APRIL 2020 ULM Digital

UPSCALE ™

A PR I L 2 0 2 0

THE CARTIERS, THE TALE OF A JEWELRY EMPIRE LUXURY WATCHES OF THE WORLD’S GREATEST GOLFERS KOENIGSEGG GEMERA THE WORLD’S FIRST 4-SEATER MEGA-GT

Experience The Difference www.upscalelivingmag.com

CONTENT PROFILES

FASHION

10 Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Soulful and Timeless Beauty 34 The Tale of a Jewelry Empire 46 Mindy Weiss, Graceful Under Pressure

25 Glenmuir for Sunderland of Scotland 42 Exotic Handbags by Laurus

ART

36 Alluring Jewels 44 Putting a Spring in her step

14 Pablo Reinoso’s Sculptures

JEWELRY

BEAUTY AUTOMOBILE

40 Beauty Edits.

16 Rolls-Royce Dawn Silver Bullet 18 Koenigsegg Gemera, The World’s First Four-Seater Mega-GT

DESIGN

TIMEPIECES 20 Luxury Watches of the World’s Greatest Golfers

6 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

52 Well Contained, hotels & accommodation offer a unique escape not skimping on luxury and versatility PEN 61 Sparta, Pen of the Year 2020

TRAVEL 62 The Rustic Incline to Mohonk 64 Wellness Travel 74 What’s New! - Brazilian Court Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida - Eclipse at Half Moon in the Caribbean 78 An Air of Magic at Sky Lodge 83 Luxe Mare, Lagos, Portugal 88 A Perfect Stay, Inside the Royal Portfolio Book Excerpt SPIRITS 92 Raising The Bar 116 ADAMVS Napa Valley, Epitome of Winemaking Excellence RESTAURANTS 114 The Urban Foundry 120 The Lantern

7 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

PUBLISHER | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | FOUNDER ALINA LEYVA (CABRAL) PUBLISHER@UPSCALELIVINGMAG.COM | 786-760-9133 MOBILE WWW.UPSCALELIVINGMAG.COM

office phone: +1-833-623-4443 | 1-847-461-4120

COPY EDITOR ASSISTANT EDITOR FASHION EDITOR BEAUTY EDITOR TRAVEL EDITOR

NATALIE King KAREN COMIN LISA MARIE VALENTINO SUZANNE LUCCIE HELENE RAMACKERS

HOME + DECOR EDITOR FEATURE

DANIELLA ICHI

EDITOR

DEVE SANFORD

TIMEPIECE + FINE JEWELRY EDITOR

ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER MARKETING ASSISTANT

BARBARA PALUMBO

AC BANLO MICHELLE TARKALSON

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

MICHAEL VINCENT, SHANE TARKALSON

WEB DEVELOPMENT

STEPHEN MCKENZY

MARKETING RESEARCH

LOUISA ANDERSON

OPERATIONS MANAGER

JULIANNE ALTMORE

DISTRIBUTION ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLES

sales + Marketing publisher partnership

ANTHONY LEYVA JACKIE DANA

Michelle.Farina@upscalelivingmag.com Publisher@upscalelivingmag.com Partnership@upscalelivingmag.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Heléne Ramackers, Jarone Ashkenazi, Tim Cotroneo, Barbara Palumbo, Angela Sara West,Tracy Beard, Smitha Sadanandan, Debbi K. Kickham, Rebecca Underwood, Adam Jacot De Boinod, Amy Bizzarri, Anthony DeMarco, Raj Gill, Niyoshi Shah, Christopher Kanal, David Danzig, Deve Sanford, Felicity Carter, Fran Miller, Gerard, Vallecello, Jake Bright, Karen Berlinier, Kevin Pilley, Leslie Royal.

Copyright 2020 Upscale Living Magazine. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of Upscale Living Magazine and ADMS Publishing Group, LLC. Neither the publisher nor the advertisers will be held responsible for any errors found in the magazine. The publisher accept no liability for the accuracy of statements made by advertisers. Ads in this publication are not intended as an offer where prohibited by state laws. www.upscalelivingmag.com

8 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 20200

PROFILE

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Soulful and Timeless Beauty | BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS

PHOTO COURTESY OF LONGINES

Her career as a model, Miss World, and actress has garnered Aishwarya Rai Bachchan a tremendous following and enormous fanbase. The subject closest to this timeless beauty’s heart is her family and since becoming a mom eight years ago, she has successfully put time management at the fore of all decisions that affect her home life.

completely to whatever I take on. That’s what I believe in, hence that’s the way I choose to conduct my life.

HOW DID BECOMING A MOM CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVES, YOUR CHOICES, YOUR LIFE, AND CAREER?

It’s an interesting relationship. Each of us has that in our day-to-day experience. It has the unique quality of surprising us every day. You have no idea what the next moment is going to present to you. It’s up to us to choose how to brace ourselves for it, or to embrace it.

That’s a book (she laughs). You read about an experience where you have these tones – this is unconditional love. Before I became a mother, I believed I knew it. It’s that soulful experience and as a mother, I know it now. I don’t know how I knew it before; it can’t be put into words.

HAS IT INFLUENCED YOUR PROJECTS OR YOUR ROLES? I believe in time management for sure, because I do so by choice. I’ve always been like that throughout my career, I’ve always committed to what I know I can give my all to. I’ve been like that professionally and personally my whole life through. That’s helped consistently through my marriage and becoming a mother. That’s just because of who I am; it’s not necessarily about what’s happening in my life.

Yes, you do make adjustments, but it’s up to you – there’s nobody else telling you ‘do this or do that’, it’s what I choose to do. As long as I’m able to believe in my choices, I can commit

HOW DO YOU USE YOUR TIME WHEN YOU’RE ON SET? Hopefully, I work (she laughs). Time has this unique quality of evoking your respect, commanding and recognizing how precious it is. Remaining your buddy and someone you’re constantly racing with. It never comes within your grasp; you’re always trying to embrace it.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SHOOTING A FILM IN HOLLYWOOD AS OPPOSED TO BOLLYWOOD? That makes for great documenting, but in my attitude, even in India, when I first started working, what the world recognizes in the film industry is the Hindi. Within India, you also have a lot of other regional languages, being the vast country that it is. And there is a local cinema that is made in each of these various regions. If you view India, that is a world within itself. I, from the beginning, worked in a Tamil film, a Bengali film, I’ve done films in other languages. My attitude is not whether I’m working in Mumbai or in another part of India, so that continued, even if I worked on an English movie, it’s simply working on a movie.

It’s working with a director and with a team, irrespective of where in the world or in which

10 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

language. That liberates you as an artist. As an artist, you need to be a free, creative person and focus on the work at hand, rather than have a different approach to a different person making it or a different part of the world in which it’s being made.

BOLLYWOOD HAS GAINED POPULARITY BEYOND THE INDIAN POPULATION IN THE LAST DECADE OR SO. WHAT DO YOU THINK APPEALS TO WIDER AUDIENCES? It’s a reflection of the times. We prefer to call it the Indian film industry as opposed to Bollywood. The fact that it has exploded beyond our borders is a reflection of the fact that the world has only gotten smaller and more diverse as a community. That reflects in society and communities – it’s a lot more international.

There’s a lot of cultural exchange and sharing in everything – in cuisines, in fashion, in everything and so be it in entertainment as well.

With industries and markets growing, the global movement has found many more markets to also exhibit, because of the demand. With all our gadgets, making the world an even smaller place, that gave an opportunity for people to discover work in different parts of cinema all over the world and Indian films being amongst the various nationalities in which movies are being made. In terms of feedback, something that has definitely been loved and appreciated a lot has been the musical aspect, which is strongly identified and enjoyed. The music of our movies is almost a part of all our traditions; our weddings, our customs, our festivals, our song and dance. We have our traditional music and then you have the Hindi film music, which is so much a part of all these celebrations that socially it’s caught on in a very big way. Wher-

PROFILE

11 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

PROFILE ever I traveled, people always come up to me and say ‘oh we love that aspect of your cinema’.

This is recognized as a signature of Indian movies and people love it. It’s uplifting and celebratory. We as a people, music is such a part of all of us, of human beings, just to experience that through our cinema as well, people find it very engaging and uplifting.

HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH YOUR SUCCESS EVERY DAY, WITH YOUR FANS AND FOLLOWERS ON SOCIAL NETWORKS? I’m very grateful. I’m so thankful for the unbelievable amount of love that people are just so generous with. To make the time for expressing and sharing their feelings. I think it takes a lot.

How many of us really do that? When people are doing it so generously, it asks for accountment and appreciation. I take every opportunity I get because unfortunately, I cannot reply to every comment and every message sent to me via the various platforms, so every time I get the opportunity to communicate through you, you are my voices, to thank them all for their generosity of love and appreciation. A huge factor for inspiring me and motivating me to continue and empowering me with opportunities to be able to do as much as I do.

I thank them for their blessings, support, and love.

BEING IN ROME, DO YOU LIKE ITALIAN CINEMA? I haven’t viewed enough of it. Coming back to why we are here, I was the first one to endorse the Longines Dolce Vita design, I got to make the first commercial here in 2010. I remember it was a hot summer, and being from India, it was really hot. It was so lovely; a lot of the crew was local, just the spirit on the streets, everyone was happy all the time. As Indians, we have that in common with Italians. We’re very expressive, we use our hands, we’re out there expressing ourselves and celebrating. I loved it, the spirit of the place, I love the Dolce Vita attitude, I feel at home dare I say.

YOU’VE HAD A HUGE CAREER. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO A YOUNG GIRL IN ORDER TO EMPOWER HER, TO MOTIVATE HER TO ACHIEVE HER DREAMS AND GOALS IN LIFE? There’s so much to say. To put it simply, you need to recognize your own potential, believe in yourself, you are empowered by your own recognition of your own potential. You need to be your best friend. In doing so, you keep it real with yourself, because the more you go out

there into the world, you’re going to hear a lot of different things and truly, the experience is the greatest teacher. But when you’re enriching your life with experience, it’s important to keep your own voice, your own truth real for yourself. There will be a lot of people out there who will say a whole load of things to you, but listen to your own inner voice, stay connected and keep it real. You need to believe in yourself, life is beautiful. Live from moment to moment and when you commit yourself to whatever you take on, commit yourself completely.

WHAT VALUES DO YOU SHARE IN COMMON WITH LONGINES? To put it very simply, when Longines approached me and when they shared with me that their motto was going to be ‘Elegance Is An Attitude’, that immediately resonated with me. I was ‘yes, this is me’ Elegance is innate, it is who we are. Here was a brand, calling on consumers to come and buy their product, at the same time respectfully sharing with their consumers that we respect you for who you are. We recognize that each individual has their own personality, each one is individual, and your elegance resonates from within and makes you who you are. It defines you. I believe that and I do see myself being able to voice this and coming on board with this brand and twenty years already, I’m still here. It’s been a wonderful journey.

DO YOU REMEMBER YOUR POINT OF VIEW WITH REGARDS TO WATCHES TWENTY YEARS BACK AND WHAT ARE YOUR FEELINGS TODAY? Longines approached me very early in my career and watches for me before that was a timepiece that I knew as a student. You felt very grownup when you first got a watch. You have a special memory with that. All the wonderful values and punctuality, respecting people’s time, it’s a timekeeper. It’s something that you respect, and it holds a very special value. From a student’s life, I had suddenly joined my career in the movies. My life from the beginning was always very diverse in experiences – I was a student when I did a bit of modeling on the side and then overnight, I became Miss World.

Suddenly, I was traveling the world, and I was almost like an Indian cultural ambassador from being a student the night before. All of a sudden, there were all these diverse experiences. I was one of the busiest Miss Worlds they ever had. There was so much travel, there was so much change in my life in that one year, so much growing up, and then suddenly, I had a

12 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2019

career in the film industry without any formal training. Time played a very big role because life has always been about time management for me from very early. When I became an ambassador for Longines, it felt responsible, not just a frivolous commercial and I never looked upon being a model or being a brand ambassador frivolously for any company. I obviously read up on Longines and discovered that the previous brand ambassadors were Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart, so I’m in very fine company. It’s very privileged and very honored. I discovered the company had over 180 years of history in watchmaking, so I really respected that and said this is a company that can certainly walk the talk. I felt at home and I was happy to come on board.

I remember over the years I’ve had so many varied experiences and honestly, I did discover a lot more about the watch industry – watches, the working of watches, the various designs, the array that exists, the functions of various watches. Being associated with the company, it has been a wonderful, fun experience in timekeeping. Being a timekeeper at all these incredible events, it’s so crucial because it defines all the records. My life has gotten enriched by so many varied experiences and at the same time, heightened respect for the industry itself. I appreciate watches as a timepiece. I want to wear a watch because it reflects who we are. I respect history and while being very much a woman of today and tomorrow.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LONGINES TIMEPIECE? I’m spoilt for choice of being with the company. The one that always holds a special place in my heart is Dolce Vita. It was the first watch that Longines shot a commercial for right here in Rome with the Dolce Vita way of life and it was a lot of fun. That is a very special memory.

It also marks my twenty years with Longines. 

ART

Pablo Reinoso‘s Sculptures | BY RAJ GILL

Pablo Reinoso is an Argentine-French artist and designer who has been working and living in Paris since the late seventies. He is most famous for his public installations and sculptures which he creates from traditional materials eg, metal, stone and also from wood. Perhaps one of his most recognised pieces is the spaghetti bench and also the L’Arche sculpture which sits in front of the Petit Palace in Paris.

Reinoso was engaged by Lodha the global property developers to create a sculpture for their new building in central London. Journalist Raj Gill caught up with Pablo in his Paris studio.

WHAT IS YOUR PROCESS? When I have the chance to be in my workshop, I take the opportunity to draw and to take time to consider future projects. I communicate a lot with my contacts in Europe and in Latin America switching from French to Spanish throughout the day. These days I spend very little time in my studio in Paris as I travel a lot to follow up on my projects. I always need to observe a place, really get under its skin before I begin the process of creating.

WHAT / WHO DO YOU DRAW YOUR INSPIRATION FROM? My inspiration comes from everything that surrounds me, sometimes from the materials wood, metal, stone etc. Sometimes from the natural environment, all of this dictates how my works will unfold. I am also inspired by the context of psychoanalysis reflection in which I evolve.

Everything starts with a proposition, the next step is for me is to research my options. If I feel that I can elaborate on an interesting piece I can then start to develop my work.

AND WHAT DREW YOU TO WORK ON THE LODHA PROJECT? It was a great project for public space in a typical neighbourhood of London City, in which many architectural styles meet up. I was very excited to include my artwork in that environment. I had to work on the project in harmony with PLP architects and with this strong environment to create a work that fits perfectly in this urban specific landscape. I am very happy that my work is visible and used by the residents of Lincoln Square and everyone who passes by.

By Raj HOW DID THE LODHA COLLABORATION HAPPEN? I was contacted by the group and invited to present an artwork for the Lincoln Square project. A competition had been organized and I succeeded in the first and second rounds.

Once I reached the second round, we had a presentation meeting, all the team fell in love with a little sketch that I’d done very quickly that morning on the Eurostar train from Paris.

It was a variant of the Ark’s project with a seated part, it was subsequently adapted and reached consensus on both for the architects and for the Lodha group.

HOW LONG FROM THE FIRST DELIBERATIONS UNTIL THE INSTALLATION OF THE LODHA SCULPTURE?

WHAT ARE / HAVE BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGES IN YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?

It was quite long, I sent my presentation project on February 2018 and the Ark was installed in March 2019.

My biggest challenge is to reinvent myself every day.

WHAT DOES YOUR WORK PROCESS INVOLVE?

WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO WORK ON A SPECIFIC PROJECT?

I draw a few sketches, think about new projects and demands, I discuss with my production team if it is feasible to complete the work, then

14 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

it’s time to think about the transport and the installation.

WHAT ARE THE IMPORTANT LESSONS YOU HAVE LEARNED ALONG THE WAY? I always have to think of the material and places before anything can be done, to be sure that my work will be visible for a very long time in a good condition.

WHAT IS THE MOST FAVOURITE PART OF YOUR JOB? Creating new projects from my imagination.

First it is just a drawing or an idea and then it becomes real in space and it really moves me.

WHAT DO YOU THINK SETS YOUR DESIGNS APART? It’s pretentious of me to talk about a difference from others, but I think that something particular emerges by working on the boundary between art and design.

WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING AN ARTIST? Being truly free, having the opportunity to question yourself constantly.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE SCULPTURE TO DESIGN? I KNOW, IT’S LIKE ASKING WHO YOUR FAVORITE CHILD IS, BUT THERE MUST BE A SPECIAL ONE. It is too difficult to choose one in particular, however I can say that each time I start a new series of work, it is very exciting, so much to discover. I experienced a myriad of emotions when I saw my big installation at Malba Museum or the installation that I created for the Modern Art Museum in Brazil.

DESCRIBE YOUR DESIGNS IN THREE WORDS. Push the limits.

ART

15 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

AUTOMOBILE

ROLLS-ROYCE DAWN SILVER BULLET | BY JARONE ASHKENAZI

Inspired by the roaring twenties, iconic British car manufacturer Rolls-Royce introduced its first Collection Car of the new decade. The Dawn Silver Bullet Collection is an ode to a decade in Western society of economic prosperity with a distinctive cultural edge. As society moves forward 100 years later, this collection draws inspiration from the fabled roadsters of the 1920’s, with the open-top roadster iteration of Rolls-Royce Dawn Silver Bullet.

O

ne of Rolls-Royce’s oldest models the Dawn pays tribute to the glitz and glamour with this silver bullet. The limited-edition – only 50 will be available worldwide – roadster captures the “the carefree attitude of those far-off days in a bold, contemporary expression designed for today’s non-conformists and pleasure-seekers,” according to its announcement release. This rare and glamorous machine brings back an ode to decadence and the ability to traverse the “landscape with supreme accuracy” with great “speed and precision”.

16 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

Although final images of the two-door roadster haven’t been released, renderings show why the car received its name as it will have an ultra-metallic silver Bespoke paint finish. Featuring dark exterior detailing, dark headlights and new dark front bumper finisher, it provides a dominant expression on the road, a sharp contrast to its silver hue. Inside, the car is fit with expert craftsmanship, contemporary and dashing, with an alluring mix of materials.

Crown in the collection is the Aero Cowling presenting a heightened “sense of speed and purpose” with its sleek bodywork and intimate interior. “The rakish silver center spine brings the bodywork into the cabin, giving it the intimate, connected feel of a true two-seater. A vapor-blasted titanium finisher completes the Aero Cowling windbreak and proudly displays the Silver Bullet name and silhouette.”

This model perfectly “melds the nostalgia of the past with the sophisticated innovation of the future” creating the ultimate platform to experience bespoke journeys around the world. It is with this in mind that Rolls-Royce will also provide a series of ‘Silver Bullet Drives’, tailored road-trips made available via Whispers, RollsRoyce’s exclusive, digital home for Rolls-Royce clients around the world.

AUTOMOBILE

17 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

AUTOMOBILE

KOENIGSEGG GEMERA The World‘s First, Four-Seater Mega-GT

| BY JARONE ASHKENAZI

The Gemera is Koenigsegg’s first four-seater and the world’s first Mega-GT. The Swedish manufacturer of high-performance sports cars was founded in 1994 and has hit many firsts in its short history. The CC8S was launched in 2002 as the company’s first street-legal production car, where in 2009 and 2019, the CCXR and Agera respectively won key industry awards.

Fast forward to March 3, 2020, which saw Gemera, the limited production four-seat plug-in hybrid grand tourer, being unveiled via online broadcast.

D

ubbed the Tiny Friendly Giant, or TFG for short by Koenigsegg, this compact yet powerful engine boasts 1700-hp, accelerates from 0-62 mph in 1.9 seconds and can reach a max speed of 249 mph (186 mph in electric mode). The hybrid powertrain is made up of three-cylinder combustion engine that runs on renewable alcohol fuel and three electric motors. With 500-hp electric motor for each rear wheel, a 600-horsepower combustion engine in between, the third 400-hp electric motor sits in front and drives the front wheels. The all-wheel drive machine also features an 800-volt, 15kWh battery pack behind the front wheels which provides power to the electric motors.

