The Jet Business, the world’s first corporate aviation showroom for business jet aircraft, has just opened at One Grosvenor Place, Belgravia, London. Ultra High Net Worth Individuals, government officials, royalty and influential corporate executives living in the capital or visiting from overseas can, by appointment only, plan their business jet sale or purchase with experts and analysts in complete privacy. In this unique store front setting, The Jet Business has reinvented how business aircraft are transacted. Steve Varsano has spent over five years planning this unique venture and plans to roll out the brand in additional global locations.

At The Jet Business, guests can enjoy a fully immersive and educational experience. The sales and research team provides independent, transparent and impartial advice. All under one roof potential buyers can be educated on the widest range of new or pre-owned business jets available on the market today. The Jet Business simplifies the corporate jet sales experience and the entire model is built upon the client journey.

A customised iPad application powers the showroom’s technology that compares and contrasts the various aircraft types to an individual’s profile. How much do you want to spend? How many passengers do you want to carry and what range do you need? What is the preference on aircraft age? Full time analysts and business intelligence teams create the information engine using real time market intelligence to deliver unique market data. This information, including comparative graphic images and full size 1:1 cabin cross sections of the jets are viewed on the electronic floor to ceiling screens of the showroom.

The focus is on the personal face-to-face approach and a large proportion of the clients are from repeat and referral business. Consequently, if clients are unable to meet at The Jet Business office, the team will travel to any destination in the world and bring a mobile version.

“As well as inviting potential sellers and purchasers, it is equally as important for us to partner with the manufacturers and other corporate aviation vendors. As an independent buyer’s representative we are completely impartial with our advice and provide a neutral environment” Steve Varsano says.

The Jet Business is focusing on the upper end of the business jet sector including aircraft types from Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Cessna, Dassault, Embraer, Gulfstream and Hawker Beechcraft. The Jet Business also markets a number of pre-owned business jets for owners as their exclusive broker. For the future, Steve Varsano is considering adding the new Supersonic aircraft programmes to the Showroom as well as developing The Jet Business’ presence at the upper end of the helicopter market.

“We have had a terrific response and enthusiasm from the industry,” he said.” “We will work with the leading professionals in the sector to offer a true One Stop Service for business jet shopping and include preferred vendor lists as a supplement to our service.”

“Business jet flying is all about saving time and we are mirroring that ethos with The Jet Business. There are many new buyers out there, from Asia and the Middle East and the emerging markets, who need education on the types available and their specific operating characteristics. Here, they can consider all the options in a dynamic setting.”

Centrepiece of The Jet Business showroom is a full size fuselage of a large corporate jet. Before entering it, clients are greeted with floor to ceiling screens running the length of the showroom. Beyond the showroom entrance and fuselage is a boardroom and a private meeting room. Following this is the trading floor environment for the sales team with individual desks modeled on the corporate jet cockpits of carbon fibre with the dashboards and seats upholstered in the same leathers as in Maseratis and Bentleys.

The brainchild of The Jet Business, Steve Varsano, brings three decades of global experience brokering aircraft. Since 1980 he has brokered more than 300 aircraft transactions with a combined value over US $3 billion, representing both buyers and purchasers. A graduate from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Steve started his aviation career with the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) before starting to trade business aircraft. He worked with different U.S. based aircraft sales companies and directly for the same type of Ultra High Net Worth clients he works with today in the merchant and investment bank industry before launching his own company that eventually evolved in to The Jet Business.

His commitment to launching the first consumer brand in business jet trading stems from his belief that business aviation and its clientele base can expand dramatically if customers (especially from the new emerging markets) have more knowledge about how to go about purchasing or leasing a jet and expose all the options open to them as well as market aircraft in a way that has never existed before. This is where The Jet Business Showroom comes in. Although located in London, The Jet Business believes its main clientele will be based all over the world and will make its new showroom a destination location for the UHNW individuals and corporate executives.

