CURATED Magazine by Exclusive Resorts • Fall/Winter 2015

BE A COLLECTOR OF INSPIRED TRAVEL + GLOBAL EXPERIENCE

MAGAZINE

THE ABACOS ISLAND HOP

MANHATTAN

TRIED + TRENDING

CABO

SECOND ACT

tales of

TUSCANY A WINTER ESCAPE TO ITALY’S CASTELLO DI CASOLE

plus SLIM AARONS // DREW BREES // NORAH O’DONNELL // ERIC RIPERT // TONY SCHWARTZ

W H AT ’ S O N Y O U R W I S H L I S T ?

That’s our specialty.

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“...I envision that Spar Street’s “The Heart of Peace” sculpture will become the great gateway by which the human race will enter into the golden age of universal peace, built on a culture of deep connection with self and truth. I envision that, in time, “The Heart of Peace” shall be viewed and admired much in the same way that we, today, view the Eiffel Tower, the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, and the Great Pyramids of Egypt.”

CLAES NOBEL, Co-founder & Chairman– World Peace One Foundation

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STREET’S SCULPTURES are as flawlessly smooth as his paintings are richly textured.

The warmth and gentleness of his sinuous bronzes, with flowing lines that draw you in, embrace you, and carry you onward and upward, contrast exquisitely with his cool, sophisticated, mirrorlike stainless steel sculptures, that become one with the viewer and its surroundings. Their reflective qualities change from sunlight to moonlight; indoors, enhancing your beautiful home, outdoors, mirroring the beauty of nature; and with every movement that it captures and enhances as the world passes in review.

PAR

Spar’s exquisite paintings are created utilizing hundreds of textured layers, carefully applied one upon the other; each layer enhancing the one that came before, and setting the stage for the layers yet to come, giving his paintings an extraordinary sculptural quality that changes and moves as light passes over its sensual contours.

Kaleidoscope of Dreams Come True

SPAR STREET Painter, Sculptor, Athlete, Philanthropist

“When I start to create, I start with a pure intention, a prayer, or invocation.”

—Spar Street

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NOWLEDGEABLE, SOPHISTICATED

collectors from around the world invest in Spar’s paintings and sculptures. The great value found in his artworks results from a combination of the uniqueness, individuality and beauty of each of his masterful creations, coupled with the brilliance of his execution. When these two rare qualities are found together in a single work of art, its potential for growth is unlimited.

Amongst the world’s greatest living painters and sculptors, few have been privately welcomed inside the palaces and the boardrooms of the world’s wealthiest, most powerful and influential people to create meaningful, purpose-driven artworks.

Spar Street’s collectors include: The United Nations, His Royal Highness the Sultan of Brunei, Sir Richard Branson, Ted Turner, Stanley Marcus, Dame Jane Goodall, Nobel Peace Prize winners, Prime Ministers, world religious leaders, internationally renowned authors, educators, athletes and entertainers.

Agent of Change

Spar Street can be contacted through: Mana Art Group 844-MANA-ART (844-626-2278) Or online: www.sparstreet.com

> In Focus

BRILLIANT DISGUISE Casinos, clubs, and fine restaurants still top the Las Vegas hit list, but the City of Lights’ seductive mantra is evolving, with new attractions and entertainment for the entire family.

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hat happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas? Perhaps. Yet the sassy city is seriously tempting families, too, with new Cirque du Soleil shows, the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Aquarium, kidfriendly pools, the sensational Neon Museum, and gambling-free resorts.

Home to six, two-bedroom Club apartments, The Vdara® Hotel & Spa, a gambling-free, all-suites resort, draws an international mix of conference attendees, business execs, high rollers, and families. It’s nearest neighbors with resort reciprocity, Aria and CityCenter (don’t miss the 40 luxury boutiques at The Shops at Crystals), call for lazy pool lounging and fashion foraging. Back at the Vdara, a rooftop pool, ESPA at Vdara spa, and floorto-ceiling room views of the Bellagio Fountain give reason to linger, too.

Yet for those wanting in on the action, Private Access is an invitationonly member program that ducks the Vegas velvet rope, with preferred seating at Wynn and Encore restaurants and shows, priority entry at resort nightclubs and beach clubs, on-site tee-times, shopping services, and complimentary valet parking.

Aspiring shutter bugs and Club members visited the Entertainment Capital of the World as part of a “Shoot Like Slim” Destinations in Focus weekend, during which this brilliant photograph was framed with a Leica M and a 21 mm, 1.4 lens by Leica Akademie North American manager Tom A. Smith. “They say never wake up early in Las Vegas, but this shot was taken on an early morning with Mary Aarons, daughter of legendary photographer Slim Aarons,” says Smith. “The goal with these trips is to take members to inspirational settings, with the best equipment in the world, and create situations where pictures can happen. It’s hard to go wrong with a big, multi-colored balloon.”

Just as it’s hard to not have fun in Vegas.

Photo by Tom A. Smith

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GO For more information on the Club’s residences in Las Vegas, visit exclusiveresorts.com/las-vegas

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M A G A Z I N E

28 AMAN junkies, rejoice. Paradise found at Amanyara in the TURKS + CAICOS.

IN FOCUS

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LETTER FROM THE CEO

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

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CONTRIBUTORS

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FATHOM Newfoundland’s fantastic Fogo Island Inn; A behind-the-scenes, customized itinerary to the best of the Big Easy.

Project, Tony Schwartz explains that recharging may spark your best idea yet.

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quarterback and Exclusive Resorts member Drew Brees and wife, Brittany, tackle cancer with the The Brees Dream Foundation.

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CAY CODE Whether on the hunt for

surf, sand, or a solo chaise lounge on a remote bay, Exclusive Resorts’ playful coastal escapes inspire island fever.

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THE CARIBBEAN’S WILD SIDE

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Five island adventures to get the adrenaline pumping.

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have been added to the Exclusive Resorts’ portfolio. Which will you visit first?

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GO AHEAD, TAKE A BREAK Founder, president, and CEO of The Energy

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ALPINE CHIC Rocky Mountain

Residence Manager, Greg Ciluzzi, reveals top haunts and happenings for an elevated escape.

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OUT OF AFRICA Inspired by Kenya’s community and culture, designer Anna Trzebinksi lassos beauty from the bush.

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PORT-AU-CHIC With these yacht inspired looks curated by Darlys Michaelis, of Neiman Marcus, island hopping in the British Virgin Islands never looked so good.

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IN HAUTE PURSUIT Inspired by the new fields of the Aspen Valley Polo Club and the posh Polo restaurant in New York, these classic items are rich in both masculinity and history.

CALL TO ACTION Discover Costa Rica’s

Wild Side with Exclusive Resorts’ “Meet Me There” host D.J. Duckworth.

AMAN-TASTIC Four new Amanresorts

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MEDIA MOGUL CBS This Morning co-

host and Exclusive Resorts member Norah O’Donnell reveals her passion for politics, travel, and philanthropy.

ARBITER 25

FROM THE FIELD New Orleans Saints

BESPOKE

HAVE TODDLERS, WILL TRAVEL

Escape to Maui with Exclusive Resorts members Holly Cao, Bob Hellman, and their twin boys.

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SIMON SAYS Barneys New York Creative Ambassador at Large Simon Doonan curates a weekend of Parisian panache.

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GOLD RUSH Add glamour to your next trip with these gold pieces, which travel from bikinis to evening dresses.

Photo courtesy of Amanresorts

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contents 54

RANCH REDUX Kate Betts returns for a

week-long intensive retreat at The Ranch at Live Oak Malibu, and discovers the fourth time’s just as transformative as the first.

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SOURCE TO SKIN Inspired by Samurai,

71 MARY AARONS finds family inspiration in REAL DEL MAR.

the Rocky Mountains, and a round-theworld motorcycle trek, globally inspired products and treatments easily rescue travel-weary skin.

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ABODE + BEYOND From meticulous

metalwork to Parisian inspired crystal, these design mavericks ensure your next dinner party will be fabulously fun.

SAVOR 61

TASTE OF TUCSON Straight from the

healthy kitchen of the famed Miraval Resort & Spa, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this season, recipes from the resort’s cookbooks inspire mindful meals.

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TOQUE OF THE TOWN From New York City’s Le Bernadin, to Blue at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, celebrity chef Eric Ripert’s French finesse meets island inspiration.

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GRAIN-TO-GLASS A whiskey-fueled tour of urban distilleries, top watering holes, and cocktail craftsmen reveals a penchant for a long-standing libation.

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FRIULI INSPIRED Acclaimed master

sommelier Bobby Stuckey’s passion for Italian whites is rooted in the country’s storied soil.

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FARM TO VACATION TABLE EatWith

redefines dining local with pop-up inspired home chef experiences.

CULTURED 71

SLIM’S PICKINGS Iconic photographer,

Slim Aarons, captured a bygone era.

Passing down his wanderlust and love of the lens to daughter, Mary, her Exclusive Resorts vacation to Real del Mar, Mexico, reveals family inspiration.

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Photo (TOP) by Chip Litherland

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LEADING LADY First-time documentary

filmmaker and Exclusive Resorts member Kristina Sorge forgoes a prolific career as news reporter and producer to stake her claim on the big screen.

DESTINATION: I DO! As far-flung

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weddings boom, Exclusive Resorts style ambassador Jung Lee reveals tips for top vacation vows.

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Behind the scenes at St. GEORGE SPIRITS in San Francisco.

NATURALLY INSPIRED From Maui and

the slopes of Aspen Mountain, master artist Spar Street shares a global message of peace, passion, and connection.

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> Contents

FEATURES 86

MARATHON OF MEALS Pecorino, salami,

and come-hither grilled meat and pasta. A Tuscan mission that’s simple yet seductive: Mangia! A winter visit to Castello di Casole--A Timbers Resort and nearby medieval hilltop towns reveals lazy lunches, history buffs, and serious truffl e smuggling.

By Erin Lentz Photography by Stefanie Michejda

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INSPIRED BY SLIM Bridging past and

present with photographs that re-imagine the playful panache of iconic lens man Slim Aarons, candid moments of connection celebrate a late visionary.

By Leica Photographers 106

BAHAMIAN RHAPSODY From pirate land

to pristine beaches, The Abaco Islands, a 120mile long sensational string of cays in the Northern Bahamas, tick-tocks to its own Caribbean cadence, with bone fi shing, paddle boarding, reef hunting, and island-hopping the only glorious demands of the day.

By Jen Murphy Photography by Bo Bridges

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A NEW YORK STATE OF MIND A perfectly curated guide to the Big Apple, comprising top-fl ight selections both classic and nouveau for eight different types of sophisticated urban explorers. By Andrew Sessa OLE! Nearly a year after Hurricane Odile slammed into Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, the longtime hideaway of Los Cabos has risen from the rubble with a new look and inspired attitude.

Photography and Story by Jackie Caradonio WHAT’S NEW: EXPERIENTIAL TRAVEL

Patagonia, Africa, Antarctica, Arctic Svalbard.

Nashville, and more. Decisions. Decisions.

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WHATS NEW: RESIDENCES + DESTINATIONS

Between the new European Collection, Miami, Napa, and more, what’s on your 2016 travel hit list?

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JUST BACK FROM

Exclusive Resorts members share insider tips from their latest trips.

BUCKET LIST Member Barry Murphy on an

inspired trip to Anarctica.

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ON THE COVER The storied streets of Tuscany’s Certaldo. Photographed by Stefanie Michejda.

MANGIA! Foodie finds among the fabled streets of TUSCANY.

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Photo by Stefanie Michejda

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CURATED. exclusiveresorts.com DIGITALWANDERLUST Visit our new digital edition for interactive features, bonus content, and behind-the-scenes travel videos.

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curated.exclusiveresorts.com

SOCIALSTUDIES Facebook.com/exclusiveresorts Twitter.com/exclusiveresrts Instagram.com/exclusiveresrts Pinterest.com/exclusiveresrts YouTube.com/exclusiveresortsclub -

59 Discover ST.-LOUIS crystal during a new, members-only day trip from Paris.

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M A G A Z I N E

EDITORIAL

EDITOR IN CHIEF Erin Lentz

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Karrie Sims

PHOTO DIRECTOR Stefanie Michejda COPY EDITOR Christine Benedetti CONTRIBUTING FASHION EDITOR Karen Larrain EXCLUSIVE RESORTS

CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER Kristen Nolte VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING Hayden Mugford DIRECTOR, CONTENT MARKETING Caitlin Austin MANAGER, BRAND MARKETING Justin Parnell ADVERTISING SALES

GLOBAL SALES DIRECTOR Erin Haraway; eharaway@curated-mag.com U.S. SALES, WEST COAST Rachel Diaz, rachel@curated-mag.com U.S. SALES, MIDWEST Kristy North Farrey, kristy@curated-mag.com CANADIAN SALES Jan Frolic; jan@magnetwork.com CONTRIBUTORS

Amiee White Beazley, Kate Betts, Bo Bridges, Holly Cao, Jackie Caradonio, Greg Ciluzzi, Simon Doonan, D.J. Duckworth, Kelly Malibu Hayes, Linda Hayes, Monica Rich Kosann, Karen Larrain, Jung Lee, Jeffery Lindenmuth, Chip Litherland, Darlys Michaelis, Stefanie Michejda, Heidi Mitchell, Jen Murphy, Jennie Nunn, Roger Paperno, Andrew Sessa, Tom A. Smith, Bobby Stuckey, Dennis Welsh

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 ©2015/16 TAG Media LLC. 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 info@curated-mag.com.

TAG Media LLC 300 E. Hyman Ave. Suite 200, Aspen, CO, 81611 Exclusive Resorts Management LLC Headquarters 1515 Arapahoe Street Tower 3, Suite 500 Denver, CO 80202 For membership information and opportunities, call: United States: 844.541.2714; Europe: +44(0)20 7101 7911; International: 303.226.4900 Advertisement herein for any product or service does not constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by Exclusive Resorts, LLC or its affiliates.

Gateway purchase is subject to terms and conditions of Gateway purchase 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. Current club destinations and residences subject to change. VIP benefits available only to members.

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> Letter from the CEO

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Cathy Ross with son Collin during the Exclusive Resorts cruise to the Mediterranean; hillside vistas while on terra firma; ancient burial grounds glimpse the Mediterranean Sea.

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his July, I traveled through the Mediterranean aboard our members-only Seabourne cruise ship. It was my first trip with Exclusive Resorts as CE .

Approaching the ship, glimpsed the Exclusive Resorts flag flying from the mast. his wasn’t your typical commercial cruise. here was a bu ing of excitement and camaraderie between members and their families. Some members were meeting for the first time. thers including couples from the Club’s altic cruise in were reuniting.

I was able to spend quality, one-on-one time with more than members. was moved not only by how passionately they felt about Exclusive Resorts and how the Club has transformed their lives but also by the enthusiasm of our employees. heir excitement was contagious. t’s the same kind of energy feel when our members are together having dinner at our private beach club in Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica, or on the golf course during our Annual ournament.

As reflect on my trip, and share what learned from the members onboard with our employees at the Club’s head uarters in enver, Colorado, am still struck by the biggest takeaway of all: that we truly are a community.

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People always ask me what sets Exclusive Resorts apart. And if this cruise did one thing for me, it reinforced how underneath it all the service, the homes, the experiences we are a community of complete strangers, now turned lifelong friends. think member arry urphy said it best in his ucket ist interview page after his trip to Antarctica. ou get to know people on a more profound basis when you travel with them and share these incredible experiences that only the Club could make happen. t feels like a reunion. hile on the cruise, not a day went by that didn’t hear this exact sentiment reiterated. Couples. Families. eenagers. Kids.

Everyone said the same thing. hey may have joined Exclusive Resorts for the homes and the travel experiences but it is the friendships forged with like-minded travelers and the dedicated employees that last a lifetime. invite you to learn about what it means to be a part of our community with this issue.

CATHY ROSS

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> Letter from the Editor

Behind the scenes (LEFT TO RIGHT): Scouting at The Abaco Club with CURATED Creative Director Karrie Sims; photographer Bo Bridges at Pete’s Pub and Gallery; Stefanie Michejda shoots the cover story on the streets of Tuscany; beach pathway from Pete’s Pub, Bahamas.

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ften our best-laid plans are sidestepped. Especially in travel. Yet it’s when the itinerary takes an unexpected detour that true discovery—and often the most fun— lies in its wake.

There was no shortage of surprises in producing this issue.

Weather was a blessing and a curse. While shooting our cover story in Tuscany, local TV was abuzz with the news of bufera di neve, a blizzard. Really it was just six inches of snow, but Tuscany hadn’t seen weather like this in 10 years. Towns shut down.

Schools, closed. Our rental car, with those cute little Italian tires? Couldn’t drive a mile. But considering our home for the week was the spectacular Villa Barbena at Castello di Casole, no complaints. We sipped Chianti and built a pecorino-and-sausage faced snowman. nce the roads were passable, we went truffle hunting, and because of the wet forest, our proud trufflehunting dog, Mora, was repeatedly triumphant. The sleepy pace granted us access to longer visits with local winemakers, famed butchers, and boutique owners. Ultimately, the snowstorm gave us a story.

While shooting at the Bahamas’ Abaco Club at Winding Bay, de ja vu. After prepping with the uber-talented Exclusive Resorts on-site concierge, Vandea Stuart, concerning news: Acclaimed surfer and action sports photographer, Bo Bridges, had stepped on an anchor while at sea, a day prior to our shoot. “Stepped” may be generous. Rather, the anchor went clear through his foot.

In Bo’s glass-half-full fashion, he persevered, camera and a trashbag-and-duct-taped foot in tow. Given his compelling photos in

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“Bahamian Rhapsody” (page 106), you’d never know our water guy wasn’t supposed to get his foot wet.

Also while on Abaco, the island was kissed by a tropical depression. We waited out the weather at Pete’s Pub and Gallery, where both the T-shirt-lined walls and the salty dogs bellied to the bar spun priceless island stories. And if the road to Marsh arbour hadn’t flooded, we wouldn’t have sought shelter back at the resort for barbecue night at Buster’s. After dinner, the local DJ, who turns a saw and knife into a “rake and scrape,” fueled an unforgettable beachside dance party. hope you find inspiration within these pages, whether reading about members Drew and Brittany Brees and their philanthropic efforts, or discovering who CBS This Morning anchor Norah O’Donnell has interviewed while crisscrossing the globe. Tony Schwartz explains how vacation, and the unexpected, can inspire your best idea yet. Or discover how famous late photographer Slim Aarons turned war into beauty while abroad. ith all of these profiles and pieces, you’ll find best-laid plans, whether deliberately forgotten or unexpectedly abandoned, can lead to spectacular finds. hope you have some surprises on your next trip, as what’s unplanned is often the most storied. Happy travels!

ERIN LENTZ elentz@curated-mag.com

© 2015. DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.

THERE’S A WORLD OF BUYERS FOR YOUR HOME. WE THINK IT’S TIME YOU MET THEM.

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> Contributors

Bo Bridges

Kate Betts Kate Betts, who writes about a return trip to The Ranch at Live Oak Malibu in “Ranch Redux” (page 54), is an award-winning magazine editor and bestselling author who has held top positions at two of the worlds most successful fashion magazines, Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue. In 2003 she was named editor-at-large at Time magazine where she created the first globally published style supplement, Time Style & Design. My Paris Dream: An Education in Style, Slang, and Seduction in the Great City on the Seine is her second book. Betts lives in New York City with her husband and two children.

TOP PARIS HAUNT: The Left Bank.

BUCKET LIST TRIP: Venice with

my kids.

NEVER TRAVEL WITHOUT: A sense

of curiosity.

I WRITE BEST WHEN: I’ve had two

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TRAVEL HIT LIST: Maldives, Iceland.

NEVER SHOOT WITHOUT:

A memory card.

TOP SURF SESSION: They are all

top! Love every session.

WOULD MOST LOVE TO PHOTOGRAPH: World Cup Soccer.

Simon Doonan Author, SLATE columnist, and Creative Ambassador for Barneys New York, Simon has worked in fashion for over 35 years. He curates Parisian fashion in this issue’s “Simon Says” (page 50), and has authored six books. He has written regularly for The New York Observer, and The Daily, and is a regular guest at “The Moth,” the well-known storytelling series.

His contributions have consistently become their most popular podcasts and NPR broadcasts.

MOST FABULOUS FASHION MOMENT: I recently went glamping

and hiking in my Saint Laurent satin electric blue glamrock blouson. I felt very spesh.

BUCKET LIST TRIP: I have always wanted to watch Barcelona play at the Camp Nou soccer stadium. I love Neymar and Messi. Didn’t see that coming, did you?

NEVER TRAVEL WITHOUT: An array of Hamilton custom shirts. Hamilton is the Barneys bespoke shirtmaker, a Houston-based company with a fab history.

HAPPIEST WHEN: Paddleboarding with my husband on Shelter Island. #serenity

cups of coffee.

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Bo Bridges, who shot the feature story “Bahamian Rhapsody” on the Abaco Islands, Bahamas (page 106), is a professional sport and lifestyle photographer based in Manhattan Beach, California. His passion for adventure drives the dynamic imagery he produces and his innate ability to capture the true emotion of the moment has earned him a coveted position as one of the world’s top action sports photographers.

CURATED

Jen Murphy Heidi Mitchell Heidi Mitchell, who gives her insider take on Amanresorts in “AmanTastic” (page 28) and interviews Tony Schwartz (page 32) is a journalist and editor with more than 20 years experience writing about culture, travel, trends, real estate, politics, and people. She was the Editor in Chief of Town & Country Travel for four years before going freelance five years ago.

Heidi is a regular contributor to the Wall Street Journal, Vogue, and Travel + Leisure, among other publications.

MOST MEMORABLE WALL STREET JOURNAL INTERVIEW: Alan J. Baer, principal tubist for the New York Philharmonic. He goes on super long motorcycle trips and I was dying to know how he manages with his rather large brass instrument.

BUCKET LIST TRIP: Egypt is at the very

top, but I’m afraid it might be a while until it’s safe enough to go en famille.

Capadoccia, Turkey, is way up there.

Those Fairy Chimneys? Magic.

NEVER TRAVEL WITHOUT: Pre-packed

adaptor kit and pre-stocked Dopp kit.

But who am I kidding? Ambien, of course.

FAVORITE AMANRESORT PROPERTY:

I should say Amankila since I went there on my honeymoon, and even the fruit basket was memorable. But Amanfayun in Hangzhou was beyond.

My kids call it their favorite hotel and they have higher standards than me.

Jen Murphy, who penned the feature story, “Bahamian Rhapsody” (page 106) is the hotels editor at AFAR magazine and pens the Wall Street Journal’s “What’s Your Workout” column. She spent eight years eating her way around the world as an editor at Food & Wine magazine. She recently moved to Boulder, Colorado, where she can be found hiking, biking, snowboarding and trail running. A beach girl at heart, she escapes to the ocean every chance she gets.

BUCKET LIST TRIP: A toss up

between Oman and Sri Lanka. I want to surf in both places.

NEVER TRAVEL WITHOUT:

Running shoes.

FOODIE FIND AT ABACO ISLAND, BAHAMAS: Siaha’s Jerk Pit

Restaurant is in “local town” and serves fiery, authentic jerk chicken.

Andrew Sessa Former Departures and Town & Country editor Andrew Sessa, who gives his take on all things Manhattan in “New York State of Mind” (page 116), recently relocated from Rome, Italy, back to his native New York, where he contributes to AFAR, Architectural Digest, Conde Nast Traveler, Departures, The Houston Chronicle, New York Post, Saveur, Town & Country and Travel + Leisure, among others, writing about travel and hotels, food and wine, architecture and design, art, culture and fashion.

TOP NYC HAUNT: Hudson

River Park.

HAPPIEST WHEN: Eating.

BUCKET LIST TRIP: Antarctica cruising, camping, and trekking.

INTERVIEW WISH LIST: Kelly Slater,

FAVORITE RECENT FOODIE FIND:

Bill Belichick (getting him to give a real interview is a reporter’s dream), Ai Wei Wei, Bill Murray.

The grocery story at the State Department Store in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia — a totally surprising and captivating post-Communist combination of East and West, with globe-spanning items from across what was once the Mongolian Empire, France to Japan, Russia to Italy and everything in between.

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> Fathom

Wild at Heart Exclusive Resorts’ experiential travel to Newfoundland’s Fogo Island Inn fuses serenity and local culture. Journey to a remote retreat hugged by a rowdy ocean and an authentic community.

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he surreal architecture and surrounding seascape of Fogo Island Inn is reason enough to visit Canada. Owned by former tech exec Zita Cobb, the regally remote hotel lies off Newfoundland’s rugged northeastern coast. One of the most recent additions to Exclusive Resorts’ experiential travel portfolio—which now includes more than 20 destinations and customized itineraries to the most of-the-moment locales—this Fogo Island getaway includes insider access to Newfoundland’s Iceberg Alley.

A personali ed five-night itinerary kick-starts with a private tour of ewfoundland’s St. ohn’s city, home to one of Canada’s largest art communities, the storied fishing community of uidi Vidi, and Chef odd Perrin’s restaruant at the famed allard Cottage. Post St. John’s, travel to Fogo Island and traverse such quaint Newfoundland towns as Conception Harbor, Come by Chance, and Heart’s Delight. “Newfoundland is more unique than anywhere else in Canada,” says Craig Natress, Director of Experiential Travel at Exclusive Resorts. t’s more like celand, after hopping just that little stretch of sea. t’s a very distinct region geographically and culturally.”

Once on Fogo Island, unplugging is made simple at this remote retreat. A modern architectural gem, Fogo sland nn is a white contemporary masterpiece on stilts. Set against the ancient rocks of the ack estern Shore, sleek, sharp angles celebrate a rugged land and seascape, while just guest suites overlook the abrador Current. he hotel is also a uni ue social enterprise Cobb’s ambitious and progressive business model is such that all profits are re-invested in her Shorefast Foundation, which benefits the local community.

Fogo Island tours include stops at the Fisherman’s Union Trading Company, the Marine nterpretation Centre, inds and aves Artisans uild, and a visit to one of the ecclectic artist residency studios built by architect odd Saunders. And outdoor adventure is not only found in the surrounding wild sea. ike along jagged cliffs to rimstone ead, considered one of the four corners of the earth, or take a geologist walk that uncovers the -millionyear-old rocks of Fogo sland. eware of island fever Fogo’s spell is easily cast.

GO You choose where to go, when to go, and most importantly, who will go. The Club’s 20+ new experiential travel offerings give you the utmost flexibility and are tailored just for you. To learn more about trips to Fogo Island, visit exclusiveresorts.com/fogo-island-and-newfoundland .

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FATHOM

> Fathom

big Haute easy, Highway big win beneathnew the sultry surface2 of New Orleans with a ExclusiveGet Resorts’ Airstream Go excursions celebrate an

BY JEN MURPHY four-day customized jaunt.American icon of adventure andweekend the storied West.

BY DOUG BROWN

New Orleans one ofcase America’s most cities, in destinations history, culture, architecture Those with aisserious of the travel bugiconic yearn for suchsteeped bucket-list as New Zealand and incredible music and food. Any visit should include classic experiences like eating sugar-dusted and desire thrilling experiences. Dining throughout Paris? Oui! List logistics beignets and sipping Sa and wandering ourbon Street. are fairly straightforward:eracs while listening to ja flights. Rooms. Transportation.

Activities. Food. But one common travel adventure dream—the RV trip across the American West—often falls to the wayside, largely because details may prove challenging. Not anymore.

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Eat Around America Creative chefs, boundary-pushing mixologists and visionary winemakers are planting roots beyond major metropolitan areas. Here are four smaller cities with huge food scenes.

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ut a truly authentic, immersive experience includes insider access to the city’s coolest ja clubs, while you rub shoulders with the city’s mover and shakers. Exclusive Resorts knows its members don’t want a cookie-cutter experience. ew rleans can be incredibly hard to crack without the right people opening doors.

Sign up and show up, and a dream trip awaits. Four-day, three-night vacation to New Orleans provides a deep dive into the city’s culinary, cocktail, and music scenes. uests stay at the elegant, old-world indsor Court hotel, just steps away from the famous French Quarter. And you won’t just eat your way through the city, you’ll understand both the flavors and the stories behind local cuisine as a food historian leads a walking and eating tour through the French Quarter. Arrive hungry, as the itinerary includes tastes of the

city’s not-to-be-missed foods, including po’ boys, muffalettas A’s version of an talian sub , ulf Coast oysters, beignets, and sips of its famous cocktails like the Sa erac America’s first cocktail and gin fi . Along the way you’ll visit some of the city’s classic fine dining restaurants as well as hole-in-the-wall haunts.

After your food crawl, work up an appetite again by walking the city’s eclectic neighborhoods. aga ine Street is a six-mile stretch that exudes small-town Americana charm.

Stop at ctavia ooks, ox Paper Scissors, Sucre a slice of king cake is a must , and the stylish, rooklyn-es ue men’s shop Friend. f your legs need a rest, ride the St. Charles street car down aga ine Street and into the mansion-filled arden istrict.

New Orleans is famous for indulgent pursuits, so splurge on a stellar dinner. The city lays claim to some of the country’s most talented chefs. Essential reservations should include Commander’s Palace, a New Orleans institution since that still draws crowds with its refined Creole fare, and Restaurant August, which, under the helm of star Chef ohn esh, serves such French-influenced dishes as roasted duckling with hominy and tomatillo. ood music can be found on nearly every ig Easy street corner, but you’ll have an entirely new music appreciation after meeting one of ew rleans’ ja greats. Sit down and chat with musicians such as trumpeter and singer Jeremy avenport, bandleader rvin ayfield, or trumpeter Kermit Ruffins, then grab prime seats for their performance. A trip highlight, you’ll see the city through a musical lens during a tour with a local musicologist. Stops include Congo S uare, the rem neighborhood and Preservation all ja club, which has hosted such ja legends as eorge iller, Punch ewis, and ouis Armstrong. ou’ll have V P tickets to a show that evening. he ig Easy doesn’t get any easier to enjoy with this type of bucket-list access.

