SUMMER 2014
ST. JOHN AN INTIMATE TAKE ON PARADISE PAGE 16
SAN FRANCISCO
ALWAYS READY FOR A CLOSE-UP SARAH MCLACHLAN
DIGS DEEP ON HER NEW ALBUM AND SUMMER TOUR GR AND CAYMAN * LAK E TAHOE * PARK CITY * SAN DIEGO * TUSCANY
TONY GWYNN
MR. SAN DIEGO ON HIS CITY’S MELLOW EXCELLENCE SUMMER SANDERS
PARK CITY OLYMPIAN, TV PERSONALITY AND ÜBER-ACTIVE MOM
SUMMER 2014
PURSUE
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SUMMER 2014
CONTENTS FEATURES
64 THE PICTURE PERFECT CITY An action sports photographer calls San Francisco the most eye-catching city on the continent. See what he means. PHOTOGRAPHS BY ADAM BARKER
80 SUMMER’S HERE!
88
GRAND OLD TIME
Grand Cayman is both an international banking haven and an idyllic Caribbean escape, a place where people reinvent their dreams and personalities. Our man attempts to find out where he fits in. BY AARON GULLEY
INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2014
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Former Olympic swimmer and current TV host Summer Sanders settled into the aspenrich mountains and crisp air of Park City, Utah to raise her hyperactive family. BY DINA MISHEV
72 SMILE, IT’S SAN DIEGO Former pro-baseball player Tony Gwynn epitomizes his adopted hometown’s approach to life: make excellence look easy and enjoy yourself every day. BY JOHN WOODROW COX
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CONTENTS
SUMMER 2014
DEPARTMENTS 41
11 WELCOME LETTER 12 N EWS
46
Inspirato members enjoy exclusive access to the Masters Tournament.
INSPIRATION . 18 ARTS & CULTURE Sarah McLachlan bares her soul. Check into two Tuscan villas with world-class modern art collections.
26 FACES Stars to know in art (p. 26), food (p. 34), photography (p. 44) and
60
TK
interior design (p. 58).
28 FOOD & DRINK
57
California’s wine country is in the midst of an oil boom.
36 SPORTING LIFE Lake Tahoe’s Concours d’Elegance for wooden boats is tops in the nation. Bike racing in the Colorado Rockies.
46 ADVENTURE Saddle up for a ride into Hawaii’s centuries-old paniolo culture.
58
53 STYLE & DESIGN Smart and elegant summer style for the beach and sunset parties.
34
60 MEMBER RECOMMENDED A birthday gathering doubles as a
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family reunion for 30 in Nantucket.
188 GRUMPY TRAVELER “That’s just mean.” Grumpy on turndown-service chocolates.
SIGNATURE RESIDENCES A COMPREHENSIVE PEEK AT INSPIRATO SIGNATURE RESIDENCES AROUND THE GLOBE PAGE 102
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Inspirato magazine is published three times annually, © 2014. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without the express written consent of the Publisher. Inspirato® is a private travel membership club that requires a non-refundable Initiation Fee and Annual Membership Fee. Membership is subject to acceptance of terms and conditions and other reservation and use rules. Availability, benefits, minimum stay requirements and nightly fees may vary by residence, date and membership option selected. See website (www.inspirato.com) for complete details. Inspirato is owned by Inspirato LLC and operated by its subsidiary Best of 52, LLC, 1637 Wazee Street, Denver, CO 80202, info@inspirato.com, 303.586.7771. Operator is registered as Florida Seller of Travel Registration No. ST38403; Washington Seller of Travel Registration No. UBI 603086598; California Seller of Travel Registration No. CST 2107465. ©2014 Inspirato LLC. All products and services offered and rendered by Inspirato® (including the operation and management of any vacation residence) are provided solely by Inspirato LLC, Best of 52, LLC, or their respective agents and affiliates, and not by the American Express Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates.
INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2014
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WELCOME
INSPIRED MOMENTS, LASTING MEMORIES I was working out recently with my trainer, Oyvind—an extremely fit gentleman from Norway—when I noticed something he had posted in big letters on the wall at the gym. “Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment, until it becomes a memory.” As he explained that it was a quote from Dr. Seuss, I had a sudden realization: Inspirato creates exceptional vacations, but we are actually in the moments and memories business. It felt like an epiphany, but the truth is, it wasn’t the quote alone that led me to this realization. Dr. Seuss’ wise words summed up a lesson I had been unconsciously studying for many years, during spring breaks with my family in Los Cabos, ski weekends with friends in Vail and trips like last summer’s Inspirato cruise in the Mediterranean. That lesson was this: at some point, we all begin
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to understand the importance of investing in moments with loved ones because those moments turn into the memories that become our most treasured possessions. At Inspirato, we know how lucky we are to help our members make these very important investments—and how much they will mean to them down the road. I cannot think of a better example of this than Inspirato member Kathy Arrix, who used one of our Signature Residences in Nantucket as the hub for a family reunion and 80th birthday party for her father-in-law last summer (page 60). This issue of Inspirato is packed with ideas for other great summer moments as well: from saddling up for a cross-country horseback ride through Hawaii’s cowboy country (page 46) to learning how California’s Sonoma Valley produces
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INSPIRATO’S SILVERSEA CRUISE IN 2013 COO Martin Pucher (top left) and CEO Brent Handler (second from top left) with family and friends at the deck party.
some of the top olive oils in the world (page 28). Each of these stories offers a new spin on wellknown destinations, featuring unique experiences that everyone in the family will remember in their own way. As singer/songwriter Sarah McLachlan (page 18) says about going on tour with her children, “Everything looks new again through their eyes.” Traveling these past few years with my family, I certainly agree, and I urge each and every one of you to vacation as much as you can with the ones you love. The moments you create will become the memories you cherish. Enjoy the journey, BRENT HANDLER FOUNDER & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2014
MEMBER NEWS THE MASTERS
APRIL
2014
SPRING SWING
INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2014
fairways heated up, Inspirato welcomed members to a southern-style barbecue dinner at the Inspirato Clubhouse attended by 1987 Masters Tournament winner and Inspirato member Larry Mize. The following evening, members were invited to the exclusive Wheels Up hospitality tent, where past Masters champion Nick Faldo shared his insights into this year’s event. The menu came from celebrity chef Ming Tsai of Boston’s famed Blue Ginger restaurant. Singer/songwriter Kelly James provided the music to kickoff one of the most exciting tourneys ever played.
joe rahim (10)
T
he azaleas in Augusta, Georgia were in full bloom and the weather was perfect for golf’s most hallowed event, the Masters Touranment held at the Augusta National Golf Club and won by Bubba Watson in a final round duel with Jordan Spieth who was aiming to become the youngest winner in tournament history. And Inspirato members were front and center for it all. Throughout the tournament members availed themselves of the exclusive Inspirato Clubhouse and access to The Perrin House at the club for meals and drinks. Before the action on the
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THE MASTERS (Clockwise from top left)
The Azalea Hole The flowers on the par 5, 13th hole were blooming.
Home Base The Inspirato Clubhouse in Augusta.
In Tune (inset) Kelly James on stage at the Wheels Up event.
New Friends (from left to right) Gary P. Moss, Inspirato member Charlie Racusin, Andrew M. Grisebaum, host and Inspirato CEO Brent Handler.
Inspirato’s Own Inspirato member and 1987 Masters champ, Larry Mize hits out of a sand trap during a practice round.
Good Times Member Greg Rankich (right) and guest at the Wheels Up event.
Southern Hospitality (left to right) Larry Mize and Inspirato President David Kallery chat with guests at the Inspirato BBQ.
Ming Dynasty Renowned chef Ming Tsai at the Wheels Up party.
VIP Access Inspirato’s keys to an unforgettable experience.
Next Generation Scene from a practice round.
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INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2014
TAKE IT WITH YOU
Load Inspirato magazine onto your tablet to peruse on your next trip or share scenes from your exclusive Inspirato vacation or VIP event with family and friends.
SUMMER 2014
ST. JOHN AN INTIMATE TAKE ON PARADISE PAGE 16
SAN FRANCISCO
ALWAYS READY FOR A CLOSE-UP SARAH MCLACHLAN
DIGS DEEP ON HER NEW ALBUM AND SUMMER TOUR GR AND CAYMAN * LAK E TAHOE * PARK CITY * SAN DIEGO * TUSCANY
TONY GWYNN
MR. SAN DIEGO ON HIS CITY’S MELLOW EXCELLENCE SUMMER SANDERS
PARK CITY OLYMPIAN, TV PERSONALITY AND ÜBER-ACTIVE MOM
SUMMER 2014
PURSUE
SHARING MADE EASY Even though the best vacations involve one-of-a-kind experiences and stories that will be told for years, the Inspirato magazine tablet edition lets you start sharing now. Download the new edition from the iTunes® store or Google Play™ and then use email to share pages that highlight your memories.
INSPIRATO PHOTO CONTEST This past spring we asked Inspirato members to share their best Inspirato vacation snaps on Instagram using the hashtag #InspiratoContest to enter. Close to 100 entries were received from all corners of the globe. Members captured stunning scenery and special
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moments such as engagements, reunions and happy children. All of the photos made us wish we got out more. A lot more. Thank you for sharing. TAYLOR METHFESSEL, our winner, submitted this snap of her family and friends jumping off a dock while on a Caribbean vacation in Anguilla last March. Enjoy your $500 American Express gi card, Taylor!
SEEING IS BELIEVING. CHECK OUT
FOLLOW ALONG AS INSPIRATO
STUNNING IMAGES OF INSPIRATO
SHOWCASES ITS GROWING PORTFOLIO
SIGNATURE RESIDENCES
OF GORGEOUS DESTINATIONS AND
AND EXPERIENCES FROM
SNAPS FROM BEHIND THE SCENES
ACROSS THE GLOBE.
AT EXCLUSIVE INSPIRATO EVENTS.
Check-in regularly with inspirato.com and inspiratomagazine.com for additional content and to learn about Inspirato Signature Collection vacation choices.
INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2014
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Entertain with stately charm.
Embassy Row by Wood-Mode, available in the U.S. and Canada. Scan the QR code to unlock exclusive content from our latest collection.
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PURSUE
TRANQUILITY BASE Lameshur Bay on St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2014
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PURSUE
ST. JOHN, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
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THE JUMBLE OF ISLANDS that make up the United States’ portion of the Virgin Islands form a waterman’s—or waterwoman’s—version of heaven, with private coves surrounded by lush hillsides and filled with the Caribbean’s temperate water. Often, all it takes is an easy paddle around the proverbial bend to find a calm, protected bay and escape from it all (case in point: this shot of Lameshur Bay). Or, if you’re ambitious enough, head to a deserted island off the main islands of St. Thomas and St. John and imagine you’re playing a starring role in your own version of Treasure Island. St. John is home to the 7,000 acres of Virgin Islands National Park, which encompasses more than 60 percent of the island, including the coral reefs offshore. Snorkel the famed underwater trail at Trunk Bay, hike to the ruins of the Annaberg sugar plantation or rent a sailboard or paddleboard at Cinnamon Bay. Few islands in the Caribbean have protected so much land and shoreline from development as St. John, leaving it a pristine, tropical paradise for you to explore. —THE EDITORS * FOR MORE DETAILS, SEE INSPIRATO’S ST. JOHN SIGNATURE RESIDENCES PAGE 164 .
INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2014
kharen hill
ARTS & CULTURE
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ARTS & CULTURE
SONGS FOR ANGELS
Sarah McLachlan returns to the stage this summer for her most intimate tour yet. BY GRANT DAVIS “PLAYING LIVE has the intimacy of gentle sex,” says singer and songwriter Sarah McLachlan. “You’re emotionally wide open up there on stage, and when it’s good—when the audience is giving back—you feel part of something much bigger.” Speaking from her home in Vancouver, British Columbia, McLachlan chuckles with mild embarrassment at her admission, but it explains her sense of excitement heading into her tour this summer in support of Shine On, her first album in four years. For fans of the singer, the album and the tour can’t come soon enough. For McLachlan, though, the timing is perfect. “I started writing songs for this album three years ago,” she says. “But I had some big distractions: revamping and running an afterschool music program at an inner-city school in Vancouver; being a parent to two kids. By the time I got back to those songs, I realized I was a different person. My father had passed away as well, and I recognized that life was so much bigger than what those songs were about.” McLachlan started fresh, fueled partly by the loss of her father, partly by the changing perspectives that come from being a parent to her daughters, now 12- and 7-years-old (Of parenthood, she says, “It’s a terrifying and joyously beautiful responsibility”). Many of the songs on the new album are about mourning a loss, but she explains that because of her children, she found herself dwelling less on the past and more on moving forward in a meaningful way. Finding solace through her music, McLachlan uses the songwriting process to work through her own demons and issues. “It’s very therapeutic,” she says. “If I’m feeling wound up and frustrated, I’ll go settle down at the piano and noodle around. If I like something, I’ll record it on my iPhone and keep going.” Eventually those therapy sessions turn into melodies that become songs. “There’s nothing sharp about the process,” she says. “It happens when it happens.” Her lyrics come after the melody, and she’s learned in her 25 years as a professional to jot down those snippets immediately or lose them forever. In the studio, the melody and lyrics come together to form a song that she’ll perform for the rest of her life.
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With more than an estimated 40 million records sold in her career and Grammy awards for songs on her 1997 album Surfacing, McLachlan brings her emotionally powerful voice to cities across North America this summer. When asked how she knows whether a song will work live or not, she replies, “If a song works while singing solo and playing a single instrument, then you know it’s strong.” Exhibit A: “Angel,” her smash-hit song from Surfacing that features McLachlan, her piano and nothing else. She enjoys summer tours for the chance to play outside. The first half of the show is under the fading light of day, when she feels surrounded by the audience and embraces the casual atmosphere. Then for the second half, darkness sets in and the dramatic stage lighting takes over. For t his tour, she gave herself plenty of time to line up venues she loves that allow her to do just this: Red Rocks in Denver, the Santa Barbara Bowl and Berkeley’s Greek Theatre, among them. But beyond the venues, a summer tour schedule means that her children can come with her on their summer break from school. “It’s a big camping trip and road trip for them, and it’s wonderful to show them new places and new cities,” she says. “I’ve been to many children’s museums and science and natural history museums. It’s all about exploration with the kids. Everything looks new again through their eyes,” she says. “If we have time, I do like to seek out nature. I get a truer sense of place from the landscape—the trees, mountains or the ocean—than I do from the downtown streets where our hotels are usually located.” Two weeks after she finished recording Shine On, and mere days after returning from a well-deserved Hawaiian vacation, McLachlan sounds ready to open herself to an audience on a nightly basis, revisiting heartache and triumph through songs old and new, and recharged by the presence of her children and fans, many who’ve already snapped up the tour’s VIP tickets months ahead of her opening night. “It’s comforting to know that those people are there, and they care about what I do.”
SARAH’S PACKING TIPS
AFTER MORE THAN TWO DECADES ON THE ROAD, MCLACHLAN KNOWS A THING OR TWO ABOUT TRAVELING RIGHT.
Always pack one outfit into your carry-on bag. If I’m going someplace warm, I pack a bathing suit as well. Whether I pack for a week or a year, everything’s got to fit into my trusted Tumi rolling suitcase. A good pair of noisecancelling headphones, a couple good books and a journal always go with me. Surest sign of a good vacation: you forget what day it is and almost miss your flight home.
Grant Davis is the editor of Inspirato magazine.
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CULTURE | T U S C A N Y
MODERN CLASSICS A couple combine their classic Tuscan villas with a world-class modern art collection that meshes Italy’s flair for elegantly combining the old and new. BY SUSAN ENFIELD
N
Nestled in the most traditional of landscapes—the pastoral central Italian region of Tuscany—sit two reconstructed villas that embody a luxurious modern style all their own. Meticulously rebuilt and impeccably curated, La Galleria and Monticelli are part of a collection that will eventually include another nearby villa, San Bartolomeo. “Our vision is that of a new way of living the timeless beauty of Tuscany,” says Massimo Lauro, owner and designer of the villas, along with his wife of 35 years, Angela. “The striking contemporary art, iconic design and the latest technology lead to a different style of understated elegance that blends with local culture and lifestyle and fulfills the fantasy of la dolce vita.” Restoring the historic properties according to a comfortable, contemporary aesthetic is a shared passion for the couple. A scion of a prominent family of former ship owners in Naples, Lauro grew up in a home filled with works by Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and other pop art masters, which his parents collected during the 1960s. Along with his wife, Lauro began collecting art in earnest during the 90s. “Massimo has a very good eye,” she says. “He can spot a great artist years before he becomes famous.”
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CULTURE | TUSCANY
PRIVATE MUSEUM (This page) The pool at La Galleria. (Left) The bedroom with a Philippe Starck tub and the living room in La Galleria. INSPIRATOMAGAZINE.COM
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CULTURE | T U S C A N Y
MASTERS OF TASTE (Top) La Galleria’s classic exterior belies a contemporary interior. (Inset) Collectors Angela and Massimo Lauro.
TUSCANY
In 2009, the Lauro family began spending less time in Naples and more at a family property in the ancient comune of Città della Pieve, near Perugia, the capital of Umbria, which is known as “the green heart of Italy.” Nearby, they renovated a winery formerly run by Lauro’s father into an art space called Il Giardino dei Lauri to house their now-sizeable collection, which includes significant works such as New York-based artist Banks Violet’s Untitled (Horse), a galloping white horse projected onto a wall of vapor. Inspired by the beauty of the area, especially nearby Val d’Orcia, a scenic valley and UNESCO World Heritage site that is “one of the few wild and unspoiled areas of Italy,” Lauro says, the couple bought two old country homes and began a new shared passion: restoring historic residences. “In the 18th century, the properties hosted both stables and farmers’ homes,” says Lauro. “The homes were not habitable, so we started off by tearing them down. As we rebuilt both houses, we ensured that they would fit beautifully into the gorgeous landscape.” Following strict local historic preservation rules, La Galleria was reconstructed in the traditional stone-and-mortar style with redtiled roofs. Because environmental concerns were a priority, the home, as well as Monticelli, boast energy efficiencies that earned both an AAA energy rating.
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The interiors, however, are another story. In contrast to the local tradition of using antique furnishings, the villas’ interior spaces are bright, open and filled with a mix of contemporary art, furniture and the latest modern amenities. “I want the houses to be as comfortable as possible,” says Angela Lauro. “I think about what I would want to find in a house. One must feel at home inside.” Working with local artisans and craftsmen, Lauro designed the windows, doors, beds, tables, white-upholstered couches and armchairs, kitchen cabinets, stone sinks and even the fireplaces. “The process was long and difficult because we wanted everything to be custom made,” he says. Interspersed with the contemporary furnishings, such as Philippe Starck bathtubs, are Biedermeier pieces from the mid-1800s. Completed in 2009, the 6,400-square-foot La Galleria can comfortably host 12 guests with six bedrooms and 6.5 baths. The 1,700-acre estate features a private infinity-edge pool, bocce ball court, rare rose gardens, a vegetable garden and a magnificent 400-year-old oak tree that “fascinated me from the start,” says Lauro. The expansive patio and lawns offer a majestic view of Val d’Orcia— green rolling hills, bright red poppy fields and the old volcano lava dome of Monte Amiata—stretching all the way to the ancient towers and cathedrals of Pienza, another World Heritage site that is considered the ideal representation of a Renaissance-era town. Located nearby on the same estate, the recently completed 6,450-square-foot, 6-bedroom Monticelli offers similarly delightful touches, including a color therapy shower in the bedroom beside the infinity pool. Lit by lamps, the rain-effect shower water changes colors (yellow, green, blue and red). Angela Lauro created two distinctive rose gardens at the house. “Everyone here has wild herb gardens with rosemary and lavender,”
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CULTURE | T U S C A N Y
LA DOLCE VITA (Top) The Tuscan countryside unspools below La Galleria’s hillside setting. (Left, inset) The dining room and a bedroom in La Galleria.
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CULTURE | T U S C A N Y
MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME
Tuscany
THE POOL VIEW Monte Amiata seen from La Galleria’s pool. (Inset) The living room in the Monticelli villa.
she says. “I thought, ‘what’s the most different thing I can do?’” Roses were the answer. The smaller walled garden features languid shades of red and pink. In the westfacing terrace garden, pink, orange and yellow blooms reflect “the same fantastic sunsets you find in Renaissance paintings, with very wild, bright colors,” she says. Guests at La Galleria and Monticelli enjoy a unique opportunity to live with museumworthy contemporary art curated from the Lauro’s private collection. For instance, over Monticelli’s fireplace hangs Massimo’s favorite painting, Young Lonely Palm, done by his close friend, American artist Aaron Young. Nearby hang two works by another American painter, Richard Aldrich. Rashid Johnson’s Run Jesse Run, the title’s words spray-painted white on a large mirror, animates La Galleria’s dining room. Other artists represented include Brendan Fowler, Piero Golia, Matthew Chambers, Nicola Pecoraro and Sam Falls. Massimo inherited his passion for art from
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his parents, who discovered contemporary art and began collecting it during travels abroad. “I learned to love beauty in general and to search for the very best—that one can afford,” he says. He still keeps updated on emerging young artists, “which is not that easy living in Italy,” he says. “But I manage.” After completing the third residence later this year, the Lauros’ twin passions of art and architecture will turn to an even more ambitious project. Close to home in Città della Pieve and Il Giardino dei Lauri, they have purchased a parcel of land where Perugino painted his famous fresco, Il Battesimo di Cristo. There, they plan to build Art Borgo. “A borgo is a group of houses around a church or council, but in this case, it’s a museum,” says Lauro. Internationally known architect Piero Sartogo, who designed the Italian embassy in Washington, D.C., is currently working on a very contemporary plan. “It’s something not seen here,” Angela says. When asked why they go through the expense and time to carry out their ambitious projects, Massimo and Angela respond with the passion for which Italians are famous. “I try to offer as much as I can. I want our guests to have a special experience in my house,” says Angela. “The houses aren’t built to be rented; we create them as if they were our own home,” Massimo adds. “Many of our guests say the house is even better than the photos. We try to take you to a more passionate place and every small detail contributes.” Susan Enfield wrote about polo in the Dominican Republic for the spring 2014 issue of Inspirato.
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The Lauros’ homes in Val D’Orcia are just two of the more than 12 Signature Residences available in the general area of Tuscany that also includes Chianti and Siena. Members can choose from the sprawling 12,700-square-foot Il Campanile villa in Siena with its nine bedrooms to host a family reunion or the more intimate Cottage Chianti and its two bedrooms and 2,370 square feet of charm. Between the two, members can pick from villas with three, four, six, eight and nine guestrooms. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT INSPIRATO’S TUSCANY SIGNATURE RESIDENCES, TURN TO PAGE 172.
Elda Cannarsa’s picks Inspirato Destination Concierge
EAT: A former 16th-century convent, Relais Santa Chiara in Sarteano serves local classics in its elegant courtyard. In the ancient walled village of Monticchiello, seek out the trattoria, La Porta. The restaurant inside the castle La Locanda del Castello is famous for its white truffle dishes, the best in Montalcino. DAY TRIP: The road to a wine tasting at Montalcino winds through the vineyards that produce one of Italy’s most exquisite wines, Brunello di Montalcinao. Aug. 12-25 PALIO DEI TERZIERI A medieval costume parade evokes the historic village’s origins. Aug. 30–Sep. 14 CORTONATIQUARIA Palazzo Vagnotti and Casali host the region’s annual antique market.
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FA C E S | S A N F R A N C I S C O , C A L I F O R N I A
STREET ARTIST
BRIAN GOGGIN
PIANO MAN Goggin atop Caruso’s Dream.
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Goggin is best known around the Bay Area for two site-specific pieces: Language of the Birds, a 2008 collaboration with artist Dorka Keehn in which a flock of books, illuminated from within, appears suspended in midair over a North Beach street, and 1997’s Defenestration, an apartment’s worth of furniture lunging out the windows of a rundown corner hotel on Howard Street. His latest project with Keehn, …And My Room Still Rocks Like a Boat on the Sea... (Caruso’s Dream), is a collection of thirteen 1-ton glass-and-steelsculpted pianos attached to the side of a residential building, cantilevered 25 feet above the sidewalk on Ninth Street. It’s easily their boldest work yet. Unveiled in February, the installation and its title were inspired by a famed opera singer’s surreal experience during San Francisco’s massive 1906 earthquake. “Enrico Caruso had this moment where he was terrified— he didn’t know whether he was awake or he was still dreaming as he was walking from his bed to his window,” Goggin says. “And I imagine his ‘dream’ was manifested at this moment, and it was so strong that it became its own entity.” Historical anecdotes as
well as physical chunks of the city go into Goggin’s installations. In Caruso’s Dream, for example, wooden struts anchoring the pianos to the building were salvaged from the recently demolished TransBay Terminal, while pieces of glass were sourced from across the country. And if you tune into local radio station 90.9 FM after dusk, you’ll hear a series of Caruso’s recordings that sync with the pianos’ internal LED lights (one of them harbors an antenna). For Goggin, Caruso’s Dream is more than a multimedia magic trick. “The glass pianos remind me of being an artist here, and how fragile that is,” he says. “When you’re an artist in any town, you’re dependent on the culture to support you, to an extent. The wooden struts are the patrons supporting the creative class. Without them, the pianos—the artists—come crashing down.” But don’t worry, Goggin’s pianos won’t crash down. “We worked with the premier structural engineering company in the world,” he says. “They helped review every connection and every material we used to ensure that it is earthquakeresistant.” —KATY LINDENMUTH
boris zharkov
AS A KID, Brian Goggin was fascinated by magic tricks: conceiving them, perfecting them, performing them at neighborhood gatherings. As an adult, and now a prominent San Francisco artist, he’s still creating illusions—on a relatively behemoth scale.
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A JOURNEY MEASURED IN MAGNIFICENCE
ANTARCTICA EXPEDITION 2016 Journey to the Earth's southernmost continent, where the grandeur of white mountain ranges will leave you speechless and the hulking ice shelves will astound in their silent magnitude. We've created a members-only expedition aboard the National Geographic Orion through the great white kingdom of Antarctica.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE 888.546.5008 | WWW.INSPIRATO.COM/ANTARCTICA2016 Inspirato® is a private travel membership club that requires a non-refundable Initiation Fee and Annual Membership Fee. Membership is subject to acceptance of terms and conditions and other reservation and use rules. Availability, benefits, minimum stay requirements and nightly fees may vary by residence, date and membership option selected. See website (www. inspirato.com) for complete details. Inspirato is owned by Inspirato LLC and operated by its subsidiary Best of 52, LLC, 1637 Wazee Street, Denver, CO 80202, info@inspirato.com, 303586-7771. Operator is registered as Florida Seller of Travel Registration No. ST38403; Washington Seller of Travel Registration No. UBI 603086598; California Seller of Travel Registration No. CST 2107465. ©2014 Inspirato LLC. All products and services offered and rendered by Inspirato® (including the operation and management of any vacation residence) are provided solely by Inspirato LLC, Best of 52, LLC, or their respective agents and affiliates, and not by the American Express Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates.
FOOD & DRINK | SONOMA, CALIFORNIA
LIQUID GOLD (From left) The courtyard at The Olive Press; olive orchards increasingly share acreage with Sonoma’s famed vineyards; springtime in oil country.
Acquaint your palate with California’s latest taste sensation, premium olive oil. BY MATT VILLANO
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With thousands upon thousands of acres of vineyards producing some of the world’s great wines, it’s no wonder people refer to the northern California destinations of Sonoma and Napa counties as Wine Country. But if current trends continue, by 2025 the region might have a second name: Olive Country. Statistics from the California Olive Oil Council (COOC), which certifies California Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO), indicate that California produces 99 percent of the country’s olive oil with Sonoma and Napa booming with artisan producers. The appeal, according to COOC executive director Patricia Darragh, is that “olive trees are more cost-effective than many crops from a farming point of view. They like dry weather and need very little water.” For farmers, this means greater diversification and more crops. For visitors to the area, it means something entirely different: A growing number of olive-oriented luxury experiences to enjoy at more than a half-dozen artisan olive-oil purveyors in the region, providing travelers with ample opportunity to embrace the region’s next big crop. SONOMA
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courtesy of the olive press/JANAe shielDs (top); shutterstock (3)
OIL BOOM
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FOOD & DRINK | SONOMA, CALIFORNIA
CALIFORNIA’S OLIVE ROOTS
Records indicate that Franciscan monks planted the Golden State’s first olive trees at the San Diego Mission in 1769. The same monks took cuttings with them as they moved north; every time they founded another mission (there are 21 in all), more olive trees were planted. Olive cultivation continued in pockets until the latter half of last century, when producers such as Long Meadow Ranch, The Olive Press and McEvoy Ranch in Marin County started bottling the very best oils. The COOC was born in 1992. Several years later, it started a certification program as a way to hold local oils to a higher standard and give consumers the confidence that California oils are what they say they are. (There had been issues with European olive oil producers mislabling oils in the news.) In addition to testing the oils, producers sign two legally binding documents stipulating that the oil is produced locally. “I’m not aware of other countries that have standards like ours,” Darragh says, explaining that California maintains some of the highest quality standards in the world.
THE TASTING EXPERIENCE
There’s nothing particularly graceful about tasting olive oil. Sure, the place settings usually are set with Riedel stemware and Mediterranean-looking ceramic plates. And, yes, most local purveyors usually offer some sort of nibbles. When it’s go-time, however, and your host tells you to throw back that first sip of golden unctuousness, she will instruct you to let the oil run over your lips, feel it coat your tongue and—at the very moment it is about to slip into the back of your mouth—slurp it down. Loudly. There are scientific reasons for this approach; experts say that
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slurping aerates the oil and therefore gives you more surface area to taste. The same experts partially rate oils by the effect they have on your throat after that—the more you cough, they say, the better the elixir actually is. The whole cough scale has to do with chemical compounds called oleocanthols. These compounds are directly related to the pungency of an oil—the more of these compounds that an oil possesses, the more pungent that oil will be. The most pungent oils create the sensation of a spicy kick at the back of your throat—a sensation that can be so intense it prompts a cough (or two, or three). Then, of course, there’s the oil itself. Whereas that other Wine Country product is best when you let it age, olive oil is actually best if you eat it while it’s young, within two years of being pressed. The freshest oil tastes more like a shot of wheatgrass than the oil you’d pour into a frying pan for sauteeing mushrooms. According to Vicki Zancanella, a biologist and the tasting-room lead guide at The Olive Press in Sonoma, olive oil oxidizes even
courtesy of the olive press (2)
OIL EMPIRE (From left) The main courtyard at The Olive Press; a glimpse of the varieties available for tasting; the hopper where olives are cleaned before being crushed; quality control.
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from top: courtesy of the olive press; shuterstock; courtesy of the olive press; shutterstock
FOOD & DRINK | SONOMA, CALIFORNIA
Sampling olive oil at Jordan Winery in Healdsburg in Sonoma is memorable in different ways. All visitors to the winery’s tour and tasting are invited to sample estate oil, blended fresh each year by executive chef Todd Knoll. Those who participate in the $120 estate tour, which includes a ride around the nearly 1,200-acre property, enjoy a food-and-wine pairing featuring their Chardonnay with their estate oil and a sushi-like stone fruit nigiri with tasty vegetable escabeche.
more quickly than wine and should be consumed as soon as it’s opened. “We always say that the enemies of a bottle of fresh olive oil are light, heat and air,” she says. “The longer your bottle is open, the more those enemies become a problem.”
TASTING SAMPLER
If anybody knows olive oil, it’s Zancanella, the woman behind the tour program at The Olive Press, an award-winning producer that sources its fruit from orchards within a 150mile radius. Her $5 tour starts at the mill’s Pieralisi equipment that was imported from Italy and walks visitors through the process, from the de-leafer to the hammer mill and on to the centrifuge. For all that, olive oil is a low-yield product; 1,000 pounds of olives result in only 152 pounds of oil. Round Pond Estate’s $45-tour of the orchard located in the Napa Valley town of Rutherford concludes at the renovated tractor shed that serves as the estate’s millhouse. But from there it moves into a stark and modern tasting room, where guests can compare Round Pond’s Italian Varietal EVOO to their Spanish Varietal EVOO, as well as flavored olive oils and a number of other house specialties, including red-wine vinegars and citrus syrups. As part of this tasting, guests are brought heaping portions of food—cheese, vegetables, fruits and even roasted chicken. “We encourage visitors to make salads and try our oils and vinegars on just about everything,” explains Round Pond’s wine and olive oil educator Ann Catterlin. “The crazier the concoctions, the better.”
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OIL FUTURES
Other local olive-oil hotspots—including Long Meadow Ranch in St. Helena, DaVero Farms & Winery in Healdsburg and the momand-pop-operated Napa Olive Oil Manufacturing Company in St. Helena—enable visitors to get up close and personal with oils as well. Even the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone has an olive oil tasting at its Flavor Bar. Cristopher Hall, executive vice president of Long Meadow Ranch, home to trees planted in the 1800s, said that as people become more interested in the origin of the food they eat, the appetite for artisan products will continue to grow. “My gut tells me that as a product, as an industry, artisan olive oil is about to get huge,” he says. “People want food with a story, a heritage, and olive oil is the perfect answer.” Matt Villano writes from Healdsburg, Calif.
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CALIFORNIA’S GOLD STANDARD To earn a coveted California Olive Oil Council seal of approval, every batch of extra virgin oil goes through three steps: 1. Numerous tests and a rigorous chemical analysis to confirm the acidity levels of the oil. 2. A sensory evaluation where a panel of olive oil experts conducts a blind tasting and grades the oils based on smell, taste and pungency. 3. Producers must sign two legally binding documents declaring that their oil is produced locally.
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FOOD & DRINK | SONOMA, CALIFORNIA
MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME
THE OLIVE TRAIL GEYSERVILLE
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Inspirato members can escape to the hills and settle into their own house such as the five-bedroom, 5,000-squarefoot Palladian Estate high above the valley or enjoy the sleek and intimate one- to three-bedroom options at the striking Wheelman House in charming, pedestrian-friendly, downtown Healdsburg. Sonoma is home to a mix of eight Inspirato Signature Residences of various sizes and settings that can suit any type of vacation members seek. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT INSPIRATO’S SONOMA SIGNATURE RESIDENCES, TURN TO PAGE 179.
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I - 80 SAN FRANCISCO (OFF MAP)
SAN PABLO BAY
SONOMA STATE OF MIND Willow Stream Spa Natural mineral hot springs and a Watsu® pool highlight this award-winning spa, part of the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn. Most packages include use of the on-site fitness facilities, as well as access to an exfoliating shower, a therapeutic bath, an herbal steam room and more. CornerStone Gardens Inspired by the International Garden Festival at Chaumontsur-Loire in France, this Sonoma spot celebrates art, architecture and nature with more than 20 gardens by famous artists and designers. Stop by for the shopping, bocce ball, lunch at Park 121 or wine tastings at any of the intimate tasting rooms..
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Oxbow Market Situated along the Napa River and Napa River Trail, the Oxbow is the epicenter of the valley’s organic and sustainably-produced local produce and artisan foods. Partake by K-J Yes, this Healdsburg hotspot from Kendall-Jackson does tastings, but it’s the menu that keeps locals coming back. One highlight: red wine french fries, sliced potatoes that are slow poached in Cabernet Sauvignon and then crisped to crunchy perfection. Lagunitas Brewing Company Microbrewing is an art form at this Petaluma institution, and at the TapRoom and Beer Sanctuary, which is open Wednesday–Sunday,
Desiree Stinson’s picks
Inspirato Destination Manager EAT: In Sonoma, don’t miss breakfast or lunch at Fremont Diner, the hippest in roadside eateries.
visitors can find some of the most original brews anywhere in America such as a sweet brown sugar ale and a cappuccino stout.
DAY TRIP: Head to Dillon Beach and Nick’s Cove, specifically, for their Hog Island oysters.
Sonoma Golf Club Playing just over 7,100 yards from the championship tees, this course’s classic layout, designed in 1928 by Olympic Club Lake Course architect Sam Whiting, offers strategic choices and challenges that excite golfers today, just as it did when players were carrying wooden clubs more than 75 years ago.
Napa Valley’s Castillo di Amorosa, an authentic recreation of a 13th-century castle set among its namesake vineyard.
Wine Country Polo Held every weekend during the summer on the field in Oakmont, right off Hwy 12.
Jul. 24-Aug. 10 SONOMA COUNTY FAIR The home to vineyards and artisan-minded foodies is also home to the fair voted tops in the country.
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Jul. 19, 20 GLORIA FERRER CATALAN FESTIVAL In Sonoma, this Spanish festival invites attendees to join in and stomp grapes.
