Relax in Culinary Heaven at our Partner Relais & Châteaux Bela Vista Hotel & Spa in the Algarve Region of Portugal

BELA VISTA HOTEL & SPA ***** | RELAIS & CHÂTEAUX

Bela Vista & Spa is a top-of-the-line five-star hotel in the Algarve region of Portugal, perched on a rocky outcrop above the famous « Praia da Rocha » beach.

This prestigious Relais & Châteaux hotel also boasts gourmet dining at its « Vista Restaurant, » a recurring Michelin star winner since 2017…The hotel is located next to the lively town of Portimao, a hotspot for nightlife and shopping. The Portimao region abounds with cultural sites and golf courses…and Faro International Airport is just 90 minutes away from the hotel via the Faro highway (direct access).

The main building – the « Palaceto » – is a historic residence built at the beginning of the 20th century. This ancient mansion is an iconic site and a testimony to the history of this region in southern Portugal.

In 2011, the « Palaceto » was completely renovated and redesigned by a famous architect by the name of Graça Viterbo. The original structure – as well as the original Portuguese style « azulejo » paintings – are perfectly preserved and maintained. Today, the Bela Vista & Spa is beautifully designed with modernity and authenticity. In addition to the « Palaceto, » two further buildings on the grounds, the « Casa Azul » and the « Casa Jardim, » allow the hotel to offer a total of 38 rooms.

Bela Vista Hotel & Spa ***** (Algarve, Portugal). Relais et Châteaux

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Discover the Ports of Monaco - Including the New Port of Ventimiglia, a Soon-to-Open Port at Mareterra and Famed Port Hercules and Fontvieille

Spectacular scenery, luxe amenities, legendary casinos and a lavish lifestyle have long been Monaco’s drawing cards. In addition, the prestigious principality on the Mediterranean Sea is also known as a premier destination for the world’s most luxurious superyachts. The city-state is home to the legendary port of Monaco, Port Hercules, Port Fontvieille, as well as a new port in Ventimiglia and the soon-to-be-completed Mareterra.

A Guide to the Ports of Monaco

Port Hercules
Thousands of international yacht owners and industry executives make it a point to attend the annual Monaco Yacht Show, the world’s premier superyacht exhibition at Port Hercules, the largest port of Monaco. More than 100 superyachts are featured, along with some 600 vendors throughout 42,000 square metres of exhibition space. For those arriving by yacht, whether for the show or as part of a luxury Mediterranean yacht charter, sailing into this famed Monaco port is an event in itself.

The port, just west of the new Mareterra (formerly Portier Cove) marina is one of the few deepwater ports on the French Riviera and serves as the gateway for yachts to the principality. The natural bay is at the foot of the majestic Rock of Monaco, which towers 62-metres above the sea and is the ancestral monolith of the princes of Monaco. Improvements to the port in recent years include a new sea wall, offering protection from eastern swells and providing the perfect berthing location for large pleasure craft.

Port Fontvieille
Further south is the modern harbour of Port Fontvieille, which was built from reclaimed land in 1966. The Monaco port has berthing space for some 160 vessels up to 30-metres in length and with a maximum draft of three-meters. Port  Fontvieille offers a selection of amenities, including restaurants and shops, while its location is within striking distance of Monaco’s famed attractions. Adding extra convenience, this port of Monaco is also just a stone’s throw away from the Monaco heliport.

Monaco Port Ventimiglia
Meanwhile, with the increasing lure of luxury sailing, Monaco has recently expanded its ability to host yachts with the opening of the port in Ventimiglia, just 79 nautical miles (15 to 20 minutes) from its sister marinas at the ports of Hercules and Fontvielle. From Cala Del Forte Ventimiglia, yacht owners and guests will have easy and exclusive access to Monaco, where they are welcome to enjoy all that the principality has to offer.

The port in Ventimiglia hailed the arrival on Oct. 15 of the much-loved sailing yacht TUIGA, the flagship of the Yacht Club of Monaco. The marina’s official inauguration is scheduled for mid-2021, when construction work on land is completed. Meanwhile the waterfront is open, and the state-of-the-art marina is already taking berth reservations.

