solairus aviation blog

There’s no harm in fitting a little play into your work as you fly around the world on a private jet charter. One of the best ways to produce endorphins, release some tension and let go of your cares is in the water. If you’re going to stay in the best hotels in the world, who says they can’t also be the ones with the best luxury pools?

San Alfonso del Mar | Algarrobo, Chile

As the hotel San Alfonso del Mar was built in 2006, it was all the rage among hospitality architects and engineers. Because of its massive size, as of 2013, the hotel pool holds the Guinness World Record for the largest swimming pool by area in the world. Here are its specs:

• Length: 3,324 feet (1,013 meters; 1.013 kilometers)

• Area: 19.77 acres (8 hectares)

• Amount of water it holds: 250 million liters (66 million gallons)

• Depth at the deep end: 115 feet

• The number of traditional 8-meter-long pools that fit in it: 6,000

The massive pool is actually an artificial saltwater lagoon that uses a pulse-based disinfection system that minimizes the amount of chemicals needed to keep it clean. This means your eyes won’t turn so chlorine-red. The virtual waterfront has beaches, docks, water sports and even a temperature-controlled indoor beach, giving you everything that you love about swimming in the ocean minus the sharks and rip currents. (http://www.sanalfonso.cl/ingles/main.html)

Delano Hotel | South Beach, Florida

If you’re going to lounge all day by the pool, do it at the Delano. Make your way through Philippe Starck’s whimsical Alice in Wonderland garden to the exclusive Delano Beach Club, which gives you admittance to poolside cabanas, a butler, the cuisine of Chef Brian Massie and direct access to the ocean. After floating and meditating as you listen to the underwater music, relax on one of the chaise lounges or daybeds. Or, arrange to have a spa treatment in the privacy of one of the cabanas. (http://www.delano-hotel.com/)

Huvafen Fushi | North Malé Atoll, Maldives

If you charter a private jet to the Maldives at night, don’t mistake the Huvafen Fushi’s pool with a runway. While the resort is set on an island, its enchanting ocean-side pool is the first in the world to use more than 1,000 glittering fiber optic lights. You’ll think the stars fell from the heavens. The pool also transitions into the Maldives’ only saltwater floatation pool that’s full of healing and therapeutic minerals. (www.huvafenfushi.peraquum.com)  

The Ritz-Carlton | Hong Kong, China

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful pool after you swim in the one at the Ritz-Carlton’s Hong Kong hotel in the 118-story International Commerce Center. The rooftop indoor pool is nothing less than posh with its infinity edge, endless views of the city skyline and Victoria Harbor, and lounges. To add to the drama are 144 ceiling-mounted LED screens that reflect colorful images into the water. (http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/HongKong/Default.htm)

Costa Careyes | Jalisco, Mexico                                      

Many castles are surrounded by moats, but at Costa Careyes, yours is surrounded by a pool. The Careyes-style villas, or castles, are scattered throughout the resort and each have an ideal panoramic view of the mountains, coastline and beaches. The infinity pool on each private oasis looks like the crystal waters vanish toward the crashing waves below. (http://www.careyes.com.mx/intro/welcome.php)

About Solairus Aviation:

Solairus is a full-service aviation asset management company that provides clients with expertise in acquiring and operating a wide range of private aircraft.

Solairus Aviation is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area and has over twenty-five base locations across the United States and Europe. Solairus is an Aviation Research Group/US Platinum-rated charter operator with a fleet of over 50 managed aircraft. After completion of an intense operations and safety systems audit, the ARG/US Platinum rating has only been awarded to 5% of the world’s charter operators that have demonstrated that their procedures meet or exceed industry “Best Practices” in all phases. Solairus has also received the NBAA Commercial Business Flying Safety Award and is an IS-BAO certified company. Solairus offers a full range of services in addition to aircraft management, which includes aircraft charter sales, aviation support services, and consulting. For more information about Solairus Aviation, visit www.solairusaviation.com or call 800-359-7861.

 

Forget about the Caribbean, South Pacific and tropical Asian coastlines, when you want to visit some of the most clinquant beaches in the world, don’t overlook Europe’s crystal-clear waters and staggering cliffs. Whether you want to work on your tan in seclusion, sail the waters, make sandcastles or snorkel, take a private jet vacation over the Atlantic and dig your feet into the sands of the following glowing coasts:

 Ölüdeniz, Turkey

Literally meaning “Dead Sea,” but officially translated as the “Blue Lagoon,” Turkey’s pebbled Ölüdeniz on the Turquoise Coast is known for its calm waters during the fiercest storms. The creamy white sands and iridescent emerald and sapphire waters where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas meet make Ölüdeniz famous for its paragliding opportunities, the hiking route along the Lycian Way (that eventually reaches the ancient city of Olympos) and endangered loggerhead sea turtles. Not to mention, Ölüdeniz is one of the top five beaches in the world. (https://www.goturkey.com/en/pages/content/253)