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C E L E B R AT E D E V E N T S A R T F U L LY C U R AT E D
Your Inspirato membership is so much more than lavish villas and unforgettable vacations. It's also access to VIP events, celebrity one-on-ones, backstage passes and exclusive packages built around some of the most extraordinary happenings in the world. Through Inspirato’s Signature Ticket, members have visited the Masters and New York Fashion Week, gone behind the ropes at the Sundance Film Festival, witnessed the Kentucky Derby from Millionaires Row and much more.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SIGNATURE TICKET EVENTS 888.546.5008 | WWW.INSPIRATO.COM/EVENTS Inspirato® is a private travel membership club that requires a non-refundable Initiation Fee and Annual Membership Fee. Membership is subject to acceptance of terms and conditions and other reservation and use rules. Availability, benefits, minimum stay requirements and nightly fees may vary by residence, date and membership option selected. See website (www.inspirato.com) for complete details. Inspirato is owned by Inspirato LLC and operated by its subsidiary Best of 52, LLC, 1637 Wazee Street, Denver, CO 80202, info@inspirato.com, 303-586-7771. Operator is registered as Florida Seller of Travel Registration No. ST38403; Washington Seller of Travel Registration No. UBI 603086598; California Seller of Travel Registration No. CST 2107465. ©2014 Inspirato LLC. All products and services offered and rendered by Inspirato® (including the operation and management of any vacation residence) are provided solely by Inspirato LLC, Best of 52, LLC, or their respective agents and affiliates, and not by the American Express Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates.
FA C E S | C H I C A G O , I L L I N O I S
CHEF’S TABLE Sears holds court at his German beer hall, Radler.
PERSONAL CHEF
NATHAN SEARS One of the most exciting recent debuts is Sears’ own two-in-one restaurant concept: a standalone fine-dining chef’s table called D.A.S. within a German beer hall named Radler. (D.A.S. stands for ding an sich, a German phrase for “thing within itself.”) The result is one building containing two wildly different experiences. “Both have the German influence as far as the flavors and the oldschool cooking techniques. But at D.A.S., I may apply four of those techniques to the same carrot to pull out a completely different flavor instead of just roasting it,” says Sears. “At Radler, there have been a couple nights where we’ve had 400 people. I couldn’t do what I do at D.A.S. there unless I had a small army.” It’s a bold move for the former chef de cuisine at Vie, the high-end
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farm-to-table restaurant in Chicago’s Western Springs suburb. Now Sears has complete control over D.A.S.’s table of 10, three days a week. “I don’t have to rely on other cooks, or streamline it, or take away the cooking because I’m afraid someone’s not going to glaze a carrot properly,” he explains. “Everything falls on my shoulders. The food is as good as I can possibly make it.” The D.A.S. menu will feature six- or seven-course meals from locally sourced meat and produce—whatever Sears feels like cooking to perfection that night and as long as it’s luxurious. “The idea is to emulate old-school dining,” he says, “when it was about the whole experience of going out and eating great food presented simply and excuted flawlessly.” —K.L.
matthew gilson
THANKS TO A BURGEONING RESTAURANT SCENE highlighted by chef Nathan Sears, Chicago’s foodie culture is officially deeper than its famous deep-dish pizzas. “You can find incredible representations of almost every nation’s food in Chicago,” says Sears, a longtime Windy City-area resident and son of a hotel chef. “I can honestly say that, food-wise, nothing in the country excites me more than what’s going on in Chicago.”
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RARE GRILL THE KALAMAZOO HYBRID FIRE GRILL Gas, charcoal and wood in one incredible grill. Hand-built in Kalamazoo, Michigan from $10,495. H Y B R I D K A L A M A ZO O.C O M | 8 0 0 . 8 6 8 .1 6 9 9
ADVENTURE | L A K E TA H O E
THE SIERRA’S CROWN JEWELS Lake Tahoe’s Concours d’Elegance vintage wood boat show brings nearly a century of nautical history to life. BY ANDREW TILIN
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ook out over the north shore of glistening Lake Tahoe this August and you’ll undoubtedly squint. The vast body of crystal mountain water shines, as do the nearby snow-topped Sierra Mountains. And then there’s the impressive glare generated by sunlight reflecting off the 20 or so coats of varnish applied to many of the dozens of pristine and fabulously expensive, show-ready, wood speedboats. The boats you see are here are at the end of their annual migration to the Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance, a highly contested competition, now in its 42nd year, that features some of the world’s finest and most beautifully preserved waterborne craft. While judges begin their duties on the preceding Thursday, the show is open to the public all day on Friday and Saturday, August 8 and 9. Walking the docks, as well as chatting with these prized boats’ restorers and owners, instantly transports a viewer back to an earlier era where vessels were as prized for their meticulous details and handcrafted workmanship as their size and speed.
LAKE TAHOE
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VARNISHED BEAUTIES The Thunderbird (top) built in 1939 and Dispatch from 1931, originally owned by an heir to the Singer Sewing Machine fortune. (Inset) The lake’s incomparable alpine setting.
an Franciscans reverently speak of the lake and its surroundings simply as Tahoe, and the term has been in the Bay Area vernacular for over a half-century. Lake Tahoe, which lies approximately 200 miles northeast of San Francisco (or about an hour’s drive from the RenoTahoe International Airport), straddles the California-Nevada border and is the second-deepest lake in the United States with an average depth of 1,000 feet. At 22 miles long by 12 miles wide, the lake is also vast, and it sits amid many small towns and communities as well as 72 miles of shoreline. Native Americans were early Tahoe inhabitants, and by the beginning of the 20th century mining and railway industries brought more attention and people to the pristine, high-elevation (6,200 feet) waters. Many of the first Tahoe enthusiasts to build vacation homes on the lakeshore among the granite boulders and evergreens were the Bay Area’s elite and very wealthy. They also brought boats, including the wood speedboats that enjoyed a heyday from the 1930s to the 1950s. At the time the boats were costly— they could be as expensive as a house—and would ultimately become toys for silverscreen celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor and Brigitte Bardot. Helping fuel the boom; Tahoe’s dry alpine air proved hospitable to the wood boats, which in more humid conditions were susceptible to rotting.
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Time ticked by, Squaw Valley’s Winter Olympics in 1960 came and went, and fiberglass emerged as a superior material for making speedboat hulls. Then in the summer of 1972, a dozen or so owners of wood boats along the lake brought their old rigs together for drinks and a casual gathering along the shores of Homewood, a west Tahoe community. Since then, the meeting place, the scope of the meeting and the Tahoe area have all changed. Now called the Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance, the threeday affair is yet one more compelling attraction in a summer playground that nowadays tempts visitors with worldclass mountain biking, lake-view golf courses and spa treatments at the RitzCarlton. The Concours is currently held at Homewood’s Obexer’s Boat Company, which coincidentally became Tahoe’s first wood-boat dealership back in 1928. The Tahoe Yacht Club Foundation, the nonprofit organization that hosts the Concours, saw about 60 boats entered last year and expects roughly 50 entries this year. In 2013, approximately 5,000 people gladly paid $25 to $35 each to enjoy intimate looks at the exotic collection of polished wood and gleaming chrome. “We had entries that came from as far east as Florida and as far north as Seattle,” says Tahoe Yacht Club Foundation president Dave Olson. “The Tahoe show is known as one of the most prestigious of all.”
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ADVENTURE | L A K E TA H O E BOW TO STERN (From left) The Thunderbird at Thunderbird Lodge boathouse; Lake Tahoe at its springtime best.
PLAYGROUND OF THE FIT AND FABULOUS SPREAD ACROSS TWO STATES, CALIFORNIA AND NEVADA, TAHOE SUMMERS OFFER THE BEST OF NATURE WITH A DOSE OF SOPHISTICATED LUXURY. BIKE: Rent a mountain bike and ride the spectacular -mile (round-trip) Flume Trail high above the east side of the lake.
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pend an afternoon or two at the wood-boat show and your eyes will encounter beauty that’s as seamless as the massive lake. The Tahoe show stands apart from the dozens of other woodboat shows held annually across the country because much of the watercraft you’ll encounter are a step far beyond what are called “user boats,” or boats that may be well-loved but are also regularly used. Many of the Concours boats, courtesy of careful restoration and/or preservation, are really pristine objets d’art and are judged appropriately. Boats don’t necessarily win awards at Tahoe when they’re better than the competition. They win for having been preserved at—or more likely returned to—showroom condition, even if those boats haven’t seen a showroom for a century. Walk down to the dock during the show and the first thing you’ll notice is the deep, rich wood used on the boats’ decks and hulls. You won’t find prettier wood on a Steinway. Whether it’s Spanish cedar, Honduran mahogany or timber from the Philippines, the vessels’ wood skins glisten under layers of marine varnish. The silhouettes are equally diverse and fetching. Some boat transoms are squared off, while others are rounded or shaped like torpedoes. There are many types of boats on display, from lakers, launches and runabouts to commuters. The boats can come with one, two and even three “cockpits,” or compartments with seats. Entries run as small as 16 feet and well over 30. Spotless chrome and brass hardware and trim shine brilliant against the deep blue sky. The engines gleam, as well. In fact, it’s really the unseen and seemingly prosaic mechanicals inside the motors that command the most attention and respect from the Concours connoisseurs and judges. “Engines are the biggest challenge to restore. Back when these boats were built there were a wide variety of manufacturers,” says
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Terry Fiest, who’s been the Concours d’Elegance’s chief judge since 2008. “It’s hardest to come by the old parts.” Between the efforts made to scour docks, marinas and barns for usable parts, and the time and labor involved in custom fabrication of whatever can’t be found, Fiest says that an engine rebuild can cost upwards of $100,000. Complete, Concours-ready boats can take years to prepare and are valued anywhere from $40,000 to more than $700,000. Some boats featured at Tahoe are one-of-akind. Others might only have been made for one year as part of a limited edition, 100-unit production run. Like Tahoe itself, some of the Concours boats seem almost too good to be true, and occasionally, in fact, they are. For all of the owners’ painstaking restoration efforts, their boats may no longer carry the identities they once did. Sometimes engines are “overrestored” according to Fiest, with brass and copper parts that have been polished to look better than the original stock. “We always have to ask, ‘How close is it to how it left the original factory?’” Fiest says, who has competed in the Concours himself, and knows the anxiety of a snooping judge deducting points on a score sheet. “What we’re always looking for is authenticity.” The best in show is therefore the craft that best captures a very special place in time on the lake, back when it was less crowded, slower, quieter, but no less spectacular. If you’re lucky enough, you will be there when an owner fires up the engine, and if you close your eyes, listen to the simple, throaty rumble of the engine and breathe in the crisp, clear air, you’ll transport yourself back to a simpler, and dare I say, more elegant time on Lake Tahoe. San Francisco native Andrew Tilin is a contributing editor for Outside magazine and spent summers and winters vacationing at Tahoe.
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GOLF: Tee off at the Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, on Tahoe’s south shore. SPA: Choose from the skin, water, touch and nail therapies available at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, located at the Northstar California Ski Resort near Truckee, Calif. DINE: Make reservations at Zagat-rated Evan’s American Gourmet Café, in South Lake Tahoe, for excellent seafood entrées and its wine selection. HIKE: Local favorites include hikes around the lake’s iconic Emerald Bay and up ,-foot Mt. Tallac in the Desolation Wilderness. GAMBLE: The casino at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, situated along the lake’s gorgeous northeast shore, is a scenic drive from either of Inspirato’s luxury destinations in the area.
FroM LeFt: JerAMIe Lu (2)
FLOATING ARTIFACTS
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MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME
ANATOMY OF A CLASSIC ENGINE Oſten powerful (try horsepower), rare and can cost , to restore.
UPHOLSTERY Are the seats stuffed with retro-correct natural kapok or foam? The details matter.
Lake Tahoe
INSTRUMENTATION/HARDWARE Scarcity can drive prices for -plusyear-old unrestored panels, rust included, into the hundreds of dollars.
SILHOUETTE While difficult to build, the torpedo-shaped stern epitomized the post-WWII aesthetic of these boats’ heyday.
WOOD Believe it: Judges are known to deduct points for an “over-restored” vessel with too much varnish.
JereMY Lu
HISTORY LESSONS Courtesy of the names on their sterns, antique boats are arguably more sentimental than, say, antique cars. So today’s wood-boat owners, who are oſten second- or third-generation owners, oſten think of themselves as more than boating enthusiasts and restoration experts. They’re curators, charged with digging up their vessels’ heritages and backstories. “You’re preserving history,” says Kirk Pumphrey, a -year-old retired businessman who’s competed at the Concours d’Elegance more than times. “I feel like a caretaker.” Pumphrey’s boats have multiple stories, but it’s the ones attached to a , -foot, triple-cockpit Chris-Craſt Model that stand out. The Northern Californian found it in the early s locked away in a storage facility outside of Minneapolis. The name on its stern read Dee Dee Pee, and Pumphrey remembers paying about , for the unrestored vessel.
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CLIMB ABOARD “I finally found the wife of the gentleman who had bought the boat new. Her name was Dee Dee, and she was alive and in a Minneapolis care facility,” Pumphrey says. “The stories that came out of her were unbelievable.” Dee Dee recalled her husband naming the boat for her, and their many cruises on Lake Minnetonka west of Minneapolis. There were also tales of their children: The two sons who crashed the Dee Dee Pee into a sailboat. The same two sons who had snuck out on the boat one day and ran it onto a sandbar. The boat made it back to the dock where it subsequently sank. Also, years later, a daughterin-law of Dee Dee asked Pumphrey to take a picture of the boat, and to please send her the photograph. “She told me, ‘All I wanted you to do was bring back a memory,’” he says, touching on the power these boats hold on people’s own histories.
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On a whim, you might be invited to a quick cruise of the lake on a Concours-entered, privately owned wood boat. But for a sure bet, consider joining the Tahoe Maritime Museum, located near Obexer’s Boat Company in Homewood. As a member, you’re eligible to reserve time with a museum captain who will take you on a lake cruise on Star Dust, the museum’s s-era, fully restored, foot, triple-cockpit Chris-Craſt. Memberships that include this benefit start at . TAHOEMARITIMEMUSEUM.ORG
Squaw Valley or Northstar at Tahoe? Members can take their pick. The 5,000-square-foot Apex Signature Residence in Squaw Valley hosts 10 guests spread between five bedrooms in a secluded mountain-side setting. At Northstar, three Inspirato Signature Residences with two- or three-bedroom options await members who want to be at the center of the ski area’s summer activities. Both locations are a scenic drive to the crystal blue waters of Lake Tahoe. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT INSPIRATO’S LAKE TAHOE SIGNATURE RESIDENCES, TURN TO PAGE (SQUAW VALLEY) AND (NORTHSTAR).
Andie Johnson’s picks Inspirato Personal Vacation Advisor
EAT: Drive a car or rent a boat and cruise to the dock for lunch at Sunnyside Restaurant on the lake and take in one of the best views you can find in Tahoe. DAY TRIP: The aerial tram at Squaw Valley takes you to 8,200 feet and the High Camp Pool and Spa. Take a dip, soak in the hot tub and breathe in the crisp, cool air. Jul. 3-6 FOURTH OF JULY Festivals, concerts and fireworks displays over the lake—South Lake Tahoe’s is considered one of the nation’s best. Jul. 17–20 WANDERLUST MUSIC & YOGA FESTIVAL Held at Squaw Valley, this mind/body party features a wide array of yoga classes by day and live music and DJ dance parties at night.
INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2014
A MOROCCAN ADVENTURE
MOROCCO: A MEMBERS JOURNEY While African in geography, the influences of Spain, Portugal and France over the years have given Morocco a decidedly Mediterranean feel. It’s that dash of eclectic mystery, along with our exclusive Inspirato itinerary, that makes this Inspirato Signature Experience ideal for members.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE 888.546.5008 | WWW.INSPIRATO.COM/M O R O C C O Inspirato® is a private travel membership club that requires a non-refundable Initiation Fee and Annual Membership Fee. Membership is subject to acceptance of terms and conditions and other reservation and use rules. Availability, benefits, minimum stay requirements and nightly fees may vary by residence, date and membership option selected. See website (www. inspirato.com) for complete details. Inspirato is owned by Inspirato LLC and operated by its subsidiary Best of 52, LLC, 1637 Wazee Street, Denver, CO 80202, info@inspirato.com, 303586-7771. Operator is registered as Florida Seller of Travel Registration No. ST38403; Washington Seller of Travel Registration No. UBI 603086598; California Seller of Travel Registration No. CST 2107465. ©2014 Inspirato LLC. All products and services offered and rendered by Inspirato® (including the operation and management of any vacation residence) are provided solely by Inspirato LLC, Best of 52, LLC, or their respective agents and affiliates, and not by the American Express Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates.
ADVENTURE | C OLOR A D O
COLORADO’S SPIN CYCLE
INTO THIN AIR (Top) Pro cyclists descend 12,126-foot Cottonwood Pass. (Bottom) The sprint finish in Steamboat Springs from last year.
from top: shawn lortie; courtesy of getty images
The world’s top cyclists converge upon Colorado for the USA Pro Challenge showdown in August, but you don’t have to be a racer to enjoy cycling through the state’s breathtaking mountain splendor. Try these iconic rides in three scenery-blessed cities slated to host this summer’s hottest race. BY KELLY BASTONE
THE RACE
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haracterized by high elevations and relentless climbs, the weeklong USA Pro Challenge is too epic for any one city: Ten communities play host to the race’s seven stages, which link Aspen, Crested Butte and Vail with larger hubs such as Colorado Springs and Denver. All test a champion’s mettle. “It’s one of the hardest races I’ve ever done,” says pro rider Tanner Putt of the Bissell Development Cycling team. But legions of fans motivate racers to conquer the challenges. Over the course of the week, 1 million spectators turn out to watch and cheer. “Riders race here and feel like rock stars,” says Shawn Hunter, the race’s co-chairman and CEO. “The only other race in the world that has this level of excitement and energy is the Tour de France.”
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ADVENTURE | C OLOR A D O
BELL-ISSIMO A short hike at the end of the road leads to a view of the Maroon Bells.
CLIMB HIGH Explore the quiet, yet steep roads in Beaver Creek near Vail.
Leave 12,095-foot Independence Pass to the racers. Mere mortals content themselves with the route to the iconic Maroon Bells, which serves up the state’s most celebrated mountain panorama yet demands a relatively modest effort (1,600 vertical feet over 10 miles). As an added bonus, the road is closed to cars from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The 20-mile out-and-back ride begins at the roundabout 1 mile west of downtown Aspen. Take the Maroon Creek Road “exit” and pedal uphill past Aspen High School. Rest assured, the hills become gentler as you pass Aspen Highlands ski area. The road climbs gradually, hugging the banks of Maroon Creek as mansions give way to the White River National Forest, where aspenfringed meadows afford glimpses of majestic, 14,026-foot Pyramid Peak. At the road’s end, dismount and walk some 200 yards along the paved path to viewpoints showcasing the Bells’ stunning symmetry mirrored in the blue waters of Maroon Lake.
VAIL WHEEL DEALS
Like all routes out of the Vail Valley, the 12-mile Daybreak Ridge loop includes a stout climb (1,800 vertical feet) that humbled cyclists in the 2013 USA Pro Challenge. But from the circuit’s high point you overlook the soaring peaks of the Gore Range. And because the upper section of the ride takes place within gated neighborhoods, traffic is scarce. “You’re more likely to spot deer and bear than cars,” says local Brett Donelson. Start in Avon, 11 miles west of Vail, and crank up Village Road, passing through the gated entrance to Beaver Creek Resort. At 1 mile, turn right onto South Holden Road, left onto Borders Road and left again onto Strawberry Park Road. Ogle the luxury residences lining the road, pass beneath the Elkhorn ski lift and pick up Daybreak Ridge Road to top out at a high point affording those well-earned views down into Beaver Creek and Bachelor Gulch. Follow Daybreak Ridge Road as it serpentines down through Bachelor Gulch. Stop to refill a water bottle at the RitzCarlton and then cruise down into Avon via Bachelor Gulch Trail.
Ute City Cycles rents drool-worthy Orbea and Felt bikes for 100/day, or get a pro tune for your own ride from the repair crew.
REFUEL Peach’s Corner Café tops off your fuel tank with the likes of kale salad or a chicken and avocado panini, served on the outdoor patio.
RECOVER Check into Remède Spa (in the St. Regis) for a stint in its steam caves, stone-lined pools stirred by cascading water and treatment rooms offering wraps, facials and massages featuring local skincare products.
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ASPEN
ASPEN HIGHLANDS
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start max gain
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75 ft 635 ft 1652 ft
start max gain 1 mile
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WHEEL DEALS Venture Sports in Avon rents bikes, organizes group rides and employs the valley’s best bike technicians.
REFUEL Vail Valley riders have long embraced Yellowbelly in West Vail for its all-natural chicken and veggie-laden side dishes.
RECOVER Spa Anjali (at Avon’s Westin Riverfront) draws from healing traditions in the Alps, Himalayas and Rocky Mountains to create three unique “journeys” that go way beyond a standard massage.
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7474 ft 452 ft 1847 ft
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AVON
from left: shutterstocK; coDy DownarD
ASPEN
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ADVENTURE | C OLOR A D O
MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME
Aspen Inspirato’s Signature Residences put you a short bike ride from the racecourse with six homes to choose from including the striking 4,103-squarefoot Castle Creek property along the popular Ute Trail with its four bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms, and the spacious 5,793-square-foot, fivebedroom, five-and-a-half bath Roaring Fork property in the Aspen Highlands area. ROCK STARS Spectacular rock formations await riders in Garden of the Gods.
COLORADO SPRINGS Pikes Peak isn’t the Springs’ only scenic landmark— WHEEL DEALS although cyclists do get to admire this 14,114-footCriterium Bicycles maintains a big fleet of low-mileage high summit from portions of the 18-mile Garden road bikes for riders of every shape and stripe. of the Gods loop. It gains 1,200 feet of elevation and visits the city’s other “rock star”: The Garden of the REFUEL Gods, a pocket of blazing red-rock spires and cliffs tucked among the foothills west of downtown. The Irish fare at McCabe’s Tavern rewards hard effort To taste this eye-candy, get an early-morning start with homemade shepherd’s pie, pretzel bread and smoked (to avoid crowds and traffic heading into the famed salmon served on a shady outdoor patio. Garden) and head northwest out of downtown via W. Bijou to N. Walnut to Mesa Road. Continue north RECOVER past Garden of the Gods Country Club and then bike A Colorado icon, The Broadmoor pampers athletes with south on the bike path, which parallels N. 30th Street therapeutic massage and facials performed in treatment and offers motivating panoramas of Pikes Peak and spaces fitted with chandeliers and fireplaces. the Kissing Camels rock, which looks exported from Utah’s Arches National Park. Enter the Garden of the Gods to pedal the one-way loop among its sculpted rock pinnacles, separated from the traffic by a wide bike lane. Exit via a plunge I - 25 GARDEN down Ridge Road, then left on W. OF THE GODS Pikes Peak Ave., and right on 21st St. to connect to the Midland Trail. This former rail line slopes downhill as it heads back to Colorado Springs. 87
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shawn lortie
ELEVATION
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TO LEARN MORE ABOUT INSPIRATO’S ASPEN SIGNATURE RESIDENCES, TURN TO PAGE 107.
Snowmass Village Wake up among the aspens groves that blanket the Snowmass ski area from a bedroom in the luxurious Goldenleaf property, one of three Inspirato Signature Residences in the valley. With room for 12, this mountainside retreat features five bedrooms and five-and-a-half bathrooms spread across 4,465 square feet. Ski and hiking trails are a mere 75 yards from its front door. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT INSPIRATO’S SNOWMASS VILLAGE SIGNATURE RESIDENCES, TURN TO PAGE 161.
Vail Vail Village will be packed with spectators for the start of the pivotal time trial race up Vail Pass. And Inspirato’s Signature Residences at The Solaris will put you in the middle of it all with three- four- and six-bedroom properties ranging from 2,260-square-foot condominums to 4,985-square foot penthouses, all located right in the heart of the village. They’re just a few of the 24 Siganture Residences available to members in Vail. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT INSPIRATO’S VAIL SIGNATURE RESIDENCES, TURN TO PAGE 173.
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FA C E S | W H I S T L E R , B R I T I S H C O L U M B I A
SHOOTS TO THRILL
JORDAN MANLEY FOR OUTDOOR PHOTOGRAPHER JORDAN MANLEY, an accidental tumble proved both debilitating and enlightening. In November 2012, the Canadian backward-somersaulted off his mountain bike, smacked his head and suffered a concussion. “It was not a very spectacular crash,” he admits, “but it resulted in a very lengthy recovery.” diversity of activities and landscapes here,” says Manley. “You can choose what you want to engage in and just immerse yourself in the landscape.” For Manley, all of the area’s offerings are prime subject matter. He’s done local print ad campaigns, shooting the ski slopes for Tourism Whistler and Whistler Blackcomb’s hiking gondola. He’s also shot covers for an array of active lifestyle magazines (in addition to Bike and Powder). Concussion aside, exploring his home base on a different scale and at a slower pace is certainly coming in handy as it’s given Manley plenty of time to focus on his forthcoming book, Movement in Landscape: A Visual Journey From Vancouver to Whistler, which has only one goal: “to paint an exhaustive portrait of the landscape and give people a really good idea about all the different ways we move through it recreationally.” —K.L.
HARD KNOCKS A head injury forced Manley to slow down and focus on the natural beauty of his hometown.
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reuben krabbe
That meant spending a lot of time at home in North Vancouver. “One thing that I was able to do was walk,” he says. He started documenting his surroundings with his iPhone, editing snaps with the basic filters on Instagram and attracting more than 2,750 followers in the process. It was a far cry from the typical assignments for Bike magazine’s senior photographer that ranged from jungle trails in Guatemala to riding in New Zealand (He’s also a senior photographer for the ski magazine, Powder.). And these nature walks were downright low-key compared to the selfpropelled sports he’d normally be shooting at the famous year-round resort an hour and a half north. Still on the mend a year later, Manley hit his head again, relapsed and decided that it’d be better to shoot closer to home. “There’s an incredible
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EMPLOYEE BENEFITS THAT MAKE AN IMPRESSION
Inspirato for Business makes it easy for smart companies to offer the ultimate employee perk—privileged access to unforgettable luxury vacations.
DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT. LEARN MORE ABOUT INSPIRATO FOR BUSINESS. 888.412.5118
|
WWW.INSPIRATO.BIZ
Inspirato® is a private travel membership club that requires a non-refundable Initiation Fee and Annual Membership Fee. Membership is subject to acceptance of terms and conditions and other reservation and use rules. Availability, benefits, minimum stay requirements and nightly fees may vary by residence, date and membership option selected. See website (www.inspirato.com) for complete details. Inspirato is owned by Inspirato LLC and operated by its subsidiary Best of 52, LLC, 1637 Wazee Street, Denver, CO 80202, info@inspirato.com, 303-586-7771. Operator is registered as Florida Seller of Travel Registration No. ST38403; Washington Seller of Travel Registration No. UBI 603086598; California Seller of Travel Registration No. CST 2107465. ©2014 Inspirato LLC. All products and services offered and rendered by Inspirato® (including the operation and management of any vacation residence) are provided solely by Inspirato LLC, Best of 52, LLC, or their respective agents and affiliates, and not by the American Express Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates.
ADVENTURE | H AWA II
HAWAII
TRUE WEST
On the rangelands of Hawaii, the islands’ unique paniolo heritage lives on. BY JACOB MILNER
A
round the blossoming wiliwili tree, on a rise in the dirt road up ahead, we saw him: The silhouette of a cowboy, spinning a chain like a lasso as he sauntered along. We were driving Maui’s Pi’ilani Highway, a 30-mile stretch of unpaved road that winds along the backside of Mount Haleakala, and we hadn’t seen another soul for miles. Then, suddenly, there he was, in the middle of the road— looming, lanky, long. My brother-in-law slowed our rented Jeep and extended a shaka, the Hawaiian sign of friendliness. In return, the cowboy nodded, held up his free hand, palm open and motioned for us to stop. The ground shook. A dust cloud billowed and before we knew it, we were surrounded by cows. Less than a minute later, when the last of the cattle moseyed on, the cowboy did
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too, nodding again as he shuffled past our open windows. The road in front of us was still and silent once more. What we witnessed that afternoon on that remote side of Maui was as much a part of Hawaiian culture as leis, luaus and coconuts: An authentic cattle drive. Cowboys—locals call them paniolo—have been herding cattle on the islands for centuries; although ranching industries have scaled back in recent years, the men (and women) who run the ranches remain part of the fabric of island life. Today, in addition to sponsoring annual rodeos and polo clubs, ranches offer horseback riding, tours and other interactive experiences that enable locals and visitors to experience paniolo culture firsthand. Yes, cowboy culture still is alive in Hawaii. You just have to know where to look.
Dana eDmunDs
BIG SKY COUNTRY (Top) The majestic setting for Kualoa Ranch on Oahu. (Inset) The paniolo of Parker Ranch, circa 1945.
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ADVENTURE | H AWA II
eliot elisofon/time life pictures/getty images
COWBOYS OF THE FAR, FAR WEST The first cows arrived in Hawaii in the late 1700s, when Capt. George Vancouver delivered five longhorns (along with two ewes and one ram) to King Kamehameha I as a gift. The Hawaiian monarch was so intrigued by these animals that he enacted laws protecting them. Over the course of the decade that followed, the bovines reproduced at breakneck rates, becoming a nuisance that destroyed crops and sometimes killed the islanders who got in their way. Locals started building lava rock walls to protect their gardens from the beasts. To control the situation, in the early 1800s Kamehameha imported horses and vaqueros, or cowboys, from Mexico. These cowboys quickly became known as paniolo, and they quickly spawned a distinctive subculture that combined Mexican roping, saddle making and leatherwork skills with traditions of attire and tools unique to the hot and sun-drenched Pacific Islands. Hawaiian-born filmmaker Edgy Lee chronicled the history of paniolo in her 2010 documentary, Paniolo O Hawaii: Cowboys of the Far West, and notes that Hawaii was cattle country before the American West. “When we were busy riding and roping here in Hawaii, the Battle of the Alamo had not even taken place yet,” she
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says. “Hawaii is perhaps the only place in the world where the cowboys are the Indians. ” According to Lee, as farming on the islands grew, so, too, did the cattle trade. In the middle part of the 1800s, the heyday of Hawaiian ranching, the islands exported more than 600 ships of cattle every year, and tens of thousands of cattle dotted the slopes of Mauna Kea alone. The more successful cattle operations became, the more cowboys the monarchy recruited to manage them. To organize these efforts, in the 1830s, King Kamehameha III began selling vast tracts of land to individual farmers—creating ranches of varying size on all of the islands, including Molokai and Kauai. Parker Ranch, the largest of these private farms with more than 200,000 acres at one point, was founded in Waimea, on the Big Island, in 1847. Other ranches sprouted up on the slopes of Maui’s Haleakala and on the lush eastern side of Oahu.
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ADVENTURE | H AWA II
HOME ON THE RANGE Of course life on these ranches has changed considerably over time. Most Hawaiian ranches shrunk during World War II, when the U.S. Army seized hundreds of thousands of acres for military use. While many Hawaiian farms still have beef operations— recent statistics from the U.S. Department of Agriculture indicate that more than 750 operations statewide have at least one cow—the most successful of the ranches have devised new ways for visitors to the islands to experience paniolo culture first-hand. For many of these ranches, this means horseback riding tours guided by modern-day cowboys and cowgirls. At Pi’iholo Ranch on Maui, rides lead visitors from a corral outside of Makawao, across a creek, through a towering eucalyptus forest and across the flanks of Mount Haleakala. Riders can gallop past wild axis deer, wild pigs, mongoose and an enclosure for endangered
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Nene birds to the top of a volcanic butte. From this spot, the Pacific spreads out below like shimmering silk. “Many people come to Hawaii and never see any of the beauty of ranch land,” says Tamalyn Baldwin, the ranch’s head wrangler. “Even if people know what to expect, even if they’ve ridden horses in island environments before they saddle up with us, they come here, they see the mountain and feel the trade winds and almost can’t believe it’s real.” Other ranches have diversified in other ways. Ulupalakua Ranch, site of the aforementioned cattle drive, is home to Maui’s only winery. Until recently, Molokai Ranch, on Molokai, offered a hands-on roundup experience in which visitors could spend a week getting lessons in paniolo techniques from paniolo themselves.
shutterstock
THE PANIOLO LIFE (From left) On the trail in Kauai; rodeo days on Maui; the local livestock; even horses enjoy paradise; ranch hand at Pi’iholo.
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ADVENTURE | H AWA II
clockwise from top: shutterstock; bruce c. murray/shutterstock; shutterstock; courtesy of piiholo ranch
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
RODEO TIME Horseback riding and eco-tours are activities that visitors to the islands can experience any time. But without question, the largest celebration of paniolo culture takes place on Maui, in the Upcountry town of Makawao over July 4th. This town, about 12 miles up the volcano from Kahului Airport, is a slice of the Old West in paradise. Wooden storefronts feature porches and hitching posts. Jaywalkers best mind the manure in the street. And in the mornings, when the T. Komoda Store peddles fresh doughnuts dubbed malasadas, the line is packed with men donning spurs and oversized cowboy hats. Over the course of four days, the Oskie Rice Arena just outside of downtown brings the state’s top wranglers together for a full slate of traditional rodeo competitions including barrel racing and bareback bronco riding, to name a few. But
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perhaps the most anticipated event of the annual rodeo is the pā’ū, an elaborate and ceremonial horseback display by women dressed in pā’ū skirts, leis and with flowers in their hair, and set to traditional Hawaiian music. On the Big Island, annual rodeos in July and September in Waimea also are a spectacle—and a special treat; these are some of the only times each summer that the now 130,000-acre Parker Ranch opens to the public. Keoki Wood, livestock operations manager at Parker Ranch, says events are as much for locals and visitors as they are for the cowboys themselves. “The rodeo is a chance for outsiders to catch a glimpse of paniolo life, but also for the cowboys to demonstrate some of their skills,” says Wood. “In this sense [the rodeos] help everyone come together as one.”
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Nobody is certain how the name, paniolo, came to be, but in her 2010 documentary, Paniolo o Hawaii: Cowboys of the Far West, filmmaker Edgy Lee presents a likely explanation. Her take: The word was a mash-up between Espaniolo (what locals called the Spanishspeaking vaqueros), and panuelo (the Spanish word for the handkerchief these cowboys wore over their faces). Others suggest the word was simply a variation of Espaniolo. Whatever the explanation, the nickname, paniolo, stuck.
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ADVENTURE | H AWA II RANCHING IT (Top to bottom) Scenes from Pi’iholo Ranch, Maui.
MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME
Hawaii Inspirato offers homes on both Maui and the Big Island. On Maui, members can choose from three-bedroom, threeand-a-half bath Inspirato Signature Residences on the lush Kapalua coast or four-bedroom, five-bath Signature Residences at the Andaz resort in Wailea. Visitors to the Kohala Coast on the north side of Hawaii can settle into a choice of homes including a threebedroom, 3.5-bath Inspirato Signature Residence with its own pool that’s mere steps from the beach.
Quentin Olivarez’s picks
Inspirato Personal Vacation Advisor
SADDLE UP
GET YOUR PANIOLO ON WITH A RIDE AT ONE OF THESE RANCHES.
BIG ISLAND PONOHOLO RANCH, WAIMEA
MAUI PI’IHOLO RANCH, MAKAWAO
This 11,000-acre working cattle ranch sits on the slopes of Kohala Mountain, offering riders breathtaking views of Maui and the Pacific. Choose from 1- to -hour rides, picnic rides or excursions for more advanced riders who wish to canter and gallop. -1/ person. PANIOLOADVENTURES.COM
This Upcountry ranch has been in the same family for seven generations; 1- and 2-hour rides are limited to 12-1 per group and traverse land frequented by axis deer and the endangered Hawaiian Nene. Three-hour private rides are available. 120/person.
NAALAPA STABLES, HONOKAA
IRONWOOD RANCH, NAPILI; WEST MAUI
This small but highly regarded outfitter offers a 2.-hour ride down into the Waipio Valley, one of the most sacred spots in all of Hawaii. Most riders experience taro fields, waterfalls, jungle trails and freshwater streams. / person. NAALAPASTABLES.COM
EAT: Find out why the Lahaina Grill has been voted Best Restaurant on Maui for 21 years. I consider the breathtaking oceanfront view from Merriman’s Kapalua to offer the best sunset dinner on Maui. Ninety percent of their farm-to-table menu comes from the island. DAY TRIP: The Hula Girl catamaran is the best luxury sailboat in Maui. Book it for snorkeling trips, whale watching or a sunset cruise.
PIIHOLORANCH.COM
Take a trip over to Lanai for a round of golf at “The Challenge at Manale,” the Jack Nicklaus course considered one of the best in the islands. Bring your camera for holes 11, 12 and 17.
Located in the West Maui Mountains, Ironwood takes riders on 1.-hour rides over trails that look out over Kaanapali and Kapalua below. A 2-hour sunset ride is offered as well. -12/person.
