LOUIS VUITTON...LES ARDENTES SECRET WATCH

Louis Vuitton Les Ardentes secret watch

The French maison of luxury entered the world of jewelry in 2009 and conquered that realm quickly. Perhaps it’s most well known collection is Les Ardentes, it is also what inspires their latest unique set of timepieces. The collection uses Louis Vuitton’s iconic monogrammed flower shape. While this monogram is most recognizable on a bag or wallet, it is no less recognizable set in jewels. The new range of timepieces are signature Louis Vuitton, there can be no doubt about that. While generally watches that feature diamonds, shine because of the diamonds or the design of the watch, the Les Ardentes watches distinguish themselves because they feature diamonds cut in the shape of the brand’s iconic flower. Now while diamonds are traditionally a girl’s best friend, a Louis Vuitton design made of diamonds is very close to unbeatable.

The collection features, two cuts, the flower cut has 65 facets and the star 77, a regular brilliant cut has only 58. Now as all diamond enthusiasts know, much like a woman, the more facets a diamond has, the more it shines.
While Louis Vuitton’s Les Ardentes jewelry collection certainly does justice to the prestigious monogram, the watch collection is where it truly shines. The watch is a jeweled masterpiece with mysterious dial, that teases just the right amount. Delicately set, the secret watch comes with two kinds of straps either a jeweled bracelet, or a leather one. The French Maison truly captures the essence of a woman with this breathtaking collection.

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Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 Jackpot Tourbillon

- Legendary watches that can be qualified as high watch art. This model can take a worthy place in virtual watch museum. These legendary watches amaze by their extraordinary nature as well as by their price – over $600000. Vintage 1945 Jackpot Tourbillon – watch of 43x44 mm size, 17.3 mm in thickness – a miniature copy of slot machine. Hours, minutes, tourbillion, slot, little second hand. The tourbillion is fixed on Golden Bridge of 38 stones. The 96-hours power reserve, manual winding. The hand on the right of watch puts into play three barrels inside the watch. Each barrel has five symbols: spades, hearts, diamonds, horseshoe and bell. The choice of symbols is not random - it’s a reproduction from first slot “Liberty Bell”, created by Charles August Fey at the end of XIX century. By the way, at first those who were lucky didn’t get their wins in money but in terms of prizes, like cigars and alcohol. That’s why I advise the lucky owner of this watch to hold one cigar in his pocket: in case he breaks the bank and if the cigar is named, he can use it as a visiting card! The quantity of possible combinations is 25. After winding all three barrels start spinning, coming to a stop by turn. While each barrel stops you can hear the gong sound reminding of a coach clock sound. If you win (when three bells fall on line), you hear another more melodic sound reminding of slot sounds in casino. The watch caseback is made of glass demonstrating the exclusive mechanism of this unique watch. Created of 502 details, the watch becomes more complicated. Just imagine how much one will pay for this watch preventive maintenance in Moscow!!! The watches are made of yellow and white gold and are issued in a very limited number because of high price. The Girard-Perregaux is rapidly taking its niche in the temple of fame as a top-class watches manufacturer producing watches with extraordinary complications each year.

Azimuth

Swiss watch company Azimuth stormed into the market. Since 2003 it has been fighting its way to star avenue in heavy market overfull with watch brands. The Avant-Garde Complications motto and slogan are proved by 100%. This start-up company’s range includes the complex tourbillion, and the retrograde watches hands-on, and the robotized watches. But we will pinpoint to the Azimuth SP1 Roulette model. The dial marking is designed as the European Roulette. The Zero sector has the Azimuth logo instead of zero figure. The roulette dial watches are not a rarity, but only Azimuth made its barrel with cavity that is more similar to the original. A decorative pin called turret is in the middle of real roulette. It is replaced by the hour and minute hands in watches, and the original frog realizes the second hand function and is moving constantly. The watch head is designed in the form of dice. It doesn’t only switch the hands but also exercises the dealer function – throwing a ball. The ball doesn’t move along the track but wheels above numerated spaces. When the button is pressed it turns several circles before stop. Every time the lucky watch owner triggers the mechanism, he gets an unexpected result which is rather exciting, as the real roulette game can be played only this way. The watch sizes are 55x35 mm. The watches limited edition counts 500 pieces. I can safely say that the watches non-typical look draws attention at once. And due to slight case bending the watch gently embraces your hand. I think it would be cheaper to hold the casino in your hand than to visit it!!! Especially since its retail price is $4500. Both experienced collectors and sophisticated persons will appreciate these watches at their true value.

Azimuth Round-1 Baccarat – faites votre jeu, ladies and gentlemen!!!

