MAY-JUNE 2021 HAUTE LIVING SAN FRANCISCO by Haute Living San Francisco

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LUXURY LIFESTYLE WITH PURPOSE

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THE TRAVEL ISSUE TRAVEL EXPERTS WEIGH IN ON LUXURY VACATIONS IN THIS NEW, POST-PANDEMIC WORLD

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LUXURY LIFESTYLE WITH PURPOSE

GREAT LOCAL HOLIDAY GIFTS

SIX FEMALE WINEMAKERS CRUSHING IT

BEST PRODUCTS TO DETOX AND REJUVENATE

LUXE SKI RESORTS THAT ARE OPEN

HARVEST 2020 GOES DIGITAL

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THE POWER OF MUSIC GONE VIRTUAL TO ENRICH, TO UNITE, TO HEAL

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FESTIVAL NAPA VALLEY POSTPONED BUT NOT SILENCED

LOVE IN THE TIME OF COVID

RESORT-LIKE SANCTUARY ESTATES IDEAL FOR SHELTER-IN-PLACE

BLACK WINES MATTER - A TOAST TO BLACK WINE PROFESSIONALS

ENCHANTED WORLD OF ESSENTIAL OILS

CARLO PONTI PROVIDES MUSIC AS AN UNITING ART

Wellness & Beauty Issue

SOPHIA LOREN $20.00

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH THE ELUSIVE STREET ARTIST FNNCH

IN AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW, LEGENDARY ACTRESS SOPHIA LOREN REVEALS HER SECRETS TO LIVING A LONG, HEALTHY, ACTIVE LIFE.

SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY’S 20TH CHINESE NEW YEAR CONCERT

SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY’S CHINESE NEW YEAR CONCERT

MICHELIN-STARRED LA TOQUE CELEBRATES 40 YEARS

MEET RUSSIAN COUTURE DESIGNER VASILY VEIN

ESCAPE TO THE RITZ-CARLTON LAKE TAHOE

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH WES GORDON OF CAROLINA HERRERA AND A SNEAK PEAK OF THE LATEST FASHION TRENDS FROM NEW YORK FASHION WEEK

LUXURY LIFESTYLE WITH PURPOSE

EXCLUSIVE LOOK AT THE MONACO YACHT SHOW PROFILE MICHELIN-STAR CHEF CLAUDE LE TOHIC HOLIDAY GIFTS OF BEAUTY WITH DR. LISA KANG

Highlights of Prince Albert Foundation’s 2019 Gala for Global Ocean

HONORING ROBERT REDFORD 11/4/19 10:43 AM

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THE PERFORMING ARTS ISSUE

REJUVENATE AT THE TOP SPAS IN TOWN

THE FASHION ISSUE

THE COLORFUL NIGHTS OF THE SF OPERA BALL AND SYMPHONY OPENING GALA

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SAN FRANCISCO BALLET’S SPELLBOUND OPENING NIGHT

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MOTHER NATURE OPENS HARVEST SEASON IN WINE COUNTRY WITH AN ABUNDANCE OF OUTDOOR WINE EXPERIENCES

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EXPERIENCE ALL-INCLUSIVE LUXURY AT HAMMOCK COVE IN ANTIGUA

Wellness & Beauty Issue

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SIMPLE WELLNESS PRACTICES FOR COMPLICATED TIMES

SAN FRANCISCO’S JAZZ ICON PAULA WEST

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Performing Arts

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UCSF STUDY OF PREGNANCY AND CORONAVIRUS

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SEVEN COVES AT SPINDRIFT AS A SANCTUARY TO HEAL AND RESET

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FESTIVE BUBBLES FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Renew and Recharge for the New Year

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FROM CHANEL TO RODARTE, MEET THE WOMEN WHO INFLUENCE FASHION WITH INNOVATION AND CREATIVITY

LILY SAMII CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF FASHION SUCCESS

RECIPES FROM MICHAEL MINA

A SNEAK PEEK INTO POST-PANDEMIC WORK ENVIRONMENTS WITH MARK CALVANO

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RTG’S SONIPHI SCREENS COVID-19 USING YOUR VOICE

THREE WOMEN RESHAPING BAY AREA FOOD & WINE

BIG SUR’S POST RANCH INN UNVEILS RENOVATED OCEAN HOUSES

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TOP DESTINATIONS FOR SAFE AND LUXE TRAVEL

EXCLUSIVE WITH CAMERON DIAZ AND AVALINE WINES

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CELEBRATING 35 YEARS AS THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR AND PRINCIPAL CHOREOGRAPHER OF THE SAN FRANCISCO BALLET

THE T R AV E L ISSUE

Bay Area and Silicon Valley. • Luxury hotels in Northern California • Luxury brand stores and spas in San Francisco Bay Area. • Powerful websites on ISSUU.com, HauteLivingSF.com, and online marketing • Wall Street Journal list of top 250 luxury real estate agents in the USA • All events we sponsor and cover

Makras Real Estate A local expert for all your real estate needs Victor Makras

1193 Church St. San Francisco, CA 94114 (415) 282-8400 | www.makrasrealestate.com DRE# 00555201

California Lifestyle Collection Iconic Rocky Point Restaurant

Carmel, California

Restaurant | 3 Bedroom Apartment | ±2.5 acres Oceanfront Lot Rocky Point is located 10 miles south of Carmel along the most scenic, beautiful stretch of Highway 1 between Carmel and Big Sur. Currently zoned for both residential and commercial with 3 apartments and the Rocky Point Restaurant on ±2.5 acres of coastal land at the edge of the Pacific Ocean. The property is a perfect place to enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the iconic Bixby Bridge in Big Sur as you sit perched cliff-side on the spacious open deck overlooking the ocean, or inside by the cozy fireplace, looking through panoramic windows while hearing the ocean waves lapping on the rocky shore. Catch glimpses of playful sea-otters, dolphins, seals, and whales as they migrate up and down the coast. Rocky Point is truly a world-class ocean front property– there exists nothing between Rocky Point and the Pacific Ocean but one’s imagination and a profound sense of serenity. This magnificent view property is a singular gem along the world-famous Monterey Peninsula coastline. Rocky Point is only available for purchase once every few decades, and now is one of those moments. It could become your signature restaurant /club/lounge with

$8,000,000

retail shopping for the savvy business investor. A few lucky wedding couples have been blessed to tie the knot at Rocky Point for their dream Destination Wedding. Special Events and Corporate Retreats have been dazzled by the location. Rocky Point could become your specialty Bed & Breakfast Inn, subject to approval. With the mixed zoning, there are many opportunities and use choices, we leave it up to your imagination subject to approval of Coastal Commission and County of Monterey. The land all the way to the ocean, the building itself, the existing restaurant, the special liquor license, the 3 residential units on site, and all fixtures and equipment are included in the price. This is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to acquire this very rare property. The restaurant on average served about 300 people and busiest days on holidays would serve over 450 people. Please contact Olivia Hsu Decker for more information. Video, photos and details at RockyPointCarmel.com

Olivia Hsu Decker | SanFranciscoFineHomes.com Cell: 415.720.5915 | Olivia@SanFranciscoFineHomes.com | Lic.# 00712080

California Lifestyle Collection Iconic Rocky Point Restaurant

Olivia Hsu Decker | SanFranciscoFineHomes.com Cell: 415.720.5915 | Olivia@SanFranciscoFineHomes.com | Lic.# 00712080

Carmel, California

California Lifestyle Collection Penthouse with Panoramic Golden Gate Bridge Views

San Francisco, California

2 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1 Half-Bath

Offered at $4,380,000

Located in one of San Francisco’s favorite neighborhoods, this rarely-available penthouse is in one of Cow Hollow’s best new condo buildings. Built in 2014, the Amero on the corner of Van Ness Avenue and Filbert Street is a boutique 27 unit building with an elegant spacious lounge lobby with fireplace and stunning roof deck with BBQ’s, outdoor dining area and outdoor lounge with fire-pit for each penthouse. The penthouse interior features beautiful wide-plank hardwood floors with dramatic open floor plan with wall to wall glass and magnificent views of Russian Hill, entire Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco Bay and magical night lights of Russian Hill, Nob Hill and Pacific Heights buildings. The kitchen has a waterfall stone counter center island with bar seating and top of line appliances. An office is also on this floor. The lower floor features a master suite with wallto-wall windows to enjoy panoramic views, a walk-in closet and spa-like ensuite marble bathroom with double vanity sinks and a second bedroom with bathroom, in-unit washer/dryer. Also included is a 2 car parking spaces in the building’s gated underground garage. Low HOA fees of $688 per month include high-speed internet (WebPass), water, garbage, maintenance, building insurance, and reserves. The

special location is walking distance to the restaurants, shopping, and amenities of Union and upper Polk Street (walkscore of 99). Special upgrades include: -All new doors, baseboards, door trims throughout. -Lutron shades throughout designed to reflect heat and blackout shades in bedrooms. -Media center with TV cabinet designed to not block the view and Sonos throughout. -Added custom built in cabinets in half bath and wine fridge in office -New carpets in bedrooms. -California closets in master and guest closets -Completely new custom master bath with heated floors, Toto bidet toilet, rain shower, Carrera marble counter and shower. Video, Matterport 3D and photos on: SanFranciscoViewPenthouse.com

Olivia Hsu Decker | SanFranciscoFineHomes.com Cell: 415.720.5915 | Olivia@SanFranciscoFineHomes.com | Lic.# 00712080

California Lifestyle Collection Penthouse with Panoramic Golden Gate Bridge Views

Olivia Hsu Decker | SanFranciscoFineHomes.com Cell: 415.720.5915 | Olivia@SanFranciscoFineHomes.com | Lic.# 00712080

San Francisco, California

Haute Living MAGAZINE PUBLISHER Olivia Hsu Decker Olivia@HauteLivingSF.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Teresa Rodriguez Teresa@HauteLivingSF.com ART DIRECTOR Krisha Chhaganlal Krisha@HauteLivingSF.com COPY EDITOR Karen M. Smith henhousepublishing@gmail.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Laurie Jo Miller Farr, Becca Hensley, Steph Keay, Fran Endicott Miller, Erin Hunt Moore, Charlene Peters, Sharon Seto, Carolyne Zinko, Mar Pages, Misty Milioto, and Rosanna Stevens LUXURY AUTO CONTRIBUTOR Tim Lappen TL@JMBM.com WINE COUNTRY AMBASSADOR Kelly E. Carter Kelly@KellyeCarter.com HEALTH AND WELLNESS AMBASSADOR Lydia Graham LIFE COACH AMBASSADOR Nina Clark Ericson, Ph.D. ninacericson@att.net SUBSCRIPTION AND DISTRIBUTION INQUIRIES Olivia Hsu Decker Olivia@HauteLivingSF.com AD SALES REPRESENTATIVE Cindy Pelland Cindy@HauteLivingSF.com ACCOUNTING Sarah Trissel Sarah@HauteLivingSF.com LEGAL Carl Lippenberger Carl@lippenbergerlaw.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF MAGELLAN JETS

Haute Living San Francisco Visit us at www.HauteLivingSF.com

Magellan Jets

Publisher’s LETTER WELCOME TO OUR 2021 TRAVEL ISSUE! AFTER AN UNPRECEDENTED worldwide travel ban for over a year, you have no idea how happy we are to be publishing this issue, as the travel is finally feasible again. I made a trip to Miami and Palm Beach in April, my first trip since a visit to Miami in February 2020. It was unimaginable to not travel for so long. So, we are going to overdose on travel stories in this issue. As our cover story “Luxury Travel Revival” says, “Thoughts of sleek yachts, private jets, and mountain hideaways inspired us to dig out and dust off the passport.” To find out more about the adventures that await, our contributors talked to the owners, founders and CEOs of several luxury travel enterprises to tell us what’s in store for 2021 and beyond. The adventure starts with none other than legendary filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola telling us about one of his six stylish Family Coppola Hideaways, the Blancaneaux Lodge in Belize. Then we move to luxury river cruises on historic cities’ waterways in Europe, Africa, and Asia with AmaWaterways founder/CEO Kristin Karst. Next, we upgrade you to pampered, luxurious, private yacht charter vacations with Stefanos Makrymichalos’ fleet of superyachts at IYC and take off on a private jet with Tom Smith’s Set Jet membership-based jet charters. You might jump up to pack your bag or you might think this is overkill to make up the lost time, but our cover story calls it “travel revenge.” We simply call it recovery. The fun doesn’t stop at the cover story. We bring you to the grand style of the incomparable Rosewood Miramar Beach, Montecito. We take you to Shinta Mani’s wild, tented safari adventure in the Cambodian rainforest. We bring on the Big Easy with the magnificent, new Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences in the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter. The traditional Sky Lantern Festival in Taiwan gives the most amazing photos. If all this adventure makes you a little fatigued and you just want a healing and wellness trip, we have a worldwide wellness guide for you that spans Switzerland, England, Abu Dhabi, Czech Republic, St. Lucia, Domenica, and Zambia. We also have a report on the scientifically proven solace of water in Lake Austin Sap Resort in Texas, Claude Monet’s garden in Giverny, France, Vichy in France, Thalatta Seaside Hotel in Greece, and the Crater Lakes of the Azores. Our Haute Residence this issue requires a trip to Miami to visit the Zaha Hadid’s One Thousand Museum residences. The visionary architecture redefining Downtown Miami’s skyline is Hadid’s final masterpiece before her death in 2016. There are only 12 residences available for sale now, offering a final opportunity to own a home in this museum quality, bespoke building. Even our ambassadors are writing about travel in this issue. Kelly Carter’s “Wine O’Clock” tells you it’s time to return to Napa Valley. Lydia Graham shares “Five Ways Travel May Make Your Healthier & Happier.” Or you can travel a world away without leaving town: our Haute Scene at the Immersive Van Gogh Opening Night at SVN West in San Francisco immerses you to the world of Van Gogh in Arles. If you are still worried about the COVID-19 pandemic, too young to be vaccinated, or you’re not ready to dust off your passport, please enjoy reading this travel issue and have a wonderful trip via words and spectacular photographs! Safe travels,

OLIVIA HSU DECKER OWNER/PUBLISHER Olivia@HauteLivingSF.com www.HauteLivingSF.com Text 415.720.5915

TABLE of CONTENTS

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

HAUTE HOTEL 50

Dwell in effortless elegance and luxury at Rosewood Miramar Beach.

EDITOR’S LETTER

HAUTE CALENDAR

LOGE Camps take you to the edge of civilization and beyond.

HAUTE SHOPPING

Renowned filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola helps you find reality again at Blancaneaux Lodge.

Celebrate a return to travel!

With over 1 million travel miles among them, our writers know what to pack.

HAUTE KITCHEN

Meet Matteo Lunelli, president and CEO of Ferrari Trento and conservator of Italian luxury for Altagamma.

Meet father-daughter team, chefs Dennis and Bianca Wong of Le Soleil Restaurant.

HAUTE DRINKS

Experience tequila as it’s meant to be: sipped.

Ricardo Araujo and Ariodante make the most impossible travel dreams come true.

Enjoy the moody hues of floral-infused gin from Australia.

Sherene Melania advocates social harmony through dance.

HAUTE DINING

HAUTE SCENES

Immerse yourself in Tasmania’s Great Oyster Bay for an otherworldly dining experience.

SF General Hospital’s health equity fundraiser shows heart.

Truffle Shuffle builds an empire on a delicious fungus.

Immersive Van Gogh surrounds visitors with color and verve.

HAUTE TRAVEL 38

Let your wishes float into the sky with Taiwan’s Sky Lantern Festival.

Take an adventure in the Cambodian rainforest, then enjoy the luxury of nature at Shinta Mani.

HAUTE ART 76

World class art defies the Texan stereotypes of Houston.

Haute Wellness: Dining Take a deep breath and destress at Casa al Mare Haute

HAUTE BEAUTY 80

Head to the Big Easy for luxury, music, art, and fabulous cuisine.

ON THE COVER CAMBODIAN ROYALTY TENT AT SHINTA MANI WILD. PHOTO COURTESY OF SHINTA MANI WILD.

Cover Story: Return to travel

HAUTE PROFILES

Indulge in these pampering products from luxe hotels and resorts around the globe.

HAUTE WELLNESS 84

Find peace in your own “Blue Mind,” whether or not you have access to oceans, rivers, or pools.

Join us for indigenous healing and wellness traditions around the globe.

Learn how to just breathe again at The Retreat: SF.

Haute Living, San Francisco www.HauteLivingSF.com

8 Haute Hotels: Find reality again at Blancaneaux Lodge, Belize

Haute Cuisine: Black truffles, inspiration for a culinary empire

Haute Dining: Immerse yourself at Saffire Freycinet

Haute Wellness: Jade Mountain in Saint Lucia offers peace for mind and body

Haute Profile: the Lamborghini Huracán STO epitomizes Italian luxury

COVER STORY 96

Travel revenge or recovery: whatever you call it, the lure of exotic getaways beckons with promises of peace, relaxation, and luxury.

HAUTE RESIDENCE

104 One Thousand Museum’s visionary architure in Downtown Miami

redefines luxury living.

HAUTE AUTO

108 The hot-blooded Ferrari Roma and the refined pragmatism of the

Bentley Bentayga V8 fulfill separate driving needs with speed, power, and style.

HAUTE AMBASSADOR

112 Kelly celebrates the return of tourism to Napa Valley. 114 Lydia reminds us that travel benefits body, mind, and soul. 116 Nina says paying attention to your inner wisdom reduces stress and

leads to improved well-being.

Editor-in-Chief ’s LETTER WHEN COMPLETING MY UNDERGRAD DEGREE IN AUSTRALIA, I modeled and worked for a game show that sent me on location to fabulous places like the Great Barrier Reef and Tasmania. It was then that I caught the travel bug. I moved back to the US, and any chance I got to travel, I’d pack my bags and jet. Most times, friends couldn’t join me, so I went solo. When I’d return with amazing stories of my adventures, friends started asking how I could travel alone and why I chose the places I did. With so many requests, I saw an opportunity to build a business in the travel space. So, I started a website for solo women travelers, and my first book, Fly Solo: The 50 Best Places on Earth for a Girl to Travel Alone, was published by Penguin Books a few years later. Travel is my passion, and my goal is to encourage and empower women to appreciate the world for themselves—not see it on TV or read about in a book—but to truly experience the joy you can only feel when your feet land on the soft earth in another time zone. I followed that book with Body, Mind, and Solo, which landed me a TEDx talk about traveling the world alone. That talk has inspired over 1.3 million people. So rewarding!

TERESA RODRIGUEZ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Haute Living San Francisco Teresa@HauteLivingSF.com www.HauteLivingSF.com

Last year, we had to forgo Haute Living’s annual travel issue due to COVID-19. Now that the population is getting vaccinated and the likelihood of reaching “herd immunity” by June, we wanted to make this year’s travel issue a spectacular magazine filled with awe-inspiring destinations that excite and energize you. Our goal is that you will use this issue as a guide to destinations you want to visit soon. From the exotic Shinta Mani resort in Cambodia to our local LOGE Camps in Mount Shasta, we made sure to include something for every type of traveler. Also, our intrepid writers have shared with you their coveted travel items, which make traveling a bit easier.

PHOTO CREDIT: ©VINCENT GOTTI, HAIR AND MAKE UP BY NELLIE MUGANDA

It looks like we are turning the corner on this virus, and the next few months will be filled with long-awaited gatherings and much-needed vacations. We hope that you will take this issue with you as you get out and see the world once again.

San Francisco’s CONTRIBUTORS CAROLYNE ZINKO

CHARLENE PETERS

SHARON SETO

FRAN ENDICOTT MILLER

STEPH KEAY

MAR PAGES

Carolyne Zinko has long kept her antennae on the high life. She is the former editor-in-chief of Modern Luxury Silicon Valley magazine and, before that, was a San Francisco Chronicle reporter for 22 years, writing about everything from crime and court hearings to largerthan-life personalities and philanthropic leaders. She lives in Menlo Park with her husband, Dan Dieguez.

A graduate of Golden Gate University and serial entrepreneur, Sharon loves the excitement and creativity of the business world and its people. Her addiction to business ventures began with the acquisition of the El Cid Building, site of the famous SF Jazz Mural. She has served as a board member, fundraiser, and event chair for nonprofit organizations, including the SF Symphony Board of Governors, City College of San Francisco Foundation Board, Red Cross Board, National Colorectal Cancer Alliance Board, SF Ballet, and Dress for Success.

Steph Keay is a Canadian freelance and technical writer currently based in Silicon Valley. After completing her Bachelor of Commerce in her hometown of Calgary, Alberta, she spent a summer in Croatia assisting The Yacht Week with events management on the islands of Hvar and Vis. Formerly in PR/marketing, she has also placed stories for a variety of clients—including tech leaders, international artists, and acclaimed actors and musicians—with ABC, FOX, NBC, San Francisco Chronicle, The Mercury News, American Way, and others. In her spare time, she enjoys adventuring, photography, and travel— all of which she documents on on her website, StephKeay.com.

LAURIE JO MILLER FARR

Laurie is a US/UK dual citizen and dedicated urbanite who loves walkable cities. As a San Francisco-based travel writer, she enjoys views from its crazy, signature hills following half-a-lifetime promoting her two hometowns—a couple of oh-so-flat places: New York City and London. Laurie’s byline is found in USA Today, CBS, Where Traveler, Haute Living, Epicure, Fast Company, Napa Valley Life Magazine, Food & Travel Magazine, Eater, Google Touring Bird, and other major media titles. She was awarded Yahoo Contributor of the Year and is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers.

BECCA HENSLEY

A bon vivant journalist who believes travel is the ultimate celebration of life awash with lessons waiting to be learned, widely-published, Texas-based Becca Hensley is travel editor for New Orleans Bride and editor-at-large for Insider’s Guide to Spas. In a career spanning three decades, she has contributed to scores of magazines and newspapers, including Architectural Digest, Elite Traveler, Global Traveler, Conde Nast Traveler, and the Houston Chronicle. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @beccahensley.

ERIN HUNT MOORE

A connector, storyteller, mission-driven communicator, and mom, Erin Hunt Moore lives with her family in beautiful Sonoma wine country. A seasoned public relations and marketing consultant for over two decades, Erin has worked her PR magic for brands and companies on both US coasts and in Germany, where she studied international relations and languages. A veteran of the food and beverage world, she now focuses her energies on supporting women entrepreneurs and thought leaders, companies, and brands leading with a strong social impact ethos and non-profit organizations pioneering change in the world.

Quenching a thirst for the exotic and delicious, Charlene Peters is a long-time syndicated travel journalist who creatively writes about picturesque and palatable journeys. She loves to share luxurious travel and food experiences and each destination’s distinguishable dish. Her book, Travel Makes Me Hungry, connects the world through food with 115 travel essays and 88 recipes. When she isn’t writing about food, Charlene explores wellness and wine destinations and experiences.

Fran Endicott Miller is a luxury-focused freelance feature writer for a variety of lifestyle publications and websites, editor-at-large for JustLuxe.com, and California editor for luxury travel concierge service Essentialist. Prior, she held positions in the fields of politics, television, and professional sports. She is proud to have established the Golden State Warriors’ first community relations department and programs. When not traveling, she can be found walking her Northern California neighborhood with her beloved golden retrievers Reggie and Nate.

Mar Pages is a former strategy consultant and xGoogler turned online entrepreneur, community leader, and online travel publisher. She splits her time between Once in a Lifetime Journey, where she shares her love for luxury travel and the least visited places, and Solo Female Travelers, an online resource and community with over 85,000 members that is on a mission to empower 10,000 women to travel the world solo, safely and on their own terms. Originally from Barcelona, Mar is a long-term expat who has lived in eight countries, worked in more than 40, visited 120, and is on a journey to explore them all.

MISTY MILIOTO

Misty Milioto has been a writer and editor for the past 20 years. The majority of her work has been with Modern Luxury, including Aspen Magazine, San Francisco Magazine, and Riviera San Diego. She has also written for publications such as Sunset Magazine and Colorado Homes & Lifestyles. She loves exotic destinations and luxury resorts to food and wine—and everything in between. She currently lives in New Orleans.

ROSANNA STEVENS

Rosanna Stevens is a British writer and content creator living between the UK, Belize, and California. Exploring the world provides endless inspiration for her work: writing and creating travel and food content, seeking out unique experiences, and sampling international cuisine. Rosanna writes for publications globally and publishes e-books filled with recipes picked up on her journeys abroad. She has also authored a guide to food styling and photography and documents her adventures in the kitchen and beyond on her blog. She is an accomplished jazz singer and cat mom to Ginger Rogers, an obnoxiously large orange feline.

