Lussorian http://www.lussorian.com/ Luxury Lifestyle Resource en Paul Handley Copyright 2010 2010-09-03T07:39:31+00:00 New Sri Lanka Tours – Flying Safari http://www.lussorian.com/luxury/comments/new-sri-lanka-tours-flying-safari/2010-09-03/ Sri Lanka tours have become one of the World’s most popular holiday choices.  This holiday hotspot seemingly has it all – Charming people with diverse religious and cultural backgrounds. The island and the landscape of Sri Lanka is as diverse as its people and I think this is what has been the major pull. Spanning 430 km North to South and with a width of 225 km, Sri Lanka Holidays offer so much. From the idyllic coastline that stretches a lengthy 1340 km to Sri Lanka’s tea country, where the landscape is dramatically different with lush surroundings and temperate forests, there is much to see and do. Tea Country Safari seems the way forward. Asian specialists, cazenove+loyd like to do things a little differently. Why safari in a battered, bumpy four x four when you can take to the skies and really get to see Sri Lanka…all of it. From Colombo, the private Bell Jet Ranger helicopter heads for Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one corner of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle.  The other two corners, the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa in the north can be circled in a few hours by helicopter, giving passengers a clear aerial view of the ancient ruins.  The helicopter lands next to the UNESCO World Heritage site, Sigiriya. Sigiriya From the north, it is just a one hour flight to Sri Lanka’s Tea country.  Clients stay in a converted tea plantation bungalow and can visit local tea factories and explore the countryside by foot, bike or raft. Galle, the most important town in the south of Sri Lanka, is the final stop on the safari.  The flight from the Highlands to Galle takes in the sights of the Kothmale reservoir, local waterfalls and the sacred Adam’s Peak which contains the footprint of Buddha. Fly over Adam’s Peak at sunrise and witness the distinctive triangular shadow the mountain casts on the surrounding plain. View From Adams Peak An unbelievable island offering mile after mile of Seductive beaches, cultural heritage sites, differing landscapes of Mountains to lush green lagoons and leafy forests and waterfalls and rivers bursting with suitably diverse organisms. It has to be seen by air, surely the only way to take in all this Island has to offer. A five night flying safari with cazenove+loyd (http://www.cazloyd.com  020 7384 2332) costs from 3,455 per person based on four people travelling, as part of a tailormade itinerary.  The price includes a night at Kandy House, two nights at Lavender House in the Highlands and two nights at Galle Fort Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis with private helicopter flights throughout.  The itinerary does not include international flights. Luxury Aviation, Luxury Holidays Sri Lanka tours have become one of the World’s most popular holiday choices. 

This holiday hotspot seemingly has it all – Charming people with diverse religious and cultural backgrounds. The island and the landscape of Sri Lanka is as diverse as its people and I think this is what has been the major pull.

Spanning 430 km North to South and with a width of 225 km, Sri Lanka Holidays offer so much.

From the idyllic coastline that stretches a lengthy 1340 km to Sri Lanka’s tea country, where the landscape is dramatically different with lush surroundings and temperate forests, there is much to see and do.

image

Tea Country
Safari seems the way forward. Asian specialists, cazenove+loyd like to do things a little differently. Why safari in a battered, bumpy four x four when you can take to the skies and really get to see Sri Lanka…all of it.

From Colombo, the private Bell Jet Ranger helicopter heads for Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one corner of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle. 

The other two corners, the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa in the north can be circled in a few hours by helicopter, giving passengers a clear aerial view of the ancient ruins.  The helicopter lands next to the UNESCO World Heritage site, Sigiriya.

image

Sigiriya
From the north, it is just a one hour flight to Sri Lanka’s Tea country.  Clients stay in a converted tea plantation bungalow and can visit local tea factories and explore the countryside by foot, bike or raft.

Galle, the most important town in the south of Sri Lanka, is the final stop on the safari.  The flight from the Highlands to Galle takes in the sights of the Kothmale reservoir, local waterfalls and the sacred Adam’s Peak which contains the footprint of Buddha.

