You don't buy a yacht, you build one.

Citadel.  A place of refuge, safety.

I don't know about you, but the first thing I inquire about before I spend any lengthy time on a vessel is where my citadel is.

Another word you may know it by, panic room.

It is safe to say that if you are going to be on a luxury mega yacht, its best to assume the worlds wealthy are spending millions on specialized trained personnel, some even British SAS (SIS) / MI5 or 6.... and military-style James Bond technology.

A citadel is basically a hidden chamber on a vessel with food and water; telephones and radios; some even have toilets... basically the necessities for survival.

With no welding and minimal need for specialist equipment or training, the room offers ballistic and blast protection, smoke screen technology, and can keep a crew of 2-24 people safe for up to 5 days with ship to shore communication.

Even more extravagant is the "escape pod" - a submarine that is ready at all times to ferry those on board away to safety. The submarines are mostly used as a leisure addition on super yachts, but there are no denying the benefits of these dual purposed luxury items.

The Nautilus VAS Luxury Submersible is perfect for exploring and is a great escape if pirates are after you. The best part is you can listen to music on its stereo and use the minibar to fix yourself a dirty martini - shaken, not stirred. A steal for only $2.7 million, especially next to Paul Allen's 40 foot submersible. 

Ashley Hughes rests briefly after walking all around a megayacht. 

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Overcoming fear of judgement

Ashley Hughes is never afraid of getting a little dirty, as long as it involves constant change and internal growth. Sowing seeds for my future.

Have you heard of ‘tall poppy syndrome’?

It’s that social tendency which sees high achievers – ‘tall poppies’ – as standing ‘above the crowd’ somehow; and it cuts them down to size. And if it’s taken root in your patch, it can make it tricky for you to strive. To grow. To dare to put yourself out there in the world and try your best at what you’re passionate about. For it can be a pretty potent motivator to stay small…safe…(silent, even).


Tall poppy syndrome (TPS) is a pejorative term primarily used to describe a social phenomenon in which people of genuine merit are resented, attacked, cut down, or criticised because their talents or achievements elevate them above or distinguish them from their peers. Basically, a tall poppy is a successful person or achiever who, as a result, is the target of jealousy and grudging remarks.


The goal is to make everyone the same, but the result is no one strives to be great or believes that change is possible.

I wouldn't want to be a part of a world where no one strives to be great...

Auroral Phenomena.

Happy birthday to me.

Aurora Borealis (or the northern lights), named after the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora, and the Greek name for the north wind, Boreas, by Pierre Gassendi in 1621.

In Finnish Lapland you'll find Igloo Village, part of Hotel Kakslauttanen. Igloo Village is a very unique ice hotel and is quite popular among adventurous Finland travelers looking for a night in a real igloo. You can book your own igloo here between December and April and stay in: snow igloos for an authentic arctic experience, traditional rustic log cabins, or warm glass igloos to watch the Northern Lights (Dance of the Spirits) from your bed.

Upper Echelon, strategic and international studies

Be humble, for you are made of earth. Be noble, for you are made of stars.

Humans have always yearned to explore new lands; it would seem a sense of adventure is innate. I long to explore new lands, new cultures, new worlds.


Detection of another intelligent species would be the most profound event of our lifetimes, if not all of human history.

I have always been a big believer in SETI. If you are too, visit SETIstars.org today to help via private donations from the public. 

Some stars show you the way.

A matter of Equality. (A few helpful reminders...)

It is proper common courtesy, and we all can use a little refreshing. I am fond of improving myself, and hope to continue. This post here is for the Gentlemen.


* a Lady like Ashley Hughes, prefers the company of a gentleman. Why are they harder to find here in Vancouver?

Dare to be different and overcome the odds.

* Portrait of a lady: Ashley Hughes and Sir Richard Branson In Vancouver BC.

Another favorite person of mine. The man that dares to dream. Sending civilians to the edge of our atmosphere, taking them to the depths of the ocean. I think he is a true leader, a visionary and I hope I can learn from this great teacher. Sir Richard Branson.

Everything in moderation...

*A portrait of a lady: Ashley Hughes and Taittinger in St. Barths (champagne wars)

It is New Years and you are on a magical tropical island surrounded by your peers. These are the times you want to REMEMBER. Be aware of how much you partake in the festivities, because even a hot mess, still involves the word "mess". Never be the last to leave a party, and your personal safety should be your primary concern. Take care of your body, have fun, let loose, but always be a lady.


* A lady always knows her limits and enjoys moderation.

Be mindful of others, and their wishes.

* Portrait of a lady: Ashley Hughes and the Mega-Yachts

I always try to have a pair of deck shoes (white soles) as to not leave footprints or scuff marks on others property.

It is also good to be wary when taking pictures, as to not include any artwork or distinguishing photos of personal property when you are invited to another's private home/boat/plane/island. I learnt the hard way one time, and I am very aware about the sensitivities of my friends and respect their property.