While the exterior is a bold and aggressive frame, the Gemera has the practicalities of a four-seater car with more luggage space. Unobstructed for both front and rear passengers to enter or exit, thanks to the lack of a B-pillar and two large di-hederal doors, there was no detail spared on the interior. There are two cup holders per person, one hot and one cold, a steering wheel with leveled graphics screen, leather upholstered electrically adjustable seats and a total of four touchscreens Its premier design characteristic is the giant Koenigsegg Automated Twisted Synchrohelix Actuation Door. These doors, one on each side that swing up vertically, allows effortless access and a very small opening footprint. Along with air vents incorporated in taillights and headlights, top-mounted titanium Akrapovič exhausts, rear view cameras are used in place of mirrors.

The mega-car experience can now be shared with family and friends with a total range of 1000km, 950km with its internal combustion engine and 50km with its electric engine.

18 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

AUTOMOBILE

19 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

TIMEPIECES

LUXURY WATCHES OF THE WORLD’S GREATEST GOLFERS

BY TIM COTRONEO

I

n 2019, Rory McIlroy set the luxury watch world on its ear when he assisted in the design of an Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra timepiece. This ultra-light, limited-edition Gamma Titanium watch sells for a cool $48,000.

DJ & HUBLOT, PERFECT TIMING Swiss watchmaker Hublot chose Dustin Johnson to represent their brand because they believed his golf attributes matched their timepieces. Ricardo Guadalupe, Hublot’s CEO, believes in Johnson due to his, “Perfect timing, power, control, and precision.”In 2017, Johnson and Hublot debuted the Big Bang Unico Golf watch. The Big Bang was designed to allow golfers to calculate their scores on the course. This beauty retails for $14,000.

McIlroy’s wristwear splash is the latest to draw headlines in a category linking luxury watches with the greatest names in golf. Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player started this trend in the 1960s when The Big Three became brand ambassadors for Rolex.

Today, pick your favorite PGA or LPGA professional and it’s likely you’ll find that they enjoy an endorsement deal with one of the world’s finest watch brands.

Let’s look at five of the most luxurious timepieces and see which golfer’s wrist they adorn.

RORY’S WATCH OF GLORY

ANNIKA WATCHES HER CAREER 20 YEARS APART

In 1995, Annika Sorenstam won three tournaments internationally including the U.S. Women’s Open.

This was the same year she was awarded Rolex Player of the Year. In addition to hoisting the trophy, Sorenstam was rewarded with an iconic Rolex Datejust watch. Exactly 20 years later, this golf Hall of Famer purchased a second watch, this time an Oyster Perpetual Datejust. Sorenstam had the phrase “With Rolex 20 years” engraved on the back.

Rory McIlroy not only pocketed $15 million with his 2019 Fedex Cup win, he followed up this victory with another first, his personal input into the design of an Omega custom watch that is so light McIlroy feels comfortable wearing it on the golf course. Fellow professionals Sergio Garcia and Tommy Fleetwood backed McIlroy by wearing the watch during last year’s European Masters. Fleetwood said the watch, featuring a telescopic crown, was so light he forgot he was wearing it.

BUBBA’S WATCH BREAKS THE BANK Bubba Watson has been wearing Richard Mille watches in tournaments since 2011. In 2018, Watson wore a RM-38-01 watch while playing in the Masters. This watch includes a g-sensor on the face which tells Watson how fast his club is traveling during a swing. This model was designed specifically for Watson, and only 50 of these watches were made. The retail cost: $825,000.

20 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

TIMEPIECES

TIGER’S WATCH TRAVELS WELL Tiger Woods favorite Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea timepiece has traveled the world with him at least ten times over. Woods’ affinity for Rolex’s Deepsea makes sense when you consider that scuba diving is one of the golf legend’s passions. For most of Woods’ publicity photos, he sports a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day Date II. When Woods donned his fourth Masters’ jacket in 2019, he wore a $16,550 Rolex Deepsea D-Blue watch on his left wrist.

21 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

YOUR PORTAL TO THE WORLD OF LUXURY w w w. u p s c a l e l i v i n g m a g . c o m

786.760.9133

GOLF

GLENMUIR

FOR SUNDERLAND OF SCOTLAND Pushing golf apparel boundaries

BY ANGELA

From Nick Faldo, Tiger Woods and Sam Torrance, to Lee Westwood, Colin Montgomerie and Jimmie Johnson, the leading technical golf wear brand Sunderland of Scotland has been sported by many of the greatest players in the history of golf. Capturing the essence of the game with its expertly-crafted, traditional but forward-thinking golf wear, the world-famous brand was recently acquired by renowned golf knitwear and clothing company Glenmuir, which has been at the heart of the game ever since its beginnings back in 1891.

A

ngela Sara West talks to the MD of the much-loved Scottish brands about their winning formula, innovative golf wear and latest on-trend collections, famous fans, and dressing the Ryder Cup Team and King’s Cup’s Team Ireland & Team USA!

SARA WEST

Born in the birthplace on golf, Scotland, Glenmuir for Sunderland of Scotland stands at the forefront of technology and innovation in performance golf outerwear, and has been crafting quality golf clothing since the late 19th century.

Elegant and Scottish to the core, the revered company is synonymous with golf and, 130 years on, is still thriving today, as it continues to develop its world-renowned reputation as one of the leading golf brands in the industry.

An historic agreement announced last year brought together Scotland’s most-loved golf brands with a combined 230 years of golfing heritage between them. From 1st January 2020, Glenmuir owned the global rights and distribution for the Sunderland of Scotland brand outside of Asia, an agreement following on from a successful 10-year partnership where Glenmuir teamed up with Sunderland to become the official European distributor for the original, and leading, technical weather wear golf brand.

25 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

GOLF “Both brands are a natural fit, with their respective Scottish heritage, shared brand values and focus on crafting premium quality durable products,” says Mikhel Ruia, Managing Director of Glenmuir and Sunderland of Scotland. “They also allow us to innovate our product offering for different customers, with the Glenmuir brand focused on traditional and elegant golf wear, and Sunderland of Scotland on technical, high-performance weather wear. “ A HOLE IN ONE WITH HI-TECH GOLFWEAR With its roots in the late 19th century, Glenmuir for Sunderland of Scotland remains dedicated to meeting the demands of the modern game, catering for varying geographical tastes in golf clothing and the need for playing the game in various climates. Proud to have produced shirts and knitwear for the European Ryder Cup Team for over 30 years, Glenmuir remains a family-run business, creating the finest golf-wear and globally famous for engineering performance golf clothing to the highest technical specifications to meet the demands of golfers, developing and innovating to maintain its reputation as one of the leading golf brands in the industry.

THE SPIRIT OF GLENMUIR Glenmuir has delighted in dressing the giants of the sport in its shirts and knitwear, meeting the demanding performance standards required to play in the intensity of one of the world’s greatest sporting events, ensuring golfers are never ‘weather beaten’. Along with kitting out big names, the collections are crafted for every kind of golfer, both on or off the course, keeping even the most discerning, and trendiest, of golf lovers (and non-players) happy.

“Our clothing has been worn by champions at Augusta, winners of the Claret Jug, gladiators of the Ryder Cup and on the world’s leading courses, but we are equally proud to see Glenmuir clothing at local clubs, dressing beginners and professionals alike, of every level and generation, all coming together for the love of the game,” says Ruia. “That is the spirit of golf.

That is the spirit of Glenmuir.”

phenomenally-popular brand. The clothes and accessories manufacturer has been creating golf and knitwear with impeccable care, skill and dedication to the craft ever since its creation, and the company continues to push the boundaries of research and development in fabric performance, garment design and manufacture today.

“We continue to be committed to serving the on-course golf professional shop, which remains at the heart of our business,” says Ruia.

“Our focus on product quality, embroidery and customer service has made the brands the most respected and reliable names in golf, and we’re excited to enter our next phase on our journey of growth and development.”

GLENMUIR CELEBRATES 5-YEAR PARTNERSHIP WITH THE RYDER CUP! Glenmuir recently agreed a historic five-year partnership with Ryder Cup Europe, bringing their association to nearly 40 years. Glenmuir will be the Official Licensee of the 2020, 2022 and 2024 matches, and the brand has launched the Official 2020 Ryder Cup collection in celebration of the affiliation.

The range is showcased and available online at www.glenmuir.com, as well as in the Official European 2020 Ryder Cup Shop, and Glenmuir has also launched a marketing campaign with video and image content with #RyderCupReady on their Instagram account @glenmuir1891.

“Being part of this truly global sporting spectacle since 1987 is a great honor for Glenmuir,” says Ruia. “The Ryder Cup is the most treasured trophy in the game of golf and represents pride, passion and partnership. This ethos is aligned with Glenmuir’s own team values, with everyone focused on crafting premium quality, functional and elegant products which are made using sustainable and renewable methods. We very much look forward to building upon the great past success of our Ryder Cup partnership as we embark on this next five-year chapter.”

A PRESTIGIOUS RYDER CUP HERITAGE

The Ryder Cup captures the essence of athletes competing at the very highest level, with changing match pressures, weather conditions and climate. Sunderland of Scotland’s high-performance technical golf wear is engineered to perform by allowing players to own the elements, ensuring they’re #NEVERWEATHERBEATEN so they can remain focused on the factors of the game that they can control.

The official Ryder Cup licensee boasts an impressive history rich in prestige and heritage… It’s been a hole in one all the way for the

“Ryder Cup Europe and Glenmuir have a long-standing association and we are delighted to extend this partnership across the next three

From a round of golf to a round of drinks, Glenmuir guarantees you stay stylish and cool on the course, and always looking a winner at the ‘19th hole’ – the bar!

26 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

Ryder Cups,” adds Tom Johnson, Ryder Cup Europe Head of Marketing. “Sunderland of Scotland is a leader in technical golf wear, and we are thrilled to partner with them to offer fans the opportunity to purchase high-performance outerwear as part of the Official Ryder Cup collection.”

KITTING & KNITTING THE RYDER CUP TEAM TOGETHER The champions’ choice for superior golf-wear, the brand’s long-standing association with the Ryder Cup began back in 1987, when Tony Jacklin captained the first-ever European Team to lift the trophy on ‘foreign soil’. The European Ryder Cup Team has proudly worn Glenmuir shirts and knitwear pretty much ever since. The partnership between Glenmuir and the European Ryder Cup committee has been one of the longest-running in the world of high-profile professional sport, with Glenmuir the ‘preferred supplier’ of shirts and knitwear.

“Glenmuir has had the privilege of supplying the shirts and knitwear to successive European Ryder Cup Teams, since Europe’s famous first victory at Muirfield Village in the US, right up to, and including, the victorious 2014 European Team at Gleneagles,” Ruia explains.

The company is also a Corporate Partner of the PGAs of Europe and, in 2011, was the preferred supplier to both teams in the Vivendi Seve Trophy. Also selected for the Curtis Cup and Solheim Cup teams over the years, these prestigious partnerships have served to endorse the brand that epitomizes quality, reliability and playability.

GLENMUIR DRESSES GB&I TEAM In 2010, Glenmuir received a 25-year service recognition from Sandy Jones, the Chief Executive of the PGA of GB&I, and recently dressed the GB&I Team in high-performance golf apparel for their match against the US for the October 2019 PGA Cup at Barton Creek Resort in Austin, Texas.

Captain Cameron Clark and his GB&I Team - David Higgins, Michael Watson, Robert Coles, Matt Cort, David Dixon, Jordan Godwin, Jason Levermore, Craig Lee, Paul O’Hara, Alex Wrigley, Richard Wallis, Scotland’s Alastair Forsyth, the No. 1 GB&I player and Great Britain’s reigning PGA Professional Champion, were beaten by the US, but Britain’s boys looked their best in Glenmuir blue!

PGA LADIES Glenmuir also supplied the outfits for the 2019 PGA LADIES’ GB&I and the inaugural La-

GOLF

27 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

GOLF dies’ PGA Cup 2019 matches, and with the PGA Cup returning in 2021 to Foxhills Resort Club & Resort in Ottershaw, Surrey, the site of the last GB&I victory in 2017, Glenmuir hopes to be dressing the team again.

The association with some of the world’s leading golf courses is a testament to the prestige of the Glenmuir brand, which proudly meets the demands of the modern game, catering for varying geographical tastes in golf clothing and the need for playing the game in a variety of climates, ensuring customers of lasting wear teamed with reliability.

The brand’s design department has handpicked and designed Europe’s team wear in conjunction with other celebrated captains, including Sam Torrance, Bernhard Langer, Nick Faldo, Bernard Gallacher, José María Olazábal, Paul McGinley and Colin Montgomerie, who scooped top honors at the World Golf Awards 2019 at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi, securing ‘Golf Course Designer of the Year’ and a coveted ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ for his outstanding contribution to golf.

GOING GLOBAL Both brands have seen tremendous growth in the last few years and are now distributed worldwide. Glenmuir for Sunderland is now retailed globally in golf clubs and resorts, gracing outlets in over 30 countries, including Switzerland, France, Germany, Belgium, Sweden, Australia, South Africa, Russia and South Korea, along with a number of leading UK and European golf courses. “Our product provenance, quality and, importantly, durability have been the key drivers to meet the high tastes of female and male golfers worldwide,” explains Ruia. “There is a great demand and cachet associated with Scottish quality and British-designed products in the export markets, and we are honored to export to the four corners of the world, all from our Lanark HQ, with the latest market to launch both brands being Canada.”

GOING BACK TO GRASS ROOTS… HOW IT ALL BEGAN In 1891, local businessman Andrew MacDougall established a knitwear factory in the small village of Kirkfieldbank, near Lanark in Scotland.

The business then moved to a new factory in Lanark itself, which remains the company’s headquarters to this day. The premises were extended to accommodate the ever-growing business, which continues its commitment to creating perfectly-manicured golf-wear with impeccable care, skill and dedication to the craft.

“Mr MacDougall was the inventor of a new power-driven machine that greatly simplified the design and manufacture of fancy golf hose,” Ruia explains. This legacy, tradition and culture influences Glenmuir’s products. “Whilst our rich heritage inspires our passion, we continue to develop, innovate and embrace contemporary golf apparel and knitwear technology trends.”

“Our name is our reputation,” says Ruia. “Our green grass customers remain the core of the company’s business.” To develop its relationship with professional golfers, Glenmuir developed close links with the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA), and through its title sponsorship of the Glenmuir Club Professional Championships, remains the PGA’s longest-standing tournament sponsor. As part of the company’s international expansion, Glenmuir became a corporate sponsor of the PGAs of Europe, and supported many national golfing bodies in Europe and beyond.

In 1911, the Sunderland family began clothing manufacture in the Scottish city of Glasgow. Toby Sunderland had studied men’s tailoring in Leeds, before joining the family tailoring business and, in 1966, he and his wife Ida founded Sunderland Sportswear Ltd, later renamed Sunderland of Scotland, and brought to market the first ultra-lightweight golf rain suits made from Italian acrylic-coated nylon. In 1970, Sunderland became the first British company in their sector to show at the PGA Merchandise Show in Florida.

RIDING HIGH ON THE RYDER CUP - GREG NORMAN & SEVE BALLESTEROS GET ON BOARD

DRESSING THE GIANTS OF GOLF

Following a successful Ryder Cup involvement at Walton Heath, Greg Norman was signed up as Sunderland’s Staff Tour Pro in 1981. Sunderland’s Tour Panel has since seen Nick Faldo and Sandy Lyle signed, among other big names including the late great Seve Ballesteros.

During the 1980s, the Glenmuir brand was endorsed and worn by a multitude of sporting icons, many of whom became longstanding ambassadors of the Scottish brand. Past ambassadors included Seve Ballesteros, while recent ambassadorial roles include partnerships with Ian Woosnam, Andrew Murray, Joshua McMahon, Steve Robins and Carmen Alonso.

In 1982, Sunderland designed a ‘Sharkskin’ suit in association with Norman. Lighter, softer and more flexible than anything else on the market, it became a huge success, both on the Ryder Cup Tour and in the pro-shop, and was judged the ‘best in show’ product at the 1984 PGA Merchandise Show in Florida. The following year, the first Gore-Tex suit ‘Classic’ was introduced and modeled by Nick Faldo, while Sunderland

28 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

GOLF

ambassador, Seve Ballesteros, sported various Sunderland pieces, including the Classic, Oyster and Dolphin rain suits and the Nylontex wind-shirt at St. Andrews.

by the staggering success of their wind shirts, which had been a staple Sunderland product in the UK and Europe for years, but hitherto rejected by the previous US distributer!

HIGH PERFORMANCE FOR ALL In 1988, the first drop-liner golf rain suit was invented by Sunderland. Featuring the Gore-Tex Z-Liner system, where the liner carries a waterproof membrane-outer, and lightweight fabric with water-resistant finish, it made for a softer feel and allowed use of more fashionable fabrics. The success of the drop-liner principle spawned the development of the Oyster rainsuit, a high-performance drop-liner product at an affordable price.

In 1992, the Dolphin suit, the least expensive drop-liner suit in the business, was born, followed by the invention of Sunderland’s Original Weatherbeater, similar to a wind shirt but with a waterproof drop liner. Instant success in stores saw celebrations at Sunderland on both sides of the Atlantic. The Masters Weatherbeater took its concept forward in 1996, sporting a collar and short zip for better protection than the Original Weatherbeater. Big on Tour, the following year saw the launch of a short-sleeved option.

In 1989, US subsidiary, Sunderland of Scotland Inc, was opened in Canoga Park, California, by Paul Sunderland with Sid Freund, seeing it successfully selling Sharkskin, Oyster and Classic rain suits, along with wind shirts, which were virtually unknown in the US at the time. Sunderland were absolutely astounded

Fast forward to 2002, and the new GT range of products, designed utilizing the newest technologies and design concepts for manufacture in latest high-tech, Gore-Tex was approved. In 2003, the company was sold by the Sunderland family to Harris Watson PLC, and teamed up with Lyle & Scott©, and in Europe with Bob-

by Jones® Clothing. The same year, The Ruia Group, a family-run textile business based in Lancashire and owners of Sock Shop, acquired Glenmuir, and in 2009, an agreement between Glenmuir and Sunderland of Scotland saw Glenmuir become the official European distributor of Sunderland of Scotland golf products.

Ten years on, Sunderland of Scotland joined the Glenmuir family, lock stock! Warren Sunderland, son of Toby Sunderland who started the brand in 1911, says he is thrilled about the company’s acquisition by Glenmuir. “We are delighted that the brand will retain its Scottish roots and heritage and is in safe hands with such a well-respected brand.”

Both brands, in addition to the MacWet golf rain glove brand, will continue to be designed, marketed, embroidered, finished and distributed from Glenmuir’s Lanark headquarters in the heart of Scotland, with no planned changes to employment. The company will continue to launch separate Glenmuir and Sunderland of Scotland brand collections for Spring/Summer

29 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

GOLF

30 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

GOLF and Autumn/Winter, in addition to capsule collections.

SUCCESS SECRETS From its humble beginnings as a hosiery and knitwear factory in the beautiful surroundings of the Clyde Valley, Glenmuir’s HQ site in Lanark has developed over the years to provide a highly-efficient club, corporate and event embroidery program, which has been a hallmark of Glenmuir’s success. The in-house embroidery program was introduced in 1979, and the brand’s logo, which is embroidered on all garments, was redesigned to its present shape. The following year saw the launch of the Professional Rain suit, a soft, quiet, somewhat breathable and completely waterproof suit which became the Tour players’ favorite overnight!

Ruia believes there are three factors behind the company’s recognition as a world-leading technical-performance golf-wear brand. “Firstly, our unique Scottish DNA… born, and still based, in Scotland, which is recognized on a global scale as the ‘Home of Golf ’. Secondly, our commitment to crafting the finest and highest-performing durable golf-wear. And thirdly, our world-class personalization and embroidery service, all carried out by our skillful craftsmen and women at our Lanark HQ, ensuring total quality control and a first-class service.”

Marketing and design, customer service, administration and, crucially, graphics and embroidery are all controlled under one roof in order to maintain standards of quality and service. The souvenir program, published to mark the opening of the extension, records Andrew MacDougall’s commitment to the future success of the business. “’Tis not in mortals to command success, but we’ll do more - we’ll deserve it,” he wrote.

“In addition to the product quality and power of our brands, the strength of our knowledge and expertise on customs and duty paperwork, sturdiness of boxes and packing methods, plus speed of delivery have all led to growth in the export markets,” says Ruia. “After all, we have nearly 130 years of experience, which will be even more relevant and valuable as we navigate the uncertainty surrounding Brexit.”