The successful positioning of “gamble” watch “SP-1 Roulette” encouraged masters of Azimuth for creation of new model Round-1 Baccarat, the design of which is inspired by gambling. This is the first watch with “baccarat” on its dial: there are four main positions of card game - “player”, “dealer”, “draw” and “pair”. The model is equipped with supplementary forth central hand, designed for baccarat. The hand is rotated by modified movement. The “winner” is defined by pushing on “start” button, built in crown. There are six versions of Round-1 Baccarat: men and women watches of high, middle and low price level. The men watch of high level is adorned with 1100 VVS Wesslton diamonds of approximately 7 carat total weight and costs $36500. The women version is adorned with 800 VVS Wesslton diamonds of approximately 4.8 carat total weight and estimated at $33.000. The middle level is presented by models with mother-of-pearl dial and bezel, encrusted with 206 black and white diamonds of 1,2 carat total weight. The men model costs $8.800, and the women one - $8.300. The models of men and women watches “Round-1 Baccarat”, positioned at low level of the list, cost $4.800.

Frank Muller

Franck Muller is a heavy-weight company at the watch market. It is glorious by its complex and exclusive watch mechanisms, has its emphatic style and spirit. Since 1999 the company produces the Vegas watches. Its name speaks for itself. Las Vegas is a Mecca for gamblers. 40 million of the richest people visit Las Vegas each year, so the chances that some of them are ready to buy watches are quite good. The company regularly issues limited editions. Two models, Franck Muller Curvex Vegas and Long Island Vegas, are in production process. How do these watches work? There is built-in button on the winding head. While you press and hold this button, the little hand starts moving rapidly. Only when you release the button, it stops. The barrel marking is European. The Zero is situated right at 12 o’clock. The Long Island Vegas watch size is 39,5x55,3 mm, its height is 12 mm. 21 stones, 28800 vibrations per hour.  Its power reserve makes up 42 hours. The FM 2800 Casino caliber. Reference 1300 vegas 1p.

Corum

The Corum – before and after. Why did I start describing the watches with the phrase “before and after”? After the death of genius Corum designer and owner Severin Vunderman, Antonio Calce took the lead of the company. Having been at the head of the Corum in 1999, Vunderman decided to devote the brand style to youth trends and produced several lines with a wide range of colors. He brought into life the legendary Bubble line. At first sight, the line with its vivid dials and pictures reminds of kid’s watches, but an impressive watch size throws back such thoughts. The new director decided to change the company’s strategy and go away from the youth style. The sales slump mostly influenced this decision. I can’t say that the style became classical, but less cheerful and stricter for sure. The limited edition of the Corum Bubble wasn’t bestseller. You could get these watches at a great discount. However, after Calce claimed the change of company’s vector, the market became interested in those models which were bought up quickly. It was more like another marketing mix for sales growth. I think the Corum will certainly return to the Bubble. Maybe because the Corum Bubble has something other watch manufacturers are dreaming of but still can’t succeed in – this is distant recognition. Yes, distant recognition makes legendary watches out of simple ones. I’m not trying to convince you that these watches are masterpieces of Swiss watch industry. But there is definitely a special appeal in these watches created to make their owners happy. They cope with this task perfectly well. Corum Bubble designed three gamble watches: the Corum Bubble Royal Flash, the Corum Bubble Сasino, the Corum Bubble Joker. All of them had limited editions. Corum Bubble Joker Chronograph steel – 777 pieces. Corum Bubble Joker steel - 777 pieces. Corum Bubble Royal Flash -777 pieces. Corum Bubble Casino -777 pieces. These models were also released in steel and welted, decorated with 2 rows of diamonds, by 111 pieces per each model. All Corum Bubble watches have 45 mm diameter and 19 mm thickness. The thick curved sapphire glass creates a 3D picture on the watch dial.

Christophe Claret

Christophe Claret is one of few companies, for which an avant-garde technology adoption is a matter of honor. The company’s founder Christophe Claret created the most complicated modules for luxury watch brands. His list of innovative developments starts with minute repeater with petal dial, sliding apart like camera aperture, unique perpetual an astronomic calendar, orbital tourbillion… The list can be continued more and more. An inquisitive and fertile mind of Christophe Claret is always in a state of search. The wrist watch Blackjack 21, embodying the gamble world with extra complicated watch movements, became his new creation. A unique dial is equipped with sensor effects, by means of which you can play blackjack, roulette and dice. You can play dice on dial with two miniature dice of 1,5 mm each with perfectly sharp lines. The dice are situated in side aperture at 4 hours.  The playing cards for blackjack are situated on dial in small apertures, four of which are in the bottom part and show the player’s cards, and three apertures in upper part show the dealer’s cards. Every time the shutter is opened, either by player or by dealer, the gong strikes and you can see the striking mechanism in aperture at 2 hours. Blackjack is followed by roulette. An antiglare sapphire crystal of back case allows watching the oscillating weight, which also serves as a roulette wheel. The model’s design claims to be unpretentious and classic. An exact and perfect watch movement is provided with mechanic self-winding caliber BLJ08. A superaccurate movement on 40 jewelries and 7 ceramic bearings in two rows consists of 501 components and makes 28 800 a/h. The power reserve is 72 hours. The 45 mm case is crafted in white and pink gold, platinum and titanium. An elegant strap with two-screw fixing system is made of black alligator leather. Each variant of model is issued in a limited number of 21 pieces. The watches will cost from $196000 to $231000, depending on selected material. A mini-casino on your wrist is a good reason to demonstrate your sophisticated taste.

