Locale Weekly 4.20 by Locale Magazine

WEEKLY HAV-ING A HARD TIME WITH ADVENTURE IDEAS? HAV-ASUPAI WILL FIX THAT

5 CALIFORNIA CAMPGROUNDS WE COULDN’T LOVE ANY S’MORE

YOUR SUMMER 2021 EUROPE ROAD TRIP GUIDE

T HE T RAVEL EDITION INTO THE BLUE: AN ADVENTUROUS GUIDE TO THE CANADIAN ROCKIES

GET THERE FAST AND TAKE IT SLOW, WHY WE CAN’T WAIT TO GO BACK TO CABO

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MEXICO, TE AMO These Cabo Destinations Should Be Your Next Getaway

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WRITTEN BY: JUSTINE MCGRATH, CHARLOTTE FARRELL AND JORDAN LIGONS

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Close your eyes and picture paradise. White sand beaches, cerulean waves and endless time to relax and explore as you see fit. Can you imagine it? Your dream destination probably looks a lot like Cabo San Lucas. The stunning Mexican location is home to opulent resorts, none of which are more sought after than Marquis Los Cabos Resort & Spa, OMNIA Los Cabos, Hacienda Beach Club & Residences and The Resort at Pedregal. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s explore! LOCALE MAGAZINE 11

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MARQUIS LOS CABOS RESORT & SPA Carretera Transpeninsular 21.5km Fracc. Cabo Real, San José del Cabo Baja California Sur, Mexico 23400 877.238.9399 www.marquisloscabos.com Photography Provided By: Marquis Los Cabos Resort & Spa

TAKE A CHILL PILL Marquis Los Cabos "Marquis Los Cabos is the perfect spot for honeymooners, romantic getaways, friends' retreats and more. It’s a universal getaway—a place to reconnect with loved ones and yourself.” —PAMELA LLONIN, DIRECTOR OF SALES

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Resort & Spa Will Bring Out Your Inner Cool Kid After arriving at Marquis Los Cabos Resort & Spa, an all-adult, all-suite resort, you might never want to leave. This stunning accommodation is located near the southernmost tip of the Baja California Peninsula, just minutes away from San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, and alongside the crashing waves of the Sea of Cortez. The luxury property features a sunrise and sunset infinity pool, original Latin American artwork and an utterly pampering, full-service spa. Seven outstanding dining locations, ranging from sit-down restaurants serving fresh ceviche to casual eateries preparing pizza poolside, are on site to make your stay as accommodating and delicious as possible. Your stay at Marquis Los Cabos Resort & Spa will be reinvigorating and indulgent, and with 24-hour room service available, how could you possibly pass up a visit to this dream destination?

WORK OF ART

SKIP THE CUCUMBERS

• Explore an on-site art gallery that features more than 400 pieces of work by Latin American artists. The property’s public spaces also include captivating sculptures, paintings and pottery.

• You’ll want to enjoy this view while you relax. The property’s spa features a massive fitness room and 10 stunning treatment rooms, all of which include sizable windows with ocean views.

CHILL POOLSIDE • Relax at the poolside restaurant, Dos Mares, and enjoy seven different ceviche varieties. Each dish is representative of a different region in Mexico or South America.

HOLE IN ONE • Looking to work on your game? Take advantage of Marquis’ golfing partnership with the Cabo Real Golf Club. You can also come out swinging at the on-property tennis court.

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OMNIA CABO Vidanta Los Cabos Boulevard San José s/n Lote 12 Campo de Golf San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur, México C.P 23406 800.887.0376 omniaclubs.com/los-cabos Photography Provided By: OMNIA Los Cabos

VIVA LA MUSICA OMNIA Cabo Invites “OMNIA Los Cabos is very exciting for us, as it is one of the first day clubs for the brand. We thoughtfully designed the venue to be an oasis in the desert of Los Cabos.” —CHRIS LABARBERA, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

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You to Shake Off Your Worries on the Dance Floor Located at Vidanta Los Cabos, OMNIA Cabo creates a world-class clubbing experience that can’t be beat. Nestled alongside the mesmerizing Sea of Cortez, the Hakkasan Group has developed a seaside club around a luxury pool, at which guests can come to see internationally-acclaimed DJs, book VIP cabanas complete with private pools and enjoy some of the most indulgent dining opportunities in Los Cabos. Those looking to celebrate a special occasion can not only receive the ultimate VIP treatment, but also opt for customized embellishments such as engraved bottles for celebratory bottle service, custom apparel and more.

DJ’S GOT US FALLIN’ IN LOVE • OMNIA Cabo is the best destination in Mexico to see world-renowned DJs. Headliners like Steve Aoki, Calvin Harris, Thomas Jack and ZEDD have brought highenergy sets to the seaside location.

ON ANOTHER LEVEL • Located at Vidanta Los Cabos, OMNIA Cabo guests are invited to experience breathtaking architecture throughout the property—including the OMNIA Skywalk and outdoor terrace, which provide the perfect backdrop for coveted Instagram pictures and swoon-worthy snaps.

WHAT THE FORK! • The Hakkasan Group is responsible for bringing two incredible restaurants to the venue—Herringbone and Casa Calavera. Herringbone offers fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and an air of elegance, whereas Casa Calavera provides a more casual, beachside feel with a mouthwatering menu full of Mexican drinks and delights.

COASTAL COCKTAILS • Swim up to SHOREbar, an open air pavilion, to sip on craft cocktails, enjoy ocean views and strike up good conversation with other guests all while sticking your feet in one of the resort’s main pools.

escape /// feature HACIENDA BEACH CLUB & RESIDENCES Gomez Farias s/n, Col. El, Medano, 23543 Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico 866.300.0084 www.haciendacaboresort.com

Photography Provided By: Hacienda Beach Club & Residences

SHORE THING Hacienda Beach Club & Residences is All About Soaking in That Cabo State of Mind

Hacienda Beach Club & Residences is located on the site of the former Hacienda Hotel, one of the first hotels in Cabo.

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When you consider your options for a weekend away south of the border, remember the reason why you need that vacay in the first place. The Hacienda Beach Club & Residences in Cabo San Lucas is ready to fulfill whatever purpose you need that trip to serve, be it time with the kids or an oasis after a hectic week at work. The 22-acre resort is located on prime and pristine beaches, away from the hustle and bustle but just steps away from downtown Cabo. Their expansive luxury villas will be home for a few days as you experience beachfront living, authentic Mexican cuisine at their dining spot on the water, activities that include a ‘catch and cook’ culinary adventure with famed Chef Raul Lucido and endless options to unwind at their spa and revamped gym.

JUST CHILL • Hacienda’s fullservice spa has four treatment cottages, including two spa suites for couples, a sauna, a steam room, hot and cold plunge pools and a menu of rejuvenating treatments and therapies steeped in Mexican traditions and rituals of renewal.

HOLA, BEACHES! • The resort’s fullystaffed Beach Club includes a palapa bar, plush beach furniture, a multitiered, infinityedge swimming pool, recreational equipment, a fine dining restaurant and a wine cellar.

FOODIE HAVEN

TOO FIT TO QUIT • A staffed fitness pavilion includes a movement studio featuring top-ofthe-line Pilates, cardio, spinning and weight-training equipment. There’s also a Kid’s Club, which offers a variety of arts and crafts, games and activities for the little ones.

• Cocina y Cantina is their signature beachfront restaurant. The menu showcases different regions and flavors of Mexico, and includes an extensive wine list with many Mexican wines as well as signature margaritas and more. They also offer tables in the sand!

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THE RESORT AT PEDREGAL Camino del Mar 1, El Pedregal, 23455 Cabo San Lucas, BCS, Mexico 844.733.7342 www.theresortatpedregal.com Photography Provided By: The Resort at Pedregal

SPAMAZING The Resort at Pedregal is an Oasis Worth Exploring "Luna y Mar is unlike any other spa in the world. We incorporate local healing practices and ingredients and tailor treatments to align with the rhythms of nature, specifically the moon and sea.” —ALAN NAVARRETE, SPA DIRECTOR AT THE RESORT AT PEDREGAL

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Just know that you deserve the best spa treatment in the world; you work hard, now it’s time to treat yo’ self. The Resort at Pedregal’s Luna y Mar is an oasis that’s calling your name. Awarded the number one spa by Travel + Leisure, allow all your life woes to ripple away as you hear the soothing waterfall splash into the tranquil, salt-infused lagoon at this unforgettable resort spa. Luna y Mar, whose name means moon and sea, is inspired by the moon’s six different phases and the spa's treatments differ based on which phase the moon is currently in, down to the welcome drink you get when you arrive. From seaweed body scrubs to magic stones and sound therapy, this spa (and property) has to be added to your Cabo must-try list.

BON VOYATCH

PURE BAJA

• All aboard the 60-foot cruiser, Dos Mares, for private or group experiences to capitalize on your already great vacation. Get the grand tour of Mexico’s Baja California at sunset while whale watching with a handcrafted cocktail in hand.

• Here, they stay close to their roots. Mexican folk healing is known as “curanderismo,” which Luna y Mar honors through their spa guardian. Each spa session begins with a welcoming foot cleansing ritual that uses special herbs to purify. It’ll feel like you’re walking on air afterwards.

WILL YOU STAY THE NIGHT? • The AAA FiveDiamond and Forbes Five-Star property offers exceptional suites, villas and casitas (most with private infinity pools) that are so intimate youʼll forget anyone else is around. In addition to the spa, the resort offers four restaurants, three sparkling pools and tennis courts.

YOGIS UNITE • To truly release your mind and tap into your body and spirit, The Resort at Pedregal now offers the ultimate Luna y Mar yoga getaway, which includes two private yoga classes on the beach, one moon meditation and one 90-minute Moonstone Flow Treatment to escape from it all.

escape /// feature NAC HELICOPTERS E Pier Rd, V & A Waterfront Cape Town, 8001 South Africa www.nachelicopterscapetown.com

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into the

WILD

EXPERIENCE A LUXURIOUS ADVENTURE TO SOUTH AFRICA WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY: BRIANNA ROMANO

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THE VINEYARD HOTEL Colinton Rd Newlands, Cape Town 7700 South Africa www.vineyard.co.za

I was both excited and nervous to be traveling as just two girls in a foreign country not particularly known for its safety, but I was confident once I got there that my fears would ease. I have always been the first one to say yes to any adventure, but a sense of anxiety rushed over me as I walked through the sliding glass doors into the airport. People asked, “WHY SOUTH AFRICA?” so many times I lost count, I don’t think many people seemed to know that you could have a luxury girls getaway there, little did we know we were about to blow everyone’s minds, and our own. My friend Andrea and I met when she was an exchange student from Maryland at my high school. We both got kicked out of class for not doing our homework and had to sit outside—we've been friends ever since. I spent the next month or so driving her around Southern California trying to give her every experience I could possibly give her. We would see each other every few years, but this time, instead of visiting each other in Orange County or New York, I suggested we pull out our bucket lists. South Africa was on both of ours, so we booked a flight that week. We arrived in Cape Town after a fivehour flight to meet Andrea in New York, a five-hour layover, a 15-hour flight to Johannesburg that ended in us giving some “good samaritan” $20 for helping us find our next terminal (Lesson #1Bring smaller bills for tipping or don’t let anyone help you in the airport unless you want to pay for it.) and a two-hour flight to Cape Town. Luckily, we slept for the majority of the flight, so arriving at 1 p.m. was an easy transition with no jet lag. We picked up our rental car and blasted “Circle of Life” from the Lion King with no shame, as I began learning to drive on the left side of the road and the right side of the car. 22 LOCALE MAGAZINE

cape town

T H E VI N E YA R D H O TEL A short 20-minute drive later, we arrived at The Vineyard Hotel, a seven-acre riverside garden estate on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain about 15 minutes outside of the city. We checked in and made our way into our suite, where we plopped our bags down in the living room and booked it straight for the patio with the most awe striking view of Table Mountain overlooking their lush garden. We quickly decided we needed to explore and followed the pathway through the gardens back to the pool where we spent the rest of the day laying out and drinking cosmos and mojitos.You could literally just

spend your entire trip at The Vineyard Hotel enjoying their amazing dining options, amenities, and property. During our stay, we took advantage of their fully stocked gym. With floor to ceiling windows looking out at Table Mountain, running on a treadmill isn’t so bad. I have never been as enthusiastic about making sure we did not miss breakfast as I was here, we started every morning with their complimentary continental breakfast at The Square Restaurant, and ended almost every night at the Garden Lounge chatting up with locals and fellow travelers.

4 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE VINEYARD HOTEL ¢ A tortoise lives on site. We found this out after running into him in the garden. ¢ Their riverside garden overlooking Table Mountain is so beautiful and peaceful, you will want to walk around the property every day. ¢ They have five options for food and drink on the property. We tried and loved them all, including room service, but especially loved the hospitality at the Garden Lounge (Say ‘hi’ to our favorite bartender, Boyce!) and Myoga, an independently owned Japanese-inspired restaurant. ¢ Amenities include an indoor and outdoor pool, health and fitness center, and Angsana Spa.

EXPLORING CAPE TOWN STREETS ¢ Bree Street - hipster trendy restaurants, bars, and cafes ¢ Kloof Rd. - fashion boutiques, art galleries, interior design shops, and restaurants ¢ Long Street - best known for nightlife

NAC HELICOPTERS We booked a helicopter tour with NAC Helicopters, who are a well-known spot for offering a variety of chartered and private helicopter rides in Cape Town. They are right near the V & A Waterfront, an iconic landmark in Cape Town where there are a number of shops and restaurants. We spent the day wandering around The Watershed, an indoor market on the waterfront, then arrived to pre-flight champagne before we hopped in the helicopter for a 15-minute private tour. Cape Town is one of the coolest cities to see from above. If you can take a helicopter tour anywhere in the world, this would be at the top of my list.

TABLE MOUNTAIN

#VIEWS We took The Hopper Tour which included views of: ¢ City Bowl ¢ Sea Point ¢ Camps Bay ¢ Green Point ¢ Clifton ¢ Twelve Apostles

NAC HELICOPTERS E Pier Rd, V & A Waterfront Cape Town, 8001 South Africa www.nachelicopterscapetown.com

CABLEWAY WONDERS OF THE WORLD The Table Mountain Cableway is one of three rotating trams in the world—the others are in Switzerland and in Palm Springs!

TOUR THE TOWNSHIP ¢ We took a tour of the township with a friend. There are many tours available to visit the townships, you do not want to go without a guide as it can be a little dangerous, but the locals are extremely friendly and are excited to have visitors. We had lunch at a Braai where we had Sheep’s Rib and a Castle, a well known South African beer for lunch.

GO WITH UBER ¢ Having a car in Cape Town was one of the best things we could have done. We felt completely safe driving around during the day, but at night it is dangerous to drive, so you can Uber everywhere once it gets dark, which is the safest option.

