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.