LUX Lifestyle Magazine

EDITOR IN CHIEF, FOUNDER

Colleen Guilfoile Richmond

ART DIRECTOR Kim Hall

EDITOR AT LARGE Kelli Delaney Kot

GLOBAL MANAGING EDITOR Margaret Bastick Luce

DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Kat Hands Kat@luxlifestyle-magazine.com

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Katelyn Rutt Kelli Delaney Kot Margaret Bastick Luce Marci Moreau

02/

margaret bastick luce

Margaret Bastick Luce is the eldest of Irish parents who settled in Westport, Ct. At a young age, she discovered a passion for the arts, culture, and fashion. On a jaunt to Manhattan at the age of 15, she found herself being discovered by Ford Models. The years to follow would be filled with travel throughout the world for magazine shoots, commercials, and runways. These experiences shaped the woman you meet today. With more than two decades of immersing in the communities of Palm Beach County, (where she resides with her husband and two children) the threads of her tapestry are felt near and far. A love for meeting and connecting good people, especially those who shy away from notice, and championing great causes with a particular commitment to those dealing with addiction and mental health.

01/

kelli delaney kot

Kelli Delaney Kot, is founder and editor of KDHamptons.com, The Luxury Lifestyle Diary of the Hamptons. KDHamptons focuses on the alluring people, places, beauty, and glamour that comprise the true DNA of the Hamptons. Kelli will pen monthly LUX columns about haute happenings in the Hamptons as well as fashion & beauty trend columns, and travel diaries sharing coveted insider destinations. Kelli is also a current columnist for Hamptons Real Estate Showcase, and a contributing editor at Hamptons Cottages & Gardens [HC&G] and Travelcurator.com.

03/

marci moreau

Driven by her personal story, Marci has spent over two decades researching the power of food. Her impetus for this work was when her daughter, was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia, at two years old, and when her husband, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Marci is on a mission to leave a legacy and is certified in integrative medicine and nutrition for mental health. She has a nutritional counseling practice, “using food first” to power body and mind. Marci specializes in nutrition for depression, anxiety, and PTSD, as well as, Alzheimer’s Disease, Diabetes and nutrition during cancer treatment and recovery. @marcimorefoodfirst, www.marcimoreau.com

You can find Marci and more power @marcimorefoodfirst_ or www.marcimoreau.com

04/

katelyn rutt

Katelyn Rutt holds a degree in journalism and a master in communications, and currently pursues her creative interests as a freelancer. Before relocating to Charlotte, she worked as an assistant editor at a luxury publication in Washington, D.C. covering the topics of lifestyle, arts & culture and travel. In her spare time, she enjoys writing, photography and building her entrepreneurial pursuits.

EDITOR’S LETTER

We welcome a LUX that is reimagined and redesigned. We believe in constant growth and always evolving and learning to be better in whatever it is that we may do professionally and individually. In this issue, this theme is mirrored throughout the pages of the magazine. LUX had the unique opportunity to speak with Natasha Silver Bell, beautifully featured on the cover. Her feature on page 76 is an amazing story of change and adaptation. The relevant impact one person can have on many and how that impact becomes a ripple effect to touch and change so many others.

Journey with us as we fold change into LUX while encouraging our readers to find their unique path. This issue focuses on wellness and the art of living beautifully.

Reigniting the Past with Dr. Shahnoz Rustamova on page 42 is a wonderful melange of traditional and surgical medical practices. Colette Brown shares The Importance of a Healthy Gut on page 44.

Through our inspiring stories, we spread examples of achievement and hope to spark conversation. LUX brings to life the pastime and passions of our readers with our living and travel features.

Life is a journey, and if you fall in love with the journey, you will be in love forever. – Peter Hagerty

Cheers

NOTES

THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE WORLD OF LUX

Orient Express unveils for the first time the decor of the future Bar-Car, a sumptuous showcase inviting passengers under large domes of light inspired by the Second Empire style. The bar area features a glass counter and an ideal tribute to René Lalique. At each table, a clock rings for cocktail and dinner times. A call button is reserved for the champagne service. Another for the staff.

pg #18 The Train The new Orient Express - pg #24 The Scent Rémy Cointreau's creation of a luxurious perfume house: Maison Psyché. – pg #27 The Return of an Icon The Perfect Blend of advanced Technology, Superlative design and Craftsmanship – pg #30 The Glendronach Launches Rare 28-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Past meets Present

Once Upon a Time... There was the future Orient Express Train

Photos by Maxime d’Angeac Martin Darzacq

140 years ago, Georges Nagelmackers turned his dream into reality by launching the first luxury Orient Express trains. Today, the legend continues with the unveiling of the future Orient Express train. Completely re-imagined, the old historic carriages, disappeared, forgotten, and then found again, are back in service. For years, several vintage Orient Express train carriages lay, forgotten, at a small railway station on the border between Poland and Belarus. Arthur Mettetal, a French railway fan spotted the distinctive blue carriages in a YouTube video, kickstarting a journey across Europe to track down the lost trains in 2015.

