UPSCALE â„¢
JUNE 2019
The Most Beautiful Safari Bathrooms VELA SAILING YACHT An 80M Yacht that Doubles As An Outdoor Theater
FOUR SEASON SEATTLE HOTEL HANNA READ-BALDREY The Queen of Couture Craft
E x p e r i e n c e T h e Di f f e r e n c e o f l u x u r y l i v i n g w w w. u p s c a l e l i v i n g m a g . c o m
FEATURES
FASHION
10 Safari Bathrooms 40 Feeling Camp at The Met’s Costume The Most Beautiful Safari Bathrooms Institute’s New Fashion Exhibit
HOMES + INTERIORS
RESORT
20 Joseph Berkowitz Firing On All Senses
41 Magee Homestead A Relais & Chateaux Romantic Resort
YACHTS
70 Rockfig Safari Lodge A Homey Atmosphere in the Timbavati Nature Reserve
26 Vela 80m Sailing Yacht The 80m Sailing Yacht that doubles as an outdoor theatre
CRUISE
JETS
45 Crystal Mozart Cruise A voyage on board the Crystal Mozart
28 Lilium All-Electric Jet Luxury Urban Transport Takes to the Sky
TIMEPIECES 30 6 New Timepiece Releases Blancpain, Glashutte, Harry Winston Brequet, Omega and Jacque Droz
PROFILE 32 Hanna Read-Baldrey The Queen of Couture Craft
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HOTELS 47 The Conrad London St. James London, England 50 Pulitzer Hotel Amsterdam & Grown Cafes While in Amsterdam 53 Up in the Treetops Most spectacular lavish treehouse suites around the world 64 The Four Seasons Seattle Hotel Discover The Redesigned
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COVER
TRAVEL
Bathing is an old-age tradition, and extravagantly doing so adds to the custom of cleansing the body in an indulgent fashion. Here are the Top 5 Most Beautiful Safari Bathrooms brought to you by HelĂŠne Ramackers, our Travel Editor...Page 10.
74 A Luxury Guide to Rome Living It Up in The Eternal City
SPIRITS 85 Barti Rum Welsh Rum 90 A Turks & Caicos Rum Tasting Fun, Friends, and Rum at Ocean Club West Resort 7 Upscale Living Magazine | JUNE
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Upscale Living ALINA ROSA LEYVA PUBLISHER / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / FOUNDER
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10-15 SEPTEMBER 2019 CANNE S - V I E U X P OR T & P OR T C A N TO
1ST EUROPEAN ON WATER BOAT SHOW & THE LARGEST EXHIBITION OF NEW SAIL BOATS IN THE WORLD
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F E A T U R E
The Most Beautiful
SAFARI BATHROOMS | BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS
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Bathing is an age-old tradition, and extravagantly doing so adds to the custom of cleansing the body in an indulgent fashion. Having had the privilege of personally staying at these lodges, Upscale Living Magazine’s Travel Editor rounds up her Top 5 Most Beautiful Safari Bathrooms.
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F E A T U R E
andBEYOND NGALA S A FA R I LODGE
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olonial chic is apparent in the choice of furnishings in andBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge, set adjacent to the famous Kruger National Park, while the tiled shower, freestanding bath and double vanities take you back to an era of grandiose style. With floorto-ceiling glass windows, you can wash the day away in the comfort of your bathroom or serenade the surrounding wildlife from your outside shower, with large cobblestones paving the way between the inside and outside amenities. Who knows, they might just serenade you back. | Photo courtesy of andBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge
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SABLE ALLEY
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oneymooners are delighted when it comes to bath-time at Natural Selection’s Sable Alley in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Positioned on the outside deck of the honeymoon suite, the freestanding tub and al fresco shower both allow unsurpassed views of the habitat where creatures come to forage. Privacy is essential; taking refuge in the bath or under the gentle shower, you will smell refreshed with the natural and biodegradable Healing Earth products while being one with nature. | Photo courtesy of Sable Alley
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F E A T U R E
KUBILI HOUSE
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f you fall asleep and wake up, thinking you are in Elysium, you’re not, you are simply taking a bath at Kubili House. An overwhelming experience of senses, such as the bathing tradition at Kubili House, South Africa’s newest ultra-luxury safari lodge. The art of Apothecary is practiced throughout the home with smells of frangipani and sandalwood incense wafting all through the house. Thirty-two brown apothecary bottles, each containing a unique bath salt, specially designed to alleviate a specific ailment, is just one of the sensorial bathing indulgences at Kubili House. In addition to the wonderful bath salt collection, Aesop products are presented in oversized bottles for your bathing delight. Combining the steam from your shower with the scent of organic geranium growing right next to you is truly magical. Pure and delicious. Open your bathroom doors, light the candles and luxuriate in the oversized bathtub built for two, while overlooking the dam where elephants, hippos and even lions come to visit. | Photo courtesy of Kubili House
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CHITWA CHITWA
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ollowing a complete refurbishment in 2019, Chitwa Chitwa in South Africa’s Sabi Sand Game Reserve shines brighter than ever before. The Charlsy Suite’s bathroom is magnificently positioned with sliding doors, opening up completely; you will feel like you are literally bathing right next to the waterhole, immersed in the Healing Earth products. The outside shower is totally private, but don’t be alarmed if one of the ever-present hippos or the odd crocodile wants to share in your relaxing enjoyment.
| Photo courtesy of Chitwa Chitwa
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S I LVA N SAFARI
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reating the bathroom as a separate annex to the bedroom/ living area at Silvan Safari in the Sabi Sand region of South Africa, architect Marcus Smit created a rather generous space capturing the full spectrum of accessories. Each bathroom is placed with a spectacular view over the Manyeleti riverbed and inspired interior designer Jacqui Hunter from Imagenius Interiors to wave her magic wand in creating a washroom feel, similar to that of a Turkish Hamman. Basins are mounted on a floating piece of granite, rough edged to bring the outside in and continue the story of the granite spine that runs through the lodge. Bespoke oval mirrors with copper frames are hung atop the copper mirrors, opening up the space. Custom-made twig tables and sculptural wall mounts on which to hang gowns, as well as specially consigned artwork appropriate for each suite adorn the walls. Every detail is considered with the personalized Silvan guest amenities and options of gowns and towels to suit every guest’s personal taste. A generous outside shower in every suite makes this very much a part of the Silvan experience, as well as an oversized armchair and handwoven black & white rugs warm up the space and bring in a softness. In each of the powder rooms, a poetry embroidery inspires ‌ | Photo courtesy of Silvan Safari
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P R O F I LE
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P R O F I L E
JOSEPH
BERKOWITZ Firing On All Senses By HelĂŠne Ramackers Photographs courtesy of JAB Interiors
With a great eye for planning and structure, Joseph Berkowitz from JAB Design Group admits that using these key skills in his interior design business every day has seen him reap the benefits of a career spanning almost thirty years.
YOU ARE AN INTERIOR DESIGNER. DID YOU HAVE AN INFLUENCE IN YOUR YOUTH THAT SHAPED YOUR CAREER PATH? My mother is an incredibly talented artist (potter, painter, basket weaver) and pianist, so I have always been surrounded by creativity. I had a grandfather who I am named after that I never met but, he loved fine things and collected antiques. From a young age I was making architectural room models and filling them with furniture made from clay. WHEN AND WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?
WHAT ARE / HAVE BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGES IN YOUR CAREER? I always say I am in the business of design, not the design business. What I mean is I am a businessman first and because of that, running a successful design firm and managing my employees is the greatest challenge. The creative part comes naturally and simply flows, but it must be supported by a good business machine. I am responsible not only for my clients’ homes and how beautiful they are but for the money they entrust me with as well. I take that very seriously! IMPORTANT LESSONS ALONG THE WAY? Be truthful and honest with yourself and the people you encounter. I am very open with my clients about everything that goes on. It is a team effort. There will be problems and bumps in the road. I never get derailed. I just solve problems and move forward. Know what you are capable of and push yourself to go beyond that. Design is about exploration. Like all things worthwhile in life, you must step out of your comfort zone to make significant accomplishments happen. THE FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
As a young child, I designed houses with paper and pencil. I thought I wanted to be an architect and went to college for Architecture initially, but quickly realized I was more interested in the interiors than the exterior. I do have a great eye for space planning and structure. These are skills that I use daily in my interior design business.
Seeing a satisfied client. The design process leading up to that is fabulous, but making my clients happy is my greatest focus.
YOU STARTED YOUR DESIGN FIRM JAB DESIGN GROUP ALMOST THREE DECADES AGO. WHAT AND WHO INSPIRES YOU?
I love being in a business that is about design, fashion, and style. I have always been interested in beautiful things and now I make a living shopping, arranging, and designing just that.
Yes, I have been in this industry for a long time. Enough to see the color green and gold metals go away and come back. Of course, there are many well-known icons of design I could mention that have influenced me over the years but truthfully, life inspires me. I see every detail of what is happening around me all the time, be it nature, fashion, architecture or travel. I am most inspired by my senses that are always firing on full.
AND THE WORST?
WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?
The worst thing, like in all businesses, you will encounter people that are by nature unhappy or difficult. I like to work with good people. I enjoy laughter, collaboration, and kindness. I try to choose my clients carefully as it makes the experience so much more pleasing. 21 Upscale Living Magazine | JUNE 2019
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WHERE IS HOME TO YOU? Penn Valley Pennsylvania. The “main line” of Philadelphia as it is known. A very old and beautiful area with varied architecture and lush greenery. WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL DECORATING STYLE AND DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE ROOM(S) IN YOUR HOUSE? My personal design style is eclectic and a bit exotic. I like both modern and traditional aesthetics. My favorite room is a small den that houses many personal items. It is anchored by a huge carved teak armoire filled with my collection of new and vintage barware. On the wall are two beautiful Asian inspired masks from a trip to Bali. The seating is very cozy and conversational with a coral velvet sectional by Kravet and two natural woven club chairs with camel turquoise and coral windowpane check wool upholstery. Great spot for a martini. WHAT KEY PIECES IN YOUR HOME CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT? My piano, the foyer fountain, and an antique porcelain and bronze carved vase given to me by my father, from his father (the antique collector). TALK US THROUGH A TIMELESS INTERIOR DESIGN STYLE. A timeless design is about a style that is not dated by today’s hot color or current trends. I always try to achieve a look that will live on and feel fresh many years after it is created. That is where some sense of eclecticism is valuable. The slightest mix of new and old will always create a sophisticated style that instills that sense of timelessness. YOU HAVE DONE SOME EXQUISITE INTERIORS. COULD YOU HIGHLIGHT SPECIAL ASPECTS OF THE INTERIORS YOU COMPLETED FOR: BLUE BELL: The Blue Bell renovation was an enormous two-story addition to my client’s home. It encompassed a large structure on the back of the home as well as an extension to the garage, new pool, and pool house, new kitchen space, mudroom, additional bedrooms and patios. I had the op-portunity to design all of the interiors in a transitional style as well, so it was a great project to be involved in. RUSTIC MAINLINE MANSE: This project was for a young couple that did not want a stuffy home. We agreed to design their newly constructed house in a neutral palette and with an industrial edge. I chose to blacken all the window mullions to begin the look. We used distressed materials as much as possible to give the home a slightly rustic patina. VACATION HOME THE BEACH BLOCK MODERN: An extremely satisfying project to design - my clients were so much fun to work with and totally entrusted me to do my thing. That means they let me be creative and were very much behind my vision for their modern beach house.
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P R O F I LE H O M E
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Ideas like the cement tile on the steps and the painting I did directly on their dining room wall were received with enthusiasm. The master bedrooms ten-foot custom console/desk was one of my favorite pieces. RITTENHOUSE CONDO: I had become great friends with these clients from a previous project, so it was a thrill to design their new apartment when they moved from the suburbs into the city. We created a very chic space that was based on good substantial pieces with very little fluff and accessories. The palette was warm, earth tones and neutrals with a splash of color here and there. The master bedroom features an enormous custom mirror that had to be brought in and constructed on site as it would not fit through any doors or elevators. I do love those types of challenges. THE MARGATE BEACH HOUSE: I was hired from the beginning for this ground up project and had the opportunity to style the house inside and out as well as design all the interiors. I do not like ‘cute’ beach house design so there are no shells or ‘this way to the beach’ signs. I created a very livable yet casual home that worked well in a beach town environment, but had plenty of texture and style. The living room drapery is one of my favorite pops of color as is the creation of a cocktail table from four smaller tables in the same space. The master bedroom is truly a neutral sanctuary.
HAVE THERE BEEN PROJECTS THAT YOU HAVE DECLINED? IF YES, WHY? Yes, but more so as I became a seasoned designer and businessman. I decline projects where the client appears to be difficult and not what I call a designer person. Some people want to live in a place that has been professionally designed but are not willing to allow a designer to have the correct amount of control and trust necessary to do the job. DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN THREE WORDS. Creative, Driven, Fun. YOU TRAVEL FOR BUSINESS, AND HOPEFULLY PLEASURE TOO. WHICH HAVE BEEN YOUR FAVORITE PLACES TO TRAVEL TO THAT HAVE LEFT A LASTING IMPRESSION? Bali and Venice have been my favorite places. Both have an incredibly exotic edge to them. Bali was lush, green, and foreign to my eye in many ways. As a designer, I also appreciated the plethora of furniture and decorative products that are made locally. Venice is a stunning city both architecturally and sensory. I loved strolling throught the dimly lit alleys and over the bridges that connect the canals at night. There was something new around every bend. It was very intriguing and sexy.
WHAT ETHOS DO YOU HAVE BEHIND YOUR DESIGNS?
WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN?
To design spaces that can be stimulating and exotic, but still feel real and livable, as opposed to displayed areas.
I love to exercise (which I do every day) and I love to sing. I have been in bands throughout my life. Currently, I am trying to get back to playing the piano more often.
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IF YOU HADN’T BECOME AN INTERIOR DESIGNER, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE BECOME? Some other form of entrepreneur for sure. I am one of four boys. My father instilled a business acumen and especially owning your own into all of us from a very young age. ANY EXCITING PLANS ON THE HORIZON? In business, I always have current projects that are exciting. One on the tables right now is a gorgeous flow-through apartment in Miami that has our full attention. In my personal life I continue to strive to enjoy life and be happy every day. I live each day knowing that life is short … www.jabinteriors.com
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Y A C H T
VELA
THE 80M SAILING YACHT THAT DOUBLES AS AN OUTDOOR THEATRE | BY DELLVIN ROSHON 26 Upscale Living Magazine |
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Y A C H T
Cardia aims to create an indoor-outdoor experience by way of electric glass doors that optimize the movement between exterior deck space and interior living space. The upper-deck lounge comes with a piano bar and an additional cinema. The interior of the yacht comes with four guest cabins and 1 master room, a wellness area with a gym, plus a lovely spa and a beach club, with a bar and big lounges for relaxing in the sun. The yacht is 80 meters long, with a 14.3 meter beam and it could easily accommodate up to 10 guests and also has eight en-suite cabins for a crew of 16. “When I designed the exterior, I [wanted] to make something simple,” says Cardia. “I imagined the body of Vela molded by the wind—without sharp edges—and characterized by flowing lines. I think that the terraces on the rear part of the upper deck are the best areas to spend time on board—you can enjoy a beautiful panorama while dining alfresco just near the upper-deck lounge.” Vela boasts no less than 1,850 square meters of sail, a 14.30m beam, and been equipped with hybrid propulsion to reduce pollution. Her steel hull is sleek and soft, paired to an aluminum superstructure that offers up outdoor spaces for maximizing onboard recreation and relaxation. Vela is projected (despite the hull not being finished yet) to reach a top speed of 21 knots when using both sail and engine propulsion. A wellness center with a spa and a pool, as well as an indoor cinema lounge are on the upper deck; the sundeck plays host to another, larger pool and requisite sunbeds where guests can lounge while watching movies projected on the sails of the front mast. There is also a water-level beach club with bar and the main deck with an additional bar and a sunbed.
