Marking the 150th birthday of exiled Punjabi Princess Sophia Duleep Singh, this must-see exhibition at Kensington Place — the childhood home of Sophia’s Godmother, Queen Victoria — offers an intimate look at Sophia and the remarkable women who influenced her: her sisters, Catherine and Bamba; her mother, Bamba Muller; and her grandmother, Jind Kaur, the defiant Maharani of the Sikh Empire.

Visitors follow the extraordinary tale of a family whose lives the Empire profoundly altered, yet who also became powerful agents for change in their own right. “Extraordinary women tell a story of courage, identity, and resistance,” says Putnam. “Presenting it within Kensington Palace gives us a rare opportunity to reflect on their intertwined histories and present objects that speak of both a global story and the personal stories of these women.”

Complex beginnings

Sophia was the daughter of Duleep Singh — the last Sikh Maharajah of the Punjab, whom the East India Company forced to surrender his lands in 1849. From there, he travelled to England, where he struck up a close friendship with Queen Victoria.

Sophia’s mother, Bamba Muller, was the daughter of a German banker and an enslaved Ethiopian woman. But while her mother grew up in poverty, Princess Sophia lived in luxury as an aristocrat at Elveden Hall in Suffolk. Her parents had remodelled the estate to resemble an Indian Mughal Palace.

Items from this residence — including an ornately painted Indian rocking horse and an Ottoman-style outfit Sophia wears in family photographs — illustrate the family’s rich but complex heritage.

A photograph of Sophia and her sisters, dressed as debutantes for their debut to society, also highlights the collection. “Princess Sophia was a noted society beauty and often appeared as one of high society’s ‘best dressed’,” says Putnam. “Another little-known fact about her is that she led Britain as one of the top dog breeders and trainers of her time. She especially loved Pomeranians and named her favourite dog, Joe.”

Princess pioneer

Aside from the dogs and dresses, people really celebrate Sophia today as the pioneering suffragette who used her profile to campaign for women’s right to vote. The exhibition presents an impressive collection of fascinating treasures—including personal letters, rarely-seen jewellery, photographs, and suffrage objects—to paint a vivid picture of this princess turned political force.

From her home in Hampton Court — where her godmother, Queen Victoria, had granted her residence —Sophia sold copies of The Suffragette newspaper and joined the mass boycott of the 1911 census. She scrawled a message across the form that the government had sent to record every person in the country: “As women do not count, they refuse to be counted. I have a conscientious objection to filling up this form.” The exhibition now displays this document for all to see as a core part of the collection, “No Vote, No Census.”

Lasting legacy

“As a member of the Women’s Tax Resistance League, Sophia was also taken to court three times for refusing to pay taxes,” says Putnam. We’ve displayed a banner with the slogan “No Vote, No Tax” about her role as a suffragette – a slogan that Sophia campaigned under herself.”  

The Princess never quietened; she marched alongside Emmeline Pankhurst at the Black Friday suffragette march. “After the events of Black Friday in 1910, she challengedWinston Churchill himself—then the Home Secretary. She wrote to him to criticise the violent police handling of 300 suffragettes who marched on Parliament, and to support one particular woman whom she saw the police treating badly. She never stopped; she dedicated her entire life to women’s rights. In the exhibition, you will see a photograph of Sophia and her sister, Catherine, attending a Suffrage dinner in 1930, alongside a copy of her Last Will and Probate document detailing her wishes for her estate. Sophia leftmoney in her will for women’s education, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to the cause she first took up as a young woman.”

And for that we remain eternally grateful.

Last Princesses of Punjab is now open to the public is included in the Kensington Palace admission (from £24.70 per adult and £12.40 children). For more information click here.

The post See it: the tale of a changemaking Punjabi Princess appeared first on Best of Living.

The Music is Black: A British Story
18 April, V&A East Museum, London

The long-awaited V&A East Museum throws open its doors for the first time, taking prize position within East Bank in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Debuting with a landmark exhibition exploring 125 years of Black music in Britain, take a multi-sensory tour through your favourite sounds. From reggae to grime – look at their impact on UK culture. Musos and culture vultures will be enthralled. www.vam.ac.uk

Cheltenham Jazz Festival
29 April – 4 May, venues across Cheltenham

As one of Europe’s most respected jazz festivals, Cheltenham Jazz Festival celebrates its 30 year anniversary. What to expect at this six-day event celebrating world-class jazz? A programme teaming with international names and emerging talent – musical icons like Van Morrison, Mica Paris and Courtney Pine will all perform. www.cheltenhamfestivals.org