Lalária, Greece

Greece has hundreds of beaches, but when you seek something far-flung, take a private jet over, then arrange for a private yacht from Northrop & Johnson and head to Lalária, which means “pebble” in Greek. Only accessible by boat from the north Skiáthos shores, Lalária is best known for its sheer white cliffs, three sea-grottoes and unusual rock formations.  While the picturesque hollow rock is a popular attraction to see above the clear blue waters, there is second similar formation next to it under the water.  As the name suggests, Lalária couples its white sands with billions of pebbles, many which have beautiful striated patterns, so sandals are a must. If go you go on a particularly hot day, take a massage therapist along for one of the most unique hot-rock massages that you’ll ever experience. (http://www.skiathos.gr/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=82&Itemid=98&lang=en)

Playa de Ponente, Spain

Located in the province of Alicante, the Poniente (Ponente) area of Benidorm on Spain’s Costa Blanca is home to one of the country’s less tourist-hectic beaches. This golden-sand beach will remind you of Miami with its cityscape in the backdrop, but Poniente is well known for being extremely clean, having an über laid-back atmosphere, acclaimable sand sculptures and for its amazing views of the Rock of Gibraltar. What more does a beach bum need? In the evening, head to the beach’s promenade and enjoy the musicians who serenade the beach-goers, local boutiques, cafés and bars.  (http://www.spain.info/en_US/ven/otros-destinos/benidorm.html)

 Praia da Galé, Portugal

With some of the softest golden sands in the word, rainbow-colored cliffs and cobalt waters, Praia de Galé in the Algarve region of Albufeira is a continuation of the beach at Armação de Pêra. While the area is now a posh, kid-friendly holiday destination, the once-agricultural town is still speckled with vineyards, olive plantations and orange groves. If you plan to lie on the beach to worship the sun, stick to Praia de Galé’s western shores. Otherwise, head east to spend a day exploring the spectacular rock formations, caves, grottoes and rocky tide pools. In the evening take in the photo-worthy landscape and watch the sun set below the distant cliffs.

About Solairus Aviation:

Solairus is a full-service aviation asset management company that provides clients with expertise in acquiring and operating a wide range of private aircraft.

Solairus Aviation is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area and has over twenty-five base locations across the United States and Europe. Solairus is an Aviation Research Group/US Platinum-rated charter operator with a fleet of over 50 managed aircraft. After completion of an intense operations and safety systems audit, the ARG/US Platinum rating has only been awarded to 5% of the world’s charter operators that have demonstrated that their procedures meet or exceed industry “Best Practices” in all phases. Solairus has also received the NBAA Commercial Business Flying Safety Award and is an IS-BAO certified company. Solairus offers a full range of services in addition to aircraft management, which includes aircraft charter sales, aviation support services, and consulting. For more information about Solairus Aviation, visit www.solairusaviation.com or call 800-359-7861.

Yeah, chocolates and roses are nice, but they merely show that you remembered it was February 14. If you really want to wow your sweetheart, charter a private jet for a love-filled holiday that will more than just impress. After all, how can you go wrong with a romantic trip in the name of love?

Fès, Morocco

Lose yourselves in Fès (also spelled Fez or Fas), the second largest city—and one of the most opulent—in the country. Known as the “Athens of Africa” and the “Mecca of the West,” Fès is also home the world’s largest car-free urban areas and the oldest functioning madrasa (a type of educational institute). Make your way through the labyrinthine-like medina that leads you past centuries-old workshops, tanneries, carpet shops and spice-laden souks. As you gawk at the masterpiece medersas, walk through the minaret of the Bou Inania Madrasa, one of the few religious places that that welcomes non-Islamic visitors in Morocco. Take your time in the old school, as it’s filled with carved geometric patterns, Arabic calligraphy and a wonderful courtyard. For your Valentine’s Day, enjoy a diffa (feast) at the L’Ambre (http://www.restaurantfes.com/index-en.html) restaurant; request a table on the terrace. (http://visitmorocco.com/index.php/eng/I-am-going-to/Fez/Unmissable)

Buenos Aires, Argentina

As the capital of the country that introduced tango dancing to the world, Buenos Aires is one of the hautest places on earth. Called the “Paris of South America,” it’s hard to miss the influence that Europe has had on this metropolis. Buenos Aires has an acclaimed tradition in visual arts and you can catch a peek of the latest openings at galleries like APPETITE, the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes and MALBA museums and cultural centers, such as the Centro Cultural Recoleta. Don’t forget to get tickets for a show at the Teatro Colón, the famed opera house. If your honey is a fashionista, charter a private jet during the Buenos Aires Fashion Week events in February and do some shopping at the Galerías Pacífico mall on Calle Florida (Florida Street), where you can find fresco paintings on the ceilings and high-end stores such as Lacoste, Christian Lacroix, La Martina, Christian Dior and many more. In the evening, celebrate el día de San Valentín (St. Valentine’s Day) with a visit to Rodizio (http://www.rodizio.com.ar/), THE place to go for the best, highest-quality asado Argentino (steak) and local cuisine. (http://www.turismo.gov.ar/eng/menu.htm)   

