A 15,000-square-foot residence in the Bel Air neighborhood of Los Angeles, overlooking a country club, presents countless opportunities for over-the-top, garish embellishments. But instead of succumbing to those temptations, this home’s new owner, a fortysomething media entrepreneur, and his design team exercised uncommon and laudable restraint when reconceiving the circa-1926 house. The team comprised interior designer Jerry Meyer, architects Walter Meyer (no relation to Jerry) and A. Thomas Torres, contractor John Finton, and landscape architect Maureen Barnes. The owner purchased the residence three years ago and then gave his charges a one-year deadline to renovate and furnish it. In that time, they created a house that reveals its charms gradually, one room at a time, instead of all at once. “There are a lot of parts to the home that are appealing, but not competing,” explains Walter Meyer. “Each room can stand alone and has its own personality. But at the same time, there’s a tremendous sense of continuity. It’s a true example of the whole being the sum of its parts.”

The 1.5-acre property encompasses a pool filled with salt water, a double garden with water features and sculptures, and numerous entertaining spaces. “The backyard is visible from almost every room in the house, so it was important to create a strong connection between the inside and out,” explains Jerry Meyer.

Inside the home, the design team was cautious to keep the rooms on a human scale. To create a warmer sense of arrival, the height of the home’s original entryway was reduced from 28 feet to 14 feet. The color palette for most of the home’s furnishings—red, fuchsia, and coral—was indirectly determined by the sepia-toned, 19th-century French wallpaper panel hanging in the living room and by the homeowner’s fascination with the romance of red. Beyond the living room and looking out to the garden and swimming pool, the game room and dining room areas offer the homeowner multiple options for entertaining. “He didn’t want a space that was so large that a small dinner party would feel uncomfortable,” says Meyer. “So to the right of the dining room, in the game room, I designed a table with a square insert that normally holds a Man Ray–designed chess set.”

Also convenient for entertaining is the lower-level catering kitchen located just below the home’s family kitchen, which is designed for daily use. Outfitted with stainless steel appliances, including multiple ovens, burners, and refrigerators, the catering kitchen features a dumbwaiter, making it easy to transport food upstairs to the dining room.

Other entertaining areas include the theater, theater lounge, wine room, and billiard room, which are located in their own wing adjacent to the main house. On the home’s top floor are spaces that give the homeowner ample space to relax, including a master suite with a custom-designed bed, a 400-square-foot closet, and an antique-inspired bathroom—one of 17 in the home. 

“The home is a true Italian Renaissance hilltop villa,” says Walter Meyer. “Even though you can see the city in the distance, as soon as you enter through the home’s gates, you feel as though you’ve escaped the chaos and are in your own private retreat.”

ECOSSE Moto Works, Inc. is the premier luxury marque of distinctive, limited-production motorcycles created for discerning enthusiasts. Founded in 2001, the company spent three years perfecting The Heretic through three complete prototype iterations. The final prototype, X-3, remains at the company’s headquarters and is reserved for a collector or museum.

While forming a cherished brand, ECOSSE intends to build several different models with the same underlying theme: a synergistic combination of innovation, craftsmanship and technology with a nod to the company’s racing influence. The models share chassis styling, materials and certain elements to instantly alert consumers of the ECOSSE pedigree. Yet each serves a distinctly different purpose and is handcrafted in limited quantities to motivate innovators, collectors and aficionados to place their names on the waiting list for each new model.

The Heretic

starting at $74,800

ECOSSE’s flagship model, The Heretic, combines a highly engineered chassis, massive torque, wicked attitude, sleek lines, exquisite detail and race-bred components in a refined package. Fighting conformity is at the heart of The Heretic whose very name conjures up images of rebellion, utter uniqueness and an aversion to all things standard. Any color, any finish. Only 100. Ever.

Iconoclast Series by ECOSSE

Dare to be different: Luxury and performance unite on this rare beauty. 11 editions. $88,000.

Designed and handcrafted by leading artisans in mechanical design, welding, machining, and carbon-fiber formation who exude passion. ECOSSE creates as many parts as possible at their U.S. headquarters (including fine details like custom bolts, logo badges, and hand-pouring the urethane for the fuel tank mounts and handlebar dampening system). Only the very best components in the world make it on an Iconoclast Series motorcycle. Special motor and exhaust as well as a timeless color scheme make this a coveted collector’s item.

