Ultimate Illinois Route 66 Road Trip Itinerary

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from Luxury Columnist

ITB Berlin 2020 cancelled, but A Luxury Travel Blog appointments still go on!

Every year, for the past 54 years, ITB Berlin (Internationale Tourismus-Börse Berlin) – a major event in the travel industry calendar – takes place at exhibition grounds in the Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf district of Berlin, at a venue called Messe Berlin. The event has grown to be the biggest travel fair in the world, with around 10,000 […]

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from A Luxury Travel Blog

Romain Jerome watches launched in 2004, but it made its biggest splash in 2006 coming to prominence with a foundational series of Titanic DNA watches under CEO Yvan Arpa, a well known Swiss watch designer who had previously served as Managing Director for Hublot. Yet, though they were distinct for their recognisable and culturally relevant luxury Swiss watches, it finally declared bankruptcy on Friday 28th February 2020, after investors Alliance Investment Group SA, its majority shareholder, declined to continue supporting the company financially with immediate effect.

 

Romain Jerome, creators of Titanic DNA watch has declared bankruptcy

Though no reasons were cited, its hard to imagine that majority shareholder Alliance Investment Group SA didn’t consider the damaging (and potentially long lasting effect) of the coronavirus on global retail sales, but the effect casts pale pallor across the watchmaking industry nonetheless.

In October 2019, its current CEO Marco Tedeschi had just received a glowing profile lauding his successful leadership on Business Insider. Also hailing from Hublot where he was Regional Director, Tedeschi joined Romain Jerome in 2018 and quickly rebranded the company into RJ.  The then 32 year old was among the youngest watch brand CEOs at the time.

Under Tedeschi, RJ  released a new series of watches, expanding the brand’s ongoing pop cultural watchmaking philosophy kickstarted during the auspices of Arpa’s controversial “DNA” concept, having literal materials that belong to the history actually within the watch, like the rusted hull of the Titanic and for their Moon Orbiter series, steel from the Apollo 11 shuttle. It was this “controversy” that invited commentary from Forbes on whether these “collaborations” were explotative. Tedeschi pivoted and drew inspiration from other beloved icons of pop culture like superheroes of DC Comics or Marvel like Batman and Spider-Man, leaning into the video game series that his predecessor Manuel Emch began with characters like Super Mario, Space Invaders and Pac-Man.

RJ Watches at its peak

The winner of several watch design awards, Manuel Emch was gifted with considerable skills in the field of establishing and consolidating brand identity; Emech was headed Jaquet Droz before becoming the CEO of RJ Watches since January 2010. Emch stepped down late 2017 to join the Board of Directors where he continued to drive the overall strategy of the brand. Under him, Romain Jerome had arguably its most successful era commercially with cutesy yet culturally relevant collaborations with Hello Kitty and Pokemon. Though RJ was never a major watchmaker, generating CHF 20 million revenue at its peak – the brand generated significant PR value from its out-of-this-world watchmaking philosophy and kitschy marketing campaigns.

By the time Tedeschi joined Romain Jerome S.A., it was already considered a sinking ship. Pivoting to hip initials and leaning into chronographs while doubling down on its superhero series which included a $US15,700 limited edition timepiece inspired by Batman’s archnemesis, the Joker as seen by industry commentators as “too little too late”.

The immediate cessation of funding from Alliance Investment Group SA closes any possibility of shopping the brand to another buyer and the application for bankruptcy cuts 33 jobs as a result, ending the adventure of one the watch brands which sprouted during the heady 2nd golden age of watchmaking in the early 2000s.

 

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from LUXUO

Top 5 rainforest holidays

Rainforests are the oldest living ecosystems on Earth, and the most diverse. They cover only 2% of the Earth’s surface but up to 50% of the world’s plants and animals live within them. A quarter of ingredients for modern medicines are found in rainforest plants and rainforests play an essential role in maintaining the Earth’s […]

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from A Luxury Travel Blog

The Luminox BEAR GRYLLS Survival 3740 MASTER SERIES calls for adventure

Known for its Luminox Lighting Technology, the BEAR GRYLLS Survival 3740 MASTER SERIES feature micro gas lights for superior low-light performance.

