Luxury Lifestyle

Many people believe that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was the most significant musical genius to have ever lived. His more than 800 compositions, which included concertos, symphonies, and operas, helped to define the classical age and served as an inspiration to composers such as Tchaikovsky and Beethoven. Even now, performances of his music can be found all over the world. Mozart, a young maestro, began writing pieces at the age of five and his first symphony at the age of eight. He performed for royalty while touring Europe with his family. He was named court concertmaster in Salzburg in 1769 when he turned 13. He would later serve for other royal clients, including Emperor Joseph II, before going out on his own as an independent.
At 35, Mozart passed away in 1791 after becoming ill during the world premiere of his opera La Clemenza di Tito. Some of his most beloved compositions, such as the opera The Magic Flute and his Requiem, which he was unable to complete before his death, were created during his fruitful final year.

Count Franz von Walsegg of Schloss Stuppach in Salzburg, Austria commissioned Mozart’s last composition. The bidding for this historic castle, one of the few in lower Austria still privately owned, will be open until December 14 at Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions in New York. A price of 12 million euros was previously offered for the palace. Known as “Mozart’s Last Castle,” the building now houses multiple other companies and a top-notch performance venue. The property acquisition includes access to the experience theatre, club salon, concert program, and castle shop.

With some partial renovations in the 15th and 17th centuries, the castle has a complex history that begins at least in 1130. The officer in charge of the castle defied the Nazi orders to blow it up in 1945 so that it wouldn’t fall into Soviet hands, and the castle survived. Its architecture, which incorporates aspects of medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque styles, reflects the several eras in which it was built. The exquisite four-story home is encircled by a beautifully designed park featuring ornate gardens and historic trees.

The old house has rare treasures throughout. The 50 rooms of the castle offer a variety of leisure areas, including a formal dining room, two halls, a movie theatre, and a library. The estate also has a dungeon and the Renaissance-style Requiem chapel. Along with Mozart, other well-known guests of the castle include Emperor Franz Stephan of Lothringen, Napoleon Bonaparte, Franz Schubert, Pope Pius VI, and Princess Isabelle von Bourbon-Parma.

The Austrian village of Gloggnitz is home to Schloss Stuppach. The region has a wealth of historical sites and several Gothic and Baroque architecture. It’s conveniently located—a rail or automobile ride from Vienna takes only about an hour. Vienna, sometimes called the “City of Music,” has a rich and lengthy history of classical music, opera, and theatre. Mozart resided in the city for much of his career, married at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and was interred in the St. Marx Cemetery. Numerous monuments, a museum, and the composer’s surviving apartment testify to the composer’s close relationship with Austria’s energetic city.

The auction will be held by Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions. Photos: Thomas Meyer Photography provided by Concierge Auctions.

Source: www.conciergeauctions.com

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As I stepped off the helicopter, the overwhelming beauty of the Okavango Delta unfolded beneath me. It was a visual symphony of nature, a place where dreams met reality. My journey with andBeyond in Botswana had begun, and I was about to embark on an adventure that would awaken the eight-year-old boy in me, living out his Indiana Jones and Jungle Book fantasies.

The first awe-inspiring moment came swiftly. As our safari vehicle approached a secluded thicket, a majestic pride of lions emerged from the shadows. Their golden coats glistened in the African sun, and I could hardly believe I was this close to these magnificent creatures. The wild echoed with the sound of their soft roars, a memory etched in my mind forever.

The surprises kept coming. From my room, perched amidst the lush foliage, I gazed out at a private plunge pool that overlooked the delta. There, like guardian spirits of the wilderness, a group of elephants gracefully strolled by. I watched in silent wonder, feeling as if I had a front-row seat to an intimate gathering of Earth’s most majestic beings.

Safari journeys are honest conversations between your adult self and your inner child. As I ventured deeper into the wilderness, I saw hippos with their young, their bulbous forms gently gliding through the delta’s channels. Zebras raced with the wind, their black and white stripes creating a mesmerizing pattern as cheetahs pursued them. It was as if I had stepped into the pages of a storybook, living the tales of my childhood imagination.

