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The real adventure

Soaring Safaris

Throughout history many have wanted to travel the Dark Continent but most have been thwarted by the many hardships facing the intrepid wanderer. Now there is an answer for those wanting to explore Africa in a most exceptional and comfortable way. Soaring Safaris offers custom-made packages complete with your own personal aircraft and pilot/travel guide. Prior to departure, the Soaring Safaris team will help travellers schedule a trip to see the African wonders that most inspire their imagination. One of many options is the awesome Cape to Cairo exclusive flying safari which is without any doubt a life lasting experience.

Car manufacturers you’ve never heard of

Wiesmann GmbH & Co

Nationality:	German
Founded:	1988
Model line–up:	Roadster MF3, Roadster MF30 and GT MF4
Product description:	The roadster is a classic car with timeless, elegant design but state-of-the-art technology including a steel-pipe space frame; the GT has the same basic design philosophy, technology–wise it has an aluminium monocoque in order to keep the weight of the car low for high dynamic driving pleasure. All cars are handmade in Wiesmann’s own manufacturing site.
Current price: (excl. tax and ex factory)	Roadster MF3 €93,900 Roadster MF30 €88,900 GT MF4 €107,000
Annual production:	175 cars
Waiting list:	Up to 12 months
Company founder:	Friedhelm Wiesmann (b. 1954) Martin Wiesmann (b. 1952)
Childhood hero:	Enzo Ferrari
Founder’s favourite car:	Ferrari GTO
Would love to own:	Porsche Carrera GT
Website:	www.wiesmann.com

Private Islands & Villas

Cousine Island

For those wanting to get away from it all, why not consider an exclusive, yet nature-friendly escape with friends or family on Cousine Island in the Seychelles. This privately-owned nature preserve allows its guests to view and even participate in activities such as restoration of woodlands, the re-introduction of native species, and ecological monitoring of the delicate balance of nature. The island resort can accommodate up to 10 guests in 4 elegantly appointed French-colonial style bungalows. Guests are free to roam the 25 hectare island as the lord of the manor knowing that they share it only with their party and the 16 person staff. Facilities include a large open-plan dining room in the Pavilion along with a bar/lounge and an air-conditioned library which overlooks a large freshwater swimming pool. Exclusive Island let for 8 people costs €5,500 per night plus 7% hotel tax. This price is all inclusive of accommodation, all meals and drinks and all island based activities.

Cruising & Yachting

Silvestris

In the thousand plus year tradition of illustrious Dutch boat makers, the new notable man on the scene is Maarten de Bruijn. Highly regarded in the world of supercars, his attention has recently been on the craft of his forebears. The latest product of his imagination is the new Silvestris 23’ Cabriolet. This sleek boat captures the essence of the classic runabout while extending the limits on the technological advancements in design and materials, unique detailing and performance. The finest in seawater resistant, specially developed, hand-stitched leather, along with a massive V8 engine combine to bring you the perfect blend of power and refinement in this future classic watercraft.

Website: www.silvestris-aquamotive.com

Ichobezi

Imagine yourself chugging along in a 3.5 meter skiff powered by a 40hp outboard motor cautiously trying to avoid the herds of hippos to one side of your boat while not antagonizing the large river crocodiles to the other. When you’ve had enough excitement with the wild animals at the confluence of the Zambezi and the Chobe Rivers which marks the meeting place of Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia, you can then return to one of two stately safari boats for cocktails on the entertainment deck while watching another famous African sunset. Day then slowly turns towards night which is accented by an exquisite meal prepared by the skilful Chef before enjoying another most comfortable night aboard the Ichobezi luxury safari boats.

Aviation

Saudi prince secures private flying palace

HRH Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Alsaud, chairman of the Kingdom Holding company, has signed a firm order with Airbus for a private, VIP version of a the Airbus A380 double-deck airliner. The prince is currently already the only private owner of a Boeing 747-400, but he is understood to have appreciated the ‘Flying Palace’s space, comfort, tranquillity and ability to fly non-stop around the world. The Airbus A380 has indeed a comfortable floor space of 551 m² in case you’re still considering the aircraft too.

Website: www.airbus.com

Lufthansa boosts private jet operation

Lufthansa is planning to place a double-digit order for new business jets in the next three months for its Lufthansa Private Jet operation as demand for the premium service continues to soar. Lufthansa Private Jet began services in 2005 with fractional ownership provider NetJets Europe from whom it acquired a fixed number of charter hours on its business jet fleet. The service was a phenomenal success attracting up to 10 customers per day. However, the relationship with NetJets began to sour when increasing numbers of Lufthansa passengers began using the service from airports that were not major hubs. NetJets ended the agreement in August last year and, meanwhile, German charter company DCA has been contracted to provide flights for Lufthansa Private Jet until the new business jets arrive.