Our next adventure was Table Mountain. It’s possible to hike up the mountain, but we took a cable car up to the top, where we prepared to rappel down the mountain with Abseil Africa. The instructors put us in harnesses and gave us a brief tutorial on how to run the ropes and descend safely. If you are afraid of heights like me, you’re going to have to be ready to conquer your fears. As I made my way to the edge of the rock to begin rappelling down, I refused to look backwards for fear that I would not go through with it. Two people can descend at a time, while two instructors lead from the top and one from the bottom. As we stepped off the top of the mountain at 3,558 ft. above sea level, adrenaline pumped through us for the three minute descent. We were glad we filmed the entire thing because we felt, after watching the footage, we may have blacked out during the adventure.

BO KAAP ¢ Bo Kaap, a Muslim neighborhood of brightly painted houses, is home to Cape Town’s first mosque, and is one of the most photographed parts of Cape Town.

DO SOMETHING WITH A LOCAL! ¢ A friend of mine in the states made the connection with a local in Cape Town. Ryan, or ‘Menno’ as everyone calls him, had us meet him at a local bar that was attached to a hostel called Yours Truly, where locals and fellow travelers congregate. This became our favorite place for late night pizza and beer. The next night, he made us dinner with three of his roommates at their house and we taught them how to play Heads Up!

ABSEIL AFRICA 297 Long St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa www.abseilafrica.co.za LOCALE MAGAZINE 23

stellenbosch

The next day we made our way an hour outside of Cape Town to STELLENBOSCH, a small university town in South Africa’s Western Cape province, surrounded by the vineyards of the Cape Winelands. It’s the kind of place where the city has it’s own free Wi-Fi network.

CLOS MALVERNE On our second day in Stellenbosch, we woke up to the best weather we had the entire time we were in South Africa. It was a perfect day to do some wine tasting. We hopped in our shuttle and made our way to Clos Malverne, a family-owned wine estate about four miles from the center of Stellenbosch in The Devon Valley. We arrived to a warm welcome from Clos Malverne’s Communications Manager Erich Zeelie, who took us on a tour of the wine farm and taught us a little bit about the winemaking process and the history of the wine farm. We walked out into the 66-acre vineyard that lays in a valley where the early morning mist keeps the grapes cool in the summer and the slopes of the valley allow for the perfect amount of sunlight, creating ideal conditions for the grapes to ripen.

OUDE OUD E WERF HO H O TEL 4 THINGS WE LOVE ABOUT OUDE WERF HOTEL: On-Call Spa Services ¢ In-room spa services are available, you just need to book 24 hours in advance. We both got massages and opted to have them outside on our patio.

Oude Werf is an intimate 58-room hotel blending contemporary comfort and periodinspired ambiance. It is the perfect place to stay because it is right in the middle of the town and walking distance from the main street in Stellenbosch lined with cafes, artisan shops, and of course wine bars. We stayed in one of their Luxury Suites, which had its own private lawn with chairs to lay out on in the sun overlooking their courtyard and pool. We spent our first day sunbathing on our patio sipping on rosé and snacking on a fruit plate.

Friendly Staff ¢ After a long day out, the manager sent us up a bottle of champagne to end the day. I also thought I lost my jacket at one point and he even went to my car for me to look for it. They also booked our shuttle service and made reservations at a local restaurant for us. Their customer service is unparalleled. Pool & Lounging Patio ¢ Seriously! We loved that patio. Central to the City ¢ You are walking distance from pretty much everything. 24 LOCALE MAGAZINE

ICE CREAM & WINE TASTINGS ¢ This was the first wine estate in Stellenbosch to offer a unique tasting experience in the form of an ice cream and wine pairing. It has since become one of their signature pairings with seasonal, handmade delicacies.

STAY & PLAY ¢ Clos Malverne has three luxurious guest rooms; two family cottages and a private pool as well as an onsite spa.

OUDE WERF HOTEL 30 Church St Stellenbosch, 7600 South Africa www.oudewerfhotel.co.za

As the wine business becomes more industrialized, Clos Malverne keeps it old school, which is part of their charm. They are one the few wineries left in the world that uses a basket press, which is the oldest method of pressing grapes. The winery also uses the method of open fermentation in a cement tank (called a ‘kuip’), where the grapes are crushed, and their grape skin caps are pushed down by hand. They can crush 400 tons of grapes and yield up to 350 tons a year, where the wine is then stored in French and American oak casks to mature. Sustainability is an important focus of the winemaking industry in South Africa. There is even a labeling system that ensures that the wine you are buying has met their standards for sustainability, called “Integrity & Sustainability Certification.” Clos Malverne complies with this system and also does their part growing many of their own organic vegetable and herbs without pesticides and herbicides. All the organic waste from the restaurant is used as compost for the garden, reducing their carbon footprint and creating more employment opportunities. The staff is also able to take home any vegetables that have been picked and left over for the day. The view from the dining terrace is unbeatable. The patio completely opens up and overlooks the vineyard on a backdrop of miles of rolling hills and mountains in the distance. We sat down for a fourcourse meal and wine pairing that was the best we had on our entire trip—which was no surprise, seeing as Executive Chef Nadia Louw Smith hides away with a bottle of Ellie somewhere on the property seasonally to come up with an amazing and innovative new menu. Her menus have inspired a kind of cult following, where people come back seasonally to get their fix.

CLOS MALVERNE Devon Valley Rd Stellenbosch, 7600 South Africa www.closmalverne.co.za

Q&A WITH

EMILE KOTZE OF BRAVO’S “BELOW DECK” & DREAM CREATOR AT AFRICAN TRAVEL KID

R O A DT RI PPI NG the cape penninsula

Q: What inspired you to start a travel company and what is your vision behind it? Emile Kotze: I left South Africa. I traveled, worked on Yachts and then was approached to be part of a TV show called “Below Deck.” I suddenly got a burst of followers on social media, especially on Instagram, where I posted photos of my travel adventures followed with the hashtag #africantravelkid as my signature. I received DMs where I was frequently asked how I had so much fun. I really do love being outdoors and having adventures in nature, it recharges me. On a trip to the wild coast of South Africa, I was walking on a deserted beach where I had a euphoric moment where I realized I should show people how to have fun, awesome adventures and do it for a living as it is a passion of mine. I wanted to show Americans that they can come to explore Africa in an easy way with me. I have done it on yachts and I have studied business. It was destined to be. My vision is to show people from all over the beauty of the outdoors, to show them how much energy and positivity it generates, show them how beautiful life is, and that the spirit of the African child is within all of us.

Feeling refreshed after a relaxing two days, we headed back to Cape Town where we met up with Emile Kotze, owner of African Travel Kid, who was about to take us on a day long road trip. We knew Emile from the Bravo show “Below Deck,” and had heard that he started a travel company that was focused on giving you a more personalized experience, rather than some big tour group, so we were excited when he agreed to take us on a roadtrip for the day. We gave him an idea of what was on our list of things to see and he took the lead from there. We became quick friends as he is extremely personable and a fun person to travel with. Our favorites were driving through Chapman’s Peak, a well-known drive that's reminiscent of driving PCH in Northern California, Boulder’s Beach, a sheltered cove known for its African penguins, and we ended our day with some seafood at Kalky's Fish & Chips in Kalk Bay, a well known local spot for a huge plate of seafood.

Q: What is your favorite trip out of the trips you offer? EK: Well, each trip I offer out of the five different trips is unique in their own way. I offer half day trips, full day trips, three-day trips, week trips, and two-week trips. All the trips are bespoke and customizable. I use my experience I have gained from the yachting industry to meet the needs of all guests on the trip. If I have to choose one, I must say the two-week trip from Cape Town up to the Garden Route must be my utmost favorite.

INSTAGRAM WORTHY: ¢ Hout Bay ¢ Chapman’s Peak Cape Point ¢ Boulders Beach ¢ Simon’s Town ¢ Kalk Bay ¢ St. James Beach ¢ Muizenberg Beach ¢ Simons Town

Q: If you could take anyone to one place in all of South Africa where would it be? EK: That would be the whole of South Africa! [laughs] But, a place to see before you die has to be Storms River Mouth; it is magical. Q: What do you see as the biggest difference between your experience in America versus South Africa? EK: America is way more humanized and developed all over, whereas South Africa has some room to go, and as a result, it is more wild west in South Africa; there are a lot of natural spots to explore. Q: Which would you choose plane, train, or automobile? EK: Depends on the situation. I don’t mind, but overall, the good old automobile, as it is, very convenient. AFRICAN TRAVEL KID Emile Kotze | @emile_kotze | www.AfricanTravelKid.com LOCALE MAGAZINE 25

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SHARK DIVING IN GANSBAAI The next morning we left at 4 a.m. to go shark diving in Gansbaai. We stepped outside and it was raining. We were a little worried because the trip we had originally booked got postponed because of weather, and we were about to drive two hours for something that could have been canceled, but that’s what an adventure is about, right? I drove two hours in the rain, on pitch black mountain roads. To this day I am not sure if it was dumb or brave but I’m alive to tell the story. After a brief safety overview, we set out to sea on ‘White Shark,’ a 12-meter long sea-cabin cruiser that has been custom built to the specifications required and is the most recent boat built in the shark cage diving industry. After a 15-minute boat ride, we arrived at ‘Shark Alley,’ a channel of ocean so frequented by great white sharks it received this nickname. Andrea and I immediately got sea sick once the anchor dropped. The crew began to set up the cage and throw out a large frozen fish head on a line to attract the sharks, and we waited.

cape town

MANNAB AY MA NNABAY THINGS WE LOVE ABOUT MANNABAY Food & Drink ¢ Local beverages and house wines are complimentary for guests. The complimentary breakfast includes a small buffet and a choice of hot breakfasts to order. Afternoon high tea includes a variety of decadent sweet and savory treats, a glass of Graham Beck rosé, Methodé Cap Classique, tea, coffee, and juices. Transportation ¢ Complimentary airport transfer, and oncall chauffeur to dinner, GPS navigation devices for guests to use in their rental vehicles, free parking in their gated lot, and you’re given a gate remote for easy access. Facilities & Extras ¢ Swimming pool, laundry, gym with a steam room, Wi-Fi, media center with flat-screen TV and full entertainment center in each room with a variety of satellite channels and an extensive selection of movies and music available, rooftop bar area, and fire pit.

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We came back to Cape Town and checked into our next hotel tucked away in a residential neighborhood on the other side of Table Mountain. MannaBay is a luxury boutique hotel with only eight rooms and sleeps only 16 guests to create a more exclusive and intimate setting. You could potentially rent out the entire hotel for a private function, and they do so frequently. The eclectic design, contemporary art, and a panoramic view of the entire city are just the beginning of why this is an ideal place to stay in Cape Town. Each room has its own theme, as well as extra-length king size beds that can be made into twins. They have over 3,000 books in the rooms and in their floor-to-ceiling bookshelves in the lounge. As you walk up the marble staircase with floor-to-ceiling windows, you are surrounded by art. MannaBay is focused on celebrating

South African artists, and uses their walls to showcase the creations of the country’s well established artists, giving each area of the hotel its eclectic feel. The thing that really puts MannaBay over the top is that the staff is extremely attentive and friendly. They have a 24-hour butler service, and really go out of their way to make you feel at home, which I think is important when you are staying in such a small space. They put a high priority on personalizing your stay there. We had missed high tea on the day of our arrival, but they went out of the way to put together an entire spread for us to snack on while we lounged in one of the common areas. We had also told the staff that we would be leaving at 4 a.m. to go shark diving. As we walked down the stairs they had a bag of snacks and juice ready to take on our drive. It’s the little things.

MANNABAY 8 Bridle Rd, Oranjezicht, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa www.mannabay.com

FAVORITE NIGHT ¢ We spent one night in playing scrabble with a bottle of wine in our room.

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE ¢ White Shark Diving Co. runs an internship program for biology students and shark enthusiasts who are interested in getting involved in some shark conservation and research. www.sharkcagediving. co.za/volunteerprogramme

We didn’t have to wait very long before two sharks arrived. The great white shark is a surface feeder, so you don’t need to be very far down to see them. You only need the provided wetsuit and snorkeling gear; no dive gear is required. The crew stands above the cage as you bob up and down, as they shout to dunk back down and slide your feet under a bar to keep you down. They even have a videographer there to capture the whole experience for you. The water is very cold, but is easily ignored with all the excitement around. There is some controversy with the ethics of shark cage diving, but Gansbaai is known for their strong conservation principles, and White Shark Diving Co. is a founding member of the Great White Protection Foundation and has been a leading voice in the call for operators to collaborate in protecting the dwindling number of sharks and other marine species off the South African coastline. T IP ¢ You can have a car service drive you or have the diving company set up transportation. If you choose to drive, make sure you know the local emergency numbers in case you get a flat tire or something goes wrong.

WHITE SHARK DIVING CO. 9 Kusfront, Van Dyks Bay, 7220, South Africa www.sharkcagediving.co.za

Kruger National Park is one of the most popular places to visit in South Africa.

SAFARI in kruger national park We flew from Cape Town back to Johannesburg to Skukuza to get to Kruger National Park. The flight from Johannesburg to Skukuza is only an hour on a very small passenger plane. We were picked up from the airport and drove about 40 minutes to Rhino Post Safari Lodge, a luxury safari lodge with eight suites inside Kruger National Park. Each suite is built out of stone, wood, and thatch, has an outdoor shower, bed with mosquito nets, and has a large private patio looking over the Mutlumuvi Riverbed. All accommodations, game drives, food, and drink, except for alcohol, are included. Each day we woke up at 6 a.m., and went for a morning game drive. We spent the afternoons drinking wine on the patio watching animals crossing into our camp. A family of elephants walked through our camp to drink from a watering hole that sits in front of the viewing deck and a leopard crossed through at night. In the late

afternoon we would head out on another game drive, and would stop at sunset to get out of the truck for some wine and snacks. We would continue the drive into the dark, then head back for dinner with everyone staying at the camp. I would say to anyone, if a safari is not on your bucket list, that needs to change right now. It is such an amazing adrenaline pumping experience. When our guide Joey found out there were wild dogs near us while talking to another guide through a radio, he basically floored it to get over to them. One night we were driving down a road back to our camp when a rhino and her baby were crossing the road. We had scared her and she began charging at us. Joey quickly whipped the truck into reverse and yelled at her to stop. She stopped then tried a second time before finally letting us pass.

There are only about 450-500 wild dogs in the entire park, which is about 7,523 square miles. *Our game driver, Joey, told us that we must be good luck charms because every time we took a drive, we would see the Big 5 which includes the lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros. The phrase itself was coined by African hunters and refers to the five most difficult and dangerous animals to hunt on foot.

