Alchemy Magazine - Volume 13

Alchemy

Where Next For Private Aviation? • VIP Protection • Sea Eagles Return • Summer Sailing

Palatial Hotels • Falcon 7X Profile • An Asset Manager’s Day • Johnny Paravicini ‘Mr Fixer’ Interview

Ashbrook House | Church Minshull | Nantwich | Cheshire | CW5 6EA

Tel: 01270 522830 | Fax: 01270 522095 | Email: [email protected] | www.midwoodconsulting.com

About UsMidwood Consulting is a successful, bespoke financial practice established for over 25 years.

Our core values and principles are at the heart of our business. We are committed to achieving excellence and take pride in the quality of our service.

Our clients benefit from both the individual, bespoke service offered by Midwood Consulting, and the security gained through our membership of Openwork, one of the UK’s largest financial advice networks.

Bespoke, quality financial solutions

Wealth ManagementOur advisers operate across the UK, meeting clients at locations suitable for them.

We work closely with both private and corporate clients to encourage the development and protection of their assets and estates.

Wealth accumulation and preservation advice includes in-depth discussions regarding investments, pensions and financial protection.

Midwood Consulting applies the same bespoke, in-depth financial advice to small and large businesses alike, equipping them to deal with the particular financial challenges they face.

Midwood Consulting is a trade name of Hazel Winifrede Midwood who is an appointed representative of Openwork Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

Alchemy Volume 13 3

Foreword

In this difficult economic environment a strong brand,

with consistent and unshakable qualities that are practised

through the good times and the bad, can add real confidence

to business dealings.

Unlike today’s ever-present ‘boom and bust’ aviation upstarts,

Air Partner traces its history back almost 50 years to the dawn

of the commercial jet era. Founded by a post-war pilot, we have

striven to deliver excellence to corporate and private clients,

governments and the military for half a century.

Today our values remain the same: quality, dependability, diversity

and longevity; values we believe are more relevant now than ever

before. Indeed, these values define the very essence of our team,

a team of some 250 professionals delivering aeronautical, technical,

and logistical excellence, which our clients tell us they recognise

and value, week in, week out.

It’s therefore no coincidence that we hold a Royal Warrant from

Her Majesty the Queen, or that after £500 million worth of

business from just one client, that client, when describing Air

Partner’s capabilities, said, “They deliver the impossible as a matter

of routine.”

Air Partner’s brand is discrete, but is trusted by thousands of

clients from the four corners of the globe, and almost everywhere

in between. So, while we pass through the mother of all recessions,

our clients can remain confident in Air Partner’s professional

excellence, as much as our financial security. Newer names come

and go, but the trusted partner remains, in the bad times as well

as the good.

DAVID SAVILE

Chief Executive

Air Partner

SUMMER EDITION - VOLUME THIRTEEN ALcHEMy

THE REALITy Of TODAy’S NEw EcONOMy

Air Partner is listed on the London Stock Exchange and has a market

capitalisation of £50m, a 3A1 credit rating, is profitable, with strong cash

reserves and has no debt.

Alchemy Volume 134

Contents

Contents

38

20

30

44

46

Alchemy Volume 13 5

14

Contents

08 Where next for private aviation?

10 Dassualt Falcon 7X

14 The Ryder Cup

20 Best Company profile

22 Air Partner JetCard

24 Le Mans

30 Palaces with a place in history

36 A day in the life of a private jet user

38 Summer Sailing - the insider’s guide

42 Interview with Johnny Paravicini

44 Top private jet destinations

46 Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons

54 VIP Ironside protection

56 Swan 90

58 Sea eagles return

60 Philanthropy - a question of give and take

62 A diamond journey

Copyright Synergy Publishing Ltd 2009

All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission of the publisher. Whilst every effort has been made to check all information contained herein, the publishers accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions. Readers are advised to seek professional advice before entering into any agreements.

This magazine is a service to Air Partner and must not be resold.

For advertising or editorial enquiries please contact:

Sue Broom 01869 321822 [email protected]

Ross McPherson 01803 295353 [email protected]

Published by Synergy Publishing Ltd

Head Office: Suite 8, The White House, 42-44 The Terrace, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 1DD

Tel: 01869 321822 Fax: 01869 321832 www.alchemymagazine.co.uk

E-mail: [email protected] Printed by Aldridge Print Group Design by Toast Design - www.toastdesign.co.uk

08

10

Alchemy Volume 136

By Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen

Supplier of Aircraft CharterCrawley, West Sussex

+44 (0)207 538 2273www.airpartner.com

In business, winning isn’t everything...it’s the only thing

Four client visits, three contracts secured, two new opportunities... all in one day

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Alchemy.indd 1 28/04/2009 10:36:58

Alchemy Volume 13 7

Alchemy Volume 138

Where next for private aviation?

Where next

privatefor

aviation?

Concurrently, the perception of corporate excess became epitomised

on one side of the Atlantic by the Big Three car chiefs flying in

separate private jets from Detroit to Washington (begging bowls

outstretched to Congress), and on this side by several high-profile

bankers (with an obsession for private jets) being rewarded for failure

with taxpayers’ money.

Against this backdrop, we thought it only fair that the other side of

private jet use be given some profile. After all, the Detroit Three’s

insensitive choice of transport became the fodder for every talk show

host on US TV for a week, and when the President of jet manufacturer

Cessna dared to defend the utility of his products, even The Times

described his actions as “a misreading of the zeitgeist of almost Marie

Antoinette proportions”. Defending private jets has become not PC...

and PC really matters today, doesn’t it?

So has the death knell tolled for a manufacturing and service sector

that directly contributes over $200 bn to the global economy? One

that directly and indirectly employs over two million people worldwide,

and is one of our great high-skill industries whose R&D produces

technological innovations that our grandchildren might one day

depend on?

Sure, you will always find examples of private jet abuse, but as you

focus on any one event you will probably overlook the multitude of

other uses for the same jet, for example:

• theseniormanagerwhojettedoffatdawntostayincontactwith

some remote factory location, where they are the only local

employer for miles around;

• theairambulancethatsavedthelifeofatouristwhofelloffhis

hotel balcony in Turkey yesterday evening;

• theorgantransplantflightthatbroughtdonorheartandlungsfrom

Exeter to the recipient in Inverness last night; and

• thediplomatwhocoveredfiveMiddleEasterncitiesintwodaysas

part of his diplomatic peace mission.

Indeed, the classic example of good use of private jets came at the

height of the witch hunt: a few inches of overnight snow in February

grounded nearly all the main airlines, but private jets kept the ‘movers

and shakers’ still moving... if not shaking.

At the start of the year, as Robert Peston unveiled

each breaking news story, the ‘£ millions’ we were once comfortable with quickly became Monopoly-like ‘£ billions’ and then ‘£ trillions’ that we couldn’t even write down.

David Savile, Chief Executive, Air Partner plc

Alchemy Volume 13 9

Quantifiable value

Private aviation is primarily about efficiency of people whose time is of

quantifiable value. Using a jet productively will save senior executive

time, achieving in a day or two what could otherwise consume a

whole business week.

Jets can be rented at under £250 per seat per hour, flying direct to

the final destination, avoiding queues and holding private meetings

on board, saving some corporations tens of thousands of pounds

per person per day in lost time and production. They also ensure

corporate security. Hence, we should pose the question whether

shareholders – yes, and taxpayers at large – really want to force our

country’s wealth generators to spend hours at congested airports,

when our national economy, employment opportunities and pension

values depend now, more than ever before, on these entrepreneurs

going out to win back our depleted economic balances.

Moderation in all things

Perhaps we need to castigate the misuse of private jets, but reward

corporate efficiency and effectiveness. And maybe it is acceptable in

the free world to allow private wealth to be spent on luxury goods and

transportation, if for no other reason than it provides jobs, wealth and

prosperity to a much wider segment of the population than we might

have thought possible.

Please feel free to share your views at [email protected]

Where next for private aviation?

Alchemy Volume 1310

Dassault Falcon 7X

Dassault

Unquestionably THE most efficientand advanced high-speed

business jet in its class.

Falcon 7XAlchemy Volume 1310

Alchemy Volume 13 11

Dassault Falcon 7X

Dassault has always made great aircraft and

the Falcon 7X, regarded by many as the

manufacturer’s finest yet, is no exception.

This three-engine long range private jet offers

comfort levels that are really remarkable. The

large and ultra-plush leather-clad cabin is

very bright and features a fantastic new air

conditioning system (including a humidifier)

the lowest cabin pressure and extremely

low noise level. Thanks to the Digital Flight

Control System passenger comfort is also

increased through exceptional aircraft

stability. Here exists a jet that is competitively

priced while retaining comfort, practicality

and superior performance and efficiency.

The Falcon 7X can accommodate up to 12

passengers and with a top speed of Mach

.90 it’s fast, very fast. With a payload of eight

passengers plus the crew, it is designed to fly

almost 6,000 nautical miles linking virtually all

of the most desired city-pairs. Most business

jets don’t achieve anywhere near their

maximum range travelling at top speed.

The Dassault Falcon 7X is the exception.

Its long, slender wings suffer less drag at high

speeds than other wing designs and help lift

it to 51,000 feet even when fully loaded (other

jets must burn significant amounts of fuel to

reach similar altitudes). Advanced flaps and

slats let the Falcon7X land at slow speeds

and on shorter runways – even London City

Airport is no problem.

X = extra performance, efficiency,

range and technology

The Falcon 7X, one of only two trijets

currently in production, is the first fully

fly-by-wire business jet equipped with the

Dassault’s acclaimed Enhanced Avionics

System (EASy). It is the first ‘all new’ Falcon

to be unveiled since the three-engine model

50 was developed in the 1970s and led to

the derivative large cabin Falcon 900 and the

twin engine 2000 families.

Dassault has pioneered the use of computer

aided design and technology has been used

in every phase of the Falcon 7X’s creation to

optimise the jet’s performance and weight.

Additionally, the manufacturing process

has been streamlined and maintenance

requirements simplified and reduced.

This aircraft takes a huge leap forward in

advanced aeronautical technology and for

good reason. The intuitive EASy flight deck

technology, designed in conjunction with

Honeywell, displays information on four 14in

flat-panel screens and allows pilots to make

‘heads up’ data entry using a cursor control

device and menu-driven selections.

Pilots, aviation authorities and safety experts

were all consulted during the flight deck’s

development and the outcome has helped

to improve crew coordination, provide

unsurpassed situational awareness and

simplify flight management tasks.

The new Falcon 7X is Dassault’s flagship business jet and the much anticipated, long awaited successor

to the Falcon 900. This large-cabin, long range business aircraft combines Dassault’s passion for innovation, fighter jet prowess and advanced research resources and the result is a jet with a breakthrough design and

extraordinary capabilities.

Alchemy Volume 1312

Dassault Falcon 7X

The Digital Flight Control System was created from generations

of experience on fighters such as the Mirage 2000 and because

of this the Falcon 7X is the first business jet offering a range of

additional benefits including exceptional response and controls

such as automatic trim adjustments and precise flight path control.

In instances such as wind shear encounters or collision avoidance

manoeuvres, pilots are able to obtain maximum aircraft performance

without worrying about overstressing the aircraft or stalling.

Dassault is justifiably proud of the jet’s increased passenger safety

and enhanced easy-to-use pilot controls, increased short field

performance and longer-range cruise ability, which makes it an

industry leader in large cabin, long range executive jets.

The Falcon 7X is testament to innovative thinking and a desire to

design an aircraft inspired by private jet customers the world over.

Faster and fuel efficient The Falcon 7X is Dassault’s answer to Bombardier’s Global 5000 and

fills a gap in the market between the Gulfstream 4/Challenger class

of aircraft and the Gulfstream 5/Global Express class. It can fly faster

that a Gulfstream 4 or Challenger and for longer distances, being

able to reach 98 per cent of the most popular business city pairs.

Yet it is smaller and lighter than a Gulfstream 5 or Global Express

which makes it much more fuel efficient and able to access a greater

number of smaller airports, which in turn reduces navigation and

landing costs. Indeed, its performance at maximum takeoff weight is

calculated to be better than that of its Falcon 900EX.

