Ralph Lauren's first bar in London

Ralph’s Coffee & Bar is Ralph Lauren’s first dining destination in London and Mayfair’s new hotspot. Echoing the warm, sophisticated, club-like atmosphere of The Polo Bar in New York City, the café décor pays homage to Ralph Lauren’s trademark equestrian sensibilities. The interior features a brass-topped bar, saddle-leather banquettes, and equestrian-themed art hung against dark wood paneling and green billiard cloth.

After New York, Paris, and Chicago, London is the place where you can try the famous Ralph's Coffee, a custom blend roasted specifically for Ralph Lauren.

Source: ralphlauren.co.uk

DesignQ’s safari plane concept

The UK-based design firm has concocted the Explorer on behalf of BAE Systems (itself a global aerospace and defence company). The expansive layout gives guests room to manoeuvre, safe from any big cats that may be on the prowl. The interior includes space for a dining area, lounge, two staterooms and even crew quarters. This unique outdoor deck is the jet’s most stunning feature. It allows passengers to view the surrounding scenery without even disembarking. The deck is designed from a modified cargo door and can be deployed or stowed in a few minutes with the push of a button. Other features include a barbecue station, a marble-floor entryway, and a comprehensive equipped office. Thanks to the four jet engines located higher up on the wings, the ABJ is able to alight on grass, gravel, or even sand airstrips, opening up more locations for travellers to explore.

“The Avro Business Jet ‘Explorer’ concept represents a bold and innovative approach to aircraft interiors. It is the first of four concepts that Design Q developed for BAE Systems with the intention of developing the ABJ. Each of these will build on the unique elements of the aircraft to deliver a range of exceptional interiors for different VIP aircraft market segments.”

Source: dotwnews.com

ICEHOTEL - 365 Winter Days

All lovers of winter brace yourself. The winter has come and its planning to stay for 365 days with  Icehotel. Sweden’s Icehotel 365 is cool (take that as literally as you want) new twist on a frosty winter wonderland. Located in Jukkasjärvi, Swedish Lapland just 200 km north of the Arctic Circle the 2,100 square meter property features 20 suites, an ice bar that serves champagne and drinks, as well as an ice gallery – all created out of snow and ice by select artists from around the globe. 30,000 liters of water from Torne River were transformed into snow and several tonnes of ice have been harvested from the river to create both parts of Icehotel.

Source: luxurylaunches.com

Photo: Asaf Kliger/icehotel.com

Olympian skiing at L’Apogée Courchevel

This winter, guests of L’Apogée have the opportunity to explore the famous Three Valleys of Courchevel, Méribel, and Val Thorens, with three-time Olympian Florence Masnada. Three-, six-, or nine-night ski packages are available March 12-30, 2017, and can be tailored to all ability levels.

Guests will stay in a Prestige room, Junior Suite, or Suite at the chic, slopeside L’Apogée hotel. After a morning warmup workout, Masnada will lead private groups on ski excursions, providing pointers on techniques for powder skiing and ski touring. Ski-specific nutrition tips and post-ski stretches proceed après ski cocktails.

Source: departures.com

Claridge's Christmas tree by Apple

With Christmas just weeks away, it’s time to start thinking about setting up your Christmas tree! And if it’s inspiration you need, look no further than Claridge’s annual display of festive decadence. The Claridge’s Hotel is known for their fantastic trees (last year’s tree was created by Burberry!) and they are staying true to their tradition of excellence by seeing out Apple Chief Design Officer Jony Ive and industrial designer Marc Newson to collaborate over this year’s tree.

As of now, the project is completely under wraps and we’re as much in the dark as anyone else as to what the tree will look like – or even what it may be made up of! We can speculate that the design is likely to be super sleek and futuristic, perhaps it may even incorporate some innovative technology, but our guess is as good as anyone’s.

We’ll be in suspense for a while because the tree won’t be unveiled until the 18th of November, after which it will be open for public viewing. So if you’re in London next month, you know where to go for epic Christmas tree inspo!

Source: Luxurylaunches.com

Qatar Airways' posh, new amenity kits

Qatar Airways, in partnership with Giorgio Armani, has launched its newly designed range of luxurious Giorgio Armani Fragrances and Beauty amenity kits, available to First Class passengers on select A380 flights.

Designed exclusively for Qatar Airways, the First Class amenity kits are designed in timeless black, the signature colour of Giorgio Armani, and feature golden accents reflecting the latest Giorgio Armani Fall-Winter 2016-2017 collection.Ladies travelling with Qatar Airways will receive a stylish Giorgio Armani Fragrances and Beauty amenity kit that doubles up as make-up or jewellery bag post-flight, while gentlemen will be given a smart travel bag made with a ribbed fabric that reflects the latest trends in male style and luxury. Whether travelling for business or leisure, passengers will find the amenity kits meet both their in-flight and post-flight needs.

Source: Qatar Airways

Winter Villa Escape in Beautiful Tuscany

This winter, Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, the bucolic Tuscan resort founded by Massimo and Chiara Ferragamo, will give guests the opportunity to stay at the estate for the first time ever during the colder months with the Winter Villa Escape. Available from November 27 to April 12, the Winter Villa Escape offers guests a tranquil retreat in one of the property’s ten luxury villas, providing a new, intimate way to experience the beauty of Tuscany during the off season.

Located in the scenic UNESCO World Heritage Site of Val d’Orcia, the resort’s luxury villas are restored 17th and 18th century farmhouses, offering artisanal furnishings and modern comforts, including full-service kitchens, Tuscan-style fireplaces and accommodations that can sleep up to twelve guests. Ideal for romantic getaways and large family gatherings alike, the Winter Villa Escape includes a curated collection of immersive programming and ultra-luxurious services.

Read more: luxurytravelmagazine.com