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CONTENTS I S S U E 119 — J U N E 2 0 2 1

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MACHINES THE BMW R NINET, MV AGUSTA SUPERVELOCE, CURTISS MOTORCYCLES CRUISER AND THE YAMAHA XT500 H2O

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STYLE WATCHMAKER MAX BÜSSER STUNS US WITH MB&F

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FITNESS BUILDING MUSCLE AND MAXIMISING YOUR STRENGTH PLUS OVERALL WORKOUT AND NUTRITION BAR MASTERING THE IDEAL COCKTAILS FOR EVERY OCCASION COVER GIRL ULTRA TUNE BABE IMOGEN LOVELL IS BACK HEALTH ADDING MOVEMENT WHILE WORKING FROM HOME FILM AUSSIE HOTTIE JESSICA M c NAMEE KNOCKS US OUT IN MORTAL KOMBAT ICON HOW ENTREPRENEUR HOWARD HUGHES BLAZED A TRAIL FOR TODAY’S BUSINESS TYCOONS THE INFLUENCER MEET FITNESS MODEL JODI TIAHRT REAL ESTATE WHY LUXURY VILLAS WITH WORLD-CLASS VISTAS ARE IN BIG DEMAND

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SPOTLIGHT THE RETURN OF 2020 MAXIM COVER GIRL AUSTRALIA WINNER TANAYA PECK AUTO FOCUS THE $2.2 MILLION M c LAREN ELVA AND MERCEDESBENZ’S MAYBACH BRAND TRAVEL BELIZE’S CAYO ESPANTO REDEFINES RESORT EXCLUSIVITY WOMAN OF THE WORLD WHY AMERICAN BEAUTY JENNIVERE IS ONE TO WATCH CIGARS HOW TO AGE, STORE AND COLLECT THE FINEST STOGIES RELATIONSHIPS EXPERT ADVICE ON ENDING TOXIC CONNECTIONS IN YOUR LIFE NOW 24 HOURS TO LIVE FORMER SOCCEROO AND FOX SPORTS COMMENTATOR ROBBIE SLATER DISCUSSES HIS HYPOTHETICAL FINAL DAY ON EARTH

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MACHINES

ZILLERS’ KILLER

A bespoke bike created from a BMW R nineT blasts out of Russia...

By DU N CA N Q U I N N

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hundering through the mist from the future, a cyborg arrives clad in a sleek armadillo-like exoskeleton. He arrives on this thing. As if BMW were still cranking out fossil-fueled bikes in 2221. And the “Zillers Thriller” is where it’s at. At least that is what this bike says to me, looking at it at a standstill planted on its bespoke pneumatics. It is like the fantastic lovechild of Terminator, Mad Max, Tron, Blade Runner and The Man In The High Castle. All bedecked in standard-issue Russian army matte grey atop its seamless aluminum curves. What a piece of kit.

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“LIKE A GUNMETAL JAGUAR WAITING TO JUMP INTO ITS STRIDE.”

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BMW Motorrad Russia commissioned and paid for it. Dmitry Golubchikov of Zillers Custom Garage in Moscow dreamed it up and built it, taking a year to turn his aviation-inspired dreams into a bike constructed to aeronautic tolerances. In essence it is a 2016 BMW model R nineT — except for all the hand-built parts beaten, cast or 3D-printed just for the project. Meaning almost everything except the frame and drivetrain.

Given the underlying mechanicals we know this thing is bulletproof in terms of maintenance and longevity. We know it will always start. And stop. And work. Which is not something you can always say for one-off specials that are showstoppers.

But what is really special here? For me a combination of things; first, the aesthetics are next level. Think Neal Stephenson dystopian future next-level. Even with the bang-bang combustion engine. When it graduates to hydrogen-fueled electric madness it will literally be the future. But underlying the über-aesthetics are the skills that carried out this conversion. Hand making the all-new aluminum body which clothes the R nineT lying beneath. Together with bespoke wheels, bespoke clip-ons, and bespoke air intakes hiding car air-filters.

Then you get into the meat of the madness. You have to either love or hate the fact that it (this is an “it” not a “she”) sits on the ground when at rest. Like a gunmetal jaguar sleeping and waiting to elevate and jump into its stride. It is Star Wars writ large. Just without the ion drive. To make this happen Dmitry had to reconstruct the suspension from scratch. Building bespoke pneumatic cylinders and control systems to make it all work just so. He tells us it is ridden every day,

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so this is no mantlepiece gimmick but a running, driving, work of art.

The LED headlights and turn signals are built into the aluminium shroud, and there is a slide-out storage compartment in the tail hump, along with a USB charging port just in case your phone runs out of juice and you need a refresher on who you are supposed to hit.

The stainless-steel exhaust is also completely bespoke.

Handmade to work seamlessly with the sleek aluminum body and cause the least disturbance to the magnificent lines.

Golubchikov is understandably proud of his creation, which is priced at a cool US$50,000. BMW apparently loved it. And as far as he is concerned it is perfect — when we asked what he missed he responded, “You don’t need to change anything.” I think that is Russian for, “It’s perfect.” And we may well agree….

MACHINES

BLAST FROM THE PAST Our correspondent rockets off on the retro-styled MV Agusta Superveloce...

B y D U N C A N Q U I N N Ph o t o g ra p h e d b y A L E X O LG I AT I

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’ve scored myself a ride on the Jennifer Hawkins of motorcycles.

Lithe, luscious and absolutely mesmerising with legs that stretch all the way to the far side of 150 mph; she is, of course, the MV Agusta Superveloce. I’m winding her up and down a deserted highway in an alligator-filled swamp, reminiscent of a scene in a Bond movie. Pterodactyl-sized flesh-eating vultures exploding from shady mangroves into my path as I buzz past playing Nikolai RimskyKorsakov’s “Flight of the Bumblebee” on her three-cylinder motor.

But they will need to try harder and fly a damned sight faster if they want to catch me before I arrive back at my base for the weekend.

I’m chatting luxury with Dylan Austin, the President of Davidoff USA, at what should be SPECTRE’s North American headquarters — a hotel so Bond Villain-esque it seems ripped from the pages of an Ian Fleming novel. They call it Streamsong, and once upon a time it was a phosphate mine producing fertiliser. Maybe it still is. And maybe Francisco Scaramanga and Ernst Stavro Blofeld are feeding people to sharks in the basement. I didn’t want to find out.

So I ponder my Jennifer Hawkins instead. That’s way more fun than swimming with sharks after all. MV Agusta (for Meccanica Verghera) is the indisputable unicorn of the motorcycling world.

We have all heard of these legendary beasts. But almost none of us has ever seen one in the wild, let alone ridden one. Their pedigree is the stuff of legend — Arturo Magni’s Reparto Corse Racing Team dominated the world of GP motorcycle racing for over a quarter of a century; winning more than 3,000 podiums while piloted by giants like Phil Reade, Mike Hailwood, John Surtees and Giacomo Agostini.

After the distraction of aviation ambitions bankrupted the company, everything was mothballed in the late 1970s.

Time passed. And then in the 1990s, like a phoenix, MV Agusta rose from the ashes with funding from Claudio Castiglioni; and released one of the most iconic motorcycles of all time, the 1000cc MV Agusta F4. Batman rode it.

And every kid with aspirations of going fast dreamt about it. It was the Bugatti Veyron of the motorcycle world. Untouchable. Unobtainable.

Phenomenal. I never got to ride one.

Which is why after a year of courting MV Agusta both in Italy and the USA, I was feeling blessed that a zero-mile black-and-gold Superveloce was awaiting me at Streamsong. I climbed aboard and thought: saucy melodious buzzing triple.

Blipping the throttle elicited a lightning response. Strapped into my kevlar and D30 body armor, wearing a new pair of Rokker boots, and sporting my Boba- Fett-esque Roof Boxer V8 helmet, I headed off to scare the shit out of the golfing fraternity, pterodactyls, alligators, and myself.

With 147 hp from a 798cc three-

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cylinder motor, weighing only 381 lbs. dry, I’m permanently holding on for dear life, scanning the horizon for buzzing radars and vultures as the tacho shoots past 9,000 rpm and I zig-zag across train tracks on the way to escape velocity in every gear. Sweet. Baby. Jesus.

I have never experienced anything like it. Luckily I am still alive when I figure out I can hold on with both hands and let the wizardry operate the wet multi-disc slipper clutch as I whack up and down the slick six-speed gearbox.

It is not that it is the fastest thing I have ever ridden. It isn’t. Or that it is the most frightening. It isn’t. It is simply that she is sublime.

I want to baby her. Take her for dinner at phenomenal places, and share amazing experiences with her in a whirlwind romance that lasts forever.

For an analog crusader in a world of digital experiences, I’ll admit to loving the gizmos. I like to think this is my desire to live a long and fruitful life, embracing anything that enhances my chances of survival.

The odds skew death-defying when exposed on a missile with more things to control than a chimp on his way to the Moon. Especially in a world where every other road user has to be assumed to be blind, dumb, drunk, on drugs and stupid merely to not get T-boned to death (or worse) by an old lady at a junction. Add the pterodactyls and alligators and it is almost obligatory to have a friendly computer helping you out.

Which is why gizmos are a bonus on such a free-revving, light, spirited and nimble beauty.

And what a beauty she is. Some wags may point out that this is simply MV’s previousgeneration F3 superbike wrapped in new clothes to elicit a retro-1970s GP racer look. That may well be true.

But this may be my favorite production bike aesthetically of the past 20 years. So I don’t really care that she has an ugly stepsister (well, perhaps a less beautiful one).

There’s also a lot more going on here than initially meets the eye. And by creating limited editions that will leave every kid in his bedroom craving a poster of each and every one, and every budding Bruce Wayne with enough loot seeking to secure his flavour of choice, MV Agusta is setting us up to lust after a whole collection of specials, rather than just the one.

My personal favourite is the newest collaboration with swashbuckling Gallic retro rally-fiends Société des Automobiles Alpine SAS, better known simply as Alpine. Silver and electric blue is just the ticket. Unfortunately rumor has it this special edition, priced at about US$44,000, or more than double the factory version, was sold out the day it was released. So I’ll have to wait for the next one to sashay over the horizon reminding me why I love the Superveloce so much.

“SCANNING THE HORIZON FOR BUZZING VULTURES AND RADAR TRAPS.”

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MACHINES

While the biggest players are well in the EV game these days, what really gets us going are the radical and innovative designs from the more peasant-than-popular makes, like Alabama-based Curtiss Motorcycles...

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fter previously impressing with their Psyche and Zeus RYRPa_VP Z\a\_PfPYR` 0b_aV`` [\d `ab[ dVaU xAUR <[Ry a truly deceiving machine — with a saddle and tank that screams old-school and engine that is just the opposite.

It may appear heavy, but it’s a modest 193 kg — light for a cruiser — thanks to its many helpings of carbon fibre.

The bike’s frame uses an aircraft-inspired, digitally milled Triple Load Path monocoque, with a phallic battery case making up the backbone of the design. That large centrally mounted battery, called the Power Pak, is a 399V unit. Any wattage squeezed out of there is converted into power to the rear wheel through a toothed belt drive (no gearbox) offering instantaneous torque and perfect balance.

The suspension is fully adjustable, with RaceTech monoshock front and rear. Plus, the foot pegs and the handlebar angles are adjustable — you couldn’t get a more tailor-fitted ride.

A work of art sure, but also quite an engineering freak. The bike’s axial flux motor has the most power-dense motor in the world capable of up to 168 kW of power; and with fully adjustable tuning available through cloud updates, your visits to the mechanic become minimal.

Sitting on 19 inch carbon fibre five-spoke rims, pricing starts at $81,000 U.S. Curtiss aims to deliver 80 units in 2021, then produce the Curtiss Two and Curtiss Three in 2022 and 2023, respectively.

