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The real adventure

Arctic Kingdom Marine Expeditions

Imagine yourself standing at the top of a fjord and gazing out over a vast permanent glacier, the seemingly limitless Arctic Ocean and prehistoric–looking muskoxen grazing on tiny arctic plants. This is one of the expeditions offered by Arctic Kingdom Marine Expeditions, where participants will visit little travelled areas of Canada’s northernmost island. Once at the base camp, in Makinson Inlet — Ellesmere Island, guests will hike up to glacial walls and ice–dammed lakes, observe muskoxen on the tundra, kayak along the fjords, and visit the tiny community of Grise Fjord to learn about traditional northern culture from local Inuit as well as landmarks lefts by early explorers. Arctic Kingdom Marine Expeditions tailors individually each of their expeditions to suit the unique, pristine and wild environment, with trips that are continuously changing in accord with the untamed Arctic. The ultimate arctic adventure provides the finest convenience with many camps already prepared upon arrival, with luxury accommodations and gourmet food.

Car manufacturers you’ve never heard of

Devaux Cars Pty Ltd

Nationality:	Australia
Founded:	2003
Model line–up:	Devaux Coupé and Devaux Convertible
Product description:	The Devaux's inspiration rests in an era when cars were designed by artists and built by craftsmen — an era when providing everlasting beauty in the 'coachwork' was paramount. Yet for all its inspirations the Devaux is an original. A unique car of beautiful proportions, it has been developed to provide the automotive connoisseur with real aesthetic and emotional pleasure.
Current price: (excl. tax and ex factory)	Devaux Coupé €100,000 — 130,000 Devaux Convertible €110,000 — 140,000
Annual production:	3 cars per year
Waiting list:	8 — 12 months
Company founder:	David J. Clash (°1962)
Childhood hero:	Malcolm Sayer
Founder’s favourite car:	Jaguar 3.8 E type
Would love to own:	1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Coupé (Uhlenhant car) W196S
Website:	www.devauxcars.com

Private Islands & Villas

Bastide St Mathieu

Bastide St Mathieu is a stylish 18^th century French country house in Grasse, Provence. It’s a luxurious small hotel, well designed and strikingly decorated, with the feel of an exclusive private house. The furnishing is a happy mix of antique and contemporary. Of the original features, there's a sprinkling of beams, occasional stone walls and fireplaces, which contrast with some bold colour schemes. Even the smallest bedroom is the size of a junior suite in most other hotels. You will find all those extra luxuries, which will make your stay so very cosy and comfortable, like cashmere blankets, Ralph Lauren bathrobes and your own drinks tray. Surrounded by various old villages and a vast choice of restaurants and golf courses, Bastide St Mathieu offers something more than a premium French Riviera hotel, an atmosphere of total privacy, discreet luxury and personal service.

Villa Roca Ibiza

Amazingly located in Ibiza, only 6 km from the town, Villa Roca is carved into the solid rock 200 meters above sea level amid 120,000 m² of mature pine forest. This ultra modern–minimalist mansion boasts spectacular 180º panoramic views of Ibiza Old Town, the beaches of Salinas, Es Codolar and the island of Formentera. The property is very spacious and tastefully furnished boasting 8 suites, each with fantastic views and featuring the latest luxury amenities. Its magnificent swimming pool features waterfalls, a hidden cave, a floating cabana, sub–aquatic pool windows as well as a spring–water mist system to keep guests cool by the pool. A professional Chef is on hand every night whilst other staff ensure that guests get pampered in a most personal way. Villa Roca Ibiza ensures your stay in Ibiza as unique as you desire. Available for rent as from €3,000 per night.

Website: www.villarocaibiza.com

Cruising & Yachting

Emeraude Classic Cruises

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.

WallyIsland

WallyIsland is the latest project developed by WallyDesign. The aim is to have a mega yacht with all the comforts and amenities to live onboard full time. It should be completely independent and self–sufficient as well as feature improved nautical characteristics compared to those of similar–sized yachts. With 99 meters of length, the vessel features a huge forward deck area of 1,000 m² that can be devoted to different uses such as a tennis court, mini soccer court, helipad, garden with swimming pool as well as a perfect area for event celebrations. The interior compromises the main saloon, living/dining room, guest accommodations for 24 persons, library, cinema, spa, wellness and fitness area, and of course, the crew and steering/navigation area. The price of a WallyIsland is very competitive because the yacht is characterised by a ´commercial´ look — with no fairing and paint. The megayacht resembles a tanker and the rough finishing contributes to the unique appeal of this creation.