Hospitality group Accor purchased the rediscovered carriages and enlisted Parisian architect Maxime d'Angeac to meticulously restore them, ready for operation on a Paris to Istanbul rail route that's set to operate from 2025. The first glimpse of the renovated interiors suggest a glamorous travel experience. The cars’ decor is inspired by the 1920s glamour, combining Art Deco with modern luxury. Sébastien Bazin, Chairman & CEO, Accor: “We are proud, today, to reveal the first images of the future Orient Express train. A story inspired by a dream, a timeless train, the object of all fantasies and which becomes a reality. Maxime d’Angeac’s design awakens the myth with the revelation of its luxury, modernity, and French elegance. Tomorrow, the Orient Express will shine again, proud of its 140 years of history and looking to the future. The legend continues.” Fascinated by the great revolutionary artistic movements and a lover of travel novels, architect Maxime d'Angeac has been carrying out prestigious restoration and decoration projects for luxury houses such as Daum, Hermès, and Guerlain for the past 20 years. With this project, he writes the new destiny of a myth. An idea born of a dream, he explains: "This is the reinterpretation of a legendary train, conceived as a new embassy of French luxury, sublimated by the know-how and talents of the best French craftsmen.”

Spectacular and unexpected, the Dining-Car revisits the codes of the Orient Express. Maxime d'Angeac reinterprets the "rail" motif created by Suzanne LaliqueHaviland in the 1930s, which has been reworked on the partitions using the stoneboard technique. Under a mirrored ceiling, crossed by a series of arches, tables and wrap-around armchairs line up, lit by lampshades revisiting the original models.

The Suites invite you into absolute comfort and a functional spirit. Everywhere, the corners are rounded, the partitions are covered with precious wood and leather, the headboards embroidered with wood, mother of pearl and bronze. In a niche, the famous Lalique "Blackbirds & Grapes" panels, originating from the historic train, are displayed. At the time of the "Great Transformation," the large sofas are revealed in the comfort of a large bed. A bathroom and dressing room complete the ingenious layout.

A Bridge between Two Worlds

What if the time-honored expertise of the perfumery and spirits worlds came together to create new blends and explore uncharted horizons? Rémy Cointreau is rising to this challenge by writing a new page in its history with the creation of a luxurious perfume house: Maison Psyché.

Maison Psyché is enshrined in the belief that the most remarkable creations are born when exceptional terroirs and the alchemy of masters’ and artisans’ savoir-faire come together.

There is a connection between Baptiste Loiseau, Cellar Master of the Maison Rémy Martin, and Sophie Labbé, Principal Perfumer at Firmenich. They are the creative souls that form the heart of Maison Psyché – sharing the same desire to elevate the very finest raw materials. In their own words, “Maison Psyché was born from our shared love for the terroirs and age-old expertise, both in Cognac and further afield where perfumery’s finest raw materials blossom. These carefully selected raw materials form the foundations of five exceptional olfactory creations making up the first Maison Psyché collection. We left them to age in the Maison Rémy Martin cellars in Cognac to allow them to expand their range of expression in our tonnelets (small oak casks). Time has done its work and the result is striking, just like for our eaux de vie. ”

As well as being the result of a collaborative creation between Sophie and Baptiste, the Maison Psyché parfums are shaped by the time spent in oak casks specially designed by Seguin Moreau, whose expertise as coopers has been recognized for almost 200 years. Therein lies the magic of these fragrances. Using wood and the mastery of time to reveal the essence of the materials is an art practiced since time imme-morial by the House of Rémy Martin. This art thus contributes to the creation of new fragrances whose longevity on the skin and olfactory richness have no equal. Exceptional fragrances require an exceptional setting. The Maison Psyché perfume bottles are genuine collection pieces made in Baccarat crystal, adorned in gold – some with diamonds, numbered and only available in very limited quantities. Their discovery will be an incredible experience reserved for an exclusive clientele on a confidential basis.