No prizes for guessing the name of the 2024 model.

“A WORK OF ART SURE, BUT ALSO QUITE AN ENGINEERING FREAK.”

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MACHINES

At a time where electric is all the rage across the automotive and motorcycle industry, there is an iconic bike maker who is looking to another, more abundant, resource that engineers have yet to crack — H2O...

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The vision of Austrian designer Maxime Lefebvre, the Yamaha XT500 H2O is a water-powered re-imagining of the original Yamaha XT 500 — which was built from 1975 to 1981, and fitted with a four-stroke 499cc single cylinder engine, good for 160 km/h.

Maxime's new design was commissioned by Yamaha back in 2016, but has taken five years to get to this prototype stage.

With motors that resemble a Dyson vac, this bike loses the unsustainable fuel engine and replaces it with a closed-loop H2O engine that continually pumps water through it for power. The engine builds pressure and then shoots the pressurized water to inject it V[a\ aUR xab_OV[Ry dUVPU aUR[ ab_[` aUR

R TRAP

MAIN WATER TANK

PRESSURE WATER TANK AIR FILTER

DRAIN PLUG

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rear wheel. Beyond the unusual power source, the design itself stays true enough to the original while wearing new futuristic threads.

It retains the signature large knobbly-tyre front wheel, but also picks up an extremely thin supermoto-style seat and floating panels.

The bizzarely placed handlebar and fork are not directly linked, so there seems to be some other gadget wizardy inside of the frame that takes care of the steering. The front end sports a duo-lever-type suspension, while a monoshock suspension is setup at the rear.

The alien-like styling is impressive as all get up, but it’s the water pistol power package that is most click-worthy. So will water ever become a mainstream fuel source? Only time and water restrictions will tell. The bike is due for wide release in 2025, but after enduring 2020 — we're used to waiting. ■

WATER ENGINE

STYLE

TO THE MAX Watchmaking genius MAX BÜSSER continues to astonish us with MB&F...

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titanium case by renowned French miniaturist painter Isabelle Villa.

Its price of about US$250,000 is basically meaningless as the single example was sold within minutes and no more will ever be made.

With MB&F, which specialises in collaborations with talented artists and designers who have time and again broken the “rules” of conventional watch design with eye-popping results, “Büsser has created some of the bravest and most provocative timepieces ever made,” notes Phillips auction house, whose world-class watch department has sold MB&F creations alongside the likes of Richard Mille and Patek Philippe—“not that he cares if you disagree,” they point out.

As Büsser, who holds a master’s degree in micro-technology engineering and began his career working for Jaeger-LeCoultre declares, “It just gives me one more occasion to create something super-cool, and that really makes me happy.” ■

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF MB&F

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was totally terrified. I thought nobody was ever going to buy this piece, and it was basically going to kill our company.”

It turns out that Max Büsser’s fears about the MB&F HM4 (for Horological Machine) were unfounded. In 2019, the New York Times cited the radical wristwatch as one of the 10 timepieces that have shaped modern watch design. The aviationinspired HM4 was awarded Best Concept & Design Watch at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève when it debuted in 2010, and Büsser now hails the near-death experiment in watchmaking as the most important timepiece in his brand’s history.

Ever since, MB&F — which stands for Max Büsser & Friends — has been a cult favorite among fans of avant-garde watch design and innovation. “The HM4 case escapes any standard definition, matched inside by an engine that defies conventional watch movement construction,” the brand notes. Due to its complexity, the “anarchistic” HM4, with its three-dimensional dual gauge-like dials, which took three years to develop, was limited to just 100 movements. All found their way into various editions starting with the Thunderbolt, long ago snapped up by enthusiasts and collectors.

However Büsser retained one of the original prototypes, which he has reimagined as a one-off “pièce unique” tribute to the HM4 on its 10th anniversary: the HM4 Kittyhawk. In keeping with the watch’s aviation roots, it is named after the Curtiss P-40, one of the most important WWII aircraft in the allied arsenal, which was given nicknames like Warhawk, Tomahawk and Kittyhawk during its six-year production run from 1938 to 1944. Most striking was the shark mouth and eyes motif that the fighter’s crews frequently painted on its fuselage.

This iconic example of WWII “nose art” adorns the HM4 Kittyhawk as well, painstakingly hand-applied to the watch’s gradefive

“HE HAS CREATED SOME OF THE BRAVEST AND MOST PROVOCATIVE TIMEPIECES EVER MADE.”

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FITNESS

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ALL ABOARD THE

GAINS TRAIN MAXIM fitness guru ALEXA TOWERSEY gives you the lowdown on building muscle and maximising your strength plus overall workout and nutrition…

O

ddly enough your body doesn’t really want to add muscle. It’s metabolically expensive and it’s costly to build and maintain. This means you probably won’t add much of it unless your body deems it to be absolutely necessary.

The good news is that you can make your body deem it absolutely necessary by imposing on it enough physical stress (training) so that it is forced to adapt.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW When it comes to building muscle (hypertrophy), we could go really deep and talk about motor units, protein synthesis, mitochondria, signalling pathways etc…, but do you really need that info? Hell no. Chances are you’ll end up with paralysis by analysis. What you really need are some simple yet practical guidelines that are research-backed and proven on the gym floor.

Sets and Reps

Rest

Bodybuilders pretty much have all their mail sent to the eight to 12-rep zone. But most of the research that supports this comes from studies on the hormonal response to lifting. Sure, mid-range training leads to hormonal spikes, but not enough to drastically alter body composition. Science tells us that there’s no magical rep range for maximising muscle size. You can use both heavy, low-rep (1-5) sets along with medium-load, high-rep (15-20+) protocols.

The key lies in the total volume – 12-20 total sets per muscle per week is good rule of thumb for hypertrophy.

Since volume and tension (lifting more for longer) are the two biggest drivers of muscle growth, shortening your rest time can cause a reduction in the amount of weight you can lift. Rest periods for hypertrophy should vary anywhere from one to three minutes, depending on the exercises and amount of weight being used. Use enough that you can perform in all your prescribed sets.

Tempo Lowering slowly creates more mechanical tension on the working muscles. If you want to maximise your size gains, maximise your time under tension by using strict form and a controlled eccentric lasting around three to five seconds.

TOP TIP

When it comes to maximising your workout time, I’m a big fan of using paired antagonist sets – i.e. supersetting a chest exercise with a back exercise and a lower-body exercise with an upper body or ab exercise.

This allows you to rest longer between sets of the same muscle group, while maximising your overall training time.

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Weight

Training Splits

The amount of weight you choose is determined by the amount of reps you’re doing. Choose a load that leaves you unable to perform any more reps than indicated on your workout program without having to cheat the movement.

Since volume and tension (lifting more for longer) are the two biggest drivers of muscle growth, shortening your rest time can cause a reduction in the amount of weight you can This is determined by how many days per week you’re training. It all comes down to getting in enough volume per muscle group throughout the week.

If you’re training 2-3 x week then full body sessions are best; if you’re training 4 x per week then an upper/ lower body split is best – i.e. Monday and Thursday train upper body and Tuesday and Friday/Saturday train lower body; and if you’re training 5-6 x per week then a body part split is ideal to allow for sufficient recovery of each muscle group after each workout – I like a three day on, one day off rotation. lift. Rest periods for hypertrophy should vary anywhere from one to three minutes, depending on the exercises and amount of weight being used. Use enough that you can perform in all your prescribed sets.

Exercise Selection For an exercise to be capable of scaring your body into growing new muscle, it must be safe and stable enough to allow multiple muscle groups to lift heavy loads through large ranges of motion. However, in saying that, as long as you focus on training volume per muscle group, exercise selection can be largely personal preference. You’re more likely to be motivated to train and consistent with your effort if you “enjoy” what you’re doing.

TOP TIP

If you have areas that are lagging, I would suggest dedicating more total sets/reps and training days to them and less overall volume to your more well-developed muscle groups.

EATING’S NOT CHEATING Here’s my go-to nutritionist (IG: @athleticeating) Top 5 tips... ● Ensure you are eating adequate calories. For efficient muscle hypertrophy you’ll need a daily energy surplus of 300-500 calories. ● Review total protein intake.

Research shows the optimal range for daily protein intake for building muscle is 1.6-2.2g per kilo of body weight. ● Plan out your protein distribution.

Once you know how much protein you need for your size, you can ensure that you’re getting it in regular doses. Aim for 4-5 doses of protein across the day to maximise your opportunity for hypertrophy. ● Don’t skimp on carbs. Your carbohydrate requirements will depend on your activity levels.

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carbohydrate intake is too low.

Following a low carb diet can also impair your training quality meaning you may not be able to hit training hard enough to stimulate hypertrophy in the first place. ● Choose quality protein sources from whole foods. Protein can be ranked via it’s “bioavailability” which refers to how well a given protein source is used by the body (digested/absorbed) and to be considered to be of a high quality, it needs to deliver all of the nine essential amino acids.

Meats, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy products (including whey protein powder) tick the box for quality and bioavailability.

Pea or brown rice protein is the best vegan choice. ■

ABOUT ALEXA “Action Alexa” is an internationally published celebrity trainer, sports model and nutrition and lifestyle coach with over 15 years’ experience in the health and fitness industry, and has worked with NZ’s world champion rugby team, the All Blacks. She has qualified for the Ironman 70.3 World Champs and was named as one of the Five Toughest Trainers in Asia during her seven-year stint in an MMA gym in Hong Kong.

BAR

Mastering The

CLASSICS Everything you need to know to make the ideal cocktail for every occasion...

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ll great artists—from painters and poets to cellists and chefs — begin by studying the classics in their chosen field,” writes Alex Day in the introduction to Cocktail Codex, winner of the James Beard Foundation’s 2019 Book of the Year. Then they “emulate and practice those classics until they’ve developed their own signature style and can create original works.” Day, one of the owners of Death & Co. among other impressive hospitality credentials, is of course applying the principle to bartenders, but anyone can become a masterful mixologist by following the same tack. All that is required to begin with is plenty of time — which most of us have at the moment — and a properly equipped home bar.

According to a survey conducted by Bacardi Limited, over the holidays just past, one in four Americans were planning on making cocktails at home while 53% of respondents planned to drink more cocktails over the festive season in general. With service at bars necessarily limited, it’s safe to say most of them will be breaking out their shakers and coupes. So how to become truly proficient in the

art of mixing drinks? “For many people, the first strategy in studying cocktails is to memorise a bunch of recipes,” Day writes. “However, it’s a well-known (but rarely acknowledged) secret among bartenders that almost every cocktail in existence today can be traced back to a handful of seminal drinks.” Master these essential imbibables and you are well on your way to earning those mixology credentials. Many classic cocktails can be “organised into ‘families,’ or groups of drinks cut from the same cloth.” Day notes. “This allows us to grasp a handful of recipes that connect to many more due to their similarities.”

A better way to think about them is as “intuitive progressions arising from a handful of well-known templates: the Old-Fashioned, Martini, Daiquiri, Sidecar, Highball, and Flip.” Day advises that it is important to both study the classics and understand the scientific reasons behind what makes an iconic cocktail. “After you have mastered the classics and have an understanding of the physical (cocktail) universe, you can apply that knowledge” and create your own drinks with confidence and élan. It is the same principle that the world’s bestThis page (from top): The Deer Path Inn Gin & Tonic, from the landmark hotel on the North Shore of Chicago, uses Langley’s No. 8 London Dry gin and Fever Tree tonic to update a classic; The Kaiser Sour from Berlin contains Kümmel liqueur, fresh lemon juice and simple syrup, courtesy of Booze Cruise

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dressed men have always applied to style: you must first know the rules inside out in order to break them.

