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Murder, mysteries, and martinis: Virgin Voyages launches true crime cruise

Murder, mysteries, and martinis: Virgin Voyages launches true crime cruise

Independent5 days ago
Forget listening to true crime podcasts on your commute, now you can get your forensic fix on a cruise.
Virgin Voyages has launched a new sailing aimed at amateur sleuths and podcast junkies.
The adult-only cruise line has partnered with production company iHeartPodcasts for a five-night True Crime Voyage in the Caribbean.
Departing on 10 October from Miami aboard Valiant Lady, passengers can enjoy a five-night Caribbean sailing that promises 'a haunting experience on the high seas.'
Prices start from £1,265 per cabin based on two people sharing.
When not exploring the white-sand beaches of Puerto Plata or relaxing on Virgin's private Bahamian island, guests will be able to watch live recordings of true crime shows, take part in behind-the-scenes workshops and attend meet-and-greets with top hosts.
The podcasts on board include Betrayal, which follows the stories of individuals blindsided by the people they trusted most and their journey to find justice.
Forensic investigator Paul Holes and true crime historian Kate Winkler Dawson are bringing their Buried Bones podcast onto the ship, giving guests an insight into riveting, real-life cases.
Passengers can also hear from the hosts of the Stuff They Don't Want You To Know podcast, which has an episode bank of more than 1,300 shows that unpack history's most bizarre events, such as government cover-ups, eerie cults and lost civilisations.
The itinerary also includes a lineup of Halloween-inspired events such as costume contests, bar crawls, eerie entertainment and a special edition of the ship's Happenings Cast show.
Nicole Huang, senior vice president of fleet experiences at Virgin Voyages said: 'We're always looking for ways to craft experiences as bold and original as our sailors.
'This True Crime Voyage is a perfect expression of that, blending the intrigue of incredible storytelling with the indulgence of elevated travel. We're taking everything our guests already love about Virgin Voyages and adding a twist for the Halloween season. It's going to be mysterious, glamorous and like nothing else at sea.'
Themed cruises are becoming increasingly popular.
Virgin Voyages also has a comedy cruise departing from Portsmouth in August, with shows compered by Jack Whitehall.
Music fans can go back to the 1990s on Marella 's Electric Sunsets cruise this October, which features performances from Bewitched and The Honeyz. The cruise line has even launched a West End musicals themed cruise for October 2026.
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Why cruising is the most accessible way to travel overseas
Why cruising is the most accessible way to travel overseas

