Red Travel

Imagine getting to drive the latest Ferrari model, with specially tailored journeys around Italy, the opportunity to stay overnight at the finest hotels, having a meal at Italy's most renowned restaurants and well-trained staff attending to your most demanding requests.

A company, Red Travel, has prepared a wide range of services that will be able to meet your needs.

* The Tour Director leads the way in his Alfa Romeo Spider, leaving you free to enjoy the drive while he plans the best itinerary. He’s a Ferrari expert and will let you into the Cavallino’s soul.
* Your luggage will be in the safekeeping of the Security Manager and his VIP shuttle; you’ll find it awaiting you in your hotel room.
* The Art & Leisure Director is available to help you get the most out of your stay, wherever you are.

Numerous MNC companies have used this tour as an incentive for their top managers or even to entertain their main clients.

To view a typical Rome-Florence-Siena-Mediterranean Sea tour, click here.

Tags: Red Travel, Tours, Lifestyle, Leisure, Travel, Italy, Ferrari

US$4,000 MP3 Player

My my - US$4,000 for a single MP3 Player????

Well, Gresso, an elite mobile phone manufacturer has decided to diversify into the MP3 Player market by producing a MP3 Player, named Symphonia, which has similar function as a normal non-branded MP3 Player. This new MP3 Player has 1GB of memory only.

What's so unique about it then?

* made from Blackwood and White Gold, Blackwood and Pink Gold, White Gold and Pink Gold

* ancient blackwood and 18 carat gold in each case

* innovative flat keyboard of the player has special patented scratch-resistant covering, that the company claims is as hard as diamond

* figures and letters on the keyboard are cut by ultraprecise laser

Prices for the gadget will be between EUR 3000 (US$4000) to EUR 5000 (US$6500). This one small gadget is as good as a downpayment for a new house. (source: Gizmag)

Tags: Gresso, Symphonia, MP3 Player, Blackwood, Gadget, Technology, Lifestyle

Tempting Phones

When I first saw the Sony Ericsson P990i at end of 2005, I have decided to get that mobile phone. Sent an email to Sony Ericsson and enquired on the lauching date. I was told that it could be launched during the 3rd quarter of 2006. Almost bought in Oct 06 when I went window shopping but was thinking that I'll be bringing the phone to Sudan for what. Held the purchase then.

Towards end 2006, Nokia gave a preview on one of its upcoming mobile phone model, Nokia N93i. After reading its specifications, my heart was moved as well. A good 3.2MP camera plus a dedicated video camera. My my my.

That was not the end as news soon leaked out that a Nokia N95 could even provide even better features.

This is going to be neverending. This waiting game caused me more headache. In a dilemma now, to buy the Sony Ericsson model or hold on till mid-year when the other 2 Nokia models will be available.
Tags: Sony Ericsson, P990i, Nokia, N93i, N95, Mobile Phone

Wealthy Gourmands

During 6 Feb to 9 Feb 2007, Bangkok will be hosting an event where food being served is fit for the king. The food fits me as well just that the price is way too high. This event is known as the Epicurean Masters of the World II.

If you were a famous food connoisseur or a wealthy person famed for visiting high class restaurants, you would have been invited as one of the 25 guests. Otherwise, you would have to pay up to 1m Thai Baht (about US$29,000 or £15,000) for a one-off meal!!!! So far 15 persons (who is rich and crazy about food) have reserved their place. The diners are coming travel from around Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the US, and include shipping, real estate and gaming magnates.

The venue is at the Dome Restaurant, 65th floor of the State Tower in Bangkok. Top Michelin Star chefs from France, Italy & Germany have been flown in to prepare the excellent dishes. Each dish will be accompanied with different vintage wine.

