SUMMER 2012
American Idyll Fabulous Family Retreats from Hawaii to Nantucket Fanning the Flame London Comes Alive for the 2012 Olympic Games EPICUREAN ESCAPES Three Culinary Itineraries for the Foodie in You
SWEET SERENITY Five Irresistible Spa Destinations Around the World REALITY BITES Celebrity Chef Kayne Raymond’s Big Adventure GREENS OF ORANGE The Golf Courses of Newport Beach
Discover the exceptional taste of GREY GOOSE Cherry Noir. S I P R E S P O N S I B LY
G REYG OOS E. COM
INTRODUCING
©2012 GREY GOOSE, THE GREY GOOSE BOTTLE DESIGNS AND THE GEESE DEVICES ARE TRADEMARKS AND/OR REGISTERED TRADEMARKS. IMPORTED BY GREY GOOSE IMPORTING COMPANY, CORAL GABLES, FL. VODKA 40% ALC. BY VOL.: FLAVORED VODKAS EACH 40% ALC. BY VOL. -DISTILLED FROM GRAIN.
YOu’RE EITHER STAYING AT A TRuMP, OR IN THE SHAdOW OF ONE.
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welcome letter
Brent and Kirsten Handler believe the value of vacation lies in bringing families closer together.
Get Inspired When I vacation, I always bring my… ipad 3 loaded with entire seasons of mad men and any movies that i missed at the theater. verizon 4g LTE MiFi for wireless access to all of my various devices. MacBook air loaded with all the best Mac and PC programs—it gives me the best of both worlds. iPod Nano with Klipsch noise-reduction headphones. Tumi rolling carry-on bag and briefcase.
W
elcome to our Summer 2012 edition of Inspirato Magazine. We have pages and pages of exciting new articles to share in this issue, but first I have to tell you about my recent trip to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and my vacation with family and friends at one of our signature residences—Casa Cana. I’ve traveled to some of the most beautiful vacation spots in the world, but this home, on the white sand beaches of the Caribbean, may be the most magnificent of them all: the flow-through breezeway design with spectacular outdoor living spaces; the wide balconies front and back; the palm-lined private pool; and the resort setting with a host of luxurious amenities. My family and I will never forget our alltoo-brief stay in this island paradise. It’s the simple moments that make vacations special—like golfing with my son Davis, playing tennis with my daughter Micha, and tossing the ball in the backyard with my youngest son Eli. These little snapshots in time will stay with me forever. We plan to return again soon, to spend more time, and to relive this very special Inspirato experience. Visit Inspirato.com and click through to Punta Cana for more details about Casa Cana.
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I want to take a moment to thank everyone for the comments we received on our Winter 2012 premiere issue of Inspirato Magazine. As a result of the feedback, we’ve expanded our Savvy Traveler section with more information about the best iPhone apps for summer, high-tech toys and fashions for your face— all must-haves for the luxury traveler. And don’t miss our Inspiration section with articles about rue style in the City of Light, fly fishing the Big Wood River in Idaho and seeking the ultimate in relaxation at world-renowned spas. In addition, we included a feature article from one of our favorite sommeliers, Sean Meyer, with Destination Cellars. A mainstay of the magazine will always be the portfolio section, 50-plus pages chockfull of information and inspiration about our entire collection of vacation options. It’s here where you’ll learn more about Inspirato and what it’s like to be a member of the club. As a club, we continue to explore new ways to increase the value of a membership, such as adding new signature properties to the portfolio, bringing more hotel and resort partnerships into the fold and taking on the world’s greatest adventures. We want to ensure that the hardest part of being a member is deciding where to go next. Enjoy the magazine and don’t forget to send us your comments. If you’re not yet a member, we hope you’ll be inspired by the places, the experiences, and the togetherness that are hallmarks of an Inspirato membership. If you are a member, thanks again for your support, and I look forward to seeing you on vacation soon. All the best, BRENT HANDLER FOUNDER & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
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CONTENTS
SUMMER 2012
INSPIRATO.COM
ExpERIENCE
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london calling | All eyes will be on London this summer as it hosts the Olympic Games. But the city has more to offer than athletic competitions. Out-of-the-way museums, a newly invigorated dining scene and a thriving pub culture are all worth seeing. Navigate the city with insider knowledge for a properly brilliant visit. BY shana Ting Lipton
80 empire state of mind
88 the great escape
104 a feast for the senses
New York City is a colorful, bustling mass of sensory overload. The culturally diverse city never sleeps. Discover another side of the Big Apple, from hidden al fresco dining spots to jazz evenings held at the Museum of Modern Art, and feel like a local for a long weekend.
Family vacations are best when there’s something for everyone. From the pristine white sand of Rosemary Beach to the funfilled Wild West of a five-star dude ranch, it’s not hard to find the perfect getaway for two, sometimes three generations. Here are four fantastic destinations perfect for families.
Food and wine are an integral part of every culture around the globe, and a vacation crafted around local cuisine can turn into an unforgettable culinary odyssey. Learn how to make pasta in Tuscany, eat your way through the South of France, and discover some of the best beachside restaurants of St. Barts.
By Lexi Dwyer
By Elina Furman
By Jay Cheshes
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SUMMER 2012
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Welcome letter
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Contributors
CONTENTS
THE INSPIRATO PORTFOLIO a comprehensive look at our distinct properties around the globe
page 117.
16 Footprints: nine must-see destinations
180 It Pays to Play: Does
64 The Greens
the job make the man?
of Orange With an unheralded variety of top-notch courses, Newport Beach makes a great golfing destination.
Savvy Traveler. 19 Summer full of fetes Celebrate these festivals and events around the world.
67 Ties that Bind Fishing in Sun Valley isn’t just a sport— it’s a tradition.
24 On the move Six smartphone apps that will enhance any travel experience.
71 Cognac’s Sultry Soul The sophisticated spirit is gaining ground.
26 Reflections An iconic pair of sunglasses can live forever.
76 RIESLING RISING
30 FUN FROM
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THE FUTURE High-tech gadgets to entertain, soothe and submerge.
34 Get a grip From putters to hybrids, the latest, greatest golf gear.
.MEMBERSHIP. 114 What is Inspirato? More than luxurious destinations, Inspirato is about the service, the people—and you.
19 172
36 The A-List Culture, dining, adventure—Aspen has it all.
40 A time to wine Three bottles that are ready to drink right now.
INSPIRATION.
Portfolio From signature residences to adventurous expeditions, there are a plethora of vacation options around the globe. Perfection A place has to be special (and dependable) to go into the Inspirato portfolio of properties.
universal ideals Grassroots charities that have grown into so much more. Facundo Bacardi on the value of giving back.
117 The Inspirato
170 In SeaRch of
44 Small ideas,
48 Benevolent Spirits
The misunderstood wine is fast becoming a sommelier favorite.
172 The Art of
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TOGETHER Time spent together as a family creates valuable memories.
50 King of the Jungle Chef Kayne Raymond dishes on his global exploits.
174 At Your Service Personal Vacation Advisors tend to every detail ensuring you the perfect trip.
54 Only in Paris Galerie Vivenne offers a truly exclusive Parisian shopping experience.
176 The Inspirato
58 Sun. Sand. Sea.
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Serenity These five spas excel in pampering.
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Difference FAQs about Inspirato’s concept, service and pricing.
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NYC, DC, LAS VEGAS, DALLAS, DENVER, RENO, ORANGE COUNTY, SAN FRANCISCO, SONOMA COUNTY
COAST TO COAST TABLE TO TABLE
CHARLIE PALMER’S ICONIC CUISINE, PAIRED WITH SUPREME SERVICE AND COMFORT, JUST SO HAPPENS TO BE LOCATED IN THE HEART OF YOUR FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATIONS.
CONTRIBUTORS SUMMER 2012
KARA NEWMAN
HEATHER STIMMLER-HALL
JAY CHESHES
LEXI DWYER
Kara Newman is Spirits Editor for Wine Enthusiast magazine, for which she tastes and evaluates hundreds of spirits every year. She loves her job. Based in New York—the world’s cocktail capital— Kara’s writing also has appeared in The New York Times, Saveur, Imbibe and Reuters, where she writes the weekly “Spirited Traveler” column. Her second book, The Secret Financial Life of Food, will be published in Fall 2012 by Columbia University Press.
Heather Stimmler-Hall is an American-born travel writer, indie publisher, and private tour guide, living in France since 1995. After a year as Travel Editor at ELLE.com, she‘s been a regular freelance contributor to Fodor’s, Michelin Green Guides, France Magazine, and easyJet inflight magazine, as well as the editor of the monthly Secrets of Paris Newsletter. In 2008 she published an awardwinning travel guide, Naughty Paris: A Lady’s Guide to the Sexy City.
Jay Cheshes is a food and travel writer based in New York. He prefers to eat but is not above getting his hands dirty, especially when it has to do with learning how to make pasta in the kitchen of a Tuscan winery. He writes a weekly column on restaurants for Time Out New York and contributes to Travel + Leisure, Town & Country, Saveur, Hemispheres and the New York Times among other publications.
Based in New York City, Lexi Dwyer began her career as an editor at Epicurious, Condé Nast’s food and cooking web site. She later worked as both a travel editor and contributing editor at BRIDES magazine, where she had the grueling job of scouting honeymoon destinations and also reported on topics like food, party planning, beauty, and fashion. A contributing writer for NYMag.com and iVillage, she recently wrote an article for Gourmet Live, “Deconstructing the California Roll.”
SCOTT KRAMER
MIKE MCKENNA
GEMMA & ANDREW INGALLS
CHRIS RODELL
Scott Kramer is a veteran golf writer based in the golf equipment hub of Carlsbad, California. In his 22 years covering the golf industry, the former GOLF Magazine senior editor carries a 5 handicap. While his short game sometimes disappears, he always brings game to his columns. His work appears in several international and U.S. consumer and trade publications, including PGA Magazine, Golf Tips, Private Clubs, Executive Digital and California Golf News.
When he isn’t casting the days away with his sons on the rivers and lakes of Idaho, Mike McKenna can usually be found working on his award-winning writing. Mike’s writing has appeared widely, from his weekly humor column to articles for national publications like Trout and Food Network Magazine. The editor of Sun Valley Magazine, his first book about the Big Wood River will be published by Mandala Media at end of the year.
Gemma and Andrew Ingalls are a husband and wife photography team that shoots food, travel, portraits, and landscapes for such magazines as Food & Wine, Bon Appetit, Garden Design & Martha Stewart Living. When not working, they enjoy traveling and eating, which is the subject of their blog: www. theepicures.com. They live in Fort Greene, Brooklyn with their 5-month-old son, Ollie.
Chris Rodell is a Latrobe, Pennsylvania–based writer who has taught creative nonfiction at Point Park University in Pittsburgh. He’s written offbeat travel features for msnbc.com. Additionally, he’s contributed features and essays for Esquire, Cooking Light, People, Maxim, Men’s Health, Playboy, Golf, Details, and Arnold Palmer’s Kingdom magazine. The author of “Use All The Crayons! The Colorful Guide To Simple Human Happiness,” he blogs at www. EightDaysToAmish.com.
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Brent Handler Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Brad Handler
Brian Corbett
Martin Pucher
Founder & CHAIRMAN
Founder & Chief EXPERIENCE Officer
Founder & Chief OPERATING Officer
OUR MISSION STATEMENT Inspirato is the preeminent brand in luxury travel. We obsess on equal parts exceptional service and extraordinary value.
1637 Wazee, Ste 400 S Denver, CO 80202 Inspirato.com S info@inspirato.com S 303.586.7771
Ira Bahr Chief Marketing Officer & President of Inspirato Magazine
Mendy Charlton SVP Marketing & Editor-in-Chief of Inspirato Magazine publisher editor creative director managing editor DESIGN ASSOCIATES project manager copy editor
Deborah Juris Brendan Harrington Aaron Cessna Wren Bova Lindsay Burke Alithea Doyle Jurgen Mantzke Susan Humphrey Carol Rolland
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS COver photography CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS & PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jay Cheshes, Nancy Clark, Lexi Dwyer, Elina Furman, Cindy Hirschfeld, Eric Hiss, Malanie Kaplan, Scott Kramer, Logan Kugler, Shana Ting Lipton, Courtney Lochner, Mike McKenna, Sean Q. Meyer, Kara Newman, Chris Rodell, Diana Rowe, Mindy Sink, Heather Stimmler-Hall, Kara Williams Brown Cannon III Brown Cannon III, Tina Hodnett, Gemma & Andrew Ingalls, Julian Love, Craig McKenna, Rebecca Marshall, Jesse Morgan, Glenn Oakley
pre-press Steve Oliveri Full Gamut Solutions printed by American Web, Inc. Denver, Colorado USA 303.321.2422
NATIONAL ADVERTISING SALES Laurie O’Connell Account Executive
laurie@hungryeyemedia.com 970.376.0401
Inspirato Magazine is published in conjunction with Hungry Eye Custom Publishing www.hungryeyemedia.com | 800.852.0857 Inspirato Magazine, Volume I, Issue 02, prints three times annually and is published in conjunction with Hungry Eye Custom Publishing, © 2012. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without the express written consent of the Publisher.
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Sun. Valley.
America’s first destination ski resort, Sun Valley has year-round offerings. Read about fishing on the Big Wood River on page 67.
Nantucket.
Herman Melville is considered Nantucket’s first celebrity tourist. He based much of his novel, Moby Dick, on the island’s whaling culture. Discover its familyfriendliness on page 94.
Anguilla.
Kiawah Island. Bordered by protective sand dunes, Kiawah Island’s beach is 10 miles long. Relax into the resort’s spa on page 58.
The. Galapagos.
Some of the Galapagos’ youngest islands, Isabela and Fernadina, are still being formed. See a sample itinerary of a Galapagos voyage on page 164.
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To celebrate emancipation, Anguilla’s Summer Festival kicks off at dawn with J’Ouvert Mornin’, a daybreak jam that starts in the streets and migrates to the beach. Learn more about Anguilla on page 119.
MAPPING THE POSSIBILITIES
London.
It is unnecessary to bow to the Queen or British Royalty unless you are, in fact, British. If the Queen extends her hand, a few light and gentle shakes are all that is permitted. Navigate London like a pro with the story on page 96.
Tuscany.
Provence.
Tuscan locals bring their own vessels into wine stores and have them filled with vino sfuso, a local wine sold out of large tanks. It’s often the house wine at local eateries. Contemplate a Tuscan cooking class on page 104.
The first Roman province outside Italy, Provence’s light and landscapes were favorite subjects for painters such as Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Cézanne. Read more about it on page 135.
KENYA.
Wildebeests and zebras spend the summer months migrating across Kenya in search of green grasses. Peruse a sample African Safari itinerary on page 160.
UNrivaled experiences at Inspirato destinations around the globe
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When Provence is in bloom, the world becomes a purple, aromatic experience.
A Summer Full of Fêtes Fine weather, seaside longings and family adventures are all excellent reasons to head out of town. But taking a trip can be extra special when the destination in mind is celebrating, too. Time your vacation to catch some of the world’s most unique festivals, events, attractions and celebrations. by NANCY CL ARK
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1 Festival Season
Telluride, Colorado. { June – September } Lore has it that Telluride earned its moniker from the irascible miners who claimed their mountain locale was, well, rough: “To hell you ride.” One hundred and fifty years later, it’s much easier to get here, either on scenic Highway 145 through the San Juan Mountains or flying in to North America’s highest commercial airport, the Telluride Regional Airport. Telluride has so many festivals, the town even celebrates the odd weekend when there isn’t one. The Telluride Film Festival, Jazz Celebration and Telluride Bluegrass Festival are all mainstays on the summer calendar, but there are many more from which to choose. At the beginning of the summer the Balloon Festival turns the sky into a Technicolor dreamscape, while Blues & Brews ushers in the changing aspens with music, food and suds in the autumn.
2 International Games
London, England. { July 27 – August 12, 2012 }
1
Go Citius, Altius, Fortius (Faster, Higher, Stronger) at
London’s 2012 Olympic Games. This summer, London will
become the most international of cities as 26 competitive sports are played out in 32 venues, extending to outlying areas of the Royal Kingdom. But before the Games begin, the Olympic torch will spend more than two months touring some of the country’s most historic locations via traditional runners as well as trains, ziplines and more unusual modes of transport. See our guide to London on page 96.
3 CAP CANA BEACH POLO
PUNTA CANA,. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. { February } The Cap Cana Beach Polo World Cup is a one-of-a-kind event, wherein colorfully clad polo players atop galloping steeds take to the white sands of Cap Cana for a rousing tournament of polo. A terrific photo opp, the Cap Cana tourney turns into a beach party like only the DR can throw.
4 Flying High
Chicago, Illinois. { August 18-19, 2012 } Chicago and lakefront are synonymous, thanks to the annual
Air & Water Show on North Avenue. Admission is free and the
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show is open to the public. Claim your seat early because the Windy City packs ’em in for this one. Best seats in the house will be on North Avenue Beach and Oak Street Beach. Or hop into the continent’s fastest elevators in the John Hancock Observatory building, climbing 1,000 feet in 39 seconds for 360-degree views of the city and the show. Bonus: A multimedia tour narrated by David Schwimmer is included. Each year the Air & Water Show introduces new surprises, such as Vince Vaughn’s 2011 parachute onto the beach. If crowds aren’t your thing, wander over to Navy Pier and the Chicago Children’s Museum, catch a 3D movie at IMAX or take in the sunset from the Ferris wheel.
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3 4
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5 Whale Migrations
WAILEA, MAUI,. HAWAII.
5
{ March } Humpback whales begin their southern migration from Alaska to Hawaii each December. February to April is prime whale-watching season in Maui, as Lahaina celebrates their annual arrival with ocean-themed presentations, music, and dancing at the Lahaina Whale and Ocean Arts Festival.
6 Reading the Greens
Kiawah Island,. South Carolina. { August 6-12, 2012 } Get teed up for the 94th PGA Golf Championship, held on the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. The Pete Dye-designed course has proven to be one of the toughest on the East Coast. This Low Country island, all 11.2 acres of it, is one of the most carefully preserved barrier islands in the world. Named for the Native American tribe that hunted and fished in the area in the 1600s, the island was granted to reputed pirate George Raynor in 1699. Only three owners later in 1974, the island was developed into a world-class private gated resort community with a year-round population of roughly 1,200 residents. Try biking around the island on 30 miles of paved bike paths and 10 miles of hard-packed sand beaches.
7 Sweet Dreams
Provence, France. { Mid-July to mid-August }
6 MEMBERS ONLY
7
July is the height of lavender season in Provence, with two primary growing areas known as lavandicoles: the triangle between Sault, Banon and Sederon, and north of Nyons at the base of Mont Ventoux. Field upon field of purple dances in the summer sun, scenting the air with its pungent aroma. In the town of Coustellet, a small lavender museum with a collection of copper stills dating back to the 16th century tells the story of lavender production. By 1929, there were 47 lavender stills around Sault— considered the lavender capital of Provence—producing the best essential oils. The Sault Tourist Office offers guided tours of the three remaining lavender distilleries. Festivals and lavender tours abound. Make it a point to see the medieval villages of Gordes, Menerbes, Lacoste and Saignon, Roussillon, and Les Baux-de-Provence.
Even when events are sold out, single-day tickets often are available for those who know where to look. Talk to your Personal Vacation Advisor about tickets for these events and more.
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{ Six smart apps for your summer escapes }
Embrace your seasonal wanderlust—and be sure to embrace your smartphone, too. Whether you’re looking for great local dishes or want to create your own panoramic photos, your device packs a punch when you load it with these incredible apps. by logan kugler
Photosynth If a picture is worth a thousand words, panoramic photos speak volumes. Microsoft’s Photosynth app is perfectly poised to create them. Photosynth uses your Apple device’s camera (or photos stored in its memory) to stitch together multiple photos into one panoramic shot that can then be shared on Facebook and Twitter. The app’s interface makes it easy to keep track of your progress, composing the panoramic photo before your eyes and giving you the ability to make adjustments as you go. It’s a winning companion for cataloguing your adventures—every angle of them. Free • Works with iOS devices
FOODSPOTTING
The Foodspotting mobile app puts the communal spirit back into your dining experience. Once you download the app, you can snap pictures of your favorite dishes in any restaurant in any city and share your thoughts. Then, users (yourself included) can search for specific dishes, take a peek at how they look and who recommends them, and find the nearest restaurant that serves the dish. Looking for the perfect paella in Madrid? Maybe the best burger in Chicago? Foodspotting is a fun and intuitive way to find good food fast—with a little help from your virtuals. Free • Works with iOS, Android & Blackberry DEVICES
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LUXE Mobile City Guides
Previously, LUXE city guides developed a reputation as smart, savvy and no-holds-barred books that offered only the crème de la crème of regional dining, attractions and nightspots. Now, that same approach has gone mobile. The travel guide producer’s mobile city guides cover some of the globe’s hottest destinations, including New York, Tokyo, Amsterdam, Venice and London. Each mobile city guide app delivers key information and expert recommendations (with LUXE’s trademark snark) at the touch of your smartphone screen. For $5.99, the price is right to learn everything there is to know about your destination metropolis—and you’ll get free updates to each guide you buy for a year. $5.99 • Works with iOS & HTC devices
Trover
This fun app puts a sense of wonder into travel, whether it’s for work or pleasure. A smartphone-powered social network, Trover lets you snap pictures of new discoveries (be it a cool-looking restaurant or stunning wall graffiti), add a note and post it for other Trover users to see. Using the app’s search function, you can discover hidden gems around your current location, get directions and visit them on your own—while keeping an eye out for more to share on your way. Free • Works with
Packing Pro
Never again worry about forgetting something when you pack. That’s something many would pay dearly for, but with the Packing Pro app, it’ll only cost you $2.99. Packing Pro lets you create completely customizable packing lists for multiple trips right on your smart device. Much more than a simple list, Packing Pro’s supercharged functionality will total the weight of each item, toggle between unpacked items and your entire list, all while sorting items into different categories. The app’s expert list assistant will even create lists for you based on how many people are going on your trip, their gender and the length of stay—automating all your packing needs and eliminating the headaches that accompany forgotten essentials. $2.99 • Works with iOS devices
iOS & Android DEVICES
SleepStream 2 Pro
You may have every luxury and relaxation planned for your big trip, but what happens on the way? Loud airports, uncomfortable seats and innumerable distractions wear you out before you even arrive. The SleepStream 2 Pro app prevents that. The sleep and relaxation app plays atmospheric audio, relaxing natural sounds, hypnosis audio tracks and binaural beats to turn any situation into a soothing nap opportunity or meditation session. Not only will you sleep better and deeper with the app’s sounds in your ear, but you can also run custom sound combinations to aid focus, improve your mood or begin a meditation session. Become well rested, lower your blood pressure and enjoy a cheery mood, all on the trip out? Check-check-check. $2.99 • additional sound packages AVAILABLE • Works with iOS devices
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TO BREAK THE RULES, YOU MUST FIRST MASTER THEM.
THE WATCH THAT BROKE ALL THE RULES, REBORN FOR 2012. IN 1972, THE ORIGINAL ROYAL OAK SHOCKED THE WATCHMAKING WORLD AS THE FIRST HAUTE HOROLOGY SPORTS WATCH TO TREAT STEEL AS A PRECIOUS METAL. TODAY THE NEW ROYAL OAK COLLECTION STAYS TRUE TO THE SAME PRINCIPLES SET OUT IN LE BRASSUS ALL THOSE YEARS AGO: “BODY OF STEEL, HEART OF GOLD”. OVER 130 YEARS OF HOROLOGICAL CRAFT, MASTERY AND EXQUISITE DETAILING LIE INSIDE THIS ICONIC MODERN EXTERIOR; THE ALWAYS PURPOSEFUL ROYAL OAK ARCHITECTURE NOW EXPRESSED IN 41MM DIAMETER. THE AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK: CELEBRATING 40 YEARS.
ROYAL OAK
IN STAINLESS STEEL. SELFWINDING MANUFACTURE MOVEMENT.
audemarspiguet.com
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Reflections They shape your face and give you attitude. They make you elusive or altogether incognito. They give you an edge ... and even protect you from UV rays. That’s right—we’re talking about sunglasses. As an oh-so-essential accessory, it’s hard to believe they’ve only been around since 1929. by Courtne y Lochner
oday, sunglasses are a given. They’re not just functional, they’re fashionable. They’re iconic. They’ve been immortalized on the silver screen since the 1940s by stars like Audrey Hepburn and Tom Cruise. And the hottest shades on the shelf today are reinterpretations of the coolest classics of pop culture. Here, we reflect on the retro-chic shades of the day.
T
Tumbleweeds Fawn’s Turquoise & Mahogany CLUBMASTER
No era’s look is more quickly identified than with the flirty cat-eye glasses of the 1940s and ‘50s. Claimed by the likes of Marilyn Monroe, this look-at-me design does wonders for round, oval and diamond face shapes. To capture this aura today try the cat-eye tortoise glasses by Prada ($205) or a more colorful option like the Prada “Swing” glasses available in blush, brown or yellow ($245). Equally as Marilyn-
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worthy are the Angelique glasses by Kate Spade ($128) and the handcrafted wooden cat eyes by Tumbleweeds ($75). Audrey Hepburn has perhaps immortalized sunglasses like no other. Her oversized black wayfarers define her Breakfast at Tiffany’s ensemble. They are perfect for petite and round faces and look great on both men and women. And when it comes to this design, Ray-Ban rocks it: The New Wayfarer ($169) recalls the classic. But if you really want to take the wayfarer to a new level, try Fawn’s Turquoise and Mahogany Clubmaster by Tumbleweeds ($145).
1940–1959 Audrey Hepburn
Prada Swing
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Ray-Ban New Wayfarer
GETTY IMAGES (AUDREY HEPBURN)
look: Cat eyes and Wayfarers famous faces: Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn great on: Petite and Round Face Shapes
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look: Tinted Circles and Tortoise Shells famous faces: John Lennon, Janis Joplin great on: Round, Oval and Square Face Shapes In a departure from the cat eyes, the ‘60s and ‘70s provided us with small shades and perfect circles like John Lennon’s everfamous pair of rounds. This look still gives off a “free love” vibe, and it works for both square and oval faces. Marc Jacobs Exclusive Round glasses perfect this look ($345). Janis Joplin adored the round lenses as well but in an oversized fashion just like the Love Bug by Diesel ($220).
1960–1979
Marc Jacobs Round
THE Ray-Ban Aviator
look: Aviators and ’80s Pop famous faces: Tom Cruise, Madonna great on: Most Face Shapes Even though they were a character unto themselves in 1967’s Cool Hand Luke, it was really Tom Cruise in Top Gun who brought the aviators to the forefront in the ‘80s. The distinct
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reflective look makes the wearer at once elusive and alluring. The beauty of aviators is that the petite frames work well on most face shapes, so don’t hold back: Join this club. Ray-Ban’s Aviator in Gold Large Metal ($195) is one of several takes on this always-cool classic.
1980–1989
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Tom Cruise
Bob Gruen (John Lennon); FeatureFlash (Tom Cruise)
John Lennon
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2000–2010 look: Oversized and Jail Stripes famous faces: Nicole Richie, Kanye West great for: Heart-Shaped and Round Faces
Kanye west
rectangular shades ($550) in acetate or the Gina glasses by Louis Vuitton ($600). And of course, who can forget the jail stripes that Kanye brought to fashion—a look that took off in a hot minute with every color of the rainbow. But unless you’re going to a Halloween party, it’s best to let this pair rest in peace.
Chanel oversized ACETATE
look: A Throwback to the Best of Times famous faces: Rihanna, Johnny Depp
Shutterstock (Kanye West); Getty Images (Rihanna)
Bigger is better in some cases and as the millennium broke dawn, such was the story for sunglasses—we’re talking face-eating, giant shades. Larger glasses, especially with some architectural weight or color shading near the bottom, do wonders for heart-shaped faces. To capture this incognito look, try Chanel’s oversized
Today, just about every possible style of sunglasses has been designed, so it’s all about finding the look that defines you while complementing the shape of your face. We love Chanel’s new funky pair of tweed effect in acetate that have Rihanna written all over them. Or try a whole new take on shades with the Gucci bamboo cutouts ($325). To play with the cateye look for modern days, Marc Jacobs’ rounded CutOut glasses crop the frame just short of going cat eye, yet the look is just as sexy ($120). As for the wayfarer of the new millennium, check out the Marc by Marc Jacobs metal framed wayfarer ($120), available in three colors. Ladies, if it’s glamour you seek, the Poppy glasses by Louis Vuitton embody all that is luxury ($525). And for a fail-proof men’s pair, a new twist on the aviator makes all face shapes look dapper in the Stealing Bullet shades by Diesel ($195). It’s a big, bright world. You might as well be prepared for it.
RIHANNA chanel tweed
Louis Vuitton Poppy
Marc Jacobs CUT-OUT
2012 Marc Jacobs metal wayfarer
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HIgh-TECh TOYS
Fun from the Future Vacation time means beach time, mountain time—downtime. But there’s no need to unplug completely with a spate of high-tech gadgetry designed to enhance your vacation (as well as your life once you’ve returned home). Whether you want to film high-quality video on your next dive or enjoy theater-grade 3D movies, we found the best high-end technology to take luxury on the go. by logan Kugler
Logitech Ultimate Ears Reference Earphones
Liquid Image Scuba.Series. Camera Diving Mask. Release your inner Jacques Cousteau with this wide-angle camera scuba mask. The mask records HD 720p video at 30 frames per second, giving you a high-quality, hands-free way to film underwater denizens. The mask is depth-rated to 130 feet, which should give every stripe of recreational diver enough coverage to start making undersea movie magic. For photographers, the mask also takes five megapixel photos. Built for use with diving gloves, switching between still and video modes is as easy as throwing a few switches. A series of LED lights inside the mask tell you which mode is enabled. Once you return to shore, the mask plugs into your computer via USB for easy transferring. $349 • LiquidImageCo.com
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You haven’t heard your music until you’ve listened to your songs with Logitech’s Ultimate Ears Reference Earphones. These custom earphones, molded to exactly fit your ears for first-class comfort, are so good that you’ll think you’re actually on stage. If you love listening to music, these beauties can’t be beat. In fact, these are the same earphones that world-famous musicians wear when performing on stage. And because each pair is tailored for each user, these provide the best natural noise cancellation possible. Your custom pair of Ultimate Ears Reference Earphones will arrive in a sleek, black aluminum hard case with your name engraved on the top. $999 • Logitech.com
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Sony HMZT1 Personal 3D Viewer Just because you’re away from home doesn’t mean you need to leave your home theater behind. The Sony HMZT1 Personal 3D Viewer lets you watch HD movies in 3D with fully simulated surround sound. The headset wraps across your eyes, immersing you in the film. When you turn the Personal 3D Viewer off, the image reverts to your connected TV. But with the equivalent of a 150-inch movie screen that fits in your carry-on bag, why would you ever want to? $799 • Sony.com
Parrot AR.Drone COPTER. If you thought drones were just for the battlefield, think again. Commercial drones, or “quadcopters,” are used for everything from surveillance to summer fun. Buzz the beach using your smartphone as the controls, tilting it to stabilize the drone, and give flight instructions with on-screen controls. Additional apps available for download allow users to play augmented reality games. Add to the mix two cameras and the drone’s built-in Wi-Fi for an outdoor spectacle sure to keep everyone entertained. The brand new AR.Drone 2.0 will be released this June. $299 • ARdrone.Parrot.com
OrigAudio Rock-It. Portable Vibration. Speaker.
iGo Pico Pocket Projector
Who says luxury has to be all about price? The OrigAudio Rock-It 2.0 Portable Vibration Speaker costs just $50 and delivers clever functionality. The speaker’s node attaches to any object around and turns that object into a speaker capable of bumping out summer jams from your iPod, computer or any device with an audio jack. Turn a lampshade, a cereal bowl, even a cardboard box into a messenger for your favorite band. Perfect when space is limited, the travel-friendly unit works anywhere with power provided by two AAA batteries or a USB power cord. $50 • Origaudio.com
If you’re mixing business with pleasure on your summer travels, the iGo Pico Pocket Projector couldn’t be a better colleague. The pocket-size unit produces surprisingly good projection power for quality presentations on the go, piped in from your laptop or mobile device. The best part? The projector doubles as a portable home theater. Point it at a hotel wall and treat the family to big-screen movies up to 70” diagonal. $349 • iGo.com
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exclusively at
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The game of golf may be centuries old, but the equipment constantly improves. Here’s a look at the most innovative clubs the sport has recently turned out.
1 the driver
If distance is a golfer’s best friend, then Cleveland Golf’s CG Classic driver could be that long-lost soul mate you can’t live without. Golf’s most handsome new club—with a rich, persimmon throwback finish—the CG Classic will turn heads, as will the drives you pound down the fairway. This titanium club is loaded with the latest technology, including high-MOI weighting and ultralight shaft. $300 • clevelandgolf.com
2 the wood
With 15 degrees of loft, TaylorMade’s 200cc nonadjustable RocketBallz 3-wood is built to bolster your shots by 17 extra yards. Its popular white crown is strategically thicker in spots, and the clubface is deep to help the ball get airborne quickly. A sole pocket enhances accuracy and ball velocity, while a lightweight shaft and grip add clubhead speed for the extra clout. $229 • taylormadegolf.com
3 the hybrid
Adams Golf touts the Idea Super XTD hybrid as its most innovative and advanced hybrid ever. Using a new multimaterial brazing technology, the club combines a one-piece titanium face and crown with a stainless steel sole, resulting in powerful ball flight. Impact even sounds forceful. Slots in the crown and sole back the face and translate to high ball speed, less spin and more distance. $349 • adamsgolf.com
’Tis the season to upgrade your gear and level up on the links.
by Scott Kramer
4 the irons
Each of the six clubs in this Bridgestone J40 Forged Dual Pocket Cavity iron set has a midsize, forged mild carbon steel clubhead for mid-to-high launch—exactly what you’ll need for forgiving shots. Two pockets in the cavity move massive amounts of smack behind the face for better feel and for more mis-hit forgiveness. $699 five-PW • bridgestonegolf.com
5 the PUTTER
PING’s Nome 405 belly putter features a telescoping graphitesteel shaft that you can quickly and easily adjust between 37.5 and 46.5 inches using an included tool. That allows you to experiment with your posture and alignment until they’re both comfortable. The putter head is milled from high-grade aluminum and finished with a nickel coating. Tungsten sole weighting enhances consistency. $320 • pinggolf.com
6 the wedges
Callaway’s Forged Wedges flat-out look great in their copper and dark chrome finish options, but they also pack great performance features. Twenty-one sharp-edged grooves help impart plenty of backspin on the ball, so more of your shots stop quickly once they land on the green. The heads are forged from soft carbon steel for that cushioned impact feel every golfer seeks. $119 apiece • callawaygolf.com
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2 TAYLORMADE 200cc ROCKETBALLZ 3-WOOD Tour pros are raving about it and its sister fairway woods.
