Issue 10 by Global Living Magazine

Global Living issue 10 | january/february 2014

Living Luxuriously, Worldwide

Healthy Living the Expat Way Part II of Series: Healthy Mind, Body & Spirit

a canadian valentine

A British Expat Discovers Canada's Uplifting Approach to Valentine's Day

Ski getaways IN the U.S.

Luxury Village Escapes for the Whole Family

BOOK REVIEWS: EXPAT ANTHOLOGIES

magazine

NEW YEAR

Issue

Five Recommended Expat Books about Living Abroad

The Psychology of expatriation Internal Struggles with the Great Expectations of Living a Global Life

belize Abu dhabi barcelona Arizona somerset

Kristian Brask Thomsen Meet the Danish Culinary Ambassador Who Creates Unforgettable Gourmet Dining Experiences for Haute Cuisine Connoisseurs

A Global Media Partners LLC Publication www.GlobalLivingMagazine.com

Global Living Magazine

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR / alison cavatore /

Join us on Twitter @GlobalLivingMag or @AlisonCavatore

2013 was an exciting year for Global Living as we launched our interactive app for smartphones and tablets and continued to grow our presence among the global expatriate community. Thank you to all of our readers for making Global Living a part of your international, jet-setting life, and thank you to our talented contributors for providing our readers with compelling content for each and every issue. As we say farewell to 2013 and roll into 2014, we look forward to exploring more corners of the world with you. In this, the first issue of the New Year, we travel to Belize (p. 31), Abu Dhabi (p. 28), Barcelona (p. 24), Arizona (p. 14) Somerset (p. 36), and more. We also speak to culinary ambassador Kristian Brask Thomsen (p. 20) who brings together gourmet-dining aficionados for unique culinary events in some of the most revered restaurants. We also explore the psychology of being an expat (p. 37), and dive into the second part of our ‘Healthy Living the Expat Way’ series (p. 38) with a look at maintaining a healthy mind, body and spirit in Dubai. Keep an eye out for our March/April issue as we will be changing gears a bit and increasing our focus on expat issues and living abroad, to better serve our readers. In the meantime, I wish you a happy, healthy and successful new year, wherever you are around the globe! And, as always, keep traveling.

Availabe on

Global Living Magazine Production & Editorial Team Founder & Editorial Director Alison Cavatore Assistant Editor Shirley Agudo Contributors (listed alphabetically) Shelley Antscherl Aisha Ashraf Damon M. Banks Jessica Benavides Canepa David Duran Apple Gidley

Alison Cavatore Founder & Editorial Director, Global Living Magazine

Tiffany Jansen Anne O’Connell Jo Parfitt Carolyn Pearson

Assistant Editor of Global Living Shirley Agudo is an American author, editor and photographer based in the Netherlands. She is the author/photographer of five books: Bicycle Mania Holland (www.bicycle-mania.nl); Fodor’s Holland; Hot Pink; Network Your Way to Success and Here’s Holland (www.heresholland.com). As a documentary photographer, she is also the founder of the Amsterdam Street Photographers’ collective. Along with Street Photography Workshops, she leads regular Photo Walks in Amsterdam. For more information, contact Shirley directly at: shirleyagudo@gmail.com. Follow her on Twitter @BicycleMania.

Global Living Magazine

Linda Popovich Anisha Shah Roy Stevenson Annelies van den Berg-Overbeek

Bambeco

Co-founded by Susan Aplin and Carolyn Wapnick, bambeco delivers sustainability and style with a collection of high-quality products and artisan creations – all reclaimed, repurposed, renewable, recycled, natural, or organic. Bambeco makes sustainable home products to steadily reduce the footprint and impact they have on the planet. With products such as the Bamboo Amplifier and The Launcher with Orbee Ball, bambeco remains committed to making sure sustainability is not just a concept, but also a conversation. During its first year in business, bambeco partnered with the World Wildlife Fund and has since formed additional key environmental partnerships and alliances, including Chesapeake Bay Foundation. The company not only donates more than 1% of its sales to environmental causes, it also donates time and services – each bambeco employee receives five hours of paid time off each month to volunteer for environmental causes.

Zac Glamour Design - Glamour Beetle www.zacglamour.it

Bamboo Amplifier

Made entirely by hand from 100% organically treated bamboo, this product boosts the sound on your smartphone without wires or batteries. $38 www.bambeco.com

ZAC Glamour Design

images courtesy of bambeco and ZAC Glamour Design

Founded in Milan in 2013, ZAC Glamour Design’s core focus is on BarocCarArt, an original mix between Baroque furniture and Car Art. Andrea Colombo, an architect and interior designer with a passion for iconic cars, and Linda Assandri, who brings her love for the Baroque style and Swarovski crystals, collaborated to design sophisticated, unique furniture. Working with a highlyqualified Italian craftsmen team, the designers create furniture based on the model of vehicle chosen by the customer. The Glamour Beetle is ZAC Glamour’s first product, so keep a lookout for future designs from the brand.

Bamboo Precision Tuned Earphones

Tuned for bass-strong movies, music and games, these earphones feature an outer shell made from bamboo, one of the planet’s most sustainable resources. A 3.5mm jack, in-ear passive noise cancellation, integrated microphone and interchangeable earcaps are all fitted into a felt-lined, recycled metal carrying case for safety. $78 www.bambeco.com

The Launcher with Orbee Ball Crafted from sleek, sustainable bamboo Ayres advertising campaign at with Caféa cork Margot. handle, the Launcher lets games of fetch February with your dog Aires, 2013. go on and on without youBuenos ever having to touch the wet ball, and allowing you to throw the ball far MODEL: enough forGina your Baldorini dog to get PHOTOGRAPHER AND DIRECTOR: Gabriel Rocca. a good run. The ball is made from first-quality reclaimed materials and is designed to stand up to vigorous play and chewing. $25 www.bambeco.com

Editor's Pick We’re ringing in 2014 with inspiring home accessories by two brands that combine unique, high-quality products with innovative design: bambeco and ZAC Glamour Design. Here’s a sneak peek at what these two companies have to offer for those looking to add a sure-fire conversation starter to their home in the new year.

The Glamour Beetle

Carved from solid wood, padded and upholstered in leather, faux leather or fabric, and hand-finished in gold or silver leaf (also available in actual gold 24 kt. or actual silver). Chair back available padded or with Swarovski crystals. Made with Beetle MY 1968 parts, ecological water-based paints for car-body painting and a high degree of customization. LED lighting available. Price upon request www.zacglamour.it

Global Living Magazine

INSIDE GLOBAL LIVING / contents /

January/February 2014

24 20

On the Cover: Kristian Brask Thomsen

4 Letter from the Editor Alison Cavatore

An exlcusive spa experience at The Spa at the Mandarin Oriental Barcelona

5 Editor's pick 7 Contributors

Meet our talented team from around the world.

8 Ski getaways

Exclusive recommended ski getaways within the United States.

10 Ski: favorite Things

Accessories and gear to enhance your winter ski and snowboarding vacation.

GLOBAL EVENTS Photograph by Kristian Holm

connect with us:

Facebook.com/GlobalLivingMagazine Twitter.com/GlobalLivingMag Pinterest.com/GlobalLivingMag Instagram.com/GlobalLivingMag

24 Mandarin Oriental Barcelona

11 villa serena garden party Nov. 10, 2013: Adrienne Arsht hosted the Villa Serena Garden Party in Miami, Florida.

13 broadway shows

Broadway shows in New York City for the whole family.

26 Seaham hall hotel

An inside look at England's Seaham Hall Hotel.

28 Abu Dhabi

Dream Destination: Where East Meets West

31 Belize

Finding bliss in Belize by exploring the country's rainforests and beaches.

EXPAT

35 can you feel the love?

A British expat discovers Canada's approach to Valentine's Day.

36 somerset soliloquy

A lontime expat returns to her roots.

37 The Psychology of expatriation

Internal struggles with the expectations of global living.

TRAVEL

14 Arizona

Explore some of Arizona's finest luxury resorts.

20 The Dinner Party

Cover Story: The opulent culinary world of Kristian Brask Thomsen.

38 Healthy living the expat way: Part II Healthy Mind, Body & Spirit

42 Saved by the bow

Using archery to ease expatriate assignments.

44 expat book reviews: anthologies

The ongoing Global Living column recommending the best books for expats.

GlobalLivingMagazine.com Living Luxuriously, Worldwide

Global Living Magazine

GLOBAL CONTRIBUTORS David Duran is a Brooklyn-based destination travel writer who spends the majority of each year traveling the globe and exploring new places. In 2013, he proudly flew over 90,000 combined miles to over 40 locations. His primary focus includes city profiles, luxury travel, hospitality and culinary, as well as outdoor adventures. He has a passion for air travel and is well-versed about the airline industry, commonly writing about new airplanes and airline routes. On all his trips, he always makes time to include a visit to a spa, making him the spa aficionado he is today. Annelies van den Berg-Overbeek is a healthcare psychologist specialized in the psychological aspects of expatriation. She lived in the Ivory Coast during the civil war in the early 2000s, where she worked as a psychologist supporting multinational companies. When the civil war escalated, she was evacuated by the French army, while pregnant with her first child. Finding herself back in Amsterdam with her clients spread around the world, she started her online psychology career by founding WorldSupport, which offers online coaching and psychological help for expats. Expatriates share their stories and daily challenges on her website: www.worldsupport.biz. Annelies currently lives and works in Dubai with her husband and four children. Shelley Antscherl is a British journalist, expat and mother of four now living in British Columbia. Prior to relocating to Canada, Shelley spent- nearly three years living in the Netherlands. She has also lived in the U.S. and Sweden. She currently writes for various publications and websites, and blogs about her adventures as the Disparate Huisvrouw (www.disparatehuisvrouw.com). Linda Popovich is a freelance photographer based in Seattle, Washington. Living and working in Asia and Europe for several years provided ongoing inspiration for her love of photography and travel. In 2009, after more than 25 years in the corporate world, she decided to change course and pursue her passions of photography and art full-time. Her photographs have been published in a variety of publications in the U.S. and internationally. In addition to travel photography, Linda also enjoys photographing animals, and just about anything that keeps her outdoors. Author, freelance writer and social media consultant Anne O’Connell has been an expat since 1993 when she and her husband left Canada and moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, then to Dubai in 2007 and Thailand in 2011. O’Connell is a regular contributor to Global Living magazine and Expat Focus. She is also the author of @Home in Dubai… Getting Connected Online and on the Ground; 10 Steps to a Successful PR Campaign – a Do-it-Yourself Guide for Authors; and Mental Pause, her first novel, a 2013 Independent Publisher Book Award winner. O’Connell grew up in Halifax, Nova Scotia and has a bachelor of public relations from Mount St. Vincent University. For more information, visit her website at www.anne-oconnell.com.

images provided by each contributor

Carolyn Pearson is a U.K.-based freelance writer and industry expert on business travel for women. She is also CEO and Founder of www.maiden-voyage.com, an award-winning global network designed to make business travel both safe and social for professional women. Carolyn has a background in technology, primarily focused on both travel and media. Her work has taken her throughout Europe, the U.S. and India, and she has lived and worked in both the Netherlands and Australia. As a result, Carolyn speaks fluent Dutch and also some French. Contact her via email at Carolyn@maiden-voyage.org or follow her on Twitter @Maiden_Voyage. Jessica Benavides Canepa is a freelance travel and lifestyle writer focusing on the international luxury market. Previous work experience as the commercial director for a high-end travel company affords her a unique insider perspective. Her most recent work has been featured in National Geographic Traveler; CNN Travel; Jetsetter; and BBC Travel; among others. Additionally, as a copywriter, she has garnered a wealth of experience writing for luxury property and fashion websites. Currently residing in the south of France, following successive years in Shanghai and Barcelona, Jessica’s next port-of-call is the beautiful west coast of Sweden, where she will continue her quest to discover the world. Read about her travel adventures at: www.jbcanepa.com, or follow her on Twitter @jbcanepa.

