From restaurants and hotels to smart watches and jewellery, Hetty Chidwick reports from the front line of luxury.
Picnic in the park
With next month’s horse trials at Burghley (September 3–6; www.burghley-horse.co.uk) and Blenheim (September 17–20; www.blenheimhorse.co.uk) in prospect, why not spectate in style with a decadent picnic hamper, designed to reflect the elegance of a Rolls-Royce Phantom. With cutlery by David Mellor, Indian- rosewood foldout tables and Goodwood designed glassware, there won’t be a paper napkin or plastic fork in sight. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.
(0333 240 8866; www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com)
His and hers
Otis Batter-bee, one of our favourite London-based gentleman’s-accessory brands, has branched out into women’s pieces. I’ve been coveting the men’s collections for a while, but these new products ooze feminine acharm and I’d like to buy everything, especially these animal-print wash bags, from £50, launching September 14.
(020–7431 8563; www.otisbatterbee.com)
The Lanesborough, which overlooks Hyde Park has reopened following an 18-month refurbishment that saw the Grade II-listed building stripped back to its shell. Guests can now dine in the opulent Venetian-style Céleste restaurant, which, under new Executive Chef Florian Favario protégé of The Lanesborough’s Chef Patron Eric Frechon uses the finest British ingredients.
Cigar aficionados can enjoy a smoke in the Garden Room, which has a lovely terrace and a walk-in humidor. In addition, the hotel’s renowned level of service lives on, with 23 private butlers, on call day and night, and a fleet of 14 luxury cars including a Rolls-Royce Phantom to chauffeur residents around London at a moment’s notice. Rooms from £720.
(020–7259 5599; www.lanesborough.com)
Prestigious Swiss watchmaker Omega is making a new timepiece in honour of Britain’s most notorious secret agent. On sale ahead of the release of the new 007 film, Spectre, the limited-edition Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M has been inspired by the Bond family’s coat-of-arms, with a repeated motif on the dial and near the tip of the yellow hand. In a further tribute, the oscillating weight can be seen through the sapphire crystal case back that has been cut and shaped to resemble a gun barrel. How very Bond! £4,360 available at Harrods.
(020–7730 1234; www.harrods.com)
Establis
hed in Dublin more than 500 years ago, Rathbornes the oldest candle company in the world has just launched its Beyond the Pale collection, comprising six scents that aim to capture the romance of the Irish countryside. Hand-poured and made from the finest essential oils, Rathbornes’ candles start from £16 each and will be available to buy from September 7.
(www.rathbornes1488.com)
Catch the crème de la crème of British luxury brands under one roof at Beyond Bespoke’s event at the magnificent Aynhoe Park in Oxfordshire on September 17. The shopping event will showcase a small selection of the company’s luxury members, from jewellers to prestige car dealers, with the added bonus of being able to explore the charming house. For complimentary tickets, telephone 020–3327 4006 or email editorial@beyond-bespoke.co.uk
Get in focus Swarovski
Optik has launched an ingenious adapter that will help iPhone 6 users capture close-up telephoto shots through their spotting scopes and binoculars. For those who have already discovered the innovative product with their iPhone 5*, the PA-i5 adapter rings can also be used for the new PA-i6 adapter. Once fitted, the adapter enables users to capture unforgettable wildlife and sporting moments for posterity. £140 plus £18 for the adapter ring.
(00800 3242 5056; www.swarovskioptik.com)
This autumn, birdwatchers with a taste for luxury will be flocking to Belmond La Residencia, a boutique hotel located in the artists’ village of Deià, on the mountainous north-west coast of Mallorca. Made famous by poet and author Robert Graves who found ‘perfect tranquility’ there the remote countryside that surrounds the hotel is also renowned as a haven for wildlife and Nature lovers can embark on a photographic bird-watching tour that takes in the wetlands of Albufera and the caves of the Tramuntana Mountains. More artistic-minded guests can spend a day behind an easel capturing the surrounding olive and citrus groves under the gaze of the hotel’s artists in residence, who are on hand to teach painting, sculpture and ceramics. Bird-watching tour from €200 per person, art-course prices on request.
(0845 077 2222; www.belmond.com/la-residencia-mallorca)
