In a world of DIYs, guide books, travel blogs, cheapest deals, and travel bundles, we are proving time and time again that booking through a professional luxury travel advisor is the smartest, easiest, and most rewarding way to travel.

Working with a professional luxury travel advisor is about cutting through all the available information and having a professional work with you to deliver the best and most memorable travel experience you can ever have. With expertise and a sense of how to work best with you, a professional luxury travel advisor can specialize a one-of-a-kind trip and hand pick a travel package for you. After all, travel often creates some of the best lifetime memories. So, why not do it perfectly?

While for budget travel, you can get many of the best bargains yourself, the same is not true for luxury travel. Having access to a professional luxury travel advisor is the best way for you to be sure that everything goes perfectly as planned, especially if your taste runs to the very best luxury hotels and airlines the world has to offer.

When you choose a professional luxury travel advisor to plan for your trip, know that you will get access to the benefits that are not available in any other way. And because professional luxury travel advisors specialize in handpicked travel packages, you are sure to enjoy a unique trip that is personalized and specialized just for you.

A professional luxury travel advisor can plan your next trip or give you pieces of advice on your dream luxury vacation destination, giving you the peace of mind and relaxation that you need and deserve. He/she is trained to offer exceptional services, has access to more resources, and is experienced in keeping a well-made travel plan in place.

No matter what you want, where you want it to be, a professional luxury advisor can make it happen for you – a romantic getaway on a private island? A weekend escape? A perfect wedding destination? A Caribbean cruise? Name it, a professional luxury travel advisor can get away with it. He/she can help you and even suggest the best destinations that will best fit your specific travel wants and needs.

Sometimes, doing things alone is not enough.

Reasons Why You Should Consult a Luxury Travel Advisor

While the travel industry may offer various options when it comes to choosing a travel agency to book your trip with, professional luxury travel advisors have first-hand knowledge on the kind of travel that you prefer. They know exactly what you are talking about, what you are expecting from your travel, and can even give you an inside scoop.

Professional luxury travel advisors are dedicated to you and your travel needs. They are after giving you the special experiences that you are looking for when going on a vacation to your dream luxury destination. Aside from the curated travel experiences, you will also get access to special amenities and benefits that you simply would not have otherwise.

There are professional travel planners to do all the planning for you.

1. Personalized travel planning

It can be so time-consuming browsing through all of those Tripadvisor, Google, and Yelp reviews to find the right activities, restaurants, and hotels. A good personal relationship with a professional luxury travel advisor can take all of the guesswork, make the experience seamless, and bring your dream travel to life.

Whether you are the DIY-type or someone looking for a professional to do all the work for you, when you use a professional luxury travel advisor, your trips will surely be tailored to your needs and interests.

Who would not want a vacation that is planned out the way you wanted it to be, optimized for your time, and with all things you love? From a customized itinerary, finest dining options, most beautiful and comfortable accommodations or just a little gift left behind, a professional luxury travel advisor who really knows you can take your trip and travel experience to a whole new level.

2. Peace of Mind, Tranquility, and Special Perks

Aside from saving your time and money, your professional luxury travel advisor is also available before, during, and after your trip – so all you have to do is to relax, unwind, and have fun.

We all know that travel headaches can happen and they are unavoidable sometimes. Think of delayed flights, lost luggage, or canceled flights and you just don’t have the time to deal with it. What a disaster, right?

A professional luxury travel advisor can take those problems off your plate and address them all for you. All these they tackle so you can get on with enjoying the best experience.

He/she also has access to the same (or often better) pricing than you can find online, and can secure special perks like free room upgrades, daily breakfast, and other benefits that you cannot get on your own.

3. Global Expertise and Connections

It is true that most of the time, when major life events happen, our priorities change. If you were once dreaming of traveling to Machu Picchu, you may now desire to stroll through the museums of Florence. Maybe your family has grown and you’re attempting your first international vacation with kids in tow.

Whatever the new development in your life is, nobody knows the ins and outs like your professional luxury travel advisor. Considering your travel wants and needs, the time of the year, and your ultimate bucket list, a professional luxury travel advisor can provide you with the most informed recommendations.

They have extensive personal knowledge of destinations around the world, they have built good relationships with people in those areas who can arrange experiences for you and make your trip truly unforgettable.

4. Trusted advice on travel destination

The professional luxury travel advisors don’t just book clients’ travel, they are well-traveled themselves, and have a wealth of valuable information on which destination and luxury hotel is likely to be perfect given the client’s travel style and preferences.

Time is money, and your professional luxury travel advisor can save you time on travel research while helping you create the perfect trip, based on their and their other clients’ experiences.

Since professional luxury travel advisors’ entire focus is on luxury travel, you would not have to browse through irrelevant online reviews that rave about a hotel because it’s the first (or only) 5-star hotel that the reviewer has been into.

5. Non-stop Luxury

A professional luxury travel advisor can get you exclusive access to events, private tours, and other luxurious extras.

A trusted professional luxury travel advisor can also help you with all sorts of non-travel-related situations. He/she can help you get the most coveted tickets to your hometown team or make a last-minute reservation for your weekend escape. Instead of consuming your time searching for a reputable travel agency or vendor, you can have your professional luxury travel advisor handle all the little details for you.

Having a professional luxury travel advisor is like having your personal concierge who can take your requests and deliver the expected results perfectly and effortlessly. We all know that traveling can be stressful, why stress yourself out when you can rely on an expert that would give you the best and the most seamless approach?

If you are the type of traveler who loves it when someone caters to your every need, it is best to consult with a professional luxury travel advisor. Planning takes time and you surely would not want to gamble on just any travel agency to curate the best travel experience for you. Look for a professional luxury travel advisor who cares about you and your safety and all your travel needs.

Crosswinds is a luxurious community that reminds you of luxury travel everyday,

Luxury Travel at Home

The same experience applies to buying a luxury property. If you are planning to invest in luxury real estate, guidance and advice from knowledgeable real estate sales professionals will lead to a smooth and successful foray into luxury property investing.

If you’re serious about investing in luxury real estate, hiring a luxury real estate sales professional who knows the market is the way to go.

Brittany Salesforce, the official selling arm of Villar-led Brittany Corporation, is composed of real estate sales professionals with vast experience in luxury real estate and a proven track record in handling and servicing the most prestigious clientele in the country.

In purchasing a luxury property, due diligence comes first. A luxury home may have premium appliances and smart tech features, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free from structural damage. Home inspections are a must. Take the time to look into the neighborhood as well. Find out if there are any development plans that could affect property values in the area.

If you are currently in the market for luxury properties, Brittany Corporation offers a fine selection of home designs in excellent locations: Portofino in Alabang, La Posada in Sucat, Augusta, Georgia Club, and Promenade in Sta. Rosa, Laguna and Crosswinds in Tagaytay.

Brittany Corporation is the premier name in luxury real estate development in the Philippines and a subsidiary of the largest homebuilder Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc., that offers Old European and American-themed projects and creates masterpieces of upscale living for luxury homebuyers with a taste for artful living. Beautifully designed luxury properties loaded with a wide range of convenient amenities, definitely worth investing in.

Brittany Corporation’s communities continue to offer luxury properties that are rich in character and sophisticated in thematic appeal. For more information on Brittany Corporation and its roster of luxury-themed properties, visit their official Facebook page.

You’re going to want to be sure to work with a luxury real estate sales professional who has a proven track record and experience in successfully navigating the luxury real estate market. All real estate sales professionals have their specialties and it is necessary that you understand the ins and outs as well as the trends in luxury real estate.

For more information on Brittany Salesforce and their luxury properties, visit Brittany Salesforce Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn:

UP NEXT: New Normal Advantage for Real Estate Professional | Brittany Corporation

Accessories, pet clothing, pet furniture, a luxury home: these are, surprisingly, some of the things pet owners buy for their pets. While some pets are content with a place to sleep and rest comfortably, a place to relieve themselves, plus food and water. Some pets require lots of attention and love, and that play is often included in your day-to-day activities. For pets that have grown with you for years, they require palliative care, and sometimes surgery to address some medical issues.

There are some pet owners who do not mind spending an exorbitant amount of money on anything for their furry pets, even if it means having to move to a luxury home or luxury house and lot to provide lots of open spaces for them to roam and play around. The ones who really do have money to spare go the extra mile of even buying luxury homes for their pets!

Money is no object: Top pet accessories humans have invested in their pets

From posh designer clothes to diamond-encrusted collars to luxurious dog houses, we list down the most expensive pet accessories pet owners have bought for their furry companions. Some of these items are designed and released by recognizable fashion houses that saw a niche market for these luxurious accessories.

1. Macky Crystal Dog Poop Bag Holder: $325

A gold clip-on purse for your dog’s poop? Why not? Image from bitchnewyork.com.

One of the many laborious and annoying things dog owners do is to pick up dog poop. The sight, smell, and the fact that you are picking up dog poop isn’t a very glamourous thing to do. The people behind B*tch New York thought that there is a better way to disguise carrying these smelly wastage by releasing a Swarovski-crystal-encrusted container. Retailing at USD325, you get to carry your dog (or cat) poop that you gathered in a plastic baggie, and no one can really tell that you are on bathroom duty! Also, the crystals embedded on the bag’s flap disguises the bag as if you are carrying a coin purse.

But if you cannot drop some serious cash on this bag, the website has a USD99 version, which has four rows of Swarovski crystals embedded. Whichever you choose, you can definitely say you have upped the bathroom business game into a fashionable, luxury activity. 

Suggested Read: Top 5 Most Expensive Dog Breeds in the Philippines | Brittany Corporation

2. Gianni Versace’s Barocco Pet Bowl: $754++

This luxury dog bowl comes with the signature print of the eponymous fashion house. Image from liveauctioneers.com.

If you are into designer products, you will snag this beautiful bowl for your precious pet. This dog bowl is made of fancy porcelain and features 22-carat gold leaf edges. The signature golden and black Barocco design around the edges of the bowl is quintessential Versace that even your non-logo-loving friends will recognize. 

There is no denying that the make and model of this fancy luxury bowl are perfect for your pet with very refined tastes. Whether the bowl encourages every other dog to eat in it instead of placing dog food on a simple bowl or the floor remains to be seen. But it doesn’t hurt gifting your dog this one-of-a-kind luxury item, which will be great in an Italian-inspired luxury home. It is no longer listed on the fashion house’s website but is being sold on other third-party luxury websites for a much higher price.