For more information visit www.thejetbusiness.com

Swiss Development Group SA, the brains and inspiration behind ViVo’s favourite development of 2010, Du Park, is unveiling a limited collection of luxury chalets in the Swiss Alpine village of Saas Fee with a design inspired by Norman Foster. Named Pinacle Chalets Luxe they will offer rarity of site, rarity of design at the highest level of exclusive comfort.

If the quality and awe-inspiring attention to detail of Du Park is anything to go by, SGD’s latest development is a shoe-in for the ViVo seal of approval.

Pinacle’s Foster-inspired design is a contemporary twist on the traditional Swiss chalet that allows for more light-filled interiors. The three-storey chalets offer a stunning view of the Alps from the curving glass balconies and picture windows. The floor plans have been purpose-designed to make the most of the living space which measures between 95 – 185 m².

Construction work started in May 2011. Two of the chalets can be sold to non-Swiss residents and prices start from 1,800,000 Swiss Francs, approximately £1,300,000. Future owners will become privileged members of the Rockefeller Living Club which will shortly be launched by Swiss Development Group to provide their members with a range of first class services.

“Swiss Development Group’s projects have in common their outstanding landmark features like the Hotel Du Parc Kempinski Private Residences situated above Montreux. They are established in exceptional sites such as Saas Fee,” said Nicolas Garnier, CEO of Swiss Development Group. “The chalets have been designed with a contemporary interpretation of traditional construction combined with a charming Swiss Alpine flavour.”

Saas-Fee lies in the idyllic Saas valley surrounded by the highest mountains in the Swiss Alps with access to 145 km of outstanding ski trails for all levels. It is located in the South of Switzerland close to the Italian boarder. The village is car-free and, like a shell, is encircled by 13 four-thousand-metre peaks at the base of the glaciers giving it its distinctive name: “the Pearl of the Alps”. Saas Fee is an all-year-round destination which offers exceptional mountain adventures regardless of the season.

For further information visit: www.pinacle-saasfee.ch or www.sdg.ch

By Judith Pratt.

When you consider the level of detail and preparation that goes into making a wedding unique, it seems remarkable that so many of us are happy to settle for a simple, dare I say, standard photo album.

While the photo album is as much a part of the wedding tradition as cake and bridesmaids, it’s curious that this element of the big day hasn’t evolved into something more special. Every element of the wedding day has its luxury option and bespoke alternative, yet we’re still ordering the same old photo albums.

One company doing their bit to redefine the concept of wedding mementos is Unique Wedding Memories. A team of professional lifestyle journalists, editors and photographers who have spotted a niche for unique, premium quality wedding souvenirs. Their luxury wedding books offer so much more than a place to display your wedding photographs.

By combining lifestyle reportage with journalist flair, they have created a concept that is bound to appeal to those seeking more than a photo album to remember their day by.

Vanity Printing Press commissioning editor Charles Michum explained the vision:

“Lots of things happen on a wedding day that you simply can’t capture with just photos. Important memories such as the vows, best man’s speech and first song fade into obscurity and people find themselves forgetting that precious detail. That’s where our journalism experience comes in. We know people want photos, but many of our clients don’t realise how much detail can be missed until they receive their book and are able to reflect on the finer nuances of the day.”

“We interview guests, transcribe all the speeches and use our journalistic nous to distill the essence of the celebration into words. We then take a selection of the most editorially intriguing photos to illustrate the story that we uncovered. We can create traditional wedding albums to go alongside the book, so there’s no pressure to cram them all in alongside the editorial.”

Based on the luxurious samples we received, it’s hard to imagine this kind of service not taking off. The sheer range and flexibility of package options means that there’s a reportage choice for every wedding. An all out luxury package including 12”x12” hard-back books, 12”x12” hard-back photo albums plus smaller hard-back memento books can cost as little as £700 or as much as £6,000, depending on the level of service required.

“There are two ways to make your wedding book. You can have a Unique Wedding Memories editorial team attend your wedding and discreetly gather everything they need for your book. Or we can make your book without attending if you’d prefer.