As final proof that aviation is now a complete and total global

enterprise, all original documentation of the 7X was done in

English, a big step for the French.

A truly remarkable aircraft, now available through Air Partner.

The Falcon 7X offers a calming and stylish environment in which

to work or relax.

The Falcon 7X is notable for its extensive use of computer-aided

design. Manufacturer Dassault describes it as the “first aircraft to

be designed entirely on a virtual platform”.

Characteristics

Crew: Pilot, co-pilot, 1 cabin crew

Capacity: Up to 12 passengers

Length: 76ft 1in

Wingspan: 86 ft

Cabin Height: 6ft 2in

Cabin Width: 7ft 7in

Cabin Length: 39ft

Baggage: 157 cu ft

Engines: 3 Pratt & Whitney Canada PW307A turbofans

Maximum speed: 953 km/h (515 knots, 593 mph)

Cruise speed: 900 km/h (486knots, 559mph)

Range: 11,019 km (5,950 nm) with 8 passengers

Maximum cruising height: 51,000 ft (15,545 m)

From London, the Falcon 7X is able to fly non-stop to a wide range

of destinations including Los Angeles, New York, Johannesburg,

the Bahamas, New Deli, Muscat and Dubai.

Alchemy Volume 1312


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Alchemy Volume 1314

The Ryder Cup

The Ryder Cup epitomises the greatest traditions of international

sporting competition. Every two years the leading players from

Europe and the United States entertain thousands of spectators

and millions of television viewers worldwide in golf’s most

prestigious team event. No other golfing competition comes close

to the emotion, intensity and atmosphere of The Ryder Cup.

Watchworldout

Wales is on the march!


The Ryder Cup

The first Ryder Cup was held at Worcester Country Club,

Massachusetts, in 1927 and since then the biennial contest has

become the most eagerly anticipated spectacle in golf. The honour

remains to compete for the game’s most cherished team trophy – an

elegant golden chalice – and for the glory of winning.

The 2008 Ryder Cup at Valhalla Golf Club, Kentucky, saw The

American Team seal an emotional victory following on from three

successive defeats. In 2010 the eyes of the sporting world will focus

on Wales where at The Celtic Manor Resort, City of Newport, the 38th

edition of this remarkable match will unfold. Colin Montgomerie and

Corey Pavin, the Team Captains, will have 24 of the finest golfers in

the world as members of their Teams, guaranteeing high octane golf

and great drama.

As a destination, Wales may not be the first name on the lips of golfing

tourists when they reach the shores of the UK and Ireland, but the

wind of change is blowing through the world of Welsh golf thanks to

an initiative which can be traced directly to the country’s successful

bid to host The 2010 Ryder Cup.

Even though The Ryder Cup is 16 months in the future, the moves to

reposition Wales as a lead player in the golfing tourism stakes rather

than in a bit-part role are going ahead at breakneck pace.

A £2 million Legacy Fund provided by the Welsh Assembly

Government, administered by the Sports Council for Wales, is

currently supporting over 40 projects which will create over 200

new holes across Wales.

Those golf holes dovetail perfectly with the best that Wales can offer

in terms of spectacular scenery, charming villages, glorious views and

a diversity of courses providing outstanding visitor appeal.

John Jermine, Chairman of Ryder Cup Wales, explained the

rationale behind his organisation’s desire to bring Wales into line

alongside England, Ireland and Scotland as ‘must see’ locations on

the golfing gazetteer.

Alchemy Volume 1316

The Ryder Cup

For further information of hospitality packages or ticket

options, visit www.rydercup.com or call +44 (0) 1344 840483.

...where will you be?

Jermine said: “We want tourists to visit our shores, to see first-hand

a wonderfully diverse, interesting and charming country which also

possesses wonderful golf courses. Certainly The Ryder Cup will have

a massive impact. The Celtic Manor Resort will be seen the world

over. Naturally, people will want to play The Twenty Ten Course and

walk in the footsteps of the world’s greatest players, but that is only

the beginning of the story.

“By driving about 40 miles from The Celtic Manor Resort visitors to

Wales can play Pyle and Kenfig, Royal Porthcawl and Southerndown.

Just head down the road a bit further and you can play a lovely

course like Pennard. The country has an abundance of great and

varied golf courses.”

The catalyst is, of course, The 2010 Ryder Cup which will unfold over

The Twenty Ten Course, the first course specifically designed to host

The Ryder Cup, from 1-3 October, 2010. Applications for the ticket

ballot opened at the end of April and are well on track to meet targets

and corporate hospitality sales are also progressing well.

Co-ordinated by Ryder Cup Hospitality 2010 Ltd, the plans involve

the construction of several multi-storey hospitality structures on

specially-created sites overlooking the 16th and 17th holes.

David Watt, Ryder Cup Hospitality Sales Manager, said: “In such an

intoxicating atmosphere of high drama and great theatre it is easy to

understand why more and more people see Ryder Cup hospitality as

the ‘must- have’ corporate ticket and the best way to entertain top

clients. The level of service is unparalleled and Ryder Cup Europe

prides itself on offering the finest quality food and wine to further

enhance the whole experience and ensure and exceptional day of

sporting entertainment.”


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Alchemy Volume 1318

Pub: Alchemy Air Size: 16.6 x 11.7 plus bleed Job #: 963-9026N Ad #: 09-963-59 Running: June 09 Ad prepared by Dana Communications 609.466.9187

VIEW OUR HOMES AND DESTINATIONS AT ULTIMATEESCAPES.COM

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Punta Cana, Dominican RepublicPunta Mita, MexicoReserva Conchal, Costa RicaSt. Thomas, US Virgin IslandsWaterColor, Florida

METROPOLITANChicago, IllinoisLondon, EnglandNew York City, New YorkParis, France

MOUNTAINS & TRAILSBeaver Creek, ColoradoBreckenridge, ColoradoCopper Mountain, ColoradoDeer Valley, UtahJackson Hole, WyomingLake Tahoe, California/NevadaSteamboat Springs, ColoradoStowe, VermontSun Valley, IdahoTelluride, Colorado

GOLF & LEISUREBend, OregonBoca Raton, FloridaFox Acres, ColoradoKiawah Island, South CarolinaLa Costa, CaliforniaLa Quinta, CaliforniaLake George, New YorkLake Las Vegas, NevadaNaples, FloridaOrlando, FloridaOuter Banks, North CarolinaReynolds Plantation, GeorgiaScottsdale, Arizona

Tuscany, ItalyUltimate Escapes is a registered trademark of Ultimate Resort Holdings, LLC, in the United States and/or other countries.

Ultimate Resort, LLC, is registered with the State of Florida as a Seller of Travel. Registration No. ST36413.

TIME IS RUNNING OUT.Stop the excuses and the guilt trips—and do something before life passes you by. Join Ultimate Escapes® and fill your life with heartwarming, unforgettable vacation memories in destinations you’ve always dreamed of sharing together. Our members enjoy flexible access to 100+ multi-million-dollar private residences and more than 130 luxury hotels in over 150 destinations worldwide. No hassles, no worries, no planning—just The Vacation of a Lifetime, Every TimeSM.

DON’T WAIT! Learn how you can qualify for a complimentary 3-Night Ultimate Home Stay at UltimateEscapes.com/stay. Or call a Membership Director at 001.877.955.1900 or 001.407.483.1903 today.


Pub: Alchemy Air Size: 16.6 x 11.7 plus bleed Job #: 963-9026N Ad #: 09-963-59 Running: June 09 Ad prepared by Dana Communications 609.466.9187

VIEW OUR HOMES AND DESTINATIONS AT ULTIMATEESCAPES.COM

OU

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Punta Cana, Dominican RepublicPunta Mita, MexicoReserva Conchal, Costa RicaSt. Thomas, US Virgin IslandsWaterColor, Florida

METROPOLITANChicago, IllinoisLondon, EnglandNew York City, New YorkParis, France

MOUNTAINS & TRAILSBeaver Creek, ColoradoBreckenridge, ColoradoCopper Mountain, ColoradoDeer Valley, UtahJackson Hole, WyomingLake Tahoe, California/NevadaSteamboat Springs, ColoradoStowe, VermontSun Valley, IdahoTelluride, Colorado

GOLF & LEISUREBend, OregonBoca Raton, FloridaFox Acres, ColoradoKiawah Island, South CarolinaLa Costa, CaliforniaLa Quinta, CaliforniaLake George, New YorkLake Las Vegas, NevadaNaples, FloridaOrlando, FloridaOuter Banks, North CarolinaReynolds Plantation, GeorgiaScottsdale, Arizona

Tuscany, ItalyUltimate Escapes is a registered trademark of Ultimate Resort Holdings, LLC, in the United States and/or other countries.

Ultimate Resort, LLC, is registered with the State of Florida as a Seller of Travel. Registration No. ST36413.

TIME IS RUNNING OUT.Stop the excuses and the guilt trips—and do something before life passes you by. Join Ultimate Escapes® and fill your life with heartwarming, unforgettable vacation memories in destinations you’ve always dreamed of sharing together. Our members enjoy flexible access to 100+ multi-million-dollar private residences and more than 130 luxury hotels in over 150 destinations worldwide. No hassles, no worries, no planning—just The Vacation of a Lifetime, Every TimeSM.

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Alchemy Volume 1320

Company Profile

The company continues to diversify to open up new revenue streams

and in May launched its latest division, Air Partner Fuel. In additional

to being another USP for the Air Partner Group, this new trading arm

opens up a potentially huge client base.

The emergence of Air Partner Fuel was the result of an in-depth

feasibility study into how the concept could work, undertaken on

the back of several ad hoc fuel purchasing contracts. The aim is to

offer competitive fuel supply, prices and service quality by having a

presence at 1,500 airports within the next six months and ultimately

expanding worldwide.

Based on traditional Air Partner ethics, fuel suppliers are being

specially selected based on their location portfolio and ability to serve

clients. Carriers receive all the latest information they require via the

company’s real-time database of fuel prices, taxes and other charges,

fuel location and government restrictions.

First class status

But it’s not just clients that Air Partner serves well. On its first

attempt at gaining Best Companies accreditation for employer

excellence, the company has qualified for ‘first class’ star status in

the nationwide scheme.

Mark Briffa, Chief Operating Officer, declared: “We take the health

of the company very seriously and this is a great endorsement for

the work we have undertaken over recent years to provide the best

possible career and development opportunities, as well as a team

spirited and fun environment, for every member of the team.”

Best Companies surveyed Air Partner’s UK staff through a confidential

and voluntary questionnaire which provided comprehensive feedback

across eight critical areas of workplace performance and practice.

The Best Companies Guide is published by Best Companies Ltd.,

the company behind the prestigious Sunday Times list of 100 Best

Companies to Work For. The model for employee engagement is

based on a survey system that has been rigorously developed over

the past seven years.

Global recognition

Air Partner is a world-class provider of aviation services to industry,

commerce, governments and individuals worldwide. The company has

earned global recognition as a leading broker and organises ad hoc

charters of aircraft of every size for any reason, dispatching more than

40,000 flights a year.

Its main divisions, supported by a host of support teams, comprise Air

Partner Commercial Jets, Air Partner Private Jets, Air Partner Freight

and now Air Partner Fuel.

The Commercial Jets division charters large airliners with 20 to 500

seats for groups of every size. Private Jets offers the full range of

private jet products and services including the company’s unique

pre-paid JetCard scheme, on-demand charter and management of

Europe’s largest fleet of modern Learjets.

With its headquarters in the UK, Air Partner operates 24/7 year-round

from 22 offices spanning Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North

America. The Group was formed nearly 50 years ago, is fully listed

on the London Stock Exchange and employs a 250-strong team of

aviation professionals.

For further information on the benefits of private jet charter,

contact Air Partner Private Jets on +44 (0)207 538 2273 or

e-mail: [email protected]

Best Company moves into fuelAir Partner has a mission, a mission to offer the widest range of aviation products and services across the broadest geographical area.


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Alchemy Volume 1322

The Air Partner JetCard

Cost and cost control. Every business, every individual, has adopted a magnifying glass approach to examining how, where and why they spend their money as the downward economic climate continues unabated. OK, so this is now old and repetitive news.

