Iconic Concierge Fall 2022

FALL 2022
COMPLIMENTARY
ICONIC
THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR THE AFFLUENT GENTLEMAN
CROATIA
EXPLORING ISTRIA AND THE KVARNER RIVIERA
AGELESS
LIVING
NEW RIDES
BEST LOOKS FOR FALL
WHAT IS LUXURY?
FIND THE BEST SLEEP
STAR WORTHY!
ST. LAWRENCE RESTAURANT
| THE CUP | MONTEREY CAR WEEK | DÎNER EN BLANC |

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New Year’s Eve at Fairmont Empress
You’ve waited for this. Now it’s time to gather those who mean the most to you and
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entertainment and a four-course seated dinner. December 31. 8:00pm - 1:00am.
Tables of six to 12. $329 per adult plus taxes and gratuities.
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publisher’s
LETTER
it’s been a busy summer!
yes, the summer came late this year but it made up with warm
and sunny days all the way into october. it was also a summer
that saw many of our favourite events come back after three long
years of hiatus and now, as the days are getting shorter and with
temperatures dropping, we are looking forward to the
upcoming indoor events.
after an amazing trip to italy in the summer of 2021, we went on
another journey to europe, this time to the northern part of croatia.
the istrian peninsula may not get the same attention as the southern
part of the country, however, it truly stuns with an abundance of
beauty. from crystal clear water, wonderful historic cities, delicious
food and wine to wonderful people, this was another epic journey
for the books. we actually also combined this trip with a visit to
munich, germany. there, we not only followed an invitation to the bmw
museum, we actually picked up a stunning convertible to explore
munich, its surrounding areas and for our drive to istria and kvarner.
a fascinating six-hour drive which brought us from germany through
austria, slovenia and italy, to croatia. yes, five european countries
in just a few hours. how’s that for bragging rights?
shortly after we went to print with our summer edition, it was
announced that vancouver has been named a michelin guide
destination, with confidential inspectors visiting local restaurants
already for a while. while names of restaurants under consideration
have been kept a secret, we truly hope that this edition’s restaurant
recommendation, st. lawrence, has made the list.
we hope that you will enjoy reading this edition.
have a fabulous fall & winter season!
olaf robrecht
publisher
olaf@iconic-concierge.com
follow us
on instagram
A Goat’s Dream ...
It was definitely a special treat driving a beautiful BMW 8 Series convertible
under the dark summer sky in Istria. There’s simply no better motoring
experience than driving without a roof over your head, especially in a
stunning location such as Istria. It’s an incredible feeling to become one
with nature, and suddenly, the journey is as much fun as the destination.
The sun on your face, the smell of the sea, the forests, and the delicious
food driving by one of the roadside restaurants. When you have a
convertible you will look for opportunities to drive. It really amplifies a
beautiful day. And not just chicks dig it - clearly, goats love it, too. Yep, we
just had to :)
10 ICONIC CONCIERGE

The world’s most powerful, luxury SUV.
THE WORLD’S MOST POWERFUL LUXURY SUV
Fastest. Most powerful. Best handling. Three accolades the DBX707 was born to claim. Not
by blindly chasing benchmarks, but each one achieved as part of our legendary pursuit of
performance. As British Columbia’s only certified Aston Martin dealership, we offer unmatched
client experiences and a variety of manufacturer approved services. Our Brand Ambassadors
look forward to showcasing our prestige collection of vehicles and guiding you according to
your unique needs.
Aston Martin Vancouver
1770 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6J 3G7
www.astonmartinvancouver.ca | 604-734-2905

ICONIC CONCIERGE vol. 25 [2022]
www.iconic-concierge.com
On the Cover:
Old Town Rovinj (Istria, Croatia)
PUBLISHER:
OLAF ROBRECHT
olaf@iconic-concierge.com
AUTOMOTIVE EDITOR:
FASHION EDITOR:
LIFESTYLE EDITOR:
HEALTH & FITNESS EDITOR:
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:
PHOTOGRAPHY:
COPY EDITOR:
DESIGN/ LAYOUT:
ADVERTISING SALES:
ROBBIE DICKSON
JASON SARAI
NATALIE LANGSTON
DR. OLIVER FINLAY
SEAN KOLENKO,
DR. OLIVER FINLAY,
JULIE-ANNA VOGEL,
JIM GORDON
KEVIN UY, JOSH NEUFELD,
VIRANLLY
BILL ROBERTS
YADA-YADA MEDIA
please contact
iconicconciergemagazine@gmail.com
iconic_concierge
Iconic Concierge is published by
Printed in Canada.
All rights reserved. No part of Iconic Concierge Magazine may be reproduced
or transmitted in any form without the expressed written consent of the
publisher. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial or
advertising material. The views expressed in Iconic Concierge are those of
the respective contributors and not necessarily those of the publisher or staff.
Although all reasonable attempts are made to ensure accuracy, the publishers
do not assume any liability for errors or omissions anywhere in the publication
or on the website. Iconic Concierge reserves the rights to ads produced for
advertisers.
12 ICONIC CONCIERGE

THE NEW FULLY-ELECTRIC LUXURY
ENJOY THE BMW EXPERIENCE AT BRIAN JESSEL BMW
2311 Boundary Road, Vancouver
604.222.7788
brianjesselbmw.com
1515 Boundary Road, Vancouver
604.222.8820
brianjesselbmwpreowned.com

dreamTEAM
ROBBIE DICKSON
chief gear head
Born in England, Robbie is a selfstyled
entrepreneur with a passion
for exotic cars, boats and watches.
He owned pretty much every car
you can imagine although he still
calls a Lotus Elise he once owned
his favourite. Tracked extensively,
Robbie claims it was “the most
affordable fun you can have with
your clothes on ...”
JASON SARAI
bespoke stylist & fashion editor
When Jason found the world of
bespoke suiting and styling, he
had little choice but to turn it from
a passion project into his life’s
work with Style by Sarai. He has
gone from being fashion advisor
for family and friends, to the trusted
bespoke stylist for professionals
and grooms-to-be, by enhancing
their confidence and helping them
become their own style icon.
OAKLEY CHAN
sourcing specialist
A true entrepreneur since a young
age, Oakley is the president of the
OCHK Group of Companies, with
offices in Richmond and Hong Kong.
He has a penchant for identifying the
needs of businesses and individuals
and providing innovative solutions that
challenge the norm. He is at the forefront
of new developments, products,
and technologies and does not shy
away from putting ideas into reality.
CRAIG STOWE
luxury events
OLAF ROBRECHT
publisher
An entrepreneur who is always on the lookout for new projects he
is passionate about, Olaf has run several businesses since he came
to Canada 20 years ago. These days you will find lifestyle and car
magazines as well as a design & marketing company connected to
his name, although he might be better known for his little collection
of spirited automobiles.
Craig is recognized as Vancouver’s
#1 creator and producer luxury
events bringing together affluent
buyers and sellers of luxury brands
in an engaging business social
setting. He is the Founder and
President of Luxury Alliance Group,
Luxury & Supercar Weekend,
Hublot Diamond Rally, PorscheRally,
TennisLoveChampagne and Global
Spirits Festival.
14 ICONIC CONCIERGE

NATALIE LANGSTON
lifestyle editor
Natalie is an accomplished Canadian
TV Host and Lifestyle Expert for Global
BC, Breakfast Television + JRfm. Fitness
& Health Reporter for BC Living.
Freelance journalist and Emcee with a
passion for all things Fitness, Fashion
and Fun. Volunteer and Spokesperson
for Dress for Success Vancouver,
member of Ladies Who Lunch Global
Network for female entrepreneurs and
Style Ambassador for the Canadian
Arts and Fashion Awards.
GEZ MCALPINE
imbibing authority
Prior to working with some of
the most highly regarded luxury
spirits in the world, Gez operated
some of the world’s best drinking
establishments from Melbourne to
Los Angeles & Vancouver. He is
a WSET level 3, Gold Certified
BNIC Cognac educator, Multiple
time global cocktail competition
finalist, and most importantly truly
passionate about spreading the
word of premium spirits.
AMIR MIRI
luxury real estate specialist
Proudly serving Vancouver’s luxury housing
market, Amir is known as an expert
negotiator with a firm commitment to
customer service. His global connections
with high-net-worth and ultra high-networth
individuals and families give him
an edge and set him apart in the highend
real estate market. Amir has been
in the Top 1% of Realtor’s in Greater
Vancouver since 2020 and #1 Realtor at
Royal Pacific Realty Corp. since 2020.
JASON BOUDREAU CFP, CLU
wealth advisor
As the founder of VELA Wealth,
Jason is fuelled by watching clients
fulfill their vision of life success for
their family, community and legacy.
Focusing on inter-generational
wealth transfer, life insurance,
legacy and estate planning, he
advises successful entrepreneurial
families on how to make meaningful
choices at the intersection of their
life and their wealth.
KEITH TRUSLER
dean of fine foods & spirits
Co-founder of Modern Whisky, a
curator of rare Single Malts and luxury
tasting experiences. Keith was a Brand
Ambassador for numerous Luxury
Brands. A veteran of the restaurant
industry in Vancouver, he has extensive
experience as a bartender, mixologist
and chef. As a connoisseur of spirits
and wine, he tirelessly pursues the
finest dining and imbibing experiences
the city has to offer.
JULIE-ANNA VOGEL
travel consultant
Always on the road, Julie inspires
others to explore on and off the
beaten path. Having traveled to
more than 100 countries, she
shares her experiences on
www.julieabroad.com and uses
her skills as a travel advisor to help
create dream getaways. Follow her
in uncovering the ‘must-dos’ of the
world’s coolest cities in her column
“A Gentleman Abroad”.
DR. OLIVER FINLAY
sport, health & fitness
Having traveled the globe, working
with pro teams & athletes in sports
environments as diverse as F1, EPL
soccer, NHL & ATP tennis, to attain
peak performance, Oliver arrived in
Vancouver for his PhD, exploring how
the World’s best sports teams manage
change initiatives. Passionate about human
performance & sport’s impact on
community, he highlights the industry’s
latest & greatest developments.
JIM GORDON
LEETA LIEPINS
city experts
They are the Hosts & Producers of
the weekly, national TV show, “Our
City Tonight”, which can been seen
Sundays at 10:30pm on CHEK TV.
Each week they showcase Vancouver’s
entertainment, nightlife, music,
fashion, business, automotive, food
& wine. You can also see past
episodes on the “Our City Tonight”
YouTube channel.
ICONIC CONCIERGE
15

CONTENTS /
fall 2022 /
COLUMNS
10
Publisher’s Letter
20
The Specter Journal
You Want This!
22
The Manly Man
Denzel Washington
64
The Modern Day Hunter
Essential Autumn Gear
68
In-Style!
New Fragrances
85
Charged!
What’s New in the Electric World?
100
The Gentleman Abroad
Munich, D
104
What Women Want
Forget Chocolate and Roses!
106
Arts & Music
Vancouver’s Iconic Art Scene
110
Our City Tonight!
Heading into Fall
COVER
42
Croatia
Exploring the Beauty of Istria and Kvarner
PERSONALITIES
22
Denzel Washington
72
Brian Curin
FEATURES
38
Coming Up!
Bentley Residences Miami
42
Croatia
Exploring the Beauty of Istria and Kvarner
56
About Time
The Newest Timepieces
62
Make Better Connections
The Ovou Business Card
70
What is Luxury?
A Curated Lifestyle Experience
76
Ageless Living
Helping to Discover Your Best Self
78
20 Innovations for 40 Winks
The Importance of Sleep
92
Fly High!
Aviation News
94
Project Le Mans
A Superyacht Concept
96
St. Lawrence
The Magic of Québécois and French Cuisine
98
More than the Oktoberfest
Munich, Germany
DESTINATIONS
42
Croatia
Exploring the Beauty of Istria and Kvarner
98
MUNICH, Germany
More than the Oktoberfest
AUTOMOTIVE
26
ACT III
The Pagani Utopia
29
The First Ever!
BMW XM
30
Design Revolution
Bentley Mulliner Batur
32
10 Years of Q
Aston Martin DBR22
33
The Wingmaster
Zenvo TSR-S
34
Crème De La Crème
2022 Monterey Car Week
36
History Alive
The BMW Museum Munich, Germany
85
Charged!
What’s New in the Electric World?
EVENTS
28
BMW 7 Series Launch Event
39
Luxury & Supercar Event
40
Le Diner En Blanc Vancouver
60
The Speedmaster ‘57 Event
82
Traction Conference
90
Soirée by Sarai - The Kent
16 ICONIC CONCIERGE

56
CONTENTS
29
85
42
64
36
96
ICONIC CONCIERGE
17

EVENT HORIZON
BENTLEY AND THE MACALLAN REVEAL THEIR FIRST BRAND COLLABORATION
18
ICONIC CONCIERGE

A PARTNERSHIP FOUNDED IN SUSTAINABILITY.
Bentley Motors and The Macallan have revealed the ground-breaking
design of The Macallan Horizon – the first limited edition single malt
whisky being created by the brand collaboration.
Reflecting the sustainability core that’s at the heart of the partnership
together with a joint purpose of innovation, the prototype of The
Macallan Horizon fuses traditional craftsmanship, recycled materials
and an exclusive horizontal design which “defies the traditional vertical
aesthetic of a whisky bottle and reflects the horizontal trajectory
of the automotive world.”
In homage to The Macallan’s acclaimed Six Pillars – the foundation
stones of the brand that account for its distinctive single malt
whiskies - The Macallan Horizon incorporates six unique upcycled,
repurposed or ethically sourced materials which are integral to The
Macallan and Bentley Motors: Repurposed wood from The Macallan
and Bentley; repurposed copper, including a portion sourced from
former The Macallan copper stills; aluminum recovered from the
Bentley manufacturing process; and ethically-sourced leather from
the local Scottish supplier Bridge of Weir, known for their “fine
automotive leather.”
Very little is known about the content of the bottle. According to the
press-release “the final component will be a “very special single malt
whisky.” It continues, “The Macallan Master Whisky Maker Kirsteen
Campbell developed the flavour profile for the whisky following a
visit to Bentley Motors in Crewe, where she observed first hand their
shared passion for creativity, craftsmanship and innovation.”
If you would like to find out more, both about the bottle and its
content, you will have to wait for a few more months. The Macallan
Horizon will launch in Summer 2023. Also - Don’t drink and drive.
ICONIC CONCIERGE
19

WAYNE ENTERPRISES WATCH WINDER
Created by Warner Bros. Consumer Products, Wayne
Enterprises is a sophisticated lifestyle label featuring luxury
products and experiences inspired by DC’s Bruce Wayne,
man-about-town, and hero of Gotham City. In a collaboration
with Kross Studio, the Wayne Enterprises x Kross Studio Watch
Winder “takes its cues from Bruce Wayne’s sophisticated taste,
infused with mystery and purpose.”
IXOOST MERCEDES-AMG GT SPEAKER
Bespoke audio system company iXOOST, which crafted sound
systems from Formula 1 and Lamborghini Aventador exhaust
pipes in the past, now delivers an official AMG Performance
Luxury Audio speaker inspired by the Mercedes-AMG GT.
The audio system, housed in a carbon-fiber monocoque chassis
with a front that is designed
after the Panamericana grille
with anodized aluminum accents
and the Mercedes emblem, has
four one-inch tweeters and two
six-inch woofers, with a 2×125
Watt amplifier. It covers the frequency
spectrum between 60 –
22,000 Hz, is compatible with
Bluetooth 4.5, and integrates a
Digital Signal Processor.
The powerful winding engine sits in a stand-alone custom
brushed black anodized
aluminum base and detects the
presence of a watch through
an infrared sensor.
CHF 1,990.
www.kross-studio.com
€19,900 / US$20,500
www.ixoost.it
ASTON ARC-52
Scotch whisky brand Bowmore
just launched its ARC-52 single
malt whisky, a 52-year-old expression
served in a decanter
crafted in partnership with luxury
vehicle brand Aston Martin.
Only 100 of the futuristic decanters
will be available worldwide,
and very few will come to
Canada.
C$125,000/750 ml
www.bowmore.com
PERLÉE TOI & MOI
SECRET WATCH
Three secret watches reminiscent
of its romantic toi et moi jewellery
have joined Van Cleef & Arpels
signature collection, Perlée
(‘beaded’).
Set on open cuffs, made up
of rows of golden beads, the
mother-of-pearl watch dials are hidden by swivelling covers of
ornamental stone while a second stone cabochon adorns the
bangle. Prices start from £7,800/ US$9,000.
www.vancleefarpels.com
20 ICONIC CONCIERGE

L’EPÉE 1839 TIME FAST BUCHERER BLUE
L’Epée, famous for its finely crafted clocks
that range from the traditional to the fanciful,
is mostly known for its collaborative efforts
with MB&F, resulting in some of the most
original table clocks ever made. This time,
though, L’Epée teams up with high-end
retailer Bucherer to create a unique series
of the Time Fast clock, shaped like a singleseater
race car from a bygone era.
Made of an aluminium body and finished
in signature Bucherer Blue, the time is visible
on the left-hand side of the 40cm long and
4.7kg heavy car. The two black and white
cylinders for the hours and minutes rotate as
time progresses. The entire in-house movement
is wound by pulling back the car similar
to a friction toy car. The power reserve is
8 days. Limited to 18 pieces. CHF 33,000.
www.lepee1839.ch
PRODRIVE RACING SIMULATOR
Prodrive is actually a legendary motorsport name that
has found success in building some of the best rally
cars on the planet, including the legendary Subaru
Rally cars that Collin McRae piloted to victory in 1995.
This racing pedigree lead them to create one of the
best plug-and-play racing simulators on sale today.
Sculpted by design house CALLUM and featuring a
carbon fiber tub that floats in a canopy made of 16
layers of birch wood, the simulator uses a 49-inch
AOC Dual-QHD 5k resolution curved monitor, a mechanical
pedal box, and is powered by a bespoke
simulator computer with a 12GB GeForce RTX graphics
card and 16GB of memory. The price of getting
one of the best racing simulator experiences possible?
US$50,000.
www.prodrive.com
VAONIS HYPERIA SMART TELESCOPE
Following the release of the Stellina telescope in 2018
and the Vespera model less than a year ago, telescope
maker Vaonis recently introduced Hyperia, a brand-new,
ultra-powerful scope.
Standing 2.10m tall, the motorized Hyperia is made from
zicral, an aerospace industry alloy, and weighs 75kg.
It features a 24 by 36 full-frame back-illuminated Sony
IMX455 monochrome sensor with a 61-million pixel
resolution and “91% quantum efficiency”, paired with a
massive 1050mm f/7 apochromatic triplet lens.
Vaonis designed the Hyperia to be modular and upgradeable
over time, so users can replace the existing
sensor with the latest technology on the market as it becomes
available. US$45,000.
www.vaonis.com
ICONIC CONCIERGE
21

THE
MANLY
MAN
“
MY MOTHER USED TO TELL
ME MAN GIVES THE AWARD,
GOD GIVES THE REWARD.
I DON’T NEED ANOTHER
PLAQUE.”
denzel
WASHINGTON
| ACTOR | DIRECTOR | PRODUCER |
22 ICONIC CONCIERGE

Denzel Washington at the
Los Angeles premiere of
“Unstoppable” held at the
Westwood Village Theater.
photo: © Starfrenzy
ICONIC CONCIERGE
23

