Celebrity Life

This story originally appeared in the January/February 2019 issue of Elite Traveler. Shimmering mother-of-pearl watch dials are among the most beautiful on the market. Now, top brands elevate the precious material by carving, etching, painting and gem setting these delicate dials. Mother-of-pearl’s incredible luster and sheen have made it a feminine choice for watch dials since... View Article

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What does it take to run one of the world’s largest watch retailers? As Kim-Eva Wempe tells Kristen Shirley, it’s a combination of unwavering conviction, honoring  her family’s legacy and taking the long view. It may be surprising to learn that one of the watch world’s most successful retailers doesn’t have its roots in Switzerland,... View Article

The post Kim-Eva Wempe on leading a family-owned business appeared first on Elite Traveler.

As Richard Geoffroy retires and Vincent Chaperon becomes the new chef de cave, they speak to Kristen Shirley about legacy, waiting for the right moment and how there is no more radical champagne than Dom Pérignon. Sitting in a suite in New York City’s NoMad Hotel pouring a glass of 2008 Dom Pérignon, Richard Geoffroy... View Article

The post Richard Geoffroy & Vincent Chaperon on Taking Risks appeared first on Elite Traveler.

Architect, CEO and dreamer Christoph Grainger-Herr is fearlessly paving the path for the next 150 years at historic watch brand IWC. As Kristen Shirley finds out, it’s not just numbers and sales driving his plan; it’s passion. As we kick off the celebrations for the official opening of IWC’s new watchmaking facility, the Manufakturzentrum, CEO... View Article

The post Christoph Grainger-Herr on Preserving the Future appeared first on Elite Traveler.

A global thirst for Scotch whisky has continued to grow unabated in 2018 with demand, particularly for single malts, expanding at a rate not seen for a generation. As the Head of Rare and Collectable Whiskies for fine wine and spirits merchants Justerini & Brooks, Tod Bradbury is charged with the task of sourcing the finest... View Article

The post Scotch Whisky’s Great Revival with Tod Bradbury appeared first on Elite Traveler.

This story originally appeared in the November/December 2018 issue of Elite Traveler. Leonardo Ferragamo, son of designer Salvatore Ferragamo, speaks to Lauren Jade Hill during the Rolex Swan Cup about how he is driving forward one of the world’s leading producers of luxury sailing yachts, Nautor’s Swan. It’s the penultimate day of the Rolex Swan Cup... View Article

The post Leonardo Ferragamo on Evolving a Timeless Brand appeared first on Elite Traveler.

by Kathryn Fagan, SkyAngel “There are moments in this job where I sit back and think, ‘I can’t believe I just made that happen.’ I am a chef, a waitress, a bartender, a maid, a personal assistant, a driver and so much more to my guests. I have to make magic happen. Whatever my guests... View Article

The post Sponsored: Kathryn Fagan, SkyAngel and Superwoman appeared first on Elite Traveler.

This story originally appeared in the November/December 2018 issue of Elite Traveler. Taking a cue from the luxury automobile industry, top watch brands are building and introducing concept watches. In the automotive world, carmakers have long introduced concept cars to explore new ideas and materials. When it comes to watchmaking, the idea of a concept watch... View Article

The post The Concept Watches That Are Pushing Boundaries appeared first on Elite Traveler.

Earlier this fall, Luxury Travel Intelligence (LTI) revealed the findings of its annual survey into the world’s best luxury hotel brands. Based on an algorithm covering 118 touch points with weighted scores, each brand is given an accumulative result and ranked alongside one another. The 2018 results placed Aman at the top of a list... View Article

The post Michael Crompton on the Insights of Luxury Travel Intelligence appeared first on Elite Traveler.

Encompassing three distinctly unique island resorts—romantic Huvafen Fushi, family-oriented Amilla Fushi and the lively retro-chic resort Finolhu—Small Maldives Island Co places the focus firmly on giving each place a clear identity and curating the experiences you have there. With the recent relaunch of Huvafen Fushi, we talk to the CEO, Mark Hehir, to find out... View Article

The post Mark Hehir on making Small Maldives Island Co different appeared first on Elite Traveler.

This story originally appeared in the September/October 2018 issue of Elite Traveler.  Keeping up with the changing trends of yacht ownership is no easy task. Alberto Galassi draws on his years of experience as a yacht owner to ensure Ferretti Group stays ahead of the curve. Though I was 10 years old, I clearly remember when... View Article

The post Alberto Galassi on Manning the Helm at Ferretti Group appeared first on Elite Traveler.

This story originally appeared in the September/October 2018 issue of Elite Traveler. Responsible for many recent record-breaking auctions, Aurel Bacs, senior consultant to Phillips in association with Bacs & Russo, tells Elite Traveler why he thinks watch collecting is undergoing a Renaissance. Dear watch collectors — quo vadis? If I knew where you were going, I... View Article

The post Aurel Bacs on the Romance of Vintage Watches appeared first on Elite Traveler.