Our editorial team will prepare a brief so that you, or more typically one of your guests, can get all of the essential information on the day. We can supervise and support if needed, one of our team is always on call. Then we put our editor hats on and turn the material into a professionally designed and written reportage spread. This approach particularly suits those having an intimate wedding and couple’s who’d prefer to keep a cap on their spending. Wedding reportage can be a luxury, or it can be a smart value-add that takes the hassle out of ordering photo albums. It’s up to the couple how they want to use our skill and experience.” Explained Charles.

As well as editorial, Charles’ team can also handle your photographic needs.

“For couples who want the convenience and peace of mind of having a team of professional journalists documenting their entire day, we can also supply professional and experienced wedding photographers. We only use photo-journalists that we know and trust and the copyright of the photos belongs to you immediately. There are no delays in getting your photos back and you don’t have to pay any extra for a disc. We can usually get your book back to you in less time than it takes a typical photographer to turn around a photo album.”

Flexible packages range from £500 – £6,499

Work in partnership with wedding planners and consultants, if required.

Optional extras include DVD of guest interviews, memento books, albums, unique and personalised “thank you” books for bridesmaids and groomsmen.

Multi-lingual editors, including Urdu speakers.

No copyright restrictions.

Electronic proof-copy for the client to sign off.

As many copies as required.

Wedding anniversary gift packages.

www.uniqueweddingmemories.com

Born in Bahia, Brazil, the daughter of a professor of English, Daniela studied journalism at PUC University and Drama at Dirceu de Mattos College in Rio and started acting when she was just 8. She went on to train at London International School of Acting and studied Flamenco under Roberto Amaral and Yolanda Arroyo in Los Angeles. She knew no English at the point of her arriving in UK and is now married to an Oscar-winning British actor. She herself has become a critically acclaimed actress.

Of late there has been huge interest in Daniela from international filmmakers. Daniela is also starring in Sir Ben Kingsley’s production (under his SBK Productions banner), based on the story of Taj Mahal.

Daniela last year completed her European tour with the British Shakespeare Company’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She has also starred in film projects alongside actors such as Sacha Baron Cohen, Jeremy Irons and Michael Gambon.

You moved to London to train at the London International School of Acting, what was it that made you move to the UK?

My acting career. Working as a journalist while simultaneously training to be an actor in Rio, I was then inspired to come to London to study English. Although my mother was a Professor of English, I had never spoken a word of the language, so upon arrival here I studied English at every opportunity outside of my waitressing job. A modest opportunity arose through a drama school which, although being possibly the worst drama school in London, I loved it and it presented me with the challenge of getting to grips with Shakespeare’s Richard III.

How has London changed whilst you have been living here?

I moved here when I was 20. London has become full of road works. That affects the look of the town, the flow of energy and the atmosphere which has become increasingly tense. Apart from that London remains its beautiful, magical self.

4) What is it about London that you love?

London remains the most civilized city in the world. The architecture, grandeur and history that you find here are unparalleled. The combination of London’s status as the most cosmopolitan city in the world and the beauty of the English language are enchanting. I love the politeness of the English, the order, and the fact that people give you your space in a city that is so vastly populated. London is huge without making you feel out of your depth and you can still feel at home here. I also adore fine cuisine and I find that you are able to eat in London better than anywhere else in the world.

In London, where is your favourite…

Restaurant?

The Wolseley

Hotel?

The Dorchester

Bar?

Claridge’s Bar

Shopping Area?

Sloane Avenue in Knightsbridge and Portobello for the atmosphere.

Museum?

The V&A

Tourist hotspot?

The classical concerts at St Martin in the Fields.

Area off the tourist trail?

Walthamstow Village

Hidden Gem?

A wonderful tea room we discovered at the back of an antiques shop on Columbia Road. You step down into a wonderful, 70’s styled retro cafe space that sells the most delicious selection of scones and cakes, amid kitsch furniture and furnishings. It was somewhere we stumbled across.

You grew up in Bahia, Brazil and now live in Oxfordshire and London. Did you grow up in the city, countryside or a mixture of the two?