DENZEL HAYES WASHINGTON, JR.
was born on December 28, 1954,
in Mount Vernon, New York. He is
the middle of three children of Lennis
“Lynne”, a beauty parlour owner and
operator from Georgia, and a Pentecostal
minister father, Denzel Washington,
Sr., from Virginia.
Denzel Washington attended Pennington-Grimes
Elementary School in
Mount Vernon. He first took the stage
around the age of seven, appearing in
a talent show at a local Boys & Girls
Club. “A safe place keeping me out
of trouble,” Washington, who was not
allowed to watch movies by his parents,
was later quoted. It was a rebellious
stage in his life, and several of his
friends went to prison. At age 14, his
parents divorced and his mother, responding
to his behavioural problems,
took him out of Elementary School and
sent him and his older sister to the private
preparatory school Oakland Military
Academy in New Windsor, New
York. Washington later said that it was
this decision that had changed his life.
“I wouldn’t have survived in the direction
I was going. The guys I was hanging
out with at the time, were nice guys,
but the streets got them.”
Washington then attended Mainland
High School in Daytona Beach, Florida,
from 1970 to 1971, before enrolling at
Fordham University, where he discovered
acting and earned a BA in Drama
and Journalism in 1977. He later won a
scholarship to the American Conservatory
Theater in San Francisco, and afterwards
worked with the Shakespeare
in the Park ensemble.
Shortly after graduating from Fordham
University, Denzel Washington
made his screen acting debut in the
1977 made-for-television movie Wilma
and in 1981, he had his first Hollywood
appearance in the comedy A Carbon
Copy. A number of off-Broadway productions
and television movies followed,
but the actual breakthrough came when
he starred as Dr. Phillip Chandler in
NBC’s television hospital drama St.
Elsewhere (1982-1988), where Washington
was one of only a few African-
American actors to appear on the series
for its entire six-year run. Several television,
motion picture and stage roles followed,
such as A Soldier’s Story (1984),
Hard Lessons (1986) and Power (1986).
However, it was 1987 that should give
Denzel Washington attention when he
played real-life South African apartheid
martyr Steve Biko, in Richard Attenborough’s
Cry Freedom, a role for which
he received an Oscar nomination for
Best Supporting Actor. Only two years
later, in 1989, Washington won his first
Academy Award for Best Supporting
Actor for his portrayal of a defiant, selfpossessed
ex-slave soldier in the film
Glory. He starred in two more movies
that same year, The Mighty Quinn and
For Queen and Country.
Having his name out and being recognized
for his acting abilities, Denzel
Washington had a busy schedule in the
1990s, adding several notable films to
his portfolio, including Spike Lee collaborations
like the jazz outing Mo’ Better
Blues (1990) and biopic Malcolm X
(1992), for which he received another
nomination for the Academy Award
for Best Actor. That same year, he established
his own production company,
Mundy Lane Entertainment. Other
projects included the successful thriller
The Pelican Brief (1993) alongside Julia
Roberts, and the role of the lawyer of a
gay man with AIDS, portrayed by Tom
Hanks, in the 1993 film Philadelphia.
In Crimson Tide (1995), directed
by Tony Scott and produced by Don
Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer, Denzel
Washington stars with Gene Hackman,
while in 1996, in Courage Under
Fire, he is seen opposite Meg Ryan. The
same year, Washington appeared with
Whitney Houston in the romantic comedy
The Preacher’s Wife. Another Spike
Lee film, He Got Game, followed in
1998, the same year that saw him star
in the supernatural horror film, Fallen.
Two more movies followed in 1999 - The
Bone Collector alongside Angelina Jolie,
and The Hurricane.
At the 57th Golden Globe Awards
in 2000, Denzel Washington received
his second Oscar, this time for Best Actor
in a Leading Role in The Hurricane.
In 2001, an Academy Award for Best
Actor for the cop thriller Training Day
followed. The following year, he directed
his first film, the well-reviewed
biographical drama Antwone Fisher, in
which he also co-starred.
The next few years, Washington appeared
in a series of thrillers that performed
generally well at the box office,
including Out of Time (2003), Man
on Fire (2004), The Manchurian Candidate
(2004), and Spike Lee’s Inside
Man (2006), co-starring Jodie Foster
and Clive Owen. Deja Vu, a time travel
movie, was released the same year.
Denzel Washington starred in two
movies in 2007. First, in Ridley Scott’s
American Gangster, followed by The
Great Debaters (2007) with Forest
“YOU PRAY FOR
RAIN, YOU GOTTA
DEAL WITH THE
MUD, TOO. THAT’S
A PART OF IT.”
Whitaker, for which he once again
stepped behind the camera. The decade
ended with Tony Scott’s 2009 film
The Taking of Pelham 123 (a remake of
the 1974 thriller of the same name).
Heading into 2010, Washington
starred in both his fifth and final collaboration
with director Tony Scott, The
Book of Eli, a post-apocalyptic actiondrama
set in the near future, as well as
in the action film Unstoppable, about
an unmanned, half-mile-long runaway
freight train with dangerous cargo. His
2012 performance in Flight, a movie
about an alcoholic airline pilot facing
investigation for his part in a plane
crash, then won him the nomination
for an Academy Award for Best Actor.
Washington also co-starred in Safe
House (2012), for which he got paid
$20 million, preparing for his role by
subjecting himself to a torture session
that included waterboarding. Several
other movies followed, including 2 Guns
(2013), alongside Mark Wahlberg, and
The Equalizer (2014), an action thriller
film directed by Antoine Fuqua. The
Magnificent Seven, a remake of the
1960 western film of the same name, hit
theaters in 2016, the same year he received
the Cecil B. DeMille Award from
the Hollywood Foreign Press Association
at its annual Golden Globe telecast.
Later that year, Washington directed the
film Fences, co-starring Viola Davis and
based on August Wilson’s play.
A praised performance for the
legal drama Roman J. Israel, Esq., led
to nominations for a Golden Globe
Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award
and an Academy Award, Washington’s
ninth Oscar nomination overall, and
his sixth for Best Actor. In 2018, he
reprised his role in his first sequel, The
Equalizer 2.
In 2021, Washington portrayed the
titular character in the film adaptation
of Shakespeare’s tragedy Macbeth,
and directed the drama A Journal for
Jordan.
Denzel Washington is married to actress
Pauletta Pearson since 1983; they
have four children.
24 ICONIC CONCIERGE

New Bentayga Extended Wheelbase
A new era in Bentley well being.
To celebrate the arrival of the New Bentayga EWB, a stunning First Edition is available. Subject to a limited
production run, it combines many of the most desirable options available for the car with a package of eye-catching
details found only on Bentley First Editions.
On the outside, exterior First Edition badging identifies the car – a theme that extends inside, with First Edition
badging on the veneered fascia, as well as First Edition embroidery on the seats. Unique First Edition Contrast
Stitching adorns the seats and, depending on your choice of veneers, gleaming metal overlays can be applied to the
fascia and waistrails in the front and the rear.
As well as all the standard features of the New Bentayga EWB Azure, the First Edition includes premium features
such as LED Welcome Lights, the Bentley Diamond Illumination and Naim for Bentley – arguably the world’s best
in-car sound system.
Contact Bentley Vancouver for more information.
1770 Burrard Street Vancouver, BC, Canada | 604.730.8998 | bentleyvancouver.ca BENTLEY VANCOUVER

26 ICONIC CONCIERGE
PAGANI

Horacio Pagani could not have picked a better
location for the world premiere of his new Hypercar,
the Pagani Utopia. After more than four thousand stylistic
drawings, ten scale models, one wind tunnel model, two 1:1
scale models and countless ideas, research and experiments on
eight complete prototypes for a team effort that lasted more than six
years, Pagani’s third creation was unveiled in Milan, Italy, accompanied
by the music of the Symphony Orchestra of the Milan Conservatory.
The Utopia, which will be limited to only 99 samples, is built on Pagani’s familiar carbotitanium
monocoque, featuring front and rear tubular alloy steel subframes. It derives its
power from a bespoke Mercedes-AMG 6.0-litre biturbo V12 with 864 bhp and “a prodigious”
1100Nm of torque, mated to an automatic Xtrac transmission with helical gears, or, “to match the
wishes expressed by Pagani enthusiasts”, a real seven-speed manual transmission.
Inside the cabin, the US$2.2 million supercar is as avant-garde as it can get, following Horacio Pagani’s love
for gorgeously machined aluminum. The steering wheel has been machined from a solid block of the light metal,
and, in good old Pagani fashion, the driver will shift gears with an exposed gearshift mechanism.
Yes, all Utopias have already been accounted for, but seeing as how the Huayra and especially the Zonda received numerous
special editions, we may witness the launch of a series of derivatives.
www.pagani.com
ICONIC CONCIERGE
27

out & about
BMW VIP LAUNCH EVENT - THE 7
BRIAN JESSEL BMW
Ringing in a new era of electric mobility, this time in its most luxurious
form, Brian Jessel BMW on September 23rd introduced the
7th generation of the 7 Series, the pinnacle of the BMW lineup.
And may we say in the most stylish manner!
Under glittering chandeliers, lined with candelabras, hundreds
of real candles and strands made out of thousands of crystals,
BMW’s most luxurious and advanced product was truly presented
in style. Across from the all-electric i7 in a wonderful two-tone
paint scheme, the twin-turbocharged 760i xDrive thrilled in a
blacked-out look with M Sport package.
Inside, opulent materials such as sumptuous leather, glass,
open-pore wood and stainless steel elements elevate the design
far above any other BMW.
The spectacular evening also saw performances by GOH Ballet
Academy, featuring two original pieces of choreography, inspired
by the innovations of the BMW i7.

INTRODUCING: THE FIRST-EVER BMW XM
2022 marks the 50th anniversary of BMW M GmbH
but in all these years, the famous M division has
actually only built one car - the iconic M1 supercar from
1978. All other ‘M cars’ have been built around cars
the company had otherwise sold in other forms. The allnew
BMW XM changes it all. Not only is it the brand’s
second-ever dedicated car, it is also the imprint’s firstever
dedicated SUV and the first ‘M’ to deploy a hybrid
powertrain. It is also the most powerful BMW ever
built.
While the looks of the XM have been toned down compared
to the concept car, the aggressive design with its enormous
pair of kidney grilles and narrow two-part headlights is still
unmistakable. BMW enthusiasts will notice several details
reminiscent of the BMW M1, such as the accent trim running
along the body, the BMW logos engraved into the flat rear
window, the roof with its center indent and the eye-catching
louvred structure of the sculptural rear lights.
The expressive style of the XM’s exterior design continues
inside the cabin, available in four different trims with the
option of a new Vintage leather for the upper sections of the
instrument panel and door panels. The sculptural headliner is
quite unique with its three-dimensional prism structure, photo
mount-style border and 100 LED units for illumination.
The M HYBRID drive system in the BMW XM delivers an
overall output of 480 kW/653 hp, combining a 4.4-litre twinturbo
V8 with an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed
M Steptronic transmission. It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in
4.3 seconds. If 644 horsepower is not enough, a trim called
Label Red with 735 hp and 735 lb-ft of torque will be added to
the model range later in 2023. Prices start at C$220,000.
BRIAN JESSEL BMW | 2311 Boundary Road | Vancouver
ICONIC CONCIERGE
29

DESIGN REVOLUTION: BENTLEY MULLINER BATUR
Bentley Motors has recently unveiled the Bentley
Mulliner Batur – a new two-door grand touring coupé
limited to 18 series pieces that embodies the start of
a design revolution at Bentley
Created by Director of Design Andreas Mindt and his
team, the Batur is a showcase of a new design DNA that
will ultimately guide the design of Bentley’s future range of
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs).
The collection of just 18 series examples of the Batur
is the latest project by Bentley’s in-house bespoke and
coachbuilding division, Mulliner, and succeeds the Bacalar –
a run of 12 individually specified, designed and handcrafted
Barchettas that relaunched coachbuilding at Bentley. Like
its predecessor – the Bacalar – the Batur is named after
a beautiful natural body of water. Lake Batur is an 88m
deep, 16 km2 crater lake in Kintamani on the island of Bali,
Indonesia, and provides nutrient-rich water to both local hot
springs and agriculture.
The Batur will also be the most powerful Bentley yet, with
a 740+ PS version of the iconic, hand-assembled 6.0-litre
twin-turbocharged W12 engine that has metaphorically
and literally powered Bentley’s success for the last two
decades. As the engine enters its twilight years as part of
Bentley’s Beyond100 transformation journey to being fully
electrified, the Batur forms the first part of a celebration
of the W12’s extraordinary power, torque and refinement.
Engine performance will be matched to the most advanced
Bentley chassis ever, with speed-tuned air suspension,
electric active anti-roll control, eLSD, four-wheel steering and
torque vectoring.
All 18 examples of the Batur have already been reserved.
Each one will be designed collaboratively with each customer,
guided by Mulliner’s in-house design team and then be
handcrafted over the course of several months in Mulliner’s
workshop at Bentley’s carbon neutral factory in Crewe.
BENTLEY VANCOUVER | 1770 Burrard St | Vancouver
30 ICONIC CONCIERGE

A Dream, Brought to Life with Every Step
QUEEN ELIZABETH THEATRE
DECEMBER 15 – 18
GohNutcracker.com
“An outstanding production...
surprise and delight followed
one after another.”
– THE VANCOUVER SUN
“Goh Ballet breathes new life
into The Nutcracker”
- GLOBE AND MAIL
GOH BALLET PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER FEATURING INTERNATIONAL GUEST STARS FROM
NEW YORK CITY BALLET, PHILADELPHIA BALLET
& PACIFIC NORTHWEST BALLET
LIVE MUSIC BY THE
VANCOUVER OPERA ORCHESTRA
Snow Scene
Sponsor

“A SPECTACULAR FINALE FOR
AN ICONIC BLOODLINE!”
THE V12 VANTAGE CELEBRATES PROUD HISTORY OF
V12-ENGINED SPORTSCARS
For 15 years the V12 Vantage has boldly represented Aston Martin’s passion for
performance. Fast and fierce in equal measure, successive iterations of these
great cars have formed an iconic bloodline. One built around the premise
of fitting the most compact and driver-focussed model with the largest and
most potent series production engine. With this unique lineage nearing its
end, Aston Martin has introduced the fastest, fiercest and most dynamically
accomplished of them all - the new V12 Vantage.
Limited to 333 examples globally, this final edition celebrates the end of
an epic era in fitting style with all examples sold ahead of release and an
oversubscribed register of interest.
10 YEARS OF Q BY ASTON MARTIN: THE DBR22
Aston Martin has chosen the 2022 Monterey Car
Week to unveil the spectacular DBR22 for the first
time: A V12-engined two-seater coach-built design
concept, celebrating the marque’s extraordinary
bloodline of open-cockpit sports racers.
The creation of the DBR22 design concept is the latest
in a long line of extraordinary projects expertly handled by inhouse
bespoke division, Q by Aston Martin, which this year
celebrates a decade of building exclusive cars for the world’s
most discerning customers. Iconic one-off commissions
such as the Aston Martin Victor, and low-volume specials
such as the Vulcan - limited to 24 examples worldwide, and
the Vantage V600 - limited to just 14, are truly magnificent
examples of these collaborations. It seems only fitting then,
that the DBR22 design concept should also form the basis of
a production reality example for an ultra-exclusive number of
Q by Aston Martin customers.
By mating the classic art of coachbuilding with advanced
materials and cutting-edge manufacturing technologies,
DBR22 is a perfect blend of design purity, engineering
precision, heart-pounding performance and true passion
stretching over the marque’s rich 109-year history.
Powered by a 5.2-litre V12 Twin-Turbo engine, the DBR22
offers breath-taking performance; peak outputs of 715PS and
753Nm providing sufficient propulsion to accelerate from a
standstill to 100km/h in just 3.4sec and on to a top speed of
319km/h. With nothing but the slipstream between the driver
and this epic engine’s unforgettable twelve-cylinder howl, the
DBR22 promises to be an intense sensory stimulation.
ASTON MARTIN VANCOUVER | 1770 Burrard St | Vancouver
32 ICONIC CONCIERGE

THE WINGMASTER: ZENVO TSR-S
Zenvo is Denmark’s only car company and has
been building cars since 2007. In small quantities.
Over its lifetime, less than 25 cars have left the
factory in Præstø, so seeing one on the road is
a very unique and rare experience. At this year’s
Luxury & Supercar Show, Zenvo Automotive made
its public debut in Canada with recently appointed
Zenvo Canada dealer, Weissach Group.
On display was the company’s 1,177 bhp Ishvid
Perlemor (white) TSR-S, a combination of both their
TS1 GT and previous TSR model. The hypercar has
a flat-plane 5.8-liter, twin-supercharged V8 engine -
built by Zenvo itself - concealed within a sophisticated
carbon fibre body. It catapults the TSR-S to 100km/h
in 2.8 seconds and passes the 200km/h barrier from
standstill in 6.8 seconds, equalling the McLaren Senna.
What stands out, however, is its massive rear wing
which moves up to 20 degrees to the left or right as you
steer through the corners. Called a ‘Centripetal wing’,
it tilts in the opposite direction of the steering wheel to
increase downforce on the car’s inner side and forwards
to aid deceleration when braking.
“We are incredibly excited for the next chapter of the
Weissach journey,” says Asgar Virji, president and CEO
of Weissach Group. “Over 40 years ago, we had a simple
vision to create a destination for cars that we love and
wanted to focus on cultivating special relationships with
our clients – as we expanded the supercar market here
in Vancouver. Canada is a supercar heaven and ready to
embrace all Zenvo Automotive has to offer.”
ICONIC CONCIERGE
33

CRÈME
DE LA CRÈME
34 ICONIC CONCIERGE

VAYANNE
FROM VIENNA WITH LOVE: 2,200 HP 1,475 LB-FT 0-100KM/H: 1.9S TOP SPEED 400KM/H
Deus Automobiles, one of the latest electric startups, has revealed
a hypercar with ridiculous horsepower, torque figures and a 99-unit
production run planned for 2025. First unveiled at the New York
International Auto Show, the DEUS Vayanne’s (day-oos vy-ahn)
electric hypercar has been developed with technical support from
Italdesign and Williams Advanced Engineering.
The company itself calls the car a “production-oriented concept,”
and we should mention that their performance numbers, which
would make the Vayanne the world’s most powerful production car
by a significant margin, are “computer-simulated performance, not
validated”.
The Vayanne’s front and rear grilles are inspired by an infinity loop,
and the more conventional interior design shows some infinity
inspiration with infinity mirrors used for accents on the dash and
door panels, creating a look that changes with the viewing angle.
The electric hypercar was also presented at the famed Concorso
d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in May, followed by its European debut during
the Top Marques Monaco 2022 in presence of HSH Prince Albert II
of Monaco.
No two of the 99 units will be exactly alike as each owner can
customize their Vayanne to their individual tastes. First deliveries
are expected in 2025, and each Vayanne will be built at Italdesign’s
facilities in Turin, Italy.
www.deusautomobiles.com
MONTEREY CAR WEEK
Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
It is North America’s most prestigious auto show,
celebrating history-making cars from the past, the
present and the future. A ten-day-long event on
the California Coast, Monterey Car Week features
nearly 30 car events including car shows, races,
and auctions. More than a thousand cars were up
for auction, with several hundred competing.
The Car Week finally concludes with the worldfamous
Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where
200 of the best collector cars in the world roll onto
the legendary 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links,
hoping for one of the handful of awards in recognition for
style, technical merit, and historical accuracy.
This year’s Best in Show was a 1932 Duesenberg J Figoni
Sports Torpedo (top), owned by Lee Anderson of Naples,
Florida. His first win and the seventh for a Duesenberg, the
honour rewards years of work: The car was split in two in the
1960s - its body was removed from the chassis and attached
to another Model J - and Anderson searched for the missing
half for decades before piecing it back together.
ICONIC CONCIERGE
35

36 ICONIC CONCIERGE

BMW MUSEUM MUNICH
If you love cars and automotive history, and if you are looking for an
unforgettable experience when visiting Bavaria’s capital, a visit to BMW
Museum and Welt is a must. Located just a stone’s throw away from the
iconic BMW Headquarters, the museum takes you on a stroll through
automotive history and gives a fascinating glimpse into the future of
mobility. There’s something for all ages.
Shortly after the opening of the BMW Headquarters in 1973, the BMW
Museum right next to the “Hochhaus” opened its doors. The current Museum,
however, was radically redevelopment starting in 2004, and reopened
in 2008. It now combines the former museum bowl with a neighbouring lowrise
building, bringing the total exhibition space from an original 1,000 square
metres to 5,000 square metres, boasting sufficient space for the presentation
of about 120 exhibits.
Envisioned as “a road in an enclosed space”, the visitor is led through the
exhibition on a path that introduces the rich history of the brand. The original
bowl has been reserved for temporary exhibitions, whereas the low-rise
building provides space for an extensive theme park with seven exhibition
houses along the route through the museum, measuring approximately 1,000
metres in length. The tour route has been designed with no crossroads
and takes the visitor to all 25 exhibition areas.