GO To book new Experiential Travel to New Orleans visit exclusiveresorts.com/new-orleans

PORTLAND, OREGON Start with a meal at James Beard Award-winner Naomi Pomeroy’s acclaimed restaurant Beat, where every pre-fixe seating feels like you’re being hosted at a friend’s carnivorous dinner party. For haute, molecular mastery, book a seat at Castagna, where the chef forages many ingredients himself. Day trip to the nearby Willamette Valley and visit Evening Land Vineyards, Stoller Family Estate, and Antica Terra.

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CHARLESTON Begin with a cocktail at Husk Bar (order something with bourbon, of course), then hit the oyster bar at the Ordinary before feasting on Low Country classics at Hominy Grill. If you’ve saved room, get a slice of the Peninsula Grill’s famous coconut cake.

3 NAPA Taste wine at Beaulieu Vineyard, Cade, Domaine Chandon, Corison, and Carte Blanche. If you can’t score a reservation at the French Laundry, enjoy a pre-fixe dinner at Thomas Keller’s Ad-Hoc restaurant or splurge on Michelin-star meal at Meadowood.

4 NASHVILLE Every trip to Nashville should include a taste of the city’s legendary hot chicken, preferably from Prince’s or Hattie B’s. Call ahead for a reservation at the buzzy Catbird Seat restaurant and plan a morning road trip to the Loveless Café for their crowd-pleasing biscuits.

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Shot on location at the Hotel Jerome in Aspen, Colo.

ARBITER

A DV E N T U R E // R E S O R T R E P O R T // T R A I L B L A Z E R // I C O N O C L A S T M E E T M E T H E R E // C O N C I E R G E C O N F E S S I O N S // L I T T L E L U X E

BEACH ENVY Turquoise temptation at The Abaco Club at Winding Bay.

Cay Code

Photo by Bo Bridges/BoBridges.com

WHETHER ON THE HUNT FOR SURF, SAND, OR A SOLO CHAISE LOUNGE ON A REMOTE BAY, EXCLUSIVE RESORTS’ PLAYFUL COASTAL ESCAPES INSPIRE ISLAND FEVER. If winter blues demand a spontaneous island escape, you’re in luck. Yachting to the British Virgin Islands? Check. Stand up paddle boarding on Maui? Done. Your destination list is dreamy: The Abaco Islands, Bahamas, a Galapagos expedition, the Cayman Islands, the Amalfi or Croatian coast, and Los Cabos, to name-drop a few. And with new Amanresorts destinations including the Turks & Caicos’ Amanyara and Thailand’s Amanpuri, diving some of the world’s most spectacular reefs is just an Ambassador phone call away. Ready. Set. Swim.

> Adventure

the caribbean’s wild side Beach escapes surely call for some rest and relaxation, but after a day or two lounging poolside and perfecting your tan, you’ll be ready for some action. Here are five island adventures to get the adrenaline pumping. BY JEN MURPHY

1 St. John begs for aqua adventure and sunset strolls.

1 GET LOST ON THE TRAILS OF ST. JOHN Everyone visits St. John for the beaches, but 60 percent of the island is national park land, laced with hiking trails.

The National Park Service offers ranger-led hikes down the spectacular Reef Bay Trail. The 2.4-mile route takes hikers past the ruins of the Reef Bay Sugar Factory as well as petroglyphs created by the Arawaks. The secluded beaches of Genti Bay and Little Reef Bay await tired hikers at the trail’s end. Cool off with a swim before tackling the uphill return climb or take it easy and board the park service boat back to Cruz Bay. friendsvinp.org

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2 OFF ROADING IN TURKS & CAICOS If you liked Go Karts as a kid, then you’ll love exploring Grand Turk on an island buggy safari with Chukka. Be warned, the trails are rugged and bumpy.

However, the two-hour ride will show you a whole new side of the island, offering a glimpse into its colonial past as you cruise by old ruins and riverbeds. No texting or snapping photos when driving! A photographer will be capturing shots of speedsters so you can remember their adventure. chukka.com

3 DIVE WITH RAYS ON GRAND CAYMAN There are more than 200 dive sites on Grand Cayman. Families should experience them in style by chartering a boat that comes with your own private instructor and diving equipment. Cayman Private Charters has boats that range from catamarans to sport yachts. Guests can customize their itinerary, hopping from the island’s west side—home to the USS Kittiwake wreck—to the north wall, with its sheer drop off and colorful coral. The north wall is also near the famed Stingray City. Touted as the best 12-foot dive in the world, the area is home to 30 rays that you can feed and touch as you swim by. If you’re lucky, captain Stephen will go conch diving and make fresh ceviche at day’s end. caymanprivatecharters.com

4 FLY HIGH ON A KITE IN THE

5 PADDLE OFF YOUR OWN

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Steady trade winds and flat, waist-deep water make Punta Cana an ideal location to try the fast-growing sport of kiteboarding (think surfing with a parachute harnessed to your body). Lessons are a must to safely attempt this thrilling aqua adventure. Kite Club Punta Cana is located in the PuntaCana Resort & Club on the lovely Playa Bianca and offers both private and group lessons. Newbies start on the beach, learning simply to fly the kite, then work their way toward strapping on a board and flying through the water. kiteclubpuntacana.com

YACHT IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Exclusive Resorts’ yachting trips let you live aboard your own adventure base. The seven-day sailings are crewed by a captain, first mate, chef and steward, which means all you need to do is have fun as you hop from island to island.

Snorkel gear, fishing equipment, kayaks, paddleboards and jet skis ensure no one will ever get bored. exclusiveresorts.com/ experience-collection

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Ä€man-Tastic Four new Amanresort properties have just been added to the global Exclusive Resorts portfolio. Which will you visit first? BY HEIDI MITCHELL

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Amanpuri | THAILAND

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Photos courtesy of Amanresorts

> Resort Report

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Amangiri | UTAH

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Amangani | WYOMING

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Amanyara | TURKS & CAICOS

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eard of an Amanjunkie? They’re devout fans of Amanresort’s 30 small-scale hotels who speed-dial reservations for the chance to first sleep at a newly opened property. hey name-drop the brand’s remote retreats and city hotels, as if these precious, perfectly designed, idyllic retreats were celebrities with whom they regularly dined. ruth be told, anyone who’s ever stayed at one of visionary Adrian echa’s bouti ue hotels is an Amanjunkie or an aspiring one. he reasons are manifold, yet ineffable the impeccable settings, the nearpsychic staff, the thoughtfully laid-out rooms, and the carefully selected chefs. Even the turndown gifts are memorable.

Amanresorts just added four of its most revered properties to the Exclusive Resorts Club offerings, which means you can add to your growing list of visited Amans and revel in the memories that each of them will undoubtedly create.

1 AMANPURI | THAILAND pened on a former coconut plantation in , the flagship Aman put the Andaman Sea island of Phuket on the affluent-traveler’s map. t also invented the bouti ue resort concept and raised the global bar for high-end hotels in remote locales. he pavilions and villas are finished in true hai style note the tiered, turnedup roofs as are the outdoor living rooms or salas), open-air yoga studio, and candle-lit bar with rattan chairs facing the sea. ou can scuba, sail, and even have a ball boy fetch your stray Spaldings during a heated tennis match partners provided, of course . > DON’T MISS: You won’t need sandals to keep feet from burning on hot sand. The resort team waters a walkway to the lounge chairs so guests can go barefoot—quite literally—all the time.

As part of the hotel’s conservation efforts, gardeners at Amanpuri never cut down any trees; any that die are replaced. The resort also produces and recycles its own water.

Request a pavilion close to the waterfront so you can soak in unobstructed views of the Andaman Sea.

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2 AMANGIRI | UTAH etting there is half the fun at tah’s Amangiri. Set in the Four Corners of the American Southwest, this “peaceful mountain” overlooks some of America’s most majestic landscapes slot canyons, skyscraping plateaus and not a strip mall or chain store for at least miles. he austere architecture is a perfect foil for the dramatic scenery he sandstone and glass seem to melt into the desert while simultaneously allowing nature to take center stage. t’s not easy to be tempted off property, but once you are, access the rand Canyon, onument Valley, rand Staircase-Escalante, and ryce and ion ational Parks all in the same glorious trip.

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> DON’T MISS: There are 34 suites in total, but couples should stay on the Desert View side. It offers loads of privacy.

Amanpuri | THAILAND

Take a seat at the Desert Lounge, an open-air public living room where lights are kept low, giving the Techicolor sunset and starfilled sky pride of place.

Reserve time in the flotation pool or have a watsu massage. This may be the desert, but the water features at Amangiri are luminous.

3 AMANGANI | WYOMING

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he very first Aman peace in Sanskrit to come to America was the Amangani, so most Amanjunkies are familiar with the Jackson Hole escape. Set , feet above sea level on the edge of a butte, the -room western-style hotel frames unimpeded views of meadows, rivers, and the silver-peaked eton Range. ost guests head to ellowstone about an hour’s drive) and Grand Teton National Park, then leave a few days to decompress in the library or uart ite pool. Any season is spectacular, but winter is when ackson ole comes alive, especially for hardcore skiers.

Amangiri | UTAH

> DON’T MISS: Upon arrival, skiers are fitted for boots and equipment in their guest room. The Ski Concierge will outfit you with boots, maps, skis and glove warmers, so leave the extra baggage at home.

Après-ski at the Amangani Ski Lounge in Teton Village. It’s accessed via a 20-minute, complimentary ride in the hotel’s Mercedes.

Spring in Jackson, when herds of elk make their way to higher ground to calve in May, is also spectacular. If there’s still snow, have the concierge book you a sleigh ride to the National Elk Refuge, a 24,000-acre reserve that’s home to some 10,000 elk.

4 AMANYARA | TURKS & CAICOS

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here is no sexier beach resort than Amanyara. Each of the villas and two pool suites is essentially a bed surrounded by glass though all are secluded for the utmost in privacy. he thatched-roof main lodge offers cocktails and conversation, but everyone grabs a seat beside the -by- -foot pool that overlooks the a uamarine Atlantic cean in the early hours, before peeling off to spy humpback whales or take a private pilates session. he spa has louvered windows open to the sea bree e, and bar-none the best massage therapists in the world hand-picked from Asia and Europe .

Amangani | WYOMING

> DON’T MISS: The mojito at the bar is made the traditional way, with Cuban rum and fresh mint leaves. An added luxe twist? A topper of Baron de Rothschild Champagne.

No foreign landscaping here. Native vegetation is all you’ll find near remote Malcom’s Beach. Look for gumbo limbo and mahogany trees, hedges of coco plum and sea grape vines, and a few Turks head cacti that give the archipelago its name.

In-the-know repeat guests often book it well in advance, so follow their lead and think about 2016 holidays now.

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JENNIFER MEYER

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A GLE AM OF GOLD, THE GLINT OF DIAMONDS, A SHINING STONE. T H E W H O L E W O R L D S PA R K L E S . I N T H E S E J E W E L S , YO U W I L L TO O.

BA R N E YS.CO M

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CHICAGO

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LOS ANGELES

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F O R I N S I D E R FA S H I O N A C C E S S : T H E W I N D O W. B A R N E Y S . C O M

SCOT TSDALE

S E AT T L E

> Trailblazer

Go Ahead, Take a Break Founder, president, and CEO of The Energy Project, Tony Schwartz explains that recharging may very well spark your best idea yet.

BY HEIDI MITCHELL

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What does it take to live a happy, meaningful life? Journalist Tony Schwart set out to answer that uestion in his groundbreaking book, What Really Matters: Searching for Wisdom in America. he core recognition had was that, in order to thrive, people need to have four sources of energy physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual, says the ife Work columnist for the New York Times, while packing for his annual monthlong sabbatical to ainscott, ong sland. f you are missing any one of those, your life falls short of happiness.

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“There was no marketplace for these ideas. As career moves go, it was beyond risky. t was almost cra y.

– TONY SCHWARTZ

Three years later, he turned that revelation into he Energy Project, a business that helps organi ations better meet employees’ needs rather than s uee e every ounce of productivity out of them through sheer force and terror. e uit his job at Newsweek and slowly picked up clients. here was no marketplace for these ideas, he says. As career moves go, it was beyond risky. t was almost cra y. e worked with sports psychologist im oehr, with whom he co-authored the book The Power of Full Engagement: Managing Energy Not Time, and created a curriculum for businesses to train and retain “corporate athletes” who are fueled by sustainable high performance. he Energy Project ideal can be distilled into

They feel connected, proud, and invested in the company’s success when a leader takes care of his or her people.

Vacations, he insists, are indisputably critical to anyone’s success. ne thing every highperforming athlete understands is the work-rest ratio, he says. hat’s why they periodi e’ their training and when they are off, they are off.

They understand they are serving performance even when they are not performing. Schwart has a simpler way to explain the work-rest ratio to mere mortals he most fundamental human trait is to spend and ac uire energy. hat’s called breathing. ou don’t gain credit for inhaling if you’re not e ually good at exhaling. And exhaling is recovery.

Schwartz’s Secrets to Success WORK LESS, ACHIEVE MORE. “If you took the number of hours that I work over the course of a year compared to 20 years ago, I work fewer. But the number of hours is no measure of my effectiveness. Who cares how many hours I work?”

REPETITION CAN BE REWARDING—TO A POINT. “Repetition is great for getting good at things and feeling comfortable. I am a person who has gone to the same resort for

“ really believe that am a more effective performer and leader because take a deep and extended time of renewal during which ’m in repair from having worked hard during the year. Also my mind is working in a less narrowly-focused, short-term way and can allow myself to think more reflectively long term.” – TONY SCHWARTZ

winter vacation for 37 years, and I feel at home there. But mixing it up is also important. I don’t think that there is a fixed formula, but when you do the same thing over and over, wherever you do it, eventually there are diminishing returns on your investment.”

RENEWAL IS PERSONAL. “I took a two-week safari in Tanzania in the winter. I take four weeks every year at the beach. For some,

one clear thought he ultimate workplace is an environment that makes you feel energi ed, excited to do what you do, able to express yourself in your own uni ue way, and offers opportunities to make a difference beyond your own self-interests. t’s a place in which you feel safe and trusted to become what you’re capable of being, says Schwart . hat attitude, says Schwart , must come from the CE . e call the CE the Chief Energy fficer, and he or she has to buy into the notion that the people who work at the company are not fungible objects but rather full-blooded human beings with complex needs, he explains. y job as CE , for example just as it would be as a father or mother is to help the people ’m with to prosper. And the more they prosper, the more they will function to help the organi ation.

GO Learn how an Exclusive Resorts membership can work for your business.

Visit exclusiveresorts.com/join-the-club.

rit larger, taking time off is akin to exhaling. t is intermittent renewal that ranges from a oneminute break between -minute work sessions, to one week off every uarter, to one month off every few years. Stress is not the problem. Stress is good. Stress is how you grow, he says. t’s the absence of intermittent renewal that lowers energy levels and productivity.

Schwart himself has been taking a month off for the past five years. really believe that am a more effective performer and leader because take a deep and extended time of renewal during which ’m in repair from having worked hard during the year, he says. Also my mind is working in a less narrowly-focused, shortterm way and can allow myself to think more reflectively long term. hile he’s recovering, he fre uently has his best ideas. A leader’s job is to think about where the business should go and the bigger picture, he says. don’t think that’s possible when you’ve got your nose pressed up against one deadline after another.

trekking in the Himalayas is a great vacation—not for me, but I get it. The place to go on vacation is where you feel most renewed.”

HAVE A HOBBY. “I have been playing tennis with the same pros since they were 16, and they are now in their 50s! I love to play with pros, because it’s less about winning matches and more about the joy of hitting the ball well.” Schwartz is also dedicated to ballroom dancing, which he did intensely in his 20s and just picked up again a year ago, at 62. “I do all the Latin and smooth dances,” he says. “I am a hero at weddings.”

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> Iconoclast

From the Field

Exclusive Resorts member and NFL star Drew Brees (ABOVE) taps travel as a way to reconnect with his family. OPPOSITE: With wife, Brittany, during The Amazing Race.

New Orleans Saints quarterback and Exclusive Resorts members Drew Brees and wife, Brittany, tackle cancer with The Brees Dream Foundation.

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ention the name rew rees and an indelible image of the ew rleans Saints field general comes to mind.

Resplendent in his ld old and lack number jersey, he leads the Saints with hyper efficiency and a swagger that defines uarterback cool. rees uarterbacked ew rleans to their lone Super owl victory following the 2009 season, and has played in nine Pro Bowls eight with the Saints . e is the only uarterback in F history to pass for , yards in a season four times.

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ut to those who know him best, F star is only part of the package. rew and his wife, rittany whom he met while in college at Purdue), are devoted parents to four children, world travelers, and world-class philanthropists. he rees ream Foundation was founded in by the pair and has become an anchor in their hectic lives. Right after we got married, it was a priority for us to set up a foundation and begin giving back to this community, said rees from California, where he was preparing for the F season. rittany had an aunt pass

Joe Robbins / Getty Images

BY MALIBU KELLY HAYES

“Right after we got married, it was a priority for us to set up a foundation and begin giving back to this community.”– DREW BREES

away from cancer while we were both in college. hat is how it started. e began by working with local cancer clinics, and once we came to ew rleans in , we expanded the scope to work with all of the rebuilding efforts in ew rleans.

Over the last 12 years, The Brees ream Foundation has contributed $22 million to the communities of New Orleans, San Diego, and Purdue University, where a life skills program, titled Purdue Athletes ife Success, or PA S, is funded. he scope of the foundation is diverse, and includes the construction of schools and playgrounds in New Orleans, mentorship and educational activities, in addition to the Drew Brees Passing Academy and -on- ournament.

Held at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex in rlando, Florida, it hosts high school teams.

This year Drew and Brittany took the family on a Disney World trip that coincided with the Drew Brees Passing Academy competition. appiest Place on earth, he laughs. f course it gets a little steamy in mid-summer for kids, and after about three hours they melt. lobetrotting with the family has been pivotal for rittany and rew. n spite of a demanding schedule, which starts with July training camp and plays until February Saints fans hope), the couple has still carved time to explore much of the world.

Early on in his career, the couple amassed fre uent flyer miles while finding favored haunts. ubrovnik in Croatia is absolutely one of our favorite spots. t is so original and authentic, explains rew. e went to

Australia, stayed in a rain forest, went to the reat arrier Reef, and to Adelaide, Cairns, and elbourne. hat was a phenomenal trip.

The Brees family also has a special affinity for the awaiian slands, a place rew first discovered when he played onolulu’s ula owl. e love awaii, and Kauai is really our favorite place. ou get all these different microclimates throughout the entire island. his past off-season a former teammate of mine, Scott Fujita, and , kayaked the entire a Pali Coast. Seventeen miles. t was phenomenal.

Drew and Brittany have found that travel is more than just discovery. t can be rejuvenating as well. rew recalls one trip in particular that had a therapeutic impact, and may have helped jump-start his career as an F uarterback, recalling that was a really tough season for us. e finished - and had been benched a couple of times. t was just one of those really tough years

a defining moment of my career. rittany and were like, man, we just need to go somewhere together and clear our minds and gain some perspective.’ So we went to South Africa. e started in Port Eli abeth and went to the Samara Private Game Preserve, drove the arden Route all the way to Cape own over three weeks. e swam with great white sharks, did a safari, hiked. e went to Robben sland, a rugby match, and the townships, which was a really eyeopening experience. e adds, the combination of all those things gave us a great perspective on just how blessed we are to have the things we have, to have the opportunities to travel, and, for me, to play the game that love as an occupation. he next year ended up being one of the more successful seasons ’ve been a part of in the F . e went - , won the division. hat was just a great trip for us.

As such, and through travel, Drew and rittany rees appreciate an F career that has afforded them the opportunity to not just see the world, but also contribute to it.

Travel Touchdown Drew Brees’s Top Exclusive Resorts Destinations 1

THE ABACO CLUB AT WINDING BAY, BAHAMAS

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ESPERANZA RESORT & SPA, LOS CABOS

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PARK AVENUE PLACE AND TRUMP INTERNATIONAL HOTEL & TOWERS®, NEW YORK CITY

4 PENINSULA PAPAGAYO, COSTA RICA GO For more information, or to contribute to The Drew Brees Foundation, visit drewbrees.com .

5 THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS

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> Iconoclast

MEDIA MOGUL Between interviewing world leaders and dining at her husband’s top Washington D.C. restaurants, CBS This Morning co-host and Exclusive Resorts member Norah O’Donnell reveals her passion for politics, travel, and philanthropy. BY ERIN LENTZ

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Ben Hoffmann / Getty Images

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ora ’ onnell isn’t afraid of much. She’s met and interviewed a range of intimidating subjects, from politicians to popes, the aliban to businesses titans. he daughter of a military father, she began crisscrossing the globe at a young age, and has since visited countries throughout her career, which includes a former post as C News White House correspondent and her current role as co-host of CBS This Morning.

She also contributes to 60 Minutes and often appears as a substitute anchor on Face The Nation. hen ’ onnell’s not facing the camera, she travels for work and fun, just back from a recent family trip with Exclusive Resorts to Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica, with her three children and celebrity chef husband, eoff racy. ere, she shares how career and family contribute to her most cherished job and travel perks memories in the making.

“My job has been a front row seat to history. I’ve now traveled the globe with three Presidents: Bill Clinton , George W. Bush and Barack Obama .

I also logged a lot of miles after the 9/11 attacks with Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. In all, I’ve visited more than 60 countries .” – NORAH O’DONNELL

YOU GREW UP IN A MILITARY FAMILY, IN PLACES FROM SAN ANTONIO TO SEOUL. HOW DID THIS EARLY INTERNATIONAL EXPOSURE IMPACT YOUR CAREER CHOICE?

rowing up as an Army brat meant my family moved fre uently. e lived in ermany, South Korea, and exas. y parents always enjoyed travel. hat early exposure to the world, as well as my father’s military service, is what led to me to the field of journalism. y job has been a front row seat to history. ’ve now traveled the globe with three Presidents ill Clinton, eorge . ush and arack bama. also logged a lot of miles after the 9/11 attacks with Defense Secretary onald Rumsfeld. n all, ’ve visited more than countries.

BEST ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN?

Approach every project you have with ambition.

YOU’VE TRAVELED TO NEARLY EVERY CONTINENT TO COVER STORIES, BOTH FOR “CBS THIS MORNING” AND DURING YOUR TIME AS NBC NEWS CHIEF WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT. IS THERE ONE PARTICULAR INTERVIEW THAT HAS MOST IMPACTED YOU?

he most incredible interview have ever done was with alala ousaf ai, the Pakistani schoolgirl who was nearly assassinated by the aliban. She survived that attack and has now become an advocate for the million girls worldwide with no access to education.

Reading about her courage did not prepare me for meeting her in person. At just years old, she had more confidence, composure, and charm than some world leaders ’ve met.

She is still a target for assassination and when asked her if she is afraid she replied, may be afraid of ghosts and dragons, but ’m not afraid of the aliban. She meant it. his is not some line. She wants to be Prime inister of Pakistan someday. think to myself, how do we empower more girls to have that confidence to lead YOU WERE ONE OF THE FIRST TO TRAVEL TO AFGHANISTAN AFTER SEPTEMBER 11.

WHAT WAS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT TAKEAWAY FROM THAT EXPERIENCE?

After

, traveled the globe with efense Secretary onald Rumsfeld. e landed in agram in a C- aircraft and the runway was lined with Northern Alliance soldiers in old Russian uniforms and Kalashnikov rifles. t was surreal. Rumsfeld was PERSONAL there to meet with Afghan TRAVEL leader amid Kar ai and our WISH LIST? troops. he only boots on I’ve never the ground were C A folks been to and soldiers from the Army’s Greece th ountain ivision. heir or New Zealand. top uestion for Rumsfeld They top my was, “When will the Air bucket list.

Force be able to safely fly in some shower units?” These young men had not been able to bathe in a month and were using baby wipes to clean themselves. ore than years later, our troops are still in Afghanistan.

YOU’VE INTERVIEWED HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI LAMA, PRESIDENT OBAMA, ROGER GOODELL, AND THE LIST GOES ON. IS THERE ONE INTERVIEW YOU WERE MOST ANXIOUS ABOUT? One

of the most fascinating people in the world is Pope Francis. And if you want to understand Francis, you don’t have to look any further than Cardinal Sean ’ alley, the archbishop of Boston, and the Pope’s closest American advisor. e rarely does interviews but was able to profile him for C S’ 60 Minutes last fall. ’ alley is a shy Franciscan friar who speaks seven languages and WHAT sits on the pope’s small DEFINES kitchen cabinet called the A TRULY Council of Cardinals. t was EFFECTIVE an extraordinary interview LEADER? and still available on Authenticity cbsnews.com . ait until you and honesty hear what he says about matter more than anything. the role of women in the Catholic church.

GIVEN THE SUCCESS OF SANDBERG’S LEAN IN, ARIANNA HUFFINGTON’S THRIVE, AND YOUR NOTABLE WORK ON THE BOARD OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S MEDIA FOUNDATION, WHAT IS THE CRUCIAL NEXT STEP IN CONTINUING TO SUPPORT WOMEN IN BUSINESS AND MEDIA?

ou can’t always do it all but you can do the best you can omen are incredibly resourceful. e only succeed at home and at work by building a strong support system.

YOUR HUSBAND, GEOFF TRACY, IS A RENOWNED D.C. CHEF. WHAT DISH OF HIS DO YOU MOST CRAVE? Chef

ABSOLUTE NECESSITY WHILE ON SET?

A yellow highlighter and a pen!

I read six newspapers every morning and highlight every key paragraph or word.

Geoff makes homemade fresh pasta in the restaurants. love the shrimp rigatoni no-fredo, which is a bacon, peas, garlic, parmesan and creamy cauliflower sauce. t’s divine and has no cream WHY IS VACATION IMPORTANT, BOTH PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY?

y

family is the most important thing in the world to me. hat is life but the collection of memories? Our vacations are a wonderful way to connect in a special way and create those memories.

IF YOU PASSED ALONG ONE LINE OF ADVICE TO YOUR THREE CHILDREN, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Perhaps alter Cronkite said

it best can’t imagine a person becoming a success who doesn’t give this game of life everything he’s got.

Globe Trot Norah O’Donnell’s Exclusive Resorts Destination Hit List

1 LITTLE DIX BAY. Celebrated my th birthday with friends there.

2 COSTA RICA. Fun family destination with golf and great beach.

3 SEA ISLAND. A perennial favorite with the family for golf, tennis and turtle sightings.

4 TUSCANY, ITALY. e went with three other couples and had an epic trip.

5 CAYMAN ISLANDS. est beaches, easy to get to and a great family spot.

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> Meet Me There GO To watch D.J.’s “Meet Me There” episode from Peninsula Papagayo visit youtube.com/ exclusiveresorts.com.

Call to Action Discover Costa Rica’s wild side with Exclusive Resorts’ member and “Meet Me There” host D.J. Duckworth.

Costa Rica certainly entices, given her gorgeous coastlines, impressive ecosystems, and lush surroundings. t’s tempting to simply book lazy days, but a walk on the wild side unveils Costa Rica’s true nature. uring my rst so o rn, forged a leisurely pace. et this last trip was uite the opposite. My itinerary? Adventurous pursuits and educational experiences that fueled a sincere desire to return. y hit list will answer the call of Costa.

TACKLE THE RAIN FOREST and waterfalls up close and personal on a zip line tour with Three Monkeys Tours.

3monkiescr.com

TEST YOUR FEAR FACTOR on the Rio Tenorio. I navigated a roller coaster of Class 4 rapids that left me happily soaked from head to toe.

UNWIND AT THE HOTEL BORINQUEN’S OUTDOOR SPA The volcanic mud leaves skin perfectly polished. And don’t forget the camera.

A bucket of mud, plus friends and family, equals frameworthy memories. borinquenresort.com

PAY IT FORWARD Members Pam and Donnie Lassetter are helping local students by making repairs to a local school. I caught up with them in Costa Rica on my last trip, and you can view their story in a special “Meet Me There” episode. Inquire with the onsite Exclusive Resorts’ concierge team about how to help Santa Rita.

TAKE A PRIVATE COOKING CLASS with Chef Nicolas Devenelle. Learn French cooking techniques and enjoy a delicious meal while taking advantage of your home’s fabulous kitchen. guanacastechef4u.com SHAKEN AND STIRRED Create craft cocktails with one of Costa Rica’s champion mixologists. Bartender Cristian Bolanos concocts fresh, authentic drinks to celebrate the pura vida.

VISIT THE LA DANTA WATERFALL A 30-minute trek through the forest is worth experiencing this ethereal force of nature.

Tip: Remember to pack dry clothes for the ride home.

CATAMARAN CRUISING If you’re near the water, you should be on the water! The crew at Velas de Papagayo can pick you up near the beach club. Alternatively, take their jet skis out and explore the majestic mangroves. velasdepapagayo.com

MONKEY AROUND. Costa Rica’s furry friends are easy to spy.

Request a set of Leica binoculars for bird watching, too. And while you’re exploring, check out the on-site Poro Poro Beach Club.

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FIND YOUR COFFEE FIX Famous Costa Rican coffee beans like those from Cafe Britt make ideal souvenirs and will liven up your own kitchen, too. Find Costa Rican blends at the new Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo, and while you’re at it, book a round of golf on the new, Arnold Palmer-designed course. cafebritt.com; fourseasons.com

Walk to Restaurant Row

WEST END MAGIC – 401 W. BLEEKER NOW LISTED FOR LOT VALUE

THE PENTHOUSE - 400 W. HOPKINS MOST AMAZING ART WALLS!

• Single-Family home on a premier corner (7,500 sq. ft.) lot in the West End

• A mountain-contemporary masterpiece, just remodeled

• Easy stroll to town or the Music Festival • Great family floor plan

• This luxurious 4,900 sq. ft. penthouse plus separate studio is totally captivating

• 5 bedrooms, 5 1/2 bathrooms, 4,319 sq. ft. home

• The master bedroom suite is stunning

• No historical preservation • Priced with your upgrades in mind

• Breathtaking views of Aspen Mtn. and Independence Pass

Call for your private showing!

Call us for more details on this unique property!

Offered at $5,995,000!

Offered at $10,950,000!