/ Meet our talented team /

With a dynamic 15-year history of working with a diverse collection of projects and assignments, Damon M. Banks is able to provide his expertise and services to clients by seamlessly merging the worlds of writing, social media, marketing and promotion. He balances his work at DMB Public Relations (www.dmbpublicrelations.com) with freelance consulting, while also serving as editorial contributor and industry expert to a variety of international travel, tourism, hospitality and luxury lifestyle publications. Connect with Damon directly at www.DamonBanks.com. Roy Stevenson is a professional freelance travel writer and photographer based in Seattle, Washington. With more than 800 articles published in 180 regional, national and international magazines, newspapers, trade journals, in-flight and online travel magazines, Roy is one of the most prolific travel writers in the USA. His work has appeared in the United States, Canada, England, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. He writes on travel and culture, history and historic places, food, wine and beer, luxury resorts and spas, military history and museums, military vehicles, art, communications, health, fitness, sports and film festivals. To view more of Roy Stevenson’s travel articles, visit www.Roy-Stevenson.com. Anisha Shah is a BBC born-and-raised broadcast journalist. Her career highlight is TV news reporting on the London 2012 Olympic Games. An incessant traveler, Anisha has written for leading international publications from Asia to the Channel Islands. Her niche is luxury and emerging destinations, as well as conflict zones, stemming from her childhood dream of becoming a war reporter. This has seen her choose unusual destinations: Bahrain, Kuwait, Beirut and Colombo. Alongside Jordan, Mustique, Brazil, Peru, Galapagos and Switzerland, these have been her favorites. The year 2013 sees inspirational and unique travels through Myanmar, Ethiopia, Central America, Norway, New York, Portugal and the Seychelles … for starters. Having recently decided to document her real-time travels, Anisha is editor of ‘A Niche World' at www.ani-shah.com where she writes frankly about her immersive travels. You can follow her on Twitter @anishahbbc or Facebook at ‘A Niche World’. Apple Gidley, a freelance writer and author of Expat Life Slice by Slice, has traveled extensively and is a seasoned expatriate, having started her nomadic life at a month old in West Africa. She has lived and worked in Nigeria, England, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, Papua New Guinea, the Netherlands, Trinidad and Tobago, Thailand, Scotland, Equatorial Guinea and the USA. Apple currently lives in Houston, Texas. Read her blog at www.my.telegraph.co.uk/applegidley or visit her website at www.applegidley.com. Follow Apple on Twitter @ExpatApple. Aisha Isabel Ashraf is a freelance writer who’s made the expatriate leap of faith twice – first as a lifestyle choice, and now as the trailing spouse of a civil engineer in a global consultancy. Currently based in Canada with her husband and children, she’s crossed geographical, cultural and religious borders and gives a candid account of the journey on her award-winning blog, Expatlog (www.expatlog.com). Her fascination for travel and psychology drives her work today. Her series of posts entitled ‘Breaking the Code of Silence’, about stigma and mental illness, led to her participation in a research study for Canada’s Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. She also writes for various U.K. newspapers, travel and lifestyle publications, and is a columnist for Expat Focus, an established online expat resource. Follow her on Twitter at: @AishaAshraf1. Tiffany Jansen is a freelance writer, blogger, translator and author of an award-winning children’s historical fiction series (www.tiffanyrjansen.com/books.html). Her writing has been seen in The Holland Times; WOW: Women on Writing; and The XPat Journal. She blogs at Clogs and Tulips: An American in Holland (www.clogsandtulips.blogspot.com). Tiffany lives in the Netherlands with her husband, daughter and dog. Jo Parfitt has published 26 non-fiction books, an anthology of poetry called A Moving Landscape, and a novel called Sunshine Soup. She is a journalist, teacher, editor and publisher who also mentors others who want to write and publish books and articles. Jo has lived in Dubai, Oman and Norway, and is now in the Netherlands. Living and working overseas has made her the mentor and publisher of choice for countless expat writers at Summertime Publishing. All of her expat titles can be seen at www.expatbookshop.com. Pick up a free report on ‘How to Write Your Life Story – the Inside Secrets’ at www.joparfitt.com/freereport. Jo also leads weeklong residential writing courses in Tuscany on how to write life stories. More information can be found at www.watermill.net.

Global Living Magazine

GLOBAL GETAWAY

/ ski vacations for the whole family /

Ski Getaways vail | Deer Valley | Telluride Travel industry expert Damon M. Banks shares his favorite ski getaways within the United States.

Damon M. Banks

The holidays are behind us and the new year has officially begun, making an opportunity to escape to a beautiful mountain village for a few days (or a few weeks) a priceless opportunity. I often find myself jealous of those fortunate enough to live in these towns, as it feels like the holidays all winter with the fresh falling snow, quaint shops, delicious dining options and the hot chocolate and coffee to keep you warm night and day. While Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t exactly feel like a holiday vacation to those working in these towns, these village escapes are magical getaways for the rest of us. Visiting these destinations is even more thrilling when you pull yourself away from the roaring fires in the fireplace while watching the snow

gently fall outside and hit the slopes. With cutting-edge technology integrated into the skis, boots and snowboards, not to mention the new stylish clothing options each season, this is not the same skiing experience of only a decade ago. With opening weekends before the holidays throughout Colorado and Utah being some of the best conditions in years, this ski season looks to be one for the record books. Of course there are some great ski getaways on the east coast and Canada, including other favorites like Whistler and Stow, and then an abundance of options throughout the west like Aspen, Snowmass and Jackson Hole, but these three favorite destinations stand out for their uniqueness, comfortable accommodations, friendly locals and amazing skiing.

Vail, Colorado

Mount Elbert Suite - Four Seasons Vail 8 Global Living Magazine www.fourseasons.com/vail

The Lodge at Vail - A RockResort www.lodgeatvail.rockresorts.com

photo of Damon Banks by Gregory Powers hotel/resort images courtesy of indicated hotel/resort

For anyone with a love for the feel and ambiance found throughout the European mountain villages, Vail is the closest thing the United States has to offer. While I agree that almost every destination has an authentic ski chalet overflowing with charm, but for an entire village to have this je ne sais quoi feeling is simply enchanting. On the mountain, the skiing is phenomenal, and the constant improvements and maintenance can be seen everywhere you look. After celebrating 50 years in 2012 with the state-of-the-art Gondola One revealed as the first and fastest of its kind in North America featuring heated cushioned seats, Wi-Fi, and a cozy 7.5-minute ride from the base of Vail Village to Mid-Vail, the Mountaintop Express Lift (#4), one of the most recognized and highly utilized chairlifts in North America, was replaced with a new six-passenger chairlift for this season. Vail is a true ski (or snowboard) paradise from top to bottom. Note, if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re fortunate to visit March 3-8 this year, Burton U.S. Open Snowboarding Championships will be happening, where visitors can watch world-class, Olympic-level slopestyle and halfpipe snowboarding competitions in Golden Peak by day, and enjoy a free concert series with top entertainment in Vail Village by night.

Telluride, Colorado

Often reminding me of a smaller version of Aspen, this quintessential mountain town has been largely influenced over the years by the miners and cowboys, still maintaining that rustic charm when walking the streets of town today. Like all these ski towns, the culinary scene in Telluride seems to improve each season, and now has a selection of restaurants around town to please any palate. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what is up the hill, however, that I love about this ski destination. Mountain Village, while only a short ride to the town of Telluride, is an enchanting world all its own. With innovative dining options, great pubs and coffee shops and an abundance of amazing accommodation options, Mountain Village sits at 9,500 feet and puts you that much closer to the extraordinary skiing that Telluride has to offer skiers of all ages and levels. All the elements combine to create a modern alpine elegance in Mountain Village, which perfectly complements the rustic charm of the town of Telluride.

Lumiere Telluride www.lumieretelluride.com Inn at Lost Creek www.innatlostcreek.com

Deer Valley, Utah

hotel/resort images courtesy of indicated hotel/resort

An intimate ski hideaway within a few minutes of the offerings of Park City, Deer Valley has a way of making you feel right at home instantly. Park City is busting at the seams with new restaurant and lounge options, with a host of activities each week to keep everyone entertained. When it comes to Deer Valley Resort, everyone here goes above and beyond to create a unique ski experience with some of the best groomed trails available today, along with ski valets to get your day started in the right direction. Making headlines during the Salt Lake City Olympics, Deer Valley truly is a world-class resort with pristine conditions. Just this past year, Deer Valley won the Best Ski Resort in the U.S. by the World Ski Awards, making this resort a must-visit for the skier in all of us. Be aware that this is a ski-only resort, but for the skiers, it provides an elegant environment with thrilling ski opportunities.

Montage Deer Valley Presidential Suite www.montagedeervalley.com

Deer Valley Casa Nova Private Residence Global Living Magazine www.skicasanova.com

Beyond just your regular luggage, items like ski bags are necessary to protect your favorite equipment in transit and the all-around backpack for your laptop and other valuables while in town and on the slopes. TRS Ballistic Executive Backpack ($349; www.clubglove.com) and The Perfect Ski Carrier ($169; www.clubglove.com)

Especially with the winter conditions, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more important than ever to protect your skin and lean on some of the best options available today. Essential Travel Kit By Hommage ($150; www.hommageshoponline.com) and Anti-Aging Day Cream SPF 30 by La Prairie ($215; www.shoplaprairie.com)

SKI: favorite things By Damon M. Banks While I do support a lot of the traditional ski attire brands, I really enjoy having a great coat I can wear while traveling, and then around town when enjoying the dining and shopping selections. When hitting the slopes, the little details can make all the difference in the world: finding peace on the journey with noise-canceling headphones, and protecting your eyes while finding your very own style with a pair of stylish sunglasses.

Highlander Wool Jacket by Victorinox ($650; www.victorinox.com)

It seems that each season is greeted with new and improved technology integrated into the equipment for both the skiers and snowboarders. Vantage Theory Skis by Atomic (www.atomic.com) and Raygun Snowboard by K2 ($359.95; www.k2snowboarding.com)

Global Living Magazine

images courtesy of DMB Public Relations

UltraFocus 8000 Noise Canceling Headphones by Polk ($299.95; www.polkaudio.com) and Fixed Gear Mustang Sunglasses by Scheyden ($309-$349; www.scheyden.com)

GLOBAL EVENTS

/ events happening around the world /

location: miami, florida | USA

photography by Claude Zick

Villa Serena Garden Party Hosted by Adrienne Arsht

vv On November 10, 2013, more than 300 guests, enjoyed an afternoon with sweeping views of Biscayne Bay during the Villa Serena Garden Party hosted by Adrienne Arsht. event review by DAMON M. BANKS

Adele and Sen. Graham, Adrienne Arsht and Chris Rupp.

Global Living Magazine

Adele and Sen. Bob Graham

Villa Serena Garden Party Hosted by Adrienne Arsht When Adrienne Arsht arrived in Miami in 1996 to serve as chairman of the board at TotalBank, it’s fair to say that even she did not know of the intense feelings she would quickly have for this dynamic city. Today, her name is synonymous with gracious generosity throughout the Miami community, as Arsht continues to give not only her time and expertise, but also charitable donations and resources to multiple organizations. Though the complete rebirth of the Performing Arts Center, due to Arsht’s generous donation and support, continues making headlines even today, her philanthropic efforts have been benefiting numerous other areas of Miami for over 15 years. Adrienne Arsht was honored by the Coral Gables Museum at the 100th birthday of Villa Serena, one of Miami’s oldest unaltered homes. Arsht acquired the home in 2007 and had it fully restored over a four-year period, saving the home, and leading the efforts to preserve the lovely Cliff Hammock bayfront neighborhood. This four-year restoration of Villa Serena, former home of William Jennings Bryan, is today not only a personal victory for Arsht, but also a triumph for Miami. Villa Serena is now on the National Register of Historic Places. On November 10, 2013, more than 300 guests, many dressed in clothing from that era, enjoyed an afternoon garden party with sweeping views of Biscayne Bay, and ragtime music from University of Miami Frost School of Music and choral groups from Coral Gables Senior High School. A highlight of the event was the recreation of a commemorative photo taken on the same spot as one taken at a 1913 party the Bryans held at the home. Guests included: University of Miami President Donna Shalala, Sen. Bob and Adele Graham, Leonard and Jayne Abess, Miami historian Arva Moore Parks, UM Frost School of Music Dean Shelly and Julia Berg, Jorge Plasencia, Norma Jean Abraham, Richard Milstein and Eric Hankin.

Swanee DiMare, Adrienne Arsht and Paul DiMare Elba, Maria Santovenia and Sabine Scholz

Managing director of Sixt's

Adrienne Arsht with members of the Spanish Young operations, Estanislao Museum's Associates in period dress

de Mata Perez, with Turkish media personality and author Ece Vahapoglu (MC and presenter of Seven Star Global Luxury Award)

The Group to duplicate the original photo just after Villa Serena had been completed 100 years ago

Laura Borland and Global Living Magazine

Yvonne Reay-Scott

Sergio Gonzalez, Carolyn Pearson University of Miami President Donna Shalala, Adrienne Arsht and Patricia Andreu Gonzalez

Alena Moravcikova Nancy and Jon Batchelor wearing DNKY Cozy with Trish and Dan Bell

photography by Claude Zick

Adrienne Arsht and Shelly Berg, Dean of University of Miami Frost School of Music

Broadway Shows For All Ages

The Music Box Theater 239 W. 45th Street www.pippinthemusical.com

Pippin Though this show has some areas of adult content, the

amazing Cirque-du-Soleil-style performances, unique story and sensational talent make ‘Pippin’ a must-see on Broadway. When seeing the magnitude of this show, the biggest question is why this revival took nearly 40 years to happen. The story takes us along for the ride as a young prince seeks adventure and makes several wrong turns in his life while taking some very poor advice. After the prince falls in love with a widow, who also has a young son, he must decide if his life’s destiny is settling down with a peaceful life, or making magic with his troupe of performers. The dynamic singing talents of Pippin, The Lead Performer and Theo (the widow’s child) mix with the high-flying spectacle of the Players and the comedic timing from Charles (Pippin’s father) and Catherine (the widow) to actively play on each emotion. Too many “wow” moments to mention in this show, but the raw performance of ‘Corner of the Sky’ is simply exceptional and will remind you of the true power of Broadway.

Final take: Having seen several performances at The Tony Awards and The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, I was an instant fan of the music, and somewhat disappointed that Matthew James Thomas was not performing the night I attended. However, while I still look forward to seeing the show again with Thomas, Billy Harrigan Tighe won me over in mere minutes, and was a fantastic Pippin with an amazing voice and perfect comedic timing.

the phantom of the opera

Admittedly, portions of this show can be a little dark and perhaps scary to very young viewers, but it’s ‘The Phantom of the Opera’, which makes it the longest running show on Broadway and simply a must-see performance. Worldwide, 130 million people in 29 countries and 150 cities in 13 languages have seen over 65,000 performances. Especially for younger viewers, this show is a great introduction to not only Broadway, but also a taste of opera and a spectacular stage performance showcasing the magic of Broadway. The story features the masked Phantom, who lurks beneath the catacombs of the Paris Opera House and falls madly in love with an innocent young soprano, Christine. He devotes himself to creating a new star by nurturing her extraordinary talents and by employing all of the devious methods at his command, while threatening the future of the thriving Paris Opera House. The actors all deliver an overall performance that confirms the show can easily be around for another 25 years, including the Phantom’s heavenly voice and eerie persona stealing the show.

The Majestic Theater 247 W. 44th Street www.thephantomoftheopera.com Final take: Having seen this show several times, the stage presence and delivery of these powerful songs always leaves me wanting to see the show again … not to mention the iconic crystal chandelier wowing audiences each performance. This show can be difficult for a first-time viewer to follow the storyline while being so overwhelmed with the performance, so I always suggest a first-timer read the synopsis and background first.

