Money can?t buy you happiness but it can surely buy the means to keep you happy. And for those with an eclectic taste in lifestyle, happiness often means being able to indulge in their passions. From antique collections, luxury rides, limited editions ranges, to auctions that the world has their eyes on, Exec Lifestyle gives you a sneak peek into the uber rich lifestyle.

This week, we have the perfect fix for your luxury holiday, something to keep your grey cells engaged, edible gold, and more.

For a romantic getaway

To spend a fortnight on a luxurious holiday means you need to equip yourself withthe right luggage carrier, and the Tumi Arrive Zurich 4 Wheeled Expandable is justthe thing you need. A unique blend of contemporary understatement and Tumi?s advance technology, this fortnight travel accessory is meticulously appointed with the finest aesthetic and engineering features imaginable. This extra-large packing case, Arriv?, has the easy maneuverability of a four-wheel design and flexibility with a main compartment that expands 2.5". Polyester fabric, striking chrome accents, custom-made handles, intelligent interior organization and numerous patented components are some of the other features this suitcase has to offer. Price: 99,500 INR

Tickle your brains

A clever piece of puzzle game that tests your wits, the Rubik cube, invented by Erno Rubik, has always been fascinating toy, with its fans among some of world?s most eminent personalities.  This simple game has also won many awards for the genius concept behind it. Invented in 1974, its fortieth anniversary was specially commemorated by Fred Cuellar CEO and founder of Diamond Cutters International, by creating a jewelled masterpiece version of the regular Rubik Cube. Called the ?Mona Lisa?, this special Rubik Cube is embedded with several precious metals and stones - 18 carat yellow gold, 22.5 carat Amethyst, 34 carat Emerald and 34 carat of Ruby. Diamonds, sapphires, emeralds and rubies have replaced the classic coloured panels. Valued at $2.5 million, it is the most expensive puzzle in the world.

Not just for any sport

It?s a given that the costliest sport in the world will have the costliest accessories to go with it. Bringing a smile on every passionate and extravagant golf lover in the world is the BW1 Golf Cart hovercraft ? a creatively designed golf cart fitted with 65 hp twin cylinder Hirth engine. As a result of which, this golfer?s joy ride is unparalleled in terms of dexterity of movement. Manufactured to carry four golfers and two golf bags with ease, this hovercraft is making a buzz for its patented fly by wire reverse thrust system. It gives it a backwards speed of 25 mph. Golfers looking for comfort, ease, and precision can order this game companion at Hammacher Schlemmer for a princely sum of $58,000.

Edible gold

Fritz Knipschildt, a Danish baker, is popularly given the title of Willy Wonka of Connecticut for creating the most expensive chocolate in the world - the Madeleine. His shop, Knipschildt Chocolatier in South Norwalk, Connecticut, is famous for using fresh ingredients, without any preservatives and additives. The best of his hand made artisan products is the Madeleine itself, whose ingredients include - a creamy truffle ganache made from French Valrhona chocolate blended with fresh cream infused with vanilla pods and pure Italian truffle oil. But the rich and expensive ingredients alone don?t justify the jaw-dropping price tag it carries. According to its creator, the price is a reflection of the hair splitting skill the chef needs to have to make this chocolate. The ganache, which is another constituent of this mouth-watering delicacy, is whipped and folded by hand for a long time to make it as silky.

The chef also has to endure freezing temperature when folding the hand rolling of Perigold truffle inside the ganache. Needless to say that one needs to place a special advanced order to purchase this chocolate. These chocolates have a price tag of approximately $2,600 per pound in quantity.