Gianmarco Cardia’s latest project is a breathtaking yacht concept is centered around the use of Dyna Rig sails, the 80m S/Y Vela. Dyna Rigs are a rare find and there aren’t not many yachts like them with the exception of Oceanco’s 106.7m Black Pearl, or Peri Navi’s 88m Maltese Falcon. On Vela, Dyna Rig sails have a dual purpose: part of
What’s more, Vela houses a main-deck master suite—with fold-down balconies and its own hot tub—as well as four guest staterooms below decks. Below decks are a beauty salon and a wine cellar. It is here, in the lower-deck lobby, that the spiral staircase circling a glass elevator connects to the main-deck saloon with dining area and a private conference room. “The finishings are classic but contemporary, and the colors are inspired by the villas on the coast of Sardinia.” says Cardia.
them can be also used as a screen, or for as outdoor cinema (as you do).
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J E T S
LILIUM ALL-ELECTRIC JET
LUXURY URBAN TRANSPORT TAKES TO THE SKY | By DELLVIN ROSHON WILLIAMS Lilium, a Munich-based startup, is developing an on-demand air taxi service, has revealed its new five-seater air taxi prototype for the first time. The unveiling of the new Lilium Jet came as the all-electric aircraft completed its maiden flight in Germany earlier this month. Co-founded in 2015 by Daniel Wiegand (CEO), Sebastian Born, Matthias Meiner and Patrick Nathen, the company has attracted more than $100m in venture capital from world-class investors. With a top speed of 300 km/h and a range of 300km, Lilium Jet is capable of completing much longer journeys than its competitors’ thanks, in part, to the fixed wing design of the aircraft. But here’s the intervention, though: dronebased aircraft consume most of their energy to remain in the air. Lilium Jet relies only on the lift generated by the fixed wing and requires less than ten percent of its maximum 2000 horsepower during flight at cruising speed. According to Lilium, “the Lilium Jet features two fixed wings, one main wing at the rear of the aircraft, which measures 28 Upscale Living Magazine | JUNE 2019
about 11m across, and a ‘canard’ wing at the front of the aircraft, so-called because of its resemblance to a duck. The canard wings each have two flaps and the main wings have four. We mount three of our pioneering all-electric jet engines on each flap, allowing them to pivot and change the direction of the thrust they create. The flaps can each move independently. The full-scale, full-weight prototype is powered by 36 all-electric jet engines that allow it to take-off and land vertically while achieving remarkably efficient horizontal, or cruise, flight. No tail; no rudder; no propellers; no gearbox; and only one moving part that contributes to the safety and affordability of the aircraft. The efficiency of the aircraft is comparable to the energy usage of an electric car over the same distance. “We are taking another huge step towards making urban air mobility a reality, Daniel Wiegand, co-founder and CEO of Lilium Jet, says. “In less than two years we have been able to design, build and successfully fly an aircraft that will serve as our template for mass prowww.upscalelivingmag.com
duction. Whether its friends or families flying together or business travelers ridesharing into the city, having five seats delivers an economy of scale you just can’t achieve with two.” The Lilium Jet itself is beautiful and we were thrilled to see it take to the skies for the first time. With the perfect balance of range and speed, our aircraft has the potential to positively impact the way people choose to live and travel, all over the world.” The Lilium Jet first took to the air in May of 2019. Having completed extensive ground testing at Lilium’s HQ in Munich, Germany, the prototype aircraft, which is controlled remotely from the ground, has since begun a rigorous flight test campaign, and lay the foundations for certification of the aircraft. By the way, Lilium will fly 300km (186.4) in one charge.
TIMEPIECES BLANCPAIN FIFTY FATHOMS BARAKUDA
GLASHUTTE ORIGINAL SIXTIES AND SIXTIES PANORAMA DATE
HARRY WINSTON HISTOIRE DE TOURBILLON
BREGUET REINE DE NAPLES 8967 STEEL
JACQUET DROZ MAGIC LOTUS AUTOMATION OMEGA CONSTELLATION MANHATTAN AUTOMATON 23 Upscale Living Magazine |
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TIMEPIECES
6 NEW TIMEPIECE RELEASES FROM THE SWATCH GROUP SEEMINGLY HIGHER-END WATCH BRANDS | BY BARBARA PALUMBO
A
fter Swatch Group made the announcement about their mass exodus from the 2019 edition of the Baselworld Fair in Basel, Switzerland, it seemed as if time stood still for just a little while. Watch journalists, collectors, and connoisseurs posted to social media pages and online forums, discussing scenarios and sharing their ideas about what could or should happen now that the group would be saving millions of dollars in revenue (the booths, alone, were often as large as houses). Questions such as, “Will the brand start a fair of their own?” “Will they attempt to do an event in Geneva during the SIHH in January?” and “Will they ever consider returning?” began circulating amongst members of the watch community, yet when those same questions were asked of some of Swatch Group’s marketing teams, they seemed about as much in the dark about the future as everyone else (or were they?). That is, until this past May, when a small group made up largely of print luxury, lifestyle, and watch journalists from around the world was invited to attend a threeday, Swatch-group event in Switzerland aptly named, “Time to Move.” For this inaugural press event, the Swatch Group chose to focus on new releases from just six of its seemingly higher-end watch brands: Breguet, Jaquet Droz, Glashütte Original, Blancpain, Harry Winston, and Omega; all of which are manufactured in Switzerland (except, of course, for Glashütte Original which is located in Saxony, Germany). Groups of journalists from around the globe were not only treated to scenic views, fine Champagne, and a first look at the novelties that would eventually be released to the public, but they were also invited to take a peek behind the curtain in order to get a more hands-on experience with each of the six luxury Swatch Group brands. But what is the benefit for Swatch Group in hosting an event like this as opposed to exhibiting at a potentially reconfigured and improved Baselworld? Well, for one thing, it
sets the group apart, and that alone gets them additional exposure. “Overall, it’s hard to view Swatch Group’s Time to Move event as anything other than a success.” Stated Adam Craniotes, President and co-founder of the world’s largest watch collector’s group, RedBar. “At first blush, the itinerary seemed overly ambitious, but they pulled it off with Swiss precision. Two manufactures per day? Done. And unlike with, say, Baselworld or SIHH, there was plenty of time to handle the novelties and ask questions. Curious about the details of a particular Blancpain? Mark Hayek is standing right next to you. Want more insight into the design of the 50th Anniversary Speedmaster? Oh, hello Raynald Aescheliman. What’s more, the insight gained from being at the brand’s respective manufacturers placed their novelties in the right perspective.” As its stands right now, there are two major watch fairs that exist: SIHH and Baselworld. One is primarily occupied by watch brands under the Richemont umbrella and the other – while having anchor brands such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, and those owned by LVMH – is home to just about everyone else. So when watch enthusiasts think about a major brand, they can almost immediately separate that brand into one of two “watch fair” categories (unless they’re a high-end indie brand that happens to exhibit at both shows). But what Swatch Group accomplished by creating Time to Move was a separate category altogether. They’re no longer tied to a show or fair, thus largely preventing them from being overmanaged or underappreciated. The other upside to doing their own thing is that they get to pick and choose which members of the press they wish to invite, as opposed to being at the mercy of those in charge of determining which social media influencers get press badges (which, in Basel, seems to be almost all of them these days). And finally, a press event like this speaks not only to journalists who are veterans in the
watch industry, but it also reaches out to newer, younger writers because it offers their generation something they understand greatly: experiences. By providing not just extraordinary timepieces to be shared with the world, but also Instagram-worthy lab coats personalized with each journalists’ name or embossed wooden toothbrushes ready to be photographed for Snapchat, Swatch Group came across like that one relative with whom you stay when you’re travelling throughout Europe. They’re the 2nd cousin who opens their home, cooks you a meal, and makes sure you have fresh towels, even if you only see them once per year. As more and more consumers turn to the internet for their information and eventual purchases – yes, even for luxury items – the idea of the traditional-style trade fair seems like one that’s a bit old-fashioned, so when a company comes along that is willing to shake things up, or, as in the case of the Swatch Group’s departure from Baselworld, willing to throw an old-fashioned idea into a blender and run it on the liquify setting until it forms a palatable smoothie, people take notice. Because think about it, if at the end of the initial experiment what is left is what the company had in mind and actually set out to accomplish and more, then there’s a pretty good chance that others – other brands, other groups, or even other industries – will soon follow in their footsteps. “It was definitely information overload for the three days of the event, but it was an overload of the good kind.” Quipped Craniotes. And while this could make it harder for a large percentage of the world’s watch enthusiasts and/or collectors to see new watch novelties as they’re released (keep in mind that the Baselworld fair is open to a ticket-purchasing public), it will also assure that big shows never again lose sight of what matters most to those exhibiting and those attending: good products, nice people, fast wi-fi, decent food, and above all else… experiences.
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Hanna
READ-BALDREY The Queen of Couture Craft By Angela Sara West Photographs courtesy of Tiffany Mumford
From fashioning fabric dolls and flowerbomb-tastic tree decorations on Channel 4’s ‘Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas’, to showcasing her superlative styling skills for luxury brands such as De Beers Diamonds, when it comes to crafty all-rounders, you don’t get many more multi-skilled than this classy influential crafter with a particular passion for paper and florals. Renowned multi-crafter/photographic stylist/bestselling craft author/ TV presenter, Hannah Read-Baldrey, chats with Angela Sara West about her latest creations and collaborations, her hot-off-the press subscription service and creating a ‘heaven and hell’ theme for a member of one of the UK’s biggest bands, Take That! Hannah Read-Baldrey’s love for craft and flowers goes back as far as she can remember… the seeds sewn at a very young age. Much of her inspiration stems from carefree childhood memories of making daisy chains and being influenced by her plant-loving mum. “I think my passion was definitely encouraged by my mother, who studied botany and can name every single one, even the Latin names!” she explains.
burgeoning crafting skills. What’s more, when it comes to styling a set or shoot, with 17 years’ elegant designing and fashioning experience, she’s second to none. BRINGING HIGH-END FLORAL JOY TO THE WORLD… With a penchant for experimentation and an appreciation of crafts which look “super luxury and high end”, Hannah is on a mission to bring floral joy to the world, offering “creative styling for creative clients”. The well-known craft personality not only works as a photographic stylist, but also designs, makes and often models her designs for luxury titles like Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue and Vanity Fair, along with leading brands including Hugo Boss, John Lewis, Pure Collection, Reiss and prestigious Savile Row Menswear brand, Ozwald Boateng. Over the years, she has also collaborated with Cath Kidston, and, for the past 10 years, has created and presented video content for leading magazines and retailers, including Red Magazine, QVC, Waitrose, Tesco and Hobbycraft, alongside her styling role for high-profile clients such as Debenhams, Waitrose, Clarins and Boden. Recent clients include Olivia Burton and Marie Claire, and Hannah was thrilled to be the featured stylist in last December’s issue of Good Housekeeping, which showcased her fanciful craft ideas for the festive season.
The successful stylist with nearly 18 years’ experience is also a wellknown craft author and presenter, and was recently rated as “one of the UK’s top craft influencers of 2019” by Craft Business magazine. Her beautiful romantic style is what distinguishes her work and, having created for the crème de la crème of craft and luxury brands, TV companies and publishers, she;s now branching out to garden centres, delivering unique craft boxes to your door, and much, much more!
“I love working with luxury brands! Often, the designers have a real input into the styling, meaning every element of the shoot is considered.” One of her favourite clients is De Beers Diamonds “It’s not often that you get to handle diamonds worth millions! When we did the DeBeers shoot, the security guard bought in the most discrete old box, carried with a plastic bag - there is no way anyone would have predicted what was inside... The only problem with shooting high-value items is that I always want to keep them!”
