CURATED Magazine by Exclusive Resorts • Fall/Winter 2020

ISLAMORADA F L O R I D A

THE VANGUARD ISSUE F E AT U R I N G

CALIFORNIA ROAD TRIP PHOTOGRAPHER GRAY MALIN INNOVATORS & GAME CHANGERS

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I N FOC US

MOUNTAIN MUSE As visitors choose to settle into western enclaves, cowboy culture is having a moment.

It’s been coined “the great urban exodus”: This past summer, many Americans fled large cities in search of serenity and wide-open spaces. The result? A newfound love affair with the nostalgia and nature of the American West, not to mention record real-estate sales in charming mountain hideaways. Many urbanites have secured alpine retreats, enrolled their children in local schools, and joined small communities. So whether you’re enjoying an adult gap year in Colorado or vacationing with Exclusive Resorts along the shores of Lake Tahoe, one aspect of mountain life remains steadfast: Mother Nature is your daily inspiration.

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CONTENTS 72

ISLAMORADA, FLORIDA

World-class sportfishing, sea-to-table cuisine, romantic coves, and mesmerizing sunsets?

It’s all in a day’s play along this string of enchanting islands.

BY ERIN LENTZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEFANIE MICHEJDA

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SNOW, SAND & CITY

Photographer Gray Malin launches a new Aspen series, inspired by an era of vintage glam, while remaining obsessed with the next ‘it’ destinations.

CURATED BY KARRIE SIMS

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CULINARY ROADTRIP

Exclusive Resorts CEO James Henderson ventures to Napa, California, with his partner, Mary, for a culinary roadtrip into the heart of wine country .

BY JAMES HENDERSON

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Game changers

Five visionaries are shaping our future, one brilliant idea at a time.

BY JEN MUPRHY

on the cover An aerial view of Founder’s Park Beach in Islamorada, Florida.

photograph by Stefanie Michejda

Gray Malin PAGE 82 4

FALL 2020

CONTENTS

DEPARTMENTS

72 Hours at Miraval, Arizona PAGE 38

EXCLUSIVE 16 ICONOCLAST

18

TOMS founder Blake Mycoskie introduces a new venture.

day

in the life

With San Diego surfer Rob Machado.

36 DRIVEN

savor 44 the dish

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HAUTE HIDEAWAY

The Abaco Club on Winding Bay, 2.0.

26 EXCLUSIVE CONNECTIONS

PathNorth0 CEO Doug Holladay.

scene

The Learning Center at Napa Valley Reserve; the wine industry’s female innovators.

54 CHEERS

34 BEAUTY

HORIZON

Mary Allan crafts clean skincare.

Brodeur curates of-the moment reads.

46 say, sommelier

32 LITTLE LUXE

Travel gear for the young adventurist.

travel type

Wild Game author Adrienne

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Chef Kwame Onwuachi’s flame burns bright.

52 EXCLUSIVE INSPIRED

Beach inspired home décor.

brings her stylish approach to Miami.

30 BESPOKE

eye on design

Designer Debora Aguiar

64

72 Hours at Miraval, Arizona.

Transformative travel with Club Member Jim Kitchen.

next flight intriguing.

38 UNPLUGGED

20 MEMBER VETTED

take note

Trending podcasts keep your

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A day at the races with Monticello Motor Club.

The art of the global earth oven.

Mark Ellwood toasts global pop-up cocktail culture.

60 art of travel

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PARTING SHOT Club Member Larry Bridges captures the sights and smiles of Italy.

Le Shack, a chic community hub, debuts in Paris.

2 In Focus

6 Contributors

8 Letter from the CEO

10 Letter from the Editor

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CONTRIBUTORS

MARK ELLWOOD

MICHAEL FRANK

STEF MICHEJDA

Mark Ellwood is a contributing editor to Conde Nast Traveler, editor at large at Robb Report and cohosts Bloomberg’s Travel Genius podcast. He’s interviewed the world’s oldest supermodel, trekked to a $10 billion art island in rural Japan, and spent a weekend in an all-psychic town. Mark is the author of Bargain Fever: How to Shop in a Discounted World, which explores our culture’s snowballing obsession with deals and discounts, from Prada to Primark.

Michael Frank is an adjunct professor of journalism at SUNY New Paltz and a contributor to a range of outlets, from the Wall Street Journal to Fatherly. com, Men’s Journal, and Coolhunting. He’s getting through COVID by doing personal training via Zoom— and taking very long mountain bike rides.

Stefanie Michejda, Tag Media’s Photo Director and selfproclaimed travel junkie, is in charge of researching the inspiring photography found within the pages of CURATED. When she isn’t drooling over travel imagery, she is out exploring the world with her own camera in tow.

DREAM TRIP: Mozambique is my mustgo destination, especially its lush, gorgeous, Maldives coastline around the Bazaruto archipelago. I’ve visited countless times, and it’s never enough. In terms of new destinations, I’m jones-ing to explore southern India, the only part of that country I’ve yet to visit.

DREAM CAR: Late 1960s Volvo 122S Amazon Wagon.

CURRENT OBSESSION: Motorcycles, mostly for off-roading.

DREAM TRIP: A sailing trip in the Sporades, in the Aegean Sea. And my fingers are crossed for a motorcycle tour across the spine of the Rockies next summer.

WOULD MOST LIKE TO PHOTOGRAPH: The list is long!

Topping it are Bhutan, gorilla tracking, Africa, Israel, and Jordan.

CURRENT OBSESSION: My drone. It adds another element to image composition because it offers so many different perspectives. Plus, it’s really fun to fly.

TRIP ON THE HORIZON: My family has been talking a lot about Portugal, the Azores, and Morocco.

social studies As Club Concierge Kathryn Giftos explains, “I wanted to capture this stunning view from Casa La Costa in Real del Mar, Mexico. You feel like you’re on top of the world at this magnificent residence!”

Post your Exclusive Resorts vacation on Instagram and connect with the Club.

@ExclusiveResorts

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

ExclusiveResorts.com/blog

exclusive resorts Exclusive Resorts is the world’s premiere private vacation club, which established a legacy of travel in 2002 and has since upheld the importance of an authentic and superior Club Member experience.

ExclusiveResorts.com 844.541.2714

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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 sarah taylor asquith contributing fashion editor karen larrain

exclusive resorts chief executive officer james henderson senior vice president, marketing joey whelan senior vice president, sales rachel regan

senior manager, brand and communications haley mccoy coordinator, brand and communications payton yoder

contributors Amiee White Beazley, Christine Benedetti, Adrienne Brodeur, Jackie Caradonio, Mark Ellwood, Michael Frank, Karen Larrain, Jen Murphy

editorial inquiries Publisher is not responsible or liable for return or safekeeping of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photographs, or other materials. ©2020 TAG Media. CURATED Magazine is published two times a year.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any material in this publication without publisher’s permission is strictly prohibited.

For editorial inquiries, copies, customer service, or to exhibit or distribute at a business, please inquire at info@tagmediaaspen.com. tag media

0133 Prospector Road; Suite 4102J; Aspen, CO 81611 exclusive resorts club management

1515 Arapahoe Street; Tower 3, Suite 500; Denver, CO 80202 For Membership information and opportunities, call 844.541.2714 or email MembershipDirector@exclusiveresorts.com advertisement herein for any product or service does not constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by exclusive resorts, llc or its affiliates.

Club Membership is subject to terms and conditions of Club Membership agreement. Different terms and conditions apply to different purchases. Reservations for specific days, destinations and events subject to availability. Experience Collection vacations, certain services, amenities and other Member benefits may require additional fees, may have limited availability and are subject to additional terms and conditions. Magazine content is for informational purposes only; The Club disclaims any warranty or representation of any kind; stories do not constitute The Club’s endorsement of any cause or program.

See ExclusiveResorts.com for more information. Exclusive Resorts and the Exclusive Resorts flower logo are registered trademarks of Exclusive Resorts, LLC. ©2020, Exclusive Resorts, LLC. All rights reserved.

—— Islamorada, Florida.

PAGE 82

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LETTER FROM THE CEO

I

These inspirational vanguards, and this unpredictable year, have helped me realize the importance of seizing life’s opportunities in the moment they are presented. Earlier this t’s hard to believe the first time I drafted

year, a good friend of mine related a story to

a letter for CURATED was almost a year

me about the power of simply saying yes. I

ago, right when I joined Exclusive Resorts.

will no longer put things off and save them

Reflecting on all the events that have occurred

for a better time. Today is the day, the time

over the past 12 months has made me realize

is now—you never know what tomorrow may

just how much can change in a short period

bring.

As this year comes to a close, I’m grateful

of time. I’m sure we can all agree 2020 has not quite gone as many of us had planned,

for life’s smaller, seemingly insignificant

but in light of a global pandemic, some things

moments: a quiet morning walk, my daily

remain unchanged: the love for family and

espresso, a beautiful sunset with a glass of

friends, appreciation of travel and exploration,

wine, a good night’s sleep. As we forge into a

the importance of unplugging from devices,

new year, I invite you to join my commitment

and the desire for human connection.

to be in the moment, remain grateful, seek

As this issue took shape during the months

balance, and revel in opportunity.

of COVID, I realized many of the experts

and game changers featured within these

TRAVEL FAR, TRAVEL OFTEN, AND

pages had one thing in common: a desire to

TRAVEL WELL.

connect with people and places in order to foster seismic change. While they might be fighting for various types of change—personal growth, improved education, environmental awareness, cultural connections, healthier living—they discovered their passions and chase them daily.

JAMES HENDERSON Chief Executive Officer

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THE MOST EXHILARATING DISCOVERIES ARE THE ONES YOU MAKE TOGETHER WHETHER IT’S KAYAKING ALONG A SHORE STUDDED WITH FLIGHTLESS CORMORANTS,

observing brown bears salmon fishing, or having close encounters with grey whale mothers and calves, we believe shared activities in a wild and exciting environment can bring a family together. Choose a 2021 Galápagos, Alaska or Baja expedition with Exclusive Resorts, to explore and connect with each other and the natural world—and benefit from our exclusive Global Explorers Program for kids under 18. And because we believe exploring with your kids or grandkids is life-enhancing, take $500 off each child under age 18.

CONTACT YOUR AMBASSADOR 9

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

W

ELCOME TO “THE VANGUARD ISSUE,” A CELEBRATION OF INNOVATORS AND THINKERS.

When we first envisioned this edition, our world had yet to collectively pause. Flights to Virgin Gorda were booked for the cover shoot and many stories had been assigned and completed. As our best-laid plans took

Connection has always been the north star for

a sharp turn, the CURATED team decided it

CURATED, yet it has become imperative since

was best to slow down. We paused to rethink

March 2020. In April, we launched the ongoing

timing, destinations, and, ultimately, our

“Exclusive Connections” webinar series. As its

vision.

host, I’ve been privy to Member conversations

But something interesting happened in the

with incredible doctors, scientists, wellness

midst of it all. Nearly every one of our original

experts, best-selling authors, winemakers,

ideas planned was not only still relevant,

chefs, rocket scientists, and more. The platform

but, in fact, became even more prescient.

has been so well received that we decided to

In the feature titled “Game Changers” (page

celebrate it with a new column named after the

98), you’ll find a chef, toy maker, astronaut,

online series. The first, on page 26, talks with

wildlife photographer, and doctor—all who are

PathNorth founder Doug Holladay about how to

striving to elevate our mindset. With “Travel

raise vibrant children.

that Transforms” (page 20), you’ll meet Club

The CURATED team is honored to bring you

Member Jim Kitchen, whose mission was to

this edition, one that we hope will connect you

visit all 193 UN-recognized countries. In this

to the landscapes you most relish, and to the

story he said something I will always cherish:

vanguards in our Club community and beyond.

“I started to realize it wasn’t nearly as much

I also hope these stories further connect you

fun to collect as it was to connect.”

to yourself—pushing you to think bigger, dream deeper, and spend time with family and friends as we continue to journey together.

ENJOY THE MAGAZINE, AND ITS NEW LOOK!

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20 20

20 20

HOTEL

RESTAURANT

SPA

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WE BUILT A BUSINESS ON AVOIDING CROWDS. Getting where you need to go safely, securely and quickly has always been a luxury, but in today’s world, it’s a necessity. Whether you’re looking to get back to business, rediscover the world, or reunite with family, a Sentient Jet Card can get you there.

Visit SENTIENT.COM to learn more.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF: THE ABACO CLUB ON WINDING BAY

EXCLUSIVE SEA ME The Abaco Club on Winding Bay page 22

ICONOCLAST • DAY IN THE LIFE • MEMBER VETTED • HAUTE HIDEAWAY • EXCLUSIVE CONNECTIONS

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EXCLUSIVE

MADE FOR

MORE

TOMS founder Blake Mycoskie has a new venture delivering something else to your doorstep: holistic wellbeing. written by JACKIE CARADONIO

BLAKE MYCOSKIE IS SUCCESSFUL BY EVERY METRIC IMAGINABLE. The

44-year-old founder of TOMS isn’t just an entrepreneurial whiz—he’s a philanthropic visionary whose $600 million brand has shown that big business can be profitable and charitable at the same time. But a few years ago, all that accomplishment had led to one big road bump: Mycoskie was exhausted.

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ICONOCLAST

“After dedicating 10 years to TOMS, I was burned out,” he says. Though he exercised, spent time with family, and focused on checking off all the boxes of wellbeing, he still felt like something was missing. “I was facing the same challenges that so many people are facing in modern living,” he recalls. “I was on a personal quest to live my best life.”

For Mycoskie, that quest meant more than meditating or yoga. It meant building a new venture from the ground up—one that could identify behaviors to help transform his life and the lives of thousands, maybe even millions. To do that, he partnered with friend and former U.S. Navy Seal, Pat Dossett, and enlisted an elite team of scientists from Harvard and Stanford— neuroscientists, biologists, psychiatrists, and dieticians among them—to determine the characteristics needed to reach that ultimate goal: full potential.

What all their research revealed was a collection of 10 behaviors the modern individual—busy with work and family, distracted by phones and never-ending news alerts, and rarely setting enough time aside for their own needs—neglects. Some behaviors are simple (breathing, hydration, and gratitude, for instance) while others were a bit harder to put a finger on, such as vision and clarity. “These are very simple things,” Mycoskie says. “We all know them, but we don’t necessarily practice them in a way that optimizes our life.”

Together they make up a new 10-month subscription called MadeFor. Launched in March 2020, the program delivers a box to members’ doors every month, with each one dedicated to one of 10 behaviors to foster habits—all to help you craft your best life. Unexpectedly launching amidst the stress of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the MadeFor team quickly rallied and offered Instagram Live tutorials, leadership, and meditation tips to help both members and non-members deal with anxiety and uncertainty.

Mycoskie and Dossett were the project’s first guinea pigs, putting themselves through the 10-month course before enlisting the inaugural group of more than 1,000 to test it out. Like everyone who participated, Mycoskie breezed through some months and struggled with others. Communication was easy for him, for instance.

Hydration—not so much. “I didn’t realize how critical drinking water is to all of your functions,” Mycoskie recalls. “Having enough water in your system can have just as much effect on you as caffeine, and drinking more water made me more intentional in my life.” For many of the research participants, the positive results

—— From top: MadeFor’s monthly deliveries include various challenges crafted by a team of experts and scientists; MadeFor cofounders Blake Mycoskie and Pat Dossett.

went beyond MadeFor’s intended goals—some lost up to 40 pounds; others re-established long-strained relationships. “The people who really put in the work had huge benefits,” Mycoskie says.

MadeFor isn’t designed for any one type of person— it’s democratic, egalitarian, and knows no race or creed.

It’s made for all, if you will. “These 10 foundations have nothing to do with whether you are a student or executive, an athlete or a stay-at-home parent,” Mycoskie says. Not one to leave anyone behind—this is the man who made shoes a philanthropic endeavor, after all—Myscoskie has elected to offer scholarships and financial aid to those who can’t afford the $750 (or $95/month) program.