Fly over Adam’s Peak at sunrise and witness the distinctive triangular shadow the mountain casts on the surrounding plain.

image

View From Adams Peak
An unbelievable island offering mile after mile of Seductive beaches, cultural heritage sites, differing landscapes of Mountains to lush green lagoons and leafy forests and waterfalls and rivers bursting with suitably diverse organisms.

It has to be seen by air, surely the only way to take in all this Island has to offer.

A five night flying safari with cazenove+loyd (http://www.cazloyd.com  020 7384 2332) costs from 3,455 per person based on four people travelling, as part of a tailormade itinerary.  The price includes a night at Kandy House, two nights at Lavender House in the Highlands and two nights at Galle Fort Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis with private helicopter flights throughout.  The itinerary does not include international flights.

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]]> 2010-09-03T07:39:31+00:00 Luxury Coastal Cornwall Cottages From Simply Time Cottages http://www.lussorian.com/luxury/comments/luxury-coastal-cornwall-cottages-from-simply-time-cottages/2010-09-02/ The Magical and mystical Cornwall has so much to offer. Every time I have visited Cornwall, It has been memorable. For such a location, I prefer to rent cottages instead of a Hotel. This is where there has been a slight issue. More times than I would prefer, there has been an element of “roughing it”. Maybe that has been down to my choice of rental cottages in Cornwall, maybe it has been down to the standard available. This problem has been picked up by the team behind Simply Time in Cornwall. Experienced in self catering in Cornwall, The Ogg family have inserted luxury and quality into their 3 cottages USP’s. They have created the ultimate Cornwall rent cottage in 3 variations. Here’s the Oggs – “We learned from first hand experience what makes or breaks a self-catering holiday. We decided that you shouldn’t have to comprise on quality, style or location and have strived to combine the best of everything in our properties. Our approach is based on the levels of service and hospitality we expect ourselves.” Too right. The three cottages are located in Mid Cornwall, in the Historic and picturesque port town of Charlestown, complete with harbour and sea views. For perfect holidays cottages Cornwall can offer no more luxurious than these. Extensive renovation and thoughtful interior design has resulted in 3 cottages suitable for those with exacting standards. The finish is professional and makes for three homely, functional, highly presentable, Luxury Cornish holiday lets. Differing from most Cornish rentals, each cottage has its own garden and outdoor eating space. Two of the cottages are next door to each other, whilst the third is a couple of doors away. Luxury Holidays, Luxury Rental The Magical and mystical Cornwall has so much to offer. Every time I have visited Cornwall, It has been memorable.

For such a location, I prefer to rent cottages instead of a Hotel. This is where there has been a slight issue.

More times than I would prefer, there has been an element of “roughing it”. Maybe that has been down to my choice of rental cottages in Cornwall, maybe it has been down to the standard available.

This problem has been picked up by the team behind Simply Time in Cornwall. Experienced in self catering in Cornwall, The Ogg family have inserted luxury and quality into their 3 cottages USP’s. They have created the ultimate Cornwall rent cottage in 3 variations.

image

Here’s the Oggs – “We learned from first hand experience what makes or breaks a self-catering holiday. We decided that you shouldn’t have to comprise on quality, style or location and have strived to combine the best of everything in our properties. Our approach is based on the levels of service and hospitality we expect ourselves.”

Too right.

The three cottages are located in Mid Cornwall, in the Historic and picturesque port town of Charlestown, complete with harbour and sea views. For perfect holidays cottages Cornwall can offer no more luxurious than these.

image

Extensive renovation and thoughtful interior design has resulted in 3 cottages suitable for those with exacting standards. The finish is professional and makes for three homely, functional, highly presentable, Luxury Cornish holiday lets.

Differing from most Cornish rentals, each cottage has its own garden and outdoor eating space. Two of the cottages are next door to each other, whilst the third is a couple of doors away.

