Jonathan Stein – Page 4 – Ocean Blue WORLD

6 Luxurious Must Haves for 2019

The Leica Ultravid 8 X 32 HD Plus “Edition Hermès

This limited edition collaboration between Leica and Hermes is a thing of beauty, true craftsmanship and style. To celebrate the 111th anniversary of Leica they are making 111 pairs of Ultravid anodized binoculars matched with an Hermès calfskin leather casing from.

Custom Leather Wrapped Vespa

Bottega Conticelli, an Italian company specialized in luxury accessories, quality and excellence, paid attention to every detail in this remarkable adornment. The natural wax finish looks lovely and is also useful, waterproofing the leather and adding protection from the sun. This hand stitched cover is detachable to add variety or stick to the classic Vespa.

Ping Pong Door

For the avid sports fan, athlete or family, this fun ingenious creation is a must for the house. Custom made to fit any door frame, this hidden Murphy bed style ping pong table opens up ready for play any time!

Hammock Bathtub

A revolution in the bathing experience, this carbon fibre design offers a level of comfort traditional bathtubs cannot match. Visually stunning, the Hammock Bath by Splinter Works combines the relaxing experiences of being in a hammock and a bath to reach a sublime state of bliss. Longer and deeper than a traditional bathtub it is perfect for sharing with a partner or for taking a luxurious amount of time for yourself.

The Giant Birdnest

Innovation is everywhere in nature and this adaptation offers a new concept of comfort and social spaces. A fun design for seating is available in several sizes from intimate couples to big playful groups. The soft eggs allow for many different ergonomic sitting positions and supreme comfort.

Floating Cloud Lamp

There is a captivating quality about clouds and the flashes of lightning during storms. Now available in house without the rain! You can have a piece of the magic of Richard Clarkson who created a floating cloud with ambient LED lighting and a music reactive mode that flashes with the beat. Levitating through magnetism the cloud is sure to draw the attention (and jealousy) of anyone in the room.

Mooncakes: From Tradition to Innovation

The Art Of Pairing Traditional Mooncakes With Teas

With a rich history of hundreds, perhaps thousands of years, there is a lot of lore surrounding these seemingly simple treats. The Mid-Autumn festival in China, the 15th day of the 8th month in the Chinese lunar calendar, is where these cakes gained their popularity and name. The mooncake is a pastry normally filled with sweet lotus seed, date or red bean paste. Part of the tradition involves gazing at the moon and snacking on the delicious cake while sipping tea with friends and family.

Legend has it that mooncakes were integral in the rebellion against the Mongol empire in the 14th century. Revolutionaries spread rumors of a disease that could only be cured by eating mooncakes and hid secret messages inside to organize the revolt. Others claim the patterns on the mooncakes were used as a puzzle to be cut apart and rearranged to unveil a secret message.

In recent years the mooncake has become an artisanal delicacy with new flavors and combinations abounding. Some mooncakes are savory such as the rich mixed nuts with chicken ham mooncake. Macadamia and almond temper the smokey ham flavor in this unique blend. Tea pairing with mooncakes has become an art as well. The Pandan lotus paste which has a vanilla like taste to the western palette, red bean core and melon seeds for texture and flavor is already a wonderful creation. Pairing it with black lychee tea adds a fruity finish and spice vaguely reminiscent of Christmas.

The intricate art on the mooncake is matched with exquisite presentation. These specialty items are well sought after and their price shows it. Ordinary mooncakes can range from $10-$30 for a box of four but there are fancier ones close to $80 a box now. Luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Armani, Gucci and Tiffany & Co. have created their own extravagant gift sets since the mooncake has long been used to maintain personal and business connections. For example Armani has a beautiful round padded leather box with a crescent moon, a reference to the holiday.

The Gates Foundation

The Gates Foundation has been making incredible contributions around the world for almost twenty years. Apart from generously donating billions of dollars, the foundation makes sure the money has a real purpose of empowerment and development. “By giving people the tools to lead healthy, productive lives, we can help them lift themselves out of poverty.” They focus on the USA (Washington State) and abroad realizing the importance of giving help to all kinds of people who need it.

One of their important programs focuses on the healthcare and education of those in poverty in developing countries. The team of philanthropists headed up by Bill and Melinda Gates take a specific problem and investigate it thoroughly to find the most effective ways to make a difference. Looking at the millions of children who die every year from malnutrition and others who live with a lack of nutrition, the Gates Foundation knew it had to help. They analyzed the most important facets of a child’s development and discovered that the first 1000 days are critical, providing nutritional supplements for key vitamins and minerals.

