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The real adventure

Uncharted Africa Safari

Perhaps the most original safari camp in Southern Africa, Uncharted Africa Safari manages to combine the 1920´East African panache with scientific exploration of desert biology, stone age archaeology, bushman anthropology and the unique geology of the Makgadikgadi Pans. Classy styled, Jack’s Camp offers most comfortable, permanent camp facilities set into a unique palm grove creating an oasis of civilization in this awesome landscape. Because of the exposed nature of the surrounding grassland, Jack’s Camp privileged location brings you the opportunity to experience the impressive migration of herds of Wildebeests and Zebras followed by predators. Uncharted Africa Safari, however, is most known for its unique multi–day ‘quad bike sleep under the stars’ adventures across these amazing plains as well as for its truly exceptional encounter adventures with the local bushmen.

Car manufacturers you’ve never heard of

Fisker Coachbuild, LLC

Nationality:	United States of America
Founded:	2005
Model line–up:	Fisker Tramonto & Fisker Latico CS
Product description:	Both models in the Fisker model line–up stand for high–end, exclusive, unique and hand–assembled coachbuild designs. The Tramonto is a two–seat convertible with retractable hard top offering both V8 or V12 engine options. The Latigo CS is a 2+2 coupe boasting a V10 engine. Both have a carbon fiber & aluminium body and can be used as everyday drivers with luxury comforts and purist performance.
Current price: (excl. tax and ex factory)	Fisker Tramonto €142,000 — 285,000 Fisker Latigo €170,000 — 215,000
Annual production:	Production of each model is limited to only 150 units
Waiting list:	3–4 months
Company founder:	Henrik Fisker & Bernhard Köhler
Childhood hero:	Their respective fathers
Founder’s favourite car:	Alfa Romeo GTV and 1958 Corvette Convertible respectively
Would love to own:	Fisker Tramonto V12 Bi–Turbo and 1971 Ferrari Dino respectively
Website:	www.fiskercb.com

Private Island & Villas

Vladi Private Islands

Whether seeking solitude, tranquillity, privacy and a place away from the everyday routine, travellers can find private island sanctuaries, for rent or purchase, in almost every body of water imaginable. Vladi Private Islands, is an international real estate company owned by Farhad Vladi who has sold well over 2,000 islands. In his office in Hamburg, Germany, he has assembled a database covering over 10,000 islands all over the globe ranging in price from €54,000 to €38 million. Vladi spends between four and five months each year travelling the world to discover, photograph and evaluate new islands on all four continents. Rent before you buy: Vladi recommends that all potential customers try island life on for size before making a purchase. In recent years he has added a rental arm to his brokerage, and now offers private islands for rent at daily rates ranging from €1,000 to €34,000.

Villazzo

Villazzo´s customer is the couple and/or family wishing to stay in a luxury home that comes fully equipped boasting all 5 star hotel services while at the residence. Villazzo is a refreshing new concept in the hospitality industry: it could best be described as a hotel operator for luxury villas, providing their clients with access to the finest, fully hotel–serviced holiday homes in the most demanded locations. These magnificent properties can be found in Miami, Aspen, St Tropez, Courchevel and Marbella. Each of the ‘Villa Hotels’ has been carefully chosen to meet particular selection criteria considering aspects such as location, style, character, furnishings and equipment. All is taken care of at Villazzo to assure the ultimate guest experience. Starting at €1,542 per night, the home and services that Villazzo provide are clearly at the high–end of the rental market.

Cruising & Yachting

Nomads of the Seas

Nomads of the Seas invites you for amazing journeys on board ´Atmosphere´, a luxury 32–crew–member cruise ship touring Chilean Patagonia and taking guests via helicopter and zodiacs to pristine and virgin surroundings. While only 45.7m long, the vessel is equipped with a six passenger Bell 407 helicopter, six jet boats, six Zodiacs for heli–fishing operations as well as a Zodiac Hurricane 920 with twin 250 hp four–stroke outboards for 16 passengers. Experience the unique diversity of landscapes that run from the Patagonian plains to the fjords and canals where the icy peaks of the Andes are submerged. Nomads of the Seas will immerse you into a fragile ecosystem in a safe and relaxing way while offering the ultimate expedition for an unforgettable and spiritual experience for adventurous travellers.

