According to a survey by the ever popular A Place in the Sun magazine, the traditional sun-seeker’s favourite, Spain is still the number one destination that Brits buy homes overseas. Malta, a recent adopter of the Euro currency makes its entry in to the top 10 slot.

The poll, conducted at the two most recent A Place in the Sun Live exhibitions at Earls Court London and the NEC Birmingham, sees buyers stick with old favourites, and France with its enviable lifestyle and accessibility, maintains second place. Golfers’ favourite Portugal came in third and is followed by Italy, where Brits have been snapping up traditional farmhouses for years.

Seven of the top ten destinations are within the Eurozone, with Greece and Malta performing consistently on the wishlists of UK residents looking for a home abroad, and nearby Turkey still popular.

Outside of Europe, USA’s popularity increases with the influx of foreclosed and bargain basement homes available in Florida especially.

The only new entry into this year’s top ten is the Caribbean, previously the haunt of the rich and famous, with celebrities such as Wayne and Colleen Rooney and Catherine Zeta Jones owning homes there. It seems double-dip recessions don’t dent our enthusiasm for a home in a palm-fringed paradise with Barbados seeing nine per cent more arrivals year on year in the first nine months of 2011.

Says Liz Rowlinson, Editor of A Place in the Sun magazine: “What’s really interesting about our annual ‘Ten Best Places to Buy Abroad’ survey is that it shows UK buyers as sticking to tried and tested European countries – yet also willing to travel further to destinations such as Florida and the Caribbean to find their perfect holiday home location.”

The UK’s ten best overseas property destinations according to A Place in the Sun in 2012 are:

Spain
France
Portugal
Italy
USA
Turkey
Greece
Cyprus
Caribbean
Malta

The Jet Business, the world’s first corporate aviation showroom for business jet aircraft, has just opened at One Grosvenor Place, Belgravia, London. Ultra High Net Worth Individuals, government officials, royalty and influential corporate executives living in the capital or visiting from overseas can, by appointment only, plan their business jet sale or purchase with experts and analysts in complete privacy. In this unique store front setting, The Jet Business has reinvented how business aircraft are transacted. Steve Varsano has spent over five years planning this unique venture and plans to roll out the brand in additional global locations.

At The Jet Business, guests can enjoy a fully immersive and educational experience. The sales and research team provides independent, transparent and impartial advice. All under one roof potential buyers can be educated on the widest range of new or pre-owned business jets available on the market today. The Jet Business simplifies the corporate jet sales experience and the entire model is built upon the client journey.

A customised iPad application powers the showroom’s technology that compares and contrasts the various aircraft types to an individual’s profile. How much do you want to spend? How many passengers do you want to carry and what range do you need? What is the preference on aircraft age? Full time analysts and business intelligence teams create the information engine using real time market intelligence to deliver unique market data. This information, including comparative graphic images and full size 1:1 cabin cross sections of the jets are viewed on the electronic floor to ceiling screens of the showroom.

The focus is on the personal face-to-face approach and a large proportion of the clients are from repeat and referral business. Consequently, if clients are unable to meet at The Jet Business office, the team will travel to any destination in the world and bring a mobile version.

“As well as inviting potential sellers and purchasers, it is equally as important for us to partner with the manufacturers and other corporate aviation vendors. As an independent buyer’s representative we are completely impartial with our advice and provide a neutral environment” Steve Varsano says.

The Jet Business is focusing on the upper end of the business jet sector including aircraft types from Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Cessna, Dassault, Embraer, Gulfstream and Hawker Beechcraft. The Jet Business also markets a number of pre-owned business jets for owners as their exclusive broker. For the future, Steve Varsano is considering adding the new Supersonic aircraft programmes to the Showroom as well as developing The Jet Business’ presence at the upper end of the helicopter market.

“We have had a terrific response and enthusiasm from the industry,” he said.” “We will work with the leading professionals in the sector to offer a true One Stop Service for business jet shopping and include preferred vendor lists as a supplement to our service.”