HI-TECH ATTIRE Boasting a prosperous legacy which inspires its knitwear, the famous golf knitwear and clothing company combines high-performance functional materials with luxurious fabrics and contemporary design. As a business founded by a golfing family who manufactured outerwear, Sunderland has a heritage of understanding the requirements of a garment to keep golfers dry in all of the conditions that the Scottish

weather can deliver. These needs are reflected in the design of all of Glenmuir’s garments, with all attire engineered to be made with luxurious fabrics which function and perform, ensuring you’re always protected, rain or shine.

Performance wear remains a focus for Glenmuir, who have seen record demand in this category. Their performance shirts are not only breathable, but moisture wicking with +40 UV protection to boot.

So, your ball might be in the bunker, but when it comes to clothes, Glenmuir pulls out all the stops and takes out the stress of selecting your golfing attire. All-year-round, you can rest assured there’s something stylish, and summer or winter-ready, for you!

GET FITTED OUT – GLENMUIR STYLE Struggle to put golf outfits together? Struggle no more… Whatever the weather, Glenmuir’s got golfers covered! Choose from a huge range of colors, classic styles and technical pieces for him and for her. The unpredictable weather we’re currently seeing here in the UK calls for midlayers, so layer up against the cold, wind and rain in their selection of midlayers and outerwear. The g.Wick will keep the chill off, enhance freedom of movement, and is lightweight to pack. Made from active functional fabric with moisture-wicking yarn, it delivers thermo-regulation, breathability and enhanced freedom of movement.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE BALL Keep your cool on the course, but your game red hot this summer, by staying focused in the heat with the lightweight g.Aubrey visor with magnetic ball marker. Made from stretch, breathable and moisture-wicking fabric with a toweling sweatband, it enables extra efficiency to help keep your eye on the ball.

The process of creating Glenmuir’s luxury shirts made from 100% double mercerized cotton removes stray fibers from the cotton yarn and fabric, leaving a smooth, silk-like fabric which is breathable, naturally soft and durable, with an anti-curl collar.

TREND-SETTING & CO-ORDINATED SS20 ON-AND-OFF COURSE OUTFITS Trends go a ‘fairway’ in influencing Glenmuir’s designs, ensuring wearers always look way above par. Golfers were taking a walk on the wild side last summer with fashionable animal prints and now spring’s here, it’s time to refresh your golf wardrobe with brand new styles, shades and looks from the Glenmuir Spring/ Summer 2020 collection (SS20), offering fresh

colors - Magenta, Spring Green and Ascot Blue - with a focus on sustainable performance fabrics and natural performance.

Glenmuir’s designers have carefully selected co-ordinating outfits to make dressing for the course easy, crafting the finest golf apparel to keep men and women all over the world looking stylish, feeling comfortable and playing their best. With co-ordinated colors, combined with the latest seasonal trends, why not mix’n’match to perfect your look? Glenmuir gets you on course to find your very own style.

Their current bestsellers? “Products with our signature Glenmuir Tartan have proved very successful over the last few months,” Ruia reveals. “Lambswool is popular in Scotland and Scandinavia. Different climates demand different fabric technologies, and we must also take into account the timing of seasons to ensure the right products are available in the right place at the right time. For example, the Australia and Spain golf summer seasons take place during the UK winter seasons. Our merino wool has also been popular in all of our markets.”

1891 HERITAGE COLLECTION For its AW 2019 collection, Glenmuir introduced high-performance midlayers and their luxury Touch of Cashmere knitwear. The Scottish heritage golf brand recently launched a cool new capsule knitwear collection, inspired by their retro sporting heritage of crafting the finest golf knitwear since 1891. The limited-edition ‘1891’ Heritage Collection of knits captures the company’s 130-year legacy perfectly, with “1891” embroidered on every piece.

Adore the cozy cashmere look and feel? Get on course with the unique range, which is thermo-regulating, created from super soft cashmere and made to be durable with Glenmuir’s signature anti-pill finish. Three gender-neutral styles, all created from Glenmuir’s signature luxury Touch of Cashmere yarn, include two chic’n’chunky knits (g.MORGAN and g.SPENCER) with intarsia patterns and a luxury jersey sweatshirt (g.TYLE ), all hand knitted by expert craftsmen, with stitches linked manually, resulting in resilient flat seams.

Retro, yet contemporary, 130 years of passion, skill and care have gone into designing and crafting these fine Scottish knits in the new 1891 collection, enabling golfers to achieve a unique, distinctive and fashionable look both on and off the course.

SIGNATURE TARTAN & A COOL CHRISTMAS LOOK! Stay stylish throughout the winter golf seasons

31 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

GOLF with always-on-trend tartan. Three new Men’s Touch of Cashmere Zip neck sweaters include the super-stylish g.Galloway, reflecting elegant luxury with a subtle moss stitch and cable front incorporating a discreet flash of signature Glenmuir tartan. The men’s’ trouser collection sees an exciting addition to the g.Cuthberts range, with a new tartan option. New Autumn/ Winter Ladies’ Touch of Cashmere styles, meanwhile, include a subtle shimmer for this sparkling season, appealing to both fashionable golfing females and non-playing golf widows, too.

“This collection delivers high-performing products, beautifully crafted and designed from luxurious-performance and natural-fiber fabrics. We believe the collection meets the high demands and needs of the modern elegant female and male golfer,” adds Claire Woods, Head of Design, Glenmuir.

Complete your coveted new look with fashionable, functional accessories, such as a mock snakeskin leather belt and snug-as-a-bug gloves.

Top off your outfit with a ribbed faux fur bobble hat with toasty Thinsulate thermal fleece lining, and get into the Christmas spirit this coming winter season with Glenmuir’s festive merino wool sweaters, available in a selection of seasonal designs.

GLENMUIR GIFTS A-GO-GO & LATEST TECH FOR GOLF FANS Offering accessories aplenty and gifts galore, Glenmuir ensures its range of additional products is designed and manufactured to the same high quality as all of its weather wear.

With an array of high-function hats, thermal gloves, scarves and socks, you’ll also find elegant towels, leather bags, belts, umbrellas and more in the brand’s weatherproof spring, summer, autumn winter wonderlands, both in store and online.

Your golf gift recipient will enjoy hitting the green with their new tartan driver headcover and its nifty pompom design. Tech geeks will love the latest bit of kit from Zepp, allowing them to check their performance in-game - the follow-up to their original Zepp Golf Swing Analyzer, the Zepp 2 records your swings using an on-glove monitor, with all the stats delivered directly to a smartphone app. And you really can’t go wrong with a shiny new set of golf balls - the Srixon Z-STAR golf balls use the latest technology to create a softer feel, giving an extra incentive to not lose them in the rough!

Partner prefer to practice at home rather than be exposed to the elements? Glenmuir’s automatic putt returner does what it says on the tin, allowing them to perfect their moves in the comfort of the home. There’s plenty for 32 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

non-golf fans, too… Perfect for stocking fillers, cozy socks sport all sorts of patterns, from snowflakes to stripes. So, you’re bound to find something for everyone’s winter wardrobe.

CLUB EMBROIDERY - PERSONALIZATION, PERSONALIZATION, PERSONALISATION

as pure combed cotton and bamboo, ever since 1891. “Glenmuir has always, and will always, remain committed to respecting all of our stakeholders, whether that be customers, suppliers, partners or colleagues, and the same goes for the environment,” Ruia explains. “This ongoing commitment to the environment will be the focus of our #GlenmuirCare campaign.”

Looking to put your own stamp on your golf-wear? Make it personal with Glenmuir’s outstanding online embroidery service. With personalization proving more popular than ever, Glenmuir caters seamlessly to this trend with both graphic and text. In fact, the Glenmuir brand was created with the specific aim of offering club-embroidered sweaters to golfers through their professional golf shop.

The company pioneered environmentally-sound performance fabrics and natural fibers for their Spring Summer 2020 collection.

“Glenmuir is a pioneer in golf clothing with natural fibers which are renewable and environmentally friendly. We focus on sustainable performance fabrics and natural performance, and are telling our story through our #GlenmuirCare campaign.”

Personalizing to perfection, Glenmuir’s expert craftsmen offer something for every occasion.

“The unique qualities and superior standards of our in-house embroidery program, combined with our comprehensive stock service, means we are truly the trusted number one choice for club, corporate and event merchandise,” says Ruia.

This ethos was at the heart of the Spring Summer 2020 collection, producing high-quality, functional and elegant products which are made using sustainable and renewable methods and craftsmanship. “We believe the collection meets the high demands and needs of the modern elegant female and male golfer.”

Examples include socks made from bamboo fibers, which are antibacterial, odor resisting, and naturally wick moisture away from your skin. “What’s more, for the first time in its 130-year history, 2019 saw Glenmuir launch a golf dress!”

Every stage of the process to create your exclusive merchandise is handled from the Lanark office; from artwork design and embroidering, to hand finishing and pressing, all the way through to final delivery. “This allows us to have total quality control, ensuring your customized product will be everything you want it to be!” reassures Ruia.

CREATE A TOP TEAM SPIRIT! Glenmuir believes that successful team spirit is founded on shared identity, fostering commitment and pride in your allegiances, and the personalized part played in this by bespoke crested merchandise cannot be underrated.

Simply choose from a huge range of icons and create your own text monogram.

As a family business, Glenmuir’s culture throughout the organization is based upon trust, honesty and integrity. “We truly believe that if we continue to innovate and develop our products whilst providing a world-class customer experience, combined with our personalized embroidery service, customers will continue to put their trust in us and rely on us to deliver them high-quality products which they feel good in and which also enhance their performance on the course,” says Ruia. #GLENMUIRCARE - SUSTAINABILITY, SUSTAINABILITY, SUSTAINABILITY… Always keen to focus on the green, aware that they are bio-degradable and renewable, Glenmuir has worked with natural fibers, such

NEW SS20 COLLECTION - #NEVERWEATHERBEATEN… #NEVEREARTHBEATEN With Sunderland of Scotland’s mission to ensure golfers across the world are ‘Never Weather Beaten’, the brand has made a commitment to producing its technical products in a way that makes the least impact on the environment, to champion their ‘Never Earth Beaten’ message.

Championing the #NEVERWEATHERBEATEN and #NEVEREARTHBEATEN mantra in their new Spring/Summer 2020 collection, the range showcases their sustainable performance fabrics and natural performance being told through their #GlenmuirCare campaign.

The new double-mercerized cotton polos use a clever technical process which removes stray fibers from the cotton yarn and fabric, resulting in lustrous, silk-like handle, luxurious drape, and outstanding color retention. Made from 100% pure-combed premium cotton from renewable resources, the seasonal knitwear looks super strong. Glenmuir’s signature 100% extra-fine Italian merino wool, Touch of Cashmere and 100% British lambswool, which are all natural, renewable and biodegradable, also see the addition of new SS20 colors.

In addition, an elegant Rose print in magenta

GOLF and navy has been introduced to the comprehensive Glenmuir ladies’ trouser collection, which includes g.Kendra plain capris, g.

Matilda printed capris, g.Alma skort and g.

Aubrey visor to merchandise with performance polo shirts to create contemporary, refined golfing outfits.

Clews and Andrew Murray, show you how to get to grips with the green, from dealing with windy winter conditions to mastering all other elements of the game, while archived golf tutorial videos include advice from late great golfing legend, Seve Ballesteros, teaching you his own unique techniques.

TOP TIPS FROM #GOLFINGWITHGLENMUIR

DISNEY MAGIC - TEE TIME WITH MICKEY & CO!

Golf-wear aside, as an added bonus, Glenmuir’s website also offers a wealth of materials online – and we’re not just talking clothes… These free online perks include a series of videos offering tips for your game, golf-wear photoshoots in action, and so much more!

While Disney World in Florida and Disneyland Paris offer the stuff dreams are made of for most children (and many adults!), these much-loved theme parks can provide a touch of Disney magic for grown-up golfers, too. Home to a handful of excellent courses, Glenmuir gives the lowdown on the best ones to play, and where you can follow in the footsteps of famous golfers, including Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Jimmie Johnson, who have been spied competing or practicing their swing on a Disney green.

You can view the company’s scintillating story through films and advertising campaigns, Ryder Cup footage and product demonstrations, along with tutorials and behind-thescenes snippets of making and shooting the latest collections. Take a peek at the filming of the Autumn Winter 2019 Collection, shot at the iconic Trump Turnberry Golf Resort in Scotland, or at previous collections filmed at the glorious Gleneagles Golf Resort, home to the Jack Nicklaus-created Monarch’s Course.

Glenmuir’s tips and tricks for golfers make sure you’re covered in every aspect of the game and guaranteed to have a ball on the green. From fascinating stats and facts and advice on getting your partner or children into golf, to watching the embroidery process, you’ll find nuggets of wisdom on everything from bringing down your handicap to flying with clubs, along with discovering what to do in tricky golfing situations, such as being stuck in the sand or driving into the wind. Whether it’s essential items for your golf bag, the most important dates in golf history and golfing world records, or the most picturesque courses to play and best gadgets in the golf business, expert Glenmuir even weighs up the pros and cons of shorts v. trousers and 9 holes v. 18.

WILD GOLF What’s more, would YOU know what to do if things turned wild with an animal encounter on the course? You could get up-close-and-personal with a whole range of creatures from the animal kingdom while playing golf, and Glenmuir is your go-to guide should you find yourself face-to-face with hornets, snakes or even alligators on the fairway! #GOLFINGWITHGLENMUIR WITH GEMMA CLEWS, ANDREW MURRAY & SEVE BALLESTEROS Looking to seriously up your game? A series of #GolfingwithGlenmuir videos, shot at beautiful Turnberry with famous golf pros, Gemma

No Mickey Mouse scores here!

GOLF INFLUENCERS

played in honor of one of golf ’s greatest ambassadors, Mr Arnold Palmer, whose ‘Honesty, Integrity, Sportsmanship and Commitment to Excellence’ represent the ideals for which the game of golf is known.

Owned and operated by Medalist Events LLC, the United States Golf Challenge (USGC) is in its 6th season as America’s representative to the International King’s Cup. In 2020, the USGC will conduct over 50 qualifying events around the country, with qualified teams playing in the USGC National Championship between September 10-12th 2020 at Legends Resort in Myrtle Beach, where Team USA will be selected to play in the 2021 International King’s Cup at Glasson Golf Club in Athlone, Ireland.

“We are very proud that our clothing is worn by champions, pros and beginners alike,” says Ruia. “The values upon which the International King’s Cup is played are at the heart of what Glenmuir stands for, and we look forward to a closely-fought match following on from the 2019 Team USA’s inaugural win played at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club and Lodge.”

As the women’s game goes from strength-tostrength, another of Glenmuir’s videos focuses on a few of the best female golfers to ever have graced the fairways, including Michelle Wie, Kathy Whitworth, Lorena Ochoa and co-founder of the LPGA Tour, Louise Suggs.

Alongside copious collaborations with famous faces in the game, there have been plenty of partnerships with big-name sports reporters and Instagram influencers, including recent correlations with Bella Angel, Diane Knoxy and Rachael McQueen.

The brand recommends inspiring golf influencers to follow, too, including ‘the king of golf entertainment on YouTube’ Rick Shiels, Peter Finch, Alex Elliott Golf (ex-caddy for Simon Dyson and Tom Murray on the European and Challenge Tours), Aimee Cho and Seb Carmichael-Brown.

THE KING’S CUP – DRESSING TEAM IRELAND & TEAM USA! As the official apparel supplier to the PGA and the Official Licensee of The Ryder Cup, other new ranges will soon be coming into play…

The golf clothing brand has just announced that it will also dress Team Ireland and Team USA for the 5th International King’s Cup, scheduled to be played at Castlerock Golf Club in Northern Ireland between May 27-29th.

The International King’s Cup is an annual Team Match Play competition between an Irish national team and an American national team,

HOT SHOTS AHEAD IN THE ‘HOME OF GOLF’ As for the future with technology trends, advances are now in full-swing at Glenmuir HQ and Ruia reveals further news and launches are just a short putt away… “We’re only just getting started on the improvements. We have a lot more to do and are looking forward to continuing to grow the brand and serve our customers in the UK, Europe and beyond!”

Glenmuir is available online and in pro shops around the world.

For further information, visit: www.glenmuir. com : www.glenmuir.com/sunderland © Angela Sara West 2020 www.angelasarawest. com

33 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

PROFILE

The Tale of a Jewelry Empire | BY SMITHA SADANANDAN

Francesca Cartier Brickell’s book, ‘The Cartiers,’ talks about the brand’s humble beginnings and how it went on to become a jewelry empire, life, war and much more. Ten years ago, on her grandfather’s 90th birthday, at his home in the South of France, the family gathered to celebrate with him. The quest for a “special bottle of champagne” that her grandfather asked her to fetch led Francesca to explore the cellar – and that’s where she discovered a “battered old trunk with hundreds of long-lost letters, dating back over a century.”

Francesca explains why this was a story that deserved to be told

My grandfather, Jean-Jacques Cartier, was a real gem expert, as his grandfather Alfred Cartier had been, and hearing him talk about precious stones with an almost reverential awe was inspiring. Also, in order to write about Cartier’s history, I wanted to understand – from a gemological perspective as well as a historical one – why many of the gems my ancestors had bought and sold were considered to be so special.

Oh! there were so many – the way his father, Jacques, and two uncles, Louis and Pierre, would drop anything when one of their brothers’ called on them – much to the irritation of their wives! The way his grandfather, Alfred Cartier, had this special technique for ensuring he was always shown the best gemstones before his peers (I write about that in my book) and the way his great-grandfather, Louis-Francois Cartier, the firm’s founder, had started out from an incredibly poor background but with an absolute passion for learning and knowledge. My grandfather told me so many wonderful stories over the lunch table and I used to sit there completely fascinated, so the motivation for the book was that I didn’t want those stories to be forgotten.

WOULD YOU RECALL FOR US ANECDOTES THAT YOUR GRANDFATHER TOLD YOU?

THE CARTIERS WERE KNOWN FOR THEIR FORWARD-THINKING DECISIONS AND THEIR

WHAT LED YOU TO STUDY AT THE GEMOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF AMERICA (GIA)?

34 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

PROFILE

ABILITY TO GRASP OPPORTUNITIES. COULD YOU REFLECT ON A FEW SIGNIFICANT STRATEGIES? It often struck me how forward-thinking the Cartiers were when it came to business. Their decision to not only travel overseas to meet clients on their home turf (whether that be the Maharajas in India or Romanovs in Russia in the early 20th century) but also to open branches in other international cities at a time when Paris was widely considered the capital of the cultural world, was unconventional but brilliant. Today, globalization is a part of many companies’ business strategies but when Pierre wrote to his brother Jacques from New York during WWI, “We will start French luxury in New York!”, he was among the first of his French peers to make the move across the Atlantic. As a result, when their historically wealthy client base in France, England and Russia were reeling after the devastation of the first world war and the Russian revolution, the Cartiers already had a foothold in America, where the roaring 20s would offer the perfect backdrop for their growing business. Later, in the 1930s, when the Great Depression proved terrible for business in America, the Cartier brothers could again count on the benefits of international diversification as the lack of big American orders loyal custom was offset by enormous commissions from the Indian maharajas and from the English aristocracy, as they prepared for the 1936 coronation of George VI in England.

Tell us the fascinating story on how Cartier came to acquire the Fifth Avenue mansion.

FCB: It must count among the best deals of the century. Pierre Cartier, the middle brother was a born salesman. He not only sold the notoriously cursed Hope diamond (now in the Smithsonian valued at $350m) but he also exchanged a pearl necklace for a townhouse. The story goes that a young bride, Maisie Plant, fell for the double-stranded pearl necklace as soon as she saw it in Cartier’s showroom in 1916, and that her much older doting husband, Morton Plant, was simply determined that she should have it. He was considering selling his Fifth Avenue townhouse at the time (because Fifth Avenue was becoming too commercial for his liking) and as both the necklace and the building were valued at around a million dollars, Pierre ingeniously suggested a swap. Later, when the necklace was sold three decades later; its value had plummeted to $150,000 (thanks – or no thanks – to the arrival of cultured pearls on the scene), while the townhouse remains Cartier’s New York Headquarters today.

past. They were dragged around cities in their buggies, as I tracked down addresses from faded envelopes. Over the past couple of years, when I have been converting all those years of research into writing the book, it has been much more full-on and my children have learnt to be incredibly patient with me!

