16 Elevated European Summer Sojourns
The new adventures, properties and places to indulge across the continent this season.
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An unsurpassed insight into what’s new and exciting on the continent this summer: exclusive Greek moments, gilded Paris experiences, Denmark’s cool charms, train travel dripping in Belle Époque splendour, and so much more.
From Europe, With Love
Whether you’re a James Bond fan or not, few would pass up the chance to live like the famed British spy for a day—or a couple of weeks. Now you can do just that thanks to a new partnership between EON Productions, makers of the James Bond empire, and upscale travel company Black Tomato—the first, and only, official 007 travel partner. It begins in March 2023 with 60 limited-edition private trips, each paying homage to Bond’s memorable adventures through a host of immersive experiences, beginning in London, Bond’s home base, before moving to Paris, Monaco, Lake Como and Venice. At each stop, expect high-octane experiences—whether in cars, yachts, helicopters or on trains.
Pull out your bow tie for VIP access to Monaco’s Casino de Monte-Carlo, which starred in Bond films GoldenEye (1995) and Never Say Never Again (1983). Get set to waterski along the shore of Moltrasio and soar in a seaplane over Bellagio at Lake Como (Daniel Craig did the same during 2006’s Casino Royale). Then, north of Paris, Château De Chantilly—the sumptuous lair of evil industrialist Max Zorin in A View to A Kill—becomes exclusively yours for an equestrian adventure through enchanting Chantilly Forest.
Denmark’s Capital Of Cool
Danes have long inspired design and architectural enthusiasts. Small wonder, then, that Copenhagen has been designated the UNESCO World Capital of Architecture in 2023. This year, the city will host a series of events exploring how architecture and urban planning can contribute to achieving the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Case in point: the new Opera Park along Copenhagen’s waterfront, drawing inspiration from romantic 19th-century gardens and featuring systems that reuse rainwater and recyclable materials.
Lauded Danish chef René Redzepi also has his eye on sustainability at his three-Michelin-starred restaurant noma, with a culinary ethos dedicated to low food miles: don’t miss out before the restaurant closes for good in 2024. After eating, you don’t have to travel far to reach soon-to-open seaside resort, Gilleje Sø- og Havbad, just 50 kilometres from Copenhagen. The dreamy retreat occupies a restored heritage building on the Danish Riviera, transformed with 40 rooms, an outdoor pool, rooftop terrace and spa.
uia2023cph.org; noma.dk; khr.dk
All Eyes On Evrima
Having sailed her maiden voyage in October 2022, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s inaugural ship, Evrima, is doing what every savvy traveller seeking sunshine does over the Northern Hemisphere’s warmer months—making a beeline for the Mediterranean.
You’re sharing the yacht with just 297 other guests (there are almost as many crew), checked in to suites that come with floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies—the Owner’s Suite’s alfresco whirlpool is a nice touch. More bubbles await on the pool deck and marina, the latter of which provides easy access to the ocean and water toys when the ship anchors.
On-board indulgence can be found at six restaurants and bars, including specialty dining room S.E.A, conceptualised by chef Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, the three Michelin-starred restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton in Wolfsburg.
ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com
Greece Is The Word
The global jet-set have been visiting the Athenian Riviera for decades, drawn by aromatic pine forests that fringe thermal springs and opaline water. The glamorous Astir Palace Hotel has been an A-list favourite since the 1960s, with everyone from Frank Sinatra to Lady Gaga spending the night. More recently, Four Seasons gave the property a chic makeover, adding beach clubs, restaurants and a spa.
Its reputation will be elevated when the One&Only Aesthesis opens here this year, set over 21 waterside hectares. Design takes inspiration from local culture, heroing woven leather, muted tones and accent patterns. The Chenot Spa, courtesy of the Swiss wellness brand, will be a highlight.The hotel is within easy reach of the new Ellinikon Experience Park, built on the site of Athens’ former airport. It’s a stunning example of re-greening, and home to a Zen garden, interactive water maze, fitness equipment and forest playground.
fourseasons.com; oneandonlyresorts.com; experiencepark.theellinikon.com.gr
Loving Lake Como
In Northern Italy’s Lombardy region, Lake Como has seduced painters, philosophers, musicians and poets for time immemorial. More recently, its dramatic beauty in the foothills of the Alps has drawn the fashionable and famous, who come here to explore atmospheric waterside resort towns by day, and sip spritz in seriously sexy hotels by night. Arguably the prettiest perch of them all is Villa Passalacqua.
