City of Seven Hills: Part Two

Nota Bene has just returned from Portugal’s capital, where we were charmed by its cobbled streets, quaint buildings and stunning bridges. In the second instalment of our Lisbon round-up, we take a look at the city's best restaurants…

City of Seven Hills

Nota Bene has just returned from Portugal’s capital city, where we were charmed by its cobbled streets, quaint buildings and stunning bridges. In part one of our Lisbon round-up, we take a look at its hotel offerings…

Fit for a King

The Nota Bene team recently returned from Courchevel, where two “Palace” hotels are doing their best to live up to such a regal title… 

The Right Treatment

When it comes to choosing a spa, how do you know which one is right for you? Whether it’s weight loss you’re after or a spiritual experience you crave, Nota Bene explores the options...

Mark Collins

Anthony Lassman talks to Mark Collins about his Provençal roots, his love of Pinot Noir and the challenges of gluten-free catering…

Here’s a Good Tip

For many of us, the Holiday season means travel.  With this in mind, we delved into our archives and found a piece we hope will make those travels a bit easier.

Knock on Wood

In the final days to the holiday meltdown, Nota Bene takes a look at three of the best wood fragranced candles...

A Foolproof Formula

Nota Bene reviews 34, the recently opened Mayfair steakhouse from the man behind The Ivy, and finds another Richard Caring recipe for success... 

NYC: Scent of a Memory

Why is it that a distinctive scent, like a memorable song, brings back memories of a special place, an unforgettable experience, or a moment in time?

Une Petite Tranche

At last, a credible addition to Chelsea café culture (or lack of) we thought, when renowned artisan bakery Poilâne recently opened its first Cuisine de Bar in London…

London: Fabulous Fabergé

This month saw the opening of Fabergé’s London boutique, their first in almost 100 years. A constantly rotating collection of fine jewellery, watches, bespoke services and a precious new collection of jewelled eggs, ‘Les Favourites de Fabergé’, are just some of the delights on offer

Hitting The Right Notes

Seldom are we so taken with heavy floral olfactory notes, however, this fall a fragrance by the quintessentially old-fashioned Italian perfume house, Acqua di Parma, has taken our interest

London: Art Rocks

Recently opened up-and-coming gallery Shizaru celebrates the works of some of the most exciting contemporary jewellery designers to date

Four Seasons Marrakech

Nota Bene reviews Four Seasons Marrakech

NYC: Documenting Monroe

The photo exhibition ‘Picturing Marilyn’, which showcased on November 10-13 at the Milk Gallery in New York, and this month’s release of the film ‘My Week with Marilyn’ have inspired Nota Bene to look at some of the most compelling titles that have been published on the legendary Hollywood star

Beijing: Fashion Playground

Complete with curved aluminium slide, changing rooms on wheels and individual cubes showcasing each collection, Maison Martin Margiela’s second Beijing flagship is more like a state of the art playground than a fashion store

Paris: Future Classic

This fall, luxury fashion house Hermès introduces the stylish Illico Mini bag 

Join The Q

Would you pay 1000 euros for a box of chocolates?

Cover to Cover

Chanel has produced two limited edition slipcases for three iconic tomes published by Assouline

Paris: Just Looking

Avant-garde Japanese label Comme des Garçons have further pushed the retail boundaries with their new Paris outpost, the Trading Museum

Secret doors open

Over two days this month luxury goods conglomerate LVMH opens its doors to the public to never before seen workshops, couture ateliers, distilleries and vineyards

A Marque Of Distinction

Family-run champagne house Roger-Constant Lemaire makes a sparkling impression on the Nota Bene team

The High Life

How important is the view when choosing a hotel?

London: Old Flame

This month, renowned candle maker Cire Trudon (established in 1643) will grace London with its first permanent boutique outside of France  

New York: The Shining

Nota Bene rediscovers the joy of the traditional shoeshine service in New York at The Mark Shine by John Lobb

Hitting the Mark

Often unimpressed by the Jean-Georges stable of restaurants, will his latest offering hit the mark?

The Reform Club

Nota Bene reviews The Reform Club, Amagansett

Tokyo: Visionary Concept

Forward-thinking Italian fashion house Costume National’s latest store opening in Tokyo is said to be its most conceptual and exciting to date. Will it rival its big name neighbours in the exclusive district of Aoyama?

Alicante: Spa Report

Seldom advocates of punitive diets or restrictive regimes, Nota Bene Pulse visits the scenic sanctuary of the SHA Wellness Clinic, Alicante, to uncover the pleasures of a macrobiotic lifestyle...

Romaneira

Nota Bene reviews Romaneira, Portugal

Tokyo: Visual Dialogue

A new exhibition in Tokyo celebrates the unique relationship between two of fashion’s most influential figures

NYC: Creative Inheritance

As diverse as the designers who conceived it, Anndra Neen's jewellery and accessories are an expression of a shared vision...