BY LAURIE JO MILLER FARR

EventsCALENDAR

MAY

Museums, we’ve missed you. Live opera, bravissimo. Spectator sports, welcome back. As the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco put it, “Less scrolling, more strolling.” Refresh your spirit this spring. Events are subject to change.

deYoung Museum: Calder-Picasso

Through Aug. 9 The Contemporary Jewish Museum | Levi Strauss: A History of American Style A pair of 501s from 1890 headlines the collection of 250plus objects from the Levi Strauss & Co. archives for a comprehensive look at the life and legacy of a local icon. thecjm.org Through Aug. 29 Legion of Honor | Last Supper in Pompeii: From the Table to the Grave A glimpse inside well-to-do Roman households engaged in eating and drinking when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. First and only US museum exhibition. legionofhonor.famsf.org Through Sep. 5 SFMOMA | Close to Home: Creativity in Crisis Deeply personal, artistic, emotional, and political responses from seven Bay Area artists to the challenges and disruption of social upheaval and the pandemic in 2020. sfmoma.org/exhibition/close-to-home

1, 4, 7, 8, 11, 14, and 15 San Francisco Opera | The Barber of Seville Live opera returns to the Bay Area with an outdoor production at the drive-in. It’s a zany, new, 90-minute adaptation of Rossini’s romantic comedy sung in English. Marin Center, San Rafael. sfopera.com 6 and 13 San Francisco Opera | The Adlers: Live at the Drive-In Together for the first time, top young artists perform live outdoors at the drive-in. Resident artists, the 2021 Adler Fellows, perform a concert of classic arias, duets, and ensembles. Marin Center, San Rafael. sfopera.com 6 A Spring Celebration to Benefit the Edible Schoolyard Project A conversation between Alice Waters and Jane Fonda with opening remarks by chef José Andrés. Virtual. Private reception with singer Josh Groban at 5 p.m.; Main event at 5:30 p.m. edibleschoolyard.org 6 (through May 26) San Francisco Ballet | Romeo & Juliet Stream one of the company’s greatest showpieces for Mother’s Day, Shakespeare’s eternal tale of star-crossed lovers. Renaissance Italy comes to life with Prokofiev’s score, passionate dancing, spine-tingling swordsmanship, stunning scenery, and costume designs. sfballet.org/productions/digital-program-06

PHOTO CREDITS: (TOP) ©TRAVIS MCGEE; (BOTTOM) ©GARY SEXTON

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Through May 23 de Young Museum | Calder-Picasso Iconic mobiles, stabiles, standing mobiles, paintings, prints, and drawings by Alexander Calder are juxtaposed with major paintings, sculptures, and drawings by Pablo Picasso. Conceived by the artists’ grandsons, a US museum debut. deYoungMuseum.org

7 Party at the Piers: Emergence Exploratorium’s annual gala fundraiser will inspire your curiosity, sense of wonder, delight, and surprise while raising crucial funds to sustain this unique, educational attraction during its prolonged closure. Virtual. 6 p.m. exploratorium.edu/support/party-at-the-piers 8 (through Oct. 3) SFMOMA | Nam June Paik More than 200 works in Paik’s first-ever West Coast retrospective by a visionary experimental artist who bridged art, music, performance, and technology in ground-breaking ways, an influence still felt today. sfmoma.org/exhibition/nam-june-paik-2021 22 San Francisco Decorator Showcase: New Perspectives Ten leading West Coast interior design firms reimagine rooms, creating exceptional, virtual visions for 1080 Chestnut Street, a luxurious Russian Hill penthouse with 360-degree views. Virtual visits are available all summer to benefit San Francisco University High School’s Financial Aid Program. DecoratorShowcase.org 22 A.C.T. World Premiere A yet-to-be-titled virtual play by Christopher Chen, commissioned by A.C.T. and directed by Pam MacKinnon, is the cornerstone event of the season gala. In a limited run May 28 – June 27, intimately sized audiences “connect” with a celebrated Bay Area actor. act-sf.org

PHOTO CREDITS: CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: ©NADER KHOURI; COURTESY OF FAMSF; ©NADER KHOURI; COURTESY OF LEVI STRAUSS CO ARCHIVES; COURTESY OF FAMSF; ©JAMES GOULDTHORPE

SFMOMA James Gouldthorpe COVID Artifact 81

San Francisco Pride Parade

JUNE

SF Ballet “Rubies”

Weekends in June San Francisco Pride Month SF Pride 2021 is in-person and out-of-doors. The theme is “All in This Together,” honoring the people, the history, and the spirit of San Francisco Pride and showcasing the full diversity of the Bay Area’s LGBTQ+ communities since 1970. sfpride.org/2021celebration 8 – 13 de Young Museum | Bouquets to Art A fragrant, fresh start to the summer season. Now in its 37th year and inspired by works of art in the museum’s galleries, a well-loved, weeklong display of floral installations. Tickets. deyoung.famsf.org/bouquets-to-art

Legion of Honor: Pompeii - Cup with myrtle sprays and berries

10 Cal Performances at Home Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in a world premiere of a work commissioned by resident choreographer Jamar Roberts. Also featured, screenings of rare, archival repertoire footage. 7 p.m. calperformances.org/at-home-spring 12 9th Annual Yountville Art, Sip & Stroll Throughout downtown, more than 50 juried artists showcase their work in fine art, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, and photography. Tastings at various wine tasting rooms. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. www.artsipstroll.com

San Francisco Pride Spectator

20 SF Giants at Oracle Park | Father’s Day It’s a match! Orange tier means 33% capacity at Oracle Park or just under 14,000 fans wearing orange and black. The Philadelphia Phillies are in town for an afternoon game at 1:05 p.m. mlb.com/giants

de Young Museum: Picasso Still Life with Skull, Leeks, and Pitcher

20 SFGMC Presents Pride Showcase Season 43 is all-virtual. In honor of LGBTQ+ Pride Month, an uplifting concert by San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus features the usual flags, boas, drag, and rainbows. sfgmc.org

The Contemporary Jewish Museum

HauteSHOPPING FAVORITE TRAVEL ITEMS Here's what our writers bring when traversing time zones IT WOULDN'T BE HYPERBOLE TO SAY THAT, COMBINED, our writers have exceeded over a million miles on jets, trains, and yachts. These ladies know what to pack.

TERESA RODRIGUEZ

Customized ROAM Suitcase ROAM is the world's first and only fully color-customizable luggage brand, and it comes in fun, fashion-forward colors. I am a big fan of purple, so I customized mine with a purple frame, pink wheels, and tan zipper. It's so easy for me to retrieve my luggage, because I can quickly spot it on the carousel amid a sea of black suitcases. My initials are embossed into the leather cardholder. The built-in TSAapproved locking system means I don't have to carry around an extra lock when traveling. The hardest part of ordering my luggage was choosing from the many vibrant colors ROAM offers. Prices vary. roamluggage.com

BECCA HENSLEY FRAN MILLER

LOJEL Hip/Shoulder Pack LOJEL stands for “Let Our Journeys Enrich Life,” and their hip travel products aim to do just that. The global brand blends innovation, design, and exceptional craftsmanship, while always adapting to traveler needs. I love hands-free travel, and with their incredibly lightweight Hip/Shoulder Pack, I can sling it over my shoulder or adjust it to my waist. In matte white or black, it’s made of durable Tyvek® which is water, moisture, and tear resistant. $45 us.lojel.com

Centric Activewear People often ask me how I can travel so much, flit through time zones, devour new adventures at a gluttonous pace, and come through it fully energized and ready for more. My secret is yoga. I’ve had a daily practice since I was a teenager. It goes with me wherever I wander. That said, yoga fashion plays an integral role in my life, and there’s always room for yoga attire in my suitcase. While I am not a person who ever wears yoga clothing all day, I have one brand that feels so good and flatters so well, I’d wear it to a cocktail party, if necessary. Centric Activewear, my go-to yoga ensemble, comes in bright colors and uses revolutionary fabric technologies for performance, comfort, and support. Prices vary at us.centricwear.com

ROSANNA STEVENS

Aspinal of London personalized passport cover I think your passport deserves a new outfit after spending so long in a drawer last year! I love my personalized leather cover from British luxury brand Aspinal of London, it’s so chic. Each piece is crafted for style and durability and embossed with your initials to stand out from the crowd. They’re available in a range of colors and finishes. I enjoy giving these as gifts to friends and family who love travel as much as I do. $100 with free embossing at aspinaloflondon.com

ERIN HUNT MOORE

Tata Harper’s Hydrating Floral Essence Since I lived abroad and began traveling more extensively, one item I don’t leave home without is a facial hydrator/spritzer. Flying is incredibly dehydrating, and traveling between time zones and climates can wreak havoc on your skin. I drink copious amounts of water and also hydrate my skin from the outside. One of my absolute favorites is Tata Harper’s Hydrating Floral Essence. For over two decades, I have gravitated toward natural, non-toxic skincare brands. Tata Harper’s products are among the most luxurious of the natural beauty lines. With much of her line handcrafted from items on her organic farm in Vermont, these products are truly farm-to-skin. The Hydrating Floral Essence is like a soothing field of flowers, so balancing and beautiful! It’s a wonderful daily primer and rejuvenator, as well! $94 (125 ml) at tataharperskincare.com

STEPH KEAY

Bose 700 Headphones These are, without a doubt, one of the best gifts I have ever received. To this day, I still luxuriate in the moment I tap the noise canceling button and the outside world seemingly ceases to exist—the novelty never gets old. Bose’s patented noise canceling technology utilizes microphones both inside and outside the headphones to monitor sounds and produce a signal to cancel them out, effectively drowning out any external noise standing between me and a restful slumber. Plus, its unparalleled sound quality is brilliant for listening to my favorite music, audiobooks, or the latest episode of NPR’s “Pop Culture Happy Hour.” With touch controls and 11 levels of noise cancelation alone, these fully customizable headphones are my must-pack item for planes, poolside, or even just a staycation. $379 at bose.com

CHARLENE PETERS

PuraSafe™ Wearable Air Purifier At the onset of the pandemic, my sister gifted me this pendant, knowing I would be traveling soon. I hadn’t known a wearable air purifier existed, but now that I have one, I wear this pendant with a purpose when traveling. Supplementing the protection of a face mask, the pendant purifies the air around my head, which is great while standing in line boarding a plane—and while seated during a flight. Healthy, negative ions push air contaminants up to three feet away from my breathing space and reduce my anxiety at the same time. PuraSafe™ technology emits over 3 million negative ions every second, attaching to contaminants in the air. Stylish, rechargeable, and convenient to carry. $70 oakandhearth.com

LAURIE JO MILLER FARR

Latex-free Resistance Bands For exercise on the road, I like latex-free resistance bands. They weigh absolutely nothing at all, take up no space when they’re tucked inside shoes, and provide a good stretch workout no matter where you are. Buy them online for under $15 and choose resistance that’s easy, medium, or extreme, or get a full set of three or more levels.

MISTY MILIOTO

Solvasa Crystal Energy Wand After a long flight, I love the feeling of Solvasa’s Crystal Energy Wand to soften tension between my brows and reduce puffiness under my eyes. It also stimulates the pineal gland in the brain, which can help relieve stress and sinus pressure. It’s even believed to improve memory and sleep patterns. The beauty tool is made with genuine rose quartz crystal. $200 at solvasabeauty.com 15

BY SHARON SETO

HauteKITCHEN THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER

DENNIS AND BIANCA WONG LE SOLEIL RESTAURANTS in Hong Kong and San Francisco I’m so proud to introduce our first father-daughter team in Haute Kitchen—chefs Dennis and Bianca Wong of Le Soleil Restaurant. For over 40 years, chef Dennis Wong has nurtured his passion for the exquisite taste of Asian cuisine in the Far East as well as locally in the SF Bay Area, earning recognition on the Michelin Guide. Drawing influence from the French, he developed and 16

Dennis and Bianca Wong

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LE SOLEIL RESTAURANT

LIFE IS A JOURNEY IN ALL ASPECTS AND, WHEN traveling, food is an essential part of it. As a young girl, I’d get excited, come May and June, knowing that it meant the school year was ending—soon it’d be time to jet off somewhere with my parents and family. My wise father always told me to “go out there and see the world. Learn from it.” Yes, our family adventures were a ton of fun, but I also learned from them. Traveling as a young kid, I gained new perspectives that prepare me for what I have yet to see; for example, toilet paper is a given when you visit public bathrooms here in USA, but in some countries, you better have it in your purse! The best part of jetting to new destinations is eating— especially yummy, new dishes. There’s a bit of wanderlust in each of us, even if we can only travel via the dining table. As travel is this issue’s theme, we got some really cool recipes that capture the spirit of far away lands.

Award-winning chef Dennis Wong

refined a style of his own. His marriage of Vietnamese and French styles introduces a unique way to present traditional Indochinese delicacies. Chef Dennis and his partner, restauranteur Annie Wong, debuted their first restaurant, Thai Café, in 1982. With the success of Thai Café, the chef and the restauranteur opened their second restaurant, Le Soleil, in 1993. Stylishly appointed through Annie's eye for beauty and Dennis’ flair for cooking, the remarkable dining experience of Le Soleil quickly spread. It has earned accolades throughout the Bay Area and was named the number one restaurant by San Francisco Focus magazine. The James Beard Foundation knows a good thing, too, and recognizes Chef Dennis who has been invited to demonstrate his culinary excellence time and again. Le Soleil has not only given Chef Dennis the opportunity to reach beyond the boundaries of tradition, it has also allowed him to take his talents overseas. In 2007, a second Le Soleil location was established at The Royal Garden Hotel in Kowloon, Hong Kong. With Le Soleil restaurants in Hong Kong and in San Francisco, Chef Dennis continues his innovative culinary journey with Asian cuisine by collaborating with his daughters. The apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree in the Wong family. Middle daughter, Chef Bianca Wong, is making her mark in the Bay Area. Having grown

up in her parent’s restaurants and in a city rich in culture, Bianca Wong has always been exposed to an abundance of cuisines. This environment heavily influenced her cooking style and palate. Known for her playful twists on classic comfort foods, Chef Bianca specializes in modern Asian flavors. The combination of her love for food and creativity makes her part of the next generation of contemporary chefs. As the daughter of celebrated international chef Dennis Wong and restaurateur Annie Wong, the passion for food really developed organically. There was only one rule when it came to food in the Wong’s household: “Try it before you say no.” This principle has guided Bianca’s culinary journey as both a chef and a foodie. In 2017, Bianca established Bites By Binky, a pop-up kitchen serving playful bites around the Bay Area. Bites By Binky is an ode to fun foods without boundaries. In 2018, she founded her second pop-up kitchen, Tuezday Noodz Day, with her sisters and father. This pop-up celebrates noodle dishes from around the world. In 2019, Bianca joined the team at the historic Farallon in San Francisco. Soon after, she was invited to represent the United States at the Chengdu Panda Asian Food Festival alongside her father. That summer, Bianca participated in the Gourmet Master Chef Competition in Beijing where she brought home the gold medal.

“My parents cultivated my love for food at a young age with their motto: 'Try it before you say no.' They encouraged my sisters and I to be open-minded when trying new things and not to judge anything until we’ve experienced it. This motto is one of the greatest gifts they’ve given us.” – Bianca Wong 17

HauteKITCHEN Q&A HAUTE LIVING X BIANCA & DENNIS WONG HL: It's heartwarming to hear you have three little ones. What do you like doing with them when you aren’t working? DB: Our family loves to go hiking or bike riding, to play outside, and generally to explore San Francisco and the Bay Area. I love to cook at home for my family as well. Many chefs hate cooking at home, but I love it. I do a lot of woodworking in my garage shop as well and am an avid consumer of literature. HL: As someone who grew up in the restaurant business, at what age were you allowed in the kitchen to start cooking professionally alongside your dad? What were the first dishes you prepared for Le Soleil patrons? BW: My parents are veterans of the restaurant industry, having opened their first restaurant when they were just dating. So, I think it’s safe to say that I’ve been immersed in this industry since before I was even born. I’ve always admired everything about restaurants, but it’s the way food and culture bring people together that I admire most. My mom first created the pathway for me to a professional kitchen. She had always wanted to open a restaurant focusing solely on noodle soups, her favorite food second only to caviar. My sisters and I played with this idea until we came up with Tuezday Noodz Day, a pop-up that operated out of Le Soleil’s kitchen on Tuesdays. I must have just turned 25. This was the first time I got to collaborate with my dad on a menu. It was so exciting, because I actually got to run it and see it come to life! We decided to start by taking staples from Le Soleil’s menu and updating them. One of the first dishes at Noodz was the curry duck vermicelli. All the curry dishes at Le Soleil are super-popular, so we used Le Soleil’s curry as a base for a broth. We seasoned duck legs in my dad’s signature mix of curry powder and braised them until they were fall-off-the-bone tender. Eventually, Noodz gained its own regulars who returned week after week for our exclusive menu. HL: Are there any cool, popular dishes you created together for the restaurant? BW: I wanted to keep our Noodz menu interesting, so we rotated new dishes as often as possible. I was inspired by the Sichuan boiled fish dish shui zhu yu and consulted my dad on how we could turn it into ramen. Personally, I can’t handle too much spice, so I wanted this dish to be more palatable, and easy on the chili. We found a way to soothe the heat and balance it with acidity and sweetness from pickled mustard greens. The Sichuan sole ramen was a hit and is still one of our family favorites! Another cool dish was the “ph-aco,” or pho taco. I took my dad’s homemade pho and turned it into tacos! A very fun play on those traditional Vietnamese flavors.

HL: Chef Dennis, what are your hopes and dreams for your restaurant and your daughter's future? DW: Food, for me, has always been about bringing people together, connecting, sharing an experience, and making memories. Many of our customers have become our family, and we’ve been able to see them grow through the years. Some came to Le Soleil as children with their parents, and they are now bringing their own families to dine with us. These relationships transcend the food and dishes that I have been able to create. We are so blessed to have the opportunity to build such relationships with our customers. My hope is for my daughter to continue to build on this legacy by serving the many generations of our customers through her love and passion for food. HL: Chef Bianca, you have gifted parents. Both have been in the restaurant industry for decades. Le Soleil is considered the pioneer for innovative French-inspired Vietnamese cuisine. How did your parents influence your career choice? Do your hopes and dreams mirror your parents’ or do they differ? How? What is next on your agenda? BW: As a child, I’ve always seen my parents as a power couple. My mom ran front of the house while my dad ran back. It was extremely inspiring, especially because both are immigrants. They showed so much hospitality and kindness to their guests, truly creating a family environment within their business. People came back not only for the delicious food, but also because they became family. The connection that they’ve been able to create by simply serving a tasty meal is pretty incredible to me: some of their patrons span over three generations. The ability to create such a deep connection is what keeps me drawn to the restaurant industry, besides my love for food, of course! In some ways, I think my dreams do mirror those of my parents. Like them, I want to be a restaurateur and eventually have my own restaurant group. Their entrepreneurial spirit definitely lives within me. However, as immigrants, I think the restaurant industry was much more about survival and maintaining a connection to their cultural roots while thriving in a new home. As a first generation Asian-American, I’m starting with my passion for food and navigating my identity by combining all the cultures I experience. Currently, I’m focusing on rebranding Bites By Binky. BBB is very personal to me, because it’s essentially all snack foods, which is my favorite way to eat! I’ve been launching charcuterie style boards with a twist. There’s been a banh mi board and a Beijing board (a play on Peking duck wraps). But I have so many more ideas, and they’re perfect for picnics in the summer. The vibe of BBB is very much what it would be like if you were to spend the day with me, my sisters, my best friends, and our favorite cocktails. Follow @bitesbybinky on Instagram to see what’s coming next!

HL: Chef Dennis, you are born of Chinese descent. What inspired you to focus on Vietnamese cuisine? DW: My parents were from Guangdong, China, but I was actually born and raised in Saigon, Vietnam. I was lucky to be surrounded by a family with women that showed their love through cooking. My older sister would create traditional Vietnamese dishes, and my favorites were thit kho (braised pork belly) and canh chua cá (hot and sour catfish soup). As a kid, I remember coming home, smelling the aroma of the delicious flavors, grabbing a bowl of rice, and pouring sauce or soup over it. It was my definition of comfort and love. Later in life through my experience as a refugee, I held onto those memories of food with my family to get through challenging times. When I escaped to the US with my younger brother, I was drawn to the food industry, as it brought me a sense of comfort in a foreign place. I found a position as a dishwasher and learned my way through a Thai restaurant which led me to opening Thai Café. With the success of my first restaurant, I was finally able to open a restaurant closer to my upbringing: Le Soleil. This was the opportunity for me to bring all my favorite Vietnamese dishes from childhood to our San Francisco community.

HL: Who takes charge of cooking at home for the family? What are the standard favorites on your table? BW: We sit down together regularly for family dinner. For these meals, my dad and I usually take turns cooking. Sometimes we’ll see what everyone is craving, and it’ll become a team effort, which is always really fun! Or if either of us has a creative itch, we use the opportunity to test out idea and get feedback from the whole family. My chilled soba with salmon tartare and ikura originated from one of these family dinners last summer! On some occasions, it’s my poh poh who cooks for everyone. She constantly has some bone broth on the stove. My favorite is fuzzy gourd jeet gua soup, my dad’s is probably sunchoke. Another Wong’s Farm favorite is steamed mui choy and minced pork. There’s also the simple and comforting stir-fried tomato and eggs over rice. Poh poh always brings us back to our cultural roots with traditional dishes. But what’s her signature? Her famous fried chicken wings—our guilty pleasure!

HL: Chef, your accolades are world famous. We know that the owners of the highly regarded Royal Garden Hotel in Hong Kong sought you out to place a Le Soleil Restaurant there to enjoy your cuisine. What do you bring to the table in Hong Kong? DW: My wife is originally from Hong Kong. As parents, we always thought that it was important to take our daughters there to visit on an annual basis. We intended for the girls to feel connected to their roots, but quickly realized that these trips were mostly full of food, with the endless options from traditional Chinese dishes to late night snack foods. Our daughters love food so much that my wife refers to our family as Wong’s Farm, because they are all such piggies when it comes to great food! This wasn’t surprising, as Hong Kong is the culinary capital of Asia. Year after year, we noticed that though Hong Kong had a variety of food from around the world, we were never able to find a Vietnamese restaurant. We joked each trip that, one day, we would eventually open a Le Soleil across the world. Little did we know that we spoke this into existence. We were so fortunate to have the opportunity to open a branch of Le Soleil in Hong Kong’s Royal Garden Hotel. One of the owners of the hotel made a point to dine at our restaurant each time he traveled to San Francisco. Eventually, he had asked that we go back home with him to Hong Kong to open a Le Soleil. Much of this credit really should go to the owners, because up until then, Vietnamese cuisine was not popular in Hong Kong’s food scene. Opening Le Soleil at the Royal Garden Hotel, popularized Vietnamese cuisine all over Hong Kong. Now, when we make our annual trips, we have just the place to enjoy a bowl of pho that reminds us of home.

HauteKITCHEN Chilled Soba with Salmon Tartare and Ikura INGREDIENTS • 300 grams soba • 4 ounces ikura • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved • ¼ of a small red onion, half-inch julienned • Shiso, julienned • Maldon sea salt Salmon Tartare • 8 ounces sushi grade salmon, diced small • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil • 2 teaspoons chives, chopped • ¼ teaspoon togarashi • ½ teaspoon Maldon sea salt Miso Vinaigrette • 1 tablespoon shiro miso • 4 tablespoons rice vinegar • 2 tablespoons Kewpie mayonnaise • 1½ tablespoons white sugar • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder • 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger • 1/8 teaspoon white pepper INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Bring 3 quarts of salted water to a rapid boil. Add soba and stir. 2. Decrease to medium heat and cook for 7 minutes. 3. Rinse soba thoroughly under cold water and drain. Cover and chill in the refrigerator while you prep the rest of the ingredients. 4. Combine miso and mayonnaise in a small bowl. Thin out mixture with rice vinegar, adding 1 tablespoon at a time. Add sugar, garlic powder, ground ginger, and white pepper. Stir vinaigrette and set aside until ready to use. 5. Place salmon into a bowl. Coat with olive oil until salmon is glistening. Sprinkle chives and togarashi over salmon. Season with Maldon sea salt, using fingertips to crush any large pieces. Mix well. 6. In a large mixing bowl, scatter red onion and shiso evenly across soba. Coat with miso vinaigrette. Create a nest of soba noodles in four individual bowls. Toss cherry tomatoes in the mixing bowl and distribute evenly. 7. Spoon salmon tartare over mixed noodles. Gently garnish with ikura and (optional) top tartare with a pinch of Maldon sea salt. Serve immediately. 20

"This dish brings me back home to Vietnam where there is an abundance of superb seafood. Vietnamese cuisine is heavily centered on herbs and relies on them to bring freshness in order to combat the otherwise humid and hot climate. This take on aguachile highlights the brightness of the herbs and also celebrates the sweetness of beautiful, live spotted prawns." – Dennis Wong

Vietnamese Spotted Prawn Aguachile INGREDIENTS • 8 ounces live spotted prawns Sauce • 1 tablespoon fish sauce • 1¼ tablespoon brown sugar • 1 tablespoon lime juice • 1 teaspoon minced garlic • 1 teaspoon minced ginger • 1 teaspoon chili paste Garnish • Vietnamese coriander, chopped • mint, chopped • sweet onion, julienned INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Run cold water over prawns to wash them. Place them in the freezer for 10 minutes. Prepare sauce while prawns are in the freezer. 2. For the sauce, combine ingredients in a blender. Pulse until sauce is well combined. 3. After 10 minutes, remove heads from the prawns and peel off the shells. Gently run a paring knife down the back of each prawn and remove the vein. Do not cut all the way through. Keep on ice or a chilled plate until ready to use. 4. Spoon enough sauce onto the plate to cover the bottom. Arrange prawns on the plate in a circle. Brush sauce on prawns, covering evenly. Garnish with herbs and onion. 21

BY BECCA HENSLEY

HauteDRINKS

SIPPING AND SAVORING

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SOLENTO TEQUILA

Filmmaker Taylor Steele tells us about his Solento Organic Tequila

AWARD-WINNING FILM DIRECTOR and producer Taylor Steele knows a good thing when he catches it—like a wave or a thought of appreciation for a smooth-as-velvet tequila that lingers in the throat. A Southern California native renowned for his surfing films, Steele is the founder of Solento Organic Tequila, a sipper’s style spirit meant to be enjoyed at a lingering pace. Driven by curiosity and wanderlust, the inveterate traveler was “drawn to create something that would encourage us all to slow down amid our increasingly hectic lifestyles.” Solento Organic Tequila was the perfect avenue to do just that. We sat down with him to learn more about tequila and get his traveling tips.

Taylor Steele, Founder

HL: Is there a correlation between surfing, which we know you love, and tequila? TS: Of course! Solento was inspired by the serenity of surfing. When you’re surfing, you are, by nature, unplugged from the world around you and waiting on a wave. It is a sport that requires patience and attention to subtle shifts in the wave. Solento drew cues from the sport to define a new echelon of tequila that similarly celebrates the slow and invites rejuvenation through recalibration. HL: How were you inspired to make tequila? TS: I started making films following my interest in surfing. That evolved to movies that focused on travel—all following my interest at the time. Then selling DVDs disappeared and I had to reinvent myself. A natural progression was into commercials. I liked the idea of learning how to be a better filmmaker via this short form of storytelling. Then as I got better at it, I had the moral dilemma of selling something I didn't believe in. So, I again pivoted into creating something that I wholeheartedly stood for, whether that be the taste, the design, the give-back, or simply how people interact with it. That's when I started looking at the elements of my life I really valued. One part was sipping tequila with friends after a good day. As I researched turning that into a brand, I fell in love with everything about the idea of a tequila company: the history, farming process, and how the end product affects others. HL: Your tequila is organic with a unique story and taste profile. Tell us about that. TS: Our friends, the Montes family, have perfected their farming and distilling techniques over three generations. Tucked into the Amatitán Valley in Jalisco, Mexico is the farm Las Americas. Here, our agave is planted on a single estate and grown slowly and without use of pesticides for seven years. Once it reaches its perfect maturity and ripeness, the Montes jimadors harvest the agave in small batches, allowing us to preserve their family’s perfected technique. The agave piñas are steam cooked for two days, leaving us with soft, sweet, melt-in-your-mouth, cooked agave which is then pressed on a roller moll, releasing the precious juices. The pulp, which is left behind, is loaded back onto the truck and used on the fields as compost for the next harvest. Next, we ferment— naturally. We don’t use any yeast or synthetic fermentation agents. After resting for two months in stainless brite tanks, we are finally handed our flawlessly clear and effortlessly smooth Solento Organic Blanco. Our aged expressions are created by transferring Blanco to American oak barrels; nine months for Reposado and 18 months for Añejo.

HauteDRINKS HL: You have fallen in love with Jalisco. What makes it such a captivating city? TS: One of my favorite aspects of travel is the opportunity it presents to slow down, be present, and share moments with friends. After discovering the ritual of sipping tequila, I was inspired to travel to the birthplace of tequila, Jalisco, Mexico. During that trip, I became truly engulfed in the rich culture behind tequila and surf country. From agave fields, unmatched tequila distilleries, epic waves, and delicious food, it has everything. It is hard to imagine Jalisco as anything other than one of Mexico’s most timeless and captivating places. My parents used to live on the Jalisco coastline, so I would come here all the time. HL: You love to travel. So do we. For our travel issue, we'd love to hear about your three favorite trips. TS: My three favorite trips have been: Rwanda to visit the gorillas in the jungle, Iceland for surfing in the arctic, and the Bahamas to dive with tiger sharks without a cage. HL: Where are you dreaming about going next? TS: Antarctica HL: What about traveling to Jalisco? I've worked in the agave fields for a day, and it is tough labor; but, it’s so interesting to see how the tequila gets made. Is this something tourists can do under Solento's tutelage? Can they visit the distillery? TS: Not at this time, but one day we’d love to be able to take tourists from visiting the agave fields to sipping tequila to give them a full picture look—from sourcing to production to tasting.

