August/September 2023

UPSCALE

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER

2023

Image by Rafael Soldi Photography

Fashion + Design Issue

Experience The Difference www.upscalelivingmag.com

CONTENT AUTOMOBILES 12 Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven 16 The Bizzarrini Giotto MOTORCYCLES 14 Triump FASHION 20 Presenting Mrs. Jones 22 The not-so-stealthy symbol of “Stealth Wealth”, Loro Piana 24 Fashion brand for your radar, Cara Mila 40 Symbolizing Classical Greece, Zeus+Dione 42 Discover the divine Dioriviera Capsule Collection 44 Get to know Trina Turk 54 Best British Milliners FINE JEWELRY 27 An exquisite diamond experience 34 Get to know Master Goldsmith, Gurhan Orhan TIMEPIECES 30 Unveils the new Christopher Ward C60 Atoll 300

8 | UPSCALELIVINGMAG.COM | AUG/SEPT 2023

PROFILES 48 Lisa Adams, formulating the perfect closet space 66 Marissa Zajack, a flair for interior design 74 A Place to call home, the other house South Kesington BEAUTY 58 Famed skincare expert, Joanna Czech HOME + INTERIORS 60 At home with Dana Skotdal 70 In Living Color 78 Home Trends 89 5 Luxury hotels with lavish interiors 144 Luxury Tableware, enhancing every dining experience CRUISES 86 Mega yacht marvel, Scenic Eclipse II BOOK REVIEWS 88 Our favorite style & fashion reads

REAL ESTATE 96 Luxury Seapod, when living becomes a reality TRAVEL 98 Ooh La La... Welcome to Tahiti!

114 Beyond luxury experiences at Fairmont Hotels 118 From the field of miracles to the gulf of paradise, Luguria 114 Fiji’s beautiful Wakaya Club and Spa 124 What’s New! Frenchman’s Reef - St Thomas, US Virgin Island Odles Lodge - Dolomites, Italy Villa Giara - Piedmont, Italy White Elephant - Nantucket, Massachusetts US 130 Sicily 134 Trailblazing, Tembo Plains Camp HOTELS 100 Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa 104 Portugal’s Hotel Convento de São Paulo 108 Origins Lodge, a luxury Eco-lodge in Upala, Costa Rica 110 The Charles Hotel, A Rocco Forte Hotel GADGETS 122 The Most Stylish Luggage

RESTAURANTS 138 Sophia’s Restaurant and Bar 142 Delicious dining & authentic regional dishes with Amawaterways professional culinary team COCKTAILS 146 49rs Gold Rush cocktail 147 La Adelita Buenos Dias cocktail WINES + SPIRITS 148 Oak Packer Whisky 150 Enjoy these premier Spanish Wines

ON THE COVER At Home with Dana Skotdal.

Image by Rafael Soldi Photography

9 | UPSCALELIVINGMAG.COM | AUG/SEPT 2023

ALINA LEYVA (CABRAL) PUBLISHER / FOUNDER PUBLISHER@UPSCALELIVINGMAG.COM 786.760.9133 cell

EDITOR IN CHIEF EXECUTIVE EDITOR

ALINA LEYVA (CABRAL) TRACY BEARD

DIGITAL EDITOR

PRISCILLA PILON

ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER

HELÉNE RAMACKERS

MARKETING DIRECTOR

TRACY BEARD

MARKETING MANAGER

BRITTNEY BLONDINO

WEB DEVELOPER

WEBPUBLISHERPRO

MARKETING RESEARCH

LOUISA ANDERSON

ACCOUNTS MANAGER

JULIANA ALTMORE

Thailand-based Australian Michael Cullen has called South East Asia home since 2015. Michael takes every opportunity to travel, explore the region’s wonders, and delve into its rich cultural diversity. Luxury travel and lifestyle are his niches.

Fran Endicott Miller is a luxury-focused freelance feature writer and editor for a variety of lifestyle, travel, and wine publications and websites, and serves as the California wine country authority for luxury travel concierge Essentialist.

Adam Jacot de Boinod worked in London on the first series of the BBC programme QI for Stephen Fry. As a researcher, he discovered that there are 27 ways of describing both moustaches and eyebrows in Albanian.

Native to Los Angeles, Jarone Ashkenzai writes about luxury hotels, VIP experiences and upscale restaurants. He spends his free time traveling, playing sports and going on outdoor adventures. You can connect with him on Twitter at @JaroneAsh or at jaroneashkenazi.com Heléne Ramackers, a freelance journalist who enjoys interviewing local and international celebrities but thinks she has found her calling amongst the travel writing fraternity.

CONTRIBUTORS Helene Ramackers, Somnath Chatterjee, Jarone Ashkenazi, Damon M. Banks, James Essex, Angela Sara West,Tracy Beard, Adam Jacot De Boinod, James Wong, Anthony DeMarco, Felicity Carter, Fran Miller, Kevin Pilley, Elaine Miller, Leslie Royal, Nikita Vivek Pawat, Priscilla Pilon, Raj Gill

Copyright 2023 Upscale Living Magazine. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of Upscale Living Magazine and Leyva Publishing Group LLC. The Publisher 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

WWW.UPSCALELIVINGMAG.COM OFFICE PHONE: 786.760.9133

CAN BE SEEN IN

10 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

Priscilla Pilon is a print and digital photo journalist with 30+ years of writing experience. Her focus is on food, wine, boutique hotels, and unique adventures. She is an accomplished social media expert, brand ambassador, and author.

Somnath Chatterjee, is a freelance journalist with a passion for luxury and performing automobiles. Somnath has driven everything from a Ferrari to a Beetle.

Nikita Vivek Pawar is a luxury features writer. She likes to write about all things luxury and wants to explore the world of luxury to encapsulate the novelties and legacies it has to of-fer. Travelling and reading are her favourite pastime activities.

As the Executive Editor and Marketing Director, Tracy Ellen Beard assists the publisher in managing production —which encompasses editorial, advertising sales, and working with freelance writers. As a freelance writer/ photographer, Tracy produces content and photos for Upscale Living Magazine digital issues and the website.

AUTOMOBILES

MERCEDES-BENZ

VISION ONE-ELEVEN | BY JARONE ASHKENAZI

T

he Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven recently debuted at Mercedes-Benz’s International Design Center in Carlsbad, California. The supercar silhouette combines a highly dynamic design language with innovative all-electric powertrain technology, becoming the first of its 21st-century style.

Inspired by the tradition of the legendary C 111 experimental vehicles from the 1960s and 70s, “our all-electric vision show car is the modern-day interpretation of the C 111, which was avant-garde at the time. The element of surprise comes from its exceptionally clean, purist, and, at the same time, extremely muscular proportions. This iconic clarity is also reflected in the interior. The equally sensual but minimalist design language stands for ICONIC LUXURY by Mercedes-Benz,” said Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer, Mercedes-Benz Group AG. Its exterior is a sporty interpretation of the OneBow design with high-tech references as the “Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven combines breathtaking design with groundbreaking powertrain technology,” said Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer. From the low-slung front end to the muscular hindquarters and side view flush-fit gullwing doors and the side windows, the 46-inch-high vehicle silhouette presents an extremely sculptural feel.

The car pays homage to the distinctive color of the C 111 without adopting it one-to-one, with the deep orange paintwork tinged with a hint of copper. Its front-end design boasts a high-tech look, while its rear-end design combines aerodynamic features and digital elements.

12 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

Its interior fuses a lounge-like feel with super sports car minimalism, making it the first sports car interior with a lounge concept. The car has a race mode offering a minimalist driving machine, while lounge mode presents a new exceptionally airy spatial concept. Its dashboard is made from 100 percent recycled polyester, while its sustainably processed leather was tanned using coffee bean husks.

The Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven uses an extremely powerful and highly efficient axial-flux motor developed by electric motor specialist YASA, offering a “motorsport-like power output from a considerably smaller package,” said Schäfer. Along with improved performance, the axial-flux motors are significantly lighter and more compact. Still, they can offer more power than radial-flux motors in other electric cars.

The new battery concept features high-performance liquid-cooled cylindrical cells with novel cell chemistry that with “Formula-1 inspired cell chemistry, the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven is yet another proof point for the broad performance spectrum encompassed by our four-pronged development strategy for electric drive,” said Schäfer.

Mercedes-Benz is also launching the “LIMITED EDITION 1 OF 111” collection, including a weekender bag, aviator sunglasses, a modern-fit hoodie, an orange cotton cap, and an iPhone 14 Pro cover.

The items in the “LIMITED EDITION 1 OF 111” collection will be available in August 2023 at www.1of111.com.

AUTOMOBILES

13 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

MOTORCYCLE

TRIUMPH | BY DOUGIE LOYNES

T

riumph has broadened its appeal by announcing two new motorcycle models for 2024, the Speed 400 and the Scrambler 400 X, marking the British brand’s first foray into the smaller engine market. Both styled in the timeless traditions of Triumph’s modern classics, it’s expected that the street-savvy Speed 400 and the more rugged, trail-worthy Scrambler 400 X will bring a degree of sophistication to a sub-500cc market that’s fast growing into an appealing category, especially for entry-level riders and those looking for a commuter bike that’s light and nimble enough to weave through city traffic on the way to work, but with enough punch for a leisurely weekend cruise.

A quick glance at the engine specs suggests these new bikes on the block might be more than a match for their key competitors. The Speed 400 and the Scrambler 400 X share the same engine, a liquid-cooled, 398cc single-cylinder TR-Series, which Triumph claims can put out a class-leading 39.5 hp at peak power. Compare that to the 20.2 hp produced by the Royal Enfield Hunter 350, a rival roadster to the Speed 400 with a similar retro styling. With almost twice the Hunter 350’s horsepower, you can imagine the advantage the Speed 400 will have on the highway, where previous sub-500cc bikes have rarely been completely at ease. Meanwhile, the Scrambler 400 X holds its own against the more touring-oriented bikes like the BMW G 310 GS and the super-lightweight KTM 390 Adventure, which boast only fractionally more horsepower.

The differences between the bikes relate to the Scrambler 400 X’s off-road design features for light dual-sport use. The Scrambler 400 X has a longer wheelbase, a taller seat, and a larger front wheel than its roadster cousin. It also has wider handlebars and lower-positioned footpegs, providing a more upright

14 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

riding position for greater stability on loose surfaces.

At 320mm, the Scrambler 400 X’s front brake disc is 20mm larger than the Speed 400’s, but the most significant difference might be felt in the suspension.

The Scrambler 400 X has a longer-travel inverted fork at the front and a mono-shock with more travel at the rear, giving it a smoother ride over rough terrain.

The Speed 400, meanwhile, has rear-set footpegs and a clip-on handlebar that pulls the rider into a sportier riding position. These features, together with the shorter suspension travel, lower weight, and thinner tires compared to the Scrambler 400 X, should give it an oh-so-subtle edge when it comes to handling on paved roads. It’s different horses for different courses, with the models likely to appeal to different riders depending on what they hope to get out of their bike.

The two-tone Speed 400 will come out in Carnival Red, Caspian Blue, and Phantom Black, while the grungier-looking Scrambler 400 X will be available in Matt Khaki Green and Fusion White, Carnival Red, Phantom Black, and Silver Ice. It’s worth noting that owners can accessorize either bike according to a broad range of needs or wants using an online configurator.

The Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X models are launching in India in July 2023 and will be released in other markets, including the US, at the start of 2024.

Prices haven’t yet been announced, but they’re expected to be in line with their key competitors in the same category. Expect to pay a Triumph premium, not just for industry-leading handling and performance, but for the classic retro-inspired looks that have always given Triumph motorcycles an old-school aesthetic advantage over their rivals. 

MOTORCYCLE

15 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

AUTOMOBILES

THE BIZZARRINI GIOTTO A Tribute to Italian Engineering, and a Legendary Italian Engineer | BY DOUGIE LOYNES

T

he reformed Italian supercar brand Bizzarrini has revealed its first new model, the Bizzarrini Giotto, named after the company’s founder and icon of the Italian automobile industry Giotto Bizzarrini. With its striking looks and exclusive naturally aspirated V12 engine, this limited-run super sports car was always going to be a testament to the rich heritage of Italian design, performance, and La Dolce Vita luxury. But with the passing of Giotto Bizzarrini in May this year, this car named after him will also serve as a tribute to the legacy of one of the last titans from the golden age of Italian engineering.

A true genius in the field of automotive engineering, Giotto Bizzarrini left an indelible mark on the industry. Born in Livorno, Italy, in 1926, Bizzarrini’s journey began as he joined the ranks of Ferrari, where he created the legendary Ferrari 250 GTO. A three-time class winner at the 24 Hours of Le Mans between 1962 and 1964, the 250 GTO is considered a masterpiece of Italian design and still one of the most coveted and revered automobiles today. Only 36 were ever built, and in 2018 the 250 GTO became the most expensive car ever sold when it fetched $70 million in a private sale, a figure only recently surpassed by the $142 million paid for a 955 Mercedes 300 SLR coupe, one of only two in the world.

After leaving Ferrari, Bizzarrini worked with Lamborghini to build the V12 engine, which debuted in the 350 GT. The engine’s design was so exceptional that elements of it continued to be used in Lamborghini vehicles until 2010’s Murcielago, a testament to Bizzarrini’s engineering prowess. Bizzarrini also manufactured cars under his name, with the Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada arriving in 1964. This car—and the Bizzarrini brand—was reintroduced to the world in early 2022 with the 5300 GT Corsa Revival, of which only 24 examples were built.

Against this backdrop of rich history, the Bizzarrini Giotto comes to life as the brand’s first entirely new

16 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

supercar. Drawing inspiration from Bizzarrini’s engineering legacy, the collaboration between Giorgetto Giugiaro and his son Fabrizio, who were involved in the design of the original Bizzarrini 5300 GT, brings a sense of continuity and authenticity to the Giotto, combining contemporary supercar edges with the unmistakably classic Bizzarrini aesthetic. It’s “a car for connoisseurs,” says Bizzarrini CEO Ian Fenton, “exclusively rare and built for pure enjoyment and luxury.”

While technical details of the Giotto are yet to be fully revealed, the company plans to develop an exclusive naturally aspirated V12 engine designed to meet Bizzarrini’s performance, drivability, and emissions standards. This powerful engine will be paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, ensuring an exhilarating driving experience that Bizzarrini CTO Chris Porritt says is at the center of their project.

“We have a very clear vision for the Giotto, defined ultimately by how it makes a driver feel,” Porritt reveals in a recent press release. “We now very deliberately and authentically recreate Giotto’s vision, choosing not to chase acceleration times or lap records but to develop a car that appeals to those experienced drivers seeking purity, authenticity, and rarity. This is vocal and emotive, it’s mechanical, and it’s tactile. But it’s also incredibly practical and luxurious, delivered with the personality and emotion of a bespoke Italian brand.”

As Bizzarrini embarks on a new chapter with the Giotto, it is evident that the brand remains committed to the values and principles that Giotto Bizzarrini himself championed. Testing is due to start in 2024, and it’s hoped that the Giotto’s breath-taking design, supercar specs, and unwavering commitment to craftsmanship will embody the spirit of the Bizzarrini founder and carry forward the name of one of Italy’s greatest automotive icons.

AUTOMOBILES

17 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

FASHION

Presenting

Mrs. Jones

| BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE BRAND

Effortlessly sophisticated, captivating, down to earth, sexy and authentic. Those are just a few choice adjectives to describe the ethereal wedding dresses fashioned by Grace Loves Lace Founder and Creative Director, Megan Ziems. Disrupting the bridal scene with the release of Jones, this stunning ivory gown has been lauded to set a new standard for the corseted wedding dress. Featuring an expertly trialed and tested design, Jones introduces a brand-first, using innovative design techniques to mimic a corset-like bodice. Her creation of the redefined concept of the traditional, restrictive bridal gown saw Megan invent structure in a dress without compromising on comfort. “Most brides almost expect that their wedding dress is going to be uncomfortable, with boning, zips and buttons cinching them into place. I wanted to design a gown that emphasizes a more structured, supportive look but stays true to our values of comfort first,” she explains. “A bride will be in the same gown for over eight hours on her wedding day; we wanted to create something that gives that defined, corset-like bodice so many brides love and set a new standard for comfort, flexibility, and freedom of movement.”

The Mrs Jones Campaign features international model sensation Gigi Paris who shot the campaign whilst visiting Australia. Launching alongside Jones is the Bo Shawl, designed to pair seamlessly with any ivory gown, this shawl oozes old Hollywood glamour which his having a major trend moment in bridal this season. Bo is 100% silk and is a versatile accessory to the Grace Loves Lace collection. www.graceloveslace.com.au

20 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

FASHION

21 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

FASHION

The not-so-stealthy symbol of “Stealth Wealth”

LORO PIANA | BY DOUGIE LOYNES PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE BRAND

It all started with a $625 cashmere baseball cap. Crowning the head of Kendall Roy, the fictional billionaire and will-he-won’t-he heir to his father’s media empire in HBO’s Succession, it was, on the face of it, a totally unremarkable accessory—a plain, black hat, admittedly in cashmere. And yet, this hat from Italian luxury brand Loro Piana launched a thousand articles—and countless more social media explainers—about the concept of “stealth wealth” and how it inspires the fashion choices of the uber-wealthy.

S

tealth wealth, or “quiet luxury,” refers to a style aesthetic favored by those from so-called smart money. It’s an exercise in subtlety and a statement of soft power by people who know they have nothing to prove. These high net-worth individuals choose to forgo clothes emblazoned with garish logos or brand names in favor of a minimalist, understated style that whispers, rather than shouts, about their affluence.

Think clothes in neutral color palettes and classic silhouettes, but only fashioned from the finest fabrics.

The term stealth wealth might not have been known to Succession’s costume designer Michelle Matland when she first dreamed up the wardrobe for Kendall Roy’s character, but the same ideas were behind her choice for the billionaire scion’s favorite fashion label. Kendall sports dozens of looks from the Loro Piana catalog, from casual crewnecks starting at $995 to the $8,895 to the cashmere and alpaca wool-blend overcoat worn to his father’s funeral. In a recent appearance at Milan Fashion Week, the actor who plays Kendall, Jeremy Strong, explained how “Loro Piana represented a supreme, rarefied level of luxury and comfort and the sort of if-youknow-you-know thing.”

Take Kendall’s $5,875 long-sleeved polo as an example. It’s made from vicuña, the rarest animal fiber in the world, shorn from an endangered camelid species native to South America’s Andes. This fabric was once exclusively reserved for the Incan Emperor; now it’s reserved for the 0.1%. Dressing in a fabric unknown (and unaffordable) to the majority is a whisper of wealth that only people like Kendall can hear because, in the words of Matland, Kendall, I was “bred to know the difference” between expensive and what isn’t worth wearing.

22 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

But to credit Succession with the rise of the stealth wealth trend is to miss the point. There’s nothing new or revolutionary about dressing expensively in well-made clothes devoid of any visible branding. Rather, it’s the narrative around stealth wealth as a conscious fashion decision made by some of the ultra-wealthy that has been catapulted into the mainstream.

Consider the media attention and forensic Tik Tok analysis that was dedicated to dissecting the viral outfits worn by Gwyneth Paltrow as she appeared in court over a collision at a ski resort. “How to Curate an ‘I’m Innocent’ Courtroom Wardrobe, According to Gwyneth” was the headline run by British Vogue, which suggested Paltrow made a calculated display of stealth wealth to win favor in the trial. One of the steal wealth items Vogue put on trial? A $1,600 Loro Piana turtleneck in baby cashmere.

But while the conversation around quiet luxury is getting louder, it’s important to remind ourselves what makes these expensive handcrafted fabrics so desirable in the first place; the coveting of that “soft touch of cloud-like fibers,” as Loro Piana promises with the release of its 2023 Summer Resort Collection. Known as “the master of the finest fibers,” Loro Piana’s collection continues in the brand’s rich tradition of high-quality craftsmanship and exquisite textures, with pieces fashioned in breezy linen fabrics that capture the essence of Mediterranean luxury living. It’s a timely reminder from Loro Piana that it’s the quality, not the brand, that their consumers are paying the premium for.

FASHION

23 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

FASHION

Fashion Brand for your Radar

CARA MILA | BY FELICITY CARTER PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE BRAND

Founded in 2014 by Nicole Attie, luxury ready-to-wear brand Cara Mila has sustainability and style at its heart, which is seen through the choice of sustainably sourced materials, cue silk, cashmere, organic denim, and alpaca, through to the production process and packaging. Founder and Creative Director Nicole Attie tells us about her journey into the fashion industry, the brand aesthetic, and its sustainability credentials.

How did you get into the fashion industry?

I have always had an innate love for fashion. Growing up, my grandmother was a huge source of inspiration, always combining prints, colors, and accessories to create her unique sense of style that was inherently chic. Now the mother of four children, I recognize this in my two girls, who frequently raid her closet, effortlessly combining and clashing patterns.

Moving to London in my early 20s, being immersed in one of the world’s fashion capitals, and having a very entrepreneurial husband gave me the final push to start on this creative path I have had a passion for since my early years.

How would you sum up the look of your brand?

CM is modern, cool, approachable, aspirational, emotional, ethical, feminine, unexpected, wow, and now.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

I love the creative process of envisioning a collection from concept to final product, and doing so with a team of strong, creative, and inspirational women. We are a brand designed by women for women.

What’s your career highlight to date?

We believe we can make a difference. CM is a purpose-led brand, and launching it post-pandemic after such a labor of love from a very international team of women was a definite highlight. Having fashion icon Olivia Palermo as a creative consultant through this process was also extremely enriching.

24 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

Our design choices are motivated by our contemporary lives and our preferences for updating our own wardrobe winners without breaking the bank and by empowering everyone with the opportunity to purchase meaningful new pieces that possess the power of uniting ethics with a veneer of confidence and of-the-moment chic.

What are the sustainability credentials?

Everything we do has an impact. At Cara Milla, we are committed to keeping our impact on the earth as small as possible. We are an independent brand that spent the last two years vetting manufacturers and researching textiles. We firmly believe in the accountability and traceability of all our materials.

We carefully choose fabrics for our products, sourcing the most responsible options to meet the luxurious standard we want to imprint. Therefore, we mainly use certified fabrics and trims such as GOTS or GRS. All our knitwear is made with yarns that bear the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), Responsible Alpaca Standard (RAS), or the Good Cashmere Standard (GCS). This practice ensures that all fibers come from traceable farms using the best and most progressive methods of land management and animal welfare.

We also use regenerated fabrics like Tencel and Eco Vero low-impact viscose.

FASHION

25 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

FASHION

Currently, we offset our carbon use by planting 100 trees for every garment sold.

Cara Mila is the proud partner of Eden Reforestation Projects - Employ to Plant initiative.

What advice would you give to budding designers?

Follow your passion and inspiration, and allow your voice and values to manifest naturally.

26 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

Where can we shop for it?

Cara Mila is highly focused on building a solid relationship with a growing number of conscious consumers, so we focus most of our energy on having a robust online presence and a direct-to-consumer strategy through our website, cara-mila.com. Having said this, we do have some pop-ups in key cities like NY, LA, and London. We are currently at Curve Shop LA.

FINE JEWELRY

An Exquisite

Diamond Experience

| BY FELICITY CARTER photos provided by the brand

| BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS

In one of the world’s most remote showrooms for diamonds, Cheetah Plains in South Africa’s Sabi Sand has created a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. Guests will have exclusive access to top-quality ethical diamonds, together with their very own Cheetah Plains Signature Diamond Collection. Taking place at the exquisitely curated SHARI’S boutique at Cheetah Plains, guests will have a one-on-one consultation with Kate Shearer, a qualified New York GIA gemologist and jewelry designer

while sipping on French champagne. Forming part of uniquely cut and GIA-certified loose stones, which are designed into custom pieces for international deliveries, the Cheetah Plains Diamonds are part of a special collection, only available at Cheetah Plains. In the words of Marilyn Monroe ‘diamonds are a girl’s best friend’, even on safari.