Women’s health during pregnancy also plays a huge factor so apart from nutritional supplements, the importance of education for women is a priority as well. Huge advances have been made and the 2020 goal is to prevent 1.8 million malnutrition related deaths. Since nutrition is only 1% of global foreign aid, philanthropy is the only way to make significant strides to saving these lives.

The Gates Foundation is perhaps best known for combatting diseases such as malaria, HIV and polio. Polio is almost eradicated and both malaria and HIV are drastically reduced thanks in large part to the funding for research and vaccinations. It comes as no surprise that the creator of Microsoft, for many years the richest man in the world, has money to donate. That being said, to see all the incredible achievements that he has accomplished with that wealth is a shining beacon of light to those in need and an inspiration for those others who have the opportunity to help make a difference.

Courtesy photo by whywaittoseetheworld.com

Passion Projects: Whiskey & Wooden Surfboards

Whiskey & Wooden Surfboards: Finely Crafted Projects

Smooth is a key word when referring to whiskey as well as surfing. A board must be smooth and all movements leading up to riding the wave should be as well. One does not often associate whiskey and waves, but Glenmorangie and Grain Surfboards have done just that to create a beautiful board.

Both making whisky and crafting surfboards require passion, considerable time and dedication to achieve the desired quality. Glenmorangie has long been known for their expertise in wood and uses ex-bourbon casks to age their whisky. These oak casks are only ever used twice to add complex layers of flavors and colors. In a project designed to bring new life to these barrels, “Beyond the Cask” is wonderful collaboration.

Mike Lavecchia, Founder and Co-owner of Grains says “Time is my ally” when discussing these boards, more than a year in the making. There are unique challenges to using oak barrel staves. Each stave is curved differently, is thinner or thicker at different parts and beveled to match the radius of the barrel. The weight is another issue to resolve. By creating veneers and gluing the oak to cedar they were able to make the weight much more manageable and still display the beauty of the oak.

Glenmorangie in Scots Gaelic means “valley of tranquility” which any surfer who has calmly enjoyed the water while waiting for a wave can relate to. There is no hurry, one cannot rush the waves, just as one cannot rush the aging process. “It is not a case of waiting. It is a case of letting the whisky work with the wood.”

Surprisingly this was not Glenmorangie’s first such project. The Cask Reimagined was another creative collaboration to put good use to the fine wood from their barrels. Renovo hardwood bicycles shared their passion for craftsmanship and innovation to create a hollow framed wooden bike. Oak aids in creating great shock absorption and responds very well. In today’s world of single use waste issues, it is so refreshing to see a company responsibly and creatively reusing their supplies.

Hotel Mansour

Embodying opulence at its finest, Hotel Mansour delights on many levels. A palace fit for a king and it happened to be built by one. Morocco’s King Mohammed VI had this hotel assembled with no budget. Since money was not an issue the architecture and design were able to achieve things many hotel owners could only dream of. The King wanted to highlight the country’s rich history and culture, infusing many of the architectural styles of old. For three years roughly 1400 workers, artisans really, labored over the big projects and little details.

One of those projects was an underground tunnel system (roughly 1 km long in total) to allow the smooth and unobtrusive movement of nearly 500 staff, providing incredible service with the utmost respect for privacy.

Each of the 53 Riads is three stories and complete with ample living space, a bar, and a rooftop with a private pool and lounges. These magnificently appointed Riads spare no expense or detail either. Unique in design as well as furnishing, the cedar wood doors, intricate mosaic floors, plush cushions, silks and brocades, adorn rooms that would be beautiful without adornment. The Prestige Riad is an impressive 9,149 square feet and contains three master bedrooms, a bar, private kitchen and designated butler service. The sundeck provides stunning views of the Atlas mountains.

Another impressive project was the Grand Riad, the ultimate luxury experience. The website does not allow access to see the details without being previously granted a password from the hotel. At 35,000 euros a night this kind of discretion and exclusivity is simply one of many details that ensure a royal experience. There are four bedrooms, marble bathrooms, a pool on the roof and a larger pool on the ground. Similar to the prestige Riad there are attendants to take care of every need.

Everything at the Hotel Mansour is done well. Yannick Alléno, the multi-Michelin starred chef, leads La Grande Table Marocaine for a wondrous culinary experience fusing Morrocan and French cuisine remarkably well. The spa has won multiple awards, housekeeping delights with artistic amenities such as origami on the paper in the bathroom. Enjoy the luxuries of Morrocan royalty in Marrakech at this unique awe-inspiring hotel.