Clearly cut for a flourishing career in the craft industry, and with an adoration of botany rooted in the blood, armed with a BA (Hons) degree in Theatre Design from Central St Martins College of Arts and Design in London, her petal-patterned career path has proven fruitful every step of the way. Hannah’s now among the best of the bunch, creating unbelievable flower-filled makes for famous faces and brands, alongside nurturing others and giving them the tools and encouragement to grow their
Hannah has carried out copious commissions for leading craft titles, too, and now has a monthly trend column, ‘The Couture Craft Journal’, in the recently-launched Crochet Club magazine from the makers of Crafts Beautiful. “I absolutely love working with Crochet Club, picking out trends on new designers and products really does inspire me and my work. Recently, I have been discussing the power of colour and my big 33 Upscale Living Magazine | JUNE 2019
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craft tidy up, encouraged by Marie Kondo! It’s wonderful to see how many incredible crochet designers and bloggers are really making their creations modern and vibrant.” HANNAH THE AMBASSADOR Well known for her chic’n’colourful creations fashioned from fresh fragrant or paper flowers, this busy crafting bee regularly creates style, food and ‘how-to’ video content for brands, advising on everything from creative philosophy to DIY. In her role as an influencer for the UK’s largest arts and crafts retailer, Hobbycraft, she has created floral-inspired Christmas collections and has recently been making ‘how-to’ tutorials, demonstrating a few bang-on-trend crafts. “We’ve been filming lots of lovely videos on candle making, fluid pouring and soap making.” Hannah also feels honoured to have the coveted title of QVC’s Craft Ambassador, alongside the ambassadorial hat she wears for Ellison, representing their Sizzix brand, for which she’s filmed a series on Christmas crafts. FLOWER POWER FROM A FLORAL FASHIONISTA This green-fingered flower fan has picked a different type of client to kick off the spring and summer seasons’ crafting. Hannah’s been working with Dobbies Garden Centres lately, and is now set to influence crafty gardeners, too, having created some style and craft videos for their social media channels, showing a number of magnificent botanical-inspired makes. “Dobbies and I have been developing some lovely spring craft ideas that are being made into video content. Spring is, of course. the most beautiful time of year to be in the garden!” Her favourite flower? “The Julia Rose Peony… or, as I like to say, the most flamboyant and flirty of all the flowers! It’s huge and pink and wonderful. I’m not sure what’s not to be inspired by flowers… Each season brings a new colour palette, shape and scent.” With on-trend florals continuing to bloom on the catwalk and high street, the leading stylist’s blog ‘Couture Craft’, at CoutureCraft.co.uk, inspires readers to add a beautiful botanical touch to not only clothing, but home décor, accessories, gifts, celebrations, food and drink and more. She loves to share her latest news and tips for not only craft, but cookery, interiors, lifestyle and fashion, and has been showcasing a slice of her personal life and projects on this platform for over 15 years. A fabulous feast for the eyes, her website at www.hannahreadbaldrey.com, meanwhile, highlights Hannah’s commercial work, with sensational set designs, a selection of her illustration work, plus food, fashion, beauty and still-life shoots. SECRET CELEB COLLABS, ROLLING STONE MAKEOVERS & STYLING TAKE THAT PARTIES Hannah has worked with a fair few famous faces over the years. “The loveliest, and most random, celebrity I worked with was years ago… I helped Take That’s Mark Owen style his now wife’s birthday party on a boat on the River Thames in London! It was a ‘heaven and hell theme’ - very TT! Recently, I have worked with the most fabulously creative Jo Wood (former wife of The Rolling Stones’ guitarist Ronnie 34 Upscale Living Magazine | JUNE 2019
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Wood) at her beautiful home, and Paralympics presenter, Sophie Morgan, who is an amazing painter and illustrator.” Mum’s the word, but Hannah reveals she’s been filming for “a new top secret celebrity craft show”, too. “I’ve been shooting an exciting new project for Channel 4 TV for which I, sadly, can’t release any details for yet. But, needless to say, we are bringing celebrities and craft to daytime TV later on in the year, and I couldn’t be more delighted!” CRAFT – IT CAN BE A PIECE OF CAKE! Hannah creates most of her work at home, with many shoots taking place in her stunning south London abode. Her beautiful romantic style is reflected throughout the Victorian property, which enjoys an eclectic mix of elegant, exotic and Boho chic creations… a glorious collection of a few of her countless craft projects, carried out with love and, of course, inspired by beautiful blooms. Not only do her craft creations look good enough to eat, many of them are, in fact, edible, as multiskilled Hannah is a keen and creative cook, too, having completed Leiths School of Food and Wine’s British Baking course just a few years ago. It comes as no surprise that her magnificent cakes come complete with fabulous sugar flowers and frequently serve as centrepieces for her spectacular set designs. FLOWERBOMB! What’s more, with seemingly no end to her talents, Hannah also boasts ‘bestselling author’ as another striking string to her creative crosspollinating bow, having sold over 150,000 books worldwide, including ‘Everything Alice’ and ‘Girls’ Night In: Crafts, Cakes and Cocktails for the Ultimate Party’, published by Quadrille Publishing, plus one of Pavilion’s most popular titles, ‘Flowerbomb! 25 Beautiful Craft Projects to Blow Your Blossoms’. “I’m so proud of ‘Flowerbomb!’ It took about a year in the making as I created, made and wrote the projects, styled the photoshoots and illustrated the whole book, which has several gorgeous papercraft projects, such as the papier mâché Cherry Blossom Vase and my joyful Happy Flower Garland, which is styled as a tail to a giant balloon! I love a giant flower, which is why I created the Giant Rose Peony, and the Cosmos Stationery & Cards, for which you make your own stamps and use embossing powder which, I think, is made of magic!” Split into sections - Floral Home, Flower Fiesta and Floral Fashionista – Hannah’s stunning book of floral crafts shows how to add a beautiful botanical touch to home décor, wardrobes, clothing, accessories, gifts, gardens and even our parties. The 25 gorgeous floral-themed projects to make at home use a combination of real and handmade 35 Upscale Living Magazine | JUNE
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flowers and various crafting techniques, including basic papercraft, weaving, sugarcraft. easy embroidery and embellishment for all levels, encouraging crafters to develop their skills. From a pressed floral ‘phone case, sequined bomber jacket and tulip folk cushion, to a velvet flower crown, daisy chain necklace and that aforementioned vase (which takes papier mâché to a whole new level), there are also floral bath bombs and candles to create. “I absolutely relished making all of the floral designs in the book,” says Hannah. “It’s not often that you get to create so many projects about your favourite subject! Books do come with their own challenges, though, as they can be time and budget restricted, but are always worth the hard work in the end.” A PAPERCRAFT PERFECTIONIST When did her passion for papercraft unfold? “I’ve always loved working with paper. It’s an amazing medium; it can be delicate and strong and can be used to make everything from tiny delicate papercuts to huge floral wall installations. When most people think of it, they think of a flat sheet of A4! But, for me, it’s simply so versatile. From making crêpe paper flowers or a birthday card, to illustrating a whole book with papercut designs, there are so many ways to use it…” As for adding a handmade floral touch to a party or wedding, Hannah wears the styling crown. “With the new wave of ultimate Instagrammable weddings, I do love a flower wall for guests to have lovely photos taken in front of. I also love handmade paper or fabric headdresses for the bridesmaids - something timeless that they can treasure forever.” 36 Upscale Living Magazine | JUNE 2019
FLOWER-FILLED WORKSHOPS
INSPIRED BY LIFE…
A perennial favourite for demonstrating at annual events, budding crafters can learn firsthand from Hannah how to bring blooms to life from paper, felt and ‘sew’ much more at the flower queen’s sell-out sessions showing us how to create a decorative explosion of gorgeous 3D flowers in our homes and lives, all exuding Hannah’s elegant style.
She sources inspiration everywhere... “Life simply inspires me… I love nature, walking around the park and seeing all the amazing flowers, going to an exhibition, eating wonderful food… The house we stayed at in Ibiza last year had a ‘Mother and Child’ picture by Picasso on the wall - it literally made me cry!”
Wonderful workshops Hannah has held so far this year include demos at London’s Covent Garden’s Tea & Crafting workshops and at The Spring Knitting & Stitching Show at London’s Olympia, where she signed copies of her book, shared her supreme skills and showcased her pretty Spring Flower Wreaths, demonstrating how to fashion giant garlands from felt, and embellish garments with stunning sequinned sewn flowers framed in huge wooden hula hoops. In past years, she’s even run workshops in the French capital, flying the flag for great British craft across the Channel. “I hosted one with my friend and co-author, Christine Leech, at a big craft show in Paris, which was great fun. We ended the day with a giant plate of cheese!” A NURTURING NATURE How does it feel to be such a huge influencer? “I’ve always loved making things, photography and recording elements of my life which, luckily enough, are the core elements you need to be a social media influencer. Over time, I’ve built up a community of like-minded creative people on my Instagram feed (12k follower). So, for me, this became quite a natural path. When working with brands, I try to use their products as much as suitable and promote the things l love about them.”
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Various paper artists influence her work. “I think I was originally inspired by Rob Ryan’s papercuts, but I’ve now discovered so many paper artists out there, such as Su Blackwell, Paper Petal and Helen Musselwhite, and I find Zack McLaughlin’s (aka @paperandwood_) botanical creations utterly mind blowing… his birds and butterflies are so real, it’s incredible that they have been made from paper!” “I absolutely adore floral design and we were given the most stunning watercolour-painted duvet from Anthropologie last summer, and I have been obsessed by its illustrator, Paint and Petals, aka Brigette Thornton (@paintandpetals), ever since. Her work is so vibrant and effortless.” Hannah has also been inspired by the beautiful floral jewellery collections from Alex Monroe and Olivia Burton. “Monroe released an Alphabetic floral-encrusted necklace range earlier on in the year, and Olivia Burton launched a Rainbow Bee collection. They’re both delicate and lovely.” MAKEBOX+CO. - CREATIVITY DELIVERED TO THE DOOR! Cultivating the creative community, Hannah has just launched her latest project, MakeBox+Co. (www.makebox.co / Instagram @makebox.co) a unique monthly box
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of creative projects in collaboration with talented artists and designers. “I’m delighted to introduce the most fabulous project, my exciting new business MakeBox+Co., a craft box subscription service for adults and kids delivered to your door. It’s the brainchild of myself and my husband, combining our talents in creativity and business. Alongside my beautiful designs, we will be working with the most amazing designers to create inspiring and unique boxes.” Hannah created MakeBox+Co. to help people connect with their creative spirit and claim back time to invest in themselves and each other. Aimed at all ages and skill levels, her brand-newkits are brimming with original and inspiring curated projects that will excite and challenge subscribers, and each month brings a new surprise! “With our backgrounds in craft, fashion, cookery and technology, we’re building a company and community for all ages that share our vision. Each box provides everything you need, with quality materials that will enable you to cherish your creations.” In a bid to keep kids entertained and away from the distractions of technology, the children’s range uses storytelling as the basis for creative projects, taking little ones on a newlythemed, creative and educational adventure each month, accompanied by a beautifullyillustrated instruction book to complete the story, and enabling families to spend quality time together and feel more connected. “The first boxes landed in April, just in time for the Easter holidays,” she says. And there’s so much more to come from subsequent doorstep deliveries from Hannah and her hubby. “In the upcoming months, I will be commissioning some wonderful designers to help me create the MakeBox+Co. kits, working with design names who have constantly inspired me over the years.” ON-TREND SUSTAINABILITY Trend-setter Hannah is pleased that brands are waking up to the need to cut back on plastics to help save the planet. “I feel like the need for sustainability and responsibly-sourced product is not only a trend, but a necessity. Brands that are stopping using plastic glitter, for example, are helping to contribute to this plight. The trend for crafters to work with upcycling materials, such as household plastics and furniture, is lovely to see, too. I can only expect us to see more of this.”
out of paper for International Women’s Day. I chose Beatrix Potter! I hope my portrait makes her proud… It was a wonderful opportunity to create something magical. I love to illustrate people with paper, as it’s an almost unexpected medium for that.” Her fairy tale makes for last festive season are also among her fave creations. “I also loved working with Marie Claire at Christmas, illustrating and creating mini sets for their festive beauty pages. They were all designed around children’s fairy tales, such as Cinderella and The Nutcracker. Hannah has illustrated all four of her own books and, showcasing her ‘elegant, playful and whimsical’ style, another of her much-loved makes is the huge Alice In Wonderland papercut cover she created for her book ‘Everything Alice’ (co-written with Christine Leech). “It is GINORMOUS… and it’s hanging in my living room!!” HANNAH IN BLOOM This fun-loving flower girl is now in full bloom herself – she’s also busy creating an addition to the family, with her growing bump benefiting from her masterful maternity makes. “My next project? Well, I will be having my rainbow baby at the beginning of the summer!” Alongside hard work, she says the secrets to her phenomenal success are “talent, personality, unique ideas, multitasking… and I think a lot of people really like me for my cakemaking skills!” As a very busy, self-described “mumtrepreneur”, how does she juggle her numerous projects and manage to maintain a happy work/life balance? “I create most of my work from home, unless I’m out shooting, which allows me to drop off and pick up my son from school 90% of the time, but admittedly can make a short day so, sometimes, evenings come in to play. I work a lot on social media, blogging and Instagramming, so I try to be free of my ‘phone or devices by around 8pm so that I can actually have a proper chat and sit down with my husband to discuss the day.” Flowers are frequently described as “sunshine, food and medicine for the soul”, and Hannah believes creativity and wellbeing are undeniably linked. “Being a family of creatives, we believe in the power of dreams and fairy tales… Craft makes me happy, it allows me to express my creativity and brings me a massive sense of achievement and wellbeing. I am blessed to be able to do what I love!”
BEATRIX POTTER PORTRAIT Her recent paper portrait of one of the world’s best-selling and best-loved children’s authors is among Hannah’s favourite makes. “I was recently delighted to be commissioned by Sizzix Lifestyle to create one of my heroines 38 Upscale Living Magazine | JUNE
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F A S H I O N
FEELING CAMP AT THE MET’S COSTUME INSTITUTE’S NEW FASHION EXHIBIT | BY GERARD VALLECELLO As seen on the film “The first Monday in May” The costume institute benefit or Met Gala once again ushered the opening of this year Costume Institute’s spring 2019 exhibition, Camp: Notes on Fashion (on view from May 9 through September 8, 2019). The evening’s co-chairs were Lady Gaga, Alessandro Michele, Harry Styles, Serena Williams, and Anna Wintour. The event is The Costume Institute’s main source of annual funding for exhibitions, publications, acquisitions, and capital improvements. The exhibit explores the origins of camp’s exuberant aesthetic and how the sensibility evolved from a place of marginality to become an important influence on mainstream culture. Susan Sontag’s 1964 essay “Notes on ‘Camp’” provides the framework for the exhibition, which examines how fashion designers have used their métier as a vehicle to engage with camp in a myriad of compelling, humorous, and sometimes incongruous ways. Fashion is the most overt and enduring conduit of the camp aesthetic, effectively 40 Upscale Living Magazine | JUNE 2019
illustrates Sontag’s ‘Notes on “Camp,”’ the exhibition advances creative and critical dialogue about the ongoing and ever-evolving impact of camp on fashion. With over 250 objects, including womenswear and menswear, as well as sculptures, paintings, and drawings dating from the 17th century to the present. The show’s opening section positions Versailles as a “camp Eden” and address the concept of camper—“to posture boldly”—in the royal courts of Louis XIV and Louis XV. It then focuses on the figure of the dandy as a “camp ideal” and traces camp’s origins to the queer subcultures of Europe and America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In her essay, Sontag defined camp as an aesthetic and outlined its primary characteristics. The second section of the exhibition is devoted to how these elements—which include irony, humor, parody, pastiche, artifice, theatricality, and exaggeration—are expressed in fashion. Designers whose work is on view in the exhibition include Virgil Abloh (for OffWhite c/o Virgil Abloh); Giorgio Armani (for Armani Privé); Manish Arora; Ashish; Christopher Bailey (for Burberry); Cristóbal Balenciaga; Thom Browne; Sarah Burton (for Alexander McQueen); Jean-Charles de Castelbajac; Antonio del Castillo (for
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Lanvin-Castillo); Dapper Dan (for Gucci); Christian Dior; Salvatore Ferragamo; John Galliano (for Maison Margiela, House of Dior, and John Galliano); Jean Paul Gaultier; Nicolas Ghesquière (for Louis Vuitton); Bob Mackie and many more. The Met presents over 5,000 years of art from around the world in three New York City locations—The Met Fifth Avenue, The Met Breuer, and The Met Cloisters. Since it was founded in 1870, the Museum has brought art to life in its galleries and through exhibitions and events, revealing both new ideas and unexpected connections across time and cultures. By tracing its evolution and highlighting its defining elements, the show embodies the ironic sensibilities of this audacious style, challenges conventional understandings of beauty and taste, and establishes the critical role that this important genre has played in the history of art and fashion. From the social-political instability of the ’60s and ’80s to the many “camp” relatable current movements this is yet one of the most on point, creatively fulfilling, exhibits to date. The exhibition is made possible by Gucci. Additional support is provided by Condé Nast.
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MAGEE HOMESTEAD A Relais & Chateaux Romantic Resort | By Priscilla Pilon
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Magee Homestead is a private hideaway nestled in the valley of the Sierra Madre and Snowy Mountain ranges. The nine upscale cabins can be rented individually or the group can be blocked off for a private event. Those wanting to host a reunion or intimate family wedding love that it is a secluded location but still conveniently close to the private airport in the tony town of Saratoga. While exclusive, it is a laidback property – more of an adult summer camp meets spa kind-of-feel and, best of all, it is an all-inclusive resort. Part of the Relais & Chateaux group, the property is a 30,000-acre resort catering to folks who love the outdoors – fishing, hunting, hiking, horseback riding, and shooting, but at the end of the day want first class spa treatments, a smooth Wyoming whiskey at happy hour, gastronomic meals, and sunset cocktails by the campfire. My husband Matt and I spent three days and nights at Magee honing some ranch skills already acquired and adding to our repertoire through the help of their expert guides.