The historic 1787 property seems made for romantic trysts, from its manicured garden nooks of olive trees and mimosa to the 24 deliciously detailed rooms, each individual in design and with heart-stopping lake views. The piece de resistance is the former music room with Giocondo Albertolli frescoes, now the Bellini Suite, where the maestro composed. The Casa Al Lago is a sleek private house, and there are additional accommodations in the Palazz, which also has an intimate spa. Order an Aperol spritz to be delivered poolside, where a 200-year-old greenhouse has been repurposed as a casual restaurant with JJ Martin-designed floral furnishings. Or in the dining room, snack on Italian sweets or discuss dinner with the chef.
Le Grand Tour
Whether murder mysteries or love affairs, there’s something about long-distance rail travel that inspires drama. The team behind historic French theme park Puy du Fou will add to the spectacle when they launch Le Grand Tour in June. This six-day, 4,000-kilometre journey traverses Champagne, Burgundy and Lake Annecy, pausing to visit Avignon’s Palace of the Popes and some of the 300 châteaux of the Loire Valley—while you’re here, sit under the stars for a performance of Puy du Fou’s famous show, the Cinéscénie. After days of exploring, meals and music are enjoyed in swanky dining carriages. And with space for just 36 passengers, every experience is sure to be exclusive.
Mallorca’s Moment
Sir Richard Branson once famously quipped that he’s not a fan of hotels … unless they are his own. It’s perhaps understandable once you’ve glimpsed the British billionaire’s latest lodging on the Spanish isle of Mallorca. Son Bunyola will skyrocket Branson’s Virgin Limited Edition portfolio to new luxury heights when it reveals 26 new suites on August 1. Joining Branson’s three existing villas (Sa Punta de S’Aguila, Son Balagueret and Sa Terra Rotja) on a 325-hectare estate—the centre of which is an historic finca (manor house)—the new hotel includes two suites located in former defence towers, each with ravishing vineyard views.
While Mallorca and its Balearic sisters have traditionally enjoyed a wild party vibe, this pocket of the island—part of a World Heritage Site—exudes nothing but class, from the hotel’s drop-dead-gorgeous GRAS Reynés Architecture Studio-designed interiors to its two restaurants, each paying homage to this produce-blessed region of Europe.
If you tire of the pool, stroll through olive groves fringing the estate to reach pebbly Son Bunyola beach—it’s so off the beaten track, you may well have it all to yourself.
Ahpo For All Seasons
Don’t expect much change from $4.4 million when you charter new superyacht Ahpo for a week, exploring the Mediterranean. But for the price tag, you’re given access to a long list of indulgences, from a helipad to a beach club, pool and cinema, spread over the yacht’s 115 metres.
While there’s space for just 16 guests on board, Ahpo comes with a crew of 36 to manage your every whim, whether that’s dropping anchor to shop in Saint-Tropez or picnic in Portofino, or jumping in a tender for an afternoon of fishing. The owner’s requirement for the yacht was that it be refined yet family friendly, which means there’s room for water toys for kids of all ages—think WaveRunners, waterskis, seabobs, kayaks and windsurfers—as well as a dancefloor, best enjoyed when your crew fire up the yacht’s underwater lights and plug in the karaoke machine. After a night of partying, be sure to make the most of the spa, hammam and sauna, and huge fitness centre with floor-to-ceiling windows.
For all her style, Ahpo is also sustainable with high eco-credentials, including an innovative heat recovery system and dynamic positioning.
French Tryst
There’s a reason why the Loire Valley has been the chosen retreat of the French elite for centuries—it’s the perfect backdrop for aristocracy and royalty to erect fairy-tale châteaux. From Renaissance-era mansions to fortified castles, there are more than 300 sprinkled across the countryside. Check in to freshly minted Château Louise de La Vallière, an opulent 20-room Relais & Châteaux hotel where the staff dress in period wear, deer roam between centuries-old oak and cedar trees, and you can dine on dishes King Louis XIV once ordered.
