Wax yourself
Not content with the usual flights of fancy, the world’s rich and famous are turning to Madame Tussauds to increase their profiles. Ramsay Short reveals why wax is rapidly becoming a lucrative replacement for marble statues.
Smooth sailing
Wally has become a household name. Established in 1993, the sailboat company has successfully attained the rank of world leader in the construction of advanced composite yachts. Its sleek modern design beautifully enmeshed with simplicity makes it instantly recognisable to many an amateur
Rifaat Sheikh El Ard is the One of World’s Foremost Islamic Arms and Armoury Collectors
Rifaat Sheikh El Ard is unique amongst collectors of art from the Middle East. In an exhibition currently in show at the Institute du Monde Arabe in Paris, he and the Furusiyya Art Foundation have covered new historical ground and established original areas of interest and study of the …
The Chedi Hotel in Oman Captures the Seductive Mystique of Muscat
Simple elegance meets local charm at The Chedi Hotel in Oman. Located along the clear waters of the Boushar beachfront, this 115-room hotel is the perfect Middle Eastern getaway from which to discover underwater wildlife, relax at the spa or simply unwind, reveals Myrna Ayad. Large terr…
Hidden Within the Countryside of Normandy is a Lebanese Politician’s Idyllic Horse Breeding Estate
Normandy is famous for the D-Day landings, the Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel and horse breeding. Issam Michael Fares’ breathtaking property ties all three together in just one place. Nicolas Shammas takes a closer look. What do the Battle of Normandy, horse breeding and the Abbaye du Mont…
Egypt’s Azza Fahmy is Paving the Road for Middle East Jewellery Designers
Azza Fahmy is one of the most internationally renowned jewellers to emerge from the Middle East, creating pieces that best represent Arab culture. Bespoke went to London during Fashion Week to meet with the master craftswoman. Azza Fahmy reclines in her seat looking out beyond her red f…
Egypt’s Remote Luxury Eco-Lodge Adrere Amellal Hotel is the Perfect Escape
A nine-hour drive into the desert from Cairo, and deep within the Berber village of Siwa is located the Adrere Amellal hotel. A secret getaway for nature-lovers and the jet-set alike, its untouched beauty allows you to surrender to the peacefulness of the moment. As the vast carpet of d…
Vantage point
Living in modern spaces does not always entail advanced synthetics and robotic housemaids. Often the simplest designs in collusion with a respect for the environment can give you the feeling of being progressive as Rana Ballout discovers about award-winning architect Nabil Gholam’s F-House
A Lesson on the Importance of Outdoor Spaces With Landscape Architect Vladimir Djurovic
A walk in a beautiful garden, breakfast on a sunny terrace with just the right view, relaxing and recharging are just a few assets your outdoors can offer. And as landscape architect Vladimir Djurovic writes, designing your landscape with close attention to the environment and in harmon…
Saudi Arabia’s Prince Bandar Loves Wildlife so Much He’s Funding his Own Nature Reserve
Prince Bandar, one of the sons of the great King Faisal of Saudi Arabia, has undertaken a project of both huge ambition and vision in order to save the indigenous wildlife of the kingdom. Nicolas Shammas sat down with His Royal Highness to learn more. It is a late afternoon on a hot sum…
Time flies
Following this year’s watch and jewellery fairs in Switzerland, Bespoke offers you a selection of the latest timepieces to hit the markets. Unfortunately, prices have yet to be determined, so call your local agents to find out more.
The gas barons
With the world becoming evermore reliant on gas rather than oil, the gas producing countries may be on the cusp of forming their own cartel. Who are the big players and if formed will this cartel learn from the mistakes of OPEC? There are too many variables to predict an outcome at this po