Interest in Michael Jackson mansion

There has been some keen interest in Michael Jackson's LA mansion - for sale at $23.9m. The perspective buyer is said to be an a-list celebrity. The French style property boasts 7 bedrooms and 13 bathrooms.

For spectacular international property contact Chartwell Estates 0207 409 0533 www.chartwellestates.co.uk

Real Madrid to build billion dollar island

Real Madrid football club are funding a $1bn island in the United Arab Emirates, which is set to open in 2015.

The island will feature a 10,000 seater football stadium, luxury hotels, a marina and amusement park.

Real Madrid club are said to be keen to strengthen their presence in this region.

Virgin Upper Class - a new edition

Virgin Atlantic and bareMinerals are giving passengers a taste of the high life this summer with the creation of a bespoke lip product - the first collaboration ever for both brands. bareMinerals Pretty AmazingT Lipcolor in shade 'Upper Class Red' - will mark the launch of the airline's redesigned Upper Class cabin which takes to the skies this spring.

The airline has chosen the award-winning makeup brand bareMinerals to select the perfect lip product to re-create the iconic 'Virgin Atlantic Red' - giving high-flying passengers the chance to experience the jet-set glamour and style synonymous with the airline's distinctive cabin crew.

The striking lip colour, 'Upper Class Red', will be sold exclusively at the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse Spa at Heathrow, Gatwick and New York JFK before it is made more widely available later this year at selected bareMinerals stockists. It will also be made available for pre-order on board Virgin Atlantic flights through the airline's inflight shopping guide, Retail Therapy.

Rebecca Creer, Senior Spas and Grooming Manager at Virgin Atlantic, says: "Red hot lips have always been a trademark of our cabin crew, signifying the strength and confidence they embody. With the launch of 'Upper Class Red', this is finally being made available to passengers - meaning one swipe is all you need to create a classic and timeless look - something our cabin crew can certainly vouch for!"

The lip colour has been specially chosen by bareMinerals with Virgin Atlantic's cabin crew because of the perfect colour match to the 'Virgin Atlantic Red'. bareMinerals only use the finest quality ingredients in its products and its moisture enriching lip formula make it a firm favourite with Virgin Atlantic's cabin crew - who have already given it their seal of approval.

Vanessa White, Upper Class cabin crew at Virgin Atlantic comments: "All of the female cabin crew wear red lipstick so we were keen to find a 'Virgin Atlantic Red' worthy of the perfect pout! 'Upper Class Red' is a vivid shade that's bold, strong and perfect for travelling in."

All female cabin crew will be wearing the shade onboard the new Upper Class Cabin which launches this spring on the A330 flight from London to New York.  Upper Class passengers lucky enough to be travelling onboard the inaugural flight will also receive a sample as a welcome gift to take away with them.

Jumeirah on Park Lane launches

This week saw the official opening of Jumeirah 'Grosvenor House' apartments on Park Lane. There are 133 luxury residences in total, starting from £495 per night, for a minimum of 7 nights. There is a 24 hour restaurant area, concierge, daily maid service and security.

The launch was supported by Perrier-Jouet champagne and had a unique Monopoly theme.

Gaucho Polo at the o2

21^st March 2012, Gaucho hosted The GauchoInternational Polo at London’s O2 arena, uniting high-octane polointerspersed with live world famous music to produce a unique event never seen before in Britain.

The 2012 event consisted of two international arena polo matches merged with exclusive performances from Grammy award winning band, Bajofondo.  Celebrity attendees enjoying the music and matches included: Katie Price and Leandro Penna, Denise van Outen, TOWIE’s Lydia Bright and Lauren Pope and Take Me Out’s Zoe Hardman.

The matches saw Scotland narrowly beat Welbeck Group’s Ireland by 15-12 and culminated in the titanic clash between IG Index’s England and Argentina, pitting Britain’s finest player, Jamie Morrison against the Royals’ favourite star, Nacho Figueras.  This exciting match saw England finally triumph with a 1-0 victory on penalties, after full time finished at 15-15. 