ECOSSE SPIRIT ES1 Superbike Experience

F1 on 2 wheels: The World’s Lightest, Fastest, Best-Handling Superbike. One edition: $3.6 Million

Created by two seasoned Formula 1 (F1) engineers. The design drivers behind the ES1 are relatively simple: light weight, low aerodynamic drag and improved rider ergonomics. But achieving profound improvements in all areas has required genuinely inventive steps to bring F1 technology to the motorcycle world. Using state-of-the-art CAD, FEA and CFD software, the ES1 features:

• Integrated & fully stressed engine/gearbox
• Novel suspension design
• Optimization of aerodynamics, ergonomics and packaging
• Constructed primarily from carbon-fiber composites
• Key rider/development process participant

This once-in-a-lifetime experience includes:

• Bespoke, high-performance, customized ES1 machine
  Serial #01
  Fitted to buyer’s measurements
• Parts spares plus full factory support
• Unprecedented participation in, and exposure to, the development and testing process including facility and track outings worldwide – participation dependent on buyer’s interest level
• Riding development with champion racers and sessions at renowned U.S. race schools – participation dependent on buyer’s time availability/interest level
• Custom apparel, gear and paddock support equipment equivalent to a MotoGP racer’s arsenal. Customized BRM performance watch
  • Special high-performance race-spec engine tailored to customer’s needs
  • 230 hp
  • 250 mph
  • 265 lbs
  • .16 coefficient of drag
  • World-class components

Contact Information

www.ecossemoto.com
303.246.3080

Caribbean Culture

The Central American country of Belize is a British Commonwealth where the local population speaks fluent English and the area’s rich culture heritage appeals to all ages. Visitors commonly enjoy two leading indigenous musical forms (Punta and Brukdown), and experience a vibrant developing visual art and film culture. Awe-inspiring archaeological sites and museums offer a chance to explore the custom of early Mayan civilizations. Traditional Mayan, Garifuna, Mesta and Creole festivals provide another chance to experience the area’s colorful heritage.

Easy Access

Palmetto Bay Resort is just a short flight from the southern United States with major airlines offering several per day to Belize City:  Continental from Houston; American from Miami; US Airways from Charlotte; Skyservice from Toronto; and Delta from Atlanta. Complimentary transportation (to and from Placencia and to the local airport) will round out services that put owners at ease.

Real estate ownership in Belize is without restriction, with foreign buyers taking full title and enjoying the same rights as Belizeans. For more information about opportunities at Palmetto Bay Resort visit http://www.palmettobayresort.com/.

Food & Spirits: In 1989 two visionaries, Paul Mitchell Systems co-founder, John Paul DeJoria and entrepreneur Martin Crowley formed The Patrón Spirits Company with the singular goal of producing “the best tequila in the world.”

Since then, The Patron Spirits Company has become one of the fastest growing luxury liquor companies in the world, offering an array of luxury tequilas as well as rums from its more recently acquired Pyrat line. The Patron family of premium liquors includes Gran Patrón, Patrón Añejo, Patrón Reposado, Patrón Silver, Patrón XO Café, Patrón Citrónge, Pyrat Cask, Pyrat XO Reserve, Pyrat Superior Blanco. The newest addition to the high-end family is an Ultra Premium Tequila, called Gran Patrón Premium. Gran Patron is “triple distilled then aged to perfection, to make the smoothest sipping tequila ever produced.”

Patron is distilled and packaged entirely by hand and produced from the finest 100-percent Weber Blue agave grown in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico.

Found not only at the top restaurants and bars around the world, Patron also makes special red carpet appearances to celebrate the best of the best with carefully crafted mixed drinks and cocktails that celebrate Patron luxury.

Every step in producing Patron Tequila, from harvesting the agave to the time-honored roller mill distillation process, to the individual labeling, signing and inspection of each bottle, is done by hand. As John McDonnell, the Patrón Spirits Co. COO, explains, “Patrón is a luxury product–every bottle is hand-blown, cork-finished and individually numbered.”

Have a sip of Patron to celebrate in true luxury.

Technorati Tags: Patron Tequilla, Patron, Gran Patron, Martin Crowley, Patrón Spirits Company, John Paul DeJoria, Patron Anejo

Luxury Yachts: How many times have you stared out drearily at the bleak company parking lot, the hot urban sun beating down on your car, willing the paint to peel back from the frame, or watched as an inch-thick layer of ice formed on your windshield after an hour of being pelted by freezing rain? During those moments how often did you close your eyes and envision yourself sailing on a private yacht through crystal blue waters, being waited on hand and foot without a care in the world?

