June 18, 2023 in Travel & Destinations by Julian Everett
The Italian luxury fashion house Valentino has outdone itself with the recent rebranding of Palazzo Avino hotel's beach. Located on Italy's stunning Amalfi coast, the beach has been transformed into a chic coastal escape, showcasing the unmistakable elegance of the Valentino brand.
Read moreJune 26, 2023 in Design & Décor by Charlotte Sinclair
In recent weeks, Sophisticated Spectra has been filling up with photos of branded beaches with bright sun loungers and umbrellas. The correct and photogenic selection of these items can significantly help a hotel (and, as we now understand, a fashion brand) in promoting on social networks. A good beach umbrella is expensive, and there are luxury players in this genre. One of them is the French manufacturer Courant Sauvage in Landes. The price for their umbrellas in fruit sorbet colors with thick fringe (immediately reminiscent of the luxurious resorts in Slim Aarons' photos) reaches up to €1000. The company works with suppliers of the best materials in their class, many of which are included in the list of France's Living Cultural Heritage. Courant Sauvage also accepts individual orders, although it is worth taking care of this not at the peak of the season.
Read moreJuly 5, 2023 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair
Another day brings another branded beach. This time, luxury fashion house Fendi has left its mark on the sun loungers and umbrellas at a restaurant within the opulent Puente Romano hotel in Marbella. While I'm not the biggest fan of the resort, I must admit that the result is more than commendable.
Read moreJuly 9, 2023 in Travel & Destinations by Julian Everett
The picturesque Italian resort of Forte dei Marmi welcomes the revitalization of Café Principe, an iconic gathering place dating back to the late 1930s. After extensive restoration by the Prada Group, the café - originally established by the Florentine Galli family - has reopened its doors to locals and tourists alike, offering a stylish refuge inspired by the "dolce vita" era.
Read moreJuly 16, 2023 in Design & Décor by Julian Everett
Versace designer, Ashley Fletcher, has been immersed in an ongoing labor of love for the past eight years, intricately restoring his 16th-century villa located in Piedmont, Italy.
Read moreJuly 29, 2023 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair
Nestled in an idyllic setting between Cucuron and Aix-en-Provence, HIBRIDE emerges as a vivacious alternative to the often neutral tones dominating interior design trends. A project conceived by seasoned hoteliers Philippe Chapelet and Patrick Elouarghi, HIBRIDE blends agritourism with their company HI's established track record in the hotel industry.
Read moreAug. 8, 2023 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair
Okay, fashionistas, hold onto your designer hats, because this news is BIG. The one and only villa in Tangier, Morocco, where the legendary Yves Saint Laurent (you know, the guy with the fabulous glasses) once lived, is being transformed into a hotel. Yup, you read that right! A. Hotel. 🏨✨
Read moreAug. 17, 2023 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair
Attention, luxury travel enthusiasts! Richard Branson has unveiled a new gem in the travel world, Son Bunyola, located in the preserved northern part of Mallorca. This region miraculously escaped the construction frenzy of the late 20th century and now stands under UNESCO's protective umbrella.
Read moreSept. 1, 2023 in Travel & Destinations by Julian Everett
In an incredible oversight, many might have missed the opening of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church near the World Trade Center in New York City last December. Designed by celebrated architect Santiago Calatrava, this remarkable edifice stands as an aesthetic and spiritual marvel in the heart of the city. As they say, better late than never, and the architectural wonder is definitely worth the attention.
Read moreSept. 12, 2023 in Travel & Destinations by Julian Everett
Five-time Grand Slam tennis champion Maria Sharapova has taken on a new role as the Global Wellness Ambassador for Aman Hotels, a leading luxury hotel chain. The collaboration aims to create wellness retreats across 34 luxury properties of the Aman group. The venture officially began yesterday with the launch of a mini-retreat at Aman New York.
Read moreSept. 12, 2023 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair
For a city famous for its contributions to design and fashion, Antwerp surprisingly lacked a truly high-end hotel until the opening of Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp last year. This prestigious property, part of The Leading Hotels Of The World, is situated on the grounds of a monastery and apothecary garden whose history traces back to 1238. Comprising five historic buildings in the city center, the hotel is the result of five years of meticulous work.
Read moreNov. 7, 2023 in Models & Actresses Photos by Julian Everett
20 QUESTIONS: KIM BASINGER
Read moreFeb. 4, 2024 in Arts & Culture by Charlotte Sinclair
Kintsugi, or Kintsukuroi, is a poignant and beautiful form of Japanese art that goes beyond mere ceramic repair. This centuries-old technique involves mending broken pottery with lacquer derived from the sap of the urushi tree, which is then mixed with precious metals such as gold, silver, or platinum. However, Kintsugi is much more than a method of restoration; it's a profound philosophical statement about life, resilience, and beauty.
Read moreFeb. 16, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Julian Everett
It's been a year since the lavish curtains were drawn at the One&Only One Za'abeel in Dubai, an event that was nothing short of a spectacle, graced by the sensational Jennifer Lopez. The grandeur of the opening set the stage for what has become not just a hotel, but a landmark of luxury and architectural innovation in the heart of one of the world's most dynamic cities.
Read moreMarch 18, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Julian Everett
En la serena campiña asturiana, un antiguo legado familiar se transforma en el epítome del retiro rural con una pincelada de lujo. Solo Palacio, un imponente caserón del siglo XV perteneciente a la familia Miranda-Quiros, ha renacido como un hotel boutique de 9 habitaciones, ofreciendo una experiencia única donde la tradición se encuentra con el minimalismo moderno.
Read moreApril 11, 2024 in Arts & Culture by Julian Everett
The "Ripley" television series may not have won over every viewer, but its impeccable selection of Italian filming locations and the cinematographic artistry of Robert Elswit, who created a mesmerizing black-and-white visual style, are undeniably noteworthy. For those familiar with Italy, the series offers a delightful sense of recognition with its use of iconic sites like the Pio Monte della Misericordia church in Naples, the Gritti Palace hotel in Venice, and the arch on Via Giulia in Rome. However, the series does not strive for authenticity in every aspect. For instance, Rome's train station is ingeniously represented by the EUR's Palace of Congresses.
Read moreMay 14, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair
In October 2021, criminals stole 45 bottles of wine worth €1.6 million from the luxurious hotel and three-star Michelin restaurant Atrio in the city of Cáceres, western Spain.
Read moreJuly 23, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair
The tranquil charm of Austria's Lake Fuschl is a testament to quiet luxury. On this lake, diesel motorboats are banned, ensuring a silence so profound that the fluttering wings of butterflies can be heard. Yet, the opulence here is unmistakably grand. Recently, the Fuschl Castle has reopened after extensive renovations and rebranding as the Rosewood Schloss Fuschl.
Read moreAug. 9, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair
A delightful addition to Lisbon’s hospitality scene, the Locke de Santa Joana aparthotel has opened its doors, offering a perfect blend of historical charm and modern convenience. Located on a quiet street parallel to the bustling Avenida da Liberdade, this new establishment stands out not just for its prime location, but for its unique architecture.
Read moreSept. 5, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair
A new gem has emerged in Umbria—Borgo dei Conti, a luxurious resort that blends historical charm with modern luxury. This stunning property, managed by renowned hotelier Carlo Babini, whose family owns the Londra Palace in Venice, has transformed from a modest 4-star hotel into a high-end retreat. With 10 rooms and 30 suites, half of which are already open, the resort will be fully completed by next spring.
Read more