Hide and Hedonism

This wonderful collaboration between Yevgeny Chichvarkin and Ollie Dabbous is the source of excitement for anyone in the know in London. Dabbous, the restaurant named after the chef earned a Michelin star within an impressive 8 months of opening in 2012. Hedonism wines also began in 2012 and quickly earned awards for their selection, quality and quantity of fine wines and spirits.

Before enjoying the alluring food, the setting provides the first wow moment. To enter through the grand heavy wooden doors is to leave the hustle and bustle. This is where the experience of Hide begins. Wood is ever-present in artistic detail from the tables to chairs, floors and a magnificent spiral staircase.

Below is the cocktail bar with many impeccably concocted classics as well as modern twists and some of the finest spirits available. There is a spectacular wine cellar with over 450 bins which can be seen if one can befriend a server. Private dining rooms for small groups or up to 20 people are also available, with Hide boasting a private car lift for discretion.

The main floor, Ground, has a similar earthy and wooden feel to it. With a significant amount of a la carte options for breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner, this is the most accessible part of Hide. A focus on local small farms provides the freshest ingredients which in turn deliver tempting and tasty meals, ‘simple but sophisticated.’

With Hedonism only ten minutes away Hide is able to provide a vast wine selection available on delivery. The list comes on an Ipad due to the 6000 plus bottles to choose from ranging from double digits to five figures. Give in to the hedonistic side and allow for a wondrous experience of the senses.

The brightest star is Above, hiding in plain sight among the thick glass windows eliminating the noise pollution but leaving the lovely view of Green Park. This more formal setting offers exquisite tasting menus paired beautifully with Hedonism’s wine. Each dish is a work of art combining flavor, texture, color, balance and presentation. “It is layers of attention to detail, skill and care that elevates the good into great, and the great into the sublime.”

The Ultimate Luxuries in Shaving

As a businessman, executive, post grad moving up the ranks or simply a man who wants to look clean and good, shaving well is a must. There are many products that are skillfully marketed but just do not make the cut. In order to have a fantastic shaving experience, a few essentials should be present. The first one of them is time. Shaving in a rush will not make for a good experience.

A badger hair shaving brush such as the one made by Taylor of Old Bond Street goes above and beyond when it comes to preparing the hairs and pores. The natural hairs of the brush allow for greater lathering and lift hairs up from the face making them easier to cut cleanly. Circular brushing and lathering is recommended for maximum lift, allow a minute or two to soften the stubble before shaving.

For the savvier shaver a triple or quadruple bladed razor is little more than a gimmick. Treat yourself with a single, incredibly sharp blade that will not cause resistance and irritation. Feather Blades are Japanese made and crafted with a platinum coating. The durable, light blade is consistent and smooth.

To take care of the face for the rest of the morning requires a quality aftershave, preferably non-alcoholic which are not astringent and drying. Aftershave balm by Acqua di Parma is a soothing treat. Natural ingredients such as aloe vera as well as almond oil cool and moisturize the skin and are quickly absorbed.

For a relaxing and aromatherapeutic shave, the Art of Shaving Sandalwood kit has everything necessary for an incredible shave infused with Sandalwood. From the pre shave oil to the aftershave balm, these top quality products suggest a calming experience that starts the day off right.

To take facial grooming up a level is to have a shaving station neatly arranged in the bathroom. The Fendrihan 5-Piece wet shaving set is the way to go. It features a Merkur HD Classic Safety Razor, Super Badger Shaving Brush, Large Apothecary Shaving Mug, Shaving Soap and a Razor and Brush Metal Stand.

Milestii Mici

The Ultimate Winery in Moldova

In the small eastern European country of Moldova lies a hidden gem. As one of the least visited countries in Europe it is no surprise that few people know about Milestii Mici, an underground winery that could be home to an entire city. Originally a mine, this site has a colorful history dating back before the Second World War. In 1965 it was wisely converted into a wine cellar capable of storing wine not just in great conditions but substantial quantities.

It set the Guinness book of world records for most bottles of wine, 1.5 million back in 2005. To say that it is a large winery would be a huge understatement. Milestii Mici is a tour best taken by car since the total length is 200 kilometers (120 miles). Each tour must arrive in their own car or taxi (with room for the tour guide) and reservations are necessary. Enjoy packages from a variety of courses or snacks with wine pairing, accompanied by local musicians serenading you in the unique setting.

