Marking their 10th anniversary, the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman has launched its ultra-exclusive Grand Cayman Penthouse Suite – now the largest and most luxurious suite in the Caribbean. On the top floor of the Seven Mile Beach resort’s south tower is the 3 bedroom suite. With 8,000 sq-ft of indoor and outdoor space it has the capacity to offer ultimate comfort to up to eight people. Upon exiting the Penthouse’s private elevator, the presence of the ocean is clear, and the interior’s soft textures and color palette blend seamlessly with the property’s sweeping ocean views.

It features; a full size kitchen complete with Gaggenau Kitchen appliances, wraparound porches, a screening room, a library, and more. Aside from that are the luxe finishes throughout the suite from its Bolivian rosewood flooring to its marble bathtubs and leather upholstered walls.

With guest comfort in mind and being able to provide clients with “the ultimate luxury escape,” the Johnson Studio out of Atlanta, Georgia has transported the island’s iconic crystal blue waters and white powdery sands inside to create a color palette of deep blues and greens. Couple this with a natural look from the use of the finest woods and materials from around the world, and the residence breathes an air of contemporary sophistication.

The Penthouse experience continues with luxurious amenities which include; private outdoor space with hot tubs, fire pits, private cinema, lounge seating, and access to a beachfront cabana.  A personal assistant is at hand to ensure your every wish is granted.

Hotel chefs will work their magic to fulfill any dining request and give you recommendations from a world-class wine list hand-picked by the resort’s award winning Sommelier.

Known for their legendary service, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman promises to make their guest’s experience into a memorable one. The Hotel and Resort spans 144 acres and has 365 guestrooms. It has been an AAA Five Diamond award winner since its opening.

The Penthouse can be booked separately or combined with the adjacent suite — nearly 20,000 square feet and 11 total bedrooms — creating the largest suite in the Caribbean.

For more information visit http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/caribbean/grand-cayman/rooms-suites/grand-cayman-penthouse

Private jets are all the rage these days, and many who own private planes or charter them when they need convenience, comfort and security know about the King Air’s legendary all-around performance. The luxurious Beechcraft King Air 350i, is the most comfortable solution for short-haul flights or island hopping today and is the latest version of one of the most reliable airplanes ever built.

Built by Beechcraft, this modern day aircraft is equipped with the latest technology and the best comfort features to give every passenger a luxurious ride. But what really makes this plane stand out is the go-green concept taken to a whole new level.

The King Air 350i, with a payload and range capability unmatched in its class, is significantly more economical than comparable sized jets, while offering virtually the same flight time for short to medium hauls. Excellent short runway performance offers more airport options, bringing you closer to your final destination.

King Airs, made by Hawker Beechcraft of the US, have earned a reputation as a go-anywhere aircraft, partly because they were designed when short grass or gravel strips were found at the end of a journey years ago. The $7.5M 350i is the latest version of this world-class aircraft, with upgrades that make it a rival many smaller jets.

The new interior is furnished as luxuriously as any executive private plane in the air today. The standard cabin layout comes with plush interiors and can seat up to 9 passengers while providing ample storage space for luggage, with enough space to carry 4 sets of golf clubs in the wing storage compartments. The new cabin design is the most luxurious and comfortable cabin in its class.

One of the best features of any King Air cabin is the large round windows with seven of them on each side of the plane. The structure between the windows is so narrow you get the sensation of the whole cabin side being one big window.

On a standard day the 350 needs only 3,330 feet of runway to take off making many small island runways now easily accessible. And, remember, those numbers are for full fuel, enough to fly 1,500 nautical miles or more and an adult body in every comfortable seat.  For shorter flights with less fuel on board, you can actually get the King Air to take off on less than 3,000 feet of runway. It’s a very versatile airplane to say the least, and it’s not just about safety and performance, it shines in looks as well.