Juan y Andrea

On a recent visit to the island of Formentera, Nota Bene enjoyed a leisurely lunch at Juan y Andrea and sampled their excellent paella

Copenhagen: Type Set

Henrik Vibskov launches a new series of unisex fragrances 

A Cut Above

Nota Bene always aims to be first at new openings so reviewing Cut was a must on our early September ‘hotlist’

Paris: Trunk Show

Renowned trunk purveyor Pinel & Pinel has opened its first flagship boutique in the City of Light

Vittorio Dall’O

Nota Bene talks to one of the veterans of hospitality about great food, great wine and why French is not always best

Castiglion del Bosco

Nota Bene reviews Castiglion del Bosco, Tuscany

Florence: Midas Touch

Four Seasons Hotel Firenze raises the bar in skincare with an exciting new and exclusive facial treatment

New York: Shop Watch

Johan Lindeberg’s luxury brand BLK DNM is as evolving as the Swedish designer’s vision 

Updating the Look...

Having seen the best and the worst of the Spring 2012 collections, Nota Bene Pulse highlights the key pieces, considering both wearability, in context of the style-conscious man, and how these items fit into one’s existing wardrobe.  Read on to ensure that you are shopping smartly and that what you buy will take you into next spring stylishly, not as a fashion victim 

Pierre Gagnaire

Anthony Lassman talks to Pierre Gagnaire about his St Tropez restaurant, Colette, and his ever expanding culinary empire

Berlin: New Order

With a diverse edit and a multitude of style, the latest offering from retail visionary Andreas Murkudis is conceptual in more ways than one

Paris: Menswear Spring 2012

Wacky patterns, inaccessible trouser shapes and dozens of deconstructed jackets…  How exactly do the Spring 2012 menswear collections measure up to the Nota Bene man? 

Cachet and Carry – L.A.

Practical American design meets discreetly understated style in Killspencer’s ultra-cool weekend bag 

The Dolder Grand

Nota Bene reviews The Dolder Grand, Zürich

Alexandra Mor – New York

She moved to New York from Israel to study film and begin her career as a producer.  But a fateful buying trip with her husband – who works in the diamond trade – exposed Alexandra Mor to the world of jewellery and gemstones.  The plot thickened, the scene changed and, in the words of this acclaimed jewellery designer, “the rest is history”

Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc

Nota Bene reviews Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Côte d'Azur

Time Keeper

The practical storage of timepieces becomes a highly stylish and technologically advanced experience thanks to the ingenuity of Buben & Zorweg

Scents of Place

Inspired by the power of imagination and the south of France, bespoke perfumer Isabelle Burdel has created three remarkable – and ready-to-spritz – scents 

Laucala Island

Nota Bene reviews Laucala Island, Fiji

Raise Your Glasses

Nota Bene Pulse has uncovered an exceptional boutique stocked with limited-edition eyewear, as well as classic and cutting-edge brands, that lets you do just that

Markus Odermatt

By Editor-in-Chief Anthony Lassman



Villa Feltrinelli

The world’s finest small hotel? Grand Hotel a Villa Feltrinelli… a serious Nota Bene contender.

Stem Cell Alert

Nota Bene Pulse has uncovered a remarkable medical doctor based in Los Angeles who specialises in anti-aging treatments that produce astounding results – without surgery! Using a potent combination of mesotherapy, Botox and various strengths of hyaluronic acid with groundbreaking creams, that are custom-made for each patient using proteins from their own blood, this treatment can be compared to a facelift by needles.  She consults in Hamburg, Zurich, London, Munich and the USA.  For more information, contact theteam@notabenepulse.com.

Villa San Michele

Nota Bene reviews Villa San Michele, Florence

Fringe Benefits

Designer Anna Trzebinski presents her latest creation: a bold bag that makes a powerful statement in its alluring anonymity

Four Seasons Hotel Florence

Nota Bene reviews Four Seasons Hotel Florence

Material Girl

Accessories designer Bea Valdes combines diverse components to maximum effect. There is no mistaking an intricately embellished clutch or bracelet of hers. These are statement pieces for the confident dresser

Burning Desire

Quintessence, the Paris-based purveyor of luxury candles, presents a 2011 calendar set created by some of the world’s best-known names in style 

Carlos Mota

The author (Flowers: Chic & Cheap), former Elle Décor Editor at Large and current International Style Editor of Architectural Digest America meets up with Nota Bene Pulse to reveal some of his favourite haunts

Tsuyoshi Murakami

While in London to showcase his award-winning food at The Loft Project, Nota Bene met up with Chef Tsuyoshi Murakami to discuss his unique take on traditional Japanese cuisine

