Inspirato Winter 2014 by Inspirato

WINTER 2014

WHISTLER, RESET YOUR DEFINITION OF MASSIVE PAGE 20

ASCEND PUERTO RICO

THE CARIBBEAN MADE EASY PAGE 84

JACKSON

MEET THE VALLEYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S IMPACT PLAYERS PAGE 72

TUSCANY

ANDREA BOCELLI ON A LIFE WELL-LIVED PAGE 94

DAN TREADWAY AT PEMBERTON, BRITISH COLUMBIA BY ADAM CLARK

TELLURIDE

HELI-SKIING THE ALPS OF COLORADO PAGE 50

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WINTER 2014

CONTENTS

FEATURES

TROPICAL EASE

In less time than it takes you to commute each day, you could be at the beach on Puerto Rico, the most diverse and culturally rich island in the Caribbean. BY AARON GULLEY

72 IMPACT PLAYERS

clockwise from bottom left: courtesy of the andrea bocelli archives; david brennan; mark fisher

Meet eight Jackson, Wyoming locals who started creating, competing, and excelling on a global stage after they moved to town and won’t live anywhere else in the world. BY GORDY MEGROZ

94 VOICE OF GOLD Tuscan singer Andrea Bocelli may be blind, but that hasn’t stopped him from exemplifying life, well-lived at every step of his path to global superstardom. BY SUSAN ENFIELD

INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

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CONTENTS

WINTER 2014

DEPARTMENTS 11 WELCOME LETTER 12 I NSPIRATO NEWS MEMBER ACCESS MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE INSPIRATO FOR BUSINESS

INSPIRATION . 22 FOOD & DRINK Sammy Hagar bottles a bit of Maui in every batch of his new rum.

30 FACES Rising stars to know in music,

clockwise from top left: shutterstock; brett schreckengost; beth knapp; casey kelbaugh; courtesy of château rosine; keri bascetta; francisco estrada

cocktails, snowsports, and fashion.

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34 CULTURE Art Basel/Miami Beach mixes

sun and jaw-dropping art.

42 THE SPORTING LIFE Join the frenzy of the world’s richest fishing tournament in Los Cabos.

50 ADVENTURE Nothing else on the continent compares to heli-skiing Telluride.

61 STYLE & DESIGN Pull on the season’s freshest

cuts for the slopes and in town.

68 MEMBER RECOMMENDED Beth Knapp shares her unforgettable Inspirato African safari.

180 THE GRUMPY TRAVELER Grumpy calls for a no-talking rule on all flights. Please.

THE INSPIRATO PORTFOLIO A COMPREHENSIVE LOOK AT OUR DISTINCT PROPERTIES

AROUND THE GLOBE

page 103

INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

*PROMOTION VALID ONLY ON SELECT THERMADOR MODELS. TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE FREE APPLIANCES OFFERED IN THIS PROMOTION, ALL OTHER APPLIANCES MUST BE PURCHASED AT THEIR REGULAR PRICE, IN ONE ORDER, AND AT THE SAME TIME. PRODUCTS MUST BE PURCHASED AND DELIVERED DURING THE PROMOTION PERIOD OF JANUARY 1, 2013 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 20113. NO SUBSTITUTIONS WILL BE ALLOWED. PLEASE SEE SALES ASSOCIATE FOR COMPLETE DETAILS. Â©2013 BSH HOME APPLIANCES CORPORATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THO202-04-111511-1

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Brent Handler FOUNDER & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Brad Handler

Brian Corbett

Martin Pucher

FOUNDER & CHAIRMAN

FOUNDER & CHIEF EXPERIENCE OFFICER

FOUNDER & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Ira Bahr CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Christine Rafanelli

Brian McCarthy

SENIOR PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER

DIRECTOR OF BRAND MARKETING

PUBLISHER David A. Henry

EDITOR Grant Davis

CREATIVE DIRECTORS Pete Schaer, Gary Serviss ASSOCIATE EDITOR Amanda Tust

COPY EDITOR Teri Vannoy

ART DIRECTOR Mark Lesh

PHOTO EDITOR Keri Bascetta

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Riki Altman, Susan Enfield, Aaron Gulley, Katy Lindenmuth, Kristin Luna, Pete McDonald, Gordy Megroz, Jeff Miller, John Olson, Matt Skenazy, Rob Story, Matt Villano CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Keri Bascetta, Martin Bilsborough, David Brennan, Bruce Campbell, Adam Clark, Liam Doran, Francisco Estrada, Mark Fisher, Casey Kelbaugh, Jordan Manley, Leila Navidi, Katie Orlinsky, Lucas Flores Piran, Brett Schreckengost, Ryan Siphers, Sammy Talb, Jack Ulrich, Tom Zikas

PROJECT MANAGER Chris Rhodes

PRE-PRESS Lauren Pesce

NATIONAL ADVERTISING SALES Hugh Malone RMS MEDIA GROUP, INC. hughm@rmsmg.com 978-623-8020

INSPIRATO with AMERICAN EXPRESS 1637 Wazee • Denver, CO 80202 Inspirato.com • info@inspirato.com • 303.586.7771

INSPIRATO MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH E.B. LANE

Eblane.com • 303-296-4100

Inspirato Magazine is published three times annually, © 2013. 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, minimum stay requirements and nightly fees may vary by residence, date and Membership Program. 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. ©2013 Inspirato LLC

INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

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WELCOME THE AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCE

ess than six months ago I used this space to celebrate our 3,000th member. Today, I’m happy to report that Inspirato with American Express has grown to more than 4,000 members and is now the largest destination club in the world by number of members. But in that time, Inspirato has also evolved into much, much more. In addition to growing our portfolio of aweinspiring vacation homes, over the last six months we’ve also become increasingly committed to providing our members unforgettable experiences outside of our residences. Today, through our Access program, our members are invited to participate in VIP, members-only opportunities at some of the world’s most thrilling events, including the Kentucky Derby, the Masters, New York Fashion Week, and, coming up again this February, the Super Bowl. (You can take an insider’s peek at some of these exciting events on pages 12–13.) Just this past August, 280 Inspirato members, including me and my family, returned from Inspirato’s first members-only cruise aboard the luxurious ship, Silver Wind. We were treated to a custom itinerary, unavailable on traditional cruises, which included only our favorite Mediterranean ports, as well as specific programming chosen by Inspirato. From Portofino to Monte Carlo to Saint-Tropez, we delighted in uniquely designed shore excursions and members-only deck parties created specifically with our members and their particular tastes in mind. (Sail along with us on pages 14–15.) As you flip through the pages in this latest issue of Inspirato magazine, you’ll undoubtedly notice that it too has evolved. The magazine takes a cue from our club’s development by focusing even more squarely on our members and their unique interests. Throughout the issue, we’ve included top picks from Inspirato’s on-site Destination Concierges and Personal Vacation Advisors on not-to-be-missed activities, restaurants, and winter events in their locales. We’ll also introduce you to

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the colorful characters in a variety of cities and vacation destinations represented in our club portfolio. Among the stories found inside these pages, you’ll meet unassuming locals from Jackson, Wyoming whose sphere of influence reaches across the globe; learn how singer Andrea Bocelli captures the essence of his Tuscan heritage with his voice and shares it with sold-out arenas; and pay a visit to rocker Sammy Hagar’s Maui escape to see how his Hawaiian-based rum bottles the heart of the islands. We’ve even tapped Beth Knapp, an Inspirato member, to provide us with the story behind her family’s incredible African safari experience. It’s through these fascinating people, your fellow club members, and our Inspirato destination experts, that you and your family can build an authentic connection to a place, whether you’ve been there every year for a decade or are going for the first time. We hope this issue inspires you to embark on your own adventures and to share your distinctive, personal stories along the way.

SHARE YOUR STORY WITH US This magazine is for our members, and we know that the best information about an Inspirato vacation often comes from you.

Enjoy the journey,

Tell us what you loved about a recent trip or exclusive Access

BRENT HANDLER

event by sending an email to

FOUNDER & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

letters@inspiratomagazine.com.

INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

NEWS THE MASTERS 4.12-15.2013 GOLF PANEL AND BASH

SWING SET: (Clockwise from top left)

Tee off: Inspirato

n addition to watching their favorite golfers tee off at Augusta National Golf Club for the Masters tournament, Inspirato members attended the most exclusive party in town. Hosted by NetJets and Inspirato in nearby Evans, Georgia, the event on April 12 gave members a chance to mingle with the PGA pros. CBS sportscaster Jim Nantz took the stage to interview a panel of golfers, including Ian Poulter, Graeme McDowell, Bo Van Pelt, as well as golf instructor and former pro Butch Harmon. Attendees dined on bigeye tuna sushi, smoky hot dogs with prime rib chili, and braised beef short rib with potatoes mousseline and red wine sauce. After the panel ended, the Kelley James Band played original tunes and guests headed out to the dance floor. Poulter and Van Pelt made surprise guest appearances on the guitar and drums, proving that their talents extend beyond their golf swings.

and NetJets host an exclusive party on April 12 in Evans, Georgia.

Pro Panel: CBS sportscaster Jim Nantz interviews PGA golfers (left to right) Graeme McDowell, Bo Van Pelt, and Butch Harmon on stage. Golf Party: Inspirato members (left to right) Ron Foster, Brian Rogers, and Brian Clark set to enjoy a night of great food and golf stories. The 19th Hole: After a day watching golf, Inspirato

version of the “19th hole.”

Quite a Spread: The party’s bucolic setting allowed attendees (left to right) Isaac Franz, Matt Walker, Nick Selby, and Kent Selby to enjoy the best of a spring evening in Georgia.

Sweet Swing: Tiger Woods tees off from the ninth hole during the Masters.

INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

clockwise from top left: mcginnis leathers photography

drinks at Inspirato’s

(5); mark blinch/reuters/corbis

members enjoy

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NEWS THE K ENTUCKY DERBY 5.2-5.2013 ROSES EVE

DERBY STYLE:

clockwise from bottom left: matt slocum/ap images; josh merideth

(5)

(Clockwise

nspirato members enjoyed exclusive access to Louisville, Kentucky’s quintessential Derby Eve party on May 3. The Barnstable Brown Party, a black-tie gala held the night before the Run for the Roses, benefitted the Barnstable Brown Kentucky Diabetes and Obesity Center at the University of Kentucky. Now in its 24th year, the party draws well-known actors, musicians, and athletes. Co-hosted by twins Patricia (“Tricia”) Barnstable Brown and Priscilla (“Cyb”) Barnstable, known for appearing in Wrigley’s Doublemint gum commercials; their mother, Wilma (“Willie”) Barnstable; and Tricia’s son, Chris Brown, the glam gala was celebrated at Tricia’s home in the Highlands neighborhood. Celebrity guests included Aaron Rodgers, Andre Agassi, Ashton Kutcher, Boyz II Men, Cyndi Lauper, Anthony Davis, Kid Rock, Nick Lachey, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, Kate Upton, and Miranda Lambert.

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from top left)

Southern Rock: Taylor Barton performs at the Barnstable Brown Party, which raised more than $600,000 for the Barnstable Brown Kentucky Diabetes and Obesity Center.

Members Celebrate: Inspirato Access guests Kelsi and John Mellor enjoy the festivities.

It’s All About the Hats: (Left and below) From fascinators to wide-brim picture hats, the Derby is all about what you wear on top.

View of the Finish: Inspirato members watched the races from Millionaires Row and the Turf Club.

Spring Style: Partygoers celebrate the season in vibrant colors.

INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

NEWS MEDITERRANEAN LOVE AFFAIR 7.26–8.2.2013 GRAND VOYAGE

nspirato members set sail from Italy on the Silversea’s ship Silver Wind last July 26th for a weeklong cruise with a custom itinerary that combined the most romantic ports along the Italian, French, and Spanish Rivieras. Picture windows and private verandas offered spectacular views of the Mediterranean coastline, complementary personal butlers kept champagne glasses full, and candlelit gourmet dining offered a perfect end to relaxing, sunfilled days. Aboard the ship, members enjoyed first-class lounges and restaurants, sophisticated concert-style entertainment and on-deck parties, poolside cocktails, spa treatments, and workout facilities. The ports of call on this members-only cruise that launched from Civitavecchia near Rome included stops at Porto Venere in Cinque Terre, Italy; Nice, Saint-Tropez, and Sète in France; Monte Carlo, Monaco; and Barcelona, Spain. Members were able to pick and choose among various types of cultural and activity-based shore exursions to customize their trip.

INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

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NEWS SIGHTS FROM THE SILVERSEA: (Clockwise from top left)

Old World Charm: The harbor at Porto Venere, Italy; the village castle at sunset; the cobblestone streets of Portofino.

Fine Dining (Left) Fresh offerings at Castello Brown, Porto Venere;

(Right) dining al fresco in Vernazza.

Cruising Class: Members James Iacino and Meghan McMahon

(center) and Evan and Laurie Lyall

(bottom right).

Silver Wind Evening in Portofino.

Love Story: Members Matt Ozuna and Casey Jo Reasoner

(bottom left) got engaged on the trip.

Opulent start: The journey began at the St. Regis in Rome.

Scenic Stop: Members Paul and Dori Capodanno enjoy a day in Porto Venere.

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INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

NEWS THE NEW BOARDROOM Move your next company off-site from ho-hum to extraordinary and watch your company’s creativity and productivity blossom.

F THE STAT

82%

OF RESPONDENTS WHO ATTENDED A MEETING AT A PRIVATE VACATION HOME FELT THAT IT WAS AN EFFECTIVE TRIP COMPARED TO

48%

WHO STAYED AT A HOTEL.

INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

or most Inspirato members, membership offers a way to travel with one’s spouse, family, and friends to some of the world’s best destinations and stay in spectacular Signature Residences. This is exactly how Hosting.com CEO Art Zeile has been enjoying his membership since joining Inspirato. But late last year, during a conversation with Inspirato CEO Brent Handler, Zeile realized there might be other uses for Inspirato membership that could benefit his company’s interests, not just his personal vacation needs. A high-growth technology company operating in the competitive cloud computing space, Hosting.com has more than 370 employees nationwide. As part of their company culture, the company often utilizes off-site locations to host departmental summits, bringing together employees from across the country to brainstorm, discuss strategy, and get to know one another. In addition, Hosting.com frequently rewards highly successful employees and uses

incentive travel for this purpose, sending individuals on vacations with their spouse or family. They also have an annual President’s Club program that rewards the company’s top salespeople with a group vacation. Not unlike the travel programs of many companies, Zeile thought Hosting.com’s program was, “fine.” It was, however, unspectacular and increasingly uninteresting, not to mention expensive and a nuisance to execute. “In the past, we really struggled with the complexity of planning a largescale event like the President’s Club trip,” said Zeile. “The first challenge was always selecting a destination that represented the culture of our company. And then there was the challenge of planning airport transportation, activities, and dinner reservations. It was a hassle to handle that internally, and too expensive to hire a travel consultant.” The company’s incentive travel programs were easier to execute, but largely uninspired. “A (travel) gift card is nice,” said Zeile. “But somehow we knew there had to be a way to create something truly exceptional in order to recognize our outstanding employees.”

When Handler revealed his plans to Zeile to launch an Inspirato for Business product that would utilize all of the benefits of Zeile’s personal Inspirato membership and apply them to corporate employee incentive programs, meetings and events and executive benefits, Zeile immediately saw it for what it was: a novel approach to a set of problems his company was experiencing in executing their myriad travel programs. Zeile signed on right away, becoming one of the first companies in the Inspirato for Business portfolio, which launched in April 2013. Inspirato for Business looks to redefine how companies invest in corporate off-sites, employee incentives, and executive benefits. The market is vast, with employee incentives alone accounting for more than $38 billion in annual spending according to Forbes. The industry experienced a downturn during the recession but is back on a steady growth track. And according to a recent survey commissioned by Inspirato, there may certainly be a need for this innovative take on the typical—and often stale—offerings that define the industry’s comfort zone. Last May, Inspirato commissioned The Pulse Group to conduct a survey of more than 600 people who work in sales positions across the United States in order to more accurately gauge the perceived success of off-site meetings as well as the motivational impact of incentive travel programs. Of those respondents who attended a meeting at a private villa or vacation home, such as those offered by Inspirato for Business, 82 percent felt it was a very effective meeting. This was a significant contrast to respondents who recently attended a meeting at a

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NEWS

hotel. Only 48 percent felt the meeting was very effective when held at one. In fact, 75 percent of respondents said that they believed that having off-site meetings and incentive trips with Inspirato would be superior to what their companies presently offer. Hosting.com’s experience confirmed these survey results when they used Inspirato for Business to organize and handle logistics for their April 2013 President’s Club trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, where Inspirato has residences at the Auberge Private Residences at Esperanza—consistently rated as one of the finest resorts in the Americas. “With Inspirato, there is an individualized level of attention that you just do not get elsewhere,” said Zeile. “Inspirato handled everything, from transportation to dinner reservations, from activities to little extras that made everyone feel very, very special.” Hosting.com’s group of 15 made themselves comfortable in two Inspirato residences at the resort, both with approximately 3,300 square feet spread across four bedrooms and en suite bathrooms, plus extensive common living areas, including a state-of-theart gourmet kitchen, expansive living

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room, and outdoor living area filled with sumptuous furnishings and contemporary décor. Sharing residences, instead of partitioning off each winner to their own hotel room, is one of the key differentiators of traveling with Inspirato for Business. “I have to admit, I was a big skeptic of the villa setup,” said Mark Click, Southeast area sales manager for Hosting.com and a four-time President’s Club winner. “I thought it would be awkward, and I had a vision that it would be like staying in a dorm.” However, Click’s attitude changed quickly. “I would do it again in a heartbeat,” he said. “It was a phenomenal experience. Part of that was due to the layout of the villa—everyone had their own space, privacy, and bathroom—and the common areas were beautiful. It provided an ideal opportunity to bond even more and get to know everyone even better. ” Hosting.com’s CMO, Mike Donaldson, was also along for the President’s Club trip and explained that residences rather than hotels is much more akin to their corporate culture. “Since it’s a home environment, people are more willing to open up, to

share, and to be inclusive,” Donaldson said. “All of us—from sales managers to executives—travel a lot, so to us, all hotels are alike, but the Inspirato properties are distinctly different. Inspirato makes these otherwise ordinary business trips genuinely special and in many ways rewarding.” The personal touches throughout the trip really brought this point home, according to Zeile. Prior to the trip, the Inspirato team asked all of the attendees for their favorite beverages and snacks, and no matter how bizarre, these items were awaiting each guest in the residences when they arrived. “Whether it was a bottle of premium scotch or gummy worms, it was there,” Zeile said. “It really made an incredible first impression on everyone.” The rest of the trip was no exception, said Zeile, with a full itinerary organized by Inspirato and executed down to the very last detail. Whether it was margaritas served upon arrival by the Inspirato on-site concierge, a private snorkeling tour via catamaran for the whole group, or individual reservations for each couple based on their personal needs and timing, Inspirato took the planning off the shoulders of Hosting. com and gave each attendee a vacation they won’t soon forget. “Our President’s Club trip to Cabo was an over-the-top experience and for several of the attendees, it was the nicest vacation they’ve ever had. Those who attended will share their stories with other colleagues, and this motivates people to get to President’s Club status. Motivating our employees to be successful—and rewarding that success—is our ultimate goal.” —ALANA WATKINS

DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT With spacious Signature Residences, Inspirato for Business offers a fresh take on corporate off-site meetings and executive perks, as well as an innovative way to incentivize and reward your best performers. Inspirato for Business makes it possible for companies to confidently enjoy the benefits of private villa residences, low nightly rates and extraordinary personalized service on every trip. Inspirato

does all of the legwork and planning, and provides your employees, partners, and customers access to residences and experiences that may not be available through alternate channels. It’s a fresh new way to drive enthusiasm, increase productivity and renew company spirit. For more information on Inspirato for Business, call 888.412. 5118 or go to INSPIRATO.BIZ

INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

YOU CAN TAKE IT WITH YOU

Load Inspirato magazine onto your tablet to peruse it on your next trip or share scenes from your exclusive Inspirato vacation or Access event with family and friends.

WINTER 2014

WHISTLER, RESET YOUR DEFINITION OF MASSIVE

Sharing Made Easy

MIAMI * TELLURIDE * JACK SON * PUERTO RICO * ANDREA BOCELLI

ASCEND PUERTO RICO

THE CARIBBEAN MADE EASY PAGE 84

JACKSON

MEET THE VALLEYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S IMPACT PLAYERS PAGE 72

TUSCANY

ANDREA BOCELLI ON A LIFE WELL-LIVED PAGE 94

TELLURIDE

HELI-SKIING THE ALPS OF COLORADO PAGE 50

WINTER 2014

DAN TREADWAY AT PEMBERTON, BRITISH COLUMBIA BY ADAM CLARK

Knowing that the best vacations involve one-of-a-kind experiences and stories that will be told for years, the Inspirato magazine tablet edition allows you start sharing now. Download the new edition from the iTunes store or Google Play and then use e-mail to share pages that highlight a recently visited Inspirato destination or an exclusive Access event that you attended.

facebook.com/inspirato

pinterest.com/inspirato

@inspirato

STAY CURRENT ON THE LATEST NEWS AND

SEEING IS BELIEVING. CHECK OUT STUN-

DESTINATION, RESIDENCE, AND ACCESS

NING IMAGES OF INSPIRATO RESIDENCES AND

BACK AND EXPERT TIPS ON WHAT TO DO

OFFERS THROUGH OUR FACEBOOK PAGE.

ADVENTURES FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE.

AND SEE DURING YOUR NEXT TRIP.

shutterstock

PAGE 20

Check in regularly with inspirato.com and inspiratomagazine.com for additional content and to learn about new properties.

INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

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WR AITH And the world stood still

Introducing Wraith â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the most dynamic Rolls-Royce in history. Experience the power, style and drama for yourself.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC P.O. Box 1227, Westwood, NJ 07675-1227 Tel: 1-877-877-3735 www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com ÂŠ Copyright Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited 2013. The Rolls-Royce name and logo are registered trademarks.

INSPIRATION

ASCEND TO AN EPIC DEFINITION OF WINTER SPREAD ACROSS 8,000 ACRES AND two mountains, the skiing and snowboarding terrain found at Whistler and neighboring Blackcomb Mountain will reset your idea of a big day on the snow. Start with a lift-accessed vertical drop of almost a mile from the top of Blackcomb Mountain to the bottom. Add the Peak2Peak Gondola that links the two mountains together and makes it the longest and highest gondola in North America. Top it off with a seasonal snowfall that averages 39.1 feet, enough to allow skiers to schuss year-round at higher elevations. But these aren’t the area’s only attractions. Half an hour north, near the town of Pemberton, sits the Matier Glacier where snowmobilers and snowshoers can explore the dramatic, ever-changing world of ice (as seen on this issue’s cover). Taken together, this blessed corner of southwestern Canada, an easy two-hour drive from Vancouver International Airport, fits our bill for offering a winter vacation unlike anything else on Earth. —the editors WHISTLER

*SEE PORTFOLIO PAGE 165 FOR MORE DETAILS

INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

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PHOTO BY ADAM CLARK

INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

FOOD & DRINK | MAUI

ROCK ’N’ RUM

Rocker Sammy Hagar packs the essence of Hawaii in every bottle of his new rum. by matt villano

photography by ryan siphers

MAUI

THE SENSORY OVERLOAD YOU experience in the sugarcane fields of upcountry Maui is about as quintessentially Hawaiian as you can get. From the red dirt road, the seemingly infinite expanse of green leaves undulates across the southwest flank of Mount Haleakala like a green ocean with each tropical breeze. Step out of your idling vehicle, and the woosh of the wind rushing past thousands of stringy fronds envelops your ears, a din that is pleasant in its monotony. Get closer, nip off a piece of stalk, and pop it in your mouth; after a few seconds of mingling with your saliva, the meat—the heart—is so sweet it’s almost tangy, rivaling the juiciest peach you’ve ever had in your life. Believe it or not, this sugarcane field is the studio for Sammy Hagar’s next big hit. Yes, that Sammy Hagar. The redhaired rocker who became famous for shrieking about his inability to drive 55. The guy who stepped in as lead singer to front Van Halen back in 1985. The same party animal who launched his own tequila label—Cabo Wabo—and within 15 years sold it for almost $100 million. These days, Hagar is all about rum. Not just any rum, mind you—white rum.

INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

INSPIRATOMAGAZINE.COM

FOOD & DRINK | MAUI

sammy hagar: stephen holding

SUGAR RUSH (Left) Maui’s sugarcane fields. (Top to bottom) Pouring a signature Mai Tai; rum’s raw material; the Red Rocker himself, Sammy Hagar.

INSPIRATOMAGAZINE.COM

INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

FOOD & DRINK | MAUI

NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT Surfing Maui’s south shore at La Perouse; Maluaka Beach near Makena.

For sipping. Like fine wine. The product, Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum, was launched in November 2011 and has been flying off shelves since early the following year. At $22 per bottle, Sammy’s rum compares favorably with other premium white rums, a position that Steve Kauffman, president of the operation, mostly attributes to the quality of the ingredients and the challenges of running a distillery in Hawaii. But according to Hagar, his rum gives the word spirits a new meaning. “We’ve put together an all-natural product that transports you to Maui every time you

taste it,” he says. “Above all else, that’s what makes this rum unique.”

n many ways, Hagar has worked with spirits for most of his professional life. From the early days as front man for Montrose through the VOA record (the one with “55”) and the Van Halen years, the Red Rocker has made party music—the kind of tracks that go best with a litany of mixed drinks. Even in recent years, when listening to tunes from his current band, Chickenfoot, you want to belly up to a bar

and order another round. “He’s selling a lifestyle,” says Kauffman, who worked with Hagar on Cabo Wabo and now serves as president of Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum. “It’s something a lot of people relate to.” For this reason, Hagar’s move in the early 1990s to purchase a cantina in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, seemed perfectly logical. Later that decade when he launched his own tequila, that made sense as well. Hagar embraced his role as tequila entrepreneur, investing in top-quality materials from the Jalisco region of Mexico and

INSPIRATOMAGAZINE.COM

FOOD & DRINK | MAUI

marketing the product whenever he could. Some might even argue that the marketing went a little overboard: He toured with stages built to resemble cantinas and tattooed the Cabo Wabo logo on his arm.

n 2007, Hagar sold 80 percent of the tequila to Italian spirits company Gruppo Campari for $80 million (a later deal for the remaining 20 percent eventually pushed the total to almost $100 million). But after completing the deal in 2010, he realized that he missed the spirits

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“I tasted the vodka, I loved it, and then I asked him, ‘You’re sitting here, surrounded by sugarcane, so why aren’t you making rum?’” Hagar remembers. Nigbur answered: “You want me to make you some rum?” A partnership was born. The duo got to work immediately, collaborating together for months and producing about 50 different flavor profiles. By the summer of 2011 they found the one they liked, and by the end of the year, Hagar unveiled Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum at his Beach Bar & Grill restaurant in Maui.

business and started looking to dive back in. He was vacationing on Maui at the time—crashing with his wife and kids at their home on the island, when a friend suggested that he try Pau Maui Vodka, which was made in an old pineapple processing facility outside the cowboy town of Makawao on the island. The friend introduced Hagar to the distiller, a Colorado Springs, Colo. native named Mark Nigbur. In addition to looking like long lost twins—both have long, scraggly hair—the two men hit it off instantly.

egend has it that making rum on the islands dates back roughly 200 years to the time of King Kamehameha I, who formally established the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1810. Sugarcane had grown across the South Pacific for centuries; the stalks thrive in the volcanic soils and relentless tropical sun. In the early 1800s, after a sea captain reportedly introduced Kamehameha to the process through which Hawaiians could distill this crop into rum, the monarch was hooked. According to news reports, a historical survey commissioned by two spirits entrepreneurs within the last decade showed that the high chief had stills erected around the islands and supplying a steady production of rum until Kamehameha died in 1819. Since then, at least on Maui, efforts to mass-produce the spirit have been a tough slog. (Seagram’s, for instance, built a distillery at Puunene, between Kahului and Wailea, in the 1960s, but it did not succeed.) Until now, rum production had focused on craft distilleries, and in the last 10 years, a number of small batch producers have come and gone. But Sammy’s Beach Bar

INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

FOOD & DRINK | MAUI

KING CANE (Left to right) Maui has produced sugarcane for centuries; raw sugar to be turned into Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum.