The Gaucho International Polo was a true Argentine festival, with tastings from some of the country’s finest wine producers, brought to the event by leading authority, Wines of Argentina. There was also a fun and charitable twist to the event in the form of “The White Jeans Party’ organized by Royston Prisk,  What to wear to polo matches has often been hotly debated amongst the style conscious, but white jeans are winning in the fashion stakes with enthusiasts such as Prince Harry donning them at matches around the world. In keeping with this, for every guest who arrived at the event wearing a pair, a pound was donated to the BFF (British Forces Foundation).  

UK's first national Macaroon day

Today (March 20th) marks the UK's first Macaroon, while this year is the 7th edition of the holiday in France, cities like Toronto, Vancouver, London and Budapest will be celebrating it for the first time.

Participating bakeries around the world will be offering customers one free sample macaron for the occasion if you indicate you’re there for Macaron Day.

Below is a useful link of for details of Pierre Herme store, which will be celebrating Macaron Day:

England

Pierre Hermé

www.pierreherme.com

Flight catering from Mandarin Oriental

Luxury hotel chain Mandarin Oriental are now to cater on Lufthansa flights from the US to Germany, chefs from the hotels outlets in New York, Miami and San Francisco have helped to design menus.

The first menus will be from Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco and will feature dishes such as Dungeness crab and avocado salad, served with lemongrass gazpacho dressing; and braised beef short ribs, accompanied by fava bean purée with wasabi and red cabbage slaw in first class.

Business class selections will include vegetable nasi goreng, a stir-fried dish spiced with tamarind and chilies, or roasted breast of chicken with savory bread pudding and tarragon jus.

Luxury ski - special offers from Chartwell Magazine

An unbeatable last minute special offer for you keen ski bunnies. The loveliest handfull of chalets known as the Portetta Mountain Lodges are offering a deal not many could refuse. Named after alpine animals, Chalet Chamois, Blanchot & Marmotte are three stunning Lodges which have raised the bar in the existing chalet scene in this part of Courchevel. This easter, packaged up by  Ski Bespoke, stay in either Chamois, Blanchot or Marmotte Lodge for 7 nights, half board, flights & transfers included from…

March 31st – 7th April for…

Chamois Lodge: based on 16 people sharing – £1760.00 per person

Blanchot Lodge: based on 12 people sharing – £1550.00 per person

Marmotte Lodge: based on 10 people sharing – £1570.00 per person

7th April – 14th April for…

Chamois Lodge: based on 16 people sharing – £1575.00 per person

Blanchot Lodge: based on 12 people sharing - £1360.00 per person

Marmotte Lodge: based on 10 people sharing - £1385.00 per person

To book this call 01243 200 202 & speak to one of the Ski Bespoke team.

Onefinestay and the rise of the un hotel

There’s an exciting trend shaking up the travel industry – the unhotel. onefinestay (www.onefinestay.com) is the world’s first unhotel, which allows  visitors to London to stay in some of the most desirable homes in the capital and enjoy hotel style services during their stay. Meanwhile, members benefit by earning an income from a house or apartment which would otherwise sit vacant.

With a carefully curated collection of over 300 distinctive, high-end homes across central London, each of which is worth between £1 million and £20 million, onefinestay offers guests the chance to live like a (rather privileged) local.  For example, Lancaster Grove , a five-bedroom townhouse in Hampstead, boasts a jaw-dropping bespoke dining table, glittering chandeliers throughout, and a decadent roll-top bath. Albert Hall Mansions, a stately three-bedroom apartment overlooking Hyde Park, is truly decadent, with gorgeous wood-panelled rooms and enormous stained-glass windows, making the home feel very luxurious.

Staying in a home is all about enjoying the charm and character of the city, but the great thing about onefinestay is that you get that authentic local with the comforts and amenities you’d expect of a 5* hotel. From freshly-pressed linens and White Company toiletries to an iPhone preloaded with the host’s local tips and concierge service, they’ve got everything covered.  It’s the best of both worlds.

Whilst guests holiday in their envy-inducing homes, members profit by earning an income from

a house or apartment that would otherwise sit vacant while they are away. Members benefit

from a complete service encompassing marketing, photography, cleaning, tidying and even a

bespoke insurance policy. And, they come back to a spotless home on their return. So if you’re a jetsetter with a London crash-pad, this could be just the service for you.

The birthplace of the onefinestay was London, but with an international launch on the cards later this year, it looks like the unhotel is poised to take on the world. 