Jukkasjärvi, Sweden

Baby, it’s cold in the small town of Jukkasjärvi in the Kiruna municipality. But, your love is all you need to heat things up in the Swedish Arctic Circle. Book a snowmobile or cross country-skiing tour through the tundra and get to know the people in the Sámi culture, see reindeer in their natural habitat and get in a sauna when the day is done before gazing upon the northern lights. Make your way to the nearby city of Kiruna to see where Virgin Galactic plans to offer sub-orbital flights of SpaceShipTwo from Spaceport Sweden by 2015. When you trek all the way up the Arctic Circle, you have to stay at the Jukkasjärvi ICEHOTEL (http://www.icehotel.com/), the original accommodation of the frozen kind. As a combined hotel and art project, the ICEHOTEL also has a high-end gourmet restaurant, the cool ICEBAR lounge and world-class ice and snow sculptures that are destined to melt with the springtime sun. If you decide to tie the knot with your Valentine, the ICEHOTEL also has an ice chapel for the most stunning white wedding. (http://www.sweden.se/eng/Home/Tourism/)

About Solairus Aviation:

Solairus is a full-service aviation asset management company that provides clients with expertise in acquiring and operating a wide range of private aircraft.

Solairus Aviation is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area and has over twenty-five base locations across the United States and Europe. Solairus is an Aviation Research Group/US Platinum-rated charter operator with a fleet of over 50 managed aircraft. After completion of an intense operations and safety systems audit, the ARG/US Platinum rating has only been awarded to 5% of the world’s charter operators that have demonstrated that their procedures meet or exceed industry “Best Practices” in all phases. Solairus has also received the NBAA Commercial Business Flying Safety Award and is an IS-BAO certified company. Solairus offers a full range of services in addition to aircraft management, which includes aircraft charter sales, aviation support services, and consulting. For more information about Solairus Aviation, visit www.solairusaviation.com or call 800-359-7861.

La Nouvelle-Orléans, better known as New Orleans, is home to the most famous celebration of the South, Mardi Gras. Beginning after the 12^th day of Christmas, the Carnival season wraps up the festivities with a Fat Tuesday bash. This year, the celebrations began on January 19, but will take a break from January 28 to February 5 because of Super Bowl XLVII. The parties will then hit the streets again on February 6 until the 12^th, so you have plenty of time to make your way to the Big Easy on a private jet Mardi Gras vacation.

If unabashed indulgence is on your itinerary check out these hot spots:

Sleep

• Intercontinental New Orleans: Just a couple blocks from the famous French Quarter and four blocks from Harrah’s is the acclaimed AAA four-diamond Intercontinental hotel. Get a suite on the Executive Floor with a view of the St. Charles Avenue parade so you can get a front row seat of the festivities and exclusive access to the Club Intercontinental lounge. (http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/intercontinental/hotels/gb/en/new-orleans/msyha/hoteldetail)

• W New Orleans—French Quarter: Offering haute and trendy accommodations, the W Hotel by historic Jackson Square is ideally situated near casinos, art galleries and boutique shops. The W’s Fantastic Suite is ultra chic, features a separate sitting room and a private balcony. While the outside architecture reflects the history of the French Quarter, the interior décor is all about the city’s musical heritage. (http://www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=97508)

• Hotel Monteleone:  Built in 1886, the “French Quarter begins in the lobby of the Hotel Monteleone,” as the locals say. Situated on Royal Street and a mere block away from Bourbon Street, the historic hotel is home to the famous Carousel Piano Bar and was the first independent hotel to win a J.D. Power and Associates Award for Outstanding Customer Service. For the ultimate experience, stay in the Ernest Hemmingway Penthouse Suite or the Tennessee Williams Suite to see why the writers loved the Monteleone and the city. (http://hotelmonteleone.com/)  

 

Eat

• Arnaud’s: In the heart of the French Quarter is the world-famous Arnaud’s and its classis Creole cuisine. Take a private jet to Mardi Gras and visit the Jazz Bistro and tap your foot to live Dixieland jazz music, enjoy a quite dinner in a private dining room or enjoy one of Chris Hannah’s classic cocktails at the French 75 bar. Gentlemen, if you plan to dine in the main dining room, don’t forget to bring a jacket. (http://www.arnaudsrestaurant.com/)

