Martini Minute

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: The newly reopened Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese is offering a Valentine's Day experience for $22,147. The exclusive package includes a five-night stay in the Venus or Cupid Suite complete with an extravagant floral display and a candlelit bath for two in Roman Donkey Milk. There will be a private tour of the Villa Aurora and a helicopter tour to one of Rome's countryside vineyards for a private tasting and picnic.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: Bulgari came up with new variants of its Octo Finissimo model, known for its sleek and ultra-thin modern design. At $12,000, a steel version is well-positioned to get the spotlight in that category.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: Porsche will start taking orders and announce pricing for its upcoming 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 and 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 this summer. Powering both cars is a 4.0-liter, naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine producing 394 hp. Both cars accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and have a top speed of 182 mph.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: Guests at the Solaz resort in Los Cabos can avail a treatment develped by its The Ojo de Liebre Spa showcasing indigenous traditions and locally-sourced organic ingredients. "The Baja Journey," a three-hour treatment that costs $399, includes a body wrap with the antioxidant-rich Pitahaya fruit, a facial using a hydrating nopal cactus, and a massage with aromatherapeutic oils.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: TAG Heuer is commemorating its founding in 1860 by Edouard Heuer with the Carrera 160 Years Silver Limited Edition. The watch was inspired by the original Carrera racing-style chronograph, the 2447S. This special version has a slightly different shape than the 2447S, and at 39 mm, is 3 mm larger. Another difference, which is a major one, is the replacement of the Vljoux 72 movement with the new Heuer 02.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: Antarctica Flights is offering scenic day trip flights to Antarctica departing from five major Australian cities Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, and Perth. The Australia-based firm privately charters a Qantas 747 to takes passengers on a 12-hour journey to view the icy continent. The flight takes off from between November and February when passengers can best see the continent from above.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: A 1996 911 Carrera RS Clubsport Coupé, one of the rarest and finest examples of a 993 series 911 Carrera, will be up for auction by RS Sotheby’s on February 5 in Paris. It is one of just 100 factory-delivered RS Clubsports, which were meant for the track. Powered by an air-cooled 3.8-liter mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, the car was able to churn out an impressive 300 hp at 6,500 rpm.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: Want to be neighbors with Yolanda Hadid, Priyanka Chopra, Matthew Perry, Land arry Silverstein? Then purchase the Penthouse 82 of 30 Park Place Four Season Private Residences, which boasts the highest-terraced penthouse in all of the city. The 4,538-square-foot pad, which takes up the whole level of the 82nd floor, just hit the market for $25 million.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: Taj Fateh Prakash Palace, which opened on January 1st, offers guests panoramic views of the lake while being surrounded by the Aravalli Hills, Jagmandir Island, and the legendary Taj Lake Palace. Set within the grounds of Udaipur's City Palace complex, the hotel's original 19th-century décor has been meticulously maintained throughout, including in the 65 rooms and suites.

