In the world of motorcycling Triumph is one of those names that reads like aristocracy. Like its car-manufacturing counterpart, the marque was very much at the forefront of the evolving history of motoring, building itself a legendary heritage in the process. The renaissance of this great old name is therefore every bit as important as the revival of the Bugatti brand was – all the more so because today Triumph once again makes some of the most beautiful bikes around.

Some give us the advice never to look back, saying that in the world of business – motor vehicles included – there is no place for tradition or sentimentality. I disagree. Cars and bikes are not just functional machines that perform a function. They never have been and hopefully never will be. Instead, they form a surprisingly important part of our society, becoming the stuff of childhood dreams, the driver of many aspirational ambitions, the way by which we are measured in terms of success and above all an expression of our sense of style and personality.

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James Bond, eat your heart out!

Arriving at the unique setting of the Venice Film Festival is glamorous enough, but imagine how heads would turn if you made your way across the famous Venetian canals in this mysterious beast?

The Lancia Powerboat is just that – a gorgeous beast of a vessel that contains all the raw beauty of Italian styling and the pedigree of the Lancia marque wrapped up in one hell of a package. Read the rest of this entry »

Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Morocco and wait for the inevitable assault on the senses; in the southern light colour is more vivid, flavours stronger and the world around you delightfully exotic. Forget about the tourists, luxury resort hotels and chic riads owned by the likes of Richard Branson – out here you can feel every bit the intrepid explorer. Read the rest of this entry »

Gibraltar, a British territory at the southern tip of Spain, is not the first place you would expect to find an exclusive members club, but thanks to the enclave’s status as an offshore haven and a leading financial centre it has one of the highest concentrations of millionaires in Europe.

Gibraltar is a true product of history. Captured by an Anglo-Dutch force during the 18th century Wars of Spanish Succession, it has been a British crown dependency ever since. In this tiny territory, perched upon a spectacular rocky peninsula half an hour west of Marbella, a cosmopolitan population of traders and financiers thrive. Property is at a premium, luxury cars a common sight and in the marinas large yachts lie alongside visiting frigates and cruise ships. Drawn above all by its banking facilities and offshore status, Gibraltar is also home to a community of international millionaires. Read the rest of this entry »

You’ve heard of Harrods, Galeries Lafayette and of course GUM in Moscow. While these famous temples of retail are a must-stop on every serious shopper’s Christmas to do list, don’t forget to add Berlin to your itinerary.

It may not quite enjoy the celebrity of Harrods or Macy’s, but Berlin’s KaDeWe is one of the world’s great department stores. With a history that dates back to the 19th century and a longstanding tradition for bringing the finest wares from the four corners of the globe to its hallowed marble halls, the Kaufhaus Des Westens is a jewel among retail temples. Read the rest of this entry »