But for an entrepreneur who built one of the most recognizable brands of the 21 st century from the ground up, Mycoskie surprisingly ignored one of the most fundamental basics of business: ensuring customers return. That was intentional. “One thing that was really important was that we never wanted people to think they were signing up for a monthly subscription that is continually milking you for money like so many companies do,” he says. “When you graduate, you will be different because MadeFor is a mindset intervention.

And we believe that everyone is made for more.”

—getmadefor.com

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EXCLUSIVE

ROB MACHADO’S

SAN DIEGO

Known for sunshine and great surf, San Diego may be Southern California’s most desirable destination. written by SARI ANN TUSCHMAN

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DAY IN THE LIFE

TOP TABLES

SAN DIEGO’S CULINARY SCENE IS SEASONALLY INSPIRED. GEORGE’S AT THE COVE. This mainstay overlooks La Jolla Cove, and Chef-Owner Trey Foshee’s modern California cuisine celebrates the finest seafood and locally sourced produce. georgesatthecove.com

—— Opposite: Surfer Rob Machado.

Right: San Diego’s famous La Jolla Beach.

ADDISON. Located in the Grand Del Mar resort, think French Laundry meets San Diego. The high-end outpost dishes “contemporary haute cuisine” by Chef William Bradley and is known for such delicacies as langoustines with parsley and caviar. addisondelmar.com

PRO SURFER ROB MACHADO IS KNOWN FOR HIS ZEN-LIKE APPROACH TO BOTH LIFE AND WAVES, but that hasn’t stopped

him from realizing major accomplishments both in and out of the water. A member of the Surfer’s Hall of Fame, Machado took home 12 World Championship Tour (WCT) victories over the course of his career. After leaving the tour in 2001, he turned his attention to new opportunities and opened the Salt Culture boutique with his wife, as well as an adjoining surf shop, Salty Garage, which sells custom Rob Machado surfboards. But Machado didn’t stop there, expanding his empire from business pursuits to preserving the planet. He founded the Rob Machado Foundation in 2004 with the goal of encouraging young people to live more sustainable lives.

Machado still resides in the place he was raised, Cardiff-by-the-Sea in North County San Diego. He was recently recognized by his hometown, getting inducted into the Breitbard Hall of Fame by the San Diego Sports Association.

There is no better person to ask about the best ways to experience San Diego than the sunny city’s native son. And considering Exclusive Resorts’ new La Jolla residences, an elevated luxury experience awaits.

FAVORITE SURF BREAK: I keep my surfs pretty close to home—from Cardiff Reef South to Seaside Reef and north to Swami’s.

OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH ADVENTURE: On the south end of the San Elijo Lagoon, there’s a great little hike ending at a spot called The Mushroom

Caves (aka Annie’s Canyon). It’s about three miles and is a narrow, sandstone slot canyon that used to be closed but is now open to the public.

HEALTHY MEAL: After a surf, I stop into the Sambazon Acai Cafe in Cardiff. If you like peanut butter, try the Rob Machado PB & Banana Bowl with acai, chocolate hemp milk, peanut butter, granola, and banana.

GRAB-AND-GO EATERY: Our friends at Seaside Market (see sidebar) always have something freshly made in the deli.

BEST LITTLE-KNOWN LOCALS’ SPOT: Take a stroll through the gardens at the SelfRealization Fellowship. It’s open to the public and has beautiful views.

A DON’T-MISS SAN DIEGO EXPERIENCE: Visit in November 2021 for the Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival. The weather is still nice and it’s a great live music experience.

FAVORITE PLACE TO START THE DAY: Seaside State Beach, located on the border of Solana Beach and Cardiff-by-the-Sea. FAVORITE TOURIST SPOT: Del Mar Racetrack on opening day.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT LIVING IN SAN DIEGO: The beaches.

THING YOU MISS THE MOST WHEN YOU’RE TRAVELING: All of the above!

EL PAISA MEXICAN GRILL. This is a go-to for mouthwatering tacos, served in housemade tortillas. Family run and always fresh, El Paisa is the perfect stop en route to a day at the beach. elpaisamexicangrill.com CARDIFF SEASIDE MARKET. This upscale grocer has amazing prepared foods for a summer picnic or al fresco dinner party. It’s known for wild caught fish, tri-tip steak, and organic produce. seasidemarket.com LIBERTY PUBLIC MARKET. Akin to Pike’s Place in Seattle, this one-stop shop is located in Point Loma’s Liberty Station and features more than 30 vendors. bluebridgehospitality.com

STAY SAN DIEGO Located in the heart of the La Jolla Shores business district, the Club’s two new residences feature three bedrooms with en suite baths, chef-grade kitchens, indooroutdoor living, a subterranean garage accessed by a car lift, and an elevator for exclusive use of the residents.

Residences: 2 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3.5 Sleeps: 6

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EXCLUSIVE

TRAVEL THAT

TRANSFORMS A quest to visit all 193 UN recognized countries dramatically shapes one Member’s perspective on travel. written by JEN MURPHY

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summers in the back of a wood-paneled station wagon, roadtripping with his family from Florida to Washington State. After college, he abandoned his plans to join the CIA and launched a travel company that sold Caribbean tours.

“I joke that I traded Moscow for Montego Bay,” he says. After he sold the company in 2005, he wasn’t sure what his next chapter of life would look like, but he knew travel would play a central role. “I think traveling is what most people live for when they are not stuck doing the mundane to finance their next escape,” he says. Based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Kitchen started teaching at UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School. On a whim, he Googled the number of countries in the world and realized he’d already been to half of them. He thought: Why not see them all? Over the past 30 years, he’s had meaningful experiences in all 193 United Nations-recognized countries. Here, he shares highlights from his globetrotting adventures.

How have you changed as a traveler over the years?

As a young person, I was a collector of places. I raced around ticking boxes. Grand Canyon, check! What’s next? On this big journey, I started to realize it’s not nearly as much fun to collect as it was to connect.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF: JIM KITCHEN

AN EXCLUSIVE RESORTS MEMBER SINCE 2006, JIM KITCHEN, 55, SAYS TRAVEL IS IN HIS DNA. The youngest of five, he spent his childhood

MEMBER VETTED

“I STARTED TO REALIZE IT’S NOT NEARLY AS MUCH FUN TO COLLECT AS IT WAS TO CONNECT.” — MEMBER JIM KITCHEN

How do you connect with people in a new destination, especially when there is a language barrier?

I look for organic experiences. I probably worked about 100 jobs throughout my trips. I’d see people picking bananas in Cameroon and stop and spend time with them. A lot of developing countries connect over food, so I washed carrots in Afghanistan, picked vegetables in Colombia, roasted cashews in GuineaBissau, and made shawarma in Libya.

Can you share an eye-opening moment from your travels?

I was in a crowded market in Afghanistan surrounded by foreign sights, sounds, and smells. People were dressed differently and speaking loudly in this strange language. But when I paused to take it all in, I realized these people are so dissimilar to me yet we all share similar hopes, dreams, and bitter disappointments.

How did you strategize your travel? How much time did you give yourself to make those connections?

I would do three to four weeks of travel at a time, spending three to four days per country. I might fly to Kiev, drive 300 miles south to see a former Russian mission silo, tour the facility, then drive through the countryside to return to Kiev and hit the opera. I call it power traveling—you see more than most people do in one week. I always had a driver and guide and

would stay at a hotel in the heart of town so I could walk out and connect with locals.

A lot of people globetrot in their post-college years, but you embarked on this journey when you were married with two children. How did you incorporate family into your travels?

I think as we get older we become more fearful of the journey we want to take. It feels like there is more at stake. I truly believe visiting new places is the most noble activity we can do. It was important that my family be part of this journey and I took them to the less risky countries. I can tell my kids about poverty but for them to see it in the streets of Delhi, India, gives it context and has a lifelong impact. It makes them so grateful for what they have back home.

What country surprised you most?

Gabon in West Africa is the coolest place on the planet. There is the most amazing rainforest and it meets Africa’s most beautiful beach. If that’s not enough, elephants come out in the morning to frolic on the beach.

What’s next?

I told my wife my journey served as a scouting trip.

I’m making a list of all of the unbelievably fabulous places I want us to go back to as a family. Having walked in every country, I’m now hoping to see it from space. I also plan to write a book about my experience.

—— Clockwise from top left: Club Member Jim Kitchen in Afghanistan; sunset in Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica; prepping shawarma in Libya; sacred crocodiles in West Africa’s Burkina Faso village; roasting cashews in Guinea-Bissau.

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EXCLUSIVE

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HAUTE HIDEAWAY

FAST FORWARD The Abaco Club on Winding Bay, 2.0 written by JEN MURPHY

MOST DAYS IN THE ABACOS —A GROUP OF IDYLLIC WHITESAND ISLANDS AND BARRIER CAYS IN THE NORTHERN BAHAMAS—ARE A DREAM.

But in 2019, Hurricane Dorian, the most powerful hurricane to ever hit the Bahamas, turned paradise into a nightmare in one fell swoop. The storm hit Marsh Harbour, Abaco Island’s commercial hub, as a Category 5 hurricane with wind gusts of up to 220 miles per hour. Thirty minutes away, The Abaco Club at Winding Bay, where Exclusive Resorts has had residences since 2005, miraculously remained standing, sustaining only minor landscaping damage. With much of the island left underwater and without power, the team at The Abaco Club jumped into action, temporarily housing staff members and other islanders who were suddenly homeless. The resort immediately set up the Abaco-Winding Bay Relief Fund on GoFundMe; it’s raised more than $3M, all of which has been injected back into the community. Additionally, a fund was created by Exclusive Resorts, which was further supported by Club Members and employees.

The Abaco Club at Winding Bay reopened on October 29, 2019, and though challenges remain with COVID-19, according to Exclusive Resorts Manager Vandea Stuart, post-hurricane efforts have highlighted the resiliency of the community and the compassion and contributions from

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EXCLUSIVE

Exclusive Resorts Members. The Abacos have long lured visitors with world-class fishing, sailing, and golf, but the warmth of the locals is what keeps people coming back year after year.

“A lot of Members and guests who have been coming regularly were anxious to get back and help,” says Stuart. “I tell them just by coming and taking a taxi to The Abaco Club and going to the grocery store funds someone’s pocket. It’s the little things that make the biggest differences.”

Stuart has been arranging calls with firsttime Members to set expectations upon arrival.

“Everything at The Abaco Club is just as it was, if not better, but as far as Marsh Harbour, the restaurants and bars are all but gone.” Signs of rebirth, however,

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are noticeable every day. The main supermarket, Maxwell’s, is open and fully stocked with fresh produce and other essentials. And businesses that lost their spaces, including the local bank and cable company, moved into Maxwell’s while being rebuilt.

Exclusive Resorts Regional Manager Cody Crowe recently visited Abaco and explains, “More things are coming on line in the areas surrounding the resort, but as far as The Abaco Club is concerned, which is only 20 minutes from the airport, it’s just as you remember it.” The bonefishing he adds, is spectacular. “The area is famous for bonefishing, and currently there are fewer people, which means less pressure on the fish, and all the more reason to book a fishing trip.”

HAUTE HIDEAWAY

STAY THE ABACO CLUB ON WINDING BAY The Abaco Club on Winding Bay features an 18-hole Scottish-style golf course, state-of-the-art fitness center and full-service spa, infinity edge pool, and allweather tennis courts.

Residences: 6 Bedrooms: 4 Baths: 4.5 Sleeps: 8

DAY IN THE LIFE 7 A.M. Wake up and paddleboard to the tiny island right offshore Abaco’s three-mile beach, where you’ll spy sea turtles and rays.

9 A.M. Enjoy an al fresco breakfast at Flippers Beach Bar, which frames the cerulean waters and pristine beach.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF: THE ABACO CLUB ON WINDING BAY

11 A.M. Have your Concierge arrange a private boat charter and experience crystal-clear snorkeling near scenic cays.

Stuart says the island experience still shines. The Abaco Club menus have been met with rave reviews, and the beach activities center has added a new marina and additional water sports equipment. Just a 10-minute drive from the resort, the new Abaco Yacht Club at Little Harbour is a coveted locale for boat owners. Members can also day-trip to Hope Town for lunch, and about seven restaurants on the outer cays have reopened. “We send Members to fish and island hop,” she says. And the beloved beach bar, Pete’s Pub, has bounced back, too. “When you decide to come and visit, your vacation really makes a difference,” says Stuart.

—— Opposite: The horseshoe-shaped bay creates a tranquil beach.

From top: Happy hour in Abaco is framed by unforgettable sunsets; the area is famous for bonefishing.

1 P.M. Your boat pulls into Pete’s Pub, where you’ll sip a rum-infused Blaster cocktail, enjoy a conch burger, and learn about Grand Abaco’s bonefishing lore.

4 P.M. Happy hour! Take in the view of Winding Bay with an island-inspired cocktail at The Cliff House.

5 P.M. Time for pampering at The Abaco Club spa.

Favorite treatments include sugar and salt scrubs.

7:30 P.M. It’s back to the scenic Cliff House for a decadent dinner. Opt for the fresh lobster, blackened grouper, or the signature conch chowder.

TEE TIME “The golf course is reopened and is immaculate,” says Exclusive Resorts Regional Manager Cody Crowe. You may just be teeing off next to Ryder Cup captain and golf champion Darren Clarke, who owns a home at The Abaco Club. Golfers will be perfectly challenged as they play tropical links—designed by renowned golf course architects Donald Steel and Tom Mackenzie—alongside a gorgeous seaside setting.

25

EXCLUSIVE

THE POWER

OF EXPLORATION According to author Doug Holladay, founder and CEO of PathNorth, allowing our children to fail forward may be one of the important lessons learned, and travel remains integral in elevating children’s emotional intelligence. written by DOUG HOLLADAY

FOR MORE THAN FOUR DECADES, I’VE WORKED CLOSELY WITH SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEURS, COLLEAGUES AT THE WHITE HOUSE, THE STATE DEPARTMENT, GOLDMAN SACHS, AND THE BRIGHT MBA STUDENTS IN MY CLASSES AT GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS.

I’ve observed them and I’ve listened to their stories. Among the many valuable lessons they’ve taught me is the importance of teaching our children to embrace and take smart risks in life.

These days, unfortunately, parents’ expectations and need for control can put screws on that, so cultivating emotional support and fostering vibrant environments are key.

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EXCLUSIVE CONNECTIONS

“TRAVEL HAS BEEN A CENTRAL DOORWAY TO EXPANDING AND ENRICHING OURSELVES. KEEP EXPOSING CHILDREN TO THIS MAGICAL, COMPLICATED WORLD.” — DOUG HOLLADAY

GIVE YOUR KIDS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT. Margot Bisnow, a researcher and author of “Raising an Entrepreneur,” has long puzzled over the notion of risktaking.

She shed some light on the subject by asking a group of young, successful entrepreneurial risk-takers about how they were raised. Their answers were surprisingly consistent: They all had a parent or caregiver who believed in them, period.

Being an entrepreneur is bruising and hard, full of selfdoubt and fearfulness. Inevitably, your mind is swimming with voices, internal and external, urging you to give up, grow up, and get a “normal” job. You need that one reassuring voice that believes in you, often when you don’t see the way forward.

One effective way to instill that voice in our children is to offer strong emotional support. Studies have shown that when kids are supported emotionally (e.g., parents practice gestures or acts of care, acceptance, and assistance), they are more likely to be proud of their skills, in addition to being confident and fearless.

But it’s not about raising an entrepreneur. While strong emotional support might produce a gifted college dropout who launches a technology company, it might also produce a steady professional who earns a law degree and practices that craft dutifully, or a fifth-grade teacher who relishes shaping young minds.