The Cognac Show
17-18 April, Glaziers Hall, London

Cognac connoisseurs will want to pencil in a visit to this enticing two-day event. Guaranteed to whet your appetite, savour sips from producers from across the Chante region, including over 200 Cognacs, Armagnacs and Calvados. There’s also a series of masterclasses plus a dream pour token, which allows you to sample a Cognac worth over £250. The drinks’ cabinet looks forward to your visit. www.cognacshow.com

Curiosity by the Glass Events
Throughout April, venues across the UK

Keen to restock your wine cellar? Coravin invites wine lovers across the country to explore specially curated by-the-glass menus of unusual and hard-to-find wines. Using Coravin’s pioneering wine technology – which enables wine to be poured without removing the cork – enliven your palette with bottles from less-known regions and emerging producers. www.guide.coravin.com 

State Rooms Tour
6-19 April, Wellbeck Abbey, Nottinghamshire

This astounding estate has been home to the Dukes of Portland and their families since 1607, and is the proud owner of one of the biggest privately owned art collections in the UK after the Royal Family. Fancy a nosey? For just two weeks, you can grab a chance to explore parts of the abbey never revealed before, including prised Portland Collection pieces by Sir Peter Lely, John Wootton and Sir Joshua Reynolds. www.wellbeck.co.uk

MasterChef Six Hands
18 April, Orion by Alex Webb, London

Mid-month, three of the UK’s most celebrated MasterChef the Professionals talents come together to present one menu, for one day only. Certainly one of the most eagerly anticipated culinary events of the year, the collaboration sees winner Alex Webb, and finalists Philli Armitage-Mattin and Bart Van Der Lee, join forces for an expertly crafted tasting menu. www.orionbyalexwebb.com

Grace Pervades
24 April-11 July, Theatre Royal Haymarket, London

Here’s an exciting chance to see legend of stage and screen, Ralph Fiennes, perform in the West End transfer of David Hare’s new play, Grace Pervades. Staring alongside Miranda Raison (Spooks), the story explores the extraordinary relationship between Sir Henry Irving – the first actor ever to be knighted – and Ellen Terry, the highest paid actress of Victorian stage. www.gracepervadestheplay.com

Salon Privé London
16-18 April, The Royal Hospital Chelsea, London

Showcasing the best in automotive craftsmanship with the elegance of an English garden party, Salon Privé returns to Chelsea. Soak up the excitement of Opening Day on the 16 April, go all out for Ladies Day on the 17 April – or rev your engine ready for Supercar Saturday on the last day. Visitors can relish global model unveilings, classic car displays, plus plenty of luxury retail and fine dining. www.salonprivelondon.com.
Want to win four tickets to the Saturday event? Click here.

English National Ballet Body & Soul
30 April-2 May, Theatre Royal, Plymouth

The English National Ballet returns to Plymouth for the first time in 36 years with a production inspired by the bold, diverse voices driving ballet today. It’s a show of two halves, the first by five-times-Olivier-winning choreographer, Crystal Pite. Then there’s the second choreographed by Kameron N. Saunders, an artist with a massive following dancing for some of the world’s biggest names in pop. Even the curtain-cautious will be converted. www.ballet.org

Oyster Yachts Private View
29 April-3 May, St Katherine Docks, London

And finally, this month also brings some fabulous events at St Katherine Docks including spring markets, flower installations and Easter activities for children. But perhaps the most tempting is a private view from British yacht builder, Oyster, who will present various blue water models to make your yachting dream a reality. www.skdocks.co.uk

The post Here are Some of the Places To See and Be Seen At This April appeared first on Best of Living.

You started UpCircle with your brother back in 2016, at just 22. How did the brand came about?

“We noticed how many coffee grounds were being thrown away by cafés every day and began wondering whether that ‘waste’ could actually have value. Coffee is packed with antioxidants and is fantastic for exfoliating skin, so we started experimenting with turning used coffee grounds into a natural face scrub. This quickly grew into something much bigger as we started collecting coffee grounds from cafés and creating our first product. Our goal was always to prove that sustainability and high performance skincare could go hand in hand. That mindset still drives everything we do today.”

Do you think the beauty industry is finally waking up to their responsibility to be sustainable?

“To a degree. When we started the idea of upcycled beauty ingredients was still very niche. At the time we were explaining the concept constantly, because most people had never heard of by-products being used in skincare. We’re proud to now be upcycling more than 60 by-product ingredients into our range. Now the conversation has shifted significantly. Consumers are far more conscious about waste, sourcing, and environmental impact. That means the beauty industry is starting to respond. But there is still a long way to go. True sustainability requires brands to rethink supply chains, packaging and production. It needs to go deeper than surface level claims.”

How do you source your repurposed ingredients? 

