Sunday, May 13, 2012

Penthouse apartment in Sydney



Many would gladly give away their apartments for a luxe mansion in a quiet, select neighborhood. But for someone who prefers the busy life of a big city, architect Harry Seidler created this amazing penthouse apartment in Sydney.

Offering dramatic 280ᵒ views of the city, including the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the dwelling occupies the top three floors of a tall building and flaunts an impressive list of amenities. This oasis of luxury has got a master suite with walk-in dressing and a spa, four additional bedrooms, a home cinema, a gym, a pool and a private roof terrace that will leave you breathless (check out the pictures below).

The entire interior décor oozes luxury and style. Everything, from the colors of the deluxe furnishings to  the immense aquarium in the living room, has been carefully chosen to create a the perfect home.

Royal Villa at Grand Resort Lagonissi, most expensive room in the world,40000Euro per night

Friday, May 11, 2012

Las Alamandas - Costalegre, Mexico - Luxury Resort

Las Alamandas is Mexico's ultimate romantic beach hideaway!

A secluded oceanside haven and playful paradise, owned and developed by Ms. Isabel Goldsmith-Patiño, this boutique resort offers the highest standards of luxury, comfort and personalized hospitality. Managed as an elegant yet "laid back", private estate where guests are accorded the highest standards of hospitality this exclusive resort, situated midway between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo along the famed Costalegre Coast of Mexico, the 1,500 acres of unspoiled tropical paradise set the scene for unsurpassed privacy, romance, pampering and relaxation.
 This intimate resort offers it all – now more than ever before after an extensive renovation of the resort. The remodeled suites are extraordinarily spacious and exquisitely appointed, with panoramic ocean and garden views. The innovative, contemporary gourmet cuisine is prepared with locally caught seafood and organic produce grown on-property. Massages and treatments are enjoyed in a tranquil spa pavilion by the sand. Every amenity and facility is available, from a 60-foot swimming pool, fully equipped gym with hilltop views, and Kids Club to nature hikes, mountain biking, kayaking, horseback riding, tennis and surfing. Paths of inlaid pebbles and stones meander through gardens fragrant with the alluring scents of jasmine, gardenia and the vivid yellow Alamanda – the flower for which the resort is named. With Las Alamandas’ private 3,300-foot airstrip, guests may arrive by private plane.

 More than a luxurious vacation retreat, Las Alamandas is also one of the few resorts in the world located within a pristine nature reserve. Untouched beaches with soft white sand are lapped by turquoise waters where pelicans dive for lunch. Lagoons and streams provide a habitat for countless multi-colored birds. Migrating whales swim along the coast and sea turtles arrive annually to lay their eggs in the sand in this serene eco destination.
 This intimate resort offers it all – now more than ever before after an extensive renovation of the resort. The remodeled suites are extraordinarily spacious and exquisitely appointed, with panoramic ocean and garden views. The innovative, contemporary gourmet cuisine is prepared with locally caught seafood and organic produce grown on-property. Massages and treatments are enjoyed in a tranquil spa pavilion by the sand. Every amenity and facility is available, from a 60-foot swimming pool, fully equipped gym with hilltop views, and Kids Club to nature hikes, mountain biking, kayaking, horseback riding, tennis and surfing. Paths of inlaid pebbles and stones meander through gardens fragrant with the alluring scents of jasmine, gardenia and the vivid yellow Alamanda – the flower for which the resort is named. With Las Alamandas’ private 3,300-foot airstrip, guests may arrive by private plane. More than a luxurious vacation retreat, Las Alamandas is also one of the few resorts in the world located within a pristine nature reserve. Untouched beaches with soft white sand are lapped by turquoise waters where pelicans dive for lunch. Lagoons and streams provide a habitat for countless multi-colored birds. Migrating whales swim along the coast and sea turtles arrive annually to lay their eggs in the sand in this serene eco destination. 

More than a luxurious vacation retreat, Las Alamandas is also one of the few resorts in the world located within a pristine nature reserve. Untouched beaches with soft white sand are lapped by turquoise waters where pelicans dive for lunch. Lagoons and streams provide a habitat for countless multi-colored birds. Migrating whales swim along the coast and sea turtles arrive annually to lay their eggs in the sand in this serene eco destination.

 More info




Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Jetlev-flyer

The JETLEV-FLYER employs a powerful 4-stroke engine and water nozzle reaction force to achieve stable, controlled flight. The unique design helps to make flight controls very simple, light and intuitive. It can accommodate pilots of 1,50 - 2,00 m in height and 40 - 150 kg in weight. A digital fly-by-wire system is used to control the throttle. For safety and performance we only use high quality materials and workmanship in manufacturing.

Depending on pilot weight, a standard JETLEV-FLYER could reach an altitude of 10 m, top speeds of 47 km/h and has a cruising duration of 2-3 hours. For special applications, future designs could achieve higher altitudes and top speeds, extended range, and even travel both above and below the water´s surface.
 
