Kazakhstan calling: a jaw-dropping trip to Astana

As the country gears up for its Expo 2017, the astonishing architecture in its capital blows Sankha Guha’s mind

Speed has a new name with the fastest electric go-kart in the world

Who needs one? No one. Who wants one? Everybody. The thrill of going faster then ever before. One step higher. This Go-Kart by Daymak can almost fly. Daymak C5 Blast Go-Kart is the fastest Go-Kart on the planet. Toronto-based Daymak has developed the ultimate go kart machine using a combination of technologies creating the ultimate … Read more

Virgin’s Lodge in Verbier promises a Summer of Sustainability

Paragliding anyone? Summer of Sustainability at The Lodge in Verbier.

This summer promises to be the most sustainable yet at Virgin’s Lodge in Verbier. Perched high in the Swiss Alps, The Lodge is a luxury mountain chalet in Verbier, perfect for visits in both summer and winter.

Virgin Limited Edition is Sir Richard Branson’s collection of unique retreats and luxury hotels.

Summer of Sustainability at The Lodge in Verbier -Thinking of summer..

The Lodge re-opens for the summer season on 2nd June 2017 and to celebrate the return of Verbier’s sunnier side the team of chefs reveal a sustainable new menu featuring locally sourced meat, ingredients picked fresh from the mountain and an inventive approach to bread making.

Head Chef Hugh Millard and his Michelin-star trained kitchen team will be focusing on vegetarian dining, as well as ensuring a nose-to-tail approach to meat, with some of the more unusual cuts being smoked and slow-cooked on the mountain side for an exciting twist on a summertime barbecue. Beer lovers will be thrilled to learn more about The Lodge’s bread making process, as the chefs recycle grains used by a local brewery for the loaves that are baked each day. From breakfast to dinner and everything in between, dishes at The Lodge will also feature ingredients that have been foraged from the valley, including wild garlic and the blueberries that are turned into The Lodge’s signature jam.

In summer meals are served communally, giving you a chance to share what you’ve been up to during the day with other guests. You can dine al fresco whilst enjoying the fresh mountain air on the terrace where there is a BBQ and bar area.

Complete with nine stunning bedrooms and suites, an indoor pool, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis and a friendly team of experienced staff including a spa therapist and Michelin-star trained chefs, The Lodge is a true alpine paradise, ideal for a luxury ski holiday or an active summer break.

“From the moment I saw it I knew this beautiful chalet in the Swiss Alps was destined to become my favourite mountain hideaway. I chose Verbier because it’s an amazing year round destination and offers world-class skiing, fabulous apres-ski and everything you could wish for in a summer escape! Para-gliding, rock climbing, mountain biking… you name it! I hope you too will enjoy your experience at The Lodge as much as I always do,” says Sir Richard Branson.

Verbier Lodge Switzerland - The hills are alive with the sound of clinking glasses and munching food Summer of Sustainability at The Lodge in Verbier -restaurants Summer of Sustainability at The Lodge in Verbier - The Pool Summer of Sustainability at The Lodge in Verbier - The perfect place to soak up the Verbier sunshine Summer of Sustainability at The Lodge in Verbier - summertime ready Summer of Sustainability at The Lodge in Verbier - Summer loving Summer of Sustainability at The Lodge in Verbier - Happy cows in Verbier. These cute guys supply the milk Summer of Sustainability at The Lodge in Verbier - Feeling adventurous Summer of Sustainability at The Lodge in Verbier - cuisine Summer of Sustainability at The Lodge in Verbier - Afternoon tea Summer of Sustainability at The Lodge in Verbier - a little treat for the summer season Summer of Sustainability at The Lodge in Verbier - a little gourmet treat for the summer season- Sit back and take in the fresh Verbier air Ain’t No Mountain High Enough in Verbier Switzerland

 

“Make your Mark” creates your LC Soundtrack with the exclusive samples by Mark Ronson

Lexus and Mark Ronson launch the LC at the ultimate driving experience in Ibiza Celebrated for its musical heritage, having played host to some of world’s most innovative music artists, Ibiza was the perfect location to showcase Lexus‘ recent ambition to create new experiences in the realms of music, art and technology. Renowned for its … Read more

Cognac De Luze – Gold medal at the 2017 San Francisco World Spirits competition

Cognac De Luze has won the Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits competition in the super-premium “XO” category. Cognac De Luze, a fine champagne cognac house founded in 1822 by Alfred De Luze and acquired by the Boinaud family in 2006, received one of the most important and prestigious awards in this industry … Read more

Jean-Michel Basquiat breaks US art record with £85m sale

Painting by Basquiat, who died aged 27, is most expensive at auction of any US artist, also breaking record for a black artist