What is news, however, and is somewhat of a surprise to the company, is that Air Partner’s JetCard membership scheme is riding the storm virtually unscathed.

“When the recession hit we thought there might be a massive exodus, but we saw less than a five per cent dropout rate,” declared David Macdonald, Director of Air Partner Private Jets. “This clearly demonstrates that clients are happy with the service and flexibility provided and that we are selling the right product to the right people.”

Even more positive has been the success over recent months of the launch of JetCard across the US, Europe and Middle East with particular interest from Germany, France, Russia and Dubai.

Ridingthe

storm

Flexibility and Security are key

Feedback has revealed that many new clients and prospects are

attracted by the total flexibility of the Air Partner JetCard as they seek

to exit from a rival offering to which they are contractually tied for

several years, or wish to renew with a more innovative and financially

sound provider.

“Flexibility and financial security are the key drivers behind the success

and appeal of the Air Partner JetCard,” added Mr Macdonald.

“In the last few months we have seen people re-evaluating their

current arrangements, which in most cases have involved them

being locked into rigid, more expensive programmes.

“One new customer commented that signing a five-year arrangement

with a supplier seemed sensible a few years ago. Today, it’s not such

a wise move. Other customers have found that with rival schemes the

flexibility and cost they were promised at the point of sale have not

rung true in reality.”

All Air Partner card members have the right to terminate their contract

at any time with a full refund of unused funds. They can increase or

decrease their spending, change aircraft size and fly more or less

completely at will. Plus, there are no hidden extras whatsoever – one

transparent price covers everything.

Purchasers also want to deal with a financially strong company.

For the six months ended 31 January, Air Partner’s accounts showed

that the Group was debt free and has £22million cash.

Stability in a time of change

In an era of change, it is more important than ever to obtain

independent advice when investing in a jet card and value is added

by a company such as Air Partner that offers contractual security.

In the last 6-12 months, a number of small aircraft brokers and private

jet companies, and some large ones too, have vanished. Potential

cardholders need to be aware of this when considering which scheme

to join in the future.

“This disturbed private jet users. They are now much more cautious

about who they give their money to and who they fly with,” added

Mr Macdonald. “They also want reassurance that they are dealing

with a supplier that will find the right aircraft for them in a market

in turmoil. A number of aircraft that were available for charter are

no longer accessible and many of the headline grabbing aircraft

orders trumpeted in the press last year have been reduced and

downgraded, and some may not even come to fruition. People who

would previously have purchased aircraft are no longer thinking about

making such a financial commitment.”


The Air Partner JetCard

European service area price structure for the 25hr Air Partner JetCard

Aircraft Seating Cost Hourly rate Range

Light jet 6 128,000 €5,120 1,600nm

Midsize jet 7 181,000 €7,240 1,800-2,000nm

Large jet 10 282,000 €11,280 3,450nm

Global jet 11 385,000 €15,400 5,200nm

Key benefits of the Air Partner JetCard:

• Bettervalueandbetterqualitythansimilarproducts

• Themostflexiblecardavailableintoday’senvironment

• Onesimplecompetitiveall-inclusivepricefor25+hours

of flight time

• Nohiddenextras

• Guaranteedaircraftcabinupgradesordowngrades

• Directaccesstobroadestrangeofnew-generationjets

• Aircraftavailabilityguaranteedat24hours’notice

• Personalaccountmanagement24hoursaday,365daysayear.

“Flexibility and financial security are

the key drivers behind the success

and appeal of the Air Partner JetCard,”

added Mr Macdonald.


For further information on the benefits of the Air Partner JetCard, please telephone +44 (0)207 538 2273 or e-mail: [email protected]

Alchemy Volume 1324

Le Mans

Le Mans!Alchemy goes to

The Le Mans 24hr race is the stuff of motor racing legend. To motor racing buffs it’s at least

as important as Formula 1, and to some even more. Yet there are ways of adding spice even

to the great Le Mans experience; namely, the car YOU drive . The journey to Le Mans itself is

a travelling motor show of the first degree, witnessed by endless examples of sporting exotica;

it feels like half of England are attending.

Le Mans - by FerrariSo what better way to join the Le Mans ‘Eurotunnel Convoy’ than

by Ferrari – in our case the very latest Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano – and

before you ask it has a top speed of 205 mph, and 0-60 mph in

3.7 seconds – all courtesy of a sweet sounding 6 litre V12 engine,

generating a whopping 612 brake horsepower. Phew - now sweat

even more - for its yours for a cool £218,000. No one had to remind

us to ‘drive carefully’

And there’s more; for the ‘lottery win’ way to ‘do’ Le Mans is to go as

a guest of a competing race team. Alchemy got lucky again courtesy

of Team Modena, the highly successful High Wycombe based sports

GT race team owned and run by local entrepreneur Graham Schultz;

and a team that involves ex Formula 1 World Champion Nigel Mansell

on its board and his son, the young Leo Mansell, as a works driver.

That means we got to be part of the action, getting into the pits

mixing it with drivers and crew.

by Kevin Haggarthy

Le Mans: Spectacular race, spectacular crowd.

Graham Shultz, Team Principal/Owner. Aiming for a fourth successful Le Mans finish.

Ex-F1 Champ Nigel Mansell. Has high hopes for his son. Leo Mansell. First Le Mans finish debut.

Opposite: Team work, the recipe for success.


Le Mans


Alchemy Volume 1326

Red means ‘go’Whilst the race ran over the sweltering weekend of 12th and 13th July,

for us it began with an early drive down the Thursday before.

Even on the brief motorway trek to the ‘tunnel, the 599 was already

proving itself a GT of the first order; forget all the old stuff about

Ferrari reliability, build quality, noise, and refinement. These are truly

dead myths of yesteryear. Today, Ferrari build quality is second to

none, the car feeling refined and reassuringly well made, its noise

rising to a howl of the first order when the devil takes you, which in

our case proved to be mighty often! This ‘big GT’ does it all – yet

always feels ‘like a Ferrari’, no ordinary tool, but a supercar of the first

degree…and more.

After some 8 hours behind the wheel, tiredness was displaced by

reflective admiration, leaving the seat of the 599 GTB feeling refreshed

and relaxed - testimony to the high speed comfort of this amazing car.

The 599 will catch vehicles ahead travelling at any speed, overtake

them (at any speed), settle, move on to the next target and do the

same again - resulting in hundreds of miles of engaging

driving pleasure.

What’s more, the 599 was a hit with the public, a subject of love and

admiration throughout– always marking an occasion for the locals.

And no less so than on the Friday prior to the race when we took part

in the amazing Supercar run in the town. 150,000 people lined upto

four abreast to stand, watch, and encourage some of the world’s

greatest supercars to rev the hell out of their engines. And of course

we obliged …and we’d be lying if we said grudgingly.

Le Mans

First class travel: The 599GTB and Scuderia partner the drive to Le Mans.

Super spectacle, 599GTB takes part in the super car run.

The young Mansell, Russian driver Roman Rusinov and ‘gentleman driver’ Pierre Ehret pose for the crowds.

150,000 people line the streets for the super car run.

Photographers Jason Harris John Brooks


Le Mans

Race weekendThe sun is shining. Nature loves Le Mans too. It’s Saturday and race

day with Team Modena. Graham Schultz, CEO and Team Modena

Principal was in good spirits for the race “We re all ready, Schultz told

us – its our 4th consecutive year as Team Modena at Le Mans and

so far we’ve finished every time. We hope we can match the record

for another year!” Meanwhile Team Modena’s advisor, Mr ex -Formula

1 World Champion Nigel Mansell, was biding his son. At 24, Leo

Mansell is on a charge, sharing the drive with young Russian driver

Roman Rusinov and experienced ‘gentleman driver’ Pierre Ehret.

Its 3pm and the race is on to a rolling start and a spectacle of

applause. Meanwhile, the Team Modena engineers knuckle to the

grind, monitoring this and that, checking, eyes glued to the screen

whilst Hans Muelhbauer the team manager, communicates with the

driver. You can see why drivers pay tribute to the team after a race;

it’s is no hype, but a total team thing.

And no more so than through the night; some spectators slept and

others (like us) persevered Zombie –like to stay awake. Zzzzzzz…We

failed. Miserably. Meanwhile, the Team Modena engineers and race

crew were bright and buzzing. How do they do it? Apart from two

inconsiderate LMP racers knocking team Modena’s Leo, and then co

driver Roman off the circuit, Team Modena’s Ferrari 430 GT performed

without missing a beat.

Roll on 3 pm Sunday and the finish of the race. As it did, so did

Leo Mansell, finishing the race seventh overall in the GT2 class,

and crossing the line smack in the middle of the two winning LMP1

Peugeots! A time for great celebration as Team Modena achieved their

100% success record, finishing once again the greatest endurance

race of all time.

Teams on display: The famous Le mans starting ritual.

Team Modena Ferrari performed faultlessly.

Grueling shifts: Team Modena engineers work through the night. Pitstop strategy plays crucial role.

Alchemy Volume 1328

Le Mans

A great time was to be had by all at the Team Modena hospitality.

Nigel Mansell ushered in Prince Michael of Kent to congratulate the

team on the race– Champagne and a great sense of achievement

overwhelming us all.

Yes, it was a tremendous performance by Team Modena, its drivers,

and the amazing Ferrari 430 GT, making the prospect of driving home

in the 599 even more exciting. Every single spectator looked tired, no

doubt aiming for the shortest route home. Sat behind the wheel of

the 599, turning the ignition key, pressing that bold red starter button

again… listening to that engine ; they can take the direct route home if

they want; we re off to the hills………..

Team Modena’s Race results

Class Position: 7th (17 starters in LM GT2)

Overall Position: 27th (from 55 starters)

Laps: 314

Distance Completed: 4,279.5km (2,658.8 miles, or London to

Baghdad, with another 100 miles of driving left)

Fastest Lap: 4m09.036s

Average Race Speed: 178.091kmh

Pit Stops: 28

Total Time in Pits: 1h00m17.392s

Longest Stop: 11m33s (after Roman Rusinov was hit from behind

and fired off circuit at 3am Sunday Morning)

Ferrari 599GTB Fiorano

Model: 599 GTB Fiorano F1

Exterior: Grigio Ferro Metallic

0-62 mph 3.7 secs

Top Speed - 205 mph

Average consumption 15.8 mpg

Model tested OTR Price = £218,604.64 (with optional fitted spec on test car)

The Team Modena car makes its mark under the winning LMS P1 Peugeots.

Prince Michael of Kent congratulates Graham Shultz and Mr and Mrs Mansell on the teams success.

Anticipating an exciting trip home, the 599GTB awaits.


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Prince Michael of Kent congratulates Graham Shultz and Mr and Mrs Mansell on the teams success.

Anticipating an exciting trip home, the 599GTB awaits.

Alchemy Volume 1330

Palaces with a place in history

While many hotels may have the word “palace” in their names, several members of The Leading Hotels of the World really were built as palaces or castles… and what stories they can tell!

Alchemy Volume 1330



Up from the ashes - Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski Dresden, Germany

Commissioned by Louis XV, the Hôtel de

Crillon was built in 1758 by noted architect

Jacques-Ange Gabriel for Louis François

Trouard. For a time, he rented it to the Duke

d’Aumont, before it passed to the Crillon

family, who retained ownership until 1907.

In 1909 it began its illustrious era as a hotel.

From its beginnings, the Crillon has played a

part in French history: Marie Antoinette took

piano lessons in one of the large, first-floor

suites, now named the Marie Antoinette

Suite; all the meetings leading up to the

formation of the League of Nations in 1919

took place at the hotel; it served as the Allied

headquarters in the First World War and as

the residence for the commanders of the

French and British forces in the Second

World War. After the Liberation in 1944,

it became the base for American military

commanders and diplomats on missions to

Paris. Hints of its aristocratic past can still be

seen in the Wedgwood porcelain medallions

in the ceiling of the Salon des Aigles; and

in Les Ambassadeurs restaurant – once

the ballroom of the home – with its crystal

chandeliers and marble floor.

Dating back to the 13th century, Ashford

Castle was originally built by the Anglo-

Norman de Burgos family as a monastery.

