As 2022 winds down, it brings a few inevitable questions, such as where in the world to spend the holidays or celebrate the New Year. Of course, the weighty question of what to gift family, friends, associates, staff, and crew is likely less casual. Admittedly, the closer and deeper the relationship, the higher the stakes and the pressure. For the NAVIS team, we defer to looking back on a few reviews and editorials as well as glimpsing ahead into the most noteworthy products geared primarily toward a luxe yachting lifestyle. All of the treasures included in this guide to fulfilling wish lists will satisfy the most discerning of tastes. Dive in!
1
Favorite Timepieces
The Locman Montecristo Heart merges the best of meticulous artisanship normally reserved for Swiss watches with edgy Italian design in one magnificent piece that will indeed make one’s heart beat faster. This self-winding watch is an ideal complement to any outdoor lifestyle wardrobe, on board one’s yacht, playing the Old Course at St. Andrews, or just waiting at a café for friends to arrive. The case of alternating brushed and mirror-finished stainless is ringed by a blackened stainless collar bearing Arabic numerals with a tachymetric scale surrounding a face which reveals the calibre’s beating “heart.” Available in a variety of color and finish options, as a gift, it lends a commanding, polished and sporty presence to the wrist.
Ulysse Nardin MOONSTRUCK is a stellar piece of chronographic and astronomical artistry re-invented from a 40-year-old design. The view of our earth is now etched into the crystal instead of on the dial as per the original, but this piece still replicates the daily dance between the moon and the sun, as viewed from our planet, and puts a unique perspective on one’s place in the universe. Along with hours/minutes/dates, the design also displays world time zones. Functions mark dual time, moon phases/age, and high/low/spring and neap tides, all within a case of black ceramic and DLC titanium.
This is a statement piece, if there ever was one, but beware, it will likely have the wearer reminding associates where his eyes are.
2
Favorite Jewelry
Rebecca Gioielli Jewelry
The artistry of Italian design and engineering has always found a welcome home on the pages of our publication. At NAVIS, we also like to draw attention to new and noteworthy products on the horizon.
Jewelry trends are ever-evolving. The popular Italian brand, Rebecca, whose pieces are entirely crafted in Italy, has taken a new leap forward with the successful debut of their Jolie and Jolie Gold lines earlier this year at the JCK jewelry show in Las Vegas.
With brand ambassadors and style icons like Beyoncé and Rihanna sporting these pieces, these exciting have taken center-stage. Incorporating precious metals and micro diamonds in eye-catching rings, necklaces, and earrings, these are ideal pieces for daily wear that are adaptable to any occasion. It is worth noting that, in a worthy effort close to all our hearts, the brand has also created a line which incorporates recycled, ocean-collected microplastics and metals which are fused together before the end product undergoes a final process. With the same technology previously used for precious metals, the new polymers then take the place of precious minerals and stones in exciting designs never seen before in the fashion jewelry industry.
The new Jolie collection is at once on-trend, yet still classic. Jolie features necklaces with a single heart, a quite jolie way to express affection, and sinuous, domed rings incorporating white, yellow, pink, or black diamond-dusted gold bands, intertwined like a lasting embrace. The hoop earrings, in infinity or link styles, are statement pieces that speak volumes but still allow the wearer’s eyes to shine. Jolie is an exciting line, both classic and contemporary, designed for women who choose accessories to reveal their soul.
3
Writing Instruments Of The Year
Graf von Faber-Castell Limited Edition Pen of the Year 2022
The Graf von Faber-Castell Limited Edition Pen of the Year 2022 is inspired by the Aztecs, their culture, look and religious rituals. The many symbols of this period and the prophecies that revolved around the creation of Mexico City and the Aztec gods are all incorporated into the pen’s impressive design. Precious gemstones that were typical of the time, such as turquoise and obsidian, make for striking details that adorn the Pen of the Year 2022. The 2022 edition of the Pen of the Year is limited to 375 fountain pens and 125 rollerball pens. Each one is a unique reflection of Aztec history. Handmade in Germany.