RHINO POST SAFARI LODGE Kruger National Park, South Africa www.rhinopost.co.za LOCALE MAGAZINE 27

escape /// hot spots

Monterey

5 Must See Spots in Northern California’s Monterey Peninsula GUIDE: HIDE AWAY IN MONTEREY WRITTEN BY: KIM CONLAN Once you have made it into the enchanting area that the likes of Clint Eastwood, Salvador Dali, and John Steinbeck have at one time made their home, it’s time to figure out how to make the most of your adventure. Monterey is not meant to be a bustling, fast-paced place. Instead, most people are looking to escape, to walk with a slower stride, and to enjoy a somewhat whimsical type of existence. That being said, locals in this area are very protective of their home and always expect outsiders to feel the same. There are many places to enjoy within the Monterey Peninsula, depending on your preference of activity. Take advantage of this list, and hide away in Monterey. You might find that you’ll just want to stay.

PEBBLE BEACH GOLF CLUB

CANNERY ROW • Up until the 1960s, the people of the Monterey Peninsula survived from cultivating the bounties of the sea. Once the market began to wane, the community of industry shifted to one of hospitality. Where hundreds of individuals once went to work, many now come to play and enjoy the rich history of this oceanside community. Although the area has evolved into a much more modern site for tourists, there are still many historical points of interests. Stay beachfront at the Spindrift Inn, which offers unique rooms, and has been around since 1927. Dine at the Chart House for a more modern seafood experience, or The Fish Hopper for panoramic ocean views and sustainable, local cuisine. Monterey has some of the finest local wine, so make sure to partake and pair with your meals as you visit. Shop and enjoy the crisp Pacific Ocean and beaches, or kayak through the Bay in search of local wildlife.

MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM • For over 30 years, Monterey Bay

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Aquarium has been enchanting visitors with a full mix of ocean wildlife. Penguins, Sea Otters, Octopus, Turtles, and various types of fish are all protected within these exhibits. The Aquarium is not only a beautiful place to revel at the unique creatures, but to also learn about sustainability, conservation and understand the importance of the organization’s Seafood Watch. Whether you are young, old or somewhere in between, a visit to The Monterey Bay Aquarium is an experience that sticks with you for the rest of your life. No doubt you will recollect your time spent here, and want to share it with future generations

PEBBLE BEACH GOLF CLUB • Near to Carmel-By-The-Sea,

THE SPA AT THE INTERCONTINENTAL • Need to relax after all of your exploration? The luxurious Spa at the

InterContinental will fulfill every aching need you have. From couples massages to fitness, from facials to body treatments, this serene Monterey location offers a relaxing experience right in the middle of the Cannery Row area. Found at the lavish InterContinental Hotel and Resort, this spa provides nothing but the best treatments. They will get you recharged for that big wedding, golf excursion, or just a day of hiking you have in front of you. 28 LOCALE MAGAZINE

visitors can discover one of the best golf courses found anywhere in the world. Monterey is not lacking in high-profile and completely gorgeous places where you can dust off your clubs and disappear on the course for the day. Since most of them are private, or you have to know the right person to get a tee-time, Pebble Beach is the perfect place to get in as a member of the public. Enjoy the ocean adjacent to the course, but make sure not to lose your ball over the cliff! If swinging clubs all day is not your idea of relaxation, Pebble Beach Resorts also offers spa treatments, fine dining and excellent shopping as well.

HENRY MILLER MEMORIAL LIBRARY • Big Sur is about 45 minutes from the peninsula, but well worth

the drive if you have the time. You can spend time wandering the beaches, camping, or at this place, the Henry Miller Memorial Library. Upon losing his friend, the great author Henry Miller, the original owner of the property, Emil White, decided to dedicate his home in Miller’s remembrance. When White also passed away, the location became a not-for-profit “where nothing happens, ” according to the organization. That means that you should explore the library, enjoy the rich scent of the redwood forests, or grab a coffee and open an old-fashioned book. In the summer, the Library is host to many music, fashion, art, and community events, making it a great time to come and visit.

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ESCAPE: HAWAII

Meet Me

in Maui

The Island Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Growing the Fastest is Your Next Summer Vacay

WRITTEN BY: NICK PACHELLI

HOTEL WAILEA 555 Kaukahi St, Kihei, HI 96753 866.850.5139 | www.hotelwailea.com

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;With lush forestry, long winding waterfall hikes, and beaches that are pure Instagram-gold, a weekend or weeklong adventure never gets old.â&#x20AC;?

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LIVING IN

“When you’re done living the traditional Maui dream, the tiki bar will be calling your name.”

CALIFORNIA, the islands of Hawaii are always on your radar for the next vacation whether it’s with family, a husband or wife, a significant other, or friends. Hawaii never seems to disappoint. But how can it, really? With lush forestry, long winding waterfall hikes, and beaches that are pure Instagram-gold, a weekend or weeklong adventure never gets old.

For us, Maui is where it’s at this year. The island is experiencing rapid development in tourism and population as more people see the perfect combination of food, Hawaiian culture, and hospitable people on the island. From the roads of Hana to the resort-line Kaanapali Beach, Maui is the island to seek out for the next vacation. It’s easy to see why Maui is the fastest growing island in the chain. When you land at Kahului airport, passing over the North Shore on your approach, you are immediately faced with two options, to go east or west. To the west is most likely where you are going, the largest volume of hotels are concentrated on Kaanapali Beach. On this drier side of the island you can get your fix of golf, snorkeling, pool time and picturesque beach. If you go east, rather southeast toward Kihei and Wailea, there are fewer hotels and a more authentically “green” feel to it. The hotels here aren’t quite as close together and interconnected as on the west side, and you have quicker access to beautiful non-resort beaches like Big Beach (and the nude beach over the hill from Big Beach, called Little Beach). If you’re staying here you also have quicker access to the other towns like Paia and the upcountry region, which both have the highest concentration of dinner spots you’ll want to check out. We want to bring you a taste of three different personalities of the island for where you should stay. Here, you can decide for yourself how you will experience Maui next time you go.

MAKE IT AN OVERNIGHT

Everyone who makes it to Maui wants to do the epic drive to Hana on the eastern side of the island. A word of advice: the drive can take over three hours one way. So, make it an overnight excursion instead. Here’s what you need to know.

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WHERE TO STAY: Honua Kai Resort WHY: The condo-style resort brings the amenities of a resort with a constant feeling of seclusion.

or many traveling to Maui, the standard hotel room with a simple pool and beach just doesn’t cut it. Those travelers need a kitchen included in their room and a secluded feel to their luxury resort stay. Enter Honua Kai Resort & Spa. Honua Kai Resort & Spa sits on the north end of Kaanapali on a 38-acre plot of land. The condominium-style resort allows guests the opportunity to cook some of their own dinners while still offering the option to eat at Duke’s just off the pool area. The beach is secluded and the ways on the northern tip of the bay are tepid. The pool weaves throughout the beachfront property offering plenty of space to relax and not feel like you’re sharing the space with

HIT THE BEACH AT PUNALU'U: Better known as Black Sand Beach, you’ll be amazed by this volcanic sand and the wild waves crashing on the shorebreak.

hundreds of other people. Mai Tais here are aplenty! You won’t want to leave. Honua Kai has an incredible base of repeat visitors to the resort, and you’ll feel like they were always off on an adventure. Here, the concierge is your best friend. After all, Maui is an island begging to be explored. You can sit down with one of their super connected concierges and soon be set to go on a rainforest hike and a helicopter tour. If you are in the mood for an adrenaline rush, you can rappel down a waterfall or zipline over pristine waters. Of course, surfing on Maui is always an option and you should take full advantage. When you wake up in the morning, take advantage of the

TAKE A HIKE TO MAKAHIKU: The relatively easy hike drops you out at a killer waterfall. You can get in the pool but the water is seriously cold!

EAT SUPER FRESH AT HANA RANCH: Hana Ranch grows some of the best produce on the island. Stop by for lunch at the farm stand off the main highway.

onsite breakfast cafe located in the main building of Honua Kai. The breakfast wrap with a smoothie is amazing—definitely not your everyday hotel food. Next time you go, sit down on the patio with your morning coffee to breathe in that fresh ocean breeze before jetting off for the day. If you’re on your way to this side of Maui and you’re bringing the family, think about staying in one of the spacious Alii Suites. Some come with a grill on the deck and the open space is something the kids will love. HONUA KAI RESORT 130 Kai Malina Pkwy Lahaina, HI 96761 855.235.3019 www.honuakai.com

STAY AT TRAVAASA: This luxury spa retreat is the epitome of a relaxing getaway in the cutest oceanside town, well, ever.

THE MAUI ADVENTURE GUIDE

Everyone comes to Maui with a hit list of everything they can’t leave without doing first. It’s an island of adventure much like its brother and sister islands to the north and south. So, for all your adventure needs, here are some of the best spots and tour providers to check out for whatever you’re craving on the island.

WHERE TO STAY: Kaanapali Beach Hotel WHY: To get a taste of real Hawaiian culture without leaving your hotel.

A HONUA KAI RESORT

THE BEST PLACES TO EAT IN MAUI: It’s a pretty big island, and places to grab a bite from a food truck or from a fine dining restaurant are everywhere! For all the standard Hawaiian eats, here’s where to go. POKE: Get it at a local Foodland or try Tobi’s Shave Ice in Paia SHAVE ICE: Try every single flavor at Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice FARM TO TABLE DINING: Get to Paia and go to Hana Ranch Provisions. The food is everything! MAHI-MAHI: Go to Mama’s Fish House—it’s basically a requirement for every visitor to Maui ever. MAI TAI: It’s a tough challenge, but go to the Tiki Bar at Kā’anapali Beach Hotel.

fter a few days on the island, it’s easy to get swept up in the resort life, going into Lahaina town for a few dinners or walking around Whaler’s Village for the day—if you’re staying on the west side of the island. We found ourselves wanting some authentic Hawaii, and our next stay fulfilled that desire perfectly. Ka’anapali Beach Hotel always wins the award for Hawaii’s most Hawaiian Hotel. Seriously, every year they win. And it should come as no surprise, really. You will not find any other hotel on the island, or in the state for that matter, that goes to greater lengths to prove their worth as the home of Hawaiian culture in the form of a hotel. We learned that the hotel trains all of their employees extensively, for months, on traditional Hawaiian culture and language so anyone on staff is prepared to teach guests about the local culture. After swinging the clubs around at the 36hole championship course just out the front door of the property, make sure to check out the cultural events available at the hotel. We caught a hula show and a musical performance at the outdoor stage. You can sit alongside the best instructors on the island and learn how to do traditional Hawaiian lauhala weaving as well as quilting as lei-making—that lei-making class is every kid’s (and adult’s) Hawaii dream. When you’re done living the traditional Maui dream, the Tiki Bar will be calling your name (we frequented the outdoor bar every night before and after dinner). Here, you have a rare opportunity to chat up the most popular guy on Ka’anapali Beach. His name is Dale, and he’s been spinning cocktails at the Tiki Bar at KBH for decades. Ask him anything about life on Maui and get ready for the Mai Tai to take down all Mai Tais. Before you leave the hotel, make a quick stop at the award-winning Sunday Champagne Brunch. It’s open between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the Tiki Terrace restaurant and they offer a diverse spread of Hawaiian specialties, seafood, fruits and desserts. KA'ANAPALI BEACH HOTEL 2525 Ka'anapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761 808.661.0011 | www.kbhmaui.com

Golf: Play where the PGA Tour likes to tee off at Plantation Course at Kapalua. Kiteboarding: Learn how to fly the kite at The Kiteboarding School of Maui. Snorkeling: The best snorkeling on the island is in Honokahua Bay. Scuba Diving: Venture to Kihei and have your scuba certification ready with Maui Dreams Dive Co. Island Day Trip: Take the ferry from Lahaina to Molokai or Lanai and spend a day in search of cliffside waterfalls. Zip-lining: Zip right past the waterfalls over the massive flora with Zipline Maui. Helicopter/Plane Ride: Get an aerial tour of the massive waterfalls, not just on Maui, but surrounding islands as well with Air Maui. Beginner Surfing: The best beginner waves are on the west side of the island just south of Lahaina. Lahaina: Rent a board, or take a class from the many surf academies on the strip Horseback Riding: Depending on your skill level, take a ride in the countryside with Piiholo Ranch. Stargazing: Use the Orion Telescope on Maui to see all the planets and stars out there with Maui Stargazing. Local Brewery Tour: Savor the taste of a Lahaina Town Brown or the Lemongrass Saison and Maui Brewing Co. Yoga on the cliffs: Do yoga in extremely serene locations with Maui Yoga Path. Bike up a Volcano: The active volcano called Haleakala can be climbed on mountain bike with Haleakala Bike Co.

WHERE TO STAY: Hotel Wailea WHY: Because the adult-only chateau will make you feel like you have the entire place to yourself.

ow, Ka’anapali Beach is not the only place to stay on Maui, in fact, we recommend switching between sides of the island to get the most holistic experience. For a tranquil, totally secluded bit of paradise, you’ll be staying at the 5-star enclave, Hotel Wailea—an adult-only property on the south central side of the island. The property was recently renovated, and the space is perfection down to the last details from the open-air gym to the concierge service with rides in a Mercedes-Benz to the private beach club area. That’s right, the resort is not beachfront. But, frankly, we liked it more because of it. You’re secluded on a hilltop, and with a relatively small volume of suites, only 72, on the 15-acre property, you feel like you have a private escape. Your first stop should be the pool area. The cabanas are chic and the drinks are some of the best, hip cocktails you can find anywhere. The bartenders are incredibly hospitable and will make anything you want. Everyday at 5 p.m., you can also stop by the pool for wine hour, where the bar gives out red or white wine free of charge to all guests. You can enjoy it on your way to the onsite restaurant, Capische! That is undoubtedly one of the best, locally sourced meals on the island. The resort is designed for couples, it’s peaceful and offers some of the best private amenities in Hawaii, like the newly launched Treehouse, where couples can reserve a private dinner for themselves in, you guessed it, a treehouse setting overlooking the ocean. When you and your significant other are looking to get active on the island, your options are plenty when booking through Hotel Wailea or staying on property. You can dip into complimentary yoga or a group fitness class with TRX and then ride on a traditional Hawaiian outrigger canoeing experience on Wednesday mornings. They also offer mixology classes on Saturdays and preferred rates at the Kiteboarding Academy on the north shore near Kahului. Round out all your days here with a nighttime chill around the hot tub and firepit, and savor this hotel because it has landed on top 20 lists for the most romantic hotel in the word, and you’re getting to experience it first hand. HOTEL WAILEA 555 Kaukahi St, Kihei, HI 96753 866.850.5139 | www.hotelwailea.com

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E S CA P E : E U R O P E

EU-ROAD Trip 2,152 Miles in 16 days at 100 MPH

WRITTEN BY: ERIK HALE AND ERIN PRICE PHOTOGRAPHED BY: ERIK HALE

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THE RIDE: 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E400A Convertible; 329 Horsepower

I LOVE ROAD TRIPS.