Titleist’s NXT Tour is a three-piece ball geared to make average golfers become better. Sparing you the technical jargon, its soft cover and center translate to a buttery impact feel you’ll love. $42 dozen, Titleist.com
adams golf idea super xtd hybrid High ball speed, less spin, more distance.
3 Golf’s most handsome new club. CLEVELAND CG CLASSIC DRIVER
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BRIDGESTONE J40 FORGED DUAL POCKET CAVITY IRONS First week Fred Couples switched to these in March, he won on Tour.
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PING NOME 405 ADJUSTABLE PUTTER
CALLAWAY PERFORMANCE FORGED WEDGES More of your shots stop quickly once they land on the green.
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6 Angel Cabrera uses the Nome 405 fixed at 38 inches.
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the a-list
Known as much for its world-class culture and cuisine as its pristine, majestic surroundings, it’s easy to nurture mind, body and spirit in Aspen. By Cindy Hirschfeld
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Culture Club T
he best-known
summer event is likely the Aspen Music Festival (June 28-August 19), which draws renowned classical musicians and top students for eight weeks of daily concerts, recitals, operas, master classes and other events. Under the guidance of new music director Robert Spano, who previously oversaw the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the festival’s focus this year is “Made in America,” highlighting works by American composers and European immigrants. On Thursday nights, join Roaring Fork Valley locals who convene on Fanny Hill at the Snowmass ski area for free concerts programmed by Jazz Aspen Snowmass. The regional and national acts range from folk to funk. Pack a blanket and a picnic, and plan on buying a bottle of wine at the concert. The Aspen Institute’s Ideas Festival (June 27July 3) brings world leaders in politics, science, technology, the environment, health, education, and the arts to town for lively discussions and seminars on today’s current issues. Passes generally sell out in advance, but your Destination Concierge can likely snag an individual event ticket. And keep an eye out for familiar faces around town during the fest. You might spot Colin Powell, Madeleine Albright and Bill Clinton dining at an outdoor patio.
Elevated Eats A
spen’s BUDDING
restaurant scene is continually evolving, with classics like Cache Cache, Matsuhisa, and Pinons joined by at least one newcomer each year. Among this year’s freshmen is Justice Snow’s in the Wheeler Opera House. The Colorado-inspired menu reflects the current trend for local ingredients. The extensive vintage cocktail list is part history lesson, part inspiration. Finbarr’s Irish Pub has quickly become a local’s favorite since opening in late 2011, with updates on traditional pub fare like shepherd’s pie and fish and chips as well as specialties like curried prawns and potatoes. The Ajax Tavern at the base of the Aspen Mountain gondola has a well-earned rep as the see-and-beseen place to lunch. A hip alternative is poolside dining at 39 Degrees at the Sky Hotel, one block away. Pair the tuna wonton tacos with a Corpse Reviver 39 and while away an hour or so on a warm, sunny afternoon. This summer’s hottest table—and most intriguing new concept—will be at Chefs Club by Food & Wine magazine, the brand-new restaurant at the St. Regis Aspen slated to open during the annual FOOD & WINE Classic (June 15-17). The seasonally-inspired menu will be created by select recipients of the culinary magazine’s annual Best New Chefs awards.
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Outdoor Life T
he town’s casual
dress code extends to all facets of the town, as locals bike to Music Festival concerts, sip a margarita on an outdoor patio after rock climbing near Independence Pass or grab an early dinner on the way home from a hike. Classic Aspen hikes such as the ones to American or Cathedral Lakes or to the base of the Maroon Bells are justifiably popular. A favorite locals’ workout is to hike up the lung-busting Ute Trail, which starts off Aspen’s Ute Avenue and switchbacks up 1,700 vertical feet in the first mile, then snakes across Gentlemen’s Ridge on Aspen Mountain before connecting with ski-area service roads. Acclimated hikers reach the summit in about an hour and a half, though there’s no shame in taking longer. Save your knees and ride the gondola down for free. (Dogs are allowed, too.) For a mellower workout, take the gondola up to join one of the thrice-weekly yoga hikes—downward dog at 11,212 feet, anyone? After hiking, Aspen’s biggest summer sport may be road biking. A veritable peloton heads up daily to the Maroon Bells and the Ashcroft ghost town, two of the most popular rides. To really get in your mileage, hit the Rio Grande Trail, a 42-mile multi-use path from Aspen to Glenwood Springs; other than a few-mile packed dirt section near Woody Creek, it’s paved.
High Style W
ith stores like
Gucci, Fendi, Burberry and Louis Vuitton—along with longtime favorites such as Distractions, Nuages, and Pitkin County Dry Goods—Aspen can cater to the most sophisticated fashionista. But there’s more than designer labels to hunt down among the many boutiques within the town’s historic core. Two Old Hippies combines a comprehensive selection of guitars with an eclectic mix of home décor and fun clothing and accessories for the whole family—even the dog. Many of them embody the store’s motto: peace, love, and rock ‘n’ roll. Aspen women in the know go to Harmony Scott to stock up on delicate handmade jewelry with colorful gemstones and pearls. Don’t miss Souchi, which offers gorgeous women’s knits in silk, cashmere, linen, cotton and bamboo. All are hand-loomed in Portland, Oregon, where designer Suzi Johnson lived until recently when she relocated to the Roaring Fork Valley. A few blocks away, Danemann-Pure is the only U.S. outpost featuring the fresh, modern looks of German women’s wear designer Petra Danemann. The Little Bird has a carefullycurated selection of vintage women’s clothes and accessories from every A-list designer you can think of, plus some new items.
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Destination Cellars Estate Sommelier Sean Q. Meyer specializes in hand-tailoring experiences for wine lovers seeking exclusive and personalized access to prestigious properties and vineyards around the world. here are many terrific reasons to collect wine: investment, showcase, commemoration, hobby. Some collect it simply because they enjoy good wine and want to have unfettered access to exceptional bottles. Others collect as an investment because there truly is value in some great bottles from around the world. And others collect because … it’s fun. Whether your cellar consists of a handful of special vintages or cases of futures, there is always room for a few more excellent bottles of wine. But as days lengthen and grow warmer, we think more about enjoying wine in the sunshine rather than stashing it away for a special occasion. Here are some out-of-this-world finds worth drinking right now.
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Uncommon California Pinot Noir, Arista, Bacigalupi Vineyard, Russian River Valley, California One of my favorite spring ingredients is the morel mushroom. And my favorite grape to drink with morels is Pinot Noir. There is something perfect about the way Pinot fruit and earthiness work with the mushroom. One of our favorite producers of Pinot Noir in California is the smallproduction, little-known Arista winery, founded in 2002 by the McWilliams family. It is in every way a
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family-run operation, from the founders whose vision made it possible to their sons who manage the day-to-day operations. The founding family enjoys sharing their story firsthand with visitors, and you will simply not find a family more passionate about its craft. But the wines speak for themselves. They show profound elegance, complexity and the ability to cellar for several years: three things not always common to California grapes. Arista’s fruit comes from the Bacigalupi Vineyard, which lays claim to its own share of history. It’s the same
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vineyard that produced the Chardonnay grapes for the famous 1973 Chateau Montelena, which won top prize for white wines tasted at the 1976 “Judgement of Paris.” And some of those vines still grow alongside the Pinot Noir grapes that make this wine. But history or no, it’s an exceptional label and an excellent wine.
Dichotomy of Flavors Grüner Veltliner, Hirtzberger, Federspiel, Wachau, Austria 2009 Grüner Veltliner is a great wine for spring and summer. There is a spectacular balance of fruity and savory essences, framed beautifully by the natural acidity of the grape. Fruit flavors such as green apple, pear, lime and white peach are interwoven with fresh notes of white pepper, daikon, watercress and tarragon. This dichotomy of flavors provides a tremendous amount of versatility for food and wine pairing. Grüner can often be the perfect wine for all of your challenging pairings such as asparagus, lentils and artichokes. It also pairs well with spring onions, chives, ramps and green garlic. In the Wachau, the ripeness of grapes and potential alcohol is named on the label using local terms. Steinfeder (a kind of local grass) is the least ripe and lowest in alcohol. Federspiel (a falconer’s tool) rates right in the middle. And Smaragd (an emerald-colored lizard found in the vineyards) is the ripest with the highest alcohol. Hitzberger was
one of the first estates to take a “no compromises” approach to quality. In fact, many consider them to be nearly singlehandedly responsible for the incredible spike in quality throughout the region.
{ Field Notes }
Trapped in Paradise
his time of year always carries a certain amount of excitement and anticipation for those in the wine trade. In April, all of the Chateaux in Bordeaux open up their doors to the sommeliers, wine Sense writers, importers, distributors of Place and retailers to show how the Sancerre, wines of the current vintage are Vacheron, developing. The event is known Loire Valley, as En Primeur, and most of the France 2010 production in Bordeaux is sold this way. Consumers are also Sauvignon Blanc is, in able to make a commitment to my opinion, at its best in futures and pay for their wines the Loire Valley of France. now and take delivery when The racy acidity, bright they are finished, roughly two lemon and lime flavors, years following the purchase. In and profound minerality great vintages this can be a good make it a must-have as gamble, as the pricing for futures either an aperitif or as is often well under the price of the released wine. Most years we attend a first-course wine at and often bring groups with us. The stories from these trips are any spring feast. The always exciting and sometimes amusing. Vacheron family has had Last year, when visiting Smith-Haut-Lafitte, we were hosted by one of the owners, Florence Cathiard. To say she is a woman of profound charm and grace would be an understatement. As her guests, we were shown every nook and cranny of the beautiful estate. As the MEMBERS ONLY tour concluded, she brought us to a room where, with a click of a handheld remote, the floor opened to reveal the stairs to a cellar An alliance between Inspirato full of wines dating back more than 100 years, beautifully chosen and Destination Cellars, a luxury artwork and cool jazz softly playing on an audiophile-grade system. wine travel club, grants Inspirato members access to some of the The tour of the cellar was absolutely magical. As it was time to go world’s leading vineyards where they to our tasting and dinner, we started leaving the cellar. With nearly can sip, savor and send home all everyone out, the doors manner of high-quality wines. began to close, seemingly of their own accord, trapping three from our an extraordinary impact group in the underground cellar. on Sancerre from the The lights and music were set to turn of the 20th century. automatically shut off when the Currently, Jean-Laurent doors shut, keeping our guests (the fourth generation to quite literally in the dark. A look tend the estate) handles of panic crossed our host’s face. the majority of the Something was wrong with the operations. The winery doors and they would not open. was certified organic in Rather than cries of panic, we 2003 and converted to heard calls for a corkscrew from biodynamic agriculture our trapped compatriots. After some fiddling with the controls and the in 2004. Due to the extra hydraulics, the doors opened and our companions were free once again. care in the vineyard, the After our little ordeal, we were escorted to a dining room at the Chateau wines really excel at and served a delightful meal paired with their wines. Of all of the places communicating a sense of we visited, I am certain that our new friends will never forget their visit to place. There is a focus and Smith-Haut-Lafitte and the great comedy of being trapped in a room full of intensity to these wines, extraordinary wines. which makes them among the best.
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INSPIR ATION SUMMER 2012
IMAGINE SECTION INDEX
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SMALL IDEAS, UNIVERSAL IDEALS
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BENEVOLENT SPIRITS
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KING OF THE JUNGLE
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ONLY IN PARIS
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SUN, SAND, SEA, SERENITY
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THE GREENS OF ORANGE
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TIES THAT BIND
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COGNAC’S SULTRY SOUL
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RIESLING RISING
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Two U.S. charities, both founded on simple concepts, have grown to effect real and lasting change
I
By Suzanne Bopp
It’s a mathematical dilemma. Being only one person, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed at the scope and breadth of the world’s needs. Famines, tsunamis, malaria, poverty—there are countless adversities to overcome. It turns out you can’t save the entire planet. But you can follow one good idea—yours or someone else’s— and do something for one person, ten people, perhaps a thousand people. And that’s something to feel good about. Here’s a look at two relatively new charities, a little out of the mainstream, which are committed to helping improve others’ quality of life, both domestically and abroad.
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INSPIRED GIVING
Building schools is key, but maintaining them is just as important. Developing a local support staff ensures the schools are sustainable.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF PENCILS OF PROMISE (4)
Penciling in the Future It all began with a pencil. That’s what a small boy, begging on a street in India, told Adam Braun he wanted most in the world. Braun, an American college student on a backpacking trip, gave him a pencil—and got an idea. In October 2008, Braun put $25 into a bank account and created Pencils of Promise. He hoped his new nonprofit could attract enough money to build just one school in Laos, a country he had visited and wanted to help. One year later, he had built that school, and he realized that what he’d started was gaining momentum. Today, Pencils of Promise has completed 55 schools around the world. By the end of 2012, they hope to have built 100 schools.
the time to develop local staff so the organization will be sustainable. At all GET INVOLVED of their schools, which are Find out what you can do at now in Laos, Nicaragua pencilsofpromise.org and Guatemala, 90 percent of the employees come from the region. Lanoy Keosuvan, a Laos country coordinator for Pencils York City headquarters, says of Promise, is one example. her job involves visiting schools Braun met her while staying at around the country to spread a guesthouse there; she was the the word about Pencils of housekeeper. He saw promise Promise’s high school internship in her and offered her a job. program and the fundraising Today she oversees a 40-person toolkits available on their staff. “I’m so very happy to website that can help students work with Pencils of Promise,” take action for the cause. she says, “and I will work with Maietta arrived at Pencils Pencils of Promise all my life.” of Promise after graduating The second part of their from Northwestern University mission—training young last June. She had read leaders—includes raising about the organization and awareness and teaching appreciated its emphasis on leadership skills. One way they “working with the community, do this is through an internship not for the community,” and program. Suzanne Maietta, a on education, a subject about Pencils of Promise community which she is passionate. engagement intern at the New “I’ve had a great education, and I see the value of it,” she says. “Education is the beginning to solving a lot of problems.”
Their mission is really two-fold, says Wendy Wecksell, director of corporate partnerships for Pencils of Promise: to increase access to education in the developing world and to train young leaders to take action at home and abroad. The first element means not only building schools, but helping communities sustain those schools. “A big thing for us is ownership. Before we break ground, we work with the community to find out if they value education; we work with the ministers of education in the region,” Wecksell says. “We’re empowering people, not giving handouts.” To that end, each village is asked to contribute 10 to 20 percent of their school’s build budget, which has projected sustaining costs included. That dedication to working closely with communities sets them apart, Wecksell says. They take
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Shoes can help break the cycle of poverty, not just by protecting children from disease but also by enabling them to attend school.
SUPPORT THE CAUSE Learn more at soles4souls.org
SOLE POWER In many parts of the world, shoes are hard to come by—but they can be life-changing. “They provide protection from diseases such as hookworm, which affects cognitive development in children,” says Elizabeth Kirk, director of communications with the nonprofit group Soles4Souls. “And in countries such as Haiti and Tanzania, it’s a requirement to have footwear to attend school, so it goes far beyond health benefits.” Shoes can actually help break the cycle of poverty. That’s where Soles4Souls comes in, with its seemingly simple mission: redistributing shoes to people in need throughout the world.
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It started after the 2004 tsunami devastated Southeast Asia. Watching reports on television, Wayne Elsey was struck by an image of a single shoe washed up on a beach. Elsey had worked in the footwear business since he was a teenager, and the image resonated. In it, he found an answer to the question so often asked in the wake of a disaster: What can I do? Elsey started collecting shoes. He’d gathered 250,000 pairs and distributed them through the affected regions, when Hurricane Katrina arrived on the United States’ shores. Elsey went into action again. He realized he would have to launch a full-time organization to help address this simple, universal human need.
Shoes are an avenue to get to know the kids and share love and hope. The impact that it has is incredible.”
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Today, Soles4Souls sends shoes to 128 countries and across the U.S. “Domestically, the homeless rate in children has risen 33 percent,” Kirk says. “Parents can’t afford shoes for their kids. They don’t have access to footwear that would allow them to go outside and play and be a kid.” The shoes come from manufacturers and from shoe drives run by schools and churches. Individual donations are essential as well. “We want people to feel empowered,” says Keith Woodley, chief development officer with Soles4Souls. “Everyone has too many shoes,
INSPIRED GIVING
especially in this country. This is something anyone can do.” Even worn out shoes have a purpose: They are recycled through Soles4Souls’ microenterprise program, which provides people in developing countries with the resources to start their own businesses. Someone may transform those old shoes into bracelets or belts or bags to sell. “We’re trying to set them up in a way that allows them to support themselves,” Kirk says. “Shoes can become a business that feeds a family.”
PHOTOS COURTESY OF SOLES4SOULS (4)
Travel for a Better World When Soles4Souls hand delivers their shoes around the world, anyone can travel with them to help, which is a great way to break down cultural barriers, says Katie Lentile, Travel4Souls manager. “A child comes in and we clean off their feet and put the shoes on them,” she says. “Shoes are an avenue to get to know the kids and share love and hope. The impact that it has is incredible.” One volunteer was moved to adopt two children she met while distributing shoes in Haiti; another went home and started her own shoe drive, collecting 90,000 pairs. Last year, Soles4Souls hit their goal of 17 million pairs of shoes given away, but the need continues to outpace donations, Woodley says. “There’s always a list.”
A new giving program pairs Inspirato’s luxury destinations with nonprofit fundraising
Taking a trip to one of Inspirato’s exclusive properties can now offer even more than an unparalleled vacation: It can support a cause you care about. Through this new, unique program, Inspirato has created a sustainable model for fundraising. It’s called Inspired Giving. The process is simple: At InspiredGiving.com, supporters can donate $2,000 to one of the 30-plus participating charitable organizations, then select a world-class vacation from Inspirato’s portfolio at regular member rates. The nonprofit receives 100 percent of that initial donation, plus an Inspirato vacation to use for their own fundraising. For every donor who then becomes a full member, Inspirato donates another $2,000 to the cause. And Inspirato benefits too, by partnering with great organizations and being introduced to potential new members. It’s a true win-win. “By traveling with Inspired Giving, your vacation will be more, and it will do more,” says Jackie Benton, Executive Director of Inspired Giving.
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The man at the helm of the world’s largest privately owned spirits company, Facundo L. Bacardi balances his professional life with his charitable foundation, as well as personal downtime. By Melanie D.G. Kaplan
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MEMBER PROFILE
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Growing up, Facundo L. Bacardi learned the importance of giving to his community. After all, his family—whose name is synonymous with rum— has been recognized for generations for its altruism and compassion.
“Long before philanthropy was fashionable, the Bacardi family would offer support in Santiago and Havana, Cuba, that eased the everyday burdens Cubans faced,” says Bacardi, chairman of the board of Bacardi Limited, the world’s largest privately held spirits company, still family-owned. “Those values have been handed down from generation to generation.” In addition to his duties as chairman, Facundo L. Bacardi serves as executive director of the Facundo and Amalia Bacardi Foundation, named for the company’s founder, Don Facundo Bacardí Massó, and his wife. “The foundation is an extension of the family’s core belief of providing for the general well-being of citizens in our communities,” Bacardi says. “It was my great-greatgrandparents who initiated the development of the philanthropic values we still hold true today.” Don Facundo distributed food after a devastating earthquake in Cuba in 1852, and he was quick to loan money to his friends to help pay for reconstruction. Bacardi family members in a number of countries have established foundations that reflect their forbearers’ values. The Facundo and Amalia Bacardi Foundation focuses on bettering the lives of less fortunate residents of Florida through assistance in food and housing, education, medical research and health, environment and historical
preservation. “Witnessing the deep impact one can make in the lives of others,” Bacardi says, “makes everything else pale in comparison.” The roots of the family’s philanthropic culture go back to Santiago de Cuba, where Don Facundo, the son of a Catalonian bricklayer, immigrated in 1830. He became a wine merchant and
Bacardi family members in a number of countries have established foundations that reflect their forbearers’ values.”
purchased a small distillery with bats in the rafters. Pioneering an innovative rum-making process, he opened the Bacardi company in 1862. Nearly a century later, after surviving war, earthquakes, epidemic diseases and Prohibition in the United States, Bacardi lost all its Cuban assets to Cuban revolutionary government forces. Subsequently, the company established its headquarters in Hamilton, Bermuda. Today, Bacardi has 27 manufacturing facilities worldwide, and its portfolio boasts some of the most ubiquitous and iconic
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brands behind the bar, including BACARDI rum, GREY GOOSE vodka, DEWAR’S Blended Scotch whisky, MARTINI vermouth and sparkling wines and BOMBAY SAPPHIRE gin. Bacardi says he takes a personal pride in the popularity of the drinks. “We continue to receive awards for the quality, taste and innovations,” he says, “by pursing the same philosophy as my ancestors’.” Although Bermuda is the company’s adopted home, he says the Bacardi heritage and roots are proudly Cuban. The company’s offices in Hamilton are located in a building designed by German architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, which was originally intended for Cuba but is now a landmark in Bermuda. Naturally, Bacardi and members of his family understand how a quality product can help create a memorable experience, whether it’s a celebration with friends or a vacation with loved ones. “Everyone wants to experience the best in life, and it is high-end brands—representing the very best in quality—which help achieve this by delivering the very best experience,” he says. He describes a luxury brand as one that can be trusted to consistently deliver top quality. “That can only be achieved through exceptional care, attention to detail and a drive to perfection,” he says.
“For us at Bacardi, it’s about the best ingredients, a process meticulously crafted 150 years ago and the complete experience of that perfect sip.” So what does the complete experience of a quality vacation entail for a man who knows quality when he sees it? “Consumer expectations have risen, leading to a greater demand for a heightened experience,” Bacardi says, noting that vacations are no longer simply two people relaxing in a one-bedroom unit. “The vacation experience is about spending time with family and friends. And in the world we live in today, security is an integral part of any vacation. The destinations that can capitalize on these components will be leaders of the industry.” Bacardi’s most memorable vacations are often at beaches, with ocean-side accommodations and a stand-up paddleboard ready to hit the water. He’s a big fan of Italy’s Amalfi Coast, Australian beaches, St. Barts, the Dominican Republic and Hawaii’s Big Island. With a hectic schedule at home, he savors every moment of a low-key, relaxing getaway. “My typical schedule is too activity-filled,” he says. “I need some downtime.” And of course, what’s a vacation without his favorite cocktails? “Without a doubt my favorite beach cocktail is the Original BACARDI Cuba Libre—BACARDI rum, cola and freshly squeezed lime over ice.” And as an aperitif? GREY GOOSE vodka dry martini, he says. With two olives.
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On his television show No Kitchen Required, celebrated chef Kayne Raymond gives a whole new definition to the term ‘outdoor kitchen.’ by wren bova
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Chefs Kayne Raymond, Michael Psilakis and Madison Cowan star in the BBC’s No Kitchen Required.
When he sees a whale in the ocean, Kayne Raymond doesn’t grab a camera. He jumps in the water. “The captain and I both dove in,” says Raymond, reminiscing about a humpback whale he saw earlier this year. “I’m always jumping in to things, even if it scares me. I just don’t think about it. I have plenty of fears but I have a lot of confidence. When you have a little bit of fear, you get that rush. That’s why I’m a good chef. I feed off it.” Good chef is an understatement. Midway through the airing of his first television series, No Kitchen Required on BBC, Raymond has just spent 13 weeks filming the reality television show on various islands and in exotic countries around the world. A bit like Survivor-meets-Top Chef, he and veteran chefs Michael Psilakis and Madison Cowan traveled to far-flung locales where they were celebrated by tribesmen and
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CULINARY ADVENTURES
Courtesy BBC (1) and Kayne Raymond (3)
preconceived notions of how it’s going to work or what it’s supposed to be, then you can just enjoy how it happens.” He admits it’s a sentiment that translates to the rest of his life. To wit: If you want to go by the book, it probably doesn’t include starting a relationship with a woman who’s in the middle of chemotherapy treatments. He
women who they turned around and cooked for the next day. This is no “stocked pantry, mystery ingredient” affair. Part of the challenge was not just cooking traditional fare—with a personal twist, of course—but in procuring the ingredients. And sometimes those ingredients were jungle rodents or other … critters. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Raymond says, “except I’m hoping to make it a twice-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It would be great if the show got picked up for a second season.” And it might. Meant to be a grueling, boundary-pushing experience, it was something else for Raymond. (Of course it was. Spend five minutes talking to him and it’s easy to see Chef Kayne has a fairly different perspective on life.) Having spent the past five years helping his wife, Linda, beat cancer; raising their daughter, Miela; as well as working full time as a private chef, Raymond was flat-out spent and ready to shake things up. “It’s been super, super tough for everybody in the whole family,” he explains, talking about Linda’s fight. “But this show—it was great going away because I was drained. I used it as a break to go and find who I was again, so I absolutely flourished.”
patience—though she did find it irritating that as soon as she would put a plate of food in front of her son, he would lean over and sniff it deeply. To his mom, it looked like bad manners, though all has been revealed now. Raymond has been on the move since he was 19. Raised in Auckland, New Zealand, he lit out for Australia before cooking his way through Southeast Asia and Europe. He ended up in California when some private clients fell in love with him on their boat in the Caribbean and brought him home with them. He now lives in San Francisco. “I love this city—the ocean, the diversity. It reminds me of Auckland,” he says. Though he digs the road and easily can spend three hours in a coffee shop chatting with whomever walks by, he’s glad to be home for a while. “The food thing’s If you don’t have easy—I can chef with my eyes closed,” he says. preconceived “But I won’t ever be able notions of how to watch my daughter it’s going to take her first steps again. I won’t always be work or what it’s able to watch her being supposed to be, 5. That’s all important then you can just stuff, too. It’s about balance, about getting enjoy how the balance right.” it happens.” Miela takes after her father: She likes to jump off of whatever presents itself, and was nervous before his first though she’s a great swimmer date with Linda, putting on his (he’s an avid surfer), she does best shirt to spruce himself up. not like cold water, period. He had only seen her at work “We like going places as a in her work clothes. When she family,” he explains. “Family pulled up in her Barracuda time is so important.” muscle car, wigless and flaunting They’ll be with him at some her tattoos, he looked up to special Inspirato events over the sky, laughed, took off the the summer months that fussy shirt and climbed into are meant to draw on the No her car. He was home. They’ve Kitchen Required concept. been together ever since. The first one is in June. “I’m surrounded by powerful women,” he admits. Raymond includes his mother in that statement. A single mom, she raised her kids with support and
Kayne Raymond, pictured above with his wife, Linda, and their daughter Miela, believes in seizing the moment at hand. And sometimes that moment includes spit-roasting a goat.
The chefs knew vaguely where they’d be heading when they committed to the show, though nothing specific. Everyone received a packet of basic information on local customs before they rolled into the villages, a basic summation of what was and wasn’t acceptable behavior. But other than that, Raymond didn’t study up. “For me, it was better to go with an open heart, open arms. To just go and learn,” he says. “I think if I’d read up on a lot of stuff, it wouldn’t have gone so well. If you don’t have
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Only in Paris Seeking true style in the home of haute couture By Heather Stimmler-Hall Photography by Jesse Morgan
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INTERNATIONAL FASHION
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Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermès, Dior … once upon a time, connoisseurs of luxury and style traveled to Paris to buy the latest French fashions. Today, not only can women find these brands in any high-end shopping center in America, when traveling to Paris they might be shocked to discover the latest boutiques lining the fabled Avenue des ChampsElysées are Abercrombie & Fitch, Banana Republic and Marks & Spencers. It’s enough to make any woman question the logic of a shopping trip across the Atlantic.
The locals know: Perusing the 2012 summer collection inside Nathalie Garçon.
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But truly, the home of couture hides many upscale boutiques featuring unique, elegantly designed clothing and accessories—made only in France—not available at home. Leave the crowded avenues and department stores to the tourists, and make a beeline for the Galerie Vivienne, an elegant 19th-century covered shopping passage, and the neighboring Jardins du Palais Royal, whose chic gardens are surrounded by 18th-century stone arcades where you’ll find some of the city’s best designers. And don’t miss the tiny Passage des Deux Pavillons tucked between the two: It’s truly one of the city’s bestkept secrets.
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The designs of Catherine André are colorful and whimsical.
Women’s Fashion
Yuki Torii is another Parisian transplant who came from three generations of Japanese designers to open her own Parisian fashion house in 1973. She’s known for her exclusive floral prints, chunky knits, and seasonal creations in cloqué blister fabrics that get their pucker from creative weaving techniques. 38-40 Galerie
Nathalie Garçon was born in Cannes and came to Paris as a student at the prestigious Académie des Beaux Arts. After making a name for herself at Cacherel, she opened her own fashion house in 1989, working right above her shop in the Galerie Vivienne. Her style reflects a flair for the dramatic (she also designs theater costumes), with strong colors and a mix of both feminine, whispery silk blouses and stylish, structured jackets. 15-17 Galerie
Vivienne, 2nd, tel 01 42 96 64 66, yukitorii.co.jp
Jerôme L’Huillier started his career with Balmain and Givenchy before opening his own boutique in 1990. Never one for minimalism or sobriety, his style celebrates feminine sexiness with a collection of bias-cut, flirty dresses in fuchsia, violet, turquoise, orange and canary yellow. He also creates pretty trench coats to accompany the dresses from daytime into to evening. 138-139 Galerie de
Vivienne, 2nd, tel 01 40 20 14 00, nathaliegarcon.com
Catherine André is a designer from the French countryside, which may explain why she’s known for her colorful, whimsical creations that have captured the hearts of Parisian women who dare to wear something besides black. Her breezy, contemporary knits mix textures and patterns in a rainbow of colors that resemble an Impressionist’s palette. She creates comfortable, feminine clothing with a hint of audacity and exoticism. 26 Galerie Vivienne, 2nd, tel 01 42 61 31 60, catherineandre.com
Valois, Palais Royal, 1st, tel 01 49 26 07 07, jeromelhuillier.com
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Rodika Zanian is a Romanianborn designer who adopted Paris as her home in 1980 and opened a fashion house in 1987. She uses a neutral palette and classic lines to bring out the texture and structure of unusual fabrics in original ways, perfect for women looking for subtle-yet-unique pieces to complement any wardrobe. 34 Galerie Vivienne, 2nd, tel 01 49 27 05 02, rodika-zanian.fr
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La Petit Robe Noire is the sister shop of Didier Ludot’s legendary vintage shop on the other side of the gardens, specializing in that quintessential wardrobe staple: the little black dress. You’ll find them here in every shape and style, with seasonal collections inspired by Ludot’s muses, such as “Hitchcock Heroines” or Wallis Simpson. Can’t decide? The inimitable shop manager Dominique Fallecker, always dressed in Christian Lacroix, has an eye to flatter any woman’s silhouette. 125 Galerie Valois, Palais Royal, 1st, tel 01 40 15 01 04
INTERNATIONAL FASHION
Strolling the covered passageway of Galerie Vivienne. Left: Nathalie Garçon has a penchant for drama.
Accessories Accessories are an integral part of every Parisian’s wardrobe, but you can only buy so many scarves and shoes. Try something completely different at these specialty boutiques known for their exceptional craftsmanship. Since the 1930s the Maison Bonnet (Passage des Deux Pavillons, 5 rue des Petits-Champs, 1st, tel 01 42 96 46 35, maisonbonnet.com)
has been handcrafting designer eyewear in turtle shell, buffalo horn and acetate for the happy few. Custom designs also available. For more eclectic
tastes, the Jura-based eyewear designers Traction (56 Galerie
HAUTE Couture
Vivienne, 2nd, tel 01 44 50 58
Ana Quasoar is a native Parisian couturier known for her unique, whimsical style in custom wedding gowns and women’s fashion. Simple yet exquisitely-cut dresses in luxurious French silks that cling and swing in all the right places, delicate lace wedding gowns that seem to float, beaded jackets that can be worn as formal wear or to dress up a pair of jeans … Ana’s custom creations are designed to bring out each client’s best features and reflect her personal style.
88, traction-prodlunettes. com) are known for their eyecatching colors and quirky styles. Think gloves are just for keeping your hands warm? Visit the Maison Mary Beyer (32-33 Galerie Montpensier, Palais Royal, 1st, tel 01 42 61 41 85, maisonmarybeyer.com)
to discover one of the finest couture glove makers in France, featuring classic and custom designs to suit both traditional and modern tastes. Top off your look with the perfect hat for special events or everyday wear, made in France of course, by designer Céline Robert (27
7 rue de la Banque, Galerie Vivienne, 2nd, tel 01 47 03 37 37 www.anaquasoar.com.
Galerie Vivienne, 75002, tel 01 42 61 05 14, celinerobert.com).
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SENSAT IONA L SPA S
A true spa vacation offers much more than a quiet retreat. It’s an ETHEREAL escape and an opportunity to reinvigorate your very spirit. by KARA WILLIAMS
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Some travelers bring home local artwork or indigenous crafts from their far-flung vacations. Others like an irreverent T-shirt, colorful cookbook or sparkly bauble to remind them of a favorite trip. Me? I prefer to commemorate my vacation with something I can’t put in my suitcase and bring home: a massage.
When I travel, I carve out plenty of time to indulge in a pampering spa treatment—preferably at the beginning of a trip to set the tone for rest and relaxation. After all, what better way to truly let go of the “daily grind” back home than with a stint at the spa? I suggest combining a massage, facial, body scrub or wrap with a steam and sauna to feel fully renewed, refreshed and get into vacation mode … for mind, body and soul. The most luxurious resort spas offer so much more than simple body treatments. It’s easy to spend several hours enjoying spa amenities, such as private
outdoor pools, soaking tubs, relaxation lounges and spa-menu meals. On-site fitness centers allow me to exercise before a treatment, so I feel I’ve “earned” my hour to zone out and lie limp on the massage table. Actually, I’m more motivated to work out on vacation since resorts typically offer state-of-the-art cardio equipment, innovative yoga classes, nature walks,
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water aerobics or other fitness offerings that I simply don’t have easy access to at home. On my vacations, I’ve had my chakras balanced, tried meditation sessions and gone on a blindfolded sensory journey, courtesy of scheduled spa services. I like to sample different experiences that enhance my well-being, even if they are a little out of my comfort zone. Travel is all about expanding horizons and you certainly can do that at the spa.
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SENSAT IONA L SPA S
I appreciate, too, that resort spas often use native botanicals in their treatments. “Local” and “organic” are common buzzwords at spas worldwide, so no matter where you travel, you’ll likely find indigenous ingredients in body products as well as techniques that reflect the area culture. That means in Hawaii, consider booking a lomi lomi massage and in the Caribbean, a seaweed wrap. You know what they say … when in Rome! Whether you can only “get away” for a couple of hours on a family vacation or you’re planning an entire trip that focuses on your well-being and fitness, the resort spa is a sanctuary where you can renew your spirit and feel good—really good—at the same time. Sure, that souvenir sculpture might look lovely on your mantel, but a therapeutic massage in a thatched beach palapa with waves crashing in the distance and a cool ocean breeze tickling exposed skin … well, that soothing experience can evoke happy memories for years. Here are five fabulous spas at luxurious Inspirato destinations that cater to discerning clients with a variety of outstanding services and amenities.