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITIES Fly fishing – Access to Gold Medal (5,000 fish per mile) Streams and armed with the help of our expert guide Phillip, us novices learned the art of casting, mending and releasing. Matt caught a fine-looking 20” rainbow trout after an epic battle and was grinning from ear to ear – priceless! Since Magee Homestead is part of the Orvis endorsed Brush Creek Luxury Ranch Collection, professional gear from waders and boots to poles and nets were included as part of the excursion. Hiking – The Medicine Bow (12,000 ft. high) offers some of the prettiest vistas and is an excellent hike for those wanting a serious workout. The day we tried to take it on, it was snowed-in so our affable guide Corbin took us over to Brush Creek where we enjoyed our off-piste adventure to the top of the ranch’s rolling hills. Once down, we elected to cross a patch of the stream with chilly rushing white-water. It was a challenge traversing barefoot on the slippery, moss-laden rocks to dry land, but the frigid waters actually relieved our aching feet. Magee offers non-hikers a great option to explore the National Forest via all-terrain Polaris vehicles with a Ranger (supplemental fee applies). Horseback Riding – Proficient horse folk and novices alike can experience some of the prettiest trails on the range. Every guest is outfitted with authentic riding boots and hats before being paired with horses according to their riding abilities. It was Matt’s first-time riding, and while I have been a few times before, I still consider myself a novice so we requested docile horses and a patient wrangler. Our patient guide Garrett choose a couple of easy-going horses for our ride and took us on a scenic and tranquil trail. It was the perfect introduction for greenhorns like us.
sea level I highly recommend an a-la-carte spa treatment. I booked a reflexology session which did wonders to help ease my joint pain post-hike and noticed there are specifically designed treatments to help people avoid or relieve altitude sickness.
The Spa – the property sits up at an elevation upwards of 6,700 feet. For those arriving from
Known for five-star hospitality and outstanding food and wine, it’s no wonder that Magee
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ACCOMMODATIONS, FOOD AND LIBATIONS
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Homestead is part of the Relais & Chateaux family. Each well-appointed cabin is distinctly decorated with a western chic flair. Modish amenities like their own bottled sunscreen and lotions are a nice touch. Efforts at Magee are being made to be as ecofriendly as possible. Reusable water bottles are provided to each guest and robust plans for sustainable food production are in the works. Currently, the red meat served is sourced from their own ranch-raised Akaushi herd. Their
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massive on-site greenhouse produces 100 different items used throughout the property and other ingredients they need they work diligently to procure from regional partners. Chef de Cuisine, AJ Buchanio, and his team take advantage of the local fish and game to serve wild west delights with a sophisticated twist. The sommelier pairs each course with wine (if desired) from the extensive wine list. Signature cocktails and mocktails inspired by local spirits and healthy fixings are their special-
ties from the bar which puts a little extra happy into their Happy Hour.
treat for adventurers with an appetite for laidback luxury.ď Ž
Home brew Detox shots are kept cool in a self-serve minibar fridge in the dining lodge right next to the sinfully delicious home-baked cookies. I am sure that the detox cancels out the indulgence of the cookie so I had one of each daily, just to be sure.
Magee Homestead
Whether visiting as a couple, family or with friends a getaway to Magee Homestead is a
All-inclusive activities and accommodations were provided at no charge to the writer.
6429 State Highway 130, Saratoga, Wyoming 82331 www.mageehomestead.com
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C R U I S E
Ahoy There! ... All Aboard The Crystal Mozart | By Rebecca Underwood
For those seeking to escape the constant demands of life in the fast lane and yearning for that illusive tranquil space, a voyage on board the Crystal Mozart is just the ticket.
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ecipient of the Condé Nast Traveller’s Readers Choice Award for ‘World’s Best Cruise Ship’ for 24 years and winner of the ‘World’s Best Large Ship Cruise Line’ by Travel and Leisure readers for 20 years, Crystal Cruises provides the highest levels of comfort and service and a luxurious cruise experience in every sense. Launched in July 2016, the Crystal Mozart offers a choice of suites ranging from 82 to 20.3 square meters and penthouses from 61.6 to 30.6 square meters, and with a total passenger figure of 158 and a crew of 92 the passenger to crew ratio is an impressive 1.67, which remains the highest in river cruising. The vessel’s length of 120.44 meters and width of 22.85 meters ensures that she is the largest river cruise ship in Europe. My mother and I embarked on the elegant and sleek lined Crystal Mozart for the round-trip 10 night ‘Treasures of the Danube’ voyage, 46 Upscale Living Magazine | JUNE 2019
sailing from Vienna. We were thrilled with the prospect of cruising the enchanting Danube Wachau Valley, and visiting Durnstein, Melk, Linz, Passau, Bratislava and Budapest. Check-in procedures were swift and efficient; we were escorted to our stylish suite and delighted to discover a welcome bottle of chilled sparkling wine awaiting our arrival. All suites feature a Nespresso coffee machine and a well stocked mini-refrigerator, 24-hour room service with options available from the excellent Waterside Restaurant, a 40-inch flat-screen interactive television with complimentary movies on demand, and an extensive music library with plenty of soothing tunes to encourage relaxation.
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very suite also features an Apple iPad device, which serves as a digital directory for each passenger’s needs including pillow menus, a first rate butler, concierge, and room service, in addition to weather forecasts and destination information.
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Following our afternoon tipple we made our way to the chic Crystal Cove lounge and whilst sipping on piping hot tea and indulging in a few tasty snacks we got to know some of our fellow passengers and our conversations soon centred on dining options and excursions. Recipient of the 2017 Cruise Critic UK Editor’s Pick Award for Best Dining, Crystal Cruises is recognized throughout the industry for its culinary expertise. The Crystal Mozart offers guests open seating in a choice of dining venues from the casual Waterside Restaurant, which presents locally sourced ingredients highlighted in continental and regionally inspired breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. The succulent slow-roasted lamb shank, served with shallots, thyme-balsamic flavored gravy, garlic mashed potato and olive oil roasted vegetables,accompanied by a glass of Barbaresco Sori San Lorenzo, Angelo Gaja Langhe 2013 was simply divine.
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For an elegant and more intimate dining experience, the Vintage Room seats up to 12 diners for optional luncheons and dinners featuring vintage wines and champagnes paired with extravagant menus and I was fortunate to sample the 36 hours slow roasted beef short ribs served with a black truffle, Macallan, celeriac, onions and potato confit, and the Chateau Latour Pauillac, Bordeaux 2000 enhanced the flavors perfectly.
slippers and retired. Our ultra comfortable beds, swathed in crisp, white Egyptian linens and plump pillows, guaranteed a deep slumber and the gentle movement of the shifting waters of the Danube created a soothing sense of well being. Up with the larks and following a brisk walk around the promenade deck we headed for the rejuvenating yoga class, then a dip in the
We spent our mornings exploring the sights on land, relaxing afternoons on the promenade deck, sipping on cocktails whilst constantly admiring uninterrupted views of the
Blue, a chic cafĂŠ, serves upscale bistro fare for lunch and includes global comfort food and shareable plates and the Bistro Mozart offers coffees, delicious pastries and charcuterie by day and wines, and tapas during the evening. And, in the unlikely event that a beverage and snack is needed, particularly during the wee hours, the Pantry, which is a self service venue, offers speciality coffees, teas, wines and nonalcoholic beverages.
gorgeous indoor pool, and for a spot of pampering I headed for the onboard spa for a well earned deep tissue muscle massage, and a spell in the steam room. I then made my way to the library to select a good book and to make plans for the coming days.
intoxicating scenery and tranquil snoozes on the comfy loungers on the sun deck. To keep fit and work off those calories, after succumbing to the tempting dessert menus, there is an onboard fitness center equipped with modern machines, cardio equipment and free weights.
Passengers are welcome to explore each port unescorted or select one of the on board eBikes, or choose from a wide variety of excursions, many of which provide the opportunity to get an up-close and personal destination experience with tours led by local experts and artisans. Other excursions include gastronomic adventures with hands-on cooking and the chance to sample signature dishes and specialities related to each port. Cultural tours include popular museums and architectural sites and there are exhilarating adventures for the very active. All
Our Treasures of the Danube voyage was an exceptional river cruise experience and one of the many highlights was the tribute to Dame Julie Andrews, a Godmother to Crystal Cruises, which was presented in the Palm Court, the ship’s main entertainment venue. The focus was on her unforgettable contribution to the Austrian - American film The Sound of Music, and the passengers were easily encouraged to take part in a hearty sing-along.
After dining, we headed for the Crystal Cove Piano Bar and we were enchanted by the performance of the talented soprano Ioana Mitu,accompanied by Francesco Carlo Leone expertly tinkling the ivories of a magnificent Bosendorfer piano. The party was still in full swing when we returned to our stateroom, slipped on our fluffy bathrobes and comfy
excursions are limited to a total of 15 guests, which ensures that a more personal experience is attainable. There is also the option to design a personal itinerary with the assistance of the on board concierge service.
Another highlight was the fascinating
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The Conrad London ST. JAMES, LONDON, ENGLAND By CHRISTOPHER KANAL Photographs courtesy of Conrad London
Sitting right at the heart of London’s Westminster the Conrad London St. James is within a short saunter of some of the UK’s premier historical sights, such as Westminster Abbey and Trafalgar Square, as well as its seats of power - both the Houses of Parliament and Downing Street are the hotel’s neighbors.
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he Conrad London St. James is located directly opposite St. James Park Underground Station. The hotel appears relatively unassuming on the outside but once you enter it is a tastefully designed, spacious and slickly operated hotel. The property’s Blue Boar restaurant is widely acclaimed and a chic bar, both matched with striking works of art and sculpture, have turned the hotel into something of a local celebrity in an impressively short space of time. The St. James area the Conrad London St. James inhabits is bustling during the week with office workers and civil servants but on weekends it has an almost pastoral calm making the hotel an ideal base for sightseeing. Nearby St. James Park is a rare oasis of green and trees in this otherwise heavily built up area and has spectacular views of Buckingham Palace. On entering the darkened lobby of the hotel, you feel like you are entering an expansive, marble floored and chandeliered warren. The creams and dark wood evoke an almost Oriental design template seen in the finest hotels of the mega-tropolizes of Singapore, Shanghai and Tokyo. However the impressive pieces of art and original drawings from legendary artist Gerald Scarfe in the bar and a slightly bizarre sculpture satirizing the House of Commons firmly bring you back to the hallowed ‘terra firma’ of Westminster.
The Conrad London St. James has 256 contemporary rooms including 15 luxury suites. The signature Conrad Suite comes with its own private elevator and a window open to the stars. All suites are sumptuously equipped with large marble bathrooms, a separate bath tub and walk-in rain forest showers. Standard rooms at the hotel are large, airy and light with minimalist wood touches and discrete lighting. The curtains are opened automatically and some rooms have impressive London vistas. The bed is gargantuan and cosy, flanked by two nightstands, and sits opposite a large wallmounted flat screen television. A Nespresso machine and minibar is standard while still and sparkling water is provided gratis. The darkbrown, almost volcanic black marble bathroom is warm, sexy and boasts impressive features. The very popular Blue Boar restaurant boasts robust, inventive contemporary British cuisine. Head Chef Michael Riordan has created seasonal menus that uses fresh, regional ingredients. Staple dishes from the à la carte menu includes Angus Beef Fillet, Wild Rabbit Stew, and Roast Cornish Plaice. Private dining at Blue Boar occupies two exceptional spaces connected to the main restaurant by a striking floor-to-ceiling wine wall. Breakfast is served at the Blue Boar and centers around a extensive self-service buffet. Cream High Teas are served in Emmeline’s Lounge named after women’s activist Emmeline Pankhurst. The bustling bar takes it cue from the classic old English pub. As befits a luxury branch of the Hilton Worldwide chain that has outposts in several major international cities, the Conrad London St. James has all the first class touches one would expect including an excellent multilingual reception and wired-in concierge service who can advise on dining, spa and beauty services as well as the best of London’s shopping, art galleries, theatre and nightlife there is a dedicated Conrad Concierge App. There is an impressive Hilton-standard business
center, conference rooms and facilities. An Executive Lounge is available exclusively to guests who book Executive Rooms, Suites, and to Diamond Tier Hilton Honors members. The hotel also boasts a small, well equipped gym that can be accessed 24 hours. The Conrad London St. James is child-friendly - Children receive a big box of toys on arrival while a babysitting service can be arranged in advance. This year Conrad London St. James is celebrating 100 years since Conrad Hilton first established the Hilton brand. The celebrations include a new Vintage menu at the Blue Boar restaurant and a “Back in Time” experience on the River Thames. Guests booking the “Back in Time” Experience step into a classic RollsRoyce to explore Oxfordshire’s countryside. Drawing up along the banks of the Thames, guests will be met by the captain of a vintage boat ready to travel down the river through the green and glorious countryside. Guests can enjoy lunch on board before stopping at Cliveden House, where a Private Butlers Tour and sumptuous afternoon tea await.
__________________________________ Conrad London St. James, 22-28 Broadway, London SW1H 0BH, England, United Kingdom Tel: +44 203 3018080, www.conradhotels3. hilton.com Double rooms from £317 a night. Breakfast is included. The Back in Time Experience starts from £2,500 for four guests.