“Business jet flying is all about saving time and we are mirroring that ethos with The Jet Business. There are many new buyers out there, from Asia and the Middle East and the emerging markets, who need education on the types available and their specific operating characteristics. Here, they can consider all the options in a dynamic setting.”

Centrepiece of The Jet Business showroom is a full size fuselage of a large corporate jet. Before entering it, clients are greeted with floor to ceiling screens running the length of the showroom. Beyond the showroom entrance and fuselage is a boardroom and a private meeting room. Following this is the trading floor environment for the sales team with individual desks modeled on the corporate jet cockpits of carbon fibre with the dashboards and seats upholstered in the same leathers as in Maseratis and Bentleys.

The brainchild of The Jet Business, Steve Varsano, brings three decades of global experience brokering aircraft. Since 1980 he has brokered more than 300 aircraft transactions with a combined value over US $3 billion, representing both buyers and purchasers. A graduate from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Steve started his aviation career with the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) before starting to trade business aircraft. He worked with different U.S. based aircraft sales companies and directly for the same type of Ultra High Net Worth clients he works with today in the merchant and investment bank industry before launching his own company that eventually evolved in to The Jet Business.

His commitment to launching the first consumer brand in business jet trading stems from his belief that business aviation and its clientele base can expand dramatically if customers (especially from the new emerging markets) have more knowledge about how to go about purchasing or leasing a jet and expose all the options open to them as well as market aircraft in a way that has never existed before. This is where The Jet Business Showroom comes in. Although located in London, The Jet Business believes its main clientele will be based all over the world and will make its new showroom a destination location for the UHNW individuals and corporate executives.

For more information visit www.thejetbusiness.com

We all know what it’s like to have holiday hair and wish we had a solution! We recently tried a selection of protective products from new hair brand Neal & Wolf and were delighted with the results. Neal & Wolf has been developed to give women the answer to all their hair indulgence dreams, and crucially for the holiday season, all products in the range also provide protection from the sun.

Combining pure luxury with ultimate results, Neal & Wolf marries opulence and science, resulting in a range of decadent shampoos and conditioners and essential styling products that give you an extravagant experience every day…including every day of your holiday.

Allowing you to wash and style your hair when you’re away, just as you would at home, without worrying about sun damage, each of Neal & Wolf’s 10 luxurious products feature added sunscreens to ensure your precious locks are protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

What’s more, Neal & Wolf knows indulgence means amazing smelling hair, which is why it commissioned the perfume house that is responsible for some of the world’s most famous scents to come up with its stunning fragrance. Essence of white thyme and saffron combined with a blast of mandarin and a base of sweet vanilla and palisander wood results in a creamy, floral composition that is sure to turn heads.

To find out more about the Neal & Wolf product range and see which products would best suit your hair, visit online at www.nealandwolf.com

There’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for heat protection, volume and shine, or a daily shampoo and conditioner that works to give amazing results.

Each product works to a level you would expect from a product with a very high price tag, yet Neal & Wolf products retail at a beautifully affordable £12.95 or less, and are available to buy in salons nationwide and online.

Swiss Development Group SA, the brains and inspiration behind ViVo’s favourite development of 2010, Du Park, is unveiling a limited collection of luxury chalets in the Swiss Alpine village of Saas Fee with a design inspired by Norman Foster. Named Pinacle Chalets Luxe they will offer rarity of site, rarity of design at the highest level of exclusive comfort.

If the quality and awe-inspiring attention to detail of Du Park is anything to go by, SGD’s latest development is a shoe-in for the ViVo seal of approval.

Pinacle’s Foster-inspired design is a contemporary twist on the traditional Swiss chalet that allows for more light-filled interiors. The three-storey chalets offer a stunning view of the Alps from the curving glass balconies and picture windows. The floor plans have been purpose-designed to make the most of the living space which measures between 95 – 185 m².

Construction work started in May 2011. Two of the chalets can be sold to non-Swiss residents and prices start from 1,800,000 Swiss Francs, approximately £1,300,000. Future owners will become privileged members of the Rockefeller Living Club which will shortly be launched by Swiss Development Group to provide their members with a range of first class services.