Photography of the Beechcraft King Air 350 cockpit with the Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion integrated flight deck.
Beechcraft Delivery Hangar (BEC)
Wichita, KS USA

The King Air is the world’s most popular business turboprop aircraft – a title that is not simply granted, but earned again and again with continuous enhancement over five decades. The King Air 350i is true to its legacy of innovation. With the King Air 350i, Beechcraft has found a way of combining luxury and ruggedness that will be around for years to come.

Discover the best of the best or reach a sales rep at Beechcraft.com.

If you consider traditional sailing and surfing as a bit passé and want to inject a little excitement into your day on the water, take a look at these two adrenaline-infused, must-try sports.

Most folks are familiar with kite boarding: a water sport, which combines aspects of wakeboarding and wind surfing, paragliding and skateboarding. Harnessing the power of the wind and a large controllable power kite, athletes zip across the surface of the water on a kiteboard.

But if you’d like to turn up the heat, then try kite foiling! Spotz, a French manufacturer of kite equipment, spun their passion of kite boarding in 2009 into a ton of fun! The hydrofoil, placed below the board, means the rider is up above the water; reaching far higher speeds and a smoother ride overall. The ride is definitely exhilarating and your next vacation in the tropics, where gentle breezes blow, will be the ideal setting to learn or perfect your skills! www.spotz-foil.com

Along the same lines as kite foiling is moth foiling, its sailing’s answer to the unicycle. Reaching speeds 50% greater than wind speed, these one-manned cruisers are creating a new breed of sailors.   The foils are mounted under the hull of the craft, which with speed raises the hull up and out of the water. The single moth is popular for sporting enthusiasts and serious racers thanks to leading developers of the sport such as Mach 2 -McDougall McConaghy. www.Mach2boats.com

So rev up the excitement during your next day at the beach by experimenting with the challenging and thrilling sport of foiling!

With the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show just one day away, we’re bringing you the seven largest superyachts on display at this year’s show.  Just wrapping up from November 3rd-7th, this is the largest in-water boat show in the world. Attracting approximately 100,000 boating enthusiasts, with nearly 1,500 boats on display across 7 different locations, and nearly 3 million square feet of exhibit space – this year’s show was nothing short of impressed – the 57th FLIBS showcased the best (and biggest) in boating.

Lurssen  257 feet

TV

Among the finest yachts ever built, this is another superb vessel to hail from the Lurssen shipyard under the supervision of Moran Yacht & Ship.  TV is an Espen Oeino and Alberto Pinto designed vessel featuring 8 staterooms, 6 of which are located on the main deck with floor-to-ceiling windows, a  master suite that looks forward with 180-degree views, twin Jacuzzis, a large counter current swimming pool, and enormous exterior sun bathing areas.  This superyacht comes fully-equipped with a custom elevator and a fully operational helicopter pad with fueling station.

Heesen Yachts Full Custom 230 feet

Galactiva Super Nova

At 230 feet overall, Galactica Super Nova is the largest Heesen to date. With an impressive top speed of 30 kn, she is one of the fastest superyachts in the world. The head-turning exterior design is by Espen Oino: her profile embodies Heesen’s DNA, but introduces new design elements.

Oceanco  205 feet

Lady Lola

Lady Lola was built by Dutch shipyard Oceanco to be both a far-cruising and highly private superyacht. Featuring a  steel hull and aluminium superstructure, this vessel features naval architecture and exterior design by Oceanco and the interior work of Zuretti. A combination of her owner’s desired characteristics and Oceanco’s trademark technology and innovation,  she is well-equipped for long-range cruising and bright and natural yet highly luxurious feel boasting floor-to-ceiling windows throughout allowing you the best reach out and touch views of the surrounding seas.