Rum offers something completely different. It has bold flavors, an earthy tone, and maybe even a hint of terroir, a word more commonly associated with wine or Scotch to describe its region of origin. A number of factors create these distinctions. No. 1 on the list: ingredients. Nigbur, who is technically a master distiller, says almost everything that goes into Hagar’s new product comes from Hawaii. The water is filtered rainwater from local freshwater streams. The cane is some of the oldest and most complex sugar anywhere on Earth. “Sugarcane grows on Maui for two years,” Nigbur says. “I’m not sure any other place leaves their cane in the ground that long.”

ed at the bottom, Nigbur’s proprietary vessels are made of stainless steel, and have their heating elements built into the sides of the tanks. Because of this unusual design, heat comes into direct contact with the rum, causing a hint of carmelization, or “crème bruléeification,” as Nigbur calls it, over the course of the distillation process. At this point, Nigbur runs it through a special carbon filter he designed to remove impurities but leave the flavor.

hough Nigbur oversees the day-to-day distillation process in Makawao, Hagar remains intimately involved. When he’s visiting his home in Maui, he heads to the distillery,

hen comes Nigbur’s unique distillation process. Unlike most stills, which are copper and heat-

INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

sampling the rum at various stages, and offering Nigbur tasting notes and other operational suggestions. Nothing escapes Hagar’s touch, including labels and store displays. Kauffman, the company president, says this hands-on approach is how Hagar lives his life. “One thing I’ve learned about Sammy is this: The guy throws himself completely into everything he does,” he says. “It’s true for his music. It was true for the tequila. And it’s true now with the rum.” That Hagar cares about every detail hasn’t escaped the spirits industry’s notice. According to Paul Clarke, a spirits expert and contributing editor at Imbibe, Hagar’s involvement with

INSPIRATOMAGAZINE.COM

FOOD & DRINK | MAUI RUM ARTIST (Left to right) Master distiller Mark Nigbur checks production; Sammy’s rum is exclusively made and bottled in Maui’s upcountry.

Cabo Wabo solidified him as a top brand ambassador—a guy whose name alone usually clinches a sale. “Most of the time, when celebrities put their name on product, it has no bearing whatsoever on quality and, in fact, usually implies a shoddy grab-thecash-and-run sort of deal,” says Clarke, who is based in Seattle. “But [Hagar], with his tequila, totally nailed it the first time, and I think that’s made people trust him and his brands.” Not that the product has needed much of a marketing boost. In less than one year since the bottles hit shelves, Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum has collected a number of top industry accolades, including a gold medal at the 2013 Los Angeles International Spirits Competition in May. Earlier this year, the rum also received a score of 94 (out of 100) from The Tasting Panel; the highest score the publication has ever awarded to white rum. The rum also plays a part in Hagar’s efforts to give back to the Maui community. Through the Hagar Family Foundation he’s given more than $1 million to local charities.

INSPIRATOMAGAZINE.COM

for specifics, however, he demurs. Instead, he prefers to croon about plans for a new tasting room at the facility near Makawao. Currently, when visitors want a closer look at the inner workings of Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum, due to state liquor laws all they can get is a scheduled tour. By the end of this year, however, the company will roll out a public-facing education center that offers a history of the area, a step-by-step look at how the rum is made, and an up-close-andpersonal experience with the cane fields just outside the front door. After receiving approval from local authorities, the new facility also will include a tasting bar where visitors can sample some of the rum first-hand. “It’s hard not to get excited about this stuff on Maui,” says Hagar. “Everywhere you look, the cane is around you. It’s part of the experience. We’re using the best sugarcane in the world. You can taste it every time you make a drink.” _____ Matt Villano is a freelance writer and editor based in Healdsburg, Calif. who loves his Mai Tais with fresh pineapple and guave juice.

ith production on Maui humming along (at last check it was at 1,000 cases per month) and distribution of the flagship product in all 50 states, Hagar and his team already have set their sights on expanding the brand and making the operation more accessible to the general public. First up is a new rum that captures a different essence of Hawaii: macadamia nuts. Nigbur takes the base rum, infuses it with Hawaiian macadamias, and then adds a organic red dye. The result is a rum that works best as a floater on the top of a Mai Tai. That—and the fact that Hagar fans call themselves “Redheads”—is how the product got its name: Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum Red Head Topper. “There are so many flavors on Maui that you really can’t find anywhere else,” says Nigbur. “When you consider how easy it is to infuse rum with some of these flavors, there are literally dozens of things we can do down the road.” Hagar admits there are other new products in the pipeline, including barrel-aged rums akin to reposado and añejo iterations of tequila. When pressed

SAMMY’S RED HEAD MAI TAI Pour ingredients into a mixing glass: 1.5 oz. Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum 0.5 oz. Orange Curacao 0.75 oz. Lychee juice or syrup 1.0 oz. fresh sour mix DIRECTIONS: Shake with ice, strain into lowball glass, garnish with lime or orange wedge, drizzle Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum Red Head Topper into the cocktail and serve.

INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

FOOD & DRINK | MAUI

MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME

 KAHULUI MAKAWAO



M AU I WAILEA



Visitors to Maui can choose from an assortment of ocean-view, luxury residences located in Wailea on the south side of Maui. Accommodations range from private 2,200-square foot, three-bedroom villas on the beach to 3,500-square-foot homes with three bedrooms. Enjoy easy access to golf, the beach, an extensive spa, dining and activities offered at the Fairmont Kea Lani Resort. Or, take in the view from the cliffs of Kapalua on the northwest shore in our three-bedroom lanai.

HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK



P A C I F I C

Maui

O C E A N 5 MILES

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT INSPIRATO’S MAUI RESIDENCES, TURN TO PAGE 133.

SAMMY’S MAUI HIDEAWAYS Sammy Hagar and his wife, Kari, spend parts of every year on Maui and over the years have discovered a few favorite places.



MAMA’S FISH HOUSE “The ambiance and the view at this restaurant [in Paia] are just unbeatable. The place is right on the beach, so after dinner you can walk out and look at the waves. The food isn’t the greatest, but it’s not terrible, either. There’s lots of fresh fish. I’m a big fan of wahoo, so when they have it, I get that. I just get it grilled; I don’t want anything on it. I also like the Beef Polynesian—it’s basically steak served in a papaya. On the islands, you can’t do any better than that.”

HANA “This town is so special, there’s just nothing like it on Earth anymore. It’s rustic. It’s untouched. Everybody talks about the Hana Highway, but the drive around the backside of the island to get there is amazing, too. Do the

INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

loop and you’ll see 1,000 of the greatest views Hawaii has to offer.”

MAKENA LANDING BEACH PARK “Locals love the beaches near Wailea, but most of them go to Big Beach and Little Beach in Makena. We prefer this one, just beyond the Fairmont Kea Lani. There’s a nice shelter for picnics, and it’s family-friendly—hardly ever crowded.”

MAKAWAO RODEO “If you’re a horse person, don’t miss the Makawao Rodeo, which they hold [in Makawao, an upcountry village,] July 4 every year. It has cowboys and horses and all that, but they also have a parade with traditional costumes and all sorts of booths with food like deep-fried Twinkies.” 

Paige Wunderlich’s list Personal Vacation Advisor

EAT: On a day trip to Kahului, grab a bite at the Geste Shrimp Truck. Seriously. DRINKS: For cocktails and a view, grab a seat at Gannon’s in Wailea. SURF: Take lessons on the mellow surf break in Lahaina. Then enjoy a shaved ice at Ululani’s.

Jan. 19-26, 2014 ROYAL LAHAINA CHALLENGER TENNIS TOURNAMENT Top tennis pros from the men’s tour compete. Jan. 26-Mar. 30 2014 WHALE MIGRATION Join a boat trip out to see these leviathans up close or catch sight of them from the beach at Wailea.

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MORRIS’ AWARDWINNING PINEAPPLE & CORIANDER MARTINI

MUDDLE IN A BOSTON GLASS • 5 chunks pineapple • 5 leaves cilantro • 3 grinds of pepper

ADD • 4 dashes Fee Brothers grapefruit bitters 0.75 oz. fresh lime juice • 1 oz. homemade ginger and lime zest syrup • 0.5 oz. Stolichnaya jalapeño vodka • 1.5 oz. Stolichnaya honey vodka • 0.3 oz. Drambuie

SHAKE all ingredients hard and double strain into a chilled martini glass.

ZEST an orange skin over drink and around glass for aroma.

GARNISH with a cilantro leaf floating in drink and 2 grinds of pepper over top.

MIXMASTER

LACHLAN MORRIS AUSTRALIAN COCKTAIL MAESTRO Lachlan Morris pours the best drink in the Caribbean, and he can prove it. This past spring, the bartender’s drink recipes won a Caribbean-wide cocktail masters competition sponsored by Stolichnaya Vodka, beating out liquor artisans from six other islands, including the well-known tropical drink capitals, Jamaica and Barbados. Morris plies his craft at The Royal Palms restaurant and beach bar, on the white sands of Grand Cayman’s epic Seven Mile Beach, a gig he attributes to luck. “People come and don’t leave [the island],” he explains, “so job turnover is very low.” But while working at a cocktail bar in Amsterdam in 2009 after stints in his native Sydney, Vancouver, Scotland, and the Greek isles, he struck up a conversation with a bar manager who was opening the Jet Nightclub on

INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

Cayman’s West Bay Road. Morris pounced, happily trading in the dampness of Europe for the tropical Caribbean climate and eventually landing at The Royal Palms. “It’s a great place to work if you know what you are doing,” Morris says. According to the judges, he certainly does. —KATY LINDENMUTH

martin bilsborough

RAISING THE BAR Morris and the ingredients to his awardwinning martini

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THE CULINARY TRAVELER Actress Shiri Appleby dishes on her favorite restaurants around the world. Los Angeles-based actress Shiri Appleby knows her food: not only has her packed film and TV-shooting schedule kept her traveling to various international food capitals, but she’s engaged to be married to Jon Shook, the chef/owner of Animal, Son of a Gun, and Trois Mec, three of Los Angeles’ most adventuresome and lauded restaurants. Inspirato caught up with Appleby (who’s coming back to television this season on both Chicago Fire and Girls) to get the lowdown on where to eat in Vancouver, Chicago, New York, and London. —JEFF MILLER

INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

VANCOUVER

CHICAGO

NEW YORK

LONDON

The Foundation

Publican Quality Meats

Le Parker Meridien

Barrafina

2301 Main Street “This place features light, vegetarian food, with nachos and amazing specials. There was this one dish I’d eat all the time with warm quinoa, tons of different vegetables, and this beautiful peanut sauce that I look for every time I go to a vegetarian restaurant now. It’s a cool, mellow place with grafitti on the walls and live music. For a vegetarian place, it has a real diner feel, with a young, hip crowd.”

825 W Fulton Market Street “When I started acting in Chicago Fire, I became a really big fan of this place, and all of Paul Kahan’s restaurants. Walk downstairs to the bathroom, and you can see the entire freezer with all their meats. The food is delicious: I’m a big fan of farm-to-table food, and I think they do it really well. I usually order a big salad with big chunks of turkey, but their specialty is a sausage-bratwurst creation that’s out of this world. Thanks to Kahan and others, the Chicago food scene is really going off.”

119 W 56th Street “My favorite hamburger in New York is served at the Le Parker Meridien. You go into a private little room in the back behind a velvet rope and velvet curtain—there’s no sign—and inside is this great little hamburger joint. I like it because they have a thicker patty, super juicy. The whole thing really works together; the fries are cooked but not burnt.”

54 Frith Street “We had a long layover on our way to Italy once, and we made a point of going into the city to eat here. Great tapas, nice wine selection and there are three tables outside that are super-hard to come by, but worth the effort to grab if it’s a nice day. The vibe in there is unpretentious—people will just stand up to eat at the bar rather than wait for a table. It’s that good. They also serve prosciutto, these beautiful shrimps, sliced in half—all made to share, which is how we like to eat.”

clockwise from top: dana patrick; courtesy of barrafina; courtesy of le parker meridien; courtesy of publican quality meats; elizabeth wong

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CULTURE | M I A M I /S O U T H B E AC H

SHOW & TELL

Winter’s most stylish event, Art Basel/Miami Beach, draws the world’s cultural elite to South Beach for sun and the discovery of art’s next big thing.

MIAMI

INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

Whether you’re a first-timer or savvy art aficionado, avid collector, or curious character looking to join some of the world’s more exclusive parties, experiencing Art Basel/ Miami Beach is like nothing else on earth. Running December 5-8, this magnificent art fair displays work from thousands of the world’s top artists. And since its origins 12 years ago, the fair’s popularity has spread across Miami like pigment touched with water to the point that seeing everything is virtually impossible. It’s also impossible to miss the influx of fashion-conscious Europeans, celebrities, and jet-setters who descend upon South Florida and, for one week at least, turn Miami into the art capital of the universe. When Basel/Miami Beach

launched in 2002, it featured works from 160 galleries and welcomed 30,000 visitors who walked through repurposed shipping containers. Today it sprawls through the Miami Beach Convention Center, where approximately 70,000 visitors wander through more than 500,000 square feet of exhibition space, along with public artwork displays outside. During the fair, it’s tough to tell the serious buyers apart from the bystanders sometimes, but that’s half the fun. Historical paintings hang inches away from pieces by emerging artists, sharing a space also occupied by sculptures, drawings, installations, photographs, and films. Promising art students stand shoulder-to-shoulder with

multimillionaires as they all learn what inspired so-and-so to do such-and-such, contemplating that always-debatable question: How much is this piece worth? Whether you come to invest or simply investigate, take advantage of the array of activities and, by all means, play it loose with your schedule. That way you can take advantage of an invitation to an exclusive party or linger over a chance meeting with an artist whose work you fell in love with. Last tip: You’ll be on your feet all day and night, so wear comfortable shoes. _____ Riki Altman covers art and culture as a contributing ditor for Miami magazine.

shutterstock

by riki altman

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CULTURE | M I A M I /S O U T H B E AC H

casey kelbaugh

POP STARS The people watching is as engaging as the art at the Art Basel Vernissage event.

PHOTO BY CASEY KELBAUGH

INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

clockwise from bottom: casey kelbaugh; katie orlinsky; casey kelbaugh, andre baranowski/getty images, katie orlinsky

CULTURE | M I A M I /S O U T H B E AC H

VISUAL FEAST (Clockwise from top) Art.sy party at Soho Beach House; a private opening at The Villa by Barton G; preview day at the convention center; producer Pharrell Williams at apparelmaker Monclerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 60th anniversary party. INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

INSPIRATOMAGAZINE.COM

CULTURE | M I A M I /S O U T H B E AC H MIAMI DESIGN DISTRICT



I-195

  

BISC AYN E

WYNWOOD WALLS I-95

B AY



BASS MUSEUM OF ART CENVENTION CENTER

MI DT OW N M I AMI

836



MIAMI BEAC H



 

PÉREZ ART MUSEUM MIAMI

O.5 MILES

ATLA NTIC OCEA N

(OFF MAP)

BASELICIOUS As Miami’s art scene evolves, so does its culinary landscape. This

good portion of attendees— and fans of contemporary art in particular—head to various pop-up fairs scattered throughout Miami Beach and Midtown. Dozens return each year, but these are the most highly anticipated for 2013.

 SPECTRUM MIAMI This juried contemporary fair promises an international slate of artists, publishers, galleries, and studios, along with music, and entertainment.

 ART MIAMI & CONTEXT Claiming to be the city’s longestrunning contemporary and modern art fair, it showcases art from 100 international art galleries and prominent art institutions.

 DESIGN MIAMI/ Design collectors and enthusiasts embrace the opportunity to interact

GO LOCAL Outside of the sanctioned events, Miami hosts a number of art-based activities that are certainly less crowded: Miami is the proud home of comprehensive and intriguing private and nonprofit

MODERN LOVE with rare jewlery and furniture fabricated by pioneering modernists and limited-edition pieces by cutting-edge contemporary designers.

 MIAMI PROJECT This fair is set to showcase curated works from 65 contemporary and modern art galleries from across the United States and Canada.

 NADA MIAMI BEACH The New Art Dealers Alliance (NADA), which claims to be the only major American art fair run by a nonprofit, represents 25 cities from 14 countries and 22 first-time exhibitors.

Cypress Room in the Design District and Restaurant Michael Schwartz at The Raleigh, two

 SCOPE MIAMI Unlike other art fairs that appear exclusively during Basel, Scope has produced more than 60 art shows around the world in the past decade and continues to pull together works from international emerging contemporary artists.

 SEVEN True to its name, seven pioneering galleries from around the world united to form this personal, intimate venue for visitors to engage with the dealers and, more often than not, the artists themselves.

new eateries from James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schwartz and his talented executive pastry chef, Hedy Goldsmith. The duo shot to fame after opening Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink in the Design District, and it’s still one of the city’s toughest reservations to book. Tongue & Cheek, an ingredient-driven eatery helmed by chef Jamie DeRosa, will undoubtedly be another destination generating raves this season. Diners still line up for the specials at Catch, a seafood establishment imported from New York’s Meatpacking District where the

 PULSE MIAMI

 UNTITLED.

Dedicated solely to contemporary art and its top creators, Pulse melds eclectic artworks with an inspired indoor/outdoor environment. If you have kids, this is the show to see.

Under the artistic direction of New York-based curator Omar Lopez-Chahoud, this sunbathed collection, which premiered last year on the sand, became an instant darling of the fair.

creativity of Top Chef’s Hung Huynh is in full force.

the Rubell Family Collection, CIFO Cisne-

stores ranging from Luxury Living with

The Bass Museum of Art hosts ESL, a

ros Fontanals Art Foundation, and Locust

Fendi Casa to Kartell. Its restaurants and

collection of sculpture, paintings, photos,

Projects.

retail shops are some of the city’s best.

performances, and films by the Polish-born

Take a walk, drive, or bike ride through

Missing Basel, but still want an art fix?

Wynwood Walls, home to one of the

Step into the new Pérez Art Museum

And don’t forget the Museum of Con-

world’s top collections of street art.

Miami (PAMM) and take in Ai Weiwei:

temporary Art, North Miami (MOCA) for

According to What?, its display of Chinese

Tracey Emin: Angel Without You, a brilliant

conceptual art.

lightshow of neon works by the acclaimed

art collections. On the must-see list: the

The Miami Design District is an interior

Margulies Collection at the Warehouse,

designer’s fantasyland, offering myriad

INSPIRATOMAGAZINE.COM

winter the buzz focuses on The

artist Piotr Uklański.

British conceptual artist.

INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

CULTURE | M I A M I /S O U T H B E AC H

BASEL DOS & DON’TS There’s a right way and a wrong way to do Art Basel/Miami Beach according to prominent art collectors and Miami residents, DAN and KATHRYN MIKESELL. Follow their lead to get the most out of your art fair experience.

BUY ADVANCE TICKETS. The long lines to buy tickets at the convention center and various satellite fairs are ridiculous. DRESS TO IMPRESS (OR STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD). Break out that unusual chunky necklace, attention-getting wristwatch, hyper-patterned pair of trousers, and those Day-Glo eyeglass frames. WEAR COMFORTABLE WALKING SHOES AND CARRY LIGHT BAGS. You’ll be on your feet all day and a small bag prevents you from loading up on too many brochures, cards, and other tchotchkes. Instead of collecting cards, use your phone to snap photos of art you find

INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

DON’T interesting and the booth name and business card of the gallery owners that represent it—unless you see signs that read, “No photos allowed.” ASK TO MEET THE ARTIST. You’ll gain a new dimension of appreciation for the art you admire when you hear what inspired its creator. But, be aware that many artists arrive on the first day to see the setup and then depart during the weekend rush. ARRIVE PREPARED WITH THE NAME OF A PROFESSIONAL ART SHIPPING COMPANY. Packing and sending art takes expertise. It’s not wise to rely on your neighborhood shipping service.

ARRIVE LATE. The earlier you are, the better your chance of covering more ground, having more selection to choose from, and getting the information you seek from galleries. FORGET AN UMBRELLA. Florida rains don’t always last very long, but they’re torrential. VOICE ANY CRITICISMS OF THE WORKS OUT LOUD. Beauty, after all, is in the eye of the beholder. Oftentimes the artists are roaming nearby and will hear you. There’s no need to offend anyone. PUT ITEMS ON HOLD UNLESS YOU ARE SERIOUS. Typically, booths will only put works on hold for a maximum of three hours, which leads to

the next point... WAIT TOO LONG TO PURCHASE. Collectors attend Art Basel/Miami Beach with the sole intention of buying art. If they like something, they nab it. HAGGLE. This isn’t the place to expect bargain basement specials, especially from in-demand artists. SPEND MORE THAN A COUPLE HOURS LOOKING AT ART EACH DAY. Expect the sensory overload to cause fatigue. Budget time to enjoy the art, grab a meal, wander to a local hot spot, and then enjoy a party at night. A good night’s rest will ensure that you are revved up for another day of visual stimulation.

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casey kelbaugh

EYE CANDY (Left to right) Artist Tony Shafrazi’s booth; an installation from Mark Handforth’s show at MOCA.

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CULTURE | M I A M I /S O U T H B E AC H

THE ARTIST

MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME

Miami/South Beach

courtesy of spinello projects gallery

Miami’s own TYPOE (yes, that’s his name) explains how Art Basel helped put Miami artists on the world’s map.

SOUTH FLORIDA’S ART SCENE took notice when a young local street artist sold his first major piece on display at the fair to one of the largest art collections in the world. “My first experience with the art fairs was at SCOPE Miami in 2010,” TYPOE recalls. “My gallerist, Anthony Spinello of Spinello Projects, exhibited my installation, entitled Confetti Death, made from found plastic caps of spray paint. It garnered a lot of attention and was acquired by Claudia Cisneros of the Cisneros family.” Since then, TYPOE has participated in Basel annually, creating a site-specific solo project housed in an abandoned school auditorium and a wall sculpture as part of a curated exhibition. We asked him to describe the connection between Art Basel, Miami’s art scene, and his own career. —R.A

What does Art Basel/ Miami Beach mean to you and Miami? It represents opportunity. It helped solidify my role in the art world by exposing my work to collectors, editors, and art enthusiasts on a global scale. It’s home to a global marketplace for artists like myself to use as a platform for international exposure. Describe your first experience visiting the art fair. I recall an incredible experience at a satellite project in the Design District where Jeffrey Deitch created a pop-up gallery and exhibited a large-scale installation with works by the late Dash Snow, Os Gemeos, and Swoon—the first of its kind I had come across in Miami. It rocked my world and opened my mind to the limitless possibilities.

venue you have never been to before and possibly never will step foot in again. It’s a surreal and truly special time to visit Miami.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON INSPIRATO’S RESIDENCES IN MIAMI/ SOUTH BEACH, PLEASE GO TO PAGE 134.

What do you do outside the fair itself? I spend a lot of time attending events at the Sagamore Hotel, Soho Beach House, CIFO (Cisneros Fontanals Art Foundation), Miami Art Museum, MOCA, de la Cruz Collection, Margulies Collection, and the Rubell Collection, to name a few. I enjoy a nice casual breakfast at Buena Vista Deli, and I also love going to my favorite restaurant, Soyka. What will you have on display this year? This year I’ll be having a few parties and a solo show at Spinello Projects. As for the details, well, you’ll have to wait ’til Basel to find out. 

How does the local scene change when Art Basel is in town?

Julie Wittus’ list Destination Concierge for Miami

SPA: The Spa at the Setai features restorative treatments rooted in Asian traditions and methods. SHOPPING: The upscale stores at Bal Harbour Shops attract fashionistas from across the Americas. EAT: Watch the culinary artists at Casa Tua whip up a Northern Italian

Artists and creatives, both in and out of the art fairs, activate the landscape. Oftentimes you’ll visit a

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Luxuriate in an oceanfront room from Inspirato’s hotel partner, The James Royal Palm Hotel on Miami Beach or from the balcony of the two bedroom residence at Sundari in South Beach. For more room, take your pick of waterfront homes ranging from 4,000 square feet to an 11,000-square-foot Mediterranean mansion.

feast from the chef’s table inside the kitchen. February 13-17, 2014 MIAMI INT’L BOAT SHOW: Climb aboard some of the world’s most luxurious yachts. February 20-23, 2014 SOUTH BEACH WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL: The nation’s top chefs and vintners take over the city.

INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

FA C E S | L A S V E G A S

VEGAS’ NEXT ACT

REHAN CHOUDHRY

“People visit Vegas, stay on the Strip, party at the nightclubs, and develop a very one-dimensional idea of what this town is all about,” says Choudhry, CEO and co-founder of Aurelian Marketing Group, which is producing the bash. “We’re hoping to use the festival to broaden that impression.” Choudhry, 33, dreamt up the festival after an eclectic career that included stints in entertainment marketing at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and Harrah’s group in Atlantic City. His goal: To organize the festival in a way that represents a cross-section of talent and personalities unique to Vegas. To do this, Choudhry and his team have recruited national headliners Kings of Leon, Beck, and Vegas-born The Killers, as well as other

local bands such as Moondog Matinee and Rusty Maples. For food, he’s brought in Rick Moonan of RM Seafood in Mandalay Bay and Scott Conant, the chef behind Scarpetta at The Cosmopolitan. The art exhibits and installments will expose thousands to the city’s burgeoning scene. To help Aurelian make the festival a success, Choudhry’s turned to Tony Hsieh, the founder and CEO of the online clothing and footwear store Zappos.com, whose urban redevelopment program, the Downtown Project is working to transform Vegas into something more than Sin City. “We recently had a visitor describe downtown as ‘an entrepreneur’s Disneyland full of passion and energy,’” Hsieh says. “We think the festival [will] bring that energy level even higher.” —M.V.

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BRIGHT LIGHT Rehan Choudhry is behind the hottest festival in Vegas this year.

leila navidi

THERE’S A NEW FESTIVAL in the West, and Rehan Choudhry is leading the charge to make sure it, well, rocks. The two-day party, dubbed Life is Beautiful, will bring roughly 80,000 attendees to 15 blocks of downtown Las Vegas in late October for a mash up of music, food, art, and big ideas.

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Comfort in a class above. Luxury has a new name. We call it the Legacy 650. With intercontinental range and three distinct cabin zones, you can work, rest, and then work again. Put comfort and style high on your next meeting's agenda. Find out more about the ultimate in luxury at EmbraerExecutiveJets.com Latin America +55 12 3927 3399, U.S., Canada and Caribbean +1 888 848 6809, Europe +44 1252 379 270, Middle East and Africa +9714 4280682, China +86 10 6598 9988, Asia Pacific +65 6734 4321

THE SPORTING LIFE | LOS C ABOS

THE BIGGEST FISH INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

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THE SPORTING LIFE | LOS C ABOS

AND THEY’RE OFF The shotgun start to Bisbee’s Black & Blue Tournament see millions of dollars in sportfishing yachts sprint from the harbor at Cabo San Lucas.

STORY EVER TOLD Welcome to the Bisbee’s Black & Blue Tournament in Los Cabos, Mexico, the richest fishing tournament in the world. by pete mcdonald

PHOTO BY FRANCISCO ESTRADA

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THE SPORTING LIFE | LOS C ABOS

1982

2006

2012

6 boats vie for a

$3,902,998

$2,396,800

$10,000 purse.

won by Bad Company

won by Frantic Pace.

—a record payout.