The spirit of the King’s era has been brought back to life, with meticulous attention to detail at the hands of French designer Jacques Garcia. Rooms are named after historical figures, each individually designed with swathes of marble, textured wallpaper, wood panelling and antiques.
There’s another royal (and Relais & Châteaux) connection at nearby Fleur de Loire, a palace conceived by Gaston d’Orléans (son of King Henry IV), reimagined as an enchanting hotel mid-2022. There are plenty of reasons to linger, from the duplex suites with views of the Loire River to the Sisley Spa. Tasting menus are prepared at double-Michelin-starred Christopher Hay’s eponymous on-site restaurant, heroing wagyu from the estate’s own farm and black bass from Solonge.
fleurdeloire.com; chateaulouise.com
Linger In Venice
For those here on an extended stay, the recent introduction of an entry fee of between three and 11 euros means you’ll likely glimpse a calmer side to Venice’s canals, cathedrals and architecturally significant buildings. And if visiting for the La Biennale di Venezia (11 February-26 November) you’ll definitely want to linger. This is one of the world’s oldest and largest creative celebrations, a whirlwind of events, performances and exhibitions.
Stay somewhere stylish—might we suggest The Langham, Venice. The brand’s first Italian property sits on the island of Murano with direct frontage to the Venetian Lagoon in the former Casino Mocenigo, an architectural grande dame from the 1600s.
Otherwise, there’s the Rosewood Venice, housed in the beautiful Palazzo Donà Giovannelli, a 15th-century building created by famed architect Filippo Calendario. The canal-side setting grants easy access to some of those sites you’ll (hopefully) no longer have to queue to visit.
labiennale.org; langhamhospitalitygroup.com; rosewoodhotels.com
Rail’s New Heights
Riding the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express has always been a glamorous affair. In June, it will become even more exclusive with the unveiling of eight new suites on the Belmond-owned train. French craftsmen restored two original ’20s and ’30s carriages, accommodating four suites each.
Design is inspired by the dramatic landscapes unfolding outside the train’s windows, capturing four regions—la campagne (countryside), les montagnes (mountains), les lacs (lakes) and la forêt (forest). Book your journey from December 2023 to enjoy a new route into the French Alps, between Paris and three stations in the heart of the mountains: Albertville, Moûtiers and Bourg-Saint-Maurice.
Tuscany’s Time To Shine
The walled hamlet of Magliano in Toscana dates to Etruscan times. Life here is slow, sweet and blissfully simple, particularly if you’re checked in to the town’s namesake 8,000-square-metre villa, set on a hillside estate surrounded by olive groves and historic vineyards.
Local Italian architects and artists were called in to transform the former monastery into this striking abode—a jaw-dropping union of stone, brick, glass and wood. Décor is pared-back yet polished, with no luxury spared across the seven bedrooms, formal dining room and professional kitchen.
This part of Tuscany, close to the Maremma coast, is known for its bountiful produce, and you can sample the wares without leaving the estate—the 80-hectare grounds come with an organic vegetable garden, lemon grove and orangery to explore and pluck at your leisure. The cellar, meanwhile, is stocked with wine and olive oils made by the villa’s own vintners and farmers. If you venture into town, atmospheric lanes are home to restaurants specialising in fish soup, wild boar pasta and (in season) truffled everything.
Scottish High
Draw up a list of 40 of your favourite people (and single malts) and ride the Scottish rails in style when chartering Belmond’s entire Royal Scotsman train. The stations you choose to pause at and activities you do on this journey through the bucolic Scottish Highlands is completely customisable, although the train’s concierge will likely have a few ideas. Perhaps an exclusive visit to the neo-gothic Mount Stuart mansion on the Isle of Bute? A private whisky tasting in your distillery of choice?
There’s plenty of liquid-gold inspiration in the train’s bar carriage, which has more than 60 whisky varieties. Across the train’s 10 vintage-inspired cars there’s also an open-air veranda and cabins designed in dark polished wood and brass, with Scottish wools, tartans and antique prints. There’s even a spa on board.