Dedicated Connoisseurs

The award-winning DeLeón brand takes tequila to a luxurious new level of taste and style

Catherine Rolt

Integrated Chinese Medical Practitioner Catherine Rolt is one of London’s best-kept secrets for health and well-being.  Here, in a candid interview exclusively for Nota Bene Pulse members, she shares her remarkable life story and the enduring power of alternative therapies

Prada Steps Up

In just weeks, Prada devotees can take advantage of the brand’s new and improved online presence, plus make their individual mark on a range of accessories

Sink or Swim

Nota Bene reminisces about St-Jean Cap-Ferrat legend Pierre Gruneburg

Craving Carven

French fashion house Carven opens the doors to its first ever womenswear boutique in Saint Germain des Prés, Paris

Tasmania

With an exquisite natural environment and world-class art gallery. Tasmania is fast becoming a destination in its own right 

One to Watch

A concept store like no other, Ginette embodies the sophistication, glamour and buzz that is Beirut

Sensory Perfection

As the stakes rise ever higher in the quest for the quintessence of luxury, so we find ourselves ever more appreciative of hotels that pay attention to details

Chain Reaction

The fascinating desert city of Marrakech continues to thrive. With development at its peak, the big name hotel chains have finally moved in... 

Only For You

Dunhill presents the Biometric Wallet, a high-tech accessory that can only be opened by its owner’s fingerprint

Natural Beauty

Cygalle Dias, the woman behind Cygalle Healing Spa, launches a new range of natural organic skincare for men and women 

Room With A View

Ritz-Carlton open the tallest hotel in the world - will those extra floors really make a difference?

Matt Lovell

With his new book, Matt Lovell’s Palm-Sized Plan, about to launch, the London-based trainer and nutritionist at Kx Gym talks to Nota Bene Pulse about the myth of low-fat diets and why you may be working out too much 

ChikaLicious

Spotlight on NYC's first dessert bar

Less Is More

Nota Bene ponders whether a bath butler really is the 'definitive word’ in personal service

Clutches of Desire

On our radar: acclaimed Brazilian designer Alexandre Herchcovitch’s very exclusive collection of one-of-a-kind bags

Talk Of The Town

Spotlight on Dunton Hot Springs, an exclusive retreat nestled deep in the San Juan Mountains of the Colorado Rockies

Eye Believe

Skeen+ Solutions offers up a secret weapon in the fight against under-eye shadows, circles and puffiness 

Into The Wild

Southern Ocean Lodge sets a new standard of luxury in the Australian wilderness of Kangaroo Island

Following Suit

The influence of catwalk collections on trends is undeniable, but where does the Nota Bene man fit into this fashionable equation?

Private Paradise

Our pick of the finest hotel villas on the glamorous island of St Barths

Light Fantastic

London’s Hemisphere Gallery illuminates with an expert edit of 20th-century furniture and accessories

Cuff Love

Vintage-jewellery curator Lynn Ban turns designer with her distinctive new line of bold and beautiful pieces

Food For Thought

Discovering a great restaurant can be rewarding, but finding a truly remarkable dish is a delight. We delved into our culinary memories for those meals that were impossible to forget

Fashion News Flash

Fendi eschews prime Sloane Street trading position for standalone former Thomas Pink store within the Cadogan Hotel building at the junction of Sloane Street and Pont Street. Is this because the commercial terms are better or is it the cool factor of a luxury brand defying an obligation for general prime retail location?

Transformers

Dior Joaillerie creative director Victoire de Castellane cultivates a collection of her own: Fleurs D’excès, adjustable floral jewellery that celebrates the fanciful as wearable

Dinner

Inspired by historic British gastronomy, Heston Blumenthal opens his first London restaurant at the Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park

Wolgan Valley

Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa offers a peaceful retreat within the epic wilderness of the Blue Mountains

Decked Out

Luxury boat maker Art of Kinetik kicks things up a knot with two sleek yachts that seamlessly combine form and function

Crown Towers

With superb attention to detail and spectacular views of Port Phillip Bay, the Villas at Crown Towers are our pick for your stay in Melbourne

Be Jewelled

The Moscow-based Podium Fashion Group adopts an artistic approach to jewellery with a quietly glamorous boutique in the heart of Paris

Amaranto

Having spurned the obligatory celebrity chef and opted for a soft opening, Four Seasons Hotel London on Park Lane has high hopes for its new restaurant

Hooked on Harrods

The London landmark reveals its International Designer Room: four style legends in one sleek space

Melbourne cool

Bursting at the seams with character, Melbourne boasts a lively art scene and formidable culinary reputation. With its cutting-edge and slightly bohemian feel, it’s one of the southern hemisphere’s most exciting cities

