August 2015 ~ luxury

Monday, August 24, 2015

QM of London by Benetti: better than ever

Considered to be the finest yacht in the Benetti “Golden Bay” series, QM of London is a 49.90 metre motor yacht built and launched by Benetti Shipyard in 1998. Back on the charter market following various refits over the years (2006, 2013, 2015), QM of London is looking better than ever.

Unique, Private, Exhilarating

Built to the highest standards by the Italian shipyard Benetti in 2006, the 49,9m luxury motor yacht QM of London represents a fantastic charter yacht belonging to the beautiful Benetti Golden Bay series. QM of London received various refits over the years (2006, 2013, 2015), keeping her in an immaculate shape, always offering only the best to her guests.

QM of London has a unique seven-cabin layout, rarely seen on charter yachts. The accommodation is divided into one deluxe full-beam owner’s suite, two gorgeous VIP suites and four elegant guest cabins (1 double, 2 twin) making the yacht highly versatile, for groups of friends, families or guests bringing additional staff.

The spectacular Owner’s suite runs the entire width of the top deck. It features large ensuite, walk-in wardrobe and two lounge areas and a 43 inch plasma TV. Extra privacy through full black-out screens or sliding opaque panels. The lower deck has 4 guest cabins, one single/standard double bed and three twins. On the main deck are 2 elegant VIP staterooms with queen size beds. Each cabin boasts an ensuite bath or shower-room.

QM of London saw an extensive refit in winter 2014/15 including new bulbous bow for smoother cruising, upgraded IT/AV network, new joinery, soft furnishings and furniture, and a refit of the galley including all-new equipment. High speed internet and Bang and Olufsen AV systems were fitted throughout the yacht with exceptional sound clarity. Each cabin and exterior area has its own iPad and B&O remote for ease of control.

Moreover, the interiors were fully refitted with bespoke Ben Whistler furniture, oak finishings (lined, pippy and burled) and Terry O’Neill prints. Versatile exterior deck spaces include dining options for 12, al fresco cinema, sundeck gym, Jacuzzi, bar with lounge area and vast sunpads.

The outstanding QM of London crew includes a passionate chef, masseuse/beauty therapist and qualified yoga instructor for indulgence, as well as kitesurfing, hoverboard and Flyboard instructors for the sporty. The yacht is also an accredited RYA centre so guests can receive training on all watersports equipment onboard.

To top it all off, QM of London comes with a brand new 10m Scorpion chase tender and an arsenal of water toys including a 5.7m waterslide, paddleboards, jetskis, jet board, Seabobs and a Flyboard.

”The 2014/15 refit was born out of both the Owner’s and my wish to restore QM of London to an “as new” standard and cement her reputation as a premier charter yacht in the industry,” Says Captain Craig Martin. “We are extremely pleased with the results and will continue to do everything we can to ensure we exceed the expectations of our guests. Keep an eye out for QM of London over the summer and for more upgrades over the 2015/16 winter.”

Available September 2015 in the East Mediterranean through the Yacht Company.

Asking price : from 160 000 € per week.

World’s First Private Floating Islands

Having neighbors is overrated, which is why you might want to consider claiming one of the world’s first floating islands. Christie’s International Real Estate has unveiled their plan’s to build the Amillarah Private Islands starting in the Maldives

The collection of luxury atolls are the first of their kind. The high-end islands are fully self-sufficient and eco-friendly. Each floating island will be fully customized according to the owner’s liking. The Amillarah atolls will be able to host huge mansions, pools and even their own beachfronts. While the project plans to start in the Maldives, there are also plans to expand in Dubai and Miami.

Christie’s is creating these beauties in collaboration with architect Koen Olthuis and designers Dutch Docklands. The designs will ensure that the islands are ‘completely stable and safe from rising sea levels.’ Being environmentally friendly played an essential role in the creation of Amillarah. Christie’s hired Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society to craft completely eco-conscious islands. Cousteau’s research and design will even create new underwater habitats for aquatic life. When you think about it, buying your own private floating island is kind of like donating to a sea life charity.

In announcing the collaboration with Dutch Docklands, the CEO of Christie’s International Real Estate Dan Conn states that ‘The opportunity to literally develop a private island on a body of water is a testament to Dutch Dockland’s skills in this arena. Buyers are able to customize the size, shape and style of their residence, within the broadest range of locations, beginning with this first opportunity in the Maldives.’

In addition Rick Moeser, who is Christie’s senior vice president said, ‘Each of these homes is an eco-friendly work of art that can be lived in, allowing consumers to not only create, but enjoy whatever kind of paradise they desire.’

On top of the private islands there are also plans to develop a floating resort, the Ocean Flower, which will also take residence in the Maldives. This project has the support of the country’s government and will boast a stunning 185 waterfront villas, all with private pools, shops and restaurants. It will be awesome.

The 10 Best Airlines in the World

Last month in Paris, air travel research firm Skytrax unveiled its annual World Airline Awards, ranking the top 100. "Travellers from across the globe take part each year in the world’s largest airline passenger satisfaction survey to decide the award winners," Skytrax says.

This year's top airline: Doha-based Qatar Airways. It's the third time in five years that the carrier has landed in the top award category.

Curiously, ranking higher than Virgin America this year is Malaysia Airlines. This, you should recall, is the airlines that had an entire flight -- with 239 passengers on board -- go missing in March 2014. Last year, Malaysia Airlines ranked even higher, at No. 18.

You can see Skytrax's ranking of the full 100 here.

1. Qatar Airways

Last year's ranking: 2

Skytrax says: Qatar Airways also achieved success in the Best Business Class Seat category finishing in the top spot for the first time. It is probably no coincidence that this award has coincided with the introduction of the A380 and A350 aircraft into the QR fleet - survey respondents indicated that these latest seating designs have set new benchmark standards of comfort, space and privacy.

