Celebrity Life

The soon-to-be-opened Aman New York is located in the architecturally significant Crown Building in Midtown East Manhattan. Each of Aman’s residences are absolutely breathtaking, but 18A offers a unique layout and design unlike any other at the hotel. The 3,746-sq-ft, three-bedroom residence was designed by Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston and features muted tones, ambient lighting... View Article

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Iconic is one word that describes The Beverly House, otherwise known as ‘the Godfather House’ for its cameo in The Godfather. The sprawling estate was once owned by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst and actress Marion Davies, and was even the honeymoon locale for Jackie and John F Kennedy. It is situated just blocks from... View Article

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In the market for property in Asia? See below for the most impressive luxury homes we've seen this month.

Whether it's a winter holiday home in one of Japan’s most prestigious ski villages, or a luxury abode in the world’s tallest apartment building complete with sky car porch, there is plenty of luxury property to found in Asia, and then some. With that in mind, we've gathered some of the best properties we've seen for that new home or property investment you're looking for. In fact, here's six of them.

1. Luxury Condominium in Bangkok

This ultra-luxe condominium is part of a wider residential development at the heart of Bangkok, by local real estate developer SC Asset. Located just across the way from stunning Lumpini Park, this one-bedroom unit boasts uninterrupted views of the surrounding Silom financial district; with tenants also having access to the complex’s club, rooftop pool and fitness facilities. Saleable area for this property comes to a total of 613 sq. ft., making it an ideal bolthole for the frequent business traveller.

Where: Saladaeng One, Bangkok

What: 1 bedroom; 1 bathroom

Asking Price: HK$3.65 million

2. Good Class Bungalow in Singapore

Designated by Singaporean authorities as a Good Class Bungalow (one of the city-state’s most desirable residential property classifications), Ford Avenue is a slice of resort-style living that remains close to the heart of affluent District 10. At 15,600 sq. ft. there’s ample room for a family of six or more, with carport space and a suitably lengthy 23-metre pool to match.

Where: Ford Avenue, Singapore

What: 5 bedrooms; 5 bathrooms

Asking Price: HK$166.4 million

3. Hotel-like Private Residences in Bangkok

Part of a luxury complex exclusively made up of corner apartments along the banks of the Chao Phraya River, this Four Seasons-administered property is the Canadian hotel group’s first waterfront residential concept in all of Asia. The 3,830 sq. ft. space is taken up by four bedrooms (each with their own freestanding bath), making this an ideal permanent base for affluent property owners who prefer a touch of hospitality in the home.

Where: Four Seasons Private Residences, Bangkok

What: 4 bedrooms; 4 bathrooms

Asking Price: HK$40.1 million

4. Getaway Home in Ashigarashimo

Less than two hours drive from Tokyo in western Kanagawa Prefecture, Galleria Costa promises to be a getaway home unlike any other. Consisting of 8.5 acres of pristine oceanfront real estate (including a two-storey guest house), the property offers breathtaking, unparalleled view of Sagami Bay; with each room possessing an ocean view. The outdoor pool and baths (rotenburo) have been intentionally designed to give the impression of an infinite horizon; and when you finally manage to pick your jaw off the floor, there’s no shortage of amenities indoors (i.e. a gym, tennis court, karaoke, and golf simulator) with which to keep yourself entertained.

Where: Galleria Costa, Ashigarashimo

What: multi-level estate with saunas, Jacuzzi, outdoor pool, gym, home theatre, tennis court and more

Asking Price: HK$165.3 million

5. Glasshouse in Niseko

Nestled atop a tranquil woodland escarpment, this bespoke glass, concrete and steel build is one of the most stylish lodges to retreat to after a day spent skiing down the slopes of Mt. Yotei. The Glasshouse is the brainchild of award-winning architect Hikohito Konishi, and incorporates traditional Japanese building elements, such as an indoor spa handmade using Hinoki wood, into the otherwise contemporary two-floor layout. It’s great as a permanent retreat during ski season, or failing that — to rent for your next excursion to Niseko.

Where: Abuta, Hokkaido

What: 6 bedrooms; 4 bathrooms

Asking Price: HK$50.4 million

6. Moon Shadow Villa in Phuket

Located in Phuket’s affluent, resort-heavy neighbourhood of Kamala, Moon Shadow is a stupefyingly large private villa, with six bedrooms and a saleable area totalling 12,366 sq. ft. Incredible views of the Andaman Ocean are to be had at quite literally every angle throughout the house — excluding the wine cellar — with standout features of the project including a waterfall feature, double-wide terrace and peripherally connected private terraces.