LOS CABOS

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well as up to 18 other countries come to Cabo San Lucas at the bottom of Baja California to try for the seven-figure jackpot. In 2006, the prize money totaled $4,165,960, the largest payout in fishing tournament history. Last year, the top boat hauled in nearly $2.4 million—all for catching a single fish—which is why for many tournament anglers, Bisbee’s is the ultimate competition. “The major appeal of the Bisbee’s Black & Blue is that it is the worldwide, main event of marlin fishing,” says Colin Sarfeh of Pelagic Gear, which sponsored last year’s winning team. “Location, consistent fishing results, and an event that seems to grow larger by the year make Bisbee’s the place to be in October. And don’t forget the money. It’s no coincidence that Sports

Illustrated hailed this tournament as ‘The Super Bowl of Fishing’.” BEER MUSCLES AND BAR BETS The Bisbee family still runs the Black & Blue, which started back in 1981 thanks to Bob Bisbee, now 80 and the family patriarch. He owned a fuel dock and tackle store in Newport Beach, California, and originally set up the tournament to promote his business to the West Coast fishing circuit; many boats from the Newport area and the California coast made their way south to Cabo in the wintertime. But that’s not the whole story. “In all honesty it was beer muscles flexing at the local bar,” says Wayne Bisbee, Bob’s son who now serves as the event’s director. “They were sitting around saying, ‘I can fish better than

from left: francisco estrada; sammy talbert

blue marlin roaming the Pacific Ocean can attain a body weight measuring over a half-ton. That girth is packed into a sleek, hydrodynamic body that can reach lengths of 16 feet. When swimming after prey, it can accelerate to nearly 70 mph. A black marlin, of similar proportion, can reach speeds close to 80 mph. When all that momentum zeroes in on a baited lure trolled behind a boat, the result could equate to the catch of a lifetime. And if you happen to hook into a black or blue off Los Cabos, Mexico, during the Bisbee’s Black & Blue Tournament, that fish could be worth millions of dollars. Bisbee’s Black & Blue, which this year runs October 22-26, is advertised as the richest sportfishing tournament in the world. Anglers from all 50 states as

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THE SPORTING LIFE | LOS C ABOS

THE BIG ONE THAT DIDN’T GET AWAY (From left) The Bisbee’s armada rounds Punta Ballena; Done Deal hooks a black marlin.

you,’ and the next thing you know there’s serious money involved.” The first tournament consisted of six boats fishing for a total of $10,000 in prize money. Over the years the purse has added a few more zeroes to the bottom line and the number of fishing teams has swelled considerably. Last year, 106 boats with 740 anglers showed up in up in Cabo to hook a winner . Historically, the Black & Blue was once known as more of a party tournament than a serious fishing event thanks to the density of bars and nightclubs just off the marina in downtown Cabo San Lucas. “Teams used to stumble out of the bars and untie their boat just in time for the shotgun start,” says Bisbee. But as the tournament evolved into a big-money venture with the potential

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for million-dollar payouts, most of the fishing teams today focus on the actual fishing. “In the last eight to 10 years the prize money has gotten so insane that they take it more seriously,” he says. Then he adds with a grin, “On tournament days at least.” MARLIN ALLEY Cabo San Lucas sits at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, a long sliver of land separated from the mainland by the Gulf of California (also known as the Sea of Cortez). The Gulf is home to one of the richest marine ecosystems in the entire world, harboring humpback, killer, and gray whales, as well as giant whale sharks, manta rays, and many species of sea turtles. At the tip of the Baja Peninsula, water

from the Gulf mixes with the Pacific Ocean, creating an abundant convergence of marine life. Strong Pacific currents swirl around the tip of the peninsula, trapping large concentrations of nutrients and baitfish in one giant eddy composed of several large reefs as well as underwater canyons and mountains. All of these things combine to create the perfect feeding grounds for large pelagic predators such as blue, black, and striped marlin. The once sleepy commercial fishing town of Cabo was “discovered” as a sportfishing destination in the 1950s, and the big-game fishing for billfish became so legendary that the area earned the nickname “Marlin Alley.” The largest blue marlin ever caught at the tournament weighed 993 pounds; the largest black marlin weighed 645 pounds. For years, the only practical way to get down to Cabo was by boat, giving the prospect of fishing there an air of affluence since you had to have a vessel that could handle big seas on the multiday trip south (see “Power Players,” page 47). You still do, if you plan on bringing your own boat, but Cabo has a thriving charter fleet that takes advantage of this amazing fishery. And during the Black & Blue, a good crew is what you need for a shot at the prize money. THE JACKPOT On tournament days, more than 100 boats mill about offshore, just outside of the harbor. The crews go over last-minute bait and equipment checks and make sure everything is secure. The captain scans his electronic charts and GPS with a plan in place to sprint to where he thinks his team will have the best chance to hook a marlin. The anglers, the ones responsible for handling the rods and fighting the fish, stand on deck with butterflies in their stomachs and a nervous edge akin to a football player before a championship game.

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THE SPORTING LIFE | LOS C ABOS

GO FISH To charter a vessel and enter Bisbee’s Black & Blue go to the bulletin board at www.bisbees.com

The lure of a big payday draws some of the best fishing crews from all over the world. (As one participant joked, “Just try getting a fishing charter in Kona [Hawaii] during the Black & Blue. They’re all in Baja.”) Some teams show up weeks before to do some pre-tournament scouting, and they all put down hefty entry fees for the chance at the big reward. The Black & Blue runs over three days and differs from many billfish tournaments because the competition is comprised of a series of daily jackpots. There are six jackpot divisions, ranging from $500 to $10,000. A team fishing a jackpot must pay for that level over all three days. For example, entering the $500 daily jackpot costs a boat $1,500; the $1,000 jackpot requires $3,000 and so on. There are also top tournament prizes, as well as a separate jackpot division for other gamefish such as dorado and tuna. A boat can enter one or all of the daily jackpots—the bill for entering the whole enchilada runs $71,500. The team that weighs in the heaviest fish each day wins whichever jackpot it entered. If no one catches a qualifying fish—a marlin must weigh at least 300 pounds to count—the jackpot money rolls over to the next day. When this happens, the pots for a single fish can soar.

FEEDING FRENZY At 8 a.m. on October 23 all that prize money will be on the line, as the Black & Blue officially begins with a shotgun start—all boats have to remain behind an invisible starting line in the harbor and open their throttles as soon as the official start is broadcast over the radio. From there the captains point the bows of their boats to famous fishing areas like Iman Bank or Gorda Bank, or their own secretly scouted spots, in hopes of landing a worthy fish. By 5 p.m., all the boats without a catch will be feverishly trolling for a bite and hoping they have time to race back to the harbor by 9 p.m. where they weigh their fish at the Island Global Yachting Marina, the nerve center for the entire event. As many as 5,000 people will show up to watch the weigh-ins, adding to the tourney’s arena-sized atmosphere. This year, Wayne Bisbee estimates that the Black & Blue could have 130 boats and more than $3 million in total prize money, an enticing lure to hundreds of anglers, all hoping to land a marlin big enough to take it all.  _____ Pete McDonald is the deputy editor of Boating Magazine and the author of The Blitz: Fly Fishing the Atlantic Migration. A Florida native, he currently lives outside of New York City, where he mostly fishes for striped bass.

EAT: Try the fresh fish and Chocolata clams at Mariscos El Toro Guero. It’s where the locals go.

Paco Flores’ list Destination Concierge for Los Cabos

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enjoy the view of popular Medano Beach.

DRINKS: Order a tamarindo or hibiscus margarita from the bar at Hacienda Cocina y Cantina and

EXPLORE: Take the wheel of an off-road vehicle from Cactus RAZOR Tours and head into the hills or along the beach.

MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME

Los Cabos Inspirato members can choose from 21 different residences when visiting Los Cabos during the Black & Blue Tournament. Homes range from 3,000-square-foot beachfront condos with three bedrooms to a 6,000-square-foot residence with six bedrooms. As guests of Auberge Private Residences at Esperanza, members have access to world-class dining, a full menu of spa treatments, and relaxing pools.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON INSPIRATO’S RESIDENCES IN LOS CABOS, PLEASE GO TO PAGE 130.

Sept. 29-Oct 2, 2013 INSPIRATO MEMBER GOLF TOURNAMENT Tackle Mexico’s top golf courses, Diamante and Querencia, with PGA champion Jordan Spieth and former British Open champ David Duval.

Jan.-Feb., 2014 WHALE WATCHING The first two months of the year offer the best chance to get up close to humpback whales as they pass Los Cabos on their way to the Sea of Cortez to give birth.

from top: shutterstock; dave ferrell

This is what happened last year when one team on the boat Frantic Pace caught a 465-pound blue marlin on the second day of the tournament. That fish turned out to be the only marlin landed during the entire three days of fishing. Since Frantic Pace had entered into all of the daily jackpot levels, they swept the entire prize board, winning a grand total of $2,396,800. A huge number, yes, but well short of the record payout of $3,902,998 won by a boat named Bad Company in 2006.

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THE SPORTING LIFE | LOS C ABOS

POWER PLAYERS MOST BOATS THAT LAUNCH FROM CABO ON TOURNAMENT DAYS ARE RUGGED ENOUGH TO RUN HUNDREDS OF MILES INTO THE OCEAN YET HAVE AN INTERIOR BIG ENOUGH TO SLEEP A CREW FOR OVERNIGHT JOURNEYS. WE HIGHLIGHTED THE NEWEST ITERATIONS OF THE MOST POPULAR TYPES OF TOURNAMENT BOATS. –P.M.

HATTERAS GT 63 This 63-footer tops out at 47 mph, a testament to the sleek Hatteras hull and build, as well as the optional twin diesel engines pumping out a total of 3,800-hp. The vessel is outfitted with four staterooms and three bathrooms. An innovative island galley commands attention and the dinette can host a dinner party for six. PRICES START AT $2.967 MILLION

CABO 44 HTX

BLACKFIN 34 TE

Cabos are a top choice of many teams entering the Black & Blue. And no wonder, Cabo Yachts has a reputation among West Coast anglers for their sweet ride and fishable cockpits, complete with a tackle station, baitwell, fishboxes, and a dedicated space for a fighting chair. Inside, the 44 HTX is beautifully appointed with two staterooms, a plush salon, and galley.

Blackfin boats have a cult following in the sportfishing circuit because of their quality build and rough-water handling, exemplified by the 34 TE (Tournament Edition). Built specifically to excel in tournament fishing, it has room on the transom for three 300-hp outboards that can push the boat to 60 mph. It won’t be the biggest boat in Cabo, but it may be the fastest.

PRICES START AT $1.026 MILLION

PRICES START AT $228,500

VIKING 70C

BERTRAM 54

The staff at this family-owned New Jersey company works with its clients to build customized tournament gems such as the 70C with its optional four or five luxury staterooms below decks. But Viking’s patented steering system is what attracts skippers: It’s incredibly nimble for a 70-footer. Backing down on a championship-caliber billfish should be no problem.

In 1961, Richard Bertram raced the famous Bertram 31, the boat that spawned all other modern fishing boats. Today the yachts are built by Bertram Yacht, which is owned by the Italian Ferretti Group, and the Euro-touch shows: three luxurious staterooms, a full galley and salon offer a plush refuge, while outside, hardcore anglers can set up in 160 square feet of fish-fighting space.

PRICES START AT $4.1 MILLION

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PRICE AVAIL. UPON REQUEST

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THE SPORTING LIFE | ANGUILLA

WHAT A WRECK Anguilla’s sunken ships are to dive for

stingray materializes from the sandy sea bottom like a phoenix rising from whitehot ashes, flapping its wings as it prepares for underwater flight. Behemoth lobsters, more than 2 feet in length, clack their claws aggressively at divers before scuttling back to their hideouts. And that’s just a taste of what lies beneath the surface just offshore Anguilla’s Atlantic side. Thanks to six freighters ranging from 110- to 250feet long sunk just off the coast to create artificial reefs, the Caribbean isle is a veritable scuba theme park. Most sites are a short 15-minute boat ride from shore and depths start in as little as 30 feet of water, but mostly average 60-80 feet, which makes them accessible to beginners and seasoned divers alike. At the Oosterdiep, 3-foot-long sea turtles settle lazily on the bow and a spotted moray eel often snakes its way around the periphery.

Schools of mercury-hued jacks, neon-yellow French angels, steel-eyed barracuda, and yellowtail snappers swim nearby. On calm current days, divers can float through the remains of the MV Commerce, a rich backdrop for underwater photography—and home to 10-pound lobsters. At 250 feet from bow to stern, the Sarah wreck is the largest of all the submerged ships. The Meppel (also called the “Hilda”) may have the best story. It served as a ship-to-shore transport during World War II, vanished in a hurricane in 1995, and was only rediscovered three years ago. Native Douglas Carty of Special ‘D’ Diving and Charters guides tours of these sunken paradises from his dock in Sandy Ground. —kristin luna

ANGUILLA

SEE LIFE (Right) Latest resident of the MV Commerce

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THE SPORTING LIFE | ANGUILLA

MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME

Anguilla Inspirato visitors to Anguilla can choose from 16 residences located on Crocus Bay or the West End. Oceanfront accommodations on Crocus Bay at the new CéBlue Villas and Beach Resort feature 8,000 square feet of luxury with five bedrooms. On the West End, Inspirato’s private villas range from 2,500 square feet with one bedroom to a spacious ocean-view, 13,500-square-foot estate with room for 16 guests.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON INSPIRATO’S RESIDENCES IN ANGUILLA, PLEASE GO TO PAGE 108.

PHOTOGRAPH BY BRUCE CAMPBELL

INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

ADVENTURE | TELLURIDE

HIGH SPEED QUAD

Telluride, Colorado’s combination of mountain-town charm and helicopter-accessed ski terrain is as good as winter gets. by rob story

TELLURIDE

YOU’RE GOING HELICOPTER SKIING TODAY. While dining on breakfast in your sprawling mountain lodge or spacious suite in Telluride’s mountain village, you hear the telltale whup-whupwhup of a copter’s rotor blades throbbing through the mountain air. Seconds later the graceful Bell 407 alights right outside the mountain village, a short drive or walk from your breakfast table. Telluride Helitrax, founded in 1982, was the only heli-ski operation in the state till 2008, and remains one of the only spots in the continental U.S. where a helicopter picks up guests right outside the town’s luxury resorts and homes. Savor it. This doesn’t happen in Vail or Aspen.

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When you climb into that Bell 407, prepare to kiss your sense of detachment good-bye. The second your Plexiglas bubble lifts off the deck, you’ll love heli-skiing. And you’ll love it even more once the turns begin. Telluride Helitrax not only accesses fresh, untracked mountainsides; it reaches some of the highest ski terrain on the continent, 10,000 to 13,500 feet above sea level. Its permit area encompasses more than 200 square miles of high alpine basins, cirques, and summits surrounding Telluride to the north, south and east. Almost all the terrain is above tree line, allowing effortless, wideopen turns down unobstructed slopes.

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ADVENTURE | TELLURIDE

from left: brett schreckengost; liam doran; brett schreckengost

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COLORADO’S ALPINE WONDER (Clockwise from left) With Telluride Helitrax, Yankee Boy Basin is all yours to ski; finishing touches on the main course at Allred’s; dowtown Telluride; the landmark bar at the New Sheridan.

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ADVENTURE | TELLURIDE

INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

ridgeline with thousands of untracked powder below you, the real fun begins. Leading the way is a high-altitude, all-star roster of guides. There’s Joe Shults, who’s spent 30 years in the Telluride area working as a professional ski patroller, snow safety director, and heli-ski guide. There’s Matt Steen, who recently worked as an avalanche forecaster for the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. And let’s not forget Angela Hawse, one of only eight women in America to attain the prestigious certification from the International Federation of Mountain Guides Association.

Rounding out the crew is Brian “Speed” Miller, who co-founded Helitrax back in ’82 and is renowned as the area’s consummate avalanche forecaster. As Hawse says, “Most heli-ski guides are the best in the industry because it’s such a sought after job.” At the landing zone, you step out onto what feels like the top of the world, the guide grabs your skis and waves off the helicopter. Once it’s gone, the peak becomes startlingly quiet and pristine. You click into your bindings, then shoot down virgin fluff to the lower landing zone where the copter will

from left: liam doran; brett schreckengost

Because contemporary powder skis turn intermediates into experts and experts into skiing gods, you don’t need elite skills to enjoy Helitrax. You simply need to be, as the company puts it, “an advanced intermediate or above, with a sense of adventure and in reasonable physical condition.” While the slopes are ungroomed, they fall at moderate angles, resembling a double blue or single black run at Telluride Ski Resort. So relax, take a deep breath, and enjoy the San Juan Mountains, Colorado’s closest resemblance to the Swiss Alps, including views of iconic Wilson Peak, which might seem familiar: It’s the perfect pyramid one sees on the label of Coors beer. The view from the copter is fantastic, but once you touch down on a remote

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FEAST FOR THE SENSES (Left to right) Your table awaits at Allred’s at the top of the gondola; working out the kinks at Breathe; exclusive chopper-accessed terrain at Hope Lake Basin.

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ADVENTURE | TELLURIDE

meet your group. The guide will normally go first, asking you to stay either left or right of his track, yet the snow you ski will be fresh, unmarred by other human beings. You’ll make as many turns as you like, but feel free to fly straight down. The sensation of high speed without friction is mind-altering, bucket-list stuff. When you reach the bottom, you’ll be grinning madly and fired up to do it all over again. Helitrax normally provides skiers with six runs a day, which usually translates into 10,000 to 14,000 vertical feet of descent. In contrast to the massive heli-

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little couloirs known as the Waterfall Chutes. Or, better yet, Sheep Chute. Lacing its way between imposing walls of rock, Sheep Chute pinches down to a width of 30 feet before opening to a more manageable, less claustrophobic 70 feet. The entire chute falls steeply (40 degrees) for 1,500 exhilarating vertical feet. Ski that, and no one will doubt your abilities anywhere. Such options argue favorably for heli-skiing the Lower 48. Sure, British Columbia is where the sport was invented, and its mammoth operations are ever impressive. But their heli-ski

copters of British Columbia operations, Helitrax’s Bell 407 limits the experience to a small, agile group of four close friends or family plus the guide. Translation: no waiting for strangers. You’ll spend the non-skiing time shooting photos, eating snacks and lunch (included), and raving about the turns and scenery. Expert skiers can choose to take it up a notch. If enough talented people can form a suitable group, Helitrax will fly them to test pieces such as Upper Waterfall, a wide-open, undulating roller coaster of a run that funnels into five

lodges are incredibly isolated, with no charming Victorian town like Telluride to see or visit. They may serve incredible food, and offer downtime yoga, but you always know the nightlife highlight will be more cribbage games with the boys. Alaska can be even more trying. The finest Alaskan skiing happens out of Valdez, a dreary sea-level oil town. Because Valdez receives maritime weather (as opposed to Telluride’s continental systems), gray clouds can cancel flying for days, even weeks, at a time. As such, there’s a name for the misery that envelops a soul when dreams of the perfect ski trip wither away under day after day of low ceilings: Valdisease. But at Telluride, there is no chance of Valdisease; your flight home ends right at the mountain village, where you can walk back to your room (or drive back to your house), freshen up, and then meet your family for dinner, maybe pointing out the window at the remote high alpine mountains that you skied today, carving lines no one else at the table—or the restaurant for that matter—could. _____ Rob Story is a frequent contributor to Outside, Skiing, and Powder magazines. He lives and skis in Telluride, Colo.

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STICKS MAN (Clockwise from left) Every pair of Wagners is made to order; owner Pete Wagner checks each ski; putting the “hand” in hand-crafted. INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

brett schreckengost

POWDER TOOLS

to the factory floor. Whereas some custom builders merely switch between a selection of molds, Wagner forms “a complex 3-D jigsaw puzzle of your proposed ski, built from scratch.” Wagner grew up in Dayton, Ohio, skiing a 300-foot-vertical molehill 10 minutes from his house. He left the Midwest to study mechanical engineering at the University of California, San Diego, which led to a job designing high-performance golf shafts for Carbite Golf and Penley Golf, mastering carbon-fiber models for PGA pros such as John Daly. He spent his winters in Telluride though, seven of them, working on new golf club designs at night and skiing by day. Then one day it dawned on him that skis involve variables golf clubs don’t have to worry about: differences in terrain, environment, and skiing styles are much more complex. It was an engineering challenge ignited by his passion for the slopes. Accordingly, Wagner quit

ust a few miles down valley from Telluride in Placerville sits a formerly abandoned service station that’s now home to Wagner Custom Skis. Inside is owner Pete Wagner, a boyish 38-year-old with a messy Beatles haircut. Describing the differences between stock and custom boards, Wagner says, “All the big companies make nice skis these days. Our advantage is focusing on fit. As most experts know, a custom-fit boot performs better. Same goes for custom-fit skis. The big companies can’t tailor products to each individual skier. We can.” Making a custom ski is a complicated process. Wagner has customers fill out and e-mail back an eight-page questionnaire. The detailed questions (What are your top three terrain preferences? What do you like or dislike about your current skis?) determine your “skier DNA.” Computers in an upstairs aerie digest your DNA and create a ski recipe just for you. Then they transmit it down

golf, tweaked his software to conceive gear for mountains instead of country clubs, and started making skis. “We didn’t—and still don’t—need to reinvent the wheel, here” Wagner says, “just focus on fit and design improvements.” His company does this by building each ski by hand, with workers carefully assembling sandwiches built with premium hardwood cores: maple and ash. Structural layers blend fiberglass and Kevlar. The result is a pair of skis that start at $1,750, a price that buys “the highest quality materials we can find,” Wagner says, “like extra thick base material and oversized edges. Those make the skis less prone to damage from rocks.” In a good snow year, Wagner sells only about a thousand pairs. “It’s labor intensive,” Wagner says. “Lots of craftsmanship goes into it. Lots of love, too.” Because Wagner uses no molds, it’s impossible to recommend a Wagner “model” for heli-skiing. But the company makes as many powder skis as hardsnow skis, and will happily build a fat ski to match the terrain accessed by Helitrax choppers and produce a 100-percent Telluride skiing experience. —R.S.

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ADVENTURE | TELLURIDE

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Kentucky Derby

ARTFULLY CURATED Inspirato Access invites you to world-renowned events, including: the Kentucky Derby, New York Fashion Week, Super Bowl, The Masters, Sundance Film Festival, US Open and much more. www.inspirato.com/access

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, 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. ©2013 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 | TELLURIDE

MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME

Telluride

RE-CHARGING STATIONS After a day on the slopes, it’s time to slow down, relax, and indulge.

SPAS

Manhattan or Cosmopolitan

century-old brick building

CELEBRATIONS

THE PEAKS RESORT AND SPA

before setting off for tables

to ensure they can order the

NEW SHERIDAN BAR

Towering over the ski area’s

serving a mélange of seafood,

duck breast with reduction

Located inside the New

mountain village, the 8-story-

game, and poultry. Don’t

sauce and black truffle-

Sheridan Hotel, the bar was

tall Peaks Resort houses a

miss the sausage sampler

crusted scallops before

opened in 1895, making it

sumptuous and sprawling

with house-made spicy pork,

they’re gone.

Telluride’s oldest watering

retreat, complete with an

chicken cranberry, duck

oxygen bar, 32 treatment

mushroom, elk garlic, and

HONGA’S LOTUS PETAL

19th-century elegance, with

rooms, avocado/citrus scrubs,

beef with cheddar cheese.

The toughest reservation in

mahogany paneling, a hand-

town is a table at this bistro

carved bar, lead-glass divider

hole, and it still shows off its

workout facility, and a 2-story

COSMOPOLITAN

specializing in organic Thai and

panels, and a giant, vintage

waterslide. And, yes, the

Diners can guess at

Japanese cuisine where Tokyo-

painting of a Reubenesque

helipad is just outside the

Cosmopolitan’s attention

trained sushi chefs slice and

nude. The bar area is the place

door, so you can go straight

to detail and flavor just by

dice a variety of sashimi-grade

to be seen; the back room is

from skiing to a massage.

looking at the menu: grilled

fish. Try the caterpillar roll:

for more intimate gatherings.

pork porterhouse with vanilla

avocado, eel, and flying-fish

BREATHE

sweet potatoes, bacon-

roe. Hot dishes include red

TEMPTER HOUSE

For a more intimate, but

braised Swiss chard, and

and green curries with shrimp

For a party on top of the

no less luxurious spa

apple cider gastrique. Cosmo,

or tofu. Beware the little bit

world, you can’t beat the

experience—and one that

as the locals call it, only seats

of Cuba here: Honga’s tasty

Tempter House perched

can anchor a day spent in the

70 at the restaurant, and a

mojitos are legendary—it’s

on a 12,200-foot high knoll

historic heart of Telluride—

few more at its cherrywood

impossible to drink just one.

overlooking a sickeningly

book an appointment at

bar, so make sure to reserve a

Breathe for a Brazilian

seat in advance.

Propolis Facial, created

steep cliff that drops more ALLRED’S

than 2,500 feet. To reach

Fine dining at 10,551 feet? Yes,

the highest residence on the

specifically to thwart the cold

LA MARMOTTE

that’s Allred’s, located at the

continent, guests can travel

and dry winter air.

La Marmotte’s chef/owner,

top of the town gondola. Take

by snowmobile or skis from

Mark Reggiannini, a former

in some of the most dramatic

the groomed slopes of the

sous chef for Jean-Georges

mountain views in the country

ski resort. The house’s five

221 SOUTH OAK

Vongerichten, employs a

from its window-side tables

levels can accommodate up

Known locally as “221,” this

simple and very French

while dining on Colorado

to 30 for a private party that

unassuming bistro near the

cooking philosophy to go

rack of lamb with watercress

can spread across its billiards

gondola plaza is symbolized

with his three-course prix-fixe

smashed potatoes and fennel

room, full kitchen, and living

by its overstuffed couches

menu. Local gourmands

puree or the roasted chicken

room anchored by a massive

that envelop diners sipping a

arrive early at La Marmotte’s

with brocollini.

stone fireplace. —R.S. 

DINING

INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT INSPIRATO WITH AMERICAN EXPRESS’S TELLURIDE RESIDENCES, TURN TO PAGE 153.

Kacey Rose’s list Destination Concierge for Telluride

QUICK TIP: The end of February usual brings the best snow—and skiing—of the season. DRINKS: The locals head to Tracks in the mountain village and The Last Dollar in town. EXPLORE: Late October and November, before the lifts open, is prime snowshoeing season.

Oct. 11-13, 2013 TELLURIDE HORROR SHOW This scary film festival showcases the best of the genre from around the world. Feb. 13-16, 2014 TELLURIDE COMEDY FESTIVAL The country’s funniest comedians take the stage at the historic Sheridan Opera House.

brett schreckengost

every imaginable kind of

In Telluride, Inspirato’s collection of Signature Residences and luxury hotel options can suit any member’s vacation plans. Invite 16 of your closest friends or family members to Wilson Ridge, your own ski-in/ski-out 7,600-square-foot mountain lodge nestled among the trees with epic valley views. Or, check into a spacious suite at the Hotel Madeline, a short walk to the gondola (or helipad) in Telluride’s scenic and pedestrian-friendly mountain village.

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Lady J Yacht

CHARTER your next vacation

The ulTimaTe privaTe yachT experience Step aboard this 142-foot luxury yacht to begin an unforgettable journey through some of the best cruising waters in the world. Lady J offers five elegant staterooms, a deck-top Jacuzzi and a service staff to treat you like royalty. www.inspirato.com/destinations/yacht-charter

FA C E S | L A K E TA H O E

PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N

CHRIS GUNNARSON SNOWBOARDING AND FREESTYLE SKIING are packed with celebrities—high-flying athletes who perform other feats of derring-do during annual X-Games events (and, this winter, the Olympics), but they couldn’t do what they do without Chris “Gunny” Gunnarson. As founder and CEO of Reno-Lake Tahoe-based Snow Park Technologies (SPT), Gunnarson creates the courses for the sports’ biggest events. He builds jumps. He designs terrain parks. In short, he provides the canvases on which the world’s best athletes can paint. Tahoe area-based rider who has been boarding on SPT parks for eight years, says he appreciates the company’s attention to detail—especially when it comes to safety. “I’ve ridden a bunch of stuff that’s been suspect,” he says. “These guys make sure not to let riders on anything unless they completely trust it. It’s nice to know they have your back.” Looking forward, Gunnarson says SPT plans to work with resorts around the country to build new terrain parks with baby half-pipes and other features designed to help introduce novices to snowboarding in a comfortable and unintimidating environment. “Everything in snowboarding doesn’t have to be about gnarly jumps and hang time,” says Gunnarson. “We believe there’s a way to get people into the sport gradually and get them excited for life.” —M.V.

INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

ACTION SPORTS ENABLER Terrain-park builder Chris Gunnarson at work in Lake Tahoe, Calif.

tom zikas

The San Diego native’s first job was on the ski patrol at Southern California’s Snow Summit in 1992, which morphed into a position as the director of snowboarding. Before he left to start SPT, he built the terrain park for Snow Summit and created the camera-friendly halfpipe and park for the first Winter X Games held at the resort in 1997. Since then Gunnarson’s designed parks for dozens of resorts all over the world, including five different resorts in the Tahoe area. His 22-foot-high half-pipe at Northstar California is one of the largest pipes open to the general snowboarding public today, while the milelong terrain park at Alpine Meadows has more than 40 jumps, rails, and features overall. Among pro boarders, Gunnarson and his crew are a welcome sight at any event. Chas Guldemond, a

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STYLE & DESIGN | GADGET

WINTER’S SCREEN GEM Ski optics for the tech set.

ash up the concept behind Google Glass with a nearshatterproof ski goggle and the result is OAKLEY’s new AIRWAVE 1.5 ($650). Packed with a GPS, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a computer chip, the Airwave transmits data to a quarter-sized display tucked into the goggles’ lower right corner. That way skiers or boarders can track—in real time—speed, vertical

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feet descended, and, if they happen to hit the terrain park, jump analytics including the distance, height, and airtime of each aerial. Bluetooth connectivity allows downhillers to pair it with an iPhone or Android smartphone to view incoming calls and text messages, or manage a playlist of music, all from a wristband-mounted remote. What won’t the Airwave do? Warn you about the tree dead ahead. At least not yet. —matt skenazy

INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

STYLE & DESIGN

WOMEN’S

M O U N TA I N

THE FALL LINE

All-day style for the slopes and après style by john olson photography by keri bascetta

BOGNER SPLIT DECISION This two-in-one ski jacket switches from bold stripes on one side to soft polka dots with quarter-length striped knit sleeves on the other. Puffy down insulation keeps you toasty no matter what color you sport. $1,499, AVAILABLE AT BOGNER NEW YORK CITY

KJUS INSULATED MITTENS With soft sheepskin on the inside, surrounded by down insulation, and then wrapped in a durable shell, these Kjus mitts will keep your digits cozy. $159, AVAILABLE AT FINE SKI SHOPS

CHURCH AND STATE OPTICS TUXEDO II GOGGLES Designed in Vail, made in Italy, the Tuxedo II uses Swarovksi crystal elements in the headband to add sparkle to your outfit. $270, CHURCHANDSTATEOPTICS.COM

L.L.BEAN POWERDRY BASE LAYER A base layer keeps you warm and dry no matter how hard you ski. L.L.Bean’s looks like a classic knit top, not long underwear. $35, LLBEAN.COM

INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

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STYLE & DESIGN

MEN’S

M O U N TA I N

HELLY HANSEN GRUMANT FLOW PARKA This three-quarter-length, waterproof-breathable down parka is a high-performance champ built for black-diamond ski runs or Arctic treks. $500, HELLYHANSEN.COM

BERN BAKER SKI HELMET Keep your noggin warm and protected from the day’s bumps and unexpected cartwheels. $99, BERNUNLIMITED.COM

RLX RALPH LAUREN ORANGE ZIP BASE LAYER A sophisticated fabric and sports-minded cut allows this base layer to slide into sweaters and jackets with ease. $125, RALPHLAUREN. COM, SELECT STORES

L.L.BEAN MOUNTAIN GUIDE GORE-TEX MITTENS Built to tackle winter’s worst, these mitts use waterproofbreathable Gore-Tex to keep hands dry and comfortable. $79, LLBEAN.COM

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INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

STYLE & DESIGN

WOMEN’S

APRÈS

FJÄLLRÄVEN LUHKKA DOWN PONCHO Inspired by the traditional cape worn by the Sami people from northern Sweden, the goosedown-filled Luhkka fits over most anything. $500, FJALLRAVEN.US

PENDLETON CROSSBODY BAG The 100-percent wool bag naturally repels light rain and snow. $198, PENDLETON-USA.COM

PALLADIUM PAMPA THERMAL BOOT Waterproof leather and a 3M Thinsulate lining ensures that these boots keep toes toasty down to -4° F. $180, PALLADIUMBOOTS.COM

BANANA REPUBLIC LEATHER BOW GLOVES Add pop to your sedate parkas and sweaters by donning a pair of these bright red gloves. $80, BANANAREPUBLIC.COM

INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

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STYLE & DESIGN

MEN’S

APRÈS

TOMMY HILFIGER QUILTED JACKET A jack of all trades, this light, versatile, and cozy jacket fits under a raincoat or overcoat. $229, AVAILABLE AT TOMMY HILFIGER STORES

BANANA REPUBLIC SKI FLANNEL GLOVE When adventure strikes (i.e, the chance for a moonlit snowshoe), be prepared with these hand warmers. $40, BANANAREPUBLIC. COM

BANANA REPUBLIC MARINE RIB SCARF Keep your neck protected with a wool scarf and add a sartorial “Hello!” to winter’s basic blacks and navy blues. $60, BANANAREPUBLIC.COM

L.L.BEAN KATAHDIN IRON WORK ENGINEER Beyond tough, these oiled leather boots won’t break down after decades of wear—they’ll develop character lines instead. $210, LLBEAN.COM

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INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

FA C E S | N E W YO R K C I T Y

RENAISSANCE MAN Meet the fresh new face of New York fashion, Timo Weiland.

TASTEMAKER

NEW YORK CITY, to both insiders and outsiders, is a dazzling, dizzying blur of Wall Street, high fashion, and VIP nightlife. But it’s not usually one person—let alone someone who just turned 30—conquering all three. Enter Timo Weiland, half of the duo behind his namesake brand. The Nebraska-born designer took the roundabout way to his co-founder/creative director status: He majored in economics, Spanish literature, and business management at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, and then moved to the New York to work in investment banking. After a few years, that got old. Then he did a complete aboutface: diving headfirst into fashion alongside friend and business partner Alan Eckstein. In 2009

the duo launched with a neckwear collection called Timo, and its success paved the way for their men’s and women’s ready-to-wear lines

INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

the following year. The debut Timo Weiland collections consisted of chic cool-girl knitwear, while the latest women’s collection has been toughened up with camo prints, fur trim, leather skirts, and riding hats (think an extremely ladylike biker). Sold at Barneys, Saks, and other luxury retailers, Weiland’s designs have been spotted on Hollywood’s stylish younger set: Elle Fanning, AnnaSophia Robb, Leven Rambin, Elijah Wood, and Penn Badgley, among others.

Also on Weiland’s list of accomplishments: an eight-piece capsule collection of women’s footwear for Tsubo’s spring 2013 season, collaborations with everyone from Albertus Swanepoel to Esquivel to Topman. And as if that weren’t exhausting enough, Weiland and Eckstein moonlight as deejays, billed as Timo+Alan, at downtown hot spots like Soho Grand Salon and The Jane hotel. For Weiland, the hits keep on coming. —K.L.

lucas flores piran

TIMO WEILAND

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M E M B E R R E C O M M E N D E D | K E N YA

INTO THE WILD Member BETH KNAPP goes off the grid, embarking on a week-long safari adventure.

INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

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M E M B E R R E C O M M E N D E D | K E N YA

from left: o. alamany

& e. vicens/corbis; beth knapp (2)

KENYA SIGHTINGS (Left to right) Sunset in Kenyaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Masai Mara Game Reserve; the Knapp family from Laguna Beach, Calif., spotted this elephant on their way to Ol Donyo Lodge; Vervet monkeys hang out along the path to Bateleur Camp.

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KENYA

INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

M E M B E R R E C O M M E N D E D | K E N YA

GAME DRIVES (Clockwise from left) The Maasai Mara Game Reserve; Tommy, Beth, Samantha, JP, and Jim Knapp take a hot air balloon ride over the Maasai Mara; the plush Mara Plains Camp is a tented camp inside the Olare Orok Conservancy; the Knapps get a close up with a mother and baby elephant.

INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

The next day we flew to the Chyulu Hills area and landed in the middle of the bush. Our driver and guide, Seki, a tall man with a big grin and calm and gentle presence, met us in a Land Rover with elevated seats and drove us through the flat, dusty plain to Ol Donyo Lodge. On the drive we saw zebras, elephants, and giraffes. At the hotel, you could see the watering hole used by the area’s elephants. Our rooms had a view of Mt. Kilimanjaro, private swimming pools, and a rooftop bed for sleeping under the stars. Two of the nights Seki took us out for “sundowners,” where he drove us out into the savannah and pulled out pewter cups for cocktails and a table for hors d’oeuvres. A surprising perk of the trip was

hen we flew into Nairobi last December, a host greeted my family and ushered us into two Jeeps stocked with cold beers and safari-style wide-brimmed hats. My husband and I booked the African safari as our first Inspirato trip, bringing along his parents and our three children. Our route to the hotel cut straight through Nairobi National Park. As soon we entered the park, my kids poked their heads out of the top of Jeep to snap photos of a lioness a mere 2 feet from our vehicle. We were still close enough to Nairobi to see the backdrop of the city, yet we were suddenly immersed in a jungle setting with a rhino and a pride of lions in the distance. It was completely wild and surreal.

having everyone unplugged from cell phones and iPads. My son Wilson, 22, made friends with the staff and went out to play volleyball in a rigged-up court out back. We read books by the pool and played cards as a family at night. There were horse stables right off the property, so we spent a day on horseback, viewing giraffes in the distance. My husband and I went mountain biking and saw a Maasai man dressed in red warrior-looking garb herding cattle across the plain. Young children ran alongside the cows and stopped to wave to us. We toured a Maasai village with mud huts. Women and children sold wares and my children bartered for knives and spears, which they somehow

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from left: beth knapp

(4); blaine barrington III/corbis beth knapp (2)

M E M B E R R E C O M M E N D E D | K E N YA

managed to get through customs on the way home. On our fifth day of the trip, also Christmas morning, we boarded a charter flight to the Bateleur Camp. Our pilot flew low over the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, giving us a spectacular aerial view of hippos, elephants, and giraffes. It was one of the most exciting parts of the trip and something I will never forget. Just off the airstrip, our hosts set up a table with cookies, juice, and champagne. It was such a special greeting. Bateleur Camp was mostly wood and had an open-air living room and bar. Our fixed tents had thatched roofs and stone showers. I felt like I was on a movie set. Monkeys hung out in the trees and warthogs wandered across the

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tal, a beautiful experience. After arriving in Kenya, we learned about hot air balloon rides and decided to add it to our itinerary. Toward the end of our trip, we floated over the spectacular landscape at sunrise. Besides the noise of the balloon inflating, it was completely quiet and peaceful. I highly recommend it. I have my mother-in-law, Sally Knapp, to thank for giving us the idea for the trip. She’d previously attempted to organize a family safari about a decade ago and it never panned out. Now that she’s in her mid-70s, my husband and I really wanted to make it happen for her. We’re so glad we did. She loved it. It was the trip of a lifetime. 

lawn. Each day we headed out on game drives, traveling along bumpy dirt paths over rolling green hills. We witnessed a lion trying to chase down a zebra (the zebra got away), other zebras lingering near a river with more than 50 visible crocs, and two cheetahs eating the remains of a recent kill. We saw hundreds of elephants and got so close to giraffes that we could have touched them. Each day after the tours, we returned to the tents for a delicious family-style meal. I was a little concerned at first since my son and I are vegetarians, but our hosts were extremely accommodating and always made sure to offer us a meat-free option. For our Christmas dinner the tables were covered in rose petals and lined with candles and crys-

GREAT COMPANY (Clockswise from left) Zebra appeared almost everywhere the Knapps visited; the pool and lunch spot at Ol Donyo Lodge; Tommy, Wilson, and JP Knapp with the staff at Ol Donyo Lodge.

— AS TOLD TO AMANDA TUST

INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

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The town of Jackson, Wyoming is home to an ambitious type of person who impacts the world in ways both big and small, and to a person, they owe their identity and success to this corner of the Cowboy State. MEET 8 OF THEM.

IMPACT PLAYERS PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK FISHER WORDS BY GORDY MEGROZ

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INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

IMPACT PLAYERS | JACKSON

THE SKIER

KIT DESLAURIERS

HEN IT COMES TO SKIING firsts, DesLauriers is quite simply the best. In 2006, the two-time freeskiing champion was the first person to ski off the Seven Summits, the highest mountains on each continent, as well as dozens of other first descents around the world, including runs down the Polish Glacier on Aconcagua in South America and Mount Isto, the tallest peak in Alaska’s Brooks Range. In 2011, her big mountain exploits earned her a spot in the Intermountain Ski Hall of Fame. And in between these high-altitude accomplishments she’s mom to two daughters, a lifestyle that she attributes entirely to Jackson. “Nowhere else in the Lower 48 can you challenge yourself like you can here and expose your children to the best of the outdoors at the same time.”

LOCAL ESCAPE: “ICE SKATING OVER JENNY LAKE OR SKATE SKIING TRAIL CREEK.”

INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

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MOUNTAIN

THE PHOTOGRAPHER

JIMMY CHIN

OUNTAIN CLIMBERS WHO NEED A shooter to document their jaw-dropping ascents inevitably call Chin. The 40-yearold climber and skier originally turned to photography to pay for his global adventures that include skiing off Mount Everest, climbing the sheer wall of Pakistan’s imposing Tahir Tower, and scrambling up Yosemite’s El Capitan 15 times. As his skills improved so did his ability to capture the extreme. His breathtaking images have graced the covers of Outside, Men’s Journal, and National Geographic magazines. In 2010, he expanded to video and produced the award-winning documentary, Samsara, about his failed attempt to climb the 20,700foot Meru Peak in India.

LOCAL ESCAPE: “I LOVE HIKING UP AND SKIING DOWN TAYLOR MOUNTAIN. IT’S A 3,000-VERTICAL-FOOT DESCENT IN A BIG BOWL THAT GETS LOADED WITH POWDER.”

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INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

IMPACT PLAYERS | JACKSON

THE SNOWBOARDER

TRAVIS RICE

ICE CEMENTED HIS REPUTATION AS THE most daring snowboarder in history thanks to a 2011 Red Bull commercial where he dropped into a steep chute, flew off a jump, and executed a triple backflip while covering half a football field in the air. “That’s what I do,” says Rice, 31. “I find geographical oddities and figure out how to ride them.” Since Rice started riding in 1995, he’s always taunted gravity. By 2002 he was an X Games gold medalist and in 2008, he co-produced and starred in the snowboarding film That’s It, That’s All, regarded by critics of the genre as the greatest action sports movie of all time.

LOCAL ESCAPE: “THERE ARE AMAZING HOT SPRINGS JUST OUTSIDE JACKSON HOLE. I WON’T SAY WHERE BUT SPEND TIME SEARCHING ON THE COMPUTER AND YOU’LL FIND THEM.”

INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

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MOUNTAIN

THE DESIGNER

STEPHAN SULLIVAN

F YOU’VE BOUGHT A SOFT-SHELL JACKET IN THE LAST 15 YEARS, thank Sullivan. As founder of the activewear brand Cloudveil, he introduced the world to comfort and mountain-tough performance. After leaving Cloudveil, Sullivan, 48, launched Stio in 2012, which marries outdoor-sports fabrics with mountain-town style (see his shirt, here). The results are clothes with go-anywhere versatility such as weatherproof men’s blazers that stretch and a woman’s cocktail-party skirt that doubles as a running skirt. “It’s clothing you can wear climbing or skiing but also looks good at dinner that night,” he says. Reshaping people’s ideas of what their clothes can do is no easy task, which is why Sullivan retains tight control on where Stio clothes are sold: only through the company store in Jackson’s Town Square, the website, or the catalog. “We want to make sure people know that this emanates from the Jackson Hole lifestyle.”

LOCAL ESCAPE: “THE WILSON ICE RINK IS A GEM. THEY LIGHT IT THREE NIGHTS A WEEK.”

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INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

IMPACT PLAYERS | JACKSON MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME

Jackson Hole Vacationers who want to tap into the energy that drives the locals profiled here can check into either or both of the three-bedroom residences tucked into wooded lots near Teton Village at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. The Elk Meadow house sleeps up to eight comfortably; the Big Horn house easily accommodates six guests. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON INSPIRATO’S RESIDENCES IN JACKSON HOLE, PLEASE GO TO PAGE 124.

Garter Theatre for some of the valley’s most creative signature cocktails.

Meredith Landino’s list Destination Concierge for Jackson Hole

EAT: For dinner with a view, nothing beats the Couloir Restaurant at the top of the ski resort reached via gondola. DRINKS: The roaring fire in the lobby of the Four Seasons, a short walk from Inspirato’s residences, is the perfect excuse for a nightcap bookended by leisurely moonlit strolls. // Heading into town? Then stop into The Rose located inside the Pink

NIGHTLIFE: Since opening in 2010, the restored Pink Garter Theatre has become Jackson’s favorite spot for live music and a go-to stop for touring acts. TIP: For the ultimate in convenience, reserve a locker and overnight ski and snowboard storage at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort for all your equipment. SIDE TRIP: Head deep into the backcountry via snowmobile for a hot lunch served at a historic trapper’s cabin.

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TOWN

THE CURATOR

CARRIE GERACI

N 2010, WHEN GERACI BECAME THE TOWN’S ART Coordinator, she “felt like it was our responsibility to share with the 3.5 million visitors to Jackson Hole each year, our deep appreciation for the natural world.” Since then the 45-year-old has curated projects such as “Sky Play,” a flock of steel ravens on a concrete wall along Highway 89, and “Strands,” a stained-glass installation at the Home Ranch Welcome Center that depicts the DNA fingerprints of bison and grizzly bear, indigenous animals to the area. “My goal,” she says, “is that the art not only tells a story about the area’s past, but also about today and the future so that we have responsible stewards protecting one of the last great natural ecosystems.”

LOCAL ESCAPE: “HIKING TO THE TOP OF GLORY BOWL AND SKIING DOWN. THEN GOING INTO TOWN FOR MARGARITAS AT PICAS OR A GLASS OF WINE AT BIN 22.”

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IMPACT PLAYERS | JACKSON

THE WRITER

ALEXANDRA FULLER

ULLER MOVED TO JACKSON FROM CENTRAL Africa in her mid-20s always knowing she wanted to be a writer. To make that dream a reality, she would roll out of bed at 4 a.m., before work as a river guide or waitress, or waking up her children, and write about the things she knew: growing up during civil war in Central Africa, learning to load an Uzi machine gun as a child, and losing three siblings. Those experiences turned into 2001’s Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight, a New York Times Notable Book for 2002. Three more books followed including The Legend of Colton H. Bryant, about the hardscrabble life of a boy growing up in Wyoming’s oil fields. The 44-year-old continues to write almost every day.

LOCAL ESCAPE: “I LOVE CROSSCOUNTRY SKIING UP AND DOWN CACHE CREEK. YOU CAN HEAR THE SNOW SETTLE, IT’S SO QUIET.”

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TOWN

THE ARCHITECT

STEPHEN DYNIA

HEN NEW YORK CITY ARCHITECT Stephen Dynia arrived in 1993, local style could best be described as log-cabin chic. Fastforward 20 years, and Dynia, 57, has reshaped mountain architecture, introducing flat roofs, exposed steel, and “lots and lots” of glass. His hallmark building, the Center for the Arts’ performance hall, features a 500-seat theater with a wall of glass that looks out on Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, a detail that Dynia calls a “storefront to the community.” His work has also attracted national acclaim: This year the American Institute of Architects awarded him a fellowship, their highest honor, in recognition of his signature aesthetic. “My objective,” he says, “is to make sure people are able to experience the light and nature of their surroundings.”

LOCAL ESCAPE: “THE HEATED OUTDOOR POOL AT THE AMANGIRI RESORT IS FABULOUS.”

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IMPACT PLAYERS | JACKSON

THE CHEF

JEFF DREW

HIRTEEN YEARS AFTER ARRIVING AT THE Snake River Grill, from Santa Fe, N.M.’s legendary Coyote Café, Drew has notched three James Beard Award nominations and was included in the 2013 edition of Best Chefs in America. And with dishes such as his crispy pork shank with red chili barbecue sauce, roasted corn, and black bean salsa, it’s easy to see why. But it’s Drew’s nod to the active—and famished—locals that has endeared him to the town. After a day of skiing, regulars know to ask for the hearty “Secret Burger” made from beef raised five miles away. “It used to be on the menu, but we took it off because everybody ordered it, and we’d run out,” he says. “But we still have it. You just have to know to ask.”

LOCAL ESCAPE: “WE GO SLEDDING ON A LONG DIRT ROAD CONNECTING WILSON TO SNAKE RIVER CANYON. WITH A 15-DEGREE PITCH, YOU CAN GO REALLY FAST.”

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Swiss movement, English heart

Bespoke Unitas 6497 hand-wound movement (Calibre JJ02) from master watchmaker, Johannes Jahnke / Each piece, of only 250, personally assembled by Johannes in our Swiss atelier / Supremely engineered, 43mm, 316L stainless steel case with full diameter transparent case-back / Unique serial number engraved on case and movement / Premium Louisiana alligator deployment strap / 5 year movement guarantee

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TROPICAL EASE

No other island in the Caribbean offers the history, deserted beaches, lush interior, and spicy culture of Puerto Ricoâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;no passport required. BY AARON GULLEY, PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID BRENNAN

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“We’re seeing a resurgence in the luxury market and a renewed effort to recapture the old glamour of the 1920s.” —Mari Jo Laborde, Puerto Rico Tourism.

DORADO DREAMS (Previous) the pool at Dorado Beach Resort. (This page, from left) The Dorado Beach Resort’s entrance pavillion and lilly pond; a king suite with private pool.

Before you choose your next Caribbean vacation, scribble a list of what you’re after on a piece of paper. It might go something like this: shimmering seas and sugar-sand beaches; balmy weather; breezy luxury accommodations; surfing, diving, sailing, jungle hiking, and a round of golf; food culture, including a rum or three; a touch of the exotic; and, since you’re headed to the Caribbean, not the South Pacific or Asia, easy access. Next, off the top of your head, pin some destinations to those desires. Turks and Caicos have some of the most sparkling beaches in the West Indies. St. Lucia is swathed in jungle and exploding with mountains for tropical adventures. Cuba is a cultural time capsule. The Caymans have teeming reefs and vibrant waters. But if you want to roll all those elements into one destination and make it as easy to get to as flying to Miami, there’s only one place to go, Puerto Rico—the United States’ nearest

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tropical escape and perhaps one of the most overlooked destinations in the Caribbean. The Dominican Republic, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and the Mexican Riviera often draw more travelers annually. And where Curaçao conjures visions of beach cocktails and Saba or Montserrat sound as exotic as the South Pacific, for Americans, Puerto Rico often evokes the mainland; it’s too close and too easy to feel like a true escape. “Those associations are understandable, but I don’t see it that way,” says Mari Jo Laborde, chief sales and marketing officer at the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. “The fact that we are part of the U.S. means that travelers can get here quickly and easily without the headaches of a passport or immigration. But the island is a whole different culture than anything on the mainland, and we have more diversity of things to do than any other place in the Caribbean.” And judging by recent trends, Puerto Rico’s stature might

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DORADO BEACH

EL MORRO

OLD SAN JUAN BAY OF SAN JUAN

OCEAN BEACH

S A N J UA N 1 MILE

ATLANTI C

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P U E R T O R I C O

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be on the rise. Though the slump in tourism that washed over the Caribbean after the economic crisis in 2007 hit Puerto Rico hard, visits to the island have been on a steady rise since 2011. “There has been a major reinvestment in hotels and infrastructure in the last few years,” Laborde explains. “We’re also seeing a resurgence in the luxury market and a renewed effort to recapture some of the old glamour that started in the 1920s and lasted through the 1950s.” In the last few years, some of the world’s most esteemed hoteliers have invested millions of dollars in high-end beach resorts. The latest is Dorado Beach, a former Rockefeller property that was turned into a glamorous jet-set hotel in the 1950s and now has been completely renovated and updated to become a Ritz-Carlton Reserve and Inspirato partner resort, situated along three miles of private sand just west of the capital of San Juan. “As a gateway to the Caribbean, Puerto Rico has always

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VIEQUES

S EA

appealed to travelers with its historical charm, arts and culture, and lush tropical backdrop,” says Alejandro Helbling, general manager of Dorado Beach. “By opening Dorado Beach, we are recognizing that Puerto Rico is ready for a luxury audience.” Whether or not the high-end market can help reshape Puerto Rico’s reputation remains to be seen. As Laborde says, Puerto Rico already measures up favorably to most of the Caribbean competition. Amenities that appeal to globabl travelers are just one more tick in the island’s column. So why isn’t America’s island territory atop every Caribbean traveler’s list?

The idea of Puerto Rico as an exclusive escape isn’t something new: In the 1920s, the island was once considered as exotic as Hawaii and as glamorous as St. Tropez. Even then, Dorado Beach sat at the heart of that dazzle. The property

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“As a gateway to the Caribbean, Puerto Rico has always appealed to travelers with its historical charm, arts and culture, and lush tropical backdrop.” —Alejandro Hebling, General Manager, Dorado Beach

BEACHSIDE The Positivo Sand Bar at Dorado Beach; grilled shrimp over squid ink pasta and a tropical spin on Caesar salad.

was a citrus and coconut plantation owned by New York physician Alfred Livingston. It was Livingston’s daughter, Clara, the 200th female pilot in the world, who brought celebrity to the place. Clara’s good friend Amelia Earhart visited occasionally, including an overnight in 1937 on the first leg of her fateful attempt to circumnavigate the globe. Laurance Rockefeller purchased Dorado Beach and opened it as a hotel in 1958. It was a prescient venture. Around the same time, hostilities fired up between Cuba and the United States, and the socialites and Hollywood stars who were frequenting Havana as a playground suddenly turned to Puerto Rico. Elizabeth Taylor, Ava Gardner, Joan Crawford, and presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy all visited during the heyday. It’s this Golden Age mystique that Ritz-Carlton is chasing with the reopening of Dorado Beach. The hotel owners spent $342 million on the project and crafted a property befitting its celebrity past. It tapped Spanish culinary phenom José Andrés to run Mi Casa, the gourmet Puerto Rican-fusion

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restaurant on property, and brought in Jean Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program to guide its diving and underwater ecology programs. The property is an Eden of lush waterfalls and gardens, and the bungalows and suites, which are tucked beneath the old growth trees and coconut palms redolent of the Livingston days, feel as if they’ve been there for centuries. Helbling will tell you that the time is ripe for a tourism boom in Puerto Rico. In the past five years, the Puerto Rican government has instituted a generous program of tax and housing incentives to lure investors and high-net-worth individuals to move to the island. Plans are afoot for a major renovation to the airport at San Juan that will accommodate new routes from the mainland. “We now have direct flights to most major cities: New York, Washington D.C., several airports in Florida, Chicago, Houston,” says Laborde. “In just three or four hours from home, you can be on the beach. That’s less time than many Americans spend commuting each day.”

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VIRGIN ISLAND PLAN A SIDE TRIP TO THE ISLAND OF VIEQUES AND STEP ONTO POSSIBLY THE LAST REMAINING, UNTOUCHED PIECE OF WILD IN THE CARIBBEAN.

vieques: dennis flaherty/getty images

Like a 20-mile-long candle flame flickering off the eastern tip of Puerto Rico, Vieques has escaped the development that’s taken over most of the region thanks to the U.S. Navy. For more than 60 years, the island was used as a bomb and missile range and was off-limits to visitors. But in 2003, much of the

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island was designated a National Wildlife Refuge after Puerto Ricans pressured the military to leave. It has since reverted to an untamed island paradise, with just a smattering of small-scale seaside guesthouses plus a decidedly lowkey W Hotel that opened in 2010, and some of the quietest, flour-white

beaches found in the Caribbean. The politics of Vieques illustrate the strained and sometimes ambivalent relationship that has existed between mainland United States and Puerto Rico. History can cast a long shadow, though in many ways, just like on Vieques, Puerto Rico is emerging from the past. “It

took a long time for Vieques to get where it is, but getting there kept it pristine,” Laborde says. “And now, with the help of the right kind of investments, like the W Vieques, it’s become a relaxed and exclusive place that people want to go.” The same could be said for all of Puerto Rico.

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CHI-CHI RODRIGUEZ For former PGA Tour veteran and Puerto Rico native Juan “Chi Chi” Rodriguez, his new role as Golf Ambassador at the Dorado Beach Resort & Club represents a homecoming of sorts. It was on these grounds that Rodriguez worked as head caddy after being discharged from the U.S. Army in 1958. “The Rockefellers [who owned the hotel in the 1950s] gave me my first chance to make it,” Rodriguez said in an interview for the resort. “Dorado will always be in my heart as the place that made me.” His advice for golfers looking to tackle one of the resort’s four courses, “The greens are tough to read, but they’re beautiful, with some of the best Bermuda grass that I’ve ever putted on.” In other words, bring your A game. —Grant Davis

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“In just three hours from home, you can be on the beach. That’s less time than many Americans spend commuting each day.” —Laborde The payoff for that short vacation commute to Puerto Rico is an island packed with history, culture and natural beauty. The island’s history starts at the centuries-old stone fortifications and bluestone cobbled streets of the old city that transport visitors into a different time and culture. First stop, a stroll atop the ramparts of El Morro, the walled fortress built on the high promontory overlooking San Juan Bay, which evokes 400 years of Spanish rule and all its history. The island’s modern history dates to 1952, when Puerto Rico became a United States commonwealth. Just outside the ramparts, a World Heritage site since 1983, the narrow grid of streets is packed with cafés, galleries, antique shops, stone plazas, and hundreds of pastel-splashed 16th- and 17th-century Spanish Colonial buildings that have been fully restored. Officially this is America, but it’s arguably the most exotic and authentic corner of the Union this side of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

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After dark, the streets echo with live salsa music, the brassy screech of horns and incessant thrum of pianos and congas dancing off the ancient streets. Outside the time capsule of Old San Juan, however, the quaint little corners of this city of more than 2 million, half the island’s population, have sprung to life in recent years. Condado, once a tacky touristy strip of hotels east of the old town, has been resurrected with boutiques amid lush, tree-shaded parks. The gorgeous renovation of the beachfront Vanderbilt Hotel, originally built in 1919 and host to no less than Bob Hope, Errol Flynn, and president Franklin D. Roosevelt, has only added to the district’s renaissance. Ocean Park, at the east end of Condado, draws discriminating visitors with luxury guest houses and one of the hippest beaches in the city. And straight south is Santurce, a slightly gritty working class neighborhood that’s becoming the Chelsea of San Juan as it fills with trendy 20-somethings

SPANISH COLONIAL The colorfully restored homes of Old San Juan were built during Spanish rule.