A New Port at Mareterra
Additional berthing space will also be available at Monaco’s future marina at Mareterra, a port made possible by an ambitious eco-friendly $2.3 billion land reclamation project. The luxury development is scheduled for completion in 2025.

The new marina will be able to accommodate more than a dozen vessels of up to 18-metres, and will feature a host of restaurants and shops, ensuring plenty of opportunities for lively and entertaining outings. Overall, the 6-hectare eco-development will encompass luxury residences, expansive gardens, a promenade and recreational space.

Cruising to the welcoming ports of Monaco, whether it be Monaco’s port in Ventimiglia, Port Fontvieille, or famed Port Hercules is always a grand event.

Image courtesy of Cala del Forte
Article by Judith Isacoff

Go Oriental this Weekend with a Metabolic Balance Recipe - Chana Dal - Packed with Pulses and Proteins

Pulses are one of the best sources of vegetable protein and are far more than just an ingredient on the winter menu. They are low-cost, a low-fat source of protein, full of fibre with vitamins and minerals and they count towards your recommended five daily portions of fruit and vegetables. A pulse is an edible seed that grows in a pod. Pulses include all beans, peas and lentils, such as chickpeas (chana or garbanzo beans).

For far too long, dishes with pulses have been considered as poor people's food. But then a number of star chefs showed, how fine the seeds of the garden fruits beans, peas and lentils can taste by serving them as a salad instead of a thick soup or turning them into noble vegetable side dishes. And even within the growing Slow Food movement, the important protein suppliers enjoy a good reputation. The legume cuisine does not get boring so quickly: after all, there are over 12,000 legumes. So regularly use various pulses and enjoy their culinary variety.

Oriental Chana Dal - a delicious chickpea curry (Metabolic Balance phase 3)

Ingredients
1 serving of chickpeas
1 serving of veggies (carrots, white cabbage, bell peppers, cauliflower, zucchini....)
Diced onion
Garlic
Vegetable broth
Smooth parsley
Peppermint tea
Coconut milk

Seasoning:
Indian curry
Precious sweet peppers
Freshly ground pepper
Chilli
Black cumin
Masala

Preparation:
Wash chickpeas and soak in peppermint tea overnight, then they have a slight mint flavor. Simmer for just under one hour the next day. At the same time sweat the onion and garlic in olive oil, then add the vegetables and cook. Add the cooked chickpeas, add them and fry for a bit. Taste with spices and vegetable broth and quench with coconut milk. Finish in the oven for 15 minutes.

Contact Metabolic Balance

Learn About Wine and Why the French Call Pinot Noir "Sex In a Glass" with Brad Mitton's Newly Launched Wine Subscription Service

For 18 years, Brad Mitton has supplied small-batch New World wines to the luxury hospitality industry across Europe. During the two Corona-virus lockdowns and since his restaurant and hotel traders have closed, he re-structured with a home delivery concept and from scratch, developed a monthly subscription service which gives customers the chance to try the boutique wines (that he normally sells to sommeliers) at home - all carefully sourced from small, family-owned wineries from around the world.

”I have been inspired to work with small, family-owned wineries because in my experience, they produce the best value wines that you can find. These wines are hand-crafted - they have a story about where they are from and how they are made - and it is these wines that I send out every month to our subscribers, wines with beautiful details that I enjoy sharing with people."

Below - in one of his recent wine education videos - Brad addresses the Pinot Noir grape and explains why the French often refer to it as “Sex in a Glass”.

How does it work?
It’s simple! Subscribers can choose their case size, colour and preferred style, or opt to receive the recommended wine selection for the month. With this easy-to-use ordering platform, there are no intimidating wine shelves or second-guessing choices - subscribers receive great wines straight from Brad, tailored to their taste! And Brad does his best to ensure the wines are great.

Subscribe Online - Read the Reviews

Prices start from:
6 bottles - €54 / £49 per month
12 bottles - €98 / £88 per month
18 bottles - €148 / £127 per month

The service offer free monthly gifts, the option to pause, opt-out or gift a friend and Brad supports with learn and taste videos and blogs.

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The Resilience of the Rock - Monaco’s Property Market Weathers the Global Storm

2020 is drawing to a close and we are taking stock of this extraordinary year. Monaco is still open for business though who would have imagined a year ago that we would be wearing masks outdoors and dispensing with the usual handshakes when meeting someone? 