Suggested Read: Most Expensive Paintings in the Philippines Ever Sold in 2021

3. Gold-Thread Mattress: $1,000-$3,000

The Gold Mattress is a pet-size version of the bestselling mattress by Italian company Magniflex. Image from The New York Times.

Italian company Magniflex seems to have seen a trend in providing luxury pet beds in the market and is probably the reason they have released the Gold Mattress. The Gold Mattress is a handmade mattress that is made entirely out of 22-karat gold. Depending on the size of your pet and other customization requests, it can easily fetch a whopping $1,000 to $3,000 per custom order.

The Gold Mattress is a smaller scale version of Magniflex’s  Gold Mattresses for adults, which can much command serious cash and elegance in your luxury bedroom. The company, which produces this special mattress line, sells custom mattresses for up to USD24,000 to USD30,000 per custom order. It remains to be known whether Magniflex offers discounts if you order a Gold Mattress for both yourself and your pet, but if you want to show appreciation to yourself and your pet, then money should be of no object.

Suggested Read: The Most Loyal Dogs To Get

4. Couture luxury domed pavilion dog bed: $3,900

Wanted a compact yet sizable luxury home for your dog in your luxury condo? This couture dog bed is for you. Image from www.poshpuppyboutique.com.

Some dogs are quite comfortable sleeping anywhere: the hard-grained floor, a pile of dirty clothes, or a simple, plush dog bed. Other pets just want to get the conditions right, like sleeping in front of the fireplace on cold days, an air conditioning unit during warmer days, or even your bed. Then some dogs prefer to have their very own dog house as they prefer the cocooning effects of having something over their heads.

If you have a dog who likes to have its very own dog house, how about this couture domed pavilion bed? For only USD3,900, this is a perfect luxury accessory for your dog indoors, especially if you live in a home in a city center such as a luxury condo. The outside is crafted from fine, imitation crocodile skin, and it has handmade, embroidered silk as its interior linens. Coupled with a favorite soft pillow or blankie, your dog will have a luxurious sleep inside this beautiful dog home.

Suggested Read: Why Swarovski Crystals Are Expensive | Brittany Corporation

5. Michel’s VIP Parfums: $120 – $4,000

Simple spritz any of the VIP Parfums from this collection and it will keep your dog from smelling, well, like a dog. Image from lespoochs.com.

If you are one of those dog owners who cannot get over the smell of dogs, there is a way to fix that. Introducing the fragrant Michel’s VIP Parfums. Specially made for your canine companions, you can buy either of the two scents available, which are Pink Grapefruit and Mandarin Blossom. Both are made of the finest botanical ingredients and are formulated to make sure your dog smells, well, not dog. Available in 4 to six-ounce bottles at Les Poochs, these perfumes are quite exclusive. You need a special invitation from certain sellers to purchase a bottle.

Suggested Read: Best Essential Oils for Relaxation

6. Couture Futuristic Royal Harness Dress: $6,600

This set of pet accessories is easily a fashionista’s must-have. Image from puppywire.com.

At $6,600 per gown, why wouldn’t you? Give your dog’s wardrobe a major update with custom, handmade luxury dog gowns. According to the designers, these dog gowns are made of the finest bridal silk, ostrich feathers, and thousands of Swarovski crystal elements integrated into the gown. This dog gown also comes with pearls and beading accents that will elegantly highlight your dog’s body. Unlike typical dog costumes, the inner lining of each dog gown is made of velvet, ensuring that your dog wears these very stylish, unique gowns comfortably as well.

You can order the Couture Futuristic Royal Harness Dress, which is for sale on Etsy.

7. Swarovski Crystal Dog Bath: $6,995

It’s not a luxurious bath without a Swarovski crystal dog bath. Image from doggiecoutureshop.com.

Why not give your dog a good, luxurious life with a $6,995 bathtub that’s encrusted with thousands of colored Swarovski crystals? Inspired by a 19th-Century clawfoot style bathtub, your dog will feel like an actual king or a queen with this very expensive bathtub. The clawfoot stumps are in silver, so it feels more like an expensive ornament in the bathroom.

Available in other colors, this bathtub functions like any other bathtub. The bathtub supposedly helps you run a bath for your dog safely and without getting a puppy or grown dog fur clogging your drain. Moreover, it is a special accessory for your dog so he or she can experience royalty and privilege, whether they are aware of it or not.

Suggested Read: Luxury grooming services for pets in the Philippines

8. Expensive Pet Accessories: from $150,000-$4.2 Million

How about jewelry for your dogs? These accessories command thousands to millions of dollars alone. Image from Reuters.

Some pet owners are willing enough to spend more than a Swiss vacation home when it comes to jewelry for their pets.

Commercially, the La Jeune Tulipe Diamond Dog Pet Collar is one of the most expensive and refined dog collars available among luxury dog accessories. Fetching a whopping $150,000 or around P7.5 million, this custom-made dog jewelry features a 1.52-carat diamond as the centerpiece. The main marquise-cut diamond is framed by an assortment of other hand-cut diamonds.

Secondly, the Amour, Amour Dog Collar is easily the most expensive dog collar in the world at an eye-popping $3.2 million. Featuring 52-carats worth of diamonds and around 1,600 diamonds encrusted on the collar in total, the Amour, Amour Dog Collar is a rare investment you can grab for your dog –  if you can though. The strap is in white gold with crocodile leather.

Thai jeweler Riwin Jirapolsek upped his dog jewelry game when he constructed a dog tiara for his Maltese as a gift. Dubbed the Puppy Tiara, it made its debut at a dog show in Bangkok. It’s currently not for sale, but the jewelry, which features over 250 carats worth of emeralds and diamonds, is worth $4.2 million. The jeweler is keen to create a few more pieces of jewelry to compliment the Puppy Tiara.

9. Louis Vuitton Dog Carrier: $58,000

We are pretty sure Paris Hilton has several of these in sizes for her toy-sized pets. Image from Louis Vuitton.

Luxury sometimes equates comfort, ease, and high quality, and this next item delivers.

Louis Vuitton has been known for creating outlandish pieces before, so a dog carrier from this line is not really surprising. What is surprising, however, is how well-made and functional this dog carrier is. The Louis Vuitton Dog Carrier, which retails at $58,000 on the fashion house’s website, looks very chic, thanks to its signature monogrammed print, fancy brass S-lock, and iconic leather-wrapped handles. Designed by Marc Jacobs, this dog carrier is a favorite among fashionable pet owners who want to look very chic and presentable. It also comes with a lavish zinc dish for food and water, plus air vents to make sure that your pet is stylishly comfortable during travel. The best of it all is that there is a space where you can specifically place photos or any form of identification.

10. Luxury homes for dogs

Similar to pet accessories, if you can afford it or have the means to build it on your own, why not? Image from dogingtonpost.com.

Architect Andy Ramus pulled out all the stops when he designed Super Dog House, a $417,000 two-bedroom luxury house intended for two Great Danes from Gloucestershire, England. This luxury home can easily rival any luxury home for sale or a Brittany luxury house and lot in Tagaytay thanks to its furnishings and features. The house is equipped with a $230,000 sound system, a 52-inch plasma TV that continuously plays ‘The Dog Whisperer’, sheepskin-lined, temperature-controlled beds, an 18-inch spa plus a lounge and play area, and dog-vision webcams so the owner can monitor their activity.

This crystal-beaded pet house is also a must-have for jewelry/Hello Kitty enthusiasts in their collection. Image sourced from dramafever.com.

If you are into Hello Kitty or anything bedazzled or bejeweled, have you considered adding this crystal bead dog house to your collection? You simply need to pay $31,660. The Hello Kitty Crystal Pet House features a beautiful bed covered in $75,000 worth of crystal beads. It’s not designed for big pets, so puppies or your very high-maintenance cat will do.

This antique pet furniture is a great home for your posh pet. Image sourced from Alux.com.

The Louis XV Pet Pavilion is an antique piece of dog furniture designed for dogs with taste. Priced at $23,990, this dog bed is modelled after an 18th-century French Rosewood commode during the reign of, who else, King Louis XV. Its style also makes it a great accessory in your luxury home or luxury condo.

If you believe in free-ranging your pet, you may also consider upgrading your home by investing in a luxury home. 

Brittany: A Pet-Friendly Luxury Home

Indeed, you could find such an opportunity of a lifetime at Vista Alabang by Brittany Corporation, wherein you could live your next years in an entirely sophisticated lifestyle in its enclaves.

Pets love to roam and explore in an environment that stimulates their senses. As such, a home with plenty of indoor and outdoor spaces plus natural surroundings will help your pets thrive and live out their best lives. Moreover, pets should be living in a home that can accommodate their demands for play, sleep, and relaxation. It should also reflect the extravagance and effortless quality of life that they deserve.

Brittany Corporation is a pet-friendly residential enclave that features luxury homes for sale with a lot of expansive, outdoor spaces. This is because Brittany Corporation is the first in the country to conceptualize, develop, and manage beautiful residential communities that offer luxury properties. Inspired by the most scenic destinations in the world, each luxury house and lot is rich in character and sophisticated in thematic appeal. The luxury homes not only offer a beautiful, luxurious lifestyle for the homeowners, but also to their furry loved ones as well. 

Check out this space for more inspiring luxury recommendations towards a beautiful lifestyle for you and your furry loved ones

Brittany Corporation is a luxury brand that caters to the discerning Filipino family. As such, Brittany considers every member of the family with every home built and every development master-planned. Each member of the family is very much valued; and by that, Brittany means every kind of family member. In this article, we will be focusing on the smallest, yet probably the most adorable, member of the family: pet cats and dogs. Being the most popular types of pets in the world, they too are luxurious beings and require constant attention and careful care. They even need luxury grooming services, which is why most Brittany developments are near such services.

Suggested Read: The Most Loyal Dogs To Get

Being creatures who have a natural affinity towards taking care of others, incorporating pets into the family can bring joy to both animals and humans—whether it be an exotic pet such as hedgehogs and snakes or a typical domesticated pet such as dogs and cats. This article will focus on the latter type, as exotic pets require specialized services and grooming methods that can be quite rare to find.

Pets have stuck with us through thick and thin, which is why we only want the best for them as special members of the family.

Grooming Services in Demand Globally

The success of grooming services and other animal care services definitely spiked as soon as the ban for all establishments was lifted in the New Normal. A lot of family pets grew long tangled manes and others haven’t had their monthly checkups in a year, making it in demand. And with the wedding fever brought about by the pandemic, a lot of starting families decided to adopt or buy pets while waiting for a better time to welcome a baby. In fact, a new study on millennial women showed that they are really delaying childbirth to focus on career growth in such difficult times.

