We live in a society that always has us on the go. Work, family, and a social life are a lot to juggle at any given time, so when you throw a move into the mix, it can be a little overwhelming. After all, finding time to pack your entire life into cardboard boxes is anything but easy—and it certainly isn’t luxurious. However, with more people prioritizing self-care these days, moving services that make switching homes into a luxury experience are catching wind.
With luxury moving, also known as white glove moving, people are discovering that moves don’t have to be stressful. In fact, with this type of service, they can be stress-free, quick, and efficient. Here is why people are falling head-over-heels for this luxurious moving style.
Priority Care
Every move’s needs are unique, so why treat them all the same? With white glove moving, you get a moving plan tailored to your home’s individual needs. On top of choosing if you want to take part in packing, unpacking, or setup personally, your experience will be upgraded with premium services only available through this luxury package.
For example, a move manager often gets assigned to this type of move. Their job is to keep the client updated on their move status, alert them of any changes promptly, and to answer questions quickly—AKA with luxury moving, you never have to wait in a customer service phone queue. A carpenter may also get contracted to create custom crates to ensure prized possessions and fragile items don’t get damaged. These crates are commonly used to protect artwork, collectibles, recreational vehicles, and high-end materials such as marble.
More Time, Less Stress
More time and less stress are always a winning combo in our books—and white glove moving is a great way to gift yourself this luxury. Having professionals handle the majority of your moving checklist leaves you with more time to do the things you love. Whether that means spending time with the family, pursuing a luxurious hobby, or even binging Netflix, without moving tasks eating up your spare time, the sky is the limit.
Premium Protection
This luxury service is a step up from a regular moving service when it comes to safety and caution. This is why people that are worried about the integrity of their possessions turn to white glove moving. With white glove moving, a home’s contents will not only be thoughtfully packaged and handled by professionals, but additional steps are also taken to enhance protection. For example, a special truck with padded walls may be used to transport belongings. Also, movers with this service will treat each possession like their own, handling them with the utmost respect and care.
However, it is important to note premium protection doesn’t only apply to belongings, but property as well. Both the old and new home will get the red carpet treatment with runners rolled out throughout to protect the floors from both damage and dirt.
No Task is Too Big
If you have a grand piano that needs to make it to the second floor of your new home, this moving service will make it look like a breeze. They have the right experience and equipment to get the piano to its destination in a safe and efficient manner—even if that means hauling it through an upper balcony.
White glove movers have specific training and experience handling not just the most fragile items, but also bulky and awkward items as well. Plus, more movers are usually assigned to these moves to get the job done quickly and efficiently.
Move-In Ready
Did you know that with a white glove moving service you can start settling into your new home in an average of two days? This means that everything gets packed in your old house, moved, then thoughtfully unpacked in the new home within that timeframe—without you having to do anything.
Part of the luxury of this service is that they will unpack your boxes then dispose of any garbage and cardboard when they are finished. They may also handle tasks like mounting televisions, hanging artwork, and arranging furniture. Some moving places even contract an interior designer to guide the unpackers to ensure the new home is functional and looks great from the get-go.
With so many benefits, it is no wonder that more people than ever are discovering that white glove moving is worth its weight in gold. Whether you are moving a few blocks down to a trendy city center apartment or have decided to move across the country, this luxury moving service should be a consideration. After all, it not only nixes moving stress, but it ensures your move is in the best hands possible—hands that make your move stress-free, quick, and efficient.
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.
With so many amazing products out there, it’s clear to see why impulse buying is so easily done. Something catches your eye, or something complements an item you’ve already bought, and you find you want it, too. Impulse buying can easily escalate, however, meaning bad news for your bank account (and your home if you’re running out of space!).
Here’s how to make your shopping habits take on more meaning and limit those impulsive buys.
Avoid Shopping When Your Emotions Are at their Peak
This could be any type of emotion or feeling, whether it’s overwhelming hunger while you’re browsing the grocery aisles, boredom while you’re in store, or a low mood. Heightened feelings will only make it more likely that you make inadvisable or impulsive purposes to fill a gap, where you later find yourself wondering why you made the purchase at all.
Furthermore, food shopping on an empty stomach will have you reaching for many items you covet in the moment, rather than what your grocery list actually specifies.
Make sure you’re shopping with a clear head (and a full stomach!)
Do Your Shopping Online Instead
Online shopping means you can easily filter out all the distracting items which you don’t need. It allows you to search for exactly what you’re looking for. Not only that, but it lets you re-think your choices at the checkout area where you can reevaluate how much you’ve spent, compared to reaching the till area in-store and feeling as though there is no turning back (despite how shocked you are regarding the racked up total).
Shopping online can also help you to save money and browse better deals, such as sales or cashback opportunities like those from Kickback. You can find more information here.