I grew up in the city, and used to spend summer holidays at my grandfather’s farm. I used to wake up with my great grandmother at 5am to milk the cows (she was 86 at the time and still run after us children if we crossed her). So the smell and sound of the country is something familiar and essential to me. I prefer to live in the city. The bigger and more cosmopolitan the city the better for me. I love to be surrounded by beauty and Oxfordshire, the Cotswolds, is exactly that; beautiful, peaceful and so very English. The place in the country where I grew up in Brazil had a different beauty; it was more raw, less sophisticated, very colourful as the sun always shined. At the moment I like to shift between London, Oxfordshire and the States; the three energies are different and complementary.

How does city life in the UK differ to city life in Brazil?

City life in Brazil is characteristic of life in a city that’s part of the developing world, with great beauty. The services and transport system leave much to be desired whilst in London, for instance, they work well. Consequently life is more comfortable in the UK. The public services are more efficient here. In a city in Brazil however you have a lot of colour, music and dance, the atmosphere is more laid back and happy. City life in most big cities in Brazil is dangerous whilst I find city life in the UK comparatively safe.

One of the most obvious contrasts is that of the weather. The sun is always shining in Brazil and instantly picks up your mood wherever you go. Every corner you turn there are people sitting around in bars, outside their houses, in the parks with their guitars, singing and clapping.

London is cold but the seasons are defined and the energy of the city changes with each season, which is beautiful. London in the summer is the most beautiful and atmospheric city in the world.

Your home in Oxfordshire must be like your rural retreat, how do you relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city?

Our home in Oxfordshire is a great place to go to recharge our batteries. It has a very positive and healing energy there and I love taking long walks in the evenings to take in the beautiful surroundings. I stroll around the garden with my husband, which is magic on a late summer evening. It relaxes and recharges me, in preparation for another working week in London.

Do you have an interest in any country pursuits?

I love attending local village fairs. All the stalls, local produce, local beers, live stock horses are amazing. The atmosphere is so friendly, familiar and down to earth. I exercise and nothing beats the long country hikes with all that fresh air and nature. I also love Pub food in England, the portions are generous and tasty. We go to the ones in Burford.

What other areas of the UK do you love?

My mother is visiting from Brazil (I haven’t seen her for two years) and we are planning a trip to York, I can’t wait.

Where are your favourite holiday locations?

Prague – for me one of the most pleasant and sophisticated cities in the world.

My mother and I have just come back from Paris, my husband is filming there, and this time I loved it. I love the Right Bank, the Vendome Square, the Rodin Museum… It’s so very elegant. I love that every time I go to Paris there is something new to see or visit.

You are starring in a film produced by your husband Sir Ben Kingsley called ‘Taj’ that is based around the story of the Taj Mahal. Can you tell us a little more about your role?

The film will tell the story of the circumstances leading up to the greatest monument to love; the Taj Mahal and the extraordinary love shared between Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. Ben will portray Shah Jahan and I will play his first wife who was ignored by him, Kindhary Begum. Mumtaz Mahal has not been cast yet.

How long did you spend in India filming?

We had a trip to India in January to explore and research the area and history for the movie. I thought it was magnificent and it has made me incredibly excited about starting filming. We are still in the pre production stages.

Did you have chance to explore the country?

In addition to Agra, our visit only further permitted trips to Goa and Mumbai, so sadly not. We didn’t even touch the tip of the iceberg as I get the impression India is such an expanse of beauty, history and a treasure chest of narratives that tell their own, unique stories. It seems to be such a diverse land and not any one region could possibly be reflective of the country as a whole.

What is it about the Taj Mahal that you think draws so many visitors per year?

Its energy and profound beauty. The Taj Mahal has the most disarming energy that is hard to understand if one has not visited it first-hand. Not only is it architecturally striking but the tale behind the Taj Mahal is so powerful that this is reflected in the overall atmosphere surrounding it. When I stood in front of the Taj Mahal I had the feeling of being facing perfection.