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Visitors should realy explore the island. Outside of the [San Juan] metro area, you get a better feel for how different this place is from the rest of America.” —Chelsea Harms, marine scientist

and cutting-edge galleries showcasing contemporary Puerto Rican art. It would be regrettable to miss out on the sexy, Spanishinfluenced, metropolitan side of Puerto Rico, but talk to anyone who lives there, and they’ll tell you that much of the island’s charm lies outside San Juan. “Visitors should really explore the rest of the island,” says Chelsea Harms, a marine scientist who lives on the west coast and author of the lifestyle and travel blog Sea, Field, and Tribe that documents life on this Caribbean outpost. “Outside the metro area, you get a better feel for how different this place is from the rest of America.” The quickest introduction is along La Ruta Panorámica, the island’s answer to Maui’s Hana Highway, with 165 miles of meandering switchbacks through the countryside. The road— it’s actually a linkage of 40 secondary roads—traverses Puerto Rico’s central spine through heavily forested hill country from Maunabo in the east to Mayagüez in the west. Though it’s not even an hour’s drive from the capital, this Puerto Rico is a lifetime removed from Dorado Beach, with field-workers harvesting sugarcane in the humid south, ver-

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dant coffee plantations in the highlands, and chickens and goats to dodge the whole way. A blanket of rain forest that looks like broccoli from a distance covers most hills, and, for the intrepid, trails that dead-end at deserted waterfalls speckle the countryside. Near the end of La Ruta Panorámica, on the snout-shaped peninsula at the island’s northwest tip, sits Rincón, a dozy town of 15,000 whose population multiplies during the winter surfing season. The place gained a bit of an international reputation in 1968, when the World Surfing Championships came to town. Since then it’s lured surfers from all over the globe with stretches of lonely sand and swells that can reach 25 to 30 feet. CNN Travel rated it No. 27 on the list of world’s best 50 places to surf. It’s the laidback opposite of San Juan, with good waves and pristine reefs and a far-flung vibe quite apart from Laguna Beach or Nags Head. Harms agrees that it’s the chilled-out West Indies attitude that draws people. “It’s just a friendly little beach town,” she says of her adoptive town of Rincón. “You can walk to the beach from your house, leave the windows and doors open

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MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME

Dorado Beach Inspirato’s residences are located inside the Ritz-Carlton Reserve at Dorado Beach, a 45-minute drive from the San Juan International Airport. Vacationers can choose from either a multi story penthouse with four bedrooms and a 2,700-squarefoot private terrace, or a fourth-floor, three-bedroom condominium residence. Both are situated within the exclusive Plantation community along the golf course’s renowned fairways with views of the mountains and ocean. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON INSPIRATO’S DORADO BEACH ACCOMMODATIONS, PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 119.

for the breeze, and basically have the best ocean, from the surf to the reefs, this side of Hawaii.”

That still leaves the question of why Puerto Rico, with its nearly 300 beaches, adventures ranging from Costa Rica-style zip-lines through cloud forests to best-in-Caribbean diving, nuanced culture, and ever-expanding range of fine resorts, doesn’t have the same curb appeal as, say, Barbados or the British Virgin Islands. The answer may lie in the unfortunate human reaction towards anything that comes easy; that without the hassle of missed flight connections, expensive currency exchanges, and the need to carry a passport, a destination must be lacking. For those travelers savvy enough to see through this myopia, Puerto Rico sits waiting, ready to become the Caribbean’s next big thing. _____ Aaron Gulley was born in Africa and has traveled the world on assignment for Outside Magazine, Islands, and Men’s Journal among others. He lives in Santa Fe, N.M.

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IN COUNTRY (From left) Local wildlife; hundred-mile views along the mountainous La Ruta Panorámica; a day-long road trip ends back at Dorado Beach.

sourced grouper served over wild mushroom risotto.

Sarah Beechler’s list Personal Vacation Advisor

EAT: Don’t miss the award-winning wine list and dishes such as freshly made gnocchi with organic beef tenderloin in a cabernet sauvignon sauce at Marmalade Restaurant in Old San Juan. // Stay close to home for a Caribbean spin on Italian cuisine at the Grappa Ristorante in Dorado. Try the fresh, locally-

EXPLORE: Set off in a kayak or paddle board for the full moon paddle departing from Cafe Barlovento in Condado. // Visit the El Yunque National Forest, the only rainforest on U.S. soil. Well-marked paths lead to waterfalls and observation towers scattered throughout the park. First Sunday of every month MERCADO URBANO Head to La Ventana del Mar in Condado where more than 40 farmers and artisans from across the island sell their wares.

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VOICE OF GOLD Adored by millions around the world, vocalist Andrea Bocelli channels his native Tuscany in every performance. BY SUSAN ENFIELD

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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE ANDREA BOCELLI ARCHIVES

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ANDREA BOCELLI HAS NEVER BEEN ONE TO BALK at a good challenge. Blind since age 12 due to congenital glaucoma worsened by a soccer mishap, the internationally beloved Italian tenor says, “I was a restless kid. I had grown a taste for challenges, with a tendency to do all that I was forbidden or suggested not to do—and, if possible, to do it better than the others, even with enormous sacrifices.” Indeed, before he became a father, Bocelli, now 55, says, “I did not miss out on the excitement of water-skiing and paragliding as well as the thrill of speed.” Add to the list snow skiing, riding horses and bicycles—even skydiving and driving a car—and you’ll begin to grasp the confident tenacity that enthralls millions of fans worldwide. What’s not challenging for Bocelli these days is selling out massive venues as well as albums, more than 80 million of them, making him the best-selling classical solo artist ever and one of the best-selling artists in music history. Perhaps the one bastion that may never fall to the richly emotional charms of his fluid, versatile voice is the conservative opera-world establishment. “Andrea Bocelli is one of those crossover artists who

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infuriate the opera purists, but is loved by many for his musical gifts,” says Michael Sinclair, editor of The Opera Critic. “I don’t consider him an opera singer in the true sense of the word.” In this way, Bocelli’s career shares parallels with The Three Tenors phenomenon, when Luciano Pavarotti, Plàcido Domingo, and José Carreras brought opera and classical music to huge stadium audiences, an anathema to opera traditionalists. Given that opera is Bocelli’s first love, enflamed when his nanny Oriana gave him a record of the late Franco Corelli, the famous Italian tenor who would later become his teacher, disdain from some critics must sting a bit—but only enough to reaffirm his disciplined dedication to improving his bel canto every day and with each performance. Earlier this year, Bocelli released Passione, a collection of Mediterranean love songs. Essentially a sequel to his highly popular Amore, a 2006 collaboration with Grammy Award-winning producer David Foster, the well-reviewed album features classics like “Garota De Ipanema” (Girl from Ipanema), “Love Me Tender,” and “Sará Settembre” (better known to English-speaking audiences as Neil Diamond’s “September Morn”). INSPIRATOMAGAZINE.COM

VOICE OF GOLD

On the album, Bocelli sings in six languages (Italian, English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Neapolitan), is accompanied by Latin rhythms and a 63-piece orchestra recorded in London, and performs duets with SHINING STAR pop stars Jennifer Lopez Bocelli performs with the New (“Quizás Quizás Quizás”), York Philharmonic for an Nelly Furtado (“Corcovado”), audience of 60,000 in New and even the late French York City’s Central Park. chanteuse Edith Piaf, whose vocal for “La Vie En Rose” Foster extracted from a 1940s-era master recording.

any of the songs on Passione were among those often requested when Bocelli sang and played piano six nights a week in bars throughout Tuscany in the mid-1970s, to help pay for voice lessons with Corelli. During this time, he also studied law at the University of Pisa, near the family farm in Lajatico, where he and his younger brother, Alberto, grew up. Bocelli remembers these youthful days fondly: “It often happened that a beautiful girl who could sing in tune would come up and ask to sing something with me.” “I have always been singing, since I was a boy,” Bocelli says. “I used to compete, in the living room of my home, with the voices of my heroes whose interpretations came through the

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record player.” At age 6, he began studying classical piano, PEACE TIME Bocelli and Veronica later learning to play the flute, saxophone, trumpet, guitar, Berti, his fiancé and drums, and more. manager, at home in “Up to age 18, I had quite a radical attitude toward pop, Tuscany on a rare day excluding a priori all that was not classical or opera,” he says. off from recording or But when he began playing “light music” in piano bars, he touring the world . says, “an entirely new world opened up to me; I realized pop has its masterpieces.” For Bocelli, it’s easy to identify beauty in a piece of music, whatever the genre. “The fundamental difference is in the consequences it generates; it slowly gets inside you and helps you to grow, developing your spirituality.” For a year, Bocelli worked as a stateappointed attorney. But his heart was in music. His big break came in 1992, when Italian rock star Zucchero called for tenors to make demo tapes of his song “Miserere,” hoping to convince Luciano Pavarotti to record a duet with him. Legend has it that Pavarotti refused to believe Bocelli’s tape was made by an unknown piano player, then told Zucchero to use him instead, famously saying, “There is no finer voice.” ocelli s brother lberto Pavarotti did, however, record the duet, but it was Bocelli who performed in his place on Zucchero’s European tour, quickly gaining a name for himself. Around this time, Caterina Caselli signed Bocelli to her Sugar record label. Three things drew her to the tenor she

“He used to do half the things because he liked them, and the other half to demonstrate how silly others’ prejudices were” —B ’ A

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VOICE OF GOLD

INSPIRED PERFORMANCE Bocelli performs at the traditional Christmas concert held in the Italian Senate chambers in 2010; the Tuscan landscape which fuels Bocelli’s passion for life.

says: a “deeply marvelous” voice, with “low frequencies that creep into our emotional fields and conquer our hearts”; beauty (“He looked like the young and absolutely heart-throbbing Omar Sharif”); and charisma that “enables him to relate to people from all walks of life.” In 1996, Bocelli recorded “Time to Say Goodbye,” a duet with English soprano Sarah Brightman that quickly shot to the top of the charts in Europe. In 1999, he began a grueling world tour, which included his first performances in the U.S. His opening performance at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. won several standing ovations. This marked the beginning of a special relationship with America and with New York City in particular, where

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then-mayor Rudy Guiliani granted him the Crystal Apple in 1999. In 2011, Bocelli gave a Central Park concert broadcast on PBS and attended by 60,000, singing with Tony Bennett, Celine Dion, and many others.

t every break in the tour schedule, Bocelli traveled home to his expansive villa, a former hotel on the northern Italian coast near Pisa, to spend time with his two growing sons, Matteo and Amos. At a party in 2002, he met the younger woman who would become his fiancé and manager, Veronica Berti. “A few minutes after we met, he dedicated to me the romanza ‘Occhi di Fata’ [or Fairy Eyes],” she recalls. “That evening was enough for us both to decide to INSPIRATOMAGAZINE.COM

choose to spend our lives together.” Those closest to Bocelli are clearly inspired by his will and Their light-filled home includes a large collection of musical passion for life, but are quick to add that these are balanced instruments, ready for spontaneous harmonizing. Collaborawith a gentle humility, integrity and loyalty to his family, tor David Foster describes a typical scene: “We have so much friends, and homeland. Together with his brother, Alberto, fun when we’re working together. Andrea has an incredible he owns a winery, “an adventure designed to honor and pass sense of humor and his musical tastes are unbelievably varied. on the great love of our father, Sandro,” Alberto explains. “In On any given night, while on a break, the eighteenth century, the Bocelli you could find us in the living room: family worked as sharecroppers on a me on piano; Pierpaolo, the sound property of the Corsini princes. The passion for our land has remained engineer, on bass; Andrea’s sons on in our chromosomes.” Producing percussion; and Andrea himself on quality traditional Tuscan wines is drums, playing and singing a Beatles a point of pride: “If we can recoup song.” the expenses we are already happy.” Foster says the first time he heard friend driano iaschi In his hometown of Lajatico, Bocelli Bocelli sing was a rare “aha” moment: also helped sponsor construction of “I was completely blown away by this an open-air amphitheater, where he hosts a packed concert powerful yet gentle voice singing in a style that I had never heard before. He is the only person I know who walks perfect- with special guests every July. Aptly named the Teatro del Silenzio, the venue goes dark the rest of the year. ly in both the pop world and the classical world. His pop voice Growing up, Alberto watched his brother transform what is effortless and his knowledge of classical is vast. He prefers could have been a limitation into opportunity for growth. “I one over the other but he’s so clever that you will never figure out what his favorite is.” think he grew his strong will in the difficult apprenticeship

andrea zanchi/getty images

“Andrea is prone to see the essence of things; he knows how to capture what matters.” – A F

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THE PASSIONE TOUR

After kicking off in Florida last February, the Passione tour hit major international cities from Taiwan to Denver and Berlin, featuring guest musicians in each locale. Still remaining are shows in Mexico City, Budapest, Glasgow, Las Vegas, Phoenix, New York City, Washington, D.C., Tampa, Atlanta, and a Christmas concert in Bratislava, Slovakia.

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“It is a privilege for man to have the possibility to interpret, poetically, their own adventure on Earth.” —Bocelli

of childhood, when he used to do half the things because he liked them, and the other half to demonstrate how silly others’ prejudices were.” His old friend Adriano Fiaschi says that during their endless youthful discussions of dreams, love, and life, he came to appreciate Bocelli’s unique perspective on the dichotomy between being and appearing. “Since he was a boy, Andrea has pursued ‘to be,’ not ‘to look’,” he says. “Those who do not have any sight problems may be misled by the superficiality of the appearance, while Andrea is prone to see the essence of things; he knows how to capture what matters. Sight implies practical advantages, no doubt, but in this sense, also some disadvantages.”

o select the songs for Passione, Foster spent two 14-day stretches at Bocelli’s villa, coming up with a list of 80 candidates. Asked what makes a great love song, Bocelli told Foster, “When I sing a song, I must first fall in love with it and feel it in my heart. It must arouse emotions and enter the fibers of those who are listening to it. It must become the voice of many in the world, so that they can mirror in it their most genuine feelings.” In the midst of his Passione tour this summer, Bocelli reflected on his ambivalence about touring. “Mine is a wandering

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life. The rhythms it requires still cost me physical and psychological strain today, as 20 years ago. I spend most part of the year abroad, and every time I have to leave the peace and the happiness of my house and most of all, my loved ones. At the same time, I am perfectly aware of how wonderful my work is, and I certainly do not complain.” His preparation for a tour is always the same, he says. But with rising fame and growing public expectations, he says, “I cannot afford leaving anything to chance. The set list is quite meticulously prepared and reasoned. The performance of the pieces, especially the opera ones needs constant study.” Thankfully, tour logistics are handled by his staff, ‘an enlarged family.’ And after a decade of exhausting airport waits and delays, he now travels by private plane, a luxury which affords him “the perception of a family ambiance even when I am among clouds, traveling from one continent to the other,” he says. While on tour, Bocelli maintains a strict regimen. “Between concerts, I try to spend my time in isolation. I avoid drinking wine, coffee, and other pleasant things. I follow the diet of an athlete and take with me a gym ball, a simple tool to keep in shape. I try to speak as little as possible and to maintain the maximum concentration. Therefore, there’s usually no shopINSPIRATOMAGAZINE.COM

VOICE OF GOLD OPERA LOVER Bocelli at Volterra’s Roman amphitheatre, filming a video for his ode to classic opera, Notte Illuminata.

ping, no trips. In fact, I can say I have traveled the world wide and far, but most of the time, I just know the airport, my hotel room and the dressing room of the theater. Before concerts, I study, read, or write myself (poems and aphorisms) in order not to give in to laziness and to keep my brain fit.” Caselli vouches for his disciplined work ethic. “Andrea always aims for the sky and gives his very best, even when he is not in tiptop shape,” she says. “I recall seeing him perform live on Good Morning America at 7 a.m. without a speck of hesitation, after waking up jetlagged at 5 a.m. And this, let me say, is a rather unlikely practice among performing artists, who normally refuse to sing anything sooner than the early afternoon.” The day before any live performance, she says, he has a strict rule of almost religious silence: no interviews, no phone calls for the sake of his voice. Held mostly in sold-out arenas, the Passione shows share with all Bocelli’s live performances a special quality—an alchemy born of the magical effect his voice seems to have on his dedicated fans. His former piano teacher and collaborator for 20 years, Carlo Bernini, describes the effect, especially common in large concerts in the United States and South America. “[His] singing interacts at a deep level with the listener,” he says. “I see many couples arrive and absentmindedly occupy their places. Gradually, as the concert proceeds, people have a happier disposition and end up hugging or holding hands, or one is weeping and the other one is encircling his or her head. At the end of the concert, the public comes out visibly regenerated, pacified, and full of new energy.” Part of the magic is that his audience senses that Bocelli himself quite naturally embodies passion and romance. “I’m still very much in love with life. Love, the engine of the world, and even romance are essential ingredients of a whole existence, regardless of the passing of time. I think it is a priceless privilege for man to have the possibility to interpret, poetically, their own adventure on Earth,” he says. “What is often too large to be contained in the rational mechanisms of our minds, we can perhaps, if not really achieve, at least perceive through a poem, or perhaps a musical phrase.” With his fairy tale life and overwhelmingly positive outlook, Bocelli has little patience for labels like crossover artist or for petty critiques from opera-world purists. At the June opening of the opera season in Verona, he reportedly remarked with characteristic pragmatism to a journalist’s question about the attendance crisis in opera [houses] today, “We should invite young people to the theaters, to rehearsals. We have to spread it just as we do with sport. In a word, opera needs to be supported by an adequate marketing operation. For the rest, opera is more than alive and enjoys good health.” INSPIRATOMAGAZINE.COM

When he looks ahead, Bocelli sees plenty of music projects— and a desire to give back something of what life has given him. He recently founded the Andrea Bocelli Foundation, which works to help people around the world who are in need due to illness, disability, poverty, and social exclusion. “I created a foundation to put all our strengths together, to make sure that my actions are not ‘a drop in the sea’ but united with all other drops—as Mother Teresa teaches us—to become an ocean,” he wrote in a letter on the nonprofit’s website. Appropriately, one of the first grants went to the MIT Fifth Sense Project, where researchers are working to develop a technology that can help blind people to perform the activities of daily life more independently and efficiently. Another, named Project Virginia, supports high-risk pregnancy care at a hospital in Haiti. After this tour wraps at the end of the year, Bocelli says he’s dreaming of just one thing. “At the top of my desires, there is always the peace and the quietness of my home in Tuscany, together with my children and the people I love,” he says. “That is my favorite holiday, the main goal in my wish list.”  Susan Enfield writes about wellness, travel, and culture for Outside, The New York Times, and other publications. She lives in Boulder, Colo.

MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME

Simona Bresciani’s list Destination Concierge for Tuscany

SPA: Relax at Espa, a modern wellness center tucked into Castello del Nero, a 12th-century palace located among the rolling hills of western Chianti. After a massage and skin treatment, take in the view of vineyards and olive groves from its heated pool. MEAL: Steps away from the duomo (cathedral) in Siena sits Antica Osteria Da Divo, which serves classic Tuscan fare in ancient Etruscan underground rooms carved out of the region’s soft volcanic rock. WINE: Combine two Italian classics into one with a guided road trip in tiny 1960s’ vintage Fiat 500 cars that ends at a 15th-century villa and vineyard. Harvest grapes, stomp them into juice, and learn the Italian way to producing wine.

Tuscany Members can take their pick from 11 residences located in the region highlighted by “Il Bronzino,” a restored stone farmhouse with out buildings that can be combined into a nine-bedroom villa or enjoyed separately. The compound sits among the rolling farms and vineyards of the Chianti area between Florence and Siena. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON INSPIRATO’S RESIDENCES IN TUSCANY, PLEASE GO TO PAGE 158.

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October 18-27, 2013 EUROCHOCOLATE FESTIVAL OF PERUGIA For one week, the Umbrian city reigns as the Europe’s sweetest city. February 16 – March 9, 2014 CARNIVAL OF VIAREGGIO Since 1873, this seaside town has hosted a series of parades consisting of masked participants and elaborate floats.

INSPIRATO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2014

Ralph Waldo Emerson

" LIfe Is a journey, NOT A DESTINATION.

Journey to Machu Picchu

Inspirato brings you face-to-face with one of the world's most awe-inspiring mountain ranges and Peru's rich cultural history. www.inspirato.com/destinations/machu-picchu-peru

WELCOME TO THE CLUB

ITH MORE THAN 260 VACATION OPTIONS ACROSS SIX CONTINENTS AND A GROWING ARRAY

of exclusive benefits and privileges, there has never been a better time to experience Inspirato with American Express. Inspirato is a private vacation club for luxury travelers who enjoy five-star service and privileged access to awe-inspiring villas in many of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most coveted destinations. From Nantucket and St. Barts to Tuscany and Thailand, discover our $460 million portfolio of hand-selected residences, iconic luxury hotel partners and adventure travel experiences.

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MEMBERSHIP | ABOUT INSPIRATO

EXPERIENCE A NEW WAY TO VACATION

LUXURY ACCOMMODATIONS Signature Residences. At the heart of the Inspirato portfolio is the club’s Signature Residence

collection—more than 130 multimillion-dollar homes, all managed by Inspirato and exclusively available to our members and corporate clients. Each home is hand-picked and exquisitely outfitted with fine linens, top-of-the-line electronics and gourmet kitchens. We also include a myriad of luxury services and amenities to ensure every residence meets our standard of excellence.

Hotel Partnerships. Inspirato partners with many of the world’s iconic luxury hotel brands

to provide a variety of travel options for members—for when a private villa may be more than you need, or to give you access to important metropolitan locales. From a penthouse in Manhattan or Paris to a beachside resort in the Caribbean or Hawaii, enjoy luxury accommodations and premier services in some of the world’s greatest cities as a member.

Adventure Travel. Sometimes your vacation calls for something more unique, more

adventurous. An African safari, a tour of the Galapagos Islands, or perhaps a private chartered luxury yacht. Our personally selected and curated adventures have been specifically tailored to deliver the Inspirato experience on a truly grand scale.

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INSPIRATO VACATIONS SPACIOUS ACCOMMODATIONS FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY FIVE-STAR SERVICE, ONSITE CONCIERGE, DAILY HOUSEKEEPING AND RESORT AMENITIES EXCLUSIVE PARTNER PROGRAMS AND MEMBERSONLY EVENTS PEACE OF MIND, CONFIDENCE: THE LUXURY OF CERTAINTY

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MEMBERSHIP | ABOUT INSPIRATO THE INSPIRATO DIFFERENCE

OUR MEMBERSHIP PRIVILEGES Absolute Luxury. Imagine a spacious, private villa with all the conveniences of a luxury home—from chef-ready, gourmet kitchens to the latest entertainment technology for the whole family. Whether you choose the pastoral landscape of Tuscany or the pristine beaches of Anguilla, you know that every Inspirato experience has been personally vetted by our team of vacation experts. Variety. Want to vacation in a grand villa with lots of bedrooms and common areas designed to entertain? Or does your next trip require a more intimate, luxury retreat just for two? Large and small, beach, mountain, metropolitan or adventure, Inspirato has hundreds of customizable vacation options to best suit you and your family.

OUR MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS MEMBERS TOLD US HOW THEY WANTED TO TRAVEL. AND WE LISTENED.

Flexibility. Travel as much or as little as you prefer, even during

peak periods such as holidays, and pay only for the nights you use. We offer a variety of membership options to accommodate the various ways our discerning members like to vacation.

INSPIRATO CORE No Limits. Ever.

Our Core membership is for those who want it all. Travel any time throughout the year across our entire portfolio of Signature Residences, hotel and resort partners, and unique adventures.

Personalized Service. Your dedicated Personal Vacation Advisor helps you plan the perfect vacation. Every on-site Destination Concierge ensures your stay is seamless and hassle free. Daily housekeeping? Of course. Personal chef? We’ll make it happen. No request is too big or too small for Inspirato. And every stay is filled with surprise-and-delight touches, customized for each club member.

INSPIRATO FLEX

No Limits on Where You Stay.

VIP Treatment. Inspirato members enjoy privileged access to

Prefer to avoid the busiest travel times of the year? Inspirato Flex members enjoy unlimited access to the entire portfolio of Signature Residences 42 weeks out of the year. Flex also includes unrestricted access to all hotel and resort partners, and unique adventures—365 days per year.

Significant Savings. Saving money is not the primary reason

No Limits on When You Travel.

vetted resort partners and on-site amenities such as spas, golf clubs and children’s clubs; discounted pricing for private air and luxury transportation services; custom-made sporting equipment and unique culinary experiences; and invitation-only access to exclusive events and parties worldwide.

INSPIRATO TRIOS

If smaller residences are more your style, Inspirato Trios will fit your needs nicely. Get unlimited access throughout the year to our portfolio of Signature Residences, up to three bedrooms in size. In addition, enjoy unlimited access to all hotel and resort partners, and unique adventures, without restriction.

people join Inspirato. But our club’s nightly rates are usually significantly lower than comparable villas offered by online rental brokers. Plus, with Jaunt—our drop-everything-and-go, shortnotice travel program—members get access to exquisite Signature Residences for as little as $295 per night.

INSPIRATO FOR BUSINESS Mix Business and Pleasure in Style.

We make it possible for corporations to confidently enjoy the benefits of large villa residences and extraordinary service on every trip with the club. Designed to accommodate employee incentive programs, corporate meetings and executive benefits, Inspirato for Business is a fresh new way to drive enthusiasm, productivity and spirit.

NOT A MEMBER YET? Learn more about the club by calling 888.546.5008 or visiting inspirato.com

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Inspirato with American Express

PORTFOLIO S I G N AT U R E R E S I D E N C E S & H OT E L PA R T N E R S

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Anguilla Asheville Aspen Beaver Creek Bordeaux British Virgin Islands, Tortola Buenos Aires Charleston Chicago Colorado Springs Deer Valley Dorado Beach Florence Grand Cayman Hawaii, Kohala Coast Hilton Head Island Jackson Hole

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Kiawah Island Lake Tahoe, Northstar Lake Tahoe, Squaw Valley Las Vegas London Los Cabos Maldives, Laamu Maldives, Soneva Fushi Maui Miami/South Beach Nantucket Naples

137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155

New York Newport Coast Oahu, Waikiki Oman, Zighy Bay Palmetto Bluff Paris Provence Punta Cana Punta de Mita Rosemary Beach San Diego San Francisco Santa Barbara Snowmass Village St. Barts Sydney Telluride Texas Hill Country Thailand, Soneva Kiri

156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166

Toronto Turks & Caicos Tuscany Vail Vancouver Vietnam, Con Dao Vietnam, Ninh Van Bay Virginia, The Homestead Washington, D.C. Whistler Wine Country, Sonoma

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB, BC 200 MARKED TRAILS 16 ALPINE BOWLS

PHOTOGRAPH BY JORDAN MANLEY

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ANGUILLA

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.

HIGHLIGHTS CLEAR CARIBBEAN

The Caribbean opens just beyond the terrace of every Signature Residence 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 golf-cart shuttle to the beach. 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.

BRITISH WEST INDIES

SENSATIONAL SNORKELING There’s

great scuba diving, too, but the abundant calm bays around Anguilla and its outlying islands make for easy snorkeling where you’ll see worlds of bright fish and coral reefs. FINE DINING For a

population of just under 15,000 residents, you’d never guess that Anguilla could house so many outstanding restaurants. Chefs prepare cuisine with influences from Asia, Africa, France and more. Don’t leave without sampling some authentic Anguillan barbecue.

~ 16 ~ RESIDENCES Explore our Anguilla Signature Residences & hotel partners at inspirato.com/ destinations

THE POOL Each residence features a private pool. RELAX AND UNWIND

your villa, lunch served to your chair in the sand, and dinner prepared and served pool-side at your private villa. RESORT AMENITIES At

CéBlue Villas & Beach Resort, enjoy the fitness room, kids’ game room, spa treatment rooms, members’ lounge area and intimate beachfront dining at da’Vida.