For details about the book, visit www.the-cartiers.com

On a side note, how did you juggle family, travel and research for around 10 years?

Well, in the first part of that decade, I was also bringing up small children, so the research work wasn’t full time. I would rush to the British Library, while they were at nursery.

Holidays with the family were often cent red around where I needed to go and research something or meet someone connected to the

35 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

JEWELRY

Alluring Form With a dynamic and vivid visual memory, anything that captivates Iran-born Leyla Abdollahi’s vision and prompts her to think beyond the ordinary life, transforms into a source of inspiration. Her newest hero pieces, the Allure earrings, embody an aesthetic visual pleasure, inspired by curvilinear, sensual fluid dance movement. Crafted in 18k yellow and rose gold, these earrings are set with chrome diopside, London blue topaz, rhodolite, morganite and freshwater pearls. Playing with gems in various cuts and colors, the London designer embraces the idea of “flexibility to customize” the Allure earrings in a range of gems and colors. | leyla-abdollahi.com

JEWELRY Ear Me Out! With inspirations steeped in American folklore and symbolism, Pamela Love’s new Piercing Collection features an extensive range of jewels, including studs, angled hooks and mini huggie hoop earrings, made in 14k gold. The line, which draws upon the designer’s signature motifs such as evil eye, dagger and snake, are set with gemstones she loves – opal, lapis, malachite, abalone, turquoise, ruby, emerald and diamond. The versatile stone huggie, with clicker closure, is perfect for conch, helix and lobe piercings. The new Piercing line also has cute options for tragus and rook piercings. Each style is designed to be compatible with a piercing needle and can be worn throughout the recommended healing time and beyond. Sold as singles, the understated collection ranges from $190 up to $800 for the diamond styles, and can also be worn as a pair. | pamelalove.com

36 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

JEWELRY

Chase the Rainbow The Ora collection by Anna Maccieri Rossi is a tribute to the art and craftsmanship of watch dials. The Italian designer applies her horology expertise to her fine jewelry creations. The latest addition to her Ora Chevalier collection is the malachite ring made in 18k yellow gold and hemmed by a rainbow of multicolor sapphires. Four sapphires indexes on the malachite dial feature a central gold star set with a diamond. | annamaccierirossi.com

New Era for Signets Signet rings have been symbols of power, prestige and heritage since eons and have made a fashionable comeback. Founded by Emmet Smith, the Hatton Garden-based Rebus has made it their mission to revive the signet rings. Rebus has added a new set of creations to its collection – the Era rings inspired by relics of a bygone age, namely the signet collection housed at the British Museum. The three different designs are available in 9k and 18k yellow or white gold, and one of the styles is set with diamonds. The striking diamond Era ring has an elegant two banded design, set with five diamonds on each shoulder to give some extra sparkle to the classic design. Rebus’ signet rings, especially the ones with hand-engraved details, are infinitely compelling.

Created for both men and women, each Rebus signet ring is presented in a lovely gift box with the wax impression and a stick of sealing wax for personal wax seals. | rebussignetrings.co.uk

Crowns for the Bride Los Angeles-based Tacori, best known for its bridal jewelry, has launched a new line called Crescent Crown. The bridal line features an assortment of rings with the brand’s iconic crescent motifs. The stackable rings, evocative of diadems, are made in yellow gold, rose gold and white gold. The brighter iterations of the Crescent Crown rings are accented with blue sapphires, rubies, black sapphires, pink sapphires, emeralds and diamonds. Tacori also offers the two new crown ring styles in white diamonds. | tacori.com

37 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

JEWELRY

Bask in The Sunshine Welcome in spring with ethical jeweler Pippa Small’s new line, Hello Sunshine, which celebrates Surya, the Hindu God of Sun. According to Vedic Astrology, Surya is believed to the most important planet and represents strength, vitality and passion. Each piece of jewellery, across the Hello Sunshine collection, is handcrafted crafted in 18k gold, highlighting the organic shapes and colors of the stones: tourmalines, rubies and nasturtium carnelians. Imbued with a pleasing rawness, the ruby reds, burnt orange and peony pink coloured gems lend a warm tone to Pippa’s designs. Completing the collection are two earrings, a pendant and two rings all in yellow gold. | pippasmall.com

Springtime Butterflies Ortaea flutters into spring with a lattice cuff from its Jardin Enchante range. This intricately crafted 18k white gold cuff is a joyous celebration of the bounty of an enchanting English Summer garden. The complex design features a trio of butterflies, whose wings are studded with yellow diamonds; each alighting on the lattice bracelet. The diamond pavé accentuates the wings of the butterflies, evoking both the light and warmth of the sun. The cuff has both a sense of bold strength and an exquisite delicacy, making an effortless statement. | ortaea.com

38 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

JEWELRY

An Ode to Kalypsō For its new high jewelry Calipso, Italian brand Sicis turns to the goddess-nymph Kalypsō and the Greek mythology for inspiration.

Special Akoya light blue pearls and shining diamonds intertwine and encircle paisley-drop patterns that are decorated in micromosaic – tiny tesserae, in shades of blue and white, align harmoniously in the necklace, featuring three strands of lustrous pearls. The white gold Calipso set includes a matching pair of earrings that draw upon the drop motif of the necklace. The tesserae in varied shades of blue – from indigo to light blue – contrasted with diamond outlines bring to mind the blue sea. | sicis.com

In the Spotlight Brooches, it seems, are here to stay. A major red-carpet trend, brooches and pins, in a liberal splash of glamor, popped up on tuxedos this year too. Elton John and David Furnish both wore Theo Fennell’s diamond encrusted brooches to the 92nd Academy Awards; the singer had worn the same brooch to the 2020 Golden Globes. The singer-actor paired the 18k white gold, diamond and sapphire miniature rocket brooch with his purple suit, as he took home the trophy for his original contribution to his biopic’s (Rocketman) soundtrack, while an 18k white gold and diamond studded snake brooch slithered across David Furnish’s lapel. | theofennell.com

39 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

BEAUTY

THIS IS ME The semi-matt lipsticks from Essence come in shades that are long-lasting and pigmented, yet feel feathery and weightless on the lips. Whether you are aiming for a full nude lip, a dark bold pout, or even an artistic ombre, This Is Me has got you covered with eight different shades to choose from. The range also comes with matching gel nail polishes that are very flattering and will suit light, medium, tanned or dark skin tones. These nail polishes are vegan; besides it offers high shine and fast drying!

You can either wear the same shade of This Is Me lipstick and nail polish or mix it up a bit.

GUERLAIN’S SUN-KISSED GLOW This year sees Guerlain coming up two exclusive new sun-soaked intensities to the Terracotta Collection line: terracotta nude and terracotta matte. With its soft coppery tones, the all-new Terracotta Nude leaves the skin glowing with a gentle sheen of warm color. Its light formula melts into the skin to smooth the skin texture and instantly revive the complexion. Formulated with the complexion-boosting Gemnude Light ingredient, all it takes is two simple brush strokes of this powder to guarantee a natural bare-faced beauty that’s unique to any complexion. One shade has been created to suit all skin tones.

Beauty Edits | BY S M I T H A S A D A N A N D A N

ELIE SAAB’S NEW PARFUM With Le Parfum Essentiel, Elie Saab’s orange blossom and patchouli signature is reinvented by Maïa Lernout. The perfumer interprets Elie Saab’s desire to get back to essentials by composing a resplendent white floral chypre.

Le Parfum Essentiel has fresh, effervescent mandarin sparkles in the top notes, while neroli essence adds its delicate shimmer, as patchouli and cedarwood form the base notes. Adorned with the delicately calligraphed seal of the house etched in gold, the transparent glass of Le Parfum’s iconic faceted bottle showcases the tender pink hue of the scent, expressing the sheer femininity of the new creation.

40 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

BEAUTY

Shades Of Italian Springtime Kiko Milano’s new Tuscan Sunshine Collection embraces fragrances and shimmer colors celebrating the arrival of a new season. A palette of fresh tones and deep floral shades allows you to play with color to accentuate your features. Get creative with the versatile six color eyeshadow palette in one of two color combos; mix metallic champagnes with matte brown, orange and rose from the Tuscan Escape palette for an earthy option, or blend bronze and rose metallics with a matte wine hue from the Spring Awake palette for a new take on a smoky eye.

CHOPARD LOVES ROSES Maison Chopard has launched Love Chopard, a new perfume for women. Crafted by master perfumer Alberto Morillas, around a whirl of the world’s most gorgeous roses intertwined with a superb parade of sustainably sourced natural ingredients, the fragrance is composed around six exceptional varieties of roses, among which are some of the most extraordinary roses, such as Bulgarian rose oil, Turkish rose absolute, and Centifolia rose absolute. A flirtatious whirl of the most gorgeous roses in the world, Love Chopard is an infusion of the maison’s dazzling red-carpet glamour. Encased in a heavy glass set with gold details, it is sculpted to outline a precious flower of hearts, dressed in fiery red, the universal color of love and passion.

41 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

FASHION

EXOTIC HANDBAGS

BY LAURUS

BY NIYOSHI SHAH

O

ne thing that always comes to mind (that may be a cliché) is the craftsmanship you find in the stunning European country of Italy. Whether it’s in the shoes, clothing, jewelry, or handbags, you know that when you see “Made in Italy” on the label, it’s of top-notch quality. Emulating this perfectionist ambition is Italian luxury brand LAURUS’s latest collection.

Handmade in Italy, Laurus is a luxury handbag and accessories brand with a deep commitment to craftsmanship and quality. The collection is made of authentic and sustainably sourced exotic skin, and with unique scales of leather, each piece is individual and a distinct work of art. With a style that expresses extraordinary levels of grandeur, while presenting itself as modern chic, the Laurus brand is built on the sturdy pillars of artistry and craftsmanship. In a market of four-figure designer handbags—many of which will feel old by this time next year—it’s easy to see why women are drawn to these chic, yet timeless designs. They’re luxe and yet classically elegant, and while they’re still an investment, they’re within reach. Even better, they actually make sense for a woman’s real life.

Their showroom, offices and factories are all located in Milan. Apart from handbags they also offer a wide range of accessories from belts, card holders, purses and iPhone cases They also offer a bespoke service via their website, allowing customers to personalise their own handbag, specifically tailored to their needs. In addition, their platinum delivery option provides a white glove service to a customers’ door, when ordering two or more handbags online. Laurus only uses Crocodile and Ostrich leather from animals raised for this purpose. Sophisticated design coupled with wallet-friendly prices and the sense of luxe anonymity popularize the Laurus offerings globally. It’s a delicate balance they’ve managed to stick to and one that women all over the world are gravitating towards.

42 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

FASHION

43 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

JEWELRY

Diamond Flower Necklace She will be spring ready wearing the diamond flower necklace by Stephen Silver, set with 1.11 total carats of round brilliant cut diamonds in white gold. The lightweight, open-worked diamond pendant is stationed on a 17-inch 18 karat white gold chain. This chic and easy-wearing statement necklace is sure to become her go-to accessory for the spring season.

PUTTING A SPRING IN HER STEP | BY

HELÉNE

R A MACKER S

The most luxurious jewelry and timepieces from Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry will surely make a statement this spring. These bold accessories feature colorful gems, spring-ready pastel hues, and organic motifs, perfect for a special occasion or any-day wear.

Moonstone and Sapphire Ring In this moonstone and sapphire ring, a Stephen Silver’s original design, the blue sheen of soft glow of a 38.95 carat round cabochon cut moonstone center is heightened by glittering round brilliant-cut blue sapphires, weighing 1.58 total carats. This unique ring makes the perfect ‘something blue’ for a bride’s big day or an ethereal yet dynamic accessory for the spring and summer season.

Seafoam Tourmaline and Diamond Ring This custom seafoam tourmaline and diamond halo ring by Stephen Silver scintillates like sun splashing through crystalline clear waters in seafoam green, making it both an elegant and unconventional engagement ring for a free-spirited bride. The center is a remarkably vibrant 2.97 carat seafoam blue-green round brilliant tourmaline, framed by a delicate halo of round brilliant diamonds. Prong set diamonds, 0.57 carats total, also extend down the dainty band.

With exceptional craftsmanship and timeless style, these wristwatches and fine jewelry pieces will also add glamorous accents to her everyday ensembles for years to come. | shsilver.com Aquamarine and Diamond Bracelet A magnificent 91.89 carat cushion-cut aquamarine forms the centerpiece of this delicate aquamarine and diamond cuff bracelet. Like a lattice of 18 karat white gold, the open-worked hinged bracelet is studded with round brilliant diamonds totaling 7.07 carats. The GIA-certified stone’s splendid blue-green hue makes for a perfect statement of spring style.

44 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

JEWELRY

MESSIKA Desert Bloom Long Diamond Necklace The MESSIKA Exhibition by Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry offers striking accessories designed with style for Mother’s Day or to elevate her everyday look.

This Messika Desert Bloom long necklace perfectly complements her décolletage, featuring 3.41 total carats of pear and round brilliant cut diamonds (D-F color and VVS-VS clarity) set in 18 karat white gold.

Carved Ruby Bracelet Embrace a new season of growth with this organic and regal platinum carved ruby bracelet by Stephen Silver, set with a magnificent array of rubies, emeralds and diamonds. The custom cut and carefully matched gemstones include 167.31 total carats of carved rubies, 27.17 total carats and cabochon-cut emeralds, and 4.47 total carats of trillion and round brilliant cut diamonds.

Bulgari Serpenti Spiga White Ceramic Encircle her wrist with one of the most iconic ladies’ watch designs ever made: a Bulgari Serpenti. This 35mm white ceramic variation, the Bulgari Serpenti Spiga quartz, reimagines the classic model in a crisp white hue on a single spiral bracelet, paired with 18 karat rose gold and diamonds.

This wristwatch will become any woman’s favorite new accessory for warm-weather styling.

Bovet Fleurier Turquoise Timepiece in Stainless Steel This Bovet Fleurier watch in turquoise and stainless steel offers endlessly stylish combinations thanks to its 36mm steel Amadeo convertible case. The patented case design allows a smooth and easy conversion from a traditional wristwatch to a pendant necklace, using the included rhodium-plated silver necklace chain. It can also be transformed into a diminutive table clock. The turquoise blue guilloche enamel and diamond dial is set with diamond indexes and is complemented by a satin-like turquoise blue strap with an ardillon buckle.

“Classic Blue” Titanium Diamond Hoop Earrings These original blue titanium diamond hoop earrings by Stephen Silver stun and sparkle in a ‘classic blue’ hue, set with 4.69 total carats of round brilliant cut diamonds. The anodized blue titanium setting ensures that they feel light as a feather on the ear, making them perfect spring accessories in the trending Pantone hue of classic blue.

45 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

PROFILE

Graceful Under Pressure | BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS

H

aving a calm demeanor is part and parcel of the wonderful success story of Mindy Weiss Party Consultants. Whether it’s a high-profile celebration or a low-key wedding, Mindy Weiss stays graceful under pressure, with a hands-on approach that makes her a favorite amongst her clients.

also plan their party. I originally said no. I didn’t think I wanted to be an event planner, but the client wouldn’t give up and wouldn’t take no for an answer. So ultimately, I planned a very large 75th birthday party as my first event. From that one party, I got my next ten events and the rest was history.

MINDY, TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF.

WHEN DID YOU START YOUR OWN BUSINESS, MINDY WEISS PARTY CONSULTANTS?

I grew up in west Los Angeles, not far from where I live today. I raised my kids around the corner from where I grew up!

I went to San Diego State University when I joined the Gamma Phi Beta sorority. I became the social chairwoman of the chapter, which was certainly good experience for what was to come.

WHAT SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN EVENT PLANNING? I grew up in a home where my parents gave the most fantastic and creative parties. They were always so unique, funny, or over-the-top. And all the parties were themed. My mother really was the ultimate hostess. I suppose it was in my blood from the start. But I didn’t plan on becoming a party planner.

I got into event planning when I was in the custom stationery business. One of my clients asked me if I would

46 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

I started my business in 1992.

I ASSUME YOU MUST BE SUPER ORGANIZED WHEN IT COMES TO HIGH-PROFILE EVENTS. HOW HANDS-ON ARE YOU OR DO YOU BELIEVE IN A FAIR AMOUNT OF DELEGATING? I’m way too hands on. I work all the time. When it comes to things, I love to do like plan décor, unique details, and design, I’m all in. But then I try to delegate the rest. I have an incredible team of support around me so that helps a lot.

I SUPPOSE YOU HAVE TO WORK ACCORDING TO A BUDGET, EVEN FOR HIGH-PROFILE EVENTS. HAS THAT EVER BECOME DIFFICULT? The budget is always a bit of a challenge because the client goes into this process not really knowing how much

photo credit : valerie darling

PROFILE

47 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

PROFILE

48 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

Simone Photography

PROFILE

49 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

PROFILE

photo by john and joseph photography

ph o t o by a my a n d s t u art ph o t o g r aph y

things cost. Especially if it’s a first wedding, they don’t have experience to know what their budget should be. So often they’ll give me what they think is a more than generous budget. But then they’ll ask for a lot more than that budget will allow for. It’s always a hard conversation to have. A good day in my office is when the budget gets approved!

HAVE YOU EVER DECLINED A PROJECT AND IF YES, WHY? I have declined projects when I’m fully booked. I don’t want to promise something I can’t deliver 100% on, so I’ll pass on a job if I don’t have the time to do it right.

I READ YOU HAVE A CALM DEMEANOR. HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN IT WHILE UNDER PRESSURE? Staying calm is a part of my job. I know that if I were to get ruffled, everyone surrounding me would be too. That energy catches like wildfire. Instead, I find there’s typically a solution. I look for it. I’m aiming for that solution to whatever the problem is, and I don’t let anything get in my way.

If I’m calm, then the client has faith in me, and it all works out. Nervous energy lasts in a room, even though you can’t see it, you know it’s there, so I don’t bring it in. Noone wants uncomfortable guests and that starts with me.

50 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

photo by john and joseph photography

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES OF RUNNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS? I miss out on some family memories.

That is certainly the biggest challenge and sacrifice I make. Then, besides trying to give your clients 100% all of the time, I have to manage employees, infrastructure, and continuously try make everyone happy in order to be successful. That in itself can feel like a full-time job. I want everyone from the client, to the guest, to the companies I’m working with and my team, to all be happy. That leads to our success, but it’s not always a small task.

PROFILE

graphy

graphy

photo by jose vill a photography

YOUR EVENTS LOOK SUPER STYLISH AND INCREDIBLY GLAMOROUS, FROM WEDDINGS TO KIDDIE BIRTHDAY PARTIES. HOW OFTEN DO YOU ATTEND THESE FUNCTIONS AND WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO OUTFIT FOR LOOKING LIKE A MILLION BUCKS? I’m at almost all events – 90% of them.

Most of the events I produce have a dresscode, so I just try to follow it. I want to blend in. I try to be high fashion, but never take anything away from the guests or hosts, so nothing too flashy.

DO YOU HAVE ANY STYLE TIPS? My best fashion advice is to invest in your clothing. But my favorite look is mixing Gucci with Zara.

WE ALL LOVE LIFE’S LITTLE LUXURIES. WHAT CAN’T YOU BE WITHOUT IN THE CREATURE COMFORTS DEPARTMENT?

EXCITING PROJECTS ON THE HORIZON? I try to keep all my clients, celebrities or not, private and confidential. All I can say is I have a very exciting 2020. www.mindyweiss.com

I can’t live without seeing my grandchildren on a regular basis. Family is everything to me. Other than people, I can’t live without my cell phone.

51 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

DESIGN

well contained | BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS

Container hotels and accommodation offer a unique escape not skimping on luxury and versatility. These eye-catching constructions have become increasingly popular as they are mostly repurposed structures, giving a new lease on life so that you would never imagine it was initially a shipping container.

52 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

DESIGN

CONTAINED, AUSTRALIA These luxurious boutique pop-up hotels allow guests to immerse themselves in Victoria’s wine regions, while enjoying local produce and curated experiences and to top it all, sleeping amongst the pinot noir, chardonnay, prosecco, shiraz and muscat grape vines.

Designed by Future Cities, refurbished shipping containers are used as a base that is designed and engineered to be an eco-luxury pop-up hotel room.