“Swiss Development Group’s projects have in common their outstanding landmark features like the Hotel Du Parc Kempinski Private Residences situated above Montreux. They are established in exceptional sites such as Saas Fee,” said Nicolas Garnier, CEO of Swiss Development Group. “The chalets have been designed with a contemporary interpretation of traditional construction combined with a charming Swiss Alpine flavour.”

Saas-Fee lies in the idyllic Saas valley surrounded by the highest mountains in the Swiss Alps with access to 145 km of outstanding ski trails for all levels. It is located in the South of Switzerland close to the Italian boarder. The village is car-free and, like a shell, is encircled by 13 four-thousand-metre peaks at the base of the glaciers giving it its distinctive name: “the Pearl of the Alps”. Saas Fee is an all-year-round destination which offers exceptional mountain adventures regardless of the season.

For further information visit: www.pinacle-saasfee.ch or www.sdg.ch

By Judith Pratt.

When you consider the level of detail and preparation that goes into making a wedding unique, it seems remarkable that so many of us are happy to settle for a simple, dare I say, standard photo album.

While the photo album is as much a part of the wedding tradition as cake and bridesmaids, it’s curious that this element of the big day hasn’t evolved into something more special. Every element of the wedding day has its luxury option and bespoke alternative, yet we’re still ordering the same old photo albums.

One company doing their bit to redefine the concept of wedding mementos is Unique Wedding Memories. A team of professional lifestyle journalists, editors and photographers who have spotted a niche for unique, premium quality wedding souvenirs. Their luxury wedding books offer so much more than a place to display your wedding photographs.

By combining lifestyle reportage with journalist flair, they have created a concept that is bound to appeal to those seeking more than a photo album to remember their day by.

Vanity Printing Press commissioning editor Charles Michum explained the vision:

“Lots of things happen on a wedding day that you simply can’t capture with just photos. Important memories such as the vows, best man’s speech and first song fade into obscurity and people find themselves forgetting that precious detail. That’s where our journalism experience comes in. We know people want photos, but many of our clients don’t realise how much detail can be missed until they receive their book and are able to reflect on the finer nuances of the day.”

“We interview guests, transcribe all the speeches and use our journalistic nous to distill the essence of the celebration into words. We then take a selection of the most editorially intriguing photos to illustrate the story that we uncovered. We can create traditional wedding albums to go alongside the book, so there’s no pressure to cram them all in alongside the editorial.”

Based on the luxurious samples we received, it’s hard to imagine this kind of service not taking off. The sheer range and flexibility of package options means that there’s a reportage choice for every wedding. An all out luxury package including 12”x12” hard-back books, 12”x12” hard-back photo albums plus smaller hard-back memento books can cost as little as £700 or as much as £6,000, depending on the level of service required.

“There are two ways to make your wedding book. You can have a Unique Wedding Memories editorial team attend your wedding and discreetly gather everything they need for your book. Or we can make your book without attending if you’d prefer.

Our editorial team will prepare a brief so that you, or more typically one of your guests, can get all of the essential information on the day. We can supervise and support if needed, one of our team is always on call. Then we put our editor hats on and turn the material into a professionally designed and written reportage spread. This approach particularly suits those having an intimate wedding and couple’s who’d prefer to keep a cap on their spending. Wedding reportage can be a luxury, or it can be a smart value-add that takes the hassle out of ordering photo albums. It’s up to the couple how they want to use our skill and experience.” Explained Charles.

As well as editorial, Charles’ team can also handle your photographic needs.

“For couples who want the convenience and peace of mind of having a team of professional journalists documenting their entire day, we can also supply professional and experienced wedding photographers. We only use photo-journalists that we know and trust and the copyright of the photos belongs to you immediately. There are no delays in getting your photos back and you don’t have to pay any extra for a disc. We can usually get your book back to you in less time than it takes a typical photographer to turn around a photo album.”

Flexible packages range from £500 – £6,499

Work in partnership with wedding planners and consultants, if required.

Optional extras include DVD of guest interviews, memento books, albums, unique and personalised “thank you” books for bridesmaids and groomsmen.

Multi-lingual editors, including Urdu speakers.