For Francesco Riosa, CEO of Maison Psyché, “The creation of Maison Psyché is the fulfilment of a wonderful dream. The dream of reinventing “La Grande Parfumerie” in the 21st century and restoring its prestige by connecting it to the traditional and time honored expertise of Exceptional Spirits."

According to Eric Vallat, CEO of Rémy Cointreau Group, “The Maison Psyché range is a natural extension of our activities. It is based on the special blending and ageing expertise specific to the world of spirits to elevate the finest raw materials from perfumery and create innovative fragrances. Maison Psyché is a bridge between two worlds, that of luxury fragrance and that of spirits, and a bold venture with terroirs, people and time at its very heart.”

Maison Psyché is based on the founding myth of Cupid and Psyché. In a distant kingdom, Psyché, the daughter of a king and the youngest of three sisters, was of such rare, exceptional and magnificent beauty that Cupid himself succumbed to the allure of the innocent princess, despite the jealousy of his mother, Venus. At the end of the story, when she is plunged into a deep sleep, Psyché is awoken by an arrow from Cupid. Now welcome on Olympus, the beauty drinks nectar and ambrosia which make her immortal, and she ultimately enjoys eternal happiness alongside her Love. In ancient Greek art, Psyché is traditionally depicted with butterfly wings, a symbol of the soul and the metamorphosis to-wards eternal happiness. As such, the butterfly has been chosen as the symbol of Maison Psyché. Metamorphosis is the founding principle of the Maison – that of a collection of fragrances intensified by the time spent in oak casks, an unrivalled process in the world of luxury fragrance, which creates a unique aromatic richness, exceptional longevity on the skin and a distinctive olfactory signature.

The Return of an Icon

The Perfect Blend of Advanced Technology, Superlative Design and Craftsmanship

Established in 1988, Wiesmann manufactures cars for the purist in all of us. Best known for combining German innovation, engineering and design with classic British elegance and style, Wiesmann has not deviated from its founding vision, resulting in hand-built, bespoke vehicles that have been – and will continue to be recognised by connoisseurs as some of the world’s most iconic sports cars. The all new Wiesmann Project Thunderball will build upon that legacy and propel itself elegantly into the future.

Wiesmann’s ground-breaking all-electric roadster is now available to reserve. Wiesmann will be the first to market, anywhere in the world, with an all-electric, two-seater convertible. Customers are now able to register an interest for Project Thunderball on www.wiesmann.com to secure a place on the customer reservations list.

This follows on from the car's successful global debut at this year’s prestigious amfAR Gala in Cannes, and the return of the Wiesmann brand with the world’s first all-electric luxury roadster. The first customer deliveries are on track to begin in 2024.

Project Thunderball, the world-first all-electric convertible roadster, will be crafted from advanced carbon fibre, weighing in at little more than 1700kg (3747lb), with a power to weight ratio of 2.5kg per HP, bringing remarkable agility and handling more than worthy of the Wiesmann badge.

Roheen Berry, CEO of Wiesmann: “Project Thunderball is the car that will bring Wiesmann into the new electrified era. Since revealing the car in April we have seen an overwhelming response from potential customers. The car is driving beautifully and our investment in the technology such as the regenerative breaking and latest battery technology has paid off. The Wiesmann brand not only has such a storied and

wonderful past and legacy, but a bright and exciting future ahead of it.”

Production of Project Thunderball will take place at Wiesmann’s ‘Gecko’ factory, a stunning state-of the-art facility in Dülmen, Germany and will be available in the US.

Project Thunderball will be carefully crafted by many of the team which helped grow this iconic German brand, the last truly independent European sports car marque remaining today, alongside some fresh new talent, using the most modern production technology while retaining Wiesmann’s reputation for bespoke German coachbuilding expertise of the highest order.

The GlenDronach Launches Rare 28-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The latest, much-anticipated release of The GlenDronach Grandeur Batch 11 is an exquisite example of The Glendronach’s signature richly-sherried Single Malt Scotch Whisky. The GlenDronach Grandeur Batch 11 is a 28 year old Single Malt hand-selected by Master Blender, Rachel Barrie, from a small number of rare Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks.