By Emyr Thomas:

The London Restaurant Festival is a citywide celebration of eating out, designed to showcase London’s diverse and exciting range of restaurants. From 4 to 18 October, food lovers can explore some of the capital’s finest cooking, from its high-profile Michelin-starred restaurants to coveted neighbourhood gems.

photo credit: Marco Baldanza

The Festival was created by Fay Maschler, restaurant critic for the Evening Standard, and was launched in 2009. In the Festival’s inaugural year, more than 450 restaurants from across the capital took part, each running attractively priced Festival Menus, designed to showcase a restaurant’s individuality and cooking style. The organisers hope that over 800 restaurants will participate in the Festival this year, with a clear strategy focused on ensuring that every one of the 33 London boroughs is well represented by its restaurants.

This year’s event includes the following highlights:

‘Gourmet Odyssey’ – In one lunchtime, food enthusiasts can eat at three influential restaurants, meeting chefs and fellow foodies along the way. Starting with a champagne reception at The Met Bar, guests will be transported from one restaurant to another on a Routemaster bus;

The Big Debate – Speakers including AA Gill and Janet Street-Porter will argue ‘Is French Food a Spent Force?’

The Big Quiz – The Big Quiz will be one of the Festival’s more intellectual contributions to the capital’s culinary scene, hosted by Rowley Leigh at his restaurant Le Café Anglais on Monday 11 October;

Supersonic Masonique – The Festival sees the return of the original pop-up restaurateurs, Pablo Flack and David Waddington of Bistrotheque. Following the success of 2009′s event, the Bistrotheque boys are putting on another Supersonique Masonique Supper Club, which will be held in the Supersonic Masonique Lodge at the Andaz Hotel;

10-10-10 – Taking place on 10 October 2010, 10-10-10 will see ten celebrated chefs from outside London joining forces with ten of their equally renowned London peers to offer a unique collaborative menu for Sunday lunch;

London Eye – Every night during the festival, one capsule of the London Eye will become a 10-seat pop-up restaurant, with a different chef cooking each evening, including Gordon Ramsay, Richard Corrigan, Angela Hartnett and Giorgio Locatelli; and

The London Restaurant Festival Awards, which showcase London’s best food, chefs and restaurants – Held on 18 October 2010 in Old Spitalfields Market, the Awards will represent the finale of London Restaurant Festival 2010 by bringing together the best chefs and restaurateurs in the industry.

There will be eight awards presented on the night, four of which will be for the best Festival Menus in each pricing category, which will be voted for by the public between 4 and14 October. The other awards will be chosen by the panel of judges.

Bon Vivant
Bon Vivant is delighted to offer ViVo’s readers a trial membership of 2 months for the price of 1 for £100. For affordable luxury with the personal touch, please visit the website or the blog. To purchase tickets for this event, please email info@bonvivant.co.uk or call 020 7278 0642.

Nobel Peace Prize-winning charity MAG (Mines Advisory Group) is offering people the chance to literally live life in the shoes of their favourite celebs with its Give Landmines the Boot auction. More than 60 of the biggest stars in sport, pop, music, fashion, comedy, TV and film have donated to support MAG’s lifesaving work worldwide.

The auction will launch on Ebay at 6pm on Thursday 22 July 2010 with the last bids being taken 10 days later on Sunday 1 August. Fans can register for alerts for the auction from today by visiting www.maginternational.org/boot or by texting MAG BOOT and their email address to 81025.

Who has donated?

Fans of great British comedy could invent their own silly walks in Michael Palin and Eric Idle’s shoes, look absolutely fabulous in Joanna Lumley’s wellies or pedal the piano in Victoria Wood’s stylish Prada brogues.
Pop-lovers can strut their stuff in Katy Perry’s, Little Boots’, P!nk’s or Nelly Furtado’s fantastic heels, and Strictly-fans can step in time in Bruno Tonioli’s boots.