With that in mind, it makes sense that pets are growing in popularity. However, first-time fur parents may have difficulties in providing the care that their fur babies need. Naturally, just like how parents want the best for their children, parents would want the best for their pets as well. This is why luxury grooming services exist and are fully equipped to serve your pets’ every want and need that matches your luxury homes.

PetBuddy luxury grooming services and pet store in Evia Lifestyle Center. Photo by AllValue.

Suggested Read: Top 5 Most Expensive Dog Breeds in the Philippines | Brittany Corporation

PetBuddy: Luxury Grooming Services in the Philippines

Here is an overview of luxury grooming services by PetBuddy that you can trust to make your pets smell, look, and feel their best.

If you live in luxury homes in the south, regardless of property type, PetBuddy is one of the go-to luxury grooming services. Located in Evia Lifestyle Center a few feet from Portofino Alabang properties, your pets will enjoy a walk around the Italian-inspired mall on the way to the pet salon from your home.

Customized Pet Size Grooming Packages

PetBuddy specializes in providing your pet with a soothing spa day that will keep them at ease even when you leave them there for a little while during your errands, since it is also a pet daycare. Their basic cleaning package includes the three essentials: shampoo, blow-dry, and brush. The full grooming package includes haircut, nail trim, nail file, ear cleaning, tooth brushing, bath and blow-dry, and pet-friendly cologne spraying, among others. You may request additional services for your pets such as facial trimming, anal draining, and eye washing, which are very important for long-haired and senior cats and dogs.

For dogs, pricing depends on the size of your pe based on weight. Naturally, a larger dog would require a more expensive package.

Spa Day for Pets

You won’t have to worry about leaving your pets with strangers because PedBuddy groomers are trained personnel who have a natural love for pets so that your fur babies will feel safe in an unfamiliar environment. Regarding the environment, it is definitely one of the best luxury grooming service because of the pet-friendly ambiance, price, and design. Designed to be a fun and playful environment, your pets will be engaged yet relaxed at the same time. You will also notice that the grooming area has glass walls to provide the illusion that the pet dog or cat isn’t in a small enclosed space without its fur parent. Seeing passers-by outside the pet salon will make your pets think that they’re in just some indoor park with lots of treats.

One-Stop-Shop for All Things Pets

Aside from the luxury grooming services that PetBuddy provides, it is also your one-stop-shop for all things pets. It has a premium selection of pet supplies and accessories. While waiting for your pet to finish his or her spa day, you may browse through all the high-quality pet items and food.

Suggested Read:Luxury grooming services for pets in the Philippines

For bookings and inquiries, you may contact PetBuddy at 09951261309 or 09616763270. Visit them at Lower Ground Level, Building B, Evia Lifestyle Center, Daang Hari, Amanza Dos, Las Piñas City.

Wizard of Paws mobile pet salon and grooming services. Photo by OneLife.

Pet Grooming Services at Luxury Homes

Albeit the New Normal, it’s difficult to even go on short travels for necessities during these difficult times. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) reported that the services sector remained robust, and even thrived, during the pandemic. Home services, in particular, skyrocketed in the New Normal because of the health risks that come with outside exposure. Instead of citizens visiting establishments, stores have transitioned online and invested in COVID testing their employees so that store representatives can serve in the homes of clients. This way, families can safely enjoy services without much risk.

Examples of services that have transitioned outside the physical store include pet grooming services. The luxury of a pet grooming service, however, is difficult to imitate without the right facilities and equipment. As a result, mobile grooming services such as  Wizard of Paws, Park & Bark, and Vanity Fur emerged in the market. Moreover, veterinary services have also gone mobile so that diagnosing and treating your pets can still be possible without risking the health of the family.

Visit Brittany’s official property page to know more about Brittany’s beautiful thematic offerings or follow us on our Linkedin, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts!

UP NEXT: Breeds of the Most Expensive Cats in the Philippines

UP NEXT: Most Expensive Pet Accessories 2021

Have you been aching to find new furniture that can spark up your Instagrammable luxury home? There are tons of furniture shops that can cater to your taste with their vast option of items that are perfect for every aesthetic that can match up your luxury home.

On these shops, you will find beautiful furniture items and even beautiful decors that will surely garner attention once they stumble upon photos of your luxury home and its magnificent furniture while scrolling through their feed. If you plan to live in the south, these hidden gems are accessible to the most luxurious residential areas by Brittany Corporation in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

Luxury House Furniture Shops

Design Armoire

The storefront of Design Armoire, one of the top furniture shops in the country.

One of the top furniture shops is a local furniture store that bloomed from an immense passion in design and sophisticated style, caters the finest home furnishings from hand crafted furniture to unique lamps, designer pillow and luxurious throws. The very first concept store of Design Armoire is located at Ayala Malls Solenad 3, Santa Rosa Laguna.

Their products are not only export quality they are reflection of luxury, authenticity and quality made by talented craftsmen. The intricate wooden pieces they have are definitely a show stopper that can garner attention. If you take a look at the store it may seem like the ambiance is too small for its pieces but it is actually to give its customers a feeling of being inside a cabinet filled with hidden gems of furniture.

What makes it more fun is that if you plan on living here in Santa Rosa Laguna where most luxurious homes are located, Design Armoire is very convenient and accessible from your home and you won’t have to worry about getting stuck in traffic or having a long drive just to shop for your home. This beautiful furniture store will catch your attention even just from the outside of it, so if you are a fan of locally handcrafted pieces don’t hesitate to pay a visit at Design Armoire.

Furniture Republic

Give your luxury home sophistication with high-end furniture that guarantees not only style but comfort as well. From beautifully crafted dining pieces to relaxing recliners that upgrades your everyday comfort, at Furniture Republic, each of their products will encourage you to show the world your beautiful home that exudes class and grandeur. Furniture Republic’s pieces are imported from Malaysia and China, their products range from living area up to bedroom. This is why they are one of the top furniture shops in the country.

With all the high-end furniture to choose from at Furniture Republic you won’t ran out of choices with their products that render decorative art pieces, and functional products that are at a reasonable price without compromising the quality. Aside from their beautifully crafted furniture they also offer other home furnishing products such as lampshade, throw pillow, vases and lights to give you the best shopping experience.

Furniture Republic is the fastest emerging importer and retailer of mid to high end furniture at the best price, from living room, outdoor, bedroom and even furniture for your kids if you plan on decorating their rooms, all their pieces are made specially to match your taste and aesthetic. If you happen to be around the South, don’t forget to drop by their store to check out their new arrival furniture goods, they are located at Ayala Malls Solenad 3 at Santa Rosa Laguna, as of now they have a total of nine branches nationwide.

Lucina Home

If you’re looking for unique pieces that you won’t find in any other stores, then Lucina Home is definitely the store for you. Each of their products are unique and elegant, you may find yourself coming again and again. Compared to the other top furniture shops on the list, most of Lucina Home’s pieces are limited, so if you find yourself in one of their stores, be sure to grab it before someone else does and design your home with a furniture like no other.

Lucina also offers unique art pieces, so if you’re a fan of decorative art such as paintings they offer artworks from local artists that will make a great accent to your home, each of these pieces are one of a kind that you won’t find in any other stores or galleries, they are made specially just for you.  Lucina Home has been successful in giving their clients a memorable shopping experience for their authenticity you truly won’t forget.

Visit Lucina Home at their branches located at Ayala Malls Solenad 3 and Ayala Serin Tagaytay, visit their store and make your home not only luxurious and but also filled with authenticity. Living in the south won’t stop you from having everything you need, because everything is just around the corner for you, with Lucina Home you can show the world your one of a kind luxury home.

Pottery Barn Outlet

This San Francisco based brand has stores around the world, a member of Williams – Sonoma Inc., Pottery Barn has been delivering exceptional quality of home goods and décor for over 70 years, if you’re looking for design pieces for your luxury home, they have everything you need, not only quality is a part of their value but also sustainability has been a part of their core values, whenever you purchase an indoor wood furniture, they plant a tree in partnership with Arbor Day Foundation, plus all cottons from their furniture are 100% sourced responsibly.

Shopping furniture has been made more fun with their beautiful pieces and collections in sustainable style.  Pottery Barn has all your home furnishing needs, from outdoor & garden, bedding, bath, pillow and decors. Their vision is to give their customers meaningful and beautiful designs that brings values, people and their products together. Nowadays what it matters where you shop and what you choose, with Pottery Barn you won’t have to worry because their products are ethically sourced without affecting the quality.

Together with Pottery Barn, we can protect the environment and at the same time show the world the beauty of our homes. Pottery barn has branched out the South area located at Paseo Outlets in Santa Rosa Laguna.

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West Elm

Design your home with an exceptional home furniture inspired from designs all over the world, West Elm, one of the top furniture shops in the country, has everything in store for you, from living room, bedroom and bath, they have all your needs. They offer various designs from mid-century to luxurious 1950s furniture silhouette, such timeless built to last designs will have people admiring your home from every angle.

Not only is West Elm good for your home, but their products are top notch good for the environment, they are known as one of the most sustainable furnishing retailers. West Elm offers different collections that are family-friendly such as their Dalton Sectional couch which are available in various colors from saddle nut leather to basket slub dijon, anything you can imagine for your luxury home they have in store for you.

Whether it be from classic pieces to being a plant enthusiast, they have beautiful terrariums and outdoor furniture that is perfect for your spacious backyard. West Elm has opened a branch located at Paseo Malls Greenfield City, Ground Floor in Santa Rosa Laguna.

So, if you plan on taking a trip to the south make sure to visit Brittany Corporation’s luxurious residential properties that ensures convenience, accessibility, and luxury together in one place, you won’t have to go far to design your beautiful home, everything is right around the corner.

Away from the noise and pollution of the city life and having access to all your needs with establishments just a five-minute drive away from your home, you won’t have to stress yourself from being away from stores and having access to the best schools for your kids. The community in Santa Rosa Laguna is truly meant for your family to settle.

Create a home that exudes elegance and sophistication with all these gorgeous furniture stores, and it will definitely be a home you will never forget if you choose Brittany, we offer various luxury homes at Georgia Club, Augusta and Promenade. At Georgia Club and Augusta, you will experience living in a home that takes inspiration from the charm of good old American south homes and peaceful community that is one with nature.

Aside from beautiful American- south inspired houses, we offer English mansions that graces you with its elegance, made even grander and smarter with its Alexa powered smart home. Schedule a viewing with us and we will give you a tour of elegant homes that blends within the lush greens and royal castle lawns.

