CURATED Magazine by Exclusive Resorts • Summer 2018 by Exclusive Resorts

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In Focus

Summer 2018

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear ... Eleven Experience’s Deplar Farm celebrates the best of Iceland and the unforgettable aurora borealis.

“Yow!” exclaims my heli-ski guide as he grins and drops into a summit-to-sea descent on the Troll Peninsula in northern Iceland. The Icelandic “yes!” quickly becomes our slang of choice while tackling epic ski and snowboard descents with Eleven Experience. Opened April 2016, Deplar Farm is a converted sheep farm turned 12-guestroom (plus a large bunkroom for the kiddos) retreat designed by the lauded No. 12 Interiors. Boutique in size yet significant in visual impact, the property fills what has been an obvious gap in Iceland’s luxury hospitality industry. Whether visiting Deplar to fish exclusive salmon beats, heli-ski, or lasso a family horseback outing, Iceland’s penchant for play promises memories in the making. Come evening, dine on authentic cuisine by the resort’s in-house private chefs. The swim-through, outdoor-indoor infinity pool is the ideal perch for glimpsing the brilliant Northern Lights (optimal viewing is late September to late March, though some have spied them in August and April). Natural geothermic heat exchanges mineral-dense arctic spring water to the pool, surrounded by 3,000-foot Icelandic peaks. And don’t miss Deplar’s spa. The “cones”—two cutting-edge sensory deprivation tanks—quickly combat jet lag, sports recovery, and sleep deprivation. Members can now experience the country’s rich fishing history and unique culture during the new fournight, five-day “Iceland: Nordic Adventure Unbound” Adventure. Deplar Farm has its own team of guides who specialize in fishing and get-after-it outdoor adventure. During summer, take guided evening hikes and head to the North Atlantic for whale watching and beach picnics. — exclusiveresorts.com/iceland 2

CURATED

Courtesy of Eleven Experience

written by erin lentz

CURATED / Summer 2018

Summer 2018

Contents

FEATURES

Singita Adventure, By Land Known as the “place of miracles,” Singita’s quest for preservation while celebrating the best of the bush is anchored in a prescient 100-year conservation plan.

76 The World, By Sea The World is more than a city at sea—it’s an exclusive gateway to the farthest corners of the earth.

84 Photo Essay, By Air Take a trip around the world via remarkable aerial imagery celebrating an authentic sense of place and Exclusive Resorts’ expanding global portfolio.

Courtesy of Singita

Scotland, By Train Travel from Edinburgh to Dundee aboard Belmond Royal Scotsman, and discover landscapes and cultures rich in personality and panache.

CURATED

ON THE COVER An aerial glimpse of The Bahamas. photograph by denys nevozhai

Contents

DEPARTMENTS

2, 38 Iceland p.

p. 48, 94 Scotland

32 p. 18 Vail Chicago

16 Aspen p.

40 Miraval p.

60 Maui p.

p. 49, 51 Real del Mar, Mexico

30 Kohala Coast p.

p. 44 Maine 46 New York p. 20, 51 Sea Island

p. 24 San Sebastian

76 The World, Residences at Sea p.

49 London p. 25 Vienna p.

italy

Amalfi Coast, p. 24 Florence p. 25 Lake Como, p. 25 p. 54 Morocco p. 24 Egypt

49 Japan p.

caribbean

Abaco, p. 28 Anguilla p. 12, 58 Nevis, p. 31 St. Barth’s, p. 59 Turks & Caicos, p. 59 Virgin Gorda, p. 59

p. 50, 104 Costa Rica

17 Fiji

. 36, 64 South Africa p

20 Antarctica p.

INSIDER 14

Trailblazer Behind the scenes with CEO of Auberge Resorts Collection, Craig Reid.

Iconoclast Kimbal Musk’s Big Green is inspiring a national school food movement.

SCENE 28

Par & Play Professional golfer Darren Clarke considers The Abaco Club on Winding Bay his island hideaway. Women’s Style Simon Doonan curates fabulous fashion picks for adventures at sea.

Member Vetted ER Members David and Alan Axelrod journey to Antarctica.

Resort Report The Cloister Hotel at Sea Island, Georgia, is reimagined.

Men’s Style Alpine inspired menswear elevates a summer sojourn.

Remember When Members Robert and Michele Walker discover Egypt’s enchanting culture.

Jet Set Fashion meets function with jet-setting must haves.

Little Luxe Safari fashion finds and accessories for traveling kiddos.

Postcards From ER’s trip leads reveal top takeaways from scouting the 2018 European Villa Collection.

Adventurist Helicopter access to offthe-grid locales.

Unplugged Discover utterly out-there wellness experiences.

SAVOR

CULTURED

Top Tables Table-hopping in Maine just got tastier.

Art of Travel The debut of Musée Yves Saint Laurent in Marrakech.

The Dish In the kitchen with Chef Thomas Keller.

Culture GPS Book It! Top picks for in-flight reads.

Cheers This summer, gin is the handcrafted cocktail of choice.

Gift of Travel The Caribbean’s next chapter.

ER Inspired Member foodie favorites to share with family and friends.

In Focus

Contributors

Letter from the Editor

Fathom Deplar Farm, Iceland.

60 Insider

Maui’s food truck scene is oh so succulent.

104 Bucket List

The DeBloom family returns from Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica.

CURATED / Summer 2018

Contents

CONTRIBUTORS

DAVID AXELROD

MARK ELLWOOD

JIMMY IM

David Axelrod, who writes about a father-son Journey to Antarctica, is a professional fine art photographer and travel author. His print studio, 2STRAWS, aims to capture the essence of mindful travel: joy, beauty, and exploration. David is habitually on the hunt for “the shot” and the story. Follow his adventures on Instagram @2straws.

Mark Ellwood reveals top cocktails in “Gineration X” and has lived out of a suitcase for most of his adult life. He writes for the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and Condé Nast Traveler, where he is a contributing editor. He’s interviewed the world’s oldest supermodel, trekked to a $10 billion art island in rural Japan, and spent a weekend in an all-psychic town. Mark is the author of Bargain Fever: How to Shop in a Discounted World, which explores our culture’s snowballing obsession with deals and discounts, from Prada to Primark.

Jimmy Im has traveled to 114 countries and has most likely stayed at more luxury hotels than any person on this planet. He writes regularly for such national publications as Conde Nast Traveler, Robb Report, Hollywood Reporter, and New York Post, and he also appears on morning and evening news shows as a travel expert. Jimmy is based in NYC where he runs a luxury travel lifestyle site travelbinger.com.

p. 18

Bucket List Trip Gorilla trekking in Rwanda Happiest When I’m in Greece, reading a first edition. Tools of the Trade Sony A7RII

p. 48

Bucket List Trip I just checked off Bucket List #1 with a Japan trip during cherry blossom season. Now I’m eyeballing a trip to the Azores. Recent Foodie Find Bornholm in Denmark. This island, just an hour or so flight from Copenhagen, is Nordic cuisine’s secret weapon. I Write Best When It’s early in the morning. There’s nothing more inspiring than an espresso, scrambled eggs, and a bright, early, sunny summer morning.

CURATED / Summer 2018

SOCIAL STUDIES An Exclusive Resorts Member posts his view of Banderas Bay from his private Real Del Mar, Mexico, residence. Post your Exclusive Resorts vacation on Instagram and connect with the Club. @ExclusiveResorts

p. 14

Bucket List Trip Iceland. I can’t believe I haven’t been yet! Favorite Auberge Resort Calistoga Ranch Interview Wish List Neil deGrasse Tyson

CURATED ONLINE Like what you’re reading? Visit our interactive digital platform for additional photo galleries, stories, Member interviews, and videos from destinations around the globe. curated.exclusiveresorts.com

EXCLUSIVE RESORTS Exclusive Resorts is the world’s leading luxury travel club. Members access a Collection of hand-selected residences across more than 70 global destinations. Where will you “Create Your Next Remember When®”? ExclusiveResorts.com 844.541.2714

M A G A Z I N E

EDITORIAL editor in chief erin lentz creative director justin parnell

editor at large

jen murphy

copy editor sarah asquith contributing fashion editor

karen larrain

exclusive resorts chief executive officer cathy ross senior vice president, marketing hayden mugford vice president, sales rachel regan

marketing specialist stephanie simons

contributors David Axelrod, Amiee White Beazley, Simon Doonan, Mark Ellwood, Michael Frank, Jimmy Im, Karen Larrain, Jen Murphy, Andrew Sessa, Rob Story, Clara Woodbridge editorial inquiries Queries must be submitted with self-addressed, stamped envelopes. Publisher is not responsible or liable for return or safekeeping of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photographs, or other materials. info@curated-mag.com

©2018 TAG Media. CURATED Magazine is published two times a year. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any material in this publication without publisher’s permission is strictly prohibited. For copies, customer service, or to exhibit or distribute at a business, please inquire at erin@tagmediaaspen.com. TAG Media 418 E Cooper; Suite 207B; Aspen, CO 81611 Exclusive Resorts Club Management 1515 Arapahoe Street; Tower 3, Suite 500; Denver, CO 80202 For Membership information and opportunities, call: United States: 844.541.2714; International: 303.226.4900 Advertisement herein for any product or service does not constitute or imply its endorsement,

Club Membership is subject to terms and conditions of Club Membership agreement. Different terms and conditions apply to different purchases. Reservations for specific days, destinations and events subject to availability. Experience Collection vacations, certain services, amenities and other member benefits may require additional fees, may have limited availability and are subject to additional terms and conditions. Magazine content is for informational purposes only; the Club disclaims any warranty or representation of any kind; stories do not constitute the Club’s endorsement of any cause or program. See exclusiveresorts.com for more information. Exclusive Resorts and the Exclusive Resorts flower logo are registered trademarks of Exclusive Resorts, LLC. ©2018, Exclusive Resorts, LLC. All rights reserved.

Courtesy of Belmond

recommendation, or favoring by Exclusive Resorts, LLC or its affiliates.

CURATED

Letter from the Editor

— Below: Bucket list bliss at Singita’s Sasakwa Lodge, located in the Grumeti Reserves in northern Tanzania.

hen I arrive to Kenya and first set foot in Africa—which has topped my bucket list for years—my colleague and globetrotting friend, Julia, tells me to stop in my tracks and set my luggage down. “Touch the soil,” she says. “Let it run through your fingers and smell the earth. You’ll want to remember this moment.” It’s moments like these—whether we dream of swimming with whale sharks in the Yucatán, vineyard-hopping in Burgundy on a river cruise, or game-driving in East Africa—that are pivotal. We prep, daydream, and research far-flung corners of the globe and anticipate long weekends exploring summer escapes closer to home. Yet nothing can fully prepare an adventurist for the emotion of a bucket list check. Travel not only reveals new destinations, personalities, and perspectives, but also further connects us to our inner emotional landscape. Within the pages of this “By Land, By Sea, By Air” themed issue, I hope your curiosity is constantly teased. Travel aboard The World with Exclusive Resorts Member Stephanie Robinson (page 76), traverse the Highlands on Belmond Royal Scotsman (page 94), and get a birds-eye-view of Exclusive Resorts destinations (page 84). I’ll never forget witnessing an elephant birth in Tanzania while on safari with Singita (page 64). The unexpected can make travel the ultimate teacher. Yet when traveling with Exclusive Resorts, you can be certain your next authentic experience will be meticulously planned and seamlessly executed. I hope this issue inspires your next Remember When. Happy Travels,

ERIN LENTZ

erin@tagmediaaspen.com

CURATED / Summer 2018

B R E AT H E

YOGA + PILATES

SHOP

O2 FASHION

G L OW

THE OXYGEN SPA

NOURISH

SALADS + SNACKS

W E L L N E S S . E L E VAT E D . ACTIVEWEAR BRANDS > O2 Logowear • Artem • Adidas by Stella McCartney • Ultracor • Monrow • Spiritual Gangster • Alo • Splits 59 • Alala • Michi

N E W D O W N TO W N L O C AT I O N AT 4 0 8 S . M I L L S T. AS P E N

. 9 7 0 . 9 2 5 . 4 0 0 2 . O 2 AS P E N . C O M

Fathom

Turning the Tables in Anguilla With these cliff notes to Anguillan cuisine, island bliss is just a Caribbean flight away. written by jen murphy

breakfast

lunch

Longtime beachfront favorite Straw Hat rebuilt and reopened in record time, and its signature straw-hat lampshades look good as new. Start the day sipping coffee with your toes in the sand of Meads Bay, one of Anguilla’s prettiest beaches. The breakfast menu spans from healthy (homemade granola and yogurt) to indulgent (the Meads Bay omelet stuffed with local lobster and crayfish).

Veya stands apart for its dreamy location in a Balinese-inspired treehouse, set amidst tropical gardens on a hillside overlooking the sea. The menu infuses global flavors with local ingredients and offers plenty of vegetarian options, such as the Korean-glazed tofu with kimchi coleslaw and chickpea tabbouleh salad. Sister restaurant, Meze, a Moroccan-themed lounge with handcrafted cocktails and Mediterranean-inspired small plates, recently reopened this spring.

CURATED / Summer 2018

Courtesy of Four Seasons Resort & Residences Anguilla

Anguilla has long reigned as the Caribbean’s top destination for food lovers. The Club’s four luxury, multi-level, four-bedroom villas have a coveted address at the Four Seasons Anguilla, which recently re-opened after months of restoration due to the impact of Hurricane Irma. Anguilla suffered significant damage from last fall’s storm, and while institutions such as CuisinArt Resort, Belmond Cap Juluca, Blanchard’s, and Dune Preserve beach bar remain shuttered, the majority of the island’s resorts and 100-plus restaurants have bounced back and are open for business. Here, a 24-hour cheat sheet to the best island eats.

— Left: The breezy, dare-toleave-me Sunset Lounge at the Four Seasons Anguilla.

happy hour Toast the sunset with a potent rum punch at Elvis’ Beach Bar. The Sandy Ground staple was one of the first to reopen after Irma. Nachos topped with slowcooked local goat and other Mexican-inspired snacks make for perfect pre-dinner nibbles.

dinner Set on a secluded stretch of sand on Crocus Bay, Da’Vida is considered one of Anguilla’s most romantic dining spots. The restaurant suffered significant damages from Hurricane Irma, yet its staff rallied to get the kitchen up and running quickly. Reservations are required to experience the Asian-inflected menu (think tamarind glazed scallops over black sesame soba noodles) and impressive wine list.

after-dinner cocktails The sexy, open-air Sunset Lounge at the Four Seasons Anguilla has an extensive collection of aged rums, vintage champagne, and Cuban cigars. Most nights you’ll find a DJ spinning mellow European and reggae-tinged tunes.

British West Indies With a chic resort scene, seato-fork cuisine, and unique local culture, the 16-mile-long Caribbean island of Anguilla is the ultimate year-round getaway. — exclusiveresorts.com/anguilla

CURATED

ISLAND HOMES •

BEACH

•

GOLF •

FISHING •

DINING • SPA

THE PERFECT ANTIDOTE FOR MODERN-DAY LIFE. The Abaco Club isn’t a resort. It’s a private, international sporting club and community in The Bahamas. We invite you to discover our luxurious island homes, Scottish-style links golf course, powder-soft 2.5 mile beach, spa, world-class flats and deep-sea fishing, and more. The Abaco Club has everything you need to leave the world behind. Visit for a week and you may decide to stay for a lifetime.

www.TheAbacoClub.com

BOOK YOUR VISIT TODAY: CALL +1 242-367-0077, EMAIL INFO@THEABACOCLUB.COM, OR VISIT THEABACOCLUB.COM

Courtesy of Auberge Resorts & Hotels

INSIDER

Trailblazer • Iconoclast • Member Vetted • Resort Report • Remember When

Entrée to Auberge New to the Hotel Collection, Auberge Resorts’ Nanuku in Fiji and Hotel Jerome in Aspen celebrate a stylish sense of place. page 14

CURATED

Insider

Trailblazer

— Left: Aspen’s Hotel Jerome, which opened in 1889, is a historical landmark. Opposite: Nanuku, located on Pacific Harbour in Fiji, is one of the newest additions to ER’s Hotel Collection.

how does auberge resorts collection most inspire you? The niche Auberge represents is intimate luxury properties. The Harmon family did a lovely job curating Auberge, and what I bring to the table, with the support of our owner, Dan Friedkin, is experience growing a brand and company, and protecting the beautiful qualities that make Auberge and its properties truly one of a kind. We almost tripled in size in the past four years. We have great momentum and opportunities keep coming our way.