Perrelet

Enthusiasm, passion and innovations – these are the key words that sound in the watch house “Perrelet”. The company’s founder Abraham-Louis Perrelet also, perhaps, was inspired by those values while creating an automatic movement in 1777. The watch brand became a worthy heir of that exclusive invention and used it in all its models. In 1995 Perrelet patented its exclusive know-how – double rotor. A unique automatic caliber showed two rotating rotors, situated under and above dial, to inquisitive consumers. The caliber underlay “Turbine” model, which became a visiting card of Perrelet. The model “Turbine XL” became a base for new model “Perrelet Turbine Poker”, which obtained a license in “Play watch” category. Instinct, courage and style – main features, proving independent character of Perrelet Turbine Poker. The massive case of 44 mm diameter demonstrates confident and worthy character of watch. The fourfold riffling on sides of case is also seen on steel bezel with DLC (Diamond Light Coating). For maximum durability the natural rubber bracelet is fixed at junctions by central fastening – a decision, worth of imitation and presenting aesthetics of Perrelet Turbine Poker in all its perfection. The transparent back case in combination with different materials emphasizes the harmony of this line. The dial of new model “Perrelet Turbine Poker” invites you to the card world, full of intrigues. Marked with red and white hour spaces, the dial demonstrates 3 different card combinations. The model “A4018/1” shows one pair of sevens, and the model “A4018 / 2” reflects a pair of sevens and two flash-royals, interchanging hearts and spades packs, at its owner will. And, finally, the model “A4018/3” represents two full combinations with three cards of one rank and one pair of sevens, and also a combination of four kings and one pair of sevens. The watch costs USD 6000.

Bell & Ross

The French company “Bell & Ross”, founded in 1992, is specialized in manufacture of watches for professionals of sea and air. The main components of technological approach for making time meters are movement reliability, material quality and special finishing, and the main design feature is use of pilot models’ classic forms from the middle of XX century. The watches “Bell & Ross” refer to category of so-called «instrumental» chronometers, which sometimes look very technological. In time the watches with big square cases, reminding of airplane control panel, became a visiting card of the brand. Even the “military” company couldn’t be immune to the temptation of “gamble” theme. In 2011 it released watch “BR 01 Casino”, keeping the recognizable style of Bell & Ross. Unlike many “gamble” models, the movements of which are modified for interactive involving the watch owner into the game, the watchmakers of the company focused their attention at adornment of dial, according to gambling. The watch dial, stylized after roulette wheel, has a specific system of time indication, realized by means of three concentric parts. The external ring, consisting of red and black slots, makes a rotation per 12 hours; the function of hour indicator is fulfilled by green space of zero. The minutes are indicated by small ball of roulette, situated at the middle disk, and the seconds are counted at central part by wheel handle. All construction is set in brand square case BR01. The watch was released in two versions – in case from pink gold and PVD-treated stainless steel. The golden model is also distinguished by dial color: the golden dial looks more respectable and luxurious and perfectly matches golden case. The watch “Bell & Ross BR 01 Casino Pink Gold Only Watch” was created for charitable auction “Monaco Yacht Show” and was sold for 18.000 euro, and BR01 Casino – for sale in casinos of Monaco, Las Vegas and Macau.

What conclusions can be drawn from this article? Is it good or bad to be a gambler? I don’t know. We don’t care about it. All we care about is watches. After all instead of gambling away we save money to buy watches. So, at the end of this article I’ve thought: “What if I add luck-bringing watches to my collection of military watches?” Make your books, Ladies and Gentlemen!

DOMINICAN REBUPLIC CIGARS SMOKE THE COMPETITION..

Move over Cuba. Hasta la vista Honduras.

Move over Cuba. Hasta la vista Honduras. When it comes to premium cigars, the Dominican Republic is smoking the competition, in terms of both quantity and quality.

Over the past several decades, the DR has experienced a boom in the cigar industry, thanks to a number of factors  the Revolutions in Cuba and Nicaragua, both of which led to a flood of cigar makers into the DR, and the increased popularity of cigar smoking in the US coupled with the emergence of free trade zones in the 1970s. As a result, today, over half of the cigars imported into the US come from the DR, and many are made with a large amount of Dominican-grown tobacco, making some ag areas prime Caribbean real estate.

The large amount of cigar exports isn't the only thing the DR has to be proud of. Once dubbed as "mild cigars," today, premium Dominican cigars are produced with a level of quality that rivals other top cigars of the world. Among best of the best of these cigars is the Fuente OpusX X3, also known as the "Power Ranger." The Opus X line is considered to be among the chief cigars responsible for putting the DR on the map for cigar production, and is always highly ranked and acclaimed by critics and experts. Other popular brands such as Romeo y Julieta, Macanudo, Fonseca and Monetcristo are following suit by offering stronger varieties of what were once milder smokes (try the Montecristo Platinum or the Montecristo White). The oldest cigar factory still in operation is La Aurora, in Santiago, which is the cigar capital of the DR. Other major brands such as La Flor Dominicana, Davidoff, Arturo Fuente and La Gloria Cubana also have factories in the area.