While this may seem like something professional bartenders learn by rote, applying such an approach in your own domicile can be more difficult — even for the aforementioned pros, as Tristan Stephenson, the mastermind behind some of London’s most avant-garde cocktail bars, writes in his book The Curious Bartender: The Artistry and Alchemy of Creating the Perfect Cocktail. “A professional bar station and a domestic kitchen have very little in common with one another,” he notes. “Asking a top bartender to make world-class drinks at home is no easier than expecting a Michelin star chef to produce a tasting menu from scratch in a domestic kitchen. It’s not impossible but it requires a transfer of skill to a different environment, using and sometimes substituting equipment, and doing all of it in what is generally a far more confined space…. For a professional bartender it can be a difficult transition to make.”

The key, whether amateur or seasoned drink-slinger, after one has acquired a thorough knowledge of classic cocktails, is to master the techniques required to prepare them, and to ensure you have the proper equipment and ingredients on hand, Stephenson points out. And regarding the latter, “It’s a common understanding that a cocktail is only as strong as its weakest link, but in reality not all links in the chain

“IT’S A COMMON UNDERSTANDING THAT A COCKTAIL IS ONLY AS STRONG AS ITS WEAKEST LINK.” This page ( from top): Tristan Stephenson demonstrates impeccable mixology techniques throughout The Curious Bartender; This alluring take on the famed French 75 is made with Crystal Head Vodka, blood orange juice, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup and sparkling wine

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are of equal size. If you’re making a Martini, the gin is an important consideration as it is at the forefront of the flavor profile, so a little more care in selection is required. In a cocktail such as the Negroni, where the gin battles against far more powerful flavours than that of the dry vermouth in the Martini, there is clearly less need to be fastidious about the brand of gin,” though he advises against citrus-forward gins.

Stephenson again draws a comparison with the art of cooking: “If you’re making spaghetti bolognese, the exact cut of ground beef is not as important as the tomatoes, cooking time, quality of the pasta etc. If you’re frying a steak, however, the cut of beef becomes a very important factor.” He recommends selecting a single brand from each of the main spirit categories — gin, vodka, whisky, rum, tequila and cognac — and making it your go-to for mixing drinks. “This practice will save you a lot of space and expense and ensure that your spirit cupboard doesn’t contain a bunch of dusty neglected bottles,” he posits.

Following this advice, you need only purchase six bottles of spirit to begin your adventures in mixology, which will stand you in good stead even after you’ve graduated beyond Alex Day’s six essential drinks. “My main piece of advice is that you make sure you pick ones that are versatile, of a premium quality and pleasing to drink neat,” Stephenson counsels. After all, if you wouldn’t want to drink it straight up, why use it in a cocktail? So which brands does Stephenson, with his years of expertise and experience, recommend — and which cocktails show them off to best advantage? Among his favorites are Tanqueray gin, Woodford Reserve bourbon, Dewar’s 12 Year Old Scotch, Pierre Ferrand cognac, Belvedere vodka, and Don Julio tequila.

On the cocktail front, Tanqueray shines in drinks like the Aviation, which dates back to 1916 and sees the iconic spirit blended with fresh lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, and creme de violette; and the Ramos Gin Fizz, a New Orleans classic which must be shaken for at least 12 minutes. Woodford Reserve makes the ideal Manhattan, accompanied by vermouth (Martini Rosso works perfectly) and orange bitters.

Dewar’s excels in the Blue Blazer, a fantastic flaming concoction attributed to Jerry Thomas, the father of American mixology; the Rusty Nail, wherein it is combined with Drambuie, a connoisseurfavourite whisky liqueur; and the Whisky Mac, a charming stalwart from Scotland in which the whisky is mixed with Stone’s Original Ginger Wine. This is harder to come by in the U.S. than the UK, but well worth the effort, as Stephenson calls it the “corduroy jacket” of the drinks world — beloved of the innately stylish and immune to fashion.

If tequila is your tipple of choice, try the Paloma, made with fresh lime juice and grapefruit soda, which most people in Mexico prefer to the Margarita; or the always-popular Tequila Sunrise, with orange juice and grenadine. Rum runners can seek solace in the depths of a Daiquiri, a Dark ’N Stormy, or the famous and flammable mid-17th century Flip, in which it is mixed with dark ale, sugar and molasses, and heated with a red-hot poker; while vodka lovers can find contentment in a Bloody Mary, Espresso Martini, or our personal favourite, the Moscow Mule, which combines the clear spirit with fresh lime juice, simple syrup and ginger beer, and can only properly be served in a copper mug. And as always, repeat as necessary. ■

Top: The bar at Death & Co.’s original New York City location has become hallowed ground for cocktail enthusiasts; Above: The Whiskey Mac, a Scottish import made with Dewar’s 12 Year Old Scotch and Stone’s Ginger Wine, courtesy of Tristan Stephenson’s new book The Curious Bartender

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COVER GIRL

IMOGEN L

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The sexy and sassy Ultra Tune ambassador returns to MAXIM for another sensational cover feature. You’re welcome…

Ph o t o g ra p h e d b y R O C K Y B ATC H E LO R ( I G : @ R O C K Y B ATC H E LO R )

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“I LOVE MAKING PEOPLE LAUGH, BEING SILLY AND HAVING FUN. I THINK IT’S IMPORTANT NOT TO TAKE THINGS TOO SERIOUSLY.” something people say I couldn’t do.

I find it very motivating. And, of course, I also feel my sexiest wearing any lingerie with matching stockings, my Louboutins and a fresh blow wave as you can see throughout this shoot.

What is your best asset?

I feel like my best asset would be my personality. I like to go with the flow, keep it real and be spontaneous. I’m not really a stick-to-a-schedule type girl. I’m a very positive and happy person and I feel like it’s contagious. I love making people laugh, being silly and having fun. I think it’s important not to take things too seriously.

My best physical asset would be my eyes – I have moody eyes, they change colour on the daily. You never know which colour you’re going to get.

iller photo shoot, Imogen, and congrats on another MAXIM cover. How does it feel the second time around?

Thank you. I’m really happy to be working with MAXIM again! It kind of feels the same as it did the first time – exciting but at the same time a little daunting.

What did you love most about this photo shoot?

That I had my A-team of favourite people helping me. I’m so blessed to have my

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brother and my best friend always working with me, and I had my favourite hairdresser and make-up artist there too, so everything ran smoothly. I’ve also worked with Rocky [the photographer] before and he’s always so professional.

So, it felt like I was just having fun with all my friends.

Well you look gorgeous. When do you feel you are at your sexiest?

I guess I feel sexy when I’m doing

We’ve asked you this before but for those who know little about you, please tell them more about yourself and life story so far.

Where do I even begin?! Well, long story short, I’m a born Gold Coast water baby who loves travelling, lollies, believes in manifestation and loves to read horoscopes. I’m a big foodie who loves trying everything on the menu even if I can’t eat it all. I moved to Melbourne over 10 years ago and along my journey I’ve been modelling in all sorts of areas starting in catwalk at a young age and doing promotional modelling plus competitions. I then started venturing out of the circle, a little, to find my passion in cosmetic tattooing and high-end beauty treatments. My beauty business is my passion – I love making people feel special and good about themselves. Watching their transformations is so satisfying and their reactions are even better.

What would people be most surprised to find out about you?

That I’m nothing like what you think I’d be like from my Instagram account. I’m just a down-to-earth girl who loves to have fun!

People are always shocked when they actually meet me and say this. So, never judge a book by its cover, guys.

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What’s one thing men should always remember about women?

When you think you know women – think again. We are one of a kind who never fail to surprise you. And always remember when we ask you guys a question we already know the answer, so make sure you answer truthfully because we will know!

How can a man possibly win his way to your heart?

Be yourself, open the door and have manners – but be a boss at the same time.

Describe your ideal date.

I like low-key, Netflix and chill style dates, munchies and a big comfy bed watching a good TV series. This is my thing, since I’m always socialising, it’s good to chill out for a date.

Now, to end this interview, we have a few questions our male readers would like to ask you. Ready?

Yep, fire away!

First question is: What’s the sexiest thing a guy can do in bed?

It’s all about the kiss and the struggle between who gets to take control – I love to play both sides.

What’s the sexiest thing a guy can say during sex?

Demands! Demands are so sexy!

What is the most sexually excitable spot on your body?

Inner thighs and butt massages.

How can a man get a woman to be freakier in bed?

Start slow, introduce a toy or role play!

Is it okay to wake you up in the middle of the night for sex?

Yes, yes, yes! So hot! It’s a must!

And, er, when it comes to penis size — how small is too small and how big is too big?

Let me just say one thing here – girls don’t like big dicks. They hurt and it’s not enjoyable. It’s all about how you work what you’re packing.

Thanks for the tip, and your time, Imogen. Until next time!

“BE YOURSELF, OPEN THE DOOR AND HAVE MANNERS — BUT BE A BOSS AT THE SAME TIME.”

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“I LIKE LOW-KEY, NETFLIX AND CHILL STYLE DATES, MUNCHIES AND A BIG COMFY BED WATCHING A GOOD TV SERIES.”

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“I LIKE TO GO WITH THE FLOW, KEEP IT REAL AND BE SPONTANEOUS. I’M NOT REALLY A STICK-TOA-SCHEDULE TYPE GIRL.”

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Status Update FULL NAME: Imogen Lovell HOMETOWN: Gold Coast, Qld LIVES: Gold Coast and Melbourne.

BORN: July 7 PHOBIAS: “Fish, moths and birds.”

BEDTIME ATTIRE: “Sexy, matching lingerie, of course.”

LIFE MOTTO: “You only live once.”

INSTAGRAM: @imogen.lovell TWITTER: @imogen_lovell SNAPCHAT: @iimogenlovell

Ha i r P R I YA K U M A R I Ma k e - u p TA S H A WO O D S t y l i n g S E A N B U C K L E Y,

B R O O K E G R A DY A N D C O O P E R B OT TA M S

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HEALTH

“SITTING HAS BEEN LABELLED THE NEW SMOKING.” 4 2

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WORKING HARDLY HARD WORKING

Still in the office at your dwelling thinking you’re a keyboard warrior but feeling more like a sloth? Don’t fret! We got performance strategist ANDREW MAY to share his top five ways for you to add movement while working from home…

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ever before have so many people in society been asked (or forced) to work from home (WFH). From a physiological perspective this is a social experiment on the grandest scale. Researchers and academics are going to have years of studies and experiments about the lessons, both good and bad, from the changes COVID-19 made to our lives. One of those changes we saw in the first few weeks, with millions of Australians requested to WFH, is the big decrease in incidental movement.

Many reported they were taking between 50 to 60% less steps per day. It’s important as a baseline to aim for 10,000 steps to keep your body moving, the mitochondria active and awake and keep your brain oxygenated and primed for productivity and adapting to this radical change. Research shows that being sedentary most of the time even with adding in our short bouts of gym exercise to align with physical guidelines can still significantly increase your health risks (Van der 2012). What this means is we as a population need to avoid being sedentary as much as possible. A number of reasons why WFH results in less daily steps and movement includes: ● Sleeping in later, because you can. ● Watching more TV in the morning and throughout the day. ● You don’t have the same operating rhythm and have thrown out a lot of the previous rituals like walking meetings and general movement throughout a larger office. ● Procrastination because you feel like you have all day to complete work and without seeing other people all day, there seems to be less urgency.

The following five tips are designed to get you moving again and to keep your bodies and brains oxygenated, lubricated and performing properly while you WFH...

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REPLACE COMMUTE TIMES WITH A WALK

For most of us the commute to work is in a sedentary state time in the bus, train or car being approx. 90 minutes of your day every day.