The menu:-
* Crème brûlée of foie gras with Tonga beans
Alain Soliveres (chef)
1990 Louis Roederer Cristal

* Tartar of Kobe beef with Imperial Beluga caviar and Belons oyster
Antoine Westermann (chef)
1995 Krug Clos du Mesnil

* Mousseline of pattes rouges crayfish with morel mushroom infusion
Alain Soliveres (chef)
2000 Corton-Charlemagne, Domaine Jean François Coche-Dury

* Tarte Fine with scallops and black truffle
Antoine Westermann (chef)
1996 Le Montrachet, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti

* Lobster Osso Bucco
Jean-Michel Lorain (chef)
1985 Romanée-Conti, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti

* Ravioli with guinea fowl and burrata cheese, veal reduction
Annie Feolde (chef)
1961 Château Palmer

* Saddle of lamb "Léonel"
Marc Meneau (chef)
1959 Château Mouton Rothschild

* Sorbet "Dom Pérignon"
* Supreme of pigeon en croute with cèpes mushroom sauce and cipollotti
Heinz Winkler (chef)
1961 Château Haut-Brion

* Veal cheeks with Périgord truffles
Heinz Winkler (chef)
1955 Château Latour

* Imperial gingerbread pyramid with caramel and salted butter ice-cream
Jean-Michel Lorain (chef)
1967 Château d'Yquem

Reading: Bangkok banquet beckons for rich - BBC News/Asia-Pacific
Reading: 10 courses, 18 Michelin stars and £15,000 a head - Guardian Unlimited
Tags: Lifestyle, Luxury, Food, Gourmand, Food Connoisseur, Bangkok, Thailand, Dome Restaurant, State Tower, Michelin Stars, Chef, Epicurean Masters, Vintage Wine, Travel

Love Package @ Ritz Carlton KL

I had highlighted earlier what Ritz Carlton of Las Vegas could offer for their Valentine's Day package and Malaysia's Ritz-Carlton in Kuala Lumpur has also prepared a package for the love birds in Malaysia. The best of this package is that you'll have everything prepared and they'll disappear from your sight so that the couple can enjoy the intimate time.

Ritz Carlton's In The Mood For Love Room Package includes:-
* Personalised in-room check-in
* Full butler service
* One butler-drawn Lover's Bath per stay
* Romantic turndown (chocolate cake, scented candles and bath salt)
* Romantic Valentine’s set dinner for two which has caviar, champagne, oysters in the menu
* Champagne breakfast served in-room
* Health Club access with 24 hour gym, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi

Such package won't come cheap especially with Ritz Carlton's brand name. Be prepared with at least RM1,500.
Tags: Lifestyle, Luxury, Ritz Carlton, Valentine's Day, Love, Package, Kuala Lumpur

Island House - For Sale

Your idea of a dream house has changed after seeing the above picture?

This private is located at Lavallette, New Jersey, USA. It has 5 large bedrooms. You could travel there by helicopter landing on its own helipad or via boats (part of the package), one 19' & another at 25'. The island also has an in-ground pool, bocce court, jogging path and a beach. For sale at US$8.5 million.

Tags: House, Home, Island, Estate, Property, Lifestyle, Luxury, Lavallette, New Jersey

Whirlwind Romance Package

With the Valentine's Day being 11 days away, hoteliers are coming out with luxury deals for couples who are willing to spend or afford it. Ritz Carlton's US$100,000 package is nothing now compared to the Whirlwind Romance Package.

Millenium Hotel located in Los Angeles, London (England) and then New York will accommodate this package. Why 3 cities? This package is opened to North American citizens only. You have to book now as the package will start on 10 Feb 2007 and ends on 18 Feb 2007 ..... not bad, an 8 days package.