But it wasn’t just the wildlife that left me in awe. The Okavango Delta gifted us with glorious deep orange sunsets that painted the sky in vivid, breathtaking hues. It was as if the heavens themselves were putting on a show, a daily reminder of nature’s unparalleled artistry.

My home during this journey was andBeyond Sandibe, a lodge that seamlessly blended with the natural world around it. Inspired by the elusive pangolin, the architecture of the lodge was a harmonious union of contemporary design and African authenticity. The rooms, reminiscent of weaver’s nests, were nestled in the treetops, providing panoramic views of the delta. I felt like a bird perched high in the branches, my own personal eyrie to observe the theater of the wild.

The game drives led by our guides were nothing short of remarkable. Their deep knowledge of the land, as well as their uncanny ability to track the animals, added a layer of excitement and connection to the experience. Every outing felt like a treasure hunt, with each encounter revealing a new and captivating chapter of the delta’s story.

What truly set andBeyond Sandibe apart was the warm embrace of the staff and chefs. They made me feel not like a guest, but like a cherished member of the family. Their dedication to hospitality and their passion for the natural world resonated in every smile and every dish they prepared. It was a feeling of being at home, albeit in the heart of the wilderness.

In this land of visual wonders, where our memories are drawn from what we see, andBeyond Sandibe was a masterpiece of sight, sound, and sensation. It was an adventure that left me forever changed and inspired. I encourage every traveler, every storyteller, and every adventurer to experience Botswana with andBeyond Sandibe. This, without a doubt, must be on everyone’s bucket list. As a seasoned traveler, I can confidently say that andBeyond Sandibe ranks among my top five must-experience destinations in the world. It’s a place where the line between reality and dreams blurs, where the spirit of adventure thrives, and where the wild calls to the inner child in all of us.

For more luxury travel reads and recommendations, click here.

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You can transform a vacation by paying for a series of luxury upgrades along the way. This completely reinvents your experience and can turn it into the best holiday of your life. Some luxury upgrades are arguably not worth purchasing, but here are some you should definitely think about paying for: 

Fast-Track Airport Security

There once was a time when you could stroll through airports without worrying about long security queues. Sadly, this isn’t the case anymore and you’re usually arriving 3 hours ahead of time just to make sure you’re not stuck waiting to pass through the scanners. 

That’s where the first luxury upgrade comes into play: fast-track airport security. 

Most airports give the option to pay money and get sent through a semi-private security area. You bypass all the queues and can be through in minutes. It’s not an overly expensive service either, but to be honest, you’d pay pretty much anything to dodge the long lines. 

Airport Lounge Services

All airports will have lounges that provide private areas for people to wait for their flights. They offer a lovely quiet area that’s free from the hustle and bustle of normal airport life. Instead of frantically trying to find something to eat or fighting a hundred people for the last seat, you stroll into a lounge and enjoy luxury home comforts. 

Some of the best airport lounges are truly luxurious and extremely comfortable. Many offer fine dining options while a few even provide hot showers! Almost every airport lounge will be accessible if you pay for it. Most of the time, you gain access by having certain perks – like an American Express card or first-class flight tickets. But if you don’t have these, speak to someone at the lounge and they’ll state the fee for entry. 

It’s well worth it to get a moment’s peace before you jet off. There are few things worse than pre-flight stress in an airport. Lounges let you hide from all of this and get a far more enjoyable experience. 

Improved Tickets

Some flights will have various ticket options to choose from. Across the world, most airlines will provide economy, premium economy, business, and first-class tickets. If you hate being crammed together with loads of people or can’t stand screaming babies on your flight, you need to upgrade to a better seat class. 

The more you pay, the better the travel experience. First-class seats usually offer the most space, quiet cabins, and constant food service. A few of the best first-class tickets in the world also provide free gifts you can take home with you! 

Of all the luxury upgrades on our list, this is probably the most worthwhile. Especially if you’re on a long-haul flight and will be sitting in the same place for 5+ hours. It’s a horrible experience doing this in the economy, so upgrading to business or first class reduces loads of stress. Think of it this way, it’s an opportunity to get your holiday off on the right foot, rather than landing and having so much stress hanging over you already. 

Also, as touched upon above, first-class tickets come with other perks. The main one is access to VIP airport lounges in some airports. Instead of paying separately to enter the lounge, your ticket will give you access. 

