SINGAPORE: For some Singapore foodies, money is no object in the
quest for the perfect gourmet experience. But even the most
hardcore foodophile might balk at forking out a cool US$2 million
(S$2.7 million) for what is being touted as the world's most
expensive dining experience.
For that small fortune, Russian diamond group World Of
Diamonds (WOD) and CÉ LA VI Singapore will take two people on an
extravagant eight-hour dining experience. It includes an air, land
and sea journey and culminates in an 18-course modern Asian
degustation dinner, along with the gift of a 2.08-carat diamond
ring.
It all begins with a 45 minute helicopter ride over the Singapore
city-scape, a chauffeured Rolls-Royce drive and a luxury private
cruise which will eventually bring the two guests to dinner on top
of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel.
In the private setting of 10,000 fresh roses, a 360-degree view of
Singapore and a live band, the diners will be treated to 18 courses
that include fresh Belon oyster with champagne foam, Almas Caviar,
air-flown Alaska wild salmon and apple-wood grilled Mishima sirloin
paired with world-class wines such as a 1988 Salon ‘S’ champagne, a
2008 Domaine Leflaive Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru, and a 1972
Oremus Tokaji Aszú 5 Puttonyos.
Imbibing vintage wines and bubbly aside, there will be personalised
engraved diamond-studded chopsticks to eat with and custom-made
designer armchairs, fabricated by The Plush and ready to be taken
back to the diners’ home, to complete the opulent experience.
The pièce de résistance of the experience will be the presentation
of the rare 2.08-carat Fancy Vivid Blue Jane Seymour diamond ring
(reportedly estimated by WOD to be valued at US$2 million) at
midnight, served up with Louis XIII de Rémy Martin cognac and
against a backdrop of fireworks.
A rose-gold plated platinum ring set with a cushion-cut fancy vivid
blue diamond, it was created to celebrate the accomplishments of
actress Jane Seymour and is pegged as the world’s only celebrity
ring that is not pre-owned. Blue diamonds of this size and
saturation are said to be among the rarest and most sought after
gems in the world.
After all the festivities, an overnight stay at the hotel, if
desired, will be provided.
“This could be the ultimate proposal, an exceptional occasion, or
simply a celebration of life,” said Karan Tilani, director of the
WOD Group.
David Sarner, CEO of CÉ LA VI Singapore added: “At CÉ LA VI, we
live to create unique experiences that stimulate the senses,
elevate the spirit, amplify passion and fuel the pursuit of
pleasure. This … is the zenith of all experiences”.
All that said, even if one is prepared to fork out the eye-watering
price, there is still a prerequisite. According to organisers, this
experience will only be sold to a qualified individual at the
discretion of both WOD Group and CÉ LA VI.
- CNA/gl
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