The year has been deeply troubling and 2021 may well throw up further surprises. The world is a different place for sure. What has been heartening in our line of business is to see how resilient the real estate market in Monaco has been, despite lockdowns, curfews and travel restrictions. We are still open for business and November has seen interest from all quarters.

The official stats for the first six months of 2020 came out some time ago: the third quarter’s figures are not yet published. Interestingly the number of re sales (i.e. properties over 5 years old) for the second quarter of 2020, was absolutely identical to the number completed in the second quarter of 2019, and this despite the 2020 lockdown. Pretty remarkable…

And demand continues. We are seeing a good number of requests for smaller investment properties: studios or one beds. There is quite a good selection on the market currently, possibly because previously occupants have decided to rent or buy larger properties post-lockdown. And we believe that the right smaller property can take on value even in difficult times, particularly if it can be renovated and made into a turnkey property. 

The apartment we have for sale in Le Bristol is a case in point. It is located on the Grand Prix circuit and nicely refurbished, it makes a great rental property. 

And if anyone out there is thinking of selling, we are very much looking for larger properties too for various clients: please do get in touch!

Article by Irene Luke . Partner at Savills Monaco

Premier Cru Champagne Forget-Brimont Launches on Wednesday 16th December with a Grand Degustation at Maison Pluvinet in Beaulieu-sur-Mer

“Our role is to reveal the purity of the terroir through the wines. Sometimes the less we do the best it is. The idea behind each cuvée Champagne Forget-Brimont is to share, to spread spontaneous pleasure which combines both sincerity and conviviality.” Such is the vision of this incredible Champagne producing family.

Join Club Vivanova on Wednesday 16th December 2020 for the Grand Degustation in Beaulieu-sur-Mer . Link to event and tickets

Sustainable viticulture
Cultivating excellence in cohesion with environment to ensure the best possible expression of our terroir in our cuvées, we have adopted viticulture methods which are respectful of the soil and the vine. No anti-rot treatments or insecticides, with the elimination of anti-botrytis treatments since 2000, using of pheromones against grape worms and organic fertilizers and soil conditioners. Treatments are targeted and kept to a minimum.

We only intervene where absolutely necessary to keep our vines strong and healthy. The care we take in cultivating the vine is extended to the vinification of our wines, for which we use a process as most natural as possible. We have adopted a non-interventionist approach to allow full expression to our terroirs and grape varieties. Our wines contain: no enzymes, no fining agent the lowest sulphite amount. Our thermoregulated tanks are only washed with hot water (no use of acids).

View more about Premier Cru Champagne Forget-Brimont

Dublin Based Kokoro Zenwear Raises the Standard for Sustainable Eco-Fashion with Bamboo Fashion Collection

The Dublin-based fashion brand offers a luxurious alternative to cotton and silk that doesn’t cost the earth. Kokoro Zenwear’s bamboo silk and bamboo sport collection is 100% ECO Certified and OEKO- TEX Certified sustainable organic.

Eco-conscious fashionistas now have a sustainable alternative to cotton and silk garments with the luxurious bamboo fashion collection from Dublin-based company, Kokoro Zenwear.

Cotton and silk are two popular natural fibres used in garment manufacturing. However, the production processes used to produce the fabrics are neither eco-friendly nor sustainable. Silk is a luxurious fabric, but it takes up to 2500 silkworms to produce one pound of raw silk. And since silkworms only eat mulberry leaves, it is a significant drain on natural resources. As it relates to cotton, the plants require 29.000 litres of water to grow - the same amount that one person would drink in 27 years.

Conversely, not only is bamboo a renewable resource, it requires very little water and can grow up to 4.5 ft per day. What’s more is that fabrics made from bamboo are softer and more comfortable than 1000 thread count Egyptian cotton.

Read more at the Kokoro Corporate Partner Feature Page

Benefit from Expert Financial Advice with our Corporate Partner Blevins Franks - Specialists in Strategic Financial Planning

BLEVINS FRANKS - SPECIALISTS IN STRATEGIC FINANCIAL PLANNING

If you’re a UK national living in France or planning to move here permanently, you will benefit from expert advice to make the most of your wealth and minimise taxation. 