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Enjoy a moisturizing massage in Le Sereno Spa’s intimate waterfront pavilion or in the comfort and privacy of your villa at this intimate property on the east end of St. Barts in the French West Indies. Choose from exotic services, such as the St. Barth Sun Downer, a body mask with clay, melon mousse, aloe vera gel and mint that is ideal for soothing sun-kissed skin. Or perhaps the St. Barth Chill Out, a full-body massage that incorporates the use of warm clamshells and avocado oil. Skin-care products used in all treatments are by Ligne St. Barth, manufactured on St. Barts and featuring extracts from plants, fruits and flowers that are grown on the island.
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LAURENT BENOIT (ST BARTS AERIAL)
Le Sereno Spa ON st. barts
THE Spa at Pelican Hill Gorgeous Italian-inspired architecture sets the tone for pure luxury at this spa on the coast of Newport Beach, California. The Spa at Pelican Hill’s Acqua Colonnade features warm Roman soaking pools beneath a barrelvaulted ceiling, plus an herbal steam room and sauna, all to enjoy before or after your relaxing, invigorating, or replenishing treatment. Consider a soothing Amber Gold Signature Massage to relieve stress, a detoxifying Coastal Renewal scrub-wrapmassage combination that incorporates ocean algae and Mediterranean herbs, or a rejuvenating PH Sports Scrub for stimulating circulation and revitalizing tired skin.
MEMBERS ONLY Find your bliss. Ask your Personal Vacation Advisor to schedule signature spa treatments customized for you.
Spa & Salon at ARIA If you’ve partied too hard in Las Vegas, the spa at the ARIA Resort & Casino is the ideal place to soothe puffy eyes and nourish dehydrated skin. Unique amenities include the Shio Salt Room, where walls lined with salt bricks encourage the healing of skin irritations and a healthy upper respiratory system. Heated Japanese stone beds soothe sore muscles, an outdoor infinity pool invites relaxation, and plush seating in the cozy fireside lounge just might put you to sleep after a night on the town.
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SENSAT IONA L SPA S
Hualalai Spa at Four Seasons Hualalai Say aloha to relaxation at this Big Island spa that honors the Hawaiian environment and culture with treatments featuring local ingredients, such as black lava salt, hibiscus flowers and macadamia nuts. Sample a Ti Leaf Wrap, Coconut Scrub or Lomi Lomi Massage in your own private hale (“house”) in the open-air Waiea Garden. With a focus on well-being, this forward-thinking spa also offers acupuncture and chiropractic treatments, in addition to a full menu of nail and salon services.
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort The serene setting and gracious South Carolina hospitality at this island spa are reflected in its Lowcountry treatments featuring botanical extracts, nourishing seaweed, mineral-rich mud and other locally derived ingredients. Kiawah Island’s vast coastline, lush greenery and Southern tradition are the inspiration behind such treatments as the Detoxifying Seaweed Body Retreat and the Mint Julep Hydrating Facial. The soft call of ocean waves and tinkling garden chimes invite pure relaxation and renewal at this tranquil, aptly named spa.
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Destination Cellars offers unique wine and culinary experiences, customized to the individual and available only to our members. As a valued member of Inspirato, we would like to welcome you to join us in exploring the world of wine. With access to our services you enjoy private access to more than one hundred of the finest wineries, one on one interaction with celebrity vintners and chefs and luxurious travel opportunities spanning seven countries. With your Destination Cellars membership you will also receive an abundance of elite services which include: exclusive wine purchasing opportunities, your personal wine selections delivered to many Inspirato destinations, wine event management and private consultation or education with our sommelier. Begin your journey with us at www.destcellars.com. Your complimentary registration is the first step toward the ultimate wine experience. Contact us at: www.destcellars.com, 866.920.9463 or inspirato@destinationcellars.com
The Oak Creek Golf Course, pictured left and far right, gets more difficult as it progresses. Monarch Beach Golf Links, center, commands ocean views.
Newport Beach boasts an irresistible array of best-in-class golf courses By Scott Kramer
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GOLF GETAWAYS
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There are few places in the world nicer than Orange County, California. The Pacificlined stretch from Huntington Beach down through Dana Point is scenic. Filled with world-class restaurants and shopping, it’s bordered by wide, soft-sand Southern California Beaches. When people say they’re traveling to Newport, they typically mean this heavenly belt of Orange County, the geographic center of which is Newport Beach. Not only is the area gorgeous and brimming with culture and activity, but the golf here is simply impeccable. While courses are sprawled throughout the vast
Since opening in 1996, the dynamic trees and flora have matured with such grace that the course feels like it has been around for decades.
791-square-mile county, it’s the links in the southern region that everyone raves about. There are courses along the water with ocean-resort ambience and inland courses with a tranquil, rural farm feeling just miles from the coast. There are enough world-class courses in the area to fill your next golf vacation—or two. Through the 1980s and early 1990s, the area experienced a boom of upscale, daily-fee courses. Twenty years later, many of these courses have matured nicely into beautiful and challenging layouts for all skill levels. Plus, they’ve been wellmaintained all along: The golf facilities do everything they can to keep golfers coming back. And the draw is difficult to resist.
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Add in the fact that the average Newport Beach temperature is 68 degrees year-round and you quickly realize you have the perfect golf climate, no matter when you want to play. Pelican Hill—covered in the last issue of Inspirato—is the area’s crown jewel, but there are other outstanding courses in the area, too. Here, we detail three of the finest courses in Orange County to entice you toward your next golf getaway. We’ll give you the lay of the land, but if you want to know which way the greens break, you just have to find out for yourself.
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GOLF GETAWAYS
Hole 3 at Monarch Beach is a 315-yard par-4 that runs along a stunning stretch of coastline.
insisted that it house a good restaurant. And in this case, he hit a home run. The Farmhouse Grill serves some of the best breakfast burritos and burgers in town, and is frequented by nongolfers for breakfast and lunch.
OAK CREEK GOLF COURSE
TEE IT UP
MONARCH BEACH GOLF LINKS This 6,601-yard, par-70 gem in Dana Point—just south of Newport and Laguna beaches—is a Robert Trent Jones, Jr. design modeled after a typical Scottish links-style course. Its quick, small, rolling greens and tight fairways are challenging, no doubt, and the sloping rough gets thick, which can balloon some scores. That said, the course is a destination of sheer beauty. Two holes play right down to the ocean, but all 18 have some view of the Pacific. And there’s a perpetual breeze that somehow brings alive the entire experience. Back in 2001 and 2002, Monarch Beach hosted the Hyundai Team Matches with top players from the PGA, LPGA, and Senior PGA tours. That’s when Tom Watson compared the greens to Augusta National’s. Yep, they’re that good.
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Ask your Personal Vacation Advisor to help plan your golf getaway at these great courses.
Pace of play is emphasized here, so you will likely see marshals driving about during the course of a round to keep this moving. If the course and its jaw-dropping, sweeping ocean views aren’t enough of an attraction, then consider that the 1,200-square-foot pro shop has been named among America’s Top 100. The grand clubhouse is also a perfect place to watch a post-round sunset while enjoying a drink. Best of all, the course’s friendly staffers treat everyone like they’re members for a day.
another part of the country. Set amid canyons and wetlands, the rural-style course affords golfers picturesque views across a 35-acre reservoir on the back nine, plus massive undulating greens throughout that are enveloped by wildlife and natural vegetation. Surrounding hillsides are replete with large boulders and natural waterfalls. The course itself is player-friendly, with no overbearing hills or drastic doglegs to combat. Five holes on the back nine play alongside the lake. Chances are you’ll score well as the course plays with a tendency of forgiveness. And it’s perpetually in good shape. The facility was developed by Doug DeCinces, a former California Angels infielder. When opening the venue in 1997, he
STRAWBERRY FARMS GOLF CLUB While the entire Newport Beach area can sometimes feel like a bustling big city, there are several nearby escapes for golfers. Locals love this par-71, 6,700-yard, Jim Lipe design in Irvine, just inland over the hills from Newport Coast. Located in peaceful farm country—complete with big red barn—this course truly feels like
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Tom Fazio-designed courses have a reputation for being forgiving to golfers of all skill levels. Balls hitting the edge of the fairway seem to roll back toward the center. Those straying into the rough never become completely buried. And putts tend to roll truly, without surprise breaks. All of that is encompassed in this par-71, 6,834-yard Irvine course that meanders around a former orange grove with rolling, well-manicured fairways, bullnosed bunkers, guarded greens, and serene lakes. Since the venue opened in 1996, the dynamic trees and flora have matured with such grace that the course feels like it has been around for decades. It’s a true sanctuary that was built with environmental sensitivity and preserves a trace of the past— exhibited by the fact that you never see a house nor a road from any hole. You may, however, catch an owl, hawk, egret or heron, thanks to Oak Creek’s participation in the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses. The first few holes can deceive you into thinking you’re bound for a personal best, but hang on as the layout gets increasingly more difficult throughout the round. The state-of-the-art practice facility–which has been rated by local publications as the finest in the county–features 65 natural turf tees, a nine-acre allterrain landing area, two practice greens, and a large practice bunker. There’s also a club-fitting company permanently housed at one end of the range. Truly … what more do you need?
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
TIES THAT BIND
Lessons taught and lessons learned by a young father angling idaho’s Big Wood River by MIKE M c KENNA Photography by Craig Wolfrom & Glenn Oakley
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There is something inherently familial about fishing. Maybe it’s because most of us get introduced to the sport by our dads or grandparents or a favorite uncle. There’s something reassuring about making a cast or feeling a fish tug at the end of a line. Maybe it’s because fishing, like family time, can sometimes be frustrating and lead to cursing fits; yet we always— happily—come back to it. For many families (especially the one I married in to) angling along the Big Wood River, which runs past America’s original ski resort of Sun Valley and right through the heart of central Idaho, is a big part of their heritage. “The Big Wood River is a great place to learn how to fish, especially fly fish, with its easy access and abundant, aggressive fish,” says Dave Faltings, when asked why “The Wood,” as locals sometimes call it, is so popular with families. Faltings knows. He has been managing the guides at the world-famous Silver Creek Outfitters in Ketchum for over a quarter of a century now. Faltings explains that because of its diverse regulations—some stretches are catch-and-release
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only, while others are stocked regularly and allow healthy bag limits—the Big Wood has long been an extremely popular fishery for anglers of all kinds. “It’s a really diverse river,” he says. “It’s nice for kids and fun for families who want to keep fish because there are places where it’s allowed. But it’s also a great place to learn to fly fish, because it’s a healthy freestone river so you don’t have to be perfect to catch a fish like you do on spring creeks. And there are also a lot of wild fish, which appeals to seasoned anglers.” For all the aforementioned reasons, plus its numerous easy-access points along Idaho’s Scenic Highway 75 and close proximity to the world-class resort community of KetchumSun Valley, anglers of all ages and abilities return to The Wood year after year. And for five generations now, my family has been casting amongst them.
MEMBERS ONLY Because the Big Wood River has diverse regulations and conditions, those unfamiliar with the area might want a guide for their first outing. To make the most of your adventure, ask your Destination Concierge to arrange for one.
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THE GREAT OUTDOORS
FAMILY HERITAGE
So when I take my two young sons, Jack and Sam, down to the river or to one of several “kids’ ponds” sprinkled near its banks, it dawns on me that what we’re doing consists of a lot more than fishing. Like many kids, my dad taught me how to fish … but that took place far away from the Northern Rockies. “Pops” would take my brothers and me out along the rocky shores south of Boston to drown worms for flounder, or to Sandy Neck along Cape Cod to shore-cast for stripers.
knots from hell you have to deal with, but by how much there is to teach my young sons, beyond cinch knots, how to cast or the proper way to handle and release trout. The Big Wood is, after all, the same river where their grandpa fished each summer when he was a boy and where he was first introduced to fly fishing by his own grandparents, who would come over from eastern Idaho each year to fish the picturesque trout stream. So I must teach them to treat the river with respect. The Wood is the river where their grandma fished as a child herself. She and her sisters
The Big Wood is, after all, the same river where their grandpa fished each summer when he was a boy and where he was first introduced to fly fishing by his own grandparents, who would come over from eastern Idaho each year to fish the picturesque trout stream.”
I don’t remember the catching ever being too good or ever thinking about how lucky I was to be fishing. But I do remember the thrill of feeling a fish fight against my line: the mystery, the challenge, the long periods of quiet waiting interrupted by bursts of excitement. Now, decades later, I find myself casting on waters of a much different sort. I traded the saltwater tackle for a fly rod, the worms for wooly buggers, the salty sea for the swift currents of Rocky Mountain rivers. And now it’s my turn to be dad, passing on the gift of fishing. Yes, the gift. And like a lot of dads in this situation I occasionally feel overwhelmed—not just by all the gear, extra clothing and wind
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would be roused out of bed by her dad “at some Godforsaken hour to go catch trout,” she says. Raised on farms not far from the river’s banks, their grandma ate so much trout as a child she can’t even stand the smell of it now. So my boys must learn to appreciate the river, how it flows through our family heritage and all that it provides—which is far more than food and fun.
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THE GREAT OUTDOORS
BEST BETS FOR ANGLING AROUND SUN VALLEY f trout are your favorite sport fish, then you’ll have a hard time finding a better place to angle than the Sun Valley, Idaho, area. The region offers nearly year-round easy access to spectacular fisheries like the Big Wood River, the Copper Basin and the blue ribbon, spring-fed Silver Creek. Countless mountain streams and lakes teeming with trout are tucked into the mountain ranges encircling Sun Valley: the Boulders, the Pioneers and the Sawtooths. It’s easy to find a quiet place to cast. With long, warm days, summer is peak season on Silver Creek, the landmark preserve famous for its monstrous rainbow and brown trout as well as its mind-blowing mayfly hatches like the brown drake. East of Sun Valley, Copper Basin is a secluded spot well worth the excursion. Three species of trout beckon anglers to isolated waters with a great mix of pools, pocket water, riffles, and runs. The Big Wood and a small stretch of Silver Creek remain open to fly fishing through the autumn, which can be downright fantastic as the leaves fade and drop from the trees and hungry trout rise to midges and blue-winged olives. Even the winter angling (catch and release, barbless hooks only) on the Big Wood River can be terrific, so long as it’s not too cold for down jackets and long johns. Midday and, surprisingly, snowy days are best. Double Headers—fishing and skiing in the same day—are quite common for Wood River Valley residents and visitors. The Big Wood closes for spawning from April 1 until Memorial Day weekend. These early spring days beckon anglers north toward Stanley and Challis to chase after the seasonal sea run trout known as steelhead that make their way up the Salmon River.
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The fall can be downright fantastic when the leaves fade and drop from the trees as hungry trout rise to midges and blue-winged olives.”
These are the same fishing holes where their East Coast, Big City granddad learned the simple joy of casting a fly rod amongst the glorious backdrop of crystal clear water coursing through the mountains. It’s also their dad’s other “office.” It’s where I sneak off for a couple of hours of mental health now and again, and why I usually come back smiling. For just like other rivers much more famous than the Big Wood, there’s something magical and healing about its waters. So my boys need to learn to enjoy it all, for that’s what fishing and being a kid—heck, a human being—is really all about.
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As the great western author Thomas McGuane so eloquently wrote, “Angling is where the child, if not the infant, gets to go on living.” I often have to remind myself, more so than the boys, that it’s OK when Jack snags a line in a tree, or Sammy tries to eat the Powerbait, or Mom snaps off our last home-tied zebra midge on a rock, or Dad loses a big fish just as we’re about to net it. (Well, maybe that last one isn’t all right.) It’s during those quiet moments, when the river and the wind whisper and my son quietly and sincerely scouts the water that I’m reminded there are times in life when it’s best to just shut up and fish. And I’m reminded of the joy of simply being, and sharing, and that there are few better places on earth to do so than the Big Wood River.
SUN VALLEY, ID
BIG WOOD RIVER
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History is drinkable in the barrel-filled caves of France’s Cognac region.
Courtesy Cognac Ferrand (2)
cognac’s SULTRY SOUL Once the drink of kings, Cognac is a storybook spirit that’s often overlooked. Now it is experiencing a renaissance in both culture and character. by KARA NEWMAN
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Inside the cavernous warehouse of the famed Hennessy Cognac brand, the rows of barrels stretch on endlessly, extending far into the dark depths known as Paradis. Paradise: where only the oldest, most delicate vintages sleep. But as I peer closely at the barrels, it’s evident that the history-laden world of Cognac is evolving. Alongside the flowery writing on each barrel—the work of a full-time calligrapher on staff—is a bar code. Yes, modern technology has arrived in paradise. It seems fitting, this juxtaposition of old and new. Both the region of France known as Cognac and its eponymous grape brandy are steeped in history.
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Cognac’s Heritage
About five hours southwest of Paris by car or train, the small cobblestoned city of Cognac sits on the banks of the river Charentes. Further south, by about two hours, is the famed wine-producing region of Bordeaux. Cognac owes much to its southwest location since it began life as a thriving river port, trading in local wines and salt from the nearby French Atlantic coast. When 17thcentury Dutch traders arrived, they soon discovered that wine could not survive long sea voyages, and they distilled it into a more concentrated, stable form: brandewijn (burnt wine). Further, delays in sea voyages led to the happy discovery that eau-de-vie improves when it is left in barrels for extended periods of time—mellowing and extracting gorgeous vanilla and caramel flavors from the French Limousin oak. Later, the French would refine the method of double distillation that produces Cognac as we know it today, while Anglo-Saxon merchants would export it to the rest of the world.
Liquid History
Visiting Cognac, it’s clear that the brandy business still drives the town. Everyone I meet is descended from an old Cognac growing or distilling family, or works for one of the 300-plus Cognac brands that surround the town square. These distilleries range from rustic to breathtakingly vast, the product of dynasties handed down from the 18th century. Regardless of size, one
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experience is universal: the wonderful fragrances that beckon from within the dark, quiet warehouses, where the barrels are racked and left to age. The distillers refer to the portion that evaporates from the barrel as the “Angel’s Share.” Just a few steps into Hennessy’s warehouse—the single largest producer of Cognac—and I realize that I’m inhaling that Angel’s Share. It’s like breathing liquid, boozy velvet. There are a staggering array of brandies available throughout the region. It’s a collector’s bonanza: the tasting rooms and gift shops, even the bar at the Musee de Cognac (Cognac Museum) offer ample opportunity for sipping (and purchasing) rare and old bottlings that never make it to the United States. For example, most drinkers are accustomed to savoring snifters of XO (Extra Old) Cognac. But in Cognac, it’s not uncommon to see XXO (Extra Extra Old) Cognacs, a relatively new category considered by many
MEMBERS ONLY Ask your Personal Vacation Advisor to schedule a tour of some of Cognac’s most storied vineyards or distilleries. They’ll make sure you experience the Angel’s Share.
Cognac 101: a primer C
ognac is a grape brandy produced in the
Cognac region. The rules imposed by the French government for making the spirit are strict: It can be made with only a handful of grape varieties, primarily Ugni Blanc. It must be distilled twice in traditional copper pot stills, and must be aged at least two years in French oak. The boundaries of the Cognac area were set down in 1909 and have been subdivided into seven areas (crus) of varying quality. In order of preference and quality they are: Grande Champagne—where the most prestigious Cognac originates—Petite Champagne, Borderies, Fins Bois, Bon Bois, Bois Ordinaires, and Bois a Terroir. A final word: The bubbly we know as Champagne comes from a different area of France altogether, further north, and has nothing to do with Cognac. However, both take their name from the famous champagne soil of chalk and clay in which the grapevines grow.
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to be the ultimate expression of the spirit. After a few hazy days spent sipping Cognac aged 30, 40, even 50 years, frankly, I think I’ve seen it all. “This is what history tastes like,” I muse. But I hadn’t seen anything yet. Back in the Paradis area of the Hennessy warehouse, I spot a dusty glass demijohn set off to one side. The elegant lettering reads simply: 1860. 1860. That means this Cognac was more than 150 years old. “Do you know what America was doing when this was made?” I marvel to a travel buddy. “We were building railroads. We were at the beginning of the industrial
Courtesy Cognac Ferrand (2)
And while this amber spirit once known as the Drink of Kings has developed a stodgy reputation, a new generation is innovating with Cognac to delightful effect, building new traditions on top of the old ways, from fresh expressions of the spirit to kicky Cognac-based cocktails.
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revolution.” He continues the thread, with the same awed tone. “We were preparing for the Civil War.” Simply amazing, to be in the presence of so much history.
Artisan Cognac
“Are you afraid of spiders?” Alexandre Gabriel inquires as we enter the Pierre Ferrand warehouse. No—and thank goodness, because the cobwebs run thick between the barrels, while colorful mold carpets the floor. Compared to the warehouses of the larger Cognac houses, this is truly an old-school artisan facility, narrow, dark and humid— an ideal environment for spiders, yes, but also for quietly aging Cognac. Gabriel, president and owner of the Ferrand distillery, produces a tool resembling a giant eyedropper to extract Cognac directly from the barrel, depositing it into a glass. Sipping, it tastes like melted butterscotch. Emerging from the warehouse we blink into the late-afternoon sun. Just 10 kilometers from the center of town, it feels like deep countryside. To my left, Grande Champagne vineyards fade off gracefully into the horizon. To my right is the 18th-century Chateau de Bonbonnet, once owned by the Martell family; about 20 years ago, Gabriel purchased it and turned it into his home as well as Cognac Ferrand’s state-of-the-art blending facility.
In addition to the old-school Cognac, Gabriel has a few newer ideas percolating too. For example, a line of rum finished in former Cognac casks. When bottled, each will be laced with complex Cognac flavor, extracted from its time in the previously used barrels. Also, he has rolled out a couple of new (but historically accurate) products with mixologists in mind. Advised by cocktail historian David Wondrich, Gabriel now offers Pierre Ferrand 1840, a highly concentrated (90 proof) VS Cognac intended for cocktail use, closely modeled on an extremely rare and well-preserved bottle of Pinet-Castillon Cognac from 1840. (Gabriel has an extraordinary collection of old Cognac bottles in his madscientist laboratory inside the Chateau de Bonbonnet.) Also in conjunction with Wondrich, Ferrand is launching a Dry Curacao—a drier, bitter version of the orange liqueur made in the 1800s. He provides me with a sample: It’s immediately evident that it’s blended with Cognac as the bitter-orange flavor melds with vanilla. I tucked my Curacao sample away. I couldn’t wait to take it home and mix it into a Sidecar cocktail—perhaps one made with the oldest Cognac I’d scored during my visit. It seemed like the only fitting way to toast to Cognac’s past and future.
‘Cognac IS A COQUETTE. SHE HAS NO AGE’ uy a bottle of Scotch and there’s no question about the age of the liquid inside. It’s proudly declared on the label: 12 years old, 20 years old, etc. But with Cognac, the lines are blurred. It’s typical for Cognac houses to blend together eau de vie of various vintages. Age ranges can vary widely—a blend of 5-yearold to 50-year-old spirits is a real possibility. The lower end of the age range is indicated in an alphabet stew of classifications. VS (Very Special) means the youngest eau de vie in the blend is no less than two years old; VSOP (Very Old Superior Pale) means the youngest is at least four years old. XO (Extra Old) puts the youngest eau de vie at at least six years old. Most of the Cognac sold in the United States is either VS or VSOP. A final word: This point about the amorphous age of Cognac was driven home for me by a monologue from a Remy-Martin tour guide. Roughly 60-something, chic, willow-thin, with cropped blonde hair and a long, embroidered jacket, she was the embodiment of The Real Housewives of Cognac. “Cognac is a coquette,” she cooed. “Cognac is feminine in that it doesn’t give its age directly. ‘Hello, I’m VSOP.’” And although no one asked, she continued, “How old am I? Like Cognac, I have no age.”
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SAVOR THE FLAVOR | FIVE RARE COGNACS WORTH SEEKING OUT Hine Triomphe Purported to have been Winston Churchill’s favorite Cognac, this blend of more than 50 old Cognacs includes both fruit and fresh floral notes. Consider trying this served glace, or frozen to a syrupy consistency, as a dessert pairing. $269
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Pierre Ferrand Selecion des Anges Made with 30-year-old
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Cognac, this rich and mellow spirit yields warm flavors reminiscent of dried fruit, toffee, almond and Sauternes with a long, smooth finish. $125
Paul-Marie & Fils Tres Vieux Pineau Traveling around Cognac, you’ll surely see distilleries advertising Pineau des Charentes, a blend of Cognac and unfermented grape must. In the United States, French restaurants such as Daniel, Per Se and Le Bernardin now serve this food-friendly aperitif rarely seen outside Belgium or France. This version is aged 25 years. $90
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Frapin Chateau de Fontpinot XO One of the smoothest Cognacs around, with a copper-penny color and complex flavors of coffee, hazelnuts, and bittersweet cocoa, tapering off to an elegant caramel note. $110
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Remy-Martin Coeur de Cognac A light and lovely interpretation of Cognac with orange peel and vanilla aromas, crème brulee flavors, a creamy feel and lingering finish. Lovely served over ice with a curl of orange peel. Not available in the United States $55
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I This misunderstood grape is enjoying a well-deserved surge of popularity as wine lovers the world over rediscover its many personalities. by Amy Zavatto
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If there were ever an onomatopoeic grape in the big, wide world of wine, it is handsdown Riesling. Come on, say it. Rieeeeessssslinggggg. It sounds … tingly. Refreshing. Zingy. Breezy, even. And you know what? That’s exactly what it tastes like, too. So why does everyone treat it like a candy sucker stuck to a floor mat? Well, not everyone—and maybe not much longer. For pretty much all sommeliers worth their salt, Riesling is Darling #1. Why? It’s nature’s perfect little dinner date—generally low in alcohol, with electric food-friendly acid beyond your wildest lightningbolt dreams, and it comes in a range of styles like the ultimate well-stocked wardrobe, from light
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and crisp to luscious and smoky. There’s an awful lot to adore in those tall, skinny, supermodelesque bottles of beloved Bacchus juice. “The first wine I tried that was inspirational and sort of took hold of my soul was the 1976 J.J. Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Spatlese. It was relatively early in my wine drinking days—I was about 20— and my palate was still learning but also accepting of wines with residual sugar; but the fact was that the wine didn’t just stop there—the acid kicked in. And its length and purity of being stopped me and made me pay attention,” says sommelier and oneman Riesling rabblerouser Paul Grieco, who co-owns Hearth restaurant and the trio of quirky, inspiring wine bars: Terroir, Terroir Tribeca, and Terroir Murray Hill. “Twentyfive years later, I’m still remembering this wine. That says something.” Indeed it does. Rieslings, at their best and brightest, do tend to be intensely memorable because they hit multiple senses in an utterly eye-opening manner. The sight of their beautifully bright hue; the incredible aromatics of everything from flowers to minerals to succulent pear or ginger or citrus; their touch on your tongue, so zippy with laserlike acidity translating into something dancingly light or lusciously mouth-filling; and the flavors, which can range from austere to orchard-ripe. But that’s the secret— that elusive, much touted word in wine: balance. Yes, some styles of Riesling
have off-dry to downright sweet flavors. But most of the time, even with the sweetest of the sweet—what you might see on a German label as auslese or beerenauslese or that rollercoaster ride of a wine title trockenbeerenauslese— Rieslings still have this bright, linear current of electricity zipping through them, keeping the wines utterly buoyant and leaving your palate dry after all is swallowed and done. This grape has deep roots in Germany, but late-ripening Riesling has found itself a pretty good home in other parts of the world, too. “We revere Old World Riesling, of course, those from Germany and Austria and Alsace,” says
Grieco. “But I’m also stoked about the New World and those expressions. The Finger Lakes is a world-class venue to grow world-class Riesling. There’s the Niagara Peninsula, Australia, New Zealand. I’m overjoyed by it all. “Maybe my heart and soul will say, ‘Paul, don’t you want to go back to that ’76 Prüm?’ Maybe so, but as my Riesling world has expanded, I’m just as intrigued by [aged Rieslings] from Victoria [Australia]. Or the Cave Spring 2008 [from the Niagara Peninsula]. Or the Hermann Wiemer Late Harvest Riesling 2009—which is the greatest Riesling produced ever in North America. It’s extraordinary.” Truly, Riesling wears a different dress for every dance. The cool climate Rieslings of Germany’s fine Mosel region take on fresh apple-orchard aromas and the kind
How can you not drink a glass of Riesling, with its complexity and delicacy and balance and yumminess and sense of place, and not feel more in tune with yourself and those around you?”
Germany, Austria and Alsace are the Old World powerhouses of Riesling. But the New World is gaining ground.
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of acid levels that make the juice dance in your mouth. In warmer regions, like Alsace, France; Austria; or even the Clare Valley in Australia, the aromas turn peachy, sometimes with a zesty lime quality to them. And the Finger Lakes? Be prepared to sigh over the honeysuckle and floral notes, with bits of orchard fruit and even some zesty grapefruit qualities, all with a backbone of acid that makes you sit up, smack your lips, and say, “Oh hey, what’s for dinner?” If all that makes you lick your lips in eager anticipation—and worry about the stock of your local boutique shop—don’t panic. There may well be more Rieslings coming to a glass near you. In the summer of 2008,
Grieco decided that the only way to get wine lovers to drink more Riesling was to, well, force them. “As a beverage director, I would go to a table and suggest a Riesling for their dinner, but all I’d hear was ‘I don’t drink that because it’s sweet.’ From hearing that so many times, I wanted to make some converts. I was going to have to force you to have it if you were going to engage me in conversation,” he says. For the 91 days of summer 2008, Grieco offered a radical plan: Riesling, and Riesling only, by the glass in each of his wine bars and at Hearth, too. No Chardonnay. No Pinot Grigio. No Gruner. And you know what? It worked. Since then, the Summer of Riesling has expanded all around the country, with about 500 restaurants and wine bars
participating coast to coast for summer 2012. There has also been a parallel movement through the International Riesling Foundation to educate drinkers on the sweetness levels. Their biggest contribution: a simple, yet wildly effective taste scale that goes on the back of wine labels so consumers can figure out what to expect from the bottle. “It’s all about trying to re-jig the conversation of wine. You know what we say about Riesling [at Terroir]? When you drink it, you will be a better person. I believe that!” Grieco laughs. “How can you not drink a glass of Riesling, with its complexity and delicacy and balance and yumminess and sense of place, and not feel more in tune with yourself and those around
Rieslings, at their best and brightest, do tend to be intensely memorable because they hit multiple senses in an utterly eyeopening manner.”
you? It’s a glorious drink but there’s something demanding about it, too—it makes you pay attention, but as soon as it’s on your palate, you smile. You can’t help it. You have joy coursing through your veins.”
five fabulous rieslings Perhaps the most intriguing characteristic of this summery varietal is ... variety. Grown all around the world, Riesling assumes different personalities reflective of the region where it is produced. From Alsace in France to the Columbia River Valley to the rugged lands Down Under, Darling #1 is sure to surprise. Finger Lakes.
2008 Ravines Argetsinger Bone dry. Crisply, bracingly, cracker dry. Lick-a-rock dry. Pleasebring-me-to-dinner dry, but with delicate notes of fresh herbs and honeysuckle, with a peach-pit, almost green-olive briny finish that makes you smack your lips for more, more, more. $26 Australia.
2011 Grosset Clare Valley ‘Polish Hill’ Heady summer flowers and dribbles
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of nectarine and pear juice fill your mouth, but this lean and lovely Riesling still manages to keep a bit of buttoned-up austerity to its body and serene but long finish. $50
luxurious finish leaves you with a little spice and white pepper to think on. If you’re looking to age some Riesling, this isn’t a bad place to start. $45 France.
Germany.
2009 J.J. Prüm Auslese Mosel Bernkasteler Badstube Racehorse acidity gallops through your mouth with a saddle full of Granny Smith apples and honeydew melon on its back, while the long,
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2008 Albert Boxler Alsace, Grand Cru Sommerberg “E,” Alsace Light on its frisky, floral feet but with a great, grounded minerality that keeps this wine from running away with its basket of ripe stone fruit. $53
Washington State.
2010 Chateau Ste. Michele and Dr. Loosen Eroica Columbia Valley The result of a partnership between Washington State’s Chateau Ste. Michele and the famous Mosel Riesling producer, Dr. Loosen, offers great squeezes of tangerine and lime, aromas of orange blossom and zippy minerality. $24
EXPERIENCE SUMMER 2012
DISCOVER
SECTION INDEX
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EMPIRE STATE OF MIND
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THE GREAT ESCAPE
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LONDON CALLING
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A FEAST FOR THE SENSES
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BY LEXI DWYER LIFESTYLE & CUISINE PHOTOGRAPHY BY GEMMA & ANDY INGALLS
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Prospect Park is an oasis of natural beauty. Trails meander through a forest that offers welcome shade and plenty of photo opportunities.
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DAY 01 || FRIDAY
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xcited for the long weekend ahead, we woke up early on our first morning at the Trump SoHo and ordered room service. It was the best way to savor our suite’s Hudson River view before a busy day in Brooklyn. Since it was warm outside, we decided to meander toward the Canal Street station, where we’d pick up the Q train. As we walked, the streets thrummed with life: Against a cacophony of traffic noise, bike messengers whizzed by and shoppers jockeyed for space on the crowded sidewalk. Once we were on the subway, we couldn’t help getting giddy when the train came aboveground onto the Manhattan Bridge and we caught a glimpse of the skyline. Ascending the station stairs in Park Slope, where most buildings don’t exceed five stories, we were struck by how much more light and air there seemed to be. We felt our pulses slow as we crossed Flatbush Avenue to Prospect Heights and walked along a quiet, tree-lined block to James, a small New American restaurant. The chef, Bryan Calvert, is an alum of the Manhattan foodie temple Bouley, but here his cooking is sublimely straightforward. Our lunch of black kale salad, truffle fries, and burgers topped with speck fortified us for our next stop: Prospect Park, which was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead and Calvert Vaux, about a decade after they completed Central Park. We could see immediately why the pair called this less-touted oasis their masterpiece. The grassy, gently undulating Long Meadow is expansive but also feels completely sheltered from the busy streets beyond the park’s borders. A walk through the ravine area, with its 100-foot gorge that connects a waterfall, several pools, and the lake, makes you feel like you’ve left Brooklyn for the mountains upstate. And with its thick tree canopy, the park is also home to the only remaining natural forest in Brooklyn. We spent the next few hours exploring and left through the gates at Ninth Street, which leads to the center of Park Slope. It was only 5:30, but we were trying to get a table at Talde,
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The reverent pasta dishes at Frankies 457 Spuntino are worth the trip to Brooklyn in and of themselves. Opposite, a room at the Trump SoHo with commanding views of the Hudson River.
the cultishly popular Park Slope restaurant run by former Top Chef contestant Dale Talde. Most nights, he can be found in the open kitchen (look for his baseball cap) turning out flavorful Pan-Asian dishes like oyster-and-bacon pad thai, Korean fried chicken, and pretzel pork-and-chive dumplings. After sampling them, we realized that we would have happily waited longer for food this good. After dinner, we called a car service for the short drive to the Old American Can Factory, a restored complex in the adjoining Gowanus neighborhood. The factory is one of the venues for Rooftop Films, an outdoor summer festival that showcases groundbreaking new movies. Looking out over the neat rows of Brooklyn brownstones and the twinkling lights of Manhattan in the distance, it seemed fitting that we began our day with one striking panorama, and were ending it with another.