Friday Nights ART NIGHT IN LAHAINA From 7–10 p.m. Front Street comes alive as the art galleries open their doors, offering wine and live music.
IRONWOODRANCH.COM
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from top: courtesy of piiholo ranch/celine bieber; courtesy of piiholo ranch (2)
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT INSPIRATO’S MAUI SIGNATURE RESIDENCES, TURN TO PAGES 12 AND 1. FOR SIGNATURE RESIDENCES ON THE KOHALA COAST, TURN TO PAGE 1.
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THE CRADLE OF INSPIRATION
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE Where some of the world's richest history lives, from the sunny shores that were once Constantinople to the grand Acropolis of ancient Greece, we're inviting members to an unparalleled opportunity to discover inspiration: our first foray into the Eastern Mediterranean on a customized, members-only cruise.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE 888.546.5008 | WWW.INSPIRATO.COM/CRUISE Inspirato® is a private travel membership club that requires a non-refundable Initiation Fee and Annual Membership Fee. Membership is subject to acceptance of terms and conditions and other reservation and use rules. Availability, benefits, minimum stay requirements and nightly fees may vary by residence, date and membership option selected. See website (www. inspirato.com) for complete details. Inspirato is owned by Inspirato LLC and operated by its subsidiary Best of 52, LLC, 1637 Wazee Street, Denver, CO 80202, info@inspirato.com, 303586-7771. Operator is registered as Florida Seller of Travel Registration No. ST38403; Washington Seller of Travel Registration No. UBI 603086598; California Seller of Travel Registration No. CST 2107465. ©2014 Inspirato LLC. All products and services offered and rendered by Inspirato® (including the operation and management of any vacation residence) are provided solely by Inspirato LLC, Best of 52, LLC, or their respective agents and affiliates, and not by the American Express Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates.
SANTA MONICA STUDIO CITY SAN FRANCISCO SAN JOSE PALM SPRINGS MALIBU NEW YORK LOS ANGELES
LAS VEGAS MAUI CANYONBEACHWEAR.COM
STYLE & DESIGN | SUMMER
TIME TO SHINE Move from beach to evening affairs in style. STYLE BY PHOTOGRAPHY BY
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arm breezes, sultry nights and a refreshing casualness that you don’t get with any other season of the year. That’s summer for you, where soſt meets sophisticated and unforgettable style meets functionality. Case-in-point: Panerai’s Luminor Submersible 1950 dive watch shown here. The timepiece is water resistant down to a mind-boggling , meters. It’s pitch black down there, hence the Panerai’s giant face and glow-in-dark hands and hour markers. Despite its size, the Italian watch is a relative lightweight thanks to a body of brushed lightweight titanium. Even better, it winds itself, and once wound, keeps running for three days—set it and forget it. ,, AVAILABLE AT SELECT PANERAI BOUTIQUES
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STYLE & DESIGN | SUMMER
MEN’S
BEACH
ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA CASHMERE SWEATER Lighter than cotton but less stuffy than wool, this cashmere pullover is the perfect answer to staying comfortable in the face of a stiff ocean breeze or nighttime chill. $725, ZEGNA.COM
ORLEBAR BROWN BULLDOG SWIM-SHORTS Retro meets top-notch construction in a swim trunk that even James Bond loves (watch Skyfall again). $280, ORLEBARBROWN.COM
DAN WARD ASYMMETRIC MULTI-STRAP SLIDE Leave the casual flip-flops to the kids. These rich, black leather sandals make simple look elegant. $495, MRPORTER.COM
DEBORAH SHARPE LINENS ITALIAN BEACH TOWEL A terry cloth beach towel so soft that you’ll be loathe to remove yourself from it. $420, DEBORAHSHARPELINENS.COM
MORGANTHAL FREDERICS SHADOW TITANIUM SUNGLASSES A lightweight, bombproof take on classic aviator sunglasses. $485, MORGENTHAL FREDERICS, NEW YORK CITY
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STYLE & DESIGN | SUMMER
WOMEN’S
BEACH
MELISSA ODABASH COLEEN ZEBRA KAFTAN Make a grand entrance at the pool in this maxi-length kaftan. $455, CANYONBEACHWEAR.COM
ERES CASSIOPÉE SWIMSUIT It’s the year of the one piece and this warm yellow number stands out against a sea of generic black suits. $480, 888-656-ERES
ANCIENT GREEK SANDALS MELPOMENI FLATS A metallic mix of platinum, rose and gold leathers works with many looks. $185, AVAILABLE AT NEIMAN MARCUS
JOANNA MAXHAM BEACH COMBER TOTE Big enough for a family’s beach necessities, this durable jute bag is interwoven with an Italian cotton blend that makes it soft to the touch. $350, JOANNAMAXHAM.COM
MORGENTHAL FREDERICS LEE SUNGLASSES Cat-eyed specs are big this season. The Lee updates the look with a slightly larger, rounder frame. $395, MORGENTHAL FREDERICS NEW YORK CITY
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MEN’S
C A S UA L A F FA I R S
ETRO SAFARI JACKET Transition from surf to mountains with Etro’s take on an adventure classic. $1,623, ETRO.COM
KNIT SWEATER The bold stripes on this cotton summer sweater stand out against basic khaki or white linen pants. $500, ETRO.COM
FAÇONNABLE 5-POCKET PANT Match made in heaven: These pants fit like your favorite pair of jeans, but they’re sewn from an ultra-soft cotton fabric. $145, FAÇONNABLE.COM
GUCCI LACE-UP SNEAKERS They’re not blue-suede shoes, but they are blue, and unlike suede kicks, you’ll actually want to wear these soft leather shoes all summer. $540, GUCCI.COM
BORLINO BACKPACK Made from buffalo and leather hides, Borlino’s pack helps you manage your travels with enough pockets for all your carry-along essentials. $1,750, BORLINO.COM
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WOMEN’S
C A S UA L A F FA I R S
MASSIMO ALBA ROSA BLAZER A fitted silhouette and shots of silver thread in the weave keep you looking polished, even when paired with your favorite jeans. $1,130, AVAILABLE AT BARNEYS, NEW YORK CITY
M PATMOS BEACH CREW Pull this cashmere knit over a tank top or camisole to add texture—and soft comfort—to your look. $495, MPATMOS.COM
SEVEN FOR ALL MANKIND SKINNY COATED DENIM JEAN Try a denim that looks like leather for a sophisticated look with all the ease and fit of a pair of jeans. $198, NEIMAN MARCUS
RAG & BONE WYATT SANDAL More cut-out bootie than sandal, these leather and suede heels are a striking change from strappy alternatives. $550, NEIMAN MARCUS
JOANNA MAXHAM LUGGAGE LOCK CUFF Maxham’s Italian leather bracelet with its serious hardware gives any outfit just the right amount of edge. $125, JOANNAMAXHAM.COM
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FA C E S | P A L M B E A C H
THE SCENE SETTER
ALLISON PALADINO
After studying interior design at George Washington University’s Mount Vernon College, Paladino stayed in the D.C. area before family in Palm Beach beckoned her to return, where she opened Allison Paladino Interior Design in 1997. Since then, she’s worked with both residential and commercial clients, most of who are Florida locals or based in New York or nearby Connecticut. Occasional out-of-thebox assignments such as a 7,000-squarefoot apartment in Munich and upcoming projects like a horse farm in Ocala and a home in the Bahamas keep her on her toes and challenged. “I’ve been in the business for 25 years, and I feel like I’ve definitely paid my dues,” she says. “It’s nice to be able to pick and choose the projects I want to work on and the people I want to work with.” Ten years into the business, Paladino’s
INSIDE JOB Paladino showcases her interior design aesthetic.
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portfolio was already impressive, but her creativity needed a new outlet. In 2007, she was tapped as one of House Beautiful’s “25 Young Designers to Watch,” recognition that opened the door to the next chapter in her career. She began developing a full line of furniture with high-end manufacturer EJ Victor, and it has since grown to more than 60 handsome pieces. Then there’s her portrait collection for Rosenbaum Fine Art (starring exotic animals from her travels to Africa) and the hand-tufted area rugs she designed for New River Artisans. Her latest endeavor, most likely launching next year, is perfecting a collection of glassblown lighting fixtures with Fine Art Lamps based down the coast in Miami. With this partnership and the others mentioned above, Paladino’s signature elegance can now take over an entire house. K.L.
NOT CONTENT TO PULL TOGETHER luxury interiors from Palm Beach to New York to Munich, interior designer Allison Paladino has gradually built a Tequestrabased design empire that includes her eponymous firm plus spin-off furniture, fine art and luxe rug collections.
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NANTUCKET. A PLACE THAT GIVES YOU ROOM TO BREATHE CAN ALSO TAKE YOUR BREATH AWAY.
WELCOME TO THE WHITE ELEPHANT VILLAGE. The Village comprises the
intimate Inn
and the
spacious Residences
where guests enjoy all
the pampering, amenities and services of the acclaimed White Elephant Hotel.
Residence Master Bedroom
800.475.2637
Residence Living Room
508.228.1500 WhiteElephantVillage.com
Pool open May-Sept.
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FAMILY AFFAIR A birthday celebration on Nantucket serves as an extended family reunion. BY KATHY ARRIX, PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN SAGER
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MEMBER RECOMMENDS | NANTUCKET
A PORCH FOR ALL (Left ) Three generations of the Arrix family fit on the porch at Forever Wild. (Below) A cake to serve 30 family members. (Bottom) The birthday boy and family patriarch, Bob Arrix.
NANTUCKET
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MEMBER RECOMMENDS | NANTUCKET
NEW ENGLAND SUMMER (Clockwise from left) The house had plenty of space for the grandkids; catered meals from chef Jamie Wainer offered something delicious for everyone; Forever Wild features extensive decks and patios.
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needed a pretty special house too, one that could handle entertaining all of us. We picked Inspirato’s six-bedroom Forever Wild residence for its location, amenities and style. Arriving, we were just blown away. Inspirato’s Destination Concierge, Ben Goldberg, had wine, muffins and pastries from Petticoat Row Bakery, fruit from Bartlett’s Farm—the oldest and largest family farm on Nantucket— and freshly roasted coffee beans from Nantucket Coffee Roasters waiting. And then the house! We had seen photos, but had no idea how beautiful Forever Wild really was. It’s truly Nantucket style, with a widow’s walk and shingle façade. It’s set on a high point with an expansive
To celebrate my father-in-law’s 80th birthday last June, the whole family planned a huge weeklong gathering in Nantucket. It was almost a year in the making. There are six siblings with wives and 18 grandkids. It’s really difficult to get everyone together, but, with such a beautiful house and location—not to mention such a great occasion to celebrate—we managed it. Bob knew this was happening and that it was for his birthday, but he had no idea of the extent of it. That really surprised him. We picked Nantucket because most of us had been there before and loved it. We knew there’d be tons of stuff to do for everyone. The grandkids range in age from 6 to 26, so we needed a variety of activities. We knew we
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lawn and overlooks a lush wildlife sanctuary. In the distance you can see the harbor. Inside, it was hard to tear ourselves away from the gourmet kitchen. Although Bob certainly enjoyed the master suite we gave him; it had marble floors and the wall at the end of the bed was almost all windows. While we were celebrating Bob all week, we had a lobster bake on the outside deck one night as the main event. While head chef Jamie Wainer— again, someone Ben found for us—was busy getting everything ready, we all went to Cisco Brewers’ pub. This was another great recommendation from Ben; he really knows this area so well and has connections everywhere! Cisco doesn’t just serve beers, but
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MEMBER RECOMMENDS | NANTUCKET
also cocktails made with spirits from nearby Triple Eight Distillery and wines from Nantucket Vineyard. When we got back to the house, Ben and Jamie had transformed the deck and there were the most wonderful aromas coming from the kitchen. A giant table had been set up and decorated with a nautical theme perfect for the island and the house. Arrangements of hydrangeas were everywhere. It wasn’t long before waiters and waitresses brought out clam chowder and fried clams. The main course was a buffet—lobster, corn on the cob, boiled potatoes, caprese salad, steamed clams and grilled steak. During and after dinner, there was toast after toast. When we had finally
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played football on the lawn. Others went to the beach—it was only a short drive away. Or we just went into town to do some shopping— Murray’s Toggery Shop is such a classic Nantucket store and Gypsy’s Nantucket always has beautiful things. One morning there was an impromptu girls’ breakfast out at Downyflake. Donuts seemed in order and Downyflake, just down the road, has some of the best. Having the entire family together is great wherever and whenever we manage, but this reunion will be hard to top. We’re up for trying though; we’re doing two homes in Anguilla with Inspirato for my husband’s 50th birthday. —AS TOLD TO DINA MISHEV
eaten and toasted as much as we could, we took the party inside and down to the media level, where there was a pool table, darts, a bar and plenty of room for dancing. While the lobster bake was a highlight, Ben really helped us make the most of the entire week. Saturday night all of the adults went out to dinner at Cru, this fabulous, newish oyster bar—they’ve got over a dozen different types, as well as entrees highlighting fresh, local catches—right on the water. (The windows in the dining room open right onto the water. You could pull your boat up and they’ll throw out a ladder so you can climb up!) Cru’s brick patio is almost as great as the deck at Forever Wild. During the days, the grandkids
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MAKE A WISH (Clockswise from left) Bob Arrix prepares to blow out the candles on his birthday cake; a dinner of lobster, steamed clams and grilled steak highlighted the birthday week; Forever Wild’s open-air deck off the rear.
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BAY BRIDGE DREAMS The Bay Bridge features the most dramatic entry to the city. INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2014
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THE PICTURE PERFECT CITY PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADAM BARKER
For more than a decade, photographer Adam Barker has returned to San Francisco with his camera to shoot what he calls the “most photogenic city in North America.” He should know; he’s gone on assignment to photograph some of the most dramatic places on earth, including Patagonia and Antarctica. But he admits that it’s the City by the Bay that still calls his name. “You have a ton of iconic material to work with—the Golden Gate Bridge, the waterfront, sea life, the skyline, the hills,” he says. “And that soft hazy light and summer fog gives the city a warm glow.”
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RUGGED BEAUTY Within city limits sits an undeveloped ocean coastline of cliffs and pounding surf. “What other city has this raw natural element to it?” asks Barker.
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OLD MEETS NEW A masted schooner against downtown’s skyline epitomizes Barker’s love of the city where the classic (cable cars, Victorian houses) mesh seamlessly with the city’s leading-edge tech economy. INSPIRATOMAGAZINE.COM
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PAINTED LADIES “Classic California” is how Barker describes this shot. “The skyline in the background seems to change every year, but these grand old houses stay the same. That describes California in a nutshell.” INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2014
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TIME TRAVELER “The city has something for every different aesthetic sense I can think of,” Barker says. “Cityscape, nature, architecture, history, street scenes, water—the list goes on and on.” INSPIRATOMAGAZINE.COM
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ESCAPE VALVE Between Golden Gate Park, the Marin Headlands and Muir Woods (shown here), total immersion in nature is never far away from the city’s bustle.
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MORNING REBIRTH Dawn breaks over Tank Hill. “You could bring your camera to the same spot at the same time three days in a row, Barker says, “and you’d end up with a completely different looking city and sky every day.”
MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME
San Francisco Inspirato’s Signature Residence, Cocoa, puts you in the heart of the city’s most scenic areas. Located in the Fisherman’s
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Wharf at Ghiradelli Square, this cozy two-bedroom, two-bath home is a short walk away from the waterfront, classic cable cars and the Italian neighborhood below Coit Tower. Nearby, the elegant restaturants and boutiques of Pacific Heights beckon. From Cocoa’s convenient location, members can make a quick getaway across the Golden Gate Bridge to Marin County and the wine country beyond. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT INSPIRATO’S SAN FRANCISCO SIGNATURE RESIDENCE, PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 158.
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Alex Chernett’s picks
Inspirato Personal Vacation Advisor EAT: For a quintessential experience in San Francisco, enjoy a fresh entrée with a classic movie shown al fresco on the patio at Foreign Cinema. At Smitten Ice Cream, they use liquid nitrogen to produce their instant, made-to-order frozen desserts. DAY TRIP: Grab a lunch and a picnic blanket and head to Stern Grove for the oldest free-admission concert festival in the country. Past summer lineups have included the city’s opera and ballet.
Thursday Nights NIGHTLIFE From 6–10 p.m., the California Academy of Sciences turns into an adults-only cocktail party with a heavy dose of astronomy and oceanography thrown in. Aug. 30-Sep. 21 SAN FRANCISCO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL Saturday and Sunday afternoon performances held on The Presidio’s grand parade lawn are free.
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HOMETOWN HERO San Diego’s adopted son, Tony Gwynn, in his third incarnation in town, manager of the San Diego State University baseball team. INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2014
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IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY IN SAN DIEGO
Tony Gwynn came to this seaside paradise to play baseball and never left. BY JOHN WOODROW COX TWENTY-FOUR MINUTES INTO THE SPEECH, Tony Gwynn paused, and with a white towel dabbed the sweat from his face. It was nearing 80 degrees on that Sunday afternoon in July 2007 at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y. where he was about to be inducted into pro baseball’s most prestigious brotherhood. Gwynn, wearing a brown, double-breasted suit and a tie striped with gold, set down the towel on the wooden lectern and shuffled through his pages. He looked up. “I played for one organization: the San Diego Padres. I’m proud as heck to be a San Diego Padre. I played for one team. I played in one town.” Perhaps no athlete in this country is more closely tied to a single city than Tony Gwynn is to San Diego. Not even Michael Jordan to Chicago or Brett Favre to Green Bay or Ted Williams to Boston, because those guys came and played and left. But not Gwynn. Not “Mr. Padre.” He never left, and to many, it felt like he had always been there. What Gwynn didn’t tell the crowd that day was that he had come to San Diego not as a professional, but as a teenager. He attended San Diego State University, where he played for the Aztecs in both baseball and basketball. After the Padres drafted him in 1981, he turned down chances to leave—to play for more money or a better shot at a World Series. And when his 20 years with the team were done, he didn’t take time off to travel or seek out a coaching position in the major leagues. Gwynn didn’t go anywhere. Instead, he took a job, for a lot less money, right there in his hometown. On that sticky afternoon seven years ago, the retired major-league legend stood on the stage as head coach of his alma mater. He checked his notes. “And all the fans that have made this trip all the way to Cooperstown, I can’t begin to thank you. I know some of y’all were in a bus. I know some of y’all drove in your cars. I see the brown and gold. I see the orange and blue. Again, thank you for coming.” INSPIRATOMAGAZINE.COM
He went on, praising his mom, wishing his late father was there, thanking his brothers and wife and son and noting that he would soon be a grandfather and thanking his daughter, and telling his family how proud of them he was. And then he paused once more and, as his time was nearing its end, Gwynn looked down at his final bullet point. “And the rest of my family—and that’s you guys. That’s the fans. My adopted family. Especially my fans from San Diego. You know it was 20 years and we had a blast. I had a blast. I truly enjoyed it. But it wouldn’t have been nearly as much fun if you hadn’t been as supportive as you were. So I say thank you.” CONSIDER THE WAYS people describe Tony Gwynn: cool, laid-back, quiet, friendly, happy, classy. Now consider the ways people describe San Diego. Or don’t, because you just did (minus, sunny and 72). Gwynn may be the city’s most well-known resident sports star, but he’s certainly not the only one. Other athletes who do or recently have owned homes there include NBA basketball great and now announcer Bill Walton, PGA golf great Phil Mickelson, skateboarding legend Tony Hawk and snowboarding’s breakout superstar Shaun White. In a 2011 San Diego Union-Tribune newspaper story, reporter Brian Hiro wrote that a section of the city’s beach was home to seven former or current NFL quarterbacks prompting the group to be called “the Del Mar quarterback club.” It included Drew Brees, Carson Palmer and Aaron Rodgers.
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IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY IN SAN DIEGO
The stars, Hiro wrote, had reasons aplenty for living in one the city’s many pristine neighborhoods: “their keen appreciation of the idyllic climate… the wealth of outdoor activities, the natural splendor and the quality of the public education…” Ask people why they love San Diego and the answers can be many, and complicated, but they’re usually pretty simple: It’s nice and being there makes them happy. So who would better fit—or be the face of—a place that carries the slogan of “America’s Finest City” than a guy who has a widely known reputation as one of the nicest, most easygoing professional athletes in any sport at any time? “His personality, he’s just infectious. He has that infectious laugh,” says Mark Grant, who played with Gwynn, now 54, and has since broadcast Padres games alongside him. “He has the infectious laugh, the smile,” says Mark Martinez, associate head coach on the San Diego State baseball team. “He had that infectious personality. That great laugh,” says
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Nick Canepa, a Union-Tribune sports columnist who has been with the newspaper since 1971. That laugh. His laugh comes easy and often. It’s a chuckle, really, that emanates deep from within his chest, bouncing his shoulders as it spills out. It’s comforting and warm and genuine. Hear it, and try not to smile. It’s hard to do. He calls himself “lucky” and “blessed,” quick to list all the other people not named Tony Gwynn who made him great. He almost never turns down requests for an autograph, even if he knows the ball or bat is probably meant for an online auction. He finds time for people who want to talk to him, making it seem within minutes of a conversation that you’ve known him for years. Tony Gwynn, always sunny and 72 degrees. IN 1977, Gwynn moved to San Diego to play a sport, it just wasn’t baseball. Growing up 100 miles north in Long Beach,
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BAYSIDE HEIGHTS Downtown skyline from across San Diego Bay.
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he had starred as a point guard in high school and nearly quit baseball before his senior year. His mother thought he should stick with it. “You might as well,” she told him. “You never know.” His batting average reached an incredible .700 that year, but still, during his freshman year at college he played just basketball, the sport for which he was on scholarship. He stepped back onto the field his sophomore year only after a friend of his on the baseball team convinced the head coach that Gwynn should get a chance. He went on to earn All-America honors as an outfielder in both his junior and senior years, hitting better than .400 in each season. He was also twice named an all-conference performer for the basketball team. As the 1981 draft approached, Gwynn expected the Houston Astros to select him, because, as far as he knew, their scouts were the only ones who had closely watched his college career.
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The team had no first- or second-round picks, so Gwynn thought he might go in the third. Around 8:30 the morning of the draft, he got a call. A woman on the line asked for his middle name. “Keith,” he told her. She thanked him and hung up. And then it hit him, “I should have asked who that was.” Ten minutes later, he got the news. The Padres had taken him with the sixth pick in the third round. “The first thought was, ‘God, I’ve got to wear those ugly uniforms?’” Other than a disdain for their mustard yellow jerseys, Gwynn was also reluctant to play for a team that the previous year had lost 89 games and finished last in its division. He and his wife, Alicia, went to breakfast at Denny’s. Over bacon and eggs, his mind began to change. The Padres’ recent failures, he thought, might give him a chance to make the team
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FAN FAVORITE Gwynn’s professionalism and affable personality during his San Diego Padres days made him popular everywhere he went, including Colorado (shown here).
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LEAVE IT ALL BEHIND Descend the cliffs to the beach and the city of 3.2 million disappears behind you.
more quickly. The couple discussed their next stop, Walla Walla, Wash., where the Padres Class A team was located. Then, another call. The then San Diego Clippers had selected him in the NBA draft. “Here I am getting drafted two times in two sports on the same day,” he says. “Two teams, same city.” HE PICKED BASEBALL instead of basketball after his dad negotiated the Padres up from an initial offer of $5,000 to a final offer of $25,000. Gwynn sped through the minor leagues, putting up remarkable numbers on his way to a roster spot with the Padres. Like any athlete, the fans first adored Gwynn simply because he was good. In his major league debut in 1982, he went 2-for-4 with a double. The year after that, he batted better than .300. The year after that, he hit .351, was named an All-Star and won the batting title.
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Sure, Gwynn became a star because of his success on the field, but his connection to the city went much deeper. “From the moment I started playing professionally,” Gwynn says, “I knew this was where I wanted to be. I think what endeared me to the city was the fact that I was a grinder,” he says, suggesting that he was “how people want their athletes to be: mild-mannered, low-key, humble.” He thought constantly about the game and how to get better at it. He watched video of his own swing, over and over, until his mechanics were just right. Then he watched more video. Gwynn didn’t party or raise hell or turn up in embarrassing headlines. He never had an entourage. On road trips, when his teammates headed for the bars, Gwynn played video games in his hotel room. “In many respects, I think he reflects the character of San Diego,” says County Supervisor Ron Roberts. “Nobody here aspires to be Los Angeles. We’re happy with who we are, and we want to achieve things, but we also want to project a clean,
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wholesome family-friendly environment.” In all the years Nick Canepa covered San Diego sports, he couldn’t recall Gwynn ever stepping out of character. In many ways, Gwynn was and is, admittedly, laid-back when it comes to living off the field, and now out of the game. He used to bass fish in nearby lakes Morena, Hodges and Henshaw and still sometimes heads into the Pacific in search of albacore or amberjack, but he does that less often now. “I’m a homebody,” he says. “I don’t really get out that much.” That’s at least in part because of his renewed fight with cancer of the salivary gland, an illness he believes resulted from years of using chewing tobacco. When Gwynn was first diagnosed in 2010, the news shook the city. “Devastating. This was one of San Diego’s sons,” says Mark Grant. “It was a blow to the gut for everybody.” Doctors removed Gwynn’s lymph nodes and, in 2012, he underwent a 13-hour surgery to remove a nerve from his face, and for a while, he couldn’t laugh.
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Now undergoing chemotherapy every other week, Gwynn is confident he’ll beat the cancer for a third time and, in the meantime, doesn’t intend to stop coaching. IT WAS MAY 21, 2009. Gwynn was in a hotel room in Texas, filling out a lineup card for the Aztecs’ game that day, when his wife called. She told him that their son, Tony Gwynn, Jr., had just been traded to the Padres. Someone from the organization had informed her first. Gwynn got up and ran down the hallway. “My son’s a Padre,” he yelled. “My son’s a Padre.” Then, he called his son. “Hey, Anthony,” he said. “Did you hear the news?” “What news?” “You just got traded to the Padres.” In his first game, Tony Jr. scored the winning run. For two years, Gwynn watched his boy play for his team. He had tickets behind home plate but couldn’t use them because
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CULTURAL AFFAIRS (Clockwise from top left) Balboa Park; historic Gaslight District, now San Diego’s dining and nightlife center; Spanish Village Studios at Balboa Park.
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WAVE THERAPY A surfer eyes the swells fans swarmed him during the game. He started watching from at Windansea Beach. a box instead. That was a special time—among dozens—that
Gwynn has shared through the years with the organization. He had more than 3,000 hits, went to 15 All-Star games, won eight batting titles and five Gold Gloves and, of course, was elected to the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. He now coaches in a place named Tony Gwynn Stadium. The Padres retired his number, 19, in 2004. The address of the Padres stadium, PETCO Park, is 19 Tony Gwynn Drive. As much as any moment, Gwynn likes to think back to the final game of his career, in 2001. After his speech, after shaking the hands of his teammates, he ran up the right field line, toward that patch of field he had for so long occupied. The fans already knew he would coach at San Diego State. In the 13 years since his last pro game, Gwynn’s success as a collegiate head coach has not remotely compared to what he achieved as a player, but sure enough, a regular group of old Padres fans come to the college games and cheer them on.
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He’ll see Judy and her husband Ken, whom he calls “Chicken Man” because of the bucket of KFC he regularly brought to his seat in the right field stands during Gwynn’s professional playing days. “You need a catcher for tonight’s game?” Ken now asks, week after week. “I can catch.” He still sees Arthur, too, who sits behind home plate and in his grating voice offers advice to Gwynn’s pitchers (“Keep the ball down”) and his hitters (“Swing at strikes.”). Gwynn is quick to point out they’re all people who just like baseball, but even he acknowledges what brings them to his games is the love of a city’s people for its greatest sports legend. “It’s a reminder that you must have done something right,” he says. “Thirty-seven years. That’s a long time to be in one place. But I love it. It’s home.” John Woodrow Cox lives and writes from the Gulf Coast of Florida.
this page: dobino/shutterstock. opposite: shutterstock.
IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY IN SAN DIEGO
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MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME
San Diego With two Signature Residences located in San Diego, Inspirato members can choose between resort amenities and proximity to the ocean. The 5,902square-foot, five-bedroom Solana home sits inside The Grand Del Mar golf resort. Beach lovers can settle into the 4,700-square-foot, five-bedroom Calita, a Mediterranean-style villa in La Jolla within walking distance to the shops and restaurants on Prospect Street and the famous breakers at La Jolla Cove. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT INSPIRATO’S SAN DIEGO SIGNATURE RESIDENCES, PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 157.
Melissa Durian’s picks Inspirato Personal Vacation Advisor
DAY TRIP: Pull on your bathing suits for a kayak and snorkel tour of the marine life found in the La Jolla Underwater Park in the sheltered waters of La Jolla Cove. EAT: Herringbone in La Jolla puts a distinct spin on its “fish meats field” menu served in a converted warehouse domintated by two 100-year-old olive trees growing in the space. Jul. 17-Sep. 3 THE HORSE RACES AT DEL MAR Enjoy an afternoon at the track, a San Diego institution known as the place “where the surf meets the turf.” Aug. 22-24 SAN DIEGO SPIRITS FESTIVAL The Broadway Pier hosts this extravaganza of food and hand-crafted cocktails.
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MISSION BAY The protected saltwater of Mission Bay serves as San Diego’s watersports playground.
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SUMMER’S HERE
PICK YOUR SPORT (Top) Sanders and her gearpacked garage in Park City. (Right) Sanders with husband, Erik Schlopy, and their children and niece at last summer’s Color Run in Salt Lake City.
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With the exception of only a very few specific instances, “no” isn’t in the vocabulary of Summer Sanders. Since winning four medals, including two golds, at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona— three of which were in individual events—the swimming superstar says, “Saying ‘yes’ to experiences wasn’t in my make-up when I was a kid—I didn’t have the opportunity to have many crazy experiences. I was a very shy child, but I learned from my parents not to take anything for granted. By trying everything I can—saying, ‘yes’ as often as I can—I’m being grateful and respecting the opportunities that come my way. I love the idea of not saying ‘no’.” Sanders has said yes to everything from running her first marathon with only a day’s notice, a skeleton ride with Olympic gold medalist Jimmy Shea, interviewing Michelle Obama, competing on Celebrity Apprentice, starting a production company, aerial yoga, writing a book, traveling to Rwanda as an Olympic Aid athlete ambassador shortly after that country’s genocide and moving to Park City, Utah with husband, former Olympic skier (1994, 2002 and 2006) and seven-time national champion, Erik Schlopy. “Many of these things were out of my comfort zone, but it is really fun to try new things and put yourself out there,” she says. “It is humbling—you learn what you’re not great at—and beautiful all at the same time. I’ve failed at a lot of things.” More often than not though, Sanders succeeds, and you kind of want to hate her for it, but then she isn’t shy about sharing her failures. These are the stories she likes telling the most, her voice escalating in pitch as she tries not to laugh at the memories of herself in these instances. The end result is someone you want to be friends with for life. INSPIRATOMAGAZINE.COM
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Former Olympic champion and television personality Summer Sanders escapes back home to the mountains of Park City, Utah to plug back into the good life. BY DINA MISHEV
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In 1993, when still a junior at Stanford, Sanders agreed to do color commentary for the NCAA Swimming Championships (she had given up her own eligibility and could no longer compete at the collegiate level). The fuchsia 100-percent silk longsleeve blouse she had borrowed from her best friend’s closet was a disaster. “I was in an indoor swimming facility. I sweated through that shirt so fast, it looked like I had literally taken a swim in it. I guess I could have freaked out, but that didn’t even occur to me,” she says. “For me, there was nothing to do but laugh. You couldn’t have written a script funnier than that.” Despite the sweat stains, CBS Sports invited Sanders back to cover the next year’s NCAA Swimming Championships. She soon graduated to TV host—working
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for the 1994 MTV sports competition series Sandblast. For eight years she co-hosted NBA Inside Stuff. She was also a sideline reporter for the WNBA. She’s been an onair reporter covering the U.S. Open. Sanders hosted the Nickelodeon game show Figure It Out and also the Fox celebrity reality series, Skating with Celebrities. Today, she’s a television journalist, most recently working for NBC at the Sochi Olympic Games and on the various projects developed by her production company, Blackline Media, which she started with long-time industry vet Melissa Chusid. “I’ve worked with lots of talent, and Summer really stands out,” says Chusid, a former Director of Talent at Nickelodeon. “She is able to relate to whomever she interviews, whether it’s a huge celebrity or a fan on the street.”
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HER BIG BREAK
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On missing the ‘88 Olympic Games by 27/100s of a second: “It was the first time I realized that I could compete with these girls, that my dream of the Olympics could be a reality.”
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says. When she was 4, after begging her parents they signed her up on a local, summer-league swim team. By the time Trevor moved onto his next sport, around age 10, Sanders was hooked on swimming, because she got to see her friends at practice and because the team went on fun trips. As a 12-year-old spectator at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, Sanders had her first dreams of Olympic glory. “Before going to those Olympics, I was on the fence about swimming. I wanted to do other things after school than hop into a pool,” she says. “When I saw Mary [T. Meagher] and Tracy Caulkins swim in the Olympics though, I had this dream—this grand vision—of how amazing it would be if I could be at that level. I imagined myself going through the whole thing.” Sanders, at age 15, competed at the 1988 Olympic trials. She missed qualifying by 27/100s of a second. “In other people’s minds it was a failure—I didn’t make the team,” Sanders says. “But in my mind it was a huge success. It was the first time I
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PATH TO THE OLYMPICS Born and raised in Roseville, California, Sanders’ own childhood never included any brushes with the First Family (Her children met Michelle Obama at the London Olympics.). Her parents divorced when she was 7 and older brother Trevor was 9. In her 1999 book, Champions are Raised, Not Born: How My Parents Made me a Success, Sanders writes that people are often shocked to learn she comes from a broken home. “Divorce and dysfunction, they go together. But divorce and achievement? Divorce and self-esteem? Success out of failure?” Sanders continues that she never wants to gloss over the difficulties of the divorce, but that “by and large, Trevor and I had a happy childhood.” Much of Sanders’ childhood happiness came from time spent outside—camping, skiing and, of course, swimming. At age 3, she could already swim a lap, an effort to keep up with Trevor, whom she adored. “I wanted to be just like him,” she
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realized I could compete with these girls, that my dream of the Olympics could actually be a reality.” When the Olympic trials next rolled around, in 1992, Sanders became only the second U.S. woman to qualify for four individual events at one Olympiad. With her four medals—two gold, one silver and one bronze—she was the most decorated U.S. swimmer of the Games. Winning the 200-meter butterfly, Sanders also set an Olympic record. Retired from swimming at the end of 1995, Sanders is still in a pool many days. “Some of my longest days in the pool have been since I’ve retired,” she says, laughing and pausing a bit before delivering the punch line, “keeping our kids afloat before they could swim on their own.” A PLACE TO CALL HOME Sanders moved to Park City, where husband Schlopy, whom she had met on a blind date when she was living in Manhattan
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and he was still on the U.S. Ski Team, had spent much of his early adulthood, nine years ago. “More than any other community I’ve ever been a part of, Park City is healthy and active and embraces the outdoors,” she says. “It has the energy of people being here by choice too. Most families arrive in Park City because they made the decision to find a better place and lifestyle.” Sanders had never lived in the mountains before but a move to Utah wasn’t one of the things she could say no to. “I loved the idea of the adventure of a new place. I didn’t really like snow when I was living in the city, but in Park City, snow has a purpose. The slopes are an 11-minute drive away.” Of course Sanders skis—“growing up my dad would take me to Sugar Bowl on weekends … here I prefer Deer Valley for its groomers and kids’ programs”—but she lives for Park City’s summers and autumns. “Snow with a purpose is awesome, but I do struggle here when I feel like my face is going to freeze
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PARK CITY’S RUSH HOUR (From left) Sanders’ family and the locals take to the popular trails coursing through The Canyons resort area; mountain biking through the aspens in Daly Canyon.