It later became a home of Lord and Lady

Ardilaun, and in 1855 Sir Benjamin Lee

Guinness, of the brewing dynasty, purchased

the estate and it became the family’s country

residence. Its rambling structure speaks to

its expansion across the years, and today

guests will find turrets, massive fireplaces,

passageways and cellars. Not surprisingly, no

two rooms are alike. The castle is filled with

antiques and much of the original architecture

is intact. In 1939, hotelier Noel Huggard

purchased Ashford Castle and established

it as a hotel catering for guests who wanted

to fish, as some of the best brown trout

fishing in Europe was found on Lough Corrib.

Through its history, Ashford has hosted

world leaders, political figures and celebrities

including Prince Edward, George V of

England, President Ronald Reagan, Senator

Edward Kennedy, Prime Ministers Tony Blair

and John Major, U2, Rod Stewart, John

Travolta, Omar Sharif, Bob Hope, Sharon

Stone, Brad Pitt, Barbra Streisand, James

Brolin and Pierce Brosnan, who held his

2001 wedding at Ashford. 2009 is Ashford’s

70th anniversary and celebratory events and

programmes will unfold throughout the year.

In 1705 the Taschenbergpalais was built by

the Elector of Saxony and King of Poland

August the Strong for his favourite mistress,

Anna Constantia, Countess of Cosel. After

the two quarrelled in 1713, the palace was

used variously as a residence for the heir

apparent, Saxon Electors and the Wettin

Crown Princes. Always considered to be one

of the most beautiful baroque buildings in the

capital city of Saxony, the palace played an

integral part in Dresden life and culture, with

a number of different tenants, many of whom

helped shape the region’s history.

The original palace survived until February

1945, when it was destroyed during the

bombing of Dresden. Half a century later,

it was lovingly rebuilt, at a cost of €130 million.

Historic parts of the palace were skilfully

connected with modern structures, which

resulted in a magnificent period reincarnation.

Different sculptures and figures made from

sandstone were excavated from the ruins

of the original palace to be painstakingly

restored, and they now decorate the main

entrance of the Hotel Taschenbergpalais

Kempinski Dresden.

Once upon a time in Paris… Hôtel de Crillon, Paris, France

An Emerald Isle gem - Ashford Castle, Cong, County Mayo, Ireland

“The castle is filled with antiques and much of

the original architecture is intact”

Alchemy Volume 1332


The colourful past of the Ciragan Palace

reaches back to the 17th-century

Kazancioglu Gardens which stretched from

Besiktas to Ortakoy. The first waterside villa

was built in these gardens in 1719 by Grand

Vizier Ibrahim Pasha of Nevsehir for his wife

Fatma Sultan. In 1834, Sultan Mahmut II

decided to tear down the villa and replace

it with an entirely new palace. This structure

was destroyed in 1857 by Sultan Abdülmecid

in preparation for yet another new palace,

but he died in 1861 without completing

the project. His brother, Sultan Abdülaziz,

continued his brother's dream of expansion,

and the construction of the Ciragan Palace,

which began in 1863, was completed in

1871. The Palace remained a royal residence

until the early 1900s. In 1909, it was selected

as the site for a meeting of the Turkish

Parliament. Shortly after the conclusion of the

meeting in January 1910, a fire started in the

attic, and destroyed the interior of the Palace

including significant antiques, artworks and

books. At the end of the First World War,

during the occupation of Istanbul, the ruined

Palace was used as “Bizo Barrack” by the

French military field corps engineers. In

1987, restoration was begun, as was the

construction of an adjacent hotel, which

opened in 1990.

On the shores of the Bosphorus - Ciragan Palace, Kempinski Istanbul, Turkey

“...it was selected as the site for a meeting of the Turkish

Parliament”

The Taleon Imperial Hotel in St. Petersburg

can trace its roots to a late 18th-century

palace built as a temporary residence

for Elizabeth, the daughter of Tsar Peter

the Great. It later passed as a gift from

Catherine the Great to Nikolas Chicherin,

General of Police. Following his death, it

belonged to several significant individuals

in St. Petersburg society: Duke Kurakin,

the merchants Perets and Kosikovsky, and

the banker Stepan Eliseev. It passed out of

private hands to become everything from

a choreographic institute to the Marxism-

Leninism University to a cinema, reopening as

a hotel in 2003. Vestiges of its illustrious past:

the Eliseev suite – with original furnishings

and restored wall paintings – was the

master bedroom of the Eliseevs; the Taleon

restaurant – decorated in Empire and Louis

XVI styles – was the waiting room and former

study; the casino was the ballroom; the cigar

lounge was used as a dining room; and the

Eliseev family library still exists, although the

original ceiling was lost.

In Tsar Peter’s Imperial City - Taleon Imperial Hotel, St. Petersburg, Russia

“Decorated in Empire and Louis XVI styles”

Built by order of Pope Alexander VII in the

17th century for his niece on her marriage,

Palazzo Gori Pannilini in Siena evolved in the

early 20th century to become a hotel called

the Continental – today the Grand Hotel

Continental. The majestic façade features a

great portal crowned with the Gori coat of

arms. In the hall, guests can admire the high

frescoed ceilings of the palazzo, lit now with

18th-century-style lantern-shaped lamps.

The magnificent Salone delle Feste is

frescoed throughout with monochromatic

18th-century trompe l’oeil decorations

of pastoral landscapes and imaginary

architectural views, culminating in the crest

of the Gori Pannilini family. Other points of

interest include the two-room San Cristoforo

suite featuring a 15th-century wall painting of

the Sienese school depicting St. Christopher,

which was discovered and restored during

the renovation work, while the five rooms

overlooking Via dei Termini on the opposite

side have ceilings decorated by the 18th-

century Sienese painter Giovanni

Battista Marchetti.

Home is a medieval town in Tuscany - Grand Hotel Continental, Siena, Tuscany, Italy

“The majestic façade features a great portal

crowned with the Gori coat of arms”


Once the residence of Maharaja Sawai Man

Singh II and his beautiful queen, Rajmata

Gayatri Devi, Rambagh Palace is a living

legend of Rajputana history. Built in 1835

on a modest scale for the queen’s favourite

handmaiden, and later refurbished as a royal

guesthouse, the mansion was renamed

Rambagh, after the then-reigning Maharaja

Sawai Ram Singh II. His grandson, prince

Sawai Man Singh II, was brought here on his

accession in 1910. He later went to England

to finish his studies. While there he dreamt

of making Rambagh his official residence.

On his return to India, he began actualising

his dream, and in 1925, Rambagh Palace

became the permanent residence of the

Maharaja of Jaipur. It remained the home

of Rajasthan’s royalty until 1957, when it

was first converted into a luxury hotel run

by the royal family. In 1972, the palace’s

management was handed over to Taj Hotels

Resorts and Palaces. The Suryavanshi Suite

was part of the personal chambers of the

royal family, and Suvarna Mahal, the original

renaissance-style banquet hall, is now the

fine dining room.

Jewels in the crown - Rambagh Palace, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

“The Suryavanshi Suite was part of the personal chambers of the royal

family”

Built in 1754 by Maharana Jagat Singh II,

the Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur is his most

notable achievement. It is said that the

Maharana took umbrage at his father’s refusal

to allow him to have moonlit picnics with

the ladies of his Zenana (women’s quarters)

at the neighbouring island palace, Jag

Mandir. As soon as he assumed the throne,

he commissioned the construction of the

Lake Palace, which remained the summer

residence of the rulers of Mewar for 200

years. The Sajjan Niwas Suite, built around

1880 by Maharana Sajjan Singhji, retains an

old-world charm with traditional cloth fans,

intricate mirror-work on the doors and fine

glass mosaic inlay; while the stylish Amrit

Sagar Bar was once the private audience hall

of the Maharana. While staying at the hotel,

guests can learn the ancient Rajasthani art

of miniature painting, take cooking lessons

and participate in live demonstrations in the

Palace kitchens.

Jewels in the crown - Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

“While staying at the hotel, guests can learn the

ancient Rajasthani art of miniature painting”


Castello del Nero traces its origins to the

12th century when it became the country

residence of the Florentine noble family,

whose coat of arms can still be seen along

with frescoes that were painted during

various periods of the hotel’s history. Among

its other distinctive features are a clock

tower, three huge fireplaces, secret doors,

passageways, and two different family crests.

The private chapel, dedicated to San Michele

and San Filippo Neri, was built in the late

1700s, at about the time that the mechanism

in the clock tower was installed. After the Del

Nero family line died out, the estate

was taken over by the Torrigiani family.

Carlo Torrigiani put great efforts into

increasing the activities of the estate farm,

and his American wife Anna Frey was so

devoted to the Castello that she asked to

be buried in the chapel following her death

in 1917. In 2006, the property reopened as

a hotel, and it proudly displays a number

of artefacts from the castle days: furniture,

lamps, paintings, and a library of accounting

registers from the 18th century pertaining to

the estate’s farm land.

Historic artefacts galore - Castello del Nero Hotel & Spa, Florence, Tavarnelle, Italy

Alchemy Volume 1334


The Hotel Caruso in Ravello was built in the

11th century by a patrician Roman family.

The original palace was largely destroyed

by the Republic of Pisa, and lay deserted

until the mid-1500s, when a period of

reconstruction began. The present palace

was completed in the 1600s. A further

period of neglect followed until 1893, when

Pantaleone Caruso and his wife Emilia

Cicalese rented five rooms in one of the

wings of the palace. They opened as the

Pensione Belvedere, referencing the splendid

view of the hanging garden plunging down

the mountainside to the sea. In 1903 a New

York Times journalist visited, and his article

inspired many wealthy Americans wintering

on the European Rivieras to visit. The hotel

came to occupy the entire palazzo, and was

renamed Hotel Caruso Belvedere. During

Caruso’s restructuring, traces of 18th-century

frescoes were revealed, and the paintings

were uncovered and restored. Of particular

interest is the ceiling in the hall, which has a

pair of griffins facing each other, almost as

if guarding four frescoes depicting Ravello.

There is also a chapel, which has a stone

altar in baroque style, painted with a marbled

tempera and decorated with a stucco relief.

Both sides of the chapel above the altar have

stucco relief carvings, with images of saints

in prayer.

Risen from the ruins - Hotel Caruso, Ravello, Amalfi Coast, Italy

Fly with Air Partner Private Jets to any of the above properties using the nearest local airports. Cost-effective schedules on the most suitable high-quality private aircraft for your needs will be arranged around your timetable.

For further information on Leading Hotels of the World, which represents more than 450 of the world’s finest hotels, resorts and spas, telephone +44 (0)20 7290 1010 or email [email protected]

Perched high above the capital of Jodhpur,

Umaid Bhawan Palace, the last of India’s

great palaces, was also one of the largest

royal residences in the world when it

opened its doors in 1943. Built entirely in

golden yellow sandstone, it was designed

by Edwardian architect Henry Vaughan

Lanchester. The sumptuous interiors were

done in Art Deco, which was then the rage in

Europe and America. Sixty years on, with the

public areas and the Regal and Vice-Regal

Suites essentially untouched, the palace

is perhaps one of the largest and best-

preserved showcases of the Art Deco style.

Set amidst 26 acres of land, Umaid Bhawan

Palace was converted into a hotel in 1977,

its suites and rooms retaining the original

Art Deco interiors. The spectacular Central

Rotunda, whose cupola rises to 105 feet; an

oval staircase hall, flanked by the impressive

Ballroom and Banquet Hall on either side;

and the Throne Room with its exquisite

Ramayana murals reaffirm the grandeur of

this remarkable palace. The present Maharaja

of Jodhpur, His Highness Maharaja Gaj

Singh, and the royal family continue to reside

in what was formerly the Zenana, a private

wing for the ladies of the royal household.

A Sun City wonder - Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India

Schlosshotel Hugenpoet is a moated castle

situated in Germany’s Ruhr Valley. The first

owners were the Barons of Nesselrode,

called Hugenpoet. They, like many other

knights of their times, were frequently

embroiled in feuds and ambushed the heavily

armed wagons loaded with merchandise

which passed by. Hugenpoet was not spared

either during the troubled times in the Middle

Ages. In 1478 the castle was taken by storm

and burnt down; only parts of it remained

standing until 1756. Interior features of note

include the magnificent staircase, carved

from the finest black marble, as well as three

fireplaces, installed in the early 19th century.