Turn this into productive time for your body and brain and head out for a brisk walk at the exact same time of day. For example, if you have a 7.30am bus that gets you to the office by 8.15am, introduce a 45 min walk.

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SCHEDULE WALKING PHONE MEETINGS At StriveStronger I always encourage my clients to schedule moving meetings

because of the known physical health benefits, increased energy and stronger personal connections they provide. Try to adapt this strategy and schedule in walking phone meetings with colleagues: ● Check the weather forecast, and plan accordingly. ● Be sure the meeting will not require technical data. ● The best time for a walking meeting (but not limited to) is right before lunch to address the mid-morning slump, or late afternoon to inject a burst of energy. ● Take a water bottle – proper hydration before and after. ● Be mindful of wearing appropriate walking shoes. ● Be strategic with the walking route.

Avoid shops and other busy places.

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REGULAR DOSES OF NATURE

Walking to the park, beach or any form of nature will give you a good dose of fresh air, oxygen, vitamin D and a moment to psychologically detach. Tips for doing this in times of social distancing include: ● Find a quiet patch of grass or oval and walk around barefoot. ● Do a short circuit on the grass in the garden. ● Try new spots around the home to do five to 10 minutes of deep breathing.

Under a tree, front or back garden, practice mindful walking and notice things you haven’t noticed before.

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SIT TO STAND THROUGHOUT THE DAY

Sitting has been labelled the new smoking. We recommend consciously shifting from a sitting workstation to standing workstation then to a dynamic workstation (moving whilst working) periodically during the day. Paul Batman suggests 30-50 shifts in position per day is necessary to negate negative effects of prolonged sitting. Research shows

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performance does not reduce using standing and dynamic workstations only if you are doing computer task that requires fine motor actions of the hands (mouse pointing and clicking) you should temporarily remain sitting.

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One final tip – schedule a number of these activities in your diary and, as soon as you can, install a healthier and more active operating rhythm by following a WFH Better Week. Putting a number of these activities in your diary makes you accountable. ■

PHONE CIRCUIT

Clients are reporting a lot more phone calls WFH, as you simply can’t turn your head to talk to the person next to you in the office. A phone call is an opportunity to stand up and get some movement in. Try something other than just pacing. Slow paced strength exercises will not have you puffing on the end of the phone but simply fire up the mitochondria to help you reoxygenate. A simple phone call circuit may look like this:

● 60 second wall sit ● 20 x Lunges ● 30 x Squats ● 20 x Wall Push-ups (one-handed or two, if you have a headset) ● 30 x Bicep Curls with hand weights (if you have them or replace with food cans or water bottles) ● Crab walks with loop band

ABOUT ANDREW

Andrew May is a human performance strategist, CEO of StriveStronger and host of the NAB Business Fit Podcast, which is part of a free program to help SMEs and their staff become more resilient, transition to new ways of working and sustain physical and psychological wellbeing. Sign up at www.nab.com.au/business-fit

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FILM

BLADE RUNNER

JESSICA McNAMEE knocks us out in the new Mortal Kombat...

B y J O R DA N R I E F E

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he’s a badass with a blade. So bad, it’s in her name — Sonya Blade, the sexy slasher from your youth, back when you first rocked Midway’s classic fight game, Mortal Kombat.

As you might have heard, Blade is back, and she’s as beautiful and brutal as ever in the person of Jessica McNamee, who brings a beguiling mix of power and allure to the immortal character in the latest big screen adaptation.

“My aim is to be challenged and somewhat scared as possible in each role I take. Half the challenge is conquering these characters that are a departure for me,” Jessica tells MAXIM. If you’ve seen the new movie then you know she she is quite the conqueror, even as she mentors young Cole Young (Lewis Tan), an MMA fighter destined to save the universe against the evil forces of Outworld. Joining them are fellow fighters Liu Kang (Ludi Lin), Kung Lao (Max Huang) and mercenary Kano (Josh Lawson). As fierce as they are, it will be a cold day in hell before they find a way to stop Sub-Zero (Joe Taslim), who can turn anything to ice with a touch of his finger, including his opponent. As for the movie’s R rating, “I’m not stripping down and walking naked through the desert or anything like that,” says Jessica. “It’s definitely for the gore and the blood, and the language.”

During pre-production, she met with trainer Nino Pilla every morning. Together they sharpened her skills with basic boxing, karate and Muay Thai. In the afternoons, they joined the rest of the cast and the stunt team to work on choreography. True to her name, no one can outdo Sonya Blade when it comes to a knife fight, so Jessica had additional weapons training. Starting with punching and controlled movement, they added sticks before graduating to actual blades.

Luckily, she suffered no cuts or injuries, at least not until she got to the wire work. “My leg got caught and then I wound up with a bruise that ran the whole way up my leg, and it continued to turn black over the next week. It was amazing. My whole body was black and blue, particularly at the start. I wore those wounds with pride,” she laughs. “There’s two big stunts they let me do. They were treading kind of carefully, they didn’t want me to get injured, and nor did I. But I was adamant about doing as many of my stunts that I could, and they took me weeks to learn. I was getting pretty close to injuring my knee. I don’t think I told them that at the time, or they would have told me not to do it anymore.”

Growing up one of five children in Sydney, Australia, Jessica has been acting since high school. She dropped out of Sydney University when she got her first gig, playing Lisa Duffy on the popular soap series, Home and Away. For a while, she worked both sides of the

Pacific, taking a place in L.A., where she currently resides, after her big break in 2012, The Vow, a romance starring Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams.

In 2017’s Battle of the Sexes, she played tennis player Margaret Court opposite Emma Stone as Billie Jean King and Steve Carrell as Bobby Riggs. But most fans know her as Lori in The Meg, the 2018 action-thriller starring Jason Statham versus a giant prehistoric shark. “He was a really cool dude,” she says of Statham. “He had a bunch of us over to watch a Conor McGregor fight. Lots of laughs on set, a bit of a prankster.”

Growing up with three sisters, Jessica was more familiar with Mario Kart than Mortal Kombat. “I played a lot more Princess Peach than I had Sonya Blade,” she confesses. “It wasn’t something I grew up with. So, I had to take a crash course in this world. I grew up very active, and was involved in sports, so I really enjoy being able to go into the world of using my physicality.”

The first thing she plans to do when restrictions are lifted is travel. She hasn’t been back to see her family in Australia since shooting the movie there in 2019. Other destinations on her list include Central America, Europe, and Africa. “I’m bummed this came out during COVID. I would have done some amazing travel for the press junket. Maybe Mortal Kombat 2.”

Should Mortal Kombat become a new franchise, Jessica is signed on. “I’ve never been so excited in my life to play a character,” she gushes.

“I was able to really sink my teeth into this character — physically, but I also have some meaty dramatic and comedic scenes in there as well.

So, I would be stoked if we went forward. The whole universe, that would be great.”

Not just a master of kicking ass, she grew up performing in musical theatre, and most of her work in the early part of her career relied more on acting chops than karate chops, a side she hopes to further explore. “I wouldn’t discriminate against any role. I would love to go do a lot more comedy and dramatic roles, particularly.

A musical as well, something where I get to use my voice, I’d really love to delve into at some point.”

Offers have come her way since completing Mortal Kombat, but the pandemic has slowed down film and T.V. production. She hasn’t signed onto any future projects, instead waiting to see what impact the new movie has on her prospects. If the sequel is announced, her schedule will be very limited, so she must choose wisely. “I want to be very specific with the roles I take, see what kind of direction I get,” she says, her voice electric with anticipation. “I want this to be a hit and see where I go from here.” ■

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PHOTO: COURTESY OF INSTAGRAM

“I WAS ADAMANT ABOUT DOING AS MANY OF MY OWN STUNTS AS I COULD.”

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ICON

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PASSION, POWER & PRESCIENCE

How enigmatic entrepreneur HOWARD HUGHES blazed a trail for today’s business tycoons...

By K E I TH GO R DO N

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Street be the global centre of commerce if not for pioneers like J.P. Morgan? Howard Hughes holds a similar place in the American narrative, albeit one that has less in common with the business titans of yesteryear than with those who would inherit his legacy of entrepreneurship in the 21st century. While he is rightfully remembered for his impact on the airline industry with his purchase and development of Trans World Airlines (TWA), his activities extended to numerous other industries ranging from engineering to

PHOTOS (THI S PAGE): COURTE SY OF KEYSTONE/GET TY IMAGE S; (OPPOS I TE PAGE) COURTE SY OF BETTMANN/GET TY IMAGES

hroughout American history, larger-than-life business leaders have come to exemplify, and often define, the eras in which they lived. Try imagining an America devoid of Cornelius Vanderbilt’s railroad and shipping empire of the 19th century, which not only opened the American West but helped create the very geographic layout of the nation we live in today. What would America’s story look like if not for the role of Andrew Carnegie’s Carnegie Steel or John D. Rockefeller’s Standard Oil? Would Wall

Above: Hughes sitting in the XF-11, the prototype military reconnaissance aircraft he designed, in 1947; Opposite: Standing in front of an airplane in an aviator’s leather flight helmet and goggles in 1936

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entertainment, corporate holdings to hospitality. When he died in 1976 he was worth nearly US$11 billion in today’s dollars. With Leonardo DiCaprio in the role of the eccentric billionaire, Martin Scorsese’s 2004 film The Aviator brought awareness of Hughes’ story to new generations of Americans.

But perhaps underappreciated by the viewing public were the ways in which Hughes’ story was essentially a modern American tale, with striking similarities to the entrepreneurs and visionaries of today’s world. Hughes was born in Texas in 1905, the son of inventor and businessman Howard Hughes Sr. The elder Hughes had invented a revolutionary type of oil-drill bit that not only came to dominate the developing Texas oil boom, but served as the foundation for the creation of the Hughes Tool Company in 1909. Tragically, both Hughes Sr. and his wife passed away within two years of each other, leaving the teenage Hughes Jr. as the majority owner of a large corporation and the substantial fortune that accompanied it. This is where we begin to see the parallels that exist between Hughes and the business tycoons of today. Hughes decided to drop out of college to run his family’s business. While this decision would likely have been controversial or even taboo for many of his peers at the time, it’s fascinating to see how many of today’s global business icons followed a similar path.

Bill Gates, François Pinault, Mark Zuckerberg, Steve Jobs, Larry Ellison and many others have gone on to fundamentally change the global economy in their own way, despite the lack of a college degree.

While Hughes Tool Company provided his initial wealth, it was Hollywood and the entertainment world that quickly grabbed his attention, enthusiasm, and money. The most famous, or infamous, of his productions was the World War I action film Hell’s Angels, one of the most expensive films ever produced at its release. It was also an early insight into Hughes’ mentality and psychological issues as he repeatedly altered production, seemingly ignored the original budget,

PHOTOS: (TOP) VERNON MERRITT III/THE LIFE PICTURE COLLECTION VIA GET TY IMAGES; (LEFT) COURTE SY OF HULTON ARCHIVE /GET TY IMAGES; (MIDDLE & RIGHT) COURTE SY OF BET TMANN/GET TY IMAGES

“STARLETS SURROUNDED HIM AND HE DATED HIS WAY THROUGH HOLLYWOOD.”

and showed signs of his obsession for perfection that would only get worse over time. A number of other productions followed, but just as significant as the films he produced was the way this turned a young Texan heir into a Hollywood tycoon.