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]]> 2010-09-02T07:34:56+00:00 Afternoon Tea Review at Aspleys, The Lanesborough London http://www.lussorian.com/luxury/comments/afternoon-tea-review-at-aspleys-the-lanesborough-london/2010-09-01/ Afternoon tea always seems like such a relaxing and deliciously appealing way to spend an afternoon, as it’s a quintessentially British pastime, and there’s no better place to be than in The Lanesborough. Aspleys at The Lanesborough has launched London’s first tea sommelier service to strengthen their reputation as the best place in London to have afternoon tea and we were invited to sample it. We arrived early so we were able to lounge around in the Withdrawing Room surrounded by sumptuous furnishings for half an hour or so before being seated for afternoon tea, which started promptly at 4.00pm. Aspleys Luxury Hotels Afternoon tea always seems like such a relaxing and deliciously appealing way to spend an afternoon, as it’s a quintessentially British pastime, and there’s no better place to be than in The Lanesborough. Aspleys at The Lanesborough has launched London’s first tea sommelier service to strengthen their reputation as the best place in London to have afternoon tea and we were invited to sample it. We arrived early so we were able to lounge around in the Withdrawing Room surrounded by sumptuous furnishings for half an hour or so before being seated for afternoon tea, which started promptly at 4.00pm.

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Aspleys

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]]> 2010-09-01T13:08:10+00:00 The Beefeater Gin Distillery reveals its secrets for the first time http://www.lussorian.com/luxury/comments/the-beefeater-gin-distillery-reveals-its-secrets-for-the-first-time/2010-09-01/ Beefeater Gin, the only international premium gin distilled in the heart of London, is one of the city’s best kept secrets.  As part of London Open City the Beefeater Gin distillery will be opening its doors exclusively to the public on 18 and 19 September on a complimentary basis for pre-booked tours. Lussorian readers would do well to sample the drink, Beefeater has been awarded the trophy for World’s Best Gin more times than any other in the last 10 years by the International Wine and Spirits Competition, the most prestigious awards organisation for wines and spirits. Luxury Drinks, Luxury Events, Unusual Luxury Beefeater Gin, the only international premium gin distilled in the heart of London, is one of the city’s best kept secrets.  As part of London Open City the Beefeater Gin distillery will be opening its doors exclusively to the public on 18 and 19 September on a complimentary basis for pre-booked tours. Lussorian readers would do well to sample the drink, Beefeater has been awarded the trophy for World’s Best Gin more times than any other in the last 10 years by the International Wine and Spirits Competition, the most prestigious awards organisation for wines and spirits.
image

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]]> 2010-09-01T12:10:55+00:00 Buy Cashmere at Clan Douglas Cashmere Studio http://www.lussorian.com/luxury/comments/buy-cashmere-at-clan-douglas-cashmere-studio/2010-09-01/ With Summer drawing to a close for another year, It’s time to look ahead. It’s time to pack away your shorts for another year. It’s time to invest wisely. Soon it will be cold. How do you look good and stay warm at the same time? For Women cashmere is the answer. Luckily for us, Clan Douglas Cashmere Studio are launching their first collection for Autumn Winter 2010 next week. Clan Douglas Cashmere Studio is a division of Hawick knitwear ltd. Arguably the home of British Knitwear, Hawick supply collections for all the major players in the industry; Lyle & Scott, Pringle, Burberry, Black fleece by Thom Browne, Agent Provocateur. Scottish cashmere is renowned for its high quality and luxurious texture, and Clan Douglas Cashmere Studio is proud to claim its heritage, design and production as exclusively Scottish. The sumptuous feel of cashmere is emphasised by the variety of styles available in the Clan Douglas Cashmere Studio collection. The finest yarns are used to ensure the production of elegant colour details and consistent superior quality. The 30 piece collection includes intricately designed cardigans, knitted dresses with contemporary silhouettes, exquisite twin sets with a modern twist, oversized cowl-neck jumpers and signature Studio Stripe accessories; all hand-finished by craftsmen and craftswomen. The collection’s creator is designer Alex Feechan, an award-winning designer with a 1st class honours degree and an MA from the prestigious Royal College of Art, London. Furthermore, and this is a nice touch, every designer cashmere piece in the collection has been given the name of a Scottish poem to reflect its authentic origins. Clan Douglas Cashmere Studio will be available at various boutiques around the country & online at http://www.cashmerestudio.com. Recommended retail prices start at £144 to £599 - available at selected boutiques including; Austique on the King’s Road, KJ’s Laundry in Marylebone, Bridget Salmassian in Wimbledon Village. Please enjoy the collection and, below,one of the poems used in tandem with the new collection - Those Winter Sundays by Robert E Haydn Sundays too my father got up early and put his clothes on in the blueback cold, then with cracked hands that ached from labour in the weekday weather made banked fires blaze. No one ever thanked him. I’d wake and hear the cold splintering, breaking. When the rooms were warm, he’d call, and slowly I would rise and dress, fearing the chronic angers of that house, Speaking indifferently to him, who had driven out the cold and polished my good shoes as well. What did I know, what did I know of love’s austere and lonely offices? Luxury Clothes With Summer drawing to a close for another year, It’s time to look ahead.