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lecture on the life and work of Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart, who, in 1781 visited, and later settled in Vienna. The prolific and highly influential composer, who was proficient on the violin and piano at the age of 5, created more than six hundred works, including outstanding examples of symphonic, concertante, chamber, operatic, and choral music. On our last evening aboard, passengers gathered in the Waterside Restaurant for another sumptuous dinner and glasses were held high as a toast was proposed to the genius of Mozart and also to the Crystal Mozart, surely the most dazzling treasure of the Danube. For more information on the Crystal Mozart visit crystalcruises. com
TOP TIPS STOP-OVER IN VIENNA For those considering a pre or post cruise stop-over in Vienna, stay in a spacious apartment, which affords privacy and avoids hotel restrictions. We selected a one bedroom apartment, featured on airbnb.co.uk. Located on Kaiserstrasse, a short stroll away from the metro and tram stations, supermarkets, shops, bars and restaurants galore, the property is located within a gated complex and features a contemporary kitchen with every appliance including a washing machine, a spacious lounge with cable television and a private garden, which provides the perfect spot for an alfresco breakfast. For more information on the featured apartment and many more properties visit airbnb.co.uk/rooms/15898928 AIRPORT TRANSFERS AND LOCAL TRANSPORTATION Book private airport transfers for London Heathrow and Vienna. Take advantage of a reliable and punctual first class service. Prices are all inclusive and guaranteed in advance, so you can sit back and relax upon arrival. Visit blacklane.com FLIGHTS TO VIENNA ‘Fly the flag’ with British Airways direct from London Heathrow to Vienna. Opt for business class, which includes a guaranteed aisle or window seat, 2 x 32 kilos checked baggage, a dedicated check-in area and access to the BA lounge. For more information visitbritishairways.com
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Pulitzer Hotel Amsterdam & Brown Cafes By Kevin Pilley
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“Are you ready for a few Amsterdam blondes? And some bitterballen?” Big Ron suggested I go before we started our “bruine kroeg” crawl. “Our first stop will be the 1674 Café Chris. Its toilet flush is outside the restroom above a table usually occupied by locals having a few Dutch beers! So it can get tricky!” Ron smiled. “Everyone knows Amsterdam’s is a quirky place. Some people know how quirky!” Ron Stoevellar is the concierge at the city’s famous Pulitzer Hotel. He IS President of Les Clefs d’Or of the Netherlands. The hotel, comprising twenty-five seventeenth and eighteenthcentury merchants’ canal houses., was opened in 1970 by Peter Pulitzer, the grandson of Hungarian-born Josef who created the 1917 Pulitzer prize. The five-star hotel on both the Prinsengracht (Prince’s Canal ) and Keizersgracht ( Emperor’s Canal) is unique in offering walking tours escorted by its concierges. Ron knows his bars as well as his art galleries, hippest neighborhoods, “stroopwafel” shops and museums. “Bruine” (brown) cafés are Amsterdam’s pubs. They’re as much a part of the city as its 125 canals, flower markets, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, hash brownie, space cake “coffee shops” and the Red Light District. We started with pronunciation. “You should have a jenver. That’s Yuh-may-ver- a gin - with a beer chaser. Or a corenwijn -corn wine. Maybe try a beerenburg herbal schnapps. And some hopjes or hapjes snacks like bittenballs - fried potato croquettes. “Try out the proeflokalen or liqueur tasting houses like De Drie Flesches too. That’s old. 1782. “Then you’ll quickly understand the feeling of “gezelligheid -khulzel ikh hide -our cafes gives. It means coziness. “ Café Chris was the place where the builders of Amsterdam’s 1630 Westerkerk ( where Rembrandt is buried ) and the city’s highest bell tower were paid. The Papeneiland on Prinsengracht and Brouwerstraat ( Brewers Street) goes back to 1642. The oldest brown café is probably in the Mokum harbor district. Karpershoek Café on Martelaarsfraat allegedly dates to 1606. Retaining a spit and sawdust feel, it was the guest house for the crews working for the Dutch East-Indian Company. The Martelaarsgracht (Martyr’s Canal) was where people were hanged. Like all Amsterdam’s brown cafés its small, friendly, atmospheric and full of memorabilia. As well as sausages, apple pies and beers like Palm, Affligem Blond and Wieckese Witte. As well as Amstel and Heineken. The 1670 Café Kalkhoven near the Ann Frank House on the corner of Westermark and Prinsengracht goes back to 1670. “Café Aepjen is housed in one of the city’s few remaining fifteenth-century wooden buildings. Sailors gambled there. They sometimes paid their debts with animals brought back 53 Upscale Living Magazine | JUNE 2019
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from their sea voyages. ‘Aepjen’ is an old Dutch word for the little monkey. Big Ron reeled off the facts. “Café Hoppe on Spui Square dates to 1670. Café Loosje is housed in a former tram waiting room. The Hotel Die Port Van Cleve is the only brown café you can stay in. Café De Sluyswacht is an old lockmaster’s house. The tiny 1798 De Doktor the former home of a surgeon. “Café De Pieper” opened in 1665. You will find many original details like stained-glass windows, antique Delft beer mugs and slanted floors. The floors slant more the longer you are in there!” Brown cafes are named after their dark wooden decor and tobacco stained wallpaper and ceilings. Some still have afghan rugs over their tables to soak up spilled beer. The head of a horse hung above us. “Het Bruine Paard” .is named the brown horse because 200 years ago, a fire allegedly caused horses to seek safety inside the café. We walked back through Nine Streets and Jordaan districts. Ron continued to do his bit. “Here , you’ll find many “hofjes” (small courtyards)originally built for widows and young adult women. “ We returned to the hotel. “Make sure a piano doesn’t fall on you!” I thought Ron was referring to a hangover. Then he pointed at the piano suspended from the ceiling of the hotel’s entrance. It commemorates the hotel’s annual canal concert. “History is everywhere. Especially in brown cafés. They are monuments and museums,” said Ron as we shook hands. “You deserve a “Silver Medal,” he said, directing me towards the cocktail bar and a Hemingway-inspired nightcap. I couldn’t face any more blondes. www.easyjet.com www.Pulitzeramamsterdam.com www.volkhotel.com www.VolksHotel.com is the best and quirkiest budget hotel. A former newspaper building has specialty rooms. Including one with a waterfall.
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UP IN THE TREETOPS | BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS
Elevated from the ground and up in the treetops, Upscale Living magazine found the most spectacularly lavish treehouses and treehouse suites imaginable. You will want to spend your next vacation there, guaranteed. 55 Upscale Living Magazine | JUNE 2019
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andBEYOND LAKE MANYARA TREE LODGE TANZANIA, EAST AFRICA
The only permanent lodge in the Lake Manyara National Park, andBeyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is a scenic 3,5 hour drive from Lake Manyara airstrip, delivering you right in front of this incredible lodge. With nine treehouse suites, including one family suite in the heart of the mahogany forest, you will feel as though you’re floating in the treetops. At andBeyond, we have a theory that the famous tree-climbing lions at Lake Manyara climb trees to get away from annoying insects, they’re jealous of our magnificent treehouse suites at andBeyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge! Cradled in the boughs of an ancient mahogany forest, the lodge blends into the natural beauty of its breathtaking surroundings. Designed to exert minimal impact on the environment, andBeyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge offers an exclusive interpretive safari in a far-flung, game-rich wilderness. Overlooking a forest boma, or outdoor dining area, lined with traditional dugout canoes, guest areas are characterized by soaring spaces that house local artworks and tactile fabrics. An air of romance is present at andBeyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, and with twice daily game drives and night drives, visitors are guaranteed to spot something during their stay. Situated in a remote and secluded area of the park, spectacular Rift Valley scenery and dramatic escarpment views are sure to be enjoyed from every vantage point. https://www.andbeyond.com/our-lodges/africa/tanzania/lake-manyaranational-park/andbeyond-lake-manyara-tree-lodge
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KEEMALA BIRD’S NEXT POOL SUITE PHUKET, THAILAND
With creative vision and interior design by Pisit Aongskultong from Pisud Design Company, architectural design by Bangkok-based firm Architect Space with Sermsuk Kitcharoenwong as Managing Director and Mosaic murals by Chiang Mai native Surachai Sripaiboon, Keemala’s concept of offering experiences ‘beyond enchanting’ rings true. Very different to other resorts in Phuket in both style and ethos, Keemala harnesses the history of fictitious ancient Phuket settlers and incorporates the story of four different clans within the resort. Keemala and its grounds are designed as an expansion of the surrounding landscape, making use of natural features such as mature trees, streams and waterfalls and integrating these into the overall design and creating a wonderland for guests to enjoy. Keemala is the perfect place for honeymooners, couples and guests wishing to get away from it all. The ‘Rung-Nok’ community inspired the design of the eight ‘Bird’s Nest Pool Villas’. This group enjoyed an opulent way of life compared to other clans. Thus, the interwoven design of their homes was to aid protection and privacy. This clan was thought to be more superior in both intellect and spirituality and comprised of artists, poets, musicians, philosophers and astrologers. They believed that the future could be predicted from astrology. They would bathe under the moonlight believing that their souls would be replenished, hence the inspiration for these beautiful private pool villas. www.keemala.com
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PLAYA VIVA
PLAYA ICACOS, MEXICO An Eco-Luxury resort in Mexico where Eco is defined by a commitment to restoring the local community; ecosystem and luxury is a design aesthetic committed to local craftsmanship at its highest level and service is determined by the attention to every detail to make you feel at home. It would be remiss to not mention the design and construction team behind the prized Treehouse room. The initial design was the creation of Kimshasa Baldwin of Deture Culsign based in Chicago. Her innovative design provided Playa Viva with the now iconic bamboo cylinder also nicknamed “Tiki Airstream” or “Bamboo Skylab.” The unique shape, in-floor hammock and use of natural and local building materials helped it win a myriad of awards. Kimshasa’s preliminary concept drawings were expertly executed in construction by Will Beilharz and his team from ArtisTree. The name is apt in describing how the construction of any treehouse involves an incredible amount of artistry. Together, they have created a room that is like sleeping in a dream and waking up in paradise. The construction of this treehouse in living palm trees brought Playa Viva full circle to their initial design by Ayrie Cunliffe in our original Regenerative Design Charrettes. https://www.playaviva.com/
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POST RANCH INN
BIG SUR, CALIFORNIA High atop the cliffs of Big Sur, 1200 feet above the Pacific Ocean, sits Post Ranch Inn, a sanctuary for the soul. Located along California’s Highway One, known as one of the world’s most scenic drives, Post Ranch is nestled into 100 acres of pristine land. Recognized as one of the top luxury resorts in the country and the only hotel in Big Sur able to offer an ocean view, Post Ranch offers the ultimate destination for romance, relaxation and rejuvenation. With 40 architecturally innovative guest rooms and suites placed along the ridge that parallels the Pacific Ocean, each guest accommodation offers a unique, luxurious experience with views of either ocean or mountain scenery. The Tree Houses, triangular in shape, are freestanding structures, elevated nine feet off the forest floor on stilts, with stairway entrances. Each room features a King Bed, window seat, desk, fireplace and skylight to watch the stars from bed each evening. These rooms offer a luxurious opportunity for anyone who has ever dreamt of sleeping amongst the trees. The minimum age for guests is 18 years and pets are not allowed. Reservations include a daily gourmet buffet breakfast, and guest rooms are generously stocked with a complimentary mini bar offering snacks, spring water from the property on-site in reusable glass bottles, nonalcoholic drinks as well as a half bottle of both red and white wine. www.postranchinn.com
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JACI’S TREE LODGE
MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA At Jaci’s Tree Lodge in the Madikwe Game Reserve, guests are accommodated in custom-built treehouses that seem to float high above the ground. Guests can enjoy a magnificent accommodation experience with views into the surrounding riverine forest as well as glimpses across the Marico River. Jaci’s Tree Lodge blends into the overarching canopy of the surrounding bush and foliage, making for fantastic birdwatching in a natural environment. Each of the eight treehouses is made from a combination of gum poles and African rosewood. The eight double-occupancy treehouse-style suites feature a private outdoor shower & large indoor bath and suspended private viewing decks. Decorated with Jaci’s Lodges trademark African vibrancy and complemented by modern elements with a focus on privacy, colorful luxury is at your fingertips. Eco-friendly amenities are provided, as well as an airconditioner and ceiling fan for the hot summer days. The custom-built stilted structures are connected by suspended walkways. Due to its structure, on wooden stilts connected by raised walkways, Jaci’s Tree Lodge isn’t suitable for small children; kids 13 years and older are welcome. Enjoy the cozy fireplace at the main lodge, with its fully stocked bar and lounge, as well as spacious indoor and outdoor dining areas, or browse through the African curio shop where you are sure to find a memento to take home with you. https://www.jacislodges.co.za/accommodation/jacis-tree-lodge 60 Upscale Living Magazine | JUNE 2019
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HAPUKU LODGE + TREE HOUSES SOUTH ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND
Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses is a contemporary country hotel located on a deer breeding farm in the South Island of New Zealand, 12 kilometres North of the renowned eco-marine town of Kaikoura. It sits snugly at the base of the Kaikoura Seaward Mountain Range, with the Kaikoura coast and famed Mangamaunu Bay only a kilometer to the east. The Lodge provides luxurious accommodation on Kaikoura’s rugged coastline, a place for guests to relax in its intimate indoor/outdoor setting and a place from which they can explore the larger maritime landscape of Kaikoura. The five Tree Houses are unique, nested 10 meters or more above the ground in the canopy of a native Kanuka grove. There are three 1-bedroom Tree Houses, and two “Family” Tree Houses which both have a master bedroom in the upper branches and a somewhat smaller bedroom in the lower branches. The Tree Houses are designed to complement the natural environment, like your bedroom in the sky. Their large windows bring the tree canopies into the bedroom and provide impressive views of Kaikoura’s dramatic mountains and the Pacific Ocean. While there are many things to do in the wider Kaikoura district, at the Lodge and within its environs there is plenty to do if a guest is so inclined. Try your skill at country and mountain biking with the Lodge’s mountain bikes (and helmets). https://www.hapukulodge.com/
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CHEWTON GLEN HOTEL & SPA
HAMPSHIRE, ENGLAND
Chewton Glen, a Relais & Châteaux country house hotel boasts fourteen luxury Treehouse Suites for guests to literally sleep in the trees and at the height of luxury. Built high among the trees of a secluded valley of the New Forest, each Treehouse is suspended 35 feet above the ground and offers an unforgettable setting for a true one-of-a-kind, unwinding, relaxing getaway. If that’s not enough to inspire you, how about imagining you and your loved one spending a night with your head literally in the clouds? Thoughtfully decorated and designed with plenty of space for you to escape from the pressures of everyday living, the unique Treehouse Suites will bring out the romantic in you – they have their own large outside terrace with comfortable seating, day beds and an outdoor hot tub on the terrace deck. Not to mention the marble bathroom with a large free-standing bath overlooking the forest. Simply switch on the mood lighting! Floor-to-ceiling windows give a panoramic view through the canopy to the valley beyond and every need is catered for and brought straight to the Treehouse doors … from a curated dining experience served in a picnic basket style hamper with foraged jams and honey from the hotel grounds to unique Treehouse spa treatments, to a children’s book, filled storybooks the Treehouse suites at Chewton Glen are wonderfully rare. www.chewtonglen.com