Purchasing RKO Radio Pictures, he became the first man to be the sole owner of a Hollywood studio. While he certainly had contemporaries during his time, and names like the Warner Brothers and Louis B. Mayer (MGM) have endured in the public mind, the way in which he used his wealth to push the film industry forward evokes today’s rapidly-shifting entertainment industry. Both heiress Megan Ellison of Annapurna Pictures and Jeff Bezos with Amazon Prime Video, have used large personal fortunes to become entertainment powers, while companies like Netflix, Hulu and other streaming services have spent enormous sums of money to become Hollywood heavyweights and completely revolutionise the film and television industries. Of course, being an immensely wealthy scion of Hollywood

Clockwise (from top): Hughes’ top floor penthouse residence at the Desert Inn hotel in Las Vegas in 1970, one of several such properties he owned at the time; Movie star Rita Hayworth, who was linked romantically with Hughes, pictured in 1950; Hughes and Jean Harlow, one of the stars of his epic war movie Hell’s Angels, in 1934; Hughes with American actress and silver screen icon Ava Gardner in 1946

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brings with it many perks for a young man like Hughes. The starlets of the silver screen surrounded him, and he dated his way through Hollywood, including the biggest names of the era like Bette Davis, Katharine Hepburn, Hedy Lamarr, Rita Hayworth, Ava Gardner and Mamie Van Doren.

Today, it’s commonplace to see the world’s wealthiest individuals involved with entertainment’s biggest names. Elon Musk married Talulah Riley and has been involved with Grimes, Snapchat’s Evan Spiegel married supermodel Miranda Kerr and François-Henri Pinault has been married to actress Salma Hayek since 2009, to name just a few examples. However it is hard to imagine the original billionaire class of Rockefellers and Carnegies welcoming such public attention. In this way, Hughes bridged the divide between the über-wealthy and über-famous, and also made charismatic tycoons like himself a new version of celebrity in the public consciousness. Self-promotion and public image are now cornerstones of business for many modern entrepreneurs (e.g. Richard Branson, Mark Cuban), and it would be hard to discount the way Hughes pioneered the branding of oneself as a way for business tycoons to grow even more influential and successful.

While it may be entertaining to recall the glitz and glamour of Hughes’ life, perhaps the only thing that captured his attention more than his string of lovers was his passion for airplanes and flying.

Eventually growing into a large aerospace and defense contractor, Hughes Aircraft Company was started in 1932. Hughes and his team developed a number of groundbreaking aircraft, and in the 1930s set a number of records including the fastest transcontinental airspeed (averaged 332 mph during his roughly 7.5 hour flight from Los Angeles to Newark) and the quickest round-theworld flight (just over 91 hours, leaving and arriving at New York City with stops in Paris, Moscow, Omsk, Yakutsk, Fairbanks and Minneapolis in between).

If personally undertaking these recordsetting attempts seem ill advised for a billionaire, consider that Richard Branson has attempted world records in boats, hot-air balloons and even amphibious vehicles, often associated with grave potential risk. It’s important to mention the risks taken by Hughes. After all, this was a man who survived multiple plane crashes in his life, including the infamous crash of his prototype

XF-11 in 1946. A reconnaissance plane commissioned by the U.S. Army Air Forces, Hughes was at the controls of the XF-11 when it crashed in Beverly Hills, damaging or destroying multiple houses on the ground.

Hughes suffered severe injuries and burns, and was fortunate to escape with his life. Another of Hughes’ bold creations for the military was the Spruce Goose, the largest plane in the world at the time with a wingspan of about 320 feet. Although it would only fly once, with Hughes at the controls, it was another example of Hughes pushing the frontiers of engineering, science and technology.

He was constantly pushing the limits of what was possible and significantly, this legacy has been taken up by the tycoons of the 21st century. If the first half of the 20th century was the era that developed both the airplane and the airline industry, it seems as if the first half of the 21st century will potentially do the same for space travel. Billionaires like Elon Musk (SpaceX), Jeff Bezos (Blue Origin), Richard Branson (Virgin Galactic) and the late Paul Allen (Stratolaunch Systems) have all poured significant resources into pushing the technological capabilities of spacecraft and rockets, and could potentially cultivate a space travel revolution similar to the air travel industry that developed during Hughes’ life.

Over time, the Hughes Aircraft Company eventually grew to include helicopters, space probes, electronics and even guided missiles.

Following Hughes’ death, the conglomerate, which was owned by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) was eventually broken up and sold off to industry giants like GM, Raytheon and Boeing. The HHMI meanwhile became a world-renowned institution for biomedical research and education. In this way, the legacy of Hughes and his company still contributes to scientific and healthcare advancements we rely upon today. Throughout his life, Hughes’ empire continued to expand. After being asked by management to leave his room at Las Vegas’ Desert Inn in 1967 because he wasn’t gambling, Hughes simply bought the hotel. He soon owned a number of the cities’ casino hotels including the Sands, the Castaways, the Frontier, and the Landmark. It was a hospitality and gaming empire that would later be emulated by billionaires like Steve Wynn, Kirk Kerkorian, Sheldon Adelson and the Fertitta brothers. Today, these gambling empires and their billionaire owners, tycoons of the 21st century for whom Howard Hughes laid a roadmap, have impacted the world from Nevada to Monaco, and from London to Macau.

Hughes, who died at the age of 70 in 1976, was without question one of the most influential people of the 20th century. But the truth is that he’s also been such a role model and guide for future generations that his impact on the 21st century can also not be understated.

The irony that the well-documented mental health issues that plagued Hughes in later life would today be far less vexing and misunderstood is perhaps the tragedy behind the success. One can only speculate what a mentally healthy Hughes could have achieved over his lifetime. A man who helped move the country, and the world, to new heights, despite being held down by the weight of internal struggle. That’s someone to admire, in any century. ■

PHOTO: COURTESY OF HULTON ARCHIVE /GET TY IMAGES

“THERE ARE NUMEROUS PARALLELS BETWEEN HUGHES AND THE TYCOONS OF TODAY.”

Above: Hughes speaking with journalists during a Senate hearing on the alleged misappropriation of funds from government defense contracts in 1947 MAXI M.COM.AU

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THE INFLUENCER

Getting to know…

JODI TIAHRT Meet the lifestyle coach, nutritional expert, business owner and fitness competitor model who is all about inspiring people to become the best version of themselves…

Ph o t o g ra p h e d B y R YA N DW Y E R (@ L E T S H O OT ) In t e r v i e w B y S A N T I P I N TA D O ( I G : @ S P I N TA D O) Ha i r & Ma k e - Up BY TAY LO R J A Z Z ( I G : @TAY LO R _ J A Z Z ) Produced By M A I N ST R EE T P RO D U C T I O N S

(IG: @MAINSTREE TPRODUCTIONS)

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THE INFLUENCER

planning on going to medical school at the time but then realised my love for fitness and nutrition. I became a certified personal trainer and nutritionist and competed in 42 fitness competitions with 76 titles in fitness, figure, bikini and sports modelling.

I won the Natural Olympia twice and worked for numerous nutrition companies and also did a lot of fitness modelling at the time. In 2014 I created and formulated 15 different flavours of protein bars, the EmPower protein bar (APN Crave protein bar) which was nationally distributed throughout America. I also hosted my own TV Talk show on WCOB which focused primarily on health and fitness. I have continued my love for health, fitness and modelling by building my health coaching and body sculpting business and helping other men and women build their dream body.

Wow, amazing! So, what would people be most surprised to know about you?

I was a WOW (Women of Wrestling) superhero while living in Los Angeles. Also, growing up in South Dakota I spent every weekend hunting, fishing or camping with my family – I know how to seine minnows!

Nice one! What made you become a fitness model and competitor?

I knew as a child I wanted to do fitness competitions from the moment I saw Fitness America on TV. I used to dance and flip around the living room trying to copy their moves.

What is the best advice you can give our readers on how to get and stay fit?

Find something you love and stick with it.

Consistency and learning to eat a balanced diet is the key.

ensational photo shoot, Jodi, congrats.

How do you feel?

AMAZING, humbled and grateful! I am so thankful for all the people who made this possible and believed in me. The crew made me look and feel so beautiful and I had so much fun.

Well, you look gorgeous and fit.

What is your best asset?

My height and my build. Being five-footeight and a former fitness competitor who competed in 42 fitness competitions, I still

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work out to maintain muscle but keep sexy curves. I’m also a very empathetic person and have a way to make people feel calm and good about themselves.

Give us a little more background about you and your life story so far.

I grew up in Tyndall, South Dakota USA – a town of 1,200 people – and attended South Dakota State University where I graduated with highest honours in biology (pre medicine) with minors in chemistry and health science. I was

You are a certified health, fitness and nutritional expert, lifestyle coach, product representative, personal trainer and model. How do you juggle these different jobs?

You always make time for things you love!

Love what you do, and you will never work a day in your life.

What’s the best thing about being an Influencer?

Connecting to so many different people around the world – I’ve met so many amazing people through social media and a lot of amazing opportunities have come my way thanks to social media.

“I’m a very empathetic person and have a way to make people feel calm and good about themselves.”

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“You always make time for things you love!

Love what you do, and you will never work a day in your life.”

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What have you learnt about men over the years?

All men are not bad! Just because you get one or two bad apples doesn’t mean they are all bad.

What’s one thing men should always remember about women?

Women are pretty simple, give us attention, love and communication and we are happy.

What do you look for in a man?

Hardworking, honest, attractive and has his own career.

How have you been coping with these crazy COVID-19 times?

Last year was a sad time for many. I have always been an optimistic person, so I used this time to really focus on being the best version of myself. I want to be able to help people more, work harder toward my dreams and take on any opportunity that comes my way. It breaks my heart to see that some people are still out of work.

What’s the first thing you will do once all travel restrictions are lifted?

I’m heading to Miami in July to compete in the Miss Bikini U.S. competition and would love to get out of the country in the next year. Australia is on the top of my list — I have not been there yet!

Besides koalas and kangaroos, what else do you know about Australia?

The Australian Food Guide Pyramid is different than the U.S. in that it contains herbs and spices as part of the nutritional guidelines.

What’s one thing you would like to change about the world?

Teaching people more about health and nutrition and the power of meditation.

Sickness and disease can be cured by eating a balanced diet and everyone deserves a life full of health and happiness.

What’s next for you? Any exciting projects on the horizon you can share with us?

Oh my God, I am working on so much stuff! I have always been a very highly motivated individual but I want to continue modelling, and being a role model to other women, as well as helping as many men and women look and feel their best! ■

Status Update NAME: Jodi Tiahrt BORN: May 11 HOMETOWN: Tyndall, South Dakota USA LIVES: Las Vegas, Nevada USA FIVE WORD SELFDESCRIPTION: “Intelligent, hardworking, humble, downto-earth, funny.”

PHOBIAS: “Bellybuttons and snakes.”

LIFE MOTTO: “Live the life you love, love the life you live!”

INSTAGRAM: @joditiahrtfitness

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PHOTO: COURTESY OF CÔTE D’AZUR SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

REAL ESTATE

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BILLION DOLLAR VIEWS

Why luxury villas with world-class vistas are increasingly in demand...

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cenic views are often cited as one of the most important factors when investing in luxury real estate. In terms of an investment from which the owner can also extract maximum personal enjoyment, luxury estates with world-class views rank among priceless works of art, rare classic Ferraris and the superscarce solid gold “Paul Newman” Rolex Daytona, an exclusive club indeed.

This magnificent six-bedroom Belle Époque mansion in the French Riviera, built in 1901, boasts panoramic sea views and is listed with Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty at about US$28 million

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“THE QUALITY AND EXCELLENCE OF VIEWS CAN INCREASE VALUE BY UP TO 50%.”

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This page and opposite: US$65 million will get you this baroque-style penthouse in the Sea One tower on Tel Aviv beach, listed with Israel Sotheby’s International Realty, which is perched atop a five-star hotel and enjoys all its amenities

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF ISRAEL SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

To cite just one example from Barnes International Realty, which specialises in the most luxurious listings in Barcelona, “The quality and the excellence of the views can increase the value of a high-standing property by up to 50%.” This is a formula that holds true for nearly any place in the world where incredible views can be had, from Aspen to Israel. And with the increased focus on quality of life at home in the wake of the global pandemic, multimillion-dollar views have never been more in demand.