Icon 205 feet

Party Girl

This custom motor yacht was built in 2013 by Icon Yachts. Previously named Meridian, Party Girl’s luxurious interior is designed by Cristiano Gatto Design and her exterior styling is by Redman Whiteley Dixon.  With naval architecture by Jouke van der Baan, this vessel boasts a steel hull and aluminium superstructure with twin MTU diesel engines.  Among this megayachts unique interior features are the special choice of woods, like mahogany, rosewood, ebony as well as walnut canaletto, all with glossy finishing, and balanced by the presence of natural stones such as Spain natural stone treated with oils.

Hakvoort custom built  200 feet

Just J’s

Just J’s is the largest Hakvoort built to date.  Combining exceptional attention to details with meticulous design and construction, this vessel is streamlined and elegant and boasts a first class technical foundation. a triumph of design and construction. Just J’s standout features include:  enormous windows, an elongated look and excellent balance between her superstructure and hull, a comparably large observation area on the sundeck, and a spectacular pool with integrated contraflow jet. The design incorporates many of the owner’s personal ideas and displays a bold unity of modern contemporary styles and classical touches.

Trinity  198 feet

MIA ELISE II

This luxury vessel was built in 2011 and its sophisticated exterior design and engineering are both the work of Trinity Yachts. Mia Elise III’s luxurious interior was designed by Patrick Knowles and her exterior was styled by the Trinity Yachts team – also responsible for the entire engineering package.  Built with Aluminium hull and Aluminium superstructure, this custom semi-displacement yacht also features ‘at anchor stabilisers’ which work at zero speed, increasing onboard comfort at anchor and on rough waters.

Benetti  194 feet

LADY LUCK

This custom built motor yacht was built by legendary Italian shipbuilder Benetti.  Lady Luck’s luxurious interior was designed by Studio Massari and exterior by Stefano Natucci.  This 194 foot superyacht features timeless styling, beautiful furnishings and sumptuous seating throughout to create an elegant and comfortable atmosphere. The ideal combination of performance and luxury, this custom displacement yacht has a cruising speeed of 15 knots and a max speed of 16 knots.  She is equipped with an ultra-modern stabilization system which reduces roll motion effect and results in a smoother and more enjoyable cruising experience.

For more on the 2016 Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show and all the boats on display at this year’s event visit FLIBS.com.

It’s best to think of this clear liquor as a sort of mezcal from the Mexican state of Jalisco, as the historic definition of mezcal means anything distilled from the agave plant.  That means even mezcal from Oaxaca is a type of mezcal. Producers Rio Chenery of the distillery Estancia Raicilla and Esteban Morales of the La Venenosa Raicilla consortium agree that raicilla is, “really a mezcal, we just can’t call it that because of location.”

Originally distilled as a type of “Mexican Moonshine” for farmers and fishermen in the western part of the state, it was taxed by the Spanish during the 18th century to make way for imported liquor and wine. As a result, the spirit moved underground, and up until recently, it was technically illegal and production haphazard. Though availability of the spirit has legitimized, you can drive through Jalisco and buy unregulated raicilla on the roadside, where it’s often sold in nondescript plastic bottles.

Fast-forward to today, where it’s become popular (and legal) again, thanks to tourism. Morales said most of the time he encounters raicilla outside of Jalisco, it’s in a gringo-heavy area, like Cancun or Cabo San Lucas. Chenery explains that there are two distinct styles of raicilla: de la Costa (from the coast) and de la Sierra (from the mountains).  Most of the major producers are de la sierra, and the designation is further broken down into two roasting techniques. Pit-roasted agave produces a smokier taste, similar to better-known Oaxacan mezcals, and clay-roasted agave gives the raicilla a cleaner, more herbal characteristic, not unlike a strong gin. Some of the clay-roasted raicillas even have cheesy or grassy undertones. Morales says, “One of my favorite ways to drink raicilla is in a Negroni, as a gin substitute. It’s an excellent mixer.”