For more information, visit https://www.cheetahplains. com/ 27 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

TIMEPIECES

Unveils The New

CHRISTOPHER WARD C60 ATOLL 300

| BY JARONE ASHKENAZI

T

he C60 Atoll 300 from Christopher Ward’ was unveiled to the public. The new, aquatic relation to Christopher Ward’s best-selling dive watch–the Trident Pro 300–is a new member of the C60 Trident Pro 300 family.

The open-series collection features stunning gradient dials, color-matched date windows, and a finely machined steel bezel with sandblasted and polished surfaces. This dive watch was built for the sea and proudly displays its oceanic inspiration with its ocean-inspired Shark White and Reef Blue dials.

It provides the elite performance you’d expect of a Christopher Ward pro dive watch (and uses the super-slim C60 Trident Pro 300 as its template) with a unique personality and aesthetic.

Named after the atolls of the Indian Ocean, the watch’s design inspiration came from the beautiful colors of the surrounding oceans. The Blue Reef brings together the stunning blues and greens of the ocean, while the Shark White brings forward a rich brown strap and beautiful white dial.

The dial doesn’t sacrifice legibility, providing clarity and precision day or night. From its lume-filled handset and indexes to the date wheel at six o’clock to match the color dial, the balance is given through the applied twin-flags logo at 12 o’clock.

Its high-polish raised numerals come to full focus thanks to its sandblasted unidirectional bezel, which also delivers 120 clicks per rotation. Its triangle marker is filled with Super-LumiNova® Grade X1 BL C1 to aid timing at the dark depths as the watch delivers 300m of water resistance.

The beauty of the mechanics are in full view when the watch is turned over as you are given an inside view of the Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement and its ‘Christopher Ward’-engraved rotor.

British-designed and Swiss-made, Christopher Ward is also premiering their new slimline tapered rubber strap with this watch.

30 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

TIMEPIECES

Technical features can be found below: Case Diameter: 40.0 mm Height: 11.4 mm Lug to lug: 47.5 mm Weight: 95g Strap width: 20.00 mm Case Material: Steel Bezel: 120 clicks Crystal: Flat top sapphire ATM: 30 ATM Crown: Screw-down

Movement Model: Sellita SW200-1 Execution/Finish: Élaboré finish with twin flag pattern engraved into the rotor Type: Automatic Function: Hour, minute, central second, date Diameter: 25.60 mm Height: 4.60 mm Frequency: 4 Hz / 28’800 vibration per hour Power reserve: 38 hours Jewels: 26 Tolerance: + 20/-20 seconds per day

31 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

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

FINE JEWELRY

Get to Know Master Goldsmith

Gurhan Orhan

| BY FELICITY CARTER photos provided by the brand

F

or exquisite, handcrafted, and artistic jewelry, GURHAM is the brand to know.

Art to create a collection. Gurhan tells us more about his namesake brand.

New York-based Gurhan Orhan, Designer and Founder of his eponymous brand, has built a reputation for offering timeless, beautifully hand-crafted jewelry designs since he founded his label in the ‘90s. And, of course, as a master goldsmith, he’s famous for working with 24K gold, as well as platinum and silver.

How would you sum up the aesthetic of GURHAN? At GURHAN, our aesthetic can be described as a harmonious fusion of ancient techniques and contemporary design. We draw inspiration from historical civilizations and infuse them with a modern touch, which results in unique and timeless pieces. Our jewelry showcases intricate craftsmanship, rich textures, and bold yet elegant designs.

He combines age-old techniques with his unique method of design to create jewelry items that merge the classic with the contemporary—and they’re pieces that’ll be worn and adored forever. This method has seen him win awards and accolades over the years, from a long list of A-list celebrity wearers to being commissioned by the Metropolitan Museum of

Who is your customer?

Our customer base is diverse and encompasses individuals with a refined taste for fine jewelry.

They appreciate the artistry, quality, and individuality that our pieces offer. Our clientele

34 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

includes discerning collectors, sophisticated individuals who appreciate luxurious accessories, and those seeking to celebrate special moments with exceptional jewelry.

What are the cornerstones of your company?

The cornerstones of GURHAN are craftsmanship, innovation, and authenticity. We pride ourselves on employing master artisans who meticulously handcraft each piece with meticulous attention to detail. Our commitment to innovation ensures that we constantly push boundaries and explore new techniques and materials. Moreover, we remain authentic to our heritage and values, staying true to our artistic vision and the timeless elegance that defines our brand.

Which was the first-ever piece that you de-

FINE JEWELRY

35 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

FINE JEWELRY

signed, and how did it come about?

Early in my journey, I was fortunate to come across these two gemstones. Imagine this—a beautiful emerald that seemed to contain a forest within it and an intaglio so captivating that it felt like stepping into a story. Naturally, I was inspired to design these one-of-a-kind rings around each stone, and I poured my heart and soul into handcrafting them myself.

The ring with the intaglio? Well, it was quite the charmer. It caught the eye of a local jewelry store, and in no time at all, a customer was taken entirely by its unique allure. The folks at the store were pretty impressed with my work, too—they even asked if they could be the exclusive sellers of all my future pieces.

Now, that emerald ring—I kept it. It’s become a bit of a keepsake for me, a tangible reminder of my journey. You see, at first, all I wanted was to make a name for myself as a “ring maker.” But as time went on, my passion for design sort of blossomed. I started realizing that my creativity didn’t have to stop at rings.

So, I began experimenting with other pieces like necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. And let me tell you, it’s been quite the adventure exploring these new forms of jewelry.

Tell us about the materiality and process. At GURHAN, we place great emphasis on using the highest quality materials to create our jewelry. We primarily work with precious metals such as 24-karat gold and rare precious stones. Our materials are carefully sourced to ensure ethical and sustainable practices.

tations, and online events, offering personalized assistance and a sense of connection.

Our process is a testament to our dedication to craftsmanship. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted by our skilled artisans, utilizing techniques passed down through generations.

From the initial design concept to the final polishing, our artisans bring their expertise and passion to every step of the creation process.

What have been your career highlights to date?

Throughout my career, there have been several remarkable highlights that have brought me immense joy and pride. Seeing our jewelry worn by influential celebrities is always a gratifying experience, as it reinforces the appreciation for our craft and the recognition of our designs. Being commissioned by the prestigious Metropolitan Museum of Art to create a line was a tremendous honor and a testament to the artistic value we bring to the world of jewelry.

How is the brand pivoting to handle the different customer buying methods?

As the market evolves, we continuously adapt to meet our customers’ changing needs and preferences. We understand the importance of embracing digital platforms and have invested in creating a seamless online shopping experience. Our website showcases our collections, allowing customers to explore and purchase our pieces from the comfort of their homes.

Additionally, we engage with our customers through social media channels, virtual consul-

36 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

Celebrities have worn your pieces; the Metropolitan Museum of Art has commissioned you to create a line, and you have gained numerous awards over the years.

Moreover, the recognition we have received through various industry awards has been incredibly rewarding. These accolades validate our dedication to craftsmanship, design excellence, and innovation. Each milestone serves as a reminder of our team’s passion and commitment to creating exceptional jewelry for our valued customers.

FASHION

Symbolizing Classical Greece

ZEUS+DIONE

| BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE BRAND

Co-founded by Dimitra Kolotoura, her rich Greek heritage is rooted in mythology and symbolism, transcending to the Zeus+Dione brand thanks to its Creative Director Marios Schwab. Showcasing spirituality, harmony and creativity, the Greek letter Delta ∆ is a prevalent undertone of the brand, and beyond imagery, it aesthetically references the Zeus+Dione collections. Clean lines are embellished with intricate details and intersperse elegant patterns stemming from geometric shapes, evident in their lifestyle collections, featuring clothing and homeware. Expanding their fashion line, Zeus+Dione is launching a Menswear collection for Spring/Summer 2024. https://zeusndione.com/en

40 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

FASHION

Discover The Divine

DIORIVIERA CAPSULE COLLECTION | BY FELICITY CARTER PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE BRAND

A

n invitation to enchantment and escape, the Dioriviera capsule collection exudes the perfect summer.

Dreamed up by Maria Grazia Chiuri, Creative director of Christian Dior, expect Toile de Jouy Sauvage aplenty in this summery-meets-sumptuous collection. Central to the color palette are delicate, soft pastel pink and pale grey hues, famously the founding couturier’s favorite shade. And the print is both playful and exotic, donning tigers, monkeys, and reptiles.

Here, the print and the tones have been applied to ready-to-wear clothing and more, from dresses to swimsuits as well as a whole host of accoutrements; after all, Dior is loved for its accessories. This updated classic motif adorns everything from accessories for the active, cue table tennis rackets, yoga mats, pétanque balls, dumbbells, and even Finnish skittles.

Then there are homewares, including embroidered cushions, candles, dessert plates, and the beach must-haves in the form of Dior deckchairs, parasols, and surfboards; it is the most stylish way to hit the beach.

Calling all Dior loyalists, for those who want an updated version of their timeless items, Toile de Jouy Sauvage can also be found on the Lady Dior and Dior Book Tote bags, the fine silk scarves, and pumps—all providing a way to insert a contemporary classic into your wardrobe, whilst nodding to the House’s most beloved pieces.

The Dioriviera capsule is a true ode to the art of living, the European way, and by the beach.

42 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

FASHION

43 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

FASHION

Get to Know

TRINA TURK | BY FELICITY CARTER PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE BRAND

A California local, it comes to no surprise then that Trina Turk’s collections are inspired by the sunny state with its mix of optimism and creativity with clothing that perfectly reflects this happy disposition.

Established in 1995 by Trina and her late husband, photographer Jonathan Skow as a women’s contemporary line, the brand has evolved into a print and color-driven lifestyle label, complete with accessories, plus swimwear, eyewear, paper goods, a Mr. Turk menswear collection, and residential goods.

Expect bold, bright, playful designs inspired by color, textiles, architecture, design, and of course, Los Angeles and Palm Springs-w e caught up with Trina to learn more about her eponymous brand.

How did you get into the fashion industry?

My mother taught me to sew at age 11 and showed me that you didn’t have to follow the sewing patterns as they came; you could change them and customize them-which was a huge revelation to me. As soon as I learned you could have a career as a fashion designer, I decided that was what I was going to do.

How would you sum up the look of your brand?

The colors, prints, and patterns that we’ve become so well known for are primarily inspired by living in southern California—the light, landscape, architecture, and climate. I’m also very inspired by the prints and colorations from the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Although the brand reflects the lifestyle of California, my travels also inspire my designs. Our collections are designed for women to feel confident, stylish, and vibrant, whether they are traveling, relaxing at the beach, attending an event, or enjoying the everyday.

I graduated from the University of Washington with a BA in Apparel Design-when they still had that pr ogram. My first job out of school was at Brittania Jeans in the early 80s, and my second job was at Ocean Pacific.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

I love selecting the textiles, the prints, and the colors. I love the styling and all the details, too—but patterns, prints, and color come first.

Being an entrepreneur and designer allows me to combine all my interests: pop cultural trends, the arts, architecture and design, color, and textiles.

My goal these days is to spend as much time as possible on the creative part of the company. In the early days, I did everything. My biggest challenge has been letting go and letting people do their jobs. I cannot know about every little thing anymore, so instead, I focus on the brand-which is mor e fun anyway.

When and how did your brand come about?

After years of designing clothing for others, I created the Trina Turk brand in 1995. My goal was to create a brand reflecting vibrant, optimistic, California-modern style, balanced with effortless, everyday pieces.

44 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

What’s your career highlight to date?

I’m always proud to see women on the street, on a beach or

FASHION

45 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

FASHION

poolside, in a meeting, or at an event looking great in my clothes.

What are the core values of your label?

Optimism is key to the brand, and we express optimism through prints and color.

What advice would you give to budding designers?

The most important thing is to stick to who you are. There are so much information out there now about different fashion trends. It’s almost an overwhelming amount of information.

As a designer, you’ll see many trends and think, “This is cool,” but then you’ll need to pull back and say, “Is it our brand?”

Learn all aspects of the craft well, starting with how to sew and all about textiles. Work in the apparel industry and soak up all you can about the business from others. There is much more to it than just designing a few nice garments.

Where can we shop it?

You can shop Trina Turk and Mr. Turk online at trinaturk.com and in our boutiques in northern California, southern California, Atlanta, Georgia, and Dallas, Texas.

46 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

LOOKING TO LIVE YOUR DREAM LIFESTYLE NEAR THE BEACH?

3 BD | 3 BA | 2 , 478 SF | 5, 400 SF LOT | $4, 299,000 A truly rare and timeless designed home by Gretchen Flesher + Bill Foster with a barrel open beamed ceiling and walls of glass overlooking the Monterey Bay. Watch the breaching whales, otters and see the magnificent changing sunsets, twinkling city or moonlit nights reflection on the sparkling ocean. Enjoy beach walks, surfing, biking trails and more. This exquisite gem features the finest of features complete with a view office and is ideal for relaxing and entertaining. Don’t miss this unique opportunity along California’s coastline on the Central Coast!

Call for a private showing or visit 143Seafoam.com

Monika Campbell 891.917.8208 | DRE 01370848 monika.campbell@compass.com monikacampbell.com Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01370848. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate

PROFILES

LISA ADAMS

Formulating The Perfect Closet Space | BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS

T

he creative force behind L.A. Closet Design, Lisa Adams empowers her clients to have the perfect closet space, creating captivating wardrobes with meticulous panache. Upscale Living spoke exclusively with her about what it takes to fashion a space that is stylish yet practical.

Lisa, tell us a bit about yourself.

I was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, and now am based in Los Angeles, California. Aside from my passion for designing and closets, I love sports, traveling, and all things fashion. I love waking up to a cup of coffee and playing the New York Times’ games; on the weekends, you’ll find me running, playing tennis, golfing—and watching sports.

Did you have an influence in your youth that shaped your career path?

I’ve always loved the sciences — I actually had a past career as a chemist.

For me, this influence really helps shape my approach to closets, as I exercise both parts of my brain. I get to tackle design challenges from a very analytical, methodical perspective, while creating beautiful, aspirational spaces for my clients.

What made you decide to start your full-service luxury closet design firm, L.A. Closet Design in 2007.

At the time, I was working on the operations side of a luxury kitchen and bath company. I really recognized that closets were not on the radar for many designers. It seemed like a niche market that could benefit from the same level of detail and discernment as other areas of the home. So I took the leap!

What does your job entail?

Ultimately, we are here to provide a service at the highest level. A lot of the job involves managing expectations, and relating to clients on a personal level, to best understand their needs. I always want to make sure the clients’ needs are met, and mitigate as much of the headache as possible throughout the construction process, as there are always lots of moving parts.

I assume in your line of work, you have to be super organized?

It certainly helps! In our line of work, every detail matters, and it takes a certain level of an innate Type A personality to make sure the design process is smooth and efficient.

There surely is a transition to a fully functioning closet.

I like to think good design can help anyone to be more organized. If you 48 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

can see everything in your closet, you’re likely to wear those otherwise forgotten pieces. And if everything has a home, you’ll be less likely to leave things out of place.

How do you create good ‘traffic flow’ in a closet?

It’s important for me to first understand the clients’ individual lifestyles.

Am I designing for someone who travels frequently? What pieces are they going for in the closet on a daily basis? Are they dressing in the closet?

Do they have a styling team who needs space to work? These are all questions that inform the way we want to move through the closet, and make decisions that allow easy access to the items we’re using most. We consider access to the master suite, laundry routines, tailoring — these processes are different in every household.

How do you go about balancing the aesthetics and functionality of a closet?

Our closets represent the marriage of function and aesthetics. I strive for them to be equally as beautiful as they are functional. Ultimately, all the decisions we reach are to make the space feel highly intentional, making the dressing process easier and more enjoyable. At the same time, I want it to be a space you enjoy, and it needs to complement your personal style.

How do you solve / deal with overstuffed, cluttered and unorganized spaces?

In a functioning closet, items should constantly be coming and going.

If you haven’t worn something in a year, you could likely let it go. I encourage my clients to take stock and purge the items they’re no longer wearing, to make sure they can really access the items they love. If someone is just innately a little messy, we’ll often explore areas they can have items behind doors, to keep things looking tidy.

And hoarders?

Aside from purging, many of us are limited by the space in our closets, and real estate is at a premium. For anyone who has more clothing than they have space for, we can get creative with carving out space in the closet — triple hanging, hidden compartments, using every square inch of space. I also think rotating things out seasonally can help reclaim a lot of space for the items you’re currently wearing.

You get to see what your clients have in their closets. Without disclosing their identity, have there been some enviable items you wish you had thought of buying for yourself?

PROFILES

49 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

PROFILES

Of course we usually don’t have our clients’ budgets, so it really is a treat to see some of their most treasured pieces. This could be anything from custom commissioned Cartier high jewelry, diamond-encrusted Himalayan Birkin bags, or vintage couture gowns, just to name a few.

shoemaker adage, you will find me organizing and purging almost daily—doing what I preach. The process calms me, and creates the clutter-less environment that I want to be in.

As I am doing this, you will find the TV on with a game or match playing in the background!

You’ve also worked with some high-profile clients. How do you navigate your ideas/suggestions while not coming across as pushy?

Regardless of the client, they are coming to us for professional guidance, and I like to treat every client with the same level of attention.

Obviously some personalities are larger than others, and some clients will give more creative freedom, but the ability to reconcile the needs, tastes, and opinions of everyone in the room is the most valuable service we can provide.

What does your closet look like?

I actually like to think my closet has inspired a lot of what we are doing now for clients. At the time I designed it, I wanted to do something different, and experiment with color, texture, and custom hardware. It’s very boutique, in a custom cashmere paint color, and suspended retail-inspired hanging rods from the ceiling.

Since sharing my closet, we often have clients come to us looking to recreate certain elements of it, or incorporate the paint color in their own closets, which is perhaps the greatest compliment for me as a designer.

Do you have to work according to strict budgets or is there wiggle room?

Budgets can be a tricky conversation, especially when there are so many variables with custom construction. We are lucky in that the customer who comes to us is typically someone who really cares about the closet, and has the means to do what they want. It’s a fun, aspirational space, and many clients are willing to splurge for something that makes them feel inspired.

When you’ve accumulated a wardrobe of beautiful pieces, you’re usually willing to carve out room in the budget to give those items a home.

Is there a current trend in closets?

I’m seeing clients are being much more adventurous and creative in their closets these days.

Fewer homeowners want the typical glam, white closet than before. Now, we’re being asked to design spaces with a lot more personality and a mix of materials!

I love the walk-in/open/no-doors closets. It must be quite tricky to maintain, and the client has to be super-tidy. Is it still very popular?

For someone who is inherently a little more organized, this is often what they prefer. It’s much easier to see and access your favorite pieces, and when executed correctly, feels very much like a high end boutique.

Who is Lisa Adams when she is at home?

At home, I am happiest! Because my job requires me to be extroverted, I relish in the re-charging process at home. Contrary to the

Are you a morning person or a night owl?

I am a morning person! Surprise surprise, I am a fairly regimented person, which involves making sure I get 8 to 9 hours of sleep that is tracked every night. I love waking up early feeling rested and ready for my cup of coffee.

You have flawless skin – what are your beauty secrets?

Aw, thank you! First of all, I get 8 to 9 hours of sleep, drink lots of water (only drank Diet Pepsi up until a year ago so this is huge), and am consistent with my cleansing and moisturizing process (toner, serum, moisturizer, sunscreen religiously) using Sturm products.

How do you stay in such incredible shape?

I am blushing! I played basketball and tennis growing up, so it was instilled in me at a very young age to work out every day. I now run, play tennis and golf, and do Pilates. It makes me feel so good to exercise and do sport—inside and outside.

What to you do for fun?

Fun! I like to travel the world and explore new cultures, new restaurants, new hotels, people.

Simultaneously, I live for sports, so I am happiest playing or watching it with friends.

Your plans for the rest of 2023?

I am going to Riyadh and London for work, which will spiral into a London and Edinburgh vacation. I have a Design Leadership Network

50 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | JUNE/JULY 2023

summit trip to Mexico City in October, followed by a birthday celebration in Venice, Italy.

I’ll cap the year with a trip to Hawaii to visit family for Christmas and New Year’s!  https://www.laclosetdesign.com/

PROFILES

51 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

FASHION

best british

MILLINERS | BY FELICITY CARTER

Photos courtesy of each brand

T

he art of millinery has a rich and distinguished history. After all, hats have been worn for thousands of years, developing from practical uses to transcending into the fashion industry. It was during the 18th century when millinery first became a profession, the word deriving from ‘Milan’—a city that had textiles in abundance and established itself as the center of fashion where fashionable ladies would collate to have their special headwear creations made (while hatters were reserved for gentlemen).

A hub for milliners, the UK dons some of the most talented makers, and of course, there are plenty of events to wear them to, Royal Ascot being a famous example. Here, the late Queen Elizabeth showcased her headwear from 1946 and continued to do so every year; the 1980s saw the likes of Princess Diana don her statement hats, along with international royalty and the fashionable. A staple of the social season, beautifully made headwear can also be seen on celebrities; cue Lady Gaga right through to the catwalk of leading fashion houses.

Aw

Alex Harper

Stephen Jones Millinery Think British milliner and think Stephen Jones. After studying at London’s famous St Martins in the ‘70s, he’d find himself in the legendary Blitz nightclub, where the fun and the fabulous would congregate.

And, of course, he’d wear one of his head-turning creations. By 1980 he had opened his debut millinery salon in Covent Garden, which was frequented by everyone from rock stars to royalty, including Boy George to Diana and Princess of Wales, and from then on, he established himself as the milliner to be seen in.

Artist, futuristic, interesting, and intriguing in design, his pieces are also defined by exquisite craftsmanship. This stylish amalgamation has seen him continue to attract a celebrity clientele that includes Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Mick Jagger, and British and international royalty. Along the way, he’s also collaborated with leading designers such as Vivienne Westwood, Thom Browne, and Christian Dior, where Jones’ hats have been an integral element in some of the most notable runway scenes of the past quarter century.

Stephen Jones

54 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

Rac

FASHION

Awon Golding

Noel Stewart

Rachel Trevor Morgan

Vivien Sheriff

55 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

FASHION

Adding to his work’s immensely artistic and creative nature, 2009 saw Jones curate the popular exhibition ‘Hats, an Anthology by Stephen Jones at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. You will also find that his hats were collected by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Louvre in Paris.

Where classic meets modernity, there are a whole host of styles from the traditional pillbox shape that has been brought up to date with detailing such as leather blooms and crinoline swirls to exude an artistically abstract piece. Then there are the uniquely shaped, colorful headpieces, intricate headbands, and wide-brimmed boaters.

Wearing a Stephen Jones piece offers a stylish statement, popular amongst women around the world, whether on a runway, at the races, or a garden party—his creations suit a range of social events and certainly give the wow factor.

Awon Golding London-based milliner Awon Golding is known for her super luxurious and playful headpieces for contemporary women. A woman with a multicultural background, British-Indian born and raised in Hong Kong, she draws on these influences to offer uniquely creative pieces, whether they’re Royal Ascot hats, headpieces, fascinators, or gorgeous made-toorder wedding numbers.

NOEL STEWART Millinery A former assistant of Stephen Jones OBE, this British milliner was trained by the best, and it shows. Since setting up his label in 2003, he’s collaborated with the who’s who in luxury fashion, from Mulberry, Roksanda, and Erdem, to Stella McCartney, Viktor & Rolf, JW Anderson, Hermes, Oscar de la Renta, Givenchy Haute Couture, Valentino, and the list continues.