Six months prior to our scheduled European vacation, my fiancée Erin and I met with Lorna Farthing at Fletcher Jones Mercedes-Benz in Newport Beach. Lorna was a sales consultant specializing in European Delivery for Mercedes-Benz. We spent the day test driving vehicles, deciding on the model and, finally,

COLOR: Polar White; Black Interior with Black Convertible Top choosing a color. We decided on an elegant 2016 E400A convertible in Polar White with a contrasting black top. A few days later, Lorna emailed us to confirm our order, providing us with the exact date we would be able to pick up our new MercedesBenz at the factory in Germany. We were officially going to Europe.

More accurately, I love the idea of road trips—plotting my course on Google Maps, making road trip-worthy playlists and grabbing gas station-sized, kidneystraining mega sodas. But actually driving? Not always fun. The leg cramps, long stretches of seemingly endless road, the constant dread of being pulled over for speeding. This summer, however, I found a solution to road trip boredom: Drive an exciting car on roads without speed limits while enlisting your best friend (and fiancée) as navigator, storyteller, co-driver and Snack Commander in Chief. This time, the journey could be just as thrilling as reaching our destination.

MOST IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT DRIVING IN EUROPE:

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Stuttgart, Germany The road trip begins ... well, almost.

Erin and I arrived in Stuttgart after an 11-hour flight from our stopover in Seattle. Still reeling from jetlag, the complimentary lodging and taxi vouchers courtesy of Mercedes-Benz was a welcome perk. With outside temperatures reaching well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, all we wanted was A/C and a cold shower. After checking

Everyone drives fast but highways somehow feel safe

The right lane is for passing only

Every freeway is not an autobahn

They have cameras everywhere (we got snapped five times in one day)

#5 There are more tunnels and bridges than you have ever seen

into the Althoff Hotel am Schlossgarten and firing up the Wi-Fi, we noticed an email marked URGENT at the top of our inbox. Uh oh. We wouldn’t be able to pick up the car for a few days. Bummer? Not really. Now we had an excuse to explore. Zurich, Switzerland, here we come.

#10

Gas stations are on the freeway off ramps

McDonald’s has free Wifi and clean restrooms

Audiobooks are great for long drives (We listened to The Sun Also Rises)

Drake is also great for long drives

CDs bought at Italian gas stations make great frisbees

NUMBER OF MILES/ KM DRIVEN: 270 miles/438 km

THE RIDE: 2015 Smart For Two Sedan; Top Speed: 76 MPH

HOTEL: Storchen Zurich

SINDELFINGEN, GERMANY TO VENICE, ITALY BY WAY OF THE SWISS ALPS

CAUTION, SPEED DEMONS: There are photo radar cameras everywhere; drive within the posted limits.

Zooming down roads in a car reminiscent of a soup can, traversing mile-long tunnels crowded with commercial trucks and ascending steep mountain roads was actually a blast. Part of the excitement came from reading every German sign aloud (the signs for Exit, or Ausfahrt, truly brought out the inner child in both of us). On top of a couple near-death experiences, we had our picture taken five times during that first day of driving. The camera really loves you while speeding, running a red light, changing lanes—even when seemingly abiding by the law! Please be aware of photo radar; it can increase your vacation costs significantly. We could have spent our entire trip in Zurich. Beautiful buildings line the waterfront promenade of the Limmat River, which dissects the city on its journey toward Lake Zurich. We spent the afternoon walking along the promenade, watching boaters row, swimmers swim and sunbathers enjoy the 90-degree sunshine and 80-degree, crystal-clear water. We rented a boat that afternoon, drove to the middle of the lake and skinny dipped.

Venice, Sindelfingen, Italy Germany

Water babies.

We drove the car off the factory floor. MILES/KM: 434 miles/699 km

THE RIDE: The Mercedes-Benz E400A

It was finally time to pick up our brand new E400. Mercedes-Benz was kind enough to provide us with a lunch of sandwiches and wine to enjoy on our trip. Less than an hour later, our car arrived on the delivery floor. The Mercedes-Benz We found our hotel, Storchen Zurich, on team gave us the ins and outs of handling TripAdvisor with 4.5 star reviews and NATIVE the car before finally putting the keys in my glowing recommendations. The historic KNOWLEDGE: hand. It was ours to drive all over Europe for boutique hotel located on the banks of the While the the next 15 days. Erin jumped for joy. The car landscape was Limmat did not disappoint. Packed with was spotless. I had to check the odometer— beautiful, clean charm, the space showcased beautiful less than 10 kilometers in total. The beauty restrooms are artwork at every turn while offering of the German Autobahn is that it allows you hard to come by. amenities like crisp and clean bedding, large to thoroughly mash the gas pedal. Flying at We recommend windows and an extremely accomodating taking the chance a top speed of 131 MPH, we made our way staff. Parking was nearly impossible to find to freshen to Venice, Italy, through the Swiss Alps. near the hotel so we parked as close as we up at one of The drive through Austria and the Alps is could and walked over. The doorman happily the roadside the most breathtaking scenery either of us fetched our car and we turned in for the restaurants. have ever experienced. The curvy mountain night after a quick cocktail at the hotel bar roads slowed our pace and took our minds facing the river. off the odometer so that we could enjoy the beauty— evergreen treetops, aquamarine pools of water and stark, rocky peaks. We made sure to make plenty of pit stops to take in the surrounding landscape, fuel up the car and find a place to eat the picnic lunch from Mercedes-Benz. There are also plenty of BETTER LAKE THAN NEVER: roadside stands serving wurst and pommes frites that we highly recommend taste testing. The drive Find a way to swim in the lake. Rent a boat, pay out of the Alps is endless in the best way possible. admission to a swim club or just jump off the pier.

HOTEL: Centurion Palace

THE RIDE: Motoscafi (motorized water taxi)

“Venice is like eating an entire box of chocolate liqueurs in one go.” —Truman Capote The hotels and residences that line the canals of Venice were all once great mansions of the fabulously wealthy and important. Our hotel is no exception as it was built in 1892 to house the Genovese family. The Centurion Palace is directly on the main (and much wider) canal and boasts a gothic-Venetian façade. After parking the Mercedes-Benz in a nearby garage, our motoscafi, or water taxi, approached, circled once and dropped us at the hotel’s wooden dock. Although our hotel possesses a very traditional outward appearance, the interior is anything but old fashioned. The hotel has been transformed from a historic residence into a very contemporary hotel, each room decorated differently. We dropped our bags in our third-floor room and took in the views before heading out to traverse Venice.

The lake water is so clean you could bottle it.

VENICE IS AS INSTAGRAMWORTHY AS THEY COME. THE

10 BEST THINGS WE DID

1. Watched Gone Girl under the stars with red wine at Cinema Chiardiluna 2. Swimming in Cinque Terre 3. 200 polaroid pictures 4. Rented a boat on Lake Zurich and skinny dipped 5. Dinner in Portofino looking at the Mega Yachts (also, meeting Magic Johnson) 6. Venice with friends (ding dong ditching) 7. A night drinking in Barcelona and getting punched in the face 8. Driving on the autobahn until the governor slowed us down 9. Didn’t always follow our itinerary 10. Drinking wine in our condo above the Tour de France finish line

1. Venice Jails 2. Catching up with friends 3. Canals

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MINI TRIP YOU ARE A TOURIST, ACT LIKE IT:

VENICE, ITALY TO FLORENCE, ITALY THE MOST ROMANTIC CITY WE EXPLORED WASN’T VENICE, IT WAS FLORENCE.

Splurge on a once in a lifetime concert. We saw Elton John in Lucca, Italy. Eat lots of gelato (and granizados in Spain). Take lots of annoying pics. Go on plenty of walking tours. See as much of the Louvre as you can.

FLORENCE TO LUCCA

MILES/KM: 51 miles/82 km NATIVE KNOWLEDGE:

Lucca is only 10 miles from Pisa. We suggest skipping the Insta-opportunity of pretending to lean against the Tower of Pisa and visiting Lucca instead.

POCKET PROTECTION:

Florence, Italy MILES/KM: 160 miles/258 km

HOTEL: J.K. Place, Firenze

The drive from Venice to Florence was gorgeous—the Tuscan region is beautiful. Those who love rolling fields and farm houses will really enjoy this drive. We originally planned for two days in Florence, but after the long drive from Venice and the feeling the city gave us, we cancelled our drive to Rome to extend our stay in Florence. Our hotel was part of

the reason we extended our stay. Although our room was small, it was immaculately clean and impeccably decorated. It was simple yet sophisticated. Even though Florence boasts a large number of worldrenowned restaurants, we found ourselves having three meals at the hotel during our stay (once for dinner and twice for a family style breakfast around a communal dining table in the lounge).

Make sure to carry plenty of different credit cards and cash in different currencies. We lost count at over 40 toll road stops on our trip and there were several times that we had to play credit card roulette to find a card the machine would accept.

MILES/KM: 288 miles/480 km WHERE TO STOP:

QUALITY CONTROL: Leave the convertible top up for this portion. You will encounter traffic and exhaust filled smog on your way into Florence.

WHAT DID WE LOVE ABOUT FLORENCE? 1. The bridges over the Arno River: Ponte Vecchio, Ponte Santa Trinita and Ponte alla Grazie—in that order 2. The guided tour of the Duomo 3. Outdoor movies at Cinema Chiardiluna 4. The food—especially at Alla Vecchia Bettola 5. Making friends: We met a local nicknamed “Little Tony” who gave us a free tour of his city 6. The warm nights 7. The river reflecting the streetlights at night

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FLORENCE, ITALY TO CINQUE TERRE TO PORTOFINO TO MONTE CARLO, MONACO

Cinque Terre: There are five towns that make up the coastal region referred to as Cinque Terre. Prepare for a winding, steep drive to the beaches below the cliffs. Once you arrive, you can take a train between all five towns. The houses hang from the cliffs in a multi-colored pattern that is enchanting to stare at, especially during the golden hour. Portofino: It still feels like a dream. We stayed the night in a town that felt like a movie set. We met Magic Johnson and Samuel L. Jackson as soon as we arrived and learned that Madonna had eaten at our table the night before. Every small town you pass on this road: We lost count after crossing over 100 bridges and passing through the same number of tunnels. You rarely see the coast; and when you do, we suggest that you pull over.

MONTE CARLO TO BARCELONA, SPAIN

THE 5 BEST EATS ON OUR EURO ROADTRIP

BARCELONA, SPAIN TO PARIS, FRANCE

Everything at Alla Vecchia Bettola in Florence Ham and butter sandwich from a gas station in Paris

Monte Carlo, Monaco 5 REASONS TO STAY AT THE FAIRMONT MONTE CARLO WHILE VISITING MONACO: 1.The Grand Prix of Monaco takes place in May, and the famous hairpin turn is directly in front of the hotel. 2. The view from the tiny patio deck of Nobu restaurant allows you to see three countries and enjoy amazing sushi. 3. The world famous Nikki Beach has a rooftop outpost on top of the hotel. We drank a magnum of rosé two days in a row and arrived early for poolside lounging. 4. It contains its own casino and is only a short walk from the Monte Carlo Casino. 5. We left our passports in our room and did not realize it until we reached Barcelona. We called from our hotel in Spain and The Fairmont had them overnighted to us. NATIVE KNOWLEDGE

After a night of partying, or after dinner, make sure to enjoy coffee and dessert at Cipriani. The place was packed at midnight. We were lucky enough to sit next to Novak Djokovic, who had just won Wimbledon the day before.

Barcelona, Spain MILES/KM: 424 MI 683 KM Barcelona is one of my favorite cities in the world, and I was determined to make it my fiancée’s as well. Even though our arrival was off to a rough start as we realized only hours before arriving that we had left our passports in Monaco, I could not be deterred from selling this city to her. We arrived at The Grand Hotel Central, located in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona. Our faces were tan, our legs ached and we needed a drink. After helping us contact The Fairmont in Monaco to retrieve our passports, the hotel staff showed us to our room and told us about the rooftop infinity pool and bar. Our room was modern, clean and larger than we expected with amenities like an in-room Nespresso machine and a massive shower. We also had a view of the Barcelona Cathedral from our windows. After settling in, we went to the rooftop sky bar, ordered two mojitos and stared out at the beautiful horizon of buildings and apartments.

GRAND HOTEL CENTRAL MAKES FOR AN EXCELLENT HOMEBASE. Here’s What’s Walkable from the Front Door: 1. La Sagrada Familia 2. Parc Güell 3. Las Ramblas 4. The Barcelona Zoo 5. Parc de la Ciutadella 6. Gothic Quarter 7. Barceloneta Beach 8. La Boqueria 9. Mar Bella Beach (it’s right next door to Barceloneta and also a nudist beach)

10 SIGHTS OF EUROPE

Macarons from Ladurée at the airport in France Schnitzel in Göppingen, Germany Omelettes in every country (Europe just seems to do eggs better)

WHAT NOT TO MISS IN PARIS: Drink rosé in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. Bring a blanket because the lawn is overused and not as lush as you might have dreamed. Walk across the street from the hotel to see the Moulin Rouge. Take the longest tour of the Louvre your feet can manage. Make sure to watch the Eiffel Tower’s twinkling light show at night.

1. Sunflower fields on the side of the road in Switzerland 2. Swiss Alps 3. Duomo di Firenze 4. Ehrenberg Castle Ruins and Highline 197 5. La Sagrada Familia 6. The Eiffel Tower 7. Venice Canals 8. Portofino 9. Monaco 10. Millau Viaduct

Paris, France The Finish Line

MILES/KM: 1,037 km/644 miles HOTEL: Hôtel Maison Souquet We were supposed to take two days to drive from Barcelona to Paris, stopping for a night in Bordeaux, before continuing our journey. From the minute we exited the city limits of Barcelona, it was obvious my fiancée had other plans. The drive should have taken 13 hours—she was determined to make it in 11. She hovered near the 200km/hour marker for hours, guiding us at Nascar speeds through the winding hills of Southern France, over bridges and through woods. We stopped only four times for gas and food before arriving in Paris. Driving in Paris was an adventure in itself. We nearly ran down a motorcyclist in a roundabout. We arrived at our hotel late at night and the concierge was beyond helpful. The Hôtel Maison Souquet is dark and cozy with hints of secret passageways amid the narrow hallways. Once a pleasure house during the Belle Époque era, the hotel has been transformed to emulate the gaudy opulence of that golden age in Western European history, but in a tasteful way. Rich fabrics, dark tones and quiet spaces make every conversation seem like a secret. We were offered cocktails in the lounge, which we accepted before retiring to our room for the night. The room, though small, would better be described as intimate. There was only one small window and the walls were padded with thick material. It was like sleeping inside a jewelry box.

LOCALE MAGAZINE 39

escape /// hot spots

Idlewild, CA

BEAR BASIN LOOKOUT

5 Camping Spots to Put On Your Radar

• This cabin was once used to spot forest fires. This location offers a secluded cabin with breathtaking views. The lookout and cabin is located on a narrow mountain ridge. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Siskiyou Mountains and the deep blue Pacific Ocean. This camp spot is one of the many reasons why visitors love staying in the heart of the Six Rivers National Forest of northern California.