The World

The World is a residential community at sea where a refined atmosphere is the setting for resident owners and guests who enjoy a lifestyle of elegant adventure. This stylish and intimate ship promises gracious and personal service in a warm, inviting ambience much like that of a private yacht, seaside villa or exclusive country club. With almost 200m of length and only 165 residences aboard, The World currently counts with properties available to be purchased, starting at €637,000. Many of these private residences are also available for rent with a minimum of six–night stay and starting at €1,000 per night, including meals and selected beverages. The World is the first ship of its size burning marine diesel rather than heavy bunker fuel, making for a much more environmentally friendly ship. Feel welcome to travel the world without leaving your home and enjoy this life ashore uniquely proposed.

Aviation

Travolta’s 707 Makes Emergency Landing

Hollywood star John Travolta was forced to make an emergency landing in Ireland earlier this month while piloting his private Boeing 707 from Germany back across the Atlantic. The movie actor had just finished promoting his new movie Wild Hogs in Germany and was back on his way to the USA when he safely landed at Shannon Airport after his Boeing 707–138B suffered ‘technical difficulties’, thought to be engine–related. The 53–year–old aviation enthusiast, the only private individual to own a Boeing 707, hired another aircraft and completed the journey while the 707 was grounded for repairs. Eight years ago the star suffered a similar mid–air drama when his plane lost an engine and he was forced to make an emergency landing in Boston.

von Essen Purchases PremiAir and London Heliport at Battersea

von Essen Aviation plans to grow further after acquiring PremiAir Aviation in the UK. Andrew Davis, von Essen group chairman, said that given the fast growth of business aviation in Europe the PremiAir purchase proved an excellent opportunity. The group intends to help PremiAir grow and expand its operations both organically and through further acquisitions. PremiAir, which has a major focus on twin engine helicopters, will continue to manage the von Essen Aviation fleet whose aircraft include AS355s, S–76s, a Bell 222, and also Premier 1s operated by Manhattan Jet Charter. von Essen Aviation’s HQ is the London Heliport at Battersea which was acquired by sister company von Essen Hotels. von Essen Hotels now has 23 hotels, the latest acquisition being one just outside Lyon in France, the Château de Bagnols.

Website: www.premiair.co.uk

Lufthansa Extends Private Jet Service

Lufthansa, Germany’s flag carrier, is currently studying the expansion of its Private Jet service to the Middle East and the Asia Pacific regions as demand for the top–end service, operated as a joint–venture with NetJets Europe, continues to grow. Lufthansa recently extended by five years the exclusive contract with NetJets. The Lufthansa Private Jets concept was launched two years ago in order to offer its business and first class passengers connections to over 1,000 airports within Europe and the Russian Federation, in conjunction with short and long haul scheduled commercial flights. The airline reported to currently book around ten private aircraft a day.

Website: www.lufthansa.com

Hotels & Resorts

Chateau Mcely

The 17^th century Chateau Mcely is situated in the legendary St. George Forest, next to the lush Jabkenice Game Park, only an hour drive from Prague’s Old Town. Formerly the residence of a long line of notable aristocratic families, it was recreated with careful consideration for the most discerning travellers. Chateau Mcely is designed for relaxed, comfortable, yet elegant, stylish living in the midst of nature with all the convenience of modern design and technology. The 24 individual rooms and suites, each one with its own style and breathtaking vistas, chic salons, restaurant and Alchymist Club are as unique as the Chateau itself. Whether you had a long day hiking the trails in the adjacent game park, a tiring week at the office, or just want to pamper yourself, you will find the Chateau Mcely Spa a welcome oasis in the forest. This exquisite property also offers their guests a whole list of amenities for a perfect journey.

