes on for eternity. This five star hotel spoils its guests with five restaurants, a spa and a fitness centre.
2. Adler Dolomiti Spa & Resort, St. Ulrich
The Alder Dolomiti offers its guests multiple wellness and nature baths. Located in Grödnertal in the north of Saint Ulrich, this five star resort offers a unique experience in the middle of the Dolomites. In Aguana guests can relax in the 35 degrees warm saltwater pool, enjoy the large outside swimming area and hot whirlpool, which includes a panoramic view of the Alps.
3. Ubud Hanging Gardens, Ubud, Bali
At the Ubud Hanging Gardens on Bali numerous pools extend over multiple levels like hanging gardens. Hotel guests do not only bathe in impressive surroundings; each room has access to its own private pool. This resort that consists of private luxury villas is located in the exotic Ubud gardens, in the artistic centre of Bali.
4. Gran Hotel La Florida, Barcelona
The infinity pool at the Gran Hotels La Florida high above Barcelona has amazing views far across the touristic Spanish metropolis. In the 37 metre long pool made entirely out of pure metal guests can relax in the highest located hotel in Barcelona.
5. Cavo Tagoo, Mykonos, Greece
The five star Cavo Tagoo on Mykonos captivates travellers with its white interior and luxurious atmosphere. At the lounge deck by the pool, guests are under the illusion that the pool merges with the horizon. Holidaymakers are able to relax to the sounds of lounge music on sun loungers at the edge of the pool or float on wooden blocks on the surface of the water.
by http://www.dailymail.co.uk
The world bids farewell to London tonight after a frantic fortnight of Olympic competition. More than 10,000 athletes have competed for 302 gold medals in 26 sports, across 16 days.
The eyes of the world have been firmly fixed on London, from the hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the globe who arrived to share the Olympic experience, to the billion plus people who have tuned in to watch events unfold on TV.
And they’ve seen a united London, a city that rose to the occasion and has basked in the spotlight.
Great British finale: The Olympic Stadium in east London looked spectacular tonight as spectators began to arrive for the Closing Ceremony
Landmarks: Runners pass the Houses of Parliament during the men’s marathon on the final day of the 2012 Olympics
Skyline: Marathon runners loop around the front of Buckingham Palace this morning, with London’s spectacular skyline in the background
Winner: Uganda’s Wilson Kipsang Kiprotich approaches the finals stretch of the Marathon, stared down by the imposing figure of Buckingham Palace
Great Britain’s athletes achieved their greatest medal haul in over hundred years. But London 2012 is about much more than just sport.
It’s about the 70,000 volunteers who slipped into their purple outfits, every day without fail, to help the Games run smoothly. It’s about the 1,000 plus troops who were drafted in at the last minute to help bolster security in the wake of the G4S fiasco – but did their duty without complaint.
And it’s about the Britons who filled stadiums and venues, and lined the streets for every race, whatever the weather, wrapped in union flags and shouted themselves hoarse – roaring on athletes from every nation.
Britain and London took the Olympics to its heart and has worn the rings with pride.
Dawn: Sunrise over the River Thames on the final day of the London 2012 Olympics
And on top of the Luxury Watches list if “Rolex” – A crown for every success.
Rolex watches are the king of all branded watches and a status symbol
. If you are one of the proud owner of a Rolex Watch, you must be rich with lots of money. Rolex watches are among the top brands. I don’t think I have seen a watch looking better than a Rolex watch. There is sharp and trendy Submariner and the classic Oyster. There is Rolex Mens Datejust and the Daytona which are among the top Rolex Watches for Men.
The leading name in luxury watches,Rolex has been the pre-eminent symbol of performance and prestige for over a century. Regular service of your Rolex watch will ensure that you get the most out of your investment. There can’t be a gift better than a luxury Rolex Watch.
Cartier is a renowned French jeweller and watchmaker. Cartier watches are known for its great design and look. It is no less than luxury jewellery. Quality products at affordable rates and customer satisfaction are what Cartier believes in.
A Cartier watch is a perfect gift for someone you love.
Gucci watches, even though not as expensive as other brands mentioned here, I place it under the “Luxury watches” section for several reasons. Gucci watches are style and luxury icon of Italian style design and craftsmanship.