Moda Operandi

Fashion insiders Lauren Santo Domingo and Aslaug Magnusdottir are transforming the exclusive world of trunk shows with Moda Operandi, a revolutionary new website where members can order looks directly from the runways almost as soon as a collection has been presented 

Indoor Games

The polo season may be months away but February 24 will see London’s O₂ host The Gaucho International Polo, aiming to bring the ‘sport of kings’ to a wider audience

La La Lanvin

The venerable French fashion house reveals a chic, new space on Rodeo Drive

For What It's Worth

Nota Bene Pulse weighs in on Giovanni Bedin’s latest collection for the House of Worth and wonders if these pieces, which we see as unwearable, have any relevance in today’s couture

Michael Goedhuis

Michael Goedhuis is a pioneer in the field of modern and contemporary Chinese art, carefully identifying the most original artists working today. Nota Bene spoke to the man who has based his career on seeking out the most neglected areas of investment within the art world 

Haute Stuff

This spring’s Paris Couture Week brought small but significant elements of surprise from almost every design house.  From the high-octane glamour and folly of Jean Paul Gaultier and Christian Dior to the beautiful delicacies of Valentino and Elie Saab, Nota Bene Pulse reviews the whirlwind of decadence and drama that formed the Spring/Summer 2011 Haute Couture collections

Campbell McDougall

Canadian-born Campbell McDougall is creating a buzz in Berlin with his self-described “nomadic shop,” Darklands.  Nota Bene Pulse sits down with the boundary-pushing retailer to discuss his take on selling fashion, where the most stylish people are and why Shanghai is on his radar…

East Meets East

The new I.T Beijing Market is an exciting, not-to-be-missed incarnation of London’s renowned Dover Street Market

Creative Rendezvous

If you’re looking for a trip to Paris with a twist, you might try Le Royal Monceau. Apart from the hotel’s unique art collection, you can take advantage of its inspiring new Arts Concierge who’ll point you towards the city’s most thrilling emerging artists

Anne Valérie Hash

The award-winning, Paris-based designer opens up about couture, her capsule collection and the best bed in Paris

Time Travel

Travel back in time with Ancestral Footsteps and delve into the history of your family tree

Heston Blumenthal

The 31st of January will see the opening of Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, taking inspiration from historic British recipes. Nota Bene talks to the much fêted chef about delving into cooking’s past and why he has finally taken the plunge into the London restaurant scene…

The Art of Issey

Issey Miyake returns to the creative helm with the introduction of his latest line, the futuristic 132 5. Collection

Rethinking Retail

Perhaps it’s a backlash to bling, or maybe the desire to push boundaries.  Whatever the reason, these three concept stores are redefining how we shop now.  Nota Bene Pulse pays them a visit…

Jalsa Urubshurow

In 1992, Jalsa Urubshurow founded Nomadic Expeditions, an educational travel company specialising in adventures across Mongolia. Born of Mongolian immigrants in the US, Jalsa has successfully combined a lifelong passion for his ancestral country with an understanding of the Western desire for luxury. Nota Bene meets a man on a quest to change the way we travel…    

Le Carnet de Bal

Fabergé reveals its latest collection of contemporary diamond jewellery

Head For The Hills

Those plotting a stint in Los Angeles this year will be interested to learn of two fresh options in the immaculately beautiful Beverly Hills environs, both courtesy of the prestigious Dorchester Collection

Second Coming

To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Dior presents a new and improved Capture Totale skin serum

On With The Show

Cirque du Soleil brings its unique brand of circus art and live entertainment to London's Royal Albert Hall

Yunus & Eliza

In 2007, sculptor Eliza Higginbottom went to a London foundry to have one of her designs cast.  She was immediately intrigued by what she saw and asked Yunus Ascot, an artist working there, to teach her the casting process…

A Winter's Tale

The start of the year boasts a multitude of reasons to visit St Moritz. Nota Bene rounds up the social calendar 

French Connection

Paris-based shoe guru Pierre Hardy opens his first flagship outside of France in Manhattan’s West Village

Carry On

Stockholm’s under-the-radar fashion brand Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair teams up with renowned luggage purveyor Alstermo Bruk to create a pair of exclusive travel trunks

Anna Trzebinski

By Editor-in-Chief Elaine Lassman

Uncommon Scents

London perfumery Ormonde Jayne excels at creating unexpected, elegant fragrances that are ideal for gifting

Raising The Bar

Ralph Lauren is doing just that with this handmade, limited-edition bar set that makes for a very special gift

To Ricky With Love

In honour of his wife and muse Ricky, Ralph Lauren has created an extraordinary handbag just in time for the new year

Sarment

From wine novices to connoisseurs, Sarment Wine Club is the ultra-exclusive fine wine advisory service which provides those with a love of wine with the means to fill their cellars to the brim

