Ural’s early reputation for iffy reliability came from their insistence on manufacturing every last nut and bolt in-house. But they’ve since seen the light and departed from stubbornly vertical integration, incorporating some of the most capable components in the industry: German-built gear sets by Herzog, an alternator sourced from Japanese …

Following a six-month renovation, the Dorchester Spa has reopened in the Dorchester hotel in London with signature facials by internationally renowned Vaishaly and new discovery Carol Joy of London. Beyond its lineup of specialists, the spa was designed in a glamorous 1930’s Art Deco style, the centerpiece of which is …

The World, the private residential community aboard a luxury yacht, is offering two- and three-week golf voyages this summer. Destinations include Mexico, the Pacific Northwest of the United States, Australia, and Japan. Included in the package are accommodations within the 165 private residences (each available for short-term rental), dining, and …

Palmer Johnson, once the most traditional of yacht builders, bet its future on the sport yacht design in 2002. Its market moved from American owners, many of whom preferred the stacked-wedding-cake design of tri-deck motoryachts, to an international base of clients. Seven years and 17 sleek, distinctive sport yachts later, …

The new Back Cove 37 has the same rugged, handsome looks of its smaller siblings, but the twin-stateroom layout makes it a comfortable cruiser. Sabre, the long-established sailboat and motoryacht builder based in Rockland, Maine, launched its Back Cove Yachts division six years ago as demand for stylish, expensive day …

The Louvre museum in Paris is honoring the life and legacy of Abraham-Louis Breguet, a watchmaker whose contributions to horology include the invention of the tourbillon, which remains a complex, desirable mechanism among collectors. Breguet founded his eponymous watch company on the Quai de l’Horloge, Paris in 1775, after receiving …

London’s Savile Row is known for its tailored clothing, not cycling gear. So when Rapha, the British brand known for its premium cycling clothing, approached bespoke tailor Timothy Everest about collaborating on a suit for the environmentally conscious gentleman who bikes to work, the suit maker saw an intriguing challenge.
This …

Agave aficionados are expanding their horizons, thanks in no small part to three gringos: Master sommelier Richard Betts, contemporary art collector Dennis Scholl, and wine-producer Charles Bieler (Three Thieves Winery in Sonoma, Calif). The trio came together last year to breathe new life into the centuries-old tradition of mezcal making. The …

Opened in June, 2009, this chic boutique hotel features 63 spacious rooms—all boasting spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline. The Ravel Hotel’s big surprise is, of course, its location—the luxe, modern hotel is situated within a stone’s throw of the Queensboro bridge in Long Island City, less than 10 minutes to Manhattan. And while not necessarily associated with glamour, Long Island City does has an industrial-chic appeal, having long been home to a diverse community of artists, making the Ravel Hotel a viable alternative to similarly trendy, modern hotels in Manhattan. Guest rooms feature dressed-up details like 9-foot-tall ceilings, 42-inch plasma-screen TVs, private balconies, glass enclosed shower stalls, and ultra-deep sunken tubs.  There may not be a restaurant on-site, but the Ravel Hotel does offer some unique extras—including a spectacular, Miami-themed rooftop deck outfitted with cabanas, creative cocktails, reclining chairs, and stellar, 360-degree views of the cityscape. Nightly parties are hosted by well-known DJs, and some nights include trend-oriented touches like hand-rolled cigars and premium whiskey tastings.—Alexis Korman

The Ravel Hotel

8-08 Queens Plaza South

Long Island City, NY 11101

(718) 289-6101

www.ravelhotel.com

Tao – Las Vegas and New York

With locations in both New York and Las Vegas, this gorgeous, upscale Asian eatery is a haven for power diners, trend-loving tourists, and those who adore the dinner-as-theatre trope. As seen on a famous episode of Sex and the City, a stunning, 15-foot-tall golden Buddha statue welcomes well-heeled customers to the New York City location, transporting all who walk through Tao’s doors to a romanticized version of the (far) Far East. The Sin City outpost (located inside the Venetian Resort Hotel) was created in 2005, and offers an astounding 40,000 square feet of space. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Vegas Tao transforms into a bumping club late into the night. Both locations feature dazzling décor details like soaring ceilings, imported artifacts, bamboo accents, silk upholstery and dramatically backlit screens, while the menu focuses on premium sushi and Asian-fusion fare, including popular signature plates like the Peking Duck for Two and the Miso-Glazed Chilean Sea Bass. Creatively mixed cocktails, like the Xi Gua Tini ($12), utilize refreshing ingredients, such as watermelon and lime juices, along with premium spirits.—Alexis Korman

Photo by: Tao

TAO (NYC)

42 East 58^th St

New York, NY

212-888-1233

TAO (LV)

3355 Las Vegas Blvd

Las Vegas, NV

702-388-8338

Executive Chef (NY): John Villa,

Executive Chef (LV): Mark Andelbradt

Hungry? The NYC location will offer a 3-course $38 prix fixe menu before 7pm and after 11pm

Insider Tip: The NYC location will incorporate free delivery service to those in the neighborhood.