From seasonal tipples and private ski specialists to beautiful cocktail rings and iconic watches, Hetty Chidwick reports from the front line of luxury.
ALS Private Ski Specialists’ new ‘heli-skiing in a day’ package involves you being picked up from home, flown out to Sion in Switzerland and whisked off in a helicopter to the slopes. You’ll picnic on the mountain, then be flown back to London for dinner at 5, Hertford Street. It might all seem like a dream the next day. From £6,500 per person.
(020–3750 0234; www.alsprivate.com)
Crillon Le Brave near Avignon in the heart of Provence, has it all: sumptuous views, scrumptious food and a spectacular new suite. November is truffle-hunting season and guests can book a package that includes an expedition and lunch with expert Eric Jaumard, wine-tasting at one of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s estates, a truffle-cooking demonstration and a visit to Provence’s antiques capital, Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. From €1,220 for three nights, including breakfast, dinner and truffle programme.
(00 33 49 065 6161; www.crillonlebrave.com)
Now in its sixth year, SalonQP, the show that celebrates all things horological, will take place from November 6 to 8 at the Saatchi Gallery, London SW3. Inside, collectors will find 50 leading watchmakers, from grandes maisons such as Jaeger-LeCoultre and TAG Heuer to independents including Bonhoff and Struthers. Tickets from £20.
(020–7931 3990; www.salonqp.com)
L. K. Bennett has launched a capsule collection of six little black dresses, just in time for the party season. Its ‘Little Bennett Dress’ pieces are priced from £225 —it’ll be hard to pick just one.
(020– 7637 6731; www. lkbennett.com)
Charles Heidsieck gift pack
Includes a bottle of Brut Réserve and two coupe grande Champagne glasses. £75, Fortnum & Mason. (0845 300 1707; www.fortnumandmason.com).
Black Moth truffle vodka
Serve chilled—and sparingly—as a dinner-party showstopper, or with a mixer for an earthy twist. £34 (07771 781886; www.blackmothvodka.com).
Chateau Léoube Collector
Each year, only 3,000 bottles are made of this 100% Cabernet Franc. Perfect with game. £45, Daylesford Organic (0800 083 1233; www.daylesford.com).
One of the capital’s smartest shopping streets has a new addition. Known for combining cutting-edge technology with artistry, watchmaker Richard Mille has opened a stand-alone store on Mount Street, London W1. Inside, you’ll find everything from sports watches to high-performance timepieces, plus the newly launched ladies’ collection.
(020–7123 4155; www.richardmille.com)
When Beanie Major, editor of jewellery website In Detail (www. indtl.com), started receiving requests for help choosing a special piece, she decided to launch a shopping service to guide people through their search. She’ll work to any brief or budget and has access to both established and up-and-coming brands. Ring pictured, £6,750, Jessica Naylor- Leyland. Email beanie@indtl.com, for a free consultation.
Bar Boulud at Knightsbridge’s Mandarin Oriental, famed for serving the best burgers in town, has opened a brand new bar. The high tables have central ice wells, in which you can chill wine or display seafood platters. And the martinis come with an ice ball in the glass—quite the conversation piece. (020–7201 3899; www.barboulud.com/london)