• The Embers: Making its home in the “Original” Bourbon House, The Embers restaurant and its iconic Southern wrap-around porch dining area has seen its fair share of celebrities during its over 75-year history, like William Faulkner, Michael Landon and Tennessee Williams.   The eatery is best known for its Cajun specialties, steak, seafood and the sounds of jazz musicians playing in the streets. (http://www.emberssteakhouse.com/index.html)

• Brennan’s Restaurant: Located in a former absinthe factory on Royal Street, Brennan’s Restaurant is a staple among local foodies who can’t wait to try the latest innovation. Catering to the most discerning guests, Brennan’s Chef Paul was the original creator of the renowned Bananas Foster dessert in 1951. (http://www.brennansneworleans.com/)

 

Play

• New Orleans Cocktail Walking Tour: NOLA has two kinds of spirits—those that linger in another plain of existence and those that come in a martini or shot glass. One of the most unique ways to tour the French Quarter and get a history lesson at the same time is with the Original Cocktail Walking Tour from Gray Line. Get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the oldest restaurant in the city and get insider information about the making of the area’s unique concoctions. Private tours are available upon request. (http://www.graylineneworleans.com/cocktail-tour.html)

• The House of Blues: There is no better way to experience music than in the birthplace of jazz, and the House of Blues provides the ideal venue to enjoy concerts by giants in the music industry. The New Orleans legendary stage is home to the largest collection of folk art in the U.S. with 298 pieces hanging on its walls, including a crest-shaped plaque and a portrait of the blues legend Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown. You can find the memorabilia honoring Gatemouth in the second to last booth. When getting tickets for a show, be sure to get VIP access to the second floor. (http://www.houseofblues.com/venues/clubvenues/neworleans/)

• Mardi Gras Balls: Get in on the Krewe action with an invitation to one of their historic balls. Mardi Gras Krewes are social clubs that have their own parades and parties during the Carnival season. Among the most exclusive clubs are the Krewe of Bacchus, Knights of Babylon, Krewe of Rex and Krew of Endymion.

About Solairus Aviation:

Solairus is a full-service aviation asset management company that provides clients with expertise in acquiring and operating a wide range of private aircraft.

Solairus Aviation is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area and has over twenty-five base locations across the United States and Europe. Solairus is an Aviation Research Group/US Platinum-rated charter operator with a fleet of over 50 managed aircraft. After completion of an intense operations and safety systems audit, the ARG/US Platinum rating has only been awarded to 5% of the world’s charter operators that have demonstrated that their procedures meet or exceed industry “Best Practices” in all phases. Solairus has also received the NBAA Commercial Business Flying Safety Award and is an IS-BAO certified company. Solairus offers a full range of services in addition to aircraft management, which includes aircraft charter sales, aviation support services, and consulting. For more information about Solairus Aviation, visit www.solairusaviation.com or call 800-359-7861.

It seems like you spend more time in your private jet than on the ground, so be sure to entertain your friends and family aboard by hosting a fabulous cocktail party. Bring out the caviar, crostinis and gougeres, and pair them with some of the world's finest spirits.

Comandon Cognac

Perfect for enjoying with your favorite Latin American cigar, Comandon Cognac is one of the few independent, award-winning brands that manufactures its spirits in-house from start to finish. The company distills its brandy according to the 1909 Appellation d'origine controlee regarding the Cognac region of France. When planning your sky-high cocktail party on your next private jet vacation, look for the Comandon Single Barrel Cognac Collection that features spirits aged between 15 and 100 years in limousine oak casks, making them the first and only boutique cognacs in the world. Take note: because of Comandon’s rarity at the time of this publication, you can only find this brand of cognac in 13 U.S. states and select online stores. (http://www.comandon.com/comandon-cognac-home.html)

Hacienda la Capilla Tequila

Known for its premium price tags, Tequilera Hacienda la Capilla is known for making the best and most expensive tequilas. One of its latest releases is the exclusive Diamond Sterling 100 percent agave tequila that aged for seven years. In addition to the taste, you’ll love this tequila for the platinum bottle bejeweled with 4,000 diamonds (that’s 328 carats worth of glitter), making it worth $3.5 million USD.  (http://ley925.com/index.php)              

Armand de Brignac Champagne

Every good party has a little bubbly, and a bottle of Armand de Brignac is the perfect decorative accompaniment in its opaque metallic bottles. Coming from a long line of wine makers in the Champagne region of France, the Cattier family employs only eight people to hand-make the champagne so the premier spirit maintains its artisanal qualities. What makes the champagne unique is that it’s aged for nine months in oak barrels. The company also dips its bottles in different hues of silver and gold, and uses the signature ace of spades label (the insignia of the French monarchy) made of hand-stamped pewter. One sip of the bubbly nectar will make your eyes sparkle. (http://www.armanddebrignac.com/)