TAYLOR STEELE’S TOP TEN TRAVEL TIPS • Travel with an open mind. • Bring noise cancelling headphones, eye masks, and active spray (for cuts & sunburns). • Make sure you find some way to document your travels. I love to travel with a 35mm film camera. • Get as much sunlight on day one to help with jetlag. • Smile (universal language). • Look for a nice check-in person; it will help with any extra baggage charges. •Bring your own healthy food on the plane, so you can sleep and eat on your own schedule. • Select a window seat, so you don’t have to get up mid-sleep. • Have a drink with the locals and buy the first round. Taylor Steele in the agave fields

HL: How should we drink Solento? Sipped and savored or in cocktails? TS: When creating Solento, the goal was to create a tequila to enjoy on its own. I encourage everyone to sip and savor Solento’s three expressions.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SOLENTO TEQUILA

HL: What should we eat with sips of Solento? TS: Solento Blanco is perfect with ceviche; the fresh seafood and citrus pairs perfectly with the flavor profile of our Blanco. And for dessert, you should try Solento Añejo with a piece of dark chocolate (straight cocoa, orange, or sea salt caramel are great choices). HL: Do you have a favorite cocktail recipe? TS: The goal was to create a tequila that was perfect just on its own, so I’m usually just sipping Solento Blanco on the rocks with a slice of lemon; but, a favorite among my friends is the Añejo Old Fashioned. It’s so simple and delicious: combine 3 ounces of Solento Añejo, 1⁄4 ounce agave syrup, and a dash of bitters. Serve it in a rocks glass over ice and garnish with an orange twist. HL: Where can we buy Solento? TS: Solento is available for purchase on our website. Additionally, you can buy Solento through Drizly, Reserve Bar, and Sip Tequila, among other places.

• Be present.

Jalisco beach view

HauteDRINKS

THE MOODY HUES OF GIN Floral-infused, high-end gins are anything but ordinary in Australia 26

“Gin and drugs, dear lady, gin and drugs” – T. S. Eliot, when asked about his inspiration

TRADITIONALLY A CLEAR SPIRIT, GIN HAS RECEIVED A COLORFUL NEW TWIST BY SOME pioneering distillers Down Under. In fact, the Ink & Tonic is currently Australia’s best-selling cocktail. Its secret? The delicate flower petals of the butterfly pea bush, which imbue the gin with shades of indigo that morph to blush pink and deep violet, depending on the pH level of other liquids or botanicals added to it.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HUSK PLANTATION DISTILLERY

BY CHARLENE PETERS

Juniper berries and botanicals for making Ink Gin

PHOTO COURTESY OF HUSK PLANTATION DISTILLERY

INK GIN®

In 2015 in the Tweed Valley on the east coast of Australia in New South Wales (near the country’s top surfing beaches), Paul Messenger of Husk Plantation Distillery began making Ink Gin. He spent three years experimenting with the color-changing properties of the butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea), a flowering plant native to Southeast Asia. He obtained the optimum result by combining butterfly pea petals with a dozen different botanicals, including a variety of Australian “bush tucker” (defined as any food used by the Aboriginals, such as nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables) to his gin. The ingredients simmer in a hand-beaten copper pot still, along with 100 percent Australian grain spirit and water from rain that’s been filtered through the continent’s plentiful volcanic rock. Perfume, body, and balance are the keys to making premier gin. In keeping with Australia’s gin-making tradition, juniper berries make up the majority of the Ink Gin components; botanicals are secondary and include

lemon myrtle leaf, coriander seed, Tasmanian pepper berry, and sundried sweet orange peel. Pinches of other ingredients tossed into the pot often include elderflower, cinnamon, cardamom, angelica root, oris root, licorice root, and lemon peel. Finally, butterfly pea flower petals are steeped in the still for 24 hours post-distillation to create the defining color and character of Ink Gin—and to add its subtle, green tea-like astringency, giving it a crisp, clean palate. No chemicals or preservatives are ever added, but the delicate flower petals are ultrasensitive to pH, which explains why the addition of a low pH liquid like tonic water and/or lime can change the gin from its distinctive blue to blush pink. In America, butterfly pea tea, considered the new matcha, is widely available online. Husk Distillery’s Ink Gin has received several major industry awards, including Best Innovation in Spirits in 2016 at the Australian Drinks Industry Awards—the first craft brand to ever win that category. 27

HauteDRINKS

On the island state of Tasmania, due south of Australia, the family-owned McHenry Distillery produces its own azure version called McHenry Butterfly Gin. The distillery’s location on the side of 4,000-foot Mount Arthur near the Tasman Sea provides a wealth of pure spring water and a cool, maritime environment that offers prime conditions for the spirits maturing in barrels. William F. McHenry was in talks with a U.S. importer about bringing his family’s aesthetically unique gin to America when the global pandemic hit; he’s hopeful about continuing those talks in the near future. The inspiration to produce Butterfly Gin struck McHenry while on a trip to Japan. “I first saw the pea flower used in a tea and wondered if it would work in our spirits here.” He returned to Tasmania and began to experiment. “We tried a malt spirit and a gin spirit and settled on the gin spirit and called it Butterfly Gin, named after the butterfly pea flower. We make the gin a bit differently from other color-changing gins by varying the parts of the plant used, steeping time, and concentration of the alcohol—and we think it provides a superior quality product.” 28

How to change the color of the butterfly gin isn’t magic; it’s science. Just add standard issue tonic water, ice, and a slice of lemon to change the gin’s acidity level—and voila! You’ll achieve a floral variant of the classic dry gin. Sour cocktails with citrus work superbly with McHenry Butterfly Gin, as does adding it to a glass of sparkling wine. “This is a gin to experiment with and push the boundaries,” says McHenry, who shares his tasting notes below: Nose: Floral heavy, with slight notes of aniseed. Juniper berry stars and the floral notes of the butterfly pea flower accentuate it to create a beautiful floral bouquet. Palate: The floral notes are foremost, followed by a rich amount of aniseed and cardamom. The citrus only plays a minor role on the palate and binds the spices together. It loses the creaminess from the base spirit, but picks up the floral notes which complement the original botanicals. Finish: Short, but lovely. Spicy aniseed and licorice notes can be found, and the flowery notes develop on the back palate. A hint of citrus emerges right at the end. As a summer drink, its crisp floral finish is welcoming.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MCHENRY'S

MCHENRY BUTTERFLY GIN™

COCKTAIL RECIPE

Ink™ Sloe Fizz INGREDIENTS • 2 ounces Ink Sloe & Berry Gin • 1 ounce fresh lemon juice (about half a big, juicy lemon) • ½ ounce simple syrup (dissolve equal parts sugar in water) INSTRUCTIONS Pour ingredients in an ice-filled wine glass, top with a splash of club soda, and garnish with a slice of grapefruit.

PHOTO CREDITS: (LEFT) COURTESY OF HUSK DISTILLERIES; (RIGHT) ©NELLY LECOMTE PHOTOGRAPHY

INK™ SLOE & BERRY

Four years after the release of Ink Gin, Head Distiller Quentin Brival at Husk Distillers launched yet another version of gin to the spirit scene. In 2019, he introduced a small batch (1,800 bottles) of a new gin that sold out online in less than five minutes. It was reviewed with overwhelming positivity. Ink™ Sloe & Berry is Brival’s personal take on the classic English gin recipe with an Australian bush tucker twist. Its gin base, similar to the original recipe of Ink Gin, adds native sloe berry, a fruit that macerates in the gin for several weeks and imparts both tart and sweet flavors. The final and not-so-secret ingredient for Ink Sloe & Berry is the rosella flower, a variety of wild hibiscus found in the tropical northern regions of Australia. Rosella is vibrant in color and its taste has a crisp, rhubarb-like tartness. Brival deems this flower the perfect companion to balance the sweeter botanical counterparts in Sloe & Berry. This gin is notably lower in alcohol—26% v. 43% in the original—so you can enjoy an extra glass … or two.

HauteDINING

PHOTO COURTESY OF TOURISM TASMANIA & MICHAEL WALTERS PHOTOGRAPHY.

BY CHARLENE PETERS

Oyster 30 Bay Dining experience via Saffire Freycinet

DINING THIGH DEEP DOWN UNDER Oysters and bubbles in exotic Tasmania Wading up to my thighs in Tasmania’s Great Oyster Bay, I approached a dining table as it was assembled and set with white linens. Our small group was prepared for a dining experience designed to be enjoyed standing up. The dress code: Fly ’n Dry rubber waders, the kind fishermen wear. The scene was like an artist’s brushstroke, with the blue of the bay and the murky, cloud-covered sky interrupted only by a few sunbleached driftwood branches washed ashore on the marsh’s tawny palette of golds and reds. This unique tasting takes place at the Freycinet Marine Farm, owned and operated by Julia and Giles Fisher. The Fishers hope to educate the general public about marine and wetlands ecology and offer this bay-to-table experience exclusively to guests of Saffire Freycinet. It’s one of the only spots in the world where you can walk straight into a pristine saltwater bay to taste Pacific oysters harvested that minute. The theme on this crisp afternoon aimed to replicate the type of repast once considered a status symbol by the upper class during the Greek and Roman empires (8th BCE-5th AD). Guests tossed down two delicacies simultaneously and in generous amounts: oysters and wine. At first, I thought my attention on this island state of Australia would be focused on the cleanest air and water in the world. I already knew its cleansing winds drift from the Andes Mountains without passing over a single land mass until it reaches Tasmania. When our small group of diners stood expectantly in the bay where the oysters are farmed and where we received a lesson on how to shuck the oysters, my focus shifted. Captivated by this immersive dining experience, I wasn’t alone. Soon, the harmonious sounds of happy, rubber-clad people slurping bivalves and washing them down with a local, elegant wine filled the air. These firm, pillowy, briny oysters were paired with the most eloquent Tassie sparkling, Lake Barrington Alexandra Vintage Sparkling Wine, which I hadn’t known existed. The combination of tastes, setting, and company made this “full immersion” meal a memory for a lifetime. 31

HauteDINING NAKED TRUTH OF OYSTERS

Saffire Freycinet Resort

It all began with Aphrodite, the famed Greek goddess of beauty, love, and desire, who was often depicted as arising fully grown from within an oyster shell. Rumors of how this briny and flavorful mollusk acts as an aphrodisiac might be true. Ample science backs that claim. Oysters are chock full of zinc, almost 75 milligrams in three ounces, which provides a possible lift in libido (especially in men). Eating oysters is great for weight loss efforts, thanks to the protein that fills you up. They also boast omega-3 fatty acids, lots of vitamin B12, and copper. And they may reduce the risk of heart disease in people with type 2 diabetes, as they can also help control blood sugar levels. Last, but not least, oysters are a boon for the oceans’ ecosystem, filtering out pollutants in the water, which provides a cleaner habitat for other species, like mussels and clams.

“Oysters are chock full of zinc, almost 75 milligrams in three ounces, which provides a possible lift in libido”

Freshly shucked Tasmanian oysters

32 Oyster traps in the bay at Freycinet Marine Farm

The remarkable combination of intensity and delicacy in Tasmania’s sparkling wines is attributable to its far southern latitude and cool climate. Take the case of the above-mentioned Lake Barrington Alexandra Vintage Sparkling Wine. Crafted from noble grape varieties sourced from exceptional cold climate vineyards on the island and produced in the méthode traditionnelle, this wine presents the kind of power and vibrancy you’d expect from any world class sparkling wine with seldom-achieved texture and complexity. The aromas and flavors represent Tasmanian Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes and present a toasty, brioche-like expression underpinned by tight, linear notes of Granny Smith apple, melon, and citrus flavors. It’s no surprise Tassie sparkling wines now compete head-on with the champagnes of France. One label took the first place spot for sparkling in the world last year, as published in Decanter magazine: House of Arras 2004 E.J. Carr Late Disgorged. This vintage may soon be available for sale in the US. (If you can’t wait, it’s available shipped from the UK for about $150.)

PHOTO CREDITS: (TOP) COURTESY OF SAFFIRE FREYCINET; (MIDDLE) ©CHARLENE PETERS; (BOTTOM) ©CHARLENE PETERS

SPARKLING WINES OF TASMANIA

SAFFIRE FREYCINET

Perhaps no other food and wine experience is as custom-designed for guests as the dining-in-the-bay option booked exclusively through Saffire Freycinet. The resort, a slice of luxury set in the coastal bushland of Freycinet National Park, is a few hours’ drive from Tasmania’s capital city, Hobart. Hobart is best known for its history as a former penal colony. In the early 1800s, Great Britain banished its most hardened criminals and reprobates to far away Hobart. But I digress. Saffire Freycinet is perched on the banks of a bay that hugs a 400-million-year-old peninsula. The architecturally astounding luxury resort was built in the shape of a manta ray. Its lobby—a kaleidoscope of materials from wood to glass to leather to locally-mined pink granite—offers awe-inspiring views of the Hazards Mountains, also the source of the pink granite. A short hike leads to picturesque Coles Bay and Wineglass Bay. Adjacent to the resort is a Tasmanian Devil rehabilitation facility, worth a visit if only to hear the cartoonish sounds of the devils and to learn that their preferred source of food is roadkill—a free and indigenous highway cleanup crew! When it was time for my return to Hobart, a stop for an al fresco lunch at Freycinet Marine Farm had me swooning over an ambrosial plate of baked oysters topped with melty Brie cheese and smoked salmon. I asked for the recipe and was rewarded. Shuck, yeah!

Charlene slurps an oyster in the bay

Oysters with Smoked Salmon and Brie Serves 3

PHOTOS BY ©CHARLENE PETERS

INGREDIENTS • 9 ounces best quality smoked salmon • 9 oysters, shucked, in the shell • 3 ounces Brie • 1 scallion, chopped fine • 1 Himalayan salt brick if available, or 1 pound rock salt

Oysters with smoked salmon and Brie

INSTRUCTIONS Create a bed of rock salt on a rimmed metal baking pan. Nestle each oyster into the salt and top each with a thin wedge of Brie. Bake in a 400° Fahrenheit oven for about 8 minutes or until the cheese starts to bubble and the very edge of the oyster begins to peel away from the shell. Remove from the oven. At that point, carefully place one ounce of smoked salmon atop the melted cheese, layer with one more paper-thin wedge of Brie, and sprinkle the scallions on top. Serve immediately. Courtesy of Chris Lucas, Freycinet Marine Farm, Coles Bay, Tasmania

BY STEPH KEAY

HauteCUISINE

A MUSHROOMING SUCCESS How one local company transformed a 20-pound case of unwanted truffles into a booming cooking class empire

SITTING IN FRONT OF $20,000 WORTH OF FRESH TRUFFLES, FRENCH Laundry alums Jason and Sarah McKinney were at a loss. The mammoth shipment of the famously earthy spheres of flavor had just landed in San Francisco the same day the shelter-in-place order was announced, and the high hopes they had for their fledgling company—which they founded to supply restaurants with the finest fungi—were looking dire. With only a small window of time to utilize the truffles (likely less than a week), the McKinneys had to find a way to use all 20 pounds of the precious cargo. Then, the phone rang. 34

A prized delicacy, truffles have long been a mainstay on the finest menus across the world—including The French Laundry, the famous, triple-Michelinstarred restaurant where the McKinneys first met. Along with chef Tyler Vorce, the McKinneys developed an incredible passion for the ingredient, elevating dishes at the famed Napa eatery with the fungus’ distinct, earthy flavor and incredible complexity. Together, they sought to launch Truffle Shuffle, a direct-from-the-source importer of truffles they hoped would serve restaurants across Northern California. Similar to highlighting food producers such as butchers and farmers, the three truffle aficionados aimed to bring more awareness to truffle hunters and deepen the appreciation for these exceptional morsels of umami. When the pandemic hit, it seemed as though the timing couldn’t have been worse—but in hindsight, it was a blessing in disguise. When Jason picked up the phone, he answered a call from a private San Francisco social club asking him to host a virtual cooking class for its members. Despite having no professional background in teaching, the Truffle Shuffle founders embarked on developing a program to lead home cooks through the preparation of a restaurant-quality dish utilizing fresh truffles, including

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TRUFFLE SHUFFLE

Black truffles

Truffle Shuffle's signature brown butter truffle honey

Truffle Shuffle's signature truffle salt

Truffle Shuffle CEO and co-founder Jason McKinney

Truffle risotto with fresh black truffle from Tarrega, Spain

Sushi class featuring Ikura and 49er rolls

ingredients delivered in meal kits directly to their doorsteps. Chefs Jason and Tyler based their method of teaching on how they had advanced their own lengthy careers—namely, shadowing master chefs in the kitchens of some of the best restaurants across America. The classes gave home cooks an opportunity to not only interact with the chefs and ask questions in real time, but also to learn all of the incredible knowledge Jason and Tyler had spent years accumulating and to pick up techniques they could continue to use in the future. The first class was a massive success, and Truffle Shuffle knew it had a hit on its hands. In less than a year, the company expanded from a 6-person team working out of the McKinneys’ apartment to a 50-person team operating out of its new headquarters in Oakland. More than 100,000 home cooks have participated in Truffle Shuffle’s classes to date, which have run the gamut from paella and lamb chops to sushi rolling and pasta making to wine dinners created in collaboration with major Napa Valley vintners. They’ve enlisted local talent, such as Executive Chef Jackson Yu from Michelin-starred Omakase in San Francisco and featured special guest appearances from actress Teri Hatcher, NFL Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, and performers from the hit musical Hamilton. Truffle Shuffle plans to continue bringing in celebrity guest judges— thanks to big connections from new investors—and has even landed appearances on The Kelly Clarkson Show and Shark Tank to showcase their company as the future of cooking. Jason believes that live streaming will persist as a platform for connecting the community

Truffle Shuffle has hosted a number of fresh pasta making classes—from fettuccine to pillowy gnocchi

even after the pandemic and sees Truffle Shuffle as an innovative package combining exceptional food, education, and entertainment— an all-in-one experience that can be shared with kitchens nationwide. At the root of Truffle Shuffle’s mission is honesty and integrity in all their offerings. Aside from a love for truffles, the founders were spurred by their desire to go directly to the source in order to find the highest-quality products—consciously sourced by longtime truffle hunters and their skillfully trained dogs in the Umbrian countryside. “It’s our mission to personally source the best-in-class truffles and create the finest truffle products in the world,” says Sarah, who handles the beverage program, public relations, and social media for the company. Meanwhile, Jason handles marketing and project planning, and Tyler writes the recipes. Truffle Shuffle has also hired a roster of staff members who were furloughed as a result of COVID-19 in a show of support for restaurant workers. “Everything is done in-house,” Sarah says. “I’m extremely proud of our team of hospitality workers who have gone above and beyond to educate themselves in this virtual realm.” Truffle Shuffle is also heavily invested in giving back to the broader community. When it first began offering its virtual classes, the company donated a meal to a frontline healthcare worker for every meal kit it sold. Now, it donates a meal to anyone in the community in need, and the company has been working on creating a partnership with Alameda Food Bank. It’s a cause that’s important to them, especially because Jason experienced food insecurity as a child.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TRUFFLE SHUFFLE

HauteCUISINE

Even though their team is busy hosting multiple classes and shipping out hundreds of orders a week—when they’re not appearing on television, that is—they remain committed to looking for new ways to give back. The company donates a portion of its profits to 1% for the Planet from all sales of its small-batch products, which include brown butter truffle honey made in partnership with Marshall’s Farm. Jason and Tyler visited the Napa farm nearly a dozen times to convince its fourth-generation beekeeper to allow them to use his honey, knowing it was the same pure, unfiltered, and hand-bottled honey Thomas Keller insisted on using in all his restaurants. It’s this kind of dedication and commitment that has led to the company’s expansion from underground truffle suppliers to a mainstream company paving the future of “edutainment” and making a difference in the world—one truffle at a time.

The Chiacchiarini family's truffle dog

Truffle hunting in the village of Pettino

The Chiacchiarini family hosts truffle hunts on their farm, Wild Foods Italy

The forests of the mountain village are rich with prized Umbrian truffles

Truffle Shuffle's signature truffle salt features natural sea salt from a Balinese family farm, carefully blended with French black truffle

BY LAURIE JO MILLER FARR

HauteTRAVEL

Taiwan lantern launch

Traditional Sky Lantern Festival LIKE MANY WONDERFUL DESTINATIONS, TAIWAN HAS A STORY TO tell. However, this is a place that invites everyone to share their stories as well. And this is the ultimate journey for travelers with the most precious of cargo: a fistful of wishes to launch into the sky at the island’s glorious traditional lantern festival. 38

We can trace the use of paper lanterns to this mountainous island’s earliest written history during the third century A.D. In the period known as Three Kingdoms, Chinese statesman Zhuge Liang, a.k.a. Kong Ming, used lanterns to send military signals. Because the shape of these floating vessels resembled his hat, they became known as “Kong Ming lanterns.” Centuries later, the lanterns developed another messaging purpose. According to local elders, people sought shelter in the nearby mountains, fleeing from bandits who once roamed the region. Those who stayed behind to protect the village would fly sky lanterns as a signal of safety, beckoning others to return. Today in Taiwan, sky lanterns have evolved into a way for locals and visitors alike to create personalized wishes sent afloat to the celestial gods. Celebrated in many ways and places around the island, there is a common belief that these serene, glowing orbs ascending to the gods carry beacons of hope to bestow good luck and deliver good fortune throughout the year.

PHOTO CREDIT: COURTESY OF TAIWAN TOURISM BUREAU / TAIPEI ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL OFFICE

WHY WISHES DRIFT ABOVE TAIWAN'S GREEN LANDSCAPE

KONG MING LANTERNS

ONE OF THE WORLD’S GREAT FESTIVALS

Across Taiwan, temples are filled with worshippers on the eve of this “second new year,” the enchanting celebration that’s widely considered one of the world’s greatest festivals. Although the sky lantern festival is separate from the national Taiwan Lantern Festival, which rotates to a different host city each year, both fall on the fifteenth day of the first month in the lunar calendar. For the Sky Lantern Festival in Pingxi Valley, as many as 500,000 people gather. Anticipation builds around the special moment of that quiet release, when hopes and dreams mingle and glow, briefly illuminating the still, inky nocturnal sky. The first round of mass lantern release begins after twilight and continues with three releases every hour until the final one at 9:30 p.m. It’s a thrilling spectacle as hundreds of lanterns of the same color—a different color for every round to represent values such as good luck, great wealth, fame and fortune, marital bliss, or good health—ascend the sky en masse. There are even lanterns shaped like animals, including cats, monkeys, roosters, and pandas, but all are precisely limited to a legal 60-centimeter circumference. Pure magic. Alternatively, any day of the year will do.

A 20-foot tall main lantern

PHOTO CREDITS: (TOP & BOTTOM) COURTESY OF TAIWAN TOURISM BUREAU / TAIPEI ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL OFFICE; (MIDDLE) TAIWAN TOURISM BUREAU

Escape to Taiwan

A moon-shaped lantern carries wishes

HauteTRAVEL A VILLAGE OF LANTERN MAKERS

Sky lanterns are the main attraction—and the main business—in the small hillside village of Shifen, an historic railroad town about half an hour’s drive from the capital city, Taipei. Local lantern makers have perfected the art of creating them based on physics similar to a hot air balloon. Indeed, this idea is an early ancestor of that 18th century flying apparatus which rises because the density of the warmer air inside the space is less dense than the air surrounding it. For the classically made Taiwan sky lantern, a lightweight bamboo frame supports a wrap of thin oiled rice paper to surround a lit candle whose heat causes the lantern to soar. Shifen Old Street is a collection of shoplined lanes and alleyways diverging from the train tracks that cut through the heart of town. Friendly shopkeepers help visitors pick out a lantern, demonstrate how to write a wish, create a blessing, or brush pen a message of hope while grabbing selfies. Here, we caught up with Hailey and Adam, charismatic American millennials who loved Taiwan so much, they moved to the island nation and learned basic Mandarin. Carefully scribbling black calligraphy characters on the fragile paper sides of a bright red lantern, they set their wishes adrift. They explained that, like any authentically cultural festival, the sky lantern festival has associated local legends. Our favorite is learning that the pronunciation of “sky lantern 天燈” is similar to the traditional Taiwanese language “添丁”, which means “adding a child.” So, for anyone yearning for a baby, just release a sky lantern in Taiwan... it’s always a good omen. Because everything that goes up must come down, and in keeping with modern day principles and values, residents have a government-supported recycling program to prevent the mountainside from being littered with spent lanterns. Undamaged frames are re-sold and the incentive for collected paper is credit at shops for household items like toilet paper and detergent. 40

Lanterns illuminate Taiwan's famous night markets

Sky Lantern festival in Taiwan

ESCAPE TO TAIWAN

Taiwan is seeking its rightful place on the wish lists of fun-lovers and adventure-seekers yearning to return to globe trotting. In fact, Asia’s off-the-radar destination has recently earned extra pandemic-era attention as one of the world’s safest places. Linda Lin, director of the Taiwan Tourism Bureau in San Francisco, said, “We hope you’ll consider an ‘Escape to Taiwan’ to launch your personal wishes. Our safe and friendly island is a dreamy destination, but it needn’t be only a dream. Everyone is so proud of Taiwan’s track record in staying healthy throughout the pandemic, and it’s our wish to share that success with American visitors later in 2021.” The fact is, this island rocks.

Touring Taiwan on two wheels

DID YOU KNOW? Until that moment arrives, Haute Living shares a few Taiwan-themed wishes for trip planning and dreamy inspiration. • A wish to climb Yushan, the highest peak in Northeast Asia • A wish to cycle around the island once known as Isla Formosa, or “beautiful island” • A wish to admire, preserve, and protect 400 species in the “butterfly kingdom” • A wish to dive into oyster omelets at midnight at a Taiwan Night Market

Until the mid-20th century, Taiwan was internationally referred to as the Republic of Formosa, based on a name meaning “beautiful island” that Portuguese explorers indicated on their maps in 1652. The Tropic of Cancer passes through the middle of Taiwan, so the north has a subtropical climate and the south has a tropical climate. At the confluence of cold and warm air currents, it’s warm in winter and hot in summer. Taiwan is a natural botanical garden, known as “the butterfly kingdom,” famous for its 400 species of butterflies. The “three treasures of Taiwan” are rice, sugar, and tea. The most common fruits are banana, pineapple, citrus, longan, wax apple, guava, and mango.

• A wish to ride the Taiwan High Speed Rail at 186 miles per hour from the north to the south of the island

PHOTO CREDITS: (TOP) TAIWAN TOURISM BUREAU; (BOTTOM IMAGES) SHUTTERSTOCK

• A wish to join the Mazu Pilgrimage, one of the world’s biggest religious festivals • A wish to hear the boom and sizzle of the “Taipei 101 Fireworks” on New Year’s Eve. In addition to the festival, several of Taiwan’s most appealing attributes for international visitors are: • Outstanding affordability • Safe, green, and clean environment • Awesome culinary traditions • Extraordinary culture and people • Covid success Note: The next Sky Lantern Festival is due to take place in autumn 2021. Who’s got a wish to escape to Taiwan?