Buy the Right Items
A lot of shoppers settle for less when they really want something, just to feel as though they have fulfilled a need. Whether it’s a new item of clothing, makeup or other goods, if you don’t quite find the item you’re looking for, you might grab the next best thing. However, down the line, this will lead to more impulse buying, as you may seek to replace the original item you bought, knowing it wasn’t exactly what you wanted in the first place.
By taking the time to find precisely what you’re looking for in an item you’re going to love, and which is perfect, you won’t find yourself reaching for anything different on the shelves afterwards.
Stick to a Budget
Avoiding impulse buying doesn’t mean never treating yourself. It just means being more aware of what you’re buying and how much you’re spending. Even for treats, create a budget you know you can happily afford, and stick to it.
If it makes it easier when shopping in store, only take out a certain amount of cash with you so that you have no choice but to stick to what you have. Leave credit cards at home and use your chosen cash amount only.
Carol Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.
The Verbier Festival is a classical music festival which encourages encounters and sharing between great musicians and young aspiring artists from around the world. With its different orchestral programmes, the Festival strives towards excellence in music education. The audience is invited to live a special experience at the heart of the Swiss Alps by attending prestigious concerts, witnessing unique encounters and participating in a wide range of free activities.
Every summer, the best artists meet in Switzerland, in the heart of Swiss Alps, to share their passion for music. Since 2008, Yuja Wang was loyal to the festival by performing amazing concerts. We all still remember the one celebrating the festival 25th anniversary. This summer, during the Virtual Verbier Festival, Yuja Wang is going to perform twice. One on July 17th 2020 (audio-streamed on Espace 2) and the second on August 2nd (video streamed on Medici.tv).
July 17th 2020: Yuja Wang, Charles Dutoit and the Verbier Festival Orchestra
In order to pulse the rhythm of the Virtual Festival, on July 17th, Yuja Wang will perform an amazing concert together with Conductor Charles Dutoit and the excellent Verbier Festival Orchestra. The programme was shaped to the talent of Yuja Wang.
GEORGES ENESCO – Romanian Rhapsody No. 1 in A major No. 1
SERGEI PROKOFIEV – Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor Op. 16
GUSTAV MAHLER – Symphony No. 1 in D minor ‘Titan’
We can expect to see from Yuja Wang a dazzling performance, especially on the Gustav Mahler symphony. This work was fully built for a large orchestra and we cannot wait to see the result.
August 2nd 2020: A Day With Yuja Wang
The dizzyingly talented Yuja Wang is one of the world’s foremost piano virtuosos, her elite place on the world stage fully assured. On August 2nd, viewers will be able to look back on an artist whose meteoric rise has been closely tied to her knockout performances at the Verbier Festival—from her unforgettable Verbier debut in 2008 up to today—through concerts, interviews, and previously unreleased footage. These performances, many of which are now permanently engraved in classical fans’ memory, all contribute to the lofty stature of a musician who tirelessly pushes against the limits of what is possible with two hands and ten fingers…
The Virtual Verbier Festival is for sure a great initiative, especially during this exceptional pandemics situation. You can read our full review of this year’s festival by clicking here. We all expect to see Yuja Wang performances in the incoming days. A dazzling comet will shine in the Swiss sky this summer.
José Amorim Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.
Switzerland has very high standards in terms of hotels and hospitality in general. It is probably one of the smallest countries in the world with such a number of beautiful palaces to stay while enjoying the Swiss way of life. In Montreux, famous for its location and moreover, for its Jazz Music festival, there is one address you cannot miss: Fairmont Le Montreux Palace. This address connects 156 years of history in the region as all started in 1836. Today, Fairmont Le Montreux Palace presents its new, newly renovated Penthouse suite, located on the 7th floor of the wing adjoining the main building of the palace, formerly known as the Hôtel du Cygne.
Built-in 1836, the Auberge du Cygne was rebuilt in 1864 by the architect Philippe Franel, then bought in 1895 by Alexandre Emery and Ami Chessex who founded the Montreux Palace and Cygne company. In 1906, the architect Eugène Jost built the famous Montreux Palace that we know today and connected it to the Hôtel du Cygne building by the Great Hall.
The New Penthouse, fully renovated!
The renovated Penthouse represents 160 m2 of emotion and history, luxury and elegance. This Suite is the expression of “timeless chic” which combines noble materials and soothing colours with Mediterranean accents. It offers three spacious bedrooms including a master suite with a separate dressing room, a generous living room with fireplace open to a living room and a fully equipped kitchen. From its splendid 12 m2 terrace, the 180 ° view over Leman Lake and the Alps is breathtaking. Worthy of a painting by an artist, it gives the impression of sailing on the azure waves of the lake.
Designed by interior architects Kathrin Matthiesen and Mélanie Bach from Hamburg-based CM Design, the unique style created for the Penthouse Suite is inspired by an old postcard from the historic building. Among the materials used, wood and natural stones occupy an important place, especially for the bathroom, the kitchen and the fireplace. The white, cream and grey tones create harmony with the wooden parquet. Shades of green reminiscent of Lake Geneva are sublimated by floral patterns bringing a touch of freshness which is also found on the flowered terrace. Installed under the eaves, the new Penthouse Suite is a real gem added to the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace. The renovations were carried out by Felix Graf GmbH, based in Zenting, Germany.
