Many international film makers have already found their way to the golden city of Prague in the Czech Republic. Among many others Mission Impossible, Triple X, HellBoy, Hart’s War and more recently Lord of War were shot there. Not only because of the cheaper labour costs and beautiful city highlights, but because of the proximity and possibilities offered on the largest, former air force base of the Soviets in Eastern Europe, located only 20 km outside the city. One company makes the impossible true when looking for some really awesome action. With a stunning fleet of well over 75 offroad vehicles — ranging from quad bikes and 4x4 jeeps over trucks and offroad racing cars to large helicopters and impressive army tanks of all sorts! — Offroad Action by Fortissimo Europe offers a wide spectrum of most exciting activities. A professional, multilingual team is on hand to tailor events, training programmes, teambuilding exercises and/or adrenalin boosting experiences to every need and budget.

In the midst of Blue Bay Marine National Park, the majestic Ile des Deux Cocos rises out of the sapphire ocean to welcome its privileged guests into paradise. This blissful island of outstanding natural beauty is the home of just one luxury villa ‘Follies’ where the past and present merge into an unforgettable experience. A housekeeper, valet and chef form the discreet team who will take care of your every wish and requirement, whilst ensuring your total comfort and privacy. Ile des Deux Cocos offers the ultimate escape from the pressures of the real world into a blissful island where you can give yourself up to your daydreams and surround yourself with beauty.

The Alfajiri Villas are situated on the East African Coast and the elevated positions of the elegant villas ensure total privacy as well as stunning views across the breathtaking Indian Ocean. Leisure activities on offer are golf, snorkelling, diving, deep sea fishing, jet–ski dolphin safaris, kite surfing, tennis, squash, massage treatments, mangrove bird watching and excursions to the nearby Kisite Marine National Park and to Funzi island. The daily fresh seafood, carefully planned menu and outstanding choice of fine South African wines ensure a culinary delight. The discreet service from experienced staff and the peaceful setting offer a feeling of comfort and serenity.

Transcend. Explore the Ari Atoll aboard your handcrafted Maldivian sailboat. Relish a room with a view as the ivory sail flickers in the sun. Your very own Dhoni is a living metaphor of the sublime. Its shape and grace is part of the romance of the Maldives. Should you wish to take a break from the sea, indulge in the ecstasy of a private plunge pool, open—air waterfall shower, thatched bungalow or undholi, a traditional Maldivian swing house. A personal butler pampers your every whim, while your chef fulfills your culinary desires. Savour unsurpassed levels of service and move with ease between your private sailboat, luxury island and stunning surroundings.

Originally established as a so–called ‘aircraft charter–broker’ headquartered in Filderstadt (Germany), the company which celebrates its tenth year of operation, has meanwhile successfully ventured into new business sectors such as aircraft management and sales. An additional branch was opened in Cannes (France) whilst a further one in the United Kingdom is to be opened shortly. With Germany hosting the football World Cup, ProAir is gearing up for yet another very busy year.

French helicopter charter operator Aviaxess has just launched the Corporate Helicard, Europe’s first helicopter block charter programme. If demand continues to grow at the current pace, the programme is likely to be introduced throughout the region. Currently, Aviaxess has established a network of operator members in 12 European cities, giving the company access to 35 helicopters. The Helicard is available in 25h and 50h blocks at a fixed price throughout Europe.

PrivatAir’s US–subsidiary announced the creation of a team which will be wholly responsible for the travel arrangements of financial roadshows. Built on PrivatAir’s long–standing relationship with the investment banking sector, it enable the charter arm of the company to focus even better on accomplishing the missions. The company is also seeking to acquire a Boeing 767 to meet the growing demand for these and other types of large group charters.

EADS subsidiary Eurocopter and Chinese AVIC II Corporation launched the EC175, a civil helicopter in the 6 ton category that is designed to fill a niche in Eurocoper’s civil helicopter portfolio between the 5 ton Dauphin and the 10 ton Super Puma. The new helicopter is due to make its first flight in 2009, with European and Chinese certification and production set for 2011. Sales forecasts for this latest–generation helicopter call for 800 to be sold worldwide over the next 20 years.

The world’s largest fixed base operation (FBO) is scheduled to be completed at Beijing Capital International airport in October of this year. The 7,000 m² FBO facility, managed by Capital Jet, will be able to accommodate a staggering 10 Boeing 747s and up to 15 mid to large–size business aircraft. The FBO is expected to be fully used during the 2008 Olympics.

Situated in the heart of NamibRand, a private nature reserve measuring some 185.000 hectares on the doorstep of Sossusvlei — the Dunes Lodge aims at providing a unique experience close to nature, yet without compromising comfort and style. The entire lodge is constructed on wooden platforms and overlooks panoramic vistas in all directions. Wolwedans is the perfect destination for nature lovers seeking tranquillity to clear the mind, beauty to feed the soul and space for the imagination to fly. Wolwedans should be integrated into any holiday to Namibia, be it as a self–drive or a fly–in safari.

The Palais Coburg, in the heart of Vienna, is a fascinating building whose architectural uniqueness brings to life six centuries of history. The generous 35 suites are individually furnished and equipped with all the modern amenities demanded by discerning travellers. The Palais Coburg offers more than 2,300 m² of different function areas — from the 16^th century Casemates in the basement to the Bel Etage, where the fascinating New Years Gala is held. In the one star Michelin gourmet Restaurant Coburg, guests can discover the culinary delights of Masterchef Christian Petz and an outstanding selection of wines.