COMING UP!
THE ‘DEZERVATOR’ VEHICLE LIFT AT BENTLEY RESIDENCES MIAMI
Wouldn’t it be the ultimate in lifestyle and convenience if you could just
drive into the lobby of your building, and ascend up to your apartment
whilst sitting in your vehicle? There, high up in the sky on the top floor
of the building, it would join the other cars in your collection. Sounds like
a scene from a sci-fi movie? Actually, it will soon be reality, thanks to the
new Bentley Residences Miami’s new ‘Dezervator’ lift.
The Bentley Residences will feature four ‘Dezervators’; a unique elevator
design, conceived by Bentley’s partners at Dezer Development, with the ability
to transport cars to the top floor of the 749 ft building. Each lift features a
hydraulic system which pinches a car by its tyres to pull it on top of a robotic
shuttle system, which in turn transports a car up or down an elevator shaft
enclosed by glass, offering a full panoramic view, to the correct storey.
Each resident will have a personal three or four-car garage within their
apartment, complete with the option for EV charging amenities, offering
private, convenient and secure storage for their car collections, right up to the
61st floor. RFID stickers will be placed in all residents’ own cars, which will be
automatically scanned on arrival into the building, triggering a sophisticated
lighting system to guide the driver to the correct Dezervator to reach their own
floor. The technology in place recognises this ID and takes them directly to their
residence, without the driver having to step out of their vehicle or even press
a button.
Prices start from US$4.2m. Completion is expected in 2026.
38 ICONIC CONCIERGE

out & about
photography: Blake Jennings, John Neaime
LUXURY & SUPERCAR
CARS AND HOOPS CHARITY FESTIVAL
As so many other events in 2020 and 2021, one of Vancouver’s favourite
shows, the Luxury & Supercar Weekend was cancelled both years. This
year, however, Luxury & Supercar teamed up with the Cars and Hoops
Charity Festival. An exciting one-day festival at the Richmond Olympic
Riverside Plaza, the event attracted many car enthusiasts, basketball
lovers, and families of all ages.
Whilst inside the Olympic Oval teams were competing for the basketball
trophy, outside a large selection of luxury cars, supercars, exotics and classics
were waiting for the visitors. From Aston Martin, Ferrari and Lamborghini to
McLaren, Rolls-Royce, Porsche and Mercedes, the much-anticipated event
didn’t disappoint. Highlights included the public debut of Zenvo Canada, who
showcased a white TSR-S (see separate article), which also won the ‘Top Hyper
Car’ award the same day. Lucid Motors presented the luxurious Air Grand
Touring, and Cadillac Canada unveiled their all-new electric SUV, LYRIQ.
The show also introduced a special preview of the cars for the 2022 Black
Diamond Rally (December 3) and the 2023 Diamond Rally (May 20 & 21).
ICONIC CONCIERGE
39

out & about
LE DÎNER EN BLANC
At the last minute, the secret location is revealed
to thousands of friends who have all been
patiently waiting to learn where the iconic
“Dîner en Blanc” will take place. After a threeyear
hiatus, the legendary all-white pop-up
dinner party finally returned on August 18th,
2022, starting with a pre-party at Vancouver Club
before guests walked over to the same location
where it started 10 years ago - Jack Poole Plaza.
“Bringing back the sense of camaraderie,
community dining, music, the arts, and, frankly, fun
was very important to us,” says Jordan Kallman of
event organizer The Social Concierge. Looking at the
‘sea of white’ that congregated at the iconic venue
with its epic views of the harbour, almost 2,300
guests of the sold-out soirée couldn’t agree more.
As soon as the sun started setting, and with the
live DJ taking over, Jack Pool Plaza then turned into
the biggest outdoor dance floor of the summer.
vancouver.dinerenblanc.com
photography: Josh Neufeld
40
ICONIC CONCIERGE

out & about
THE CUP
photography: www.instagram.com/viranlly/
“Come Get Fancy!” On Saturday, July 23, 200 The Cup (formerly known
as The Deighton Cup) returned to Hastings Racecourse after 3 long
years of waiting. The event, which began in 2008 and celebrated its 11th
anniversary on July 20th in 2019, is known as Vancouver’s most stylish
event of the summer and so organizers once again asked you to ‘grab
your finest fascinator and best silk bow tie’ and to join the 12th edition of
“Vancouver’s answer to the Kentucky Derby”.
Touted to be bigger and better than ever, the organizers kept their promise.
In addition to the typical trackside VIP booths, eight local restaurants served
some delicious treats, the Vancouver Club took over a big section and a cigar
lounge invited connoisseurs to some smoking pleasure.
In collaboration with presenting partner Orbiiit, the annual Style Stakes again
awarded the best-dressed attendees with a fanciful chance to win a $10,000
grand prize. Congratulations to Andrew Terrado!
We don’t have the exact number but our guess is that close to 10,000 stylish
people followed the call to The Cup.
www.comegetfancy.com

“A north breeze came up from the sea and brought with it the
scent of freshly ploughed ground: the scent of red clay, that
there is no other like it.”
CROATIA
-- F. Tomizza
42
ICONIC CONCIERGE

EXPLORING THE BEAUTY OF ISTRIA AND THE KVARNER RIVIERA
Nowhere else on the Adriatic can claim such a stunningly diverse range of landscapes as
Croatia. Located in the northwestern part of the Balkan Peninsula with a long coastal strip
along the Adriatic Sea, the member of the European Union is a small yet highly geographically
diverse crescent-shaped region that borders several countries. Up north, it touches Slovenia,
Hungary and, within the hollow of the crescent, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Finally, in
the south, the Mediterranean country touches on Montenegro, giving Croatia a kaleidoscopic
sweep of scenery, offering something for everyone, from rugged mountain peaks and
sprawling forests to glittering wetlands and a total of 1,244 islands.
A land with ancient history, passed between kingdoms, empires and republics for thousands of
years, Croatia was part of Yugoslavia for much of the 20th century, before it joined the European
Union in 2013, making it an ancient nation yet a very young nation-state.
Although Dubrovnik, nestled between the Adriatic and the Dinaric Alps in the country’s south
gets most of the attention, we instead decided to explore the northern peninsula of Istria and
Kvarner. “A true treasure trove and a melting pot of different cultural influences”, it offers a nice
Mediterranean climate, crystal clear waters and ancient walled towns with Venetian palaces,
forts with Roman columns, Slavic churches and Viennese mansions. One of the lesser visited
areas in Croatia, it is certainly one of the most impressive ones with gorgeous beaches on a
coastline of almost 540 kilometers, picturesque old towns and a cuisine that includes fantastic
wines, truffles and some of the best olive oils in the world.
You can create your own route, or you can follow in our footsteps, starting in the northern
part of western Istria. We recommend a minimum stay of 2 nights per location.
ICONIC CONCIERGE
43

POREĆ
Poreč is a popular summer resort with a historic old town
and a 6th-century Euphrasian Basilica complex, famous
for its gem-studded Byzantine mosaics. Some 6 km
inland and just a short 15-minute drive from Poreč, the
Baredine Cave is one of the most famous caves in Istria,
notable for its stalactite formations.
ROVINJ
Less than an hour south of Poreč, we made Rovinj our
first overnight stay in Istria. An important fishing port
on the peninsula, Rovinj is a photographer’s dream and
famous for its iconic Old Town with its evident Venetian
influence, tightly-packed colourful houses and medieval
streets. Stroll the waterfront with its many restaurants
and cafés, and visit the many unique
galleries and boutiques on Grisia street,
Rovinj’s artistic corner that is heading
up towards the dominant feature of the
town’s skyline, St Euphemia’s Church.
The 18th-century church holds the title
of the largest baroque church in Istria.
There is a lot to see and do in and
around Rovinj, from diving to one of
Europe’s most interesting shipwrecks,
the Baron Gautsch, to a visit of the
nearby islands of St Andrew and St
Catherine. The “Golden Cape”, one of
the most beautiful natural spaces on
the coast of the Istrian Peninsula, is just south of Rovinj, and offers
some beautiful sandy beaches and a seafront promenade. And
if you love wine and olive oil, make sure to visit the Meneghetti
Winery, or, as we did, stay at their luxurious Wine Hotel.
MAY WE RECOMMEND ...
The Place to Stay ...
The Grand Park Hotel Rovinj
To Dine For ...
Agli Amici | Cap Aureo | La Puntulina | Restoran Santa Croce
You Simply Have to ...
Take a boat tour | Explore the Old Town | Visit the Baredine Cave
TOP: A Culinary Extravaganza at Michelin-star restaurant Agli Amici Rovinj. The
dining experience begins at you own personal lounge, across from your table,
where a mixologist creates the perfect cocktail accompanied by some delicious
hors-d’oeuvres. The actual menu was created by Chef Emanuelle Scarello and is an
exquisite combination of flavour and visually stunning presentation.
44 ICONIC CONCIERGE

Grand Park Hotel Rovinj
H H H H H
UNPARALLELED LUXURY & STUNNING VIEWS
T
the hotel, including a suite, 3 guest rooms and
private hallway, covering a total of 300 sq.m.
he Grand Park Hotel Rovinj,
the newest jewel in the Maistra
Collection, is nestled in a fragrant
pine forest on the seafront
overlooking Katarina Island and the
charming Old Town of Rovinj.
Designed by the renowned Italian architect
Piero Lissoni and 3LHD Studio, Grand Park
offers 209 luxurious rooms and suites, some of
which spread over 173 sq.m. and even offer a
private plunge pool in front of the balcony.
For the utmost in luxury, privacy and comfort,
guests can even rent a whole private wing of
Grand Park Hotel Rovinj is a celebration to
fine dining where guest can enjoy 7 different
restaurant and bar concepts, including the
signature restaurant Cap Aureo or Michelinstarred
Agli Amici with a menu by the
renowned Italian chef Emanuele Scarello.
Not to be missed is the Albaro Wellness & Spa,
featured in the “top spas of the world” list.
The concept was inspired by the combination
of albaro, the powerful mast of the traditional
Rovinj fishing boat, sturdy enough to beat
the waves and the open sea, and the secrets
of medicinal herbs of Istrian Terra Magica.
Occupying 3,800 square meters, it is the
biggest spa of its kind in Istria. It extends over
two floors of the hotel, with indoor and outdoor
areas, including three outdoor pools located on
the top floor of the hotel featuring stunning
views.
On the grounds of the hotel connected to the
marina, guests can shop in exclusive boutiques
and dine in a collection of restaurants. The
picture-perfect, vibrant Old town of Rovinj
and the century-old forest park are only steps
away.
GRAND PARK HOTEL ROVINJ SMAREGLIJEVA ULICA 1A 52210 ROVINJ, CROATIA WWW.MAISTRA.COM

WINE COUNTRY
Istria is not only the country’s gastronomic heart but also
arguably Croatia’s most exciting wine region, producing a
diverse range of wines from notable indigenous varieties.
Divided into “White”, “Grey” and “Red” regions, “Red
Istria” has the most vineyards. Ask your waiter to pair your
food with local wines, and make sure to visit a winery such
as Meneghetti, cultivated in an ecologically sustainable
manner with deep respect for nature.
Our recommendation: the white wines Malvasia and
Muscat, and red wines Terrano and Borgonjared.
PULA
Situated on the tip of the Peninsula, you will reach Pula,
the largest city in Istria, in less than an hour from Rovinj.
It is known for its protected harbour, beach-lined coast
and Roman ruins, including the first-century Roman
amphitheatre. Its imposing outer walls are second only
to Rome’s Colosseum. In the city’s Old Town, you will find
Byzantine chapels mixed with Venetian townhouses and
Habsburg palaces.
MAY WE RECOMMEND ...
You Simply Have to ...
Stop when you see the open grill at a roadside restaurant and try
ROASTED SUCKLING PIG. A simple and delicious lunch.
A WINE TASTING. Croatia has some amazing reds and whites.
Visit the PULA ARENA. Spend some time on one of the beautiful
BEACHES and enjoy the crystal clear sea.
Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery
H H H H H
SERENITY, TRANQUILITY AND EXCLUSIVITY
As the iron gates of the Meneghetti
estate open, the magic is about to
begin! Meneghetti is a symbol of
luxury, an oasis of peace and quiet
surrounded by vineyards and olive groves,
with its winery, an outstanding restaurant
providing highly personalized service, and
premium, world-renowned and awardwinning
wines and olive oils.
Meneghetti welcomes anyone seeking peace,
quiet and high-end service. The Wine Hotel
& Winery, a member of the prestigious Relais
& Chateaux, is a delightful luxury hotel with
luxury rooms and suites, contemporarydesigned
one and two bedroom residences with
a private terrace and garden, and villas with
three bedrooms, a living room, as well as a
terrace, garden, and a private pool.
The Meneghetti restaurant invites guests to
a modern interpretation of traditional Istrian
cuisine where the dishes are creatively
presented and expertly made, prepared from
fresh, authentic, and local ingredients chosen
seasonally. Throughout the day, Oliveto
Restaurant & Lounge Bar offers cocktails and a
casual lunch by the pool in a relaxing atmosphere
overlooking the Meneghetti vineyards.

TOP: Grapes at Meneghetti Winery | Blue Cave of Istria | Beach near Pula
CENTER: Pula Arena/ Roman amphitheatre | Old Town, Pula
BELOW: Windmill Medulin | BMW 840i | Roasted suckling pig | Motovun
A short walk or bike-ride away, a private beach area
awaits the guests with its own Beach Club and for those
who would like to explore the area, the medieval town of
Bale is only 8km away, and both Pula and Rovinj can be
reached is less than 30 min.
MENEGHETTI WINE HOTEL & WINERY
STANCIJA MENEGHETTI 1 52211 BALE, CROATIA
WWW.MENEGHETTI.HR

Boutique Hotel Alhambra
H H H H H
THE CHARM OF TIMELESS ELEGANCE
A
majestic sea-facing luxury hotel,
made up of of two neighbouring
turn-of-the-century
villas that have been interconnected
with a new modern building, Boutique
Hotel Alhambra & Villa Augusta offers
the utmost in luxury in Mali Lošinj.
Members of Virtuoso and prestigious Small
Luxury Hotels of the World and with Les Clefs
d’Or concierge service, the hotel and villa harmoniously
blend the historic charm of sophisticated
Art Nouveau architecture with contemporary
design into a unique space that exudes
warmth and discreet luxury. Surrounded by a
meticulously designed park, each detail, from
the rooms to the beach, has been crafted to
provide guests with maximum comfort and ultimate
pleasure. From marble bathrooms, Murano
glass chandeliers and custom artwork, the
list of luxurious amenities is long.
Culinary afficinados will find their piece of
heaven in the world-class Alfred Keller Restaurant,
awarded one Michelin star and featured in
the renowned Gault Millau guide. Each course
is accompanied by sommelier-selected wines
from Keller’s rich wine cellar with more than
660 top quality labels. Alhambra Cube Spa, designed
to restore balance and harmony between
the mind and body, has an indoor seawater pool,
and just a few steps down from the promenade,
the hotel’s private beach awaits with stylish sun
loungers and parasols.
For the utmost in luxury experiences, Boutique
Hotel Alhambra even offers a door-todoor
taxi flight service, or a private ground
transfer with a Mercedes.
BOUTIQUE HOTEL ALHAMBRA & VILLA AUGUSTA ČIKAT 16 51550 MALI LOŠINJ, CROATIA WWW.LOSINJ-HOTELS.COM
Hotel Bellevue
H H H H H
AWARD WINNING LUXURY AND WELLNESS SANCTUARY
From the outside, the Bellevue hotel is
minimalistic, boasting sleek designs
with white hues. From the inside, the
hotel opens to a large and lavishly
decorated atrium with Italian designer
furniture, exuding a unique airiness and
comfort.
Spacious rooms and suites await the hotel’s
guests, with the sea-facing ones enjoying
sweeping views over the bay. Suites include
private hot tubs on the terrace, an extra
bathroom and Caffitaly coffee machines.
A wide stone staircase descends from the main
building, connecting it to the tree-lined seaside
promenade and its private beach area with
superb view of the bay.
At the end of the 19th-century, Čikat was
recognised as a “healing location” due to its
specific microclimate, making it especially
popular among the Viennese aristocracy.
Today, this noble tradition continues with the
Spa Clinic and Spa Garden, named Croatia’s
Best in 2020, World’s Best Hotel Spa 2021
as announced by the prestigious World Spa
Awards, and winning also Europe’s Best and
Croatia’s Best Hotel Spa the same year.
After receiving the Wine Spectator “Best of
Award of Excellence”, the hotel’s Matsunoki
Japanese fusion restaurant has been awarded a
Michelin Plate, a recognition that indicates that
the facility is on its way to its first star.
The elegant Restaurant Bava, the Lounge
Bar Alto Rosso as well as a pool bar and a
beach club offer additional experiences of
summer indulgence using fresh, locallysourced
ingredients, and first-class quality.
HOTEL BELLEVUE ČIKAT 9 51550 MALI LOŠINJ, CROATIA WWW.LOSINJ-HOTELS.COM

MAY WE RECOMMEND ...
ISLANDS OF CRES AND LOŠINJ
Our next stop was Mali Lošinj, the biggest town on the
island of Lošinj, which is part of the Cres-Lošinj archipelago.
The islands are connected by a small bridge, and to get to
Lošinj, we took the ferry from Brestova to Porozina on Cres.
Considering that it is a very short 20-minute journey, the
ferries operate quite often and we didn’t need a reservation.
Leaving the ferry, a thrilling 9km drive along a narrow
road, winding up the hills and shared with trucks and RVs,
brings you to a scenic lookout. From here, a very scenic
drive will get you to Mali Lošinj in about an hour and a half.
Mali Lošinj, the largest town on Lošinj Island, is set at the
apex of a long natural harbour and ringed by graceful and
gently weathered residences telling the story of the flourishing
area of the 19th century when the elite from Austria
and Hungary gravitated to the island, known for its ‘healthy
air.’ Some of the grand residences have been restored, even
housing luxury hotels
such as the 5-star Boutique
Hotel Alhambra,
an Austro-Hungarian
villa overlooking the
tranquil waters of Čikat
Bay. Together with its
neighbouring 5-star
sister-hotel, Bellevue, it
is the perfect location
to relax, enjoy, and to
explore Mali Lošinj and
its surroundings.
The Place to Stay ...
Čikat Bay: Boutique Hotel Alhambra | Hotel Bellevue
To Dine For ...
Bocca Vera | Restaurant Alfred Keller | Restaurant Diana
You Simply Have to ...
Providenca viewpoint & bar for sunset | Walk along the
promenade | Relax on one of the beaches in Mali Lošinj

Amadria Park Hotel Milenij
H H H H H
THE GRANDE DAME OF THE KVARNER RIVIERA
Set in a historic, Habsburg-era villa
and framed by landscaped gardens,
the Hotel Milenij offers five-star
luxury paired with Opatija’s most
popular terrace on Lungo Mare promenade
with stunning views of Kvarner Bay.
The Amadria Park Group has a long history
of providing Croatian hospitality, blending
tradition and heritage with contemporary
luxury, innovation and elegance. Today, the
privately owned group owns six hotels in
Opatija alone.
Hotel Milenij blends the spirit of the historic
tradition of the Kvarner Riviera with contemporary
design and decorations.
The southern part of the hotel, built as a
luxurious villa in 1836, became Caffé Principe
Umberto in 1898 in honor of a visit from the
Kingdom of Italy’s Prince Umberto. In 1908,
the famous Viennese architect Carl Seidl
designed the old part of today’s Hotel Milenij
as an upgrade of the existing villa.
A dance hall was added in 1924, with frescoes
painted by Viennese painter Karl Ludwig
Hassman. This hall is now home to the hotel’s
fine dining spot, Restaurant Argonauti, where
the Greek mythology-themed artwork can still
be seen.
The hotel’s own Wagner Caffé terrace and bar
serves aperitifs, desserts, artisan ice cream in
exotic flavours or their own hand-crafted Choco-branded
pralines.
Drawing on the wellness tradition of the
late-1900s Austro-Hungarian royalty, the firstclass
Milenij Spa offers several treatments and
high-quality cosmetics.
Hotel Milenij has 96 luxurious rooms and
spacious suites up to 60m², providing a sense
of royal influence, tranquility and grandeur.
AMADRIA PARK HOTEL MILENIJ MARŠALA TITA 109 51410 OPATIJA, CROATIA WWW.AMADRIAPARK.COM

OPATIJA
Our last stop on this amazing trip was in Opatija. Still part of the
peninsula, Opatija is a magnificent coastal town on the Kvarner Gulf.
We took the same ferry, this time from Porozina back to Brestova,
and then drove the 30km along the stunning coast to nearby
Opatija. A fashionable resort in the 19th century, officially declared
a climatic health resort for the aristocracy, this magnificent coastal
town is dotted with Habsburg-era villas.
Today, Opatija is an elegant tourist destination and one of the
most popular wellness and health tourism destinations in Croatia.
Many cultural and entertainment events, beautiful public gardens,
an illuminated 10-km-long coastal promenade (“Lungomare”), and
many excellent restaurants and indigenous taverns make Opatija a
must-stay when visiting the northern part of Croatia.
MAY WE RECOMMEND ...
The Place to Stay ...
Hotel Milenij | Hotel Sveti Jakov
To Dine For ...
Restaurant Jist | Bevanda | Argonauti | Valle Losca
You Simply Have to ...
Walk the Lungomare promenade | try Milenij choco cake at Wagner Caffé
Good to know...
How to get here ...
There are several ways to get to Istria, especially as you will
most likely go through either Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Munich
or London airport. From there, you can either fly to Zagreb,
Croatia’s capital, or straight to Pula airport, the biggest international
airport in Istria.
However, with its convenient location, we may have an even
better idea for you: Instead of “only” visiting Croatia, how
about showing off a bit and starting the trip in Italy?
Trieste, Italy, is only 35km from the Croatian border! Even
Venice is less than a 3-hour drive. We even added a few more
countries as we started our trip in Munich, Germany, arriving
on a very convenient Air Canada/ Star Alliance flight directly
from Vancouver. So you can start in the Bavarian city flanked
by the Alps, and indulge in some sausage, cabbage and beer
extravaganza, before picking up a rental car, heading out on a
6-hour journey that will bring you through Austria, Slovenia
and even Italy, before reaching the northern part of Croatia.
Talk about bragging rights – 5 countries in a day, where else
can you do that?
The best time to travel ...
... is in summer, from June to September. Especially on the
coast, you can enjoy lots of sunshine and temperatures between
25 and 30 degrees.
The local currency is ...
The euro! Unless you travel before the end of 2022. Croatia
will become the 20th member of the eurozone on January 1,
2023 and adopt the euro (which will replace the kuna).
LEFT: Bevanda Restaurant & Lounge Bar is a Relais & Chateaux gourmet
restaurant right on the waterfront with a superb view of the sea, the town
of Rijeka, the Istrian penninsula and the islands in the distance. It also
offers one of the best selections of wines and spirits, with more than 650
wine and 200 distillate labels.
ICONIC CONCIERGE
51

MINI SUB MEDULIN, CROATIA
Mini Sub Medulin is a newly started business
using a unique underwater environmentallyfriendly
diving scooter.
The tour begins in the marina in Medulin, just
minutes from Pula or around 45 minutes from
Rovinj, where we were welcomed by the captain
and his crew.
On the boat ride to one of the islets, we were
introduced to the scooter, which does not require
any diving skills or scuba gear. Instead, it uses
an air pocket that forms in the helmet of the
submarine, fed by an oxygen tank. In theory,
the battery and the oxygen allow you to stay
underwater for up to 3 hours, although the actual
underwater experience is around 25 minutes,
guided by a professional diver.
It was an amazing experience and a whole new
way of exploring the marine life and the ancient
roman settlements, of which some now rest at the
bottom of the sea.
And for lasting memories, we even received
several video clips and pictures of our diving tour.
Highly recommended!
MINI SUB MEDULIN
Riva, 52203, Medulin, Croatia
www.waveboat.hr | info@waveboat.hr
A Bavarian in Croatia
BMW 840i xDrive M Convertible
When we discussed this trip with BMW back in 2020, we had originally
asked for the powerful M8 Convertible. 2 years later, with fuel prices
almost doubled and facing a 2,000km road-trip, we decided to
instead give the 2022 BMW 840i xDrive M Convertible with its 335-hp
turbocharged inline-six-cylinder, a chance. We did not regret it!
Offering a powerful look with its M Sport package, it has a lavishly
appointed interior with leather covering most every surface and all the
infotainment gadgetry expected in a high-priced grand tourer. And
when it comes to delivering on the German Autobahn, it does so with
52 ICONIC CONCIERGE
a supremely quiet ride and surprising power. We also managed to fit
all our suitcases and bags in the trunk and under the windscreen on
the back seats, even with the top down, and, speaking of the softtop,
it truly showed its outstanding quality and noise insulation when we
drove through a heavy 15-minute hail-storm in Slovenia.
Thumbs-up! We loved every moment in the 8 convertible, and with
an average of only 8.4L on 100km, it definitely helped with the current
gas prices. However, if you prefer the prodigious power of a twin-turbo
V8, you may want to check out the 523-hp M850i.