Private Paris

Designer Andrew Gn makes over his showroom, revealing a stunning by-appointment-only salon that exudes glamour, elegance and old-world sophistication

The Holiday Wish List For Him

From over-the-top experiences to inspired stocking fillers, Nota Bene Pulse proudly presents a stunning selection of unabashedly extravagant and lavish gift ideas for him…

Head First

Ruby, the connoisseur’s source for chic motorcycle helmets, opens its first flagship in the heart of Paris

Ancient Angkor

Steeped in magic and mystery, Angkor Wat is an archeological wonder that cannot fail to inspire. Stay at Amansara, Siem Reap for the perfect cultural getaway

Oberto Gili

Though Oberto Gili has been working for over four decades, the famed photographer, who is perhaps best known for his interiors, shows no signs of slowing down.  He divides his time between a brownstone in NYC’s Greenwich Village, a country house in Italy’s Piedmont region and what he jokingly calls his third residence: an airplane.  He also has a new book of favourite interiors set to launch in 2011.  Here he explains to Nota Bene Pulse how he keeps it all in focus

Dynamic Duo

M2 Beauté adds a point of difference to eyelash treatments by coupling its growth serum with a nourishing gloss

Flight of Fancy

Avoid immigration, cut down your journey time and drink your preferred marque of champagne on board. Chartering your own jet is now a viable alternative to first or business class travel

Jewels of Cachet

Christie’s Paris is set to auction jewellery from the personal collection of “Madame M-R,” a renowned fixture in Parisian society

The Savoy Grill

As part of a lavish refurbishment of one of London’s most iconic hotels, the Savoy Grill has reopened as a Gordon Ramsay restaurant under Chef Patron Stuart Gillies and Head Chef Andy Cook. Ever on the pulse of London’s hotel and restaurant scene, Nota Bene went to see if reality matched the hype…

Pashmina Nonpareil

Kenyan-based designer Anna Trzebinski translates her lifelong love of Africa into hand-crafted pashminas that are nothing short of magnificent

Blue Logan

Nota Bene Pulse caught up with Blue Logan to discuss his recent project, “My Name Should Be On The List,” as well as his art-filled childhood, his couture aspirations and more…

A Taste of Sydney

Summer is on its way and Sydney is buzzing. Nota Bene rounds up the best neighbourhoods to explore in this soaring city

Long Live McQueen

Next spring, The Costume Institute of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York will present “Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty,” an exhibit celebrating the late designer’s remarkable vision

Steeped in Tradition

Jo Malone presents a limited-edition collection of five fragrances inspired by the classic art of taking tea

Moroccan Wine

The recent refinement in Moroccan wine is surely indicative of a greater shift towards quality and finesse. Nota Bene scours the 'Red City' for the finest domestic wines available

Stone Work

Zürich-based jewellery designer Christophe Graber has created an extraordinary bracelet that makes for an unforgettable Holiday gift

Skin Deeper

Priori goes beyond the surface with multitasking formulations that do more than just moisturise

All About Yves

The Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent Foundation and The Majorelle Garden, Marrakech present a very personal exhibit honouring the designer’s life and one of his greatest influences: Morocco

Babicka

New Babicka Original Wormwood Vodka revives an age-old Czech witches brew

Barbour Shop

It’s been 75 years since Barbour introduced the iconic “International Jacket.” To celebrate, it’s being reissued as a very special limited edition

Kilian Hennessy

With his unique, and admittedly “excessive” fragrance collection crafted using the world’s rarest and most expensive oils, visionary Kilian Hennessy elevates perfume into art.  He recently sat down with Pulse to discuss this olfactory originality, his family and more

Monte Carlo Beach Club

Of the world’s most iconic swimming pools, the Monte-Carlo Beach Club stands out as a testament to the good life and will always be included as a jet-set “watering hole”

Glass Act

This fall, the French fragrance house introduces a limited-edition bottle handmade by craftsmen at the renowned Saint-Louis crystal glassworks

London's

Ever the first to review the newest luxury hotels , Nota Bene recently went on a hard hat tour of the Four Seasons on Park Lane

Eye Opener

Mylash is a new, prescription-only program designed to stimulate growth and make eyelashes thicker, longer and darker.  Pulse takes a look...

Dior

Bespoke in Belgravia

This November, Italian jewellery duo Faraone Mennella opens its flagship London store

Spa Alert

The Royal Mansour Marrakech reveals a fabulous new spa that dazzles in size, opulence and peacefulness...