Fairmont Is A Love Story About Luxury
In 1907, history was made when Fairmont San Francisco, Nob Hill’s grand dame, opened its doors. The iconic hotel soon became the city’s venue of choice for glittering balls, presidential visits and political gatherings, making the name Fairmont synonymous with “place of occasion”. With this auspicious beginning, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts brand was born.
The distinctive collection of unrivalled hotels under the Fairmont banner reflects a belief in providing world-class service to guests who appreciate unique locations. Today, when you think of a landmark hotel around the world, chances are it’s a Fairmont Hotel. From The Savoy in the heart of London to Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai, Makkah Clock Royal Tower or Le Montreux Palace, A Fairmont Hotel, the portfolio of properties features the most celebrated addresses
Montreux: Small By Its Size But A Giant Reputation Worldwide
Montreux is a very charming place by the Leman Lake in Switzerland. It offers a great microclimate and access to an amazing region full of natural richness and breathtaking landscapes. 2 people made Montreux famous. The first one was Rousseau, the French politician and philosopher. By the end of the 18th century, he placed the scenery of his novel “La nouvelle Héloise” in Montreux. The second person was Lord Byron. The 19th century rediscovered the joys of being in the mountains. While big important cities were devastated by diseases, lack of hygiene and robbery, people would escape to the mountains in order to discover a healthier environment. The 19th century also represented the birth period for Romanticism in literature, music and arts. Mountains and nature were a great source of inspiration for artists and Lord Byron was one of the leaders of this movement. He wrote a poem called “The Prisoner of Chillon”, with respect to the Chillon Castle close by Montreux.
During the 20th century, Montreux became world-famous due to its International Music Festival. The Montreux Jazz Festival opened on 18 June 1967 and was founded by Claude Nobs, Géo Voumard and René Langel with considerable help from Ahmet and Nesuhi Ertegun of Atlantic Records. The festival was first held at Montreux Casino. The driving force is the tourism office under the direction of Raymond Jaussi. It lasted for three days and featured almost exclusively jazz artists. The highlights of this era were Charles Lloyd, Miles Davis, Keith Jarrett, Jack DeJohnette, Bill Evans, Soft Machine, Weather Report, The Fourth Way, Nina Simone, Jan Garbarek, and Ella Fitzgerald. Originally a pure jazz festival, it opened up in the 1970s and today presents artists of nearly every imaginable music style. Jazz remains an important part of the festival.
If you are attending to the Montreux Jazz Festival, or just enjoying some great time in Switzerland, The Fairmont Le Montreux Palace is a great choice. If you wish to get the best out of staying at this hotel, you definitely need to have a look at the Penthouse.
José Amorim Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.
Summer is here and while preparing your luggage for your next holiday’s destination you wonder what nail polish should you use. To be more precise, which colours should be the must-haves this summer? Since Pantone has released its pale blue and that some fashion brands played with electric yellows and intense turquoise, we feel we should go bold with nail polish this summer. In the current context, some constraint seems reasonable and probably some of you might spend part of your summer at work. Therefore at Luxury Activist, we decided to adopt a more elegant and low profile approach (unless you are a party girl in Ibiza). We played with the colour palette in order to obtain an interesting balance between originality, vibrancy and elegance. Here are our top 5 best nail polish to wear during this summer 2020.
1- CHANEL 548 Blanc White
Chanel has developed true know-how in nail polish which is by far the most complex beauty technology to master. This summer, the one to pick is by far the reference 548 Blanc White. It is a « fake nude » colour with hints of caramel and velvety soft skin tones. It adapts to all skin types and the more you get tanned, the nicest the contrast is. With a perfect finish, it will for sure be the perfect companion for this summer. No matter if you are in a trendy beach, a restaurant or on a wild summer night party, your look will be complete with this reference from Chanel.
2- ESSIE Nail Polish in Toned Down
Essie is the go-to nail brand for salon professionals, beauty junkies, industry insiders, celebrities and fashion icons around the world. America’s nail salon expert, Essie aims to inspire a love for the manicure experience with a wit and style that touches people everywhere. This summer, you need to try the Essie Nail Polish in Toned Down. It is a very unique colour that you might not find elsewhere. We could consider it a dusty, blue jeans blue. It might not sound obvious as a summer colour but trust me that will blend perfectly with a natural look. The finish is quite spiked with a good amount of shine.
3- EMILY HEATHE Nail Art in Public
Clever, long-wearing nail polishes become brilliantly functional design objects. Smooth, architectural curves enclose intense colour, and masterfully curated ingredients. Custom Japanese bottles MAGNETIZE together in pairs for impeccable travel and organization. Here the Emily Heathe Nail Art in Public plays with metallic colours for a dazzling look on a sun-kissed body. In New York City, the unexpected exists to surprise. The burnt orange shimmer makes a public offering to all who have hated, liked and learned to love the NYC hustle. We can also call it a rusty orange that will bring the heat to your nails. It is an unusual orange much cooler and unique than the basic one. With Emily Heathe you do not even need a topcoat. The nail polish is already quite long-lasting.
