Arts and Culture
Feature: Al fresco film season
It’s a warm summer’s evening and The Sybarite is enjoying the spectacular sunset over central London.
Glass of champagne in hand, we’re getting ready to watch the classic comedic fantasy The Princess Bride, one of the many cult films on offer from The Luna Cinema this summer.
Our event hosts The Luna Cinema really know how to pick the perfect venue. With over 150 screenings of film favourites such as Pretty Woman, Jaws and Die Hard (and many more) playing at some of the country's most beloved and...
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Featuring The Brexit debate: What impact would leaving the EU have...
Why Brexit is bad for business Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of Bench Events and ISHC member Why make access to 500 million people difficult? “The UK was a basket case before joining the EU in ’73 and since then has had the fastest growth rate of all European countries including Germany. Why economically would you leave this success story and the access to a market of 500 million people and also the 58 countries that the EU has negotiated lower or tariff free access? We should pay attention to what the institutions are saying The US Federal Reserve, The Bank of England, IMF, OECD, WTO, The Economist, LSE, the Institute of Fiscal Studies amongst many others have all said that the UK economy would suffer if it left the EU. The OECD has said that GDP could be 5% lower by 2030 following Brexit. These independent institutions are warning us of economic decline following a leave vote.
Featuring Exploring Edinburgh: Gear up for Fringe Festival with...
The renowned annual arts festival from 5-29 August 2016. However, while the world's largest arts festival will dominate the headlines in August, there’s plenty of other things that the beautiful city has on offer. Here’s The Sybarite's low-down on the 10 essential Edinburgh experiences. How many can you tick off?
Featuring The definition of a 21st century business Club – 12 Hay Hill
Between work, meetings, office drinks, visits to the gym and time with friends, we’ve become more reliant than ever on venues that can combine all of these under one roof. One of London’s most exclusive business clubs is 12 Hay Hill in Mayfair. The Sybarite caught up with Chief Executive Simon Robinson to find out more about the club and its offering. Importantly, 12 Hay Hill is not restricted to one service, it functions in many different ways but without sacrificing quality or style. Simon explained “what’s interesting about 12 HayHill is that we are different. There are many, many institutions in London – and in Mayfair particularly – you have hotels, restaurants, bars, and office blocks. What is inspirational about us is that we are a hybrid of them all, and in essence we are a wonderful place to work. That is where it starts from, for me.”
Where to celebrate Chinese New Year in London
In short, it is two weeks of constant eating, merriment and customary rituals. 2016 is said to be the ‘Year of the Monkey’, specifically the 'Fire Monkey'. Zodiac observers will expect “an element of vitality, a little bit more power and energy” in the year ahead. For those born under the Monkey sign, the upcoming year is expected bring more “focus” and a lot more “attention to detail” in all that they do. Although Asian in origin, the festive period has become universally acknowledged and celebrated, meaning you won’t miss out, no matter where you are in the world. Here's our top ‘picks’ of the best ways in which to celebrate in London:
Featuring Sneak Peak: The Oscars ‘Swag Bag’ is here
The fabulous people, couture outfits, high-profile events and celebrity gossip are already making it into the media. Next on our radar is possibly the most famous awards ceremony in the world. The 88th Academy Awards is set to take place on the 28th of this month and will be hosted by comedian and actor Chris Rock. Arguably the souvenir every guest would like to get their hands on is the highly renowned golden statue. However, seeing as our acting skills aren’t quite up to scratch, we've decided to turn our attention to the next best thing - the Oscar-worthy goodie bag. No A-List celebrity will go home empty handed as each will receive one of these ‘swag bags’, the ultimate metaphor for the surreal nature of the Hollywood lifestyle - this year rumoured to be worth a staggering $200,000. So what could possibly be in such a goodie bag to result in such an amount you wonder? It’s a far cry from a balloon and a slice of cake, but then again this is Hollywood, and here’s a sneak peak…
Featuring Event of the week for Sybarites: Chanel couture S/S 2016
For Karl Lagerfield’s latest showcase for Couture Fashion Week in Paris, the glitteratti were out in force to ogle at his latest haute couture fashion line. It wasn’t just the FROW that was suitably starry. Infact, Paris' Grand Palais was transformed into an elegant and eco-friendly setting, consisting of a wooden house surrounded by a minimalist garden of lotus-filled ponds and a spread of lush green grass, reflecting the graphic illustration of his eco-inspiration vision (even the designs used wood shavings within the fabric). Familiar faces such as supermodels Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid led the catwalk path, adorned in stunning designs, one off pieces and eye-catching looks. Cara Delevingne was spotted sitting front row with her dog Leo.