The post The Luminox BEAR GRYLLS Survival 3740 MASTER SERIES calls for adventure appeared first on Men's Gear.

from Men's Gear

Whispers. A digital House of Rolls-Royce & Curated Luxury

An undertaking that started two years ago, under a cloak of secrecy, Whispers was launched to a select group of globally distributed clients. A test-phase followed and after garnering a positive response, Rolls-Royce continued t...

via JustLuxe.com

from JustLuxe: Luxury News and Reviews

Playing and Staying in Australia's Las Vegas Down Under, the Crown Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia is the ideal destination to stay and play and offers the urban explorer a holiday filled with endless options from in this vibrant and pulsating city.  Those visiting Melbourne know that there is one adult playground beyo

...

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from JustLuxe: LuxuryTravel News

The Rebirth of Hawaii's Iconic Mauna Lani Auberge

One of Hawaii’s premier oceanfront resorts has reopened following a beautiful $200 million redesign, and its devotees couldn’t be more pleased. A favorite of celebrities and power players, the tropical Mauna Lani Bay Hotel &am

...

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from JustLuxe: LuxuryTravel News

The Santa Barbara Culinary Experience Celebrates Julia Child: May 13-15, 2020

Julia Child could have chosen to live anywhere in the world; near the end of her illustrious career, she selected Montecito as her home. After spending years abroad, and splitting time between residences in Provence and Cambr

...

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from JustLuxe: Luxury News and Reviews

4 Easy Ways to Look & Feel Better in 2020

Are you looking for some quick, easy way to improve your overall health and wellness in 2020? Here are a few cutting-edge ways to see results.   Area 25 Acupuncture  This chic spa-like atmosphere incorporates Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern-day conveniences. Relax in all-white rooms accended with lush plants, comfy chairs and state-of-the-art massage beds […]

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from Pursuitist

The Leatherman Charge + G10 Multi-toll packs small and boasts 19 tools

The Leatherman Charge + G10 is corrosion-resistant and lightweight. It offers 19 tools for you to work with at a lightweight gear at just 8.0 oz | 226 g.

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from Men's Gear

Logitech Gives Your IPad Ingress Protection with the Rugged Folio

The Logitech Rugged Folio turns your iPad (7th-generation) into a rugged productivity slate that can handle a lot of abuse.

The post Logitech Gives Your IPad Ingress Protection with the Rugged Folio appeared first on Men's Gear.

from Men's Gear

The Timex Ironman R300 GPS Delivers Ultimate Endurance

the Timex Ironman R300 GPS lives us to its name by boasting a whopping 25 days of usage time on a single charge with full fitness tracking.

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Hurun Global Rich List 2020 discovers 346 new billionaires and Booming Industries due to Coronavirus

Adjusted for inflation, Rockefeller Was Almost Three Times Richer Than Bezos

According to the Hurun Global Rich List 2020 released yesterday 27 February 2020, the world has minted 346 new billionaires since 2019. The annual ranking of global US-Dollar billionaires are a snapshot of the financial standings of some of the world’s richest individuals as of 31 January 2020 and it is the Hurun Report has produced the Global Rich List for its ninth year running, this year, sponsored by Shimao Shenkong International Center, a real estate development in Shenzhen.