With over 45 years of experience this winery is not just famous for being large. They have accomplished 76 medals at different competitions. Winemaking is the primary occupation of Moldavians and during a prosperous period in the late 1980s, a ‘Golden Collection’ was formed including bottles of Pinot, Traminer, Muscat, Riesling, Feteasca, Codru,Trandafirul Moldovie, Utreneaia Rosa, and more. “In each drop of these drinks is felt the fire of sun and vigor of earth.”

The constant temperature of 12-14 Celsius and high relative humidity ideally contributes to the storage of their own handcrafted wines as well as some of the best harvests of other wines. These perfect conditions for aging bottles allows some reds to improve and mature beautifully. Certain wines might be cellared for decades before being sold. For the true connoisseur, space in the Milestii Mici wine cellar is available for rent. Allow that exquisite red to age for a special occasion down the road and enjoy it to its fullest.

Secrets of the First All-Electric Aston Martin Revealed

Rapide E

At the pinnacle of design, prestige and elegance and with a rich history of victory on the world’s top stages of racing (Le Mans, Nuremburg 1000 km race), Aston Martin has nothing to prove. They celebrated their centennial in 2013 with a world record tens of thousands of owners and enthusiasts at Kensington gardens for the largest gathering of iconic British sports cars. Since then they have unveiled more stunning and powerful cars such as the V12 Vanquish S, the fastest accelerating production from Aston Martin.

Aston Martin is reknowned as one of the most iconic car brands in cinema history. The DB5 that appeared alongside James Bond in Goldfinger started an 11 film, 50-year relationship with the franchise. Since then several models have appeared with the suave hero as a signature piece of style, showcasing the speed and handling necessary for highspeed chases.

Now there is a new thrill and challenge for the unique luxury car company, an all-electric car worthy of the brand. Andy Palmer, CEO says “Environmental responsibility and sustainability is a global challenge faced by us all.” With production limited to 155 units, there is no doubt this will be an exquisite piece. Simply read the brand’s vision: “We don’t just craft cars that are exhilirating to drive and jawdropping to look at. Our benchmark is ‘beautiful’. It drives us to create the most accomplished automotive art in the world.”

Working with Williams Advanced Engineering as a development partner, the Rapide E will have an extensive range of 200 miles (321 km) on a single charge. If there is still a stigma about an electric car’s range and speed, let this ease any doubts. The Rapide E will go from 0-60 mph in under 4 seconds and have a 602-horse power output. The high speed and accelaration will be available throughout the majority of battery life.

One of the other impressive features is the Pirelli low-rolling-resistance tires for maximum efficiency, coupled with Pirelli’s noise canceling technology. Electric vehicles are already quieter than regular cars but these tires reduce 2-3 decibels worth (half of that generated by normal tires) of the vibrations created from tires compressing on the road.

As the flagship for Aston Martin’s electronic vehicles the Rapide E will have a very similar feel to a traditional Aston Martin and just as much class.

Transcendental Meditation – Growth and Happiness

Any kind of meditation is going to help bring about a greater sense of calming of the mind and ability to focus. For many centuries great thinkers have meditated either on a particular subject (philosophy), a particular physical aspect (breathing, walking), or way of life (non attachment, non violence). Any and all of these can help us develop our minds and be able to concentrate better, calm ourselves and improve our lot in life.

Over the last few decades Transcendental Meditation (TM) has gained popularity in part due to the studies supporting its many benefits but also from successful celebrities and athletes promoting it. Hugh Jackman, Ellen DeGeneres, Barry Zito, Katie Finneran, Ray Dalio, Russell Brand, and Martina Navratilova are just a few of many who optimize themselves with Transcendental Meditation.

Apart from various health benefits such as: increased longevity, reduced high blood pressure, reduced risk of heart attack and stroke in people at risk, the biggest change might be an increased consciousness. Many people cite Transcendental Meditation as how they were able to overcome bad habits such as smoking, eating unhealthily and drinking. Rosenthal describes an increase in the “ability to take a few moments to pause . . . and consider what you want to do next, instead of just doing it.”

Transcendental Meditation is heralded as one of the easier and more consistent ways to achieve these things. Norman E. Rosenthal, M.D. and New York Times-Best Selling Author of Transcendence and Super Mind says that Trandscendental Meditation is different from other forms of meditation because “a special sound, a ‘mantra,’ is used in a systematic manner to slow down and refine mental activity – a more automatic type of process than focusing or open monitoring.”

TM is generally recommended to be practiced for 15-20 minutes twice a day. Sometimes the time will seem to blink by while other practices might feel as if it has been hours. The wandering of the mind is a common fear of meditation but is completely normal at first. The advantage of having a mantra is that if you continue using the mantra it is difficult to think about something else.