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MAIN STREETS (From left) Biking up Bonanza Flats near Guardsman Pass above Park City; Main Street, Park City.
off,” Sanders says. “Come summer, it’s beautiful most every day and there are lots of outside activities.” “We have the most gorgeous days here—pure blue skies when it’s both freezing cold and when it is really warm,” Sanders says. “Those days never get old, and I always feel grateful for them. When I come home, I cannot wait to take the kids swimming, go for a family bike ride, and soak up the changes in the seasons. I’m a California girl and miss the California weather, but that is the one thing California doesn’t get as severely that I enjoy, the changes in leaves and the shifts in seasons.” Summer, the season, isn’t just sporty stuff. “The arts and music really come alive here,” Sanders says. There are outdoor concerts all summer long—this summer’s shows include Kenny Rogers, the Music of John Williams, Mary Chapin Carpenter and The Music of U2, among others. Several summer-long weekly concert series are even free: Wednesdays it’s the Grand Valley Bank Community Concert
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Series at the Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater at Deer Valley; The Canyons does free shows by big-name acts at its outdoor amphitheater Saturday evenings; Silver Star Cafe hosts Plaza Palooza Thursday evenings. Their idyllic summer Park City lifestyle comes together through their Wednesday routine. “I hit the weekly Park City Farmer’s Market early to get the best stuff (held at The Canyons between noon and 6), and then later we go back so the kids can get Italian ices,” Sanders says. At the market, Sanders goes for Volker’s Bakery goods, especially the asiago cheese, and whatever else is available for a picnic dinner. After cooling down with help from the Italian ices, the family heads to Deer Valley where the Wednesday’s concerts highlight Summit County and Utah musicians. “We’ll have our picnic and chairs and blankets and the whole family has fun, listening to music and running around,” she says. “I love and am fueled by Park City.” When she and Schlopy get a night to themselves, they
from left: scott markewitz; mark maziarz
SUMMER’S HERE
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MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME
Deer Valley Utah’s mountain beauty lies right outside the door to Inspirato’s two-, three- or four-bedroom Signature Residences located along the ski runs of famed Deer Valley Resort. The Stargazer home’s 1,351 square feet sleeps four, while the 2,037-square-foot Bluebell residence can host six. The Hawkeye residence caps off Inspirato’s offerings with 3,407 square feet of living space, including a home theater. Its twocar garage sits on the same level as the residence. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT INSPIRATO’S DEER VALLEY, UTAH SIGNATURE RESIDENCES, TURN TO PAGE 120.
Olivia Mastronardi ’s picks Inspirato Personal Vacation Advisor
EAT: Historic meets urban at Utah’s premier restaurant, Riverhorse on Main, known for award-winning food and a wine selection to match. For stunning views of Park City, grab a patio table at the No Name Saloon.
squeeze in as much as possible. “We both love to exercise so much, date nights often include some kind of fun workout followed by the reward of a great dinner and glass of wine,” she says. Because she likes to look around while riding, Sanders prefers road biking to mountain biking. (Although this summer, because the area has hundreds of miles of buff single-track trails, Sanders plans on taking a mountain biking class at Deer Valley.) Until then, she and Schlopy enjoy Park City’s extensive pathway system or riding through The Preserve, a low-traffic residential area. For a meal, she and Schlopy love High West Distillery, opened in a historic livery and Victorian home at the base of a ski lift on Main Street by a foodie biochemist. It’s the only ski-in gastro-distillery in the world and the first distillery in Utah since the 1870s.
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The couple most often sidles up to High West’s bar— made of reclaimed wood from the Great Salt Lake Trestle Bridge of 1904—for small plates of westerninspired comfort food prepared by Swiss-trained chef James Dumas. “I guess my ‘try anything’ attitude applies here too. We get three of these and enjoy so many different tastes,” Sanders says. For a mid-day rendezvous, often after a swim or trail run through the aspen groves in the mountains, Sanders meets her girlfriends at Park City Coffee Roasters to pick out her favorite treat in the city: a raspberry white chocolate muffin. “I could live anywhere,” she says about her gorgeous home. “But Park City is even more beautiful because of my family and friends.”
CHILD’S PLAY: Park City Mountain Resort’s alpine slide is one of the longest in the world at more than 3,000 feet. Choose from four tracks. Too tame? Book a ride on a bobsled (outfitted with wheels) at Utah Olympic Park. Jul. 9-13 PARK CITY FOOD & WINE CLASSIC The best chefs in the state and beyond come to cook and talk shop. Aug. 1-3 KIMBALL ARTS FESTIVAL This annual mash-up of arts, music and hands-on crafts takes over Park City’s Main Street.
Dina Mishev is Inspirato magazine’s associate editor.
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DESERTED BLISS A short drive from George Town takes you to the beach at Smith Barcadere.
AIN’T IT GRAND? Between its wealthy financial sector, quirky British heritage and lowkey Caribbean charm, Grand Cayman offers a treasure trove of unexpected delights. BY AARON GULLEY, PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEN JUDGE
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“You have to remember that there were no indigenous people living on the island prior to the Europeans, so it’s a paradise onto which people project their desires.”
OCEAN’S BOUNTY (Above) A starfish in the shallows. (Right) The tide comes in at the Blow Holes, a 15-minute drive east from George Town.
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At the George Town arrivals hall, a young Caymanian customs agent named Marlene with a spray of plaited hair like a fountain, fingers slowly through the passports. Her brow is as furrowed as a wind-chopped sea. She scowls when she looks up and demands, “You conductin’ business durin’ your stay?” Say no, and Marlene reflexively presses, “Yah certain?” This interrogation is apparently what you get when you visit one of the world’s most powerful offshore banking tax havens. Sitting about halfway between Jamaica and the Cancún coast, just south of Cuba, this diminutive trio of islands wields inordinate power and influence for a British protectorate in the Caribbean. Grand Cayman, the business epicenter and the largest of the three, might be only as big as Miami, Florida, but it has the world’s 14th highest per capita GDP. Billions of dollars pass through Cayman banks each year, and the islands’ offices, cafés and super yachts attest to the windfall that the locals take from each transaction.
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But while the island makes its money on hedge funds and banking liabilities, it sells itself with the sapphire waters and cotton-ball white beaches of travelers’ dreams. It’s difficult to reconcile the two personas—banker during business hours, lifeguard every time else—especially given that cruise ships feed much of the island’s tourism: steaming in at night, sending a landing army ashore the next day in search of “I Love Caymans” trinkets and then sailing on to the next check mark in the captain’s tick-list. Meanwhile the island’s biggest attraction, Stingray City, where boatloads of pale North Americans wade into a quiet lagoon to fondle docile stingrays, doesn’t sound much better. But the Caymans are said to have some of the best diving and snorkeling of anywhere in the Caribbean, as well as a refined culinary scene. And given the discriminating banking clientele—as well as the third of a million visitors to the island last year (not including the cruise ships)—I figure there must
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BODDEN TOWN 2 miles
be more to the place. So I’ve come to Grand Cayman to find out if its incentives stretch beyond its finances after all.
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Grand Cayman is shaped like a hammer on the west end and a rhinoceros on the east, with a small isthmus (the rhino’s horn) and the flat waters of a reef-protected sound between the two. Most of the island’s infrastructure huddles in the capital of George Town, on the hammer, while the east end is a tangle of thatch palms and mahogany trees sprinkled with dozy villages, the occasional resort and deserted beaches. George Town is anything but deserted, especially in the morning when the cruise ships fill up Hog Sty Bay—a historical name, not mine—and the flotilla of landing rafts comes buzzing ashore. The day I arrive, six of the behemoth ships are in the harbor, the maximum that ever dock here, and I decide it’s a good moment to head downtown and see how the city fares under the onslaught. And while it’s true
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that the capital is probably best avoided during these peak hours, it turns out the crowds mostly stick to a two- or threeblock radius. This is where the watch shops, perfumeries and knickknack vendors are clustered, so there’s no need for most cruise patrons to go beyond—and no need for overnight visitors to shop except during off hours. A little more than two miles south of town center, but well away from the cruise ship maelstrom, I find Smith Barcadere, a pleasant little palm-shaded beach that’s blessedly empty. A pair of sandy coves is cut from the black volcanic rock, and the few visitors leap from the short ledges into the tepid, clear waters then laze in the shallows as if relaxing in a private bathtub. Onshore, a family spreads a thin blanket under a blaze red Flamboyant tree and unpacks a box lunch for a picnic. After awhile, I walk up the road to Casa Luna, the 18-residence compound where Inspirato members can choose to stay when it opens in early summer. Built to
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CARRIBEAN DREAMS (Clockwise from top left) The island is known for its kitchy signposts; prim and proper cottages dot the quieter residential areas; fresh catch; the famous Blow Holes in full effect.
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COLONIAL ROOTS (Clockwise from top) Pedro St. James is the oldest structure on the island. Interiors of Pedro St. James recreate the building’s 200-year-old origins.
echo a Tuscan village, the multistory, red-tile roof homes cluster around four communal courtyards, all finished in shell stone tiles. At the center of it all is a sleek, tiled infinity pool that overlooks a private beach cove chipped from the rocky headlands. A pier is in the works at the periphery for snorkeling and private access for boats heading out on deepsea fishing and diving adventures. Hugh Hart, a well-known Jamaican developer whose company owns Casa Luna and has been living and working in the Caymans for decades, walks me through the compound. “There are houses as nice as what we are doing, but to have a collection of homes with such quality and fine finishes…you won’t find it elsewhere on the island,” he explains. I ask about the Italian theme. “Maybe it sounds strange, a Jamaican who wants a Tuscan village in the Caymans,” he says with a shrug. “But you have to remember there were no indigenous people living on the island prior to the Europeans, so it’s a paradise onto which people project their desires.” There’s history in Hart’s words I discover at a stop at the
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island’s number one historic landmark, Pedro (long ‘e’) St. James. The great house is the island’s oldest structure, built over 200 years ago by Englishman William Eden. Through the years it has served as a plantation home, the island’s seat of government, a jail, a hotel and a museum. During its most colorful period in the ’60s, American socialite and aviator Thomas Hubbell bought the building, renovated it to look like a castle and filled it with antiquities and treasure to bolster fictions he circulated about the Cayman’s pirate history. “It was all just stories,” explains Stacy Eden Hurlston, the elderly Caymanian tour guide at Pedro St. James. Hurlston traces his lineage to the original William Eden and spent part of his childhood growing up at Pedro St. James. “But people came from all over the world to see it. We started calling it Pedro Castle, and even today we still celebrate Pirate’s Week.” Next stop is Seven Mile Beach, a stunning crescent of sand that arcs away to the north as far as you can see from the Easter egg-hued colonial façades of George Town. I’m told, however, that the beach is actually closer to five miles long.
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“After just a few days I’m feeling as if I could stay awhile. It’s almost like the breadth and ease of the place begin to seep into you.”
LOCAL CHARACTERS (Clockwise from top, left) Carl William Eden Farrell, a direct descendant of one of the island’s three founding families; the endangered blue iguana is the island’s largest native land animal; rock diving at Smith Barcadere.
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WATER TAXI Heading out to Stingray City.
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PELICAN BRIEF A pelican takes a break on the rocks at the Blow Holes.
No one can explain the disparity except that perhaps it just sounded better. And anyway, one bartender assures me, it’s long enough that if you start strolling in the morning from the southernmost end of the strand and stop for a drink at every beach shack and bar along the way, you’ll likely not make it to the beach’s northern end. Even the Cayman’s tax-free status is surrounded by myth, dating back to the wreck of the Ten Sails, a fleet of ships that crashed on the islands southern reefs as they were heading from Jamaica to the United States. Legend has it that Prince William of England was onboard and that King George III was so grateful to locals for rescuing his son that he vowed to never collect taxes on the island. Historians have debunked the story, yet locals repeat it so often that it’s considered fact. At first the idea that the island constantly reinvents itself might seem frustratingly inauthentic. Yet the habit was likely born of necessity. The French diplomat Jean Baptiste Colbert is said to have described Grand Cayman as “of so little benefit that it would be more cost to take it.” Hurlston agrees. “The only thing we were known for in Cayman,” he says, giving equal stress to each syllable as locals do, “was our seafaring abilities. Absolutely nothing else.”
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Imagine if the Europeans, who thought the island was so deficient it was hardly worth colonizing, could book a reservation at New York celebrity chef Eric Ripert’s Blue, the toughest table on the island. It’s all rich nautical themes inside, with constellations woven into the carpet and heavy wood and gold accents throughout. The night I visit every one of the plates on the seven-course tasting menu makes me pause, not just because they’re delectable but also because they’re as pretty as doubloons—and practically as costly. Colbert shouldn’t have been so dismissive of the Caymans. And neither should I.
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Fifteen minutes east from the knotted traffic and slick, Miamistyle shopping complexes of George Town and the west end, the road chokes to a narrow two lanes and development gives way to coconut palms and the long, droopy needles of Causarina pines. It’s almost like driving to another island. The tabletops of black rock at the Blow Holes, where the surf slams into the crenulated coast and spews ribbons of water 50 feet in the air, feel like a world away from the flat surf of Seven Mile. The mint green palapas laze by the spit of white sand at Collier’s Beach, one of the easternmost points on the island, a deserted place and devoid of the blast of reggae that fills the air
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RAY-FAN Getting in touch with the local sealife at Stingray City in the North Sound.
ISLAND LIFE (Clockwise from top, left) At Captain Herman’s East Side Fish Fry; diving down to the Kittiwake; sample of the day’s menu: curried stew and fried barracuda.
on the other end of Grand Cayman, and the quiet just beckons for naps. And down the road, the menu at Captain Herman’s East Side Fish Fry—thick curried stews filled with chunks of conch, dumplings and cassava and fried barracuda served with pickled onions and carrots—makes the gastronomic perfection of Blue look even fussier than the reality. Hart’s right: You can fulfill almost any desire on Grand Cayman. Top on the island’s hit list has to be Stingray City. And though I’m not really dying to visit, it feels like a trip to Grand Cayman without seeing the place would be like going to Trinidad during Carnival but never leaving your hotel. I connect with Lorenzo Bembina, an Italian who sailed his 38-foot catamaran, Doppio Sogno or “double dream,” from France and has since used it to run snorkeling and sailing day trips around Grand Cayman. Dozens of boats and operators ferry hundreds of tourists a day out to the spot in North Sound where 60 to 70 stingrays congregate, but Bembina’s ship, which operates as Sun Rays Tours, is among the quietest and most exclusive ways to make the trip.
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Wading in the shallows among wild animals whooshing all around and skimming your legs with their soft wings proves more engaging than I’d imagined. And it’s true that when you’re nestling with a four-foot beast that looks like a space ship and feels as soft as Italian suede, you don’t even notice the crowds. As much as anything, though, I enjoy the wind in the sails on the return to harbor, the light on the water like millions of diamonds, and Bembina’s perspective on Grand Cayman. “People journey everywhere to find a place like this, with easy water and climate that lets you enjoy it every day,” he says. He motions with a sweep of his arm out at the broad lagoon. “I’ve sailed everywhere in the Caribbean. I’m still here for a reason.” Grand Cayman is insidious like that. Though there’s no single compelling reason to love the place, after just a few days I’m feeling like Bembina, as if I could stay awhile. It’s almost like the breadth and ease of the place begins to seep into you. A few mornings later, I go diving with Duncan Heard of Stingray Watersports, who takes me out on his 26-foot center-console dive boat, just one of three crafts he charters. INSPIRATOMAGAZINE.COM
MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME
”People journey everywhere to find a place like this, with easy water and climate that lets you enjoy it every day.” —Italian ex-pat, Lorenzo Bembina
Grand Cayman With seven Signature Residences on the island, Inspirato members can choose from, among other homes, the 4,200-square-foot, beachfront Shutters villa with its three bedrooms and private pool; a 3,000-square-foot terrace with ocean views attached to the fourbedroom Cousteau residences in the Sea Breeze development; or four-bedroom accommodations within the RitzCarlton® resort on Seven Mile Beach. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT INSPIRATO’S GRAND CAYMAN SIGNATURE RESIDENCES, PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 127.
Aleece Gregg’s picks
Inspirato Personal Vacation Advisor
He’s the classic British expatriate, easygoing, tan as leather, quick with a one-liner and infectious laugh, and full of stories. He claims he has contracts to train Special Forces units from several countries in a re-breather technology he developed and mentions that he was in Texas the previous day negotiating a deal on a pair of Ferraris for a friend with a dealership in England. I try hard not to think of Thomas Hubbell and Pedro Castle. Before we take the plunge, Heard ruminates on Grand Cayman. “I’ve traveled around the Caribbean and stopped here because it’s just so well kitted up,” he says. “Sure the place is completely safe. And the people are friendly. But the financial interests ensure that there’s a will and a means to make things happen.” Case in point: the Kittiwake, the wreck dive we’re about to explore. This decommissioned U.S. Navy submarine rescue vessel launched at the end of World War II was donated to the islands and sunk INSPIRATOMAGAZINE.COM
as a purpose-built artificial reef for divers in 2011. The project took years to accomplish and now drives thousands of divers to the island annually. It’s just another tick in the something-for-everyone list of reasons to visit this corner of the Caribbean. We descend to the Kittiwake, where electric green algae and puffs of coral-like bouquets sprout from the ship’s iron seams. Schools of Blue Runners and silvery-gold Bar Jack flit through rusted-out portholes, and we fin along the submerged decks into the wheelhouse. Fifty years from now, Caymanians may well be telling visitors tales about the stormy day that this ship veered off course and ran aground on this island’s shores. I hope they do. It would be as good for the escapism of a well-earned vacation as it would be for business.
EAT: Hemingway’s is a cute beach cottage on Seven Mile Beach famous for its sunset views. Ortanique in Camana Bay features traditional Caribbean fare (seafood and chicken) with an upscale twist. DIVING: There are 365 dive moorings spread around the Caymans with an array of options from coral reefs to wrecks to walls. SHOPPING: Outside of the cruise-ship zone, George Town is where the island’s wealth meets sophisticated shops that are also duty-free.
Jun. 15 JET AROUND CAYMAN This annual jet-ski race around the island turns into an all-day beach party on Seven Mile Beach.
Santa Fe-based Aaron Gulley travels and writes for Sport Diver and Islands magazines, among others.
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OWN THE MOMENT
CAPE COD, MASSACHUSETTS
It’s the simple, vivid snapshots in time we remember most. A morning sail on the glassy calm of Cape Cod Bay. The steamy aroma of freshly baked clams and lobster in the pot. And the exhilarating freshness of the sea spray as you walk the beach at sunset. Pure joy comes from owning the moment. For Inspirato members, it’s the only way to experience life.
WANT TO LEARN MORE? 888.546.5008 | WWW.INSPIRATO.COM Inspirato® is a private travel membership club that requires a non-refundable Initiation Fee and Annual Membership Fee. Membership is subject to acceptance of terms and conditions and other reservation and use rules. Availability, benefits, minimum stay requirements and nightly fees may vary by residence, date and membership option selected. See website (www.inspirato. com) for complete details. Inspirato is owned by Inspirato LLC and operated by its subsidiary Best of 52, LLC, 1637 Wazee Street, Denver, CO 80202, info@inspirato.com, 303-586-7771. Operator is registered as Florida Seller of Travel Registration No. ST38403; Washington Seller of Travel Registration No. UBI 603086598; California Seller of Travel Registration No. CST 2107465. All products and services offered and rendered by Inspirato® (including the operation and management of any vacation residence) are provided solely by Inspirato LLC, Best of 52, LLC, or their respective agents and affiliates, and not by the American Express Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates. ©2014 Inspirato LLC.
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M E M B E R S H I P | ABOUT INSPIRATO
INSPIRATO SIGNATURE SERVICE A PRIVATE CLUB EXPERIENCE Inspirato Signature Service is at the heart of the member experience. It represents our commitment to making your vacations easier and better, every time you travel with us. Your Personal Vacation Advisor will serve as your advocate and guide to help you get the most from your membership. Our onsite staff will welcome you with expert advice and assistance. And our entire team will remember your unique preferences so you can enjoy a private club experience at every Inspirato Signature Residence, event and adventure— even if your vacation is halfway around the world.
INSPIRATO SIGNATURE COLLECTIONS WHERE WILL YOU GO NEXT? Our Inspirato Signature Collections feature hundreds of irresistible luxury vacation choices: awe-inspiring Signature Residences, custom Signature Experiences in faraway lands, Signature Ticket VIP access at celebrated global events and Signature Stays featuring exclusive privileges with iconic hotels and resorts. From Maui to Vail, Los Cabos to New York, Tuscany to Grand Cayman—even The Kentucky Derby and the Sundance Film Festival—you always have somewhere new to explore with us.
SIGNATURE RESIDENCES
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES
Our Signature Residences combine the space and comfort of private vacation homes with the five-star service of luxury resorts. Unlike typical online vacation rental agents that broker third-party homes, we manage and control each residence 365 days-a-year for the exclusive use of our members, investing an average of $50,000 in furnishings, high-end electronics and other upgrades to meet our exacting standards. Each home includes a Destination Concierge and daily housekeeping to handle all the details.
Learn something that could change everything. Catch yourself living life to the fullest. Our Signature Experiences feature themed global journeys inspired by your wildest travel dreams. From an all-inclusive Eastern Mediterranean cruise to a once-in-a-lifetime trek to Morocco and Marrakesh, these custom members-only adventures deliver the ease, comfort and certainty of the Inspirato experience in the places you have always wanted to explore.
MAKE YOUR PRIMARY HOME JEALOUS
EXPLORE THE FAR REACHES
SIGNATURE TICKET
SIGNATURE STAYS
CELEBRATED EVENTS AND EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE
WORLD CLASS HOTELS AND RESORTS
Your Inspirato membership is so much more than lavish villas and unforgettable vacations. It’s also access to VIP events, celebrity one-on-ones, backstage passes and exclusive packages built around some of the most extraordinary happenings in the world. Through Inspirato’s Signature Ticket program, members have visited the Masters and New York Fashion Week, gone behind the ropes at the Sundance Film Festival, witnessed the Kentucky Derby from Millionaires Row and much more.
Inspirato partners with select iconic hotel and resort brands to expand the Inspirato Signature Residence portfolio into major metropolitan areas and member-favorite resorts around the world. From a penthouse suite in Manhattan, Chicago or Las Vegas to a beachside resort in St Barts or Nantucket, we deliver luxurious accommodations and premier services with an Inspirato touch.
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M E M B E R S H I P | ABOUT INSPIRATO
INSPIRATO CLUB MEMBER BENEFITS Dedicated Personal Vacation Advisors: Dedicated travel
planners assigned to each member and committed to building the service relationship, learning travel preferences, helping plan flawless vacations and imparting expert advice.
Destination Concierges: Local destination experts who deliver attentive, onsite support during your Signature Residence experiences with the club. Partner Programs: Privileged
access and discounted pricing to such luxury services as private golf courses and custom clothing manufacturers, private air and VIP transportation services, chefs, gourmet culinary experiences and much more.
Family Sharing: For Executive and Core members. Treat your parents, your spouse’s parents and your children ages 5 and over to unforgettable Inspirato vacations of their own. Jaunt: Our drop-everything-and-
go, short-notice travel program giving members access to outstanding Inspirato Signature Residences for as little as $5/night.
Members-Only Rates: Significant savings on nightly rates—as compared to open market rates on homes with a comparable level of services and amenities—when vacationing at Inspirato Signature Collection destinations. Certified Collections: A collection of residences, experiences, hotel and resort stays that have been vetted and verified by the Inspirato team to provide members with additional vacation options and benefits.
THE INSPIRATO DIFFERENCE
MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS We offer options specifically designed around the way you like to vacation, so you can travel in a way that best fits your schedule and interests. All membership options come with Inspirato Signature Service and Club Member Benefits but offer different Signature Residence access and features.
HOW DOES IT WORK? Simple. Flexible. Easy.
Inspirato members pay a one-time Initiation Fee to join the club at their desired membership level, plus an Annual Membership Fee. In return, they enjoy access to our Inspirato Signature Collection of vacation choices: Signature Residences, Signature Stays, Signature Experiences and Signature Ticket VIP events, all at members-only rates that vary depending on the desired trip, destination and dates. Every trip comes with our hallmark Inspirato Signature Service, including your own Personal Vacation Advisor. You have the flexibility to travel as much or as little as you like, paying only for nights you use. At the end of each year, you pay the Annual Membership Fee to renew your access or walk away with no further commitment.
NOT A MEMBER YET? CALL 888.546.5008 OR VISIT INSPIRATO.COM TO LEARN MORE.
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INSPIRATO
SIGNATURE COLLECTIONS
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Abaco, Bahamas Amalfi Coast, Italy Anguilla, British Virgin Islands Aspen Beaver Creek Bora Bora, French Polynesia Bordeaux, France Boston Brush Creek Cacique Peninsula, Costa Rica Canyon Ranch, Lenox Canyon Ranch, Tucson Cape Cod Chamonix, France Charleston Chicago Deer Valley Devon, England Doonbeg, Ireland
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Dorado Beach, Puerto Rico Dordogne, France Florence, Italy Fort Lauderdale Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands Great Exuma, Bahamas Hilton Head Island Isle of Palms Jackson Hole Kapalua Kiawah Island Kohala Coast Las Vegas London, England Los Cabos, Mexico Miami/South Beach Nantucket Naples New York City Newport
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Northstar Palm Springs Palmetto Bluff Paris, France Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica Provence, France Punta Cana, Dominican Republic Punta de Mita, Mexico Rancho Palos Verdes Riviera Maya, Mexico Rose Hall, Jamaica Rosemary Beach San Diego San Francisco Scottsdale Sea Island Snowmass Village Squaw Valley
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St. Barts, French West Indies St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands Steamboat Springs Stowe Telluride Texas Hill Country Toronto, Canada Tortola, British Virgin Islands Turks & Caicos, British Virgin Islands Tuscany, Italy Vail Vancouver, Canada Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands Wailea Washington DC Whistler, Canada Wine Country, Sonoma
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE BOUGAIN VILLA 3 BED / 3.5 BATH
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From deep-sea fishing for marlin to a fly fisherman’s pursuit of bonefish, the “gray ghost” of fish, Abaco is the apex of any angler’s bucket list. At the Abaco Club on Winding Bay, Inspirato members can relax on the porch and regale the crowd with their day’s fish stories. Or simply relax on a secluded beach or cruise between islands on a chartered sailboat. The choice is yours.
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ABACO HIGHLIGHTS SAIL CENTRAL
You’d be hard pressed to find a more scenic locale for sailing. The Abacos are a 120-mile chain of more than 100 pristine islands and cays, inviting you to drop anchor and dive in to explore the untouched beauty of this aquamarine expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. CONVENIENCE
While you may think you’re on the other side of the world, Abaco is closer to the mainland U.S. than
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Caribbean destinations, with several airlines offering direct flights from Florida to Marsh Harbour on the island. THE INSIDER’S LIST
Hop on a skiff and head to Cracker P’s Bar and Grill on Lubbers Quarters, a local favorite for conch dishes and an island spin on the British pub. For a special night, book a table at Angler’s at the Abaco Beach Resort at Boat Harbour or the Clubhouse at The Abaco Club on Winding Bay. The British Virgin Islands
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has the painkiller as its signature cocktail. Abaco has the Whachamacallit, a blend of iced tea, lemonade, pineapple rum, mango rum, blackberry brandy and fresh fruit juice. To get your groove on, the place to be is downtown Marsh Harbour, where a selection of open-air venues await, many with live music. PRIME SNORKELING
Right off the coast from the Abaco Club, Inspirato members can find some of the world’s most enchanting underwater ecosystems.
Once you’ve had your fill there, venture to Great Guana and Nippers, with an outer edge that drops 20 feet, providing an oasis for larger fish such as barracuda. Or try the shallows of Green Turtle Sea Gardens, known for its beautiful sea fans and coral reef.
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RESIDENCES/STAYS Explore our Abaco Signature Residences and Signature Stays at inspirato.com/destinations
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SIGNATURE STAY VILLA SORRENTINA 3 BED / 3 BATH
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The Amalfi Coast of Italy, on the southern side of the Sorrentine Peninsula an hour south of Naples, boasts 28 miles of dramatic coastline with villages and roads clinging to the mountainsides. Wake up to spectacular views of the Bay of Naples and Mt. Vesuvius across the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.
AMALFI COAST HIGHLIGHTS VIEW FROM EVERY ROOM
With a superb location within walking distance to the shops and restaurants in the quaint town of Sorrento, Inspirato members can call the multi-story Villa Sorrentina home. Its three bedrooms open up to balconies overlooking the sea. A private pool, grand terrace and lush gardens put you in the mindset to enjoy la dolce vita. BEAUTIFUL RUIN
Thirty minutes away by
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car sits the ancient Roman city of Pompeii. Buried by volcanic ash in 79 AD, its buildings and way of life was preserved intact for centuries until the city was excavated more than 1,500 years later. TAKE A HIKE
The breathtaking 25-mile Path of Gods between Amalfi and Sorrento is a short distance from Inspirato’s residence. Trekking along the mountains, the ancient path courses through remote valleys and villages that seem untouched
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I TA LY by tourists and modern life. It’s Italy, literally off the beaten path. SEA LIFE
Take a day to hop the ferry to the island of Capri or to the charming seaside towns of Amalfi and Positano down the coast. Seek out the Grotta dello Smeraldo, a marine cave known for its emerald waters that you can visit by boat, elevator or steps. Or, dive in and create your own adventure with a day of sailing, windsurfing or snorkeling the shallows along the craggy
coast. Your Inspirato Destination Concierge can reserve a powerboat for you to use for the duration of your stay.
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Explore our Amalfi Coast Certified Collection residence at inspirato.com/destinations
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SIGNATURE STAY BLUFFTOP VILLA 4 BED / 4.5 BATH
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With fine beaches and fine dining, Anguilla is a true escape. The perfect day is easy here: It begins when you sink your toes into the soft white sand, continues with bright rays of sun reflecting off the turquoise Caribbean, and culminates in international fare in an open-air restaurant or an island beer paired with local barbecue.
ANGUILLA HIGHLIGHTS
you’ll see worlds of bright fish and coral reefs.
CLEAR CARIBBEAN
The Caribbean opens just beyond the terrace of every Signature Stay at Inspirato’s Anguillan villas. Relax in up to 8,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor living space. Or take a short walk or golfcart shuttle to the beach. SENSATIONAL SNORKELING
There’s great scuba diving, too, but the abundant calm bays around Anguilla and its outlying islands make for easy snorkeling where
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BRITISH WEST INDIES
A DAY ON THE BEACH
There are more than 30 powdery beaches on Anguilla. Stroll along Mead’s Bay, take the kids to the Cove Bay beach or indulge in barefoot luxury dining at Sandy Ground.
prepare cuisine with influences from Asia, Africa, France and more. Don’t leave without sampling some authentic Anguillan barbecue. THE POOL
Each residence features a private pool or plunge pool. RELAX AND UNWIND
FINE DINING
For a population of just under 15,000 residents, you’d never guess that Anguilla could house so many outstanding restaurants. Chefs
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lunch served to your chair in the sand, and dinner prepared and served poolside at your private villa.
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Explore our Anguilla Signature Stays at inspirato. com/destinations
Swim, dive, kayak, paddleboard, boat, fish—all the delights you desire, in or over the water. Bike, shop, golf, dine— simply unwind, relax and reconnect. Have breakfast delivered to your villa,
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE CASTLE CREEK 7 BED / 7.5 BATH
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There are enough hip boutiques, gourmet restaurants and private jets in Aspen to rival the world’s greatest luxury destinations, but this mountain town’s true appeal rests in its beautiful setting and adventurous outdoor activities. You can hit the slopes, take on a whitewater river or just relax and watch the world go by.
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ASPEN HIGHLIGHTS ASPEN, YOUR WAY
All of our Aspen properties feature an upscale, mountain-home feel with tasteful appointments and generous layouts that will make you feel right at home. Whether you pick the 6,458-square-foot, five-bedroom Steinway for a group get-together or the 4,278-square-foot, four-bedroom Silver Queen for something slightly more intimate, whatever you desire, our Aspen homes deliver.
COLORADO
MAROON BELLS
FASHION FORWARD
If you buy a postcard in Aspen, the photo will likely be of the spectacular Maroon Bells, some of the most photographed mountains in the world. Consider a visit in the summer, when these 14,000-foot peaks are covered in a riot of wildflowers.
Join the celebrities who shop for the latest international styles at the boutiques on Galena Street. And check out the local shops for chic skiwear, high end Western apparel and unique pieces of art.
FOUR FOR ONE
Enjoy access to four worldclass ski mountains— Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk—on a single li ticket.
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WINING AND DINING
perfect glass of wine or a local cra beer to pair with your meal.
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RESIDENCES Explore our Aspen Signature Residences at inspirato.com/ destinations
Aspen restaurants are a destination unto themselves, whether you’re craving expertly prepared Colorado game, decadent comfort food, world-class sushi or a burger at Little Annie’s. And wherever you go, you can count on the
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE HIGH ROAD 6 BED / 6.5 BATH
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Fall in love with Beaver Creek—a cozy alpine hamlet in the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. Along with neighboring Vail, these vibrant communities boast thousands of skiable acres, posh residences and an array of year-round amenities.
BEAVER CEEK HIGHLIGHTS CONVENIENT ACCESS
Beaver Creek is the superexclusive smaller sister to her more popular big sister, Vail. Savvy travelers flock to the convenient summer activities at Bachelor Gulch, Beaver Creek and Arrowhead. OPTIONS ABOUND
Dining options in Beaver Creek blend gourmet fare with fresh, local ingredients. Take your pick of elegant restaurants in town, or request a private chef to prepare an unforgettable
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meal you can enjoy in your mountain residence. ALPINE GOLF
Tee off at Beaver Creek Golf Club, a Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed course set amid stunning scenery in the mountain valley.
COLORADO NATURAL COLOR
Explore this valley on foot or by bike in the summer and fall to experience beautiful golden aspen glades, multicolored wildflowers and high altitude overlooks. NIGHTLIFE
MEMBER FAVORITE
For one of the most romantic dining experiences in town, Inspirato members love Beano’s Cabin at Beaver Creek, an intimate and off-the-beaten-path venue that serves a selection of delectable options.
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When the sun sets on Beaver Creek, mellow evenings await.Start with a handcra ed martini at the The Beaver Creek Chophouse, try Vin 48 for fine wines and an everchanging menu of rustic American fare made with local, organic ingredients,
and don’t miss Splendido at the Chateau with its unique and refined Euro-American cuisine.
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RESIDENCES/STAYS Explore our Beaver Creek Signature Residences and Signature Stays at inspirato. com/destinations
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SIGNATURE STAY OVERWATER BUNGALOW 2 BED / 2 BATH
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Escape to the French Polynesian island of Bora Bora, considered by many to be the most beautiful island in the world. From diving the spectacular barrier reef or exploring the interior on a 4x4 safari, come see the landscape and people that inspired artist Paul Gaugin to his career’s seminal works.
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BOR A BOR A HIGHLIGHTS WATERWORLD
Settle into your bungalow situated over the water where access to white sand beaches and swimming in the warm tropical waters is as simple as stepping down the stairs from your private deck. A glass panel in the living room under the coffee table lets you watch the sea life below. The secluded and nearby beach at Motu Pitai Aau will let you truly get away from it all.
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SUBMARINERS
Explore the vibrant sea life that calls the island’s expansive reefs home without the need to become SCUBA-certified. See it by submarine instead. Want more freedom? Try a two-person submarine aquabike. Keep your eyes open for rays, angelfish and blacktip reef sharks. Or combine a charter sailboat cruise with stops for snorkeling among the shallows. If you want to truly connect with the local sea life, book either a shark
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or ray feeding adventure where these giants of the deep take food right from your hand. JEEP SAFARI
Roll through Bora Bora’s rugged terrain in a 4x4 and climb up the slopes of Mount Otemanu for jaw-dropping views of the famed lagoon below. Then pay a visit to the only pearl farm on the island. LA VILLA MAHANA
of seafood and classic French cuisine such as duck and lamb and is recognized as the best table on the island. Save it for an intimate and romantic celebration in a superlative setting.
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STAYS Explore our Signature Stays in Bora Bora at inspirato.com/ destinations
This tiny French restaurant (seven tables total) takes reservations months in advance for its rich menu
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE CHÂTEAU VERDOT 4 BED / 4 BATH
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Known as one of the world’s finest wineproducing regions, Bordeaux welcomes oenophiles and romantics alike to the home of Merlots, Cabernet Sauvignons and Cabernet Francs. All grow a short distance from your classic French château in the Libourne subregion on the banks of the Dordogne River in southwest France.
BORDEAUX HIGHLIGHTS ANCIENT HISTORY
At the junction of the Isle and Dordogne rivers, the village of Libourne was originally fortified in 1270. The remaining Gate of the Great Port from the 14th century is the largest section of the city’s walls built when Libourne was developed as an important export center for the region’s wines. FINE DINING, FINER WINES
the area’s vineyards: Saint Emilion Grand Cru, Saint-GeorgesSaint-Emilion, Pomerol, Fronsac, Bordeaux Côtes de Castillon, Côtes de Castillon, Lussac and more. Tuck into a meal on the terrace at Troplong Mondot overlooking the vineyards of the stone château St-Émilion and prepared by the villa’s chef, who sources a menu from the surrounding area and prepares it to perfectly match the estate’s wine.
Some of the best wines in the world come from
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FRANCE BORDEAUX
Situated on the banks of the Garonne River, this regional capital has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage city for its outstanding urban and architectural mix that’s remained intact from the 18th century—a fact that has made it attractive to period-film productions for decades. PRIVATE CHÂTEAU
the Romans first planted the vineyards in the area. You’re less than 5 miles to the market town of Libourne and its fine dining, markets and wine shops.