*
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Order Desk and Sales Inquiries: Phone: 604.253.5578 • Fax: 604.253.5656 • Email: sales@bosafoods.com

ULYSSE NARDIN
BLAST RAINBOW TOURBILLON
Housed in a 45mm black DLC titanium case, the Ulysse Nardin Blast Rainbow features a total of 50 rubies and sapphire baguette
gemstones, which are studded on its bezel and indexes. Powered by the Calibre UN-172 with silicium technology, the 50m water-resistant
Blast Rainbow takes inspiration from the iridescent rainbow of colours produced by the material. The UN-172 movement is an evolution
of the hand-wound UN-171 and has a three-day/72h power reserve. The Blast Rainbow is a limited edition of 50 pieces and comes with a
waterproof velvet rubber strap or a black alligator strap, both with a black DLC titanium and ceramic deployant clasp.
The retail price is CHF 85,000.
TRILOBE
UNE FOLLE JOURNÉE
A young independent brand first imagined in 2013, Trilobe introduces
a third timepiece after the “Les Matinaux” and “Nuit Fantastique” with
their rotating, deconstructed indications. The impressive Trilobe
“Une Folle Journée” offers a display that is still based on
eccentric, rotating discs, yet these are now floating over
the base plate. The display consists of three concentric
indications: The hours are shown on the periphery,
then the minutes and finally, in the centre, the
seconds. Inbetween, a free view shows the
mechanics underneath. All of it is now
housed under a domed massive 10.2mm
sapphire crystal. Available either in
black or blue the watch is worn on
a colour-matched alligator strap
closed by a pin buckle.
EUR 21,500.
56
ICONIC CONCIERGE

HUBLOT
BIG BANG TOURBILLON
SAMUEL ROSS
This refreshing take on the Big Bang
Tourbillon 45mm is designed by Hublot
ambassador and founder of men’s
luxury fashion brand A-COLD-WALL*,
Samuel Ross. A “wearable sculpture,” as
the designer describes it, the hexagonal
watch is characterized by bold orange
meshed with satin-finished and
polished titanium.
Priced at C$145,000, the Big Bang
Tourbillon Samuel Ross 45mm is
limited to just 50 pieces.
TUDOR
PELAGOS 39
This new model joins Tudor’s family of technical divers’ watches which, up to now, has only been available with a 42mm case. The
new Pelagos 39 is a slimmed down, more wearable 39mm x 11.8mm unisex watch, crafted from satin-brushed grade 2 titanium with
luminescent ceramic composite monobloc hour markers, a rapid adjustment system for the clasp and a diver’s extension. The Pelagos
39 is equipped with Manufacture Calibre MT5400, certified as a chronometer by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute
(COSC). Waterproof to 200m. Titanium three-link bracelet as well as a complimentary black rubber strap.
C$5,170.
BULGARI
OCTO FINISSIMO
SEJIMA EDITION
Designed for Bulgari
by Japanese architect
Kazuyo Sejima, this Octo
Finissimo is sure to thrill
lovers of minimalist
style. Available in a
360-piece limited
edition. US$ $14,100.
CORUM
BUBBLE X AIIROH
French street artist Aiiroh
created the artwork for the
new 47mm Bubble, crafted in
stainless steel with black PVD coating.
It uses two different dial appliques that add
dramatic depth and dimension. The automatic
caliber CO 082 with 42hrs of power reserve can be
seen through a transparent sapphire crystal on the case
back. Water resistant to 100 meters.
Limited edition of 88 pieces. CHF 7,200.
ICONIC CONCIERGE
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Arnold & Son Luna Magna Platinum
IN TIME
THE LATEST NEWS FROM SWITZERLAND ...
Over the last few weeks, our inbox got bombarded with news coming from
Switzerland. Here are some of our favourites...
[top row] Arnold & Son Luna Magna Platinum Meteorite. Limited edition of
28 pieces. CHF 70,900 | [center row] H. Moser & Cie Streamliner Tourbillon
Vantablack. The dial is made of the blackest black available, 99.965% of all
light is absorbed. CHF 109,000 | Frederique Constant Classics Heartbeat
Manufacture. Rose gold. Limited to 93 pieces. CHF 16,995. | [bottom row]
Louis Vuitton Tambour Twenty 41.5mm. Limited edition of 200 pieces.
US$17,800. | Omega Speedmaster X-33 Marstimer. Designed to track time
both on Earth and on Mars. Solar compass. C$8,700.
H. Moser & Cie Streamliner Frederique Constant
LOUIS VUITTON TAMBOUR TWENTY
LONGINES Heritage Avigation. C$4,800
OMEGA SPEEDMASTER
X-33 MARSTIMER
PETRIKAS ‘Drive Watch’. Concept.
URWERK UR-112. CHF250,000.
AZIMUTH GranTurismo. US$5,200
Vacheron Constantin
Historiques American 1921
US$36,800
58 ICONIC CONCIERGE

RISK IS THE REWARD
Inspired by one miracle of engineering, Corum created another. The revolutionary Golden Bridge is the only
watch made with a perfectly aligned baguette movement, resting on three solid gold, hand engraved bridges.
GOLDEN BRIDGE AUTOMATIC
MONTECRISTO - www.montecristo.ca
CHATEAU D’IVOIRE - www.chateaudivoire.com
Montreal, QB - 514.845.4651
CLASSIC CREATIONS - www.classiccreations.com
Toronto, ON - 416.222.0405
LA MINE D’OR - www.laminedor.ca
Moncton, NB - 506.857.1980
CORUM-WATCHES.COM • @CORUMUSA
(954) 279-1220 • info@cwjbrands.com

out & about
THE SPEEDMASTER ‘57 EVENT
OMEGA BOUTIQUE VANCOUVER
In 2013, OMEGA introduced the famous Speedmaster ‘57, emblematic of the first,
revolutionary Speedmaster design, which was launched in 1957 for racing car drivers
and engineers on the track.
In 2022, coinciding with the 65th anniversary of the Speedmaster it returns with a Master
Chronometer upgrade and a slimmer profile. The new 40.5 mm collection consists of eight
stainless steel models, all offering a streamlined look with iconic heritage touches such as
the unique Broad Arrow hands and a tachymeter scale on the bezel.
On September 29, 2022, the OMEGA Boutique Vancouver invited friends of the brand to
celebrate the 65th anniversary of the Speedmaster, together with its ambassador, Canadian
television personality and actor, Antoni Porowski. A great opportunity to catch up with likeminded
watch aficionados and to see the newest models in the watchmaker’s collection.
60 ICONIC CONCIERGE

JUST SMILE!
RICHARD MILLE RM 88 AUTOMATIC TOURBILLON SMILEY
A yellow circle, two oval eyes, a wide upturned mouth ... The Smiley, drawn by Franklin
Loufrani just over 50 years ago, has become an established symbol in the collective
consciousness. It serves as the embodiment of positivity, joy and sharing and has
played a major role at the heart of pop culture across several creative generations.
Celebrating the iconographic Smiley, Richard Mille’s newest timepiece took
three years to develop.
The bezel and caseback of the RM 88 are crafted from ATZ white ceramic,
known for being one of the hardest materials in the world, next to diamonds,
with high resistance to scratches. For contrast, the caseband is made of
18-karat 5N red gold.
Around the Smiley’s radiant face, several colourful handcrafted
micro-sculptures are placed. A blossoming flower, a pineapple,
a blooming cactus, a pink flamingo, rays of sunshine and a
brightly-coloured rainbow.
The RM 88 is powered by the new skeletonized in-house
CRMT7 automatic tourbillon movement with up to 50 hours
of power reserve.
The RM 88 Automatic Tourbillon Smiley is available in a
limited edition of 50 pieces. CHF 1,100,000.
ICONIC CONCIERGE
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Make Better
CONNECTIONS
OVOU is set to change how people make in-person
connections. The Vancouver-based
company
is entering its third
year in business and
already has some of the
biggest brands in North
America using OVOU
cards as their primary
method of sharing and
exchanging contacts.
The founder, Reza Varzidehkar, was seeking ways to
differentiate himself when meeting and prospecting for
clients for his marketing business back in 2017. He came
across QR codes and NFC technology and started to use
them as a way of sharing and exchanging contacts. Like
many others before him, he knew that business cards
are old and he wondered why no one has disrupted this
practice already. As he began using his prototype NFC card he
realized why so many companies failed in this space before him.
It was never an issue of technology but rather an issue of people
adopting a new way. Someone had to package the product in a
way that makes the experience more seamless, something that
Reza felt he had the strength to do so. It wasn’t until Apple’s announcement
to support NFC reading in 2019 that Reza saw an
opportunity to change how people network.
OVOU was officially launched on February
20th, 2020. Reza came up with the idea of
the #100events journey, challenging himself
to attend 100 networking events in 100
days to better connect with the business
community and understand the problem he
was solving at the time. During his networking
marathon, Reza was exposed to a larger
problem that professionals are facing when
networking. “People want to connect with
who you are, not what you do” he recalls as
he met hundreds of people who by default
introduced themselves with their job titles
during his networking experience. He set
out to build a product that allows people to
62
ICONIC CONCIERGE

share a fuller and more impressive image of who they are
when they first meet, to cultivate a stronger connection.
Bootstrapping his way through, Reza single-handedly took
OVOU from the ground to 7 figures. He worked round the
clock in every position in the company, until he secured his
lead management, through a connection made at the 100
events. Fast forward to today and OVOU is a global company,
with staff in 8 countries and no signs of slowing down.
all it takes is to either tap the OVOU card on the client’s
phone or have them scan the QR code. It will open the full
profile on their phone, they can instantly save it, and also
share back their own information with you.
OVOU currently offers several different options, which can
be customized with the client’s name and a company logo.
As in-person networking
not only returns but
thrives, OVOU is looking
to establish itself within
the world of high-value
connections, growing
social capital, and
human connection
beyond your job title.
OVOU is continuing to
innovate beyond their
smart business card to
provide a solution to inperson
networking and
connection management.”
Scan the QR-code and let Reza
Varzidehkar show youhow the
OVOU ard works!
www.OVOU.com
So how does
the OVOU card work?
OVOU is a Smart Business Card that uses a QR code and
NFC (Near Field Communication) to share a profile that
the user has created on the OVOU website. It can include
a name, company profile, all contact information including
social media accounts and more. The owner can change this
information at any time! To forward the contact information,
ICONIC CONCIERGE
63

The Ultimate
Navy/Naval Warfare
Stand out amongst a sea of navy suits
with a subtle check pattern such as
this Belgian windowpane. The fineness
of the merino fibres and the unique
top-dyeing process from the legendary
House of Dormeuil lends a depth of
sheen unseen from any other wool. Pair
this with a textured tie with Shantung
Silk elements for a perfect blend of
ruggedness and refinement.
THE MODERN DAY
HUNTER
ESSENTIAL AUTUMN GEAR
FOR THE MAN ON A MISSION
In ancient times, summer playtime was merely the warmup for autumn. As the weather cools,
an inner beckoning calls for us to get to work. It’s harvest season. It’s time to hunt.
Equip yourself this season with a wardrobe that will attract the success you seek.
64 ICONIC CONCIERGE

The Hunter
Inspired by the specialised kit used
by modern-day hunters that allows
them to be seen by other humans but
remain invisible to wildlife, this Blaze
Orange Officer’s Coat is sure to stand
out. Milled from Shetland wool by
Caccioppoli, this iconic piece is sure
to stand up to the elements. It pairs
beautifully with any colour, especially
darker navies and earth tones like this
Mocha Glen Check. Be sure to design
it with genuine horn buttons for a
masculine appearance.
ICONIC CONCIERGE
65

Fall at last!
Create new
custom clothing to
enjoy the upcoming
season in style.
Surmesur Vancouver
1012 Mainland St. | (604) 424-8555
vancouver@surmesur.com
@surmesurvancouver
SUMMER STYLE, DONE PROPER
Layered Up
The cooler weather allows a luxury almost impossible
in the summer: layering. While they may seem
like completely different species, earth tones always
pair well with bold colours, and solids play well with
patterns. A Banker Collar on a Bengal Striped shirt
works to add another layer of sophistication, while
a complementary flannel vest supplies warmth and
comfort. Complete the look with handcrafted topgrain
leather Oxfords and a lining that resonates
with your soul.
66 ICONIC CONCIERGE

--Sir Edwin Hardy Amies
Powerful Pinstripes
Nothing states back to business like
a pinstripe suit. Given current-day
dress codes, the serious stripes can
be dialled back by crafting it in a
warm flannel wool, and paired with
our comfortably soft Merino wool
turtleneck sweater.
Rugged Yet Refined
Corduroy. This 70’s iconic fabric has repositioned
itself as a mainstay due to its durability,
warmth and comfort. The versatility of a corduroy
suit as standalone trousers or as a sports
jacket worn with our signature custom denim
makes this a Fall favourite amongst stylish men.
Pair it with our Tenamo Bamboo-blended shirts
for the ultimate in comfort and ease of wear.
ICONIC CONCIERGE
67

In Style!
DOLCE & GABBANA
THE ONE
A mix of woody and creamy notes, The One
offers spicy
heart notes
which invoke
a festive vibe
while the base
notes create a
sweet vanilla
tobacco
accord.
PACO RABANNE
1 MILLION PRIVÉ
Classified as a woody oriental
fragrance full of contrasts, Prive
opens with a combination of
blood mandarin and cinnamon
that then builds into a heart of
tobacco and myrrh. 1 Million
Prive envelops you
as you wear it...
THE BEST FRAGRANCES FOR THE
KILIAN
BLACK PHANTOM
One of the best winter colognes
for men, Black Phantom
consists primarily of synthetic
edible notes such as honey,
vanilla and chocolate. A
woody gourmand that pleases
everyone.
EMPORIO ARMANI
STRONGER THAN YOU
Launched in 2017, this is one of the best fall and winter colognes and
has become a pillar of the Armani fragrance line. A mix of spices,
fruit and warmth. Comfort in a bottle.
68 ICONIC CONCIERGE

DATE
FOR MEN
“The Fruity opening is the flirtiness on a date, the laugh and smile, the rich
mids through patchouli and cardamom brings the seduction, then we have the
immortally masculine oud, and super sexual vetiver.”
COLDER MONTHS
PERFUMS DE MARLY
CARLISLE
Sunny and radiant, this sensual fragrance is built
around a sandalwood theme that is warm, with a
hint of vanilla, whilst both soothing and rich.
après ski
xcitemecanada.com
xcitecanada.ca

What is
LUXURY?
by SEAN KOLENKO
The continued rise of
technology has given
us unprecedented
access to goods and
services that, only a
handful of years ago,
seemed out of reach
or, in some cases,
outright impossible to obtain.
We can now order food from
renowned restaurants, right to our door.
With the click of a few buttons, we can
get picked up and dropped off most
anywhere we want. And we can shop
the latest seasonal collections from the
most celebrated global fashion houses
on numerous e-commerce platforms and
marketplaces.
But with so many options at our
fingertips, what, then, is luxury today?
How do we define luxury in a world
where access to the best of the best gets
easier and easier?
"In an era of extroardinary
access, true luxury has grown
to be more than just a quality
good or high-priced transaction.
– it Is a thoughtfully curated
experience”
At Sarai Bespoke, this is a question
we ask ourselves routinely. And what
we’ve come to realize is that luxury is
not just obtaining a piece of clothing or
ordering a delicious meal.
True luxury, rather, is the experience
that surrounds those things: the time
people take out of their busy day to slow
down and get away from their daily
grind, the connections we make while
conversing over a coffee or a cocktail,
and, finally, the production of a truly
one-of-a-kind garment.
Making Time
Although our most valuable commodity,
time can often feel in short supply.
Work, errands, kids...the demands of the
day are plentiful.
That’s why the chance to slow down,
decompress, and focus on a creative
endeavor like design is so important to
the luxury experience.
70 ICONIC CONCIERGE

We cultivate this feeling at Sarai Bespoke by offering exclusive
appointments for our clients, ensuring a unique, elevated, and focused
experience at our Gastown showroom. Over a finely-crafted espresso or a
classic cocktail – and, as always, with some tunes on the record player –
everyone that comes by gets to sit and take a load off, enjoy sweeping views
of the Vancouver harbour, and immerse themselves in a time dedicated
solely to them before they head back out into the world.
Connecting with the Community
Of course, that unique environment always spurs conversation and
connection. And that’s critical to the modern luxury experience as well: we
want to get to know one another, understand your specific garment needs,
and your unique personal style, so we can co-create pieces that make you
look and feel your best.
Too often – almost always, in fact – shopping is a one-way street. You
find a piece, you try on the piece, and you buy the piece. But the modern
luxury experience calls for more. That’s why we take the opportunity to
connect and forge a relationship that moves us beyond the transaction,
beyond the simple purchase, to a place of true partnership.
Exclusively, yours...
And the end result? Refined garments made with the highest levels of
craftsmanship and quality, in precisely the fit and design the client wants.
Whether they be for the office, travel, or a wedding, these are truly custom
garments, with each unique design detail decided upon before it gets made.
There simply won’t be another exactly like it.
Continued Evolution
Over time, the modern luxury experience will surely come to include other
facets that further enhance and shape how we share time, connect, and
create with our community. We’re excited to see what comes next – the
more unique offerings we can provide, the more unique the experience will
be.
Because that is what true luxury is: an all encompassing, thoughtfully
curated lifestyle experience.
Don’t make her wait
xcitemecanada.com
xcitecanada.ca

CHANGING LIVES
FROM SCRATCH
IN & OUT
OF THE KITCHEN
BRIAN CURIN
CO-FOUNDER/ CO-CEO & PRESIDENT
LITTLE KITCHEN ACADEMY
BY DR. OLIVER FINLAY
IC: In fifteen words or less, who are you and what do you do?
BC: Brian Curin, husband, proud dad, and Co-Founder/Co-CEO
& President of Little Kitchen Academy.
IC: Tell us about Little Kitchen Academy and what is the
guiding purpose behind the organization that you have built
with your wife, Felicity, over the last 5 years.
BC: LKA is the first-of-its-kind Montessori-inspired cooking
academy for children ages 3 through 18, based on the belief that
by empowering children with practical life skills and food literacy,
we will create more educated, mindful, and healthy communities
globally. Based in Vancouver, the concept was co-founded by myself,
my wife, a Montessori-trained, culinary expert, and visionary,
Felicity Curin, and social impact investor and entrepreneur
Praveen Varshney. Part of our mission includes empowering students
to learn how they can make the world a better place through:
How Can I Help? by Little Kitchen Academy, LKA’s signature
philanthropic program and supporting Crisis Text Line, The Global
FoodBanking Network, Kids Help Phone, and One Tree Planted.
In addition to charitable partnerships, we have forged strategic
global brand partnerships with Iron Chef Cat Cora, AeroGarden,
72 ICONIC CONCIERGE