Simply put, ”Views are priceless” as Alitza Vagenknechtova of LIV Sotheby’s International Realty in Colorado tells us. “You can change the home’s interior and exterior design, but the views are what make you feel good about a home. Especially, when they’re million-dollar mountain views,” of the sort for which the Aspen area — and its US$40 million-plus mansions, such as Four Peaks Ranch in Snowmass, set on over 800 acres — are justly famous.

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REAL ESTATE

“Clients who seek the best of the best demand properties like this,” she adds. “They’re looking for pure perfection, quality, workmanship, the finest materials and the latest technology. Everything that makes a home their own private sanctuary.” Mountain views in particular “give you the feeling of being safe while still managing to take your breath away. The stunning views of the peaks and valleys are majestic and powerful.”

While the posh French-speaking island of St. Barth’s may seem a world away from the snow-covered peaks of Colorado, views are no less important to owners and investors. “St. Barth’s offers a small size and mountainous terrain provides the ideal setup for a majority of locations to enjoy panoramic views,” Tom Smyth, owner of St. Barth Properties Sotheby’s International Realty, tells us. “Every home in St. Barth is unique and will merit its own price point based on a variety of factors.

Those with an especially dramatic ocean view combined with privacy are in high demand and generally fetch a premium. The desirability of a particular view, whether it be sunset, sunrise, land or sea is a very personal taste and we see buyers interested in them all.”

Take for example two of Smyth’s top listings; the reportedly US$55 million five-bedroom Villa Vitti, with its enormous infinity pool perched above Shell Beach in Gustavia; and the sprawling Villa Los Leones on the craggy hillside of Pointe Milou, offering

sensational ocean views to complement its whitewashed Greek, Croatian, Moroccan and Mediterranean-inspired architecture, which is comparably priced.

Of course many owners of spectacular properties in this vein do not live in them full time, offering not only an additional revenue stream for themselves, but the opportunity for others to enjoy them on a temporary basis. Villa Vitti, for example, has been listed for rent with rates starting at about US$32,000 per week. The burgeoning demand for private high-end rentals worldwide, including those with worldclass views, led Marriott International, owner of top luxury brands including Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis and the Luxury Collection, to launch its Homes & Villas program in May of 2019. The initiative now offers over 16,000 rentals across the premium and ultra- luxury segment, including a fully-staffed castle in Scotland for $18,000-plus per night.

“Part of the allure of a vacation home is to be transported from everyday life to a dream destination complete with stop-you-inyourtracks views,” Jennifer Hsieh, Vice President, Homes & Villas by Marriott International, tells us. “No matter if they’re traveling to the hills of Malibu, the beaches of St. Barths, the mountains of Telluride, old-world Paris, the vineyards of Tuscany, or the ocean off of Cape Town, most people want to surround themselves with breathtaking views that immerse them in their environment and provide something

This page: Situated next to the Corinthian Yacht Club, this Italianate estate, listed at US$25.5 million with Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty, has commanding views of the San Francisco skyline, Angel Island, the Bay Bridge and Belvedere Island

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PHOTOS: (OPPOSITE PAGE) COURTESY OF OPEN HOMES PHOTOGRAPHY FOR GOLDEN GATE SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY; (THIS PAGE) COURTESY OF TRAVI S MARK FOR SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

Top & above: This full-floor penthouse at 56 Leonard St. in Tribeca, listed at US$34.5 million with Sotheby’s International Realty — East Side Manhattan Brokerage, is wrapped in glass, offering unobstructed, panoramic NYC views from river to river

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REAL ESTATE

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This page and opposite: This US$45 million contemporary estate in Vail, Colorado called Apogee House, listed with LIV Sotheby’s International Realty, features a 75-foot long suspended glass-bottom pool with exceptional Gore Range views

they do not have at home.” The strength and scope of the brand means they can offer some truly unique properties, including Frank Sinatra’s former estate in Palm Springs with its views of the mountain ranges surrounding Coachella Valley.

“Historically, vacation rentals with ocean or lake views in warm climates are our most popular bookings,” Hsieh notes. “Bookings for destinations including Maui and Miami are up 110% percent the past six months. However, during the winter months we see a sizable uptick in vacation rentals in mountainous areas including Aspen, Breckenridge, Tahoe, and the French Alps,” which have experienced a 140% uptick. Those are the kind of numbers to make any investor smile as he raises a glass of champagne and surveys the priceless landscape spread out before him. ■

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PHOTOS: (TOP) COURTESY OF ITALY SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY; (MIDDLE) PHOTO COURTE SY OF BARBADOS SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY; (BOTTOM) PHOTO COURTESY OF MORGAN ROTHBLAT FOR DANIEL GALE SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

“A LARGE PART OF THE ALLURE IS TO BE TRANSPORTED FROM EVERYDAY LIFE.”

From top: Listed with Italy Sotheby’s International Realty, Villa Grecale is a luxurious multimillion-dollar villa located in the beautiful bay of Porto Rotondo in Sardinia, with world-class ocean views; Cove Spring House on the prestigious Platinum coast of Barbados; The Fountains on Long Island, listed for US$70 million, is an eight-acre waterfront estate comprised of three exquisite residences with panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline

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SPOTLIGHT

The return of...

TANAYA PECK

We check in with our outdoor-loving 2020 MAXIM Cover Girl Australia winner and front page star of our February 2021 edition…

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Ph o t o g ra p h e d b y B R I A N B H AY E S ( I G : @ B R I A N B H AY E S _ P H OTO Ma k e - u p b y @ Z E E .C L E M E N T E . M UA L o c a t i o n @ R A N C H I S L A N D

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SPOTLIGHT

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T ell us a bit about your latest MAXIM shoot, Tanaya.

We went to a beautiful animal sanctuary in Las Vegas, USA because of my deep love for animals.

You look great. When do you feel you are at your sexiest?

I always feel sexiest when I’m feeling confident, and I always feel confident when I’m healthy, eating a balanced diet, going to the gym and doing yoga on a regular schedule.

What is your best asset?

My best asset has always been my determination. I’ve always been a driven person and deeply committed to my goals. Physically, everyone always compliments me on my ocean blue eyes.

For those who don’t know much about you, give us a little more background about yourself.

I’m from a small-town country girl from Utah, USA, who now lives in California, and still has a passion of the outdoors.

“There’s something truly strong and beautiful about a man who is honest and connected with his emotions.”

I grew up on the outskirts of Salt Lake City riding dirt bikes and playing in the mud, then moved to California in my early 20s.

I grew my career in California quickly and now work in real estate. I’ve been able to experience so many adventures in my life and have a passion for the next big thing.

What would people be most surprised to know about know about you?

That I’m extremely flexible!

You only started modelling recently, right? What do you if you’re not modelling?

Yes, I started modelling about a year ago.

I like to spend my time helping animals and working hard in real estate. I enjoy paddle boarding, riding dirt bikes and snowboarding on my time off.

What have you learnt about men over the years?

I think the biggest think that I’ve learned is that men are emotional and caring but society has shamed them into not showing their emotions as much. There’s something truly strong and beautiful about a man who is honest and connected with his emotions.

What’s one thing men should always remember about women?

The key to any woman’s heart is honest and open communication.

What do you look for in a man?

Someone that is confident, successful, kind, and a good listener!

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“I always feel the sexiest when I’m feeling confident, and I always feel confident when I’m healthy, eating a balanced diet, going to the gym and doing yoga on a regular schedule.”

Describe your ideal date.

A good homemade meal and watching Supercross on the couch.

What can we get you at the bar?

Truly or a Gin and Sprite.

Do you have any phobias?

Snakes! Deathly afraid!

Who is your girl crush and why?

Paris Hilton and Kylie Jenner because they are both self-made success stories.

I admire how they have built their business from the bottom up. I look up to them both.

What is the weirdest thing someone has ever sent you on social media?

I wish I could pick just one... but I’ll just say this — men, no-one wants to see that!

What is your motto in life?

“If your dreams don’t scare you, they are too small” – Sir Richard Branson.

What’s next for you? Any exciting projects on the horizon you can share with us?

I have several magazine covers this year and a big surprise for everyone at the end of 2021.

Finally, where would you like to be in five years?

I would like to be retired and a lady of leisure. ■

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SPOTLIGHT

“My best asset has always been my determination.”

Status Update Full Name: Tanaya Peck Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah, USA Born: June 3 Five word selfdescription: “Jetsetting, loving, outgoing, motivated and disciplined.”

Instagram: @tanayapeck Snapchat: @tpeck85

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AUTO FOCUS

ESCAPE VELOCITY The new $2.2 million McLaren Elva is an ultra-modern tribute to the marque’s racing heritage...

B y J A R E D PAU L S T E R N Ph o t o g ra p e d b y PAT R I C K G O S L I N G

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cLaren Automotive has built almost 25,000 cars since they first disrupted the production supercar world in 2011 with the MP4-12C. In the years since they’ve continually demonstrated their ability to speed past the perceived boundaries of design, engineering and technology, with an impossibly prolific series of both supercars and hypercars. Now on the occasion of the brand’s 10th anniversary, they’ve unveiled brand new envelope-exploding examples

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of both — the Elva and Artura — embarking on the next chapter of the awe-inspiring McLaren story. Because as any true sports car aficionado knows, the marque’s origins go back much farther, to the early 1960s, when automotive designer, driver, engineer, and inventor Bruce McLaren first fielded race cars bearing his now hallowed name. The Elva, the more extreme of the two new offerings, is an astonishingly beautiful tribute to the M1A, Bruce McLaren’s recordbreaking super-light, openroofed, roofed, mid-engined racer from 1964.

“THE ELVA IS CLEARLY EXCLUSIVE BUT ALSO DEDICATED TO THE PURSUIT OF FUN.”

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“THE 800-PLUS HORSEPOWER ELVA IS THE LIGHTEST AND MOST AGILE McLAREN ROAD CAR EVER BUILT.”

Priced at about $2.2 million and limited to 149 examples, the 800-plus horsepower Elva, the latest in the marque’s Ultimate Series, is the lightest and most agile McLaren road car ever built — as well as one of the rarest and most exhilarating to drive, powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8. “The McLaren Elva is a luxury experience in every way, clearly exclusive but also a car dedicated to the pursuit of fun,” McLaren Automotive CEO Mike Flewitt tells us. “We have not focused on outright performance, rather on driver engagement. The lightest car we have ever made with 825ps [804 hp] is clearly a very fast car, but with the driver exposed to the elements in the same way as is true of an F1 single-seater, the experience is completely immersive.”

Especially so as the car lacks even a traditional windscreen; yet McLaren’s new Active Air Management System guides high-speed air over the open cockpit, acting as virtual windscreen and creating

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a bubble of calm around driver and passenger. McLaren’s 007-like MSO (McLaren Special Operations) division, which can customise literally every detail, makes the Elva even more exclusive.

“Our customers delight in working with our design team to specify their cars in unique ways to their own tastes,” Flewitt says. “No two of these cars are the same as befits the bespoke experience that our team at MSO offer.” Meanwhile, McLaren’s other new car, the Artura, is equally daring on another level. Dubbed a High-Performance Hybrid (HPH), it’s envisioned as a “supercar for a new era.” Designed from the ground up yet unmistakably a McLaren, it was created to be equally at home on road or track, capable of rocketing from 0 to 62 mph in three seconds and 205 mph on the top end — thanks to an all-new, 670-horsepower 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine incorporating bleeding-edge hybrid tech.