Blevins Franks has 45 years’ experience providing cross-border tax, pensions, estate planning and investment advice to British expatriates across Southern Europe. Advisers and support teams live and work throughout France, Monaco, Spain, Portugal, Cyprus, Malta and the UK to provide a local, personalised service.

The Local Team
With an office in the French Riviera for over two decades, Blevins Franks is well-established in the region, providing a genuinely holistic approach to financial planning on your doorstep.

View the Blevins Franks Corporate Feature

Aston Martin DBX Voted ‘Best-Designed Car of the Year’ by a Sunday Times Reader's Poll

Aston Martin Lagonda’s first SUV, DBX, has been awarded the ‘Best Designed Car of the Year’ at The Sunday Times Motor Awards. While the shortlist is drawn up by judges at News UK, the winners are chosen by readers votes.

Will Dron, Editor of Driving.co.uk at The Sunday Times said, “A brand traditionally associated with sports cars had a tough job on its hands creating its first SUV, but the fact that Sunday Times readers voted the DBX their favourite design of the year — against some truly stunning competition — is a clear indication that Aston Martin got it right first time. Congratulations!".

The Aston Martin DBX was first revealed in November last year and sees the British brand compete in a new segment of the global luxury market for the first time. Built on a new dedicated platform in a purpose-built manufacturing facility in St Athan in Wales, DBX remains distinctly an Aston Martin through both its engineering and design: From the signature grille at the front, through the sculptured sides and design feature line, to the tailgate flip that draws inspiration from the brands most focused sports car, Vantage.

Marek Reichman, Aston Martin Lagonda EVP and Chief Creative Officer said, “We are delighted that Aston Martin DBX has been awarded by readers of The Sunday Times for its design. We designed DBX as we would a sports car, but its unique platform gave us the freedom to create an SUV with stunning performance and design and to be awarded Best Designed Car of the Year makes us very proud of what we have achieved ”.

The Aston Martin DBX is available to order now. Recommended Retail Price from £158,000* in the UK.

The. Monaco Launch
Two Aston Martin DBX SUVs will be showcased by Aston Martin Monaco at the Club Vivanova Sixth edition Luxury Lifestyle Charity Gala Dinner on Saturday 12th December 2020. Link to more information on this event

Stay Home and Join a Virtual International Wine Tasting Experience with Bradley Mitton on Friday 27th November

ZOOM . Virtual Wine Tasting Experience with Bradley Mitton
Friday 27th November . 7.30pm CET
RSVP . Book Online
€58 per household
(includes a case of six wines with free EU / UK delivery)

Join in from anywhere in the EU and UK
We deliver wines to you for the tasting
Order and book online

Club Vivanova hosts a Virtual ZOOM Wine Tasting Experience on Friday 27th November at 7.30pm CET, offering guests the opportunity to taste six premium international wines during a guided and educational degustation with Mitton International Wines owner Bradley Mitton.

Guests may join in from anywhere in the EU or the UK, just by logging into the ZOOM application - we will deliver your wines to your door in time for the tasting.

The tasting will serve as a fun and comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of wine production and appreciation including reading a wine label, wine basics, evaluating wine, viticultural and winemaking practices and food-wine pairing.

White Wines
Château Haut Pougnan . Bordeaux, France
Sliding Hill Sauvignon Blanc 2019 . New Zealand
Woodlands Chardonnay 2019 . Australia

Red Wines
Mannara Primitivo 2018 . Italy
Woodlands Shiraz Cabernet 2018 . Australia
Rewen Estate Malbec 2018 . Argentina

Book online and we will dispatch the wines anywhere in the EU or UK with free delivery, tasting notes and wine-pairing recipes. A link will be emailed for the ZOOM tasting.

Exceptional Apartments and Luxury Villas for Sale in Mauritius - Legend Hill Estate Opens in 2023

Our luxury villas, nestled in the vast Legend Hill estate, boast a revitalising view over the lagoon and Le Morne Mountain. This special setting gives pride of place to daylight and truly magical Mauritian sunsets.

We offer three lines of villas: Blackstone, Chamarel and Bengali, all of which constitute the perfect place to recharge your body and spirit. They feature luxurious living spaces, spacious living rooms, an open kitchen, a cellar, 4 bedrooms and bathrooms, a laundry room and a dressing room. The refined décor featuring raw and natural materials provides a perfect sense of relaxation and wholeness. The exterior does not fail to impress either with its private terraces and infinity pools which make it the place to be.

