Luxury Events and International Travel

Martina Navratilova’s Triumph

The legendary tennis star Martina Navratilova discovered she had breast cancer and underwent treatment earlier this year. A few short months later, I had the honor of being her guest at both the French Open and Wimbledon, where she and her partner Jana Novotna won the doubles title in the seniors category. Many friends were worried about how she would cope with chemotherapy while playing in such an intense competition, but she triumphed. The night of the women’s final at the French Open, we got together and celebrated at the Paris apartment of her friends, Iwonka and Gary. Martina shared the story of her cancer discovery, her treatments, and her amazing tennis games in the world’s top tournaments, despite her illness. Also invited was Francesca Schiavone, the first Italian woman to win a singles match in a major tennis tournament. The apartment was packed with 50-plus very excited Italian friends who came to Paris with Francesca from Milan. Martina was in her top form, not at all exhausted from winning the Legend’s title that afternoon and dancing all night! A TV crew from CNN has been following Martina for the past two months, filming a documentary about her life, her tennis game, and her fight against cancer. It will air in August, and in the meantime, I am happy to report she is winning all of her battles.

Bentley Continental Convertible Launch at Villa Lauriston

When Bentley San Francisco asked me to co-host the launch event to introduce the Bentley Continental Convertible to northern California, Villa Lauriston, one of the properties I am marketing, immediately came to mind as the ideal location. The ambiance and splendor of this 1920s replica of a 17th-century Florentine villa was the perfect setting for the Continental Supersports Convertible, a sporty four-seater for those who demand superb performance and exquisite Bentley craftsmanship. On a gorgeous sunny Saturday in late June, the event came together seamlessly. Approximately 100 guests test drove the cars, enjoyed fine food and wine, and toured the property and magnificent gardens.

One of the nation’s finest residences, Villa Lauriston is incomparable. Commissioned in the 1920s by the family of Herbert Edwards Law, the original owner of the Fairmont Hotel, this 20-room, approximately 16,000-square-foot Florentine-style villa features the finest historic materials and artifacts from San Francisco mansions and European palaces. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, this architectural jewel is set in a private 28.4-acre park-like parcel, surrounded by 1,000 acres of dedicated open space. Modern conveniences have been blended with the classic finishes and furnishings from the past to create an environment that is elegant enough for entertaining dignitaries, yet comfortable and conducive for gatherings of family and friends. The magnificent estate includes the main residence, a cottage on a four-car garage, a beautiful pool, reflecting pond, tennis court, conservatory/sunken garden with fountain, former pool/concert stage, two-acre vineyard with 600 vines, vegetable garden and cutting flower beds, picnic area with arbor, and a natural waterfall and stream.

New Crown Jewel of the Amalfi Coast

Tre Ville, the former beloved Positano home of world-renowned Italian opera and cinema director Maestro Franco Zeffirelli changed ownership in 2007. The new owner just completed a multi-million Euro, two-year project transforming this unique property into a spectacular boutique hotel. I was fortunate to be invited to visit the property before the renovation two years ago and to witness the beautiful result in early July at its pre-opening, before media discovers this new jewel of Amalfi Coast.

Villa Tre Ville is located between village of Positano and Hotel San Piedro, overlooking the sea, Positano, and the island of Li Galli. Completely remodeled by one of the region’s finest hoteliers, this new 16-room/suite hotel is by far the best paradise in the region, with beauty, charm, and amazing services, with a staff of 25 who will pamper guest’s every need. It offers the utmost privacy, much like having your own private deluxe villa, making it ideal for a celebration of any kind. During the two years of planning and construction, all the rooms were rebuilt, three elevators were installed, two tunnels were constructed, 20 bathrooms were added, and the kitchens and rooms were renovated. Much of the work was done by the hands of skilled local craftsman, and mules were used to carry the stones up and down the hills not accessible by truck. No details were over looked, and every corner offers the finest quality and ambiance. The magnificent rooms and suites, which are in four separate villas, are beautifully appointed, all with private and spacious terraces and luxurious bathrooms. Charming garden paths connect the villas, three of which have private pools, in addition to the property’s one joint pool and spa. The interior decoration combined the furnishings from Maestro Zeffirelli with newly acquired and custom-designed pieces. There is also a helipad and boat-landing area for guests arriving by helicopter or yacht. The rate (from around 1,100 euros for a deluxe room to 5,000 euros for the three-suite Zeffirelli Villa) includes food and beverages all day and evening; the kitchen staff will prepare meals and serve guests at the hotel terrace restaurant or on their private terrace or room. There are no menus, no mini-bar charges, and no bills to pay throughout the stay. Also, the guests are welcome to pick their own fruits and vegetables grown in the villa’s gardens and the chef will prepare the meals with these fresh ingredients.