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The real adventure

Dune Buggy Tours

Brésil Aventure specializes in the operation of dune–buggy tours along the coast and the mountain trails of Northeast Brazil, where participants drive themselves for a week or two this easy–to–manage vehicles to explore glorious stretches of wild coastline. With a fleet of 30 dune–buggies, guests travel in small groups, two persons in each buggy, and are led by bilingual guides providing an exhilarating adventure through deserted beaches, salt waters, monstrous dunes of shifting sand and plenty of rivers to be crossed. Depending on the itinerary selected, participants will travel between Fortaleza and Natal, about 600 km to the southeast or towards Sao Luis, nearly 1000 km to the northwest. Each night, lodging is pre–arranged in the typical and charming ´pousadas´ of tropical Brazil including all meals, featuring delicious and healthy local specialties and a multitude of tropical fruits.

Car manufacturers you’ve never heard of

Ascari

Nationality:	United Kingdom
Founded:	1995
Model line–up:	KZ1, KZ1R (Academy Car) and A10
Product description:	While it is the same fibre carbon monocoque chassis and body shell underpinning both cars, the KZ1R is the stripped-out track car offering the same 500bhp as the more luxurious KZ1. The forthcoming A10 is Ascari at its most extreme, offering 600bhp and 354km/h.
Current price: (excl. tax and ex factory)	KZ1 €350,000
Annual production:	Approx. 20 cars
Waiting list:	Up to 6 months
Company founder:	Klaas Zwart (b. 1951)
Childhood hero:	Alberto Ascari
Founder’s favourite car:	Ascari KZ1
Would love to own:	A10
Website:	www.ascari.net

Private Islands & Villas

Lake Okareka Lodge

Home to some of the most amazing earth forces, Rotorua is the spiritual home of New Zealand's native people, the Maori, making it both a geothermal wonder and an adventure playground. Lake Okareka Lodge is a 5 star, 700 square meters adventure and luxury oasis nestled amidst New Zealand’s storied natural landscapes. This lakeside lodge is comprised of 3 casually elegant villas set on a private sand beach. Up to nine guests can be accommodated with boathouse helipad. This sportsman’s paradise offers year round fly fishing accessed by private speedboat, as well as kayaking, windsurfing, waterskiing and jetskiing. Attractions such as nature trails, crystal springs, golf and a day spa also lie within reach.

Vamizi Island

After many years of being hidden from the outside world, Mozambique’s Vamizi is now quietly opening its doors to be explored for the first time, through a careful balance of conservation and discreet tourism. An exquisite lodge has been created from where a small handful of guests can step out of 12 beautifully appointed private beach houses into a world of powder sands, virginal reefs and secret coves. A myriad of trails will take guests through the pristine coastal forest, home to Samango monkeys and Giant Coconut crabs. For the more adventurous there are kayaking tours through the mangroves, diving trips to the 16 dive sites around the island and for the keen blue–water fishermen, the vertical drop-off teams with sailfish, giant trevally and wahoo. Price as from €370 per night per person sharing.

Website: www.vamizi.com

Cruising & Yachting

H2X Yachts & Ships

Born at La Ciotat port on the French Riviera, the new H2X MCAT Bradley raises the bar with respect to quality European cruising vessels. Capable of travelling comfortably at over 20 knots with accommodation for 10 guests and a crew of 4, this new design is perfectly suited for pleasure cruising the wondrous Mediterranean Sea. With modern finishings such as, ceruse oak wood, exotic wenge wood floors and teak decking, this innovative new catamaran stands as a tribute to refined tastes. Equally a technological wonder, she comes equipped with two hydro jets making her extremely manoeuvrable, and the latest in state-of-the-art satellite navigation equipment conferring comfort, security and ease of use. The MCAT Bradley by H2X comes with a price tag of €10 million.

Website: www.h2x.com

Sultans of the Seas

If your idea of bliss is a tropical getaway of island hopping from one pristine desert isle to the next amid spectacular turquoise seas, then Sultan of the Seas is for you. Easily accessing any of the more than 1,000 stunning islands of the Maldives, the three high-performance, luxury yachts of Sultans of the Seas boast sophisticated entertainment systems, ranging from Bose hi-fi to wide-screen televisions, as well as private butlers, scuba diving and jet skis. Each is capable of accommodating up to 10 guests in spacious, elegant cabins. All tailor-made voyages offer memorable moments amongst the tropical coral islands of the Maldives. Diving or snorkelling with dolphins, turtles, puffer and clown fish and candlelit barbecues on deserted islands are just some of the experiences to choose from. Stops at signature resorts for lunch or spa treatments can be arranged.

Aviation

Seaplanes on the rise through Scottish skies

One of Scotland’s most popular island destinations is to get direct air links to Glasgow despite not having an airport. Following the success of frequent daily flights to Oban from the River Clyde Scotland’s newest airline, Loch Lomond Seaplanes, is to begin regular flights to Mull. Loch Lomond Seaplanes will be flying up to four times a day to Tobermory harbour from this Spring, reducing travelling time to and from Glasgow to just 31 minutes. This service, using a nine seat Cessna 208, will run from March through to November. The company is keen to improve transport links across the whole of the west of Scotland and the seaplane provides a sustainable alternative to roads and ferries.