Where: Kamala, Kathu, Phuket

What: 6 bedrooms; 7 bathrooms

Asking Price: HK$6.36 million

As of the publishing date of this article, any aforementioned properties were available for sale. As such, we cannot guarantee that these properties will be available for sale indefinitely, so please check the respective listings for the most up-to-date information.

This article was first published on Luxe Living Asia

The post 6 of Asia’s Most Luxurious Properties to Buy Right Now appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

The CEO of 99.co shares about the experiences that have moulded him, and his plans to use 99.co to build a better world for his family.

The post Lessons that have helped Darius Cheung grow 99.co to be one of the largest property portals in the region appeared first on The Peak Magazine.

The CEO of 99.co shares about the experiences that have moulded him, and his plans to use 99.co to build a better world for his family.

For more stories like this, visit www.thepeakmagazine.com.sg.

Hong Kong's ever-changing dining scene is constantly evolving.

So much so, that it can get a little difficult to keep track of it all, let alone remember to book and try the new restaurants that have caught your eye. From brand new concepts to fresh venues and additional locations, here is our guide to seven of Hong Kong's most promising new restaurants to try right now.

Well, what are you waiting for...

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At 45 years old, Gil Dezer has already achieved more than most real estate developers do in a lifetime. Currently the president of Dezer Development, he remains one of the youngest developers of luxury high-rise residential and condo-hotel properties in the US. He is an industry leader and has been instrumental in changing the face... View Article

The post Developer Gil Dezer on the Residences by Armani/Casa Project appeared first on Elite Traveler.

According to island property broker, Farhad Vladi, few people can withstand the longing for their own private piece of land in the midst of vast oceans or an idyllic lake, far from the confinement of the rest of the world.
And he should know. For 40 years, Vladi has been the go-to deal-maker for movie stars, football heroes, tycoons and other well-heeled clients in search of their water-bound paradise, either permanent or temporary. He can even help them sell when they tire – or are forced to retire – from the castaway crew. Over the years, Vladi has sold more 2,650 islands.

[caption id="attachment_206807" align="alignnone" width="1643"] Pumpkin Key, Florida; Vladi Private Islands[/caption]

The quote above is taken from the opening lines of the Vladi Private Islands’ website, which is dedicated to this specialist corner of the realty sector. The Hamburg-based company also has offices in alifax, anada, and Wellington, New Zealand – both locations are close to significant numbers of desirable island properties.
There are several other companies that specialise in obinson rusoe getaways, notably Toronto- headquartered Private Islands Online, whose gorgeously illustrated catalogues are a sheer joy to browse. International auction houses hristie’s and otheby’s also have less extensive island sites with useful information and stunning pictures.
Acquiring an island, especially in a foreign country, is not for the faint- hearted, but fortunately the digital domains of reputable brokers provide extensive, well-written information on necessary legal, financial and common-sense considerations, which inevitably differ vastly from one country to the next.
Vladi has even devised a 12-point list of crucial factors to consider, which he says enables clients to “enter transactions with their eyes wide open”. The emphasis, he says, is on habitable private islands.

[caption id="attachment_206806" align="alignnone" width="1749"] Lataro Island, Vanuatu[/caption]

Each factor is worth two points, for a maximum of points. f the score comes to less than 18 (66 percent), Vladi doesn’t recommend proceeding. If they total 12 points or less, then the property won’t even be listed on the ladi site. Briefly summarised, the most important factors are:

ONLY CONSIDER UNENCUMBERED FREEHOLD TITLE

This is one criterion where there’s no compromise, Vladi says. As the buyer, you should insist on receiving an unencumbered freehold title for the entire island against the purchase price, though sometimes the existence of a small property – such as a lighthouse – held by a third party can be acceptable. Freehold means that you own the property 100 percent.
Leasehold means that somebody else owns it, and you only have the right to use it for specific purposes and for a specific time. Moreover, you can’t insure your island against expropriation, as you don’t own it.

THERE MUST BE MEDICAL SERVICES WITHIN A 90-MINUTE RADIUS OF THE ISLAND

You should not consider buying an island from which a hospital, clinic or medical-service station cannot be reached within 90 minutes, or, even more preferable, one hour.