Website: www.lufthansa-private-jet.com

New heliport in Dubai

Owned and operated by the government of Dubai, helidubai is further developing the first dedicated heliport in the United Arab Emirates. City Heliport is situated at the heart of the new financial district and is already open for daylight operations and restricted night operations. Located near what is called the Gate, the helidubai City Heliport is expected to be fully operation 24 hours a day by early 2008. New heliports will also be opened on the Bur Dubai and Deira sides of the Creek. All of this means that access will be available to anyone, anytime from anywhere, straight into the centre of Dubai.

Website: www.helidubai.com

Hotels & Resorts

L’Albereta

Under the spell of the renowned Michelin starred chef Gualtiero Marchesi’s cuisine and the enchantment of a countryside immersed in silence, L’Albereta will turn your holiday into a unique tailored chance to regenerate. Perfect for a long relaxing stay or shorter breaks, the fabulous 1,500 square meter, state-of-the-art Spa boasts a huge fitness centre, large indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam bath and every manner of health and beauty treatment featuring the products of Dr. Henri Chenot. Of the superbly individually decorated guest rooms, the deluxe guestroom is, without any doubt, the most romantic with its retractable roof for stargazing.

Sri panwa

The beautiful seaside location of Sri panwa, the lush greenery of the tropical forest and the mountainous slopes offer breathtaking view of the aquamarine blue sea. Situated 40-meters above sea level, occupying the entire cape of the legendary cape Panwa of Phuket Thailand, Sri panwa is an inspiration of paradise living. Harmoniously incorporating luxury living with extreme comfort the 1 to 4-bedroom private pool villas are uniquely designed to make the guests feel right at home. The estate is secluded but it is only within minutes away from all the essential conveniences such as golf courses, other pristine beaches and islands and shopping areas.

Castello Del Nero

For centuries Italy’s Tuscan region has conjured images of romance and beauty. Today a carefully restored 12^th century castle takes Tuscan splendour to new heights. While attentively maintaining respect for its historic surroundings, Castello Del Nero seamlessly introduces the latest in modern living. Past grandeur is on display in the many frescoes, vaulted ceilings and the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills, olive gardens and vineyards. This contrasts with 21^st century conveniences such as the latest in technological solutions and the area’s first exclusive destination spa experience offering the latest in holistic treatments. And who leaves Tuscany without the lasting memory of its gastronomic delights? Castello Del Nero’s La Torre Gourmet Restaurant is the perfect setting for a Tuscan food and wine event.

Azura

Just off the coast of Mozambique at the southeast of the continent lies Benguerra Island. All the splendour, beauty and magic that come to mind when dreaming about a tropical island paradise are to be found here. The idyllic Azura island retreat was designed as a celebration of the beauty of Africa. From its people, to its land, to its amazing seas, this luxurious eco-boutique will inspire you. Set within a national park, Azura offers just 14 exquisitely designed villas furnished with the textures of Africa each with private plunge or infinity pool. During your stay you can dive the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean and may encounter the elusive whaleshark or manta ray. Alternatively, you can visit the resort’s Spa for a truly unique African extravagance.

Gadgets & Wannahaves

Ego Lifestyle Notebook

Several years ago, the Dutch founder of Ego Lifestyle came up with a simple but unique concept: a notebook computer that looks like a bag. He envisioned it to be trendy and contemporary; a stunningly fashionable lifestyle piece of electronic jewellery, with outstanding computer technology. After years of research and development, an innovative, luxurious design notebook and portable DVD player was introduced. Every Ego is made by hand to ensure that each notebook is unique. Only the finest materials are used for the Ego skins and they can, of course, be personalized with a wide variety of choices of leather, colour, art work, embossing, stitching and/or printing. All trends are tracked by in-house designers so that new collections of interchangeable skins and accessories can be introduced several times a year. The 2.6 kilograms standard retails at EUR 5,840.

Website: www.ego-lifestyle.com

Alurunner

Have you had enough of skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling? Then it’s time to take up sledding. The Alurunner represents a new age sledding concept! No more bumpy rides thanks to the spring-mounted seat suspension with steel spring shock absorbers. New in the sledding industry, the world’s first sled with real shock absorption has significantly improved its driving stability and even jumps are possible. The Alurunner is manufactured with the highest possible technical standards. The entire frame is made of aluminum tubing, the seat is considered indestructible and the shock absorbers are used under extreme conditions in off-road cycling sports. Thanks to the collapsible aluminum frame the sled is easy to store and transport in its carry bag. Steal the show this winter while sledding the slopes with the Alurunner. Retail price as from EUR 449.