Bowmore Single Mart Scotch Whiskey

Founded on the Scottish isle of Islay in 1779, the Bowmore Distillery is one of oldest in the country and houses the oldest maturation warehouse. The distilling process that the whiskey maker uses today is similar to original techniques used in the late 18^th century. Bowmore locally sources its floor-malted barley and workers hand-turn the grain every four hours to preserve the taste and style of the celebrated spirit. Limited edition Bowmore single malt scotch whiskeys to get your hands on include the Maltmen’s Selection, 1981, Black, White or Gold Bowmore 1964, the smoky 40 Years Old and the 1964 Fino. (http://www.bowmore.com/)

Chase Vodka

A cocktail party isn’t complete without vodka. As the new kid in the neighborhood, Chase Distillery released its first vodka in 2008 and won the 2010 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. It was also the first distillery to open in England in over 250 years. Chase prides itself on growing its own potatoes, as well as mashing, fermenting, distilling and bottling them on-site. The founder of the distillery, William Chase of Tyrrells Chips, got the idea to start making vodka as a way to solve a conundrum—what to do with all the extra potatoes that are too small for the chips. Using copper stills, the vodka-making process that Chase uses is all hand-crafted to ensure quality. From spud to first sip, the craftsmanship that goes into making the spirit is the reason Chase was voted “World’s Best Vodka.” (http://www.chasedistillery.co.uk/Home.htm))

What are your favorite spirits and mixed drinks to serve at your parties?

About Solairus Aviation:

Solairus is a full-service aviation asset management company that provides clients with expertise in acquiring and operating a wide range of private aircraft.

Solairus Aviation is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area and has over twenty-five base locations across the United States and Europe. Solairus is an Aviation Research Group/US Platinum-rated charter operator with a fleet of over 50 managed aircraft. After completion of an intense operations and safety systems audit, the ARG/US Platinum rating has only been awarded to 5% of the world’s charter operators that have demonstrated that their procedures meet or exceed industry “Best Practices” in all phases. Solairus has also received the NBAA Commercial Business Flying Safety Award and is an IS-BAO certified company. Solairus offers a full range of services in addition to aircraft management, which includes aircraft charter sales, aviation support services, and consulting. For more information about Solairus Aviation, visit www.solairusaviation.com or call 800-359-7861.

There’s no doubt that you look great as you fly from destination to destination on your private jet vacation. But, does your scent match your lifestyle? The high-life is all about first impressions, and the following luxury fragrances will help make sure that you dazzle all the senses:

Amouage

Founded a quarter century ago by the Sultanate of Oman, the scents offered by Amouge reflect the sweet and spicy traditions of the founder’s Middle Eastern culture. The Sultanate’s goal is to create the most opulent fragrances in the world for the most discerning customers. To this end, the Amouage House hired French perfumer Guy Robert, who is renowned for his work with Hermes, Dior and Chanel. No expense is spared in the making of Amouage fragrances, which include rare ingredients like silver frankincense and over 100 natural essential oils. In addition to the classic Amouage Gold fragrance for men and women, the collection also includes Memoir, Interlude, Honour, the Library Collection, Lyric and Epic. (http://www.amouage.com/)   

Clive Christian

Making the world’s most expensive perfume, Christian Clive took over the British Crown Perfumery in 1999. The Perfume House was already was well known for its signature crown logo, and Christian Clive revived its values by enhancing the fragrances with the “most precious natural ingredients from the corners of the British Empire.” Consequently, Christian Clive’s vision led to making of the No 1 Perfume in the Definitive Collection, the most expensive perfume in the world. This fragrance features Indian jasmine, Tahitian vanilla, rose, sandalwood and mandarin in a crystal bottle that’s set with brilliant-cut diamonds and the signature Queen Victoria-inspired stopper. The No 1 Perfume is also available in limited edition luxe bottles. (http://clive.com/en/perfume/page/slideshow)

Lalique

In honor of the Art Nouveau glass and jewelry artist, René Jules Lalique, the Lalique family continues the tradition of creating stunning jewelry, chandeliers, hood ornaments and couture perfume bottles. When François Coty hired Lalique in 1905 to create bottles for his signature scents, the world was introduced to the idea of perfume as art. In 1992, the Lalique family revived its artistic bottle-making production, using the René’s original works as inspiration, and filled the vessels with their own fragrances for men and women. The Lalique fragrances are as alluring as the crystal falcons in which they come. The numbered and signed limited edition falcons feature amethyst and dragonfly toppers, the carved figures of Aphrodite, the Buddah, a scorpion and an eagle, as well as miniature mural-like pieces of art carved into the crystal. (http://www.lalique.com/en_US)

Puredistance

With scents created by master perfumers Annie Buzantian and Roja Dove, Puredistance is an independent company that offers four exclusive fragrances in its Master Collection that you can only find in a few specialty stores around the word. The scents created by the New York and London Master Perfumers are handmade to ensure quality, and blend timelessness with modern elegance to embrace the luxury of premium, simplistic design. The company’s signature scent, Puredistance I, embodies understated elegance with tangerine blossom top notes, magnolia heart scents and a sweet white musk and amber base. (http://www.puredistance.com/)

What is your go-to scent? Is it the same one that you pack in your private jet travel kit?