Morales also asserts raicilla has a lot in common with wine. “Terroir is very important, as is the type of agave. A different kind will produce a different taste, as will its location.” This is seen in Oaxacan mezcal, as well, but not in tequila, which relies on monoculture farming of the blue agave. “There are towns in other areas of Jalisco that produce a similar spirit but don’t call it raicilla,” Morales says. “Since they can’t call it mezcal or tequila, I am trying to invite them to be with us. They use different agaves and techniques, but we can still call all of it raicilla.” This has led to a council of raicilla makers lobbying for Denominacion Origen status, like Oaxaca has with mezcal and tequila in another part of Jalisco.

For now, though, raicilla is available throughout Mexico, as well as in the United States and certain European countries. Both Morales and Chenery tell us that the spirit has caught more traction overseas, as preferences take time to change and curiosity is harder to grow at home. Morales says it’s more popular in the Mexico as a mixer and sipped straight overseas. Chances are though, wherever you enjoy it, you’ll be the first of your friends to do so.

Written By:  Jackie Bryant

There is no shortage of yachtmakers in the world, but finding the perfect fit of timeless style and custom luxury? That’s a unique challenge. We favor yachtmaking companies that take the time to craft boats by hand, in the process granting their clients’ wishes with each custom feature and one-of-a-kind twist. With the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show just around the corner, we decided to round up our favorites, along with our favorite destinations for discerning mariners to show off their new favorite toys.

Perini Navi

The Maltese Falcon

If you’re not familiar with Perini Navi, look up Tom Perkins and his iconic boat, The Maltese Falcon. Though this boat is spoken for, whether you’re in Europe or North America, Perini Navi has a solution for you. The Italian boatmaker from Viareggio, Italy also has a full sales operation in Newport, Rhode Island, making themselves fully available to a large range of clientele. Thanks to their four companies under the Perini Navi umbrella, they are also able to offer several different boating options, though they are known primarily for sailing yachts: racing sailing yachts, fast cruising sailing yachts, large sailing yachts from 131-197 feet, extra large sailing yachts over 197 feet and motor yachts. In case you’re not ready to take the plunge, they also offer charters for those who want just a taste of the good life.

Burger Boat Company

Superyacht by Burger Boats

The Manitowoc, Wisconsin’s latest project, a 103-foot-6-inch yacht outfitted by famed Miami-based designer Luiz de Basto, promises to be one of Burger’s most stylish endeavors. For everyone else, Burger Boat Company employs designer consultations and client visits to initiate the client into its hands-on process. They’re religious about the client aiding in hull design, exterior styling and interior floor plans, making sure any bells and whistles come future operator-approved.

Sunseeker

Sunseeker 155

Founded in 1969 by Robert Braithwaite, Sunseeker has grown into one of the most recognized names in custom yachtmaking today. The company grew from humble beginnings: Braithwaite started the business from the ashes of Owens Cruisers’ United Kingdom business, using the molds to produce smaller leisure boats. Eventually, their growth in the Mediterranean brought a needed for bigger craft, culminating in their largest delivery to date in September 2014. This 155-foot beauty is Sunseeker’s 100th performance motor yacht, but is the top of the line – they’re still producing luxury craft of all sizes.

Christensen

M/Y LADY JOY – 157′

Dave Christensen, founder of his eponymous Vancouver yacht company, is obsessive about details. That’s why his custom fiberglass yachts are true feats of engineering, employing large-scale vacuum infusion combined with proprietary in-house technology that creates a boat more solid than steel. The hulls are fully insulated, eliminating the “double boiler” heating effect that afflicts boats traveling in warmer climates and ensuring there will be no condensation-causing corrosion, interior finish damage or mold infestation. Christensen’s inspiration? Other builders’ low standards. He sought out to build a yacht in 1982 and couldn’t find a builder who met his requirements. The rest is history, and he is now building custom boats up to 212 feet in length.