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ULUSABA TREEHOUSE SUITE SABI SAND, SOUTH AFRICA
Ulusaba’s Safari Lodge fits snugly into the bush, located beneath a canopy of ancient trees on the edge of a dry riverbed. You’ll love the sense of adventure as you access some of the rooms by swing bridges. Your room is sure to provide fascinating views of the animals as they stroll past on their way to the nearby watering hole. The Treehouse Suite is a spacious and very unique suite, featuring a private deck with views over Xikwenga Dam where hippos and elephants come to bathe. There is also a large viewing deck adjacent to the room perfect for breakfasts, lunches and dinners. The Treehouse Suite offers ultimate seclusion and is ideal for honeymooners. The location of the suite makes it the perfect choice for avid photographers and birders. The Treehouse Suite is an approximate 10- minute walk from the main lodge and is accessible by swing bridges and raised walkways. Your stay at Ulusaba includes accommodation at one of their lodges, twice daily game drives plus all meals and drinks including a top quality wine list and sparkling wines. Being out on a game drive is a real treat, and in this very special concession in the Sabi Sand, the chances of seeing something spectacular is very likely. Your mini bar will be restocked daily with drinks and snacks just in case you’re peckish! https://www.virginlimitededition.com/en/ulusaba/the-lodges/safarilodge
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FOUR SEASONS RESORT AT COSTA RICA PAPAGAYO PENINSULA, COSTA RICA
At Four Seasons Resort at Costa Rica, stilted luxury tree houses built within the lush canopy on a dramatic hillside offer a choice of accommodation options. Enjoy staying in the seclusion of this sloped retreat with the center of the resort being a mere 5-minute walk or golf cart ride away. The one-bedroom individual units are set in the uppermost tree level, the canopy. They offer views of the surrounding tropical dry forest or the bay, depending on the location and season, and include furnished, landscaped patios with adjoining infinity-edge pools. Comfortable living rooms, suitable for both relaxation and private entertaining, have floor to ceiling windows that offer similar views. Living spaces also offer queen-size sofa beds and full entertainment units, featuring Plasma/LCD screen television, CD player, DVD player with DVDs available from the concierge desk, cable television, all-news cable network and Bose wireless Bluetooth speaker available in Canopy Suites accommodations only. The king-bedded Master Bedrooms enjoy one full private marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs, while some units have an additional guest powder room with shower, allowing guests to relax in the privacy of their own treetop oasis. Bedrooms and bathrooms are sanctuaries and come complete with down duvets, down pillows, hypoallergenic pillows on request, lighted make-up/shaving mirrors, hair dryers and thick terry bathrobes. https://www.fourseasons.com/costarica/
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ARCTIC TREEHOUSE HOTEL ROVANIEMI, FINLAND
Welcome to the luxury comfort of the first Arctic TreeHouse Hotel, offering guests a new way to experience the Arctic Circle and the beauty of the Northern Lights in the nest-like atmosphere of their thoughtfully designed suites. With spectacular views over the treetops, the suites offer an exclusive combination of local tradition, Lappish heritage and modern Scandinavian design. The atmospheric lounge area invites patrons to relax with their friends and loved ones, while the panoramic restaurant caters delicious continental and local cuisine in unique surroundings. The Arctic TreeHouse Hotel is located on the Arctic Circle amidst the forest, next to SantaPark. A wide range of exciting activities are available from its doorstep. It is easily accessible by car – only ten minutes from the city center of Rovaniemi! Rakas Restaurant & Bar is available for the guest’s convenience in the main building. You are welcome to enjoy á la carte dinner or just a fulfilling snack. In case you would like to book a table or pre-order a private romantic dinner, do not hesitate to mention it during the reservation. Arctic Treehouse Hotel’s Guest Services will be delighted to organize activities and programs upon your request in case you have not planned your visit in advance. You are welcome to contact them in advance in order to select and book desired activities, transfers or dining and sauna experiences. www.arctictreehousehotel.com
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FOUR SEASONS HOTEL
SEAT TLE Discover The Redesigned | By Tracy Bear
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Seattle, Washington, lies nestled amongst snowy white-capped mountains, emerald green forests and dark cerulean waters. The Four Seasons Hotel Seattle resides in the heart of this vibrant city, one block from the famous Pike Market Place. Come and experience Wimberly Interior’s interpretation of this magnificent region at the newly remodeled hotel. Take pleasure in the stunning views of Elliott Bay, the Seattle Great Wheel and bustling city scenes from high above the waterfront. Relish the new comforts afforded in each of the hotel’s opulently designed rooms and suites and dine in the Goldfinch Tavern. Spoil yourself and indulge in luxurious treatments at Seattle Spa and Wellness located on the third floor. DECADENCE BY DESIGN The Four Seasons Hotel Seattle maintains one of the city’s largest floor plans, and the newly designed rooms and suites bring the beauty of the outdoors inside by embracing nature’s diverse colors and textures. Rooms are accented with handsome shades of blue and brown that represent the waters, forests and the nearby mountains of Puget Sound. Sophisticated caramel-toned leather headboards, dark marble stone and vibrant artwork depict the sights and sounds of Seattle life creating an intense sense of place. The hotel’s remodel encompassed all 134 expansive guest rooms and 11 of the 13 high-end suites. Rooms feature raw wood and natural materials, Nespresso machines, Bodum teakettles and minibars filled with local treats. The marble bathrooms include L’Occitane Almond Collection bath amenities, deep soaking tubs, rain showers and vanity mirrors with integrated televisions. The renovated rooms accommodate the modern traveler with multiple easily accessible plugs and USB ports, wall scones with reading lamps and 55-inch flat-screen TVs with streaming capabilities. Suites include all the above, and several boast a gas fireplace and sectional sofas, the perfect place to savor a cup of one of Seattle’s premium coffees on a drizzly morning or a glass of one of Washington’s incredible wines before an evening out on the town. My stay at Four Seasons Seattle Hotel was heightened by tickets to Taste Washington, a yearly event featuring more than 235 Washington state wineries and more than 65 Pacific Northwest restaurants. After checking into my well-appointed suite, I headed downstairs for lunch at the Goldfinch Tavern. DELIGHTFUL DINING Laura, the afternoon bartender and my server, greeted me as I walked into the Goldfinch Tavern. She was charming, attentive and efficient. I ordered the highly acclaimed seafood soup created by Executive Chef Ethan Stowell. 68 Upscale Living Magazine | JUNE 2019
The bowl was filled with whole baby clams, crunchy carrots, crisp celery, tasty broth and sweet Dungeness crab. Each spoonful was rich, thick and perfectly seasoned pairing excellently with my glass of Pascal Jolivet Sancerre. The green salad with sherry vinaigrette, cucumbers, radishes and delicate red and yellow flower petals made for a delicious accompaniment to this fantastic lunch. DEEP FOREST BLISS MASSAGE The Seattle Spa and Wellness at Four Seasons Seattle Hotel is magnificent, and I definitely recommend the Deep Forest Bliss Signature Massage. After relaxing in the sauna, I meandered to the lounge and rested in the serene setting. The Deep Forest Bliss Signature Massage is an incredible 80-minute, full-body treatment where locally inspired body oil with touches of balsam fir and white pine are massaged over the body soothing the skin. My masseuse, Nicole, was professional and well-adept at her job. After a deep-tissue massage, Nicole rubbed apricot-scented oil into my scalp massaging the oil deep into my skin. I could feel the tension melt away as she worked. After she finished, she wrapped my head with a hot towel and proceeded to work on my feet. I was shocked at how much tension was held in my extremities. The time passed all too quickly, and soon Nicole was wrapping my feet in hot towels and undoing my headwrap. She removed the wraps from my feet and dried each foot with a warm towel. I was forlorn when she finished. I could have basked in this extravagant treatment for hours, but it was time for me to get dressed for the first exciting event at Taste Washington, the Red and White Party. Before leaving, Nicole shared pertinent information on how to wash the oil out of my hair so that it would style with ease for the evening’s event. DELICIOUS DRINKS AND APPETIZERS The hotel offers guests transportation in the hotel car on a first-come, first-served basis. I ordered a Lyft to take me to the Aqua restaurant for the Red and White party. After sampling a variety of wines from 30 of Washington’s premier esteemed wineries and tasting delicious appetizers curated by Executive Chef Kevin Benner, I returned to my suite. I took the time to slow down for a moment, savor a bath in my deep soaking tub, and then slipped under the soft down duvet where I snuggled up with multiple down pillows of varying shapes and sizes and drifted off to sleep. The following morning, I awoke refreshed and excited about the remaining Taste Washington events Stop by Seattle, Washington, and enjoy an upscale vacation at Four Seasons Seattle Hotel any time of year; but for a real treat, plan your trip for March 19-22, 2020, and buy tickets to next year’s Taste Washington and take pleasure in some of the finest offerings of the state.
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ROCKFIG SAFARI LODGE A Homey Atmosphere in the Timbavati Nature Reserve | By Heléne Ramackers
72 Upscale Living Magazine | JUNE 2019
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Having made its debut in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve towards the end of 2018, RockFig Safari Lodge entices guests to immerse themselves into the ultimate snug and cozy safari feeling. With a history spanning more than two decades, owners Glen and Bruce Jenkins share their intrepid love for this piece of bushveld, paving the way for a most memorable homey experience. A baby elephant is lying fast asleep on the sand while the rest of the herd of about a hundred elephants feed on the surrounding greenery. They are all around us, and we sit in quiet amazement, marveling at the sheer size of these pachyderms while hearing the occasional deep rumble from one of the matriarchs. Next to this little sleeping elephant, his herd mates are having a dust bath when all of a sudden, a bigger calf has had enough of his friend looking lifeless. He unceremoniously puts his foot on the snoozing baby, as if to say ‘come on chap, you’ve slept enough now – it’s playtime’. Begrudgingly, the dozing elephant opens his eyes, lifts up his trunk and staggers to his feet. He seems bashful, seeking the comfort of his mother and before long, they march off into the sunset. My daughter and I arrive at RockFig Safari Lodge after a comfortable road transfer from Hoedspruit Airport by our field guide, Almero Klïngenberg. We are warmly welcomed by John and Lorraine Easingwood, Executive Chef and Front of House Anchor respectively. After a refreshing drink, we are shown to our fabulous accommodation for the next two nights, expertly constructed by lodge architect Tom Hattingh and skillfully furnished by Jacqui Hunter from Imagenius Interiors. With over fifteen years working in the creation and reimagining of safari lodges, Jacqui knew she wanted to craft a space that resonates with the DNA here, particularly one that has been created by a family, which she chose to respect and enhance, rather than change. “I love working in the bush,” Jacqui tells me. “For RockFig Safari Lodge, I drew my inspiration from the surroundings and the environment of the lodge. The rockfaces of the Drakensberg mountains en route to the lodge, famed for their tenacious rockfig trees that grow on the face of the mountain, as well as the shades of the lichen on these rocks, formed the blueprint for my color choices. Along with the wonderful story of the Rockfig leopard, the birds and trees endemic to the lodge further spurred my creativity.” With a great deal of care taken in the building of the lodge, originally created by the Jenkins family, Jacqui worked sensitively to enrich the interiors by fashioning a sense of luxury and spaces for different guest experiences – indoor and outdoor, private and
communal. An imperative part for her was to build on the foundation they had laid by adding layering – texture, subtle colors and detailing in each area. Special design elements were incorporated into the rooms to add to the sense of plushness. Jacqui explains: “The headboards are very generous and have lavish upholstery in silvery grey tones. The mosquito nets are connected to a canopy over the bed; they can be drawn right back to the wall opening the space, exposing the magnificent outside views from your bed. In each room, I commissioned artist Leigh Tuckniss to do watercolors of the birds and trees prevalent in the area, which is a beautiful detail on the wall above the headboard. The true hero of every room is the view, and the glass fronted bathrooms with their freestanding baths, adding to the sense of luxury at RockFig Safari Lodge.” Lunch is served outside and we feast on an array of salads, chicken, the most delectable finger-licking ribs and watermelon for dessert. Almero rounds us up for our afternoon game drive and there are elephants in abundance; they are trying to cool off by throwing sand over themselves. The sun is starting to set and tracker Isaac Mathonsi spots the River Pride of lions walking out into the clearing; two start grooming each other while another walks around the vehicle and lies on the ground, attempting to nonchalantly look as though he doesn’t notice us. They are definitely on the lookout for something to eat and once it has become dark, we follow them until we reach a part where we aren’t allowed to drive anymore. John has outdone himself with supper, which is beautifully set up on the pool deck. We dine on calamari starters, the most perfectly prepared fillet with mushroom sauce & crushed roasted potato and my favorite dessert – chocolate mousse. A short stroll from the main lodge to our room and my daughter and I cannot wait to experience our luxurious accommodation. The shower is huge and so inviting, with the fragrant Healing Earth Lemon Verbena & Argan Oil products provided to bathe with. The beautiful white freestanding tub seems tempting, but perhaps I will capitulate tomorrow night, filling it with caressing bubbles. On our morning game drive, various bird species are out in full force, and my daughter, a keen birder, ticks a few new ones off her birding list. In the distance, two giraffes are necking, vying for dominance. Almero seems to be harboring a secret; we soon find out what – we’re having breakfast in the bush! Lovingly prepared, we enjoy a choice of fruits, cereals, juices, coffee and hot breakfast. Back at the lodge, we take a dip in the pool and spend the afternoon at leisure before being fed some more delectable food – think koftas, green salads and chocolate brownies to conclude our meal. An
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interactive kitchen and dining area make meal-times enjoyable, with an open-plain counter and stove for fun breakfasts; a coffee station in the kitchen and a brand-new outside kitchen-pizza oven space. While scouting for some exiting animal sightings during the remainder of our stay, Almero ensures that our leopard ‘wish’ is fulfilled, with not one, but two sightings. On our afternoon drive, we witness a young female having a catnap, when she suddenly sits up. We patiently wait for her to do something, but she continues her siesta. The sunset at Impala Dam is magnificent, with the sky painted in varying shades of orange. During our last morning drive, another young leopard is lying flat in the grass, keeping her eye on impalas that are close-by. She is leopard crawling towards them and only the white tip of her tail indicates to us that she is still there. She moves stealthily, and we are all surprised as the impalas continue to feed, unaware of this lurking danger. Suddenly, one barks its alarm call. Her cover is blown. She reveals herself and they all scurry off in different directions. Not too impressed, she carries on searching for prey, patrolling her territory, pausing on a termite mound to view her surroundings. She eventually finds solace in the shade of a tree, saving her energy for hunting under the cover of darkness like most predators do. Thank you to Kim Beyers and Natalie Sokolich from Kim Beyers Representation for arranging our stay and to the Jenkins family for hosting us. *** View expressed are the author’s own.