Having matured in fine sherry casks for nearly three decades, this rare and luxurious expression epitomises mastery of the finest Spanish sherry cask maturation. It embodies The GlenDronach’s commitment to crafting the most exceptional Single Malts, using time-honoured methods passed down through the generations for almost two centuries.

A limited number of Batch 11 bottles will be available from selected specialist retailers, with each individual bottle sealed with wax and numbered by hand to reflect its rarity.

Rachel Barrie, Master Blender said: “The GlenDronach Grandeur is an unparalleled range of the finest aromas and character from masterful Spanish oak sherry cask maturation. A Single Malt of elegant finesse, this expression offers a symphony of sherry aromatics interwoven with dark manuka honey, roasted almond and walnut. It is intense and full-bodied, as is the signature of The GlenDronach, with a crescendo of black cherry and espresso adorning each mouthful.”

The GlenDronach Grandeur Batch 11 is bottled at 48.9% ABV, and as is the case for all The GlenDronach expressions, develops its deep colour naturally over time from the Spanish oak in which it rests. It will be available to buy from specialist retailers worldwide.

TASTING NOTES:

Colour: Ruby tinged walnut.

Nose: Opulent and powerful with a symphony of sherry aromatics, interwoven with dark manuka honey, roasted almond and walnut.

Baked plum and ginger captivate the senses, deepening to rustic vintage leather and freshly ground coffee.

Palate: Intense and full-bodied with dark fruit notes on a base of velvet and fine leather. A crescendo of black cherry and espresso adorns each mouthful.

Finish: Richly rewarding, with a persistent chocolate, liquorice and walnut finish.

BURNING FLAME: Wonderland Bloom Candle & Diffuser; floralstreet.com

KISS ME: Westman Atelier “Nou Nou” Squeaky Clean Liquid Lip Balm; knockoutbeauty.com

LOVE IS IN THE AIR

By Kelli Delaney Kot @KDHamptons

IT’S BEEN SAID THAT THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS TO LEARN HOW TO GIVE LOVE, AND TO LET IT COME IN. HERE’S HOW TO SET THE MOOD...

SEXIEST SOAK: The Unicorn Suite at Borgo Santo Pietro; borgosantopietro.com

GLAM SLAM: Women's Interlocking G Studs Sandal, gucci.com

FLOWER POWER: BLOOMS photography collection; kirstengriffin.com

THIS MAKES SCENTS: Chloé L’Eau fragrance; sephora.com

TEA FOR TWO: Afternoon Tea at the Lowell Hotel, 28 East 63rd Street, NYC

SWEET DREAMS: Hearts Mini Pillow; matouk.com

PUT A RING ON IT:

Pink puff ring; mmemink.com

SILKY SMOOTH: Prabal Gurung Jackie

CHEERS TO US:

Caskata Quinn Modern Classic Rose Martini Glasses; kathykuohome.com

LIGHT MY FIRE: Cut Glass Match Striker; fetehome.com

LET’S CUDDLE: Quilted Silken Solid Coverlet; annieselke.com

UNDERNEATH IT ALL: Satin Bullet Bodysuit; fleurdumal.com

FORGET ME NOTS: Forever Flowers (made to order); EastHamptonGardens.com

BLING IT ON:

Van Cleef & Arpels Gold-Plated Platinum, Diamond + Cabochon Ruby Flower Pendant Clip-Brooch; doyle.com

BEDTIME STORIES: The Selected Poems of Emily Dickinson; alibris.com

by Colleen Richmond

TREFLE RING

The four-leaf clover revisited in crystal by Baccarat is transformed into talisman. www.us.baccarat.com

VALENTINO Valentino Garavani Small Roman Stud Leather Bag www.valentino.com

The BACCARAT ROUGE 540 extrait de parfum augments the strength and radiance of the fragrances amber woody floral aura. www.us.baccarat.com

CHANEL ROUGE ALLURE L’EXTRAIT www.chanel.com

RED HOT

Red lipstick had officially become a Hollywood staple by the 1940s. A signifier of any and all sex symbols. It also didn’t hurt that Adolf Hitler had voiced his distaste for the bright red shade, effectively turning wearing red lipstick during WWII into a political statement.

JIMMY CHOO

Alia Red Crystal Covered Pointy Toe Pumps www.us.jimmychoo.com

Happy New Year!

