Life Arts & Travel

Although COVID-19 has devastated many industries, real estate is not one of them in many countries, including Canada. Buyers are vying for limited inventory, including of second-home properties in more rural settings as remote-work arrangements allow them to live anywhere with an internet connection. The Agency takes us on a tour of some of the most desirable available luxury properties in the cities and suburbs of Ontario and British Columbia.

Prime Central London has long been a target for investors seeking a combination of luxury, culture, history and access to all London offers. Despite various uncertainties, London properties define the word prime, with some catering to those who yearn for the best of both worlds: green spaces yet still urban. For the buyer who can afford it, an apartment in the heart of London is guaranteed to bring multiple returns.

What does BMW, the German maker of the ultimate driving machine, have in common with its British subsidiary Rolls-Royce, creator of the extreme-luxury grand sedan? These opulent-vehicle manufacturers are the star players in the full-size luxury SUV category. Although you can buy several BMW X7s for the price of one Rolls-Royce Cullinan, each of these extravagant vehicles is guaranteed to provide the ride of a lifetime for the whole family.

Given the opportunity, who wouldn’t want to own a piece of a tropical paradise? As Ian Hurdle of the world-famous The Agency explains, real estate in the Caribbean continues to be as hot as some of those sultry summer days. With 7,000 islands exuding natural beauty, the Caribbean offers plenty of choices. What are the best options for the international investor yearning for the perfect slice of this delicious pie?

Children are a wonderful addition to any family, but kids and travel don’t often mix. Imagine finding a corner of the world with panoramic ocean views, glistening beaches and top-notch resorts that spare no amenity but actually welcome children! The concept is as breathtaking as the magnificent visual scenes in The Algarve, Portugal. So, pack your bags and the kids, and head to Portugal for a family-filled, gratifying luxury holiday.

Los Angeles, the City of Angels, is where things happen, including the biggest sales dollarwise in the history of real estate. Why does this particular piece of geography continue to attract so much high-end buyer interest? Is it the temperate climate, the ocean, the celebrities? David Parnes and James Harris of the famous The Agency offer their opinions on where this one-of-a-kind market sits now and where it is headed.

When it comes to producing midsize luxury sedans, Germany wins hands down. The only unanswered question regarding the 2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and 2019 BMW 5 Series contestants is which one of the two tops the executive-saloon category. In our car feature, we examine the specs in detail but leave to the reader the final decision of which vehicle will give its new owner the best value for a luxury-vehicle price.

Humans have expressed their creativity through art since the world’s beginnings, and to many connoisseurs, viewing as many art treasures as possible is a must for any trip. If the thought of staying in art boutique hotels that showcase stirring first-rate artwork while catering to other requirements—such as sumptuous accommodations and delectable food and drink—thrills you, don’t miss our tour of inspiring art boutique hotels around the world.

Monaco, the iconic microstate on the French Riviera, is distinguished for its properties, including claiming the world’s densest population per square kilometre, with a large number of residents qualifying as millionaires. Monaco is a beloved destination for the jet-setting elite but also cherished as a place to call home—if one can find an available home to purchase! In our feature, a few residential opportunities for high-income buyers are showcased.

When stress and tension overwhelm us, it’s natural to seek an escape hatch. In this month’s travel feature, we take you on a tour of wellness retreats around the globe that unapologetically combine luxury accommodations with the most effective techniques of this world to soothe the inner self. Travelling from the Swiss Alps to private Cambodian islands, this jaunt covers the cream of the crop of self-indulgent spa sanctuaries.