BIRKENSTOCK, ChefWorks, Emeco,
ChopValue, Welcome Industries, and PRISE
Inc.
Little Kitchen Academy’s flagship venues
are located in Vancouver, B.C., and Los
Angeles, California. We have nine locations
open across Canada, Los Angeles, and Portland,
and have recently inked development
deals to open over 240 locations in Colorado,
Illinois, Michigan, Oregon, Texas, Washington,
and Canada. Additionally, we recently
launched our Meet Me in The Kitchen podcast,
to share intimate, unexpected stories
that explore the common threads of humanity
and illuminate what brings us together,
which can be found on Apple Music, Spotify
and at LittleKitchenAcademy.com.
IC: You launched Little Kitchen Academy
after many years of success growing
businesses in the food and beverage
and retail sectors through a franchising
model. Please can you tell us what you
like about that model and what are the
challenges with it?
BC: Much like as a family we approach
life, with care of self, care of others and care
of environment, franchising enables likeminded
people to come together and make
an impact at an accelerated pace. For us, we
get to share the gift of LKA globally, with
partners that have the same purpose-driven
mission that we do and that believe in our
vision. Franchising allows for people to be
part of our vision by getting into business for
themselves with best-in-class systems, support,
and guidance, so that they are confident
in the fact that they are not on their own. The
challenge is to find the right people who want
to be partners in our business for the right
reasons and who can execute in their local
communities delivering our brand promise
and experience.
IC: What unique challenges have you
encountered in growing Little Kitchen
Academy, that were different to any of
the other businesses you’ve previously
built and what lessons have you learnt in
overcoming them?
BC: LKA is a purpose-driven company and
with that comes a lot of passion, stubbornness,
and education. Every decision made
comes from the heart and is very personal.
We have forced a new business category into
the market, and this takes repetitive conversations,
educating our community as to why
this is essential, and finding the right people
to join us.
IC: Both Felicity and you are huge advocates
for creating environments that
promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
In cities such as Vancouver where the
economic and social pressures contribute
to significant inequality of access to
resources between and within communities,
how is Little Kitchen Academy
working to provide opportunities for
children from all socio-economic
backgrounds to access
such valuable education?
BC: We know that LKA is for
EVERY child, but not every
family has the means to enroll.
We connect with many organizations
to open the opportunity up
to those children but simply providing
the classes isn’t enough.
We need to educate the families
too on the choices they need to
make to pay for nutrient dense
ingredients and develop the understanding
of how to make great
decisions. It’s vital that they have
the CHOICE to make but many
families in our communities don’t
have a choice.
IC: The COVID pandemic
created new factors and exacerbated
the prevalence of
existing factors in our society
that contribute to mental
health problems, which
have effectively precipitated
a subsequent mental health
pandemic. How have you seen that present
on the ground with young people at
Little Kitchen Academy and can you
explain how the work you do is helping
address some of these issues?
BC: During the first few weeks of re-opening
after the government lockdown we saw the
changes in our students. Young children who
didn’t feel safe outside of their parents’ arms,
curious ones feeling nervous to touch things,
and the older, more social students desperate
for face-to-face connection. Having an environment
that is free of judgement like LKA,
we are going to meet every child where they
are at and that is very necessary in supporting
their personal development. A beautiful
Montessori term is “Follow the Child”, and
we understand that to mean ‘step back, observe
with love and let the child show you
what they need.’ We practice it daily and our
students can feel it.
IC: Food plays such an integral role in
forming and developing our social relationships.
I often feel that European cultures
embrace this aspect far more readily
than in North America, where eating
is often seen as a very functional activity.
Have you seen the children that come to
Little Kitchen Academy improve their
ability to socialize as well as just develop
their understanding of the nutritional
benefits of creating healthy meals?
BC: The LKA food philosophy is very simple.
We follow the oldest, wisest woman on
the planet - Mother Nature. Our job is to discover
what is in season, what is local, create
wonder as to where it came from, add science
to change it so it tastes delicious, and simply
celebrate a child when they CONSIDER
these aspects. When we empower children to
make these choices, they build confidence,
connection, and curiosity. Learning the science
behind food substitutions required to
accommodate food intolerances, cultures or
simply taste preferences is powerful. You
can’t eat eggs? What do eggs do in the recipe?
What can we use instead? This thinking
can remove biases that are formed through
lack of understanding.
IC: How do you feel social media contributes
to our relationship with food in
the current day and age. What impact
does this have and how can we leverage
the benefits of social media, whilst mitigating
the negative influences, to create
positive change in this area?
BC: LKA has decided to embrace social media
as a power tool. We can’t beat it, so let’s
find the opportunity that it creates. We are
all constantly barraged with advice on what
we should and shouldn’t be eating, what we
should or shouldn’t look like. Let’s take this
opportunity to talk about taking care of ourselves
by making choices that are important
to us! There are as many food philosophies
as there are types of apples and it certainly
isn’t a one-size-fits-all. We also love to take
on the fun TikTok food trends and in learning
how to make dishes that are all over our social
media gives some of our older students a
‘social currency’, so to speak. They may not
be on the winning team, the student council
leader, or the coolest dresser in school, but
they can talk about the latest food trend and
how they have learned to master it!
IC: Over the next five years, what would
success for Little Kitchen Academy look
like to Felicity and you?
ICONIC CONCIERGE
73

BC: Having a Little Kitchen Academy within reach of every child is
success. Seeing our community containers on school properties in underserved
communities, our curriculum entering school systems and
empowering children to make decisions that are important to them is
success. Watching our students come back as instructors. Seeing our
franchise partners create jobs. The potential for success is endless and
we are so excited to celebrate every step of the way! Our vision to become
the global leader in teaching practical life skills and food literacy
to children to promote a more educated, independent, and healthier
society…is already starting to take shape.
IC: You are surrounded by some exceptionally talented people
with some impressive culinary skills. Have your own personal
skills in the kitchen improved along the way?
BC: Ha! I pride myself on surrounding myself with incredible people,
my wife Felicity being the most incredible. This allows me to focus
on what I do well both in and out of the kitchen…mostly out of it. I
have become a better human because of LKA and have dramatically
improved the welcome I receive when I venture into the kitchen. Most
notably, my knife skills have certainly improved.
IC: As we already mentioned, one of those exceptionally talented
people that you work with is your wife, Felicity. What are
the best bits about working together? …And what are the more
challenging aspects???!
BC: The best bits are countless. We love to celebrate each other’s
strengths. We are so proud of the team we have built, and the impact
we are making in every class. As anyone who owns their own business
will know, there are good days and difficult days. We have each other
to lean on. We are each other’s number one fan. The tough times are
when we can’t “leave it at the office”. And when we disagree…thank
you George Clooney for Casamigos!
IC: What do you enjoy most about your work?
BC: Knowing that I’m doing something that is bigger than me, will
outlive me, will make my daughters proud, is changing lives from
scratch for this generation and those to come, and selfishly, seeing my
wife’s vision and passion come to life.
IC: Aside from growing Little Kitchen Academy, you are a mentor
to other local entrepreneurs in the city. Which local start-ups
should we be keeping an eye out for and why are you excited by
them?
BC: Yes, I serve as a director on the boards of ChopValue and Incisive
Genetics. Both companies and founders are equally purposedriven
in totally different industries. One is redefining the term waste
to resource, one chopstick at a time, whilst the other is transforming
the field of genetic medicine by being at the forefront with its novel
Incisive Delivery System for gene editing therapy. Both companies are
having, and will continue to have a positive global impact on our lives.
IC: What 4 words would your closest friends use to describe you?
BC: Driven, Resilient, Kind, Excitable.
IC: Thank you, Brian. I always enjoy our conversations and enjoyed
meeting the team on my visit to the LKA “Nest” recently.
It must be such a positive environment to be immersed in on a
regular basis.
BC: I am surrounded by strong, passionate, and kind women at the
Nest…yes, I’m the only local male on our team. We encourage collaborative
work, having fun, and always putting our student’s first. Best
part? It doesn’t feel like work. Daily, we hear “I love this place”, “I
have never worked in an environment like this and don’t ever want to
leave” or, the best so far, “I’m going to die with you and Felicity”, and
we actually believe this to be true!
IC: …and finally, here are our ‘Completely Unrelated, but Nevertheless
Entertaining Standard 10 Questions’…you ready?
BC: Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, so let’s go!
IC: You lose everything you own. How do you rise like a phoenix
from the ashes?
BC: With forgiveness for myself and others, and by being fueled by
the amazing people that I get to call my family and friends.
IC: We finish this interview and as you step outside, you find
a lottery ticket that ends up winning you $20 million. What do
you do?
BC: I would do what I could to find the person that lost it and hope
they split it with me!
IC: You can invite 5 people for a dinner party…and the guest list
isn’t restricted by the confines of time and mortality. Who joins
you for dinner and why?
BC: My wife Felicity because she is my simply the best at any dinner
party. My three daughters Gabby, Bronwyn, and Gwen, because they
are incredible women whom I cherish every second I get with. My late
dad, to let him know that I love him and for him to meet his miraculous
granddaughters and daughter-in-law. And, Larry David, because
I think we might be related or maybe I think we would just get each
other. And yes, I know math, but family first always.
IC: What was your first car, what do you drive now and what is
your dream car?
BC: 1984 Toyota 4Runner, Polestar 2, 1974 Ford Bronco…electrified.
IC: What one piece of advice would you give to your 16-year-old
self?
BC: Don’t be such an asshole, don’t be so hard on yourself and don’t
change a damn thing because you have one hell of a life to live.
IC: Who would play you in a movie about your life?
BC: Jason Bateman
IC: Where is your favourite travel destination and why?
BC: Versailles. It was a place that I had never been to and on my first
visit, it was the place that I felt at true peace, and I honestly think I
may have been there in another time. We now visit on a frequent basis.
IC: Tell me your favourite joke…
BC: In private because it would not reflect well on LKA ;)
IC: Where is your favourite Vancouver restaurant?
BC: Autostrada, Vancouver House for the food, Dockside at Granville
Island Hotel for the ambience.
IC: Complete the sentence: “Vancouver is a great place be an
entrepreneur because…”
BC: “...it tests you at every turn and makes you stronger because of it.”
IC: Thank you, Brian. Keep up the great work you are doing
with Little Kitchen Academy and beyond. You really do have
such a positive impact on our community, and I look forward
to seeing how wide that reach expands over the coming years as
Little Kitchen Academy spreads its wings.
74 ICONIC CONCIERGE

AGELESS LIVING
Victoria:
1-101 Burnside Rd. West
Victoria, BC V9A 1B7
250-590-5787
wellness@agelessliving.ca
Langley:
415-20178 96th Ave.
Langley, BC V1M 0B2
236-326-6830
langley@agelessliving.ca
Kelowna:
102-3320 Richter Street
Kelowna, BC, V1W 4V5
www.AgelessLiving.com
Longevity, the secret to living a longer and healthier life, is one of the
key trends of the future. With previously unimaginable advances in
the fields of science and technology, life expectancy has dramatically
increased in most parts of the world, with recent studies making
the case that we could live up to 150 years. The longevity industry
is booming, shifting away from the traditional disease-focused paradigm,
instead addressing the root causes of aging and developing
strategies to help live longer, healthier lives.
“Aging is inevitable. Feeling old doesn’t have to be.” That’s the guiding
philosophy at Ageless Living, the next generation of innovative health
care and wellness clinics in B.C. founded by Michael Forbes (BSc Pharm
and MBA) and Dr. Jean-Paul Lim (MD Internal Medicine and Complex
Care Specialist). With locations in Langley, Victoria, and Kelowna,
Ageless Living brings together the best in medical-grade treatments,
state-of-the-art technologies and cutting-edge scientific discoveries to
help patients achieve optimal health results for body, mind and spirit
— at any age.
Dr. Lim, who grew up in Toronto before moving to Vancouver, knows
about the importance of a holistic approach to medical care in order
to keep his patients healthy and well. He has kept at the forefront of
healthy living by continuously educating himself on different health-related
topics. “Health is best treated proactively rather than retroactively,”
he emphasizes. “In order to attain true health, one must build
a solid foundation comprised of proper diet, exercise, a healthy mind,
and nutrients before addressing other more complex issues. We have
created Ageless Living to move past the conventional approach of suppressing
and repressing symptoms and to treat the root causes of a
complaint with a multidisciplinary, solutions-based program.”
Studies have shown that wellbeing lies in our own hands. “80% of
our health is influenced by how we live each day and how we care for
ourselves,” Dr. Lim says, “and at Ageless Living, we bring together the
guidance, tools and technologies to help you live better, longer.”
76 ICONIC CONCIERGE

Helping you to Discover Your Best Self
At their longevity and vitality clinics, licensed medical staff
and certified wellness professionals offer a wide range of personalized,
holistic treatments, from the aesthetic to the therapeutic.
With a particular emphasis on the mind-body connection
to combat the signs and symptoms of aging, they employ
an array of disciplines and approaches to health and integrate
these into a comprehensive, cohesive, and customized patientcare
model. The following treatments are currently available:
Hormone Balancing
and Optimization
There are many reasons
why hormone
imbalances occur,
and they can start at
an early age, affecting
both men and women.
Stress, lack of sleep,
birth control pills, inflammation,
pregnancy,
post-pregnancy, diet,
weight, menopause,
perimenopause, and
thyroid problems, the list is long and even includes COVID-
19-related brain fog, fatigue and low energy. It is important to
supplement the body’s natural production and supply it with
bio-identical hormones, which is what these Ageless Living programs
will do.
Biohacking
A field of science based on keeping our bodies looking, feeling
and working like they were when we were young, Biohacking
uses natural biology to exploit
the healing potential of
the mind and body and can
improve stamina, recovery,
mental acuity, and productivity,
all while stimulating regeneration.
The treatments
developed at Ageless Living
will not only help clients have
more energy, think clearer
and process faster, they also
make the body heal quicker
and recover faster from injury,
inflammation, and pain, and
boost our immune function.
Skin Rejuvenation
Starting with an in-depth consultation and skin health analysis,
the certified Ageless Living skin rejuvenation experts offer patients
a wide range of treatments and plans for both cosmetic
enhancements and clinical needs of the body and the face, including
Botox, soft tissue fillers, peels, hydrafacials, dermaplaning
and award-winning cosmeceuticals lines, to name a few.
“All our programs and treatment packages are individually tailored,”
explains Dr. Lim, “so it is important to start with our free
consultation.” Alternatively, Ageless Living offers a quick and
easy-to-use preliminary online Hormone Test where prospective
patients can find treatment options for their symptoms and
begin the discussion of optimized, holistic health.
ICONIC CONCIERGE
77

20 40
for
winks
innovations
by Dr. Oliver Finlay
As society drew a collective deep breath after the first two
years of dealing with the outbreak of the COVID pandemic,
there was a noticeable shift towards focussing on mental
and physical health and wellbeing both in and out of the
workplace. Millions resigned from their roles, in recognition
of the fact that long commutes and hours sat at a desk in
service of a boss that was ambivalent to their needs was no
longer how they wanted to spend the best years of their lives.
As the tech and venture capital worlds collided to create a
boom in a wide range of AI-informed and immersive Web 3.0
technologies, the coincidental timing with the global spotlight on
health, the gaze shifted quickly to the fields of recovery, sleep,
and longevity. An embryonic industry, that over the last ten
years has seen the meteoric rise of such products, brands, and
services as FitBit, HeadSpace, and Therabody, has consequently
experienced a recent boom in start-ups eager to join the billiondollar
movement.
Last year, The Big Sleep, an article I wrote about the importance
of sleep and the simple steps that can be taken to improve quality
of sleep, garnered more interest and comments than any other
article I have written for Iconic Concierge. It quickly became
apparent that most people I know have issues with their sleep
and the reasons each gave were wide ranging. Knowing how
partial our readers are to gadgets and hacks, I thought I’d scour
the market for some of the latest innovations in tech, materials
and nutrition that can support the habits and practices I shared in
The Big Sleep and get to work reviewing some of them.
PREPARING FOR BED
Before you slip under the covers, there are several key steps you
can take to prepare your body and mind for a restful night. For
most of us, our days are a whirlwind of to-do lists, deadlines, and
tightly timed meeting schedules. Consequently, by the time the
evening comes, our stress levels are high, and our brains are
over-stimulated. Whilst some people turn to yoga or a gentle
walk to wind down, others prefer to relax in front of the television
or with computer games, which doesn’t necessarily help reduce
the levels of the stress hormones, cortisol or adrenaline, coursing
around our bodies. This matters because on a physiological level
both cortisol and adrenaline block the body’s natural production
of melatonin, the hormone that helps with the timing of your
circadian rhythms, which you can think of as your 24-hour internal
clock.
Sleep expert and Associate Professor of Sport and Exercise
Science at La Trobe University, Australia, Dr Matt Driller, underlines
the importance of observing your current daily light exposure
78 ICONIC CONCIERGE

and understanding how that impacts your
circadian rhythm. Our forefathers went to
bed when it got dark and got up when
the sun rose but our 21st century lifestyles
aren’t conducive to synching with our
body clock, and so we need to consider
the impact of artificial light on our brains
and put strategies in place that help
manage the disruptions.
Whilst there are melatonin supplements
available, they are known to interact with
other medications, cause side effects
and cause drowsiness in the morning.
Additionally, a study published in the
Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine
reported that over 70% of melatonin
supplements contained significantly
different amounts of melatonin than
what was listed on the label, whilst some
also detected the unreported presence
of the controlled substance serotonin,
which is used in the treatment of several
neurological disorders.
As an alternative, there are natural
products that you can take that promote
relaxation, reduce the levels of circulating
cortisol, and promote the body to secrete
melatonin. These products tend to
contain tart cherry juice (which naturally
contain melatonin and tryptophan, which
helps the body produce melatonin),
ashwagandha (reduces cortisol),
magnesium bisglycinate (which helps
relax the mind and muscles), valerian root
and passionflower (which both modulate
GABA secretion, a neurotransmitter that is
involved in sleep regulation). Additionally
other products provide key omega 3 oils
that reduce inflammation and support
brain recovery whilst you are resting.
My experiences with sleep supplements
were mixed. I found some wonderful
tasting concoctions, that did indeed help
me feel more relaxed and sleep well.
However, some of them demand ingesting
not-insignificant volumes of fluid shortly
before bed and so I was soon getting up
more frequently in the night to empty my
bladder!!
Niyama Wellness: Hey Relax Magnesium
Powder is very tasty, with natural
pineapple flavour and contains tart cherry
juice, magnesium bisglycinate
and GABA and after a few days,
I certainly felt I was drifting off
to sleep more quickly. [www.
niyama-wellness.ca]
Niyama Wellness: Sleep Like
Buddha comes in capsule form
and contains passionflower and
tryptophan to promote sleep. I
did feel it supported a deeper
sleep but during the first week
I did notice my mouth was
very dry during the night and
in the morning. [www.niyamawellness.ca]
MUD\WTR: :rest is a delicious rooibos chai,
with turmeric, cinnamon , ashwagandha,
valerian root, passionflower, reishi and
turkey tail mushrooms. It promotes
relaxation whilst also containing some
potent anti-inflammatory ingredients to
support recovery. As the evenings started
to cool, I enjoyed a warm drink in the
evening but had to drink it a couple of
hours before bed to ensure the relaxation
it induced was not countered by the need
to get out of bed in the middle of the
night. [MUDWTR.com]
Purica: Evening Calm is another warm
drink base but what I liked about this is
it only required an espresso-style shot,
so the fluid volume was quite low. It also
contained ashwagandha and reishi, to
relax the body and mind. [Purica.com]
Purica: Magnesium Bisglycinate is again a
warm drink base that has an effervescent
raspberry experience, and I really liked the
effect this had on reviving my tired legs
after a long day on my feet or an evening
gym session. [Purica.com]
BrainLuxury: DELTA has been developed
to support deep sleep by providing the
precursor nutrients that enable the natural
creation of melatonin and serotonin. It
comes in a test-tube style container and
contains omega 3 and other fatty acids,
tryptophan, vitamins D and E, zinc, and
magnesium, which promote calm and
sleep onset, extends deep sleep, and
supports neuroplasticity. It’s a citrus taste,
thanks to the natural lime and lemon juice
and I definitely slept deeper with this,
whilst feeling energised in the morning,
but it does need to be kept refrigerated,
which makes it difficult for travel.
[BrainLuxury.com]
Aside from the nutritional supplements,
there is also some interesting technology
out there that has an impact on the
nervous system by helping to restore
balance between the parasympathetic
branch (which promotes a state that allows
us to rest-and-digest) and the sympathetic
nervous system branch (that prompts us
into fight-or-flight in response to acute
stress). The chronic stress many of us
experience through the demands of work
and overstimulation create a bias towards
sympathetic nervous system activation,
which makes it physiologically harder to
focus, meditate, relax, or sleep.
Apollo: Neuro is a wearable device that
emits a gentle vibration, which prompts
the secretion of the hormone oxytocin.
This increases parasympathetic activity
and allows the body to relax into a calmer
state. I used this at various points in the
day but a couple of hours before bed I
used the Relax and Unwind setting and
then in the hour before bed switched to
the Sleep and Renew setting. You can use
it in during the night, but I don’t like having
things on my wrists or ankles in bed. This
certainly became more and more effective
with continued usage, although the
battery life is not long, and the app had
some glitches. [ApolloNeuro.com]
BLACKROLL: Mini Foam Roller
quite surprised me, as it looks rather
unimpressive…it’s just a small foam roller,
but it’s perfect for rolling out your feet
and in just spending 5 minutes doing
that as I brushed my teeth before bed, it
allowed me to ease out the reflexology
point that is related to the adrenal gland
and is always sensitive after a stressful day.
[BLACKROLL.com]
IN BED
This section particularly focusses on some
of the advances in material technology
out there that help minimise light, reduce
noise, regulate temperature, and provide
the ample amount of spinal support. I
tried ear plugs, clothing, pillows, sheets,
blankets, and mattresses and was amazed
by the advances in materials since I last
invested in my bed.
LIGHT REDUCTION
Unfortunately, I needed more time here, as
I was unable to trial some of the products
that I was particularly interested in from
Sheex and TheraCrown. But come chat to
me in a few weeks and hopefully I’ll have
some more insight here.
NOISE REDUCTION
QuietOn: QuietOn 3 earplugs were
perhaps the biggest surprise package
ICONIC CONCIERGE
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for me, as I notoriously hate sleeping
with earplugs in. However, these noisecancelling
ear plugs not only reduced the
ambient noise, which any of you living
in downtown Vancouver apartments will
attest to but were so comfortable that I
often had to check they were still there.
[QuietOn.com]
TEMPERATURE REGULATION
Cozy Earth: Linen Bedding, made from
70% viscose from bamboo and 30% linen
were, quite simply, the most impressive
of all the impressive products I trialled.
The pillowcases and sheets were so cool
and breathable to the extent I haven’t
overheated once since I put them on
my bed, despite this trial starting in the
heat of the summer. They are wonderful
and I just wish I had more than one set!!!
[CozyEarth.com]
Rest: Cooling Comforter is made using
a remarkable material called Evercool TM ,
that feels cool to the touch and wicks
moisture away from the body. No more
sweating under blankets or duvets, this is
a fantastic lightweight cover that certainly
helped me stay cool throughout the night.
[RestDuvet.com]
BLACKROLL: Ultralite Blanket is another
comforter that deserves a mention. It’s
made from Celliant®, which regulates the
body temperature and transforms body
heat into full-spectrum infrared energy.
This improves the quality of
sleep and promotes muscle
recovery during sleep. I
didn’t overheat with it and
as a bonus, it packs into a
well-designed carry bag
that makes it small enough
to travel with. [BLACKROLL.
com]
GhostBed: Faux Down Pillow
is a very comfortable pillow
that matches the comfort of
my more traditional downfilled
pillows but has a microfibre gel fill
that makes it breathable and stopped
my head getting hot. It’s also allergen
and dust-mite free, which for someone
that can get quite congested with certain
pillows, was a big relief. [GhostBed.ca]
Dagsmejan: NattcoolTM Sleep Wear, was
another surprise for me. Without aiming to
share too much information, I have always
slept naked to prevent overheating.
However, the NattcoolTM material is
8x more breathable than cotton and
transports moisture away from the body
3x more effectively. It conformed to my
body, and I didn’t get tangled up or feel
restricted in any of the items, t-shirts or
shorts. Habit-changer. [Dagsmejan.com]
POSTURAL SUPPORT
Brooklyn Bedding: Spartan Mattress
has won awards for mattresses most
suited to athletes, and I can see why. I’ve
been reticent to leave my coil-springed
mattress behind in favour of the foam
mattresses out there and I was hesitant
to trial this, but I needn’t have worried.
It’s described as a hybrid mattress, so it
does have zoned coils, providing enough
lumbar support but there are also 2 layers
of memory foam that give additional
contouring. The reason it has won the
awards is that it incorporates Far Infrared
Ray (FIR) technology into the cover,
which draws heat away from the body,
before converting it to infrared energy
and reflecting it back to improve blood
flow, aid muscle recovery and promote
a more restful sleep. I was concerned
this would cause me to overheat but an
additional cool tech panel helps maintain
the ideal sleep skin temperature of 88°F.
[BrooklynBedding.com]
BLACKROLL: Recovery Pillow is yet
another example of exemplary German
design, that focusses on simple design
innovation as opposed to fancy
technology to create incredible products,
that at first don’t look all that remarkable.
My first impression was that the pillow
was too small and that my head would
fall off in the night. My second impression
was coloured by my negative experience
of other memory foam pillows which have
each given me neck ache. The design
incorporates different contours and
heights into a breathable memory foam,
so the pillow works for back, front and side
sleepers alike. The foam is supportive,
doesn’t over-heat and ensures the size
is big enough for a comfortable night’s
sleep, whilst being small enough to roll
up into its travel case to take on the plane.
I’m so impressed with this company!!
[BLACKROLL.com]
ON WAKING
AYO: AYO is the world’s first circadian
health wearable, which uses LEDs emitting
blue light, mounted in a spectacle top
frame. The device can be worn for a
short session in the morning to help
the align the brain’s biological clock, by
stimulating the light-responsive cells and
boosting wakefulness, mood, immune
and metabolism. Whilst I wouldn’t wear
them in public, these are easy to use and
certainly helped boost my energy levels
first thing. [GoAyo.com]
BrainLuxury: GAMMA, a more recently
released product than DELTA, has
been developed to support brain
neuroplasticity and focus. Like DELTA,
GAMMA has a citrus base and is packaged
in a test-tube style container, that requires
refrigeration. I really liked this and did
feel it helped my morning productivity,
which can be a little sluggish some days.
[BrainLuxury.com]
REVIEWING & MONITORING SLEEP
One of the most competitive areas in the
sleep technology sector is the monitoring
of sleep, which is understandable because
without understanding the current quality
of your sleep, it is hard to know whether
you need to do much to improve it.
Additionally, if you can’t evaluate changes
in response to interventions, how do
you know if your efforts are being well
directed?
Unfortunately, it’s also one of the
most controversial areas of the sector.
Lab best tests are, not surprisingly,
the gold standard and the variability
between the products on the market
is significant. This is because there are
different methods of collecting data,
each with their own strengths and
weaknesses, whilst each company has
its own proprietary algorithms to analyse
and interpret the data. Thus, the strength
of the sleep evaluation and subsequent
recommendations depend on the quality,
validity, and reliability of the raw data
and how appropriate the algorithms that
interrogates that data are.
Withings: Sleep Tracking Mat, slips
underneath your mattress at chest level,
and uses advance sensor technology to
monitor your sleep cycle, heart rate, and
any snoring. You get an arbitrary sleep
score in the morning, which reflects
how long you slept, how long it took
80 ICONIC CONCIERGE