Contemporary Art Paris

A beautifully curated long weekend in the City of Light seen through the eyes of Nota Bene. Paris’s finest hotels, restaurants, shopping and unmissable art in the best of the public galleries and the most important private ones, including the impressive new outpost of über-gallerist Larry Gagosian

Time After Time

This December 2, Christie’s hosts “Important Watches,” an exclusive sale that will take place in Hong Kong and showcase over 570 rare and collectible timepieces

Take Six

As Six Scents, the pioneering fragrance force, prepares to launch its third series of limited-editions perfumes, Pulse gets a sense of what’s on offer

Luang Prabang Hotels

Luang Prabang is a city for adventurers: a boat trip on the Mekong River, hours spent exploring the streets by bicycle, time whiled away at the food market, alms-giving to the monks at dawn.  But with an expanding choice of hotels on offer, which is the current best?

Vintage Gucci

On December 2, Christie’s London will auction a staggering selection of vintage Gucci bamboo handbags from the 1950s to the ’70s, and just in time for original holiday gifting

Halong Bay

Magic, mystery and an area of outstanding natural beauty... As one of the great wonders of the world, Halong Bay is a 'must see' for even the most seasoned traveller. We went to discover exactly why it remains such a unique and extraordinary part of Vietnam but it needs 'to be done' the right way

Lisa Airan

As a doctor who wears Dior, Manhattan-based dermatologist Lisa Airan is the ultimate embodiment of brains and beauty.  She’s also willing to admit, despite her natural good looks, that she too needs some help along way.  With her trademark candour, Dr. Airan opens up to Nota Bene Pulse, revealing the latest in skincare developments, her favourite places on earth and her beauty secrets (good news: red wine, chocolate and romance are among them!)

Villa d'Este

Less than one hour’s drive from Milan, set in beautiful lakefront gardens surrounded by magnificent villas and picture postcard scenery, the iconic grand hotel Villa D’Este has long been a European favourite of the upscale traveller

Monks of Luang Prabang

The Buddhist heartbeat of Luang Prabang: wake to the first stirrings of colour in a city which explodes with culture, spiritualism and tradition

Bold and Beautiful

With her new F.D. Boutique, Fiona Druckenmiller takes a curator’s approach to the fine art of shopping

São Paulo's Urban Heartbeat

From 25th September – 12th December 2010 São Paulo is the centre of Contemporary art

Vibrant in Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City’s recently launched L’Usine melds fashion, food and art in a 19th-century French colonial building that’s been given a sleek makeover

Support System

Great year round and especially good for the upcoming holiday season, Lierac’s Bust Lift Tensor Spray raises more than just spirits

The Gift of Kilian

Kilian presents a luxurious limited-edition travel fragrance set just in time for the holidays

Sweet Surrender

Dessert genius Peggy Porschen adds a whole new layer to cakes with couture confections that are an exquisite feast for the plate and the palate

Get Packing

Nota Bene Pulse carries on in style with our picks of the best fall/winter 2010 designer weekend bags for him and for her

Turning Japanese

London’s Barbican Art Gallery presents “Future Beauty: 30 Years of Japanese Fashion,” a comprehensive overview of boundary-pushing design

What Ralph Did Next

This fall, Polo Ralph Lauren re-envisions its iconic Rhinelander Mansion store as an expansive men’s-only flagship that begs to be experienced

Pure Magic

Nota Bene Pulse ponders magical moments and the charming spells they cast

A Menswear Must

Though it’s been open just months, Trunk Clothiers has already established itself as a superlative source for hard-to-find men’s clothing and accessories

The Unmissable Mamma Agata

Nota Bene Pulse celebrates Ravello’s “hidden treasure,” an extraordinary woman who cooks, and lives, with love and passion – two of the key ingredients in her new cookbook

Knowns And Unknowns

Planning a trip to London this winter, and where would you be planning to stay? The recently revealed Savoy? The Corinthia? The Dorchester Collection’s new boutique, 45 Park Lane? Somewhat out-of-town Town Hall (don’t!). Or will you be sticking with what you know, and checking into the Connaught, Claridge’s, the Dorchester itself?

Michael Kors

As Michael Kors gets ready to launch a glorious French flagship store, his largest in Paris (and the world), he gives Pulse the exclusive insider scoop

Thierry Teyssier

Curious about the many different ways of welcoming a guest, this entrepreneurial aesthete, with a passion for cooking and decoration, has stayed at countless hotels reputed to be chic places with starry perfection, but he says he couldn’t “find any emotion” in these settings.  So Thierry Teyssier decided to create his own highly personalized interpretation of hotels:  The Maisons des Rêves or The Houses of Dreams, three extraordinary “maisons” in Morocco, Portugal and, coming late 2011, Brazil

A Sense Of Place

Lingering over a late lunch one hot afternoon on the terrace of the Hotel Caruso in Ravello in the dog days of last summer, we fell to musing on what precisely it was that made this such a lovely hotel

Fornasetti Gets Fragrant

Striking a perfect balance between style and scent, Fornasetti makes its first foray into home fragrance...