“The McLaren Artura is like no other supercar and this is not something we say lightly,” Flewitt tells us. “We have developed a lightweight composite platform dedicated to optimising the performance of our new hybrid powertrain whilst building on our valuoes of light weight and driver engagement. The combination of class-leading power, significant EV range, and emissions that set new standards is unique, and a direct result of the approach that takes industry-leading technology to deliver characteristics that the owner

will enjoy and appreciate on both emotional and rational levels.”

As the two new cars prove beyond a shadow of a doubt, “McLaren is committed to designing and building the most exciting cars in the segments in which they compete,” Flewitt adds. “The cars, whilst clearly luxury supercars, use technology-leading design to deliver attributes unique to each product. The Elva and Artura are radically different, but both are clearly McLarens and both deliver an incredible experience to the customers fortunate enough to own them.”

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AUTO FOCUS

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SECOND TO NONE Mercedes-Benz’s Maybach brand is more magnificent than ever...

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ew names carry as much resonance in the luxury auto space as Maybach. With origins dating back to 1909, the marque is a full decade older than Bentley and nearly as storied as Rolls-Royce. Admittedly its production history has been more sporadic, but that has only served to preserve its aura of ultraexclusivity. An aura that hasn’t dissipated since Daimler incorporated it into Mercedes-Benz in 2015 with the launch of the first MercedesMaybach S-Class. Just as AMG represents the most powerful, performance-oriented expression of Mercedes-Benz cars, Maybach now stands for “the manifestation of sophisticated luxury in its most advanced form” for vehicles bearing the coveted three-pointed star.

This year sees not only an all-new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, but also the first-ever Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 SUV, making 2021 the most important year in the marque’s history since Daimler originally revived it nearly 20 years ago. The timing is hardly accidental; in 2019, more Mercedes-Maybach S-Class cars were sold than ever before.

While the two new models carry on Maybach’s signature incomparable elegance and refined craftsmanship, Mercedes has now brought the storied marque fully up to speed in terms of its industry-leading

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AUTO FOCUS

“THE MANIFESTATION OF SOPHISTICATED LUXURY IN ITS MOST ADVANCED FORM.”

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pinstripes, as well as C-pillars with a fixed quarterlight and Maybach logo. And it would be sheer madness not to opt for the Maybach-exclusive two-tone paint finish, which takes up to a week to painstakingly apply by hand. None of this is lost on Virgil Abloh, designer of Off-White and Louis Vuitton’s menswear collections, who recently entered into a creative collaboration with Mercedes-Benz.

“For me, what I appreciate about a luxury car is the craft,” he says. “I think it’s not that hard of a concept to understand that a car, on one hand, is just an object that gets you from A to B. But once you add craftsmanship, once you add attention to detail, all of a sudden that trip from A to B can become an experience.

And I think within well-designed things, that experience stays with you and leaves a lasting impact…. [The] Maybach has this transcendent quality that transforms just a trip from A to B into something that stays with you.” ■

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF MERCEDES-BENZ

intelligent drive, connectivity and driver assistance systems.

The resulting blend of luxury and technology truly has no equal.

Many exclusive features distinguish the Maybach S-Class from the standard Mercedes-Benz S 580 4MATIC, which is already bristling with class-leading technology. Chief among them are wider rear doors and a seven-inch longer wheelbase which makes the rear compartment as sybaritic as the Orient Express — especially when paired with the new Executive Seats upholstered in exclusive Maybach leather, incorporating a calfrest massage function and neck/shoulder heating.

Large swathes of luxurious wood and leather trim on the rear of the front seats and between the two rear passengers (an option) heighten the effect, along with an active ambient lighting system comprising a total of 253 LEDs. Visually the Maybach S-Class gets a unique hood with a chrome fin and the Mercedes-Maybach radiator grille with vertical chrome

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TRAVEL

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Escape to

BELIZE

With only seven villas on a remote island, Belize’s Cayo Espanto is redefining resort exclusivity...

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF CAYO ESPANTO

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fter your gleaming G650 comes to a skidding stop on the blacktop of Philip S. W. Goldson Airport in Belize City, a small team will meet you on the tarmac and usher you to a helicopter waiting nearby.

A scant 20 minutes later, skimming over emerald islands, remote beaches and turquoise Caribbean water below, a small tropical key will materialise — the kind filed in your memory banks under “desert island.” Soon the chopper descends onto a green patch of grass where paradise awaits: a white sand, palm-studded Xanadu of solace dubbed Cayo Espanto.

The brainchild of entrepreneur Jeff Gram, Cayo Espanto — aka Ghost Key — opened in 1999 with only a trio of casitas spread out over three acres. In the two decades since it has grown to seven villas, each nestled away in its own corner of the island, and shaded by leafy palms and knotted mangrove trees to offer an unheard-of level of privacy.

There is no common area here at Cayo Espanto; there’s no lobby or restaurant, or even a bar to belly up to.

No wonder A-listers like Jennifer Lawrence, Bill Gates, Robert De Niro and Tiger Woods are rumoured to have called Cayo Espanto home. Local gossip whispers Bradley Cooper and his buddy Leonardo DiCaprio rented out the entire island during the pandemic just for themselves and their girls. “I definitely like the privacy, I wanted that for personal reasons,” explains Gram of his vision from day one. “I like to interact with people and have fun, but I want to be able to get away with a

special person and feel as though I am the only one on the island.”

This level of solitude has always been exigent for a certain pedigree of folk, but since the global pandemic it’s now paramount for many a wary, well-heeled traveller.

Gram’s concept was prescient, especially given the circumstances.

Consider Belize 30 years ago: the former British colony — one straddling both Central American and Caribbean cultures — was even more primitive then, with materials and skilled workmanship hard to come by. There were no five-star resorts anywhere in the Englishspeaking nation; Francis Ford Coppola had yet to build his famed Turtle Inn resort there. When Gram purchased the feral island, it was mainly swampland.

“You’ll notice how we did the landscaping, you really don’t see any other people,” notes Gram, highlighting the 300-plus coconut, poisonwood, and almond trees they brought in for shade and shelter, while consciously working around the gorgeous knotted mangrove trees already there.

“It’s very important for people to feel as though it’s just the two of them on their own private island.”

“The ground was to be left as natural sand — no shrubs or ground cover and definitely no walkways,” adds the resort’s landscape architect James Hyatt of the initial design he and Gram imagined. “We wanted the guests to feel like they had come upon a natural, idyllic island.”

According to Hyatt, the villas’ strong pyramidal roofs reference primitive island huts across the world, and collectively are meant to recreate the appearance of a small littoral village. Villa walls open nearly

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360 degrees to erase any separation between man-made luxury and mother nature, and in concert with the tall ceilings help create a great sense of interior space. “Definitely ADHD created Cayo Espanto,” laughs Gram. “Nobody else would be crazy enough to do it.”

These eggshell-blue villas make ideal epicentres for long, almost endless hours of doing nothing. Soaking in the Belizean rays from your private dock, feeling the warm breeze blowing in from the west and the hot kiss of sun on your skin. Minutes turn to hours, mornings blend into evenings, delirious and long and in slow motion. After months of simmering anxiety in the global zeitgeist, this type of luxurious indolence is a priceless commodity.

Perhaps the world was devolving into chaos all around us, we knew nothing. Ignorance — alongside a well-made piña colada with a Myer’s Original Dark Rum floater — is bliss. The languid, lazy days are punctuated by world-class meals, the only intermittent entertainment breaking the time apart. Whenever you awake, simply press the walkie talkie and tell your butler — each villa has two —your choice for breakfast.

Despite Cayo Espanto’s seclusion and island limitations, the team does a superb job moving locations every night to lend each dinner a unique ambience, one of the rare clues that separates Monday from Friday. One evening supper is plated by your small private pool, the other on the dock, or perhaps under a giant curling mangrove. Our last sunset we dined by the grass helipad, lit up by small candles and tiki torches. Grilled grouper on polenta, shrimp skewers and ribeye steak were served, all finished with a flowing lava cake of gushing chocolate, accompanied by a dram of Laphroaig. At the end of the meal our servers lit Chinese wishing lanterns and set them adrift over the Caribbean. My girl’s flew high into the horizon until it disappeared into the star-lit heavens; mine went up in flames almost immediately and plummeted into the dark water. An auspicious beginning to 2021.

Of course should you tire of sinking in your pool sipping Campari Americanos all day, there’s no lack of distractions. If you so desire, one can paddleboard, kayak, snorkel and fly fish directly from your deck.

We scuba dove the second-largest barrier reef in the world, and on another day took a private yacht to fish and dive for fresh langostinos,

“IT’S VERY IMPORTANT FOR PEOPLE TO FEEL AS THOUGH THEY’RE ON A PRIVATE ISLAND.” which we then grilled on a nearby deserted island for lunch. There are also helicopter tours over the famed Great Blue Hole, and day trips to Mayan ruins. But never mind all that. We quickly realised the best activity of all is not doing a damn thing. And should you require anything to help you not do it — salt-rimmed Herradura Palomas, a deep-tissue massage, or a couple plates of sushi — your butler is only a walkie talkie blip away. ■

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WOMAN OF THE WORLD

Introducing…

Why this promising American model, actor, writer and recording artist is definitely one to watch…

Ph o t o g ra p h e d b y R YA N DW Y E R ( I G : @ L E T S H O OT ) In t e r v i e w b y S A N T I P I N TA D O ( I G: @ S P I N TA D O) Produced By M A I N ST R EE T P RO D U C T I O N S

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WOMAN OF THE WORLD

“I’D RATHER REGRET THE THINGS I HAVE DONE THAN THE THINGS I HAVE NOT.” body oils and mud. I feel like I’m detoxing from the world – I haven’t been able to do that for a while due to the pandemic.

Your name is interesting. What does it mean and is it one word, JenniVere?

My mum named me after actress Jennifer Jones, after seeing her in the movie The Song of Bernadette. My full name is JenniVere Song Lee. Song is my mother’s maiden name and I just use JenniVere with a capital J and V as my stage name, like Madonna and Cher.

Got it. What would people be most surprised to know about you?

I think I’ve read every single book written in the Astrology section at my local library.

I always ask or wonder what a person’s astrological sign is when I first meet them.

hanks for your time, JenniVere, and congrats on your first MAXIM feature. How do you feel?

Thank you so much, I’m ecstatic! I really enjoyed shooting with Ryan [Dwyer, photographer] and his team. I also got a great make-up lesson before the photo shoot – I didn’t realise I was applying some of my products in the wrong places!

Well, you look cute. What would you say is your best asset?

I take great care of my skin and haven’t been outside without sun protection since I was 13. I’m also a great listener of other people’s stories and playback conversations in my head from like 20 years ago.

When do you feel sexy?

I feel sexiest after my ritual of sweating, stretching and meditating in a steam room or sauna with my gallons of water, masks,

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You are an actor, writer and recording artist. Tell us more about these careers.

I started working on my studio album “Peaces Of My Mind” in 2013 but faced a few obstacles so I got side-tracked. I finally released it in 2020 and it’s now available on iTunes. I initially wrote my novel Happy Hollowdays as a screenplay and had a staged reading for it at the Algonquin theatre in NYC, with some really great Asian American actors. I tried to make a feature film but didn’t realise how difficult being a producer, director, filmmaker and one-woman team would be.

What’s Happy Hollowdays all about?

It’s a fictional contemporary women’s literature novel – aka chick lit. It’s not autobiographical since I don’t have any sisters but it’s about three very different women and their relationships. I used bits and pieces of my diary, my poetry and letters from friends throughout the years.

Have you written any other books or works?

I have collections and stacks of my poetry

and essays that I use when I need inspiration for lyrics – I’ll sort through them and rework them into a song. I would like to focus more on my acting career this year, and I’m hoping to get into studio with some top producers with my band, but I enjoy writing the most.

How have these COVID-19 times affected your ambitions?