The path taken is almost irrelevant. The main thing is that our children are able to face their fears and simply do it, whether they embark on what is perceived by others as high-risk or not.

CREATE THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT. An environment that enables us to take appropriate risks isn’t just a place; it’s a mindset. Children who are encouraged to play and explore are more comfortable with risk and its range of implications.

But the desire for control and order can stifle the imaginative, risk-taking side of a young person. Often at airports, I see overwhelmed “responsible” parents scolding their young, restless children. “Johnny, stop running! Sit down and behave,” they chide, when all their children were doing was energetically exploring their new environment.

As a father, I understand parents’ tendency to project their own fears onto their children. But here’s the thing: Humans are made to explore, and as we age, our social cues become more pronounced. Alison Gopnik, a child-development psychologist at the University of California, Berkeley, writes, “We do less [play] as we get older and become less willing to explore novel alternatives and more conditioned to stick with familiar ones.”

For many of us, travel has been a central doorway to expanding and enriching ourselves. To hear different languages, eat different foods and see with different eyes is life changing, building confidence and igniting curiosity. We live in a time where we know too much and thus fear everything and everyone. If we’re not careful, we project this onto our children. The world is far safer than our imaginations often allow. It still beckons us to explore and see with new eyes. Keep exposing your children to this magical, complicated world through travel. It will make them better people, full of gratitude (and good citizens), as they understand cultural differences and the wonders of the world as their friend not to be feared.

So allow your kids to push frontiers, make mistakes, and discover new paths when they are young. You can do it in little ways: Encourage them to try a new food, have a conversation with a classmate they might not engage with, or read a book outside their usual genre of choice.

They might not enjoy the experience, but they will grow up and start to see that risk—the unfamiliar—is their friend and teacher.

—— Above: Holladay’s book stresses both purpose and passion.

Opposite: A family makes new memories while hiking in Norway.

J. Douglas Holladay is a professor at the Georgetown University School of Business and founder & CEO of PathNorth. He is also the author of the new book “Rethinking Success: Eight Essential Practices for Finding Meaning in Work and Life,” published by HarperCollins. Previously, Holladay was an investment banker at Goldman Sachs and worked for the White House as a Special Ambassador coordinating international relations.

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SOMETHING PROFOUNDLY ELSE Not living close to the ocean. But on it.

A home, not to take care of but to take care of you.

Leaving you nothing to do but get even closer.

To the island and the people you love.

It’s something you have to experience. Watching whales play as you’re

Oceanfront Residences

sitting on your lanai. Pausing to pick a mango on your morning walk.

Owning a home that anticipates your every need. Come see.

TimbersKauai.com/curated 808.600.3412

TIMBERS COLLECTION l Aspen l Bachelor Gulch l Cabo San Lucas l Jupiter l Kaua‘i l Kiawah Island l Maui l Napa l Scottsdale l Snowmass l Sonoma l Southern California l Steamboat l Tuscany l U.S. Virgin Islands l Vail This advertisement does not constitute an offer to sell nor the solicitation of an offer to purchase made in any jurisdiction nor made to residents of any jurisdiction, including New York, where registration is required. Tower Kauai Lagoons LLC uses the Timbers Resort,® Timbers Collection® and certain other Timbers brand names under a limited non-transferable license in connection with the sales and marketing of the Hokuala Kauai™ – A Timbers Resort® (the “Project”). If this license is terminated or expires without renewal, the Project will no longer be identified with nor have any right to use the Timbers® marks and names. All renderings depicted in this advertisement are illustrative only and may be changed at any time. All rights reserved.

28

Seaworthy sojourns inspire year-round fashion and design.

“SOCIAL CALL” PHOTOGRAPH, BY SLIM AARONS. PHOTO COURTESY OF WWW.JONATHANADLER.COM

page 30

SCENE

BEACH CHIC

BES POKE • LIT T LE LUXE • BE AU T Y • D R IV E N • U N PLU G G E D

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SCENE

SUN

KISSED

Home accoutrements to brighten up outdoor spaces. curated by KAREN LARRAIN

1

HELLO, VITAMIN SEA! As the seasons change, why not give your outdoor living space some playful pops of color and inspired accents? Herewith, your inspired chic sheet.

Above: Exclusive Resorts’ new La Jolla residence. Opposite: Serene hues of the Bahamas invoke design inspiration.

1. Serena & Lily Coral Chandelier $2,198 serenaandlily.com 2. Celerie Kemble Georgina Outdoor Pillow (20x20) $215 onekingslane.com 3. Jonathan Adler Menagerie Seahorse Sculpture $150 jonathanadler.com

2 3

4

—— 4. Serena & Lily Round Beach Towel $78 serenaandlily.com 5. Missoni Home Jalamar Lounger $3,081 Missoni Home NY Showroom; missoni.com

5

30

BESPOKE

31

SCENE

Playful 32 bunk rooms at the Ho’olei Villas at Grand Wailea on Maui, Hawaii.

LITTLE LUXE

HAVE KIDS

WILL TRAVEL Cheerful travel gear inspires young adventurists. curated by KAREN LARRAIN READY, SET, PLAY! Studies claim that travel and the great outdoors positively affect an elevated mental state. Ensure the littles venture in style with these fun-filled products.

2

3 —— 1. Away The Kids’ Carry-On $195 awaytravel.com

1

2. Smythson Menagerie Tamarin Soho Notebook $285 smythson.com 3. Canon Ivy Cliq Instant Camera Printer $89 shop.usa.canon.com

5

—— 4. Wireless Express Retro Mini Boom Box $49 maisonette.com 5. JetKids by Stokke Bed Box in Pink $149 maisonette.com 6. Snurk Living Astronaut Duvet Set, $119-149. maisonette.com

4 6

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SCENE

CLEAN &

EFFECTIVE Mary Allan is taking the mystery out of skincare— one client at a time. written by JACKIE CARADONIO

34

BEAUTY

IN A WORLD OF OVER-THE-TOP AND OVERPRICED SKINCARE, IT’S ALL TOO EASY TO LOSE OUR WAY AMONG THE ENDLESS BUZZWORDS : organic, scientific, anti-aging, firming—the list goes on . Every day, it seems another

fountain of youth in a bottle pops up, and with it comes the clamoring hordes in search of the next big thing in skincare perfection. And that, says Mary Allan, is one of the biggest problems in her industry. “Most consumers are overwhelmed with the choices and don’t know which products will give them the results they are looking for because there are so many products to choose from,” the founder of Mary Allan Skincare says.

“The one thing I see over and over again is women buying products not meant for their skin type.”

Allan has seen all the trends and foibles over her nearly 30 years in the business. Stints with Body Shop, Jurlique, Dermalogica, and other cult favorites have made her not just an expert in effective natural skincare—they’ve made her a pioneer. In 2018, after decades of creating formulations for top brands and private clients, Allan took her highly personalized approach to beauty public with the launch of Mary Allan Skincare.

It all starts with a questionnaire. Take note: This isn’t your typical automated Q&A with a handful of prescribed outcomes that recommend a pre-packaged collection of products for the usual skin types. “It’s impossible to be a one-size-fits-all skincare brand,” Allan argues, citing lifestyle factors and other issues that impact skin beyond the typical “oily,” “dry,” and “combination” designations. Thus, new clients spend roughly 15 minutes on a highly detailed typed interview, in which they supply details about their lives (how often they travel, what kind of climate they live in, how much sleep they get) along with details of their skin and existing skincare regimen—and even a photo for Allan and her team of aestheticians to study, down to the pore.

“You really need someone trained in skincare to be able to navigate the best ingredients to achieve the best results for your skin,” Allan says. To that end, her team puts together “discovery kits,” determining the products that will have the biggest impact for each case. For those who say their pores are clogged, for instance, Allan analyzes the products they already

use. “Sometimes it’s as simple as removing comedogenic ingredients like avocado oil from their regimen,” she explains. For others, it’s a matter of the form in which their skincare comes, whether it’s an oil, a water-based serum, or a heavier or lighter moisturizer. Allan makes it all, so whether you have aging skin thirsting for Vitamin C, oily skin craving balance, or something in-between, there’s a regimen that fits the bill.

Behind so many of the “miracle” products out there is a veritable landfill of pitfalls: ingredients which have lost their potency by the time you buy them, products filled with parabens and other toxins, and ingredients (like plastic!) that may even harm your skin (not to mention the environment).

Allan addresses all of this, from the organic, nontoxic ingredients she sources worldwide from small fair-trade artisan cooperatives and sustainable farms to the glass bottles in which her products come. Simple and uncluttered, they look as fresh and inspiring in your medicine cabinet as they feel when you smooth them on your face. And because each product is based on you—your skin, your life, and most importantly, your goals—results, those elusive improvements we hope for but rarely seem to get from the latest product du jour, are apparent in just weeks.

“My goal is to help women celebrate their own unique beauty and individuality,” Allan says. “I do not follow trends or the latest on social media.

I’m focused on long-term relationships with my customers—women who resonate with my brand, who care about what they are putting on their skin, and who know they don’t need to fit into a defined definition of beauty.” —maryallan.com

“MY GOAL IS TO HELP WOMEN CELEBRATE THEIR OWN UNIQUE BEAUTY AND INDIVIDUALITY.” — MARY ALLAN, FOUNDER OF

MARY ALLAN SKINCARE

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SCENE

A DAY AT

THE RACES Auto writer Michael Frank takes to Monticello Motor Club during an Exclusive Resorts event, where an adrenaline-fueled track hosts the finest in upscale automobiles.

I RECENTLY TOOK A SHORT, 40-MINUTE HELICOPTER RIDE FROM MIDTOWN MANHATTAN TO THE CATSKILLS. It wasn’t to see a show

at a supper club. Rather, it was to burn rubber at Exclusive Resorts’ VIP Member event in partnership with BMW. Not on the street, but at Monticello Motor Club, a private race facility for auto enthusiasts and recent addition to the Club’s suite of VIP Member Benefits.

Monticello has exactly the right set up: Its 4.1mile, 22-turn track is not only world-class, but is FIA- and Indy Car racing-certified, purpose-built to progressively teach experienced and novice drivers.

“We want to be sure our 600 members are always challenged regardless of their skillset,” says Kyle Ehrmann, MMC’s Executive Vice President.

36

“Everyone can find their edge. Some parts of the track are relatively easy at slower speeds, yet become harder the faster you’re able to drive.”

Instruction remains Monticello’s north star. Many MMC members store their exotic street and racing cars at the club, helicoptering in from Boston, NYC, and Washington to get one-on-one pro instruction.

When I visited, pro-racing coaches calmly and patiently radioed into my car with subtle pointers.

The more comfortable I got, the faster we drove, until I could place the BMW M2 I was driving within a sand-grain of where a pro would drive.

Think of it like driver’s ed, but with an intravenous hit of Red Bull.

At the go-kart track, coaches helped me screech Mini Coopers around super-tight corners, chasing other Exclusive Resorts Members’ best laps down

DRIVEN

INSIDER ACCESS

Taste of The Track Monticello Motor Club’s Silver Membership starts at $65,000 plus $6,200 in annual dues for 15 days of driving per season.

Want to try before you buy?

Exclusive Resorts Members are invited to experience a Taste of the Track for a full-day of driving with a professional MMC coach.

Book a level 2 or 3 experience and receive a complimentary Porsche upgrade. Email info@ monticellomotorclub.com or visit The Source to learn more.

DRIVEN The BMW M8 Competition Coupe

—— From left: The BMW M Series was the main attraction at Monticello Motor Club’s Exclusive Resorts event; Club Members with the ultimate driving machine; getting revved for track laps.

to hundredths of a second. Smoking the cars’ tires became a serious competition, with a lot of laughter, as we battled it out. By the end I was ragged from an hour-long adrenaline jag.

I was also a better driver.

Since opening in 2008, Monticello Motor Club has evolved, now offering an off-road rally school and America’s only sleep-away camp for teen drivers.

“This is about learning to drive any car better, whether it’s our BMWs or your own car,” says Ehrmann, stressing that members visit as families, mastering not just racing, but driving safely. “It’s a safe place for your kid to learn how to panic stop before a deer jumps in front of them.”

Naturally, it’s a lot of fun, too. Come winter, the track team packs down slush and teaches ice driving. What’s missing? Nothing but more coveted lap time.

“EVERYONE CAN FIND THEIR EDGE. SOME PARTS OF THE TRACK ARE RELATIVELY EASY AT SLOWER SPEEDS, YET BECOME HARDER THE FASTER YOU’RE ABLE TO DRIVE.”

With 617 horsepower jetting from its 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V8, I had a thrilling time ripping this car around the mushroom section of the MMC track. I also had help.

The M8’s all-wheel drive sends power through an excellent, eight-speed manual paddle shift gearbox. If the rear tires start to slip, more juice gets sent forward, so the grip feels almost endless. On the drag-strip start (of course we did that!) I used launch control and experienced The M8’s brain-warping, 553 pound-feet of torque. It blasted the car forward and past 60 mph in just three seconds.

The ultra-direct steering, extrastout brakes and rock-solid chassis all proved themselves on the track. So, sure, it’ll crank to 189 mph, but the rest of the time, the M8 Competition Coupe is a daily driver, grocery getter, and a tire-scorching, ultimate racing machine. BMW M8 Competition Coupe | $146,000

— KYLE EHRMANN, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, MONTICELLO MOTOR CLUB

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SCENE

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UNPLUGGED

72 HOURS>

MIRAVAL

A launchpad for syncing mind, body, and spirit? Done! written by ERIN LENTZ

PHOTO COURTESY OF MIRAVAL AZ

AS I BUMPED ALONG THE DIRT ROAD TOWARD MIRAVAL ARIZONA, my

anticipation to meet the famous Wyatt Webb was palpable. Nicknamed the “horse whisperer,” I’d read Webb’s book and diligently researched the resort’s world-class equine therapy program.

My mission was to immerse myself in Miraval’s overarching wellness perspective: living life in balance, which places purpose and people firmly at its core. What I discovered was not only a serene sanctuary, but a philosophy. As Miraval Director of Spa and Wellbeing Simon Marxer says: “We talk about the ‘day-two shoulder drop.’ People show up for all different reasons, but by day two we see their shoulders drop as they relax.” And on my day-two shoulder drop, when I finally met Webb, I was captivated. The biggest takeaway?

Intention is everything.

So if you intend to unwind soon at Miraval Arizona, expect your experience to be as unique as the Sonoran Desert.

Every incarnation of Miraval is unified by a common thread: discovery, mindfulness, and authenticity. Here’s Cliffs Notes to an incredible stay at Miraval Arizona.

—— Left: The Sacred Labyrinth at Miraval Arizona.

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SCENE

40

UNPLUGGED

MIRAVAL MUSTS

STAY MIRAVAL ARIZONA

Noel Patterson’s “All the Buzz.” After guests are outfitted in head-to-toe beekeeper suits, Miraval’s resident beekeeper leads you to the site of his colony to learn about connection and community.

Walk Miraval’s organic garden. While strolling past edible pea, cucumber, and onion flowers (dee-lish), you’ll learn Tucson’s peaches rival those in Georgia.

Following a tough Pilates Fusion workout, indulge in the Abundance Body Ritual, staged in the outdoor New Life Treatment rooms at the Life in Balance Spa.

Walk the Sacred Labyrinth for a sunset meditation. As the sun delivers a brilliant curtsy over the Catalina Mountains, the maze casts a spell on both physical and emotional landscapes.

landscaped courtyard

The aforementioned Equine Therapy with Wyatt Webb cannot be missed. During Webb’s famous “It’s Not About the Horse” experience, the animal serves as an energetic mirror that reflects patterns of learned behavior that either enhance or detract from your life. Webb guides your group in realizing psychological blocks, explaining that it is not about the horse, it’s about you.

materials and modern

Also at the Life in Balance Spa, opt for the Niramaya Facial, a 60-minute treatment named for the Sanskrit word for health and tranquility.