WRITTEN BY: MICHELLE A SLIEFF Milford, CA

The city is buzzing with commitments and entertainment. Break free from routine and escape with the family to any one of these camping spots. These lookout spots provide panoramic views of mountain tops, lush greenery, hiking trails and wildlife. These camping destinations are not for the faint of heart. Make sure you are prepared, check the weather conditions and remember to escape—because you deserve it.

CLICK TO READ ON

www.localemagazine.com/camping-socal/

LOCALEMAGAZINE.COM www.localemagazine.com/camping-socal/

BLACK MOUNTAIN www.localemagazine.com/camping-socal/

• The Plumas National Forest is recognized for its unique land and inviting climate. There is plenty to entertain outdoor enthusiasts with streams and lakes, rich canyons, beautiful mountain valleys, meadows and peaks. Guests at Black Mountain Lookout are invited to enjoy the surrounding views of Honey Lake and Last Chance Creek. Bring your binoculars for a glimpse of wildlife including deer, coyotes, bald eagles and osprey.

McCloud, CA Redding, CA

Usfs 43 N 77, Ca

LITTLE MT. HOFFMAN

GIRARD RIDGE • The lookout is perched above the Sacramento River Canyon. Amazing views of Mount Shasta are visible. The gray spires of the Castle Crags frame almost the entire view alongside the distant silhouette of Lassen Peak. 40 LOCALE MAGAZINE

• Little Mt. Hoffman is within proximity to the largest identified volcano within California. Little Mt. Hoffman sits on the rim providing a panoramic view of this diverse volcanic landscape. Visitors can see a spectacular view of Mt. Shasta, Mt. Lassen and Mt. McLoughlin. Do yourself a favor and leave the distracting electronics in the car.

HIRZ MOUNTAIN • This lookout tower sits atop Hirz Mountain, offering views of Mt. Shasta’s snow-laced peak. Enjoy panoramic views in this home away from home. Be advised to enjoy with caution, bears and snakes are commonly spotted here.

escape /// feature

CLICK TO READ ON

www.localemagazine.com/5-unforgettable-places-to-stay-in-bali/

LOCALEMAGAZINE.COM www.localemagazine.com/5-unforgettable-places-to-stay-in-bali/

www.localemagazine.com/5-unforgettable-places-to-stay-in-bali/

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PHOTO PROVIDED BY: The Mulia, Mulia Resort and Villas

The Mulia, Mulia Resort and Villas

antasy F ESCAPE

ISLAND

BALI: A GUIDE TO OUR FAVORITE INDONESIAN ISLAND WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY: ERIK HALE

“Don’t talk about heaven if you’ve never been to Bali.” If everything you know about Bali came from a Julia Roberts movie, you might be missing out on some of the best reasons to venture to this island paradise. In my opinion, if you are trying to find yourself, you could skip India and Italy and spend your entire holiday in Bali eating, praying and loving. This is not an all-inclusive guide. This is a big island. We are just hoping that our experience tempts you into making your own adventure. WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW: Bali, a tropical island in Indonesia between Java and Lombok, is populated by nearly four million people. There are several ways to travel to Bali, through Australia, China, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Bali is 16 hours ahead of PST, and the typical flight— or combination of flights—generally takes about one full day. Temperatures are mostly warm every day, with highs in the 80s

— TOBA BETA

and 90s all year long. The exchange rate is favorable, and you can exchange money (always at different rates so be careful) on most any street corner. You can easily get away with board shorts, T-shirts, bikinis and flip flops for almost any occasion. If you speak Balinese, Indonesian, Chinese or English, you can communicate—as most locals are at least trilingual. Unlike Indonesia as a whole, which is primarily Muslim, about 85 percent of Balinese are Hindu. There are thousands of temples (pura) on the island of all sizes that are beautiful to visit and so plentiful you feel you see them in every direction you look. Renting a car is probably not necessary. You can get almost anywhere you need to be in a cab for a few bucks, or just hire a driver for the day. The main mode of transport is the bevy of scooters that zoom past you on sidewalks, shoulders and medians. Rent one of these at your own risk.

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The Mulia, Mulia Resort and Villas

Our view was 180 degrees of Indian Ocean from our luxurious patio furniture or from the tub through floor-to-ceiling windows.

LUXURY RESORT The Mulia, Mulia Resort and Villas

From the minute you arrive here, you realize that you are at a world class resort. There are multiples of staff, but you do not feel overwhelmed by them. You can see the Balinese culture in the ethnic uniforms, and the perpetual bowing, but it comes across completely genuine. It is in these details that you begin to understand the dichotomy that is The Mulia, Mulia Resort and Villas. This mega resort boasts eight phenomenal restaurants, acres of white beaches, and glorious Instagram worthy framing at your every turn. The twist is that the resort is in Bali. It is so decadent that even with available private car service, you could be easily tempted to never explore a square inch outside of this property, and have an amazing

vacation as well as a social media account that is the envy of all of your co-workers. The rooms are modern in decoration, aesthetically as well as technologically, down to multi-functional toilets. Our view was 180 degrees of Indian Ocean from our luxurious patio furniture or from the tub through floor-to-ceiling windows. During our trip, we ate from their wonderful buffet for hours at a time, sipped drinks poolside from coconuts under majestic statues, ingested gold and caviar, and were massaged into oblivion. This resort sets a standard in luxury that very few resorts in the world could meet.

ÂŤ HONORABLE MENTIONS: 1. The Chedi Club & 2. Ayana Resort 44 LOCALE MAGAZINE

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY: The Mulia, Mulia Resort and Villas

INTERVIEW WITH

ADAM BARDETTA Director of Operations at THE MULIA, MULIA RESORT & VILLAS

Q: Where are you from? Adam Bardetta: I’m from Sydney, Australia. Q: Why do you love Bali? AB: Bali is the ideal destination, as there is such a diverse array of experiences available to you. There really is something to do for just about everyone— beautiful beaches, stunning mountains, glorious rice fields, and adventurous experiences such as rafting, trekking, fishing, diving, surfing, and so much more. But, more than that, the Balinese people offer such a rich depth of art and culture. Q: How is The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas different from the other luxury resorts we will find in Bali? AB: The property offers three different experiences. The Mulia is a boutique all-suite resort with 111 suites. Mulia Resort has 526 accommodations, including lagoon pool rooms and suites and Mulia Villas are nestled on the hills of Nusa Dua with private gardens and views of the Indian Ocean, offering total privacy and relaxation. Q: With so many beautiful offerings, what feature on the property is the most photographed? AB: The Balinese ladies statue at The Oasis Pool of The Mulia. Q: With so many amazing options to dine on property, where do you eat and what is your favorite dish? AB: Now that’s a challenging question. It’s like asking which of my children do I like most! Each of our restaurants offers such a wonderfully different experience that I always look forward to each of them. I enjoy Japanese at Edogin on the teppanyaki table, Soleil’s seafood on the beach, Table 8’s very authentic Chinese dishes, and the vast array of cuisines at Café … how do I choose?! Q: What is the largest suite you offer, and what are some of the amenities? AB: The Marquess Suite at The Mulia is designed with an exquisite taste of luxury; a 2 bedroom suite with exquisitely designed oversized bedrooms, plush bedding with 1,000 thread count linen, luxurious living rooms, and a dining area equipped with a high-tech entertainment system. The suite is completed with a jacuzzi on the patio for guests to enjoy the impeccable view of the beach and ocean, delicate bed runner, superb custom made carpets with a different design for every type of suite, and custom ordered furniture.

Q: What is the largest villa? AB: It is the Mulia Mansion at Mulia Villas, consisting of 6 bedrooms with a 24-hour private butler. The villa has an extra large outdoor hydrotherapy swimming pool facing to the hillside and ocean, comfortable beds with luxurious, custom-designed, unparalleled comfort, a spacious patio with an outdoor tropical garden, and a pavilion with a sofa and dining area. There are two separate and spacious nanny rooms with a shower and toilet, a designated area for the billiard room, a designated home theater area, and a spacious family room on the first floor connected to the indoor living room on the second story. Q: How do the villas and resort differ? AB: The beauty of Mulia Villas is it is very much a small boutique villa property that offers incredibly personalized service and privacy. Each villa comes with your own private pool and tropical garden, as well as a butler who will look after all your needs. You can hide away in this very relaxing environment whilst having access to all of the wonderful Mulia Resort facilities should you wish. You have the best of both worlds!

7 BEACHES

we love 1

Padang Padang Beach

2 Nyang Nyang Beach

Q: What activity do you recommend the most to your guests? AB: They must do the Sunday brunch at Soleil. It is to die for! And don’t forget to stop at Sky Bar afterward for a post brunch cocktail!

Nusa Dua Beach

Q: What is the coolest amenity offered by the resort in your opinion? AB: For me, the coolest amenities are always the ones that are personalized to that guest. For example, we once had a guest visit from Germany, and we knew they were football fans and Germany had just won the World Cup, so our very artistic butler team shaped the World Cup trophy and the word “champions” in white stones on the lawn of the guest’s villa on arrival. They cried with joy!

There is a reef about 500 yards off-shore, which creates the perfect turquoise swimming pool in between. It is ideal for swimming, paddle

Q: What is the most outlandish request that you have fulfilled? AB: We had a guest once who insisted on purchasing a very specific and expensive luxury watch for his partner’s birthday, which was in two days and he had to have it. The problem was, this brand of watch was simply not available in Bali. After many phone calls, we were able to source an agent in Singapore, who personally flew to Bali with the product and delivered it to the guest just in time for their special occasion!

Kuta Beach

4 Pristine Beach:

boarding, and pictures.

6 Dreamland Beach

Balangan Beach

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INTERVIEW WITH

BETET MERTA “DA GUY”

BEACH BUNGALOW

Professional Surfer KUTA, BALI Q: Why do you love Bali? Betet Merta: It is paradise.

The Oberoi

Q: What do you do on an average day? BM: Surf good waves, then watch the sunset while drinking beer on the beach.

Set on the beach, rooms are spread over acres of natural, tropical gardens with tall eucalyptus and blossoming frangipani trees. You are greeted with a lei and a refreshing fruit-infused drink, as well as a cool cloth to wipe your neck. Don’t miss the afternoon tea as it is quite impressive—a large spread with cookies, cakes and a variety of teas. Relax in the shade of a frangipani, and watch the ocean while you listen to the relaxing sounds of the xylophone. We suggest taking all of this beauty in with a specially packed picnic lunch on the grass next to the pool.

Q: Who are some of your famous visitors that come to surf? BM: The boys from Metallica. Q: If it’s my first time, what one thing should I make sure to do while there? BM: Surf!

Q: What do you make sure to do every week? BM: Surf and hang out with friends pretty much.

HONORABLE MENTIONS: 1. St. Regis & 2. The Samaya

Q: Tell me about traffic there. What is it like to get around? Do you use a scooter? BM: Traffic is too crazy. I just ride my scooter everywhere I go—easy for me! Q: When you are finished surfing, where do you get your grinds? BM: I like The Balcony Restaurant in Kuta. Q: What is your favorite local food, and where do you get it? BM: Warung made in Seminyak. Q: How has Bali changed in the last 10 years? BM: It is so crazy. So many people from around the world live in Bali now. It is getting expensive, too! Q: Best place to go out at night? BM: I go out in Kuta every day, and Seminyak on the weekend. Q: Best beach? BM: Kuta, Uluwatu, Keramas, Dreamland Beach or Canggu.

10 MUST-DO’S FOR YOUR FIRST TIME IN

Bali:

46 LOCALE MAGAZINE

rt Staere! h

1 CAMP

out on a day bed at Potato Head Beach Club ($50 first come first served).

FEED

DRINK

at one of the warungs on the beach in Seminyak at sunset.

the monkeys at the Ubud Monkey Forest.

4 VISIT

the Pura Tanah Lot temple.

5 PAY

to watch the Kecak dancers at Uluwatu Temple.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY: The Oberoi

The Oberoi

Relax in the shade of a frangipani, and watch the ocean while you listen to the relaxing sounds of the xylophone.

DRINK

BUY

a Bintang T-shirt (do not wear it until you get home).

7 RENT

a scooter (or donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t if you value your life).

kopi luwak coffee (cat poop coffee).

DRIVE

10 STEP

into an ice room at The Mulia, Mulia.

through the rice fields and find one of the many waterfalls.

Until next time Bali...

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INTERVIEW WITH

IMAN LUBIS

Director of Public Relations at KOMANEKA RESORTS UBUD, BALI Q: Why do you love Bali? Iman Lubis: I love the culture, environment, tranquility, ambience and atmosphere of Bali. Q: How long have you lived there? IL: It’s been one year already! Q: How is Ubud different than other parts of the island? IL: Ubud is one of the famous tourism destinations in Bali. And with unique cultures and active Hindu rituals from the local community, it really is special. Q: How many photos per year do you think are taken of your gorgeous pool? IL: I’ve never counted, but it is a lot. I’ve seen so many photos of our main pool posted on TripAdvisor, Instagram and also tagged to our Komaneka Facebook page. Q: With so many options for places to stay on the island, why do you think the Komaneka at Bisma is so popular? IL: Komaneka is just like a home—your home address in Ubud. The hotel is surrounded by natural beauty, and the staff always responds promptly to every guest’s needs. Q: What is your favorite spa package that you offer? IL: My favorite spa package is Bisma Royal Package and can only be taken in Komaneka Bisma because it is a signature of Komaneka Bisma. It is a three-hour, unique treatment using a fruit body mask and wrap with banana leaf, and then finished with milk bath. Q: Other than visiting the monkey forest (that is a short walk away), what do you advise your guests that they MUST try while in Ubud? IL: The guests could also visit the temple, see the local wood carving, watch the dance performance daily while in Ubud, try elephant riding, and try water sports such as rafting, which is very famous.

Komaneka at Bisma (one of two Komaneka properties in Ubud) is placed perfectly for you and a guest to experience the jungle without being lost in it.

Q: What is your favorite local dish? IL: My favorite dish is nasi campur (mixed rice served with a traditional vegetable called jukut urap (vegetable with grated coconut), chicken, sate lilit, and sambal goreng. Q: When you don’t eat at the resort, where is your favorite place to eat? IL: Warung Lada is a small place to eat with Batavian beautiful style, and serves Balinese and Indonesian food. Q: Where would your dream vacation away from Bali be? IL: I wish that I could go to South Africa to do a safari tour. 48 LOCALE MAGAZINE

Komaneka at Bisma

YOU’RE IN BALI.

Act like it.

