From restaurants and hotels to smart watches and jewellery, Hetty Chidwick reports from the front line of luxury.
If you’re looking for a holiday tailored for you this summer—whether hot-air ballooning in Burma or diving in the Philippines—look no further than luxury tour operator Lightfoot Travel. Specialising in tailor-made travel itineraries, the 25-strong Lightfoot team tests out all the properties it recommends to ensure you have the trip of a lifetime (00 65 6438 4091; www.lightfoottravel.com)
Inspired by the grace of British ballerina Lauren Cuthbertson, who performed in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland at the Royal Opera House last year, London jewellery designer Kiki McDonough has launched a collection called Lauren. It features three pairs of earrings and five pendants, some set with pavé diamonds. One pair of earrings will be donated to the London Children’s Ballet event in October to raise money for special-needs schools. From £1,400 (020–7730 3323; www.kiki.co.uk)
Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton has launched his debut unisex fragrance, Vetiver Imperiale, in collaboration with FOUR magazine and British perfumery Boadicea The Victorious. Inspired by favourite ingredients and memories, Vetiver Imperiale combines the sweet floral scent of Tunisian neroli with the earthy tones of Atlas cedarwood and crisp, citrus bergamot orange. From £245, currently available exclusively at Harrods (020–7730 1234; www.harrods.com).
A Cold War Soviet spy ship has been transformed into a luxury yacht, available for charter this winter. Sleeping 12 and with 17 staff, La Sultana features en-suite cabins as elegant as the rooms at the Marrakech hotel of the same name, as well as three tenders, an indoor swimming pool, a helipad, hammam and a whopping 710sq ft Owner’s Suite. From €225,000 per week plus VAT (www.lasultanayacht.com)
On August 21 and 22, Japanese restaurant Zuma in Knightsbridge will set up shop at The Idle Rocks hotel in Cornwall, hosting a specially curated menu using local Cornish produce with Izakaya-style dining. Set menu, £95 per person. Rooms from £200 (01326 270270; www.idlerocks.com)
Swiss watchmaker Frédérique Constant has launched a smartwatch with a twist: it doesn’t look like one. The Horological Smart-watch features a patented sensor-fusion engine that will track your activity and sleep patterns, synchronising automatically with iPhone and Android apps. A triumph of traditional crafts-manship and modern technology, the laser-cut hands display information in analogue form. From £870, The Watch Gallery, Selfridges (020–7952 2730; www.thewatchgallery.com)
When it comes to gents’ swimming trunks, the brighter the better. My latest favourites come from Havelock Bay in this wonderfully flamboyant Pink Parrots print. They have a European cut for extra comfort and are flawlessly finished for enduring quality—swimwear that will last. £110 (www.havelockbay.com)
The Salcombe Harbour Hotel
A stay at the Salcombe Harbour makes for a luxurious and relaxing few days, finds Olivia Williams.