Just by looking at the package details, my saliva is already drooling:-
* On 10 Feb, a 1st class flight to the first destination in Los Angeles
* Chauffeured, upon arrival, to the Millennium Biltmore
* 2 nights stay in the Presidential Suite
* VIP tickets to the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art
* Private shopping tour on Rodeo Drive
* 4-course dinner for two with unlimited flow of champagne

On 12 Feb:-
* 1st class flight to London, England
* chauffeured in a Rolls-Royce upon arrival to the Millennium Hotel London Knightsbridge
* 3 nights stay in the Presidential Suite
* A romantic dinner at the award-winning celebrity chef Brian Turner’s Mayfair Restaurant
in Grosvenor Square
* Scenic balloon ride
* The Rolls-Royce is at your expense during your stay in London

On 15 Feb:-
* First class flight to New York
* A limousine ride upon arrival to the Millennium Broadway
* 3 nights stay in the Penthouse Suite
* VIP tickets to a hot Broadway play
* VIP tickets to visit the Museum of Modern Art
* Helicopter flight over Manhattan with champagne toast
* Luxury limo transfers
* Private dinner and dancing on the stage of the 103-year old Hudson Theatre
* On 18 Feb, a first class flight back to your city of origin

Really can't imagine that sort trip and I'm very sure the lady you had in mind to bring along will fall on her knees instead. Value for this extraordinary package - US$150,000.00
Tags: Millenium Hotel, Valentine's Day, Whirlwind Romance Package, Los Angeles, London, New York, Suite, Penthouse, Rolls Royce, Rodeo Drive, Mayfair Restaurant, Broadway, Hudson Theatre, Museum of Modern Art, Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art, Lifestyle, Luxury

Love Package

The Valentine's Day on 14 Feb is approaching again and the male species out there will be splashing out for gifts to woo their loved ones. Various people have different way of expressing their love. Some will buy a bouquet of flowers or a nice dinner at a high class hotel or spend a romantic evening together at a plush hotel.

Maybe the guy may present a gift voucher so that their loved one will buy what she likes or take a short holiday at a nearby exotic hotel. You may have seen how it was done in certain movies too.

What if all the above are packaged into one for a couple? Just approach one single place and all the above are done at your convenience.

Ritz Carlton at Las Vegas has the following arranged for their "Love at Las Vegas" romance package:-
• Two night stay in The Ritz-Carlton's 2,400 square-foot Presidential Suite
• Limousine transportation from McCarran International Airport to helipad; couple to ride via helicopter to Lake Las Vegas with champagne, then to be serenaded by a gondolier while riding a gondola from the Lake Las Vegas helicopter landing to The Ritz-Carlton's shore
• Cristal Champagne and gourmet picnic basket upon arrival

Dinner for the first night to include:-
• Private in-room dinner to be prepared by a dedicated chef and wait staff

Dinner for the second night to include:-
• Private champagne-tasting dinner aboard Lake Las Vegas' yacht
• String-trio to play for couple throughout the evening
• Rose petals strewn throughout yacht
• 14 dozen roses (14 x 12 = 168, NOT 14 stalks)
• Use of luxury car of choice during stay
• $50,000 shopping spree at Neiman Marcus, complete with round-trip limousine service
• $5,000 line of credit at the MonteLago Casino
• Private fantasy butler
• Butler-drawn Cristal Champagne bath
• In-room Prada Beauty couples body treatment
• Personalized bath robes
• Monogrammed pillow cases
• Daily breakfast in bed
• Nightly rose petal turndown
• Departing gift of The Ritz-Carlton bedding and linens and a bottle of Cristal Champagne
• Limousine service from The Ritz-Carlton to McCarran International Airport
• Resort fee
• Valet parking
• Transportation to and from airport in originating city

You can start reserving for the package from 1 Feb 07 onwards where the cost of the package starts from a cool US$100,000.
Tags: Travel, Lifestyle, Luxury, Valentine's Day, Package, Romance, Love, Ritz Carlton, Las Vegas, Lake Las Vegas, Neiman Marcus, MonteLago Casino, Cristal Champagne, McCarran International Airport, Yacht, Prada

Birthday Parties

How do people organise and celebrate their birthday parties?
How does a kid celebrates his/her birthday that is being organised by their parents?