It’s not only the fashion houses that love his oh-so-cool, contemporary designs (with a touch of the classic); Stewart has built up a loyal clientele base over the years that includes Victoria Beckham, Carey Mulligan, Cara Delevingne, Sharon Stone, Keira Knightly, Lady Gaga, and Kylie Minogue. In addition, he’s worked with leading costume designers such as Alexandra Byrne for the big screen, cue Murder on the Orient Express, crafting pieces for Michelle Pfeiffer, Daisy Ridley, Penelope Cruz, Lucy Boynton, and Olivia Coleman. Then onto Mary Queen of Scots, where he created headwear for lead actress Saoirse Ronan.

The accolades have followed over the years: he was named Accessory Designer of the Year by UKFT, was a finalist for Design of the Year at The Design Museum for his iconic JW Anderson hat, and The Design Museum selected Noel’s Ribboned Cityscape Hat to feature in the book, ‘50 Hats That Changed the World’. To top it off, he was also included in the V&A’s exhibition, Stephen Jones—An Anthology of Hats which opened to record visitors in London and Brisbane before opening at the Bard Graduate Center in New York.

Noel also holds the position of the founding member of the reformed British Hat Guild, spearheaded by Stephen Jones. He is a co-curator of the London Craft Weeks millinery program. He has been included in The Business of Fashions 500— an index of fashion creatives who are shaping the industry.

Alexandra Harper Millinery London Following formal millinery training in Australia, Alexandra launched her namesake label, Alexandra Harper Millinery London, and is now based in the UK. Known for merging technical expertise, innovation, craftsmanship, and creative know-how, this milliner produces luxury headwear that exudes a playful-meets-pioneering style, and there’s individuality aplenty.

Based in London and Buckinghamshire—and a member of the British Hat Guild— expect statement hats, headpieces, and bridal headwear made by hand, using only the finest quality, sustainable materials.

56 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

Having established her own brand in 2013, only a year later, Stephen Jones selected her to showcase her talent for two seasons as part of Headonism, a platform for emerging milliners at London Fashion Week, and four years later, she was on BBC 2’s prime time show, Handmade in Britain as the millinery expert. Garnering further acclaim, Awon built up her client base, including Lady Gaga, Dita Von Teese, Kylie Minogue, and Priyanka Chopra, all wanting in on her berets, boaters, showstoppers, sun hats, and veils. All of which are handmade in her London studio.

In 2019, she developed her name in the game further as she was appointed Head Millinery Designer at Lock & Co Hatters, the world’s oldest hat shop, where she designs two seasonal couture collections.

Her co-branded collection, Lock Couture by Awon Golding, can be found on their website and in their Grade II* listed building store in St. James’s.

Vivien Sheriff The home of original, undeniably British, luxury headwear, Vivien Sheriff offers contemporary millinery from her Wiltshire studio. Nodding to the beautiful English countryside, it’s proven to be a constant source of inspiration to Sheriff, made evident through her color palette, and detailing from sculpted feathers to flowers. Those mentioned above, combined with luxurious craftsmanship and expertise, pieces are handmade over the course of weeks to bring about these extraordinary creations. It wouldn’t come as any surprise, then, that her impressive client roster includes prominent British Royal Family members.

Rachel Trevor-Morgan The Rachel Trevor-Morgan atelier is nestled with the historic area of St James’s London. Here, they promise the ultimate couture millinery service tailoring their creations to the outfit, personality, and occasion.

After all, they have over 30 years of experience in the world of millinery, a Royal Warrant, and have worked with London’s leading designers.

Proudly and to exacting standards, every piece, whether a hat or headdress, is made by hand from start to finish in their workroom. The shapes are hand-blocked, and their intricate flowers are skilfully made, with petals dyed, cut, and shaped by hand to ensure a truly bespoke piece.

BEAUTY

Famed Skin Care Expert

Joanna Czech

| BY FELICITY CARTER photos provided by the brand

F

or all skincare aficionados, Joanna Czech is the name to know. After all, this powerhouse in the skincare industry has over 35 years of experience. Joanna Czech stays true to her brand pillars: respect, support, and protection, and this ethos emanates throughout her brand, from business operations to treatments and in her very own skincare line.

Believing that a long-term approach is the most effective for maintaining a fresh complexion, her treatments merge innovative technologies and age-old techniques, many of which she first learned of in Poland, so expect LED, ultrasound, microcurrents, cryotherapy, as well as manual massage and manipulation of the facial muscles that are featured within her tailored treatments. There’s no surprise, then, that the A-listers love it—both men and women, from Jennifer Aniston, Cate Blanchett, Kate Winslet, Anna Wintour, Justin Beiber, Amber Valletta, Martha Stewart, Mandy Moore, Carey Mulligan, Tan France, Phillip Lim, Uma Thurman, Liam Neeson, Sting, and Trudie Styler. The list really does continue.

There’s no stopping her brand growth. From opening her flagship studio in Dallas in 2015 and later her New York City studio in 2018, she’s also developed her eponymous skincare line, with a range of essentials formulated by Czech to help skin stay healthy and radiant in any climate or condition.

Rule 1: Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate!

Testosterone accounts for why men’s skin is 25% thicker than women’s. It is also responsible for the rougher texture that we associate with male skin.

And tough skin also needs exfoliating! I recommend Biologique Recherche Lotion P50V 1970, as it gently exfoliates and regulates excessive sebum secretion, moisturizes, and helps maintain the epidermis’ acid pH. It prevents and treats in-grown hairs, making it ideal for pre- and post-shaving skin care. But keep in mind not to over-exfoliate. You only need to do this a few times per week.

58 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

Rule 2: Rougher skin does not necessarily mean tougher skin Whenever a razor glides against the top layer of skin, it removes the skin with it, which can cause irritation. Certain products can be used specifically to counteract razor bumps and facial irritation. Joanna Czech, The Soothing Serum, helps calm redness and inflammation with ingredients like Pepper Berry extract and Cassia Angustifolia Seed oil. Biologique Recherche Masque Biosensible also brings excellent relief for razor burn. Mix two-part shaving foam with one-part Masque for a gentle, smooth shave.

Rule 3: Keep it simple For men, I always try to keep their routine minimal and simple but still effective. Try finding a good cleanser, toner, maybe a serum, and a cream. The proper pH of the skin is essential to any skincare routine. The Joanna Czech Toner has a pH of 5.8, which is ideal for the skin.

The toner hydrates, balances, and soothes the skin with ingredients like hyaluronic acid

BEAUTY

and sea chamomile. This step is often missed in people’s skincare routines and is one of the most important. Also, try to stick to a light cream. I have noticed that most men do not like the feeling of many products on their skin, so choose one that feels comfortable to you. The Joanna Czech Cream is the perfect lightweight moisturizer for men. The cream contains ingredients that hydrate, restore, and strengthen the skin while still being light and airy.

Rule 4: Consistency is key With anything in life, you’ll achieve the best results with consistency, so I tell anyone new to a skincare routine to keep it simple. I highly recommend professional treatments every 4-6 weeks. A consistent practice between your appointments is crucial to effective results.

Rule 5: Don’t forget the SPF Your skin is the largest organ in your body, so why would we only want to pay attention to our face?

Make sure to apply SPF to all exposed areas of your skin, including your scalp, ears, neck (men, don’t forget about the back of your neck), and anywhere else exposed to the sun. Also, remember that SPF should be the last step in your routine, as it is typically the thickest product and should not be mixed with anything else. Some of my favorite SPFs include the Eryfotona Actinica SPF 50 by Isdin and the Lightweight Sheer Daily Sunscreen SPF 40 by Salt & Stone.

Rule 6: Lifestyle and diet are just as important There are various ways to take care of the skin internally and externally. I think it is vital to approach all skincare holistically, focusing on nutrition, topical treatments, and lifestyle. Healthy skin is achieved by balancing all three of these categories. Be sure to eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, drink lots and lots of water, and get active.

Good skin does not only come from what you put on your face.

Rule 7: Focus on your night-time routine An entire night-time skincare routine strengthens your skin against the next day’s environmental aggressors. Therefore, your skincare can be minimal when you wake up in the morning.

Your skin absorbs products 60% better while you sleep. It’s in recovery mode and regenerates skin cells while the skin works to protect you during the day. By preparing your skin at night and using products with active ingredients, you’re making the most of the body’s natural rejuvenation process. 59 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

HOMES + INTERIORS

At Home with

DANA SKOTDAL | BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS

ALL IMAGES BY RAFAEL SOLDI PHOTOGRAPHY

Her affinity for turning a house into a home inspired Dana Skotdal to start her own interior design firm, Merrill Interiors in 2002. Allowing us a peek into her beautiful home, she spoke exclusively with Upscale Living magazine about how she created her own dream space.

Dana, please tell us a bit about yourself.

Thank you for talking with me! I live in Seattle, Washington with my husband and children. My perfect day would include playing tennis in the morning, working on an inspiring design project and hand drawing elevations (I love the hand drawing process), a walk with my dog, arranging floral bouquets from my garden to surprise a friend, and ending with a great meal and laughter with my family. There is nothing better than having all of them laughing together. An evening with good girlfriends and champagne also tops my list. If this perfect day could also include yoga, doing something creative like oil painting, reading a great book, that would be amazing. If I could have a superpower, it might be bending time (or maybe not needing sleep?) to accomplish it all.

Did you have an influence in your youth that shaped your career path?

I was fortunate to grow up surrounded by talented and creative people in my family and extended family, which helped cultivate my design aesthetic. I’ve always loved beautiful homes and gardens. As a kid, I loved to draw and always drew my ‘perfect’ bedroom or what I imagined my future home would look like. Not having smartphones, social media, or much in the way of television really was helpful in cultivating creativity. We had to imagine new worlds - there wasn’t the internet to show it to us!

Please tell us more about your home.

My family has been in our current home now for ten years. My husband and I had walked by this home for years. It was barely visible from the street, covered in trees and shrubs, in need of a lot of love.

60 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

HOMES + INTERIORS

61 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

HOMES + INTERIORS

There was something intriguing about it however, and when the opportunity to buy it arose, we realized it was a once in a lifetime chance.

It is a Normandy Tudor stone house with steel framed windows, in an area where there are very few of those, so it is definitely unique. Initially we cleared the overgrowth, ripped out carpet, and painted the interiors white and just moved in. Our children were fairly small, so it worked for a few years while we fine-tuned the renovation plans. We could see that it could be a wonderful home for our family, for entertaining, and for our children to have a great place to bring their friends to enjoy the house and the yard.

You are an interior designer. Did you opt to do your home’s own interior design?

I did. I can walk into a space and almost see or hear what a home needs.

When I first walked into this house, I immediately knew which walls needed to be opened up to give it a better flow, and what the ideal layout would look like. Very little in the final outcome deviated from my initial gut ideas. My husband has a great sense for architectural details as well, so we were a good team in determining how to proceed. I could sense this home reawakening after a long period of dormancy. During the remodel we dubbed it ‘The Sleeping Lady’.

How would you best describe your design style?

I can equally love a traditional or more contemporary home with a few key ingredients – soul, personality, comfort, and approachable elegance.

I love a mix of antiques and more modern pieces. Clean, uncluttered lines contrasted with the character of an antique or vintage piece create such a beautiful look. I am focused on exterior gardens and landscaping just as much as the interiors of a home. What can be seen from the windows of your home is equally important as what is inside.

Where / what / who inspires your design style?

There are so many incredible sources of inspiration. I’ve long been a fan of Carolyn Roehm’s style, both in homes and her stunning gardens.

Ralph Lauren’s aesthetic shaped my childhood and created such an iconic version of American style. Bunny Mellon’s gardens and classic casual elegance set the tone for all future generations of American style seekers and garden lovers. Traveling always infuses my creative energy, and through Instagram I’ve been introduced to the styles of so many wonderful creative people in the world. Serena Crawford, from Cape Town, is one such inspiration. I love to follow along on her travels and design adventures. Lastly, I have a pretty wonderful group of highly creative friends in my circle, and I love gathering inspiration from them.

How do you keep things fresh and new in terms of decorating?

Every project and client is different, which keep things interesting. Tapping into what they love and are inspired by is always a great starting point. Is there a beloved piece of art we need to incorporate? Does that sweet little antique chair need to be a focal point? I love textiles, old and new, and that often is a wonderful start for a client’s room or entire design scheme. Visiting new restaurants, hotels, and cities provides so much inspiration. Old classic movies and fashion reimagined; hip artists’ lofts in New York; even seeing what my kids are interested in and paying attention to on Instagram and TikTok. There is inspiration everywhere and reworking it into something new for each project is always a fun challenge.

62 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

Is there a specific color you are drawn to in interior design?

My family would tell you blue and white. It somehow seems to be part of every room in our home … I do love blues. Soft pale shades for bedrooms, classic navy stripes for casual family spaces. But that is me personally. I always love a timeless neutral palette infused with a jolt of color or pattern. That color can vary by project or by geographic location.

Do you believe in repurposing?

Absolutely. I have recovered the same chairs and sofas we’ve dragged from home to home. When the frame and shape of an upholstery piece is good, it is well worth investing in reupholstery. I love pieces with history and patina. When clients have wonderful pieces, we always repurpose them when possible. Sometimes it’s a matter of moving something to a new room to give it a fresh look elsewhere. There is a special charm to having some pieces that don’t necessarily ‘match’. It keeps things more interesting than a gorgeous room full of all brand-new furniture and ensures that each home is truly unique.

Do you have any special heirloom pieces?

I love all my things but am becoming less attached to them as time goes by. I’ve slowly collected furniture in our home one piece at a time, and while I love most of them, there’s not much I’d save in a burning fire.

My children’s art and family photos are irreplaceable so those would truly be my heirlooms. I have a few antique French mirrors that I will probably clutch with dying hands forever. I do love my blue and white Chinoiserie pieces. And my china collections … ok, so there are a few more things.

Which part of your home is your favorite?

During different seasons, different areas take center stage. In summer, I love sitting out on our bluestone patio looking at the gardens. In winter with the Christmas tree and a fire in the fireplace, our living room is the best place to be.

In which part of your home do you spend the most time?

The kitchen! Doesn’t everyone? It seems to be where all four of us spend the most time day in and day out. Luckily, I love the look and functionality of our kitchen. So, it seems, does the rest of the family.

You share your home with your husband, your two children and your adorable Cavachon puppy, Theo. As an expert in your field, were you open to design suggestions from them?

Luckily my husband and I were mostly on the same page for our home design. My children had some ideas that were interesting, like adding a water slide from their rooms down to the pool, which sadly did not make the final design. Our dog Theo was not in our life when we designed the house, but he is small and adapted well to our existing layout. If I’d had a dog when we designed the exterior space near our mud room, I would have incorporated an aesthetically pleasing small fenced-in outdoor area for him.

Did your children navigate their own design style, interpreted by you?

They were both wonderful clients. Each had specific thoughts for their rooms, most of which we were able to incorporate. Kids’ rooms are

HOMES + INTERIORS

63 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

HOMES + INTERIORS

always really fun to design because often there’s an opportunity to be a little more design-forward than the rest of the home.

Parting thoughts?

Seeing life creatively has been such a gift. I always point out beautiful settings, architecture, and design inspiration to my kids. Hopefully noticing these details and gaining an appreciation for them will be imbued in their lives as it has been in mine. I love absorbing the details of beauty in the places I visit. Our recent first trip to South Africa provided so much inspiration, from the stunning scenery and topography of the 64 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

Cape Peninsula to the colors of the landscape and gorgeous animals we saw in the bush on safari. I cannot wait to come back and discover more.

I’m constantly awed by all that is out there in the world, and love being able to gain new inspiration to bring home. https://www.merrillstudio.net/

HOMES + INTERIORS

65 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

PROFILES

MARISSA ZAJACK A Flair for Interior Design | BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS

PHOTOS BY DAVID CELOMARA

S

torytelling through design is what Marissa Zajack is most passionate about. Upscale Living magazine spoke with her about her career as a graphic designer in film, to where she is today, heading up her own interior designer firm.

new and exciting challenges, making it a dynamic and thrilling journey.

The thrill of bringing historical authenticity to life through graphic design adds an extra layer of excitement to my creative endeavors, making each project an unforgettable and rewarding experience.

Marissa, please tell us a bit about yourself.

I am a versatile and multi-talented designer, skilled in a wide range of visual media, including interior design, branding, textiles, and wallpaper. My creative journey began in the captivating world of film, where I started as a graphic designer, honing my artistic talents and storytelling skills. As my career blossomed, I expanded my expertise beyond the film industry, collaborating with various companies to develop captivating brand identities. During this time, my passion for designing environments became evident to my friends, who quickly recognized my flair for interior design and sought my advice on all matters related to transforming spaces. My first official project as an interior designer was an exciting restaurant venture. Since then, I have been dedicated to crafting captivating and inspiring spaces for clients across different projects. Each new opportunity fuels my love for creating enchanting environments and brings boundless joy to my creative journey.

How did you navigate the conversion from the entertainment industry to the world of interior design?

As a designer, I understand the profound impact that environments can have on storytelling. In both film and interior design, the spaces I create are a canvas for conveying the essence of the characters or clients they represent. In film, the backstories of characters are carefully crafted by writers, and it’s the responsibility of the art department, including graphic designers like myself, to bring those stories to life through the environment. Similarly, as an interior designer, your role involves curating spaces that embody the essence of your clients, telling their unique stories through design. Understanding your clients on a personal level is crucial because it allows you to create spaces that truly resonate with their individual tastes, preferences, and values, rather than merely following fleeting trends. By curating environments that authentically represent your clients, you not only create aesthetically pleasing spaces but also spaces that reflect the people who inhabit them, making them feel at home and fostering a deeper connection with their surroundings.

The parallel between film and interior design is evident in how both disciplines focus on storytelling through the art of design. My approach of prioritizing your clients’ individuality and creating meaningful, bespoke spaces is what sets me apart as a designer with a genuine dedication to crafting environments that are both beautiful and emotionally resonant.

Did you have an influence in your youth that shaped your career path?

Growing up in my father’s advertising photography studio alongside my mother, who ran the operation, was a truly enriching experience. After school, my sister and I would eagerly observe photo shoots, witnessing the harmonious collaboration between my father, art directors, advertising executives, stylists, and assistants as they brought concepts to life. Those formative years immersed in the world of creativity left an indelible mark on me, igniting a passion for artistic expression and problem-solving. The studio became a priceless masterclass in creative teamwork, effective communication, and meticulous craftsmanship, inspiring and shaping my journey in various endeavors.

You were involved in the entertainment industry as a graphic designer. Please tell us more about that.

As a graphic designer in the film industry, I hold a pivotal role in shaping the visual landscape of various sets. It’s fascinating how graphic storytelling can contribute significantly to the environment and narrative, especially in period pieces. One standout experience was my work on a show set in 1960s Las Vegas, where authenticity was paramount. Designing show posters and casino signage that adhered to the period’s aesthetics allowed viewers to be immersed in that bygone era. Each day presented 66 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

When and why did you start your eponymous firm, MZC? Back in 2018, I took the leap and started MZC, a company driven by my passion for design. I wanted to create a place where people from diverse backgrounds and talents could come together to collaborate and bring their creative ideas to life. MZC is like a hub for innovation, where we nurture and support each other’s creative endeavors. It’s been an exciting journey, building a team of like-minded individuals who share the love for design and enjoy working together. With each day that passes, MZC grows into a welcoming space for inspired creativity to thrive.

What does being at the helm of a full service design and creative studio entail?

During this exciting period of growth, I’m fully devoted to my company, putting in considerable time and effort. It’s a path I feel deeply connected to and believe is my true calling. One of my primary goals is to create a

PROFILES

67 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

PROFILES

strong sense of teamwork. I want every team member to feel heard, appreciated, and valued for their unique talents and contributions. Of course, there have been challenges along the way, like letting go of individuals who don’t share my vision and dealing with time-consuming tasks that fall outside my expertise.

As I step into a leadership role, I’ve learned to communicate in a clear and straightforward manner, aiming to bring out the best in my team. Even though I’m primarily an artist, the idea of leading others was initially uncomfortable. However, I’ve embraced my own style of leadership, which has helped me become more confident in this new role.

Your first project as an interior designer was the Red Herring restaurant in downtown Los Angeles. How did that go?

Designing Red Herring proved to be an exhilarating rollercoaster - one that simultaneously terrified me and brought immense fulfillment to my career. Initially, I had no idea of the magnitude of the project I was signing up for. However, the challenges it presented became invaluable lessons that transformed my trajectory in the field. The experience proved to be a profound learning journey, and it reshaped my understanding of design and project management. I emerged from it with a wealth of knowledge that I wouldn’t have gained elsewhere. This endeavor undoubtedly holds a special place in my heart and has left an indelible mark on my professional life.

Please tell us about your work on Funke, the new restaurant by chef Evan Funke in Beverly Hills.

Working with Chef Evan Funke and Kurt Rapport on the branding of Funke Restaurant was truly a dream come true. Having watched Chef Evan’s documentary a year before meeting him, I was captivated by his unwavering passion for Italian traditions and the art of hand-rolled pasta. Collette Nolte, the director of operations at Red Herring, played a crucial role in bringing me into the Funke project. In awe of Chef Evan’s craftsmanship and dedication to authenticity, I enthusiastically suggested incorporating illustrated etchings in the branding.

These illustrations beautifully represented Chef Evan, his culinary tools, and the essence of Italy, forming a collection of postcards with Chef ’s profile featured on an Italian stamp. The logo, inspired by classic Italian script, added an authentic and charming touch. Being part

of this creative journey was beyond incredible, and I feel extremely fortunate to have contributed to such a meaningful project.

How much research goes into an interior design project?

Endless. Coming from my background in film where everything was about research. I bring that into my work as an interior designer. I am not just looking at other interiors for research, I am looking at nature, graphic patterns and historical references to mold an environment to my clients’ desired personal space. One thing that truly fuels my creativity is traveling. My recent trips to England and Spain have been eye-opening experiences, and I can’t wait to bring the unique elements I discovered during those journeys into my current projects. By blending all these diverse influences, I create personalized spaces that perfectly match my clients’ desires. As an interior designer, my ultimate goal is to craft environments that reflect my clients’ tastes and fill them with wonder and harmony drawn from the richness of our world. My creative journey knows no boundaries, and each project is an opportunity for me to deliver something truly exceptional and meaningful. Through continuous exploration, I aim to push the boundaries of design and bring joy to those who experience the spaces I create.

Do you believe in repurposing?

Of course! I am often using what a client already has in a new and different way.

If something really doesn’t work in a space, how do you communicate that without coming across as forceful?

Being forceful is not my way ... sometimes I wish I could be. I help guide my clients to see the space as objectively as possible. 99% of the time, they make the right decision on their own.

What to do with heirloom pieces?

Completely dependent on the piece. But most of the time I’m game to use them.

You are working on some exciting projects?

A bunch of residential projects that have my creativity soaring with inspiration and delight! https://zajack.com/

68 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

PROFILES

69 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

HOMES + INTERIORS

IN LIVING

COLOR 2023 Color Trends for the Home

| BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS

A leading company in the production and supply of furniture, Jetclass Group partnered with Pantone to highlight the color trends for your home.

70 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

HOMES + INTERIORS

Blueberry (Pantone 19 – 4021)

One of the hottest trends for 2023, the deep and dark indigo Blueberry is a sober color that will be present in the most curated interiors, both in details or in more expressive elements, like walls and furniture pieces. Creating a charming and exquisite ambience in any room, it will be a trend especially in city homes.

Peach Caramel (Pantone 16 – 1347)

Channeling summer vibes and energy in the most exquisite decorations, Peach Caramel is a warm, delectable sweet peach. Having earned their place in home interiors, earth tones have become a color palette staple of the most acclaimed interior design.