Interior design features include timber flooring, Porter’s French wash paint finish to walls and ceilings, fully tiled bathrooms and a super large walk in shower, Phillip Jeffreys wallpaper, copper or concrete sinks, matt black bathroom fittings, custom joinery and vintage light fittings with LED Edisson lighting.

The pop hotel is off grid with a solar power generator, includes a hot tub, electric BMW i3 and VR in-room entertainment. https://contained.com.au/ https://www.futurecities.com.au/

53 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

DESIGN

BEACH BOX HOTEL, GOA The Box Hotels refurbish discarded industrial excess into imaginative constructions made entirely out of high-grade, upcycled materials. Surplus cargo containers and pallet wood thrown away by the shipping, construction and manufacturing businesses account for a sizeable portion of wasted natural resources whose abandonment and decay may further damage the environment. Instead, The Box Hotels salvage and redesign scrap components to compose everything from a property’s mainframe architecture to its most minute decorative details.

The Beach Box in Baga, Goa was launched in September 2017 and sits on the quiet end of a bridge that stretches between Baga’s crowded streets and surprisingly quaint corners. Painted cardinal red and overlaid with original artwork, these metal vessels are converted into 15 bedrooms, an in-ground swimming pool, bar and upper-deck restaurant. https://boxhotels.in/

54 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

DESIGN

COPIA ECO CABINS, SOUTH AFRICA Constructed out of two used 40 ft shipping containers and joined side by side lengthwise to create a 60 sq meter space inside, Copia Eco Cabins was borne from an idea that started three years ago. “I became obsessed with used shipping container conversions and the endless possibilities all while doing my little bit to recycle,” says Lucas Steyn, owner of Copia Eco Cabins.

The results are three solar-powered and completely self-sufficient structures, with recycled mineral wool to insulate the containers, ensuring comfort levels in both summer and winter. With a Scandinavian décor and very minimalistic interior finishes, the focus is all about the amazing views. “I highly recommend the woodfired hot tub,” Lucas concludes. “And if you enjoy a BBQ, we have the facilities too.” https://www.copiaecocabins.co.za/

55 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

DESIGN

FLOPHOUZE HOTEL, TEXAS Born from pure wanderlust, an inherent obligation to recycle and a constant need to create, owner Matt White and his crew from Recycling the Past have created an amazing new lodging concept in Round Top, Texas.

Reclaimed artifacts acquired from Matt’s travels across the globe adorn each ‘Houze’, making the décor truly one of a kind. This place is unique to say the least; they keep the funky vibe going with cabinet bases from an FDA laboratory in Brooklyn and countertops from an old bowling alley in Texas. The floors are original to the containers, which have traveled the world many times over. At Flophouze, they don’t have TV’s. Instead their ‘Houzes’ come equipped with record players, handpicked vinyl collections, a stack of books and old songs for the soul. https://flophouze.com/

56 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

DESIGN

HIDEAWAY LITCHFIELD, AUSTRALIA Hideaway Litchfield started at least four years ago as the brainchild of Roger and Vivienne Latham. Tossing around with many ideas, from refitted transportable buildings to imported kits, nothing seemed quite right until the end result was a 40-foot container cut in half on the angle.

The bedroom half was rolled on its side, making the timber floor into a feature wall. Cabin 1 is a ground floor option, perfect for younger families, with a second floor in Cabin 2. The cabins are situated 80 meters apart and the design and build were conceptualized by the owner’s son, Simeon. “Though the concept was planned out before we started,” says Simeon, “there was a lot of designing on the fly and I didn’t actually develop a floor plan until after construction.” https://linktr.ee/hideawaylitchfield https://www.facebook.com/hideawaylitchfieldNT/

57 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

DESIGN

THE HOUGOUMONT HOTEL, AUSTRALIA Now a luxurious boutique hotel in Freo’s vibrant West End, The Hougoumont has historically welcomed weary travelers throughout the centuries. “The lucent, minimalist designed and modern hotel it is today is redefining quality travel,” says Patrick Prendiville, Hougoumont Hotel’s owner. “It makes it less about simply passing through places but more about connecting with a place and the people that make it.”

The hotel reflects this notion throughout, while re-telling the story of Fremantle’s historic buildings and working port in its design choices. The Hougoumont’s ultimate architectural goal was to transport guests through passages in time – past, present and future. Standing proud today, the façade is heritage-laced, married with a dynamic blend of colors and materials and modernistic artwork by Troy Barbitta, shipping container ‘cargotecture’ and costum-designed furniture from award-winning designer Yoshio Takagi. https://www.hougoumonthotel.com/

58 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

DESIGN

RIVERSTONE FAMTIN, SOUTH AFRICA Riverstone’s FamTin offers modern and trendy accommodation for 4, in 2 en-suite rooms. If you’re looking for an escape from the City, to a fabulous farm stay in quirky and contemporary accommodation, FamTin is exactly what you need.

Completed in 2018, an eco-build double container conversion, Riverstone’s FamTin is fully equipped for a great self-catering stay. Guests will find inside and outside dining spaces and lounge areas, a deep covered patio with a built in BBQ, and an economical and efficient wood burning stove inside the central space. Cozy in winter, and with fans throughout to keep cool in summer. FamTin is situated on the farm dam edge, which is perfect for swimming. With uninterrupted views of the gorgeous Mostertshoek Mountains, expect a gorgeous pink or orange sunset every evening. https://theriverstonehouse.co.za/the-famtin.php

59 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

DESIGN

TINY URBAN ESCAPES, INDIANAPOLIS “I’m extremely delighted to share Tiny Urban Escapes with you!” says Robin Staten, owner of Tiny Urban Escapes.

“Consider it your private space to seek lost sleep, enjoy sinfully lazy Sundays, live life a little slower or simply unplug and de-stress.

Creating a unique hospitality experience that is both innovative and out of the box, Tiny Urban Escapes makes use of upcycled shipping containers. The modular architecture allows guests to completely immerse themselves into the host site’s natural surroundings. The standalone individual suites are the perfect marriage of industrial steel of the container and glass, which is a beautiful, invigorating and romantic material. Incorporating high-end materials and fixtures including black porcelain tile, marble, and brass, Tiny Urban Escapes highlights the intersection of minimalism and luxury. http://www.tinyurbanescapes.com/

60 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

PENS

SPARTA

PEN OF THE YEAR | BY

JARONE A SHKENAZI

All pens aren’t created equal. With a history spanning more than 250 years, Graf von Faber-Castell the German stationery manufacturer Faber-Castell has produced a line of pencils and pens.

These high-end writing instruments are made with luxury materials which see all the Classic, Intuition and Guilloche series being made with luxury materials such as ebony, resin and ivory.

S

ince 2003, Graf von Faber-Castell has produced a line of limited-edition fountain pens, which have become synonymous with luxurious writing culture and the finest craftsmanship, named the “Pen of the Year”. Inspired by the heroes of Sparta, each has a nib of 18 carat bicolor gold with a barrel of exotic materials, creating an indomitable aura, elegant strength and showing superior aesthetics.

The Pen of the Year 2020 was created in the style of the blacksmith’s art of the times of King Leonidas, who used this process to yield armor, swords and shields. The proud heroes of ancient Greece, the brave and elite Spartans valued pride, honor and loyalty, all conveyed into the creation of the Pen of the Year.

Embodying durability, endurance and aesthetics the pen features a milled pattern on the barrel reminiscent of the strip-style armor worn in the abdomen region of these brave warriors. The barrel is adorned with premium diamonds set by hand and a total of seven rough diamonds adding up to 0.35 carats on its barrel are symbolic of

the robustness and uniqueness of the bold Spartans. With strict precision, the uncut diamonds on the barrel embody the Greek values of pride, perseverance and dignity.

The spring-loaded clip on the cap is based on the Greek ridge helmet, a signature piece of defense with a powerful shape of a horse’s neck. The Spartan’s large, round shields were emblazoned with lambda – the eleventh letter in the Greek alphabet and shorthand for the Lacedaemonians – the historical name of the Spartan state – inspired the lacquered inlay in the end cap which also features the lambda.

The exclusive Black Edition of the Pen of the Year 2020 features further brings the myth of Sparta and its heroes to life with its 18-carat gold nib for precise writing pleasure. Limited to 80 rollerball pens and 270 fountain pens, the barrel is made from titanium and decorated with 42 uncut diamonds of 2.1 carats in seven rows of six diamonds each.

Each pen comes in a high gloss black wooden case with a certificate signed by Count Charles von Faber-Castell attesting to the authenticity of the limited edition.

61 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

TRAVEL

The Rustic Incline to Mohonk | BY KAREN HOLLY BERLINER

History can be very romantic—what with love and passion behind every building standing, every stone turned in every age and time known to man.

E

nter Mohonk Mountain House-- In 1869, Albert Smiley founded the Mohonk Mountain House and today it stands as one of the most magnificent historic landmark in the northeast. Originally a ten room inn named the Stokes Tavern; Albert Smiley purchased it along with its 280 surrounding acres. This small inn and tavern evolved into the grand house that stands today, with accommodations for 600 guests. Owned and operated by the Smiley family since its inception, Mohonk Mountain House is a place of breathtaking scenery, and what could be a more romantic backdrop than that? During its esteemed history, this glorious castle has hosted over time, a huge roster of distinguished guests, including business leaders, famous celebrities and actors, musicians, artists, authors and more.

Located in New York State’s picturesque Hudson Valley, a short 90 miles north of New York City, this resort offers a collection of recreational activities and wellness programs to suit all desires, including ice skating, rock climbing and 85 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, with grounds featuring colorful gardens as far as the eye can see. Add a nine-hole golf course, top notch tennis courts and stables for horseback riding and horse-drawn carriage rides and there is all awaiting you or nothing much at all but indulging the senses. Cuddle into a grand chair by the fireplace and read a good book or take a leisurely walk about the premises and breathe in the pristine fresh air. In season, Lake Mohonk is perfect for boating, fishing or swimming. Mohonk Mountain House also offers a variety of indoor and outdoor activities for guests of all ages including archery, boating (kayaks, paddleboats, rowboats and canoes), carriage rides, cross country skiing, fishing, fitness classes, meditation, yoga and more.

While here, visit Grove Lodge, the resort’s first new accommodations in more than 100 years. Located on the northeast side of the property, Grove Lodge features six well-appointed rooms and a sprawling great room making it the perfect retreat for families and groups.

Dining options are plentiful here as well. A stay at Mohonk Mountain House includes three meals a day and afternoon

62 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

tea including many nonalcoholic beverages. With three dining establishments including the Main Dining Room, The Granary and The Carriage Lounge and helmed by Executive Chef James Palmeri, The Main Dining Room offers an all-new Modern American Dinner Menu, featuring in house dry aged beef, pastas made fresh daily and soups and seasonal vegetables gleaned from local Hudson Valley farmers and purveyors. Experience the newly rolled out fine dining experience, featuring menus that use both local products and globally sourced specialty ingredients. Enjoy Mohonk’s popular buffet experience allowing you to pick and choose your favorites. For a casual dining experience is a sublime setting, The Carriage Lounge offers light fare such as sandwiches, salads and soups accompanied by beer, wine and hand-crafted cocktails. Break taking scenery can be relished on the Sunset Porch, where you can enjoy a cold beer, a glass of wine or an inventive cocktail overlooking the Catskill Mountains.

For an unforgettable treat, enjoy the spa on premises and indulge yourself. Completed in 2005, Mohonk Mountain House’s 30,000-square-foot Spa Wing features 16 treatment rooms, a solarium, an outdoor heated mineral pool, an indoor heated pool, comprehensive fitness center, and yoga/motion studio. Enjoy signature treatments such as the Elements of Nature – Mohonk Red Facial; using plantbased products, this facial begins with a soothing herbal neck wrap and warm towels infused with witch hazel and includes an ultrasonic deep cleanse, exfoliation and a custom hydration using ultrasound and micro current technology to deeply penetrate the skin and stimulate collagen renewal. Perhaps add a face, neck and shoulder massage, featuring warm and cool quartz stones. The Indigo Herbal Poultice Massage is another option, featuring a steamed Indigo Herbal Poultice; this treatment relieves sore muscles and increases circulation.

Float out of this experience and vow to return again soon. I did. www.mohonk.com

TRAVEL

63 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

TRAVEL

WELLNESS TRAVEL | BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS

Weary travelers are seeking a different experience than just taking a vacation to a changed destination. Instead, the focus is on coming back refreshed and rejuvenated. Upscale Living went in search of the ultimate in Wellness Travel, whether it’s a new yoga offering, a retreat or by taking care of your mind, body & spirit, in turn, learning how to put yourself first.

64 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

TRAVEL

65 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

TRAVEL

BODYHOLIDAY, ST LUCIA An organic and educational experience rooted in overall wellbeing, the new treetop wellness dining experience in St Lucia is set to stir the culinary senses.

As part of BodyHoliday’s sustainable initiatives, the property offers a unique, educational and sustainable garden-to-table I-Tal dining experience amongst the treetops of the Coubaril Valley. BodyHoliday has launched its evening I-Tal experience.

After a day of sun, sand and spa, guests can embark on a culinary journey through the resort’s organic garden before enjoying a mouth-watering, vegetable-forward dinner. Guests will meet one of BodyHoliday’s wellness chefs, Juliana Deterville, in a beautiful open-air kitchen-dining room. Utilizing the fresh food that was just foraged, she will teach the group different methods of cooking to maintain both the nutritional value and flavor of the ingredients. www.thebodyholiday.com

66 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

TRAVEL

DORADO BEACH, PUERTO RICO A RITZ-CARLTON RESERVE Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve will introduce the Zencanto Retreat, a new offering which can be built out upon request and is a synthesis of healing traditions, artful play, mindfulness and meditation experiences available at The Reserve. Guests will tap into the abundant richness of the environment as well as the charm of both land and sea to cultivate an internal sense of balance and joy.

Simone Photography

The customizable offering will include holistic cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offer a variety of yoga and fitness classes for guests to participate in along with holistic workshops and spa experiences. Some of the spa experiences offered through Spa Botรกnico include the signature Manos Santas treatment, renewal rituals, treehouse massages, and access to the purification garden on property. https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/puerto-rico/dorado-beach

67 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

TRAVEL

KER & DOWNEY® SOUTH AFRICA In collaboration with expert yoga practitioners Joëlle Sleebos and Ena During, Ker & Downey® Africa has launched their signature Women’s Luxury Yoga Retreat in South Africa. Scheduled to run in October 2020, the 9-day retreat invites women to discover South Africa’s most tranquil and renowned destinations while taking time to reconnect with themselves, nourish their bodies and return home rejuvenated.

The highlight of this trip will include staying on the edge of Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens at the exclusive Arambrook Boutique Hotel accompanied by daily yoga classes with Joëlle, a spa experience at the leading Santé Wellness Spa and Retreat in the Cape Winelands and an unrivaled safari and wellness escape in Thornybush Private Game Reserve at Saseka Tented Camp. https://ker-downeyafrica.com/trips/luxury-yoga-retreat-south-africa

68 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

TRAVEL

PELORUS - MIND, BODY & SOUL Encouraging guests to consider the wellness of body, mind and soul, PELORUS has tailor-made experiences that offer a sense of escapism, are culturally immersive, spiritually engaging and physically rewarding whilst transporting you to a world full of relaxation that is devoid of stress.

Bhutan offers the untouched serenity of deep pine forests and tranquil walks. Slip off to Oman and into the Empty Quarter desert where a luxury tented camp awaits. Ecuador provides a unique environment in which guests can completely detach themselves from the everyday hustle and bustle. Escape into the wilderness and rejuvenate your soul amongst the coastal rainforest of British Columbia. Discover Svalbard’s imposing terrain and dramatic glaciers aboard a yacht is an unparalleled experience, offering a true sense of serenity.

Simone Photography

https://pelorusx.com/mind-body-and-soul/

69 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

TRAVEL

THE ST. REGIS PUNTA MITA, MEXICO The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort is set to host their annual wellness retreat, this year titled Mind Body Fit, for six days from June 7 – 13 2020. The exclusive, custom-made bootcamp allows guests to experience meditation classes, yoga and the unique @sersanametod, a prestigious fitness and nutrition system focused on creating and implementing an overall healthy lifestyle designed by fitness expert Leticia Roman.

Set among the pristine beaches of the resort, the bootcamp allows guests the opportunity to enjoy luxury amenities while participating in an innovative program designed to accelerate the metabolism, burn fat, sculpt the body and clean the organs. The getaway will create a level of consciousness around holistic wellbeing with emphasis of taking care of the body at physical, mental and emotional levels. www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/pvrxr-the-st-regis-punta-mita-resort/

70 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

TRAVEL

BÜRGENSTOCK RESORT’S WALDHOTEL, LAKE LUCERNE

Simone Photography

The 5* Waldhotel Health & Medical Excellence at Bürgenstock Hotels & Resort, Lake Lucerne, launches its Detox Yoga break, focused on restoring and rejuvenating the mind and body.

Detox Yoga is an advanced program defined as a combination of energizing and restorative yoga techniques, meditation sessions and pranayama supported by a detoxing diet following the innovative Waldhotel Color Cuisine method. It will leave guests feeling re-energized and full of vitality. The program was designed to help to increase mental clarity, to improve the skin appearance and muscle tone, brighten eyes and help the joints, increase flexibility and create a sense of emotional balance, grounding and peace. Under the guidance of Yoga Master Sandra Schunck, yoga practitioners of all levels are invited to participate in the Detox Yoga break.

71 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

TRAVEL

WALDORF ASTORIA ATLANTA SPA Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead is pleased to announce a new spa concept, menu of treatments and partners at its coveted Waldorf Astoria Spa. Paying homage to Atlanta’s reputation as a “city in the forest,” the new spa program invites guests to discover a transformative spa and wellness experience within, while enjoying a dose of pampering from new acclaimed luxury partners.

Inspired by the lush, green canopy that embraces the city, Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead brings the “city in the forest” concept into the experience at the Waldorf Astoria Spa, which is a true oasis offering respite from the rigors of urban living, stress and travel. The new menu of treatments invites guests to cultivate a deeper connection to their surroundings and themselves, and live life to the fullest. https://www.waatl.com/spa

72 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

TRAVEL

YO1 RESORT, THE CATSKILLS, NY YO1 Wellness Resort and Spa sits on 1,310 acres of pristine lakes and pine forests in the Catskills mountains in upstate NY. Derived from the Sanskrit word Yovan, YO1 means “youth.” On the site of the former Kutsher’s Resort, this luxury destination offers guests yoga, spa and wellness experiences designed to detox, revitalize and promote optimal health and wellbeing.

Hiking, yoga, golf, cooking classes, nutritional counseling, and a full fitness center give guests an array of activities to choose from.

YO1 Wellness Resort & Spa Center aims to enlighten guests about the essence of eternal youth and consciousness. The first luxury nature cure destination of its kind in America, YO1 is a luxury wellness destination created to awaken the body’s ability to self-heal by providing individual customized wellness programs. https://www.yo1.com/

73 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

TRAVEL

WHAT’S NEW “Bringing you the finest places around the world is what we love to do here at Upscale Living magazine. In keeping with this tradition, we are focusing on introducing you to new kids on the block or accommodation establishments with a re-looked lease on life.

Grab your travel diary as you want to get to these places as soon as possible!”

| BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS

74 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

TRAVEL

BRAZILIAN COURT HOTEL PALM BEACH, FLORIDA

Steeped in history as a favored rendezvous among celebrities, luminaries and Palm Beach power players since its inception in 1926, the iconic Brazilian Court Hotel has recently undergone its first refresh since the hotel’s renovations in 2008 – unveiling a collection of studios and suites that, under the direction of LSI Designs’ Lauren Hastings, have been gifted a thoughtful new look.

Re-designed to enhance the feeling of effortlessly sexy and modern Palm Beach style, while maintaining the existing vision of simple elegance and character, the new room style at Brazilian Court embodies a playful take on classic Palm Beach sophistication.

Acting as the main decorative element and inspiration for the design, a custom wisteria wall panel incorporates a whimsical element that’s feminine and a thoughtful juxtaposition to the

rich mahogany wood and strong influences of leather, marble and brass accents. Lush green velvet headboards and sofas add a bold nod to the palms just outside, while white linens and pops of lavender brighten the space.