Gaucho Polo Olympic Campaign

Argentine restaurant group Gaucho are so passionate about polo that they have backed a campaign to see polo reinstated as an Olympic sport in time for London's 2012 games. They are organising The Gaucho International Polo at The O2 Arena on 21st March this year and are keen to prove that polo is a game which should be accessible to all and is no longer purely the domain of the wealthy.  So much so that they have drafted and sent petitions calling for the reinstatement of polo as an olympic sport to Boris Johnson and, not stopping there, to the International Olympic Committee.  They also sent their Gaucho Polo Team mascot, dwarf shetland pony Barnabus down to City Hall to drop off their petition personally (see attached photo).  Although notoriously difficult to gain reinstatement it is not impossible, with golf and rugby set to be counted once again as Olympic sports. The Gaucho International Polo has attracted much support from celebrities as it is donating £1 to the British Forces Foundation for every pair of white jeans wore and celebrities including JLS,  the Made in Chelsea cast and rugby legends Kenny Logan and Simon Shaw have been lending their their support to the campaign.  Notable players competing are Nacho Figueras, who regularly plays with Princes Harry and William and one of England's finest and Gerri Halliwell's ex Jamie Morrison. On the night of the event all visitors will be asked to sign a petition calling for polo's reinstatement as an olympic sport.

Sorry you missed the 60's

The Iconic Playboy Club London, on 14 Old Park Lane, Mayfair is launching ‘The Gallery at Playboy’ on March 20^th with an art exhibition, appropriately titled ‘Sorry You Missed the Sixties’. The club will then play host to a number of famous artists and photographers spanning the decades courtesy of Chester’s famous Watergate Street Gallery, each exhibiting their finest work in this intimate gallery space immersed within the hub of the club’s Players Lounge.

Art lovers will have an exclusive chance to see (and purchase) the selection of iconic photographs taken by internationally acclaimed photographer Philip Townsend, being exhibited at the Playboy Club London from Tuesday March 20^th through to the end of April.

The photographs date back to the 60’s when Townsend, THE famous celebrity snapper of the sixties captured screen icons and household names alike across this magical decade. As the Sixties swung, photographer Philip Townsend was there to record all the prime people of the time, beautiful and ugly alike. He encapsulated the debs and their beaux, lords and club owners, press barons and business moguls, stars and socialites, royals and ruffians, and above all the new aristocrats of pop and rock, spearheaded by the Beatles and the Rolling Stones.

Grab the opportunity to see the fabulous nostalgia filled collection – an art exhibition not to be missed. Non-members are welcome to visit the exhibition from March 21^st- April 30^th, Monday-Saturday between 12 and 9pm, and anytime Sundays. Playboy Club London is a 24 hour venue. For information email: art@playboyclublondon.com

For launch night guest list please contact Victoria Sheppard victoria@chartwellmagazine.com

Jaguar Book Shelf

Denieuwegeneratie - a dutch design firm, built the above custom made vintage Jaguar book shelf... part of the roof had to be cut out to fit the unusual design in.

Monaco Princess in Gucci campaign

Princess Charlotte of Monaco, daughter of Caroline of Monaco, poses for the 'Forever now' campaign, in which she fronts.

Princess Charlotte, who is a professional show jumper, poses in equestrian style settings for the shoot. Charlotte has also competed in, and attended several editions of The Gucci Masters, so was a perfect match for international fashion house Gucci.

Chartwell exclusive competition - SLH

Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ (SLH) is an unrivalled portfolio of some of the world's finest small independent hotels. Comprising over 520 hotels in more than 70 countries, the diversity of the individual properties, and the experiences that they offer, is exceptional. From cutting-edge design hotels to palatial 17th century mansions, city centre sanctuaries to remote private islands, historic country houses to idyllic resorts, Small Luxury Hotels of the World offers a world of luxurious locations. What's more, SLH rewards loyal guests handsomely with their Club programme - it's our favourite luxury travel tip we've heard recently! Membership is offered on a complimentary basis, and the benefits grow each time a guest books a hotel stay. The Club offers incomparable service through a dedicated Club Manager and Club Reservations Consultants, ensuring the very best personal service, advice and recommendations for your next hotel stay. 

Small Luxury Hotels of the World is exclusively offering Chartwell Magazine readers the chance to win three nights for two at any SLH property around the world. The prize is subject to availability and is valid for standard double room accommodation only for stays within one year. Terms and conditions apply. 

