Haute Hot Tubs

WHEN IT COMES TO STONE, David Luster is the man.  Not only does he locate the world's finest quarries to create his collection of stone baths and basins and more – a talent he developed during a 25-year stint procuring resources for a family business – he carefully selects and monitors the appropriate artisan to handcraft each piece.  He then provides the white-glove service that is essential to ensure optimim delivery and installation of his precious wares.

"People genuinely appreciate it," notes Luster, founder and president of the New Jersey-based Advent Design.  His penchant for detail even extends to the drain, which is supplied or specified by the customer and shipped to the stone carver's workshop by Luster for a precise fit with the bath.

Luster offers this egg-shaped Ravenna (46 inches wide by 78 inches long), among others.  Each is carved from a solid five-ton block of stone and averages 1,300 pounds.  Options include a white limestone; honed or polished beige, noce, red, and yellow travertines; and a Vinci marble.

This is not to say he wouldn't push the envelope to satisfy a special request in size, shape or stone.  If someone requests blue pearl, Luster will find it.  He says, "I travel the world for my discerning clientele to find what they couldn't otherwise get."

- Written by Linda C. Lentz