Website: www.alurunner.com

Casa Vespa

Casa Vespa is specialized in exclusive limited edition Vespas. The keynote this year is the homeland of Vespa, Italy. There are 20 limited editions with diverse topics. To assure exclusivity, only 10 Vespa’s will be produced of each edition! Besides the limited editions Casa Vespa has more to offer such as regular Vespa’s, exclusive accessories and business editions for customers. Casa Vespa supplies its products throughout Europe. With limited Vespa editions such as the Italian Carabinieri, Polizia, La Gazzetta dello Sport but also editions like Herbie and the New York Taxi, this concept is unique for Vespa lovers! Prices start as from EUR 2,429

Website: www.casavespa.com

For sale

Soneva Kiri Private Villas

New heights of luxury tropical living bless residents with ultimate peace and tranquility at the Thai hideaway of Soneva Kiri. On the isle of Koh Kood, 36 exclusive ocean-view villas will be set upon hilltops and beachfronts. Now on offer are the first phase of 20 villas starting at just over EUR 3 million. Set on approx. 5,500 square metres each, and boasting four to six bedrooms, the prestigious Soneva Kiri villas are accessed only via private planes (45 minute flight from Bangkok) and boats, designed to cradle residents in plush comfort. Quiet beauty pervades not just Soneva Kiri’s 60 hectares, but the entire isle of Koh Kood with its timeless rainforest surrounded by clear emerald seas and pristine beaches. Embodying its motto, “intelligent luxury,” Soneva Kiri is built with the principles of ecologically sustainable design and with construction methods adapted to protect the priceless environment.

The Sukhothai Residences

Bringing Thai culture and modern architecture into a romantic and aesthetically pleasing environment, The Sukhothai Residences in Bangkok (Thailand) offer a wealth of luxury services provided by the internationally recognized Sukhothai Hotel. Two world-renowned masters of lifestyle design, Kerry Hill and Ed Tuttle reunite for The Sukhothai Residences to provide a dream home for the discerning few who value quality living. The 41-storey tower comprises 9 tailor-made penthouses and 187 typical units with sizes ranging from approx. 100 to 1,200 square meters. Facilities will include a concierge, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a children’s pool and playroom, a landscaped garden, a tennis court, and basement car park. In addition, there will be a floating pavilion housing a juice bar, gymnasium, yoga and aerobic studio, steam room and sauna.

Website: www.sukhothairesidences.com

Your Inside Partner

Luxury Concierge China

All discerning travellers have a “Little Black Book” which they can comfortably turn to when in search of a good time. When in Shanghai, Luxury Concierge China (LCC) will open theirs for you. Whether you’re in the market for luxury accommodation, private guided tours, cuisine and nightlife recommendations or special events, LCC can be your insider’s guide to this vibrant heart of the East. Unparalleled access to Shanghai and a network of long-standing partnerships enables LCC to offer discounted rates on a number of activities and gain access to exclusive VIP events. The inimitable city of Shanghai is truly a world-class destination for art, architecture, food, shopping and entertainment, but like any large metropolis, a little local knowledge goes a long way. For a good time in Shanghai call Luxury Concierge China.

Interesting Finds

Based On A True Story

Based On A True Story (BOATS) specializes in creating altogether extraordinary holidays to exotic and far-flung locales. Each will be individually created and completely removed from tourist infrastructures, whether it be a hot-air balloon traverse of the Kalahari Desert, an encounter with the less than predictable Himba nomads in Namibia, residing in specially built luxury igloo with en suite bathroom or visiting the paradise-like Andaman Islands, Based On A True Story provides the ultimate in luxury travel. BOATS represents a life-long respect and commitment to adventure and exploration. Celebrated chefs, renowned local entertainers, exclusive activities and events are all co-ordinated to ensure a continuum of extraordinary experiences. The essence of a BOATS holiday is carefully captured by a specially assigned BOATS facilitator who is also a skilled photographer. The photography is then edited and presented in a lavish leather-bound book. With the help of clients, BOATS strives to help the preservation of indigenous cultures and supports environmental issues around the world.

Website: www.basedonatruestory.co.uk

A Perfect Gift

The Private Collection — Edition 2008

The latest arrival in the series of luxurious coffee table books has again experienced a staggering success ever since its public launches in Cannes and Monte–Carlo earlier this year. Once more reported to be the most stunningly beautiful of inspiring travel books, The Private Collection – Edition 2008 is now available through the elite XO Private corporate partner network of private banks and other luxury lifestyle providers. Alternatively, should you not be a privileged client of one of them, you can now order your own, personal copy of the portfolio on the XO Private website. Don’t wait any longer and order your copy now or surprise a friend with a fabulous and most original gift!