No copyright restrictions.

Electronic proof-copy for the client to sign off.

As many copies as required.

Wedding anniversary gift packages.

www.uniqueweddingmemories.com

Words: Sean O’Meara.
Images: Paul Hyde

Sometimes you’ll come across a leisure concept that could only exist in one place. It’s rare, but when it happens and you know you’re having a unique experience, it makes things all the more special. This is true of the Grand Hotel Kempinski Geneva. It owes as much to its Genevoise lakeside location as it does to the gold standard service that runs throughout. It’s easy to build a nice hotel next to a nice lake be done with it, but this is Lake Geneva and anyone who knows Geneva will understand why this particular hotel is the only hotel in town worth your attention.

There are other exceptional hotels in Geneva, but if you want to feel Geneva, this is the place. The recent regeneration of the Kempinski Grand has been done so sympathetically and intelligently that the hotel really benefits from its context. Everything is geared up to reflect the easy going, relaxed and sophisticated nature of the surroundings.

The Grand Hotel Kempinski has made its mark on the European scene, due in no small part to the huge investment and thought that has gone in to their spa – transforming the venue seamlessly from a classy business stop off to a destination hotel in its own right. Other hotels in the Kempinski collection have gone for Givenchy branded spas, but the Geneva property has its own exceptional facility. Since the redevelopment, the spa has become one of the main draws for visitors.

Take breakfast on the terrace of Floor Two bar to kick the day off in perfect fashion. Geneva has a great Summer climate and nothing could be more pleasant than a champagne breakfast over looking the city. Floor Two bar and restaurant is an all day lounge affair serving fresh pastries, local beers, coffee and lunch. The smell alone is enough to keep you seated for longer than you planned. Mingle with business people, locals and tourists as they check email, read the paper or just relax. Come evening and the smell of the patisserie is overtaken by the buzz of people arriving for pre dinner cocktails.

There are two excellent dining options here. Le Grill serves up innovative, locally sourced classics. Tse Yang is the best Chinese in the country. Java club is located downstairs, out of earshot and plays host to Europe’s coolest up and coming DJs.

The location is perfect, the Jet d’eau is visible from all lake facing rooms. You’re in the heart of this compact metropolis, but don’t expect hustle and bustle. Geneva has a unique, laid back personality that you’ll get used to very quickly. From the lobby, to the pool and outside on to the street, you’ll be doing well to feel stressed here. Staff are smart, friendly and dare I say it, quite cool.

The Grand Hotel Kempinski, for all its high end hallmarks isn’t about glitz or razamataz – it’s about clever, well though out ideas. Take the pool area, steel girders criss cross the ceiling and from them hang enormous cushioned hammocks. Ideal for relaxing after a swim or therapy session. The changing area has a unique feel too, wooden boards laid on pebble are characteristic of the type of design cues that set this place apart from the local competition. There’s the odd flourish to remind you that you’re inside an expensive, well run hotel. The lobby is a sprawling study of marble and boutiques, with unique pieces of local inspired art to catch your eye as you pass through. But in the main, the hotel oozes civilized charm and elegance – much like the city outside.

Rooms are modern, comfortable and benefit from floor to ceiling windows that frame one of the most perfect views you can get. Look up and you’ve got snow capped Mont Blanc, look down and you’ve got the shimmering mirror of Le Petit Lac, the inlet of Lake Geneva around which the city was built. A considered and refined design concept is complimented by soft textures and handmade fabrics. The bathrooms are exactly as you’d expect from a sophisticated 5*.

Like most hotels in Geneva, there are first class business facilities here, but the Kempinski is clearly committed to consolidating its reputation as a destination hotel. Europe’s biggest and possibly best hotel suite is here. But in typical style, it’s not something they’ll brag about.

If you’re here on business, treat yourself to a couple of extra days in one of the most elegant cities in Europe. Indulge in a therapy session, get breakfast on the terrace and mingle. It’s a friendly, refined place with a characteristic charm all of its own.