At the heart of the landscape, intimate, sophisticated and far from the hustle and bustle, our villas are the promise of a heavenly setting where man, his home and nature coexist in perfect harmony.

Legend Hill features 52 properties suspended between mountain and ocean. This fully secured resort makes your comfort its priority by offering high-end services: club house, concierge service 7 days a week, a gourmet restaurant and a fine dining restaurant, cocktail bar, fitness club, Salin de Biosel Spa and a Kids Corner. All 23 villas feature stately beachfront living spaces which extend onto outdoor terraces and private infinity pools in perfect harmony with nature. Nestled in a comfortable and luxurious setting, these luxury villas feature a contemporary interior decoration true to Mauritian tradition.

The 16 apartments feature spacious areas, a bright décor and spacious balconies overlooking lush vegetation for a rejuvenating experience.

Legend Hill also offers 9 Boutique-Hotel apartments for sale with access to the resort’s facilities. Lastly, 4 penthouses offering the promise of an enchanting lifestyle complete this luxurious estate. The panoramic view over the lagoon and Mauritian nature match the unparalleled beauty of these luxurious homes.

Link to more information

Candice Usher Makeup - An Artist in the South of France - Partners with Club Vivanova

Candice is a professional makeup artist living in the South of France for over 15 years. She offers bespoke makeup services for editorial, catalogue work, private events, work on yachts or hotels. She received her professional training from the prestigious Make Up Forever Academy in Nice and is certified in bridal, special events, television, cinema, special effects, and body painting.

She is dedicated to providing the highest level of professionalism and service to her clients. These clients can attest to her passion for makeup, her positive attitude and vibrant personality. Believing in the true inner and outer beauty of a person, Candice strives to bring forth in her makeup the pure, natural essence that each person possesses. Her makeup style is elegant and timeless.

Having an eye for the beauty that lies within us all, she is able to work with her clients to achieve exactly what they envision. Her international background enables her to understand all ethnicities and various types of rare and distinct beauties. She speaks English, French and Spanish fluently. Her mission is to empower, to accentuate and embellish the already remarkable and unique human canvas that she is given to work with.

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Turkish Winery Mozaik Joins Club Vivanova as a Platinum Partner to Showcase their Family Passion

MOZAIK WINERY - A PRODUCT OF FAMILY PASSION

A product of our family’s passion, Mahrem is our testimony to the enormous potential for high quality wine production in Turkey.

Mozaik Winery’s vineyards and the Mahrem wines produced in its on-site winery located in Urla-Izmir are together a part of a project, which we aim to pass on to the next generations. In our vineyards in Urla, we have started from scratch, and are growing several red varietals after careful selection considering the geography and the history of the region. We are now growing Syrah, Sangiovese, Corinto, Montepulciano, Petit Verdot, Tannat, Marselan, Ekigaïna, and Rebo. We grow our vines organically with little to no manipulation, and work in coordination with the laws of the nature. Some of the grapes mentioned are new varietals in the world with no vinified example, and have already won awards in leading international competitions.

Visit the Mozaic Winery profile page

From Barbados to Monaco! Neptune Rum is Back on Friday 13th November with a Winter Collection Cocktail Night at NOBU Monte Carlo

After a successful launch in TWIGA Monte Carlo and a follow-up gourmet dinner in Maya Jah Monaco, the Barbados distilled Neptune Rum Gold is back in Monaco for a cocktail soirée at NOBU Fairmont Monte Carlo.

Hailed as the "sexiest restaurant in the world", NOBU Fairmont Monte Carlo hosts a cocktail evening with our Neptune Rum Gold at their sensational bar. Join us for an evening of three uniquely created cocktails, married with the Japanese Fusion cuisine of Nobuyuki "Nobu" Matsuhisa. The NOBU private bar area is perfect for intimate business networking. Link for more event information

Platinum Partner Savills Monaco Showcases the Top Five Luxury Penthouses in Monaco

Penthouse living in Monaco normally means great terraces, superb views and a feeling of being on top of the world! That's why at Savills Monaco, we've compiled our five best Monaco penthouses for sale and rental. 