71 | UPSCALELIVINGMAG.COM | AUG/SEPT 2023

HOMES + INTERIORS

Iced Coffee (Pantone 15 – 1040)

An enticing creamy brown, flavorsome Iced Coffee is considered a neutral tone, and is ever-present in the most gorgeous projects of top interiors designers. This new shade of brown will be prevalent in both coffee shops and in luxury interior design.

Abundant Green (Pantone 18 – 6026)

Perfect for upholstery pieces, like a chair or a bed thanks to its relaxing appearance, Abundant Green is a verdant green, emblematic of flourishing foliage. This beautiful hue of green will add an inviting and cozy touch to any room.

72 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

HOMES + INTERIORS

Spicy Mustard (Pantone 14 – 0952)

The vivacious Spicy Mustard with its olive undertone will bring new life to home interiors and, as the name suggests, will add vibrancy and energy to any interior design project. Strikingly exotic and veering away from neutrals and soft shades, Spicy Mustard will work really well in upholstery pieces, such as chairs, beds and armchairs.

Strawberry Cream (Pantone 13 – 2005)

With its soft femininity, Strawberry Cream will turn any room into a more sophisticated and exquisite space. A welcoming color for home interiors because it creates a relaxing and lighthearted ambiance, Strawberry Cream is the perfect touch to end the day in a good mood.

73 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

PROFILES

a place to call home The Other House South Kensington

| BY FELICITY WILLIAMS

74 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

PROFILES

S

outh Kensington is home to a pioneering hospitality concept, and it’s in the form of The Other House. This model is shaped through a residential lens offering apartment-style living, club facilities, and hotel services instead of the traditional hotel approach. It’s a luxurious home away from home—a pied-à-terre-meets-private club-meets-lifestyle brand, with no membership required. What’s more, it’s the first of this type of accommodation available in the UK.

new sense of place, ownership, and engagement with spaces that create amazing experiences.

Established in 2019, The Other House is a joint venture partnership between London Central Portfolio (LCP), a leading real estate investment advisory in Prime Central London, and APG, the largest pension provider in the Netherlands, which manages approximately €587 billion in pension assets on behalf of its pension fund clients. Three years later, the South Kensington site opened its doors, with a Covent Garden outpost set to open late next year.

Tell us about its architecture and design.

The inspiration for the interiors was derived from the local culture of South Kensington—a unique area brimming with art, design, and tradition. The spirit of whimsy and English eccentricity was the starting point for the design—guided by beguiling gardens, interesting architecture, and the language of arches of the nearby Gloucester Road tube station.

This narrative is echoed throughout the entire building, connecting spaces, and leading residents from one experience to the next. We wanted to create a voyage of discovery, a world that is fantastical and flamboyant, rich and textured, but also relaxing and comforting in equal measure. All brought to life by the very best of British craftsmanship.

As Founder and Chief Executive of The Other House, Naomi Heaton is at the helm of this lifestyle hospitality brand, which has seen her wealth of experience within the residential sector (she is also Chairman of the LCP Group, which she founded in 1990) harmoniously merge with her entrepreneurial vision and foresight (especially when it comes to the needs and wants of the millennial traveler); it’s a cool club you’ll want to be a part of, and Heaton offers her insight.

Tell us about your background in the hospitality industry.

I didn’t make my start in hospitality, although the concept of The Other House, which was more than ten years in the making, is very much shaped by my career and identifying a gap in the market. After building my career as a director of the well-known agency Saatchi & Saatchi, I thought I was destined for a life in advertising. Little did I know that buying my first home in London’s Camden Town would later transform into not one but two successful businesses.

With a passion for interior design, I started my own business buying, renovating, and selling properties in central London, which led to the founding of London Central Portfolio (LCP). One of London’s leading real estate investment companies, it advises overseas buyers and manages an extensive portfolio of properties on their behalf. At LCP, I observed the rapidly changing lifestyle of millennial tenants looking for smaller apartments with more aspirational interiors and services on demand in the very center of London—wanting to be “where it’s at.” At the other end of the spectrum, I could see hotel guests looking for a greater sense of place and wanting to feel like a local. I spotted the opportunity to mash this all together and rethink the hospitality sector—whatever the length of stay. That’s when I created The Other House.

What is the hotel’s USP, and what does it bring to Kensington?

South Kensington is a wonderful neighborhood filled with stunning Victorian architecture and cultural landmarks. However, it has nothing quite like The Other House. In fact, London hasn’t seen anything like it before because we have created an entirely new sector within hospitality—”Residents Clubs.” Residents Clubs blur the lines between hotels, serviced apartments, and private rentals, acting as a second home for residents whatever their length of stay, whether it is a day, a month, a year, or more. Think hotel meets private members’ club—providing a

Whether it’s acting as a private club for locals, a pied à terre for out-oftowners, a long-term base, or a neighborhood haunt—The Other House brings something completely unique for South Kensington—with openings in Covent Garden and Belgravia in the pipeline.

How would you define the guest experience?

We offer our residents the luxury of choice—be as visible or invisible as you like—have the services and amenities of a more traditional hotel stay or be completely independent and self-sufficient in your own Club Flat.

We believe that our residents and members are people who share our values. People who aspire to make a difference, care about making a positive environmental and social impact, and search out and value new and varied experiences. We cater to this by providing aspirational interiors that are both beautiful and sustainable, stimulating members’ events that align with our values, superb club facilities, and locations that are second to none. Our residents are all on different journeys but know where they want to be.

The Other House offers all the comforts of home and a great neighborhood vibe, so our residents can live like locals. It is your “other house” as long as you’re in town.

What are your favorite aspects of your Residents Club?

It’s fascinating to see something that you have conceptualized and worked on for nearly a decade finally come to life. From the moment we opened our doors, The Other House took on a personality and energy of its own, that instantly you could see people respond to. We have said from the offing that we will be sustainable, offer exceptional experiences, have a positive impact, and let our residents be in control. We’ve done it, and people “get it”—so I suppose I love all of it in its entirety—that we have been able to create something spectacular while holding true to our values. It is extraordinarily exciting to have created a new way of staying which will lead the market.

Who does The Other House cater to?

The Other House caters to a very diverse crowd, given our unique model.

We have the countryside commuters using us as their pied à terre in the midweek, guests from the UK and abroad who are staying with us for a few nights and looking for a really cool and different place to stay, local 75 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

PROFILES

members who are drawn to the community and amenities of our private club, and long-term residents who are staying with us for up to a year or more. We cater to all these audiences in an environment that feels convivial, comfortable, and inclusive.

Which is your favorite room (guest/suite) and why?

That is like asking a mother, “Who is your favorite child?” I think the Turret Club Flats are particularly special. Flanked at either end of our “block,” both have gorgeous Victorian “porthole” windows, vaulted ceilings, and are wrapped in a whimsical wallpaper of clouds and swallows to match the rooftop views across London. It makes for an incredibly comfortable and very special stay in central London.

What can you recommend in the local vicinity?

As London’s arts and science district, the choices here are endless, but for me, it has to be the Victoria and Albert Museum. With a keen interest in interior design, I love nothing more than wandering through the unfolding displays of Domestic Interiors since the Renaissance to fuel my inspiration. It’s a powerhouse of exciting exhibitions, from Chinese ceramics to Alexander McQueen evening dresses.

LOCATION Situated on Harrington Gardens in South Kensington, the property comprises 11 classic Victorian townhouses. London’s most famous landmarks and institutions are conveniently just a stone’s throw away, including the V&A, Natural History Museum, Kensington Gardens, and Hyde Park.

ACCOMMODATION The concept of The Other House is an innovative one, blurring the lines between hotels, serviced apartments, and the private rented sector to create “Residents’ Clubs” whereby residents can stay from a night to a year (or more and enjoy apartment-style living, access to hotel services, and a private club.

Expect a whole host of accommodation types to suit various needs, the number of guests, and the length of stay. Split into four main categories: Club Flats, Greater Flats, The Club Collection, and Club Combos; no matter the type, each one dons a living space with all the creature comforts, kitchenette, separate bedroom area, and

en-suite bathroom. Each category has several configurations and sizes to choose from so guests can tailor their stay. For something extra special, look to the one-of-a-kind Club Collection, such as the Courtyard Apartments with a private garden, or the Club Combos comprised of interconnecting Club Flats—ideal for larger parties or families, plus they all come with an exclusive master front door, for security and peace of mind.

F&B The Other Kitchen, which is open daily from 7 am to 6 pm, is the property’s all-day street café, with an informal dining menu for breakfast, lunch, and tea (think eggs royale, truffle pesto, vegan toasties, pulled pork sliders, confit carrot & cashew dukkah). And for after hours, head to The Owl & Monkey, just next door, for a sultry bar with style aplenty. Here, expect a subtly lit bar combined with signature exotic wallcoverings (with owl and monkey wallpaper), animal-print fabrics, ornate lighting, and green marble flooring for a textural delight. Partake in a cocktail such as the signature Monkey See, Monkey Do, or a non-alcoholic cocktail, cue the French Kiss 00, and the shared plates.

WELLNESS The Other Space is an oasis in the city—a wellness retreat dedicated to relaxation and discovering the “Other” side of yourself. As such, there’s a range of curated spiritual, alternative, and holistic treatments to rebalance and restore the body and mind. The menu includes astrology workshops, shamanic healing, chakra cleansing, reiki, and breathwork sessions. It’s also home to the first and only wellness experience purely dedicated to sound bath meditations—OM— offered exclusively at The Other House, South Kensington. Led by sound artist Leo Cosendai, he offers an immersive sensory experience to inspire the mind, and it’s thought that a 55-minute session is the equivalent of 8 hours’ worth of meditation. Using the UK’s largest gongs to create acoustic sound vibrations along with scent stimulation, it requires no physical fitness, ability, or previous knowledge. It’s also available privately and regularly, with each session designed for up to four people.

This offering sits alongside a 24-hour gym complete with hi-tech equipment from Peloton bikes to the Concept 2 Rower, free weights, and a heavy boxing bag. In addition, there is a vitality pool, sauna and steam room, and private yoga

76 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

studio with in-person and on-demand drop-in classes.

SUSTAINABILITY Sustainability is at the heart of The Other House, from construction to design and operations - aiming to achieve the BREEAM “Excellent” category; cue low environmental impact materials and verified environmentally friendly and local suppliers. Then there’s the considered décor, with furniture, fittings and fabrics sourced from British design houses, and low-waste kitchens, to name a few highlights. 

PROFILES

THE OTHER HOUSE The Other House, 15 17 Harrington Gardens, South Kensington, London, SW7 4JJ Telephone: 020 3846 6000 Website: otherhouse.com

77 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

HOME TRENDS

Goddess Mirror by KOKET

More than 200 brass hands spiral around a circular mirror, each individually crafted by KOKET artisans, then painstakingly polished one by one, resulting in a masterful piece of interior jewelry.

Molino Barstool, Velvet by Soho Home

Showcasing all the classic features for a barstool – a hardwood beech frame, velvet seat and curved, yet slightly angled, wooden arms, Molino Barstool creates a chic seat at any counter.

HOME TREND S An all-time interior classic, blue is a great decorating color choice. | BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS

Ignite Bench by KOKET

Fully upholstered with a tailored boxed cushion accent and soft button tufting, completed with sleek metal legs.

78 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

The Dohara Table Lamp by Soho Home Featuring a ceramic base with embossed geometric squares in celebration of mid-century styles. The lamp is finished with a reactive glaze and a raw silk linen shade, woven from natural, untreated yarns for a course texture and elegant sheen.

HOME TRENDS

Glimpse Into Metaverse 2 by Conor Mccreedy Symbolizing mystical feelings and sacred lands, the artist’s interpretation is that palms are riddled with mystery and voyage. Glimpse Into Metaverse 2 is a stunning depiction of creating viewers’ awareness to our increasing alienation from natural worlds.

79 | UPSCALELIVINGMAG.COM | AUG/SEPT 2023

HOME TRENDS

Elisa Chandelier by Soho Home

Vivienne Bed by Soho Home

Designed to sit above a dining table with a nickel-finish frame, The Elisa Chandelier echoes the 1970s. The panels create an ombre effect when grouped together, with the result of a warmer lighting scheme for the home.

Creating the focal point of your bedroom to ground your sleeping space, the Vivienne bed will ensure a great night’s sleep. The velvet California king bed is upholstered in cotton velvet, with oversized solid oak bun feet and pleated stitch detailing.

HOME TREND S

To liven up any room, choose a red accent piece that will make a statement. | BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS

Mossley Corner Sofa by Soho Home

With its low, deep-sit cushions and generous corner configuration, Mossley Corner Sofa is ideal for everyday lounging and entertaining guests. The fully upholstered velvet plinth base pays homage to the 1970s with its striking silhouette.

80 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

Chandra Chair by KOKET

Both bold and daring, the modern edge in this chair exudes the feeling of vintage glam, while metal bands delicately bind the chair, highlighting the sculpted fluidity of the tight back upholstery.

HOME TRENDS

Gem Table Lamp

by KOKET

The creation of this stunning lamp by KOKET represents the journey of the diamond’s rough beginnings to exquisite end.

81 | UPSCALELIVINGMAG.COM | AUG/SEPT 2023

HOME TRENDS

Nyala Table Safari Spot Midnight Linen

The Safari Chase Bowl

The exceptional Safari Chase Bowl was crafted where leopards stalk an unsuspecting zebra and kudu pair. Two cheeky monkeys observe the exhilarating chase from the rim of the bowl from their leavy branches.

The elegant symmetry of Nyala antelope horns inspired the flowing forms of Ardmore’s Nyala Table – perfect for a dressing room or entrance hall table.

HOME TREND S

A company synonymous with Safari chic is Ardmore, and here they show Upscale Living magazine readers how to create their very own Safari style at home. | BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS

Thanda Sofa Limited Collection

This gorgeous matt black linen fabric and Pangolin Park design blend to create a unique statement piece, combining contemporary French stylish and African design elements. With only 40 examples of this striking piece of furniture, it really is a collector’s item.

82 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

Elephant Monkey Planter

This one-of-a-kind ceramic work of art was sculpted using a glorious symphony of colors in the detailed African prints in a palette of greys, light pinks, and vibrant orange. Elephant Monkey Planter is a brilliant encapsulation of the African woodland.

HOME TRENDS

Elephant Head Sculpture

This masterpiece symbolizes four elephant’s heads coming together in symmetry. Elephant Head Sculpture speaks to the importance of unity with trunks raised in celebration.

83 | UPSCALELIVINGMAG.COM | AUG/SEPT 2023

CRUISES

Mega Yacht Marvel

SCENIC ECLIPSE II | BY FRAN ENDICOTT MILLER

I

recently disembarked from my Scenic Eclipse II cruise, but the experience already feels like an indulgent dream. Sorrento, Lipari, Taormina, Otranto, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Rovinj, and Hvar—all are Scenic Eclipse II port destinations within its Sorrento Peninsula/Adriatic Sea itinerary, and each location continues to figure prominently in my thoughts as I return to my routine of writing, dog walks, and garden and home maintenance. I’m certain that I might never have experienced these romantic destinations if not for this sleek and stylish ocean-going vessel, the first iteration of which launched in 2019 as the “World’s First Discovery Yacht.”

Scenic Eclipse II hangs its captain’s hat on its Antarctic discovery itineraries, where guests paddleboard and kayak amongst marine wildlife, led by a knowledgeable adventure crew, all of whom possess extensive environmental knowledge. The yacht’s state-of-theart dynamic positioning technology allows for lithe navigation and incredible stability, meaning the vessel can ‘park’ amongst ice flows with minimal ecological impact. This journey to the world’s most remote region is a “must,” I’m told by Scenic’s professional photographer Nacho Gutierrez Arribere, who has made the expedition time and again, capturing stunning images of polar bears, penguins, and breaching whales.

I’m sure it’s captivating, but more my style is the relaxed pace of the Mediterranean journey; though make no mistake, plenty of adventure is to be had, such as for those opting for a helicopter ride over Sicily’s ever-active Mt. Etna. The yacht features an Airbus H130, navigated by an experienced pilot who soars over picturesque port stops.

Soon to be added is a submarine for undersea exploration. Daily excursions include options tagged moderate or active, such as guided walking tours, kayaking, or strenuous hikes.

Particularly memorable was my 1500-step, 300-meter climb up the old city walls of UNESCO Heritage site Kotor, Montenegro, an under-the-radar region with rich history featuring the Mediterranean’s only

“fjord.” Equally enchanting was our guided tour atop Dubrovnik’s medieval city walls.

Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic” and also World Heritage-listed, the city has remained relatively unchanged since medieval times, making it a favored setting for Game of Thrones filming. Our tour guide entertained us with stories of her experiences as an “extra” in several of the show’s pivotal scenes, including the “Walk of Shame” where she played a shouting peasant.

Daily activity is rewarded with gourmet dinners within the yacht’s multitude of dining venues, three of which are drop-in and three others that require reservations—something knowledgeable cruisers well know. I quickly learned that an embarkation must is a visit to the ship’s maître d’hotel who books all restaurant reservations, doing his best to ensure all 228 passengers can enjoy every dining venue, such as the French-inspired Lumiere, where guests are greeted with a glass of fine Champagne and a caviar amuse bouche. Sushi @ Koko’s is another hot ticket. Here, the freshest sashimi and nigiri are accompanied by a selection of sakes and fine wines. And the eight-seat Night Market is a guest favorite, where the charismatic Chef Strawberry curates and prepares three different menus of varying cuisines: Indian, Mediterranean, and Asian, throughout the 10-day cruise.

Even in the “come one, come all” Elements and Koko’s restaurants, the menus frequently change, providing new options daily.

One of Scenic Eclipse II’s most significant enticements is the Whisky Bar. This backlit, floor-to-ceiling central gathering spot features top-shelf spirits and a selection of up to 160 of the world’s best whiskies. Each bottle is gorgeously displayed and is available for tasting—a benefit of Scenic Eclipse II’s “all inclusive” format. 30-year-old Jura The Loch, 25-year-old Glendullan, and 2013/2014 ‘Whisky of the Year’ Kavalan Taiwanese single malt are all for the taking. Guests can freely enjoy high-end selections from Australia, Japan, France, India, South Africa, Sweden, and the US, including Johnnie Walker Blue,

86 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

Jameson Select Reserve Black Barrel, Crown Royal Deluxe, Oban, Glenfiddich, Highland Park 18, and so many more. The collection varies from port to port, depending on the whims of Scenic founder Glen Moroney, a whiskey enthusiast and collector, and Scenic bar manager Milos Brasnovic whose ready radar for special edition and hard-to-find bottles proves beneficial to whisky aficionados.

Scenic Eclipse II also boasts a fitness room, a yoga studio, and an Espa Spa featuring an infra-red and traditional sauna, steam, and a salt room. Treatments include what I heard several guests claim to be the best massage they’d ever experienced. I opted for hair care, befriending the spa’s hair stylist Alexandur, who twice ably tamed my frizzy, ocean-humid locks, saving me from “Monica in the Bahamas” hair shame.

Add to all of this a crew that nearly matches the number of guests; their presence of which creates a warm and hospitable environment during the ten days. Each becomes a familiar, friendly face, and each does their best to ensure memorable moments, such as the offering of an original “Stromboli” cocktail on the top deck as the yacht slowly glides past the lava-erupting volcano for which the vodka potion is named. The talented cruise director and co-director (one of whom is an Andrew Lloyd Webber protégé) keep guests entertained nightly with music and dance within the circular Scenic Eclipse II theater.

And the navigation crew welcomes passengers into the yacht’s inner workings to witness state-of-the-art satellite technology.

Finally, one of the greatest aspects of a more intimate cruise such as this is the friendships made. It’s easy to bond over a four-mile hike along the shores of Otranto or while kayaking Hvar’s Pakleni Islands archipelago. Email addresses and phone numbers are exchanged in the hope that we might meet again on another marvelous Scenic Eclipse II itinerary. 

CRUISES

Photo courtesy of Nacho Gutierriez Arribere

Photo courtesy of Fran Miller

Photo courtesy of Scenic Eclipse II

Photo courtesy of Fran Miller

Photo courtesy of Fran Miller

Photo courtesy of Nacho Gutierriez Arribere

Photo courtesy of Dan Miller

87 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

BOOK REVIEW

Our Favorite Style & Fashion Reads | BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS

Synonymous with drama, risk-taking and cutting-edge innovation, The House of Alexander McQueen has been on the fore of the fashion front since its creation in 1992. Exploring the story behind the House, following McQueen’s early days to the current leadership of Sarah Burton and everything in-between, Little Book of Alexander McQueen is a celebration of the brand. Authored by established journalist Karen Homer, she has managed to compile an exquisite book which includes a carefully curated collection of finished designs, close-up details and sketches, with the final product pulling back the veil on the wonderful world of McQueen.

Built almost entirely from glass, Phaidon’s spectacular book Glass Houses presents 50 stunning homes architecturally designed that utilize glass to maximum effect. Including early modernist houses from the 1930s, such as Philip Johnson’s Glass House and Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House, and glamorous mid-century LA villas like Pierre Koenig’s Case Study #22, Glass Houses includes new innovations that have made even more daring glass structures possible.

Awe-inspiring photographs illustrate the dynamic, lightfilled living spaces that only glass can deliver. Glass Houses features homes in Australia, Brazil, Chile, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, UK, USA and Vietnam. Cover art by Phaidon.

In celebration of more than seven decades since the inception of Chloé was founded by Egyptian-born Gaby Aghion in 1952, Chloé Catwalk by Thames and Hudson is a beautiful compilation of collections presented through catwalk photography. Pioneering luxury ready-to-wear, Chloé paved the way for fashion that was all about ease and femininity, offering an elegant haute bohemian style for the modern, liberated Parisienne. Hiring a young Karl Lagerfeld as early as the 1960s, he stayed for over two decades, achieving fame and recognition globally through his Chloé work before Stella McCartney succeeded him straight out of fashion school. Opening up a concise history of the house of Chloé before exploring the collections themselves, this definitive publication chronicles a brief overview of the history of the brand, together with an outline and biography of each designer.

88 | UPSCALELIVINGMAG.COM | AUG/SEPT 2023

Compiled by Phaidon Editors, Interiors Pink Edition is a showcase of global residential design and decorating. Featuring 400 rooms organized by designers from A-Z, this coveted book goes beyond decorators, designers and architects to highlight exquisite interiors designed by fashion designers, artists, style icons and film stars, each of whom has made a unique contribution to the world of interior design. Interiors Pink Edition features everything from chateaux, town houses and penthouses, to desert ranches, beach houses and tiny apartments in more than 25 countries. Lauded as the essential inspiration source for design aficionados, the book features the ‘greats’ of interior design – Billy Baldwin, Elsie de Wolfe and Colefax & Fowler, alongside contemporary stars such as Kelly Hoppen, Karim Rashid and Anouska Hempel.

The elegant and eye-popping pink velvet cover is sure to be a statement piece or conversation starter in any home.

Cover art by Phaidon.

HOMES + INTERIORS

RAFFLES UDAIPUR

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL RITZ LISBON

INTERCONTINENTAL DANANG SUN PENINSULA RESORT

KIMPTON FITZROY LONDON

CARLTON CANNES, A REGENT HOTEL

5 LUXURY HOTELS WITH LAVISH INTERIORS A Glimpse into the Art of Opulence | BY MICHAEL CULLEN

I

n luxury hospitality, where opulence and extravagance reign supreme, the artful mastery of interior design sets the stage for an unforgettable experience. Beyond mere aesthetics, interior design in luxury hotels transcends the boundaries of decoration, becoming an intricate language speaking to guests on a deeply emotional level. From the moment one steps into these sanctuaries of indulgence, a carefully curated blend of colors, textures, materials, and meticulously crafted spaces beckons the discerning traveler into a world where every detail has been considered. Join us as we embark on a journey to unveil five exceptional luxury hotels with lavishing interiors, where design prowess intertwines seamlessly with a commitment to deliver an unforgettable and immersive experience of pure elegance and grandeur.