Point of View As the CEO of Auberge Resorts Collection, Craig Reid helms a boutique brand destined to become a household name. interview by jimmy im

Nobody knows luxury quite like Craig Reid. As the former president of hotel operations (Americas) for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Reid has traveled the world extensively, ensuring the brand remained first-class in the hotel landscape. Today, as CEO of Auberge Resorts Collection—with a portfolio of a dozen properties and new ones in the pipeline—he’s helming an inspired direction for the luxury boutique brand. Here, Reid discusses Auberge’s growth, travel trends, and street tacos. 14

CURATED / Summer 2018

We’re responding to where travelers want to go, and we’re small and agile enough so we can do it a lot faster than everybody else. A trend and theme I’ve come across with guests is they seek a handcrafted, sincere product, along with discovery and experiential travel. Guests want understated refinement. They don’t want opulence. The guests we pursue want friendly people who are accessible and responsive but not overbearing. They want a craft experience to themselves, and we facilitate that with less formality and great sense of place. We’re very bold in design. We like to pick designers who do both hotels and residential work to create a home away from home in an intimate space and setting. The fact that our hotels are small automatically creates a sense of intimacy. It enables us to form lasting relationships with guests.

Courtesy of Auberge Resorts & Hotels

how is auberge changing the way luxury travelers experience hotels?

what are major luxury travel trends you’ve noticed for 2018? First, sincere experiences that are unique to the setting and aren’t overly manipulated. Depending on the destination, at many of our properties you’ll find beautiful vegetable gardens, where guests can meet the gardener and pick fresh vegetables. There’s nothing like taking out a carrot and knowing it’s going to be on your plate for dinner. At Calistoga Ranch, you can collect eggs from the coop and have them for breakfast. These are automatic Instagrammable moments. Another trend is informality. One example is the taco bar at Chileno Bay (Cabo). It’s local, with a corrugated roof, bottles on a big table, lots of tequila, and cold beer. It’s become a huge gathering spot for guests and neighbors. It’s a bit bohemian with the right amount of chic. Multi-generational travel is also big. We’re designing hotels with residences and/or suites connecting multiple rooms. We can measure the metrics, look at how many people travel in clusters, and the occupancy of rental units. We welcome multigenerational travel, and it’s now so common it changes how we design our rooms. We’re currently building a property in Mexico and designing it around the concept of both couples and extended families traveling at different times of the year, not just Christmas and spring break. We’re building this into restaurants, too, where we can accomodate tables for 12 or 15 people.

what can we look forward to this year with auberge?

what do you believe is the most significant way travel is changing? There’s this whole idea that the world is your oyster. When I was young, it was a big adventure to go across the channel to France, and it was really exotic to go down to the Mediterranean for a major trip. We now have kids who easily go off to Vietnam, Nicaragua, or Costa Rica. The world is there to be had. Travel has become affordable, people are not intimidated by distance and, ultimately, for us, the breadth of competition is so much wider. If you don’t differentiate yourself, you’ll be dull. Whether you’re going down to Baja California, Brazil, or Belize, you have to ensure a unique experience, great service, and all the little details that are sincere, like character and personality.

Every new property is like a baby, and we’re super excited about anything new. Mukul in Nicaragua became part of our portfolio in November, and Madeline Hotel & Residences in Telluride in December. We hope to open two or three new properties next year, including Bishop’s Lodge in Santa Fe. We’re also breaking ground on new properties in Austin, Texas, Mexico, and Hawaii.

you’ve been everywhere. what, at this point, is your dream trip? My family and I love to explore, and our grandkids are young right now so the beach works. But the one thing we haven’t done is a safari in Africa. I’m really keen to do that. I want to do it properly, taking two to three weeks. An Auberge property in Africa is in our 10-year plan, which calls for going across the ocean and developing in Europe and Africa, so a safari is very much part of our thinking.

Exclusive Resorts Hotel Collection Hotel Jerome aspen, colorado

Nanuku

Located in the heart of Aspen, this iconic hotel is a luxurious home base for year-round outdoor adventure. Newlyrenovated interiors include two new three-bedroom residential style suites, a new bar named Bad Harriet, first-rate dining, and an atrium lobby featuring historic artifacts.

Offering 18 Fijian-style suite and villa accommodations, including 13 additional villas completed this fall, Nanuka features innovative dining, secluded beaches, and a luxury spa. Highly personalized service and outdoor adventure celebrate a unique sense of place.

— exclusiveresorts.com/ aspen-co

pacific harbour, fiji

— exclusiveresorts.com/ pacific-harbour-fiji

ER Members also receive Member-only preferred rates at select Auberge Resorts in the US, Caribbean, Mexico, and Costa Rica. For more information, visit: exclusiveresorts.com/vip-benefits

CURATED / Summer 2018

Insider

Iconoclast

Kimbal Musk’s Big Green is inspiring a national school food movement. written by mark ellwood

CURATED / Summer 2018

In 2010, Kimbal Musk had a life-changing accident. His inner tube flipped on a snowy hill and he landed poorly. Musk broke his back and was left temporarily paralyzed. “I made a promise to myself,” he recalls. “If the doctors fixed me, I would dedicate my life to fixing the food system in America.” Fortunately, for both him and our country, rehab left the entrepreneur fully healed. He’s followed through on his vow, becoming one of America’s most passionate advocates for what Musk calls “a ‘real food for everyone’ mission.” As the younger brother of Tesla and SpaceX founder Elon Musk and son of septuagenarian supermodel Maye Musk, Kimbal Musk’s drive isn’t surprising. His focus on food and cooking, however, is perhaps more unexpected. Yet Kimbal has always been the family chef and even studied at the French Culinary Institute. “My mother has always seen cooking as a form of torture,” he says. “But whenever I would cook, my family would sit and eat together.” He logged a stint working with his brother as a tech entrepreneur, but eventually returned to food. “It was like chewing glass,” he explains. “I didn’t realize how awful it feels to go from doing something you love to something you have no passion for.”

Urban Escape Experience Musk’s Kitchen Restaurant while staying at one of six 2-bedroom, 3-bath Chicago residences. — exclusiveresorts.com/chicago-il

Courtesy of Office of Kimbal Musk

Food For Thought

As Musk mulled a move into the food world, he recalled volunteering to cook for firefighters who worked on the World Trade Center site in the wake of 9/11. “We would give them a connection and a break,” he explains. “The experience allowed me to understand the power of community, and it was the reason I decided to do a restaurant.” Musk, however, didn’t want to open a standard bistro. Rather, he and business partner, Hugo Matheson, decided to reconnect diners and farmers directly. The first location of The Kitchen—a restaurant group which now includes eight sites across America—opened in Boulder, Colorado, sourcing from local producers long before the locavore movement went mainstream. Musk’s emphasis on food as community encourages diners to eat together and spend their money supporting the local farm economy. In typical Musk family fashion, Kimbal didn’t stop there. In 2011, he founded a sister non-profit, Big Green. Its focus is building smallscale farming spaces in urban schools, dubbed Learning Gardens. Students can learn both the source of real food and how to grow their own. Today, there are more than 400 of these micro-farms in cities from Memphis to Chicago, where mayor Rahm Emanuel supported the project with $2M in city funds.

“

i made a promise to myself. if the

doctors fixed me, i would dedicate my life to fixing the food system in america.” — kimbal musk

— Opposite: Kimbal Musk launched The Kitchen with Chef Hugo Matheson. From Left: Students participate in Musk’s Big Green program, which fosters farming spaces in urban schools; his latest initiative, Square Roots, employs outside-thebox farming techniques, including growing lettuce with LED lights.

Musk was particularly moved by the story of a high-school senior from the south side of Chicago, who was diagnosed as pre-diabetic. “What a chilling and scary diagnosis for such a young girl,” he recalls. She spent six months on a Learning Garden food literacy program, planting vegetables and eating better. The result? Less than a year after her medical warning, she had dispelled the threat of a life-changing illness. His next project is Square Roots, which aims to train young farmers in new, resource-savvy methods such as growing lettuce with nothing but enhanced water and LED lights. The first futuristic farm is already running in 10 repurposed shipping containers in South Williamsburg, Brooklyn. This is yet another investment in the country the well-traveled South Africa native considers home. “America is the single greatest country on earth. I will never live anywhere else.” After finding an all-American cowboy hat in Austin, Texas, it’s defined his daily style. “I don’t take it off, except maybe to sleep.” — Go: thekitchenbistros.com • biggreen.org • squarerootsgrow.com CURATED / Summer 2018

Member Vetted

Insider

Day in the Life ER Member David Axelrod travels to Antarctica for the first time and reveals 24 hours of indelible adventure with his father, Alan. written & photographed by david axelrod

Seattle residents Alan and David Axelrod, Members since 2003, experienced Antarctica together for the first time during a 12-day, 11-night Adventure held in January 2018. Here, David reveals his most memorable day adventuring from his headquarters aboard the National Geographic Explorer.

CURATED / Summer 2018

6:42 a.m.

7:30 a.m.

“Good morning, everyone, good morning!” Our expedition leader’s New Zealand accent chimes in over the loudspeaker. He’s 18 minutes early to wake us, but for good reason. There’s a pod of killer whales directly in front of the National Geographic Explorer. I didn’t come to Antarctica to almost see whales, so I slide on my sandals, grab my camera, and head to the bridge. A pair of binoculars obscures the captain’s face. All 142 guests on board are equally determined to track the playful predators. If my day ended here, it would already be worth writing home about.

The servers have memorized my breakfast order. A green tea is whisked over to me from the bistro bar within seconds of sitting down. The omelet chef grins when I approach. My eggs are already frying.

9:15 a.m. The Lindblad staff refuses to let us get bored. We gather in the lounge to hear one of many presentations from expert naturalists on climate change, wildlife, and marine biology.

Freeze Frame For a full gallery of images from David Axelrod’s trip, visit: curated.exclusiveresorts.com/david-axelrod-article

10:30 a.m. It’s my Zodiac group’s turn to kayak and the sun, as if on cue, breaks through the clouds. I sit in front while my dad steers us through a sapphire wonderland. The icebergs sparkle like massive uncut diamonds as the sky is reflected along glassy water. It seems futile to row; there’s no better place to venture to. No better air to breathe. The grandeur envelops us. We take a selfie. My dad passes the sunscreen.

12:15 p.m. We return to the ship for lunch on the observation deck. Staring into the white abyss, I think about what Shackleton and other great Antarctic explorers endured. I am promptly distracted by an assortment of pies.

1:45 p.m. After days of exploring satellite islands, the time has come to make a proper Continental landing. The short Zodiac ride carries all the suspense of a lunar landing. I swing my legs onto shore and pump my fist for Number Seven. We climb a powdery ridge and are rewarded with the end-all, be-all of panoramas. Here, the word “otherworldly” seems insulting to Earth—this is our world, wild and pristine. A lifetime of shared adventure has brought my dad and me to this surreal perch. I feel lucky to achieve the milestone, but especially lucky to experience it with him. We celebrate with a hug, then plop ourselves onto the snow to soak in the majestic view. Only one place could top this: Mars.

4:00 p.m. The chef is grilling churrasco on the rear deck. I wash mine down with a Malbec and stare back at the promontory we just ascended. I think I hear David Attenborough narrating: “In the depths, something stirs …” Is he referring to my elation, or are there humpbacks surfacing on the starboard side?

— Opposite fom Left: A playful penguin strikes a pose; Alan and David Axelrod have been enjoying father-son trips with ER for years. From Top: Room with a view aboard the National Geographic Explorer; Antarctica’s precious wildlife constantly commands attention; Zodiac launches take Members on daily explorations.

4:51 p.m. To decompress, I walk up two flights from my cabin to the wellness deck. The sauna is empty and I bake in it for a while, contemplating the epic-ness of the day and rejoicing at having found one of the few places in Antarctica where “the penguin smell” doesn’t linger.

6:15 p.m. The evening recap in the lounge includes underwater footage from the dive team and a slideshow from a National Geographic photographer. My dad and I order two Manhattans on the rocks—as if we need any more ice.

7:30 p.m. Our servers, who by now seem like old friends, welcome us to dinner. I choose the king salmon over the lamb shank and lobster tail. My dad, a vegetarian, opts for a beet salad and tagliatelle.

9:21 p.m. We return to our cabin at the stern of the ship. The curtains have been drawn over our sliding balcony door, and there’s a chocolate on my pillow. I eagerly upload my photos, flagging candidates for my print shop, before stepping outside to inhale the day’s final gust of perfection.

The White Continent Interested in the Experience Collection? For trip details and dates: — exclusiveresorts.com/antarctica

6:38 a.m. “Good morning, everyone, good morning…” CURATED / Summer 2018

Insider

Resort Report

Old World Charm The Cloister Hotel at Sea Island, Georgia, is reimagined with enticing enhancements and a new Golf Performance Center. written by jen murphy

CURATED / Summer 2018

workshop, a gym with locker rooms, and a retail area. A new putting course with an expansive, rolling green will also be created on the ocean side of the lodge, adding fresh dimension to the experience. Golf lovers can anticipate even more updates in 2019. In December 2018, Love Golf Design, a golf course architecture firm founded by Sea Island’s own Davis Love III and his brother, Mark, will begin a full renovation of the resort’s Plantation Course. “Mark and I have been redesigning Plantation in our minds for over 20 years as we have played it,” says Davis Love. The Loves intend to draw on the history of the course and architecture,

Tee Time Looking to perfect your swing? Visit the new Golf Performance Center at Sea Island, Georgia. — exclusiveresorts.com/ sea-island-ga

Courtesy of Sea Island Resort

Sea Island has been a vacation tradition for generations of families, ever since the opening of The Cloister hotel in 1928. One of the most popular destinations in the Exclusive Resorts portfolio, the small island off the southern coast of Georgia harkens back to simpler times. The Club’s 15 four-bedroom cottages at The Cloister are ideally situated between the beach and the resort. Members love the property for its three championship golf courses, Forbes Five-Star spa and restaurant, and exceptional kids’ club, Camp Cloister. A recently announced $25 million enhancement project will make Sea Island more appealing than ever. Six new guest cottages, slated to open by November of this year, are being built on the western side of the Lodge at Sea Island, in addition to an oceanfront pool and pool house, with double fireplaces, a wrap-around porch, and dining options. Already rated a top golf resort in the U.S., Sea Island plans to raise the bar even higher with the addition of a new 17,000 square-foot Golf Performance Center. This state-of-theart facility will replace the resort’s existing center, already recognized as one of the best in the country. Expect six instruction and club fitting bays, a putting studio equipped with industry-leading technology for teaching and club fitting, a full-service golf club

— From Top: A Member favorite, the Cloister Hotel opened in 1928; the coveted Plantation Course will be redesigned as part of an ambitious renovation project.

using classical features and historical hardscape and landscape elements. They will create new and interesting strategic elements while retaining the course’s character and routing, passed on by previous architects, beginning with Walter Travis’ original 1928 design of the golf club’s first nine holes. The redesign of the Plantation Course will begin after the 2018 RSM Classic, an official PGA Tour event held annually at Sea Island Golf Club, and is expected to reopen in October 2019, ahead of the 2019 RSM Classic. During renovation, the driving range closest to the ocean will also be expanded to allow for a longer range. CURATED / Summer 2018

Insider

Remember When

Vetted + Vast Members Robert and Michele Walker discover Egyptâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s enchanting culture.