The main productions sites may be in Santiago, but the Samana offers its share of quality cigars for the savvy smoker. Using fine Dominican tobaccos and years of expertise, cigar makers can be seen on the streets of Las Terrenas ready to roll quality cigars especially for you. Enjoy one after an evening at one of LT's fantastic restaurants, while you stroll along the endless stretches of white sand, or even with a Presidente beer or glass of Dominican rum at one of the tropical bars. For the cigar aficionado, the DR is truly a smoker's paradise.

THE NEXT LEVEL SPA...ONLY FOR YOU..

In the past, the words "tropical paradise" elicited visions of sea breezes rustling the palm trees along ivory white sand shorelines and pastel-blue waters, sailboats cruising by. Now, for most people, it still includes all of that...for many it includes a massage table on a beach or pier. Couple this with hours of relaxation and self-indulgent quiet time spent in a beautiful spa environment while undergoing soul-renewing treatments is heaven on earth. For many, a place can simply no longer be called paradise without easy access to top-notch spa services.

Still, having to choose between a day at the beach or a day at the spa can be a difficult thing to do. On one hand, a tropical paradise calls to your soul with clear waters and warm sun. On the other, being massaged and pampered is among the most pleasant and relaxing experiences you can have. The good news? That choice may be a thing of the past. A new trend in residential and resort developments means the dream of owning a tropical home often comes with the perk of an on-site spa, providing an escape and sanctuary right where you live.

As developers in places like Latin America and the Caribbean strive to meet the needs and desires of their owners and potential owners, the menu of amenities found at luxury second and vacation home communities constantly improves, and the bar is raised ever-higher with creative new offerings. It's now almost the norm to see world-class climate-controlled wine cellars, gourmet cooking classes, over-the-top fitness centers and experiential offerings catering to the growing population of active, fit baby boomers.

Spas are becoming a new standard amenity in many resort developments and residences-to the extent that they are practically a requirement for an entire tier of buyers today. People seeking health benefits and relaxation use treatments to release stress and negative energy, while others take advantage of rich indigenous mud or rainforest ingredients to purify the body and soul. Spa treatments have become weekly or monthly routines for many boomers and now often include couples experiences, holistic approaches and other cutting edge treatments as well as special diet regimens for a generation intent on living longer, healthier lives. Below, as part οf "Best of Paradise" series, our editors have compiled a list of luxury communities in the tropics with world-class spas and spa services to match. Relax and enjoy.

Unspoiled beaches and lush rain forests envelope the Four Seasons Resort at Peninsula Papagayo in Costa Rica. This pristine natural setting is perfect for the environmentally conscious spa-seeker. The spa offers patrons stunning views of the Pacific and treatments that incorporate indigenous resources, including use of mineral-rich rainforest muds in facials and massage. Organic Costa Rican coffee is featured in a scrub of freshly ground coffee beans and rich natural oils, increasing circulation and reducing the appearance of cellulite. To soothe the discomfort of sunburns, white European lily and green tea team up for a calming effect on the delicate skin of the face and neck. Twenty-two unique treatment rooms-nearly the same number as the amount of secluded beaches surrounding Peninsula Papagayo-cater to the list of comprehensive services. The impressive two and three-bedroom residences at this luxury resort feature natural decor and ocean views capturing the soothing environment, while locally-harvested wood finishes accent the interiors. www.fourseasons.com

Another Costa Rican coastal gem is Hacienda Pinilla, just south of the surf town of Tamarindo. Many of the five-star JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort's services are available to real estate owners of Hacienda Pinilla, including the spa. The JW Marriot spa provides open-air palapa treatments, plunge pools and calming gardens to give it a feel of rustic Latin luxury. An extensive spa menu is available, including a signature Aromatherapy Raindrop Ritual, a blend of massage techniques, Tibetan Reflexology and eight essential oils. The entire community is being developed in sustainable harmony with the natural surroundings and is designated as one of Central America's only Audubon-approved developments. Mountains, beaches, lakes and rivers nestle up to one another in this diverse coastal community, which also includes a beautiful 18-hole championship golf course. Care to become a frequent spa guest? Choose from beachfront lots, custom homes, and large villas located on 4,500 acres and over three miles of secluded Costa Rican coastline. www.marriott.com