89 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

HOMES + INTERIORS

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL RITZ LISBON Portugal’s Prime Minister António de Oliveira Salazar, in 1952, following the Second World War, decided Lisbon and Portugal needed a representative hotel to meet the demands of international tourism—a hotel all could be proud of.

And so, in 1959, the iconic Hotel Ritz opened its doors. In 1997 the property came under Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts management.

Notwithstanding two full-scale renovations since its inauguration, the Hotel’s original spirit is preserved.

The modernist structure features façades, interior walls, and floors clad with a colorful array of nearly 48,000 square yards of the most beautiful and rare marble. Acclaimed French interior designer Henri Samuel designed the hotel’s common areas, creating a sense of place inside the modernist building by mixing straight-legged Louis XVI style with Art Deco pizazz and showcasing art from a team of local

luminaries, including the notable Portuguese artist José Almada Negreiros.

At the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon, the luxury starts when you enter the marbled reception area through to the lounge bar and terrace overlooking Lisbon’s central park.

Public spaces are filled with tapestries, fine paintings, and antique reproductions. The Hotel’s unique and eclectic collection resembles a Portuguese contemporary art museum, rivaling other Lisbon galleries, so the Hotel has launched a free iPad art app for guests to curate their art tours.

The regal and distinguished renovated rooms, courtesy of Portuguese designer Oitoemponto, draw on the hotel’s heritage. Much of the furniture, from headboards to tables, is bespoke, mid-century in style, with rich teal hues. Bathrooms remain elegantly swathed in marble, some with separate showers and bathtubs. Luxuriously soft sheets and the

90 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

famous Four Season beds guarantee restorative sleep. The airy guest rooms with private balconies offer far-reaching views over Lisbon.

Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon continues to reflect the original concept of “providing luxury and comfort, dignifying the city, and honoring the nation.” https://www.fourseasons.com/lisbon/

HOMES + INTERIORS

RAFFLES UDAIPUR Raffles Udaipur, set on a 21-acre private island in the middle of the serene Udai Sagar Lake, is Raffles’ first hotel in India.

intricate details depicting the island’s flora and fauna, with the majestic Lesser Flamingo (the unofficial hotel mascot) take center stage.

Udaipur, the Writers Bar boasts floor-to-ceiling glass windows and a library of more than five thousand tomes.

Architect Clive Gray of Bangkok-based firm Randolph Gray Design created a grand country mansion elegantly woven with elements of Mughal architecture and Rajasthan’s royal heritage. Set amongst beautifully manicured, ornamental gardens offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills, lake, and a 400-yearold temple. Arrival is a 20-minute drive from the airport, followed by a gentle boat ride across the scenic lake home to many migratory birds.

The 101 rooms and suites enjoy uninterrupted lake views, modern comforts, and state-of-theart bathrooms, including a stand-alone bath, black-and-white marble inlay cabinetry, and hand-painted murals in the bathrooms. Guest room decor follows the East-West aesthetic with murals, handcrafted wooden chests, and Rajasthani artwork designed by local craftspeople. Some guest rooms and suites offer private gardens with plunge pools.

Raffles Udaipur stands as an embodiment of luxury and cultural heritage.

Across the property, decorative chhatris domes, intricate latticed jali panels, and iconic Tikri glass inlay artwork pay homage to the Mewari region’s rich heritage, creating a harmonious blend of cultural influences. Soft pastel tones swathe the interiors, fashioning a hushed elegance that captivates the senses, and

https://www.raffles.com/udaipur/

Raffles Spa is a light-filled space modeled after the royal zenanas (private women’s quarters) with delicate pastels, mirrors, plenty of natural light, and a detailed embroidered canopy. The Long Bar combines its European wood and leather decor with murals and wood-and-stone engravings by local artisans. Raffles admirers will know its famous Writers Bar, and in 91 | UPSCALELIVINGMAG.COM | AUG/SEPT 2023

HOMES + INTERIORS

INTERCONTINENTAL DANANG SUN PENINSULA RESORT This award-winning luxe central Vietnam resort opened in mid-2012 on 39 hectares of a purposely preserved mountainside in the Son Tra Peninsula Nature Reserve overlooking Bai Bac Bay, the resort’s exclusive 700-meter golden sand beach.

Bangkok-based American architect Bill Bensley designed the indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a signature fusion of Vietnamese architecture, bold high-contrast décor, and whimsical, storied touches. The result is a fantastical realm spread across four levels— Heaven, Sky, Earth, and Sea—taking advantage of the incredible vistas from wherever you are within the resort.

Large white maisons with shuttered windows and black-tiled roofs, giant citrus-colored silk chandeliers, hand-carved stone elephants, gardens overflowing with enormous scented blooms, and a quaint boat-shaped funicular transporting guests between beach and hilltop.

92 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE |

A wealth of French and Vietnamese-inspired furniture, ornately crafted fixtures, and original artwork surprises and delights.

Guest rooms are awash with chic modern Vietnamese style and traditionally crafted touches. Think cut-out silhouettes reminiscent of paper lanterns, carved panels of merawan wood, richly embroidered silks, custommade ceramic tiles, and arched walls framing the endless views. All are decorated with the same flair as the public spaces, using black and white as a backdrop to four-poster beds, dark wood furnishings upholstered in pops of color, and eye-catching artworks. Bathrooms are hedonistic, with huge slipper tubs, rain showers, and a stock of Haarn amenities.

The resort’s all-day Vietnamese restaurant Citron showcases outdoor dining booths shaped like an inverted nón-lá, the iconic Vietnamese conical hat, and the ultimate in dining with a view. La Maison 1888 features

AUG/SEPT 2023

Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire and resides in a re-creation of a colonial Indochine mansion, and the beachfront L_O_N_G Bar with giant and rustic swinging chairs is playful and inviting. The elegant and eye-popping black-and-white colonial design is striking, with details like electric-powered “punkah fans” adding to the exotic feel.

Whimsical luxury has a new expression in Vietnam. https://www.danang.intercontinental.com/

HOMES + INTERIORS

KIMPTON FITZROY LONDON It was designed by architect Charles Fitzroy Doll in a distinctive French Renaissance style and opened as the Hotel Russell in central London’s Russell Square in 1898. Following an £85 million makeover to restore it to its former glory, the property reopened in 2018. It is now Kimpton Fitzroy London, in honor of the original architect. If you’re wondering who Fitzroy Doll is, he’s the lauded architect whose grand designs led to the adage “All dolled up.”

The now heritage-listed building is clad in the original decorative thé-au-lait (“tea with milk”) terracotta and incorporates the coats-of-arms of the world’s nations as in 1898. The facade also features four life-sized statues of British queens above the entrance.

The interior features a striking, contemporary design created by internationally acclaimed Tara Bernerd & Partners, and the design thoughtfully honors the building’s heritage.

Most of the original lobby features of Fitzroy Doll’s 19th-century building are now restored and expanded. The look is grand and templelike, with multi-colored marble, dark wood, and extravagant chandeliers. The restoration also unearthed hidden gems, including a magical zodiac mosaic at the hotel entrance.

The elegant guest rooms, all calming creams and beiges, feature subtle whimsical touches, such as colorful pillows by textile designer Kit Miles depicting a bronze dragon, “Lucky George,” found on the second-floor staircase.

Design-led Kimpton Fitzroy London combines late-Victorian heritage with a quirky, modern vibe and a more inclusive style of luxury. https://www.kimptonfitzroylondon.com/

As enticing as the rooms are, the hotel’s common spaces will call, including the discoball-bedecked cocktail lounge Fitz’s with its full-on Jazz Age glamour, antique decked shelves, plumes of ostrich feathers, and swathes of opulent fabrics. Glass-ceilinged, the Palm Court provides a peaceful oasis away from the hustle and bustle of central London and is ideal for afternoon tea and bubbles.

93 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

HOMES + INTERIORS

CARLTON CANNES, A REGENT HOTEL As one of French Riveria’s first modern resort areas, Cannes became popular in the 18th century as a winter retreat for European royalty.

The cream-colored facade, stretching the length of a city block with its twin domes, is instantly recognizable on the famous La Croisette.

The Carlton Cannes was the first luxury hotel to open in Cannes and has been an icon on the Riviera for over 100 years. Known for hosting the established elite, from film stars to presidents, it is indeed storied. And it is not shy of fame, featuring in Elton John’s I’m Still Standing music video in the 1980s and Alfred Hitchcock’s film ‘To Catch a Thief’ in the 1950s.

When walking through the hotel’s revolving entry door, eyes are drawn to the soaring columns, their original rare marble uncovered through the removal of eight layers of paint, Murano glass chandeliers, and exquisite flower arrangements. The colonnaded expanse of Camélia Tea Lounge, with its arched windows framing Mediterranean views, also grabs attention.

Now branded a Regent Hotel, this much-loved grande dame reopened in early 2023 after a five-year restoration project and stands as a symbol of the Belle Époque Riviera. French interior designer Tristan Auer, who worked with Cartier and Le Crillon, was responsible for the remodeling, recruiting 750 French artisans to assist.

Two new hotel wings envelop the rear of the property, creating an enclosed scented garden with pillared alcoves, sleek sunbathing decks, handcrafted cabanas, and Canne’s largest hotel infinity pool. The hotel boasts 332 rooms and suites, including 72 with sea views, featuring French period furniture, the French windows open onto wrought-iron balconies framing the sea and mountain views. The celebrity-named

94 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

suites are on the sixth and seventh floors.

The Carlton Beach Club, the first beach club in Cannes when it opened in 1928, has also been revamped and revitalized.

The Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel, enters a new era of glamour. carltoncannes.com/en/

Nothing beats finding paradise.

Except owning a piece of it.

Perched upon the highest ground in Florida, Mountain Lake is proof that life is more gratifying when you take the high road. Here, on this rolling and undulating landscape, over 125 historic and newer homes are tucked among 1,100 stunning acres of parkland. With limited 2+ acre homesites available, there is an opportunity to add your legacy to the rich traditions of Mountain Lake. Escape to a private retreat where privacy and solitude meet community and activity.

mountainlakeflorida.com

010230 - Upscale Living Ad resize v1.indd 1

863.679.2433

7/31/23 8:45 AM

REAL ESTATE

LUXURY SEAPOD Living Becomes a Reality | BY KEVIN PILLEY Photos courtesy of the brand

A

re you looking for a simple but futuristic home by the seaside?

Perhaps you will prefer to live over the sea, or even more daringly in the sea. Panama-based marine blue technology company Ocean Builders has unveiled a new fleet of $1.5 million environmentally-friendly and “eco-restorative” SeaPod homes designed for life in and above the ocean.

Ocean Builders believes it has developed a way to create a natural habitat for ocean life underneath each home. Canadian CEO Grant Romundt says, “We have developed a way to create a natural habitat for ocean life underneath each home. Our houses can restore sea life in the ocean as opposed to a house on land, where you cut down nature to build it— then put a potted plant in the corner to replace what you cut down.”

Romundt hopes Seapods will soon dot the landscapes in Florida, Dubai, the Maldives, and the Far East.

The new generation of eco-friendly sea residences come in three mod96 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

els—designed by Dutch architect Koen Olthius (Waterstudio). The SeaPod’s interior is beautifully designed, including a comfortable queen-sized bed, a full kitchen, and a modern bathroom with a smart shower. Collecting its solar power, the SeaPod generates a mild electrical current that works to attract calcium carbonate. This substance protects the structure from corrosion and rust and attracts coral; thus, new ecosystems will be born. The elevated offshore structures, supported and stabilized by air-filled steel tripods, are constructed 7.5 feet above the ocean and offer 830 square feet of living space.

Special software sensors allow residents to control everything from the lighting and temperature to shower heat and water pressure. Gidden lightbulbs, light switches, and power outlets allow users to choose between daytime white (blue tone) and nighttime white (yellow tone).

Each 11.6m long SeaPod comes with wearable smart-rings. For owners, luxury is at their fingertips. They can unlock doors, turn on music, and

REAL ESTATE

adjust the A/C by waving a hand. A fleet of drones will deliver food, medicine, and everyday items to the pods, while “larger autonomous vessels” will transport more significant deliveries like furniture and luggage. There will also be another self-sailing vessel to collect trash and do all the housekeeping.

Some SeaPod revolutionary homes have drones as butlers and lifeguards, and all have unobstructed sea views. They will be deployed mainly in warm, humid climates; the company’s Seapods aim to turn 72% of the world covered in water into an eco-sustainable paradise. The buildings will have low to no negative environmental consequences. They will encourage wildlife, not destroy it. The goal is for one thousand Seapods to roll out in 2024. Protype trials in Phuket, Thailand, seem to prove they work well. It is a real estate as well as a hospitality project. Adds Romundt, “Giving people an amazing experience of what living in a floating home is like is the best way of growing and expanding our vision globally.”

At $595 a night, Seapod Eco is the flagship of the Ocean Builders rental program and its showhouse.

Located in Linton Bay in Panama, Seapods are expanding coastal living options that allow you to live in a unique environment where you create a brand new coral colony. www.oceanbuilders.com 97 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

TRAVEL

OOH LA LA... WELCOME TO TAHITI

W

elcome to an enticing journey through the South Pacific, guided by me, Meg von Haartman, an expert travel specialist and founder of Traveler Ooh La La. Our destination—Tahiti, the pearl of the Pacific, is revered for its luxury, romance, and resplendent natural beauty, tailor-made for extravagant honeymoons, indulgent family excursions, and inspired solo adventures.

Setting Off on Your Adventure Located in the heart of the Pacific, within the vast tapestry of French Polynesia, Tahiti is well-connected to the world through direct flights from key international hubs like Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. We recommend availing a Fast Track service upon arrival to ensure a hassle-free transition into vacation mode. This service quickens the customs clearance process enabling you to delve into the Polynesian paradise at the earliest moment.

Moreover, regardless of your cabin class, consider reserving access to the Business Lounge for a rejuvenating departure experience filled with luxurious amenities.

Your Stay in Paradise The iconic overwater bungalows of Tahiti offer more than just plush accommodation; they serve as your gateway to enchanting island life. These bungalows, born in the heart of this Polynesian archipelago, have become synonymous with luxury travel and remain a top choice for discerning travelers.

The serene island of Taha’a, situated a brief 40minute flight from Papeete, Tahiti’s bustling capital, is home to the alluring Le Taha’a Resort. As part of the prestigious Pearl Resorts and the internationally-acclaimed Relais & Châteaux collection, the resort’s overwater bungalows offer an intimate sanctuary amidst an extensive shallow-water coral garden. For an authentic cultural experience, the resort curates a Tuesday night special comprising a tantalizing

Polynesian buffet and breathtaking fire dance performances.

Bora Bora houses an array of luxurious resorts.

Le Bora Bora, famed for its spacious overwater bungalows and tranquil Tavai Spa, provides the ideal love nest for honeymooners. On the other hand, the Four Seasons Bora Bora offers expansive overwater bungalows and extends a warm welcome to honeymooners, families, and solo travelers alike. The sprawling property, complete with a manmade lagoon, fosters a coral restoration program and houses a dedicated team of marine biologists.

For those pursuing unparalleled luxury, the St. Regis Bora Bora leaves no stone unturned.

Guests of this majestic Marriott property are privy to priority reservations at the famed Lagoon restaurant, which is an establishment reputed as the finest dining experience in Tahiti. Bikes are complimentary for all guests, and an adult-only pool area is available.

Culinary Delights The culinary landscape of Tahiti is as diverse as it is delectable. In Taha’a, the humble Titaraina eatery transforms into a unique beachfront dining venue once a week. Here you can savor a medley of land and sea specialties with your toes in the sand, sit beneath a sky illuminated by a constellation of stars, and be serenaded by the harmonious tunes of a ukulele band.

In Bora Bora, you’ll find Bloody Mary’s, a vibrant establishment renowned for its celebrity patrons (Jason Momoa was a recent patron) and an impressive menu. This iconic restau-rant serves generous portions of fresh local seafood, chicken, and steak in an environment that buzzes with energy and entertainment, complete with live music on select nights. For the gourmets, Le Bora Bora’s Poerava presents a five-course degustation menu with limited seating for an intimate

98 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

culinary experience. This carefully curated feast elegantly marries local flavors with French influences.

Immersive Activities and Excursions Pre-booking all activities, excursions, private tours, and special dinners with your travel agent is crucial to avoid disappointment. The sought-after activities often get booked quickly, and pre-booking ensures you don’t miss out.

For these services, I collaborate closely with Tahiti Travel Services. While all resorts offer complimentary snorkel gear, paddleboards, and kayaks for water-based exploration, you can further indulge in a host of premium spa treatments for relaxation.

In Taha’a, you can delve into the local culture with a half-day tour by Poerani, visiting local rum distilleries, vanilla farms, and the larg-est pearl farm in the Society Islands. For the adventurous, jet ski tours by Salty Services promise thrilling encounters with sharks and guided excursions to local attractions.

Bora Bora is a paradise for water lovers. A fullday snorkeling adventure with Lagoon Services guarantees unforgettable encounters with sharks and stingrays, a visit to the iconic “I love Bora Bora” underwater sign, and a leisurely lunch on a private Motu. A cultural tour reveals Bora Bora’s historical landmarks, its role during WWII, and efforts toward cultural preservation. For divers, Eleuthera Tours offers scuba diving expeditions that cater to all experience levels.

With its breathtaking landscapes, lavish accommodations, and diverse cultural experiences, Tahiti is a destination that belongs on every bucket list. My expertise extends to curating exceptional journeys from idyllic Tahiti to other tropical paradises like St. Kitts, Bahamas, Maldives, Hawaii, and the mesmerizing Amalfi Coast.

TRAVEL TO TAHITI WITH MEG FROM TRAVELER OOH LA LA. An experienced and well-traveled advisor, she will help you craft the ideal itinerary for the perfect blend of relaxation, romance, and adventure.

Reach out and book now to discover the breathtaking awe of Tahiti.

Travel Advisor, Meg von Haartman | (425) 728-2229 | www.traveleroohlala.com | meg@traveleroohlala.com

HOTEL

Fairmont

Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa | BY TRACY ELLEN BEARD

A visit to Sonoma Wine Country is incomplete without a stay at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa. This phenomenal five-star resort boasts delectable farm-to-table dining, comfortable, elegant, well-appointed rooms and suites, a fabulous wine selection, geothermal-fed mineral pools, an opulent spa, and access to the championship golf course at the Sonoma Golf Club nearby.

A Few Nights at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa I spent a few nights at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa during a recent visit to Sonoma, California. I am very familiar with the area as I grew up only 30 minutes away from the resort. When I venture south to this region, I often visit the local wineries; however, I have never stayed at the Inn. The Mission Spa Suite was the perfect place to indulge in a mini-wellness retreat. Traveling solo on this trip afforded me the time to lounge on the beautiful four-poster king bed, hog all the pillows, and read a book undisturbed. I spent time each evening in my Jacuzzi tub enveloped in heated water, breathing in the aroma of scented bath salts, watching the fire dance in the hearth, and sipping delicious bubbles. I savored this time of relaxation and appreciated the quiet.

Each morning, I made coffee and sat on my second-floor balcony overlooking a fountain in the nearby courtyard before heading out to explore the resort property.

The land at this AAA Four-Diamond resort has long been revered as a sacred healing ground by Native Americans. I thoroughly enjoyed meandering the long pathways, exploring the wide open spaces, and admiring the stunning landscape and towering redwood trees.

100 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

Walking the resort property became an extension of my wellness retreat. It was easy to escape the cares of this world while surrounded by such beauty. Small bridges led to colorful flowerbeds, and grass-lined paths ended in courtyards with wooden benches and water fountains.

The Fairmont Spa The Spa boasts five thermal mineral pools ranging from 92 to 102 degrees and a Roman-style bathhouse with a soaking pool, hot tub, Halotherapy Sauna, and an Aromatherapy Steam Room. The outdoor terrace is available for registered guests of the Inn and guests with spa appointments in one of the 28 treatment rooms.

Gourmet Cusine at the Inn The Inn offers several dining options. The Water Tower Bar is open poolside during the daytime hours.

CaliForno opens in the spring through Oct on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and Spa Café is open daily from late morning until late afternoon. 38° North Wine Bar opens daily from 4 pm until 10 or 11 pm, and Santé is open daily for breakfast, Sundays for brunch, and each evening from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

38° North Wine Bar is a popular place in Sonoma.

Inspiration for this wine-centric lounge came from iconic wine regions that sit at the temperate latitude on the 38th parallel. These regions include Alicante, Spain; Calabria,

HOTEL

101 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

HOTEL

Italy; Hunter’s and Hawke’s Bay in New Zealand; and Sonoma Valley.

Numerous delicious items are on the menu at 38° North Wine Bar. One evening I dined on a tasty bowl of French Onion Soup with sourdough bread and melted gruyere cheese on top and Roasted Squash Flatbread with confit garlic, kale pepitas, and Vella dry jack cheese. There are many delicious wines to choose from, and their craft cocktail list is extensive.

Santé is the Inn’s fine dining establishment. Executive Chef Jared Reeves oversees all food at the resort, but he shines at Santé, where he serves California Fusion cuisine. His meals are wine-focused and change seasonally to showcase local products.

Resort Activities There is always something going on at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn. Executive Chef Jaren Reeves is partnering with renowned winemakers in Napa and Sonoma counties, creating delicious 4-course winepaired dinners from April through September. These dinners take place in the Water Tower.

Each day, guests at the resort are invited to participate in wine tasting in the lobby from 4:30 – 5:30 pm.

Local wines are showcased and change regularly.

Summer at the Fairmont means music on the front lawn. Each Friday and Saturday, June through October, guests can enjoy seasonal bites from CaliForno Street East and sip on their favorite cocktails and Sonoma wines from 38º North Bar while sitting by the firepits listening to live music.

Something for Everyone Whether your goal is to sip on a glass of delicious local wine while listening to live music, eat delectable cuisine, soak in the mineral baths, read a book in your room, or discover all that Sonoma County has to offer, there is something for everyone at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa.

102 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

HOTEL

103 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

HOTEL

Portugal’s Hotel Convento de São Paulo

A Stay in a 12th Century Monastery | BY NANCY ZAFFARO

W

e left Lisbon, ending a fabulous six-night visit in Portugal’s urban and energetic capital city. Driving just an hour to the east, we entered the Alentejo region of Portugal.

We exited the highway and explored meandering backroads, passing cork forests, olive trees, and golden wheat fields.

There were numerous vineyards, and the towns and villages here were small.

We spent three nights in a historic hotel, the Hotel Convento de São Paulo, a monastery founded in 1182.

Portugal’s Alentejo Region Most visitors come to the Alentejo region to see the beautiful town of Évora, one of Portugal’s best-preserved medieval cities, complete with Roman ruins as a bonus. During our time here, we visited Évora and the town of Arraiolos, where local women have been making unique embroidered rugs since at least the 14th century. We saw some of the 7,500-year-old neolithic structures dotted around the region. And yes, we enjoyed the local cuisine and wines and relaxed poolside. The Alentejo region, the country’s largest, would be a decidedly different slice of Portugal. I was excited to stay in a room where 12th-century monks lived, worked, slept, and worshipped. But I was not prepared for the hotel to steal my heart.

A Long History The Convento de São Paulo was built in 1182. It was expanded and renovated in 1400, 1578, and 1796. Portu-gal became a country in 1139 and is the oldest country in Europe. King Sancho I, the second king of Portugal, built the monastery, and several Portuguese kings and queens stayed and worshiped there.