DAY 02 || SATURDAY
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oday we opted for a slower pace and started the day with brunch at The Dutch, where reservations are encouraged because pretty much every New Yorker has become obsessed with Andrew Carmellini and his modern take on American regional food. The toughest part was deciding what to order from the Southern-inflected menu: We settled on cornmeal flapjacks and scrambled eggs with smoked sable, but couldn’t resist adding a curry sugar doughnut and honey-butter biscuits. (Can you ever have too much at brunch?)
Mario Batali’s Eataly, complete with rooftop brewery, is the largest Italian food and wine emporium in the world.
We left delightfully sated and glad that we’d planned to spend the rest of the afternoon on foot exploring shops and galleries in SoHo and the Lower East Side. We were overwhelmed (in a good way) by Intermix, a boutique clearinghouse with wares from nearly 200 American and European designers, and A Second Chance, a discriminating consignment shop known for stocking fashionista finds like Hermes bags, Chanel dresses and Prada shoes for well-below-retail prices. Overcome by shoppers’ exhaustion, we refueled with thick Aztec hot chocolate at the MarieBelle chocolate shop’s Cacao Bar before continuing east toward the Bowery. Once the city’s skid row, and later home to tattoo parlors, dive bars and the infamous punk club CBGB’s, this thoroughfare has seen rapid gentrification in the last decade as luxury condos sprung up and the opening of the New Museum drew gallery owners to the area. Though the Sperone Westwater gallery’s graphite drawings and twisted bronze sculptures were intriguing, we were most fascinated by the room-size elevator that blends with the rest of the exhibition space—until it starts moving between floors. We returned to the hotel to relax before taking a taxi to
BABY, IT’S WARM OUTSIDE Eight creative ways to dine al fresco in New York City
GROWN-UP PICNIC.
deck that offers an in-your-face look at the Manhattan skyline, with strategically placed mirrors that intensify the effect.
Celebrated French pastry chef François Payard recently opened an outpost of FPB Bakery in Battery Park City, serving French classics like quiche along with a few surprises like Payard’s take on the Cubano. The nearby waterfront Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller park is a primo picnicking spot with views of the Hudson River.
MEAT IN THE PARK. With locations throughout the city, the Shake Shack has certainly expanded since opening in 2004. But the original Madison Square Park stand is still the most quintessentially New York, and the midday crowds at this pretty Flatiron park are a testament to just how habit-forming the juicy burgers, crinkle fries and Midwestern-style custard desserts can be.
PIER JOY. Located at the foot of West 26th Street, Pier 66 Maritime is a former barge that was once used to carry railcars. It’s now used as a pier, and its on-site restaurant serves simple fare like burgers, salads and seafood. As the barge bobs gently in the water, you’ll swear—especially after a few beers—that you’re floating down the Hudson.
VENDORS WITH A VIEW. The High Line, an elevated west side park built on the site of an old railway track, would be worth visiting even without the food trucks selling tacos, lobster rolls, dumplings and small-batch ice cream. Look for them in the lot below the park at 30th Street and 10th Avenue, then bring your lunch upstairs and grab a bench or a lounge chair in the park.
SUNNY DELIGHT. Accessible by a short ferry ride from lower Manhattan or Brooklyn, Governor’s Island is a tiny outpost (and former military base) that’s a popular summer destination for picnicking and biking. After a few hours of exploring, the beachside bar is an ideal spot to relax with a hot dog and fries or join an impromptu volleyball game on the sand.
THROUGH THE ROOF. Not many tourists venture to the Columbia Street Waterfront District, a Brooklyn enclave that’s sandwiched between the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and Upper New York Bay. But they’re missing out on Alma, a Mexicanfusion spot with an upper dining
HIDDEN GEM.
Frankies 457 Spuntino is an established Italian restaurant in Brooklyn’s Carroll Gardens known for hearty, consistently delicious classics like house-made gnocchi and pork braciola. The restaurant’s leafy back garden, which has become a popular site for weddings, is almost as famous as the food.
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Since the Riverpark restaurant is on the lobby level of a fairly obscure medical building, your cab driver might be a little confused about where to drop you off. (Call for directions.) But once you find it, Tom Colicchio’s latest venture is worth the trek. The patio deck hangs right over the East River and redefines the phrase “waterside dining,” and the New American fare is made with produce at the restaurant’s private farm, housed next door in a formerly vacant lot.
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Pier 11, just south of South Street Seaport, to board a ferry to Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Taking a subway would have been just as easy, but we wanted to get out on the water and see the Manhattan skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge and the sun setting behind the Statue of Liberty. We disembarked at Williamsburg’s North Sixth pier and walked to Zenkichi, a sexy Japanese brasserie with booths so cozy and private each one comes with a buzzer to get the staff’s attention. Since we were feeling adventurous and didn’t want to think too hard, we ordered the chef’s omakase (tasting menu), which features the day’s freshest sashimi with an assortment of dishes like yellowtail with pickled cherry leaves and grilled Berkshire pork. The hostess called a car service to take us back to SoHo, and we asked the driver to drop us at Pegu Club, a dimly lit second-floor bar with Asian-style decor and a speakeasy feel. (The downstairs door is unmarked except for the bar’s green lion crest.) This is not a place to order wine or beer, as the mixologists—don’t call them bartenders—have elevated cocktail-concocting to an art form. We each tried the Whiskey Smash, a potent blend of rye, whiskey, simple syrup and the freshest lemon juice and mint we’ve ever tasted. Our drinks, like everything else that day, more than lived up to the hype.
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e started our final day with a subway ride up to the Flatiron District, named for the area’s famously triangular turn-of-the-century building. But it was Mario Batali’s Eataly, currently the world’s largest Italian food and wine emporium, that lured us there. Tourists mob the food halls during the weekend, so we were headed straight up to Birreria, the rooftop brewery. It’s a casual spot, with bright red chairs, simple wooden tables and a retractable glass roof that makes it feel like a greenhouse. The restaurant’s three house-made ales are brewed in a small room just steps from the main dining area. The creamy, full-bodied beers paired beautifully with the housemade sausages, cured meats and artisanal Italian cheeses. We could have easily spent another hour enjoying the view of the Met Life Tower, one of the city’s early Renaissance-Revival skyscrapers. But we’d planned another outer-borough excursion to the Noguchi Museum in Queens. (We opted to book MEMBERS ONLY the Noguchi’s Sunday shuttle bus service from The museums of New York are a the Upper East Side.) The museum showcases diverse lot, with stunning regular the sculptures, furniture and public works collections. But the revolving models of Japanese artist Isamu Noguchi, who list of special exhibits shouldn’t collaborated with dancer Martha Graham and be missed. Ask your Destination Concierge about what’s on designer Charles Eames, among others. (If display and where. the Akari Light Sculptures look familiar, it’s because they’ve been widely copied by retailers like Ikea.) We loved the intimate feel of the cleverly designed museum, which is housed in a converted industrial complex that has a sculpture garden in the middle featuring Noguchi’s large-scale pieces. We headed back to the Upper East Side, hailed a cab, and zoomed down to The Modern, the French-American restaurant at the Museum of Modern Art. We settled in at the bar room, a clubby space that serves small plates of updated Alsatian fare like buckwheat spaetzle with yellowfin tuna. The museum was hosting one of its free summer concerts in the sculpture garden that night, featuring musicians from Lincoln Center. As a breeze rustled across the reflecting pond and birds chirped quietly, we waited alongside locals for the music to begin, all of us smug in our knowledge that on a warm summer night in the city, there was no lovelier place to be.
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Sperone Westwater displays, like many of the Big Apple’s galleries, museumquality artwork. Whether you’re buying or browsing, gallery touring is a colorful pastime.
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ESCAPE Four fabulous family retreats for your summer vacation By Elina Furm an
Families looking to retreat from the daily hustle and bustle, make a quick beachside escape, or embark on an eco-friendly adventure need look no further than these top four family-friendly destinations. Choosing a location that fulfills a family’s vacation needs can be as trying as cooking one meal that everyone will eat. No worries—we’ve chosen a medley of accessible locations to show that when it comes to family travel, there really is a perfect destination for everyone.
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FLORIDA
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magine stepping out your front door and inhaling a mouthful of fresh sea-salt air. Or closing the door behind you and strolling on boardwalks past meticulously quaint gardens and picture-perfect cottages. Did you hear that? That’s right. No noise but the breaking of waves and the sound of surf and sand. No honking cars, no milling crowds, just miles of unspoiled views and the glimmer of white-powder sand shining in the early morning sun. Known for its 15 beaches, a 26-mile stretch of uninterrupted pure white sand and relaxed family atmosphere, South Walton, Florida, is the ideal place to come together and create lifelong memories. While the pristine beaches will always beckon with their promise of total relaxation, there are plenty of things to do here besides getting your feet covered with sand, or your entire body if you happen to be playing with the kids. For nature lovers, South Walton is an endless playground with 40 percent of its land area preserved for state parks, dune lakes and coastal forests. There is no limit to how much one can explore—and in what ways. Biking, horseback riding, or just taking long strolls along the dunes are some of the top pastimes here. To truly experience the scenery of the popular Rosemary Beach
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area, rent a bike or take a leisurely hike down the Eastern Lake Bike/ Hike Trail. With three state parks, one of them being a 2,000-acre beachfront beauty, each park offers amazing wildlife and scenery. Sporting enthusiasts and activity junkies will also find plenty to do here. Horseback riding through the local woodlands is a popular pastime, and the area is also known as a haven for paddle boaters. But for those looking for a more relaxing way to explore the water, kayaking across a dune lake is a must-do for the entire family. And last but not least, South Walton just happens to be a mecca for golf enthusiasts. With more than 207 holes of championship golf available here, locals swear by the Walton County’s Tom Fazio-designed Camp Creek Golf Club that features a course with its own natural wetland system. For kids, highlights include spending the entire day at Treasure Island in the popular Big Kahuna’s Lost Paradise amusement park, a draw for little tykes and bigger kids alike. Another family excursion that gets top billing is the Gulf World Marine Park. Offering a variety of aquatic animals, birds and a nighttime show, there’s also an option to swim with the dolphins. And while there’s plenty for kids to do here, adults will enjoy getting away for some alone time when night falls. Whether it’s sipping on cucumber martinis at one of the local quaint bars, strolling through the shops and art galleries, or kicking back and enjoying one of the many outdoor concerts in this sophisticated Florida town, there’s something to do for everyone here sunup to sundown.
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f your idea of the perfect day sounds anything like this—traveling with the family to a remote village to experience local island traditions, hiking above the highest volcanic peak, and watching a humpback whale migrate in the distant shores, followed by a romantic dinner for two at Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant Spago—then Maui is just the vacation you’ve been waiting for. On Maui, families with kids of all ages will thrive due to the natural bounty that awaits and the kid-friendly attitude of the locals. It’s a multigenerational hotspot, allowing for activities that accommodate youngsters, their parents and even their grandparents. This is a place for making memories. Here, one can choose to kayak toward Turtle Town, where you’ll see green sea turtles swim with tropical fish. For families with older children, no trip to Maui would be complete without trying one’s hand at surfing or hiking up one of the many trails at the Haleakala National Park, Maui’s highest volcano. (For those who want to expend a little less effort, hitch a van ride up to the viewing area and careen down the winding road on a bike.) Families with kiddos in tow need not worry about their little ones braving the surf. Grab a spot at Baby Beach located in Lahaina. A great place for youngsters to wade into the water without large waves scaring them away, families can spend the day relaxing knowing that their kids’ foray into the ocean is both gentle and fun. Another great option for the little ones is the adventure-filled submarine ride excursion from Atlantis Adventures, which offers a unique stop at Carthaginian, a whaling ship replica that lies under 100 feet of water.
For something a little off the beaten path, day trips to Hana, a remote, unspoiled village, are known not only for the uniqueness of the destination, but also for the scenery along the way. Driving the road to Hana is an adventure unto itself—some car rental companies even cite it as a no-no. With gorgeous views, tropical waterfalls and the occasional grassy plain, the road to Hana is a popular excursion for families who are looking for natural thrills and an unspoiled view of Maui. This is one collective family experience not soon forgotten. As night falls and the little natives get restless, treat the entire family to an old-fashioned luau complete with twirling hula dancers, drumbeats and fire throwing. The whole clan will come together in a fun, festive environment to feast and learn about the local traditions through dance, song and food.
TROPICAL ADVENTURE
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CALL OF THE WEST
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here’s a reason families return to C Lazy U Ranch in Colorado year after year. Tailored to accommodate every member of the family, the five-star dude-ranch vacation set in a rustic-but-pristine lodge is the perfect glamping (glamorous camping), high-rodeo experience that offers activities for individuals and large groups. From the accommodations to the activities to the location, everything works in tandem for memory-making and vacation-taking. Moms and dads who want some Wild West communion with nature but don’t want to sleep on the ground (and would prefer to have an on-site spa and gourmet restaurant) need not worry. C Lazy U combines country club amenities with all the excitement of the outdoors. At the beginning of your stay you’re interviewed by the head wrangler who then hand selects the horse that matches your equestrian personality, whether it’s cautious never-ever or seasoned thrill-seeker. That’ll be your horse for the duration of your stay, and you can develop a special relationship with it. Riding along on a cattle drive is often a major highlight, as are the scenic trail rides. Still, there is plenty on offer for the non-riders in the group. For those who want to get outdoors in other ways, fly fishing, zip lining, hiking and tennis are just some of the active pursuits available here. No matter what a guest’s activity level or personal preference, the on-site ranch concierge works hard to ensure that every member of the family comes away with a happy experience. Adults will feel as relaxed and catered to as if vacationing completely on their own, but with all the joy that comes from connecting with their children. Spa treatments, lounging by the pool, and gourmet dining are just some of the ways parents will choose to pamper themselves. And there’s no shortage of things to experience as a family. From a lunchtime barbecue to a sunset hike to a nighttime theatrical display, the staff
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here always plans something to bring families together. Your kids will beg to return every year after forming the kind of family bonds and new friendships that will last a lifetime. What’s really special about the kids’ program at the C Lazy U is that children learn the joys of time together and time apart, taking pride in their newfound independence and new skill sets. Think of it as a luxury sleep-away camp for kids (the camp is tailored to children ages 6 and up) that you can actually share with them at the end of the day. From learning to ride horses, to putting on plays, to telling stories by the campfire and operating a real-life carnival for the adults, there’s a sense of pride that comes with getting involved in this old-fashioned camp-like experience, albeit with all the luxury conveniences modern families have come to expect.
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laiming 80 miles of pristine shoreline, Nantucket instantly conjures up images of the lazy days of summer: long, endless stretches of time where one has nothing more to do than stroll the beach, take in the historic sights, or immerse oneself in a book. Teeming with history and the nautical splendors of surf, sun and sand, this is an idyllic family retreat for large groups looking to step into a bygone era when time seemed to move a little slower and the days passed by a little breezier. There’s no doubt as to why families flock to Nantucket. Whether it’s riding bikes on the coast to check out every lighthouse, renting a boat to discover the many inlets and bays, pampering oneself at a deluxe spa, or feasting on the fresh catch of the day in one of the area’s acclaimed seafood restaurants, there is an activity to suit every member of the family. Another highlight that draws visitors year after year is the now famous Nantucket Farmers and Artisans Market. Brimming with the freshest vegetables and flowers as well as local handicrafts, there is always something to tempt shoppers here. Stroll the aisles to enjoy a nonstop parade of the sweet, the savory and the handmade. Kids can pick out their dinner or a special souvenir to take home. Even local chefs come here to pick out ingredients for their farm-to-table creations. From the epicurean delights of the chef’s table at The Pearl to Todd English’s restaurant at The Summer House, the gastro pleasures of Nantucket are both savvy and breezy. The Farmers Market is one reason the local restaurants are some of the most celebrated in this area. Another popular pastime is strolling through the historic
district. Close your eyes and quiet the mind and you’ll be instantly transported to another time. Visiting Nantucket is like being inside a living museum, surrounded by epic tales of nautical adventures and ocean drama. For even more historical sights and sounds, kids and adults alike will enjoy exploring local history with trips to Nantucket Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum and the Whaling Museum. Of course, no trip to Nantucket would be complete without long days spent on any of its many beaches. Explore the dunes and calm waters, fly a kite, or swim along the shore while watching the boats come in. As night falls, romantic duos and fun groups looking to unwind from a long day of meandering head to the Club Car restaurant/ bar located on Main Street. This restaurant is situated in an authentic 1800s Pullman train coach and has become a venerable institution, known equally for its engaging pianist Tony and the famous gin and tonics made with Hendrick’s gin. But there’s no reason you can’t kick back in your own wellappointed kitchen, grill up some fish that until that very day was swimming in the sea, and enjoy a simple and delicious meal. And perhaps you should have the kids do the dishes—one of the duties they can tend to in the transformation from swabbie on the deck to captain at the wheel. Even doing dishes can be an adventure on the high sea.
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L Courtesy 2012 Olympic Games
ccording to Herman Melville, there are exactly two places on the planet a person can disappear: London and the South Seas. The American novelist clearly had an understanding of how London’s quick tempo and whirlwind of culture and iconoclasm can dazzle and then consume a person. From the West End’s effusive world of theatre to the British capital’s pulsing financial hub of Canary Wharf, the city is alive with culture with a capital “C.” London is a bustling international center where British classics like Savile Row bespoke tailoring coexist alongside Indian restaurants that are, according to some, better than Indian restaurants in India. Yet its green, leafy squares and gardens, from Richmond to Regents Park, provide a muchneeded respite from overstimulation. The city is an evergreen hot spot for travelers, but it seems to be more verdant than ever these days. With both the Summer Olympics and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations taking place, it is bound to be a destination for many foreign visitors. London—aka The Square Mile—has the distinction of being the only city to have hosted three Summer Olympic Games during modern times: 1908, 1948 and 2012. Good things seem to come in threes for the British metropolis, which has experienced three contemporary golden ages: the Swinging Sixties, Cool Britannia in the ’90s and a current renaissance in postmillennial times. With all the buzz, fanfare, events and general metropolitan madness, spreadout London might seem challenging to navigate. The Olympic venues, located throughout the city—and beyond its confines—provide good starting points. Olympic Park is in the East End of London, which also encompasses some very cool and trendy neighborhoods like Shoreditch. Greenwich offers a chance to side-trip to the chronological center of the world: The Royal Observatory, where Greenwich Mean Time is set. And, of course, Hyde Park is a giant patch of nature in an urban area, near Buckingham Palace. What follows are more tips for maneuvering through the sights and customs of this sparkling, worldly city.
Lon Don calling The vibrant, busy city will see its share of visitors this year. Navigate it like a local and stop for a ‘cuppa’ on the way. By Shana Ting Lipton // Photography by Julian Love
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By tube The London Underground is the fastest, easiest, most costeffective way to make it to all the Olympic event venues and beyond. It’s advisable to buy an Oyster Card at the station (which you can fill up “pay as you go” at the kiosk). Dating back to the 1860s, the Tube isn’t as optimal as buses for sightseeing. But you can make your way to one of London’s oldest underground stations—Covent Garden— and give yourself an Olympic challenge by attempting to climb its notoriously Hitchcockian winding staircase of 193 steps. If vertigo is less of an issue than claustrophobia, avoid Waterloo station at all costs. With 57,000 people entering during morning rush hour, it’s London’s busiest Tube station. London Online Tube Map www.tfl.gov.uk/ gettingaround/1106.aspx
By Car
By bus
London is such a big city that bobbing around town will cost you a bob or two, especially if you go the route of the black taxi— which is stylishly old-fashioned but notoriously expensive and generally avoided by smart Londoners. It’s wise instead to employ the services of Addison Lee, a popular first-rate “minicab” service. It establishes a set rate in advance so you can avoid screeching-halt-worthy fares. It also gives you the option to pay by credit card over the phone, and your driver will text you to alert you that your car has reached its destination. If you’re lucky, you may even be pleasantly surprised by the arrival of a sleek black Mercedes Benz.
Although terribly slow, the London buses, particularly the iconic red double-deckers, are certainly a memorable way to travel almost door-to-door and see the sights, especially if you’re lucky enough to get “the royal seat” (top level, front row center). For the first time in more than 50 years, the double-decker bus (aka The Routemaster) has undergone a makeover by English designer Thomas Heatherwick and enters service this year. Don’t worry—they’re still bright red, but they’re now also green, as in eco-friendly with a new diesel-electric hybrid drive.
LONDON MINICAB SERVICE www.addisonlee.com 0844-800-6677 INSPIR ATO M AGA ZINE S SUMMER 2012
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London Online Bus Map www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/ gettingaround/maps/buses
Top left: Covent Garden is London’s oldest—and perhaps steepest— Tube stop. Above Left: London’s doubledecker buses have been redesigned, but they maintain their red color. Opposite: The Churchill Arms in Kensington is a nice place to stop for a pint.
The Pubs
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There’s much dispute over which pubs are the oldest in London— some placards indicate roots as early as the 16th century. But there’s no argument about the fact that pub culture figures heavily into the daily lives of Londoners, even in the 21st century. People from all ages and walks of life congregate in these so-called public houses over beer and ale, the biggest and most diverse crowds assembling just after work hours to blow off steam. Londoners often put in overtime, so when the Friday whistle blows, these old watering holes become particularly jampacked and frankly undesirable. On such evenings, buses and Tubes are transformed into fluorescent-lit stages for some fairly disorderly antics.
With so many dark, similar looking pubs dotting the streets of London, it can be difficult to choose one. Some pubs with notable features do, however, stand above the rest. The Elgin (96 Ladbroke Grove) in Notting Hill has free music on most nights. The band The Clash is rumored to have gotten its start there. On the last Tuesday of each month it has an open “gin club” that features gin tasting. The Churchill Arms (119 Kensington Church St.) in Kensington is hard to miss with its garlands of flowers festooning its facade (for which it has won awards). Its restaurant in the back oozes old-fashioned character and the feel of a classic beer garden.
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On Sundays, in the late afternoon or early evening, Brits observe a sort of weekly Thanksgiving lite known as Sunday Roast. This is a time for family togetherness generally centered around a plump roast beef with Yorkshire pudding to follow. During a visit to London, it may not be possible to get adopted by a family and invited to such a traditional feast. But there are plenty of pubs that offer their own versions of Sunday Supper—the best of which are more upscale gastropubs such as
On Sundays, in the late afternoon or early evening, Brits observe a sort of weekly Thanksgiving ‘lite’ known as Sunday Roast. The Grazing Goat (6 New Quebec St.) in Marble Arch or The Mitre (40 Holland Park Ave.) in Holland Park. In the East End, The Water Poet (9-11 Folgate St.) hosts a popular Sunday lunch until 5 p.m. Beyond the gastropub, Boisdale is a laid-back but high-end British restaurant/club with a whiskey bar, live jazz, a cigar terrace and library, and a caviar and oyster bar. It serves up hearty Scottish fare like haggis and fish pie in Belgravia (15 Eccleston St.) and Canary Wharf (at Cabot Place).
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Tea, Anyone? Britain is pretty much synonymous with tea, casually referred to as “a cuppa.” Be aware that there are two kinds of tea services: afternoon tea and high tea (and of course the more casual a la carte cuppa which is enjoyed several times a day on tea breaks). High tea is served in the early evening from 5 onward and includes heavy meat dishes like shepherd’s pie. The multicourse tea service with finger sandwiches known to most Americans is afternoon tea, which is served from about 2 to 4 p.m. Etiquette-wise, especially when having tea in someone’s home, we’re told some Londoners consider it a faux pas to pour your tea before you add milk, as it might stain the fine china.
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The lavish and traditional high teas at hotels and tea houses like The Savoy (located at Strand), The Lanesborough (1 Lanesborough Place) in Knightsbridge, The Ritz (150 Piccadilly) and Fortnum & Mason (181 Piccadilly) in Green Park tend to cater to tourists but can still be great fun. Smaller boutique hotels like the stylish Hempel (31-35 Craven Hill Gardens) in Bayswater and Blakes (33 Roland Gardens) in Chelsea host memorable afternoon tea services. And the former, a beautiful 5-star property, boasts an exquisitely manicured and designed front garden.
Leighton House Once you’ve paid a visit to the art heavyweights like the British Museum, The National Portrait Gallery, The Tate Britain, The Tate Modern and the Victoria & Albert, it’s time for something a bit more off-the-radar: Leighton House. Some locals haven’t even heard of this exotic little jewel. Tucked away by gorgeous Holland Park, the small museum was once the 19th century home and studio of Victorian artist Frederic, Lord Leighton. Its Arab Hall is made up of more than 1,000 Islamic tiles from Damascus. Beyond the museum’s spectacular interior design, it has hosted some pretty esoteric and interesting exhibits, such as one featuring paintings of Marrakech by Winston Churchill.
Courtesy 2012 Olympic Games (2)
CITY LIFE
Sunday Roast
S U M M ER GA M E S MEMBERS ONLY With hundreds of events and dozens of venues, it’s hard to know how to approach the Olympic Games. Call your Personal Vacation Advisor to arrange the perfect plan.
A SPORTING GOOD TIME Power walking as a fitness activity has always raised eyebrows from passersby for the awkward gait and movement of its athletes. Imagine, then, power walking taken to Olympic levels: Race Walking. On August 11 and 14, Race Walking competitors will huff, puff, labor and do their level best to forge ahead at full speed while keeping both feet firmly planted on the ground—or at least touching it—in hopes of being the first to run and walk across the finish line. Race walking may not be everyone’s speed, but there are a handful of competitions
that really do get people’s hearts pumping. The 2012 Olympics’ most popular sports—based on initial ticket sales—are Equestrian Cross Country, Triathlon, Rhythmic Gymnastics and Track Cycling. Equestrian Cross Country (or Eventing) is the only high-risk Olympic sport in which men and women compete as equals; it’s also the only one involving animals. Competitions take place in Greenwich Park. The multi-event (swimming, cycling, running) Triathlon was only first introduced during the 2000 Olympic games in
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Sydney, where half a million spectators lined up to watch its debut. Competitions take place in Hyde Park. Although Rhythmic Gymnastics was originally developed in the 19th century, it did not enter the Olympic fray until 1984 in Los Angeles. Competitions take place at Wembley Arena. Track Cycling has been included in every Olympic games series with the exception of one (the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm). The first indoor Track Cycling competition was held at the Montreal Olympics in 1976. Competitions take place at the Velodrome in the Northern section of Olympic Park.
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CUISINE
Fare Game Leave the pie for the shepherds. London’s modern-day dining scene is an endless and eclectic blend of international flavors.
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here was a time when visitors to London planned their trips around the plethora of attractions that are the fabric of this cosmopolitan city. Meals were an afterthought, and the local fare had a reputation for being tasteless and bland. My, how times have changed. London today is truly a food lover’s paradise, and many a celebrated chef has set out to conquer the city. These days it’s a tasty, culinarily savvy hotspot—with Michelin stars to back it up. Goodbye fish and chips, hello global cuisine.
The plates might be small, but the flavors are big at Brawn, a new favorite for local Londoners.
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Japanese Zuma
French
Spanish
Brawn
Pizarro
5 Raphael Street, SW7
49 Columbia Road, E2 7RG
A sophisticated blend of modern décor and innovative fare, loyal patrons continue to praise what they call the best Japanese restaurant in the city. A 10-yearold staple in Knightsbridge, Zuma has an atmosphere that combines urban coolness with seductive glamour. Whether it’s miso-marinated lamb chops seared on the robata grill, chiliglazed edamame or wine and sake from the acclaimed cellar of Alessandro Marchesan, everything about Zuma is electrifying and well worth the visit.
A great new local hangout, Brawn’s daily menu is an interesting mix of small plates and big, bold flavors. Salads and vegetables are well-represented, but it’s the prosciuttos, scallops and, yes, brawn that entice. Less adventurous diners will love the globe artichoke with vinaigrette or the English pea and mushroom risotto, but don’t be afraid to sample some of the other delicacies on the menu. The fresh-baked sourdough bread is simply delicious, and the wine offerings are varied and fun.
Seafood
Pub Lady Ottoline
194 Bermondsey Street SE1 3TQ
11a Northington Street, WC1N 2JF
Chef José Pizarro had a hit on his hands with his José tapas bar, so when he decided to open Pizarro in a nearby location, it caused quite a sensation. The newer, sit-down restaurant boasts an open kitchen, small plates and brief menu, but the minimalism stops there. The offerings are as diverse as the flavorings that enhance them, ranging from a scrumptious serving of duck livers served with capers and sherry, cannolis filled with delicious Manchego cheese, and hake (cod) enhanced with clams and spinach.
Named for a member of the aristocratic Bloomsbury set, the Lady Ottoline gastropub was recently refurbished and restored to its former glory. The first floor encompasses a typical pub where more serious drinkers can order from a less-formal bar menu. Up the narrow staircase is the restaurant, where diners can choose from surprisingly elaborate dishes such as cured duck breast or lobster and crab risotto. The mainstay of any pub, pork belly, is as good as it gets, served perfectly cooked and flavorful.
J Sheekey
28 St. Martin’s Court, WC2 Tucked away in the heart of Covent Garden in Soho, J Sheekey is renowned for its tantalizing preparation of fish, oysters, shellfish and other fruits de mer. Two of London’s top restaurateurs have created a fish-lover’s haven, and today locals and celebrities flock to the restaurant for some of the town’s greatest food, excellent service and fabulous wines. The restaurant’s clubby atmosphere is a welcome retreat, where guests can get comfortable at the counter or tuck into intimate leather booths that afford a great place to see and be seen.
Euro Brasserie The Delaunay
55 Aldwych WC2B 4BB New to London’s dining scene, The Delaunay is the latest restaurant of Chris Corbin and Jeremy King, proprietors of the iconic Wolseley. Situated at the edge of London’s Covent Garden, this low-key brasserie harkens back to grand European tradition, with its bowlertopped doorman, dramatic décor, elaborate desserts and dishes that rival the finest from Germany and France. Here, celebrities can be seen indulging in mouthwatering desserts such as the incredible sacher torte, or noshing on an appetizer of Flammkucken, a German dish that resembles a thin-crust pizza topped with smoked bacon and shallots. The Delaunay offers great breakfasts, but will serve up a late-night meal that is well worth the wait.
Italian
MEMBERS ONLY
L’Anima
1 Snowden Street, London EC2 While the atmosphere practically screams upper crust and decorum, the food at L’Anima does not discriminate: Everyone becomes a fan. Chef Francesco Mazzei knows his way around the kitchen, and expertly conjures up dishes that are bursting with flavors and aromas of the sinful variety. Among some of the most acclaimed menu offerings are the Sicilian rabbit, fish stew and fettuccini with wild mushrooms and black truffles.
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Though the British have had a long-standing love affair with Indian curries for more than a century, savvy restaurateurs now draw on a host of global influences. Ask your on-site concierge to surprise you with reservations at one of London’s exciting new eateries. It’s a culinary adventure, guaranteed.
CafÉ Bar Italia
22 Frith Street, Soho, W1D 4RT People flock to Bar Italia for the stupendous coffee, which is supplied by Signor Angelucci, who lays claim to a secret blend that he has been using since 1947. The barista prides himself on remembering customers, and that personal service is a source of customer loyalty. Celebrities are no strangers to the place, and it’s not unusual to see familiar faces drop in, such as Rupert Everett, Kylie Minogue, Boy George, Francis Ford Coppola or David Bowie.
A t r u e c u l i n a r y a d v e n t u r e m e l d s c u i s i n e , c u lt u r e , at m o s p h e r e a n d, o f c o u r s e , f i n e w i n e i n t o a t r u ly u n f o r g e t ta b l e e x p e r i e n c e . H e r e w e f e at u r e t h r e e d r e a m y e p i c u r e a n e s c a p e s y o u s i m p ly w o n ’ t wa n t t o e n d. B y J ay C h e s h e s
a feast for the
senses
Some people like to hunt for truffles, cruise open-air markets and talk shop with cheesemongers. Others prefer their culinary adventures to revolve around making the perfect reservations. No matter your inclination, good food that shows a sense of place is a welcome addition to any foray from home. We’ve got the scoop on a Tuscan cooking class, barefoot indulgence on St. Barts, and a gastronomic driving adventure along the French Mediterranean. 105
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In Tuscany, "country living" is both earthy and hedonistic. Freshly pressed olive oil, homemade wine and a veritable parade of worthy dishes make for a satisfying adventure.
cooking at a
Tuscan winEry There are no shortcuts to making good homemade dressed with olive oil just pressed on the property. pasta, as you’ll learn soon enough, arms aching, belly full, after The Bonacossis, who sell their intense green olive oil in a cooking class at the Capezzana estate. The Tuscan winery the United States at fine gourmet markets, eat like this is an idyllic setting for an epicurean escape, mastering the every day. The more time you spend here, the more you’ll basics of Italian aristocratic cuisine among the vineyards and learn to enjoy la dolce vita—the good life—as they do. olive groves in one of the region’s most stately properties. If your timing’s good, Count Ugo Bonacossi, the family In the 1990s the Bonacossi family, who have been making patriarch—now in his 90s—might be your host. He has wine here since 1925, decided to open their home to the welcomed Mario Batali and Jamie Oliver as guest chefs here, visiting public. Their personal chef began but leaves day-to-day operations of the winery, sharing his secrets, in one- and five-day olive press, cooking school, and rented villas You’ll need to his children and grandchildren. Play your cooking classes in a big, rustic kitchen just across from the main house. With translation right and he might even invite you inside to practice cards provided by a member of the family, most the main house, where he still lives among the of whom speak flawless English, the chef family art collection, for a glass of vin santo at home to begins with a hands-on tutorial on pasta and a tour of the rose garden tended out back get a sense perfection. It starts with the flour, a mix of by his wife. On a clear day you can see the semolina and OO pasta flour, in a volcanoDuomo in Florence way off in the distance. when it ’s like mound on the big wooden table. Eggs After lunch you’ll want to stroll among the in the center, whisked in slowly with a fork, and Cabernet Sauvignon vines, and Sangiovese right—in a yield a gluey mess. Even for a pro it takes pick up the new-crop olive oil and latest wine kitchen in a strenuous knead to produce pasta dough vintage. In summer a cool breeze blows in from that’s perfectly pliant. You’ll need to practice the sea, which makes this a great destination Tuscany it at home to get a sense when its right—in a even in the hottest months. But autumn is kitchen in Tuscany it all comes too easily. when the property really buzzes. First comes all comes The pasta, rolled and cut into beautifully the grape harvest, followed by a few feverish too easily. silky papardelle ribbons, is your first weeks picking olives for oil. Olive picking is an course at lunch topped with the wild boar occasion around here, the entire community ragu you’ve watched simmer all morning. joining in to pick fruit from the trees. The payoff There might be a Tuscan beef roast to follow, rubbed with is enough gratis olive oil to last all winter long—not just a garlic, rosemary and sage, served with golden potatoes functional gift that enhances your own cooking, but a memory roasted in pan drippings, and grilled zucchini and eggplant of a day (or few) spent among the Tuscan trees and vines.