Victoria Wood's Prada Shoes

Long time MAG supporters Elbow have also signed a pair of classic Converse, and former Smiths guitarist and Manchester legend Johnny Marr has donated a one-off pair of Nike trainers that he has decorated himself.

Avid soap fans could find themselves living life in the shoes of their favourite Coronation Street characters with Katherine Kelly (who plays Becky McDonald), Alison King (Carla Connor) and Helen Worth (Gail McIntyre) all donating.

David Walliams’ Handmade Churches English Shoes

And, having watched them commentating on the action of the World Cup for the last few weeks, fans of former England strikers Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker could now own a signed pair of their football boots. Who knows, their new owner might even be inspired to score the next world cup winning goal….

MAG’s Give Landmines the Boot organiser Zoe Corden said: “We’ve been totally overwhelmed by the support we’ve had from celebrities who’ve given up their shoes to help those affected by conflict.

“MAG chose to run a celebrity shoe auction because often its peoples’ feet that are the most at risk from landmine blasts, and all the stars donated to stamp a link between shoes and the dangers that lurk beneath them for millions worldwide.

Martha Kearney’s Handmade Trickers

“With your help their small gestures have the potential to transform peoples’ whole lives and we’re really grateful to all the celebrities who answered our call.

“Some of the shoes have clearly been well loved, others have been well decorated, and all of them will give you the chance to walk in your favourite celebs’ footsteps, so don’t miss the chance to bid!”

To view the shoes and a full list of the celebrities donating visit www.maginternational.org/boot.

Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts has launched five limited edition cocktails – inspired by each of the four women, plus Mr Big – to mark the launch of the second movie.

Available at seven of the Park Plaza UK hotels – each of the cocktails has been designed in conjunction with the official vodka of the film, Skyy vodka, using bottles created by the series’ and film’s infamous costume designer, Patricia Field. Each promises to taste as good as the film will look.

The Star of New York is Skyy vodka with a splash of lemon, gomme and cassis, served in a martini glass – a stylish, sassy drink and the perfect embodiment of Carrie Bradshaw.

Blonde Ambition, made with Skyy vodka, orange and lemon juice and fresh raspberries, is exactly what Samantha would drink – bitter sweet with a real kick down to the last drop.

Red Over Heels, a heady mix of grapes, basil and Skyy vodka, is a down-to-earth tipple which would suit all Miranda-types, whilst Park Avenue Princess, a pretty, pink concoction of Skyy vodka with passion fruit juice and campari is perfect for romantic, Charlotte-a-likes.

As you would expect, the Mr Big-inspired Mr New York, is a macho mixture of Skyy vodka with Wild Turkey, marachino and cola and should coax the men to get involved in the SATC-mania!

Any of the drinks are the perfect way to start or end an evening at the movies, or for you and your friends to simply enjoy a glamorous girls’ night out, Sex and the City-style.

Choose from the stylish bars at:

Park Plaza Riverbank on the Albert Embankment (18 Albert Embankment; www.ParkPlazaRiverbank.com);
Park Plaza County Hall (1 Addington Street; www.ParkPlazaCountyHall.com);
Park Plaza Westminster Bridge (200 Westminster Bridge Road; www.parkplaza.com/westminster);
Park Plaza Victoria London (239 Vauxhall Bridge Road www.parkplaza.com/londonuk_victoria);
Park Plaza Sherlock Holmes (108 Baker Street; www.parkplazasherlockholmes.com);
Park Plaza Leeds (Boar Lane City Square www.parkplaza.com/leedsuk);
Park Plaza Nottingham (41 Maid Marian Way; www.parkplaza.com/nottinghamuk)

Tuatara, Nightclub – Kings Road, Chelsea

The latest addition to Chelsea’s rather well stocked collection of impressive night spots is Tuatara, an opulent and inviting member’s club located not far from Sloane Square. Like the best restaurants and bars, this is one venue that you could walk past without noticing if you didn’t know it was there. A modest entrance is all it needs.

