Pagani Zonda: Passione

It’s hard to believe but the Pagani Zonda, arguably one of the most colorful super cars of this generation, is already 12 years old. For a niche supercar brand like Pagani, that in itself is an outstanding achievement.

But since the Huayra is now in the fold, the Zonda’s life has been on borrowed time and over the past few years, Pagani has resorted to producing a limited number of one-off, special edition models for a select number of customers.

From the HH to the Rak to the Tricolore, and even Lewis Hamilton’s 760 LH, the Zonda is ready to say goodbye in a manner few exotics of its kind get to do.

But before that, there’s still time for one more one-off: the Zonda 764 Passione.

Pagani has yet to reveal official photos of the 764 Passione but there’s word that the supercar will feature a naked carbon fiber body with pink accents on the car. By pink accents i mean, pink painted brake calipers, pink trimming lines in the body, some pink elements of the engine and the word “Passione” is etched in pink onto the valve covers.. Perfect for a girlie girl car enthusiast like myself.

Under it’s hood, the 764 Passione will carry a 7.3-liter V12 engine that’s expected to produce 760 horsepower - 764, maybe? - akin to Lewis Hamilton’s one-off LH model. Speaking of the Zonda LH, the 764 Passione will also feature a six-speed manual transmission instead of the sequential paddle-shift gears of some of its other contemporaries.

So now that the Zonda is finally ready to say adieu, do you think the 764 Passione is a fitting send-off to one of the best exotics of the past decade?  Ahhhh, I certainly think so.

BVULGARI SHANGHAI 2015

Bulgari Hotels & Resorts will open a new hotel in Shanghai in 2015, announced Bulgari China on its Sina Weibo microblog Thursday.

The new hotel, to be located in a riverside complex in the artistic district of Suhe Creek, will be the fourth for the luxury hospitality group, a joint venture between Italian jeweler Bulgari and Marriott International.

President of LVMH Watches & Jewelry and great grandson of Sotirio Bulgari, founder of the eponymous Italian brand, Francesco Trapani, said in another Weibo post: “I believe this new Bulgari Hotel will bring to China an unparalleled standard of luxury.”

The 120-room Bulgari hotel in Shanghai will be located on the upper 12 floors of a 40-storey building designed by London-based architectural firm Foster + Partners.

Some of the amenities at the new luxury property will include a rooftop swimming pool, a ballroom and a 21,600-square-foot spa.To date, the Bulgari Hotels & Resorts group has properties in London, Milan and Bali.

Bamford Watch Department: Datejust

Bamford Watch Department has released one of their best looking customs yet, a blacked out yet completely refined version of the new Rolex Datejust.

Applying their signature black PVD coating all over, the designers then added gold markers and hands for the dial. It’s an exercise in beautiful simplicity.

2012's Most Surprising Holiday Destination: ARIARA, PALAWAN

Ariara is one of over 7,000 islands that make up the Philippines in the principality of Palawan, At the right end of the Palawan archipelago, Ariara is one of the last remaining undiscovered Calamian Islands. 

After experiencing the natural beauty of this 125-acre island, Owners of the 125 acres, Brits Charles and Carrie McCulloch, sought to create a private refuge for travellers who, like them, just 'don't do' hotels. The pair decided to adapt it into a luxury private retreat, accommodating up to 18 guests on an exclusive basis. 'I have always disliked the lack of freedom and individuality imposed by hotels, however stunning the location.' says Charles.

Life on Ariara is lead very much at your own pace. You can eat exactly when you choose, and the island cook prepares traditional filipino and international dishes according to clients’ individual tastes. If you prefer to bring your own cook along or employ a Michelin-starred chef for the duration of your stay, that would be fine too. Ariara grows its own bananas, mangos, pineapples, papaya, coconuts and cashew nuts alongside herbs, salad leaves and vegetables, supplemented by the huge selection of unusual fruit and vegetables grown in the region such as delandan (a type of orange) and kalamansi (Filipino limes). Local fisherman then bring their catch – lobster, crab, Spanish mackerel, tangigi (tuna), maya-maya (snapper), lapu-lapu (grouper), and a variety of game fish to name a few. Excellent quality meat is also available.