“A boom in tech valuations and strong stockmarkets across the US, India and China propelled the billionaires to record heights. The US had a record number of 626 billionaires. China, despite the Trade War, added 182 new faces to hit 799 billionaires, three times the number of new faces in the US, widening the gap with the US.” – Hurun Report chairman and chief researcher Rupert Hoogewerf

Hurun Global Rich List 2020 discovers 346 new billionaires added since 2019 and Booming Industries due to Coronavirus

According to Rupert Hoogewerf, chairman and chief researcher of the Hurun Report which produces the Global Rich List 2020, “China today has more billionaires than the US and India combined.” Indeed, wealth hit new record highs, rising 16% to US$11 trillion, rebounding after a 9% decrease in 2019. Analogously, the billionaires on Hurun’s Global Rich List could form  “the third largest country in the world, with total wealth equating to more than the GDP of any country other than the USA and China. The top 10 have a staggering US$1 trillion,” said Hoogewerf

Jeff Bezos is still on the top of the list despite a divorce and giving away US$10 billion

“The Global Rich List could form the third largest country in the world with their total wealth more than equal the GDP of any country other than USA and China.”

Ranking 2,816 billionaires from 71 countries and from 2,182 companies. The Rich List saw 346 new billionaires added from 2019; with 1,811 increasing their overall net worth while 604 saw their wealth decrease, losing 130 drop-offs from billionaire status largely due to falling real estate prices. Meanwhile 369 saw their billionaire holdings remain relatively unchanged.

Real Estate might have led some of the biggest declines in fortunes but its nevertheless still a formidable driver of wealth. By industry. Tech generated 18% of total wealth, followed by Investment 11%, Retail 9% and Real Estate, 8.5%. By number of billionaires, tech was the primary source of wealth for 12.7% of billionaires, followed by real estate 9.6%, manufacturing 8.7% and investments 8.6%.

“Every day we think we could be near a bottom, and every day we are not. Today, there were more reports of the virus showing up in places like Croatia, France, Germany, Austria, Greece and elsewhere. Borders are lines on a map. The virus has spread, and the question is how much do people change their travel plans.” – Cowen analyst Helane Becker

The Rise of Tech stocks and the Impact of the Coronavirus

The year leading into 2020 has generally been good for stock markets. NASDAQ (composition of the Composite is heavily weighted towards information technology companies) led the way with a 26% increase, whilst India and China’s stock markets rose 15% and 14%. However, these gains have been mostly wiped as realisation dawned that containment of the COVID-19 outbreak would likely be impossible, sending the Dow Jones down 1,200 points according to the Wall Street Journal. That said, despite the panic sell off which triggered a stop-loss protocol on the Chinese stock exchange after it re-opened following an extended Lunar New Year break to curb spreading of the coronavirus, China’s stock market is still rallied to a tune of 14% since 2019’s Rich List.

With much of China stuck at home in lockdown, the coronavirus has resulted in mini booms for online content providers like education and games – as a result, strong performances were evident this year in  online game companies, including Wu Xushun (US$2.4bn) of 37 Interactive Entertainment, up 29%, Chi Yufeng (US$5.1bn) of Perfect World up 17%, Lin Qi (US$1.2bn) of Yoozoo, up 8%, as well as Robin Li of Baidu, whose online video platform iQiyi rose 8%.

Perfect World Investment & Holding Group chairman Chi Yufeng (PRNewsfoto/Perfect World Co., Ltd.)

The school shutdown also benefitted online education providers like Chen Xiangdong (US$4.7bn) of Genshuixue who saw his share price rise by a third since end January, and market leader Zhang Bangxin (US$10.4bn) of TAL Education also rising.

Pharmaceutical companies, especially Healthcare entrepreneurs specialising in vaccinations also performed solidly including An Kang (US$4.2bn) of Hualan Biological Engineering, up 23%, Du Weimin (US$4.7bn) of Biokangtai, up 15% and Jiang Rensheng (US$8.8bn) of Zhifei Biological Products, which was up 8%.

As a result of travel advisories and/or travel bans both for both in-bound and out-bound travellers, industries that have been impacted the most include hospitality and travel companies, on the Global Rich List of the hardest hit – Zhang Yong of restaurant brand Haidilao, down 12%, Wang Xing of delivery platform Meituan-Dianping, down 15%.

