Libations and Feasts to Celebrate the Lunar New Year 2025

The Year of the Snake ushers in a season of renewal and prosperity, celebrated through an array of exclusive culinary and drink offerings. From limited-edition spirits adorned with intricate designs to reimagined Lunar New Year feasts, luxury brands and top establishments are redefining tradition with sophistication. Be it the artistic flair of James Jean’s Johnnie Walker Blue Label or the elegant dining at Mondrian Singapore Duxton, this Lunar New Year promises to be an unforgettable celebration of flavours, culture, and creativity.

Martell’s L’Or de Jean Martell Zodiac Edition

Martell celebrates the Year of the Snake with its prestigious L’Or de Jean Martell Zodiac Edition – Assemblage du Serpent. A limited release of 500 individually numbered bottles, this rare masterpiece combines eaux-de-vie from past Snake cycles with a reimagined crystal decanter by Baccarat. The rich blend — carefully curated by Martell Cellar Master Christophe Valtaud — highlights the snake’s symbolism of wisdom, courage, and transformation. Encased in a hand-crafted crystal decanter adorned with intricate snakeskin motifs and a 19-carat gold neck, the assembly evokes an aura of elegance and mystique. With each sip, the delicate notes of citrus, spices, and fruits are woven into a symphony of bold flavors, reflecting the snake’s dual nature of gentleness and intensity.

Mondrian Singapore Duxton

Mondrian Singapore Duxton presents the return of Bottega di Carna’s highly anticipated Yu Sheng menu for the Lunar New Year. From 15 January to 12 February 2025, guests are invited to experience a contemporary twist on the traditional Lou Hei Yu Sheng, led by legendary butcher Dario Cecchini. This festive offering blends Italian innovation with cherished Chinese traditions, creating a memorable dining journey filled with symbolism and indulgence. The thoughtfully curated ingredients — ranging from crispy fish skin to Amalfi lemon honey plum sauce — symbolise prosperity, abundance, and good fortune for the Year of the Snake. Optional add-ons — such as scallop sashimi, lobster, and caviar — elevate the experience, making it perfect for intimate gatherings or grand celebrations. Additionally, Bottega di Carna’s new à la carte menu highlights sustainable cuts from Viñals Soler Farm, adding further depth to the culinary journey. Whether celebrating with family, friends, or colleagues, Bottega di Carna at Mondrian Singapore Duxton offers a unique and enriching way to welcome the Lunar New Year.

Hennessy

Hennessy is set to bring a captivating experience to Orchard Road with two immersive events for the Lunar New Year. Crafted, by Hennessy takes place from 13 to 26 January, offering a deep dive into Hennessy’s 300-year legacy through interactive exhibits at ION Orchard’s L4 ION Art gallery. The showcase highlights the brand’s heritage, craftsmanship, and influence across art, music, and culture. Additionally, the Hennessy Kinetic Spring Garden installation — running from 20 January to 2 February at ION Orchard’s L1 Outdoor area — transforms Orchard Road with nature-inspired sculptures symbolising resilience, beauty, and prosperity. Visitors will experience a multi-sensory journey through life-sized floral installations, interactive lighting displays, and displays of Hennessy bottles, making it a memorable celebration of the Lunar New Year.

SUSHISAMBA

Celebrate Lunar New Year with REUNIÃO, a festive brunch experience at SUSHISAMBA. Scheduled for Saturday, 25 January, and 1 February, this themed event offers a blend of tradition and indulgence. Guests will enjoy a three-course menu alongside an all-you-can-eat live station featuring skewers, SAMBA rolls, sushi, and sashimi, with the highlight being the specially crafted SAMBA Yu Sheng featuring hamachi, maguro, and sake sashimi. Accompanied by vibrant toppings, diners are invited to partake in a lively toss for good fortune. The brunch also includes free-flow options ranging from non-alcoholic drinks to premium selections like Dom Pérignon with a Jean-Michel Basquiat Special Edition Collection. With Samba dancers and a percussionist enhancing the festive atmosphere, REUNIÃO promises a lively, memorable celebration of reunion and prosperity for the Lunar New Year.