A life well lived is one comprised of meaningful pursuits and experiences. Let Martini expose you to the best this world has to offer, from luxury fashion and exotic homes and travel destinations to world cuisine and the life-stylings of the rich and famous. Be inspired. Dare to aspire.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: A 1929 Wallace Neff-designed Beverly Hills compound, once owned by one of Hollywood's most beloved silent movie stars, Norma Talmadge, is on the market for $15.75 million. Talmadge bought the home in 1946 and lived there until 1952. A major box-office draw for more than a decade, Talmadge is best-known for the 1922 tear-jerker Smilin' Through.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: Lamborghini has just announced a rear-wheel-drive version of its Huracán variant that offers improved handling and even more power. Dubbed the Huracán Evo RWD, it will take the place of the 4-year-old Huracán LP580-2 in the model's lineup. Engineered specifically for "driving fun," the car is the only 10-cylinder supercar with rear-wheel-drive currently on the market.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: Galway, Ireland, which was named the 2020 Capital of Culture, will feature over 1,900 events from both local and internationally acclaimed artists and cultural organizations. It's a great year to visit this city, located on Ireland's West Coast, and experience everything that it has to offer, from historic ruins to sprawling landscapes.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: One of Thailand's only two-Michelin star restaurants, Mezzaluna at Lebua Hotels & Resorts, is serving up a wagyu beef and wine pairing off the secret menu. They utilize a hyper-local sourced A5 ingredient from Niigata, Japan, a prefecture that only allows distribution of 100 cows annually. The restaurant's Chef Ryuki receives one cow per month.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: Helena Bay Lodge, which sits on the beach, tucked between grassy hills in New Zealand, allows only ten guests at any given time, making them feel as though they’ve got the place to themselves. Enjoying the natural surroundings in total comfort is nowhere more evident than at Mohei Pavilion, the crowning jewel of Helena Bay.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: Soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo appeared at the 14th Dubai International Sports Conference wearing the most expensive timepiece that Rolex ever produced. Ronaldo's Rolex GMT Master Ice had a retail price tag of $485,350 when it was first released. The watch is set with 30 carats of white diamonds on its dial, bezel, and bracelet.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: Emerald Maldives Resort and Spa, a 5-star all-inclusive property occupying the entirety of the Raa Atoll, features 120 oceanfront villas and untouched white sand beaches. When you arrive, you're greeted by some of the clearest water in the world along with pristine surf—ideal for diving. Emerald enhances the natural charm with bamboo, driftwood, native langhi langhi leaves incorporated into the villas.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: If you ever wanted to know how kings lived, you can get a good sense at the Shiv Niwas Palace in Udaipur. As the royal family of Mewar still owns the hotel and lives in a smaller palace on the same grounds, guests can sense their opulence at every corner.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: Set on the historic Cap Malheureux tea plantation in Mauritius, The Bubble Lodge offers guests a secluded hideaway where they can see the night sky and stars from their bedroom or lounge area. The lodge is surrounded by the Bois Cheri jungle with views of the adjacent lake. The transparent bubbles contain a queen-sized bed, an en-suite bathroom, an exterior shower, and air-conditioning.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: At Eichardt’s Private Hotel in Queenstown, New Zealand, you can have the kind of privacy available in remote, uninhabited islands. The lakefront getaway boasts just 13 rooms, with each stocked with the most exceptional amenities and gorgeous views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and The Remarkables mountain range. Nightly rates are at $786, inclusive of all taxes and fees.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: The Brazilian Court, a landmark hotel in Palm Beach, underwent a total re-design this fall that resulted in a contemporary new look. Don't expect pink couches, palm frond wallpaper, or drawings of botanicals and Blue Herons. Instead, you will see the whole wall behind the beds upholstered with 14-foot panels of faux silk fabric printed with a wisteria design by Miami artist Austin Kerr.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: To best enjoy the Amsterdam Light Festival, make sure to book a stay at The Pulitzer Hotel. The establishment has a saloon boat that not only lets you explore Amsterdam's canals just feet away from its lobby, but can also give you a tour of the Festival. Since some of the artworks are not easy to spot, the captain of the Pulitzer boat will point out each of the artworks and tell you a story about each of them.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: The Boston Wine Festival returns to the Boston Harbor Hotel for its 31st season from January 10 to March 27, with 34 different winemaker-hosted dinners, seminars, receptions, and brunches. The 2020 lineup of wineries includes luminaries such as Opus One, Ramey Vineyards, Miner, Chappellet, and Les Domaines Barons de Rothschild.