Visit Brittany’s official property page to know more about Brittany’s beautiful thematic offerings or follow us on our Linkedin, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts!

Purchasing real estate properties can be such a daunting and laborious task, even before the pandemic. Aside from all the paperwork and the close coordination necessary with your broker, there’s also the need to attend open house after open house. With the dawn of technology, checking your house is so much easier with the Portofino Virtual Tour.

To add to this, you would also need to carefully consider the neighborhood a property is situated in. What are the establishments and road networks nearby? What’s the overall feel of the neighborhood? How is each lot laid out? Which house and lots for sale within the community have the prime location? These are just some important questions that seemingly only a physical tour can answer.

As we are still coping with the pandemic, we may not have the luxury as we had before of being able to go on several physical tours to different communities with the same peace of mind. Thankfully, we are now living in a fast-paced modern world, where we can conveniently get almost anything we need using one of the greatest inventions of mankind: the Internet.

If you’re a buyer from a faraway location, or if you simply want to get a better grasp of your options first before exhausting effort in going on a physical tour to help you in your decision-making, viewing a virtual tour beforehand is the next best thing for you to do. Just like with a physical tour, you are also able to inspect and get a great feel of your prospective properties through these high-quality virtual tours.

With the advancement of camera technology, you are able to see every nook and cranny of a luxury home for sale in stunning ultra 4K quality through a virtual tour. You can also manipulate which areas to look at and what kinds of angles you want to see the property in all in just a few clicks, which makes it at par with, if not better than going on a physical tour.

Portofino Alabang has the most beautiful houses in the Philippines.

The Portofino Virtual Tour, Powered by Leading Technology

The Portofino Virtual Tour is powered by Matterport, the leading spatial data company that specializes in innovating a platform for all-in-one 3D data. They have created a Cortex AI platform, which makes it possible for spaces like houses, residential communities, and commercial properties, to be viewed comprehensively through an immersive virtual tour.

Upon accessing the Portofino Virtual Tour, there are a couple of clickable buttons both above and below its page that will aid you during your search. On the top right corner, you can click on the menu button to reveal several options. First, you can click on ‘Locations’ to choose which parts of the neighborhood you’d like to see first, such as the entrance and its amenities like that of the court, clubhouse, and playground. You can also select ‘Model’ to choose which model houses you’d like to view right away.

Secondly, you can click on ‘Maps’ to view the variety of the residential enclaves in the community, along with their locations relative to each other. There’s Amore at Portofino, Portofino South, and Portofino Heights, respectively. You can pick either one of them to jump to the virtual tour for that specific neighborhood all in one click.

Suggested Read: Celebrate Luxury in Palazzo Verde | Luxury Home By Brittany Corporation

Lastly, you can also see the videos or head on straight to the photo album through the Menu above the page of the Portofino Virtual Tour.

A water fountain in the middle of the community marries the beauty of nature and man.

How Do Virtual Tours Recreate The Traditional Open House Experience?

If you’ve selected one of the model houses, you’ll discover a lot more nifty features that will greatly help you in your search for your next luxury home. A new window within the page will open up, and you’ll find a couple of useful tools in the bottom left corner.

There’s the ‘Open Highlights’ button, which will allow you to select which area of the home you’d like to view. Your cursor will act as your eyes, as you can click and drag around the screen to view whichever part of the rooms and living areas you’d like to see next or look closer at.

Suggested read: Where To Find Luxury House and Lot Properties in Alabang

If you simply want a general overview of each area of the home without having to click around, you can simply click on the ‘Play’ button to automate the Portofino Virtual Tour. Aside from wonderfully recreating the experience of going on a physical tour with all these tools, there are more exciting features you can utilize which make virtual tours even better.

Portofino Alabang will bring you to the most beautiful places in their virtual tour.

Why Virtual Tours Can Be Better Than On-Site Tours

Still, on the bottom left corner of the window, you can either click on ‘View Dollhouse’ or ‘View Floor Plan’ so you can have an expansive view of the property’s entirety. There’s also the ‘Floor Selector’ button to instantly take you to either floor of the home.

What’s even more awesome is the ‘Measurement Mode’ button. Gone are the days when you’ll either have to ask your broker the exact measurements of the different nooks and crannies of so many prospective properties or have to manually measure them yourself. This is particularly handy if you’re meticulous with such details. Simply click on one point then to the next to accurately measure the distance between them. Whether you’re on the lookout for expansive spaces or simply wondering if a king-size bed will perfectly fit one of the bedrooms, you can conveniently plan ahead.

Direct your gaze then to the bottom right corner of the window and you’ll see just a few more exciting features of this virtual tour. Aside from the ‘View Fullscreen’ button, you can also take advantage of the ‘View in VR’ feature if you please. This will definitely take your virtual tour experience up a notch.

You can easily collaborate with your broker or your family as well in the initial home-buying process using the ‘Share this Space’ button, which allows you to share the virtual tour on different social media platforms. You can also simply copy the link to share through any means on the web.

The security is tight to make sure you only have the very best.

The Portofino Virtual Tour: Giving You The Bigger Picture

Because of all these amazing features, the Portofino Virtual Tour is able to show you in great detail just how awe-inspiring the residential enclaves are within the wonderful, master-planned community of Vista Alabang. Located just by Daang Hari, it is accessible not only to several key establishments but also to a well-planned network of expressways and thoroughfares.

Sure, it is of great importance that you inspect every detail of your next luxury home. You need to be as detail-oriented as you can be, along with your broker. But being meticulous goes beyond just making sure your next property is exactly how you want it to be. You would also need to see the bigger picture and look closely as to where these properties are situated.

The way the Portofino Virtual Tour is set up takes this need into account. Not only does it allow you to view your prospective properties and communities, but it also allows you to get a good grasp of what kind of neighborhood each residential enclave is located in.

Exploring Options For Your Next Luxury Home In Just a Few Clicks

Right from the beginning of the virtual tour, you’ll already notice that Portofino adheres to being a thematic community, greatly inspired by Italian architecture and way of life. From its refreshing pocket gardens and spacious roads lined with lush trees and greenery, to its incredible architectural details like gabled roof tiles in bold colors, rounded balconies, and high ceilings, you won’t have to travel far to get a glimpse of Italy.

You wouldn’t really expect anything less from what’s developed by Vista Land & Lifescapes, one of the most distinguished homebuilders and a pioneer in themed luxury property development in the country. One of its subsidiaries, Brittany, is just one of the Vista Land projects offering luxurious living through a remarkable selection of properties in prime locations. Portofino in Alabang is one of them.

Brittany has three exceptional developments at Vista Alabang: Portofino South, Portofino Heights, and Amore at Portofino. With Vista Alabang covering a sweeping 1,500-hectare land area, the Portofino Virtual Tour will definitely be immensely convenient for you to compare one property from another with just a few clicks.

Brittany Corporation assures that this beauty is not just “skin” deep, but is beautiful everywhere.

SUGGESTED READ: Portofino Alabang’s Highlighted Italian-themed Homes | Brittany Homes

 Portofino: Luxurious Living The Italian Way

 Viewing the luxury homes and comparing them with one another is one thing; immersing yourself in the community they are in is another. Portofino doesn’t only aim to mimic Italian communities through its architecture and aesthetic. What’s more, is it aims to give you the whole experience of living life as the Italians do, where luxury and relaxation are not only found within the four corners of your home but also in the community around you.

You can get a good aerial view of the amenities of each residential enclave in the virtual tour. For example, the pool in Amore at Portofino, or the Clubhouse, Playground, and Court in Portofino Heights.

Beyond the gates of each neighborhood are a few key locations within close proximity which you can also get a good glimpse of in the virtual tour. For starters, there’s the Evia Lifestyle Center. This one-stop establishment gives you endless options for all your essentials. It houses AllDay Supermarket that’s perfect for your grocery runs, AllHome for your home furniture and appliance needs, All Green for your drugstore must-haves, Pet Buddy for your pet’s needs, and a whole lot more retail stores to take care of your every need.

There are also several restaurants and cafes for you to choose from in Evia. Whether you’re out to have some retail therapy, or looking to explore new spots to relax in, the Evia Lifestyle Center will be just nearby your home for your convenience.

Another key establishment nearby as shown in the virtual tour is Palazzo Verde, which you’ll see why it’s hard to miss. One of the country’s most exceptional luxurious events venues, it is exquisitely designed with grand Victorian architecture all around its high-end facilities, making it the perfect place to be when celebrating the grandest of occasions.

You can also see on the virtual tour just how near the communities are to the Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway (MCX), and that’s just one of the major thoroughfares within close proximity to these luxurious residential enclaves.

Vista Alabang is also accessible through the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), and the various communities are strategically located in such a way that you can simply take a 20-minute drive to reach the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA 3) and Bonifacio Global City (BGC). Just add 10 more minutes to your drive and you’re able to reach the Makati Central Business District as well.

This is the Italian way of luxurious living, as promoted by Portofino. It’s where relaxation and high quality of life can be found not just within the walls of your home, but also around your entire community.

 Immerse Yourself in the Italian Masterpieces by Portofino

 With all the functional features of the Portofino Virtual Tour, you’ll surely be delighted in immersing yourself in the Italian masterpieces shown through its featured model houses.

To quickly jump to touring around the model houses, you can select ‘Maps’ from the Menu and choose a community to look at. In Portofino Heights, you can virtually tour around the model houses Raphael, Antonello, and Ghiberti. As for Amore at Portofino, you can immerse yourself in viewing the model houses Leandro and Carletti.

Common features among these homes are their high ceilings which beautifully open up space, giving you more room for natural ventilation and lighting. These homes also prioritize making room for spacious balconies, welcoming porches, and meticulously designed courtyards. The way each home is built and designed marries strength and beauty together, ensuring that the fine details on its design don’t sacrifice but enhance the integrity of its structure.

The virtual tour does not just tour you in the luxury homes, but also the community surrounding it.

The Portofino Virtual Tour: Your First Step to Owning Your Next Luxury Home

 Purchasing a home is indeed a demanding task. By taking a virtual tour of your prospective properties first, you can greatly lighten the load of the process.

This gives you the advantage of being able to thoroughly prepare first before touring on-site. You’re able to easily narrow down your choices and get a great feel of the community first so you can carefully consider your next step.

With so many selections out there in the market, you’d unambiguously want nothing but the best. Moreover, with the virtual tour, you can also involve your family in the process by sharing it with them to ask for their input.