Website: www.wally.com

Aviation

The BA609: The World's First Civilian Tiltrotor

One of the starts at this year's Paris Le Bourget Airshow is without any doubt the Bell–Agusta BA609 Tiltrotor aircraft. The manufacturers claim that that the BA609 provides a totally new approach to corporate transport. The BA609 Tiltrotor combines the speed, altitude, and comfort of a turboprop with the vertical takeoff and landing capabilities of a helicopter. Having cruising capabilities of 25,000 ft., this versatile aircraft will fly in icing conditions and extreme climates, from Arctic to desert. With seating up to nine passengers and at twice the speed of typical helicopters of comparable capacity, the BA609 is designed to be the best multi–mission aircraft for the task. An executive could conceivably take off from the helipad of a country house outside London, fly in comfort to a meeting in Frankfurt in just 60 minutes, then fly on to Zurich, Milan and back home for early dinner. All with a minimum of ground transportation requirements.

Website: www.bellagusta.com

Creation of a new charter giant in Germany

A merger of DaimlerChrysler Aviation and Cirrus Aviation will lead to the creation of a new German charter giant shortly offering a combined fleet of 33 aircraft. Entrepreneur Dr. Lutz Helmig and his company Aton, based in Fulda, have acquired 51 per cent of the Saarbruecken–based Cirrus Group, while 49 per cent of the shares remain with Gerd Brandecker, the managing shareholder. The new company will include DCA (formerly DaimlerChrysler Aviation), which was recently acquired by Dr. Helmig. DCA traditionally has concentrated on German companies operating corporate jets. A large part of Cirrus Aviation's activity consists of serving companies in eastern Europe, an area in which it has developed into one of the leading specialists. Together, the companies offer an attractive mixed fleet. Being able to offer a variety of options is important in business aviation, as the planes need to cover widely differing customer needs. The criteria for an aircraft charter can include reach, speed, seating capacity and onboard comfort.

Website: www.dc-aviation.com & www.cirrus-aviation.com

Eastern Europe home to new VLJ air taxi company

The skies of Eastern Europe, Turkey and Russia will shortly welcome a staggering 220 Eclipse 500 aircraft. ETIRC Aviation, based in Turkey, has placed an order for 180 Eclipse 500 aircraft — 120 firm and 60 options. Roel Pieper, chairman of ETIRC Aviation, believes that Eastern Europe has many emerging business growth markets that are ideal for the Eclipse 500. This order is sure to be the catalyst for the introduction of air services to many eastern European communities, and will ultimately help accelerate economic development. The order complements a recent ETIRC order for 40 Eclipse 500s. ETIRC Aviation seriously boosted its initial order based on the level of interest and enthusiasm from business leaders and entrepreneurs in the region, especially in countries such as Russia and Turkey. The company plans to develop into an operational and management firm.

Website: www.etirc.com

Hotels & Resorts

Portrait Suites

Portrait Suites is an Italian–style townhouse by the Ferragamo family hotel group, located in the heart of Rome’s most elegant neighbourhood. Visitors enter through a discreet doorway and into a mezzanine reception elegantly decorated by Michele Bonan with Ferragamo–inspired furnishings. With its eight studios, five suites and one penthouse, the hotel aims to impress with style and refinement above overindulgent service and amenities. Each of the suites and studios feature separate living and sleeping spaces as well as bar/kitchenettes for drinks or small cooking. On top of the building, a pleasant roof–top terrace offers a breathtaking view over the city. The hotel is named after portraits of entertainment and fashion stars that line its walls. This urban retreat is a welcoming Italian house where every detail has been designed to make life a ´Dolce Vita´.