The only non American among the top 5 billionaires – Bernard Arnault

When the world depends on you to be both producers and consumers, this is what results: China led the biggest growth of billionaires on Hurun’s Global Rich List with 182 newly minted high net worth individuals, followed by USA and India with 59 and 44. newcomers to the billionaire’s club came from tech (74), manufacturing (52), real estate (41), pharma (43), retail (30) and food & beverage (30); with 79 of the fastest risers. adding US$5 billion or more to their net worth over the past year, led by 25 from China, 10 from USA, 5 from France and 4 from India.

However, 7 of the world’s Top 10 billionaires on Hurun’s Global Rich List 2020 are from the USA. Steve Ballmer, Armancio Ortega and Bernard Arnault added over US$20 billion each, topping the list.  The Top 10 also added US$140 billion over the year and are now worth US$961 billion or 9% of the total list.

1. Jeff Bezos, of Amazon retains the top spot in the Hurun Global Rich List 2020 with US$140bn, down US$7bn, mainly due to the world’s largest divorce settlement with former wife MacKenzie Bezos
2. Bernard Arnault, the only non American among the top 5 billionaires, up two spots to second place with US$107bn, up US$21bn on last year.
3. Bill Gates, dropped down to third place on the Hurun Global Rich List 2020, with US$106bn, despite growing his wealth US$10bn.
4. Warren Buffett, dropped down one place to fourth spot, despite a US$14bn or 16% increase to US$102bn.
5. Mark Zuckerberg, aged 35, the youngest on the list, wealth was up by US$4bn, keeping him in fifth place with US$84bn.
6. Amancio Ortega, owner of Zara, up one place to sixth, on the back of a massive US$25bn increase to US$81bn. Tadashi Yanai, 70, of Fast Retailing, the owner of clothes retailer Uniqlo, also saw his wealth increase by over 40% to propel him into the Top 100 for the first time.
7. Carlos Slim Helu, a significant shareholder of the New York Times and financial conglomerate Citigroup, down one place to seventh with US$72bn.
8. Sergey Brin and Larry Page, founders of Google, both made the Top 10 for the second year running, up 26% and 26% to US$68bn and US$67bn.
9. Mukesh Ambani, of Reliance maintained a Top 10 place for the second time after a US$13bn or 24% surge in his wealth to US$67bn.
10. Steve Ballmer of Microsoft was the biggest winner on the list this year, on the back of Microsoft’s share price surge past US$1 trillion valuation and become the world’s most valuable company again.

Final Word, How many billionaires are there in the world exactly?

Hoogewerf says, “The world today has 6,500 dollar billionaires, up 500 on last year, assuming that for everyone we found, we have probably missed at least one if not more, particularly from the Gulf states.  We have found 626 billionaires in the USA, for example, suggesting the true number should be at least double that, perhaps as many as 1,500. In China, we have found 800, but the actual number should be closer to 2,000.”

 

 

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from LUXUO

Shanghai Apartment in Huangpu District.

Internationally acclaimed and award-winning design practice specializing in management, procurement and interior work, Carlisele Design Studio has once again exceeded expectation and showcased an unseen standard of quality, and well balanced composition of modern luxury and amenity.

The Phoenix Mansions of Hangzhou, China By Carlisele Design Studio

Thai Villa in Natai Beach, Khok Kloi, Phang Nga province.

Employing a breadth of expertise with Architects, Interior Designers, Lighting and Product Designers from ten nationalities, the team is united by its core values of ‘integrity’, ‘trust’ and ‘transparency’ which they bring to every aspect of each commission they undertake.

Mayfair Club

With an extensive portfolio of residential, developmental and hospitality work, the London-based Carlisele Design Studio is revered for their holistic turnkey service approach which melds creative ingenuity with a rigorous goal-oriented management-style.

Phoenix Mansions – Hangzhou, China

From the Belgravia Townhouse, to the Lagos villa and residence, and a family home in New York – the contemporary show apartment and villa, known as the Phoenix Mansions of Hangzhou, China, not only combines a traditional Chinese aesthetic with 21^st century Western design, but remains the studio’s most distinct and revolutionary product, to date.