It’s time to pack away your shorts for another year. It’s time to invest wisely. Soon it will be cold. How do you look good and stay warm at the same time? For Women cashmere is the answer.

Luckily for us, Clan Douglas Cashmere Studio are launching their first collection for Autumn Winter 2010 next week.

image

Clan Douglas Cashmere Studio is a division of Hawick knitwear ltd. Arguably the home of British Knitwear, Hawick supply collections for all the major players in the industry; Lyle & Scott, Pringle, Burberry, Black fleece by Thom Browne, Agent Provocateur.

Scottish cashmere is renowned for its high quality and luxurious texture, and Clan Douglas Cashmere Studio is proud to claim its heritage, design and production as exclusively Scottish.

The sumptuous feel of cashmere is emphasised by the variety of styles available in the Clan Douglas Cashmere Studio collection.

The finest yarns are used to ensure the production of elegant colour details and consistent superior quality.

The 30 piece collection includes intricately designed cardigans, knitted dresses with contemporary silhouettes, exquisite twin sets with a modern twist, oversized cowl-neck jumpers and signature Studio Stripe accessories; all hand-finished by craftsmen and craftswomen.

image

The collection’s creator is designer Alex Feechan, an award-winning designer with a 1st class honours degree and an MA from the prestigious Royal College of Art, London.

Furthermore, and this is a nice touch, every designer cashmere piece in the collection has been given the name of a Scottish poem to reflect its authentic origins.

Clan Douglas Cashmere Studio will be available at various boutiques around the country & online at http://www.cashmerestudio.com. Recommended retail prices start at £144 to £599 - available at selected boutiques including; Austique on the King’s Road, KJ’s Laundry in Marylebone, Bridget Salmassian in Wimbledon Village.

image

Please enjoy the collection and, below,one of the poems used in tandem with the new collection -

Those Winter Sundays by Robert E Haydn

Sundays too my father got up early
and put his clothes on in the blueback cold,
then with cracked hands that ached
from labour in the weekday weather made
banked fires blaze. No one ever thanked him.

I’d wake and hear the cold splintering, breaking.
When the rooms were warm, he’d call,
and slowly I would rise and dress,
fearing the chronic angers of that house,

Speaking indifferently to him,
who had driven out the cold
and polished my good shoes as well.
What did I know, what did I know
of love’s austere and lonely offices?

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]]> 2010-09-01T08:02:30+00:00 Paul Edmonds hairdresser/Brahm Interiors New VIP Beauty Rooms http://www.lussorian.com/luxury/comments/paul-edmonds-hairdresserbrahm-interiors-new-vip-beauty-rooms/2010-08-31/ I was told as a young boy, possibly more times than I cared for, that “if you are going to do a job, make sure you do it properly”. This mantra has stayed with me, and I would like to think that I apply it to most things in life. From past projects to their latest design, It seems that Brahm Interiors follow the same code – do it properly. Brahm Interiors design the finest residential homes and development properties in the most desirable locations creating bespoke luxurious spaces. The designers have a range of experience that span all over the world from apartments and houses to hotels and beach retreats.  All of their designs are highly creative interior ideas, constantly pushing the boundaries of interior design to the next level creating stunning space. It is fitting then that these design room professionals have linked up with Paul Edmonds. 25 years based in Knightsbridge, Paul Edmonds provides London’s most exciting and innovative hair and beauty treatments. Together, “The Rooms” have been created. Paul Edmonds hairdresser to the stars, attracts the likes of Emma Thompson, Julie Walters and Delia Smith. Now, his luxurious Knightsbridge salon unveils “The Rooms”, two beautiful and exclusive pampering spaces, allowing clients to experience the team’s expertise away from the buzz of the salon. Side by side, the two Rooms are dedicated to different needs; the first focuses on all your hair demands from flawless colour and stylish haircuts to nourishing treatments.  The second, on a wide range of beauty treatments from indulgent facials, semi permanent makeup and fashion-forward manicures. London’s leading design company Brahm are renowned for their cutting edge creativity on projects. “The Rooms” are no exception. They have created a truly relaxing and welcoming ambience. With Paul Edmonds involved, this has to be the most exciting, exclusive hair and beauty location in London. So if you are looking for a haircut, make sure you do it properly. Luxury Decor And Architecture, Luxury Fashion I was told as a young boy, possibly more times than I cared for, that “if you are going to do a job, make sure you do it properly”.