You can also complete the purchase even without a physical visit and by just merely communicating with your broker and utilizing the virtual tour. Thanks to the technological advancements in today’s modern age, even all necessary paperwork can easily be filed and signed electronically.

Undoubtedly, purchasing luxury real estate properties is now much easier and faster. With the help of functional online tools like the Portofino Virtual Tour, you can streamline the process of home-buying, along with other forms of online or offline research.

As social distancing guidelines are still in place and face-to-face interactions should still be kept at a minimum, you can opt for the virtual tour first so you can make your scheduled tripping appointment more efficient and much faster so as to limit exposure. Furthermore, it’s highly advisable to closely collaborate with professionals like brokers and lawyers, who can assist you in making good decisions for your next home investment.

Go ahead and immerse yourself in touring around exquisite Italian masterpieces through the Portofino Virtual Tour. You may be a step closer to owning your next luxury home.

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Antique furniture is a collectible interior furnishing with a long history. It is defined by its age, uniqueness, condition, or other distinguishing characteristics that make it more attractive as a collector’s item. Antique furniture pieces reflect the style and aspect of the period in which they were created.

Suggested Read: 5 Upcoming Furniture Designers to Follow

Furniture is a type of decorative art that can be a product of artistic design.

Furniture can serve a symbolic or religious purpose in addition to its functional duty. Domestic furniture, in combination with other items such as clocks and lighting, helps to create comfortable and convenient interior environments.

Years of exposure to dust, dirt, and fumes will leave a layer of grime on the surface of your valuable antique furniture. If you wish to clean your antique furniture, proceed with caution. You don’t want to use strong chemical cleaners on the furniture since you don’t want to ruin it and always make sure that the furniture is in good condition.

We’ve compiled a list of tips for preserving the quality of your antique furniture, whether you live in a luxury home or a luxury condo with insufficient storage.

Cleaning the Furniture

With regular care and attention, your valuable furniture will look at its best for years.

1. Use a mild cleaner

To begin, select a gentle cleanser. Harsh chemicals are a terrible option if you want to keep antique furniture as damage-free as possible. For most antiques, a mild dish soap diluted in water is a good choice. Dish soap designed for hand washing dishes should be used. Dishwasher soap is more acidic than regular soap.

If dish soap fails to remove filth, switch to a slightly stronger cleanser, but just a tiny amount at a time. On older furniture, you should avoid using a lot of greasy materials. Furniture paste wax, which can be found at most hardware stores or department stores, is considered by some experts to be a better option for cleaning antiques than oil.

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2. Rub the surface down with a soft cloth and your chosen cleaner

Moisten a rag with a small amount of the cleaner you want to use. Rub the furniture’s surface with a soft cloth. Wipe the area with the same rag until no fresh dirt or debris is picked up by the rag.

Note that scrubbing can ruin the finish of old furniture, so avoid it. Instead, you can use gentle wiping motions and move the rag in the same direction as the wood grain.

3. Remove stuck-on stains

Some areas may have stains or filth adhering to them. Steel wool can be used to remove these stains as long as you use #0000 wool and work gently on the stains.

Rub along the direction of the grain of the wood. Continue rubbing until all of the undesired dirt and debris has been removed. And make sure you’re not exerting too much force. The finish may be harmed as a result of this.

4. Use a brush in hard-to-reach places

When you use a rag, some sections of the furniture, such as corners or curves, may be difficult to reach. You can use a brush to clean these spots. In your cleaning solution, dip a brush, scrub hard-to-reach regions against the grain until all debris and grime are gone.

5. Wipe down the furniture and allow it to dry

After you’ve finished cleaning, use a dry rag to wipe down the furniture. Soak up the majority of the liquid with gentle strokes until the furniture is generally dry to the touch. Allow your furniture to air dry for a few minutes before proceeding with the cleaning.

6. Polish the furniture

After the furniture is dry, apply a layer of polish. The finish will gleam and your furniture will have a more pleasant appearance. Simply rub the furniture with a clean cloth until it shines. Antiques should avoid furniture polishes, particularly silicone-based polishes.

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Maintaining Antique Furniture

This antique could be passed down as a family treasure if it is conserved and judged valuable.

1. Make sure to regularly dust your furniture

Dust your furniture on a regular basis to avoid filth buildup. Take a rag and dust off any debris that has accumulated on antique furniture when you are dusting your luxury home on a regular basis.

2. Keep your antique furniture away from where the sunlight shines.

UV light is extremely harmful to antiques. As a result, exposing your antiques to sunshine is not a good idea. Antiques should not be left outside nor near a window, where they can expose to sunlight.

3. For a dry climate, use a humidifier.

Moisture in the air has an impact on antique furniture. Humidity changes can cause wood to shrink and break. In the room where you store your antiques, have a humidifier running. This will keep the humidity constant, reducing the detrimental effects of changes in atmospheric moisture.

4. If you suspect a pest infestation, remove antique furniture immediately soon

Exposing it to pests is not a good idea. Certain bugs, such as beetles, as well as rats and mice, will gnaw on antique furniture. If you find a pest infestation in your home, remove antique furniture as soon as possible. Place the furniture somewhere else until you’re ready to use it.

If you have a valuable antique or a collector’s piece, ask for assistance or ideas from a local antique dealer. If you’re not knowledgeable with furniture restoration, you should employ an expert that will help you to restore your valuable antique furniture in their best condition.

Take care of your valuable antique furniture at Brittany.

Your sentimental and appreciative characteristics reflect on how Brittany luxury homes suit you the best. The first thematic community will offer you enough space to place your classic furniture to show and shine its own beauty and elegance.

Your classic furniture should be taken care of as much as you take care of yourself. So experience the life that you deserve. Make yourself remember that antique things have an appreciation or worth. Something can be old, but surely it can be timeless.

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Get your favorite cup of coffee from Coffee Project in Crosswinds Tagaytay and have your coffee tasting there too!

If there is one thing that people from all over the world would be able to agree on, it would be the universal love for coffee. We can all agree that coffee is the one drink that fuels our day-to-day lives. It is so essential to some people that their coffee reflects their personality. To fully appreciate coffee and its intricacies, we have the art of coffee tasting.

Suggested read: How to Set Your Own Coffee Station at Home | Luxury Homes by Brittany

We can get overwhelmed with the different types of coffee beans available at coffee shops. There are bean blends, single origins, robusta, arabica, and more. To someone that only started their coffee journey, this would all just taste the same– like coffee. But did you know that coffee is not just always darkness and bitterness? 

When we think of coffee, we always think of it as just a cup of dark liquid bitterness, but like wine, it is also full of flavor notes that need training. On your first try, coffee cupping can be difficult to discern the different coffee flavors that different coffee can offer. Just like in wine, we can find food pairs to enhance the natural flavors of coffee.

This guide will help you get started on your journey of becoming coffee lovers!

A cup of coffee can hold a lot of flavors. | Photo from Pexels

Before we can start with coffee tasting, we must understand what affects the tastes of coffee. There are so many things that affect the flavor profile of coffee. Understanding specialty coffee is a skill that can be learned by anyone. Today, we’ll focus on two aspects that can affect the flavor of the coffee we drink.

Coffee Origin

Where the coffee comes from affects the flavor of coffee when coffee cupping. The different levels of elevation, heat, and soil composition greatly affect the final tastes. The grind and the way the beans are roasted is also a factor affecting our cupping.

There are 62 coffee-growing countries and most coffee can be grown between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn near the equator. This area is called the coffee belt or as some people would call it, the bean belt. The coffee belt is divided into three major regions. These are Africa, Latin America, and Asia/Pacific. Let’s see how they differ from one another.

Sorting coffee in Ethiopia. Roasting can also be done here. | Photo from Pexels

Africa

Coffee in Africa comes from the countries of Rwanda, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Uganda to name a few. Africa produces some of the world’s most exotic coffees. It is also said that the history of bean coffee can be traced back to the coffee trees in the vast African landscapes under the wide-open skies. A thousand years after the discovery of coffee, Africa still produces one of the best coffees imaginable. When coffee cupping, the typical flavor profile of African beans is fruity, floral, and citrus. These coffees are best paired with fruity sweetness.

Coffee Plantation in São João do Manhuaçu City – Minas Gerais State – Brazil

Latin America

Latin American coffee makes up a third of the coffee production around the world. Latin America’s many active volcanoes, high altitude, mild climate, and dependable dry and rainy seasons ensure that the beans from this region are consistently flavorful. Latin American countries like Guatemala produce some of the finest coffees in the world. When coffee tasting, the typical flavor profile of Latin American beans are the well-balanced tastes of cocoa, nuts, and the crisp, bright acidity.

Kapeng Barako beans from the Asia-Pacific region, specifically in Tagaytay, Cavite where you can also find Crosswinds that has some of the best coffee shops

Asia/Pacific

Coffee from the Asia/Pacific region has some of the world’s most distinctive flavors. With varying climates and topographies, you can expect complex flavors in coffees from this region. Some of the largest coffee producers are from Asia/Pacific. Coffee in the Philippines in particular is known for its robusta production. The typical flavor profile of Asia/Pacific coffee is its spicy, herbal notes, and balanced acidity. Coffee from this region is also known for its full body.

Types of Coffee Beans

Arabica

Arabica is the most popular coffee bean in the world. Over 60% of all coffee in the world came from an Arabica bean. These beans are grown in high altitudes with steady rainfall and plenty of shade. Arabica beans are known to be easy to care for making them a favorite among major coffee chains. Arabica coffee beans are full of complex and varied flavors and aromas.

Robusta

Robusta is the second most-produced coffee bean in the world. It is named robusta due to its hardy nature and its general immunity to a number of plant diseases. A lot of the coffee in the Philippines is known to be robusta because the robusta bean is best grown in hot climates with irregular rainfall. Robusta is known for its darker flavors and strong energy kick. It is also nice to note in coffee cupping that robusta has notes of chocolate flavor and a smooth texture.

Liberica

Liberica is one of the more difficult coffee beans to come by. Making up only about 2% of coffee production, Liberica can stand out in terms of rarity. It generally has a strong and unique flavor with hints of chocolate and smoke. It is also accompanied by hints of floral and spicy flavors. One of the most popular coffees in the Philippines is actually a Liberica– the Barako. It is grown in Cavite where the most Instagrammable cafes are located.

Excelsa

Although reclassified as a type of Liberica by the British botanist Aaron P. Davis, hardcore coffee enthusiasts would argue that Excelsa brings a different depth of flavor compared to the Liberia variant.