“We look at industries that generate natural by-products and ask whether they might have beneficial properties for skin or hair. For example, we work next door to florists, and noticed their bins filling with unsold roses – so we now upcycle rose petals into our bath salts. We work with countless suppliers in this way, identifying ingredients that would otherwise be discarded. We design for performance first – because sustainability that underperforms will not scale. For example, our Shampoo Crème is made with upcycled pink berry extract from the fragrance industry and delivers three times the washes of a standard liquid shampoo while using 50% less water.”

UpCircle achieved a £18m valuation during a successful crowdfunding campaign – how did that feel?

“It was an incredible experience for us. Seeing people believe in what we were building enough to invest was hugely emotional. We closed the round overfunded in less than 48 hours!”

You also received investment from Dragons’ Den’s Touker Suleyman and Tej Lalvani. Why do you think you succeeded where so many fail?

“We actually never accepted their investment! Yes, we shook hands on air, but after meeting with the Dragons following the show we decided not to proceed. Upcycling was not just a marketing message for us. It was the foundation of the business and something we genuinely believed in.”

With the business thriving, are there any luxuries you allow yourself which you couldn’t before?

“One of the biggest luxuries is simply having a brilliant team around us. In the early days my brother and I were doing everything ourselves, from packing orders to attending trade shows. Now we have an amazing team who bring expertise across different areas of the business. That allows us to focus more on the bigger picture.”

Affordability is also very much part of your brand’s ethos. Why is this so important to UpCircle?

“Sustainable choices should not be reserved for a small group of people. If we want sustainability to become the norm, it has to be accessible. That is why we work hard to keep our products competitively priced while maintaining high quality ingredients and responsible sourcing. We want customers to feel that choosing a more sustainable option is easy rather than a luxury.”

What are your top sellers?

“Our absolute top sellers include our Eye Cream, Face Moisturiser and Peptide Serum. The Peptide Serum is made with upcycled custard apple and blood orange water, and is clinically-proven to improve skin elasticity by 29% in just 14 days, which is HUGE! Customers often come for the sustainability story, but stay because the products genuinely work.”

And finally, what has been your most rewarding moment?

“It’s so hard to choose! Being commissioned to write a book filled with my DIY skincare recipes, being listed in Forbes 30 Under 30, winning £250,000 for my idea for UpCircle’s first ever TV advert – these are all things that I can’t actually believe happened! Seeing how the brand has grown from a small idea into a global business is something I feel very proud of.”

The post Interview: Anna Brightman: Co-Founder of Sustainable Skincare Brand UpCircle appeared first on Best of Living.

“In the past 15 years, we’ve seen the top-end markets for collector cars and fine art becoming increasingly similar. This makes sense, given how much collector cars and artworks have in common as investments. Both offer strong potential to hold their value in the face of rising inflation. They also have a role in creating portfolios to pass down through inheritance. In fact, classic cars’ tax profiles (usually classed as wasting assets) can be particularly beneficial from an inheritance perspective.”

Timing is key
“Understanding how acquisitions and resales are currently balanced is the most important element in assuring a positive return. Right now, purchases made before 2014 to 2015 are still generating good returns. However, cars acquired during the speculative market of 2021 to 2023 are generally at a loss. Do some research into what the market is currently favouring to ensure you get the best deal you can. This is regardless of whether you’re buying or selling.” 

Become a subject matter expert
“It’s crucial to understand the vehicles you invest in. This includes the history, provenance and originality. It will also help when it comes to selling in future, as buyers are more likely to trust you if you’re seen as an authority, and backed by invoices of regular care. The more specific your knowledge, the better. Knowing everything about Porsches does not help when dealing with Maseratis. Maximising your return also requires a different approach than art. It largely relies on participating in Concours d’Elegance at the top level, such as Villa d’Este or Pebble Beach. Or dynamic exhibitions involving some risks, like the Mille Miglia, Monaco GP Historique, or Le Mans. Eligibility for these events is a key driver of value for the respective categories and periods.”

Don’t underestimate sentimental value
“For a lot, collecting cars isn’t just a financial investment, but their passion. Many will build a collection with the intent of passing it onto the next generation. This makes it a sentimental action, as well as one that will benefit them financially from the cars’ eventual sales. We can see personal preference win out over what might be considered the ‘smarter’ choice in the recent sale of the Bachmans’ 46 Ferraris at Mecum auction house. Despite the unusual colour schemes of the cars, the results exceeded expectations, and even beat records – selling for a total of $125 million (£92 million).” 