For the rich adults, they could hire superstars to entertain their guests as the main artist for the night. The star's presence may not even be there for more than 2 hours.
1) George Michael performed before a few hundred of guests of Vladimir Potanin, owner of Interros Holding Company with interest in mining and lumber, for 75 minutes only and he got paid for US$3 million.
2) Christina Aguilera, Robin Williams and Bette Midler performed at Joe Hardy's birthday party at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort at approximately US$1 million each.
3) Robin Williams together with the Rolling Stones and John Mellencamp performed at David Bonderman, co-founder of Texas Pacific Group, at a price of US$10 million.
4) A group that comprise 50 Cent, Aerosmith, Don Henley, Tom Petty, Stevie Nicks and Ciara was at David H. Brooks' (of DHB Industries) daugther's birthday part at New York's Rainbow Room for a staggering price of US$10 million too. Guess what? The daugther was only 13 years old. (source: Post Gazette)

For little children, cost is not spared too by the rich and famous:-
a) A 90 minute party held at the Dylan's Candy Bar in New York will cost US$1,200 for only 20 pre-schoolers.
b) FAO Schwarz's toy store will organise a sleepover party at their store at a starting price of US$25,000.
c) A 1 year old’s party in a Minnesota community has 60 guests. The gift opening takes two hours; the party infant sleeps through most of it.
d) A 3 year old’s parents in the same community rent a fire station for party #1 and a private club with a pool for party #2.
e) 7 year olds in rural Minnesota get picked up by stretch limos to transport them to a friend’s party. (source: Birthdays Without Pressure)

How much did you spend last year for your own birthday party or your kids' parties?
Tags: Birthday Party, Rock Star, George Michael, Christina Aguilera, Robin Williams, Bette Midler, Rolling Stones, John Mellencamp, 50 Cent, Aerosmith, Don Henley, Tom Petty, Stevie Nicks, Ciara, Vladimir Potanin, Interros Holding Company, Joe Hardy, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, David Bonderman, Texas Pacific Group, David H. Brooks, DHB Industries, Rainbow Room, Dylan's Candy Bar, FAO Schwarz, Post Gazette, Birthdays Without Pressure

Blue Origin

Recently I have blogged about a company called Space Adventure Ltd that commercialised the space travel for people who can afford it and see the space at the same time. Another company is in the making as well. Known as the Blue Origin and owned by billionaire Jeff Bezos, the owner of Amazon.com.

This small spacecraft built by Blue Origin was able to shoot up to a height of 90m and landed safely. The intention was to launch the Goddard, yeah they gave this name to the spacecraft, so that humans can travel to the space commercially and explore the space system at a lower cost.

The US Federal Aviation Administration was also monitoring Blue Origin's space technology and suggested that it could be possible as early as 2010. Blue Origin is now hiring experienced propulsion engineers / aerospace engineer / engineering leader. Any takers?
Tags: Space Travel, Space, Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos, Amazon, Goddard, Spacecraft, Engineering

John Travolta's House

For you to see only and not for sale. Even if it's for sale, you need some big toys to fit in.

This home belongs to John Travolta and Kelly Preston located in Florida. John, where the infamous movie entitled Grease shot him to stardom in the 70s, is a qualified pilot and in the pictures below you'll see his big toys parked right at his backyard within 100 feet away from the main home compound.

Not bad, ever thought of stepping into the entertainment industry? Just when you thought he has enough, there are few upcoming movies that will feature him.

Tags: John Travolta, Kelly Preston, Grease, Movie, Entertainment, Airplane, Runway, House

World's Most Expensive Chocolates

Chocopologie by Knipschildt
Cost: US$2,600 per pound
Where: Norwalk, Connecticut, USA
Knipschildt Chocolatier was founded in 1999 by Fritz Knipschildt, who got his culinary education as a chef in Denmark. The most-expensive chocolate he sells--a $250 dark chocolate truffle with a French black truffle inside--is available on a preorder-only basis. It's made of 70% Valrhona cacao, which is blended into a creamy ganache with truffle oil. The truffle is then hand-rolled with a dark truffle on the inside and dusted with cocoa powder.