to fall asleep, how many
interruptions you had during
the night and how regularly
you go to bed at the same
time. I liked this because I
didn’t have to wear anything,
and the results were clearly
illustrated. [Withings.com]
WHOOP: 4.0, is a wristworn
band that tracks your
blood oxygen levels, skin
temperature readings
and heart rate metrics (rate, resting rate and variability) to help build an
understanding of your body and its responses to your lifestyle choices. Using
AI, it builds a picture of your sleep behaviours, calculates how much you
need and suggests when you need to go to bed based upon when you need
to get up. It can also wake you at an appropriate time in your sleep cycle
that is close to when you need to get up. The depth of data and the ability
to relate activity levels to sleep and recovery requirements is fascinating for
a scientist like myself, but I don’t love having to wear something on my wrist
the whole time and I already
wear a watch during the day.
Having two items taking
up my physical real estate
was annoying. Additionally,
there may just be too much
information for some people.
[WHOOP.com]
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GIFT BASKETS
Apple: iWatch, is, as you’d
expect, another wrist worn
device that, like the WHOOP,
uses LEDs and photodiodes
to capture biometric data. As
it’s a watch, it doesn’t take any
getting used to, but again, I
wouldn’t normally wear it in
bed. The data reports aren’t
as insightful as WHOOP,
which may appeal to some
people, whilst not satisfying
others. [Apple.com]
Now, here’s the problem.
None of the three devices
agreed with the other and
so, without being able to test
these in a lab, comparing
their data to the gold
standard, medical grade equipment, I just don’t
know who to trust. The best research papers I
found on the topic highlight issues with every
device but concur in the observation that the
Oura 3, a ring wearable, is currently the most accurate solution on the market
for sleep monitoring. I was unable to trial one of these for this study.
To this extent, sleep consultant, Anna West’s advice aligns with the
conclusion I shared in my previous article, which is that the basics
of sleep hygiene, sleep duration, routine and environment are the
foundations upon which you should build your sleep habits. The
technology is a bonus and as I discovered, you only have two wrists and
a finite bandwidth to delve into app reports, so you can’t use everything.
I’d advise you get the basics right, then find a couple of products that
help resolve the critical environmental issues you have and increase
your understanding of their impact at a level that makes sense to you
There is a fine balance between becoming more aware and intentional
about your sleep and becoming obsessed, which is actually more likely
to create sleep disruption.
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out & about
TRACTION CONFERENCE
JW MARRIOTT | PARQ VANCOUVER
Technology leaders, top-tier VCs, and speakers from some of the fastest-growing
companies from around the globe came together for the Traction Conference on
August 10 & 11 at JW Marriott Parq Vancouver.
From what started in 2015 as a small tech conference held in a nightclub in Vancouver,
Canada, Traction has emerged as one of the top 10 tech marketing conferences in North
America, with a growing community of over 100,000 entrepreneurs and innovators. The
in-person conference made a come-back after a hiatus of two years due to the pandemic
and proved to be a massive success with over 1,000 attendees from 60+ different
international cities and 45 speakers taking the stage with fireside chats, panel discussions,
and keynote sessions covering various topics ranging from fundraising, scaling, product
strategy, customer success, fundraising, developer relations and much more.
In addition to top-notch content, networking sessions and delicious food, start-up
founders also got a chance to meet investors with exclusive ‘founder-funder matchmaking’
sessions.
Thanks to Traction, downtown Vancouver got a $3-million economic bump, including
direct spending by organizers, sponsors, and delegates during the event. This figure
will continue to grow into 2023 as deals and partnerships signed at the conference are
finalized.
The line-up of speakers included:
• Anu Bharadwaj, COO, Atlassian
• Mike Knoop, Co-founder &
President, Zapier
• Jeff Titterton, COO, Zendesk
• Oji Udezue, Head of Product, Twitter
• Karl Sun, Co-founder and Board Chair,
Lucid
• Sara Hicks, COO, Mailchimp
... and many more
82 ICONIC CONCIERGE

83

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO
WHAT’S NEXT IN THE ELECTRIC WORLD
ON THE COVER
AUDIO SECURITY RADAR UPHOLSTERY
A BESPOKE TAILORED EXPERIENCE
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THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO
WHAT’S NEXT IN THE ELECTRIC WORLD
VW GEN.TRAVEL
Volkswagen’s all-electric powered Innovation Experience Vehicle (IEV) is a real prototype that drives autonomously (Level 5) and gives a
realistic outlook for the mobility of the coming decade. Klaus Zyciora, Head of Volkswagen Group Design, explains: “The GEN.TRAVEL offers
us a glimpse of the travel of the future. It shows us what autonomous driving will look like in the future. The GEN.TRAVEL embodies the
visionary design of beyond tomorrow for the mobility of tomorrow.” The GEN.TRAVEL has a unique, modular interior concept that can be
customized for each journey. Depending on the configuration, up to four people can be transported. For business trips, the conference
setup with four comfortable seats and a large table in the middle of the interior provides relaxed surroundings.
www.vw.ca
ICONIC CONCIERGE
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THE SKYFLY TECHNOLOGIES AXE
London (England) based company SkyFly has
opened pre-orders on a two-seat personal eVTOL
aircraft called the Axe. Scheduled to begin customer
deliveries in 2024, the company expects people to
use the aircraft for daily commuting, shopping and
leisure air travel. The all-electric version of the aircraft
has a cruise speed of 161 km/h with a range of 160
km. With the hybrid-electric power source, the range
is expected to be 320 km. SkyFly is taking pre-orders
at a base price of £150,000 (US$175,000) with the
range-extended version adding another £50,000
(US$58,300). A “last-resort ballistic parachute” will
set you back an additional £20,000 (US$23,300).
www.skyflytech.com
THE RICE ROBOT
A cute mix between Star Wars’ R2D2 and Pixar’s WALL-E,
Rice is equipped with light sensors, depth cameras
and ultrasound sensors to avoid obstacles and can
manoeuver freely around multi-story hotels and
shopping centers. The compact robot by Rice Robotics
is already providing a range of services at venues in
Hong Kong and Japan. In Hong Kong, Rice delivers
drinks at HFT Lite Cafe and works as a bellhop at the
Dorsett Wanchai hotel. In Tokyo, it delivers snacks
to employees at SoftBank Group’s headquarters from
the building’s 7-11 convenience store. Rice Robotics
also developed Jasmine during the pandemic, which
replaced Rice’s delivery compartment with a tank of
sanitizing solution and used two spray nozzles on her
head to disperse disinfectant. Portal is the third robot,
mainly used to patrol malls and hospitals.
www.ricerobotics.com
THE BIANCHI E-ARCADEX
This new Bianchi e-Arcadex flagship electric gravel bike was built on a full carbon frame with a
geometry that, according to the manufacturer, ensures you can cycle comfortably over some
of the roughest, most technical terrain. It can ride on tires up to 700x45c in width and has the
capacity to carry up to 20kg of additional luggage on the frame. A 85Nm, 250-watt Bosch
Performance Line CX mid-drive motor provides the power. The removable 500Wh battery
charges in four hours, and has a range of 115km. Starting at 6,249 Euros. www.bianchi.com
THE 90KM/H INMOTION
V13 CHALLENGER
This unicycle is fast, very fast, and set
to redefine the limits of an EUC wheel.
Providing quick electric mobility while still
being portable and easy to stow at the rider’s
destination, early electric unicycles were rather
slow, but as time has gone by, the industry
has hailed faster and more potent electric
single-wheelers that push the limits of speed.
The all-new V13 Challenger from InMotion
boasts to be the fastest in the world. It runs
on a 126V system voltage and can deliver a
constant 4,500W, or around 6 horsepower.
The V13 has 90 mm of suspension travel, a
touchscreen panel for menu selection, two
charging connections for faster recharging,
USB-A and USB-C connectors for charging
smaller devices like phones and action
cameras, and a rolling handle for pulling the
50kg unicycle along when not in use. Delivery
starts in December 2022. C$5,999.
www.inmotionworld.com
86 ICONIC CONCIERGE

THE DACIA MANIFESTO
The Manifesto is Dacia’s latest concept car, presented as the
perfect embodiment of the Romanian brand’s values. It embodies
the “less is more theme” by deleting body panels like doors,
windows, or a windscreen. And who needs two headlights if one
provides all the light you need? Tailored to people seeking an
adventure and being immersed in nature, the interior is washable
and the seat covers can be removed and turned into a sleeping
bag. The manifesto also incorporates a Bring-Your-Own-Device
approach, which fully integrates a smartphone into the dashboard
and on-board computer. www.dacia.com
THE NOORDUNG E-BIKE
Slovenian bicycle maker Noordung has released its
latest innovation, the only cruiser bike in the world with
a carbon fiber frame! Based on the café racer culture
and tradition, the stylish e-bike is even equipped with a
detachable 300Wh battery that doubles as a Boombox
that can play 100 hours of music, controlled by the user’s
phone. And for those running low on power, two
USB ports can charge phones or other devices on
the go. The E-bike also has air pollution sensors
that alert drivers whenever they are in a heavily
polluted area. The company says the bike has
a range of up to 60km and that it takes around
three hours to fully charge the battery. The limited
First Production Series is €6,990.
www.noordung.com
THE ZEVA Z2
ZEVA has unveiled the design of its
new aircraft, the ZEVA Z2, a wingbodied
eVTOL aircraft for cargo
and emergency transport. It
borrows several elements from
the company’s Zero concept,
including the distinctive discshaped
wing carrying one pilot
and small cargo loads. The final
aircraft is expected to have a
range of about 80km on a single
battery charge, with a top speed
of 260km/h. The company hopes
to receive an FAA airworthiness
certificate in two years and to deliver
the first aircraft by 2025 for the personal
transportation market. www.zevaaero.com
THE ELECTRIC DODGE
CHARGER DAYTONA SRT
It’s in the name ... and although it is still just a
concept at this point, word is that the car “is very
close to production.” If so, then the two-door
electric Dodge Charger will be powered by the
new 800V Banshee propulsion system, which is
more powerful than the engine of a Hellcat. It will
be loud, too! Dodge actually put an exhaust on the
vehicle that emits ... sound. “The Charger Daytona
SRT Concept voices a 126 dB roar that equals the
SRT Hellcat,” Dodge writes in its announcement.
You can listen to it when you scan our QR-code.
We hear the company is targeting a 2024 release
date for its first American eMuscle.
www.dodge.ca
ICONIC CONCIERGE
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THE CARACAT
A mix between a caravan
and a catamaran, the Caracat
has been developed by German
company Schneider Caravaning.
On land, the Caracat needs to be
towed by a truck or an SUV, but on
water, two pontoons swing out or retract
and as a boat, it can now propel on its own thanks
to an 8 to 15 horsepower Torqueedo electric motor. Caracat
is available in three sizes, 6.6m (66), 7.6m (76) and 8.6m (86).
Pricing starts at €130,000 (around $128,000, depending on the
current exchange rate) for the smallest model.
www.schneidercaravaning.de
THE MEYERS MANX 2.0
They say legends never die, and the Meyers Manx is driving proof: Being
reborn for the third time, the iconic dune buggy this time comes back as
a pure electric vehicle. It’s been fifty-five years since the original made its
first appearance, and now the Manx 2.0 Electric brings all the adventurous,
off-road fun of the original, but
powered by a battery instead of
an air-cooled Volkswagen Beetle
engine hanging out the back. The
Manx 2.0 will have two battery
options: a 20.0-kWh battery with a
claimed 240km of range or a 40.0-
kWh battery with 480km of range.
Pricing for the Manx 2.0 has yet to
be released, but the first 50 ‘Beta’
buggies will ship in 2023, with
deliveries for finished production
cars starting in 2024.
www.meyersmanx.com
THE XIAOMI CYBERONE
Weeks before Elan Musk showed his Tesla
Optimus prototype, Chinese brand Xiaomi
introduced the world to their bipedal
humanoid robot, CyberOne. The 177cm
tall and 52kg heavy robot performed a
promising demo when it joined Lei Jun
onstage at the launch event in early August
2022, greeting the CEO and taking a selfie
with him.
According to Xiaomi, CyberOne has a
top speed of 3.6km/h, just below average
walking pace, a vision system for navigation
with depth-sensing at distances of up to
eight meters, and can “perceive” human
emotion. Although CyberOne seems to be
more of a platform for broader R&D efforts,
Lei Jun said that a CyberOne would most
likely cost between 600,000 to 700,000 yuan
(~ US$90,000-US$100,000).
VÄSLLA PEDAL E-BIKE
Swedish mobility startup Vässla just introduced their latest e-bike. True to Scandinavian design it
shows a minimal, clean approach that seeks to combine functionality with beauty. There are no
exposed wires or buttons and it is using a single frame tube instead of a conventional front
triangle. The Vässla Pedal is said to provide mobility for all members of the household, thanks
to a one-size-fits-all approach. It is equipped with a 250W hub motor that offers 45 Nm of
torque and a removable battery with “100km on a single charge with a top speed of 32km/h.”
The Vässla Pedal includes IoT connectivity and comes with an app for digital unlocking,
real-time tracking, alerts of theft attempts, and history of bike rides. It is available now for
preorder at an MSRP of €2,990 with deliveries expected in March 2023. www.vassla.com
88
ICONIC CONCIERGE

THE LIVEWIRE S2 DEL MAR
Harley-Davidson’s spin-off has announced that it is ready to
start taking reservations for the production version of its new S2
Del Mar electric motorcycle. It is the first bike using LiveWire’s
ARROW platform that’s supposed to be scalable, depending
on the intended use of the bike. L1 and L2 charging options
are standard, as is a 10.5 kWh battery pack. L2 charging is
said to bring the battery from 20 percent to 80 percent in 75
minutes, and the motor is supposed to provide the equivalent
of 80 horsepower. MSRP for the S2 Del Mar is US$16,999 (the
Canadian price tag has not been announced yet). Delivery is
expected in the spring of 2023. www.livewire.com
THE XPENG G9
This mid-size electric SUV, the Chinese
brand’s fourth production model, is using
the new-generation XPower 3.0 powertrain
system with China’s first 800V high-voltage
mass-production SiC platform. As a result,
XPeng claims the G9 will be able to charge
up to 200km of range in five minutes, with a
maximum energy efficiency of over 95%.
There are three variants: RWD Standard
(78.2kWh LFP battery pack. CLTC Range
570km), RWD Long Range (98kWh lithiumion
NMC battery pack. Range 702km), and
4WD Performance (98kWh lithium-ion NMC
battery pack. Range 650km). Developed with
international markets in mind, deliveries to
Europe are expected sometime in 2023.
THE DONGFENG WARRIOR
Chinese company Dongfeng has officially
launched a new off-road brand called Mengshi
(Warrior). The ‘M-Terrain’ (SUV) and ‘M-Terrain S’
(a single-cab pickup truck) concept cars are full
of bold, aggressive straight lines and sharp edges
with small headlights, a huge bumper, and a giant
grille, suggesting they are good for off-road use.
Apparently, two versions are planned. One
with 800kW (1,070 hp), a 140-kWh battery, and a
500km range, and an EREV version, with 600kW
(816 hp), that will have a 65.88-kWh battery for
800km of range (with a range extender).
They are said to go into production in 2023.
THE NIU SQI
NIU has been making a name for itself in China and parts of Europe
thanks to its affordable and accessible electric two-wheelers. The new
SQi looks like a motorcycle, but is in fact an electric moped with pedals
that work similarly to a standard bicycle. Its 400W electric motor can
provide assistance to speeds of up to 25km/h, and with either a 20
or 24Ah battery pack the company says you can travel between 64 to
75km on a single charge. It is also loaded with modern-day tech such as
smartphone connectivity. The price will be around US$1,400.
www.niu.com
ICONIC CONCIERGE 89

out & about
SOIRÉE BY SARAI
THE KENT
You have to look for a “Brick building with a blue dot on a black
door.” What sounds like a prohibition-type location was in fact
the only information, other than “around 534 Cambie Street”,
that was given to the invited guests of another one of Jason
Sarai’s exclusive events.
Once arrived, guests were treated to a nice surprise. The Kent is
a very cool brickwall-lined venue that spans over 8,000 sqft. A wide
open space with a private collection of art and designer furniture, it
was indeed the perfect place for a cocktail party “in good style.”
“An exclusive lifestyle experience amongst great company”, the
evening was another wonderful get-together of people who celebrate
fashion and enjoy great conversation with like-minded people. We
can’t wait for the next Soirée by Sarai!
90 ICONIC CONCIERGE