Telegraph

time7 hours ago

  • Telegraph

Why cruising is the most accessible way to travel overseas

It was day one of our week-long cruise to the Norwegian fjords, and barely 90 minutes since we'd handed over our passports at P&O Britannia's accessible check-in quarters, we were already in our cabin. 'How fast was that?' I enthused to my partner, Paul, a wheelchair user since a spinal injury at the age of 21. He nodded enthusiastically, still thrilled that he'd been able to bring a second back-up chair, and by the generously sized wet room which had greeted us. We cracked open our bottle of champagne – part of the 'one bottle of wine per person' we were permitted to bring with us – and settled into our accessible cabin on deck 11, preparing to spend the following day at sea cruising along the inky blue waters off North West England. We used this day to explore the ship, finding that it was – on the whole – wonderfully easy to get around, with plenty of other wheelchair- and scooter-users amongst our fellow passengers, and specific tables at the buffet and lifts between floors reserved for wheelchair users (though not everyone observed these rules). Satisfied that our on-board experience would be a pleasant and easily navigable one, our attentions – and anxieties – turned to whether the same would be true of the various shore excursions ahead. We needn't have worried. P&O had clearly given much forethought to the ports which would prove most accessible for disabled passengers, with each destination offering step-free and (mostly) flat roadways and paths, allowing us to explore each without incident. Amongst our stops were the cities of Stavanger and Kristiansand – both delightful and very scenic – but it was the small farming village of Skjolden which really stood out. Gliding up the calm, crystal clear Sognefjord, we passed tumbling waterfalls and hillsides dotted with pretty wooden homes – then, as we neared the shore, we heard the bells of mountain sheep ringing as farmers toiled their lands nearby. Having disembarked, we followed a beautiful accessible tarmac road which wound around the feet of rugged, snow-capped mountains – a stunning place, and everything we'd hoped a cruise around Norway would offer. We stopped for a picnic at a little bench by the water, taking it all in as other cruisers – on foot, in wheelchairs or on scooters – passed by, deciding which of the various pathways ahead took their fancy as mountain goats and highland cows watched from the nearby fields with interest. That evening, we returned to the ship and watched the sun set from the rear deck, the sky and still waters streaked with the same deep hues of burnt orange and bruised purple. But it wasn't all plain sailing. As we'd been supping our champagne on that very first day, a wheelchair disaster of sorts had been unfolding below us on deck seven. Fellow passenger Alan Rogers, who has multiple sclerosis, had gone for some fresh air on the rear deck in his P&O-approved chair. While rolling himself down a too-steep ramp, he had come crashing out of it and was left lying on deck, helpless and in pain. Paul had tried to access the rear deck via this same ramp some days later, and also found it much too steep, saying that he'd needed two strong men 'to lift up the wheelchair and get me out'. When asked, P&O told us that their safety officer has no issues with the ramp, having recently been aboard the Britannia and found it all in order and within their specifications. 'But why don't they consult the wheelchair users who need these facilities?' says Alan. 'And if the ramps can't be fixed, what about a buzzer to call staff to hold open doors and to hold the wheelchair as you go through them?' P&O's newer ships, he told us, are better on this score. 'My first trip with my wife, Rachel, was on the Iona,' he says of another of the line's ships, launched in 2020. 'It was brilliant, with a decent-sized wetroom and electric buttons to press for the doors and balcony. I don't fly any more, and though cruises are definitely more accessible than a flight, I'm still limited in what I can go on.' He hopes that by speaking out, P&O might be prompted to adjust the ramps on the older ships to ensure the safety of other passengers. Nevertheless, overall Paul and I were impressed. Thanks to the all-encompassing nature of a cruise, this was the first holiday I had successfully organised myself, and the price – £899 per person, including all meals – had been manageable on my part-time salary. This approach also meant that we had been able to entirely avoid flying (which, with Paul's wheelchair and my own mental illness, which makes me claustrophobic in airports, is often an ordeal) or renting a car, but still get right into the heart of the rugged fjords and snowy mountains in all their beauty. Cruising is still a welcome lifeline for many wheelchair users who want to travel – but with just a few small tweaks, it could be even better.

The era of the celebrity thirst traps: All the stars who just can't seem to keep their clothes on - as Nicola Peltz and Emily Ratajkowski raise eyebrows with their VERY racy naked snaps
The era of the celebrity thirst traps: All the stars who just can't seem to keep their clothes on - as Nicola Peltz and Emily Ratajkowski raise eyebrows with their VERY racy naked snaps

Daily Mail​

time9 hours ago

  • Daily Mail​

The era of the celebrity thirst traps: All the stars who just can't seem to keep their clothes on - as Nicola Peltz and Emily Ratajkowski raise eyebrows with their VERY racy naked snaps