Noka Vintages Collection
Cost: US$854 per pound
Where: Dallas, Texas, USA
Noka chocolate is a compilation of the finest dark chocolates, sourced from select plantations in Venezuela, Trinidad, Cote d'Ivoire and Ecuador. The Vintages Collection of chocolate is 75% pure, single-origin cacao, with other ingredients that include cacao butter and sugar. Noka does not use any type of emulsifier, such as soy lecithin, in their chocolate-making process, nor do they add vanilla.


Delafee
Cost: US$508 per pound
Where: Neuchatel, Switzerland
For those who enjoy a sparkle in their chocolate, there's Delafee. The chocolate is prepared with fine cocoa beans and flakes of edible 24-karat gold applied by hand to each praline. Other ingredients include sugar, coconut oil, cocoa butter, milk powder and vanilla.




Godiva "G" Collection
Cost: US$120 per pound
Where: New York, USA
The well-known chocolatier, which originated in Belgium, recently introduced the "G" Collection of chocolates, which are made with various ingredients and flavors, such as Palet d'Or, Tasmanian Honey and Mexican Hot Chocolate. Each chocolate is comprised of premium cocoa beans and other ingredients that are dependent on each type of bonbon.

Richart
Cost: US$120 per pound
Where: Lyons, France
Richart chocolate is made from 70% Criollo cocoa from Venezuela--considered the best cocoa in the world. It has a mild-but-full flavor and is only paired with the finest ingredients, such as almonds, raspberries and exotic spices. The cocoa used in each chocolate is finely ground to ensure a smooth taste.

(source: Forbes)
Tags: Food, Chocolate, Dessert, Knipschildt Chocolatier, Noka, Delafee, Godiva, Richart, Lifestyle, Luxury

Beer Spa

I have been blogging about Spa resort centres in Malaysia on 6 Nov 06 and 2 Dec 06. Such wellness lifestyle in Malaysia is getting more prominent. But another kind of spa lifestyle is found in Czech Republic and also mushrooming in Austria (Landhotel Moorhof) and Germany (Kummeroer Hof). It's called the Spa Beer.

It was believed that a Spa Beer opened up by the Chodovar Brewery in Chodova Plana is the world's first Spa Beer where every sense is enveloped in beer; the bubbly sticky liquid on your skin, the hops in the air, to the beer in your mug.

You can also try the brewski facial: an über gooey face mask made from ground hops, malt, honey and cream cheese. These half hour bath treatments start at about US$55. The guests are charged US$150 pounds for weekend packages, and can indulge in a range of health treatments including beer wraps. Beer is believed to have many positive effects on the skin and skin conditions. Maybe the men, upon hearing the word beer, may change their mind on spas. Imagine you can swim in a pool of beer.(source: Zee News, Realbeer & World Leisure News)
Tags: Spa, Beer Spa, Czech Republic, Chodovar Brewery, Chodova Plana, Landhotel Moorhof, Kummeroer Hof, Travel, Leisure, Lifestyle

Where to Wash a Luxury Car

How much would you pay for a car wash? A company called Miracle Detail may be one of the most expensive car washes in the world. It costs £5,000 (US$9,198) for his Pinnacle car wash. It's the service Rod Stewart uses to polish up his Ferrari Enzo (left pic).

