SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011
SAVOUR FARE
The Phillips Collection celebrates one of its most famous paintings, Renoir’s "Luncheon of the Boating Party," by partnering with the elegant Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square (left) on a special weekend package through September. Guests can enjoy a multi-course, Renoir-inspired luncheon and tickets to the gallery. Rates from $330 per night. sofitel.com
MOORISH STYLE
The new Four Seasons Hotel Marrakech is an oasis in the middle of Morocco’s most vibrant city. A modern take on Moorish architecture, its pavilions are surrounded by pools, gardens and pathways. A lavish spa pampers guests
with body scrubs and massage. Rates from $470. fourseasons.com
ROAD TRIP
With a name that means “bend” or “shift” in French, Aston Martin’s Virage fills a niche between the carmaker’s DBS and DB9 models. Virage marries high performance with the comforts of a luxury ride. Its six-liter, V12 engine delivers 490 horsepower while interiors boast hand-stitched Bridge of Weir leather and a fully integrated satellite navigation system. From $209,995 at Aston Martin of Tysons Corner. astonmartin.com
TWO-WHEEL IT
As part of a sponsorship, BMW Group has handed over 400 of its bicycles
(in addition to a fleet of energy-efficient diesel-powered and electric cars) to the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games for use before and during next summer’s Olympics. Stateside, aspiring athletes can tool around on a BMW bike of their own. The BMW Cruise Bike boasts an aluminum frame, concealed cables and a cantilever brake. $1,199; shopbmwusa.com
SUPERIOR SOUND
The D-Premier amplifier by Devialet of Paris has won numerous accolades on both sides of the pond. Employing new hybrid amplification technology, it delivers unadulterated sound. We also like its sleek design. The 32-mm-thick amplifier made from a single aluminum casting can be hung vertically or horizontally and is controlled by a radio-linked remote. About $16,000. devialet.com
**Out of the array of interior design magazines, Home and Design magazine stands out as a primary idea source for luxury home designs and coverage of luxury living. Wonderful visuals of luxury getaways and dining options are combined with inspired decor to provide a fundamental reference point for bringing luxury to life in home interiors and beyond.
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