MS Watersports GmbH of Germany is the only manufacturer world wide that produces the complete carbon fibre made Jetlev-Flyer JF 250 with an astonshing 250 HP, 4 stroke engine. The price for this unique master piece of finest German engineering is € 99.900,- (excl. VAT) .The JF 220 is powered by a potent 220 HP, 4 stroke engine and is fibre glass made. The price for this model is € 79.900,- (excl. VAT).
Freedom, exhilaration, adventure: The dream of personal flight is as old as mankind. In the 21st century the daring vision of Daedalus has finally come true.






Friday, May 4, 2012

Rolls Royce Six Senses concept



One of the most remarkable apparitions at this year’s Beijing Motor Show was the luxurious Rolls-Royce Six Senses concept, a car fit for royalty. The English brand is already famous for offering endless customization options to all its clients, and this latest creation of theirs is like a new confirmation of the automaker’s unique values.

As the name of the car suggests, this vehicle is specially designed to enchant its passengers by pampering their five senses – sound, scent, touch, sight and taste – plus a sixth one, which is defined by the iconic Rolls Royce luxury. With an intimidating list of amenities, the Six Senses concept promises a luxe experience to remember.

High-end amenities include walnut  burr veneer for the interior, fine leather, upgraded sound system, deep-pile lambswool carpeting (including inside the trunk), champagne cooler, and a panoramic sunroof. On the outside, the concept impresses with a beautiful Carrara White color and elegant forged wheels.

RR


Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Tunisia jewel of the Mediterranean

Le Kef

The mausoleum of Habib ibn Ali Bourguiba
 Leptis Magna Theatre

A blend of Islamic culture and ancient history with a European flair.
Tunisia is the unexpected  jewel of the Mediterranean.

Boasting a verdant Mediterranean coastline,lakes dotted with pink flamingos and lush forests in the North,
traditional berber villages and the rolling dunes of the Sahara. North Africa's smallest country boasts is a veritable kaleidoscope of landscapes, experiences and sensations. 

Trademark

 You do not have to search far to unearth Tunisia's trademark - a plethora of historical sites dating back almost 3.000 years imbibe this miniature North African nation with an unparalleled social and cultural heritage.

Ultimate Experience 

* Visit the ruins of the Amphitheatre of El Jem, one of Tunisia's eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, to
   witness the full power and glory of Imperial Rome. 
* Wander through the picturesque Medina of Tunis, one of the most important Islamic cities bustling with 
   heritage, monuments and tradition.
* Take a day trip to Carthage a well-preserved sitethat was once the home of Hannibal and his elephants.
* Take a ride on the bell-epoque Red Lizard train and discover the other-worldly rock formations of the  
   Seldja Gorge.
 Amphitheatre El jem

Taste 

Couscous is a staple ingredient usually served with vegetables, beans and meat. Other delicacies include Brik a l'oeuf (tiny parcels of pastry stuffed with egg, tuna and herbs), Koucha (tender shoulder of lamb with turmeric and cayenne pepper) and Lablabi (chick pea soup with garlic and cumin served over pieces of crusty bread).
Couscous
Ceramics for dining on couscous and tajines.

Live it 

Traversing the timeless sands of the Sahara offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences. As part of an organised desert trek you can ride camels, explore the ever-changing desert landscape, camp in a traditional Bedouin tent and bring your inner nomad to life!
 Sahara camel ride

The surprise 

The charming town of Sidi Bou Said, nestled on Tunisia's northern coast, just 20km from the capital, Tunis.
Lose yourself in the serpentine alleys, weave through the whitewashed buildings that boast blue doors and schutters as you would on any Cycladic island. 
Sidi Bou Said
 Sidi Bou Said

 Mediterranean seacoast to the arid Sahara
Tuareg horse
  
Tunisair
www.tunisair.com 

Life in Monaco


LIFE IN MONACO
Monaco & Monte – Carlo : Two simple words that still evoke a myth...

Monaco's exceptional location on the legendary Riviera, its parks, its casino, it high society and exceptional events make it the ideal destination for a romantic vacation... or for an entire lifetime.

Sometimes underestimated or misunderstood, Monaco's economy is nowadays actually quite dynamic and future - oriented. An independant state in the heart of Europe, the Principality of Monaco offers both investors and entrepreneurs an exceptional, secure infrastructure combined with the advantages of an attractive fiscal system.

The official language is French, although Italian and English are widely spoken.The traditional Monegasque language, "le Monegù", is spoken mostly by elders, but also taught in all local schools. The local currency is the Euro. Benefiting from an ideal geographical location, the Principality of Monaco enjoys very mild winters and remarkably sunny summers. Boasting more than 300 days a year of sunshine, residents in Monaco can take full advantage of everything the Mediterranean has to offer. At the same time Monaco's close proximitiy to the Southern Alps, which are only 1 hour away by car, allows for easy access to the ski slopes.