By Damon M. Banks New York City has so much to offer both residents and tourists in terms of performing arts and culture, and the Broadway scene is fortunately continuing to gain momentum and finding its former glory from the days before the recession. 2014 is sure to be a huge year for Broadway, with shows like ‘Bridges Over Madison County’, ‘Aladdin’ and ‘Les Misérables’ opening this first quarter. It’s that electrifying energy experienced in the Theater District that is quintessential New York City, and this, combined with the insane talent on the stages today, makes for an exhilarating theatrical experience. For families with small children, it’s often difficult to know the best shows to see – making ‘Cinderella’, ‘Newsies’ and ‘The Lion King’ equally good options. While all of these shows are great choices, for three distinct Broadway experiences, ‘Pippin’, ‘Wicked’ and ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ are New York City Broadway through and through.

wicked

From start to finish, this show will have you in awe of the complex story, the dynamic acting and the powerful voices sure to be heard in the neighboring theater. Perfectlytimed comedic lines The Gershwin Theatre make this over-the222 W. 51st Street top story remain lighthearted and refreshing. www.wickedthemusical.com This story portrays the animated tale of the witches of OZ, long before the days of Dorothy, Toto, and the Munchkins. Declared “The Best Musical of the Decade” by Entertainment Weekly and “A Cultural Phenomenon” by Variety, Wicked provides a first-hand look at how a misunderstood, emerald-skin witch finds an unlikely ally in the popular blonde-hair and blue-eyed witch, as the two grow into whom we know as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. A powerful story and performance perfect for all ages and sure to be bringing record crowds for many years to come. Final take: This is the kind of show that can bring the younger audiences into the world of Broadway – creating lifelong fans of the performing arts. A high-energy and exciting performance worthy of the praise it receives each year. The naïve exuberance of Glinda makes a perfect yin to the yang of the very complex dynamics of Elphaba. Global Living Magazine

GLOBAL TRAVEL

/ explorations from around the world /

Arizona’s

Finest Luxury Resorts By Roy Stevenson Photography by Linda Popovich With its high altitude, clean air, year-round sunny weather, and plethora of tourist attractions, Arizona’s high desert abounds with some of the world’s finest and most luxurious resort and spa meccas. It’s no surprise then that Arizona boasts the second highest number of luxury resorts and spas of any state in America.

14 fallsGlobal Living Magazine Night at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort

ocated in some truly gorgeous spots, Arizona’s lavish resorts are found tucked away in spiritual red rock canyons, sprawled on mountaintops in quiet lodge pole pine and juniper forests, overlooking ancient volcanic mountain ranges, in box canyons teeming with wildlife, and set into breathtaking desert vistas. Recently, we gave our all to investigate five of Arizona’s finest resorts to bring you this report – including one mysterious spot where I got zapped by a vortex (but more about that later). Enchantment Resort and Mii amo Spa, Boynton Canyon, Sedona Located in a deep, half-mile-wide box canyon, surrounded by dramatic red rock cliffs, Enchantment Resort and Mii amo Spa (www.enchantmentresort.com) sit in one of the world’s most spectacular settings. Imagine drawing the curtains every morning to see stunning red cliffs with curious rock formations sprawled around the canyon rim. I’ve had far worse starts to my day. Even more inspiring is how, as the day passes, the shifting sunlight changes the red rock’s hue from deep ochre to bright red to shades of pink and orange – inspiring color changes that bring you to a stop every time

photography by Linda Popovich

you turn a corner. It’s hard to believe that 218 Adobestyle casitas can be spread out along Enchantment Resort’s 70 acres. Painted to match the canyon’s red rock, they’re perfectly landscaped among the tall junipers, ponderosa pines, and cottonwood trees, and recede into the shadows along the canyon wall. The spacious stucco casitas are effectively camouflaged until you’re within 20 paces. Enchantment Resort easily ranks as Sedona’s most exclusive resort. At 4,600-feet altitude and an easy five-mile scenic drive from town, the resort is completely selfcontained. Offering four restaurants (Che Ah Chi—the resort’s signature restaurant; Tii Gavo; and two bars) there’s no shortage of fine dining here. All restaurants offer excellent service and panoramic views over the canyon walls. Try the mouthwatering Lobster Bisque, Beef Short Rib, Buffalo Tenderloin and Colorado Lamb. The rooms come in four categories with many different configurations, including the Casita Suites, Suites, the Casa, the Hacienda, and the Junior Suite. Most rooms include white beehive fireplaces with gas, roughhewn log ceiling beams, high ceilings, wooden floors, native rugs and paintings, patios, marble-tiled bathrooms, king-size

beds, large soaking tubs, and much more. The resort’s lengthy Daily Activity List offers a huge range from arts and crafts to hiking, mountain biking, tennis, premier golf instruction, croquet, ping-pong, fitness classes, yoga, Tai Chi, Native American programs, and other recreation. For nature lovers, bird watching and the resort’s herd of tame mule deer (that allow you to come very close), provide some great “wow” moments. And after a hard day’s recreation, you can unwind in the spacious, 24,000-square-foot Mii amo Spa. This airy spa boasts no less than 85 different treatments ranging from Watsu to a Prickly Pear Butter Wrap to Integrative Breathing – and everything in between. The Spa’s 125-person staff does its very best to deliver a body, mind and spirit experience. The brief Morning Ritual in the Spa’s Crystal Grotto, a Native Indian ritual for peace and calmness, sets the spiritual tone for the day – and ends with a hug from your spiritual guide. Indeed, the most fascinating feature about the resort is its spiritual energy. “Boynton canyon is a Vortex area,” explains Scott, our resort Vortex Tour Guide. “It’s a special place of considerable power where energy enters or leaves, and affects

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are other activities as well, like hiking the local trails and visiting nearby Woodland Lake. Outside, the light-stained pine cabins appear rustic, and inside they’re surprisingly spacious. The cabins differ in décor and size, and while not strictly luxurious, feature varnished and knotted split pine interior walls, carpeted and linoleum floors, separate bedrooms, bathrooms with showers and Jacuzzis, faux log gas fires, and fully-equipped kitchens. And most cabins feature a deck with BBQ. You can prepare your meals in the kitchen or eat at Darbi’s Restaurant, located on the resort grounds. With a downhome menu packed with burgers,

people in different ways,” he tells day without seeing a neighbor. us. The main Vortex, a 20-minute The pristine, undulating pine walk from the resort on National forest and soft ground covered in Park land, is where many people a thick mat of fallen brown pine remark how they’ve needles soak up felt energy radiating all sound except The White through them, or for the soothing Mountain had special dreams sound of the gentle a n d e m o t i o n a l Trail System breeze whispering experiences. offers 180 through the long, Scott points out spiky pine needles. miles of a tree near the spa The silence here multi-use that he claims is really is golden. especially powerful. Even though the trails. Somewhat skeptical, resort lies along a I stand close to the tree and, much State Highway, it’s so quiet that it to my surprise, feel waves of power feels remote, and the ever-present – almost akin to a mild electric scent of pinesap is like a tranquilizer current – coursing through me. as you linger on your cabin’s front The ‘current’ recedes as I walk away deck. from the tree. I returned several You can watch skittering times to this spot to meditate and chipmunks and squirrels, sassy recharge. Blue Jays, pecking woodpeckers Your stay at Enchantment Resort thumping away at tree stumps, will leave you relaxed and ready and enormous cawing ravens to resume your hectic life in the doing their thing. Small outcrops outside world. And your memories of basalt rocks stick up around the of the superb natural red rock grounds, adding to the Tolkien-like canyon and its mysteries will linger ambiance. long after you leave. Whispering Pines Resort does Enchantment Resort is usually not pretend to be a manicured, booked out months in advance, so landscaped resort. It’s ideal for plan your visit well ahead. families wishing to unplug from the electronic ether and reWhispering Pines Resort, establish their family bonds. I still Pinetop had excellent Internet access, plus With 38 rustic cabins hidden a sizeable TV and DVD player in away in the depths of a silent pine my cabin, but if ever there is a place forest atop White Mountain, for you to pass around a sack to Whispering Pines Resort collect your family’s Smart Phones (www.whisperingpinesaz.com) is the and video games for the duration place where you can literally go all of the vacation, this is it. There 16

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Surrounded by tall pine trees, the Whispering Pines cabins are a quiet haven

photography by Linda Popovich

Enchantment Resort's casitas match the red rocks of the surrounding canyon

canyon ranch images courtesy of canyon ranch

steaks, pasta dishes, sandwiches, melts, fish baskets, salads, wraps, soups, homemade chili and great turkey dinners, you won’t have any trouble finding your favorite comfort foods at Darbi’s. The small town of PinetopLakeside has enough restaurants to provide a variety of ethnic dishes, including Italian, Mexican, and Thai, plus diner and grill fare. There’s a sizeable movie theater nearby and a small but well-stocked bookstore two minutes away in a shopping mall, plus a supermarket. Resort activities include horseshoes, a children’s playground, outdoor fire rings, a Jacuzzi, hiking, hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The White Mountain Trail System offers 180 miles of multi-use trails. You can also visit the Pinetop-Lakeside Historical Society Museum, go horseback riding, and visit Fort Apache and Kinishba Ruins. Canyon Ranch, Tucson Considered one of the finest and most comprehensive life enhancement and wellness resorts in the country, Canyon Ranch (www.canyonranch.com) boasts a bewildering array of programs for people looking to lose weight, cease unhealthy practices, reduce their cholesterol levels, and improve their sleep, fitness and spiritual wellbeing. Sixty-five percent of the resort’s guests are return visitors, and if you spend a few days participating in some of their fun programs and eating healthy (but delicious) meals, you’ll soon figure out why. The luxury resort’s perfectly landscaped, 150-acre setting is in Sabino Canyon in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains. On the outskirts of urban Tucson, it provides a tranquil and relaxing setting to launch your new health and fitness resolutions. You’re surrounded by an abundance of desert flowers, Agave and Saguaro cactus gardens and Mesquite trees, with meandering streams, and pools and fountains, with patches of natural desert vegetation strewn around the grounds. Although the 160 single-story, Adobe-style casitas can host up to 240 guests, you’d never even

know they were full because the spacious grounds make you feel like you have the place all to yourself. Casita choices range from Deluxe to Executive and Luxury styles. Canyon Ranch is all about choices. You can run around all day in the six gymnasiums, Pilates studio, weight training rooms, and squash and racquetball courts. Or, you can choose to pamper yourself in the 80,000-square-foot Spa complex, with some of the Spa’s many treatments and therapies, such as rejuvenating skin care, massage, mud, salt, aromatherapy, ayurvedic and seaweed treatments, facials and masks, and even

Canyon Ranch guest registration entrance

Canyon Ranch guest room

metaphysical workshops. Better yet, choose a little of both! I met and talked to several guests who positively vibrated and glowed with health and energy from their stay at Canyon Ranch – people who had benefitted from the multiple medical and health treatments like bone density assessments, physical examinations, stress reduction courses, nutrition consultations, weight management and smoking cessation courses – some of whom now compete in road races, triathlons and endurance events. “We are so much more than a spa,” says Meredith Ford, Canyon Ranch’s Public Relations Senior Representative. “With the guidance of our diverse staff of dedicated wellness professionals, you can address a health concern, develop healthier eating habits, or explore new spiritual paths. We offer a range of services so our guests can participate in activities that are meaningful to them. When

you come here, you really have the freedom to take whatever path you want, including opting out of everything and relaxing by the pool.” Other activities include tennis, golf, yoga, basketball, swimming, biking, hiking, and a High Rope Challenge Course with climbing wall and a high-flying Zip line. In total, the resort offers 40 fitness classes and daily activities.

at canyon ranch, You can run around all day in the six gymnasiums, Pilates studio, weight training rooms, and squash and racquetball courts. Or, you can choose to pamper yourself in the 80,000-squarefoot Spa complex.

Canyon Ranch T Pool

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Turkey Creek Caldera, a vast and ancient volcanic crater dating back 35 million years, Sunglow Ranch’s spectacular panoramic background vista of the Chiricahua Ranges constantly draws your eyes across the valley to its towering cliffs. And after you tire of feasting your eyes on the Chiricahuas, try dining in the ranch’s intimate restaurant, Sunglow Cafe. You’re an hour’s drive from the nearest restaurant, so make the most of the cafe’s fine dinner menu that includes mushroom empanadas, filet mignon, and chicken and cheese enchiladas, not to mention an excellent and carefully chosen wine selection, including several local wines. Gateway to Sunglow Ranch

if wildlife is your thing, take the early morning guided Bird Walk.