Made of Bamberg sandstone, they were

created between 1577 and 1578 and are

deemed to be among the most splendid

works of the Late Renaissance based on

paintings of Rafael. After the Second World

War, the ground floor of the castle was

leased by the Folkwang Museum, whose

building had been destroyed by bombs. Part

of the museum’s renowned collection was

displayed there until the museum returned to

Essen in 1954. That same year, Düsseldorf

hotelier Kurt Neumann was persuaded to join

the project of turning the castle into a hotel,

and it opened for Easter in 1955. Over the

years, meetings and conferences of political

importance have taken place at Hugenpoet,

the most important one being the G7 Summit

in 1994.

Nestled in a valley - Schlosshotel Hugenpoet, Düsseldorf, Essen, Germany


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Alchemy Volume 1336

A day in the life of a private jet user

ADAY IN THE LIFEOF A PRIVATE JET USER Brian Stewart, CEO of Stewart Asset Management


A day in the life of a private jet user

Whether he’s at home in Glasgow or abroad, Brian Stewart has been

rising with the larks at 5.30 am every working day for the best part

of 30 years and immediately launches into training mode. If possible,

this involves running five miles on a treadmill followed by around 200

sit-and press-ups.

Next on his agenda is the dawn catch-up on outstanding emails and

text messages before construction begins on a daily to-do list which

on completion is electronically relayed to his nine-strong support team.

Brian is CEO of Stewart Asset Management, an international

independent advisory tax and wealth management group with a

strong belief in providing a personal service and giving clients access

to unique structures and products. Nine years ago he purchased the

company’s headquarters, an old Georgian townhouse in the park area

of Glasgow (sometimes referred to as the ‘professional district’) and

has led the company’s expansion into London, Guernsey

and Monaco.

Brian usually arrives at the office at 9 am after driving his young

son and daughter to school, which he says normally stresses him

more than the day ahead, and almost immediately holds a catch-up

meeting with his managing director and financial controller. This is

followed by client meetings and conference calls and in a typical day

he expects to hold 30 to 40 telephone conversations, to send 20

text messages and 70 emails, and to attend at least one face-to-face

client meeting.

His favourite part of the day arrives at 10.30 am. Brian explains: “I slip

out for a café latte and scrambled eggs on toast at an Italian café. This

is my 20 minutes of ‘down time’ when I relax and read the paper. Even

when I am travelling, I try to take this time out as by then I’ve already

been working for five hours.”

Travelling plays a huge role in Brian’s life and he usually spends three

days a week moving between the group’s other offices as well as the

Isle of Man, where the company is heavily involved in the marketing,

promotion and distribution of a just-launched legal litigation investment

fund. Without fail, he always flies by private jet.

Brian explains: “I consider private jets to be an absolutely vital part of

our business model. In any given week I will regularly need to be in

four different places and this would be physically impossible, as well

as financially inefficient, if I used commercial aviation.

“The time wasted kicking my heels in departure lounges and standing

around in security queues would lose me the equivalent of a day a

week, four days a month, or indeed 48 days a year. If I calculate the

cost in terms of new business alone, it would cover the cost of flying

private five times over.

“Moreover, the high level of personal service and privacy enables me

to work in comfort throughout my journeys, optimises my use of time

and enables me to have meetings or open discussions in a quiet and

confidential environment. We joined Air Partner recently after three

years with a competitor that, frankly, was far less flexible and much

more expensive.”

Time is a valuable commodity for Brian and for this reason lunch

is a snack at the desk while working to keep on track with report

deadlines, correspondence and travel arrangements. Every day, the

company’s business plan is affected and influenced by stock market

movements, interest rates and currency fluctuations which means

that, in order to keep abreast of developments, the financial press

must be studied and the online markets watched... constantly. One

consequence of this is that Brian rarely lunches with clients because

“it just doesn’t seem to be something that there is either time or good

reason for nowadays”.

Normally, Brian clocks off and heads home at 4.30 pm… but clocks

on again at around 10 pm to write that last email, make one more

client call or speak with the heads of his other offices. Why? “Because

I enjoy the freedom of decision making and the challenge of building

a successful internationally based private business empire in today’s

highly competitive world.”

And so to bed for some much-needed snzzzz.

www.samgplc.com

“I consider private jets to be an absolutely vital part of our business model.

In any given week I will regularly need to be in four different places and this would be physically

impossible, as well as financially inefficient, if I used commercial aviation.”

Alchemy Volume 1338

Summer Sailing - the insider’s guide

Within each cruising area there are a multitude of itinerary options and this is where the invaluable knowledge and experience of a good charter

brokerage like Burgess comes into its own.

Burgess clients are able to draw on an unrivalled breadth of worldwide cruising knowledge from a team of highly experienced brokers.

The company customises every charter, from planning realistic passage times to arranging the best table at the best restaurant in town.

In this profile of favourite destinations, Burgess presents a real insider’s view about where to go and what to do.

SummerSailingThe insider’s guide

Alchemy Volume 1338

You’ve chartered a yacht. Now where do you go? It’s a decision that deserves just as much thought as which yacht to book.



When chartering a superyacht, cruising the French and Italian Rivieras

can easily be combined in one itinerary.

The Côte d’Azur has always been wonderful cruising territory. Short

hops between ports makes it easy to put together a relaxing itinerary

and as you head east to the Italian coastline, the only longer crossing

is overnight from Monaco or San Remo to Portofino. On the other

hand, every port is packed in high season, so there is certainly a need

to book berths in advance.

Burgess often helps clients make the most of what’s available ashore

– whether that means booking tickets for a concert at Monaco’s

Salle d’Etoiles or the Juan les Pins Jazz Festival, a round of golf at a

member’s only club or a pampering afternoon at a world leading spa.

Understanding what kind of experience a charter party is looking for

means clients can be briefed on a few local secrets of interest - like

the Provençal food market of Forville in Cannes or the flower and

antique markets on the Cours Saleya in Nice. Advice is freely given on

where to try paragliding or scuba diving and multilingual guides can be

provided if required.

For authentic simplicity, the unspoilt Porquerolles Islands with their

Marine Reserve or the UNESCO world heritage site of the Cinque

Terre’s five villages should not be missed.

These islands, with their contrasting cultures and geographies, have

so much to offer that it is no wonder people love to charter here again

and again, finding something new every time.

Sardinia’s best cruising is around the manicured Costa Smeralda with

Porto Cervo at its heart and Cala di Volpe just around the corner.

The bar at the Hotel Cala di Volpe, the jewel in the Aga Khan’s vision

for this coastline, is not to be missed, while Porto Cervo’s Cipriani

restaurant is part of the Billionaire Club – one of the most exclusive

summer nightclubs in the world. For clients who like to party, Nikki

Beach and Sottovento are always lively until the early hours.

Although Sardinia does luxury exceptionally well, there are many

delightfully secluded beaches that are tough or impossible to reach

by land but perfectly accessible by yacht. It is not for nothing that

the Costa Smeralda is called the Emerald Coast and the stunning

seascapes are among the most awesome in the Mediterranean.

Mountainous Corsica, just a couple of hours away, is more relaxed.

This French island offers plenty of great dining from full gourmet

experiences to seafood char-grilled over a wooden fire on the beach.

Corsica is not known for its nightlife and club scene, although Via

Notte, just south of Porto Vecchio, has a reputation as a glam

alternative to Ibiza.

An absolute highlight of any charter in Corsica is the amazing natural

harbour of Bonifacio with its dramatic steep limestone cliffs and

unforgettable views from the perched Citadel.

Fly with Air Partner from London to Nice non-stop from £7,500 on a six seat private jet.

Fly with Air Partner from London to Olbia non-stop from £10,500 on an eight-seat private jet.

French and Italian Rivieras

Sardinia and Corsica

Alchemy Volume 1340


There is something passionate and fiery

about Southern Italy that calls for life to be

lived to the full, and in the best possible taste.

For an authentic experience you don’t get any

more Italian than the Neapolitan Coast and

the islands of Southern Italy.

Aside from headline attractions such as

Pompeii, the key to an unforgettable visit

is about getting the best table for lunch

at Palazzo Sasso in Ravello, followed by

tickets for one of the great concerts at Villa

Rufolo. It’s about organising a drive along

the spectacular Amalfi Coast drive, and

suggesting the best places to dine ashore in

Positano, such as the terrace at Le

Sirenuse. Capri has to be seen, and is best

enjoyed from the privacy of a superyacht.

Everyone goes to the Blue Grotto, but it’s

also worth visiting Villa Jovis, the ruined

home of the Roman Emperor Tiberius, or

taking the chairlift to the highest point on the

island, Mount Solaro (1932 feet). Any guide

could recommend the Faraglioni Rocks, but

Burgess would also schedule in a stop at

Da Luigi for a glass of wine and a plate of

olives. Dining on the terrace at the elegant

L’Olivio restaurant in the Capri Palace Hotel

in Anacapri, Capri’s second town, is an

experience not to be missed.

The ideal itinerary would also take in the more

northerly Pontine Islands. Ponza is ideal for

waterfront dining and uninhabited Palmarola

for the most pristine, peaceful anchorage.

And, saving the best to last, the gloriously

simple Aeolian (or Lipari) Islands should not

be missed for a complimentary firework

display from the erupting volcano on

Stromboli, the freshest seafood at Kasbah on

Lipari or the opportunity to acquire a unique

gift from Hotel Raya’s boutique.

Turkey’s southern coast offers a marvellous

combination of small picturesque towns, quiet

beautiful bays and rich archaeological sites

that give the place a timeless quality.

When planning a cruising itinerary, Burgess

often suggests exploring the many inlets in

the Gulf of Fethiye, or venturing up the Dalyan

River past the dramatic Lycian rock tombs

to the site of Ancient Caunos and the hot

sulphur mud baths upstream. Other highlights

include the ruined city of Ancient Knidos, the

imposing Castle of St Peter in Bodrum with

its museum of underwater

archaeology, and snorkelling among the ruins

off the spectacular island of Kekova.

Göçek is a good starting point for a Turkish

coast cruise, while boarding in Ku€adasi

enables a convenient visit to magnificent

Ephesus and is ideal for combining Turkey

with island hopping through the nearby

Dodecanese Islands of Greece such as

Samos, Patmos, Leros, Kalymnos and Kos.

For a purely Greek experience, departures

from Athens can take in (amongst others) the

fabled islands of Hydra, Mykonos, Paros, Ios

and Santorini.

The Ionian Islands are good places to visit in

July and August as they offer good shelter

from the prevailing Aegean winds. Start in

Corfu, with its endless sandy beaches in

the south and quiet, unspoilt villages in the

north. Don’t miss the islands of Paxos and

Anti-Paxos with their lovely harbours, and visit

Ithaca, Cephalonia and Zakinthos for a range

of culture, beaches and villages with really

good seafront tavernas.

Fly with Air Partner from London to Naples non-stop from £11,500 on an eight-seat private jet.

So, when deciding to charter a yacht in the Mediterranean, or anywhere else in the world, consulting an experienced luxury yacht charter brokerage is the only way to guarantee an experience of a lifetime.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON BURGESS, THE GLOBAL SUPERYACHT INDUSTRY LEADER,

TELEPHONE +44 (0)207 7664300 OR EMAIL: [email protected].

Southern Italy

Turkey & Greece

With over 1,000 islands providing a multitude

of coves, great anchorages, inlets and

islets, the Croatian Adriatic offers relaxing

and peaceful cruising. Visitors are spoilt for

choice and it is always possible to find a quiet

anchorage or a berth stern-to on the local

town quayside.

A cruise around the spectacularly scenic

Dalmatian islands combines picturesque

villages, quiet bays and deserted beaches

with crystal clear waters, wooded islands and

an unforgettable mountainous backdrop on

the mainland.

Heading south, the scenery becomes even

more breathtaking. Croatia’s geography

ensures shelter among the islands whatever

the weather, while its archaeology and history

combines influences from Greek, Roman and

Venetian cultures.