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RESIDENCE Explore our Bordeaux Signature Residence at inspirato.com/destinations
Enjoy your own private plunge pool and garden overlooking the vineyards and Saint Émilion’s ancient Roman wall, built when
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SIGNATURE STAY PARK VIEW SUITE 1 BED / 1 BATH
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Boston in the summer is cool breezes by the bay, one of the best 4th of July fireworks displays in America and history around every corner. Take a walk on the Freedom Trail, try dinner at one of the city’s hot new restaurants, shop the boutiques on Newbury Street or take a breather among the lush grass and trees of the Public Garden.
BOSTON HIGHLIGHTS IN THE MIDDLE OF IT ALL
Inspirato members stay at the Taj Boston, located in the city’s theater district on Arlington and Newbery Streets overlooking the picturesque Public Garden and Boston Common. Premium shopping and sumptuous dining options are a short walk away. A DAY AT THE PARK
Fenway Park, home of the Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox, is more than 100 years old and considered one of the most
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MASSACHUSETTS
famous sports venues in the world. Catch a game from the luxurious EMC Club or the Absolut Clubhouse. WALK THROUGH HISTORY
Follow the red-painted bricks of the Freedom Trail as they lead you to 16 different historic sites and buildings in downtown Boston, including the Old North Church, Paul Revere’s House, the site of the Boston Massacre and the U.S.S. Constitution. THE NORTH END
Head to Boston’s historic Italian neighborhood, The
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North End, where the scintillating North End Wine Tour takes you to the city’s premium establishments such as Aragosta, The Wine Bottega and Gennaro’s. WATERFRONT VIEWS
Hop aboard Scudamore’s Punting Company for a tour of the city up the Charles River past Cambridge and back. Or head to sea for a sunset dinner cruise on the Voyager III for a trip to Stellwagen Bank, a popular spot for whales and dolphins. The lights of the city will guide you back to port.
SHOPPING EXCURSION
The Rodeo Drive of the East, Newbury Street is a shopper’s paradise with an eclectic mix of high-end independent boutiques as well as shops from international fashion icons such as Diane von Furstenberg and Georgio Armani.
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STAYS Explore our Boston Signature Stays at inspirato.com/ destinations
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SIGNATURE STAY BRUSH CREEK RANCH
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Travel to the West as it used to be and still is. The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch sits on 15,000 acres of rolling foothills west of the Medicine Bow National Forest outside of Saratoga, Wyoming. Spend your days in the saddle on trail rides into the mountains or flyfishing along the North Platte River. Nights are for sumptuous meals in the great house and relaxing spa treatments.
BRUSH CREEK HIGHLIGHTS RANCH LIFE OF LUXURY
Brush Creek is limited to 13 lodge rooms and nine cabin suites and 10 separate luxurious log cabins with two-to-three bedrooms. For a tight-knit family reunion or corporate retreat, reserve the Magee Homestead, which features its own private lodge and seven historically restored cabins that sleeps up to 25 and is served by its own dedicated staff. TAKE IT OUTSIDE
The ranch is home to more
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than 50 miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails. Shooting with the Brush Creek Ranch Gun Club, cattle drives, paintball competitions and a ropes course are just some of the programs available to guests. All activities include gear and experienced guides. RIVERS WILD
Orvis-endorsed guides will take fly-fishermen to the best fishing holes along 10 miles of private water within Brush Creek’s property. For more options farther afield, scenic fly-
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WYOMING fishing float trips can be arranged. TRAILHEAD SPA
Rejuvenate your body at the Trailhead Spa where guests can reserve a couple’s massage or manicure or pedicure. Exercise buffs can break a sweat at the state-ofthe-art fitness center with cardio and strengthtraining equipment. DINING AT THE RANCH
Adventurous days call for hearty meals or exquisite fireside meals for small parties served with fine
wines. Whatever your mood, Brush Creek has a menu and level of service you desire. CHILD’S PLAY
Children can stay busy and enthralled with the ecology program, a history tour of the original homesteads or a search for buffalo via four-wheel-drive vehicle.
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STAYS Explore our Brush Creek Signature Stay at inspirato. com/destinations
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE VILLA VIENTOS 4 BED / 4 BATH
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CACIQUE PENINSULA
Guanacaste, on Costa Rica’s northwest Pacific coast, is known locally as the “Gold Coast” for its sunny days. The region offers a treasure trove of exhilarating adventures. And all are within reach from the hillside residences on the breezy Cacique Peninsula, where the views and sunsets are a thrill in their own right, and the beach is five minutes away.
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HIGHLIGHTS EASY ACCESS
Thanks to the location of Liberia’s Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, Playa Hermosa is the closest beach town to an international airport in the country. Inspirato’s residences offer easy access to the highway and with it, quick access to the wild interior and the Palo Verde National Reserve, whitewater ra ing, zip line tours, ATV tours and much more.
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OFFSHORE ADVENTURES
RIVERS WILD
Board a 45-foot sailing yacht and set sail for spectacular snorkeling spots and deserted sandy beaches. Dolphins are sure to follow along as you ply the Pacific for a full-day excursion complete with open bar and a sunset barbecue. The popular Tamarindo beach is renowned for its mellow breaks that have introduced many people to the sport of surfing. More experienced surfers can catch waves at Witch’s Rock or Ollie’s Point.
The Gauchepelin Tour starts with a horseback ride to a waterfall. Then you’ll hop into a tube to float down the gentle rapids of the Negro River. A er lunch, it’s up into the sky on a forest-canopy tour, and then the day wraps up with a soak in a naturally heated thermal spring. On the Rio Perdido Tour, exhilaration is the name of the game as you explore the dry forest and canyons near the MiraValles volcano. Swim in crystal-clear mineral
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springs and then tackle the Aerial Canyoneering experience with its 15 zip lines, pendulum cable, Tarzan swing and more, all completed 300 feet over the Rio Blanco. The Tenorio River offers thrilling Class III and IV rapids as you churn down its 15-mile course.
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RESIDENCES Explore our Cacicque Signature Residences at inspirato.com/destinations
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SIGNATURE STAY EXECUTIVE ROOM NOT SHOWN 1 BED / 1 BATH
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An 11-time winner of Condé Nast Traveler’s Best Destination Spa Award, Canyon Ranch knows how to rejuvenate its guests. Set on a century-old New England estate deep in the Berkshires and steeped in local charm, Canyon Ranch offers a welcome respite that’s a short drive from many East Coast cities.
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CANYON R ANCH HIGHLIGHTS BE WELL
Take advantage of more than 40 fitness classes available each day, ranging from spin-bike classes to yoga to dance and even one that’ll teach you how to stay in shape on the go using a small, portable fitness kit and a series of exercises. Take your workout outside by joining one of several daily hikes, bike rides, or canoe and kayaking excursions. Tennis pros will help you hone your game on the Ranch’s courts.
EAT TO YOUR HEALTH
Guests sit down to three meals a day prepared with Canyon Ranch’s commitment to serving delicious, gourmet dishes of meats, seafood and vegetarian options that are also the epitome of a balanced and healthy diet. No matter what your skill level in the kitchen, take part in a daily cooking class where you’ll learn the practical cooking skills and techniques to create menus and dishes that are simple, taste great and good for your health. Watch and learn as Canyon
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LENOX Ranch’s chefs prepare your lunch while sharing easy, time-saving methods. PROGRAMS FOR LIFE
For an extra charge, you’re welcome to take control of your body with assistance from one of Canyon Ranch’s signature, multiday classes: Jumpstart to a Healthier Life, the weight-loss program, stress management or work with a series of nutritionists and trainers to design your optimum fitness program for life.
RECUPERATE
The 100,000-square-foot spa complex features a 75-foot indoor pool, indoor tennis and racquetsports courts, Pilates/ Gyrotonic® studio, plus a salon and spa that offers an assortment of fullbody wraps and scrubs, plus a range of massage therapies including Asian, Ayurveda and deep tissue.
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Explore our Caynon Ranch, Lenox Signature Stay at inspirato.com/destinations
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SIGNATURE STAY EXECUTIVE ROOM NOT SHOWN 1 BED / 1 BATH
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Retreat to an oasis in the Arizona desert where the iconic saguaro cactus meets the pine forest of the mountains under an unbelievably clear blue sky. Canyon Ranch, Tucson is the original game-changing, full body and mind wellness resort, and it still sets the bar for innovative classes, treatments and pathways to a healthier, fuller life.
CANYON R ANCH HIGHLIGHTS AUTHENTIC ARIZONA
Set on 150 acres in the Sonoran Desert, Canyon Ranch was a working cattle ranch and guest ranch up to the 1970s. Immerse yourself deeper into the area with day trips to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Kartchner Caverns State Park or the sights at Kitt Peak National Observatory, home to the world’s largest collection of telescopes. MASSAGE CENTRAL
People come from the
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world over for a sampling of Canyon Ranch’s wide variety of massages. Try their innovative watsu massage where guests float in a pool of warm water while a therapist so ens your muscles or stick with their famous Canyon Stone Massage that uses heated basalt stones as extensions of the therapist’s hands. TOTAL GOLF
There’s golf instruction and then there’s Canyon Ranch’s approach. A PGA pro helps dial-in your game on the course
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TUCSON in conjunction with a golf-centric fitness training program built specifically to shore up your weaknesses and keep you in the game. The goal? Help you find your natural golf swing. Then you can take your new skills and try it out on the course at nearby Ventana Canyon. NATURAL WONDER
Take to the trails leading out from the ranch to explore the Sonoran desert through a geocaching treasure hunt, nature hike, photo safari or a late-night trek into Sabino Canyon
using night-vision goggles to spot the nocturnal wildlife. HEALTHY FOOD, HEALTHY BODY
With help from the spa’s nutritionists and chefs, learn how food affects your mental and physical wellbeing and where to find the nutrients and energy to fuel your best life.
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Explore our Canyon Ranch/ Tucson Signature Stay at inspirato.com/destinations
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE STARBOARD 4 BED / 5.5 BATH
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Summers on the Cape have been a hallmark of New England families for centuries. Start your own vacation tradition with a family getaway packed with sunny days on the beach, rides on the rail trail, fresh seafood at the Cape’s finest establishments or a traditional clambake on the sands.
CAPE COD HIGHLIGHTS
Race Point, Chatham Light and Nauset Light.
NANTUCKET SOUND
Protected from ocean swells, the calm and warmer waters of Nantucket Sound offer a mellower beach experience than the ocean side. Try Ridgevale Beach, Cockle Cove and Hardings Beach.
FINE ARTS
The artistic heart of the Cape is Wellfleet, home to two dozen art galleries showcasing works by both local and nationallyrecognized artists. BEACH FEAST
BEACONS OF LIGHT
The historic lighthouses of Cape Cod are almost as famous as its sand dunes. Pay a visit to Truro’s Highlight Light, the closest to Inspirato’s Signature Residence. Then tick off
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MASSACHUSETTS
Let Inspirato set you up with a classic New England lobster boil or clam bake prepared right on the beach near your home. Lobsters will come straight from the area’s waters. Our clam bake, a
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tradition that dates back to the time of the Pilgrims, features as many or few crabs, mussels, lobster, steamers, sausages, potatoes and corn as you please. CONVENIENCE
It’s a short drive to the harbor in Provincetown to hire a boat for a fishing expedition by day and take part in the village’s boisterous nightlife a er the sun sets. Shoppers can head to the boutiques in Chatham for a piece of New England charm to bring home.
WHALE TALE
New England is one of the top 10 areas in the world for whale spotting with humpback and finback whales being the most common. High season stretches from April through October.
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RESIDENCE Explore our Cape Cod Signature Residence at inspirato.com/destinations
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SIGNATURE STAY CHALET GLADYS 4 BED / 4 BATH
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Home of the first Winter Olympics in 1924, Chamonix is a truly legendary sports destination in any season. Tucked into the side of the mountains, Inspirato members can avail themselves of two ski chalets with easy access to the slopes and miles and miles of alpine hiking trails.
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CHAMONIX HIGHLIGHTS EUROPEAN DINING
The season’s best pairings, from goat-cheese ravioli to sweet-chili salmon, can be savored at Le Panier des 4 Seasons. Or stop by Jekyll and Hyde’s for an upscale take on Guinness steak pie. A er a day outside, hit Chambre Neuf for Swedish fare and cocktails. Insider tip: Make a reservation at Hôtel et restaurants Famille for dinner and save room for their famous honey ice cream with raspberry coulis.
FAMILY FUN
When the kids aren’t sliding down the slopes at Grands Montets ski area, they can head to the Richard Bozon Sports Centre to zip down the 130-meter covered toboggan run or, during the summer, ride the river rapids. The pool’s waterfalls and slides will keep the little ones busy while you soak up the sun or relax at the spa. SPA ESCAPE
The Spa at Les Granges d’en Haut feature the skills and expertise of the Caudalie brand and its
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FRANCE Vinothrapie® treatments. While there enjoy the indoor lap pool, Jacuzzi, steam bath, sauna and tropical rain showers. RIDE TO THE TOP
Once the world’s highest gondola, the trip to the majestic spire Aiguille du Midi will take your breath away, as will the view from the 12,605-foot summit needle. In the winter, you can ski down the Vallée Blanche run to the valley below, a nearly 12.5-mile descent that drops almost 9,000 feet.
MONT BLANC
The gargantuan glaciers of Mont Blanc (elevation, 15,781 feet) punctuate the skyline and the mountain sets the stage for adventure. The area attracts adrenaline junkies from around the world to ski, board and climb its famous slopes.
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STAYS Explore Inspirato’s Chamonix Signature Stays at inspirato. com/destinations
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SIGNATURE STAY RESTORATION ON KING 2 BED / 2 BATH
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From preserved cobblestone streets and the stately columns of antebellum mansions to Spanish moss hanging from ancient oak trees and courtyards fragrant with jasmine, Charleston offers the true beauty and grace of the Old South. Yet for all its tradition, the city greets visitors with world-class cuisine, eclectic art galleries and familyfriendly atmosphere.
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CHARLESTON HIGHLIGHTS SOUTHERN CHARM
Whether you’re roaming Civil War remnants in the Battery, browsing vibrant oil paintings or enjoying a bowl of rich She-Crab soup, you can be sure you’ll be treated to the finest in Southern hospitality in this beautiful city. FAMILY OUTING
The centerpiece of the South Carolina Aquarium is the 385,000-gallon saltwater Ocean Tank, which houses sharks, pufferfish, jellyfish, a
SOUTH CAROLINA
220-pound loggerhead turtle and hundreds of other animals. And there’s much more: the Mountain Forest exhibit with freshwater trout and sea otters, the Piedmont exhibit with replicas of mastodon teeth, the Madagascar Journey, where you can see lemurs and other unique species, and the new Animal Care Exhibit where you can play vet for a day.
Hayes Fine Art gallery is Lowcountry life, depicted in oil, pastel and watercolor landscapes and still-lifes. You’ll find some of the best examples of local styles here. DINING
LOCAL ART
Hominy Grill is the spot for Southern classics, from a fried catfish or barbecue chicken sandwich to shrimp and grits or fried chicken and country gravy. The setting is casual, the food delicious.
Although the subjects of the paintings vary, the common theme at Horton
The cocktails at The
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Belmont Lounge are perhaps the best in town, and the movie screen playing Prohibition scenes on the wall adds a timeless feel. You’ll realize that serious local cocktail lovers are regulars here.
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STAYS Explore our Charleston hotel partners at inspirato.com/ destinations
NIGHTLIFE
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE TRUMP INTERNATIONAL HOTEL & TOWER LAKEVIEW, 2 BED / 3 BATH
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With its first-class restaurants, shopping, museums and sports teams, Chicago boasts urban attractions that draw visitors from around the world. The “Windy City” is also very accessible, with miles of lakefront paths that invite a late-afternoon stroll and festive atmospheres at Millennium Park and Navy Pier. But perhaps the best way to take it all in is with a bird’s-eye view from your suite in the spectacular Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago™.
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CHICAGO HIGHLIGHTS THE HEART OF IT ALL
Inspirato’s residential suites are located on the higher floors of The Trump International Hotel & Tower® Chicago, which means you’ll enjoy unobstructed views of the Chicago River and the city skyline from every residence. THE MAGNIFICENT MILE
This eight-block stretch of Michigan Avenue features a staggering 460 stores, from high-end boutiques to offbeat bargain and specialty shops.
THE LOOP
The historical center of downtown Chicago, The Loop is chock-full of culture, art, attractions and notable landmarks. Willis Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Chicago Cultural Center are all found here. DINING
Chicago is a city of neighborhoods, each with a unique vibe and culinary offerings. Your personal concierge is available to help you find the city’s newest hotspots and offthe-beaten-path gems.
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ILLINOIS And of course you’ll want to sample Chicago-style pizza and hot dogs—it’s the only way to join the debate about which city has the best of each.
THE LOCATION
Just outside the Tower’s front doors, you’ll find the best of Chicago, including Michigan Avenue, Millennium Park and world-class restaurants.
THE SERVICE
You’ll enjoy Trump Attaché™ services 24 hours a day. This unparalleled service delivers personalized attention without intrusion, including everything from a custom-stocked refrigerator or a personal shopper to whatever your heart desires.
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RESIDENCES/STAYS Explore our Chicago Signature Residence and Signature Stays at inspirato. com/destinations
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE BLUEBELL 3 BED / 3.5 BATH
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Some devotees believe that Utah has the best powder in the world. Others say it has the most beautiful summers and autumns. We think both are right. Deer Valley’s aspen-covered hillsides, summer concert series and exceptional service makes the resort a five-star experience no matter the season.
DEER VALLEY HIGHLIGHTS WILD WEST LUXURY
Slope side with the convenience of hiking and biking trails nearby, several of our Signature Residences and Stays are situated in the heart of Deer Valley Resort in the Village at Empire Pass. Rich wood finishes, lush granite countertops and warm decorations add to the inviting, mountain lodge feel of Inspirato’s stylish accommodations. OUTDOOR CONVENIENCE
Residences offer deluxe accommodations and most provide an allinclusive program with mountain bike rental, instruction and guided biking and hiking tours.
HIGH ALTITUDE GOLF
When the snow melts, spend some time at Hawkeye’s private community putting green before heading out for a round at a nearby course.
ROOM WITH A VIEW
TWO WHEEL TOURING
The Hawkeye residence’s living room includes a vaulted ceiling, a floorto-ceiling stone fireplace and two-story windows that overlook Deer Valley Resort. When you’re ready to hit the slopes, the Northside Express is just steps away.
Deer Valley has nearly 70 miles of bike trails with variable terrain and terrific views. And bike season continues through the fall, when changing leaves are spectacular.
Inspirato’s Signature
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comfort of Deer Valley, but if you do, Park City is just minutes away. You’ll find a wide variety of great restaurants, boutique shopping and fun nightlife options.
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RESIDENCES/STAYS Explore our Deer Valley Signature Residences and Signature Stays at inspirato.com/destinations
PARK CITY
Chances are good that you won’t want to leave the
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SIGNATURE STAY BOVEY CASTLE
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Explore Devon and take a trip back in time. The rolling English countryside topped with ancient tors. Rustic farmhouses and rural villages. Cobbled streets and squares. The history and beauty of the moors and the mystery of historic Stonehenge. It’s England at its most poetic.
DEVON HIGHLIGHTS MICHELIN DINING
Devon boasts MichelinStar-rated restaurants, including the exceptional Gidleigh Park, where head chef Michael Caines serves one of the best meals in Britain inside of a Tudorstyle country house set among 54 acres of gardens and woodlands. CASTLE LIFE
At Bovey Castle, which dates back to the 16th century, the links are consistently rated among the most enjoyable to play.
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ENGLAND
Off the course, there’s falconry, archery, fly-fishing, clay-pigeon shooting and horseback riding. A erwards, refresh at the spa, all within a short walk of the Inspirato’s lodges. FAMILY FUN
Children ages five and older will enjoy traditional storytelling and imaginative exploits, including drawing, sculpting and painting at Bovey Castle’s Husbandry School. The Miniature Pony Centre offers pony and donkey rides. For a day trip, book passage on the
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Dartmouth Steam Railway and Riverboat Company for a tour of the countryside and coastline. TEA TIME
Enjoy a quintessential British tradition, a ernoon tea, held in grand style inside Bovey Castle, with an array of scones, finger sandwiches and homemade cakes served with fine teas. Sip in front of a roaring fire or out on the terrace overlooking the sprawling gardens. ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE
Devon has long been
used as the setting for numerous Hollywood films and was the inspiration for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles. See the best of it at the stunning Becky Falls at Dartmoor National Park, Stonehenge and Kents Cavern, the oldest-known settlement in Britain.
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STAYS Explore our Inspirato Signature Stays next to Bovey Castle at inspirato.com/ destinations
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SIGNATURE STAY THE LODGE AT DOONBEG
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As you cross the sevenarch stone bridge into Doonbeg, you’ll feel the mystical lure of this quaint coastal village. From the ancient ruins brimming with history and the stately manors dotting the Irish countryside to the grand Lodge at Doonbeg™ and its celebrated links course, this is Ireland as you always dreamed.
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DOONBEG HIGHLIGHTS LINKS LOVE
Rated one of Ireland’s top golf courses, Doonbeg was designed by British Open Champion Greg Norman on an undeveloped stretch of the Atlantic coast in County Clare. The scenery is a spectacular as the course, from century-old dunes to windswept view of the Atlantic.
ages to explore. Start in the village with a tour of the mysterious ancient castle, Bunratty, built in 1425 and restored in 1954, and still home to furnishings from the 15th and 16th centuries. Then saddle up for a spirited horseback ride along the beach at Doughmore Strand or head to sea on an excursion to spot bottlenose dolphins and grey seals.
COASTAL IRELAND
WALLS OF ROCK
County Clare is steeped in history and tradition, which makes it a fascinating place for children of all
The Cliffs of Moher stretch for five miles along the Atlantic coast and soar straight out of the sea
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IRELAND up to 702-feet high. The jaw-dropping view draws millions to the trails along its crest. Rock-climbing instructors from The Lodge at Doonbeg will assist you in climbing and repelling down the famed limestone formations in Burren. FINE DINING
At Doonbeg, diners can experience chef Wade Murphy’s dual personalities with a table in the awardwinning Long Room, and its menu highlights of langoustine ravioli and fillet of sea bass, or a seat in
Darby’s Pub and a hearty sirloin steak or traditional fish and chips. Head to Ennis in town for an authentic night of food, drink and traditional Irish songs.
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STAYS Explore Inspirato’s Signature Stays in Doonbeg at inspirato. com/destinations
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DORADO BEACH RESORT PUERTO RICO
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Inspired by original developer Laurance S. Rockefeller, Dorado Beach is a private Caribbean sanctuary on a glistening coastline. Guests retreat here to tee off on the three championship golf courses, sink into bliss at the open-air spa, splash in the pools and water slides of The Watermill, and jump into the glorious lagoons with snorkels and surf boards.
DOR ADO BEACH HIGLIGHTS MAKE A SPLASH
From the sunny golden sands of Dorado Beach’s private beach, you’ll find protected lagoons for easy swimming, coral reefs for snorkeling and opportunities for windsurfing. The beach club includes a family pool and an adult lap pool, poolside cabanas and a hammock garden, shaded by the tall palm trees. GOLF
The avid golfer will appreciate that Dorado
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Beach is the only Caribbean resort offering 54 holes. Even better, the three courses, originally designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., have been restored to maximize Caribbean sight lines and speed on the greens. These courses have hosted PGA tournaments and golf legends since their beginning in 1955. EXPLORE JUNGLE
The only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System, El Yunque National Forest is located 90 minutes from the resort. Lace up your hiking shoes
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PUERTO RICO (and bring a bathing suit) to enjoy trails through a lush jungle canopy, with waterfalls along the way.
a massage in the open-air treatment room perched among the tops of the palm trees at Botanico Spa.
DINING
THE EXPERIENCE
Zafra serves delectable New World and Caribbeaninspired cuisine with views of golf course fairways and mountains in the distance. Dine on fresh ceviche of the day and a Classic Criollo Sandwich for lunch or herb-roasted half chicken, mahi mahi casserole and rack of lamb for dinner.
Dorado Beach beckons you to stretch out on a lounge chair on golden sands, palm trees gently swaying overhead, and simply inhale the inevitable peace.
THE SPA
Ask your concierge to book
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RESIDENCES Explore our Dorado Beach Signature Residences at inspirato.com/destinations
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE CHATEAU ESPERANCE 4 BED / 4 BATH
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From high on a rocky promontory, you’re surrounded by breathtaking views of the Dordogne River and mountainsides. Explore peaceful country roads winding past tobacco fields, walnut groves and medieval villages. Whether by foot or canoe, you’ll uncover the true spirit of the French countryside.
DORDOGNE HIGHLIGHTS FLOAT TRIP
Rent a canoe and float down the smooth-flowing Dordogne River, stopping along the way for a picnic on a secluded island or a drink in a riverside village. You’ll flow past France’s history: ancient chateux, both in ruins and still standing, and under centuries-old bridges. HISTORY LESSONS
As one of the oldest settled areas in France, Dordogne is chock full of medieval cliff-top chateaux, Roman
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ruins, home to the prehistoric artwork found in the caves of Lascaux and vestiges of the Hundred Years’ War with England. Kids are sure to remember a visit to Bournat, a living history attraction that depicts life at the turn of the 20th century as well as during prehistoric times. FRENCH CUISINE
The foods of southwest France are known for goose and duck fare with foie gras (fattened goose liver) and confit de canard (slow-cooked duck thigh) and even pommes
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FRANCE sarladaises (potatoes roasted in duck fat and garlic). All are on offer at the region’s familyowned restaurants. Wine lovers can escape to the legendary wines of Bordeaux, no more than a two-hour drive away. TAKE IT OUTSIDE
As one of France’s most scenic regions, outdoor pursuits are on order here, including horseback riding, treetop adventure parks, hot air balloon rides and cave explorations. Or dial back the adventure and stroll through Sariat, a
quaint medival town with an excellent year-round market. CHATEAU LIFE
Inspirato members can stay in Chateau Esperance, a former 17th-century presbytery and chapel situated over the River Dordogne.
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RESIDENCE Explore our Dordogne Signature Residence at inspirato.com/destinations
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE LA LIMONAIA 5 BED / 6.5 BATH
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The “Cradle of the Renaissance,” Florence still dazzles with its elegant combination of history and glamour. Peruse its famous jewelry shops on the Ponte Vecchio and high-fashion boutiques scattered throughout this pedestrian-friendly city. Dine in a restaurant owned by a prince and take in one of the world’s great Western art collections at the Uffizi. The best of Italy awaits.
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FLORENCE HIGHLIGHTS SHOPPING
Mercato de San Lorenzo, located in Piazza San Lorenzo, is where you’ll find a lively and swirling mix of leather goods, clothes, jewelry, wines, cheese and meats for sale in much the same way it’s been sold in Italy for decades. WHEN IN FLORENCE
Eat like an Italian. Try the ravioli de brie con carciofini Morelli (ravioli stuffed with brie, dressed with artichokes) at La Giostra,
which was founded by a prince who loved cooking. At Il Latini, communal tables are the norm and ordering off the menu is discouraged by waiters who will offer their suggestions for the night’s best tastes.
I TA LY PIAZZA DEL DUOMO
Really a collection of sites, this world-famous square features the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto’s Campanile, the Babtistery of San Giovanni and the Loggia del Bigallo. THE LOCATION
UFFIZI GALLERY
Designed by Vasari for Cosimo de’ Medici, the beautiful Uffizi is even more famous for the treasures within, including works by da Vinci, Botticelli, Titian, Raphael and Rembrandt.
Walk to the most famous Florence landmarks, including the Uffizi Gallery, Piazza del Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral and Palazzo Pitti.
countryside starts minutes outside the city. Day trips to Siena, Pisa, or Lucca are an easy train ride away.
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RESIDENCE Explore our Florence Signature Residence at inspirato.com/destination
LAUNCHING PAD
The classic Tuscan
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE GRAND CANAL 3 BED / 3 BATH
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Known as the “Venice of America” due to its elaborate canal system, Fort Lauderdale boasts a semi-tropical climate, fantastic beaches, and a big city’s amenities without the showy glitz of its southern neighbor, Miami. Members will check into a suite with a view at the five-star Ritz-Carlton® and access to the resort’s sprawling pool deck overlooking the ocean.
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FORT LAUDERDALE HIGHLIGHTS RIVERWALK
The Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment District strings together the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and the Museum of Art as it continues west from Las Olas Way, the heart of the city’s dining and shopping district.
pick for best meal in the city, and 65 upscale boutiques that can outfit men, women and families is high style. WATER TAXIS
Rather than battle beach traffic, hail a Water Taxi as it travels the Intracoastal Waterway to beaches in the north and along through the Riverwalk district. SPA DAY
DINING AND SHOPPING
Speaking of Las Olas Way, this quaint, pedestrianfriendly district offers more than 30 al fresco dining options including Yolo, our
The Ritz-Carlton® is home to Fort Lauderdale’s largest luxury spa and the only one in the area to offer “SkinCeutical” anti-aging facial treatments, which
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FLORIDA
use a precise application of Vitamin A to help rid the skin of wrinkles and maintain the results longer. The spa’s other signature treatments feature variations on sea salt therapies and gentle exfoliating body scrubs.
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RESIDENCE Explore our Fort Lauderdale Signature Residence at inspirato.com/destination
BEACH
There’s plenty of room to find a quiet spot on Fort Lauderdale’s expanse of sand, but for peoplewatching—and plenty of dining and watering hole options—take a stroll or pedal a beach cruiser down the Beachfront Promenade.
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE SHUTTERS 3 BED / 3.5 BATH
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GR AND CAYMAN
Relaxation and adventure intersect in the Cayman Islands, no more so than on Grand Cayman, where your perfect itinerary might include swimming with stingrays in the morning, picnicking in the afternoon and enjoying fresh seafood on an open-air patio with views of the brilliant sunset at night. A reef just offshore not only provides hours of magnificent snorkeling but also acts as a barrier, to keep the coastline calm and gentle.
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HIGHLIGHTS
can swim with a colony of stingrays in the open sea.
FRONT ROW SEATS
Any closer and your toes would be in the water. The spacious condominiums and boutique residences are a stone’s throw or short walk to the lapping turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Some with private terraces offer unobstructed views of Seven Mile Beach. SWIM WITH STINGRAYS
Experience Grand Cayman’s marine life up close and personal with a stop at Stingray City, where you
PLAY’S THE THING
Kids will love splashing in the calm waters or snorkeling the colorful coral reef. Miles of white-sand beaches invite sunbathers to unwind with a good book and a daiquiri. For a four-legged walking—or trotting—tour of the beaches and the inland hills, guided horseback rides are a unique way to take in the sights. DINING
Island classics like conch
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C AY M A N I S L A N D S stew at Vivine’s Kitchen on the East End and inventive twists such as a jerk-spiced burger at Macabuca Oceanside Tiki Bar & Grill will get you in that laid-back local islander mood. INDULGE
If the calming blue waters and the gentle ocean breeze aren’t enough, the Silver Rain, a La Prairie Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, can help you fully unwind with a range of hydrotherapy and massage treatments, no matter your pampering preference.
SNORKELING
Cemetery Reef on Seven Mile Beach is considered the best snorkeling and reef diving on all of Grand Cayman, and it’s just outside your door.
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RESIDENCES Explore our Grand Cayman Signature Residences at inspirato.com/destinations
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SIGNATURE STAY AZUR 3 BED / 3 BATH
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The largest of 365 cays, Great Exuma attracts sailors to its glass-clear waters, anglers to its big-game fishing and nearly everyone else for its powdery-soft sand beaches and tropical waters teeming with life. Inspirato members can make themselves at home inside Grand Isle Resort on the water and just 15 minutes from the international airport.
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GREAT EXUMA HIGHLIGHTS WATER WORLD
With more than 360 cays or islands to explore, chartering a boat for a day or an overnight will let you cruise to a deserted cay with a pristine beach. Or drop anchor next to a coral reef and snorkel through the abundant sea life. At the Exuma Wall, scuba divers can plunge from the turquoise shallows down 75 feet of the wall that’s home to a huge array of sea life of all shapes and sizes. The surf may not be
epic, but the ever-present winds make for excellent kiteboarding. UNTOUCHED WORLD
Since 1958 the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park has protected the wildlife onshore and in the water, leaving the park as a pristine example of the Bahamas as they were before humans arrived. As a result, the Stomatolite reefs are home to some the oldest and rarest living creatures in the region. CONCH DELIGHTS
Bahamian conch (the meat
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BAHAMAS of a giant sea snail) is the islands’ “it” dish. Find it in everything from conch salad to conch fritters or a brimming bowl of conch chowder. Big D’s Famous Conch Spot serves it up fresh alongside a cold bottle of Kalik beer. The beach bar Chat ‘N’ Chill® is where locals rub shoulders with the yachting crowd over conch burgers and grilled gouper. SEASTAR SPA
CARIBBEAN ADVENTURE
The young ones can join a treasure hunt on the beach for coins and more, fly a kite, become expert sandcastle builders and frolic in the ocean on paddleboard.
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STAYS Explore Inspirato’s Signature Stays on Great Exuma at inspirato.com/destinations
Pamper yourself with a range of skin and body therapies, from Balinese massage to organic facials.
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE SWITCHGRASS 6 BED / 6.5 BATH
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HILTON HEAD ISLAND
With miles of wide, sandy beaches all accessible by bike, it’s easy to unwind on Hilton Head. But don’t be fooled by the island’s small size. Hilton Head packs a lot into its 60 square miles, including exceptional golf courses, a diverse array of restaurants, charming boutiques and shops, spas and more. It’s no wonder that Hilton Head ranked high on Condé Nast Traveler’s “Best in the World Reader’s Choice Awards” in 2011.
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HIGHLIGHTS
Hills Course is one of South Carolina’s finest.
SWITCHGRASS
Your residence on Hilton Head offers the finest in private luxury paired with a convenient location. Enjoy the home’s light-filled interior and extensive outdoor living area, replete with a private pool and many other amenities. HIT THE LINKS
Hilton Head is a world-class golf destination and features more than 20 championship courses designed by the likes of Pete Dye and Robert Trent Jones. The Arthur
FAMILY FUN
Hilton Head is an ideal family destination. Kids will enjoy playing on the beach, bike rides on the many paved paths or challenging mom or dad to a game of tennis. LUNCH TO GO
Christine’s Cafe & Catering will prepare a gourmet picnic lunch with everything you need. BEACH TIME
Three miles of premier beaches are right outside
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SOUTH CAROLINA your door. Get active with an early morning jog or an a ernoon game of bocce ball or just relax and let the tide roll in. INDULGE AND UNWIND
Choose from one of the many treatments and packages available at The Ocean Tides Spa, conveniently located near your residence. SUN DOWNER
Sunsets are a treasured time on Hilton Head. Find prime viewing and good eats at The Quarterdeck in Harbour Town Marina, San Miguel’s in Shelter Cove Marina and
The Old Oyster Factory overlooking Broad Creek. NIGHTLIFE
Head to The Jazz Corner for an upbeat evening of great music and top-shelf libations. The Lodge offers a more relaxed atmosphere where you can settle in by one of two stone fireplaces with an expertly cra ed martini.
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RESIDENCE Explore our Hilton Head Island Signature Residence at inspirato.com/destination
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE WATERWAY 5 BED / 5.5 BATH
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Close to Charleston, South Carolina, yet another world away, Inspirato’s residence in the beachfront Wild Dunes Resort introduces visitors to the best of Southern charm on a peaceful barrier island with pristine beaches that’s been a luxury vacation spot for South Carolinians since the 19th century.
ISLE OF PALMS HIGHLIGHTS WATER WORLD
With the ocean on one side and the lagoons and Intracoastal Waterway on the other, canoeing, kayaking, boating (including kite surfing and jet skiing) and fishing is the name of the game. You can stay on the sand if you want and take an eco tour along Boneyard Beach—the name refers to the eroded skeletal remains of oak tree trunks sticking out of the surf. CHILD’S PLAY
The Wild Dunes Resort and
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its award-winning Island Adventures® program will keep your little ones enchanted thanks to activities ranging from family golf and tennis to nature expeditions and haunted ghost and graveyard tours in nearby historic Charleston. Too scary? There’s always a visit to the South Carolina Aquarium to consider. SWING SET
With 36 holes of championship golf available to guests, golfers can tackle two distinct tastes of South Carolina
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SOUTH CAROLINA golf on the Tom Faziodesigned Links Course along the oceanfront and lagoons and salt marshes that mark the Harbor Course. CHARLESTON
Recognized as one of the top foodie towns in the country, Charleston is bursting with original menus and comfort foods done to perfection. Try Husk, recently named Best New Restaurant in America by Bon Appétit. On the flip side, snack on boiled peanuts and fresh seafood at The Wreck of the Richard
& Charlene on Shem Creek. A er dinner take a stroll through the Southern gothic neighborhoods in the city’s famous Historic District, where grand homes and their secret gardens harken back to the state’s pre-Civil War heritage.