Tamitio Calligraphy Set
The matt lacquered, finely fluted black barrel is an expression of pure elegance, both eye-catching and a stylish. The fountain pen has a high-quality stainless steel nib, rhodium-plated and has 3 different nib sizes: 1.1 mm / 1.4 mm / 1.8 mm. Cartridge/converter system included. The Graf von Faber-Castell is presented in a chamois-colored gift box, making the set an impressive, useful gift.
4
Best Interior Design Pieces 2022
An organic, contemporary departure from Villari’s usual floral stylings of furnishings and tableware, the Villari Eclypse Dining Table is a commanding piece that will be both a focal point and an essential element in a variety of decor styles. We feature the single helical base of 24K gold-plated stainless steel Eclypse with an exquisitely veined onyx top, although this dining table is available in multiple sizes, a double-base version, and with a variety of tabletop materials.
Both timepiece and furniture, the Thomas Mercer AQUILO, which NAVIS featured in the August/September issue, is a standalone work of art, a collaboration of Mercer, the eminent purveyor of quintessentially British timepieces and David Linley, famed for producing quality cabinetry. There is nothing so eminently giftable or soul-stirring to receive as an entirely bespoke piece and both are open to re-creating another piece of “horological furniture.” Have your people call their people.
Gulla Jonsdottir Petal Chair makes a worthy standout to any décor in any room setting, both on the water or on land. Alone, as a pair, or even a grouping, this striking organic design in stained ash inspires both good feelings and fanciful imaginings in the minds of those who recline in them. The Petal Chair is both a work of art as well as a furniture piece, and a rare project from the Icelandic architect normally occupied with building design.
5
World’s Best Hotels 2022
It’s easy to be a fan of the Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi, part of the Mandarin Oriental hotel chain. With its private beach, exquisite rooms, and suites featuring 24-hour butler service and stunning views, a wealth of authentic flavors at no fewer than nine food and beverage outlets, and a lavish spa, the Emirates Palace is the go-to for a stay in Abu Dhabi. We’d certainly be remiss if we did not mention its full-service marina that tends one’s superyacht just as carefully as its premier hospitality team looks after guests.
The majestic Apurva Kempinski Bali shines like a beacon from its setting on what is likely the best beach in Nusa Dua. Its size alone enables 60% of rooms and suites to have their own pool. Add to that its myriad amenities which make any stay here an epic one, especially for the hard-to-please younger set. The Koral Restaurant, set inside an aquarium, is a must-do for guests. The Cliff Suites with a private pool are exceptionally spacious and boast incredible views. If accompanied by the entire family, then the residential villas make for the ultimate in privacy.
Çirağan Palace Kempinski is a historic classic on the Bosporus. Part Ottoman palace, part museum, part cherished retreat, its setting makes for an exceptional stay in Istanbul, either on business or for pleasure. And what pleasure the Palace is, surrounded by sprawling, manicured gardens with gazebos amid the nodding palm trees, and a stunning outdoor waterfront heated infinity pool. Within, its soaring and columned public areas are a sight to behold, with caring, attentive staff seeing to your every need.
Kempinski Palace Engelberg is the coalescence of all of hospitality’s finer things: a classic façade of a regal Palace enclosing a stylish, completely renovated and updated interior, modern rooms and suites, indulgent spa facilities, and the inspired farm-to-table restaurant, Cattani. All these attributes in the midst of a majestic natural setting in any season, surrounded by a wealth of indoor and outdoor pursuits make this intimate Swiss resort a wonderful retreat, for a weekend, a week, or even longer stays.
6
World's Best Restaurants 2022
Miami is eminently entertaining, a “scene” on so many levels, and Jaya at The Setai holds onto an incredible reputation for food and service in a hugely competitive culinary market. Executive Chef Vijayudu Veena and his team maintain their status as a haven of pan-Asian-fusion dining in a setting that has been described as “Miami’s most beautiful restaurant.” In this venue, there is a bold mix of live entertainment in the evenings and during Sunday Jazz Brunches. Meaning “victory” in Sanskrit, Jaya is the obvious victor on Miami’s gastronomic battleground.
