Life Arts & Travel

Grand tourer sports cars with powerful V12 engines are as rare as fine gold in today’s vehicle marketplace but are worth the hunt for those seeking commanding, lavish sets of wheels that can conquer long distances effortlessly. The Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate and Ferrari 812 Competizione define this exclusive space, but each is distinct.

The remoteness of the world’s southernmost country, Chile, doesn’t mean it has escaped any luxuries. This narrow strip of land abounds with opportunities to scale mountains, track wildlife or reflect while overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Travellers’ wildest dreams can be satisfied at any of the three opulent resorts in our travel feature.

Premium real estate tops wealthy buyers’ investment lists. The Algarve in Portugal is popular for permanent homes and investment properties due to its pleasing climate, tourism, quality of life, safety and stability, infrastructure and low living costs. With demand dwarfing supply, finding an available property is the biggest challenge.

A luxury supercar costing a quarter of a million dollars should be kept on paved roads. Or should it? The Porsche 911 Dakar and Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato have successfully created a new segment in the supercar market. These off-road masters are designed for adventure and equipped to challenge the world’s most rugged and rough terrains.

For those wanting to escape the demands of daily life, an exclusive vacation on an Indian Ocean island with all the amenities one can dream up is the perfect solution. Thanda Island Private Marine Reserve, near the Tanzanian coast, specialises in providing its fortunate guests with private luxury vacations that have a positive impact.

The Caribbean island nation of Barbados is rich in natural treasures and a perennially popular destination for property buyers. If the market is suppressed, it is on the supply side, as few owners fully exit it. The benefits of owning a slice of this tropical paradise have persuaded many of the world’s wealthiest investors to act quickly.

Catering to the ultra-wealthy, the superyacht market demand for these opulent pleasure vessels is on the upswing—as are requests for private getaways to the world’s most exotic places. A few of the trends guiding the industry in 2023 include growing interest in eco-friendly features, technological conveniences and remote adventures.

Dubai, the United Arab Emirates’ most populous city, is witnessing a real estate boom due to three main factors: an increase in branded off-plan residences, prestigious beachfront communities attracting wealthy buyers, with demand exceeding supply; and holidaymakers flocking in to enjoy the amenities and proximity to major events.

The Range Rover Sport and Porsche Cayenne Coupe combine the benefits of the practical SUV with the performance of the blistering sports car in extravagant, high-powered vehicles, some models incorporating hybrid electric-vehicle technologies. Which machine achieves their shared goal best? The answer may depend on the driver’s preferences.

Monaco, the enchanting city-state on the French Riviera, possesses the world’s most expensive property market. Home of Monte Carlo, the Monaco Grand Prix and famous landmarks, Monaco also offers an agreeable tax system. Whether in the market to buy or rent, investors with the financial means cannot go wrong investing in Monaco real estate.