Cap Estel

Secluded on its own private two hectares peninsula, the 19^th century palazzo sits perched on a promontory between Nice and Monaco offering stunning views of the Mediterranean. The property consists of a main building, one separate building La Corniche, and two bungalows, La Mer and Le Parc. Each of them has its own style and all suites and rooms are equipped with state–of–the–art technology. Whether with a balcony or a terrace, all boast magnificent sea views. The cool, neutral tones of the walls and soft furnishings are de rigueur among many new Riviera hotels, but the Cap Estel also has its feet in the past. The contemporary sits perfectly beside bespoke reproduction antique furniture and grand Venetian mirrors. This prestigious venue of the Cotê d´Azur is also an ideal setting for private banquets, reception product launches, film and photo shoots.

Grand Hotel Continental

Housed in a former 17^th century palace, the Grand Hotel Continental is located in the heart of Siena, in the centre of the pedestrian shopping area within walking distance to the Piazza del Campo, the Duomo and all major attractions. Built by the famous architect Carlo Fontana, the hotel has retained many of its historic features, including magnificent frescoes and imposing walls of the Palazzo Gori. The great doors to each chamber usher you into spaces that would be unjust to be described as mere rooms. From the suites to the single rooms, each one is different, with frescoed vaulted ceilings or coffered wooden beams, terracotta floors, prints and paintings of acknowledged value, and splendid period furniture. The Sapordivino Wine Bar & Restaurant, situated in the winter garden serves exquisite traditional Italian cuisine and offers an outstanding selection of wines from its own cellar.

Correntoso Hotel

Enjoy scenic serenity or a wealth of outdoor pursuits in the peace of Argentinean Patagonia. Tucked away in the forest on the shore of the Lake Nahuel Huapi, over the mouth of the Correntoso River, this charmingly intimate retreat provides glorious views and quiet surroundings. The 33 well–appointed rooms feature a beautiful interior décor with fine woodwork, elegant and comfortable furnishings, and many modern in–room amenities. Other attractive features of the hotel include a heated swimming pool, massage treatments, a private port and beach. Bring your spirit of adventure for mountain walks, horse trekking, an array of water sports as well as skiing in winter. . Tasteful dishes with Patagonian flavours, including trout, deer and red meats are served in a charming environment that enjoys unforgettable vistas of the lake and the mouth of the river.

Gadgets & Wannahaves

AquaSkipper

Don’t just walk on water. Hop on it! The AquaSkipper is a human–powered hydrofoil developed by Inventist. It enables you to fly across the water by hopping up and down. Without noise or air pollution, this innovation will attract the attention of everyone while having fun at the same time you exercise. The AquaSkipper is light and strong as it is made out of aircraft aluminium and fibreglass. With your feet on the platform and your hands on the steering handles, simply hop up and down to propel yourself forward. The hydrofoils lift the AquaSkipper above the water, allowing you to move as fast as 27 km/h. It is not only an excellent way to enjoy an aerobic workout but it can also be used as a personal water shuttle from ship to shore or dock, for example. This gadget has positive buoyancy so it won't drop to the bottom like a stone. Turn heads everywhere you ride! Retail price as from €365.

Website: www.aquaskipper.com

Bottler

Functionality and premium quality materials were brought together in a nautical design. Ideal for superyacht owners with a good taste for wine, Bottler is the ultimate onboard accessory to hold wine or champagne. This exclusive wine holder has been designed based on findings of Gerolamo Cardano, who in 1537 developed a cardanic suspension (gimbals), in order to hold a compass stable against the ships movements. This luxurious object is formed by three concentric rings in which the holder always hangs perpendicularly even when navigating rough seas. The Bottler is truly bespoke, manufactured by hand with watch–making precision and can be custom–designed to match any yacht interior. It is the perfect accessory for the most demanding of wine aficionados. Price starts as from €5,000.

Website: www.bottler.nl

Humdinga

Very few amphibious vehicles are quite as capable on both land and water as the Gibbs Humdinga. This 5–seater vehicle has been designed specifically to access remote and hostile terrain as well as to demonstrate the world that technology is adaptable for a whole range of applications. The Humdinga transforms from land to water mode at a touch of a button. The wheels retract, the power train switches from the wheels to a jet propulsion system and the vehicle is in amphibious mode. In just a few seconds the driver is planing at a speed of forty miles per hour. On land this 4WD can accelerate from 0 -100 km/h in 9 seconds and on water it can reach the ‘plane’ in less than 10 seconds. The Humdinga has a curb weight of 2,000 kg, has all–wheel independent air suspension and runs on regular unleaded petrol. It’s currently not ready for sale yet but a production model is about two years away from market.