Given birth by Frida Giannini, Gucci has become a style and luxury brand. Elegant looks, quality material and start-of-art design sets Gucci Watches apart from others.
TAG Heuer is a Swiss Luxury Watch manufacturer for Men and Ladies. TAG Heuer has been manufacturing chronographs, collectible timepieces, and luxury watches since 1860.
TAG Heuer (Often misspelled as Tag hauer, Tag heur, tag heure, tag heurer, tag huer) is a world famous brand among luxury watches. It is well known for its Automatic watch, Automatic chronograph, Sport watches, Prestige watches, Diamond watch etc. Excellent design and great looks with excellent features – This is what Tag Heuer watches are all about.
Omega has been manufacturing luxury Swiss watches since watches since 1848. Omega offers wide range of luxury watch collection for both men and women. Omega has pioneered the art of luxury watch making and offers state-of-art luxury watches with some great designs and features. Owning an Omega luxury is a matter of prestige.
Well known personalities like Cindy Crawford, Nicole Kidman, George Clooney, Michael Phelps, Abhishek Bachchan, Zhang Ziyi, Daniel Craig, Bond, and James Bond have all appreciated and promoted Omega watches.
by http://the-home-maker.hubpages.com
A rare specimen — attractive to both politicians and artists .
More than just a beautiful village perched on one of the most scenic hillsides of Provence, Gordes has seen serious political action.
Harnessed for its defensive vantage point by everyone from the Romans to the Normans, Gordes played a crucial role in the French Resistance during World War II, and suffered accordingly.
In peacetime it’s the beautiful central square and cobbled alleys overlooking the fields of the Vaucluse that have attracted artists including Chagall and Vasarely.
Today visitors come to enjoy the lively open market in the square dominated by a Norman castle, the surrounding lavender fields and the 12th-century Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque.
The temple that walks on water.
The name means “shrine-island” and this one has an exquisite torii.
The presence of the sea is as much a part of Miyajima’s charm as the shrine itself — the village is lined with a boardwalk which is a great favorite with grazing deer.
What you see is not necessarily all you get in Miyajima — you need to walk behind the main street and away from the shrine to encounter an enchanting staircase leading to a Buddhist temple at the foot of scenic Mount Misen.
A blue, white and gold desert paradise.
In a country awash with red earth, Saharan desert heat and dust, Essaouira is a refreshing and surprising breath of fresh coastal air.
Not a resort, but a bustling little town with a fishing industry, it’s a vision of bright blue and white, with the odd golden accent.
The Medina, or old market center, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where visitors shop for marquetry, textiles and hand-made raffia slippers known as babouches.
But an even bigger attraction is the fishing port, lined with outdoor restaurants overlooking the Scala Kasbah and a sea of blue fishing boats.
Nearly lost, now much loved.
This jewel of the American South nearly fell apart from sheer neglect until a plan to demolish one of its mansions to make way for a parking lot shocked the populace into restoring more than 1,000 splendid buildings.
Even though Savannah boasts the largest historic district of any American city, it was overlooked by visitors until Savannah’s more colorful 20th-century citizens found themselves playing starring roles in the best-seller “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.”
Although it reads like a thriller, John Behrendt’s 1994 book is a factual history peppered with the socialites, low-lifes and eccentrics who made the city what it is today.
The fabulous Bonaventure cemetery central to the book would alone be worth a visit to Savannah. In death as in life, Savannah socialites are determined to outdo each other in extravagance, and the statuary, overhung by dripping live oaks, is outstanding.
Another jewel from the land of sun, sea and love.
This walled medieval town is one of the loveliest in Tuscany, with a unique elliptical piazza, the Anfiteatro.
This former colosseum was converted in the 12th century into a residential space, now awash with cafés. It’s surrounded by many other picturesque piazzas, punctuated with spectacular churches. San Michele soars to crazy heights with its tiers of blind arches supported by wildly-decorated columns.
San Frediano, with its colorful mosaic facade, is another delight.
Lucca is equally beautiful on the outside. It’s surrounded by thick 16th-century walls on top of which locals stroll or bike, gazing over the surrounding parkland.