Red Marks The Spot
Arguably the world’s most famous shoe designer, Christian Louboutin’s distinctive red-soled stilettos are the stuff fashion dreams are made of. Now, the guru is turning his craftsmanship to hotels. When it opens in mid-2023, 13-room Vermelho will be “Simple outside; impactful inside,” says Louboutin modestly. The goal being, he adds, to let the surrounding countryside of Portugal’s seaside Alentejo region, 130 kilometres south of Lisbon, do the talking.
The bucolic setting attracts some of the country’s most applauded artisans, whom Louboutin intends to hero across Vermelho’s individually designed rooms and public spaces. He’s committed to hand-selecting the furniture, ceramics, fabrics and art that will star throughout; think feature walls of Portugal’s famed glazed blue ceramic tiles, delicate plates commissioned from local potters, and produce sourced from the fields that surround, to be served in on-site restaurant Xtain. And expect accents of Louboutin’s shade. Vermelho means “red” in Portuguese, after all.
Capital Assets
The English capital has its fair share of hotels with landmark addresses. But The Peninsula London may well steal the scene when it welcomes guests in early 2023. In the heart of Belgravia, the 190 rooms here feature covetable views over Hyde Park Corner and the Wellington Arch, which means you’re mere steps from Buckingham Palace—and just a few more from the iconic River Thames.
The design throughout the restored former office building reflects this prestigious position, from the grand colonnaded courtyard to the luxe destination spa and no-expense-spared rooms, which come courtesy of architect and interiors whiz Peter Marino, who counts Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton and Bulgari among his clients. While the hotel is keeping quiet on the specifics of its forthcoming dining offerings, we’re told there will be four marquee restaurants to choose from, with an emphasis on British culinary traditions.
Island Idyll
The 230 islands of the Greek archipelago host millions of tourists annually, most of them flocking to Santorini and Mykonos—for good reason. If you want to sidestep the crowds but still enjoy the colour of the Cyclades, set sail for dreamy Sifnos and set your sights on Villa Calder.
Wake up in this out-of-town aerie with just 13 of your closest friends, your horizon-bending outlook melting over a private infinity pool before carving through groves of fragrant olive and fig trees that tier to the sea. Everything feels remote, yet you’re just a short walk from village squares where grandmothers gossip on polished marble steps lined with geraniums, the aroma of orange-and-anise biscuits drifting down narrow lanes.
You may wish to call on the services of a private chef to prepare Sifniot specialties while you watch the day disappear. At other times, arrange for the Villa Calder concierge to host hikes through wind-chiselled valleys perfumed with sage and oregano; prepare beach chairs overlooking fishing boats bobbing far offshore like rainbow pelicans; plan for a photographer to guide you to the island’s most postcard-worthy sights, whether whitewashed, blue-domed churches or crumbling monasteries in the clouds. Time stands still here, in the best possible way.
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Painted Black
Dion Lee is teaming up with Cho Cho San for an Australian Fashion Week event.
The more things change, the more things stay the same. Nowhere more than in the fashion world. Despite the vagaries of taste, black remains the go-to colour of choice. Fitting, then, that for next week’s Australian Fashion Week, the perennially black-clad media darling Dion Lee has partnered with Pott’s Point Izakaya joint Cho Cho San on a black-themed late-night ramen bar.
Lee, based in New York and not showing in Sydney next week, has worked with the restaurant to create a menu inspired by his inky, haute-industrial aesthetic and favourite flavours.
As part of the signature offering ($50pp) guests are offered “Dion’s Martini” on arrival (his take on the classic vodka drink spiked with a black olive, natch), a Tokyo-style shoyu ramen with shitake mushrooms, smoked daikon and crunchy tempura shiso leaf, and a winning black sesame and cocoa soft-serve ice-cream replete with black cone. (Trust us, it tastes infinitely better than it sounds.)
Lee rarely strays outside his fashion lane, but a little blackbirdie tells us to expect an announcement soon about a major new collaboration. Let’s hope it involves black ice cream.
Cho Cho San x Dion Lee: Late Night Ramen Bar
Available from May 13-16, 5pm to late.
Signature set: $50pp includes Dion’s Martini, Tokyo Shoyu Ramen and Black Sesame Soft Serve.
To book click here
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A New Chapter for Jaeger-LeCoultre’s ‘Reverso Stories’
A special Reverso exhibit arrives in Sydney this week.