This mantra has stayed with me, and I would like to think that I apply it to most things in life.

From past projects to their latest design, It seems that Brahm Interiors follow the same code – do it properly. Brahm Interiors design the finest residential homes and development properties in the most desirable locations creating bespoke luxurious spaces.

The designers have a range of experience that span all over the world from apartments and houses to hotels and beach retreats.  All of their designs are highly creative interior ideas, constantly pushing the boundaries of interior design to the next level creating stunning space.

image

It is fitting then that these design room professionals have linked up with Paul Edmonds. 25 years based in Knightsbridge, Paul Edmonds provides London’s most exciting and innovative hair and beauty treatments. Together, “The Rooms” have been created.

Paul Edmonds hairdresser to the stars, attracts the likes of Emma Thompson, Julie Walters and Delia Smith. Now, his luxurious Knightsbridge salon unveils “The Rooms”, two beautiful and exclusive pampering spaces, allowing clients to experience the team’s expertise away from the buzz of the salon.

image

Side by side, the two Rooms are dedicated to different needs; the first focuses on all your hair demands from flawless colour and stylish haircuts to nourishing treatments.  The second, on a wide range of beauty treatments from indulgent facials, semi permanent makeup and fashion-forward manicures.

London’s leading design company Brahm are renowned for their cutting edge creativity on projects. “The Rooms” are no exception. They have created a truly relaxing and welcoming ambience.

With Paul Edmonds involved, this has to be the most exciting, exclusive hair and beauty location in London.

So if you are looking for a haircut, make sure you do it properly.

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]]> 2010-08-31T07:51:40+00:00 Ayurveda Healing At Maradiva Villas Resort and Spa http://www.lussorian.com/luxury/comments/ayurveda-healing-at-maradiva-villas-resort-and-spa/2010-08-30/ Maradiva Villas Resort and Spa are unique in the fact this is the only location in Mauritius offering villa only accommodation. This rather tempting resort stretches 27 acres and you can expect to enjoy butler service and private pools. The recent acquisition of spa director, Dr Rajneesh Kumar, a leading authority in Ayurvedic spa treatments has just made the Maradiva Resort a must visit location. Abercrombie & Kent are offering the total luxury package for Ayurveda healing. The word “Ayurveda” is from the ancient Indian language, Sanskrit, and literally means “Knowledge of Life”. Dr Rajneesh Kumar has devised a series of three day Ayurvedic spa programmes in December 2010, providing a complete holistic health MOT. These intensive programmes are tailored to each individual and focus on re-sculpting the body, both inside and out, using the ancient art of ayurveda. Aprés treatment, guests can soak up some rays on Maradiva’s beautiful 750 metre white sand beach while those in need of some ‘alone time’ can chill out at their private pool. The personalised Ayurvedic spa programmes are ideal for those looking to recharge their batteries and shape up ahead of the party season. The spa itself is an island within an island, separated from the rest of the property by tropical gardens and an infinity pool. The spa at Maradiva blends contemporary Indian design with an authentic Ayurvedic treatment focus. All therapies are administered by highly experienced therapists from India and take place on smooth wooden Ayurvedic tables, designed around the body’s chakra points. For a really special experience, guests can choose to have their spa treatment in a private Raj tent on the beach, the lapping waves lulling them into a deep state of serenity. You can find out much more about Ayurveda and the 3 day treatment programmes at http://maradiva.com. Abercrombie & Kent is offering 7 nights from £2,755 per person, including 20% off all spa treatments, complimentary half board, international flights, all transfers and breakfast in a Luxury Suite Villa. http://www.abercrombiekent.co.uk. Luxury Holidays Maradiva Villas Resort and Spa are unique in the fact this is the only location in Mauritius offering villa only accommodation.