FAUNA AND FLORA

Buyers often underestimate the consequences of mosquitoes and sand flies. n some areas, mosquitoes need to be sprayed with chemicals, which is not good if you are allergic to the sprays. ome islands, like many in Australia, are home to highly venomous snakes. However, as only about four people die from snakebite each year Down Under, anywhere within 24 hours of a hospital is acceptably safe. Plants can present their own dangers some are toxic and others can cause allergic reactions. And yes, falling coconuts can be deadly.

[caption id="attachment_206808" align="alignnone" width="1736"] Kaulbach Island, Nova Scotia, Canada[/caption]

FOREIGN INVESTORS ARE SUBJECT TO THREE POSSIBLY LEGAL SYSTEMS:

Free market: foreign investments can be made in the country without restrictions. One can sell and buy as much as one wishes. This applies to the nited tates, anada, ermany, rance and reat Britain, to name a few. Free markets pose little concern for reselling, but investors should consult a local chartered accountant on tax issues.
Restricted market: foreigners can buy only with a government sanction, such as providing jobs. There are two groups of countries with restricted markets. For example, witerland, ew ealand and Australia have their own local market where foreigner sellers can expect to receive market prices for the property. Other countries, such as Tahiti, renada and the eychelles, require government permits for selling the property. If these are denied, sellers are often restricted to the lower prices offered by local markets.
Foreigners banned from buying: in countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and others in the Asia-Pacific region, foreigners are not permitted to buy freehold land, including islands. In such countries, people are better off renting an island for their holidays and awaiting government policy to change in their favour before making an acquisition.

[caption id="attachment_206810" align="alignnone" width="1839"] Ideally, islands should be easily reachable by boat[/caption]

ACCESS

Reaching the island in all seasons and all weather is as important as being able to leave the island. heck whether the island has a natural anchorage or a small protected bay where a boat can be moored, and preferably where a path from the bay to the house can be built. Don’t consider islands subject to rough seas where no anchorage is possible (even if only for a few days each year).

[caption id="attachment_206809" align="alignnone" width="1719"] Kaulbach Island, Nova Scotia, Canada[/caption]

INFRASTRUCTURE

Your island should offer fresh water, a legal sewage system, and electricity, telephone and internet (you could perhaps do without telephone and internet, even power, but not water!).
If there’s no water and the groundwater table has sunk too deep, then a desalination system will be required (and cost up to US$50,000). Islands with their own water supply fall into a much more valuable category.

BUILDING PERMITS

Islands are in two types: developed with existing homes and undeveloped. Buyers should ask if homes were built legally and if a building permit is available to inspect. Where there’s been no building, buyers should find out whether permits are available. We strongly advise that they consult professionals, such as architects and surveyors.

THE PERFECT VILLIAN'S ISLAND

Given Vladi’s long and broad-ranging experience in island-hunting, we asked him only half in jest if he’d ever visited one that would be perfect for James Bond or a supervillian. Without pausing he suggested Dark Island, located just inside the New York State side of the St Lawrence River that forms the border with Canada. The sprawling and imposing granite othic-revival castle was built in the early 1900s by the Frederick Gilbert Bourne, the fifth president of the Singer Sewing Machine Company. The eccentric Bourne had tunnels and passageways built into the walls from where, it’s said, he could eavesdrop on his dinner guests after excusing himself from the table. Today, Singer Castle is a popular tourist destination.

The post What to Consider Before Buying an Island of Your Own appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

With Covid-19 sending much of the world into lockdown, real estate is one of the few industries to have continued. Investors seek financial safe havens in times of uncertainty and there a few things safer than property. But how do you attend a viewing during lockdown? The Towers of the Waldorf Astoria Residences in New... View Article

The post Take a Virtual Tour of Waldorf Astoria Residences New York appeared first on Elite Traveler.

How do you invest during a crisis? We look to China and other foreign cities for property investment upsides.

The post Is it time to invest?: looking to China and beyond appeared first on The Peak Magazine.

How do you invest during a crisis? We look to China and other foreign cities for property investment upsides.

For more stories like this, visit www.thepeakmagazine.com.sg.

Looking for a penthouse in Singapore? Here's what you need to know about living at the literal and figurative top.

The post Welcome to the world of super penthouses appeared first on The Peak Magazine.