4 1

SPA SERVICES YOU WILL LOVE MORE THAN NASI GORENG:

ICE FOUNTAIN ROOM AT THE MULIA SPA THE MULIA, MULIA RESORT AND VILLAS

The Mulia Spa is world class. There are 20 treatment rooms, and a private “Wellness Suite” that contains so much to do you wish you could stay all day. Outdoors you will find a hydro tonic pool with both hot and cold sides. Inside, there is a wood sauna that emits eucalyptus fragrance and a steam room with “emotional showers.” One of the best parts of our trip to Bali was bouncing between the steam room and the Ice Fountain room. The Ice Fountain room literally had ice chips being produced and piled on the ground. We had so much fun changing our body temperature by rotating between the two rooms (which we had entirely to ourselves). It was also fun to change the colors of the chromatherapy light to different “chakra cleansing” colors. After multiple trips to the ice room, we began to become more and more brave. We started with only dipping our feet in the ice, but by the end, we were smearing it all over our bodies. What a contrast to the hot and often muggy Bali weather.

COUNTRY CASA Komaneka at Bisma

Just far enough from the main strip to be surrounded by rice fields, but close enough to safely walk downtown at night, the Komaneka at Bisma (one of two Komaneka properties in Ubud) is placed perfectly for you and a guest to experience the jungle without being lost in it. The staff is welcoming (even performing a traditional dance during our stay) from the moment you check in until you begrudgingly leave. Our room was spacious and comfortable, but the human touches of rose petals left on the bed, nightly love poems left bedside, and gifts during checkout made this resort truly feel like a second home we couldn’t wait to return to.

UBUD OPTIONS: 1. The Chedi Club 2. Viceroy Bali

COUPLE’S MASSAGE AT KOMANEKA AT BISMA SPA

FISH BATH

Walk down the circular staircase from the top floor of the resort as it carries you down three flights, past the main pool, through vines and frangipani trees, arriving at the spa that sits beside a semi-circular jade-green second pool. You are greeted warmly and given tea, and left momentarily to gaze at the jungle. You and your partner are then escorted along a path that turns into boulders spaced across a pond. You cross the path, carefully, turn right and are asked to remove your shoes and enter in the slippers they provide. The room you enter is only walled on three sides. When you both walk to the exposed wall, you will see that the entire cottage is positioned precipitously on a canyon wall directly above a rushing river. The sound of the water is soothing throughout your treatment. The treatment begins with a shower, then you return to the main room for a joint foot scrub, then climb under towels where you will both be massaged for over two hours. After the massage, you are scrubbed heavily with fragrant salts, shower again, and are finally escorted to a giant tub big enough for two that is filled with tea bags, rose petals and frangipani flowers. The tub is designed so that you sit facing each other directly against the open wall of the cottage above the river. At the end of the three-hour session, you shower, walk back across the stone path to the room where your journey begins, and are greeted with teas and cookies. Wish you were there? I do. You can find fish baths on the sidewalks of Bali. They are 100-gallon tanks filled with tiny flesh eating fish with benches built around the outside. The idea of allowing fish to chew away at your epidermis might sound strange, but these guys are here to help! Getting your feet in the water is the hardest part … mentally at least. Before you can submerge your feet, hundreds have already latched on. Once your feet are completely immersed, you can no longer see your legs! Ten minutes of bonding, and you start to appreciate their hard work. Twenty minutes, and you have softer feet than you’ve had in years. Thanks little dudes. Coolest fish ever.

THE FOUR HAND MASSAGE

You can basically afford this treatment every day of your trip on any budget. The four hand massage is a massage by two people at the same time. The massage quality will vary according to who you call, but for about $22 for a full hour, it is hard to get something you won’t think is a value. Ask your host for a referral, and have the massage therapist come to your room or villa.

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Bali Ethnic Villa

We exited our taxi and were immediately greeted by a man in a long, traditional robe standing outside a walled compound. When you book your stay online, you often find that the property owners are actually professional trick photographers that somehow make their shoddy 200-square-foot apartments look like Irish country manors. As we stood outside the tenfoot gate of the Bali Ethnic Villa, I was prepared for something similar. There was no way this property could be as beautiful as it was online. Our host bowed, welcomed us, and opened the gate for us to enter. We stopped just inside the gate, which gave me the opportunity to ask which cottage was ours. His English wasn’t perfect, but it was obvious by his smirk that he had heard this misconception before. “Well, all of this is yours,” he said confidently. Was I on Fantasy Island? We were standing at the entrance to two acres of manicured gardens, koi ponds, Javanese huts, and a pool bigger than at any resort I have stayed in my life. “It’s all ours?” I wondered aloud. It was all ours. It took an hour to take the tour. There were three houses (four private bedrooms), each with private baths and outdoor showers and tubs. There was an open-air living room, pool room, kitchen and dining room, and movie room all individually housed. There were six staff members on call to your every wish. We sent them out for fast food and bintangs, they made ice tea and brought us ice water. They made breakfast every morning, and picked up your dirty socks and sent them to the laundry before they even hit the floor. You wish that everyone you knew could be there with you. You will need proof you were here. Nobody will believe you.

HONORABLE MENTIONS: 1. Luna 2 Private Hotel 2. The Edge

50 LOCALE MAGAZINE

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY: Bali Ethnic Villa

ROOM FOR ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Bali Ethnic Villa

Was I on Fantasy Island? We were standing at the entrance to two acres of manicured gardens, koi ponds, Javanese huts, and a pool bigger than at any resort I have stayed in my life.

6 BREAKFAST SPOTS

in Bali

AND WHAT WE ORDERED: SISTERFIELDS

« Toad in the Hole:

A pan fried brioche and egg with sautéed mushrooms, finished with truffle oil and thyme.

CAFE AT THE MULIA, MULIA RESORT AND VILLAS « Everything:

Try everything at this most opulent buffet. Try the pizza, Chinese dim sum and noodles, Japanese sushi, Indian, Indonesian, and of course a lot of desserts. There is an entire room dedicated to dessert complete with an ice cream bar.

THE PORCH CAFE

« Jezza Recovery Breakfast:

A little grease to line the stomach. A toasted bacon and egg sandwich with BBQ sauce.

CAFE MOKA

« Petit Dejeuner Parisien:

A glass of fruit juice, two breakfast cakes, a basket of bread, butter and jam, and a cup of coffee.

DEUS CAFE AT DEUS EX MACHINA « Breakfast burrito:

A must read: “HOTEL K”:

Rules about drugs: Don’t even think about buying or taking any kind of drug in Bali. Check out this book (one of several) that tells of the deplorable conditions anyone caught having, taking or buying drugs faces.

Standard fare. Cool peeps.

BREAKFAST MADE IN YOUR VILLA:

Nearly every villa offers chef services. Waking up in the morning to banana pancakes, sizzling bacon, and fresh squeezed juice was oh so amazing.

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They offer one, two and three bedroom villas all with private yards, beautiful pools, and full villa amenities at a fraction of the cost you might expect to pay for a stand-alone villa, and with services you might find at a resort.

destinations

WORTH GOING OUT OF YOUR WAY FOR:

AMED:

This is a small community on the northeast side of the island. Small beaches and nice people will give you an idea of what Bali was like 30 years ago.

BANJAR:

The hot springs in this tiny village are worth the drive.

SIDEMEN:

Hire a driver and get lost on dirt roads. There are great views of the volcano.

TELUK TERIMA:

Have your rental car blessed at the entrance of a footpath to Jayaprana’s grave.

LOMBOK:

Take a ferry ride across or jump on a fast boat to this slowed down destination just a few hours away. Take a slower boat from there to the Gili Islands.

MOUNT AGUNG:

There are plenty of tours that will take you up Bali’s holy mountain (err, volcano). You leave at 2am, hike to the top, and have breakfast at sunrise.

BRINGING THE FAMILY OR TRYING TO MAKE ONE The Villas Bali

Staying in a villa will give your family the Bali feel but can often come at a much higher price tag. The Villas Bali, comprised of 50 private villas located in the heart of Seminyak, is a great option for honeymooners and families. They offer one, two and three bedroom villas all with private yards, beautiful pools, and full villa amenities at a fraction of the cost you might expect to pay for a stand-alone villa,

« 52 LOCALE MAGAZINE

and with services you might find at a resort. Each villa has satellite TV, sound systems, a refrigerator, and a daily maid (and mosquito fogging) service. They also offer private chefs to make breakfast, bartenders to make drinks for your team, and a full suckling pig BBQ in your backyard. The location is ideal for shopping and dining. Your villa is a five-minute walk from the center of Seminyak.

HONORABLE MENTIONS: 1. Komaneka at Bisma & 2. The Oberoi

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY: The Villas Bali

RESTAURANTS TO SATISFY

every craving. DINNER IS SERVED:

LA FAVELA

THE BISTROT

This eclectic restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating options, but any seat in the house will be fantastic. Traipse down a darkened outdoor corridor across a bridge before being transported into a restaurant meets a 1950s version of “Pirates of the Caribbean.” They have nearly over-decorated this massive space with hidden gems everywhere. There are walled off rooms fully decorated with antique clocks, speakers and furniture. The staff dresses in skinny ties and Chucks. You will love this spot. This two-story glass building is illuminated by soft lighting, drawing you in from the street to this chic eatery in Seminyak. It would probably be more at home on a side street in Brooklyn. This eatery is slightly more upscale than some of the others on this list, but as with most places, you can still get away with Chucks or “slippahs.” Sit upstairs if you can, and order sangria. It comes in a bowl large enough for three normal people (or me).

LACALACA

The first of two locations in Bali, this place will feel a little like Southern California if you have had too many fried rice dishes. Beautifully decorated, great crab meat quesadillas, strong Mamacita margaritas and live music. Most days, you can find the Aussie owner and probably talk him into taking shots with you.

CUCA

KU DE TA

This is a must visit, offering creative food that is an awesome alternative to the tons of fried noodles you have been eating. You might want to try this for lunch as it is expensive compared to everything else you will eat. LA prices for LA food. Get here in the late afternoon to get a seat. This is a great place to see the sunset. Sit back in one of the red lounge chairs facing the ocean, and vibe to mellow house music over the speakers while sipping on the giant Love Potion #9 shared cocktail and watching the sun dip into the Indian Ocean.

EDOGIN AT THE MULIA, MULIA RESORT AND VILLAS

Edogin was an amazing experience. The staff dressed in beautiful yukata robes, and the walls were lined with cherry blossom trees. Walk in to a grandiose display of sushi, sashimi and oysters. The teppanyaki buffet offered something to satisfy every taste. Stop by the ice cream table before you leave.

The Villas Bali

MADE’S WARUNG

MOZAIC

MOTEL MEXICOLA

Go to Made’s when you first arrive. You will get to try all of the foods that are local to Bali without spending a fortune. This is a great introduction to Balinese culture, and you may even catch a Ramayana floor show. You will also most likely be surrounded by more professional surfers than tourists. Enter this candlelit garden with hours to spare. This upscale meal in the Ubud countryside will be one of the best meals you have on vacation. Choose from one of two six-course tasting menus—such a treat. Come here to party. There are bright colors, vivid tiles, and shrines everywhere. The food is good, and the atmosphere is great. Stay late and make your villa manager wonder why you came home partying at 3am.

BAR AT AYANA RESORT AND SPA 10 ROCK Arrive early and take the cable car down the cliff to this gorgeous sea side bar and

restaurant. It is perched high above the crashing surf, and delivers the best sunset views on the island. Lather on plenty of sunscreen, order a Rock My World, and use your AmEx the way it was meant to be.

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FRESH SNOW (AND LOTS OF IT) • There’s a reason locals call it “The Greatest Snow on Earth!” With over 500 inches of snow every winter, you never have to worry about dates when booking your vacation. And at a lower altitude than most Colorado resorts, you won’t have to worry about altitude sickness. Ski in and ski out without headache and enjoy the fresh tracks! IT’S TOTALLY AFFORDABLE

Salt Lake City, UT

7 Reasons to Go to the Utah Mountains Right Now UTAH BOASTS SOME OF THE BEST SKIING IN THE WEST. HERE’S FIVE REASONS TO GET UP TO ALTITUDE, AND QUICK! PHOTOGRAPHED BY: AMANDA PROUDFIT

There’s no better time than now to visit Utah for a ski vacation. Between December and March, the Wasatch Mountain Range gets nearly a foot of fresh powder every week. The resorts are well on their way to another record season, and the options are endless, with 15 world class ski resorts to choose from.

Salt Lake City is in close proximity to all the major resorts—Brighton, Solitude, Alta, Park City, Snowbird, the list goes on—so flying in and staying nearby is a breeze. If you’re itching to get to the mountains for some real powder, but don’t have a ton of money to spend, Utah mountains should definitely at the top of your list, and here’s why. 54 LOCALE MAGAZINE

• When buying multiday passes, it’s markedly cheaper to ski here than in other resorts across North America. And lodging and food prices aren’t so bad either. EASY ACCESS • You can get that peaceful, away-fromit-all feeling up in the mountains while just 3045 minutes away from Salt Lake City. You could fly into SLC and ski in the same day without an overly long drive up winding mountain roads. IT’S GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH • Get a jumpstart on that New Year’s Resolution you make every year. Skiing and snowboarding decreases anxiety, improves your mood, tones major muscle groups, burns calories

and most importantly, strengthens bonds with friends and family. The memories made are worth it in itself. YOU CAN SOAK WHEN YOU’RE DONE • Any day of skiing and boarding call for a hot tub once off the mountain. Get the whole crew together and bring the happy hour libations and let the steam roll over you. There’s also natural hot springs in the Utah mountain and in the spring you can go to Fifth Water. The scalding hot springs can peak at around 107 degrees, but the natural stream that runs alongside the pools will help cool you off. THE STEEPS AND EPIC BOWLS ARE IN FULL SUPPLY • Drop into a deep bowl full of waist deep powder full of glory faceshots that you can brag to your friends about. You can also poke around the chutes and narrow cliffs that flank almost every mountain. Double black = double fun. (But really, be careful). SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL • If you time it right, you could ski during the day and go check out the film festival afterwards. The Sundance Film Festival is held every January in Park City.

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ALASKA IS NOW OFFICIALLY ON YOUR BUCKET LIST ICE, ICE BABY WRITTEN BY: NICOLE FERA PHOTOGRAPHED BY: ROBERT ZALESKI

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ROBERT ZALESKI is a photographer, creative director, photo editor and videographer that has traveled the world. Zaleski has worked on both coasts and brought inspiration and beauty to many of the magazines that he has worked for during his career. Just looking at his photos brings inspiration and makes you want to dive right into the image that he has captured. His work tends to speak for itself, but Robert was kind enough to answer some questions about this particular amazing collection of photos, his travels and what it takes to capture moments like these on film. Q: Where exactly were these amazing photos taken? Robert Zaleski: Bear Glacier in the Kenai Fjords National Park, Mendenhall Glacier and Glacier Bay National Park. Q: Did you have to camp out? Is there a town nearby? Civilization? Ha! RZ: Mendenhall Glacier is just 13 miles from downtown Juneau, making it an easily accessible and popular destination for tourists. However, capturing the other images required some fairly extensive travel by float plane, boat or train and in some cases all three to reach more remote locations. For this reason, we carried in all food and equipment necessary to sustain our group for a week or two at a time while camping in the wild. I remember one particular instance where after spending about a week 58 LOCALE MAGAZINE

Q: Where do you draw your inspiration from? RZ: I find inspiration in the work of other photographers and by anyone pursuing their passions and living their dream. Doing my own thing was always my dream. And for as long as I can remember, I had an insatiable desire to document my travels and share my experiences through photography. Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world to shoot, where would that be? RZ: Iceland and New Zealand.

camping in Glacier Bay National Park, our guide paddled a mile out into the bay attempting to use a satellite phone to check-in with the home office. After 30 minutes, he gave up, not being able to connect the call â&#x20AC;&#x201D; that speaks to how you should never rely on technology while in the wild. Q: How exactly did you find yourself there? RZ: These pictures represent several trips to Alaska while on assignment for various publications. Q: How cold was it in these photos? RZ: The weather can change quickly in Alaska and does so frequently. In some of these images, it was quite cold and below freezing. While in others, it was sunny and rather warm (mid-50s). At least once every hour I would find myself either

fpo

Robert is supported by and is a brand ambassador for Western Digital. To view more of his work, visit his website at www.rzcreative.com and follow him on Instagram @rzcreative

adding or removing layers depending on the changing conditions.