Mazu Pilgrimage

Butterfly kingdom

HauteTRAVEL

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHINTA MANI WILD

BY MAR PAGES

Cambodian Royalty tent

SHINTA MANI WILD TENTED SAFARI ADVENTURE IN THE RAINFOREST Traveling with a purpose in wild Cambodia

FROM EDUCATIONAL PROJECTS FUNDED BY LUXURY LODGES IN THE African bush to turtle nurseries in beach resorts in Malaysia, properties around the world not only give discerning travelers a fabulous vacation, but also contribute to the communities they are in. The best traveled don’t just want great interior design, personalized service, and exclusive dining, but the assurance that their holidays give back. Shinta Mani Wild was built with this purpose in mind. The exclusive, low-impact, tented camp in the rainforest of Cambodia was born not only to welcome travelers, but also to protect one of the last remaining wild habitats in Southeast Asia. It proves that conservation can be the fuel for tourism, not just a way for travel companies to give back. FROM LOGGING CONCESSION TO LUXURY LODGE

Bensley Collection Shinta Mani Wild is a partnership between acclaimed Bangkok-based architect, interior designer, and landscape architect Bill Bensley and Cambodian businessman Sokoun Chanpreda. With dozens of properties in his design portfolio, including a royal residence and reigning best hotel in the world, Capella Ubud (which bears stark resemblance to Shinta Mani Wild), passionate conservationist Bensley got into hospitality management with his Bensley Collection brand late and almost exclusively to make a difference. The second property in his portfolio, Shinta Mani Wild, opened in 2018 with a high calling: the protection of 865 acres of the Cardamom Mountains, one of the last remaining, unfragmented rainforests in Southeast Asia. Bensley and Chanpreda bought the land at an auction years earlier to prevent it from becoming a titanium mine. They built the lodge to provide employment opportunities and support the conservation efforts of the Wildlife Alliance who started patrolling the forests in 2002. Located in the Southern Cardamom rainforest, the tented camp was built with minimal environmental impact. No trees were cut in the construction of the lodge, so they occasionally grow through unexpected places, such as the spa rooms. All 15 luxury safari-style tents sit on elevated platforms; even the swimming pool is a large, freestanding structure placed above the ground. 43

HauteTRAVEL

Khmer Spa

Cambodian Royalty tent number 1 at dusk

Cistern pool

THE INSPIRATION FOR SHINTA MANI WILD

As is traditional of Bensley, the lodge’s design is inspired by a story, in this case, Jackie O’s private 1967 trip to Cambodia to fulfill her lifelong dream of seeing Angkor Wat. The trip took her to UNESCO-listed temples and other parts of tranquil Cambodia in the company of the Khmer royal family. While some of the peace that reigned in Cambodia at that time can be felt throughout the lodge, adventure awaits the intrepid. 44

Riverboat expedition

Guests can get to Shinta Mani Wild on a scenic helicopter ride from the capital of Phnom Penh and, after completing check-in formalities, are invited to make an entrance on the longest zipline in Southeast Asia or to continue on a vintage Land Rover. After gliding over gushing waterfalls to the Landing Zone Bar, zip liners are met by the lodge manager holding chilled margaritas. This sets the tone for every stay, which is a mix of Old World charm and unexpected adventures.

PHOTO CREDITS: COURTESY OF SHINTA MANI WILD; (BOTTOM LEFT & BOTTOM RIGHT) ©ELISE HASSEY

Waterfall picnic

PHOTO CREDITS: COURTESY OF SHINTA MANI WILD; (BOTTOM) ©ELISE HASSEY

LUXURIOUS RIVERSIDE TENTS, SAFARI-STYLE

Even when full, Shinta Mani Wild has fewer than 40 guests and, with tents set 100 meters apart, one is unlikely to see any other guests. Each host, aptly named an “Adventure Butler,” is tasked not only to tend to guests’ requests, but also to anticipate their needs. A pre-dinner massage (included in the rate), a smoky drink at the bar, a bedside snack: butlers guess guests' needs before they are even aware of them. Each tent is an oasis in the middle of the rainforest. Each is themed, uniquely appointed with one-off vintage pieces, and carefully designed to blend into the forest and let nature shine. From above, you can barely distinguish the canvas from the canopy. There are no physical barriers around the tents, other than hanging hammocks designed as relaxing spots for guests to listen to the flowing river below. Inside, thin canvas walls and netted windows let in nature’s sounds. Tents one and 14 are the favorites. The former is inspired by the Khmer royal family and the latter is filled with National Geographic magazines, the oldest dating back to 1960, when Dr. Jane Goodall was on the cover for her work with chimpanzees. In a welcome letter, Bensley encourages guests to “Get wild!” However, it’s hard to leave the tent behind when your maxibar is stocked with your favorite drinks and fresh snacks. Adventure butlers host guests throughout their stay, taking them from wild foraging to Khmer cooking lessons, from kayaking and mountain biking to evening drinks by the river, from relaxing by the pool to picnics by the waterfall: anything is possible. Two signature activities are particularly recommended: a river expedition with grilled lobster lunch by the sandbank and a morning patrolling with Wildlife Alliance rangers. From the back of a powerful motorbike, zigzagging through muddy paths and into the rainforest, guests see the formula for the Wildlife Alliance conservation success in the Cardamom Mountains where no elephant has been killed at the hands of poachers since 2006. Encroachment, illegal logging, fires set to clear the forest, and poaching require round-the-clock surveillance by a network of rangers. Shinta Mani Wild supports these efforts via the Shinta Mani Foundation and the lodge. When asked to describe his most precious moment at Shinta Mani Wild, conservation advocate Bensley said without hesitation, “It would have to be on my 60th birthday, when the Wildlife Alliance decided it was time to reintroduce certain species into the area and we released three civet cats.” While the lodge’s construction didn't have any impact on the environment, its presence continues to have a very positive effect on its conservation. Bensley dreamed of a lodge that, in his own words, is “exactly how I would have designed it for myself.” By that, he means intimate, quirky, rooted in conservation, and with rates inclusive of all food, drinks, massages, and activities, so there aren’t any bills to settle at check-out, as you wouldn’t have to if you were staying at your vacation home. Shinta Mani Wild attracts travelers with a purpose: to get away from the demands of routine, to enrich their lives with new adventures, or simply to learn. In the great wilderness of the Cardamom Mountains, they can do all of these and know that their trip also fuels the protection of one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world.

Tent

Ziplining

Sunset drinks by the river

BY MISTY MILIOTO

HauteTRAVEL

New Orleans’ riverfront and skyline

BRING ON THE BIG EASY NEW ORLEANS HAS ALWAYS HAD A way with visitors. Whether it’s the toptier restaurants, the live music filling the streets day and night, or the people who make the city so unique, there is something for everyone in the Big Easy. Never a city to sleep, New Orleans recently has welcomed several new hotels and restaurants that should be on everyone’s must-visit list. Of course, there’s also the tried-and-true live music venues on Frenchmen Street—and some other fun activities—to enjoy while exploring one of the oldest cities in America.

The Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences New Orleans stands at 34 stories in the heart of the French Quarter

PHOTO CREDITS: (TOP) SHUTTERSTOCK; (BOTTOM) COURTESY OF FOUR SEASONS HOTEL AND PRIVATE RESIDENCES, NEW ORLEANS

New Orleans beckons with a bevy of new lodging and entertainment options

The Chloe is housed in a Victorian-era house originally designed by renowned local architect Thomas Sully with interior design by Sara Ruffin Costello

WHERE TO STAY: Opening this summer, the new Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences New Orleans sits in the heart of the city near the French Quarter. The 34-story hotel offers 341 guest rooms and suites and 92 private residences with views of the river and cityscape. Bill Rooney Design, based in New York City, decorated the accommodations with inspiration from the southern city’s historic gardens and native materials. Be sure to check out the extensive art collection, featuring local and international artists, displayed throughout the building. The hotel also features the Chandelier Bar, a full-service spa, a top-of-the-line fitness center, and an outdoor pool deck (featuring a 75-foot crescent-shaped infinity pool). Rooms start at $395 per night, 2 Canal St., 504.434.5100, fourseasons. com/neworleans

PHOTO CREDITS: (TOP) ©PAUL COSTELLO; (BOTTOM) COURTESY OF ONE11 HOTEL

The Chloe is a new boutique hotel in the Uptown neighborhood of New Orleans. As the first hotel from local restaurateur Robert LeBlanc of LeBLANC + SMITH (known for restaurants such as Sylvain, Cavan, and Longway Tavern), The Chloe offers 14 well-appointed rooms in a Victorianera house originally designed by renowned local architect Thomas Sully. Local interior designer Sara Ruffin Costello added dim lighting, dark hues, and slow-turning fans. Each of the 14 guest rooms includes a modern soaking tub, fourposter bed or low spindle bed, and original photography and artwork. Downstairs, the hotel’s restaurant, led by executive chef Todd Pulsinelli, features a menu of New Orleans classics with a modern touch. There’s also an inviting pool and herb garden, an outdoor bar area, and seating nooks hidden throughout the property. Rooms start at $379 per night, 4125 St. Charles Ave., 504.541.5500, thecholenola.com The new One11 Hotel is the first new hotel to open in the French Quarter in more than 50 years. Housed within a former sugar refinery, the modern, 8-story hotel features 83 guest rooms and suites with interior design by New York Citybased dash design. Rooms boast ample natural light, exposed brick, and views of the French Quarter and Mississippi River. Each room also features high ceilings, original beams, and unexpected textures, colors, and lighting. The hotel’s three “sweets” include the 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom Riverbend Sweet on the eighth floor. It features two private terraces with seating and a wet bar. Hotel amenities include the Batture Bistro + Bar, a heated outdoor swimming pool, a courtyard with an outdoor fireplace, a vibrant rooftop deck, and free access to One Canal Place Downtown Fitness Center (located across the street). Rooms start at $199 per night, 111 Iberville St., 855.652.0141, one11hotel.com

The One11 Hotel is the first new hotel to open in the French Quarter in more than 50 years

HauteTRAVEL

Buttermilk owner Shannon Bingham brings fried chicken to a whole new level

Flavorful salads are on the menu at Poindexter’s Delicatessen at St. Roch Market

WHERE TO EAT: Both of the new signature restaurants at the Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences New Orleans are sure to be standouts when they open this summer. For starters, local chef Alon Shaya is opening Miss River, showcasing his spirited take on beloved local dishes. The lobbylevel, ingredient-driven restaurant features menu items like whole carved buttermilk fried chicken to share with dipping sauces and clay pot dirty rice with seared duck breast, duck egg yolk, and scallions. The bar at Miss River offers 30 seats and an inventive cocktail program, while the wine program balances New and Old World wines, along with a collection of fine Champagnes and sparkling wines. 2 Canal St., 504.434.5100, missrivernola.com Meanwhile, chef Donald Link is opening an as-yet unnamed, signature restaurant within the Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences New Orleans. The multiple James Beard Award-winning chef will introduce the concept on the hotel’s fifth floor, adjacent to the crescent-shaped infinity pool. Expect award-winning food paired with panoramic views of the Mississippi River. 2 Canal St., 504.434.5100, fourseasons.com/neworleans 48

Misa features indoor and outdoor space perfect for people-watching with a house cocktail in hand

The braised “brisket” at Coalesce Goods is served with mango slaw, beet barbecue sauce, jalapeño cornbread, and “bacon” mac

Misa, a new Mediterranean-inspired restaurant from Tal Sharon, has opened in a corner spot on Magazine Street in New Orleans’ Uptown neighborhood. Named after his Libyan grandmother, the restaurant features small plates like hot latkes, male white crab spring rolls, and white fish Israeli ceviche; pasta dishes like sweet potato ravioli, beef Bolognese with sautéed eggplant, and seafood pasta; and main dishes like Moroccan fish, royal Indian lamb shank stew, and cauliflower curry. 4734 Magazine St., 504.510.2791, misanola.com On the other side of town known as St. Roch (a subdistrict of the Bywater), you’ll find the St. Roch Market, a chef-centric food hall featuring a thoughtfully curated mix of local food and beverage talent. Three new vendors recently joined the mix: Buttermilk, Poindexter’s Delicatessen, and Coalesce Goods. At Buttermilk, owner Shannon Bingham offers a menu spanning breakfast, sandwiches, chicken fingers, snacks, salads, and more. Meanwhile, Poindexter’s Delicatessen features flavorful salads, soups, and a rotating menu of breakfast, lunch, and dinner sandwiches. At Coalesce Goods, expect to find a plant-based menu that includes options like vegan boudin balls, and “chick’n” and waffles. 2381 St. Claude Ave., 504.267.0388 strochmarket.com

PHOTO CREDITS: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) ©RUSH JAGOE; COURTESY OF MISA; ©RANDY SCHMIDT; COURTESY OF POINDEXTER'S; COURTESY OF BUTTERMILK

The whole carved buttermilk fried chicken at Miss River comes with dipping sauces to share

Aurora Nealand and the Reedminders perform at The Spotted Cat

WHAT TO DO: If there’s one thing that New Orleans is known for, it’s the lively music scene on Frenchmen Street. While there are many music venues here to explore, The Spotted Cat is the quintessential jazz club of New Orleans. The small and intimate space plays host to local New Orleans musicians ranging from traditional and modern jazz to blues, funk, klezmer, and more. 623 Frenchmen St., 504.943.3887, spottedcatmusicclub.com

PHOTO CREDITS: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) ©JOHN DIXON; COURTESY OF ASHLEY LONGSHORE STUDIO GALLERY; COURTESY OF ALEX BEARD STUDIO; COURTESY OF ESOM ART; COURTESY OF PAVED PARADISE NEW ORLEANS BIKE TOURS

Last year, four local co-workers who lost their jobs due to the pandemic decided to create Paved Paradise New Orleans Bike Tours. Try the Culture + Distillery Bike Tour, which includes a bicycle ride through the French Quarter, a stop in the Bywater at JAMNOLA (a collection of exhibitions by 20-plus local artists), a visit to The Backstreet Cultural Museum in Tremé, and a NOLA rum tasting at Happy Raptor Distillery. 1735 Washington Ave., 414.405.5397, pavedparadisetoursnola.com

The Culture + Distillery Bike Tour with Paved Paradise New Orleans Bike Tours includes a NOLA rum tasting at Happy Raptor Distillery

Art galleries abound in New Orleans, with three separate areas to explore. In the French Quarter, head to Royal Street where you’ll find Gallery Orange (a contemporary boutique art gallery), ESOM Art (featuring art by Tony and Tracey Mose), and Craig Tracy Gallery (a fineart body painting gallery). Uptown, be sure to visit Magazine Street where you’ll find Alex Beard Studio (gestural paintings of wildlife compositions), Ashley Longshore Studio Gallery (colorful and eclectic art), and Kevin Gillentine Gallery (largescale ethereal landscapes). Finally, in the Warehouse District, check out the galleries lining Julia Street, such as Arthur Roger Gallery (regional and international artists), Callan Contemporary (contemporary art by emerging and mid-career artists), and Steve Martin Fine Art (contemporary and fine art by Steve Martin and others).

“She Dreamed of Basquiat” by Ashley Longshore

A piece of artwork by Tony Mose of ESOM Art hangs in a New Orleans home

“The Eyes Have It” by Alex Beard

BY FRAN ENDICOTT MILLER

HauteHOTEL

THE INCOMPARABLE ROSEWOOD MIRAMAR BEACH, MONTECITO Elegant. Glamorous. Unrivaled. Rosewood Miramar Beach is the American Riviera’s most stunning resort. MONTECITO HAS LONG SERVED AS A HAUTE HAVEN. AS THE HOME and weekend vacation choice of many Hollywood A-listers and other royal notables, the chic Santa Barbara hamlet is simultaneously sophisticated and bohemian, easy-going and energetic. With the addition of Rosewood Miramar Beach, the small enclave boasts a resort destination that matches the region’s effortless elegance. Inspired by both Europe’s classic grand hotels and Montecito’s bucolic estates, the resort’s owner, Rick Caruso, real estate developer of popular retail sites such The Grove at Farmers Market in Los Angeles and the Commons at Calabasas, ensures that every detail within his sublime, beachfront paradise 50

serves to envelope guests within a luxe atmosphere, the vibe of which lingers long after departure. From the dozens and dozens of white roses encountered upon entry to the central Manor House, to the curated soundtracks wafting from the restaurants and pool decks, to destination dining options, Caruso has expertly crafted a timeless, service-oriented, coastal California retreat. “The design of the property is created to immediately make guests feel at home from the moment they arrive,” said general manager Richard Fidel, who credits his staff for their ability at making guests feel special. “And this feeling of laidback luxury stays with our visitors long after they leave the resort. Our team takes pride in ensuring that visitors are looked

Manor House grand foyer

Manor pool

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROSEWOOD MIRAMAR BEACH

Manor House great lawn

after and receive the utmost in service before, during, and after their stay.” The residential resort pays homage to the golden age of hospitality. It lies within 16 acres of pansy-lined, manicured gardens surrounding 160 ultrasumptuous and spacious rooms and suites. Twenty-six are oceanfront beach house suites, studios, and guestrooms with direct access to the sand, an unparalleled Southern California offering. Hammocks and fire pits dot the property and twinkle-lit, old growth trees provide shade. Two expansive, cabana-lined pools (one for families, one for solitude) flank the great lawn where white Adirondack chairs face the Pacific. The pristine, butler-staffed beach features complimentary chairs, umbrellas, beach toys, and water

Rosewood Miramar Beach jolly

sports equipment to help make the most of a day in the sun. And there’s no better spot to enjoy an evening libation than within the Carlyle-esque Manor Bar. Internationally renowned designers Diane Johnson and Nancy Corzine fashioned the classic, Art Deco inspired room and suite interiors featuring lush textiles and linens. Fully stocked minibars offer deluxe sized spirits, half bottles of wine, and an assortment of refreshments to be enjoyed on private balconies or within the adjacent, furnished garden patios. Spacious marble bathrooms feature a custom “Marine Fresh” line of amenities. An assortment of coffee table books provides appropriately nuanced reading material. 51

HauteHOTEL

Additional design features, such as the stately Manor House’s carved staircase and the serpentine-edged Cabana Pool, pay tribute to the late, esteemed Southern Californian architect Paul Revere Williams, for whom the resort’s newest restaurant is named. The Revere Room’s classic dining room features chinoiserie blue, hand-painted Gracie wallpaper, and darkstained chevron wood floors that contrast with tones of ivory and cream, and magnificent wood doors that open to an expansive patio and ocean breezes. Here, the resort’s executive chef, Massimo Falsini, celebrates the best of the American Riviera with seasonal, all-day menus that feature health-conscious cuisine incorporating the freshest ingredients from local farmers, fisherman, and ranchers, as well as the resort's own garden. At Caruso’s, the resort’s signature waterfront restaurant designed to resemble the stern of a yacht, the Rome-raised Falsini indulges his passion for Southern Italian Cuisine with items such as compression of carbonara, annotated on the menu with “I grew up in Trastavere; you should try 52

this one.” An extensive selection of hyperlocal and international wines complement both pasta dishes and selections from land and sea. Hovering just above Caruso’s is the Miramar Beach Bar where classic cocktails are served with an always brilliant setting sun. The resort’s varied retail offerings well illustrate Caruso’s experience within the retail sector. Rosewood Miramar Beach was the first permanent hotel location for goop, the modern lifestyle brand founded and helmed by Gwyneth Paltrow. The Shop at Miramar, located in the Manor House, features a selection of signature resort wear. The Gatehouse, a Californiainspired concept store curated by designer James Perse, beckons shoppers from its own brick building facing the Manor House. Well-known for its selection of fashion labels such as Chanel, Dior, Balenciaga, and Fendi, The Webster’s first permanent resort boutique located in the Manor House’s lobby offers personalized service either in the boutique or in the comfort of the resort’s rooms and suites.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROSEWOOD MIRAMAR BEACH

Beach House Suite terrace

If, after enjoying the elegant swimming pools, a few games of bocce ball, and a walk along the beach, one finds need for further relaxation, Sense, A Rosewood Spa, stands ready to pamper with treatments inspired by ancient healing traditions and the native plants found along the coast. The small, yet sumptuous and tranquil space provides the option of enjoying al fresco treatments on a sunny deck overlooking the stunning Santa Ynez mountains. “We have created a place where guests of all ages are welcomed and can feel at ease while lounging by the pool and beach or playing a game of bocce with friends and family,” said Fidel. “We offer a truly residential experience, coupled with unmatched, personalized service and amenities to create a domestic getaway reminiscent of that of an international escape.” Those seeking to take home a bit of the Rosewood Miramar Beach vibe might consider membership in the Miramar Wine Collective, in which Director of Wine Daniel Fish curates a monthly offering of choice vintages from Santa Barbara Wine Country and around the globe. Members receive a unique array of four to 12 bottles per shipment, delivered or available for pickup at the resort during the last four days of each month, a great reason to return to this haute haven again and again.

Miramar Beach Bar

Caruso’s terrace

Manor Bar

Garden Bungalow Suite bedroom

Garden Bungalow Suite terrace

BY TERESA RODRIGUEZ

HauteHOTEL

BACK TO THE WILD LOGE Camps takes you the edge of civilization, and you decide how deep into the wilderness you want to go FASCINATING TALES OF SUPERhuman creatures, lizard people, and shamans entice travelers looking to experience more than room service on their vacations to the snowcapped peaks of Mount Shasta. For those who practice energy medicine, it has been said that the root chakra of the earth is located here. Many Native American tribes believe that Mount Shasta's still-active volcano is the center of the universe. And, when you visit this majestic mountain, you can see—and feel—why they believe that. If that's too New Age for you, you'll be pleasantly surprised to learn that Mount Shasta is one of those destinations that truly caters to all types of travelers. Mount Shasta offers epic outdoor challenges for hardcore adventurers and also accommodates those who are more middle-of-the-road, weekend warrior types. 54

Sunset at LOGE

Free bike for guests

PHOTO CREDITS: ©TERESA RODRIGUEZ & COURTESY OF LOGE CAMPS

Café

Just a few minutes from the quaint town of Shasta is a new concept accommodation called LOGE Camps. It's the beautiful yet frisky love child of a trendy Scandinavian hotel and an adventure camp. If you're someone who appreciates the finer things in life and still likes to get down and dirty, LOGE is for you. An impressive list of accoutrements, including boot warmers, hammocks, coffee makers, and a minbar, pack the well-appointed rooms. While you sleep in and enjoy a warm beverage in bed, the exceptional staff is hard at work setting up all the equipment you need for an outdoor escape up the mountain or around Lake Siskiyou. During winter, they rent cross-country skis, snowshoes, toboggans, and sleds. If you're ready for a hardcore excursion up the mountain, the LOGE’s talented staff can make that happen for you. Mount Shasta, largely been known as Grilling a winter sports destination, has quickly become a fantastic 4-season destination with plenty to do when there isn't snow on the ski runs. Recently, mountain biking on Mount Shasta has been a growing attraction, and LOGE wants to help you get out on the trails. Aside from the free city cruisers that LOGE offers its guests, starting Memorial Day weekend, LOGE Camps will also be offering mountain bike demos for rent on-site. An assortment of bikes from REI and Diamondback will be available in youth and adult sizes.

Mountain biking in Mount Shasta

Grilling at LOGE

HauteHOTEL For those who not ready to go full-on mountain man, LOGE offers a sweet spot between urban comforts and wild adventures. LOGE is located just a few minutes from Shasta's city center, so you can get your nails done and enjoy a lazy Sunday brunch. LOGE prides itself on its deep sense of community. You can find international guests around the many firepits, listening to live music and roasting s’mores with all the yummy ingredients supplied in each room. Pets are also welcome at LOGE: they even have a designated Bark Park for your pups. Along with firepits and beers on tap, LOGE has two Traeger wood-fired grills for you to cook up your favorite meaty delights. Outdoor seating allows you to dine al fresco, alone or with other guests. Beyond firepits and grills, the property has a wellstocked café that serves freshly made breakfast items and sandwiches—along with teas and coffees. The café also has an impressive collection of beers on tap and popular single-serving wines in cans. Guest rooms have refrigerators stocked with a fantastic array of thirst quenchers; there's also a microwave and a hot water kettle with teas and coffee. If you want to check out the New Age vibe of the mountain, visit the many boutiques that sell crystals, books on metaphysics, and healing instruments. Even if you're not into alternative spiritual beliefs, it's worth spending an afternoon browsing through the shops and learning about the powerful, mystic energy of Mount Shasta.

LOGE

In-room bike racks

Double rooms

LOGE chill spot

THINGS TO DO IN SHASTA

Tanner Turner, the amazing manager at LOGE, shares some of his top picks of things to do when visiting Mount Shasta DINING

1. Pipeline Crafts & Taps: This newer pub in Mount Shasta's downtown serves great pub-style food and beer. They have an outdoor patio as well. 2. Sparky's Landing: The newest restaurant in the downtown area. Sparky's and Pipeline Craft Taps and Kitchen are right next door to each other. Italian American style restaurant. Pizzas, pastas, steaks, veggie/vegan options, and a full bar. 3. Lily's: Hawaiian flare cuisine. If you have a chance to go to breakfast while in town, Lily's is perfect. I recommend the Loco Moco. Mount Shasta during the day

4. Lunch options: Andaman Thai, Mount Shasta Supermarket has a fantastic deli, Poncho's taco stand. THINGS TO DO

1. Trek around Mount Shasta. Take the short drive to Everett Memorial Highway and explore one of the many trails and stop-offs along the mountain’s base. 2. McCloud Falls. The lower, middle, and upper falls are amazingly beautiful and just a 15-minute drive from the property. It is a moderate hike across the three sections. 3. Castle Lake hike. Check out the beautiful alpine lakes with spectacular views of Mount Shasta. THINGS TO SEE

1. Lake Siskiyou at sunset. About three miles from the hotel, an 8-mile walking trail bordering the lake affords wonderful views of Mount Shasta. 2. Upper Sacramento River headwaters at Mount Shasta City Park. Sample the fresh water from this famous spring. The creek runs through the park which is really a beautiful area to relax. 3. Crystal shops in downtown. You can't come to Mount Shasta and not check out some of the crystal and metaphysical shops. I recommend Soul Connections and The Crystal Room. Activities at Mount Shasta

BY ROSANNA STEVENS

HauteHOTEL

A luxury cabaña with private plunge pool overlooks the forest at Blancaneaux Lodge

A CHARMING JUNGLE IDYLL Find reality again at Blancaneaux Lodge in Belize WITH THE PAST 12 MONTHS OFTEN FEELING AS THOUGH THE world has been cast in a disaster movie, we find legendary filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola’s luxurious Blancaneaux Lodge in Belize is the place to get back to life’s simple pleasures. In a strange echo of our current reality, Blancaneaux Lodge was discovered by Coppola in 1981 when searching for a remote work destination. For almost 20 years, it served as a personal family hideaway and quiet place to write before opening to the public in 1993. Now, it operates as an exquisite retreat for anyone hoping to escape reality, or perhaps find it again. Nestled in lush gardens on the banks of the Privassion Creek, Blancaneaux Lodge offers eco-luxury and impeccable hospitality within 58

the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve in the Cayo district of the Central American country Belize. The 20 individual cabañas and villas, three restaurants, pool, and main lodge blend seamlessly into the stunning scenery along with a horse stable, a 3½-acre organic garden, and the hydroelectric plant that powers much of the property. Impressively, before ecotourism became prevalent in the late nineties, Coppola led the way by harnessing hydroelectric energy from the creek and creating an organic garden to grow fruit and vegetables for the restaurants. He and his wife, Eleanor, developed Blancaneaux from an abandoned hunting lodge into what it is now and viewed their roles mainly as conservators, always exploring new technologies to help preserve this remote corner of the world.