The monastery’s site as a holy place goes back even further. It was a hermitage in 315, which an earthquake destroyed in 446. It is believed that heroes fighting the Romans were protected, and saints were martyred here.

extensive private collection of Portuguese tiles. Many of the tiles were made by some of the most well-regarded artisans at the time. Some of the tiles were signed and installed between 1640 and 1810.

The government banned religious orders in 1834, and years later, the property was purchased with dowry money by Henriqueta Leotte Tavares. The family maintained the property and later turned it into a hotel. In 1993, her descendants established the Fundacão Henrique Leotea, the foundation through which the hotel is managed and maintained.

The sprawling property sits on 2,400 acres.

Rooms at the Hotel The Convento currently has 43 rooms, six of them suites.

Rita, with whom I corresponded, welcomed us upon arrival.

She provided an overview of the property, and with a smile, encouraged us to explore. Throughout our stay, she gave helpful recommendations about the region. The Alentejo is her home, and her genuine affection for the Convento comes across in conversation.

Most of the rooms are in the original main building, and there are also Annex rooms on the site of the old stables.

The rooms are large, and oh-so-long-ago, monks slept here.

The walls and ceilings are whitewashed, high, and curved.

Each room has a massive fireplace. The wood doors and shutters are impressively carved and thick. The tiled floor is in a wishbone pattern. Rooms have flat-paneled televisions. Some have private patios or decks. Rooms are air-conditioned and heated with efficient mini splits.

We opened the windows to let the fresh breeze in at night, which was lovely. In the morning, we smelled the oranges from the tree just outside.

The bathroom floors and much of the walls were covered in pink marble. The marble is from nearby Estremoz and is used extensively throughout the hotel. The bathroom fixtures were big and made with heavy brass, and the water pressure was Among the most notable features throughout the Convento intense and hot. are the 54,000 blue and white tiles. It is said to be the most 104 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

HOTEL

105 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

HOTEL

Stay in one of the tastefully furnished and comfortable suites, but know that even these do not have all the amenities of most luxe hotels. You will not find in-room tea and coffee service or a bar station in your room. There is no refrigerator, and outlets are few. The Internet can be spotty in the rooms, although it is fine in the main communal areas. Do not be deterred, and do not miss the magic.

After all this time, these buildings stand and welcome us.

In bed that night, images rolled over me. I pictured monks walking these long halls, each with their own religious, spiritual, intellectual, and economic reasons that led them to this life.

Exploring the Convento Grounds We wandered and wandered. Outdoors, but within the walls of the Convento, manicured gardens, outdoor patios, and decks beckoned. We explored them all, including the Esplanade and the Water House. We helped ourselves to a couple of sweet oranges from the trees. Large, cracked amphorae jars decorated patio corners. We found terra cotta sculptures, lime trees, and a fountain in the antiquated Garden of the Novices. There were tennis courts and two swimming pools.

During our stay, when not touring, we swam and relaxed. We had cocktails poolside and chatted with some of the international guests.

Exploring Within the Convento We explored indoors as well. Off the reception room, there was an inviting sitting room.

We found two game rooms; the first offered ping pong, foosball, and snooker. The other, with a sweeping wood paneled ceiling, had a billiards table and seating by the fireplace that begged for a good book and a glass of wine.

The art in the hotel was of great interest, and the hotel’s contemporary art collection was spectacular.

The biggest surprise came from the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Conceição or the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Conception. We stepped through the balcony doors, not knowing it was a chapel. The impact was substantial.

Saying that the Convento was also a museum is an understatement. The frescos in the chapel were magnificent.

It was late when we returned to our room.

The hallway oil lamps were lit, creating shadows. I continued to visualize the everyday comings and goings of the monks.

Breakfast in the Frier’s Refectory In the morning, we joined other guests for breakfast in the Refeitério dos Frades or the Frier’s Refectory. There was a buffet spread of various breads and pastries, meats, cheeses, fruits, and nuts. Hot items included eggs, sausages and bacon, and potatoes. And, of course, fresh juices, tea, coffee, sparkling water, and espumante.

Hiking (Just Some of ) the 2,400-Acre Property After breakfast, we hiked one of the two wellmarked trails on the property that take you further up the d’Ossa mountains. We began our ascent, entering a grove of cork trees. You could see where the bark had been harvested from the base. Numbers painted on trees told the year of the last bark harvest. The tree remains healthy, but it will be years before another bark harvest.

There were pines, oaks, and wildflowers. Trail signs describe some of the birds in the area.

We continued to climb, and the trail views were magnificent.

Once we descended, we came to the olive trees we had seen from the top of the trail.

Sheep wandered amongst the trees, and lambs nursed. We saw stone ruins, aqueducts, and a stand of beehives.

It had gotten warm. We sat at a table in the courtyard and enjoyed cups of espresso served with a cinnamon stick. The coffee was delicious throughout Portugal.

O Ermita: Regional Cuisine and a Knowledgeable Sommelier Dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, O Ermita, was a highlight. The restaurant, in the Capela do Bispo or Bishop’s Chapel, was an elegant dining spot. It is frequented by locals as well as hotel guests. Do make reservations when you book your stay.

Jorge, our gracious garçon, told us that many of the vegetables, fruits, honey, olive oils, and lamb meat came from the hotel’s orchards, gardens, and pastures.

106 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

Sommelier Fábio Nico shared his pride in Alentejo’s local cuisine and their extensive wine cellar. Fábio’s suggested wine pairings, which we gratefully accept, were all from Alentejo vineyards and winemakers.

We began with an entrada of sautéed mushrooms. Fábio paired this with Foral D’Evora Branco Colheita, a 2020 from Cartuxa Vineyards. The wine is from the Portuguese grape assario. The first course was followed by a couvert of fresh bread and crisps and a lovely platter of jamón. We agreed that a platter of Portuguese jamón can only be welcomed enthusiastically.

O Emrita’s preparation of bacalhau, or codfish, was oh-so lightly battered, fresh, and sweet, and tasty roasted vegetables and a chickpea puree accompanied the fish. Fábio paired this with Redondo’s Casa Relvas’ Herdade de São Miguel, a fresh rosé with wonderful minerals and hints of berries. Earlier that day, we had tromped through the very soils from which these grapes were grown.

Rack of lamb was next, a flavorful, well-prepared dish. The traditional, slow-cooked feijoada de cogomelos, beans with mushrooms, is the dish I must learn to make. He poured Tapada do Chaves, a 2015 Reserva red made with the popular grape varietal argonez.

Delicious.

The Aletenjo is known for their black pigs’ excellent meat, so we shared one final dish: roast pork with mashed potatoes, broccoli rabe, and roasted plums. We enjoy it with another glass of the Tapada do Chaves.

It did not seem possible, but we had dessert; a sweet torta of dried fruits, fresh orange, port wine, and honey. Fábio poured Adega de Bor-ba’s Licoroso Branco. The Portuguese grape varietal is roupeiro, a favorite. Ambercolored and brandy-fortified, it is a velvety smooth liqueur with a long finish. The experience included outstanding cuisine, a wonderful atmosphere, and fantastic service.

Visit Portugal The Hotel Convento de São Paulo left a strong impression, and the Convento will remain a favorite place of mine. I encourage readers to visit it. 

HOTEL

107 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

HOTEL

A Luxury Eco-Lodge in Upala, Costa Rica

ORIGINS LODGE | BY JARONE ASHKENAZI PHOTOS CREDIT: RYAN FORBES

O

ff National Highway No. 6, down a windy gravel road surrounded on both sides by luscious greenery and the occasional friendly cow, lies ORIGINS Lodge. This luxury boutique property is an elegant eco-lodge overlooking the Higueron Valley, surrounded by lagoons and a lush rainforest, where guests have a unique opportunity to experience pura vida.

In the far northwestern corner of Costa Rica, in Provincia de Alajuela, Upala, ORIGINS Lodge presents the full-service amenities of a luxu-rious resort. Guests are fully immersed in the sights and sounds of the high valley jungle of Costa Rica’s wondrous northern rainforest.

The sophisticated luxury lodges (six in total) feature hardwood floors, artwork from local artists, and indoor and outdoor showers. The rooms are designed to mirror an indigenous Cali (casa). The circular shape brings in light, capturing the positive energy of the day and letting it go during the afternoon when the opercula is closed. Each features a large balcony with fire-heated hot tubs overlooking the jungle, where guests can spot sloths or monkeys on the trees that surround the tropical foliage.

The property also features a three-room villa accommodating up to six guests and is primed to build an adjacent resort with larger villas geared toward families and larger groups. At present, there are seven accommodations on the property, including six one-bedroom luxury lodges and one three-bedroom Villa Vertigo, meaning that the maximum number of people at the resort is 18.

Led by hospitality veteran Claudia Silva, General Manager of ORIGINS Luxury Lodge, there are a total of 60 full-time employees who cater to each guest’s needs with the utmost care. From the moment you check in to your last goodbye, the environment created by each staff member presents one of bespoke inclusivity, offering a beautiful place of respite and refuge.

“ORIGINS Lodge is ideal for a personal retreat or romantic getaway, nestled amidst 111 acres of private rainforest jungle. The options are endless, from hiking to a waterfall and spotting sloths on the way, going on an evening safari-style hike around the property to see the red-eyed frog, indulging in the highest quality gourmet cuisine with French and Costa Rican flavors with produce from the on-site garden, enjoying a spa treatment in the spacious Spa Suite, to simply relaxing in the private warm pools adjacent to each luxury lodge, which are heated by outdoor fireplaces,¨ said General Manager Claudia Silva.

On its 46 hectares, the exquisite cuisine is bolstered by the on-site organic garden, where Payito, the garden curator, directs the kitchen staff to the freshness of the daily produce. Chef Bismark Herrera proudly presents offerings grown on property at the on-site El Salto restaurant, with specialties like ratatouille and superfood salads. Innovative vegan and vegetarian menus are also available, utilizing organic herbs, edible flowers, and an array of vegetables. Along with a stunning 180° view, the team presents a beautiful experience filled with color and flavor, harkening your taste buds back to the source of intimate dining.

108 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

In terms of activities, the options are endless for both on-site and off-site activities. From Laka-Tii spa, which uses natural products for its massage and therapies, to its Koora yoga pavilion, where Caro leads daily yoga practice, guests can also take a general flora or medicinal plant tour with naturalists to dive deeper into the lodge’s sustainability measures, as well as go on night walks/hikes to spot the red-eyed frogs and other creatures. Meet with naturalists to spot around a hundred and fifty species of birds around the property, or take a cooking class to savor the freshness and organic flavor of their gardens and farms. Hike up the 280 steps, feel the fresh air along the on-site Oro Waterfall, and return via horseback for a memorable experience.

The dedicated team can also create tailored, allinclusive wellness packages featuring customizable itineraries, including rejuvenating spa treatments, healing therapies, and exclusive experiences for a transformative stay. With accommodations for four, after five nights and five days in a Luxury Lodge, guests will embark on a personalized retreat with prices starting at $4,500 for double occupancy and $3,900 for solo travelers.

ORIGINS Lodge works with local business-es to offer off-site activities like a unique chocolate tour, white water rafting, volcano hikes, tubbing on the celeste river, tapir valley preserve, safari boat, and cano negro wetlands, among others.

HOTEL

109 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

HOTEL

THE CHARLES HOTEL A Rocco Forte Hotel | BY TRACY ELLEN BEARD

Munich, Germany, offers a plethora of hotels, but The Charles Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel, is exceptional. Rocco Forte Hotels are owned and managed by the Forte family.

Sir Rocco Forte, his three children, and his sister Olga Polizzi, a British Interior Designer, own and operate 15 Rocco Forte Hotels. My husband, Steve, and I recently stayed at The Charles Hotel, dined in some of Munich’s finest restaurants, and explored this upscale city.

keting in Germany, Sabrina Nitzsche. She shared that this particular hotel was a bit different than other Rocco Forte Hotels in that it was built and planned as a hotel.

The Rocco Forte Hotel in Berlin had previously been a bank and was remodeled into a hotel. The Charles Hotel opened in 2009. Updates were needed as time passed, and renovations to the junior suites took place during my visit.

The standard rooms were also getting a facelift.

Accommodations at The Charles Hotel Olga Polizzi is responsible for the room and suite designs at all Rocco Forte Hotels. The Charles Hotel’s classic rooms are the largest hotel rooms in Munich. Contemporary works of art by Hubertus von Hohenlohn decorate the walls. The spacious limestone bathrooms feature specially designed Nymphenburg porcelain objects and Forte Organic body care items produced by Irene Forte, the founder of Irene Forte Skincare. All rooms feature standard upscale amenities and views of Munich’s old town and the museum district.

The Charles Spa Irene Forte oversees the spas in every Rocco Forte Hotel.

Her products, Irene Forte Skincare products, are featured throughout the spas and hotels. A visit to The Charles Spa can be invigorating and relaxing. Guests can opt to hire a personal trainer or engage in a private yoga class.

The fitness center is equipped with the latest cardio and muscle-building equipment and is open to guests 24 hours a day, and the pool is for aerobic exercise or a gentle lap swim.

The Deluxe Park View rooms offer everything the classic rooms possess, with the addition of French balconies, a garden theme, and heated bathroom floors. The Deluxe Panoramic View rooms continue to impress with the addition of a botanically-influenced seating area with views of the Old Botanical Garden.

All the rooms at The Charles Hotel are gorgeous, and the suites are simply opulent. The Classic Suites feature floorto-ceiling windows, and the Lord Forte suites combine the elegance found in all The Charles Hotel rooms with the addition of a private terrace, oversized bedrooms, and even more spacious bathrooms. All Lord Forte suites are located on the corners of the hotel’s top floor.

History of The Charles Hotel During my visit to Munich, I spent one morning touring The Charles Hotel with the Regional Director of Mar110 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

What to See While Staying at The Charles Hotel Munich is a large city filled with history and opportunity. I spent one morning with Anton Figl from Simply Munich.

He took us on a 2-hour tour. He explained how Munich has a large young singles population that works for high-end companies. It is an expensive place to live, so the number of young families is small. There are several beer gardens, high-end shopping districts, and historic sites like the Glockenspiel, The Residenz (the former royal palace of the Wittelsbach monarchs of Bavaria), and Marienplatz (the geographical and cultural heart of Munich since 1158) to visit. Marienplatz is the city square and home to the Old and New Town Halls.

Other places to visit include the Ohel Jakob, the Jewish synagogue, which was built between 2004 and 2006. The building is understated and part of the new Jewish Center consisting of the synagogue, Jewish Museum Munich, and a community center.

HOTEL

111 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

HOTEL

My favorite part of our tour was the Viktualienmarkt, the street market. There were fantastic cheese shops, butcher shops, and kiosks filled with olives and specialty items.

Another favorite stop that I was not expecting was Eataly, Munich. I first learned about Eataly, huge compounds located throughout Europe and the U.S. that are filled with Italian groceries, wines, meat shops, Italian specialty products, and restaurants, when I interviewed Celebrity Chef Lidia Bastianich.

She is one of the founders of Eataly.

Visit Munich We loved The Charles Hotel and will stay there again on our next visit to Munich.

There are many things to do in the city. Visit the BMW Welt building and revel in the incredible architecture and unique cars, walk the beautiful city parks, or dine at the fantastic 2-star Michelin restaurant, EssZimmer, where Bobby Bräuer delights dinner guests with haute cuisine. 

112 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

HOTEL

113 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

LUXURY EXPERIENCES

Beyond Luxury Experiences at FAIRMONT HOTELS | BY TRACY BEARD

F

airmont Hotels & Resorts has debuted its new program, “Beyond LIMITS,” a collection of unique experiences available exclusively at Fairmont properties and ALL – Accor Live Limitless hotels across North and Central America. These never before seen experiences are wonderful, filling hearts with wonder, awe, and appreciation. Several past experiences include: •

“Symphony in a Cenote”— Visitors experienced the transformation of a limestone cave into a candlelit concert hall near the Fairmont Mayakoba located in Mexico’s Riviera Maya.

•

“Pauoa Bay Underwater Ballet”— Guests at Fairmont Orchid in Hawaii, including myself, dove underwater and watched a live ballet performed above and below the sea.

•

“The Vertical Stage”— Hotel guests watched as the Fairmont Century Plaza transformed its famed Los Angeles façade into a 19-story vertical dance floor for a troupe of gravity-defying performance artists.

While at the Fairmont Orchid in Hawaii, I paddled into the ocean in a traditional outrigger canoe and snorkeled to a float near the shore with several other guests. While positioned around the float, Kristina Makushenko performed a beautiful ballet routine above and below the sea. Known as the ‘Aqua Queen on heels,’ Kristina is a world champion of synchronized swimming. She danced above and below the waterline with powerful, graceful moves creating a breathtaking show.

I asked the Executive Director of Public Relations, US West and US East regions of Accor Hotels, Michelle Heston, what is next.

114 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

She said, “The launch of the SelvaRey Rum Bar kicks off the next series of Beyond LIMITS experiences, an exciting new collection of first-of-their-kind, awe-inspiring adventures available exclusively at iconic Fairmont properties globally. ‘Beyond LIMITS’ is designed to elevate the luxury experience beyond what was previously thought possible through highly exclusive, immersive, unexpected, and unforgettable journeys of discovery. Even more adventures await—including a Tea Noir soiree at Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows; an Evening of Darkness dinner series at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac; a Tonga Beach Club at Fairmont San Francisco, and new opportunities to thrill and inspire will be added regularly.”

For a new and exciting luxury experience, plan your next vacation at one of Fairmont’s stunning, high-end hotels, and attend an exciting Beyond LIMITS event.

LUXURY EXPERIENCES

115 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

TRAVEL

From the Field of Miracles to the Gulf of Paradise

LIGURIA | BY ADAM JACOT DE BOINOD

It’s a rare and special act traveling off-season. Especially somewhere so geared to the summer where sun loungers are arranged in busy blocks to dissuade the casual visitor. Off-season, you meet only locals and don’t wait in line. In time you start to feel like a local. It’s all so much more immersive and rewarding.

I

love arriving at Pisa as she, best of all the Tuscan cities, exemplifies the innocence of the early medieval era. She is really the true cradle of the Renaissance. It’s all to be seen within the walled area called ‘Il Campo dei Miracoli’ (Field of Miracles), which comprises The Leaning Tower, Duomo, Baptistry, and the Monumental Cemetery. It proved a great starting point for my coastal journey as I reached Viareggio, a Roman town set beneath the majestic and looming Apuan Alps and now an elegant seaside resort. It’s on the Tuscan Riviera, which is considerably flatter than its Ligurian counterpart.

It was on this glamorous beach-front promenade that I came to stay at the majestic Hotel Plaza e de Russie with rooms from Euro 250. This Relais & Chateaux property is the town’s oldest hotel, named after Russian expatriates fleeing the Tsarist Empire. From outside its pristine Belle Epoque white front, I took a brazing morning stroll along the long sandy beach. I walked past the outdoor pools of the beach pavilions, more Art Deco hotels, past cafés, shops, and fish restaurants offering their ‘cacciucco’ (hearty fish soup).

It’s a boutique hotel, thus giving a more personal experience, and the décor is reminiscent of the stillness and subdued hues of the Italian artist Giorgio Morandi.

118 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

There’s lacquered furniture, leather pouf ottomans, circular mirrors, and locally sourced milky-white marble flooring.

In the hotel’s Restaurant Lunasia, there’s a stunning long chartreuse banquette across the tables from teal and grey chairs. The 44 rooms look straight over the promenade to the open sea, some having their own small balconies.

They’re furnished traditionally with fine marble bathrooms and parquet flooring. There’s a sophisticated harmony of

TRAVEL

warm, understated tones: all typical of top Italian design. This historic hotel has been home-away-from-home for the jet set for over 150 years.

They include the conductor Toscanini, the poet Rilke, whose walks inspired him, and Puccini, who became romantically involved here.

Artistic exploits are continued every February with the Carnivale and its famous themed floats.

I moved inland to visit Pietrasanta, a small local jewel of a village.

It’s also known as the Little Athens, thanks to the concentration of artists who have decided to settle here. It’s set beside a string of villages devoted to the marble trade including Carrara which once supplied Michelangelo. The churches offered me a Tuscan purity, and the cobbled streets a romantic stroll. I then popped in on Lucca and came within her ancient ramparts. These encircle the town and along them, the locals, the ‘Lucchese,’ ride their bikes and walk their dogs, for it’s now a tree-lined promenade. I just love Lucca’s Pisan-Romanesque churches with their 119 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

TRAVEL

ornate facades of green, grey, and white marble.

I also explored the grid of romantically cobbled streets of this classic, beautiful Tuscan town with its pine trees and neat stucco buildings.

Directly outside the ramparts, I had parked with ease beside Ristorante Celide to savor the best of Vetrina Toscana. This regional project promotes restaurants and food producers who share the same high standards of Tuscany’s gastronomy. At this fish restaurant, I enjoyed a tuna tataki in traditional bread and marinated in tartare and friarelli (part of the mustard family). To follow, I had a berry cheesecake with white chocolate sauce. The few choice delights of each dish allowed their elegant presentation to take center stage. All within a simple, honest setting that was full of locals, which is always a good sign.

Through countless tree-coated tunnels, I drove north along the Ligurian coastline. Its distinctive features of churches with domed apses and pencil-like campaniles broke this narrow littoral landscape. Riviera in Italian simply means shore. In Liguria it’s a rugged, rock-bound rainbow of coast with beautiful beaches. It links France to Tuscany. Beaches that aren’t large or sandy but are slender strands in magical settings beneath steep cliffs. They are backed by gorgeous old fishing villages.

They are composed of warm hues with hot spicy colors such as yellow ochre, orange, burnt ombre, and terracotta. They reflect the colors in the water, which, at sunset, then resembles fire.

What an extremely immersive experience. The silhouette of fir and cypress trees stands out like a Japanese print against a clear blue sky.

Much of the Riviera is best seen from a boat.

So inaccessible are the villages and so steep and mazy their littoral approaches by car. There’s something truly dramatic and romantic about these weathered pastels and ochres. I loved the fleets of fishing boats, sailing boats, and yachts.

This coastline is excellent for boat trips with famous nearby towns like Portofino, Rapallo, and Santa Margherita. Beyond is Portovenere and, finally, the Cinque Terre. The last is a cluster of five little fishing villages described

by Lord Byron as “Paradise on earth.” I liked Rapallo for her down-to-earth resort, her large beach, and her unpretentious hotels. I took a train to Santa Margherita and walked past ornate palazzos. They are perched precipitously with magnificent aspects across the gulf.

They pass the divine cove that is Paraggi beach to reach Portofino. This gorgeous and

famous village has a small harbor with narrow alleyways. The houses are huddled together on top of each other, small and tall. One window at least overlooks the sea. It’s a true stage with jet-set appeal as luxury brands fight for an outlet. It’s a ‘picture-postcard’ romantic nook as boats dock in the deep green ‘calanque’ (inlet).

From here I took a boat to the stunning abbey at San Fruttuoso. It’s an unspoiled idyll of a retreat and set in a tiny cove. There are citrous trees and roaming, bell-ringing goats. All suggestive of its monastic past.

I disembarked at Camogli. It’s a town on the waterfront. Besides the quaint little wooden office where boat tickets are sold, there is a three-generation-old restaurant called Vento Ariel. With as many tables outside as in, I sat beneath bougainvillea and a typical pastelcolored house. I watched the world go by with characters resembling the cast of ‘Under Milk Wood.’ Garrulous and full of gesture, the men put the world to rights over coffee. The women hang out their laundry from their bottle-green windows. Windows that, on opening, resemble an advent calendar. The bobbing boats announced all their orchestral sounds: tugged ropes, chinking masts, and lapping water. The fish was all caught that very morning. Tempted though I was by the cuttlefish pate, I chose instead a delicious mussel, clam, and calamari soup. It was followed by some long trenette pasta with, of course, pesto sauce. Then came apple sorbet which I drank with Riviera di Ponente Pigato (a white Italian wine grape planted primarily in Liguria).