From the hotel strip just beyond the walls, it’s easy to slip into town on foot or bike through one of the many alleys.
by www.superyachts.com
1.Motor Yacht Eclipse
Motor yacht Eclipse, completed at the end of 2010 at the Blohm + Voss Hamburg shipyard, features interiors by Terence Disdale Design and is the world’s largest superyacht.
At 164m Eclipse’s unprecedented size had ensured her construction had been shrouded in secrecy, and as such, subject to much rumour and speculation from both the international press and superyacht enthusiasts.
Although details of the luxury megayacht are being extremely well hidden, it is known that her interiors feature designs by the renowned London-based team at Terence Disdale Design.
Russian Billionaire Roman Abramovich is the owner of this giant yacht which is believed to accommodate 36 guests in 18 cabins and also cater for a staggering 70 crew members.
Among the armada of lavish extras thought to be onboard are a three-man leisure submarine, two swimming pools, one of which is 16-m long with an adjustable depth feature that allows it to be converted into a dance floor. Other extras include an exterior fireplace and six tenders as well as accommodation for three helicopters.
2. Motor Yacht Dubai
Launched in 2006 by Platinum Yachts, Dubai is the world’s second largest private yacht, measuring 162 metres. Dubai’s incredible size is disguised by the elegant lines of her steel hull and aluminium superstructure – the work of renowned designer Andrew Winch. Her stunning interior was designed by Platinum Yachts.
The construction of this megayacht began for Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei more than 10 years before the yacht’s launch. The construction, then a joint project between Blohm + Voss and Lurssen shipyards, was halted until 2001 when the hull was acquired by Platinum Yachts for His Highness Sheik Mohammed Rashid al-Maktoum. The project, previously named Platinum, Panhandle and Golden Star, was re-named Dubai.
Dubai’s luxurious interior design blends bold colours with fine fabrics and intricately detailed handmade mosaics. A spectacular staircase creates Dubai’s showpiece. Bathed in natural light from the top deck, this dramatic circular staircase features glass steps, which change colour. Dubai’s spacious decks offer a split-level owner’s deck; a large social area including the main lounge with its centrepiece red sofa; numerous VIP and guest suites, and a crew area to accommodate 115 people including crew and guest staff.
With seven decks, Dubai has a wealth of sunbathing areas; a striking mosaic swimming pool and several Jacuzzis. She can accommodate a helicopter of up to 9.5 tonnes and can carry two 10-metre long tenders.
Dubai has a displacement of 9,150 tonnes, yet can reach an impressive 26 knots at maximum speed. She has exceptional worldwide capability with a range of 8,500 miles at 25 knots, powered by four MTU diesel engines.
3.Motor Yacht Al Said
Al Said is a 155m motor yacht which was custom built in 2008 by Lurssen Yachts in Bremen. This magnificent yacht features exterior styling by Espen Oeino, with interior design by Redman Whitely Dixon.
Al Said has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure with a beam of 24m (78.74ft) and a 5.20m (17.06ft) draft.
The mega yacht is capable of 25 knots flat out, with a cruising speed of 22 knots.
Al Said offers accommodation for up to 70 guests. She is also capable of carrying up to 154 crew onboard to ensure a relaxed luxury yacht experience.
4.Motor Yacht Topaz
Topaz is a 147m (482’3″ft) motor yacht, custom built in 2012 by Lurssen Yachts in Bremen (Germany).
Topaz has a steel hull with a aluminium superstructure.
5. Motor Yacht Abdul Aziz
Prince Abdulaziz (formerly Abdulaziz) is a 147m (482’3″ft) motor yacht, custom built in 1984 by Helsingor Vaerft in Helsingor (Denmark). This luxury vessel’s sophisticated exterior design and engineering are the work of Maierform Maritime Technology. The yacht’s interior has been designed by David Hicks and has exterior styling by Maierform Maritime Technology. She was last refitted in 2005.
Prince Abdulaziz has a steel hull and superstructure with a beam of 18.30m (60’0″ft) and a 4.88m (16’0″ft) draft. This custom yacht is equipped with an ultra-modern stabilization system which reduces roll motion effect and results in a smoother more enjoyable cruising experience.