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: Jay-Z style sported a Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime ref. 6300G to Diddy's recent 50th birthday festivities. This limited-edition model, which was released as part of Patek Philippe's 175th-anniversary collection, originally went for $2.2 million upon its release in 2016. It remains the most technically complex timepiece Patek Philippe has ever produced, with 20 complications spread across the reversible case's two dials.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: A new holiday offer by the Hilton Chicago allows guests to relive all their favorite moments from the Home Alone 2 film in the over-the-top Conrad Suite suite. The scene where Kevin and his family are reunited on Christmas morning was shot in the Conrad Suite that spans 5,000 square feet across two floors. The suite comes complete with a fully stocked "Wet Bandit Bar" and a "Turtledove Takeaway.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: Thirty-six restored Corvettes from successive model years will be offered individually by Corvette Heroes. The collection belonged to Psychedelic pop artist Peter Max who purchased it from the winner of a VH1 sweepstake that was giving away the cars. But the Corvettes ended up scattered around New York City parking garages before Corvette Heroes stepped in and bought the entire collection.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: Gramercy Park Hotel boasts of being the only hotel in Manhattan to give guests access to a private park--the Gramercy Park. Upon request, guests of the hotel are escorted over to the park by the concierge team. The only other people who can enjoy the two-acre park are those who pay an annual fee to have a key.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: MGM Resorts hotel-casino is now offering a program where your pooch can join you and be pampered with high-roller service. The dog-friendly rooms and suites at MGM Resorts properties are available for an upgrade of $50-$175 per day, per dog, depending on the property. For a $25 fee, a doggie concierge will check in on your pooch and send you a text message along with a photo confirmation.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: A gardener clearing ivy at the Ricci Oddi Modern Art gallery in Italy found what was supposedly the stolen Gustav Klimt's Portrait of a Lady behind a metal panel of the gallery's exterior wall. The painting, valued at a $66 million and taken from the space almost 23 years ago, was half-hidden by a black trash bag. The police have confiscated the canvas as they investigate its authenticity.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: Hamilton Princess in Bermuda will mark its 135th anniversary in 2020 by offering a package with a starting rate of $135,000 for two. The guests get roundtrip private jet flights, two nights in the "Pink Palace's" lavish Penthouse Suite, and dinner on a private yacht with vintage wine pairings. But the highlight will be experiences with renowned entrepreneurs and brands.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: Kingsmill Resort's 7,000 square-foot, four-bedroom mansion dubbed The Estate could now be rented for an entire year for $1 million. Guests will enjoy amenities like the use of two Denali SUVs and two high-end golf carts, an unlimited pass to the 18-hole River Golf Course, and unlimited access to a members-only fitness center with indoor and outdoor pools and a state-of-the-art gym.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: The Mark is creating a private skating rink that will take over the 2,400-square-foot terrace of its penthouse that overlooks Central Park and the Manhattan skyline. The feature is part of the hotel's offering, dubbed "The Mark's Penthouse Holiday Spectacular.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: Premium luggage brand Rimowa is releasing a limited-edition gold version of its signature aluminum briefcase. Gone are the chunky corner guard, replaced by sleek rounded edges that further emphasize the company’s trademark groves. The suitcase, which measures out to 15.5 by 18 by 5 in, and weighs 7.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: McLaren's next supercar will hybrid model that could go from 0-to-60 mph in just 2.3 seconds. The car will be an all-wheel-drive model with a plug-in hybrid powertrain and an electronically driven front axle. McLaren expects the vehicle to be able to offer between 15 and 20 miles of purely electric driving range.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: One of the most famous spots to visit in Costa Rica is the Poás Volcano, where you'll see in its crater a bright, blue-green, sulfuric lake with steam rising off the top. Poás Volcano National Park also has a myriad of hiking trails through cloud forests.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: For the second year, the entire ground and lower ground floors of London's The Lanesborough will be the venue of a night of live music, DJs, dining, and dancing. The hotel spots included are the Michelin-starred restaurant Céleste, the Belgravia Ballroom, the Garden Room cigar lounge, The Great Hall, and The St Georges' Room.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: Kempinski Hotel Bahia in Marbella, Spain, is displaying a Christmas tree worth $15.4 million in its lobby. The hotel partnered with fashion-designer-turned-baker Debbie Wingham to create the tree, where every branch is generously dotted with white, black, pink, and red diamonds. There are also sapphires thrown in. Each gem came from the jewelry industry's most revered names.