Suggested Read: A Guide to Coffee in Italy | Luxury Homes by Brittany Corporation

Roast

Another aspect of coffee that adds another layer of flavor to coffee is the way it is roasted. Knowing its roast type can help your flavor expectations. There are three types of roasts. These change the flavor drastically by changing the roasting time of every batch of beans. Did you know that ground coffee has different roasts?

Blonde

Blonde roasts have short roasting times thus creating a moderate light brown appearance. It is a preferred roast for some specialty roasters,  and it highlights origin characteristics as well as complex acidity.

Medium

Most specialty coffee uses a medium roast. Its roast character is slightly muted acidity and enhanced origin character.

Dark

The least acidic of the three in terms of flavor. The dark roast coats the bean in its natural, shiny, oils. This roast emphasizes the roast characteristics rather than the origin and acidic flavor. It also gives an intense, smoky aroma that could easily wake you up. Espressos are usually made with a dark roast called an Italian roast. To feel like you got transported to Italy, Portofino has Italian-themed luxury houses that are perfect for that Italian, coffee cupping session.

Tasting Coffee: Bean Blend vs Single Origin

What are bean blend and single origin? These two are the types of coffee you can buy. When you get a bag of beans, a bean blend is a pack that includes beans from different countries or regions, and sometimes, roast. A bean blend creates a subtler, more balanced, flavor profile and it is usually made to achieve a unique flavor single-origin coffee can’t achieve. Single-origin on the other hand as the name would suggest comes from one specific farm. Single origins tend to have a more intense, unadulterated, flavor profile from the specific region. A single origin kapeng Barako would mean that that batch of Barako is from one single farm.

What to Look for When Coffee Cupping

Coffee tasting is a fun experience. When coffee cupping, there are four things to look out for aroma, acidity, body, and flavor. The perfect cup of coffee gets its taste from filtered water, the temperature of boiling water, and the way the beans were roasted. When using a French press, a coarse grind is the best in extracting taste. Cupping allows us to lessen how bitter the coffee is regardless of how the coffee was brewed.

You can smell the wonderful aromas of coffee as soon as you brew it. When your taste buds feel the warmth and the mouthfeel of the drink and you’ll be able to take your coffee appreciation even further. The taste of the first sip is always where the most pleasant flavor is.

Aroma

Aroma is the way the coffee smells. The aroma of coffee is directly related to the flavor of the coffee. Different coffee can have a nutty, smoky, spicy, earthy aroma note. An example of an earthy scent is the smell of pine trees.

Just like the aromas of the 35,000 pine trees in Crosswinds Tagaytay, your coffee can have the same comforting scent that will make you feel like you have your own exclusive sanctuary. Because coffee tasting is a sensory experience, starting with your sense of smell, you already have an expectation of how your coffee will taste. 

Acidity

This is the sour flavor, the tart note, or the bright taste of coffee. Acidity hits the sides of your tongue’s taste buds the same way eating an orange would. Some blonde-roasted, African coffee has the most acidic flavor profile. These are usually described as bright and crisp with a clean finish.

Body

The body is the weight of the coffee on your tongue. How does it feel?  Does it feel like your tongue is getting coated? The best comparison for this would be milk. Full-bodied coffee is akin to whole milk. Light-bodied coffee is comparable to non-fat milk, light, and non-lingering. The lingering remnant in the mouthfeel is affected by the oil content.

Flavor

The flavor is the way your coffee tastes. It can taste sweet or citrusy aftertaste. It can also have tastes of smokiness or sweetness. This is when you can taste maybe a hint of chocolate or floral notes. You can easily decide on what flavor you can taste by trying to feel where the flavor hits your mouth. Is there an aftertaste? More acidic coffees hit the sides while sweeter coffee hits the tip of your tongue. This takes time to master but is never impossible.

Did you know that used coffee grounds can be used as an exfoliant?

The Steps of  the art of Coffee Tasting

Coffee tasting is simple. When doing it, we use plain, black, coffee with no cream or sugar. The purpose of sipping is to appreciate the natural flavors of the coffee as you would wine. To be able to fully appreciate the characteristics of coffee, we have four steps.

Suggested Read: 5 Steps to Make Barista-style Coffee at Home

Smell

Before tasting your coffee, smell it first. The nose can detect hundreds and thousands of different scents. Compared to the tongue that can only distinguish four tastes, the nose can detect even the most minute of aromatic flavors. To smell your coffee, cup your hand over the opening of your cup and hold it close to your nose. Inhale the scent deeply.

Slurp

This is where the cupping begins. When coffee tasting, we do not simply do sipping, we slurp the coffee. When we slurp, we spray the taste across your entire palate and it prevents you from getting burnt. Spraying the coffee all over your palate lets the subtle flavors coat your entire tongue allowing us to taste the complexity of the coffee.

Locate

Like what was said earlier, to ease the process of finding the flavors of the coffee, you can try and locate where the flavors hit your tongue. Do we sense sweetness? How does it feel in your mouth? Is it smooth? Does it have a sour or bitter aftertaste? How heavy or is it in your palate? What is the mouthfeel?

Describe

Lastly, describe it. You’ve already smelled and tasted it. How was your experience? Describe the aroma, acidity, body, and flavor. For an even more immersive experience, how did this coffee make you feel? Are these memories of experiences that you remember when you drink your coffee? Maybe the smell of soil after the rain or even your first kiss? What emotion of luxury can you feel? Coffee can evoke all of these feelings.

Coffee is one of the most magical drinks there is. It keeps us awake and we get to enjoy the intricate flavors of a good cup of coffee. We can drink it on the go or even when we’re relaxing in our luxury condominium.

We can take a break and celebrate our day-to-day lives in the comfort of our own luxury homes while cupping. We can even invite our friends over, but of course, we must always remember to keep our social distance.

A cup of coffee is not just about the flavor, aromas,  or origins of coffee. It also brings the stories that we have and the emotions that it evokes from us together. Just like the luxury properties for sale of Brittany Corporation, it’s not all about how beautiful it is or how magnificent it can be. It is also about the memories that we’ll make and the feelings that we get when we live within our own luxury. 

Learn more about how Brittany can inspire the stories you share in your own coffee tasting by contacting us at +63917 883 8103. You may also send us an inquiry on our properties for sale. Coffee and coffee tasting is a simple luxury. Live in your luxury with Brittany Corporation.

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There are numerous reasons for purchasing furniture, but the most important underlying reason is that it serves as the backdrop to our lives. Our furnishing requirements change as our lives undergo both big and small changes. We need furniture to live more comfortably, and we use it for storage, sitting, and sleeping. Beyond the basics, it is also there to express our sense of style. And, as our requirements evolve, so does our furniture. People are staying at home for longer periods of time, especially in this pandemic  and our homes deserve to be designed and decorated with care. Top quality furniture will outlast current trends because those items can take months to manufacture, so furniture designers tend to avoid bizarre trends that may be out of style before it’s even finished. Leather furniture, for example, has been used to decorate homes for hundreds of years and is regarded as high-end and of high quality.

Luxury is something that is uniquely personal; it is difficult to define, but when we see something luxurious, it evokes an unmistakable feeling within us. Luxury furniture, for many, evokes this feeling in an unrivalled way. Consider the elegant curves and timeless heritage of a luxurious and ornate French dressing table, or the artistic lines of a finely crafted contemporary coffee table.

When you get home from a long day at work, the furniture in your home relieves your pain and provides you with mental satisfaction. A home with furniture not only completes the home, but it also covers a large amount of space and is an important part of interior design. Furniture plays a significant role inside all buildings, it can be said. While other aspects of interior design contribute to the overall look and feel of the room, it is the furniture that truly brings the space to life, making it a comfortable place for people to work, play, relax, and live in general.  So make sure to choose furniture that fits the space and adds warmth to the home. If you’re planning to buy new furniture for your luxurious home makeover, you should definitely check out the pieces from these talented Filipino furniture designers

1 . Paco Pili

Paco Pili specializes in recycling ordinary items into modern works of art as furniture pieces. Source: @upcycleph on Instagram

Paco Pili of Upcycleph is an outspoken supporter of upcycling, and his work reflects this. This furniture designer’s creations have a vintage, quirky vibe, such as the “bathtub sofa” with fruity-floral upholstery (the couch’s frame is actually half of an old bathtub ), luggages and makeup kits that at first glance look like old-school boomboxes, old suitcases repurposed as side or coffee tables, and tennis rackets upcycled.

Paco Pili had a bright future ahead of him. He was a marketing graduate and at a young age. He had a promising position at a local bank yet the young artist decided to give that up to pursue upcycling.

The key to upcycling is creativity and innovation; Paco believes that his natural resourcefulness is a valuable asset when it comes to conceptualizing his projects.

2. Roberta Limjap and Anna Zavalla

Raw.tura co-owners Roberta Limjap and Anna Zavalla experiment with every natural material available, resulting in one-of-a-kind, eclectic pieces each time.

Two friends were brought together by their passion for raw materials and aesthetics as furniture designers. Their musings capture the essence of Limjap and Zavalla’s friendship, which they developed over years of friendship, from their early years at Assumption to their college days at Ateneo de Manila.  After graduation, the two separated for a short time—Limjap studied drawing and painting in France, while Zavalla studied design in Spain—but not so far that Limjap couldn’t visit Zavalla in Madrid. However, after finishing their respective courses, they did not immediately launch their own furniture brand raw.tura. Both started out working on their own, leaning toward making some sort of music. Their shared appreciation for the raw and natural aesthetic, as well as their appreciation for the classic and elegant feel, leads to a creative convergence for the two. “Every house or space always needs something natural or green to make it look more balanced,” Zavalla says of the look they chose. Steel and glass are the most common materials used in modern design. But, as we all know, there is always a chance that something will go wrong.

They aren’t afraid to experiment and play with different designs, as evidenced by their custom console table made of copper-coated metal and acacia wood, wall cabinet-slash-bookshelf made of various kinds of wood with light gray and blue gray finishes, and woven baskets (made of rattan, wicker, and cowhide) that can serve as catchall bins and a variety of other purposes, to name a few.

Eclectic pieces made of wood, which gives off that traditional yet modern vibe. Source: @raw.tura on Instagram

3. Nath Geluz

Clean lines, well-defined angles, and a plethora of wonderful wooden pieces dominate the feed of Dekko founder Nath Geluz.

The Dekko Workshop in Cavite specialize in custom furniture for the family. Photo by Regina

This designer’s creations, such as a work cubicle-turned-reception desk made of reclaimed wood, a buffet table made of mahogany, and an acacia wood shoe cabinet, are astounding in their ability to convey something minimalist modern yet subtly nostalgic. You may see his works here.