Le Louis XV-Alain Ducasse à L’Hôtel de Paris, Monte-Carlo. Although this restaurant’s name is quite the mouthful to say, those who dine here are rewarded with mouthfuls of gastronomic artistry. The restaurant, which boasts 3 Michelin stars, celebrates both the bounty of the Riviera and the art de vivre found along these Mediterranean waters. The restaurant has long made its mark with stellar ambience, flawless service, artful platings, intuitive wine pairings, and inspired cuisine that is ideal for any occasion. Dinners here, or even weekend lunches, will make for exceptionally delicious and welcome gifts.
Cucina Byblos Saint-Tropez is yet another star in the Alain Ducasse crown, with Italian standards like pizza and pasta imaginatively reworked for convivial and chic Saint-Tropez. The menu is not casual cuisine. This is fine dining accompanied by an enviable wine list and presented by a retinue of professional, agreeable staff in a charming venue that celebrates its outdoor surroundings. Highly recommended for those who are constantly on the go, its intimate atmosphere, fabulous food, and DJ in the evenings will make one relax and linger awhile.
7
World's Best Luxury Cars 2022
McLaren Artura is a model that has propelled this storied racing brand into a new direction. Not only their first high-performance production hybrid, but Artura also incorporates only McLaren-manufactured components. Now, with the 671 HP 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 hybrid powertrain and the 7.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the Artura will deliver acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 3 seconds, and ¼ miles in just 10.7 seconds. In electric mode, drivers can expect a range of 30 km. All wrapped up for the holidays in an exciting, slim-lined package.
Bentley Bentayga S is the brand’s “sporty” entry into SUVs, an imposing model with a higher, yet still streamlined and sinuous profile, and a front end devoid of chrome, replaced by a fierce, high-gloss black grille. A bit retro, a bit intimidating, and all quite surprising. Add to that 542 HP delivering speeds from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds and beyond, with a top speed of 288 km/h and this is a vehicle that will have drivers fantasizing about racing as they pick up the grocery order and a bottle of wine.
The Ferrari SF90 Spider is a truly revolutionary vehicle that sets new standards for performance and innovation, not just for Ferrari, but for the sports car sector as a whole. It combines the same supercar-level specs and record-breaking performance of the SF90 Stradale with the added pleasure and versatility of a Retractable Hard Top roof, making it ideal for owners who desire cutting-edge Ferrari technology and open-top thrills. With its stunning design, powerful engine and uncompromising commitment to quality and excellence, the SF90 Spider is sure to turn heads and take your driving experience to the next level.
Rolls Royce Black Badge Ghost. What more can possibly be said or written about this traditional British brand? Plenty, with its Black Badge version of its iconic models, and the Ghost line the very last to turn to the dark side. In a grab for the younger, iconoclastic “disruptor,” Rolls Royce has struck an edgy chord, and the appeal of this stealthy, all-matte version runs very deep. Toning down the bling, but still upping the comfort level in addition to optimizing performance with the 6.75 liters twin-turbocharged V12, delivering the 600PS, 900NM torque, zero-to-60 ride in 4.2 seconds, the changes have done much to engage a different, more dynamic demographic.
Lamborghini Huracán EVO RWD Spyder. Whatever form the road ahead takes, be they curvy country routes, the autostrada, or congested city streets, the Lamborghini Huracán EVO RWD Spyder will transport drivers stylishly, ensuring arrivals that are breathlessly effortless, if not on-time. Roof up or reclined, with a console that belongs in a fighter jet, and a 5.2-liter V10 engine producing 610 hp, this is a coupe that performs confidently in a variety of road conditions, not to mention being super fun to drive, given that unmistakable, iconic Lamborghini roar. With virtually unlimited color and trim options, it deserves a place underneath one’s tree.
If you are looking for the perfect gift for the yachtsman or woman in your life, look no further than this guide. We have compiled a list of the best luxury gifts for 2022, so you can rest assured that your loved one will be thrilled. From stunning jewelry to indulgent experiences, there is something for everyone on this list. So start shopping today and make this holiday season the best one yet!
Photos: Lorenzo Frua, Ulysse Nardin, Rebecca Gioielli, Faber-Castell, Villari, Gulla Jonsdottir, Thomas Mercer, Emirates Palace, Kempinski, Jaya at The Setai, L’Hôtel de Paris - Monte-Carlo, McLaren, James Lipman, Ferrari, Rolls Royce, Robin Trajano | Words: Janine Devine