Few watch enthusiasts would be unfamiliar with Jaeger-LeCoultre and its enduring Reverso collection. Since 1931, the Reverso has been celebrated as one of the great dress watches of the 20th century.
In recent years, the watch has gone from strength to strength—in 2023 alone, we received the new Reverso Tribute Chronograph, the impressive Duoface Tourbillon, and the slimmer Reverso Tribute Small Seconds—capturing the imagination of casual observers, collectors, and those looking to scale the horological ladder.
It is also part of the cultural conversation thanks to exceptional branding experiences, such as ‘Reverso Stories’, a travelling experiential trunk show. Jaeger-LeCoultre is again summoning its movable experience to Australia, this time in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. For a limited time, eager fans can glimpse the Reverso collection up close via a multi-sensory exhibition tracing the history of this remarkable timepiece.
Presented in four chapters ( Icon, Style and design, Innovation, and Craftsmanship), the Reverso story will be told through the lens of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s expert watchmakers, who combine nine decades of craftsmanship, inventiveness, and design into one interactive experience.
As a bonus, guests will be privy to a large-scale art installation by Korean artist Yiyun Kang—commissioned by the Maison under its ‘Made of Makers’ programme—and the launch of three exceptional new Reverso timepieces, yet to be revealed. These watches will showcase skills such as enamelling, gold-leaf paillonage, and gem-setting, mastered by the manufacturer’s in-house Métiers Rares (Rare Handcrafts) atelier.
Completing the immersion into the spirit of Art Deco, guests will be able to enjoy a complementary refreshment post-experience at the pop-up Jaeger-LeCoultre 1931 Café.
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‘Reverso Stories’ will be held in Sydney’s Martin Place from 10–19 May 2024. It will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (and 5 p.m. on Sundays) and free to the public. Visitors are welcome to book online here or register upon arrival.
For more information, visit Jaeger-LeCoultre.
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Watch of the Week: TAG Heuer Formula 1 | Kith
The legendary sports watch returns, but with an unexpected twist.
Over the last few years, watch pundits have predicted the return of the eccentric TAG Heuer Formula 1, in some shape or form. It was all but confirmed when TAG Heuer’s heritage director, Nicholas Biebuyck, teased a slew of vintage models on his Instagram account in the aftermath of last year’s Watches & Wonders 2023 in Geneva. And when speaking with Frédéric Arnault at last year’s trade fair, the former CEO asked me directly if the brand were to relaunch its legacy Formula 1 collection, loved by collectors globally, how should they go about it?
My answer to the baited entreaty definitely didn’t mention a collaboration with Ronnie Fieg of Kith, one of the world’s biggest streetwear fashion labels. Still, here we are: the TAG Heuer Formula 1 is officially back and as colourful as ever.
As the watch industry enters its hype era—in recent years, we’ve seen MoonSwatches, Scuba Fifty Fathoms, and John Mayer G-Shocks—the new Formula 1 x Kith collaboration might be the coolest yet.
Here’s the lowdown: overnight, TAG Heuer, together with Kith, took to socials to unveil a special, limited-edition collection of Formula 1 timepieces, inspired by the original collection from the 1980s. There are 10 new watches, all limited, with some designed on a stainless steel bracelet and some on an upgraded rubber strap; both options nod to the originals.
Seven are exclusive to Kith and its global stores (New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Hawaii, Tokyo, Toronto, and Paris, to be specific), and are made in an abundance of colours. Two are exclusive to TAG Heuer; and one is “shared” between TAG Heuer and Kith—this is a highlight of the collection, in our opinion. A faithful play on the original composite quartz watch from 1986, this model, limited to just 1,350 pieces globally, features the classic black bezel with red accents, a stainless steel bracelet, and that creamy eggshell dial, in all of its vintage-inspired glory. There’s no doubt that this particular model will present as pure nostalgia for those old enough to remember when the original TAG Heuer Formula 1 made its debut.
Of course, throughout the collection, Fieg’s design cues are punctuated: the “TAG” is replaced with “Kith,” forming a contentious new brand name for this specific release, as well as Kith’s slogan, “Just Us.”