• Located on the W. Hopkins bike/pedestrian trail

LORRIE WINNERMAN I am a dedicated, full-time Broker who lives, breathes, and eats real estate! My father brought us here in 1955 as kids to ski, and I returned to raise my own children in 1979. I opened my own office June 1, 1997, a boutique company where our motto is service to you, our customer. My latest business expansion includes working with my husband and our team of architects, builders and interior designers creating luxury homes. I have always loved the entire process from design to the placement of your hot tub. I can help you with vision on a home with great bones that just needs a remodel. We can also offer “fly-overs” of prospective purchases, as my husband flies a Chinese military trainer airplane. I specialize in confidential and discreet deals often over $10,000,000 including finding perfect unlisted properties. Don’t be surprised if I find your dream in just a few days!

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT LORRIE WINNERMAN | CELL 970.618.7772 • LORRIE@LBASPEN.COM

Donnie B. joins Lorrie B.

DON BUCHHOLZ is excited to be joining forces with Lorrie B Aspen! A long time local since 1973, he has been involved with real estate sales for the past 25 years. Having built several homes in the Valley, Don has great knowledge of the building process as well as managing residential and commercial real estate.

He is the Owner and President of Roaring Fork Investments LLC, a real estate brokerage company and Founder and Partner of D & B Development, a commercial real estate development firm.

Don is on the National Council of JAS Aspen, a board member of the Aspen Junior Golf Foundation, the golf coach for the Aspen High School and a Life member of the PGA (Professional Golfers Association).

Having raised his four children in Aspen, Don and his wife Marianne like to spend their free time on Nantucket Island and traveling the world! He is also an avid skier, golfer, cook and knows all the good spots to catch fish!

YOU CAN REACH DON AT EMAIL: DON@LBASPEN.COM OR ON HIS MOBILE: 970.618.3080.

600 EAST HOPKINS, SUITE #305 970.920.0020 FAX 970.920.0010 | WWW.LBASPEN.COM

> Concierge Confessions GO Learn more about the Club’s 15 residences in Vail & Beaver Creek exclusiveresorts.com/vail

Alpine Chic Rocky Mountain Residence Manager and in-the-know local, Greg Ciluzzi reveals top haunts and happenings for an elevated escape to Vail and Beaver Creek.

LEGEND HAS IT

DID YOU KNOW? Vail is prime breeding ground for Olympians, including the current top two female Olympic alpine ski medalists, Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin. Buy an EPIC PASS (ski pass) for $769, which offers unlimited skiing and no blackout dates at many Exclusive Resorts destinations and nearby ski areas (Colorado: Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and A-Basin; Utah: Park City and The Canyons; California: Northstar, Heavenly, and Kirkwood).

SPA SCENE The Arrabelle Spa at Vail Square was voted No. 19 of 270 global spas in a recent Conde Nast reader’s poll. And located minutes from Exclusive Resorts residences, Beaver Creek’s Allegria Spa at the Park Hyatt has 23 treatment rooms and the don’t-wantto-leave Aqua Sanitas water sanctuary.

The Thai Journey treatment is tops and includes a lemongrass and ginger scrub, Thai massage, and hot oil foot and scalp massage.

The 10th Mountain Division is one of the biggest influencers of Colorado ski culture. Resilient soldiers learned to survive at high altitudes in subzero weather at an area called Camp Hale. Hauling 90-pound packs, soldiers scaled sheer cliffs and traveled across treacherous mountain passes. The 10th suffered heavy casualties in Europe but became one of the most decorated divisions in WWII. Visit the Colorado Ski and Snowboard Museum in Vail Village to learn about Camp Hale and the history of its soldiers (my dad, John Ciluzzi, was a 10th Mountain skier and is one of the few still alive today, at 91!).

ELEVATED EVENTS Ski season kicks off with “Snowdaze” and wraps with “Spring Back to Vail.” Each features a series of free all-ages outdoor concerts. The Birds of Prey World Cup ski race series draws top international male skiers to Beaver Creek in early December.

COCKTAIL CULTURE

Mountain communities are all about après ski.

Sit on the deck at Pepi’s in Vail and listen to live music while sipping a locally made craft brew (there are five local microbrews in just the Vail Valley). Or hit Bully Ranch at the Sonnenalp and order a mudslide.

Stay closer to home at the Tavern at the Arrabelle, which offers a tempting portfolio of local craft brews.

CHILD’S PLAY Ride the Eagle Bahn Gondola, adjacent to the Arrabelle, to Adventure Ridge, which accesses winter dining and outdoor activities at 10,350 feet. Choose from 10 lanes of adrenalinefilled tubing (ride superman style or traditional) or test the kids-sized snowmobiles, which take little tykes around a series of loops.

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TABLE TALK The BBQ at Wildwood Smokehouse atop Sundown Bowl is fantastic. I suggest either the brisket, pulled pork, or the chicken with wild rice with a side of waffle fries. At Two Elk Restaurant atop China Bowl, refuel with the elk chili or southwest wrap. And Mountain Standard is one of the newest Vail hot spots. A spinoff from the Sweet Basil team, the bar scene is as notable as the menu.

THE ELEMENTS CAN BE ROUGH. DON’T LET THEM HANDICAP YOUR BEAUTIFUL SKIN. goAdventuress.com

Michele Carter, Adventuress Founder

PROTECTION IN THE FACE OF ADVENTURE. It’s your skin against the world. Give your delicate outer shield the naturally healing ingredients of Adventuress Skin Care for ultimate protection, cleansing and nourishing every single day. Formulated through years of testing by outdoor enthusiast Michele Carter and leading skin care scientists, Adventuress products are naturally derived, formulated for sensitive skin and uniquely packaged in our finger-tip pocket swipe. And it’s the only skin care regiment you’ll need, whether you’re taking on extreme elements or just everyday environmental stresses. Life’s an adventure. Enjoy and conquer.

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> The2Woodies

Carter and Tucker, a.k.a.

The2Woodies, learn Hawaiian music while visiting Maui.

have toddlers, must travel Escape to Maui with Exclusive Resorts members Holly Cao, Bob Hellman, and their twin toddlers, with tips for family fun and island bliss. BY HOLLY CAO

M

y husband, ob, and have double the trouble twin toddler boys Carter and ucker nicknamed he oodies who just turned three As longtime Exclusive Resorts members, we are both die-hard road warriors. e’ve traveled across continents and countries, from ra il to Vietnam, long before the boys were born. e got married in Cabo San ucas and had our families stay at at the Club’s residences at Esperan a. Since then, exploring the world together as a family has remained a special goal. e’re committed to giving the boys the gift of experiencing new places, tastes, and cultures.

So, at months old, we took the boys to exico on their first trip, introducing them to our favorite home away from home-the Exclusive Resorts

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Cabo San ucas property. he oodies have since been on nearly a trip a month. hey’ve explored, shopped, eaten, and hugged new friends people and animals in various cities across the .S., Europe, and the Caribbean. e’re now a well-oiled machine when it comes to traveling with toddlers.

Friends and people we meet on the road always ask for traveling tips. e started chronicling Carter and ucker’s ripisodes in a series titled here in the orld are he oodies, a phrase coined by friends who ask about the boys and know that they could be anywhere in the world. ur recent trip to Exclusive Resorts’ residences in aui we stayed at o’olei Villa - was a real highlight. erewith, our top picks from that island adventure.

EAT

EXPLORE

MAMA’S FISH HOUSE. Quite simply, one of the best restaurants on the island, an only-on-Maui experience. Take a sunset beach walk pre- or post -dinner. mamasfishhouse.com

LEI-MAKING AND HULA LESSONS. The boys took lei-making lessons at the cabana and hula lessons at our condo from Aunty Hulali (a “first” for both activities). grandwailea.com

HUMUHUMUNUKUNUKUAPUA’A RESTAURANT (Grand Wailea). Request Table 70, located in the water. Executive Chef Michael Lofaro brought us into his kitchen while he created a special Opah fish dish for Carter and Tucker. They inhaled it! grandwailea.com

GOLF. Amazing to get a golf lesson from Renee Lee on the ocean front course at the Wailea Golf Club. grandwailea.com

STAR NOODLE. Small dishes great for sharing.

We love the steamed pork buns and Hapa ramen—incredibly flavorful and made from the juices of the luau pig. starnoodle.com DA KITCHEN. The Loco Moco is a must. We always stop here before flying home. dakitchen.com SHAKA PIZZA. Our first stop after we get off the plane. We love the special handmade sauces (for the adults, try the Hawaiian hot chile sauce). shakapizza.com ESKIMO CANDY. Josh Hansen, Eskimo Candy’s COO, gave us a tour and a sample of their famous shoyu poke and eskimo candy, the belly strip of a smoked salmon. Yum! eskimocandy.com UPCOUNTRY FARMERS MARKET + PRIVATE CHEF HIRAM PERI. Chef Peri took us to the market to source locally grown produce, then cooked an amazing dinner for us using traditional Hawaiian preparation. We also visited an orchard in Wailea with him and the boys tasted starfruit. upcountryfarmersmarket.com; honucuisine.com

UKULELE LESSON. The boys were so excited to get a ukulele lesson from Tarvin Makia of the Hawaiian band Hapa. grandwailea.com MASSAGE. Carter and Tucker had aromatherapy massages from Mercedes in the poolside cabana at the Ho’olei Grand Wailea. grandwailea.com CANOE. The boys sat in their first canoe and heard an ocean chant by Kevin of HOE (Hawaiian Outrigger Experience). hawaiianoutriggerexperience.com MAUI OCEAN CENTER. Great way to spend an afternoon with the kids–fish, turtles, sharks and stingrays, oh my. mauioceancenter.com WATERSLIDES AT THE GRAND WAILEA. The boys go down these waterslides five times a day. Their first waterslide sets a high bar. grandwailea.com

Know Before You Go Traveling with tykes? Holly Cao’s tips for hassle-free fun.

SPEND TIME GETTING TO KNOW YOUR AMBASSADOR. Download your Ambassador on your family’s habits, interests and any other information you think would be helpful for him/ her to keep in mind when planning trips for your family so they know exactly what to recommend.

THE GROCERY LIST. Use the Club’s new mobile app—The Source—to save your go-to grocery items for every trip so your on-site concierge can have everything stocked and ready upon arrival. We like to make breakfast in the house every morning.

ARRANGE TRANSPORTATION IN ADVANCE. We usually ask the concierge to arrange transportation for us to and from the airport, since we need a vehicle that can accommodate everyone in our group, all of our luggage as well as two booster seats for the boys.

SCHEDULING ACTIVITIES, AND MAKING THE IMPOSSIBLE, POSSIBLE. The concierge can be your eyes and ears on the ground, your true local partner, your local “search engine,” your “Google Maps–off the grid” and magic maker. He/she has deep knowledge, so tap into that.

BOOK A PRIVATE CHEF FOR A “HOMECOOKED” MEAL. Consider the Club’s inresidence chefs as a resource to make an activity or experience for the family to explore the local land, culture and produce.

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Be a Collector SM

O F

M O M E N T S ,

N O T

T H I N G S .

Get off the beaten path and beneath the surface of iconic destinations near to home, and far. Our customized experiential travel itineraries let you choose where to go, when to go, and most importantly, who will go.

ExclusiveResorts.com • 844.260.0338

Photo credit Singita. Terms and conditions apply. See www.exclusiveresorts.com for more information. Be a Collector is a service mark of Exclusive Resorts, LLC. Exclusive Resorts and the Exclusive Resorts flower logo are registered trademarks of Exclusive Resorts, LLC. Š2015, Exclusive Resorts, LLC. All rights reserved.

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BESPOKE FASHION // JEWELRY // BEAUTY // SPA + WELLNESS // DESIGN

Out of Africa

Inspired by Kenya’s community and culture, designer Anna Trzebinksi lassos beauty from the bush.

It’s often said the most prescient creativity is mined from life’s peaks and valleys. Such is the case with German-born, Kenyanraised designer Anna Trzebinksi. After an internationally publicized, tragic murder claimed the life of her former artist husband, Tonio Trzebinksi, she found herself in that uncomfortable zone of what do next. So she began honoring Africa by crafting leather goods. Eventually her work skyrocketed in 2001 when she began embellishing pashminas and utilizing traditional Masaai beading. She’s now grown from launching a company with 20 pashminas in a suitcase to recently opening her flagship .S. o ti e in Aspen, olo.

She’s happily remarried, and her designs are consistently found in top fashion magazines.

And ith a o ti e and st dio in airo i, her collection spans apparel, pashminas, jewelry, chic bags and clutches, and home design. he rilliant aa hoker, pict red here ($450), is testament to her effortless South African style. “The inspiration comes from the beautifully beaded choker necklaces that the Samburu and Maasai wear for ceremonies, says Trzebinksi. “The colors are vivid and vibrant like the people from those areas.”

And with our new itineraries to South Africa’s Singita Game Preserve, African inspiration is just a trip away.

— annatrzebinski.com

BOHEMIAN CHIC ANNA TRZEBINKSI’s Maa Choker ($450) celebrates the call of KENYA. CURATED

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> Style

Set sail to the Club’s six villas at Little Dix Bay in the British Virgin Islands.

Port-Au-Chic Island-hopping in the British Virgin Islands never looked so good. Darlys Michaelis, director of styling and model casting at Neiman Marcus, curates yacht-inspired looks.

LANA ANA

ELIZABETH LIZABETH & JAMES

14k Diamond Shaped

Rosa Dress ($365).

All products available at Neiman Marcus; neimanmarcus.com

Fringe Hoop Earrings ($2,890).

FENDI

FENDI Chalks Print Roll Totebag ($1,150).

TRINA RINA TURK

Garden Paisley 1-piece ($140).

KATE ATE SOMERVILLE

Daily Deflector

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Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF ($48).

FIQUE

Liana Kaftan ($625).

DIOR

So Real Brow Bar Sunglasses

($595).

ERIC JAVITS

Squishee Classic Hat ($250).

NEST

Brass beaded Pendant Necklace ($375).

ASHLEY PITTMAN

Set of Nine Nene Bangles ($535).

TOM FORD

Fleur de Portofino ($215).

YVES VES SAINT LAURENT

Vernis A Levres ($36).

V VALENTINO GO Learn more about Virgin Gorda

Rockstud Metallic Ankle

exclusiveresorts.com/virgin-gorda-bvi

Wrap Thong ($975).

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> Style

The Club’s Park Avenue apartments are less than one block from the new Polo Bar (LEFT).

GUCCI

Horsebit Bracelet in sterling

in Haute Pursuit

An avid vintage watch collector with a penchant for vintage Rolexes, Geoffrey Hess, President of Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry Collection, has a serious knack for rare finds. “We often hear ‘passion’ associated with the collecting of vintage wristwatches,” he says.

“It’s that hobby that can keep a grown man up until dawn, pouring over minute details of a watch and its history. It takes little time for the collector to yearn for the thrill of the hunt, and the quest for the next great piece begins again.”

ROLEX

Vintage

Menswear has long been influenced by equestrian escapes.

Inspired by the new fields of the Aspen Valley Polo Club and the posh Polo Bar in New York, these classic items are rich in both masculinity and history.

CASABLANCA ASABLANCA POLO Mock Zip Sweater ($225). casablancapolo.com

Geoffrey Hess, President of Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry Collection, reveals the art of vintage watch collecting.

LORO PIANA Travelmate (Price available upon request).

Loro Piana stores nationwide. loropiana.com.

silver and brown leather ($280). gucci.com gucci.com.

BY KAREN LARRAIN

Time Travel

1926 Oyster Perpetual, cushion shaped. rolex.com

JAEGERAEGERLECOULTRE

Grande Reverso 1931 Seconde Centrale with white gold case and alligator leather strap ($20,100). jaeger-lecoultre.com RALPH LAUREN Brown Calf Ankle Boots ($995). Select Ralph Lauren stores. ralphlauren.com

HUBLOT UBLOT

Big Bang HERMÈS Serviette 57 Bag in Barénia Calfskin ($7,900). usa.hermes.com

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Chukker ($17,100)

Hublot, 692 Madison Ave., New York; hublot.com

LEICA ON LOAN Brought to you in partnership with Exclusive Resorts Exclusive ResortsŽ presents the Leica on Loan program, an opportunity for members to capture once-in-a-lifetime vacation moments with the Leica camera of your choice—from the compact, WIFI-enabled Leica C to the sought-after Leica T. Love your Leica? You can purchase the same Leica model, brand new.

To reserve your camera today, visit www.exclusiveresorts.com/leicaonloan

Leica on Loan program available only to Exclusive Resorts members and subject to terms of Product Loan Agreement. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Photo credit Chip Litherland.

> Style

Parisian chic anchors the Club’s new tri-level Trocadero residence just three blocks from the Eiffel Tower.

Brand: Prada Linea Rossa Style: Slip on Sneakers Price: $495 Retail Location: Barneys.com and select Barneys New York stores Simon says: Pack a comfortable schlepping shoe. Paris is a walking city. Only working girls from the Pigalle walk around in heels all day.

Simon Says...

JEROME DREYFUSS Gary Small Crossbody ($485).

Simon says: “A cross-body bag is practical for travel, but just because it’s practical does not mean it needs be dreary or gigantic.”

Barneys New York Creative Ambassador-at-Large, Simon Doonan, curates a weekend of Parisian panache.

What to wear to Paree? Back in the last century women used to feel intimidated by the thought of a Parisian trip. Am a chic enough? Am I Parisian enough?

Nowadays we live in a global fashion universe, so throw aside those old-fashioned notions. American chicks are every bit as groovy as their French counterparts.

Express yourself, and, most important, enjoy yourself.

All items available at barneys.com and select Barneys New York stores.

GIANVITO ROSSI “Gianvito” Pumps ($1,195).

Simon says: “Ditto a flirty shoe.”

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BALENCIAGA Wrap Cocoon Coat ($2,225).

Simon says: “Do not even think about heading to Paris without a gorgeous entrance-making coat.

Why? So you can make an entrance, duh!”

FRÉDÉRIC MALLE Cologne Indélébile 50 ml Spray ($180).

Simon Says: “Pack a sizzling new perfume.

A distinctive fragrance will add to the specialness of your fantabulous Parisian.”

CURRENT/ELLIOT The he Fling With Exposed Fly Jeans ($258).

Simon Says: “Does a gal really need a pair of jeans in Paris? If the temperature plunges and the wind starts swirling round the Palais Royale you will be glad you brought a pair.”

PRADA LINEA ROSSA Slip lip on Sneakers ($495).

Simon says: “Pack a comfortable schlepping shoe. Paris is a walking city.”

BALENCIAGA Arena Giant Double Tour Bracelet ($245).

Simon says: “The Balenciaga leather bracelet adds a tough je ne sais quoi.

If you really want to look like a hired assassin then buy two and put one on each wrist.”

5N5

1

ACNE STUDIOS Convertible Wrap Alan Cardigan ($430).

Simon Says: “Lingering in an outdoor cafe can be challenging, especially if the sun keeps popping behind the clouds.

A fling-it-off fling-it-on piece of stylish knitwear is the answer.”

KAREN WALKER Starburst Sunglasses ($300).

Simon says: “Catherine Deneuve and Jeanne Moreau never went out in public without a chic pair of shades and neither should you.”

A TOP 5 HIT LIST. ALL WITHIN A FIVE-MINUTE STROLL FROM YOUR NEW EXCLUSIVE RESORTS PARIS APARTMENT.

Eat tasty macaroons at the classic patisserie Carrette.

2

See a walk-in replica of an apartment from Le Corbusier’s Cité Radieuse in Marseille at the city’s architecture and heritage museum.

3

Dine on contemporary French food at the buzzy Restaurant Hexagone.

4

See the Fountain of Warsaw in Jardins Trocadero when it’s lit up at dusk.

5

Visit the Musee de la Marine, which makes science and history cool.

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> Jewelry

JENNIFER FISHER 14k gold Custom Charm Necklace (price available upon request). jenniferfisherjewelry.com

Coastal chic at the Club’s three new residences in St.-Tropez, part of the 2016 European Collection.

Gold Rush Nothing accessorizes better than shiny gold on sun-kissed skin. Add glamour to a St.-Tropez jaunt with these bold pieces, which travel from bikinis to cocktail dresses.

DAVID WEBB Starlight Necklace featuring brilliantcut diamonds set in 18k gold and platinum ($96,000). David Webb New York and Beverly Hills, davidwebb.com.

BY KAREN LARRAIN Room with a View in St.-Tropez.

OSCAR DE LA RENTA Bordeaux filigree bracelet ($490). ODLR boutiques. oscardelarenta.com SILVIA ILVIA FURMANOVICH 18k gold and citrine earrings (price available upon request).

Neiman Marcus, neimanmarcus.com.

HOORSENBUHS OORSENBUHS 18k yellow gold (also available in 18k rose and white gold) Phantom Cuff ($25,500). Meridian Jewelers, Aspen, meridianjewelers.com; hoorsenbuhs.com H.STERN .STERN 70th Anniversary Earrings in 18k yellow and noble gold with diamonds ($10,300). H.Stern, New York, hstern.net

©2014 Abercrombie & Kent, USA, LLC CST #2007274-20

abercrombiekent.com

Discover the World on an A&K Tailor Made Journey Abercrombie & Kent’s Tailor Made journeys take just you and your family on a privately guided adventure wherever you want to go — with support from 52 local offices in over 100 countries, the possibilities are endless.

Contact your Exclusive Ambassador to create an A&K journey built exclusively around the things you want to see and do together.

after an introduction from our private guide, we were invited to join the locals on their way to market.

®

> Spa + Wellness

Ranch redux Author, editor, and wellness warrior Kate Betts returns for a week-long intensive retreat at The Ranch at Live Oak Malibu, and discovers the fourth time’s just as transformative as the first.

o

n my third trip to The Ranch at Live Oak Malibu I was so overcome with a feeling of healthy energy that I swore to myself— after fi ve days of six-hour hikes and endless reps on the R straps that I would come back at least once every year. It had been my 50th birthday and reaped the be nefi ts of he Ranch’s no options program an intense week of hiking, yoga, exercise classes, and delicious vegan meals, all while simultaneously unplugging from the stress of urban life. In the weeks leading up to every visit, he Ranch guides enthusiastically

Set on acres with an organic garden, a massage village, and a saltwater pool, The Ranch is the brainchild of Sue and Alex Glasscock, two former alibu developers turned fi tness junkies after living in the area for nearly years. nce home to silent fi lm star opalong Cassidy, the historic working ranch is now a coveted luxury destination for stressed-out urbanites who can’t seem to unplug from their iPhones and tablets but are desperate for some solitude and weight loss. Each guest stays in their own private cottage. Designed by Sue Glasscock, rooms are

recommended following their preparation guidelines, which included easing off caffeine, diet soda, sugar, and alcohol. And even though I ignored their suggestions, the program worked: I returned to city life 10 pounds lighter, energized, and clear-headed.

Yet here I was, on day one of my fourth trip to The Ranch, halfway up the side of the Backbone Trail in the Santa Monica Mountains, sweating in the late April sun and cursing myself for entertaining such a silly notion that hiking and unplugging would become an annual ritual. My knees felt weak, my breath pathetically short. I still had four more hours of hiking to go. And was beginning to regret the fact that ’d handed over my watch, hidden my cell phone in my suitcase, and lost any sense of pride I might have previously possessed.

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beautifully decorated with reclaimed wood fl oors, limestone bathrooms, and linen-covered beds.

Guests are also treated to a seasonal, nutrient-driven vegan menu that is both spare and delicious. Many of the ingredients come directly from The Ranch garden, which guests can tour during their stay. A cooking course is also offered with Executive Chef ina Curtis. uring each of my trips to The Ranch, I found myself scribbling down recipes for everything from kale ceasar to the resort’s signature, house-made granola, in addition to the incredibly nutritious fl axseed tea. ast spring, the lasscocks fi nally shared most of their coveted recipes in The Ranch At Live Oak Cookbook (Rizzoli). he fi tness program, which the lasscocks developed based on their own experiences hiking and living in the Santa Monica Mountains,

Photos Courtesy of The Ranch at Live Oak Malibu

AT MEALS AND ON THE TRAIL, RANCH GUIDES CONTINUALLY ENCOURAGE GUESTS TO REMAIN IN THE PRESENT AND TO REMOVE WORDS LIKE WON’T AND CAN’T FROM THEIR VOCABULARY.

consists of early morning yoga or stretch class, four to six hours of hiking, several hours of R class, circuit training, and water aerobics, all capped by a daily, luxurious, hour-long massage some of the best ’ve ever experienced). In the course of a week guests log more than 60 miles of hiking, countless crunches and push-ups, and sun salutations—all on less than 1,500 calories a day.

More than weight loss, however, the real goal of The Ranch is to allow guests to get as far away as possible from their overscheduled, stressedout lives. n a small leather-bound journal next to each bed, a list of Ranch Values encourages guests to relin uish responsibility and let the guides do all the planning. hey also suggest guests heed the unplugged policy. he world will still be there when you get back, it says. At meals and on the trail, Ranch guides continually encourage guests to remain in the present and to remove words like won’t and can’t from their vocabulary. This last bit is a lot harder than it sounds.

Surprisingly, my fourth trip to he Ranch was the hardest. Certain aspects of the program had been improved or tweaked since my previous visit. As we hiked up through a grassy valley of undulating hills toward Sandstone Peak, one of the guides explained how they constantly update the program so that guests don’t game it. he hike that day, which had been close to miles long on my first visit, had been tweaked to what they call an out and back in hiking parlance meaning individuals hike as far as they can and then turn around instead of continuing for 14 unforgiving miles. The Ranch also added another exercise room—a.k.a. the romper room and filled out the program with nutrition talks as well as acupuncture sessions and meditation.

Some things hadn’t changed. oxic uesday still proved to be the most challenging day of the week. I woke early, still stiff from the previous days’ hike. And as we began the steep climb from the Pacific Coast ighway to the top of the Santa onica ridge, could feel my heart pounding. That afternoon, returning to The Ranch for lunch, I was too tired to even finish my chickpea salad. ut by day four, after many meals of chickpea and celery root purées, oatmeal with almond milk, and sunflower seed risotto, felt light as a feather, and free of my usual sugar cravings. The detox process worked. And daily wrestling matches with the R machine helped strengthen my abdominal muscles, nothing short of a miracle.

By the end of the week I was ready to go home. On the last day I woke with the roosters at 5:20 a.m. and sat down to write a letter to myself— an exercise that is also part of the program. hinking about what ’d accomplished and how much stronger I felt after a week at The Ranch, I wondered if I would return. Our group—both men and women from New York, San Francisco, Dallas, and Australia—had gotten along so well we discussed reserving spots the same time next year. For $6,800 there are many other places I would love to go—Rome, Paris, and the Galapagos slands. And yet, there’s no price for the sense of clarity and calm one can achieve through intense physical exertion and silenced iPhones.

Unplugged + Recharged With these exclusive member benefits at The Ranch at Live Oak Malibu, the ultimate in health and wellness is just a trip away.

EXCLUSIVE RESORTS recently announced a new partnership with The Ranch at Live Oak Malibu, an internationally acclaimed, results-oriented weeklong weight-loss, wellness, and nutritional program. New member benefits include the below: >> Complimentary acupuncture treatment, chiropractic treatment or pre- and post-program cholesterol test, in addition to custom welcome amenities. >> A series of The Ranch fitness and wellness weekends for Exclusive Resorts members, held at Club residences. The first is scheduled for June 2016 in Vail.

Kate Betts, an award-winning magazine editor and author, recently released a new memoir, titled My Paris Dream: An Education in Style, Slang, and Seduction in the Great City on the Seine. Visit katebetts.com.

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> Beauty

INDIGO INSPIRED: TATCHA

Water from Telluride’s (ABOVE) Bridal Veil Falls anchors the organic ISUN skincare line. (RIGHT) Rocky Mountain High at an Exclusive Resorts Telluride villa.

Source to Skin Inspired by Samurai, the Rocky Mountains, and a round-the-world motorcycle trek, these globally inspired products and treatments rescue travel-weary skin.

BY ERIN LENTZ ROAD WARRIOR READY: ADVENTURESS

Adventuress founder ichele Carter found inspiration for her travel-ready line along desert highways and mountain passes. An athlete, motorcycle maven, and avid traveler, she became frustrated with the lack of high- uality, easily packable skincare products. As such, Adventuress was launched for the girl-on-thego, and includes a new collection of pocketsize, one-time-use facial swipes in four potent products: a cleanser, refreshing facial wipes, moisturizer, and an SPF 30 sunscreen swipe.

Individually wrapped, they can easily slide in the back pocket of your favorite jeans, and are perfect post-gym pick-me-ups and for hydrating after long-haul fl ights. goadventuress.com

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The word-of-mouth buzz surrounding this Asian line—inspired by Geisha rituals and the potent antiinfl ammatory powers of indigo—began among the jet-set and celeb scene. ut the secret’s out, and for good reason. Founder Victoria sai discovered the benfi ts of Samurai lue while traveling in apan.

She found a 200-year-old text on the geisha that also revealed that warriors wore indigo-dyed cotton beaneath armor to heal skin. er aha moment anchors the atcha ndigo Collection, which includes a brand new SPF that doubles as a primer.

Our favorite, the new Indigo Soothing Triple Recovery Cream, packs a powerful beauty and anti-aging punch of indigo and apanese Pagoda ree extract, colloidal oatmeal, and A ASE 3TM complex (a proprietary anti-aging blend of kinawa red algae, apanese rice bran, and green tea extracts.) And with every Tatcha purchase, a day of school is donated through Room to Read, which in turn helps secure a girl’s future in a developing country. Available exclusively at select Barneys New York stores and tatcha.com.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN RITUAL: REMÈDE SPA ASPEN MILE-HIGH TREATMENT: ISUN

Telluride local and former model Bunnie Gulick lassoed elluride’s famous ridal Veil Falls to anchor her ISUN Alive & Ageless skincare line.

Pure Rocky Mountain water inspired the line, and the Four Seasons otel enver Spa utili es S for its new Age Revitalizing Facial, an 80-minute treatment that features ulick’s wild crafted organic ingredients. First the face is cleansed with lavender, sage, and lemon-tree oils, followed by a concentrated exfoliant of high-altitude minerals and powerful Colorado honey. he piece de resistance is a combination of an alpine antioxidant mask and a Vitamin C hydrating serum which battle those sneaky fi ne lines. Four Seasons Hotel Denver Spa; fourseasons.com

The Remède Spa at The St. Regis Aspen Resort is one of the fi rst in the .S. to feature ESPA body serums in its Rocky Mountain Ritual, a 105-minute, full-body renewal and polish. e are now treating the body just like the face no more body treatments more like body facials, says Remède Spa Aspen irector ulie liff, who also serves on the board of the International Spa Association. A potent, all-natural exfoliant precedes a soothing aromatherapy bath. But the true skin solider is a hydrating wrap anchored in ESPA’s secret weapon, the Optimal Body TriSerum. This cellulite combat and skin uencher is replete with a -minute massage (opt for a 60- or 90-minute add-on), while additional hydrating ESPA serums leave the body happily hydrated. Remède Spa at The St. Regis Aspen Resort; stregisaspen.com

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Uniquely offering women and businesses the best solutions to women’s advancement.