Early Boarding 

What happens if better ticket classes aren’t available? This is often the case for shorter flights on smaller aircraft. If you only have one ticket option, the next best luxury upgrade is to get early boarding. The majority of airlines will offer early boarding alongside more spacious seats, despite only having the capacity for one seat class. 

Here, you at least get to board the plane before everyone else and bypass the mad rush. You’ll be seated with your bags stowed while everyone else stresses out trying to find overhead luggage space. 

For us, this is an essential upgrade on any family vacation. Getting you and your kids aboard the flight before everyone else helps you settle down and have easy access to your bags. 

Private Transfers

After flying to your destination, you get off the plane and pass through border control. You collect your luggage and have to find your way to the hotel or resort you’re staying in. This is where another vital luxury upgrade helps make the vacation much more satisfying. Avoid busy public transport or smelly cabs by upgrading to a private chauffeur service. You’ll receive a personal driver in a comfortable car that takes you directly to where you need to be. 

In all honesty, you can get as fancy as you want here. Some private transfer services provide nice minivans while the more expensive ones are limousines. It’s entirely up to you, but the point is that you can relax in the back seat and enjoy an effortless journey to your final destination. 

Likewise, begin your vacation with a private transfer from your house to the airport. Again, you don’t have to get any public transport or worry about finding a parking space for your car. It starts the whole experience in a positive way. 

Private Pools

It’s highly recommended to book a hotel room with a private pool. Or, you could book a villa with its own pool. Either way, this is an underrated luxury upgrade. You no longer have to go down to the communal pool and hope there are sun loungers free. You can relax in your own private space and have nothing to worry about. 

This is one of those upgrades you think is excessive, but once you’ve experienced it you realize it’s hard to go back. You want privacy while on vacation as you’re trying to relax. A private pool gives you fewer things to stress about! 

You’ll notice all of these upgrades tackle different stages of your vacation. Some deal with the initial transfer to the airport, and then you’re making the airport experience far more enjoyable. After this, you’re getting a better flying experience before being transferred to your hotel with no worries. Here, you get to enjoy the most luxurious vacation with a private room and pool. Honestly, what more could you wish for from a holiday?!

For more luxury travel reads, click here.

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It was all smiles as celebrities, models, musicians and entrepreneurs descended to the heart of Bangkok to celebrate the launch of the Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter in Thailand. In a dazzling display of cultural fusion and modern flair, the grand opening was graced by celebrities and punctuated by a fashion showcase of unrivalled creativity, celebrating the new “Beyond Silk” ethos. This destination is now poised to draw visitors from across the globe, setting a new standard for flair and ingenuity in the heart of Thailand.

The spectacular opening saw the attendance of several renowned Thai celebrities, including Pruk “Zee” Panich, Chawarin “Nunew” Perdpiriyawong, Thitiya “Baipor” Jirapornsilp, Jumpol “Off” Adulkittiporn, Atthaphan “Gun” Phunsawat and Vasin “Ko” Assawanarunat. Also among the guests were top management from Central Group, King Power, One Bangkok and Siam Piwat. However, it was the fashion show that formed the centrepiece of the event.

42 captivating looks were unveiled, each establishing a new benchmark for sartorial creativity and sophistication. The Jim Thompson collection showcased a versatile range, bridging the gap between relaxed beachwear and the sophistication of everyday wear for work or travel.

The highlight was the dramatic reveal of the last look – “Look 42” – a testament to the enduring innovation, artistry, and heritage that Jim Thompson is celebrated for. The show’s pinnacle look paid homage to regal sophistication with the Ikat Silk/Metallic Jacquard Gown, inspired by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s iconic Thai silk gown. The showstopper gown was a masterful rendition of Jim Thompson’s exquisite metallic and golden silk fabrics, offering a modern take on Thai tradition for the discerning aesthete. Accompanying the fashion show was an artful selection of songs which chronicled the company’s journey since the 1950s — each emblematic of its era, deeply connected to key moments in the brand’s history and to its founder, Mr. Thompson. 