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: Die Hard Star Wars fans looking to add the ultimate collectible from the movie franchise can't miss Sotheby's online sales where they could snag a prototype Stormtrooper helmet produced for the first film in 1976. It has a high estimate of $66,000 and is one of only a handful still in existence.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: A previously uninhabited 20-acre islet of Thanda that was transformed into a private resort is available for a five-night buyout at $163,000 for up to 10 adults and nine children. The resort, off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa, has nine guest suites and a spa that looks out over the Indian Ocean. The meals are served on the beach in local Swahili and Arabic styles.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: Global Visionaries, a non-profit that promotes reforestation in Guatemala, is inviting participants to help restock woodlands and reforested lands in a fun way for $12,500 per person, based on double occupancy, for a two-week trip. Participants get to explore villages and a jungle to see the Mayan ruins of Tikal.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: Kokomo Private Island's new Family Escape package will please water-lovers of all ages includes one-tank scuba dive per villa at Kokomo's kids' club. It comes with nanny services that could allow younger tweens to explore with someone who isn't their parent, or give older tweens the freedom to explore with a friend while a nanny watches their younger siblings.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: Five-time James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Solomonov will bring his famed Israeli cuisine to the Zahav pop-up experience at 1 Hotel South Beach. From December 4 to 6, he'll host four-course, family-style dinners inside the property's Habitat restaurant for $195 per person.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: A South Korean chef is suing Michelin for public insult for including his restaurant in the 2020 Seoul guide against his wishes. Eo Yun-gwon of Ristorante Eo said that Michelin Guide forcibly lists against his will and without clear criteria." After Ristorante Eo appeared in the first-ever Michelin Guide to Seoul in 2017 with one star, the chef asked Michelin to omit his restaurant.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: Glenapp Castle just introduced the Hebridean Sea Safari, which will take you on an adventure towards remote Scottish islands, coastal castles, and distant inns, as well as provide plenty of wildlife viewing over three days and two nights. You can expect to see twenty-foot-long basking sharks, dolphins, minke whales, seals, and over 40,000 birds, including puffins, guillemots, gannets, and razorbills.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: Lotte New York Palace unveiled a suite that featured a $200,000 Vividus bed by Hästens. If you book the $10,000-a-night Hästens Ultimate Sleep Suite, you'll get a pre-arrival call from a sleep curator to know your pillow preferences, pajama sizes, and other matters that would help personalize the stay.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: Equinox revealed it's upcoming The Costa Rica: Surf + Yoga + Life experience, a six-day trip where guests learn to surf. It consists of four semi-private lessons, surfing, and paddling board through mangroves. It also has personal training sessions, health coaching, daily meditation, and mobility workshops.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: British artist Andy Link is contesting the sale on Tuesday of a 2004 Bansky sculpture called The Drinker by Sotheby's in London. Link claims it was stolen from him and that it went missing from his garden in 2006. He added that he reported the theft to the police at the time of its disappearance. The 6-foot-tall work is estimated to sell for between $972,000–$1.3 million. Sotheby's has rebuffed the allegation.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: Have you decided on where to celebrate New Year, yet? Try one of the three separate events that Times Square Edition is hosting at three different on-property venues for its inaugural New Year's Eve experiences.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: London-based Nota Bene Global is making available a ten-day journey to Antarctica via a 240-foot superyacht from southern Chile for up to twelve people at $4.3 million. Available from mid-December to the end of February, the ship will also come with a support vessel carrying two AS355 helicopters, as well as a submarine for underwater exploration, which will be on standby for use during excursions.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: An ultra-stylish Scandinavian-inspired hotel will open at the foot of the slopes in the heart of Levi Village in the Finnish Lapland in December. Design Hotel Levi will bring 77 deluxe rooms to the Arctic region, along with a focus on contemporary Finnish design. The hotel's large windows add finishing touches by blending the interior with the landscape.

Welcome to the Martini Minute, this is what's new in the world of luxury: Fashion icon and filmmaker Tom Ford has cut the sticker-price of his stunning 22,000-acre Cerro Pelon Ranch in the Galisteo Basin, New Mexico, from $75 million to $48 million. Set in one of the most visually stunning areas of the Southwest, the property has a single-story modern concrete compound overlooking a serene reflecting pool. The ranch is also home to a set for the Lawrence Kasdan epic, Silverado.