Singapore: For some foodophiles, money is no object in the quest for a perfect gourmet experience. But even the most hardcore foodies would chicken out at spending US $2 million (Rs 13 Crore) for this show-off dining experience.
For this extraordinary experience, 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 ends in an 18-course modern Asian relishing dinner, along with a 2.08-carat diamond ring as a present.
It 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.
In addition to vintage wines, 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.