The Columbus Serviced Penthouse in Fontvieille

This stunning Monaco penthouse with sea views is part of the exclusive Columbus Residences. It benefits from services provided by the Columbus Hotel including; room service, swimming pool, gym, twice-weekly cleaning, concierge and porter service to name a few. The apartment also has a private plunge pool and roof terrace. €35,000 per month. Available for rental only. View more information here

The Victoria Building Monaco Penthouse

Exceptional penthouse apartment set on the two last floors of an Art Deco palace hotel converted into a residence, and situated in the centre. €10,900,000. View more information here

One Monte-Carlo Penthouse

A superb Monaco penthouse for rent in the brand new luxury "One Monte - Carlo residence, designed by the world-renowned architect Sir Richard Rodgers and the interior designer Bruno Moinard. The Residence proposes the following upmarket services: a concierge service and valet parking 24 h/24, access for residents to the pool and fitness center of the luxury Thermes Marins and room-service (household, laundry, meals...) may be provided at an extra charge. Available for rental only. View more information here

Palais de Printemps Monaco Penthouse

Co-Exclusive Rare 3 bedroom penthouse with roof terrace offering magnificent views of the Palace and the sea. Layout: Entrance hall, living room opening onto the balcony, dining room with open plan fully fitted kitchen, master bedroom with shower room, 2 further bedrooms, 1 shower room, steps leading to the roof with terrace area of 140 sq m, and summer kitchen. For sale at €12,800,000. View more information here

Duplex Penthouse in the Heart of Monaco

Magnificent luxuriously renovated penthouse duplex of 220 sq m, offers large terraces and boasts a panoramic view of the sea and the Principality. €POA. View more information here

Article by Irene Luke . Partner at Savills Monaco

Reset Your Body with Metabolic Balance - Ginger and Turmeric Tea

Treat yourself and your immune system right with a cup of fresh ginger and turmeric tea. It not only tastes wonderful, but also warms you from the inside and has an anti-inflammatory effect on your body. Simply blanch a thumb-sized piece of ginger and some turmeric (fresh or powdered) with hot water and enjoy!

Ginger is a flowering plant that originated in Southeast Asia. It's among the healthiest (and most delicious) spices on the planet. It belongs to the Zingiberaceae family, and it's closely related to turmeric, cardamom, and galangal. The rhizome (underground part of the stem) is the part commonly used as a spice.

Turmeric is a relative of ginger, this vivid yellow-orange spice is common in Indian, Southeast Asian, and Middle Eastern cooking. It's also been used as medicine in places like India for centuries to treat issues such as breathing problems. Lately, turmeric has been touted as a super food that can fight cancer, ease depression, and more.

The Metabolic Balance® nutrition plan rests your body and is based on your personal dietary requirements. Your personalized plan will contain foods that are optimal for your metabolism. Quantities, advice and menu suggestions for all stages of the program are supplied.

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Article by Metabolic Balance HQ, Isen

Win a Magnum of Piemonte CasaScarpa Barbera d'Asti with the November Brad's Wine Subscription

In November 2020, all Brad’s Wine subscribers (new and existing) will be entered into a tombola with the chance to win a Magnum of CasaScarpa Barbera d’Asti. Probably the best-value wine subscription service on the planet, Brad’s Wine offers subscribers mixed cases of hand-selected wines starting with six bottles for €54 delivered monthly with DHL.

Brad Mitton personally selects the wines from small boutique wineries across the globe. Subscribers choose colours and styles online, Brad matches and dispatches with free partner gifts and great prizes every month; subscribers may opt-out or pause the subscription at any time. View Brad’s wine tasting videos and wine blog at his recently launched website. There is also an excellent YouTube Channel dedicated to wine education and tastings of the selected wines. View the great selection for November 2020, and this month, receive a free bottle of Monte Carlo Beer in your wine case.

WIN THE MAGNUM!
To win, subscribe online - Magnum CasaScarpa Barbera d'Asti 2016
This beautifully balanced Barbera bears the name of a simple, fresh, daily house wine. Rich in colour and taste, it highlights the main characters of the Barbera grape with blackberry notes. Grapes come from one large plot at Poderi Bricchi estate harvested each year in the first week of September.