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RESIDENCE Explore our Isle of Palms Signature Residence at inspirato.com/destination
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE BIG HORN 3 BED / 3.5 BATH
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Surrounded by the breathtaking Teton Mountains, Jackson Hole combines the charms of the rustic West with the luxuries of an upscale resort. Our spacious homes are tucked away on a gentle hillside, and offer convenient access to Teton Village. With so much to do—whether golfing, fishing, hiking, biking or skiing—you will delight in retiring to your comfortable mountain home after an active day spent with friends and family.
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JACKSON HOLE HIGHLIGHTS PERFECTLY LOCATED
Our homes provide easy access to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Teton Village, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, the astonishing National Elk Refuge, the town of Jackson, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and so much more. From walls of windows that frame amazing mountain views, to expansive deck and patio spaces and tasteful furnishings, you will love how our Jackson Hole homes integrate the
dramatic natural elements outside with the luxurious comforts found inside. THE SETTING
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort draws outdoorsy types and culture hounds from around the globe with its breathtaking landscape, national parks and Old West charm. Summer activities range from its downhill mountain bike park, new hiking trails and an aerial adventure park. At the base of the resort, the “Vil” has a combination of Swiss and modern architecture and all the amenities you
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WYOMING would expect from an internationally renowned vacation destination, but still retains a quaint charm. Visitors enjoy delicious restaurants, inviting cafés, cozy après-hike hangouts and eclectic shopping. OUTDOOR THRILLS
Summer is bright and warm with hiking, flyfishing, golfing, live music and cultural activities galore, while the crisp and clear winter provides legendary mountain terrain and deep powder for worldclass skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, sleigh riding,
dogsledding, snowshoeing and more. THE WILD WEST
A visit to Jackson’s Town Square is like stepping into the Wild West, complete with friendly cowboys, authentic saloons, chuck-wagon dinners, and horseback and stagecoach rides.
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RESIDENCES/STAYS Explore our Jackson Hole Signature Residences and Signature Stays at inspirato.com/destinations
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE MONTAGE KAPALUA BAY
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Within minutes of arriving at Kapalua in northwest Maui, you’ll understand why Condé Nast Traveler readers voted Maui “Best Island.” Kapalua’s impressive lava fields extend like outstretched fingers from the lush mountains toward the cerulean Auau Channel and the deep Pacific beyond. Our residences are located in the heart of Kapalua’s ethereal Polynesian beauty, basking the bright sunshine and mere steps away from the area’s dramatic volcanic sands and shore.
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K APALUA HIGHLIGHTS RAINFOREST HIKES
A hike through the Kapalua Maunalei Arboretum Rainforest is an activity that sets this destination apart from beach resorts throughout the islands. The roots springing from banyan trees above are a natural wonder. You can grab a wild guava fruit right off the tree and eat it. And the view from the top of the trail will take your breath away. SNORKELING
Grab a mask and fins and dive into the Kapalua Bay.
Natural reefs located just offshore in a sheltered, white-sand crescent of calm water boast a spectacular array of marine life. Expect to see butterfly fish, parrotfish and a plethora of crustaceans and invertebrates in one of the best snorkeling spots on Maui. GOLF
Tee off on The Plantation Course at Kapalua Resort and you’ll understand how you compare to PGA Tour pros, who play a tournament on the course each January. The 7,411-
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MAUI yard stunner is considered one of the best courses in the country, which helps attract the likes of Tiger Woods, Ernie Els and Vijay Singh to the PGA event. The Bay Course at Kapalua Resort is no slouch either thanks to its 6,600 yards of undulating fairways and exquisite water holes. To beat the course record 62, you’ll have to avoid its biggest water hazard, the blue waters of Oneola Bay. LOCAL EATS
wonderful option for an informal breakfast and lunch—or to put together a picnic for the day. The Farmers Market Maui in nearby Honokowai sells fresh Maui produce including gold pineapples, strawberry papayas and macadamia nuts.
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RESIDENCES Explore our Signature Residences at Kapalua at inspirato.com/destinations
Located in Kapalua, Honolua Store is a
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NOT A MEMBER YET? CALL US OR VISIT US ONLINE. 888.546.5008 | WWW.INSPIRATO.COM
Inspirato® is a private travel membership club that requires a non-refundable Initiation Fee and Annual Membership Fee. Membership is subject to acceptance of terms and conditions and other reservation and use rules. Availability, benefits, minimum stay requirements and nightly fees may vary by residence, date and membership option selected. See website (www. inspirato.com) for complete details. Inspirato is owned by Inspirato LLC and operated by its subsidiary Best of 52, LLC, 1637 Wazee Street, Denver, CO 80202, info@inspirato.com, 303586-7771. Operator is registered as Florida Seller of Travel Registration No. ST38403; Washington Seller of Travel Registration No. UBI 603086598; California Seller of Travel Registration No. CST 2107465. ©2014 Inspirato LLC. All products and services offered and rendered by Inspirato® (including the operation and management of any vacation residence) are provided solely by Inspirato LLC, Best of 52, LLC, or their respective agents and affiliates, and not by the American Express Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates.
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE AZALEA 6 BED / 6.5 BATH
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K IAWAH ISLAND
Experience the charms of the Old South and the luxury of modern conveniences on this intimate, 13-square-mile island untouched by and worlds away from the hectic pace of everyday life. Kiawah Island is not and never will be overdeveloped, and its shoreline is actually growing. A contrast to the dry landscape of Mexico and the tropical climes of the Caribbean, Kiawah’s topography features lush forests, tidal creeks and freshwater ponds.
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HIGHLIGHTS ANIMAL KINGDOM
Separated from the relative metropolis of Charleston by a short causeway, the island is a natural playground teeming with wildlife. Out here you can catch a glimpse of everything from dolphins to red foxes, Loggerhead sea turtles to white-tailed deer. SIGNATURE RESIDENCE
Our Kiawah Island Signature Residences comfortably accommodate 10 to 14 guests, depending on the property, and offer
the ultimate in relaxed island luxury. They’re close to the beach, golf courses, shopping, restaurants and all that Kiawah has to offer. HOTEL PARTNER
The Sanctuary Hotel is among the world’s finest resorts. Enjoy grand architecture, meticulous detail and design, classic décor and a five-piece bathroom. Two outdoor swimming pools with views of the ocean, a toddler pool and an indoor lap pool are perfect for wading, playing or exercising.
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SOUTH CAROLINA FAMILY ACTIVITIES
GARDEN PARTY
With 30 miles of gentle bike paths, Kiawah is best toured on two wheels. Pedal down the quaint village lanes and boardwalks or cruise down to the beach for a picnic lunch.
A family visit to Middleton Place, the oldest landscaped gardens in the U.S., is another way to enjoy the great outdoors and the historic ambience that permeates the entire island. Modeled a er European classics such as Versailles, the grounds at Middleton will inspire all ages to stop and smell the flowers.
GET TO THE GREENS
You could easily spend your entire vacation on the immaculate, world-class golf courses, including The Ocean Course, Turtle Point and Oak Point. As always, your concierge can arrange tee times, club rentals and other logistics.
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RESIDENCES Explore our Kiawah Island Signature Residences at inspirato.com/destinations
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE HALE HONU 3 BED / 3.5 BATH
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The greatest thing about the Big Island is that it offers something to entice everyone: long stretches of sandy beach for families and locals’ beaches accessible only by SUV; world-class dining as well as fresh local produce from a farmers market; thrilling activities from helicopter tours and scuba diving to hiking a volcano and exploring a rainforest; and the relaxation of a champagne sail at sunset.
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KOHALA COAST HIGHLIGHTS VISIT A VOLCANO
You have to visit Kilauea Volcano, the most active island volcano in the world, whether it’s by land or air. Take a two-hour helicopter tour where you will likely see the volcano in her full fury. Better still, hike through the ancient rain forest to a newly lava-paved crater. BEST BEACHES
If you feel like relaxing in a cabana lounger, head to the south end of the nearby beach and enjoy the sea
breezes. For a wider expanse of sandy beach that’s great for a morning stroll or for the kids to build sand castles, we recommend Hapuna. Nearby Kikaua Point Beach has so sands and calm waters that make it one of the island’s best family beaches. SCENIC SUNSETS
Take a cruise on the Body Glove Sunset cocktail tour. While cruising the historic coastline watch as the spinner dolphins come out to play. Sit back, relax and enjoy the air flowing through your hair with cocktail in hand.
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H AWA II DINING
Brown’s Beach House at the Fairmont Orchid offers inventive seafood dishes and an excellent wine list. Prior to sunset, the ocean views are fantastic. Try the sea scallops, swordfish poached in seasoned olive oil, and the crab-crusted ono, sitting on clouds of wasabi mashed potatoes. GOLF
Consistently rated as the island’s top courses, Mauna Lani Resort boasts a North and South course under the legendary Francis H. I. Brown moniker. These
championship courses host the PGA Senior Skins Tournament each January. TRAIL TOUR
Discover the captivating Waipio Valley as you journey into its mountains on a horseback tour through lush trails, taro patches, magnificent waterfalls and historical, spiritual sites.
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RESIDENCES Explore our Hawaii Signature Residences at Inspirato.com/destinations
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE ALL IN 2 BED / 2.5 BATH
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The luxurious suites at Vdara put you in the middle of the best of the Vegas Strip, but its casino-free lobby offers a quiet retreat from the 24/7 bustle of the city. Walk to internationally renowned dining and shopping at Crystals at CityCenter or the luxurious casino at Aria right outside the main entrance to the hotel.
LAS VEGAS HIGHLIGHTS SANCTUARY IN THE SKY
The sprawling two-bedroom suites at Vdara, with their fine appointments and stunning views of the city, offer a welcome homebase to explore the energy and action of Vegas. Members enjoy pool and cabana privileges as well as access to Vdara’s spa and golf at Shadow Creek and DragonRidge. FINE DINING
The number of chefs with gourmet venues in Las
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Vegas grows every years: Joel Robuchon, Michael Mina, Charlie Palmer, Tom Colicchio, Alain Ducasse, Andre Rochat and more have created showpiece restaurants that serve unforgettable menus. CIRQUE DU SOLEIL
Although Cirque du Soleil is an international organization, it seems as if Vegas is their spiritual and creative home, with several completely different shows held in different resorts along the Strip. You really have to see their unique
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N E VA D A combination of dance and dexterity, live theater and acrobatics to believe it. NIGHTLIFE
If Las Vegas doesn’t sleep, should you? From gaming at one of the many casinos to the most exclusive nightclubs that attract DJs from around the world, there’s something fun and vibrant for every visitor under the bright Vegas lights. VEGAS FOR KIDS
Las Vegas isn’t all about decadence; there’s plenty for the whole family to
do. From the Shark Reef Acquarium at Mandalay Bay to Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat, a wild ride on top of The Stratosphere or simply watching the dancing fountains at the Bellagio or the pirate attack at Treasure Island, Vegas delivers.
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RESIDENCES Explore Inspirato’s Signature Residences in Las Vegas at inspirato.com/destinations
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SIGNATURE STAY FALCONERS SUITE 2 BED / 2 BATH
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In London, tradition and ceremony meld seamlessly with the fast pace of a global financial center and a vibrant, modern aesthetic. Diverse neighborhoods, worldrenowned restaurants, beautiful public parks and history. Around for millennia, England’s capital city isn’t stuck in the past, but neither does it ignore it.
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LONDON HLIGHTS TRADITIONAL TEA
When Downton Abbey is airing in Britain—usually mid-September until midNovember—Grosvenor House has a tea inspired by the show. The rest of the year, its Anna’s Afternoon Tea, a wonderfully English treat. Sit in The Park Room’s plush chairs looking out on Park Avenue and Hyde Park while sipping tea and nibbling on warm buttermilk scones with Devonshire clotted cream, cream puffs, French pasties and finger sandwiches.
ENGLAND
EXPERIENCE IT ALL
It’s never more than a short cab ride from Inspirato’s Signature Stays to London’s famous neighborhoods, shopping locations and restaurants. Stroll through the scenic passageways of Mayfair and Knightsbridge— two of London’s elite neighborhood districts— spend the day at Hyde Park, visit international treasures at the British Museum, Tate Museum and National Gallery or pay a visit to Westminster Abbey.
can compete with the West End. Famous movie actors appear on stage here frequently, and it’s also known for its many amazing restaurants, making this an unforgettable evening experience. BUCKINGHAM PALACE
Great for families, the Queen’s official London residence features 775 rooms, lavish décor and is the site of the Changing of the Guard. THE SHARD
WEST END THEATRE
Only New York’s Broadway
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The city’s tallest building and one of the most visually
arresting in Western Europe (1,016-feet), The Shard has three floors of viewing platforms almost twice the height of any other viewing platform in London. Ask your Inspirato Destination Concierge for a VIP tour. Floor 72, the highest of the three viewing levels, is open to the air.
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STAYS Explore our London Signature Stays at inspirato.com/ destinations
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE VILLA BUENAVENTURA 5 BED / 7 BATH
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Ask several people why they visit Los Cabos and they’ll all cite a different reason. For sport fishers, Cabo is a billfishing mecca. For golfers, the ocean-view championship courses are a must. The nightlife in Cabo San Lucas is endlessly entertaining. If you have kids, a zipline tour over desert canyons might be more your style. But everyone can agree on the beauty of this shimmering jewel by the Sea of Cortez.
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LOS CABOS HIGHLIGHTS
your new home on the Baja peninsula.
SIT BACK AND RELAX
As a guest of Auberge Private Residences at Esperanza Resort and Punta Ballena Resort, members staying in these resort residences have world-class dining and spa access to what Condé Nast Traveler readers call one of the top resorts in all of Mexico. Head down to the beautiful pools, try an award-winning spa treatment or dine at any number of unforgettable restaurants. Whatever your pleasure, you’ll love
GOLF
Los Cabos is home to six championship courses, where you can test your skills on the desert terrain with the Sea of Cortez as a backdrop.
MEXICO and five-star amenities close at hand, your family won’t need to go far to enjoy the best of Los Cabos. THE SPA
The Spa at Esperanza regularly appears on Travel + Leisure’s best-of lists.
THE SERVICE
THE SELECTION
From room service to poolside attendants at many of the residences, your every need is taken care of.
With 23 Signature Residences and one Signature Stay, you have a variety of options for the perfect place to stay. Your refrigerator will be stocked with everything you requested, from bottled
CONVENIENT LUXURY
With stunning ocean views
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water and cervezas to fresh fruits. And you won’t spend a second fretting about dinner reservations or how to schedule that whalewatching tour or round of championship golf; your Destination Concierge will handle it all.
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RESIDENCES/STAY Explore our Los Cabos Signature Residences and Signature Stay at inspirato.com/destinations
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE SUNDARI 2 BED / 2 BATH
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MIAMI/SOUTH BEACH
Miami Beach’s famed South Beach neighborhood envelops the southernmost blocks of Florida’s main barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay. In a word, this international entertainment and nightlife destination is beautiful—both in terms of stunning scenery and gorgeous people. Even the architecture is enticing.
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HIGHLIGHTS HOTSPOT
If you’re in Miami Beach, there’s only one place to be: South Beach. And a stay at The Setai is as good as it gets. This hip oceanfront resort is intimate and peaceful yet also seductively flashy and spectacularly chic. Our 19th-floor, corner residence features views of the ocean and downtown Miami, as well as access to three beachfront pools, a world-class spa and fitness center, valet parking and beach attendants ready to serve you surfside.
FLORIDA
THE CLUB SCENE
ECLECTIC SHOPPING
ART DECO
With hundreds of clubs, bars and other establishments, South Beach is one of the world’s hottest destinations for nightlife. GLOBAL DINING
South Beach is bustling with couture labels, antique shops, fashionable galleries, quirky boutiques and retail outlets. Lincoln Road, an open-air pedestrian mall, is the premier shopping area.
Gourmands flock to South Beach for its global cuisine, fresh ingredients, celebrated restaurants and notable chefs. Whether you desire elegant dining, traditional Latin spice, fresh sushi or anything in between, you will find it in South Beach.
Tucked amid the skyhigh resorts and chic, contemporary venues that frame Miami’s waterfront, the petite Art Deco District makes a statement with more than 800 beautifully restored buildings in just one square mile of prime real estate.
A collection of Miami’s barrier islands constitute sunny South Beach, and wherever you choose to stay, eat and play in this neighborhood, you’re never far from the water.
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SUN WORSHIP
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RESIDENCES Explore our Miami Signature Residences at inspirato.com/destinations
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE HARBOR HAVEN 6 BED / 6.5 BATH
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Nantucket’s mere 47 square miles belie the number of ways there are to play on this charming island. You can explore the peaceful beaches lining the island’s many idyllic inlets and bays, take to the water in a rented boat or on a guided tour, or simply spend a long afternoon engrossed in a good book or tracking the graceful flight of coastal birds.
NANTUCK ET HIGHLIGHTS HAVE IT YOUR WAY
From charming seaside cottages to an in-town escape with an ideal location to a sprawling seaside estate, our residences offer the best of Nantucket any way you’d like to approach it. And of course, they all feature touches and amenities that meet Inspirato’s exacting standards. BEACHES IN ABUNDANCE
From seaside service, where you can watch the evening colors settle over the ocean with your favorite cocktail, to
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MASSACHUSETTS
raw, unpopulated stretches of coast where the only amenities are what you bring, Nantucket’s beaches offer an experience to suit every taste. NANTUCKET FARMERS AND ARTISANS MARKET
Why go hunting for the most authentic, freshest and best when Nantucket’s artisan producers round it all up in one place? Head down to Cambridge and North Union streets from June to October and take home your choice of locally grown vegetables, plants and cut flowers, baked goods, locally roasted coffee,
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handcra ed pottery, jewelry and more. HISTORICAL SIGHTSEEING
The Nantucket Historic district, which comprises the entire island, seamlessly blends a rich maritime history with upscale shopping, restaurants and other amenities. Be sure to visit one of the island’s museums, including the Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum and the Whaling Museum. BIKE TOURS
Nantucket may be only 3.5 miles wide and 14 miles long,
but it boasts more than 25 miles of bicycle trails. Ask your concierge to arrange rental bikes to explore the island. LOCAL ONLY
The fine shopping on Nantucket has a distinctly local flavor—so local, in fact, that no chains are allowed on the island.
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RESIDENCES Explore our Nantucket Signature Residences at inspirato.com/ destinations
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE SAND CASTLE 4 BED / 3.5 BATH
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With sun-drenched beaches, temperate waters and abundant natural beauty, Naples is an ideal setting for outdoor activities. You can play on the beach, head downtown to shop at eclectic boutiques and dine on local seafood, or venture into the tropical wilderness of the Everglades.
NAPLES HIGHLIGHTS THE LOCATION
Our Sand Castle residence is centrally located yet feels like a private oasis. The home features a gourmet kitchen with custom cabinetry, a large master suite with a private balcony and claw-foot tub, a spa and pool, a grand staircase and marble floors. SEASIDE ACTIVITIES
Explore the area’s pristine coastline with a snorkeling excursion or a fishing trip, or take to the skies for an exciting float-plane tour.
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FLORIDA
EXPLORE THE WILD EVERGLADES
Explore the nearby Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve with a guided kayak eco-tour, jungle cruise or swamp safari. FRESH CATCH
In close proximity to both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, Naples has no shortage of freshly caught local seafood. Domestic favorites, international flavors and chef-inspired fusions abound around town, whether you’re dining
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at a relaxed waterside restaurant or in one of the many upscale dining rooms.
fresco kitchen and gas grill, as well as a recently rebuilt pool and spa.
GOLF MECCA
Spend a day at the beach, browse enchanting boutiques or indulge in homemade gelato—it’s all just a short walk from your front door.
EXPLORING NAPLES
With more courses per capita than any area in the world, Naples is a golfer’s paradise. An Inspirato vacation gives you access to some of Naples’s finest and most challenging courses with unique designs and stunning views no matter where you tee off. GREAT OUTDOORS
Enjoy exceptional outdoor living spaces with an al
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RESIDENCES Explore our Naples Signature Residences at inspirato.com/ destinations
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SIGNATURE STAY TRUMP SOHO™
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No matter what your heart desires, New York reigns supreme with its world-class dining, culture, nightlife and more. In the city that never sleeps, one visit is never enough, but Inspirato puts you in the heart of the city so you can get the most out of your visit. HIGHLIGHTS DESIRABLE LOCATIONS
At Trump SoHo™ New York, one of Manhattan’s most renowned hoteliers welcomes you to the highly
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NEW YORK desirable location where SoHo meets Tribeca and the West Village—as well as to the neighborhood’s outstanding art galleries, fine dining and boutiques. Trump Central Park puts you right on Central Park West across from one of the world’s greatest parks and some of the city’s best restaurants and shopping at nearby Columbus Circle. The Gramercy Park Hotel sits across from the key garden at Gramercy Park, one of the most exclusive squares in the city and close to NYU and the action around Union Square.
AMENITIES ABOUND
At the Trump properties, your suite features floor-to-ceiling windows with spectacular views of Manhattan, a spacious living area for entertaining, deep soaking tub and standalone shower, as well as a European-style wet bar. Gramercy Park distinguishes itself with embroidered chairs, red oak floors and marble bathrroms. FINE DINING
It’s best to pay attention, because new must-visit
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NEW YORK restaurants pop up every week. From the most exquisite steakhouses to contemporary fusion bistros to favorite stops in Chinatown, foodies of every description will find something to expand their culinary horizon.
NIGHTLIFE
Looking for an early dinner and a ticket to a Broadway show? Interested in hip clubs in your hippest attire? Or do you love live music, from the celebrities of opera to the skinny jeans of indie rock? You’ll find all that and much, much more.
SHOPPING
Start with the haute boutiques on Madison Avenue, swing through Barneys, Bloomingdale’s and Bergdorf Goodman, then head to the artistmecca-turned-stylishoutdoor-mall that is SoHo.
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Explore our New York Signature Stays at inspirato. com/destinations
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE THISTLE 4 BED / 4.5 BATH
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Take your place among the palatial mansions that were once home to famous yachtsmen and the Gatsby-era tycoons at Carnegie Abbey, a classic member’s club offering an equestrian center, tennis facilities and where Inspirato’s residences sit alongside a Scottish-style links course. HIGHLIGHTS GRAND ESTATES
No visit to Newport is complete without a tour of the historic mansions that dot the rocky coastline.
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NEWPORT Check out the opulence of Vanderbilt’s The Breakers, mining heiress Theresa Fair Oelrichs’s Rosecliff, based on Versailles, or the stately grounds of The Elms. Stroll the famous Cliff Walk for views of the back side of these palatial estates. DINING
Order a steaming bowl of clam chowder from the Black Pearl on the town’s bustling waterfront. Or find a meal that everyone agrees on, from elegant seafood to family-style Italian, along Bannister’s Wharf. For a more intimate
RHODE ISLAND
experience, book a reservation for the Chef’s Table with chef Andy at Carnegie Abbey. Combine beautiful scenery with dinner on the Newport Dinner Train, which heads up the coastline.
beach, adjacent to the Cliff Walk, Easton’s is where Newport comes to unwind with weekly free concerts, a carousel and perfect sand for constructing ambitious sandcastles.
NARRAGANSETT BAY
Guests at Carnegie Abbey can tackle the traditional Scottish-style links course with its sod bunkers and seaside location designed by Donald Steel to blend into the resort’s mature woods, wetlands and colonial-era stonewalls, not overpower the landscape. Equestrians can find
LIFE OF LEISURE
Rent sea kayaks and paddle along the rocky coastline, exploring coves and hidden bays. Schedule a sail on a classic America’s Cup racing yacht for a private matchrace on the open water. EASTON’S BEACH
As Newport’s only ocean
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peace on a ride that explores the resort’s seven miles of picturesque trails or take lessons on English riding from the instructors. The tennis facility and its staff work with the Newport Tennis Smash to bring pros such as Todd Martin, Stan Smith and Rod Laver to the resort for private clinics.
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RESIDENCES Explore our Newport Signature Residences at inspirato.com/destinations
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE POLARIS 3 BED / 3 BATH
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With 12 major mountain resorts in two states offering every imaginable sport and amenity, Tahoe truly has something for everyone—every season, every day and every night. You’re guaranteed to find adventure while visiting Lake Tahoe.
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NORTHSTAR HIGHLIGHTS
L A K E TA H O E
NORTHSTAR MOUNTAIN
MOUNTAIN GOLF
Located at the base of Northstar California resort, your Inspirato residence at One Village Place takes what people expect from exclusivity and adds a dash of charm and convenience to the mix.
Northstar resort features a bike and hike park spread across 3,000 acres of varied terrain. It’s a proper summer paradise that’s characteristic of the entire Tahoe region. It’s also the home resort to two-time snowboarding Olympic gold medalist Shaun White.
Unforgettable golf courses—such as Northstar-at-Tahoe, Old Greenwood and Gray’s Crossing—offer superb summer greens and gorgeous views.
RESORT AMENITIES
BIG SPRINGS EXPRESS
Enjoy access to fitness centers, hot tubs, a swimming pool and more at the Ritz-Carlton®—all just steps from your residence.
Direct, private access to an in-residence gondola means that you’ll never have to wait for a ride up the mountain.
ONE VILLAGE PLACE
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STAY ACTIVE
With a dozen major ski areas, golf courses, trails and streams, dozens of restaurants and unique shopping opportunities at every turn, Tahoe is the ideal destination in summer or spring.
THE VILLAGE AT NORTHSTAR
The mountain village provides access to five-star dining, boutique shopping, private fitness centers and more.
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RESIDENCES/STAYS Explore our Northstar Signature Residences and Signature Stays at inspirato. com/destinations
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE VILLA MAJESTIC 5 BED / 5.5 BATH
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Long a favored escape for Hollywood’s elite stars and star-makers, Palm Springs is now a unique mix of resort-style leisure and amenities, starkly beautiful desert and mountain landscapes and iconic mid-century modern design. Golfers, hikers and architecture fans will all find something to love about this antidote to the hustle and bright lights of Hollywood.
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PALM SPRINGS HIGHLIGHTS THURSDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
a memorable day trip to someplace that feels like the other side of the world.
Each Thursday evening means VillageFest in downtown Palm Springs. Mingle with the locals, browse the art and jewelry stands or shop the famed boutiques, all while listening to live entertainment and sampling delicious food.
Thanks to the Aerial Tramway, visitors can ride a gondola 2.5 miles to the top of Mount San Jacinto at 10,834 feet, where an alpine oasis of pine trees and meadows await—and in the winter, even snow.
VIEW FROM ABOVE
GO REMOTE
FAMILY ATTRACTIONS
The breathtaking boulder formations and gnarled branches of the Joshua trees inside Joshua Tree National Park make for
Stay cool at the sprawling water park, Knott’s Soak City with its series of pools and slides. Or pay a visit to the Living Desert,
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CALIFORNIA a zoo and conservation area where you can come face-to-face with animals ranging from Mexican wolves, javelinas, giraffes and cheetahs in a beautiful desert setting. CULINARY STARS
Palm Springs contains a wonderfully diverse restaurant scene. Our faves: Tinto, a Basque wine bar with a tempting selection of small plates from Iron Chef winner Jose Garces; local favorite Spenser’s for its modern American fare (try the lobster potstickers with
chili aioli); or Alicante for divine Mediterranean food that’s as delicious as the people-watching. Casual diners can’t go wrong at Teriyaki Yogi, a familyfriendly Japanese grill.
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RESIDENCES Explore Inspirato’s Palm Springs Signature Residences at inspirato.com/destinations
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE JASMINE 4 BED / 4.5 BATH
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PALMETTO BLUFF
Encircled by ribbons of rivers, with streams trickling through marsh to a pristine Lowcountry landscape, Palmetto Bluff retreats from the modern world into its own peaceful splendor. Within the gates of this master-planned Auberge resort community, you’ll bike the quiet streets, where there’s no hurry to remove the training wheels. Play a game of bocce ball on a perfectly manicured lawn, and gently recline in rocking chairs on a spacious, screened-in porch.
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HIGHLIGHTS LOCAL FLAIR
A number of unique festivals and regionally inspired events provide visitors with the perfect venue to experience the rich culture of this beautiful region in a fun, vibrant setting. The ongoing Music to Your Mouth celebration is a local favorite culminating in the week-long Culinary Festival that showcases top chefs, winemakers, musicians and artists. DINING
For casual everyday
dining with scenic views of majestic oaks and pristine golf course fairways, the May River Grill at the Clubhouse can’t be beat. This Bluffton gem features delicious local dishes and contemporary American favorites in a relaxed yet upscale setting. STEP BACK IN TIME
When you really want to unwind, retreat to a more peaceful way of life. There are fewer people in this beautiful private community than on a large cruise ship. The sunny neighborhood streets encourage relaxing
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SOUTH CAROLINA on the porch and spending quality together time. It’s the private community that time forgot, but that discerning travelers will always remember. FAMILY FUN
Within the idyllic resort community, you’ll find a world of activities to occupy you and your kids for days on end. Ask your concierge to arrange horseback riding lessons or a family ride. Your kids can splash in the pool, catch the breeze on a boat and try their hand at bocce. There’s also a shooting range and a boat center with
kayaks and canoes. And forsake the car for bike rides on the quiet streets. DAY TRIP
The historic city of Savannah is 30-minutes away and offers a wealth of Southern charm including grand house tours of the Isaiah Davenport House Museum and the Mercer House.
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RESIDENCES Explore our Palmetto Bluff Signature Residences at inspirato.com/destinations
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SIGNATURE STAY LA RESERVE 2 BED / 2 BATH
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Paris is the crossroads for the world’s best art, cuisine, architecture and many other marvels. The city is also your palette of opportunity. Enjoy a fresh baguette on the banks of the River Seine, photograph the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral, breathe in the Champs Élysées after a spring rain, pause to enjoy a street-side concert— Paris is truly a feast for the senses.
PARIS HIGHLIGHTS LUXURY AND CONVENIENCE
The spirit of luxury is evident in every detail of your Inspirato property, including, of course, the stunning view of the Eiffel Tower from the window. Thanks to an exceptional setting near the Place du Trocadéro Gardens in the upscale 16th arrondissement—home to diplomatic embassies and museums—the best of Paris is an easy walk away.
FRANCE
FOODIE HEAVEN
When it comes to pleasing the palate, there’s no place like Paris. Follow your nose to the smell of fresh buttery croissants baked at the corner bakery to the local fromagerie that sells more than 100 varieties of artisanal cheeses. And wine lovers can take a seat at a bustling wine bar serving bistro classics with rare vintages. Or indulge in the elegant and sublime creations of the city’s Michelin-starred chefs. MUSEUMS
You can easily spend a full
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day exploring the treasures at the Musée du Louvre, but be aware that truly seeing the art of Paris involves the entire city. Centre Pompidou flaunts the largest collection of modern art in Europe, and any wine enthusiast requires quality time at the Musée du Vin. JARDIN DU LUXEMBOURG
Revered for its role in Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables, the Luxembourg Gardens appeal to families and lovers alike with their tranquil setting and
elaborate fountains. Stroll the pathways or relax on a bench and enjoy this most Parisian of scenes. LA CINÉMATHÉQUE FRANÇAISE
The Cinémathéque offers daily screenings from its vast collection, the largest in the world.
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STAYS Explore our Paris Signature Stays at inspirato.com/ destinations
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE JICARO NUEVE 4 BED / 4.5 BATH
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PENINSULA PAPAGAYO
Welcome to Costa Rica’s most exclusive peninsula, where a private beach club and world-class marina and yacht club await and guests can tee off on the Arnold Palmer Signature golf course. Residences climb the lush hillside, offering a steady breeze and breathtaking views across the Golfo de Papagayo.
HIGHLIGHTS DIVE IN
Snorkel right off the beach in the shallows of the bay, keeping an eye out for an elusive tortoise. Or kayak to the nearby sea caves in search of sea life hiding in the calm waters. Surfers can head to the break at Ollie’s Point. Don’t know how to surf? No problem; a lesson from the locals at Tamarindo on the beach town’s mellow surf break will have you up on your feet and screaming with joy inside an hour.
HERO GOLF
Home to some of the most dramatic holes in the country, the golf course at the Four Seasons sits atop the highest plateau on the peninsula, affording views across the Bahia de Culebra and holes perched on cliffs high above the Pacific. Take note of the wildlife; the club is a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary teeming with a diversity of wildlife, including howler and white-faced monkeys. BEACH CLUB
C O S TA R I C A
Beach Club and Spa for beachfront snorkeling, lap pool, spa treatments and a relaxing day at the beach. It’s also home to the Peninsula Discovery Program, which offers a range of activities from camping safaris and trail rides to outrigger canoe trips and surfing lessons.
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RESIDENCES Explore our Papagayo Signature Residences at inspirato.com/destinations
MARINA DISTRICT
Marina Papagayo is the country’s first and only luxury marina, with slips large enough for the Pacific’s most luxurious and largest yachts.
Drop down to the Prieta
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SIGNATURE STAY IBIS 2 BED / 2.5 BATH
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Playa Flamingo, on Costa Rica’s Northwestern Pacific coastline, exemplifies the beauty of Costa Rica, offering long stretches of sandy beaches and close proximity to several world-class surf spots. This small beach hamlet also boasts a marina, entertainment, shopping and dining within walking distance of your residence. Additional activities include horseback rides, whitewater rafting, ATV tours and golf.
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PLAYA FLAMINGO HIGHLIGHTS
only steps away from your residence.
RESIDENCES
Set upon a sprawling white sand beach in the heart of Guanacaste’s Gold Coast, your open-air beachfront villa draws the outside in with floor-to-ceiling glass doors and dual, oversized terraces. Inside, the open living space includes a gourmet kitchen, wet bar and wine cooler and vaulted ceilings. Although you might never want to leave the master suite, with its marble bath and private terrace, Pristine Playa Flamingo beach is
UNDER THE SEA
The Pacific coast of Costa Rica offers the best diving, despite having less coral than the Caribbean side. Dive centers usually take guests to the nearby Santa Catalina Islands, where divers will see plenty of big fish, whales, manta rays, turtles and more. LEARN TO SURF
Some of the best surfing in Costa Rica can be found at Tamarindo Beach in the northwest, where you’ll
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C O S TA R I C A find the mellow breaks perfect for a first-timer. More advanced surfers can try Witch’s Rock and Ollie’s Point, known for their big waves. NOT EXACTLY PALEO
Get up close to area wildlife at Palo Verde National Reserve, where you’ll travel by boat through the waterways; crocodiles swim next to your boat, monkeys may join you on board and you’ll see iguanas and thousands of birds along the way.
COME SAIL AWAY
A sunset cruise along the coastline makes a perfect romantic evening. Board a catamaran at the beach right in front of your residence and embark on a sail in search of ocean wildlife while enjoying the stunning scenery.
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Explore our Playa Flamingo Signature Stay at inspirato. com/destinations
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE CHÂTEAU ROSINE 4 BED / 4.5 BATH
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When you enter southern France’s quaint and picturesque Provence region, you’ll understand how the area’s beauty inspired master artists to create some of the world’s most famous paintings. Stroll through fields of sunflowers in this sunny expanse framed by the Alps and the Mediterranean coastline. Explore hilltop towns or medieval fortresses and Roman ruins.
PROVENCE HIGHLIGHTS PERSONAL TOUCH
Your Destination Concierge has personal relationships with lavender and truffle growers and extensive knowledge of each town’s market day. Vineyards are available right outside the front door of your chateau. With Inspirato’s help, you’ll fully experience the pure flavors, culture and character of Provence and the Luberon Valley. FRESH LAVENDER
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Your Destination Concierge knows a skilled lavender grower who also has a distillery in his field. You can see where the lavender oil is made and buy a fresh bottle. The scent of this completely pure product will evoke memories of your vacation for years to come.
that wind through town. For antique lovers, this town is a paradise. Locals also come here for the fresh fish; order the trout almandine at le Vivier and your fish will have been swimming minutes prior to arriving at your table.
TRUFFLE TASTING
In nearby Avignon, you’ll definitely want to see the famous Pope’s Palace and the Pont d’Avignon. In addition, the Pope provided Jews refuge from the French king in the 14th century, and the region boasts beautiful
CATHEDRALS
The “House of Wine and Truffles” offers truffle education and wine tastings. ANTIQUE SHOPPING
Inhale the delicate scent of lavender floating in the air.
FRANCE
L’Isle sur la Sorgue is known as the “Venice of Provence” for the canals
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synagogues as well as cathedrals dating back to those days. DINING
Overlooking the Palais des Papes, La Moutardier delights with ambiance and cuisine alike. Friendly, impeccable service will help non-French speakers with the menu, which delivers classic French cuisine.