Read More: Jim Thompson Solidifies Brand Expansion Plans into Asia With Bangkok Grand Opening

Frank Cancelloni, Group CEO at Jim Thompson, reflected on the event’s success, stating, “The grand opening of the Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter was a celebration of our heritage and a declaration of our future. It represents a pivotal moment as we embark on our mission to become Asia’s first iconic global lifestyle brand. We are proud to showcase Thailand’s rich cultural tapestry to the world through our diverse offerings.

Read More: Jim Thompson Debuts the Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter

Culinary artistry was at the forefront with a menu designed by the executive chef of Jim Thompson, A Thai Restaurant offering an array of signature dishes. The O.S.S. Bar showcased its celebrated mixologists with meticulously crafted drinks. These unique epicurean experiences not only showcased the brand’s unwavering dedication to delivering exquisite dining experience but also set the stage for an unforgettable after party held at The Moonlight Hall, featuring a line-up of DJs and the admired Thai band – Nisatiwa.

Read More: Binance Charity Foundation Supports the inaugural Jim Thompson Elephant NFTs in Celebration of World Elephant Day on August 12

This was instrumental as the culinary landscape at Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter promises to become a food connoisseur’s paradise. Jim Thompson, A Thai Restaurant, has undergone a vibrant transformation, aiming to become a cornerstone of modern Thai cuisine with its creative menu offering an inventive twist to classic flavours through an enticing à la carte menu.

Read More: Binance NFT celebrates Elephant Day with inaugural Jim Thompson NFTs

This new lifestyle quarter provides a dynamic space where history, art, culture, cuisine and retail experience converge, reflecting Jim Thompson’s vision of crafting a global destination that celebrates the essence of Thai heritage and modernity.

The success of Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter’s grand opening has set the stage for the brand to continue its evolution as a leader in the global lifestyle sector with this new venture as a vibrant lifestyle destination, drawing both international and domestic tourists to the heart of Thailand. 

For more the lastest in luxury and business, click here.

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The decision by OpenAI’s board of directors to sacrifice OpenAI’s founder and chief executive officer Sam Altman as CEO only to reinstate him four days later, speaks volumes about how the people that govern the rapidly evolving field of generative AI prioritise commercial success over humanitarian morals. The reasoning of Altman’s firing was reported to be that Altman “was not consistently candid in his communications” and that the board “no longer had confidence in his ability to continue leading OpenAI”. Following Altman’s ousting, hundreds of OpenAI employees, including co-founder and board member Ilya Sutskever, signed a letter demanding that remaining board members resign or they would leave.

Read More: AI Start-Up Rakes In $141 Million In Investment For AI Funding

According to The Economist, there was speculation that Altman was moving too quickly to expand OpenAI’s commercial offerings without adequately considering the safety implications. However, Altman has previously expressed concern for OpenAI’s safety stating “I think if this technology goes wrong, it can go quite wrong and we want to be vocal about that. We want to work with the goverment to prevent that from happening and we try to be very clear-eyed about what the down-side case is and the work we have to do to mitigate that”. 

The Silicon Valley Shake-Up

The initial firing of Altman represents a larger shake-up in Silicon Valley between two camps of people. The “Doomers” which prefer open-sourced software and calls on AI regulation as opposed the “Boomers” who are comprised of technology optimists and opt for closed-sourced or propriety software. The afrementioned AI regulations are based on safety but would also make it harder for new companies to break into the industry and therefore protect the investments of “Doomers”. Sam Altman who was (and is) the human face of generative AI particularly since the release of ChatGPT in 2022, was able to steer the line between these two camps of people.

Read More: Opinion: Lil Miquela & The Fall of the AI influencer

Win-Win Scenario at Microsoft

Here is where Microsoft comes in. After Sam Altman’s initial firing, the softwear visionary was initially welcomed into microsoft along with the employees who had threatened to leave following his ousting. At a valuation of USD 29 Billion, Microsoft who owns 49 percent of OpenAI has invested more than USD 10 billion into OpenAI since 2019, so had Altman joined Microsoft it was initially suspected he would, Microsoft would have retained both their licencing rights with OpenAI alongside their relationship with Altman and a slew of reseachers and engineers to lead a new advanced AI research team. The Financial Times reports that Microsoft is still hoping for governance changes that could give it a say in how the company is run.