AIRLINK – HOW TO GET THERE Airlink – is a privately owned airline business, operating as a regional feeder Airline, connecting travelers to more than 55 routes within southern Africa and St Helena island. Route Specific Information: Direct scheduled flights from Cape Town and Johannesburg to Hoedspruit. With an all Jet service, Airlink provides a Business Class service from Cape Town, styled in the manner of a European intra-continental service. Connectivity: Through our alliance with SAA, travelers can connect conveniently, effortlessly and seamlessly, with SAA, their Partner airlines and other carriers throughout Southern Africa and the world. Frequent Flyer Programme: Airlink is a member of South African Airways Loyalty programme - Voyager. Discover more: www.flyairlink.com Book Direct: https://www.flyairlink.com/destinations/flights-tohoedspruit 74 Upscale Living Magazine | JUNE 2019
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T R A V E L
A LUXURY GUIDE TO
ROME
Living It Up in The Eternal City | By ANGELA SARAH WEST
76 Upscale Living Magazine | JUNE 2019
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In the mood for a ‘Roman holiday’? Few cities offer such variety or prompt such desire to return to like Rome, the founding city of the Roman Empire which was once caput mundi, the head of the world. The glamorous Italian capital is a year-round luxury destination, as vibrant today as it was in the heady days of the 50s. Angela Sara West gives the lowdown on where to head for a lavish stay, shop and play in this magical celeb-loved city. Rome wasn’t built in a day and has the treasures to prove it. Many beautifully preserved, the city’s a living, breathing open-air museum just waiting to be explored. With a history spanning over 2,500 years, it’s no wonder that Rome is known as the Eternal City. It’s the city of Caesars… romance… la dolce vita… Rich in heritage, the history here is unsurpassable, and, unsurprisingly, the enticing capital has lent itself as a backdrop for many a Hollywood movie. From Carey Grant, Marlon Brando and Sophia Loren, to John Wayne, Bette Davies and Elizabeth Taylor, countless famous faces have been spied in the city. ‘The City of the Soul’ (according to Lord Byron), Rome is the seat of the Italian government and the world’s centre of the Roman Catholic faith. Add the endless churches, crumbling palaces and a medley of museums to the great gastronomy, superb shopping and fountain-filled piazzas, and this sensational setting simply HAS to be seen to be believed. Blessed with a wealth of antiquities, from the remains of its Imperial glory days to the Renaissance, Rome’s also bursting with Baroque and classical riches. It’s a glorious architectural patchwork where you literally stumble across the city’s characteristic quarters’ treasures, hidden corners and wonderful viewpoints simply by strolling around. Step back in time while embracing modern living and discover historic riches and majestic, medieval monuments, from the wonders of Ancient Rome to Renaissance gems, sprinkled with glamorous cafés, restaurants and bars brimming with well-heeled beautiful people, highbrow hedonists and irrepressible Latin lotharios gliding around on Vespas. Wander from one sleepy piazza to the next, eat out under the stars and enjoy open-air concerts among Roman ruins. SENSATIONAL SIGHTSEEING DELIGHTS Sitting on seven historic hills, the ancient heart lies to the East on the left bank with the main sites to the south, while the Vatican State lies across the River Tiber to the West. In Rome, all roads seem to lead to… the Piazza Venezia, the hub of the city’s road network. Originally built as a huge jousting stadium in 86AD, Rome’s most beautiful Baroque square, Piazza Navona, features a handsome Bernini-designed fountain. 78 Upscale Living Magazine | JUNE 2019
Piazza di Spagna is home to the world-famous Spanish Steps - THE place to see and be seen. The Keats-Shelley Memorial House here (where Keats died in 1821), contains a charming museum commemorating the English Romantic poets. Prepare to be awestruck on retracing the footsteps of Emperors and gladiators at the magnificent amphitheater, the mighty Colosseum. Just as impressive is the lesser-known monument to Victor Emmanuel, nicknamed ‘The Typewriter’ and ‘The Wedding Cake’. Its roof terraces afford wonderful views. The famous Forum is full of dilapidated temples, basilicas and triumphant monuments celebrating the expanding Empire. Enter via the impressive 1st-century Arch of Titus on the Via Sacra and enjoy the countless gems that await. Don’t miss a visit to Julius Caesar’s cremation site, to this day adorned with love letters, poems and flowers. Built in 27BC, the former Roman temple the Pantheon’s now a Catholic church (Sancta Maria ad Martyres, informally known as Santa Maria Rotonda) and a mausoleum for royals and great artists, housing Raphael’s tomb, among others. The largest and most celebrated in the city, you’ll hear the lavishly-sculpted Trevi fountain before you see it! Cross the ‘Bridge of Angels’ to the arresting, circular fortress Castel Sant’Angelo. Visit the Vatican, marvel at the Raphael Rooms and ‘Mr Renaissance’ Michaelangelo’s famous Sistine Chapel frescoes. When in Rome, why not do as the Romans do and take a romantic passeggiata (traditional pre-dinner promenade) in one of the city’s parks? Dotted with tree-lined walkways, secret flower gardens and fountains, Villa Borghese park hosts Caravaggio classics in Galleria Borghese. Or hop on a vintage Vespa and whizz around the city like Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck in the romantic film, ‘Roman Holiday’. Take a trip across the Tiber to one of the prettiest parts of Rome… bursting with medieval churches, the funky, bohemian area of Travestere clings to its centuries-old, working-class roots and lies on the West Bank. It’s known for traditional and innovative trattorias, craft beer pubs and artisan shops, with a young crowd buzzing around Piazza di San Calisto and Piazza Santa Maria, the site of a gilded, mosaic-filled church. The best area of Trastevere is the lesser-known part of the district, which lies on the opposite side of busy Viale Trastevere. If you’re here in the morning, be sure to visit the beautiful church of Santa Cecilia – top tip: (only in the morning) ring the intercom on the left-hand side of the portico, the entrance door of the convent, and you will be escorted
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by a nun to see magnificent frescoes of the XIII century, The Last Judgment of Pietro Cavallini. The church of San Lorenzo in nearby Piscinula is home to the city’s smallest bell tower, while the church of Santa Maria in Cappella recently re-opened after lengthy restoration work. Don’t miss Piazza dei Mercanti and Vicolo dell’Atleta, where you can view the remains of a medieval synagogue. Defined as a ‘yuppie’ district, Pigneto is one of the trendiest areas of the city and a multicultural area offering chic shops and sophisticated nightlife where the past and present intertwine. With a host of newly-opened bars and bistros, Centocelle is one of the city’s most up-and-coming locations, hotly tipped to rise as one of the coolest quarters of Rome. Make sure Bernini’s Illusion in St. Peter’s Square is on your must-do list, too, along with the colorful morning market in Campo de’ Fiori. Not forgetting, of course, that Rome is home to exciting ‘Da Vinci Code’ and ’Angels & Demons’ tours. Looking for something a little different? Learn how to master the basics of gladiator fighting at a genuine gladiator school on the ancient Appian Way! HOT HOTELS FOR SIZZLING STAYS Authentic accommodation, from the intimately chic’n’stylish to the ostentatious and seriously sublime, is abundant in this celebrated city. Numerous boutique and classic majestic spa hotels perfectly marry traditional design with contemporary style and 5-star comfort with 24hour concierge/butler service, offering high-end homes-away-from-home after a roam around Rome. Prince Rainier of Monaco and Grace Kelly honeymooned here, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes stayed before their fairy-tale castle wedding, while President Eisenhower turned a suite here into his private study before the war… Hotel Hassler is the award-winning ‘accommodation of choice’ for the world’s elite, boasting panoramic views from the top of the renowned Spanish Steps. Everyone from The Beatles to the Beckhams has made a beeline to this historic hotel… Charlie Chaplin, Pablo Picasso, Prince Charles & Princess Diana, no fewer than FOUR 007’s (Daniel Craig, Sean Connery, Pierce Brosnan and Roger Moore), Madonna, Joan Collins, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, Nicole Kidman, Will Smith, Gwyneth Paltrow, Sting, Justin Timberlake, Keira Knightley, Mick Jagger… the list of A-listers goes on and on… In fact, it’s more a case of who HASN’T stayed here and dined under (and among!) the stars in the grand gourmet restaurant. A few cobblestones away, Grand Hotel Plaza has seduced Churchill and George Clooney. Sneak into highly-acclaimed Rocco Forte’s Ho-
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tel de Russie’s nearby ‘Secret’ garden for a jetset company – VIPS here have included U2’s Bono and Hollywood heavyweight, Kevin Costner. The former InterContinental is now also part of the Rocco Forte collection and has been renamed Hotel De La Ville. An inviting land of luxury with striking vistas and a tranquil inner garden, the lavish 17th-century establishment, magnificently positioned atop the Spanish Steps, will reopen in spring 2019 following a major renovation and upgrade. Housed in the city’s former School of Architecture, J.K. Place Roma’s the place for a seriously stylish stay. The original classrooms have been beautifully transformed into boutique bedrooms adorned with antiques, sculptures and marble and offer luxury touches, including personally-monogrammed pillows. A Leading Hotels of the World member, the classic and cool establishment won a Condé Nast Traveller Gold List 2018 award. Hotel Eden has the last word in modern luxury for European royals and film stars, its illustrious guest-list was drawn to its grandeur, its roof garden’s perfect panorama, and its two sensational restaurants headed by Executive Chef, Fabio Ciervo, who was awarded a Michelin star just seven months after the hotel’s reopening. 80 Upscale Living Magazine | JUNE 2019
Take in the domes of Rome from Palazzo Naiadi’s rooftop bar and floodlit pool. An Art Deco dream combining neoclassic opulence with minimalist cool, its spa featured in the movie ‘Oceans Twelve’ and its 3rd-century Diocletian baths lie visibly preserved in this marble-and-mirrored temple. The Champagnerie, meanwhile, offers a corner of calm for bubbly with a view. Deluxe apartments include fashionistas’ fave, Portrait Roma, which made Condé Nast’s Traveller Gold List 2018. Providing the perfect pied à terre for shopaholics, the designer digs comprise 14 luxury suites and studios located in the city’s high-fashion district, designed to make life more ‘dolce’. Boasting bespoke hospitality in an Italian-style townhouse, the gorgeous roof terrace overlooks Rome’s prime shopping street, Via Condotti. New-kid-on-the-block, The Pantheon Iconic Hotel, boasts contemporary interiors showcasing marble stone, brass, porcelain and wood. The panoramic sixth-floor Divinity terrace bar is among the chicest in town. The new Palm Suites by Palazzo Manfredi, meanwhile, mix vintage and exotic designs for supercool sleep and spectacular views of the
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Colosseum, Imperial Forum and the Domus Aurea. The luxurious property’s exquisitelyappointed rooms and suites were masterminded for an elite clientele which appreciates the highest levels of comfort and refinement at a rare elegant gem in a unique historical setting. Aleph Rome Hotel, now in the Curio Collection by Hilton, makes for another 5* hip-hotel-of-the-moment stay in the heart of Rome. Other centrally-located hotels include luxurious landmark, Starwood’s St. Regis, complete with Europe’s first oriental urban spa, while Starwood’s Westin Excelsior has attracted famous faces and remained synonymous with la dolce vita since the 50s. Grand Hotel De La Minerve’s justifiably proud of its dramatic rooftop restaurant views, while one of the ‘Leading Hotels of the World’ Majestic Roma’s welcomed royals, high-society members and showbiz stars since 1889, dishing up divine gourmet cuisine on its terrace overlooking the bustling Via Veneto below. Elegant establishments elsewhere in the city include celeb-frequented Parco dei Principi Grand Hotel & Spa, boasting Rome’s best Spa for those with a passion for pampering. Sports stars Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, AC Milan, Juventus, and The English, Scottish and New
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Zealand All Blacks rugby teams, all score it as ‘Ace’! This 5-star luxury urban resort captures everything Rome stands for - history, glamour and innovation – offering a haven of old-school Italian opulence with world-class service. Overlooking the Villa Borghese gardens, the prestigious establishment won Best Hotel with Spa Europe and Mediterranean 2018 and is also famous for its first-class cuisine. The hotel’s restaurants are the jewel in the crown of the group, with unique recipes created by internationally-known chefs devoted to dishing up a genuine local experience for discerning diners, the world’s Presidents and Queens, fashion and showbiz stars, including the Rolling Stones, Brigitte Bardot, Penélope Cruz and Karlie Kloss. The hotel’s sumptuous rooms provide stunning vistas of the Eternal City, while the luxurious Royal Suite’s enchanting panoramic views encompass the picture-perfect pool, Villa Borghese Gardens and St. Peter’s dome, attracting A-list personalities including distinguished American film director, Woody
Allen, who sojourned here for an entire summer while shooting ‘To Rome with Love’. Alternatively, make a base at the alluring sister hotel, Hotel Splendide Royal, presenting phenomenal views from its swish terrace gourmet restaurant in one of the city’s most spectacular roof gardens. For an opulent family-friendly stay, the prestigious 19th-century building stands just a short stroll from the Spanish Steps. The former residence of the Roman Maronites, this stunning luxury hotel offers an elegant interpretation of the lines and furnishings that once adorned the patrician villas of the Roman nobility in the late 17th century, such as sumptuous gold stuccoworks and exclusive artworks, along with the famous Murano glass chandelier Luchino Visconti used for the ball scene in The Leopard, raining glittering light down onto the lobby. Opened in 2014, the elaborate Crystal Lounge’s myriad of dazzling mirrors make for the perfect setting for cocktails, prestigious dinners, and social and gala events. 81 Upscale Living Magazine | JUNE 2019
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The service attentive and discreet, big names in the guestbook here include political leaders, and members of the Italian and international jet set, such as Gloria Gaynor, Milo Manara, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Gloria Estefan, Mickey Rourke and Sex Pistols’ guitarist, Steve Jones. High-class Art Deco boutique hotel, Baglioni Hotel Regina, enjoys exquisite surroundings in the centre of Ancient Rome. The beautiful period building was once home to Queen Margaret of Savoy and boasts fabulous private terraces with breath-taking views over the city. Unwind in sleek, minimalist-designed Radisson Blu es’ rooftop pool, or join world-class art lovers admiring Picasso and Miró works at 5-star deluxe biohotel Hotel Raphaël, just a few steps away from vibrant Piazza Navona, before indulging in Champagne cocktails’n’caviar canapés along with 360° rooftop bar views. Long-standing staff member Giuseppe Runci (aka “Peppino”) has been welcoming guests at this much-loved Relais & Chateâux establishment for no fewer than 55 years! Offering all the glamour and decadence of a bygone era with modern comfort, Hotel Bernini Bristol is frequented by royals and VIPs hosting lavish parties and banquets. Neoclassical décor transports guests including Orlando Bloom and Sir Ian McKellen to the capital’s heyday at the restored prestigious palace, Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese… its fashionable lounge bar and upscale English-style library serving scrumptious afternoon teas make for a very grand affair. Tucked away in the upmarket Parioli neighborhood, home to many of the city’s wealthier citizens, lies Art Deco-style boutique Hotel Lord Byron, where Simple Minds and Dee Dee Bridgewater have stayed before taking to the stage at the nearby Auditorium Parco della Musica. Boasting mesmerizing views, Ritzy Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, projects pure panache with plush design in a parkland setting. Enjoy its super Spa, prestigious art collection, outdoor pool surrounded by cypress trees, tennis courts and Rome’s only three-Michelin-starred restaurant. Looking for a luxury villa in the heart of Rome? Luxury and prestige converge at Villa Nocetta, an exclusive contemporary and spacious sixbedroom villa with a stunning swimming pool surrounded by a large, lush private garden. Located in the elegant and exclusive area of Monteverde, just minutes from the Vatican City, the sophisticated residence is beautifully designed, impeccably furnished and family friendly. What’s more, the villa’s luxury personal concierge service offers high-class delights, such as visits to one of the most famous jewellers in the world, enchanting private mansions featuring beautiful works of art and private concerts in astonishing settings. Enjoy luxury and vintage urban experiences, food and wine tastings, fun cooking lessons and relax and relive the rituals of the ancient Roman baths in a private Spa with thermal pools, massages and beauty treatments. Golf lover? Rome is home to no fewer than 14 courses! Located on the Appian Way, Acqua Santa is the best golf club in the city, while Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, a 30-minute drive away, will host the 2022 Ryder Cup. Book a room a short putt away from the fairway at the elegant urban oasis, Aldrovandi Villa Borghese, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. Nestled within the famous Borghese Gardens in Rome’s most upscale area, the elegant establishment oozes refined opulence in its own peaceful private gardens with an inviting heated pool, outdoor garden bar and 18-hole golf course nearby. The marble bathrooms add dashes of grandeur and grace, while the Mytha Spa offers serenity and solitude in a peaceful hideaway following the frenzy of a day out and about in bustling Rome. Bask in the old-world glamour of this classic hideaway, a luxurious retreat in a prime spot by the green - golf widows won’t be disappointed! FINE WINING & DINING Restaurants in Rome are among the finest in Italy, with many open-air, top-class institutions set in the shadows of famous landmarks, provid82 Upscale Living Magazine | JUNE 2019
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ing alluring, unique al fresco ambiances for sampling national and worldwide cuisine in this gastronomic melting pot. Food is a serious subject for Italians and pasta remains the mainstay of meals, with a type for every day of the year! Traditional Roman cooking is conservative, rustic and deceptively simple. Must-tries include gnocchi, spaghetti alle vongole (classic with baby clam sauce) and baccalà alla romana (fried salt cold), followed by Italy’s most famous dessert, a delicious coffeeflavoured tiramisù. Cappuccino… Espresso? Coffee’s a ritual in Italy and a sophisticated café society ensures glittering cafés a-go-go. Kick off with a gran caffè speciale at Caffè Sant’ Eustachio, the locals’ and famous faces’ fave (visited by Giuseppe Conti, Matteo Renzi, Claire Holt, Bernadette Peters, Don Diamont and Kourtney Kardashian, who came here for her caffeine fix last summer). Or chill out in lively Piazza della Rotonda, Piazza Navona or Piazza di Spagna’s countless hot coffee pitstops. Don’t miss a scoop of glorious gelato (ice-cream) at historic landmark Antico Caffè Greco, former haunt of Keats and Casanova, or at Ciampini or Giolitti, among the coolest ice-cream parlors in town. Try the legendary tartufo ice from I Tre Scallini - iconic film star Sophia Loren’s
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absolute favorite. Chocoholics delight at historic chocolate-makers, La Bottega Del Cioccolato, Babington’s tearoom serves a fine English cuppa alongside the Spanish Steps, while ZUM and Pompi are top spots for a terrific tiramisù. Join the city’s buzzing aperitivo scene with a glass of something special at historic Harry›s Bar, Via Veneto, which gained international fame Fellini›s classic 1960 film, ‘La Dolce Vita’. The legendary bar’s nostalgic photo museum offers vivid flashbacks to the glamorous golden era when famous faces flocked here for their very own stylish slice of la dolce vita, with Sinatra singing at the piano. More recent visitors include Hillary Clinton, Anthony Hopkins and Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. Other VIP haunts for amazing apéritifs include Palazzo Manfredi’s grand terrace overlooking
the Colosseum and Eitch Borromini’s large loggia (partly-covered outdoor gallery) in Piazza Navona. Morgan Freeman has dined at the new Aroma Bistro at Palazzo Manfredi, perfect for drinking in the spectacular views over Roman ruins. For a true gourmet treat with top-notch service, spend an enchanted evening at deluxe Hotel Eden‘s Michelin-starred La Terrazza. Its ‘wine cellar-with-a-view’ won’t disappoint connoisseurs... Robert De Niro and Keanu Reeves have both departed with crates! Aldrovandi Villa Borghese’s celebrated German chef and outstanding restaurant, Oliver Glowig, boasts two coveted Michelin stars. Alternatively, savor decadent dining, the cityscape and over 53,000 wines at the multi-awardwinning, three-Michelin-starred restaurant La Pergola, presided over by German genius, and one of the “Masters” of the world’s gastronomy, Heinz Beck, inside Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf
Astoria Resort. The highly-decorated chef has been heralded as a leader in Italian and Mediterranean culinary tradition, his unique interpretation of the ‘Modern’ kitchen ensuring the utmost attention to the selection of ingredients and their transformation into highly-innovative flavors. Dal Bolognese offers upmarket north Italian fare to a glamorous crowd, Baglioni Hotel Regina’s refined Brunello Bar and Restaurant creates imaginative cocktails and dishes up delectable recipes, while Hotel Atlante’s smart roof-garden restaurant, Les Etoiles, affords unbeatable vistas. Sensational at sunset, the private terrace at Il Palazzetto’s a hip’n’happening haunt. Now owned by Hotel Hassler, the beautiful 19th-century building overlooking the Spanish Steps offers an enchanting exclusive private event space.