PHOTO CREDITS : SASKIA RABBIT (IG @SASKIA_RABBIT)

The cabañas and villas accommodate two to six people, each with its own character. Features include open-air living rooms, hammocks that swing in the breeze, walled gardens with outdoor showers, private plunge pools, and viewing decks. In a joint effort with Coppola, Mexican architect Manolo Mestre designed the warm and intimate décor which is based loosely on designs the filmmaker saw while filming Apocalypse Now in the Philippines. In fact, some props and parts of the set can even be found at the lodge, like the overhead fans in the Jaguar Bar in the main building. The Coppolas personally sourced other furnishings from Mexico and Guatemala. Bright, tropical tones mix with rich mahogany furniture handcrafted in San Ignacio, the closest town. The delightful “shellphone” intercom system connecting guest accommodations to the front desk deserves special mention. Conch shells sit majestically on mahogany bases reminiscent of gramophones and connect guests to reception for ordering room service or just testing it out to say hello.

Hand-painted tiles adorn a deep Japanese bath

Blancaneaux Lodge sits on the banks of Privassion Creek

HauteHOTEL In the bathrooms, locally sourced, handmade toiletries sit in sweet ceramic pots, and hand-painted tiles adorn deep Japanese baths. Every day, the attentive staff scatter hibiscus flowers over enormous towels, and modern amenities like hairdryers are tucked inside antique wooden boxes to maintain a sense of uninterrupted, natural living. On-site, take a tour of the lodge’s stables and go on a guided ride through the forest. Idle by the pool or drift lazily down the creek on a river tube, while gazing at the sky. When the urge to be pampered comes, visit the Waterfall Spa where the professionally trained team who has studied the ancient techniques at the sacred Wat Pho Temple in Bangkok offer wraps, treatments, and massages. Afterward, sip a glass of crisp Coppola wine in the hot pool that snakes out over the creek and watch the sunset through the trees. When adventure beckons, a team of experienced guides are on hand for excursions further afield. Hike to nearby Big Rock Falls and take a refreshing swim with the water crashing around you, or explore nearby Mayan archaeological sites, like Caracol and Xunantunich. At the end of the day, enjoy a “Jaguar Juice” in the main bar, the house cocktail named after the elusive jungle cat only a lucky few have seen slinking through the trees. A potent combination of local craboo liqueur, aged rum, and fresh pineapple juice is served over the bespoke slate bar carved with ancient Mayan symbols created by a Belizean artisan. Nearby, a piano waits to be played. It was shipped from Miami by Coppola, and it is not the only personal acquisition scattered around the site by this most hands-on celebrity hotelier.

The charming “shellphone” intercom system at Blancaneaux Lodge

Handwoven textiles from Mexico and Guatemala were brought personally by Francis and Eleanor Coppola

Breakfast on the deck of a 2-bedroom villa

Upon discovering that Belize did not have the coffee culture he, as an Italian American, felt essential, Coppola imported an espresso machine and a pizza oven. He himself taught some staff how to make his family’s traditional Italian recipes handed down generations. Many of these dishes are on the Montagna restaurant menu in the main lodge. Two other restaurants provide ample choices when hunger strikes, including poolside Guatemaltecqua, specializing in cuisine from nearby Guatemala. Sample the subtle warmth of pepián soup or salpicón, shredded beef salad flavored with sour orange and cilantro. The third eatery within the organic garden, known as the Garden Spot, is an extra-special treat. At the pop-up bar, guests order fragrant cocktails dressed with fresh herbs before strolling among the vegetables. The head gardener leads tours to show what’s in season, and the chef tags along to pick ingredients for a different dinner every night.

The organic garden and Garden Spot restaurant

PHOTO CREDITS : SASKIA RABBIT (IG @SASKIA_RABBIT)

“To stay at Blancaneaux Lodge is to be charmed and to feel like a member of the family.” To stay at Blancaneaux Lodge is to be charmed and to feel like a member of the family. The friendly staff will all know your name; many have worked for Coppola for over 20 years, which gives them huge insight into guest experience. Needs are anticipated, like the ice-cold flannel scented with eucalyptus offered after climbing to the top of a Mayan temple in the midday sun (at that moment, I would have given my very soul for that level of refreshment). To get to Blancaneaux Lodge, guests arrive from Belize City airport by car via the gorgeous, scenic Hummingbird Highway or by special charter flight or helicopter to the private airstrip. A 7-night package for those craving the best of both worlds splits time between Blancaneaux Lodge and Turtle Inn, Coppola’s beachside Belizean hideaway opened in 2003. There is also Coppola’s private island hideaway, Coral Caye, for those desiring complete and utter solitude. Sample all three, if you can, and return feeling as though you have reconnected to the world. thefamilycoppolahideaways.com

The hot pool at the Waterfall Spa is the place to relax at Blancaneaux Lodge

Visit the ancient Mayan ruins of Caracol, one of many excursions offered to guests

PROFILE

MATTEO LUNELLI and the

ALTAGAMMA FOUNDATION Promote the

ITALIAN

Art of Living Bottega Veneta. Bvlgari. Ducati. Gucci. Riva Yachts. These and other iconic Italian brands have always been integral to a refined and cultured lifestyle. Consumers the world over equate such names with quality and tradition, and rightly so. As members of Italy’s Altagamma Foundation, these and 107 other high-end cultural and creative brands are recognized globally as authentic ambassadors of Italian style. To enjoy the products and services of Altagamma member companies is to indulge in the essence of a country and culture that has long defined luxury.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FERRARI TRENTO

BY FRAN ENDICOTT MILLER

63 Matteo Lunelli

Villa d’Este

Ferrari Brut

Lamborghini Huracán STO

Leading the way for the Altagamma Foundation and its members is current president, Matteo Lunelli, president and CEO of Ferrari Trento, Italy’s sparkling wine brand from the Trentino region in the foothills of the Italian Alps and one of Altagamma’s founding companies. The Foundation’s member assembly unanimously elected Lunelli upon his candidacy introduction by founding president Santo Versace, honorary president Leonardo Ferragamo, and past president Claudio Luti. Lunelli, strongly committed to promoting the Italian lifestyle, is tasked with upholding Altagamma’s mission: to increase the competitiveness of Italy’s high-end industries in setting the standard for “Made in Italy” and to contribute to Italy’s economic growth, goals that are undeniably challenging due to the dramatic economic changes presented by COVID-19 this past year. “The entire high-end sector was seriously impacted by the pandemic, with a drop in turnover which—with sometimes significant differences between different sectors—was around -20% to -22% in 2020,” said Lunelli. “In Italy, one of our main concerns has been the protection of the various supply chains that make up our greatest asset, because Italy is, first of all, a country of great quality manufacturing, rich in highly specialized industrial districts and specific skills unique in the world. Constant listening to the needs of our Altagamma members, continuous monitoring of market trends, dialogue with institutions—especially so that small businesses are supported in this difficult period—have been at the heart of our business." “The concept of ‘Made in Italy’ continues to have an extraordinarily evocative power, linked as it is to our territories, our traditions, our knowhow, and our lifestyle,” continued Lunelli, who firmly believes in the strong synergies created between Altagamma’s brands. “An industry model of excellence like the Italian one, not only centered on the values of product quality but also on the quality of life, can represent one of the most important contributions that Italy can offer to the world. Nevertheless, the prevailing macroeconomic conditions require Altagamma’s members to succeed in satisfying the needs of new consumers and a changing landscape. An international scope, sustainability, and a contemporary outlook are, therefore, the 3 strategic pillars that will inspire our activities over the next 3 years.” As part of a family’s third generation overseeing Ferrari Trento, thrice named “Sparkling Wine Producer of the Year” by The Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships, Lunelli is well-equipped to lead Altagamma through his three-year tenure. Under Lunelli family leadership, Ferrari Trento has long been known as the toast of Italy par excellence, and its wines have accompanied the most important moments in culture, sport, and entertainment. Further proving its recognition as a global leader in its field, Ferrari Trento was recently named the Official Sparkling Wine of Formula 1®, a prestigious, three-year, worldwide partnership that will see the brand’s award-winning sparkling wine as the official toast of Formula 1® celebrations throughout 2021 and beyond. "Our collaboration with Formula 1® is based on shared values, such as a world class pursuit of excellence in every detail, innovation, and passion,” says Lunelli. “For the first time, an Italian sparkling wine steps onto the podium of all Formula 1® Grands Prix, playing a part in one of the most iconic moments in sport. It is a great source of pride for us at Ferrari Trento

PHOTO CREDITS: (TOP & MIDDLE) COURTESY OF FERRARI TRENTO; (BOTTOM) COURTESY OF LAMBORGHINI

PROFILE

PHOTO CREDITS: (TOP ) COURTESY OF FERRARI TRENTO; (MIDDLE) PHOTO COURTESY OF ALTAGAMMA ITALIAN CONTEMPORARY EXCELLENCE; (BOTTOM) PHOTO COURTESY OF FERRARI TRENTO

and, I believe, a testament to the global appreciation of Italian excellence." Altagamma’s affiliate roster of fashion houses, jewelers, yachting companies, automotive brands, luxury resorts, wellness providers, household design, and more showcases that Italian excellence. Each Altagamma member must be a profitable, high-end, internationally wellknown brand with a distinct retail aura—essentially, the best of what it means to be “Made in Italy.” From Brunello Cucinelli to Ermenegildo Zegna, Alfa Romero to Lamborghini, and Benetti to Riva, Altagamma’s outstanding brands boast amazing heritage and a cumulative history of more than 9,000 years, while representing an industry worth 115 billion euros that contributes 6.85% to Italy’s GDP with an export that accounts for 53% of output and 402,000 direct and indirect employees. “Each Altagamma member is part of our cultural and creative industries, and each is at the top of its sector ecosystem. Most represent specific Italian territories or cities, such as Ferrari Trento from the Trentino Mountains, Villa d’Este in the Lake Como region, or Ornellaia from Tuscany’s Bolgheri district,” Lunelli explained. “Our brands represent what Italian luxury goods are all about: excellence, an intrinsic value of tradition, history, craftsmanship, sustainability, and quality. We feel a great responsibility to continue delivering to consumers this level of excellence in every aspect of what we each do, and to continue sharing our traditions with the world. Luxury is not about showing off; it is about sharing art, culture, and beauty.” Lunelli is also CEO of the Lunelli Group, an Italian beverage group that complements Ferrari with brands that share the same quest for excellence and an indissoluble link with terroir. He graduated with honors in economics from Bocconi University, Milan. Before joining the family business, he gained international experience in financial consulting at Goldman Sachs International in Zurich, London, and New York, credentials that serve him well in representing Altagamma and its members. “It is really about promoting the values of Italian culture and creativity; and, in this way, our mission is a form of diplomacy, or soft power,” said Lunelli. “Our brands contribute to enriching the country’s culture and, therefore, its role in the globalized world. A consumer who appreciates the craftsmanship of an Italian luxury good from a particular place with a particular heritage of artisan excellence learns to appreciate Italy in a more meaningful way. The educated consumer becomes a cultural ambassador, not for a brand but for a way of living.” And though it is certainly not necessary to visit Italy in order to appreciate the consumer exports of Altagamma’s members, full immersion is the most optimal way to enjoy the country’s “bests.” Lunelli welcomes one and all to Ferrari Trento when the time is right: “I hope everyone comes to Italy as soon as possible to experience the Italian lifestyle. We look forward to welcoming you to Ferrari’s Trentino mountains in the heart of the Italian Alps between Lake Garda and the Dolomites. Walk through our beautiful vineyard and sample our wines, tour our 16th century Villa Margon with its treasure of ancient frescoes, and end your day with a Michelin-starred meal prepared by chef Edoardo Fumagalli at our own Locanda Margon. Art, nature, cuisine, fine wine, and tradition—a visit to Ferrari Trento is a great example of the Italian art of living.”

Matteo Lunelli

Valentino couture

Ferrari Trento’s Villa Margon

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ARIODANTE

PROFILE

66 Araujo Ricardo

RICARDO ARAUJO

and ARIODANTE Make Travel Dreams Come True Anyone can visit a museum. Few are able to enjoy a sumptuous meal beneath a masterpiece, with the museum’s curator or a famous artist as host. BY FRAN ENDICOTT MILLER

A BEHIND-THE-SCENES GLIMPSE INTO THE PRODUCTION OF a world-class opera. A private and secret visit to the restoration workshops of one of Europe’s most important museums to witness the restoration of an Egyptian mummy. A private visit to Windsor Castle guided by a senior member of the British Royal Family. These are just a few of the travel dreams-turned-reality made possible by Ricardo Araujo and his team at Ariodante, a discreet, niche, ultra-luxury travel concierge service catering to those whose wanderlust (and pocketbooks) know no bounds. Here’s how Araujo makes the impossible happen: HL: What is your background? RA: I’m a classical musician, a composer, and a conductor who fell by accident into the travel and luxury world. Everything started when I met a lovely couple from Boston who were visiting London. They asked me to join them at the Royal Opera House and explain everything from a conductor’s point of view. They then treated me to dinner, and, in gratitude, I offered them a backstage visit to the Royal Opera House, as for me it was just a phone call to a friend. Soon, their friends from the US started asking me for the same. Then they started asking about museums and other cultural places, and that’s when I started creating ideas I personally loved. I challenged myself to give them something better. Since they desired very luxurious and mostly unique experiences—and were providing a blank check—I continued to raise the level. Soon they requested other locations, regions, and countries. Ariodante was born basically because I was having so much fun.

HL: How do you gain such incredible access to people and places that are typically off-limits to travellers? RA: When I started Ariodante, I used my personal contacts, mostly in classical music, then I expanded my network. The key is human connection. Being an artist myself, I understand cultural institutions. I know how they think; I share their passion. This is why, for me, it’s easy to speak with them and show them the interest they’ll have when working with us. It’s a special know-how. I know how to ask, what to ask for, and how to convince them and build trust. I can easily pick up my phone and have a friendly chat with many directors of museums, important curators, countless world experts, celebrities, and even some Nobel Prize winners. I’ve built a priceless trust with all of them, and now they help me when I need something. 67

PROFILE

Private museum tour

HL: What was one of your more challenging itineraries; do you enjoy a good challenge? RA: I love challenges! The more the better. Every single experience, every single tour, is a challenge because each one is uniquely crafted. It’s like “travel haute couture.” Our members are multi-millionaires and billionaires who have everything; it’s always a challenge to give them something more. The first challenge is to find the right ideas for the right person and show them that, even if they think they’ve done it all, they haven’t and that we can make the impossible possible. People, even very wealthy ones, think about travel in a traditional way and can’t imagine there is more. When I started, I wanted to welcome a couple with a special bottle of champagne—a 1953 vintage of the wife’s favorite brand because that was their anniversary year. I had no idea how to source such a bottle and it took me several weeks to find it … in Hong Kong. During the Mediterranean Ulysses trip, I turned a dream into reality for our member’s 9-year-old granddaughter. At Capri, she and her mother took a submarine expedition to see the beautiful fish, and there, suddenly, appeared a mermaid. Homer wrote it in his Odyssey, and we made it happen. The “mermaid” appeared for 30 seconds, but it took us three weeks to plan. We had to bring her onboard at 2 a.m. several days before and hide her so we could wait for the perfect moment. Currently, we are working on a challenging, several-months-long sabbatical throughout Europe and Central and South America about 68

Hot air balloon over Bagan

Columbus and the Spanish conquistadors. We have to send the right wardrobes to the right locations in advance. In Mexico, we will follow the route Hernan Cortés used when he first traveled to Tenochtitlan. Varying altitudes and weather conditions means we will send in advance warm clothes to the villages where we will be stopping, so the group can change without having to carry bags. We are also organizing an Amazonian hiking expedition in Peru by following the journey of the conquistador Francisco de Orallana. A team of 11 (including a doctor and a renowned explorer) are securing the path, carrying the equipment, and building the camp in advance. Once we reach the river, a chartered yacht will be waiting. HL: What was one of your most personally rewarding itineraries? RA: So many! There was a trip to see the birth of an opera production I really loved. We planned several short trips within a year to see all the steps, from first sketches to the premiere. We were sometimes spending a full day with some of the best opera singers in the world. When you see them rehearsing, it’s great; but, when you are able to really share quality time with them, it’s just incredible. Then, there was a Leonardo da Vinci experience I loved. Being alone in front of the “Last Supper” or touching some of his codices was priceless. At the end, the most rewarding experience is to see the happiness and wonder in the eyes of the member. My true passion is to bring them that happiness and to turn their trips into what I can call a “living dream.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ARIODANTE

Domaine de Chantilly

Château de Fontainebleau

Private Visit to the Vatican Museums

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ARIODANTE; (BOTTOM LEFT) ©BENJAMIN DECOIN; (TOP RIGHT) ©BEATRICE LECUYER BIBAL

Plan a sailing trip with Ariodante

HL: Have you ever had a request that you could not fulfil? RA: So far, no, because I never commit to something I’m not 100 percent sure I can deliver. Ariodante is not like all the concierge companies. People don’t come to us with requests; instead, they trust us to create the right ideas for them. Sometimes someone wants something very specific, but we are able to show there are way better ways of doing something. A member once received an offer from a very high-end concierge to get involved with former Special Forces soldiers. We proposed something similar, but with the chance to spend time on a nuclear submarine with the commander. He chose the submarine without hesitation. HL: Explain the itinerary building process. RA: Each trip is different, but something simple takes us at least two weeks. A full trip takes more than a month, and sometimes even more than six months. The first step is a conversation to gather as much information about what the member wants and expects. We speak about passions, interests, memories, and dreams. My goal is to push him or her to talk freely and to forget about past travels, so instead he or she can tell me about travel dreams. Based on that conversation, we send a PDF with bespoke initial ideas. Then we start the creation phase. The Mediterranean cruise in the footsteps of Ulysses took more than five months of planning with a team of 11 people and several

Mermaid experience in Capri

local partners. We work with the member’s team and plan every single detail, from how the principal likes his or her eggs to be cooked to a favorite champagne. Then we test everything. If we are traveling between two cities and the members will be driving a supercar, we scout available roads in order to choose the best. Each trip is ultra-curated and handcrafted to the smallest detail. When the member’s jet lands, we have two cars waiting, one for him or her and one for the luggage. Our team is already at the hotel unpacking luggage and making sure everything is perfect upon arrival. We never use booking platforms. We handpick every hotel and provider and are in constant contact with senior management. We have total control and work only with those we are sure can deliver the quality we require. HL: Do you have a staff or do you lead all tours yourself? RA: I have an amazing staff. Our head office is in London, but I also have offices in Paris, the French Riviera, Madrid, and Rome. I’m involved in each trip and oversee everything. When a new member joins, I travel to personally meet with him or her. I usually also meet with their personal assistant, butler, or a senior staff member. I also travel for negotiations. Once I had to fly to the Vatican to speak with a someone close to the Pope to convince them to agree to something unique. I’m also the host of many trips, especially those where my past and my artistic career have added value. I personally know each member: they trust me.

PHOTO CREDIT: ©CORY WEAVER

PROFILE

70 Melania in an Assyrian dance costume Sherene

QUEEN of ARTS Sherene Melania unites storytelling and social justice at Presidio Dance Theatre BY CAROLYNE ZINKO

DANCING IN TOE SHOES IS A BALANCING ACT—JUST LIKE THE mission of San Francisco’s Presidio Dance Theatre, committed to the arts and humanitarian work. As a former ballet dancer with a degree in social justice, its executive and artistic director, Sherene Melania, is uniquely positioned to keep the nonprofit en pointe while also extending its reach. The company is an offshoot of the Presidio Performing Arts Foundation, co-founded in 1998 by Melania’s late mother, Judy Bretschneider, to offer after-school dance classes, known as Dance Out!, to public school students. Melania studied at the Kirov Academy, earned a teaching certificate at St. Petersburg State University in Russia and danced in Europe before returning home in the early 2000s, not realizing she’d be following in her mother’s pioneering footsteps. An internationalist at heart, fluent in French and Russian, and of Assyrian heritage, Melania found the repertoire in the U.S. less appealing than in Europe, where diverse fare might combine ballet with Persian dance. But an experience while apprenticing with the Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg showed her the arts could be used for entertainment as well as for social good. On her way to school one day, Melania saw a girl in a tattered sweater, standing barefoot in the snow outside an orphanage. Determined not to ignore it, she enlisted classmates in a benefit concert that raised enough to buy cold weather necessities for every child at the institution. “At 17 years old,” writes Melania on presidiodance.org, “I realized that I could utilize dance, not only as a form of entertainment, but as a tool to tangibly help others and unite peoples.” In 2005, that transformative spark was rekindled and Presidio Dance Theatre was born.

PROFILE

Presidio Dance Theatre's Little Lantern production

True to her goals, the company, with six full-time adult dancers, embraces artists from conflict-ridden countries like Palestine, Syria, and Iraq. Its multimedia and multi-genre productions (with dancing, acting, and singing) take inspiration from the traditional dances of Russia, China, Mexico, and other nations. The company’s costumes are out of the ordinary, too, made at the Mariinsky Theater atelier, thanks to Melania’s connections. Presidio Dance Theatre’s youth company trains students from first through 12th grades in a range of demographics across the city, some paying up to $7,000 a year for full tuition while others receive scholarships. Some have gone on to dance professionally, like Ixchel Cuellar, who toured in the musical Finding Neverland and performed in Mean Girls on Broadway. LeVander Moore, who joined Dance Out! in third grade at Bret Harte Elementary in Bayview-Hunters Point, went on to San Jose State University on a football scholarship. He’s now a conditioning and strength-training coach for students and hopes to be a role model, noting, “I wanted to come back and show what the Presidio Performing Arts Foundation did for me.”

Sherene Melania looking regal at the Morgan Estate in Los Altos Hills

PHOTO CREDITS: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) COURTESY OF PRESIDIO DANCE THEATRE; ©CORY WEAVER; ©CORY WEAVER

Sherene Melania in a costume by the Mariinsky Theatre atelier

A close-up of intricate beading on the veil of an Assyrian dance costume worn by Sherene Melania

PHOTO CREDITS: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) ©CORY WEAVER; ©CORY WEAVER; COURTESY OF PRESIDIO DANCE THEATRE

Sherene Melania with Georgian dancers

Melania’s savoir faire—as a UNESCO-appointed director of dance, a former San Francisco arts commissioner, and a cultural leader of the Assyrian diaspora—has sparked many global exchanges. The company’s Young Ambassadors program has gone on seven international tours and raised money for books for school children in Iraq and donated coats and cold weather supplies for Assyrian refugees in Greece, among other projects. One such ambassador, Georgia Gardner, who danced in the youth company from age 10 to 18, took part in a performance for diplomats at the European Parliament in Brussels in 2015. “This passion I felt for cultural diplomacy … has only grown since,” says Gardner, now pursuing a double major in international relations and history at Stanford University. Public school pupils, meanwhile, are familiar with the company’s annual Children’s Day at the War Memorial Opera House, seen by 6,000 kids. (Last year’s performance went virtual over Zoom, with clips from 2019 and dance lessons from international choreographers urging kids to dance along at home.) “For a lot of children, it’s the only live performing arts show they’ll see, their only trip to the Opera House,” Melania says. “Besides seeing professional dancers on stage, they see their peers performing. It’s inspiring for them and they say, ‘I want to be up there next year.’” As an administrator who dances with the company, teaches three days a week, and launched lunchtime fitness classes for adults via Zoom during the pandemic, Melania is busy putting her heart and her specialized knowledge to work. She earned a degree in performing arts and social justice from the

Executive and artistic director Sherene Melania and conditioning coach LeVander Moore of Presidio Dance Theatre

University of San Francisco in 2005 and a master’s in art in education from Harvard in 2011. Although the Dance Out! program has downsized from 32 schools to just a handful in recent years, for reasons related to logistics, finances, and the pandemic, a new partnership with the nonprofit Bayview Alliance (founded by philanthropist Cissie Swig with an assist from YMCA President Emeritus Chuck Collins, a dance theatre advisory board member) aims to bring more dance to Bayview-Hunters Point. Amid last summer’s Black Lives Matter movement, the dance company held teach-ins on issues of race with panelists including Shauna Marshall, former academic dean at UC Hastings law school. Melania also choreographed an individual dance called “We Stand” for UNESCO's World Dance Congress, calling on other arts organizations to join the movement. A Spring Season Luncheon fundraiser is slated for June 6 at Sessions restaurant in the Presidio, to be co-chaired by Farah Makras and Sonya Molodetskaya. The fundraiser will support the nonprofit’s annual $450,000 operating budget and Melania’s creation of a new ballet about an Assyrian warrior queen, The Legend of Shamiram, to premiere in 2022. Makras is a believer in the harmony the dance group promotes, thanks to the confidence it gave to her daughter, Lilah, 17, who needed extra attention for learning and social differences as a child. “When you go to the center, you feel the warmth,” Makras said. “They always had a part for her everywhere, every day. She would come home so happy to have been included.”

BY CAROLYNE ZINKO

“What We Do For Love” by Kaytea Petro received the highest auction bid, $25,000.

HauteSCENE

“Chance” by Sarah Delson

“Love is Love” by Tracy Sutherland

“Digital Health Convergence” by Marco Oliver Lopez

HEARTS IN SAN FRANCISCO

Janis MacKenzie, chair of the event committee, and Dennis Conaghan

PHOTO CREDITS: HEART SCULPTURE PHOTOS BY SHOW READY PHOTO; KIM NALLEY PHOTO BY DREW ALTIZER; ALL OTHER PHOTOS, COURTESY OF SAN FRANCISCO GENERAL HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

San Francisco General Hospital Foundation CEO Kim Meredith

THERE’S NO DENYING, GIVEN THE PAST YEAR’S EVENTS, that the staffers of Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital have heart. This year’s Hearts in San Francisco virtual fundraiser and art sculpture auction proved its supporters do, too: The hospital’s foundation, led by Kim Meredith, garnered $1.6 million for programs that focus on health equity and access for all. Musical guests Bob Weir and the Kim Nalley Band entertained, while hospital CEO Susan Ehrlich and emergency room physician Dr. Robert Rodriguez, a Biden-Harris Transition COVID-19 Advisory Board member, told 1,200 livestream guests they’d beat the pandemic “with love and science.”

Jill Linwood and San Francisco General Hospital CEO Susan Ehrlich

Kelly Jane Rosenblatt and host committee co-chair Alex Rosenblatt

“Butterfly Heart” by Charles Gadeken

Dr. Andre Campbell, Gillian Otway, and Campbell’s son, artist Dre Campell

“Justice” by Dre Campbell

Singer Kim Nalley

“ColorFall of Hope” by Deirdre Weinberg

“Silver Lining Surf” by Lisa Long

BY CAROLYNE ZINKO PHOTOS BY CHESIRE ISAACS

A scene from Immersive Van Gogh

HauteSCENE

Ralph Remington, Svetlana Dvoretsky, Dirk Janssen and Jordan Langer at the ribbon cutting

IMMERSIVE VAN GOGH OPENING NIGHT

Visitors take in the view.

IF YOU’VE SPENT TIME IN AMSTERDAM’S VAN GOGH MUSEUM, then you know the Dutch artist’s brush strokes bristle with movement when seen up close. Thanks to a blockbuster exhibit that premiered in Toronto last year and has come to San Francisco, art lovers can now step inside the energy at Immersive van Gogh at SVN West through Sept. 6. On opening night, more than 500,000 cubic feet of moving projections and curated music engulfed civic leaders and guests with awe. Consider it a nice way to get out of our own heads for a moment and into van Gogh’s.

Chris Flink, executive director of the Exploratorium, at the opening

Olympic figure skater Brian Boitano (left) and singer Franc D’Ambrosia attend the opening. Stroopwafels, a Dutch wafer cookie with caramel filling, were served.