Nicola Peltz raised eyebrows this week when she shared a fully nude snap to Instagram. The actress, 30, was seen seductively posing in a bath, with her husband Brooklyn Beckham quick to note in the comments that he he had taken the racy photograph. Yet Nicola isn't the only celebrity who has dared to bare on social media in this week alone. Not one to be outdone, Emily Ratajkowksi also decided to show off her naked body in a photodump of her highlights from the month. And in recent years there has been an increase in stars posting 'thirst traps' - provocative content shared with the intention of being desired. So following on from Nicola and Emily's very steamy snaps, MailOnline take a look at all the stars who just can't seem to keep their clothes on. Madonna The Queen of Pop has also posed for a series of thirst traps over the years from black and white snaps in 1992 to more update to date ones over the last three years. Madonna was aged 34 when she posed naked for the series of erotic photographs which were taken in New York and Miami - from burlesque hotels to the streets of the city for a racy Sex book. Taken by Steve Meisel, t he black and white images of the singer raised eyebrows when they were released in back in 1992. However, Madonna has always looked to have been proud of her figure as she took to Instagram to pose topless a number of times. In 2022, the Material Girl star uploaded two images to her Instagram Stories that showed off her bare breasts, but kept to the platform's guidelines by covering her nipples with cheeky emojis. 'Went from candy to money,' the singer captioned the snap, then covered up her breasts with a candy emoji and bag of money emoji, to protect her modesty and not run the risk of getting banned from Instagram. For both photos, Madonna was dressed in a golden corset bottom, but without the top, while standing in a what could be called her beauty and glam room, considering all the various makeup and mirrors in the background. In an added touch of sexy style, the Express Yourself star wore a pair of classic fishnet stockings. In 2020, Madonna deemed coronavirus 'the great equaliser' in an eccenctric video of herself naked in a bathtub. The singer uploaded the clip to her Instagram where she sits in the tub filled with petals and voices her thoughts on COVID-19, saying it has made everyone alike. Madonna styled her blonde locks into an updo for the video while she also shared a sultry snap of herself staring at the camera, with two large roses covering her chest. Lisa Rinna Lisa Rinna bared it all with a racy, nude selfie to ring in the New Year. While preparing to welcome 2025, the reality TV personality, 62, enjoyed a massage and took to Instagram to share a photo of herself after disrobing and before getting on the table. She paid attention to protect her modesty with carefully placed star emojis on her boobs and a '2025 Happy New Year' sticker to shield her nether region. 'Out with the Old,' she wrote alongside the sultry snap and a partying face emoji. 'In with the New!' It came just months after she showed off her birthday suit and shared a completely nude selfie while marking her 61st over the summer. Her latest risqué Instagram post was accompanied by Auld Lang Syne by Guy Lombardo & His Royal Canadians for the year end celebrations. Kim Kardashian Kim Kardashian has left fans in awe with her nude looks over the years but some have caused quite the stir - including when she posed naked for a mirror selfie in 2016. Her controversial naked selfie featured strategically positioned black strips keeping her modesty which sparked uproar on social media. After welcoming two of her four children, North and Saint, Kim posed fully naked in the bathroom mirror, to show that she could still be a mother and be sexy. However, while pregnant with son Saint in 2015, Kim showed off her baby bump by posing naked once again. At the time she shared the snap with her fans on Instagram along with the hashtags #NoFilter #NoPhotoShop #GoodLighting. She posted the revealing shot to dispel online rumours that she is using a surrogate and captioned it with a long explanation of her transforming figure. And in 2018, the reality star shared another revealing mirror selfie on Instagram as she went braless for another bathroom snap. The SKIMs founder was wearing only tiny sparkling bikini bottoms as she covered her chest with her arms while posing in a bathroom. In June, Suki Waterhouse posed topless in very X-rated mirror selfies as she shared throwback photos on Instagram. The singer and actress, 33, confidently showed off her enviable figure in the raunchy photos, that she took during 2015 to 2017. In one snap, Suki covered her breasts with her long blonde locks before posing underwear-less in a bathroom for another photo. She captioned the post: 'the pics i sent to bellboys between 2015-2017 from my iphone 6'. The singer welcomed her daughter - whose name has not been revealed - with her Twilight heartthrob fiancé Robert Pattinson in March 2024. Jodie Turner-Smith Jodie Turner-Smith sure steamed up the Instagram feed in 2021. The actress sizzled as she shared a topless mirror selfie on the picture-sharing social media. The ex-wife of Joshua Jackson strategically covered up her chest with her elbows in the stunning snap taken from her bathroom. She wore nothing but a pair of grey sweatpants in the very revealing photo. Her curly brunette tresses were worn down as she let her