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

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE CÉBLUE VILLAS 5 BED / 6 BATH

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ASHEVILLE

In the misty Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll be treated to Southern hospitality at its finest. The surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains provide a majestic playground for nature lovers, including one of America’s most iconic scenic highways and the Biltmore Estate. Let the fresh mountain air ease you into serenity. Nearby downtown Asheville offers an array of arts and crafts furnishing shops, farmto-table eateries and local art galleries.

HIGHLIGHTS SCENIC HIKE Hop on the

Mountains-to-Sea trail along the Blue Ridge Parkway for stunning mountain views and breathtaking wildflower landscapes. Keep it simple with a jaunt to Craven Gap, or make it a challenge by venturing up to Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. VIEW FROM ABOVE Gaze at Asheville’s vibrant fall foliage from a bird’seye view on a zip-line canopy tour. This 10-series zip-line is entirely tree-

NORTH CAROLINA

based and makes for an exhilarating afternoon activity any time of year. BEST BREWS Asheville is home to 11 craft breweries (the most per capita in any U.S. city) making it one of the best beer cities in America. Take a tour to taste what all the hype’s about. SPA RELAXATION Let

the professionals at the Grove Park Inn & Spa work wonders on your body and soul with treatments and amenities to keep you relaxed and rejuvenated for days.

~1~ HOTEL PARTNER SUITE Explore our Asheville hotel partner at inspirato. com/destinations

DINING Enjoy fresh local

ingredients and seasonal selections at The Market Place, where you will find a creative menu of farmers market finds. Hand-crafted dishes such as woodgrilled culotte steak with duck fat fingerling potato hash are sure to make you feel good inside and out.

HISTORIC SITE A short

drive from Asheville, the sprawling Biltmore Estate is a must-see during your visit. Included on the National Register of Historic Places for its intricate architecture and century-old gardens, the estate’s 8,000-acre grounds also include a winery and stables as well as a variety of charming shops and restaurants, providing more than enough entertainment for a nice day out. Grab a coffee and pastry from the Bake Shop before the tour.

HOTEL PARTNER THE GROVE PARK INN

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ASPEN

CO LO R ADO

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE CLOUD NINE 5 BED / 6.5 BATH

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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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 6,300-square-foot, five-bedroom Cloud Nine 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.

MAROON BELLS If you

buy a postcard in Aspen, the photo will likely be of the spectacular Maroon Bells, some of the mostphotographed mountains in the world. Consider a visit in the summer, when these 14,000-foot peaks are covered in a riot of wildflowers. FASHION FORWARD 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, highend Western apparel and unique pieces of art.

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~5~ SIGNATURE RESIDENCES Explore our Aspen Signature Residences at inspirato.com/ destinations

WINING AND DINING

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 perfect glass of wine or a local

craft beer to pair with your meal. FOUR FOR ONE Enjoy

access to four worldclass ski mountains— Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk—on a single lift ticket.

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BEAVER CREEK

CO LO R ADO

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE LARKSPUR 5 BED / 6 BATH

Fall in love with Beaver Creek—a cozy alpine hamlet in the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. Taken together with neighboring Vail, these vibrant communities boast thousands of skiable acres, posh residences and an array of world-class amenities.

HIGHLIGHTS CONVENIENT ACCESS

Beaver Creek is the superexclusive smaller sister to her more popular big sister, Vail. Savvy travelers flock to the convenient villageto-village ski offerings 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 meal you can enjoy in your mountain residence.

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ALPINE GOLF Tee off at

Beaver Creek Golf Club, a Robert Trent Jones Jr.designed course set amid stunning scenery in the mountain valley. 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. NATURAL COLOR Explore this valley on foot or by bike in the summer

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~3~ SIGNATURE RESIDENCES Explore our Beaver Creek Signature Residences at inspirato.com/ destinations

Vin 48 for fine wines and an ever-changing menu of rustic American fare made with local, organic ingredients, and don’t miss Splendido at the Chateau with its unique and refined EuroAmerican cuisine.

and fall to experience beautiful golden aspen glades, multicolored wildflowers and highaltitude overlooks. NIGHTLIFE When the sun sets on Beaver Creek, mellow evenings await. Start with a handcrafted martini at the The Beaver Creek Chophouse, try

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BORDEAUX

There’s a reason you hear so much about Bordeaux, France. Not only is it one of the world’s premier wineproducing regions, but its rolling hills, dotted with historic farmhouses and chateaux, also make this one of the world’s most romantic regions. Days are best spent strolling gardens or taking cooking classes, while evenings invite you to watch the sunset, glass of wine in hand, from a rooftop patio in a hilltop village.

HIGHLIGHTS THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Château Verdot is in the area known as Saint-Émilion, home to many ancient castles, charming villages and one of Europe’s largest underground churches. Spend a day touring the local vineyards and palaces and tasting the local wines and foods.

and finishes make the chateau feel familiar and comfortable. The 3,078-square-foot villa has four bedrooms, four bathrooms and a gourmet kitchen. TAKE THE PLUNGE The private garden has a plunge pool for cooling off after hot days strolling the nearby vineyards. NIGHT AT THE OPERA The

IN THE VILLA On the

outside, the old stone façade and brown tile roof of your private villa hark back to a time long ago. On the inside, modern, American-style fixtures

height of sophistication is a night enjoying a performance at the 18thcentury Grand Theatre, which is older than the opera house in Paris.

FRANCE

~1~ HOTEL PARTNER SUITE Explore our Bordeaux hotel partner at inspirato.com/ destinations

CUSTOM COOKING

Let your Destination Concierge arrange a private cooking lesson with a skilled chef. Armed with a list of ingredients and the chef’s favorite shops, you’ll visit the local farmers market in nearby Libourne to select the fresh ingredients. Return to the villa, where the

chef will teach you his techniques for preparing a classic French feast you won’t soon forget. WINE TASTING Tour the Gironde River’s Left Bank if you prefer Cabernet Sauvignon, or stick to the Right Bank if Merlot is more your speed. Stroll out your front door into miles of vineyards.

HOTEL PARTNER CHÂTEAU VERDOT 4 BED / 4 BATH

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BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

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.

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 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. NIGHTLIFE 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 and fresh nutmeg—at the Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van

TORTOL A

~2~ SIGNATURE RESIDENCES Explore our Tortola Signature Residences at inspirato.com/ destinations

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. BRANDYWINE BAY 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. 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.

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE FRENCHMAN’S LOOKOUT 5 BED / 5 BATH

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BUENOS AIRES

ARGENTINA

HOTEL PARTNER FOUR SEASONS 1 BED / 1 BATH

Latin charms ooze from every corner of this vibrant metropolis dubbed “the Paris of South America.” Spend your days perusing the fine art galleries, lunching at sidewalk cafes as the people pass by and feasting on Argentine asado and Malbec. Nights, of course, are for tango. At the heart of the action in the Recoleta district is the stunning Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires, your home base in this thriving city.

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HIGHLIGHTS CREATURE COMFORT

Guests are greeted by the large airy lobby, appointed with modern furniture and fixtures and rich mahogany trim. Guest rooms are more classic with stately beds, heavy armoires and scenic picture windows with views of the city skyline. CHEERS! Yes, you’ll want

to sample the Malbecs while you’re here, but mornings in Buenos Aires are made for café con leche. Enjoy a cup at La Biela, the historic cafe in the Recoleta district.

SHOP TILL YOU DROP

Palermo Viejo is the place to go for the latest fashions and stylish boutiques. Argentine designers Cecilia Gadea and Maria Cher are among the most notable.

~3~ HOTEL PARTNER SUITES Explore our Buenos Aires hotel partners at inspirato. com/destinations

TAKE A DIP The Four Seasons is the only luxury hotel in Buenos Aires with an outdoor pool. It is located in the gardens and is surrounded by romantic lighting and lush landscaping.

NIGHTLIFE There’s plenty

of time to sleep between 5 and 9 a.m. Nighttime in Buenos Aires is for drinking and dancing. The trendy Las Cañitas neighborhood is where you’ll find the best action. Take a lesson at Tango Cool, where live music accompanies dancers every Friday night and into Saturday morning.

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COWBOY UP Get a taste

of traditional ranching life by visiting las pampas, the Argentine plains, where you can see real gauchos at work. Take a horseback ride and a tour of a small colonial town, where the food is as authentic as the friendly locals.

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CHARLESTON

SOUTH CAROLINA

HOTEL PARTNER RESTORATION ON KING 2 BED / 2 BATH

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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HIGHLIGHTS

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.

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.

lifes. You’ll find some of the best examples of local styles here.

FAMILY OUTING The centerpiece of the South Carolina Aquarium is the 385,000-gallon saltwater Ocean Tank, which houses sharks, pufferfish, jellyfish, a 220-pound loggerhead turtle and hundreds

LOCAL ART Although the subjects of the paintings vary, the common theme at Horton Hayes Fine Art gallery is Lowcountry life, depicted in oil, pastel and watercolor landscapes and still-

DINING 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

SOUTHERN CHARM

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casual, the food delicious. PLAN A PICNIC Sit in the vast shade of Angel Oak, a majestic oak with labyrinthine branches that’s estimated to be more than 1,500 years old, near Johns Island. NIGHTLIFE The cocktails at The 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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CHICAGO

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 lateafternoon 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 new Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago™.

HIGHLIGHTS IN 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 off-the-beaten-path gems. And of course you’ll want to sample Chicagostyle pizza and hot dogs—

ILLINOIS

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it’s the only way to join the debate about which city has the best of each.

from a custom-stocked refrigerator or a personal shopper to whatever your heart desires. 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 signature Trump Attaché services 24 hours a day. This unparalleled service delivers personalized attention without intrusion, including everything

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COLOR ADO SPRINGS

With the majestic Pikes Peak rising in the background, the historic Broadmoor is situated at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Dating back to Colorado’s rich silver and gold mining era, the resort combines the opulence of the boom days with the relaxed and laidback vibe of the Western high country. A visit to The Broadmoor is at once a step back in history and a step ahead in luxury amenities.

HIGHLIGHTS SUITE LIFE Your room or

suite at The Broadmoor is appointed with classic and timeless décor and furniture, marble vanities and comfortable overstuffed seating. Spectacular views of the mountains or the sprawling grounds greet you from every window, and friendly, helpful staff attend to your every need. FINE DINING From the five-star Penrose Room to the AAA Four-Diamond Charles Court, gourmet fare abounds at the resort. Or venture off the grounds

and into charming Manitou Springs or downtown Colorado Springs for favorite local haunts and Western American classics. AMENITIES APLENTY It’s

impossible not to indulge at The Broadmoor, whether enjoying a rejuvenating treatment at the fivestar spa, floating in the refreshing infinity pool under the Colorado blue summer skies or hitting the 54 holes of The Broadmoor’s world-class golf courses. FAMILY FUN An ideal multigenerational destination, The Broadmoor

CO LO R ADO

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and its nearby activities are perfect for kids, parents and grandparents. Visit the exotic Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, take a scenic ride up the world’s highest cog railway to the summit of historic Pikes Peak or tour the breathtaking rock formations at the Garden of the Gods, on foot or in a Jeep.

OLYMPIC TRAINING CENTER Just 20 minutes

from the resort, the U.S. Olympic Complex offers tours of its flagship training center and worldclass facilities, where the nation’s best athletes live and train. WHITEWATER Older kids

and adventure seekers can take a wild ride through the raging rapids of the Arkansas River on a halfor full-day rafting trip. Your Destination Concierge can make all the arrangements, from a pickup at the hotel to a post-paddle lunch by the water.

HOTEL PARTNER THE BROADMOOR

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DEER VALLEY

U TA H

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE BLUEBELL 3 BED / 3.5 BATH

Some devotees believe that Utah has the best powder in the world. That must be the reason SKI Magazine has named Deer Valley the top ski resort in North America for four consecutive years. That soft snow coupled with Deer Valley’s exceptional service—from ski valets and overnight equipment storage to superb on-mountain dining venues—makes the resort a five-star experience at every turn.

HIGHLIGHTS WILD-WEST LUXURY

Slopeside with ski-in, ski-out convenience, all of our Signature Residences 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. SKI CONVENIENCE

Inspirato’s Signature Residences offer deluxe accommodations and provide ski-in, ski-out

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access and private ski storage rooms. ROOM WITH A VIEW 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. HIGH-ALTITUDE GOLF

When the snow melts, spend some time at Hawkeye’s private community putting green before heading out for a round at

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won’t want to leave the 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.

a nearby course. TWO-WHEEL TOURING

Deer Valley has 55 miles of bike trails with variable terrain and terrific views. And bike season continues through the fall, when changing leaves are spectacular.

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DOR ADO BEACH

PU ERTO RICO

SIGNATURE DESTINATION COROZAL

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.

HIGLIGHTS MAKE A SPLASH From

the sunny golden sands of Dorado Beachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s private beach, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 Beach is the only Caribbean resort offering

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54 holes. Even better, the four 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.

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lush jungle canopy, with waterfalls along the way.

for lunch or herb-roasted half chicken, mahi mahi casserole and rack of lamb for dinner. THE SPA Ask your

concierge to book a massage in the openair treatment room perched among the tops of the palm trees at Botanico Spa.

EXPLORE JUNGLE The

only tropical rain forest in the U.S. National Forest System, El Yunque National Forest is located 90 minutes from the resort. Lace up your hiking shoes (and bring a bathing suit) to enjoy trails through a

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DINING Zafra serves delectable New World and Caribbean-inspired cuisine with views of golf course fairways and mountains in the distance. Dine on fresh ceviche of the day and a Classic Criollo Sandwich

THE EXPERIENCE 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.

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FLORENCE

Your luxurious residence at the Lungarno Suites overlooks the lovely Ponte Vecchio and the Arno River flowing through the middle of Florence. In addition to beginning your day with these wonderful views, your concierge can direct you to nearby sites such as the Uffizi Gallery and Palazzo Pitti, or to Florence’s famed boutiques as well as make dinner reservations at one of the city’s amazing restaurants.

HIGHLIGHTS

and limousine service is available.

TREASURE ON THE ARNO

Your suite features the stylish furnishings and clean lines designed by the venerable Ferragamo family. It’s perfect for a couple, and also suits a family with additional sleeping arrangements. Grand windows overlook the Arno River and Ponte Vecchio, and your kitchenette features everything you’ll need to make yourself comfortable during your stay. The Lungarno staff will deliver breakfast to your suite each morning, for an additional fee

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. HIGH-END FASHIONS The

boutiques of Armani, Ferragamo and Bulgari are on Via de’ Tornabuoni. Prada, Gucci, Chanel, Cavalli and Pucci have stores around Florence, too. If you want the latest trends, you’re in the right place.

I TA LY

THE LOCATION Walk to

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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 most famous Florence landmarks, including the Uffizi Gallery, Piazza del Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral and Palazzo Pitti. THE SERVICE The staff will handle every detail, from concierge service to laundry service.

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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.

HIGHLIGHTS FRONT-ROW SEATS Any

closer and your toes would be in the water. The spacious and airy beachfront condominiums in the boutique residences overlook the lapping turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Private terraces offer unobstructed views of Seven Mile Beach.

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.

SWIM WITH STINGRAYS

Experience Grand Cayman’s marine life up close and personal with a stop at Stingray City, where you can swim with a colony of stingrays in the open sea.

DINING Island classics

like conch 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

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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.

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,

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE COUSTEAU 4 BED / 4.5 BATH

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HAWAII

KOHAL A COAST

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE HALE HONU 3 BED / 3.5 BATH

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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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 lavapaved 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 soft 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 you will watch as the spinner dolphins come out to play, while the sun sets on the horizon. Sit back, relax and enjoy the air flowing through your hair with cocktail in hand.

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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, this 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 and spiritual sites.

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HILTON HEAD ISLAND

SOUTH CAROLINA

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE SWITCHGRASS 6 BED / 6.5 BATH

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 your door. Get active with an

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early morning jog or an afternoon 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 crafted martini.

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JACKSON HOLE

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 here 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.

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 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 skiers and boarders from around the globe with its varied terrain, which ranges from gentle slopes to extreme backcountry runs. At the base of the resort, Teton Village feels as if you have been magically whisked away to Europe. The “Vil” has Swiss architecture and all the amenities you would expect from an internationally renowned vacation destination. TETON VILLAGE This quaint village has become a destination in its own right. Visitors enjoy

W YO MIN G

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legendary mountain terrain and deep powder for world-class skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, sleighriding, dogsledding, snowshoeing and more. THE WILD WEST A visit

delicious restaurants, inviting espresso bars, cozy après-ski 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 winters provide

to Jackson Town Square is like stepping into the Wild West, complete with friendly cowboys, authentic saloons, chuck-wagon dinners, and horseback and stagecoach rides.

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE BIG HORN 3 BED / 3.5 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.

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 up to 14 guests 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

Recognized by everyone from Forbes to Travel + Leisure, 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.

SOUTH CAROLINA

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FAMILY ACTIVITIES

With 30 miles of gentle bike paths, Kiawah is, perhaps, best toured on two wheels. Pedal down the quaint village lanes and boardwalks or cruise down to the beach for a picnic lunch. 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. GARDEN PARTY 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 after European classics such as Versailles, the grounds at Middleton will inspire all ages to stop and smell the flowers.

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE BEACHCOMBER 5 BED / 4.5 BATH

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LAK E TAHOE

N O R T H S TA R

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE POLARIS 3 BED / 3 BATH

With 12 major mountain resorts in two states offering every imaginable sport and amenity, Tahoe truly has something for everyone—every season, every night and every day. You’re guaranteed to find adventure while visiting Lake Tahoe.

HIGHLIGHTS ONE VILLAGE PLACE

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. RESORT AMENITIES Enjoy access to fitness centers, hot tubs, a swimming pool and more—all just steps from your residence. NORTHSTAR MOUNTAIN

Northstar resort features 95 ski trails spread across 3,000 acres of varied

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terrain. It’s a proper winter paradise that’s characteristic of the entire Tahoe region. It’s also the home resort to two-time snowboarding Olympic gold medalist Shaun White.

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BIG SPRINGS EXPRESS

Direct, private access to an in-residence gondola means that you’ll never have to wait for a ride up the mountain. MOUNTAIN GOLFING

Unforgettable golf courses—such as Northstar-at-Tahoe, Old Greenwood and Gray’s Crossing—offer superb

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summer greens and gorgeous views. 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 winter.

VILLAGE SKATING RINK

Leisurely skating on an open rink is a wonderful way to end a day of shopping and exploring the Tahoe area. THE VILLAGE AT NORTHSTAR The

mountain village provides five-star access to fine dining, boutique shopping, private fitness centers and more.

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LAK E TAHOE

S Q U AW VA L L E Y

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE APEX 5 BED / 3.5 BATH

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.

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 snow-covered 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

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for a breathtaking instant. Inside, the timber lodge ceiling of your great room soars to beautiful heights, and the full kitchen is truly a gourmand’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 chock-full of appetizers, salads, pastas and gourmet pizzas. JUST SAY SPA-AHHH

In the heart of the village, the Trilogy Spa offers private, award-winning

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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.

SnoVentures minisnowmobile course. 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 & Crafts Festival in late June to the Annual Alpen Wine Fest in early September, Inspirato members will never be at a loss for fun.

SNOW DAY Kids ages 6 to 12 will enjoy riding a snowmobile that’s just their size at the

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For the well-heeled traveler, Las Vegas’s entertainment opportunities truly know no bounds. Dine in internationally renowned restaurants, take the evening to the next level in a sky-top lounge or reserve a limousine to whisk you to a trendy nightclub or show. Your luxurious suite at the ARIA Resort & Casino puts you in the center of it all.

LAS VEGAS HIGHLIGHTS SANCTUARY IN THE SKY

Your stay in the stunning ARIA Sky Suites begins with an exclusive portecochère accessable only by limousine. Soar to your penthouse, where each suite features spectacular views of the city or mountains. ARIA’s concierge staff will cater to your every need. UNDER ONE ROOF

Amenities at the ARIA include a world-class spa and salon, private resort pools and fine dining from James Beard–recognized and Michelin-lauded chefs.

FINE DINING The

number of chefs with gourmet venues in Las Vegas seems endless: Joel Robuchon, Michael Mina, Charlie Palmer, Tom Colicchio, Alain Ducasse, Andre Rochat and more have created amazing restaurants and unforgettable dining experiences. CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

Although Cirque is an international organization, it seems as if the incredibly unique performances were designed for Vegas. We could describe them as a combination of dance

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and dexterity, theater and acrobatics, but you really have to see them to believe them. NIGHTLIFE If Las Vegas

doesn’t sleep, should you? From gaming at one of the many casinos to the most exclusive nightclubs, there’s something fun and

vibrant for every visitor under the bright Vegas lights. FUN FOR KIDS Vegas

isn’t all about decadence; there’s plenty for the whole family to do. From the Shark Reef Aquarium 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, Vegas delivers excitement for all ages.

HOTEL PARTNER ARIA

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LONDON

In London, tradition and ceremony meld seamlessly with the fast pace of a global financial center and a vibrant, modern aesthetic. Your suite at the chic and contemporary Metropolitan London places you at the center of this cultural crossroads—just minutes from London’s historic hotspots and hippest offerings.

HIGHLIGHTS THE LOCATION Perfectly

placed on Park Lane, guests of the Metropolitan are within walking distance of Piccadilly Circus, Bond Street, Knightsbridge and a throng of restaurants. THE SERVICE A Techno

Butler is at your service to help with all things computer related, and guests also receive twice-daily maid service, including evening turndown with complimentary mineral water. The Met Bar is open only to guests for afternoon tea, awardwinning cocktails and

ENGLAND

dynamic, DJ-fueled events. Celebrity sightings are common here—especially while dining at Nobu or sipping a martini at The Met Bar. EXPERIENCE IT ALL

A short cab ride from Metropolitan London delivers you 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

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Museum and National Gallery or pay a visit to Westminster Abbey. WEST END THEATRE

Only New York’s Broadway 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. LONDON PUBS Slide onto a bar stool or into a booth at a traditional pub and enjoy a pint. From dark wood paneling to warm fireplaces, you can find the perfect interior for midday comfort.

HOTEL PARTNER PARK STUDIO 1 BED / 1 BATH

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LOS CABOS

MEXICO

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE CASA DEL SOL 4 BED / 4.5 BATH

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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HIGHLIGHTS SIT BACK AND RELAX

As a guest of Auberge Private Residences at Esperanza Resort and Punta Ballena Resort, members staying in these 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 your new home on the Baja peninsula.

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.

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THE SPA The Spa at

Esperanza regularly appears on Travel + Leisure’s best-of lists.

need is taken care of. CONVENIENT LUXURY

ZIPLINE TOUR Hook up to

a zipline and soar fast and far over the wide canyons of the Baja landscape. THE SERVICE From

room service to poolside attendants at many of the residences, your every

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With stunning ocean views and five-star amenities close at hand, your family won’t need to go far to enjoy the best of Los Cabos.

have a variety of options for the perfect place to stay. Your refrigerator will be stocked with everything you requested, from bottled 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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THE SELECTION With 15 Signature Residences, you

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MALDIVES

LAAMU

HOTEL PARTNER SIX SENSES VILLAS 1 BED / 1 BATH

Far from the normal getaway, the intimate Indian Ocean islands that comprise the Maldives have become a coveted destination for travelers who appreciate a combination of adventure and luxury. With Six Senses Laamu, we’re thrilled to bring members a Maldives experience that caters to families.

HIGHLIGHTS SEA ADVENTURES The

calm lagoon water right off the island is perfect for all levels for snorkeling, water skiing and wakeboarding. Scuba diving trips leave throughout the day, there are complimentary catamarans and the resort offers an islandhopping adventure. Great surfing breaks are also easy to reach. THE LOCATION Laamu

is partially encircled by an atoll, or ring-shaped coral reef, creating a crystalline lagoon where

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kids can swim, snorkel, water ski and wakeboard in the calm waters. The entire family can set off in a speedboat for a day of island-hopping, or dad can teach the kids how to ride a catamaran in the peaceful lagoon. SIX SENSES SPA The

highlight here may be the four “nests” designated as couple’s treatment pavilions. The expert therapists use natural products and awardwinning treatments, along with regional wellness specialties. You can relax with locally inspired signature treatments,

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packaged treatments and individual massage therapies. Just ask your butler to arrange a time. DINING Zen only serves 12 guests a night, and the experience is definitely worth it. You’ll be served a Kaiseki menu, or traditional Japanese multi-course meal, which

features modern twists. The sushi and sashimi Moriawase featuring fresh tuna, salmon and reef fish are especially tasty. CATCH WAVES From

the resort, you can see the white spray from Yin Yang. To surf it, you can take a morning or afternoon trip to the nearby island Hithadoo. The breaks here are surfed almost exclusively by resort guests. The best time of the year is April to October, when conditions are prime.

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MALDIVES

The Soneva Fushi resort is an island unto itself—a private swath of silky sand and lush vegetation surrounded by a coral lagoon and the dazzling Indian Ocean. Although the island is the second largest in the Maldives, the resort’s 65 residences are the only ones here, and each offers complete privacy to enjoy your own island paradise.

HIGHLIGHTS SONEVA FUSHI You might feel like Robinson Crusoe—albeit in a far more luxurious setting—when you stay at one of Inspirato’s residences at Soneva Fushi. Choose from an intimate one-bedroom villa with a private pool; a two-bedroom villa with a lagoon-like oasis and pool just steps from the beach; or a multi-story, four-bedroom sanctuary that includes a private massage suite, sauna and steam bath, personal gym, wine cellar and a massive swimming pool.

S O N E VA F U S H I

TOP-TIER SERVICE

Condé Nast Traveler has designated Soneva Fushi for both its Hot List and Gold List thanks to superior service, a world-class Six Senses Spa, decadent cuisine and pure beauty. It’s barefoot luxury at its finest. THE AMENITIES Some

residences feature a private seawater swimming pool, personal butler service, in-villa wireless Internet access, complimentary daily breakfast, access to the resort’s fitness center and the use of a resort buggy or bicycles.

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SIX SENSES SPA Reserve some time for pampering from the renowned spa brand, whether it’s a body treatment, spa journey or specialist therapy like a Tibetan hot stone healing massage. DIVE IN The Maldives boast some of the world’s best scuba diving, and

from Soneva Fushi you have access to more than 30 excellent dive sites. You can also get PADIcertified at the resort within a week, and then join a small group led by the Soleni Dive School. The crystal-clear lagoon around the island also offers excellent snorkeling. STARSTRUCK Koh Kood’s

quiet shores and clear skies are ideal for a night of stargazing. Start with training from the resort’s resident astronomer and then turn your eyes to the sky to view Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s moons and countless stars.

HOTEL PARTNER JUNGLE RESERVE 4 BED / 4 BATH

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MAUI

You can truly have it your way on Maui. From exploring a lush rainforest, trekking to the top of a towering volcano, 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.

HIGHLIGHTS

H AWA I I

THE RESORT EXPERIENCE

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 and two whirlpools, complimentary transport to Wailea Golf Club and within the Wailea community, 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 activities, a spa and great restaurants—all without

INSIDER’S TIP Most visitors to Maui opt for the Haleakala sunrise,

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.

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but the sunset is just as spectacular (and you don’t have to get up early). 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 at one of five white-sand beaches with swaying palm trees and, in the right season, humpback whale watching. A MEAL TO REMEMBER

There’s only one reason we would recommend a 45-minute drive to dinner: Haliimaile General Store. It’s well worth the trip.

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE MAKAI 3 BED / 2 BATH

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MIAMI/SOUTH BEACH

FLO RIDA

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE SUNDARI 2 BED / 2 BATH

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 if you’re in South Beach, 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 worldclass spa and fitness center, valet parking and beach attendants ready to serve you surfside.

THE JAMES At The James

Royal Palm, you’ll live the South Beach high life with resort pools and beach cabanas featuring Sun Concierge service.

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THE CLUB SCENE With hundreds of clubs, bars and other establishments, South Beach is one of the world’s hottest destinations for nightlife.

Latin spice, fresh sushi or anything in between, you will find it in South Beach.

GLOBAL DINING

ECLECTIC SHOPPING

Gourmands flock to South Beach for its global cuisine, fresh ingredients, celebrated restaurants and notable chefs. Whether you desire elegant dining, traditional

South Beach is bustling with couture labels, antique shops, fashionable galleries, quirky boutiques and retail outlets. Lincoln Road, an open-air

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pedestrian mall, is the premier shopping area. SUN WORSHIP 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. ART DECO Tucked amid the sky-high 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.