Hotel Tres

Superbly located in the heart of Palma de Mallorca´s old town, Hotel Tres blends a new modern structure with the remnants of a 16th century palace. Within walking distance of some of the city’s most fashionable shops, lively bars and restaurants, this city’s top boutique hotel is ideally situated to explore the centre of Palma. Hotel Tres boats 41 minimalist rooms, with hardwood floors, cowhide benches and platform beds as well as lots of glass and white surfaces. Its romantic stone courtyard, canopied by a towering 100–year–old palm tree, is the perfect place where guests enjoy their breakfast or, in the early evening, a glass of wine. With the rustic Mallorcan style and a contemporary design, Hotel Tres shares magnificent views from the roof terrace over the vast gothic Cathedral La Seu, to the mountains, marina and sea offering a portrait of the island which few will ever forget.

Les Ottomans

Hotel Les Ottomans is the only hotel in Turkey which was planned and decorated according to the principles of Feng Shui. Located in Istanbul, in the most distinguished part of the Bosphorus, this ancient seaside mansion has been rebuilt and decorated to the highest standards. Each of the ten suites has a completely different atmosphere from each other making its guests feel the glorious effect of staying in a special mansion while they reach the perfection in the art of elegance. The Spa is located in an area of 2500m2 and is divided in different sections, including Vinotherapy, Turkish Baths, Pilates as well as more daily fitness programmes carried out under the guidance of professional instructors. The gastronomic pallet of Ottoman Cuisine is accompanied with a fine selection of wines offered by its own cellar. Another distinct feature of the Hotel Les Ottomans is its elegant wooden yacht berthed at the pier available to take guests for a relaxing trip to discover the Sea of Marmara.

Gadgets & Wannahaves

Dutchtub

The Dutchtub is the fabulous new outdoor boundless bathing experience. With a natural wood fired soak tub and a modern flair in simple functional design, the Dutchtub is not a question of luxury but of the quality of the function. With its fast natural heating system and its low weight of 75 kg one can easily transport the Dutchtub to any place you like and use it as long as there is water and wood. And this is how it works: after the tub has been filled with water, the fire is started in the basket which has been screwed in the spiral. The water inside the spiral heats up from the heat of the fire. When the water gets hot, it starts to rise in the spiral and flows automatically through it, circulating from the bottom to the top. The natural heating system will easily heat the 700 litres of cold water in just two–and–a-half hours up to a comfortable 37°C. The Dutchtub is not just a hot tub, it’s a state of mind. It’s priced at €4,450 for standard painting.

Website: www.dutchtub.com

Selk´bag

Designed by Müsuc, the Selk’bag is the ideal solution for camping, cabin, beaches, woods, mountain, desert, lakes, etc. users that are shouting for a sorrowed hope: movement. Selk’bag is a sleeping system which allows to dress with your sleeping bag, giving a maximum mobility and comfort in periods of rest in a tent or outside it. With the Selk’bag, you will be able to stand without any trouble, walk, cross your legs and the most desired one — roll with it and not in it! Müsuc has changed the traditional and boring look of sleeping bags by creating a much nicer and friendly style with great materials that will give you the correct protection level towards coldness. A good sleep is the key factor to recover consumed energy and Selk’bag offers you that possibility in 3 different models of temperature and quality and in different sizes and colours depending on your needs. Best quality model filled with downs, is priced at €302.

Website: www.musuchouse.com

T–Rex

Propelled by a Kawasaki 1400 superbike engine of 187 hp, the three wheeled T–Rex is easy to drive but astonishing. You commence by removing the steering wheel much as you would do on any race car. Once you are strapped in place the view ahead is virtually unobstructed. Within a few cm from the pavement and your head not very much higher, you will immediately feel as though you are on a track. The gear lever is close at hand and short in throw and the shifting is all sequential as on a motorbike, with 6 gears to choose from. The real adrenaline rush comes when you approach the 11,000 rpm redline. Accelerating up through the gears you are past 160 km per hour in just a few heart beats with the T–Rex holding its line and giving complete confidence. This minimalist sports car is all about uncompromising performance and vast levels of enjoyment. Street legal as a motorcycle, T–Rex offers the amazing value of €37,220 with a performance superior to many supercars that cost five times the price.

