Life Arts & Travel

Despite attempted encroachments from the ever-popular luxury SUV, the luxury sedan still reigns in its class of automotive grandeur. Mercedes-Benz has long held the top spot with its matchless S-Class, but that doesn’t mean that others haven’t attempted a coup, including Lexus with its LS. If price is no object, buyers will probably stick with the inimitable Mercedes-Benz S-Class. But the less-expensive, feature-rich Lexus LS is worthy of careful consideration.

COVID-19 has dealt the global travel industry a heavy blow and has been merciless to the aviation industry. With passenger flights slashed by staggering percentages, large airlines are walking thin tightropes. However, segments of the industry are faring well, including the private-jet charter sector, which is finding that its unique blend of customized services is exactly what businesses and families are seeking during the pandemic—and likely will beyond it.

Dubai real estate regained its footing in 2019 and was off to the races as 2020 dawned. Then came a pandemic in March accompanied by lockdown measures, bringing much of the vibrant city to a halt. Dubai’s property market picked itself up more quickly than many other contenders and finished the year on a winning streak, but COVID-19 altered the must-have lists of buyers and renters of Dubai’s luxury property.

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.