Glenfiddich

This Lunar New Year, Glenfiddich introduces “A Gift For Great Encounters”, a celebration of unity and cultural harmony. Collaborating with contemporary ink artist Zhang Yu, Glenfiddich creates a limited-edition series inspired by the imagined meeting of the iconic Glenfiddich stag and the legendary nine-coloured deer. This unique artistic collaboration blends traditional Chinese ink wash painting with vibrant contemporary elements, resulting in a visually captivating collection that bridges East and West. The collection features the Glenfiddich Gran Reserva Rum Cask Finish 21 Year Old, alongside the 12, 15, and 18-Year-Old variants — all presented in beautifully crafted gift packs complete with whisky-nosing glasses. Glenfiddich’s award-winning Gran Reserva Rum Cask 21 Year Old — celebrated for its complex blend of Caribbean rum-soaked casks — delivers notes of sharp ginger, fig, and sweet toffee.

Pullman Singapore 

Pullman Singapore Hill Street invites guests to celebrate the Year of the Snake with luxurious dining experiences that blend tradition with modern flair. From festive set menus at MOGĀ to the iconic Pullman Lo Hei at Madison’s, guests can enjoy thoughtfully curated offerings designed to bring prosperity and joy. MOGĀ features exclusive Chinese New Year set menus like “The Fortune Set” and “The Prosperity Set”, combining Japanese artistry with symbolic Lunar New Year ingredients. Highlights include Chicken Tsukune, Truffle Teriyaki Edamame, and Kuruma Ebi Tempura, alongside a special Prosperity Pop cocktail.

At Madison’s, celebrate the spirit of togetherness with The Pullman Lo Hei, a traditional Yusheng available daily until 12 February 2025. Crafted with auspicious ingredients like Smoke Salmon, Traditional Chinese & Homemade Pickles, and The Black “Gold” Emulsion, this platter is ideal for reunions with family, friends, or colleagues. 

Johnnie Walker Blue Label

Johnnie Walker Blue Label marks the Year of the Snake with a captivating limited-edition bottle designed by acclaimed Asian-American artist James Jean. Known for its luxurious smoothness and rich complexity, this iconic Scotch whisky delivers layers of vibrant fruit, warm spices, and a refined, smoky finish. Crafted with meticulous precision, the Blue Label blends rare whiskies from Scotland’s most exclusive reserves, achieving a depth and character that has earned it worldwide acclaim. Jean’s intricate design reflects the whisky’s legacy of excellence and innovation. The bottle features three snakes shedding their skin, representing renewal, growth, and progress — values that resonate deeply with Johnnie Walker’s commitment to evolving tradition. These elements also embody wisdom, intelligence, and intuition, qualities that celebrate the artistry behind the whisky’s creation.

Fireplace by Bedrock

Fireplace by Bedrock welcomes the Lunar New Year with an exquisite lineup of open wood-fire grilled dishes, blending rustic flavors with celebratory charm. From 20 January to 12 February 2025, guests can indulge in luxurious creations like the Citrus-Fed Wagyu Yusheng, featuring wood-fire grilled Sir Harry Wagyu beef paired with pistachios, mandarin oranges, and a tangy plum sauce. The Bak Kwa (Candied Bacon) highlights streaky bacon glazed in maple syrup, brown sugar, and crushed black pepper, offering a savory-sweet balance.

For a communal feast, the Bountiful Barbecue Platter includes Crispy Pork Knuckle, Grilled Whole Red Snapper, Twice-Cooked Boneless Beef Ribs, and Chilli Lime Sakura Chicken, complemented by comforting sides like creamy Mac and Cheese and Grilled Asparagus. To elevate the celebration, the Prosperity Set Menu offers an elaborate feast featuring both the Citrus-Fed Wagyu Yusheng and Bak Kwa, along with the Bountiful Barbecue Platter. Each Prosperity Set Menu includes a carefully curated selection to enhance the festive experience.

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How to Make Your Brand Appear Luxurious

The luxury goods market is worth hundreds of billions of dollars, and it is projected to keep growing every year. This presents a unique opportunity for anyone who wants to market their products as luxury items. It’s difficult to specifically state what a luxury brand is. To some people, the quality and design of a product make it stand out, while to others, the price is the most important factor. People also check the rarity of a brand to determine whether it qualifies to be classified as luxurious.

So, how can you create the perception that your brand is luxurious? Here are some pointers.

Maintain a Consistent Digital Presence

Most of your customers will first make contact with you online. That means your online presence should be consistent and polished. You don’t necessarily need to spend a lot of money hiring a programmer to set up your website. You can spend a few minutes learning how to design an online store using a website builder. Don’t worry, these tools are very easy to use, even for complete novices. You also need to pay attention to your domain name. Domain names for luxury brands have to be short and easy to remember. You shouldn’t add confusion by using numbers or hyphens in the name. Also, it’s essential to use your brand name in the domain.