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NANTUCK ET

MASSACHUSET TS

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE HARBOR HAVEN 6 BED / 6.5 BATH

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.

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 raw,

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unpopulated stretches of coast where the only amenities are what you bring, Nantucket’s beaches offer an experience to suit every taste.

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NANTUCKET FARMERS AND ARTISAN’S 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

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coffee, handcrafted 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’s many bikeaccessible beaches and quaint shopping areas. 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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NAPLES

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.

HIGHLIGHTS THE LOCATION Our 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 soaking tub, a spa and pool with custom tile work, and a well-equipped outdoor kitchen. SEASIDE ACTIVITIES

Explore the area’s pristine coastline with a snorkeling excursion or a fishing trip, or take to the skies for an exciting floatplane tour.

FLO RIDA

EVERGLADES ADVENTURES 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 at a relaxed waterside restaurant or in one of

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the many upscale dining rooms. GOLF MECCA 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 fresco kitchen and gas grill, as well as a recently rebuilt pool and spa. EXPLORING NAPLES

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.

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE SUNRAY 4 BED / 5 BATH

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NEW YORK

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. HIGHLIGHTS DESIRABLE NEIGHBORHOOD At

Trump SoHo™ New York, one of Manhattan’s most renowned hoteliers welcomes you to the highly desirable location where SoHo meets Tribeca and the West Village—as well as to the neighborhood’s

outstanding art galleries, fine dining and boutique shopping.

N E W YO RK

eclectic treasures or the world’s most famous park. FINE DINING It’s best

AMENITIES ABOUND At

Trump SoHo, 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.

to pay attention, because new must-visit 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.

TWO LOCATIONS

In addition to SoHo, you can vacation in fabulous residences at Trump International Hotel & Tower Central Park, giving you easy access to nearby

SHOPPING Start with

the haute boutiques on Madison Avenue, swing through Barneys, Bloomingdale’s and Bergdorf Goodman, then

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rock? You’ll find all that and much, much more. THE SERVICE You’ll enjoy

signature Trump Attaché services 24 hours a day, with everything from a custom-stocked minibar to personalized business cards and laundry service.

head to the artist-meccaturned-stylish-outdoormall that is SoHo. 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

HOTEL PARTNER TRUMP CENTRAL PARK 2 BED / 2 BATH

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NEWPORT COAST

CALIFORNIA

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE CRYSTAL COVE 2 BED / 2.5 BATH

Gorgeous landscapes abound in this prestigious coastal community. With an average of 340 days of sunshine per year, the weather is perfect for playing the two championship golf courses designed by Tom Fazio, cruising in a yacht from Newport Harbor, meandering among the art galleries of nearby Laguna Beach or enjoying Newport’s beautiful Crystal Cove Beach.

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HIGHLIGHTS RELAXING COASTAL RETREAT Perched above

the spectacular Newport Coast, our villas in The Resort at Pelican Hill invite you to gaze at the Pacific Ocean from a private terrace while outstanding resort service handles your every need. THE VILLA CLUB As a

guest of Pelican Hill, settle into 10,000 square feet of luxury and comfort, with an expansive pool and poolside service, breakfast and tapas, full bar, fitness center and more.

THE GOLF You’ll want

more than one day on the links in this renowned golf destination. Celebrated course architect Tom Fazio created two championship courses— Ocean North and Ocean South—and most of their 36 holes feature stunning ocean views. SAILING CHARTERS Sail past waterfront mansions out to the sunny waters where sea lions and dolphins swim. Better yet, make it a sunset sail with a Champagne toast. DINING DELIGHTS

From the modern

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sunbathing, surfing and strolling. RESORT AMENITIES Enjoy

access to rejuvenating treatments and unparalleled service at the Spa at Pelican Hill.

steakhouse fare at Mastro’s Ocean Club at The Resort at Pelican Hill to the more casual Bandera in the town of Newport, you’ll find whatever meal fits your mood. SCAN THIS

THE BEACH Crystal Cove

CODE WITH A

Beach offers three idyllic miles that are perfect for

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OAHU

WA I K I K I

HOTEL PARTNER TRUMP WAIKIKI

Perfectly suited to vacationers who prefer to mix outdoor adventure with beachside lounging and exciting nightlife, Waikiki is anything but slow-paced. Floor-toceiling windows invite the tropical sunlight into your luxurious Trump Hotel room to rouse you for a day of nonstop fun. Start with a hike up Diamond Head cone; follow it up with surf lessons in the afternoon and a AAA Five Diamond dinner at Chef Mavro Restaurant in Honolulu.

HIGHLIGHTS TRUMP TREATMENT A

short stroll across the street gets you to the beach, which you can see from your oceanview room high in the sky above Oahu with views of the water and the sparkling skyline of Honolulu. From your private lanai to a fully equipped kitchen, your room will feel like home away from home, with the added five-star service you’d expect from a Trump property.

GOOD EATS Whether you’re in the mood for an Iron Chef–prepared feast at Morimoto Waikiki—with inventive sushi and Asianfusion dishes—or prefer a casual noodle bowl at Little Village Noodle House, Oahu’s dining scene is as diverse as its landscape. SURF’S UP Waikiki is

POOL When the beach

gets crowded, retreat to

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the sixth-floor infinity pool, where you can enjoy the warm sun and relaxing water without the bustle of the busy boardwalk and shoreline.

among the best places in the world to learn to

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surf. It doesn’t hurt that many of its seasoned instructors come from long lines of champion wave riders. For the more advanced surfers, Oahu’s North Shore serves up legitimate waves and an incredible break. PEARL HARBOR The hull of the sunken USS Arizona—among those

lost in the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941—is the foundation of the historic site’s memorial. Nearby, the Battleship Missouri Memorial and the Pacific Aviation Museum are, together, some of the most important historic relics in the country. ROYAL TREATMENT

There is only one royal palace in the U.S., and it is in this Hawaiian capital city. More opulent than the White House, it was home to King Kalakaua and Queen Lili’uokalani, the last monarchs of the island nation before it became our 50th state.

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OMAN

Oman and adjoining Zighy Bay remain a hidden treasure to many travelers, but those who visit will soon be raving about the exhilarating experience. On one side, dramatic mountains beckon you to go exploring. On the other side, the blue waters of Zighy Bay welcome you to snorkel, water ski or just laze at their edge on a sandy beach.

HIGHLIGHTS HIGH ADVENTURE The

rugged beauty of Oman presents the opportunity for rugged adventure, and the Six Senses can help you paraglide off Zighy Mountain, go canyoning past waterfalls, mountain bike in the Hajar Mountains, go on a 4x4 excursion or a traditional handline fishing trip, and enjoy a full range of water sports in the calm bay. DAY CRUISE Dating back

some 500 years, the Dhow is a local fishing boat that’s six meters high. On this popular half-

Z I G H Y B AY

day cruise, you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel, kayak and explore fjords, small bays and ancient fishing villages. You’ll also enjoy a gourmet lunch. FOUR-WHEEL RIDE The

nearby village Sabatyn gives you the opportunity to view petroglyphs, stone towers and ancient farming houses. And even better, getting there is most of the fun. There are two options for exploring the Sabatyn plateau in a 4x4: the daytime climb to panoramic views of Wadi Al Bih and the more peaceful sunset ride to enjoy canapés,

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champagne, a campfire and the sun setting over the mountains. WINE PAIRINGS For a

special evening, ask your butler to arrange an intimate dinner in the Wine Cellar, where the resort’s master sommelier will expertly pair cuisine with selections from the

300-plus wines from around the world. SPICE MARKET Feast

on traditional Arabian cuisine at the resort’s main restaurant. The décor features bold colors, and Spice Market also has a traditional mud kitchen. For dinner, try the assafir ferri, a dateglazed roasted quail with spiced citrus brown lentils topped with pomegranate sauce.

HOTEL PARTNER SIX SENSES POOL VILLA 1 BED / 1 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 screened-in porch.

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 on the porch and spending quality together

SOUTH CAROLINA

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time. It’s the private community that time forgot, but that discerning travelers will always remember.

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 you can forsake the car for family bike rides on the quiet streets.

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

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE JASMINE 4 BED / 4.5 BATH

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PARIS

FRANCE

HOTEL PARTNER LA VILLA & HOTEL MAJESTIC 1 BED/ 1 BATH

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 freshly baked 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.

HIGHLIGHTS LUXURY AND CONVENIENCE The

Majestic, a five-star property, offers an elegant and serene escape into the heart of Paris—perfect for romance and ideal for business. Amenities include richly appointed suites with two satellite LCD televisions, iPod docking stations and more, as well as access to the MAJClub spa and fitness center, saunas, steam rooms and a swimming pool.

de Triomphe and the Champs Élysées, the Majestic is located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris—home to diplomatic embassies and renowned museums. CLASSICALLY FRENCH, EXCEEDINGLY PARISIAN

For the business traveler, the hotel delivers a multitude of services and amenities. For the romantic, the Majestic rests in the heart of the world’s most passionfilled city. MUSEUMS You can

THE LOCATION Literally

steps away from the Arc

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at the Musée du Louvre, and appreciating the art of Paris is an activity that spans 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. LA CINÉMATHÈQUE FRANÇAISE The

Cinémathèque houses the largest film archive in the world and offers daily screenings from its vast collection.

easily spend a full day exploring the treasures

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PROVENCE

FRANCE

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE CHÂTEAU ROSINE 4 BED / 4.5 BATH

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.

HIGHLIGHTS CHÂTEAUS 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.

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. TRUFFLE TASTING Just 10 minutes away, the “House of Wine and Truffles” offers truffle education along with wine tasting. Pure truffles are for sale.

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town is a paradise. Locals also come here for the fresh fish; if you order the trout almandine at le Vivier, your fish will have been swimming 15 minutes ago.

ANTIQUE SHOPPING FRESH LAVENDER Inhale

the delicate scent of lavender floating in the air. Your Destination Concierge knows a skilled lavender

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L’Isle sur la Sorgue is known as the “Venice of Provence” for the canals that wind through town. For antique lovers, this

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CATHEDRALS In nearby

In addition, the Pope provided Jews refuge from the French king in the 14th century, and the region boasts beautiful 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 nonFrench speakers with the menu, which delivers classic French cuisine.

Avignon, you’ll definitely want to see the famous Pope’s Palace and the Pont d’Avignon.

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PUNTA CANA

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.

HIGHLIGHTS

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

cove offer a stunning backdrop for sunbathing.

BEAUTIFUL COASTLINE

A trip to Punta Cana is all about dedicated, do-nothing 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 beachtowel territory on Playa Macao. The dramatic cliffs and sheltered

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 most extraordinary private residences in

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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 plantationstyle 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.

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE CASA CANA 5 BED / 5.5 BATH

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PUNTA DE MITA

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.

HIGHLIGHTS BEACH LIVING ON BANDERAS BAY 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-square-foot residence, will truly 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 beach is literally steps away from our Los Veneros residences. This gently sloping beach is sheltered by rock formations on either side and is ideal for surfing, snorkeling or just lounging. The private Los Veneros and Real del

MEXICO

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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 after 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, whitesand 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.

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE EL TESORO 4 BED / 4 BATH

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ROSEMARY BEACH

FLO RIDA

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE SUGARWHITE COTTAGE 6 BED / 6.5 BATH

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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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, seemingly effortless experience. Your home features comfortable indoor and outdoor living

spaces and charming décor that reflects the area’s beach-town vibe with upscale amenities. You’ll feel at home as soon as you walk through the front door. SUNSETS Rosemary Beach has memorable sunsets. If getting away from city lights for some peace and tranquility is your mission, you’ll find it here.

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The Bayou Arts Center is just one of many venues to take in some original imagination and talent. RACQUET CLUB A tennis

ARTS AND CULTURE With

numerous fairs, festivals, exhibits and events taking place throughout the year, this is a culturally rich hub for crafts and artistry.

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destination, the club maintains eight clay courts—six are lighted for evening play—and a viewing deck for spectators.

THE POOLS Rosemary

Beach offers access to four amazing beachside and park-side pools, open to residents and their guests. From cabana-style to infinity-edge pools meant for lounging, enjoy these rare, beautiful areas to cool down and relax. FINE DINING Bring the luxury dining experience to your residence via a personal chef, or take advantage of Rosemary Beach’s premier restaurants.

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SAN DIEGO

CALIFORNIA

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE SOLANA 5 BED / 4.5 BATH

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 theme-park 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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HIGHLIGHTS SWEET HOME With one-, two- and three-bedroom residences, the Beach Village at The Del is perfect for any party. Living room fireplaces, five-piece bathrooms, and fully appointed kitchens make you feel right at home. 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.

RANGE OF RESORTS

We’ve delivered four unique resort experiences for you to enjoy, from one of the world’s six triple five-star resorts at The Grand Del Mar to the casual Southern California vibe of La Costa Resort & Spa. At The Beach Village at The Del, we invite you to spend a week of beachside and poolside living. 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.

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And the experience, from lazy-smile relaxed to jawdroppingly over-the-top. 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. CABANA LIVING Relax in one of the resort’s poolside cabanas with TVs, magazines and refrigerators stocked with complimentary water, soft drinks, fruit and snacks. FRUTTI DI MARE When you’re in San Diego, your menu selections are easy: Order the catch of the 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 oceanminded eateries up and down the coast.

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SAN FR ANCISCO

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.

HIGHLIGHTS CONTEMPORARY DIGS

a complimentary car service is available during the day, so you needn’t fuss with a rental or taxis.

The view from every room in the Mandarin Oriental hotel in San Fran’s Financial District is fantastic. Inside, soft tones and contemporary furnishings match the hip vibe of the city. Each room also features an interactive entertainment system and wireless Internet.

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

TWO WHEELS The trolley

will visit your room not once but twice every day to ensure you have everything you need. Following suit,

cars are a great way to tour the city, and many of the sites are easily walkable, but for a unique perspective, rent a bicycle

ON THE WATER When

CALIFORNIA

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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. ART TOUR 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.

HOTEL PARTNER MANDARIN ORIENTAL 1 BED / 1 BATH

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SANTA BARBAR A

Known as the “American Riviera,” Santa Barbara fuses the beauty of a Mediterranean coastal town with pure Californian spirit. The climate is typical of the state’s oceanfront communities, with breezes that keep the winters warm and the summers cool. The Santa Ynez Mountain Range is the perfect backdrop to the city’s Spanishinspired architecture, culture and cuisine.

HIGHLIGHTS CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’

A variety of vacation experiences are available to guests at the Bacara Resort & Spa. Receive professional golf instruction and daily tennis lessons. Choose from a range of recreational activities such as the Cold Springs Hike, Picnic Hike or Champagne Croquet. And the 42,000-square-foot Spa at Bacara should be visited daily for an assortment of treatments that promote relaxation.

THREE HOTEL RESTAURANTS Bacara’s

three signature restaurants—Miró, The Bistro and Spa Cafe— serve a variety of inspired entrees and offer access to the resort’s world-class wine cellar.

CALIFORNIA

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course, Sandpiper, hugs the coast as it winds through the best of what Santa Barbara has to offer. Glen Annie’s rolling foothills and detailed architecture take golfers in a whole new direction. THE SPA The Spa at

ART CULTURE Santa

Barbara is home to more than 60 art galleries. Good thing, too, as the city’s famed artists’ colony is prolific and the art popular among visitors from around the world. CALIFORNIA WINE FESTIVAL Wine

tastings, delicious food

and beachside music make for a festive atmosphere during the annual California Wine Festival—a midsummer tradition in Santa Barbara.

Bacara has 36 private rooms and a wide array of treatments that can be customized and combined any way you like.

SANDPIPER AND GLEN ANNIE Pack the clubs

for 18 holes on some of California’s finest golf courses. The public

HOTEL PARTNER BACARA RESORT & SPA

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SNOWMASS VILLAGE

CO LO R ADO

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE GOLDENLEAF 5 BED / 5.5 BATH

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 yearround. 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.

HIGHLIGHTS CONVENIENT ACCESS

First Tracks isn’t just a name. With the Two Creeks chairlift right outside this Inspirato residence, you can enjoy first tracks on many of Snowmass’s exciting runs. And for that time off the slopes, this three-story residence gives your teenage kids enough space to have fun on their own.

FOOD AND DRINK From GOLDENLEAF This

beautiful home provides the optimal atmosphere for the entire family to relax and enjoy one

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another’s company. A grand stone fireplace opens to the comfortable living room on one side and a 10-seat dining table on the other. Beneath vaulted ceilings, tall windows welcome morning sunshine and offer gorgeous views of the Snowmass valley. The home also features a TV room with a pool table, and a private back patio with a hot tub.

imaginative upscale cuisine to a low-key evening engaged in comfortable conversation with friends, Snowmass

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delivers. Try the Village Tavern for a laid-back après-ski experience, 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, and be sure to

try their spicy orange margarita with a side of queso fundido. FESTIVAL SEASON

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 Festival and Snowmass Chili Pepper & Brew Fest, nearly every weekend hops with activity and excitement.

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ST. BARTS

FRENCH WEST INDIES

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE L’VILLA SANCTUARY 3 BED / 4.5 BATH

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.

HIGHLIGHTS THE LOCATION Le Sereno overlooks the stunning Grand Cul-de-Sac and sits among an almost halfacre of lush, landscaped gardens with private terraces, pool and parking. THE BEACHES The

dazzling white-sand beaches are perfect for relaxing, and your Destination Concierge will help you find the best spots and the best services.

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.

~2~ RESIDENCES Explore our St. Barts Signature Residence and hotel partner at inspirato.com/ destinations

KITE SURFING Kite surfing

is quickly becoming one of the most popular sports on St. Barts. Former kite-surfing champion Enguerrand Espinassou gives expert lessons at the Dive Center on Grand Culde-Sac Beach.

reason—this quiet island is an impeccable sailing location. St. Barts Sailing School, located at Public Beach, offers lessons to help improve your skills, and boat charters are also available.

THE SAILING Some of the HOSPITALITY IN ANY LANGUAGE The

island’s elegance is

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most incredible yachts in the world have slips on St. Barts, and for good

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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 JeanLuc Grabowski is known island-wide as a meal you have to taste.

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SYDNEY

Shrimp on the bar-bee are a distant memory. Sydney is the thriving, cosmopolitan city where you can find world-class shopping and dining in The Rocks, exciting modern art at the Museum of Contemporary Art and high-culture ballet at the famous Opera House. Yet it’s also the city that, with a 180-degree turn, offers thrilling surf breaks at Bondi Beach and yacht cruises past the Harbour Bridge.

HIGHLIGHTS PRIME SPOT Vacation at

the Park Hyatt Sydney, named to the Condé Nast Traveler 2013 Hot List. Located harbor front, the Park Hyatt looks directly over the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and puts you within steps of Sydney’s top entertainment area, The Rocks. EXOTIC ANIMALS Open daily, Taronga Zoo is home to Asian elephants, Tasmanian Devils, Lowland gorillas, Agile wallabies, Andean condors, spider monkeys, barking owls and

AUSTR ALIA

more. There are more than 4,000 animals from over 350 species in total. Try a guided tour, or detour to the Jumping Park after viewing the animals. OPERA Enjoy a night of culture at this architectural masterpiece, included on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2007. The Opera House includes a concert hall, playhouse, two theaters and more. Start by marveling at the massive sails on the exterior. Then enjoy one of the more than 40 shows each week, from operas and ballets to symphonies and orchestras to

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Shakespeare. When you leave by water taxi, don’t forget to take a look back at the Opera House lights shining in the starry night. SHOPPING Once 19thcentury warehouses, the buildings along the cobblestone streets of The Rocks are now boutiques, galleries, specialty shops,

hip bistros and artisan markets. But this isn’t the only shopping destination nearby. Flagship stores along the pedestrian Pitt Street Mall and the Victorian-style shopping arcade called The Strand are also convenient from the Park Hyatt. LOCATION Sydney is a world-famous metropolitan destination, brimming with high culture, chic fashions, hip art galleries and diverse dining neighborhoods.

HOTEL PARTNER PARK HYATT 1 BED / 1 BATH

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TELLURIDE

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.

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, you can ski right out the back door and onto the slopes. Evergreen is only 50 yards from the slopes, and boasts a large, handsomely appointed interior. And at Vermilion, you’ll have access to a slopeside ski valet.

WINTER THRILLS With

more than 2,000 skiable acres, including the wideopen playground known as Revelation Bowl, it’s easy to understand why locals love to tout the Telluride Ski Resort. 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.

CO LO R ADO

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locals take to the hills. The town also plays host to nearly weekly worldclass events and festivals throughout the summer, including the life-listworthy Telluride Bluegrass Festival.

the Sheridan Opera House is the centerpiece of the renowned Sheridan Arts Foundation. From music 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 almost every weekend.

SUMMER FUN When the

snow recedes to reveal untold stretches of grand hiking and biking terrain,

PERFORMING ARTS Built

by miners in 1913 for vaudeville performances,

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE GOLD HILL 5 BED / 5 BATH

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TEX AS HILL COUNTRY

TEXAS

HOTEL PARTNER BARTON CREEK RESORT

Forget dusty trails and rough-and-tumble cowboy lore; the Texas Hill Country is adorned with spring-fed rivers, rolling green fields and sparkling blue lakes. Your home base at Barton Creek Resort & Spa is in the center of all the action, from on-site activities such as the pool and Crenshaw Cliffside golf course to the rocking honky-tonks and hip art galleries of nearby Austin.

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HIGHLIGHTS ROOM SERVICE Guest rooms at Barton Creek feature luxurious furnishings with a Texas flair, large plasma televisions and picture windows. Suites offer separate parlors, dining rooms and dressing areas. LAKE LIFE Take a motorboat or pontoon cruise on Lake Austin to start the trip off right. Before launching, though, stop by the Whole Foods flagship store for a selection of fresh, organic and local picnic food you can enjoy out on the lake

or from the shore while you dip your toes into the water. KICK UP YOUR HEELS

Visit the most famous dance hall in Texas, The Broken Spoke, where you can get dance lessons before enjoying rocking performances from artists who might go on to be as famous as Willie Nelson, who started here.

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your own or get some pointers at the Barton Creek Golf Academy.

BARBECUE When you come to Texas, you should come ready to eat barbecue. Austin’s Franklin Barbecue was recently named one of the best BBQ spots in the whole country, but families might enjoy Shady Grove with its quirky “hippie trailer” entrance, kitschy interior and the “best patio in town.”

WINE TASTING Texas HIT THE LINKS Voted one

of the top golf resorts in Texas, Barton Creek has four championship courses, including the Tom Fazio–designed Fazio Foothills. Hit the links on

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Hill Country is a quickly growing wine region, with more than 30 boutique wineries with rustic tasting rooms and beautiful stone chateau cellars.

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THAILAND

S O N E VA K I R I

HOTEL PARTNER SONEVA KIRI 2 BED / 1 BATH

Escape to the untouched island of Koh Kood, a private world of tropical rain forests, white-sand beaches and gorgeous waterfalls. We’ve partnered with Soneva Kiri by Six Senses to give this quiet village atmosphere a luxury upgrade. Although Bangkok is just an 80-minute plane ride away, Soneva Kiri deserves its motto, “No news, no shoes.”

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HIGHLIGHTS ISLAND LUXURY Choose

from the one-bedroom ocean villa suite or two-bedroom beach retreat and settle into an unhurried atmosphere that combines island living with modern luxuries such as a private infinity-edge pool, stateof-the-art entertainment systems and appliances, as well as beautiful and open living spaces that bring the outside in—all of which have helped earn the resort a Robb Report “Best of the Best” distinction.

THE SERVICE You’ll enjoy

personal butler service, babysitting services, wine cellars, in-villa wireless Internet access, entry to the resort’s fitness center and use of an electrical cart, resort buggy or bicycle for getting around the island. Complimentary daily breakfast is also included. SIX SENSES SPA The

award-winning Six Senses Spa invites you to enjoy the SLOW LIFE, its unique philosophy on a holistic lifestyle. Take advantage of personalized sensory spa journeys in one of the 11 uniquely designed

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treatment rooms from a skilled team of international and Thai therapists. Your personal butler will be happy to make an appointment.

menu of nine-course authentic Thai feasts. SEE THE SIGHTS BELOW

With calm, clear waters, an onsite resort PADI scuba center and undersea life from turtles to moray eels, you’ll find some of the best scuba diving in the world just a short boat ride from the island’s beaches.

A MEAL TO REMEMBER

Acclaimed Chef Khun Benz runs a secluded waterfront restaurant that serves a daily-changing

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TORONTO

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.

HIGHLIGHTS 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 the signature Trump Attaché service.

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.

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the tallest freestanding building in the Western Hemisphere. DISTILLERY DISTRICT This

acclaimed neighborhood is part European walking district and part SoHo. DINNER WITH A VIEW

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. OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Toronto is an urban metropolis within easy

reach of unspoiled wilderness and heartpumping 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 1,815-foot CN Tower,

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.

HOTEL PARTNER TRUMP INTERNATIONAL HOTEL & TOWER

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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, low-key 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 by noon.

HIGHLIGHTS ISLAND OASIS AT THE SOMERSET The

Somerset on Grace Bay was designed for pure relaxation and beach lounging. Choose from a variety of residences, each with unique décor, and enjoy first-class service and top-notch amenities as Inspirato caters to your every desire. Dine on gourmet fare or casual favorites; indulge your senses with an en-suite spa service; or take a dip in the infinity-edge pool or reverse-current lap pool, complete with an underwater sound system.

BRITISH WEST INDIES

TOP BEACH 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.

~5~ SIGNATURE RESIDENCES Explore our Turks & Caicos Signature Residences at inspirato.com/ destinations

WHILE AWAY THE DAY ACTIVITIES ABOUND

Balance your beach time with action-packed 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.

With non-motorized water sports, a reading library, and a regulation croquet lawn, there is constant fun for the young and young at heart. DECADENT DINING Take

pleasure in the eclectic dining options. Indulge in a private chef for a terrace

or beachfront meal that you won’t soon forget. EXCELLENT FISHING

Anglers of every experience level can enjoy bonefishing or deep-sea fishing all year round. Bonefish are small, fast fish that swim around the low waters of Grace Bay. To catch these agile creatures, 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 deep-sea fishing excursion.

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE THE SOMERSET ON GRACE BAY

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TUSCANY

I TA LY

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE IL BRONZINO 9 BED / 7.5 BATH

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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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.

~ 11 ~ SIGNATURE RESIDENCES Explore our Tuscany Signature Residences at inspirato.com/ destinations

YOUR OWN WINE GUIDE Your Destination

Super Tuscan wines. Your concierge can also arrange a private chef.

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 Rosso and

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

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the town’s ancient stone streets to really feel like you’ve stepped back in history. SHOPPING IN SIENA

You don’t have to go to Florence for high fashion. Instead, walk the pedestrian streets Via di Cittá, Banchi di Sopra and Via Dei Montanini in Siena.

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VAIL

CO LO R ADO

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE BLUE SKY 3 BED / 3.5 BATH

Boasting thousands of skiable acres, 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, Michelin-starrated restaurants and laid-back bars serving up hot toddies and warm company.

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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 and ski valet near the base of the mountain, all of which are included in an Inspirato vacation. SOLARIS Seventeen of

Inspirato’s Signature Residences in Vail are in the centrally located Solaris complex, just steps from the lifts. Ranging from three to six bedrooms, each

residence offers views of 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. FRESH TRACKS Known as the largest—and arguably the most popular—ski mountain in the United States, Vail Mountain offers nearly 200 trails for serious outdoor enthusiasts to explore. WARM-WEATHER ACTIVITIES Saddle up

for a trail ride with a local dude ranch, take a half-day

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~ 19 ~ SIGNATURE RESIDENCES Explore our Vail Signature Residences at inspirato.com/ destinations

only movie theater and a stylish bowling alley are all within steps of one another, not to mention a bounty of excellent bars and restaurants.

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. NIGHTLIFE Just outside

our Solaris residences, Nobu Matsuhisa’s gourmet cuisine, Vail’s

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VANCOUVER

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 snow-covered 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.

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, flatscreen TVs and indulgent pillow-top mattresses are standard in every spacious, elegant room at the Fairmont Waterfront.

BRITISH COLUMBIA

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 harbor and into the 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 offering a close-up peek at salmon migrating up the river

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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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VIETNAM

The Con Dao archipelago is an untouched chain of 16 islands, of which the main one is commonly referred to as Con Dao. The island experience is breathtaking; light in tourist traffic, and protected as a marine and national park, Con Dao amazes with pristine natural beauty. The crystal-clear waters are home to more than 1,400 marine species, making this the best scuba diving and snorkeling destination in Vietnam.