Van Gogh-inspired apparel on sale at the exhibit

Renee van Leeuwen, Consul General Dirk Janssen of Holland, exhibition co-producer Sventlana Dvoretsky

75 Attendees get a closer look.

BECCA HENSLEY

HauteART

Greetings from Houston mural at Gelazzi

BEAUX ARTS HOUSTON TEXAS HAS BEEN ENDLESSLY STEREOTYPED: BIG HATS, BIG HAIR, big landscape. But all along, aesthetes in the know have been lauding the state’s exemplary, abundant, well-financed, world class art scene. Perhaps Texas’ artsiest city is Houston, a sprawling, culturally diverse metropolis born on oil profits, sports teams, and a storied space program. Richly urbane, historically global in its outlook, fearlessly sophisticated, and rakishly creative, the city boasts a history of striving (and succeeding) to embrace cultural and artistic expression in all forms. Today, Houston reigns as home to seven cultural districts—more than any city in the United States. One of them, the Theater District, stretches across a 17-block area, encompassing Houston’s resident performance companies, 76

including ballet, drama, opera, and symphony. Equally inspiring, its walkable, park-like Museum District with a trove of 19 acclaimed institutions draws more than 7 million visitors a year to see objects and exhibitions as diverse as exotic animals, Holocaust artifacts, dinosaur bones, and masterworks of every imaginable genre. The Museum of Fine Arts Houston alone houses more than 70,000 pieces. Just as captivating, independent galleries, edgy oeuvre (such as street graffiti and beer can architecture), and unexpected venues (such as the catacomb-like The Cistern at Buffalo Bayou Park art space) enliven the vibe. Ready to immerse in H-town’s art-centric glory, but unsure where to start? Here’s an artful list of not-to-miss sites for your next visit.

PHOTO COURTESY OF VISIT HOUSTON

How to tour Texas’ top art scene

THE MENIL COLLECTION One of the world’s most celebrated private collections, the Renzo Piano-designed Menil Collection was founded as a gift to the public by power couple John and Dominique de Menil in 1987. On a 30-acre, tree-peppered campus set amid a neighborhood, the modern structure holds some 17,000 works: drawings, photographs, prints, sculptures, and paintings dating back to pre-historic times. Ten thousand of these were personally acquired by the de Menils from 1940 to 1990. Highlights include the stand-alone, Piano-designed Cy Twombly Gallery (which displays some of the contemporary artist’s finest works), a jawdropping collection of Surrealist masterpieces, and a diverse cache of African art. ROTHKO CHAPEL:

PHOTO CREDITS: (TOP) ©PAUL HESTER; (MIDDLE) ©ELIZABETH FELICELLA (BOTTOM) COURTESY OF HCCC

In 1964, the de Menils commissioned Abstract Expressionist Mark Rothko to design an ecumenical sanctum. Located steps from the Menil Campus, the stark, somber, octagonal building contrasts dramatically with the surrounding neighborhood’s cheer. Perhaps that was Rothko’s point. It holds 14 of his paintings, each executed in controversially dark hues. A deeply spiritual place for many, the chapel elicits a ruminative effect from visitors. It reopened this year after a $30 million restoration which resulted in a new skylight. The newfound illumination allows dappled light from the bright Texas sky, as candle flames might brighten a cathedral.

The Surrealism galleries at the Menil Collection

Rothko Chapel

Courtesy of HCCC

HOUSTON CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY ART

Artist at work at HCCC

Appropriately sheltered in a re-kitted warehouse, this casual, interactive museum pays homage to conceptual and imaginative art made from clay, found/repurposed materials, glass, metal, fiber, and wood. Spellbinding for visitors of all ages, HCCC not only vaunts galleries, but showcases resident artists—such as potters, weavers, or metalsmiths— at work in their ateliers. A craft garden, gift shop, and an array of classes and workshops seal the deal. From June 5 to September 11, 2021, check out Suited Up: Contemporary Armor Making in Texas, which presents the work of Texas-based, contemporary blacksmiths and leatherworkers, among others. 77

HauteART MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, HOUSTON Truly a phenomenal destination for art lovers, the vast, grand Museum of Fine Arts, Houston spans 300,000 square feet of prime downtown real estate. Its thousands of works, derived from six continents and ranging from antiquities to contemporary art, fill three main gallery buildings as well as two house museums, a sculpture garden, a school, restaurants, and other structures. Tunnels, artworks in themselves (with installations by the likes of James Turrell), connect most of the venue. Notably, MFAH opened its new Kinder Building in late 2020 to great acclaim as a place to promote its black box gallery and display its growing collection of contemporary art. Fans of Impressionism should make time for the Beck Building’s riveting stockpile—from Matisse to Monet.

THE ART CAR MUSEUM This private establishment, a haven of contemporary art, focuses on art cars, various forms of fine art, and lesser known artists. Nicknamed the “Garage Mahal,” the museum primarily features elaborate, whimsical, mind-boggling art cars, low riders, and mobile vehicles—each imaginatively constructed. The museum began in 1984, with the idea of exploring the spirit of car culture. The annual Art Car Parade is a citywide highlight. THE BEER CAN HOUSE What would you do with 50,000 beer cans? Build a house? That’s what John Milkovisch did. In 1968, he dipped into the plethora of empties he kept in his garage and decided they would create the ultimate siding. Now a folk art legend, the artist also carpeted his lawn with glass-inlaid concrete blocks, adorned his redwood fence with marbles, and used thousands of pull-tabs for curtains hung from the front porch. An inspiring reminder that art is everywhere, the Beer Can House has been named one of America’s top 50 roadside attractions (Time magazine 2010). 78

Tunnel installation by Olafur Eliasson at Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Beer tab curtains

PHOTO CREDITS: (TOP RIGHT) COURTESY OF MFAH; (MIDDLE & BOTTOM) COURTESY OF VISITI HOUSTON

Art Car Parade

ARTS DISTRICT HOUSTON AND SAWYER YARDS Recognized statewide as a cultural district, this area lies along the Washington Avenue Corridor, spreading out for about half a mile. It is touted as boasting the highest number of working artists in Texas—and it certainly exudes a creative buzz. With legions of galleries, studios, shops, and restaurants, not to mention public art installations and more, the district gains gravitas from Sawyer Yards, a campus that extends across 55 acres of converted industrial warehouse space housing hundreds of established and emerging artists. Also within the campus and set in old rice silos, The Silos at Sawyer Yards features not-to-miss galleries. Houston Silo at Sawyers Yard

PHOTO CREDITS: (TOP) COURTESY OF SAWYERS YARD; (MIDDLE) ©LAWRENCE KNOX; (BOTTOM) COURTESY OF VISIT HOUSTON

THE CISTERN BAYOU PARK

BUFFALO

The Cistern at Buffalo Bayou Park

Houston or Istanbul? You’ll wonder for a moment when you enter this exotic spectacle, built in 1926 as a cistern. Once an actual reservoir for water, the 85,000-square-foot chamber was closed for many years until being repurposed as a popular venue for rotating art installations and shows. Cistern history tours and sound healing meditation (can you imagine the acoustics?) also draw crowds. Visit Houston

GRAFFITI PARK

Graffiti Park

It arises from Houston’s traffic-infested sprawl as a radiant mirage. Located in Houston’s East End, this unofficial park—more a row of blocks—honors the enchantment of human expression and the dignity of creative pursuit. Colorful and riveting, each inch of the street plays a part in the overall composition. Many of the works were painted during the Houston Urban Experience (HUE) Mural Festival, an annual event. 79

BECCA HENSLEY

HauteBEAUTY

Danish hotels blend hygge and sustainability

TAKING BEAUTY HOME IT’S SOUNDS WEIRD, BUT MAYBE YOU’LL RELATE: I’VE ALWAYS loved hotel stuff. As a little kid, the first thing I would do when staying at a hotel (or even a motel) was to rush into the room, open the desk drawer, and pull out the engraved stationery and hotel postcards. Then I’d grab the hotel logo pen and write a note to my friends. Later, I’d wear the adultsized bathrobe, enjoying its luxe feel. I’d always be the first person into the bathroom to use the shampoo and conditioner, reveling in the scent, often leaving nothing for the rest of my family to use in the shower. Slippers, towels with hotel monograms, embossed wine glasses, or distinctive tea cups, a hotel’s signature scent, a spa product crafted only for a certain property, a bedtime atomizer of lilac essential oil left at my bedside, a candle infused with bouquets that evoke the locale—all these things still give me pleasure. So, it’s no wonder that, during the pandemic, I went a little crazy being stuck at home. I wore long-stockpiled hotel slippers (sometimes mismatched) every day. I sipped from airplane or hotel wine glasses (I have 80

no idea how those ended up in my possession—mea culpa), wore hotel robes (these were gifts), and happily wrote in my journal with hotel pens— some of them a decade old. I lit hotel candles, shuffled hotel (or airplane) branded playing cards, and cooked from hotel cookbooks. I also feverishly availed myself of an embarrassingly immense cache of hotel bubble bath, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion, still intoxicated by their scents. Each time I bathed it was a ritual. I dreamed of beloved places: that beach hotel in Thailand, a rustically opulent lodge in Kenya, a favorite contemporary hotel in Denmark, that castle in Ireland, a parador in Spain, a palace in India, that 5-star grand dame in Vienna, or a sexy stay on Lake Como. I’m not a hoarder, but I can’t describe the joy these things brought me during lockdown. They’ve always made me happy, but during the pandemic, hotel amenities, especially the beauty products, saved my (mental) life. In that spirit, I bring you a list of sensational items from around the world, sure to nudge your nostalgia and certain to remind you how much travel means to us all.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GULDSMEDEN GROUP HOTELS AND I LOVE ECO ESSENTIALS

Prolong the adventure with these products

DENMARK Hygge is the Danish word for that perfectly blissful, cozy, convivial atmosphere we all hold dear. No wonder so many Danish hotels take seriously the opportunity to create hygge for us. One to note, from the sustainably-focused Guldsmeden Group Hotel in Copenhagen, manifests the Danish commitment to luxury living with a conscience. Their eco-conscious I Love Eco Essentials match the hotel’s passions for a better world with sustainable features, such as bottles made from recyclable plastic. Try the hand cream. UNITED KINGDOM Dorchester Collection’s 45 Park Lane in the affluent Mayfair neighborhood of London knows how to draw a bath. Their Wellbeing Bath Menu’s Slow Down Treatment includes a butler-drawn tub filled with feelgood essences, like ylang ylang and lavender, lit by an aromatic candle. Follow that with the turndown service’s gift of lavender spray to achieve peerless slumber. Recreate the 45 Park Lane mood at home with their signature pear and freesia scented candle and scented diffuser set.

45 Park Lane offers guests an aromatherapy haven

PHOTO CREDIT S: (TOP) COURTESY OF DORCHESTER HOTELS, (BOTTOM) COURTESY SALAMANDER HOTELS GULDSMEDEN GROUP OF HOTELS AND I LOVE ECO ESSENTIALS

VIRGINIA

Salamander Resort’s beauty products celebrate the outdoors

Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg, Virginia incorporates local flora and fauna into every treatment. The team at Salamander Spa worked with the local Virginia company Laboratory of Flowers to create a signature scent using local plants and essential oils, including tobacco, vetiver, sandalwood, Virginia cedar, rosewood, and jasmine. This aroma wafts throughout—even among al fresco yoga classes. For self-care, bring the fragrance home as a candle. 81

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MEXICO

Holistic healing begins in the garden at Rancho La Puerta

Since 1940, iconic Rancho La Puerta has taken inspiration from the 4,000-acres of private meadows, mountain trails and gardens that encircle it. Mirroring the landscape, the destination spa’s signature beauty products, La Puerta Core Essentials, offer a range of 37 products drawn from the locale’s healing, holistic history. Beautify with products as diverse as the Lavender & Sage Body Wash, the Herb & Flower Exfoliant or the Pomegranate Enzyme Mask.

BHUTAN TO TURKS & CAICOS

PHOTO CREDIT S: (TOP) COURTESY OF RANCHO LA PUERTA, (BOTTOM) COURTESY OF COMO HOTELS

One of the many thrills of staying at any of COMO Hotels and Resorts’ 15 elegant hotels worldwide is the knowledge that their distinctive, aromatherapy-focused, essential oilpacked products await you in your suite. Embodying the group’s guiding code of meaningful wellness and its philosophy that proposes tranquility, the mesmerizing products can be found at all locations from Bali to Bangkok. They’re meant to ground, calm, or energize as desired. Scents such as Invigorate (with eucalyptus and peppermint) and Purify (with citrus and fennel) can also be bought online.

Como Hotels’ signature products embody their wellness ethos

Coconuts play a healing role at Anantara Dhigu Maldives

MALDIVES NEW MEXICO

Lavender reigns at Los Poblanos

PHOTO CREDIT S: (TOP) COURTESY OF ANANTARA HOTELS AND RESORTS, (MIDDLE) COURTESY OF LOS POBLANOS; (BOTTOM) COURTESY OF PEARL RESORTS OF TAHITI

In this far-flung archipelagic nation in the Indian Ocean, nearly every tiny island harbors its own resort. At Anantara Dhigu, an effort is made to celebrate the healing resources of sugary beaches, emerald seas, and indigenous plants. In the spa, a coconut spice scrub, which combines kasha (Maldivian coconut), cinnamon, a sprinkle of nutmeg, and a smattering of salt, makes a zesty, invigorating scrub. Take some home to repeat the experience.

Amid the otherworldly terrain of New Mexico near Albuquerque Los Poblanos’ Historic Inn & Organic Farm creates lavender products reaped from its onsite, organic lavender fields. Renowned for their small batched culinary and beauty products (sold at such places as goop.com), the inn treats guests to sumptuous in-room products— hand and body wash, lotion and shampoo.

TAHITI Pearl Resorts of Tahiti pays homage to Polynesian traditions in manifold ways at its various hotels in French Polynesia. Guests swoon over the traditional manoi oils the hotel group offers in their various spas. Each location suffuses its oil with a scent representative of its specific island— such as vanilla on Ta’haa, the “vanilla island.” Relive the Tahitian spirit when you hydrate hair and skin at home with manoi.

Manoi oil is a Tahitian favorite

BY CHARLENE PETERS

HauteWELLNESS

OUT OF MY BLUE MIND

The scientifically proven solace of water

IN 2014, MARINE BIOLOGIST DR. WALLACE J. NICHOLS PUBLISHED Blue Mind, which has since become a landmark book that explores and scientifically explains how water in all its shapes and forms affects us and how it is a contributing factor to our health and well-being. In short, he proves what most of us know innately: being near water can soothe the soul. In the introduction to Blue Mind, Nichols points out that humans are hardwired to be healed by water. In fact, Nichols has been a keynote speaker on this topic at the annual Blue Mind Summit since 2010, a conference where a diverse collection of scientists gather to discuss the movement to better understand human beings’ connection to water. Think about it. Every human’s relationship to water begins in the womb (where our brains develop and are composed of 80 percent water), and ever 84

thereafter, the human-to-water connection stays incredibly strong. The calm from a nearby body of water can induce a meditative state. There's even a science claim that interacting with a body of water on any level can be a potent antidote to anxiety and other mental and physical conditions related to stress. As one who grew up on the coast a few miles north of Boston, I’ve always found solace in the healing energy of the Atlantic Ocean, breathing in the salty sea spay from the waves crashing on the cliffside rocks or simply mesmerized watching sailboats float in Marblehead Harbor. When I moved inland, the very act of surfing the web and seeking a seaside escape thrilled me. There’s simply no denying the enchantment of being at the water’s edge, where many of life’s most meaningful moments often take place. However, oceans, rivers, ponds, and lakes aren’t the only places to get a “blue fix.” Adding a fountain or water feature to your outdoor space is an easy and effective way to benefit from the soothing sounds of flowing water. Just taking a bath works, too. Wayne Brown based his entire 37-year career around on-the-water experiences and “Blue Mind” science. His company, Aggressor Adventures, leads 40 unique, water-centric trips in 19 countries, including scuba dives in the Maldives, the Red Sea, the Galapagos, and Belize, boutique river cruises along the Nile, and an assortment of yacht sails.

PHOTO COURTESY MIKE PORTER

Marblehead Harbor

“As an avid traveler, I realized at an early age that being exposed to the ocean, in particular, alleviated any stress I was feeling at the time,” says Brown. “From playing in the waves at Florida beaches as a child to scuba diving explorations later in life, I understood that enjoying the water is more than a fun pastime—it is a natural way to rest and recharge.” Connect to your own “blue mindfulness” at one of these five places, each a worthy destination.

PHOTO CREDITS: (TOP) PHOTO COURTESY OF LAKE AUSTIN SPA RESORT (BOTTOM) PHOTO BY CHARLENE PETERS

1. LAKE AUSTIN SPA RESORT I was first introduced to the concept of Blue Mind at this resort that sits on the shore of a 21-mile-long lake nestled in Texas Hill Country. Arriving at my room, I found a note card with a message inviting me to find my “Blue Mind.” Well, that was easy, as all the guest rooms at the resort face beautiful Lake Austin (actually, a reservoir), and it was raining cats and dogs to boot. The weather was still pouring the next day. I grabbed an umbrella and splashed through puddles to the resort’s elegant, upscale “barn” where I sat happily ensconced under a wool blanket. The view overlooked the lake through the picture window where I got my Blue Mind on— with eyes wide open—while listening to the soothing sounds of a piano meditation.

Sculling on Lake Austin

Monet's Garden of water lilies in Giverny

2. CLAUDE MONET’S GARDEN IN GIVERNY, FRANCE It’s about an hour by train from Paris to Giverny, the rural and picturesque little village where famed Impressionist Claude Monet purchased a plot of land and an abandoned house in 1890. Located on a minor tributary of the Seine River, it was a place where he indulged in his passion for gardening and for painting en plein air. He built a Japanese-inspired garden just outside the front door of his home and studio. Steps below the home gardens is another garden, an escape he built with the centerpiece being the now-famous pond. This pond served as his muse until his death in 1926, as he turned its seasonal colors and shapes into the modern masterpieces we appreciate today. After Monet’s death, his family sold the Giverny property to France. It opened to the public in 1980, and today it hosts more than half a million visitors annually. Most tourists gather under a canopy of weeping willow trees to stand quietly on a bright green wooden footbridge blanketed in violet wisteria to admire the countless water lilies (nymphéas) floating on the pond. It’s an iconic spot to renew oneself and engage in reflective thought. 85

Vichy Thermes des Domes

3. VICHY, FRANCE The Vichy Spa Hotel Les Célestins presented itself like a mirage in the desert as I arrived to “take the waters” after an emotional family crisis. This destination on the banks of the Allier River, however, is a far cry from desert dry. On the contrary, the Vichy region is renowned for its nine thermal springs and for the healing waters contained within them. My guestroom offered a calming view of Napoleon III Park where swans floated on a tranquil pond and a water fountain mesmerized. At Vichy, “taking the waters” means both to ingest them and bathe in them. Its famed water is a key component to all the wellness programs offered at the spa, and it’s incorporated into every meal as well, often adding enhanced color to a dish, due to the minerals present in the cooking water. Sourced from volcanic mountains in the Auvergne region, the spa waters contain a combination of 15 minerals, including calcium, lithium, silica, zinc, iron, potassium, manganese, and various alkaline salts. More than a dozen treatments at the spa involve Vichy water, including a massage under a rainstorm, which is a 4-handed Vichy shower invented there in 1896. I also soaked in two roaring jet baths. For increased circulation, guests may receive a blast of Vichy water aimed at one’s torso through a fire hose. Essential to the Vichy Spa Hotel Les Célestins’ experience is a notso-thorough examination by its staff physician, who will take your blood pressure (undoubtedly lowering significantly during your stay), ask a few questions, and offer a prescription for a small thrice daily glass of the healing water. It’s available from a specific spigot of many at the Vichy atrium, a short walk from the hotel. I arrived in Vichy feeling like a wilted flower, but left 72 hours later renewed in body and mind.

PHOTO COURTESY OF EMANUELA CINO

HauteWELLNESS

PHOTO CREDITS: (TOP) PHOTO BY CHARLENE PETERS (BOTTOM) PHOTO BY CHARLENE PETERS

4. THALATTA SEASIDE HOTEL, GREECE Flying into Athens from Italy, a chauffeur met me at the airport and whisked me away on a mountainous, 2-hour trip to reach the Thalatta Seaside Hotel. Hotel staff welcomed me with a shot glass of mastika, the island’s traditional liqueur which is distilled from the resin of the mastic tree and tastes of licorice. Locals call it the “teardrop” of this native Mediterranean evergreen. Early the following morning on a delightfully secluded beach, I thought a nap under a straw umbrella was entirely justifiable. The symphony of the Aegean Sea’s waves serenaded me throughout my stay at Thalatta, where views of the jewel-toned water take center stage. Before a scheduled catamaran sail to nearby islands of Skiathos and Skopelos (where Meryl Streep performed high jumps on a mattress during the filming of Mamma Mia), I grabbed a lounge chair on pebbly Agia Anna Beach and drifted in and out of slumber.

Thalatta Seaside Hotel in Greece

Crater Lake Azores photo

5. THE CRATER LAKES OF THE AZORES San Miguel is the largest of the nine inhabited islands that comprise the archipelago of the Azores, a former Portuguese colony that became independent in 1976. The island is situated in the North Atlantic Ocean about 1,000 miles west of Lisbon. If I could aptly describe San Miguel, I’d have to say it combines the visual beauty of Ireland, Switzerland, New Zealand, and Hawaii. Its dramatic geography moved King Charles of Portugal to proclaim it “the most beautiful landscape in the world” in 1901, when he arrived. Added to this beauty is a maritime climate where temperatures never dip below 50 degrees. A Blue Mind can be achieved by the white and/ or black sand beaches near one of numerous lakes or by luxuriating in iron-rich thermal springs in the charming town of Furnas. The food is simple but good, the wines are excellent, and the people are friendly. It’s no wonder many Azoreans who leave here tend to come back, while its destination as a tourist haven is growing fast. One would be remiss to pass on a hike around the freshwater lakes in the hills, formed by springs in the crater of a dormant volcano. A thin strip of land is all that separates two lakes, which are notably two different colors. Legend holds that a widowed king kept his beautiful princess daughter secluded so she never left him. One day while hiking in the kingdom, the princess heard soothing music and spied a shepherd playing a flute. She returned to the same spot often, befriended him, and the two eventually fell deeply in love. When they requested the king bless them for marriage, however, he soundly refused. The dejected lovers cried a lake’s worth of tears; one green for her eyes, and one blue, for his. 87

BY BECCA HENSLEY

HauteWELLNESS

WELLNESS FROM THE SOURCE Indigenous healing around the globe

AS EVERY GARDENER KNOWS, A TOMATO PLUCKED FROM HER OWN vine trumps the same fruit grown somewhere else. Likewise, wellness centers that summon their surroundings not only connect their guests to the locale, but also provide them with a deeper, local experience. Below, I’ve reminisced about some of my most memorable, soul stirring forays to the source for healthful benefits. You’ll want to visit, too. 88

SWITZERLAND In Switzerland’s sunny, southern, Italian-speaking lake region, profuse vineyards and gardens yield a bountiful harvest. Known for gastronomy, the area also gets accolades for its indigenous wellness offerings, many inspired by the landscape. Castello del Sole, a Relais & Châteaux hotel, sits on Lake Maggiore, part of a fertile area particularly rich with vineyards and orchards. The retreat goes to great lengths to allow the terroir to lead. I notice it at the farm-to-fork, Michelin-starred restaurant and at the resort’s WWF bird sanctuary among the well-tended grounds. However, it’s within Castello SPA & Beauty where I let the terrain be spread over my body. Here, grapes from the field where I’ve picked them off the vine with a local farmer the day before are used to make the wellness center’s renowned vinotherapy treatments. This modality, which harnesses the residue of winemaking for antioxidant-rich spa products—creams, oils, and scrubs—serves as the font of Castello SPA’s healing offerings. “From the field to your face,” says my therapist.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CASTELLO DE SOLE

The healing landscape around Ascona.

PHOTO CREDITS: (TOP) COURTESY OF GAINSBOROUGH BATH SPA; (BOTTOM) COURTESY OF QASR AL SARAB DESERT RESORT BY ANANTARA

ENGLAND In Bath, I channel Jane Austen at Gainsborough Bath Spa. Constructed in 43 AD by the Romans around healing springs (once sacred to the Celts), the legendary, mineral rich bath complex of Bath took shape as a community gathering place and a temple to Minerva. It had many iterations throughout the centuries and experienced a major renaissance as a beloved social setting for ladies and gentlemen in the Georgian era, such as Jane Austen, a former Bath resident, and her clique. A clever hotel with many attributes, The Gainsborough nevertheless draws me most of all for its bedazzling spa, the only hotel spa in the UK with direct access to these thermal waters. Their Bath Circuit, inspired by the Romans and their hydrotherapy habits, reigns as a haven of soaking areas, saunas, and rumination. As the cherry on top, the hotel’s unique Spa Suites have in-room access to the mineral water via immense marble soaking tubs.

The Bath Circuit at Gainsborough Bath Spa

A spa treatment room at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

ABU DHABI In Abu Dhabi’s mesmerizing Empty Quarter in the Liwa Desert, mounds and mounds of towering sand, some as shapely as shark’s teeth, unfurl as far as the eye can see in every direction. A sunrise here among the sand shows an ascending blood orange ball in an indigo sky. At dusk, the sun descends back into the sandy hills, as pendulous and golden as a Sorrento lemon dropping from its tree. I hike the dunes and ride camels over them, but it's only when I slow down to relax in the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara’s stunning spa, a veritable oasis, that I experience the Empty Quarter’s own sand as a rose-scented exfoliant. Here at its wellspring, I enjoy the Arabian Desert Rose Ritual, which begins with a local sand for the scrub, then continues with a rose oil body mask, rose milk bath, and massage. 89

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CZECH REPUBLIC Cobblestoned Prague may be best known for its Gothic and Baroque cathedrals, medieval neighborhoods, ornate bridges, and majestic castles, but its denizens have also harbored an historic penchant for beer. At Augustine, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Prague, guests can invoke the spirit of the ancient, restored building’s former inhabitants—hard-working, beer-making monks. In a spa ritual inspired by the brewery and its holy brewers, which dates back to 1358, the hotel’s spa offers the St. Thomas Beer Body Ritual, born from a secret recipe guarded by the Order of St. Augustine Order for centuries. It begins in a hammam room with a scrub made from finely-ground beer hops and nourishing St. Thomas dark beer. Salts and phyto-extracts promote detoxification and hydration. A restorative massage completes the process. Afterwards? Take boat ride on the Vltava River to show off your glowing skin.

Czech beer is the secret ingredient in Prague

PHOTO CREDITS: (TOP) COURTESY OF JADE MOUNTAIN; (BOTTOM) COURTESY OF AUGUSTINE, A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL

Jade Mountain overlooks the Pitons

ST. LUCIA Many know St. Lucia for its evocative volcanic spires, the Pitons. At Jade Mountain, an astonishing resort designed by owner/architect Nick Troubetzkoy, my openwalled sanctuary (as Nick calls the suites) overlooks them. From my jungle-encircled, hillside hideaway, the natural monuments look close enough to touch, though the turquoise sea lies between us. Steps from my bed, an indoor-outdoor pool beckons. I could linger within all day splashing in my pool and looking at the view, but for the resort’s myriad tempting activities— especially the spa which proffers chocolatethemed treatments. They create their eight hydrating, healthy experiences (from a chocolate facial to a mocha massage) from the cacao yield harvested from 1,000 trees from the resort’s own organic farm. Pro tip: Tour the farm (a Jade Mountain signature activity) before visiting the spa to feel particularly connected to the island.