A pricey mistake

The enthusiastic and passionate brigade of philatelists or stamp collectors all over the world have created a demand in the market for rare and unique stamps. As a result, some of them have attained ridiculously high prices. But nothing beats ?Treskilling Yellow?- the only single stamp originally priced at a paltry $2.5. The most expensive stamp was originally printed in Sweden, and was actually a result of a mistake. Instead of their regular three-skilling stamp on green stock, it was printed on a yellow stock paper, therefore the name ?Treskillin Yellow. The Stamp has given rise to popular fashion of wearing T Shirts with a Treskilling Yellow stamp logo on it. After changing several hands, it reached an auction value of over $2.3 million in 2010.

Keep an eye on this section for your weekly updates of extravaganza.

Money can?t buy you happiness but it can surely buy the means to keep you happy. And for those with an eclectic taste in lifestyle, happiness often means being able to indulge in their passions. From antique collections, luxury rides, limited editions ranges, to auctions that the world have their eyes on, Exec Lifestyle gives you a sneak peek into the uber lifestyle. 
Keep an eye on this section for your weekly updates of extravaganza.

The royal fragrance indeed

The title of the most expensive perfume in the world has been given to British designer Clive Christian?s Imperial Majesty. The 16.9-ounce perfume bottle is made up of a material that is very difficult to work with and artists would often end up breaking it during the production process. 

The neck of the bottle is fashioned after the coronation tiara of the British queen and is made of 18-carat gold inset with five-carat finely cut diamonds. This collar can be customised by engraving the owner?s name on it. The content consists of essences from rare and exquisite items like rose oil, orris root, jasmine from India, Italian cinnamon rose, whose single drop requires 170 blossoms! 

Only five bottles are made annually at a price of approximately $215,000 each.  

Redefining technology

3D technology has creating quite a stir. Not just visual media, but in all spheres of technology, 3D is becoming an intricate part. Complying with it is the Logitech 3D Laser Mouse. It enables users to create three dimensional experience with a single click.

But what truly sets this mouse apart from the rest is the gold casing. It is designed by well-known Ukranian luxury makers called the Art Studio MJ.As an added advantage to its customer, it comes with a jewel micro flash drive and a diamond ring. It is priced at $24,180.

Light it up

For many years a lighter has remained the symbol of class, status and lifestyle for the aristocrat smoker. Zippo lighter manufacturers are one of the most celebrated style icons out there, and carrying a Zippo lighter definitely makes a fashion statement. 

Therefore it isn?t a surprise that the well-known lighter manufacturer would celebrate their 75th anniversary with a special edition release, which remains as the most expensive Zippo has ever sold. These Zippo lighters combine a flint-wheel ignition with a naptha-soaked wick. These butane lighters are wind resistant and reliable when it comes to resisting cold weather.  Zippo lighter from the original 1933 make was sold for $37,000 making them one of the costliest lighters in the world.

Diamonds for ears

iDiamond earbuds are presently the most expensive ones winning the competition hands down. From design perspective, iDiamonds have not achieved any remarkable benchmark, as it follows the old flat surfaced earbud pattern that was produced in their initial years. Nor is the sound quality of any exceptional level. So what makes this the most costly earbud in the world? Diamonds of course! 

These little machines are studded with 200 diamonds weighing over 1.65 carat, which is quite heavy for an earbud. And the extravaganza doesn?t end there. The earbud comes in a pure gold casing of 18 carats. 

Designed by Thomas Heyerdahl of the famous Norvegian line of jewellery, it comes with a price tag of $6400.

Bottoms up 

Joel Heffernan, the 23 year-old bartender, has made his name in the world of costly alcoholic beverages by making the Winston. 

Heffernan's makes the cocktail drink, which is named after Sir Winston Churchill, at Club 23 in Melbourne, Australia. This cocktail is mentioned in the Guinness Book of World Record as the most expensive cocktail.

The astronomical cost of this luxurious drink is owing to the 1858 Croizet Cognac that goes into it. The actual value of a bottle of this cognac is a jaw dropping $157,000 and one shot would easily set you back by $6,000.