This post is dedicated to David Lede. Without his concern for my safety, and the safety of his children, I would have never been made aware of the harsh reality of circumstances. With utmost respect. 




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Off the beaten path.

* A portrait of a lady: Ashley Hughes, in Iceland at the Blue Lagoon. I went to Iceland on the inaugural flight of Icelandic air, from Seattle. (Vancouver is a couple hours drive from Seattle). I also went to check out their effective use of alternate energy, geothermal.

Do not be fearful of new places, or cultures. You never know what you may come across, or who you will meet. This has been a resounding lesson in my travels. Be daring, be bold. Fortune favors the brave.


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Appreciation for the finer things.

* Portrait of a lady: Ashley Hughes, lounging lady-like at the Burj Al Arab, in Dubai.

Although it does not rank as high as appreciating mother nature, having knowledge about fine craftsmanship and attention to details is another skill-set. In addition to exploring natural wonders, I try to visit man made wonders as well. Masters of their craft. This photo was taken at my room in the world's only 7 star hotel, the Burj Al Arab, in Dubai.

Challenge fear. Try new things.

A portrait of a Lady: Ashley Hughes riding a camel through the desert in Oman.

I went to Dubai to visit my best friend, and had many exciting adventures. As I am experienced in riding horses, I decided to try camels. What an experience! Even though I was scared at times, it was a fun and one of the favorite memories from that trip.

The little things count.

* Portrait of a lady: Ashley Hughes and an alpine meadow.

Wandering in fields of gold. Waterfalls, snowflakes and everything mother nature has provided. Learn to appreciate natural wonders and don't forget to stop and smell the roses.

Your body is your temple.

Ashley Hughes in Vancouver wearing her tennis dress.

Take care of your body. Nourish it properly. Keep fit and flexible. Active living is engaging and fun. It is good for the soul too.

Learn to appreciate different forms of art.

Portrait of a lady: Ashley Hughes takes a dip in a one of a kind pool by world renown glass blowing artist Dale Chihuly

Life is beautiful, and offers many wonderous ways of expression and capturing beauty. I personally prefer blown glass, like my favorite above picture. This one of a kind pool is by the talented and world renown Dale Chihuly. 



* Ashley Hughes in a one of a kind pool made by Dale Chihuly to showcase his beautiful art work.

Dress for Success

A portrait of a Lady: Ashley Hughes is wearing a tunic from Roberto Cavalli's original store in St. Barths and Hugo Boss shoes to the Bal de l'ete, in Monaco.

In the recent years, fashion trends have seen young women showing more and more and exposing themselves at a very young age. The attire that you wear in public speaks volumes about you. I prefer to be feminine and elegant, with a little flair for the unusual. (It helps leave a positive first impression.)

Be a part of history.

Ashley Hughes, Proud Torch-bearer for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics

Opportunities are fleeting. Grab them when you can. But if you are lucky enough to experience a once in a lifetime chance, make sure to pay it forward one day. I was lucky enough to carry the Olympic torch for Vancouver 2010 Olympics. It rests on my mantle now. One day I hope to be in the position where my company or myself can sponsor an athlete, or assist in any way I can so that another will get to have such a great lasting memory.

I have been asked how I got this amazing opportunity, but it was really Peter Brown who planted this seed. You see, he was asked to carry the torch and instead passed along that chance to a top producer at the firm. I was so inspired that I made it my mission to tell everyone I wanted to do this and when they called me I could barely believe it was true.

Another highlight is Bryan Adams pulling me up on stage and singing "Run to you"...

Meeting your idols. Aim high. (And a word from the wise, they are people too).

A portrait of a Lady: Ashley Hughes and Bono, AKA Paul David Hewson

Choose to emulate the real leaders in this world. They are real life teachers and guides. Seek them out, talk to them, and most importantly learn from them and listen to what they have to say.


A portrait of Bono, an idol of mine, is as follows: (thank you wikipedia)

Paul David Hewson (born 10 May 1960), most commonly known by his stage name Bono (pronounced /ˈbɒnoʊ/ bon-oh), is an Irish singer, musician, and humanitarian best known for being the main vocalist of the Dublin-based rock band U2.  Bono writes almost all U2 lyrics, often using political, social, and religious themes. Bono is also widely known for his activism concerning Africa, for which he co-founded DATA, EDUN, the ONE Campaign and Product Red. He has organized and played in several benefit concerts and has met with influential politicians. Bono has been praised and criticized for his activism and involvement with U2. He has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, was granted an honorary knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, and was named as a Person of the Year by Time, among other awards and nominations. This post is dedicated to AG, whom we all know is "still a celebrity".

Learning from the best.

Ashley Hughes at the Palace Hotel Hermitage, in Monaco

Charity is extremely important. Giving back and leaving a legacy are two important things in my life. As I needed to add some experience in this field, I attended numerous fund raisers around the world to participate on many levels, including attending the Bal de l'ete, Under the High Patronage of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, in aid of the Sovereign Order of Malta.

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