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beachside dining on
St. Barts
St. Barts (St. Barth in French) in the French Caribbean is well-known for its jet-set party scene, stylish villas, and glorious wind-swept beaches. But it’s the food that really separates this 8.1-square-mile speck from its neighbors. No island paradise has more good places to eat, particularly barefoot, sand between your toes. There are formal white tablecloth spots serving foie gras from France and lobsters from Maine, but that’s not really what this place is about. The best options for a romantic dinner or a languid lunch are as relaxed as you ought to be as soon as you step off that puddle-jumper onto the island’s very small runway. These are restaurants like La Plage at the Tom Beach Hotel, where meals are delivered just steps from the water—no shoes required—with a DJ no isl and spinning lounge music tracks. The colorful cocktails and fresh paradise has local seafood are as vibrant as more good the scene itself. After your herbdaurade or spiny lobster pl aces to eat, stuffed dressed in aioli you might find yourself up dancing off lunch. particul arly The scene is a bit more barefoot, sedate, but hardly stuffy, up the beach at the sand between just ultra-exclusive Eden Rock Hotel. Top New York chef your toes. Jean-Georges Vongerichten recently took charge of the food here, overseeing the lunch served at the casual Sand Bar and the more serious dinner offered under the stars at the hotel’s long-running On the Rocks restaurant. A salad of local lobster in Champagne vinaigrette—available in bathing suit and sarong—won’t slow you down if you’re thinking
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of a long swim after lunch. The more ambitious fare offered at night in the open-air dining room features local seasonal ingredients with bright Asian accents like tuna tartare with fresh ginger and sautéed red snapper with sesame vinaigrette. Caribbean-Asian fusion has been a St. Barts mainstay for ages, particularly at Maya’s, one of the island’s longest-running food institutions, a hotspot here for more than 25 years. This relaxed restaurant gets so mobbed in high season many villa dwellers opt to get their dinner to go. To meet the demand, a few years back the restaurant opened a take-out annex just across the street from the airport, where you can grab a mahi mahi red curry or Thai beef salad that travel exceptionally well. The menu at the restaurant and take-out shop both change daily, depending on what’s at its seasonal peak. While you might want to eat light most of the week, save Fridays for an ambitious feast. That’s when Les Pecheurs, the restaurant in the fashionable Le Sereno hotel, serves its weekly bouillabaisse special, an authentic French seafood blowout. The fish itself is Mediterranean—flown in special from France once a week—but the setting, overlooking Marigot Bay, is pure Caribbean bliss. For a small island, St. Barts offers a remarkably diverse range of restaurant options, from the authentically Creole— try Pipiri Palace in the capital Gustavia—to the raffishly honky-tonk—Andy’s Hideaway is a favorite spot for off-duty waiters and bellhops grabbing pizza and beer. Along Shell Beach—literally covered in thousands of seashells—is one of the island’s most unusual spots, a castaway fantasy owned by a French sports star. Do Brazil, the chic wooden beach shack owned by former tennis champ Yannick Noah, is the place to go for upscale barbecue in an exotic mix of Asian, Latin and Caribbean flavors. Come by for sunset drinks, then linger for dinner and music late into the night.
Les Pecheurs at Le Sereno is an elegant destination with sweeping views of the sea, and Maya’s (below) is a longtime favorite where diners delight in bare feet.
Fresh and bountiful ingredients are de rigueur in the South of France, and have created a lovely epicurean culture.
zipping through the
french riviera There’s no better way to tackle a gastronomic tour of the French Riviera than at the wheel of a nimble new sports car. A small car, like the new two-seater MercedesBenz SLK 250, is perfect for hugging hairpin Mediterranean turns en route to your next hot food destination. Many of the top restaurants here are out in the middle of nowhere, up a tight alley, perched on a cliff overlooking the sea. Fresh off the red-eye into Nice, it’s just a short drive to your first noshing stop, the covered Marche Provencal in downtown Antibes. This bustling food market is a great place to graze on local cheeses and olives and gorgeous fresh fruit. Grab a crusty baguette and other provisions to go and you’ve got an impromptu beach picnic for lunch. Dinner is just around a few harrowing corners, along the coast road that hugs the Cap d’Antibes peninsula. Here you’ll find the Michelin-starred Les Pecheurs restaurant (no relation to the St. Barts establishment), where chef Philippe Jego turns Mediterranean seafood into gorgeous upscale creations. On the terrace overlooking the with its glorious mediterranean windswept bay, the catch of the day comes by on a cart. Pick your own fish if you like—they’re served simply view, the restaurant, overlooking grilled—but the chef’s more elaborate dishes are a rocks packed with sunbathers, is an much better bet. There might be enormous head-on red shrimp with chorizo, squid and shaved summer ideal spot for a very long lunch. truffles, or Parmesan-crusted turbot fillets in a delicate wine sauce made with the local white, vin de Bellet. The next day you’re off up the coast, top down, wind in your hair. Heads turn as you pass the yacht-clogged Polish your epicurean week off in Cannes, en route back harbor in St. Tropez. Your destination for dinner is just out of to Nice. The city, best known for its film festival glamour, town at the boutique Hotel Sezz. Colette, the restaurant there, has never been a real food destination. Which might explain is the only South-of-France outpost of superstar chef Pierre why one of its most enduringly popular restaurants is the Gagnaire (whose restaurant in Paris has three Michelin stars). extremely casual seafood brasserie Astoux et Brun. The Dinner, out by the pool, is casual-chic, featuring fresh local bright-lit establishment, opened in 1953, doesn’t look like seafood adorned with exotic ingredients, like sole meuniere much from the outside. But there’s a reason so many locals with an Asian-style barbecue glaze and green mango puree. line up every night to get in. The restaurant, which sells retail Linger a while in St. Tropez the next morning. shellfish, too, is the best place in town to It’s just a two-hour drive up the coast for your get simply shucked oysters and clams and meal in Marseille. The alleyways that lead to big towering platters stocked with other the entrance of Le Petit Nice, the city’s only good things from the sea—with cold lobster, MEMBERS ONLY three-star Michelin restaurant, are a very tight big shrimp, miniature snails and split squeeze. With its glorious Mediterranean view, langoustines. Everything here is impeccably Touring the South of France is much more fun the restaurant, overlooking rocks packed with fresh. And the stuffed mussels drenched at the helm of a tight sunbathers, is an ideal spot for a very long lunch. in garlic butter are not to be missed. little sports car. Ask your Chef Gerald Passedat offers a spin on a classic Whether you zip back to your villa at top Destination Concierge to bouillabaisse that turns out to be an elaborate speed or take a more relaxed approach, go arrange for a rental and take five-course feast with lobster, squid, pristine with a sated appetite and the promise of a to the two-lane roads with the wind in your hair. local fish and an intense seafood broth. It may digestif (Cognac, Armagnac or Calvados, be the world’s most decadent bouillabaisse. perhaps) under the night sky.
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WELCOME
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MEMBERSHIP
introducing inspirato, a members-only luxury destination club. At Inspirato we promise our members privileged access to a rapidly growing collection of Signature Residences in the world’s most coveted locations. It’s the hallmark of our membership model and the very soul of our existence—an exclusive portfolio of multi-million-dollar homes fully managed and controlled by Inspirato, enabling unparalleled vacation experiences and exceptional value. As a member benefit, Inspirato partners with hotels, resorts, and adventure travel outfitters to create additional options in iconic locations around the globe. These partnerships are vetted and verified to closely match the Inspirato experience, and to offer low members-only rates. By having these relationships in place, members can enjoy the added value of more vacation options with the markings of Inspirato excellence. With the world at your doorstep, there has never been a better time to join Inspirato.
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WHAT IS INSPIRATO?
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THE INSPIRATO PORTFOLIO
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IN SEARCH OF PERFECTION
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THE ART OF TOGETHER
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AT YOUR SERVICE
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THE INSPIRATO DIFFERENCE
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INSPIRATO? In simple terms, we are a club that controls, manages and services a rapidly growing portfolio of leased luxury residences and travel experiences in the world’s finest destinations. Our Members have exclusive access to our Signature Residences at a fraction of market rates. But our story and the benefits that make us truly unique go much deeper. The world is too big to always go one place. Our Members appreciate
the many varied experiences that make travel so rewarding. Whether for a family reunion, a getaway with friends, or a romantic escape, with us, exceptional memories await. The exhilaration of a mountain ski trip. The relaxation of a tropical, seaside retreat. The exotic cuisine and culture of one of the world’s top cities. Or the adventure of an African safari.
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Inspirato puts the whole world at our Members’ doorstep in a way that guarantees every adventure will be cherished for a lifetime. We’ve taken the risk out of villa rentals.
Online booking engines and brokers are after commissions and are rarely accountable for the condition of the properties and services their travelers receive. We make selecting the perfect destinations around the world easy and safe. There’s no
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vacation roulette or remorse when you travel with us. We’ve created a transparent and simple club. While other destination clubs and fractional programs have complicated rules, fees and restrictions, Inspirato keeps it simple. One low membership price and a nominal annual renewal fee gives Members full access to a portfolio of properties and outstanding service in an easy-to-use format.
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MEMBERSHIP
our commitment to members Here is our mantra. It is a written promise to our Members that articulates what we stand for as a company. For our Members, we will always assure their decision to join was a smart one. For our Members, we will match them to the right destination and property based on their personal needs and interests.
LEARN MORE For more information on the benefits of Membership, check out ‘The Inspirato Difference’ on Page 176.
occupancy rate, balancing the number of Members to the number of properties and adding flex inventory during peak travel times.
We want our Members to travel. Members pay
only for nights they use, and there are no hidden fees. We manage our year-round availability by carefully managing our
We offer Member-only nightly rates. Inspirato’s
luxury residences and vacation experiences are offered at nightly rates that are up to 50 percent less than can typically be found on the open market. We also prenegotiate exclusive access and the best prices for accompanying resort amenities. And we don’t charge any markups or fees for any of our concierge services— from pre-arrival grocery shopping to activity planning and more.
BECOME A MEMBER IT’S SIMPLE. The process for becoming an Inspirato Member is so simple, you can join in just a few minutes over the phone or on our website. Simply call 303.586.7771 and one of our specialists will explain all the benefits and answer any questions you may have. When you are ready to become a Member, you can simply pay with a credit card over the phone or register and pay online.
We ensure that our Members are on vacation from the moment they arrive. Our Personal
IT’S CONVENIENT. Once you join, you are immediately assigned a dedicated Personal Vacation Advisor and you can start planning your first trip. All of the properties are listed on the Inspirato website, and you can even reserve your stay online.
Vacation Advisors and Destination Concierges work together as a team to remove the stress of dealing with such logistics as airport transfers, grocery shopping and restaurant reservations—not to mention the countless hours of research required to create a customized itinerary of the best activities and cultural experiences a destination has to offer our Members, along with their family and friends. So, from the moment they start to plan a trip, they have the personal support and the confidence that the vacation will be perfect from start to finish.
IT’S BETTER. Unlike most clubs, we want you to travel as often as you wish. There are no minimum travel requirements and you don’t have to decide how many days you want to vacation in advance. Your Personal Vacation Advisor will help you book your trip or you can do it through our website. We’ve made finding and booking world-class vacations easy. We’re certain you’ll never want to vacation without us again.
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For our Members, we will eliminate the risk and stress of vacation planning and home rental by providing personalized planning and concierge services designed to ensure a seamless and enjoyable vacation that exceeds expectations from the moment Members arrive at their vacation destination. For our Members, we will provide the best rates and grant access to privileged amenities at each of our destinations. For our Members, we will encourage them to use our services and properties as much or as little as they choose. For our Members, we will operate our company in a simple and transparent manner without excessive rules, hierarchy or hidden fees. For our Members, we will
maintain a high standard for every residence, hotel, service and experience in our portfolio.
For our Members, we will respect their privacy and treat them, their families and guests with the utmost respect and gratitude for choosing to travel with us. For our Members, we will always listen and act on feedback and continue to grow, evolve and improve the experiences we offer. For our Members, we will share our passion for travel and belief about what matters most: quality time with family and friends.
signature RESIDENCES Signature BEACH
TURKS & CAICOS
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abaco
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Wailea
anguilla
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LIFESTYLE
Kapalua
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provence
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KIAWAH island
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tuscany
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KOHALA coast
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Wine country
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LOS CABOS
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MOUNTAIN
nantucket
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Aspen & snowmass 138
Naples
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Deer Valley
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NEWPORT COAST
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Jackson Hole
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PUNTA CANA
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Steamboat Springs 141
PUNTA DE MITA
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SUN VALLEY
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rosemary beach
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Tahoe
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south beach
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TELLURIDE
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St. Barts
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Vail & beaver creek 145
tortola
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Hotel partners ADVENTURE
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Whether you’re boating, sailing, fishing, diving or just lounging in a hammock as the sea breeze gently rocks you to sleep, the Abaco Club experience is unrivaled. This network of islands is a Bahamas mainstay, featuring lavish golf courses, remote beaches and world-class fishing. A pristine paradise, Abaco is comprised of two main islands and several other key islands, each providing a distinct flavor of tropical bliss. THINGS YOU’LL
Beach
Golf at The Abaco Club Course architects Donald Steel and Tom Mackenzie fashioned this par-72 links masterpiece. Its spectacular landscapes and picture-perfect greens compose a layout that features 7,183 yards of magnificence.
ABACO
the bahamas
Dining Enjoy some Bahamian cuisine and Caribbean-inspired cocktails at the Clubhouse at The Abaco Club. Perched atop a natural bluff with stunning views of Winding Bay, the Clubhouse features breakfast and dinner menu items that are a masterful display of appetizing art. For a good lunch spot, try the Club’s Busters Beach Bar.
Overlook
BAHAMIAN SECLUSION The Abaco Club on Winding Bay is the shimmering jewel of the Atlantic that wields the power to enchant and astound. Take a leisurely stroll to the beach for some unforgettable snorkeling, or try some of the best bone fishing the world has to offer. It’s your vacation, and the riches of the Bahamas are at your disposal.
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INSPIRATO RESIDENCES
OPTIONS
19TH HOLE
OVERLOOK
3 Bed / 3 Bath
4 Bed / 4.5 Bath
HIGHLIGHTS The location If a remote beachfront is what you’re looking for, then you’ve found it. You won’t find the luxuries of automobiles and other modern conveniences, but you are issued a golf cart to help with navigating the Club’s campus.
19th Hole
The spa Nothing beats spending some time at The Abaco Club’s European-style spa, incorporating a range of spoils to soothe. Try a massage under a tent on the beach and a full lineup of luxurious body treatments. THE EXPERIENCE Delight in a truly disconnected experience, unplug from the stressors of daily life and thoroughly unwind.
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Anguilla is a true escape. With fine beaches and fine dining, the perfect day is easy here: It begins when you sink your toes into the soft white sand, continues with bright rays of sun reflecting off the turquoise Caribbean, and culminates with international fare in an open-air restaurant or an island beer paired with some smoky barbecue.
ANGUILLA
B R I T I SH W EST I N D I ES
Mystique Full Villa
THINGS YOU’LL A Day on the Beach There are more than 30 powdery beaches on Anguilla. Stroll along Mead’s Bay, take the kids to the Cove Bay beach, or catch the free ferry to Sandy Island.
Fine Dining You’d never guess that Anguilla’s tiny population could produce so many great restaurants. Chefs prepare cuisine with influences from Asia, Africa, France and more. But don’t leave without sampling some authentic Anguillan barbecue. Clear Caribbean Views
The Caribbean opens just beyond the terrace of every residence at Inspirato’s Anguillan villas. And inside, lavish touches ensure your comfort—including remote controls for ceiling fans, air-conditioned dressing rooms, infinity-edge marble bathtubs, and the latest in home entertainment.
HIGHLIGHTS
INSPIRATO RESIDENCES
The views Across the blue Caribbean waters, you can see all the way to St. Maarten. The beach access You can get to the Cap Juluca beach with a quick golf cart ride. The breakfast service
MYSTIQUE A
HARMONY A
3 Bed / 4 Bath
4 Bed / 4 Bath
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OPTIONS
MYSTIQUE B
HARMONY FULL VILLA
1 Bed / 1.5 Bath
8 Bed / 8.5 Bath
Begin the day right with a delicious breakfast served in your residence.
MYSTIQUE C
INFINITY A
1 Bed / 1.5 Bath
4 Bed / 4 Bath
THE POOL Each residence
MYSTIQUE FULL VILLA
INFINITY FULL VILLA
5 Bed / 7.5 BatH
8 Bed / 8.5 Bath
features a private pool and hot tub for your family to enjoy. PLAY TIME Let loose in the extraordinary game room with ping pong, foosball, video games, movies, and more.
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Beach
Sensational Snorkeling
There’s great scuba diving, too, but the abundant calm bays around Anguilla and the outlying islands make for easy snorkeling where you’ll see worlds of brightly colored fish and coral reefs.
Harmony
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For 17 years straight, readers of Condé Nast Traveler have voted Maui “Best Island,” and within minutes of arriving at Kapalua, tucked along the rocky sea cliffs of northwest Maui, you will instantly understand why. Loosely translated, Kapalua means “arms embracing the sea” - a nod to its impressive lava fields that extend like outstretched fingers from the lush mountains toward the cerulean Auau Channel and the deep Pacific beyond. Our first residence is located in the heart of Kapalua’s ethereal Polynesian beauty, basking in the bright sunshine and mere steps away from the area’s delicate volcanic sands and exquisite shoreline. THINGS YOU’LL
Beach
THE PLANTATION HOUSE Within the nearby resort, The Plantation House serves up interesting varieties of Eggs Benedict such as the Cajun Sashimi Ahi with wasabi hollandaise as well as gorgeous views of the West Maui coastline. As the name implies, the setting evokes an old-but elegant-plantation house.
KAPALUA
HA W A I I
ZIPLINE ADVENTURES
You don’t have to hike to experience the West Maui Mountain gulches. Instead, fly above them on a Kapalua Adventures zipline. There are more than two miles of fast-flying ziplines over lush valleys. If two riders want to zip side by side, they can take parallel lines. In addition to the ziplines, kids will love the giant swing, high ropes course and Hawaii’s longest suspension bridge.
Moana Estate
HIKING The Mahana Ridge Trail is nearly six miles if you make the complete hike, but we recommend spending a morning walking along this beautiful mountain ridge that was once home to pineapple and coffee farms. It’s a completely different topographic experience than the beaches, with amazing views of Mokupe’a and Honokahua Gulches.
HIGHLIGHTS THE GOLF COURSES Both The Plantation and Bay Golf Courses are private, but Inspirato has secured guest access for
INSPIRATO RESIDENCE
OPTION
Moana Estate 6 Bed / 5.5 bath
members, and the Destination Concierge can arrange the tee time. Home to one of the PGA Tour’s premier tournaments each January, The Plantation Course is a 7,411-yard stunner
Moana Estate
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and is revered as among the best courses in the country. The Arnold Palmer- and Francis Duane-designed Bay Course offers 6,600 yards of undulating fairways and exquisite water holes, making it a favorite resort course among professional golfers and amateurs alike. THE SNORKELING Grab a mask and fins and explore the natural reefs that lie just offshore from Kapalua Bay, a sheltered, whitesand crescent that boasts calm seas and an array of spectacular marine life, making it one of the best places to snorkel on the island. Expect to see butterfly fish, parrotfish, and a wide array of crustaceans and invertebrates.
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KIAWAH ISLAND
Kiawah Island is a relaxing family escape offering all the finer things in life. The peaceful atmosphere hangs in the lazy Spanish moss and rests on the long stretches of sandy beach where Loggerhead turtles come to nest. The Ocean Course, Turtle Point, and Oak Point call to the most avid golfers, while The Sanctuary offers an amazing spa experience. And if you get caught up by the charms of Kiawah and forget to make plans one night, just head to the beach for a stunning Southern sunset.
S O U TH C A R O L I N A
Beachcomber
THINGS YOU’LL
Lowcountry Cuisine The
South Carolina Lowcountry has spawned a delicious style of cooking with New Orleans and Caribbean influences, but with its unique flair. We particularly recommend you try a bowl of She-crab soup. Charleston This charming city
will sweep you away. Should you visit a historic plantation or the impressive aquarium? Should you peruse the art galleries or simply wander the cobblestone streets? For dinner, is it Southern grace or a casual shrimp boil? The answer is “yes.”
Fun for the Kids The kids can play pool and basketball, hang out in the private pool, or head to the nearby beach. Or set them loose in Kamp Kiawah, and slip away for a spa day at The Sanctuary.
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Beach
Vast stretches of Beach
Kiawah offers 10 miles of tranquil white sand on the Atlantic Ocean. The long open spaces and modest surf are great for kids of any age. Grab a book, some beach toys, and lounge beneath an umbrella.
OPTIONS
BEACHCOMBER
LOGGERHEAD
5 Bed / 4.5 Bath
7 Bed / 7.5 Bath
HIGHLIGHTS The kids’ amenities Both properties have private heated pools, and the Beachcomber has a basketball hoop and pool table for game time.
The convenience The beach is just a quick walk or bike ride away.
The tranquility Nestled among tall trees, with a pond behind the house, the Beachcomber residence is truly peaceful. THE LINKS Both properties sit very close to several world-class championship golf courses.
Loggerhead
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The Big Island offers something for everyone—long stretches of gorgeous beach for families; locals’ beaches accessible only by SUV; fresh produce from a farmers market as well as gourmet restaurants; adventures such as scuba diving or hiking a volcano; and the relaxation of a sunset sail. Hang out and relax for a while on the revered coast known as Kohala—until you venture out to see a waterfall cascading over a cliff, that is. THINGS YOU’LL Swimming with Dolphins
Beach
Some resorts have a dolphin experience in their pool, but here, a guide will take you to swim with them in the ocean. You might even swim with an entire school…and you definitely won’t forget that.
KOHALA COAST
HA W A I I
Local Flavors Wake in the morning to freshly ground Kona coffee, snack on a papaya in the afternoon, and feast on fresh Hawaiian fish at night.
Hale Honu
Bird’s Eye View You’ll be hard pressed to find a more diverse place than the Big Island, and a helicopter tour is an excellent way to take it all in. Fly above green valleys, dramatic cliffs, hidden beaches, and orange lava. Enjoy Each Moment
Kohala Coast is known as the Big Island’s “Gold Coast,” and when you see the sun set, you’ll know why. The quiet beach overlooks Uluweuweu Bay, fun water sports are close at hand, and you can enjoy guest access to all resort amenities.
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INSPIRATO RESIDENCES
OPTIONS
hale ORCHID
HALE HONU
3 BED / 3 BATH
3 Bed / 3.5 Bath
SUGARCANE 3 Bed / 3 Bath
HIGHLIGHTS
Sugarcane
Endless Activities Take a helicopter ride, hike a volcano, run on the beach, or just sit and soak it all in. The views Your Hale Orchid home overlooks a fairway of Hualalai Golf Course and has views of the ocean. The location On the sundrenched Kohala Coast, you’re close to the Kona airport and the Big Island’s many attractions. STRETCH OUT The Hale Honu property features an in-home theater, private infinity pool, large patio and two outdoor showers.
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Ask several people why they visit Los Cabos and you’ll receive several different answers. For sport fishers, Cabo is the billfishing capital of the world. For golfers, the ocean-view championship courses are a must. The nightlife in Cabo San Lucas can entertain for days, though if you have kids, a zip line tour over desert canyons or a horseback ride on the beach might be more your style. But everyone can agree on a day in the sun overlooking the blue waters of the Sea of Cortez— which seems to be almost every day in this bright locale at the tip of the Baja Peninsula.
LOS CABOS
ME X I C O
Costero
THINGS YOU’LL
Canopy TOUR Hook up to a zip line and the fun begins. You’ll soar fast and far over the wide canyons of the Baja landscape. Expect multiple lines, dramatic changes in scenery, and a ton of fun. An Afternoon at Home
Your family won’t need to go far to enjoy Los Cabos—not with great ocean views and five-star amenities so close at hand.
Beach
Golf Los Cabos now hosts six championship courses, designed by such luminaries as Nicklaus, Weiskopf, and Robert Trent Jones II. Test your skills on the desert terrain with the Sea of Cortez as a backdrop. Sit back and Relax As a guest of Auberge Private Residences at Esperanza, you’ll have full access to what Condé Nast calls one of the top three resorts in all of Mexico. Head down to the beautiful pools, try an awardwinning spa treatment or dine at any number of unforgettable restaurants. Whatever your pleasure, you’ll love your new home on the Baja.
INSPIRATO RESIDENCES
HIGHLIGHTS The spa The Spa at Esperanza regularly appears on Travel + Leisure’s best-of lists.
CASA BELLA
CASA DE LUJO
4 Bed / 4.5 Bath
4 Bed / 4.5 Bath
CASA DEL SOL
CASA DE MODAS
4 Bed / 4.5 Bath
4 Bed / 4.5 BatH
CASA DE LA VISTA
COSTERO
4 Bed / 4.5 Bath
4 Bed / 4.5 Bath
The views You’ll enjoy gorgeous views of the Sea of Cortez and the nearby mountains.
The service From room service to poolside attendants, every need is taken care of.
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THE SELECTION With six Inspirato properties, you have a variety of options for the perfect place to stay.
ACTIVITIES From deep sea fishing to golf to horseback riding on the beach, Cabo truly has something for everyone.
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NANTUCKET
Nantucket’s mere 47 square miles belie the number of ways there are to play away your days. Of course, 80 miles of sandy shoreline are here for strolling and lolling in the sun, ice-cold drink in hand and seafood dinner nearby in the capable hands of the island’s vaunted local chefs. You can explore on foot, bike or jeep the peaceful beaches lining the island’s many idyllic inlets and bays. Take to the water in a rented boat or on a guided tour, where you can try your hand at surf fishing. Or simply spend long afternoons with nothing more complicated on your agenda than tracking the graceful flight of coastal birds or disappearing between the pages of your favorite book.
Beach
THINGS YOU’LL Nantucket Farmer & Artisan’s Market Why go hunting for the most authentic, freshest and best when Nantucket’s artisan producers round it all up in one place? Head down to Cambridge and North Union Streets from
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June to October and take home your choice of locally grown vegetables, herbs, plants and cut flowers, baked goods, locally roasted coffee, and locally, handcrafted pottery, jewelry, crafts and more.
Shearwater
Beaches, Beaches and More Beaches From seaside service where you can watch the evening colors settle over the ocean with your favorite artisan cocktail to raw, unpopulated stretches of coast where the only amenities are what you bring, Nantucket’s beaches have an experience for every taste.
INSPIRATO RESIDENCES
Historical Sightseeing
The Nantucket Historic district comprises the entirety of the island. Its transformation into a coveted destination locale fits snugly with a rich maritime history that goes back to colonial times. Save an afternoon for a visit to one of the island’s several interesting museums, including the Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum and the Whaling Museum.
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OPTIONS
Shearwater
Harbor Haven
5 bed / 5 bath
6 bed / 6.5 bath
Whitesail 5 bed / 5.5 bath
HIGHLIGHTS
Harbor Haven
Beachgoing Ringed with pristine beaches, Nantucket Island offers plenty of surf and sand for every purpose and kind of vacationer. The harbor is bordered by 100 acres of conservation land. Bike Tours Nantucket is only three and a half miles wide and 14 miles long, but over 25 miles of bicycle trails await. Ask your concierge to arrange rental bikes, and then strike out to pedestrianand bike-accessible beaches and pedal along the trails through quaint townscapes. Shopping The fine shopping on Nantucket has a distinctly local flavor—very local, in fact, as no chains are allowed on the island. Look for gifts or memorabilia with East Coast island cachet.
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The Paradise Coast boasts sun-drenched beaches, temperate waters and vibrant sunsets. This beautiful setting is ideal for outdoor activity and adventure. Spend days at the beach playing in the surf, shelling and swimming, or head downtown to shop at eclectic boutiques and dine on fresh, local seafood. This ideal family vacation spot is located near the tropical wilderness of Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve. Spend a day exploring the Everglades’ backcountry on a guided kayak eco-tour, jungle cruise or swamp safari, or go golfing.
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The Activities Venture onto Naples’ pristine beaches with snorkeling, boating, fishing, taking a float plane tour, going on an Everglades adventure and more. You can find fun and excitement around every bright corner of this premier Florida destination. Dining Near the Gulf In close
proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, Naples delights diners with freshly caught seafood and eclectic tastes. From relaxed waterside noshes to elegant, upscale dining, Naples has a restaurant to fit your desire. Domestic favorites, international flavors and chef-inspired fusions abound around town. The Golfing With more courses per capita than any area in the world, Naples is a golfer’s paradise. Challenging courses with unique designs and stunning views are yours no matter where you tee off.
HIGHLIGHTS
INSPIRATO RESIDENCE
The Location Enjoy a day at
the beach, shop enchanting boutiques, and indulge in homemade gelato just a short walk from your front door.
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THINGS YOU’LL
OPTION
Sand Dollar 4 bed / 4 bath
Great outdoors
Enjoy exceptional outdoor living spaces with an outdoor kitchen and gas grill, as well as a recently rebuilt pool and spa with custom tile and waterfall features.
Sand Dollar
Golf Mecca An Inspirato vacation gives you access to some of Naples’ best golf courses. As the fairways stretch across acres of beachside property, you can concentrate on your game and the amazing surroundings.
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Gorgeous landscapes abound in this prestigious coastal community, and multiple nature trails wind throughout its carefully preserved open space. With an average of 340 days of sunshine per year, the weather is perfect for playing the two championship golf courses designed by Tom Fazio, cruising in a yacht from Newport Harbor, meandering among the art galleries of nearby Laguna Beach, or enjoying the surfing and sunbathing of Newport’s beautiful Crystal Cove Beach. THINGS YOU’LL
Beach
The Golf You’ll want more than one day on the links in this renowned golf destination. Celebrated course architect Tom Fazio created two championship courses, Ocean North and Ocean South, and most of their 36 holes feature stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
NEWPORT COAST
CALIFORNIA
SAILING CHARTERS Sail past waterfront mansions out to the sunny waters where sea lions and dolphins swim. Better yet, make it a sunset sail with a champagne toast.
18th Hole, Ocean South Course, Pelican Hill
Laguna Beach A haven for art lovers, Laguna’s eclectic art scene is worth the quick trip. Explore the 100-plus galleries and art studios, but also consider checking out the fabulous boutiques, a seasonal festival, and Orange County’s only winery. Relaxing Coastal Retreat perched above the spectacular Newport Coast, our villas at Pelican Hill invite you to gaze at the Pacific Ocean from a private terrace while outstanding resort service handles your every need.
INSPIRATO RESIDENCES
HIGHLIGHTS The views Each villa has a private terrace with gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean.
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FAZIO
BALBOA
2 Bed / 2.5 Bath
2 Bed / 2.5 Bath
FAIRWAY
CRYSTAL COVE
2 Bed / 2.5 Bath
2 Bed / 2.5 Bath
Pelican hill Resort Pool
The beach Crystal Cove Beach offers three miles of perfect sunbathing, surfing, and strolling. The Villa Club Settle into 10,000 square feet of luxury and comfort, with an expansive pool and poolside service, breakfast and tapas, bar fitness center, and more. RESORT AMENITIES Enjoy access to the 22 treatments rooms at the Spa at Pelican Hill. FEEL AT HOME Each residence features a gourmet kitchen with Sub-Zero refrigerator, Wolf oven and granite countertops.
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PUNTA CANA
The pristine white sand beaches at Punta Cana seem tailormade for lounging, and the aquamarine waters are ideal for snorkeling. In particular, PUNTACANA Resort & Club has become a favorite stop for luxury travelers. Some of the very best golf courses in the Caribbean curve along these oceanfront areas, including courses designed by Nicklaus, Fazio, Dye and Faldo. Yet it’s still hard to top scuba diving to sunken ships, sailing and kite boarding in trade winds, or enjoying tropical breezes in an open-air restaurant.
DOMINIC AN REPUBLIC
Casa Cana
Golf PUNTACANA Resort & Club won the 2010 Golf Resort of the Year Award from International Association of Golf Tour Operators. P.B. Dye and Tom Fazio designed courses at PUNTACANA, and other big names such as Nicklaus, Faldo and Price have designed amazing courses nearby. The Beaches Lounge on glorious stretches of powdery sand, overlooking crystal-clear ocean and backed by swaying palm trees. Island Life Like most Caribbean islanders, Dominicans are friendly, warm and laid back. Settle into a relaxed pace of life and enjoy beautiful surroundings with sincere hospitality.
on both levels and a private pool lined with palm trees. This residence includes a full-time private cook and housekeeper, and access to a wealth of resort amenities including championship golf courses, clubhouse, a tennis center, world-class spa, expansive ecological park, kids’ pool, and convenient dining options. A gorgeous white-sand beach and beach club – private for resort members and guests – and
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INSPIRATO RESIDENCEs
PLANTACION
CASA CANA
5 Bed / 5.5 Bath
5 Bed / 5.5 Bath
crystal-clear Caribbean waters are just a short walk, bike or golf cart ride away.
Playa Blanca, Puntacana Resort & Club
OPTIONS
Beach
THINGS YOU’LL
HIGHLIGHTS The golf Guests will appreciate the spectacular La Cana and Hacienda golf courses and pay members’ cart fees of just $25 per round. The unique service At Casa Cana, your full-time housekeeper and a dedicated private cook both stay on-site, in separate staff quarters.
A Private Caribbean Palace
Inspirato has secured a prime villa at PUNTACANA Resort & Club with a spacious two-level home featuring five bedroom suites, a gourmet kitchen, and multiple comfortable communal areas that capture golf views as well as Caribbean breezes. Casa Cana opens to long balconies
The spa Indulge in a signature massage or body wrap at the elegant Six Senses Spa.