Carolyn Lawrence President & CEO

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Are you ready? womenofinfluence.ca/ready

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> Design

Abode + Beyond From meticulous metalwork to Parisian inspired crystal, these design mavericks ensure your next outdoor dinner party will be fabulously fun.

Designed by brothers Nicholas and Harrison Condos (right), the Mustique Collection pairs traditional design with the silhouettes of mid-century modernism.

RESTORATION HARDWARE: NICHOLAS + HARRISON CONDOS Australian brothers and designers icholas arrison Condos may be known for meticulous metalwork, yet travel-infused inspiration anchors their exclusive collection for R ’s

utdoor Collection. oth blacksmiths, their simplistic yet sophisticated approach to their three new, handcrafted collections for R Aegean, Catalan, and usti ue has uickly landed them as international design stars. From his os Angeles office, and in-between surf sessions, arrison Condos explains how their designs are naturally inspired. >>

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Exclusive Entrée Discover Saint-Louis design during a members-only day trip from Paris.

YOU AND YOUR BROTHER ARE KNOWN FOR METICULOUS METALWORK. WHEN CREATING A NEW RH COLLECTION,

While in-between boutique-ing and

WHAT SERVES AS INSPIRATION? We have a very modern silhouette, and gain inspiration from modern architecture.

We grew up in Sydney, Australia, well known for modern, clean, coastal architecture. My father was a blacksmith, so we have always been hands-on with design. A lot of it is about proportion.

You can have a nice design, but if you don’t get the proportion right, it won’t work out.

WHAT SPECIFIC CONTEMPORARY BUILDINGS HAVE INFLUENCED YOU? One by Peter Stutchbury, in Australia, is amazing. He’s very organic and uses a lot of sandstone, natural wood, brass,

dining, book a day trip to the beautiful SaintLouis headquarters and uncover French finesse in its purest form.

While you’re at it,

The Saint-Louis eightlight Royal Chandelier showcases the purity and brilliance of handcrafted crystal.

spend a few nights in the Strasbourg region to visit Alsace wineries and the Pompidou

free-form concrete. Clean and beautiful.

Metz Museum. Your

SAINT-LOUIS STYLE WHAT DO YOU MOST ENJOY ABOUT WORKING WITH METAL? You can get into the shape and form.

It’s a really creative medium, and quite stark. We do a lot of mixed materials, such as the straight lines of aluminum or natural teak top or arms. Our signature has been mixing materials, which creates beautiful synergy.

We’re starting to work with teak, and are creating cool accessories at the moment, including fire tables that are finished in mixed materials—an aluminum flint box with natural stone on top.

MORNING: Visit

custom design is the order of the day at Saint-Louis,

Saint-Louis’ hot and

which upholds a generations-old commitment to

cold workshops

craftsmanship. The oldest crystal manufacturer

and their incredible

in Europe, Saint-Louis, founded in 1586, bridges

craftsmanship,

past to present with ex uisite vases, chandeliers,

including mouth-blowing,

iconic stemware, and decorative objects. he finest

handcutting,

glassblowers and cutters in the industry are found at

engraving, and gold

the company’s orraine, France, head uarters, which members of Exclusive Resorts can now access via a

design forward.

centuries-old design, as seen in the Royal and Apollo

beautiful way. – rh.com

sojourn awaits:

hand-decorated. As part of erm s nternational,

HOW MUCH HAS TRAVEL INFLUENCED YOUR WORK? I travel as much as I can, and to all parts of the world, to get design inspiration. I love the Mediterranean, Ibiza, parts of Greece, Morocco, North Africa. And Barcelona is very

WHAT TOPS YOUR TRAVEL HIT LIST? Since my family is from Greece, I love to go there. I love Greek design and architecture.

It’s all white, raw, no straight lines or edges.

The way they build their homes is so solid, like bunkers. They mix organic fabrics and linen into interior design, and do it in such a

custom Saint-Louis

outh-blown. and-cut. and-engraved. And

decoration.

LUNCH: Visit the

day trip from new Paris apartments. Though the brand

Saint-Louis master

is known for head-turning tabletop pieces, lighting

house for French

is also ultra-luxe. Intricate chandeliers are based on

fare.

AFTERNOON: A trip

lighting collections. A customized chandelier introduced

to the Saint-Louis

this year, The Royal can feature eight to 48 lights, and

Museum.

a brilliant array of crystal cuts. The Apollo, designed by odefroy de Virieu and Stefania i Petrillo, is a contemporary nod to the parison of the famous SaintLouis Apollo glass. – saint-louis.com

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travel

adventure

go

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

SAVOR

TOP TOQUE // SHAKEN & STIRRED // VINE ART // THE DISH

Taste of Tucson

FOOD ENVY MIRAVAL RESORT & SPA’S cookbook, Miraval’s Sweet & Savory Cooking features an oh-so-tasty margherita pizza with basil pesto recipe.

Photo Courtesy of Miraval Resort & Spa

Straight from the healthy kitchen of the famed Miraval Resort & Spa, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this season, recipes from the resort’s cookbooks inspire mindful meals.

It’s rare for seasoned spa-goers to return from vacation hyping the food. Yet at Miraval Resort and Spa, home to eight, two-bedroom Club villas, the cuisine is as notable as its massage therapists, meditation leaders, and resident beekeeper. Many Miraval guests tout the resort’s cuisine as their top reason to return, and between visits can whip up Miraval-inspired meals at home thanks to the resort’s two cookbooks, Miraval’s Sweet & Savory Cooking and Mindful Eating.

This season marks the 20th anniversary of the Arizona health and wellness enclave, with new Executive Chef Brandon Cathey embracing an “eating real” concept that plates whole, intact grains and largely vegetable-based fare. What’s more, guests can join a session with local farmer Richard Starkey, who sources Miraval’s fresh produce and eggs daily from his 2.5-acre organic farm. When its time to squash calories, tackle the new barre classes or Desert Wave yoga, which features an Indo Board to stimulate surf waves and increase core strength.— exclusiveresorts.com/miraval

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> Top Toque

Toque of the Town From New York City’s Le Bernadin, to Blue at the Ritz-Carlton®, Grand Cayman, celebrity chef Eric Ripert’s French finesse meets island inspiration. BY AMIEE WHITE BEAZLEY Eric Ripert, chef and co-owner of New York City’s Le Bernadin and Blue at The Ritz-Carlton® Grand Cayman, is a hard man to miss. With dark skin attributed to his French heritage, bright blue eyes, and salt-and-pepper hair, he is an unmistakable presence. n the first few minutes of our meeting poolside at he Rit -Carlton rand Cayman, several fellow chefs, fans, and patrons can’t resist saying hello and offering their gratitude.

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Cayman Cookout 2016 Food, wine, and FUN. “We eat at Le Bernadin at least once a month,” says a bikini-clad New Yorker. Flashing his signature toothy smile, Ripert responds, “That’s a very nice tradition. I like that.” He is gracious and patient with each person he meets.

“In New York it happens all the time,” he says. “But it’s not a bad thing. You are recognized, people are very nice. I feel not to give 15 seconds of your time is taking life for granted. I always feel blessed because I could be peeling onions and garlic for seven bucks an hour!”

Ripert’s humility is refreshing, considering his formidable culinary success. In 2007, GQ magazine

Cayman, which he opened upon invitation from the five-star hotel in and is a favorite for members staying at one of the Club’s 14 residences. Soon after, Ripert launched the Cayman Cookout, a food and drink festival on Grand Cayman that celebrates the Caymanian culture he has grown to love. During this Food & Wine magazine event, and on other Cayman island visits, Ripert can often be found snorkeling among the brilliant and tasty fish that inspire lue’s seafood-savvy menu.

Already a master of seafood preparation, Ripert says opening a restaurant that could source the very

“I had a very good palate at a young age and a tremendous appreciation for good food and also for restaurants. Sometimes they were asking me, ‘What do you want for Christmas?’ and I would say, ‘I want to go to that restaurant.’” - Eric Ripert named Le Bernardin one of “Seven Food Temples of the World;” it also ranks No. 18 on the San Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants list and the Michelin Guide honored Le Bernardin with its highest rating of three stars in 2005 and each year thereafter.

From an early age, Ripert, now 50, says his love of food and dining was fostered by various women in his life. Born in Antibes in the French Rivera, he had Italian and French grandmothers who loved to cook and feed him, and a mother who loved restaurants.

“They all knew I loved to eat,” he says. “I had a very good palate at a young age and a tremendous appreciation for good food and also for restaurants.

Sometimes they were asking me, ‘What do you want for Christmas?’ and I would say, ‘I want to go that restaurant.’”

The restaurants Ripert now spends most of his time at are his own: Le Bernadin, its side project, Aldo Sohm Wine Bar, and Blue at The Ritz-Carlton® Grand

GO exclusiveresorts.com/grand-cayman

best from the islands was a no-brainer. He looks to Caribbean influences fruits, spices and seafood to create an experience at Blue that would remind people of Le Bernadin, but not “copycat” what he and his team have achieved in New York.

In order to source the best Cayman seafood, he created a dedicated network of local fishermen to catch and sell exclusively to his team at Blue. During our morning chat, he tallied six yellowfin tuna, some wahoo, spiny lobsters, and conch.

“I read I’ve got a good seafood restaurant,” he laughs. always love cooking fish, and at my jobs in the kitchens where grew up, was put on the fish station, so I developed expertise and a taste for it.”

Blue is the just the right fusion of local ingredients, refined techni ue, and sophistication on an island that stays close to its roots and heralds its people, the sea, and local cuisine. In turn, this chef—and his guests— continue to celebrate, and share, their good fortune.

As if one needs more enticement to visit the Cayman Islands, foodies flock to the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman every January for the annual Cayman Cookout.

Launched by Eric Ripert Ripert and FOOD+WINE magazine, the four-day festival (January 14-17, 2016), features the best in the business, including such celebrity chefs as Anthony Bourdain, Tom Colicchio and Michael Mina. Rarely will you find chefs snorkeling among the fish they serve, yet here attendees get upclose and personal to culinary masters. There’s no shortage of wine and cocktail experts, either, and between demonstrations, seminars, and dinners, guests soak up authentic Cayman culture.

STAY> GRAND CAYMAN, CAYMAN ISLANDS ACCOMMODATIONS: 14 Villas at the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman BEDROOMS: 4 BATHS: 4.5 SQUARE FEET: 35183705

NOT TO MISS: • Silver Rain, a La Prairie Spa • Greg Norman-designed golf course • Blue Restaurant, by Eric Ripert • Swim at Dolphin Cove • Seaside service at Seven Mile Beach

> Shaken + Stirred

Grain to Glass A whiskey-fueled tour of urban distilleries, top watering holes, and cocktail craftsmen reveals a serious penchant for a long-standing libation.

BY JEFFERY LINDENMUTH American whiskey was born on the frontier, a way for colonial farmers to turn their crops into a potent potable. Today, however, a visit to whiskey country no longer demands a trek to the hollows of Kentucky or Tennessee. With small craft distillers setting up shop in hip neighborhoods and former urban industrial centers, your next craft whiskey experience may lurk just an Uber ride away from your Exclusive Resorts apartment.

SAN FRANCISCO | SEE IT: St. George Spirits

Situated across the bay of San Francisco in Alameda, California, the views from the San Francisco Bay Ferry are worth the journey to St. George Single Malt Whiskey. You never know what you’ll see, or taste, from its gleaming copper stills, including absinthe, rum, fruit brandies, gin, vodka, and more. Reservations suggested; Tours $20. stgeorgespirits.com

SAN FRANCISCO | SIP IT: Hard Water Located on The Embarcadero, Hard

SAN FRANCISCO | MIX IT: Elixir

Water offers more than 350 American

H. Joseph Ehrmann, proprietor of

whiskies, making it the ultimate stop

San Francisco saloon Elixir, created

for California’s local hooch, including

the Bentley Old Fashioned to

Old Potrero rye whiskies from San

capitalize on the chocolate notes

Fran’s own Anchor Distilling Co., and

of fine Bourbon. Combine 2 oz.

high-proof wheat and rye whiskies

Sonoma County Distilling Co. West

from Sonoma County Distilling Co.

of Kentucky Bourbon, 2 dashes

Further down the list, rare whiskey

chocolate bitters and 1/2 oz. Orgeat

relics like Michter’s 25-Year Rye can top

syrup in a rocks glass with a large

$100 an ounce. hardwaterbar.com

ice cube. Stir and top with shaved chocolate. elixirsf.com

CHICAGO | SEE IT: FEW Spirits

“We are one of the rare craft whiskey distillers that makes what we sell–from grain to the glass,” says Paul M. Hletko, founder and distiller of FEW Spirits in Evanston. Post-tour, a tasting includes FEW Bourbon, with its clove and cinnamon candy notes, FEW Rye, and several renditions of gin. Convenient, 200-ml bottles make it easy to pack a few in your luggage.

Reservations suggested; Tours $10. fewspirits.com

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CHICAGO | MIX IT: Delilah’s

CHICAGO | SIP IT:

Dive-bar drinking never tasted so good. With over 750 worldwide whiskey selections, and a staff that is plenty knowledgeable sans attitude, sip your favorite whiskey with a side of punk rock or vintage ska. Order a FEW Rye Manhattan Manhattan: 2 oz. Few Rye, 1 oz. sweet vermouth and 2 dashes bitters, stirred with ice, and served up with a lemon twist. delilahschicago.com

Longman & Eagle A selection of over 300 whiskies, many priced under $5, makes this Michelinstarred restaurant a surprisingly affordable place to take a barstool

NEW YORK CITY SIP IT: Black Tree

tour of American whiskey. Sample exclusive bottlings for Longman & Eagle, or dive into such erudite flights as “It’s All About The Barrel” ($14), with three whiskies selected to demonstrate the effect of barrel aging. longmanandeagle.com

NEW YORK CITY SEE IT: King’s County Distillery

Unlike many upstarts which purchase bulk whiskey, everything for King’s County comes off its stills in the historic Brooklyn Navy Yard. Tours are casual and comprehensive, covering all aspects of whiskey production.

There’s even grain farmed on site. In addition to bourbon and moonshine, sample Kings County’s Chocolate Whiskey—corn whiskey infused with cacao from Mast Brothers Chocolate. No reservations; Tours $8. kingscountydistillery.com

This intimate Lower East Side eatery may not have the city’s largest selection of whiskey, but, much like the food, they keep it close to home, with a strict localonly sourcing policy. You’ll fi nd Rough Rider ourbon from Long Island, McKenzie Pure Pot Still Whiskey from the Finger Lakes, and the ex uisite illrock Solera Aged Bourbon from the Hudson Valley. The rotating menu focuses on a single animal, like cow, pig, rabbit, or goat. blacktreenyc.com

NEW YORK CITY MIX IT: Holiday Cocktail Lounge

While longtime denizens of the East Village pine for grittier times, the craft cocktails are an undeniably nice upgrade at the spruced-up Holiday Cocktail Lounge. Try the Los Hollywood, created

by Michael Neff: 2 oz. Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey, 1/2 oz. Fernet Branca, 1/4 oz. simple syrup, 3 dashes of three clubs bitters, stirred with ice and served up. holidaycocktaillounge.nyc

HAVE BOURBON BULLEIT, WILL TAILGATE Designed by Brad Ford, the stylish Bulleit Woody Tailgate Trailer was originally crafted for the Neiman Marcus Fantasy Gift Guide (and retailed at $150,000). These days, spy Bulleit Brand Ambassador Bobby Burk with the mobile bourbon bar at various national sporting events, including National Football League and Major League Baseball games. Cast from repurposed Bulleit barrels and featuring a fully stocked bar of Bulleit Bourbon, Rye, the Woody Tailgate Trailer has traversed more than half the states in the U.S. To order? Try the BLT (Bulleit, lemon and tonic) or the Bulleit Rye Sour. Find out where the next tailgate party is at @BulleitUS. bulleit.com CURATED

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> Vine Art

Friuli inspired Acclaimed master sommelier Bobby Stuckey’s passion for Italian whites is rooted in the country’s storied soil. Paired with authentic seafood dishes sourced from the Adriatic Sea, his top picks call for serious wine wanderlust.

Friuli-Venezia Giulia has been the decade-long cornerstone of our inspiration at Frasca Food and Wine. Along with Chef Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson and our entire hospitality team, I’ve been traveling there since our restaurant opened. Friuli is that special culinary and viticulture hot spot; it lies atop the Adriatic Sea, and yet is just 60 miles from the enormous Alps, creating Italy’s greatest textural white wines. Herewith, a few of my favorites.

SAUVIGNON BLANC

We often think of Sauvignon Blanc as the French varietal from the Loire Valley, but Sauvignon Blanc has been in the Collio and Colli Orientali since Napoleon. Over the years, it’s created some of the best Sauvignon Blanc in the world.

Ronco del Gnemiz 2013 Sauvignon “Salici,” Friuli Colli Orientali, Friuli, Italy

A single vineyard on the hills of Rosazzo, this wine exhibits great, textural Sauvignon Blanc, but at the same time retains its spine of vertical acidity.

Venica & Venica 2013 Sauvignon “Ronco della Mele,” Friuli, Italy

Herbaceous, and made by superstar winemaker Giampaolo Venica from his only Sauvignon Blanc vineyard on the northeast-facing slopes above the town of Venco.

FRIULANO

Historically known as Tocai Friulano, this grape varietal was known as Tocai until 2007, when the European Union mandated the name change. I think of Friulano as if Mother Nature closed her eyes and made a grape with the melon and fruit of great Pinot Grigio crossed with the herbaceous notes of Sauvignon Blanc. Friulano that is grown on the ponca soil of the Colli Orientali has a salty minerality that’s a great pairing with the classic Prosciutto San Daniele.

Miani 2013 Friulano “Buri,” Colli Orientali del Friuli, Friuli, Italy

Winemaker Enzo Pontani is one of the standard bearers of this varietal, yielding full-bodied, full-impact Friulano. It poses the uestion f someone could make white urgundy out of this varietal, would it taste like this?”

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Borgo del Tiglio 2012 Friulano “Ronco della Chiesa,” Collio Goriziano, Friuli, Italy

Produced by the cantankerous but brilliant Nicola Manferarri, this ex-pharmacist took over his family’s well-situated vineyards in the Collio, and has been raising the standard since the early ‘80s. His Ronco della Chiesa is one of the greatest white wines in all of Italy, with an ability to age gracefully.

MALVASIA

A varietal that Venetians took from Greece over the Adriatic, it reaches its height on the ponca soil where it’s known as Malvasia Istriana, named after the Istrian Peninsula. Pesce Crudo is a staple among coastal Friulano dinner tables, and Malvasia is one of my favorite grape varietals to pair with it.

Dario Raccaro 2012 Malvasia, Collio Goriziano, Friuli, Italy

Full-bodied, non-wooded Malvasia from the Collio. Even under its richness and extract, it has wonderful acidity.

Doro Princic 2013 Malvasia, Collio Goriziano, Friuli, Italy

From the town of Pradis in the Collio. hile it’s hard to find this producer, the wines are not expensive, but undeniably world class. Princic’s Malvasia Istriana is one of my favorites to grab for seafood.

RIBOLLA GIALLA

An indigenous varietal of Friuli, Ribolla Gialla is an interesting varietal that needs to be on steep soils to force limited yields, as it produces a lot of fruit. Additionally, it’s also the varietal most utilized by producers making macerated–a.k.a–orange wine.

Radikon 2004 Ribolla, Collio Goriziano, Friuli, Italy

Made by Sasa and Stanko Radikon, this wine sees full maceration, treating a white wine with time on its skins like you would a traditional Barolo. The Ribolla Gialla is exotically aromatic for a grape normally not known for these types of aromatics. A firm, slightly tannic nip makes this wine great with grilled chicken and veal.

GO exclusiveresorts.com/napa

“Research” is the order of the day. Master sommelier Bobby Stuckey was recently crowned sommelier of the year by Wine Enthusiast.

I THINK OF FRIULANO AS IF MOTHER NATURE CLOSED HER EYES AND

MADE A GRAPE WITH THE MELON AND FRUIT OF GREAT PINOT GRIGIO CROSSED WITH THE HERBACEOUS NOTES OF SAUVIGNON BLANC. - BOBBY STUCKEY CURATED

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> The Dish

Farm toVacation Table EatWith redefines dining local with pop-up inspired home chef experiences.

BY LINDA HAYES

A

ny globetrotting foodie worth their fleur de sel knows that the way to experience a destination’s best culture and cuisine is to go where the locals go. But searching out those special places can be tricky. And anyone who’s been burned by the recommendation of a friend or hotel concierge, or who’s been unlucky enough to show up at a restaurant when the kitchen is having an off night, will attest to the unpredictable nature of that particular path.

EatWith has changed all that. A savvy, “why didn’t I think of that” website, EatWith, in a nutshell, features local dining experiences in people’s homes around the world. Think Airbnb for eating out, only you’ll be dining at a private Paris pied-a-terre, a ondon flat, on a rooftop in Barcelona, or in a New York City loft. Your chef

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You’ll be dining at a

Paris

pied-a-terre, a London flat,on a rooftop in Barcelona, or in a New York City loft.

and host? The resident owner (or owners as the case may be), who just happen to also be inspired cooks and who embody the communal ‘mi casa es su casa’ attitude.

EatWith was dreamed up by co-founder and CEO Guy Michlin after having what he considered one of the best meals–and dining experiences–of his life in the home of a local family while vacationing in Crete. The major difference, it seemed, was the personal connection Michlin was able to make with his hosts, one not as easily achieved in a more formal restaurant setting.

Now two and a half years strong, EatWith offers carefully curated dining experiences by over 1,000 hosts in more than 150 cities–and counting. “EatWith has made it possible for

Kitchen Confidential

Photos Courtesy of EatWith

Where (and Whom) to EatWith at Exclusive Resorts Destinations food lovers all over the world to discover uni ue dining experiences both when traveling and at home,” shares EatWith Global Community Manager Joel Serra-Bevin. “The aim is to be the hub of the world’s most exciting chefs and food experiences.”

Before any reservation is made or table set, EatWith vets each potential chef. They range from professionally trained, Michelin-starred chefs to passionate and skilled home cooks who seek an outlet to share their passion without working in a restaurant. Only about four percent of those who apply are accepted.

At any given EatWith experience, dining companions (anywhere from a few to a dozen) are often international travelers–and offer a great way to connect with like-minded foodies.

The common denominator is, of course, a love of authentic, well-prepared and presented, locally sourced food. Course by course, the fact that you’re in the home of someone you’ve only “met” online is overcome by sharing the bounty of his or her kitchen. ine and cocktails flow. Camaraderie ensues.

What, one might wonder, inspires someone to go “pop-up restaurant” for complete strangers? The motivation, naturally, varies. In Paris, Jean-Yves Vuong is an architect-turned-chef won MasterChef France 2012, a French television series. The artfully presented French-Vietnamese dishes he prepares are a way of taking guests through a culinary journey. “My interior design reflects me, he says. y cooking reflects my passion.

GO Exclusive Resorts members enjoy 10% off any EatWith experience with the code exclusive10. Visit eatwith.com to redeem.

BARCELONA: Boqueria Market Hidden Gems Tour Two professional chefs lead a personal shopping tour of the famed Boqueria Market in Las Ramblas, including a typical Catalan breakfast, tastings of signature local ingredients, and insider experiences at food stands and with local vendors.

BERLIN: Explosion of Flavor Fusing flavors from Italy (slow-cooked lamb Bolognese with tagliatelle) and his homeland of Austria (dessert pancakes with homemade apricot marmalade), a passionate cook serves up a dinner that inspires table conversation.

CANNES: Seasonal Tastes from Southern France and the Mediterranean For everything from brunch to dinner to cooking classes, a professional chef and pop-up restaurateur prepares three-course gourmet menus based on her seasonal finds at the morning market in Cannes.

NEW YORK: Japanese Brunch at Essex Market Reminiscent of her Japanese roots, the host of this “Pop Up” shares her favorite meal of the day. Light, flavorful dishes are prepared using seasonal vegetables and herbs from

local greenmarkets, her rooftop garden in Brooklyn, and vendors from Essex Market.

SAN FRANCISCO: Fishmonger’s Crab Feast A true San Francisco treat, crab is highlighted at this seafood-centric dinner, which also includes sustainably harvested oysters, classic clam chowder, a market salad, sourdough from famed Tartine bakery and homemade ice cream sandwiches.

BETTOLLE: Tuscany Taste That’s Amore!

A young Italian singer and her “mamma” host this five-course meal at their charming country house.

Seasonal dishes from family recipes include everything from bruschetta to tiramisu, and guests can learn how to make the main course of ravioli with tomato sauce.

PARIS: A Gastronomic Dinner at Your MasterChef Home A beautifully appointed Paris apartment is the setting for this special meal, prepared by an architect and winner of French MasterChef.

French-Asian cuisine includes dishes like “The Madam Butterfly Toast,” Tournedos Rossini and French macaron with raspberry-pear Melba.

The above locations and experiences were specifically curated by EatWith for Exclusive Resorts members. EatWith accepts about 4 percent of its thousands of program applicants. Costs range from $30-150 per head for a 12-16 course tasting menu. For bookings visit eatwith.com.

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Be a Collector sm

O F

J A W S

D R O P P E D .

Whatever amazes you – you’ll find it with us. Homes that make your jaw drop.

Places that leave you awe-inspired. Experiences that make your heart skip a beat.

ExclusiveResorts.com • 844.260.0338

Los Cabos, Mexico

Terms and conditions apply. See www.exclusiveresorts.com for more information. Be a Collector is a service mark of Exclusive Resorts, LLC. Exclusive Resorts and the Exclusive Resorts flower logo are registered trademarks of Exclusive Resorts, LLC. ©2015, Exclusive Resorts, LLC. All rights reserved.

CULTURED ART OF TRAVEL// SCENE + HEARD // EYE ON DESIGN // VIRTUOSO

Slim’s Pickings Iconic photographer Slim Aarons captured a bygone era, framing ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s celebrities, socialites, and bathing beauties.

Passing down his wanderlust and love of the lens to daughter, Mary, her Exclusive Resorts vacation to Real del Mar, Mexico, reveals a family with frame-worthy inspiration.

Slim Aarons/Getty Images

BY ERIN LENTZ “My father had an eye for beautiful women,” says Mary Aarons, daughter of Slim Aarons. We’re in her Gloucester, Massachusetts, home, and she pulls one of his images, commonly referenced as “Stacked” (contrary to popular belief, Mary explains Slim never formally named his photos) from her personal collection. The shot of bikini-clad beauties graced the Aarons’ living room when Mary was a child. Continued on page 72

SPEEDBOAT LANDING

After World War II, SLIM AARONS trained his camera on the rich and famous. His photographs graced the covers of Life, Holiday, and Town & Country. Members receive 30 percent off the purchase of his images, shipped and ready to hang, at photos.com by Getty, with code SLIM30.

To view modern interpretations of Slim Aarons photographs, see “Inspired by Slim,” page 96.

> Art of Travel

B

ut it wasn’t always beauties and the beach. After enlisting in the army at 18, Slim worked as a combat photographer in Italy (eventually earning a Purple Heart). Shooting for the Army weekly, Yank, Slim joined such aspiring war photographers and journalists as Henri Cartier-Bresson, Robert Capa, David Douglas-Duncan, and Harry Reasoner. After witnessing the brutality of war, he yearned for the good life, training his sharpened eye on the international jet set. His daughter, Mary, a publishing executive, grew up listening to tales of her father’s glamorous globetrotting and assisting on some of his shoots. Not many can claim a 21st birthday spent in Vienna. Mary “My father’s celebrated the He felt it was the best milestone by seeing Rudolf Nureyev in Swan Lake, followed by dinner with her dad and Joan Fontaine, one of Slim’s former girlfriends, which also included Eva Gabor.

Yet it was her mother, Lorita, who ultimately captured Slim’s discerning eye. They met at LIFE magazine, and Rita recalls that he claimed he would marry her on the very day they met. His prescient vision was spot on, and as they built a life together, Rita remembers shoots with Marilyn Monroe and Henry Fonda (whom she helped nurse back to health after a blistering sunburn while filming Mister Roberts). During the “Hollywood

years,” as Mary explains, Christmases were celebrated with Bette Davis and Gary Merrill; New Year’s Eve with Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall.

And though immersed in celebrity culture at a young age, Rita remains a tough, no-nonsense Bostonian. Mary is quick to add that though her father frequently traveled, he always made time on the road for them to connect with local cultures and communities.

“My father’s greatest gift to me was the gift of travel,” explains Mary.

“He felt it was the best education I could have. He loved learning new languages, eating local food, meeting the locals. Back in the day, you dressed up to fly.

We spent a lot of time at JFK me was the gift of . (then Idelweild I could have.” – Mary Aarons Airport), which in the ‘60s was the height of modern architecture. His excitement about travel was contagious, and I longed to travel, too. I still do.”

As such, ary’s first vacation with Exclusive Resorts was at Villa Casa Gaviota in Real del Mar with her mom, husband Robert, and their extended family. They shopped, surfed in Sayulita, but mostly, snapped photos alongside accomplished Leica photographer Chip Litherland. They scouted. They swapped photography tips. And they toasted Slim and his unique style. They hosted a private dinner party and mariachi band at the

greatest gift to education

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travel

PHOTOS BY CHIP LITHERLAND; BOTTOM LEFT: Lorita Aarons

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Behind the lens in Real del Mar with Mary Aarons; photographer Chip Litherland’s take on Slim’s “Underwater Drink”; mariachiinspired fun during a private family dinner; a young Mary with father Slim Aarons.

Continued from page 71

Shoot Like Slim Mary Aarons’s Top 5 tips for album-worthy travel photos.