In between meals the excellent staff are there to cater for your every need. There is a yoga instructor and also masseuse on the island, and even an island dog who loves to be taken for walks, but by far the best activity on offer is the diving and snorkelling. The diving, with the island’s own PADI divemaster, is spectacular with hundreds of coral reefs and an incredible diversity of marine life. Incredible wreck diving is found around Busuanga and Coron Bay where US forces sunk 13 Japanese naval ships in 1944. Some of the world’s finest dive sites: Tubbataha (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and Apo Reef are also accessible on longer trips. On the fauna front, there are four endangered species of turtle including Hawksbill, Leatherback, Olive Ridley, and Green turtles to see, many of whom return annually to lay their eggs along Ariara’s main beach.

They commissioned Filipino architect Jorge Yulo to design the contemporary eco-resort and furnish it with pieces from local carpenters and craftsmen, who weaved their own rattan, sewed cushions from tribal fabrics and carved a bath from a single block of Romblon marble. 

All in all there is extremely comfortable and spacious accommodation for up to 18 guests as well as a central Lodge for dining and entertaining with a master bedroom suite above, an infinity pool and deck area, beach cottages, and a jungle villas on stilts. All the rooms are situated along the main beach and have wonderful and uninterrupted views out to sea.

The South wing comprises a spacious lounge with oversized comfortable sofas to relax and unwind, equipped with a cinema style projector and a huge screen. The lounge leads onto the infinity pool and deck area and from there onto the beach. Above the lounge, reached by a bridge from the gallery, is a master bedroom suite With suitably impressive views.

In addition there are four beach cottages, each consisting of a large bedroom with vaulted ceiling, a four poster style bed and walk-in wardrobe. There is a huge marble bathroom and an open-air shower. Each cottage is surrounded on two sides by wide verandas with hammocks and a breakfast table. To the rear of each cottage is a private terrace with a secluded pocket garden.

From Manila to Ariara: A short flight from Manila to Busuanga where guests are transferred to Port of Coron nearby to board the Karen-Joy, Ariara's 100ft trimaran. Cruising time: four hours. Alternatively, up to eight guests can make the journey in Ariara's 33ft speedboat in just over an hour

P'9981

It may seem ridiculous that I'm seriously obsessed about this phone which comes heavy with a $2554 price tag. I knowit will never be deemed good value for money, but who cares. I mean, you couldn't say that about a Porsche either!

My friends and I went to the World Porsche Roadshow some 2 weekends ago coz our boyfriends wanted to test the new 991 turbo TDKs on the track and one of my friends friend who also came with was holding this rather exquisite piece of steel. 

I went cray. 

The 

Porsche Design BlackBerry P'9981 Whether you like it, or not, will be a case of personal taste and we've come from a position of thinking it was brash and offensive, to one where we love the look and feel. For me, it really brings some class to the tried and tested Bold formula.  

Hewn from stainless steel, it's still instantly recognizable as a BlackBerry thanks to the split face offering a full QWERTY keyboard below the display. The finish is very good in most places. The keyboard feels right, the phone looks right from every angle. Where the metal gives way for the display you have wonderful distinct clean design lines. It is also equipped with a 5mp camera w LED flash, 720p variety HD video capability, 640x480 resolution, touchscreen, still low on entertainment as compared to getting an apple or android but hey who are we kidding, it may be a toy but its core is still a blackberry. 

In terms of performance the 9900 and this have the same positives and the same negatives. Together they offer the best performance in the current BlackBerry portfolio, if that's the phone you're after. Coz where the standard Bold blends in with the rest of the BB crowd, the P'9981 is distinct and individual and really stands out in a sea of similarity you know it's special and so does everyone you show it to.

10 EURO HOTSPOTS

Amsterdam, Netherlands -- Laid back, laissez faire

This is a city with a village mentality, where ducks compete for canal bank space with disoriented tourists. After dipping into the heady club and bar culture i suggest that you jump on a tram to the picturesque nine streets area where you'll find all the nice boutiques and you could also head to the architechturally intersting Zuid or make the most out of your daze and hit the beach which is just 30 mins away from the city.

College Hotel

This 42 room hotel is entirely staffed by students which gives this place an infectious sense of fun and vivaciousness. Rates start at $238 inclusive of breakfast. 

Berlin, Germany -- Louche and Lowdown

This city is a magnet for pleasure seekers. Lines of bars and clubs blaring out rock, techno and everything in between has replaced the famous Berlin wall. Art galleries here spring up in almost every vacant warehouse space. Add a vibrant culinary scene and undoubtedly this place will rock your socks.