Purchase strategically
“If you’re looking for a shorter-term approach, newer, limited-edition models are an option. We saw this in Zurich with Deborah Mayer’s collection of 42 supercars. Limited editions from the last 30 years, they were pristine, with delivery miles or slightly more. Their value had increased significantly, thanks to scarcity and fashion. They sold for a total of $87 million (£64 million) in RM Sotheby’s highest ever grossing European sale. However, beware, as some brands such as Ferrari are trying to control this speculative approach to buying, ‘blacklisting’ suspected ‘flippers’. It’s also important to remember that transaction costs, despite being less than art, are still high (around 10-15% at auction). So, a significant portion of the appreciation is going to be absorbed by intermediaries and, in some cases, taxes such as VAT.”

Look after your investments 
“Whichever way you decide to invest, taking care of them is paramount to anything else. This means dedicating the proper time and money to safe storage, regular care, insurance, and maintenance. It can vary car-by-car, so take note of the different requirements for each make. I’d recommend regular driving (at least monthly, and always with enough time for the engine to warm up), storage in a dry and well-ventilated area, regular servicing, and washing by hand.”

A final word
“Collecting cars is as much an art form as it is a hobby. Collectors and investors have always had an advantage: an immaterial and non-quantifiable return from the pleasure of owning the cars they love. Then there’s the opportunity to participate in a community with like-minded people. This passion, paired with knowledge and care, can make cars one of the savviest investments you can make.”

The post Motor masterpieces: how classic cars have driven into the art world appeared first on Best of Living.

Tell us about your company, Extra Travel, and what you offer.
“We design and manage high-level travel experiences across Ibiza and beyond. We work directly with property owners, yacht owners, and selected operators to control the full journey. I suppose what we really do is match people to places in a way that feels intentional. Not just a villa, not just a boat, but the right environment and the right experience for that particular moment.” 

How did you get into the luxury travel market?
“I have always been drawn to building environments and businesses, but when I moved to Switzerland early in my career, I learned how high standards are executed, not just marketed. I also learned that most of the luxury travel market is incredibly boring, staged, and doesn’t live up to the promise. I wanted to change that.”

You are still only 26 – what do you think has driven you to succeed?
“I don’t really see it as ‘success’ yet. I just see it as momentum. I’ve always had a hard time sitting still. When I was 18 I started my first business, and since then I’ve just kept building things. Some worked, some didn’t, but I’ve never really stopped.”

Your company promises one-of-a-kind experiences. What special extras can a client expect?
“It’s very often genuinely over the top – not in a tacky way – but in a controlled, deliberate way. We have access to off-market villas and yachts that aren’t publicly listed, which really changes the level of what’s possible. If a client wants a fully private villa takeover with chefs, performers, security and last-minute guest changes, we build it. If they want a yacht day that turns into a floating dinner with live music at sunset, we make it happen. If something technically ‘can’t be done’, that’s usually where it gets interesting for us. The scale may be big – but the attention is always one-to-one.”

It is not uncommon for your clients to spend almost £70,000 on a five day holiday. Have you noticed a trend for shorter but ultra-extravagant breaks?
“Yes, definitely. The people we work with don’t really have the luxury of disappearing for three weeks, but they want to switch off properly when they go away. So instead of stretching it out, they go all in. Private villa, yacht days, curated dinners, access to places you can’t just book online. It becomes very concentrated. ‘Nice’ isn’t impressive anymore. The trips may be shorter but they’re sharper too.”

What are the most decadent requests you have received from clients?
“Plenty! We’ve had everything from clients requesting helicopter transfers directly onto yachts, to arranging private villa parties with well-known DJs. Most decadent requests are actually about exclusivity and timing. Access to something that isn’t publicly available, or creating a moment that feels personal and elevated rather than just expensive.”

You specialise in the ultra-luxury market in Ibiza. What in particular does it offer high-net-worth travellers?
“Ibiza offers energy you can’t manufacture. It’s raw, social, and a bit chaotic in the best way. You have privacy if you want it, but you also have this undercurrent of music, creativity and freedom that runs through everything. For well-heeled travellers, it’s not just about a big villa. It’s about access. We are also launching in Mallorca soon, so watch this space. I love this destination because it is a place focussed on quiet luxury. No noise, no scene. People go there to reset. Big private estates in the mountains, sea views without ten yachts parked next to you. Long lunches, good wine and actual silence at night.”

So how do you see Extra Travel evolving?
“We’re currently adding a real estate arm called More Ibiza, which is very exciting. A lot of our clients don’t just want to visit anymore, they want to stay. They fall in love with the island and start asking about buying. So it made sense to support that properly. Not as random brokers, but as people who already understand their lifestyle. It’s a natural extension of what we’re already doing.”

The post Interview: luxury travel market’s Domenique Wissink appeared first on Best of Living.