naturally gorgeous looks show by going make-up free. The star has also shared topless snaps keeping her modesty with black heart emojis as she donned a black miniskirt. Kourtney Kardashian Like sister Kim, Kourtney Kardashian is not afraid to bare all as she stripped off in 2019 to promote her new lifestyle website Poosh. The reality star sat naked on a bathroom counter holding a book and a cup of tea. And the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star shared another revealing image as she posed naked in a bathtub with the caption, 'Love yourself as deeply as you love them.' The petite beauty had on flawless makeup with frosty lipstick and lined eyebrows as she lay down in the tub that was filled with bubbles. All eyes were on her incredible figure with toned legs and a flat tummy. The image looked heavily retouched as if it was an advertisement. Kourtney went on to welcome son Rocky with husband Travis Barker in 2023 and showed off her baby bump in a series of naked photos. Ulrika Jonnson TV presenter Ulrika Jonnson stripped down totally naked to enjoy the British sunshine - wearing nothing except a pair of wellies. The 57-year-old proved she's still got it as she showed off her inked arms and stuck a flower in her blonde hair as she posed holding her wheelbarrow. Ulrika displayed her curves and impressive tan as she did a spot of gardening - albeit totally naked. Baring all, she stood amongst the sprawling countryside in her green, knee-high welly boots as she gently leaned against the empty wheelbarrow. Placing an orange flower behind her ear, Ulrika let her blonde locks flow down her shoulders and accessorised with silver jewellery. She told fans she was 'baring herself' to celebrate hitting a milestone number of followers, and to support bereavement support charity StrongMen. Britney Spears Britney Spears has left little to the imagination over the years as she regularly strips naked while posing for social media videos and photos. Last year, the pop-star went completely nude as she posed for an eye-catching beach photo keeping her modesty by turning away from the camera and looking over her shoulder flashing her bare bottom. Leaving her long blonde tresses to blow in the sea breeze, Britney flashed her gorgeous smile as she posed up a storm for the picture. She simply captioned the post with a tulip emoji and, as always, ensured the comments were switched off. In 2022, the Baby One More Time hitmaker shared naked photographs of herself lying in her bathtub. The Grammy-winning singer shared two full frontal nude pictures of herself lounging in her bath. She placed her hands across her chest and covered her modesty with a pink flower emoji in the snaps. Gwyneth Paltrow Gwyneth Paltrow continued her annual birthday tradition in 2021 as she celebrated turning 49, by stripping naked to pose in a bathtub for a sizzling Instagram snap. The actress showcased her famous figure as she relaxed in the water for the jaw-dropping post, after her husband Brad Fulchuk posted a gushing birthday tribute. Overlooking a stunning night landscape Gwyneth covered her bust with hands as she playfully glanced to the camera while posing in the bath. Opting to let the image speak for itself, Gwyneth captioned the image with an eclipse emoji. Last year the star sent fans wild by stripping naked and posing in her garden to celebrate her 48th birthday. In the caption, Gwyneth thanked everyone for their birthday wishes while also plugging her lifestyle brand Goop. 'In nothing but my birthday suit today... thank you all so much for the birthday wishes and thank you to @goop 's insanely amazing brand new body butter for making me think I can still get my kit off. #goopgenes' she captioned the snap. Gabrielle Union Gabrielle Union took to Instagram last year to mark her birthday with a carousel post including a number of steamy snaps. Engaging her audience of 21.4 million, the Bring It On actress shared a racy snapshot as she showered in the buff, using a white washcloth to cover her modesty. 'This is 52,' she declared at the beginning of her caption. 'This is grown woman s**t.' She continued, 'This is being accountable for mess ups. Being gracious when others mess up. Being open to being wrong and being proud and confident when you are right.' The mother-of-one, who shares five-year-old daughter Kaavia with husband Dwyane Wade, smiled while posing in front of the stone wall of a luxe outdoor shower. Union's message to her followers went on, 'This is loving passionately and unapologetically. This is clear and firm boundaries. 'This is sexy. This is audacious. This is fun and full of wild adventures. This is calling a thing a thing and not falling for the Okey Doke and demanding better.' She added, 'This is being alone without being lonely. This is enjoying nature. This is fierce and compassionate motherhood. This is fighting for my people and yours. This is me at 52. Loving ALL of me.' Lottie Moss OnlyFans star Lottie Moss often leaves nothing to the imagination and in 2022 she posed topless as she returned to social media after a stint in rehab for drug addiction. The model put on a very racy display as she posed topless with nothing but duct tape protecting her modesty in the photos. Standing in front of a huge photo of Jimi Hendrix, Lottie showed off her toned figure and surgically-enhanced cleavage as she worked the camera. Styling her hair in blonde pigtails, Lottie wore a black thong and a shirt which