The 61-step process includes multiple washes, pampering with gentle towels and even the use of a depth gauge that lets the owner, Paul Dalton, measure the paint thickness so he can smooth out the scratches without messing up the finish. He waxes with a special kind of Zymöl wax that costs £7,000 a tube and Dalton keeps in a safe in his fridge. It is made with 73% carnauba wax from the Brazilian rainforest and just a few tablespoons work on the whole car. His website has a photo gallery full of the super glossy results.
Tags: Luxury, Lifestyle, Miracle Detail, Paul Dalton, Zymol Wax, Carnauba Wax, Car Wash

High Tea

High Tea - no, it's not the afternoon high tea that has a buffet range of food being served in hotels. It's more of those Chinese Tea which is of high quality.
Tea makers in China has a plan to promote its range of chinese teas in China and overseas where they are marketing a luxury niche brand, Lun Dao.
Lun Dao’s prices, has a price range from 10,000 to 20,000 yuan (US$1,282 to US$2,564) for 500 grammes of premium tea. This is a very high price to pay but what made it so special. The tea makes said that the price reflected its high quality and the cultural tradition that came with it. This Lun Dao tea is being marketed by Sichuan Emei Mountain Zhuyeqing Tea Co Ltd.

The tea leaves are being cultivated at a pure and fertile ecological tea garden on Emei Mountain in Southwest China’s Sichuan Province, where the best soil is located. The company claims that each 500-gramme package of Lun Dao tea is handpicked from 5 million fresh tea sprouts grown in highland tea gardens. On average, the output is only about two tonnes annually. The scarcity of the produce made the tea leaves more sought after. Another business ploy?

Tags: Lun Dao, Emei Mountain, Tea Leaves, Chinese Tea, Tea Maker, Luxury, Niche, Sichuan Province

Emmy Awards' Benefits

Those Emmy Awards' presenters, who read out nominees' names and presented trophies to the winners have tons of good benefits awaiting them for just being a presenter.

Following are their benefits (which are taxable anyway):-
* Five-day stay at Old Bahama Bay on Grand Bahama Island, plus access to all water sports
* One-year bicoastal membership to the Sports Club/LA (which, contrary to its name, has locations in San Francisco, Miami, New York and various other hotspots)
* Sprint Fusic mobile phone, retails for $329
* Two nights at the US Grant in San Diego, including spa treatments
* One-year bicoastal membership to YogaWorks
* Five-day golf or ski getaway at the Adara Hotel in Whistler
* Six days at the Wharekauhau Country Estate in Featherston, New Zealand
* Four days at the Dolphin Bay Hotel & Residences in Pismo Beach, California
* Six days at The Lodge at Molokai Ranch on Molokai, Hawaii
* Babystyle gift card, Lulu the Lamb original stuffed kids' chair and personal shopping consult
* Gift certificate for two-day "Emmy Crush Camp" wine appreciation at the Napa Valley Hotel
* Food & wine pairing for six people from the Crustacean Restaurant in Beverly Hills
* Spa gift certificate and products from Fresh
* Gingi skincare products
* Ike Behar silk tie, button-down shirt and lapis cufflinks
* Morton's Steakhouse gift certificate (last year's was for $1,500)
* String of pearls from Pearl Paradise
* Prive and Ona Spa gift certificate
* Dooney & Bourke leather roller luggage
* "365 Days of Dove" chocolate assortment
* Gift certificate for linens from DreamSleep Studio

Who wouldn't volunteer just to crack a few jokes, read out the nominees' names and then wait for the drum roll to announce the winner. Now, if the presenter has gotten this, what do you think the winner would have gotten???
Tags: Emmy Awards, Benefits, Lifestyle, Entertainment

World's Most Expensive Jeans

Forbes has the scoop on the most expensive jeans. They cite trends towards custom-fitted denim and lots of added detailing, including embroidery and crystals, as major reasons that prices were driven upwards, but not every pair on their list has these features. The single most expensive pair was 115-year old Vintage Levis sold on eBay for US$60,000, followed by the significantly newer Ernest Sewn custom jeans, which cost up to US$1,000 per pair.
Other pairs of jeans which made their names were Levis iPod Jeans, Denim for Immortality Jeans or design your own jeans at Denim Design Lab.