THE TRANSPOD FLUXJET
ULTRA-HIGH-SPEED TRANSPORTATION AT OVER 1,000KM/H
A groundbreaking Canadian innovation promises to enable drastic improvements in
carbon footprint, travel time, and ticket price compared to existing transport options.
TransPod, the startup that is building the world’s leading ultra-high-speed ground
transportation system (the TransPod Line) to disrupt and redefine passenger and cargo
transportation, unveiled the FluxJet, an industry-defining innovation that transforms the way
we live, work, and travel.
Based on groundbreaking innovations in propulsion and fossil-fuelfree
clean energy systems, the FluxJet is a fully electric vehicle that
is effectively a hybrid between an aircraft and a train. Featuring
technological leaps in contactless power transmission and a new
field of physics called veillance flux, the FluxJet travels in a protected
guideway at over 1000 km/h – faster than a jet and three times as
fast as a high-speed train.
The FluxJet will operate exclusively on the TransPod Line, a network
system with stations in key locations and major cities, featuring highfrequency
departures designed to enable fast, affordable, and safe
travel. Most recently, TransPod confirmed $550M US finance and
announced the next phase of an $18B US infrastructure project
to build the TransPod Line to connect the cities of Calgary and
Edmonton in Alberta.
Preliminary construction work, including the environmental
impact assessment, has begun. This critical project will create up
to 140,000 jobs and add $19.2B to the region’s GDP throughout
construction. Once the TransPod Line is in operation, it will cost
passengers approximately 44 per cent less than a plane ticket to
travel the corridor and reduce CO2 emissions by 636,000 tonnes
per year.
“All the hard work over the past few years has led to this milestone
moment where talk is becoming a reality. The technology is proven,
and we have the confidence of investors, governments, and partners
to continue pushing forward to redefine transportation effectively,”
said Sebastien Gendron, co-founder and CEO, TransPod.
At TransPod’s July 2022 unveiling event in Toronto, a scaleddown
FluxJet was featured in a live demonstration showing its flight
capabilities. The almost 1-tonne FluxJet vehicle demonstrated a
take-off, travel, and landing procedure within its guideway.
“This milestone is a major leap forward,” said Ryan Janzen, cofounder
and CTO, TransPod. “The FluxJet is at a nexus of scientific
research, industrial development, and massive infrastructure to
address passengers’ needs and reduce our dependence on fossilfuel-heavy
jets and highways.”
“TransPod completely changes the game with ultra high-speed,
zero-emission passenger travel and freight transportation between
major gateway cities,” said Yung Wu, CEO of MaRS Discovery
District. “It is time for bold action from our policymakers, investors,
and operators to support the commercialization of made-in-Canada
innovations like TransPod, to win in the multi-trillion dollar global
innovation economy.”
ICONIC CONCIERGE 91

Air Canada just recently announced a purchase
agreement for 30 ES-30 electric-hybrid
aircraft under development by Heart Aerospace
of Sweden.
The revolutionary regional aircraft, expected
to enter service in 2028, will generate zero
emissions flying on battery power and yield
significant operational savings and benefits.
Under the agreement, Air Canada has also
acquired a US$5 million equity stake in Heart
Aerospace.
“Air Canada has taken a leadership position
in the industry to address climate change. The
introduction into our fleet of the ES-30 electric
regional aircraft from Heart Aerospace
will be a step forward to our goal of net zero
emissions by 2050,” said Michael Rousseau,
President and Chief Executive Officer of Air
Canada. “Already, Air Canada is supporting
the development of new technologies, such
as sustainable aviation fuels and carbon capture,
to address climate change. We are now
reinforcing our commitment by investing in
revolutionary electric aircraft technology, both
as a customer for the ES-30 and as an equity
partner in Heart Aerospace.”
The ES-30 will allow Air Canada to serve
regional and commuter routes more sustainably,
providing low-emission connectivity to
ZERO EMISSIONS
FLYING
AIR CANADA TO ACQUIRE
30 ELECTRIC-HYBRID
AIRCRAFT
local communities over the medium-to-long
term. It will be capable of carrying 30 passengers
seated three across (in a 2X1 configuration),
with a galley and lavatory. Air Canada
has placed a purchase order for 30 ES-30. ”
Air Canada is a strategically important partner
for Heart Aerospace. The company has one
of the world’s largest networks operated by regional
turboprops, and it is also a progressive,
future leaning company especially in the green
transmission,” said Anders Forslund, founder
and CEO of Heart Aerospace. “With the ES-30
we can start cutting emissions from air travel
well before the end of this decade.”
The aircraft will be powered by lithiumion
batteries, and will be quieter, have better
operational parameters, be more reliable, and
have a smaller environmental footprint than
conventional turbo-prop aircraft. It will also be
equipped with reserve-hybrid generators that
can use sustainable aviation fuel. Fully loaded,
the ES-30 is projected to have an all-electric,
zero-emission range of 200 km. This can be
extended to 400 km with power supplemented
by the generators, and up to 800 km if the load
is restricted to 25 passengers. Charging time
for the aircraft is expected to be 30-to-50 minutes.
www.aircanada.com | www.heartaerospace.com
Aviation News
MAIDEN FLIGHT: ALL-ELECTRIC COMMUTER
Washington-based Eviation’s eye-catching, vaguely
spaceship-like electric airliner ‘Alice’, recently celebrated
its maiden flight. With just the test pilot on board, the
9-passenger (plus one or two pilots) plane flew two loops
around the airfield in Moses Lake, Wa., at about 3,500 feet
altitude before landing eight minutes later in front of a small
number of onlookers invited by Eviation.
“What we have done is made aviation history,” says
Eviation’s president and CEO, Gregory Davis. “This is
about changing the way that we fly. It’s about connecting
communities in a sustainable way. It is the first radical change
in aerospace propulsion technology since we went from the
Super Constellation to the Boeing 707 — from the piston
engine to the jet engine — and now to the electric motor.”
Once the production version enters service, which Davis
expects to be in 2027, Eviation wants it to have a 200-mile
“useful range” on a full charge, enough to fly from Seattle
to Portland. Several companies have already placed their
orders, including DHL which ordered 12 aircraft in a cargo
configuration.
www.eviation.com

Redefining The Way You Book
Book your experience at
airble.com
SCAN ME

PROJECT LE MANS
AN 90M SUPERYACHT INSPIRED BY LEGENDARY RACE ICONS OF THE PAST
Anthony Glasson of design studio M51 Concepts has unveiled a new 90-metre concept
called Project Le Mans. Inspired by the design of some classic Le Mans race cars of the
1970s, the yacht’s profile is sporty and aerodynamic, with smooth and clean lines. All
staircases are hidden inside the superstructure to keep with her clean appearance. A
three-colour paint scheme, reminiscent of the legendary Martini and Gulf liveries, with
a bright white covering the majority of the hull, further resembles the racing stripes on
race cars.
Meanwhile, the elegant interior of Le Mans pairs gloss black, natural wood and
stainless steel. Guests are able to move around with ease, thanks to an internal elevator
that provides quick and easy access to any part of the yacht. Starting at the top, the
sundeck features a large outside jacuzzi and a dancefloor inside. The upper deck sports
a 12-person outdoor table for al fresco dining, and right below on the main deck, a
counter-flow swimming pool, and a beach club with unfolding sea terraces to port and
starboard await. Other amenities include a fully equipped gym, sauna, steam room,
massage room and private cinema, making full use of the size of the yacht. The bow of
Project Le Mans also includes a helipad and recessed seating areas to enjoy the views
underway or a sunset at anchor.
Project Le Mans is able to accommodate up to 12 guests and comes with a spacious
master suite that stretches across the full 13.8-metre beam of the concept, and
includes large windows, an island bed and a generous lounge and vanity table., Two VIP
staterooms and four twin cabins are waiting for the guests, while the yacht is also able
to host the crew across two cabins.
Matching the racing theme and livery of the yacht, Project Le Mans comes with a
custom tender.
www.m51concepts.com
94 ICONIC CONCIERGE

S T LAWRENCE
The Magic of Québécois and French Cuisine
For acclaimed and well-travelled chef Jean-Christophe (J-C) Poirier, St. Lawrence represents more than just the culmination
of a career spanning more than 25 years — it’s a homecoming in every sense of the word.
A heartfelt homage to his heritage, formative years spent in Saint-Jérôme, Quebec and early experience in renowned
Montréal restaurants, St. Lawrence is as much J-C’s story as it is a celebration of classic French fare and a thoughtful
exploration of the distinctive gastronomic identity and culture of Les Québécois.
photo: Carlo Ricci
After honing his skills under celebrated chef Normand Laprise at Toqué!, J-C voyaged
west in 2004 and worked with Rob Feenie at Vancouver’s Lumière before forging an eightyear
partnership with local hospitality group Kitchen Table Restaurants and opening such
acclaimed restaurants as Pizzeria Farina, Ask For Luigi and Di Beppe.
Since launching St. Lawrence in 2017, J-C has led the restaurant to rave reviews, critical
acclaim and numerous accolades including Best Restaurant and Best New Restaurant at
the 2018 Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards, the No. 4 spot on enRoute’s 2018 list
of Canada’s Best New Restaurants and Chef of the Year, Best Restaurant, Best Gastown
and Best French titles at the 2019 Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards. The restaurant
was also singled out for the No. 2 spot on the 2020 compilation of Canada’s Top 100
Restaurants, after being ranked No. 20 on the 2018 list, and was named as one of Monocle
Magazine’s 50 Favourite Restaurants in the World in its 2019 Drinking & Dining Directory.
Joining J-C in the kitchen is Chef de Cuisine Colin Johnson, who was born and raised
in Nottingham, England and started his career in hospitality in his teens. Colin showed
a passion for French cuisine early on and continued his career in London, at Bibendum
with Simon Hopkinson and at the Greenhouse with Gary Rhodes. He has been a part
of the St. Lawrence team since 2017. Asked about his work, Colin mentions the fresh
ingredients from trusted suppliers and the collaborative and creative work environment
as his favourite parts at St. Lawrence. Guests of St. Lawrence may also point out his Pâté
en Croûte.
“A meal without wine is like a day without sun”, Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, author of
The Physiology of Taste, once said, which is where David Lawson comes into play. The
sommelier and Directeur Adjoint at St. Lawrence began his hospitality career in Canada’s
Capital, though the seasoned hospitality veteran has worked at restaurants across the
continent. No matter where he travelled, he missed the culture of his home region along
the Ontario-Quebec border.
96 ICONIC CONCIERGE

“For us, simplicity is
the ultimate form of
sophistication.
-- J-C Poirier
David’s passion for lively and energetic wines
made by skilled low-intervention winemakers
is showcased throughout the wine list and he’s
excited to share his expertise, and French-Canadian
roots with diners.
“Where food, drink and atmosphere combine
for a transportive dining adventure unlike any
other”, St. Lawrence offers a marriage of classic
French cuisine and the gastronomic identity and
culture of Les Québécois.
At the time of this writing in late September, St.
Lawrence had transitioned from their late summer
to the fall menu. “You should know that fall is my
favourite season and always has been,” J-C Poirier
explains. “It’s the colours, the aromas, and the shift
into cooler temperatures and fall flavours.” The
dishes are using some of his favourite ingredients,
from sunchokes, celeriac, squash, venison,
Labrador tea and apples, and the menu includes
a Herb Crusted Venison Loin or Chicken Ballotine
stuffed with veal sweetbreads. You will find the
apples in the Apple Mille-Feuille with candied
bacon & Labrador tea pastry cream, to name but
a few of the amazing dishes, rooted in tradition,
history, and pride of place.
As the Table d’Hôte menu changes with the
seasons, we can only encourage you to add St.
Lawrence to your list of must-try restaurants.
Tickets for the seven-course menu include a
choice of starter, main and dessert, with optional
add-ons for the table. Tickets are released monthly.
So there you go - at its heart, St. Lawrence
showcases time-honoured traditions in an
elevated yet approachable space where
food, drink and atmosphere combine for a
transportive dining experience unlike any
other.
PRESENTED BY
St. Lawrence
269 Powell Street
Vancouver, BC
(604) 620-3800
www.stlawrencerestaurant.com
ICONIC CONCIERGE
97

Considering a Trip to Germany? Here’s why you should visit ...
MUNICH
It’s so much more than the Oktoberfest!
98 ICONIC CONCIERGE

Neuschwanstein Castle
The inspiration for the archetypal
Disney castle, this 19th-century
palace was commissioned by King
Ludwig II of Bavaria and sits perched
on a mountain about an hour from
Munich. And although there are a
few stretches of autobahn where it
is legal to put the pedal to the metal
and drive at top speed, we highly recommend
using southern Germany’s
picturesque ‘Romantic Road’ (Romantische
Straße) which will lead
you through charming towns and
castle-studded valleys.
When asked which cities in Germany
they would like to visit, people
usually put Berlin with its thriving
nightlife scene and edgy art galleries
on top of their list. Munich, however,
is often just seen as the home of the
Oktoberfest with people dressed in
lederhosen and dirndl, eating pretzels,
sauerkraut and sausage and
dancing to folklorist music. Let us
assure you, there is more. So much
more! Which we found out during
our recent week-long visit.
A nonstop flight from Vancouver,
the city of 1.5 million with its royal
heritage offers a cosmopolitan city life
paired with charming Alpine tradition.
Its compact city centre is easy to navigate,
offering everything from luxury
shopping, and modern and historic
masterpieces in more than 80 museums
and many world-class galleries,
to neo-classical architecture and
some of the best dining experiences.
We decided to stay at Hotel Vier
Jahreszeiten Kempinski, the grand
dame of Munich’s luxury hotel scene.
Situated on one of Europe’s most
prestigious addresses, Maximilianstrasse,
the 5-star hotel dates
back to 1858 and is surrounded by
high-end boutique stores featuring
the biggest names in fashion, and jewellery.
It is within easy walking distance
to the city’s most beautiful sightseeing
spots, including the Bavarian
State Opera, the Marienplatz Central
Square with its neo-Gothic Town Hall,
the Frauenkirche Cathedral and yes,
the world`s most famous tavern, the
Hofbräuhaus.
In fact, we only asked the concierge
to bring out our beautiful BMW 8 Series
convertible (hey, it is Munich after
all!) twice: Once, to follow an invitation
to visit the stunning BMW Museum
(see separate article) and then to visit
one of the most iconic castles in the
world, Neuschwanstein.
Head over to “The Gentleman
Abroad” for more insider tips and
reasons why you should definitely
visit Munich!
ICONIC CONCIERGE
99

HE
GENTLEMAN
by Julie-Anna Vogel | www.julieabroad.com
EDITION 11 - MUNICH, D
ABROAD
AH... MUNICH… the home of monks (they founded the city). Where Oktoberfest began (as an out-of-control wedding
party), where Jimmy Henricks smashed his first guitar and where beer is a breakfast drink. Where Einstein worked as a beer
hall electrician, BMW has its own zip code, and the oldest building is not the expected church or stately home - but a toilet.
500-year-old purity laws still dictate the ingredients of beer, the tech university has a 4-story slide that helps students save time
and escalators move faster during Oktoberfest. Gentlemen extraordinaire Freddy Mercury and Mark Twain called it home.
Yes, Munich is so much more than beer - so here are a few ideas for the curious man about town ...
MARIENPLATZ - The heart of the city. Pedestrianized, look for the neo-Gothic Town Hall, with its world-famous Glockenspiel (chimes) in
the tower, the Fischbrunnen (fish fountain) and Mariensäule, a tall column topped with a golden statue of the Virgin Mary, the patron saint
of Bavaria.
www.muenchen.de
DALLMAYR - Once the “Purveyor to the Royal Court”,
the history of Dallmayr dates back three centuries.
Today, it is still family-run and one of the leading names
on the German coffee market. Visit their delicatessen
store with departments on several floors, and enjoy their Bar & Grill or the fine-restaurant, Alois.
www.dallmayr.com
100 ICONIC CONCIERGE

(top left, clockwise) FRAUENKIRCHE | KOCHERL BALL | VIKTUALIENMARKT | EISBACH | RESIDENZ MUSEUM
RESIDENZ MUSEUM - This former royal palace is the place to see how the truly wealthy once lived. While the treasury and the Cuvillies
Theatre draw the biggest crowds, the Relic Room with its collection of ornately decorated bones is the most macabre and fascinating.
Special permission was granted by the Pope to allow their collection. Fraud abounded, 4 museums, including this one, claim to have the
head of John the Baptist.
www.residenz-muenchen.de
VIKTUALIENMARKT - For anyone even remotely interested in food, a visit to this former farmer’s market is a must. Over 140 stalls are
selling everything from Bavarian classic sausages to flowers to the most exotic fare. Established by King Max I Joseph in 1807 and located
near the Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt is a perfect snack stop.
www.muenchen.de
EISBACH - The birth place of river surfing back in 1972, this standing wave is the Everest for surfing enthusiasts. Everyone waits their
turn; stay too long and you’ll lose respect from the crowds who watch this expert only event. The average ride is 30 seconds. For the less
experienced try the wave near the Zum Flaucher. Board & wet suit rentals are available.
www.muenchen.de
FRAUENKIRCHE - The symbol of Munich and one of the tallest buildings for some amazing views of the city. A 2004 referendum states no
building can exceed its height. Step in the devil’s footprint - the wily architect out foxed the king of hell who had guaranteed funding of
the cathedral if it was built without windows. Jörg von Halsbach cleverly designed the interior so the devil couldn’t see the windows from
where he stood. By the time he figured out the ruse, it was too late, and the church had been consecrated.
www.muenchner-dom.de
KOCHERL BALL - Back in 1880, servants were only allowed to meet early on Sunday mornings. They had to be home to prepare breakfast
for the master. This crack of dawn time was a chance to dance, relax and have fun. By 1904, these revelries had been banned for immoral
behavior. Revived as an annual rather than weekly event, the ball now takes places the 3rd Sunday in July at 6am! But get their before 5am
and in 19th century costume to secure a good seat.
www.inside-munich.com
ICONIC CONCIERGE
101

HOTEL VIER JAHRESZEITEN
KEMPINSKI MUNICH
H H H H H
LUXURY CITY BREAK AND BUSINESS HOTEL IN MUNICH
Welcome to Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski,
centrally located on the historic Maximilianstrasse
in Munich’s Altstadt district. It is situated in the
immediate vicinity of galleries, theatres, the State
Opera and the city’s most elegant fashion, jewellery and accessory
retailers. It is the ideal place to stay to make the most of the vibrant
city of Munich, whether you are here for a business trip or a city
break.
Part of the Kempinski luxury hotel group since 1970, Hotel Vier
Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich is one of the world’s oldest grand
hotels. Since 1858, guests from around the world have been enjoying
the unique flair and glamorous elegance of this hotel originally built
at the behest of King Maximilian II. It was built to provide adequate
accommodation for visitors from around the world. In the course of
history, King Maximillian II’s “noblest hotel in the city” became a port
of call for statesmen, actors and artists from the four corners of the earth.
As soon as one enters the impressive hotel lobby, the unmistakable charm
of this venerable hotel becomes palpable. The golden yellow light cast
into the lobby through the glass dome is warm and intense. Described
by many as “one of the most famous salons in Europe”, the hotel lobby
is a meeting point for hotel guests while also serving as Munich’s “most
beautiful living room” where people come to take afternoon tea together.
All 245 rooms and 60 suites at Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski
Munich combine on-trend design and tradition in a completely new way.
Every room is unique and inspired by the splendour of the era of