Collectors and purists alike will appreciate the dedication to the original Formula 1 collection: features like the 35mm Arnite cases—sourced from the original 80s-era supplier—the form hour hand, a triangle with a dot inside at 12 o’clock, indices that alternate every quarter between shields and dots, and a contrasting minuterie, are all welcomed design specs that make this collaboration so great.
Every TAG Heuer Formula 1 | Kith timepiece will be presented in an eye-catching box that complements the fun and colour theme of Formula 1 but drives home the premium status of this collaboration. On that note, at $2,200 a piece, this isn’t exactly an approachable quartz watch but reflects the exclusive nature of Fieg’s Kith brand and the pieces he designs (largely limited-edition).
So, what do we think? It’s important not to understate the significance of the arrival of the TAG Heuer Formula 1 in 1986, in what would prove integral in setting up the brand for success throughout the 90’s—it was the very first watch collection to have “TAG Heuer” branding, after all—but also in helping to establish a new generation of watch consumer. Like Fieg, many millennial enthusiasts will recall their sentimental ties with the Formula 1, often their first timepiece in their horological journey.
This is as faithful of a reissue as we’ll get from TAG Heuer right now, and budding watch fans should be pleased with the result. To TAG Heuer’s credit, a great deal of research has gone into perfecting and replicating this iconic collection’s proportions, materials, and aesthetic for the modern-day consumer. Sure, it would have been nice to see a full lume dial, a distinguishing feature on some of the original pieces—why this wasn’t done is lost on me—and perhaps a more approachable price point, but there’s no doubt these will become an instant hit in the days to come.
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The TAG Heuer Formula 1 | Kith collection will be available on Friday, May 3rd, exclusively in-store at select TAG Heuer and Kith locations in Miami, and available starting Monday, May 6th, at select TAG Heuer boutiques, all Kith shops, and online at Kith.com. To see the full collection, visit tagheuer.com
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8 Fascinating Facts You Didn’t Know About Aston Martin
The British sports car company is most famous as the vehicle of choice for James Bond, but Aston Martin has an interesting history beyond 007.
Aston Martin will forever be associated with James Bond, ever since everyone’s favourite spy took delivery of his signature silver DB5 in the 1964 film Goldfinger. But there’s a lot more to the history of this famed British sports car brand beyond its association with the fictional British Secret Service agent.
Let’s dive into the long and colourful history of Aston Martin.
The origin of the Aston Martin name
The company that would become Aston Martin started out as a car dealership. In 1912, Englishmen Robert Bamford and Lionel Martin partnered to sell cars, but soon after they decided to build their own models. Their first prototype debuted in 1915, named in honour of Martin, a racing driver, and his favourite racing venue, Aston Hills. Thus, the name Aston Martin was born.
A speed-demon co-founder banned from driving
Aston Martin co-founder Lionel Martin wasn’t just a keen racing driver—he was an all-out speed demon. As a student, Martin won numerous gruelling bicycle racing records, including riding nearly the full width of England in one 22-hour stretch. He competed in motorcycle and sidecar races and automotive hillclimb competitions. It seems he also brought that need for speed to the public roadways: In 1909, having neglected to pay a previous speeding fine, Martin was caught driving 41.5 km/ph in London and was banned from driving for two years—during which he set yet another cross-country bicycle record.
A tractor company takes over
The years after World War I were tumultuous for Aston Martin, with financial difficulties and numerous takeovers. In 1947, Aston Martin went up for sale and was purchased by David Brown Limited, a company that specialised in farm tractors and industrial gears. Sir David Brown, grandson of the company’s founder, was a lifelong car enthusiast and racer, having built his own competition cars while working as an engineer at the family company. The first car built by Aston Martin after this takeover was called the DB1, named after the tractor company (and the man) that had saved the carmaker.
An indirect connection to Bentley
Around the same time that Sir David Brown took over Aston Martin, he purchased another struggling British carmaker, Lagonda. The company was developing a revolutionary twin-cam six-cylinder engine called the LB6, and Sir David wanted the engine for his new line of Aston Martin sports cars. The Lagonda engine had been designed by none other than W.O. Bentley—the man who co-founded Bentley Motors, who had long since been pushed out of the company bearing his name.