Dekko Workshop, based in Imus, Cavite, is made up of a group of artisans, furniture designers, and craftsmen who specialize in custom wood and steel furniture. They use reclaimed wood, assuring customers that their products are made in a sustainable and responsible manner. Furthermore, the artisans are out-of-school youth who have been trained and taught by the owner, Nath Geluz, allowing them to support themselves and their families.

4. Joseph Rastrullo

Who knew there was so much poetry in geometry? Former apprentice of renowned interior and one of the best local furniture designers Budji Layug, Joseph Rastrullo, has carved out a truly authentic design aesthetic with his signature exaggerated lines, sharp edges, and dramatic shapes.

His feed, which is mostly comprised of black-and-white photos, demonstrates that it’s the little details that count.

In 2009, he began his apprenticeship with Budji Layug, who became responsible for Joseph’s design direction and is still mentoring him with his approach today. Rastrullo continued his Masters studies in 2012, enrolling in the Masters in Business Design course at Domus Academy in Italy, hungry for inspiration. There, he met and learned from furniture designers and visiting professors Domenico Dolce (Dolce & Gabbana), Andrea Branzi (Vitra Design), Aldo Cibic (Memphis Group), Stefano Giovannoni (Alessi), and Giorgio Lavelli (Radar Trend). At Domus, he also learned how to combine business and design.

Following in the footsteps of his mentors, the hardworking and driven millennial ensures that everything he does has a purpose. “That’s what gets me up in the morning and keeps me focused,” he says. He admits to getting up between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. until 5 a.m. to organize his day—he left a message in their team’s messenger group. “I don’t expect a response from them, and I expect them to be sleeping. It’s just my way of saying, ‘this is what I’m planning, and this is me pushing.’”

5. Jim Torres

Jim Torres, founder of Zarate Manila, a design brand consultancy and studio focusing on lighting, furniture, and interior accents, got his big break in 2015 when he won the Red Box Design Talent for his Escapade collection—lighting pieces made of stainless steel in metal-shredding technique.

Jim Torres’ detailed works are the reason why he belongs in our list of furniture designers. Source: Nolisoli

Zarate Manila is a Pampanga-based design and manufacturing studio that was founded in 2015. They provide design services and innovative concepts in the fields of furniture design and lighting, as well as exhibition design and art objects. In Pampanga, He collaborates with his team of welders and artisans. Their focus is on metal handcrafting, and they strive to create objects that are both balanced and discreet, but also warm – a sense of joy and beauty is inherent in their work. His designs are influenced by art, fashion, local furniture designers, and industrial design, and they reflect a modern contemporary style without being overtly trend driven.

Aside from wanting to be known, an artist, like Kenneth Cobonpue, just like how his sketches now turn into works of art. From his college days to the present, he says he has only tried to create, improve, and expand. Though he wasn’t sure what field to pursue at first, he now envisions himself exhibiting world-class lighting installations across different countries in the next ten years and beyond, with the goal of achieving a perfect balance between art and design.

Do you need an artistic push? Check out his feed for some awesome inspiration from his love of woven-backed chairs, metal-shaved designs, and lighting installations.

The first point of interest is the furniture, where everyone wants to sit comfortably and feel relaxed. Choosing the right furniture for your luxurious home not only looks nice, but it also has an impact on our physical and mental well-being. Furnishing your home is a significant financial outlay. Take your time choosing the right styles and brands, and resist the urge to spend all of your money on furnishing your home at once. Take inspiration from these furniture designers. Pace yourself so you can select high-end luxury furniture that is both timeless and multifunctional.

Check out our properties at Brittany Corporation here for the houses and community that will match your exquisite furniture.

Isn’t it heartwarming to spend a sumptuous meal in a restaurant that does not only satisfy your palette, but is also easy on your eyes? The most Instagramable restaurants offer a feast both for your tummy and eyes.

Is your Instagram feed looking a little bit stale lately? Then you’ll love these Instagramable restaurants which will give you a stunning view and food that is nothing short of amazing. The only regret that you’ll be having is that you won’t stay longer. So head on over with your family, friends, or even that little special someone. After all, someone has to snap all those gorgeous shots while you dive into these unforgettable venues.

Still considering the current situation of the pandemic, these restaurants are curated based on the food, Instagram worthiness, and of course, health protocols and safety.

Sulyap Gallery Café and Restaurant

Take a step back into the Filipino heritage with bright capiz windows, excellent woodworks and picturesque halls of this Instagramable restaurant located in San Pablo, Laguna. Not only is it a restaurant but it is also an events place and an antique museum. If you are craving both traditional and modern Filipino food, then Sulyap is the perfect choice for you. Must try food are San Pablo’s native dish ‘Kulawo’ which can either be eggplants or puso ng saging and a micro-shrimp dish called ‘Pinayti’.

Suggested Read: Your Laguna Food Trip Guide | Brittany Corporation

Courtyard Café

Found in the heart of the Merville Park Subdivision, has been a staple for many years for all the residents. The elegant yet homey atmosphere is brought upon by the families that frequent the café. The classy decor partnered by the abundance of green makes this Al fresco dining venue instantly alluring. Their Clubhouse Sandwich is a must-try and has been a favorite for years. They offer a simple yet diverse menu that is sure to entice or satisfy any cravings.

NAPA at Crosswinds

You might already hear the buzz about this newly-opened instagramable restaurant in Crosswinds Tagaytay but then, it won’t be trending online for nothing. The view in NAPA is truly breathtaking no matter what time of day. With thousands of pine trees accompanied by the cold weather of Tagaytay, indulge over their wide-range of menu while sipping in the finest wine or the freshest cup of coffee.

Suggest Read: Luxury House and Lot Properties in Sta. Rosa | Brittany Corporation

Rustic Mornings by Isabelo

This restaurant started out as a hidden dining establishment called “Isabelo Garden” but the secret is out now. After all, how could anyone keep a secret this good? A family-run business that offers the inclusivity of what every breakfast should be like; warm and welcoming. They have been the go-to place for all-day breakfast and brunch in the north-east of the metro. There’s nothing wrong with having pancakes and waffles at 4 in the afternoon. It’s 8AM somewhere, right? You can go for a classic like their “Beef Tapa”, go western with the pancakes, or even go for their platters if you have the space for it. They also have an adorable Chow Chow named Yogi that roams around which would be enough reason for you to definitely give this instagramable place a visit!

Patis Tito Garden Café

Another Instagramable restaurant that will make you travel in time is Patis Tito. 25 years of serving hearty slow-cooked meals makes the restaurant a staple.Everything that comes out of its kitchen is locally sourced thus promising each and every meal its freshest state. If you are in search of a place surrounded by the greenest floras and faunas, where your pets can have the same experience as you, then make sure to visit them. Achieve that mini-break from life’s worries and get lost in the beauty of nature while indulging on classic Filipino dishes.

SUGGESTED READ: Most Instagrammable Spots in Tagaytay | Brittany Corporation

Burrow Café at Antipolo Beehouse

A private residence that has been generously opened to the public as a way to share the breathtaking architecture making it a truly Instagramable restaurant. The Beehouse offers a venue for gatherings and photoshoots but some would say that the main attraction is the Burrow Café. The café offers a wide and progressive menu with vegan-friendly choices. The quaint atmosphere offers a certain charm that relaxes and soothes. Given the altitude and the mind numbingly great food, you might as well think that you’re in heaven. A family’s realized dream that we can sip and take a bite off.

The Morning After

Taste the world’s breakfast in this Instagramable restaurant located in Santa Rosa, Laguna. A rustic garden is what welcomes you. Exchange morning chats with your family or read your morning paper with their steaming hot coffee. Munch over their waffles that pretty much go with everything. From chicken to pasta to even pizza, the menu is quite extensive given that the restaurant’s specialty is breakfast. Whether you are a morning person or not, enjoy breakfast all day, no alarms or wake-up calls needed.

Coffee Project Vista Mall Santa Rosa

The world-renowned Coffee Project is one of the world’s most Instagramable cafe ever created. Hailed 24th from 50 other cafes in the world, every inch of the cafe is Instagram worthy. Time spent in Coffee Project is indeed a treat. Satisfy your senses with the authentic coffee aroma from the machines and exuberant meals and pastries freshly baked everyday. Even though it is known as a café, still meals from breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served all day. Make sure to have a taste of their continental breakfast but if you are looking for a lighter meal, you may opt for their beef tapa and of course, ‘coffee’ wouldn’t be in their name if they don’t brew the best coffee there is.

Imagine living in an estate where you are in the center of all these Instagramable restaurants. Brittany Santa Rosa is strategically located in the heart of the north and south. If you are heading to Metro Manila, travel with ease via ETON SLEX exit. Be in the city’s bustle with less than an hour travel time. If you want to get that quick getaway and decided to visit the Instagramable restaurants located in Tagaytay and Laguna, CALAX and the Santa Rosa – Tagaytay road can take you to that sought after R&R in mere minutes. Indeed, you are in the center of everything. As Instagramable as the restaurants, Brittany Santa Rosa also boasts a picturesque ambiance that can make you feel as if you left the country. With luxury estates that carries the Old English and American South lifestyle, be captivated by its charm and grandeur.

Brittany Santa Rosa offers charm and delight in each and everyday at Georgia Club and Promenade. The dainty and homey ambiance of the community takes you to sunny South Carolina. Relive the days of kings and queens as you marvel at the grand obelisk situated at the heart of Promenade, a grand estate that is inspired by the royal lifestyle of England. Be at home in one of the country’s most Instagramable residency. Be in Brittany Santa Rosa.

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Luxury skincare has been one of the few bright spots in terms of beauty products over the past year. With almost everyone studying or working at home or a flexible working schedule, skincare brands have been the saving grace for many. Moreover, there are fewer chances of putting on makeup to go outside. 

And if you have to, wearing a mask tends to defeat the purpose of wearing one. Sometimes, the frequent wearing of masks can lead to the dreaded maskne. As such, there’s more emphasis not just on getting great skin behind the mask. Nowadays, there is a greater emphasis on skincare, anti-aging for women. Who doesn’t want great skin that can easily transcend Zoom closeups and that complements the pretty background of your living space in your luxury home?

Check out this article if your luxury skincare favorites have made the cut.

If you are one of the many who have been scouring the internet and social media for the latest luxury skincare brands and other beauty products that are anti-aging for women, you are not alone. There is a real need to understand what skincare brands are at the top of their game, and not just being the top vocabulary of beauty influencers. 