Phoenix Mansions – Hangzhou, China

Featuring bedrooms for each family member, the Phoenix Mansions represent a narrative of elegance, outstanding flexibility and blue-sky thinking through the studio’s meticulous selection of bespoke furniture, fabrics, and equipment – utilizing leather and a neutral color palette of soft pink and grey, the show apartment exudes femininity.

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This & That: February 28, 2020

A new Julia Child series begins today on PBS, a book to offer inspiration regarding how to welcome your travel discoveries into your home, a memoir that takes readers to Paris, a new exhibit opens in Paris, and much, much more. Books —Ready or Not: Preparing Our Kids to Thrive in an Uncertain and Rapidly […]

from The Simply Luxurious Life®

Creating world-class business and travel essentials, designed to simplify, upgrade and beautify all aspects of life on the move since 1975 – high-end luggage manufacturer, TUMI released its first installment of ‘Perfecting The Journey’ on 25^th February 2020.

TUMI Features Actor Daniel Henney in ‘Perfecting The Journey’ Global Film Series

Revered for their never-ending drive toward perfection, TUMI’s latest series aims to investigate the constant process of improvement that ultimately shapes and changes culture at large. Aired through a sequence of impactful episodes, ‘Perfecting The Journey’ is inspired by various industries and individuals from all walks of life.

Tailing Daniel Henney, the first installment offers viewers an intimate view into the Korean-American actor’s pursuit of career excellence. From preparing for a scene to character research, the episode, directed by Jon Clements, details every moment of the young and ambitious performer’s creative process, along with depicting the impossible-to-repeat alchemy that must occur to capture a truly convincing clip.

“We see Daniel as a true global citizen always striving to perfect his journey… Knowing the passion we both share for our crafts made it easy to connect with him on a deeper level. I’m excited to share the first episode in this incredible new series and look forward to sharing more to come.” – Creative Director of TUMI, Victor Sanz.

As an avid user of TUMI, Daniel expresses his magnetic attraction to the brand’s style, design, reliability and longevity – qualities he considers ideal for his on-the-go routine. With various perfectly-sized compartments, Daniel’s favorite light bags, such as the Osborn Roll Top Backpack and the Gregory Sling, come from TUMI’s Harrison Collection. Housing an array of daily necessities, the actor elucidates TUMI’s positive impact on his hectic schedule. Besides shooting on location, Daniel values his down-time spent at the gym and often juggles multiple projects and clients through his laptop, which he brings everywhere.

“I love my TUMI backpacks. They are durable, resilient, resourceful. There’s a pocket for everything and I never have to worry about getting them too scuffed up or ripped open. I’ve got TUMI bags from years ago that I can still use because they’re so tough. And that’s who I like to see myself as, as a person and as an actor—someone who can get through anything, someone who is tough and resilient.” – Daniel Henney.

Campaigning an all-new, Asia-Pacific exclusive, lightweight travel collection, dubbed the 19 Degree Polycarbonate, alongside the film series, TUMI showcases its ongoing commitment to constant elevation through a range of beautifully-designed, sophisticated, stylish, lightweight and sturdy travel cases. Featuring enhanced expansion capabilities, a USB power port, additional security, plus upgraded wheel and handle systems for ultimate convenience and comfort.

‘Perfecting The Journey’ will broadcast globally across all official TUMI digital and social channels, including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

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from LUXUO

Move To The Mountains – Luxe Properties In Switzerland

Many cantons in Switzerland are fast becoming holiday home destinations all thanks to its unique propositions; of course the allure of skiing in the alps!

The Residences at Hard Rock Hotel Davos Switzerland

Nestled between France, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, and Italy, the landlocked country of Switzerland has always punched well above its weight compared to its much larger neighbours. A haven for the rich and known for its luxury watch industry, private banking, and beautiful countryside, Switzerland attracts people from around the world. It also happens to have a very unique property market.