Your skin’s luminosity is reignited with a complexion-smoothing sweet cherry enzyme peel followed by an argan and peptide-rich cream.

Sink into the rhythm of the resort during Cardio Drumming—a high-energy workout that fuses traditional aerobics with the beat of drums.

Enter and exit your residence through a beautifully with a calming water feature. Envirofriendly, your villa boasts natural décor that celebrate ample Arizona daylight.

Enjoy a spacious living area with retractable, floor-to-ceiling glass walls, fireplaces in the living room and master suite, and an expansive outdoor terrace featuring a gas

—— Opposite: The desert backdrop informs the design of outdoor spaces and pools. Below: Equine therapy at Miraval Arizona.

fire pit and 360-degree views of the Sonoran Desert and Catalina Mountains.

Residences: 8 Bedrooms: 2-3 Bathrooms: 2.5 Accommodates: 4-6

PHOTO COURTESY OF MIRAVAL AZ

41

SAVE ON YOUR NEXT RENTAL AS AN EXCLUSIVE RESORTS MEMBER, YOU ARE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE THE BENEFITS OF AN AVIS CHAIRMAN’S CLUB MEMBERSHIP. This INVITATION-ONLY membership grants you access to EXCLUSIVE PRIVILEGES such as guaranteed availability, complimentary upgrades to the best car available, complimentary car delivery, personal valet return, and more.

For more information or to enroll, visit

AVIS.COM/EXCLUSIVERESORTS

or contact your Exclusive Resorts Ambassador.

Terms and Conditions: Terms and benefits of the program are subject to change at any time without prior notifi cation. Upgrade to best car is based on best available car at the time of rental when you reserve an intermediate car or higher. Free upgrade to the best car available does not apply to Select Series (X car group) or on long-term rentals (i.e., mini-lease); you have the option to rent the upgraded vehicle, if available, at the applicable rate in eff ect at the time of the rental. Car deliveries in excess of 25 miles are subject to an additional fee. Only spouses or signifi cant others are permitted to pick up the vehicle in the member’s name; additional driver fees apply. Family members, co-workers, and other persons are not authorized representatives of the member and are not permitted to pick up the vehicle and access member benefi ts. ©2020 Avis Rent A Car System, LLC

False Alarm? At Death & Co in Los Angeles, it’s a cocktail worth celebrating. page 54

SAVOR

SEASONAL SIPS

PHOTO BY: PASCAL SHIRLEYV

Fall Bounty T H E DIS H • SAY, S O MME LIE R • E XCLU S IVE INS PIRE D • CH E E R S 43

SAVOR

HEATING UP On the heels of his memoir, Notes from a Young Black Chef, Kwame Onwuachi’s flame is burning bright. written by CHRISTINE BENEDETTI

KWAME ONWUACHI SERVED ESCOVITCH, A JAMAICAN DISH CONSISTING OF FRIED FISH TOPPED WITH PICKLED VEGETABLES AND SPICY SAUCE, WHEN HE MADE HIS DEBUT AT THE 2019 FOOD & WINE CLASSIC IN ASPEN.

On parade as one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs, Onwuachi celebrated the spotlight—“it was a big experience,” he says.

44

THE DISH

RECIPE, PLEASE!

“IT DOESN’T MATTER IF YOU’RE 90 OR 19, IT’S WHAT YOU DO AT THE TIME THAT’S MOST IMPACTFUL.”

Kwame Onwuachi’s Shrimp and Chorizo White Bean Stew 1 tbsp Canola oil

— CHEF KWAME ONWUACHI

1 bunch Broccoli rabe, florets 1 can White beans, great northern 2 oz

Chorizo

12 each Shrimp, medium, peeled 1 Large yellow onion, diced 12 Garlic cloves, sliced 1 each Serrano chili, sliced 6 each Thyme sprigs

—— Opposite: Kwame Onwuachi.

Above: The chef’s 2019 memoir celebrates resiliency.

The Caribbean inspiration ties back to his family roots, which also connect to Trinidad, Louisiana, and Nigeria — he lived in the latter for two years with his grandfather starting at age 10. These influences anchor his award-winning restaurant, Kith/Kin, which anchors the Intercontinental Hotel in Washington D.C., an unlikely location for what Esquire named one of the Best New Restaurants in America last year.

But the road to accolades wasn’t an easy one, and celebrating his heritage wasn’t always part of his persona. The 30-year-old grew up mostly in the Bronx, where he couldn’t escape dropping out of school, selling drugs, and joining a gang, all of which is detailed in his 2019 memoir, Notes from a Young Black Chef. He pivoted in his 20s, and launched a culinary journey that started with selling candy on the subway in New York to pay for his fledgling catering business. Eventually, he attended the Culinary Institute of America, worked at Eleven Madison Park and Per Se, and landed on Top Chef in 2015.

That all brought him to 2019, when he topped national lists and was awarded the James Beard Award for Rising Star Chef of the Year. “I’m still a chef at the end of the day,” says Onwuachi, amid all the praise, expectations, and publicity. “I come up with a menu, and my creativity is inspired by life itself—through travels, reading, meeting new people, or experiencing new foods.” Kith/Kin constantly evolves, and he continues to put new projects on his to-do list; 2021 includes a feature-length film about his life story, adding executive producer to his list of accomplishments.

And what has he learned during his short but explosive time on earth? “Be yourself, don’t worry what others think of you,” he says. “It doesn’t matter if you’re 90 or 19, it’s what you do at the time that’s most impactful.”

3 each Bay leaves ½

Lemon

2 tsp Smoked paprika 2 cups Chicken stock to taste Kosher salt 1. Take the chorizo (or vegan sausage) and break into crumbles. Add to the pan with the onion, chili, and garlic on medium heat. Cook for 5 minutes or until the onion is translucent. Add the beans, chicken stock, bay leaves, and thyme. Simmer for 10 minutes.

2. While that is simmering, place the canola oil in a sauté pan on high heat. When the pan is smoking, add the broccoli rabe, season with salt, and cook until caramelized on both sides.

Remove from the pan.

3. Season the shrimp with the

PLAY EPICURIOUS

paprika and salt and sear in the same pan on high heat. Add a little more oil if needed. Remove

The Food & Wine Classic in Aspen 2021 will be tastier than ever,

from pan.

4. At this point the beans should

featuring top chefs and internationally

be finished cooking. Season

lauded wine experts.

to taste. Plate the beans in

STAY

a shallow bowl. Top with the broccoli rabe and shrimp,

Aspen, Colorado | Hotel Collection

squeeze the juice of half a

Escape to the Hotel Jerome, an Auberge

lemon over it all, and enjoy!

Resort. Aspen began as a bustling mining town, faded away to a virtual ghost town, then was revived as a hideaway of the rich and famous—and Hotel Jerome has seen it all. Located in the heart of Aspen,

this iconic hotel is your historical and chic headquarters for year-round outdoor adventure.

45

SAVOR

OENOPHILE Legendary winemaker Bill Harlan’s Learning Center toasts a unique approach to wine education. written by JEN MURPHY

“WINE CAN BE SO MUCH FUN,”

says Kelli White, Director of Wine Education at the Learning Center, which serves both the Napa Valley Reserve and Meadowood Napa Valley. “It is something to be enjoyed, not dissected. Yet, wine education often takes place in a very sterile room and is very serious and academic.”

The brainchild of legendary Napa Valley winemaker Bill Harlan, the Learning Center provides wine education for guests of Meadowood Resort (the five-star resort founded in 1979) and members of Napa Valley Reserve, Harlan’s elite wine club. Unlike a traditional wine school, lessons often take place outside a classroom. They might be hosted poolside in cabanas or at picnic tables looking out across Napa Valley Reserve’s famed vineyards.

When concepting the Learning Center’s curriculum, White, along with Associate Director of Wine Education, Sarah Bray, looked at other educational programs around the world for inspiration, including the School of Life in London, the Aspen Institute, and the Grasse Institute of Perfumery in France.

Unlike traditional wine education programs, the women will take a multi-disciplinary approach to teaching, including thought leaders from nonrelated wine fields and weaving intellectual through lines and cultural elements into their courses.

“Wine does not have raspberries in it,” observes

46

Bray, a comment that immediately bonded Bray and White.

“We’re already in this land of metaphor,” says White. “There’s no reason to expand it. We wanted to create a program where the aroma wheels go out the door and instead, we bring in the world of art, music, sports, finance, business, cars. We want to discuss how wine makes you feel in addition to how it tastes.”

Creative class topics include the art of the label, a deep dive into the relationship between iconic wineries and fine art, and the role wine has played in major wars. Many classes are Napacentric, however White intends to also feature outside wines to compare and contrast terroir.

Bray says one major goal is to expand the vocabulary around wine. “We want to move away from technical descriptions like, ‘this wine is red fruited and has medium acid’ and get more evocative,” she says. “A wine can also be athletic or slow moving like a stream.”

White and Bray could both easily geek out on wine esoterica.

As the first female sommelier in more than a decade at New York City’s Veritas, White oversaw one of the world’s most highly regarded wine lists. She then moved on to Napa Valley,

SAY, SOMMELIER

—— From left: Kelli White and Sarah Bray of the Learning Center at Napa Valley Reserve; a blind tasting at Meadowood Napa Valley; Bray helms a private blending class.

CELLAR STARS

“WE WANT TO DISCUSS HOW WINE MAKES YOU FEEL IN ADDITION TO HOW IT TASTES.” — KELLI WHITE

where she earned acclaim for the wine list at St. Helena’s Press restaurant and for the 2015 publication of her book, titled Napa Valley, Then & Now. For her part, Bray’s impressive resume includes a stint as brand strategist for the wine auction division at Sotheby’s. She was also the European Director of VinConnect, where she developed marketing channels with such top European estates as Champagne Philipponnat and Château Léoville Poyferré.

“We want to cultivate long-term relationships with our clients around wine and education,” says White, emphasizing intimacy, a core foundation of the Learning Center mission. “We see ourselves as guides taking our clients on a wine education journey. Our mantra is meet them where they are and take them where they want to go.”

Sarah Bray Reveals Meadowood Napa Valley’s Superb Standouts 2014 THE HILT “THE VANGUARD” “The Hilt wines are inspired by a single place: the cool, wind-whipped Rancho Salsipuedes in the Santa Rita Hills AVA and its distinctive vineyards.

The blocks used to craft The Vanguard are slightly more protected from the wind, resulting in an opulent and richly textured style of Pinot Noir.”

2014 THE MASCOT “The Mascot is a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon made from distinct hillside vineyards, specifically the younger vines of BOND, Harlan Estate, and Promontory, providing an expressive and approachable wine that balances energy and density.”

2013 PHILIP TOGNI VINEYARD CABERNET “The organically farmed Togni vineyard and winery is located at 2,000 feet in the Spring Mountain AVA, producing restrained yet generous wines.

Representative of mountain fruit, this distinctive Napa Cabernet is tinged with old world character.”

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SAVOR

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SAY, SOMMELIER

BEHIND THE

BOTTLE

From the cellar to the C-suite, these trailblazing women are shaping the next generation in wine. written by AMIEE WHITE BEAZLEY

WHILE 2019 WENT DOWN IN HISTORY AS ONE OF THE WILDEST HARVEST YEARS IN TERMS OF GLOBAL WEATHER, IT REMAINS A FANTASTIC VINTAGE. Building on their knowledge of past success and using the momentum of future harvests, these pioneers, innovators, and entrepreneurs are known throughout the industry for elevating the international wine scene.

THE OWNER

Kate Solari Baker Owner, Larkmead Vineyards This year, Larkmead Vineyards celebrates its 125 th anniversary in Napa Valley, anchoring its legendary reputation. In 1993, Kate Solari Baker and her husband, Cam, took over the vineyard from Kate’s father, Larry, a giant in the California wine industry.

“Larkmead has been an epicenter of the pioneering spirt of Napa Valley,” says Solari Baker.

“Its early years were shaped by Lillie Hitchcock Coit, a woman far ahead of her time, who named the estate in the late 19 th century and drew attention to Napa Valley through her friendships with writers and artists like Robert Louis Stevenson and Jack London. In the 20 th century, Dr. Harold Olmo of UC Davis, one of history’s most influential viticulturists, chose Larkmead as the ideal site to develop what became one of California’s most

—— Opposite: Rania Zayyat. From top: Mary Gorman- McAdams; Tondi Bolkan.

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SAVOR

“MY HUSBAND AND I ARE HONORED TO BE THE STEWARDS OF THIS INCREDIBLE LAND, PRESERVING AND PROTECTING IT FOR POSTERITY.” — KATE SOLARI BAKER

—— Right: Kate Solari Baker.

Opposite: The coveted fruit of Napa Valley.

widely planted Cabernet Sauvignon clones.”

Today, Larkmead is known for its phenomenal showcase of terroir, as seen in the 2016 Dr. Olmo and Solari Cabernet Sauvignons and the 2018 Tocai Friulanoa (75 percent Tocai Friulanoa and 25 percent Sauvignon Blanc). In 2014 it completed the second phase of its tasting room, a must-see during any Napa sojourn.

“My husband and I are honored to be the stewards of this incredible land, preserving and protecting it for posterity,” adds Solari Baker. “We believe that family ownership is key to maintaining Napa Valley as an authentic, special place to live and visit.”

—larkmead.com

THE EDUCATOR

Mary Gorman-McAdams, Master of Wine and Director of the International Wine Center After nearly six years with the Bordeaux Wine Council, Mary Gorman-McAdams recently became Director at International Wine Center (IWC) to help lead and build the lauded school, which offers courses to both wine professionals, consumers, and enthusiasts across all levels.

“Twenty-five years ago, IWC founder Mary Ewing-

50

Mulligan, Master of Wine, had the vision to realize how important wine education and wine credentials would become within the U.S. and brought WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) to the U.S.,” says Gorman-McAdams.

“I share Mary’s vision and am working with her to both consolidate our number-one wine school position, build our team of educators, and expand our offerings, especially in spirits and sake, which have recently been launched as separate credentials within WSET. It’s truly an exciting time to be in wine education.”

—internationalwinecenter.com

THE ADVOCATE

Rania Zayyat, Advanced Sommelier Founder, Wonder Women of Wine Rania Zayyat is an advanced sommelier, wine educator, and gender equality advocate in the wine industry. Experiences in a male-dominated wine culture during her formative years led her to create change in the wine industry by founding the Wonder Women of Wine (WWOW), a nonprofit organization and annual two-day conference that offers solution-based discussions, networking, and scholarship opportunities.

WWOW helps empower women to adopt leadership roles in all facets of the wine industry and advocates men to

SAY, SOMMELIER

be equal voices for, and activators of, gender equality in wine. “The first step we need to take in addressing inequities such as inclusion and sexual harassment in our industry is to realize that these aren’t women’s issues, these are everyone’s issues,” says Zayyat. —wonderwomenofwine.com

THE WINEMAKER

Tondi Bolkan Winemaker, Francis Ford Coppola Winery With a degree in viticulture and enology, the majority of what winemaker Tondi Bolkan learned about the wine business was fostered by onthe-job training. Hired by Coppola in 2001 as an enologist, Bolkan learned about grape growing, cellar management, and how to use her senses to analyze wine, and soon became the first female Filipino winemaker in the United States responsible for crafting the sparkling wines of Sofia, the namesake wines of Sofia Coppola.

Bolkan’s longevity in the business is, in part, due to her relationships with industry insiders. Today, she says she sees her role at Coppola evolving as a “mentor and coach to the next generation of winemakers.”

“I keep a close circle of female winemaker friends who share in supporting each other’s endeavors,” Bolkan says. “This diverse group of women are amazing at what they do and bring so much style and perspective to wine. You can give the same lot of grapes to three different winemakers and end up with three unique and beautiful styles of wine. I’m lucky I had great mentors during my career path. To pay it forward and open up opportunities for other young women, I feel I should do the same.”