The awarding-winning Cabo Spa at Esperanza in Cabo San Lucas is a celebration of stunning local beauty. Named the number one spa in Latin America by Travel & Leisure magazine, the Cabo Spa specializes in water therapies. Their unique "water passage" treatment transitions between hot and cold waters, while steam caves and soaking pools provide purification and relaxation. Fresh fruits, minerals and herbs are prepared daily for rejuvenating treatments for the face and body. A large private soaking pool and sunbathing area is available for post-treatment relaxation. Papaya, mango, sea greens and hibiscus are some of the indigenous ingredients utilized in treatments. Full and fractional ownership real estate opportunities are available here, and include customized meals from the chef, priority seating at the restaurants and intuitive personal services, making this a superb way for buyers to take advantage of one of Mexico's finest luxury resorts and real estate offerings. The refined residences honor their location, paying homage to regional culture by incorporating Mexican sculpture and art in the interiors. Fully furnished whole-ownership residences start from $1.6 million. www.esperanzaresort.com

The Estate at Grace Bay Club in Turks and Caicos has something for everyone as far as residences. Options range from the 800-square-foot Junior Residence to the 7,000-square-foot penthouse. The collection of custom-designed villas are on the oceanfront on beautiful Grace Bay. Fabulous resort amenities include the world famous Infinity Bar, yoga and fitness center, and poolside daybeds with personal concierge. The Anani Spa specializes in Euro-Asian treatments and includes six luxury treatment rooms and al fresco showers. Additionally, two permanent full-service Anani Spa Tents are available for single or couple beachside treatments. www.gracebayclub.com

The newly opened Tucker's Point Club is Bermuda's premiere destination for an indulgent spa residence. Paying tribute to the golden age of British tourism in the 30's, the residences are elegantly styled in vintage British decor. The Spa Center's treatments incorporate ingredients from surrounding natural resources, utilizing ocean minerals, tropical plants and honeys harvested on resort grounds. Invigorating fitness programs of Tai Chi and yoga are available in open air courts, while hydrotherapy suites feature the SilverTag shower with 18 strategically placed shower heads to shoot water of varying temperatures and pressures. For an absolute indulgence, take advantage of the popular Pre-Suntan Salt Treatment before heading to the beach. This exfoliating massage incorporates sea salt and natural oils followed by a light sunscreen. Chocolate and wine therapies maximize the benefits of these naturally occurring antioxidants. If you're considering buying real estate in legendary Bermuda, Tucker's Point offers a variety of choices. Residences follow traditional Bermuda decor, and Estate Homes begin near $3.2 million, while luxury fractionals begin at Tuckers Point Residence Club begin at $355,000 consist of one, two and three bedroom villas overlooking the Atlantic. www.tuckerspointhotelandspa.com

The private villas at the Four Seasons Punta Mita, north of Puerto Vallarta, are the pinnacle of luxury in the area and offer their own unique brand of spa experiences for homeowners. Residences in this prestigious resort community boast infinity plunge pools, spacious terraces and gourmet kitchens that reflect the quality and attention to detail one expects from Four Seasons. Villas are ideal for those in the market for a second home that offers up five-star services on Mexico's magnificent Pacific Coast. Click to View Related Video The resort hosts seven dining options, as well as the Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course. Four Seasons chefs custom-cater so that private villa dining can be accommodated. The Apuane Spa is perfect for couples looking to rejuvenate and relax. Private spa suites complete with a jacuzzi, champagne and chocolate service is ideal for an intimate getaway and sun-drenched steam room and a private outdoor terrace are the perfect combination for tranquility. Cactus pulp and tequila massages are popular choices, and there are plenty of outdoor private enclaves utilized for massages and treatments. residences.fourseasons.com

The Residences at Grand Cayman capture the five-star standard of living expected from the Ritz-Carlton. Silver Rain, a La Prairie Spa, incorporates Swiss heritage into the tropical surroundings resulting in treatments unique to the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman location. Known for their hydrotherapies and cellular anti-aging formulas, the Silver Rain Spa offers an extensive menu of indulgent treatments. It goes without saying that owning real estate in Grand Cayman-or anywhere, for that matter-is improved by association with Ritz Carlton, and a variety of ownership opportunities exist at The Residences at Grand Cayman, starting with 69 oceanfront homes. Situated in the middle of Seven Mile Beach, luxury residences are priced from $3 million, with floor plans ranging from two- to seven- bedrooms. In addition, The Deck Houses are a unique offering, combining the seclusion of private island living with the convenience of luxury automobiles, boats and furnishings found nowhere else in the Caribbean. A private boathouse, guest cottage, beach, infinity pool, golf cart, antique-style motorboat and luxury automobile are all located on an exclusive private island nestled into the resort property. www.residences-cayman.com

Anguilla joins this list via the Viceroy Anguilla, which offers up its own unique take on spa practices, designed to provide a thorough, full-being rejuvenation. The spa occupies a two-story space with dramatic waterfront views, with custom offerings that create an increased awareness of holistic well-being. Lifestyle classes in healthy cooking and meditation enrich the spirit beyond life on the island. At the Viceroy Spa there is a focus on personal transformation to achieve an optimal state of health and balance, and their philosophy links the spa with the cutting-edge fitness center. Yoga and Pilates studios, lap pools, jogging paths and mountain bikes are available for pursuing fitness goals in the Caribbean sunshine. Ownership at the Viceroy Anguilla combines refined island living with an unexpected array of amenities. Condos, villas and resort residences designed by Kelly Wearstler feature truly chic and sophisticated interiors. The villas' modern architecture challenges the traditional notion of island chic with state-of-the-art design and polished style. Amenities found in beachfront town homes and villas may include complete outdoor kitchens, dining areas and soaking tubs, while rain-head showers and modern fixtures elevate the bathrooms to an exceptional level of elegance. www.viceroyanguilla.com