The interior concept is well delivered – regal splendour that would satisfy Kings Road’s original owner, Charles II, combines well with the relaxed opulence of the lounges and VIP areas. It’s a nightclub very much in the old school mould, expect a house band, signature cocktails, a restaurant and a roof terrace. There’s a tone of Middle Eastern elegance that subtly characterises this venue.

If you’re looking for somewhere to entertain clients or friends whilst in London, Tuatara offers a blend of style, refinement and personality that will make for a memorable night out.

For guest list and membership enquiries – info@tuataraclub.com

By Sean O’Meara

If you’ve longed to engage with the planet, to observe its scale, power and vulnerability on a rewarding level, but can’t reconcile the mechanics of explorative travel with your green ideals, then it may be time to redesign your approach to achieving your dream adventure escapade. A large portion of potential adventure travellers are yet to take the plunge due to their environmental concerns and their reservations about the authenticity of planned, guided experiences.  So it’s essential for many that exploratory travel is done in the spirit of conservation and sensitivity for local culture. Respect for nature and fostering a sense of place are at the core of Momentum Adventure’s tread lightly ethos, which is why their bespoke packages are so interesting.

With itineraries crafted to reflect the exacting requirements of the most discerning experiential travelers, Momentum have ushered in an intensely exciting new era for travel of this kind. Empowering their clients to explore the world’s hidden gems with confidence whilst enabling them to maintain a mood of wide-eyed awe is not an easy thing to execute, but these packages deliver such a combination masterfully.

 
Momentum Adventure’s bespoke itineraries introduce the adventurer to the most intense, satisfying adventures it’s possible to under take. They achieve this whilst maintaining a balance between drama and meticulous planning , this is what sets these experiences apart from other packages. The degree of expertise and passion involved in crafting the itineraries enable anyone from a novice backpacker to an experienced adventurer to sample once in a life time spectacles within a framework of consumate yet unobtrusive professionalism. It is the nature of traditional adventure travel that sacrifices to style and comfort are made to accommodate the essential aspect of discovery, but Momentum’s unique take on the concept allows for the most out of the ordinary experiences possible to flow seamlessly into some of the most luxurious.
 
Founded by Matthew Robertson, a traveller and explorer whose enthusiasm was sparked on expeditions with leading exponent Mark Diggins, Momentum Adventure’s premise is that every trip should be a voyage of discovery. To ensure this happens, a team member accompanies all adventures alongside world-renowned experts and guides to enhance the personal experience of the extraordinary. Local knowledge and experience add a seam of authenticity that you can’t get with a typical adventure package.

Due to the high level of personalised service, Momentum Adventure escorts little more than a dozen trips a year, each of them tailor-made and subject to detailed preparation. Clients receive one-to-one consultations, a computer programme that charts and monitors the countdown to an expedition, every piece of requisite equipment including top-of-the-range clothing as well as expedition photography as a memento of the journey. Trips can be tailored for individuals and groups, on a personal or corporate basis.

Whether Heli-Skiing in British Columbia or taking on the arid hostility of California’s Baja peninsula in a dune buggy, each journey delivers the ultimate in experiential travel. Rain forests, the Poles, Kashmir – each a unique venue for an intimate encounter with nature. Respite from the high octane activities on offer comes in various sublime forms. From wine tasting, remote hot springs and luxury accommodation in between adventures. It’s a rare opportunity to be able to be pushed to your physical and mental limits before rewarding yourself with a hot tub wind down, in the Arctic. Never before has it been possible to engage with nature so genuinely whilst maintaining a memorable degree of comfort and style.

 
A series of bespoke (and flexible) outline itineraries including more than 20 destinations have been created for 2010 within three distinct categories:
Sub-Zero (comprising South Pole, Arctic, Polar Research station, Spitsbergen)
Wilderness (comprising Borneo, Mongolia, Jordan, Yukon, Baja)
Ski (comprising Surf & Ski, Kashmir, Lebanon, Japan, British Columbia, St Moritz, Ski the World)

Momentum Adventure Journey packages start at £5,000

www.momentumadventure.com