It’s the new year and 2023 could easily be the year of the “new” me. To prepare, I started to take stock of my life, my health, my body, and my creative/spiritual side. I’ve plotted out a personal roadmap. I realized as I’ve been investing in myself and investigating the best ways to transform my life, both personally and professionally I discovered I cannot do this alone. What I needed, was a great team of experts to coach me. And as I started my journey, I have found the best of the best! If you’re game, join me and we can start this new year, together. I will be posting on my IG account @janeRecommends!

When

you're ready

THE CABINET OF DR. LENG (THRILLER)

BY DOUGLAS PRESTON & LINCOLN CHILD

New York Times bestselling authors Preston & Child are back with a tremendous new thriller featuring Agent Pendergast’s greatest foe and NYC’s greatest serial killer. Can he be stopped in time?

SPEAK KINDLY, YOU’RE LISTENING

BY DR. JESSICA METCALFE

Have “that” inner voice telling you “I’m not good enough? Smart enough? Or just enough?” This book will help you change that negative voice that’s holding you back!

DOOMED LEGACY

BY MATT COYLE

VISHEN

MindValley.com

Scan the QR code for access to our “On the Download” eBooks, audiobooks, podcasts, and mediations. BedsideReading.com

Here’s what they’re reading at...

HOTEL YOUNTVILLE 21 DAYS TO A BIG IDEA

BY BRYAN MATTIMORE

Listed as one of the top business books to read by Blinkist.com the author takes you on a systematic journey this is at once brilliant, practical, and exactly what businesses need to stay on top of their game and create the next big thing!

THE ACQUALINA RESORT & RESIDENCES REEF ROAD (PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER)

BY DEBORAH GOODRICH ROYCE

It’s time to rejoice when a Deborah Goodrich Royce novel is published! During the height of Covid-19 in Palm Beach Florida, a severed hand washes ashore. Two women’s lives intersect in a nail-biting murder mystery—a lonely writer obsessed by the unsolved murder of her mother’s best friend and a local woman whose husband has disappeared with their children

MANDARIN ORIENTAL NEW YORK MAKE YOUR LIFE A 10

BY STUART LICHTMAN, PHD

One of the most significant empowering books I have ever read! Dr. Lichtman provides specific instructions on having, doing, or being anything! And it works!

THE BENJAMIN HOTEL

LET YOUR INNER GOLDEN SPARKLE SHINE: THE LITTLE GIRL WHO NEVER STOPPED BELIEVING IN HERSELF

BY SARAH VIE

For both the “little” girls and boys and grownups, this delightful children’s book will speak directly to your inner voice. Change that “negative” recording as early as you can.

WELLNESS

MIND BODY & SPIRIT

The Power of New Beginnings

by Marci Moreau

BEGIN AGAIN WITH FOOD AND MAKE THIS YEAR YOUR MOST POWERFUL YET!

Dear Marci, I start every new year with the best intentions. I want to lose weight and be healthier and before I know it I am unable to button my jeans and back on the couch.

How can I make this year really matter?

–The unbuttoned

jeans couch potato

For most people a new year brings about the desire to change for the better, and new year sentiments sound like, “I want to lose weight, or “I want to exercise more, or even, I want to be more motivated. But the problem with these resolutions is, they are a bit short sighted. The focus is on the jeans, and the waistline, and not on overall health and wellness.

I may be biased but personally I think there is only one goal we need for a happier and healthier life, and that is, “I want to find my power with food.”

In other words, don’t worry about losing the weight, or giving up sweets, or even buttoning your jeans. Focus on a new paradigm of using food first, and I promise you, it will all come together for you this year.

Every time you eat is a new opportunity to nourish your body and your mind. Think of it as a new beginning into the world of health and wellness. The more you learn about food and nutrition the easier it is to evolve on the continuum of optimal health, or as I like to say, “the easier it is to be your best and brightest.” And the simple truth is, better food, and better nutrition, lead to a much more powerful life.

1. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY

Your body is talking to you everyday. Learn to listen and understand what it is saying. For example on days you may feel fatigued, or even depressed, it might be telling you to eat foods that help boost serotonin and dopamine. Eggs, salmon, and pineapple boost serotonin naturally, and almonds, avocados, and yes, even chocolate, increase production of dopamine. Often food is your answer when your body says “hey you, I need more.”

2. USE THE 80/20 RULE

Research is telling us people who eat healthier 80% of the time receive the same health benefits as people who eat healthy 100% of the time. This speaks to the concept of moderation, so feel free to eat the treats you crave 20% of the time, but be mindful of quality of ingredients. For example, if you love chocolate chip cookies, opt to make your own with organic ingredients, as opposed to buying commercially processed cookies. Same goes for ice cream. Fortunately there are many brands of clean, organic ice cream available, and if you are lucky enough to live near a farm making their own ice cream, all the better.