ABOUT SCARPA WINE - Nizza Monferrato, Piemonte
The history of Scarpa Wine spans over the history of Piedmont winemaking and tells the story of our land, grapes, wines and people. Over the past years we have brought forward the ambition to continue Scarpa as a world-class winery. Today Scarpa thrives on the combination of tradition and ambition to express the Piedmont terroirs through our wines. We actively engage with both local and international universities to expand our network and raise awareness about Piedmont’s wine history and tradition; following on Mario Pesce’s advice on taste education we believe in it as an important pillar for the continuous pursuit of quality.

Subscribe online

Corporate Partner Riviera Wellbeing Offers a Free Zoom Webinar on Tuesday 4th November on the Secrets to a Happy Relationship

The Secrets To A Happy Relationship

Our corporate partner, Riviera Wellbeing will run a free zoom webinar on Tuesday 4th November on The Secrets To A Happy Relationship.  

British psychotherapist and relationship expert Gavin Sharpe will discuss the glue that keeps relationships together. What are the ingredients for a lasting, happy and fulfilling relationship? Gavin will cover the following subjects:  

Did you ever wonder why you picked your partner?  
What are the secrets to a happy love relationship?
How can a couple thrive in a pandemic?
What are the strategies and resources that help couples resolve the everyday problems that relationships throw up?

Whether you are single or married, straight or gay, male or female, this webinar is for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of our intimate relationships.

For more information or to register, contact Gavin.

NOBU Fairmont Monte Carlo Launches The Winter Collection by Sushi Chef Wagner Spadacio

The sexiest restaurant on the planet offers a Winter Collection of specialities by Sushi Chef Wagner Spadacio at Nobu Fairmont Monte Carlo ‪from ‬October 30, 2020 until early spring.

“A unique collection…

We live in an era in which world cuisine is accessible to all. Yet, enjoying Japanese cuisine may not be within the reach of the average person. We discover a country through its history, its culture, its religion but also through its culinary traditions, the understanding of raw materials and the respect of ancestral techniques.

It’s this story that has fascinated Wagner Spadacio and led this young chef to dedicate his career to sublimating the Japanese cuisine art. It’s also to share his passion that this generous Sushi Chef decided to create this winter: the Winter Collection, a selection of 21 creations of aperitif bites, only available at the Nobu Lounge and in limited edition. From Nigiri to small cups this selection is an explosion of flavours, a work of culinary goldsmithing, in terms of products selections, design, colors … And to plenty enjoy this experience, he will recommend a food and drink agreement, which you will discover in a magazine specially published for the occasion.

Available at Nobu Fairmont Monte Carlo ‪from ‬October 30, 2020 until early spring.

Created by a talented chef…

WAGNER SPADACIO, originally from Brazil, arrived in France at the age of 14 and began his Japanese culinary career in 2010 after obtaining the certificate of Pro Sushi Chef in Paris.

From there, his passion for Japanese culture developed, and a few years later, he participated in the French Open Sushi Competition where he finished as the winner, becoming French Sushi Champion in 2017.

He subsequently went to Japan and trained at the renowned Bazara restaurant in Tokyo run by the 3 Michelin stars’ Chef Hirohisa Koyama.

All his efforts paid off in 2018 when he competed in the World Sushi Cup in Tokyo where he became Vice Sushi World Champion.”

For Reservations

Club Vivanova Aids the Borneo Wildlife Preservation to Protect the Endangered Bornean Pygmy Elephant from Risk of Extinction

In February 2021 at the Fairmont Monte Carlo, Club Vivanova will partner with the Borneo Wildlife Preservation (BWP) to raise awareness and help raise funds for the protection of the the endangered (IUCN Red List) Bornean pygmy elephant. In continuing the strive to give back by hosting various charitable events, Club Vivanova founder Bradley Mitton has committed to developing a series of events with animal trainer and behaviourist, Katerina Pirelli.

Our Mission
The Borneo Wildlife Preservation (BWP) is a 501(c)(3) public charity, established in the United States and France by animal trainer and behaviourist, Katerina Pirelli. Our mission is to protect the endangered (IUCN Red List) Bornean pygmy elephant (Elephas maximus indicus/borneensis) from risk of extinction, preserve habitats and re-establish migration routes through land purchase and reforestation projects, as well as work on conservation with local communities, NGOs and oil palm plantations in Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia.