Air France La Première www.airfrance.co.uk

Looking for a culinary journey? Prepare to devour the delights of Air France’s flight accommodation. For one, Air France offers travellers three and a half metres of private space in La Première. It also combines technology with craftsmanship to deliver a truly first-class flying experience. Every detail has comfort in mind, equipping each suite with two 32-inch screens and more than 1,500 hours of entertainment. Stretch out in a leather armchair or chaise longue, then convert it effortlessly into a full-size bed when you’re ready to sleep. La Première has earned particular acclaim for its culinary expertise. Skytrax, the air transport industry’s leading rating agency, named it the best in the world for in-flight dining. Savour world-class menus created by Michelin-starred chefs, enjoy fine wines selected by a leading sommelier, and sample cocktails crafted by a world-famous mixologist — all of which transform your journey into a true feast for the senses.

Cathay Pacific Aria Suite www.cathaypacific.com

Another on our airline suites to bed down in, as well as its world-class service and amenities, is this Hong Kong-based five star experience. Renowned for top tier service throughout, when the Aira Suite was introduced to their Boeing 777-300ER aircrafts in 2024, flying Business Class was transformed forever. For one, it boasts a flat-bed and sleek wrap-around spaces. Next, make yourself at home with cleverly designed storage, customisable lighting and 24″ 4k ultra high definition screens. And when you fancy a bit of culture? There’s the all-new Gallery in the Skies, which exhibits a carefully curated selection of artworks from influential Hong Kong artists.

Emirates A380 Private Suite www.emirates.com

Emirates’ Private Suite delivers all the comfort of a five-star hotel. The airline showcases flawless facilities — including an onboard Shower Spa that lets you refresh above the clouds — so travellers who crave privacy, a comfortable bed, and a cocktail while travelling from A to B will never feel disappointed. Floor-to-ceiling doors enclose your personal space, and your seat converts effortlessly into a fully flat bed. Sip a glass of Champagne in the Onboard Lounge, or unwind in your suite while choosing from more than 6,500 TV and film channels. The extensive wine list rivals that of fine dining establishments, and the chefs craft dishes worthy of the world’s finest restaurants. Emirates also elevates the experience with impressive take-home touches. Enjoy Bowers & Wilkins E2 headphones, super-soft loungewear, and a covetable Bvlgari amenity kit — and touch down feeling thoroughly spoilt.

Malaysia Airlines Business Suite www.malaysiaairlines.com

Malaysia Airlines has earned a reputation for immaculate service and thoughtful design, and it offers its Business Class cabins exclusively on the Airbus A350, which operates routes to London and Paris, as well as select services to Doha and Tokyo. The airline creates a private sanctuary in the sky with signature touches such as an extravagant caviar service, satay on demand, and a wide array of in-flight entertainment displayed on a cutting-edge 24″ screen. Each seat commands the space of four standard seats, giving you ample room to recline into a full-sized, fully flat bed. Aspinal of London crafts the luxurious amenity kits, filling them with indulgent Payot products, and stylish pyjamas, to ensure you enjoy a restful sleep wherever you travel.

Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 www.singaporeair.com

Discover another exquisite way to fly aboard Singapore Airlines’ Airbus A380 fleet. From hand-tufted carpets to grained leather storage compartments, the airline creates a peaceful journey for those who appreciate the finer things in life. Whether you relax with a couple of films or unwind over an immaculate meal, these suites elevate every moment of your in-flight experience. Each features a luxurious bed — which you can convert into a double when you book two adjoining suites — along with a 32″ HD touch-screen monitor and an enhanced KrisWorld entertainment system. You control everything, from the lighting to the attentive service, with a discreet touch-screen tablet at your fingertips. When you feel like indulging a little more, enjoy exclusive Lalique toiletries tucked inside the well-appointed vanity counter or select a main course crafted by the airline’s acclaimed International Culinary Panel. The crew even serves every dish at your personal table on elegant Wedgwood bone china.

The post Elevated: Five Elegant Airline Suites to Book Next Time you Fly appeared first on Best of Living.

For many, owning an aircraft represents the ultimate freedom – the ability to move on your own schedule, reach places airlines simply don’t go, and turn long, tiring surface journeys into short, efficient flights. But aircraft ownership is not simply a purchase; it is a long-term commitment of time, money, and organisation, and the biggest mistakes often happen long before a buyer ever steps onto a flight deck. “People fall in love with the machine before they’ve defined the mission,” explains Michael, “and that’s where problems start.” Before looking at listings or specifications, here are a few pointers on what every prospective aircraft owner should understand.

Start With Why You Are Flying

Michael warns that the most important advice is also the most ignored. Do not begin with the aircraft – begin with the trips you plan to make. For example, how many people will fly with you, and how far do you realistically plan to travel? How often you will fly, and where will you need to land? These questions define your mission, and without that clarity, it’s easy to buy either far more capability than you’ll ever use, or too little and regret it later. If an aircraft does not fit easily into your daily life, it will sit unused. “Aircraft are happiest, and most cost-effective, when they fly often and simply,” says Michael.