she left completely undone. After standing by the framed print, the OnlyFans star proceeded to writhe around the floor in a series of seductive snaps. Lottie captioned: 'It's called art Jimmi approves so you should too.' Kirsten Bell Dax Shepard had a unique way of celebrating wife Kristen Bell's first-ever Emmy nomination; pictured in April The 50-year-old actor-comedian engaged his 4.1 million Instagram followers on Tuesday as he shockingly shared a photo of Kristen, 44, doing yoga in the nude Dax Shepard had a unique way of celebrating wife Kristen Bell 's first-ever Emmy nomination earlier this month. The 50-year-old actor-comedian engaged his 4.1 million Instagram followers on Tuesday as he shockingly shared a photo of Kristen, 44, doing yoga in the nude. Bell, who was nominated for her role in the hit Netflix series Nobody Wants This, appeared to be in their Los Feliz backyard as she posed in the downward dog position with her left leg lifted. The mother-of-two, who married Dax in 2013, was wearing nothing but knee-high blue socks. Shepard joked in the caption: 'People might not know everything that happens behind the scenes in order to create an Emmy nominated performance like Kristen's. This may or may not have been a part of her training, but it felt right. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!' The raunchy post has so far collected over 113,000 likes, with famous friends joining the comments section. Amelia Gray Hamlin Amelia Gray Hamlin shared a striking nude selfie via Instagram Story, writing that she 'felt like a mermaid' as she posed with the reflection of her bare backside in a full-length shower mirror Earlier this year, Amelia Gray Hamlin shared a striking nude selfie via Instagram Story. Writing that she 'felt like a mermaid' as she posed with the reflection of her bare backside in a full-length shower mirror. She placed an oyster emoji at the small of her back in the image, and used a pink bow emoji to cover the side of her breast. On display in the racy picture was the tan line of a thong bikini. The star, who is the nepo baby of Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin, pulled back a portion of her waist-length raven locks with a pale pink hair clip. Ashley Graham In 2020, pregnant Ashley Graham had no qualms about sharing a nude selfie on social media on Thanksgiving In 2020, pregnant Ashley Graham had no qualms about sharing a nude selfie on social media on Thanksgiving. The plus-size model showed off her large baby bump in the mirror selfie in which she's holding her phone in one hand and uses her other hand to cover her bare breasts. The no holds barred image shows her without makeup and with her hair tied up away from her face. Graham was expecting a boy with husband Justin Ervin; the couple announced their happy baby news on their ninth wedding anniversary that August. Irina Shayk Irina Shayk sent pulses racing after posing for an almost nude selfie last year Irina Shayk sent pulses racing after posing for an almost nude selfie last year. The Russian model, — who recently rocked the runway during Paris Fashion Week — took to Instagram to share a some very sexy topless snaps flaunting her fit figure. She looked ethereal as she posed nearly naked in just her black thong underwear for a mirror selfie, covering her chest to protect her modesty. The5ft10in beauty appeared to be in a studio surrounded by racks of clothes and makeup stations. 'Rehearsing dattt Last day of PFW:),' she captioned the carousel of photos. Heidi Klum Heidi Klum shared another racy selfie to her Instagram Stories last month She has also posed topless while wrapped in a towel during a lavish holiday The model, 21, and her mother, 52, made headlines last year when they appeared in a sexy ad for Italian lingerie brand Intimissimi Heidi Klum shared another racy selfie to her Instagram Stories last month. The America's Got Talent judge, 52, appeared to be in a fitting as there was a rack of clothes in the background of the shot. In the picture, the Project Runway star was topless with one hand across her ample breasts for privacy. The top of a pair of pantyhose could be seen and Heidi wore her hair in what looked like a Princess Leia style. The runway veteran's very slim torso was on full display in the photo. The sexy snap isn't out of the blue for the supermodel, she often shares sexy snaps on her Instagram account. Last year, Heidi and her 21-year-old daughter Leni Klum made headlines when they appeared in a sexy ad for Italian lingerie brand Intimissimi. Fans were vocal about how disturbing they found the photos of both Heidi and Leni showing off their bodies in lingerie while arm in arm. Commenters on Intimissimi's Instagram post were largely positive, but several vocal users were concerned or disturbed by the mother–daughter display. 