What defines luxury skincare nowadays?

Skincare is more than just the product – it’s an experience in itself.

Luxury skincare, according to industry norms and beauty professionals, simply means products that include higher concentrations of active ingredients or unique components. While not always, most of the time they are touted to be harder to source or get. Unlike commercial-grade ingredients, the harder-to-get ingredients are one of the primary reasons why almost all luxury skincare brands are more expensive than drugstore brands. 

This rings true, at the very least in one research. According to the research, 60 percent of the customers strongly agree that luxury skincare brands with active ingredients or unique ingredients perform better. 61 percent of the subjects in the same study are also consumers of such luxury skincare products and do not mind paying higher price points for such items.

The study also lists the following as factors contributing to why certain skincare brands are seen as “luxury” are:

• High-quality packaging
• Name recognition
• Getting a high-end experience, which may or may not be from a past activity (such as getting a sample, or during a spa or hotel service)
• The psychological feeling of owning a high-end product
• Conscientious business and organizational practices such as using vegan ingredients, implementing sustainability methods, and offering benefits to employees

And as more people adjust to living their daily lives at home, more people have also increased the number of luxury skincare brands in their shopping carts. Even if it means spending over a monthly amortization of a Swiss luxury home. The research discovered that 27 percent of the surveyors feel that luxury skincare is the third most prioritized item in their shopping carts, just behind groceries and cleaning products.

Top Luxury Skincare Brands

These luxury skincare brands are at the top of their game because of how their products revolutionize what luxury skincare should be.

So what exactly are the best luxury skincare brands in the market today? Will they cost you a full downpayment on a Brittany luxury condo or a Brittany luxury house and lot? We list the best ten brands you should look out for, especially on products that are anti-aging for women and men alike.

​​1. Dr. Barbara Sturm – starts at P2,500++

Dr. Barbara Sturm commands an impressive number of celebrity fans: Emma Roberts, Emily Ratajkowski, Kim Kardashian, and more. Celebrities and luxury brand aficionados swear by the good doctor’s products, especially those who cannot make it to any of her clinics located in Los Angeles, Munich, and Düsseldorf, Germany. Initially starting out in orthopedics, the doctor shifted to skincare and worked on science-backed ingredients and treatments. She also avoids using ingredients that actually harm the skin and body more. Her skincare products are glow-inducing and are best for people who are looking for anti-inflammatory effects.

The creams and treatments start at P2,500, and her problem-specific serums are at the P5,000++ range. Popular products include Glow Drops, which is an anti-aging serum that hydrates and rejuvenates your skin; and the Hyaluronic Serum, which is infused with long- and short-chain hyaluronic molecules that sink better into the skin at different rates. All of her products feel luscious as if your skin drank a full glass of water.

2. La Prairie – starts at P10,000++

La Prairie is a Swiss luxury skincare brand and a pioneer in anti-aging cellular therapy. When used correctly, the luxury skincare products under this brand have the power to minimize the effects of aging. 

La Prairie is known for its powerful formulations that use platinum, gold, caviar, and white caviar as its ingredients, with studies backing its ability to help the skin produce its much-needed collagen and ceramides. The luxury skincare brand recently launched Platinum Rare Haute Rejuvenation Protocol, and claims that you only need to use it only four times a year to enjoy its amazing benefits – increased collagen production and cell proliferation for firmer, youthful skin and skin tone. At P36,000-P76,000 for a full bottle, the price point alone can definitely get people talking.

3. 111 Skin – starts at P5,000++

111 Skin was born out of the need of American and European board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Yannis Alexandrides to provide after-care services for his patients after their plastic surgeries. Alexandrides, who specializes in facial reconstruction and rejuvenation surgery, felt that there are no skincare products in the market to his satisfaction to aid his patients in getting better. 

The name 111 Skin was inspired by the location of his London surgical practice, which is at 111 Harley Street. All of the products under his luxury skincare brand are backed by over 20 years of scientific research. Sure, he uses diamonds in his products, but the patented NAC Y2 is quite powerful in terms of brightening the skin and improving the skin’s resilience against environmental aggressors. Fans of the brand also love the luxury sheet masks, which are effective for those who wanted products that increase collagen production, detox, and protection from pollution particles, and make the skin more lifted and firm. 111 Skin also offers oral supplements like the brand’s Reparative Beauty Dose. The Reparative Beauty Dose comes with NAC (which products glutathione), vitamin C and A, Coenzyme Q10, cultured greens, and L-Methionine.

4. Augustinus Bader – starts at P3,600++

Augustinus Bader is a cult favorite among luxury skincare enthusiasts. The brand is named after its 62-year-old scientist-founder, who is also a professor at the University of Leipzig in Germany. His decades-spanning research on the effects of stem cells, particularly for burn victims, inspired the brand, which offers products that are incredibly effective. All of the brand’s products come with the patented Trigger Factor Complex, or TFC8, which combines amino acids, peptides, and vitamins to activate cells, essentially “telling” the skin to self-regulate.

Don’t believe us? Simply mention The Cream to any product-loving person and you bet that they treasure it more than a prime luxury house and lot. Dubbed as a “holy grail” product, it is said that The Cream can heal literally anything from acne to skin dryness. The reparative properties of The Cream allow the skin to return to its healthy state, and fans who use it love its ability to reduce breakouts, fine lines, and even instances of skin dehydration or hyperpigmentation.

SUGGESTED READ: Iconic Movie Cars: How Much They are Worth | Luxury Living by Brittany

5. Biologique Recherche – starts at P2,500

Wonder why the French are good-looking? It’s because of their joie de vivre approach to everything, including their skincare. Cult skincare brand Biologique Recherche, which was developed in the 1970s by husband and wife Yvan and Josette Allouche, is known for its effectiveness, simple packaging, and very potent formulations. 

Almost all of their products have the ability to transform skin. For example, Lotion P50 may feel like a watery exfoliant, but is quite potent in getting rid of dark spots, acne, and regulates your oil production. It also gives you a very nice glow as if you have just come out from a luxury spa getaway. The placenta serum may be made from sheep placenta, but it is a contender in terms of keeping acne and eye bags away. If you are seeking products with ingredients that are anti-aging for women, check out the brand’s creams and serums.

6. Dior – starts at P5,500

Dior is a recognizable luxury brand, but only skincare fanatics know what their luxury skincare line can offer in terms of anti-aging. The Capture Totale skincare, for example, relies on active botanical ingredients extracted from flowers, including Longoza, harvested from one of Dior’s gardens in Madagascar (the brand has six more all over the globe). The Capture Totale skincare range is best for people who are seeking to add plumpness and vitality to their skin. Check out Super Potent Serum and Capture Totale Intensive Restorative Night Creme, which are great additions to your nighttime care routine.

7. MBR Medical Beauty Research – starts at P118,000++

Can you afford to drop serious cash to get the coveted fountain of youth? If yes, then go ahead and check out luxury skincare products from MBR Medical Beauty Research. This German luxury skincare brand works with a network of aesthetic experts, surgeons, chemists, dermatologists, estheticians, and other skincare professionals in order to develop the most effective products that work to address a variety of skin issues. The MBR Liquid Surgery is said to be literally life-changing, and if you choose to combine it with Augustinus Bader’s The Cream, you will definitely recognize your younger self in the mirror in no time.

MBR actually makes products in small batches and tests them rigorously to ensure the best possible results. Their concentrated products purify the skin, stimulate dermal tissue, and nourish the skin. Moreover, the products are made in Europe, which has considerably more strict regulations on ingredients as compared to US regulations.

MBR does have other more affordable skincare products, but if you do want results, it’s always best to get the best.

8. Vintner’s Daughter – starts at P9,000+++

Of course, we need to add Vintner’s Daughter to this list. Founded by April Gargiulo, her winemaking skills inspired her process of creating revolutionary products. Surprisingly, this brand only offers two products: Active Botanical Serum and Active Treatment Essence. However, dermatologists, estheticians, celebrities, and even your favorite beauty influencers love the products so much because of how they are effective to the skin. Moreover, the products do not have any toxic ingredients in them.

The serum, for example,  can be added to your favorite moisturizer to boost the effects of the latter. It has 22 high-quality active, clean ingredients, including minerals, phytonutrients, vitamins, antioxidants, phytoceramides, aminos, and omega fatty acids. Before applying the serum, pat the essence on first. The essence has over 30 botanicals and has a super watery texture, so it really feels like a refreshing drink for your skin. Both products work on all skin types too.

9. Sisley – starts at P8,900++

Here’s another French brand to add to your beauty arsenal. Plant-based Sisley Paris was one of the first brands to use botanical ingredients for its skincare products. As a luxury skincare brand, they make sure that each plant extract used is backed by science, meaning it will deliver the refreshing, anti-aging benefits your skin needs the most.

Fans of this luxury skincare brand love the fact that they have glowy, hydrated skin, and that the products have gorgeous luxury packaging you would love to show off on your vanity table. The Black Rose Cream Mask is another cult favorite, especially for people who love its plumping and moisturizing effects. The other products are also an extravagant experience to have in your luxury home, thanks to it lovely, delicately scented floral mists or toners. Their anti-aging collection, Sisleÿa, uses exotic ingredients like Persian acacia and Lindera extracts with yeast and soy protein complex, Atlas Cedar extract, and pomegranate extract. Now, who wouldn’t want that on their skin?

10. Chantecaille – starts at P4,300++

This award-winning European skincare line Chantecaille relies on its botanical-focused formulations to deliver on its promises. This brand started when founder Sylvie Chantecaille discovered a meadow of rose de Mai, which is the main ingredient of her famous Rose de Mai Face Oil. Fans love this face oil for its firming benefits. 

The rest of the brand’s line also includes retinols, which are a favorite among many who wanted to erase years off their face. Retinol can also brighten the skin, and is considered by dermatologists and skin experts the backbone of every skincare regimen. Chantecaille’s Retinol Intense+ is a favorite thanks to its retinol properties and botanical ingredients.

Luxury skincare is only one of the many things that people who want to live a beautiful life are prepared to invest in. A magnificent, high-quality luxury residence in an exotic location is the only way to complete this lifestyle. Brittany Corporation, a high-end property developer in the Philippines, aims to meet the growing demand for a luxurious lifestyle. From lush, premium home and lot residential neighborhoods to high-end condominium enclaves, Brittany Corporation strives to provide the most sought-after luxury lifestyle, allowing for an opulent, effortless quality of life both indoors and out.