However, tranquillity and scenery are not

the only attractions. For those looking for a

buzz there are many towns with plenty to do

ashore, notably Hvar, Split and Dubrovnik

with good restaurants, shops and nightlife.

Croatia is a memorable cruising ground and

always exceeds the expectations of Burgess

clients, many of whom return summer

after summer”.

Croatia

Fly with Air Partner from London to Athens non-stop from £16,000 on an eight-seat private jet.


YOUR STAY. OUR SPIRIT.

« M a j e s t i c a n d e l e g a n t – s i t u a t e d i n t h e c e n t r e o f S t . M o r i t z

a n d i n t h e c e n t r e o f l i f e w i t h i n t h e S w i s s A l p s .

L e g e n d a r y , u n i q u e a n d d i s t i n c t i v e !Enjoy memorable moments – welcome to the Badrutt’s Palace Hotel. »

Badrutt's Palace Hotel, Via Serlas 27, 7500 St. Moritz, SwitzerlandTelephone: +41 (0)81 837 1000, Telefax: +41 (0)81 837 2999, Reservations: +41 (0)81 837 1100

[email protected], www.badruttspalace.com

Airpartner_E_210x297_1.1 21.10.2008 17:35 Uhr Seite 1

Alchemy Volume 1342

Johnny Paravicini

Johnny Paravicini is as secretive about his clients as he is open and honest about everything else. But he has to be. As the founding director of a lifestyle solutions consultancy serving international clients who can ask for anything “as long as it’s legal and moral”, confidentiality is the name of his game.

A foot in every door


Johnny Paravicini

Johnny’s Peninsula Consulting business primarily concentrates on helping international High Net Worths to strengthen their cultural or commercial ties with the UK.

Unlike concierge companies, Peninsula bypasses the minutiae of people’s lives. It’s no use asking Johnny, as The Spectator Business reported, to secure tickets for a West End hit show or get an under-age partygoer into a fashionable nightclub. However, he will find an exclusive property or a fund manager, rare piece of art, private jet and elite boarding school place as part of his broad “family office service”. Services for corporates include assistance with office relocations and roadshows, and arranging introductions with influential business leaders.

Recently, Johnny has been advising East European governments on organic food production research and Olympic Games bid preparations.

Only the best will do

So, with such a breadth of complex services, how does Johnny guarantee expertise? “I don’t pretend to be an authority at anything. My role is to provide easy access to true experts, the very best in their specialist fields.” Thanks to a varied career in aviation, fine art and estate management, Johnny has established an enviable network of contacts and says his experience has enabled him to build long-standing relationships and a reputation for trust and reliability which, in his business, is “absolutely crucial”.

Are there any examples of how he has helped a client he is able to talk about? “I was asked to find a house to rent for an ‘A’ list Hollywood actress and her screenwriter husband. They needed a secure and secluded property within commuting distance of Pinewood Studios with private river fishing. These properties are like gold dust – and the people who own them don’t need to rent. In the end, the only way I could meet the request was by persuading the owner of probably the finest property of its kind to move out for six months.”

There was also the New Orleans client who asked for a London black cab for his wife so that she could “collect her lunch guests in it”. However, Johnny is quick to point out “most of the requests I receive are very business-like”.

Silence is golden

He told Alchemy: “I get huge satisfaction from delivering, whether it’s a feasibility project for a government or helping to establish a complete home and lifestyle package. Yes, I am paid for it but fundamentally, I’m helping people.”

Johnny Paravicini (www.peninsulaconsulting.com) clearly puts client needs before glamour or fame. While he might scour the country for multi-million pound homes or private collections for an obscure piece of art, his customers know confidentiality is guaranteed because “you’re dead in the water if you can’t honour their privacy”.

Johnny Paravicini is a firm supporter of private jets. “I’m not surprised the

private jet culture has grown enormously. From a corporate perspective, you don’t

want high powered executives standing in airport queues when they could be

actively building business, which is only possible when executive jets are used.

From the leisure perspective, many people who work incredibly hard want to spend

as much time as possible with their families and there is huge contrast between

flying private and hanging around at Gatwick. When recommending a private aviation

company, I always advocate Air Partner because they always deliver... discreetly.”

Johnny Paravicini CV

Born: 1952

Nationality: Dual – British and Swiss

Education: Milton Abbey School

Employment history:

Christie’s: Impressionist and Modern Pictures Dept

Nutley Manor Farms Ltd: Owner

Duke of Wellington Farms: Farms Manager

John Paravicini Ltd Fine Art: Owner and Managing Director

Aid-Call plc: Divisional Sales Director

Lynton Aviation: Commercial Director

Peninsula Consulting: Owner

Family: Married with four grown-up children

Hobbies: Skiing, golf, cooking, boating on Lake Geneva and walking in the mountains

Alchemy Volume 1344

Top private jet destinations

Original Travel is a specialist tour operator whose clients enjoy tailormade holidays, from adventure trips to beachfront getaways and opulent city breaks. Here, the company profiles four destinations popular among private jet users.

top private jet destinationsdoes it...

Easy

It’s an eternal mystery as to why Europe’s

premium party island should be so difficult

to get to. Scheduled flight times are so

anti-social that Ibiza has become – almost by

default – the ultimate private jet destination.

At Original Travel we field an ever-increasing

number of enquiries for private jets from

groups of friends looking to maximise their

time on the ground over a long weekend.

Once they’re in situ, we are able to help

out with everything from making restaurant

bookings to obtaining VIP access to the

hottest night spots in town.

While there used to be a lack of quality

boutique hotels on the island, this is

changing. Several new hacienda conversions

have appeared away from the hubbub of

Ibiza Town in the tranquil hills of the interior

and along the dramatic northern coastline.

Alternatively, visitors can rent a superstar

DJ-style villa and throw their own pool

terrace party.

Original’s favourite options? Benirras beach

for chilling, KM5 bar for lounging, Trattoria del

Sole for dinner, Formentera by private boat

for lunch and the inevitable terrace at Space

for a boogie.

Ibiza

Alchemy Volume 1344


Top private jet destinations

ORIGINAL TRAVEL (WWW.ORIGINALTRAVEL.CO.UK) WORKS WITH AIR PARTNER TO PROVIDE PRIVATE JET TRAVEL TO ALL THE DESTINATIONS FEATURED, AND MORE. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION TEL: +44 (0)20 7978 7333 OR EMAIL: [email protected].

The desert island destination of Maldives

is also surprisingly difficult to get to by

scheduled services. At present, only

SriLankan Airlines flies direct from the UK,

and that’s not every day, so creating the

bizarre situation where even business class

is often sold out many months in advance.

Consequently Maldives is another serious

private jet contender.

Although the number of hotels may be

approaching saturation level, at the top end

they are of resounding good quality whether

clients want barefoot Crusoe-style luxury

or the mod cons of a hip urban hangout

transported to a desert hideaway. The new

W Retreat and Spa looks set to challenge

competitors with its Whatever/Whenever

service, providing almost anything to pamper

its guests.

Some of the hotel house reefs – particularly

the one at Baros – are superb for diving. For

the truly dedicated diver, the Four Seasons

Explorer live-aboard dive boat is a must, as it

spends three or four days at a time exploring

the less visited islands of the outer atolls.

Whichever island a visitor settles on, the

quintessential palm-fringed, white sand,

turquoise ocean experience is guaranteed.

And the innate charm of the locals is the icing

on a particularly tempting cake.

Maldives

Oman opened its doors and began issuing

visas to tourists in 1987. Travel outside

the capital Muscat and you find one of the

most breathtaking, traditional and deserted

locations on earth. No wonder the eternally

itinerant explorer Sir Wilfred Thesiger found

himself returning, drawn by the dramatic

landscapes and the locals’ life in the raw.

Life is changing fast in Oman. Some excellent

five-star hotels and new on-going tourism

infrastructures have emerged. Attractions

already on offer are wonderfully varied,

appealing as much to the stressed-out

Western executive looking for guaranteed

sun and a place to flop as to the more active

traveller seeking adventures from caving

to diving.

Oman boasts magnificent mountain ranges,

and a 4×4 drive to Nizwa through dramatic

wadis and past ancient forts is a particular

highlight. There are also deserts aplenty

from the Wahiba Sands to the supremely

evocative Empty Quarter, the largest sand

sea in the world. The Quarter is also the site

of an Original Travel exclusive – a pitched

private luxury camp in the shadows of dunes,

sometimes over 100 metres high.

For a more pampered experience in Muscat,

the Chedi hotel is an elegant contemporary

gem, the Shangri-La Barr al Jissah

caters superbly for families and the newly

refurbished Al Bustan has a fine garden and

beachfront setting. The Zighy Bay hideaway

hotel, which opened last year in the remote

north-eastern Musandam Peninsula, offers

top-notch restaurants, a bar and wine cellar,

private beach and pools, a spa, diving and

paragliding.

Oman

Morocco has to be the most exotic

destination in close proximity to the UK, but

it too suffers from a lack of decent direct

flights that don’t form part of packages.

The proliferation of low-cost airlines or

indirect flights means the private jet option is

increasingly attractive.

The main attraction is Marrakech. The city’s

beating heart, the Djemaa el-Fna square,

feels almost medieval at dusk as soothsayers,

apothecaries, musicians and acrobats

entertain crowds of locals and tourists,

and food stalls spring out of nowhere. The

number of sophisticated authentic properties

(riads) hidden down tiny alleys seems to

grow almost daily and an Original Traveller

visits at least annually to research the newest

properties available. Studies into the latest hip

hangouts in this increasingly nightlife-heavy

city are also undertaken. Marrakech now

boasts Pasha and Nikki Beach hotels, which

offer traditional hamman spa and

detox experiences.

Just 40 miles beyond the ochre-coloured

walls of the city lie the snow-capped peaks

of the High Atlas Mountains offering yet more

immaculate accommodation and incredible

trekking routes. Guided ascents of Jebel

Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa,

are popular, but more sedate treks are also

readily available. The ‘in’ places to stay are

Branson’s Kasbah Tamadot, the charming

Kasbah Toubkal or the cool new Kasbah Bab

Ourika, all ideal locations in which to reflect

over a cup of mint tea on a day’s visit to the

surrounding Berber villages.

The charming seafront town of Essaouira,

where the windy beach is hugely popular with

kite and windsurfers alike, boasts charming

family-run boutique properties. Conventional

surfing can be enjoyed along the coast at Sidi

Kaouki but accommodation here is a little

more rustic.

Morocco

Alchemy Volume 1346

Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons

This year Raymond Blanc O.B.E and his team at Le Manoir celebrate their 25 birthday – His renowned hotel and restaurant continues to flourish after a quarter of a century. Of course when Raymond opened on St Patrick’s Day, 17th March 1984, though he hoped to still be here in 25 years, he never dreamed of the success it would attain or the increased numbers of guests he and his team would serve.

Raymond Blanc’s

Le Manoiraux Quat’Saisons,in Oxfordshire, celebrate their

25th Anniversary.



Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons is the fulfilment of Raymond’s personal

vision, a dream that one day he would create a hotel and restaurant,

where guests would find perfection in food, comfort, service and

welcome. One thing he did intend from the very beginning, and still

believe now, is that coming to Le Manoir, whether for a single meal or

to stay for a week, must be a very special experience, one that guests

will always remember with pleasure.

Since opening Le Manoir has achieved the highest awards and

accolades of any restaurant and country house hotel in Great Britain

and is regarded as one of the very best in Europe. One of the few

restaurants in the world to retain 2 Michelin stars for 25 years,

Le Manoir remains a mecca for gourmets the world over.

Alchemy Volume 1348


The menus have been described as ‘a twist of imaginative genius’ and

constantly evolve through reflection, desire and curiosity as Raymond

and the team search for the finest ingredients. The quality of the food

stems from the freshness and purity of its ingredients. The two-acre

kitchen garden produces 90 types of vegetable and over 70 varieties

of herbs, which are used in Le Manoir’s kitchen. Monsieur Blanc has

been a champion of the organic movement for the last 20 years and

comments that ‘flavour alone would be a reason to buy organic food,

quite apart from its freedom from additives’.