This rather tempting resort stretches 27 acres and you can expect to enjoy butler service and private pools.

image

The recent acquisition of spa director, Dr Rajneesh Kumar, a leading authority in Ayurvedic spa treatments has just made the Maradiva Resort a must visit location.

Abercrombie & Kent are offering the total luxury package for Ayurveda healing.

The word “Ayurveda” is from the ancient Indian language, Sanskrit, and literally means “Knowledge of Life”.

Dr Rajneesh Kumar has devised a series of three day Ayurvedic spa programmes in December 2010, providing a complete holistic health MOT.

image

These intensive programmes are tailored to each individual and focus on re-sculpting the body, both inside and out, using the ancient art of ayurveda. Aprés treatment, guests can soak up some rays on Maradiva’s beautiful 750 metre white sand beach while those in need of some ‘alone time’ can chill out at their private pool.

The personalised Ayurvedic spa programmes are ideal for those looking to recharge their batteries and shape up ahead of the party season.

The spa itself is an island within an island, separated from the rest of the property by tropical gardens and an infinity pool.

The spa at Maradiva blends contemporary Indian design with an authentic Ayurvedic treatment focus. All therapies are administered by highly experienced therapists from India and take place on smooth wooden Ayurvedic tables, designed around the body’s chakra points.

image

For a really special experience, guests can choose to have their spa treatment in a private Raj tent on the beach, the lapping waves lulling them into a deep state of serenity.

You can find out much more about Ayurveda and the 3 day treatment programmes at http://maradiva.com.

Abercrombie & Kent is offering 7 nights from £2,755 per person, including 20% off all spa treatments, complimentary half board, international flights, all transfers and breakfast in a Luxury Suite Villa. http://www.abercrombiekent.co.uk.

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]]> 2010-08-30T06:34:05+00:00 Turks And Caicos Resort In Luxury Charity Auction http://www.lussorian.com/luxury/comments/turks-and-caicos-resort-in-luxury-charity-auction/2010-08-27/ Parrot Cay in the Turks and Cacos is known as “northern Caribbean’s pre-eminent private island”. This is a destination of ultimate luxury with a suitably surreal dreamscape of pale green / turquoise sea and blinding white sand that goes on for a mile. Paradise? Uber designer Donna Karan owns a private estate on Parrot Cay, aka “The Sanctuary”. This family retreat is now an icon of architectural luxury. Donna Karan’s place in paradise…Want to go? Now You can! It’s obvious Donna Karan lives here! Charitybuzz have received the tremendously kind offer from Donna Karan to use this premium property in a charity auction. Proceeds from this auction will help fund the Ellen Hermanson Breast Centre at Southampton Hospital, as well as other activities undertaken by the Ellen Hermanson Foundation. Ellen Hermanson led the fight against breast cancer, devoting all her time and energy. It is important that the Foundation continues to do her good work. Together, Donna Karan and luxury charity auction site charitybuzz.com are doing just that. The chance to stay on this Turks and Caicos resort at Parrot Cay is too good to pass up on. Yep, Paradise. The four night stay, valued at $40,000, for up to eight people at “The Sanctuary” will include highlights such as the stunning 360 degree views, the awesome infinity pool lined with black volcanic stone or the personal collection of African and Asian art that adorns the white walls. At the time of publishing this article, bidding is at $16,000. Get Bidding! To further sway you, listen to Donna Karan talking about Parrot Cay – “Parrot Cay brings my favourite things in the world together,” Donna Karan told Travel & Leisure Magazine in October 2007. “It’s East meets West. It’s everything and nothing, if I can describe it that way. It’s a hidden treasure—the turquoise water, the white, white sand”. And such a good, good cause. Bidding is open until Wednesday 8th September at: http://www.charitybuzz.com/categories/7/catalog_items/206167. Charitybuzz raises funds for nonprofits around the globe through incredible online auctions, giving its bidders exclusive opportunities to make a difference. Leisure, Luxury Holidays Parrot Cay in the Turks and Cacos is known as “northern Caribbean’s pre-eminent private island”. This is a destination of ultimate luxury with a suitably surreal dreamscape of pale green / turquoise sea and blinding white sand that goes on for a mile.