Antigua's Jumby Bay debuts Sense, a Rosewood Spa, in November. While it may seem optimistic to include a spa that is just now opening, we are confident this one will offer a remarkable experience due to the track record of the brand: Sense will become the sixth "Sense" Spa in the Rosewood collection. Stone entryways and terra cotta roofs will mimic the historical sugar mill ruins throughout the island. The open-air spa will use local ingredients for maximum freshness and potency. Located just steps from the white sand beach, Sense will also feature lush tropical gardens and relaxation terraces to maximize the serene seaside experience. Resident offerings include beachfront villas and estate homes that are brilliantly designed and furnished, creating residences that radiate Caribbean glamour with sophisticated interiors and furnishings. Private infinity pools and beachfront locations combine with the world class Jumby Bay Resort amenities to make these residences prime Antigua real estate. www.jumbybayresort.com

St. Lucia is one of the most desirable destinations in the Caribbean, due to its stunning natural beauty and year-round perfect temperatures. What better way to luxuriate in this environment than to take in a spa experience. Discovery Resort's Lapli Spa therapists are all E'Spa trained and feature the E'Spa treatments and techniques. A full range of treatments are available using local fare such as bananas, coffee, honey, papaya, cactus and sea moss. Open-air showers screened with tropical flowers are available in three of the four treatments rooms. In addition, large wooden soaking tubs and massage cabanas are located in the feng-shui and Zen themed garden to maximize relaxation. The Apartments at the Discovery Resort in Marigot Bay, St. Lucia, are located in the Marina Village, a bustling center of shops, bakeries and restaurants. The luxury apartments look out over Marigot Bay, regarded as one of the most beautiful in the Caribbean, making them a nice way to own St. Lucia property while capitalizing on the amenities offered at Discovery Resort's Lapli Spa. www.marigotbay.com

Owning a tropical home should provide a tranquil oasis to escape the stresses of everyday life. Owning a spa residence provides unparalleled access to a lifetime of relaxation and rejuvenation. Waking up to the sound of waves gently lapping at the beach and walking barefoot to a stress-relieving massage is the perfect way to clear the mind and renew the spirit. The beauty and comfort of these spa residences provides the ultimate tropical getaway, and for those interested in a more permanent vacation, each offers a means to own Caribbean or Latin American real estate...so you can extend your stay for a lifetime.

DEL PACIFICO THE NEW PRIVATE RESIDENCE CLUB

Del Pacifico, a master planned resort community on the central coast of Costa Rica near Quepos and Manuel Antonio - has announced the launch of the Del Pacifico Club, a private residence club offering fractional real estate and carefree ownership. Fractional real estate and residence clubs have grown in popularity because of the market conditions and buyers get much more home for the money, lower upkeep costs and the ease of ownership. Many consumers are finding it's the smarter way to own an international second or vacation home.

Owners can choose from one, two and three bedroom villas nestled on a hilltop overlooking the warm tropical waters of the Pacific, and woven into the very fabric of Costa Rica's rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. Owners at the Del Pacifico Club will have exclusive access to the amenities of it's sister property the Alma del Pacifico Hotel, ranked a top ten in Central America. Owners will enjoy private beach access, restaurant and bars, fitness facilities and their acclaimed spa.

"We are excited to add the Del Pacifico Club to the other real estate offerings at Del Pacifico, say Barry Strudwick, developer/partner at Del Pacifico - "The residence club will give the ability for people who love beautiful Costa Rica but realistically would only visit their home here 5-6 times per year. They'll enjoy a luxury home and the services of a boutique hotel for a fraction of the cost and none of the hassles associated with owning international real estate or a home in Costa Rica", adds Strudwick.

The Del Pacifico Club offers fractional ownership in the seaside village nestled on a hill overlooking the Pacific. Additionally, the Club will offer one-bedroom Plaza Studios and two-bedroom and three-bedroom Villas. All the Del Pacifico Club units come fully and beautifully furnished with prices starting at only 35,000.euros

The Residence Club at Del Pacifico is a fractionally owned residential property. Buyers receive a 1/10th-deeded real estate interest in a world-class Costa Rican vacation home without the hassles of full-ownership. Like other forms of real estate, fractional residence club ownership interests can be sold, willed, deeded or placed in a trust. This proven real estate model has been coined the smarter way to own a vacation home, and has been successful in other elite destinations around the world.