Each room features a curated collection of black and white photography, by renowned photographer Terry O’Neill, that pays homage to some of the most inspiring icons of pop culture. The mix of contemporary style furnishings and art delivers a design package that is both timeless and fresh.

Situated in a residential neighborhood, the historic landmark is seductively hidden amongst elegant mansions and curtains of cascading bougainvillea. Across the threshold of The Brazilian Court, a serene oasis awaits – a cloistered world unto itself with lush gardens, intricate courtyards and a beautifully landscaped pool.

The boutique property features an exclusive set of on-site amenities, including The Brazilian Court Salon and world-renowned Chef Daniel Boulud’s Café Boulud, and resides just steps from both the beach and Worth Avenue, showcasing some of the world’s finest shopping and galleries. The limitless beauty of Brazilian Court is ever true to the signature allure while dedicated to an enlightened future and all the contemporary features that enhance each guest’s stay.

It boasts a clientele of generations that return with accolades to the personalized hospitality, engaged concierge, special services, and captivating charms.

Established as the epicenter of Palm Beach society and the beloved “home away from home” for locals and visitors alike, The Brazilian Court brings together stunning, high-style accommodations and impeccable service for an unforgettable experience.

75 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

TRAVEL

ECLIPSE AT HALF MOON CARIBBEAN

Celebrating the opening of its highly anticipated luxury resort on March 1, 2020, Half Moon proudly presents Eclipse at Half Moon. Nestled between the lush rolling hills of Montego Bay and the glistening Caribbean Sea, Eclipse at Half Moon is a celebration of authentic Jamaican culture, reflecting its surrounding natural beauty.

Just a ten-minute drive from Sangster International Airport, the resort features 57 new accommodations, a stunning infinity-edge pool, natural swimming cove, seven bars and restaurants, and an introductory opening offer to celebrate its launch period.

The addition of Eclipse at Half Moon creates a triumvirate of accommodation options under the Half Moon brand, which is already rated as Jamaica’s finest property. Guests can also enjoy two additional distinct resort choices: Founders Cove at Half Moon and Rose Hall Villas at 76 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

Half Moon, which are located on opposite ends of the 400-acre property.

Managed by Salamander Hotels & Resorts, Half Moon is renowned for its legacy of excellence and hospitality. The property was founded 65 years ago, and three of the original founding families still remain as owners.

“Eclipse is a distinct luxury experience, and one that honors and complements Half Moon’s legacy and character,” said Guy Stewart III, chairman of the board at Half Moon. “Guests will discover our unique spirit of character and culture amidst traditional, elegant architecture inspired by our surroundings, and dimensioned within an abundance of roamable beach and gardens.

Eclipse at Half Moon was designed by the renowned architecture and design firm Hart Howerton of New York

and San Francisco. The heart of the design is its Great House, the property’s arrival experience, which is framed by a large Guango tree, one of more than 70 trees carefully replanted to ensure mature and natural surroundings. The lobby is set on a gentle rise of 17 feet above high tide to offer unobstructed views of the sea from the moment guests arrive, while the Anglo Caribbean aesthetic was inspired by Jamaican culture and accented with elegant shutters, vibrant colors and vintage family photographs from the owners’ archives.

Custom murals hang in the reception and capture the spirit of Caribbean life in the style of Michael Lester, an artist of Polish descent who became famous in Jamaica for his colorful work.

Eclipse features a variety of luxurious accommodations with stunning views.

TRAVEL

AN AIR OF MAGIC AT SKY LODGE | BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS

The overwhelming thunderous sound forces me to turn around. Not only for the reverberating noise, but seeing the rolling hills in the distance lit up. What was meant to be a quiet dinner has turned into the most magnificent lightshow with thunder, lightning and the lifegiving sound of rain falling on the earth in this part of the vast Karoo. This is only a small part of the magic that guests can experience at Sky Lodge, part of the Magic Hills Private Collection within 25 miles of the Eastern Cape town of Jansenville.

W

ith an early departure from Cape Town International Airport to Port Elizabeth International Airport at 07:10 on Airlink’s Embraer E-Jet, we arrive at 08:20, allowing enough time for an unhurried 3-hour road transfer or a quick 30-minute charter flight with Absolute Aviation.

We are met at Port Elizabeth Airport by the effervescent Eluisa from Magic Hills, who accompanies us on the transfer through a few quaint little towns en route to Jansenville / Magic Hills, where the obligatory two or more stops for leg stretching can turn into snack or shopping breaks.

Renowned for being the home of the Angora goat, Jansenville lies in the heart of the Noorsveld, and The Ark in the Karoo farmstall is a favorite pause for purchasing a few mementos to take back home.

Lodge General Manager Pieter and Head Guide Warren collect us at the start of our mountainous journey with the Magic Hills all-terrain vehicles. Set at 30,000 feet above sea level in the 40,000acre reserve, getting to Sky Lodge is a journey in itself. The open plains, rolling valleys and hills are offset by the two different biomes found in the reserve – the Thicket biome and the Nama Karoo biome.

At Sky Lodge, a heartfelt welcome is bestowed upon us with warm refresher towels and a hot drink to ward off the chilly afternoon. Variations in weather patterns can result in a complete change of seasons in one day. Because of the altitude of Sky Lodge, afternoons tend to become windy, bringing the most picturesque sunsets, albeit a relief in the summer months on very hot days.

78 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

TRAVEL

79 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

TRAVEL

Sky Lodge has two apartments and seven suites, and I’m staying in suite number 3 with the most awe-inspiring views of the surrounding mountains. Decorated in modern minimalist tones, wooden floors counterpoise the white bedding and grey bathroom louvres perfectly. Four-poster beds are used throughout the rooms, with lounge areas, a writing desk and an outside verandah from which to savor the views yet again.

A big drawcard is the main guest area, where a preferred place seems to be the striking infinity pool with wraparound vistas. Enjoying lunch while overlooking the landscape is an essential part of a stay at Sky Lodge. Chef John is a master at creating the most astonishing meals, so any plans you might have for not enjoying his culinary masterworks should be left at home. For today’s lunch, the delectable deconstructed salmon salad is followed by a gourmet burger served on a black bun with fries and onion rings. Our meal is concluded with tropical fruit salad and granadilla sorbet.

An afternoon at leisure means enjoying your surroundings and I do exactly that, sinking into the comfortable couch while relishing the company of a dear friend. Before long, it’s time for our sundowner drive. On the sunset deck, an informative talk of exciting projects is presented by Conservation Administrator Carmen and General Manager for the Magic Hills Private Collection Declan, which includes expansion plans, the rewilding of cheetahs, rehabilitation of the area, turning an old reservoir into an observatory & library and the launch of the refurbished Ilanga Manor House, Elsa’s Farmhouse and iSanti Karoo.

Returning to Sky Lodge, the time has come for pre-dinner drinks in the bar area and I’m already looking forward to the prospect of another delicious meal prepared by Chef John.

Tonight’s dinner is amuse-bouche, consisting of vichyssoise martini, followed by a starter of Cape Malay bobotie and mains being a choice of succulent stuffed chicken fillet served with baby carrot, mange tout, creamy risotto, parmesan crisp and a beetroot reduction or pan seared springbok loin served with the same side orders as the chicken. This scrumptious meal is concluded with decadent dark chocolate mousse in a tuile shell accompanied by blackberries and raspberries or a local cheese board with fig preserves and grapes.

Guests will undoubtedly notice the friendly service provided by Byron and Paula. Not only are they always at hand to take your drinks order and serve your meals, they will really

make you feel like part of a big family. During our morning coffee stop, Byron has a surprise up his sleeve. Having cut his teeth in the hospitality industry and conservation business, he is the perfect candidate to showcase the newly found Bushman paintings with the wit and vigor he puts into everything he tackles.

Views expressed are the author’s own.

Thank you to Nicky Arthur from Nicky Arthur PR for hosting me and the incredible hospitality of the Magic Hills staff.

Warren drives us to Ilanga Manor House, but we stop along the way for a pioneering experience, where we are instrumental in the rebirth by each cutting a piece of wire as fences will be removed to expand the conservation footprint of Magic Hills. At Ilanga Manor House, we enjoy a hearty breakfast and a giraffe is standing perfectly still alongside the road waiting for its picture to be taken. On our way back to Sky Lodge, we spot what we initially think is the incredibly rare sighting of a riverine rabbit, but it turns out to be a scrub hare.

AIRLINK – HOW TO GET THERE

I have a spa session booked after lunch and spa therapist Rudi starts with a holistic foot ritual with my choice of amethyst, creating a healing feeling. Her soothing hands go to work on the Magic Experience using Africology muscle relaxant and sends me straight to dreamland.

Another groundbreaking event takes place in the late afternoon – each of us plants a Spekboom in aid of offsetting our carbon footprint.

Byron hosts our late afternoon Juniper Journey, where his talk on the history of gin and the trimmings for the ideal G&T makes us all sit up and take notice.

Dinner is once again a gastronomic feast and concludes a perfect stay at Sky Lodge. We are scheduled to leave on a charter flight and the advantage of having to wake up very early is to witness the breathtaking sunrise. This morning, we feel like we’re floating above the clouds as they cover the hills and valleys below us.

Warren drives us to the airstrip where Absolute Aviation’s Cessna 208 Caravan is waiting to transport us to Port Elizabeth Airport. As I greet the captain, I notice that the propeller blade is reflected in a puddle on the ground.

With the blessing of rain on the horizon, we depart for our onward journey to Port Elizabeth and the final leg to Cape Town. Getting us from Port Elizabeth Airport to Cape Town International Airport is the Airlink Embraer regional jet, flying us back in only one hour, landing well ahead of time, ensuring a flawless conclusion to an unforgettable stay at Sky Lodge.

For more information, please visit Magic Hills Private Collection at https://www.magichills. com/

80 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

---------------------------------------------------

Airlink is: Privately owned and operates as the largest regional airline servicing over 55 routes and offers the widest network and choice of flights in Southern Africa and St Helena Island. Airlink is customer centric, reliable and committed to punctuality. Consistently 95% on time across 60 000 flights servicing some 2 million customers per annum.

Travelers can also enjoy the benefit of intra-continental style business class service on select routes on the magnificent Embraer E-Jet. Route Specific Information: Direct scheduled flights from Cape Town and Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth.

Book direct on www.flyairlink.com or your travel agent. Airlink will operate independently under its own flight code 4Z from 20 April 2020.

---------------------------------------------------

TRAVEL

81 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

TRAVEL

LUXE MARE LAGOS, PORTUGAL | BY RAJ GILL

Lagos, in Southern Portugal boasts dramatic cliffs, a magnificent coastline and a town full of white-washed streets.

The rock formations, Ponta da Piedade are perhaps the most photographed in all of the Algarve, and are instantly recognisable. The Algarve is a unique all-year destination, it’s a magical place, famous for its historic old towns, fantastic beaches and sandy coves.

Therefore it was a no-brainer for husband and wife team, Egil and Birgitte Greve, a professional Norwegian couple to build two villas (Lux Mare) in their favourite holiday spot. Local architect Mario Martins brought their vision to life.

Lux Mare is the Latin translation of the Portuguese “Luz do Mar” Light of the Sea. It describes the reflection of the sunlight on the ocean, and the sunlight bathes both the terraces, and the interiors of each of the villas. These elegant villas close to the historic town of Lagos, make for a luxurious base to enjoy everything the south coast of Portugal has to offer. Casa M and Casa L are both six bedroom luxury villas with heated swimming pools, uninterrupted ocean views and concierge services.

We were staying in Casa M, which makes for a relaxed get-away where sipping cocktails on the veranda taking in the ocean views is about as strenuous as things got. We also had the option to swim in the heated outdoor infinity pool, or to take a soak in the deep plunge bath tub (in the master suite). Casa M also has a small gym with the latest kit, a cinema room and a games room.

The Villa has an open plan set up. The bedrooms, the living area and kitchen are all on the ground floor with a wraparound outdoor terrace. In the basement you will find the leisure area and access to the underground garage. The expansive kitchen is fully equipped with the latest mod cons, the cutlery and crockery are by Vista Alegre and all branded linens in the bedrooms are made in Portugal. The villa’s guest rooms and master suite come with terraces, sea and pool views and all the upscale amenities and stylish touches you’d expect from a five star villa.

During my short stay I fell in love with Lux Mare. The villa brings together Nordic and Portuguese style, creating a unique look and feel that transports you to a comforting and luxurious world. And as I was the first guest to arrive I bagged the best room in the villa, the master suite!

The huge bathroom has a fab tub and also a fantastic shower that featured different settings including a cascade mode. There are also copious amounts of closet space and a comfy spacious bed, modern art adorns the walls and the room has floor to ceiling doors which give you direct access to the outdoor terrace.

Since the villas are just an hour drive from the airport; a few minutes from the beach; and a comfortable 1 hour drive from Faro; Lux Mare make for a great base for a fun and relaxed escape.

Guests can create a bespoke experience to suit their tastes – including activities in the nature, gastronomy and cultural visits.

82 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

LUXE MARE’S CASA M

TRAVEL

83 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

TRAVEL I love visiting Lagos. It’s such a relaxed and friendly holiday destination – unpretentious, laid back, as you might expect in Southern Portugal. Lux Mare is all about enjoying the best of luxury and you will be hard pressed to leave the comfort of the villa.

Gastronomy is without doubt one of the great pleasures of being in Portugal. On our first evening outing we opted to go to the highly recommended, Tasca Jota. The restaurant offers a Mediterranean menu, as well as small plates, salads and meats. We enjoyed a relaxed dinner, with regional seafood, local meats, and fine wines which were available by the glass. The sommelier did a superb job of pairing wines with each course; we started the evening with a local sparkling wine.

The food throughout each course was creative and well-executed.

Suitably stuffed we decided to head back to the villa to chill before bedtime.

Amongst the informal eateries and tapas bars the concierge team at Lux Mare can recommend restaurants where you will enjoy some of the freshest fish and seafood from the nearby Mediterranean coast, as well as top quality meats from across the mainland.

The villa team can arrange a hot air balloon ride for guests for a truly unique perspective of Lagos and Portugal. This is of course, weather permitting, and sadly this was an experience we didn’t get to try, despite trying two different times, it was just not safe enough due to bad weather.

However we did have delightful breakfast al fresco whilst basking in the sun. After a relaxed morning of catching up with some light reading, it was time to head to the old town to immerse ourselves in the local culture. We managed to avoid the crowds of tourists who usually descend on Lagos as our trip was during low season. For centuries, the city found its identity and its livelihood from the sea, a history echoed in the city. It was from here that, at the time of the discoveries, many vessels and navigators left in search of new worlds. The city of Lagos maintains its traces of authenticity with the walls of the historic centre reminding us of the past, the cobbled narrow streets lend to the old worlde charm of Lagos.

After a good strenuous and insightful walk about we headed back to the villa. One experience offered at the villa that we did get to try that afternoon was a wonderful Thai massage. The masseuse came to the house equipped with her massage bed and exotic oils. A thirty minute massage at the hands of Made (the masseuse) and I was ready for an afternoon siesta.

That evening sadly we did not experience the chef catered dinner. The idea of self-catering when on holiday abroad fills us with terror, therefore if there is a chef option it is the one we always make sure we try. Our host catered our dinner for us on our final evening at the villa, it was a lovely chilled out, informal evening and a lovely way to round off the trip.

Lux Mare is ideal for families or large groups of friends, both the properties are also child friendly and the concierge services ensure that you will have every whim catered for.

84 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

LUXE MARE’S CASA L

TRAVEL

85 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

TRAVEL

Lagos, in Southern Portugal boasts dramatic cliffs, a magnificent coastline and a town full of white-washed streets.

The rock formations, Ponta da Piedade are perhaps the most photographed in all of the Algarve, and are instantly recognisable.

The Algarve is a unique all-year destination, it’s a magical place, famous for its historic old towns, fantastic beaches and sandy coves.

Therefore it was a no-brainer for husband and wife team, Egil and Birgitte Greve, a professional Norwegian couple to build two villas (Lux Mare) in their favourite holiday spot. Local architect Mario Martins brought their vision to life.

Lux Mare is the Latin translation of the Portuguese “Luz do Mar” Light of the Sea. It describes the reflection of the sunlight on the ocean, and the sunlight bathes both the terraces, and the interiors of each of the villas. These elegant villas close to the historic town of Lagos, make for a luxurious base to enjoy everything the south coast of Portugal has to offer. Casa M and Casa L are both six bedroom luxury villas with heated swimming pools, uninterrupted ocean views and concierge services.

We were staying in Casa M, which makes

for a relaxed get-away where sipping cocktails on the veranda taking in the ocean views is about as strenuous as things got.

We also had the option to swim in the heated outdoor infinity pool, or to take a soak in the deep plunge bath tub (in the master suite). Casa M also has a small gym with the latest kit, a cinema room and a games room.

in the villa, the master suite! The huge bathroom has a fab tub and also a fantastic shower that featured different settings including a cascade mode. There are also copious amounts of closet space and a comfy spacious bed, modern art adorns the walls and the room has floor to ceiling doors which give you direct access to the outdoor terrace.

The Villa has an open plan set up. The bedrooms, the living area and kitchen are all on the ground floor with a wraparound outdoor terrace. In the basement you will find the leisure area and access to the underground garage. The expansive kitchen is fully equipped with the latest mod cons, the cutlery and crockery are by Vista Alegre and all branded linens in the bedrooms are made in Portugal. The villa’s guest rooms and master suite come with terraces, sea and pool views and all the upscale amenities and stylish touches you’d expect from a five star villa.

Since the villas are just an hour drive from the airport; a few minutes from the beach; and a comfortable 1 hour drive from Faro; Lux Mare make for a great base for a fun and relaxed escape. Guests can create a bespoke experience to suit their tastes – including activities in the nature, gastronomy and cultural visits.

During my short stay I fell in love with Lux Mare. The villa brings together Nordic and Portuguese style, creating a unique look and feel that transports you to a comforting and luxurious world. And as I was the first guest to arrive I bagged the best room

86 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

I love visiting Lagos. It’s such a relaxed and friendly holiday destination – unpretentious, laid back, as you might expect in Southern Portugal. Lux Mare is all about enjoying the best of luxury and you will be hard pressed to leave the comfort of the villa.

Gastronomy is without doubt one of the great pleasures of being in Portugal. On our first evening outing we opted to go to the highly recommended, Tasca Jota. The

TRAVEL

restaurant offers a Mediterranean menu, as well as small plates, salads and meats. We enjoyed a relaxed dinner, with regional seafood, local meats, and fine wines which were available by the glass. The sommelier did a superb job of pairing wines with each course; we started the evening with a local sparkling wine. The food throughout each course was creative and well-executed. Suitably stuffed we decided to head back to the villa to chill before bedtime.

Amongst the informal eateries and tapas bars the concierge team at Lux Mare can recommend restaurants where you will enjoy some of the freshest fish and seafood from the nearby Mediterranean coast, as well as top quality meats from across the mainland.

The villa team can arrange a hot air balloon ride for guests for a truly unique perspective of Lagos and Portugal. This is of course,

weather permitting, and sadly this was an experience we didn’t get to try, despite trying two different times, it was just not safe enough due to bad weather.

However we did have delightful breakfast al fresco whilst basking in the sun. After a relaxed morning of catching up with some light reading, it was time to head to the old town to immerse ourselves in the local culture. We managed to avoid the crowds of tourists who usually descend on Lagos as our trip was during low season. For centuries, the city found its identity and its livelihood from the sea, a history echoed in the city. It was from here that, at the time of the discoveries, many vessels and navigators left in search of new worlds. The city of Lagos maintains its traces of authenticity with the walls of the historic centre reminding us of the past, the cobbled narrow streets lend to the old worlde charm of Lagos. After a good strenuous and

insightful walk about we headed back to the villa. One experience offered at the villa that we did get to try that afternoon was a wonderful Thai massage. The masseuse came to the house equipped with her massage bed and exotic oils. A thirty minute massage at the hands of Made (the masseuse) and I was ready for an afternoon siesta.

That evening sadly we did not experience the chef catered dinner. The idea of self-catering when on holiday abroad fills us with terror, therefore if there is a chef option it is the one we always make sure we try. Our host catered our dinner for us on our final evening at the villa, it was a lovely chilled out, informal evening and a lovely way to round off the trip.