Focus on First Impressions

Although many people will shop for your products online, you’ll still be getting walk-in customers. That means you need to create a professional appearance around your stores. The space should be well organized, and your staff should always pay attention to the smallest details.

A Compelling Brand Story

A brand story is meant to build trust among your customers and humanize your company. It needs to be compelling enough to evoke emotion as it conveys the mission and purpose of the brand. Your brand story needs to answer a few questions. Here are some of the key ones:

• Why was the company launched?
• What do you contribute to the world?
• What’s your unique selling point?
• Do you solve any problems in the world?
• What are some actions you take to meet your goals?

Your brand story needs to be crafted carefully, and it has to be consistent across all channels.

Consider Influencer Marketing

If you want your brand to be considered luxurious, you’ll need to partner with influencers. These personalities are able to captivate their audiences, making them essential in your marketing campaign. As you market your products using influencers, you can incorporate your brand story in the ads. It’s important to make the content appear as authentic as possible.

Conclusion

A good way to outshine your competitors is to position your brand as luxurious. You can do this by polishing your first impressions, both online and offline. You also need a compelling brand story which will have to be consistent across all channels. Finally, you should consider influencer marketing.

For more on the latest in business reads, click here.

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Aquila 50 Yacht Is A New Game-Changer in Motor Catamarans

The 50 Yacht is among nine Aquila cats at the 2025 Miami International Boat Show

The new Aquila 50 Yacht was designed to replace the brand’s 48 Yacht, but this recently debuted model is not a simple rehash of an existing vessel. The voluminous motor cat has a new running surface, an enhanced master suite, a more elaborate tender launching system, and dozens of small details that differentiate it not only from its predecessor but also its competitors.

The new 50 fits well between Aquila’s 44 Yacht and 54 Yacht flybridge models. Because of their wide beams, all the Aquilas designed by J&J Design in Slovenia offer interior volume similar to monohulls with much longer lengths.

While boarding the boat at Lauderdale Marina, a few days after the official premiere at Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2024 (October 30-November 3), the first difference was obvious: it has a tall, explorer-style profile that looks way cooler than other big, boxy power cats in its class.

The Aquila 50 Yacht has a tall, explorer-style profile

“It’s the first boat of its size with this kind of look,” said Nick Harvey, Aquila’s Chief Revenue Officer, who hosted the sea trial. “You [usually] see that look only on 100ft-plus power cats.”

The 50 Yacht is also about 0.60m (2ft) taller than the 48, largely because the designers gave the master suite a flat floor rather than a sunken one, hence needing to build a taller hull so as not to compromise on the suite’s headroom. “It also lets us create these amazing side windows,” Harvey added.

This extra height is not enough to impact the boat’s performance in winds, but it does add to visibility from the helm station, which was the only steering area on this first hull.

The 25.6sqm main-deck saloon has wraparound windows

A second helm station in the main saloon is an option, but if I were a buyer, I’d go for the single on the flybridge. It’s protected enough, with great visibility, and adding another to the saloon would devastate the feng shui that Aquila designed into this 25.6sqm (276sqft) social area.

Wraparound windows extending along both sides and across the front deliver excellent natural light. The decor here is the Light option, incorporating a light-coloured wood composite and white accents, with neutral greys delivering subtlety. The Dark version is what it sounds like, with darker woods and trims.

In hull one, the fully-equipped galley joins the aft cockpit through a large door and fold-down windows

The aft full-featured galley is equipped with a full-size American-style fridge, microwave, convection oven and a large ‘country’ stainless steel sink – with a covering to transform into a countertop – and is joins the rear cockpit through a large door and fold-down windows.

These openings turn the interior and outer section into one large social space extending back to the stern. Outside, two bar seats adjoin a counter that connects to the galley.

The main deck’s interior and outer sections become a large social space extending to the aft cockpit

Back inside, the large U-shaped lounge with table serves as the master dining area, but the table also drops down electrically to form a large berth to create an extra sleeping area. Stairways to port and starboard to the other staterooms, in different areas of the saloon, give an asymmetrical appeal to the layout.