Scholsshotel im Grunewald

A luxe hotel set in a green sprawl of gardens styled by none other than Tito Karl Lagerfeld. It may be seemingly peaceful once you step in this 53 all suite estate and you may forget that you aren't too far from the bustling city. Rates start at $290.

Edinburgh, United Kingdom -- Wit, Wisdom and Wee dreams

Whether you're drawn to this place for the arts and culture or the new town's elegant georgian facades or the ever visible castle from whichever angle you look at it, Eldinburgh is a knock-out. You can choose to lose yourself in the old town's wynds, narrow crooked paths between houses or linger over a wee dream in the cozy paths of cockburn street and end your day by having a bite of the catch of the day at the waterfront restaurants. Satisfaction guaranteed.

21212 Restaurant w/ Rooms

This 4 room regal and refined inn where grand georgian design meets its match in the kitchen awarded a michelin star w/in 8 mo of opening surely won't disappoint. Rates start at $225.83 inclusive of a michelin star grade breakfast.

Istanbul, Turkey -- East meets west

Istanbul cradles the wonders of the Ottoman and Byzantine empires from the breathtaking Topkapi Palace where sultans and their harems redefined the word decadence to the looming Hagia Sophia-- part cathedral, part mosque and totally breathtaking. Today the indulgent lifestyle once only enjoyed behind closed doors is available on every gilded street. They have some of the coolest club cncepts in the world and a lot of fashion forward shops. 

The House Hotel Bosphorous

Just like one of my favorite hotels, A'jia, this stunner is also once a vacation house of  a pasha. Both of which are also in Istanbul. this 23 room property features the same white on white modern but grand ottoman design. Rates start at $192 inclusive of breakie.

Madrid, Spain -- Capital of the cool cats

Spain has got to be one of my favorite countries for one reason, they love to wine and dine. 

By day, Madrid is a city filled with extravagant palaces, majestic plazas and stately parks. Once the sun sets though, los gatos (the cats) as the citys inhabitants are nicknamed, prowl the historic avenues until the early hours indulging in their passion for a decadent night life. One must have the stamina that takes almost half a life of practicing to keep up and be able to function bleamy eyed the next day. Madrid has excellent shopping selections and the food, uh marvelous.

Villa Magna

Located in the higher end of the city center, this hotel has always been exclusive to the aristocrats in the 70s. These days though, we are lucky enough to be able to experience a stay in their eye boggingly beautiful apartments and first class service.

Milan, Italy -- one ultra-urban long catwalk

Where all my personal hereos were born. The hub of the designer area around Via Montenapoleone is titanium card nirvana. This is where you will find not only clothes but even fantastic vintage and highly covetible design and kitchenwares. Eating and partying here is equally as stylish with places designed to cater to the creme de la cognoscenti and sushi fit for the fuzziest supermodels.

Maison Moschino

As fashionable as it is historic, this 65 room property is housed in Milan's first railway station with haute couture allure and deliciously avant garde decor. Rooms are inspired by fairytales and abstract concepts. Rates start at $221 

St. Tropez, France -- Yachts, Models and Millionaires

Rockstar villas, luxe boat houses, where missoni bikinis are worn by the masses. For a seaside fishing village, St. Tropez has evolved admirably. People come here for only one reason, to rub off some glitter from mingling with the whos-who at the slinkiest cocktail lounges and wait for an invitation to tan at some super yacht's deck as you rehydrate with nothing other than the best champagne. But when you get tired of this, don't fret. You could step back and head to the more peaceful Riviera and find your own secret beach in the Cap Taillat strand.

La Reserve Ramatuelle

is the perfect release when the brightly lit bustle of the main gets too much. This 23 room with 16 villas property boasts of magnificent views of the med from a crows neck not too far from the city. Rates start at $802 inclusive of breakfast.

Mallorca balearic islands, Spain -- culture or cocktails

Olive groves and tranquil villages, a neutral patchwork of wheat fiels, a cosmopolitan destination with well edited boutiques and white cube galleries, a series of beautiful beaches... There's no other place a party animal and a peace seeker will both agree and be excited to go to. Palma is the islands self- assured capital where yachts and cocktails cohabit happily with ancient wnding streets. Drive for an hour north and lead yourself into a more dramatic scenery among the Sierra de Tramuntana Mountains and to the hilltop village of Deia which will fill you up full with its insouciant elegance which epitomizes mallorquin glamour-- the original boho chic. This town is definitely a varied surprise. 