For your chance to win visit www.slh.com/chartwell and enter by 31st May 2012. 

For more information on Small Luxury Hotels of the World, visit www.slh.com or call 00 800 525 48000. 

To browse your next luxury holiday on the go, download the free SLH iPhone app via www.slh.com/iphone

Chocolate detox

The inimitable Lime Wood has come up with yet another corker in the form of a detox using chocolate – well kind of.  It is a detox, and chocolate is involved, but for external use only.

This Easter enjoy a traditional Arabian body treatment that involves heat, steam and chocolate mud.  This natural limited edition Rasul Mud from the Austrian Alps is infused with chocolate fragrance oil and comes rich in minerals and anti-oxidants, ideal for nourishing dull winter skin leaving it plumped, moisturised and smooth.   Coated head-to-toe in mud, this Rasul Mud will sooth tired and aching muscles whilst warming your whole body after the cold winter months.

Go to the Mud House as a couple or take friends. This Easter enjoy this calorie free chocolaty treat from just £90 for two or £120 for four.

Contact Herb House Spa on 02380 286998 or visit www.limewoodhotel.co.uk

4 x 4 Bentley Concept

Luxury motor company Bentley have unveiled a concept EXP 9 F SUV model. The model will feature a glass panoramic roof, 23 inch wheels and twin elliptical exhaust pipes.

The new SUV will have all of the modern facilities one would hope for, such as 3D sat nav, fold down keyboards, full internet, Ipad connectivity, a drinks table and a cooled compartment for champagne and glasses.

Novikov Mayfair - the Italian side

Late 2011 Mayfair welcomed the unique dining concept of Novikov - a unique mix of authentic Italian and Asian food under one roof.
We visit the Italian restaurant...
The menu's are mouth watering and it is hard to know what to look at first - the beautiful fresh roses that adorn the tables, the vast amount of deserts on offering or the fresh italian meats that hang by the chefs. It's hard to believe that you are not in italy in the light and airy courtyard setting, oh and the italian waiters. The delicious mountain of italian breads, followed by anti-pasti, baby roast chicken and the vanilla cake... all left us wanting more. We can't wait to return to Novikov to experience the Asian infused menu.

http://www.novikovrestaurant.co.uk/ 

Gold collar for Oscar pup

Chopard designed this stunning 18 carat gold colour for Uggie the dog, who starred in Oscar winning movie The Artist.

This one of a kind piece was made especially for Uggie and was even engraved with his name...

Country house hotel hosts wild mohican event

17 CHEFS FROM LIME WOOD AND THE PIG HAVE MOHICANS SHAVED AND SPIKED FOR ACTION AGAINST HUNGER

  

On Monday 27^th February at 3pm 17 chefs from New Forest hotels, Lime Wood and The Pig, had Mohicans shaved and spiked in order to raise money for Action against hunger, a noble charity committed to saving lives of malnourished children all over the world.

Head chefs, Luke Holder and James Golding, lead the way with celebrity hair stylist, Guy Kremer, paying careful attention to the formation of their Mohicans.  Guy’s team then took scissors and shears to the remaining 15 chefs with the last of the Mohicans being completed by 4.30pm and duly sprayed a fabulous fuchsia.

Robin Hutson, chairman of the Lime Wood Group, said, “commitment to these Mohicans came about following the Christmas staff party when 17 foolhardy chefs signed up to having their hair re-styled for Action against hunger, the group’s chosen charity.  We are very proud of them and think that the overall look will cause much amusement within the sister hotels”.

Winchester based,Guy Kremer, has an international reputation due to his unmistakable style of hairdressing which is distinctive, elegant and chic.  Multi-award winning, Guy has developed a salon famed for its technical expertise and excellent customer care.  Both Guy and Robin have together been supporting Action Against Hunger since 2005.

Lime Wood has set up a Just Giving page making it very easy to submit donations.  Action Against Hunger works to save the lives of malnourished children all over the world while providing communities with access to safe water and sustainable solutions to hunger.  Once you donate, Action Against Hunger will send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation made by a UK taxpayer.

http://www.justgiving.com/lime-Wood-Group

Golf charity day

Please see above for information on a worthy charity event.