Photography by Paul Hyde

Born in Bahia, Brazil, the daughter of a professor of English, Daniela studied journalism at PUC University and Drama at Dirceu de Mattos College in Rio and started acting when she was just 8. She went on to train at London International School of Acting and studied Flamenco under Roberto Amaral and Yolanda Arroyo in Los Angeles. She knew no English at the point of her arriving in UK and is now married to an Oscar-winning British actor. She herself has become a critically acclaimed actress.

Of late there has been huge interest in Daniela from international filmmakers. Daniela is also starring in Sir Ben Kingsley’s production (under his SBK Productions banner), based on the story of Taj Mahal.

Daniela last year completed her European tour with the British Shakespeare Company’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She has also starred in film projects alongside actors such as Sacha Baron Cohen, Jeremy Irons and Michael Gambon.

You moved to London to train at the London International School of Acting, what was it that made you move to the UK?

My acting career. Working as a journalist while simultaneously training to be an actor in Rio, I was then inspired to come to London to study English. Although my mother was a Professor of English, I had never spoken a word of the language, so upon arrival here I studied English at every opportunity outside of my waitressing job. A modest opportunity arose through a drama school which, although being possibly the worst drama school in London, I loved it and it presented me with the challenge of getting to grips with Shakespeare’s Richard III.

How has London changed whilst you have been living here?

I moved here when I was 20. London has become full of road works. That affects the look of the town, the flow of energy and the atmosphere which has become increasingly tense. Apart from that London remains its beautiful, magical self.

4) What is it about London that you love?

London remains the most civilized city in the world. The architecture, grandeur and history that you find here are unparalleled. The combination of London’s status as the most cosmopolitan city in the world and the beauty of the English language are enchanting. I love the politeness of the English, the order, and the fact that people give you your space in a city that is so vastly populated. London is huge without making you feel out of your depth and you can still feel at home here. I also adore fine cuisine and I find that you are able to eat in London better than anywhere else in the world.

In London, where is your favourite…

Restaurant?

The Wolseley

Hotel?

The Dorchester

Bar?

Claridge’s Bar

Shopping Area?

Sloane Avenue in Knightsbridge and Portobello for the atmosphere.

Museum?

The V&A

Tourist hotspot?

The classical concerts at St Martin in the Fields.

Area off the tourist trail?

Walthamstow Village

Hidden Gem?

A wonderful tea room we discovered at the back of an antiques shop on Columbia Road. You step down into a wonderful, 70’s styled retro cafe space that sells the most delicious selection of scones and cakes, amid kitsch furniture and furnishings. It was somewhere we stumbled across.

You grew up in Bahia, Brazil and now live in Oxfordshire and London. Did you grow up in the city, countryside or a mixture of the two?

I grew up in the city, and used to spend summer holidays at my grandfather’s farm. I used to wake up with my great grandmother at 5am to milk the cows (she was 86 at the time and still run after us children if we crossed her). So the smell and sound of the country is something familiar and essential to me. I prefer to live in the city. The bigger and more cosmopolitan the city the better for me. I love to be surrounded by beauty and Oxfordshire, the Cotswolds, is exactly that; beautiful, peaceful and so very English. The place in the country where I grew up in Brazil had a different beauty; it was more raw, less sophisticated, very colourful as the sun always shined. At the moment I like to shift between London, Oxfordshire and the States; the three energies are different and complementary.

How does city life in the UK differ to city life in Brazil?

City life in Brazil is characteristic of life in a city that’s part of the developing world, with great beauty. The services and transport system leave much to be desired whilst in London, for instance, they work well. Consequently life is more comfortable in the UK. The public services are more efficient here. In a city in Brazil however you have a lot of colour, music and dance, the atmosphere is more laid back and happy. City life in most big cities in Brazil is dangerous whilst I find city life in the UK comparatively safe.

One of the most obvious contrasts is that of the weather. The sun is always shining in Brazil and instantly picks up your mood wherever you go. Every corner you turn there are people sitting around in bars, outside their houses, in the parks with their guitars, singing and clapping.

London is cold but the seasons are defined and the energy of the city changes with each season, which is beautiful. London in the summer is the most beautiful and atmospheric city in the world.