The Future of Governance

The intial conceptualisation of Open AI was to create a non-profit artificial intelligence set-up that would design open source software and attempt to counter Google’s growing dominance in the field. Moving forward we can expect to see not only new releases but the pace at which AI technology is released from OpenAI. Investors and goverments will be looking into the governance mechanisms set in place by these firms due to their rapid growth in the last few years alone. According to the Financial Times, analysts have suggested that OpenAI will be hit by the week’s events, with rival groups Google and Amazon representing strong and stable challengers in the race to offer generative artificial intelligence services to businesses and consumers. It will be up to Altman to monitor the complex governance arrangements in which a not-for-profit board oversees a for-profit company and clear the path for a simpler corporate structure moving forward.

What About The Rest of Us?

The right to AI’s control and goverance will arguably have the biggest impact on the public. For one instance, the use of AI-influenced autonomous weapons. Take the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine or Israel and Palestine as an example. Autonomous weapons are pre-programmed to a specific target. AI searches for that “target profile” using sensor data like facial recognition. When the weapon encounters someone (or something) the algorithm perceives to match its target profile, it fires and kills. This has the potential to become a global security threat as it is not monitored by human judgement and elimiates the accountability of those who yeild the autonomous weapons.

Outside of war, we are only starting to see regulation regarding the use of deepfakes and the misinformation and malicious content that comes alongside it. Financial penalties are still a far cry from preventing its potential manipulate public opinion alongside more nuainced issues like financial fraud and revenge porn. However, there is yet to be a federal criminal law or legislation against deepfakes in the United States.

Perhaps the select few in control should go back to the board’s purpose of creating AI that “benefits all of humanity” over its desire for profit and the battle for AI dominance.

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Lagardère Group today announced that Heart Media Group has been appointed as the new licensing partner for ELLE Singapore from January 1 2024 onwards. This move aims at further strengthening the position of ELLE as one of the largest international women’s fashion, luxury and lifestyle media brands in Singapore. The announcement was made by ELLE International Licenses CEO François Coruzzi and CEO of Heart Media Group Olivier Burlot. 

François Coruzzi shared, “This new venture with Heart Media Group, a solid and trustworthy partner, will enable to push further the development of ELLE as a 360° brand in Singapore. I am confident that ELLE’s universal values, fashion, beauty, culture, society, and lifestyle unique point of view and high-quality journalism will continue to inspire women in Singapore and resonate with them.

ELLE was launched in Singapore in 1993 and the brand’s platforms now include print, digital, social and live events.

“We are excited to bring ELLE Singapore into our portfolio, enabling us to expand Heart Media’s offerings and meet the market demand for international and high-quality brands aimed specifically at women,” said Burlot. “We will create content across print and digital and – by leveraging our extensive database of our audience in Singapore – offer plenty of unique and engaging event opportunities for our brand partners.”

Producing the highest-quality content, ELLE Singapore will further enrich the consumer experience with a host of daily-updated multimedia channels on Fashion, Jewellery & Watches, Beauty, Culture, Celebrities, Features, Travel, Décor and Food. ELLE Singapore’s online presence will continue to share the signature brand essence and ELLE.com.sg to be powered by a multi-talented editorial team that will produce daily news, reviews, tips, how-to

guides and interviews through contemporary language, videos, photos, infographics and images. 

“ELLE Singapore is for intelligent women who love to be stylish in everything aspect of their life while being actor of the society” said Burlot. “We are focused on further scaling a multi-channel brand and have attracted top talent from across the industry to help us usher in the newest chapter of this iconic brand.” 

The first issue of ELLE Singapore launched under Heart Media will be the March 2024 issue.

About the ELLE Network

ELLE is the Number One Female Media Brand in the world. The ELLE network today,
including France and the international editions, reaches 32 million readers worldwide: 45
editions of ELLE in 42 countries, 25 editions of ELLE Decoration, six editions of ELLE àTable, two editions of ELLE Men. It also represents 47 ELLE local websites, gathering almost 100 million unique visitors per month.