Along with the cognac there are other fine ingredients that add to its value, such as a dash of Angostura Bitters, Chartreuse Vieillissement Exceptionnellement Prolonge, and Grand Marnier Quintessence. The drink can be garnished with a little coconut, rose essence, poppy seed essence or chocolate nutmeg dust. It is said that it takes almost two days of effort to produce one sample of this drink.

By: Ritwika Gupta
 

Sinful. Royal. Mystical. Chocolate. Aroma. Wellness. Relaxation. Indulgence. Haven.

Ponder over these words with your eyes closed and it?s likely that your senses will immediately transport you to a quiet serene aromatic environment with soothing music playing in the background. Welcome to the wonderful world of Spas!

?To make the right choices in life, you have to get in touch with your soul,? said Deepak Chopra. Swamped in the rigmaroles of daily life, the mind, body and soul often seek a retreat. Whether you?re a working professional, homemaker, entrepreneur or student, it is imperative for everyone to unplug from your routine life once in a while and escape to another world - where you can relax and rejuvenate.

What?s more, if you love indulging in spa therapies, you?ll be happy to know that these rituals come with a set of amazing health benefits as well. A visit to the spa not only caters to one?s cosseting needs but also offers the much needed care and benefits that our body and skin require.

Studies have shown that physical therapies are necessary for our overall well-being. The spa at The Deltin Resort, Daman, offers a variety of treatments that modulates energies and stimulates the body's natural healing abilities. Deltin Spa operational manager Mahalaxmi Pillai says, ?Every treatment we offer is based on the concept that the body?s own energy is the natural source of healing and well-being. People visit our spa for our unique Balinese massage, which is a form of a traditional Indonesian massage that originated in Bali.?

According to Pillai, the Balinese massage uses a variety of techniques including stretching, skin rolling, kneading, stroking, pressure-point stimulation and aromatherapy to stimulate the flow of oxygen and ?qi? (energy) around the body. The massage not only helps in calming down the body but also boosts blood circulation and targets knotted tissues in the body. When combined with the aromas of essential oils, a Balinese massage is sure to give you a relaxing experience while addressing physical issues as well.
Treatment: Balinese Massage
Duration: 60 min/90 min
Price: Rs 3500 ? Rs 4500 (excluding Tax)

Traditional Chakra therapies are also beneficial for deep healing and balancing. Chakras refer to the seven centres of spiritual power in the human body.  At Aura Nand Spa, Mumbai, qualified master therapists called ?ajarns? provide Chakra treatments that take customers on a tranquil journey.

Aura Nand Spa & Moh Spa CEO Derek Machado elaborates, ?For Aura, we have introduced the Chakra therapy, a customized treatment that will focus on your chakras to help you find balance. It increases awareness and also the strength of your immune system.?

The Chakra therapy at Aura Nand Spa is based on a traditional lomi lomi technique that involves the usage of palms, forearms, fingers, knuckles, elbows, knees, feet, sticks and stones to knead, rub and sooth the skin.

According to a research study conducted by Marc Zollicoffer for Aveda Corporation, each chakra of our body is associated to a specific aspect of our lives and by focusing on that chakra we can become aware of those issues and then work with them to achieve greater health and happiness.
Treatment: Chakra Therapy
Duration: 60 min
Price: Rs 2600 (excluding Tax)

Hot oil massages have also increasingly become popular within the spa and salon industry. It helps improve blood circulation in the body from head to toe. The head oil massage at the Deltin Spa is a thirty-minute treatment that improves concentration and activates blood circulation. Pillai explains, ?The head oil massage aids in quick and sound sleep. It strengthens your hair roots, relaxes, calms your mind and reduces stress.?

Treatment: Head Massage
Duration: 30 min
Price: Rs 2000 (excluding Tax)

Similarly, the newly introduced hot oil massage at the Mumbai based Moh Spa can bring lasting relief to body aches, tensed, exhausted and painful muscles. Machado elaborates, ?In 2015, we?ve introduced the hot oil seasonal treatment where heated candle oil is poured directly onto the skin of the customer in order to warm and massage the whole body. Hot oil massages calm the nerves and promote longevity.?

