Lussorian

Lussorian Luxury Lifestyle Resource 2010-03-11T21:11:40Z Copyright (c) 2010, Hayden Allen-Vercoe ExpressionEngine tag:lussorian.com,2010:03:11 Buddha Bar, London – Review tag:lussorian.com,2010:/5.6021 2010-03-11T21:06:39Z 2010-03-11T21:11:40Z Hayden Allen-Vercoe If ever you get an opportunity to visit the Buddha Bar... take it!

We did, and our minds were pleasantly expanded into culinary excellence.

The restaurant is situated about 3 minutes walk from Embankment tube. On entering you are immediately buzzed with the sense of cool meets gothic meets Asia and as you move through the main restaurant you can’t fail to see the 20 foot high gold Buddha, not something you’d expect in the heart of the Capital… but hugely impressive.

The venue must have either been a ballroom, cinema or theatre at some point due to the dramatic open space, not to mention the high ceiling, which is adorned by humungous chandeliers. The lighting is ambient and the music ‘nu cool’ dance… this will give you a better idea of what the venue is about.

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]]> 7thHeaven Properties - Puerto Rico tag:lussorian.com,2010:/5.6010 2010-03-09T02:08:06Z 2010-03-05T14:12:08Z Bob Bulmer 7th Heaven is the UK’s leading specialist in the sale of top end Caribbean real estate investment, property and land for sale. They offer in depth information on the Caribbean, bespoke property search through their local contacts and information on upcoming hotspots that might be of interest to investors

A good example of the type of properties on sale through the company is Trump international Hotel and Tower block located in the Punta Pacifica Peninsula which is a great tourist, residential and hotel complex of more than 2.8 million sq. ft. The development is being constructed in the strategic and most exclusive area of Punta Pacifica in Panama City where it is destined to become a world-class landmark and an architectural icon. The development will exceed a $400 million dollar investment and will be the largest residential Real Estate property in all of Latin America. Prices from £262,294 to £317,607. Click here to view.

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]]> Istana Phuket tag:lussorian.com,2010:/5.6009 2010-03-08T02:05:07Z 2010-03-05T14:08:08Z Hayden Allen-Vercoe A stunning new development, Istana Phuket, has just been launched. Set on a breath-taking 24 acre site overlooking pristine Naithon Beach on the North-west corner of Phuket Island, the project has already been given the accolade of “Top Ten Luxury Project” by Asia’s most respected industry publications. Named Istana after the Sanskrit term for Palace, the guiding principal behind every design element of the Istana Phuket is the word FOO - which literally stands for Feeling of Opulence. The Istana Phuket development is made up of nineteen estates with un-beatable views across the Andaman Sea. Each plot ranges between 1,600 and 3,200 square metres and is designed to blend seamlessly with the rain forest environment, offering a sense of total tranquillity.

When it comes to the interior design there is also no expense spared and innovations include:

• Sixteen-seat dinner tables and home cinemas
• Italian Poliform kitchens and wardrobes
• Lutron Hone Information Systems to give owners total control of the interior environment and allow them to summon staff from anywhere in the villa.
• Huge back kitchen areas that can cater for social parties with up to a hundred guests
• Home gymnasiums
• Finely wrought stone and timber floors, Italian cabinetry and joinery,
• Exquisite art works and the best of contemporary furniture
• Southern Italian Travertine marble finishing
• Separate au pair and staff quarters
• Walk-in wine cellars in some of the villas

Each Istana villa also has a bespoke cocktail station and bar, catering for up to 150 guests, complete with hand-crafted bar equipment and a unique signature cocktail list.

As a testament to the estates popularity, nine of the opulent 4 to 6 bedroom villa estates have sold immediately and the remaining ten are for sale starting at just over £2 million or €2.3 Million.

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]]> Karen Hardy Studios, London – Review tag:lussorian.com,2010:/5.6008 2010-03-05T11:39:11Z 2010-03-05T11:43:12Z Bob Bulmer Unless there’s sufficient lubrication involved (probably tequila or sambuca) you probably won’t find me on the dance floor. It’s not that I don’t enjoy dancing – I really do – it’s just that, like many of my friends and associates, I’d rather avoid the humiliation of not being very good at it.

“So how about some lessons?”

“Not likely!”

...or so I thought. But that was before I was invited to a free lesson at the studios of former world champion Latin American dancer (and winner of ITV’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’), Karen Hardy. How could I refuse and what a great opportunity to win some bonus points with my girlfriend!

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]]> The Crown Inn, Stoke By Nayland – Review tag:lussorian.com,2010:/5.5994 2010-03-04T06:27:38Z 2010-03-01T18:33:39Z Hayden Allen-Vercoe Reopened in November 2003, The Crown Inn in Stoke by Nayland has grown to become one of Suffolk’s best known fine dining restaurants and boutique hotels. The hotel element was launched in 2008 and took 12 months to complete. Having heard some rather impressive things about the restaurant we were dead keen to see for ourselves just what all the fuss was about.