As any specialized skill, the best way to learn is through a teacher who can work directly with you to start and provide check ins on a regular basis to make sure you are on the right track. Improve your life by starting a habit of stillness and consciousness that will spread to all aspects of your being.

The Conrad Bora Bora Nui

True Tropical Paradise at Conrad Bora Bora Nui

The Conrad Bora Bora Nui, in French Polynesia, is as idyllic as they get. Envision a tropical island paradise and then try to imagine an even more beautiful place. The white sand, volcanic rock and wonderful blue water make up the stunning scenery. A long infinity pool provides a tranquil setting for soaking up the sun or the drinks at the swim up bar.

Conrad, Hilton’s luxury branch, opened the Conrad Bora Bora Nui last year after a multimillion-dollar renovation of the 114-room resort. Although there are several lovely options to choose from, try to take advantage of one of the King overwater villas. Everything faces the water leaving you to wake up wondering if you are still dreaming. During the day the South Pacific Ocean is only a few steps away, but in addition to being over the water, there is a plunge pool on the deck if you want to get in the water at night and still be in your villa.

For the ultimate in luxury travel, the Conrad has two Presidential Overwater Villas that are two stories tall encompassing an abundant 4,300 square feet. This over the top experience includes two bedrooms, three bathrooms, a sauna, whirlpool, infinity pool, bar and lounge area, outdoor dining space and your own private butler!

While there are a host of activities that you would expect at a resort, there are many that are specific to the unique location of Bora Bora Nui. Snorkeling by the reef, stand up paddling, kayaking, and bicycle boats make for lovely adventures. The Conrad has also curated cultural experiences for you in a convenient way. Their 1-3-5 program allows you to choose from experiences taking roughly 1,3 or 5 hours. Learn how to open a coconut, or about the history and creation of Tahitian pearls, or hike to the cave in Mount Otemanu.

Enjoy the local cuisine and culture in a feast full of island flavors in an impressive buffet accompanied by a sensational fire and dance show. The Polynesian Dinner and Show is a must to delight in the history and culture of the islands through a delicious culinary quest.

The most exclusive luxury experience is the resort’s private islet Motu Tapu. Yes, an entire islet (small island) can be yours for a romantic picnic or dinner. It might just be the most memorable, incredible place for a proposal or for a wedding ceremony.

Iceland’s Blue Lagoon

The Famous Blue Lagoon of Iceland

There is something special about the entire country of Iceland and more so of the famous Blue Lagoon, a UNESCO Geopark. Located near the main airport of Keflavik, the Blue Lagoon covers an area of 8700 square meters. In a country full of mountains, volcanoes, islets, waterfalls and hot springs, there is so much to see. The highlight for anyone looking for pampering and rejuvenation however, is the Spa at the Blue Lagoon.

The most accessible experience is a partial day pass. Everything in Iceland, and the spa is no exception, is expensive. For $65 USD you gain access and get a locker, a towel, a silica mud mask and a beverage. Although it may not sound like you are getting much, you definitely are. Access means getting into the large geothermal seawater pool rich with minerals, silica and algae. There is an in water silica bar for masks, in water beverage bar, sauna and steam, and café. The temperature of the water is sublime, keeping you warm despite the cold air around you. Coupled with the minerals, a soak in the warm lagoon will leave your muscles and entire body relaxed allowing the stress of travel or work to float away.

The silica mud mask does wonders for your skin leaving you feeling soft and supple. There are even some laughs as the mask requires 5-10 minutes on and cakes into a white covering on your face. Embrace it and share a chuckle with family or strangers as you wade through a steamy lagoon with a large group of zombies or tribal facepainting warriors around you.

Extremely popular, the Blue Lagoon can get quite busy but there are options for those looking to have more privacy. 4 hour entry into the Retreat Spa and Blue Lagoon that includes private changing rooms, the Blue Lagoon Ritual, and skin care amenities costs $265 USD. This is true luxury and tranquility. There is a lava cove for indulging in water treatments where you float while receiving a massage that is deep, relaxing and uses Blue Lagoon mineral massage oil. When finished it is hard to imagine ever feeling stress again. Take home a souvenir from their skin care products to keep you looking great and dreaming of when you can return to Iceland.

This year the Retreat at Blue Lagoon opened featuring a subterranean spa, geothermal lagoon, a restaurant reimagining Icelandic culinary traditions, and a 62-suite hotel surrounded by the geothermal waters. Anyone looking for a getaway from the mundane can put the Retreat at Blue Lagoon on their bucket list as a marvelous treat for themselves.