Q: Favorite place that you’ve shot so far? RZ: One of my most memorable assignments to date was a trip to the Lower Mississippi Delta. I spent a week there camping, documenting and paddling a 100-mile stretch of the river for an editorial feature story. It’s an often overlooked part of our country that has a peaceful and unexpected beauty to the landscape.

Q: Who is in these photos? RZ: The subjects in these photos are all knowledgeable paddlers or experienced guides like my friends at Liquid Adventures. Wilderness Outfitters based in Seward, who provides professionally guided trips to those seeking adventure. Q: A job like this not only requires amazing camera skills, but also a bit of outdoor knowledge as well. How did this all come about for you? RZ: I’ve always had a penchant for travel and an innate passion for photography. After gaining experience in the advertising world as an art director and photographer early in my career, I moved on to publishing where I worked on staff for many years as a creative director and photographer – a position that afforded opportunities to travel. From there, I began working with and

producing work for clients such as Animal Planet, Men’s Journal, National Geographic and many others. Q: What is the most difficult part about taking these types of photos? RZ: A travel photographer’s job is to document what they see regardless of the conditions. I think one of the most difficult aspects of that process is being able to deal with them. Embracing less than ideal conditions or inclement weather while having to work is challenging, but once you learn to do so you can focus on the objective and produce great work. Q: Where are some other places that you’ve been to? RZ: Some of the places I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to include New Orleans, Mississippi, the American Southwest, Mexico, central America, all throughout the Caribbean, the edge of the arctic circle (Nunavut and Baffin Island), Vancouver Island, and the Great Bear Rainforest. LOCALE MAGAZINE 59

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HAVASUPAI. 55 MILES. 4 DAYS. A First Timer’s Guide to Backpacking Havasupai WRITTEN BY: KATIE FUGNETTI • PHOTOGRAPHY BY: MARIUSZ JEGLINSKI

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The Grand Canyon is so massive there is no vantage point you can stand and see the entire thing. It’s splendor is world renowned and draws visitors to lookout points to snap photos and selfies in an attempt to capture the feeling of being there. It’s tricky though, the feeling of our tiny humanity is difficult to capture on film. I’m realizing this while looking through some 600 photos from the trip and none of them looked like what if felt like to be there. I read somewhere that if the canyon were inverted it would be the tallest mountain range in the world. If this is true the hike to the canyon floor may be more than I bargained for.

It’s Sunday, and the ant people down below are trying to scale the canyon before sunrise. Some tell us they left at 2 a.m. to make the journey in the cool of the early morning. My friends and I are late as it nears 7 a.m. before we hit the trailhead. We start the descent into the red rocks at sunrise with enough gear on our backs for four days. Our destination — the Havasupai Indian Reservation, ten miles down from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. As we traverse the steep canyon walls, welcome rain drops fall from a thick cloud cover overhead. Once past the first switchback, the canyon unfolds, twisting and turning 62 LOCALE MAGAZINE

with boulders once attached to the canyon walls that are now the dirt beneath our feet. My bag feels heavy and pack mules charge by carrying the coolers and backpacks of fellow hikers. There’s no warning other than the loud sound of a stampede coming from behind. With so many overloaded mules, it seems like we are the only ones carrying in our supplies. I didn’t weigh my backpack, but it must be close to 40 lbs. My knees creak like they need to be oiled. As I walk, I’m thinking about the contents of my bag. Our trip leader is strong at six-foot-four and sporting a thick red Viking beard. He seems to walk with ease as his broad shoulders look like they were made to carry a heavy backpack. That and I’m sure he only brought the necessities. He tells me that experienced backpackers go so far as to cut off the handle of their toothbrush to save weight. Great … I not only have a full-sized toothbrush, but a thick wooden-handled hair brush in my bag. I should have read that gear list! I don’t see any trash cans, so I’m stuck with my luxury goods all the way down and back up. There’s nothing I can do about it now I tell myself as I look up to realize we have reached the canyon floor. With red rocks stacked to the sky in every direction, we continue to the Havasupai Village.

The Havasupai, or “people of the blue-green waters, ” have inhabited the Grand Canyon for hundreds of years, surviving Spanish and Mexican invasion and establishing a reservation in 1880. They have succeeded at surviving in this rugged desert terrain that European explorers did not think was possible. The Grand Canyon National Park encircles the reservation, and, however, small it may be, the native Havasupai regulate tourism on their land. They limit the number of visitors, charging for campsites and offering mule and helicopter transport in and out. Today, travelers come to experience the sacred waterfalls of the Havasupai and learn why these ancient peoples chose the Grand Canyon as their home. As young Havasupai horsemen ride past leading mule trains, I sense a love-hate relationship between them and the visitors who have come to represent their income.

My greetings to the horsemen are rarely returned. There is no disdain in their faces, only focus on the job of driving their mules up and down the canyon trail. In the creation story of the Havasupai, they emerged from this canyon and within the walls are pathways and corridors containing the legends of their forefathers. They live off the grid, and the canyon provides a natural barrier between themselves and the modernity of the outside world. I don’t know the entire history of the Havasupai, but I do know their religion is their surroundings, and the surroundings are what we have all come to see. We did not arrive at our camp soon enough. Ten miles down plus an additional two miles put us in a better position for the following day’s hike. My backpack fell to the ground like a sack of rocks, and for the first time in six hours I

can stand upright. We made a temporary home for three days, setting up tents and stringing hammocks between the trees. Just then, my daydream of lighting up the stove for some dehydrated lasagna fades when the group assembles for a hike to the nearest waterfalls. Another hike? How could this be? Some of the other hikers we’d seen on the way down were opening cans of beer and taking a load off, but not my group. Not wanting to miss out on anything, and to the objections of my feet, I force my hiking boots back on and set out to explore the waterfalls of the Havasupai. Nearest our camp is Havasu Falls, perhaps the most famous of all Havasupai Waterfalls. The mineral-rich water drops down some 90 feet to a turquoise-colored pool below. The water gets its color from high levels

of calcium carbonate and travertine formations. Our trip leader has been here before and knows that below the falls and across the creek there is a cave, and he is taking us there to explore. As we near the creek, we roll up our pants and remove our hiking boots to make the river crossing. I can feel the heavy mist from the waterfall on my face as I dip my toes in the creek. It is late April, and the water is refreshingly cool. It feels therapeutic for my legs, so I take my time crossing. As the last in the group to make it across, we put on our boots and continue to the cave. We arrive at a small hole in the side of the canyon wall about 20 feet up. While carefully selecting my handholds on the way up, my mind flashes to the canyon rim, and I’m reminded how far we’ve come since we started the day. Inside the cave, it’s completely dark, and we

rely on headlamps to see where we’re headed. Specks of quartz glimmer all around and shine through the darkness. After some exploration, we emerge from the cave to the setting sun, and under the light of the moon, cross back over the creek and hike back to our camp for the night. Ahhhhhhhhh……lasagna. Finally. You taste every bit as good as I’d imagined you would. I’m surprised by the sharp pain in my knees the next morning. It is reassuring to see others walking funny too. We hobbled around in the early hours of morning careful not to waste too much time. I sense we are on a schedule — not before a hearty breakfast though. Our group leader was tracking his calories burned as well as mileage. CONTINUE READING ON WWW.LOCALEMAGAZINE.COM

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YOUR NEXT UNFORGETTABLE SURFING TRIP IN SAN JUAN DEL SUR Nicaragua: A Little Piece of Paradise WRITTEN BY: LAUREN VIKANDER â&#x20AC;¢ PHOTOGRAPHY BY: LAUREN VIKANDER AND JOEL JOHNSON

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This country first gained traction from its natural wonders and amazing colonial architecture. However, once the secret got out about its epic surf spots, the wave chasers started pouring in and not long after, the backpackers came looking for a good time. My group of friends and I wanted a little of both and settled on a little surf haven on the Pacific Coast called San Juan Del Sur. Known for its killer waves and toned and tanned vacationers, this little piece of paradise was the perfect hub for adventure.

It’s difficult to capture the attraction Nicaragua holds in words. Its landscape and culture are unmistakably beautiful, but modernization here is slow, and its people face adversity daily. It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you are willing to open yourself up to something real, you’ll gain a whole new perspective on life. Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America and is bordered by Honduras and Costa Rica and located entirely within the tropics. Yes, it’s gloriously warm. The Pacific Ocean lies on the west coast and has the country’s best surf and on the east coast lies the alluring turquoise Caribbean Sea. In between you can find the largest lake in Central America, Lake Nicaragua, which is home to freshwater sharks and Isla Ometepe, which was formed by two volcanoes rising from the lake. You would be hard-pressed to imagine a more scenic place; it’s truly straight out of a fantasy novel. 66 LOCALE MAGAZINE

We were a group of six, artists, writers, yoga instructors, and adventurers all sharing a mindblowing house in the jungle just outside the little town. We had a week to surf, bronze, see monkeys and get a taste of life in the tropics and were determined to take it all in. Our first night there, our Airbnb host guided us to the outdoor fish market in the harbor of San Juan Del Sur where local fisherman sell their catch of the day. We scored eight lobster tails and a pound of shrimp for only $26.00. and just like that, our belief it was going to be a cheap trip was confirmed. Nicaragua is a budget travelers paradise, most Nicaraguans live on only $3 a day, and travelers can easily exist on $20 a day, (paying tourist prices) even in resort towns. One of the most striking things about this area is the sheer energy it radiates. Whether it’s the warmth, the ocean, the youth or maybe just the abundance of rum, it’s clear that everyone in this town is completely stoked on life and the feeling is contagious. After only a few days here, we had unknowingly adopted this philosophy and experienced a little shift in priorities. The internet is unreliable here at best, and most of us completely unplugged allowing life to really unfold, and forcing us to be present. Life is slower here, and spending it enjoying nature, surfing, exploring the jungle, and amazing Nicaraguan food and cocktails with friends was a welcome escape from the everyday grind that reality is at home. We weren’t the first to experience this shift, San Juan Del Sur has captured the hearts of many who have come here, which has sparked immeasurable growth in the area. Often called the ‘next Costa Rica, ’ travelers are staying, and opening businesses are spurring development. There is truly something for everyone now, whether you want a yoga retreat, surf lessons, a booze cruise, or simply to relax on the white sand beaches, the possibilities are endless.

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AINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T NO MOUNTAIN NORTH ENOUGH

GET IN TOUCH WITH NATURE IN THE CANADIAN ROCKIES WRITTEN BY: BRIANNA ROMANO PHOTOGRAPHED BY: BRIANNA ROMANO AND ANDREA MARTINEZ

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BRIANNA ROMANO @briannaontheweekend LOCALE MAGAZINE 69

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A road trip

through the Canadian Rockies has always been on my bucket list, but it seemed so daunting that I postponed it until I was better equipped. Little did I know that there is something there for even the most novice of adventure seekers. From the turquoiseblue lakes and the towering jagged mountains to the abundant wildlife amid dense forest, this drive was undoubtedly the most scenic of my life. And if you’ve driven on the 74 Freeway in the summer months, navigating the stretch between Banff and Jasper is a piece of cake.

Banff Stay Ú A 90-minute drive from the Calgary airport, this little resort town is a perfect home base for exploring the surrounding area. Stay right in the heart of downtown at Mount Royal Hotel to be close to plenty of shops and restaurants, or for epic views of one of Banff’s most famous glacial lakes, experience the luxurious Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. MOUNT ROYAL HOTEL 138 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1A7 Canada 866.606.6700 | www.banffjaspercollection. com/hotels/mount-royal-hotel FAIRMONT CHATEAU LAKE LOUISE 111 Lake Louise Dr, Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0 Canada 403.522.3511 | www.fairmont.com/lake-louise

Explore Ú Take the Banff Gondola to soak in a panoramic view of six mountain ranges from above. Pro tip: take the first gondola at 8:30 a.m. to secure a parking spot and have the viewing deck almost completely to yourself. The two most famous turquoise glacial lakes in the area are Lake Louise and Lake Moraine. Going later in the day in the summer (after 4 or 5 p.m.) is encouraged if you want to ditch the crowds, and since there is daylight until about 10 p.m. in the summer, there is still plenty of time to enjoy the sights. Rent a canoe for an hour or enjoy one of 70 LOCALE MAGAZINE

the many hikes around the area. We rented a canoe at Moraine Lake, as it seemed to be less crowded and just as picturesque. If you’re feeling adventurous, take on The Devil’s Thumb climbers’ trail—a 7.4-mile hike with an elevation gain of 2,897 feet—for an incredible view of both lakes at the top. If you’re like me and begin panting profusely at the slightest incline, the 1½-mile hike to Fairview Lookout at Lake Louise is good enough to catch a sight from above. Eat & Drink Ú If you’re a whiskey drinker, Park Distillery Restaurant & Bar is a must-stop. Be sure to try the Plain of Six Glaciers cocktail served with their housemade Park Glacier Rye, or try a Skoki Lodge, served with their Park Maple Rye and a scorched piece of wood on top of the glass to give it that smoky flavor. Maybe even take a bottle or two home with you to go along with a pizza from The Bear Street Tavern. Don’t forget their signature chili oil and honey mixture to dip the crust in! THE BEAR STREET TAVERN 211 Bear St, Banff, AB T1L 1A1 Canada 403.762.2021 | www.bearstreettavern.ca PARK DISTILLERY RESTAURANT & BAR 219 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1A7 Canada 403.762.5114 | www.parkdistillery.com

FAIRMONT CHATEAU LAKE LOUISE

[The Icefields Parkway] takes about 2 ½ hours to traverse, but keep in mind you will want to stop about every five minutes because the views are that amazing, and you might spot a bear like we did! COLUMBIA ICEFIELD DISCOVERY CENTRE

Banff Gondola

STARTING LINE Ú When planning your trip, note that there will most likely be no snow or ice in the summer, but driving in the winter is a completely different story. If you are not experienced in driving through snow, I recommend going from June through August. If you are going back to Calgary, you will be taking the same road back, so plan for stops on the way up and the way down. We did the Icefield experience on the way up and explored Peyto and Moraine Lake on our way down.