Treatment: Hot Oil Massage
Duration: 60 min
Price: Rs 1600 (excluding Tax)

The Duo massage offered at the Deltin Spa uses techniques based on healing traditions. Pillai informs that two therapists mirroring each other?s movements perform the massage. Not only is this synchronized massage the ultimate form of indulgence, but it also targets the deeper layers of connective tissues and focuses on areas of tight muscle fibers that form in the muscles after injuries. Pillai adds, ?It can be like experiencing two full body massages at the same time. The therapists will use the client body as a canvas onto which they choreograph slow, detailed moves of varying paces and pressures.?

Treatment:  Duo Massage
Duration: 30 min/45 min
Price: Rs 4500 ? Rs 6500 (excluding tax)

Apart from the physical benefits, spa therapies also take good care of the skin. Good skin care helps delay the natural aging process and prevent various skin problems. Shvasa Spa at Hyatt Regency in Gurgaon offers the Revitalize Facial, which purifies the skin, removes excess oil and stimulates circulation. Hyatt Regency Gurgaon director of rooms Vishal Sapra says that the skin treatments reduce impurities and restore balance.

?We have a treatment called Shvasa Ritual that is also part of our bridal package. It begins with a gentle exfoliation enriched with rice, milk, oatmeal and honey. Rice and oatmeal gently peel off dead skin while milk and honey enrich the skin with deep nourishment. Skin is detoxified with sandalwood and fuller?s earth mud wrap, which draws out impurities, nourishes the skin and refines skin pores,? Sapra says.

Treatment: Facials, Shvasa Ritual & Hand Feet Treatment
Duration: 3 weeks package
Price: Rs 7000 (excluding tax)

So, the next time you visit your favourite spa, consider these various modern day therapies, which promise some amazing health benefits!

Collecting new designations as they go up the corporate ladder is something that is common to most executives. But, what many don't know is that these executives also harbor a secret passion of gathering collectibles. The most common being stamps and coins to airplane models, books, chess boards, comics, masks, rugs and paintings. Collector's Item refer to what executives like to collect, the places they acquire them from and how they nurture their interest on a regular basis.

We take a peek into Cartoon Network Enterprises India and South Asia director Jiggy George's numerous collections in a variety of items. His plush office cabin is filled with a range of Cartoon Network merchandise of Johny Bravo, Powerpuff Girls, Dexter and other characters.

Apart from this, Jiggy is an avid collector of comics, coins, stamps, masks and music CDs inlays! "All of these passions have been there from a very early age. I keep collecting and the only constraint is the size of the home," he says.

oldlecting new designations as they go up the corporate ladder is something that is common to most executives. But, what many don't know is that these executives also harbor a secret passion of gathering collectibles. The most common being stamps and coins to airplane models, books, chess boards, comics, masks, rugs and paintings. Collector's Item refer to what executives like to collect, the places they acquire them from and how they nurture their interest on a regular basis.

We take a peek into Cartoon Network Enterprises India and South Asia director Jiggy George's numerous collections in a variety of items. His plush office cabin is filled with a range of Cartoon Network merchandise of Johny Bravo, Powerpuff Girls, Dexter and other characters.

Apart from this, Jiggy is an avid collector of comics, coins, stamps, masks and music CDs inlays! "All of these passions have been there from a very early age. I keep collecting and the only constraint is the size of the home," he says.

If investing in art is not your scene, try investing in vintage guitars. The symbol of rebellion is now up for grabs. For real guitar fanatics, the stringed instrument is no just their prized possession, but also a smart investment option.

"You-must-be-out-off-your-mind," were the jeers from friends and family when front man and Mumbai based guitar teacher Larry Lopez bought his JACKSONKV_2 (special edition ) in the US, which cost him over Rs 100,000. Among his other collection of guitars, this prized beauty demands attention. "It's such a beauty but is purely an investment. I hardly play it. "The guitar has a silver swirl finish and is a single piece of the finest wood with no joints anywhere."