Website: www.go-t-rex.com

For sale

Thatch Cay Island

One of the last undeveloped, privately owned islands in the Eastern Caribbean, Thatch Cay, U.S. Virgin Islands, is truly unique, offering the ultimate in privacy and security with easy access to St. Thomas and its myriad amenities. Encompassing over 230 acres, this majestic island integrates more than five miles of spectacular shoreline, commanding panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea, Atlantic Ocean, and U.S. and British Virgin Islands. Resting almost 3 km off the coast off St. Thomas, Thatch Cay lies just minutes away from complete marina facilities. Thatch Cay is zoned for residential development of multiple estate sized home sites and is subdivided into 3 parcels at the moment. Currently priced at €18,306,000.

Contact: info@vladi.de

Aston Workshop

Aston Workshop, is extremely privileged to offer for sale the only right hand drive factory manufactured Aston Martin DB AR1 in existence. Finished in unmarked Roadster Green with Dark Tan Hide, this limited edition model was the star of a Power, Beauty and Soul tour that visited 13 North America Cities in seven weeks. Specification of the DB AR1 includes 6 speed manual with quick–shift, V12 435bhp, quick action clutch and sports exhaust. Capable of a maximum speed of 296km per hour, the vehicle allows you to reach a speed from 0 to 100km/h in only 5 seconds. This beautiful piece is priced at €221,230.

Contact: sales@aston.co.uk

Lifestyle Planner

Amber Lounge Barcelona

Due to the overwhelming demand Amber Lounge will host it’s first Grand Prix Party at the stunning Arts Hotel, Barcelona on the Saturday and Sunday nights of the Barcelona Grand Prix Weekend (12–13 May 2007). Complete with a funky indoor club lounge, amber Lounge will also feature a stunning outdoor terrace ‘floating on water’. Guests can chill out in the Moroccan units, relax on the soft candle lit Indian waterside terrace or spread out on the comfortable bed divans. Two weeks later (25–27 May 2007), it will be the turn for Monaco to gear up for the 5^th year celebration in Monaco where Amber Lounge has become the famous Principality’s premier pool–side party venue. Don’t wait any longer to reserve your tables!

Website: www.amber-lounge.com

Salon Privé London

If you haven’t finalized your summer plans yet, make sure to pencil Salon Privé (11–13 July 2007) into your agenda straight away. In essence, Salon Privé is the society garden party and glamorous cocktail party by night in the heart of London that you can’t afford to miss. Salon Privé offers the unique opportunity to celebrate, admire and view the very best that the automotive industry has to offer – spectacularly rare and exotic cars. This exclusive event is set the the beautiful grounds of The Hurlingham Club, a private members club in South–West London. The show takes place over 3 days and features 6 unique events during the days and evenings, offering bespoke hospitality and entertainment to accompany the amazing display of performance cars as well as many leading names from the luxury goods industry.

Website: www.salonprivelondon.com

Interesting Finds

Himalayan Ski Village

Himalayan Ski Village is a proposed eco–friendly and world–class fully integrated mountain resort community in the western Himalaya. Located at the Northern end of the Kullu Valley in the state of Himachal Pradesh, between 2,286 and 4,267 meters above sea level, the development includes ski slopes and other mountains sports facilities with a view to hosting future Winter Olympics. The project also involves the development of 700 hotel rooms, restaurants, a cultural village with craft bazaars, entertainment centres, shops and a high–end spa. While the concept is very much an American–style ski village, the look will be of a traditional Himachal village with Tibetan influences. The Himalayan Ski Village expects to receive the domestic tourists of India, as well as international visitors from the US, Europe, Japan, Korea, Australia, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Developers plan the presale of chalets and condo hotel rooms for early this year and for full commercial operations by early 2009.

Website: www.himalayanskivillage.com

A Perfect Gift

The Private Collection — Edition 2007

The Private Collection — Edition 2007 is making a splash again and enjoying raving reports all around the globe as the most luxurious travel publication ever! This ultimate source of inspiration for discerning travellers can only be ordered online on our www.xoprivate.com website since it is not on sale anywhere else in order to preserve its exclusivity! The perfect and original gift for a dear friend, family member or … just to spoil yourself! The latest edition of The Private Collection has again been designed into a stunning piece of art: a luxurious hardcover publication of almost 400 pages which guides its readers in the direction of the world’s finest escapes and travel excellence providers, all brought together in a single and uniquely illustrated volume. Don’t wait any longer and order your copy today!