HERE IS MY TOP TEN POWER OF FOOD LIST TO GET YOU THERE.

3. GO BACK TO YOUR BASICS

Try to buy food locally if possible, and spend some time at the farmers markets and farm stands. Talk to the people who grow and produce your food. Most farms are growing organically however may not be certified due to the organic certification process and not because of the quality of their food. And if you shop in city markets and stores, get to know the butchers, and the produce, seafood, and grocery store managers, and talk to them more. Everyone loves to talk about food.

4. EAT CLEAN. EAT REAL. EAT WHOLE.

Eat whole organic foods, whenever possible; it is the best way to avoid pesticides and GMOs. Avoid refined, processed, and manufactured food. These foods are full of artificial chemicals, flavorings, and additives, and can create dangerous levels of inflammation in our body. Eating foods as close to their original natural state delivers a higher nutrient level, more health benefits, and it better for the environment.

5. EAT MORE FISH AND VEGETABLES

Fish is a great source of healthy fat, and good for heart health, brain health, and cognitive functioning. Healthy fats also allow our body to uptake the other nutrients we consume more effectively and promote even more health benefits. And vegetables are chock-full of phytonutrients to create optimal functioning of our body’s systems.

6. MAKE MY SUPERPOWER MIREPOIX YOUR NEW BEST FRIEND

The first recipe I give anyone who asks me about food is my Superpower Mirepoix.

It is truly my pot of gold. Made with fresh ginger root, turmeric root, garlic, a little black pepper and lemon juice, my superpower mirepoix contains a multitude of healing properties and is a nutritional powerhouse. These knobby little spices and veggies, (yes, garlic is a vegetable), are anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-disease. And when you take into account this powerful trio is the culmination of twenty eight years of my food research, it needs to be the ultimate health foundation for almost every single recipe you will ever cook!

7. EAT MORE COLORS

Instead of worrying about exactly what to eat, just look for the rainbow. The color groups of vegetables and fruit represent a different phytonutrient profile your body needs to support your health. Red has lycopene, orange and yellow have carotenoids, green has chlorophyll and carotenoids, blue and purple have anthocyanins, dark red has betalains, and white and brown have anthoxananthins and allicin. See, dreams really do come true over the rainbow.

8. DANCE LIKE NO ONE IS WATCHING

Healthy high quality food and exercise is a winning combination. Adding exercise for only 30 minutes, each day enhances the benefits of food. Besides the physical advantages of a healthier cardiovascular system, weight maintenance and even lower cholesterol, we also experience less stress, less depression, and with a stronger immune system, less incidence of illnesses and disease. And yes, dancing in the kitchen is a form of exercise.

9. HYDRATE, HYDRATE AND HYDRATE MORE

Hydration is an essential part of the health and wellness process. Our bodies need at least half our body weight in ounces of water everyday to function at the optimal level. Our blood is made up mostly of water and our organs and every system in our body rely on water to function. Hydration is also very important to our immune system. Water allows the lymphatic system to function properly and when we are well hydrated our immune system can best fight disease.

10. GET INTO THE KITCHEN

In numerous studies, again and again, results confirm cooking at home is a main ingredient in a healthier diet. And when you bring others into the kitchen to cook and eat meals together, the benefits increase. Children are healthier, families are more connected and report more overall health and happiness. Cooking at home with friends and family is one of the best things you can do for a better life. Break bread with the people you love everyday!

REIGNITING THE PAST

FROM HER OWN IMMIGRANT EXPERIENCE

TO EXPLORING MEDICINE IN ASIA, THE OWNER OF CENTRAL PARK MEDICAL PRACTICE USES A MÉLANGE OF TRADITIONAL AND SURGICAL METHODS TO HEAL THE BODY.

By Katelyn Rutt

An interest in medicine is practically innate for the physician, who follows seven generations in the field—and specializes in the areas of obstetrics, gynecology, vaginal reconstructive surgery, urogynecology, and reproductive endocrinology.

“I am an immigrant from the former Soviet Union,” Dr. Shahnoz Rustamova M.D. FACOG says. “My parents were both doctors on the labor and delivery floor and my school was across the street, so I would head over and sit at the nurse's station and help them change diapers and watch the babies.”