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Evening view of Sunglow Cafe at Sunglow Ranch

after males have stayed for a few days, they’re usually the first ones to sign up for their next visit. Canyon Ranch is the ultimate health spa and you’ll find 1001 different approaches to healthy living here. Sunglow Ranch, Pearce “We endeavor to strike the perfect balance between providing anticipatory personal service and leaving people to enjoy the property,” says Sunglow Ranch’s charming and cultured General Manager, Brooks Bradbury. With 12 Casitas, Brooks and his lovely wife, Susan, provide a little civilization in a wilderness setting. And at this goal, they succeed admirably. Intimacy and ‘the personal touch’ are the keywords at Sunglow Ranch (www.sunglowranch.com). This resort is all about peace and quiet and getting away from everything, and the most guests you’ll encounter when the Ranch is full would be 30. The comfortable and tastefully decorated casitas, lying beneath enormous shade trees, have one or two bedrooms, king or queen beds, private covered porches, fireplaces, refrigerators, microwaves and air-conditioning. Located in the middle of the expansive

Sunglow Cafe’s zesty breakfast selection features Pueblo Eggs (scrambled eggs with Machaca beef, red onions, and jalapeno), Belgian Waffles, or the roasted Green Chile Quesadilla. Although lunch is not served in the restaurant, you’ll receive a take-away meal of your choice, and can choose from Veggie Wraps or Panini Sandwiches to enjoy while hiking or birding. Sunglow Ranch Resort offers a perfect setting to kick back and relax in the clean mountain air, but a day trip to the nearby Chiricahua National Monument is a must. With the resort only a half-hour drive from this underrated national wilderness, this side trip should be first on your list. The park has a well-stocked Visitor’s Center where you can pick up a trail map with hike descriptions ranging from 0.2 to 7.3 miles, and many distances between. Be sure to drive to the Park’s Massai Point for one of the most spectacular views of the Chiricahuas behind you, the Dragoon Mountains in the far distance, and mysterious, erosion-shaped rock formations in the valley opposite. You can stop at cutouts along the way to explore the strange rock formations on your way up. Sunglow Ranch resort has no phones or

photography by Linda Popovich

And if wildlife is your thing, take the early morning guided Bird Walk. Linda saw Gambel’s Quail, a Red-Tailed Hawk, Mourning Doves, Roadrunners, Gila Woodpeckers, Desert Mule Deer, javelinas, and a shy Bobcat on her morning excursions. Later that day she took an arts and crafts class and watched a healthycooking demonstration. I opted for the Drumming Circle. About 10 of us followed our instructor’s rhythms for a thumping good time as we got in touch with our inner percussion selves. Thoroughly enjoyable! That evening I attended an informative presentation about ‘The Benefits of Acupuncture for Stress and Anxiety’. The resort’s food emphasizes healthy living, so expect a plethora of salads and small desserts (try the Apple Raisin Crisp). Main courses feature seafood (try the curried mussels), poultry (try the chicken apple quesadilla), beef and lamb (try the beef tenderloin with Cajun mustard sauce), and many other tasty dishes, all prepared to be as healthy as possible, yet still managing to taste excellent. Alcohol is not served on-property, but guests can bring their own for use in their Casitas. With a total staff of around 800, the resort’s staff-to-guest ratio is 3:1, so expect to be well taken care of here, regardless of what you participate in or whether you participate in anything at all. Ironically, although 70% of the guests at any given time are female, I’m told that

TVs in the casitas, but has a large screen TV and DVDs in the playroom. The resort does provide Wi-Fi for those who need access to the Internet. Other activities at or near the resort include horseshoes, private guided horseback trail rides, mountain bike riding, bocce ball, bird watching, a nature trail, a fishing pond, stargazing, a swimming pool, and outdoor Jacuzzi. Massage therapy and yoga instructors can be booked in advance. And Brooks is happy to arrange winetasting at the Lawrence Dunham Vineyards, whose product you can try in the restaurant. Another interesting historical landmark close to the Ranch’s entrance is the burial place of Johnny Ringo, a notorious gunslinger who was associated with the James-Younger Gang and the Clantons. You can also explore nearby towns while staying at Sunglow. The former copper

Aji Spa at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort.

photography by Linda Popovich

town of Bisbee, now renowned for its art galleries and boutique shops, lies one hour from the Ranch, as does Tombstone, of the gunfight at the OK Corral fame. Numerous ghost towns are also within an hour’s drive. Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa, Gila River Indian Community, Phoenix With 500 rooms, the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa (www.wildhorsepassresort.com) is by far the largest we reviewed. Somehow, this enormous resort delivers top-quality programs, excellent food and great spa treatments without losing its personal touch. The resort is very popular for corporate meetings and retreats. Widely known for its strong cultural influence that’s reflected in the décor, food, and even the spa treatments, the resort

is built on the high Sonoran Desert in the 372,000-acre Gila River Community Reservation, southeast of metropolitan Phoenix. “The resort is built to tell the story of the Pima (‘The River People’) and Maricopa (‘The People’) tribes, the Gila River Indian Community,” says Stephanie Sanstead, the resort’s PR director. “We even have a cultural concierge.” You’ll find evidence of the native heritage

and bedspreads, artwork and mosaic tiles, with desert or pool views. All rooms feature oak floors, granite countertops, flat screen TVs, and state-of-the-art mattresses. The Native Indian theme permeates the 17,000-square-feet Aji (‘Sanctuary’) Spa’s offerings, from the Mosaic tiles in the entryway to the rock waterfall, and a plethora of indigenous spa treatments that originated with ancient Indians.

Murals at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort.

everywhere, but nowhere as spectacular as the ten Lobby Ceiling Murals created by Penrose Fulwilder, a Salt River Indian artist. The Tribe’s story is told through a series of huge ceiling murals, including the Creation Story, Traditional Games, Hunting, Agriculture, and other stunning images. Our dinner at the resort’s signature restaurant, Kai, gives another example of the native culture. Currently Arizona’s only Forbe’s 5 Star, AAA 5 Diamond Dining experience, Kai (meaning ‘seed’) delivers a memorable meal. It’s the Valley’s highestrated restaurant. Your dining at Kai is based on Pima Indian history about The Birth, The Beginning, and The Journey. Its highlypersonalized service and exquisite Native American dishes with a global twist (e.g. Mesquite Charred Pumpkin & Squash Puree, Butter Basted Lobster, Guaymas Shrimp & Diver Scallops) are as close to perfect as you’ll find at a luxury resort. More casual dining in the Ko’Sin (Pima for ‘Kitchen’) and Hanyo (Maricopa for ‘Oasis’) Restaurants rounds off a fine selection of restaurants. Rooms vary widely in size, and include Deluxe Double, Deluxe Executive, Executive Suites, Traditional Double, and Traditional King, all immaculately decorated with local Pima artisan blankets

Authentic Indian treatments include Thoachta (‘Healing’), Pima Medicine Massage, Vachk (Water Treatment), Ho’ishp (Sacred Prickly Pear Body Treatment), Ongam Hobin (‘Sacred Salt Wrap’) and others. All therapies in the 17page Spa and Salon booklet are given native names as well as English names. Other activities within striking distance of Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort include a 36-hole championship Troon golf course, the Koli Equestrian Center, an interpretive trail, casinos, and Rawhide, a large 1880s wild western town that lies just across the resort’s parking lot. Rawhide’s program has an actionpacked stunt show, burro rides, gold panning, a stagecoach, petting zoo, and the Rawhide Steakhouse with huge helpings of western food, including delicious chili cornbread muffins, and plenty of BBQ. Whether you choose to relax by the pool or pursue other activities, the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort provides first-class service and superb amenities. The Native Indian theme permeates the 17,000-square-foot Aji (‘Sanctuary’) Spa’s offerings at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort

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COVER STORY

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Photography courtesy of The Global Party

/ Kristian Brask Thomsen /

The Dinner Party Unforgettable Gourmet Dining Experiences

The Opulent World of Culinary Ambassador Kristian Brask Thomsen By Jessica Benavides Canepa

images courtesy of harricana by mariouche

n late November last year, a group of 16 gourmet-dining aficionados gathered to partake in a unique culinary event for three consecutive nights. Held in cosmopolitan Barcelona and the neighboring Costa Brava region, each respective night consisted of exclusive menus at famed restaurants: ABaC, 41 Degrees, and El Celler de Can Roca, named S.Pellegrino’s 2013 ‘World’s Best Restaurant’ and Acqua Panna’s 2013 ‘Best Restaurant in Europe’. Apart from the impressive collection of booked-solid venues, guests enjoy private kitchen and wine cellar tours plus, in some cases, meet the celebrity chefs in person. The closely-guarded guest list is an eclectic mix of haute cuisine connoisseurs who are equally appreciative of sharing their culinary passions with like-minded strangers. Each respective evening concludes at stylish hotel lounges where lingering conversations relive the night’s activities as if in temporary disbelief of their occurrence just a few hours earlier. Indeed, from start to finish this rather elite dinner party merits its name, ‘Dining Impossible’. The mastermind behind this exceptional event and many others like it – mainly in his native Denmark – is Kristian Brask Thomsen, director of the luxury communications company Bon Vivant (www.bon-vivant.dk). Brask Thomsen began his epicurean career as a sommelier in Copenhagen. “Despite loving my work at top local restaurants, I went through a life crisis in my early 30s,” he says candidly. “I realized that I’d spent my 20s working so hard to achieve career success that I hadn’t made time to see much of the world; to live life as it was intended to be lived.”

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Brask Thomsen confesses that his greatest asset is his network − a direct access to roughly 1,500 luxury diners across the globe.

left page clockwise from left: image courtesy of Cuizine; image courtesy of Claes Bech-Poulsen; image courtesy of Ole Troelso; image courtesy of Marco Pastori; image courtesy of Claes BechPoulsen; image courtesy of Cuizine this page: image courtesy of Ole Troelso

So, he took three years off to search for his true calling. Along the way, Brask Thomsen worked odd jobs and read classic novels to further his education. “All this reading eventually inspired me to submit articles on gastronomy and wine to local blogs. A noted editor noticed my work and, before I knew it, I was traveling the world as a ‘bon vivant’, reporting on various topics depicting the world’s ‘good life’ offerings.” “Armed with a new set of skills,” he continues, “I was determined to pursue my culinary passion without the constraints of a permanent address. The solution: I founded a communications company that represents star chefs and restaurants, promotes various luxury projects and advises restaurateurs from the perspective of an informed diner.” The concept of the dinner parties first evolved during the height of the world financial crisis, while on a business trip to the U.S. – a country that seemed to be one of the hardest hit. Back home, despite a decidedly better situation, it was a time when the Danish media was screaming ‘recession’ in a way that scared Denmark’s population into not spending money. Brask Thomsen reflects, “I believed

that people needed to be encouraged to remain optimistic and feel justified to spend money on pleasures – as this keeps the wheels turning in our economies as well as introducing people to likeminded individuals and ideas for future prosperity.” “And that’s precisely how the idea of ‘The Dinner Party’ was born,” he adds, “as a humble counter-movement against the crisis. As luck would have it, this time period also coincided with the emergence of the ‘New Nordic Cuisine’ in Copenhagen. Soon after, I was hosting nobility, diplomats, billionaires and celebrities at in-demand, Michelin-star restaurants such as Noma and, later, Geranium.” Following the success of these lavish parties in Denmark, the next city to conquer seemed to be Barcelona – with its powerful combination of great energy and charming laissez-faire. The first ‘Dining Impossible’ was held there last April. “It’s warm and stylish,” remarks Brask Thomsen. “It’s quite the opposite of Copenhagen, but the cities have one main thing in common: they are two of the hottest culinary destinations in the world.” Brask Thomsen confesses that his greatest asset is his network – a direct access to roughly 1,500 luxury diners across the globe. “I’m careful not to misuse this special privilege – always trying to offer value to those I reach out to. After all, a gentleman is one who gives more to the world than he takes from it.” Delighted to witness the evolution of the aforementioned New Nordic Cuisine, Brask Thomsen experienced a new culinary language being born while working closely with its creators and the eventual development into a full-blown cuisine – worthy of its well-regarded standing on the international culinary scene. With his sights firmly set on the future, two new ‘Dining Impossible’ events are currently in the works: the first debuting in New York City during the spring of 2014, and the second in Hong Kong the following fall. Though he plans to try his hand at other sectors of the luxury market, the focus will remain on culinary-related endeavors. “This world is both my passion and area of expertise,” Brask Thomsen explains. “In general though, I’m open to suggestions as long as they have a culinary angle.”

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Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona Spa Thai Futon Room

the spa at by DAVID DURAN

BARCELONA

When traveling, finding a relaxing spa to unwind at can be essential. David Duran explored The Spa at the Mandarin Oriental in Barcelona for one of the most exclusive spa experiences in the area.

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image courtesy of Mandarin Oriental

MANDARIN ORIENTAL

images courtesy of Mandarin Oriental

hen it comes to the best of the best, every opinion is relative to each individual experience. When rating a spa, this is especially true. What can guarantee an excellent spa experience is 5-star luxury brand backing it up. Behind every great hotel spa is a massive corporate brand that ensures the same level of excellence at each of their locations. The Mandarin Oriental is highly considered to be among the top hotel brands in existence, and the pride they take in the services they provide is evident the moment you check in. The uniquely small boutique location in Barcelona offers the Mandarin standard of Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona Spa Relaxation Area service but steps it up a notch by having one of the best spas in Spain. Located in the center of green pool that, when For a more location-specific everything within one of the unoccupied, looks more experience, the Barcelona most beautiful and illustrious Spring massage uses indigenous like a reflection pond cities in Europe, the 4-year transported from the Far Spanish ingredients. old property has a secret East to the depths of the weapon hidden below their lobby level. luxe property above it. The moment you exit the elevators and The spa offers a variety of options enter The Spa at the Mandarin Oriental, within its menu, most of which are a sense of tranquility is immediately felt. considered to fall under their signature The eight treatment rooms, including two spa therapies. These treatments were couple’s suites, which are connected to a developed in consultation with specialists separate Jacuzzi bath, are located below the in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) glamorous property. Beyond the standard and master aromatherapists. Beyond the but beautiful locker rooms is an indoor traditional, The Oriental Harmony massage pool that that will leave you breathless. The consists of four hands working together in sexy dark lighting combined with the warm perfect unison, concluding with a perfect wood floors invites you to a dimly-lit, dark simultaneous balance of a head and foot

Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona Spa pool

massage. For a more location-specific experience, the Barcelona Spring massage uses indigenous Spanish ingredients. The foot ritual of the treatment uses fresh local mint and sage. For guests who want the celebrity experience, the Linda Meredith haute couture facial is personalized to each skin type using special techniques that have become a talking point with celebrities all over the world. For pedicure enthusiasts, internationally renowned French podiatrist Bastien Gonzalez has lent his exclusively developed treatments for feet, nails and hands to the spa. Just above, in the hotel lobby and outside the doors of the Mandarin Oriental, is an array of fine dining and high-end shopping that line the Paseo de Gråcia. But within, in addition to the modern and beautifully stark-white Blac Brasserie, the masterpiece restaurant, Moments – a two-Michelin-star gourmet must – serves traditional Catalan cuisine and is under the direction of Chef Carme Ruscalleda and her son, Raül Balam. For shoppers, Manolo Blahnik is conveniently located in the hotel lobby. Barcelona is a walking city that is flooded with tourists from every corner of the world. The overwhelming amount of beauty and things to see will leave anyone wanting some downtime for relaxation and pampering. And who doesn’t love or need a perfect spa experience?