Featuring Luxury meets history in the heart of Venice
From cabarets to banquets, masked balls to classical concerts, the city comes to life in a celebration of Italian culture. The global appeal of Venice continues to grow but it still remains one of the most unspoilt cities in Europe, with its beautiful piazzas and winding canals. And now there is a new reason to visit the city, and maybe never leave again, after paying a visit to the new luxury apartments recently developed and now on the market. The importance of preserving the city’s oldest buildings has been honoured in the award winning development of Palazzo Molin, a 15th Century palace, into eighteen individually designed apartments. Classic Venetian architecture has been combined with contemporary design and facilities to create a modern haven in a traditional space. The facade of the palace has not been altered, it still showcases the Gothic Fiorito style which is widely celebrated for its artistic importance.
Own a private vineyard home and, if you choose, let...
Production plots start at 7,000 sq. m. and owners will have the freedom to control the use of their vineyards, whether producing their own wines guided by Casa de Uco’s experienced winemakers or renting out their vineyards for a yearly profit. What we find most appealing about Casa de Uco is that it offers wine connoisseurs the opportunity not only to own a private vineyard in one of the best regions for winemaking, but also to avail themselves of the resort’s expertise. Wine experts will be on hand to guide proprietors through the entire process – from harvesting young grapes to handling the business and profit-making side of things. Owning a Casa de Uco private villa is an idyllic experience: Nestled within the vineyard and surrounded by amazing vegetation and picturesque views of the Andes Mountain, the villa comes with round-the-clock concierge service, offering hotel-like hospitality. Some might consider this a fine way to retire.
Featuring Reserve a luxurious dinner at Royal Albert Hall’s Coda...
This time, the theme is ‘Amaluna’, ‘an island ruled by goddesses and guided by the cycles of the moon’. The plot: ‘Their queen, Prospera, directs her daughter’s coming-of-age ceremony in a rite that honours femininity, renewal, rebirth and balance which marks the passing of these insights and values from one generation to the next. ‘In the wake of a storm caused by Prospera, a group of young men lands on the island, triggering an epic, emotional story of love between Prospera’s daughter and a brave young suitor. But theirs is a love that will be put to the test. The couple must face numerous demanding trials and overcome daunting setbacks before they can achieve mutual trust, faith and harmony.’
Featuring Create your own Swiss timepiece
But what if you had all the quality components in front of you, a Swiss watchmaker beside you to guide you in creating your own genuine Swiss timepiece? Not only will you have made it yourself, but the learning experience will certainly enhance your knowledge in watchmaking technique, beauty and tradition.
Featuring A different kind of escape in the Loire Valley
An estate spanning 1400 acres takes you back in time to a place of complete serenity, nature and purity – even pictures don’t do justice to the beauty of Les Bordes. Located in the heart of the Loire Valley, the estate is made up of the 20th-century Château Bel Air featuring eight suites, a restaurant in a glass orangery and a cigar, whisky and wine bar. In addition to a cosy clubhouse, there is a spa and wellness centre under the canopy of trees, accompanied by swimming pools, tennis courts and a gym. Need more convincing? How about lighting up a fine cigar while sipping on some rare whisky complemented by a delectable meal in the Club du Baron? According to Les Bordes, ‘It’s the feeling of homecoming as you sink into an armchair beside grand, leaping fires. The way the outside world fades away – and all that matters are the people around your table.’ But if you would rather take refuge in a good book or a play a game, the clubhouse has a library and games room.
Featuring Luxuriously design your private jet
Time to add those spectacular touches to make it feel like your very own, of course. The Sybarite recommends award-winning luxury interior studio AirJet Designs, based in Toulouse, France, with commercial presence across Miami, Hong Kong and Sao Paolo. The studio provides tailor-made design solutions or à la carte services to reflect their clients’ tastes. From design proposals, layout definition and 3D mock-up generation to completion and follow-up, just about every request can be catered to. Of course, safety comes first, which means every component must pass certain safety standards approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. AirJet Designs’ aesthetic approach leans toward the avant-garde. Its founder, Jean-Pierre Alfano, is also its Creative Director. The studio specializes in ‘corporate jet, VIP and Head of State aircraft interior design’. The company has won two prestigious International Yacht & Aviation Awards for its ‘Dolce Vita’ interior design concept, which incorporates neo-baroque elements and is a tribute to Jean-Pierre Alfano’s Italian and French background.