King Maximilian II, the royal House of Wittelsbach and the flair
of Maximilianstrasse. Wood and glass in combination with modern
elements dominate the aesthetic of many rooms and suites. In the
bathrooms, tasteful marble meets colourful mosaics or high-tech
televisions recessed into heatable mirrors. One especially eyecatching
feature is the paintings by “Old masters” taken from
Munich’s Pinakothek galleries and hung on the walls
of the rooms.
Schwarzreiter Tagesbar and Schwarzreiter
Restaurant have been enriching Munich’s culinary
scene since 2015. Here, in a contemporary and lightfilled
interior guests enjoy an interpretion of Young
Bavarian Cuisine by Maike Menzel, who is Germany’s
youngest Michelin-starred chef.
Menzel and her team place the utmost emphasis on
regionality and innovative lightness. Young, seasonal
and fresh, away from the classic Bavarian image and
yet still inspired by traditional dishes - this is what guests can expect.
At Jahreszeiten Bar, our guests will find a drink menu that is a blend
of tradition and innovation, encompassing the best drinks of the last
century. Only selected, premium-quality spirits and liqueurs are used,
as well as exclusive vintages and limited editions of champagne and
its ilk.
The Kempinski Cigar Lounge by Zechbauer, the
most exclusive place for connoisseurs of cigarettes,
cigarillos and pipes in Munich, offers the world’s best
cigars around the clock, no matter what time of day or
night.
Kempinski The Spa is a journey inspired by the
European cycle of the seasons. The wellness sanctum
includes a sauna, steam room and heated indoor pool.
Guests can also enjoy a workout in the gym.
HOTEL VIER JAHRESZEITEN KEMPINSKI MUNICH MAXIMILIANSTRASSE 17 80539 MUNICH, GERMANY WWW.KEMPINSKI.COM

by Natalie Langston
www.natalielangston.com
“IF YOU THINK
CHOCOLATE
AND ROSES
ARE GOOD
ENOUGH,
THINK AGAIN !”
WWHAT
WOMEN
WANT...
YOUR SEASONAL SHOPPING GUIDE
Fall is the time to reset and organize your mind and your home for the busy holiday
season ahead. After a carefree summer it’s nice to spend some time getting
grounded. For me, comfort and relaxation are everything this season, inside
and out. And there’s no better time than to treat your significant other and
show your gratitude. Showing your loved one you care and appreciate them
is a sure way to get those cozy fall cuddles! Here are some suggestions to
give gifts of calm and comfort heading into those chillier months.
TABOO PLATFORM TALL BOOT
These boots are classic and so comfortable. With the platform style and
soft leather they’re ideal for wearing all day and compliment almost any fall
outfit. Wear them over pants or with a dress and immediately any outfit has
an elevated style. Classic black pairs with anything, offering a timeless look.
My tip: these run a bit small, order 1/2 size up.
Retails for $2,190.00
Available at Nordstrom
CLE DE PEAU - THE FOUNDATION
The Foundation now comes in twenty-five shades, so every woman can find her
perfect match. This luxurious foundation improves resilience and youthful density,
smoothing and firming the skin while activating natural radiance. The Foundation is
an easy one-step to feeling fresh and beautiful for up to 24-hours with the makeup
lasting and moisturizing effect.
Cle de Peau The Foundation retails for $350.
Available at cledepeaubeaute.ca and Holt Renfrew.
VIRGINIA FLORAL PRINT LONG SLEEVE SLK MIDI DRESS
I am LOVING the trend of long, floral dresses. In one piece, you get incredible style and comfort.
This playful print mixes the perfect shades for fall while still bringing some colour into the season. The
puff sleeves, a flounced waist and ruffle detail elevate this look making it perfect for business or casual
and SO comfortable. Pair with the Taboo Platform Tall Boot and you’re out the door in no time.
Price $1,331.00
Available at Nordstrom
104 ICONIC CONCIERGE

CLE DE PEAU - LA CREME
Nourish your skin! Skincare is so important as the air turns colder and harsh. Finding the right product
to repair, regenerate and protect is essential. This anti-aging night cream targets the skin’s natural
regenerative potential overnight to maintain a supple, youthful appearance. This luxuriously smooth
cream targets dark spots and fine lines to reveal softer, clearer and firmer looking skin. It feels so gorgeous
on my skin and is the perfect end to any nighttime routine. The price tag is high but it’s worth
indulging!
La Crème retails for $700 and is available at cledepeaubeaute.ca.
ALEXA LEATHER & GENUINE SHEARLING TRENCH COAT
Comfy, cozy and stylish - yes please! I love that you can wrap yourself in this
coat, over anything and you’re going to look chic even though you’ll feel like
you’re still in your robe! The genuine leather is incredibly soft and the fur cuffs
are a perfect blend of trendy and timeless. This coat goes from day to night
keeping you warm and fashionable no matter where you’re heading.
LOBA SMART PILL ORGANIZER
While looking after your outsides it’s just as important to look after your
insides! Remembering to take pills or supplements can be a huge mental
load. Loba is the first wifi-connected pill and supplement organizer and
app. It blends function, tech and elegant design to support better health
and wellness while taking away the need to remember. Loba glows in
the colour of your choice when it’s time to take supplements. It’s a gorgeous
product that fits the aesthetic of any kitchen, bathroom, bedroom
or office.
Loba pill organizers come in white and black.
Retails for $175.00
Available at shoploba.com
Retails for $2,535.00
Available at Nordstrom.
The Ultimate Romantic Getaway
PHANTOM CREEK ESTATES TOUR &
WINE TASTING EXPERIENCES
With the leaves turning and the summer crowds gone, there’s no better time to
get out of town. Treating yourself and your special someone to a wine tour is the
perfect way to stock up on wines ahead of the holiday season. To really impress,
check out the Heli Tour and Wine Tasting at Phantom Creek Estates in the
South Okanagan. Take in the stunning views during a one hour flight across the
Okanagan Valley’s lakes and vineyards. You’ll land for a private tour exploring
the extensive historic vineyards on the Black Sage Bench, the Golden Mile and
the Similkameen Valley. In addition to tasting, you’ll see curated art installations
and learn about a premiere winemaking process and natural farming.
If you like to keep your feet on the ground try the Founder’s Cellar experience.
This tour takes you through the history, terroir, sustainable farming practices and
winemaking philosophy. You’ll explore two levels down into underground cellars
through to the Founder’s Cellar, where you’ll enjoy a meticulously curated fivecourse
menu tastefully paired with exclusive wines from the cellar.
Top your touring and tasting experience off by spending the night at Spirit Ridge
luxury hotel in Osoyoos. Enjoy incredible accommodations, spa and golf options
as well as views of the glittering Osoyoos lake and endless vineyards.
Heli Tour and Tasting: Starts at $475 per person
Founder’s Cellar: $255 per person (minimum 4 people or $1020 spend)
Book at www.phantomcreekestates.com
ICONIC CONCIERGE
105

by Dr. Oliver Finlay
ARTS & MUSIC
VANCOUVER’S ICONIC ART SCENE IN REVIEW
Kits Point certainly has looked a little naked these past two summers, devoid of the familiar red and white tented village
that has adorned Vanier Park over the previous 32, and become synonymous with the institution which it accommodates,
Bard on the Beach. Fortunately, thanks to its loyal sponsors, provincial funding and avid supporters, its stages opened once
again between early June and late September for season 33, headlined by the oft revisited Bard favourite, A Midsummer
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Night’s Dream. The Othello-influenced Harlem Duet and
the classic Romeo and Juliet, have provided further
Shakespeare-inspired entertainment.
Directed by Scott Bellis, this latest production of A Midsummer
Night’s Dream references the style of the 1920s,
chosen to highlight the historical similarities reflected between
that era and this, in relation to military conflict, civil
unrest and a health pandemic. The magic entwined within
this tale centres around the collision of characters that reside
in the neighbouring worlds of Athens’ military society
and the fairy realm of its nearby woods.
As the great military commander, Theseus (played by
Ian Butcher) navigates a challenging prenuptial to Hippolyta
(played by Melissa Oei), he is called on to mediate a dispute
between Egeus (played by Joey Lespérance), and his
daughter Hermia (played by Heidi Damayo) over whether
she should marry her love, Lysander (played by Olivia Hutt),
or Demetrius (played by Christopher Allen). Meanwhile, the
rulers of the fairy realm, Oberon (played by Billy Marchenski)
and Titania (played by Kate Besworth) are also in dispute
over the custody of a child, which precipitates an unrest
and disrupts the harmony that normally exists between the
spirit world and the natural world. When a group of tradespeople,
preparing a play to honour the wedding of Theseus
and Hippolyta, decide to rehearse in the woods, the scene
is set for the three groups’ stories to intertwine and create a series of misunderstandings, confusion, conflicting egos, and romantic
twists, catalysed by Oberon’s mischievous fairy fixer, Puck (played by Sarah Roa).
The polished production, which had initially been intended for the stage in 2020, was a colourful and musical delight, with a mix
of humour at a family level, alongside the delivery of subtle double entendres to entertain the adults in the audience. Welcome back
Bard on the Beach and congratulations on welcoming your 2 millionth patron through the gates.
Jason Mraz & Raining Jane
After crossing paths at a concert in 2006, Jason Mraz and Raining Jane started
collaborating in 2008 and have been amassing a significant collection of cowritten
songs ever since. Mraz’s latest tour, to promote his recently released
album Lalalalovesongs, celebrates his greatest hits, as well as sharing the new
songs that have stemmed from this collaboration. Consequently, the Vancouver
set opened with the female folk-rock four-piece performing four songs, before
Mraz joined them on-stage to perform Let’s See What the Night Can Do.
Without doubt, this was probably one of the most heart-warming concerts
I’ve ever had the pleasure of attending, with the general ambience being one of
a night in with some extremely lovely friends, and the fuzzy feeling never let-up.
Over the years Mraz has earned Platinum and Multi-Platinum sales in more
than 20 countries and tracks like Living in the Moment, Lucky and Have It All
had the remarkably diverse audience singing along. The comfortable on-stage
dynamic between Mraz and Raining Jane, created a sense that no-one was
taking themselves or their craft too seriously and exuded vibes of fun, love and
happiness. It may sound cheesy, but by the time the Queen Elizabeth Theatre
had been treated to, arguably Mraz’s most loved hits, I’m Yours and I Won’t
Give Up, I’m confident that everyone whistled their way home in a far happier
state than when they arrived.
106 ICONIC CONCIERGE

“A truly incomparable
dynamic range.”
– Rachel Chien
SHOWCASEPIANOS.COM

ELDER ISLAND
Lord Huron
music, once admitted to
the soul, becomes a sort
of spirit, and never dies.
-- Edward Bulwer-Lytton
At the beginning of August, Lord Huron burst onto the stage
at the Orpheum to a hero’s welcome. The band enjoy a cult
following, bordering on the fanatical, and it was clear that the
majority of the audience had been eagerly awaiting this gig.
It’s not unusual for bands gracing venues like the Orpheum or
the Queen Elizabeth Theatre to play the majority of their setlist
to a seated crowd that politely taps their feet and claps their
hands in time to the beat. Not Lord Huron. From the first bars
of Time’s Blur, the whole stalls section was on their feet and as
Not Dead Yet (which sounds like a collaboration between The
Killers and Elvis) started up, they were singing along boisterously
to each line.
From the relentless pace of tracks like Ancient Names
(Part 1), or (Part 2) for that matter, through to more “Old
West” inspired offerings, such as Love Me Like You Used To,
or to the slower hits, including I Lied, which featured a stunning
solo by Misty Boyce, Lord Huron was at one with their adoring
fans. This was flow state in action and was so intoxicating
that by the time the show drew to a close with the band’s bestknown
classics Meet Me in the Woods and The Night We Met,
I was also looking forward to their next Vancouver date.
Launching into fall, Bear’s Den played an intimate gig at the
Vogue, which felt very personal as the band interspersed their
set with a couple of acoustic songs. Having released their latest
album, Blue Hours earlier in the year and a new single, Stitch in
Time last month, this was an opportunity to showcase some of
their newer work, including Shadows and Spiders.
The band is best known for their deep introspective compositions
portraying powerful human emotions and unplugged the
mics and amps for their moving performance of Sophie. Crow, another
track that reflects on loss and grief was, however, followed
immediately by the more uplifting feels of The Love We Stole, and
Please Don’t Hide Yourself Away, which was written for the comedy
TV show, Trying. Following Above the Clouds of Pompeii, the
band left the stage, only to reappear in the middle of the floor for
one last acoustic number before closing the night with a rousing
rendition of Agape. This was a beautifully staged evening and one
that was warmly welcomed by the audience, which interacted appreciatively
throughout.
Bear’s Den
To learn more about the 34th Bard on the Beach Festival Season, which
will run from June to September, 2023, go to:
https://BardOnTheBeach.org
To see the upcoming concert line up and buy tickets for MRG Live shows,
including Sons of the East, BONEY M featuring Liz Mitchell and Fletcher,
go to: www.MRGLive.com/events/Vancouver
For Live Nation’s next gigs, including Pet Shop Boys, Dave Matthews Band
and Smashing Pumpkins, go to: www.livenation.com
108 ICONIC CONCIERGE

stefanoricci.com
Mantova, Celebrating the Great Beauty of Italy
VANCOUVER 1139 West Georgia Street ∙ T. +1 (604) 559 7800

Our
CITY
tonight!
by Jim Gordon & Leeta Liepins
The Iconic Concierge Magazine version of the weekly TV show, “Our City
Tonight”, which can be seen Sundays at 10:30pm on CHEK TV. You can
follow them on Instagram, Facebook Twitter & YouTube @ourcitytonight
HEADING INTO FALL...
“THE VOICE” – SARAH JERROM
She is a Canadian singer/songwriter who has been creating wonderful music for
two decades and continues to attract critical praise from around the globe. Her
latest CD, Dream Logic, is a collection of original songs (Things That Came Out of
the Sea is our favourite) recorded by her contemporary jazz quartet also known as
Dream Logic – a tribute to director David Lynch, whose work she admires.
Jerrom is at her best when she creatively has no genre boundaries to hold her
in, something her latest CD illustrates. And the voice, it can lead you on a musical
journey enhanced by the musicians backing her. Sarah Jerrom is an artist who
deserves to be heard by more music lovers.
www.sarahjerrom.com
“THE READ” – MY PLACE IN THE SUN BY GEORGE STEVENS JR.
His career has been legendary, made more unique by the fact that his father was a
legend too. George Stevens Jr. grew up in the “Golden Era” of Hollywood watching
his father, Oscar-winner George Stevens
Sr. direct classic movies like Swing Time
(1936), Gunga Din (1939) The More
the Merrier (1943), A Place in the Sun
(1951), Shane (1953), Giant (1956)
and The Diary of Anne Frank (1959).
When “Jr” was old enough (after working
with his dad on some of those movies),
he started directing and producing
as well, including over 300 short documentaries
for the United States Information
Agency. He also founded the American Film Institute,
created of the AFI Life Achievement Award, and The
Kennedy Center Honors. Now George Stevens Jr., at 90,
has written his story (including that of his theatrical/filmrich
family dating back to the mid-1800’s) called My Place
in the Sun. It’s a fascinating account of life in another era
of Hollywood and JFK’s Washington. The main takeaway
for us is how much father and son loved and respected
each, a rarity in Hollywood memoirs.
www.georgestevensjr.com
BEN HOWARD
110 ICONIC CONCIERGE

“THE EVENT” – CABARET BIJOU
Just in time for the winter season comes Cabaret Bijou, Canada’s
only gourmet dining experience meets cabaret-style show.
Running Oct 19th, 2022 – March 5th, 2023 at Vanier Park,
Cabaret Bijou will be “an opulent feast for the senses,” says
Artistic Director and the show’s Creator, Scott Malcolm.
From the gourmet side of things, Executive Chef Sean Reeve
(The Mackenzie Room, Collective Goods, Say Mercy!) has created
a four-course menu sure to equal the visuals guest will
encounter from the world-renowned artists.
www.cabaretbijou.com
“THE CLASSIC” – HY’S STEAKHOUSE & COCKTAIL BAR
Happy 60th Anniversary to one of Vancouver’s most iconic
restaurants! To say the Canadian hospitality industry has been
subjected to difficult times in the past decade is putting it lightly.
Some classic places have not only stood the test of time but done
it with aplomb in an ever fickle industry.
Hy’s Steakhouse and Cocktail Bar truly is a legend already but
continues to stay relevant and popular. Opening their doors in
1962 and remaining in the same space on Hornby Street for 60
successful years, this restaurant is renowned for expert service,
excellent steaks, delectable seafood, and all of the classic cocktails
together with an enviable wine list.
This award-winning spot has won the hearts of fine dining aficionados
for generations and shows no sign of slowing down.
www.hyssteakhouse.com
ICONIC CONCIERGE
111

#1 REALTOR AT ROYAL PACIFIC 2020-2021.
TOP 1% OF REALTORS IN GREATER VANCOUVER IN 2020 & 2021. PRESIDENT CLUB MEMBER 2020-2021.
AN EXPERT NEGOTIATOR WITH A COMMITMENT TO INCOMPARABLE SERVICE
Coming from a family of real estate investors, architects, and interior designers, real estate runs in Amir’s
blood giving him an intimate understanding of all sides of the real estate industry. He takes great pride in
what he does and strives to uphold his long-established family reputation of integrity and quality in real
estate. This pride leads him to continually update his skills and understanding of the marketplace, giving him
a commitment and understanding rarely found in the industry.
Amir’s positivity and commitment to incomparable service are evident in his track record. He is known for
making his clients his top priority. Taking the time to fully understand his clients’ needs, Amir utilizes his expert
negotiation skills to broker the best deals possible for his clients. From first-time homebuyers to property
investors, Amir will provide expert guidance and personalized solutions.
LUXURY SERVICE FOR A GLOBAL CLIENTELE
An expert in the Vancouver real estate market with a Dual Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Hotel Management
and Tourism from Manchester Metropolitan University and IMI University in Switzerland, Amir has the
education and experience to deal with the most elite global clientele. Working in management in the world’s
most exclusive luxury hotels including the Four Season hotels and resorts, Kempinski hotel groups, Intercontinental
Hotel Group, and Starwood hotel group, Amir was loved by clients and admired by fellow employees.
Working day and night to serve clients, Amir knows that a flexible schedule is necessary to serve global
clients.
THE COMPETITIVE EDGE
Vancouver ranks as one of the best places in the world to live; this means its real estate market is exclusive
and you need to choose a representative with a competitive edge. Amir utilizes his intimate knowledge of
this city and wide network of connections to ensure the best deals possible for his clients. Amir’s Persian
background and language skills, as well as his experience in luxury service in Canada, China, Dubai, and Iran,
will give you an edge in the exclusive luxury Vancouver real estate market.
HONESTY AND INTEGRITY
An animal-lover and avid football fan, Amir’s commitment to honesty and integrity with clients and attention
to detail in business dealings give him a competitive edge in the exclusive Vancouver real-estate market.
Amir understands the sacrifices you make to get the home you want; that’s why he treats every deal as
if it were his own and every client as if they were a member of his family.
www.AmirMiri.com

ROYAL PACIFIC REALTY GROUP AWARD CELEBRATION
2021 THE TOP 25 AWARD WINNERS
TOP 1
Maximum care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this newsletter, but we cannot guarantee it. Not
intended to induce breach of an existing agency agreement. All measurements are approximate. Buyers to verify all details.

SOLD
$6,998,000
SOLD
$12,880,000
550 CRAIGMOHR DRIVE
WEST VANCOUVER, BC
6Beds | 6.5 BATHS | 6,723 SQ.FT.
Warmth & chic architecture create this exquisite new estate on a 15,000+
sqf lot with 6,700+ interior space & 2700+ sqft of extended living.
1367 CHARTWELL DR
WEST VANCOUVER, BC
5 Beds | 8 BATHS | 8,200 SQ.FT.
This luxury home sits on a spectacular property in West Vancouver’s
ultra-exclusive & most prestigious Chartwell enclave with spectacular
views of the water, from Lions Gate Bridge to the Gulf Islands.
$4,498,000 $2,998,000
SOLD
2275 TWIN CREEK PLACE #302
WEST VANCOUVER, BC
3 Beds | 3.5 BATHS | 3,426 SQ.FT.
SPECTACULAR OCEAN & CITY VIEWS from this gorgeous penthouse
home. Stunning master suite, Tatami room, deluxe wine cellar, private
elevator. 2,000+ sqft patio with jacuzzi. 2 car garage.
1327 BELLEVUE AVENUE# 309
WEST VANCOUVER, BC
2 Beds | 2.5 BATHS | 1,397 SQ.FT.
Welcome to Grosvenor Ambleside. A boutique, concrete building with
gym and 24 hour concierge. Private 2 car garage.
Maximum care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this newsletter, but we cannot guarantee it. Not
intended to induce breach of an existing agency agreement. All measurements are approximate. Buyers to verify all details.

$5,298,000
5102-1480 HOWE STREET
VANCOUVER, BC
3 Beds | 3 BATHS | 2,005 SQ.FT.
Known as one of the finest residential buildings,
VANCOUVER HOUSE, represents sophisticated
living in style & luxury. Exceptional views meet enviable
amenities for a lifestyle of comfort, privacy,
& security. Enjoy panoramic views of English Bay,
Stanley Park, & Lions Gate Bridge. The unit is absolutely
immaculate, w gorgeous hardwood floors,
high ceilings, generous walls, beautiful wood
cabinetry, & an open layout that invites congenial
gatherings. Boffi chef’s kitchen featuring Miele appliances
& a custom Corian Island. World-class
amenities: concierge, security, gym & pool. Live in
the heart of downtown, only moments from iconic
landmarks & shops, restaurants & entertainment.
$7,998,000
735 SOUTHBOROUGH DRIVE
WEST VANCOUVER, BC
6 Beds | 7.5 BATHS | 8,431 SQ.FT.
A stunning contemporary south-facing home with
ultra-luxury meets everyone’s dream house expectations.
0.58 park-like private acres nestled in the
prestigious lower British Properties. Over 8,400 sq
ft of living space on 3 levels. Fully automated openconcept
living with 6 bedrooms, 7.5 bathrooms,
and a chef-inspired kitchen and wok kitchen with
super thick granite countertops and Sub-Zero &
Wolf appliances. High Vaulted ceiling with the
extensive use of floor to ceiling glass. Have your
summer activities on huge private patios and a
swimming pool. Enjoy yourself in the spacious rec
room with a full wet bar, wine room, home theater,
private fitness studio, and spa.
Maximum care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this newsletter, but we cannot guarantee it. Not
intended to induce breach of an existing agency agreement. All measurements are approximate. Buyers to verify all details.