Camogli means home of wives (‘Casa Mogli.’

It’s because the men were always at sea. The colorful facades of the buildings on the water made them easily identifiable on the sailors’ return. With her backdrop of green hills, Camogli is bisected by a small promontory.

There’s a little pebble beach, a basilica, and the fishing port. The seafront is set for tourists, and the back street is for locals.

Down a small, cobbled walkway is a bridge above water rolling down from the hills. Here is Hotel Cenobio dei Dogi. It is open all year round with prices from Euros 150 a night.

Once a retreat for Genevieve (‘from Genoa’) aristocrats from the 16th century, it became a hotel in the 1950s. It has the intended feel of a private home by the sea. The setting is simply fabulous, right at the very southern end of its long promenade. It has the full view of the town along the seafront. Italians are so adept at

120 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

stylishly utilizing the steepest terrain to some advantage. And this hotel’s layered terrace comprised century-old pine trees and stone statues. There were floral gardens with little nooks and crannies for secluded sunbathing.

The interior has chequered marble flooring, patterned area rugs, and large classical paintings. There was a grand piano and a lovely crystal chandelier. Homely modern paintings of populated beach scenes hung on the walls.

It even has its own ornate chapel. The 100 rooms have charming sea views. Beside the beds and their crisp linen are old cedar drawers on hardwood floors. Nothing too elaborate to prevent the view of the sea from taking center stage.

The hotel’s Restaurant Il Doge has a long, chequered floor with foliage. The huge panoramic glass is designed for views from every angle. I had grey snapper cooked carpaccio. It was flavored with orange, soncino salad, goji berries, and pine nuts in black squid ink. It was followed with a bresaola and then a durum wheat linguine sautéed with cherry tomatoes and tuna roe. I finished with some wild berries and deep chocolate gelato, all eaten with the local Vermentino, the light-skinned local wine grape to drink.

The new swimming pool is heated to 28 degrees in winter and has water jets in summer.

My massage at the Beauty Center was tailored intuitively to what I needed for pummelling indoors. I didn’t have the Hot Stone treatment.

But I let Gabriella roll bamboo on my shoulders and use almond oil. The experience was impressive in every sense.

Easy to find on the higher street is the reasonably-priced Cucù Camogli. It’s owned by the chef Catherina Aquino and her husband Riccardo. I was transported in this intimate and homely environment by the jazz music. Not to mention all the artifacts displaying Riccardo’s passions. These included figurines from Tintin, model ships, and original signed documents from Kings and Presidents. I dipped into the Duchess of Grosvenor’s olive oil. It comes from nearby Portofino. I simply had to have the catch of the day. It comprised some mussels with oil and garlic, which also acted as a soup.

I followed with fresh lasagne with pesto sauce which I drank with the local Sassarini Cinque Terre. What a charming place and charismatic owner.

TRAVEL

Liguria’s cuisine matches the criteria of the perfect Mediterranean diet. It is based on the ‘cucina povera’ of olive oil, lots of vegetables, a little cheese, wine, and seafood. Liguria also gave the world pesto, that rich sauce of basil grown in the local hills. It comes with pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and cheese. It is usually served with the local ‘trenette’ pasta. Since fishing is still active, there are more fishing boats in the harbors than yachts. As for the catch of the day, it’s served at most restaurants, coming from Camogli’s surrounding waters.

At the neighboring village of Recco, it was time for some fine dining at Manuelina. The owner Cesare is now the fourth generation to be responsible. More than 125 years of Ligurian culinary history were in evidence.

It was Manuelina herself who created the famous recipe for Recco focaccia. Focaccia is to Liguria what bruschetta is to Umbria; an essential bread treat for breakfast or as an aperitivo. Reached by a lit garden path, the restaurant comprises both a casual Focacceria and its formal gourmet counterpart. The latter

has long dark wooden beams, round tables on a marble floor, and a wall displaying special wines. The decor allows a blank canvas to the artistry of the cooking. I adored the ‘focaccia col formaggio’ and my fillet of beef. It came with foie gras and black truffles. The highlight was the dangerously indulgent jivara chocolate mousse. It came with maracujas (yellow passion fruit). A fitting end to my journey. I felt both culturally and literally nourished here on this Italian Riviera’s so-called Golfo Paradiso (Gulf of Paradise).

121 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

GADGETS

The Most Stylish Luggage | BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS

Our Travel Editor rounds up the most stylish luggage to use on your next vacation.

TUMI Inspired by their clients, Tumi creates pieces that constantly exceed expectations, down to the smallest detail. Putting each and every Tumi product through extraordinary paces to make sure it will perform flawlessly no matter what pressure you put it under. The Tumi 19 Degree range of luggage is part of the story of the farther you go, the more stamps on your passport, the better your story. tumi.com

BRIGGS & RILEY Their new limited-edition Plum colorway for its Baseline signature collection puts travelware brand Briggs & Riley ahead of the pack in the style stakes. Featuring deep pur-ple ballistic nylon fabric and sleek silver hardware, the color palette will stand out in its chicness on any luggage conveyer belt globally. The world’s only onetouch CX expansioncompression™ system, allowing one to pack up to 25% more, shock absorbing wheels for the smoothest ride and a patented Outsider™ handle, this is innovation at its best. briggs-riley.co.uk

122 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

SAMSONITE Unlock a new era of high performance traveling with Proxis. The outer shells are made from Roxkin™, an exclusive multi-layered material developed by Samsonite.

It bounces back into shape, offering remarkable strength, resilience, and lightness. The sophisticated design resonates confidence and is fully equipped to meet all your travel needs.samsonite.com

LIPAULT Inspired by an urban style with industrial accents, the underground Lost In Berlin range displays a unique matte look thanks to its rubber-effect polyurethane material developed for this collection. Its thickness and fully lined interior will make Lost In Berlin products even more resistant to bad weather during your getaways. lipault-usa.com/home

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

124 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

TRAVEL

FRENCHMAN’S REEF

ST. THOMAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS Frenchman’s Reef announced the opening of Morningstar Buoy Haus Beach Resort at Frenchman’s Reef, Autograph Collection, inviting travelers to enjoy a refreshing state of tropical chill. Part of an extensive $425 million rebuild project at Frenchman’s Reef, the intimate resort offers a pure island escape and open-air paradise a stone’s throw away from the sand and turquoise waters of St. Thomas.

Operated by Aimbridge Hospitality, the property features sleek designs by architects Kollin Altomare and The Johnson Studio, as well as exciting culinary and public space concepting from Sixteenfifty Creative Intelligence.

“Today marks an inspiring transformation here at Frenchman’s Reef as we are thrilled to officially welcome guests to Morningstar Buoy Haus Beach Resort at Frenchman’s

Reef, Autograph Collection, after a meticulous and sensitive rebuild effort,” said Kurt Wiksten, Managing Director of Frenchman’s Reef.

Ideal for those seeking a dose of seclusion, this beachfront oasis beckons guests into an open-air lobby where they begin their journey with complimentary coconut water for a refreshing island elixir as they are encouraged to meet up, mix, and mingle while surrounded by incredible views.

In true St. Thomas style, Buoy Haus extracts the best of the ocean environment and channels it into a lush, restorative hospitality experience.

The resort features 94 attentively appointed guest rooms, including two suites, which offer a mix of oceanfront and beachside contemporary accommodations. All accommodations immerse guests in the cool comfort of their own

private retreat, featuring plush, pillow-top beds and cool cotton bedding and amenities considerate to the needs of the modern traveler, coupled with convenient access to Morningstar Beach, mere steps away.

Culinary enthusiasts can explore a delicious food and beverage journey, which begins on the beach. Guided by an ethos of “toes in the sand, a drink in hand,” Buoy Haus has curated an uplifting beach experience, inviting guests to couple their unimpeded relaxation with Salt Shack Beach Bar & Grill. https://www.frenchmansreefstthomas.com/

125 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

TRAVEL

ODLES LODGE DOLOMITES, ITALY

In May 2023, FORESTIS welcomed a sister property situated in the upand-coming location of the Dolomites: Odles Lodge. Further up the northern Italian Alps from FORESTIS, Odles Lodge is a stand-alone property in the up-and-coming setting of the Dolomites completely rebuilt in the past year due to a fire.

The lodge features four individual apartments at Odles Lodge, each with minimalist design details similar to the FORESTIS hotel, allowing guests to completely immerse into the surrounding nature elements.

Each of the four apartments were hand-crafted with local spruce and Swiss stone pine, essential oils of untreated local timber, and light sage green and cream hues to add touches of natural color in between the pine elements.

126 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

With different sizes and floor plans, the apartments are specially designed for longer stays with an open-plan living area, fully equipped kitchen with a wood-burning or South Tyrolean-style stove, bathroom with a shower, free-standing bathtub and amenities that ensure relaxation.

Upon arrival, the kitchen fridge is stocked with typical South Tyrolean specialties, such as homemade jams and juices, dairy products from local farmers, eggs, and smoked ham, and a mountain breakfast is delivered to the apartment doors every morning. Shuttle and shopping services can be arranged upon request.

The Odles Lodge Spa is an oasis tucked between the mountains within the green courtyard of the apartments, featuring a spacious in-ground pool, relaxing daybeds, stone-

pine sauna, and steam bath, exclusive to Odles Lodge guests only.

Armin Sader of the Asaggio Architects is the designer of Odles Lodge and FORESTIS. The aim was to let the dignity of nature flow into an architectural project and create something profound where the natural warmth and hospitality of the hosts can unfold. The three towers grow out of the Alpine terrain and stretch into the sky like tree trunks, providing an unimaginable view of mountains and natural light in the luxurious, minimalist suites. https://www.odleslodge.it/en

TRAVEL

VILLA GIARA PIEDMONT, ITALY

Villa Giara, a 10-bedroom boutique guesthouse in Italy’s Piedmont region, has opened following a five-year farmhouse restoration project by former Versace Chief Marketing Officer, Stephen Croncota and his partner, designer Ricardo Baptista Fernandes.

Under two hours from the international airports of Milan, Turin and Genoa, Villa Giara is the ideal base for exploring Piedmont’s ‘Golden Triangle’, the area between wine town Asti, truffle town Alba and thermal bath town Acqui Terme.

One of Italy’s best-kept-secrets, Piedmont offers exquisite cuisine, scenery and culture at a fraction of the price of neighboring regions – and with half the tourists.

Perched atop a mountain near the quaint town of Calosso, the

bed-and-breakfast property is surrounded by vineyard-lined rolling hills and comprises two former farmhouses, manicured gardens with yoga deck and a large pool with panoramic views of the valley below.

10 bedrooms, each with their own unique charm and personality, are filled with artwork, textiles and antiques handpicked by Stephen and Ricardo on their travels. Italian artisanship is celebrated throughout, with luxurious Italian mattresses and bath products adding a slice of authenticity. All rooms offer sweeping vineyard and mountain views or look out on to the historic hilltop town of Calosso, via French doors, balcony or terrace.

which to soak up the sunset before heading out to a local trattoria. Private on-site dining experiences can be arranged on request.

Restoration works on a separate outbuilding at the base of the property’s hill are almost complete and will provide further accommodation for up to four adults. The villa, which combines the serenity of a private residence and the convenience of access to Villa Giara’s service and facilities, will be available to hire from June 2023. https://www.villagiara.com/

Breakfast is served daily in Villa Giara’s Limonaia room, while daily aperitivos and antipasti are available on the terrace, the perfect spot in 127 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

TRAVEL

WHITE ELEPHANT

NANTUCKET, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A White Elephant has been an integral part of Nantucket’s history since the 1920s.

Dreamed up by local socialite Elizabeth T. Ludwig, the harborfront landmark has evolved into the island’s most timeless resort, with a collection of chic accommodations showcasing the very best of the beloved destination.

In time with the White Elephant’s 100th anniversary, the resort debuts yet another metamorphosis, with a multi-million-dollar restoration and renovation of its 54-room and -suite Harborside Hotel and 11 Garden Cottages.

Elizabeth Lowrey, Principal at Elkus Manfredi Architects, the design firm who brought the multi-award-winning White Elephant Palm Beach, has conceived a bright, airy, residential-inspired refresh, 128 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

drawing on the essence of Nantucket—its history, the quality of light, its natural landscapes, the colors, textures, and artistic legacy—to breathe new life into these historic accommodations.

All materials and finishes have been replaced, from the carpets to the fixtures and the furnishings, with an emphasis on design details that are authentic to place and exude effortless sophistication. Designed by Elkus Manfredi Architects and manufactured by Pennsylvania-based carpet mill Bloomsburg, the carpets and textiles draw on the island’s rich history of basket weaving, while exterior ship lights evoke Nantucket’s deep seafaring traditions. A color palette of Labrador blues and seafoam greens are inspired by the coastal surroundings. The brand’s deep heritage is woven throughout, with brass

elephant knockers on doors, elephant door and drawer pulls, and elephant needlepoint pillows in rooms.

Ranging from 375- to 450-square-feet of living space, guestrooms are individually designed and awash in a coastal color palette, with rattan textiles, white oak desks, scalloped lampshades and headboards, and grass cloth wall coverings that evoke the island’s dune grasses. The White Elephant also debuted a redesigned lobby that has been reimagined with an expanded retail space and more approachable concierge and reception areas. https://www.whiteelephantnantucket.com/

TRAVEL

Uncover the Secrets of Italy’s Most Breathtaking Island

SICILY

| BY ADAM JACOT DE BOINOD

“Anyone who has once known this land can never be quite free from the nostalgia of it,” said the writer DH Lawrence of Sicily. She is an island of historic cities and volcanic coastlines. Born out of turmoil, she was occupied for millennia by the Greeks and Romans, the Arabs and the French, all of whom left their mark on the island. It’s truly the archetypal Mediterranean destination.

The locals are animated: garrulous and gesticulative. To get a historical and literary flavor, I strongly recommend ‘The Leopard ‘by Tomasi di Lampedusa, a renowned portrait of Sicily in her 19th-century overthrow.

Perfectly placed in the heart of the island’s capital Palermo, and amongst all the major sites is Palazzo Arone di Valentino www.palazzovalentino.com/en/. What a delightful place to stay. It’s surrounded by the theatricality of the monumental Praetorian Fountain, the cathedral, and the Royal (or Norman) Palace, all a minute or two away by foot. With its lovely boutique feel, the hotel’s six rooms and two apartments start from $250 a night. Built in 1555, it’s an aristocratic residence still in use by the family who lives above. It bills itself as ‘a treasure trove of beauty in the center of Palermo’ for one ‘sleeping surrounded by history.’

The hotel is a highly successful blend of the old, with its wooden ceilings and ceramic floors, and the new, with its stone staircase of an entrance. The public rooms were adorned with wooden coffered ceilings decorated with landscapes and flowers. The ‘piano nobile’ (main floor) is a creative treat with colorful ceramic tiles on the floor, Chinese porcelain, and Japanese prints. There are also old artifacts and family memorabilia beneath beautiful frescoes of biblical scenes. I had a spacious suite with rich red, green, and gold colors and a lovely balcony to watch the street life. I particularly recommend the Lady Marianna suite, so special in its glorious blue. I felt part of the family as I sat around a small, intimate breakfast table and buffet display on offer for my ‘bed and breakfast’ experience.

130 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

Palazzo Valentino

With influences from Italy, Arabia, Africa, and Spain, Sicilian cuisine is a fabulous melting pot of flavor. All is magnificently achieved, as throughout Italy, with the simplest of ingredients. Food on the island is a very important enjoyment. Indeed “We only eat once a day” they say, before adding, “From breakfast right through to dinner.” I loved ‘arancini,’ a ball of creamy risotto rice that’s breaded and deep-fried, and the crisp Monreale almond biscuits.

TRAVEL

New Adler Spa Resort

Modica chocolate is mainly made with cocoa and sugar but mixed in a cold-working process with no added fats. There’s also the Sicilian sausage (the ‘salsiccia’), which is cooked and flavored with fennel. However, the fish is the thing to have, with swordfish and salted cod fish (baccala) local favorites, along with the popular red prawns and salt-crusted sea bass dishes. As for the wines, Nero d’Avola is the most widely planted red grape, as is Catarratto for white wines, which is deliciously soft and dry.

But my favorite was the Zisola Azisa 2022 Noto white wine.

I left the gorgeous mosaics of Monreale Cathedral to journey through the patchwork of fields inland. I was heading for the southern coast between Sciacca and Agrigento. With rugged mountains in front of other mountains as an extra backdrop, the scenic views swept, undulating, and dramatically, twenty miles or more—such a contrast of wild contours and cultivated land. There are abundant olive groves in a landscape dotted with vineyards. The orchards of orange trees were so compact in their fight for the light. All joyously fertile and yielding.

131 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

TRAVEL

Palazzo Valentino

Cefalu panoramic view. Courtesy of Paul Baron Corbels of Palazzo Nicolaci, Sicily. Courtesy of Paul Baron

Mirror of Venus, Sicity. Photo courtesy of Paul Baron

I next stayed at New Adler Spa Resort, www. adler-sicilia.com, suitably close to the town of Sciacca, once renowned for her thermal baths.

It’s set in the Ribera orange region and the Torre Salsa Natural Park, where falcons, owls, and turtles have been spotted. It’s steeped in the wilderness, amid woods and valleys yielding olives and oranges. The resort has a gorgeous, inviting descent to six kilometers of uninterrupted, empty, golden coastline. It opened last year and is the magical dream of the Sanoner family and the latest in their Adler collection.

It’s a discreet sanctuary for discerning types looking to unwind and replenish, immersing themselves in the joys of well-being: nurturing 13

Etna in eruption, Sicily. Courtesy of Paul Baron

and nature. With very flexible times, I could get into my natural rhythm rather than have to conform. Casual is the code, and commonly spotted are an almost Japanese combination of brown robes and orange umbrellas.

Indeed sustainability is at the heart of the hotel’s philosophy with its motto, “Let the soul fly.” All the elements are celebrated with the hilltop’s expansive air, the aquamarine sea, the pit fires, and the cedar wood. What joy I felt in the utter abandon of walking down through the woods to the allure of the beach where limestone cliffs bask in their sinuous striations before both sea and sky. From the beach,

| UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

I looked up at this citadel to see the lovely shrubs and plants on its roof, a camouflaging silhouette that respected the laws of nature.

The buildings were made from porous, volcanic ‘tufo’ stone and the rustic ‘terracuda’ raw clay.

Their earthy color perfectly harmonized with their surroundings and blended seamlessly into the gentle hillside. Even the corridors resembled burrows. The heated infinity and the saltwater hydro massage pool echoed the two shades of blue of the sea and the sky. The perfectly landscaped gardens comprise paths lined with abundant flowers and cacti, scented lavender and jasmine, and a stunning proud, and prominent orange coral tree. There are just

TRAVEL

New Adler Spa Resort

so many gorgeous viewpoints over the fabulously uninterrupted panoramic landscape.

The local cedar wood acts as a calming and cooling relief from the Sicilian sun. The 90 spacious guest rooms start from $670 with half board for two people. All are at ground level and need no mural decoration as the view is sufficiently captivating. The food from the bustling kitchen is in full view and served by waiters with sunny dispositions. It is available throughout the day and is half-buffet, half à la carte. The hotel’s philosophy is ‘seato-table’ with dining comprising keeping the same table each night as though ‘at home.’

At night the lighting outside is kept refreshingly simple, and inside is low, thus bringing in the dark to be relieved by golden lights resembling lotuses as they float in the water.

The noticeboard and daily newspaper keep all informed of activities and excursions. There’s a sauna scented with rosemary, and the spa treatments use local essential oils, extracts, and ingredients. I e-biked, some hiked, and others were guided on the 40-minute drive to the Valley of the Temples at Agrigento, with its extraordinary ancient Greek architecture.

I left with a heavy longing to return before long—this is nostalgia at its best. 133 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

TRAVEL

Trailblazing

TEMBO

PLAINS CAMP | BY HÉLENE RAMACKERS

134 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

TRAVEL

Situated in the private Sapi Reserve in the eastern corner of Zimbabwe’s iconic Mana Pools National Park, Tembo Plains Camp is a conservation success story.

S

tarting my journey at Cape Town International Airport, the direct flight to Harare International Airport takes only 3 hours and 10 minutes on Airlink’s exquisite Embraer 190.

Waiting on the tarmac, the stunning new sunbird livery comes into view, setting Airlink apart in both looks and exceptional service from other airlines.

With generous legroom, no middle seat, and a choice of aisle or window seat, passengers are in for a treat with delicious on-board snacks and a choice of beverages.

A stay at any Great Plains property always coincides with great excitement as they really encompass the crème de la crème of lodges in Africa. Their foray into the Zimbabwean market came with careful consideration; to turn a former hunting concession into a conservation success story.

When Great Plains Conservation owner and CEO Dereck Joubert first laid eyes on the concession in 2016, he realized it is the prime spot for a luxury safari property. Hunting in the area was halted, but it was an arduous process to get the wildlife to become relaxed since they were subjected to individuals wanting to shoot them.

Since Great Plains Conservation has started managing the concession, the area is teeming with life and allows for amazing wildlife sightings.

As a Réserve-member and part of the enviable Relais & Châteaux portfolio,

135 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

TRAVEL

136 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

TRAVEL

HOW TO GET THERE

Tembo Plains Camp was conceptualized with a nod to the history of the region, but not forgetting the luxury aspect Great Plains guests have become accustomed to. When Dereck and Beverly designed Tembo Plains, their love for canvas and exploring was incorporated into the interiors and the exteriors, thus a unique combination of tented magnificence and stone walls are fused to create a haven of tranquility.

The semi-circular walls inside each tented suite isolate the bath and shower from the bedroom and indoor lounge areas, bringing an architectural reference to the Zimbabwe Ruins, which also continues along the back of each guest bedroom in a pack-stone wall design.

“I didn’t want a completely ‘built room’”, Dereck tells me. “Hence the front of each suite offering uninterrupted views of the Zambezi River, flowing just meters away from the canvas ‘tented’ portion, while accentuating the luxury Zimbabwe safari experience.”

Arriving at Tembo Plains Camp, the entire team is standing outside of the communal lounge and dining area, welcoming me with singing and dancing. Camp manager Lloyd assists me off the safari vehicle, driven by professional guide Eliot and with pro guide Mbeks in the passenger seat. To my right, Lorna is waiting to cleanse my hands in what must have been vogue in the safari era of yesteryear – a lovely handwashing ritual done over a copper basin, using fragrant soap, and rinsing any lather off with tepid water in a brass jug.

Filled with anticipation to see my accommodation for the next 3 nights, camp manager Lindie accompanies me to Tented suite number 4, which is situated along a winding path where tree squirrels chase each other in a playful manner. I am immediately awestruck by the entrance to my suite – the impressive Zanzibarian wooden doors are in my favorite shade of turquoise, and instantly

set the scene for what lies beyond this access point. With only four suites, as well as the incredibly special two-bedroom Zanji suite, guests are ensured of privacy and exclusivity when staying at Tembo Plains Camp. My large suite, consisting of a lounge, a bedroom, bathroom, outside shower, and deck with private plunge pool, is beautifully furnished in shades of browns, creams, and whites.

Taking a stroll back to the dining area to enjoy lunch while sitting at the far end of the polished teak table, chef Zamani introduces himself and chats about the meals he will be constructing during my stay at Tembo Plains Camp. With the Great Plains approach to fresh and healthy meals, each plate of food is a taste sensation and prepared with passion. Pamela fills up my glass with water and suggests that if I want to, I am welcome to join chef Zamani in the open-plan interactive kitchen, a great learning experience for those who want to refine their culinary skills. I decline and instead, take a look around the lounge area, where a selection of striking Beverly Joubert fine art photography in huge frames adorn the walls. After a delicious lunch, I pop in at the on-site boutique, where I purchase another item to add to my growing D&B Explorer Collection – the gorgeous Dannenberg print top. Looking chic on safari has never been this easy!