Guests will have a different, yet equally luxurious experience each

time they stay in one of Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons’ 32 rooms and

suites. With names that draw on the senses, each of the suites has

been lovingly designed, creating individual and unique spaces.

Throughout 2009 Le Manoir invites guests to enjoy a luxury midweek

escape. Arrive during the afternoon to explore the magnificent

gardens before indulging in Raymond Blanc’s celebrated ‘Les

Classiques du Manoir aux Quat’Saisons’ dinner. Stay in one of the

individually designed deluxe bedrooms and wake up to a leisurely

to French breakfast. Midweek escapes are available from Sunday to

Thursday evening and are priced from £640.00 per night, based on

two guests sharing a room. Subject to availability.

LE MANOIR AUX QUAT’SAISONS, CHURCH ROAD, GREAT MILTON, OXFORD, OX44 7PD. TELEPHONE 01844 278881 EMAIL LEMANOIR @BLANC.CO.UK WWW.MANOIR.COM

Alchemy Volume 1348

Alchemy Volume 1350

The island has spectacular scenery

encompassing picturesque fishing villages,

mountain retreats and, of course, coastal

resorts and Blue Flag beaches for those

seeking sun and sand.

Located on the island’s west coast,

Paphos is a long time favourite with

British holidaymakers thanks to a winning

combination of pristine beaches, sporting

activities and a thriving cultural life.

The city’s so full of archaeological treasures

that is has been granted UNESCO status.

Top sites include the Paphos Roman

Mosaics, which are often described as

some of the finest mosaics in the world.

They depict key mythological episodes

including Dionysos’ gift of wine to man.

Other main landmarks include the Tombs of

the Kings, an impressive necropolis dating

back to the 3rd Century BC, which was the

final resting place of about 100 local

Ptolemaic aristocrats.

With three top-quality golf courses located

in the vicinity, Paphos is an excellent base

for novice and experienced golfers. The

award-winning Aphrodite Hills Golf Course,

which is situated east of the city, boasts

a course designed by Cabell Robinson

overlooking the legendary sea-birthplace of

the goddess Aphrodite. The nearby Secret

Valley Golf Course lies in a scenic valley with

grand trees and beautiful sculptured rock

formations all round whilst the Minthis Hills

Course designed by Donald Steel, is built

on the grounds of a 12th century monastery

in a gentle picturesque valley.

Relaxation and rejuvenation are also

on the menu with top hotel spas offering

treatments to relax the body and mind.

World-class spas including the Anagenis at

Thalassa, the Opium at the Elysium and the

Asphotel Spa atthe Azia boast a large range

of treatments available to hotel guests

and the general public.

Paphos hosts a large number of sporting

and cultural events including the Paphos

Aphrodite Festival, an opera festival taking

place early September with Paphos

Medieval Castle as a backdrop.

Whether you’re looking for culture,

relaxation or exciting activities, Cyprus

is just the ticket for a break under the

sunshine just over four hours from the UK.

For further information on Cyprus, contact the Cyprus Tourism Organisation on 020 7569 8800 or visit www.visitcyprus.com

With year-round sunshine and only a four hour flight away, Cyprus boasts plenty to tempt all tastes including culture vultures, nature lovers, adventure seekers, foodies, families or spa fans.

Captivating Cyprus

Captivating Cyprus


Brand New Luxury Villa For SaleSeaviews, Underfloor Heating, Pool & Terrace

Euro 1,350,000

The villa is on a hill looking down over Paphos town. The harbour, shops, beaches and restaurants are all within a 15 minute drive away. The villa has 4/5 bedrooms and

3 bathrooms plus a cloakroom. Open plan kitchen/dining, lounge with beautiful picture doors opening onto a large terrace and a kidney shaped infinity pool. The property boasts

180 degree views of the sea and all bedrooms have stunning sea views.

As Olympus village is approx 750 feet above sea level the property is above the humidity levels in summer, and you will enjoy a welcome warm breeze most days. The villa has under floor heating, a car port and covered terrace. The total covered

area is approximately 250m2 and the property sits on a prime plot of 800m2.

Contact: [email protected]

Alchemy Volume 1352

Spectacular State of the art manSion elevated in the hillS of Son vida.

Z E N V I D AM A L L O R C A

Sweeping views of the bay of palma

finished with finest imported materials

State of the art technology throughout

exceptionally private and secure

5 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms


Description

Spectacular state of the art mansion with captivating views across the Mediterranean

Sea and Palma. The Asian inspired design of this property creates a timeless elegance,

while extensive use of the finest granite, marble and tropical hardwoods, which

have been imported from around the world, will assure the long-lasting value of this

magnificent property.

Zen Vida offers five spacious bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, a home office, two

living rooms, a dining room, three outside dining areas and a superb designer kitchen

by Siematic with Gaggenau appliances and adjacent butler’s pantry. The property also

benefits from two garages for five cars and a separate entrance for staff ensures owners

privacy. This unique property is equipped with the latest technology throughout from

discrete, state of the art security, to a centralised climate system. For more information on

this special property and its many impressive features, please contact us for a brochure.

Price on application through Savills International

T 020 7016 3740

www.savills.co.uk/abroad

www.zenvida.com

AccommoDAtion

5 Bedrooms

6 Bathrooms

Plot size 2,040 m²

Built area 800 m²

2 living rooms

Dining room

Three outside dining areas

Designer kitchen

Home office

Staff quarters

Alchemy Volume 1354

VIP Ironside protection

In the UK, fat-cat bankers stepped up their personal security

arrangements (amid fears of a campaign against those blamed for

he collapse in the financial system) following the March attack on

the home of former RBS boss Sir Fred Goodwin. Mayhem erupted

at the G20 summit in London in April, animal rights and other

antagonists frequently hit the headlines, and the threat from political

terrorists and assassins is ever present.

Add to this the launch of Google Street View, which has aroused

significant criticism in this digital age for its ability to ‘spy’ on

people and property, and the need for enhanced safety and security

measures among those with accelerated lifestyles becomes

crystal clear.

VIP close protection

No wonder, then, that specialist security companies are in demand,

with a noticeable increase in specialist VIP close protection services

being purchased by individuals and organisations with corporate

responsibility to protect key executives.

One such company is Ironside Associates, a relative newcomer in the

protection market having been founded in 2006 by military stalwart

Keith Simpson MBE in response to increasing demand for high-calibre

speciality security across the globe.

The consultancy’s services span Europe, North America, Middle

East and Asia. Its aim is to provide highly experienced and rigorously

trained personnel allowing customers to experience the freedom to

enjoy their pursuits with absolute confidence, safe in the knowledge

that their lives and assets are being safeguarded.

Ironside’s VIP close protection officers (CPOs) are committed, highly

trained and carefully vetted individuals with international experience,

having hailed from the UK Police or Special Forces. Male and female,

all are weapons-trained, skilled in surveillance and counter-surveillance

techniques and hold Security Industry Authority licences. They work

discreetly in an understated way or as a visible force to be reckoned

with – the client decides.

Mr Simpson, a former Regimental Sergeant Major with the Special

Boat Service division of the UK Special Forces, explained: “Our role is

to prioritise a client’s needs and to create and maintain an environment

in which they can conduct their business free from threat, harassment

or embarrassment while ensuring confidentiality at all times.”

Public and high-profile figures have become ever more vulnerable and fearful for the safety of themselves, their families and their possessions.

Self-preservation is everything in aDANGEROUS WORLD

Alchemy Volume 1354


VIP Ironside protection

Superyacht security

Providing protection for superyachts sailing around the world is a key

area of growing business.

Ironside has just completed a VIP anti-piracy task for one yacht owner

cruising the outer islands of the Seychelles. In light of the fact that

Somali pirates have been attacking ships within 200 nautical miles of

these idyllic atolls, he wanted reassurance that his property and family

would be as safe as possible.

“Superyacht owners are of high wealth and often prominent figures,

celebrities or royalty. Hence, VIP protection and superyachts go

hand-in-hand around the globe,” said Mr Simpson. “Confidentiality

is another factor as many clients wish to remain out of sight of

the media. Ironside operates with complete discretion and client

confidentiality is paramount.”

Piracy off the coast of Somalia alone cost more than $30 million in

ransoms last year and attempts to hijack shipping more than doubled.

Anti-piracy techniques and fire drills are always undertaken prior

to entering pirate-infested danger zones and only recently evasive

defensive action was necessary when an imminent attack was

detected during a superyacht delivery mission that involved sailing

through the infamous Gulf of Aden.

Maintaining the equilibrium

“The behind-the-scenes logistics of Ironside’s activities are immense,”

added Mr Simpson. “We plot and plan every detail to ensure that all

our specialist security personnel are on top form in every respect.

Our priority is to our clients, to protect them and their property.

Our aim is to quash any criminal attempt to disrupt this equilibrium.”

Other services offered by Ironside include security consultancy,

corporate security, surveillance, general personal and home security,

and marine asset protection.

For further information on Ironside Associates telephone

+44 (0)1603 702930 or email [email protected].

“The behind-the-scenes logistics of Ironside’s activities are immense,” added Mr Simpson. “We plot and plan every

detail to ensure that all our specialist security personnel are on top form in every respect. Our priority is to our clients,

to protect them and their property. Our aim is to quash any criminal attempt to disrupt this equilibrium.”

Ironside has selected Air Partner Travel Consultants (email:

[email protected]) as its on-call travel agency to ensure that its

protection officers arrive at superyacht departure locations

worldwide on time and refreshed, ready for the task ahead.

Air Partner’s 24/7 involvement has proved to be essential as not

only are many yachting destinations remote, but complicated flight

schedules frequently need planning or altering with little warning.

Alchemy Volume 1356

Swan 90

Swan

90Racing in international competition or cruising in the Med, the Swan 90 is the all-round winning combination.

Alchemy Volume 1356


Sleek and sophisticated, Nautor’s elegant Swan 90 is guaranteed to cut a dash as it slices its way through the ocean waves.

Swan 90

With its smooth, clean lines, revolutionary technology and

luxurious interior, the Swan 90 is the latest vessel from a

long line of high quality performance cruising yachts to be

launched from Nautor’s boatyard in Finland and marks a new era in

the continuing evolution of the range

Versatility is the key to designer German Frer’s innovative concept.

This streamlined craft, with its array of hydraulic equipment and

push-button control, is as easy to handle by a crew of just two or

three for leisure cruising as it is by 20 sailors in full racing mode.

Little wonder that the 90 has already established itself as Swan line’s

benchmark, the proverbial jewel in

Nautor’s maritime crown.

Inside, the designer has combined

practicality with the superior comfort

that is a Swan hallmark and which

today’s seafarers demand for long,

relaxed sailing trips.

The luxurious main saloon is spacious

and stylish, where people can socialise,

sit and relax, and enjoy a convivial drink

or two when not on deck.

Cabins are well-appointed and tastefully decorated, each with ensuite

bathroom and separate shower. The fitted galley is equipped with

the necessary appliances to create all kinds of gastronomic delights.

The décor throughout is smart and elegant with light teak woodwork,

varnished and rubbed to give an attractive satin finish.

The yacht is available in two versions, the Flush Deck (FD) and the

Semi Raised Saloon (S), the layout varying between the two models to

allow a choice of deck configurations and to make best use of

the space.

The 90FD has a forward cockpit linked by a bridge deck to a

steering cockpit from which there is access to the crew area and

a roomy navigation station. Access to the main saloon is from the

forward cockpit.

The 90S model differs in that it has just the one cockpit which extends

from the saloon entrance to the helm. Without a bridge deck, there is

more space in the saloon and outside.

Talking technical, the hull – produced in Nautor’s high-tech

workshop in Kallby – is a female moulded carbon fibre laminate

with unidirectional carbon reinforcements in selected areas. It has a

monolithic structure up to the waterline

and carbon fibre sandwich structure

for the topsides, with excellent strength

and fatigue properties due to a high

proportion of unidirectional fibre in the

laminate stack. A full carbon hull is

an optional.

The hull waterline measures 24.55m

and draws 4.4m which equates to a

light displacement of 53 tons for the

FD version.

