By Anya Cooklin-Lofting
For many, investments of passion are a welcome balm to the complexities and intangibilities of more traditional investment categories like stocks and bonds. At their most basic, passion investments involve the purchase of items you love that tend to be defined by their rarity, quality, cultural or aesthetic value and of course, their demand. It is all about investing in alternative kinds of assets that bring you more than just a return on your investment should you choose to sell. In other words, such investments offer investors the chance to enjoy the items under their care.
Typical passion investments include art and furniture, jewellery, coins and cars, which generally demonstrate an increase in value over time, or at least tend to hold their value. Because passion investors aren’t guaranteed a return, it’s important to look at how different passion investment categories have performed over the last couple of decades to help inform their purchases. However, investments of passion do tend to perform well during periods of economic uncertainty because the value of passion asset classes doesn’t undulate with the rise and fall of potentially unfavourable stock markets. In this way, passion investing proves to be a sensible, enjoyable and rewarding way to diversify your investment portfolio.
The best part about investing, and investing in passion asset classes more specifically, is that you don’t have to be an ultra-high net worth individual to get involved. While there are some categories that demand a certain amount of wealth due to the nature of the assets (such as classic cars), the majority offer entry-level investment opportunities for every budget.
Fine art is the best example of a passion investment that feels at once democratic and exclusive depending on the financial commitment you’re happy to make. Although there is no guarantee that your investment will pay off, you’ll be able to enjoy the art while you own it and bide your time while tastes and demands fluctuate.
The same principles can be applied to antique and designer furniture or jewellery. Our collective, quickly changing tastes and preferences adversely affect the valuation of these kinds of assets. The best thing to do over and above enjoying your purchases is to keep them safe, clean and out of direct sunlight.
The more progressive, experimental set of passion investors, however, are turning to other asset classes. Designer trainers, for example, have come into their own as an investment category, hence the £22,783 price tag attached to the Kanye West X Louis Vuitton collection. But one of the most headline-grabbing passion investment options is in Non-Fungible Tokens or NFTs, which allow passion investors to own digital assets.
In the midst of the pandemic in March 2021, market tracking revealed a collective spend of US$200 million on NFTs including artworks, memes and gifs. Fundamentally, an NFT is a non-interchangeable, non-replicable asset, making it more similar to a piece of art in the physical world than the cryptocurrency one would use to buy it.
This is well summarised the popularity of ‘Bored Ape’ NFTs, a limited edition of 10,000 artworks with different unique traits and qualities, owned largely by super-rich musicians and sports personalities and created by the application software developer, Yuga Labs. The very human act of art-buying is driven by aesthetics; we buy the art that speaks to us, and this is also how passion investors pursue their NFTs, and Bored Apes in particular. But on a wider, slightly more psycho-sociological level, Yuga Labs has created a brand-led community in the same way that other luxury brands have done, giving wealthy participants in the community a sense of belonging and prestige. They have successfully built a digital community that uses a heady cocktail of ‘hype’ (as celebrities publically invest in their NFTs) and new technology to charm an audience and persuade people into passion investments that serve to express their digital identities.
In the same way a passion investor in physical fine art might collect works from a narrow artistic movement, era or style to say something about who they are in the world, NFT investors are investing in works that inform their digital presence. All of us with any disposable income have those things in our lives that feel like part of the collage of ‘stuff’ that makes up our curated personalities. NFTs are just an extension of that phenomenon but in the digital world.
Ibiza’s Chicest Hotels With a Sea View
By Amira Hashish
Ibiza is slowly opening its doors for this year’s season and we cannot wait to don our kaftans and espadrilles. Whether you are seeking a buzzy lifestyle hotel on the beach or a more rustic seaside retreat, the White Island is brimming with super stylish escapes that will get you in that summer mood. Here is our edit of the finest getaways with endless sea views…
Nobu Ibiza Bay
The vibe: Coastal fun with a flair for food.
The lowdown: A lifestyle property that embodies laid-back luxury, the hotel is right on the seafront of Talamanca Bay. Close to the port town but in a spot that feels more chilled out, there are two pools and excellent restaurants on site including the signature Nobu. All rooms have terraces with sea views but it is worth booking into one of the suites with floor-to-ceiling windows. They open onto the terrace and overlook the ocean.
Take me there: nobuhotelibizabay.com
Six Senses Ibiza
The vibe: Secluded serenity.
The lowdown: Conceived by architect and developer Jonathan Leitersdorf, the year-round destination is passionate about farm-to-table dining, music, art, sustainable fashion, culture and wellness. Powered by its own renewable energy source (up to 51 percent at any given moment) and with punchy zero waste and zero single-use plastic targets, the resort has sustainability at its core. It is a Six Senses after all. Xarraca Bay is a long-hidden secret on Ibiza’s northern tip and this hotel is the best way to experience it. The cave suites built into the cliffs are really something. Sunsets are as magical as you’d imagine. There are also a handful of village residences for large groups or longer-term stays.
Take me there: sixsenses.com
7 Pines
The vibe: A place to unwind.
The lowdown: Opposite the mystical Es Vedra rock, this resort is all about soaking up those wellness moments. There are pools but no parties and sunset decks but no DJs, with a real focus on calm and relaxation. Set amongst pine forests, the resort has close to 200 suites (many with private pools), three restaurants, three pools and is just five minutes from the secluded Cala Codolar beach. Overlooking the sea, the Pure Seven spa is a haven of wellbeing inspired by the Mediterranean lifestyle.
Take me there: 7pines.com
Ibiza Gran Hotel
The vibe: The haven for foodies.