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County DurHam, England

Seaham Hall Hotel by Carolyn Pearson

Guestroom

Serenity Spa

Cellar

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images courtesy of Seaham Hall Hotel

ocated in 37 acres on the rugged cliff tops of the wild and romantic English North Sea coast, Seaham Hall (www.seaham-hall.co.uk) is just 20 minutes away from the beautiful city of Durham and can be reached within 40 minutes from Newcastle International Airport. This intimate residence is home to 20 individual suites and penthouses, many with sea views and each with the largest of sumptuous bathrooms and the hugest of two-person baths we have ever seen. I arrive with my husband on this sunny winter’s day, dazzled by the pristine white Georgian building standing against a backdrop of the Durham coast line. The Hall that stands here now was built on the site of the original manor house in 1792 by Sir Ralph Milbanke, 6th Baronet of Halnaby, for himself and his wife, the Hon. Judith Noel, daughter of the 1st Viscount of Wentworth. That year their daughter Anna Isabella (affectionately known as Annabella) was born. In 1815, Annabella went on to marry Lord Byron, English poet and leading figure in the Romantic movement. Although the marriage that took place at Seaham Hall was both short and largely an unhappy one, much is still made of Byron's association with Seaham Hall today. In 1821, Seaham Hall was sold to soldier, politician and Irish-born nobleman Charles William Vane, Baron Stewart, who later became the 3rd Marquess of Londonderry, and in 1823 he was designated Earl Vane and Viscount Seaham. During that time, prominent figures such as the Duke of Wellington and future Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli (1861) were entertained here. During a derelict period in the 1820s, the Hall was utilized by Scotch whisky descendent Alec Harvey as a base from which to bottle, and also to smuggle Spey whisky through a series of underground tunnels down to Seaham Harbor. The whisky was loaded onto ships bound for the Bahamas, from where it was redirected to New York and Chicago during the height of US Prohibition. Allegedly, Harvey’s customers included renowned bootlegger George Remus and gangster Al Capone. Distilled under license of the Historic Royal Palaces at Aviemore in the Scottish Highlands, this exclusive whisky, only otherwise available at the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Banqueting House, Kensington Palace and Kew Palace, was then sold at Seaham Hall. Since then, Seaham Hall has changed hands a number of times and even had a spell as a military hospital during World War I; in 1928, the Hall became a sanatorium for those suffering from tuberculosis. Today, having undergone significant investment and refurbishment, stands a beautiful five-star hotel and award-winning spa. Before entering the Hall, one is not entirely sure what to expect and cannot fail to be intrigued or captivated by the contrast of the modern ‘Charybdis vortex’ fountain. The spectacular installation is a huge acrylic cylinder filled with water flowing in a circular motion to create a vortex. The grandeur of the stunning building is in fact best observed from the coastal side of the grounds where its full expanse can be appreciated. Locally, Seaham Hall is as famed for its Serenity Spa as it is a hotel, and could easily be referred to as a spa with rooms. With 17 treatment

images courtesy of Seaham Hall Hotel

rooms, the spa caters to guests that are a mixture of hotel residents and day spa clientele. Indulgent treatments on offer include a full range of face and body experiences by Elemis and Darphin. The sensory journey to the spa from the hotel sets the scene perfectly. Guests take a dedicated entrance through a specially-built underground tunnel. There’s a strong Thai influence, with a winding wooden walkway, tranquil lighting, huge gold Buddha, soft music and the trickle of water over pebbles. You are instantly transported from one world to another. With plenty of time to enjoy the spa facilities, I took the opportunity to lounge by the heated indoor pool, saunter in and out one of the many saunas and steam rooms, soothe my aching muscles in the hydrotherapy pool, and take a dip in one of the two outdoor hot tubs. I headed to the pre-treatment relaxation area to meet my therapist, Toni. I chose the Elemis Pro-collagen Quartz lift facial, an advanced treatment designed to smooth out the signs of ageing and perfect for the harsh English winter climate. The stylish and spacious treatment rooms were warm and inviting, all dark wood, with mood lighting. Within minutes of sinking into my cozy, heated bed, Toni had me in a trance-like state in which I remained for one long hour. She expertly applied product after product; gorgeous scents drifted in the air while she administered a divine and prolonged facial massage. Afterwards my skin looked and felt amazing and I have to admit to being totally disoriented, taking me at least two attempts to find my way back to the hotel to prepare for dinner. I hadn’t been that relaxed in ages. We had pre-dinner cocktails in the Byron Bar, an opulent space with rich velvets in purples and gold, and glittering gold-plated chandeliers; here a large portrait of Byron commands attention. For a touch of lighthearted quirkiness, screenings of old black-and-white classics such as Citizen Kane and Casablanca played on the huge TV, contrasting perfectly with the surroundings. Dinner was a playful affair taken in the lavish Blunos Sea Grill, decked in rich tones, with lots of mirrors, and teeming with interesting artifacts; this is a warm, cozy and sociable space. One can immediately tell that Culinary Director Martin Blunos (previously having two Michelin stars) doesn’t take himself too seriously – all the more evident when our starters arrived. My tender scallops, accompanied with a delicious shaved truffle, vegetable and butter sauce, were paired with the smokiest of Australian Rieslings, the d’Arenberg Stump Jump 2009. My husband, who opted for the Vodka-marinated Mackerel with a Russian potato salad, was consoled at not being eligible for a wine pairing before being presented with a generous tumbler of Stolichnaya Elit Vodka. For entrees, I couldn't resist the delicate and sweet Spey Byron Whisky Butter Poached Lobster filled with Pease Pudding, Tomato, Ebene Caviar, and Shellfish Oil, served with a dressed salad and delicious Fat Chips. Continuing the Spey theme, my husband opted for the Spey Whiskey and Bilton-crusted venison served with Neeps (the Scottish term for swede), Brussels Sprouts, Juniper Sauce. Both came cleverly paired with a medium-bodied Fleurie Bouteille a la propriete 2010.

Serenity Spa

Blunos Sea Grill

While service was attentive, it was unrushed and made the evening feel more like an event rather than simply dinner. For dessert, I selected a wholesome British staple of plum tart and a smidgen of Chantilly cream, while my husband indulged in a selection of ginger treats and a refreshing ginger sorbet. The beauty of Seaham Hall is the warm, friendly and attentive service; the hotel is small enough for staff to know each individual guest and the staff-to-guest ratio is high. Very much the air of a private country residence, the Hall boasts a team that genuinely cares enough for you to want to come back. One couldn't wish for a better venue for a romantic winter stay and, with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, who could resist a decadent tryst under the gaze of Byron himself?

Byrons Bar

Global Living Magazine

Dream Destination

Abu Dhabi:

Where East Meets West

hoosing to travel across the world for an adventure, relaxing luxury vacation, or hopefully a combination of both, isn’t an easy decision. We all have our dream destinations or places that rank high on our bucket list. For some of us, the forbidden lands of the East call out to us. But when you think of the Middle East, it’s easy to focus more on perceptions of what you read in the magazines or see on television and, in all fairness any concerns one may have about traveling to that region of the world can mostly be validated. But at the same time, there is one region within the Middle East that is extremely welcoming to foreign travelers while still providing a real world view of what it’s like to visit a Muslim country – and you might be shocked at just how progressive it truly is. And getting there isn’t as hard as you may think; for me, my opulent adventure began the moment I checked in at the Etihad Airways airport counter. The world’s most luxurious airline that most have never heard of is doing everything it can to impress their customers. Pearl Business and Diamond First class passengers are greeted at the airport counter and privately escorted through security, all the way to the airport lounge. I was headed to Abu Dhabi, a destination mostly overlooked by its much smaller in land size, and neighboring

Global Living Magazine

competitor, Dubai, both which are located within the United Arab Emirates. Etihad Airway is the premier airline for all flights in and out of Abu Dhabi. With direct flights from NYC and recently announced Los Angeles, with more to come, the company is making sure that they stand out above the rest, providing a level of service that is incomparable to others. The Coral economy class offers personal in-flight entertainment systems for each passenger as well as superior cabin service. Within the free services offered to all guests is the new in-flight nanny service. You read right, a nanny service onboard their flights. The nanny is there to ensure an enjoyable flight for any children on the flight as well as the rest of the passengers. Making sure kids eat first, and providing games and assistance to parents helps make this possible. Pearl Business passengers enjoy lay-flat seats with dedicated cabin attendants that anticipate any needs one may have. The food menu allows passengers to select from a specially-created menu, which is frequently rotated, as well as offering an ‘order anytime’ menu for guests who might want an extra bite during their flight. For travelers looking for something even more impressive than Pearl Business, the Diamond First Class cabin on Etihad is a one-of-a-kind experience. With private

individual suites boasting 6-foot-8-inch extra wide, lay-flat beds, as well as 23inch cinematic widescreen televisions, the Diamond experience has taken luxury air travel to a place that most only dream of. The leather seats are upholstered in Poltrona Frau leather, the same leather found inside Ferrari cars. The amenity kits offered to passengers include pajamas decorated with Swarovski crystals. It’s an unnecessary abundance of pure extravagance, which any Diamond passenger fully deserves. As if all of that wasn’t enough, Etihad has added a personal chef on each flight to attend to Diamond guests. All meals are prepared to order. Both Pearl and Diamond classes also have special dedicated Etihad lounges within certain airports, which offer free massages in addition to standard lounge services. Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE, the largest of seven member Emirates, and the second largest in population of the seven, in addition to being the financial capital of the Emirates. It has modern buildings and surroundings similar to Dubai, but at a much smaller and more controlled level. Within all the modernization still exists a very apparent and proud culture, most of what you won’t any longer experience in Dubai. The perfect balance between new and old world creates a tourist-friendly blend that permits visitors to feel as if they have been transported to a

image courtesy of Emirates Palace

- By David Duran -

Emirates Palace at night

bottom two images courtesy of Emirates

Diamond First Class Chef Program

storybook land, while still having all the modern conveniences of high-end luxury surrounding them. During my visit, I stayed at the brand new Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal. This luxury beach resort overlooks the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the most visited destinations within the UAE. Like everything else in this grand city, the Ritz didn’t hold back when building the 447 guest rooms and suites, in addition to the 85 private villas. This massive 17th-century Renaissance-

Emirates Pearl Business Class Flat Seat

style structure dominates the coast and provides stunning views from each room. Every culinary option is available for resort guests within the 10 on-site restaurants and lounges. Internationally-based interior design firm, Super Potato, famous for making architectural art, designed three of the signature restaurants. Among my standouts was Dolce, an Italian-style café offering fine coffee, desserts and homemade gelato, with one of the most impressive dessert buffets you will ever see, during their brunch services. The Ritz Carlton

brand is known for a standard of excellence that is unparalleled by others, and this new property exceeds this level and makes guests feel more than welcomed. On the other side of Abu Dhabi is where I found myself for a separate stay at the world-renowned Emirates Palace. It’s almost impossible to describe the size of this property that looks unreal at first sight. The abundance of gold and eagerness to please guests exudes at every corner of the property, and at every curve of each perfectly-rounded overhead dome. It’s Global Living Magazine

Emirates Palace gate

Suite at Emirates Palace

Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi

Global Living Magazine

almost overwhelming how massive this place is, but it’s definitely a must-see when visiting. There isn’t anything that this property can’t offer you, and if you need anything during your stay, your personal butler is anxiously awaiting your commands at the push of a button. This is truly a place that will have you walking around with your jaw dropped to the floor, even after a few days of staying there. After all the luxury of my trip, I opted for a more rugged outdoor experience at the Arabian Nights Village. This beautiful property located in the middle of the desert and surrounded by nothing more than sand dunes, offers cozy, private stand-alone rooms that make desert camping a bit more tolerable. This is the place to escape to for a couple nights during your Abu Dhabi adventure. This is also the place where you can ride camels, try your luck at sand surfing, and grip for your life during some dune bashing with expert drivers in luxury Land Cruisers. Abu Dhabi is a magical destination with elements of both East and West. It’s a place to indulge and be spoiled – a place to explore and discover a rich history, while learning the beauty of a culture that, although it can appear offputting, is actually quite sweet and welcoming. World-class golfing, shopping and spectacular one-of-a-kind locations such as Ferrari World, home to the world’s fastest roller coaster, make Abu Dhabi exceptionally unique. As long as travelers go with an open mind and a respect for customs and traditions, a once-in-a-lifetime experience is guaranteed.

top two images courtesy of Emirates Palace; image courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi; bottom four images courtesy of David Duran

Abu Dhabi is a place to indulge and be spoiled – a place to explore and discover a rich history, while learning the beauty of the culture.

Finding Bliss in

photography by Anisha Shah

Belize It’s easy to divide Belize into rainforest and beach, many visitors only discovering either aspect. But for such a tiny country boasting exquisite scenes throughout, there’s no need for proverbial partition. Traversing its length and breadth is easy, so don’t settle for less than the best of both. By Anisha Shah

Belize beginnings Wedged between Guatemala and Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Belize is blessed with virgin beauty. Vast, untouched, whitesand beaches give way to translucent azure waters bearing the largest barrier reef in the world after Australia (longest in the Western Hemisphere). Two hours inland, dense rainforests and remote rivers shelter endangered species, many indigenous and unique to Belize, while concealing rich historical Mayan sights. In addition to the astonishing array of marine life and a dazzling display of jungle life, the Caribbean way of life completes the allure.