After traveling as guests of an Exclusive Resorts Member, Robert and Michele Walker were hooked on vacationing with the Club. When they first joined the Club, Robert and Michele Walker experienced various Vacation Collection residences. Last year, the couple also took advantage of the Experience Collection, and visited Egypt on their first Once-in-a-Lifetime Journey trip with Exclusive Resorts.

Names: Robert and Michele Walker Hometown: Bay Harbor, Michigan Members Since: 2014

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how did the exclusive resorts team ease concerns ahead of travel?

“

Our Ambassador put us on a conference call with Gina Bach, Vice President of Experiences, as she had recently been to Egypt scoping out the trip, as well as an Abercrombie & Kent representative based in Cairo. They did a great job of explaining the security measures put in place and convinced me that it would be a safe trip. rw:

egypt has been on the top of my bucket list ever since seeing pictures of the pyramids as a kid.”

bucket list trips can be logistically challenging to plan. how did exclusive resorts simplify it? All we had to do is make the air reservations to and from Cairo. Exclusive Resorts took care of the rest. It was as carefree a trip as one could have. ER’s staff was with us from the time we landed in Cairo to go through customs, through our departure back to the States. Their continual presence and guidance especially put Michele at ease. rw:

what was the allure of egypt? Egypt has been on the top of my bucket list ever since seeing pictures of the pyramids as a kid. When I saw the scene from the movie Bucket List where Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman are sitting on top of a pyramid, that was the clincher. I had to go. robert walker:

did you have any trepidations traveling to the middle east? Michele had lots of concerns about safety and security. This isn’t a trip you would book with a travel agent or on your own. But the Club’s solid reputation with trips, along with their partnership with Abercrombie & Kent, alleviated a lot of upfront concerns. rw:

most memorable trip highlights? Seeing the pyramids and Sphinx in Giza, just outside of Cairo, is awe-inspiring. Pictures and video don’t do it justice. Thanks to Exclusive Resorts, we were able to get to ground level at the Sphinx, even touch it, while others watched us jealously from above. We had never heard of the temples at Abu Simbel, located in southern Egypt, but they were magnificent. And in the Valley of the Kings, we went down to King Tutankhamun’s tomb, another exclusive Member experience inaccessible to the general public. rw:

what surprised you most about the destination? The friendliness of the people. Going there, we didn’t have an appreciation for the different religions and ethnic backgrounds. We hear a lot in the news about different parts of the world that create bias. The people were genuinely nice everywhere we went. We got to know one of the two Egyptologists very well, and have continued communicating with him even after the trip. rw:

why would you encourage someone to visit egypt now? I don’t think there is anywhere in the world that one can experience thousands of years of history up close and personal quite like Egypt. Unlike what may be portrayed in the news, Egypt has a stable government and takes safety and security very seriously. There’s no reason to wait. rw:

— Opposite: Robert and Michele Walker during their first Oncein-a-Lifetime Journey. Left: Michele, perfectly posed for outdoor adventure. CURATED / Summer 2018

Insider

Postcards From

morgan king Ambassador

AMALFI COAST Favorite Villa Feature The infinity-edge pool in Villa Bella overlooking Positano and the Amalfi coastline.

Have Curiosity, Will Travel ER’s trip leads reveal top takeaways from scouting the European Villa Collection.

Prague, Rome, Almafi Coast, and Vienna. If these top destinations aren’t reason enough to book a flight, let us count thy ways to European bliss. Gina Bach, Vice President, says, “We have something for every Member, from numerous two-bedroom, centrally located city apartments to spacious villas in Italy with pools and views. Our local hosts will treat you like royalty but make you feel like family.”

CURATED / Summer 2018

SAN SEBASTIAN

hannah major Senior Ambassador

Favorite Villa Feature The floor-to-ceiling windows facing the bay at Casa Carousel. Don’t Miss The shopping and Chillida-Leku sculptures along the three beach promenades. Top Foodie Find Arzak (Michelin star), Casa Urola (pinxtos). Favorite Souvenir A leather weekend duffle bag.

Don’t Miss Exploring the nearby town of Ravello. It’s a beautiful mountain village famous for luscious gardens, and two villas: Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo. Top Foodie Find The Michelin-star restaurant, La Sponda. At dinner, it’s lit with 400 candles, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. Favorite Souvenir Handmade sandals, a bottle of Limoncello, or locally handpainted ceramics.

laura dall’olio Florence Local Host

FLORENCE Favorite Villa Feature The living room, with huge windows and a wooden ceiling. It used to be a theatre! Original pulleys from theatrical scenes have been preserved and are still fixed to the ceiling beams. Top Restaurant Find Borgo San Jacopo Restaurant. Favorite Souvenir Products and accessories of Officina Profumo. Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella features elegant gifts and unique expressions of a tradition passed down through the centuries.

dugald orr

VIENNA

Senior Manager

LAKE COMO Favorite Villa Feature The private wine cellar and mini spa with a chromo therapy shower and aromatherapy tub. Don’t Miss Villa del Balbianello. This estate offers an enchanting view. Reached by boat or a short hike, it features a magnificent garden.

Top Foodie Find Villa D’Este—Veranda Restaurant. The formal and elegant restaurant (jacket and tie are required for men in the evening) overlooks the lake and is situated in one of the most exclusive hotels on Lake Como. Favorite Souvenir Leather goods—shoes, bags, belts, and wallets.

Favorite Villa Feature The drawing room, with a high ceiling and refined wooden details where you can sip cocktails. Don’t Miss Whether seeing a show or not, it’s worth visiting the 147-yearold Vienna State Opera House to admire the architecture. Top Foodie Find A classic Apfelstrudel. This warm dessert can be found at any cafe or restaurant throughout Vienna. Favorite Souvenir Mozart Balls. These chocolate-covered pistachio marzipan balls make a great gift. CURATED / Summer 2018

Courtesy of The Abaco Club on Winding Bay

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Par & Play • Style • Little Luxe • Travel Trends • Adventurist • Unplugged

Best of the Bahamas At The Abaco Club on Winding Bay, tee time meets ocean play. page 28

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Par & Play

Island Hop Bone fishing, sailing, paddle boarding, golf, and spa treatments are all in a day’s play at The Abaco Club on Winding Bay. — exclusiveresorts.com/ abaco-bahamas

Curated Conversation Professional golfer Darren Clarke claims The Abaco Club on Winding Bay as his island getaway. written by erin lentz

Irish golfer Darren Clarke may be best known for his birdies and gregarious personality, yet this 2015 European Ryder Cup captain also has a serious affinity for ocean play. In 2012, he married his wife Alison at the Abaco Club on Winding Bay, and continues to escape to his Caribbean second home most any chance he can. An avid angler, here Clarke reveals his penchant for island life. 28

CURATED / Summer 2018

— Above: Darren Clarke got married at The Abaco Club, and when not on tour, he tackles the resort’s toprated course.

— Below From Left: Bone fishing on Abaco island is Clarke’s favorite escape; Clarke tackles the club’s lauded course, which hugs Winding Bay.

as a british open and european ryder champion, what would you most like your golf legacy to be?

“

you have to learn to accept the bad shots and move on, and that’s something that carries over into life.”

the abaco club has become your second home, and a go-to between tours. what do you most enjoy about escaping to the bahamas? The Abaco Club has everything I want. You won’t find better golf, beaches, or fishing anywhere. What more could you possibly want when having downtime? It’s so relaxing. I’d recommend it to anyone, and I’m sure they’ll fall in love with it, just like I have.

we hear you are quite the angler! what is your top fishing moment at abaco? Every time you’re out on the boat it’s incredible. The fishing really is the best of the best, even when you’re not doing so well! A couple years back, I caught a 38-pound Permit, which was something I won’t forget. It took more than an hour to land—a real thrill.

The game of golf has been very good to me and given me some incredible memories. I suppose I’ll be remembered for winning the Claret Jug in 2011 and that’s something that can’t be taken away from me. To have my name on the trophy is something I’d dreamt about for as long as I can remember, and I achieved it.

what is most notable about the scottishstyle course and new practice range at the abaco club? The facilities are just magnificent, and recently hosted the Web.com Tour’s Great Abaco Classic at the start of the year, which tells you everything about them. A course set against wonderful views.

what do you consider your biggest life lesson from the sport of golf? It’s an easy one to say and can be a tough one to follow, but acceptance is a big one. You have to learn to accept the bad shots and move on, and that’s something that carries over into life, certainly.

being an avid traveler, what’s your bucket list trip, and why? I have been all over the world playing golf over the past 25 to 30 years. There’s nowhere I feel I have to tick off. As the years go on, you get a clear idea of what you like, and there’s nowhere I’d rather be than Abaco. CURATED / Summer 2018

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Style

Laid-back Luxe Barneys New York Creative Ambassador-at-Large, Simon Doonan, curates fabulous fashion picks for adventures at sea.

For most adventurers and fashionistas, summer equals cruise control, be it navigating the British Virgin Islands via private yacht or globetrotting aboard The World. According to gentabout-town and designer Simon Doonan, setting sail calls for serious style. Included among his must-haves? “You need a versatile boho bag which screams Saint-Tropez and is large enough to stash a change of swimsuit and a bottle of vino,” Doonan says. Furthermore, “Your beach towel is an accessory and should therefore be gorgeous enough to double as a throw, shawl, turban, or sarong.” Bon voyage!

— Above: Na Hale at Kohala Coast, Hawaii Right: Simon Doonan, Barneys New York Creative Ambassador-at-Large

CURATED / Summer 2018

— Right: Residences on Nevis, West Indies, bring the outdoors in with stylish living rooms and private pools.

1. Missoni Mare Lace-Up Striped Geometric-Knit Long Caftan / $995 2. Altuzarra AZ 0004 Sunglasses / $495 3. Barneys New York PomPom-Embellished Raffia Mules / $235 4. Sophie Anderson Striped Wicker Basket Bag / $340 5. Off-White c/o Virgil Abloh Logo-Band Straw Hat / $255 6. Lisa Perry “Je Suis Heureuse” Cotton T-Shirt / $135 7. Antolina Aurora Cotton Platform Sandals / $695 8. Missoni Hugo Cotton Beach Towel / $237 9. La Mer The Reparative Face Sun Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30 / $135 All items available at barneys.com and select Barneys New York stores.

CURATED / Summer 2018

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1 4

Courtesty of vail Resorts

— Above: The Arrabelle at Vail Square, CO is posh headquarters for alpine play. 6

1. Orvis Badlands Cardigan • orvis.com / $139 2. Orvis Long-Sleeved Open Air Caster • orvis.com / $89 3. Filson Oil Finish Single Tin Pant • filson.com / $195 4. L.L.Bean Dahon Mariner D8 Folding Bike • llbean.com / $599 5. L.L.Bean Waxed Canvas Continental Rucksack • llbean.com / $199 6. Lodge Wildlife Series 10.25-inch Skillet with Deer • lodgemfg.com / $28.75 7. Best Made Co. Solkoa Survival Kit • bestmadeco.com / $228

CURATED / Summer 2018

In Peak Pursuit Alpine-inspired menswear elevates a summer sojourn to the Western U.S. and the Canadian Rockies. curated by karen larrain

Mother Nature may lure gentlemen who prefer gear reviews to fashion runways, yet when tackling the river or trail, fashion meets function on elevated pursuits. Whether planning a picnic to Aspen’s famous Maroon Bells or on the hunt for a top fly rod, get prepped for alpine play with of-the-moment menswear and accessories.

Bringing wellness to your vacation, wherever you go.

LIFE F

RCE

C O N N E C T. E X PA N D.E V O LV E

Yoga Âˇ Spa Services Âˇ Dining For reservations, please contact your ER Ambassador.

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Jet Set

Travel Tech Jet-setting must-haves marry high performance with innovative style. written by michael frank

DJI Mavic Air

Denon AHGC20

Gaia GPS

Away Luggage

When globetrotting, you need a camera that can fly, too. No portable drone is more capable than DJI’s new Mavic Air. The arms fold flush, so the drone takes up less room in your pack than a DSLR camera, yet its fly-ability is equally impressive. Operating from your cell phone, the Mavic Air launches from your palm while obeying hand signals. In addition to catching angles that are impossible without a drone, it snaps 360-degree panoramics that stitch 25 images into a single shot. And if you think editing video is a chore, DJI’s dedicated app auto-edits footage to a soundtrack.

Packing over-ear wireless headphones with noise cancelling features is a necessity for longhaul flights, but they can be bulky. These clever Denon “cans” fold totally flat, however, with both ear cups swiveling out when you wear them. Despite the compact design, they sound superb, with excellent clarity in all ranges, from deep bass to ear-piercing highs, and with 20 hours of battery life, they’ll still be playing. And soft ear cups mean you won’t tire of wearing them.

Move over, Google Maps. Gaia GPS lets you download maps to your phone and features topos and satellite views. Choose from multiple databases of maps from the most remote corners of the globe—ideal when on safari and well beyond cell service. Download all data before your journey, then run the maps in airplane mode, draining less phone juice. Android/iOS compatible.

We’re not sure what’s smarter about these suitcases: the seemingly indestructible polycarbonate shell, the 360-degree Hinomoto wheels that roll on soft rubber (they’re quiet, even on hard airport terminal floors), or the hidden laundry bag. Add in a TSA-compliant lock and an ejectable battery that can charge any phone up to five times, and you’ll always be able to check your maps, email, or Slack.

dji.com / $799 34

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usa.denon.com / $400

gaiagps.com / $9.99

awaytravel.com / $225 - $595

Left to right: Courtesy of DJI; courtesy of Gaia GPS; courtesy of Away Travel

As more travelers take to the skies each year, tech companies are scrambling to stay one step ahead with smart luggage, innovative travel apps, and headphones to make long-hauls and red-eyes not just bearable, but enjoyable. And when traveling to farflung, wish-list locales, that new camera—or drone, in this case—is the catalyst to memories with cutting-edge staying power.

EXCLUSIVE RESORTS MEMBERS BOOK NOW USING PROMO CODE EXLRES1 AND SAVE 15%.

Discover peace of mind with the global leader in premium chauffeured services: • • • • •

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Little Luxe

— Right: South African game drives with Singita include top-rated private guides and plenty of terrain to spy the Big 5.