The Healthy Alternative to Gel Polish! Gel Lab Pro Color is an award-winning, treatment-enriched nail polish that delivers the gloss and cushion of a gel manicure without the nail damage. This dual-patented formula delivers health, wear and shine with 10 exclusive ingredients to ensure optimum wellbeing and benefits for the nails. Requires no lamps or tools.
This product is vegan, and is a seven-free formulation that’s free of formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, toluene, DBP (dibutyl phthlate), camphor, xylene, and diethylhexyl adipate. It is not tested on animals. Deborah Lippmann brings her nail authority and unique color vision inspired by her extensive works with top designers, photographers, celebrities and New York Fashion Week to every product she creates.
Summer is about metallic. But you still want to look like an elegant girl and not like a stolen car. Therefore Deborah Lippmann proposes this “roof-top season style” nail polish. the formula is gentle even if you have sensitive nails. It provides the same effect as a gel without weakening your nail structure.
5- DIOR Nail Lacquer in Massaï
Because you should never go on holidays without a red, here is the ultimate red killer for this summer. The Dior Nail Lacquer in Massaï is the absolute red for this summer. This variant is not new. It is a classic cream red and it was released back in 2014 and since then it became one of the must-haves of every woman wardrobe. It is the perfect red colour this summer as it has a deep facet almost rose baccarat coloured.
With these five examples you can easily cherry pick three and leave relaxed to your holiday’s destination. You will for sure shine like a precious jewel. Yet, if you are going to spend all your summer at work, these colors will remind you that you can still enjoy your evenings and weekends as if you were thousand of miles away.
Enjoy.
José Amorim Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.
The Verbier Festival is a classical music festival which encourages encounters and sharing between great musicians and young aspiring artists from around the world. With its different orchestral programmes, the Festival strives towards excellence in music education. The audience is invited to live a special experience at the heart of the Swiss Alps by attending prestigious concerts, witnessing unique encounters and participating in a wide range of free activities. Every summer, the best artists meet in Switzerland, in the heart of Swiss Alps, to share their passion for music.
This Summer, due to the coronavirus situation, the Verbier Festival goes Virtual. The classical music festival has teamed up with long-time partners medici.tv — the world’s leading classical music channel — and Radio Télévision Suisse (Espace 2 and the RTSCulture platform) to present the Virtual Verbier Festival from July 16 to August 12.
Viewers and listeners can access the Festival, discover programme listings and subscribe for updates via the ‘VF at Home’ platform at verbierfestival.com. The Virtual Verbier Festival is all free to access for the period of the Festival, and select material at medici.tv will be available via free replay until 31 October.
“It’s been a very challenging few months for artists in general. That aspect of not having concerts to look forward to, not to have an income; it has been very, very tough. I see this Virtual Festival as a tribute to our artists. Many of them are regulars who come back year after year and I want to pay homage to this close friendship. The Festival wouldn’t be anything without them.” – said Verbier Festival Founder & Director, Martin T:son Engstroem.
Thanks to its partner. Medici.tv, the 2020 edition will be rich of interviews, masterclasses and even re-broadcasts of amazing rare concerts. Naturally the 18 evenings will also procure new exciting performances, recorded especially for the Virtual Verbier Festival by some of the nowadays biggest stars. The programme is set to start at 07h00PM until Midnight CET.
Thanks to this initiative, the Verbier Festival remain loyal to the support of classical music in Europe. The Verbier Festival never stopped its evolution, always trying to rejuvenate, reenergize and consolidate classical music for the pleasure of all passionate people in Switzerland and around the world. This is proof that when passion and determination are combined impossible is nothing. Here is a full interview from Mr Engstroem:
In 2018, the festival celebrated its 25th anniversary which was a tremendous milestone and they launched a very beautiful art book to tell the story. Twenty-five years ago, Martin T:son Engstroem, had an idea to establish a workshop open to the skies, a place for exchanging knowledge, passion and interests. You can read our review here.
Another good news for the Verbier Festival was the partnership renewal of its main sponsor: Bank Julius Baer. Principal Sponsor of the Verbier Festival since 2010, the Swiss bank has extended its partnership for another three years through the Festival’s 2023 edition. The bank’s sponsorship activities will continue to focus on the wide range of music programming that the Verbier Festival presents at the very highest level, and on the Verbier Festival Academy, which provides exceptional training and educational opportunities to nurture the next generation. In addition to its sponsoring commitment, Julius Baer will also support all medici.tv broadcasts as part of this year’s Virtual Verbier Festival, taking place from 16 July to 12 August 2020. Here is the programme for Medici.tv
Despite all these amazing concerts that you can follow on Medici.tv there is more around the virtual festival and it is for the music aficionado to discover or rediscover more about this amazing festival and the incredible artists. From August 2nd onwards, all the concerts will be audio streamed by Espace 2.
