Thank you for the tips Michael. I ran a quick test of the first technique which worked fairly well. My transitions from the flat portion of the top to the curved portions are a little sharp but I was just testing with a quick mock up. After I lofted the carved portion I extruded it downwards to connect with the body and ended up with the following. It's definately going in the right direction. I will have to give the second method a quick go as well.