1

Be your own stylist. Add that spot of pink or red.

2 It’s all in the eyes, which are the window to our soul.

3

Don’t shoot at an upward angle.

4 Wait for that late afternoon golden hour.

5 Move around. Get out a

BOTTOM PHOTO BY CHIP LITHERLAND; TOP: Slim Aarons /Getty Images

Mary Aarons and family recreated Slim’s “Christmas Swim” photo, with her mother, Lorita, as the model in both the original (TOP) and modern interpretation.

house, and raised their glass to a man who, though idolized for such photos as “Poolside Gossip” and “Kings of Hollywood” a ew ear’s Eve image of Clark able, Van eflin, Gary Cooper, and James Stewart), never used a stylist on set.

Together with Litherland, Mary and her family even recreated Slim’s “Christmas Swim” photograph—of her mother in her early 20s in Hollywood—by placing a Christmas tree in the each Club’s infinity pool. Red ornaments, of course. And 60 years later, Rita, once again the model. It’s moments like these that Mary feels her father’s presence. “It was great fun to know that my father was looking down upon us. We were able to gather and have fun together, inspired by him.”

And though she never turned pro like her father, when flipping through her photos from Real del ar it’s readily apparent that talent runs in the family. Modest about her photography skills, she’s passionate about sharing her father’s tips, especially when it comes to capturing memories-in-the-making while traveling.

Fittingly, Mary partnered with Exclusive Resorts to cohost a collection of photography workshops inspired by her father as part of the Club’s “Destination in Focus” event series. The four-day retreats, open to both veteran and up-and-coming photographers, teach attendees how to reimagine Slim’s candid approach of shooting “attractive people, doing attractive things, in attractive places.”

Held in partnership with Leica Camera, guests work with Leica Akademie instructors while Mary provides coaching from her time acting as Slim’s photo assistant on the road. The next “Shoot Like Slim” members-only event will travel to Los Angeles April 20-24, 2016, for a four-day

road trip along the California coast in a luxury Airstream.

Participants will have access to private instruction from Mary as well as world-class Leica Akademie photographers and Leica’s most sought-after camera equipment.

As she explained at the Club’s first Shoot ike Slim photography workshop in Las Vegas last May, what makes a strong travel photo may be objective, yet there are rules of wisdom, inspired by her father. “My dad knew how the camera worked,” she says. “It came naturally to him.

Composition, especially.” Mary also reveals that he had a penchant for placing pops of color, particularly, red, on set.

“There was always the red geranium, or pink bougainvillea, or red sweater, that he’d get in there,” she says. “If you look at his shots, there’s always a red plant. It’s just that little extra.”

As for today’s selfie-obsessed iPhone culture Slim may be rolling over in his grave. “My father’s camera equipment was his life. Without it he was sunk. He worked very hard to keep his cameras in working order. I think he’d be astonished to know that more people take pictures with phones these days than cameras,” explains Mary, yet even she discloses an affinity for her pocket camera. All my life taking pictures my father would remind me how much film costs. on’t waste pictures ’ can hear him now. ack then, you had to be cogni ant of film. uch to my family’s dismay, I’m a documentarian of every event—Christmas, birthdays, parties. If I weren’t my father’s daughter people may think I was nuts.” But it’s their shared worldview, inspired by travel, that is perhaps most relevant to an incredible photo. “Curiosity. That’s the common thread between me and my dad.”

ladder if you need to, or stand on a chair.

EXPERIENCE > Members are invited to attend a Slim Aarons gallery show hosted by Mary Aarons, Exclusive Resorts, Leica, and Town&Country Magazine at the Leica store in West Hollywood on October 2, 2015. The gallery will exhibit Slim originals (including some private photos from Mary’s personal collection) as well as modern interpretations shot by Leica photographers at global Exclusive Resorts locations. > The “Shoot Like Slim” members-only event in Los Angeles will be held April 20-24, 2016. The four-day road trip will traverse the California coast in a luxury Airstream.

>

WANT MORE SLIM? Visit page 96 for a photo essay titled “INSPIRED

BY SLIM,” which bridges past and present with modern interpretations of Slim’s iconic images shot

by LEICA photographers at Exclusive Resorts destinations.

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> Scene + Heard

leading lady

Kristina Sorge’s film, Bernice (pictured above) recently won the Grand Jury Award for Best Short Documentary 2015 at the Madrid International Film Festival.

First-time documentary filmmaker and Exclusive Resorts member Kristina Sorge forgoes a prolific career as news reporter and producer to stake her claim on the big screen.

BY JENNIE NUNN

W

hen documentary filmmaker Kristina Sorge was in fifth grade, she was busy making spoof videos and small films on a camcorder, and producing plays with her two brothers. “I was fortunate enough to grow up in a very creative family,” says San Diego, California–born Sorge, who moved to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, in elementary school. “We were always putting on plays when we were snowed in, mostly because we didn’t have a lot going on, or acting out our own theatrical performances because Wednesday night family dinners needed a little more excitement. I can recall a couple different renditions of The Phantom of the Opera and Aladdin.”

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ow, at age , Sorge is carving a name for herself in the film arena after a long stint working for numerous television news networks, including BBC, CNN, and even logging hours for host Piers Morgan’s talk show, Piers Morgan Live. “I knew I wanted to be in longer form journalism, and I wanted to see a story through from start to finish, so was kind of ready for a transition into something else,” says Sorge, who majored in communications and international studies at Northeastern University in Boston.

Yet it was a fateful weekend trip in 2013 with a friend to Art Basel in Miami, Florida, that altered Sorge’s course forever. “It sounded

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Trailblazer and art star Bernice Steinbaum; Sorge and Steinbaum discuss the arts; filmmaker and Exclusive Resorts member Kristina Sorge.

like a fun weekend, and I had no intention thinking that I would meet the woman who would change my life,” says Sorge, referring to the initial encounter with 70-something art dealer, gallery owner, and renegade, Bernice Steinbaum, the subject of her new 30-minute documentary film, Bernice. “We were invited over to her house for dinner, and I was immediately struck by how unique her little world was. It was like stepping into an Alice In Wonderland scenario, with this tiny little

championed by Steinbaum in the art world, including Cuban taxidermy artist Enrique Gomez De Molina (who was sentenced to prison for alleged illegal smuggling of protected wildlife from a piece he bought on eBay),

Kristina’s Headshot: Courtesy Ashley Barrett Photography

“It was like stepping into an Alice In Wonderland scenario, with this tiny little woman with these huge glasses, and spunky personality.” – KRISTINA SORGE

woman with these huge glasses, and spunky personality. She is one of the best storytellers I have ever met, and from that point on, she kind of had me.”

However, convincing Steinbaum to participate in the eight-month-long film wasn’t so easy. “I called her up on the phone, and said, i, it’s Kristina. ’m a filmmaker, and ’d love to do a documentary,’” recalls Sorge, who now resides in Venice, California. “She said, ‘I don’t think I’d be interested in doing something like this,’ and it took a while to persuade her.” In the meantime, Sorge began researching and contacting the various burgeoning and minority artists whose lives have been

and partner and fellow artist Troy Abbott.

A few months later, Sorge tried again, and Steinbaum ultimately succumbed. After the project was underway, Sorge also interviewed Harlem–born story quilter Faith Ringgold.

Sorge and Steinbaum are now close friends who talk on the phone weekly, and recently traveled together to the Madrid International Film Festival. “Bernice changed the way I see things, not just in art and in the art of storytelling, but the human condition,” says Sorge, who is working on two new documentaries, The Riot Act, about the issues of police brutality and freedom of speech, and another depicting the untold story of undocumented

immigrant workers in California’s Central Valley. “She taught me that there are many layers to individuals, and if we dig deep down into ourselves, the story becomes universal. If you can listen and find humanity in others, even the most exotic story becomes relatable.”

For Sorge, making Bernice served as a reminder of a very valuable lesson. “I think the message is never be afraid of going after your passion or your goal,” she adds. “If you want something to happen, and you want to see a change, I think the only way you learn is by doing. Life will give you a million different setbacks if you allow for it. I think that is ultimately the purpose of the film is on’t ever give up.”

GO Learn more about the Club’s new residences at the 1 Hotel South Beach. exclusiveresorts.com/miami

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> Eye on Design

GO Browse our destination wedding locations at exclusiveresorts.com/residence-collection.

Event pro Jung Lee unveils destination wedding hits + misses.

Destination weddings will reduce your guest list and create a more intimate event. However, prior to booking, make sure that key people can attend (think grandparents or friends and family who might not be able to afford the travel).

Perhaps the destination needs to be a three-hour drive versus a six-hour flight.

The ideal destination is different for every couple and family. No venue offers everything for everyone, so consider top priorities before booking. A great dining experience?

Dancing ‘til dawn? A hotel where all guests can stay? Use key factors to narrow down your destination wish list.

Destination “I dos” typically require hosting guests for at least two nights. But this doesn’t mean you need to throw two weddings! Consider the overall experience, where each gathering feels unique. I appreciate welcome parties that are less formal, to encourage interaction and fun (but make sure your guests still have gas in the tank for your wedding!)

Discuss rates and expectations with the destination to ensure every detail is negotiated. If you’re taking over an entire property, find out if the music can be controlled, how late the bar stays open, and if extended check-out times are available.

Destination: i do!

Research possible deal-breakers. Find out if the location requires your party to conclude at a certain time, or how much privacy is available. Some family or friends may not want to stay at the same place, so be considerate of guest preferences.

As far-flung weddings boom, Exclusive Resorts style ambassador Jung Lee reveals tips for top vacation vows.

Bring photographers and DJs to a destination wedding.

You’re never going to get another set of pictures of the special day—hire the best talent. And music is important to any event; it brings energy and can completely change the mood and atmosphere.

who

doesn’t like a vacation Add a happy bride and groom to the mix, and no wonder destination weddings are a hit among family and friends. Nearly 70 percent of Exclusive Resorts members celebrate milestone events every year, and destination weddings offer a vacation for all. Guests are transported to a special locale, and when we’re taken out of our day-to-day routine, the pace tends to slow—we enjoy each other, our surroundings and, in turn, whole-heartedly celebrate a wedding. As such, tips and picks to make the big day memorable and merry.

Ready. Set. Marry.

J L’s Favorite Bride-to-Be Locales RAVELLO, ITALY. Hotel Caruso on the Amalfi Coast and Villa Cimbrone are both divine. Guests can stay in one of Exclusive Resorts’ new postcard-perfect villas on the Amalfi Coast.

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Traveling to a small town or an island for a wedding usually means that resources and vendors may not be at the level we may expect (especially when from a major city!). There are trade-offs. If a great band is important, consider flying one in.

WEDDING WANDERLUST?

Exclusive Resorts offers curated “Bride to Be” experiences including a four-night getaway in New On Display York City in partnership with Jung Lee, co-founder and creative director of New York event-design firm Fête and retail shop Jung Lee.

ST. BARTHS. The Eden Rock Hotel has incredible views and island fare. Postwedding day bliss, the happy couple can set sail on an Exclusive Resorts Caribbean yachting adventure for the ultimate honeymoon.

JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING. Book a private Teton Village home through

Exclusive Resorts and the Big Day will be majestic.

MIAMI, FLORIDA. The Viscaya Museum and Garden is in the heart of the city, and features picture-perfect, Europeaninspired gardens. Wedding guests can stay at one of the Club’s chic new residences at the 1 Hotel South Beach.

the

American West, exclusively yours.

For the first time ever Exclusive Resorts members can now use their days for Airstream travel with Airstream 2 Go. Fully outfitted, luxuriously equipped, and complete with a GMC Yukon Denali, three custom, all-inclusive itineraries have been crafted to provide the road trip of a lifetime. To begin planning your exclusive journey through the American West, please visit www.exclusiveresorts.com/airstream2go

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> Virtuoso

A rendering of the 650foot version of Spar Street’s famous “The Heart of Peace” sculpture.

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Naturally inspired From Maui to the slopes of Aspen Mountain, master artist Spar Street shares a global message of peace, passion, and connection.

BY LINDA HAYES

S

par Street lends a presence to a space that far surpasses the spectacular museumquality sculptures and brilliant paintings for which he is world-renowned. Entering a room at 6-foot6, this former ski racer and investment banker has an innate calm and thoughtful demeanor that uplifts, connects, and inspires.

At a recent presentation of his work, and as a prelude to an exhibition of his sculptures and paintings at Gallery 1949 in Aspen, Colo., Spar reflected on a number of topics, including the creation of his famous “Heart of Peace,” which was selected as a sculpture award by Claes Nobel, co-founder of The World Peace One Foundation and part of the famed Peace Prize family.

WHAT’S THE INSPIRATION FOR THE TITLES OF YOUR SCULPTURES, INCLUDING “AGENT OF CHANGE,” “EXALTED GIVING,” AND “ECSTATIC UNION?”

They’re a meditation on a meaningful way to be. Everyone has an ‘agent of change’ in them, something to give to make this world a better place, to find happiness, passion, joy. Exalted Giving” is an exploration of the nature of giving without holding back. “Ecstatic Union” is the magic that makes life a glorious journey.

SS:

YOU WERE SELECTED TO CREATE THE INTERNATIONAL HEART OF PEACE AWARD

BY CLAES NOBEL’S WORLD PEACE ONE FOUNDATION. WHAT IS THE MESSAGE BEHIND “THE HEART OF PEACE” WHICH YOU HAVE PROPOSED BE BUILT 650 FEET HIGH?

“Your reflection becomes part of the sculpture.

It makes us recognize unconsciously that we are part of everything around us.” – SPAR STREET YOU CALL MAUI HOME YET HAVE A LONG-TIME RELATIONSHIP WITH ASPEN. HOW HAS THIS SMALL SKI TOWN INFLUENCED YOUR WORK? SPAR STREET: I ski better than I walk. Aspen was home in the ‘80s and I skied and competed on Ajax Mountain. I’m a perfectionist when it comes to lines. If you make a great turn, a beautiful line in the snow, there’s power. When I’m creating a sculpture, every line has that acceleration out of a turn. You can feel it.

YOUR SCULPTURES ARE OFTEN STAINLESS STEEL, WHICH IS QUITE DIFFICULT TO WORK WITH. WHAT DRAWS YOU TO IT? SS: Stainless steel is my favorite medium. It’s incredibly difficult and unforgiving, and re uires far more time polishing and sanding and perfecting (than other mediums). But it’s also reflective. our reflection becomes part of the sculpture. It makes us recognize unconsciously that we are part of everything around us.

SS: It is a symbol of what love emotes. It started with a common core, the tremendous heart that all of the Nobel Peace Prize winners have shown.

It will stand high as a statement of the world’s commitment to peace. It would be a real honor to create that monument.

YOU’VE BEEN QUITE PHILANTHROPIC OVER THE YEARS. IS THAT A BIG PART OF YOUR DIRECTION FOR THE FUTURE? SS: It all started back in the early ‘80s with John Denver and Windstar. The world needs help and I’m interested in doing what I can these days, with Greenpeace and World Peace One, for instance, to make the world a better place–donating time and money. It’s equally important. There’s so much value and congruency in walking the talk to help light people up. sparstreet.com

Curator’s Corner Internationally acclaimed appraiser and art aficionado, Marvin Wiseman explains an artist on a Nobel mission.

Spar Street fits none of the traditional molds or stereotypes that have come to be associated with the word “artist.”

His collectors’ list includes His Royal Highness, The Sultan of Brunei, Sir Richard Branson, Ted Turner, Stanley Marcus, and Dr. Jane Goodall, among others.

Spar is also a worldclass athlete, a former ski racer who is as impressive on the slopes as he is riding the waves of Maui, his current home.

His accomplishments as an athlete are equally matched by his achievement as an investment banker. He raised half a billion dollars by age 25 for socially responsible, environmentally concerned corporations.

Why put all of that aside for a career creating museum-quality fine art?

Spar explains, “My passion pushes the envelope of what art can do–how it can create transformational experiences. My soul becomes alive with the unfolding of these purpose-driven forms. For me, these are moments of pure living.”

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Isn’t It Time Your Way of Travel Got an Upgrade?

Anyone can travel. But to experience the world in style— with the full arsenal of travel wisdom, discernment, and confidence provided by Andrew Harper—that’s a different level of journey.

A

ndrew Harper has traveled anonymously and at his own expense in search of the world’s most singular travel experiences for over 35 years. Along with his team of authoritative editors, Andrew Harper provides members with access to a bank of travel knowledge unrivaled in its thoroughness

and creativity. The monthly Hideaway Report is an essential: its reviews of travel experiences that live up to the exacting standards of Andrew Harper (always free from commercial consideration of any kind) will become your go-to source for trip inspiration.

MR & MRS JONATHAN Q SOJOURNER

01234567890 12/2015

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Gran Via in Madrid, Spain

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2015/16

IN THIS ISSUE > 86 96 106 116 122

Tales of Tuscany Inspired by Slim Aarons Bahamian Rhapsody New York State of Mind The Return of Los Cabos

86 The story of PINNOCHIO, written by Italian author CARLO COLLODI in FLORENCE, livens the streets of Italy.

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marathon of

MEALS

Pecorino, salami, and come-hither grilled meat and pasta. An Italian mission that’s simple yet seductive: Mangia! A winter visit to Tuscany reveals off-season opportunities of lazy lunches, history buffs, and serious truffle smuggling.

STORY BY ERIN LENTZ

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEFANIE MICHEJDA

“Tartufo!,” exclaims Lucca. He saunters through the forest, bright blue eyes as crisp as the morning air and a mop of curly hair, channeling a blonde Slash from Guns ‘N Roses, bounces toward us. Delicately cradled in his callused hand is a small yet pungent uscan truffle. is father, uigi, the professional hunter of the bunch, only speaks Italian. With stern yet encouraging commands, Luigi leads Mora, a.k.a. Blackberry—a Labrador and Logotta Romagnolo mixed truffle-hunting dog through the atural Reserve of ruffles, located roughly miles from the tiny downtown of Certaldo. Though still hugged by rich Tuscan mud—it rained and snowed overnight—the marzo tartufo tempts one of our crew to eat straight from Lucca’s hand.

“Foodie” may be a nebulous term nowadays, but our group of four goes weak in the knees for this fancy fungi. As we walk

south, tip-toeing the Tuscan woods and dutifully giving Luigi and ora who, we learn, fetches , euros as a trained truffle scout space and silence, with every delicate truffle gifted, our coat pockets begin to bulge. Fittingly, our waistlines, too, are quickly increasing in bounty on this trip. But no matter. We’re in Tuscany, visiting one of Exclusive Resorts’ five, four- to five-bedroom villas at the famous Castello di Casole—A Timbers Resort in February to discover what off-season in the Italian hillside may reveal. And as any Tuscan traveler knows—foodie or not—we’re in the cradle, the mother lode, of food and wine. Our mission? Meals. Lots of them. We anxiously anticipate Mora’s next move, and as additional marzo truffles are unearthed from the rich Tuscan dirt, we “ohh” and “ahh” at this country’s abundance of culinary riches.

Luigi, a professional truffle hunter that resides in Certaldo, leads private tours in the Natural Reserve of Truffles.

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Mirto, general manager of Siena’s Osteria Le Logge restaurant; Twilight in Volterra; Chef Giuseppina, outside her charming Certaldo cooking school; her son, Lucca, a vintner and truffle-hunting guide, prepares the day’s catch; Bisteca Florentine at Fattoria Poggio Alloro; the nearby San Gimignano at dusk.

T

hough epicurean treasures are heralded in Italy, so is its storied past, as the country’s tumultuous history is celebrated with every hilltop village near Casole d’ Elsa, where the Club’s charming farmhouse residences and the , -acre Castello di Casole hold court. n summer, given the resort’s sprawling talian villas, private infinity pools, high-end restaurants, on-site vineyard, olive groves, and hiking trails, one is hard pressed to even leave the grounds. Come winter, though the resort’s Italian charm remains seductive, the nearby Tuscan hillside, a quilt of brown and green farmland, is sleepy and serene. This equals opportunity. With fewer Fiats of Chianti-happy tourists snaking through country roads, day trips to nearby towns are easier to navigate. From Castello di Casole, the towns of San Gimignano, Volterra, Siena, Certaldo, and the Chianti wine region, among other spectacular sites, are just an hour’s drive, give or take.

After a harried journey to Italy, unexpectedly ping-ponging through a staggering amount of European airports at the mercy of snow and fog, we eventually touch talia terra firma. nce at Villa arbena, our extended flight time is immediately rewarded with authentic Italian charm, and with the guidance

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of a stellar onsite concierge team (a bevy of in-the-know local minds), with every uscan dawn we find ourselves happily crammed into a tiny Audi, each day punching in different destinations on a finicky talian PS system. As we weave through the movie-set scene of cypress-lined resort roads, we keep our eyes peeled for cinghiale, or wild boar. And our San Francisco foodie announces a uscan truffle challenge ne meal a day must involve the truffles uigi and ora hunted for us. Carting the pricey finds in her purse, she means business.

VOLTERRA, CHIANTI + COWS uring one of our first mornings, talk of an unusual uscan snowstorm is the local bu . e fight jet lag with espresso and talk of the week’s menu. e decide on the town of Volterra for one of our first meals. hough not as famous as nearby San Gimignano, Volterra’s charm is nearly as impressive, with two main castles, several photo-worthy sculptures in the town square, and famous Etruscan tombs.

Perhaps most touted is the architecture of the city’s Cathedral duomo of Volterra. uring the th century, the duomo’s interior was painted

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The day’s catch at the Siena Farmer’s Market; Castello di Casole winemaker and oenologist Paolo Caciorgna; discovering the Monte Bernardi vineyard and fruits of its labor; Luigi and Mora, talented Tuscan truffle hunters; Spaghetti, anyone?; chicken and truffle ravioli with shaved parmesan.

in stripes typical of uscan church design and its floors patterned with black-and-white marble. The result, a formidable church that, no matter the time of year, is filled with varying languages, as visitors pray or wonder aloud at the intricate design and hand-carved marble. After sightseeing, we stumble upon a tiny little restaurant, Le Grazie. Greeted by the owner, we descend several flights of stairs to a cellar table, where, in eclectic Volterra style, gnomes and toy wizards set the scene. Eccentric and absolutely foreign, this enoteca and our first talian meal are notable, as it sets the pace for a marathon of meals a di ying array of local pecorino, prosciutto, pasta, and Chianti so tasty that its modest price must be a mistake. ur following day trip, however, proves that Chianti, and more specifically, Chianti Classico, is as rich in tradition as Volterra’s famous Porta all’Arco, the town’s original Etruscan entrance. Oenophiles may tout super Tuscans and big runellos, but taly’s table wine is what first landed this stellar wine region on the map. Our San Francisco foodie has done her homework, insisting we visit the Monte Bernardi winery and estate, located in Pan-

zano—the pulse of the Chianti region. Owned and operated by brother-and-sister team Michael and Jennifer Schmelzer, this Tuscan outpost is a favorite among acclaimed American master sommelier (from Napa’s French Laundry and Boulder’s Frasca Food and Wine) Bobby Stuckey, who has collaborated with Schmelzer on wines for his Scarpetta portfolio. An off-season bonus is a private estate tour by Schmelzer himself, who shows us to his family’s charming farmhouse (rented by the week during high season) and its backyard treasure—idyllic rows of robust, old-world Italian vines. ver a onte ernardi wine flight, we learn that to be deemed Chianti Classico DOCG—marked by the famous Chianti Classico rooster—the ratio must be at least percent Sangiovese, the prominent grape of the region. At the -acre onte ernardi estate, Sangiovese is indeed the star, as Schmelzer cites the rocky soil as prime breeding ground for Chianti Classico. e crown the Sa’etta (Thunderbolt) DOCG as the favorite, a Chianti Classico Reserva crafted from percent Sangiovese. Schmel er’s local recommendation for lunch in Pan ano fficina ella istecca. ou must visit the butcher,” he insists.

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WE ANXIOUSLY ANTICIPATE

MORA’S NEXT MOVE,

and as additional marzo truffles are unearthed from the rich Tuscan dirt, we “ohh” and “ahh” at this country’s abundance of culinary riches.

THE BUTCHER + THE VINTNER If the big ceramic cow doesn’t suggest you’ve arrived (after wine tasting and windy roads, one’s own PS can waiver , simply follow your nose.

Dario Doc and f cina ella Bistecca are both owned by famous chef and butcher ario Cecchini. American cities may have five-star hotels that entice with signature frangiapana talians and Pan ano tourists are beckoned with the scent of smoky, come-hither grilled meat. We enter through a tiny, street-level butcher shop and are quickly ushered upstairs for lunch at fficina ella istecca. A long communal table is shoulder-to-shoulder with locals, and we’re the only guests speaking English. We forgo the menu and ask the grill chefs—who cook not three feet from the table—to surprise us.

Chef ario’s spell is uickly cast a course of raw vegetables from the garden dipped in simple, housemade olive oil. Chianti crudo, or beef tartare, and Carpaccio di culo, seared rump, served with super-sized capers.

Next, bistecca Fiorentina so tasty we fight over the last bite, and an onslaught of sides uscan beans and potatoes simply prepared with burro del chianti (Chianti butter) and profumo del Chianti (special salt). We sip from a carafe of vino di Vittorio, the restaurant’s handmade Chianti. As our beef is coaxed to perfection, one young chef builds a eaning ower of Pisa with shot glasses, vehicles for grappa. We toast the chefs and their hideaway of Italian culture and cuisine. After a two-hour feast, we top lunch with double shots of espresso, as duty still calls. Though we’ve experienced the talent of this famous Tuscan butcher, we’re off to meet a winemaker whose reputation is equally as intriguing.

Though the hilltop perch of Castello di Casole commands postcard-perfect vistas the area’s origins date back to the ron e Age,

B.C., and the hotel’s namesake castle underwent a major renovation during —the enthe th century prior to a imbers Resorts makeover in trance to the property is where its famous terroir is bottled and preserved.

Castello di Casole winemaker and oenologist Paolo Caciorgna lives just a stone’s throw from his Macchie (“forest” in Italian) vineyard. oung, gracious, and one of Tuscany’s most notable vintners, Caciorgna greets us at his wine cellar with a wide smile and a bottle of Macchie DOC Sangiovese Terre di Casole. We walk the small vineyard and winery, built in , before tucking into his tasting room. ore formaggi e salumi (the best thus far, crafted from a friend of Caciorgna’s), more prosciutto. But the wine? So tasty we quickly sign up to ship cases of his Alberaia IGT oscana, a -percent Sangiovese, and acchie Passito, home.

BLIZZARD OR BUST: SIENA + SAN GIMIGNANO During high season, Siena teems with tourists, and for good reason. eemed a ESC orld eritage Site, the famous Pia o del Campo and Mangia Tower lure visitors from all corners of the globe. Come February, however, the fabled crooked streets and town square, home to the Palio, an exciting bi-annual horse race, are buzzing with locals. The farm-

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er s arket is robust and rowdy, covering nearly four downtown blocks. he flower stand a brilliant ma e of roses, hydrangeas, and lilies demands a long pause. As does a local goat cheese vendor as we clamor for samples. The local weekday crowd is on a mission. Smartphones, nearly nonexistent. Rather, the barks of bargaining. Italian leather goods are a given, including one of the largest shoe collections in Italy. Families and dogs roam the market, a tiny Pomeranian dressed in red, green and white socks struts by. “Viva Italia!” shouts an older gent, winking at its owner.

Though sampling these farm-to-table goods could almost serve as lunch, a challenge to off-season travel is, on this day at least, a bitter winter chill.

We scurry for cover at steria e ogge restaurant. Tables are presided by decorative shelves of Italian history and weathered recipe books. We start with local meats, cheeses, and wine. But the pasta? Oh my. Spaghetti noodles so long we twist them nearly two feet above the plate. Soft, succulent pillows of ravioli that cause a table of four women to go silent. Mirto, the manager, opens a baby runello, he says. call this wine sexy, kind of like Italy.” After lunch and a brief history lesson on Siena, which includes a book from the restaurant’s shelves signed by American politicians and Italian aristocrats, he walks us to the latest outpost by Le Logge’s owners, Un Tubo, a wine bar filled with -year old Etruscan tombs and multiple cellars of Italian reds dusty with age.

And if every medieval hilltop village has their own tale to tell, San Gimignano, a smaller town located in the province of Siena, perhaps most proudly displays its storied past. Coined the Town of Fine Towers, this gorgeous talian village has an unforgettable skyline of preserved towers. Two main churches feature artwork by Italian Renaissance masters, and streets are lined with charming espresso bars, meat and cheese boutiques, and corner cafes. The Musei Civici includes the Archaeological useum, exhibiting the city’s origins, the Pharmacy of Santa Fina, which displays ancient medicinal preparations, and The Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art Raffaele De Grada. And in contrast to several of its neighboring towns noted for red wine production, San Gimignano is known for whites, the Vernaccio grape grown throughout its sandstone hillsides. After touring its historic center (also a UNESCO site), we refuel at a andragola, a charming caf . ere, the trip’s top truffle dish is crowned linguini with chicken, truffle, and ham, paired with a local San imignano pinot grigio. hough tempted to order seconds of the truffle pate, we restrain, as evening plans include a visit to the nearby Fattoria Poggio Alloro for a farmhouse dinner. ocated just five kilometers from San imignano, this organic agriturismo, one of many in Tuscany, is perhaps the most well known. Bought in by the three Fioroni brothers, who worked the land prior to purchase, the farm has remained in the family. Dotted by vineyards, cereal crops, beehives, olive groves, fruit trees, and saffron, the land is bountiful. he main draw, however, is a herd of Chianina beef cattle, one of the oldest breeds on the globe.

Locally cured prosciutto and salami at Fattoria Poggio Alloro, an agriturismo located three miles from San Gimignano.

The family-run property features an organic farm and a herd of 50 Chianina cattle.

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Spinach, pear and walnut salad from the organic Fattoria Poggio Alloro farm; Italian butchers mean business; pork “carpaccio” at Officina Della Bistecca, by famous butcher Dario Cecchini; the mighty marzo truffle; Certaldo’s time-traveling architecture; grill masters at Officina Della Bistecca and Dario Doc.