Bastide de Marie is ideally located in the heart of the regional natural park of the Luberon, where famous writer Peter Mayle wrote his book ‘A Year in Provence’. This 18^th century structure, surrounded by 15 hectares of vineyards, is a standing invitation to discover the subtle fragrances of the Provence. It is neither a small hotel nor a host house. Think of it rather as a beautiful property where you come to stay with a friend to spend a few days lazing around. All the rooms and suites are elegantly decorated with Provencal furniture discovered in the region’s many antiques shop. It opens its doors to a relaxing world where you long to stay for as many days as you possibly can.

For more than a hundred years, Globe–Trotter has been the maker of some of the most durable, hand–made luggage in the world. Founded in Saxony, Germany in 1897 by Englishman David Nelkin, Globe–Trotter became “The Quintessential British Suitcase” when he decided to move back to London in 1901. And it can’t get more British than it claims to be since the company provided the Queen’s honeymoon luggage, just as it did for the late princess Diana, Viscount Linley, Sir Winston Churchill and many other British personalities. From a sheet of vulcanized fibre board, a hand made ash wood frame, and leather skins, each Globe–Trotter case is entirely constructed by hand. Who said there were no handmade British products left?

Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Taking this principle to heart, Unicat defends its absolute leadership in the expedition business. For the vehicle manufacturer, professionalism begins with competent, personal counselling and ends … well, never. Long after the planning, development, production and training have ceased, Unicat is ready to meet your service needs. With three mature product lines and purpose–built vehicles developed in–house for specific undertakings and fields of operation, Unicat offers the optimal solution for all requirements, all down the line. This applies both to the pricing and to the practical demands on the vehicle. The specific personal standards and needs shape the requirement profile of the individual vehicle: uncompromising quality–mindedness and a highly skilled staff guarantee comfort en route and safety when it counts, to every Unicat vehicle! Unicat affords quality of life off the beaten track.

Stockinger Safety First Class GmbH has been producing unique safes and security systems for over 25 years. This time around, however, company protagonists Dominik von Ribbentrop and Andreas Fuld have taken Stockinger into yet another innovative niche market by designing the “Safe Bugatti”. Developed to coincide with the launch of Bugatti’s long–awaited 16.4 Veyron, the “Safe Bugatti”, in an identical style, combines technological superlatives with aesthetic distinction, joining security technology and designer looks. The safety engineering features of this safe are just as hard to beat as the revolutionary performance of the Veyron 16.4. Moreover, the “Safe Bugatti” places beautiful and valuable items into an attractive and fitting environment and “liberates” them from wall safes and basement or bank vaults. With a retail price starting at 100,000 €, it is clear that luxurious extravagance and security come at a price …

The third edition of Top Marques Monaco will be held from 20 — 23 April 2006 under the high patronage of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco.

Once again, enthusiasts, buyers and collectors from all over Europe are to gather in the elegant Grimaldi Forum in Monte–Carlo for the annual and glamorous get–together of the world’s supercar manufacturers. On display will be some premieres, European launches and many prestige vehicles never before seen at a motor show.

Expect unique, high–profile supercar exhibitors such as Spyker Cars, Pagani, Saleen, and Bugatti as well as larger manufacturers which are better known to the grand public such as Rolls–Royce, Lamborghini, Bentley, Ferrari, Porsche and many others. Even some very original exhibitors such as Carver, the manufacturer of a three–wheel fusion of car and motorbike technology, and Aaglander, a manufacturer of back–to–the–past self–propelling carriages, mark their presence at the show.

The concept of Top Marques is, however, not only to exhibit luxury and supercars, but also to promote other luxury brands in the sens that luxury attracts luxury. Vertu, Pro Air, Cavendish White, Knight Frank and, of course, title sponsor of the event, Citigroup Private Bank are good examples of this.

Last year’s edition attracted some 7,000 visitors eager to discover the show’s unique exhibits. Rendez–vous in Monte–Carlo to discover what’s on for this year.

With time becoming one of the most appreciated and sought–after commodities in this world where everything seems to move at a higher pace every other day, a personal concierge service might be the perfect answer for many.

People want things done, but don’t have the time to do them. Why not pay someone to take care of a number of time–consuming tasks and have them done efficiently and with a touch of class? Time to bring in a personal concierge service! Beware, however: once you start to get used to being able to call on someone you can trust to help you, you might start wondering how you ever managed without your personal concierge service…

One of the most reputed lifestyle concierge companies of the United States just opened an additional office in Europe because of the high demand for their services. Their name: Bluefish Concierge! It is not a gopher service, an old boy’s network or a snobby bunch of party crashing showoffs. Instead, Bluefish Concierge offers the highest level of personalized travel, transportation and entertainment–related services to corporate executives, celebrities, professional athletes and other discerning individuals interested in living life to its fullest.

From their Swiss and UK offices, Bluefish Concierge also take care of slightly more outrageous, one–of–a–kind experiences available nowhere else. They have sent clients in a submarine to see the remains of the Titanic, provided exclusive access to the Grammy’s and the New York Fashion Week and even arranged fighter jet flights over Moscow. Special wishes anyone?

The Private Collection — Edition 2006 enjoys a fabulous success ever since its launch. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to order your personal copy of this luxury book which is only available online on our www.xoprivate.com website in order to preserve its exclusivity. The latest edition of The Private Collection has again been designed into a stunning piece of art: a luxurious hardcover publication featuring almost 400 pages of truly stunning photography enhanced by spot varnish on the world’s finest escapes and operators. The perfect, original gift for … a dear friend, family member or … yourself?