Know the Real Cost

The purchase price of an aircraft is only the beginning. Whether it flies or not, it will cost you money every year. Hangarage, insurance, scheduled inspections, maintenance, training, and regulatory compliance all add up, and fuel is only one part of the overall picture. Older aircrafts can be perfectly viable options, but only if parts are available, and skilled engineers can support them. Downtime, too, has a cost, particularly if the aircraft is relied upon for travel. “Assume something will break,” Michael advises. “Because eventually, it will.”

Check the History Carefully

A clean, complete logbook is essential before parting with finances. Buyers should look closely at total airframe time, as well as engine or rotor hours remaining. Damage history matters, as does where the aircraft has been based, since exposure to water and salt air can leave lasting marks. For first-time buyers, working with a trusted broker can significantly reduce risk. What looks like a bargain at first glance can become an expensive lesson later on.

Treat the Inspection Like a Trial

A pre-purchase inspection is not a courtesy and should never be treated as one. It is a test. Compliance status, corrosion, life-limited parts, and paperwork gaps all need scrutiny, because missing records reduce resale value quickly. “It flies fine” is not evidence, and this stage should never be rushed.

Understand UK Rules Early

In the UK, registration and airworthiness are two separate systems, and confusing them can ground an aircraft very quickly. Registration places the aircraft on the UK register, while airworthiness is what keeps it legally flying. Owners will need a valid Certificate of Airworthiness or Permit to Fly, ongoing inspections, and approved maintenance arrangements. Most work with a CAMO or a Part-145 or Part-CAO organisation approved by the UK Civil Aviation Authority. Miss an inspection or a document and the aircraft is grounded. “You can self-manage,” says Michael, “but many owners prefer professionals. The paperwork is dull, but it protects your safety, resale value, and your sanity.”

Tax and Import Can Ruin a Good Deal

Few areas cause more pain than tax, and mistakes here often cost more than bad negotiation. VAT depends on where the aircraft is purchased, how it is imported, and how it will be used. A private buyer will usually pay VAT on import into the UK, while a VAT-registered business may be able to reclaim it, but only if the aircraft is genuinely used for qualifying business activity rather than mainly personal use. “A cheap aircraft becomes expensive very quickly if VAT, duties, or structuring are wrong,” Michael warns. “This is where professionals earn their fee.”

How to Find the Best Deals

While Sprinkle lists aircraft from around the world – serving everyone from first-time buyers to experienced high net worth owners – aviation remains in many ways an old-school industry. “Some of the best deals never make it online,” says Michael. “They happen within trusted networks of owners and pilots, or even on notice boards at local airfields.”
 
As Michael puts it; “Buy for the flying you will actually do, not the flying you imagine. When the aircraft fits your life naturally, ownership becomes freedom. When it doesn’t, it becomes friction.”

Know all you need to know now about purchasing your own aircraft? Take a look at why a superyacht could be the one for you – plus these are the cruises to book up for now.

The post Here’s Your Ultimate Guide to Purchasing an Aircraft appeared first on Best of Living.

Despite current global economic challenges, the luxury yacht market is booming. The appetite for British-made vessels saw a 33.2% increase in exports in the past few years, according to a report by British Marine – but what is not so clear, given the exclusivity of the market, is the finances needed to buy, maintain, and enjoy such a superyacht. Think you are ready to get on board? The following figures will make even the strongest sea legs weak at the knees.

In the beginning

“Building a custom superyacht costs £1.5 million per square meter on average and takes three to four years to build,” begins Stuart. “It starts with the exterior and interior design, then a shipyard is chosen. From there the hull is constructed. Next comes fitting of the engines, running gear, water treatment, air conditioning and pumps. The superstructure is then built and attached to the hull. This is before the interior fit-out takes place and the exterior is painted. Sea trails are then carried out before the yacht is handed over for warranty work.” Not prepared to wait? Buying second-hand is a very sensible option. “Many prospective owners choose to purchase a second-hand superyacht. It costs around £20 million on average, but increases dramatically if customisation takes place. Fitting out a new or used vessel costs around £35 million, but this can varies depending on size.”

Overall spend

Get your numbers straight before taking the plunge. “In general, the overall operating cost is now 20% or more of its original price. So, a vessel costing £1 billion pounds will set you back £200 million per year after paying for fuel, dockage, crew, maintenance, insurance and so on. A decade ago, the operating cost was around 10% of a vessel’s original price. This demonstrates a huge increase in running costs due to soaring inflation.”