PAY THE FEES TO SAVE THE TREES Ú Be sure to pay the Banff National Park and/or Jasper National Park fees when driving into the city. It’s easy to drive past the toll booths; there are open lanes for cars that already have passes, so keep an eye out. If you don’t have your ticket on your dash, you will be fined. WHY SO BLUE? Ú As a glacier melts into a lake, it scrapes the bedrock, creating sediments or glacial silt that causes the water to appear bright turquoise and milky.

The two most famous turquoise glacial lakes in the area are Lake Louise and Lake Moraine. Jasper Ú Once you finally make it to Jasper, book a stay at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, or for a little more rustic feel, drive a little further north to the secluded Overlander Mountain Lodge. Enjoy breakfast at the Sunhouse Cafe before making your way to Maligne Lake, one of the most Instagrammable places in Jasper National Park. FAIRMONT JASPER PARK LODGE 1 Old Lodge Rd, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0 Canada 780.852.3301 | www.fairmont.com/jasper

The Icefields Parkway Ú As you make your way up toward Jasper, you can catch a glimpse of Bow Lake from the road, and Peyto Lake is only a short 10-minute hike (and well worth the stop). The Icefields Parkway is the road between Banff and Jasper. It takes about 2 ½ hours to traverse, but you will want to stop about every five minutes because the views are that amazing, and you might spot a bear like we did! You can’t miss the receding Athabasca Glacier as you drive down the parkway. Ride in one of the massive buses up onto the glacier to see it up close or take a quick look at the bottom. If

you aren’t afraid of heights, a little bit down the road is the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, where you can step out onto a glass platform separating you from a 918-foot drop. Both of these experiences require a checkin and tickets at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, so book in advance. Also, keep in mind that these experiences will take a few hours, so be sure to factor that in when planning your day. COLUMBIA ICEFIELD DISCOVERY CENTRE AB-93, Jasper, AB T1L 1J3, Canada 866.506.0515 | www.banffjaspercollection. com/attractions/columbia-icefield

OVERLANDER MOUNTAIN LODGE 27010 Hwy 16, West Hinton, AB T7V 1X3 Canada 877.866.2330 www.overlandermountainlodge.com SUNHOUSE CAFE Jasper National Park of Canada 610 Patricia St, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0 Canada 780.852.4742 PEYTO LAKE

My Road Trip Essentials:

1. SPOTIFY PLAYLISTS Ú Be sure to download them before you leave!

2. CAMERA

Ú I take my Canon 6D with 24-195mm lens with me everywhere—don’t forget the extra SD cards and batteries.

3. NOCO JUMP STARTER

Ú There is nothing worse than your battery dying because someone left the lights on in the car.

4. PAPER OR DOWNLOADED MAPS OR A SATELLITE DEVICE

Ú You may find yourself without any cell service on the Icefields Parkway; I always bring my Garmin InReach Explorer+ with global satellite messaging and navigation.

5. MY ‘STICKY SITUATION’ GEAR

Ú Because I’m an overpreparer I also like to carry bear spray, five gallons of gas, an air compressor, tow rope, tire repair supplies, fuses and a shovel.

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YOU NEED TO BRANCH OUT The Rustic Inn at Jackson Hole Is Pure Luxury for the Wild at Heart

Jackson, WY

RUSTIC INN AT JACKSON HOLE 475 N Cache St Jackson, WY 83001 800.323.9279 www.rusticinnatjh.com

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THE CRYSTAL-CLEAR WATERS OF FLAT CREEK FLOW THROUGH THE RESORT, HELPING TO CREATE A THRIVING NATURAL HABITAT.

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WRITTEN BY: DAN KREFFT PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ROBERT MILLER

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Snow Big Deal • At the end of each March in Jackson Hole, racers face-off in the World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb. Catch a glimpse of your favorite riders at the resort after they tear it up on the powder!

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What a Ham • The resort claims to have the best bacon in town. They cook thick-cut pork extra crispy and then dip each piece in the deep fryer.

Chill out and skip the trip to the tropics this year! Jump on a free airport shuttle as you cruise past gigantic aspens,

crackling clearwater creeks and lush greenery, ready to experience the great outdoors. Rustic Inn at Jackson Hole is the ultimate in small-town luxury with a touch of vintage charm. Nestled just

outside of downtown Jackson, this picturesque paradise sits on 12 beautiful acres, offering guests the finest in outdoor activities and

wildlife fun. Here are five reasons to make the Rustic Inn at Jackson Hole your next vacation destination.

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Suite Life

• Ever dream of having your own personal helper? The Spa Suites’ butlers are on-site from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. to help you with your arrival, your departure and everything in between.

ULTIMATE SPA SUITE EXPERIENCE • Make your escape warm and protected from extreme weather in extravagant one-and two-bedroom spa suites. These intimate hideaways offer all the contemporary comforts of a five-star hotel with exclusive access to a private bar, hot tubs, fire pits, patios and even your own personal butler! There’s room for everyone in the Grand Balcony Suite, featuring a furnished patio with a fireplace, a four-person hot tub and room for up to 12 people. Breathe in happiness and refresh yourself in the one-of-a-kind eucalyptus steam room before enjoying a daily cooked-to-order breakfast. NATURE CALLS

SOCAL-STYLE SPA DAY • Looking for a sweet spot to rest and recover? Relax your soul and indulge your senses at the Inn’s luxurious full-service spa. Located in the private spa suites building, the space serves as a sanctuary of solitude and rejuvenation. The 30-minute Mountain Tune Up is just what the doctor ordered for those achy muscles; plus, it is a great way to adjust to the altitude. Experience the miracle of the Mud Mor Wrap, a 55-minute detoxifying treatment that uses mud from an ancient Canadian lakebed. Who knows? You could be greeted by a family of moose as you soak up the pristine mountain views, blissfully meandering back to your cabin. DINE AND UNWIND

ADVENTURE AWAITS

• From sunrise to sunset, the cozy comfort of the Rustic Inn Bar & Bistro makes it a great place to gather and chill with friends. Enjoy a warm cup of coffee on the stunning outdoor patio or watch the sunset as you sip and savor your meal—and your day! The locally sourced menu features Americaninspired cuisine, including delicate panseared trout and mouthwatering bison tenderloin. Sip on a signature cocktail from the bar or perhaps a glass of award-winning red from the wine cellar. For all you early risers out there, don’t miss the gourmet daily breakfast buffet of eggs, crispy bacon and potatoes, along with a variety of pastries, fruits, coffee, teas and fresh juices.

• Just a short snow coach ride away from Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, adventure-seekers can enjoy the resort’s epic yearround outdoor activities. Hit the slopes and crush the powder with unlimited access to world-class skiing and snowboarding during winter; March into early April are ideal times for hiking, golfing or just lounging creekside with a fishing pole. “Even experienced anglers will be impressed by the size of the trout they can catch in our exclusive stretch of Flat Creek,” explains Rustic Inn Representative Courtney Carter. “We have also partnered with the Jackson Hole Fly Fishing School to offer fly fishing casting lessons for our more adventurous guests.”

• The crystal-clear waters of Flat Creek flow through the resort, helping to create a thriving natural habitat. You can enjoy a long walk around the wetlands or melt into a rocking chair in front of the fire to roast marshmallows. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of an elk! With the help of both local and national environmental organizations, “wildlife has returned to the property,” says Carter. And if experiencing the Old Faithful geyser or the Yellowstone Caldera is on your bucket list, you’re in luck—call up a free resort shuttle ‘cause Yellowstone National Park is only a short drive away.

Nestled just outside of downtown Jackson, this picturesque paradise sits on 12 beautiful acres, offering guests the finest in outdoor activities and wildlife fun.

Peek at the Creek • Want to see what you’re missing? The Rustic Inn at Jackson Hole has a live webcam overlooking Flat Creek so you can take a peek at any time. Warning: may cause serious FOMO. LOCALE MAGAZINE 75

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HOTEL TRIO 110 Dry Creek Rd Healdsburg, CA 95448 707.433.4000

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Meet Rosé the Robot

Ú Did we mention the

This New Boutique Hotel Outside of San Francisco Will Make You Never Want To Leave Wine Country 15 REASONS TO BOOK YOUR SONOMA WINE COUNTRY GETAWAY AT HOTEL TRIO WRITTEN BY: HOLLY CLINARD PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY: JEFF WAGNER AGENCY Summertime is officially over, but vacation season in Cali never stops! Before the holidays hit, it’s time to plan a little getaway, and we have just the spot for you. Enter the newest boutique hotel to pop up in Sonoma’s beautiful wine country, Hotel Trio. You’ll be biking, walking, sipping and shopping picturesque Healdsburg, all while enjoying the surrounding stunning views. Here are 15 reasons to book your next getaway up north: 76 LOCALE MAGAZINE

Fly Right to the Hotel! Ú Well, not quite—but

close. Sonoma County has their own little airport, and lucky you—it’s a quick 15-minute drive from Hotel Trio. Double lucky you—airport transportation is included! 2

Farm to table? Check Ú You’ll remember

your meals from Healdsburg. With culinary experiences like Valette, SHED, Barndiva, Dry Creek Kitchen and too many bistro-lit courtyards to count, wine country eating is almost better than wine country drinking. Almost.

robot has the cutest name? Rosé can be seen in elevators and gliding through hallways on the way to her next delivery. Guests in need of an item can summon Rosé, who appears in a snap with refreshments, shampoo, fresh towels, snacks, even a backup wine opener— she’s got your back. 4

Bicycles Up for Grabs Ú Looking to hit up

Healdsburg for some boutique shopping or another bottle of sauvignon blanc? Hop on one of Hotel Trio’s cruisers and load your bike basket with all of the good stuff.

Trio, and you’ll have a fully-loaded, in-suite kitchen, all your own! Weary from a day of wine tasting? Not up for the local farmers market? Hotel Trio offers a complimentary “shopping service” to all guests. Just give a staff member the grocery list in the morning, and it will be delivered to your door the same day. 6

The Great (Hotel) Outdoors Ú Enjoy top vibes in

Trio’s outdoor spaces. From a heated pool to barbecue zones, fire pits and even a bocce ball court—all of it perfectly complements that sunset drink in your hand. 7

All Dogs Go to Wine Country

Ú No doubt your loveable

dog loves to chew on the occasional wine cork, so bring the little pooch along with you for this wine country adventure! Hotel Trio’s first floor is totally dog-friendly.

Wander the Historic Healdsburg Plaza

Ú No charming wine country town is complete without a central plaza! Post up with some frozen treats from nearby Noble Folk Ice Cream & Pie Bar and settle into the Healdsburg town square for pop-up jazz festivals and art fairs.

You’re Zin It to Win It

Ú How did Hotel Trio get its name? Healdsburg sits at the intersection of the three famed wine-producing valleys of Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River. Pop bottles at hundreds of worldclass wineries, all just a stone’s throw away. 10

Meet a Baby Giraffe at Safari West

Ú Remi is the newest addition to the herd at Santa Rosa’s Safari West animal kingdom—and one of almost 900 beasts and birds to roam this 400-acre preserve. Day trip through the heart of Africa in the middle of wine country. 11

Float the Russian River Ú Rip down the Russian River of Healdsburg in a self-guided rafting adventure. With active current, clean swimming holes and plentiful beaches for picnicking, it’s shore to be a good time downstream. Bring your river dog for the ‘gram.

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JUSTINE CUENCO www.cococuenco.com @cococuenco Photoshoot Location: PASÃ&#x2030;A HOTEL & SPA 21080 Pacific Coast Hwy Huntington Beach, CA 92648 844.814.2483 paseahotel.com LOCALE MAGAZINE 79

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First CLASS

#GirlBoss and Travel Pro Justine Cuenco Shows Us Her Fave Packing Tips

WRITTEN BY: JUSTINE CUENCO PHOTOGRAPHED BY: KRIZIA LOECHLE

Travel Photographs of Justine Provided By: Kevin Ipalari

Remember the days of Xanga, Friendster and Blogspot? If you do, you’re probably pushing about 30, like me. From what started with a “Dear Diary” blog with the occasional picture quickly turned into a shared photo album with the world. Who would have thought creating content and sharing it would be my destiny? I’m a true believer of manifestation and my job at REVOLVE is the definition of that. I work with some of the most inspiring women and travel the world to capture these moments to share with you. Two years ago, the pages of my passport were bare. Today, I’ve traveled to 10 different countries. I’ve learned and taught myself a lot of packing tips and tricks along the way. Here are my top 15 things you need to know before traveling.

JUSTINE CUENCO www.cococuenco.com @cococuenco Photoshoot Location: PASÃ&#x2030;A HOTEL & SPA 21080 Pacific Coast Hwy Huntington Beach, CA 92648 844.814.2483 paseahotel.com

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EXPERT: Justine Cuenco CREDENTIALS: Brand Manager, REVOLVE BUCKET LIST: To visit Cuba, Spain and Greece.

LOCALE MAGAZINE 81

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UP IN THE HAIR • Ouai is my absolute favorite hair brand out there today. SIPS AHOY! • Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. The flight will dry your skin out. Drink H2O before and during your flight. AU NATURALE • I am the no-makeup, makeup look kinda girl. My everyday all day favorite lipstick is by Colourpop’s Cami Matte X. CATCH SOME ZZZ’S • Melatonin or dream water for long flights. It helps when trying to adjust to your new time zone.

THROWBACK ACCESSORY • Fanny packs for life. It’s easy to access important things like your boarding pass and passport.

POWER

tips

PREP GAME • Download all documents on your computer that you want to work on just in case there is no Wi-Fi on the flight.

TUNE OUT • Bring your own headphones (with a cord JIC). Plane headphones are the absolute worst.

POWER UP • Invest in an Anker external charger. The large charger can give up to 10 full charges.

“From what started with a ‘Dear Diary’ blog with the occasional picture quickly turned into a shared photo album with the world.” —JUSTINE CUENCO 82 LOCALE MAGAZINE

CLEAN SLATE • I live for baby wipes. This is the cleanest way to travel. They are perfect for cleaning everything!

GET IT TOGETHER! • Calpak packing cubes. Organize your life, label everything and save room! GAME CHANGER • Wear your heaviest piece of clothing or heaviest pair of shoes on the flight; coat or boots. THIS IS HOW WE ROLL • Roll everything! It saves the most space in your suitcase. I NEED SOME SPACE • When you are headed somewhere cold and have bulky pieces, space saver bags are literally a lifesaver (the pump is small and travel-ready).

“Two years ago, the pages of my passport were bare. Today, I’ve traveled to 10 different countries.” —JUSTINE CUENCO

FLIGHT

tips HEALTH KICK • Pack healthy snacks for the plane; plane food is shit and usually unhealthy. #SodiumKween LEG ROOM • If you have a long flight, book an aisle seat (it’ll make your lavatory visits much easier).