After being shown to the kitchen and small farmhouse dining room, we sit at another lively communal table and glimpse the main act of tonight’s meal A marbled, Flintstone-sized raw steak to serve the entire room is displayed by the open grill, awaiting the hands of legendary -year-old Fattoria Poggio Alloro owner and chef, Amico Fioroni. Managed by his executive chef daughter and sommelier, Sarah Fioroni (author of cookbook A Family Farm in Tuscany), this multi-generational operation welcomes diners like family. We’re joined by local Italians, a couple from New England, and two feisty Jack Russell terrier pups named Cappuccino and Luigi. e ask Sarah if she can cook us a dish with the truffles we’ve brought. ish granted, minutes later a special appeti er course of organic fried eggs and shaved truffle arrives, followed by uscan Ribollita soup, pappa al pomodoro, homemade risotto, and wild boar. Finally, the Florentine steak, served only on Saturday nights. Beef so tasty and tender that the room applauds; one guest gives a standing ovation. Here, Tuscany’s seduction is simple and confident.

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TAKE ME TO FIRENZE & TRUFFLE SMUGGLING ut back to the truffles.

On the day we hunt with Lucca and Luigi, post-forest foraging, we follow Lucca to the town of Certaldo. The tiniest of the Tuscany towns visited, he proudly points to poet Giovanni Boccaccio’s (who penned Vita di Dante and Decameron house, a th century fa ade that inspires movie sets. e walks us to his Mom’s kitchen, formally titled cina i seppina, an Italian cooking school so charming that we can’t stop snapping photos. Giuseppina is every bit the no-nonsense talian cook. She shaves truffles while ucca serves red wine crafted by his own hands—his reserve Chianti named “The Poet. is father’s truffle bounty is the anchor to a three-course meal of meats, cheeses, eggs, and dessert. This is true farm-to-table dining, shared with a proud Italian family. We most likely overstay our welcome, and shopping bags are lined with kitchen utensils, olive-wood cutting boards, Lucca’s reserve wine, house-made jalapeno jam, and local olive oil. Desperate to hold onto this memory, they all help us carry a little piece of Certaldo home.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The street scene in downtown Volterra; art and cuisine unite; chicken and ham linguini at La Mandragola Cafe in San Gimignano; a meat-and-more meat boutique in San Gimignano; local Sangiovese at Dario Doc; the famous Siena duomo.

GIUSEPPINA IS EVERY BIT THE

NO-NONSENSE ITALIAN COOK SHE SHAVES TRUFFLES WHILE LUCCA SERVES RED WINE CRAFTED

.

BY HIS OWN HANDS—HIS RESERVE CHIANTI NAMED “THE POET.”

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TUSCANY: CASTELLO DI CASOLE—A TIMBERS RESORT ITALIAN CHARM • 5 expansive 4 bedroom, 4.5- to 5-bath Castello di Casole homes grace the 4,200-acre property.

• Luxurious restored farmhouses are designed to reflect Tuscany’s traditional style, with authentic Italian furnishings and marble bath finishes.

• Traditional forno for baking wood-fired pizzas.

GO exclusiveresorts.com/tuscany

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• Spacious outdoor living areas with private beach pathways and infinity pools.

• Located on a working winery, residents have access to unique epicurean experiences.

RESORT ACCESS • On-site concierge can arrange private winery tours.

• Chef Sophie Chamberlain will create an authentic Tuscan meal during a hands-on cooking lesson.

• Fully-equipped fitness center and hiking or biking trails on property.

• Essere Spa offers treatments (during peak season) in a theatrical setting, with barrelvaulted ceilings and restored stone walls.

Tuscany Tips Know Before You Go: Off-Season Dos and Don’ts ENJOY 3-FOR-2 DAYS IN TUSCANY: Book seven-forfive days at any of our homes in Tuscany when traveling during the following lowseason dates: • NOVEMBER 29, 2015 FEBRUARY 14, 2016 NOVEMBER 27, 2016 FEBRUARY 19, 2017 (excluding holiday weeks) RENT A CAR The property’s onsite concierge team will arrange transport from Firenze, and navigating the back roads is made easier via GPS. CASTELLO DI CASOLE During off season, some resort amenities are closed, however the fitness center remains open, and the concierge can book inroom massages and private chef dinners (including homemade Italian pizza by local chefs) at your villa.

READ AND RESEARCH suggestions from the onsite concierge team prior to flight. Many of the top outings require advance reservations.

NO CROWDS lend an offseason advantage and local

OPPOSITE: Villa Barbena, a sprawling Exclusive Resorts estate, overlooks the movie-set Tuscan hillside at Castello di Casole—A Timbers Resort. THIS PAGE: If the pasta isn’t seductive, you’re in the wrong country.

welcome. A winter trip can mean tours with local chefs, dining with top winemakers,

TRUFFLE REDUXE ot all of the truffles are cooked by iuseppina. ur purses harbor the remaining goods and we can’t seem to part with the pungent gems. The “epic” snowstorm did fall—six inches of fresh powder cast a magical spell over the Tuscan hills, and ultimately slowed the Italian pace even further. Winemakers had more time to chat and chefs had extra time to cook made-to-order comfort food inspired by our own truffle hunt.

Our trip comes to a close, and we overnight in Florence. After a dusk ascent up the famed Florence Duomo and a can-you-believe-how-lucky-we-are view, at dinner we ask one last chef if he would cook our truffles too busy, but a meal at l Santo Be itore is a must). It’s decided we’ll just take the remainder home. We Google

and the opportunity to sit

flying with truffles. Conflicting reports, so we go for it anyway. We land in the U.S., and our Aspen foodie giggles as she makes it through customs.

As we await our last leg home, half jokingly, we order Parmesan, prosciutto, and pinot grigio at the airport wine bar. Not quite the same. Tuscany is already slipping away. et we toast our truffle victory. e toast the little towns of taly. e toast the once-every- -years snowstorm.

Our U.S. customs photos become fodder for jokes by family and friends. Harried mug shots are evidence of hard-earned pounds, jet lag, and serious sleep deficit. ut now, with a few more cracks in our own armor, we, just like Tuscany’s streets, can claim a few Italian stories of our own.

with locals.

PACK IT Chic European scarves, rain boots, and comfortable shoes for windy hillside streets.

PLAN A PRIVATE VINEYARD TOUR, by reservation only, at Macchie Vineyards, located on the Castello di Casole property and helmed by oenologist Paolo Caciorgna.

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INSPIRED

by S.L.I.M. Bridging past and present with photographs that re-imagine the playful panache of iconic lens man Slim Aarons, candid moments of connection celebrate a late visionary who framed the jet set with an authenticity that withstands the test of time.

PHOTOGRAPHING the front lines of war has a lifealtering impact. For Slim Aarons, who navigated the brutal landscape of World War II with a camera in tow, his aspiration was fueled by a desire to celebrate, post-war, the good life. This meant beaches.

Beauties. Friends and family. And ultimately, a global community of movie stars, philanthropists, socialites, and even gangsters.

Famous for never having stylists on set, his subjects were often framed in rare moments of vulnerability, yet a keen eye for fashion and fun is forever captured in his playful portfolio of work.

As part of the “Destination in Focus” gallery series, several Leica photographers, inspired by Slim and daughter, Mary Aarons, traveled to Exclusive Resorts

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residences around the globe.

Photographer Dennis Welsh explains, “I’ve always been drawn to images that are genuine and unstaged. When I was introduced to Slim Aaron’s work, I was completely blown away, mostly because I thought his work was magical, but also because it flew completely in the face of how I was trying to portray the world. His work was usually tightly choreographed, but it always conveyed a sense of enjoyment. Life was still bursting out of the photo. His images were about connections. We worked hard to make sure we conveyed that as. From there, we let it go and simply captured moments. And that’s where we got our best images. Simple, spontaneous, and alive.”

Herewith, frame-worthy moments that pay homage to a visionary that tapped travel and culture as muse.

Slim Aarons / Getty Images

All Slim Aarons interpretations shot on location at Exclusive Resorts destinations BY LEICA PHOTOGRAPHERS

SEA SPRAY Photographer: Slim Aarons From Mary Aarons’ Personal Collection OPPOSITE: A self portrait of Slim Aarons, circa 1955, shot in Athens.

Inspired by Slim’s: Poolside Glamour Exclusive Resorts Destination: Sonoma, California Photographer: Monica Rich Kosann “Slim Aarons really knew how to capture a moment in time of the elite. I captured my daughters in a Slim Aarons moment with my camera while looking down at them from the patio above, while they were enjoying this beautiful Exclusive Resorts Sonoma property.”

Poolside Glamour Photographer: Slim Aarons / Getty Images Pictured: Lita Baron, Helen Kaptur and Nelda Linsk

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Inspired by Slim’s: Family Pool Exclusive Resorts Destination: Abaco, Bahamas Photographer: Dennis Welsh “Who can resist lazily floating in a pool? Paradise.”

Pictured: Exclusive Resorts member Terri Travis Family Pool Photographer: Slim Aarons / Getty Images Pictured: Mrs. A. Watson Armour III, family and friends

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AQUA ADVENTURE uis Autem vel eum iriure dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse Molestie Consequat, vel illum dolore eu feugiat nulla facilisis at vero eros Et Accumsan et iusto odio dignissim qui blandit Praesent Luptatum.

Inspired by Slim’s: Winter Suntans Exclusive Resorts Destination: Lake Tahoe, California Photographer: Chip Litherland “Slim’s work was a peek into luxury and relaxation. We grabbed some lawn chairs, hit the slopes, and recreated one of his most iconic images as skiers bolted past us. I stood on an unstable chair in the snow trying to get the perfect angle that Slim had for the rows of chairs.”

Pictured: Holly Cao with twins Carter, Tucker, and friends Winter Suntans Photographer: Slim Aarons / Getty Images CURATED

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Inspired by Slim’s: Top Up? Exclusive Resorts Destination: Laguna Beach, California Photographer: Roger Paperno “I always enjoyed the way Slim Aaron showed his subjects, they were ordinary people doing ordinary things, yet they had an attitude that made them special. It’s not that they were better than us, but they seemed to embrace life and adventure to the fullest. It is something that we should strive to do in our daily lives.”

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Inspired by Slim’s: Top Up? Exclusive Resorts Destination: Abaco, Bahamas Photographer: Dennis Welsh “In order to re-imagine Slim Aaron’s photos, we had to discard nearly all the rules. Slim shot film. We were shooting digitally. His subjects were part of what I consider the “cocktail” generation. Ours were more about a cold beer.”

Pictured (left to right): Exclusive Resorts members Chad, John and Zack Travis Top Up? Photographer: Slim Aarons / Getty Images CURATED

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Inspired by Slim’s: Between Sea and Sky Exclusive Resorts Destination: Tuscany, Italy Photographer: Dan Rubin “I really wanted to take advantage of the infinity pool in Tuscany to recreate this shot of Slim’s. The trick was the weather. I was there in February, but it needed to feel like summer, so my friend Joannah very bravely posed for 20 minutes in her swimsuit (in about an inch of very cold water) as the sunset provided gorgeous colors in the background.”

Between Sea and Sky Photographer: Slim Aarons / Getty Images

Inspired by Slim’s: Yellow Hammock Exclusive Resorts Destination: Abaco, Bahamas Photographer: Dennis Welsh “End of day, between two palms.”

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BAHAMIAN RHAPSODY From pirate land to pristine beaches, the Abaco Islands, a 120-mile-long sensational string of cays in the Northern Bahamas, tick-tocks to its own Caribbean cadence, with bone fishing, paddle boarding, reef hunting, and island-hopping the only glorious demands of the day.

BY JEN MURPHY

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BO BRIDGES

T

his is pirate land, says Captain Bruce, sweeping his tan arm across the surrounding bay.

“Perfect waters for adventure.” I’ve just been scooped from a creaky old dock in Little Marsh Harbour and am bouncing about in Bruce Ost’s dinghy. As we speed out into the ocean toward the S/Y Shearwater, his gorgeous 57-foot catamaran, Captain Bruce spouts tales of Abacos’ past, occasionally interrupting himself to point out pirate ship-esque sailboats and his favorite cays. His sun-streaked, wavy blonde hair blows in the wind, and, despite the salty sea spray kicking up in his face, he seems completely at ease. He wears that certain smile. The sly smile of a man who lucked into a secret, and that secret, I soon learn, is the Abacos.

CATAMARAN CRUISING + BAREFOOT LUXURY There are few places in the Caribbean—in the world for that matter—that still feel truly undiscovered. The Abacos, a 120-mile-long chain of islands in the northern Bahamas, is one of these rare spots. Most people stumble upon the Abacos by mistake, and instantly decide they never want to leave. That’s exactly how Captain Bruce found himself sailing these crystal waters nine years ago. When a music career in New York City failed

to take off (including a storied tour with the band Aerosmith), Captain Bruce took to the water and, like most sailors, headed for the British Virgin Islands. Enroute, he ended up in the Abaco Cays, and immediately dropped anchor. “I realized this was a sailing paradise, without the crowds,” he tells me. “There was natural beauty, but also this great mix of whacky locals, artist colonies, old settlements and really fun beach bars. You come here because you love being on the water and you love life.”

The Abacos are the ideal place to get lost. No matter where you land, you find smiling locals, dreamy beaches, rum-fueled stories and colorful surprises. A bridge connects Great Abaco and Little Abaco, the main base for exploring the 100-plus cays. Ferries, sailboats, dinghies, cruiser bikes, and off-road golf-carts are the necessary mode of transportation here. In fact, after I leave Marsh Harbour, the one-stoplight capital of Great Abaco and the third largest city in the Bahamas, I don’t pass a single car. From Marsh Harbour International Airport it’s a 30-minute drive along pine forest-lined Ernest A. Dean Highway to Exclusive Resorts’ villas at The Abaco Club on Winding Bay. This private retreat, set on a two-mile crescent-shaped stretch of beach, is the epitome of barefoot luxury. Exclusive Resorts Manager Vandea Stuart greets me with the type of embrace that says “welcome home.” Though from the Bahamas, she’s got an energy and sass that would easily hold its own in New York City. I’m given keys to my own golf cart and putter along 10-minutes past the resort’s old horse stables and famous golf course to a quiet stretch of road that leads to seven member villas, each named for one of the Abaco cays.

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“From Marsh Harbour International Airport it’s a 30-minute drive along pine forestlined Ernest A. Dean Highway to The Abaco Club on Winding Bay. This private retreat, set on a two-mile crescent-shaped stretch of beach, is the epitome of barefoot luxury.”

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Tilloo, a four-bedroom villa that looks as if it were crafted from driftwood, is the beach house of my dreams, complete with wraparound decks and nautical décor. I scramble up to the rooftop balcony with its views of the surrounding jungle and sparkling sea. This will become the perch for sunset cocktails and late-night star-gazing throughout the week.

Any overambitious desire to see the whole island on day one fades as embrace the tran uility of inding ay. y first afternoon is spent stand-up paddleboarding around Sugar Cay, a tiny island just beyond the resort. The water is so clear I can easily spot stingrays, turtles, and schools of fish. Anticipating jet lag, Vandea has arranged for a private chef to prepare dinner at the villa that evening. As sip a sunset cocktail on the deck, Eli abeth fires up a feast of surf n’ turf on the outdoor grill and tells me if I want a taste of authentic island cooking—and if I can handle the heat—I should go to her father’s restaurant, Siaha’s Jerk Pit, in “local town.” I make a mental note, yet wonder how anything can taste better than the meal she’s just cooked.

SALTY DOGS + REEF TREATS Any true introduction to the Abacos should start at Pete’s Pub and Gallery in Little Marsh Harbour. Pete’s may lie just up the road from Winding Bay, but the pot-holed, one-lane road makes the journey an adventure. This quirky artists’ colony was settled by the Johnston family more than 60 years ago. Marooned during a hurricane, Randolph Johnston sought shelter with his family in the surrounding caves. hen the weather cleared, Randolph set up a foundry where he cast nature-inspired bron e figurines.

Today, his son Pete carries on his legacy, running the foundry, a gallery, and a legendary beach bar. While you can—and should— tour the foundry and admire the gallery’s life-sized sculptures of sea turtles and other artworks, the experience that warrants retelling stories back home awaits at the pub.

Pete’s Pub lives up to that castaway Caribbean beach bar fantasy, one you’ve had since watching the movie Cocktail. Perhaps this is why find myself here nearly every day for lunch. Stadium-style seats in the bar are crowded with salty dogs weathered by the sun and tolerant to the potency of Pete’s signature rum-infused Blaster cocktails. The ceiling reads like a naughty diary, lined with dangling tee shirts and beer koozies signed by past visitors. Without food, no man would be left standing, and luckily the food is

OPPOSITE PAGE: The legendary Pete’s Pub, where salty dogs belly up to the bar and the OPPOSITE PAGE (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP): Salamon strums his guitar at Serendipity restaurant; tourists tackle downtown Sayulita, cuisine ceiling reads like a from Casianos in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle; the Sayulita surf break; fresh sangarita juice; Exclusive Resorts concierge David Lozano; mustnaughty diary.

THIS PAGE: Snorkeling near stop shop Revolucion de Sueno; Casianos Chef Carlos Rojas. THIS PAGE: A Sayulita local navigates a Bohemian downtown.

Great Guana Cay, off the private Shearwater catamaran.

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Foodie File PETE’S PUB & GALLERY Quintessential beach bar, with a neighboring art gallery.

Little Harbour, Great Abaco, petespubandgallery.com THE DELPHI CLUB Fancy fishing lodge with an excellent restaurant open to non-guests for 7 p.m. seatings.

Reservations required.

Rolling Harbour, Great Abaco, delphi-bahamas.com NIPPER’S BEACH BAR Wild beach bar. Don’t miss the Sunday pig roast. Great Guana Cay BUSTER’S BEACH BAR Be prepared to dance the night away at the Wednesday barbecue. The Abaco Club at Winding Bay, Great Abaco, theabacoclub.com DOC’S BAR AT THE SANDPIPER INN & COTTAGES Farm-to-table dining featuring produce from nearby Lightbourn Family Farms.

Schooner Bay, Great Abaco, sandpiperabaco.com THE BLACKFLY LODGE Guests come for the fishing and return for the food. Don’t miss the seafood ceviche.

Schooner Bay, Great Abaco, blackflylodge.com LUBBER’S LANDING Arrive by boat for lunch and order the famous Island Burger.

Lubbers Quarters, lubberslanding.com FIREFLY’S LAST LIGHT BAR & GRILL Arrive by golf cart or boat and order the Fly Swatter cocktail.

Hope Town, Elbow Cay, fireflysunsetresort.com SIAHA’S JERK PIT RESTAURANT & TAKE AWAY Authentic jerk chicken. You’ll never find it unless a local takes you. Dundas Town

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OPPOSITE PAGE (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP): Captain Bruce Ost at the helm of Caribbean bliss; Bahamian wildlife likes sand in the toes, too; the 170-foot Sawmill Sink, studied by National Geographic, and one of the many scenic Blue Holes, that lure daring scuba divers. THIS PAGE: The morning beach “commute” and view from Exclusive Resorts’ Tilloo villa.

as tempting as the drinks. Seafood is caught that day, and a chalkboard menu lists dishes such as conch burgers and blackened mahi sandwiches, served with traditional Bahamian sides of peas and rice and coleslaw. I place my order and take a seat at a picnic table overlooking the water, slowly sipping my Blaster from a plastic cup. As the stereo alternates from Bobby Marley to Jimmy Buffet, I can’t help but think that Pete’s is largely responsible for Abaco’s nickname: a beach bum’s heaven.

I resist the urge to order another Blaster, knowing Captain Bruce is meant to pick me up on the neighboring dock for a day of island hopping aboard his catamaran. ormally Shearwater is privately chartered by small groups who want a don’t-lift-a-fi nger sailing experience, complete with champagne and sunset cocktails. However, once a year Captain Bruce hosts a marine eco-tourism charter with a group from Colorado State University and they’ve invited me to crash today’s lesson. The course combines sailing 101 and marine conservation. I try to appear studious as Captain Bruce throws around terms like starboard tack, jib, and luff, and pray I don’t get called upon to answer any questions. After our 30-minute tutorial a dozen students scatter to their posts, executing orders until the sails are out and suddenly the wind is carrying us along the sea.

You can’t say you’ve really experienced the Abacos until you’ve seen them by boat. Our route today explores the southern cays: Elbow Cay, Great Guana Cay, Lubbers Quarters, and Man-O-War Cay. Each holds its own unique attractions. The six-mile-long Elbow Cay is home to Hope Town, a quaint, 18th century fi shing village that was originally settled by oyalists who relocated to the Abacos after the American Revolution. Narrow lanes and saltbox cottages give this car-free village an old world charm. First-time visitors should scramble up the 101 steps of the candy cane-striped lighthouse to get the lay of the land. Elbow Cay’s real gem, however, is Tahiti Beach, a secluded stretch of soft white sand located on the southern tip of the island. I decided right then and there that if the Shearwater sinks, this is where I hope to be stranded.

Great Guana Cay is in our sights. “It’s debatable whether this island is better known for Nipper’s or its reef,” Captain Bruce informs me with a laugh. Nipper’s, a beach bar with a reputation for rowdy crowds, is not on the Colorado State syllabus. Snorkeling the third largest barrier reef, which sits just off reat uana, is. suit up with the students, sliding on fi ns and a mask, and am asked to buddy up before jumping off the back of the ship into the glassy water. We’re mesmerized by swaying sea fans, purple sea cucumbers, and technicolor parrotfi sh. fi nd myself swimming calmly alongside a spotted eagle ray and then face-to-face with a barracuda, a scare that has me paddling back to the safety of Shearwater.

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LEFT: Bahama’s trademark turquoise, glimpsed from the Beach Club dock at the Abaco Club at Winding Bay; island decor near a secluded beach. OPPOSITE: Behind the scenes at The Delphi Club, a famous bone-fishing lodge and restaurant; the cheeky pace of island living.

ur fi nal stop is an- - ar, a dry town that’s known as the heart of the ahamian ship building industry. he students have fi nished their lessons and opt to play football on an empty beach. Captain Bruce volunteers to play history professor and joins me on a tour of the island. Man-O-War is like a living boating museum. You can walk into studios like Joe’s and Albury Brothers and watch craftsmen building wooden boats as they have for hundreds of years. Just off the conch-lined dock is Albury’s Sail Shop, a family-owned business that’s been crafting bags from canvas fabric for three generations. I can’t think of a better souvenir for my friends back home. Just two miles long, it doesn’t take much time to walk the island and Captain Bruce drops me at the ferry with a minute to spare. Though I’m tempted to spend a night at sea, I know more fun awaits at The Abaco Club.

Locals and visitors alike talk of the Wednesday night barbecues at Buster’s, the pastel-hued beach bar at The Abaco Club. The night starts innocently with a spread of barbecued ribs, chicken and grouper and sides of gooey mac n’ cheese and coleslaw. Then DJ Brown Tips starts to crank up the rake and scrape and before know it Vandea has got me on the dance fl oor, maracas in hand. y p.m. the restaurant has turned into a full-on dance party.

BETTING ON A BONEFISH onefi sh are spooks, whispers Charles in his ahamian drawl. ou don’t fi sh for them, you stalk them. t’s a.m. and we’ve just set out from the dock at Cherokee Sound, an isolated community on the east coast of Great Abaco. Charles is masterfully poling our skiff through the white-sand fl ats and mangroves as we hunt for these famous silver fi sh. ie-hard fi shermen from around the world come to the Abacos in hopes of hooking the powerful, yet stealthy bonefi sh. ’m far from die hard, but Charles promises me, we’re gonna get some fi sh. orn in the Abacos, Charles caught his fi rst bonefi sh at age . is father, R, is considered one of the top fi shing guides in the ahamas and his son is following in dad’s footsteps. Charles cracks open shiny pink conchs with a hammer, pulls out the innards and chops them up for bait. e spot a school of bonefi sh hiding in the sea grass and he shows me how to cast so that ’ll land the bait just right. y fi rst attempt hooks a tree. Charles remains patient and slowly nods his approval as fi nd my rhythm with the rod. As cast, Charles starts cutting up ingredients to make me conch ceviche, seasoned with loads of salt and lime juice. “Your reward if you hook a boney,” he teases. Standing atop the skiff try to keep my eye on the fi sh but it’s hard not to be distracted by the water, which magically takes on more hues of blue than I ever knew existed. The moody sky also tugs at my focus. In the distance we can see the rain rolling toward us. Just as I get a bite, lightning cracks and Charles yanks my rod into the boat and we’re hightailing it back to the safety of land. “A boney isn’t worth getting struck by lightning,” he says seriously. hat evening, feel a bit left out of the dinner conversation as everyone swaps bonefi sh stories and all can boast is having almost caught what Charles assured me was a whopper. t doesn’t help that ’m dining with fi shing fanatics. he elphi Club is an eight-bedroom lodge 112

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A Perfect Week in Abaco The Abaco Islands are the Caribbean’s last great secret. A sailing paradise, days are spent island hopping to beach bars and coral reefs. At night, dine on seafood and BBQ, then dance under the stars.

MONDAY The Abaco Club (theabacoclub.com) is set on a gorgeous three-mile stretch of beach. Stop by the activities hut and have Chase set you up with a kayak, paddleboard, or snorkel.

straight out of Gone with the Wind, right down to the wraparound verandahs that overlook Rolling Harbour. When I arrive, I’m thrown by the sophistication—the well-stocked library, the bar with proper glassware and fine wines, the staff that offer me canapés. If Mr. Howell from Gilligan’s Island were a fisherman, this would be his preferred hotel, I think. But then I meet the lodge manager, Max, and notice that while he’s dudded out in Vineyard Vines, he’s also not wearing any shoes. ax, a scruffy haired, fishing-obsessed young Brit, is the consummate host and sets the laidback dinner party tone, pouring beers and mixing cocktails as we settle around a long table in the Great Room. Curried butternut squash soup is followed by a choice of grilled rack of lamb and roast salmon. y the time dessert arrives, we’re still on the topic of fishing. espite my lack of experience, find ’m absolutely captivated. aybe there’s hope for me as a fisherwoman after all DA BUSH N’ DA BEACH: BLUE HOLE BEAUTY Cerulean waters and untouched beaches immediately capture travelers’ imaginations. But turn inward, and you find a beautiful mess of wilderness buried like treasure on these islands. arcus avis, my guide from a ush n Da Beach Nature Tours, has promised to show me Abacos’ hidden wild side. Marcus exudes local knowledge.

He grew up in the small settlement of Crossing Rocks, and as we drive to the southern tip of Great Abaco he tells me stories of the island’s wild boars, endangered parrots and then we swerve out of the way as one of the resident peacocks scurries out of the brush. He turns his truck down what can barely be called a road, into dense rocky pine forest. After a few miles he stops and instructs me to get out. A short walk leads us to a clearing and what can only be described as nature’s version of the most perfect swimming pool. I cautiously walk down the manmade deck and dip a toe in the water, which appears to be glowing from the depths below. Marcus informs me that this is Sawmill Sink, a 170-foot-deep blue hole that has been studied by National Geographic. “People come to dive Abaco’s coral reefs, but they are missing out on this labyrinth of underwater caves and blue holes which are, in my opinion, even more spectacular,” Marcus informs me.

Spend enough time in the Abacos and you realize all things lead back to Pete’s. Marcus has me donning a head lamp and wandering the bat-filled cave that the ohnston family once called home. hen reenter the sun-filled world can’t resist a final laster at Pete’s Pub before head home. contemplate calling Captain ruce to see if he needs a first mate, but then remember Vandea’s promise that every visitor to the Abacos somehow finds their way home. know ’ll be back. After all, have a bonefish to catch.

TUESDAY Explore the natural wonders of the island on a Da Bush n Da Beach Nature Eco-tour (242-577-0528) with local Marcus Davis. Daylong adventures take you to bat caves, blue holes, and incredible snorkeling spots.

WEDNESDAY Rest up for the weekly barbecue at Busters on the Beach. Club members chow down on grilled grouper, ribs, and delicious mac ‘n’ cheese, while DJ Brown Tips plays tunes.

THURSDAY Drive to nearby Little Harbour for lunch and cocktails at legendary beach bar, Pete’s Pub (petespubandgallery.com). All of the fish is caught that day.

Order the wahoo or the conch burger and pair it with a Blaster rum punch.

FRIDAY The Abaco Islands are all about sailing. Embrace the boating lifestyle on a private catamaran charter with Captain Bruce (sailtheabacos.com).

SATURDAY Take the ferry to the charming village of Hope Town on Elbow Cay. Climb to the top of the Hope Town Lighthouse and learn the island’s history at the Wyannie Malone Historical Museum.

SUNDAY Catch the ferry to Great Guana Cay and head to the legendary beach bar Nipper’s for the Sunday pig roast. Be warned, Nipper’s has a reputation for debauchery.

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EXCLUSIVE RESORTS VILLAS: THE ABACO CLUB AT WINDING BAY, BAHAMAS BEACHSIDE BLISS • Seven expansive 4-bedroom, 4.5 bath Abaco Club homes line the sandy foot of Winding Bay

• Locally inspired architectural elements and authentic island design

• Spacious outdoor living areas with private beach pathways and pools

• Dine on a gourmet meal at the Club House, which overlooks Winding Bay, or opt for lighter fare at Buster’s Beach Bar.

RESORT ACCESS

• Access to fitness center, tennis courts, pool, spa, and golf course.

• Rooftop decks glimpse panoramic ocean views • Access to all onsite restaurants, spa, and shops at The Abaco Club resort GO exclusiveresorts.com/abaco

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• The Spa at The Abaco Club offers unique, island-inspired treatments and in-residence and beach massages.

• Play The Abaco Club’s 18-hole Scottish style course, often ranked No. 1 in the Bahamas.

Day in the Life Vandea Stuart, Exclusive resorts manager and concierge at The Abaco Club on Winding Bay, Marsh Harbour, Abaco, Bahamas 8 a.m.

Arrive at the office and

send my members’ grocery lists to our grocer.

9:30 a.m. I see off a family that

is leaving to go on a boating trip for the day. Once they’re gone, I make a quick call to the boat captain and ask him to take a nice family photo while they’re onboard to frame and put in their residence before they return.

10:30 a.m. I visit the Club’s

residences to check in with my

OPPOSITE PAGE: All things lead to Winding Bay. An aerial view of Exclusive Resorts beachside homes. THIS PAGE, FROM TOP: Setting sail in Marsh Harbour; Walking the planks at the castaway dock of Pete’s Pub and Gallery.

other members. While chatting with one family, I learn they love to drink fresh coconut water. I find a groundskeeper to grab a few coconuts, have them cut, and then placed in their house as a surprise.