Based on the latest official figures, there are approx. 30,000 inhabitants in the Principality of Monaco of which approx. 5,000 are Monegasque, 12,000 are French and 5,000 are Italian; in total, more than 100 nationalities are represented.

Monaco residents from all over the world can place their children in a wide variety of schools which are either a part of, or affiliated with, the Ministry of Education. The curriculum and the diplomas obtained are the same as in France. Already in elementary school, pupils are tought not only English and French, but also "Monegu", the traditional local language, as well as the history of Monaco. The high school graduation rate (the passing of the French National Baccalauréat exam) is close to 90%.

Monaco's excellent infrastructure connects the Principality to all the main European capitals which can be reached in less than 2 hours. The same infrastructure allows the many local financial institutions to respond to the demands of a most exacting international clientele. This combination of excellent infrastructure, high quality of living and advantageous tax regime make Monaco the internationally sought after place it is and has always been.

Monaco is one of the safest places on earth. One policeman for every 100 residents, 24-hour video surveillance of the entire Principality, a transmission system worthy of the best armies in the world, the possibility of blocking all access in and out of the Principality in several minutes as well as surveillance teams inside the Casino and in all of the gambling establishments and hotels make Monaco's security second to none.

The Monaco police department is managed by a highly placed member of the French police force and the police department is amongst the most modern and efficient in Europe. The rule imposed by the late Prince Rainier III was simple: "Monaco must have total security". The result is an incredibly low crime rate, the dream of any Interior Minister. As one jeweler in Monaco once so pointedly put it: "In Monaco, jewels are made to be worn, even on the street, and not to be left in a safety deposit box!".

Finally, the government of the Principality of Monaco attaches a great deal of importance to the quality of its health facilities:
- The Princess Grace Hospital is equipped with the latest generation of medical material (scanner, IRM, Radiology,...)
- The Cardio-Thoracic Center, created in 1987, treats all manner of thoracic and cardiac pathologies.
- The Hemodialysis Center, inaugurated in 1989, is specialized on the treatment of problems related to kidney failure.

THE MONACO TAX SYSTEM
The main principal of Monaco's fiscal system is the total absence of direct taxation.

Persons residing in Monaco (except French nationals, see below) do not pay any tax on income, interest or capital.

There are just two exceptions to this rule :

- Companies generating more than 25% of their turnover outside of the Principality, and companies generating revenus from patents and/or other intellectual property rights, are subject to a flat tax of 33.33 % on profits.

- French nationals who are unable to prove that they resided in the Principality for 5 years before October 31, 1962.

Apart from with France, the Principality has signed no other bilateral fiscal agreements.

BECOMING A MONACO RESIDENT
With the exception of French nationals, any foreigner who wishes to stay in Monaco for a period in excess of three months or to establish his or her residence there, must satisfy the following stipulations :

EU nationals

The provisions mentioned hereafter refer to persons coming from one of the states of the European Union as well as Norway and Iceland.

In order to obtain a Monégasque residence permit ( the so-called "carte de séjour"), they must apply to the Residents Section of the Directorate of Public Security located at 3, rue Louis Notari in the Principality and must submit the documents listed below :

- proof of a clear legal record, or an affidavit (or an equivalent document/sworn statement) stating that they have never been convicted,
- an employment contract endorsed by the Employment Department of the Principality, or any other professional substantiating document, or a request for authorisation to set up a business or a company, or a bank reference proving sufficient means of subsistence,
- two recent photographs,
- a rental contract or a certificate of accommodation (examined by the Ad-Hoc Commission) or a deed of ownership,
- their passport.

Non - EU nationals

Interested parties are obliged to first apply to the French Consul with territorial juridiction for a visa to set up later residence. They must submit the following documents to the consular office in question:

- an abstract of their legal record, or an affidavit or an equivalent document, a sworn statement stating that they have never been convicted,
- an employment contract endorsed by the Employment Department of the Principality, or any other professional substantiating document, or a request for authorization to set up a business or a company, or a bank reference proving sufficient means of subsistence,
- a rental contract, or a promise of rental, or a certificate of accommodation (examined by the ad hoc Commission) or a deed of ownership, or a written undertaking by the interested party to produce one of the four aforementioned substantiating documents within the three months following his or her arrival in the Principality,
- nine photographs,
- a photocopy of their passport,
- nine copies of the application form for a long-stay visa.

After obtaining this visa, any foreigner aged over sixteen is obliged to apply for a Monégasque residence permit (the so-called "carte de séjour") from the Residents Section of Public Security within eight days of arriving in the Principality. In order to obtain the permit in question, the same documents must be submitted as those which are required from EU nationals.

However, the following persons are exempted from applying for this document:

1) career diplomats accredited to H.S.H. The Sovereign Prince and the members of their families;
2) civil servants seconded under the auspices of the Franco-Monégasque Conventions.


 E.JRM.E.