About Solairus Aviation:

Solairus is a full-service aviation asset management company that provides clients with expertise in acquiring and operating a wide range of private aircraft.

Solairus Aviation is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area and has over twenty-five base locations across the United States and Europe. Solairus is an Aviation Research Group/US Platinum-rated charter operator with a fleet of over 50 managed aircraft. After completion of an intense operations and safety systems audit, the ARG/US Platinum rating has only been awarded to 5% of the world’s charter operators that have demonstrated that their procedures meet or exceed industry “Best Practices” in all phases. Solairus has also received the NBAA Commercial Business Flying Safety Award and is an IS-BAO certified company. Solairus offers a full range of services in addition to aircraft management, which includes aircraft charter sales, aviation support services, and consulting. For more information about Solairus Aviation, visit www.solairusaviation.com or call 800-359-7861.

It’s no secret that Italy is home to some of the world’s finest craftsman, jewelers, designers and ateliers. But, you can’t just have something that’s stamped with the phrase “Made in Italy,” and call it good. To epitomize la dolce vita, look for opulent pieces created by authentic designers of the most opulent Italian designers. Take a private jet to italy and look for these treasures!

Pampaloni

From bespoke tables for private jets to hollowware to tabletop accessories, Pampaloni, named after the famed Italian sculptor, offers refined products that are best known for their recognizable designs. Pampaloni gathers its inspiration from classic Italian artists and eternally memorializes their works in fine metals. Pampaloni’s Florentine jewelers have passed down their skills from generation to generation to ensure the consistently beautiful craftsmanship that you can see in museums around the world and the homes of the most affluent. (http://www.pampaloni.com/)

Nardi

A Maison family business that has been making Venetian-style jewelry since the 1920s, Nardi is among the world’s most elegant jewelers and is known for capturing the Italian spirit. Founded by Giulio Nardi, the original pieces made were inspired by the Venetian goldsmiths of the 18^th century. But, what placed Nardi on the map of high society was the 1931 reinterpretation of the Moretto icon.  With celebrity clients like Grace Kelly, Earnest Hemmingway and Paola of Liège, Nardi continues to use the most opulent raw materials to make luxe jewelry, wearable natural art, home accessories, collector pieces and custom-made gifts. (http://www.nardi-venezia.com/en/)

Bottega Veneta

Founded in 1966, Bottega Veneta (meaning “Venetian Atelier”) is best known for its artisanal leather goods and the signature intrecciato leather-weaving technique that it developed. Popular among the private jet set crowd, Bottega Veneta was acquired by the Gucci Group in 2001. Since then, the brand’s collections include furniture, home items, small leather goods, shoes, handbags, luggage, home fragrances, ready-to-wear apparel and gifts.  To continue the tradition of artisanal craftsmanship, Bottega Veneta opened the Scuola della Pelletteria in 2006 to train and support future Italian leather workers. (http://www.bottegaveneta.com/)

Murano Glass

Coming from the Venetian island of Murano, Murano glass dates back to the 7^th century. By the 10^th century, the city was famous for the glassmakers who made the unique materials. The craftsmen refined murrine techniques and technologies to make items like crystalline glass, aventurine (glass with gold threads), smalto (enameled glass), lattimo (milk glass), imitation gemstones and the signature millefiori (multicolored glass) that reveals layered, flower-like patterns.  To make sure that a product is authentic Murano glass from the island of Murano, look for the red and gold or blue and gold Verto Artistico© Murano sticker with concessionary company’s code at the top. (http://www.muranoglass.com/)

Rina Menardi

Making ceramic goods since 1980, Rina Menardi has studied the art of stoneware-shaping and explored color schemes to create her line of “living accessories.” All the pieces in Menardi’s collections are handmade and characterized by simple lines so the pieces look anything but mass-produced. The smoothness and colors of the pieces give them a serene faux bois feel and look so they’re as functional as they are aesthetically pleasing. (http://www.rinamenardi.com/)   

Cassina

About Solairus Aviation:

Solairus is a full-service aviation asset management company that provides clients with expertise in acquiring and operating a wide range of private aircraft.