The history of the DB Series
Aston Martin built seven vehicles named in honour of owner Sir David Brown: The DB1, DB2, DB3, DB4, DB5, DB6, and the combo-breaker DBS all bore Sir David’s initials. In 1972, Sir David sold the car company, and the new owners ended the DB series of vehicles, but the name was revived in 1993 with the DB7 in honour of Sir David—who himself was given an honorary position at the company that same year.
Bond, James Bond
Of course, the most famous Aston Martin of them all is the DB5. Just over 1,000 examples were built between 1963 and 1965, but millions worldwide know this as the James Bond car. In the books, author Ian Fleming had specified an earlier Aston Martin DB Mark III as Bond’s car. Still, the DB5 was introduced in the 1964 Bond film Goldfinger, equipped with gadgets including machine guns, smoke screens, oil slicks, an ejector seat, and rotating license plates. Bond has driven several Aston Martin models over the years, including a V8 Vantage, a V12 Vanquish, and two DBS models, but the original DB5 will always be considered the quintessential Bond car.
The angular years
Today, the Aston Martin badge is most closely associated with swooping, evocatively curvy car designs, but in the 1970s the company was obsessed with angular, wedge-shaped designs. The trend began in 1976 with the Aston Martin Lagonda, a shockingly unconventional four-door luxury sedan with “folded-paper” body styling and the world’s first all-digital instrument panel. The Lagonda’s styling was further evolved in 1979 with the Bulldog, a radical concept car with gullwing doors and a sharply pointed nose. The Bulldog was meant to become the fastest road car on earth, but the project was abandoned before production could begin.
For Bond’s eyes only
While most of James Bond’s Aston Martins have been commercially available to anyone who could afford one, the DB10 seen in the 2015 film Spectre was exclusive to 007. As Aston Martin executive Marek Reichman explained to Variety, director Sam Mendes, producer Barbara Broccoli, and Bond star Daniel Craig were touring Aston Martin’s design studios when they saw a concept sketch on the wall. The Bond team insisted that this should be 007’s next car, and Aston Martin spent the next six months furiously working to turn the drawing into a real-world car. The DB10 was unveiled during the launch of the film Spectre, and eight of the 10 examples built were featured in the movie, with the remaining two used for promotional appearances.
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What Venice’s New Tourist Tax Means for Your Next Trip
The Italian city will now charge visitors an entry fee during peak season.
Visiting the Floating City just got a bit more expensive.
Venice is officially the first metropolis in the world to start implementing a day-trip fee in an effort to help the Italian hot spot combat overtourism during peak season, The Associated Press reported. The new program, which went into effect, requires travellers to cough up roughly €5 (about $AUD8.50) per person before they can explore the city’s canals and historic sites. Back in January, Venice also announced that starting in June, it would cap the size of tourist groups to 25 people and prohibit loudspeakers in the city centre and the islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello.
“We need to find a new balance between the tourists and residents,’ Simone Venturini, the city’s top tourism official, told AP News. “We need to safeguard the spaces of the residents, of course, and we need to discourage the arrival of day-trippers on some particular days.”
During this trial phase, the fee only applies to the 29 days deemed the busiest—between April 25 and July 14—and tickets will remain valid from 8:30 am to 4 pm. Visitors under 14 years of age will be allowed in free of charge in addition to guests with hotel reservations. However, the latter must apply online beforehand to request an exemption. Day-trippers can also pre-pay for tickets online via the city’s official tourism site or snap them up in person at the Santa Lucia train station.
“With courage and great humility, we are introducing this system because we want to give a future to Venice and leave this heritage of humanity to future generations,” Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro said in a statement on X (formerly known as Twitter) regarding the city’s much-talked-about entry fee.
Despite the mayor’s backing, it’s apparent that residents weren’t totally pleased with the program. The regulation led to protests and riots outside of the train station, The Independent reported. “We are against this measure because it will do nothing to stop overtourism,” resident Cristina Romieri told the outlet. “Moreover, it is such a complex regulation with so many exceptions that it will also be difficult to enforce it.”
While Venice is the first city to carry out the new day-tripper fee, several other European locales have introduced or raised tourist taxes to fend off large crowds and boost the local economy. Most recently, Barcelona increased its city-wide tourist tax. Similarly, you’ll have to pay an extra “climate crisis resilience” tax if you plan on visiting Greece that will fund the country’s disaster recovery projects.
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