From July 17 to August 12, Espace 2 will broadcast the ‘Best of the Verbier Festival’ on its L’Été des Festivals programme. Partner of the Verbier Festival since 1994, Espace 2 has a goldmine of Verbier Festival performances and interviews in its archives. Its broadcasts of concerts will be complemented by newly produced features and interviews Monday to Friday from 8 pm to 10:30 pm CET and Saturdays from 8 pm to midnight CET. Espace 2 programming can be accessed from around the world via the dedicated Virtual Verbier Festival page at verbierfestival.com. Swiss listeners can also hear Espace 2 on local radio stations across French-speaking Switzerland.
Do not hesitate to visit the festival official website for more information: https://www.verbierfestival.com. The Coronavirus obliged institutions and companies to adapt and to become very creative in order to keep things moving forward. The Verbier Festival is always evolving and only one thing never changes: the passion for beautiful music.
José Amorim Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.
Men’s fashion has been developing really fast within recent years. It is no longer strange to see a well-dressed man on the street – elegance has become almost a synonym for masculinity. Thanks to the availability of trends and easy access to fashion, every man can create an elegant image.
However, knowing what to start off with might be problematic. Therefore, below you’ll find some tips on how to establish a smart, neat look as a man, without spending a fortune or putting great effort into it.
Start With The Basics
What are the top characteristics of ‘an elegant man’? Probably, the answers to these questions would be varied, as every man and woman has their own style rules, attitudes, and conventions. There are some basic things, however, that will always help create a smart look and stylish outfit.
Firstly, think about your skin. If it’s perfectly clean, moisturized, and shining, everyone will notice this aspect and it will be your great asset. Washing your face regularly and with the best face wash products for men is a must to achieve it. Good skincare can also make you look younger and relaxed. In order to take proper care of your skin, think about washing, moisturizing, and getting rid of acne and other unpleasant changes. To read more about proper skincare routine for men, take a look here.
Then, if you have a beard or a moustache, also try to keep it neat and trimmed. Regular trimming can do wonders for its condition and general look. You can also use various beard oils or creams in order to keep it in the best condition possible.
Finally, remember about your nails! There’s nothing worse to see in a person than bitten nails and cuticles. Neatly cut and polished nails are always a sign of an elegant man. It’s no big deal to take regular care of your nails, either on your own or with a beautician’s help.
Plan Your Outfits
Even though the basic general care tips are important, they won’t work if you don’t remember to dress properly. Of course, the choice of the outfit might depend on the occasion, but still, there are some general rules to follow in this field as well.
First of all, you should invest in good-quality clothes. Not every brand name can provide excellent quality and high-standard materials, so you should think more about what’s a piece of clothing made of, than about the label. Some examples of good-quality and long-lasting materials are silk, wool, cotton, or jeans. Try to avoid polyester or acrylic, as they don’t look smart and are not healthy for the body, either – you will sweat a lot in polyester or acrylic clothes.
Think Of A Capsule Wardrobe
Once you collect some good-quality clothes to fill in your wardrobe, it’s necessary to plan some outfits and combine the pieces of clothing together. Why is it so important? Nobody would look good in a randomly chosen outfit. To avoid problems with choosing your clothes every morning, simply make a list of ten to twenty basic outfits for a particular occasion.
You can have, for example, three super elegant business outfits, ten casual ones, and three sporty sets for each season. Then, the only thing you must do is switch, remove or add any unnecessary items. You can save a lot of time and effort by doing so.
Lastly, consider establishing a so-called capsule wardrobe. It’s a name for a wardrobe made of clothes with similar patterns or colors, and the purpose of it is to make all your outfits elegant and easy to wear. You might choose three or four colors that you prefer and plan your capsule wardrobe using these shades. You might find some inspiration online, for example here.
Accessorize
Accessories will be the perfect complement for every outfit. Also, in this case, remember to keep it minimalistic and elegant, but invest in good-quality items. The basics might include, for example, a watch, sunglasses, cufflinks, and a belt. If you want them to match your capsule wardrobe, stay within the colour palette that you’ve already planned in terms of clothes.
Switching and changing accessories is an excellent way to bring some fresh air to your style without making it a great expense. Think of adding, for example, some fancy socks or a scarf to brighten your outfit a little. Some tips on that might be found here.
Conclusion
A lot of men still believe that smart dressing is reserved only for businessmen and celebrities. They couldn’t be more mistaken! Elegance is a much broader and universal concept and it can be achieved by anyone who wishes to put some effort into it. If you keep in mind some basic tips concerning skincare, clothing, and accessories, elegance is easier than you think!
Sherazi Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.
Finding the perfect spa for you isn’t a hard task when in Toronto. Check out some Toronto real estate to find the perfect spa for you today. Relaxation is key, so we are here to tell you the best spas throughout Toronto.