While buying your own private yacht and hiring a full-time crew, chef and maid, plus paying for the privilege of docking in a marina, is a few years away (as in light years), enjoying the luxury of sailing to exotic destinations aboard a world-class yacht-that’s all yours during your cruise-with private staff whose mission it is to make sure you’re happy, is closer than you think. PrivatSea is an exclusive yacht club, offering Members luxury cruising aboard an exceptional fleet of superyachts. The Club’s prestigious fleet of yachts is offered to discerning vacationers to provide the ultimate in the discreet “escape.” Every yacht is hand picked for its pedigree, crew experience and security criteria. On board, every Club member is treated as if the yacht were their own. The Club takes care of every detail leaving our Members free to enjoy a truly relaxing vacation in the height of luxury.

So, the next time you’re stuck in traffic, waiting a seeming eternity for a cab or listening to annoying ringtones while waiting in line at the bank, think about how you would enjoy a 6 day Mediterranean cruise, starting in Cannes and ending in Porto Cervo, Sardinia. Then ask yourself, are you ready to take to the sea?

Technorati Tags: Privat Sea Yacht Club, Privat Sea, Yacht Club, Cannes, Sardinia, Luxe

A range of residences are available for purchase at Nizuc, a 28-acre private resort community under construction along the shoreline of the world’s second-largest reef on Mexico’s Mayan Riviera. Nizuc is being developed and operated by General Hotel Management Ltd., whose portfolio of properties includes the Setai on Miami’s South Beach and the Legian in Bali. The $180 million development, slated for completion in October 2009, will comprise three beachfront villas (shown), 16 Club Suites condominiums, 160 one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences, and 45 hotel rooms. In addition to the two nearby Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses - easily accessed by boat via private waterway - and seven sculptured outdoor pools, the reef provides snorkeling and diving. Residences start at $1.3 million, and beachfront villas start at $10 million. (www.nizuc.com)

Technorati Tags: Nizuc, Private Resort, Luxury, Mayan Riviera, Reef, Beachfront Villa

Home Décor: The Versace name has long been synonymous with lavishness and luxury. From the opulent designs and shapes to the decadent fabrics, who knew that famous philosophy had been extended into a home collection?

Begun in 1992, the Versace Home Collection was originally textiles and linens and has since been expanded to encompass all aspects of luxurious home living, from tabletop finery to bedroom sets. Each collection is an expression and expansion of a classic design theme, often of Greek origin, which are now known as signature Versace.

If you’ve ever seen Donatella’s fabulous digs on television or seen its Versailles-like magnificence and wanted your own surroundings to resemble a modern take on luxurious, near-royal living, then you must check out their home collection found at www.versace.com. Even the Web site is a testament to Versace’s signature gild, with its flash-player design and ability to maneuver different on the tiniest details of their offerings.

At first glance, much of the current furniture collection seems deceptively simply designed, not at all like the lavish signature Versace we are used to. But when you play with the fabrics and accessories, the clean lines become the perfect setting for myriad fabrics the collections offer. Even the tables compliment the modern opulence presented, with their sharply cornered curlicues. But when you top it all off with Versace signature patterned dishware, the seemingly simple designs become practically regal. Even the sleek platform beds take on a special air when completed with Versace’s patterned bed linens and pillows.

For a taste of Italy, check out Versace’s Home Collection and dwell in luxurious designs.

Technorati Tags: Versace Home. Versace, Lavishness, Textiles, Versace Collection

A sense of peace and timelessness engages romantics to indulge in signature treatments steeped in tradition and ritual such as the Pas de Deux. In a room flickering with candles, this massage and bathing experience begins with a sensual couples massage and a candle-lit, bubble bath for two. The spa offers an array of phenomenal wellness services such as Ayurvedic healing therapies and lifestyle programs, yoga and other specialties. World class massage, facials and signature body treatments are a part of the many services that are offered. Exclusive to our spa boutique are organic globally conscious product lines, including organic cotton yoga ware.

Therapists spend time with each spa guest to accommodate their needs prior to each treatment. Treatments are unique and customized to ensure the guest?s complete relaxation and rejuvenation. Most of the exclusive Spa guest room accommodations and the Spa Suite feature deep soaking hydro tubs in the living area and are perfect for a romantic getaway, a spa vacation, a Zen retreat, or a girl?s weekend.

As one of the world?s most beautiful destinations, Sedona is perfect for exploration and exhilarating experiences. From jeep tours, flights and hikes to world class shopping in the quaint village of Tlaquepaque, the Concierge at Sedona Rouge will guide you in quest of exciting and exotic memories.