Can Simoneta

is a secluded 18 room hotel which sits on a clifftop near Capdepera and is set on a historical building. The property offers a private access to the sea and is near the more peaceful mellaroca beaches and golf courses.

Limassol, Cyprus -- Birthplace of Aphrodite

This is a city of excess. Limassol is definitely not shy. The palm lined avenues and festival fever has earned the city's moniker od 'Little Miami'. Gaze upon the enchanting rock formations of petra Tou Romiou to the west of Limassol. This has been said to be the exact place where the goddess of love and beauty came about. Don't forget to snag sequined emblazoned tops from hot Cypriot designer Pantelis Mistu of Mistu Mistu.

Londa Hotel

Limassols first couture getaway. Its incredible to imagine that the Milanese design duo responsible for its subtle blend of geometry and natural materials used for this property's 68 rooms were all custom made. Rates start at $212 inclusive of breakfast.

Vienna, Austria -- Viennese waltz and imperial grendeur

Most of our chefs with the cutest accents from school came from here. I've heard tons of stories on how they grew up in this place and how big a part of culinary is to their culture here. The Viennese like to waltz and viennas ball season which takes over half of the years social calendar is an important part of their lives. There are over 300 balls to attend between the beginning of November to the start of June, from the excessive opera ball to the carefree bad taste ball. The streets are lined with monumental palaces, gilded opera houses and stately boulevards. Vienna looks like an imperial capital still looking for its long lost empire. 

Hotel Sacher

is famous for the spechialty of the house, the apricot filled chocolate cake called sachertorte. This 149 room property is located just a stones throw from the opera house & karntner trabe.Rates start at $514 inclusive of breakfast.

Pret-a-Portea

I always thought that the most fancy schmancy high tea that one could have in the world was at the Ritz in Piccadilly. After all, you need to book 2 weeks ahead and you even have to wear a tie and jacket or a long dress. Now, look at what I came accross. The Berkeley Hotel in Kengsington is giving Ritz a run for its money with its ulta-chic and amusing Pret a Portea.

Who wouldn't love miniature, edible art? Caramel features confections inspired by the latest collections. We're talking cookies, petits fours and layered desserts based on designs from Christian Louboutin, Chanel, Marchesa, Oscar de la Renta, Michael Kors, Thakoon, Stella McCartney and 3.1 Phillip Lim etc etc etc. The collection is changed every six months to follow the trends in fashion. Posh.

Oh, and if you also notice on the pictures, the hotel also collaborated with Thomas Goode of Mayfair which produced a bespoke collection of Paul Smith fine bone china to be used for the tea. 

The afternoon Prêt-à-Portea is served in the hotel's Caramel Room from 1 pm to 6 pm every day for £36.50 (€42). Add a glass of champagne and that goes up to between £46.50 (€53) to £53 (€60).

Moveable Feast

See that small basket hanging from the huge crane: That’s the dinner of the future. Things have gone from sky's the limit but to the World is the limit! Wether you prefer cocktails over Copacabana in Rio, lunch over the Grand Canyon or sunset over Paris..you name it. 

This highly creative concept, by Dinner in the Sky gives new meaning to the title of Hemingway’s illustrious novel, A Moveable Feast, that recounted his impressions of Paris in the 1920′s. For this is indeed a moveable feast like no other in the world, bringing French Gastronomy to the forefront, as it hovers over the Tuileries.

 Restaurant Dinner in the Sky - a unique opportunity for those who want to turn an ordinary meal into something memorable. Features of this restaurant include dinner tables fixed to the height of 50 meters. Accommodating 22 people at a table and four employees in the middle (chef, waiter, an actor and a security officer). You can actually set this up anywhere where you have a free lot area of 500 sq meters. 

While the force of French gastronomy is clearly the ‘raison d’être’ of the evening, French ‘savoir faire’ is also an important factor in creating an ephemeral space that really is out of this world. Luxe is luxe when you are on board this table, for not only will you be strapped into your designer chairs, you’ll dine beneath the glorious Baccarat chandeliers, drink G.H. Mumm’s famous bubbly from crystal glasses, eat off a selection of haute dishes and drink sparkling water from Chateldon.