Performance + Capabilities
Prince Abdulaziz is capable of 22.00 knots flat out, with a cruising speed of 182.00 knots from her NaN-litre fuel tanks.
Prince Abdulaziz Accommodation
Prince Abdulaziz offers accommodation for up to 64 guests. She is also capable of carrying up to 65 crew onboard to ensure a relaxed luxury yacht experience.
Tourists enjoying the atmoshpere at the Edinburgh Festival, Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh, Scotland
An amazing line-up of international talent and the stars of the future will greet visitors this summer during Edinburgh’s world- summer festivals. In 2012, as the eyes of the world look to the UK, world-class and emerging artists and performers will be taking to the stages and spaces in Edinburgh.
There are seven festivals across the summer season, starting with the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival this Friday 20 July (that is over) and concluding on Sunday 2 September with the Edinburgh Mela and the Virgin Money Fireworks Concert of the Edinburgh International Festival.
With the city immersed in art, ideas and entertainment on an unrivalled and intoxicating scale the capital becomes the source of inspiration for over 25,000 artists, producers, authors and hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the globe.
The festivals date back to 1947, when the Edinburgh International Festival began. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Edinburgh International Film Festival also started that year and today Edinburgh truly is the world’s favourite Festival City.
Flickr VideoEdinburgh Art Festival 2 August – 2 September
Scotland’s largest annual festival dedicated to visual art featuring more than 45 exhibitions at over 30 venues and major new public art commissions across the city. Turner Prize winner Susan Philipsz’ new work Timeline is a multi-site sound installation which spans the city centre. Activated in response to the firing of Edinburgh Castle’s famous One O’clock Gun, Timeline’s speakers call out in a domino-effect towards the castle as the sound of the gun travels in the opposite direction.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 3 – 27 August
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world. Every year thousands of performers take to a multitude of stages all over Edinburgh to present shows for every taste including theatre, comedy, dance, cabaret, physical theatre, musicals, music, exhibitions and events.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 3 – 25 August
Musicians from Switzerland, Norway and Australia will be among the sparkling line-up at this summer’s 62nd Tattoo. As part of this year’s international celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty The Queen’s accession to the throne, the Tattoo’s Diamond Jubilee themed production is Scotland’s Salute to the Monarch and is set to be one of the most impressive ever staged.
Edinburgh International Festival 9 August – 2 September
The Edinburgh International Festival presents the best of dance, opera, theatre and classical music by leading international artists and companies, to an audience from around a third of the world’s nations. Founded in 1947 to bring together cultures, peoples and nations to share in a celebration of the best of humanity, it remains a prestigious invitation to artists and a mecca for culture fans. This year’s Festival brings together artists from around 47 nations. With world premieres and the cream of fresh performing talent celebrating the strong and exciting future of the arts, there is much to discover.
Edinburgh International Book Festival 11 – 27 August
The Edinburgh International Book Festival will welcome 800 writers, poets, politicians, journalists, thinkers and commentators from 44 countries to Charlotte Square Gardens for debates, readings, workshops and conversations. This year, to celebrate 50 years since the seminal 1962 Writers’ Conference, the Book Festival brings 50 authors from around the world to discuss the role of fiction in our society today in the 2012 Edinburgh World Writers’ Conference. Five debates will be broadcast live online creating a conversation which will reverberate around the world.
Edinburgh Mela 31 August – 2 September
Right at the end of Edinburgh’s summer festival calendar, the Mela is a vibrant, joyous riot of sounds, sights, colours and tastes with great art, family fun, Bhangra beats and delicious food, all on the one site. This year, the Mela World Dance Feste is a whole new arena for the festival’s biggest programme to date: a stage dedicated to the best in international and Scottish contemporary dance.
In London on Sunday 29 July at 1000hrs Edinburgh’s Festivals will be hosting a celebratory brunch for international media at Scotland House, 36 Pall Mall. To attend this brunch see the events page in the media area of londonmediacentre.co.uk (search ‘Edinburgh festivals brunch’ and the event appears top of the list).
Please Join us