Lux Mare is ideal for families or large groups of friends, both the properties are also child friendly and the concierge services ensure that you will have every whim catered for.ď ľ 87 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

TRAVEL

A PERFECT STAY

INSIDE THE ROYAL PORTFOLIO BOOK EXCERPT | | BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS

With a long history of the most spectacular hotels and lodges built and furnished in South Africa, it’s no surprise that The Royal Portfolio decided to publish a book showcasing their incredible properties.

A Perfect Stay highlights all four properties, even allowing a sneak peek into Liz and Phil Biden’s homes - Cypress Lodge in Cape Town and Nyala Lodge in the Thornybush Reserve.

“I promised Phil we won’t add it into the inventory. For now.” Liz humorously quips. The epitome of absolute style and panache, readers will enjoy this coffee-table book collector’s item while poring over the 272 pages.

Excerpt: HOW IT ALL BEGAN – PHIL BIDEN On her 50th birthday, my wife decided to retire to spend more time with our family. She had just sold her interest in a fashion business.

Liz enjoyed her retirement for one day before deciding that she should oversee the renting out of a few rooms at our family holiday home in the Greater Kruger National Park so that we could cover the running costs. This would give her something to do.

Turns out that Liz, in addition to her eye for decorating, had quite the knack for hospitality and those ‘few rooms’ soon became Royal Malewane, our first property which opened in December 1999.

ROYAL MALEWANE Royal Malewane is located in the west of the Greater Kruger National Park in the province of Limpopo in the north of South Africa. There are no fences between Royal Malewane and the Kruger and guests can enjoy traversing the entire Thornybush Game Reserve – some 14,000 hectares about 33,000 acres of land.

Liz and Phil originally purchased the farm south of Thornybush, signing an agreement to join the two pieces of land and the fences that separated them.

Roads had to be established. Liz and Phil – alongside Juan Pinto, the first employee of The Royal Portfolio – walked the land many times.

Juan walked with a machete, respectfully marking the paths of the roads to be laid.

BIRKENHEAD HOUSE Many years ago there was a small hotel on the land – the Birkenhead. As a child, Liz’s parents used to take the family there for Sunday lunch.

The original hotel tragically burnt down and for twelve years the plot stood vacant. Surfers would sit on the derelict site watching the

88 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

TRAVEL

89 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

TRAVEL

waves and the magnificent sunsets. The land was eventually divided into six plots for sale as private houses.

Liz and Phil bought one of the front plots over the phone as soon as they heard they were on the market. They built their beach house in the prime position and enjoyed 12 glorious summers there with the family before making the conversion into a hotel, following the success of Royal Malewane. Fortunately, the two plots behind the house came up for sale, which allowed the Bidens to connect the three into the building that can be seen today.

LA RESIDENCE At the foot of the majestic Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve and lined by vinyeards of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz grapes, olive groves and plum orchards, La Residence is a short distance from the center of Franschhoek – South Africa’s culinary capital.

There have been two iterations at La Residence.

The first La Residence had just five rooms. It was on a neighboring wine farm that the Bidens had bought with the original intention of turning it into a ‘residential wine estate’, dividing it into 30 plots where their friends and family could

retire. Each owner would receive a thirtieth of the annual wine production. But the hospitality bug had taken hold. Five rooms were just too few and the neighboring plum farm was on the market …

Liz says ‘Phil had dreams of retiring in the Franschhoek valley but I explained that we

90 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

were never going to try that again. And so our third hospitality venture began.’

THE SILO HOTEL The Silo Hotel is in the Silo District of Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, just a stone’s throw from the Robben Island ferry. The Silo district

TRAVEL

has quickly established itself as the epicenter of Cape Town’s burgeoning style and design scene.

Nearly a century old, the silo building was repurposed by Heatherwick Studio, founded by British industrial designer Thomas Heatherwick, with breathtaking ingenuity. The silhouette is untouched but for the old elevator building, now occupied by the hotel whose protruding multifaceted windows are one of the defining architectural characteristics of the building.

A Perfect Stay is available to purchase in South Africa now: https://www.theroyalportfolio.com/a-perfect-stay/ And it will be available in the US later in the year.ď ľ 91 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

SPIRITS

RAISING THE BAR | BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS

When times are uncertain, guests can always rely on their favorite tipple to lift their spirits.

Whilst we are currently unable to visit our trusted hotels in person right now, Upscale Living magazine has rounded up some of the finest wanderlust-inducing cocktails from a selection of the world’s greatest hotels for you to create at home. Enjoy these fabulous drinks, in moderation.

92 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

SPIRITS

THE ESPRESSO MARTINI

BY THE LIBRARY BAR AT THE LANESBOROUGH, LONDON Overlooking Hyde Park and adjacent to the grounds of Buckingham Palace, The Lanesborough is one of London’s most iconic hotels commanding a prestigious location that straddles Belgravia, Knightsbridge and Mayfair. The hotel’s Library Bar offers a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of city life. One of London’s most celebrated drinks destinations, distinguished by its outstanding mixology and venerable ‘liquid museum’ of spirits, the Library Bar offers the warm and intimate atmosphere of a private club complemented by a vibrant ambiance, making it a popular choice with both well-heeled locals and hotel guests. The Library Bar is famous for its classic Espresso Martini; a sweet-toothed cocktail that is perfect as a post-dinner digestif, concocted using only three ingredients.

RECIPE & METHOD • Two shot glasses of espresso, or instant coffee mixed with hot water (make it strong!). We recommend two teaspoons of instant coffee to one spoon of sugar • Two shot glasses of Vodka – any will do • Two drops of vanilla extract • Shake well in a tin jar or cocktail shaker with ice • Strain and pour into your favorite cocktail glass (ideally a Martini glass) • Tip: to make this extra sweet or to adapt into a fun dessert, you could blend the coffee mix and Vodka with two tablespoons of vanilla, chocolate or caramel ice cream – take your pick HOW: oetkercollection.com/hotels/the-lanesborough/restaurants-bars/ bars-lounges/the-library-bar

93 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

SPIRITS

THE EDEN COLADA BY EDEN ROCK - ST BARTHS Served in Eden Rock - St Barths’s brand-new Rémy Bar – named after the hotel’s original owner, Rémy de Haenen – signature cocktail, the Eden Colada honors both his fabulously wild pioneering spirit and the birthplace of the drink’s main ingredient: rum. With a centuries-old tradition of rum distillation, cocktail lovers should look to the sun-soaked Caribbean with its plethora of distilleries for drinks inspiration. The Eden Colada mixes two rums including Plantation 3 Stars, a tribute to historic rums with a suave blend of the region›s three primary terroirs: Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad. Barbados delivers richness and a balanced palate, Trinidad adds finesse, and Jamaica provides an emphatic structure. The deeply glamorous Eden Rock - St Barths cocktail list is all about a sense of place, taking drinkers on a journey for the senses sipping divine elixirs that transport them to the island that perfectly blends the sophistication of St. Tropez with the laissez-fare Caribbean lifestyle.

RECIPE & METHOD o 25ml Clement Blanc rum o 25ml Plantation 2 Stars rum o 30ml Moët & Chandon Champagne o 30ml fresh pineapple juice o 30ml pineapple syrup o One scoop of coconut sorbet o Simply blend all ingredients together in a blender o For best results, serve in the iconic Eden Rock - St Barths pineapple glass (but any large round glass will do!) o Add one drop of vanilla essence to complete if desired HOW: oetkercollection.com/hotels/eden-rock-st-barths/restaurant-bar/bars/remy-bar 94 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

SPIRITS

the parabola by the newt in somerset The Newt in Somerset is a vast working country estate opened in Summer 2019, encompassing beautifully cultivated gardens, a parabola with 267 varieties of apples for each county, garden eateries and visitor attractions, Farm and House & Garden Shops and a 23-room Hotel and Spa. Celebrating all things Somerset – from freshly squeezed apple juices and cyders made on site, to honeys produced by native and wild Somerset bees – the beauty and simplicity of the outside world is brought indoors throughout the hotel and estate, not least into the Bar. The bar team shakes up an inventive drinks menu guided by seasonal garden produce and the heritage of the Grade II listed building formerly known as Hadspen House. Highlights of a seasonally changing cocktail menu, inspired by what can be picked from the gardens, include The Parabola; an elderflower and apple delight featuring The Newt’s very own apple gin and Medium Somerset Cyder pressed on-site, topped with botanicals or herbs from your own garden.

RECIPE & METHOD • 25ml The Newt Apple Gin • 25ml St Germain elderflower liqueur • 5ml Elderflower cordial • 75ml The Newt Medium Cyder • Fill a highball glass generously with ice cubes • Pour over the gin, liqueur and cordial • Top up with The Newt Medium Cyder • Garnish with rosemary or lavender from the garden and a thin slice of apple HOW: Guests can purchase The Newt in Somerset’s Cyders online: shop.thenewtinsomerset.com/categories/cyder. For the bar: thenewtinsomerset.com 95 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

SPIRITS

THE ESTATE MARTINI BY THE AMERICAN BAR AT GLENEAGLES, SCOTLAND The Gleneagles Hotel is one of Scotland’s most iconic hotels. Having undergone a multi-million-pound design transformation at the hands of Ennismore Design Studio, new-look spaces all have a social feel at heart. Reminiscent of the elegance and glamour of bars of the 1920s and 30s, The American Bar is a truly special place for intimate drinks, with an exquisite selection of caviar, cocktails inspired by the roaring 20s, and fine Champagnes. Alongside glamorous tipples that pay tribute the characters and pastimes of the 20s, sit five stunning Signature Martinis. Each draws on the varied scenery of Scotland, with subtle elements added to Scottish gins. For the Estate Martini, raspberry leaf-infused vermouth and elderflower are added to South Loch Raspberry Old Tom gin.

RECIPE & METHOD • 60ml South Loch Raspberry Old Tom Gin • 5ml elderflower cordial • 15ml raspberry leaf-infused vermouth • Add the gin, vermouth, elderflower and ice together in a mixing glass and stir to combine • Strain into a chilled Martini glass • Garnish with a lemon peel HOW: gleneagles.com/dine-drink/the-american-bar

96 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

SPIRITS

the bloomsbury boozer parker’s tavern at university arms, cambridge The bar in Parker’s Tavern at University Arms, Cambridge acts as a social hub in the city, and has been a meeting spot for over 100 years. The bar offers an extensive drinks menu, including a wide selection of English sparkling wine and a botanical-focused cocktail menu. This menu comprises a variety of bespoke tipples, all of which celebrate Cambridge’s spirit of invention with mixology that reinvents classics and takes inspiration from the history, art and academia of Cambridge and University Arms itself. The Bloomsbury Boozer was named after The Bloomsbury Set; a group of writers, academics and intellectuals including Virginia Woolf, John Maynard Keynes and E. M. Forster, who met at Cambridge in their boozy student days.

RECIPE & METHOD • 50ml Cambridge Dry Gin • 20ml elderflower cordial • 20ml fresh lemon juice • 4 - 5 raspberries • Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker (or you can use a large jam jar with lid) • Shake vigorously over ice • Strain into a martini glass HOW: parkerstavern.com/the-drinks

97 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

SPIRITS

THE COBBLERS COOLER BY COBBLERS COVE, BARBADOS

The Cobblers Cooler is almost as iconic as its home and namesake, Cobblers Cove. This much-loved resort is set on Barbados’s platinum coast right on the white sand beaches and turquoise waters the Western side of the island is famed for. The Cobblers Cooler is a delicious rum-based cocktail blended with tropical fruits and topped with a sprinkling of sugar. A generous serving of local Doorly’s 5-Year-Old rum is blended with fresh banana, pineapple, lime and grenadine, served in a hurricane glass and topped with a pineapple leaf and dehydrated lime wheel. The cocktail is best enjoyed imagined under the candy stripe pink-andwhite parasols on one of the luxuriously soft pool loungers.

RECIPE & METHOD o 70ml Doorly’s 5-Year-Old rum o 10ml grenadine o 30ml fresh pineapple juice o One banana o 15ml fruit cocktail juice o 25ml fresh lime juice o ½ scoop crushed ice o Blend all ingredients together and pour into a hurricane glass over crushed ice o If you are so inclined, garnish with a pineapple leaf, dehydrated lime wheel and a dusting of sugar HOW: www.cobblerscove.com

98 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

SPIRITS

THE FULL BLOOMER BY THE CORAL ROOM AT THE BLOOMSBURY, LONDON The Coral Room offers a unique cocktail menu that takes influence from the English countryside. Part of The Bloomsbury hotel, it is a magnificent doubleheighted all-day bar and restaurant, painted in a high-gloss lacquer in vivid coral. The Coral Room’s Sip of England menu whisks patrons away to the moors, meadows, seas and spires of the ‘Great British Outdoors’, with each cocktail using ingredients local to the area they are inspired by. The signature is The Full Bloomer; a fruity, floral spritz presented in a beautiful scalloped Champagne flute. Ingredients of Rinomato Aperitivo, Two Cirtrus Shrub, Violet Bitters and SASSY Le Cidre Rose are complemented by fragrant notes of rose and strawberries from the Kent countryside to create a sweet and refreshing tipple. To finish, The Full Bloomer is garnished with an edible bubble, filled with bubblegum aromatic, for the ultimate show-stopping look and burst of flavor.

RECIPE & METHOD • 100ml Rinomato Aperitivo • 15ml Two Citrus Shrub • Three drops of Violet Bitters • 150ml SASSY Le Cidre Rosé • Two drops of rose extract • Three strawberries • Build in a mixing glass • Serve in a long Champagne flute HOW: thecoralroom.co.uk

99 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

SPIRITS

THE ICE TEA REFRESHER BY SINGITA SWENI, KRUGER NATIONAL PARK Bringing a refreshing taste of bush sundowners home, this simple, yet delicious iced tea tonic will transport the drinker to the banks of the Sweni River located right by Singita Sweni Lodge. Staying true to South African heritage, the delectable drink is infused with local rooibos tea. The cherry and honey notes of rooibos add a subtle sweetness, which is aromatized with bitters. The brandy-spiked cooler is served short and was masterminded by Lodge Manager, Brett Applegryn, who felt inspired to create a tantalizing cocktail with just three simple ingredients that reflected the mood and ambience of the lodge’s unique location, tucked away in a 33,000-acre private concession in Kruger National Park.

RECIPE & METHOD o 25ml gin bitters o 25ml brandy o 80ml chilled rooibos tea o Pour all ingredients into mixing glass with ice cubes and stir well o Strain into a chilled Martini glass, and garnish with green apple and ginger o Serve straight or with extra ice HOW: singita.com

100 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

SPIRITS

THE RUM PUNCH BY JUMBY BAY ISLAND, ANTIGUA

Spontaneity and freedom are what define the Jumby Bay Island lifestyle. Guests fill their days with breezy pastimes in the warm crystalline waters and on powder-white beaches; strolling through lush gardens and free-wheeling along two kilometers of palm-fringed winding bicycle paths. The perfect welcome to the Caribbean, everyone’s first drink on the private island of simple pleasures upon arrival is the Rum Punch, concocted with local Antiguan rum. Described as being “sweet, a little tart, but full of magic,” this brew is a strong, timeless staple.

RECIPE & METHOD o 120ml 5-year-old English Harbour rum o 30ml fresh lime juice o Two dashes of Angostura bitters o 30ml Simple Syrup o Fresh cinnamon powder o Pineapple and lime to garnish o Muddle all ingredients together, excluding the cinnamon powder o Shake vigorously in a cocktail shaker or similar o Serve over ice in a short glass and garnish with cinnamon powder, a slice of pineapple and one lime wheel or wedge HOW: oetkercollection.com/hotels/jumby-bay-island

101 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

SPIRITS

THE BELLINI BY HOTEL DU CAP-EDEN-ROC, CAP D’ANTIBES The Bellini was created in 1934 by Giuseppe Cipriani, founder of Harry’s Bar in Venice. He named the cocktail so because its unique pink color reminded him of the toga of a Saint in a painting by 15th century Venetian artist, Giovani Bellini. The Bellini started as a seasonal specialty at Harry’s Bar and today, is the emblematic drink of the city of Venice, continuing the old Italian tradition of marinating fresh peaches in wine. This Bellini recipe has been perfected by Christophe Lencioni, Head Bartender at the French Riviera’s most glamorous hotel, the 150-year-old Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc. The hotel even named one of its much-loved bars, the Bar Bellini – the Côte d’Azur’s cocktail bar of choice for Hollywood stars. With a beautiful outdoor terrace and spectacular views over Hotel du Cap’s enchanting gardens and the famous Grande Allée down to the sea, it’s hard to imagine anything more elegant than sipping a Bellini here.

RECIPE & METHOD o 140ml of Champagne o 15ml peach cream or Peachtree liqueur o 100ml fresh peach purée o Mix all ingredients together and serve in a long, chilled Champagne flute HOW: oetkercollection.com/hotels/hotel-du-cap-eden-roc/restaurants-bars/bars/ bar-bellini

102 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

SPIRITS

THE ESENCIA MARGARITA

BY HOTEL ESENCIA, RIVIERA MAYA Evoking a refreshing virtual taste of the unspoiled ivory sands of the Riviera Maya’s Xpu Ha Beach – widely considered the most beautiful stretch of beach on Mexico’s Caribbean coast – Hotel Esencia’s Esencia Margarita is a fragrant, dynamic cocktail perfectly suited to spring and summer. The drink’s main ingredient, Casa Dragones Blanco, is hailed as being the best Blanco Tequila. It is a small batch, 100% Pure Blue Agave silver tequila, crafted to deliver the true essence of agave through an innovative process that focuses on purity, for a crisp, smooth taste. While this signature concoction is best enjoyed at the hotel’s super-chic open-air Beach Bar – impeccably positioned for the warm sea breeze and the best views from all the hotel – while housebound, it is a particularly fun-loving cocktail best whipped up with friends over Facetime, Zoom or House Party on a Friday night.

RECIPE & METHOD o 45ml Tequila Casa Dragones Blanco o 15ml Simple Syrup (NB. traditional simple syrup is made from one part water to one part sugar. White granulated sugar is the standard sweetener, but once you’ve mastered this basic base, feel free to experiment with other sugars, keeping the 1:1 ratio the same) o 25ml Cointreau o 60ml freshly squeezed grapefruit juice o One small rosemary sprig o 5 grams of crushed ginger o Muddle rosemary, ginger and syrup o Add the tequila, Cointreau, juice and ice and shake vigorously in a cocktail shaker or similar o Double strain and serve on the rocks in an Old Fashioned glass o Garnish with a rosemary sprig and a grapefruit peel twist HOW: hotelesencia.com

103 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

SPIRITS

THE PASSION BY MILAIDHOO ISLAND, MALDIVES

This cocktail is sure to take your mind to the powder-soft white sand beaches lapped by gin-clear waters and framed by tropical greenery that the Maldives is famous for. For Armchair travelers keen to get their Indian Ocean fix at home, this tropical beverage allows drinkers to envisage themselves at Milaidhoo – set over 13 acres atop the Baa Atoll’s beautiful UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. A firm favorite sundowner choice, The Passion is sweet with a zesty undertone – creating a refreshing twist on a classic.

RECIPE & METHOD • 1 Passion Fruit • 2tsp Vanilla Sugar • 20ml Fresh Lime Juice • 25ml Fresh Orange Juice • 10ml Passoa Liqueur or passion fruit liqueur • 10ml Aperol • 40ml Vanilla Absolut Vodka • Shake all ingredients and pour over crushed ice into a glass of choice • Garnish with orange peel / mint spring / half passionfruit HOW: www.milaidhoo.com

104 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

SPIRITS

THE APEROL SPRITZ

BY LE BRISTOL PARIS

Adored the world over, the Aperol Spritz is a simple classic cocktail originally from northern Italy. One of the best places to enjoy the summer aperitif however is at fabulous French Palace hotel, Le Bristol Paris. A true urban oasis, the hotel’s Jardin Français is a rare jewel in the heart of Paris; a place where one can drink and dine amidst fresh greenery and fragrant roses. The exquisitely pretty garden is a delightful place to revive after shopping with a light lunch shaded beneath a white parasol. Until one is able to return, one of the easiest elixirs to whip up at home is this four-ingredient favorite.