PHOTO CREDITS: (TOP) COURTESY OF SECRET BAY’; (BOTTOM) COURTESY OF THE BUSHCAMP COMPANY

DOMENICA In the Caribbean’s dreamy Domenica where my cliffside sanctum at sustainable Secret Bay seems to be a portal to the horizon, I imagine myself in a treehouse, albeit a glamorous one, hewn from Guyanese-sourced hardwood and designed by lauded Latin American architect Fruto Vives. Home to untrammeled forests and nine volcanoes and known as “Nature Island,” Domenica is lesser traveled—and that’s the vibe I’m after when I arrive at this 6-suite, boutique getaway, a member of Relais & Châteaux. I immerse myself in the island’s wilderness spirit at the hotel’s Gommier Spa which makes all its own products from oils to masks. Referencing the island’s ancient bush medicine traditions in its ethos and incorporating indigenous plants and nutrient-rich mud into its treatments, the spa reflects the island’s origins. The Volcanic Facial soothes with volcanic mud sourced from the Valley of Desolation, close to the island’s famous Boiling Lake, while the Perennial Massage heals with a restorative blend of plant oils native to Domenica—rosemary, peppermint, bay oil, coconut, lemon citronella, and rose.

Gommier Spa at Secret Bay

ZAMBIA Hippos bellow, giraffes tower, and I find repose at Bush Spa, located inside The Bushcamp Company’s crown jewel, Mfuwe Lodge. Ensconced among the Zambian wilderness, it’s the antidote to the dusty exhilaration of game drives. I soak in an herbal-infused Jacuzzi before yielding to treatments that feature indigenous, salubrious ingredients, such as marula (a humectant from the tree’s nut), baobab (antioxidant-filled oil from the seed), and kigeli (a flowering tree used to treat skin ailments).

The Bush Spa

BY ERIN HUNT MOORE

HauteWELLNESS

Twilight View from the Penthouse Suite, Casa al Mare

Shifting hearts, minds, and spirits, one leader at a time

JUST STEPS AWAY FROM SAN FRANCISCO’S ICONIC LAND’S END Trail and its beautiful labyrinth, the sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin headlands across the Bay lies a special retreat destination with a singular mission: to offer a haven of peace, reflection, and restoration for leaders facilitating social and environmental change, locally and around the world. Although the past tumultuous year has offered some of us opportunities to slow down, we live in a culture where being in a constantly busy state is often seen as an indicator of importance or success. Jennifer Carolyn King and husband Timothy Fredel founded The Retreat: SF in Sea Cliff 92

and its sister property, The Retreat: ME in Kennebunkport, Maine as sanctuaries for body, mind, and soul, where guests can breathe, embrace the surrounding nature, and turn inward to mindfully realign with purpose. Through what they call “Day to Breathe,” a curated day of contemplation and renewal, they have welcomed a range of impact influencers to their spaces—from diversity and inclusion pioneers at major companies and B Corp founders to documentary filmmakers, authors, and climate champions, among others. We spoke with Jennifer about the inspiration for these day retreats, the impact leaders they serve, and what is on the horizon for them.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MOLLIE POE, COMPASS REAL ESTATE

DAY TO BREATHE - THE RETREAT: SF

Walking the Labyrinth at Land's End

Renewal and restoration at Casa al Mare

Guests finding renewal

SF Retreat team member, intuitive energy healer

PHOTO CREDITS (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) ©THEODORE REID; ©MAY YAM; ©THEODORE REID; COURTESY OF JENNIFER CAROLYN KING; ©THEODORE REID; ©MAY YAM

A break to breathe and hike Land's End Trail

Retreat SF founders Timothy Fredel and Jennifer Carolyn King

HL: I had the honor of experiencing my own “Day to Breathe,” not only as a writer sharing your story with our community, but also as a professional dedicated to working in the social impact space. I can tell you that I had a lot of very jealous friends and colleagues who saw my pictures from that day and had questions about how to book an immediate visit. This is obviously not a day spa or typical retreat experience, but the mindful nurturing and building of a community of purpose. Tell us more about how you started this journey—on not one, but two, coasts. JCK: I’m so glad that you had the chance to experience your own “Day to Breathe!” As you discovered firsthand, we have a very different model from a spa or most retreat experiences. It’s a special and unique offering to a specific community, one deeply grounded in our own personal journey and mission. Tim and I, together with our now adult children, Jessie and Nik, have been philanthropists for a long time. We have not only financially supported causes and efforts with which we are aligned, but we have also functioned at both the trustee level and as founders of nonprofit organizations. In 2006, we converted our previous home in San Francisco’s Western Addition into The Thrive House for Youth. It provides a safe space for the city’s at-risk youth and their mentors to connect and cultivate life skills. This was incredibly important work. Through our experiences, we had an epiphany that the best way for us to really impact change on a larger scale was to focus on serving the leaders and changemakers who are committed to a greater purpose and working toward solutions for social/global challenges. We are incredibly blessed to have two beautiful properties to offer, which we call our “sanctuaries for the soul.” These are Casa al Mare in San Francisco (The Retreat: SF) and Asante Sana in Kennebunkport, Maine (The Retreat: ME). We’ve curated, in both west and east locations, 93

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Twilight sky from the penthouse deck

The deck outside the penthouse

Room with a view at Casa al Mare

Third floor room at Casa al Mare

Main floor kitchen and gathering place

View of Baker Beach from Casa al Mare

The labyrinth at Land's End at dusk

HL: Tell us about your ideal “Day to Breathe” guests and retreat partners. Whom are you hoping to serve? JCK: Through our Rugged Elegance company and foundation, we are dedicated to serving leaders who are passionate about doing a deep dive on one or more of five areas of interlocking focus: the climate challenge, physical and mental health, racial and gender equity, aging and end-of-life process, and peace. The beauty of how we’ve organized with a dual structure is that we’re able to serve aligned entities and corporate partners already leaning into the concept of purpose, while inviting individual social entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders to join us on scholarship, ensuring that they are also able to refuel and connect more deeply with their own commitment to effecting change. HL: You were just getting started with Rugged Elegance programming and initiatives at The Retreat: SF at Casa al Mare when the pandemic hit last year. How has this last year impacted your approach? JCK: First, we want to acknowledge that the pandemic has created so much loss and suffering for so many. It hasn’t been without challenges for us, but we are grateful for the opportunity to pause, pivot, and turn more deeply toward our own commitment to change and the core issues we want to focus on in our work with leaders. Prior to COVID, we had started planting the seeds and testing our model, using our venues as hubs for programs and events addressing

PHOTO CREDITS (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) PHOTOS 1-4: COURTESY OF MOLLIE POE, COMPASS REAL ESTATE; PHOTOS 5-6: COURTESY OF THE RETREAT: SF; PHOTOS 7-8: COURTESY OF MOLLIE POE, COMPASS REAL ESTATE

Casa al Mare, The Retreat San Francisco

“Day to Breathe” experiences for leaders, designed to nurture heart, mind, and spirit in environments we like to call “rugged elegance,” which is, incidentally, the name of our umbrella company and our foundation. Both properties offer stunning architectural and design details with luxurious amenities, while providing grounding warmth and comfort and access to the beauty of nature—water, trees, light— which inspire decompression, restoration, and realignment for passionate champions of change.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MOLLIE POE, COMPASS REAL ESTATE

social impact and global change. We held workshops, receptions, and gatherings for discussion and inspiration, centered on important global issues, particularly climate change. It was a beginning and offered some key learnings for us around how to more deeply reach and engage leaders. We realized that engaging minds and hearts was an important starting point, but deeper alignment with purpose happens when you reach the spirit, as well. In our busy world of distractions, that requires self-care and a quiet space, time, and gentle guidance to make that level of shift. Due to the health protocols and realities of COVID, we had to move away from the group-focused activities we were previously hosting and re-envision a retreat for individual leaders designed to renew hearts, minds, and spirits around purpose. We launched a pilot program early this year in which we invited a small number of guests—individuals or couples—tied to monthly impact themes. In February, we partnered with Mwangi Mukami of MLIFE Foundation to do a deep dive on racial equity while serving BIPOC leaders in honor of Black History Month. In March, together with Deborah Greene, “The Peace Traveler,” we hosted a dozen extraordinary women leaders in celebration of Women’s History Month. In April, we offered “Day to Breathe” to brave, bold, BIPOC leaders who deserve to be honored for their role during April’s Sexual Abuse Awareness Month and every month of the year. In May, we honor mothers, doulas, and Mother Earth. In June, as parents of a transgender son and as members of City Church, SF, an inclusive and welcoming church, we are proudly serving 10 leaders in our community in celebration of Pride Month.

Each guest has had the opportunity to experience the day or an overnight alone or with their partners. We learned that we can provide a powerful experience with just three retreat team members: a meditation guide, our private chef crafting delicious and healing cuisine, and an intuitive energy healer. Outside of planned activities, our guest’s time is open, with suggestions offered for enhancing personal centering— including journaling, walking the nearby labyrinth or hiking trails, yoga and movement, rest, or a bath in our divinely luxurious tub. The feedback and results have been profound. HL: What does the future hold? JCK: As health mandates allow, we will begin to open our spaces to small groups looking for an enriching, impact-driven leadership team or collaborative group experience. We will also continue to provide these opportunities for select individual leaders seeking that deeply personal opportunity to realign, renew, and recharge. We’re also excited about a new synergy with a strategic impact partner and group of investors, which will lead to the launch of a global online network of aligned leaders: a worldwide soulful movement committed to effecting significant and positive change. HL: How can people connect with you? JCK: Please visit us online at theretreat-sf.com or theretreat-me.com for more information and to send any questions or queries. We look forward to hearing from you and hope to host you for time for renewal and impact. Thank you for this opportunity!

Penthouse Solarium Suite at Casa al Mare

COVER STORY

SetJet on the tarmac

Luxury

TRAVEL REVIVAL Experts Take a Look into the Crystal Ball

CONTRIBUTORS: FRAN ENDICOTT MILLER, MISTY MILIOTO, ROSANNA STEVENS, LAURIE JO MILLER FARR

Some call it travel revenge. Others simply call it recovery. Whatever the nomenclature, it boils down to a strong desire to make up for lost time. Thoughts of sleek yachts, private jets, and mountain hideaways inspire us to dig out and dust off the passport. To find out more about the adventures that await, Haute Living contributors talked to the owners, founders, and CEOs of several luxury travel enterprises. We asked them to polish off that propitious crystal ball and tell us what’s in store for 2021 and beyond. And who better than Francis Ford Coppola to start the conversation?

COVER STORY

Francis Ford Coppola

BLANCANEAUX LODGE IN BELIZE

Blancaneaux Lodge, the first Coppola Hideaway in Belize

management of tourism, they controlled HL: Once you had found it, what prompted the spread of the virus effectively and better you to open up Blancaneaux Lodge in the than many popular Central American Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve in destinations. They deserve the blossoming Belize as a hotel? return of tourism that they are enjoying. Also, FFC: I enjoyed the forest pine ridge along with of course, our Hideaways always eschewed my boys and, eventually, it became what closed, air-conditioned spaces and featured it is now. I never intended it to be a hotel. naturally cool, fresh air flowing through the But when I added various conveniences spaces. Thus, we were already an optimum there, I realized I needed some caretakers, style and setting to avoid contagion. — RS or it would all disappear. When Caracol, the Mayan archaeological site, was discovered, thefamilycoppolahideaways.com Blancaneaux Lodge was the nearest accommodation to it. Thus, it evolved into a Read more about Blancaneaux Lodge, Belize hospitality business. on page 58.

PHOTO CREDITS: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) ©BRIGITTE LACOMBE; COURTESY OF THE FAMILY COPPOLA HIDEAWAYS; @SASKIA SALOME (IG: @SASKIA_RABBIT)

Legendary filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola made an almost accidental entry into the hotel scene in the early 1990s. He now boasts an international collection of “The Family Coppola Hideaways” in addition to his wineries, restaurants, and high-end cannabis business. The portfolio of six stylish Hideaways includes Jardin Escondido in Argentina; Palazzo Margherita in Italy; La Lancha in Guatemala; and Turtle Inn, Coral Caye private island, and Blancaneaux Lodge in Belize. All are luxurious, serene, and eco-friendly retreats with their own HL: What are your formative memories of travel? individual characters and environments that one would expect from such an expert in world class FFC: My first memories of travel are the experience of our family of five driving across lifestyle. the country from the East to the West Coast. Haute Living, San Francisco asked about My father would always write a song about Coppola’s early travel memories, how he came to the state or city we were crossing, and we’d discover the Central American country of Belize, sing them together in the car. We’d stay in the home to his first Hideaway, and the pandemic typical motels one found back then and eat at rebound. the various roadside places. It’s not that my father was miserly, but as my mother would HL: What brought you to Belize and what were say, “Whenever he’d walk through the forest, your first impressions? the birds would sing ‘cheap, cheap.’” FFC: I went because I had grown fond of the jungle of the Philippines when making Apocalypse Now. I stayed at a curious place HL: In a post-COVID world, why should travelers come to Belize first? called Hidden Valley, which had natural spa pools and a lovely tropical setting. I was trying FFC: Belize deserves a compliment for how effectively they’ve managed the pandemic. to discover something like that closer than Because of their scrupulous rules and nine hours away by plane.

98 Blancaneaux Lodge in the Belizean jungle

AmaMagna on the Danube in Passau, Germany

Kristin Karst

PHOTOS COUTESY OF AMAWATERWAYS

AMAWATERWAYS Slowly touring along leisurely, scenic routes to beauty spots with easy access for onshore excursions has enormous appeal. Much smaller and more intimate than ocean voyages, luxury river cruises exploded onto the scene several years ago. Kristin Karst, a native of Dresden, Germany— right on the Elbe River—is executive vice president and co-founder of AmaWaterways and a leading voice in the river cruise industry. In 2002, with Rudi Schreiner and Jimmy Murphy, she co-founded AmaWaterways, an awardwinning river cruise company offering voyages throughout Europe, Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, and Egypt. Karst’s extensive knowledge of the world’s rivers, cultures, and traditions, and her commitment to providing top-notch customer service enable her to effectively shape the products and services of AmaWaterways and communicate to world travelers the benefits of river cruising.

cuisine, and beauty of the destinations they HL: What are you thinking about pent-up visit. I believe people will look for ways to demand? How is tourism recovery looking support the communities they visit through in the short-term? destination stewardship. KK: We remain incredibly optimistic about I also expect to see more multiinternational travel returning very soon, generational and skip-generational travel and as the only US-based river cruise line as people look to make up for those missed with actual experience sailing with protocols milestone birthdays and anniversaries with in 2020, guests can trust us to provide the a once-in-a-lifetime trip that will bring the wonderful experiences they crave. Our 2021 whole family together. People have a new Christmas Market and holiday cruises are appreciation of the value of family, and at already more than 50 percent booked, and AmaWaterways, we have chosen to remain based on demand for 2022, we have opened inclusive to all ages and have seen an uptick in our 2023 season earlier than ever—nine the numbers of families booking river cruises months ahead of schedule. together. Many people have unused vacation time and budgets and are looking for ways to make up for missed travel experiences and HL: Any other river cruise trends you’ve spotted? celebrations with loved ones, which were KK: The final trend I am particularly excited about is the demand for longer journeys. We have postponed last year, so I believe that we seen many travelers booking combination will see tourism recover quickly as vaccine river cruises—sometimes staying on the distribution continues, case numbers drop, same ship on a different itinerary, but often and a sense of hope and optimism rises in changing ships and rivers completely. As a the world. With people demanding more seamless extension to their river journeys, intimate, safe experiences in less crowded we have also seen an uptake on our pre- and destinations, river cruising is set to be one of post-cruise land packages, allowing guests the first tourism segments to recover. to slow down as they take in everything that each destination has to offer. HL: Looking into your crystal ball, do you have any predictions to share about travel over HL: Are there any silver linings or positive the next few years? learnings and useful takeaways that came KK: Once travel restrictions are lifted, I expect out of travel’s extended shutdown? many will look for more intimate ways to travel with exclusive and safe experiences that KK: I truly believe that out of challenges come will immerse them in new cultures and allow opportunities! My husband, AmaWaterways’ them to slow down and enjoy the people, president Rudi Schreiner, and I have decades 99

COVER STORY

HL: Aside from health and safety protocols, in what ways will people find the AmaWaterways experience different than it was pre-COVID? KK: AmaWaterways is known for delivering unparalleled experiences with a very personal touch, and I am confident that, with our extraordinary crew, our guests will find their experiences as memorable as ever post-COVID. Aside from enhanced health and safety protocols, we look forward to meeting the demands of our guests for more personalized vacations with longer journeys, new dining options, and new itineraries that will take guests to some of the most soughtafter destinations in the world. We continue to move forward, build sustainable ships, and provide immersive experiences and exclusive dining experiences. I can hardly wait to be back on board with our guests! — FEM

Stefanos Makrymichalos

IYC

Off-the-beaten track solitude or a high-octane, glamorous destination? “The world is your oyster” is a cliché, but it certainly applies to yacht charter vacations. On board, you’ll enjoy impeccable service and cuisine, a charming crew, knock-out views, and unencumbered access to beautiful spots. The two remaining questions are “Where to?” and “For how long?” With a fleet of luxury superyachts more than up to the task of fulfilling your dreams—anywhere on the face of the earth—Stefanos Makrymichalos, CEO of IYC, shares his optimism about 2021 and beyond.

Amawaterways.com

IYC Yacht Tatiana Interior

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF IYC

of experience between us. Since launching AmaWaterways 19 years ago, I am proud of the many challenges we have overcome and how we have remained a strong, debtfree company while continuing to innovate and grow. The pandemic has challenged our teams’ creativity and opened up new ways to use technology to stay connected with our valued travel advisor partners and guests. I am very proud of the speed and positive way our teams have adapted to a work-fromhome environment as we developed new tools to stay engaged and provide important information in the constantly changing travel landscape. Over the past year, we have hosted over 2,500 fun, virtual events including Sip & Sail Cocktail Hours, Virtual Cruise Nights, and Webinar Wednesdays. It has been inspiring to see our travel advisor partners and past guests from around the world join these events as we reminisce on past experiences and look forward to new ones together. Ama means love and, at AmaWaterways, we continue to pour love into everything we do as we prepare to set sail again very soon.

IYC lazy days

HL: How does the recovery look for luxury charter yachts? SM: We have high expectations for summer 2021. We are receiving a high number of inquiries from clients around the world who are eager to go on a vacation, and vaccinations are expected to make international travel possible again in time for the season. We are already seeing numerous bookings for the summer season in the Mediterranean and the Bahamas. Over the past few weeks, New England has also started to get booked up. HL: And your predictions over the next few years? SM: The travel industry will quickly recover, and yacht charters will continue to grow their market share as the preferred type of vacation for certain income groups. We expect the

number of first-time charterers to increase steeply as more people realize that yachting is one of the safest types of vacations that provide travelers with unlimited options. We also expect to see an increase in charters in Southeast Asia. The region will become increasingly popular, and the number of quality yachts positioned in that region will proportionately grow. HL: Was there a silver lining from our extended shutdown? SM: Yachting was the least affected sector of the tourism industry and is probably one of the wisest investments for those who are looking for an exceptional vacation experience. The pandemic excelled the rate of maturity among all yachting professionals and forced the industry to revisit many of its practices

and policies. People who are looking to go on vacation will always find a way to make it happen. For example, yachts began chartering in areas that were not traditionally popular yachting destinations. HL: Are there any ways that people may find the yachting experience different than preCOVID? SM: They will not find major changes to the experience: it was wonderful and still remains wonderful. With many people looking to socially distance on a yacht, charter guests might find that captains have more “hidden gems” and remote destinations to recommend visiting, and there are more entertainment options on board. — MM IYC.com 101

COVER STORY

SetJet departure

turned to private jet memberships in order to fly in a safe and private manner. It’s clear that people have had enough of the lockdowns and are thrilled at the opportunity to safely travel again. For example, our flights from Scottsdale to Los Angeles and Las Vegas were virtually empty until recently, and they are now selling out on a regular basis.

SET JET Avoid TSA and fly aboard a luxurious Bombardier CRJ200 aircraft to Cabo San Lucas. The membership-based jet charter flight program bridges the gap between commercial and private. Converted from a 50-seat configuration to a VIP cabin of just 13 to 19 passengers, the new weekly nonstop service was launched from Los Angeles in April, also offering direct service for San Francisco-based members with a brief LAX layover. The one-way Los Angeles-to-Cabo fare is $1,699.95, plus $490.95 for San Francisco-toCabo. Set Jet CEO Tom Smith talked to Haute Living about the new service and the larger travel trends he’s seeing. HL: What are your views on travel and tourism recovery in 2021? TS: In the short-term, Set Jet feels confident in a swift recovery of the tourism industry. Our flight occupancy and utilization rates have continued to climb, exceeding our prepandemic levels. During the pandemic, many 102

HL: Let’s look into the crystal ball and ask about your predictions for the future of travel over the next few years. TS: Based on our data, we have every reason to believe that the future of travel is optimistic— likely increasing quickly over the next couple of years until it normalizes. People are itching to travel again, and the market will likely mirror that sentiment.

SetJet interior

HL: Sounds great. Were there any positive learnings or useful takeaways that came out of travel’s extended shutdown?

HL: In what ways will people find today’s private jet experience different than it was before the pandemic?

TS: For private jet charter companies like ourselves, we learned that our mode of travel is overwhelmingly safer than other options. With private terminals, fewer crowds, and 13 to 16 seat, ultra-VIP configured Challenger 850 aircraft that are perfect for social distancing, the pandemic showcased Set Jet’s safety measures and the benefits of private travel. Another takeaway we’ve seen is that this pandemic and the lockdowns have illustrated how much travel—particularly vacationing

TS: Frankly, I believe we are all adaptive and resilient people. Just like we adjusted and accepted the new normal in aviation post9/11, we will also do the same post-COVID-19. The good news is we at Set Jet are making flying private available at an affordable price, and that will certainly give folks who are on the fence about flying peace of mind to travel again sooner than later. — LJMF Setjet.com

Tom Smith

and visiting loved ones—is critically important to our society and is an integral part of a healthy mental state, something that will be much more appreciated and cherished as travel becomes possible once again.

Magellan Jets

HL: Is pent-up demand real? AT: As more and more leisure destinations began opening up, the volume of flight activity has been increasing rapidly. This past March, there was a distinct surge in the volume of flights going to Mexico, the Caribbean, Aspen, Vail, Montana, and, of course, Florida. Anthony Tivnan

PHOTOS COUTESY OF MAGELLAN JETS

MAGELLAN JETS “Consistent and predictable, yet personable and comfortable” is a compelling description of the private jet charter experience. Loyal fans say that once you try it, there’s no going back to commercial flights. Magellan Jets members also get flexibility and convenience, selecting from 10 of the most popular aircraft, including light jets like the Phenom 300 and other top jets like the Citation X, Challenger 300/350, and Gulfstream 450. Anthony Tivnan, co-founder and president of Magellan Jets since 2008, shares his thoughts on travel recovery and pent-up demand.

HL: Crystal ball predictions for the longer term? AT: Over the next several years, I believe tourism will see record levels. This past year of the world being restricted to our homes has many people seeking once-in-a-lifetime experiences and reconnection with family and friends. Many will not put off travel opportunities the way they did in the past. The lockdowns have caused us to feel that we took for granted the opportunities for connection and experiences. HL: What about silver linings that may have resulted from tough times? AT: I believe a major silver lining from this past year is our appreciation for human connection, lifetime experiences, and quality

time with family and friends. I believe packages that encompass unique destinations and experiences will thrive, as the pandemic has caused a reset in our thinking about the value of time. HL: How might things have changed from our shared pandemic experience? AT: Aside from health and safety protocols, I believe guest experience levels will increase as many brands are focusing on the customer and providing outstanding customer service. When something is taken away from you, you learn to appreciate it that much more when it comes back. I also think many companies truly miss working with their customers as well as their own employees. There is greater sensitivity and a deeper human connection as a result of COVID-19, and this will be felt at all levels as we’ve all been fighting through this together. — MM Magellanjets.com 103

BY OLIVIA DECKER

HauteRESIDENCE One Thousand Museum redefies Downtown Miami skyline

ZAHA HADID’S ONE THOUSAND MUSEUM RESIDENCES ONE THOUSAND MUSEUM RESIDENCES, SOUTH FLORIDA’S MOST prestigious new residential tower, is redefining Miami’s skyline. The tower shifts the center of gravity for high design and ultra-luxurious residences to Downtown Miami. This harmonious fusion of art, architecture, and design comes from the prolific imagination of Pritzker Prize-winning architect, the late Dame Zaha Hadid, her first and only residential skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere. Rising 62 stories above Downtown Miami, One Thousand Museum offers its residents unique design, an unprecedented level of service, unrivaled amenities, and breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Pushing the limits of architectural innovation, Zaha Hadid created a new artistic space for vertical elevation, optimistic design, and uncensored hybrid living. Hadid’s visionary architecture was built to impress, boasting landmark design and featuring a private collection of 84 residences. 104

Conveniently located on a gorgeous property next to Museum Park, this uniquely privileged building sets the bar high. Zaha Hadid revolutionized architecture for more than 30 years and is globally known for her curved designs. Reflecting Hadid’s mastery of curves, One Thousand Museum creates a flowing atmosphere between Downtown Miami and the exquisite interior design of each residence. The limited collection of museum-quality homes consists of half-floor residences, ranging from 4,600 to 4,755 square feet, with 10-foot ceilings. Full-floor residences exceed 9,900 square feet and have 12-foot ceilings. The 8,344 square foot duplex townhomes each feature a flow-through floor plan, a floating staircase, 20-foot ceilings, library, loft, 5 bedrooms, smart-home technology, and custom closets crafted by design powerhouse B&B Italia. Countless buzz-worthy buildings carpet Downtown Miami and each claims its own piece of the Miami skyline. One Thousand Museum stands out above them all.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ONE SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY AND ONE THOUSAND MUSEUM

Visionary Architecture Redefining Downtown Miami Skyline

Miami’s only private residential helipad at roof top of One Thousand Museum tower

The exterior

More than a condo, One Thousand Museum is an experience for all your senses. The serene atmosphere is translated into every corner of the residences. The smooth bathroom design is based on spa-quality elements, from unique faucets to European cabinetry and countertops with personalized colors. Kitchens feature elegant European details, top-of-the-line appliances, and tailored finishes, including Italian cabinetry by ItalKraft, fine quartz countertops, steam ovens, microwaves, and integrated coffee makers by Gaggenau. The fixtures contribute to the minimalist concept of the residences and enhance One Thousand Museum’s personalized design.