Sedona, from the natural to the mystic, from the deep blue sky to the red, red ground. Something is written in the red rocks. Something extraordinary has been written in Rouge and is waiting for you to experience at the Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa.

CONTACT:
Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa
2250 W Hwy 89A
Sedona, AZ 86336
USA

PHONE NUMBER: 928.203.4111
WEBSITE: www.sedonarouge.com
EMAIL: info@sedonarouge.com

Lovers of contemporary design who nevertheless harbor beneath their streamed lines a fondness for tradition will find this innovative billiard table the perfect postmodern twist on that time-honored centerpiece of the well-appointed game room. A 21st-century interpretation of that centuries-old staple, Monarch Billiards’ Cherry Hill Table is a stunning composition of brushed and polished stainless steel, African teak wood, and leather that not only imbues its surroundings with an air of elegance and dynamic energy, but provides hours of entertainment for guests and hosts alike. One of the table’s most striking features (and its most challenging, from an engineering standpoint) is its pyramid-shaped base.

Robb Report Limited Edition Cherry Hill Pool Table

• 9′ Regulation Size Pool Table (50″ x 100″ playfield)
• 63″ W x 113″ L (outside dimensions)
• Weight: 1200 lbs.
• 1″ thick slate playfield
• high speed K-66 profile cushions
• Worsted Wool Simonis Cloth (per selection)
• Top Rails: Natural Teak with Stainless Steel Round Sights
• Body and Center Medallion: Polished Stainless Steel
• Bottom Base: Brushed Stainless Steel with Natural Teak Reveal
• Pockets: Black Leather Buckets
• Knock Down Frame Construction)

Professional Billiard Equipment Package

• Belgium made Professional Pool Ball set
• Skills training ball and manual
• Wood 8 & 9 ball racks
• Ball cleaning liquid and polishing cloth
• Four high quality two-piece pool cues
• Bridge stick with brass head
• Deluxe cue repair kit
• Chalk
• Two table cloth brushes
• Kelly pool set and an official rule book
• Dimensions: 42²L x 15²W x 4²D / Weight 23 pounds / Retail: $665

Delivery and installation to buyer’s location (within the continental US)

• Crating, insurance, shipping and installation by Monarch Billiards Master Mechanics

Technorati Tags: Monarch Billards, Rare African Teak, Billards Table

Here on Islay, there’s no rush. So why not sit back awhile, wherever you are in the world, and enjoy your visit to the home of Ardbeg, the Ultimate Single Islay Malt Scotch Whisky.

It is, perhaps, the most peaty malt whisky in the world - certainly of all the Islay malts. Not to mention beautifully balanced, complex and deep. It’s unthinkable now, but in 1981 production ceased and the distillery was mothballed. Happily in 1997, this beautiful malt began to flow again and enjoys enduring protection from all things bad by a loyal band in the shape of The Ardbeg Committee - a worldwide family of Ardbeg aficionados in 90 countries who work tirelessly to drink more Ardbeg and bring others into this esteemed fold. If you love Ardbeg, you too can help us keep the doors open by becoming a member… you’ll enjoy some rather nice privileges too. But first things first. Pour yourself a wee (or large!) dram and take a look around.

The Distillery
Situated on the south coast of Islay, Ardbeg was famous as a hideout for smugglers who had to make themselves scarce after their cache was discovered by the Excise men in the late 18th century.

The origins of Ardbeg Distillery date as far back as 1794. John MacDougall established the present distillery in 1815, which was fully operational by 1817. The famous whisky historian Alfred Barnard reported in “The Whisky Distilleries of the United Kingdom” that yearly production was about 500 gallons by 1835, although by the time of his visit to Ardbeg in 1886 this had risen to a substantial 250,000 gallons.

The Distillery Today
The MacDougall family retained ownership until 1977 when Hiram Walker gained control. However, with the majority of its output used in blending, Ardbeg struggled to remain viable during the economic downturn of the 1970s, resulting in it being run on a care and maintenance basis from 1983. The distillery closed in July 1996 only to reopen in 1997.

The Whisky
Ardbeg maintains the robust and earthy aromas associated with Islay malts. Described as having a hefty bite and a rich finish, flavours detected include peat-smoke, seaweed, sawdust and iodine. A bedtime malt.

Technorati Tags: Islay, World Whisky 2008, Single Malt Whisky, Scotch, Whisky, Ardbeg