Courtesty of Singita

3 5 6

1. Tilley MFT-2 Kid’s Wanderer • tilley.com / $75 2. L.L.Bean Kids’ First Cast Vest • llbean.com / $49 3. Dr. Martens 1460 Smooth • drmartens.com / $140 4. Canon EOS Rebel T6 • shop.usacanon.com / $549 5. Red Oxx Safari-Beano’s Bag PR5 • redoxx.com / $220 6. L.L.Bean Discovery Binoculars, 8x25 • llbean.com / $59.95 7. African Safari Field Guide 3rd Edition • africa-adventure.com / $23

CURATED / Summer 2018

Child’s Play Fashion finds and accessories for 10 years and older make a family game drive in Tanzania all the more memorable. curated by karen larrain

Safari inspired shopping? Check! Mom and Dad aren’t the only ones who want to look and feel the part when exploring the best of the bush. Your kids’ packing list needs to be light and versatile, with plenty of layers for early morning game drives and afternoon sun. A safari hat is, of course, paramount, as are sturdy and stylish walking shoes. With these finds, discovering the Big 5 never looked so good.

travel

adventure

T A G M E D I A AS P E N .CO M

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Adventurist

Whirlybird Tested

written by rob story

CURATED / Summer 2018

The moment you climb into a helicopter, you kiss your sense of detachment goodbye. It doesn’t matter if you once considered helicopters loud and excessive; doesn’t matter if you thought flying to a backcountry summit was somehow “cheating.” No, sir. Once your plexiglass bubble lifts off the deck, you’ll love heli-skiing. Heck, just boarding a helicopter—ducking under the blades, striding purposefully against the rotor wash, resembling a world leader with a G8 summit to attend—feels privileged. Sadly, untold thousands of skiers and boarders still haven’t tried it. They believe themselves unworthy to try backcountry snow. Which may have been true once, however, these days boards make intermediate skiers experts, and experts become ski gods. Some heli-ski virgins wonder if customers actually leap out of helicopters with their skis on. It’s actually more civilized than that. The heli-skiing operation establishes landing zones (LZs) in advance. The pilot sets the skids down in a safe place on the snow, the guests step out, the guide retrieves their skis and poles, gives the pilot a thumbs-up, and the heli shoots off into the wild blue yonder. The peak becomes startlingly quiet and pristine again as guests click into

Heli-Hop Ready to ride? Travel with ER to Eleven Experience’s Deplar Farm in Iceland. — exclusiveresorts.com/iceland

Courtesy of Eleven Experience

The latest trend in travel? Helicopter access to off-the-grid locales. Expect epic skiing, and then some.

their bindings. Then, the reward: skiing down virgin fluff to the lower landing zone. Jet fuel-assisted ascents promise untold ski descents. On a typical day at Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing (MWHS) in Blue River, British Columbia, you might ski 20,000 vertical feet of gloriously open glaciers before lunch. A few years back, in fact, Swiss freeski star Dominique Perret came to MWHS and set the stunning record of 264,000 vertical feet skied in a day—akin to 76 top-to-bottom laps at Vail Ski Resort! Rotor recreation has existed for half a century now, since Austrian immigrant Hans Gmoser began whup-whup-whupping BC’s Bugaboo Mountains in 1965. Yet operators are still imagineering fun new twists on the concept. Shredding Icleand, for instance. Exclusive Resorts Members traveling to the Eleven Experience’s Deplar Farm will relish “summit-to-sea descents” from the Troll Peninsula’s mountains to the storm-fattening Atlantic Ocean. At Deplar Farm, sunset may occur well after dinner time. This means your appetizer may be untracked powder, steep couloirs, and face shots of Arctic maritime snow. Then, the floor-to-ceiling windows in the lodge mean you can sip a cocktail and gaze out at the tracks you just laid down. According to Steve Banks, director of mountain guide operations, “Long daylight hours allow us to choose the best time of day to ski given the weather and snow conditions.”

In Alaska, Black Ops Valdez last year paired with Alaska Tidewater Logistics on an ingenious method for accessing the ginormous Chugach Mountains: basing from Tidewater’s 68-foot boat, which features a helipad on the top deck, next to the hot tub. I joined Black Ops for the inaugural heli-skiing voyage of the boat, and it was sublime. One morning, a humpback whale breached less than a hundred feet away. I was lucky enough to scope the Northern Lights one night, and was convinced the dancing, squiggling reds, greens, and blues of the Aurora Borealis herald astronomy’s finest work.

— Opposite: Summit-to-sea descents are the calling card of Iceland’s Troll Peninsula. From Left: Pick your line; your morning commute takes on all new meaning.

Helicopters—bar none, the best way to scoot through the wilderness—can rock your world in summer, too. The company Hans Gmoser founded, Canadian Mountain Holidays, conducts dozens of heli-hiking tours in which customers amble among immense glaciers and towering peaks, on trails that see more mountain-goat traffic than the human kind. CMH choppers can even fly you to a private via ferrata and zip-line course. And no one who takes a scenic flight above Glacier National Park or the Grand Canyon will ever forget it. These days, heli-assisted recreation portends a hot travel trend. Witness the emergence of Heli, a two-year-old company that provides a clean, intuitive interface for adventure travelers looking to book their next vacation. Co-founders Andy Culp and Brock Strasbourger previously worked in emerging markets and had an abiding passion for heli-skiing. They wanted to build something they were truly excited about and saw a void in heli-skiing booking and online discovery capabilities. For instance, instead of being stuck with random people in your group, heli customers can tap into the social component of the platform and build customized trips for friend groups and approved ski partners. “Heli-skiing does not have to be an advanced or scary endeavor,” said Heli spokesman Sam Coffey. “There are myriad options to fly in a helicopter to access unforgettable ski and snowboard runs that don’t marginalize intermediate skiers.” Heli is succeeding, he said, because true adventure travelers don’t need to acquire additional material things. “More and more, people want to collect experiences and memories.” CURATED / Summer 2018

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Unplugged

Top Treatments

Miraval Escape A Member favorite, Miraval Arizona Resort and Spa features seven 2-to 3-bedroom residences with spacious outdoor terraces.

Traditional spa therapies have nothing on these unusual—and utterly outthere—wellness experiences. written by clara woodbridge

CURATED / Summer 2018

There’s nothing we don’t love about a massage or pampering facial. But some spa treatments go above, beyond, and sometimes even a little too far. Head to China and you might just find a bird-dropping facial or nibbling-fish foot soak on your spa’s menu. In Israel, you can book a snake massage, in which—you guessed it—slithering snakes inch their way across your body. And depending where you are in the world, you can even soak in a tub full of wine, beer, or ooey-gooey melted chocolate. But strange as they may sound, a few of the world’s most unusual spa treatments might surprise you with their healthful benefits and soothing results. Far from gimmicks, these therapies are the ones to book for a next-level wellness experience.

Clock from left: Courtesy of Miraval Arizona; courtesy of Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve; courtesy of Blue Lagoon Iceland.

— exclusiveresorts.com/miraval-az

water works

Miraval is a mecca for creative and cuttingedge spa experiences. The Arizona-based wellness retreat—home to a handful of Exclusive Resorts residences—offers everything from crystal and stone massages to ancient healing therapies from Taoist China and India. This desert escape’s latest invention is Vasudhara, a first-of-its-kind treatment combines the benefits of sensory deprivation and traditional Thai massage. Drawing from the Buddhist belief in the power of water, Vasudhara (Sanskrit for “stream of gems”) takes place in a dark and shallow indoor pool, which, heated precisely to 98.6-degrees Fahrenheit, mimics a sense of flying. Underwater speakers provide a relaxing soundtrack, and an eye mask ensures the total absence of visual stimulus as your therapist slowly leads you adrift, carefully stretching your body and lengthening your limbs. Loosened by the warm water, muscles will be fully relaxed while your body may be more agile than ever. —miravalresorts.com

healing hands

Bali has no shortage of spa treatments with local flair, but none takes you quite as deep into the culture and traditions of this enchanting isle as a massage from Ibu Ketut Mursi at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Mursi—a blind healer from a long lineage of gifted therapists—uses intuition and touch to assess the wellness needs of each of her guests. Working with her sighted assistant therapist, she employs a combination of practices, from reflexology to Balinese massage, to improve her clients’ physical and emotional health. The fourhanded massage, performed with a secret herbal oil blend that has been in Mursi’s family for generations, is a true exploration of intuitive healing that will leave you revitalized in both body and mind. —ritzcarlton.com

fresh face

Natura Bisse’s Pure Air Bubble is like the hottest restaurant in town—everyone wants to get in. But the giant orb, which the Barcelona-based skincare brand claims is filled with some of the freshest air on earth, is an elusive wellness experience, never staying more than a few days in a single destination before moving on to its next locale. This year, the bubble will take its 99.95-percent pure-air atmosphere across the U.S., with stops at Neiman Marcus and other upscale department stores in cities from Boca Raton to Las Vegas. Snag a coveted appointment in the big ball and

— Opposite: Miraval Arizona’s Vasudhara treatment. From Top: Treatment room at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve; Retreat at Blue Lagoon’s famed hotsprings.

you’ll be one of the lucky few to experience Natura Bisse’s new Mindful of Touch ritual. The cutting-edge therapy begins with an immersive virtual-reality video to help achieve an elevated state of mindfulness, and includes a personalized facial using Natura Bisse’s line of products. The result is a total mind-body experience—and, of course, beautiful skin. —naturabisse.com

bathing beauty

Wellness-seekers have been visiting Iceland’s Blue Lagoon geothermal springs for decades, lining up for the opportunity to soak in the healing waters of the mineralrich pools. But the experience has just gotten a lot more exclusive thanks to the opening of the Retreat at Blue Lagoon, a new luxury resort that offers guests the opportunity to bathe in a private section of the famed springs. Wander the cavernous spa’s interconnected chambers—formed more than 800 years ago by the flowing lava of an erupting volcano—before settling down onto a floating massage table for an in-water body treatment. Using the lagoon’s natural curative elements of mineral salt, silica, and algae, the treatment will leave you revitalized, nourished, and utterly radiant. —retreat.bluelagoon.com

CURATED / Summer 2018

T R AV E L I N S T Y L E . As an Exclusive Resort Member, you are eligible to receive the benefits of an Avis Chairmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club membership. This invitation-only membership grants you access to exclusive privileges such as guaranteed availability, complimentary upgrades to the best car available, complimentary car delivery, personal valet return and more.* For more information or to enroll, visit avis.com/exclusiveresorts or contact your Exclusive Resorts Ambassador.

Terms and benefits of the program are subject to change at any time without prior notification. Upgrade to best car is based on best available car at the time of rental when you reserve an intermediate car or higher. Free upgrade to the best car available does not apply to Select Series (X car group) or on long-term rentals (i.e., mini-lease); you have the option to rent the upgraded vehicle, if available, at the applicable rate in effect at the time of the rental. Car deliveries in excess of 25 miles are subject to an additional fee. Only spouses or significant others are permitted to pick up the vehicle in the memberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name; additional driver fees apply. Family members, co-workers, and other persons are not authorized representatives of the member and are not permitted to pick up the vehicle and access member benefits. ÂŠ2018 Avis Rent A Car System, LLC

Photograph by Zack Bowen of Knack Factory

SAVOR

The Dish • Top Toque • Cheers • ER Inspired

Coastal Maine Fresh lobster rolls, succulent sips, and summer-inspired bike sojourns. page 44

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— From Left: Chefs Andrew Taylor and Mike Wiley, of Eventide Oyster Co. Opposite: Palace Diner; Izakaya Minato; and cocktails at Portland Hunt and Alpine Club.

Portland, Please! Table-hopping in Maine just got tastier with these of-the-moment picks by Chefs Andrew Taylor and Mike Wiley. written by andrew sessa

CURATED / Summer 2018

These days, the once-sleepy historic coastal enclave of Portland has become the culinary capital of Maine—if not the whole of New England. And if this capital city can be said to have a ruling party, it’s the team at Eventide Oyster Co., led by Chefs Andrew Taylor and Mike Wiley. Since opening their restaurant with business partner and former colleague Arlin Smith in 2012, Taylor and Wiley have been working wonders with all things from the sea, and some inspiration from the land, too. The dynamic duo is known for reinventing local ingredients and traditional recipes to craft food that feels at once supremely grounded in history but also innovatively of the moment and always of its place. The accolades have poured in. Food & Wine named Eventide one of the best oyster bars in the country, and Bon Appetit called it one of America’s best new restaurants the year after it opened. Last year, the James Beard Foundation—which doles out the food world’s equivalent of the Oscars—tapped Taylor and Wiley as Best Chef in the Northeast. As such, these top chefs reveal their ultimate, daylong culinary tour of Portland—just the fuel you’ll want pre or post Exclusive Resorts’ “Coastal Maine: Bike Acadia Penobscot Bay” Adventure.

Summer Spin The best way to take in Maine’s raw beauty and coastal charm? On a two-wheel adventure with cycling experts, Backroads. As part of ER’s Experience Collection, the five-day “Coastal Maine: Bike Acadia Penobscot Bay” trip celebrates lobsters, lighthouses, and Acadia’s inspiring wilderness. Ready to cycle? — exclusiveresorts.com/ coastal-maine

Clockwise from left: Photograph by Zack Bowen of Knack Factory; courtesy of Palace Diner; photograph by Nicole Wolf; courtesy of The Portland Hunt & Alpine Club

Top Tables

midmorning coffee We’re big fans of Tandem Coffee (742 Congress Street and 122 Anderson Street) – the light roasting hand they have on their beans appeals to both Andrew and me. If you go to their Bakery location at 742 Congress Street, grab a Cheddar and Jalapeño Biscuit. Sometimes they’ll also have biscuit sandwiches with mustard, butter, and radishes. The crunch of the radish does a surprisingly good job of distracting from the fact that the whole thing has nearly a quarter cup of butter, give or take. It’s the perfect vacation food. mw:

breakfast You can’t go wrong with the Palace Diner (18 Franklin Street) in nearby Biddeford. Our staff at Eventide, The Honey Paw, and Hugo’s are all obsessed with their breakfast sandwich, “The Deluxe,” which features bacon, egg, jalapeño, and cheddar with their home fries, called Palace Potatoes. They also do amazing Buttermilk Flapjacks that are light, fluffy, and ever so slightly acidic. andrew taylor:

I’m normally a savory breakfast guy, but I’m always up for the Palace’s pancakes. In Portland proper, we like Dutch’s (28 Preble Street). They’ve got filling, classic options. mike wiley:

lunch No trip to Portland would be complete without a stop at Central Provisions (414 Fore Street), and lunch is a great way to experience it. The menu changes daily, but if it’s available, check out the spicy raw beef salad with Sriracha, cilantro, and peanuts. The fried cauliflower with ras el hanout, chickpeas, feta, and herbs is also a solid choice. at:

midday snack I met Andrew and Arlin when we were all working under chef Rob Evans at Hugo’s, so I’ve got to recommend heading down Middle Street and visiting him at Duckfat (43 Middle Street). Get the French fries with curry mayo or truffle ketchup, and then promptly leave before you’re tempted to order everything else on the menu. mw:

happy hour Amory Lounge (20 Milk Street) at the Regency hotel. It’s a glimpse into old school Portland, and they’ve got martini specials.

mw:

dinner Izakaya Minato (54 Washington Ave). Simply put, this place has great food and drinks at an incredible value. Tom (Thomas Takashi Cooke), the chef and co-owner, is very talented. Get the JFC (Japanese fried chicken) or the nasu nameko oroshi (fried eggplant and mushrooms in dashi) and their rustic take on the savory pancake called okonomiyaki. And sake, of course. at:

dessert Chaval (58 Pine Street) owned by husband-and-wife duo Damien Sansonetti and Ilma Lopez. Ilma is on the 2018 James Beard Award long list for Best Pastry Chef, and deservedly so. Though it’s hard to go wrong, I’m particularly into her churros, which are insanely light. mw:

nightcap Head to Portland Hunt and Alpine Club (75 Market Street). The bar manager, Trey Hughes, is as good as they get in terms of hospitality, and he makes a mean Jungle Bird. at:

CURATED / Summer 2018

Savor

The Dish

Kitchen Confidential Visit New York for a rare chance to learn from Thomas Keller, one of America’s most decorated chefs. written by amiee white beazley

CURATED / Summer 2018

In 1994, Chef Keller took ownership of The French Laundry in Yountville. He quickly garnered nationwide acclaim, transforming the restaurant into what food critic Ruth Reichl then called “the dream come true” and “the most exciting place to eat in the United States.” Today, The French Laundry remains a three-star-Michelin landmark, one of the rare few destination restaurants in the U.S. After two decades of success with The French Laundry, Keller returned to New York and opened Per Se in 2004. Also a three-Michelin-starred restaurant, Per Se features Chef Keller’s daily tasting menu with signature dishes such as Oysters and Pearls, complemented by an award-winning wine list of more than 2,000 bottles. Experiencing this great American chef is at the heart of Exclusive Resort’s most distinctive food and wine experiences. For three nights in September, a small group of 20 Members will gain special access to Chef Keller and Per Se.