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Punta de Mita is a Mexican peninsula located on the same latitude as Hawaii and delivers a similar sub-tropical climate. Surrounded by lush jungle and the deep blue of the Pacific, Punta de Mita is a 30-minute drive from the more touristtrafficked destination to the southeast, Puerto Vallarta. It’s the Punta de Mita peninsula’s quiet charm that attracts visitors to its resorts year-round – specifically the Los Veneros Resort Residences and Beach Club and Real del Mar (just down the road from Punta Mita Resort that was named for the land formation they share). Far removed from the hectic beach resorts, there is an awe-inspiring collection of mountain and ocean views. Inspirato’s resort residences at Los Veneros are secure, self-contained, ideal for families, and provide the accessibility that appeals to larger groups. Enjoy a variety of activities, such as surfing, standup paddleboarding, kitesurfing, golfing, diving, snorkeling, and other active pursuits. During the late winter and early spring, whale watching is the activity of choice for people of all ages.
PUNTA DE MITA
ME X I C O
INSPIRATO RESIDENCES
Banderas Bay The seventhlargest natural bay in the world is home to migrating humpback whales and nesting sea turtles. The Beaches Steps away from Los Veneros Resort Residences and Beach Club, Playa de Estiladeras is enclosed by rock formations and perfect for surfing, lounging, and children who want to simply play in the sand. Authentic Mexico The Puerto Vallarta area is a favorite playground for Mexicans and Americans alike due to the true Mexican culture, geography and spirit found where the mountainous jungles meet the sea. Beach Living on Banderas Bay
Away from the hectic beach resort towns of Mexico, you’ll find Inspirato’s penthouse residences at Los Veneros Resort Residences and Beach Club on the Punta de Mita peninsula and the Casa Mariposa residence at Real del Mar. After a short 30-minute ride from Puerto Vallarta, you’ll pass through the gates of the resort and
OPTIONS
PUESTA DEL SOL
PUNTA VISTA
3 Bed / 3.5 Bath
4 Bed / 4.5 Bath
LAS OLAS
Casa Mariposa
3 Bed / 3.5 Bath
6 bed / 7.5 bath
ARENA BLANCA 3 Bed / 3.5 Bath
make your way to your top floor penthouse with private pool. The residence is steps from Playa de Estiladeras, an incredible white sandy beach with gently rolling waves. Aside from the obvious beach activities, there’s much to do at Los Veneros. Available to guests are a fitness facility, wellness and spa services, and the oceanfront Beach Club with bar, grill, and ocean activities center. To the north you have views of mountains and the Mexico countryside; to the south, you have views of the blue waters of Banderas Bay, the mountains across the bay, and the Pacific Ocean.
Punta Vista
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HIGHLIGHTS The beach Known as Playa de Estiladeras, this beach is literally steps away from our residence; it’s 1,500 feet long, gently sloping and guarded by rock formations on either side. The beach clubs The private Los Veneros and Real del Mar beach clubs has restaurants spas, fitness clubs, and more. Private plunge pool
Your penthouse’s sun deck plunge pool - at the Los Veneros resort - is just enough to cool off after an afternoon of bathing in the sun and offers a unique vantage point for taking in the spectacular views. THE RESIDENCES Each Inspirato penthouse at Los Veneros is two levels, with stunning views, and just a short walk from the beach. Casa Mariposa beckons from Punta de Mita’s Real del Mar private development, which is set upon Piedra Blanca, a charming beach in the Bahia de Banderas area.
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ROSEMARY BEACH
Rosemary Beach offers the whole package— from outdoor water sports to bohemianstyle arts and crafts fairs. It is the perfect place for a family reunion or a spot to simply get away with a few loved ones. With year-round musical and artistic entertainment along with some of the most pristine beaches found in the continental U.S., it has an array of highly recommended venues and activities sprinkled throughout different neighborhood villages. Famed for some of the most majestic sunrises and sunsets in North America, Rosemary Beach’s breathtaking dusk colors are enough to keep visitors coming back year after year.
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Sugarwhite Cottage
Arts and Culture With revolving fairs, festivals, exhibits and events taking place throughout the year, this is a culturally rich hub for crafts and artistry. The Bayou Arts Center is just one of many venues to take in some original imagination and talent. Sunsets Rosemary Beach has memorable sunsets. If getting away from city lights for some peace and tranquility is your mission, you’ll find it here.
HIGHLIGHTS
INSPIRATO RESIDENCES
The Pools Rosemary Beach
offers access to four amazing beach-side and park-side pools, open to residents and their guests. Be sure to visit Coquina Pool, Sky Pool, Cabana Pool and Barbados Pool. From cabanastyle to infinity-edge pools meant for lounging, enjoy these rare, beautiful areas to cool down and relax.
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THINGS YOU’LL
OPTIONS
Sundial Cottage
Sugarwhite Cottage
2 bed / 2.5 bath
6 bed / 6.5 bath
Amberjack 3 bed / 3 bath
Family Friendliness
Rosemary Beach was designed with families in mind. Quiet streets beckon for exploration on bicycle or foot, family-oriented amenities and activities abound, and the wide, white-sand beaches are among the most beautiful in the country.
Racquet Club A tennis destination, the club maintains eight clay courts—six are lighted for evening play—and a viewing deck for spectators.
Sugarwhite Cottage
Fine Dining Bring the luxury dining experience to your residence via a personal chef or take advantage of Rosemary Beach’s premier restaurants.
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SOUTH BEACH
Beach
Miami Beach’s famed South Beach neighborhood envelops the southernmost blocks of Florida’s main barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay. In a word, this popular international entertainment and nightlife destination is beautiful. It is home to alluring weather, stunning scenery and gorgeous people. Even the architecture is enticing. Boasting a collection of 800 buildings in its historic Art Deco District, South Beach has been termed the “Art Deco Capital of the World.” When not admiring the area’s beauty, you can spend your days enjoying the beach; visiting parks, theaters and museums; riding rental bikes around town; and shopping. As evening falls, indulge in a decadent meal at one of South Beach’s world-class eateries, and as the night goes on, you may want to grab a quick nap so that you can stay up past dawn.
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THINGS YOU’LL The Club Scene With hundreds of clubs, bars and other establishments, South Beach is one of the hottest nightclub destinations in the world. Exclusive and chic, many clubs are open until 5 a.m., so you can dance the night away and party ‘til sunrise.
South Beach
The Global Dining Gourmands flock to South Beach for its global cuisine, fresh ingredients, celebrated restaurants and notable chefs. Whether you desire elegant dining, traditional Latin spice, fresh sushi or anything in between, you will find it in South Beach.
INSPIRATO RESIDENCE
The Eclectic Shopping
South Beach is bustling with couture labels, antique shops, fashionable galleries, quirky boutiques and retail outlets. Lincoln Road, an open-air pedestrian mall, is the premier shopping area, ready to welcome window shoppers and serious buyers alike.
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SunDARI 2 bed / 2 bath
HIGHLIGHTS The Setai This hip, oceanfront resort is intimate and peaceful yet adequately flashy and spectacularly chic.
Sundari
Sun Worship A collection of Miami’s barrier islands comprise sunny South Beach, and wherever you choose to stay, eat and play in this neighborhood, you’re never far from the water. Art Deco Tucked amid the sky-high resorts and chic, contemporary venues that frame Miami’s waterfront, the petite Art Deco District makes a statement, boasting more than 800 beautifully restored buildings in just one square mile of prime real estate.
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THINGS YOU’LL THE BEACHES The dazzling white-sand beaches on St. Barts were made for relaxing, and I’ll help you find the best spots and the best services. THE SAILING Some of the most incredible sailboats and yachts in the world have slips on the St. Barts, and for good reason: the quiet island is an impeccable sailing location. The St. Barts Sailing School is located at Public Beach, where the ocean is warm, calm and perfect for beginners. For more experienced sailors, boat charters are also available.
F R E N C H W EST I N D I ES
L’Villa Sanctuary
THE KITE SURFING Kite surfing is quickly becoming one of the most popular sports on St. Barts. Former kite surfing champion Enguerrand Espinassou gives expert lessons at the Dive Center on Grand Cul-de-Sac Beach. Reservations are recommended, so just let your concierge know if you’re interested.
INSPIRATO RESIDENCE
THE AMENITIES Guests can lavish in a vacation with full access to Le Sereno resort amenities, including beachfront swimming pool, fitness center, the beach and beach chairs with attendants. THE LOCATION Le Sereno overlooks the stunning Grand Cul-de-Sac and sits among an almost half-acre of lush, landscaped gardens with private terraces, pool and parking.
OPTION
L’VILLA SANCTUARY 3 Bed / 4.5 Bath
RESTAURANT DES PECHEURS
HIGHLIGHTS
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Boasting celebrity-enticing accommodations, posh designer boutiques and upscale duty-free emporiums, and miles upon miles of postcard-worthy ribbons of shoreline, the très-chic island of St. Barts is a true Caribbean paradise. Add gourmet French, Creole, and Caribbean-fusion cuisine to her laundry list of assets, and it’s easy to see why this petite volcanic isle is a perennial favorite among jetsetters. The island’s elegance is unsurpassable, primarily because of the Parisian influence. Islanders speak French fluently, but most speak English as well, and you’ll find a welcoming smile everywhere you go. When you descend upon this swanky, eightsquare-mile island, give yourself permission to indulge.
ST. BARTS
You can experience some of the finest dining in St. Barts without leaving Le Sereno. Restaurant des Pecheurs serves a more casual (but still delicious) breakfast and lunch, but we especially recommend dinner.
The saffron-based bouillabaisse with local seafood from Chef Jean-Luc Grabowski is known island-wide as a meal you have to taste. And selections such as the snapper filet in an herbed pastry crust are almost as tempting.
L’Villa Sanctuary
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TORTOLA
Beach
For true devotees of sailing, boating, and deep-sea fishing, the 60 or so islands and cays that comprise the British Virgin Islands are an unmatched destination—one best experienced from the surrounding cerulean seas. The largest and most popular of the islands, Tortola offers a bounty of marinas and charter operations that cater to every seaborne aspiration, from half-day boating excursions and skiff rentals, to staffed and provisioned, full-day and multi-day charters aboard an array of yachts and power cats. Whatever your charter vessel of choice, you’ll find no shortage of restaurants and world-famous barefoot beach bars punctuating the shoreline of every island outpost here, the best of which are just minutes away from your spectacular residence.
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THINGS YOU’LL Frenchman’s Paradise
Concierge Pick For one of
the most memorable dining experiences in the islands, visit Brandywine Bay on Tortola, a spectacular Italian venue set amid lush gardens overlooking the turquoise sea. Member Favorite Members rave about the authentic “painkiller” cocktail— a delicious blend of local rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, coconut cream, and fresh nutmeg—from the Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke. Charter a half- or full-day sailing excursion to the nearby island to try the original, or just mix up a painkiller right at your residence. Family Time If your kids can swim, they’ll love the Baths— an iconic, naturally occurring formation of boulders near Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda that are widely considered one of the top attractions in the BVI. Hike through a series of rock caves leading out to the sea, then swim or snorkel back to the beach. The Bitter End Yacht Club on Virgin
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OPTIONS
Frenchman’s Paradise
Frenchman’s Lookout
3 bed / 3.5 bath
5 bed / 5 bath
Gorda is another great spot for families, offering a wide variety of water sports and sailing instruction for all skill levels.
Frenchman’s Lookout
HIGHLIGHTS Outdoor access With 65 doors and only one window, all rooms at Frenchman’s Lookout lead to the wrap-around deck. Tortola, Your Way We’ve assembled a wealth of insider tips and exclusive destination information specific to our British Virgin Islands residences, including best place to read and relax, best restaurant, best romantic dinner, best picnic spot and more. Musical life The British Virgin Islands are teeming with beach bars featuring live music most nights of the week.
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Located in the British West Indies, Turks & Caicos is a group of pristine, gorgeous islands prized by beach and water lovers around the world. Fly into Providenciales, an airport with such easy access that many members can leave their homes in the morning and have lunch on the beach by noon. As a luxury destination, the islands are low-key and under-crowded, perfect for a relaxing family vacation or a romantic getaway. Balance your beach time with action-packed snorkeling, waterskiing, kayaking, horseback riding or cave exploring. With so much – or so little – to do, a vacation in Turks & Caicos will soothe and rejuvenate. THINGS YOU’LL The beach With turquoise
waters and pearl-white sands, Grace Bay Beach is spectacular. This stretch of stunning shoreline is routinely voted one of the best in the world. With this beach in the backyard of The Somerset Resort, you are steps away from paradise each day.
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The Somerset on Grace Bay
Island Oasis at The Somerset
A world-class resort, The Somerset on Grace Bay was designed for pure relaxation and beach lounging. Enjoy indulging in true island living while experiencing a slice of Turks & Caicos’ paradise.
INSPIRATO RESIDENCES
HIGHLIGHTS
GRACE CAY
Sapphire Cay
2 Bed / 2.5 Bath
3 bed / 3 bath
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TURTLE CAY
BREEZE CAY
2 Bed / 2.5 Bath
4 Bed / 4.5 Bath
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ACTIVITIES ABOUND THE VARIETY Whether you are
eager to dive into the crystalline water or stay grounded on terra firma, Turks & Caicos will delight with entertainment and adventure. Choose from croquet, scuba diving, windsurfing, parasailing, boating and more. The resort With first-class service, stunning views and topnotch amenities, The Somerset caters to your every desire. Dine on gourmet fare or casual favorites; indulge your senses with an in-suite spa service; or take a dip in the infinity-edge pool or reverse-current lap pool, complete with an underwater sound system.
TURQUOISE SHOAL
With non-motorized water sports, a reading library, and a regulation croquet lawn, there is constant fun for the young and young at heart.
2 Bed / 2.5 Bath
Decadent dining Take pleasure in the eclectic dining options. Indulge in room service, or a private chef for terrace or beachfront dining.
Breeze Cay
The incredible value Inspirato’s discounted rates for this luxurious, high-end resort are unheard of on the open market.
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In 2010, Condé Nast Traveler named Maui the world’s #1 island for an unparalleled 14th time. It’s easy to figure out why. If you want adventure, hike above the cloud line on Haleakala, Maui’s highest volcanic peak, or grab a surfboard and hit the waves. For more leisurely activities, Maui boasts 14 golf courses, several of which are considered among the world’s best. Watch humpback whales migrate or head to the unspoiled town of Hana. Did we forget the pristine beaches? Make sure to leave a little time for lounging, too.
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THINGS YOU’LL Insider’s Activity Pick
Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui, Hawaii
Most visitors to Maui opt for the Haleakala sunrise, but we recommend sunset on Haleakala instead. The Meal You’ll Remember
There’s only one reason we would recommend a 45-minute drive to dinner: Haliimaile General Store is more than worth the trip. Best nearby beach Polo Beach is just steps from your residence, and its sandy shores are better than Big Beach if you’re in the mood to boogey board. There are plenty of umbrellas if your preference is lounging, however.
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INSPIRATO RESIDENCES
Beach
Beach stroll You can clock in around an hour on the three-mile, roundtrip Wailea Coastal Walk, and the scenery is spectacular: five white-sand beaches, four islands, swaying palm trees and, in the right season, humpback whales.
OPTIONS
HOKU
MAILE
3 Bed / 2 Bath
3 Bed / 2 Bath
MAKAI 3 Bed / 2 Bath
HIGHLIGHTS The beach access Step from your lanai and pool deck to the white sands of Polo Beach.
Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui, Hawaii
The resort experience The Fairmont Kea Lani offers three pools, beach activities, a spa, and great restaurants without leaving the resort. The views You’ll have a clear view of the ocean and the spectacular Maui sunsets.
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THINGS YOU’LL The Quaint Towns Every city is unique and overflowing with personality, and the Luberon region is a gorgeous countryside with vineyards and orchards. Marseille is a lively port and France’s oldest city, Aix-enProvence is a historic university town, Bonnieux is a hill town in the heart of Petit Luberon, and Lacoste is a medieval village. Mont Ventoux boasts the “Giant of Provence,” a grueling mountain climb in the Tour de France. The Cuisine Known for fresh fruits, herbs, vegetables, olives, lavender, honey, seafood, cheeses and meats, Provence is a gourmand’s paradise. Enjoy ratatouille, bouillabaisse and rich sauces, and then finish your meal with Côtes de Provence wines or pastis, a local aniseflavored liquor.
FR ANCE
Chateau Rosine
Art History With its natural beauty, vibrant colors and gorgeous lighting, this region attracted many of the world’s most famous artists. Walk in the footsteps of Monet, Cezanne, Picasso, Renoir, Matisse and many others. Visit museums and galleries, take walking tours and even visit Van Gogh’s convalescent home in SaintRémy-de-Provence.
INSPIRATO RESIDENCES
CHATEAU LAVANDE
CHATEAU ROSINE
4 BED / 4.5 BATH
4 Bed / 4.5 Bath
and exquisite gardens that surround three spectacular fountains. This residence is ideal for family gatherings with numerous children, for a romantic getaway or for an enjoyable trip with friends.
charms of Provence
Experience quintessential Provence at a quaint country estate in the Luberon Valley of Southern France. Enjoy the property’s pristine landscaping
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LIFESTYLE
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When you enter southern France’s quaint and picturesque Provence region, you’ll understand how the area’s beauty inspired master artists to create some of the world’s most famous paintings. Walk through fields of bright sunflowers and delicate lavender in this sunny expanse framed by the Alps and the Mediterranean coastline. Explore whimsical hilltop cities and stylish, vibrant towns, or venture into medieval fortresses and Roman ruins. While in this gorgeous setting, rejoice in the pleasures of life. Sip fine wine and feast on decadent dishes and the pure, simple flavors of the Provençal countryside. The culture and character of Provence and the Luberon Valley will charm, delight and pamper.
PROVENCE
HIGHLIGHTS The location With views as far as Mont Ventoux, Château Lavande is ideally situated near Luberon Valley’s hill towns such as Bonnieux, Lacoste, Roussillon, Ménèrbes and Gordes. The grounds Stand in awe of the breathtaking grounds at Château Rosine. Admire the surrounding lavender fields, the bright green grasses and the impeccably landscaped gardens.
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Tuscany was the birthplace of the Renaissance, but the works of art that have fascinated generations are only part of the allure. You’ll find your eyes following the landscape of rolling green hills, dotted by olive groves and the grapes and trellises of carefully manicured vineyards. You can taste family recipes in the region’s trattorie, and glimpse back to the 11th century in the venerable stone towers of San Gimignano. And for oenophiles, Tuscany offers some of the most stunning wines— and scenic places to enjoy them—in the entire world.
TUSCANY Shopping in Siena You don’t have to go to Florence for high fashion, ceramics and stained glass, or trendy shoes. Instead, walk the pedestrian streets Via di Citta, Banchi di Sopra and Via Dei Montanini in Siena, which is just a short drive away. San Gimignano Also nearby, this
hill town proudly displays stone architecture dating back to the 11th century. Though you can see its 14 towers from miles away, try walking the ancient stone streets within its walls to really appreciate the history.
LIFESTYLE
A Personal Sommelier If you want an expert to guide you through the region’s outstanding Chianti, Rosso di Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino, Rosso di Montepulciano, Montefalco Rosso, and Super Tuscan wines, just let us know.
Cosimo III de’ Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany, decreed in 1716 that four villages would be the only officially recognized producers of Chianti. One of these villages, Greve, is the site of the restored stone farmhouse that is now Il Bronzino: two joined Inspirato residences that can be combined as a nine-bedroom villa or enjoyed separately.
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Welcome to the Chianti Region
THINGS YOU’LL
I TA L Y
OPTIONS
COTTAGE CHIANTI
La Galleria
2 Bed / 2.5 Bath
6 Bed / 6 Bath
LA VILLETTA
VILLA MEDICI
2 Bed / 2.5 Bath
6 Bed / 6 BatH
VILLA BELLEZZA
IL BRONZINO
3 Bed / 3.5 Bath
9 Bed / 7.5 Bath
VILLA DANTE
IL CAMPANILE
4 Bed / 3.5 BatH
9 Bed / 9.5 Bath
VILLA COLLINA
IL PRATO
4 Bed / 4 Bath
9 Bed / 9.5 Bath
VILLA AZZURRI 5 Bed / 4.5 Bath
Azzurri and Dante This spacious residence is situated amid impeccably manicured gardens and features incredible views of the area’s rolling green hills and surrounding vineyards and olive groves.
Il Campanile
HIGHLIGHTS The views From the villa, the pool shared by the two residences at Il Bronzino, and your private al fresco dining area, you’ll have stunning views of the Tuscan countryside. The unique service Your Destination Concierge can arrange a private chef or sommelier to help you enjoy classic Tuscan foods and wines. The location Il Bronzino is located halfway between Florence and Siena making for an easy day trip to both cities, and the property is just minutes from the historic village Greve in Chianti.
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When Californians decide to vacation in wine country, they head for Sonoma—and Inspirato’s Manzanita residence is the perfect launching point. More laid back and casual than any of the state’s other wine regions, Sonoma lays claim to an earthy, vibrant joie de vivre. It’s country living, bursting with the fruits of the earth. And though there are plenty of well-known wineries in the county, it’s easy to get off the beaten path to discover California’s original winemaking culture with familyrun wineries, sprawling estates and hidden gems.
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Manzanita
THE AMENITIES You’ll have access to hidden hiking trails, swim and tennis facilities, a clubhouse with a European spa, a private 3,000 square-foot wine cellar for club members and guests, gourmet dining, and only the best five-star service available. THE WINERIES Visit some of Mayacama Resort’s preferred vintners such as Cakebread Cellars, Ferrari-Carano Winery, Jackson Family Wines, Lancaster Estate, Lynmar Estate, Realm Cellars, Terra Valentine, Wattle Creek Winery, and many more. THE GOURMET KITCHEN
The home’s gourmet, professional-grade kitchen is something to be admired for its sheer size alone. To enhance the wine country experience, guests can hire a private chef to prepare a meal that will be unforgettable. Take it a step further and couple the meal with the wine you gathered throughout your daily winery tours.
HIGHLIGHTS
INSPIRATO RESIDENCE
THE CASITA Separate from
the main house, Inspirato’s Manzanita residence offers added comfort to guests with a detached casita—featuring a king with queen sleeper sofa and a full bathroom. THE SPACE With four bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms, and 3,600 square feet, the Manzanita residence is a sprawling wine country estate the rests majestically on a hill near the Mayacama Golf Club.
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OPTION
MANZANITA 4 Bed / 4.5 Bath
THE SUNSETS From the decks of the Manzanita residence, you’ll quickly appreciate its sunrise and sunset views. Start your day with a cup of your favorite coffee and observe the vineyards quietly stirring as the sun rises. And
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calmly sip a glass of your favorite wine while becoming enveloped in a gorgeous Mayacama sunset. THE OUTDOOR LIVING The home’s expansive outdoor living spaces provide every reason to host a wine tasting event or family reunion among amazing, 360-degree scenery. With a 1,000 square-foot deck and outdoor living room with a fire pit, take in the best of Sonoma Valley’s opulence.
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ASPEN & SNOWMASS
While Aspen’s reputation revolves around its glamorous visitors, there’s something here for anyone who loves the mountain life. Sure, there are enough hip boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and private jets to rival the world’s greatest luxury destinations. But if you want to shred the slopes, take on a whitewater river, or just relax on a deck to watch the autumn leaves change, you can do that too. However active you choose to make your Aspen vacation, this is one place where you should leave a little time to sit back and soak in the good life. THINGS YOU’LL
Your Fashion Sense Join the celebrities who shop for the latest international styles at the boutiques on Galena Street. And check out the local shops for chic skiwear, high-end Western apparel, and unique pieces of art.
Cloud Nine
Wining and Dining Aspen restaurants are a destination unto themselves, whether you want expertly prepared Colorado game, decadent comfort food, world-class sushi, or a burger at Little Annie’s. And you can count on the perfect glass of vino to pair with your meal, anywhere you go. Easy Mountain Access at
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Snowmass First Tracks isn’t just
Mountain
Maroon Bells If you buy a postcard in Aspen, the photo will likely be of the spectacular Maroon Bells in the summer or autumn. Consider a vacation in summer or fall to see Colorado’s majestic 14,000-foot mountaintops firsthand.
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a name. With the Two Creeks chairlift right outside of your Inspirato residence, you can be one of the first to swish down the Snowmass runs on any winter day. And for that time off the slopes, this three-story residence gives your teenage kids enough space to have fun on their own.
OPTIONS
FIRST TRACKS
Encore
4 Bed / 4.5 Bath
4 bed / 4.5 bath
Silver Queen
CLOUD NINE
4 bed / 4.5 bath
5 Bed / 5.5 Bath
HIGHLIGHTS First Tracks
The access Cloud Nine in Aspen and First Tracks in Snowmass offer direct ski access (and to different ski resorts, keep in mind). The other two residences are walking distance to the ski resorts. The relaxation At First Tracks, sink into a private hot tub to soothe your muscles after an active day. The kitchen While Aspen and Snowmass offer world-class dining venues, you can stay right at home and cook a family meal in a gourmet kitchen.
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Most people in the know believe that Utah has the best powder in the world. And SKI Magazine has named Deer Valley the #1 ski resort in North America for four consecutive years. That soft snow coupled with Deer Valley’s exceptional service—from ski valets and overnight equipment storage to superb on-mountain dining venues—makes the resort a five-star experience at every turn. When the crowds thin out for the glorious summer and fall months, expect the same level of care for things like mountain bike instruction and guided hikes while you explore the mountains in peace.
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Stargazer
Wild West Luxury
The Stargazer residence is situated in the heart of Deer Valley Resort in the serenity of the Village at Empire Pass. These deluxe accommodations are great for a family trip, a romantic getaway or a vacation with friends. The Accommodations The
Bluebell at Empire Pass offers deluxe accommodations that are great for a family vacation, romantic getaway or holiday with friends. The residence also provides ski-in, ski-out access and a private ski storage room, which will enhance any Deer Valley ski retreat. The Living Area The Hawkeye’s living room area includes vaulted ceiling, floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, and two stories of windows overlooking Deer Valley Resort.
HIGHLIGHTS
INSPIRATO RESIDENCES
The prime location Slopeside, with ski-in, ski-out convenience, Stargazer is adjacent to the Silver Strike chairlift, centrally located in the Village at Empire Pass and a mere 2.5 miles from the center of Park City. The decor When you step into the cozy ambiance of Inspirato’s residence in Stargazer, you can feel calm serenity overtake your senses. Rich wood finishes, lush granite countertops and warm decorations add to the inviting, mountain-lodge-style accommodations.
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OPTIONS
STARGAZER
Hawkeye
2 Bed / 2.5 Bath
4 bed / 5.5 bath
Mountain
THINGS YOU’LL
BLUEBELL 3 Bed / 3.5 Bath
Bluebell
THE ACCESS When you’re ready to venture out, our Hawkeye home is just steps from the Northside Express lift in ski season. When the snow melts, spend some time at the private, community putting green before heading out for a round at a nearby course.
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Experience the charms of Jackson Hole from a luxurious home in the perfect setting: Close enough to all the thrills and activity found at Teton Village, yet tucked away on a gentle hillside where you can relax and take in the abundant natural beauty. Sip your morning coffee, savor a summer family dinner on the large deck, or enjoy a book from one of the other sunny, expansive outdoor spaces. For après ski, soak in the hot tub or take in the views of shimmering aspen trees, rugged mountains and picture-perfect pines through floor-to-ceiling windows in the great room. In the wintertime, cozy up to the roaring stone fireplace while sitting under the quintessential Jackson Hole antler chandelier, or whip up a family meal in the state-of-the-art kitchen. With so much to do in Jackson Hole – whether golfing, fishing, hiking, biking or skiing — you will delight in an inviting home with family and friends.
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TETON VILLAGE This quaint village has become a destination in its own right. Visitors enjoy delicious restaurants, inviting espresso bars, cozy après-ski hangouts, and eclectic shopping. In summer there are miles of single-track trails on mountain, as well as the more relaxing scenic ride on the Moose-Wilson Pathway that runs between the town of Wilson and Grand Teton National Park. Outdoor thrills Summer is
bright and warm with hiking, fly-fishing, golfing, live music, and cultural activities galore. The crisp and clear winters provide legendary mountain terrain and deep powder, perfect for worldclass skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, sleigh-riding, dogsledding and snowshoeing, just to name a few.
INSPIRATO RESIDENCES
OPTIONS
Rendezvous
Big Horn
3 bed / 3 bath
3 bed / 3.5 bath
Prospector
ELK MEADOW
3 bed / 3 bath
3 Bed / 4 Bath
The WIld West Step into the bygone days of the American West by visiting the Jackson Town Square. It’s complete with friendly cowboys, authentic saloons, chuck wagon dinners, horseback and stagecoach rides and special regional goods in the small shops and galleries that line the Town Square.
HIGHLIGHTS Endless activities Our homes provides easy access to Teton Village, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, the astonishing National Elk Refuge, the town of Jackson, and so much more. When you’re not relaxing at home or warming up by the fire, step out your front door to find adventure. INDOOR-OUTDOOR LIVING
From walls of windows in the living and dining rooms showcasing the amazing mountain views, to the expansive deck and patio spaces, you will love how Elk Meadow integrates the dramatic natural elements outside, with the luxurious comforts found inside.
Elk Meadow
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The Experience Surrounded by the breathtaking Teton Mountain peaks, Jackson Hole combines the charms of the Wild West with the luxuries of an upscale resort. Offering some of the most extreme terrain in the world, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort draws skiers and boarders from around the globe. At the base of the resort, Teton Village feels as if you have been magically whisked away to Europe. The “Vil” has Swiss architecture and all the amenities you would expect from an internationally renowned vacation destination.
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Perhaps the world-famous powder helped Steamboat Springs garner the nickname “Ski Town USA.” But Steamboat is also a mountain biker’s paradise, featuring adventurous trails and scenic paths accessible by a pleasant gondola ride up Mt. Werner. The Yampa River – flowing through the historic downtown – nourishes Steamboat’s popular roster of river sports, including flyfishing, kayaking, and rafting. But even more impressive is Steamboat’s western heritage and genuine hospitality. Whether it’s après-ski at a slopeside tavern or an authentic pro rodeo at the Romick Arena, Steamboat Springs is a true Colorado experience. THINGS YOU’LL Champagne Powder
A trademarked term by Steamboat Ski Resort, skiing and riding through drifts of the famous champagne powder is a poetic winter experience. Strawberry Park Hot Springs
Strawberry Park is about total rejuvenation with watsu therapy massage treatments and relaxing 104-degree hot springs fed by the nearby Hot Springs Creek. Horseback Riding Tour the Colorado backcountry on horseback, with local dude ranches Del’s Triangle 3 Ranch, Elk River Guest Ranch, Steamboat Lake Outfitters, or Saddleback Ranch. Ask your Destination Concierge to reserve your custom escape.
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Edgemont
Basecamp Edgemont
Your Inspirato residences at Edgemont offer convenient ski-in/ski-out access and a connection to all that Steamboat Springs has to offer. Stainless steel appliances and cabinets in rich espresso finish complement a contemporary design with the overall atmosphere of a Colorado ski lodge. Fireplaces in the living area and in the master bedroom complete the entire experience – even better as the snow falls calmly outside. Rest peacefully before a big day of skiing and riding; at the end of the day,
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OPTIONS
PIONEER
STORM PEAKS
2 Bed / 2 Bath
3 Bed / 2.5 Bath
enjoy a relaxing dip in the pool or hot tub, and then gather around the fire pit for après-ski cheer. Inspirato’s Edgemont residences are multi-layered concoctions of true Rocky Mountain homes.
Mountain
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STEAMBOAT SPRINGS
HIGHLIGHTS The pool and hot tub
The year-round outdoor heated pool and hot tub provide amazing views of the Yampa River Valley and a relaxing way to end the day after skiing or hiking. Easy ski access The Edgemont has true ski-in/ski-out access just a short distance to Christie Peak Express chairlift and the Steamboat Gondola.
Pioneer
The fire pit Join the community of Edgemont around the fire pit under the starry skies, making s’mores and sharing stories about the day on the slopes.
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Sun Valley’s history reigns iconic in the sagebrush-laden dry lands to its south and the forested mountain ranges to its north. It’s the Pacific Northwest’s mecca for year-round outdoor recreation–tucked away in the beautiful Wood River Valley, deep in the Idaho backcountry. It’s a concentrated populous of celebrities, artists, politicians and business icons, but far from the element of pretentiousness. THINGS YOU’LL
Mountain
Nordic Center When not on the slopes of Bald and Dollar mountains, families will enjoy the Sun Valley Nordic & Snowshoe Center. Known for its Nordic sports terrain, this Sun Valley winter gem features a restaurant, lounge, bar and locker rooms, including equipment repair, rental and storage, and indoor virtual golf. If cross-country skiing is your sport of choice, enjoy the Nordic center’s 40
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kilometers of groomed-daily trails. Fun for the whole family, the center’s snowshoeing trails add a new flavor to the Sun Valley experience.
Hemingway
Kid’s Day Camps As a year-round program available to visitors of the resort, Sun Valley offers multiple programs for kids of all ages: PlaySchool & KinderCare and Young Summer Day Camp. Kids can participate in any number of activities, including ice skating, swimming, paddle boating, bowling, crafts, field games and so much more. Located in Sun Valley Village, the Day Camp program keeps the young-adults busy with horseback riding, hay wagon rides and picnics, gondola rides, snowshoeing and more. Fly Fishing With access to some of the best trout streams in North America, Sun Valley is a fly fisherman’s paradise. Steeped in tradition and respected throughout the Wood River Valley, Silver Creek Outfitters is among the many fly shops that can
INSPIRATO RESIDENCE
01 OPTION
Hemingway 5 bed / 5.5 bath
provide fishing guides and book excursions to the best fishing spots in Idaho. Set your targets for Silver Creek, home to brown and rainbow fish aplenty.
HIGHLIGHTS The privacy Resting on a sprawling two and a half acres near gorgeous Sun Valley, the Hemingway estate enjoys stellar views of the Sawtooth National Forest and is bordered on one side by the Big Wood River. Indoor/outdoor In addition to a spacious living area and fully appointed game/media room with a pool table, there is a wraparound porch with rocking chairs, a covered patio with woodburning a fireplace and gas grill, as well as an outdoor hot tub. Great outdoors In the summer, golf at Sun Valley Club or fly fish on a private stretch of Big Wood River. In the winter, check out the Sun Valley Tubing Hill in addition to the ski slopes.
Hemingway
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With 12 major mountain resorts in two states offering every imaginable sport year–round, Tahoe truly has something for everyone, every season, night and day. Of course there’s a plethora of winter sports, but don’t forget about the amazing mountain biking trails, hiking, fly-fishing, horseback riding, golfing, and other exciting summer pursuits. You’re guaranteed to find adventure while visiting Tahoe in every season.