HIGHLIGHTS TOTAL RELAXATION

The beaches are silky and white. You can leave for catamaran sailing, fishing trips and night dives right from the resort, and each villa includes a private infinity pool. Plan an extended vacation in Vietnam that begins at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay and concludes with the serenity of Con Dao. Ho Chi Minh City is just a 45-minute flight, so departures will be convenient. Your agenda on this part of the journey need not include anything more than ocean bliss

CON DAO

and Six Senses amenities. Sample the award-winning spa treatments. BEACHSIDE DINING Dine at By The Beach Restaurant for any meal of the day. In addition to ocean views, you’ll enjoy Vietnamese recipes with a twist. Try the fragrant crab, prawn and noodle soup, the assorted sashimi and sushi platter, or the Wagyu filet. TURTLES The protected

beaches of Con Dao are the only place in Vietnam where sea turtles nest. Green and Hawksbill turtles come here from May to October.

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SCUBA AND SNORKEL

The opportunity to make new marine discoveries here is staggering: some 340 species of coral and more than 1,400 marine species reside in these waters. Visibility is outstanding, and the resort offers a number of daily excursions. Don’t forget about the night

dives, when different species, including small bamboo sharks, make an appearance. GORGEOUS SUNSET The beach called Bai Nhat only appears in the afternoon, during low tide. It’s beautiful and includes numerous boulders where you can sit to watch the sun disappear.

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VIETNAM

N I N H VA N B AY

HOTEL PARTNER SIX SENSES WATER POOL VILLA 1 BED / 1 BATH

With two Six Senses resorts in Vietnam, we invite you to explore this gorgeous stretch of Southeast Asia at your own pace. Kick off the unforgettable journey with an intimate cultural experience from Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, located on Vietnam’s east coast, just northeast of Saigon. The resort offers quick boat tours to nearby Nha Trang, a small fishing town with ancient architecture and temples.

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HIGHLIGHTS THE EXPERIENCE You can

travel up the Cai River for a traditional mud bath or trek into Ho Ban Forest through green lily fields and past tiny villages. The Six Senses also offers island-hopping tours and cooking lessons on authentic Vietnamese cuisine. RIVER TRIP Cai River is the longest, widest river in Nha Trang, which makes it perfect for a boat excursion. You’ll cruise along, enjoying fresh coconut, as you head to hot springs and a warm,

mineral-rich mud bath. You’ll also enjoy a fresh seafood lunch before you travel back on the Cai. ADVENTURE TOUR The

journey to Hon Ba Forest takes you through spectacular scenery: green paddy fields, idyllic villages and on to towering mountains. After a stop to have tea at a local temple, you’ll reach the forest and begin a guided trek among the beautiful flora and fauna, eventually reaching a waterfall where you can swim and enjoy fresh fruits prepared by your guide.

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The experience concludes with an authentic Vietnamese lunch. SUNSET COCKTAILS Head

over to Drinks by the Bay for a sunset or afterdinner drink. The setting is incredibly relaxed, with daybeds and bar stools to choose between. There’s a Signature drink list,

martini list, champagne options, tropical drinks and much more. DINING Let the gentle breeze caress you as you dine on one of two levels overlooking the bay. For breakfast, you can enjoy Asian-Western cuisine, while dinner features international fusion that mostly focuses on North, South and Central Vietnam, including Luong Son, or local seafood braised in light soya caramel sauce with chili and garden herbs.

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VIRGINIA

THE HOMESTEAD

HOTEL PARTNER THE HOMESTEAD RESORT

This sprawling colonial resort in the Allegheny Mountains is the kind of place where you expect to see people playing croquet on the lush green lawns or smoking pipes by a stately fireplace. And you just might. With 3,000 acres of wooded mountainside, families and couples can escape the hustle-and-bustle for this quiet, nature-filled retreat.

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HIGHLIGHTS HOME AT HOMESTEAD

Your 600-plus-squarefoot, two-bedroom suite features spectacular mountain views from the porch, an elegant living area and well-appointed bathrooms. SIT AND SOAK The

soothing clear waters of the natural hot springs have drawn visitors to this area for centuries. Today, enjoy the indoor and outdoor pools, separate men’s and women’s pool houses, and a brand-new waterpark for the kids.

CARRIAGE RIDE Step—or ride—back in time on a horse-drawn-carriage tour of the resort’s winding mountain trails. CANYON RANCH SPACLUB

Using botanicals from the surrounding countryside, the massages, facials and body treatments at Canyon Ranch are different than what you’ll find anywhere else. The 60,000-square-foot facility also includes a full fitness facility offering classes and private instruction. INSPIRED EATS From the refined seasonal dishes

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is a unique activity you have to experience. Learn the history and technique of hunting with these beautiful birds at The Homestead’s Mews.

served in the main dining room to the gastro-pub comforts like chicken pot pie at Sam Snead’s Tavern, the Homestead dining experience is allencompassing. BIRDS OF PREY A time-

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honored tradition in Virginia and the “sport of kings,” falcon hunting

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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 cruise on the Potomac, the subtle majesty of the monuments lit at night and reservations when and where you need them. MUSEUMS The National

Museum of Natural History holds a world of discovery, with ancient artifacts, interactive

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

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 utilize forensic science techniques. Oh, and you’ll encounter a host of pirates, gangsters, Wild West outlaws and white-

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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. DINING Think of Clyde’s of Georgetown as upscale pub food. Originally opened as a saloon in 1963, it still retains some of the beer parlor atmosphere (even though there is a dining room). In addition to the tasty burgers and other pub fare, you can order a well-grilled steak or Chesapeake Bay rockfish.

HOTEL PARTNER FAIRMONT DC

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WHISTLER

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 ski destinations. Inspirato will ensure the finest mountain vacation you can find in British Columbia, providing you with first-class access to Whistler-Blackcomb’s year-round resort activities and the finest in mountain living.

HIGHLIGHTS CHÂTEAU 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 worldclass runs. PEAK EXPERIENCE The twin peaks of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains combine to form the largest

BRITISH COLUMBIA

ski resort in North America in the winter, and house a renowned mountain bike park in the summer. Whistler also features a quaint European-style village, world-class dining and a hot nightlife scene unique to North American ski resorts. FRESH TRACKS Ask your

Destination Concierge about Fresh Tracks. You’ll board the Gondola at 7:30 a.m., enjoy a great (and filling) breakfast buffet high on the mountain at Roundhouse Lodge, and then make tracks before anyone else.

~1~ SIGNATURE RESIDENCE Explore our Whistler Signature Residence at inspirato.com/ destinations

HELI-SKIING After 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 skiing tour through Whistler Heli-Skiing and you’ll enjoy guided access to 432,000 acres of incredible backcountry terrain.

VALLEY TRAIL 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. APRÈS-SKI Dusty’s, Whistler’s oldest hotspot, is also its best for an après-ski 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.

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE CHATEAU MONDEAU 5 BED / 6 BATH

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WINE COUNTRY

SONOMA

SIGNATURE RESIDENCE VILLA DELLA LUNA 4 BED / 3.5 BATH

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

THE GOURMET KITCHEN

With four bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms, and 3,600 square feet, the Manzanita residence is a sprawling winecountry estate perched majestically on a hill near the Mayacama Golf Club. The home also features a separate casita.

All residences’ gourmet, professional-grade kitchens are big in size and long on beauty. To enhance your winecountry 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 spectacular Palladian Estate is set on 40 acres of Mediterranean gardens and meadows, all awash in the fragrances of eucalyptus, lavender and rosemary.

THE WINERIES Visit some preferred vintners, including Cakebread Cellars, Ferrari-Carano Winery, Jackson Family Wines, Lancaster Estate, Terra Valentine and many more. We can also help

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~7~ RESIDENCES Explore our Wine Country Signature Residences and hotel partners at inspirato.com/ destinations

you discover smaller, family-run wineries that speak to the heart of California’s original winemaking culture. A GOURMAND’S DREAM

The list of amazing wines goes on and on; some of our favorite wineries include Medlock Ames, Matanzas Creek and

Michel-Schlumberger, but your concierge can direct you to dozens more. INSIDE TRACK We take inside member access to new places in Wine Country. 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.

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NEW DESTINATION

COSTA RICA

Guanacaste, on Costa Rica’s northwest Pacific coast, is known as the “Gold Coast” for its sunny savannahs. For Inspirato members, this region will also be a treasure trove of authentic Costa Rican adventures. The breathtaking stretch of shoreline from Playa Hermosa to Playas del Coco connects quickly to the highway, leading you to the popular surfing of

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Tamarindo, jeep tours, volcanoes and rainforests. HIGHLIGHTS FRONT DOOR TO ADVENTURE Many areas

in Guanacaste require a 45-minute drive just to reach a major road. But instead of being on a remote point or peninsula, Playa Hermosa offers you front-door access to the local highways that lead

P L AYA H E R M O S A

to Arenal Volcano, Rincon de la Vieja National Park, rainforests, whitewater rafting, zip lining and much more. LAVISH ACCOMMODATIONS

Though conveniently located, your elegant home will be slightly removed from the town’s action. You’ll find the luxury touches you love, from private patios with a

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pool and sweeping vistas to open living areas and spacious bedrooms. THE CONVENIENCE In all of Costa Rica, Playa Hermosa is the closest beach town to an international airport, Liberia’s Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport. This puts you within a short drive of your residence and Costa Rica’s “Gold Coast.”

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCE

You may hear the chatter of monkeys when you wake, along with the melodic chirps of numerous tropical birds. More authentic than resort areas, Playa Hermosa offers a pure Costa Rica experience, laidback and casual.

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PORTFOLIO | ADVENTURE DESTINATIONS

Inspirato with American Express

PORTFOLIO A D V E N T U R E D E S T I N AT I O N S

African Safari C Lazy U Ranch Galapagos Voyage Machu Picchu Yacht Charter

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AFRICAN SAFARI

K E N YA

EXPLORE THE AFRICAN WILD

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safaris and a hot-air balloon ride over the African savannah. In a word: unforgettable.

HIGHLIGHTS IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

You’ll enjoy up-close encounters with Africa’s breathtaking wildlife on guided tours of private game reserves, and experience the lifestyle of the Masai people with intimate encounters. BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

Throughout your safari experience, you’ll enjoy comfortable lodging

and permanent tent accommodations with private attached baths. This personalized, upscale camp experience combines thoughtful service and attention to detail with the immersive feeling of connecting with the daily rhythms of the African savannah. BY LAND AND BY AIR

Your African experience is enhanced with novel and unforgettable modes of viewing the landscape and wildlife, including bike safaris, hot-air balloon rides, Jeep tours, horseback rides, tracking with

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bloodhounds and more. THE CONVENIENCE

You’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes with booking a fully vetted and road-tested African safari experience. It’s easy to book, all activities and meals are pre-arranged, and your comfort and safety are accounted for at every step. No detail is left to chance, and the service is consistently excellent throughout.

ITINER A RY DAYS

You’ll depart on an overnight flight and arrive in Nairobi the following evening. You’ll be personally greeted at the airport and transported via safari Land Cruiser to your boutique hotel. DAYS

A short morning flight delivers you to the Chyulu Hills in southeastern Kenya, where you can soak in views of Mt. Kilimanjaro from your villa suite, which includes a private plunge

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Inspirato’s East African Safari Experience takes you to the open plains and green hills of Kenya, where you’ll enjoy amazing and intimate interactions with the wildlife and culture of this special area. Marvel at the sunlight on the snow-capped hills of Mt. Kilimanjaro and elephants ambling toward watering holes. Look for wild game such as zebras, gazelles and wildebeests on grassy plains. In these private game reserves, you can also enjoy unexpected activities like mountain biking, horseback

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DAYS

pool and a rooftop “star bed” to gaze at the night sky. You can enjoy coffee or tea in your room each morning, picnic or poolside lunches, and candlelit dinners. During the days, you might explore the plains by horseback, Land Rover and on foot. Keep

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your eyes peeled for gazelles, gerenuks, zebras, elands, oryx, giraffes and wildebeests, as well as cheetahs and lions. There’s also a swimming pool at the lodge if you want to take a dip.

After breakfast, take a short morning flight to your exclusive camp in the northern boundary of the Masai Mara National Reserve. With only seven tented rooms—each with sweeping views—this is a very personal and upscale camp experience. These days will include morning and afternoon game drives, the option of a hot-air balloon ride for a nominal fee, excursions in custommade safari vehicles and visits to authentic Masai villages. The wildlife that resides here includes lions, leopards, hyenas and cheetahs, as well as sunbathing crocodiles, massive hippos, elephants and much more.

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DAYS

INSIDER 9

A late-morning flight to Nairobi takes you to a dayroom at an upscale hotel. You can relax there or explore the area for shopping and dining. You’ll be transported to the hotel that evening for an overnight flight and arrive home the following day.

• Please note that this is a sample itinerary. Itineraries are highly customizable so that members may choose the activities and destinations they prefer.

MUST SEE The Wildebeest Migration Visit Kenya from July to September, the country’s coolest months, to witness the great wildebeest migration at its peak. This is when impossibly huge herds of wildebeest make their way from spring breeding and feeding grounds, across the Mara River and toward the green grasses on the other side. This huge migration also attracts a wide variety of predatory animals, and is a natural phenomenon that must be experienced firsthand to truly understand its magnitude.

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PORTFOLIO | ADVENTURE DESTINATIONS

C LAZY U R ANCH

CO LO R ADO

EXPLORE THE WILD WEST

Our C Lazy U Luxury Guest Ranch & Resort Experience takes you into Colorado’s Wild West and introduces you to an elegant, friendly and fun guest-ranch culture, complete with gourmet meals and luxury lodging. Located on more than 8,000 acres in Granby, where the Colorado River runs off the Continental Divide and winds its way through mountain valleys and the White River National Forest, C Lazy U is a land of lush green meadows, bright blue skies and fresh, clean air. Every season

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brings unique beauty and new activities for the whole family. From relaxing spa services at the Lazy You Spa and daily horseback riding with a wrangler guide, to fly fishing and trap shooting in warm weather and private snowcat-assisted skiing and ice skating in the winter, you can create memorable experiences day after day.

HIGHLIGHTS FAMILY FOCUSED Children and teens will enjoy the outstanding kids’ program, brimming with action and entertainment, led by cool and talented counselors, while adults will revel in as much or as little adventure as they desire. From pony rides and crafts for the littlest ones, to scavenger hunts and hayrides for the older kids and overnight camping and whitewater rafting for teenagers, your children can explore the ranch and make memories that will last a lifetime. Families

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eat breakfast together each morning and have an organized family activity each evening. YEAR-ROUND ACTIVITIES

This luxury guest ranch is bustling every day of the year. When you’re not in the saddle, go snow tubing, sledding and cross-country skiing in the winter and go hiking, biking and fly fishing in the summer, just to name a few of the fun activities.

at home and welcome you into the ranch family. A renowned chef prepares delectable, gourmet, family-style meals, and your luxury accommodations offer first-class comfort and solitude, with stone fireplaces, nightly bed turndown, plush robes, iHome docking stations and fresh snacks that are replenished daily.

“FIVE-SPUR SERVICE”

From the first “howdy” to the final tip of their hat, C Lazy U staff members make you feel instantly

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a ride down the private luge run, play ice hockey or go snowshoeing.

ITINER A RY DAY

DAY

Fly into Denver International Airport or another nearby airport and ride through the majestic Rocky Mountains to C Lazy U Guest Ranch & Resort. The friendly staff will welcome you and show you to your luxury accommodations. DAY

DAY

cookout, followed by a nightly family activity, where you can spend time with your loved ones, eat ice cream and later enjoy optional programmed events at the Patio House.

DAY

Spend your days finding action and adventure. In summertime, participate in cattle drives and other cowboy adventures, and in wintertime, take

MUST DO Get Horseback in the Rocky Mountains

Tip your hat to C Lazy U and head home with Wild West memories to share.

After breakfast with your family, an experienced wrangler will match you with a horse that fits your personality and skill level. You can swim in the refreshing pool or hot tub, go hiking, biking or fishing, play tennis, or go trap or archery shooting. While the kids eat dinner with their counselors and their newfound friends, you can swap stories with other adults over Rocky Mountain trout or rosemary rack of lamb before indulging in decadent desserts and after-dinner drinks by the fire.

INSIDER

• Please note that itineraries are highly customizable so that members may choose the activities they prefer. During the summer months, there is a sevennight stay requirement, and during the winter, there is a two-night minimum. Please call your Personal Vacation Advisor for details about available luxury accommodations.

The essential C Lazy U experience is built around its horseback program. One of the premier horseback riding ranches in Colorado, C Lazy U maintains a herd of more than 175 horses, and its experienced wranglers will match you with the perfect horse for your stature and riding ability. You’ll get to know your horse during daily morning and afternoon rides, and kids will enjoy an opportunity to take a morning wagon ride out into the pasture to help the C Lazy U staff feed the herd. There’s nothing like the feel of a warm muzzle as eager mouths reach for a fresh flake of hay.

Take a day for yourself and relax with a facial, massage, manicure, pedicure or other spa service at the Lazy You Spa. Or opt for the “Cowboy Soak,” a relaxing moonlit soak in deep copper tubs overlooking Willow Creek—complete with Champagne and strawberries. Meet up with your family just in time for the weekly family

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GALAPAGOS VOYAGE

G A L A PAG O S I S L A N D S

EXPLORE AN EXOTIC DESTINATION

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THE EXPERIENCE Most of your time will be spent within the protected areas of the Galapagos National Park and the Galapagos Marine Reserve, where you might see penguins, sea lions, albatross, marine iguanas, bluefooted boobies, flamingos and much more—all from an incredibly close vantage point.

THE NATURAL WORLD

The Galapagos are home to an amazingly diverse assortment of creatures both in the sea and on land. While kayaking, snorkeling and walking these remote islands, you’ll observe surfacing dolphins and whales, flightless cormorants and giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, brown pelicans, seals and so much more. INTIMATE ENCOUNTERS

The expedition ship enlists only the most qualified naturalists, and guides lead groups of no more than 12 on each island,

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so you’ll get to know the guides on a personal level as they share their expertise and introduce you to the wonders of the Galapagos.

ITINER A RY DAY

You’ll fly overnight from North America and arrive in Ecuador the following morning, where we’re happy to arrange ground transportation and a comfortable hotel in the heart of historic Quito.

DAY

After a morning flight from Quito to Baltra in the Galapagos, your journey begins aboard the ship, which offers two offshore site visits per day and ample opportunities to hike, swim, snorkel, kayak, bird-watch and take great close-up photographs. Today is your first chance to see wildlife. Look for flamingos and other coastal birds on the white sands of Las Bachas Beach. DAY

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HIGHLIGHTS

Follow a trail to the Fur Seal Grottos on Santiago Island, where

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In the Galapagos Islands, you’ll experience up-close encounters with some of the most unique wildlife, flora and fauna in the world. Sail among the islands on an intimate, richly appointed expedition ship with a maximum of 48 guests, and gain insight into the islands’ diverse flora and fauna through the expertise of experienced naturalist guides. It’s the ideal way to experience all that the Galapagos have to offer.

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DAY

Today you’ll see ancient cave art on the walls of Tagus Cove before hiking to the top of Darwin Volcano. Later you’ll cruise through a wonderful mangrove ecosystem that is a refuge for sea turtles and rays. DAY

you can swim and snorkel or look for sea urchins, octopi and starfish in tidal pools along the black-sand beach. Next, head to Bartolomé Island, where penguins gather near the snorkeling area around Pinnacle Rock. Trek to the top of the island for exceptional views or enjoy a panga ride to explore nooks and crannies along the coastline.

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DAY

Prepare to see land iguanas on Santa Cruz’s Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill). Pintail ducks and pink flamingos may greet you as well. On the following stop, sea lions and pelicans gather on the beautiful red-sand beach of Rábida, which is also one of the tour’s top snorkeling sites.

DAY

Fernandina offers some of the area’s most unique wildlife, including flightless cormorant, Galapagos snakes, marine iguanas, penguins and the Galapagos hawk. On the snorkeling or panga trips that follow, you may spot Nazca boobies, pelicans and swallow-tailed gulls. DAY

scientists, guides, rangers and park managers to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perhaps the biggest treat, however, will be the opportunity to see the islands’ famous giant tortoises in their natural habitat.

At the Charles Darwin Research Station, gain insight into the huge efforts being made by

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Today’s journey begins among the frolicking sea lions on the white-sand beach of Gardner Bay. Then it’s on to Punta Suárez on Española Island, one of the trip’s most popular stops. The area’s isolation has led to a high proportion of endemic fauna, as well as rare finches and the only population of albatross on the planet. DAY

a panga ride through saltwater inlets frequented by sea turtles, sharks and rays on Black Turtle Cove. At midday you’ll travel back to Quito, where you can refresh before your flight home the next day. We are glad to arrange ground transportation and accommodations in Quito. DAY

After a restful evening, board a morning flight for your return home.

The day begins with

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MACHU PICCHU

PERU

EXPLORE SOUTH AMERICAN CHARMS

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five-star service and an unforgettable experience.

PERU YOUR WAY Packed

with variety, your entire Peruvian experience provides a variety of activities to explore the Andean landscape. You’ll enjoy private tours and luxurious accommodations at each destination; dine on Peruvian delicacies; set your heart pumping with outdoor adventures such as hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding; or choose to relax and enjoy the views. Personal hosts and expert guides will escort you through every step of your trip, ensuring

EXPERT PRIVATE GUIDE

With the help of a private, English-speaking guide, immerse yourself in the diverse and fascinating culture of the Andean people, experiencing local food, religion and art. NEW WORLD WONDERS

Discover the Inca civilization through the many ruins, ranging from Machu Picchu, one of the most aweinspiring archaeological sites in the Americas, to Sacsayhuaman, an ancient battlefield.

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ADDITIONAL EXCURSION

In addition to our Peru experience, you can add to your trip by taking an excursion to the lush Amazon jungle or exploring the 3-million-year-old freshwater Lake Titicaca.

ITINER A RY DAY

When you arrive at Lima’s international airport, your personal host will greet you and assist you with check-in at Costa del Sol, a comfortable accommodation conveniently located directly across from the airport.

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HIGHLIGHTS

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Our custom Peru Experience—featuring the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Cusco and Machu Picchu—introduces you to this South American country’s rich cultural history, friendly locals and stunning scenery. Set in the beautiful Andes Mountains, Peru has strong Inca and Spanish influences, and the country is teeming with ancient ruins and historical enchantments. Learn about past civilizations and view awe-inspiring artifacts that are thousands of years old, all while surrounded by nature at its finest.

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DAY

After a short flight to Cusco and a private transfer to the Sacred Valley, you will enjoy a homemade Peruvian lunch and breathtaking views at the Hacienda Huayoccari, a working farm in the heart of the Sacred Valley. Venture into Incan history on a private horseback riding tour and hop on a mountain bike to explore the Maras salt flats and the ruins in Moray. You will sleep well at Sol y Luna, a peaceful lodge in a gorgeous, natural setting. DAY

Archbishop’s Palace. Sleep comfortably at La Casona, a converted 16thcentury manor house.

DAY

Meet local artisans at San Blas Square or dine on a decadent Peruvian lunch served in an open-air patio before traveling to Lima and boarding your international flight home.

ingredients from a traditional market in preparation for your private Peruvian cooking demonstration and

introduction to nouveauAndean cuisine. Explore the Plaza de Armas, Qoricancha, the Museum of Religious Art and the

• Please note that this is a sample itinerary. Itineraries are highly customizable so that members may choose the activities and destinations they prefer.

INSIDER

MUST SEE Sunrise over the Ancient Ruins Viewing the sunrise over Machu Picchu, as you will during your Peruvian adventure, can only be described as a religious experience. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ancient Incans built this impressive collection of structures deep in the wilds of Peru’s Cusco Region in the mid-1400s. It was abandoned just 100 years after its completion during the Spanish Conquest, and today most of the outlying buildings have been reconstructed to give a sense of what Machu Picchu must have been like at the height of its glory.

Take in spectacular views of the Andes and of vibrant villages before arriving at Machu Picchu. You may elect to arrive at Machu Picchu via the luxurious Hiram Bingham train, or you can take a train to Kilometer 104 and hike the last portion of the Inca Trail with your guide. You can choose to do as much or as little hiking as you desire, and you may also participate in a private meditation ceremony performed by a Paco (Andean Shaman). Stay at the luxurious Machu Picchu Inkaterra Hotel, which boasts beautiful gardens and a glass-walled restaurant. DAY

Travel by train and private transfer to Cusco, where your knowledgeable guide will take you on a tour around the Sacsayhuaman ruins. Later choose fresh

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YACHT CHARTER

L ADY J

EXPLORE THE LADY J YACHT CHARTER

Memories from a week aboard the 142-foot Lady J luxury yacht will last a lifetime and a half. Imagine stepping off the dock and into a world of first-class service and opulence that floats from one of the Atlantic’s most breathtaking islands to the next while you bask in the warm sun and fresh sea breeze. From the time you wake up in your private suite and enjoy a chef-prepared breakfast to the moment you fall asleep under the brilliant night sky, the attentive staff is on hand to meet your every need. On board, the amenities

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include immaculate wood-paneled state rooms with en-suite bathrooms, a formal dining room, multiple lounge areas, expansive decks with a bubbling Jacuzzi, plenty of lounge chairs and even workout equipment. When you’re ready for a bit more speed, hop onto one of the two WaveRunners, the 32-foot Intrepid or your additional towed tender to explore the nooks and coves of the islands. When you’re ready to return to the yacht, you’ll be greeted with a glass of Champagne and a gourmet dinner.

HIGHLIGHTS TIME TO PLAY Old and young kids alike will love kayaking or paddleboarding along the shoreline, playing on the sandy beaches or casting their lines while deep-sea fishing. In the more secluded bays and inlets, you can water ski behind the tenders while the yacht waits farther out in the open waters. TIME TO RELAX When

you need a break from all the playing, slip into your swimsuit and sunbathe on the deck or sip cocktails in the Jacuzzi. Or get

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out of the sun and relax in your room, which is equipped with a complete entertainment system. ISLAND TIME With several

days in each port of call, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the beaches, cafes and shops.

ITINER A RY 1 Launching from the Caribbean island of St. Maarten, you’ll first have time to explore the beaches or the wooden trails farther inland, from which you can see the cays

below. Days two and three, you’re free to explore the Dutch side of the island and the opposite French side, including Marigot Bay, where you can kayak or swim in the warm waters. In the afternoon, cruise to St. Barts, where you’ll dock overnight and then explore the French town of Gustavia and Grand Cave for the next couple of days. The last few days are spent visiting the islands of Saba and Anguilla, where you can snorkel, horseback ride or shop. Return, rested and tanned, to St. Maarten’s Simpson Bay before departing for home.

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ITINER A RY 2 Start your trip and return in the middle to Paradise Island, Bahamas, where you can begin to unwind at the Hotel Atlantis’ casino, waterpark or dinner show. Depart from Nassau on day two and cruise to Highborne Cay, Exuma, where you can lounge on the beach, water ski, fish or visit Iguana Island. Next, it’s off to Norman Cay for more fun in the sun and sand. After the mid-trip stop at Atlantis, continue to Rose Island, where you can swim with the dolphins, snorkel or ride Sea Doos. The last couple days are spent at Providence Island, where you can enjoy a submarine tour before returning

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once again to Paradise Island’s Atlantis Resort.

ITINER A RY 3 If the tropics aren’t your speed, head north to explore the historic lighthouse towns of New England’s rugged seacoast. Your trip begins in Newport, Rhode Island, one of the sailing capitals of the world. Depart from Martha’s Vineyard, where you can bike the idyllic streets and visit eclectic boutiques. Over the next couple of days, explore Nantucket, Hadley’s Harbor and Vineyard Haven. As you cruise back to Newport, a mansion tour is a must, as is a bike ride along the stunning Ocean Drive. The expert staff will make

sure you experience all of New England’s highlights, and do so in complete comfort.

• Please note that itineraries are highly customizable so that members can choose the activities they prefer.

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T H E G R U M P Y T R AV E L E R

BY IRA BAHR

Is there something about sharing an armrest that makes people think that they’ve established intimacy? Newsflash: I don’t know who you are. I don’t want to speak to you. I don’t care how long you’re going to be in the New York area. And I’m sure the Sudoku I’m working on is of no interest to you. Used to be there were no-smoking sections on airplanes. I propose there ought to be a no-talking section. No talking at all, nothing. No flight attendant announcements. No advisories from the cockpit regarding our proximity from the Grand Canyon. I think someone might even be able to launch an airline on this principle. “Silent Air: No. Talking. Ever.”

jack unruh illustration

SILENT TREATMENT Ira Bahr travels extensively and has been grumpy his entire adult life.

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