I’m fully vaccinated and luckily I never had COVID, but for most of it I felt like I was in a really long, boring, bad sci-fi movie.

What’s the first thing you will do once all travel restrictions are lifted?

I want to go overseas to do a martial arts and detox boot camp without having to quarantine for two weeks upon arrival.

I also want to see Australia!

Besides koalas and kangaroos, what else do you know about our fine country?

I know that Australia is one of the most multi-cultural nations in the world.

And I’ve always had a thing for guys with accents and I think Australian accents are so sexy!

What do you look for in a man?

Emotional intelligence and the usual stuff like smart, strong, fun, passionate, ambitious, warm… a romantic who doesn’t mind me picking out their clothes for them sometimes. I also think male feminists are super cute.

What’s one thing men should always know about women?

Hmmm... that we are all different like all men are different.

What’s next for you?

I’ll be recording more music with some top music producers and I just signed with an agent in the UK, so hopefully I’ll get to work in Europe soon! ■

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WOMAN OF THE WORLD

“I’D DESCRIBE MYSELF AS CREATIVE, PASSIONATE, RESTLESS, VERSATILE AND WEIRD.”

Status Update FULL NAME: JenniVere Song Lee BORN: November 19 HOMETOWN: Queens, New York, USA LIVES: New York and Los Angeles, USA FIVE WORD SELFDESCRIPTION: “People always use the word ‘pleasant’ when describing me.

I also get charismatic, graceful, fun and crazy. I’d describe myself as creative, passionate, restless, versatile and weird.

BEST HIDDEN TALENT: Sketching/ drawing.

LIFE MOTTO: “I’d rather regret the things I have done than the things I have not.”

INSTAGRAM: @Jenniveresonglee

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CIGARS

How to age, store and collect the world’s finest stogies...

By D U N CA N Q U I N N

M

any of us know that the very finest wines in the world are best tasted after appropriate aging in proper conditions. But rather fewer understand that this is also true of premium cigars. And as with fine wine, the components of a premium cigar often improve with age. Bold, powerful flavours mellow, imparting a more complex, fuller, experience. So if you’re not already collecting and aging your smokes, here are some things to consider as you build a cellar worthy of Zino Davidoff.

I can attest to the magnificence of aging firsthand after having been lucky enough to receive a package of pre-Castro Cubans that had been biding their time in a friend’s father’s humidor for over 50 years. Like a beautiful velvety, claret from a Grand Cru Classé, the smoothness on the palate and rich, warm flavors and aromas are what I remember most.

Similar to the first Château Margaux 1982 I experienced some time in the early 2000s.

The feeling these aged cigars gave transported my mind’s eye to an image of myself ensconced in a well-worn cognacleather armchair in a beautifully-adorned, high-ceilinged gentleman’s club, surrounded by leather Chesterfields, thick velvet curtains, and a roaring fire. Like a scene from a Jules Verne novel writ large. Sitting there puffing away with an enormous grin on my face, ecstatic with my Cuban companion and the 9 4

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transportive effect it created. Needless to say nicotine and many other powerful polyphenolic compounds imbibed in the smoke haad a lot to do with this, but back in the real world, to achieve such heady heights one must first commence with fin nely made cigars. For as with computer code and much else, if you feed garbage in at the frront end of the process, you will get garbage out o the back end too. Something like the Dav avidoff Masterpiece Series we recently wrote about would do a treat.

Our buddy Michael Herklots, a well-known and respected Vice President at Nat N nd Sherman International for many years, an now the owner of new cigar company Feerio Tego, suggests, “Don’t judge a cigar by itts cover, or more appropriately its wrapper — the outside leaf visible when selecting a cigar — but rather by the experience. Tasste a mouthsingle cigar first, and evaluate its body (m SRRY N[Q V[aR[`Vaf \S SYNc\_ 6S aUR xdRVTUaa \S he the smoke’ on the palate is substantial, th look and volume of the smoke when expeelled hen voluminous, and the flavors dominant, th that cigar is a great candidate to age.”

Aging of both cigars and fine wines rrelies upon the interaction of the components of o na the cigar (or wine) with mother nature in controlled environment. In the case of cig gars, which can absorb moisture, expand, contract, dry out, or go moldyy, the keys are an inert storage container, controlled temperature, and d

controlled humidity. Mess up on any of the components and you end up with cigars that taste of whatever you stored them in, cracked, dry sticks, or moldy biohazards riddled with tobacco beetles that will consume your entire collection, leaving dust and holes in their wake.

Depending upon whom you listen to, you need to store your prized smokes in an environment ranging from 18 to 21 degrees Celsius and 65% to 70% humidity; the cooler the storage the slower the aging process. That could be as simple as a humidor such as the desktop

selection available from Davidoff, or as complex as building an entire d correctly either will suffice. room just for the task. Maintained At the end of the day, just as eaach of us has a different palate for wines and appreciates different prroducers, varietals, and age profiles, the same is true of cigars. As Herkklots puts it, “Collecting and aging cigars needs to be a personal purssuit, not an investment vehicle.

While there is an aftermarket for premium p cigars, the return on palate with friends, than in your investment is greater realised on your y bank account. Aging premium cig gars can improve a cigar favourably nique about premium cigars depending on what it is. What’s un compared to the wine world is thee non-vintage nature of the majority of the premium cigars available.”

“THE RETURN ON INVESTMENT IS GREATER REEALISED ON YOUR PALATE WITTH FRIENDS.” Much like non-vintage champagne, “A premium cigar’s experience is intended to be maintained year after year, despite the fact that the characteristics of the individual to obaccos that make up the blend geographical variables,” Herklots change due to climate and other g explains. “With wine we accept an nd welcome the difference each vintage brings, but in premium cigars, we expect consistency. nique is the ability to taste the aged What makes aging cigars so un cigar next to a newer production of the same blend in order to more accurately determine if in fact it is improving or not.” Note, however, that “aging cannott be measured in weeks or months.

Most premium cigars you p purchase are already six to 12 months old. Age your cigars at leaast one year after your purchase date before tasting and evaluatting. And always date your boxes.”

Which is why it is besst to smoke some to see what you like, and then lay some dow wn to see how they develop with age, as the complex blend off tobacco leaves and wrapper change profile over time. Take one ou ut every now and then to see how it is changing and developing. And A most of all, light up and enjoy. ■

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RELATIONSHIPS

N In her latest book, YouTuber and selfdevelopment coach MAZ DELA CERNA provides a practical guide on recognising the core issues in relationships and making changes for the better.

Here she shares her ways on how to get rid of toxic ones in your life…

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o-one ever starts a relationship thinking “let’s fall in love and project our insecurities and past traumas onto each other”.

The start of a relationship is exciting, it’s exhilarating. Our hearts skip a beat when we see each other we can’t get enough of them. Then somewhere along the line, we find ourselves fighting about things that don’t matter. Molehills become mountains and emotions start to run high. We find ourselves asking, “How did we get here?”

Should you love someone so much where it kills you? Is this real love?

Toxic relationships are hard. Whether a romantic lover, friend, colleague or a family member, it doesn’t matter. The insults, judgements, and snide remarks start eating away at our confidence. Toxicity drains the life out of us. It prevents us from being the best version of ourselves. We become lethargic, tired, and even insecure. It’s exhausting. I’ve found myself in a cycle of toxic relationships and it wasn’t until I started to look at myself and question the role I played, did my life start to change for the better.

It’s easy to get wrapped up in the whirlwind of emotions. It’s easy to fall into a place of comfort. It can be hard to step up and leave. You don’t want to be disloyal; you don’t want to do the wrong thing; you don’t want to hurt their feelings. Yet you know where you are is so wrong. This isn’t how it’s supposed to be. If you find yourself in a toxic relationship, these tips may help with getting yourself realigned and take your power back.

ALIGN TO YOUR BEST SELF Imagine yourself living your best life. Imagine yourself happy. Is this what you would be doing? Is this the kind of relationship you can be proud of? Is this the kind of behaviour your best self finds acceptable?

Take a moment and start thinking about the person that you want to be. Reflect on what would make you happy.

Can you have an open and honest conversation where you can both come to a resolution and compromise or have you tried several times before only for it to end in an argument?

MAKING THE TRANSITION If we take the focus off what is going wrong and instead start focusing on what makes us feel good, we will find it easier to differentiate what is good for our souls and what isn’t. What hobbies and interests did you leave behind? Is there something you always wanted to do but hadn’t taken the steps to get there? When we start to focus our attention on things that make us feel good, it’s easy to see the things that drain us. Start doing things that feed your soul, even if it’s just walking the dog, going for a hike, having drinks with your friends, or going out for a nice meal. Take up old hobbies or start new ones. Life’s too short to not be doing things that make you feel alive.

BRINGING IT TO AWARENESS If we always blame others for all of our downfalls, we will never learn nor would we take accountability for the part we play. When things were said and circumstances arose that didn’t play out the way we wanted, how did we react? How did we respond?

Did we close up or did we lash out? Did our actions make the situation better or did it escalate it into a bigger problem?

DON’T LOOK BACK Once we have left the dynamic, we can start to question ourselves. Did we make mistaks? Was this the right thing to do? What if they change?

The battle between your head and heart will be difficult at first. Levelling up demands a different version of ourselves. To help with these emotions, write a list of all of the reasons why you left. Take a look at it every time you start to struggle and remind yourself of what you are gaining by leaving the toxicity. ■ Maz Dela Cerna is an inspirational author, blogger, YouTuber and selfdevelopment coach. With a history of abuse, drug addiction, weight gain and trauma, she changed her life around and is now the founder of the Phoenix Rising Collective coaching people around the world to uncover and remove their self-limiting beliefs and self-destructive thoughts. For more on her go to www.mazdelacerna.com I Deserve Better (published by Balboa Press, $8.99rrp) is out now

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24 HOURS TO LIVE

Robbie SLATER The former Socceroo, English Premier League winner and Fox Sports commentator, discusses his last day on earth…

B y S A N T I P I N TA D O

How do you want to leave this world?

I’m not planning on leaving!

Do you have any deathbed confessions?

Everybody knows I’m a Liverpool fan, but what if I’m secretly a Manchester United fan?!

What’s your last meal?

Chicken parmigiana and a schooner.

Are you going to Heaven or Hell?

I think I’m going to heaven… or rather, I hope I am. There is probably a bit of purgatory first.

What do you say to the Devil if you go to Hell?

I’d say, “Is this permanent?”

Which legendary people will you hang out with in the afterlife?

George Best [former Manchester United great in the ’60s and ’70s]. The reason why is simple — he once said, “I spent most of my money on women and booze and the rest I wasted.” And my dad will also be there, so it’d be great to see him.

To whom on Earth do you owe an apology to before you depart?

To my ex-wife and current wife.

What quality advice will you take to the grave with you?

Be careful who you shit on on the way out,

“THE FACT THAT I’M HAVING DIFFICULTY ANSWERING THIS QUESTION REALLY WORRIES ME!” because you might need them on the way down.

Besides family, what’s your greatest achievement during your time on Earth?

I never put family aside, but seriously, playing for my country.

What has been the greatest moment in sport?

Usain Bolt. Triple triple — Beijing, London and Rio. And the not-so-greatest?

Lance Armstrong.

Say no more.

What’s the dumbest thing you ever did on earth?

Helping Mark Bosnich come to Australia… and join Twitter.

Name one thing you’re glad you’ll never have to do again?

Puberty — for obvious reasons.

What are your mates saying over your casket?

The fact that I’m having difficulty answering this question really worries me!

What’s written on your tombstone?

Loving father and husband. Tried hard.

Robbie, in the ’90s, playing for EPL team the Blackburn Rovers and the Socceroos

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Got any last words?

“Did you know I won the English Premier League?” ■

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