Residence Club Partners of Asheville, NC, the management company at Del Pacifico Club, feels this model will change the future of second home ownership in Costa Rica forever. "In addition to a growing trend in fractional ownership and residence club home ownership vs. whole ownership, Owners are demanding more services and hassle free ownership that residence club owners enjoy at all of our clubs. Owner services at our clubs include a Club Concierge, housekeeping, onsite management and very unique custom experience packages, things you don't get with the typical real estate purchase," says Mandy Allfrey of Residence Club Partners.

The Del Pacifico Club is a private residence club within the Del Pacifico second home community near Quepos and Manuel Antonio, on Costa Rica's beautiful central coast. Vacation and second home buyers interested in learning more about The Del Pacifico Club in Esterillos, can visit www.delpacificoclub.com

TRAVELLING IN LUXURY AND WATCHING THE STARS..

Dilemma: Do I spend the next few paragraphs writing about how it feels to be in a flotilla of three $1.2-million, 42-foot-long J Craft Torpedo boats racing at 37 knots from Nice to Monaco to the latest Thomas Starke restaurant for dinner? Or should I explain what it's like to barrel down a narrow and gnarled two-lane road in a $500,000 car while trying to get around a diesel Golf with the busted taillight in rural France the very same weekend Francois Hollande got himself elected as the Socialist president of the Republic? Both are pure, turgid fantasy material, as is the Cap Estel, the hotel Rolls-Royce picked out. Located just next to Cap D'ail on one of the more scenic portions of the Cote d'Azur, the Cap Estel is a super discrete hotel surrounded on three sides by water and usually intended for only the rich and famous. How rich, how famous? Marlene Dietrich would stay in the room across the courtyard from mine for three months at a time, and Humphrey Bogart, Cary Grant, and the Beatles were frequent guests. I like to think Ringo stayed in my room. As you can see, my choice of topics is quite the conundrum.

As this is Motor Trend and not "One Percenter Weekly," I suppose I'll have to concentrate on the car, which really doesn't cost $500,000. The blue Phantom Coupe I'm talking about costs just $498,380, including $2000 for destination and $3000 for the gas-guzzler tax. Rolls-Royce schlepped my admittedly declasse self down to the South of France because it's just rolled out the Phantom Series II, the first major refresh/redo of the Phantom since the imposing sedan became available to the world's oligarchs and their friends in 2003. This business plan continues, with the least-expensive iteration of the new car starting at an eye-watering -- some might say laughable -- $398,035. That's for the standard Saloon, sans options. Of course, a small fortune is relative. Please consider that the median U.S. household income is about $50,000, and the average transaction price for a new car is around $30,000. Now consider that while the average price for a Series II Phantom -- with bespoke options now accounting for a full 30 percent of RR sales -- is around $500,000, their owners' average net worth is $30 million. Average. They could easily buy two Phantoms if they wanted to. Many do. Case in point: The three J Crafts that spirited us to the principality of Monaco were borrowed from current Rolls-Royce owners.

What's new for Series II? Not much, as it turns out. One of Rolls-Royce's guiding (and much trumpeted) principles comes from founder Sir Henry Royce: "Take the best that exists and make it better." To hear Rolls tell it, no better car exists, so the tweaking needed was minimal. "Our claim is that we're still the best in the world," said Richard Carter, the head of Rolls-Royce's global PR team. Starting with the exterior of the four-door, gone are the odd-looking round foglights, replaced by an all-new LED headlight setup featuring fully automatic brights and some rectilinear daytime running lights. I think it's a big, if not a conservative, improvement. Speaking of curveless, the imposing grille is now made from a single piece of stainless steel, instead of three pieces bonded together. It's a subtle tweak, but one that Rolls claims is important to the "class of customer" that buys its automobiles. "They notice details like this," I'm told.

Those with an incredible eye for detail will note that the RR badge and reflector between the wheel arch and door cut on the front fender are now a single piece of trim as opposed to two. The C-pillar receives a new and improved glass treatment and the rear bumper has been refined. That and some new wheel options are pretty much it as far as exterior tweaks. I spent the bulk of the weekend chatting with Rolls-Royce's new head of exterior design, Giles Taylor, and he simply didn't have much to do. He felt the original design was that strong. I agree with him. Cars like the Phantom are as much a personal statement of status as anything, and Rolls got it almost right back in 2003. Keep in mind, Rolls recently poached Mr. Taylor away from Jaguar, where he led the redesign of the new XJ. Point is, Giles can do radical when it's called for. Obviously the changes to the Phantom are subtle, and an already good-looking car now looks a bit better, a bit more tailored and stately. Don't forget that while the Phantom Saloon is a formal sedan that's nearly the size of an F-150. It has some very strong sporting design cues like a long hood with short overhangs complete with a sporty dash-to-axle ration, a very short rear deck, and a wheel and tire size that's half the total vehicle height. Same proportions as an E-type, in fact. Plus, Mr. Taylor has retained my personal favorite and utterly British touch, the (relatively) tiny taillights. All that said, the changes to the Coupe and Drophead Coupe's exteriors are even less involved.