Member Exclusive Scoring a reservation at New York City’s top tables can take months, but not when traveling with Exclusive Resorts. From September 27-30, 2018, 20 Members will experience a culinary tour of the city, including exclusive access to cooking legend Thomas Keller and his Per Se restaurant. Expect VIP access to the Big Apple’s top tables during this starstudded foodie event. — exclusiveresorts.com/ nyc-culinary-event

Photographs by Michael Grimm Photography and Per Se

Picasso. Austin. Lennon. Bocuse. When the legends of art, literature, music, or food are gone from this world, fans often imagine how they would have spent time with their heroes if given a chance to experience their talent firsthand. Come September, ER Members can gain access to one—if not the—most acclaimed living culinary masters. Chef Thomas Keller is among the geniuses of American cuisine, revered for his use of exemplary ingredients prepared with classic French technique and executed with arduous attention to detail. He is one of the most decorated chefs in the world, having been named The Culinary Institute of America’s “Chef of the Year,” the James Beard Foundation’s “Outstanding Chef,” “Outstanding Restaurateur,” and “America’s Best Chef ” by Time magazine. His influence is pervasive among the finest restaurants around the globe. Chef Keller’s culinary career began at a young age, taking him from Palm Beach, Florida (where he worked with his mother), to France, and then eventually New York, where he opened his first restaurant in 1986. But it was his move to California that inspired Chef Keller to create an experience that forever changed the landscape of American dining.

“

a great meal is a journey that returns After gathering and enjoying a cocktail hour at Per Se, Chef Keller, also the author of five cookbooks, will provide a special private meet and greet with Members and will lead a tour of the Per Se kitchen, followed by a demonstration of Chef Keller’s favorite cooking tips. The evening will conclude with a 7-course, wine-paired menu at Per Se. During the New York dining experience, Members will attend additional epicurean events with New York’s top chefs and restaurants. On the itinerary? A private lunch followed by a cooking class with Zac Young, celebrity chef and inventor of the PieCaken. Members will also enjoy a five-course, winepaired dinner at Eleven Madison Park—a three-Michelin-star restaurant run by Will Guidara and Chef Daniel Humm. In 2017, Eleven Madison Park was named “Best Restaurant in the World” a renowned international list compiled by British magazine,

you to sources of pleasure you may have forgotten and takes you to places you haven’t been before.” — chef thomas keller

Restaurant (Eleven Madison Park is the first American restaurant to top the list since The French Laundry garnered the top spot in 2003 and 2004). “In the end, a great meal is not about the food and wine. A great meal is an emotional experience,” writes Chef Keller on his restaurant’s philosophy. “A great meal is not one that just fills you up. A great meal is a journey that returns you to sources of pleasure you may have forgotten and takes you to places you haven’t been before.”

— Opposite: Keller’s dishes look (almost) too pretty to eat. From Left: Chef Thomas Keller will reveal cooking tips to Members; New York’s applauded Per Se restaurant.

CURATED / Summer 2018

Savor

Cheers

Gineration X

Residence GPS

Thanks to its centuries-old pedigree combined with a versatility and flexibility in flavoring, gin has fast become the buzziest booze on the back bar. Here, four noteworthy new gins to try from across the world. written by mark ellwood

The Eden Club st andrews, scotland • 2 bedrooms Nestled on the grounds of the historic Pittormie Castle, the North Park Cottage and Steadings residences are surrounded by the castle’s verdant forests and lush formal gardens. 5 residences

—exclusiveresorts.com/ st-andrews-scotland

51 Buckingham Gate london, england • 2 bedrooms Taj 51 Buckingham Gate is located in the most exclusive neighborhood in London. Each suite features a fully-equipped, open-plan kitchen and dining room. The resort’s acclaimed butler service and Golden Keys concierges attend to your family’s every whim. 5 residences

—exclusiveresorts.com/ london-england

Banyan Tree Kyoto kyoto, japan • 2 bedrooms Your private downtown apartment features blends today’s modern luxuries with traditional Kyoto design, with two bedrooms, a spacious living room, kitchenette, and dining area. —exclusiveresorts.com/ kyoto-japan

Real del Mar

scotland Synonymous with whisky, Scotland may seem an unlikely gin mecca. But this country’s longtime distilling know-how helped birth a new gin movement. Gin offers a playful, less regulated outlet for master blenders’ creativity. It also offers quick cash. Single malts are capital intensive, requiring heavy outlays upfront and decades of patience before any profit is turned. Make a gin, however, and it can be sold in weeks—a reliable, short-term income stream while whisky matures. So it’s no wonder 48

CURATED / Summer 2018

puerto vallarta, mexico

more than two-dozen small batch gins have been recently launched here. The industry has even come together to create an official “Gin Trail” map for the thirsty and adventurous. Standouts include Isle of Harris Gin, accented with flavors of local sea kelp that grows around the wild islands of the outer Hebrides where it’s made alongside a new whisky. Also try The Botanist from Islay—a crisp, spearmint-tinged gin sibling to peaty Bruichladdich. —harrisdistillery.com; thebotanist.com

• 4-5 bedrooms Loctated 45 minutes from Puerto Vallarta, Real del Mar is a gated community adjacent to La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. Large private homes feature sprawling interior and exterior living areas, infinity-edge pools, and access to a private beach club.

13 residences

—exclusiveresorts.com/ real-del-mar-mexico

Clockwise from left: Courtesy of Harris Distillery; courtesy of The Kyoto Distillery; courtesy of Estancia Disterilly

1 residence

— Opposite: Isle of Harris Gin is accented with flavors of local sea kelp. From Left: Ki No Bi dry gin from Kyoto’s first modern gin distillery; Estancia Raicilla, made in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico.

japan

london

mexico

Amid Kyoto’s temples and ryokans sits Japan’s first modern gin distillery, where a rice-based spirit that’s laced with botanicals is painstakingly sourced from across the country. Head distiller Alex Davies and his team spent more than a year scouring Japan for the perfect ingredients, including hinoki wood chips, Japanese peppercorns, and yuzu from an 80-year-old farmer just north of Kyoto. And the water is sourced from the sake-brewing district of Fushimi. The result? Ki No Bi dry gin, which means ‘The Beauty of the Seasons.” Furthermore, it’s packaged in a keepsake bottle. Handblown in Osaka, expect a screen-printed label by Kyoto’s oldest practitioner of karakami or woodblock patterns on paper. This gin is best served neat, or over ice, to fully appreciate its delicate flavors.

No city is more synonymous with gin than London. Fairfax Hall and Sam Galsworthy, an eccentric, tweed-clad duo, began Sipsmith distillery by poring over vintage recipe books that mentioned acacia bark and orris—neither of which were native to the UK during gin’s heyday in Georgian London. “Of course, it sounds exotic, but that’s the whole thing,” Hall explains. “They were lying around the docks in London because of the spice trade, which is why distillers here started using them in gin.” Once they settled on a recipe, the pair commissioned a custom, 300-liter copper pot from a German stillmaker. The first bottle was produced in May 2009 in a small suburban garage in West London, and was an instant hit across the city’s craft cocktail bars. Maker’s Mark parent Beam Suntory snapped up the entire operation two years ago, but Hall and Galsworthy remain in charge.

First it was tequila, and then it was mezcal. The next traditional Mexican spirit to surface on high-end cocktail lists is raicilla (rye-SEEah). The floral, agave-based spirit is often nicknamed Mexico’s homegrown gin. Made in the highlands of Jalisco from the rare Maximiliane agave, anticipate a heavy, heady aroma—think roasted fruits and a citrus tang—far stronger than tequila or mezcal. It’s also more versatile. Raicilla will substitute well in almost any gin-based cocktail. Swap it into a negroni, with sweet vermouth and Campari, for a fresh veggie-inspired take on the classic. It’s produced two ways, either by pit- or clay-roasting agave hearts. Look for varieties produced the latter way if wanting a gin alternative, as this gives the final product a cleaner flavor. Two need-to-know names aiming to bring raicilla into the mainstream are Estancia Distillery and La Venenosa, both of who export stateside and beyond.

—kyotodistillery.jp

—sipsmith.com

—estancia-raicilla.com

CURATED / Summer 2018

Savor

ER Inspired

Destination DIY With these Member favorites, return home and share a taste of your vacation with family and friends.

— From Left: Chef Nicolas Devenelle helms the kitchen at Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica; the resort’s always fresh seabass ceviche.

peninsula papagayo, costa rica

What You’ll Need

How to Make It

(serving 5-6):

step 1:

16 oz fresh seabass filet

Marinate the Fish

The Other Ingredients

3 oz red onions,

Cut the fish into dices

In another bowl, mix all

cut in julienne

(half inch by half inch),

the other ingredients

1.5 oz red pepper,

and place it in a metal

together with the

bowl. Pour ¾ of the lime

remaining juices.

cut in julienne

step 2:

Seabass Ceviche

1.5 oz green pepper,

the remaining to pour over

Once the fish has been

At Peninsula Papagayo’s Poro Poro Restaurant, Executive Chef Nicolas Devenelle’s cuisine anchors pura vida at this ER flagship. Always fresh, and always full of Costa Rican flavor, his seabass ceviche is a must. “At Poro Poro, we love serving this ceviche inside a plantain ring or with some green plantain chips,” says Chef Devenelle.

1.5 oz chopped celery

the fish), add a teaspoon

marinated for 15 minutes,

2 tbsp chopped cilantro

of the fresh passion

remove the juices

5 limes, juiced

fruit, and the teaspoon

(passing the fish through

1 orange, juiced

of the spicy sauce, then

a sieve), and add the

1 tbsp fresh passion fruit

salt. Make sure the juices

fish to all ingredients.

1 tsp homemade

cover the fish, and then

Mix it well, check the

place a plastic film on top

seasoning, and add salt

of the bowl (touching

and pepper to taste.

cut in julienne

habanero sauce salt

and ¾ orange juices (keep

the fish). Place it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.

CURATED / Summer 2018

real del mar, mexico Guacamole

“It was the best guac of our lives!” says Mike Nink after recently visiting Real del Mar with his family. “I purposefully wanted it to be the last thing I tasted before we left the house.” Here, Real del Mar Concierge Mario Dominguez reveals tips to whipping up a batch post vacation. “It’s only avocado, lime, salt, and, by preference, onion, and tomato,” says Dominguez. “In Mexico, we add serrano and cilantro with pico de gallo on the side. The chefs use an eggbeater or another kitchen smasher to mix the avocados. It takes three minutes or less!”

Beach Picnic Packlist 3 avocados Half a lime 1 teaspoon onion Half tomato (without seeds to avoid oxidation)

— Clockwise From Top: Member Mike Nink says the guac from Real del Mar is the tastiest he’s ever had; low country cuisine at Sea Island, Georgia; the Henry family toasts southern living.

On The Menu Garden Salad

Clambake

Local Vegetables,

Soft Shell Clams,

Traditional Sea Island

Quartered Lobsters, Broth

Dressings

and Butter, Cocktail Sauce,

Peach and Tomato Salad

Rainbow Island Hot Sauce

Asparagus and Roasted

Blackened Tomato Pie

sea island, georgia

Almonds

Roasted Yukon Potato

Low Country Crawfish Boil

Low Country Boil

Wedges

Wild Georgia Shrimp,

Soft Rolls and Butter

Smoked Broadfield Sausage, Onions, and Potatoes

Peach Pecan Cobbler Boston Cream Pie

Craving a taste of the south? At Sea Island, enjoy a chef-prepared, private low country crawfish boil, served right in residence. When returning home, tease your taste buds with this Sea Island mainstay. CURATED / Summer 2018

Façade est du mYSLm, © Fondation Jardin Majorelle / Photo Nicolas Mathéus

CULTURED

Art of Travel • Culture GPS • Gift Of Travel • Insider

Art Star The opening of the Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Morocco celebrates an iconic designer with a penchant for the whimsical and wild. page 54

CURATED

Cultured

Art of Travel

Stylish Retreats Exclusive Resorts’ Residence Collection includes two posh Moroccan villa residences. Located on the outskirts of town, the four-bedroom Dar Lain is a stylish getaway, reminiscent of a palace with high ceilings, Moroccan furnishings, and tranquil outdoor pool. The enchanting Dar Hasnaa, a four-bedroom villa in the countryside, is a rustic retreat with authentic Moroccan soul. — exclusiveresorts.com/ marrakech-morocco

The debut of Musée Yves Saint Laurent in Marrakech celebrates a master of design. written by jimmy im

CURATED / Summer 2018

When fashion designer and style icon Yves Saint Laurent moved from Northern Africa to Paris in 1953, his intention was to make a name for himself. In fact, he left a legacy. Various museums, including NYC’s The Met in 1983, have devoted entire exhibits to the famous designer—commemorating his work while the designer was still alive. Now, Saint Laurent’s journey in fashion has come full circle with the debut of an eponymous museum fully dedicated to one of the most renowned designers in history. In late 2017, Musée Yves Saint Laurent opened in Marrakech, Morocco—a dynamic city with significant impact on the fash-

ion designer, who grew up in neighboring Algeria. The $17-million, 43,000-squarefoot museum—located just steps from the designer’s private villa in Majorelle Garden—showcases Saint Laurent’s influence, achievements, and masterpieces through 40 years of YSL fashion. From couture collections and accessories to sketches and photographs, more than 1,000 items are on display. Pierre Berge, Saint Laurent’s business partner and life partner, spearheaded the new museum opening. “When Yves Saint Laurent first discovered Marrakech in 1966, he was so moved by the city that he immediately decided to buy a house here, and

Clockwise from left: Yves Saint Laurent, Place Djemaa El Fna © Reginald Gray; Le cabinet de curiosités », salle YSL, mYSLm © Fondation Jardin Majorelle / Photo Nicolas Mathéus; Vue de la salle YSL © Fondation Jardin Majorelle / Photo Nicolas Mathéus

Fashion On Display

— Opposite: Style icon Yves Saint Laurent considered Morocco a favorite inspiration. From Left: The museum’s interior is designed to reflect the velvet lining of a YSL jacket, and showcases vintage photos of the designer.

“

it feels perfectly natural, 50 years later, to build a

museum dedicated to

his oeuvre, which was so inspired by this country.”

returned regularly,” Berge recalls. “It feels perfectly natural, 50 years later, to build a museum dedicated to his oeuvre, which was so inspired by this country.” Designed by STUDIO KO, Musée Yves Saint Laurent is a timeless architectural gem. Constructed with locally sourced redbrick terra-cotta and terrazzo tiles in bold geometric patterns, the museum is rooted in place. It’s seamlessly integrated with the architecture of Morocco, yet conjures Yves Saint Laurent flair. The curved facade evokes the weft

and warp of fabric, while an expressive interior is designed to reflect the velvety lining of a couture jacket. Inside, visitors can explore several galleries, including the 400-squarefoot permanent space showcasing the designer’s favorite pieces. Yves Saint Laurent truly believed fashion was more than style, so it makes sense the museum offers more than history. Make time to explore the bookshop, visit the 6,000-volumed research library, and enjoy a 150-seat auditorium for film screenings and lectures. Set against a reflection pool, a sunny courtyard café with bright yellow chairs and tables offers the perfect pause during a full day of museum touring. Visitors will appreciate the work of a brilliant designer but also gain perspective on

how fashion defined Saint Laurent. At the age of 21, he became head designer at Christian Dior, then went on to create his own couture house (in collaboration with Berge) before introducing his signature tuxedos for women (the first in the world) and his iconic African collection. A prescient fashion pioneer, Saint Laurent is immortalized in a city he often called home. Coinciding with the debut of Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris, the opening of the Marrakech museum marries the designer’s two favorite places. Today, the museums represent a total collection of 20,000 articles of Yves Saint Laurent haute couture clothing and accessories—an elevated experience for fashionistas, architecture buffs, and art lovers. CURATED / Summer 2018

Cultured

Culture GPS

Book It! written by erin lentz

Whether you prefer Jack Kerouac’s On The Road or a breezy beach book, literature ignites the adventurer in all of us. Here, our picks for your flight plan or ER bedside table.