'Dude that's your mom,' one person put it bluntly. Heidi blocked comments on her post. In her photos and video, Heidi showcased her toned abs in a lacy burgundy set as she posed next to Leni, who had on a black bra and panties. Bianca Censori In February, Bianca Censori sparked worldwide outrage as she went completely naked at the 2025 Grammys , alongside covered-up husband Kanye West More recently Bianca looked incredible in a new drop of sexy snaps taken by her husband and controversial rapper Kanye and shared to her Instagram In February, Bianca Censori sparked worldwide outrage as she went completely naked at the 2025 Grammys, alongside covered-up husband Kanye West. The designer, 30, who has previously shocked with risque displays, bared it all in a completely see-through nude mesh dress, worn without underwear - much to the shock of social media and onlookers - before rumors swirled the pair were 'kicked out.' Bianca exuded confidence as she headed to the carpet clad in a furry coat, before theatrically dropping the garment and flashing her bare derriere to photographers. She turned around to show off her topless chest and lack of underwear while West - nominated in the Best Rap Song category - leered at her nude body during the incident of indecent exposure. The star paired this with a nude heels and a touch of make-up. In contrast, West, 47, donned a demure black outfit and shades. It was reported the pair were asked to leave the event after turning up uninvited, and escorted out by cops after their 'crazy stunt.' However another source said they 'left of their own accord' and the exact narrative remains unclear. More recently Bianca looked incredible in a new drop of sexy snaps taken by her husband and controversial rapper Kanye West and shared to her Instagram. The Australian architect showed off her jaw-dropping figure in white lace lingerie while posing in her hotel room in Japan in shots taken in October last year. Censori showed off her ample assets and tiny waist as she posed in the sheer bra and matching thong-style knickers. She boosted her petite frame with a pair of stilettos and wore her blonde locks in a bouncy blown out style, which covered her pretty features. Nicola Peltz Nicola's naked bath snap isn't the first time she has stripped off for racy photo as in 2021 she posed completely naked while shirtless Brooklyn, took photographs of her The couple stripped off for a steamy bathroom shoot, which saw the model ditch her clothing in favour of a simple towel wrapped around her head Nicola set pulses racing with a jaw-dropping naked snap in a bathtub this week, after enjoying a swanky lunch with her pal Elton John. Yet this is not the first time Nicola has stripped off for racy Instagram snaps as in 2021 she posed completely naked while shirtless Brooklyn, took photographs of her. The couple stripped off for a steamy bathroom shoot, which saw the model ditch her clothing in favour of a simple towel wrapped around her head. In one sultry shot, Nicola cuddled her beau from behind while staring in the bathroom mirror as he snapped away on a vintage look camera. For the second he crouched down to capture the perfect angle, while she wrapped her arms around her bare chest to cover her modesty. Emily Ratajkowski She's certainly never been shy when it comes to showing off her supermodel looks, and Emily Ratajkowski has made sure to cause quite the stir over the years posing naked The American actress has been giving her 29million followers a very rude awakening as she previously posed completely mude while laying across a rug alongside her dog Columbo Also in 2019, one of Emily's daring snaps including one where she went topless to launch her new bodywear line She's certainly never been shy when it comes to showing off her supermodel looks, and Emily has made sure to cause quite the stir over the years posing naked. The American actress has been giving her 29million followers a very rude awakening as she previously posed completely mude while laying across a rug alongside her dog Columbo. There appeared to be no rhyme or reason for the photo which was taken in 2022 and the model simply captioned: 'baby boy bumbi.' The cheeky snap showcased her bare bottom as she mirrored the same pose as her pooch, who had his paws up while spread out across the floor. Read More Is it EVER a good idea to send a nude photo? Tracey Cox reveals the dos and don'ts from laying the groundwork to the most flattering angles (and six ways to deal with an unwanted one) In 2019, the actress posed naked once again for a photo shared on Instagram where she decried the '25 old white men' who approved HB 314, a comprehensive bill essentially banning abortions even in the event of rape and incest. Emily kept her arm over her chest and positioned a pink flower below for the daring photo. 'This week, 25 old white men voted to ban abortion in Alabama even in cases of incest and rape,' she wrote online. 'These men in power are imposing their wills onto the bodies of women in order to uphold the patriarchy and perpetuate the industrial prison complex by preventing women of low economic opportunity the right to choose to not reproduce. 'The states trying to ban abortion are the states that have the highest proportions of black women living there. 'This is about class and race and is a direct attack on the fundamental human rights women in the US deserve and are protected by under Roe vs. Wade. Our bodies, our choice. She posed in the nude against a stark white backdrop, seemingly only wearing eyeliner and mascara with a flower perfectly positioned for minimal modesty. Also in 2019, one of Emily's daring snaps including one where she went topless to launch her new bodywear line. 'Weave of my dreams,' Emily captioned the post. In the photo, the model sat in bed, completely naked, with just a sheet and her long, untamed tresses protecting her modesty. Her wild brown hair fell chaotically over both her shoulders, covering her breasts. She held onto a white bed sheet to cover the lower half of her body, yet her nude hip still managed to peak out.