Victoria House

Belize is an exception to the Central American rule, culturally and historically. The sole English-speaking nation exudes a notable Caribbean laid-back ambiance among its ethnically-diverse population of Mayans, Mestizos, Mexicans, Afro-Indians and expats from across the globe. The latter are attracted to the myriad palm-lined Cayes and Atolls, finding that elusive work-life balance in this narrow strip of the planet. They all understand the key to success – individuality with a Belizean flavor. To this end, there isn’t a single multinational chain in the country – no Starbucks or Hilton hotels, for example. Global Living Magazine

Peppered throughout are an abundance of uber-luxury properties offering serious R&R in thatched-roof finery – none finer than the multiple award-winning, ultraluxury retreats of Hollywood film director Francis Ford Coppola: Blancaneaux Lodge and Turtle Inn. Coppola is considered the Godfather of hoteliers in Belize. With ambitious vision and determination to match, decades ago he converted his private 70-acre home in the forest into an enchanted fairytale retreat, which consistently tops travel polls. He cleverly uses the subtlety and drama of nature to play on surrealism, stimulating the subconscious mind while pandering to every conscious desire, all with a serious eco-friendly lead.

Victoria House

of wildlife on loudspeaker. The loudest culprits are the tiniest frogs! But dawn chorus brings its own shrill of nature’s operatic alarm clock. An entire concerto of birdlife echoes – knocks, clicks, whoops and trills – as Green Jays, Red-Lored parrots and Melodious Blackbirds announce the day. Outdoor and nature-lovers will delight in the rainforest. The soft limestone bed, under the damp exotic canopy of sail-like fronds and huge palms stretching skywards, is punctuated with caves and Cenotes – sunken water caves, which the ancient Mayans believed led to the underworld. Now, they’re whimsical swimming sanctuaries to challenge Enid Blyton’s imagination. While taking a dip alone in a deep dark pool, I half expect fairies to emerge. Jungle sanctuary Hiking, mountain biking, cave tubing Arrival at Blancaneaux is a fantasy. Nothing and zip lining are among the choices of short of a film set, the dramatic hideaway is adrenaline-inducing activities. Horseback captivating, shrouded by the wonderland of riding is my passion, and Blancaneaux the jungle-clad Cayo district. Every element Lodge has its own stables complete with of the wilderness appears perfectly placed. guide-trainers. Trotting down muddy slopes Unlike the rest of the country’s wild and surrounded by dense wild bush, ducking for exotic jungle, which brims with orchids, branches, into a canter through flowing vines, bromeliads and creepers, here we’re brooks and dusty pathways on horseback in the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve. is pure exhilaration – even better when the Twenty luxurious casitas are final spot is a mountain ledge woven into surrounding tall, from which to watch the sun For a small elegant Honduras pine trees. sink into the jungle. There’s The sun glimmers through the also the spectacular Big village, fine lush needles in the hillside Rock Falls, an hour away on at dawn and dusk, twinkling Placencia has horseback followed by a short through the vegetation. Below, a very sociable hike down steep boulders rainwater glides off granite to a deep expansive natural atmosphere, boulders into swirling cascades pool under waterfalls. While of Privassion Creek, collecting there, the weather suddenly as weekends in turquoise pools. Beyond, changes to monsoon rain so thunderous echoes of distant continue into saturated I can barely open waterfalls and wild animals the early hours. my eyes – a reminder that this nibble at the senses. is no controlled environment, By nightfall, the jungle comes alive with but rugged rainforest. the ceremonial resounding reverb of a roster In Belize’s jungle, I savor every moment, 32

Global Living Magazine

Rainforest

as time is filled only with pleasure. By dusk, I head to my haven, Waterfall Spa. The most incredible setting of any spa on the planet, an open-faced natural light treatment room steps directly into a long, semi-circular outdoor infinity pool heated by hydroelectricity, peering over cascading waterfalls and enveloped by dripping vegetation of tropical jungle. Before my Balinese massage, by a powerful Indonesian therapist, I soak in the hot pool. Mist evaporates off the surface, drifting downstream over natural sandy beaches on the banks of the gushing creek. The splendor for the senses achieved by eco-luxury is phenomenal. Peace in Placencia’s peninsula After a few days in the rainforest, I leave to uncover a contrasting image of Belize. Some 130 miles away on the Caribbean Coast lies a long, narrow, sleepy peninsula, lined by idyllic white sand beaches and azure seas to the west and mangrove lagoon to the east. Placencia, a village consisting of one long main road, was named for its shape by Spanish travelers. One property that was completely destroyed by the 2001 hurricane, which ripped apart 95% of Placencia, was Coppola’s only other Belize boutique hotel, Turtle Inn. In 2003 it re-opened, entirely rebuilt, raising the bar high for Placencia. Understated yet plush, Turtle Inn is a labor of love. This beachside refuge attains luxury while embracing rustic nature. Behind an ultra-relaxed façade runs a slick operation, headed up by an unlikely candidate, at least upon initial meeting. Martin Krediet is the Johnny Depp in Coppola’s beach set, appearing in a white linen shirt, trilby hat and shorts. He’s watching guests try their hand at kite surfing and, it appears, itching to get in. Our informal friendly greeting in this blissful setting induces relaxation from

photography by Anisha Shah

Turtle Inn

Placencia

photography by Anisha Shah

Rainforest

the moment of arrival. That’s part of the charm of Turtle Inn, and Martin assumes his role like a natural. A handful of individual thatched cabanas are mere steps from the beach. I particularly delight in my airy, private deck for the serene option of in-cottage breakfast. Coppola wins my award for coolest contraption in a hotel room: the Shell Phone. Don’t expect traditional phones in the rooms of either of his properties. The Shell Phone is a large, beautiful conch shell attached to what looks like a gramophone base. It connects directly to reception as the shell echoes the voice on the other end – a quirky way to order coffee to my room. With so much beauty outside, it’s difficult to find an excuse to stay inside. My preferred spot is the wall-less beach bar for lunch. Dining on gourmet Red Snapper Burger or Garlic Butter Lobster, while feeling the powdery sand between my toes and listening to the motion of the sea just three feet away is, quite frankly, my idea of heaven. I find Turtle Inn staff service impeccable too – standalone excellence above and beyond requirement. For example, bringing a change of shoes from my room to a nearby bar while on an evening out (don’t wear heels to Barefoot Bar – the clue is in the name) is met speedily and with finesse. Outside my cabana, I while away the hours on a hammock on the beach, tucking into fresh shrimp tacos on the baby chairs and wooden table in the shallows of the sea, and swing myself to a lull before bed on a tree-swing.

Rising out of Belize City feels particularly Bond-esque, and I can’t hide my excitement as I peer below my feet to glassbottom views. Long walks on the wild Caribbean beach are a given in Placencia. Without a person in sight, they’re postcard views, passing sparse beachfront cottages and the odd natural log, tree or shell to break the monotony of white sand. Late afternoons are best spent socializing with locals at ‘Barefoot’ beach bar, a short stroll along the beach or bike ride away (Turtle Inn provides guests with free bikes.) For a small village, Placencia has a very sociable atmosphere, as weekends continue into the early hours. Barefoot Bar is the liveliest hub, spilling over to next-door Tipsy Tuna, a beachfront nightclub, Placencia-style. On a calmer segment of beachfront where the water is so still (there’s nothing but one line separating the horizon), sits a luxury boutique hotel of a different style. Chabil Mar has the feel of an 80’s Caribbean holiday home but with the modern interior comforts of gadget-outfitted apartments. My vast one-bedroom suite features a wrap-around balcony and veranda directly overlooking the Caribbean Sea. With air conditioning and a fully-equipped kitchen, I feel right at home in this very local property. Within three days, I know half the village

View from helicopter

by first name, greeting people in the street and stopping for chats. The locals embrace this atmosphere and cherish it. But for those who find it too insular, the northern island of Ambergris Caye is the most popular spot in Belize. Famous for San Pedro town, the subject of Madonna’s ‘La Isla Bonita,’ this is a little more commercial, with bars, restaurants and cafes spilling into the streets and onto the beach. Still no multinational franchises though, as they’re all local and individually-owned. Placencia does have a tiny airport. Cessna planes transport passengers cheaply to and from Belize City. I get the option of sitting in co-pilot, benefitting from incredible views over rivers, beaches and forest. Belize barrier reef by helicopter A seriously sexy mode of transport to Ambergris Caye is private helicopter. My journey takes in shimmering jewel shades of turquoise and aquamarine along the 190mile barrier reef, landing directly in the Global Living Magazine

The fastest way to get around is by speedboat. Locals use the taxi ferry, which picks up at piers along the seafront. By evening, however, be warned that the service is every 1-2 hours. When I tire of an evening at the upmarket beachfront bar, ‘Rojo Lounge’, there an ideal spot for is literally no way to get back other than to charter ease of access to a speedboat from my hotel. ‘La Isla Bonita’ I spend the afternoon dipping in San Pedro while For the cost of a London the sea, joined by huge rays and distant enough to taxi, it’s an affordable and colorful Parrotfish, just off the exhilarating feeling, slicing pier by the hotel’s beachfront be its own oasis of through the inky black sea at serenity. bar, in between munching night, watching the lights on on delicious Lobster Ceviche land turn into dazzling jetstreams. and sipping cocktails. Ten minutes in the Back to my hotel, Victoria House proves to distance is San Pedro. be an established and well-loved property. It Madonna’s famous song, ‘La Isla Bonita,’ is the epitome of classic luxury. Established thrust this Caye to fame in its heyday in the in 1981 and spanning 10 acres, I learn that 90s. San Pedro is as hedonistic as Belize gets. it’s a name synonymous with barefoot Even then, the party scene is easy-going and luxe. My duplex suite comes with a fullycasual with waterfront, open-walled clubs equipped kitchen – a touch I appreciate for radiating more of a drop-in and duck-out afternoon tea or coffee in my own comfort. feel. The wide stretch of beach is pristine and private, which is a coup on Ambergris Caye, Explore Ambergris Caye just minutes from San Pedro. I find it an The only way to get around Ambergris ideal spot for ease of access to San Pedro Caye by land is by golf buggy, which I rent while distant enough to be its own oasis from the hotel. Ignoring their suggestions, of serenity. I have way too much fun taking off alone, crossing the ‘border’ – a toll bridge over a Swim with sharks channel in the sea, heading north of the The hotel’s private pier is always busy, as island, which is considered far by locals. Ambergris Caye is Belize’s closest point to With no paved roads, deep, wide potholes the Barrier Reef, just a little over half a mile ensure a tumultuous ride, finding solace into the sea. Hiring a VH-reputed speedboat in beachfront greenery. At a crossroads in and diving instructor, it takes just minutes the dirt track, the choice is mind-boggling: to begin snorkeling on the world’s largest ‘Main Road’ or ‘Dead End’. Such is the barrier reef, second only to Australia itself. enviable simplicity of life here. Stretching north to south, the reef shelters 34

Global Living Magazine

Ambergris

Chabil Mar

all the interior Cayes with deep canyons of staghorn, elkhorn and brain coral, starting at 90 feet at dive sites. Shark Ray Alley is a sandy plateau inside the reef. Fishermen used to clean their catch here, attracting swarms of nurse sharks and squadrons of stingrays. The effect has lingered. “Welcome to shark-land … but they are very friendly and you can touch them as they brush past you,” exclaims my instructor. ‘They feel like sandpaper.” Admittedly, this is where I panic and deem it best not to enter the water in that state. I don’t miss out much though, as they circle the boat, dorsal fins protruding, making a splash together. The sharks appear to be playful and boisterous, not minding human interaction at all. Back on land, at the foot of the famed San Pedro action, I discover The Phoenix hotel, an award-winning oasis of luxury. As a relative newcomer, I’m left wanting for nothing in this Condé-Nast-Johansensrecommended property. Manager, Mark Maggioto, welcomes me to a modern, sumptuous two-bedroom Caribbean Seafront apartment. Decked out in the latest technology, fully equipped with utilities and plush furnishings and with the luxury of massive space – 1,500 sq ft, this is an ideal spot for the young, sassy and demanding, with the best concierge in town. Beau Belize Watching the sun melt into the sea on my final evening, I’m startled at Belize. Rainforests to beaches and properties of effortless luxury and Caribbean warmth, this dot on the map encompasses everyone’s idea of a dream holiday. It’s only a matter of time before Belize becomes renowned globally as a destination of a lifetime.

photography by Anisha Shah

gardens of my next hotel, Victoria House. Astrum Helicopters offers three different tours. I choose the one flying over offshore Cayes and Atolls. Rising out of Belize City feels particularly Bond-esque, and I can’t hide my excitement as I peer below my feet to glass-bottom views. Gustavo, my rugged, handsome pilot and MD of Astrum, is as relaxed as can be. He radiates the lifestyle through a suave laid-back demeanor. Swirls of shallow, sandy islands appear milky under the water’s surface. Speckles of land litter the sea as a thousand dark dots amidst piercing, cats-eye-colored sea. From above, the water is transparent. I shriek as we spot a family of sharks and rays over the aptly-named Shark Ray Alley, a very popular snorkeling/ diving spot. Gustavo flies low over Hol Chan Marine Caye Caulker Reserve as we spot more sea-life, then shows off a 360-degree panorama right along the barrier reef as far as the eye can trace and then The wide stretch of straight out to endless deep beach is pristine blue. A once-in-a-lifetime and private, which experience, this is an absolute is a coup on highlight of my Belize trip. Ambergris Caye, Coming into land, Victoria House appears as an elegant, just minutes from white property, gracing a wide San Pedro. I find it stretch of pristine beachfront.