1. Spa By Valmont at the Hazelton
This spa is located in Yorkville, which is Toronto’s ritziest neighborhood, so you can expect a great spa to be located here.
This spa is known for its high-luxury treatment, which will have you feeling refreshed and relaxed like no other spa can accomplish. A Swedish deep-tissue massage will have your muscles feeling great, while the hydration facial, mani, and pedi will make you feel like a new person after your visit. This treatment is the most expensive throughout the entire city, but you definitely will not be disappointed, as it includes two cleanses, three massages, and no fewer than four face masks.
Be sure to check out this extravagant spa today for an experience that you will never forget.
2. Spa at the Four Seasons
The Four Seasons is sleek and offers that sexy lifestyle that any spa dweller will appreciate.
Rose gold facials will dazzle any high-glamour person, allowing you to feel refreshed as you move throughout your day. They offer an element facial, in which consists of mineral-rich mud that is inspired by Canada’s natural elements. They offer more than just facials, with some other features being the pool, sauna, steam room, and hair and nail salon that will have you feeling truly pampered.
Be sure to check this spa out as it will have you feeling like a new person after your treatment. There are many additional features, so don’t hesitate and get to this spa today!
3. The Spa at the Old Mill
If you are looking for an old-fashioned spa, then here it is. The spa at the Old Mill offers the feeling of a Jane Austen novel as you receive the treatment of a lifetime.
This spa offers an elegant and romantic feel, with gardens that are in full bloom. The river valley in which the spa sits offers a great place for you to feel refreshed and relaxed as you receive your treatments. Some services you can receive include warm stone treatments, aromatherapy, and lavender manicures. There are many other features that come with this spa, so don’t hesitate to check it out. You will likely not be disappointed!
Badar Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.
This month, the jewellery industry got hit by an exciting wave. 52 years old miner, Saniniu Laizer, has realized the dream of many miners: to find richness in the darkness of a mine. Mr Laizer found the largest tanzanite stones ever seen for a total value of USD 3.4 million. With this discovery, Mr Laizer will for sure change his life and might not need anymore to go down the mine for the rest of his life. With intense blue colour, Tanzanite is one of the rarest gemstones in the world and therefore one of the most expensive gems. Many experts believe that within the next 20 years, Tanzanite will be over from Earth, which means that this 15Kg discovery is one of a kind.
Saniniu Laizer, The Hero Of The Day
This will be a day to remember. When Saniniu Laizer discovered the 2 Tanzanite stones, he could feel his heart racing in his chest. He knew that from that day his life would change forever. Mr Laizer is a small artisan miner and he is part of the Masai community of Lake Manyara in the Simanjiro district. He is 52 years old, he has 4 wives, 30 children, and two thousand cows. When interviewed by the BBC he declared that it was a very special day for him and that he would kill a cow to celebrate. We know that when a Masai kills a cow it is definitely a very big deal.
This amazing discovery was very well received by Tanzania President John Magufuli. He has been governing the country for more than 5 years and he is very strict when it comes to the minor sector. Since he was elected, he has protected the country’s interests against any sort of foreign multinational exploration. He even changed legislation by increasing royalties from 4 to 6%. Let’s note that Tanzania has a lot of richness in its ground. From Gold, Diamonds, Tanzanite, and even Uranium, the African country wants to better defend its wealth and better manage the richness of the mining sector in order to develop and improve society.
Mining activities accounted for 17% of the East African country’s GDP in 2019. Magufuli’s administration has imposed reforms that seek to curb smuggling and increase revenue collection in the sector.
Saniniu Laizer also said to the BBC that he plans to reinvest the money in his community. according to the rich miner he wants to build a shopping centre and a school. He might create many jobs for his community and provide a better future for the children. Tanzania’s government bought the book-sized stones weighing 20 pounds (9 kg) and 11 pounds (5 kg) from miner Saniniu Laizer for $3.4 million. Minerals Minister Doto Biteko said on state television Wednesday the government is buying the rare minerals for preservation.
Tanzanite, A Precious Mineral
Tanzanite is the blue and violet variety of the mineral zoisite (a calcium aluminium hydroxyl sorosilicate), caused by small amounts of vanadium. Tanzanite belongs to the epidote mineral group. Tanzanite is only found in Tanzania, in a very small mining area near the Mererani Hills.
The gemstone was given the name ‘tanzanite’ by Tiffany & Co. after Tanzania, the country in which it was discovered. The scientific name of “blue-violet zoisite” was not thought to be sufficiently consumer-friendly by Tiffany’s marketing department, who introduced it to the market in 1968. In 2002, the American Gem Trade Association chose tanzanite as a December birthstone, the first change to their birthstone list since 1912.
Tanzanite was formed around 585 million years ago during the mid-Ediacaran Period by massive plate tectonic activity and intense heat in the area that would later become Mount Kilimanjaro. The mineral is located in a relatively complex geological environment. Deposits are typically found in the “hinge” of isoclinal folds.