Activities are plentiful at Tembo Plains Camp and are tailormade to suit guests’ preferences.

Whether you enjoy game drives through the vast Sapi reserve or prefer to take a boat cruise down the expanse of the Zambezi River, there is something for everyone. Opting for both choices on different days, a game drive is always a great prospect, especially when two professional guides are at hand to share information about wildlife, and fauna and flora. Seeing elephants up-close on land and swimming across the Zambezi, I am struck

Airlink is a privately-owned, independent premier regional airline offering the widest route network and connectivity to more than 45 destinations in 15 countries in Southern Africa. Experience More - https://www.flyairlink.com/profile/ airlink-profile With more than 60 regional jetliners in the fleet, Airlink has been ranked as South Africa’s most punctual airline, based on its 97% average on-time performance year to date. This is a clear indication of their determination and commitment to remain synonymous with customer centricity, punctuality, service excellence and reliability.

Travelers can also enjoy the benefit of their intra-continental style business class service on select routes operating the magnificent Embraer E-190 / E-170 regional jets. Discover More - https://www.flyairlink.com/profile/ airlink-profile#businessclass Airlink operates direct flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Harare, Zimbabwe. https://www.flyairlink.com/ destinations/flights-to-harare Book direct on www.flyairlink.com, the FlyAirlink app or your favorite Travel agent. by the magnitude of these gentle giants.

Encountering a small breeding herd where one of the babies cannot quite make it onto the bank of the river and the adults come to its rescue, resonates with the name of the lodge – Tembo means elephant in the local Swahili language. Drawing on the essence of these pachyderms for the camp’s atmosphere, Dereck validates that Tembo Plains Camp reflects more than just a place, but also speaks to the long and unique relationship humans have with elephants.

137 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

R E STAU RANTS

SOPHIA’S RESTAURANT AND BAR | BY TRACY ELLEN BEARD

H

otel Restaurants and bars are a hit or miss, and Sophia’s Restaurant and Bar at The Charles Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel in Munich, Germany, is definitely a hit in my book. It is stylish but not pretentious, and comfortable without being too casual. Everything my husband and I ate and drank at Sophia’s was tasty and Instagram-worthy. Executive Chef Michael Hüsken does an excellent job serving modern Italian cuisine in the restaurant and the bar.

Who is in Charge?

Rocco Forte Hotels are owned and managed by the Forte family. Sir Rocco Forte, his three children, and his sister Olga Polizzi sit at the team’s helm. Sir Rocco Forte’s daughter Lydia Forte is the Group Director of Food & Beverages at all Rocco Forte Hotels.

Lydia is responsible for new concepts, management, and the ultimate performance of each hotel restaurant and bar. She and her management teams at each hotel ensure they use only the best products from local producers. Quality comes first. The specialty products on the menu are 138 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

from Italy, and the wines are sourced from the best Italian winemakers.

Why Italian?

During my tour of The Charles Hotel, I spoke with the Regional Director of Marketing in Germany, Sabrina Nitzsche. Sir Rocco Forte’s father grew up in Italy and then moved to the UK, where Sir Rocco Forte was born. Although he grew up in the UK, his Italian heritage ran deep.

Sabrina said, “The Forte family has strong Italian roots. They all speak Italian, but they all grew up in London. They are British with Italian roots. They feel very connected to Italy.”

Sabrina shared that she has only been in Munich for two years, but it was obvious to her that Italy dramatically influences the people in Munich.

They love Italian food. Most restaurants here are Italian, but Sophia’s is an Italian restaurant because of the owner’s heritage.

Sophia’s Bar The bar offers Italian sophistication with an intimate atmosphere. It is

R E STAU RANTS

the perfect place to sit and listen to music, enjoy a tasty bite, sip on some fabulous wine, or try out one of their signature cocktails like the one I did, the Abnoba. This smoked drink made with Monkey 47 gin, lemon, cassis, blackcurrant, and spruce was beautiful and decadent.

Sophia’s Restaurant The quality continues at Sophia’s restaurant.

From the first-rate game to the trout, all the meat and fish are sourced from the Polting estate, and the delicious shrimp is from Honest Catch. Executive Chef Michael Hüsken does an incredible job with all the food.

Breakfast at Sophia’s is a treat. The buffet boasts German sausages, pretzels, and other various breads, meats, cheeses, and an assortment of hot items. Diners can also order off the menu, including eggs benedict, avocado toast, and other traditional breakfast items.

Dinner at Sophia’s My husband, Steve, and I enjoyed a fabulous dinner at Sophia’s. Charlotte was our server, and she was a delight and offered many sugges-

tions. The dining room features tall windows bringing in the sunlight and providing stunning views of the terrace.

and a luscious Hollandaise. Steve ordered the same for his entrée but enjoyed it with a saddle of veal.

Our dinner began with an amuse-bouche of arancini sitting atop a savory aioli and grated Parmigiano Reggiano. The breading was crunchy, and the rice and cheese inside were soft and chewy.

To complete our dining extravaganza, Steve ordered the Blackberry Mousse with Amalfi lemon and white chocolate for dessert, and I indulged in the mango gelato with fresh strawberries. Both desserts were not overly sweet but also made a wonder finish to a fabulous meal. The Charles Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel in Munich, Germany, is gorgeous. The buffet breakfast at Sophia’s is worth getting up for, and dinner at the restaurant is essential while staying in Munich. 

The Fried Scallops with San Marzano tomatoes and baby basil followed the first delicious bites. The scallops were perfectly seared on the outside and tender on the inside. We also shared the Vellutata Di Astice, a lobster bisque with lobster ravioli and tomatoes. The bisque was light, and the lobster was succulent and fresh, something exceptional from the sea. We savored the seafood dishes with a 2021 Chablis

by Jean-Paul & BenoÎt DROIN. I opted for the Regional Asparagus from Schrobenhausen for my entree. This white asparagus is only in season for about two months each year. It is sweet, tender, and tastes completely different from the typical green version. The dish came with a side of marble-sized potatoes

139 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

SUBSCRIBE NOW! UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE

ANYWHERE & E VERYWHERE 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



630.980.6570

R E STAU RANTS

DELICIOUS DINING & AUTHENTIC REGIONAL DISHES WITH AMAWATERWAYS PROFESSIONAL CULINARY TEAM | BY TRACY ELLEN BEARD

T

raveling opens your eyes to experience new and exciting things. My favorite way to get immersed in a new culture is by meeting locals and dining on the local fare. Each river cruise with AmaWaterways features traditional local dishes alongside their delicious standard chef-selected cuisine.

Robert routinely brainstorms with Co-Founder/President Rudi Schreiner, born in Vienna, and Co-Founder Kristin Karst, born in Germany, to improve and tweak the menus each January. Their collaborations include reviewing customer comments to adjust and enhance the culinary program.

On a recent AmaWaterways Danube River Cruise, my husband and I tasted a delicious selection of wines and food. We enjoyed trying the regional wines and dishes from Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary.

Some of my favorites were: Crêpe Suzette with a delicious orange-Cointreau caramel sauce, the Selbach 2021 Riesling from Mosel, and the Knödel from Austria (a traditional bread dumpling) served with a creamy wild forest mushroom sauce accompanied by cheese and broccoli. The Knödel was the quintessential comfort food for a cold rainy day!

AmaWaterways benefits from a “hierarchy” of chefs. Robert Kellerhall and the Co-Founders set the majority of the menu. Jozsef Kovacs, one of four AmaWaterways Corporate Chefs, shares responsibility for ensuring the quality and consistency of all cuisine served on board AmaWaterways ships. When not sporting his chef whites on board the ships, Jozsef enjoys fishing, traveling, and reading. The Executive Chefs and Chefs Table Chef aboard each boat manage their vessel’s day-to-day operations.

The Culinary Team at AmaWaterways Robert Kellerhall, the Culinary Director and Corporate Executive Chef at AmaWaterways, works diligently to provide mouth-watering cuisine highlighting authentic regional offerings on all AmaWaterways cruises.

142 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2023

During my cruise, I interviewed Corporate Chef Jozsef Kovacs and learned more about how fresh, local ingredients are celebrated through the AmaWaterways culinary program.

How and why did you choose the culinary industry?

R E STAU RANTS

When I was 13 or 14 and living in Hungary, I had to choose what I wanted to be. So, I went to work in the kitchen at a hotel. I loved it.

The culinary industry is full of flavor and is just bursting with opportunities. It is interesting, diverse, and exciting. Then I went to culinary school in Hungary and learned all aspects of the industry.

Our dining staff’s personal approach and attention to detail are so important, and they notice small details like how our guests prefer their coffee in the morning or if they have a favorite wine that they prefer at dinner. The dining staff is also very attentive to allergies and food preferences, and they coordinate closely with the kitchen team.

Which part of the job, management or hands-on cooking, do you like best?

It is all the same. There are good things and bad things about both. It is good that I learned how to make everything from sauces to pastries because sometimes I have to jump in and cook wherever needed.

After the cruise, I had the opportunity to speak with Brenda Kyllo, Vice-president of Strategic Alliances. She had a few additional things to say about the overall culinary program at AmaWaterways. “Everything served on our cruises is fresh, and there is only one small freezer on each vessel, reserved for ice cream.

Executive chefs follow the corporate recipes but are encouraged to be creative during lunch and change up the appetizer or amuse-bouche each day with their own recipes. The local chefs also choose their favorite regional wines to pair with the food.”

Do you have a signature dish or drink?

Our signature with the cruise line is fresh and homemade products. The Chef’s Table tasting menu is a signature of AmaWaterways. We change the components of the menu every year so our returning guests can experience something new and surprising. Our guests talk a lot about how much they love our homemade soups, and we share many recipes with guests.

However, our potato wedges are also a favorite; that recipe is a secret, so we do not share it.

How would you describe your most triumphant moment or day?

Our staff feels successful when we see our guest’s appreciation and enjoyment of our culinary creations.

What is the hardest part of your job?

The hardest part and most responsible is to cater to the multiple palates of our international clients and the different food intolerances or allergies.

AmaWaterways is also a proud inductee of the prestigious La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs—an exclusive international culinary society. Membership is by invitation only and is extended to those with world-class culinary acumen.

The culinary team at AmaWaterways does a fabulous job serving thousands of people each year. The items on the menu are varied and tasty, and the regional dishes provide a memorable experience that celebrates each travel destination.

What do you want people to say about the food on your ship?

We hope guests remark on the freshness of all the ingredients that go into our dishes. The food is an essential part of how our guests experience a destination, and we are very proud of the local dishes we prepare to give guests an authentic taste of the countries or regions they visit.

What do you think the dining staff at AmaWaterways does best for customer service?

AmaWaterways is the only river cruise line with an onboard bakery, all our products are fresh and homemade, and we listen to our guest’s feedback and adapt to their expectations.

“Above and beyond their expectations” is the AmaWaterways credo.

143 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

HOME + INTERIORS

LUXURY TABLEWARE Enhancing Every Dining Experience | BY KEVIN PILLEY

W

hat international food will you serve at your next dinner party to impress your guests? French? Italian? Japanese? Portuguese? Turkish? No matter the cuisine, the tableware choice enhances the experience.

The manufacturing of hard-paste porcelain at Limoges in Haut Vienne, France, was established in 1771. The brand name “Limoges Porcelain” has been protected since 2017. You can’t go wrong with kaolin, quartz, and feldspar materials that create beautiful plates, cups, and bowls.

The light effects of the rice paper Japanese screens, the art of origami folding, and the braiding and caning of the furniture of the 50s influence the Twist Collection by Bernardaud (est. 1863).

Raynaud, which dates back to 1911, offers Oskar and Prestige collections featuring the MineraI Irise and Cristobel Emerlaude ranges, which lend more than a touch of haute couture to any dining-room table.

144 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

The use of elegant tableware has deep royal roots. Founded in 1737 under Louis XV, then put under the protection of the Comte d’Artois, Louis XVI’s brother, in 1774 and sold during the Revolution, the Ancienne Manufacture Royale de Limoges is part of the history of France. From Bernardaud’s Historical Collection, you can eat off plates with patterns designed in 1757 for Louis XV for the royal residence at Fontainebleau, Marie-Antoinette at Versailles (pearl and cornflower), and Catherine XI of Russia (“Aux Camees”). The Elysée service was produced by the Sèvres Manufactory in 1832 for the personal use of King Louis-Philippe in the Tuileries Palace. The National Museum of Ceramics in Sèvres displays the original service pieces.

The long history of Limoges began with David Haviland. He is the man who made Limoges the world capital of Limoges. His Heritage Collection includes Louveciennes, a design favored by Marie Antoinette at the Palace of Versailles. The Haviland company’s roots date back to

HOME + INTERIORS

1842. Newcomer Jayne de Chrome has been producing Limoges tableware in its factory in Saint-Léonard de Noblat for twentyfive years. The company combines traditional porcelain work with contemporary enamel finishes. Their Song Ocean collection showcases masterful glazing techniques. Jaune de Chrome refines the fine Limoges porcelain of their sister manufacturer J.L. Coquet with a shimmering, cool blue pattern, sprayed with clusters of white dots depicting sea foam on a breaking wave. Unlike previous techniques, the décor is neither printed nor painted on the pieces but spraypainted onto the raw porcelain with pigmented glazes before firing it. The design feature is the glaze, which is perfectly glossy, smooth, and scratch-resistant. The Song Ocean dinner service consists of several popular J.L. Coquet shapes, including the iconic Bolero plates. The specially developed glaze contains metallic pigments, rendering it unsuitable for the microwave but perfect for making a splash at the dining table. The Song dinner service is available in many noble and creative colors.

Established in 1946, Japan-based bone china manufacturer Narumi has unveiled Primadonna, a new dinnerware collection reminiscent of a diva’s dress. The shape, inspired by chrysanthemums, symbolizes nobleness in Japanese culture, where their elegant patterns feature shiny gold rims with lapis blue accents to enhance the luxurious feel.

Made from bone china and manufactured in Narumi’s mother plant in Ise-Shima National Park, the collection exudes glamor and elegance. Their Rydges collection draws inspiration from the surges and rhythms in natural landscapes. Inspired by mountain ridges, ocean waves, and strata, its theme is “Respect for Nature.” Adding to its reputation in bone china manufacturing, Narumi has made a name for itself within the luxury hotel and restaurant sector. The company won the Tableware International Award of Excellence 2023.

Other tabletop labels are popping up that deserve mention. Turkish high-end, fine dining quality manufacturer Bonna created translucent patterns Ore and Aura, which delight many guests seated at tables adorned with these beautiful plates. Keep an eye out for their latest collection Fium. Specialist Spanish tableware company Pordamsa has launched a new collection of black porcelain. Modeled by hand from black porcelain paste and fired at over 1300ºC, the range includes a color never used before by the brand called Black Night. This novelty inspires the creation of gastronomic proposals that contrast with the product’s aesthetics.

Since its foundation in 1992, Costa Verde has prioritized its strong allegiance with Portuguese porcelain distributors. Their new Terra series results from a collaboration with the San Francisco-based engineer and sculptural designer Pere Gifre. An influential name in the “horeca” sector, he currently collaborates with more than 200 Michelin-ranked restaurants worldwide on tabletop designs. The line’s signature feature is its use of organic shapes, which they claim awakens the senses offering “a tactile experience that aims to connect diners with nature” via various textures ranging from rough to satin with gradients going from flat to steep. Terra is sponsored by two Michelin-starred Portuguese chefs-Dieter Koschina and Henrique Sá Pessoa. Costa Verde suits fine dining table needs for professional or amateur cooks. www.costa-verde.com 145 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

C O C KTAI LS

49RS GOLD RUSH

BY DUKE SPIRITS

Serves: 1 | Time: 5 minutes

INGREDIENTS

2 oz Duke Bourbon 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice ½ oz honey syrup

PREPARATION

1. Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice.

2. Shake, taste and adjust.

3. Pour over ice.

146 | UPSCALELIVINGMAG.COM | AUG/SEPT 2023

C O C KTAI LS

LA ADELITA BUENOS DIAS

Serves: 2 | Time: 5 minutes INGREDIENTS

4 oz La Adelita Reposado 2 oz espresso shot 2 tsp agave nectar Brown sugar-cinnamon PREPARATION

1. Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice.

2. Shake, taste & adjust.

3. Dip the rim of a martini glass into sugar mixture.

4. Pour shaken ingredients into glass & serve.

147 | UPSCALELIVINGMAG.COM | AUG/SEPT 2023

WINES + SPIRITS

148 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

WINES + SPIRITS

OAK PACKER WHISKY | BY KEVIN PILLEY

D

istillers have become air harvesters. Acutely aware of conserving natural resources, prioritizing sustainability and making a positive impact on the world, they have become squirrel lovers.

Among the latest whisky releases such as Diageo’s $249.99 Crown Royal Golden Apple Aged 23 Years flavored Canadian whisky, Speyside’s Douglas Laing & Co’s Scallywag the Chocolate Edition blended Scotch, Whyte & Mackay’s Fettercairn 18 Year Old single malt, 2023 edition and Glenglassaugh distillery’s new Portsoy, Sandend and 12YO Morayshire malts is one indebted to squirrels.

For God’s breath.

Japan’s Kamiki Drinks, which produced the first cedar wood (“Yoshino-sugi”) finish and sakura cherry tree whiskies, have brought out their $125 OakPacker single malt which claims to be the world’s first air-harvested water fused whiskey.

Kamiki whiskies are produced in the temples of Nara, the ancient capital of Japan. The Omiwa Shrine in Nara lies at the foot of the holy mountain Mount Miwa, also known as Mountain of the God. Inspired by the breezes that come from the mountain, Kamiki means “God” and “iki” means “breath”.

The blend aims to celebrate the

alcohol tradition of the region.

It also acknowledges the vital role of native squirrels which ensure the on-going supply of oak trees for the barrels, by burying acorns as part of their natural behavior.

OakPacker crafts exceptional whiskey with minimal environmental impact and has a mission to make a positive impact on the world.

OakPacker has introduced innovative air-harvesting technology into the alcohol industry to collect pure, clean water directly from the atmosphere, minimizing the reliance on traditional water sources and conserving precious water resources.

This water is used exclusively to cut the proof of OakPacker whiskey from cask to bottle strength.

Water is always present in the ambient air. An AWG (Atmospheric water generator) is a device that extracts water from humid ambient air, producing potable water. Vapor can be extracted by condensation (cooling the air below its dew point) or pressurizing the air.

It is not a new idea. The Incas survived above the rain line by collecting dew. Fog fences and “atrapanieblas” (fog collecting) have long been used in South America.

The first expression, OakPacker the Air Edition (750ml/46% ABV) is small batch-produced, non-chill

filtered and matured exclusively in American Oak barrels. It is sourced from the finest American single malt whiskies. And debuts in the US. American Single Malt Whiskey is a relatively new whiskey category from its beginnings in the 1990s and reflects the different geography and climates across the US in its character and flavor profiles. It is growing swiftly in popularity, with sales increasing by 75% in the last five years, according to IWSR. It must be made from 100% malted barley and distilled and matured in a single distillery.

Tasting notes include aromas of molten milk chocolate, spice-roasted pecans, candied ginger, marzipan, stewed prunes, carrot cake, hazelnuts, and allspice, followed by flavors of baked fruit and Italian biscotti on the palate.

Kamiki is a unique, high class blended malt whisky made using Japanese malts whiskies combined with specially selected malt whiskies from around the world.

149 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

WINES + SPIRITS

ENJOY THESE PREMIER SPANISH WINES | BY NANCY ZAFFARO

The fact that Spanish wines are ranked among the best wines worldwide and have high visibility to the most discerning collectors, oenophiles, and investors is no secret. Here, we look at three premier Spanish wines you should consider adding to your wine portfolio.

While prices have increased simultaneously, the availability of the most heralded wines have become increasingly hard to find or win at auction; Spanish wines provide terrific value and should not be overlooked by those who love good wine.

Our Selection Criteria We selected these wines based on several criteria. All are from established, respected, and award-winning wineries. Each wine represented has won profound respect in its own right. Each wine has excellent aging potential, offers sound investment value, and is expected to appreciate in value. Each of these wines will be an essential part of your wine portfolio, whether you purchase to invest or enjoy for personal consumption. And finally, each one offers a beautiful vineyard and tasting room setting to visit in Spain. However, do establish contact and make arrangements ahead of time before you visit.

We do not doubt that each of these three wines will be an important part of your wine portfolio.

Bodegas Valduero, 12 Años Gran Reserva, Ribera del Duero Twelve Años Gran Reserva 1999 is a highly rated and multi-prized Tempranillo (Tinto Fino) from Bodegas Valdureo. It has been rated as one of the best wines worldwide.

This elegant red is from their Gran Lujo line and is in the Ribera del Duero region. Bodegas Valduero is a family-owned winery.

150 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023

The winery was founded in 1984, and the owners are committed to a “zero” energy expenditure. They have made a €1,300,000 commitment to make that happen. One of their innovations involves a system by which grapes are crushed by gravity rather than using electrical pumps. This process saves energy and results in higher-quality fruit for their wines.

Sometimes all good things come together, which is the case with Bodegas Valduero’s 12 Años Gran Reserva. The color is deep, the red fruit aromas are present and lasting, the tannins are high, the body is full, and the black fruit flavors are present in all the best ways Tempranillos from the Ribera del Duero are known for. You will enjoy intense and concentrated flavors. The 12 Años Gran Reserva also delivers some warmth from vanilla and ends with long notes of ripe berries.

Tempos Vega Sicilia, Único Reserva, Ribera del Duero Único Reserva is a Tempranillo (Tinto Fino) and Cabernet Sauvignon blend from Tempos Vega Sicilia. It is their flagship wine. But they do not stand on this laurel alone; the winery makes some of the most sought after and valued wines in Spain and worldwide. This wine is also from the Ribera del Duero. By those who know, it is often considered reminiscent of the finest of Bordeaux wines.

The wine is fermented in wooden tanks. After fermentation, this wine may age up to 10 years in various wooden barrels and tanks, both wood and metal. The wine takes hands-on to a new level. This wine can remain in your wine cellar for decades.

Tempos Vega Sicilia also includes Único Reserva Especial in their

portfolio; this is a non-vintage release of blended wine produced usually from three consecutive years of grapes used in the Único Reserva.

The price point is higher, and while investment appreciation is solid, the Único Reserva has thus far enjoyed higher value increases.

A visit to this winery can be a daylong experience as it is located two hours north of Madrid.

Sierra Cantabria, ‘Magico’, Rioja Sierra Cantabria was established in 1870 and has remained family-owned and run for five generations. With grapes from their six vineyards in three of Spain’s winegrowing regions, they have long made some of the best wines Rioja—and Spain—have to offer.

Accolades are many, but in 2022, the Peñín Guide scored 17 of their wines with at least 92 points. Six of these wines were rated at over 95 points. The wines offer high quality, investment value, and a unique tasting experience when opened from your wine cellar.

The grapes from one of their finest wines, Magico, hail from their Las Sepultures vineyard in the Rioja D.O.Ca. Magico’s first released vintage was in 2010. It remains one of the most talked about wines of that year. The wine is a blend of grapes from the vineyard. Primarily reds are in this vineyard, and primarily Tempranillo, of course. But other reds include Grenache, Graciano, and Petite Boushet. Whites include Calagraño, Turruntés (also known as Rioja), and Viura.

The wine profile is unique. Big round dark fruit predominates, including plum, but you will also taste the terroir here, with hints of graphite and scorched earth.

This wine is rich, full-bodied, and multi-dimensional. 