12 p.m. I run into a member on

the beach. He asks for a special bottle of wine for his guests

arriving that evening. I purchase the wine and place it in the residence surrounded by flowers and wine glasses.

2:30 p.m. A member calls to order some additional groceries.

I drive three miles to nearby Cherokee. I find they don’t have all of the items. Not wanting to disappoint, I drive 30 minutes to Marsh Harbour to purchase the remaining items. While there, I find a local fisherman and purchase fresh fish for another family that had requested it for dinner.

4 p.m. Back at the Club, I deliver

the fresh snapper along with a local recipe to prepare it. The member doesn’t have one of the key ingredients. I tell them not to worry and return with the seasoning.

9 p.m. I spend the night at

Busters dancing with members and showing them a good time before returning to my desk to check emails and prepare for tomorrow’s arrivals.

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A New York Stateof State of Mind In the city that never sleeps, very little ever stays the same, or at least not for very long.

But even as the newest hot spots come (and sometimes go) in what can feel like a New York minute, there also remains a long-established set of institutions whose longevity has withstood the test of time, and the city’s ever-changing whims of fashion and trend.

Herewith, a perfectly curated guide to the Big Apple, comprising top-flight selections both classic and nouveau for eight different types of sophisticated urban explorers. BY ANDREW SESSA

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Photos By (clockwise): Courtesy of 21 Club, Bill Milne, Daniel Krieger Photography and Jesse Winter

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The famous burger from the 21 Club; the Rainbow Room now serves a coveted brunch; Sushi of Gari’s Chef Nakazawa; M Wells Steakhouse takes a nose-to-tail approach.

the foodie BRUNCH

Classic: Balthazar. A go-to for downtown but upscale artists, actors, and media types, this bustling French bistro in SoHo telegraphs good taste and good tastes—not least of all in the goods that come from Balthazar Bakery next door. 212.965.1414; balthazarny.com Nouveau: Rainbow Room.

Recently reopened, this Art Deco icon atop Rockefeller Center now serves Sunday brunch: a gourmet buffet offers everything from a raw bar to poached eggs, carving stations to souffl s. . .

rainbowroom.com

STEAK

BURGER

SPLURGE

Classic: Peter Luger Steakhouse.

In the same south Williamsburg, Brooklyn, location since 1877, this no-frills, family-owned-and-operated meat-lovers’ mecca (now with a Michelin star) specializes in USDA Prime beef. Dry-aged onsite and cooked to perfectio. The rarer, the better. . . peterluger.com

Classic: 21 Club. Arguably America’s original gourmet hamburger when it debuted in , the current dryaged beef version at this gentlemanly idtown institution once a s speakeasy) is served on a challah bun with tomatoes, saut ed onions, and fries. . .

21club.com

Classic: La Grenouille. The last of Manhattan’s haute-cuisine French greats, this -year-plus, fl owerfi lled idtown refuge is the stuff of legend—and so are its quenelles, Dover sole, Grand Marnier souffl , and extensive wine list.

212.752.1495; la-grenouille.com

Nouveau: Church Street Tavern.

Journeyman chef Ryan Skeen recently started running the show at this Tribeca spot. His dry-aged beef patty, hugged by brioche and served with fries, mixes strip streak, rib-eye and Waygu, topped with Vermont cheddar and bacon-onion relish. . . churchsttavern.com

Nouveau: Chef ’s Table at Brooklyn Fare. The borough’s only three-Michelin-star restaurant, this 18-seat spot offers a nightly changing -course, small-plate price-fi x menu prepared and served by chef C sar Ramirez at a stainless-steel bar. . . brooklynfare.com

Nouveau: M. Wells Steakhouse.

This latest venture from the Quebecmeets-Queens husband-and-wife M. Wells team brings high-end speakeasy style and nose-to-tail culinary technique to the traditional steakhouse, all in an industrialchic converted auto-body shop in ong sland City. . .

magasinwells.com

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Claire Distenfeld’s Fivestory boutique; Installation view of The Roof Garden Commission, Pierre Huyghe, at The Metropolitan Museum of Art; Washington Grasslands at the High Line; a chic interior of Exclusive Resorts apartments at the Trump Tower overlooking Central Park; Queen of the Night at the Diamond Horseshoe night club; liquid inspiration at the Carlyle’s Bemelmans Bar.

SUSHI Photo Courtesy The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Classic: Sushi of Gari. This Japanese giant strives to combine traditional and innovation at its four locations on the Upper East Side, Theater District, Tribeca, and Columbus Circle. It’s a personal favorite of master NYC restaurateur anny eyer ramercy avern, nion S uare Caf . sushiofgari.com Nouveau: Sushi Nakazawa: inner at this -seat est Village showplace of aisuke aka awa he was featured in the documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi) consists of nearly one-bite courses, each prepared by the passionate Nakazawa himself. 212.924.2212; sushinakazawa.com

the night owl COCKTAILS

Classic: Bemelmans Bar. This haute boîte at the Upper East Side’s historic Carlyle hotel enchants with its wall murals by famed illustrator Ludwig Bemelman, atmospheric lighting, nightly live music, establishment crowd, and classic drinks and light bites. . . thecarlyle.com Nouveau: Seamstress. Masculine, tailored and cozy, this new bar and restaurant on the Upper East Side combines the talents of several food-anddrink masters to create menus both classic and contemporary, with many items playing off the sewing theme. . . seamstressny.com

CABARET

Classic: Metropolitan Room. This Flatiron haunt stands as a longtime destination for American songbook stylings, one of a few remaining after the closure of Feinstein’s at the Regency and the Algonquin Hotel’s Oak Room. . . metropolitanroom.com Nouveau: 54 Below. Launched and designed just a few years back by a who’s who of Broadway luminaries, this subterranean spot offers a throwback to the supper clubs of yesteryear, with performances by top names from the Great hite ay and beyond. . .

54below.com

the fashionista DEPARTMENT STORE

Classic: Bergdorf Goodman. Unique among its competitors, this shoppers’ dream occupies two grand buildings at the southeast corner of Central Park, one filling seven floors with high-fashion women’s wear, the other, three floors of men’s. . . bergdorfgoodman.com Nouveau: Fivestory. Young founder Claire Distenfeld established this Upper East Side townhouse-cum-retailer as a homey, 21st century alternative to bigger stores, specializing in items from largely independent women’s, men’s and houseware designers. . . e r VINTAGE

Classic: Screaming Mimis. For years, this oho outlet has stocked a mad mix of the rare and unusual, fab and fashionable, today selling pieces from the s through the ’ s. . . screamingmimis.com Nouveau: EraLuxe Gallery. This by-appointment SoHo showroom offers designer goods from the s on created by names ranging from Chanel to

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Photo by Iwan Baan

Classic: Diamond Horseshoe. Reimagined by art collector and real-estate tycoon Aby Rosen, this louche lair below the Theater District’s Paramount otel first debuted in the s. t’s now home to the immersive-theater spectacular Queen of the Night. - diamondhorseshoe.com Nouveau: Up & Down. If coming from the folks behind Butter and 1 Oak wasn’t enough to secure this multi-level club’s hot-to-trot reputation, Rhianna’s hosting her celebrity-studded after party for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Gala did the trick. 212.242.4411; uadnyc.com

Photo Courtesy of Bemelman’s Bar/The Carlyle

NIGHTCLUB

Rick Owens, Azzedine Alaïa to Yves Saint Laurent—all curated by stylist Julie Heller. . . eraluxe.com MICRO-BOUTIQUE/CONCEPT SHOP

Classic: Kirna Zabate. hough fewer than years old, this Soho shop, founded by two fashion-world veterans and best friends, has unequivocally established itself as New York’s couture concept. 212.941.9656; kirnazabete.com Nouveau: The Apartment by The Line. This brick-and-mortar iteration of the website The Line brings its online selection of artisanal and independently designed fashion and home goods to a loft-like setting in Soho (open ednesdays and Saturdays or by appointment. . . theline.com

the cultural connoisseur JAZZ

Classic: Birdland. his heater istrict landmark named for one of its first performers—Charlie “Bird” Parker—has presented jazz stars both rising and established since 1949. It’s still going strong, with upwards of three nightly shows, seven days a week. . . birdlandjazz.com Nouveau: Ginny’s Super Club. Tucked under his Harlem comfort food joint, the Red Rooster, chef arcus Samuelsson’s -year-old throwback to the s offers live ja on most Fridays and Saturdays, and occasional hursdays and Sundays, plus a Sunday gospel brunch. . . ginnyssupperclub.com ART MUSEUM

Classic: Metropolitan Museum of Art. Among the most encyclopedic of the world’s art museums, the Met holds pride of place on the east side of Central Park, its collection running the complete gamut of time and geography, style and historical movement. . . metmuseum.org Nouveau: Whitney Museum of American Art. Now installed in spectacular new purpose-built Renzo Piano-designed digs at the southern end of the High Line park, this institution surveys modern and contemporary art made in the .S., with fre uent focus on the new and now. . . whitney.org HISTORY

Classic: Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island. These two national monuments in New York Harbor both have news to share: With advanced reservations, visitors can now once again climb to the Statue’s crown, and Ellis’s immigration museum just debuted in May. nps.org Nouveau: 9/11 Memorial & Museum. Comprising a beautifully landscaped plaza, fountains and a museum, the World Trade Center site of the horrible events of September , , now stands as a fully reali ed tribute to the victims, and as an educational force for freedom and tolerance. . .

911memorial.org

the romantic

Photo By Matteo Prandoni

DINNER

Classic: River Café. his floating, windowed rooklyn eights restaurant, set under the Brooklyn Bridge, provides some of the city’s most breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline, and gourmet New American cuisine, too. . . therivercafe.com Nouveau: The NoMad. A series of plush and plummy velvet-bedecked boudoir-chic rooms designed by Jacques Garcia sets the scene for the Michelin-starred contemporary European cuisine by the Eleven Madison Park team. . . thenomadhotel.com JUST FOR TWO

Classic: Central Park Carriage Ride. Though rumored to be a thing of the past, the traditional horse-drawn trot around the city’s grandest green space remains a lovely lovers’ must-do, with carriages found on Central Park South between Fifth and Sixth avenues. centralparknyc.org

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Nouveau: Walking the High Line. The city’s newest park—located on a disused, elevated railroad track stretching from ansevoort to th streets on the est Side—allows for hours of blissful hand-holding and ambling, plus river and skyline views, and stops at food trucks and art installations. highline.org SPA

Classic: Red Door Spa Elizabeth Arden. This century-old palace of pampering, which offers everything from massages to eyebrow shaping and medispa treatments to salon services, recently relocated to a brand-new Fifth Avenue location in idtown, offering several rooms for couples. . . ; reddoorspas.com Nouveau: Spa de La Mer. Recently opened beneath Midtown’s new Baccarat otel Residences, this first spa outpost of the beloved French anti-aging and skincare brand Crème de la Mer offers four treatment rooms. . .

baccarathotels.com

the theatre buff MUSICALS

Classic: Lincoln Center Theater. Currently showing a new staging of The King and I, LCT has become known for reviving favorites from the American musicaltheater canon, and developing contemporary shows in a similar vein. . . lct.org Nouveau: The Public Theater. Responsible for the most of-the-moment musicals now on Broadway, including Hamilton, this -year-old o o institution has proven itself a top incubator for some of the best 21st century musical theater out there. . . publictheater.org PLAYS

Classic: Roundabout Theatre Company. Since 1965, Roundabout has mounted plays (and musicals), new and old, of import and renown. The coming season boasts revivals of Michael Frayn’s Noises Off and Eugene O’Neill’s Long Day’s Journey into Night. . . roundabouttheatre.org Nouveau: St. Ann’s Warehouse. Known for it avant-garde work, this theater company moves to new digs this fall, converting the Tobacco Warehouse in Brooklyn Bridge Park into a setting for a variety of performances. 718.254.8779; stannswarehouse.org AFTER-SHOW STAR-SPOTTING

Classic: Sardi’s. Caricatures of nine decades’ worth of theater stars line the walls of this roadway-adjacent hangout, some of whom you might find yourself rubbing shoulders with in the flesh. . . sardis.com Nouveau: Bar Central. Launched a few years back by the folks behind the -year-old pre- and after-theater institution oe Allen, this intimate Restaurant Row joint just above the original attracts bold-faced names from Playbills past and present, and those who love them. . . barcentralenyc.com

GO exclusiveresorts.com/new-york-city

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Photo By Don Freeman

Exclusive Resorts’ concierges can arrange a variety of unique experiences for members during their time in New York, including VIP personal shopping at Barneys, preferred seating and reservations at Alain Ducasse’s Benoit, wedding planning services with event producer Jung Lee at her design shop Fête, and camera tutorials at German camera-maker Leica’s SoHo store.

Photo By John Ferrentino

MEMBERS ONLY

BOOTCAMP

Photo By Paul Kolnik

Photo Courtesy of Loews Hotels Resorts

the athlete Classic: Barry’s Bootcamp. Developed in 1998, this highly variable workout with three NYC locations mixes cardio treadmill running and weight training to burn what arry’s claims can be up to , calories an hour. barrysbootcamp.com Nouveau: BRICK New York. Among the city’s favorite CrossFit studios, this forthcoming Chelsea outpost speciali ing in group fitness sessions will also soon add a sister gym in idtown, near the rand Central erminal train station. . . bricknewyork.com SPINNING

Classic: SoulCycle. he outfit that started spinning’s second coming in the city is now the Grand Dame of the pack, with 14 studios devoted to the combination of sweat-filled biking sessions and enlightenment-inducing mantras. soul-cycle.com Nouveau: Peloton Cycle: Founded to bring the intensity of spin classes into private homes, with high-tech bikes linked to live and on-demand workouts, Peloton opened a posh studio in the Flatiron District, offering nearly hourly workouts. 646.277.4497; pelotoncycle.com

Photo Courtesy of Clover Cafe

Photo Courtesy of SoulCycle

CLEAN(ER) EATING

Classic: Candle Café. Originally an Upper East Side health-food market and juice shop, this holistic nutrition-minded eatery is now a top organic vegan restaurant, with three locations (including the more elevated Candle 79), a cookbook, and certification from C’s reen Restaurant Association. candlecafe.com Nouveau: Café Clover. This fashion-world favorite has taken the West Village by storm. Turning out organic gourmet dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, it doesn’t sacrifice flavor and taste in the name of nutrition. . .

cafeclovernyc.com

the CEO on the go POWER BREAKFAST

Classic: Regency Bar & Grill. iven a new lease on life during a redo, the Loews Regency Hotel’s restaurant—which originated the Power Breakfast—is now back and better than ever, tempting uptown tycoons from real estate, politics, and media all morning long. . . regencybarandgrill.com Nouveau: Sant Ambroeus Soho. The latest outpost of this beloved mini-chain of ilanese caf s opened on afayette Street in , bringing its perfect talian espresso, pastries, and lemon ricotta pancakes to the artsy set south of Houston Street for the first time. . . santambroeus.com CLIENT DINNER

Classic: Four Seasons. ikely to lose its lease next year after -plus years, this rainmaker’s retreat in Park Avenue’s iconic mid-century Seagram Building has been the storied setting for countless post-signing celebrations, both in its Grill and Pool rooms. 212.754.9494; fourseasonsrestaurant.com Nouveau: Polo Bar. This nearly impossible-to-book gentleman’s clubby, allAmerican comfort-food eatery turns the dreamy world of Ralph Lauren’s fashion empire into a full-blown restaurant, where masters of the universe hold court over steak, burgers and corned-beef sandwiches. . . ralphlauren.com SOCIAL NETWORKING

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Sant Ambroeus Soho, a Milanese cafe; staging “The King and I” at Lincoln Center; healthy cocktail-ing at the Clover Cafe; city style and shared office space at Neue House; the NYC flagship Red Door Spa; fitness buffs flock to Soul Cycle.

Classic: The Century Association. Among New York City’s oldest social clubs, this th century institution, located in a grand rd Street edifice just off Fifth Avenue, counts, according to its website, over , authors, artists and amateurs of letters and fine arts as its members. . . thecentury.org Nouveau: Neue House. Somewhere between a SoHo House and a WeWork, this intellectually minded social club-cum-shared office space plus artist studio and recording and broadcast facility) brings together like-minded individuals in salonlike style. . . neuehouse.com

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SURF’S UP. A longtime lure for wave riders, the Mike Doyle Surfing School gives hang-ten inspiration in the Sea of Cortez.

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NEARLY A YEAR AFTER HURRICANE ODILE SLAMMED INTO MEXICO’S BAJA CALIFORNIA PENINSULA, THE HIDEAWAYS OF LOS CABOS AND ESPERANZA RESORT HAVE RISEN FROM THE RUBBLE WITH A NEW LOOK AND INSPIRED ATTITUDE. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JACKIE CARADONIO

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FROM TOP: Fruits of Flora Farm’s organic bounty; room with a view at Esperanza resort.

“TURN

BURN!

& ” Miguel yells into the wind as I paddle toward him on my surfboard. What? I think to myself. But before I say a word, Miguel is at it again. “Turn and burn!” he yells excitedly, before letting out a wild “Yahoooo!”

Then I see it. A big wave—that perfect kind of wave that every surfer lusts after—barreling toward us. So I turn and paddle quickly, and when I feel the crescent wave sweep up from underneath me, I hop quickly on two feet. I ride it all the way to the edge of the shoreline before raising my hands triumphantly in the air and falling backward into the sea, completely elated.

Paddling back toward Miguel again, I hear my surf instructor clapping and whistling. “That’s what’s called ‘turn and burn,’” he yells.

So I gathered.

Make no mistake: I am not a surfer. Before this bright blue morning in San José del Cabo, I had been on a surfboard just once, on Honolulu’s Waikiki Bay. It was not pretty, and I left the sport thinking I’d never give it a second chance. But today, in the Sea of Cortez just off the sandy beach ringing the legendary Cabo Surf Hotel & Spa, things are different. hether it’s my instructor iguel has been surfing these waters for years) or the effortless way that the waves seem to cradle my surfboard custom made for the hotel’s ike oyle Surfing School , feel like was born to do this.

As I catch my next wave, I wonder if, more than anything, it is the magic of Los Cabos that I should be thanking for my newfound talent.

After all, this legendary slice of Mexico on the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula has had its own fair share of obstacles. Today, the sky may be cloudless, the waves steady, but the conditions are an unequivocal juxtaposition from the state of affairs last September, when Hurricane Odile left the entire region in shambles. Over the last year, however, the twin towns of Los Cabos—the laidback San José del Cabo and its ritzy counterpart Cabo San Lucas—have endeavored to make lemonade out of the truly rotten batch of lemons they’d been handed. Now, the longtime destination is finally back on track and, this time, the wave it’s riding is bigger and better than ever.

VIVA LOS CABOS

Los Cabos has long been the sort of stylish destination that a very specific type of in-the-know individual might toss into casual conversation over dinner at Spago in Los Angeles or drinks at the King Cole Bar in Manhattan. “Cabo” elicits a sort of status that ensures whoever utters

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GO > ESPERANZA “We call Esperanza our baby,” says Nubia Villa, the Cabo San Lucas resort’s event planner.

“Because we waited nine months for her to arrive.” The new ESPERANZA—along with its recently reopened twelve EXCLUSIVE RESORTS four-bedroom residences—is well worth the wait. In June it debuted a new restaurant with an emphasis on local ingredients; a new lounge bar located underneath a magnificent palapa roof; and renovated grounds and amenities. Remodeled Exclusive Resorts villas feature an updated modern decor with new color palettes, sliding glass doors that blend inside and out, and upgraded technology. Blissfully, one thing remains exactly the same: panoramic views of the SEA OF CORTEZ.

FROM TOP: New interiors at an Exclusive Resorts villa in Los Cabos; Post Hurricane Odile, authentic architecture and charm remain.

it must certainly be well traveled and well heeled. Even as recent headlines of crime, corruption, and cartels kept many travelers away from other south-of-the-border retreats like Canc n and Puerto Vallarta, os Cabos maintained its appeal.

The arrival of Hurricane Odile late last summer, however, changed all of that. The strongest Category Four hurricane to ever hit the Baja California Peninsula, the tropical cyclone left the entire region unrecognizable.

“Odile was a hard situation,” says my driver Carlos as we speed down the highway from Los Cabos International Airport past long stretches of sand dotted with fits of construction. e were in such an upswing at the time, and then everything just halted.” As we make it closer to the resort corridor, the aftermath is still on display. We pass a sign with the letters “EST N” sprawled across. “That’s the Westin,” Carlos explains. “Obviously they still haven’t opened back up yet. And up here—the Grand Mayan—they’re also still closed.”

As we drive on, however, things begin to look up. With the sparkling sea to our left and taco shacks, cochinita pibil stands, and charming little bouti ues to our right, we finally arrive at my four-bedroom villa, in the glamorous enclave of Punta Ballena. To many guests, the private residences at Punta Ballena—along with the Club’s collection of Exclusive Resorts four-bedroom villas on-site at neighboring Esperan a Resort look as pristine as ever. But to Cabo regulars, the upgrades are immediately apparent. “Everything has changed,” says Diego Weiss, Esperanza’s resort manager. “We used Odile—and the damage she left—as an excuse to create a completely new resort, inside and out.” Indeed, a peek at the stunning cliff-side estate ’ll be calling home for the next few days reveals a perfect picture of luxury hand-crafted furnishings, an infinity-edge pool, and views over the beach that remain unobstructed for miles.

NOW, THE LONGTIME DESTINATION IS FINALLY BACK ON TRACK—AND, THIS TIME, THE WAVE IT’S RIDING IS BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER.

SEE YOU IN SAN JOSÉ Though tempted to settle into a padded lounger on my villa’s sprawling terrace for a long afternoon filled with bocaditas, margaritas, and perhaps a little siesta, I instead hit the road with Carlos to explore San José del Cabo.

Ask any local and you’ll hear the same thing regarding this historic casco: It is the heart and soul of Los Cabos. Lined with 18th century Spanish colonial architecture and knobby jacaranda trees, the town’s centro appears at first glance frozen in time. But as I round the old clock tower, and head past the twin-spired parish church west of the main s uare, discover a st century creative culture lies just behind the town’s colorful adobe facades.

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STAY • 12 on-site residences at Esperanza, with access to Resort & Spa amenities.

• 10 four-bedroom residences in the glamorous enclave of Punta Ballena with private beach club and access to Esperanza Resort.

• Bedrooms: 4 • Baths: 4.5 • Square feet: 3,120-4,380

FROM TOP: Exclusive Resorts residences feature newly appointed, coastal chic bedrooms; a local artist displays his vision in San Jose del Cabo.

Among Calle Abasolo’s shops hawking the usual cosas mexicanas— Pre-Columbian-style pottery, día de los muertos skulls and figurines, and even the occasional lucha libre mask—I happen upon Enrique Bascón’s art gallery. Small and dark, the space is a stark contrast to the artist’s oeuvre of paintings and sculptures, which are bright and bursting with emotion.

I admire a quartet of neon Frida Kahlo portraits that bring to mind a atino version of Andy arhol’s famous silk screens. soon find out that Bascón’s international painting style derives from his many travels.

A Spanish native, he nearly circled the globe before settling here in Los Cabos several years ago. “The art movement here is really great,” says Bascón, who opened his gallery in San José last February. “On Fridays, we have live music and the galleries and shops stay open late and the streets become a big party.”

Across the street from Bascón’s gallery is Galeria Corsica, where Bascón introduces me to the works of some of Mexico’s most famous contemporary artists: the painter David Gutierrez and the sculptor Diego de la Sierra, among others. He also shares his hit list of local hotspots.

The seafood at Seven Seas, the restaurant at Cabo Surf Hotel, is unbeatable. The scene at the wine bar at La Dolce is always hopping. And Flora Farm is, in a word, incredible.

Armed with asc n’s culinary line-up, rende vous with Carlos stopping first at os arriles de on ala uias to ogle its impressive collection of rare tequilas and snatch up a bottle of the boutique’s own label) and head for the most enticing of his recommendations: Flora Farm. Carlos and bounce along a dirt road for some time before we finally spy the verdant oasis comprised of 10 glorious acres of organic gardens.

Here, giant mangos hang from branches, which droop from the weight of the humongous fruits. A sprawling lawn, where movies are regularly shown, is lined with rows of leafy green herbs and massive sunflowers. n the market, the homemade provisions include jars of pickled-this and jellied-that, warm loaves of bread, and fresh ice cream flavors like flan and carrot-almond.

Chef Guillermo Tellez meets me at the Flora’s Field Kitchen restaurant, where the evening is just getting underway. Ceviche is rolling out of the kitchen by the minute, and nearby, the wood-burning pi a oven has been fired up. elle came to Flora Farm just two months ago, but his tenure in Los Cabos dates back more than a decade to when he opened Charlie rotter’s C restaurant at the ne nly Palmilla in .

At Flora Farm, Tellez is “living the dream,” as he puts it. “We’re taking it to the next level.” Indeed, he has created a new menu that takes greater advantage of the farm’s homegrown resources. Back in the kitchen, we peruse the day’s fresh ingredients. The Persian limes are sweet enough to eat straight. The asparagus is so tender it hardly needs to be cooked at all. And then there are the mangoes. Meaty and succulent, equal parts sweet and savory, the mangoes are utterly addictive. “We have more than we know what to do with,” Tellez says, tossing me a ripe one to take back to my villa as a souvenir. ut first, it’s fish tacos and an El Verano Flora ar’s specialty cocktail of pineapple-infused mescal with cilantro and jalapeño—to end the night.

I ADMIRE A QUARTET OF NEON FRIDA KAHLO PORTRAITS THAT BRINGS TO MIND A SOUTH-OF-THE-BORDER VERSION OF ANDY WARHOL’S FAMOUS SILK SCREENS.

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CAPE OF GOOD HOPE “Have you met our whale orge Villarreal asks. She is just a baby, but still quite large.” I have just arrived at the lobby of the Cape, Cabo San Lucas’s newest resort overlooking the Sea of Cortez, but I have indeed already seen a whale. No less than 10 feet tall and, by my best guess, longer than a stretch limo, she is no heaving mammal, but rather a sculpture rendered in driftwood. “The wood was collected from the debris left behind from dile, says Villarreal, the Cape’s director of sales and marketing.

“It’s our way of remembering the hurricane.” he sculpture is certainly an appropriate homage he Cape is the first new resort to open in post- dile os Cabos, and it is bringing plenty of new flair with it. ocated minutes from Esperan a, the resort skips the traditional Spanish colonial style so common of Cabo San Lucas and instead assumes a modern, if slightly retro, Mexican decor that blends contemporary art and furniture with local artisan work like hand-painted tiles. The Cape’s biggest news, however, is its Enrique Olvera restaurant, Manta. A Mexican native, the chef has recently made a name for himself with acclaimed restaurants in ew ork City and his flagship Pujol in Mexico City. Now, the new king of sophisticated Mexican fare is expanding his empire with his first os Cabos outpost. e tapped lvera at just the right time, says Villarreal as we pass through Manta’s heavy carved wooden doors. Inside, surfboards, antique tortilla presses, and colorful pottery line vibrant blue shelves, and floorto-ceiling windows frame os Cabos’s famed El Arco rock formation in the distance. uickly find that lvera’s tasting menu is no less inspired, featuring octopus cocktail with charred habañero peppers (a Yucatán peninsula specialty) and, for dessert, raspados exican snow cones flavored with beets and local flowers. ou must come back for a cocktail on the rooftop tonight, Villarreal says after I’ve downed my last sip of the Cape’s house tea infused with hibiscus. “At sunset, our views of El Arco are the best in Los Cabos.” I agree that it does sound magical, but the call of my residence at Esperanza is even more tempting. I return to my villa just as the shadows begin to stretch longer and longer, signaling the sun’s inevitable retreat at any moment. A salty mist hovers above the sea just inches from my infinity-edge pool; down the shoreline, I see the spotlight of a hilltop lighthouse sweep the darkening horizon. Soon, the last drips of sunlight have disappeared, and, as if on cue, a mariachi band somewhere in the distance strikes up. he music flows over me like a faraway serenade, lulling me into a much-needed siesta. Then, suddenly, the sky comes alive with an explosion of fireworks. Rapt, watch with a margarita mango-flavored, of course in hand as the red, white, and green of Mexico’s beloved bandera illuminates the sky one shimmering pop at a time.

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FROM TOP: Brilliant craftsmanship on display at a local gallery; home away from home via Exclusive Resorts; sea-to-table cuisine.

FISH! Located at the apex of the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean, Los Cabos is a fisherman’s paradise. “We can go two miles out and starting catching fish right away,” says Phil Gentile, owner of the Cabo San Lucas outfitter PICANTE SPORTS FISHING. The longtime angler—who, in 1994, set a record for a 993-pound marlin caught in Cabo’s Bisbee’s Black & Blue Tournament—hosts EXCLUSIVE RESORTS’ annual big-game fishing tournament this October 1-4. Gentile’s fleet of yachts will serve as a luxurious base, and the event will be sanctioned by the International Game Fish Association. exclusiveresorts.com/events.

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World’s Most Award Winning Destination Wellness Resort

In the high Sonoran Desert surrounded by dramatic mountain views, experience a luxurious wellness getaway complete with yoga, fitness, equine & over 200 spa treatments. Enjoy award-winning treatments & activities, including It’s Not About the Horse™, Shuniya Sound Ceremony & Naga™.

Start your journey to a Life in Balance at Miraval in Tucson, Arizona.

Retreat with Purpose.

ROOM PACKAGES FROM $500 | PRIVATE VILLA PACKAGES FROM $2,000 | SPECIAL RATES FOR GROUPS OF 8 OR MORE Contact your travel professional or visit us online for details.

MiravalResorts.com | 888.655.3228

+ JUST BACK FROM >> EXCLUSIVE RESORTS MEMBERS GIVE A PLAY-BY-PLAY OF INSPIRED VACATIONS

New Experiential Travel New Residences Just Back From Bucket List

What’s New 131 At SINGITA SABI SAND, stunning SOUTH AFRICAN wildlife viewing complements your morning cup of COFFEE.

at The Club

Between the new European Collection, expanded Experiential Travel offerings, and new residences at Napa’s Carneros Inn and Miami’s 1 Hotel South Beach, your 2016 Exclusive Resorts itinerary has been elegantly elevated. Where to next? Let wanderlust be your guide.