Website: www.gibbstech.co.uk

For sale

Great & Little Hans Lollik Islands

Under the U.S. flag in the popular US Virgin Islands, Great and Little Hans Lollik Islands are a truly private island paradise in the Caribbean. Over 200 hectares in size, Great Hans Lollik boasts a breathtaking unspoiled crescent coconut beach as well as some other lovely beaches. Stunning vistas and cliffs, palm forests and crystal–clear waters, make it ideal for a single opulent home or for the world’s finest eco–resort with accessory residences. Its adjacent island, Little Hans Lollik, on the other hand consists of 40 hectares of land with a magnificent powder–white sand beach. Absolute privacy and enviable panoramic vistas are this island’s fortes. Both islands are offered for sale together at €33,100,000 by Vladi Private Islands, who will also consider their individual sale.

Contact: info@vladi.de

Noetzie Castle

Originally built as a holiday house in 1932 from the natural stone found on site, the historic Noetzie Castle is a fine example of baronial splendour and one of the most unusual properties in South Africa. Located on pristine Noetzie beach, adjacent to the internationally acclaimed Pezula Private Estate in Knysna, the castle consists of two dwellings, both of which have been meticulously restored to their original historic glory and boast all the luxurious amenities that are to be found in a property of such substance. The main Castle covers 656 square metres and features three bedrooms en suite, while the Honeymoon Castle consists of 190 square metres with only one spacious bedroom en suite. Owners of the Castle will be granted full access to Pezula's superb facilities. Currently for sale at € 8,830,000.

Contact: property@pezula.com

Lifestyle Planner

Looking for a weekend escape or seeking an ideal excuse to exchange the daily office hustle–and–bustle for some extravaganza, glamour and inspiration to push your credit card to the limit?

Salon Privé London

Set within the stunning grounds of one of the UK’s oldest and most prestigious member’s clubs, The Hurlingham Club in London, Salon Privé is a spectacular 3 day event that combines the world’s rarest, newest and most spectacular cars with a sizzling selection of luxury and celebrity entertainment which includes ‘An Evening with Ron Dennis, CBE, ‘An Evening with England’s Rugby stars’, a luxurious Ladies Day and culminating in the return of the Classic Hurlingham Club Concours d’Elégance.

New car launches, £1million rings, exotic holiday auction prizes, ‘money can’t buy’ raffle prizes for the ladies, the Boodles ‘Best Dressed Lady Award’, daily barbecues and black tie dinners, casinos, celebrities and dancing all perfectly packaged to produce a unique event.

From the UK premiere of the stunning Spyker C12 Zagato, to the new Rolls–Royce Drop Head Coupe, Bentley Brooklands, Lamborghini LP640 Roadster, Koenigsegg CCX, Fisker Tramonto, Wiesmann Roadster, Aston Martin V8 Roadster, the Morgan Aeromax and the Gumpert Apollo, guests will be stunned by the spectacular combination of horsepower and elegance!

Additional displays include a stunning collection of luxury brands: Boodles, Buccellati, Ducati, Edmiston Yachts, Holland & Holland, Patek Philippe, The World and, of course, XO Private.

For its sheer style and extravagance, Salon Privé is a unique experience. Details of each day’s entertainment can be viewed on the website www.salonprivelondon.com.

As this is a private event, tickets are extremely limited. Salon Privé and XO Private are delighted to offer XO Private Insider readers a special reduction of 10% off the published ticket rates, activated when entering the code XO7 into the website. See you there!

Interesting Finds

Rocket Racing League

The Rocket Racing League is an aerospace sport and entertainment organization that combines the competition of racing with the excitement of rocketry. The NASCAR–style racing league features rocket–powered aircraft that are flown by top pilots through a 'three–dimensional track way' at venues throughout the world. With millions of fans who enjoy racing and air shows, and an even wider audience enthralled with humanity's next step into space, rocket racing is destined to become the future of racing! To offer the race fan a true feeling of speed and power, a variety of cameras will follow the race from balloons, chase planes and the cockpits of vehicles. A sense of danger and excitement will surround the high profile X–Racer pilots creating a hero status environment for race fans. The Rocket Racing League plans for a full race schedule in 2008.

Website: www.rocketracingleague.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!