The lowdown: An independently owned all-suite hotel in Ibiza’s Paseo Marítimo, this is one of the larger luxury offerings on the island with fabulous sea views across to Formentera. It comprises 3,000m² of landscaped gardens, 185 tranquil suites, four restaurants, the Casino de Ibiza, and the lavish Open Spa. It takes exceptional service very seriously, champions contemporary art and prides itself on excellent cuisine. In fact, this summer it launches a gastronomy series in honour of Executive Chef Óscar Molina’s debut Michelin star. It is the first and only hotel on the island to achieve such an accolade. The flagship restaurant, La Gaia, is a must.
Take me there: ibizagranhotel.com
Petunia Ibiza
The vibe: Rural glamour.
Offering unspoiled views of rural Ibiza, Es Vedrà and the dazzling sea beyond, this independently owned boutique escape oozes Mediterranean style. Many of the rooms offer that ocean vista and each of them has been intricately designed. Make a beeline for a sunset cocktail on the rooftop for ambience to match the outlook. Then it’s dinner at La Mesa with a creative menu that nods to traditional recipes. The hotel is only a 10-minute drive from the quaint Sant Josep village, five minutes from Cala D’Hort beach cove and a short walk away from the Cala Carbo beach cove but you’ll feel a world away from everything.
Take me there: petuniaibiza.com
Los Enamorados, Ibiza
The vibe: Hip harbourside retreat.
In the romantic fishing harbour of Portinatx, directly on the seaside and next to a lighthouse, this former hostel has been designed to be unpretentious but full of character. Little details count; the softest Italian sheets, fluffy towels and a set of snorkels are provided. The owners guarantee a one hundred percent refund if you can’t see the sea from your balcony. The sprawling waterside terrace acts as a bar, restaurant and sun deck. It’s a stylish little spot that those in-the-know truly love.
Take me there: losenamoradosibiza.com
Etosoto, Formentera
The vibe: A fabulous finca.
The lowdown: Small but perfectly formed, this is a rather special offering in Ibiza’s neighbouring Formentera. Imagine an elevated finca with cultural and agricultural experiences and thoughtful design at the core. With a focus on slow travel, there is a rustic charm to appreciate and stepping out next to the crystal clear waters will never get old. The residence has nine bedrooms and suites with two little houses on the beach and a dreamy pool.
Take me there: etosoto.com
Follow @thedesigneditor and @clubrapport for more travel inspiration.
5 Business Podcasts You Should Be Listening To
Who doesn’t love a podcast? The multitaskers dream, podcasts are an easy and accessible way for us to absorb new information whilst keeping up with our busy work/life schedules. So whether you’re walking the dog, working on that latest project or enduring the daily commute, take joy in the fact that you can always be learning.
Perhaps you’re a budding entrepreneur or maybe looking to turn that side hustle into a flourishing full-time gig? Whatever your current circumstances, here are five cherry-picked business podcasts that you should be listening to right now…
The Diary of a CEO
Host: Steven Bartlett
About: The Diary of a CEO is an unfiltered journey into the remarkable stories of the people that have defined culture, achieved greatness and created stories worth studying.
Sitting down with some of the world’s most influential people, Steven creates the space for raw, honest and emotional dialogue that unearths untold truths, unlearned lessons and important insights, often encouraging his guests to share the things that most ‘interviews’ don’t provide.
Listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-diary-of-a-ceo-with-steven-bartlett/id1291423644
Ladies Finance Club
Hosts: Molly Benjamin and Lisa Conway-Hughes
About: Brightening up the pale stale world of finance and helping you to get money savvy, the Ladies Finance Club podcast interview guests on a range of personal finance topics using jargon-free language to help listeners understand the world of money and how they can take control of their financial futures. Tune in for invaluable advice on money saving, how to get out of debt, where to invest, how to prepare for retirement and much more.
Listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ladies-finance-club-uk/id1441919859
How I Built This
Host: Guy Raz
About: Ever wondered how some of the world’s best-known companies became household names? In How I Built This, Guy Raz expertly lifts the lid on global businesses such as Wikipedia, AirBNB, Bumble, Buzzfeed, Spanx and more to highlight the successes, failures, lessons and learnings that got these notable entrepreneurs to where they are today. Far from being just a ‘how-to guide’ for budding entrepreneurs, the How I Built This podcast offers a fascinating insight into some of the biggest brands that make up today’s marketplace.
Listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/how-i-built-this-with-guy-raz/id1150510297
The Goal Digger Podcast
Host: Jenna Kutcher
About: If you dream of turning your side hustle into a profitable empire then The Goal Digger podcast is for you. What sets Kutcher’s offering apart from the rest is its live-workshop style format that’s jam-packed with actionable step-by-step tips on a host of entrepreneurial topics including social media strategy, business hacks and affiliate marketing. All of which enabled Kutcher to escape the 9-5 hustle and become a self-made millionaire.
Along with invaluable insights, The Goal Digger podcast also features interviews with top women in the industry who generously share their secrets to success.
Listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-goal-digger-podcast/id1178704872
The Mind Your Business Podcast
Host: James Wedmore
About: As the title suggests, The Mind Your Business Podcast focuses on the correlation between mindset and success. Host James Wedmore, a seven-figure online entrepreneur, provides actionable advice and tips on how to become a successful business owner by honing in on powerful mindfulness techniques such as identifying the root causes of problems, uncovering limiting beliefs and understanding how to attract your ideal audience.
If you’re miffed as to why your hustle and hard work aren’t producing results, this podcast could be the answer to your prayers.
Listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mind-your-business-podcast/id1074394632?mt=2