Beaches by gray malin

Eye candy? Check! Malin’s delicious mix of aerial photography will inspire the most timid of travelers to hit the road in search of sun, sand, and come-hither ocean scenes. As Malin would prescribe, “The journey is more than just a photograph, it’s a lifestyle.” —graymalin.com

Travels with Gannon & Wyatt Series by patti wheeler

keith hemstreet

Send your middleschoolers on global travels with twin brothers Gannon & Wyatt. Written in the tradition of historic journals kept by such explorers as Lewis and Clark, this adventure series celebrates wanderlust. Experience Ireland, Botswana, Hawaii, Egypt, and more. —amazon.com

CURATED / Summer 2018

Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by j.d. vance

Barbarian Days: A Surfer’s Life by william finnegan

Written by a former Marine and Yale Law School Graduate who grew up in the heart of the South, this poignant account of growing up in a poor Appalachian town reveals the struggles of America’s white working class. Part memoir, part historical and social analysis, Vance’s take on the American dream is a compelling examination of class, southern stereotypes, and culture.

Winner of the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Biography/ Autobiography, Finnegan’s memoir stirs the souls of both big wave riders and those who simply enjoy a good read (no surfing passion required). Follow Finnegan from California to Hawaii, and then to far-flung islands in Fiji in search of the ultimate wave, while also being taken on a journey of Finnegan’s emotional landscape.

—harpercollins.com

—penguinrandomhouse.com

Clockwise from top left: Courtesy of Harry N. Abrams; courtesy of Greenleaf Book Group Press; courtesy of Harper Collins; courtesy of Penguin Books; courtesy of Assouline; courtesy of Hay House; courtesy of Harper Perennial

With these top reads, consider your travel inspiration further fueled.

Ibiza Bohemia by renu kashyap & maya boyd

A new release by Assouline, Ibiza Bohemia explores the island’s scenic Balearic cliffs, its cast of characters, and its signature style. As an escape for artists, creatives, musicians, and wayfarers, if you can’t get to Ibiza, the gorgeous photos will mentally transport you there. —assouline.com

Ear Buds Audio books and apps that make flight time way more fun. A Lap Around America by shawn inmon

Road trip obsessed? This new release is for you. Follow author Shawn Inmon on a two-month trip through 30 states. —audible.com Simple Habit Meditation app

Choose from sessions that run the gamut of the vacation process, from “Waiting at the Airport,” to “After Vacation.” A meditation app to both calm and recollect a favorite travel memory. —audible.com The Travelers podcast

A popular weekly podcast, host Nathaniel Boyle speaks to how travel can change your inner life. Existential conversations touch on the universal truths of travel. —itunes.com Little Fires Everywhere by celeste ng

Mindful Eating

Beautiful Ruins

by miraval

by jess walter

A pioneer of mindfulness, Miraval Resort & Spa in Tucson, AZ, serves healthy food that tastes really good, too. Renowned for its spa cuisine, Miraval’s culinary team has created this compilation of balanced recipes that tease the taste buds and nourish the soul.

Inspired by the Amalfi Coast, this literary gem is a novel of success and love, while also a social satire on Hollywood culture. Walter’s words describe the iconic Amalfi Coast in such a way that you’ll be tempted to book the next flight out.

Whether reading a hard copy or listening to the audio version, prepare to be obsessed with this tale of secrets, the nature of art and identity, and the power of motherhood. —itunes.com

—amazon.com

—miraval.com

CURATED / Summer 2018

Cultured

Gift of Travel

Caribbean 2.0 After the 2017 hurricane season pummeled the Atlantic, philanthropy has changed both the physical and emotional landscapes of several treasured islands. written by jen murphy

to tourism as the storms themselves, considering tourism employs 2.4 million people in the Caribbean. Charities such as The Caribbean Tourism Relief Fund, the Fund for the Virgin Islands, Dominica Hurricane Relief Fund, and United for Puerto Rico have been set up specifically to help the hardest hit islands recover. However, the Caribbean Tourism Organization says the best way to help the region is to bring back the tourism economy by making a visit. Exclusive Resorts has properties on eight Caribbean Islands. Here, we share favorite highlights.

anguilla, british west indies A re-imagined addition to the Exclusive Resorts Portfolio, with four residences at the Four Seasons Anguilla, this 16-milelong island is considered the Caribbean’s culinary gem, with more than 100 restaurants and beach bars. Don’t miss fresh lobster served to a soundtrack of live jazz at Johnno’s Beach Stop, smoky pork ribs from roadside grill B&D’s Barbecue, and sunset drinks and ceviche at Cobà at the Four Seasons.

turks & caicos The Turks & Caicos islands rebounded quickly after suffering a one-two punch from Irma and Maria. Today, tourism is back in full swing. The island of Provo lures travelers with its sugar-white beaches. It’s also home to the Club’s three residences at The Palms, which offer panoramic ocean views of the world-renowned Grace Bay Beach. Spend days diving Provo’s fish-filled Northwest Point, teeing off at one of the Caribbean’s top golf courses, and feasting on seafood at Da Conch Shack and Rum Bar.

Go: For a full list of ER’s island residences, visit: exclusiveresorts.com/vacation-collection 58

CURATED / Summer 2018

Anguilla, British West Indies photo courtesy of Four Seasons Resorts & Residences Anguilla

The Caribbean traditionally conjures images of white sand beaches and swaying palm trees. But last fall, the news was flooded with images of devastation in the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. The powerful storms wiped out entire islands, but not the entire region. Only a handful of the Caribbean’s more than 7,000 islands were heavily damaged; 70 percent were unaffected. But months later, tourists are still choosing alternative sun-and-sand getaways, like Mexico or Hawaii. The perception that all of the Caribbean was destroyed is nearly as harmful

st. barth’s, west indies St. Barth’s has been praised for getting cleaned up and back to normal faster than any other island affected by last fall’s storms. In February 2018, Exclusive Resorts made its debut on the chic French island with three new luxury villas. The draw: 14 postcard-perfect beaches, stylish beach clubs, and chic boutiques including Imrie, Blue Coast, and Poupette.

abacos, bahamas The Abacos, a 120-mile-long chain of islands in the northern Bahamas, still feel undiscovered. A sailing paradise, days are spent island hopping to beach bars like Lubber’s Landing and Firefly. Come dusk, dine on seafood and BBQ, and then dance under the stars at the weekly barbecue held at the ocean-side Flippers at The Abaco Club on Winding Bay.

virgin gorda, british virgin islands The BVI took the full force of Hurricane Irma, then a follow-up hit from Hurricane Maria. Infrastructure was destroyed and famed resorts like the Bitter End Yacht Club on Virgin Gorda were completely razed. Today, the island is starting to feel its tourists buzz again. More than half of all visitors to the BVI come for the sailing and nearly all of the charter boat companies are already back in business. Take a boat ride to Spring Bay Beach for a private barbecue.

— Opposite: Four Seasons Anguilla, British West Indies. From Left: Aquamarre, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands; Abaco, Bahamas.

Island Living residence collection

Four Seasons Anguilla 4 residences

• 4 bedrooms

The Palms Turks & Caicos 3 residences

• 3-4 bedrooms

St. Barth’s, West Indies 3 residences

• 4-5 bedrooms

The Abaco Club on Winding Bay 5 residences

• 4 bedrooms

Aquamare, BVI 3 residences

• 5 bedrooms

3,760 sf

2,216-3,816 sf

2,250-4,650 sf

3,000-3,340 sf

8,000 sf

Each of ER’s multi-level villas feature two private pools, large outdoor living areas, spa-inspired en suite baths with ocean views, and outdoor showers.

Large private balconies with sun loungers and a living-dining room with a sleeper sofa provide plenty of space for families, while the full kitchen with highend Viking appliances add to the suites’ familyfriendly design.

Following Hurricane Irma, St. Barth’s has been praised for recovering faster than any other island impacted by the storm. Discover three luxury ER residences near pristine sand beaches.

All of the Club’s villas are named after the Abaco cays, and are set on a two-mile crescent-shaped stretch of beach. Think spacious outdoor living areas with private beach pathways and plunge pools.

True beachfront luxury is celebrated at three fivebedroom villa Aquamare homes, located on Mahoe Bay. Access a private beach exclusively for these three ER homes.

— exclusiveresorts.com/ anguilla

— exclusiveresorts.com/ turks-caicos

— exclusiveresorts.com/ st-barths-west-indies

— exclusiveresorts.com/ abaco-bahamas

— exclusiveresorts.com/ virgin-gorda-bvi

CURATED / Summer 2018

Cultured

Live Like a Local Maui’s food truck scene is oh so succulent. written by jen murphy

Some of the best eats to be had on Maui are served from the island’s 80-plus food trucks. The trick is to know where to go. And because most dishes are farm fresh or straight from the sea, it’s best to go early, as once that last poke bowl or fish taco is sold, the closed sign is brought out. These top spots on the island serve delicious, low-frills meals on wheels.

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Insider

— Opposite: Three’s Catering Food Truck on Maui; Gus’s Hawaiian Shave Ice; Thai cuisine by Panee. Left: an island favorite, Like Poke?

thai food by pranee

mediterranean grill

like poke?

hana

haiku

kahului

The town of Hana is reached by the famous Road to Hana, a 50-mile stretch of hairpin turns and one-lane bridges. When you finally arrive in the trappedin-time town, you’ll be hungry. Dining options are limited to just two restaurants and a handful of fantastic food trucks. The standout is Thai Food by Pranee, a small truck located a half-mile before the Hana Community Center. Pranee makes some of the best Pad Thai anywhere. Her daily specials, like mahi mahi panang curry, and salmon red curry often sell out before noon. Be warned, hours are sporadic. 5050 Uakea Rd.

Parked in the Haiku Cannery, this popular truck dishes healthy, Mediterranean fare. Lebanese brothers Sam and Salam source produce from local farms for their vibrant salads and make hummus from scratch. The combo plate is like a greatest hits menu sampling: chicken shawarma, hummus, saffron rice, seasoned lamb meat, warm pita, and salad. Vegetarians shouldn’t miss the falafel. Order to go or dine at umbrella-shaded tables in the courtyard. Open every day except Tuesdays, Mediterranean Grill is one of the few trucks that stays open late (8:30 p.m.). 810 Haiku Rd. #1

Poke, or raw cubes of fish served in an umami-packed marinade over rice, is a Hawaiian staple. This lunch wagon, located a three minute’s drive from the airport in Kahului, serves a variety of creative styles, from spicy ahi to tako (octopus) poke. If feeling indulgent, order the fried poke, which comes drizzled with a secret sauce and topped with tobiko. The truck opens and 10 a.m. and though open until 2 p.m., fresh poke is typically gone by noon. 591 Haleakala Hwy.

jawz fish tacos makena

Island Bliss Escape to sun and sand at ER’s Montage Kapalua Bay and Grand Wailea residences. — exclusiveresorts.com/maui-hi

A bright yellow truck painted with shark’s teeth, Jawz Fish Tacos has become an institution parked at Makena Beach (aka Big Beach). Opened in 1998, Jawz is one of the island’s longest running food trucks. Signature fish tacos are a must and can be filled with mahi mahi, ahi, ono, or snapper. Shredded pork burritos are massive enough to fuel your day, and if you want a lighter beach snack, try the Maui taco salad or a fresh fruit smoothie. Makena Beach

gus’ hawaiian shave ice kihei

A blue and white VW van topped with a longboard doubles as an island-style ice cream truck, hawking an artisanal take on Hawaiian shave ice. The traditional dessert is made by shaving slivers from a block of ice, then topping the snow conelike heap with flavored syrups. Gus’ has earned a following for its fresh fruit toppings (think mango and coconut shavings) and inventive flavors, like Kona macadamia nut coffee. 1 Piikea Ave.

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FEATURES

Spring + Summer 2018

Courtesy of Singita

Say Safari! Experience the trip of a lifetime on a sojourn to South Africa and Cape Town. page 64

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asante sana, africa

Known as the “place of miracles,” Singita’s quest for preservation while celebrating the best of the bush is anchored in a prescient 100-year conservation plan. written by erin lentz photographs courtesy of singita

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“E 66

le!” our Tanzanian guide, Jeremiah, whispers excitedly. He points in the opposite direction of where we’re parked. He raises his binoculars, starts the engine, and slowly drives toward the banks of the Mara River, near Singita’s Mara River Tented Camp in Tanzania. A glorious East Africa sunset bathes the sky a creamsicle orange. Thirty feet from our private Land Rover an “ele,” slang for elephant, has just given birth. The calf, still wet with blood, teeters, falls, and attempts to stand. We name it Jambo—Swahili for hello. “In my 10 years as a guide, I’ve never witnessed a birth,” says Jeremiah, grinning. “This is a real treat.” We are awestruck and anxious, as Jambo is just a few feet from the steep riverbank, where we’ve seen crocodiles

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stealthily await their prey. The baby wobbles precariously close to the edge as its mom repeatedly uses her trunk to push her newborn toward higher ground. This delicate dance continues for 45 incredible minutes. Once the two are finally safe, mom refuels with acacia leaves, while Jambo reaches for milk. Then suddenly, with a loud stroke of her trunk, the massive female eats her placenta. We are speechless. The only sound now is the click-click of my friend’s Nikon. Travelers dream about safari—a bucket-list check for most any curious adventurer. We envision traversing Africa’s wild heart and witnessing the “Big 5”—lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, Cape buffalo—in action. We prep for it with Google searches and vaccines, buy new

Photo by David Crookes

— From Left: A sundowner spread in Kruger National Park; Singita Founder and Executive Chairman, Luke Bailes, is a tireless conservationist with an ambitious 100-year vision to protect Africa’s vast tracts of land.

cameras, shop for safari outfits, and read field guides. Expectation is high. Yet nothing can prepare you for actually setting foot on African soil. The scent of this storied land—an undeniable mix of earth, clay, lavender, and grass—is the first of many sensory overloads. No matter where you’re from, for most travelers there’s a feeling of coming home. African wildlife represents a beauty and a brutality that’s at once jarring and reassuring. For Luke Bailes, founder and Executive Chairman of Singita, protecting Africa’s vast land is his life muse and mission. He’s treated like royalty in many parts of the continent, and Singita properties repeatedly top global hotel award lists. Perhaps most notable, the

Singita Grumeti Fund, established in 2002, is a trailblazer among Africa’s conservation efforts. To be sure, sustainable luxury is also the pulse of Singita. Thirteen stunning camps and lodges are located across South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe, including the new Singita Kwitonda Lodge slated to open in Rwanda in August 2019. At any Singita property, expect gourmet cuisine, fine South African wines, authentic African hospitality, a mix of British colonial and contemporary design, and tented camps best described as glamping on steroids. But be forewarned. If a “one and done” safari is what you have in mind, Africa might just leave you hoarding flight miles for a return visit. CURATED / Summer 2018

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— Opposite: South African swim, anyone?; private suites at Sweni Lodge hug the river, which consistently lures wildlife. Following Spread: Singita’s genuine service is defined by an authentic sense of place; daily wildlife sightings guarantee surprise and delight.