RECIPE & METHOD o 40ml Aperol o 60ml Côtes de Provence white wine o 60ml soda water o One orange o Pour the Aperol into a wine glass filled with ice o Pour the wine and soda water into a siphon and complete the cocktail with the mixture o Decorate with fresh orange slices HOW: oetkercollection.com/hotels/le-bristol-paris/restaurants-bar/bar/lebar-du-bristol

105 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

SPIRITS

THE BASILICUS BY THE BLUE BAR AT FINCA CORTESIN, ANDALUSIA Finca Cortesin is Southern Spain’s best-kept secret; a spectacular, independently owned hotel, golf and spa resort set in the rolling hills between Marbella and Sotogrande, flanked by the Casares Mountains and with sweeping views of the Mediterranean coastline. The hotel’s Blue Bar serves classic cocktails alongside more innovative creations al fresco on a beautiful patio lounge. The photogenic chinoiserie Blue Bar features handmade, bespoke de Gournay wallpaper and contrasting pale red sofas with the same symmetrical décor that flows through the property. Cocktail enthusiasts will want to recreate the hotel’s acclaimed, intricate interior design – and not just the bestselling Basilicus – at home. Created

by Finca Cortesin’s inventive Head Bartender and Drinks & Cocktail Manager, Daniele Maroni, the Basilicus’s key ingredient is an Andalusian small-batch craft gin, which is balanced by the aromatic, citrusy botanical taste of Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto.

RECIPE & METHOD o 50ml GauGin® Beach gin o 20ml Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto liqueur o 30ml fresh lemon juice o 15ml Simple Syrup o 8 - 10 fresh basil leaves o Juniper berries to garnish o Pour all ingredients, excluding one basil leaf, into a cocktail shaker or similar o Shake well and double strain into a Martini glass o Garnish with a basil leaf and a couple of juniper berries HOW: fincacortesin.com/restaurants/the-blue-bar 106 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

SPIRITS

THE COUGAR PAW BY SIX SENSES MAXWELL, SINGAPORE Located in the heart of Chinatown opposite traditional hawker centre Maxwell Market, Six Senses Maxwell is set in a traditional heritage building on the site of a former nutmeg plantation. Interior design by French architect and designer, Jacques Garcia reflects the authentic décor and furnishings of the era in which it was built, with a contemporary twist. This extends into the style of the hotel’s bar, the Cook & Tras Social Library. The Social Library’s signature drink is the Cougar Paw – a gin-based cocktail infused with fresh lime juice, mint and shaken with egg whites, served in an elegant coupe glass and topped with Cava.

RECIPE & METHOD • 30ml Bombay Dry Gin • 25ml freshly squeezed lime juice • 15ml egg whites • 8 fresh mint leaves • 30ml Cava • Angostura Bitters and mint leaf for garnish • Mix all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker and dry shake • Add ice to the shaker and shake once more • Double strain into a coupe glass and top with cava • Garnish with a mint leaf and three drops of Bitters HOW: sixsenses.com/en/hotels/maxwell

107 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

SPIRITS

SAVE ME! SAVE ME!

BY THE BURLE BAR AT PALACIO TANGARÁ0, SÁO PAULO Masterminded by award-winning bartender, Ana Paula Ulrich, the Save Me! Save Me! cocktail served at Palácio Tangará’s Burle Bar is composed of Fine Sherry, Dry Vermouth, Jataí Honey and Orange Bitters. The concoction was thought up by Ana to raise awareness of the importance of bees to the environment. While the recipe calls for any honey when recreating at home, the original served at the São Paulo masterpiece hotel uses “magical” jataí honey, which is sought after for its medicinal properties and immunological, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antibacterial effects. Offering cutting-edge service, style and design, the Burle Bar’s chic and opulent ambiance makes it a perfect choice both as an intimate dining venue and a late-night lounge. Designed by Brazilian architect Patricia Anastassiadis, the Bar draws inspiration from Brazilian art and natural landscapes, with photographs of the Amazon rainforest adorning the walls.

RECIPE & METHOD o 40ml Tío Pepe Fino Sherry o 40ml Noilly Prat Vermouth o 10ml St-Germain elderflower liqueur o 10ml honey o Two dashes of Angostura Orange Bitters o Muddle all ingredients together, adding honey last, with ice - no need to shake o Strain and serve in a long Martini-style glass HOW: oetkercollection.com/hotels/palacio-tangara/restaurants-bars/bars/burlebar

108 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

SPIRITS

THE GOOMBAY SMASH

BY BAHAMA HOUSE, HARBOUR ISLAND Harbour Island – home of “the friendly people” – is one of the Bahamas’ most colorful and laid-back islands offering visitors the chance to truly switch off and embrace “island time”. Eleven Experience’s Bahama House epitomizes luxury island living, seamlessly combining its colonial-style architecture with modern design and Caribbean flair. With one of the best-stocked rum bars on the island, after a day of exploring the coast with a skilled Eleven guide, guests enjoy endless rounds of Goombay Smash cocktails round the poolside tiki bar.

Armchair travelers longing for a taste of the Caribbean can recreate Bahama House’s signature rum cocktail developed by the in-house expert mixologists, and visualize themselves by the turquoise waters and the island’s famous pink sand beaches.

RECIPE & METHOD o 30ml Bacardi Gold o 30ml Bacardi White o 15ml coconut Rum o Dash of freshly squeezed lime juice o Two teaspoons of Bitters o 120ml orange juice o 120ml pineapple juice o Glacé cherry and orange slice to garnish o Mix all ingredients together, and serve in a tall glass over ice o Garnish with glacé cherry and an orange slice HOW: www.elevenexperience.com

109 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

SPIRITS

THE BOURGOIN MEDICINE

BY DOMAINE DES ETANGS, MASSIGNAC Domaine des Etangs is passionate about showcasing the very best of Southwest France’s produce, including Cognac; the nearby town which gives its name to one of the world’s best-known types of Brandy – a unique spirit in that it is double-distilled. Established on the Premiers Bois, Petite Champagne and Fins Bois vineyards of the town of Saint-Saturnin in Charente, the family-run Bourgoin Cognac Bourgoin Cognac estate crafts a “natural” cognac, devoid of any blending, filtering, coloring or added sugar, and the hotel is proud to have an exclusive partnership with the brand. Owner, Frédéric Bourgoin has curated a list of bespoke cocktails that are served in the hotel’s bar, and guests can now recreate House Signature, The Bourgoin Medicine at home by following a simple threeingredient recipe.

RECIPE & METHOD o 20ml Cognac o 40ml Pineau des Charentes o 80ml ginger beer o Simply combine, shake, and strain over ice HOW: Bourgoin Cognac can be purchased via: www.bourgoincognac. com / www.domainedesetangs.com

110 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

SPIRITS

THE EXCLUSIVITEA

BY SHA WELLNESS CLINIC, VALENCIA, SPAIN Global pioneer of integrated medical and holistic wellness, SHA Wellness Clinic’s natural alcohol-free cocktails are the perfect immune-boosting tipple to make at home. SHA’s Exclusivitea has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities, is low in sugar, and can be enjoyed at any time of the day as a nutritional shot. The cocktail’s main ingredient is Japanese kukicha tea which has long been hailed as a superfood. It is packed full of health benefits and just one cup contains 13 times more calcium than a glass of milk. It also neutralises acidity and tannins in the body, helping to contribute to the proper digestion of grains and vegetables.

The drink is infused with peppery rosemary – which also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds – and is lifted by a zingy natural sweetness of accompanying orange. Just one sip of the Exclusivitea will showcase the medicinal and self-healing properties that are a key part of SHA’s vision: putting your health and body at the heart of its philosophy, without compromising on great taste.

RECIPE & METHOD o 15g kukicha tea o One rosemary bunch o One orange o Water o Heat the kukicha tea with 1.5 cups of water in a pot for three minutes o Add rosemary and leave to infuse for five minutes o Cut orange into fine slices o Serve in a cocktail glass and add orange slice o Decorate with rosemary twig HOW: shawellnessclinic.com 111 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

RESTAURANT

THE URBAN

FOUNDRY | BY JYOTI BALANI

Meraki Hospitality founded by Sangram Shirole and Hrishikesh Shinde has created brands that are some of Pune’s most popular venues. One of their brilliant ventures is The Urban Foundry which has now created a buzz in the city and is a much talked about venue owing to its unique ambience, positive vibes and innovative techniques. Quirky interiors, exemplary service, good quality global cuisine make a visit to The Urban Foundry an absolute delight as I discovered during my recent visit to the Baner outlet.

I

t is a combination of several factors that come together to create The Foundry experience and leave an impression on anybody that walks in. Whether it is the installations or moving gears that fascinate, or the quirkiness of the posters, each element stands out. The industrial theme of this outlet is evident on the walls, lights, cutlery and even the furniture. I fell in love with the lamp posts and the green colored wrought iron chairs in the alfresco area of the restaurant. But what makes it outstanding is the quality of food and the warmth of the service staff.

amount of effort that has gone into creating such an innovative menu with local favourites as well global cuisine to cater to everyone’s plate is commendable. The beautifully presented Gajar Halwa Thandai and Warm Kahlua Toffee Pudding was a perfect end to a fantastic meal. There are plenty of options in the menu to cater to everyone’s tastes.

“Grungy rustic interiors in an incredible industrial theme mixed with some really cool Puneri vibes is what makes The Urban Foundry a unique destination for all its patrons,” said Hrishikesh Shinde talking about the ambience.

A casual dining place, I immediately noticed that this place was soon packed to capacity as the hours slipped by both indoors and outdoors and the guests seemed to be having a super time going by the peals of laughter and friendly banter. The bar with an exciting list of cocktails and superb choice of music adds to the ambience. What makes it even more attractive is the way the food is served in the unique plates, cutlery and service equipment which is inspired by nuts, bolts and screws.

There is a lot of metal play here in several forms such as the furnishings, installations or cutlery. The industrial theme along with gear installations and huge lights make the ambience stand out. The food menu is also printed in a very innovative way and I could not stop staring it or taking photos of the menu card. We tried the The Qube, Smoked New York Sour which are their signature cocktails. From the food menu I ordered the Aloo Choka Pakwan, Chicken Chettinad Pizza, Thai Curry with Jasmine Rice and South High Prawns Curry with Rice. The

114 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

“We serve delectable fusions of food and handcrafted drinks with an entire experience which will make sure you keep coming back,” said Sangram Shirole talking about the food and drinks.

The fact that we left the place with a smile hoping to come back for more says a lot about the uniqueness, warmth and efficiency of The Urban Foundry experience. Definitely worth several visits! 

RESTAURANT

115 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

WINES + VINEYARDS

ADAMVS NAPA VALLEY EPITOME OF WINEMAKING EXCELLENCE

| BY F R A N E N D I C O T T M I L L E R

A

s Denise Adams sought an apropos name for the Howell Mountain winery she and her husband Stephen purchased in 2008, she came across the Latin word ADAMVS. Its meaning – ‘borne from our red earth’ – was a more-than-fitting reflection of the estate’s high elevation vineyard blocks comprised of iron-rich red soils that produce wines of balance, structure, and distinction.

“I literally poured over thousands of possible monikers, and when I found that word and read its definition, I knew we had the perfect name for our winery,” said the charming proprietor of Napa Valley’s premier ADAMVS wines, located within 80 verdant and bucolic Angwin, California acres of which 27 are planted to vines.

The winery’s lush, high-end estate Cabernet Sauvignon also bears the ADAMVS name while two additionally superb Cabernets follow-suit with their own apt Latin titles: TÉRES, meaning ‘round, smooth, polished,’ and QUINTVS, meaning ‘five,’ and featuring barrel selections from each of the property’s five soil types. All three possess the purity, precision, and elegant tannin structure that produce the finest Cabernet Sauvignon, yet each offers its own unique expression of the spectacular ADAMVS estate. And each is a prized addition to the collections of wine lovers the world over.

No strangers to winemaking when they founded ADAMVS, the Adams’ perfected their vinous technique as proprietors of the highly esteemed and historic Château Fonplégade in the legendary Saint-Émilion wine region of Bordeaux where Denise organically and biodynamically oversees their vineyards. The two Francophiles met more than three decades ago on a blind date and subsequently married in the Dordogne. They honeymooned in the region where they eventually planted literal and proverbial roots. Today, the duo splits their time between the Napa Valley and France, where they painstakingly renovated and revitalized a time-worn chateau ravaged by World War II, and in doing so, earned the respect and esteem of the residents and vintners of their adopted country.

That same attention to detail is found in their American ADAMVS venture, where Adams utilizes the same sustainable farming techniques that she implements at Château Fonplégade.

In Napa though, team buy-in of biodynamic practices was a 116 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

breeze, as opposed to the persuasion needed to get her traditional-minded French crew on-board. “Once they started, and witnessed the difference that this sort of holistic, ecological, and ethical farming approach made with the vines and subsequently the wines, they were hooked, as was I,” said Adams, whose background as an accomplished landscape artist lends to her discerning vision for her wineries. “I knew when we started ADAMVS that to do right by the rich tapestry of Howell Mountain elements, we had to farm responsibly and in harmony with our mosaic of five vineyard sites. In our hand-tended vineyard, we practice a simple but exacting philosophy – that there are no shortcuts; excellence is earned through hard work and fervent, passionate attention to the smallest details.”

Those exalted Howell Mountain elements include altitude, rolling hills, unique microclimates, and five prominent soil types that serve to produce balanced fruit. ADAMVS’s 27 acres are planted primarily to Cabernet Sauvignon with nine hand-selected clones spread over an array of exposures and elevations. The remainder are small plantings of Merlot and Cabernet Franc and two small blocks of Sauvignon Blanc used in their French oak barrel fermented, 100% Sauvignon Blanc, crafted in an age-worthy style to produce a wine of textural and aromatic complexity.

ADAMVS’s artisan method of farming extends beyond the soils, vines, and orchards to every aspect of the business, ensuring a vibrant ecosystem in harmony with its community and environment. The property features blue bird boxes and hawk perches, an extensive insectary, and free range chicken and sheep. Honey is captured from the cache of beehives, olive oil is pressed from the property’s olive trees, and fig jam is made from the fruit trees.

To actualize her vision of creating the highest quality Napa Valley wines, Adams assembled a ‘top-of-their-game’ crew, each of whom appreciates the remarkable characteristics of ADAMVS’s Howell Mountain terroir and shares the passion for organic and biodynamic farming. “Our extraordinary team is singularly focused on building a great wine estate which uniquely expresses our land,” said Adams. That team includes Winemaker Sarah Donley, General Manager Kit Gilbert, Culinary Director Elisabeth Russell, Director of Estate Relations and Hospitality Amy Particelli, and

WINES + VINEYARDS

WINEMAKER, PHILIPPE MELKA 117 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

WINES + VINEYARDS

Consulting Winemaker Philippe Melka, who is routinely named as one of the world’s top viticultural talents and whose Bordeaux background and consultancy with numerous Napa Valley wineries made him a natural choice for Adams. “Working with ADAMVS is one of those great organic fits,” says Melka. “It starts with a premium vineyard where the complexity of the soils and diversity of microclimates brings such a great palette of colors for the winemaking team to work with. It continues with the tradition of winemaking by the ownership to produce wines of finesse and elegance which concerts perfectly with my own personal philosophy.”

Winemaker Donley’s impressive resume includes winemaking positions in South Australia, and more recently at Napa’s Colgin and Wheeler Farms. “Great wine can come only from a great vineyard that is in harmony with Mother Nature and the roots of a well-pruned vine,” said Donely. “ADAMVS is a true reflection of how wine can be made working with nature’s gifts.

I am humbled and honored to come to work every day in the presence of such a high-caliber team of professional women. Excellence in winemaking is all about experience, passion, sensibility, hard work, and patience - qualities enjoyed by everyone on this stellar team.”

The ADAMVS guest experience is as special as its wines, and takes place in either the innovative and stunning Cypress House Tasting Room or the adjacent Wine Library. Both were designed – with Adams input - by San Francisco architect Kurt Melander. An open glass room surrounded by a freestanding cypress log wall sculpture, the Cypress House is an iconic structure of distinction that artistically filters light. The Wine Library resides in a 12-inch solid concrete wall structure revived from a historical agricultural building by Melander who removed each piece of wood from the original, numbered them, cast them in concrete, and then reconstructed the layout. The building conceals a jewel box-like space containing a small tasting room and the Adams’ wine collection. A completely retractable roof (the inspiration of which came to Adams in a dream) creates an al fresco atmosphere. These two iconic structures combine modern and classic elements to create spaces of nuanced beauty that are experienced differently depending on the season, time of day, light, and all the natural elements that make Howell Mountain an ideal home for Cabernet Sauvignon.

“We have a tapestry here that creates the perfect convergence of geology and geography, which in turn creates beautiful wines,” says Adams. “As dedicated vintners, our mission is clear – to create profound wines with longevity, elegance and a purity of expression. That expression is of this beautiful place. It’s a privilege for us to do so. It’s the ultimate for me.”

118 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

ADAMVS BARRELL ROOM.

WINES + VINEYARDS

CYPRESS HOUSE, ADAMVS.

119 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

RESTAURANT

THE LANTERN | BY JYOTI BALANI

Bangalore is a gourmet city, one that has a plethora of Chinese restaurants, from a swank stand alone to destination-worthy restaurants in five star hotels. For all those who enjoy all things spicy, authentic and Oriental, the popular Asian restaurant Lantern at the Ritz-Carlton Bangalore is a great place to dine at.

T

he Lantern is a remarkable amalgam of casual fine dining and cutting-edge nightlife designed by international avant garde designers Super Potato. When I visited this upscale restaurant on invite by Amitabh Rai, General Manager-The Ritz-Carlton Bangalore, I noticed that a lot of thought has been put in designing a place which makes you feel fantastic the moment you are seated. Lanterns in ancient China were made of silk, paper, or animal skin with frames made of bamboo or wood. The name comes from the architecture of the building which looks like a lantern from the main porch of the hotel. Further drawing inspiration from the ‘Les Unexplored’ Guangdong also referred to as Canton is the largest province in mainland China. Known for its extensive trade from the city port during the 16th century and cultural heritage the interiors are inspired by textile trade, Cantonese linguistic and extensive use of porcelain vessels used throughout the country. These are the features that have been incorporated as an integral part of the restaurant design with walls stacked with fabric, accumulated with books, display walls with porcelain and pottery on the lower deck and finished with glass walls and rustic wooden flooring.

The use of antique Indian bookshelves and porcelain brings in the classic home bound touch to the contemporary Chinese design. The Lantern is expansive, opulent and is dramatically outfitted with Travertine, Black & Mannari Granite, solid black walnut and monster oak flooring illuminated with lights that wrap around the perimeter of the entire dining space. Focus lighting on tables in the recessed ceiling gives the diner a feeling of personal space. Planters add to the natural scenography of

120 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

the alfresco seating as the sound of the trickling water from the fountain becomes background music to the onlooker. The upscale yet informal service revolves around the structure which is a rustic yet modern living space.

Authentic Dim Sum creations created by expert chefs explore the complex interplay of flavor, color, aroma and texture while regional specialties from across China such as hot and sour chicken soup and ‘ma po’ tofu celebrate the time-honored classics of China’s distinguished culinary history. I tried a variety of dimsums such as the crystal vegetable dumpling, seabass dumpling, corn and asparagus dumpling and the crystal prawn dumpling. The waiting staff very efficiently suggests preparations such as the Crispy Prawn Cheung Fun (rice pancake roll, prawns) and the Lobster Money Pouch, Caviar that one should ideally order from the menu especially if you visit this restaurant for the first time. So whether you order a simple hot and sour chicken soup, mapo tofu, lamb chop or even the copious dim sum options, everything is cooked to perfection here and served in style.

Fragrant masterpieces from across the Chinese culinary tradition, ample indoor and outdoor restaurant seating, an evocative Oriental décor, a stylish lifestyle bar and distinctive Asian spirits and mixed drinks make The Lantern at The Ritz Carlton Bangalore one of the best places to spend a great evening with friends or family when in Bangalore. Definitely worth several visits! 

RESTAURANT

121 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2020

Dumont JETS | Dumont MRO | Volo Direct

SALES CHARTER MANAGEMENT

MAINTENANCE UPGRADES PAINT INTERIOR

PARTS ENGINE SALES AOG SUPPORT

We’re ready to fly when you are. +1.302.317.3310 info@dumontgroup.com www.dumontgroup.com Wyvern Wingman Certified Operator

ARCHITEC TUR AL PL ANNING J . A r m a n d o L e y va 2 5 3.6 5 3.6 8 1 5