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RESIDENCES Explore our Provence Signature Residences at inspirato.com/destinations
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE CASA CANA 5 BED / 5.5 BATH
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Once an off-the-beatenpath destination, the Dominican Republic’s Punta Cana is now home to one of the busiest airports in the Caribbean—and with good reason. La Altagracia province’s pristine white sand beaches, the heart of the Punta Cana region, are tailor-made for lounging, and the aquamarine waters that lap at its ribbon of shoreline invite worldclass reef snorkeling.
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PUNTA CANA HIGHLIGHTS
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
offer a stunning backdrop for a day of sunbathing.
BEAUTIFUL COASTLINE
A trip to Punta Cana is all about dedicated, donothing beach time. For people-watchers and water sports-lovers alike, Playa Bávaro offers a gorgeous expanse of silky white sand punctuated by a string of resorts, restaurants and amenities. Or for sweet seclusion, head north along the coast, passing Playa El Cortecito and Playa Arena Gorda, to claim your beach-towel territory on Playa Macao. The dramatic cliffs and sheltered cove
BOATING
Punta Cana’s dazzling beaches are even lovelier from the water. Charter your own speedboat from an adventure outfitter such as Bávaro Splash and explore the Punta Cana shoreline at high speed, or sail aboard a glassbottom power cat with Marinarium Tours for a more serene day at sea. SPECTACULAR HOMES
Our members enjoy some of the Caribbean’s
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most extraordinary private residences in our plantation-style homes here, which offer private pools and up to 16,000 square feet. DINING
Bamboo, a sophisticated venue at Tortuga Bay, is a treat for those who like their food and wine with a side of design: the elegant interior space, featuring contemporary plantation-style furnishing and crisp, white linens, was conceived by none other than Oscar de la Renta—and the inventive
Mediterranean cuisine will certainly not disappoint. GOLF
Some of the very best golf courses in the Caribbean curve along this dazzling coastal region, including courses designed by Nicklaus, Fazio, Dye and Faldo.
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RESIDENCES Explore our Punta Cana Signature Residences at inspirato.com/destinations
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE EL TESORO 4 BED / 4 BATH
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Surrounded by lush jungle and the deep blue of the Pacific, Punta de Mita is a Mexican peninsula located on the same latitude as Hawaii, and it boasts a similar climate. The peninsula’s natural charm attracts visitors year-round— specifically to the quiet oasis of Los Veneros Resort Residences and Beach Club and Real del Mar.
PUNTA DE MITA HIGHLIGHTS BEACH LIVING
Removed from the hectic beach resort towns of Mexico, Inspirato’s penthouse residences at Los Veneros Resort Residences and Beach Club on the Punta de Mita peninsula, as well as the Casa Mariposa residence at Real del Mar, offer a soothing oasis near bustling Puerto Vallarta. PRIME JEWEL
Casa Mariposa, an exquisite, 11,000-squarefoot residence, will truly
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take your breath away with its resort-like luxury yet private setting. It’s the resort’s largest front-row villa. BANDERAS BAY
The seventh-largest natural bay in the world is home to migrating humpback whales and nesting sea turtles. THE BEACH
Playa Destiladeras is literally steps away from our Los Veneros residences. This gently sloping beach is sheltered by rock formations on
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MEXICO either side and is ideal for surfing, snorkeling or just lounging. The private Los Veneros and Real del Mar beach clubs offer restaurants, spas, fitness clubs and more. PLUNGE IN
Your penthouse at Los Veneros Resort features a private sun deck and plunge pool that’s a perfect way to start your morning or to cool off a er a hard day at play. SURF’S UP
Warm water, a variety of breaks and gentle winds
make Punta de Mita an ideal surf destination. From zippy reefs to the perfect point breaks and fun, white-sand beaches, there is something for everyone. Also try paddleboarding, a sport that combines a great workout with incredible oceanic sightseeing as you stand up and paddle a specially designed surfboard.
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RESIDENCES Explore our Punta de Mita Signature Residences at inspirato.com/destinations
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE SONGBIRD 3 BED / 3 BATH
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R ANCHO PALOS VERDES
Minutes from LAX, yet a world apart, visitors to the 102 oceanfront acres at Terranea Resort on the far end of the Palos Verdes Peninsula can enjoy a round at Trump National Golf Club or drop out for a day of pampering with an ocean view or try surfing. HIGHLIGHTS CHILD’S PLAY
Kids can start their day at the Tide Pool Kids Club, led by expert naturalists, and learn about the fascinating array of marine life along
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the coast. If they want to dive in, they can grab a kayak or surfboard and try their hand at snorkeling. The day wraps up with s’mores and hot chocolate around a roaring, cliffside fire. CATALINA ISLAND
Visible from the resort, Catalina Island lies 22 miles offshore and is a short express-ferry ride away. Explore the picturesque harbor village of Avalon Bay, snorkel in its clear blue waters, or hike to the top of the island for a view of Los Angeles and the mountains beyond.
BEACH LIFE
The famed South Bay beaches stretching from Redondo Beach to Manhattan Beach, with their broad expanses of sand, volleyball courts, fishing piers and mellow surfing waves, lie minutes to the north via complimentary shuttle. ACCESS HOLLYWOOD
Explore filmmaking’s hometown, including the Hollywood Walk of Fame, shopping along LaBrea Avenue and Melrose Avenue, a movie at the Chinese Theater or a
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CALIFORNIA
concert under the stars at the Hollywood Bowl. LOCAL FARE
Guests at Terranea can reserve a table at mar’sel for a fresh twist on California cuisine. Catalina Kitchen offers stunning ocean views and a menu that ranges from roasted Petaluma chicken to swordfish melts. Nelson’s serves up comfort food, microbrews and gorgeous sunsets from their patio, while bashi blends traditional Vietnamese flavors and contemporary dishes.
PARKLANDS
Despite being surrounded by the sprawl of Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean, the hills above Terranea offer horseback rides and energizing hikes among the costal chaparral, all with views across the ocean to Catalina Island.
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RESIDENCES Explore our Rancho Palos Verdes Signature Residences at inspirato.com/destinations
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE MAYAKOBA GOLF VIEW 3 BED / 3 BATH
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Travel south along Mexico’s Caribbean coast to the Riviera Maya, and you’ll enter a pristine world of Mayan archaeological wonders set among lush jungle preserves and white sand beaches. Dive into mysterious underwater caves, stroll through gardens bursting with flowers and encounter a calliope of butterflies or a bright red macaw.
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RIVIER A MAYA HIGHLIGHTS SAFE HAVEN
Inspirato’s residences are found within the luxurious Maroma Resort & Spa, set right on pristine sands on Punta Maroma where the jungle meets the sea. A private marina offers sailing, snorkeling, Hobie cat sailboats, kayaks and jet skis. The gated resort community at Banyan Tree Mayakoba offers additional villas to members surrounded by six miles of freshwater canals and mangroves.
CENOTES
Pronounced “sea-no-tays,” these natural wonders are hidden worlds unto themselves with their underwater caves, limestone formations and diverse marine life. THE MAYA
About an hour from Inspirato’s resort options, sit the famed ruins of Tulum. Built on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean, the ancient site features more than 60 preserved Mayan structures dating from the 12th to 15th centuries. Tour the ruins
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MEXICO then head down the stone staircase to the stunning beach below. PLAYA DEL CARMEN
Europeans have been vacationing in the seaside town for decades and as a result it has more of a European spin on Mexico than other spots along the coast. Enjoy shopping and a vibrant nightlife driven by dj’s that are sometimes flown in from the Continent.
(Island of Swallows) a tourist stop for cruise ships and a mecca for SCUBA divers and snorkeler worldwide. Spend the day walking the Mayan ruins or snorkeling the reef at Chankanaab Park.
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STAYS Explore our Riviera Maya Signature Stays at inspirato. com/destinations
COZUMEL
East from Playa del Carmen lies Cozumel
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE ROYAL PLANTATION 5 BED / 5 BATH
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Situated along Montego Bay with its crystal- clear waters, soft white sand beach and palm trees, Rose Hall within the Half Moon Resort brings together a quintessential Jamaican experience of colonial charm, vibrant shops and bars along Gloucester Avenue, and tropical ease.
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ROSE HALL HIGHLIGHTS NATURALLY JAMAICA
Inspirato members have access to two miles of uninterrupted beach to stake out. Or take a break from the salty sea and climb up the spectacular Dunn’s River Falls and then grab an inner tube and float through the river’s bubbling rapids as they spill into the Caribbean Sea. The resort’s two bottlenose dolphins, Raggae and Toni, will be your swimming partners at the Dolphin Lagoon.
ISLAND CUISINE
For a one-stop dining experience that fuses together the many influence of the region, including the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas, book a table at The Sugar Mill Restaurant. If you’re craving Italian, head to Il Giardino Restaurant, or you can find dual options at Aarya Indian and Thai.
JAMAICA buildings where kids can create puppets or listen to captivating island stories in the Tacoomah hut. PLANTATION HISTORY
Explore the historic Rose Hall Great House that once ruled over the former sugar plantation. You’ll hear about the ghost of the home’s former mistress, Annie Hall, the White Witch of Rose Hall, and about the history of the property.
KID FRIENDLY
It’s always playtime at the Anancy Children’s Village, a model Caribbean village with brightly colored
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FUN TIMES
for a delicious buffet and Jamaican treats while being entertained by local performers. Adults can grab a cocktail at Margaritaville and then take a ride on its waterslide from the upstairs bar to the ocean below.
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RESIDENCE Explore our Jamaica Signature Residence at inspirato.com/destinations
Friday evenings, head to the weekly Beach Barbecue on Sunrise Beach
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE SUGARWHITE COTTAGE 6 BED / 6.5 BATH
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Rosemary Beach is the perfect place for a family reunion or to simply get away with a few loved ones. With year-round musical and artistic entertainment, along with some of the country’s most pristine beaches, there’s a wide array of highly recommended venues and activities sprinkled throughout several charming neighborhoods.
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ROSEMARY BEACH HIGHLIGHTS FAMILY FRIENDLY
Rosemary Beach was designed with families in mind. Quiet streets invite exploration on bicycle or foot and family-oriented amenities and activities abound. HOME BASE
With homes that can accommodate a family or several families, our Rosemary Beach properties are fully equipped to ensure that your stay is a memorable and effortless experience. Your home
FLORIDA
features comfortable indoor and outdoor living spaces and charming décor that reflects the area’s beachtown vibe with upscale amenities. You’ll feel at home as soon as you walk through the front door.
events taking place throughout the year, this is a culturally rich hub for cra s and artistry. The Bayou Arts Center is just one of many venues to take in some original imagination and talent.
SUNSETS
RACQUET CLUB
Rosemary Beach has memorable sunsets. If getting away from city lights for some peace and tranquility is your mission, you’ll find it here.
A tennis destination, the club maintains eight clay courts—six are lighted for evening play—and a viewing deck for spectators.
ARTS AND CULTURE
Rosemary Beach offers access to four amazing beachside and park-side
pools, open to residents and their guests. From cabanastyle to infinity-edge pools meant for lounging, enjoy these beautiful areas to cool down and relax.
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RESIDENCES Explore our Rosemary Beach Signature Residences at inspirato.com/destinations
THE POOLS
With numerous fairs, festivals, exhibits and
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE SOLANA 5 BED / 4.5 BATH
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One week here is barely enough time to get a small taste of what the 70 miles of coastline, seven dozen golf courses and hundreds of thousands of acres of rolling hills have to offer. From your home base at the Beach Village resort, your family can choose from every type of activity, from lazy beach lounging to themepark touring. If the ocean-view villas and cottages weren’t so cozy, you might never want to sleep during your vacation.
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SAN DIEGO HIGHLIGHTS RANGE OF RESORTS
We’ve delivered several unique resort experiences for you to enjoy. Start with one of the world’s six triple five-star resorts, The Grand Del Mar. Or visit Rancho Valencia, the top tennis facility in the U.S. which also includes horseback riding for kids. Choose between accommodations that range from excellent to exquisite. Service, from attentive to superlative. And the experience, from lazy-smile relaxed to jawdroppingly over-the-top.
CALIFORNIA
PEDAL, PADDLE, PARAGLIDE
Whether by land on a bicycle, by air on a paraglider or by sea in a kayak, sightseeing San Diego need not be conventional. Your concierge can set up any type of tour you desire. AHOY, LA JOLLA!
Explore the striking architecture of the Scripps Institute and the popular beach at La Jolla Cove (try snorkeling among the shallows just off shore). You’ll find some of the city’s best shopping and dining
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along Prospect Street. Everything is a short hop and a skip from Inspirato’s Calita Signature Residence. LEGO AND ENJOY
There are few things more exciting to kids than a tour of LEGOLAND®, seeing Shamu at SeaWorld® or going on a safari at the San Diego Zoo, and there are few things more enjoyable to a parent than a satisfied kid.
day. Whether plucked from the waters right off shore or flown in fresh, seafood in San Diego is the way to go, and there’s no shortage of ocean-minded eateries up and down the coast.
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RESIDENCES/STAYS Explore our San Diego Signature Residences and Signature Stays at inspirato.com/destinations
FRUTTI DI MARE
When you’re in San Diego, your menu selections are easy: order the catch of the
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE COCOA 2 BED / 2 BATH
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From the historic cable cars to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco is one of the world’s most colorful cities. Perfect for young or mature couples, small and large families, its attractions and personality fit every comer. One visit is never enough. Your concierge can help you plan the perfect trip this time, and an equally great one the next.
SAN FR ANCISCO HIGHLIGHTS CONTEMPORARY DIGS
San Francisco’s waterfront Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood is home to Inspirato’s two-bedroom residence featuring city views, complimentary parking, dining options at Ghirardelli Square, ferry access to Marin County and easy access to the rest of the city.
ON THE WATER
When the skies are clear, there’s nothing better than gaining some perspective on the magical city from the water at its feet. Rent a kayak or take a chartered sailboat ride into the bay to see the famous bridges and sites.
SERVICE
Housekeeping will visit daily to ensure you have everything you need. Following suit, a
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complimentary car service is available during the day, so you needn’t fuss with a rental or taxis.
TWO WHEELS
The trolley cars are a great way to tour the city, and many of the sites are easily
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CALIFORNIA walkable, but for a unique perspective, rent a bicycle and cross the Golden Gate Bridge’s 8,981-foot span via the wide, uncrowded walkways. EAT WHAT YOU WANT
Menus are so … restrictive. Unless you’re dining at the incomparable Gary Danko, where you can create your own tasting menu to match your mood. Pair the chef’s specialties such as glazed oysters with osetra caviar with one of 1,200 bottles in the restaurant’s wine cellar.
The Legion of Honor houses an impressive collection of fine European art spanning 4,000 years. From its perch atop Lincoln Park, the views of the Golden Gate Bridge are almost as impressive as the pieces on display.
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RESIDENCES/STAYS Explore our San Francisco Signature Residences and Signature Stays at inspirato. com/destinations
ART TOUR
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE SONORA 4 BED / 4 BATH
SCOTTSDALE
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It’s the incredible collection of golf courses that truly sets Scottsdale apart. And with Inspirato’s partnership with ClubCorp, members can play a different course every day during their visit. From a central location at some of Scottsdale’s most exclusive addresses, Paradise Valley, the area’s more than 200 courses are a short drive away. HIGHLIGHTS SWING SET
Did we mention the golf? Seriously, duffers will salivate
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over access to these private clubs: Anthem with its two Steve Nash-designed courses; Gainey Ranch and its three-separate nine-hole courses that can be mixed and matched to challenge players’ power game, accuracy or ability to stay out of the water hazards; and Seville with its Gary Panks course set against the gorgeous San Tan Mountains backdrop. FOOD LOVERS
James Beard Foundation award-winning chef Douglas Rodriguez serves up what he calls “Nuevo Latino” cuisine at Deseo. Start with his tres
ceviches or shrimp chicharron before moving on to lamb chops with truffle chimichurri. And don’t forget the wine list, considered one of the best in the state. Talavera works hard to source its ingredients from local purveyors—even the olive oil comes from nearby— to create American cuisine that’s as fresh as it gets. Old-school charm denotes the French menu and small seating at Petite Maison where classics such as escargots and cassoulet are always on the menu.
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ARIZONA SPRING TRAINING
Every March, pro baseball players come to the area to gear up for the next season or make the cut and join the big leagues. Scottsdale is home to the facilities for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies and San Francisco Giants. That’s in addition to the 12 other clubs’ spring-training complexes spread across the metropolitan area. SHOPPING OASIS
O en referred to as “the Beverly Hills of the Southwest,” Scottsdale is home to the Biltmore Fashion Park, home to Chanel, Gucci,
Prada, Louis Vuitton, Fendi and more. Farther east, the Scottsdale Fashion Square houses Barneys New York, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Tiffany, Ferragamo and others. For trendy boutiques on the cutting edge, pay a visit to The Mix Shops of Southbridge.
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RESIDENCES Explore our Scottsdale Signature Residences at inspirato.com/ destinations
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE TIDEWATER 4 BED / 4.5 BATH
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The Lowcountry beckons you to the balmy Georgia coast and Sea Island, home to the storied Cloisters Hotel, the seaside vacation choice for industrialists and U.S. presidents for more than 80 years. There’s PGA-caliber golf, shooting, fishing, worldclass shelling and even a historic bingo game that comes with a dress code.
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SEA ISLAND HIGHLIGHTS HUNT CLUB
At the Broadfield, the sporting set can practice their shots at the range and during birding season, hunt for quail and pheasant over 500 acres alongside trained dogs, or try something different with Harris hawks, goshawks, and peregrine falcons. The Sea Island Shooting School, nearly as old as The Cloister itself, has taught generations of visitors to handle a gun and shoot it the right way.
LOVE CHILD
Professional golfer Davis Love III calls Sea Island home, thanks to its three courses built around beaches, marshes and woods. The Seaside Course hosts the annual McGladrey Classic, organized by Love himself. GHOST BEACH
The unusual, yet stunning, Dri wood Beach is renowned for the beautiful dri wood scattered on its sands as well as the giant oaks and pines buried upside down in the sand with their roots exposed to
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GEORGIA the sky. The effect is a tree graveyard that’s a sight to see. CAMP CLOISTER
On any given day The Cloister’s children’s program may involve sailing lessons, instruction at the shooting range and hands-on biology lessons from the resort’s naturalists that could range from crabbing to tending a turtle’s nest. LOWCOUNTRY, GEORGIA
Other seaside destinations may promise turquoise waters and a landscape
scraped clean and then replanted, but The Cloisters is more comfortable: Spanish moss drapes the oaks and while the water isn’t crystal clear, it teems with life. The dunes capture the flotsam and jetsam of the sea—and make it a wonder to explore.
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RESIDENCES Explore our Sea Island Signature Residences at inspirato.com/destinations
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE BABY DOE LODGE 4 BED / 4 BATH
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SNOWMASS VILLAGE
Snowmass Village is a charming mountain hamlet surrounded by majestic peaks and some of the country’s most coveted terrain, providing for a bounty of exciting outdoor activities year-round. Depending on your preference, your Personal Vacation Advisor and concierge team can arrange a customized itinerary that will have you outside and active, indoors and comfortable, or somewhere in between.
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HIGHLIGHTS CONVENIENT ACCESS
Our homes are removed, but not remote, and mere minutes from Snowmass Village. Windows in every direction provide an unobstructed view of nature’s artistry. Outdoor decks are favorite spots to relax in the crisp mountain air, while cozy nooks offer a secluded respite from the day’s adventures. GOLDENLEAF
Take a hike into the sea of aspens that blanket the Snowmass ski area.
A challenging, but short climb up to the famed Government Trail, a meandering gem of a hike that weaves its way across the mountain, interspersed with grand views of the Roaring Fork Valley and the cool shade of dense aspens and pine forests.
COLORADO
or local favorite Il Poggio’s for excellent Italian fare. Your Destination Concierge can call ahead and reserve an outdoor table with your own personal fire pit at Venga Venga; be sure to try their spicy orange margarita with a side of queso fundido.
FOOD AND DRINK
FESTIVAL SEASON
From imaginative upscale cuisine to a low-key evening engaged in comfortable conversation with friends, Snowmass delivers. Try the Village Tavern for a laid-back après-anything experience,
Snowmass Village hosts a wide variety of fun festivals and events throughout the year. From Jazz Aspen Snowmass to a culinary festival, wine festival, the annual Snowmass Balloon
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Festival and Snowmass Chili Pepper & Brew Fest, nearly every weekend hops with activity and excitement.
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RESIDENCES Explore our Snowmass Village Signature Residences at inspirato.com/destinations
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE APEX 5 BED / 3.5 BATH
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Squaw Valley is a vibrant, multi-season vacation paradise. Visitors relish the romance of early evening alpenglow and the buzz of extreme skiing and riding. With Inspirato, Squaw Valley is elevated to an undeniably extraordinary destination with amazing, personalized service among the peaks of the Sierra Nevadas.
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SQUAW VALLEY HIGHLIGHTS PASSPORT TO FUN
Squaw Valley is the ideal year-round resort for the adventurous and the enthusiast who relishes the best in mountain living. Inspirato’s travel experts will help you experience this treasured alpine playground any way you’d like to slice it. PRIVATE LUXURY
Apex, one of Inspirato’s amazing properties, features an expansive wraparound deck where you can watch the epic Tahoe sunset burn in coral
hues for a breathtaking instant. Inside, the timber lodge ceiling of your great room soars to beautiful heights, and the full kitchen is truly a chef’s delight. PIES AND WINE
There’s nothing like a good pizza, especially gourmet pizza accompanied by a stellar wine list. At the Fireside Pizza Co., the whole family will enjoy a hearty menu that’s chockfull of appetizers, salads, pastas and gourmet pizzas. JUST SAY SPA AHHH
In the heart of the village,
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L A K E TA H O E the Trilogy Spa offers private, award-winning treatments. Reserve some time to enjoy a glass of wine or Champagne, and select from a lineup of mini treatments for a memorable après-ski activity. FUN IN THE SUN
The mountain resorts of Tahoe don’t shut down for the summer; once all the epic snow melts, Squaw Valley delivers a steady surge of monthly outdoor festivals and events. From the Fine Arts & Cra s Festival in late June to the
Annual Alpen Wine Fest in early September, Inspirato members will never be at a loss for fun.
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RESIDENCE Explore our Squaw Valley Signature Residence at inspirato.com/destinations
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LE SERENO HOTEL ST. BARTS
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Boasting celebrityenticing accommodations, posh designer boutiques and upscale duty-free emporiums—not to mention miles upon miles of postcard-worthy shoreline—the très-chic island of St. Barts is a true Caribbean paradise. Add gourmet French, Creole and Caribbean fusion cuisine to its laundry list of assets, and it’s easy to see why this petite volcanic isle is a perennial favorite among jetsetters.
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ST. BARTS HIGHLIGHTS THE LOCATION
Le Sereno overlooks the stunning Grand Cul-de-Sac and sits among a small collection of 37 suites outfitted with furnishings designed by Christian Liaigre. Terraces among the landscaped gardens lead down to the pool and beach. THE BEACHES
The dazzling whitesand beaches are perfect for relaxing, and the Le Sereno staff will help you find the best spots and the best services.
FRENCH WEST INDIES
HOSPITALITY IN ANY LANGUAGE
The island’s elegance is unsurpassable, primarily because of the Parisian influence. Islanders speak French fluently, and most speak English as well. You’ll find a welcoming smile everywhere you go. KITE SURFING
Kite surfing is one of the most popular sports on St. Barts. Former kite-surfing champion Enguerrand Espinassou gives expert lessons at the Dive Center on Grand Cul-de-Sac Beach.
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THE SAILING
St. Barts Sailing School, located at Public Beach, offers lessons to help improve your skills, and boat charters can also be arranged for members. THE AMENITIES
Enjoy full access to Le Sereno’s resort amenities, including a beachfront swimming pool, fitness center and personalized beachside service. RESTAURANT DES PÊCHEURS
Experience some of the finest dining on St.
Barts without leaving Le Sereno. Restaurant des Pêcheurs serves a casual breakfast and lunch, and we especially recommend its more upscale dinner. The saffron-based bouillabaisse with local seafood from Chef Jean-Luc Grabowski is known island-wide as a meal you have to taste.
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Explore our St. Barts Signature Stay at inspirato. com/destinations
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SIGNATURE STAY ALLAMANDA 3 BED / 3.5 BATH
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St. John has the sugary sands you crave, aquamarine waters that are prime for snorkeling and warm, sunny days that hallmark the ideal beach vacation. With 60 percent of its land protected as a national park and no cruise ship docks, it’s also impossibly immaculate.
ST. JOHN HIGHLIGHTS TROPICAL HOME
Located within a private, gated enclave, Inspirato’s Signature Residences on St. John are elegant, Italian-inspired villas on a five-acre estate nestled on a hillside overlooking Cruz Bay. Featuring gorgeous Caribbean views, these homes have airy and bright interiors. SAILING CHARTERS
The crystalline waters of the Virgin Islands are perhaps the best sailing waters in the world.
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U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
Our favorite day trips include Jost Van Dyke, a snorkeling area where you may spot sea turtles, and The Baths, where you’ll wade in tidal pools. DINGHY DO
One of the more relaxing and casual ways to explore St. John is to rent a dinghy and cruise from beach to beach. Start your beach hopping at Cruz Bay. Although you can’t drop an anchor, you’ll find it’s easy to pull your dinghy onto shore.
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DINING OUT
Across the island on Coral Bay, a burger at Skinny Legs Bar & Grill is a tradition. At Rhumb Lines, the atmosphere is casual and the fusion of Pacific Rim and tropical cuisine is excellent. Try the Thai crab cakes and spicy diver scallops. Enjoy live music during dinner and come back for the island’s best Sunday brunch. UNDERWATER PARK
St. John may very well be the Caribbean’s premier snorkeling destination. Its beaches are all protected
as part of the Virgin Islands National Park. A few of our favorite spots: Maho Bay Beach, home to green sea turtles, rays and, on occasion, nurse sharks and octopi; Hawksnest Beach was named for the hawksbill sea turtles here, but the real benefit is a beautiful reef just a few yards from shore.
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RESIDENCES Explore our St. John Signature Residences at inspirato.com/destinations
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SIGNATURE STAY DAY BREAK 5 BED / 5.5 BATH
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STEAMBOAT SPRINGS
At your cozy mountain getaway just down the hill from the ski area’s base village, you’ll enjoy views of the Yampa Valley and the mountain. See what they mean by Champagne Powder™ snow in the winter and in summer, Colorado ranch country as you’ve always imagined it.
HIGHLIGHTS SOAK IT IN
Tucked up into the mountains north of town are the Strawberry Park Hot Springs, where you can rejuvenate yourself with watsu therapy massage treatments and a soak in the 104-degree hot springs pools. COWBOY COUNTRY
Ranching is a way of life in the Yampa Valley, and fortunately the area’s dude ranches will let you in on the lifestyle. Saddleback Ranch even hosts sleigh rides to Double Dollar
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COLORADO
Lodge in the winter. Don’t forget to stop into F.M. Light & Sons, the iconic Western-wear shop founded in 1905 that specializes in cowboy duds.
distinguishes Sweetwater Grill from the town’s Western vibe. Its fire pits along the Yampa River lure revelers outdoors year-round.
FOOD FIX
Come winter on the slopes of Steamboat Ski Resort, you’ll have 3,000 skiable acres to explore, including the area’s famous glades and, of course, its hyper-dry powder snow. Between the ski area and the area’s Nordic ski trails, is it any wonder that Steamboat has produced more Winter Olympics athletes than any other town in the world?
ACTION HEROES
Start your day at Freshies with a plate of cherry granola pancakes or a veggie scramble. Lunch here includes grass-fed beef burgers and the town’s best salads. A 122-year-old barn is the setting for sizzling steaks at the Ore House at the Pine Grove. Sleek, modern décor
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Steamboat Powdercats will transport you to the untouched slopes off Buffalo Pass where you can indulge your taste for powder skiing to your heart’s content. For a little more zip to your day, try a snowmobile tour on the Continental Divide through mountain meadows and backcountry woods.
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Explore our Steamboat Signature Stay at inspirato. com/destination
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE STERLING 4 BED / 4.5 BATH
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Beneath Vermont’s highest peak, Mount Mansfield, scenic hillsides drape this enchanting New England village. Stowe Mountain Lodge sits at its base, with a network of trails to explore by snowshoe in the winter or hiking boots in the summer and fall. HIGHLIGHTS STOWE MOUNTAIN
Inspirato members have access to the Stowe Mountain Club at the ski area and its 485 acres and vertical drop of 2,160 feet. Off the
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STOWE mountain, take the family for a traditional sleigh ride or hold tight on a dogsled tour through the woods. During the summer, golf clubs replace ski poles as duffers tackle the 36 holes that meander along the slopes of Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak, climbing to an elevation of 1,800 feet and offering unparalleled views of the New England countryside. Kids can race down the alpine slide and stay occupied for hours at the resort’s Summer Mountain Adventure Camp
VERMONT
ALPINE CONCIERGEÂŽ
TASTE OF VERMONT
During the winter, members enjoy ski valet service, which allows guests to ship their equipment in advance and tune it to be ready for the day’s snow conditions, with boots heated and delivered to the gondola with guests’ li tickets. Come the summer, golf concierges will arrange tee times, carts and any additional equipment needs. Anglers can utilize the flyfishing service, where fishing licenses, Orvis-certified guides and transportation logistics are arranged in advance.
A Taste of Vermont excursion takes you to the home of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream as well as the headquarters of Green Mountain Coffee. Taste the state’s famous Cabot cheese, locally pressed apple cider and Lake Champlain Chocolates. The optional Vermont wine tasting—yes, they grow wine up here—is worth it.
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LOCAL FARE
Fresh produce is all but guaranteed in Stowe’s best restaurants. Grab the deck for tacos with a side of orange chipotle at Frida’s Taqueria + Grill. Locals love the friendly
vibe and open-kitchen pie spinning at Piecasso. For fancier fare, Solstice Restaurant at Stowe Mountain Lodge prepares tempting seasonal favorites. YOU WILL GO
To the Trapp Family Lodge, home of the Von Trapp family made famous in The Sound of Music.
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RESIDENCES Explore our Stowe Signature Residences at inspirato.com/ destinations
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE GOLD HILL 5 BED / 5.5 BATH
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Set amid the soaring peaks of the San Juan Mountains, Telluride is an eclectic Western town that’s a charming combination of raucous Old West roots and world-class mountain luxury—all delivered with a local flair that makes Telluride a unique and welcoming destination.
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TELLURIDE HIGHLIGHTS CONVENIENT ACCESS
Inspirato’s Gold Hill home is conveniently located on the Telluride Golf Course in Mountain Village with access to the area’s famously efficient gondola system. At Wilson Ridge, ask your concierge to stock the wine cellar before you arrive. At Evergreen, the sprawling master suite occupies the top floor. And at Vermilion, you’ll have access to a slopeside ski valet. These are just a few of the highlights available inside Inspirato’s homes.
SUMMER FUN
When the snow recedes to reveal untold stretches of grand hiking and biking terrain, locals take to the hills. The town also plays host to nearly weekly world-class events and festivals throughout the summer, including the life-list-worthy Telluride Bluegrass Festival. PERFORMING ARTS
Built by miners in 1913 for vaudeville performances, the Sheridan Opera House is the centerpiece of the renowned Sheridan Arts Foundation. From music
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COLORADO and dance to comedy and drama, the foundation fosters a stimulating variety of performing arts throughout the year. FESTIVALS
Famous for its steep skiing in the winter, in the summer months Telluride is a hotbed of music, art, food and film festivals with something happening almost every weekend. WINTER THRILLS
And about that skiing. Come back in the winter to explore Telluride Ski Resort’s more than 2,000
skiable acres, including the wide-open playground known as Revelation Bowl. But downhill isn’t the only way to go: nearby snow-covered mountains offer hut-to-hut ski tours, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and the chance to bundle up for a tear through the woods behind a team of sled dogs.
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RESIDENCES/STAYS Explore our Telluride Signature Residences and Signature Stays at inspirato. com/destinations
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE WATERSTONE LODGE 5 BED / 4.5 BATH
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TEX AS HILL COUNTRY
The Hill Country of Texas meets the cool inviting water of Lake Travis, one of the state’s premier watersports playgrounds, in Spicewood. Roughly an hour northwest of downtown Austin, Inspirato’s private retreat offers convenient access to one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world and a quiet escape that’s another world away.
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HIGHLIGHTS PRIVATE ESTATE
Located lakeside on two acres of land in the exclusive gated community of Lakecliff Country Club, the magnificent Waterstone Lodge offers the perfect combination of amenities and solitude. With direct waterfront access, you can jump off the dock with the kids or just like the kids. When not on the lake, relax by the pool and hot tub, enjoying the privacy and Lake Travis views of this grand estate.
SUNSET MEMORIES
As the sun sets and the heat abates, move your party outside to enjoy the outdoor kitchen, living room and fire pit—as well as the lodge’s pool, hot tub and rock waterfall.
TEXAS
can also avail themselves of the amenities at the Lakecliff Country Club (for additional fees), which includes the 18-hole golf course, tennis club, fitness facility and dock. HILL COUNTRY CHARM
RECREATION
Take advantage of your own private boat dock with boat li and jet ski ramps and hire a boat to go water skiing and wakeboarding or explore the quiet coves and shoreline of Lake Travis, casting your fishing line for catfish or bass. Inspirato members
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Schedule a day trip to the towns of Kerrville and Fredericksburg, famous for their art galleries and vineyards such as Becker Vineyards. Stop into the Hunt Store, a local watering hole and onestop shop in Hunt known for its burgers, best eaten on one of the picnic tables
outside. When it’s peach harvest time, Stonewall is the place to be for the freshest fruit in Texas.
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RESIDENCE Explore our Texas Hill Country Signature Residence at inspirato.com/destinations
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SIGNATURE STAY TRUMP INTERNATIONAL HOTEL & TOWER
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With top-tier shopping, dining, arts and attractions sprinkled throughout a bustling and beautifully conceived cityscape, Toronto has evolved from simply being Canada’s largest city into one of the world’s most dynamic metropolitan destinations.
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TORONTO HIGHLIGHTS
the signature Trump Attaché service.
LIVE THE HIGH LIFE
For Inspirato members, a vacation at Trump International Hotel & Tower™ Toronto combines the best location, services and amenities you’ll find anywhere in the city. Your custom-designed suite features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Toronto skyline or Lake Ontario and an elegant, spacious living area with fireplace. The exquisite amenities include the city’s finest spa, nanny services, 24-hour in-room dining and
PRIME LOCATION
The only luxury hotel in the Financial District, Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto is just a short walk from the CN Tower, historic Distillery District and St. Lawrence Market. DINNER WITH A VIEW
Situated on the scenic 54th floor of the Toronto Dominion Bank Tower, Canoe restaurant is a local favorite and the perfect venue for a special night out.
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CANADA OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
DINNER WITH A VIEW
Toronto is an urban metropolis within easy reach of unspoiled wilderness and heart-pumping adventure. Take a high-altitude ride via a private helicopter tour, soak in the sensory experience of Niagara Falls, explore the Toronto Islands or take in the views from atop the 1,815foot CN Tower, the tallest freestanding building in the Western Hemisphere.
The first thing to know about Scaramouche: contact your concierge team well in advance so you can have a window seat. Outside, the lights of the Toronto skyline glitter for miles. And despite its exquisite cuisine, smart casual attire is just fine.
DISTILLERY DISTRICT
This acclaimed neighborhood is part European walking district and part SoHo.
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STAYS Explore our Toronto Signature Stays at inspirato.com/ destinations
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE FRENCHMAN’S LOOKOUT 5 BED / 5 BATH
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For devotees of sailing, power boating, scuba diving and deep-sea fishing, the 60 or so islands and cays that constitute the British Virgin Islands are a peerless destination. The largest and most popular of the islands, Tortola offers a bounty of marinas and charter operations that cater to every seaborne aspiration, as well as restaurants and world-famous beach bars, all just minutes away from your spectacular residence.
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TORTOLA HIGHLIGHTS OUTDOOR LIVING
With 65 doors and only one window, all rooms at Frenchman’s Lookout lead to a wraparound deck with stunning ocean views. Frenchman’s Paradise overlooks West End Marina and also features spectacular Caribbean views. It’s a short distance to Soper’s Hole restaurants and shops, as well as some of the island’s best unspoiled white beaches. TAKE TO THE SEA
From half-day boating
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
excursions and skiff rentals to staffed and provisioned full-day and multi-day charters aboard an array of yachts and power cats, there’s a wide variety of options for exploring the waters around Tortola.
and fresh nutmeg—at the Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke. Charter a half- or full-day sailing excursion to the nearby island to try the original, or mix one up right at your residence.