THE CALL OF CONSERVATION

THE BEST OF THE BUSH: SOUTH AFRICA Exclusive Resorts’ “South Africa: Kruger National Park and Sabi Sand Game Reserve” Adventure features a vetted, best-of-the-bush itinerary. “Wow” factor? Guaranteed. Members start in Johannesburg and then travel to Sweni Lodge, set amidst the southeastern stretch of Singita Kruger National Park. Seven private, one-bedroom suites hug the edge of the Sweni River, which consistently attracts wildlife— not to mention endless photo opportunities. Active travelers can opt for a guided walking safari, and come evening, unwind at Sweni’s Bush Spa and then indulge in a wine-paired meal. Next up, a short charter flight delivers Members to Sabi Sand Game Reserve, where four nights are spent at Singita Ebony Lodge. With 12 secluded suites nestled along the banks of the Sand River in the heart of South Africa’s big cat country, you can count on heated plunge pools, outdoor showers, and game viewing decks. Spanning upwards of 45,000 acres, Singita Sabi Sand is coveted for its high concentrations of big game. Members will also connect with locals during visits to the nearby towns of Justicia and Lillydale, where the impact of Singita on local communities can be experienced first hand.

When asked if Singita is a hotel or conservation company, Bailes is quick to respond. “Conservation,” he says. His vision was seeded 25 years ago when he opened Singita Ebony Lodge in 1993 on family-owned land. The first of his sustainable luxury lodges sprinkled across Africa, Ebony Lodge—a model marrying hospitality with wilderness experiences to support conservation—anchors his company’s plan. “We have a 100-year vision, and that is to protect large tracts of wilderness for future generations,” Bailes explains. “We are very strategic and methodical in the way we think through the future. We’re not driven by money. We’re driven by purpose.” Singita’s purpose is manifold, embracing conservation and supporting local communities and intense anti-poaching efforts, all while delivering exceptional service to a high-end clientele. The company’s heartbeat, though, is the very land on which its guests explore. “I realized Africa was in trouble, and it’s gotten progressively worse, which intensifies our mission,” Bailes says. “Africa’s population is doubling, from 1.2 to 2.4 billion by 2050. It’s frightening, and it’s putting so much pressure on the land.” While Singita guests also contribute on an ever-increasing philanthropic level, the challenges—mass tourism, population booms, and poaching—are many. So how will Bailes measure success? “We want to protect large pieces of land. At the end of the day, when are you finished with that? Never.”

Give + Get Interested in learning more about conservation and the Singita Grumeti Fund? Visit: singita.com

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— From Left: “There’s this cycle I’m always very aware of—birth and death—and I’m reminded of it all the time,” says Bailes; Singita’s anti-poaching efforts aim to protect Africa’s precious elephant population.

GAME DRIVES SUNDOWNERS

When witnessing my first lion in the bush, I get goose bumps as it slowly walks within four feet of our truck. “Remain still,” advises our guide. I dutifully follow orders, while imagining what could happen if it actually jumped in the doorless vehicle. Yet soon enough I will realize that we humans are insignificant to these animals, though safety remains paramount on game drives. By the end of my 10 days in Africa, I will have run through the bush behind a Maasai warrior (safety vehicles nearby), witnessed the Great Migration (this, reason enough to plan a trip), watched cheetah, rhino, wildebeest, and wart hogs navigate prey, and hot-air ballooned at dawn, soaring over the mating rituals of a pair of lions. While staying at Sasakwa Lodge in Tanzania, our final sundowner—the requisite British tradition of toasting the fleeting sun with gin and tonic in hand—is celebrated to our song request: “Africa,” by Toto. Cliché, perhaps, though it’s a moment of indelible connection with our guide as he teaches us traditional African dance moves. We return to the lodge with our spotlight trained, scanning the dark horizon for flashes of eyes. Suddenly, we discover a parade of lions on the prowl. “When you see animals kill one another, it’s survival of the fittest,” Bailes says. “There’s a very harsh reality, and it’s not the idyllic life for these animals. They’re always under pressure, always having to look over their shoulder to survive. There’s this cycle I’m always very aware of—birth and death—and I’m reminded of it all the time.” Indeed, the animals are always center stage, yet, the following day, while at Singita’s anti-poaching Joint Operations Center (JOC), I meet their fierce protectors. 72

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BETTING AGAINST IVORY: ANTI-POACHING PURSUITS Wesley Gold, Singita Grumeti Fund’s Law Enforcement Manager, greets us with a smile and welcoming demeanor, yet as we tour the JOC near Sasakwa Lodge, it’s readily apparent he means business. Formerly stationed in Afghanistan and having served 10 years in the British Army, Royal Regiment of Scotland, Gold’s mission here is also dangerous. His task? Helming an impressive anti-poaching operation with one of the highest ratios of scouts per square kilometer. Launched in 2003, Singita’s scout force now employs 104 game scouts. Gold, who was brought on in 2016 with a mandate to re-structure the law enforcement operation, utilizes cutting-edge surveillance technology. The scout force has, to date, caught more than 5,000 poachers. According to the film The Ivory Game, in the past 100 years African elephant populations have diminished by 97 percent. More than 50 percent of Africa’s remaining elephants could be killed in the next 10 years if illegal poaching continues at the current rate.

Gold walks us through the grounds, which include an air-conditioned dog kennel housing a new, elite canine unit, a CrossFit gym to keep his Special Operations teams in top shape, and an operations room that’s surrounded by surveillance monitors. The pursuit of protection is prescient. If these elephants, considered among the most intelligent creatures on the globe, can’t be saved, how will Africa survive? In partnership with Paul Allen’s Vulcan company, recent technology based anti-poaching initiatives include the introduction of a new Domain Awareness System (DAS), which streamlines information on snares, fires, poaching camps, charcoal, and illegal cattle. Additionally, drones and Reconex cameras assist in locating animals not readily visible by helicopter. “Africa is as close to the garden of Eden as I’ll ever get,” explains Gold about his relentless determination to protect it. Most visitors can relate, and are leaving Singita feeling called to action. Bailes adds, “Guests come into our world and say, ‘How can we be more involved?’” CURATED / Summer 2018

— From Left: The stunning Singita Sabora Tented Camp in Tanzania; the cuisine at Singita’s 13 properties is as notable as the design. Opposite: Opening in August of 2019, Singita Kwitonda Lodge aims to improve the habitat of an estimated 320 gorillas.

AUTHENTIC SERVICE If private game reserves are its calling card, Singita’s staff is its soul. Given the brand’s reputation for stellar service and cuisine, it’s surprising to discover most employees are from local communities versus high-end hotel programs. At Singita, guests are treated to exceptional hospitality, from personalized dinner menus incorporating dietary preferences to lodge managers who set a top-down tone of individualized professionalism. “We look for people with passion, first and foremost, and enthusiasm,” says Bailes. “If you have those two qualities you can train almost anybody. The African way is so friendly. It’s what I call genuine sincerity. We give them full ownership of their roles.” A visit to the Singita School of Cooking, headquartered near Sasakwa Lodge in Tanzania, is the quintessential example of the brand’s education and training programs. The school originally opened in 2007 in South Africa, and expanded to Tanzania in 2015. Ten local students per class train for 12 months, and most students begin work at Singita lodges and camps. One 30-year-old student recently completed an internship at the esteemed Blue Hill Farm in New York. Her trip to the United States marked the first time she’d ever been on an international flight. At all Singita properties, service with a smile isn’t forced, which allows for an authentic sense of place. Singita’s Chief Marketing Officer Lindy Rousseau adds, “You don’t need to teach someone how to relate to another human being. Hotel schools have taken away the natural entertainment and hospitality gene people naturally have. We just allow them to blossom.” 74

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THE FUTURE IS NOW So what’s next for Bailes and his 100-year vision? First up, the anticipated Singita Kwitonda Lodge, slated to open in Rwanda in August 2019. Located adjacent to Volcanoes National Park, more than one third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas live in the high-altitude cloud forests of the small, enchanting country of Rwanda. Conservation efforts will be robust, helping to improve the buffer area between agricultural plots and the habitat of the estimated 320 mountain gorillas. Guests can experience gorilla tracking in Rwanda, then a classic safari at Singita Serengeti in Tanzania. And though details are pending, Singita devotees may soon have a new reason to visit Mozambique, as Bailes hints at a unique opening on a major coastline. “The fascinating thing about Africa is you keep going back and it’s never the same,” he says. “Every time you go, you will see something for the first time. People often say to us, ‘That was life changing.’”

Know Before You Go Exclusive Resorts Vice President, Experience Collection, Gina Bach, reveals insider tips for first-time safari adventurers. Weight Restrictions

Expect strict weight restrictions for luggage in the bush. When traveling between camps, 20 kilos (44 pounds) is the max. Additionally, only soft-sided luggage is permitted. Eagle Creek or Patagonia large duffels work great. Laundry is often included at the camp, which helps limit your load. Layer Up

It can be surprisingly chilly on early morning game drives, so pack a fleece or sweatshirt. Layers are best when traveling. Camera Ready

If you have ever wanted to invest in a good camera, this is the time. Learn how to use it before you go! Hello, Thank You

Study the pronunciation of “hello” (jambo) and “thank you” (asante) in the local language. It goes a long way with the residents whom you encounter. Sightsee & Lounge Balance

Stay awhile! It’s understandable to want to see as much as possible during a bucket-list trip, but plan enough time to lounge in your tented camp or enjoy the pool at Ebony Lodge. Age Appropriate

Ideal age for kiddos? Ten to twelve years and older is most appropriate for experiencing the best of the bush. Grumeti Air

Travel to Singita’s lodges and camps with Grumeti Air. Singita’s partner airline gives Members direct access to the bush and the Singita experience from start to finish.

On The Itinerary For further details on this new eight-night, nine-day Adventure: — exclusiveresorts.com/south-africa

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Anti Cruise

the

written by clara woodbridge

The World is more than a city at sea—it’s an exclusive gateway to the farthest corners of the earth.

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â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Wake Up Call: Morning views while adventuring at sea.

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This page: Courtesy of The World, Residences at Sea

Stephanie Robinson has been to Mallorca and Malaysia, Alaska and Athens, St. Tropez and Singapore. She’s gone kayaking through glaciers in the Aleutian Islands and watched steam pour out of the mammoth rim of Krakatoa. In Greece, she marveled as her eight-year-old son enjoyed his first bite of stuffed octopus. She’s sailed down the fjords of Montenegro and along the coast of Borneo. And she did it all on The World. “It’s the most incredible way to travel—to be able to go to these far-flung places that I never could have shown my children otherwise,” Robinson says. “It’s been a big part of my family’s lives.” To be sure, there’s the world—and there’s The World. And everything in the world is elevated when you experience it aboard The World.

— Opposite: Sailing down the fjords of Montenegro. Left: The World features two swimming pools, six restaurants, and a 7,000-square-foot spa and wellness center.

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For more than 15 years, The World has been crisscrossing the globe, taking its well-heeled passengers on a continuous journey from one far corner to the next, from the Arctic Circle to Antarctica, from the Mediterranean to Madagascar. But make no mistake; this is no cruise—the word is all but forbidden by the ship’s crew and residents alike. Rather, it’s an elite club, the largest privately owned residential yacht on earth—an exclusive floating community, if you will. And the ability to access this coveted ship is highly restricted. As an Exclusive Resorts Member who first sailed The World in 2007, Robinson discovered a unique way to navigate the globe. “ER Members have an extraordinary opportunity to gain access to The World through their Memberships, as my family did,” says Robinson. “It really is about the only way to experience the ship without having a personal connection to one of the existing resident owners or going through an extensive vetting process as a potential resident.” To date, ER Members have taken 2,142 trips aboard The World, with an average 7.65 days per trip and a total 13,393 ER Days used aboard the ship. Of course, much like a cruise ship, The World is a large vessel that sails from port to port. But that’s where the comparison stops. There are no cramped staterooms here, no been-there-done-that itineraries, no crowded swimming pools or packed buffet lines. Each of the 165 residences on board are expansive, ranging from spacious studios to a six-bedroom penthouse (hardly the kind of quarters you’d find on even the most luxurious cruise ships), and passengers enjoy an array of un-cruiselike amenities, too. The only full-size tennis court at sea calls The World home, as do two swimming pools, six restaurants, seven bars, a golf simulator and putting green, a movie theater, an art gallery, a retractable marina, and a 7,000-square-foot spa and wellness center. And when The World is in port—which the ship often is, staying overnight at each of the roughly 100 destinations it visits every year—passengers are doing more than sightseeing: They’re tracking polar bears in the Arctic, sipping Champagne among the sand dunes of Namibia, and riding camels through the Australian outback. 80

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— Below: The World at sea. Member Stephanie Robinson, who owns a residence aboard the ship, says, “it’s the most incredible way to travel.”

But, there’s a catch: In order to experience The World, one must be a resident of The World. And to be a resident of The World requires no small arrangement: Residences only occasionally hit the market—selling for anywhere between $2 million and $15 million on average—and ownership is highly selective, restricted to those with at least $10 million in assets and requiring endorsements from two existing residents. That is, unless you’re an Exclusive Resorts Member. Outside of ownership, the only way to experience The World is by booking your stay in one of the Club’s four on-board residences, three of which fea-

ture two bedrooms, a wraparound terrace, a full kitchen, and sprawling living spaces, including a formal dining room. “It’s like having a golden ticket to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory,” says Robinson. “It was a trip of a lifetime,” she says of the journey, which sailed from Rome to Sardinia and Corsica, then on to Valencia, Spain, for the 2007 America’s Cup. “My youngest child was 18 months old at the time, and my other two were 4 and 7. There was simply no other way I would have been able to take them on a trip like that. It truly is the greatest way to travel, especially for families.”

Robinson was hooked.

with both Princess Cruises and Seabourn in the past, Robinson never considered herself a cruising fan. “Normal cruise ships have nothing in common with The World, except they’re on the water,” she says. And that is exactly why The World impressed her. The cuisine is exceptional, she says, satisfying even the most discerning palates among her family, with a variety of cuisines from sushi to steak, as well as reliable favorites for the kids (the chocolate-chip pancakes are a must). The decor is always fresh and up-to-date— owed to dry-dock upgrades performed every three years. The in-port experiences are more immersive, too, thanks to two- and three-day stays that allow residents to explore destinations long after other cruise ships have left for their next destination. And the service? “I have never had better service anywhere in my life than on that ship,” Robinson says.

So enamored with The World were Robinson and her family that, in 2016, they decided to purchase a home of their own on the ship—made possible via experiencing the The World with Exclusive Resorts. This year, the intrepid clan will once again hit the high seas for a far-flung adventure: In August, the ship will make its maiden voyage to Norway’s little-known Svalbard Archipelago—located some 600 nautical miles from the North Pole and an Arctic wonderland—where an expedition team will lead passengers on whaleand walrus-watching excursions. Still, regardless of whether the destination is Svalbard, St. Maarten, Singapore, or Santorini, Robinson insists it’s the journey that makes The World worth taking. “Don’t worry whether it’s going to Venice or Mallorca or wherever else,” she says. “It’s not important where The World is going—just get on it.”

Courtesy of The World, Residences at Sea

What she thought would be an erstwhile adventure at sea, never to be repeated again, became a near-annual event. The following year, she booked another expedition via Exclusive Resorts on The World, this one to the Greek Isles and Montenegro. After that it was the Northwest Passage in Alaska, then the Balearic Islands and Saint-Tropez, and then, for two weeks in 2014, an exotic tour from Jakarta to Singapore and Borneo. “I would never have convinced my husband to go to those places if it weren’t on The World,” she recalls. “All the bouncing around, checking in and out of hotels—it would have been almost impossible to replicate.” But it wasn’t just the destinations that made Robinson and her family such enthusiasts of The World. Having sailed

— Above from Left: An Exclusive Resorts’ residence aboard The World. Amenities include an art gallery, a retractable marina, and a 7,000-square-foot spa; one of The World’s two expansive swimming pools.

