Life Arts & Travel

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.

The future has arrived in the form of two electric sports cars, the Lotus Evija and the Pininfarina Battista, that have raced into the outer limits of electric-car production. These two hyper-cars break records as if they were match sticks. Supercar enthusiasts will love the power, the handling, the sheer speed but may miss some of what made sports cars fun: the sounds and smells of revving monstrous internal-combustion engines.

The Southeast Asian island city-state of Singapore may be comparatively small in size but is mighty in influence, universally recognized as a global financial centre. Due to its esteemed status, it’s not surprising that its luxury real estate is popular among high-net-worth investors. Some of the most desirable properties in the Orchard Road area, at the heart of the city’s retail and accommodation activity, are showcased in our real-estate feature.

The Germans and Italians are at it again, vying for the top spot on not only the Nurburgring but in the hearts of luxury-supercar aficionados. The Mercedes-AMG GT R Pro and Ferrari F8 Tributo both eat up any surface they touch and are characterized more by their similarities than differences. It’s a toss-up as to which one makes the most rewarding investment for anyone wealthy enough to purchase the ultimate sports car.

The Middle East, in which numerous ancient civilizations and religions were born, is guaranteed to provide unlimited sight-seeing opportunities for lucky travellers. Fortunately, there are a number of luxury boutique hotels with all of the modern comforts to enjoy while visiting this history-soaked region—in fact, they are destinations in themselves! Take a peek inside some of the Cradle of Civilization’s classiest accommodations before making your choice.

Wealth and opulence are synonymous with Dubai, so it’s not surprising that the city’s real estate is pure luxury. Dubai has made a name by setting new records, from constructing the world’s tallest building to longest indoor ski slope, and its real estate matches that spirit of innovation. Whether you want to make a permanent home in this Middle Eastern trade hub or an exceptional investment, the Dubai market offers unrivaled opportunities.