Paradise?

Uber designer Donna Karan owns a private estate on Parrot Cay, aka “The Sanctuary”. This family retreat is now an icon of architectural luxury. Donna Karan’s place in paradise…Want to go?

Now You can!

image

It’s obvious Donna Karan lives here!
Charitybuzz have received the tremendously kind offer from Donna Karan to use this premium property in a charity auction. Proceeds from this auction will help fund the Ellen Hermanson Breast Centre at Southampton Hospital, as well as other activities undertaken by the Ellen Hermanson Foundation.

Ellen Hermanson led the fight against breast cancer, devoting all her time and energy. It is important that the Foundation continues to do her good work.

Together, Donna Karan and luxury charity auction site charitybuzz.com are doing just that. The chance to stay on this Turks and Caicos resort at Parrot Cay is too good to pass up on.

image

Yep, Paradise.
The four night stay, valued at $40,000, for up to eight people at “The Sanctuary” will include highlights such as the stunning 360 degree views, the awesome infinity pool lined with black volcanic stone or the personal collection of African and Asian art that adorns the white walls. At the time of publishing this article, bidding is at $16,000.

image

Get Bidding!
To further sway you, listen to Donna Karan talking about Parrot Cay –
“Parrot Cay brings my favourite things in the world together,” Donna Karan told Travel & Leisure Magazine in October 2007. “It’s East meets West. It’s everything and nothing, if I can describe it that way. It’s a hidden treasure—the turquoise water, the white, white sand”.

And such a good, good cause. Bidding is open until Wednesday 8th September at: http://www.charitybuzz.com/categories/7/catalog_items/206167.

Charitybuzz raises funds for nonprofits around the globe through incredible online auctions, giving its bidders exclusive opportunities to make a difference.

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]]> 2010-08-27T07:35:57+00:00 Gaucho, Richmond – Review http://www.lussorian.com/luxury/comments/gaucho-richmond-review/2010-08-27/ Any restaurant that undergoes a sizeable building extension is doing something right, and Gaucho in Richmond is no exception. One of our favourite restaurant chains in the UK, we’ll never turn down an opportunity to review a Gaucho and the finest steak money can buy. Gaucho Richmond is one of the latest restaurants to join the chain and is nestled bang on the riverside within an absolutely idyllic setting. The restaurant itself is glass roofed and fronted, which allows for a cracking view of the Thames, it’s ducks and some rather athletic runners and rowers pretty much wherever you sit. Once you’ve parked up somewhere along the main road you’ll simply need to make your way down to the river and you’ll see it – just looked for the huge’ glass house’ and you’re there. The restaurant comprises the familiar furnishings and dimmed lighting to the other Gaucho restaurants – the cow hide chairs, long bar, delicious smells and extremely friendly and welcoming staff. However, we felt that there was an absolute elegance to Gaucho Richmond that surpasses the others we have been lucky enough to review to date. Fine Dining, Luxury Food, Tried and Tested Any restaurant that undergoes a sizeable building extension is doing something right, and Gaucho in Richmond is no exception. One of our favourite restaurant chains in the UK, we’ll never turn down an opportunity to review a Gaucho and the finest steak money can buy.

Gaucho Richmond is one of the latest restaurants to join the chain and is nestled bang on the riverside within an absolutely idyllic setting. The restaurant itself is glass roofed and fronted, which allows for a cracking view of the Thames, it’s ducks and some rather athletic runners and rowers pretty much wherever you sit.

Once you’ve parked up somewhere along the main road you’ll simply need to make your way down to the river and you’ll see it – just looked for the huge’ glass house’ and you’re there.