For the Love of Fall

November is one of the finest months to visit India. The intense heat of the summer has subsided and celebrations commence for Dussehra, Diwali, and the Pushkar Camel Fair in Rajasthan...

Cover Story

Now that the iPad is being spotted everywhere, noticeably in the hands of the cool and discerning, Pulse presents its shortlist of suitably stylish covers

Page Turning Trunks

As Louis Vuitton launches its first book about trunks, Pulse lifts the lid on what’s inside...

Venice

Structurally Venice may be sinking. In other ways, we’d surmise it’s on the up

Feet First

When Bastien Gonzalez, formally trained podiatrist and world’s finest pedicurist, launches a new product Pulse pays attention

Vannulo Farm

The only certified organic buffalo farm in Italy, Vannulo produces the most remarkable buffalo mozzarella that is handmade, fresh daily in the farm’s pristine dairy...

Hotel Splendido

First impressions first: here is a hotel that lives up to its name, well, splendidly. Set high on a hillside above the town, it looks every inch the grand hotel...

Spotlight Stephen Jones

Antwerp’s Mode Museum hosts a must-see retrospective of this British milliner’s unique, iconic and always engaging designs

A Novel Bookshop

NYC’s OHWOW Book Club rethinks reading and design

The Art Of Cooking

Taking a day out of one’s schedule to enjoy the art of fine cooking is something we rarely have time or need for – as someone else is doing it all for us

NYC

We returned from the city recently and did our usual extensive blitz of everything new and likely to be of interest to the Nota Bene follower. Here are a few mid-summer snippets...

Dubai Rocks

Christie’s Dubai is set to sell the largest private collection of jewellery parures this fall.  Nota Bene Pulse takes a sneak peek at what’s on offer

Nuno Mendes

Having grow up in Portugal, Nuno's passion for cuisine was sparked by his love for Portuguese seafood, which is still featured heavily in his menu's today.  Working on the family farm, he gained a deep connection with the land and the importance of how food is produced. Following training at the California Culinary Academy, Nuno began working as a chef. His passion for food has led him to study numerous different cuisines, and his career has led him to the finest restaurants in the United States and Europe, including Jean Georges in New York City, Coyote Cafe in Santa Fe, and a brief internship at El Bulli in Roses. Recent projects have included Nuno’s acclaimed restaurant Bacchus and his innovative private supper club, The Loft.

Amanpuri

What is it about Amanresorts that steals the heart every time? 

Getting Even

Acclaimed makeup artist Ellis Faas has become a new Pulse favourite for many reasons and her skin-transforming concealer is just one of them...

Jean-Pierre Braganza

Jean-Pierre Braganza is going from strength to strength. Since presenting his first collection in 2004, the London-based designer has become the one to watch, rising from under the radar to ruling the runways. Nota Bene Pulse sits down with designer to discuss his Canadian childhood, latest collections and where to get the best tarte à l’orange in Paris

Fabergé to go

Fabergé has gone digital making its highly coveted collections more accessible than ever.  Luxury window shopping will never be the same...

East Hampton

The two main Hamptons towns most relevant to Nota Bene readers are Southampton and East Hampton. That’s not to say that we don’t like Sag Harbour on the north shore (which is equidistant from both but not on the Atlantic) or Montauk, on easternmost Long Island, and still predominantly a surfer’s hangout.

Baltic Beauty

Upscale in downtown Vilnius, Crème de la Crème is an elegantly cool boutique dedicated to fulfilling the constant cravings of a beauty addict

Lars Bolander

As one of Sweden’s most renowned interior designers, Lars Bolander champions the beauty of the Scandinavian aesthetic, celebrating everything from its sophisticated flourishes to its rustic simplicity

Insider Restaurants Mallorca

We’ve seen a renewed interest in Mallorca as a destination, Pollença in particular, which has much to commend it: pretty countryside, charming villages, a dramatic coastline of hidden bays and coves (best explored by boat), and villas that offer far better value than St Tropez or Ibiza in high season...

Dock Kitchen

Off the less-fashionable northern end of Ladbroke Grove in north Notting Hill, overlooking a canal, the enclosed largely glass space of this innovative restaurant is approached through a large front terrace raised above a gated courtyard...

Bahia

Brazil's northeast state features exquisite lush countryside, magnificent coastline with thousands of miles of oceanfront, sandy beaches and palm groves. A sleepy culture; the drumbeat of Africa where many Bahiano's originated from; and a happy, friendly people who love to go to the weekly forro and display their dancing talents!