Financing fuel

And while fuel costs have always been eye-watering, today’s superyacht spend is astronomical. “Fuel is one of the biggest superyacht costs, starting at £2,000 per hour and over £24,000 per overnight cruise. For example, a 70-metre vessel is estimated to use around 500 litres of fuel per hour, and while annual fuel costs were estimated at around £327,000 back in 2012, they are now estimated to hit over £420,000 in the current climate.”

People power

Next, you need to think about a key factor in yachting excellence – your staff. “As a general rule, a 60 meter yacht will have a 16-person crew, setting you back around £1.2 million per year based on industry-standard pay rates. Owners of superyachts of 100 meters and beyond will pay significantly more to staff their vessels. These can vary from the skipper’s salary of around £12,000 per month, to the stewards at around £4,000. Typically, these salaries would not be subject to tax at source”.

Operating and maintenance

So how much cash will it take to keep your boat ship shape? “The annual operating costs of a superyacht is around 12% of its original cost for the first four years, 15% for the next three years, and 20% annually from then onwards. They must come out of the water every five years for maintenance such as painting, underwater work, gear checks, and antifouling. This basically equates to 10-12% of the vessel’s original price. So, a superyacht that costs £1 billion would require around £1 million of maintenance work a year.” 

Insurance

Such a hefty investment demands sound insurance, and here, shopping around will help immensely. “Insurance costs are difficult to pinpoint as many factors determine what you will need to pay, such as value, cruising area, and usage. Again, as an example a superyacht costing £1 billion could cost £8 million or more to insure. Fire, theft, loss of tender, onboard injury, and collisions are the most common claims received from yacht owners, according to Insure4Boats data.”

Marina dockage

“Finally, always keep in mind the fact that superyacht costs go far beyond the initial build or purchase price, especially when used as a base for luxury holidays or experiences such as the Cannes Film Festival. A two-week holiday in Marbella could cost you £60,046 in dockage alone, without considering the cost of fuel or refreshments. It’s easy to see how superyacht owners can rack up almost £300,000 in dockage fees per year on average.”

The post Spending Money Like Water: The Real Expense of Owning a Superyacht appeared first on Best of Living.

You have been at the forefront of luxury bridal design and evening-wear for over 35 years. Can you tell us a little about how you started out?
“I had been making clothes all my life, but after spending five years in the USA designing active sportswear under my brand Survival Kit, I was ready for a new direction. When I returned to London in 1991, a good friend suggested I look at bridal-wear, which was a market I hadn’t previously considered. Almost immediately, I noticed a gap there. There were very few designers creating beautifully-cut silk gowns with a strong emphasis on style and craftsmanship. That realisation led me to open my first store and launch Caroline Castigliano.”

What is it that particularly draws you to bridal and evening-wear?
“I have always been fascinated by structure, the female form, and how clothing can make a woman look – and, more importantly, feel. I love how fabric, cut, and construction can transform not just how a woman looks, but how she carries herself. What began as a deep respect for craftsmanship quickly became a lifelong pursuit of creating gowns that empower rather than overwhelm. Thirty five years later, that philosophy continues to guide everything I do. Bridal and eveningwear sit at the most emotional moments in a woman’s life. I’ve always been drawn to designing for occasions that carry meaning, pieces that become part of someone’s memory, not just their wardrobe.”

With your signature corsetry and undergarments, your approach to design is almost architectural. Why are the foundations of a dress so important?
“Because beauty begins beneath the surface. Corsetry is the invisible language of couture. It sculpts, supports, and allows a woman to move with confidence. When the foundation is perfect, everything else flows effortlessly.”

As you’re also famed for your clean lines and for timeless style, do you agree that less always more?“Absolutely. Restraint is powerful. When design is distilled to its purest form, every line matters. Clean silhouettes allow craftsmanship, fit, and fabric to speak, and that’s where true luxury lives.”

Do you have a favourite gown from your collections?
“My favourite gown is always the next one. Each design reflects where I am creatively at that moment: my evolution, my curiosity, my response to modern women. Couture should never stand still.”

You have dressed plenty of famous faces. Is there anyone you would love to dress in the future?
“I’ve been very fortunate to dress extraordinary women from many worlds. What excites me most isn’t fame, but individuality, women with a strong sense of self. Those are always the most compelling muses.”

Are there any emerging bridal trends you are particularly excited about?
“I’m drawn to a return to purity: refined silhouettes, thoughtful construction, and subtle drama. Brides today want authenticity. They’re choosing pieces that feel personal, intelligent, and enduring rather than overtly decorative.”

 Do you have any tips for brides searching for their dream dress?
“The most important things is to always trust how a dress makes you feel, not how it photographs. The right gown should give you quiet confidence, and feel like an extension of you, not a costume.”