—francisfordcoppolawinery.com

STAY SONOMA

Residences: 2 Bedrooms: 3-4 Baths: 3.5-4.5 Sleeps: 6-8 Home to more than 425 wineries, miles of rugged Pacific coastline, towering redwood forests, and plenty of farm-to-table restaurants, Sonoma should top the list of any oenophile.

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NATURALLY

INSPIRED

Delicious feasts prepared in earth ovens? A global culinary tradition takes us back to our roots. written by AMIEE WHITE BEAZLEY

AS NOTABLE INTERNATIONAL CHEFS TOUT THE SIMPLICITY OF THE EARTH OVEN, DINERS ARE BEING RECONNECTED TO A CENTURIESOLD FOOD TRADITION ROOTED IN SENSE—AND SCENTS—OF PLACE. From one side of the globe to another, cultures have been digging pits in the ground, adding wood or hot rocks, animal proteins, seafood, and vegetables to steam, roast, and cook for hours. Feeding the masses with its delicious, smoky goodness, the earth oven has evolved from necessity to a time-honored tradition—allowing discerning travelers to gather, celebrate, and convene over local bounty via the ultimate land- and sea-to-table experience. Here are three culinary adventures I found while journeying both near and far.

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CURANTO: CHILOÉ, CHILE I mounted a horse and rode past a patchwork of farms in Chiloé, Chile, during an exploration of the largest island in the country’s archipelago. With stable dogs as my companions, I discovered oxen languishing in the fields as we traversed yellow-flowered hills to the scenic shoreline. The horses entered the water with ease, expertly maneuvering around large rocks blanketed by the incoming tide. We reached a lone dock, dismounted, and traded our reins and saddles for rubber boots and spades. As I entered the mud, I scanned for tiny bubbles beneath the surface and then dug for clams. Sea creatures like mussels, urchin, and clams have fed these communities since man first sailed from the Chilean mainland some 6,000 years ago, and what’s more, they are the main ingredient to the Chiloean dish, curanto. At the luxury hotel Tierra Chiloé, Chef Natalia Canario prepares these ingredients in an earth oven along with local potatoes, beef,

EXCLUSIVE INSPIRED

THE WESTERN WORLD’S BEST-KNOWN ADAPTATION OF THE PIT OR EARTH OVEN IS THE NEW ENGLAND CLAMBAKE.

lamb, and two types of potato bread: chapaleles and milcaos. To top it off, massive rhubarb leaves called nalca cover the local sea and land delicacies, which are left for several hours to steam. The result is an incredible dish that celebrates both pride and taste.

CLAMBAKE: NEW ENGLAND Perhaps the Western world’s best-known adaptation of the pit or earth oven is the New England clambake, for which we can thank Native Americans. They introduced colonial immigrants to this time-honored tradition in its most basic form. As a Rhode Island native, I’m immediately reminded of warm summer nights and cool autumn afternoons on the Atlantic shoreline anytime I enjoy this rustic tradition. After digging a pit on the beach, stones are laid at the bottom, covered by a fire of salvaged driftwood (or wood from home). After the fire dies down, the hot rocks and embers are topped with wet seaweed. Now for the fun! Lobster, quahogs, littlenecks, potatoes, corn, and sausage are placed, then spread with seaweed to be steamed and cooked. Want to enjoy a New England clambake without the work? When in Maine, make a reservation at Cabbage Island

Clambakes, which takes guests on a picturesque boat ride from Boothbay Harbor to private Cabbage Island, where they’re treated to a traditional clambake followed by a delicious Maine blueberry cake for dessert.

TAMAARAA: TAHITI My destination in Tahiti was a private motu—one among hundreds of tiny, uninhabited islands off the coast of Bora Bora—and once I stepped off the ship, I discovered dozens of Tahitian men and women at work. As they dug a massive pit oven called ahima’a in the sand, I learned we were to experience the tamaaraa, a symbol of Tahitian culture and celebration. They stacked the pit with volcanic basalt stones while others crafted coconut fronds into baskets to cradle different meats, seafoods, and poe (better known as cassava). A special feast specific to the South Pacific, tamaaraa features a combination of chicken, pork, shrimp, bananas, yams, and other vegetables. The food is then topped with massive green banana leaves and palms. Finally, the entire structure is covered with burlap sacks and a thick layer of earth, sealing heat inside as the food cooks for several hours. Once uncovered and served, local tradition calls for a music—guitars and ukuleles accompany a setting sun, all of which turn this tasty fare into an unforgettable culinary journey.

—— From left: Tierra Chiloé Executive Chef Natalia Canario; a traditional New England clambake; tamaaraa, Tahiti’s version of an earth oven.

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DEATH & COMPANY DENVER PHOTO BY: ELLIOTT CLARK; EMPLOYEESONLY PHOTOS BY: EMILIE BALTZ

SAVOR

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CHEERS!

POP

CULTURE Editor’s Note: Due to COVID-19, many bars and pop-ups have temporarily shuttered or suspended operations. That said, travel just isn’t the same without innovative cocktail culture, so consider this story as inspiration for your next trip. No matter where you venture, toasting friends and family at your favorite establishment will feel all the more precious.

Cheers!

The latest trend in cocktailing is a succession of NYC bars opening global outposts. written by MARK ELLWOOD

CALL IT DELIVERY WITH A TWIST. Curious cocktail lovers once had to

make Manhattan pilgrimages to sample drinks at world-famous bars, but now they can get them at various neighborhoods throughout the globe. Several top-tier bars from New York City are exporting their brands to new sites across America, Singapore, Australia, and beyond.

It’s a natural next step, according to Charlotte Voisey, a pioneer in the field and the global brand ambassador for William Grant & Sons, a Scottish distiller. Her peers now have the business expertise to match their drink-slinging; the international nature of the industry has primed them to operate beyond original flagships. “It’s every bartender’s dream to grow up and open their own bar, and now they’re making multi-city, big business deals,” she explains. “This is bartenderled, and there’s been a global conversation in the community for a long time.”

One such owner-operator is David Kaplan of Death & Co. He’s excited to expand to new cities, as not only does it build brand buzz, but allows him to further professionalize his operation and improve conditions for staffers in a notoriously tough industry. “We want to be one of the best employers in hospitality, which is fantastically hard, as the margins are thin. But the more money we make, the more we can spend on our people,” Kaplan says.

It’s also, of course, a matter of pride. Only the finest and best-known bars have enough cachet to leverage their reputation beyond New York.

Here are four bars at the forefront of the trend.

PDT

No wonder the name stands for Please Don’t Tell. The original location of this speakeasy is accessed via a hot dog joint in an East Village basement. The phone booth doubles as a discreet doorway through which you enter the cave-like bar. Its second outpost in Asia mimics the same model: The phone booth is tucked up a flight of stairs inside the Mandarin Oriental’s MO bar. The owners (the same team that first opened the NYC bar in 2007) have imported other elements, too, like eccentric décor (look for the taxidermy) and gourmet hot dogs (try the Honkie).

—— Opposite: Denver’s Death & Co is located in the chic Ramble Hotel in RiNo. From top: A cocktail at PDT Hong Kong, inside the Mandarin Oriental; Employees Only has four global outposts.

NEW YORK: 113 St Mark’s Place; pdtnyc.com HONG KONG: Mandarin Oriental hotel, 15 Queen’s Road Central; mandarinoriental.com

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SAVOR

Five bartending friends opened this bar in the West Village in 2004, hiding it behind a neon psychic sign on Hudson Street. With its emphasis on old-fashioned service and dapper, white-coated bartenders, Employees Only rapidly gained renown and was even the focus of a documentary, Hey Bartender. When it began expanding, Employees Only followed an innovative model—call it the spider plant system—tapping one of its existing partners to operate the new locale. Igor Hadzimajlovic oversees the Asian operation, focusing on Singapore. He’s keen to open another but is tight-lipped on which city. “We learned through trial and error that tequila is not a highflyer [in Singapore],” he explains, also noting that the idea of bottle service, not as popular in New York, is vital. There’s one consistent detail, however, at every site.

The homemade chicken soup is offered for free, as is a farewell nightcap to anyone lingering when the bar is closing.

The original location of Death & Co—a jewel box-like space in the East Village—is dark and sexy, serving consistently delicious drinks since 2006. In the last two years, it’s begun a national rollout. Each new site won’t be a slavish clone, per co-owner David Kaplan, but instead utilizes the vibe of the original and adds local flair. For example, 70 percent of the staff at its newest L.A. location are born-and-bred Angelenos. The Arts District spot features two bars on-site, including a more formal cocktail lounge and the aptly named Standing Room, a walk-up bar with a short menu and casual vibe. D&C Denver, meanwhile, acts as the food and beverage arm of The Ramble Hotel, operating everything from an allday coffee-and-cocktail spot in the lobby to a tiny, reservation-only VIP room upstairs.

NEW YORK: 510 Hudson Street; employeesonlynyc.com

NEW YORK: 433 East 6th Street; deathandcompany.com

LOS ANGELES: 7953 Santa Monica Boulevard; employeesonlyla.com

LOS ANGELES: 810 East 3rd Street; deathandcompany.com /dcdtla

SINGAPORE: 112 Amoy Street; employeesonlysg.com

DENVER: 1280 25th St; deathandcompany.com

SYDNEY: 9a Barrack Street; employeesonlysyd.com

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DEATH & COMPANY

EMPLOYEES ONLY PHOTO BY: EMILIE BALTZ; DEATH COMPANY FOOD: PHOTO BY SHAWN CAMPBELL

EMPLOYEES ONLY

CHEERS!

—— From left: Employees Only Singapore; Death & Co, Denver; PDT Hong Kong; Dead Rabbit Grocery & Grog, New York.

DEAD RABBIT GROCERY & GROG

“IT’S EVERY BARTENDER’S DREAM TO GROW UP AND OPEN THEIR OWN BAR, AND NOW THEY’RE MAKING MULTICITY DEALS.” — CHARLOTTE VOISEY,

WILLIAM GRANT & SONS BRAND AMBASSADOR

Co-owners Jack McGarry and Sean Muldoon are proud expat Irishmen who opened this three-story drinking den in New York’s Financial District with a singular mission to reclaim the now-shoddy reputation of the Irish pub. There’s a ground-floor Tap Room, serving punch and craft beer, while two upstairs parlors are fancier, with a focus on cocktails. The name is a nod to the raucous Irish gangs who once dominated downtown Manhattan. That was seven years (and many awards) ago, and now the pair has announced plans to export their idea to several new cities across America, aiming for 10 new sites in the next decade. First up? Conti Street in New Orleans’ French Quarter, with Nashville not long thereafter.

STAY NEW YORK CITY

With Park Avenue Place as your headquarters, access Manhattan’s top bars and restaurants, in addition to the Peninsula Spa and Fitness Center, located in Midtown.

With an exceptionally well-connected and

NEW YORK: 30 Water Street; deadrabbitnyc.com COMING SOON: New Orleans and Nashville

dedicated Concierge, the finest city sights and cultural charms await.

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WHERE THE TYPE A GOES TO UNWIND

855.MMC.CLUB (855.662.2582) | MONTICELLOMOTORCLUB.COM 90 MINS FROM NYC

The Club’s Hotel Collection includes stylish stays at such iconic properties as Miami’s 1 Hotel & Homes South Beach.

IMAGES COURTESY OF 1 HOTEL SOUTH BEACH MIAMI

page 64

HORIZON

CHIC RETREATS

ART OF TRAVEL • TAKE NOTE • EYE ON DESIGN • TRAVEL TYPE

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HORIZON

HAUTE

HYBRID? OUI! Phillipe Bourguignon and daughter Emilie Vazquez reveal their-first ever collaboration, Le Shack, which recently debuted in Paris.

WHEN YOUR FATHER IS GLOBETROTTER PHILLIPE BOURGUIGNON, EXECUTIVE CO-CHAIRMAN OF EXCLUSIVE RESORTS AND VICE CHAIRMAN OF REVOLUTION PLACES, TRAVEL IS IN YOUR BLOOD. Bourguignon’s daughter,

Emilie Vazquez, inherited her father’s wanderlust as well as his business acumen. During her time at AccorHotels—the company Bourguignon worked at for 14 years—she shadowed the executive committee and realized one of the biggest challenges hotel companies face is attracting a younger demographic.

Researching what millennials and Generation Z want from a travel experience got Vazquez’s entrepreneurial mind racing with ideas for her own concept: a hybrid co-working space, wellness center, and retail space.

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She approached her father about collaborating and he was equally excited. “I envisioned creating an oasis in town for these stressed-out generations,” Vazquez says. “A place where everyone can hang out, chill, mingle, work, and reconnect with both yourself and others.”

To research the concept, father and daughter traveled together to New York City, Washington D.C., and San Francisco to scout new retail concepts and hip hotels. The Ace Hotel in New York City was a major influence, says Bourguignon. “The lobby has as many locals as travelers and is packed morning to evening,” he says. “This is what people look for when they travel—a community of like-minded people working, shopping, drinking, and eating.”

Le Shack recently opened in Vazquez’s home city of Paris. The co-working space features an array of experiences including a tapas bar, speakeasy, pop-up boutiques, yoga and mindfulness classes, a barbershop, meeting space, and podcast rooms. “The

© JULIEN KNAUB

written by Jen Murphy

ART OF TRAVEL

—— From left: Le Shack is a hybrid coworking venue, wellness center, and retail space; interiors fuse past and present; private dining areas create intimate entertaining spaces.

STAY LA RÉSERVE PARIS

This coveted locale on chic Avenue Gabriel is midway between the Champs-Elysées and the Faubourg SaintHonoré. Silk hung walls, velvet drapes, herringbone oak parquet, and antique furnishings create a sense of quintessential 19th-century Parisian style throughout 26 suites and 14 rooms.

main idea is to provide customer services and activities they wouldn’t necessarily expect to find in one space, like floating meditation hammocks,” says Vazquez.

“We want them to keep coming back to discover new experiences.”

Housed in a 19 th-century, six-level Haussman & Gustave Eiffel structure just a few steps away from the magnificent Opera Garnier, Le Shack is an architectural stunner with a storied past. For more than 130 years the building was home to the historic publishing house of Calmann-Levy. “They published all of the most talented French writers,” says Bourguignon. “There was also a library where clients could come to read and view the collections. It was kind of like the original concept shop. Very innovative, just like Le Shack.”

Le Shack is open to the public, and if the concept is a success, Bourguignon and Vazquez plan to expand Le Shack to other

cities. Those who choose to join as members will receive additional benefits and perks. Vazquez says the wellness offerings will extend to food, with a menu featuring seasonal, locally-sourced salads and grain bowls. Pop-up shops will showcase digital native brands that don’t have brick-and-mortar shops.

Inclusivity was top of mind when designing the space. “We created work areas for those who prefer to stand and those who like to sit on a couch or even on the floor,” says Vazquez. “We really want this to appeal to all populations, not only the younger generation. I’m a mother of three and this is a place I can go and be creative and take care of myself on the weekends.”

—leshack.fr

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HORIZON

STREAM LINE On the hunt for trending podcasts? Bloomberg’s Luxury Podcast Travel Genius and NBC Today Show contributor, Mark Ellwood, has you covered.

READY TO LEARN SOMETHING INTRIGUING WHILE EN ROUTE TO YOUR NEXT ESCAPE? You’re

not alone. An estimated 32 percent of Americans listen to at least one podcast every month, and with more than 700,000 titles available, podcasts are rapidly gaining popularity. But don’t fret.

If it feels overwhelming to determine where to start, I’ve compiled my 10 must-listen series, spanning everything from Dolly Parton to the impeachment of Richard Nixon, plus a bonus series (albeit with, admittedly, a little bias). Here’s what’s of top note.

YOU MUST REMEMBER THIS

Film historian Karina Longworth’s delicious, deep-dive into the “secret and/or forgotten stories of Hollywood’s first century” is smart, deeply researched, and a riot to boot.