Tags: Jeans, Fashion, Forbes, Vintage Levis, Ernest Sewn, Levis iPod Jeans, Denim for Immortality, Denim Design Lab, Lifestyle

Five-Star Luxury Loo

A new five-star, ladies' toilet is about to open with a £5 entry fee. The luxury powder room, called WC 1, aims to offer the most glamorous comfort break imaginable for time-poor, cash-rich shoppers and busy career women. There's a reception area; relaxing music plays in each of the 19 cubicles and, with the thoughtful installation of "considerate lighting".

The 4,000 sq ft central London sanctuary will have a bouncer on the door to prevent overcrowding and will provide hair dryers, straightening irons, high-end toiletries and cubicles vast enough for patrons to change into a ball gown, if necessary. Beyond the cubicles, there is a sumptuous marble-floored powder room with huge mirrors and super-comfortable vanity stools. Every possible toilette emergency has been considered in the £1 million fit and everything from spare tights to toothbrushes to make-up kits and aromatherapy oils will be on sale.

Visitors with more than a few moments and a little more cash to spare can also have a mini-makeover or a restorative hand or foot massage. At WC 1, each loo is air-conditioned and is sterilised after every use so that it is pristine for every visitor. (source: Telegraph UK)
Tags: Luxury, Lifestyle, Toilet, Washroom, Loo, London, Entry Fee, Telegraph

Most Expensive Champagnes 2006

When it comes to food, normally I'm quite flexible with the pricing. But how much am I willing to spend for a bottle of champagne? US$30? US$130? US$400? High quality champagnes are labor-intensive and their prices usually reflect the quality and craftsmanship that went into them. Their prices also reflect the luxury lifestyle that is associated with champagne and what consumers are willing to pay for it. Forbes has a list of the most expensive champagnes of 2006 which you may want to buy off the shelf for the coming year end parties.
1. Krug, Clos du Mesnil 1995 (US$750)
2. Bollinger Blanc de Noirs Vieilles Vignes Françaises 1998 (US$575)
3. Dom Pérignon Rosé 1996 (US$400)
4. Salon Le Mesnil 1996 (US$300)
5. Krug 1995 (US$200)

Tags: Luxury, Lifestyle, Wine, Champagne, Forbes, Krug, Bollinger, Dom Perignon

Luxury Perfumes

The most expensive perfume in the world, Imperial Majesty, comes at a royal US$215,000 (RM783,771) a bottle with crown granted by Queen Victoria. Could it be because the perfumer used rare flowers that can only be handpicked at certain times of the year, or precious oils from animals that are almost extinct?

All Clive Christian, a British designer-turned perfumer, did was to pour 16.9 ounces of his limited edition scent – No.1 – into a Baccarat crystal bottle and stick a five-carat diamond into the 18-carat gold collar.

This he unveiled at Harrods in London and Bergdorf Goodman in New York, and three out of the five bottles released for sale were grabbed by collectors.

On a more affordable scale, Annick Goutal also sells Baccarat crystal perfume bottles filled with selected scents. At RM5,500 (US$1,528) a pop, Annick Goutal “Songes” comes at a fraction of the price of Imperial Majesty. And you only have to share ownership of this handcrafted, hand-blown piece of crystal with 149 other people.

It would be rather nice to own a Baccarat bottle but if you don’t have extra cash lying around, you can always settle for the hand painted “Songes” moon bottle or “Mandragore” butterfly bottle. These are sold at RM1,400 (US$389) each and only a limited number are available (350 pieces) as they’re individually hand-painted. It takes around three to six hours to painstakingly colour each bottle with acrylic paint. (source: The Star)

Tags: Lifestyle, Luxury, Perfume, Fragrance, Clive Christian, Imperial Majesty, Baccarat, Annick Goutal, Songes, Mandragore, Harrods, Bergdorf Goodman