Solairus Aviation is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area and has over twenty-five base locations across the United States and Europe. Solairus is an Aviation Research Group/US Platinum-rated charter operator with a fleet of over 50 managed aircraft. After completion of an intense operations and safety systems audit, the ARG/US Platinum rating has only been awarded to 5% of the world’s charter operators that have demonstrated that their procedures meet or exceed industry “Best Practices” in all phases. Solairus has also received the NBAA Commercial Business Flying Safety Award and is an IS-BAO certified company. Solairus offers a full range of services in addition to aircraft management, which includes aircraft charter sales, aviation support services, and consulting. For more information about Solairus Aviation, visit www.solairusaviation.com or call 800-359-7861.

 

Whoever said that looks don’t matter has never ventured into your world. Whether you’re at the office, cruising the skies in your private jet or at a soirée, the feeling that comes with wearing a fine suit is unparalleled.

To add the ultimate wow factor to your wardrobe, here are some suggestions to get you started: 

Stuart Huges

Known for making diamond-accented and gilded gadgets, Stuart Huges partnered with tailor Richard Jewels to make one of the most expensive luxury suits in the world—the R. Jewels Diamond Edition. At £599,000 (just over $967,000 USD) in 2012, it takes over 600 hours to build this opulent suit. When you slip it on, be prepared to feel the lusciousness of the silk-blended, cashmere wool fabric and shine with 480 single cut, 0.5-carat diamonds. As a reward to the owner of the suit, Stuart Huges offers an all-expense paid trip to St. Lucia. To get your hands on this dazzler, act fast—only three were made. (http://stuarthughes.com/newdawn/product_info.php?products_id=91)

Brioni

Known for dressing 007, Brioni’s Vanquish II line features handmade suits in 14 different styles. The luxe line features rare fibers like qiviuk, vicuna and pashima (some of the most expensive materials in the world), and each suit has 42 stages of ironing, 18 hours of craftsmanship and 10 hours of hand-sewing. Talk about attention to detail. There are only about 100 suits from the Vanquish II line in the world, and getting your hands on one of these rarities will set you back around $43,000. (http://www.brioni.com/)

Alexander Amosu

First gaining fame for crafting ringtones, Alexander Amosu used his earnings to tailor a bespoke line of luxury suits. One of his first creations qiviuk and viuna wool suit was crafted for an anonymous buyer in 2009 for $103,000. Using over 5,000 stitches and nine 18-karat gold, pave set diamond buttons, the suit takes over 80 hours to craft. To make sure the masterpiece arrived to the mystery buyer safely, Amosu delivered the custom apparel in an armored luxury car. (http://www.alexanderamosu.co.uk/en/)

Kiton

Kiton’s Italian suits truly stand out from the rest because of the manner in which they’re crafted—designer and tailor Enzo D’Orsi makes them himself. From meeting with clients all over the world to take their measurements to sewing the materials himself, D’Orsi  takes charge from steps A to Z. Each of the made-to-measure suits in the K-5 collection takes over 50 hours to make, uses merino sheep wool from New Zealand and Australia and come with the price tag of  $21,000 to $50,000. (http://www.kiton.it/index1.html)

William Fioravanti

William Fioravanti is a New York-based outfitter that comes from a long line of Italian tailors. Along with ready-to-wear suits, Fiorvanti offers made-to-measure custom creations that can cost up to $20,000. The bespoke aspect of the suits means that in addition to being custom-made to your liking, they’re also made on-premise by person who takes your measurements. This means that no two suits are the same and your desires don’t get lost in the shuffle of paperwork.  Each suit uses 200-count fine fabric and it takes about 50 hours to make each one. (http://www.williamfioravanti.com/)

About Solairus Aviation:

Solairus is a full-service aviation asset management company that provides clients with expertise in acquiring and operating a wide range of private aircraft.

Solairus Aviation is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area and has over twenty-five base locations across the United States and Europe. Solairus is an Aviation Research Group/US Platinum-rated charter operator with a fleet of over 50 managed aircraft. After completion of an intense operations and safety systems audit, the ARG/US Platinum rating has only been awarded to 5% of the world’s charter operators that have demonstrated that their procedures meet or exceed industry “Best Practices” in all phases. Solairus has also received the NBAA Commercial Business Flying Safety Award and is an IS-BAO certified company. Solairus offers a full range of services in addition to aircraft management, which includes aircraft charter sales, aviation support services, and consulting. For more information about Solairus Aviation, visit www.solairusaviation.com or call 800-359-7861.

From jewelry to solid wood furniture, quality handmade items can last generations and use choice materials that you often can’t find with machine-manufactured products. Since such crafts aren’t mass-produced, it will be difficult to find someone else who owns the same handmade item as you. Whether you’re making a purchase for your private jet or need a gift, never pass up the chance to support an artisan’s creativity.

