Ocean Paradise named “greenest” yacht

The annual gathering of yacht connoisseurs came to a close in Monaco over the weekend, with the prestigious Rina Green Plus prize going to a new mega-yacht from Italian manufacturer Benetti.

The 55-meter boat, presented in a world premiere at the Monaco Yacht Show, was recognized as the year’s leading example of yacht constructors’ efforts to reduce the carbon footprints of their vessels.

The prize is awarded based on the criteria set out by Rina, a marine services company, in its Green Plus certification label, which encourages all manufacturers to produce more eco-friendly boats.

Among the innovative and green technologies aboard the Ocean Paradise is a system that reabsorbs greenhouse gas emissions in order to limit their dispersion in the marine environment. Benetti used a brand new coating on the hull of the yacht, reducing resistance in the water and thus enhancing fuel efficiency. The boat is lit with next-generation LED lights, also an optimal choice for energy efficiency.

Best cruise ships of 2013

New York City’s largest cruise ship, the Norwegian Breakaway, has been named the world’s best new cruise ship for features like The Waterfront — an open-air deck that allows for al fresco dining by the sea — and its Big Apple-themed concept.

According to the Cruise Critic, billed as the world’s largest site dedicated to cruise reviews, experts lauded the new liner for putting New York City on the high seas with paintings of the Statue of Liberty, NYC murals and even workout classes created by the world famous Rockettes.

In the luxury category, Regent Seven Seas Cruises took the top spot for its all-inclusive feature that includes free unlimited shore excursions, open bar concept and fine dining options.

And because passengers travel together they’re more likely to bond, critics wrote, contributing to a friendly and more social experience.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line took the top spot in Best Entertainment for putting on elaborate Broadway performances of “Hairspray” and “Chicago,” as well as ice skating and aerial shows.

If you’re planning a cruise vacation, consider consulting the list of Best Cruise Lines of 2013:

Best new ship: Norwegian Breakaway

Best Ship Refurbishment: Carnival Sunshine

Best for Luxury: Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best for Families: Disney Cruise Line

Best Itineraries: Princess Cruises

Best for Adventure: Lindblad Expeditions

Best Value-for-Money: Azamara Club Cruises

Best Dining: Oceania Cruises

Best Entertainment: Royal Caribbean Cruise Line

Best Suites: Oceania Cruises

Best Inside Cabins: Norwegian Cruise Line

Best Standard Cabins: Celebrity Cruises

Best Shore Excursions: Disney Cruise Line

Best for Honeymoons: Windstar Cruises

Best Cruise Ship Bar: Martini Bar, Celebrity Cruises

Best North American Homeport: Vancouver

Best New River Ship: AmaPrima, AmaWaterways

Best River Cruise Line: Viking Cruises

US firm offers 30 kilometer-high balloon ride

Seeking to cash in on the space tourism boom, a US firm is offering rides in a helium balloon 30 kilometers (20 miles) up to gaze down on Earth.

The Arizona-based company World View Enterprises said Tuesday the trip will cost $75,000 and travelers will stay aloft for about two hours in an eight-seat “luxuriously appointed space-qualified capsule”. The capsule will ultimately detach from the balloon and glide to the earth with a parachute.

The flights are scheduled to start in three years. ”Passengers will be among the few to have seen the curvature of the Earth with their own eyes,” the statement said.

“They will be able to gaze at the astounding views, the blackness of space, the brilliance of stars and the thin veil of atmosphere enveloping our planet – scenes previously witnessed exclusively by astronauts – for $75,000,” it added.

“Seeing the Earth hanging in the ink-black void of space will help people realize our connection to our home planet and to the universe around us, and will surely offer a transformative experience to our customers,” said Jane Poynter, CEO of World View.

She is also the co-founder of Paragon Space Development Corporation, which developed the capsule and brought together investors to create the balloon flight venture.

The Federal Aviation Administration has classified the World View capsule as a spacecraft, according to an FAA letter published Tuesday by the company.

Technically, space begins at an altitude of 100 kilometers (60 miles). From there on up, aerodynamic flight is no longer possible because there is no atmosphere.

Tesla cars are going Android

Tesla is often seen as the Apple of car makers so Elon Musk’s decision to update the current flagship Model S with a Google Chrome web browser and Android emulating OS could surprise some.

The company’s CEO made the announcement at a special Tesla event in Munich, Germany this week, but pointed out that the changes will not happen overnight.

So, from late next year Tesla customers will be able to access the internet in-car via Google’s Chrome, and the informatics platform will be fully Android-compatible — it currently runs a version of Linux that can support modified Android and iOS apps — meaning that it will be easy for developers to write Tesla-specific apps or to port existing Android apps to run on the car’s software systems.

As well as being the pure electric vehicle with the longest range on a single battery charge currently in production, the Tesla Model S also has the largest touchscreen interface of any road car.

The 17-inch system not only offers an online connection and access to the vehicle’s navigation system, but also replaces many of the analogue switches and dials — for features such as air conditioning — that litter most vehicle cabins.

However creating something that takes full advantage of a display more than twice the size of the average tablet could take some doing on the part of Android app developers — Apple CEO Tim Cook has described most tablet apps on Google Play as simply stretched smartphone apps.

Traveling to Destinations That Become Cherished Memories: Alila Diwa Goa

Can you see yourself lying on the pool lounge chairs of Alila Diwa Goa during your upcoming vacation? This inviting property in Majorda, Goa, India, is a contemporary accommodation where modern elements meet traditional Goan design. Under pitched roofs, in between ceiling high columns, a world of peace and relaxation opens before your eyes.