Trinity Yachts

Finish Line by Trinity

One of Hurricane Katrina’s great redemption stories lies with Trinity Yachts, now based out of both Gulfport Mississippi and New Orleans, Louisiana. Their shipyard was destroyed by the storm in 2010, as it brought a 15-foot wall of water into the yard where it then ruined most of their manufacturing equipment. To add to the destruction, most of Trinity’s employees were scattered around in the aftermath. By an incredible stroke of luck, two almost-completed yachts and a handful of hulls in-progress survived the storm, providing the basis to rebuild company from the ashes. Founder John Dane III, knowing a good opportunity when he sees one, made good on this small fortune and set out to rebuild as quickly as possible, acquiring the Gulfport shipyard in the process. Today, Trinity is fully back in the game and operational in its two locations, with a 168-foot tri-deck yacht slated for near-term delivery.

Aerial view of Christophe Harbour

Now that you’ve got the goods, where to? Two of our favorite yacht destinations include Christophe Harbor in St. Kitts and Island Gardens Deep Harbour, on Watson Island in Miami. Christophe Harbor is fully outfitted with a deep-water superyacht marina, a members-only beach club, a beach bar, real estate options, a retail village, a golf course and the Caribbean’s first Park Hyatt, slated to open next year and taking reservations as of March 2017.

Island Gardens Deep Harbour

If you’re staying stateside, the United States’ first superyacht marina has anything you would want out of an on-shore experience. The marina can accommodate yachts of all sizes, even those exceeding 500 feet, and offers docking options for tenders and smaller powerboats, as well. As for the amenities, services include charter options, aircraft facilities and United States Customs capabilities. On the more fun side, there is a social club, called The Deck, which hosts an open air lounge and restaurant.

Written By:  Jackie Bryant

Found on the island of Martinique, the Neisson distillery has come out with a limited edition of Neisson Bio Esprit (“bio” is the french word for organic), which is claimed to be the first organic rum  in the Caribbean. If you’re going to all organic, you might as well throw in the rum too!

In the town of Le Carbet, you’ll come upon acres of waving sugar canes which surround the legendary rum house of Neisson. Here is where a tremendous project is taking place that might change the rum world in a big way. The “rhum argicole,” is a made from pure sugar cane juice unlike the majority of other Caribbean rums that are distilled from molasses. Bottled at 66 percent ABV, the Neisson Bio Esprit is a bold, grassy, vegetal rum with a strong, earthy flavor.

Due to an intense process of working the sugar cane, there will only be 5,000 bottles produced this year. In a recent interview with the Caribbean Journal, Neisson Master Distiller Gregory Vernant, one of the leading innovators in the world of Caribbean rum, stated that this is a long-term project and they will be looking to increasing their cultivated sugar cane fiends year after year.

For a rum to be considered organic the requirements are; you can’t use chemical products, only natural fertilizer, and must use your own yeast. On top of this, all products are checked twice a year to ensure that they meet organic standards.

For those interested in this fine organic rum, Neisson has to be contacted directly to check whether shipping is available to your country.

Neisson Rhum Distillery is one of the few family owned distilleries on Martinique. Since being founded in 1931, this small plant has been a treasure to the rum industry as a distillery that offers an impressive selection of 100% authentic Caribbean rum and recently its one-of-a-kind organic bottle.

Original article and featured photo credit: Caribbean Journal.

The small futuristic pod measures 7.5 meters long providing seating for up to 9 passengers. It features a V-shaped hull completely constructed from fiberglass with the lines of a futuristic space pod. It’s high tech equipment includes electrohydraulic steering, a Simrad VHF radio and chart plotter, and a Bose audio system among other things. There are various customization options for the Jet Capsule ranging from a cabin with a kitchenette, beds, and a bathroom or a militarized model with a bulletproof body and windows. For commercial use it can easily be built into a limousine that seats 13 people comfortably.