Another Guitar lover, Fali Damania, a sound engineer who has a sound studio OVER THE TOP, in Bandra, Mumbai, owns a vintage GIBSON LESPAUL GUITAR. Fali bought this guitar for Rs 30,000 (while the original cost is Rs 200,000). "A couple of lakhs spent on vintage guitars is worth the investment," says Damania. Not just this, he has also got 10 other FENDER VINTAGE GUITARS ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 70,000 apiece. "At least 60 per cent of the buyers are either music buffs or inspired by those around them," says Fali.

But do guitars make for a smart investment?

"The popularity of the guitar as an investment option, will rise by 30 per cent by next year. The best thing is that the 

prices don't dip after shooting up," says Larry.

Music experts say that the trend has caught on mostly in the past two-three years among people in the age group of 40s and 50s. Explains Delhi based professional Navin, "After they are all settled, they want to hold on to something that will make them feel young."

Now that's what you call a double treat -- a lucrative investment option and also a great anti-aging treatment. What are you waiting for? Can you ask for anything better? "GO GUITAR HUNTING!"

Roshini Bakshi, Director-Consumer Products, Walt Disney India offers a peek into her treasured jewelry collection to Nidhi Jain.

Whenever I go abroad, I keep at least one evening free to browse around stores. I like checking out things. I pick up pieces which generally you would not see. It's unique to my taste rather than suiting a particular dress since I never look at it in that fashion. If I find it different I just pick it up.

I have pick up many pieces from Italy, especially from Emrano, because there are lots of glass works there. I love the way they make glass pieces. I collect a lot of trinkets from London as they have jewelry from all over the world; there is a lot more variety there. I have different kinds of jewelry picked up from Hong Kong, since it's a gateway for Korea, Taiwan, and China. Also, when I went to South Africa, I picked up a few. And there is of course India.

Strangely, I do not do too much of investment in traditional gold with stone work in it because my parents taught me that it doesn't have value. I keep getting the most beautiful pieces from collections of Roopa Vohra and something authentic from Tribhuvandas like gold. I will never buy anything which is in a shape of a pipe (kada) because inside it's hollow. It's supposed to have no value at all.

My mother buys tons of jewelry in gold and nothing else. She taught me how to choose flawless diamonds, how to look at it in the light etc. I know a lot of designer stores have come up but I still go back to places I feel sure about.

There is a store in south called Baba Lal which has been around for over 100 years. I picked up all my diamonds from there. I know that any stage I can go back and there's a quality to it. Similarly I never buy pure gold from abroad. When I travel abroad I experiment a lot in stones, while in India I go for 22 K.

I started picking up lots of silver jewelry when I was in college. I am fairly experimental with jewelry and with clothes. I am willing to experiment as long as it does not look out of my age. As to how I keep up with fashion, I look at magazines, fashion trends. Ultimately it's about our own taste; it has to suit our body type. I hate wearing something just because it's in fashion.

It's not easy to take care of jewelry Firstly they have to be kept separately from each other. Diamonds should not rub together; I keep all my valuables in a box with cotton.

I would love to experiment with the work of Notandaas and Popleys, if somebody gives it me but I would not buy it or invest in it. Experimentation is very different from buying and keeping.

I am very happy with what I have collected since it's about personal satisfaction. I feel very satisfied and happy when I get compliments from my friends on the design and beauty of my jewelry

Best compliment - 'How have you been able to pick these?' I am just left thrilled.

Roshni's Tips for when you're on a Shopping Spree:
@Whenever you travel, look around. There are no destinations.
@Every place has a unique value.
@ If you look out for what fashion magazines have to offer, they will take you back to stores. It will never be unique, that you can proudly call your choice.