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Friday is fish day, so ‘seafood and eat it’ at one of Rome’s famous fish restaurants. Steeped in culinary heritage, La Rosetta, reputed to be Rome’s finest fish place, also serves superlative wines. The delectable menu depends on the day’s catch. For riverside dining with celebrity appeal, high-class Assunta has a seriously stunning setting, while ideal for romantic candlelit dinners, the labyrinth of lanes of Testaccio vie with fashionable Trastevere’s narrow cobbled streets as the foodie’s place to eat and be seen. SHOP ‘TIL-YOU-DROP One of the world’s greatest fashion capitals, where trends are set and exclusive boutiques offer the latest designer musthaves, whether you have a passion for fashion or a penchant for antiques, you’ll find high-end Italian and foreign retail outlets and trendy boutiques galore. From luxury labels to the very best in jewelry, Via Condotti boasts more than enough big-name brands to keep even the most discerning shopper happy. The equivalent of Bond Street or Fifth Avenue for high fashion, after requisite stops at Valentino, Prada, Gucci or Cartier here, you can give your credit card another workout on cutting-edge fashions in the ‘Trident’, where the three main shopping streets, Via Condotti/Borgogna/Frattina meet. A short catwalk struts away, Via Veneto’s also great for designer-wear, while Via del Corso’s home to Swarovski Crystal, appealing to affluent, young shopaholics. Navigate narrow streets, meandering through charming, cobbled microsm Monti, with one-of-a-kind boutiques showcasing everything from antiques to the avant-garde. Rome’s young fashion crowd hangs out here for jewelry, artisanmade shoes and bespoke fashion. Grand department store La Rinascente. based in both Piazza Fiumi and Via Tritone, is a one-stop-shop for upscale cosmetics, jewelry, clothing, gastronomy and home furnishings and offers wonderful windows to Rome’s glorious history from its gallery. GET ROME-ANTIC!... ‘THAT’S AMORE…’ Looking for love? Or maybe you’ve found it and are seeking the perfect place to pop the question… Positively oozing romance, you can’t go wrong with Rome. As Hollywood legend has it, “You’ve never lived until you’ve loved in Rome”. If a proposal’s on the agenda, you’ll have 84 Upscale Living Magazine | JUNE 2019
no trouble finding THE spot... practically EVERYWHERE exudes romance! Starryeyed couples flock to the Trevi Fountain, rent rowing boats in Borghese Gardens or climb the Aventine Hill to become betrothed under the orange and olive trees, or amid the roses and oleander atop the Palantine, surrounded by spectacular sunset city views, after peeking through the Knights of Malta keyhole for a jaw-dropping sight of St. Peter’s. The terrace atop Gianicolo, a hill just above the Trastevere district, is one of the city’s most romantic spots, especially at sunset. By night, the stunning city comes alive, dancing with dazzling lights sure to take your breath away. Enjoy an evening wine or dinner river cruise on the magnificent Tiber and dress to impress for an unforgettable night at the opera (Rome’s opera season runs from November-May). Teatro dell’Opera’s the premier venue for performances and classical ballet and, to top it all, during the summer months the theatre hosts opera outdoors, set amidst the ruined baths of Caracalla. Share a night to remember at exotic Palazzo Manfredi, offering unique design and sublime Valentine’s packages with red-rosepetal bed decoration, Champagne, dinner and picture-perfect Colosseum views, or indulge in a bubbly, cake and candlelit dinners in Hotel d’Inghilterra. Feeling adventurous? Take to the skies on a helicopter tour with limousine service, certain to spark an eternal flame. ROMAN WEDDING BELLS… For the ultimate spot to tie the knot, wonderful wedding venues include the beautiful Baroque convent Residenza di Ripetta, lakeside Hotel Castelvecchio, or say ‘I do’ at historic Park Hotel Villa Grazioli’, a marvelous mansion for wedding banquets. The gilded, red-carpeted Sala Rossa inside the Campidoglio is fabulous for nonreligious ceremonies, and intimate chapels, such as Santa Sabina or Sant’Alessia, are much easier to secure than St. Peter’s! First Luxury Art Hotel Roma, one of Rome’s leading rooftop hotspots, offers 5-star ‘Romance and Honeymoon’ packages, outdoor Jacuzzis plus a modern art gallery. And, for the perfect day, Dolcevitaweddings.com provide dedicated planners for tailor-made city weddings to ensure all your wedding dreams come true. After all, Roma backward spells ‘amor’ – the Italian for ‘love’! www.upscalelivingmag.com
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TOP TIPS - Avoid tourist traps: June and July are the high-peak months, leading to long queues, plus temperatures can be extremely hot and humid. Take official private tours for VIP treatment and a fast track to the sites. A Roma Pass also allows you to skip queues: www.romapass.it The crush at the Vatican diminishes after lunch and Friday night’s a good time to go, but avoid the last Sunday of the month, when it’s free to all. Taking the Night Tour completely avoids the crowds. - Stick to dress code guidelines: appropriate church attire means no bare shoulders or knees for women and no shorts for men. Be aware that the costumed gladiators outside the Colosseum expect payment for any photos taken of them and pickpocketing is rife, so it’s wise not to carry large amounts of money or credit cards. For tourist information, there are six official Infopoints in Rome, including one on via dei Fori Imperiali, close to the Colosseum. Getting hitched in the city? To have legal value, civil ceremonies in Italy must be performed in municipal buildings. Getting married in the Vatican requires abundant documentation along with convincing letters of motivation. Above all, don’t forget to toss a coin over your shoulder into the Trevi Fountain, the largest and most celebrated in the city, to ensure your return to Rome... You’ll find a single visit won’t do it justice! 85 Upscale Living Magazine | JUNE 2019
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welsh rum | By Kevin Pilley
In west Wales, they use seaweed to flavour their rum. “Barti Rum” was launched in 2018 by Jonathan Williams, seaweed fanatic and founder of “ The Pembrokeshire Beach Food Company ”. The spirit is a blend of Caribbean rum infused with laver seaweed hand-picked from the Pembrokeshire coast. Says Williams. “Often misrepresented as salty, laver seaweed carries a beautifully delicate, savory flavor profile, which does wonderful things to the spices and the rum itself. “Laver seaweed was once one of the most popular food items in South Wales. Pembrokeshire once had a thriving cottage laver-collecting industry. It was sent to Swansea to be made into laverbread. Barti is short for “Barti Ddu” (pronounced Barti thee). Barti Ddu is the Welsh name for a pirate, John Roberts known in English as Black Bart. Williams collects seaweed from Freshwater Bay. “For every 500 bottles, we use 2kg of seaweed. We have a license to pick seaweed and recently invested in a Ph.D.. study to investigate the
sustainability of laver seaweed harvesting with Swansea University. The seaweed is washed carefully. dehydrated and toasted for hours.”. Pembroke Distillery, also based at Pembroke Dock, produces “Wrecker’s Rum” and “Rocket Rum” made with Mexican and Colombian coffee beans. Its run by the Griffiths family –Scott, Duncan, Lucas, and Ian. The still is named after grandfather, Greenville. Says Ian: “The process is triple distilled. Initially, we used 100% of our own product, but to get more production, we decided to blend ours with another rum from the Caribbean. This gave us double the output and it seems to have stabilized the flavor. We currently hand label 1000 bottles per week.” The Coles family, based at the White Hart Thatched Inn at Llanddarog, Carmarthen makes “Welsh Superior Rum”, “Scowerer White Rum” and “Toddy Rum” ( infused with gold rum and honey marmalade) as well as strawberry moonshine, nettle ale, beer and cider. Cain and brother Marcus studied distilling in Chicago before Cain built a 300L still capable of producing 5000 bottles of spirits a week. They are the first Welsh distillery to use molasses to make pure homemade rum from scratch.
All their rums are named after Welsh pirates and their ships – John James Merchant, Sir Henry Morgan Satisfaction and John Evans Scowerer. Says Marcus: “Out award-winning rum is the only true Welsh rum. 100% Welsh aged in oak barrels. The water comes from a spring under the distillery. The molasses comes from Tate & Lyle! “We first heat the molasses to help it flow, then add to our mixing tank, and mix our well water that comes from 300 feet below the distillery. Next, we add a mixture of nutrients. Then the yeast which ferments over seven days, letting some esters from bacteria give the rum its banana, pineapple notes. If we want a light rum we use one of the columns. For a heavier rim we only use the pot. This leaves heavy oils to come over into the spirit. The whole process takes about ten days but the dark rums sit in the barrels for at least three years. “We make the effort to make our spirits from the raw ingredients to the finished product. Our rum is solidly Welsh. Through and through.” Like the other Celtic nations, Wales has a long history of spirit distillation. It may even started
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in the 4th-Century AD when a man known as Reault Hir started distilling on Bardsey Island off the north Wales coast. But the Scots claim rum as their own. Initially distilled by European Colonists and African slaves in the Caribbean in the early 17th century, it was popularized by returning sailors and sugar refineries. Rum punches – “Glasgow Sherbert” were popular drinks. With the decline of the tobacco trade with Virginia following the American War of Independence in 1783 rum, sugar and cotton became the major imports. Rum became the preferred tipple of the merchant classes.
Methven in Perthshire , came up with Scotland’s first golden rum, “Dunedin.” The 2013 distillery also produces a dark rum. Bottles feature Muireadhach , a sea warrior. Says founder Tony Reeman-Clark : “Rum seemed the obvious next product and allows us to make our Scotch in rum casks and vice-versa!”
“Sugar House Spiced Rum”, is named after the original producers of Scottish rum. Madagascan vanilla, Ceylon cinnamon, lime zest and cacao beans are used. Founded by Glaswegian school friends and rum lovers Zander MacGregor and Andrew Nairn, Wester Spirits Co. is named after the Wester Sugar House Company, founded in Candleriggs, Glasgow in 1667. Former golf course builder, bus driver and shooting instructor, Andrew Emmerson runs the small batch “Solway Spirits” in Cummertrees in Dumfries & Galloway. He makes “Banoffee Rum” blended with banana. Father and son, Billy and twenty-two-year-old Jory Duncan’s Carnoustie Distillery produces rum liqueurs from a bijou garden shed. As well as watermelon and white chocolate vodka, their speciality is Toffee Apple rum liqueur. Glasgow Distillery has just launched its “Banditti Rum”, named after a gang of nineteenthcentury brigands. It’s made from Madeiran sugar cane. Co-founder of the Glasgow Distillery Company, Mike Hayward says: “Glasgow has a strong historical connection with rum. We believe now is a perfect time to join the growing number of rums in the market, as consumers seek to further explore and discover new drinking experiences. “Banditti Club offers a premium, all-natural product with no added sugars or colorings which we believe stands up strongly alongside the best spiced rums currently available.” Aberdeenshire’s “Dark Matter” was the first modern purpose-built rum distillery. - It is run by brothers, Jim and John Ewen. Liam Pennycook , the chief distiller at Strathearn Distillery, Bachilton Farm Steading, 88 Upscale Living Magazine | JUNE 2019 www.upscalelivingmag.com
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A TURKS & CAICOS RUM TASTING FUN, FRIENDS, AND RUM AT OCEAN CLUB WEST RESORT | By Tim Cotroneo
um. That’s Arjay Vyas’ single word answer for the secret to making friends on the Turks and Caicos Island of Providenciales.
R
octane nectars. Vyas has done this before, and he knows that the way to a new rum taster’s heart is through humor, history, and a healthy dose of Caribbean appetizers.
Vyas, the Food and Beverage Director at Ocean Club West Resort, was turned on to rum eight years ago when he joined a monthly club that gathered to sample, share, and discuss the legendary spirit. At his job located on scenic Grace Bay Beach, Vyas makes it his mission to inspire guests to enjoy a liquid whose roots trace back to sugar cane.
On this day Vyas left nothing to chance. His guests connected with their inner Caribbean by sampling conch salad, jerk chicken, coconut shrimp, and even a rum cake for dessert. With their taste buds now in island overdrive, Vyas introduced his already smiling rum newbies with a glimpse into what would transpire over the next intoxicating hour.
One of Vyas’ favorite ways to share his wealth of knowledge is by inviting Ocean Club West guests to a rum tasting. Vyas knows that his resort’s oceanfront atmosphere adds the perfect ambiance for sipping, celebrating, and gaining a new appreciation for rum.
LET THE RUM GAMES BEGIN
A TABLE TURNS TO RUM When you begin relaxing in the paradise that is Ocean Club West, it’s hard to resist adding a splash of rum to the mix. The resort’s palm trees, lush gardens, swimming pools, light music, ocean waves, and amazing Grace Bay Beach sets a rum stage like no other. Seven new rum aficionados surrounded a table holding gold, white, and spiced bottles of high92 Upscale Living Magazine | JUNE 2019
Vyas provided each taster with an illustrated placemat. This paper tray displayed a primer to rum basics, and the outlines of four shot glasses. The placemat also revealed that the spirits in this Caribbean rum Olympics would be Bambarra Gold, Captain Morgan, Pyrat from Anguilla, and a surprise rum from Vyas’ own preferred stock. Not all rums are created equal, Vyas explained. At least when choosing a rum worthy of sipping on its own. Pyrat Rum and the surprise rum both fit like a glove when it comes to drinking solo or sans cocktail mix. By comparison, Bambarra Gold tastes extra
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smooth when a half glass of pineapple juice is added. Captain Morgan is enhanced when Cocoa Cola was splashed on top. For the grand finale, Vyas revealed one of his all-time favorites. THE TRUTH ABOUT RUM Vyas caressed the surprise rum like a proud father. Diplomatico, from Venezuela, had been aged almost 40 years before being poured in honor of his rum tasters. The new rum kids on the block nodded in unison when asked if Diplomatico was smooth. The nodding continued when they were asked if they’d like another. The rum tasting had evolved full circle, and Vyas could barely contain his grin. What this congenial Food and Beverage Director had learned over eight years had rung true again. The rum tasters were connecting on another level, the stories were flowing, and all was right with the world. On the shores of Grace Bay Beach, one thing was for sure: rum makes friends. https://www.oceanclubresorts.com/