The World, By the Numbers

43,188 Weight (tons) 644.2 Length (feet) equivalent to the length of more than two football fields 12 Number of decks 692,147 Nautical miles traveled since its maiden voyage in 2002

900 Number of ports in 140 countries visited since its maiden voyage in 2002 18.5 Maximum speed, in knots—equivalent to roughly 21 mph 16,000 Number of bottles in the wine cellar

280 Number of crew members aboard, including a Pilates instructor, medical doctor, and sommelier 1:1 The crew-to-resident ratio at full capacity 5,043 Total square footage of Exclusive Resorts residences aboard The World

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— The ship will sail more than 40,000 miles this year, with stops in Spain, including the Canary Islands (left); the Svalbard Expedition (opposite) explores Norway’s natural backyard.

August Svalbard Expedition, Norway Tromso, Norway Harstad, Norway Lofoten Islands, Norway Bronnoysund, Norway Trondheim, Norway Smola, Norway Aandalsnes, Norway Molde, Norway Flaam, Norway Skjorlden, Norway Bergen, Norway Shetland Islands, Scotland

Where in The World? This year, The World will sail more than 40,000 nautical miles, making stops in 120 ports across more than 30 countries, including 22 maiden ports of call. An expedition to the Svalbard Archipelago will be the highlight of the summer, allowing passengers to explore the frozen tundra and its wild inhabitants—including polar bears, Svalbard reindeer, and Arctic foxes—with a team of naturalists. Come fall, The World will set sail for the British Isles, followed by the Mediterranean and Canary Islands, before a cross-Atlantic jaunt (with a pit stop on the volcanic Ascension Islands) ends the year in South Africa. Excitement is already building for the 2019 itinerary, which will include an expedition to Madagascar, as well as exotic explorations in Sri Lanka, Oman, and Israel. In the spring, it’s back to the sun-soaked Mediterranean before a journey to the majestic Faroe Islands, Iceland, and Greenland. The year will end in East and Southeast Asia, with stops in Koh Samui, Thailand; Hanoi, Vietnam; Shanghai, China; and, for a New Year’s Eve celebration to remember, Hong Kong. 82

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June 2018 Amalfi, Italy Kefalonia Island, Greece Paxos Island, Greece Corfu, Greece Venice, Italy Rijeka, Croatia Hvar, Croatia Makarska, Croatia Dubrovnik, Croatia Siracusa, Italy Valletta, Malta Gozo, Malta Sardinia, Italy July Isla de Formentera, Spain Valencia, Spain Lisbon, Portugal La Coruña, Spain Saint Malo, France Channel Island, England Amsterdam, Netherlands Stavanger, Norway Bergen, Norway Alesund, Norway Geiranger, Norway Fjord Cruising, Norway Bodo, Norway Tromso, Norway

September British Island Expedition Dublin, Ireland Cobh, Ireland Isle of Scilly, England Torquay, England October Rouen, France Royan, France Bordeaux, France Portimao, Portugal Cadiz, Spain Tarragona, Spain Barcelona, Spain Cagliari, Italy Trapani, Italy November Palermo, Italy Messina, Italy Rome, Italy Palma de Mallorca, Spain Alicante, Spain Funchal, Portugal Canary Islands, Spain December Mid-Atlantic Expedition Dakar, Senegal Ascension Island St. Helena Island Cape Town, South Africa Luderitz, Namibia Walvis Bay, Namibia

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The Colors of Turks & Caicos photograph by romello williams

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the shot

Take a trip around the world via remarkable aerial imagery celebrating an authentic sense of place and Exclusive Resortsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; expanding global portfolio. curated by justin parnell

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Leaving Las Vegas photograph by jeremy bishop

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Northern California Dreaming Sand Point, Lake Tahoe Lombard Street, San Francisco

opposite: below:

photographs by dan roizer & brandon nelson

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Volcano Patterns below:

Big Island, Hawaii Iceland

opposite:

photographs by guille pozzi & luca micheli

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Birdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s-Eye View of Naples, Florida photograph by alex perez

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Travel from Edinburgh to Dundee aboard Belmond Royal Scotsman, and discover landscapes and cultures rich in personality and panache. written by jen murphy photographs courtesy of belmond

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— Previous Spread: Trekking across the Glenfinnan Viaduct in the Scottish Highlands. Opposite: Stylish corridors aboard Belmond Royal Scotsman lead to nine vintage-inspired carriages and Instagram-worthy views from nearly every cabin.

IMAGINE A COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL FIT FOR A SCOTTISH LORD OR LADY. The rooms ooze Edwardian-era elegance with mahogany marquetry and tweed furnishings. The dining room table is set with white linen, bone china, and crystal glasses. A private chef prepares Aberdeen Angus beef and Mallaig monkfish and a bartender pours the finest malt whisky. Now, put this dreamy stay on wheels so it can travel past heather-clad hills, peat bog wilderness, and mirror-still lochs. Welcome aboard Belmond Royal Scotsman. After years of jet setting, travelers are looking to slow down and revel at vast landscapes and new cultures. What better way to do so than navigating fabled railroads in luxury? While the golden age of train travel might be behind us, a rail revival is taking place. Highend operators like Rovos Rail in Southern Africa and the Maharajas Express in India are recapturing the romance of a bygone era of train travel. When it first rolled out of Paris in 1883 bound for Istanbul, the Orient Express—the celebrated train created by Belgian Georges Nagelmackers—set the bar for glamorous train travel. Its elegant carriages carried royals, politicians, and artists while also inspiring imitators and novels, most notably Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express. Orient Express was rebranded as Belmond, yet the company upholds and celebrates its train travel legacy. Nearly 100 years after the original, the Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient Express debuted. Today, it still crisscrosses Europe, stopping in such cities as Istanbul, Venice, and Paris. And in the three decades since, Belmond’s fleet has grown to include trains in the U.K., Asia, and South America. The Royal Scotsman, however, has become one of the most iconic. The fabled train is an aristocrat of rail travel, composed of nine vintage-inspired carriages, mostly Pullman cars from the 1960s. Single-, double-, and twin-bedded state cars are decorated with marquetry, rich green and crimson fabrics, and prints of Highland chieftains. All are serviced by personal cabin stewards. “For all intents and purposes, it has the accommodations and amenities of a five-star hotel,” says train manager Fred Laseen. “But the service is very personal. With 15 staff to attend 50 guests, I often feel like we’re hosting people for a party.” 96

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“

while the golden age of train travel might be behind

us, a rail revival is taking place. highend operators are recapturing the romance of a bygone era of train travel.”

— Right: The 720-mile Highlands trip passes through Dundee, Montrose, Inverness, and Perth. 98

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THE BELMOND ROYAL SCOTSMAN’S CLASSIC FOURNIGHT, 720-mile Highlands trip passes through Dundee, Montrose, Inverness, and Perth. When guests depart from Edinburgh’s Waverley Station, they embark on a magical experience that simply can’t be captured traveling any other way. It doesn’t take long to go from the comforts of the city to pure highland countryside, which can be as harsh as it is beautiful. Seeing it all pass by from your window feels like watching a National Geographic documentary. Highlights of the trip include winding through the former Kingdom of Fife and crossing the awe-inspiring Forth Railway Bridge. Many consider the section of track 100

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leading to Kyle of Lochalsh the most scenic route in all of Britain. But passengers aren’t mere observers. One of the draws of train travel is the ease of getting off and on to explore otherwise hard-to-reach places. Guests can disembark in the picturesque village of Plockton for a boat ride to see the resident seal colony and get off in Garve to sample single malts during a tour of the Glen Ord Distillery, one of Scotland’s oldest. In Carrbridge, visit Ballindalloch Castle. Belmond has a close relationship with the lord and lady of the house, and guests are treated to a VIP tour of the fairytale-like building and grounds. Outdoor pursuits include Rothiemurchus Estate in Cairngorms National Park. Also on the agenda? Highlands games such as archery and clay pigeon shooting, or hikes through the vast wilderness.

— Opposite: Edwardian-era elegance features mahogany marquetry and tweed furnishings; Scottish tradition is celebrated with formal onboard dinners. Above: Private chefs prepare such Scottish dishes as Aberdeen Angus beef and Mallaig monkfish, while bartenders pour the finest malt whisky.

DAYS CAN BE AS PROGRAMMED AND ACTION-PACKED AS GUESTS WANT, says Laseen. “Some guests prefer to stay on the train all day and sample our selection of over 50 whiskies, and that’s perfectly ok.” The comforts of the train are indeed hard to resist. The Royal Scotsman has bragging rights of being the first train in Belmond’s fleet with its own dedicated spa carriage. Introduced in 2017, the Haybarn Spa is a partnership with cult British wellness brand, Bamford. The sanctuary on wheels showcases sustainable wood from Scotland and the Cotswolds, while two treatment rooms with picture windows allow guests to glimpse the countryside while enjoying a mani-pedi, customized facial, or a deep tissue massage. And the train typically travels longer distances at night and covers shorter track during the days, which can be decidedly easier travel for guests. The Observatory Car has a rare open-air veranda where guests sip afternoon tea while still capturing Kodak moments. Ray Owens, the train’s Highland raconteur, brings Scotland’s culture to life through his lively tales. And by 7:30 p.m., during formal night parties, Members can swap their wellies and

outdoor wear for cocktail dresses, tuxedos, or even kilts (guests can rent kilts ahead of their trip through Belmond). The sound of popping champagne corks signals happy hour while the day’s travel highlights are shared over caviar blinis and bubbly. Dinner, served in two formal dining cars, is a highlight of every evening. Michelin-trained Chef Mark Tamburrini orchestrates a Scottish feast anchored in such regionally sourced ingredients as Highland venison and prawns and oysters from Kyle of Lochalsh. After dinner, the Observatory Car comes to life with nightly entertainment. Scottish clansmen come aboard to talk about their history, and Scottish folk groups often play music during platform parties. Staff even teaches traditional Scottish country dance moves. After a wee bit of whisky, guests are often linked arm-in-arm singing and dancing. “The friendships made on the journey are just as memorable as the journey itself,” says Laseen. “And that’s the real magic of train travel.” CURATED / Summer 2018

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â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Belmond Royal Scotsman celebrates train travel from a bygone era, with state rooms featuring prints of Highland chieftains.

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ON THE ITINERARY day 1

day 5

Check into the Balmoral Hotel, and then get beneath the surface of Edinburgh via a private, four-hour walking tour. Explore the neo-classical architecture of New Town. Completed around 1850, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take in the panoramas from Calton Hill, then wander up to the famous Royal Mile in Old Town, which runs from the imposing Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of HM Queen Elizabeth II.

The train leaves Kyle, retracing part of Day Four’s route as far as Dingwall. Members will want to have their cameras ready for the enchanting views of Plockton’s whitewashed cottages and fishing boats. Disembark in Garve for a tour and tasting at Glen Ord Distillery. Rejoin the train in Inverness for lunch, then disembark in Carrbridge for a visit to Ballindalloch Castle or a round of golf on Ballindalloch’s nine-hole course.

day 2 Tour the Royal Yacht Britannia. This floating palace has been moored in Edinburgh since it was decommissioned after clocking over a million miles. The self-guided audio tour starts at the bridge and takes you through five of Britannia’s decks, including the magnificent State Apartments, the crew’s quarters and the engine room. Members can even view Her Majesty’s Rolls Royces, and see inside the Queen’s Bedroom—a rare privilege not possible at any other royal residence.

day 3 The Belmond Royal Scotsman departs Edinburgh Waverley Station and travels north, crossing the Firth of Forth by means of the Forth Railway Bridge, one of the oldest cantilever bridges to be built. The train follows the east coast, passing through Arbroath, Montrose, and Aberdeen before arriving in the market town of Keith.

day 4 The train travels west along the Moray Firth towards Inverness, capital of the Highlands. Lunch is served en route to Kyle of Lochalsh, climbing to the breathtaking Luib Summit and Achnashellach Forest. Arrive at the village of Plockton for a boat ride to see wild seals or visit Eilean Donan Castle.

days 6-7 Travel by coach to Rothiemurchus Estate in Cairngorms National Park. Choose to go fishing, clay pigeon shooting, or take an estate tour. Return to the train in Kingussie and enjoy lunch on the way south to Dunkeld. Here, Members disembark for a private tour of Glamis Castle and its gardens. The last night, a formal celebratory feast is followed by Scottish country dancing.

All Aboard For further details on this new, six-night, seven-day Adventure: — exclusiveresorts.com/ scotland-by-train

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— Below from Top: Jim DeBloom traveled with his wife and daughter; Peninsula Papagayo staged impromptu salsa lessons for the DeBlooms.

Bucket List

Pura Vida! The DeBloom family returns from Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica, with memories of a lifetime.

most photo-worthy moments:

I will always remember sitting in a bungalow on Prieta Beach at sunset. I had an Imperial in my hand and my wife had her favorite spicy margarita in hers. As the sun dropped into the ocean, the silhouettes of our children passed in front of the sun while they frolicked in the waves—like perfect black shadows in front of a sky of orange. I will never forget that image. Plus, I took about 20 pictures of it so even when I’m old I won’t forget!

a family first: Despite many trips in

and around water, no one in our family had ever driven a wave runner. We booked a private tour and were able to explore caves, visit a private island, play on a deserted beach, and explore quiet mangroves.

your home and handle the cooking. We took a third option and had Chef prepare a pound of sashimi from the yellowfin tuna, eating the slices in our hands as they were cut. It was magnificent.

bragging rights: We have a teenage

daughter who loves to dance and wanted to learn to salsa. Somehow one of the staff members caught wind of this, and at one of our fantastic dinners at Poro Poro, our waiter Rosman gave an impromptu lesson while the band played. Our dinner turned into a family lesson of salsa dancing and now all of us know how to salsa like real Costa Ricans. — exclusiveresorts.com/peninsula-papagayo-costa-rica

never thought i’d experience:

Palo Verde National Park. The highlight was a private boat ride down the river in search of wildlife. We encountered nearly 30 spider monkeys, and one crocodile after another propelled itself down the river bank. Our guide assured us we were in no danger, but we must have seen more than 60 crocodiles, some measuring over 12 feet. and-greet party at Poro Poro Beach Club. Chef Nico has a catch of the day on display, such as fresh snapper, yellowfin tuna, sea bass, and mahi mahi. Each guest can request specific cuts that are carved directly from the fish in front of you. You can then either take the cuts home and prepare them yourself, or have one of the chefs at Poro Poro come to

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Courtesy Allen Kennedy Photography

if you go: Every Monday there’s a meet-

THE HENRY FAMILY SEA ISLAND, GA

Create Your Next Remember When

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Information current as of 5.8.2018. Club Membership is subject to terms and conditions of Club Membership agreement. Different terms and conditions apply to different purchases. Reservations for specific days, destinations, experiences and events subject to availability. Experience Collection vacations, certain services, amenities and other Member benefits may require additional fees, may have limited availability and are subject to additional terms and conditions. Current Club destinations, residences, experiences and events subject to change. See www.exclusiveresorts.com for more information. Make the World Your Second Home is a service mark of Exclusive Resorts, LLC. Create Your Next Remember When, Exclusive Resorts, and the Exclusive Resorts flower logo are registered trademarks of Exclusive Resorts, LLC. ÂŠ2018, Exclusive Resorts, LLC. All rights reserved.

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