On board accommodation is deceptively spacious, the designer

optimising every nook and cranny to maximum effect. The sleeping

area features a large owner’s cabin that sleeps two plus three guest

cabins, each sleeping two people. In the crew area, there are two

cabins with bunk beds and a bathroom for sharing.

The 90FD version places the owner’s cabin towards the yacht’s bow

and the crew towards the stern. On the 90S, the extra space in the

saloon also allows the owner’s cabin to move aft.

Since the company was created in 1966, the Swan brand has

dominated the market in fibre-glass technology – around 2,000 have

been built and most are still sailing today. The yachts have achieved

glory in international racing, including the Whitbread trophy races

and their elegant interiors appreciated by both the racing and leisure

sailing communities. The Swan 90 continues that tradition.

“The décor throughout is smart and elegant with light teak woodwork, varnished

and rubbed to give an attractive satin finish.”

Interested in a Swan 90? For further information telephone Nautor’s Swan on [email protected]. www.nautorswan.com

Alchemy Volume 1358

Sea eagles return

Despite being widespread all over the country before human

persecution drove it to extinction around 90 years ago,

this majestic feathered vertebrate is slowly becoming a

recognisable feature of the wild Scottish landscape and has even

been spotted across the border in England.

So who is the star of this show?

Answer: the white-tailed sea eagle.

A five-year project to introduce these spectacular birds to eastern

Scotland began two years ago and every summer 15 chicks aged five

to eight weeks are being flown from Norway to Fife for release into the

wild two months later. Confidence in the project flies on the back of

the successful reintroduction of sea eagles on the west coast, where

rare breeding grounds are now established.

“Until recently, you’d have to travel to remote parts of the Western

Highlands and Islands to catch a glimpse of a sea eagle, but the hope

is that in years to come people will have a good chance of spotting

them in eastern and central Scotland too,” said a spokesman for

the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). “Eastern and

western birds have already been spotted mingling, which bodes well

for the future of the species.”

Tracking the birds is key to information gathering on their movements

and habits and all are tagged or ringed and fitted with a radio

backpack. During their first few months of freedom, while they are

learning to hunt and scavenge for themselves, food is made available

to ensure their survival.

Although sea eagles don’t normally breed until they are five years old,

they start to settle on territories when they are three. Until then,

they wander hither and thither to the delight of local birdwatchers

who, according to the RSPB, are “amazed by how graceful and big

they are”.

The East Scotland Sea Eagles (ESSE) project, a partnership project

between RSPB Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and Forestry

Commission Scotland, looks set to be as big and bold as the

archetypal flying barn door.

Air Partner Freight played a crucial role in the

reintroduction programme when a clutch of chicks

was flown from Norway to Edinburgh on a chartered

turboprop... with the aircraft cabin temperature

maintained at 20 °C throughout the two-hour flight.

Sea eaglesreturn to

East Scotland

With a wingspan of up to 8 ft, it’s no surprise that the UK’s largest raptor has earned the nickname ‘flying barn door’. It is bigger than a golden eagle, can weigh up to 15 lbs and has often been mistaken for a condor, the world’s largest bird of prey.


Roxedge a magnificent marine residence

set in a cliff top location in the heart of the

English Riviera, Torquay, with breathtaking

panoramic views across Lyme Bay towards

Portland and beyond.

This unique home enjoying a premier

residential location sought after for its

proximity to local amenities, including

St Marychurch golf course, offers six

bedroom, three bathroom accommodation

with large gardens in a secluded road.

A stunningly individual and contemporary

home, completely refurbished to a high

specification with solid bamboo flooring

and oak skirting throughout the downstairs

living area. Roxedge also includes at

entrance level a remarkable playroom,

three bedrooms, luxury bathroom with

underfloor heating, whirlpool bath and

separate multijet shower, living room, large

conservatory taking in views over the sea

and garden, dining room with French doors

onto front patio area, utility room and

kitchen. To the first floor are three further

bedrooms, including master suite with

balcony, luxury en-suite with Jacuzzi bath,

multijet shower and walk in wardrobe,

a further bathroom and large study area

with sea views.

The house is a paradise for any resident

or visiting children with an exceptional

custom built jungle playroom with tree

house, balcony, slide, jungle scenes and

a built in fish tank. Outside in the large

garden is another unique play area with

sunken trampoline, climbing walls, monkey

bars, zip wire, swings, drop slide and two

storey play house.

An extensive decking area to the bottom of

the garden is designed for the enjoyment

of al-fresco living.

A garden gate leads onto Petitor Downs

and the South West Coast Path from which

local beaches can be reached, the closest

Oddicombe within five minutes.

The front garden incorporates a lawned

area and large block paving driveway with

parking behind electric gates for up to six

vehicles.

Contact for more info: 01803 328131

or 07968 744358 Price £849,950

photography by widervue.co.uk

Journey West and take a respite from your frantic

24/7 lifestyle. Escape to the tranquility that is …

Three Hours fromthe Madness of the City

Alchemy Volume 1360

Philanthropy

Fiona Courtenay-Evans provides specialised

consultancy and training for high net worth

individuals and businesses interested in

investing in social and charitable projects.

She is the founder of Philanthropy Plus

and has worldwide experience of the private,

public and voluntary sector.

a question of give and take

Over the last 20 years, the source

of wealth in Britain has changed

substantially. According to the BBC, in 1989

just a quarter of those named in The Sunday

Times Rich List were ‘self-made’; today that

number is around 75 per cent.

Many of these newly wealthy individuals have

established fortunes through a successful

business career, so when they become

involved in philanthropy their commercial

experience is leading to a more demanding

and business-like approach to giving. Those

who give serious sums, quite legitimately,

want to know the impact of their contributions

- which may explain why a recent University

of Indiana and Bank of America survey

found 46 per cent of philanthropists felt their

donations had a “greater impact on their own

personal fulfilment than on those who receive

their gifts”.

If the widespread campaign to increase global

philanthropy is to succeed, it makes absolute

sense for donors to identify what they can

achieve – for themselves, their businesses

and beneficiaries – and to structure their

giving accordingly. When giving hundreds

of thousands of pounds, it is reasonable

to demand more than merely the personal

satisfaction of receiving a generic ‘Dear

Donor’-style thank-you letter.

The rise of corporate social responsibility

(CSR)-generated giving also has a significant

role to play in this more donor-oriented

giving trend. Donations framed within a

CSR strategy need to be justified to the

business’s management whose primary focus

is normally the bottom line. This can include

more extensive reporting, alignment of the

charitable project to the business’s agenda,

PR and networking opportunities and

creative ways to engage customers,

regulators and employees.

It can present real challenges to define just

where to draw the line between running a

high-impact, outcome-oriented, donation

programme, on the one hand, and funding

projects so driven by a Western or corporate

donor’s ideals they do nothing more than tie

the beneficiary charity up in knots. Misguided

attempts to apply Western solutions and

ideologies in Africa, Asia and the Middle

East, insufficient consultation with target

beneficiaries and their local communities

and excessive adherence to a powerful

donor’s giving criteria, will consistently lead to

ineffectual and damaging projects.

With almost 200,000 charities in the

UK alone and the same again in other

jurisdictions, preparing for philanthropy

requires diplomacy, planning and experience.

Alchemy Volume 1360


Philanthropy

Today, there is advice on offer from a

new breed of experienced philanthropy

consultants. Indeed, both individuals and

businesses are increasingly identifying the

need for professional help when it comes

to researching and navigating through

this complex sector, assessing what

administrative costs are acceptable and how

much they can reasonably ask a charity to

deliver in return for their donation.

Philanthropy Plus is one specialist in this

field, offering clients access to a broad range

of consultants who enhance the value of

charitable contributions with business rigour,

using the latest academic research and

extensive CSR and third sector expertise.

Consultants work directly with donors to

guide them through the giving experience

from conception to actually implementing

and evaluating the philanthropy so that

nothing is wasted and the fine balance

between altruistic and more donor-oriented

giving is negotiated with real diplomacy.

Teaching in action in Tamil Nadu, India.

A Thai housing project.

Alchemy Volume 1362

A diamond journey

From the depths of Africa to the glamorous cocktail ring on your finger, the journey of the diamond is truly astounding. Sourced in approximately 35 different countries across the globe, the diamond is one of the rarest naturally discovered gems in the world. Havva Murat discovers the tricks of the trade from the horse’s mouth, luxury jeweller, David Marshall.


A diamond journey

Natural diamonds are formed deep within the earth’s core. Fierce

volcanic activity brings them closer to the earth’s surface, allowing

miners to extract the precious and rare stones.The diamond mines

in South Africa and Russia are amongst the most reliable quality

diamond sources, yielding the very finest rough diamonds from the

soil. Rough diamonds are rated as one of the hardest materials

on earth, yet their appealing nature goes far beyond resilience.

Aura of Authenticity

In recent years, much attention has been given to the so-called ‘blood

diamonds’, which are sourced under oppressive regimes. Reputable

jewellers should always choose to buy diamonds from highly

trustworthy sources in order to produce authentic jewels.

David Marshall London, a contemporary British luxury jeweller in

London, emphasises the importance of buying diamonds from

conflict-free, reputable sources.

“We take great pride in the authenticity and quality of our diamonds.

All of our jewels are resourced through legitimate sources providing

our customers with the very finest and genuine jewels, “says David

Marshall, the designer behind the brand.

Quantifying Quality

Diamonds are commonly judged by the 4 ‘C’s – carat, clarity, colour

and cut – a general foundation to assess the quality and pricing of

each stone. No two diamonds are the same.

The colour of a diamond is graded from D (exceptional white or

colourless) to Z coloured. The closer to D a diamond is ranked the

more highly it will be considered and therefore priced.

The carat of a diamond refers to the unit of mass, with one carat

referring to 0.20g in actual weight. Larger diamonds with a high carat

weight would be priced higher than a smaller diamond with the same

quality purely because larger diamonds are rare to find and therefore

higher in demand.

Alchemy Volume 1364

A diamond journey

The clarity of a diamond can be evaluated by how clean or clear it

is. Diamonds naturally contain “inclusions” or blemishes which can

affect their value. Crystalline cloudiness or carbon spots are natural

imperfections found in every diamond, yet it is the extent of these

blemishes which marks the diamond’s worth. The more imperfections

a diamond contains the less highly it will be priced. Flawless diamonds

are very rarely found, meaning that the best grades given are flawless

(F), or very very slightly imperfect (VVS).Diamonds have been around

for centuries, but with time their connotations have changed. The

ancient Greeks believed that they were the tears of the Greek Gods

whilst the Romans cherished them as splinters from the stars.

Through the Renaissance period diamonds were worn with the belief

that they would enchant the wearer with magical powers. This myth

formed a foundation that was to convey the diamond as a symbol

of power.Today, diamonds are treasured for their natural beauty and

incomparable uniqueness. Jewellers dedicate a great deal of time and

effort sourcing and crafting the perfect diamond treasures. Finding the

right kind of diamond can take several months, or even years.

The stones in the Par excellence diamond bracelet took over a year to

collect. The piece comprises an incredible row of perfectly matched D

VVS Asscher-cut diamonds totalling 30.77ct.

Combining the traditions of craftsmanship with the most up-to-

date technology, jewellers can now transform the rough diamonds

extracted from miles within the earth’s hemisphere into an astounding

piece of bespoke or ready-to-wear jewellery. So whether it is

showcased in a sparkling cocktail ring or glittering necklace,

each and every gem has its own story, just as unique as its wearer.

www.davidmarshalllondon.com

+44(0)20 7269 9944

Alchemy Volume 1366

London ● Paris ● Milan ● Cologne ● New York ● Tokyo ● Amsterdam ● Malmö ● Dubai ● Washington D.C. ● Vienna New Delhi ● Singapore ● San Francisco ● Fort Lauderdale ● Palma de Mallorca ● Nantes ● Lyon ● Budapest ● Zurich

Air Partner plc, Platinum House, Gatwick Road, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 9RP UK

By Appointment toHer Majesty The Queen

Supplier of Aircraft Charter

For further informationT +44 (0)207 538 2273E [email protected]

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Alchemy Volume 1368

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Alchemy Magazine - Volume 13

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