The control panels are located on the starboard rear side, with AC and DC controls and a CZone control and monitoring system for onboard functions. “It’s all digital switching, so you can manage the lighting, pumps and multiple systems just from this screen,” Harvey said.

As well as a second steering station, options include captain’s quarters, although Aquila’s many global owners are also operators. Encouragingly, the engine room has good space around the 480hp Volvo Penta D6 engines, which can be upgraded to 550hp Yanmars.

With 480hp Volvo Penta D6 engines, the 50 Yacht topped 20 knots during the sea trial

Our sea trial into the Atlantic happened on a calm, sunny day, with seas running under a metre. Being a big cat, the 50 feels different underway than a similar-sized monohull, but it handles nicely as we head south along the Florida coast.

The new Aquila comes with a bulbous hull design, which helps navigation in big seas and limits wave impact. The 50 Yacht also has an optional foil system that increases fuel efficiency and performance. On our sea trial, the cat topped out at just over 20 knots, turned decently on its twin hulls, with minimal rock and roll.

Raymarine electronics are used on the flybridge helm console

Visibility of the water and the Raymarine electronics on the console were both good. There was no chance to see how it would handle serious waves, but it ran well in near-ideal conditions.

The hardtop, with solar panels on its rooftop, has isinglass (gelatin) that wraps around the large, 361sqft (33.4sqm) upper deck during inclement weather. That would likely be a fire-drill to set up in a

squall, but a full, glassed-in hardtop would make this cat a different animal, a feat of engineering that would change weight distribution and add significant costs.

The flybridge hardtop has clear isinglass (gelatin) that wraps around the 33.4sqm space in bad weather

For social events, this upper-deck area is the place to be. Aquila designed lots of space into it, including a large lounge and table, and 2.6m (8ft 7in-wide) sunbeds on the rear of the cat. This boat also had a full outdoor galley, including an electric Kenyon Signature Grill with an induction stove, wet bar, and stainless-steel ice maker.

Another nice touch is the two-step side passage down to the foredeck. Rather than being a centre passage like other big cats, this more discreet feature allows quick access for dock-handling or other needed access.

The foredeck can be reached from the flybridge or side decks

On the forward space, double sunbeds on either side offer social gathering points, along with flip-up seats at the base. There are also two seats on the outer forward edges for a couple of people to look back and converse with others. The high guardrails are good safety features, as is the rail height along the wide gunwales.

Aquila left the lower, forward part of the bow open across the full beam – this is a really nice touch that allows full visibility from the master suite. The full-beam main suite measures 25sqm (270sqft), with good headroom and the flush floor that is a differentiator in its class.

Designers gave the master suite a flat floor rather than a sunken one

To starboard is an L-shaped lounge, with a vanity and seat beside, and on the other side of the king-size bed are two sinks and drawers. The full head, with a separate toilet and shower with teak-grate flooring, is divided from the bedroom by a frosted-glass door that is stylish and functional.

The sense of space is good, thanks to the wide-open layout and large windows, which Harvey said are “twice the size of others in this class, thanks to the extra height of the boat”.

The suite also has excellent storage space, thanks to the cat’s pontoons, which let owners stow not only personal items but also gear and even a mattress for the saloon table, stored below the floor. The closet space is also decent.

The second stateroom is a VIP with a large, private head and shower

The second stateroom is a VIP, with a large, private head and shower, and a sense of privacy, given the way Aquila has designed the long entryway. Across is the third stateroom, a double for the kids. The boat comes in a four-stateroom layout but would compromise the size of the VIP.

On the stern is one of the 50’s most noteworthy features. Its 14ft tender catamaran, which Aquila also manufactures at its production facility in China, is on an electric crane system that lifts the boat outwards for launch and retrieval – a distinctive feature among competitors.

The Aquila tender is deployed by a retractable crane in the cockpit overhang

When the tender has been launched, the deck drops down so it’s flush with the aft decks, creating a large platform for easy access to the water. “The way the winch retracts in and out of the flybridge is unique,” said Harvey. “It’s really part of the 50’s DNA.”

The designers left enough space in the engine compartments to create a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system when that becomes available. The current options list allows owners to upgrade standard house batteries to four lithium batteries with an inverter and charger, allowing for longer times to run at anchor on charged battery power.

“We’ve designed it so that owners can order the hybrid system when it becomes available,” said Harvey. “Our goal was to futureproof for sustainability as much as possible.”

aquilaboat.com

This story was first seen on Yachtstyle.Co.