According to Mr Tobias Kormind, Managing director of jeweller 77 Diamonds, this Tanzanite discovery is a major event in the jewellery industry. Here is his comment as a well known worldwide expert:
“Tanzanite is the only very fine deep blue colour gemstone besides blue sapphire in the world and it is only available in one place, making these record-breaking hulks of tanzanite a hugely important discovery. It’s fantastic for the local population because the news has already attracted the attention of international gemstone buyers and the stones need to be cut before being exported, so this will create local manufacturing jobs. These enormous stones will either end up on jewellery or be sold as mineral specimens. The better formed the specimen, for example, if it has a beautiful geometrical pattern and an unbroken surface, the more collectors will be prepared to pay for it.”
Mr. Kormind, kindly accepted to provide us with an exclusive interview that you can read here.
In Conclusion, this discovery has a tremendous impact. Not only the life of Mr Saniniu Laizer will change forever, but it also allows us to show the rarity of certain natural resources. Tanzania is a good example of managing their wealth, not all countries are that good. Let’s hope the 15Kg of Tanzanite will procure good for those who will be able to benefit from it.
José Amorim Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.
This month, the jewellery world was celebrating an amazing discovery: 15kg of rare and precious Tanzanite. You can read our full article here. This exceptional context allowed us to interview Mr. Tobias Kormind, co-founder and Managing Director of 77Diamonds.com.
77 Diamonds is the leading European online diamond jewellery retailer. With unrivalled access to over 80% of the world’s global diamond market, a Luxury showroom in the heart of Mayfair London, and their own workshop with over 100 years of the highest level of craftsmanship, they enable clients to collaborate with on a journey of luxury, design, and expertise.
For LuxuryActivist, Mr. Kormind accepted the exercice of our exclusive interview and we got great insights.
LuxuryActivist (LA): Mr Kormind, As a worldwide expert, can you tell us why this news about the Tanzanian miner is so exceptional? Tobias Kormind (TK): It’s quite exceptional as the two tanzanite stones seem to be the largest found for a very long time. Tanzanite was discovered in the 1960s, and since its discovery, we have rarely seen gemstones of such a size. Mining tanzanite is a very messy, abrasive process. Through mine detonations, stones can often be broken into smaller pieces. The miner who discovered these two larger stones became a millionaire overnight due to the sheer rarity of the find. This is great news as he seems to want to distribute his wealth into his own community.
LA: Why are tanzanite gemstones so valuable? What makes the gemstone unique and precious TK: The rarer a gemstone, the more valuable it becomes. This is the rule for most gemstones sold in the industry, but the case of tanzanite is slightly more specific and unique. Tanzanite is one of the rarest gemstones in the world as it can only be sourced in North Tanzania, on a 12 square kilometer plot of land just below Mount Kilimanjaro. This is why prices for tanzanite grow exponentially with the size of the stone, as larger tanzanite stones are extremely difficult to come by. Many experts say that in the next 20 to 30 years, these gemstones will disappear entirely. The value of a tanzanite gemstone also depends on other factors such as carat, cut, clarity, and colour.
Although all these factors make tanzanite an extremely rare gemstone, they aren’t, surprisingly, as expensive as other more precious gemstones (such as rubies, sapphires, and emeralds). This is because tanzanite isn’t as well-known as other more revered gemstones, lowering the demand. This means the value of tanzanite is in fact lower than some other gemstones. To give you an idea, if you compared the value of a sapphire and a tanzanite gem (or similar quality and carat weight), the latter would be around five times less expensive.
The reason the two larger stones found by the miner last week were sold for so much is that larger tanzanite pieces are extremely hard to find and unearth. Intact mineral specimens of this size, which have an unbroken surface, are sold for hundreds of thousands of US dollars — much more than if they had been faceted into a cut stone.
LA: From pure jewellery craftsmanship, what would be the best usage of Tanzanite? TK: There are a variety of ways in which tanzanite can be used for jewellery, as is the case with many other gemstones. The hardness level of tanzanite is around 6 or 7, this means they are a relatively weaker gemstone than say sapphires or rubies (which have a hardness level of 9). This is not to say that tanzanite cannot be durable: if taken good care of, the brilliance and fire of this type of gem can be kept intact for many years.
If you are interested in owning a blue coloured gemstone, tanzanite can be a great option to replace the more expensive sapphire. The vivid blue of certain tanzanite stones can be truly superb, as deep and rich as any sapphire. There are many ways to wear tanzanite on jewellery, this really depends on personal preference. Although I would say these types of blue gemstones are especially popular for engagement rings.
LA: If you were to rank a top 5 based on rarity and preciousness, what would be the gemstones you would indicate in this ranking? TK: As a top five, I would probably rank gemstones as the following:
Rubies
Sapphires
Emeralds
Alexandrite
Paraiba Tourmaline
You may be surprised that I do not include tanzanite here. The reason is that a well-graded tanzanite gemstone isn’t (currently) difficult to find compared to sapphires, for example. This might not always be the case though – the value of tanzanite may become much higher in years to come, once the reserves of this gem start to dwindle.