Your home in Oxfordshire must be like your rural retreat, how do you relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city?

Our home in Oxfordshire is a great place to go to recharge our batteries. It has a very positive and healing energy there and I love taking long walks in the evenings to take in the beautiful surroundings. I stroll around the garden with my husband, which is magic on a late summer evening. It relaxes and recharges me, in preparation for another working week in London.

Do you have an interest in any country pursuits?

I love attending local village fairs. All the stalls, local produce, local beers, live stock horses are amazing. The atmosphere is so friendly, familiar and down to earth. I exercise and nothing beats the long country hikes with all that fresh air and nature. I also love Pub food in England, the portions are generous and tasty. We go to the ones in Burford.

What other areas of the UK do you love?

My mother is visiting from Brazil (I haven’t seen her for two years) and we are planning a trip to York, I can’t wait.

Where are your favourite holiday locations?

Prague – for me one of the most pleasant and sophisticated cities in the world.

My mother and I have just come back from Paris, my husband is filming there, and this time I loved it. I love the Right Bank, the Vendome Square, the Rodin Museum… It’s so very elegant. I love that every time I go to Paris there is something new to see or visit.

You are starring in a film produced by your husband Sir Ben Kingsley called ‘Taj’ that is based around the story of the Taj Mahal. Can you tell us a little more about your role?

The film will tell the story of the circumstances leading up to the greatest monument to love; the Taj Mahal and the extraordinary love shared between Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. Ben will portray Shah Jahan and I will play his first wife who was ignored by him, Kindhary Begum. Mumtaz Mahal has not been cast yet.

How long did you spend in India filming?

We had a trip to India in January to explore and research the area and history for the movie. I thought it was magnificent and it has made me incredibly excited about starting filming. We are still in the pre production stages.

Did you have chance to explore the country?

In addition to Agra, our visit only further permitted trips to Goa and Mumbai, so sadly not. We didn’t even touch the tip of the iceberg as I get the impression India is such an expanse of beauty, history and a treasure chest of narratives that tell their own, unique stories. It seems to be such a diverse land and not any one region could possibly be reflective of the country as a whole.

What is it about the Taj Mahal that you think draws so many visitors per year?

Its energy and profound beauty. The Taj Mahal has the most disarming energy that is hard to understand if one has not visited it first-hand. Not only is it architecturally striking but the tale behind the Taj Mahal is so powerful that this is reflected in the overall atmosphere surrounding it. When I stood in front of the Taj Mahal I had the feeling of being facing perfection.

Rent the Runway, the leading online destination for dress and accessories rentals, has taken the natural next step in expanding its rental business by adding handbags to the site, starting with luxury handbag designer Judith Leiber. To celebrate the launch, three lucky winners will receive a “diamond ticket” hidden in their handbag rental, with the prize being Everlon Diamond Knot Bracelets from Helzberg Diamonds valued at $2,500 to $4,300. One winner will be chosen at random in the months of October, November and December.

“We’re thrilled to expand our business with the launch of Judith Leiber handbags. We’ve seen that women love adding jewelry to their dress rental – or even renting jewelry alone – so we’re eager to give her an even bigger assortment of accessories that includes handbags to complete her evening out,” stated Jennifer Hyman, CEO and co-founder of Rent the Runway.

At launch, there will be thirteen styles available for either 4-day or 8-day rentals, including some of the more iconic Judith Leiber minaudieres such as the heart and disco ball. Handbag rentals will start at $100, with retail prices ranging from $995 to $2895.

The three lucky winners who receive a “diamond ticket” hidden in their handbag rental will be rewarded with the ultimate holiday treat. A one-carat white gold Everlon Diamond Knot Bracelet valued at $2500 will be sent to one winner each in the months of October and November, while the grand prize winner will be rewarded with a $4300 two-carat white gold Everlon Diamond Knot Bracelet in December. Entry can also be completed online with no purchase necessary by emailing your name and phone number to rtr@renttherunway.com. For complete rules of entry, please visit www.renttherunway.com.