Your couture gowns continue to be in high demand, season after season. Can you talk us through the design process?
“Couture begins with conversation. We listen, sketch, drape, and refine. Every gown is built by hand, layer by layer, fitting by fitting. It’s an intimate collaboration where precision meets emotion.”

Your embellishment is always stunning and intricate. What is the longest a dress has ever taken you to make?
“Some gowns take over a thousand hours. True craftsmanship cannot be rushed, especially when every stitch, embellishment, and seam is executed by hand with intention.”

And finally, what can we expect to see from you in 2026?
“This year, you will see a continued evolution of modern couture for my gowns.  Refined, confident, and purposeful. Expect sculptural silhouettes, innovative foundations, and a quiet strength that reflects the modern woman. My aim is to always be timeless, never predictable.”

For more information or to book an appointment with Caroline, visit www.carolinecastigliano.com

The post Interview with Leading Bridal Designer Caroline Castigliano  appeared first on Best of Living.

Ben, it appears we have caught you at a busy moment.
“Very much so. This year marks the 10-year anniversary of my first illuminated timepiece, the Tempus Collection. That means it’s important to celebrate a decade of experimentation, investment, and creative evolution. We are starting by opening a limited-edition showroom in Mayfair, launching my new Icon Edition. Shortly after I’ll be heading to Paris for Retromobile, exhibiting alongside fellow automotive artist Chris Twitcher.”

You were born in Australia but grew up in Colchester. Was there anything about your childhood that sparked your creativity?
“Probably a desire to rebel, growing up surrounded by history, castles, and cobbled streets. I recall having a strong urge to shape the future – to be the person designing the next castle, something that would stand for 2,000 years. I was obsessed with James Bond: the interiors, gadgets, cars. Everything felt imaginative, aspirational — but also believable. My ambition was to turn that sense of possibility into something real.”

Why is light so central to your designs and spaces?

“Light is the most important element of design. Without it, you see no texture, no colour, no detail, no beauty. It allows me to communicate energy, atmosphere, and story. Artificial light allows you to shape emotion. It also allows you to create calm, intimacy, excitement or drama. The relationship between light and shadow is also crucial – sometimes darkness is just as expressive as illumination. Often people can’t explain why a space feels so good to be in. More often than not, it comes down to how thoughtfully the lighting has been layered. Atmosphere is everything.”

You’ve created installations for everyone from sports stars to business leaders. Is there one piece you are particularly proud of?

“One that still brings out a childish grin is the ‘Bat Cave’. This was a 3,000 square foot basement I created for an art collector beneath a modern home in Holland Park. I designed it as a fully immersive environment for entertaining and displaying art, with installations that invoked a sense of escapism. The centrepiece was a red laser ‘force field’ surrounding the client’s Aston Martin DB4, which descended beneath the house on a motorised driveway. There was a custom bar, a chrome ceiling coffer, an illuminated bubble chair I co-created with graffiti artist INSA, a cinema, pool room, office and snug, with a complex Lutron lighting system tied everything together. It stimulated every sense.”

Do you have a favourite commercial project – and if so, why?

“My first room at the Ice Hotel is still one of my favourites, largely for the romance of it. I originally visited Arctic Sweden while researching somewhere to propose to my wife, and was completely captivated by how light interacts with ice and snow. That experience made me determined to return as a designer. Over time I built a strong relationship with the team there, as it’s an extraordinary pool of talent. Being able to take my wife back and stay in a room I’d designed felt very special. I was told that the Queen of Sweden stayed in that room too.”

Perhaps one of your most famous projects is the iconic iceberg catwalk created for Chanel in 2010. How did this idea come to fruition?
“Ice Hotel Sweden led that project, bringing together their most visionary ice artists alongside Karl Lagerfeld’s team. The original idea was a literal iceberg beneath the Grand Palais roof, but instead we created the illusion of ice using a timber walkway, water, and a special snow-and-ice mix called sneece, shipped from Arctic Sweden in 30 large trucks. We worked around the clock, using a suspended refrigeration system to control melting. It was intense — but incredibly rewarding.”

It must have been exhilarating to be the brain behind the custom vehicle used to follow the Olympic Torch around the UK back in 2012. What do you remember about the experience?
“That year I narrowly avoided using up one of my nine lives after falling from an 80-foot cliff snowboarding. I was actually on a call with the design team while waiting for my friend to be airlifted off the mountain! The brief was to make a tour bus feel aerodynamic and dynamic, more speedboat than bus. Three weeks before launch, the route changed, meaning the vehicle had to fit under low bridges. I had to redesign a folding roof structure that remained safe for people standing on the top deck. Despite the pressure, it worked beautifully.”

Finally, what’s next?
“Let’s just say, I’m not short on ideas. We should catch up again soon!”

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