The following is a look at some of the world’s most exquisite handmade items:

Bespoke Writing Instruments and Accessories

Take a private jet to Buenos Aires and visit silversmith Juan Carlos Pallarols. He is helping keep the art of writing by hand alive and trendy with his handmade silver and gold pens and inkwells. Pallarols uses 200-year-old tools to chisel and hand-craft the barrel, cap, section and tassie to create unique, inimitable pens that use S.T. Dupont Olimpio points, sacs and feeds. A commissioned inkwell starts at about $25,000 and can take two months or more to complete because of the attention to detail that Pallarols put into the hand-forging, filigree details and other embellishments. Individuals who commissioned at least one piece of the silversmith’s elegant, timeless masterpieces include the Dutch Princess Máxima, Pope John Paul II and King Juan Carlos I of Spain. (http://pallarols.com.ar/el-maestro/)

IWC Schaffhausen Watches

Since 1868, the Swiss watch-making company International Watch Company (IWC) Schaffhausen has specialized in the crafting of innovative mechanical watches that promise precision, advanced technological features, functional design and a long service life. From the power reserve to the perpetual calendar to the minute repeater, employees (“construction specialists”) hand-craft the parts of each timepiece. Each construction specialist is a master of his or her trade and uses nimble fingers and trained eyes to meticulously make a watch from a compilation of single parts.  A watch tourbillion, for example, has 81 individual, tiny parts. The limited edition timepieces made by IWC are highly sought-after and are sometimes only available as special-order items.  (http://www.iwc.com/en-us/)

Handmade Furniture

In this day of fiberglass, plastics and synthetic materials, Matthias Pliessnig hails wood as a hero. The curves of his handcrafted benches and chairs give his pieces a contemporary energy, making them surprisingly comfortable pieces of art. Pliessnig’s furniture design inspirations came to him after he built a boat for a design school project. Boat-making techniques seen in his furniture include steam-bent and heated lengths of oak or mahogany that Pliessnig sometimes wraps around molds, a process that allows him to essentially draw with wood.  

Made-to-Measure Italian Shoes

About Solairus Aviation:

Solairus is a full-service aviation asset management company that provides clients with expertise in acquiring and operating a wide range of private aircraft.

Solairus Aviation is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area and has over twenty-five base locations across the United States and Europe. Solairus is an Aviation Research Group/US Platinum-rated charter operator with a fleet of over 50 managed aircraft. After completion of an intense operations and safety systems audit, the ARG/US Platinum rating has only been awarded to 5% of the world’s charter operators that have demonstrated that their procedures meet or exceed industry “Best Practices” in all phases. Solairus has also received the NBAA Commercial Business Flying Safety Award and is an IS-BAO certified company. Solairus offers a full range of services in addition to aircraft management, which includes aircraft charter sales, aviation support services, and consulting. For more information about Solairus Aviation, visit www.solairusaviation.com or call 800-359-7861.

Solairus Chairman and CEO, Dan Drohan, is currently featured in the 2012 Fourth Quarter edition of the Aviation Business Journal, the official publication of the National Air Transportation Association. Speaking with Paul Seidenman and David J. Spanovich, Drohan explains Solairus' meteoric rise in the Private Jet industry as well as outlying his vision for the company's future:

In the hyper competitive world of on-demand charter and aircraft management, Solairus Aviation Chairman and CEO Dan Drohan makes it perfectly clear that he will not sacrifice quality for market share. “That’s the paradigm we are working very hard to avoid at Solairus Aviation,” he stated. So far, he has succeeded. Despite the formidable industry headwinds, Solairus Aviation has managed to generate an enviable rate of growth in little more than the three years since it was founded in May 2009 by Drohan and two partners. With between 250 and 300 full- and part-time employees, the Petaluma, California-based company now has a satellite office in Burlingame, just south of San Francisco International Airport, as well as sales and flight coordination offices in Houston, New York, Boca Raton, Seattle and Denver.

Continuing reading Dan Drohan's interview in the 2012 Fourth Quarter Aviation Business Journal by clicking here.

About Solairus Aviation:

Solairus is a full-service aviation asset management company that provides clients with expertise in acquiring and operating a wide range of private aircraft.

Solairus Aviation is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area and has over twenty-five base locations across the United States and Europe. Solairus is an Aviation Research Group/US Platinum-rated charter operator with a fleet of over 50 managed aircraft. After completion of an intense operations and safety systems audit, the ARG/US Platinum rating has only been awarded to 5% of the world’s charter operators that have demonstrated that their procedures meet or exceed industry “Best Practices” in all phases. Solairus has also received the NBAA Commercial Business Flying Safety Award and is an IS-BAO certified company. Solairus offers a full range of services in addition to aircraft management, which includes aircraft charter sales, aviation support services, and consulting. For more information about Solairus Aviation, visit www.solairusaviation.com or call 800-359-7861.