TAHOE
CALIFORNIA
Sierra
THINGS YOU’LL
HIGHLIGHTS Resort amenities Enjoy access
to fitness centers, hot tubs, a swimming pool, and more – all within a bustling mountain village setting just steps from your residence. Mountain golfing Unforgettable golf courses such as Northstarat-Tahoe, Old Greenwood, and Gray’s Crossing surround North America’s largest alpine lake. One Village Place Tahoe’s top offering is choice. With a dozen major ski areas, golf courses galore, restaurants aplenty, and unique shopping opportunities it’s the perfect spot for family vacations summer or winter. Located at the base of Northstar mountain resort, your Inspirato residence at One Village Place takes what people expect from exclusivity and adds a dash of charm and convenience to the mixture.
INSPIRATO RESIDENCES
Big Springs Express Gondola
Having direct private access to an in-residence gondola is an amenity best appreciated during the winter season – especially when large groups line up to carve the mountain slopes en masse.
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Mountain
Northstar Mountain Resort
Northstar delivers 95 ski trails spread across 3,000 acres. It’s a proper winter paradise, characteristic of the entire Tahoe region, and home resort to twotime snowboarding Olympic Gold Medalist Shaun White.
OPTIONS
ZEPHYR
SIERRA
2 Bed / 2.5 Bath
3 Bed / 3.5 Bath
POLARIS 3 Bed / 3 Bath
The Village at Northstar
The mountain village provides five-star access to fine dining, boutique shopping, private fitness centers, and more. Sierra
Village skating rink
Leisurely skating on an open rink is a wonderful way to end a day of shopping and exploring the Tahoe area. Don’t forget to gather with friends by the fire for hot chocolate and s’mores.
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Though nestled in a scenic canyon at the end of the highway, Telluride bursts into view in glorious fashion; amid the soaring, 13,000 foot peaks of the San Juan Mountains lies this eclectic Western town that’s a charming combination of raucous roots and world-class mountain vacation spot. On the same streets where Butch Cassidy robbed his first bank, you can round a bevy of unforgettable experiences, delivered with a local flair that sets Telluride apart from its peers. THINGS YOU’LL Playing Outside in Winter
Mountain
Telluride Ski Resort, with 2,000plus skiable acres including the Revelation Bowl, is an understandable reason why the locals brag. Its powder and terrain are par excellence. But downhill isn’t the only way to go: nearby snow-covered mountains offer hut-to-hut ski tours, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and the chance to bundle up for a tear through the tracks behind a team of sled dogs.
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Playing Outside in Summer
A different kind of trail is in high demand during the warm months, when the snow recedes to reveal untold stretches of grand hiking and biking terrain and the town plays host to nearly weekly world-class events and festivals. Want to find out how to hit the trail in a 4x4 and see the mountains from a new perspective? We can help you do that, too. From spring melt to fall foliage, summer in Telluride makes it a year-round gem.
Gold Hill
Performing Arts Famously generous to its vibrant family of performers and producers, the Sheridan Arts Foundation has helped foster a stimulating variety of performing arts, with the Sheridan Opera House built by miners for vaudeville performances in 1913 - as its indisputable centerpiece. From music and to dance, to comedy and drama, you can find something for everyone at the Sheridan Opera House.
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OPTIONS
Evergreen
Wilson Ridge
4 bed / 4.5 bath
6 bed / 6.5 bath
Gold Hill 6 bed / 6.5 bath
HIGHLIGHTS
Wilson Ridge
Ski in/ski out The golf-front Gold Hill home is conveniently located in Mountain Village with access to the area’s famously efficient Gondola system. At Wilson Ridge, ski right off the deck onto the slopes. Evergreen is only 50 yards from the slopes. Get around Dial-a-Ride provides easy access to Mountain Village. Festivals Famous for its steep skiing in the winter, in the summer months Telluride is a hotbed of music, art, food and film festivals almost every weekend.
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Fall in love with Vail and Beaver Creek—two incredible alpine hamlets in the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. This vibrant, year-round community boasts thousands of skiable acres, posh residences and an array of world-class amenities just steps from the lifts, both Vail and Beaver Creek are magnets for discerning jetsetters—both on and off the slopes. Known as the largest—and arguably the most popular—ski mountain in the United States, Vail offers nearly 200 trails for serious mountain devotees to explore. Beaver Creek is the super exclusive smaller sister to her more popular big sister, but savvy travelers flock to her convenient village-to-village ski offerings at Bachelor Gulch and Arrowhead. Winter is just part of this gorgeous valley’s attraction. Hiking or biking in the summer months can reveal aspen glades, multi-colored wildflowers, and high-altitude overlooks. And year-round, the destination boasts some of the best restaurants in the Rocky Mountains. THINGS YOU’LL Concierge Restaurant Pick
Inspirato’s concierge recommends La Tour Restaurant because of its convenience and summer menu: “The restaurant is located in the heart of Vail Village and Chef Paul Ferzacca serves a can’t-miss Sunday brunch all summer long.” Best picnic spot Take a packed
lunch from The Little Diner (a French deli) near The Arrabelle at Vail Square and take the Lionshead Village Gondola to the top of Vail Mountain for a nice afternoon picnic. Bring your camera because the views are great and it’s the perfect location for a family photo.
COLOR ADO
Blue Sky
Alpine Golf Tee off at Beaver Creek Golf Club, a Robert Trent Jones, Jr.-designed track set amid stunning scenery at the basin of the mountain range. The course is a summertime favorite that will test your game while exposing you to some of the area’s most breathtaking scenery.
INSPIRATO RESIDENCES
VAIL
NORTHWOODS
BLUE SKY
4 Bed / 5 Bath
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OPTIONS
3 Bed / 3.5 Bath
WILDWOOD Lodgepole
Member Favorite For one of the most romantic dining experiences in town, Inspirato members love Beano’s Cabin at Beaver Creek, an intimate and off-the-beatenpath venue that serves a selection of delectable options.
4 Bed / 5 Bath
3 bed / 3.5 bath
Mountain
F
VAIL & BEAVER CREEK
PRIMA Silverleaf
4 Bed / 5 BatH
3 bed / 3.5 bath
SUN UP Dakota
4 Bed / 5 Bath
3 bed / 4 bath
Bellflower
HIGHLIGHTS
Timberline
4 bed / 4.5 bath
3 bed / 4 bath
Vail Village Convenience
Antero
Eagle’s Nest and Blue Sky’s location enjoys surprisingly convenient access to town, with complimentary parking spots in the heart of Vail Village and two ski lockers near the base of the mountain, all included in an Inspirato vacation. You’ll be making snow tracks in no time that is, if you decide to leave your residence.
Two Elk
4 bed / 4.5 bath
4 bed / 5 bath
EAGLE’S NEST AVANTI
5 Bed / 5.5 Bath
4 Bed / 5 Bath
Beaver creek
The Nightlife Discover Nobu
Matsuhisa’s gourmet cuisine, Vail’s only movie theater, and a custom bowling alley, all within steps of each other.
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Larkspur
4 Bed / 5 Bath
6 bed / 6 bath
SUN DOWN
Stone Creek
4 Bed / 5 Bath
6 bed / 6.5 bath
GAME CREEK
HIGHLINE
4 Bed / 5 Bath
6 Bed / 6.5 Bath
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HOTEL partners
SIGNATURE Hotel partners Bordeaux
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NEW YORK CITY
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CHICAGO
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PARIS
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Deer Valley
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Santa Barbara
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FLORENCE
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St. Barts
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LAS VEGAS
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Wine Country
157
LONDON
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Adventure
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Known as one the world’s premier wine regions, Bordeaux welcomes oenophiles and romantics alike. We take you as close to the true Bordeaux as you can be. Steeped in history, the Dordogne area of this region is where the French themselves choose to vacation. Glorious vineyards burst in the deep reds of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc just a short distance from your classic French villa in the Libourne subregion on the right bank of the Dordogne. The temptation of a day trip will weave its way into your thoughts like the green hills of the countryside and endless rows of vineyards that seem to shimmer into the horizon. Bordeaux is a place to enjoy white linen table service, to sip wine beside a private garden, to spend a night at the classic theater. THINGS YOU’LL Wine Tasting The techniques
trace hundreds of years into the past, and with a climate suited for the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes in particular, Bordeaux wines have specific style and refinement. Make a day trip to countless nearby wineries, and enjoy expert pairings during dinner. Your Location Far from a tourist hotbed, the Dordogne area of Bordeaux is sought by discriminating French vacationers for their country getaways. In addition to intimate wineries, you’ll discover decadent tastes like foie gras and the beauty of ancient hillside towns. Chateau Verdot is a short walk from the perfect fortified village of Saint-Émilion, a registered UNESCO world heritage site.
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Saint-Emilion
The History Saint-Émilion, your nearest town, is home to some of the region’s earliest cave drawings, but there are even grander sites to see, including 15th-century basilicas or an opera performance in the 18thcentury theater.
01 OPTION
Chateau Verdot 4 Bed / 4 Bath
HIGHLIGHTS The View The glories of Bordeaux open from all sides of your villa in sun-drenched green hills, vines shimmering in the breeze, and world-class wineries. Your private garden overlooks lovely vineyards and St. Emilion’s Roman wall. Sommelier School For a cultural experience that’s authentic Bordeaux, enroll in an intensive three-day wine tasting class at l’Ecole du Vin and explore the nuances of French varietals and blends.
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Les Sources de Caudalie Spa
Situated amid the rolling hills of Château Smith Haut Lafitte, just 20 minutes outside of central Bordeaux, the five-star Les Sources de Caudalie opened in 1999 as the world’s first—and
now foremost—Vinothérapie Spa. The spa philosophy combines the natural antioxidant properties of grapes with the healing waters of nearby hot springs.
Chateau Verdot
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In its restaurants, shopping, museums and sports teams, Chicago boasts the kinds of urban attractions that rival any city in the world. What the new visitor may not realize is that the “Windy City” is also ideal for afternoon strolls on 29 miles of lakefront paths, through festive Millennium Park, and around the popular Navy Pier area. You’ll want to walk the eight blocks of world-class shopping on the Magnificent Mile, and in the summer, eat a hot dog in the sun at Wrigley Field. Perhaps the best way to take it all in is with a bird’s-eye view from the spectacular new Trump International Hotel & Tower™. THINGS YOU’LL The Magnificent Mile
This eight-block stretch of Michigan Avenue hosts a staggering 460 stores, from high-end boutiques to offbeat bargains and specialty shops.
ILLINOIS
The Loop The historical center of downtown Chicago, The Loop is chock-full of culture, art, attractions and notable landmarks. Willis Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Chicago Cultural Center can be found here.
Residential Suite
Dining Plan ahead for the city’s new hot spots, and figure out which of its 77 neighborhoods offer the cuisine you desire. Of course, you’ll want to sample Chicago pizza and hot dogs; it’s the only way to join the debate about which city has the best of each.
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Being in the heart of it all
Inspirato’s residential suites are located on the higher floors of The Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, which means you’ll enjoy unobstructed views of the Chicago River and impressive city skyline from every residence.
DELUXE RIVER VIEW
RESIDENTIAL SUITE
1 Bed / 1 Bath
2 Bed / 2 Bath
RIVER VIEW SUITE 1 Bed / 2 Bath
HIGHLIGHTS The service You’ll enjoy signature Trump Attaché™ services 24 hours a day, with everything from a customstocked refrigerator to personalized business cards. The location Just outside the Tower’s front doors, you’ll find the best of Chicago, including Michigan Avenue, Millennium Park and world-class restaurants.
Chicago
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The Montage Deer Valley’s secret is its impeccable attention to detail: from delivering the best in personalized service to residences that are furnished with fully outfitted gourmet kitchens. The Montage is luxury defined. Visitors of Deer Valley will marvel at the soft snow and pristine runs. The resort cares about every skier’s experience and ensures that members are satisfied with every component of their vacation. Of course, Deer Valley is a summer mountain destination where The Montage is a launching point for total adventure. From hiking and mountain biking, Inspirato members can relish in the beautiful Utah surroundings.
DEER VALLEY
UTAH
Montage
THINGS YOU’LL Lots of Ski Runs Get your legs in shape! Deer Valley limits the number of skiers per day—and doesn’t allow snowboarding— yet still runs 21 chairlifts and abundant acres of groomed terrain. You’ll be able to glide on the famous Utah snow as many times as you want. Mountain Biking Deer Valley has 55 miles of bike trails with variable terrain and terrific views. Bike season continues through the fall, when changing leaves make the scenery even more spectacular. Park City You may not want to leave the comfort of Deer Valley, but if you do, Park City is just minutes away. You’ll find a wide variety of great restaurants, boutique shopping, and fun nightlife options.
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The Spa Montage The spa
is a 35,000 square-foot, comprehensive spa defined by breathtaking views and serene surroundings. With 29 treatment rooms, the spa also offers several innovative, locally inspired therapies and a comprehensive fitness facility.
MONTAGE DEER VALLEY 3 Bed / 3.5 Bath
Inspired design This residential building is patterned after grand lodges like those found in Bryce Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite National Parks. Materials and colors have been carefully selected so the building will be in harmony with the natural surroundings.
Montage
The Suite Ranging from 1,000 to 3,200 square feet, the Montage one-bedroom suite includes a beautiful gas fireplace and furnished private patio or balcony.
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The first things that likely come to mind when you think of Florence are great art and the Renaissance. And these complementary aspects are indeed reason enough to visit, with world-famous works by Michelangelo, da Vinci, Botticelli, Titian and many more. The capital city’s ancient palaces, cathedrals, and lovely gardens also make it a great destination for wandering and sight-seeing. Just don’t forget to seek the latest fashions from Gucci, Ferragamo and Armani, or to enjoy traditional Florentine cuisine with a modern twist. And for at least one night, make sure you see the lights of the Ponte Vecchio. THINGS YOU’LL
Uffizi Gallery Designed by Vasari for Cosimo de’ Medici, the beautiful Uffizi is even more famous for the treasures within, including works by da Vinci, Botticelli, Titian, Raphael and Rembrandt.
FLORENCE
I TA LY
High-end fashions
The boutiques of Armani, Ferragamo and Bulgari are on Via de’ Tornabuoni. Prada, Gucci, Chanel, Cavalli and Pucci have stores around Florence, too. If you want the latest trends, you’re in the right place.
Vista Dell’Arno
Piazza del Duomo Really a collection of sites, this worldfamous square features the Florence Cathedral, Giotto’s Campanile, the Florence Baptistery, and the Loggia del Bigallo. Treasure on the Arno At the Lungarno Suites, your Inspirato residence looks upon the lovely Ponte Vecchio and the Arno River flowing through the middle of Florence. Your concierge can direct you to nearby worldrenowned sites such as the Uffizzi Gallery and Palazzo Pitti, or to Florence’s famed boutique shopping, as well as make dinner reservations at the city’s amazing restaurants. Your suite features the stylish furnishings and clean
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VISTA DELL’ ARNO 1 Bed / 1 Bath
lines designed by the venerable Ferragamo family. It’s perfect for a couple, and with a pullout sofa, also suits a family.
HIGHLIGHTS The intangibles With views of the Arno in the morning, the Ponte Vecchio lights at night, and breakfast service included in the nightly rate, you’ll enjoy a special Florentine experience. The location Walk to the most famous Florence landmarks, including the Uffizzi Gallery, Piazza del Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral and Palazzo Pitti. The service The staff will handle every detail, from concierge service and grocery shopping to laundry service.
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Although the city’s advertising may belie its luxury, for the affluent traveler Las Vegas entertainment opportunities truly know no bounds. Dine in the internationally renowned restaurants that offer the finest of simply everything. Energize the evening in a sky-top lounge or hop in a limousine to a trendy nightclub. Maybe it’s an internationally renowned entertainer or the unforgettable Cirque du Soleil that draws your attention. Of course, there are always the casinos, from the bustle of popular venues to more intimate gaming in sites like the new ARIA Resort & Casino.
LAS VEGAS
N E VA DA
ARIA Resort & Casino
THINGS YOU’LL Fine Dining The collection of chefs with gourmet venues in Las Vegas seems endless: Joel Robuchon, Michael Mina, Charlie Palmer, Tom Colicchio, Alain Ducasse, Andre Rochat and more have created amazing restaurants that will take your breath away. Cirque du Soleil Although
Cirque is an international organization, it seems as if the incredibly unique performances were designed for Vegas. We could describe them as a combination of dance and dexterity, theater and acrobatics, but you really have to see them to believe them.
Nightlife If Las Vegas doesn’t sleep, should you? From kids’ entertainment to the most exclusive nightclubs, there’s something fun and vibrant for every visitor under the bright Vegas lights.
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Sanctuary in the Sky Through our partnership with ARIA Resort & Casino, we’ve ensured your next Las Vegas vacation will be a truly unforgettable experience. Your stay in the stunning ARIA Sky Suites begins with an exclusive porte-cochère entry accessed only by limousine. Soar to your penthouse, where each suite features spectacular views of the city or mountains, and ARIA’s concierge staff will cater to your every need.
PENTHOUSE SUITE
PENTHOUSE SUITE
1 BED / 1.5 BATH
2 Bed / 2.5 Bath
The location ARIA is a cornerstone of the impressive CityCenter development in the heart of the Strip; the CityCenter Tram connects ARIA with Bellagio and Crystals Retail & Entertainment.
The amenities ARIA offers a world-class spa and salon, private resort pools, and fine dining from James Beardrecognized and Michelinlauded chefs.
Two-Bedroom Penthouse Suite
HIGHLIGHTS The privacy Each time you pass through the Sky Suites’ monitored entry, you enter your own private world of personalized service and luxury – a sanctuary in the sky.
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In many cities, the juxtaposition of tradition and ceremony with the fast pace of a global financial center might strike an uneasy balance. In London, it’s just part of the fun. On the one hand, you can witness the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, cross the River Thames on the iconic Tower Bridge, and sample strawberries and cream at Wimbledon. On the other, you can also find the latest fashions, hip nightclubs, and authentic cuisine from virtually any corner of the Earth. The famous theater scene, the British Museum and National Gallery, and Westminster Abbey are several reasons to vacation or do business in London. THINGS YOU’LL West End Theater Only New
York’s Broadway can compete with the West End. Famous movie actors appear on stage here frequently, and it’s also known for its many amazing restaurants, making this an unforgettable evening experience.
ENGLAND
Buckingham Palace Great for families, the Queen’s official London residence features 775 rooms, lavish décor and is the site of the Changing of the Guard.
Park Studio Suite
London Pubs Slide onto a bar stool or into a booth at a traditional pub and enjoy a pint. From dark wood paneling to warm fireplaces, you can find the perfect interior for midday comfort. Stone’s Throw from Indulgence It’s almost too good to be true. The Metropolitan London is located at the core of the city’s most historic hot spots. A five-minute cab ride can escort you to famous neighborhoods, shopping locations and restaurants. Stroll through the scenic passageways of Mayfair and Knightsbridge – two of London’s elite neighborhood districts. Spend the day at Hyde Park to experience one of the Royal Parks of London, which was originally owned by the UK monarchy for royal family recreation. The Met Bar is open
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METROPOLITAN ROOM
PARK STUDIO
1 BED / 1 BATH
1 Bed / 1 Bath
only to guests for afternoon tea, award-winning cocktails and some dynamic DJ-infused events.
HIGHLIGHTS The location Perfectly placed on Park Lane, guests of the Metropolitan are within walking distance of Piccadilly Circus, Bond Street, Knightsbridge and a throng of restaurants.
Hotel metropolitan The “place to be” Celebrity sightings are commonplace – especially while dining at the Nobu or sipping a martini at The Met Bar. The service A Techno Butler is at your service to help with all-things computer related, and guests also receive twice-daily maid service, including evening turndown with complimentary mineral water.
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Why is New York the Empire State? Because no matter what you are looking for —dining, culture, nightlife and more—the options here reign supreme. Top chefs around the country trace a root network leading back to New York. There’s theater…and then there’s Broadway. Central Park offers miles of eclectic activities (and people-watching), the Metropolitan Museum of Art showcases the world’s finest artists, and the shopping and nightlife options boggle the mind. Even the quieter venues— the wine bars, jazz clubs and cafes—cultivate wholly distinct personalities. One visit simply isn’t enough.
NEW YORK CITY
NEW YOR K
Trump SoHo
THINGS YOU’LL A Spacious SoHo Penthouse Fine Dining It’s best to pay
attention, because new mustvisit restaurants pop up every week. From the most exquisite steakhouses to contemporary fusion bistros to favorite stops in Chinatown, foodies of every description should arrive with a little extra room in their stomachs.
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At Trump SoHo™ New York, one of Manhattan’s most renowned hoteliers welcomes you to the highly desirable location where SoHo meets Tribeca and the West Village—as well as the neighborhood’s renowned art galleries, fine dining, and boutique shopping.
OPTIONS
DELUXE SUITE
DELUXE SUITE
1 Bed / 1.5 Bath
2 Bed / 2 Bath
PENTHOUSE SUITE 2 Bed / 2 Bath
HIGHLIGHTS Shopping Start with the haute
boutiques on Madison Avenue, swing through Barney’s, Bloomingdale’s and Bergdorf Goodman, then head to the artist-mecca-turned-hipoutdoor-mall also known as SoHo. Nightlife Looking for early fine dining and a ticket to Broadway? Interested in hip clubs in your hippest attire? Or do you love live music, from the celebrities of opera to the skinny jeans of indie rock? You’ll find all that and much, much more.
The service You’ll enjoy signature Trump Attaché™ services 24 hours a day, with everything from a customstocked minibar to personalized business cards.
The pool Yes, there is actually an outdoor Manhattan pool; it’s heated, and features an intimate bar with views of the city skyline.
The location Among the many benefits of SoHo, the neighborhood is famed for its shopping, dining, and arts scenes and is convenient both to Midtown and the Financial District.
Two-Bedroom Penthouse Suite
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You’ll always have Paris. Centuries old, Paris is the crossroads for the world’s most famous art, cuisine, architecture, monuments, universities, historic districts, and many other marvels. The city is your palette of opportunity. Sit on the banks of the River Seine and enjoy a freshly baked baguette from Le Grenier a Pain (winner of the 2010 “Best Baguette in Paris” award). Stop by La Maison du Chocolat and sample an assortment of carefullymade gourmet truffles. Or, cool down on a summer’s day of sightseeing at Berthillon – the ultimate French ice cream extravaganza. Wander over to the majestic Notre Dame de Paris to photograph one of the most spectacular cathedrals in all of Europe. The Eiffel Tower is no exception and boasts the splendor only a “wonder of the world” can offer.
PARIS
FR ANCE
THINGS YOU’LL Museums Aside from the sought-after Musée du Louvre, appreciating the art of Paris can be an activity that spans the entire city. Centre Pompidou flaunts the largest collection of modern art in Europe, and any wine enthusiast requires quality time at the Musée du Vin.
Suite Prestige
Classically French, Exceedingly Parisian
For the business traveler, the hotel delivers a multitude of services and amenities to provide nothing but convenience and comfort. For the romantic, the Majestic sits at the foot of the world’s most passion-filled city – music, art, fine-dining, the Eiffel Tower, and the Musée du Louvre at night. The “possible” is most often just a few steps away. While visiting, don’t be afraid to offer a hearty “merci” or “s’il vous plait” – coupled with a smile – to become fully engrossed in the French culture.
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SUITE PRESTIGE
SUITE LA PEROUSE
1 Bed / 1 Bath
1 Bed / 2 Bath
Jardin du Luxembourg No everyday park, the Luxembourg Gardens is Paris’ second largest and often revered for its role in Hugo’s “Les Misérables.” The Gardens appeal to families for its calming atmosphere and elaborate fountains.
La Cinémathèque Française
Now, it’s time to appreciate film. Holding the largest film archive in the world, the Cinémathèque offers daily screenings. Its contemporarily designed structure invites a plethora of France’s finest filmmakers to its hallowed grounds.
HIGHLIGHTS The location Literally steps away from the Arc de Triomphe (Triumphal Arch) and the Champs Elysées, the Majestic is located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris – home to diplomatic embassies and renowned museums. The space The Majestic is just that…majestic. It offers an elegant and serene escape into the heart of Paris – perfected for romance, ideal for business.
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Known as the “American Riviera,” the city of Santa Barbara fuses the beauty of a Mediterranean coastal town with pure Californian spirit. The climate is typical of the state’s oceanfront communities with breezes that keep the winters warm and the summers cool. The Santa Ynez Mountain Range is the perfect backdrop to the city’s Spanish-inspired architecture, culture and cuisine. Be sure to plan for some unplanned time on the beach, where stunning scenery thrives and tensions wither.
SANTA BARBARA
CALIFORNIA
Bacara Resort & Spa
THINGS YOU’LL California Wine Festival
The California Wine Festival is a mid-summer tradition as wine tastings, delicious food, and beachside music fill the Santa Barbara atmosphere. Art Culture Featuring more than 60 galleries – appearing on virtually every street corner – Santa Barbara’s famed artists’ colony is hard-at-work…and popular among visitors from all over the world.
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Sandpiper and Glen Annie
Pack the clubs for 18 holes on some of California’s finest golf courses. The public course of Sandpiper hugs the coast as it winds through the best of what Santa Barbara has to offer. Glen Annie’s rolling foothills and detailed architecture take golfers in a whole new direction.
OPTIONS
SANDPIPER
BLISS
1 Bed / 1 Bath
1 Bed / 2 Bath
SANTA YNEZ 1 Bed / 1 Bath
California Dreamin’ A variety of vacation experiences are available to guests at the Bacara Resort & Spa. But the 42,000 square-foot Spa at Bacara should be visited daily for an assortment of treatments that incorporate vigorous fitness activities and general relaxation. Receive professional golf instruction and daily tennis lessons as part of your Bacara experience. Choose from a range of recreational activities, including the Cold Springs Hike, Picnic Hike, and Champagne Croquet. Truly, possibilities are endless at Bacara.
HIGHLIGHTS The spa The Spa at Bacara has 36 treatment rooms available to guests – tailored-made for refreshing and reviving. Three hotel restaurants
Bacara’s three signature restaurants – Miró, The Bistro, and Spa Café – serve a variety of chef-inspired entrées and offer access to the resort’s world-class wine cellar.
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When you first arrive on the Caribbean island of Saint Barthélemy – better known as St. Barts – the ultimate in luxury gently overtakes you. It’s a divine awakening that will quicken your pulse and revive your soul. The island’s elegance is unsurpassable, primarily because of its Parisian influence. The islanders speak French fluently (and most also speak English), and it could be considered the fashion capital of the Caribbean. Boutique shops and chic emporiums feature high-end brands that cater to a sophisticated and affluent clientele. St. Barts carries a strong commitment to maintaining a pristine environment with quiet beaches secluded in small coves, sheltered from the crowds.
ST. BARTS
FRENCH WEST INDIES
THINGS YOU’LL Anse du Gouverneur According to island folklore, there’s pirate treasure buried near this beautiful, secluded swimming beach. If you do go on the hunt, be respectful of the beachgoers who sunbathe nude.
Le Sereno
Gastronomy Two of the best things about St. Barts are the quality and variety of dining options on the tiny island—and the French sophistication and flair with which it is served. Serene Le Sereno Designed by famed Parisian designer Christian Liaigre, Le Sereno Hotel is an intimate, elegant St. Barts refuge with 37 exquisitely furnished suites and three private villas. Le Sereno is like St. Barts itself: an improbable concoction of style and serenity. The beauty of Le Sereno is in its unique blend of tranquility and opulence, which few properties can achieve, let alone deliver with such precision.
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SUITE LA SPLENDEUR 1 Bed / 1 Bath
HIGHLIGHTS The restaurant Le Restaurant des Pêcheurs serves fresh seafood in an elegant yet relaxed oceanfront environment. The lounge Relax at the Lounge and Martini Bar at Le Sereno, located next to the restaurant and overlooking the bay. Getting there It’s suggested that you fly to St. Maarten’s Julian Airport and then take a very short but memorable connecting flight to St. Barts.
Suite La Splendeur
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THE VIEWS Marvel at the views of Grand Cul-de-Sac from your residence.
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First things first: It’s time to visit some wineries. From the large commercial wineries to the family-owned winegrowers, no itinerary will be the same as you cross the valleys of vineyards that span Sonoma and Napa. Sonoma’s quaint towns, Armstrong Redwoods State Park, and boutique wineries are sure to please. Napa’s “barrel tasting” tours, cave tours and upscale restaurants are quintessential to the area. Nonetheless, both Sonoma and Napa are purely California and serve a kaleidoscope of enchantment.
WINE COUNTRY
CALIFORNIA
The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
THINGS YOU’LL The Willow Stream Spa With more than 40,000 square feet of spa space, the Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn is like no other. Built on a natural artesian spring, the spa is best known for its signature, self-guided Bathing Ritual. Sonoma Golf Club Historic golf roots and rich with tradition, the historic Sonoma Golf Club represents a cornerstone in the development and success of Sonoma Valley. Glen Ellen Former hometown
of famed writer Jack London, the charming and historic town of Glen Ellen is home to some renowned wineries, including B.R. Cohn Winery, Benziger Family Winery, and Mayo Family Winery.
away from Napa, the Inn is a cared-for vestige representing the area’s iconic past, present and future. The Inn’s cornerstone attraction is its 40,000 square foot, state-of-the-art spa featuring swimming pools fed by underground geo-thermal springs. In addition, guests of the Inn have access to a private golf experience. Established in 1925, the Sonoma Golf Club’s 18-hole championship course is home to the PGA Champions Tour’s Charles Schwab Cup. The course is a private 177-acre property that stretches more than 7,087 yards through native oaks, redwoods and vineyards.
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THE SPRINGS 1 Bed / 1 Bath
HIGHLIGHTS VIP Arrival Receive the best treatment the Inn has to offer as you arrive to start your Wine Country vacation. The service you receive will be nothing short of exceptional.
Santé Restaurant Recipient of a prestigious Michelin Star as well as the AAA Four Diamond Award, the Inn’s Santé Restaurant deserves your attention – especially its top-rated list of more than 500 Sonoma and Napa County wines. Bathing Ritual The Willow Stream Spa’s signature service is a self-guided European bathing ritual, which includes an exfoliating shower, herbal steam, cool and warm showers, and a serene relaxation lounge.
The Curative Powers of Wine Country The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa is your distinguished guide to California Wine Country. Its rich history spans the early twentieth century. Located in the town of Sonoma and just a short drive
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ADVENTURE DESTINATIONS
SIGNATURE HOTEL PARTNERS ADVENTURE
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AFRICAN SAFARI
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Machu picchu
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C lazy u ranch
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Patagonia
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galapagos voyage
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Our East African Safari Experience takes you to the open plains and green hills of Kenya, where you’ll interact in an incredibly intimate way with the wildlife and culture of this amazing area. Marvel at the sunlight on the snowcapped hills of Mt. Kilimanjaro and elephants ambling toward watering holes. Look for wild game such as zebras, gazelles and wildebeests on grassy plains. And keep an eye out for cheetahs and lions, too. In these private game reserves, you can also enjoy unexpected activities like mountain biking, horseback safaris and a hot air balloon ride over the African savannah. Throughout your safari experience, you’ll enjoy comfortable lodge and permanent tent accommodations with private attached baths.
AFRICAN SAFARI
KENYA
EXPLORE THE AFRIC A N WILD
HIGHLIGHTS The immersion You’ll be amazed at how closely you can view Africa’s breathtaking wildlife, and you’ll also experience the lifestyle of the Maasai people. The variety of activities
Guides will introduce you to Africa and its wildlife with bike safaris, hot air balloon rides, jeep tours, horseback rides, tracking with bloodhounds and more.
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A short morning flight will take you to the Chyulu Hills in southeastern Kenya, a backdrop of Mt. Kilimanjaro, and your private pool suite. You can enjoy coffee or tea in your room each morning, picnic or poolside lunches, and candlelit dinners. During the days, you might explore the plains by horseback, land rover, and on foot. Keep your eyes wide for oryx, gazelles, gerenuks, zebras, elands, giraffes and wildebeests, as well as cheetahs and lions. There’s also a swimming pool at the lodge if you want to take a dip.
The peace of mind We’ve fully vetted this experience and left no detail to chance. It’s easy to book, all activities and meals are pre-arranged, and your comfort and safety are accounted for at every step.
Itinerary - 10 Days DAYS
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You’ll depart on an overnight flight and arrive in Nairobi the following evening. You’ll be personally greeted at the airport and transported via safari Landcruiser to your boutique hotel.
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After breakfast, you’ll take short morning flights to your exclusive camp in the northern boundary of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. With only seven tented rooms—each with sweeping views—this is a very personal and upscale camp experience. These days will include morning and afternoon game drives, hot air balloon rides (extra), excursions in custom-made safari vehicles, and authentic visits to local Masai villages. The wildlife that resides here includes lions, leopards, hyenas, and cheetahs, and also sunbathing crocodiles, massive hippos and elephants, and much more.
DAYS
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Adventure
DAYS
10
A late morning flight to Nairobi takes you to a dayroom at an upscale hotel. You can relax there or explore the area for shopping and dining. You’ll be transported to the hotel that evening for an overnight flight, and will arrive home the following day. • Please note that this is a sample itinerary. Itineraries are highly customizable so that members may choose the activities and destinations they prefer.
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Our C Lazy U Luxury Guest Ranch & Resort Experience takes you into Colorado’s Wild West and introduces you to an elegant, friendly and fun guest-ranch culture, complete with gourmet meals and luxury lodging. Located on 8,000+ acres in Granby, where the Colorado River runs off the Continental Divide and winds its way through mountain valleys and the White River National Forest, C Lazy U is a land of lush green meadows, bright blue skies and fresh, clean air. Every season brings unique beauty and new activities for the whole family. Children and teens will enjoy the outstanding kids’ program, brimming with action and entertainment, led by cool and talented counselors, while adults will revel in as much or as little adventure as they desire. From relaxing spa services at the Lazy You Spa and daily horseback riding with a wrangler guide, to fly fishing and trap shooting in warm weather and private snowcat skiing and ice skating in the winter, you can create memorable experiences day after day. During your visit, you will receive “five-spur service” every step of the way. The staff members at the C Lazy U Ranch are firm believers in good old-fashioned wholesome family vacations, and they go out of their way to welcome each member of your family and ensure everyone has memories of a lifetime.
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HIGHLIGHTS The family focus Each member of your family can enjoy family time and their own adventures. From pony rides and crafts for the littlest ones, to scavenger hunts and hayrides for the older kids and overnight camping and whitewater rafting for teenagers, your children can explore the ranch while you indulge in carefree adult time. Families eat breakfast together each morning and have an organized family activity each evening. Kids programs are so carefully assembled that parents get to be themselves and everyone has a wonderful experience.
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The year-round activities
DAY
This luxury guest ranch is bustling every day of the year. When you’re not in the saddle, go snow tubing, sledding and cross country skiing in the winter and go hiking, biking and fly fishing in the summer, just to name a few of the fun activities.
