A showcase of sophisticated elegance

The aptly named 'The Finest Living at The Palazzo' event held at the Derby Clubhouse of The Palazzo on August 15 and 16 attracted many VIPs eager for a slice of spacious, high-end living at Sino Land's premier luxury residential property overlooking the Sha Tin racecourse.

The two-day event was a VIP experience that showcased The Palazzo's fine services and homes, along with an array of high-calibre products. Guests sipped afternoon tea while listening to the music of Vivaldi performed by a string quartet.

Visitors strolled along elegant verandas, piazzas, gardens and courtyards inspired by European classical architecture, and enjoyed the tranquil ambience. An escalator conveyed them to a landscaped oasis amid the sweltering mid-August heat.

The many trees and shrubs, including an abundance of palms, were reminiscent of a manicured boulevard in the C?te d'Azur.

A pathway led down a stairway to an enclosed terrace, where the garden and view of the racecourse were breathtaking. An outdoor pool was flanked by six white seahorse statues and beige marble columns that depicted the splendour and regality of Rome.

The Derby Clubhouse provided a pleasant respite from the heat. The clubhouse continued the luxury theme, with green velvet curtains with a gold tinge, and sparkling gold-hued tassels and tie-backs complemented by light-coloured wallpaper.

A striking feature was the chandelier, complete with lampshade covers. Other notable features of The Derby was a 30-inch plasma television surrounded by a dark gold frame, meeting rooms and a high-end kitchen with De Dietrich oven, induction stove and grill, cream-coloured marble countertops, Walrus stainless steel sink, and beige cupboards with gold trim and handles.

Next stop was the Milan room. It featured an art deco-styled interior, dark mahogany themed walls, rattan seats, and a kitchen area also fitted with De Dietrich appliances and white marble countertops. The Milan room is an eclectic place that is tastefully and ornately designed and decorated. And, with its dark brown velvet sofa, is a terrific place to unwind.

The Palazzo is extravagant but not gaudy - a rare mix.

The event's sponsors included car giants Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin and Audi which exhibited their latest models, and jewellery. Luxury timepieces company Chopard showcased its finest jewellery and watches. The value of the products on display from the four sponsors totalled about HK$50 million. On display were a Rolls-Royce Phantom worth between HK$6 million and HK$7 million, an Audi Q7 and two of the latest top-of-the-range cars from Aston Martin.

Chopard did brisk business with its eye-catching white gold pendants with matching hoop earrings, diamond encrusted watches, chronometers, silk ties and scarves, handbags, sunglasses, and wallets and purses. A visit to the Roman Holiday concluded the day.

The lobby had a similar chandelier to The Derby, round, gold-tinted tables and shiny marble floors.

The lobby also offered a peek into The Palazzo's two indoor pools with inviting deep blue water. Six white marble fountains fed into the lower level indoor pool and a marble staircase with a curved marble and steel banister connected the two pools.