EXPATRIATE LIFESTYLE / expat adventures around the world /

Can you feel the love? A British expat discovers Canada’s uplifting approach to Valentine’s Day.

photograph by Aisha Ashraf

By Aisha Ashraf

n the sepia-tinted days before the Internet the postman hadn’t been around yet when I and selfies existed, Valentines Day at left for school and hope everyone forgot by my British primary school wasn’t much the next day. different from any other day. Pot-stirring Here in Canada it’s a totally different peers might read a little extra meaning into scenario. They’ve found a way to spread a game of Kiss Chase, but by and large our the love more evenly; they start young and young lives galloped on apace, untouched by everyone’s in. Most kids in Ontario begin the legacy of an unspecified early Christian full-day kindergarten at four and, of all the martyr named Valentine (apparently there accoutrements I was expected to outfit, I were a few) or that behemoth of saccharine never imagined twenty-plus Valentines cards sentimentality: Hallmark. would number among them come February. It wasn’t until I entered high school that The first year here I was taken totally Valentine’s Day became a socially treacherous by surprise. Unaccustomed to such avid popularity contest. Coming from a True to Canada’s observation of celebration days reputation for sheltered family of daughters and (I should have guessed from attending a girl’s convent school, diplomacy and the enthusiastic indulgence in schools my contact with the opposite sex inclusion, Halloween and Christmas that request that if extended about as far as my father you’re going to this was a nation that liked to and Mr. Kraftl, the music teacher distribute cards, party!), I hadn’t envisaged blanket with a penchant for tight-fitting you do so to every participation by five-year-olds. My trousers. The likelihood of me child in the class. eldest came home with a bagful of getting a valentine was on a par with Silvio cards and gifts and the disgruntled reproof Berlusconi entering Holy Orders. that I hadn’t given her any valentines to It’s common practice in the U.K. for the distribute. sender of a valentine to remain anonymous, As we sifted through the stickers, sweets, thus the day supposedly bequeaths an cookies and crafts that her classmates had opportunity for secret admirers to let the given her, I marveled at the thoughtfulness object of their affections know they exist, of a tangle of red and white wool soaked in albeit in a semi-creepy, stalker-ish kind of PVA glue and left to dry in the shape of a way. I just prayed no one at school asked the heart while she munched her way through awful question, ‘How many did you get?’ If popcorn and lollipops and proudly showed you lied and gave a number, they wanted full me her cards. disclosure of all your social interactions with True to Canada’s reputation for diplomacy boys since the dawn of time, to the point and inclusion, schools request that if you’re where you were in danger of drowning in going to distribute cards, you do so to your own deception. I just used to stutter that every child in the class so no one is left

out. Admirable from an anti-bullying and self-esteem standpoint, but pointless as a meaningful expression of affection if your child has to give a card to the kid that’s been tripping them up in the playground and stomping on their hands at Circle Time. But for the moment, it’s less about romance and more about encouraging love for one’s fellow Man, and we could all use some more of that. When the day draws near now, we head off to the shops for sheets of a dozen or so perforated cards that look like gift tags. Reams of princesses and pink hearts jostle with cars and superheroes and there are even cards for the teachers. We were amazed by all the people who went the extra mile and made or decorated their own cards with readymade craft packs before attaching all sorts of trinkets to them – anything from pencils to sweet treats to mini-action figures. Excitement builds as the day draws near. I’d suggest not leaving it until the night before to determine the name and gender of forty-odd classroom comrades (I now have two children at school) while overseeing the lackadaisical application of sticky hearts and glitter, as it likely detracts from the amount of Love the end-product absorbs during its manufacture, and yes, you’d be right in guessing I speak from experience! I’m glad my kids won’t feel the anxiety I did when Valentine’s Day approaches. I suppose you could say the old hippy vibe is still strong in Canada – it’s all about Peace, Love and Bacon. Oops, did I say bacon? I meant bonhomie. Global Living Magazine

with pathos, for along with the joy of hugs from my granddaughter is the sadness that relatives and older family friends are aging, and I am acutely aware they may not be there the next time I cross the Atlantic. My children, also raised as global nomads, are continuing the trend of their upbringing, and so my reasons for returning to the land of my forefathers are lessening. However cursory my snapshot memories of occasional visits through my growing years, I do consider Britain part of my heritage, though not somewhere I can claim as my own. I can navigate the winding roads of the West Country with confidence, and mapfree. I know the villages and towns nestling in the rolling hills. I can remember stories from my father’s childhood, and incidents from my own, and yet, in this place that most certainly holds ancestral roots, I do not belong. There is a market town in Somerset that is the closest place I have to familial history in the country of my birth, England. The George, a 15th-century hostelry in the center of the town, was in the 1930s owned by my grandfather, Brough Girling. The family, along with Daisy the cow, lived there for a number of years, their tenure shortened somewhat due to Grandfather’s propensity to live the life of a country squire rather than a publican, but long enough for the town to imprint itself on my father, and later on me. Castle Cary is where I spent two school terms, separated by two years, at Hillcrest by Apple Gidley – a solid country school sternly run by Mrs. A longtime expat returns to her roots Churchouse and a staff, firm yet kind, to a to become reacquainted with the first pudgy, pigtailed little girl more used to the equatorial smells of West Africa than the place she knew as ‘home’. cabbage-seeped walls of the dining hall. he New Year often brings, along with laughter Half Moon Cottage, where we stayed on and cheer, a time of retrospection. I’ve my father’s leaves, belonged to an ancient been thinking about roots and heritage. As cousin and was a few hundred yards from expatriates, many of us assume we will one day return the school. In winter the garden filled with to our passport country. We mostly expect there to snowdrops, brave and seemingly inured have been changes since we left, but we are still faced to the frigid February weather. When my with a cultural chasm when we do eventually return grandmother came to stay she would take to the country of our childhood – a chasm forged my hand and walk me, unwilling to leave because, through our exposure to many different the warmth of the kitchen, to the end of cultures, we have changed. the garden where the sweet scent from For those of us brought up as TCKs (Third Culture lily of the valley sprinkling the ground Kids), our roots, rather than digging deep tend to under the trees, gave first promise of spread horizontally, embracing facets of all the warmer weather. Granny would spin countries we have called ‘home’. However, added to tales of intrigue and romance about the our casserole of cultures we must also add a dash of colonies of fairies and goblins that lived heritage. That sense of our familial past, whether we in the crumbling, ivy- and moss-covered have actually lived in the land of our forefathers or walls, and I would forget for a moment have merely been brought up to value their culture. that I missed my animals and friends from In my case, trips to Britain are always tinged a warmer climate.

Somerset Soliloquy

Global Living Magazine

Mr. Jones, the grocer, crisp in a white coat, held sway over his sparkling counters, which for a child more used to the hustle and clamor of an African market was like stepping into a storybook. Cheeses, fat and lush, lay under glass domes, ready to be sliced by the wire; hams and patés jostled for poll position, precise slithers hand-cranked onto waxed paper, with not a fly in sight. And the candy! Huge apothecary jars filled with colored temptation were available for a few pennies. The gingerbread-stone Market House built in 1855 on the site of the original 1616 structure, built soon after Cary was granted the right to hold markets, is now a museum. The Round House used in 1779 to lock up local miscreants, possibly having stumbled from The George, inexplicably resembles a beehive. Revered now as an ancient monument, it was in 1785 feared by the town’s children, over the age of seven, who, having been caught missing Sunday School, would be tossed into the 7-foot round, windowless cell to learn a lesson. Thankfully, by 1965 when I attempted the same practice, the punishment had been discredited. I have been back to Castle Cary a number of times since my childhood sojourns, and each time have been surprised at my ingrained knowledge of the town, as if lessons learned at Hillcrest were not just focused around the Maypole. The pond by the war memorial where I was taken to feed the ducks seemed miles from our little cottage but to adult legs, is really not far. My last visit was the first time I had been back since my father’s death two years ago when, after his funeral, I went and had tea at The George. It somehow seemed fitting. When I stayed in this venerable old hotel last summer, enjoying an evening at the bar, chatting to regulars, I realized it was another farewell as the tenuous links I have to this ancient and lovely English country town have all but loosened. I doubt that little in Castle Cary has fundamentally changed over the last 400 years but, although to most people I sound English, I am still an outsider, tinkering at the edges of English country life every now and then, just as when a certain confused little girl asked by her classmates where she was from, answered, “I’m from Africa.” My retrospection is over and I welcome the New Year. I no longer worry about where I’m from. My roots are spread around the globe, my culture drawn from the many countries in which I have lived, but my heritage is English, notwithstanding a pinch of Australian from my mother’s side. I am proud of both.

images courtesy of Apple Gidley

My roots are spread around the globe, my culture drawn from the many countries in which I have lived.

eing an expatriate comes with great expectations and promises. Changes in your life, opportunities for your family and a chance to see the world are reasons that most of us choose to venture abroad. You live life to the fullest; the highs are higher but the lows can also be lower. People prefer not to talk about these lows, which is a shame, because much can be done to counter them. When it comes to expatriation, everybody seems to be an expert and surely everyone has an opinion. In 2003, when I followed my husband to the Ivory Coast, it struck me how little is really known about the psychological aspects of expatriation. Since then I have specialized in this field and I have reached some very interesting insights. As always in psychology, the power of recognition plays a big role: you are not the only one, what you are experiencing is not strange, and, most importantly, yes, something can be done.

The Psychology of Expatriation By Annelies van den Berg-Overbeek

Internal Struggles with the Great Expectations of Global Living

images courtesy of Apple Gidley

Psychology of expatriation

Apart from the ‘usual’ psychological problems, expatriates are exposed to very demanding circumstances. Although you still stand by your decision to move abroad, the reality of life away from home proves to be harder than you anticipated. This is even truer for trailing spouses. As an expat, you may very well recognize yourself in the following: - You are less confident than usual because you have given up your job and your limited understanding of, or interest in, your normal pastimes and find yourself looking situation. From their point of view, you are for a new goal in life. living the dream and have little to complain - You do not speak the language or not about. I call this the ‘Diva-effect’. well enough; you need to get accustomed As a result of the above issues, the majority to the local habits or, worse, you need to of expatriate spouses suffer from some of get used to a challenging security situation. the following symptoms: loss of confidence, - You need to find your way around in areas mood swings, homesickness, stress, anxiety, like housing, transportation, groceries, sleeping disorders, eating disorders, etc. healthcare, schooling and Relationship problems and Be aware substance addictions are also utilities. Furthermore, your social that this common. Additionally, research safety net may feel like it has shows that 20-40% of all disappeared. Your partner situation is expatriate missions fail, mostly may work long hours or travel temporary due to the spouse’s inability to extensively, which leaves you and try to cope with the new situation. feeling alone to deal with your new life not wanting enjoy the Solutions to bother him/her with your moment. This is clearly a big issue, but problems. Your social network what can be done to solve it? may begin to consist exclusively of your Unfortunately there is no magic pill, but the partner’s colleagues and their spouses solutions often can be quite straightforward. and you find yourself wondering how For starters, structure certain aspects of your open can you be with them. You miss life by getting up at fixed times, and find a job, your family and friends back home but, if study, hobby or pastime. (Looking for a job you talk to them, it seems as if they have also counts as work.) Now is also the chance

to pursue that idea or dream you always had! Actively engage in social interactions, stay fit, and maintain a healthy diet, but watch out for destructive behavior like too much eating, drinking, smoking or shopping. Be open to your partner (your failure will become his/ her failure). Be aware that this situation is temporary and try to enjoy the moment. And, finally, be open to your social network. Everyone has issues, and it can be refreshing if somebody has the courage to not keep up appearances – but be careful here, there is open and OPEN).

Help

Expat life is not always easy, especially for trailing spouses. It requires changes and sacrifices that are sometimes beyond your comfort zone. When you are experiencing issues as described above, and if you are unable to cope with them by yourself, I suggest you find help with a professional, licensed counselor or with your general practitioner. For more information, expat support and services, visit www.worldsupport.biz. Global Living Magazine

Julie Lewis

Global Living Magazine

expat series | part II Healthy Living the Expat Way

Healthy Mind, Body & Spirit

image courtesy of Mountain High

ou don’t have to climb a mountain to stay in shape, but it’s one thing that British expat Julie (Jules) Lewis has incorporated into her fitness regime and professional life to stay healthy and happy. “I climbed my first mountain in 2002 for my 40th birthday,” says Lewis, founder of Mountain High, an integrated personal leadership organization offering speaking, coaching, corporate retreats and signature expeditions. She says she had a “light bulb moment at the summit – I am on a high, on a mountain – Mountain High – what a great name for a company!” A year later Lewis led a team of 18 women on a trek to Everest base camp. Upon returning from the trip she finally had enough courage to leave her full-time job and start Mountain High in Dubai. Her mission is “to inspire as many people as possible (especially women) to take charge of their health, get into action, connect with new cultures and unlock their full potential though adventure travel,” said Lewis. She calls it “MAD LOVE – Making a Difference Through Lots of Valuable Experiences.” She has since led over 50 expeditions to over 20 countries, which have included Polar expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctica. In the process, she has trained multi-national teams of men and women in preparation for, what many have called, life-changing challenges. “I was looking for adventure and came across Jules' advert,” said India-born Sandi Saksena who has been an expat for 45 years, having lived in Kuwait and Bahrain before moving to Dubai in 1996. “I attended her intro session and was just drawn to her warmth and positive energy. I decided to sign up; that was it! I was on one of Jules’ first trips to Jordan in 2006 and, thanks to her, I got

By Anne O'Connell

a taste of everything, including sky diving.” Saksena was hooked and has continued adventuring with Lewis. “I went with her to Kerela and participated in the famous snake boat race, which we won in 2007. I thoroughly enjoyed my latest trip with her – 2013 horse riding in Mongolia and I am all set to sign up for the trip to whichever Pole – North or South!” An adventure with Lewis incorporates not only physical but also mental and emotional health. The takeaways for participants vary dramatically and, in Saksena’s case, included a broadening of her horizons, literally and figuratively. “I have learnt to accept the ‘discomforts’ and have become more open-minded, always looking on the brighter side, enjoying the moment, the beauty of nature and the new people I get to interact with, and appreciating what I have,” she said. Aussie expat, Debbie Nicol, who also lives in Dubai and has been an expat (this time) for 17 years and lived in Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East, did the Cyprus ‘Go Red For Women’ in support of the global National Heart Foundation adventure as well as the Arctic trek. “Both trips left me feeling invigorated on all levels,” said Nicol. “I do learn a lot about myself in group situations, and emotionally when some of the activities stretch me, that’s a real coup.” She recalled going sea caving and “slithering like snakes in total darkness.” Hearing the water coming in and out of the cave brought her back to the horror of experiencing the 2004 tsunami in Thailand. “But, I had nowhere to go. I was stuck in a three-by-three space with rock above and below, so I needed to find some ‘mental toughness’ to not panic and simply trust.” Global Living Magazine

“In the paradigm of holistic wellness there is no separation between our emotions and physical body, which is all the more reason why emotional well-being is so important to our overall health.”