As if it’s eye-catching appearance isn’t impressive enough, the Jet Capsule is fully equipped for speed as it features; a 325-hp Yanmar diesel engine along with a Hamilton water jet. This gives it the power to reach speeds of 18 knots and a maximum speed of 25 knots. For the ultimate ride there is the smaller Super Jet Capsule, that measure 6 meters able to seat seven, and powered by twin 250-hp boosters, shooting you through the water at a speed of up to 70 knots. When the captain says, “hit it”, hold on!

Pricing and more information on the Jet Capsule can be found on their website:  http://www.jetcapsule.com/

Displayed at the 2016 Monaco Yacht Show in September, the iconic Lürssen superyacht Coral Ocean, is now available for charter for the first time ever. Following a refit at the shipyard’s facilities, the elegant Lurssen vessel is widely admired throughout the yachting world and offers a luxurious and unrivaled experience on the open seas.

Kept exclusively for private use until this year and maintained in pristine condition since 1994, the recent refit of Coral Ocean prepared the vessel for charter and to conform to commercial regulations and charter standards.  While technical systems were updated, much of the 238-foot superyacht remains the same.

Boasting five decks, an interior gym and spa, a beach club at the stern and a saloon on an open-air balcony, Coral Ocean is a testament to the forward-thinking and innovative design of Jon Bannenberg and the Lurssen shipyard.

What is sure to be one of the most sought-after yachts of the coming year, Coral Ocean’s main deck can accommodate parties for up to 80 guests, panoramic views can be found from the owner’s top deck sleeping quarters and a neutral palette creates a calming interior through the superyachts expansive spaces.

The sun deck with pool features plenty of seating and its own bar while the gym and spa come complete with steam room and state-of-the-art equipment.

Decor of burr-oak furniture, rough marble, and fractured-and-polished-glass tables from Italy combine a plethora of materials and textures that are understated yet highly elegant. Large windows, carpeting in virgin wool from New Zealand and endless details at every turn make this superyacht one of the most intricately designed and luxurious.  Designer Jon Bannenberg even purchased an entire exhibit from a New York City art gallery which included art from Africa and Asia and used the exhibit pieces to decorate the yacht.

A true team effort by the most experienced Aston Martin designers, this new nautical vessel combines innovative technology and the iconic craftsmanship associated with Aston Martin. Naval Architect Mulder Design worked in collaboration with the AM team and Quintessence Yachts engineered the design making the AM37 one-of-a-kind in the yachting world.

“AM37 is a pure translation of the Aston Martin DNA into an entirely new maritime concept. The powerboat reflects our values in terms of power, beauty and soul. The most important attribute for Aston Martin is the design language and proportion, we have transferred this DNA into AM37. It was important to us when considering this project to make sure that the boat design was as beautiful and timeless as our cars, the AM37 is a striking boat with fantastic proportion and elegance.” – Aston Martin’s EVP & Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman

The AM37 is a day cruiser that can be transformed into an overnight berth. The cabin is well appointed with mood lighting and air-conditioning and with a refrigerator, microwave oven, coffee machine and lavatory on board – absolute comfort is guaranteed.

The exterior features a design that is simple yet immaculate in appearance and detail. With extreme double curvature it sets a new industry standard and its carbon fibre dashboard echoes styling elements from Aston Martin’s most advanced sports cars.

It includes fine leather with functional features and the boat’s navigation, control monitor and entertainment systems are all integrated with advanced multimedia functions.

The 37-foot model is available in two versions – the AM37 with an estimated top speed of 45 knots and a choice of two 370 hp Mercury diesel or two 430 hp Mercury petrol engines.  And the AM37S version with an estimated 50 knots derived from its twin 520 hp Mercury petrol engines.

“We are so proud to present the AM37, an exclusive powerboat for the yachting world. With this project Aston Martin, the icon of style and technological innovation, confirms its place as a top luxury brand. The Aston Martin Art of Living is a way of life that captures the very essence of the Aston Martin brand, and AM37 is a fine example of this philosophy.” – Katia Bassi, VP of AML & Managing Director of AM Brands

For more information please visit AstonMartin.com