Website: www.lochlomondseaplanes.com

Asia’s first fractional ownership operation

Asia is set to welcome its first dedicated fractional ownership operation later this year through BJETS, a Singapore-based company. The company announced firm orders for 20 Cessna Citation CJ2+ and 20 Hawker 850XPs and 900XPs. The first aircraft will be delivered within a month and 15 are expected to be in service by the end of 2008. All aircraft will be registered in India, and based primarily in Mumbai and Singapore. Apart from fractional ownership, the company will also offer block charter and aircraft management services. The major shareholder of BJETS is the USA–based investment firm Briley Group and its other backer is Indian Hotels Company, operator of the Taj brand of hotels in India and part of international conglomerate Tata Group.

Website: www.bjets.com

Iron Maiden rock group lead singer pilots tour aircraft

Astraeus, the independent UK airline which manages and operates a Boeing 757 passenger–combi combination privately for rock supergroup Iron Maiden, recently reported increasing interest from other groups and companies in making a similar arrangement. The aircraft combination type for Iron Maiden, whose lead singer Bruce Dickenson is a pilot for the airline, is currently the only one of its type. Capt. Dickenson will fly the band and support crew in the B757 on some of the tour sectors. The aircraft has undergone an interior modification which has major significance for the worldwide logistics and events industry. The aircraft conversion cuts days off the turnaround time between concerts when on tour, because the band, crew and essential equipment can all travel together, meaning a two day road or sea trip can be dispatched in hours or even minutes.

Website: www.flystar.com

Hotels & Resorts

Lebua at State Tower

Eastern style meets Western extravagance and service in Lebua at State Tower in Bangkok. This 5 star resort in the heart of the gateway to the east been designed with an eye towards the demands of the discerning traveller. In addition to luxury suites that set the standard in Bangkok and cityscapes to rival any on the Old Continent, Lebua at State Tower prides itself on attention to every detail. If the many wonders of Bangkok demand a little pampering and a quiet night in the room, guests have the option to order one of the Chefs to cook a gourmet meal en suite. Of course, there’s always the option of visiting The Dome on the 64th floor and its world–renown restaurants — Sirocco, Mezzalua and Distil. Located in the middle of the sky, Sirocco is the world’s highest al fresco restaurant with a dramatic view of Bangkok.

Royal Zambezi Lodge

Perched on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, the Royal Zambezi Lodge offers style along with a wildlife retreat to match any in the vast stretches of Africa. Just beyond your doorstep, at the river’s edge, lies world–class fly–fishing, stunning nature photography and outstanding, professionally–guided canoe trips. Furthermore, the river’s best kept secret lies just beyond the bend where a vast, flat plain lies between two escarpments supporting a unique eco–system. Here the river teems with fish and houses an astounding bird population. Reed banks and islands are home to elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo and much more. Back at camp, your luxurious tented suite with private deck and plunge pool awaits. When the day’s adventures call for a restorative treatment, the Royal Zambezi Touch Spa is the perfect place for healing the body, mind and spirit.

The Lodge

Sir Richard Branson’s latest property, The Lodge in Verbier is perched high in the Swiss Alps in a forested area a short 10 minute walk from town. Verbier is building on its well deserved reputation as a year–round Alpine resort, and with all the activities going in summer, there’s no shortage of things to do.Guests will feel exhilarated after a spot of rock climbing, paragliding or white water rafting. Take in the spectacular scenery on foot, horseback ormountain bike or take a walk on the glacier. Enjoy a few rounds of golf on one of the many nearby courses or brush up on your tennis skills. Just want to relax? How about Yoga or Pilates followed by some incredible Spa treatments. The following day make use of the guest vehicles and arrange a day trip. After all those activities the Raymond Blanc trained chef will prepare a gastronomic feast, with the opportunity to dine in the centre of Verbier on one night. During the summer months, individual rooms can be booked for stays of 3, 4 or 7 nights. Alternatively, the entire lodge can be hired exclusively sleeping 18 adults, and up to 6 children in a specifically designed bunkroom.

Hotel Villa Arcadio

In the enchanting Salò hills, with a magnificent view of Lake Garda, surrounded by olive groves, stands the majestic Hotel Villa Arcadio. This ancient, 14^th century convent has been re–created into an exquisite 4 star hotel near the heart of Brescia. The area has long been an attraction for poets, artists and refined travellers. Today’s incarnation of the bygone retreat is a beautiful melding of rustic charm and modern design and technology. Hospitality is an art. At Villa Arcadio it is expressed through spontaneous elegance and innate warmth. A charming atmosphere, finely balanced between past and present, welcomes guests in every room and during each moment of the day. Whether immersing yourself in your favourite book or being enveloped in the purifying steam of the sauna, the old–world luxury of Villa Arcadio serves as the perfect elixir to the 21^st century’s frenetic pace.