LA: You have developed true know-how in the world of precious stones. What brought you into this industry? TK: I started a career in investment banking initially, but after my sister married into a European diamond-cutting family, I decided to change careers. Along with Vadim Weinig, 77 Diamonds’ co-founder, we created a jewellery company that deals exclusively on the internet. This was back in 2005, so we were very much disruptors in the diamond jewellery industry. Today, we still hold the same identity as a leading jewellery brand. We are very excited to move forward and evolve, all thanks to a great team of professionals who are truly passionate about the craft of fine jewellery creation. Today we have our showrooms in London, Manchester, Frankfurt, and Berlin.
LA: What is unique about your business? TK: By producing fine jewellery creations for our customers, we are also telling a story: their story. Diamond and gemstone jewellery hold more symbolism than any other luxury item, and we understand this better than anyone. Whether it is to celebrate an important event, to offer a gift to a true friend, or to make a promise of undying love, our jewellery is the crystallisation of a person’s narrative. This is what drives us as a company: we are always looking to collaborate with our customers to create jewellery unique to their situation, because it’s their vision after all.
LA: You have considerably developed 77Diamonds.com. Did the internet and social media become a strong touchpoint with customers? What is different from a more traditional jewellery business? TK: We are able to access the raw materials directly through the use of advanced technology and with our own workshop we can produce high-quality jewellery very efficiently. In addition, our omni-channel model allows customers to create jewellery on a made-to-order basis, we are able to reduce a significant portion of the traditional costs and pass that on to the customer while enhancing the quality of the craftsmanship and the uniqueness of every piece made.
Our customers have direct access to a global market of diamonds and gemstones which is truly a unique feature that empowers them. They are able to create their own unique jewellery piece, and everything we do here at 77 Diamonds is made to order. This is a significant plus for anyone looking to purchase in fine jewellery design.
Of course, we have a strong online presence, this means that we often directly connect with our customers via social media. In this sense, I would say that these platforms have become a very strong touchpoint with our clientele. We want to involve them in the jewellery design process and hear their opinions, suggestions and requests. Social media is so valuable to us as it helps create a thriving, collaborative community.
LA: How would you describe the current jewellery market? Have the expectations of customers changed over the years? TK: The expectations of customers have very much changed over the past 10 years. First, they are a lot more educated and careful about what they purchase. Concerning diamonds and gemstones, for example, they are careful to check the origin of the stones. Credible certificates like GIA and IGI have shifted the power to the consumer where they don’t need to be an expert to compare quality and pricing. This is something that never used to happen when you look back 20 or 30 odd years ago. I personally consider this a good thing, it’s making the diamond and gemstone market much more transparent and it can only get better with time. Customers are always looking to learn more. They want true, expert advice, and this is something we provide at 77 Diamonds.
Secondly, we notice that our customers also value personalization. They want to have a hand in creating their own pieces of jewellery unique to their own story. On our website, if they are looking for an engagement ring, for example, they are able to personalize their ring from start to finish. They can choose the metal, the ring setting, and the shape of a diamond or gemstone. This means their ring has a lot more value than a simple mass-produced, shop-bought item. This is something the modern luxury consumer values.
LA: If you would meet a young entrepreneur, starting his/her jewellery business today, what piece of advice would you give to him/her? TK: I would advise him or her from the get-go to build a strong team around them; this should always be their number one priority. It’s important when you’re starting out to do some form of introspection. Discover what your own flaws or weaknesses are. This can sometimes be difficult to do, but it will help you understand what kind of help you need from others. Your team is there to fill in those areas of weakness with their own individual strengths.
The second point I would mention is to continually adapt yourself to your customer’s evolving needs. Listen to your clients and listen to your employees no matter how junior they are, they can sometimes teach you a lot more than you realise.
Finally, I would say (unfortunately) that it’s going to be harder than you think, but just be ready for it. Of course, you can sometimes get discouraged, but you should always look to build and move on from those feelings. In the end, it’s all worth it.
LA: What can we wish you for the future? TK: Looking forward, we are looking to innovate ever more and push the boundaries on what a jewellery company can offer. This means giving more power of choice to our customers and becoming a platform for education and expert knowledge on all topics diamond and gemstone related.
Alongside this, we are placing more emphasis on our bespoke service to help customers create their dream jewellery item from scratch. Creating bespoke jewellery is a beautifully collaborative process between client and designer. All this ties directly into what consumers are looking for: a bigger say in what kind of jewellery design they are looking to purchase.
In conclusion, Tobias Kormind has a clear vision of his business and places the needs of customers at the centre of what he does. With several years of know-how, a great team and technology allowing the fulfilment of customers wishes, 77 Diamonds is leading the way.
José Amorim information is sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.