The Crown is situated about 40 minutes from the M25 and getting there is in itself a pleasurable drive with quaint country villages and rural mansions scattered across the scenic countryside. On arrival it became immediately apparent just how highly regarded the restaurant is as the car park was packed – always a good sign!

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]]> Bedford & Strand, London – Review tag:lussorian.com,2010:/5.5992 2010-03-03T07:35:23Z 2010-02-28T19:41:24Z Bob Bulmer Take a stroll along the Strand and glance up Bedford Street and you’d be forgiven for missing Bedford & Strand. Its unassuming exterior is barely ten feet across and is little more than the top of a fairly uninviting, brightly lit staircase. Aside from the modest sign, some wall-mounted wine bottles and discreetly placed rosettes and awards, it’s not obvious that this is a bar and bistro at all.

Don’t be put off. Take the stairs down and push through the double doors and it’s likely you’ll find yourself amidst some hearty lunchtime or after-work revelry. The atmosphere is extremely welcoming. Drinkers and diners relax and share stories in the surprisingly spacious combination of bar and restaurant, which fortunately retains many of its original fittings. Everything about this place has a tangible consistency – from the logo to the décor to the friendly service and the authentic menu – it all hangs together really well.

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]]> Natuzzi Furniture tag:lussorian.com,2010:/5.5990 2010-03-02T07:23:07Z 2010-02-28T19:35:08Z Jamie Nicholson Style up your living room with these chic pieces from Natuzzi Furniture. Renowned for its high quality leather upholstery and contemporary styling this Italian furniture brand has launched two stunning designs for the Spring/Summer season – The Ciak and Metropolis models.

The new Ciak sofa is perfect for when space is limited and the slightly slanted arms gives it a modern edge. It is supported by a chrome frame and is available in three-seater, two-seater and armchair versions with either leather upholstery, fabric or a leather/fabric mix giving you the choice to decide what will suit your living room the best.

The new Metropolis sofa is inspired by the Chesterfield styles and radiates class and elegance. Being extremely comfortable and luxurious it follows the fashion for English nostalgia and truly is a beautiful piece of furniture that would be sure to add a sophisticated air to your home. It is only available in leather in three-seater, two-seater, armchair and ottoman versions.

2509 - Natuzzi Sound Chair from £1,520 in category 10 leather

2520 - Natuzzi Metropolis sofa in red leather from £1,860 in category 10 leather

2559 - Natuzzi Ciak sofa in orange leather from £1,440 in category 10 leather

2571 - Natuzzi Surround sectional sofa with audio from £5,160 for configuration shown in category 10 leather

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]]> The Lecture Room & Library, Sketch Restaurant London Review of the Gourmet Rapide Lunch Menu tag:lussorian.com,2010:/5.5995 2010-03-01T20:09:31Z 2010-03-01T20:13:32Z Chantelle http://www.topstylista.com/ Sketch is one of those amazing breaths of fresh air created by Momo’s Mourad Mazouz and three Michelin star chef Pierre Gagnaire. From its early days as a real trendy must be seen spots, this Grade II listed restaurant has survived by not only housing the fabulous Daliesque interior, but as well as providing a true dining and gastronomic experience. I always say that my memories of the most satisfying dishes are the ones that you can simply enjoy tasting all the flavours whilst feeling energised at the end of your meal without feeling too full so you can get on with your day. This is exactly how I would sum up my lunch in The Lecture Room & Library at Sketch.

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]]> Corum’s Golden Bridge watches tag:lussorian.com,2010:/5.5991 2010-03-01T07:29:38Z 2010-02-28T19:34:39Z Jamie Nicholson The Golden Bridge RRP: £18, 500Launching at Basel Fair this March are Corum’s elegantly beautiful New Miss Golden Bridge and Golden Bridge watches.

The Miss Golden Bridge is a classic beauty where the movement is housed in a unique new case. It is adorned with engravings replicating the shape of tree ferns from the Jura Region. A feminine watch design, the Miss Golden Bridge is available in 18 carat white or red gold, in non set and set versions with 90 full-cut size diamonds. The hands are made of the same gold as the case making for a delicately decorated, gorgeous watch and no more than 333 pieces will be available a year. A beautiful accessory which is bound to smarten up any outfit.

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]]> Vi-Spring Launch the ‘Excellence Supreme’ tag:lussorian.com,2010:/5.5982 2010-02-25T09:09:38Z 2010-02-23T21:10:39Z Bob Bulmer Expert luxury bed maker Vi-Spring has launched the Excellence Supreme. Inspired by 1950’s glamour, this is the first of an exciting new collection of high concept divan beds, available exclusively at And So To Bed, Kings Road, London.