Split into themed seasons—Dead Blondes, Six Degrees of Joan Crawford—start with the 12-episode You Must Remember Manson, which sheds fresh light on how and why Charles Manson’s cult emerged in LA, without dipping into prurience. youmustrememberthispodcast.com

DOLLY PARTON’S AMERICA

Host Jad Abumrad explores how the rhinestone-clad country staple has become a unifying force in divisive times and attempts to unpack exactly why in this superb, ninepart series. Interview veteran Parton, usually a quip-prone pro, is unusually thoughtful here, in part thanks to the trust she feels with Abumrad via her unlikely friendship with his immigrant doctor father. wnycstudios.org/podcasts/dolly-partons-america

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S-TOWN

A sibling to genre-defining Serial, this one-season show is a masterpiece of bait-and-switch reporting. Host Brian Reed begins what seems to be an investigation into a murder cover-up in a small Alabama town before the show pivots unexpectedly into uncharted— and far more compelling—territory. stownpodcast.org

THE HIGH/LOW

Each episode of this weekly review show is more like eavesdropping on two whipsmart, witty women pondering the week’s news, both high- and low-brow, hence the name. Even if some of the news is Brit-centric, the charm and vim of cohosts Dolly Alderton and Pandora Sykes make it unmissably fun. twitter.com/thehighlowshow

TAKE NOTE

THE DROP-OUT

Psychopathic con-woman or out of depth, idealistic entrepreneur? ABC News’ Rebecca Jarvis tries to help listeners decide by mining her own archive footage of interviews with disgraced Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes. Fresh reporting includes interviews with students from Holmes’ high school. abcaudio.com/podcasts/the-dropout

SLOW BURN

The impeachments of presidents Nixon and Clinton are vividly examined in this series produced by Slate magazine. It emphasizes the human side (and cost) more than the political, for people like the now-forgotten Martha Mitchell or the unfairly infamous Monica Lewinsky.

You might want to skip season 3, which stretches the format to the story of Tupac Shakur. slate.com/podcasts/slow-burn/s1/watergate

TABLE MANNERS

The breakout star of this chat-andchew podcast isn’t soul singer Jessie Ware, but rather her warm, no-nonsense mother Lennie, a former social worker with a passion for cooking. The duo

preps a lavish meal to share with a guest—a simple format that disarms the likes of Emilia Clarke or Luke Evans into revealing chats. play.acast.com/s/tablemanners

DR. DEATH

Podcast producer Wondery specializes in true crime mysteries anchored by outlandish characters. Its breakout hit about a murderous love affair, Dirty John, might be better known, but this 10-parter from the honey-voiced Laura Beil is more jaw-dropping, centered on a back surgeon who leaves paralysis in his wake. wondery.com/shows/dr-death

SOMETHING RHYMES WITH PURPLE

Lexicographer Susie Dent and TV host Giles Brandreth joyously share their nerdish love for the English language on this show. Each week, they tackle a different theme—relationships, food— and look both at etymologies and lost words like scurryfunge, thunderplump, and firkytoodle.

THE DREAM

Host Jean-Marie explores the dark side of the American Dream on this chatty, attitude-packed podcast.

The first season is centered on the scammish all-American idea of pyramid selling, now known as MLMs, while the second turns its gimlet eye on the world of wellness. stitcher.com/podcast/stitcher/the-dream

——

BONUS: TRAVEL GENIUS

From left: Dolly Parton’s America; S-Town; The High/Low; Joan Crawford, featured in You Must Remember This; Table Manners; Travel Genius.

Boldfaced frequent flyers are the guests on this tip-packed podcast, offering practical, unexpected hacks they learned first-hand.

Learn chef Curtis Stone’s trick to finding the best restaurant in an unfamiliar city or TV host Samantha Brown’s answer to flying with a family—stress-free. Each week, it’s paired with a discussion on a timely travel topic, from the hosts: myself and travel editor Nikki Ekstein. bloomberg.com/travel-genius

somethinelse.com/projects/somethingrhymes-with-purple

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HORIZON

64

EYE ON DESIGN

STYLE

SOPHISTICATE Debora Aguiar brings a new design approach to Miami, and 1 Hotel & Homes South Beach guests are reaping the benefits. written by CHRISTINE BENEDETTI

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE 1 HOTEL SOUTH BEACH

MIAMI OFFERS MANY THINGS, BUT BEFORE DEBORA AGUIAR, “ECOLUXE” DESIGN WAS NOT ONE OF THEM. “Miami had nothing in this line that was both rustic and sophisticated, and that embraced you upon your arrival at the hotel, favoring the coziness, the pleasure, the permanence in the environments,” says the Sao Paulo, Brazil-based architect. “I wanted to create a concept that was timeless, exclusive, that allowed it to be explored in every detail, from the touch of the varied textures combined with the various finishing and coating materials.”

Her approach worked. The award-winning 1 Hotel & Homes South Beach, located in the hip Collins Park neighborhood, is a LEED-certified property, blending natural and sustainable elements with noble materials and modern technology. Aguiar implements reused wood, metal, marble, and ample natural light while also incorporating living greens and plants throughout her properties—which grace various coveted locales throughout the world.

“Whenever I can, I take nature into the environments, whether in pots or plants, green panels, vertical gardens, or flower boxes,” Aguiar says. From hotels and corporate buildings to private residences, she has completed projects in Belize, Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico, Angola, Switzerland, South Africa, Canada, and Dubai. Her aesthetic is a natural in Miami, thus she’s recently finished the fourth phase of the Hyde Beach hotel and the Hyde Beach House.

Due to her global reach, Aguiar’s process is different for each project. Though she’s regarded for sophistication and eco-luxe style—she has more than 250,000 followers on Instagram and has received countless design awards— she says that her commanding approach is “simplicity in the preservation of nature and its surroundings.”

She’s continually inspired by travel, people, and reading.

Sculpture, art, and installations are site-specific and

—— Opposite: The chic 1 Hotel South Beach lobby brings the outdoors in. From top: Suites feature expansive living areas with playful pops of beach colors; the 1 Hotel rooftop is a serene escape.

considered integral to any design under her purview.

And how does a South American manage multiple builds in separate time zones? “Nowadays there are no borders, everything is connected, and distances practically do not exist, with the speed of information and the existing connection,” says Aguiar.

For the 1 Hotel & Homes, the integration of the Atlantic Ocean and beachfront was vital to the design, with an ethereal, fresh color palette and natural, textured materials, from wall coverings to furniture. The penthouses capitalize on views of the ocean, Indian Creek, and South Beach. The Club’s three-bedroom, energyefficient residences feature oversized windows, sliding glass doors, and private balconies overlooking the sea.

Additional features include a Bosch washer and dryer, three large bathrooms with vanities created by Italkraft, and custom kitchens with stainless steel appliances by Sub-Zero and Bosch.

After 25 years in the design world, Aguiar continues to extend into new regions, contributing her signature touch to welcoming neighborhoods. “The world of architecture is fascinating,” she says. “It is unique, stimulating, extravagant, and exclusive. Each day is different, each project has its peculiarities. At each completed stage, I confirm to myself that I am on the right path.”

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HORIZON

STAY 1 HOTEL & HOMES Residences: 3

Bedrooms: 3

Baths: 3-3.5 Sleeps: 6 The Club’s three-bedroom residences at Starwood’s forward-thinking ecobrand, 1 Hotel & Homes South Beach, boast everything from Tesla service to rooftop daybeds. Located in the heart of South Beach, the hotel is a beachfront property and just steps from Miami’s best restaurants and shopping.

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EYE ON DESIGN

“THE WORLD OF ARCHITECTURE IS FASCINATING. IT IS UNIQUE, STIMULATING, EXTRAVAGANT, AND EXCLUSIVE.” —DESIGNER DEBORA AGUIAR —— Opposite: The rooftop pool overlooks South Beach. Below: The hotel lobby is finished in neutral tones.

BEST IN BRUNCH Miami’s Tastiest Sunday Soireés

Bachour. This decadent bakery

by Chef Antonio Bachour is well worth the scenic drive from 1 Hotel & Homes to Coral Gables. Expect a savory display of nearly every croissant imaginable, or opt for the Spanish eggs, crafted with Pata Negra ham. antoniobachour.com Stiltsville Fish Bar. Tucked along Miami Beach’s Purdy Avenue, think smoked oysters and rosé before noon (yum!).

Or kickstart your weekend with the crab truffle omelet, made with lump crab meat and black truffle cheese. stiltsvillefishbar.com No. 3 Social Bar & Lounge. A main reason to visit the designforward Wynwood district?

This tasty outpost. Stake your claim on the rooftop and breeze into a Miami Sunday with the restaurant’s signature avocado toast. no3social.com

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE 1 HOTEL SOUTH BEACH

—— Below: The design of 1 Hotel & Homes brings the outdoors in.

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HORIZON

INKED! Wild Game author and Aspen Words Executive Director Adrienne Brodeur shares her favorite books.

WHAT TO READ OR LISTEN TO ON YOUR NEXT JOURNEY? These

enticing tomes—all of which are the perfect Audible companion, too—make the ultimate travel accessory.

How Much of These Hills is Gold

(Riverhead) by C Pam Zhang “Set against the backdrop of the American gold rush, this debut novel by a former Aspen Words Emerging Fellow is electric and masterful: an adventure story, a sibling story, and an immigration story—all told in an original and unforgettable voice.”

The Vanishing Half

(Riverhead) by Britt Bennett “This provocative novel, written by The New York Times bestselling author of The Mothers, examines the destinies of lightskinned twin sisters who end up occupying different worlds: one as a Black woman living in the Southern town of their birth, the other secretly passing for white in California.”

Friends and Strangers

(Knopf) by J. Courtney Sullivan “A funny, wise, and captivating novel that explores a life-changing friendship between a new mother and her college-age babysitter.”

Afterlife

(Algonquin) by Julia Alvarez “Fifteen years after her last adult novel, the bestselling author of How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents and In the Time of Butterflies takes on what it means to be human in this big-hearted novel about immigration, loss, and hope.”

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Recollections of My Nonexistence (Viking) by Rebecca Solnit “Famous for her landmark book, Men Explain Things to Me, Solnit returns with this stunning memoir which charts her awakening as a feminist, environmentalist, and fighter of injustices.”

Stray

(Knopf) by Stephanie Danler “A brilliant memoir by a former Aspen Words Emerging Fellow, this must-read is about legacy, addiction, and trauma. It explores what we choose—and decide not— to inherit.”

Rodham

(Random House) by Curtis Sittenfeld “The story of what might have been had Hillary Rodham not married Bill Clinton (I, for one, am dying to know!).”

The Autobiography of Malcom X

(Audible) as told by Alex Haley and narrated by Lawrence Fishburne “You’ll want to listen to the astonishing Lawrence Fishburne narrate a book that is the definitive statement of a movement and a man whose work was not completed, but whose message is timeless.”

HOT TYPE Adrienne Brodeur’s Wild Game: My Mother, Her Lover, and Me When a book tops Amazon’s #1 Best Memoir of the Year and is included in Oprah’s Best Book Club Picks, readers can count on an enticing literary ride. Brodeur’s timeless memoir reveals how the people close to us can break our hearts simply because they have access to them, and the lies told in order to justify choices we make. This remarkable story of resilience is a reminder that we need not be the parents our parents were to us.

—adriennebrodeur.com

TRAVEL TYPE

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Photographer Gray Malin launches his new “Gray in Aspen” series, which frames vintage vibes.

IMAGE COURTESY OF GRAY MALIN @GRAYMALIN GRAYMALIN.COM

page 82

FEATURES

DREAM WEAVER

Fall Bounty ISLAMORADA • GRAY MALIN • NAPA ROAD TRIP • GAME CHANGERS

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FEATURE

World-class sportfishing, sea-to-table cuisine, romantic coves, and mesmerizing sunsets? It’s all in a day’s play along this string of enchanting islands.

LONG WEEKEND: ISLAMORADA, FLORIDA written by Erin Lentz photos by Stefanie Michejda

—— A birds’ eye view of The Islands of Islamorada.

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As I wiggle my toes in the sand at Morada Beach Café,

the cotton-candy pink sky, a hue I know so well as a Florida native, decides to uplevel itself.

The Florida Keys are revered for their can’t-look-away sun salutes, yet on this summer eve, the sky delivers a light show so compelling that a local proclaims it as one of the top-10 sunsets he’s ever seen. “And living on Islamorada for 25 years, that’s saying something,” he adds. As shades of citrus-orange streak through the clouds, the usual restaurant clatter ceases: Forks are laid to rest, servers stop in their tracks, and diners scurry from their tables to capture iPhone memories. Couples place their arms around each other, kids point upwards, and for a fleeting moment, we are all suspended in time as nature reminds us who’s in charge. I will never forget Islamorada, simply for these few seconds.

The sunsets, though, are only one way to experience this destination’s heavy dose of vitamin sea. Due south of Everglades National Park, Islamorada’s six islands—Plantation Key, Windley Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Lower Matecumbe Key, and the offshore islands of Indian Key and Lignumvitae Key—dot the deep-blue waters of the Florida Strait, creating an idyllic ocean playground. Think of it like this: If the Florida Keys were a family, Key West would be the rowdy big sister, Key Largo the smooth-talking uncle, Marathon Key the laidback cousin, and Islamorada the classy patriarch who regales with rum-soaked tales of shipwrecks and fishing.

After checking into one of Exclusive Resorts’ brand-new homes at The Islands of Islamorada, I quickly discover how to celebrate the area’s playful DNA, which caters to every type of traveler.

—— Opposite: Lazy days at The Islands of Islamorada.

Above: A mesmerizing sunset at Morada Beach Café.

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The Adventurist

Considered the sport-fishing capital of the world, Islamorada proudly proclaims a hook ‘em bravado with a culture defined by boats, marinas, and trophy fish. Visit Mangrove Mike’s for breakfast, where your eggs benny overlooks framed photos of revelers displaying their record-breaking catch.

Charter a boat to dive deeper into the obsession of sportfishing; local captains ferry visitors out to sea to test their mettle against tarpon, snook, mahi mahi, and the elusive permit. As we embark on “All Lit Up,” a 34-foot Freeman helmed by Captain Kieran “Kiki” Ferrer, a storm has just passed, leaving in its wake a magical sunrise, calm waters, and plenty of wildlife sightings, including dolphin and massive sea turtles. Alas, with three sportfishing newbies trying their hand at casting, we don’t lure in a tarpon, but we do snag a large barracuda and yummy yellowtail, snapping our own photos to show off the catch of the day.

Our next stop is the famous Alligator Reef Lighthouse. Named after the USS Alligator that ran aground, the 144-year-old structure is located just four nautical miles offshore and is home to more than 500 species of marine life and pirate shipwrecks. Any visit to Islamorada must also include a boat ride to its famous sandbar, situated less than a mile offshore around Mile Marker 84 on the Atlantic Ocean side.

Most weekends, boats of all shapes and sizes pepper the small stretch of sand to party, fish, and soak up the sun.

Islamorada is sprinkled with massive coral reefs so there’s no shortage of exploration for diving and snorkeling adventurists. Popular sites include the aforementioned Alligator Reef, The Drop (which dips down to 90 feet and is famed for massive rays), and Davey Crocker, an area teeming with sharks, eels, and turtles.

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The Family Affair

The Keys are known for many things, but large swaths of sand are surprisingly rare.

As the biggest beach in Islamorada, Founder’s Park Beach is headquarters for family outings. The horseshoe-shaped bay is calm, with Islamorada’s signature coral casting colorful veins of turquoise, green, and deep blue along the water’s surface. Swimming buoys allow for safe, open-water exercise if desired, while the typically mellow currents are a draw for stand-up paddleboarders of all abilities. Storybook palm trees and oversized picnic tables decorate the shore, and beachcombers can spot great blue herons wading among adjacent coves. This is Florida, after all, so you may also spy alligators in the marshy areas (well-marked for safety).