NIGHTLIFE
For one of the most memorable dining experiences in the islands, visit Brandywine Bay on Tortola, a spectacular Italian venue set amid lush gardens overlooking the sea.
BRANDYWINE BAY
The British Virgin Islands are teeming with beach bars, many of which feature live music on most nights. FEEL NO PAIN
Sip an authentic “painkiller” cocktail—a delicious blend of local rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, coconut cream
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MUST SEE SPOT
The Baths—an iconic, naturally occurring
formation of boulders near Spanish Town on Virgin Gorda—are one of the top attractions in the BVIs. Hike through a series of rock caves leading out to the sea, then swim or snorkel back to the beach. The Bitter End Yacht Club on Virgin Gorda is another great destination and offers a wide variety of water sports and sailing instruction for all skill levels.
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RESIDENCES Explore our Tortola Signature Residences at inspirato.com/ destinations
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE THE SOMERSET ON GRACE BAY
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TURKS & CAICOS
Located in the British West Indies, Turks & Caicos is a group of pristine islands prized by beach and water lovers around the world. These gorgeous, lowkey islands are ideal for a relaxing family vacation or a romantic getaway. With easy daily flights, many members find that they can leave their homes in the morning and have lunch on the beach.
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HIGHLIGHTS ISLAND OASIS
Choose from a variety of residences on Turks & Caicos, each with unique décor. The Somerset on Grace Bay offers first-class service and top-notch amenities, including en-suite spa service; or take a dip in the pool or the reverse-current lap pool, complete with an underwater sound system. At Caya Hico, the ocean breeze blows through this open-air residence with access to the secluded, 1.5mile long Babalua Beach.
BRITISH WEST INDIES
TOP BEACH
WILE AWAY THE DAY
DECADENT DINING
With its turquoise waters and pearl-white sands, Grace Bay Beach is routinely voted one of the best in the world. When you stay at The Somerset, you’re just steps away from this stunning stretch of shoreline.
With non-motorized water sports, a reading library and a regulation croquet lawn, there is constant fun for the young and young at heart.
Take pleasure in the eclectic dining options. Indulge in a private chef for a meal on the terrace that you won’t soon forget.
ACTIVITIES ABOUND
Balance your beach time with snorkeling, water skiing, kayaking, horseback riding, cave exploring, windsurfing, parasailing and more. With so much—or so little—to do, a vacation in Turks & Caicos will soothe and rejuvenate.
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EXCELLENT FISHING
Anglers of every experience level can enjoy bonefishing or deep-sea fishing. Bonefish are small, fast fish that swim around the low waters of Grace Bay. To catch them, you can wade at the water’s edge or cast a line from an offshore boat. Or head into open water and try to land the big one during a deepsea fishing excursion.
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RESIDENCES/STAYS Explore our Turks & Caicos Signature Residences and Signature Stays at inspirato. com/destinations
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE IL BRONZINO 9 BED / 7.5 BATH
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Tuscany was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, but the works of art that have fascinated generations are only part of its allure. You’ll find your eyes following the landscape of rolling green hills, dotted by olive groves and the grapes and trellises of carefully manicured vineyards. You can taste family recipes in the region’s trattorie, and glimpse back to the 11th century in the venerable stone towers of San Gimignano.
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TUSCANY HIGHLIGHTS THE CHIANTI REGION
In 1716, former Grand Duke of Tuscany Cosimo III de’ Medici decreed that four area villages would be the only officially recognized producers of Chianti wine. One of these villages, Greve, is the site of a restored stone farmhouse that is now Il Bronzino. These Inspirato residences can be combined as a ninebedroom villa or enjoyed separately. Il Bronzino is located between Florence and Siena.
THE VILLAS
All of Inspirato’s spacious residences are situated amid impeccably manicured gardens and feature incredible views of the area’s rolling green hills and surrounding vineyards and olive groves. YOUR OWN WINE GUIDE
Your Destination Concierge is happy to arrange for an expert sommelier to help guide you through the region’s outstanding Chianti, Rosso di Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino, Rosso di Montepulciano, Montefalco
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I TA LY Rosso and Super Tuscan wines. Your concierge can also arrange a private chef.
fashion. Instead, walk the pedestrian streets Via di Cittá, Banchi di Sopra and Via Dei Montanini in Siena.
SAN GIMIGNANO
The charming hill town of San Gimignano features stone architecture that dates to the 11th century. Though you can see its 14 towers from miles away, there’s nothing like a stroll on the town’s ancient stone streets to really feel like you’ve stepped back in history.
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RESIDENCES Explore our Tuscany Signature Residences at inspirato.com/destinations
SHOPPING IN SIENA
You don’t have to go to Florence for high
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE BLUE SKY 3 BED / 3.5 BATH
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Boasting hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails, fields of alpine wildflowers, posh residences and an array of world-class amenities just steps from the lifts, Vail Mountain is a magnet for discerning jetsetters. Vail Village is reminiscent of an elegant alpine resort, teeming with upscale boutiques, Michelinstar-rated restaurants and laid-back bars serving up hot toddies and warm company.
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VAIL HIGHLIGHTS CONVENIENCE
Our Eagle’s Nest and Blue Sky private homes offer convenient access to Vail Village, with complimentary parking spots in the heart of the Village. SOLARIS
Seventeen of Inspirato’s Signature Residences in Vail are in the centrally located Solaris complex, just steps from the li s. Ranging from three to six bedrooms, each residence offers views of
COLORADO
the surrounding peaks, access to the indoor pool and hot tub, and priority reservations at Matsuhisa Vail, one of the most popular restaurants in the Vail Valley. WARM WEATHER ACTIVITIES
Saddle up for a trail ride with a local dude ranch, take a half-day Jeep tour through alpine forests, tee off for a game of golf, cast a line into a blue-ribbon trout stream—when the weather warms, the opportunities are nearly endless.
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NIGHTLIFE
Just outside our Solaris residences, Nobu Matsuhisa’s gourmet cuisine, Vail’s only movie theater and a stylish bowling alley are all within steps from each other, not to mention a bounty of excellent bars and restaurants to discover.
skiers and riders of every ability to explore.
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RESIDENCES Explore our Vail Signature Residences at inspirato.com/ destinations
FRESH TRACKS
When the snow piles up, Vail Mountain is known as the largest—and arguably the most popular—ski mountain in the United States, Vail Mountain offers nearly 200 trails for serious
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S I G N AT U R E R E S I D E N C E S & S I G N AT U R E S TAY S
SIGNATURE STAY FAIRMONT WATERFRONT
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A city of glass, water and stone, Vancouver is a dazzling metropolis unlike any other in the world. From the modern glass towers that scratch the sky to the blue expanse of the northern Pacific Ocean to the lush green mountains and snowcovered peaks that climb straight out of the sea, the city’s attractions range from intensely urban to wildly untamed. Getting here is easy. Leaving is something else entirely.
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VANCOUVER HIGHLIGHTS ROOM WITH AN ENDLESS VIEW
Your home away from home in Vancouver, the Fairmont Waterfront has a front row seat to the float planes and water taxis, barges and ferries that move people and products into and out of the city. In the distance, the northern Rockies climb skyward. MODERN AMENITIES
Wireless Internet, flat-screen TVs and indulgent pillow-top mattresses are standard in every spacious, elegant room
BRITISH COLUMBIA
at the Fairmont Waterfront. A Day At The Park Like Central Park in Manhattan, Stanley Park is this city’s outdoor oasis and one of the largest urban parks in North America. Walk or ride a bicycle along the 120 miles of trails that wind along the scenic harbor and into the dense evergreen forests farther inland. TAKE A HIKE
Approximately 30 minutes from the city center, Capilano Canyon is an easy escape and a great way to experience nature, including a salmon hatchery
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offering a close-up peek at salmon migrating up the river that runs 230 feet below the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge. ISLAND HOPPING
You could spend days wandering the fresh-food market and unique artisan shops on Granville Island. Start with a weekend at Edible Canada, followed by a tasting tour of the fresh cheeses, breads, teas and pastries in the market, and before you go pick up a handmade sweeper at the broom shop—don’t worry, it’s just for show.
NIGHTLIFE
Jam-packed with trendy eateries, pubs and cocktail bars, Gastown is the heart of the evening action. Start with appetizers at Salt, on famous Blood Alley, and continue to any of the countless modern bars, where mixologists whip up cocktails even you couldn’t dream of.
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STAYS Explore our Vancouver Signature Stays at inspirato. com/destinations
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SIGNATURE STAY VILLA AQUAMARE 5 BED / 5.5 BATH
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VIRGIN GORDA
Welcome to virgin territory, a place where Laurance Rockefeller dreamed of a “wilderness beach,� where privacy ruled among endless beauty. Once a desolate island, Virgin Gorda was transformed into a must-see destination for discerning travelers when Rockefeller opened his resort at Little Dix Bay in 1964. Since then the sleepy island has kept its peaceful, captivating soul.
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HIGHLIGHTS THE BATHS
The signature natural wonder of the British Virgin Islands, The Baths are an unusual collection of giant boulders along the beach, which form caves and grottoes that house tranquil pools of ocean water, an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling. Go early by car or boat to beat the crowds. SEA LIFE
The tropical waters just offshore from Inspirato’s residence, Villa Aquamare
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
on Mahoe Bay, hosts two spectacular reefs that start 15 feet from the beach and are home to turtles, parrot fish and hundreds of other species. Explore it by kayak or bask in the sun in the secluded cove nearby, Savannah Bay, a spot many local sailors consider one of the most beautiful beaches in the British or U.S. Virgin Islands. DOLPHINS
Dolphin Discovery inside Prospect Reef Port in Tortola brings you up close with the sea’s most magical creature. Pick one
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of the interactive programs and dive in to say hello to your new friends. AYE, CAPTAIN
Charter a sailboat for the day and set a course for your own island-hopping adventure, stopping in remote coves and secluded beaches where it’s just you and the Caribbean. From catamarans to power boats to sailboats, a wide variety of vessels can be yours for a sunset cruise, a day of island hopping, or an overnight in your very own bay. You don’t need a boat
to explore the water, however, jet skis and personal watercra are available for hire out of Leverick Bay Marina, a short 15-minute drive from your residence.
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Explore our Virgin Gorda Signature Stay at inspirato. com/destinations
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE NALU 4 BED / 4 BATH
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You can truly have it your way on Maui. From exploring a lush rain forest and trekking to the top of a towering volcano to catching a wave or just digging your toes into the sand, the island is home to larger-thanlife adventures and singular beauty. The Inspirato residences at Fairmont Kea Lani put it all within easy reach. Featuring a wealth of resort amenities, Fairmont Kea Lani is one of Hawaii’s finest.
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WAILEA HIGHLIGHTS DON’T MISS
Looking for adventure? Hike above the cloud line on Haleakala, Maui’s highest volcanic peak, or grab a surfboard and hit the waves. For more leisurely activities, Maui boasts 14 golf courses, several of which are considered among the world’s best. The unspoiled town of Hana is also well worth a visit. THE RESORT LIFE
activities, a spa and great restaurants—all without leaving the resort. Your generously sized and luxuriously appointed oceanfront villa features a private lanai with plunge pool, deep soaking tubs and walk-in showers as well as access to the Spa Kea Lani, three resort pools, two whirlpools, complimentary transport to Wailea Golf Club and access to the Keiki Lani children’s program. You could leave the resort, but why would you want to?
The Fairmont Kea Lani offers three pools, beach
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MAUI INSIDER’S TIP
Most visitors to Maui opt for the Haleakala sunrise, but the sunset is just as spectacular (and you don’t have to get up early).
at one of five white-sand beaches with swaying palm trees and, in the right season, humpback whalewatching. A MEAL TO REMEMBER
BEST NEARBY BEACH
Polo Beach is just steps from your residence, and its wide, sandy shores are perfect for boogie boarding. There are plenty of umbrellas, too. BEACH STROLL
The 3-mile Wailea Coastal Walk takes about an hour to complete round-trip, but you’ll want to linger longer
There’s only one reason we would recommend a 45-minute drive to dinner: Hali’imaile General Store. It’s well worth the trip.
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RESIDENCES Explore our Maui Signature Residences at inspirato.com/ destinations
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SIGNATURE STAY FAIRMONT DC
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WASHINGTON
From the venerable marble of famous monuments to museums filled with treasures, Washington, D.C., takes the concept of maximalist experience and imbues it with a sense of quiet awe. Visitors flock here for a taste of American history, art history, the history of the world itself. They also feast at some of the best restaurants on the planet and revel at clubs of every description.
HIGHLIGHTS EXPERIENCE
While much of the city rushes about with meetings and agendas, we’ll ensure you’re instead a spectator to its more charming moments: the pink and white of cherry blossoms in spring, a refreshing summer or fall cruise on the Potomac, the subtle majesty of the monuments lit at night and reservations when you need them. MUSEUMS
The National Museum
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DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
of Natural History holds a world of discovery, with ancient artifacts, interactive experiences and incredible re-creations. Permanent exhibitions include the intriguing Hall of Human Origins, the extraordinary Ocean Hall, the fascinating Insects Hall and grand Mammals Hall. At the Crime Museum you’ll see simulations of high-speed police chases, a medieval dungeon, a police station with fingerprints and a lie detector test, a simulated FBI shooting range and a “violent crime scene” where you can
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utilize forensic science techniques. Oh, and you’ll encounter a host of pirates, gangsters, Wild West outlaws and white collar criminals as well. MONUMENTS
On either end of the National Mall’s reflecting pool, you’ll find the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. Beneath a rotunda that reflects the one Jefferson built as the centerpiece of the University of Virginia, our third president is remembered as a 19-foot marble statue surrounded
by his famous writings, including the Declaration of Independence.
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STAYS Explore our Washington, DC Signature Stays at inspirato. com/destinations
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE CHATEAU MONDEAU 5 BED / 6 BATH
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With the nearby peaks and the Garibaldi Provincial Park, there will never be a lack of things to do when touring one of North America’s premier mountain destinations. Inspirato will ensure the finest alpine vacation you can find in British Columbia, providing you with firstclass access to WhistlerBlackcomb’s year-round resort activities and the finest in mountain living.
WHISTLER HIGHLIGHTS CHĂ‚TEAU MONDEAU
An impressive mountain road leads to Château Mondeau, a magnificent stone chalet standing among pine trees and pure serenity. The luxuriously appointed residence is a modern take on a majestic castle, with soaring ceilings and English colonial hardware, all surrounded by amazing valley views and easy access to Whistler’s world-class ski runs and hiking and biking trails. PEAK EXPERIENCE
The twin peaks of Whistler
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BRITISH COLUMBIA
and Blackcomb Mountains house a renowned mountain bike park in the summer. In the winter, they form the largest ski area in North America. Whistler also features a quaint Europeanstyle village, world-class dining and a hot nightlife scene unique to North American ski resorts. HELI HIKING
A er a few days of hitting the pair of mountains in town, it’s time to get a little more daring. Let your Destination Concierge book a helicopter tour through Whistler HeliSkiing and you’ll enjoy guided
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access to 432,000 acres of incredible backcountry terrain and a picnic atop a mountain.
want to walk instead of fly can try the canopy walk.
VALLEY TRAIL
Dusty’s, Whistler’s oldest hotspot, is also its best for an après-activity nosh. Dusty’s has been in business since 1965, and its interior is designed like a classic Western ski lodge. The sunny patio is a local favorite.
DINING
The Whistler Valley Trail connects in several places in the village, and each way forks in different directions, so you can pick multiple routes on this scenic paved path that’s very popular for running, biking and rollerblading. NATURE TOUR
Open summer and winter, Ziptrek Ecotours is a peak-topeak zip line tour over creeks and rainforests. Those who
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RESIDENCE Explore our Whistler Signature Residence at inspirato.com/destinations
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SIGNATURE RESIDENCE VILLA DELLA LUNA 4 BED / 3.5 BATH
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WINE COUNTRY
You needn’t travel all the way to Bordeaux or Tuscany to enjoy a worldclass wine destination. The hills and valleys of Sonoma and Napa, with their countless vineyards and tasting tours, make an ideal stateside getaway. But the fun doesn’t stop when the bottle runs dry; outdoor activities like tennis, canoeing, golf and biking keep the fun going.
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HIGHLIGHTS SIGNATURE RESIDENCE
SONOMA, CALIFORNIA
Mediterranean gardens and meadows, all awash in the fragrances of eucalyptus, lavender and rosemary.
With four bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms, and 3,600 square feet, the Manzanita residence is a sprawling Wine Country estate perched majestically on a hill near the Mayacama Golf Club. The home also features a separate casita. The intimate two-bedroom, two-bath Wheelman House Bohemian is blocks from downtown Healdsburg.
All residences’ gourmet, professional-grade kitchens are big in size and long on beauty. To enhance your Wine Country experience, arrange for a private chef to prepare an unforgettable meal expertly paired with the wines you gather during your daily excursions.
PRIVATE COMPOUND
THE WINERIES
The spectacular Palladian Estate is set on 40 acres of
Visit some preferred vintners, including
THE GOURMET KITCHEN
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Cakebread Cellars, FerrariCarano Winery, Jackson Family Wines, Lancaster Estate, Terra Valentine and many more. We can also help you discover smaller, familyrun wineries that speak to the heart of California’s original winemaking culture. INSIDE TRACK
Our members can enjoy private tastings at Captûre Wines, a Bordeaux-style artisanal winemaker; priority reservations at Charlie Palmer’s Dry Creek Kitchen, even on short notice; and a variety of private winery tours and in-home tastings
arranged by your Destination Concierge. A GOURMAND’S DREAM
The list of amazing wines goes on and on; some of our favorite wineries include Medlock Ames, Matanzas Creek and MichelSchlumberger, but your concierge can direct you to dozens more.
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RESIDENCES Explore our Wine Country Signature Residences at inspirato.com/destinations
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A MOVEABLE FEAST
ITALY: SALONE DEL GUSTO Exclusive to Inspirato members and their guests, this epic journey, by bike and by palate, will take you across the rolling hills of northern Italy and back for the world-famous Salone del Gusto. Don’t miss this opportunity to mingle with friends at one of the greatest culinary events in the world. Join us in October 2014.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE 888.546.5008 | WWW.INSPIRATO.COM/ S A L O N E Inspirato® is a private travel membership club that requires a non-refundable Initiation Fee and Annual Membership Fee. Membership is subject to acceptance of terms and conditions and other reservation and use rules. Availability, benefits, minimum stay requirements and nightly fees may vary by residence, date and membership option selected. See website (www. inspirato.com) for complete details. Inspirato is owned by Inspirato LLC and operated by its subsidiary Best of 52, LLC, 1637 Wazee Street, Denver, CO 80202, info@inspirato.com, 303586-7771. Operator is registered as Florida Seller of Travel Registration No. ST38403; Washington Seller of Travel Registration No. UBI 603086598; California Seller of Travel Registration No. CST 2107465. ©2014 Inspirato LLC. All products and services offered and rendered by Inspirato® (including the operation and management of any vacation residence) are provided solely by Inspirato LLC, Best of 52, LLC, or their respective agents and affiliates, and not by the American Express Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates.
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Antarctica Expedition Eastern Mediterranean Cruise Italy: Salone del Gusto Morocco: Members Journey Scotland: Inspirato at the Ryder Cup 2014 Wyoming: Guided Fly Fishing Adventure
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SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
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ANTARCTICA EXPEDITION
Journey to the Earth’s southernmost continent, where the grandeur of white mountain ranges will leave you speechless. With few visitors each year, the region’s wildlife has no fear. Watch in awe from your Zodiac landing craft as whales breach the icy waters, seals roll through the water nearby and penguins swim and frolic on and around the ice floes. HIGHLIGHTS
THE EXPERIENCE
Limited to Inspirato members, your 10-night Antarctic adventure will deviate from the standard itinerary with a route designed to maximize your time in Antarctica with no stops between the tip of South America and Antarctica. Doing so allows members to get the most of their time with the naturalists, wildlife experts, historians and guides aboard the National Geographic Orion as they travel to Paulet Island, Lindblad Cove, Paradise Bay, Lemaire Channel and Port Lockroy. SPECIAL GUEST
National Geographic photographer Flip Nicklin will be joining the trip to help members capture the unique and awe-inspiring landscape and sea life. As one of the world’s leading whale photographers, his
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shots and audio tracks of humpbacks and killer whales have appeared in numerous National Geographic publications and television specials. In 2012 the North American Nature Photography Association named him Outstanding Nature Photographer of the Year. THE SHIP
Upon arrival at Ushuaia, at the tip of Patagonia, you’ll board the National Geographic Orion, a purpose-built expedition ship with a strengthened hull that’s rated just short of icebreaker classification. The 53-cabin ship can comfortably accommodate 102 guests. A quiver of Zodiac launches ensures that everyone can leave to explore the quieter bays and ice floes near shore. And on those quests, Inspirato members can avail themselves of an arsenal of underwater cameras
and video equipment, a ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle), a hydrophone and other equipment, along with instruction on how to best capture the sights and sounds of this ice-strewn, watery world. Meals are prepared from Sydney’s award-winning chef, Serge Dansereau, and his focus on sustainably caught fish. There’s a fitness center to keep you in shape and LEXspa wellness retreat and an on-board physician, plus a videographer to capture the highlights of your trip. LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS
Inspirato tapped the unparalleled expertise of Lindblad Expeditions to match the level of Signature Service expected by Inspirato members. Started by the “father of eco-tourism,” Lars-Eric Lindblad, more than 50 years ago, the company was the first travel company to
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take guests to Antarctica. Beyond their expertise in navigating the area and documenting its history, Lindblad’s certified photo instructors and undersea specialists help ensure that members leave with few if any desires unmet.
is guaranteed, the region you’ll travel through is rife with leopard seals, crabeater seals, killer whales and sperm whales. And be prepared to see penguins, thousands of them, especially the Gentoo, Adelie and Chinstraps.
WHAT TO EXPECT
TRAVEL TO ANTARCTICA
You’ll hike over snow, ice and rock, terrain where few have ever trod, if at all. Zodiac excursions are the best way to reach the wildlife. Travel in groups of 12 to 14 to reach shorelines teeming with wildlife. Want to go your own way? The ship’s sturdy and safe, two-person kayaks will let you quietly explore this empty corner of the world in silence. Throughout the trip expedition leaders and naturalists will provide a comprehensive and in-depth look at the continent of ice and its inhabitants. While no wildlife viewing
Inspirato members will enjoy a night’s stopover in Buenos Aires at a luxury hotel prior to departing for Ushuaia, Argentina and the ship. In Ushuaia, members can get to know each other over lunch on a catamaran cruise to the Beagle Channel. DATES JANUARY 16 27, 2016 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON INSPIRATO’S EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE, PLEASE GO TO INSPIRATO. COM/DESTINATIONS
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SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
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EASTERN MEDITERR ANEAN CRUISE
After the spectacular success of our first members-only cruise to the best ports of the French, Italian and Spanish Rivieras, we hope you’ll join us again this summer—or for the first time—as we travel along the Turkish coast and on to some of Greece’s most scenic isles aboard the elegant Silver Spirit, recognized by Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure as one of the world’s “Best Small Ship Cruise Lines.” HIGHLIGHTS
THE EXPERIENCE
Thanks to a unique itinerary, Inspirato members can travel to a sequence of worldclass ports, including a rare overnight stay at picturesque Santorini. In addition to the ancient and historic scenery, the seven-night cruise will provide customized shore excursions, membersonly deck parties and Silversea’s all-inclusive, 24/7 service. THE SILVER SPIRIT
Beyond the Silver Spirit’s unmatched service and ocean-view cabins—most with balconies—the cruise liner features an expansive pool deck, fitness center, a full slate of performances in its theater, and for those over 18, a casino. Six dining options mean that members can eat in a different restaurant almost
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every night during the trip. The Restaurant, the Silver Spirit’s formal dining room, sparkles with silver, crystal and candlelight and contemporary cuisine. At La Terrazza, guests can indulge in Italy’s “Slow Food” movement that highlights fresh, sustainable and locally grown ingredients. For oenophiles, Le Champagne offers pairings of fine wines complemented by a set, six-course tasting menu of regionally inspired dishes. Seishin features innovative Asian fusion cuisine; think Kobe beef and spider lobster. At the Art Deco-inspired Stars Supper Club, small plates showcasing regional and seasonal delicacies are the stars. The Pool Grill transforms into The Grill at night, a dining experience where a hot volcanic rock brought to your table serves as your personal kitchen stove.
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ISTANBUL
The ancient port city that bridges Europe and Asia bustles with activity and history including the Hagia Sophia which has transformed from basilica to mosque to museum; the Topkapi Palace, where Ottoman Sultans once ruled for roughly 400 years; and the Blue Mosque, a 15th-century masterpiece adorned with more than 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles.
an ancient Greco-Roman city and now one of the world’s best-preserved ancient sites. Wander the ruins and seek out the famed Library of Celsus, a grand amphitheater built in 135 AD. RHODES, GREECE
The fortified city of Rhodes dates back centuries and is most widely known for the Colossus of Rhodes, a towering statue of the god Helios that was once considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. NAFPLION, GREECE
DIKILI, TURKEY
Walk the cobblestone streets and you’ll feel the charm underfoot that draws visitors to this seaside fishing village and its popular beaches of Bademli and Denizköy.
The Venetian influence is obvious as soon as you arrive in port: the Palamidi fortress, a baroque structure begun in 1686, stands guard over the port. The charming village is ideal for strolling and shopping.
KUŞADASI, TURKEY
The principal draw of the port is nearby Ephesus,
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Isles, the whitewashed, cliff-side settlements of Santorini rise over clear Aegean waters and beaches of white, red and black sands. Climb the heights to enjoy the view or stay near the water and dive in.
SANTORINI, GREECE
PIRAEUS ATHENS
You owe it to yourself to visit the Acropolis, one of the wonders of the ancient world, with ruins and history spanning some 3,000-plus years. Also recommended: a trip to the ancient Agora, which includes the Temple of Hephaestus, considered the region’s bestpreserved ancient temple. DATES JULY 28 AUGUST 4 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON INSPIRATO’S EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE, PLEASE GO TO INSPIRATO. COM/DESTINATIONS
The epitome of the Greek
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SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
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ITALY: SALONE DEL GUSTO
Truffles and tastings. Barolo and Barbaresco. Scenic valleys, sweeping vistas and the paradigm of Slow Food. On this inimitable culinary journey across northern Italy’s Piedmont region, your arrival at the famed Salone del Gusto isn’t the destination; it’s merely part of a weeklong moveable feast. HIGHLIGHTS
THE EXPERIENCE
Limited to Inspirato members only, this cycling and walking journey takes visitors through the region many consider home to the finest food in Italy. You’ll meander across the rolling hills of Torino and its neighboring towns and then back. Each day offers a short ride along quiet country lanes and/or a walk through vineyards and Medieval villages. Why the exercise? To better enjoy the day’s meals at Michelin-Starrated restaurants and wine tastings. It all leads up to two days in Torino at the biannual Salone del Gusto.
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THE ART OF FINE FOOD
Each stop on this gourmet tour offers members a chance to soak in Italy’s approach to food and wine as taught by Michelin-starred chefs and other experts. Dig for truffles, man a station in a traditional kitchen, sample new takes on regional classics. Learn the secrets that go into making various Piemont wines. These adventures and more await you at the end of each ride or walk.
together to celebrate and discuss the principles of the Slow Food movement and its focus on locally sourced foods, traditional preparations and its celebration of the food in its natural state. Demonstrations and workshops will broaden your understanding of the connection between farm and table. Peruse more than 1,000 vendors offering goods such as heritage breeds of lamb, barrel-aged grappa and 3-year-old parmigiano.
SALONE DEL GUSTO
This celebration of food in Torino has grown into an international affair with chefs and purveyors from around the world coming
ITALIAN COUNTRYSIDE
festivals? Your travels will take you past miles of vineyards, through idyllic valleys where rivers and streams sparkle in the sun and to family farms that have been cultivating the culinary soul of Italy for decades (even centuries). Medieval villages with their ancient walls dotting the horizon urge you to come and explore them on foot. Between the food and small, crooked streets, you’ll find yourself unavoidably slowing down to savor your surroundings.
DATES OCTOBER 18 25 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON INSPIRATO’S SALONE DEL GUSTO SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE, PLEASE GO TO INSPIRATO.COM/ DESTINATIONS
Is it any wonder that a landscape so beautiful is also home to one of the world’s premier food
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SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
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MOROCCO: MEMBERS JOURNEY
An eclectic mystery. That’s Morocco with its mix of sweeping desert, towering moutains, lush valleys, wide beaches and ancient cities. Add to that its African geography and centuries of influence from Spain, Portugal and France, and you’re left with one of the most enigmatic and entrancing destinations on earth. HIGHLIGHTS
THE INSPIRATO EXPERIENCE
This adult-oriented adventure combines the best of Morocco’s unique geography and ancient history. Bike or hike your way through the towering Atlas Mountains. Enjoy a Moroccan mint tea ceremony. Learn how to prepare authentic couscous and tagines. Watch the sun cast shadows on the waves of sand dunes on the edge of the Sahara Desert. And dive into the color and culture of Marrakesh. Throughout your journey, Inspirato’s Signature Service will
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handle every detail, as well as the flexibility to explore Morocco at your own pace and curiosity. ATLAS MOUNTAINS
Settle into Kasbah Tamadot, Sir Richard Branson’s personal retreat in the Atlas Mountains where you’ll choose from downhill mountain biking through the stunning Ouirgane Valley and Mount Toubkal National Park or trek into a forest of junipers and oaks on your way to the peak of Asloun and its panoramic views MARRAKESH
The “Red City� has enthralled visitors for centuries and you’re next.
Visit the enchanted square of Jamaa el Fna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest and oldest square on the continent. At night, you’ll enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner in the 300-year-old palace in the heart of the city. By day you’ll tour the ancient city including the Saadian Tombs, the Koutoubia Mosque and the Mederasa Ben Youssef. That a ernoon you can try a cooking class or drummaking class. Before departing Morocco at the end of your visit, you’ll check into the luxurious Hotel La Mamounia, the legendary palace with its sumptuous swimming pool, lush
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gardens and invigorating (or relaxing, if that’s your desire) spa. THE SAHARA
Home to legends and shi ing sands, the Sahara is your home for a night as you helicopter in from Marrakesh. You’ll take tea in your own private desert camp as the sun sets and later enjoy drinks while a clay-oven barbecue is prepared under the stars of the crystal clear desert sky, your home for the night. SKOURA VALLEY
life-giving waters for centuries. Here, you’ll take a camelback ride to a Moroccan tea ceremony, go for a nature hike and later that evening transfer to Sidi Fla for a memorable candlelit dinner surrounded by the towering rock walls of the Gorges of Dades. DATES MARCH 14 22, 2015 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON INSPIRATO’S MOROCCO SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE, PLEASE GO TO INSPIRATO.COM/ DESTINATIONS
The Ouarzazate oasis region is called “the door of the desert� and has drawn locals to its
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SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
SCOTLAND: INSPIR ATO AT THE RYDER CUP 2014
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The 40th Ryder Cup golf match returns to Scotland, the home of golf, for only the second time in its history. Europe looks to retain the trophy they won so spectacularly in 2012. Gleneagles Resort will host 24 of the world’s best players from Team Europe and Team USA in a battle for bragging rights across two continents. HIGHLIGHTS
THE RYDER CUP
For the fist time since 1972, this biennial golf competition between continents is coming home to Gleneagles, home to three championship golf courses. U.S. Team Captain Tom Watson is out to take back the Cup won so thrillingly by Team Europe in 2012. Defending it is Team Europe’s Paul McGinley. Inspirato members will experience the action from The Tweed restaurant, located on the 2nd hole,
INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2014
with a view of Ailsa Craig and the famous Turnberry Lighthouse, it is the home of Ailsa, a four-time Open Championships links course. Round two will tee off at Kintyre Course, with its stunning views of the Mull of Kintyre and Athe Isle of Arran. A er the Cup champion has been decided, you’ll attend the Sunday matches at the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.
putting you right in the heart of the action. Its setup is specifically designed to offer flexible dining options that maximize your time on the course. THE INSPIRATO CUP
We don’t expect you to travel all the way to Scotland, the birthpalce of golf, and not play a round. Inspirato is offering a oncein-a-lifetime experience to play in the 2014 Inspirato Cup held this year at the sumptuous Turnberry Resort. Located on the spectacular Ayrshire coast
world’s original golf resort with over a century of hospitality and tradition. Championship golf on the legendary, ocean-hugging Ailsa links course, awardwinning cuisine and an extensive spa await. DATES SEPTEMBER 25 29 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON INSPIRATO’S SCOTLAND SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE, PLEASE GO TO INSPIRATO. COM/DESTINATIONS
THE TURNBERRY EXPERIENCE
Welcome to Turnberry, a five-start resort and the
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SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
W YOMING: GUIDED FLY FISHING ADVENTURE
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Autumn brings warm days and cool nights to Jackson Hole, Wyoming and that makes for trophy-caliber trout fishing in the local, blue-ribbon rivers. Inspirato welcomes members—and their guests—to an epic fly-fishing safari in pursuit of Cutthroats, browns and rainbows. HIGHLIGHTS
FISH STORY
Each day, private guides under the direction of local legend Mike Rheam will lead 2-4 guests on a different river or stream in the region, many on private stretches of water situated within the stunning beauty of Snake River Ranch, Red Rock Ranch and Darwin Ranch. You’ll also cast in the private waters along Crystal Creek and the Upper Gros Ventre River. All your fishing equipment’s included—you’ll keep your rod and reel as a souvenir of your days on the water.
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Tetons in the background. Swan Valley, Idaho and the South Fork of the Snake beckon the next day. Day three finds you stalking fish on foot and honing your small-water casts on private land on nearby Fish Creek or up in the Gros Ventre Mountains. For something completely different, you’ll helicopter to the upper sections of the Green River where the river courses out of the Wind River Range and is home to large fish. A er four days, you should have your fly-fishing mojo working. It’s time to
THE INSPIRATO WAY
Accommodations are at the sumptuous Four Seasons Resort at Jackson Hole for six nights. The resort will serve as your luxury basecamp, providing daily breakfasts, pack lunches and langorous dinners that will leave plenty of time for tall fishing tales from the day and talks by guest speakers and local fishing legends. BLUE RIBBON WATERS
Try your luck from a dri boat on the wild and scenic Snake River as it courses past the majestic Grand
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try whitewater fishing in the Snake River Canyon, where experienced guides put you on some of the least-fished sections of the river. DATES SEPTEMBER 22 28 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON INSPIRATO’S WYOMING SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE, PLEASE GO TO INSPIRATO. COM/DESTINATIONS
INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2014
G R U M P Y T R AV E L E R
BY IRA BAHR
Have you noticed how every hotel seems to be increasing both the quality and quantity of the pillow-sweets that alight on your bed every night? When I get back to my hotel, I have just had dinner; I’ve also had dessert. And now they feel it necessary to ply me with yet more chocolate and to position it directly under the path of my mouth. I recommend a means of opting out: “Leave this picture of Jillian Michaels on your bed if you need no more sweets.” Ira Bahr travels extensively and has been grumpy his entire adult life.
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jack unruh illustration
SWEET INDULGENCE
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GOLF RETURNS HOME TO SCOTLAND INSPIRATO AT THE RYDER CUP™ 2014 Join us for 4-nights, 36 holes of golf and VIP tickets to the exciting final day of the 2014 Ryder Cup at the magnificent Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire. For golf aficionados, this is nothing less than a pilgrimage to the origins of the game in Scotland, “The Home of Golf.” And Inspirato members will get the best of all worlds with what is shaping up to be the Inspirato Signature Experience of a lifetime for 12 lucky guests. LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE 888.546.5008 | WWW.INSPIRATO.COM/2014CUP Inspirato® is a private travel membership club that requires a non-refundable Initiation Fee and Annual Membership Fee. Membership is subject to acceptance of terms and conditions and other reservation and use rules. Availability, benefits, minimum stay requirements and nightly fees may vary by residence, date and membership option selected. See website (www. inspirato.com) for complete details. Inspirato is owned by Inspirato LLC and operated by its subsidiary Best of 52, LLC, 1637 Wazee Street, Denver, CO 80202, info@inspirato.com, 303586-7771. Operator is registered as Florida Seller of Travel Registration No. ST38403; Washington Seller of Travel Registration No. UBI 603086598; California Seller of Travel Registration No. CST 2107465. All other trademarks cited here are the property of their respective owners. ©2014 Inspirato LLC. All products and services offered and rendered by Inspirato® (including the operation and management of any vacation residence) are provided solely by Inspirato LLC, Best of 52, LLC, or their respective agents and affiliates, and not by the American Express Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates.
Marine Chronometer Manufacture Manufacture chronometer movement with Silicium technology. Self-winding. Water-resistant to 200 m. 18 ct rose gold case. Available also on leather strap or gold bracelet.
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