Inside, more of the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" methodology pervades. The cars are just as much the isolated, luxury cocoons they've been for the last nine years. Burled wood, freakishly deep wool carpets (I kept my shoes off whenever I was a passenger), and more than a dozen cows' worth of leather make for one of the very nicest cabins, well, ever. There is one big, significant interior change: the latest version of BMW's iDrive is now standard in all Phantoms. The now very good version of iDrive replaces the totally antiquated (and rightly despised) old version found in the old Phantoms, the single biggest customer complaint according to Rolls-Royce. Look at the new system for a few moments and you'll see that it's nearly the exact same 8.8-inch screen and software found in cars like the BMW 328i. Same bending backup angle lines, same three-camera around-view system, same maps, same everything except for the overall menu color scheme and a few Rolls-Royce-specific icons. But remember that the only time a Phantom owner sees a 328i is when their housekeeper gets back from the market. They've never sat inside a 3 Series, let alone tuned into Howard 100 via a BMW-branded iDrive. Also remember that the system found in the Bentley Mulsanne, the Phantom's only surviving competitor (RIP, Maybach), is a Volkswagen unit.

Oh, but I shouldn't have said the B-word. It's very clear that Rolls-Royce doesn't think anything competes with the Phantom, and that if it does have any competition, the Mulsanne competes with their "cheaper" car, the Ghost. Being one of the lucky few on earth who has spent time in both the Mulsanne and the new Series II Phantom, I have a different opinion. The four-door Phantom is the car to be driven in, especially if you can weasel your way into the back of one of them extended wheelbasers (base price, $475,295). But driving the new Phantom? Honestly, it's not thrilling. Though I suppose that's not really the point. There's plenty of play (and Novocain) in the steering, and the cabin is eerily quiet -- so serene and so isolated that you can almost hear your own heart beating. Honestly, with the radio off it's a little spooky.

The whole time I was behind the wheel, I felt like a chauffeur. Which, I suppose, is the entire point. That's even with the new-to-the-four-door (though carryover from the two-door) sport suspension and throttle mapping turned on via an S button on the wheel. There's also a new (to Phantom) eight-speed ZF transmission that replaces the old six-speed unit and uses slightly less fuel. The transmission is now somehow even quieter and less perceptible when it shifts gears. If a fortress of solitude is what you're after, think Phantom Saloon, though driving-wise there's not much difference between the new one and the old. The direct-injected 6.75-liter V-12 remains the same. Power is still "adequate." So much so that no one from Rolls mentioned the power output even once (if you're boorish enough to ask, 453 horsepower and 531 lb-ft of torque) We'd have to compare them back-to-back to say for certain, but I'd say the Mulsanne is the preferred driving enthusiast's high-lux four-door. And that's been true since the big Bentley debuted. Hell, that's been true since the 1930s.

 

However, if I were in the market for a half-million-dollar car, I'd have the Phantom Coupe. Why? Well, as cool as the rear suicide doors on the four-door are (Rolls insists that you call them "coach doors"), the front suicide doors on the Coupe are impossibly slicker. Talk about making a dramatic entrance! Speaking of drama, a massive luxury sedan is one thing. But a nearly just as massive two-door is on a whole other level of flashing your decadence. Moreover, the Coupe is the much better Roller to drive, featuring firmer suspension, much more sporting steering feel, and an overall much less chauffeur-like vibe. Dare I say this (quite literal) land yacht is engaging to throttle around a French mountain road? Yes, I dare. Sure, I could use some more engine noise when I stab the throttle, and since the hood is more than 3 feet off the ground and more than twice that wide, it's a bit difficult to place the huge machine exactly where you'd like. Small things that don't really matter to the people writing the freaky large checks (or, if you live in Moscow, handing over the cash from the in-dealer bank teller), so the story goes. Case in point: My biggest gripe is that there's no way to manually select a gear, especially since the Phantom Coupe allows you to nicely set up a corner. I asked Rolls-Royce if they'd considered a solution like paddle shifters. They responded that their customers aren't interested in such things. Could be true, especially since the folks that can afford the fantastically blue $498,380 Coupe I drove probably already own not just a Ferrari, but a Ferrari collection. And really I'm just nitpicking here. The Phantom Coupe, for lack of a better term, is majestic. Gloriously so. If I may be so bold as to expand upon F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic bon mot: The rich are different from you and me; they have nicer cars. Such as the new Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II.

Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II
BASE PRICE	350.000 euros
VEHICLE LAYOUT	Front-engine, rear-drive, 5-pass, 4-door sedan
ENGINE	6.75L/453-hp/531-lb-ft DOHC 48-valve V-12
TRANSMISSION	8-speed automatic
CURB WEIGHT	5650 lb (mfr)
WHEELBASE	140.6 in
LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT	230.0 x 78.3 x 64.5 in
0-60 MPH	5.7 sec (mfr est)
EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON	10/23 mpg (mfr est)
ENERGY CONSUMPTION, CITY/HWY	337/147 kW-hrs/100 miles
CO2 EMISSIONS	1.45 lb/mile (mfr est)