A recent adventure to the Antarctic with 17 breast cancer survivors, all expats living in the UAE, has been turned into a documentary film called The Jewels of Antarctica Expedition, recently released in a special viewing in the UAE and soon to be distributed globally. Lewis’ philosophy encompasses what she describes as The Power of Three©. “It's a code for life I came up with back in 2003 when I first started Mountain High,” said Lewis. “It’s an anchor of three rocks that I have on my desk, in the bathroom, and in my handbag… to remind me to do something every day to free my mind, energize my body and nurture my spirit of adventure, which in turn enables emotional balance,” she said. “It's a series of simple daily rituals – small changes, tools, techniques and activities that make a big difference.” According to Lewis, the lack of emotional well-being is directly tied to many health-related challenges associated with physical well-being. “The body speaks to the mind and the whole new science of psychoneuroimmunology is gathering more impetus – the mind-body-spirit health connection,” she says. “In the paradigm of holistic wellness there is no separation between our emotions and physical body, which is all the more reason why emotional wellbeing is so important to our overall health.” Her techniques are effective and attainable for anyone, even if you’re not ready to climb a literal mountain. A recent newsletter shared these nine tips to improve productivity: 1. Get up early; smile and say thank you for another day

Global Living Magazine

Julie Lewis

on planet earth. 2. Exercise; get the endorphins flying. 3. Have an energy shower – hot and cold water and body scrub. 4. Have an awesome high-energy breakfast and nutritious meals/snacks through the day (small and often). 5. Eat that frog; focus on your primary tasks first – usually the most difficult ones! 6. Work in blocks of 90 minutes; it works. 7. Spend time alone in silence – zero technology. 8. Do one thing a day that scares you! 9. Drink more water. “To me a healthy lifestyle means taking care of one’s physical, mental, spiritual and emotional health, eating well, spending time in nature and having a positive social network of family, friends and colleagues, doing work that you love and that makes a difference, and varied interests to nurture one's spirit,” says Lewis. “I work out every day (swim, run, bike, kayak, yoga), meditate, read, listen to music, connect with friends and family, enjoy solitude and silent reflection … and never stop exploring.” For anyone in a rut, Lewis has this advice: “Get up, get out and get walking. We spend far too much time sat down, indoors and stationary, so something as simple as getting up (out of bed, off the sofa or the office chair), getting outdoors and taking a brisk walk shifts one's energy; when we move the body we move the mind and when we move our mind we move our emotions. Feel and express the entire range

image courtesy of Mountain High

Mountain High trek in Mongolia

image courtesy of Mountain High

Team of breast cancer survivors from the UAE did a trek to Antarctica with Mountain High

of human emotions you are experiencing – through talking them out and writing them down (journaling); through drawing (art therapy); singing; anything that allows you to control them as opposed to being controlled by them.” She also recommends trying new activities like dancing and swimming, eating well to boost the immune system, and drinking more water. “There are so many simple things we can do to shift our energy and move towards a more resourceful state of being. Connect and reach out to people (do not suffer in silence); we are social beings so I believe it's important to balance solitude and personal space with time with friends, family and pets – connection – getting out of our own way!” Lewis says that travel and exploration are like food and water for her. “It keeps you ‘neurally’ alive in terms of stimulating all your five senses … and the sixth sense too, of course. I love new places, new people, new cultures, and diversity – learning and growing from each and every experience.” Her approach to ‘healthy living’ was sparked from day one, and she calls it her ‘dharma’, as she was born on April 7, World Health Day. Her childhood was filled with outdoor adventure. “I loved being outdoors as a child, playing at explorers, going on active vacations with my family,” she said. “I loved sports at school and was fascinated by the human body, so I loved human biology and physiology.” She focused on this passion and studied sports science at university, and worked in the health and fitness industry for

18 years before starting her adventure travel and personal leadership work. Her thirst for knowledge didn’t end there. “I studied neuro-linguistic programming in 2006, fascinated by the power of the mind,” said Lewis. Studies in ‘mindfulness’ followed in 2012 and, in 2013, she took a course in Holistic Stress Management in Boulder, Colorado through the Paramount Wellness Institute. “I believe I now have an integrated knowledge around optimal health and well-being,” said Lewis. “I’ve always been big on health and active living, and will continue to do so until I pass over to the next big cosmic world-adventure!” Lewis is recognized globally as one of the finest educational, inspirational speakers and a catalyst for positive change for individuals as well as companies. “Companies that make the workplace the well-place and take a pro-active interest in the holistic health of their employees (mental, physical, spiritual and emotional) perform and produce more, have better staff retention and engagement, less absenteeism and more creativity,” says Lewis. As soon as one adventure wraps up, Lewis begins planning for the next. Upcoming Mountain High Adventures include an Omani Desert crossing in January 2014, a return to Kilimanjaro in July, and a sacred trek around Mount Kailash in Tibet in September, to name a few. For more details on upcoming treks, go to www.mountainhighme.com.

"We are social beings so I believe it's important to balance solitude and personal space with time with friends, family and pets – connection – getting out of our own way!”

Global Living Magazine

SAVED BY THE BOW

Archery is more than a sport. It might be just the thing expatriates need to ease into their next assignment.

Global Living Magazine

Why archery? What makes archery the perfect means for this sort of self-discovery is its simplicity. It’s a very straightforward and uncomplicated activity. As soon as the process becomes in any way complicated during a session, it alerts Jac that something is going on. “At that point, I draw my client’s attention to the fact that something’s happening there,”

photography by Pepijn Vlasman

by Tiffany Jansen

acking up everything and moving to another country is not for the faint of heart. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first relocation or your tenth. It never gets any easier. You leave everything and everyone you knew and loved behind to head to a strange country with a strange culture and, more than likely, a language other than your own. The good news is, more and more companies are wising up to the fact that they can’t just plop their employees into an expat assignment and leave them to sink or swim. Companies are beginning to offer more support to their expat employees and the families they take along with them. And any gaps left by these in-house programs can, more often than not, be filled through services offered by expat groups and organizations in the destination country: expat clubs and help desks, relocation specialists and counselors, and archery sessions. Yes, you read that right: archery sessions. That age-old pastime of bow, arrow and bulls eye. Uncanny as it may sounds, Robin Hood’s favorite sport has numerous therapeutic benefits. Unlike lying on a therapist’s couch or sitting across from a life coach, you’re not going to hash over the root of your problems or possible solutions. In fact, there’s very little discussion that goes on during an archery session. Verbal discussion, that is. Meanwhile, your body is speaking volumes. “There are parts of the body that are connected to your thoughts,” says Netherlands-based archery coach, Jac Rongen. “When my clients discuss their problems, these parts of the body are affected – they wake up.” It might be a stiffening of the leg or the tensing of a shoulder. “It’s not just a mental thing,” Rongen insists. “It’s really physical.”

images courtesy of Jac Rogen

“When you work to get people into the here and now, a lot of the issues that keep people focused in a certain direction get loosened up."

Rongen says. “Then I’ll invite them to do things a little differently with their bodies: a slight change in posture, the opening of an arm, the focusing of the breath. In doing so, something changes in the whole set-up of movement. And the mind has to adapt to that. As the body changes, the mind has to change as well.” What goes on in the body, according to Rongen, is a metaphor for what’s going on in the mind. While a client may not voluntarily give clues as to what’s going on in the mind, Rongen can tell right away when something is happening by observing the body. “The people I work with are focused on something outside of themselves, outside of the here and now,” Rongen says. “When you work to get people into the here and now, a lot of the issues that keep people focused in a certain direction

get loosened up. And that gives them more freedom to move.” “The body,” he continues, “the movements of the body, the posture, have a much bigger impact on one’s success than people are aware of.” The power of the bow and arrow “I didn’t think I got anything useful out of my first session with Jac,” admits Carina Franco, an executive secretary for a water consulting firm. “But he kept talking about just taking time away from your computer, to stop working and take five minutes to come into yourself and breathe. So I did that for a couple of days and I started to feel some changes. I was applying what he told me about the way I carried myself, and it was really helping me through my work and life.” Franco wanted to integrate more of the lessons the art of archery had to teach her into her daily life. So she called Rongen about a week later to schedule a second session. Since then, Franco has lost 70 pounds – a feat she credits largely to what she learned during the archery sessions. But, while she can see and feel the results, she has difficulty pinpointing why the sessions had the effect that they did. Nathalie van Delden, head of human resources at a gaming company who worked with Rongen to overcome her fear of stepping out of her comfort zone in the workplace, thinks it has to do with the physical nature of the archery sessions.

“Since it’s more active and visual, you’re able to think back to that day you were in the woods with Jac. Whenever I need to relax and be more focused, I think ‘okay, so what did I do then?’” she says. “Jac also takes photos during the session and sends them to you, so you can always look back and remember what you talked about and some of the tips he gave.” “You do it with your whole being,” adds Loes de Jong, a senior support worker and philosopher, who not only worked with Rongen, but also observed him in action when he conducted a session through her employer for psychiatric patients and the homeless. Archery for expats A lot is asked of us expats. We’re expected to orient ourselves in a strange country, to adapt to a foreign culture, to learn a new language, to make new friends, to start all over, to perform at work. It’s a very exciting but very stressful situation to be in – for everyone involved. Though courses, welcoming committees and help desks help to ease that burden, sometimes we need a little bit more. Sometimes a counselor, coach or therapist needs to be brought on board. And other times may call for a good old-fashioned archery session. “It’s amazing what you see in the archery sessions,” de Jong says. “People begin to move in another way. They smile in another way. It changes their being.” Global Living Magazine

BOOK REVIEWS

Column created by Jo Parfitt www.summertimepublishing.com www.expatbookshop.com

/ Five of the best expat books /

Expat Anthologies compiled bY Shelley Antscherl

In this section of Global Living magazine, we feature five examples of good books in a specific genre. In this issue of Global Living, we look at five expat anthologies. If you would like to suggest books for review in this section, please contact: Jo@summertimepublishing.com.

Call Me Okaasan: Adventures in Multicultural Mothering

Suzanne Kamata | Wyatt-MacKenzie Publishing $16.00 Compiled by author, editor and global mother Suzanne Kamata, this collection comes from 20 international women writers, and presents their individual experiences abroad, tackling challenges that can be unique to mothering in a culturally diverse family, thousands of miles from support systems and family networks. From haunting to humorous, and informative to nostalgic, each story takes on an aspect of this phenomenon: language, ethnic and racial identity, national alliances within the family unit, negotiating multiple cultures and traveling with children. Any woman living a global lifestyle with her multicultural family should be sure to pack this book in her carry-on luggage. This book was the winner of the Parenting/Family and Anthology categories in the 2009 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, and was declared third place Grand Prize winner in nonfiction overall. Review by Carolyn van Es-Vines

Ticking Along Too: Stories about Switzerland

Edited by Dianne Dicks Bergli Books $30.61 Switzerland – that beautiful little landlocked country in the center of Europe, adorned with breathtaking lakes and mountain vistas, dotted with chocolate-box villages and, not forgetting, home to Heidi and yodeling goat herders. But what of the Swiss themselves; what does anyone really know about them, and what are their cultural foibles? Ticking Along Too is a collection of essays by expats living in Switzerland as they humorously dissect and analyze the national character and unravel the peculiarities of living among the Swiss. It might just be fondues and cuckoo clocks to some, but there’s a lot more to Switzerland than meets the eye. Review by Shelley Antscherl

Edited by Monica Neboli | Summertime Publishing $13.95 For a country the size of the whole of Western Europe, it’s amazing how little people really know about Kazakhstan and this part of the world in general. Most of us might guess that it can get a bit cold in winter, and probably has a long history of Soviet influence, but what about the culture, its people and ancient traditions? Drinking Camel’s Milk in the Yurt is a definitive guide to Kazakhstan for any expat posted to this huge landmass in Eurasia. Consisting of essays and stories by travelers and expats of all Tales from the Expat Harem nationalities who’ve lived and worked in Kazakhstan, this book provides Edited by Anastasia M. Ashman & Jennifer a fascinating insight to its breathtaking landscapes, hardcore seasons, local delicacies, and a Eaton Gökmen population of wonderfully hospitable people. Review by Shelley Antscherl Seal Press $15.95 Turning Points Reading Tales from the Expat Harem will make Edited by Kate Cobb | Summertime Publishing you feel like you have experienced a bit of $19.65 Turkey. It is nearly 300 pages of expat women With contributions from 25 inspiring women, Turning Points is an telling their tales about life in a country that anthology written by entrepreneurs who have overcome varying degrees bridges east and west, that even within its own of adversity to achieve success in their careers and personal lives. Edited borders joins the modern and the traditional. by Kate Cobb, who also writes about her own journey, it features real-life Better still, it is a fine example of not just good stories succinctly told by women who have experienced a broad range writing, but literary writing, and that is due to of challenges, including jail terms, illnesses, and terrorism. Turning the fabulous work of the editors. Stories such as Points includes sections in each chapter detailing how the author took animal sacrifice and keeping your umbilical cord stock of the situation and went on to improve her circumstances, and as a lucky charm stand alongside pieces about the lessons she learned along the way, plus a helpful list of motivational hammams, mothers-in-law, princess weddings, resources in the form of books and websites. Review by Shelley Antscherl road trips, religion and more. Review by Jo Parfitt 44

Global Living Magazine

book cover art courtesy of listed publishers images courtesy of La Residencia

Drinking Camel’s Milk in the Yurt: Expat Stories from Kazakhstan

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