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Welcome to the CR MEDIA Asia Luxurious Lifestyle News Update, a specially compiled business and leisure report focused on high-end-marketing news and trends. We highlight the bright spots in the luxury-goods marketplace — to bring you news on who's striking the right chords on the luxury business front and the latest updates on swanky trends.

The finer things in life

Targeting residents of Singapore and Hong Kong, Villa Partners International has launched LUXLife — a lifestyle investment programme, which offers invitation-only VIP access to some of the finest private villas and leisure services throughout Asia and the world, which includes The St Regis Residences in Bali, Andara Luxury Villas in Phuket and Ocean Front at Sentosa. Initial membership fees range from HK$1.4m–HK$4m, depending on the type of membership and benefits selected.

On the Orient Express

The Orient-Express’ Road To Mandalay river cruiser has re-launched, following remodelling and refurbishment after it suffered damage in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis more than 12 months ago. It left Burma’s Ayeyarwady River on August 26 and will ply the scenic waters between Bagan and Mandalay. As before, the Road To Mandalay offers three, four and seven-night cruise itineraries travelling along Burma’s main artery, and three special voyages each year to Bhamo, located in the remote northern area of the country. Stays in Yangon, Inle Lake or Ngapali on the Indian Ocean can be included. Cruise only prices start from Ł1,400 per person.

Japan’s very first Shangri-La hotel stands out, amid her minimalist-style neighbours, bearing the brand’s signature oomph of elegance and luxury. Located next to Tokyo Station, the 202-room hotel occupies the top 11 floors of the 37-storey Marunouchi Trust Tower. Enjoy stunning views in rooms overlooking the Imperial Palace and Tokyo city. “The Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) design has infused the hotel with the rich and luxurious DNA of the Shangri-La hotel brand,” says Tokyo-born, LA-based HBA designer Naoko Horii. “This is attractive to both international guests as well as local visitors who rarely see this style of opulence in Japan.” Other highlights include Chi, The Spa at Shangri-La, adorned with Himalayan accents and a magnificent pool area overlooking the Imperial Palace.

Wine-making holiday

Harvest grapes and make wine while on holiday. La Forestičre des Maures is a luxury villa, set in thriving Provencal nature and lavender fields, where guests can take guided tours of the vineyard and winery, and participate in pruning or harvesting. Whether planning a merry-making holiday or a reprieve from hectic city-living, La Forestičre des Maures’s scenic haven and wine activities will delight wine aficionados and ensure guests leave in high spirits

New plans for ultra-luxe Capella Bangkok

Plans for Capella Bangkok, scheduled for completion in 4th quarter, 2013, were announced. The new development located along the Chao Phraya River will feature two hotels — comprising 100 rooms and a series of riverfront villas — and a 64-storey residential tower, which will house 350 units. “Bangkok is one of the world’s great cities with a rich history and vibrant culture; we are honoured to partner with Country Group to bring a new level of truly personalised service to Bangkok, and to do so in such a remarkable and rare riverfront setting,” says Horst Schulze, president and CEO of Capella Hotels and Resorts. “In Capella Hotels and Resorts, we have identified a partner who will raise the bar for luxury hospitality in Bangkok. We are confident that Capella Bangkok, with its personalised service and world-class amenities, will fill a market niche not adequately served now,” shares Sadawut Taechaubol of the Country Group. Capella Singapore opened in March 2009.

Glashutte 9 Dragons exclusive showcase

In association with Prestige magazine, Glashutte Original and UOB Privilege Banking hosted a private dinner at China Club to showcase Glashutte Original’s latest from Basel 2009. Also supported by Dickson Watch & Jewellery, the event highlighted the beautiful 9 Dragons collection. Inspired by the ever-popular Chinese nine-dragon wall, the collection includes nine timepieces with hand-painted porcelain dials featuring nine dragons, with only nine sets available worldwide. One set was specially flown in from Basel for this exclusive event.

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