In partnership with local NGO, Borneo Conservation Trust and the Sabah Wildlife Department, we aim to aid and assist a dedicated elephant sanctuary BES (Borneo Elephant Sanctuary) within the Lower Kinabatangan Reserve. Currently we provide BES with baby formula and 800 kilos (per month) of nutrient rich food (bananas and sweet potatoes) , delivered twice a week as well as pay the salaries for 3 elephant keepers at Lok Kawi Wildlife Park.

Our Mission is delivered in alignment with the Elephant Action Plan (2020-2029) as proposed by the Sabah Wildlife Department, Danau Girang Field Centre, HUTAN and Project Seratu Aatai.

Potential Extinction - A Serious Problem
Bornean elephants are unique to Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. They occur in forested areas in the Lower Kinabatangan, Tabin and Central Sabah in the Danum Valley. They are genetically distinct from other Asian elephant species (Sharma & Goossens 2017) and estimated to be less than 1,200 in the wild.

In 2018 32 (reported) elephants have died and 2019 30 deaths were reported and this year is undetermined. They are dying from habitat fragmentation and loss, poaching, and illegal killing, snare trapping and illegal trade, human-elephant conflict as well as poor public awareness about the conservation needs for the species.

In 2013, 14 pygmy elephants were found dead, while many more from the same herd were suspected to have died as well in Gunang Rara Forest Reserve, in an area being cleared for plantations. Autopsies later revealed they were deliberately poisoned – the only surviving member of this herd was baby Joey (seen above) who now lives at Lok Kawi Wildlife Park.

Elephants in Captivity
There are currently 25 elephants in human care, 16 at Lok Kawi Zoo, 6 at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Facility, 3 at Borneo Elephant Sanctuary (BES).

Orphaned elephants are often found wandering in plantations without their mother or other members of the herd. Usually this is due to human elephant conflict as elephants are chased out of human populated areas with fire, firecrackers or tractors. In an effort to escape the conflict, and out of fear the herd will run off in haste and the babies can rarely keep up.

The situation for the Bornean elephants is now desperate.

Immediate ProjectOur primary objective is to raise funding for the development of a 4-acre Eco-Farm located alongside BES, the only elephant sanctuary in Borneo, where we plan to plant fruiting trees and grasses favoured by the elephants to create a sustainable food source. These elephants can eat up to 150 kilos of food per day and funding for food and supplements have been in very short supply to date.

Our project will provide employment opportunities for local community members, and BES will provide an educational space for raising awareness on elephant conservation and business opportunities for tourism and volunteer networks.

Construction of the elephant housing and play yard has already started with all permits for this site. It is projected to be complete by end of 2021.

The Borneo Elephant Sanctuary (BES) was launched by Datuk Masidi Manjun, Minister of Tourism Culture and Environment for the Sabah Government in September 2013. Borneo’s first and only Elephant Sanctuary is located at the entrance to the Lower Kinabatangan Landscape Corridor and will provide a refuge for displaced, injured and orphaned elephants be cared for, receive medical attention and be rehabilitated for possible future release.

Working in collaboration with the Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD) and NGO Borneo Conservation Trust (BCT), we (BWP) are fundraising to complete the design of the 4-acre eco-farm located on this property. This is a much-needed project as food is costly and always a concern. This will provide a long-term food source for the elephants.

The front of the sanctuary will be open to the public, providing income for future sustainability, with a large viewing area providing natural observation areas, information and education about the elephants.

Operations
Working alongside our partner, Borneo Conservation Trust (BCT), we are running regular visits to our project sites to monitor progress as well as coordination of visits with international guests and donors who are interested in local involvement and conservation efforts.

BWP currently operates via online fundraising, local and international events and good will. In August 2018 we commenced our first round of grant applications, these will be submitted on a rolling basis until suitable partners are found.

Board Members
Katerina Pirelli - President & Founder
Marcel Peters - Vice President & Elephant Traîner
Jennifer Nicholson - Associate Director
Patrick Zucchetta - Treasurer
DJ Weaver - Secretary

Team Members
Julia Riva - Development Coordinator
Rachel Bradley - Marketing Manager
Sabrina Czibor - Social Media Manager

Website