Tales of tarpon are the pulse of Islamorada. As such, if you don’t want to brave the deepwater with the kiddos, you’ll still find plenty of action at Robbie’s of Islamorada. Adults can order a bloody mary on the waterfront deck while the whole family takes in the tarpon feeding frenzy. Heroic staff bait the huge “silver kings” and place their hands inside the gaping tarpon mouths, lassoing collective oohs and ahhs from the crowd.

For a more serene escape, float away on a private kayak tour around Bird Island, pack a picnic and head to Anne’s Beach, or plan a day trip to Indian Key, a tiny historic island that used to salvage shipwreck cargo, and today invites visitors to swim, sunbathe, and hike.

—— From left: Islamorada’s afternoon commute; a hook’em mentality anchors local culture; Exclusive Resorts Concierge Morag Koerner; tempura-battered hogfish at Chef Michael’s restaurant.

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The Epicurious Hogfish, Florida grouper, and shrimp and grits? These Keys-centric dishes celebrate the best of Islamorada and should top the list of any traveling foodie. Your epicurean cheat sheet must also include Pumpkin Roll Cream Cheese French Toast at the aforementioned, no-frills Mangrove Mike’s, while lunch or dinner (fish tacos, please!) at Morada Beach Café is another necessity.

Both the The Lauralei Restaurant and Cabana Bar and Marker 88 (reserve one of the cozy, bayfront cabana tables) stage live music, and lastly, don’t miss the deliciously seasoned peel-and-eat shrimp at the Shrimp Shack or the decadent hogfish at the upscale Chef Michael’s. After a day spent at sea, unwind with a flight of local microbrews at the colorful, reggae-inspired Islamorada Beer Company.

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History buffs should travel south from Islamorada, cross the famous Seven Mile Bridge, and snap a photo at the Southernmost Point in the Continental U.S. Your final mission? Exploring the most famous of the Florida Keys: Key West. Located just 90 miles north of Cuba and lined with pastel-hued, colonial-style homes, Key West is the former stomping grounds of Ernest Hemingway.

Follow in his footsteps at the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, where the highlight is his famed writing studio. Built in 1862, the West Marello Fort is one of three remaining Civil War-era structures on the island (today, it houses the Key West Garden Club).

The Oldest House Museum is exactly as it suggests: Built in 1829 by Captain Francis Watlington, it’s the oldest house on Key West and exhibits historical items from shipwrecks that once made Key West the richest city in America. Finally, order a cocktail and watch the sun dip into the horizon at Mallory Square, one of the world’s most preferred sunset stations. If lucky, you just may witness a sunset as exceptional as the one I experienced on Islamorada. If not? Well, you’ll just have to make a return trip.

The Historian

—— Previous page: Alligator Reef Lighthouse.

Above, from left: Islamorada Beer Company; the master suite view at The Islands of Islamorada; the Square Grouper’s famous crab bloody mary; tarpon inspiration at Robbie’s of Islamorada.

STAY ISLAMORADA The Islands at Islamorada When I pull up to Exclusive Resorts’ new

dollar residences in its Portfolio, Exclusive Resorts is naturally poised for families who seek

sanctuary at The Islands of Islamorada, I’m

the utmost of privacy, upscale accommodations,

immediately captured by the juxtaposition of the

stellar amenities, and bespoke experiences.

whitewashed exteriors against a kaleidoscope of

What’s more, the Club has intentionally kept its

turquoise and deep-green sea. An intimate enclave

Membership small, welcoming just 100 families

featuring 22 waterfront villas and eight one-

a year. The result? Pure peacefulness. As I watch

bedroom suites, every bit of this private community

yet another beautiful sunset from my master

is inspired by the gorgeous beachside setting. As

balcony, the stresses of daily life and COVID-19

my Concierge, Morag, points out all the highlights

quickly fade. Bubble-gum streaks cast a pink

of my exclusive weekend escape (state-of-the-

glow across the resort’s private marina and pool,

art technology, artwork by local photographers,

and I’m reminded that, come sun up, tomorrow’s

modern décor), it’s soon apparent that the Club is

vacation day brings nothing but opportunity. —EL

expertly prepared for our “new normal.” In fact, new demands in travel have been Exclusive’s protocol

New Residences: 4

since before the pandemic: With 380+ multi-million-

Baths: 4.5

Bedrooms: 4

Accommodates: 8-10

—— Above: Multi-level villas at The Islands at Islamorada overlook a horseshoe-shaped bay and the resort pool.

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FEATURE

GRAY MALIN WAS FRESH OFF THE SLOPES WHEN WE MET FOR APRÉS SKI AT ASPEN’S THE LITTLE NELL HOTEL. The fine art photographer,

New York Times best-selling author, and CEO of his namesake brand, Malin was quick to admit he has a serious crush on Aspen. Smitten by the town’s history, beauty, and penchant for glamorous play, he recently launched a new photography series titled “Gray Malin in Aspen,” the result of a week-long shoot depicting his interpretation of alpine society. His inspiration for the vintage vibe?

“My grandparents,” says Malin. “They led a very glamorous life and left nearly 20 photo albums. They traveled to 100 countries and I love looking through those albums. There’s something about that time period—the ‘60s and ‘70s—that makes me tick.” Here, we view some of his favorite vacation spots that just happen to top the list of many Exclusive Resorts Members, too. —Erin Lentz

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SNOW, SAND & CITY Photographer Gray Malin launches a new Aspen series, inspired by an era of vintage glam, while still keeping his eye on the next “it” destinations.

—— The Arrival, Aspen Private Airport “This shot is one of my favorites from my ‘Gray Malin in Aspen’ series. In true Aspen fashion, it does not hold back on any luxuries. I absolutely love working with animals as well; it’s always fun and adorable on set.”—Gray Malin @graymalin graymalin.com 83

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—— Opposite: Villa La Cassinella, Lake Como Vertical “Tucked away behind classic Italian landscaping, this luxurious villa is stunning from every angle. I snapped this particular shot while in Lake Como because it embodies the peaceful feel of the destination so perfectly.”—GM Left: The Boats, Thailand “I was intrigued by the shapes of the traditional Thai long tailed boats. All of the unique details and colors on each of the boats are spectacular, even from an aerial perspective.”—GM @graymalin graymalin.com

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—— Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco “Capturing this San Francisco landmark was a treat. I knew it would look incredible from an aerial view, and even from high above the scale and architecture of the structure would be impressive.”—GM @graymalin graymalin.com

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—— Camps Bay Heart, Diptych “Shot above the beach in Cape Town, South Africa, this duo of images is the perfect depiction of how viewing the world from an aerial perspective makes me appreciate the beauty of our planet on a level that is visually and symbolically powerful.”—GM @graymalin graymalin.com

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FEATURE

A CULINARY

ROAD TRIP> NAPA & SONOMA written by JAMES HENDERSON

With All Roads North as his compass and a new 2020 BMW M8 Gran Coupe as his preferred pairing, Exclusive Resorts CEO James Henderson ventures into the heart of California wine country.

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—— The new 2020 BMW M8 Gran Coupe winds through the grounds of the Promontory winery.

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L

IKE MANY OF OUR CLUB MEMBERS, I LOVE CARS, SPECTACULAR WINE, AND IMPECCABLE FOOD. I also enjoy a

classic American road trip, which has become all the more coveted in these socially-distant days. So when presented with the opportunity to drive BMW’s new M8 Gran Coupe on a weeklong road trip curated by our partner, All Roads North, I was naturally intrigued. And when I learned it was through wine country, with stops at our residences and some of the finest wineries in Napa and Sonoma? My answer was an emphatic, yes!

It didn’t take long to clear my calendar, and after a call with All Roads North Area Specialist Andrea Kitts, a custom road trip was loaded to my All Roads North app, and away we sped.

DAY 1>THE DONUM ESTATE Our first stop? The Donum Estate. En route, I put the BMW’s twin-turbocharged, 4.4-liter V8 to the test, reaching 60 mph in 3.1 seconds.

For a 4,500-pound car, it’s surprisingly precise and agile, a perfect “pairing” for Sonoma’s desolate backroads as we make our way to the estate.

Acquired by Hong Kong-based art collectors Allan and Mei Warburg in 2015 and located on 200 undulating acres in the Carneros region, Donum fuses wine with more than 40 amazing

—— Row 1, from left to right: Arriving in style at Meadowood Napa Valley; farmer Vince Trotter shows off the fruits of his labor at Kibo Farms; fresh halibut served poolside at Norrbom Estate. Row 2: James Henderson and Mary enjoy a sunset dinner at Norrbom Estate; Donum Estates’ outdoor sculpture collection includes Richard Hudson’s “Love Me,” made of polished mirrored steel; The Learning Center’s Kelli White explains the nuances of different varietals during a blind tasting. Row 3: Fresh mahi tacos at Meadowood; Promontory’s Director of Membership and Hospitality, Charlie Williams, leads a private tasting; comparing vintages at Promontory.

artworks from internationally renowned artists like Ai Weiwei, Keith Haring, Tracy Emin, and Fernando Botero. While pulling into the driveway, we witness a 40-foot sculpture of a giant head.

Titled “Sanna” by Jaume Plensa, it features a young woman with her eyes closed in meditation.

With glasses of Donum rosé in hand, we embark on a walking tour, interspersed with olive trees, lavender fields, more captivating artwork, and views across San Pablo Bay. After a wine tasting of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, next up is a visit to Exclusive Resorts’ Norrbom Estate. Upon arrival, we relish the real sense of occasion as the iron gates open and we make our way down a rose-bush lined driveway—just in time to enjoy a sunset toast by the pool.

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DRIVERS WANTED WITH ALL ROADS NORTH The Club’s newest VIP Benefit partner, All Roads North is celebrated for meticulously designed luxury road trips throughout the United States.

Work with its award-winning team to create a one-of-a-kind road trips, with 24/7 concierge support and a custom journey guide. Create a standalone itinerary or pair it with a Club stay. Where to go next? All Roads North’s Area Specialists recommend these favorite Club destinations.

CALIFORNIA Sample gastronomic treats in wine country, explore Big Sur’s lush coastal forests, and immerse yourself in Southern California’s vibrant architecture.

COLORADO This luxury road trip links Colorado’s outdoor playgrounds of Vail, Aspen, and Crested Butte. Expert private guides will get you off the beaten path whether by boat, bike, or on horseback.

SOUTH CAROLINA & GEORGIA Charleston and Savannah, with their classic architecture and southern charm, are two of America’s most captivating cities. Nature lovers will take in the islands, salt marshes, and moss-draped live oaks.

—— Above: A custom itinerary is loaded to the All Roads North app with real-time updates.

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DAY 3: MEADOWOOD NAPA VALLEY

DAY 2: NORRBOM ESTATE & KIBO FARMS Following a leisurely morning, we make our way to Kibo Farms and meet Alexandra Fox of Food & Farm Tours.

After learning that my wife is vegan, Andrea has organized an afternoon farm-to-table cooking class that begins with a morning harvest.

Owned and operated by Jenny and Vince Trotter, Kibo (Japanese for “wish”) originated from the Trotters’ dream to own a farm. Over the next few hours, we receive a thorough education on regenerative farming as we tour unique produce varieties and sample corn, lettuce, peaches, and berries as we walk.

We return to Norrbom with our hand-picked ingredients (little gems, mustard greens, apples, peaches, pears, tarragon, lovage, and dill) to find Chef Kim LaVere, resident chef for Food & Farm Tours, prepping the spacious kitchen. Alexandra quickly gets to work preparing cocktails by the pool, and after a quick aperitif we, too, get cooking. Kim is a natural foods chef and trained in Ayurveda, herbalism, and wellness coaching (putting my own culinary prowess to the test!). While relaxing by the pool, we enjoy the results of our labor and dine on decadent, farm-to-fork dishes.

Standouts include seared summer squash and Kibo Farms Rockwell Bean Salad (with lemon, cucumber, mint, and shaved Tomales Farmstead Creamery Atika cheese) and Kibo Farms Floriani Red-Flint Polenta Cakes and Slow Roasted Halibut, served with shaved fennel, Meyer lemon, peach and tarragon salsa verde, and basil oil.

After departing Norrbom Estate, we wind through Glen Ellen, over the Mayacamas, and down the Oakville Grade to the famed Meadowood, the newest addition to Exclusive Resorts’ Hotel Collection.

Situated just a few minutes from St. Helena, Meadowood Napa Valley is set on 250 acres in a beautifully secluded valley just off Silverado Trail. As we pass the gatehouse and wind our way through the trees, a sense of calm settles over us. Our Treeline Suite is perched on a hilltop, with panoramic views of the surrounding valley and golf course.

Mary and I make our way down to our private cabana at the adults-only pool for lunch with Kelli White, Director of Wine Education at The Learning Center, which serves both The Napa Valley Reserve and Meadowood. The brainchild of legendary Napa Valley winemaker Bill Harlan, The Learning Center courses are generally around 90-minutes long and can be tailored for all levels of knowledge and experience. After a few delightful hours of discussion and blind tastings, we emerge with additional wine vernacular.

Come dusk, we dine at Meadowood’s Michelin-starred restaurant, one of the most sought-after reservations in Napa.

Led by renowned Chef Christopher Kostow, the menu is inspired by the changing seasons. Much of the produce is grown directly in Kostows’ three-acre garden, and our tasting—celebrated in that very garden and comprised of many wine-paired courses—is exquisitely presented and bursts with color and flavor.

—— James and Mary enjoy the sweeping views at the Promontory winery.

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STAY DAY 4: PROMONTORY WINERY Arriving at the Promontory winery, we are greeted

by Charlie Williams, Director of Hospitality and Membership. After admiring our car (a BMW enthusiast himself), he hands us a perfectly chilled glass of Dom Pérignon.

The most recent addition to the Harlan family’s portfolio (which includes Meadowood, The Napa Valley Reserve, Harlan Estate, and BOND), Promontory is nestled in the western hills of Oakville. Our tour starts at the southern vista, which looks east, across the valley. The Promontory territory to the south of the winery is planted to vines, and the property is bisected by two seismic fault lines which produce three distinctly different soil types. Legend has it that Bill Harlan discovered the property while on a hike in 1984 when the family was planting the nearby Harlan Estate. However, it wasn’t until 2008 that he was able to acquire the three separate parcels and join them together. It is this complex geography that underwrites the natural purity and authenticity of the wines.

Designed by architect Howard Backen, the winery has a contemporary feel, with concrete, steel, and glass employed at nearly every vantage point. The tour (a typival visit and tasting fee is $200 per person) winds us through the modern fermentation hall, and then takes us to beautifully lit cellars, where the blended wine is aged in Austrian Stockinger Oak casks for another five years.

DAY 5: NAPA VALLEY RESERVE After a leisurely morning and breakfast on our deck overlooking the Meadowood golf course, it’s easy to miss the discreet entrance of The Napa Valley Reserve, located adjacent to the Meadowood entrance. We are greeted by Philip

DIGITAL DOWNLOAD. Fast track to James Henderson’s additional BMW M8 Gran Coupe coverage by visiting exclusiveresorts.com/blog.

and Carol Norfleet, who have managed the private, members-only vineyard and winery for nearly two decades.

As we tour the famed estate with Carol (the consummate host with a rolodex of Napa’s most iconic vineyard owners and culinary superstars), she explains Harlan’s original vision for The Reserve was to provide a form of wine education for Meadowood guests. Since its inception in 2000, it has evolved into a private club where its 650 members can meet and connect over a shared passion for wine. The prerequisite for becoming a member? You must be someone members of The Reserve family would personally want to share a bottle of wine with.