Gadgets & Wannahaves

Eye Candy Caddies

Who says golf isn’t sexy? Add some beauty and glamour to the fairways and greens. With an Eye Candy Caddy by your side, other golfers will be green with envy. In April 2005 Sarah Stacey launched Eye Candy Caddies. Today she has established a portfolio of over 200 gorgeous caddies that have been taking the world of golf by storm. But the Eye Candy Caddy team in their attractive uniforms is much more than just a pretty face. The girls recognize that players want to concentrate on their game! Every Eye Candy Caddy has successfully completed a special Caddy training program, managed by a golf professional. Understanding and complying with the etiquette of golf is a core part of the training and service. Book your Eye Candy Caddy now and get a gorgeous new companion for unforgettable golf days.

Website: www.eyecandycaddies.com

Loftcube

Pioneering the art and artistry of contemporary living spaces is the revolutionary new Loftcube. This visionary architectural concept is now setting the standard for sleek, temporary structures that can easily be moved from place to place to keep up with the demands of those continually on the go. Owners of these modern, fully self-reliant apartments have found them useful for functions as disparate as temporary living spaces on downtown rooftops in busy cosmopolitan centres, on-location recording studios, weekend getaways on secluded beaches and on-set break areas for busy moviemakers. The interior spaces can be designed to fit its function and includes options such as an integrated kitchen, shower areas and a selection of floor coverings. Price as from €89,000.

Website: www.loftcube.net

TLC Icon

In the spirit of the original, rugged all terrain vehicle — the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ 40 — comes the new TLC ICON Baja 1000. This is truly a tough, contemporary vehicle with an old school resume. A perfect balance of classic design and modern performance, the Icon is a return to the character and purity of purpose of the original Toyota Land Cruiser. Its powerful, GM crate fuel-injected Ram Jet V8 is a venerable power plant, supported worldwide and well adapted to virtually any environment. The Baja 1000’s timeless styling and cutting edge engineering have taken it to a new level of utility. Handcrafted and custom designed to the highest standards of operation and durability, it is a vehicle without peer for a journey without boundaries. Price as from €65,000.

Website: www.tlcicon.com

For sale

Little Eden Cay

This exotic 10 hectare private island in the western Caribbean, lying just a few miles off the coast of Nicaragua, serves as a luxuriant hideaway for those looking for the ultimate in tropical island solitude and relaxation. Pristine white sand beaches virtually encircle the island ensuring cooling breezes and privacy year round. An exquisite plantation-style villa hand finished with Caribbean Rosewood and Golden Oak floors serves as the main residence with separate and discrete lodging for the island’s 12 full time staff. The island will soon be powered by a silent wind turbine to take advantage of the constant mild breezes. Two natural springs which flow year round supply all of the island’s water with one flowing freely into the large freshwater swimming pool. A dream that could be yours for €3 million.

Website: www.little-eden-cay.com

Your Inside Partner

Luxe India

The magic of Rajasthan is unequalled in the world for its heritage, culture, safaris, sand dunes and lush green forests with its wildlife. Rajasthan has always weaved a unique magic on its visitors, but imagine flying over the magnificent palaces and fortresses gaining a unique bird’s eye view of these awe inspiring structures by plane. Luxe India invites you to see this land in a unique way. Fly by private charter from Delhi to view the world’s most romantic monument, the Taj Mahal. Then, travel by train with private butler into the Ranthambhore Wildlife Reserve and experience the thrill of a safari to view India’s endangered and elusive tiger. Round it all up by flying over the magnificent forts and palaces of the desert state of Rajasthan whilst visiting the most famous of Forts at Amer and the lakes and palaces at Udaipur. All this time, be pampered in the most opulent of hotels and former homes of the Maharaja’s and experience India in a way rarely experienced before.

Lifestyle Planner

Dubai World Cup

As 11 of the world’s leading thoroughbreds stepped onto Dubai’s refurbished Nad Al-Sheba racecourse on 27 March 1996, one of racing’s most ambitious dreams came true. With the establishment of the annual invitation-only Dubai World Cup, the United Arab Emirates became home to one of the world’s top racing challenges, and drew the attention of millions of enthusiasts around the globe. In little over a decade, the event has established itself as the piece de resistance on the international horseracing calendar. Staged on March 29, the Dubai World Cup meeting comprises seven races. Today, the Dubai World Cup meeting enjoys a formidable reputation. Thanks to the foresight and benevolence of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, this enthralling event is not only a gift to the people of Dubai but to the entire world.

Website: www.dubaiworldcup.com

Interesting Finds

Squisito

X-Architects of Dubai have set new standards in spatial imagination and modern design in the shape of the new ‘O’ LUXURY houseboat. Inspired by the soothing breezes and stunning landscape of the Dubai coastline, these floating homes aim to allow one and all to melt into the therapeutic natural surroundings of the sea. Conceptualized to allow occupants to make the most of the outstanding scenery of the Arabian Peninsula, the houseboats also pay tribute to the best in European accessories, furnishings and fittings incorporating such designers as Kreon, Luxplafond and Roomart. By day, take a relieving refuge from a hectic schedule while drifting comfortably on the water’s gently swelling surface. While by night, let the stars bid you good night.

Website: www.squisito-houseboat.com

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!