Rent the Runway is the premier online destination for dress and accessory rentals. With a revolving roster of over 120 top designers, 15,000 of the season’s hottest dresses, and 4000 accessories, Rent the Runway is designer fashion delivered to her doorstep for a fraction of the price. For all of life’s special occasions, www.renttherunway.com provides the Cinderella experience for women everywhere.

Words: Sean O’Meara.
Images: Paul Hyde

It’s a long-standing myth that there is no such thing as the perfect property. The belief being that if you’re at the top end of the property market, you can’t have everything that you’ve become used to. For a cosmopolitan location you’ll sacrifice space, for views you’ll sacrifice convenience, for modernity you’ll miss out on charm and for privacy you’ll sacrifice night life.

I’ll concede that there aren’t many properties that deliver on all the right levels, but one unique development that ViVo Magazine visited is currently setting the standard by which all future top end developments will be judged. Du Park, situated in the stunning village of Mont Perelin overlooking Lake Geneva from the Alpine foothills, is a monumental landmark project.

The property started life as a Belle Epoque hotel and was an exclusive retreat for the European and American elite. Victor Hugo, Charlie Chaplain and Pierre Cardin all holidayed here. The hotel closed in 2000 and was a non functioning yet awe inspiringly beautiful addition to the vista from across the lake until 2007 when it was acquired by the Swiss Development Group. Saying they acquired it doesn’t do justice to the obvious affection and passion that radiates from Swiss Development Group CEO Nicolas Garnier.

All properties benefit from Alpine views.

Draw your bath remotely via text message, perfect if you're heading back from the slopes.

If you’re looking for a project that has been overseen with genuine care and involvement, this one may be worthy of your time. The project’s legacy of sustainability is something Garnier is particularly proud of.

Garnier explains: “We’re not saying it’s an eco development for the sake of it. We’re in a UNESCO world heritage site and we want to embrace that. The environment is the main attraction of this region and it’s our responsibility to protect it. We’re sourcing our materials as locally as possible and taking time to consider every move we make with regards to the local area.”

As a lifestyle concept, Du Park is executed perfectly. It would be hard to find a better distilled concentration of aesthetics, quality and location anywhere else. You can drink your morning coffee whilst taking in the view over Montreaux but be on an international flight within an hour.

It’s that combination of seclusion and access that makes this an exciting prospect. Owning a Du Park apartment or penthouse entitles you to make use of the helipad two minutes drive away (the Du Park vehicle will drop you off and help you load), you’re also close to Lausanne’s private airport, Geneva International, major motorways and rail links too – but if you want to slow it down a bit you can hop on the funicular and trundle down the hill like people did in the 19th Century. Resident privileges also include membership at Lavaux golf course and a 10 year membership at the Kempinski Mirador Country Club.

The attention to detail that has gone in to tailoring the lifestyle package that comes with these properties is remarkable. There’s a Davidoff cigar lounge, a private cinema, two swimming pools, Givenchy spa and treatment room and a wine cellar and tasting room. Du Park residents also have access to two concierge services.

A personal concierge courtesy of the Kempinski and a global concierge presented by Quintessentially, the private London club.

To call this a luxury development would be a lazy generalisation that would be bely the care and love put in to early conceptualisation. A good assessment of Du Parc’s quality can be made when you consider the brands that have put their name to certain elements of the concept. Alongside Kempinski, the ultra luxury hotel group and international power brands of Davidoff and Givenchy, you’ve got Fendi Casa – the Italian design house and BBG-BBGM, the internationally renowned architect and design firm who did stunning work at the W New York hotel.

You can choose a design concept from either of these firms for your new apartment. Other notable interior features include a the Smarthydro bathtub, which you can run by sending a text message so it’s ready and at the perfect temperature when you return from the slopes at nearby Verbier.

A design obsessive would find it hard not to become evangelical about the interiors, everything is automated and tailored and looks perfect. Apartments are 2,000 square foot and penthouses are 6,500 square feet. The high tech and the stylish combine seamlessly, there’s no jarring. But it’s the lifestyle, the concept and the views that make this a truly special property idea. Nowhere else in the world offers the same standard of living.

Photography by Paul Hyde