Today, The Napa Valley Reserve encompasses 80 acres—with 60 acres in vine, and the remainder home to club buildings, social areas, gardens, and orchards. Wine produced on the estate is reserved for members who experience winemaking by personally blending, bottling, and even labeling their own private vintages made from the estate’s “super blends” prepared by The Napa Valley Reserve winemakers.

Under the supervision of Sarah Bray, Associate Director of Wine Education at the Learning Center, Mary and I spend the morning blending our own cuvée. I discover a newfound appreciation for the complexity of winemaking and particularly how such tiny adjustments of even one to two percent in the blending process can considerably change the wine’s taste, texture, and nose.

After being treated to a fabulous winepaired lunch with Philip and Carol (where Philip and I regale each other with stories over our shared passion for cars and wine), we say our goodbyes—the perfect finish to an incredible week.

The following morning, as Mary and I make our way back through the rolling backroads to the bustling city streets of San Francisco, I can’t help but hope we passed The Napa Valley Reserve “test.” And I wonder whether BMW will let me keep the M8 for just a bit longer? After all, my inbox surely can wait a few more hours.

Editor’s Note: At the time of printing, Meadowood and the surrounding area sustained damage from the Glass Fire. The resort is temporarily closed and reservations may be suspended. For more information on reopening plans, please contact your Exclusive Resorts Ambassador.

HOTEL COLLECTION> MEADOWOOD NAPA VALLEY Meadowood Napa Valley, a private sanctuary in a tucked-away enclave of California’s wine country, is the newest partner of the Club’s Hotel Collection. Operated by Chef Christopher Kostow for more than a decade, the three Michelin-starred The Restaurant at Meadowood is a modern American restaurant where Napa Valley’s wine standouts are celebrated daily. Meanwhile, the Meadowood Napa Valley Spa also takes its cue from nearby vineyards, offering treatments inspired by the terroir. Exclusive Resorts Members receive preferred rates when booking stays in any of the resort’s award-winning suites.

—— Above: A Hillside Terrace Suite at Meadowood Napa Valley.

EXCLUSIVE RESORTS RESIDENCE >NORRBOM ESTATE The Club’s Norrbom Estate—set on five beautifully landscaped acres and one of two Club residences in Sonoma—features a private pool, horseshoe court, an al fresco dining area, and several gorgeous outdoor living areas

—— Row 1, from left to right: Pinot tasting with a view at Donum Estate; the entrance to the caves at The Napa Valley Reserve; a blind-tasting class with The Learning Center. Row 2: Fresh samples at Kibo Farm with Jenny Trotter; poolside cabana lunch at Meadowood; edible flowers are the finishing touch during a cooking class with chef Kim LaVere and Food & Farm Tours. Row 3: Cooking at Exclusive Resorts’ Norrbom Estate with Food & Farm Tours; a wine blending class at The Napa Valley Reserve; hitting the road in BMW’s M8 Gran Coupe.

all with sprawling views of the Sonoma countryside. This elegant, four-bedroom residence promises escape from hectic daily life and is just a short drive from Promontory and The Napa Valley Reserve.

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FEATURE

GAME CHANGERS written by Jen Murphy

ICE MAN

CHRIS BURKARD, PHOTOGRAPHER

WITH 3.5 MILLION INSTAGRAM FOLLOWERS, CHRIS BURKARD URGES AND INSPIRES PEOPLE TO JOURNEY TO UNEXPECTED, WILD PLACES. Those seemingly

inhospitable and fragile locales can suspend attention and make travelers realize how important it is to protect them. Burkard’s photography showcases both the joy of remote places and an acute call to action for why we need to protect them.

As a self-described cold-water fanatic, he says, “Touristy beaches are always great, but when you tell people you’re going surfing in Norway, Russia, or Iceland, they look at you like you’re crazy,” says the California-based photographer.

“That’s the reaction I want to get from people. Finding perfect waves in places they would never even imagine going to surf is something that excites me and pushes me to create incredible imagery. I feel like we’ve all been sold the endless summer dream, and for me, most of the warm places I’ve been to are littered with tourists, WiFi, and massive hotels. The mystery is lost.”

Burkard’s icy experiences are so singular that his TED Talk, The Joy of Surfing in Cold Water, has been viewed more than two million times.

But his passion for hypothermic waters goes beyond his waveriding obsession. The self-taught photographer, whose Instagram (@chrisburkard) following evolves daily, hopes his stunning photography of icebergs and frozen waves will inspire more people to explore wild, rugged places. “Ultimately, the more time people spend outdoors, the more they will care about our environment and the wild places around the planet,” says Burkard.

He’s also moved into the wellness field, having recently announced a collaboration with a plant-based nutrition company. The result? A product called the Holy Grail—a customized, plant-based powder packed with essential minerals, vitamins, and proteins and delivered in one, travel-friendly pouch.

Burkard’s travels have certainly opened his eyes to how fragile our planet is. Over the years, he’s made 41 trips to Iceland, much of them to document the country’s glacial rivers for his book At Glacier’s End. “We followed the path of water from the glaciers to the sea and were able to witness year after year the recession of these glaciers and their need for protection from extractive industries,” he says. “The first step to protecting these places is getting people to experience them [first-hand].”

—chrisburkard.com 99

FEMALE SPACE EXPLORER CHRISTINA KOCH, NASA ASTRONAUT

IN 1963, SOVIET COSMONAUT VALENTINA TERESHKOVA BECAME THE FIRST WOMAN TO VENTURE INTO SPACE, SPENDING NEARLY THREE DAYS ALONE ORBITING THE EARTH . At the time, the thought of a woman

in space was unfathomable. But Tereshkova’s historic journey paved the way for more than 60 women to travel beyond the Earth’s atmosphere.

After wrapping up a historic 328-day mission aboard the International Space Station on February 6, 2020, American Christina Koch has emerged as the new female trailblazer in space exploration. Koch, 41, now owns bragging rights for having completed the longest spaceflight ever for a woman.

Koch’s mission spanned 5,248 orbits of the Earth—a journey of 139 million miles—roughly the equivalent of 291 roundtrips to the moon.

She came up just 12 days shy of the American single-spaceflight record, which Scott Kelly set in 2016. During her 11 months in orbit, Koch conducted six spacewalks, including the first three all-women spacewalks, spending 42 hours and 15 minutes outside the station. NASA has collected a great deal of data on living in space over the years, but very few missions have been significantly longer than six months. “Astronauts demonstrate amazing resilience and adaptability in response to long duration spaceflight exposure,” says Jennifer Fogarty, Chief Scientist of the Human Research Program at NASA’s 100

Johnson Space Center in Houston.

“Christina’s extended mission will provide additional data for NASA’s Human Research Program and continue to support future missions to the moon and Mars.”

As a little girl growing up in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Koch dreamed of becoming an astronaut and even convinced her parents to send her to space camp. After graduating from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Physics and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, Koch was one of eight members selected for the 21st NASA astronaut class in 2013. Her astronaut candidate training included scientific and technical briefings, intensive instruction in International Space Station systems, spacewalks, robotics, physiological training, T-38 flight training, and water and wilderness survival training. She was assigned to her first space flight, a long-duration mission on the International Space Station, in 2018.

Now she’s dreaming further, with hopes to be the first woman on the moon as part of NASA’s 2024 Artemis lunar exploration program. The mission will send astronauts to new locations on the moon, including the Lunar South Pole. Tasks will include testing new technologies and finding and using water and other critical resources needed for long-term exploration. The goal is to use what we learn on and around the moon to take the next giant leap to Mars.

Spending nearly a year in space gives you a completely new appreciation for Earth, said Koch in a press conference held in February 2020. “After 328 days in space, the first six days back on Earth were full of just as much wonder and excitement.” Koch then said. The things she missed most: her husband, Robert Koch; her dog, LBD; and chips and salsa.

Koch points out that mental training was just as crucial as physical training to last that long away from home. “I regarded it as this amazing place, my new home for the next year,” Koch said. “Something I had trained for so long had come to life.” But now that she’s home, she’s relishing things most of us take for granted. Just before her return to Earth, Koch told reporters: “Oh, how I miss the wind on my face, the feeling of raindrops, sand on my feet. We take daily sensory inputs for granted until they are absent.” —nasa.gov

FOOD WASTE FIGHTER

MATT JOZWIAK, FOUNDER OF RETHINK FOOD NYC

MATT JOZWIAK SPENT MOST OF HIS TWENTIES WORKING IN SOME OF THE WORLD’S BEST RESTAURANTS. But stints at Alinea in

Chicago, Noma in Copenhagen, and Eleven Madison Park in New York City left him unfulfilled. Searching to create something more meaningful, he started teaching kids from low-income communities how to cook. Both experiences opened his eyes to two seemingly intractable problems: food waste and hunger. Digging more deeply into the problem, he learned that 1.4 million people face hunger in New York City and 40 percent of all food produced in the U.S. ends up going to waste. “I knew how much food got tossed after a restaurant shift,” Jozwiak says. “I realized one quarter of one night’s food waste from one restaurant equals about 65 meals.”

Determined to build a better food system, he started tackling the most glaring inefficiencies in the system.

“Understanding the ability to donate food is huge,” he says. “Most people worry they’re liable if they donate contaminated food or think donating is illegal, but that is a myth.” Rather than drop perishable scraps at soup kitchens, Jozwiak envisioned having a team of cooks, plus a

nutritionist, who could turn those leftovers into healthy and delicious meals. In 2018, his dream became a reality when he launched ReThink Food NYC, a start-up nonprofit committed to repurposing excess food into free and low-cost meals to people in need.

Partners now include restaurants like the Nomad, grocers like Wegmans, farms including Kimbal Musk’s Square Roots, and companies such as Goldman Sachs. Leftovers get transformed into meals, including roasted chicken thighs with ancho chile barbecue sauce and grain salad, and then served at 10 shelters throughout New York City, feeding an average of 2,000 New Yorkers per day. Since 2016, it’s estimated ReThink Food has collected more than 150,000 pounds of food and served more than 300,000 meals.

What’s more, ReThink Café, the company’s first brick-and-mortar concept, recently debuted in Brooklyn, serving tasty, nutrient meals at fast-food prices. “I never imagined feeding people was [aligned with] sustainability,” says Jozwiak. “But sustainability leads to more equitable food practices and that leads to more people eating food for less money.”

—rethinkfood.nyc

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HEALTH EVANGELIST

DR. JORDAN SHLAIN, FOUNDER OF PRIVATE MEDICAL

WHEN COVID-19 HIT THE U.S., DR. JORDAN SHLAIN REPORTED FROM THE FRONT LINES. Ahead of the curve of

mass closures and government mandated social distancing, he urged citizens to slow down and take “collective, coordinated, shared action” in a calm, yet highly effective manner.

His prescient vision has always been a game changer. In 1998, Dr. Shlain quit his first postresidency job and retreated to the Mandarin Oriental hotel in San Francisco to contemplate needed adjustments in the medical system.

His father was a doctor during the heyday of healthcare. As Dr. Shlain grew in his own profession, it felt like doctors were cogs in a big machine. As he waxed nostalgic for the old days

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of medicine, he observed a cluster of well-heeled guests gathered around the concierge of his hotel. He thought, what if doctors approached their practice the same way a luxury hotel concierge approached customer service?

Dr. Shlain, now 53, went on to become the on-call doctor for the Mandarin Oriental, embracing a concierge-like approach to healthcare. He started to share his email and phone number with patients, something unheard of in today’s automated healthcare era. His philosophy: outcare all other health providers and remove the anxiety from a doctor’s visit.

Today, his practice, Private Medical—an internal medicine, pediatric, and naturopathic practice focused on prevention—is reimagining a new model for the delivery of primary care. “We are rooted in compassion, not rules,” explains Dr. Shlain. His focus on personalized, five-star service benefits not only the patients but also his team of practitioners. “When you take the shackles off doctors and let them do what they are supposed to do, they become the best versions of themselves, the doctor within them,” he says. One of Private Medical’s superpowers, says Dr. Shlain, is preventive care; essentially keeping people out of the medical system in the first place. “People get sick in healthcare,” he says. “We take a forward-looking approach to prevent all of the bad things that can sneak up on you.

We are trying to get people to understand healthcare isn’t a cost, it’s an investment in your future.”

Private Medical does not advertise and has a clear, noconflict-of-interest policy, meaning the firm does not have any financial ties to pharmaceutical companies. Dr. Shlain is even pushing to have the Hippocratic Oath rewritten to bring more transparency to mass healthcare. “The people who currently take the oath are those helping people face to face,” he says. “Hospital and pharmaceutical CEOs take an oath to their shareholders that more is better, growth and higher margins are good. But if a business is profiting from the healthcare system, they should have to take the Hippocratic Oath, too. They need to agree to be transparent and accountable.”

His practice is currently located in Silicon Valley, the Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco, New York City, and Beverly Hills, and may expand to Miami and London. By referral only, Private Medical takes five to 10 new clients a month and has about 800 families and individuals in the practice. “We grow at the speed by which we can maintain quality,” he says. “We want to ensure we’re thinking of your health, even when you’re not.”

—privatemedical.org

MASTER OF PLAY

CAS HOLMAN, FOUNDER OF HEROES WILL RISE, A TOY COMPANY

IN OUR AMERICAN WORLD OF IPADS, INSTAGRAM, STANDARDIZED TESTS, AND HYPER-SENSITIVE PARENTS, HAPPY GOLUCKY GAMES LIKE DODGEBALL AND HIDEAND-SEEK HAVE BECOME ALL BUT OBSOLETE . The

art of play, an integral part of childhood, is disappearing. Luckily, Cas Holman, a professor at the Rhode Island School of Design and one of six designers profiled in the second season of “Abstract: The Art of Design,” on Netflix, believes in the power of play. The 45-year-old designer humbly refers to herself as a toymaker, but her work isn’t just about fun: Her projects help shape childhood development. She named her toymaking company Heroes Will Rise as a manifesto of sorts. “Our childhood impacts who we are as adults,” she says. “By investing in childhood, we invest in the future.”

Holman grew up in Northern California playing with Star Wars figures and Legos. “I was always playing outside, engaging in the landscape,” she says. “Today’s kids are a lot less free-roaming. They have a lot more people telling them what to do.” Games like hopscotch, she says, teach children impulse control and social negotiations that you can’t get from playing video games. “Play is as important as eating and sleeping,” she says. “As kids get older, we gear them toward organized sports, which is great but often guided by competition or success. Open-ended play is more creative. It’s about making decisions in the moment.”

Holman’s projects are geared toward children between the ages of five and eight and encourage collaboration and unstructured play

to help stimulate imagination and teamwork. She works with schools, early childhood development specialists, and children’s museums to get feedback on how children react to her designs to help her tweak and improve the products. Are certain nuts and bolts too hard for kids to twist? If they can’t fit pieces together on their first try, will they disengage or start over? The Rigamajig, a large-scale building kit Holman first dreamed up for the High Line Park in New York City, has become her signature. The kit’s 265 pieces, including wooden planks, wheels, pulleys, hardware, and ropes, allow for open-ended exploration and collaboration. “Teachers have found Rigamajig to be very successful in inclusive classrooms,” she says.

“Kids on the spectrum for autism or for whom verbal communication is not their magic are able to communicate with other kids in class in a totally different way when playing with this toy. It helps children relate to each other and that’s really important right now.”

Her work with kids has been such a success that she now has coaches hiring her to be their play mentor.

Many of her workshops focus on how to tap into a more creative side of your brain when problem solving or how to make the workplace more playful. “Play isn’t just for kids,” she says. “We should approach play as part of life. When you’re more playful you’re open to failure and discovery.” —casholman.com

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PARTING SHOT

—— Above, clockwise from top left: A street-side back flip in Saint-Tropez; a posh New York City resident strikes a pose; a grandmother regales her grandson in Positano, Italy; a summer respite in Porto Venere, Italy.

FREEZE FRAME Larry Bridges, Club Member since 2017, captures the sights and smiles of Italy and New York City.

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