About Lagardère Group

Lagardère Group, owner of the ELLE & ELLE Decoration brands, partners with prestigious
publishing houses worldwide, through license contracts: – With Hearst Magazines, publishing
12 editions of ELLE and 10 editions of ELLE Decoration, in 12 countries – With CMI, Burda, Aller and 25 other partners in 31 countries, publishing 33 editions of ELLE and 15 editions of ELLE Decoration.

Lagardère Group is a world leader in the publication, production, transmission, and
distribution of content, whose powerful brands leverage their virtual and physical networks to
attract and enjoy targeted audiences.

More at: www.elleinternational.com

About Heart Media Group

Heart Media Group established in Singapore in 1997 produces Digital Media, Print Media
and Events reaching Affluent Consumers and HNWI across Asia. Heart Media’s forte is in
Fashion, Beauty, Watches, Supercars, Yachts, Art and Real Estate. Over 460 Brands trust
the Heart Media digital and print platform on a regular basis, including the biggest names in
luxury and high-end lifestyle.

With Offices, Databases and a Presence in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Saigon, Bangkok,
Jakarta, Hong Kong and Shanghai, Heart Media is regarded as one of Asia’s most influential
Media House when speaking directly to affluent consumers (all media combined, the monthly
reach exceeds 4.6 million consumers on a monthly basis). More at www.heart-media.com

Contacts:
Wilson Lim, Heart Media Group, Associate Publisher, wilson@heart-media.com
Dylan Heng, Heart Media Group, GM Sales & Marketing, dylan@heart-media.com

For more on the latest in fashion and business, click here. 

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It was all smiles as celebrities, models, musicians and entrepreneurs descended to the heart of Bangkok to celebrate the lauch of the Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter in Thailand. This was no ordinary opening however as the landmark grand launch marked a milestone for the Jim Thompson brand in establishing its presence as one of Asia’s first global lifestyle brands and in doing so, expanding its influence across fashion, hospitality, and home furnishings sectors with innovative consumer engagement strategies. 

Under the leadership of Frank Cancelloni, group CEO at Jim Thompson, The Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter is positioning itself as a retail destination with Thailand as its first step in an ongoing multimillion-dollar investment strategy to ascend as one of Asia’s latest cultural and lifestyle destinations. Heritage Quarter is but an extension of already established spaces including within the realm of art and culture with the Jim Thompson House Museum, the vibrant Jim Thompson Art Center and the Museum About the Man which dedicated exhibition honoring the brand’s founder Jim Thompson. The Jim Thompson House Museum has already been recognised as one of Bangkok’s top five tourist attractions, earning itself a spot in the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for 2022. 

Read More: Jim Thompson Debuts the Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter

As for fashion, there is the The Evolving World of Jim Thompson Textiles which is a permanent exhibition while the hospitality industry is represented by The Iconic Store, an expansive hospitality complex centered around Jim Thompson followed by A Thai Restaurant. The restaurant is complemented by The O.S.S. Bar, The O.S.S. Room for afternoon tea, Jim’s Terrace for tapas and Silk Café for casual dining, and the multipurpose event space named the Moonlight Hall. The Heritage Quarter comes in as a pivotal step in Jim Thompson’s journey to reinforce its identity as an within Asia’s lifestyle sector. The Heritage Quarter serves as a testament to the brand’s “Beyond Silk” vision, encompassing its expansion into the realms of fashion, home furnishings, and hospitality while differenciating James H.W. Thompson as the proclaimed “Thai Silk King”, a narrative Thompson received from his role in shaping the Thai silk industry and his renowned art collection. 

Read More: Binance Charity Foundation Supports the inaugural Jim Thompson Elephant NFTs in Celebration of World Elephant Day on August 12

Jim Thompson’s global reach extends beyond the operation of its three factories in Thailand, encompassing a network of retail stores, home furnishings showrooms, distributors and restaurants, consolidating the brand’s international presence. This broad reach is epitomised by the Heritage Quarter, designed to serve an audience that ranges from local patrons to international visitors, thus reinforcing Jim Thompson’s status as a prominent feature in Thailand’s prime tourism destinations. In alignment with its international expansion, Jim Thompson is forging key partnerships and collaborations with Panpuri Wellness, Thai Airways, emerging Thai artists and designers, as well as upcoming partnerships with international brands. Bangkok was not the only major city in their sights. Recent years has seen Jim Thompson has revitalise its retail presence in tourist destinations including Pattaya, Phuket and Chiang Mai.