The incredibly low cost of borrowing in Switzerland has led to the demand levels we are now seeing for purchasing a home, with transaction prices up over the last two quarters. Rent yields remain low, while a strong Swiss Franc versus the Euro continue to make it more expensive for Europeans to buy properties within Switzerland as opposed to other countries with better exchange rates.  This will not put off investors looking for a stable economy to park their hard-earned cash though. Although restrictions in place make some cantons difficult to purchase property in as a foreigner, all is not lost. As such, a holiday home destination, as opposed to the capital city, might be the right move for the right investor.

The spacious open-plan living and dining area of a unit at The Residences at Hard Rock Hotel, Davos, Switzerland

One such place attracting foreign investment is Davos. Situated in the canton of Graubünden, Davos offers a luxurious retreat outside of the country’s two major cities. Known for its beautiful countryside and home to the World Economic Forum, Davos hasn’t been on the global stage yet for its exquisite property market. Homes here don’t come cheap, with the median asking price of CHF 930,000 (approx. USD 939K). Prices are up 12 per cent on the previous year and as ever Switzerland remains a stable investment market especially in light of the current situation within the European Union.

Balcony offering views of mountains at The Residences at Hard Rock Hotel, Davos, Switzerland

Those looking to rent their property should also take into consideration the higher than average rental price within the town. Rents are up 5 per cent on last year and with an average price per month of CHF 1,548 (approx. USD 1,563), however, remains lower than the average in the canton of Graubünden.

 

The Residences at the Hard Rock Hotel, Davos

Rock n’ roll finally made it to Switzerland thanks to The Residences at the Hard Rock Hotel, Davos. The fully furnished luxurious residences offer fun for those looking at a full-year holiday destination. Located several thousand metres above sea level, Davos is excellent for those who love the mountainous outdoors with skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer.

Opened in 2018, the property provides residences with the typical Hard Rock experience. Rock n’ roll memorabilia throughout including a prize Elvis Presley silk shirt, a Hard Rock Cafe, and an upbeat party atmosphere – not your typical Swiss retreat. And with world-famous architects, Woods Bagot having given their expert touch throughout the development, it’s no wonder this is one of the most sought-after properties in the area.

Modern decor and aesthetics are created in this living room of The Residences at Hard Rock Hotel Davos Switzerland

The modern vibe of the hotel is expressed in the Residences. Each of the one-, two-, and three-bedroom units have a chic contemporary style that oozes rock n’ roll. Open plan layouts mean that each apartment is ideal for entertaining. While private parking and a secure ski room enable you to easily leave the resort either by car or ski.

The fully-equipped kitchen at Hard Rock Hotel Davos Switzerland

The amenities featured at the hotel and residences set the Hard Rock Hotel, Davos even further above sea level. The Rock Spa allows guests and residents to access a unique experience where music is added into the treatment fold. It’s so good that it won the Silver Travvy Award for Best Spa & Wellness Hotel/Resort this year. There’s also Rock Om yoga for all those yogis out there looking for an alternative yoga experience. Prices start at CHF 840,000 (approx. USD 848K) to CHF 2 million (approx. USD 2.02 million) for one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, ranging from 646 to 1,378 sq ft.

 www.residencesathrhdavos.com 

 

The Chedi’s living room

The Chedi Residences Andermatt
For those looking for Asian style in the heart of Europe, look no further than The Chedi Residences Andermatt. A culmination of the work of architects Denniston International Architects and Planners and Jean-Michel Gathy, the five-star hotel and residences is truly a work of art. As they say, “it has to be seen to be believed”.

The Chedi’s luxurious facade

With 119 integrated residences, offering the perfect luxurious countryside retreat, you may never want to leave the idyllic Switzerland town. All residents get access to the hotel’s amenities which include an indoor pool, a fitness centre and spa, as well as a 24/7 concierge, and ski and sports butlers. There are also several fine restaurants and bars throughout the development. Price on application. Read more about this property here.
www.thechedi-andermatt.com

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