As far as luxury items go, the pinnacle of industries is the Rolls-Royce. The word ‘transcends’ is thrown around, but there’s no denying the brand transcends automobiles – more of a luxury item or design statement than a way to get from A to B. In recent years, the brand has evolved into a new era of lifestyle automobiling: Phantom Series II, Cullinan Series II, and its first-ever electric car, Spectre. Now, Rolls-Royce has its ultimate driver’s car, the Ghost Series II.

Ghost Series II offers the most technologically advanced and driver-focused V12 Rolls-Royce yet, with a sleek new exterior design, twin-turbocharged engine, enhanced audio system, internet connectivity, and video streaming functions. Cementing itself as a lifestyle accessory, aiding travel, adventure, connectivity and more, Ghost Series II Integrates an advanced digital interface, SPIRIT, along with access to its private members app, Whispers (integrated into the design).

‘We take the best and make it better, and strive for perfection in everything we do,’ said Emma Begley, director of global communications, speaking from the model’s launch in the South of France: a landscape the marque chooses to complement the car’s timeless and streamlined beauty. ‘It seems very sensible to bring this car here. It is a very beautiful car, one of our most popular models. Our buyers said, “Please be careful with Series II”, so it’s a very gentle evolution of it.’

‘The design blends modern sophistication with timeless elegance,’ added Juliane Blasi, head of exterior design. ‘It embodies the heritage of the brand and our futuristic vision. It represents the key principles of the design of Rolls-Royce: effortlessness, elegance and timelessness. When we design a Rolls-Royce, we take the brand’s heritage and balance it with the future – and we do this with intention. We know these designs will last for decades, like pieces of art.’

‘Every Rolls-Royce in its silhouette follows the same – upfront a majestic presence, and the rear tapers. It’s meant to be like a boat – wafting on the water, with the shape lightweight floating character to it. It’s full of presence,’ continued Blasi.

Most importantly, to the brand, it was to honour Ghost’s story and strong client base – and respecting the iconic design was of the utmost importance. ‘Our clients asked for a design that would provide a stage for their Bespoke colour and material choices, whether quiet and restrained or bold and expressive,’ added Blasi. ‘In line with their requirements, Ghost Series II is characterised by meaningful refinements that further enhance the motor car’s standing as a potent canvas for creativity.’ clients now have access to interior finishes and features never previously available on Ghost, as well as advanced software technologies that see Bespoke enter the digital world.

About Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II

Launched in 2009 as a gateway into the luxury marque, Ghost has become one of the most important Rolls-Royce motor cars of the Goodwood era – marking a new era of ownership for the British-based brand and a new category of the luxury consumers. Ghost’s youngest clients weren’t ready for Phantom, needing a more approachable and versatile model to drive rather than be driven in. What emerged was Ghost – and Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II embodies this spirit today – putting driving oneself at the centre of the experience. With this comes the Ghost Black Badge, designed to be as unique and individual as their owners, with the ability to customise every aspect of the vehicle. And Ghost series II Black Badge certainly doesn’t disappoint.

Where Rolls-Royce owners travel: Villa La Coste

On an autumnal weekend in Provence, Near+Far experienced a new piece of art – driving through the patchwork tapestry of its rolling vineyards. ‘We often ask clients, where is the best – where are you going, where are you travelling to,’ adds Emma. This superlative serving was Villa La Coste, an exclusive boutique hideaway on the grounds of winery Chateau La Coste in the Aix-en-Provence countryside.

The baby of Maybourne founder Paddy McKillen, modern looking structure clinging to the hillside vines. Whitewashed, modern, soaking bathtubs, Maybourne-quality toiletries and finishings. Plus, a spa, with a Hamman, and fitness centre. What’s more, world-acclaimed chef Hélène Darroze has her own Provencal kitchen – a stripped-back, organic-feeling whitewashed space elevated with pops of art from McKillen’s collection (we spot a Warhol). Hélène Darroze also supplies the in-suite breakfast, which is presented to guests on crisp white and blue paper and offers French countryside classics.

Each room is its own mini hotel, complete with a sweeping vineyard-facing terrace, an in autumn sunshine, a back terrace with a pool and loungers, and a seating area with impeccable design. The estate itself is home to Paddy McKillen’s striking collection of art and architecture, and guests can book exclusive art tours, wine tastings and more.

For interest in Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II, visit regional Rolls-Royce Motor Car’s showrooms. Prices start from around $355,000.

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