After breakfast with your family, an experienced wrangler will match you with a horse that fits your personality and skill level. You can swim in the refreshing pool or hot tub, go hiking, biking or fishing, play tennis, or go trap or archery shooting. While the kids eat dinner with their counselors and their newfound friends, you can swap stories with other adults over Rocky Mountain trout or rosemary rack of lamb before indulging in decadent desserts and afterdinner drinks by the fire.
From the first “howdy” to the final tip of their hat, the staff members make you feel instantly welcome and part of the ranch family. A renowned chef prepares delectable gourmet meals, and your luxury accommodations offer first-class comfort and solitude, with stone fireplaces, nightly bed turndown, plush robes, iHome docking stations and fresh snacks that are replenished daily.
Itinerary DAY
1
Fly into Denver International Airport or another nearby airport and ride through the majestic Rocky Mountains to C Lazy U Guest Ranch & Resort. The friendly staff will welcome you and show you to your luxury accommodations.
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DAY
3
5
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Spend your days finding action and adventure. In summertime, participate in cattle drives and other cowboy adventures, and in wintertime, take a ride down the private luge run, play ice hockey or go snowshoeing.
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7
Tip your hat to C Lazy U and head home with Wild West memories to share.
• Please note that this is a sample itinerary. Itineraries are highly customizable so that members may choose the activities they prefer. During the summer months, there is a seven-night stay requirement and during the winter, there is a two night minimum. Please call your Personal Vacation Advisor for details about available luxury accommodations.
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Take a day for yourself and relax with a facial, massage, manicure, pedicure or other spa service at the Lazy You Spa. Or, opt for the “Cowboy Soak,” a relaxing moonlit soak in deep copper tubs overlooking Willow Creek – complete with champagne and strawberries. Meet up with your family just in time for the weekly family cookout, followed by the nightly family activity, where you spend time with your loved ones and eat ice cream and enjoyed optional programmed events at the Patio House.
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Adventure
The “five-spur service”
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GALAPAGOS VOYAGE
Adventure
We’re excited to provide an extraordinary encounter with some of the most unique wildlife, flora and fauna in the world on the incomparable Galapagos Islands. You’ll explore from the deck of an intimate expedition ship with a maximum of 48 guests. The most experienced naturalist guides will share expert commentary on day tours and engaging conversation on board the ship. Most of your time will be spent within the protected areas of the Galapagos National Park and the Galapagos Marine Reserve, where you might see penguins, sea lions, albatross, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, flamingos and much more—all from an incredibly close vantage point. Your comfortable stateroom includes a well-appointed bathroom and is serviced three times a day. HIGHLIGHTS The natural world You’ll see amazing creatures by land and sea, while kayaking, snorkeling, and walking on remote islands. These include surfacing dolphins and whales, flightless cormorants and giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, brown pelicans and fur seals, and many more.
Itinerary - 10 days DAY
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You’ll typically fly from North America overnight and arrive in Ecuador the following morning, where we’re happy to arrange ground transportation and a comfortable hotel in the heart of historic Quito for your night’s stay. The itinerary below is a sample for illustration purposes only. Your actual itinerary may vary based on time of year, wildlife, other ships, and national park regulations.
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After an arranged morning flight from Quito to Baltra in the Galapagos, your journey begins aboard the ship, which will offer two off-shore site visits per day and ample opportunities to hike, swim, snorkel, kayak, bird-watch and take great closeup photographs. Today is your first chance to see wildlife; on the white sands of Las Bachas Beach, you might see flamingos and other coastal birds.
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Along the black sands of Santiago Island, sea urchins, octopus and starfish swim in tidal pools. You’ll follow a trail to the uncommon Fur Seals Grottos, and then have time to swim and snorkel. Later in the day, you’ll head to Bartolomé Island. Penguins gather near the snorkeling area around Pinnacle Rock, and after a change of clothes, you can hike to the top of the island for exceptional views or enjoy a panga ride.
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Prepare to see land iguanas on Santa Cruz’s Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill). Pintail ducks and pink flamingos may greet you as well. On the following stop, sea lions and pelicans gather on the beautiful red sand beach of Rábida, which is also one of the tour’s top snorkeling sites. Kayak and panga rides are available, too.
EXPLORE
AN EYE–OPE NIN JOUR NEY G
The expertise Your guides will lead groups of no more than 12 on each island, so you’ll have personal access to their knowledge. This expedition ship only enlists guides who are Class II or Class III naturalists. The ease From fully vetting the cruise provider to helping arrange your pre- and post-trip accommodations and internal flights, we’ve made it easy for you to experience this remote and unique part of the world.
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THE INSPIR ATO PORTFOLIO
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Sea lions lounge and play around the white sand beach of Gardner Bay, where today’s journey begins. Then it’s on to Punta Suárez on Española Island, one of the most popular sites on the entire trip. The area’s isolation has led to a high proportion of endemic fauna, as well as rare finches and the only population of albatrosses on the planet. 9
The day begins in the gorgeous marine site of Black Turtle Cove, for a panga ride through salt-water inlets frequented by sea turtles, sharks and rays. At midday you’ll travel back to Quito, where you can refresh that evening before your flight home the next day. We are glad to arrange ground transportation and accommodations in Quito.
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After a restful evening, you’ll likely board a morning flight for your return home.
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Today you’ll see ancient cave art on the walls of Tagus Cove before hiking to the top of a trail up Darwin Volcano. Later you’ll cruise through a wonderful mangrove ecosystem that is a refuge for sea turtles and rays.
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Fernandina offers some of the area’s most unique wildlife, with flightless cormorant, Galapagos snakes, marine iguanas, penguins and the Galapagos hawk all calling the island home. On the snorkeling or panga trips
• Please note that this is a sample itinerary. Itineraries are highly customizable so that members may choose the activities and destinations they prefer.
that follow, you may spot Nazca boobies, pelicans, swallow-tailed gulls and penguins.
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Adventure
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At the Charles Darwin Research Station, you will gain insight into the huge efforts being made by scientists, guides, rangers and park managers to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage Site.Perhaps the biggest treat, however, will be the opportunity to see the famous Galapagos giant tortoises in their natural habitat.
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THE INSPIR ATO PORTFOLIO
o
MACHU PICCHU
PERU
Adventure
Our custom Peru Experience – featuring the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Cusco and Machu Picchu – introduces you to the South American country’s rich cultural history, friendly locals and stunning scenery. Set in the beautiful Andes Mountains, Peru has strong Inca and Spanish influences, and the country is teeming with jawdropping ruins and historical enchantments. Learn about past civilizations and view awe-inspiring artifacts that are thousands of years old, all while surrounded by nature at its finest. Set your heart pumping with outdoor adventures such as hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding, or choose to relax and enjoy the views. Dine in luxury on Peruvian delicacies and get up close and personal with ingredients and local dishes while shopping at a traditional market and participating in a cooking demonstration. Personal hosts and expert guides escort you through every step of your trip, ensuring five-star service and an unforgettable experience.
In addition to our Peru experience, you can add to your trip by taking an excursion to the lush Amazon jungle or exploring the three-million-year-old, freshwater Lake Titicaca.
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SOU TH AME RIC AN CH A R MS
HIGHLIGHTS Expert Private Guide
With the help of a private, English-speaking guide, immerse yourself in the diverse and fascinating culture of the Andean people, experiencing local food, religion and art.
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When you arrive at Lima’s international airport, your personal host will greet you and assist you with check-in at Costa del Sol, a comfortable accommodation conveniently located directly across from the airport.
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After a short flight to Cusco and a private transfer to the Sacred Valley, you will enjoy a homemade Peruvian lunch and breathtaking views at the Hacienda Huayoccari, a working farm in the heart of Sacred Valley. Venture into Incan history on a private horseback riding tour and hop on a mountain bike to explore the Maras salt flats and learn about ruins in Moray. You will sleep well at Sol y Luna, a peaceful lodge in a gorgeous, natural setting.
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Take in spectacular views of the Andes and of vibrant villages before arriving at Machu Picchu. You may elect to arrive at Machu Picchu via the luxurious Hiram Bingham train, or you can take a train to Kilometer 104 and hike the last portion of the Inca Trail with your guide. You can choose to do as much or as little hiking as you desire, and you may also participate in a private meditation ceremony performed by a Paco (Andean Shaman). Stay at the luxurious Machu Picchu Inkaterra Hotel, which boasts beautiful gardens and a glasswalled restaurant.
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Travel by train and private transfer to Cusco, where your knowledgeable guide will take you on a tour around the Sacsayhuaman ruins and you will indulge in nouveau-Andean cuisine. Choose fresh ingredients from a traditional market in preparation for your private Peruvian cooking demonstration.
Explore the Plaza de Armas, Qoricancha, the Museum of Religious Art and the Archbishop’s Palace. Sleep comfortably at La Casona, a converted 16th century manor house.
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Meet local artisans at San Blas Square or dine on a decadent Peruvian lunch served in an open-air patio before traveling to Lima and boarding your international flight home. • Please note that this is a sample itinerary. Itineraries are highly customizable so that members may choose the activities and destinations they prefer.
Adventure
Itinerary - 8 Days
New World Wonders Discover the Inca civilization through the many ruins, ranging from Machu Picchu, one of the most aweinspiring archeological sites in the Americas, to Sacsayhuaman, an ancient battlefield. Personal Luxury Packed with variety along with private tours at each destination and luxurious accommodations, your entire Peruvian experience provides a variety of activities to explore the Andean landscape.
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THE INSPIR ATO PORTFOLIO
PATAGONIA
o Adventure
Our Patagonia Experience whisks you into the primitive terrain and rich culture of Chile. Experience the allure and wonder of pristine nature while enjoying sustainable eco-tourism that blends serene comfort, rustic elegance and Patagonian authenticity. Amid such outdoor beauty, there are numerous activities that cater to every skill and experience level. Consider world-class fly fishing, horseback riding with a Gaucho (traditional Patagonian horsemen) guide, touring regions that are only accessible by helicopter, kayaking to a colony of sea lions, or learning about local Patagonian traditions such as weaving and mate, or engaging in community service projects like helping teach an English class or tending an organic garden. Despite your remote location, your comfortable accommodations are equipped with luxurious amenities and private, ensuite bathrooms. While you are focused on adventure, the local hospitality team takes care of every detail, including preparing delicious food, serving fine Chilean wine, and ensuring each guest is happy and comfortable.
EXPLORE R UG G E D PATAGONIA
HIGHLIGHTS The natural wonders From scenic river valleys, spectacular lake frontages and soaring glacier-covered volcanoes – to fjords, verdant forests and unspoiled wildlife habitats – Patagonia is a wonderland for outdoorsmen and nature enthusiasts.
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The adventures Get to know Patagonia while horseback riding, river floating, fly fishing, mountain biking, kayaking, hiking, participating in a scientific study or learning new skills on a photo safari. The world-class guides are experts in outdoor fun. The simple convenience We take care of all the details, customize your trip to your desires, provide the best outdoor gear and equipment for you to use, and bilingual guides and experienced professionals ensure your fun and safety. All you have to do is show up.
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CHILE
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When you arrive at the Santiago International Airport, a representative will greet you and show you to your domestic flight or transfer. Spend the night in either Santiago or Puerto Montt.
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From Puerto Montt, hop on a charter flight that will take you to your final destination. The on-site team will welcome you with hors d’oeuvres and a Chilean Pisco Sour cocktail before you relax
in a wood-fired hot tub. The next morning, walk through the El Tigre trail and visit ancient forests. Enjoy lunch in the Quincho (a traditional Chilean barbecue area) and then gallop on horseback to explore Thunder Hill. Hike, fly fish or float on the river. Each day, the head guide will meet with you to review the excursion options for the following day, along with lunch and dinner choices.
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Hike around Valle California in the morning and then board a charter plane in Palena and fly to Melimoyu. Once in Melimoyu, guests will have the rest of the afternoon to meet the Expeditions Team and plan the second half of their trip. Relax at Casa Bahía, a renovated homesteader’s house.
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Kayak to Melimoyu village, spot rare birds and then take a helicopter ride. Boat through the fjords of coastal Patagonia while taking pictures of sea birds, dolphins, and if it is February or March, the southern hemisphere’s whale migration season, you may spot orcas and blue whales.
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Take a charter plane to Puerto Montt and connect with a domestic flight to Santiago, Chile. Overnight in Santiago before your international flight home or continue on to your next destination.
Adventure
Itinerary - 10 Days
• Please note that this is a sample itinerary. Itineraries are highly customizable so that members may choose the activities and destinations they prefer.
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building the portfolio
PERFECTION An inside look at the meticulous process of choosing destinations and properties for the Inspirato portfolio. By MINDY SINK
orking from the premise that time is the greatest luxury— “free” time to spend with family and friends in a beautiful location—Inspirato strives to create hassle-free, memorable vacations for members. “It’s tremendously important, as people want to live in the moment of collecting more memories than stuff,” says Brian Corbett who, as Chief Experience Officer for Inspirato, is charged with selecting and securing future properties. “They want to spend on things that increase in value over time, such as their memories and the stories they retell.” In order to save members time in planning a memorable trip, Inspirato does all of the legwork. “When it comes to experiential travel and travel with families, people want to get out of their comfort zone a little bit without sacrificing things like comfort and security,” says Corbett. He rattles off just a short list of Inspirato’s destinations, including “an incredible safari in Africa, an expedition in the Galapagos Islands, a tour of
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Machu Picchu and a visit to a dude ranch in Colorado.” They’re the sorts of places that don’t scream “comfort,” but do call to mind issues such as security or navigability. So how does Inspirato manage to find luxurious properties replete with views, modern kitchens and more, in outstanding locales, sometimes off the beaten path, while maintaining their high standards? “It’s actually quite logical and quite methodical,” explains Corbett. “We think about it in a top-down fashion, like a funnel, where we start out very broad and then get very narrow.” The first thing to consider is the lifestyle—is it the beach, is it the mountains, is it wine, is it golf, is it experiential, and so on. The majority of members tend to prefer spending their time on or near beaches, he says. Once the lifestyle aspect is established, the funnel begins to narrow ever so slightly as they look at accessibility: How easy is it for members to get in and out, is there an East Coast and a West Coast balance, and more. “We’re keeping a balance of
where members live, and where members want to go,” he says. In addition, the brand cachet of a location is taken into account. “Aspen, Vail, Cabo, and Miami are all destinations that have brand cachet that our members want to go home and tell their friends about going there,” Corbett explains. The next factor is the allimportant issue of security and stability. “We’re not sending our members to any place that is unsafe or perceived as unsafe,”
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he says. “It’s an important consideration for us and there are places that we won’t go.” As the funnel narrows, the destination becomes more specific. A member might express an interest in Florida’s northwestern Panhandle, which would be somewhere between Panama City and Destin. Inspirato would narrow the ideal vacation spot to someplace more luxurious and desirable, such as Rosemary Beach or Seaside. “Our choices are
The Blue Sky residence in Vail, far left, commands views of the slopes. Casa de Lujo in Los Cabos, Mexico, has full access to the Esperanza resort’s amenities.
We take all of the guesswork out of planning their vacation with their friends and family, so there are only pleasant surprises.
based on quality, consistency of infrastructure, location and views, proximity to airports,” says Corbett. This is when they begin to look at the specific properties in the selected destinations. “I have the pleasure of managing the teams of individuals that oversee everything that touches the members,” he says, noting that he has personally traveled to all 50 states and six of the seven continents. These teams select and contract for the private homes as well as maintain relationships with owners, review resort amenities, establish relationships with
housekeeping and more. “We think of it as a subdestination,” Corbett explains. If a member wants to go to Aspen, Inspirato staff members find out if they want a ski-in, ski-out property, to be in downtown Aspen, on the mountain, in Snowmass, and other considerations specific to the member and their family. The teams review hundreds of options before selecting those that their members can use. “Location is the first thing we look at,” Corbett says. “Also, proximity to key amenities is important. Can you see the river? Is there ski access, or
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a shuttle to skiing? Is there a view? These are all important in terms of location. The beauty of our model is that every home can be different and unique— we don’t have a one-sizefits-all approach to selecting properties.” And the assortment of properties they have selected around the world are perfect for vacationing couples, groups of 20, or every size in between. What remains consistent with all of the properties, whether they are in Hawaii, Tortola, Provence or Idaho, is that they are of good quality construction, with modern finishes, brandname appliances, high-quality furnishings that are not overly personal, and stateof-the-art technology. “We have an extensive checklist, and ultimately, we ask, ‘Will members love this home and is it a good value?’” Corbett explains. Essentially, they eliminate what Corbett calls “vacation roulette,” which is a game of daring chances. “Our mission is to be the leader in luxury travel by obsessing in equal parts about experience and value,” he says. “We take all of the guesswork out of planning their vacation with their friends and family so there are only pleasant surprises.”
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MY INSPIR ATO
Inspirato understands the majesty of time together, and the value of the memories it will create. By NANCY CLARK
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ome September, elementary students will be asked to answer the perennial question of the generations: How did you spend your summer vacation? Their answers will tell so much more than longitude and latitude. They will chronicle something deeper, something soulful, something defining. Travel does that. Even the youngest traveler is transformed by the adventure of escaping
the everyday to experience something new. And to that end: Inspirato’s Personal Vacation Advisors don’t just plan a trip; they curate a journey beginning with understanding the purpose of the trip in the first place. Whether it’s the ideal beach destination for a multigenerational family reunion … a safari deep into Kenya for the active family adventure of a lifetime … a Camelot-worthy jaunt to St.
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Barts to propose a life together … all tempt on Inspirato.com. The real value of Inspirato membership is the service, according to Holly Bryan, the club’s lead Personal Vacation Advisor. “Once our members have traveled with us, they get it,” she says. The exemplary consistency of the residences, insider tips that Inspirato PVAs contribute, the on-theground touch of the Destination Concierge—all are part of the
Three new Inspirato destinations sure to create lifelong memories for the entire family
{ CRUSHING ON TORTOLA } The largest of the British Virgin Islands, Tortola is a sanctuary from the maddening crowd. Inhabitants keep the English tradition of afternoon tea and keep their distance when they spot a celebrity. Paparazzi are not tolerated here, something to keep in mind seeing that Sir Richard Branson’s private island, Necker Island, is a hop and a skip from Tortola’s international airport on Beef Island. Inspirato’s two new properties on Tortola proffer up 360-degree perspectives. Frenchman’s Paradise on the West End is carved into the mountainside with unobstructed views and an infinity pool. It sleeps six and is the ideal destination for couples traveling together. Frenchman’s Outlook is perched on the highest point of the island and sleeps 10. From this vantage point, privacy is impervious. Inspirato’s Personal Vacation Advisors recommend guests on Tortola rent a car to handily get around the island’s friendly two-lane roadways, roads less traveled than most anyplace else on Earth.
{ A Quaint Coastal Retreat } When Herman Melville penned Moby Dick in the mid-1800s, Nantucket was the reference point. This destination colony is 14 miles long and 3.5 miles wide, just 27 miles out to sea off of southern Massachusetts. Grey Ladies, the shingle-clad cottages, rub shoulders with historic, white clapboard Victorian residences crowned with widow’s walks (where island myth has it that captains’ wives paced as they scanned the horizon for the safe return of their husbands, some of whom never made it back). Quaint streets here have names like Main, Center and Front, and the inhabitants are known as native islanders; visitors are “washashores.” Harbor Haven, Shearwater and Whitesail are three quintessential New England properties added to the Inspirato group in early 2012. Harbor Haven is a 10,000-square-foot compound that sleeps 16 and overlooks water inlets and a virtually endless stretch of grassy shoreline. Shearwater features a picturesque view of Nantucket Harbor on one side and a large expanse of backyard to enjoy all to your own on the other. Whitesail is situated at the heart of Nantucket—close in so that guests can jaunt to the bakery for fresh-out-of-the-oven pastries at daybreak or scour the plentiful boutiques for travel mementos all afternoon. Bicycle everywhere on the island. Go clamming. Relish the fresh lobster at one of the multistar restaurants. Or stay in and let Inspirato’s very own chef prepare your dinner tableside.
{ ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH } privilege of membership. Throughout 2012, Inspirato will add a treasure chest of 180 new destination residences to its portfolio—all possibilities for you or your family’s summer vacation … or fall, or winter, or spring getaways. You see, the Inspirato classroom is open year-round, the student age range is newborn to 100—and every student will have something memorable to write about when asked: How did you spend your summer vacation?
Once a year, Telluride townies celebrate the Nothing Festival, a weekend dedicated to absolutely nothing at all, a gentle respite from the season-long festivals held in this picturesque locale. Whether it’s a formal festival that draws you to Telluride or a desire to escape all demands on your schedule, the three homes Inspirato picked up in Telluride this year are the perfect landing place to pull that off. Gold Hill sleeps 16 and offers extraordinary convenience with its ski-in, ski-out accessibility. Wilson Ridge is entertainment central with a billiards table and pingpong table, plus beds for 15. And the Evergreen is ideal for family reunions with room for 10 to bunk down. Every ski town has its own personality and that is certainly true in Telluride. After a night or two at elevation, visitors find that they stroll vs. speed walk, the scent of pine needles is a year-round thing, not just noticeable when lighting holiday candles, and it doesn’t take long before guests shut off their cellphones and watch a sunset as if it’s an epic story in the making.
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Inspirato’s Personal Vacation Advisors will help your dream trip become a reality. By DIANA ROWE
I
f you’re a member,
you already know. Inspirato takes vacation travel to new heights with stunning properties in aweinspiring destinations and a level of personal service that is unrivaled in the industry. Behind this exemplary service is a team of dedicated and knowledgeable professionals who take your vacation experience personally. Meet your new BFF, the PVA. Every Inspirato family is assigned their own Personal Vacation Advisor (PVA), whose number one priority is to ensure a hassle-free and exceptional vacation experience. Whether your ideal vacation is a Colorado ski trip, a Caribbean beach getaway, or an African Safari, one simple phone call or email to your PVA will get you on the way. Not only will the PVAs tend to every planning detail, they will offer unique suggestions and ideas to enhance your trip and turn it into an unforgettable escape. Your Personal Vacation Advisor will customize your trip to a T by asking all the right questions and getting to know you and your family very closely. The devil of every vacation is in the details, and the Inspirato PVAs are meticulous about catering to your every need, without having to ask what you’re looking for. If you want the refrigerator stocked with organic food on arrival, consider it done. If you need a business office set up with laptop, printer and WiFi upon arrival, no sweat. By working closely with your family and understanding your needs, your own PVA will become the best travel buddy you’ve ever had. Here, we introduce three of the original, smiling, at-yourservice, inspiring Personal Vacation Advisors.
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“I’m your best friend and advocate, and if something isn’t perfect, I’m willing to crawl over my desk and make it right.”
rmed with a Hotel & Management degree, Holly Bryan has more than a decade of experience in the industry. With 32 cruises under her belt, her personal passion for travel combined with her hospitality and customer service experience allows her to offer
Inspirato members a distinctly higher level of customer service. “I know how people travel and what they expect,” she says. “By asking the right questions and maintaining meticulous notes, we can anticipate what you need before asking. I have one member, no matter the season, who wants a humidifier in every
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HOLLY BRYAN
room. And it is – every time!” “Every destination has its personal concierge,” says Holly, “but Inspirato members only have one PVA. We’re better than a travel agent. I’m your best friend and advocate, and if something isn’t perfect, I’m willing to crawl over my desk and make it right.”
AT YOUR SERVICE
iley Bonenfant brings a unique perspective to the vacation-planning process, and likes to involve the kids. She takes great pride in what she does and helps to exceed families’ expectations. For one of her members, Kiley always arranges delivery of a piano to the residence, so their daughter can practice while on vacation. For Kiley, creating that perfect vacation includes bringing the member’s entire family into the
KILEY BONENFANT
indsey Maciejewski is a memory maker and adds a special touch to every trip she helps plan. For example, when a member traveled to Tuscany for his 60th birthday, Lindsey worked behindthe-scenes with his wife to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience. After returning from a meal at a local Italian restaurant, the couple returned to their Inspirato residence for a surprise: an opera singer gifting him with a private performance in his living room! “I’m a member’s first contact when planning a vacation,” says Lindsey. “My goal is to get to know you personally and so completely that when you call me I will already intuitively know your perfect vacation destination.” According to Lindsey, the perfect vacation begins and ends with the details. Start with your Inspirato destination concierge waiting for you at the airport. Open the door to your amazing accommodations and discover a pitcher of margaritas with a bowl of chips and salsa when landing in Mexico. For your ski vacation, forget about standing in lines. Your lift tickets are in an envelope on your kitchen table. Inspirato even offers providers to fit skis in your residence and transport them to the ski locker. “A vacation is about making memories,” adds Lindsey. “Your Inspirato PVA is there to help arrange a stress-free vacation from beginning to end.”
planning process. “It’s not just the parent’s vacation; it’s also the kids,” she says. “Part of that process includes bringing the children into the conversation to add input on where to go and what to do on their vacation.” Kiley plans to create an interactive program that gets kids involved with vacation planning at Inspirato. Future ideas include adding an online kid-friendly section for families to explore their vacation possibilities together.
lindsey maciejewski
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FR EQUENTLY A SK ED QUESTIONS
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YOU HAVE QUESTIO NS, WE HAVE ANSWERS .
WHAT EXACTLY IS INSPIRATO? Family. Friends. Vacations. Inspirato has revolutionized the way luxury travelers spend quality vacation time with their family and friends. Inspirato is neither a rental agent nor a villa broker; it’s a members-only luxury destination club.
control of its luxury residences via long-term contracts. This model allows the club to have complete control of the homes’ interiors, maintenance, and service. Because Inspirato has a built-in membership base, the company eliminates the 40 to 50 percent fee that homeowners typically pay to market their high-end properties. The company passes the savings, and more, to its members.
How does Inspirato make vacation planning easier?
While other destination clubs and time-share options have complicated rules and restrictions, Inspirato keeps it simple. Members may travel as much or as little as they like, even during peak demand periods such as holidays, and pay only for nights they use. Finally, the company ensures excellent year-round availability by maintaining an occupancy rate of 50 percent. If by chance an Inspirato destination is full during a time that a member wishes to travel, the company curates alternate accommodations as an included service of membership.
why is inspirato’s upfront fee a tiny fraction of other clubs’ fees?
Inspirato leases versus owning its properties. Inspirato contracts with homeowners, resorts and developers to control multimillion dollar residences an average lease of more than three years. By using this structure, the company pays about 97 percent less than if it were to purchase the assets directly. This innovative structure preserves the quality of the member’s experience
How does inspirato differ from traditional villa rental?
Inspirato is a private club, not a rental broker. Unlike vacation rental agents who broker other peoples’ homes, Inspirato takes complete
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while avoiding the six figure up-front fees that are common amongst other luxury vacation club options. In addition, Inspirato can quickly add destinations and experiences based upon member demand and travel trends – something traditional destination clubs cannot do. How does inspirato differ from a fractional club?
Inspirato is flexible. Inspirato requires no long-term commitment, allows members to travel as much or as little as they wish each year, and does not require complex rules or trading to secure high-demand reservations. Inspirato is not a deeded investment that must be sold upon exit, nor does it require hundreds of thousands of dollars upfront to join. Inspirato provides the best features of fractional clubs: Such as service, amenities and resort access, but without the limitations and six figure initiation fees.
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FR EQUENTLY A SK ED QUESTIONS
With homes all over the world, how can Inspirato ensure highquality standards?
Inspirato’s founders, management and investors have extensive experience in delivering world-class vacations in a variety of locations. Brent and Brad Handler, the founders and former president/CEO of Exclusive Resorts, are co-founders of Inspirato. During their tenure at Exclusive Resorts, the Handler brothers amassed a portfolio of more than $1 billion in luxury real estate and delivered tens of thousands of vacations to their members. In addition, with Inspirato’s long-term leasing strategy, the company is able to maintain complete control over each member’s experience and the quality of every residence, year round.
How does somebody become a member?
Inspirato employs a staff of membership advisors who are available anytime to discuss the membership evaluation process. Please call 888-5465008, or you can simply join online with a credit card.
what exactly do we get for THE initiation fee?
how does the reservation process work?
Inspirato’s reservation process offers flexibility for members. The website displays availability for each destination, and reservations may be booked by selecting the property and paying online with a credit card. Payment is applied to the credit card at the time that the reservation is made. Nightly rates are priced to properly balance value and availability, so rates will be higher during peak times, and less during low and shoulder seasons.
Inspirato’s hand-selected luxury residences and vacation experiences are offered to members at nightly rates that are up to 50 percent off what can be typically found on the open market. no surprises
Each Signature residence is controlled by the club and operated at a five-star level. Inspirato residences have top quality linens, well-equipped kitchens, luxurious bath amenities, and leading edge technology. Most importantly, it feels like a member’s home…not someone else’s. resort amenities
What are the benefits of a Personal Vacation Advisor?
In most destinations, Inspirato members enjoy unrestricted access to a wide range of amenity options, including resort swimming pools, private workout facilities, spa, tennis, golf, and beach clubs.
A key benefit of an Inspirato membership is its team of Personal Vacation Advisors (PVAs). Every member family is assigned their own PVA. They develop personal relationships with their member families, and as a result, learn their preferences and enhance their vacation experiences. PVAs are available to answer any questions about Inspirato vacations (pre, during or post stay), make suggestions for future travel, and serve as the member’s advocate and service representative. They work for the member to ensure every Inspirato vacation is hassle-free and wonderful.
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members-only pricing
private club service experience
Inspirato members have their very own Personal Vacation Advisor to assist with vacation planning. Prior to each trip, and while in residence, Inspirato members have assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week from a Destination Concierge that takes care of everything.
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how will inspirato handle high-demand reservation periods, such as christmas week?
Because the Inspirato pricing model was built to maximize availability and member satisfaction, the times of year that are in the most demand command the highest nightly rates, and the times of year that are in the least demand command the lowest nightly rate. Additionally, because Inspirato’s reservation system requires members to pay for their vacations at the time of booking, and not pre-pay them at the beginning of the year, the club avoids the “feeding frenzy” found with other vacation clubs. If all portfolio homes happen to be booked in an Inspirato destination during a time that a member wishes to travel, Inspirato will source alternative vacation options at no additional charge to the member. how many days per year can members travel?
Members can travel as little or as often as they wish, and they can make reservations up to one year in advance.
What is Inspirato’s cancellation policy? Our cancellation policy is simple, straightforward and clearly defined. It eliminates the “hoarding” of reservations without penalty that are commonplace at other destination clubs. If a reservation is cancelled, the member will receive a partial travel credit and the amount of this credit is based on how far in advance the cancellation is made. A member can receive travel credits up to a maximum 95 percent of the vacation fee paid by the member.
how does the variable pricing work?
Inspirato’s revenue management software and team of analysts work to balance supply and demand through sophisticated and proven methods of market segmentation. This structure gives availability to members who can only travel during high season and weekends. It also caters to members who are more concerned about cost than they are about specific times of the year or days of the week. Inspirato uses nightly rates, as opposed to complex or restrictive rules, to balance supply at 50 percent occupancy.
What is the range in price and amenity access for properties in the Inspirato portfolio?
It’s important to Inspirato members that the homes be ideally located, comfortable and spacious. Each home has exceptional services and amenities. Additionally, many homes include access to luxury, five-star resort communities such as Esperanza in Los Cabos, Mexico and Pelican Hill in Newport Coast, California. Current estimated market value of homes in the Inspirato collection ranges from approximately $2 million to more than $10 million.
how do inspirato’s nightly rates compare to what members can find on their own?
Unlike vacation rental agents who simply broker other peoples’ homes, Inspirato takes complete control of its Signature Residences via long-term contracts. In turn, Inspirato eliminates the 40 to 50 percent fee that homeowners typically pay to market their high-end properties. The company helps increase occupancy from less than 30 percent on average to 50 percent. The resulting efficiency is passed on to members who are able to enjoy savings of up to 50 percent less than what they could negotiate on their own.
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SUMMER 2012 S INSPIR ATO.COM
THE GOOD LIFE
it pays to play When it’s all said and done, who are you really working for?
R
esignation mingled with euphoria when I heard my daughter describe to her friends what her daddy does for a living. She and her little trio of chums were busily cluttering the kitchen table with colorful scraps of construction paper while I was cluttering the nearby countertop with discarded wheat bread crusts that would have rendered peanut butter and jelly sandwiches inedible to the quartet of five-year-olds. It’s a conversation all children get around to, and I just happened to be standing there when the little redheaded neighbor girl brought it up. “What’s your daddy do? Mine helps sick people,” she beamed with estimable pride. They went right around in a little circle. “Mine fixes cars.” “He builds homes.” Then, in a matter-of-fact voice, my beloved daughter drove a stake through any remaining ambitions I’d nurtured that one day I would achieve something notable in my profession. What does her daddy do? “He plays with me.” My first thought was, “Man, how am I going to explain THAT to the IRS?” But it’s true. I’ve lost
INSPIR ATO M AGA ZINE S SUMMER 2012
track of the billable hours spent posing as a camel, a dragon and Wilbur the pig. Ever spent an afternoon on the poop deck of a whaling vessel fighting off pirates from Planet Tickle? I have. It doesn’t pay squat, but what I really get paid to do isn’t nearly as important. I have what we in the writing trade call “deadlines.” But that’s a hokey dramatization that should make wordsmiths ashamed. No one dies if my playing Barbies with the kid makes me a tad tardy turning in a story about the golf and gambling splendors of Biloxi, Mississippi.
Men and women in the armed services have deadlines. Surgeons have deadlines. We all like to think that what we do for a living is important—and often it is. But it’s simply not as important as spending time with our children or the spiritual home duties that no one in their right mind would ever outsource.
And so I wondered, dishing out the carefully squared crust-free PB&Js, did that innocent declaration from my little girl indicate mediocrity in my profession? Or was it a sign of great success in my chosen career? Anyone bestowed with a kernel of professional ambition is, by middle age, on a uniform march to do better, earn more, and build a legacy that
“You ever spent an afternoon on the poop deck of a whaling vessel fighting off pirates from Planet Tickle?”
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others will admire. Me too. But the odds of us accomplishing anything historic are long and stacked against us. Who among us will be remembered by anyone other than our loved ones 100 years hence? Fifty? Twenty-five? That ought not depress. It ought to liberate. Where are our priorities in the everyday hustle and bustle? How do we choose to spend our time, our energy, our passion? From where does this misconception come that career is king? Here’s a test: Ask ten people, “Hey, how’ve you been?” All ten will respond with some variation of, “Man, I’ve been busy!” As if being otherwise violates the very laws of nature. If that’s the case, then consider me an outlaw in every sense of the word. That’s right: I’m a wanted man. Just ask my daughter. She’s coming down the stairs now. She has her Barbie dolls. That means it’s time for me to end this little diversion, shut the lid on the laptop and disengage my brain from striving for coherent thoughts and structured sentences. It’s time for me to get back to work.
ILLUSTRATION BY VIN GANAPATHY
By Chris Rodell
THE MEMBERS-ONLY
LUXURY DESTINATION CLUB
Inspirato.com
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888-546-5008