Read More: Binance NFT celebrates Elephant Day with inaugural Jim Thompson NFTs

While the brand’s founder Jim Thompson’s disappearance may remain to be one of Southeast Asia’s most intriguing unsolved mysteries, the legacy and growth ahead of the Jim Thompson empire with the guidance and vision of Frank Cancelloni is far less ominous.

For more the lastest in luxury and business, click here.

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Finishing off the year is Whisky Journey 2023. Held on the 1st and 2nd of December at Marina Bay Sands, Whisky Journey gears up for its most extravagant showcase yet. The two-day will host 30 prestigious exhibitors, featuring over 300 distinctive whiskies and expressions. With complimentary tastings from participating booths, visitors can partake in an array of whiskies at unbeatable prices. Delights like the highly sought-after Currach Single Malt Irish Whiskey or the Atlantic Kombu Cask, you’ll get to traverse the world of spirits.

For spirit aficionados and novices alike, we present what you can look forward to. We sift through an array of liquid treasures and shine a spotlight on some of these impressionable spirits.

Currach Atlantic Kombu Apple Ice Wine Cask (Whisky Journey Exclusive)

This triple distilled single malt Irish whiskey, derived from 100 percent Irish malted barley, is a testament of meticulous ageing. Initially nurtured in first-filled American oak ex-bourbon barrels, it is later finished in Atlantic Kombu Irish seaweed-charred virgin American oak casks. For this Whisky Journey edition, the whisky is elevated with an extra finish in a Rare Killahora Apple Ice Wine Cask.

These casks hail from Killahora Orchards, where their Apple Ice Wine are made from their rare, bittersweet apples that are grown on the south-facing slopes of Ireland’s County Cork. The freezing temperatures and the year-long fermentation process further shapes the dessert wine. So, what you get are addition of sweet butterscotch and green apple notes that complement wit hthe roast coffee, dark chocolate and savoury umami flavours of the Atlantic Kombu seaweed charred casks.

This limited-edition bottling is non-chill filtered, bottled at natural cask strength with no caramel colouring.

Tipperay Single Cask Release Quaich Bar Exclusive 2023

Crafted from homegrown barley, this single cask bottling is a celebration of opulence. With a mere 79 bottles in production, these limited-editions embrace the essence of sherry and port. A sensory odyssey awaits with abundant sherry aromas interlaced with the imagery of a gentle campfire.

Resonating with sweet sherry, a melange of fruits—apples, pears, and dried figs—the palate is further suspended in a toffee symphony, which leads to a lingering, fruit-laden finish. If there’s any gem that’s coveted, you don’t have to look too far than this from Quaich Bar.

That Boutique-y Whisky Company: Bowmore 22 Year Old Scotch – Batch 25 (Exclusive Bottling For Proof & Company)

From the heart of Islay’s oldest distillery, Bowmore remains a steadfast a testament to resilence, time and a little upright fist towards the establishment. This particular release is bottled from a single sherry butt, aged since November 1998 and is solely reserved for Proof & Company. Aged in Bowmore’s fabled Vault No. 1, it is located closest to the sea, a fitting cradle for this distinguished elixir to manifest.

That Boutique-y Whisky Company: Springbank 23 Year Old – Batch 28

Heralding the twenty-eighth release from the elusive Springbank Distillery, this is a treasure trove where only 383 bottles at 48.92 percent ABV are aged 23 years. As the only distillery in Scotland that malts its entire needs of barley using its own floor maltings, Springbank is home to this particular batch that was distilled in November 1996. Nurtured in Sherry and Madeira butts and an American bourbon barrel, this batch is an embodiment of Springbank’s commitment to quality and self-sufficiency.

Bruichladdich’s Mystery Unveiling

There are talks around an enigmatic launch under the brand of Bruichladdich. There are no images nor information but for the Bruichladdich, Port Charlotte and Octomore fans, this surprise will be unveiled only at Whisky Journey 2023.

Tickets for Whisky Journey 2023 is now available.

This article was first seen on Esquiresg.com

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