The restaurant comprises the familiar furnishings and dimmed lighting to the other Gaucho restaurants – the cow hide chairs, long bar, delicious smells and extremely friendly and welcoming staff. However, we felt that there was an absolute elegance to Gaucho Richmond that surpasses the others we have been lucky enough to review to date.

image

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]]> 2010-08-27T01:11:26+00:00 Samia Kamar Designer Leather Bag A/W 2010 Collection http://www.lussorian.com/luxury/comments/samia-kamar-designer-leather-bag-a-w-2010-collection/2010-08-26/ 10 years ago, Samia Kamar gave us her debut collection, featuring Limited Edition evening bags - made from hand embroidered antique silks, chiffons and satins. These were stocked at the world’s leading department stores including Selfridges, Barney’s, Henri Bendel and Isetan to name a few. Samia Kamar has maintained the quality and design aesthetics which has made her a favourite in the luxury designer fashion industry. Samia’s Autumn / Winter 2010 collection is elegant and feminine with individual flair and an uncompromising luxurious appeal. The collection consists of totes and designer leather clutch bags in hand-dyed exotic skins and laser cut leathers. Within the collection there has to be the best Designer Leather Bag. Ortensia clutch Each expertly hand-crafted piece has a distinctive look, designed to take you from day to evening and made combining the finest materials and techniques from the reputed artisans of Florence. “All old things beautiful that have a story to tell inspire me, from antiques to colours on a canvas of an artist from the old generations to the new.” states Samia, explaining her influences which have been drawn from the city of Florence. Peonia hobo The collection is named after flowers in Italian. Signature styles are the Ortensia clutch and Peonia hobo in a rich colour palette of purples, burnt reds and chocolate browns. Samia Kamar’s Orchidea bag is the must-have travel accessory. Spacious and versatile, it is the elegant asset to any outfit. Currently available in a variety of colours: flame or moss green shaded python and grape leather, additionally as with her whole collection, Samia offers a bespoke service to all her clients who are able to choose from a wide array of sumptuous colours. Whilst many dyed python skins fade over time, Samia Kamar’s python skin bags are hand dyed over a period of months, therefore guaranteed to maintain its luxurious texture, colour and shape. Orchidea A true investment piece to carry you through the seasons. Prices start from £850 made to order for the Orchidea bag and £1,200 made to order for the Ortensia clutch and Peonia hobo. Luxury Fashion 10 years ago, Samia Kamar gave us her debut collection, featuring Limited Edition evening bags - made from hand embroidered antique silks, chiffons and satins.

These were stocked at the world’s leading department stores including Selfridges, Barney’s, Henri Bendel and Isetan to name a few. Samia Kamar has maintained the quality and design aesthetics which has made her a favourite in the luxury designer fashion industry.

Samia’s Autumn / Winter 2010 collection is elegant and feminine with individual flair and an uncompromising luxurious appeal. The collection consists of totes and designer leather clutch bags in hand-dyed exotic skins and laser cut leathers. Within the collection there has to be the best Designer Leather Bag.

image

Ortensia clutch
Each expertly hand-crafted piece has a distinctive look, designed to take you from day to evening and made combining the finest materials and techniques from the reputed artisans of Florence.

“All old things beautiful that have a story to tell inspire me, from antiques to colours on a canvas of an artist from the old generations to the new.” states Samia, explaining her influences which have been drawn from the city of Florence.
image

Peonia hobo
The collection is named after flowers in Italian. Signature styles are the Ortensia clutch and Peonia hobo in a rich colour palette of purples, burnt reds and chocolate browns.

Samia Kamar’s Orchidea bag is the must-have travel accessory. Spacious and versatile, it is the elegant asset to any outfit.
Currently available in a variety of colours: flame or moss green shaded python and grape leather, additionally as with her whole collection, Samia offers a bespoke service to all her clients who are able to choose from a wide array of sumptuous colours.

Whilst many dyed python skins fade over time, Samia Kamar’s python skin bags are hand dyed over a period of months, therefore guaranteed to maintain its luxurious texture, colour and shape.

image

Orchidea
A true investment piece to carry you through the seasons. Prices start from £850 made to order for the Orchidea bag and £1,200 made to order for the Ortensia clutch and Peonia hobo.

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