Showcasing teak wood, local red laterite stone, polished Kota stone and terrazzo flooring, the interiors speak the language of elegance. This luxurious destination awaits its guests with 153 rooms and suites, while the resort’s new Diwa Club offers a lap pool, open air Jacuzzi and a hot tub, all designed to help you forget about daily problems and just become one with the inspiring surrounding nature. Verandas and courtyards make the connection to the outdoors, where lush vegetation adorns the paddy fields. Walks become memorable and the time spent here transforms into the place in your mind where you go for peace.

The Gucci Paris Masters Scarf

In keeping with tradition, Frida Giannini has designed a special edition scarf for the Gucci Paris Masters 

2013 equestrian jumping competition, taking place December 5-8 this year.

As the main sponsor of the annual international equestrian competition, Gucci has set a precedent of introducing an exclusive silk twill scarf to mark each edition of the event. These exceptional pieces are decorated by hand using a watercolor dye technique.

The 2013 edition scarf, measuring 90 cm by 90 cm, is adorned with Gucci’s signature green-red-green ribbon pattern. There are also other images associated with the brand and with the equestrian theme, such as stylized horse heads, riding stirrups and bridles.

The limited edition Gucci Paris Masters 2013 scarf will go on sale in the brand’s pop-up store in the “Village” outside of the event this December. Price: €295 (around $400).

Special editions and festively packaged spirits

Whisky, cognac, vodka, rum… Whether sipped in cocktails before a meal or straight up after dessert, spirits are an essential holiday tradition in many a family. These 10 holiday editions are sure to add a bit of extra flair to the yuletide table.

Truffle and Vodka by Belvedere

This year, Belvedere’s holiday gift set honors the rare and precious truffle, whose intense taste provides a sublime accompaniment to vodka.

A bottle of Belvedere Unfiltered is nestled in a birch box alongside a 25g truffle and a special knife, providing everything you need for an unforgettable tasting experience.

Price: €200 (around $275) - Available at La Grande Épicerie, Lafayette Gourmet, Lavinia and Hédiard

The Nikka Box

The whisky distillery is offering a highly original gift set this holiday season. The black cube-shaped box sits atop a lacquered wood base, which becomes a service tray when removed.

The top part of the box unfolds to become a mini-bar, containing six of the distillery’s finest whiskies. A limited edition of just 500 Nikka Boxes are available, for sale in Europe only.

Price: €595 (around $815) - Available at the Maison du Whisky and select wine shops

Ballantine’s 12 years by Front

Ballantine’s enlisted the help of Front, a collective of three Swedish product designers, to create unique and innovative servingware for its holiday gift set.

To accompany the 12-year aged whisky, the three designers created an intriguing ensemble of copper, glass and oak to ensure a festive and interesting tasting session.

Price: €375 (around $515) - Available in a limited edition at select stores.

J&B Tattoo Colors: Sébastien Mathieu edition

The classic J&B bottle has been wrapped in a skin-like silicone cover and tattooed for the “Tattoo Colors” limited edition, first launched earlier this year.

This December, a special limited edition will be available at the Publicis Drugstore on the Champs-Elysées in Paris, featuring a tattoo design from well-known tattoo artist Sébastien Mathieu.

A graduate of the prestigious Beaux-Arts school, Mathieu is the co-founder of Sphinx, a popular Parisian tattoo parlor.

Price: €150 (around $205)  - Available at the Publicis Drugstore in Paris from December 1

A bottle of 40-year old cognac from Delamain

This year, the prestigious cognac distiller is offering an exceptional bottle, aged since 1963 and made from grapes from the finest growth region (or cru), Grande Champagne.

Price: €650 (around $890) - Available directly from Cognac Delamain

A handmade sculpture for Grey Goose vodka

For this ultra-limited edition, a bottle of Grey Goose vodka goes inside a true work of art. A total of 250 hours of work went into creating this oval-shaped metal sculpture, which features interlacing lines and a wheat motif, a nod to the vodka’s main ingredient.

Price: €450 (around $615) - Available at select high-end wine shops

Grand Marnier honors its Parisian heritage

This holiday season, Grand Marnier is paying tribute to its birthplace on the Boulevard Haussmann in Paris. The label is shaped just like the famous street signs of the French capital, and the bottle itself is decorated with a sketch of the city’s skyline.

Price: €19 (around $25) - Available in a limited edition in select stores

A limited edition carafe for Bombay Sapphire

To celebrate the opening of its new distillery at Laverstoke Mill in 2014, Bombay Sapphire has produced a limited edition carafe honoring the site.

In the brand’s signature blue, the distinguished and refined carafe would make a lovely addition to a holiday table.

Price: €115 (around $160) - Available from November 1 in select stores

Zacapa XO rum in a miniature barrel

The Guatemalan rum, aged at 2,300 meters above sea level, is available for the holidays in an original gift set. A case resembling the barrels used to age the rum opens up to reveal a bottle of Zacapa XO and two tasting glasses.

Price: €120 (around $165) - Available at select wine shops

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Cityscape series

This very luxurious edition allows whisky aficionados who are also jetset travelers to collect their favorite beverage on their journeys. Designed by Innovation Kitchen and featuring drawings by Michael Ng, editions for Hong Kong, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Mumbai, Auckland and Singapore feature the skylines of each city and are only available in the city in question.

Price: $399 - Available in limited numbers only in the city inspiring the design