The spa floor

The latest home automation technology is integrated into the residences at One Thousand Museum. The ultra-modern system by Creston allows residents to manage lighting, heating, air conditioning, audio, video, and other home features right from your tablet or smartphone. The residences’ open layouts feature large terraces structured with the gracious curves of the emblematic exoskeleton. The results are magnificent tableaux that capture the natural light dynamic. Residents can modify the light to match their moods and achieve a perfected ambiance for different types of entertainment without compromising the privacy that the bedroom lighting conveys. 105

HauteRESIDENCE COUNTLESS OTHER AMENITIES INCLUDE: • First-in-world partnership with Forbes Travel Guide • Curator of hospitality • Director of culinary • Miami’s first private residential helipad • Private South-of-Fifth Beach Club • 1km Wellness & Spa • Juice bar • Golf club partnership • Haute Living partnership • VIP boat-setter services • Museum-edition house cars fleet • Exclusive Stampd clothing collection • Landscape architecture by Enzo Enea • Functionally integrated security and technology program • Sunrise and sunset pools located on the 8th floor • Scenic glass elevator • Secure on-site valet parking • Full-service spa and fitness center • Concierge • On-site security personnel • Illumination designed by Uli Petzold • Integrated home automation by Crestron • Custom designed kitchens by Gatto Cucine with Gaggenau and Sub-Zero appliances • Three to four parking spaces per unit • Two levels of additional amenities on the 60th and 61st floor with: - Indoor aquatic center - Private event space - Indoor recreation and sun deck - Sky lounge Mayi de la Vega, owner of ONE Sotheby's International Realty and her development sales division, exclusively represents One Thousand Museum. The building is near sold-out, with only 12 residences remaining, offering a final opportunity to own a home in this bespoke building.

Breathtaking view of Miami skyline on Biscayne Bay

The Sky Lounge

The indoor pool

Spacious view from the terrace

Residence interior with 12-foot ceilings

For further information, contact: Olivia.HsuDecker@SothebysRealty.com

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107 Downtown Miami skyline and Museum Park

BY TIM LAPPEN

TheHAUTE LISTAuto

FERRARI ROMA La nuova dolce vita–bravissimo!

WHEN THE GOOD FOLKS AT FERRARI TOLD ME THAT I COULD borrow the new Ferrari Roma, the company’s latest offering, so many feelings hit me that it took a while to sort them out. First, “Ferrari” with no other modifier always gets my interest—and why not? The hot-blooded Italian with a stallion always is a delight to drive. Add “Roma” to it and I am immediately transported to Rome, thinking of pasta and the Coliseum and maybe even a short visit with Sophia Loren (or a maybe “just” Audrey Hepburn on a Vespa, but still …). Funny enough, I wrote these lines before I noticed the tagline on the Ferrari Roma website, “La Nuova Dolce Vita,” so even the ads promised a new, sweetened life. The point here is that, for me, the mention of a Ferrari Roma triggers some great feelings and visuals, so I couldn’t wait for the delivery. And it was well worth the wait. 108

“Mine” arrived in Blu Corsa paint with nero (black) leather interior and carpeting. In the Ferrari family, think of it as a car that would fit between the Portofino and the F8 Tributo. Despite its gorgeousness, it’s actually now Ferrari’s least-expensive model. It’s a hardtop coupe, a two-plus-two, meaning that it has two front and two back seats (not clear who can sit back there, but so be it). It’s sensuous—no surprise there—with the traditional Ferrari long hood and short tail, a design language made possible by the front-engine placement (technically, it’s a “mid-front engine,” as the motor is set back behind the front wheels, giving the car better weight distribution and improved handling). With standard 20-inch wheels, the car has a beautiful stance. The twin-turbo 4-liter V8 more puts out 610 horsepower, so the 3,245-pound car can move: 0-60 in under 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 199 mph. The new interior styling and the svelte body with the great-looking

taillights add greatly to the experience. With a high-performance car capable of hitting close to 200 mph, the need for a rear spoiler was evident; but Ferrari didn’t want to spoil the fluidity of the design, so they cleverly added a “mobile rear spoiler,” which usually sits flat against the body and raises automatically at high speed to provide the necessary downforce. (I’ve often wondered: if my high-speed spoiler is deployed, can I get arrested for speeding without having the right to plead the Fifth Amendment against self-incrimination? Can I get my car to sign a non-disclosure agreement?) If the Roma were a person, most of us would swipe right (that’s the “I-WantIt” direction, right?). It’s beautiful, fast, responsive, comfortable, and more; and, at a base price of under $220,000, it’s at the lower range of supercar pricing. Of course, “mine” was loaded with enough options to buy another nice car, about $100,000 of extras which I suspect most Ferrari buyers can’t live without, such as the awesome “Magneride Dual Mode Suspension” ($5,568), plenty of carbon fiber add-ons (like the rear diffuser at $11,812), the beautiful carbon fiber steering wheel with the inlaid LEDs ($5,062), and more. Was I smitten? Of course—it’s a Ferrari!

A lifelong petrol-holic, mechanic (cars, motorcycles, boats), and automotive journalist since penning a column for his high school newspaper, internationally recognized attorney Tim Lappen is a partner at a major Los Angeles-based law firm, where he chairs the firm’s Family Office Group and its Luxury Home Group and is, of course, a member of its Motor Vehicle Group. He can be reached at tlappen@gmail.com or visit LifeInTheFastLane.org

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BY TIM LAPPEN

TheHAUTE LISTAuto

BENTLEY BENTAYGA V8 Elegant practicality

EVER SINCE BENTLEY JOINED THE SUV FRAY BACK IN 2016, IT HAS created one of the best sports utility vehicles around and certainly one of the most popular. A combined package of luxury and performance with the chops to perform well on road and off, I’ve always enjoyed my time behind the wheel of a Bentayga, whether the SUV was motivated by a W12 motor, a hybrid powertrain, or the newest iteration of the Bentley Bentayga engine, the V8. It’s a little challenging to compare the three, since I had the W12 for a week in September of 2016 and drove it in my hometown in Southern California. I enjoyed experiencing the hybrid on the roads around Silicon Valley and out to Half Moon Bay at the press launch of the car in June of 2019, and, more recently, I enjoyed the current V8 model for another week in the South Bay region of Los Angeles. A few facts: did you know that the name “Bentayga” comes from a big rock formation in the Canary Islands, the Roque Bentayga? Did you also know that the Bentayga has become the best-selling Bentley model since production began in 2016? And did you know that all Bentaygas have a front engine and are full-time all-wheel drive? You can also get your motivator in several flavors: the W12 was no longer offered after 2020, but the twin-turbo V8 (542 110

hp, 568 lb-ft of torque), the hybrid (443 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque), and bad boy of the family, the Speed Edition (with a higher-performance twin-turbo V8, with 626 hp and 664 lb⋅ft of torque) are available. As part of the Volkswagen family, there is a familial relationship between the Lamborghini Urus, the Audi Q8, and the Bentayga; but, having spent substantial time at the wheel of all three, I can tell you that they’re all quite different and the family ties are not readily apparent, because each was designed for a different mission. One of the most consistent hallmarks that I love about all Bentleys is their attention to detail, especially with the interiors and the switchgear. Virtually everything you see or touch in the Bentayga seems like it was designed with no concern for cost. Knurled metal knobs abound. Even if blindfolded, I could tell I was in a Bentley. Beautiful, diamond-stitched leather seats is another Bentley touch. And let’s not forget how the car rides in silent elegance (until you stomp the go pedal, at which time it lets loose with a terrific, yet stately, roar). Bentley made a big upgrade push to the Bentayga’s current model, leaving only the door panels unchanged. Yet, this luxury SUV is instantly recognizable as the changes were more evolutionary than revolutionary. And why change course when you’re ahead? The Bentayga accounted for 45% of Bentley’s worldwide sales in 2019; but, now that it’s been out for several years, it was time for a “freshening” with a new look for the instrumentation and a large touch-screen and Apple Car-Play. The nose and tail were redone, most notably with a tailgate that goes all the way across the back. The newer Bentley look, with their elliptical taillights, was added to the Bentayga, too. At over 5,300 pounds, the car feels heavy, but I mean that in a good way. It seems to flatten out the road, providing a firm but very pleasant ride. However, those weight numbers disappear completely when acceleration and cornering are factored in, as the Bentayga goes and turns ... and stops! Some of that performance is, of course, thanks to 542 horsepower and 568 pounds of torque mentioned above, but it’s the finesse with which the car handles that power that makes the Bentayga such a joy to drive. Am I a fan? Absolutely! As a die-hard V12 (or W12) fan, I wasn’t sure that a 4-liter V8 would cut it, even with a twin-turbo boost. I needn’t have worried, as the V8 Bentayga is well up to any task. 111

Kelly E. Carter is the director of communications at Alpha Omega winery on Napa Valley’s Rutherford Bench. The former editor of Haute Living San Francisco previously enjoyed a lengthy, award-winning career in journalism writing about sports, entertainment, and luxury lifestyles for various media outlets. Kelly co-authored New York Times bestseller Come to Win: Business Leaders, Artists, Doctors, and Other Visionaries on How Sports Can Help You Top Your Profession with Venus Williams and penned The Dog Lover’s Guide to Travel for National Geographic Books. She has traveled to more than 40 countries and territories on six continents and called Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, and Italy home. Visit Kelly at: www. kellyecarter.com

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HauteAMBASSADOR

Wine Country

Alpha Omega ERA Elite lunch

WINE O’CLOCK

BY KELLY E. CARTER

Travelers show it’s time to return to Napa Valley NO SOONER HAD I RETURNED TO NAPA VALLEY IN MARCH AFTER A glorious, 9-day escape to the Caribbean island of St. Martin—my first time leaving Northern California in more than a year—that I began to notice tourists had invaded Wine Country. I’m not talking about out-of-towners from San Francisco and Silicon Valley up for the weekend, but tourists who had boarded airplanes for the first time since the pandemic began. Welcome back! Although, I must admit, it was frustrating to see a long line of people waiting to get in Bouchon Bakery in Yountville in the middle of the week when I just wanted to run in quickly and grab a croissant made with imported French butter or a ham and cheese baguette, as I had done many times while Yountville was a ghost town. However, it was fantastic to see the culinary capital of Napa Valley alive again with people strolling the streets day and night. Lassen trout, almond, bay leaf, roe, North Block Hotel’s restaurant

The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil

Chef Thomas Keller reopened his three-Michelin star The French Laundry, La Calenda, and Bouchon Bistro. Bistro Jeanty unlocked its doors. The beautiful people flocked again to the terrace at the stunning RH Yountville, with burgers that, I think, are some of the best in the valley. A new restaurant at the comfortably chic, 20-room North Block Hotel softly opened in the old Redd Wood space and quickly became the talk of town with locals because its chef, Nick Tamburo, is an alumnus of New York City’s famous Momofuku. He’s created a mouthwatering menu of meat and vegetarian dishes infused with raw and smokey elements. In the hills of Rutherford, there is another reason to stay at the luxurious Auberge du Soleil. The Restaurant, the hotel’s iconic, Michelin-starred eatery, reopened on April 1, marking the return of fine dining on the terrace and the best dining views in the valley. Up the road in St. Helena, Meadowood Napa Valley, which has been closed since being partially damaged in last fall’s fires, is expected to begin welcoming guests again this summer and is already accepting reservations. Continuing north to Calistoga, Solage underwent a $30 million redesign that includes new suites and a new restaurant. Last, but not least, the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley is expected to debut mid-year. Bachelor and bachelorette parties in Napa Valley have resumed now that people feel comfortable traveling. Wineries are bustling again. At Alpha Omega in Rutherford, experience ambassadors happily pour wine and share the winery’s story with an increasing number of out-of-state wine lovers who say they are traveling for the first time in more than a year. This month, Alpha Omega puts on a small, exclusive lunch for the ERA Elite, its top tier wine club members. Some of them will fly in for the event to be held in the courtyard at Tre Posti in St. Helena where chef Nash Cognetti will show off his culinary skills.

Silverado Trail

Napa Valley sign at sunset

Monaco Maison at Auberge du Soleil

It’s just a matter of time before wineries can host their own in-person events again, giving travelers another reason to visit Napa Valley. With its low population density, dreamy landscape, abundance of fine dining restaurants with outdoor seating to appease those who are still leery about eating indoors, and world class wine, it’s no wonder that Napa Valley has become the destination of choice for many people coming out of hibernation. I hope to see you in Napa Valley soon!

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BY LYDIA GRAHAM

HauteAMBASSADOR

Health & Wellness

FIVE WAYS TRAVEL MAY MAKE YOU HEALTHIER & HAPPIER

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Even a weekend getaway helps AFTER A YEAR OF STAYING HOME, YOU ARE PROBABLY considering taking a long-awaited vacation—especially domestically. You are not alone. Due to pent-up demand and barring unforeseen future developments, travel is predicted to experience an uptick over the next 12 months. According to Trip Advisor’s recent research report, “The Year of the Travel Rebound,” an enthusiastic 80% of US respondents plan to take at least one overnight domestic leisure trip in 2021, and just over a third (34%) are planning at least three domestic trips this year. Forty-five percent of US travelers are planning to travel internationally in 2021. Whether the “trip” is long or short, the benefits can be long lasting and sometimes even life changing. Here are five ways travel may make you healthier and happier. 1. RESET AND DE-STRESS Vacations provide a wonderful opportunity for reflection. “A chance to recharge your batteries, and remember what brings you joy in life, is a powerful tool for mental and physical wellbeing,” says health psychologist Dr. Adriana Hayward. The benefit of having something pleasurable to look forward to is motivational in and of itself. “Getting away offers new experiences that allow the body to relax and rejuvenate, dramatically reducing cortisol (stress hormone) levels. New experiences can also foster gratitude, happiness, and self-confidence, which enhance resiliency,” continued Hayward. However, when it comes to de-stressing—it turns out not all vacations are created equal. Of course, factoring in cost and affordability is a given, but careful planning is critical to

lowering stress while traveling. To minimize stress, reflect on your travel style and personality; i.e., do you enjoy sitting on a beach and reading books or do you prefer a fast-paced trip? It is important you and your traveling companion(s) are compatible and agree before you book that vacation destination. After a year of deprivation, travelers are planning more than ever. That’s a good thing. This year, according to the Trip Advisor report, “Three quarters (74%) of travelers surveyed globally say they will spend more time choosing a destination this year, including 65% of travelers in the U.S. Sixty-four percent of U.S. travelers will spend more time reading reviews, 63% will spend more time selecting their accommodation, and 70% will spend more time finding things to do.” Harvard Business Review (HBR) contributor, author, and speaker Shawn Achor and happiness researcher Michelle Gielan from the Institute of Applied Positive Research partnered to conduct a study based upon a 34-item survey of 414 travelers. Addressing insight gleaned from survey responses, Achor’s HBR article, “When A Vacation Reduces Stress—And When It Doesn’t,” states, “The overarching finding was that taking time off from work can make you happier, healthier, and more productive when you return, but only specific kinds of travel produce these results. In other words, most of the happiness gleaned from vacation is dependent upon the stress level of the vacation. Poorly planned and stressful vacations eliminate the positive benefit of time away. The less the stress, the more likely you will experience a positive benefit from the time off. A positive, well-managed vacation can make you happier and less stressed, and you can return with more energy at work and with more meaning in your life.”

PHOTO CREDIT: SHUTTERSTOCK

Lydia is a passionate advocate of healthy living. She has launched and positioned many health and wellnessrelated companies, products, technologies and organizations receiving more than 100 awards nationally and internationally. Her focus in the health sector is specifically on life sciences, aging and longevity. She is a partner and investor in several recognized national brands. She sits on the board of the Buck Institute for Research on Aging whose mission is to eliminate the threat of agerelated disease for today’s and future generations. It is the only independent research organization globally dedicated to extending the healthy years of life. Like the scientists at the Buck, Graham envisions it will be possible for people to enjoy life at 95 as much as at 25. To support Buck’s mission, please visit www.buckinstitute.org.

It turns out short getaways can be just as effective in reducing stress as longer vacations. A 2018 Austrian study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found among German managers, even “one single short-term vacation, independent of the mode, (had) large, positive and immediate effects on perceived stress, recovery, strain, and well-being. … The effects (were) still detected at 30 days (recovery) and 45 days (well-being and strain) post-vacation.” 2. RENEWED CREATIVITY, ENGAGEMENT & PERSPECTIVE While plenty of logistics are involved in planning a getaway, to do it well, one could argue is itself a creative process. First, we must consider where we want to go and what to do—a bit of blue-sky thinking is involved; i.e., we must dream a little. Routine kills creativity: our brain gets accustomed to familiar neural pathways. Changing our physical environment interrupts these patterns with new visual, auditory, and other sensory stimuli. For example, plenty of research supports that time spent in nature contributes to improved well-being. This might be especially true for someone living in an urban environment. Or, someone living in a nature setting might enjoy the stimulation of a city. Travel provides us with new perspectives. When traveling, if we are open, we become aware of how others experience life. Embracing different cultural perspectives increases our tolerance and flexibility, encouraging us to be more understanding and accepting of views, lifestyles, and cultures vastly different from our own. Embracing tolerance and acceptance (vs. judgment and anger) positively benefits our body’s hormones, nervous system, heart, and blood pressure. Plus, it’s just a more enjoyable mental attitude. Cross-cultural experiences are particularly noteworthy, especially international ones. Adam Galinsky, a professor at Columbia Business School who has authored several studies focused on international travel and its impact on creativity, told The Atlantic, in particular “foreign experiences increase both cognitive flexibility and depth and integrativeness of thought, the ability to make deep connections between disparate forms.” “The key, critical process,” he continued, “is multicultural engagement, immersion, and adaptation. Someone who lives abroad and doesn’t engage with the local culture will likely get less of a creative boost than someone who travels abroad and really engages in the local environment.” For years, I traveled often to the Fiji Islands. Although by American standards, many islanders I met there would be considered “poor,” their generosity of spirit, hospitality, and eagerness to share what they had was uplifting. I miss them dearly. I always returned home with a greater sense of community and appreciation for life’s simple things. One of my most memorable trips was traveling for a month in India. Although the staggering extremes of poverty and wealth were, at times, hard to take, I had never been to a culture so old, so steeped in history, and so laced with so many different religions. Upon returning, especially from a long break, we often see the world with fresh eyes. Getting away provides a healthy detachment from our former fixed patterns, whether physical or mental. 3. CONNECT WITH OTHERS It is the quality of time we spend with others that counts, not the quantity. The benefits of deeply connecting with others can renew your spirit and are good for your overall well-being. Without life’s daily interruptions, we can enjoy quality time with our partner, our kids, the friends with whom we travel, or the new friends we meet along the way. Having fun together is essential to all healthy relationships. Too, there is the bonding that comes from indulging in common interests and activities and discovering new places and things together. Disengaged

from work and routine, we can rediscover the lost art of conversation over long slow dinners or lunches. When things do not always go as planned, travel encourages us to adapt and live in the moment. 4. CREATE NEW MEMORIES Our travel experiences become significant memories that punctuate our lives. A couple I know, celebrate their milestone birthdays living large with destination birthday celebrations traveling with friends. Being the fortunate recipient of their generosity over the decades, I mentioned how much I admired their taking time to plan these trips. The husband responded how these celebrations punctuate their lives with wonderful memories; otherwise, each year would simply blend into the next. Travel gives us an opportunity to celebrate life. His comment really stayed with me. I read once the memories children remember and value the most are from family vacations, large or small. They contribute to the collective history of who we become. After all these years, I still remember vividly my first family vacation—one to Florida as a very small child. Says Dr. Hayward, “Memories post-travel can carry us forward and help us to find balance in our everyday world, leading to higher life satisfaction.” New memories also slow down our perception of time’s passage. In 2005, researchers at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich surveyed 499 participants, ranging in age from 14 to 94 years. “[W]hen asked to reflect on their lives, the participants older than 40 felt that time elapsed slowly in their childhood, but then accelerated steadily through their teenage years into early adulthood.” According to psychologist and BBC columnist Claudia Hammond, “The reason? Our brain encodes new experiences, but not familiar ones, into memory, and our retrospective judgment of time is based on how many new memories we create over a certain period. In other words, the more new memories we build on a weekend getaway, the longer that trip will seem in hindsight.” Hammond dubbed this phenomenon, “the holiday paradox, (which) seems to present one of the best clues as to why, in retrospect, time seems to pass more quickly the older we get. From childhood to early adulthood, we have many fresh experiences and learn countless new skills. As adults, though, our lives become more routine, and we experience fewer unfamiliar moments. As a result, our early years tend to be relatively overrepresented in our autobiographical memory and, on reflection, seem to have lasted longer. Of course, this means we can also slow time down later in life. We can alter our perceptions by keeping our brain active, continually learning skills and ideas, and exploring new places.” This is the perfect segue to our last point. 5. LEARN SOMETHING NEW Lifelong learning infused with engagement, purpose, and passion has been associated with greater well-being, happiness, and longevity. Learning vacations provide an invitation to experiment, try new things, and discover or dive deeper into one’s passions. They are especially great options for solo travelers (as many learning adventures provide social interaction) or for families who want to bond over an activity. “Novelty and learning create new neural pathways in the brain, which are important for healthy aging, problem solving, and creativity,” adds Hayward. More and more tour organizers offer these types of trips. It is a growing trend and the sky’s the limit. There is practically a vacation to suit every interest, ranging from career or personal and spiritual development to special interest (culinary and wine, literary and creative endeavors, cultural interests such as art history and architecture, languages and cultural immersion, and wellness and sports). The good news about a learning vacation is not only do you come back recharged and a little smarter, but the skills and benefits you bring home can last a lifetime. Wishing you safe travels! 115

BY NINA ERICSON

HauteAMBASSADOR

Life Coach

Nina Clark Ericson, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist with a practice in Palo Alto. Dr. Clark Ericson helps people live more empowered, happier lives through psychotherapy, life coaching, dating coaching, and Equus Coaching (coaching with horses, not riding). Her areas of expertise include anxiety and depression, difficult life transitions, and emotional eating.

DO YOU EVER ARGUE WITH YOURSELF? I BET YOU DO—YOU are human! I’m not talking about the classic argument between your angel (ego or “good” self) and your devil (id or “bad” self). Rather, I refer to the battle between your inner negative voice and your inner wisdom voice. Most of us can easily identify our inner negative voice: it is often critical and filled with self-doubt, fear, and/or perfectionism. When we listen to this negative inner voice, we don’t follow our gut feelings or our inner knowing, and our lives don’t reflect our true selves. When we quiet and transform this negative voice, we can be centered in our authentic selves. Staying centered is a powerful skill that helps us navigate any situation in life—from something as simple as choosing a movie to more complicated and consequential decisions, such as choosing a job. However, the negative voice can easily drown out the voice of our center. 116

Self-limiting thought patterns we have learned from life experiences, our stories, and the messages we receive can knock us off our path. When we keep centered within ourselves and listen to our inner wisdom, we know where to go and what to do. When we manage that self-destructive chatter and replace it with realistic thoughts that serve us, we create a purposeful life that leads to fulfillment and greater happiness. Let me give you a simple example. Recently, I joined some friends on a ski trip. Most of the trip was about as covid-safe as you can get, until late afternoon on the last day. My friend suggested that we enjoy an après-ski drink. The day was sunny and warm—for a ski resort—and maskless skiers happily mingled on the lodge deck. It looked like a blast. But as I studied the crowded, joyous scene, my gut felt tense and my chest tight. My center was telling me, through these constrictive sensations, that this could be a covid super-spreader event; however, my people-

PHOTO CREDITS: SHUTTERSTOCK

FINDING THE VOICE OF YOUR INNER WISDOM

pleasing inner critic urged, “Don’t be rude and hurt her feelings.” My inner critic won and I joined my friends. Because this crowded situation didn’t feel safe, I spent the whole time thinking about how risky it was and watched the seconds pass until I could leave. I had given in to the people-pleaser part of me rather than doing what my gut knew was right. Thankfully, I didn’t get covid, but had one more experience in which my negative voice won over my intuition. That didn’t feel good and could have resulted in really negative consequences. Recently, a young woman I coach—let’s call her Niki—presented a dilemma that was truly a battle between her inner wisdom and her inner critic. Niki was about to accept a high level job at an impressive company. She had earned an MBA from a prestigious business school and felt great pressure to take a job considered “worthy” of her education by her schoolmates and family. However, Niki wants to open a juice bar. She shared her idea with some of her business school friends and her parents. Everyone scoffed and thought her idea ridiculous and a waste of her degree. Niki’s gut instinct keeps nudging her towards her juice bar dream. When Niki talked about the juice bar, she became vibrant and excited. Her face beamed. Her intellect fired up and produced lots of great ideas. When she talked about the job she was considering, Niki described feeling like a wet blanket was on top of her; she felt dread at the thought of accepting the job offer. Niki’s gut was speaking loud and strong and she listened. Niki has courageously decided to open her juice bar. Her enthusiasm about her decision is infectious. She is confident that her business degree will help her make this endeavor a success. No matter what happens, Niki is happy that she is living from her center and is excited to see what she creates. Learning to identify the voice of your center is a practice. Martha Beck, Oprah Winfrey’s favorite life coach, created a great exercise to identify the voice of your inner wisdom. Beck suggests thinking of a challenging circumstance and asking yourself: • What would calm do now? • What would peace do now? Because I also believe that our gut gets excited about a centered choice, I add this question: • What would excitement/expansiveness do now? I also recommend doing the following brief meditation in centering your inner wisdom to help you make a decision: • Breathe deeply. • Be still and close your eyes. • Quiet your mind. • Imagine the option you are considering. • Notice your body sensations, your emotion. Often, if an idea is aligned with your inner wisdom, your body says “yes” with sensations of lightness, openness, expansiveness, and maybe peacefulness or excitement. If your inner wisdom is saying “no,” then you may feel a tightness or a heaviness. Living from your authentic center has challenges: it requires great courage. Glennon Doyle, author of the sensationally successful book Untamed, advocates living from your gut and says: “Brave means living from the inside out. Brave means, in every uncertain moment, turning inward, feeling for the Knowing, and speaking it out loud.” Go ahead and practice listening to that voice of your inner wisdom. You may be surprised by how peaceful, joyful, and purposeful you become when you live from your true center.

nina@ninaclarkericson.com Dr. Ericson is grateful that the aforementioned clients have given her permission to tell their stories, without identifying details, with the hope of helping others.

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INCLINE VILLAGE, NEVADA

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MARY KLEINGARTNER REALTOR NV S.0173864

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Olivia Hsu Decker | SanFranciscoFineHomes.com Cell: 415.720.5915 | Olivia@SanFranciscoFineHomes.com | Lic.# 00712080

California Lifestyle Collection Magnificent Belvedere Compound

Olivia Hsu Decker | SanFranciscoFineHomes.com Cell: 415.720.5915 | Olivia@SanFranciscoFineHomes.com | Lic.# 00712080

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Los Gatos, California

Price Upon Request

office space, oversized fireplace and sitting area, sliding doors lead to a sprawling outdoor lounge overlooking the pool below and sunset on the horizon. This gated estate offers total privacy, steel frame construction, wine cellar, billiards room with wet bar, two custom offices, and state-of-the-art technology. The estate’s resort-like grounds are as impressive as the residence, offering the versatility to retreat in serenity or entertain with lavish events. Features include an infinity pool, spa, tennis/basketball court, outdoor bar and grill, fire pit, manicured gardens, various terraces and seating areas, fountains, waterfall, and wrap-around decks with endless views. As seen on HGTV’s Extreme Homes, Forbes magazine and DuPont Registry, this stunning private enclave, just minutes from the heart of energetically charged Silicon Valley, maintains a retreat from the bustling lights below while sharing the neighborhood with several of Silicon Valley’s elites. Aztec Estate is truly a unique combination of privacy, serenity, panoramic views, and luxury amenities, all in a one-of-a-kind modern masterpiece. Photos and video on: AztecEstateLosGatos.com

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MAY-JUNE 2021 HAUTE LIVING SAN FRANCISCO

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