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> Experiential Private Travel Travel

Patagonia Jeep Adventure Held in partnership with Jeep ® and Quasar Expeditions, drive over rugged and majestic Patagonia terrain. During this adventure, decked-out Jeeps with top-of-the-line GPS systems allow for self- and fully-guided driving tours. Visit both Chile and Argentina, including Torres del Paine National Park, Los Glaciares National Park and the mighty Perito Moreno Glacier. Along the way, put boot to trail during amazing hikes, take catamaran excursions to watch calving glaciers, or opt for horseback rides to quiet moments at hidden lagoons. Decisions, decisions.

ON THE ITINERARY 9 DAYS/8 NIGHTS * Sample, based on double occupancy. For complete day-by-day itineraries, contact your Vacation Ambassador.

DAY 1: Puerto Natales > Puerto Bories After exlporing Santiago, Chile, fly to Punta Arenas and transfer to Puerto Natales and discover The Singular Hotel at Puerto Bories, located on the edge of the Golfo Almirante Montt.

DAY 2: The Singular Hotel at Puerto Bories Sail through the Patagonian fjords to visit the Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers, part of Bernardo O’Higgins National Park.

The afternoon is spent at The Singular spa or mountain biking, followed by a debrief of the Jeeping adventure ahead.

DAY 3: El Calafate The Jeep adventure kick-starts with a three-hour drive to the town of El Calafate, Argentina. Arrive at Hosteria Alta Vista, part of Estancia Anita, the largest sheep farm of the area. Witness the shearing shed and watch the local gauchos at work.

DAY 4: Hostería Alta Vista Horseback ride through thick lenga forests, as the Patagonian Andes and the Perito Moreno Glacier frame the background.

Or opt to hike, fish, or mountain guide in the area’s natural alpine playground. Later, visit the town of El Calafate and the Glaciarium, a modern center devoted to the Patagonian Icefield and its glaciers.

DAY 5: Los Glaciares National Park Visit Perito Moreno glacier, located within Glaciares National Park, and one of the world’s only advancing glaciers. An extension of the Southern Patagonia Ice Field, it’s the third largest freshwater reserve in the world.

DAY 6: Argentina to Chile > Torres del Paine National Park Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Reserve in 1979, and hidden at the far southern end of the Andes, Torres del Paine National Park (the towers of indigo) is one of the newest parks in South America. Lunch at the Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa, followed by a scenic drive to spy herds of guanacos (similar to llamas), ñandus (Patagonia’s version of the ostrich) and foxes.

DAYS 7-8: Torres Del Paine National Park Adventure continues at Torres Del Paine National Park, which calls for ample time to explore one of Patagonia’s top treasures. Excursions include a hike to the base of the Towers or the French Valley, or fly-fishing along the Serrano River.

Sea kayak at Grey Glacier, or sight-see via horseback ride.

DAY 9: Farewell to Patagonia Enjoy the magnificent views of Ultima Esperanza one last time before transferring back to Punta Arenas for your flight back to Santiago.

GO exclusiveresorts.com/experience-collection

SANTIAGO > PUERTO NATALES > PUERTO BORIES > EL CALAFATE > LOS GLACIERES NATIONAL PARK > TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK

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South Africa: Singita Sabi Sand

Singita, or “place of miracles,” celebrates wilderness, wildlife, and authentic African culture. Gracing family-owned property known as the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Singita presides over half a million acres of treasured land. With this new eight-day experiential travel offering, “safari,” is redefined. Twice daily game drives. Mountain biking. Spa sessions. Bush walks.

Cooking Classes. Which to tackle first?

ON THE ITINERARY 8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS Sample Eight-Day Excursion to Singita Sabi Sand* Nine-day itineraries are also available to Singita Pamushana, located in Southeastern Zimbabwe. * Sample. For complete day-by-day itineraries, contact your Vacation Ambassador.

DAY 1: Johannesburg > Singita Kruger National Park Meet your private ranger. Take an afternoon safari. Overnight at the Sweni Lodge.

DAY 2-4: Singita Kruger National Park You choose: Twice daily game drives. Mountain bike. A community tour. Visit the Cooking School Project.

Or savor the spa. At Singita National Park, bucket-list decisions are de rigueur.

DAY 5: Singita Kruger National Park > Singita Sabi Sand Fly to Singita Sabi Sand to meet your personal ranger. Discover the Ebony Lodge, the flagship Singita property, in the heart of “big cat country.” After an afternoon gaming excursion, your private suite lies near the banks of the Sand River.

DAY 6-8: Singita Sabi Sand With three days at this spectacular retreat, gain insider access to South African culture, cuisine, gaming outings, and adventure. Singita Sabi Sand is a modern interpretation of the traditional safari camp, inspired by tribal culture and wildlife. Twelve suites have private plunge pools and the resort’s outdoor decks hug the banks of the Sand River.

GO exclusiveresorts.com/experience-collection

JOHANNESBURG > SINGITA KRUGER NATIONAL PARK > SINGITA SABI SAND

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> Experiential Travel

Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness

There’s no better way to experience Alaska than by boat. Lindblad Expeditions sailings are aboard either the National Geographic Sea Bird or the National Geographic Sea Lion, both of which accommodate just 62 guests per ship. Spot brown bears, bald eagles, humpback whales, and orcas, while a National Geographic photographer provides tips on how to score incredible photos.

ON THE ITINERARY* 7 NIGHTS/8 DAYS * Sample. For complete day-by-day itineraries, contact your Vacation Ambassador.

DAY 1: Juneau, Alaska > Embark Ship Meet your naturalists and visit Mendenhall Glacier, set just 12 miles from downtown Juneau. Embark the ship.

DAY 2: Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness Voyage into Tracy or Endicott Arm, both spectacular glacially carved fjords. Pass the Sawyer Glacier, described as bluer than any blue on earth, or the towering Dawes Glacier. Keep an eye out for harbor seals, porpoises and arctic terns.

DAY 3: Petersburg Search for humpback whales as you head towards the small Alaskan town of Petersburg on Mitkof Island. Explore a unique Southeast Alaskan ecosystem, the “muskeg,” with stunted trees and carnivorous plants. Optional flightseeing or bike riding.

DAY 4: Frederick Sound and Chatham Strait Prime areas for both killer whales and humpback whales. Explore spectacular bays and inlets, following bear trails and salmon streams. Once ashore, walk along a quiet forest trail. The still waters are excellent for kayaking.

DAY 5: Icy Strait and the Inian Islands Cruise among the Inian Islands, where an abundance of Steller sea lions reside. Hike nearby islands, kayak, and search for whales in rich waters of Icy Strait.

DAY 6: Glacier Bay National Park Spend the entire day amidst the coves, fjords, tidewater glaciers and majestic mountains of Glacier Bay National Park. See calving, mountain goats, harbor seals, Steller sea lions, and puffins. A visit to Tidal Inlet may bring the sight of brown bears.

DAY 7: Southeast Alaska’s Islands, Bays and Fjords Stop an isolated beach to take a closer look at tide pools, beachcomb, and hike stunning forest trails. Sightings of bald eagles are common.

DAY 8: Sitka > Disembark Ship > Seattle Disembark in Sitka, southeastern Alaska’s only oceanfront town. Visit the onion-domed St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Church and the Raptor Rehabilitation Center prior to returning to Seattle.

GO exclusiveresorts.com/experience-collection

JUNEAU > TRACY ARM-FORDS TERROR WILDERNESS > PETERSBURG > FREDERICK SOUND + CHATHAM STRAIT > GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK > SITKA

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Nashville: Behind the Scenes

There’s the Nashville we read about, canonized in novels and song lyrics, and then the real Nashville—a community anchored in the music industry, steeped in songwriting and storytelling. With this private, insider access, discover a vibrant culture that dances to the beat of its many drummers and eclectic visionaries. There’s a reason Johnny Cash staked his claim on these storied streets. Discover just why.

ON THE ITINERARY Sample itinerary. For a full, customized day-by-day overview, contact your Vacation Ambassador.

•

Three nights in a grand king room at Loews Vanderbilt Hotel, including premium lounge access with daily breakfast. Located across from Vanderbilt University in the West End, your headquarters are minutes away from the city’s top attractions.

•

Walkin’ Nashville Music City Legends Tour: Hank, Johnny, Chet, Patsy, George, Tammy, Conway, Loretta, Dolly, Merle, Willie–there was a time when country music was on a first-name basis with its fans. The streets of downtown Nashville were alive with the sound of backroom guitar pulls, midnight jamborees, and the Grand Ole Opry. Chock full of history, tales of trivia, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes about country legends, this two-hour walking tour is designed for music lovers who want to know the real story of how Nashville came to be called Music City.

•

Eat Around Nashville Tour: Eat your way through Music City. Explore Nashville’s most popular neighborhoods while sampling such southern specialties as BBQ, hot chicken, biscuits, grits, chess pie, and local craft beer. Cheers!

GO exclusiveresorts.com/experience-collection

LOEWS VANDERBILT HOTEL > NASHVILLE MUSIC CITY LEGENDS TOUR > EAT AROUND NASHVILLE TOUR

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> Experiential Travel

The White Continent

Held in partnership with Linblad Expeditions, exploring Antarctica is packed with mind-blowing experiences on one of the last untouched places on the planet. Encounter penguins and leopard seals, kayak among towering icebergs, and trek across icy mountains.

The journey is made aboard the 81-cabin National Geographic Explorer, which features a window-lined library and observation lounge perched at the top of the ship.

ON THE ITINERARY* 11 NIGHTS/14 DAYS * Sample. For complete day-by-day itineraries, contact your Vacation Ambassador.

DAY 1: Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina DAY 2: Overnight in Buenos Aires Arrive in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, set on the Rio de la Plata, and check in to the Sofitel Buenos Aires. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the city, seeing its Beaux Arts palaces, grand boulevards, and the famous balcony associated with Eva Peron.

DAY 3: Fly to Ushuaia, Argentina > Embark Ship The morning’s LAN charter flight offers rare views as you fly over the rugged terrain of Patagonia before landing in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Lunch aboard a catamaran cruise on the scenic Beagle Channel before embarking the ship.

DAY 4: At Sea Journey across the Drake Passage. Lying between Cape Horn and the Antarctic Peninsula, the Drake holds a unique place in maritime lore. Crossing the legendary Drake Passage is unforgettable—a milestone for any adventurer.

DAY 5-10: Antarctica With nearly 24 hours of daylight, take advantage of the unexpected—watching a 40-ton whale surface off the bow.

Take a Zodiac foray amid towering bergs, walk along the shoreline amid a huge penguin colony, hike to a summit for a breathtaking view, or kayak along a cliff-side rookery in search of blue-eyed shags.

DAY 11-12: At Sea Sail back to Ushuaia, and keep an eye out for marine life. There’s plenty of time for a wellness treatment, gym session, or talks from the staff will reflect on all you have seen and learned.

DAY 13-14: Disembark Ushuaia > Fly to Buenos Aires Disembark in Ushuaia with some time to explore before the LAN charter flight.

GO exclusiveresorts.com/experience-collection

BUENOS AIRES > USHUAIA > DRAKE PASSAGE > ANTARCTICA

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Arctic Svalbard

Wildlife lovers will be dazzled on the 11-day Land of the Ice Bears: An In-Depth Exploration of Arctic Svalbard itinerary. Held in collaboration with Linblad Expeditions, view walrus and polar bears in their natural habitat, while Svalbard reindeer frequently graze the tundra of Norway’s Svalbard Archipelago. Sail aboard the National Geographic Explorer. Your shipmates include an expedition leader, eight veteran naturalists, an undersea specialist, a video chronicler, photographers and a Global perspectives guest speaker.

ON THE ITINERARY* 9 NIGHTS/11 DAYS * Sample. For complete day-by-day itineraries, contact your Vacation Ambassador.

DAY 1: U.S. to Oslo DAY 2: Oslo and Thon Hotel Bristol Arrive in the town of Oslo, the town where each year the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded. Stroll among famous Vigeland structures and visit the Polar Ship Farm Museum. Overnight at the Thon Hotel Bristol.

DAY 3: Oslo to Longyearbyen Depart Olso on a private charter flight with beautiful views of Longyearbyen. Embark ship.

DAY 4-9: Explore Svalbard Day-to-day navigation remains flexible, exploratory by design. The main goal is majestic wildlife viewing. Watch seals and arctic foxes and search for the symbol of the Arctic--polar bears. Svalbard is known as one of the best places on earth to witness polar bears in their native habitat. Cruise Svalbard’s fjords and venture to tidewater glaciers. The islands of the archipelago are ideal for walking, with hikes revealing the remnants of whale bones and trapper’s huts. Take Zodiacs and kayaks to cruise among icebergs, and experience the geology and wildlife that are vital to the High Arctic.

DAY 10: Longyearbyen to Oslo Disembark in Longyearbyen and visit the Svalbard Art Gallery and Museum, before a charter flight to Oslo.

GO exclusiveresorts.com/experience-collection

OLSO > LONGYEARBYEN > SVALBARD > LONGYEARBYEN > OSLO

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> New Residences

A toast to Napa In Napa Valley, your itinerary isn’t solely about viticulture. After outdoor adventure and table-hopping to local eateries, unwind at one of the Club’s four, villa-like homes at the Carneros Inn, a PlumpJack Resort. Nestled among 27 acres of grape vines, farmland and orchards, each home has a private deck and landscaped courtyard with teak furniture. Gourmet kitchens are outfitted with the latest Viking appliances, and the great room, with 16-foot ceilings and a fireplace, is ideal for meals and family gatherings.

•

Dine at Meadowood Napa Valley. Michelinstar chef Christopher Kostow has created a complete dining experience that reflects the local bounty.

• Eat and shop at Oxbow Market. Home to such culinary artisans as the Fatted Calf, Napa Valley Distillery, Hog Island Oyster Bar, and Oxbow Cheese & Wine Merchant.

• Not-to-miss wineries: Cade, Domaine Carneros, Etude, Artesa, Chappellet, and Carte Blanche.

GO exclusiveresorts.com/napa

The Cultural Connoisseur • Get a bird’s-eye-view with Napa Valley Balloons, Inc. Top hot-air balloon rides with post-flight breakfast and bubbly at Domaine Chandon Winery.

• Bottlerock or Bust! Held in May, Bottlerock Music Festival is staged at the Napa Fairgrounds. Between concerts from top national music acts, nosh on food from Napa restaurants and taste wines from area producers.

• Art, Wine + Design. Michael Polenske, owner of Blackbird Vineyards, opened Ma(i) sonry in Yountville to deliver a wine experience for art aficionados. Housed in a 105-year-old stone manor, the space combines a tasting room with an art and furniture gallery.

ACCOMMODATIONS: 4 RESIDENCES AT THE CARNEROS INN BEDROOMS: 2 BATHS: 3.5 SQUARE FEET: 2,522

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The Mind-Body Traveler • Sip and Spin. The Clif Family winery shares its passion for bikes and wine at its Vino Velo tasting room in St. Helena. Rent bikes and cycling gear and map out their favorite bike rides that pass legendary vineyards.

• Soak in Calistoga’s Hot Springs. Relax in the natural mineral pools or take a volcanic ash mud bath.

• Pilates and Pinot. Vineyard 29 hosts Pilates and barre classes on its terrace overlooking the vines. After class, visit the wine caves and have a spa lunch featuring local, organic fare.

Bottlerock Photo by Stefanie Michejda

The Epicurious

Oui, Paris!

The Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, the Notre-Dame, and the Champs-Élysées—all in a week’s “work” during a Parisian sojourn. The Club’s new three-bedroom apartment provides the ultimate base to take in the sites yet live like a stylish local. Perfect for couples or families with teenagers, this tri-level apartment has a 1,500-square-foot outdoor terrace with Eiffel Tower views.

The Cultural Maverick

The Style Seeker

• Explore the Musée Rodin, the Musée de l’Orangerie and the newly reopened Picasso Museum.

• Luxury hunt along the one of the world’s most famous shopping boulevards, the Champs-Élysées.

• The new, hyper-modern and Frank Gehrydesigned Fondation Louis Vuitton in the Bois de Boulogne public park tops your hit list.

• Shop the Bohemian Marais neighborhood, which houses such concept shops as Merci, fashion boutique RA, and Surface to Air, a gallery-esque exhibition of Parisian chic.

• Take a day trip to Giverny which is Monet’s home and gardens.

GO exclusiveresorts.com/paris

• Set on the Left Bank, Clover has quickly become the latest dining hot spot for Parisian fashionistas. See, and be seen.

The Gourmand • Members enjoy exclusive entrée and chef-table seating at the Michelin three-star Plaza Athénée by the legendary Alain Ducasse.

• Score stellar lunch deals at L’Amarante, Bistrot Belhara, Le Bon Georges, and the neo-bistro Bones.

• Discover the Parisian wine bar scene. Tops include Verjus Bar à Vins, Le Verre Volé, Aux Deux Amis, and Dans Les Landes.

ACCOMMODATIONS: 1 APARTMENT BEDROOMS: 3 BATHS: 3.5 MAX OCCUPANCY: 6 SQUARE FEET: 2,700 REQUIRED STAY: 3, 4, OR 7 DAYS DAILY FEE: $1,250/NIGHT

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> New Residences

St.-Tropez Style Located in the Ramatuelle section of St.-Tropez, the Club’s four new villas overlook the Bay of St.-Tropez and its charming hillsides. These style-setters can sleep up to 10, and entertaining is a breeze with an outdoor patio and gourmet kitchen. Stroll the cobblestoned, bougainvillea-drenched streets or hike a coastal path through hidden bays to the Cavalaire-sur-Mer-beach.

The Jet Setter

The Social Butterfly

The Gourmand

• Hire a classic Riva speedboat from the port and cruise along Capon Point, lined with the area’s over-the-top seaside homes.

• Beach clubs make a statement here. Choose wisely. Club 55 attracts the elite.

• Yes way, Rosé! Domaine de La Rouillère and Château Barbeyrolles are among your stops on a private vineyard tour.

• Take a day trip to the south of France and Cannes, famous for its eponymous film festival.

• Mega yachts outnumber fishing boats. In the Vieux Port, club hopping is the event du jour.

• Nikki Beach is all about the party. Expect word-famous DJs, poolside fashion shows, Veuve Clicquot, and epic cabana soirees.

• For the more laidback, hit New Coco Beach.

The restaurant is worth the visit alone, with stellar wines and Thai cuisine.

• Foodie finds include La Verdoyante, a family run restaurant in the vineyard town of Gassin.

• Hôtel Byblos is one of St.-Tropez’s most coveted locales. Uncover its storied past over dinner at French Chef Alain Ducasse’s Rivea.

GO exclusiveresorts.com/st-tropez

ACCOMMODATIONS: 4 VILLAS BEDROOMS: 4-5 BATHS: 4.5-5.5 MAX OCCUPANCY: 8-10 SQUARE FEET: 3,325-4,400 REQUIRED STAY: 7 DAYS DAILY FEE: $1,995-$2,995/NIGHT

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Miami Chic With four three-bedroom residences at Starwood’s forward-thinking new eco-brand, 1 Hotel South Beach, Tesla service and rooftop daybeds simply scratch the surface of this innovative new property. Located in the heart of SoBe, the hotel is just steps from Miami’s best restaurants and shopping. And with more than 600 feet of beach front at your doorstep, round-the-clock Miami fun just got better.

The Resort Lover: 1 Hotel South Beach

The Social Butterfly

The Foodie

• Say Om During Paddleboard Yoga.

Challenge your balance and let the ocean waves lull you into a blissful state of Zen during a paddleboard yoga class.

• South Beach Food & Wine Festival. Four days in February of 350 celebrity chefs, renowned winemakers and culinary personalities. Why wouldn’t you?

• Dine at Beachcraft. Top Chef host and culinary rockstar Tom Colicchio helms the vegetable and seafood-focused Beachcraft restaurant. The restaurant serves three meals a day, but the octopus on the dinner menu is the talk of the town.

• Visit the Broken Shaker. It may be located in a “boutique hostel” but this cocktail spot has serious culinary cred, including a James Beard nomination. Hand-crafted cocktails are made with syrups, and infusions concocted from garden herbs and spices and fresh-pressed juices.

• Book an Ultra Cabana. Each poolside cabana is furnished with lounge chairs, a sofa and a dining table that seats six. Staff take care of your every need from sunscreen to snacks.

• Table Hop. Not to be missed: Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, Cena by Michy, Momi Gyoza Bar, Coyo Taco, El Palacio de los Jugos, and La Mar by Gaston Acurio.

• Art Basel, held, every year in December, is the see-and-be-seen of the contemporary art world. Browse the main venue, but be sure to hit the many sponsored spin-off parties, too.

• Shop Bal Harbour. Its many boutiques house the finest fashion brands, while a bevy of new restaurants champion internationally acclaimed chefs.

• Beach Club Hop. Yes, the nightlife is legendary, but by day, beach clubs are where to be. All call for sun and fun.

GO exclusiveresorts.com/miami

ACCOMMODATIONS: 4 AT HOTEL 1 SOUTH BEACH BEDROOMS: 3

BATHS: 3-3.5 SQUARE FEET: 1,834-2,434

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> New Residences

Lake Como Luxury Celebrities, marquis, artists, and fishermen. Lake Como is known for an eclectic mix of fancy and fun. Set in the Alps’ sensational shadow, the wishbone-shaped lake is sprinkled with such fairy book towns as Menaggio, Bellagio, Varenna, and Tremezzo. A stay at the Club’s four, three- to seven-bedroom residences reveals the ultimate in amenities. Villa Lungomare features an on-site heli-pad, private boat and dock and elegant artwork, while other residences include private swimming pools, exclusive sun decks, and gorgeous gardens.

The Style Spy

The Epicurean

The Naturalist

• Did you know? Como is the silk capital of the world. Pay a visit to Museo della Seta and discover why.

• Villa Carlotta’s Italian garden dates back to the 17th century. Get lost in a maze of citrus trees, azaleas, roses, and camellias.

• Milan, Italy’s fashion headquarters, is just a 90-minute drive. After a day of boutique-ing, dine at the famed Il Bacaro del Sambuco or Le Bettola di Piero.

• Panoramic views to neighboring Switzerland? Check. Ride the funicular to the small town of Brunate and hike a steep trail to a remote lighthouse.

• These days, fashion equals art. Mr. Savethewall, a street-art gallery in Como, exhibits provocative paintings by local artist Pierpaolo Perretta.

• The Grand Hotel Tremezzo has created T Beach, replete with sun beds, umbrellas, and a pool that floats in the lake. Post hiking and sight-seeing, you’ve earned a lounge session.

•

Farm-to-table is a given. At Como’s Market Place, its two dozen seats are always booked, thanks to a seasonally inspired menu by Chef David Maci.

• Villa d’Este is a favorite celebrity haunt.

Your appetizer includes strolling 25 acres of Italian gardens prior to dining at the lakefront restaurant, Veranda.

• Visit Oleificio Vanini Osvaldo in the village of Lenno to learn the traditional cold-press technique of uber-smooth olive oil.

GO exclusiveresorts.com/lake-como

ACCOMMODATIONS: 3 VILLAS BEDROOMS: 3-7 BATHS: 3-7 MAX OCCUPANCY: 6-14 SQUARE FEET: 1,378-11,000 REQUIRED STAY: 7 DAYS DAILY FEE: $1,295-$7,395/NIGHT

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Just Back From

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Kohala Insider’s Guide WHY GO:

Easy, laid back Hawaii experience. Club Pool is like a private paradise. Water is amazing!

WHO TO BRING:

NAME: Keith & Tracy Tobias FROM: La Cañada Flintridge, CA OCCUPATION: Entrepreneur MEMBER SINCE: 2004 JUST BACK FROM: Kohala, Hawaii NEXT ON THE ITINERARY: Laguna Beach

DON’T MISS:

We love it as a couple but our kids really enjoy it too. It’s great for families, couples groups, any group.

Hanging on the sand under the palms, watching the sea.

WORTH A SPLURGE:

Dinner at the Four Seasons--really great meals, drinks and sunsets.

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT: WHERE TO EAT:

perfect!

Sunset in our private pool, cold drink in hand, just me and Tracy.

Our best meals are served right at home. We love to cook and we love private chefs. Best sunsets, no driving,

BEST SOUVENIR:

The memories of amazing hikes and beaches of the Big Island.

FAVORITE EXCLUSIVE RESORTS RESIDENCE:

Any of the four-bedroom units.

We love getting fresh fish from the fish market in Kawaihae. Macadamia-nut-crusted opacapaca is our favorite. And Kohala Burger is the best burger joint on the island.

INSIDER ACCESS: GO exclusiveresorts.com/kohala

ACCOMMODATIONS: 11 VILLAS BEDROOMS: 3-4

BATHS: 3.5-4 SQUARE FEET: 2,600-3,400

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> Just Back From

Sun Valley Insider’s Guide

NAME: Tom Reedy FROM: Chicago OCCUPATION: Investment Business MEMBER SINCE: 13 years (I was the 50th member.)

JUST BACK FROM: Sun Valley NEXT ON THE ITINERARY: Weekend getaway to Portland, Oregon

GO exclusiveresorts.com/ SunValley

WHY GO: My family and I have been to nearly all of the American mountain resorts in summer. We recently visited Sun Valley for the first time and loved it so much that we want to go back in the winter. What really set it apart were the people. Everyone was so low-key and genuinely friendly.

DON’T MISS: We did all of the excursions from hiking to fly fishing in waders with a river guide just out our back door.

There was a 20-mile bike path that we could pick up a quarter mile from our house. But the white water rafting on the Snake River was truly fantastic.

WORTH A SPLURGE: My 18-year-old daughter is big horseback rider and she road for six hours and got to herd cattle. She said it was the coolest horseback riding experience she’s ever had.

WISH WE’D PACKED: Warmer clothes. Mountain nights are chilly, even in July.

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT: Our concierge arranged an AT V tour one day. We were out for nearly seven hours and covered 50 miles of the coolest scenery.

WHERE TO EAT/WHAT TO ORDER: Our favorite meal was at Enoteca, but you can’t miss dining at the Pioneer Saloon.

This no-reservations steakhouse is in the heart of Sun Valley. There is always a line to get in but the ambiance makes the experience worth waiting for.

BEST VIEW: All four of us went paragliding, which was on my bucket list. It was sensational. We launched of a mountain at around 12,000 feet and, for 30 minutes, just took in the scenery.

BEST SOUVENIR: My daughter bought a leather cowboy belt.

FAVORITE ER RESIDENCE: I love the residences in T uscany and in the city we love the Club’s places in London at Buckingham Gate.

ACCOMMODATIONS: 2 BEDROOMS: 3-5 BATHS: 3.5-5.5 SQUARE FEET: 2,000-7,895

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Just Back From

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New York Insider’s Guide WHY GO: It has the best of everything—art, music, dance, shopping and food!

WHO TO BRING: I have been bringing my 14-year-old daughter to Exclusive Resorts properties in New York since she was 5 years old. We go several times a year, especially for ballet performances and museums. We stayed at the New York residences while she took summer classes at FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology).

NAME: Kathy Mcormack FROM: Riverside, CT OCCUPATION: “House Mom,” as described by my youngest son, George MEMBER SINCE: 2005 JUST BACK FROM: New York NEXT ON THE ITINERARY: South Africa

DON’T MISS: The costume institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. WORTH A SPLURGE: Tickets! To the ballet, opera, Broadway shows, Carnegie Hall, Yankees or Knicks.

WISH WE’D PACKED: Comfortable shoes. We don’t get tired walking on the High Line, but our feet do!

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT: Seeing Misty Copeland dance in Cinderella. Her first performance after she was named a principal dancer in American Ballet Theater.

WHAT TO ORDER: For a pick-me-up after shopping or museum hopping, we love Cafe Sabarsky at the Neue Gallery. It’s an Austrian cafe so get the Sachertorte or apfelstrudel and a caffe Kreme.

Be sure to check out Gustav Klimt’s painting of Adele Bloch-Bauer—“The Woman in Gold.” For a special dinner, we love La Grenouille for the dover sole with haricot verts and chocolate soufflé.

TOP VIEW: The view of Central Park from Exclusive Resorts’ Trump room 1000/1 can’t be beat.

BEST SOUVENIR: A playbill or ticket from a great performance or game.

FAVORITE EXCLUSIVE RESORTS RESIDENCE: We love Trump International Hotel & Tower for the views, pool, and proximity to Lincoln Center, but Park Avenue’s concierges can’t be beat. That’s why we visit New York so often--to experience both.

GO exclusiveresorts.com/ New-York

TRUMP INTERNATIONAL HOTEL + TOWER®: 5, 2- 2.5-BATH, 1,540-SQUARE FOOT APTS PARK AVENUE PLACE: 14, 2-BEDROOM, 2- 2.5-BATH, 1,272-SQUARE-FOOT APTS

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> Bucket List

Vast Encounters Exclusive Resorts member Barry Murphy returns from an Antarctica journey with Linblad Expeditions, and finds that silence and serenity speak volumes.

The purity of the nothingness of this

SURPRISE FACTOR:

animal life.

Cruising close to a massive, halfmile-long, 500-foot-high iceberg, admiring its almost perfect, circular, window-like opening that punctured its blue and gray facade.

IF YOU GO:

MOST PHOTO-WORTHY MOMENT:

NEVER THOUGHT I’D EXPERIENCE:

In addition to the penguins, the spare and sparse

Enjoy the silence. So rare.

Surprisingly, I joined the nut jobs who did the “polar plunge” off the rear deck. Actually fun. Heart still ticking.

BRAGGING RIGHTS:

The profound feeling of being in a

land truly apart.

READ Barry Murphy’s full interview at curated.exclusiveresorts.com/just-back-from-antarctica

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PHOTOS by Ralph Lee Hopkins

TOP TAKE-AWAY FROM TRIP:

vast, unknown region.

For a private tasting of the Carte Blanche portfolio while visiting one of Exclusive Resortsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Sonoma properties or new Napa residences at The Carneros Inn, contact DJ Warner at dj@carteblanchewine.com

carteblanchewine.com

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