2. Singapore Airlines

Last year's ranking: 3

Skytrax says: The Changi based flag carrier finished second in the global survey ranking edging out regional rival (and 2014 winner) Cathay Pacific Airways and ANA All Nippon Airways in the Asia region category. Singapore Airlines also achieved success at the front end of the aircraft with highly sought after World's Best Business Class leading Qatar Airways and Cathay Pacific in second and third place.

3. Cathay Pacific Airways

Last year's ranking: 1

Skytrax says: Cathay Pacific achieved success by winning the Best Airline Transpacific for the third time at the 2015 Skytrax World Airline Awards in Paris. This was the airlines third success in this category having previously triumphed in 2011 and 2013. South Korea's Asiana Airlines secured second position, with ANA All Nippon Airways achieving third place.

4. Turkish Airlines

Last year's ranking: 5

Skytrax says: Turkish Airlines also achieved considerable success in the Business Class cabin winning the top awards for World's Best Business Class Lounge and Best Business Class Lounge Dining. The flagship lounge in Istanbul is amongst the largest in the world - capable of accommodating 1000 customers and hosts several live cooking stations serving the best of local and International dishes, design by catering company Do&Co.

5. Emirates

Last year's ranking: 4

Skytrax says: Emirates retained their stranglehold on the World's Best Inflight Entertainment awards at the 2015 Skytrax World Airline Awards in Paris. Finishing ahead of Qatar Airways in second place and Singapore Airlines in third, EK continues to have the edge over its closest global competitors despite continued hardware and programming improvements by carriers across the industry.

Emirates secured the award for Best First Class Comfort Amenities ahead of local rival Etihad Airways and Singapore Airlines. At the top-end of the industry this is a very competitive category - particularly when assessing the quality levels between the top-5 airlines.

6. Etihad Airways

Last year's ranking: 9

Skytrax says: With a vast array of new product and service concepts introduced in the last 6-months it is perhaps no surprise that Etihad have once again achieved significant success at the front end of the aircraft. Customers are clearly impressed by the WOW factor of the latest Etihad First Class innovations, which sit alongside an already competitive range of cabin products.

7. ANA All Nippon Airways

Last year's ranking: 6

Skytrax says: The carrier was named as having the World's Best Airport Services which recognises frontline airport staff - from check-in through to the gate, arrival, transfer and lounge. EVA Air and Garuda Indonesia finished strongly in second and third position in the Airport Services category.

8. Garuda Indonesia

Last year's ranking: 7

Skytrax says: Indonesian flag carrier Garuda secured the prize for the World's Best Cabin Staff for the second consecutive year at the Skytrax World Airline Awards in Paris. This is the first time an airline has managed to retain the award and is further recognition of the remarkable turnaround for the airline. Previous winner Asiana Airlines secured second position, with the2015 Best Airline in Asia Singapore Airlines chieving third.

9. EVA Air

Last year's ranking: 12

Skytrax says: EVA Air were announced as the world's cleanest airline at the 2015 Skytrax World Airline Awards with the prize for World's Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness - this was ahead of Singapore Airlines in second position and previous winner ANA All Nippon Airways in third. Customers also voted EVA into the top-10 globally ranked airlines for the first time with a ninth place finish this year.

10. Qantas Airways

Last year's ranking: 11

Skytrax says: Australia's Qantas Airways had a successful year at the 2015 Skytrax World Airline Awards winning the Best Airline in Australia/Pacific award for the third consecutive year. Qantas also secured another top prize for the Best Business Class Comfort Amenities ahead of Qatar Airways and China's Hainan Airlines with customers recognising the significant product upgrades made by QF in the last 2-years.

Kirini Suites & Spa (Oia) Santorini

“The pure essence of Greece”

Perched atop the sun-bleached cliffs of Santorini, Kirini stands out - a flawless pearl set against the bottomless indigo of the Mediterranean and the soaring powder hues of the endless sky.

Kirini sits on the cliffs of Oia, one of the most picturesque villages on the island of Santorini. The rooms of Kirini look out over the sea with unobstructed views of the neighboring islands of the volcanic caldera. Oia is a humble yet beautiful settlement, a dense collection of tiny white houses and churches crowded together at the edge of the island. Like the neighboring village of Imerovigli, Oia is celebrated for its spectacular sunsets and pleasant summer climate.

Kirini Suites & Spa is the only member of Relais & Chateaux in Oia - Santorini, combining the Cycladic architectural tradition with luxurious living and the exceptional scenery of the Aegean. Perched on the Caldera cliffs, 300 feet above the azure waters of the Aegean, Kirini Suites & Spa in Oia Santorini provides an experience of unparalleled romance and prestigious luxury. The island of Santorini is itself famous for its legendary sunsets and a lively cultural scene. The luxury suites, overlooking Santorini's most beautiful view are freshly renovated and decorated in light tones of white, with stylish simplicity, embodying the ultimate chic character of this unique Santorini boutique hotel. As a part of the Relais & Chateaux restaurants,

Kirini Suites & Spa offers a unique Gourmet Santorini restaurant within its grounds, White Cave Dinner Restaurant which utilizes local Santorinian products and is surely one of the best restaurants on the island. The hotel also features a wine cellar with ceremonial wine tasting at sunset. The hotel’s A.SPA & WELLNESS, offers fantastic facilities and uses highly prestigious spa products from Ligne St Barth, which distinguishes it from any other luxury Spa in Greece.

More Info & Online Booking

The 20 most beautiful pools in the world in 2015

The pools chosen by Passion4luxury will satisfy your needs to your desires. From Bali to Koh Samui, Maldives to New Zealand via Toronto, follow us and enjoy our selection of the 20 most beautiful world pools to cool off.