Scent, Hope and Charity

Perfumer Anne McClain believes emotions can be translated into scent and perfume can make a positive difference.  She founded her own company, MCMC Fragrances, to prove it

All About Alejandro

Ascending shoe star Alejandro Ingelmo sets his sights on SoHo, where he’ll open his first shop this September

Pretty Special

Hong Kong's fashion force Joyce elevates the beauty bar with its gleaming new Joyce Beauty flagship store on the city’s Queens Road

Eyeing Quality

Dita Eyewear is getting noticed for more than just incredibly cool good looks

RAKE’s Progress

Masterful tailor Clive Darby is the keeper of the cloth at RAKE, a new clothing brand he’s designed with the international man in mind

Saving Face

Linacare, a line of advanced skincare products originally engineered for medical use, has become a firm Pulse favourite.  To experience its Transforming Face Cream, which is nothing short of miraculous, is to understand why

East End Boys

Hostem, a new independent menswear store in Shoreditch, is destined to attract more than just the locals

For the Fun of Fragrance

Legendary candle-maker Cire Trudon puts a new spin on fragrance with its irresistible Stink Bombs

Asia Major

Acclaimed for his avant-garde aesthetic and experimental designs, British designer Gareth Pugh has set up shop in Hong Kong.  Pulse pays a visit....

Haider for Him

He describes it as an “exercise” in design rather than an official launch, but Haider Ackermann’s first menswear collection has us hoping there’s more to follow

Classic Design Gets Eco-Chic

Park the car.  The electric Solex is going to change the way you get around town

High-Tech Tailoring

Nanotechnology meets sharp style as cycling-gear source Rapha and Savile Row-tailor Timothy Everest put a new spin on the jacket.

Brunello Cucinelli

Brunello Cucinelli is somewhat of an enigma. He is an internationally acclaimed designer renowned for his luxurious cashmeres, clothing collections and accessories, yet cites philosophers and saints as business role models. Here, he sits down exclusively with Nota Bene Pulse to discuss his utopian work environment, his Fall 2010 collection and everything in between, from the Renaissance to favourite restaurants

Case History

Maison Delvaux, the Belgian purveyor of luxury leathers for over 180 years, has teamed up with Antwerp designer Bruno Pieters to create the 1829 Men’s Line, a range of subtly refined bags that temper modern minimalism with easy elegance

To Pulse Points with Love

French shoemaker Roger Vivier is set to launch his first fragrance collection this fall

Corsica's Finest

Paul Canarelli's spectacular estate, Domaine du Murtoli, has provoked excited whisperings from those 'in the know'... a rare jewel of a property boasting 2,000 acres of land, endless white sandy beaches, forests, olive groves and fields.

Julien Antwerp

Antwerp has no Four Seasons, no Peninsula, not a Park-Hyatt, not even a Rocco Forte. (Though at least there’s one in Brussels.) But then given its size why would it? 

Residences at The Little Nell

Though not a grand hotel, The Little Nell, or The Nell as it is affectionately known, has garnered international accolades since opening in 1989.  And it’s not hard to see why.

The Manhattanisation of London

We’re hoping it’s not a sign that London is losing its identity, but lately it seems the city has begun to morph into New York. Just look at the skyline! 

Pinacoteca South American Art

The art world has fallen for Brazil. Once held to be little more than an exotic paradise, home to perfectly toned bodies and the annual spectacle of Carnival – till recently the country’s chief cultural export – today’s Brazil boasts a vibrant and increasingly influential epicenter of contemporary art: São Paulo. 

Arte Antwerp

The finest Italian food in Antwerp is to be found at at Arte bvba on Suikerrui 24 just off the main cathedral square. Just ask Ann Demeulemeester, Dries van Noten or any of the city’s opinion-formers, all of whom adore the personal welcome your get from Arte's contemporary art collector-cum-proprietor Guido, a man who knows how a glass of Ca' del Bosco should be served, just as he’s an expert on the preparation of perfect pasta and pizza.

Gregory Castells

Gregory Castells has selected wines for some of the world's most prestigious restaurants and discriminating oenophiles. Now, as the wine director of Soutirage, he advises private clients.

Terry de Gunzburg

As the inventor of Yves Saint Laurent’s iconic Touche Eclat and the founder of the renowned By Terry range, Terry de Gunzburg is an undisputed skincare and cosmetic guru.  When not travelling the globe for work, she divides her time between homes in London and Paris.  Here, she lets us in on some of her favourite haunts in each city, describes her dream clients, reveals the ultimate beauty tip and much, much more...

Smooth Operators

Taking the barber shop to an entirely new level, London’s Carter and Bond has made a serious impression on the boys at Nota Bene Pulse – so much so, they’re hooked on facials and wet shaves!

Florence

The crucible of the Renaissance, the birthplace of Dante and Machiavelli (oh, and Florence Nightingale), the city of the Medicis – is it any wonder that Florence is synonymous with high culture and the wealth and discernment that give rise to it?