The bizarre new trend in the homes of the super rich beloved by Kim Kardashian and Jeff Bezos
The bizarre new trend in the homes of the super rich beloved by Kim Kardashian and Jeff Bezos

Daily Mail​

time10 hours ago

  • Daily Mail​

The bizarre new trend in the homes of the super rich beloved by Kim Kardashian and Jeff Bezos

When it comes to the super-wealthy, their homes can range from everything from beachfront mansions to glitzy penthouses. But while individual tastes may vary, one trend has emerged among the rich which is beloved by celebrities and elites alike. It appears that premium architecture and a coveted location are no longer enough. Celebrity home stager and interior designer Cheryl Eisen said what the wealthy really want is a fully furnished home. While their massive budgets would allow celebrities to put their own stamp on a home, Eisen says they prefer to outsource the design and often all stick to the same color palette. 'Great staging isn't just about aesthetics, it's a strategy,' she explained. 'It gives buyers clarity and delivers maximum returns for sellers.' Eisen has staged homes for celebrity clients like Kim Kardashian, Robert De Niro, Daniel Craig, and even Jeff Bezos. She staged everything from $100 million penthouses in Manhattan to mansions in Beverly Hills and waterfront palaces on Miami's billionaire's row. She offers her services with two companies Interior Marketing Group and Eisen Design House. After her decades of experience, she's noticed that her celebrity clients are drawn to quiet luxury. They want their spaces to feel calm, and tranquil and gravitate towards neutral tones. The 56-year-old said that not only do homes she stages sell 82 percent faster than the average in New York, they sell well above asking price when fully furnished. Turnkey homes - homes that are ready for living the moment they are purchased - have become the norm in the luxury real estate industry. It's no longer a desire but an expectation, Eisen said. She revealed a lot of the business she is seeing is with vacation homes in Florida, which makes perfect sense to Eisen. 'If you're going to buy a second home, why spend a year furnishing it when instead you can buy a completely furnished home and just bring a tooth brush?' she said. Staging allows clients to imagine themselves in a space, and to feel something when they enter it. 'We want them to walk in and feel really calm and at home and at peace,' she told Daily Mail. 'We stay away from things that are too taste specific that could alienate a specific population,' she said. Eisen said the best design choices for turnkey homes are simple ones. 'Layered, neutral tones and textures, what we're really showcasing is beautiful architecture in the home,' she says. 'The formula for us has always been broad appeal.' It is perhaps surprising that this muted pallet is preferred, given some of the garish taste of some celebrities. Eisen said the rise in buyers purchasing their homes fully furnished and designed has always been a no-brainer to her. 'The wealthy will buy a home and then hire an interior designer and spend a year making it gorgeous,' she said. Whether it's an investment property or a personal home, turnkey buyers can move in on day one. 'You don't have to spend the time and energy on it,' she said. That's a formula that apparently worked for celebrity buyers like Jeff Bezos and Chrissy Teigen and John Legend. Both buyers purchased one of their homes completely furnished, and Teigen and Legend even hired her to redo their Los Angeles residence. The very wealthy have properties in every city, it only makes sense to purchase them ready to go. But, they're looking for different things in different cities. As much as Eisen aims for broad appeal, a vacation home in Miami looks different than a penthouse in Manhattan. 'In New York it's a little edgier, you can put some vintage pieces in there and give it a little edge,' said Eisen. Although she likes to stick with neutrals she said occasionally she adds unique art pieces to tie in a pop of color. In Florida, homes come out a little brighter and more modern. She said luxury buyers like to feel at home and at peace as soon as they step onto a property 'In Florida, since they're vacation homes they want everything to feel very new and fresh,' she said, adding that her designs tend to gear toward, 'warm tones and organic materials'. But despite their love of neutrals, the super rich are reportedly not adverse to an unexpected pop of personality, in moderation. Eisen said luxury homeowners are steering toward eye-catching shapes and statement pieces - even if they tend to stick within the confines of a natural pallet. She's seen curved sofas, coffee tables shaped like guitar picks, and an emphasis on imperfect shapes and materials. 'Those are all in warm neutral, nature tones, it's just created a whole layered organic textured thing,' she noted. However, one of her more outrageous requests in recent memory steered away from the organic, neutral look. Eisen said former Real Housewife of New York, Bethenny Frankel asked to have a zipline installed in her yard. Eisen said she is excited by such projects, which allow her to step outside of her turnkey formula. 'We're always so reliant on a broad appeal that when a client asks us to think outside the box it's an exciting challenge for us.' One of her more recent penthouse designs at Five Park Residence in Miami features bold colors and patterns throughout the home. 'It's all very dramatic, each room has this experiential element,' she said. Still, she's happy doing turnkey designs. Eisen said she'd always hoped the real estate industry would take this turn. 'It's a no-brainer,' she said.

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