For more on the latest in yachting news, click here.

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2025 Dealmaking: A Pivotal Year of M&A Rebound

As we step into the new year, the business landscape and the art of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) dealmaking continues to evolve, reflecting a dynamic mix of challenges and opportunities.

A Pivotal Year Full of Uncertainties and Opportunities

The year 2025 is poised to be a pivotal year for the M&A market, characterised by potential rate cuts, changes in policies, and record-high dry powder, all of which fuel both uncertainties and opportunities. In this climate, companies are anticipated to actively leverage M&A not merely to expand their market presence but also as a strategic tool for adapting to the rapidly evolving global economic environment. This underscores the importance of agility and foresight for firms aiming to capitalise on the myriad of opportunities while skilfully navigating the associated challenges. The confluence of these dynamic factors suggests that 2025 will witness not just isolated mergers and acquisitions but a series of strategic transformations that have the potential to reshape entire industries.

Rate Cut on Standby

Federal Reserve, the Bank of the U.S. Government

In 2024, the Federal Reserve executed three consecutive rate cuts, amounting to a cumulative reduction of 100 basis points, representing the most substantial annual easing initiative since 2009. With the current rate range of 4.25 percent to 4.50 percent, the Fed anticipates a slower pace of cuts in 2025 due to the persistently high inflation rate in the United States and the potential inflationary impact of President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed policies.

Lower interest rates are likely to spur an increase in M&A activities by lowering the cost of financing and boosting stock valuations, thereby narrowing the gap between buyers’ bids and sellers’ expectations. While rates are still higher than at the start of the recent tightening cycle, the anticipated rate reductions should help facilitate dealmaking, albeit without reaching the record-high activity levels seen in 2021.

Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate

Policies Shuffle

As the world shifts its focus to the new president-elect, Donald Trump, and his proposed policies, a ripple effect is expected through the economy, fundamentally reshaping regulatory frameworks, fiscal policies, and international relations, all of which can significantly influence M&A activities.

One of the key areas of impact could stem from potential tariff increases, including a blanket tariff of 10 percent to 20 percent on imports from most countries and a 60 percent average tariff on goods imported from China. This might drive cross-border M&A activities and foreign direct investments as foreign companies seek acquisition and foreign investment opportunities within the U.S. to establish “Made in America” production lines. Increased tariffs on Chinese imports and adverse policies may also lead Chinese companies to seek acquisition targets in Europe or Southeast Asia.

Meanwhile, industrialisation has emerged as a key trend in Asia, significantly driving the global economy. As Asian companies expand and evolve, there is an increasing need for them to extend their operations or relocate to neighbouring countries that offer larger land areas, better incentive policies, and lower labour costs. Consequently, there has been a notable trend of Chinese companies establishing new factories and offices in Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia. This strategic move not only supports the companies’ organic growth but also brings new economic opportunities to the emerging markets in the region.

Record Dry Powder

Private equity firms are currently sitting on an unprecedented amount of uncalled capital, approximately USD 2 trillion, commonly referred to as “dry powder”. This substantial cash reserve has been accumulating since the last significant global M&A surge in 2021. During the past three years, M&A activity has seen a slowdown, with private equity firms shifting their focus to smaller transactions, such as corporate carve-outs. However, as we move into 2025, the landscape is set to change with heightened expectations. Many funds are beginning to shed their cautious stance, and a considerable portion of this unallocated capital is anticipated to be deployed. Moreover, funds are under increasing pressure from the Limited Partners (LPs) to make investments as they approach the midpoint of their fund life. This can potentially lead to a wave of substantial deals and acquisitions, which could redefine industry landscapes and drive significant growth across various sectors.

2025 Look Out

The year 2025 will mark a period of significant transition, with businesses navigating the evolving dynamics of a newly established administration while aiming to capitalise on emerging opportunities. Companies that can adapt swiftly to these changes are likely to gain a competitive edge, enabling them to execute strategic acquisitions and realise substantial growth. As the political and economic landscape shifts, there will be a need for agility and forward-thinking strategies, allowing organizations to not only withstand uncertainties but also thrive amidst them. Those able to preempt and respond to these changes will be well-positioned to harness new market opportunities, solidifying their foothold and driving transformational growth in the months and years ahead.

For more on M&A trends and CIGP, visit: https://cigp.com/

This article was written by Managing Partner at CIGP Hugues de Saint Seine

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