Priced at £28,830 for a 182cm x 200cm bed, the Excellence Supreme is upholstered using Andrew Muirhead fine Scottish leather, with distinctive contrast piping highlighting the retro design. Available in a selection of 45 leather colourways, The Excellence Supreme can also be finished in a wide range of designer fabric options from the Vi-Spring collection.

This Vi-Spring mattress is made entirely by hand and filled with over 3,000 springs and 100 per cent natural fillings including; renewable bamboo fibre and luxurious cashmere, alpaca and blended lambswool and cotton.

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]]> Circus Restaurant, London – Review tag:lussorian.com,2010:/5.5981 2010-02-25T06:50:50Z 2010-02-23T18:52:51Z Hayden Allen-Vercoe From the moment you click onto the Circus restaurant website you get a feeling that this restaurant is different… in more ways than one as we discovered!

Situated along Endell Street, you’ll be forgiven when you arrive and do a double take and say “this can’t be it… there’s no way in!” There is, you just have to be patient and wait for the big steel doors to open as if by magic.

Once in, it’s difficult not to be impressed with the venue, which is the work of acclaimed designer Tom Dixon. Covered in mirrored balls and with a grand marble table in the centre of the restaurant, you immediately soak up the relaxed, trendy vibe that this place oozes from every corner.

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]]> Rent one of Europe’s most luxurious villas tag:lussorian.com,2010:/5.5977 2010-02-24T07:56:16Z 2010-02-23T09:51:17Z Patrick Woolmer Vintage Travel, The UKs premier luxury holiday villa rental broker has recently expanded its portfolio of luxury villas with pools right across Europe.
The firm now has over 200 fine villas to choose from, a selection of the most opulent you can see below:

FRANCE

Le Portail, Lunac (La Fouillade)

This luxury villa in France sleeps 8 and dates right back to the 17th Century. It is a stunning example of a traditional farm property with a mixture of polished wood floors, exposed stone and painted walls, which are a backdrop to the pretty floral fabrics and carved wood furniture.

Kitted out with all the mod cons you could wish for, we can’t think of a nicer property to stay atin South West France.

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]]> A. Lange & Sohne watches 2010 range tag:lussorian.com,2010:/5.5967 2010-02-23T08:41:52Z 2010-02-20T08:46:53Z Jamie Nicholson A. Lange & Sohne watches, who were originally founded in the mid 19th century, have brought out new novelties for 2010 for men and women.

Classically sophisticated, the novelties include the Homage collection. This is a limited edition collection of 4 of Lange’s most iconic and complicated watches in a gorgeous honey gold and a stunning women’s jewellery watch called Little Saxonia which is adorned with brilliant-cut diamonds and a mother of pearl face.

Considered as Collectors’ items the prices of the watches vary from approximately £8,300 to £250,000. Just slightly out of my price range then….

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]]> The best farmed smoked salmon - UIG Lodge tag:lussorian.com,2010:/5.5976 2010-02-22T15:38:08Z 2010-02-22T17:43:09Z Peter Brady I have had the privilege of tasting many different types and brands of smoked salmon. Right from the Fortnum Mason’s own brand to the likes of Teviot Smokery (The River Tweed) or the original Cromdale Smokery (The River Spey) - even the finest Alaskan smoked salmon.

In light of my self styled connoisseur status! I would have to rate UIG farmed smoked salmon right up there as one of the best farmed smoked salmon products in the UK. Here are five reasons why:

1. The flesh is firm and not overly fatty (a common problem with farmed smoked salmon)

2. Subtle smoked flavours that aren’t overpowering

3. Worked perfectly as part of the ubiquitous smoked salmon and scrambled eggs

4. Stands on it’s own merits with some brown bread, lemon and pepper - there’s no hiding place for smoked salmon when eating it this way, it simply has to be of a good quality to stack up

5. The salmon arrived promptly, nicely packaged and reasonably priced

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]]> BR Republic jewellery tag:lussorian.com,2010:/5.5965 2010-02-22T04:01:05Z 2010-02-18T16:05:06Z Jamie Nicholson Creative, edgy and glamorous – BR Republic jewellery has it all. Only the finest materials are sourced to produce each piece resulting in jaw dropping high quality designs.

The jewellery has already caught the eyes of celebrities such as Fern Cotton, Jay Z and Beyonce – who had a rams head designed for her which cost around a massive, and rather impressive, £15, 000!

Based in London, BR Republic is a team of designers who also create bespoke pieces. All of the jewellery is equally creative and stylish though and is available at Harvey Nichols.

Prices range from about £255 to £1495.

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