While this memory may have shaped her initial fascination, it wasn’t until Rustamova developed a condition in her 30s that she was propelled to begin a deeper search for healing. She found herself without answers from traditional medicine and on an unwanted, lifelong medication.

“None of the stellar doctors knew what was causing it,” Rustamova says. “Having to find answers to this, I explored holistic medicine by traveling to eastern countries like Tibet, Nepal, and Korea to study these methods.”

Rustamova recalls studying ancient traditions such as Ayurveda, ancient Chinese medicine, and Korean medicine. In addition to

providing personal relief, these experiences inspired new methods she found herself using in the states.

“When it came to overcoming certain decisions, I realized that even though western medicine consistently advances, we never really know the root of certain problems in the human body,” Rustamova says. “I realized I can implement that in my approach to my practice and as a physician.”

Even so, Rustamova doesn’t limit herself. She uses a blend of the best practices, holistic and surgical, on a case-by-case basis and says she is thankful to have the tools for both.

“I truly believe in the ability of the human body to heal itself,” Rustamova says. “When a patient steps into my office, OBG/YN-related or not, I always have them sit down with me and I genuinely try to talk about their issues.”

The physician says this conversation provides a critical glimpse into the functions of each body.

“In ancient traditions, we divide the human body into elements: fire, air, earth, and wood,” Rustamova says. “This is an aid to determine what type of imbalance the patient may be going through and I’ll offer them natural methods such as supplements with natural minerals oral or through IVs.”

If patients are open to experimenting with alternative methods, Rustamova will first attempt amniotic-derived growth factors which have been shown to sometimes speed up healing processes.

“They seem to work and could be the best way we can handle these problems because you are assuring the entire body,” Rustamova says. “In some cases, it does not work, where I would offer the traditional medical approach. If a certain problem is not going away, then I will operate on them. I am blessed to have these modalities on the tip of my fingers.”

ABOUT CENTRAL PARK MEDICAL PRACTICE

Staffed and run by women, Rustamova’s office is nestled in the heart of Midtown Manhattan and offers a welcoming environment for obstetrical and gynecologic care. Mutual learning is the ultimate goal within the office—no matter the position or title. Rustamova works to promote healing and a deep love of the field within her own practice, up and down the East Coast, and beyond.

SUCCESS STORIES

“A number of my patients had problems with infertility problems and miscarriages. Just by alternating their lifestyle and using holistic methods, they were able to thrive. Someone I knew came to me and was told that her egg count was diminished and would need a donor's egg in order to get pregnant. When I put this patient on vitamins for three to six months, in six months she went back to her fertility specialist and they could not believe it was possible for her to not need a donor in order to get pregnant anymore. Now she has a baby who is five years old.”

“Many of my patients are tremendously busy and are usually in their 40s and 50s and experience major menopausal symptoms. When I start them on vitamins, a vast majority of them benefit from natural treatments, and those who do not see any results are then put on normal replacements, and their quality of life gets better.”

“I have patients who have incontinence, but with acoustic wave therapy and pelvic floor enhancement injections, a lot of them have fabulous results without surgery.”

The Importance of a Healthy Gut

By Colette Brown LICENSED AESTHETICIAN

Did you know that 95% of all autoimmune disease comes from the gut? You may be surprised to learn that medical doctors receive less than 1% of their total training in medical school learning about nutrition and the impact of food on the gut. Understanding this connection opens you up to limitless possibilities in healing, wellbeing, and the proverbial fountain of youth.

Western medicine is absolutely necessary to help assist in surgical procedures, accidents that need immediate care, just to name a few. Looking deeper, it is a science in helping to triage symptoms with a hope of the patient getting better. When we compare it to integrative medicine, or functional medicine, we see a drastic difference in how to heal the body. Integrative medicine looks at the root cause of the problem and works with the body’s own healing mechanisms to completely heal and not just treat symptoms.

We are seeing a rise in frustration from western medical doctors who do not have long term solutions for patients in their healing journey. On the flip side, patients are weary of being told their “autoimmune” or other conditions cannot be treated. We hear stories of spontaneous remission and healing from diseases that were chronic, but how are these cases being tracked and documented? Is there a common thread that weaves them together?

Here is the light. The tide is turning in our understanding of health and how we can improve it. We now know that several factors affect our wellbeing: nourishing foods, mindfulness / meditation, adequate sleep, stress reduction, healthy relationships, drinking water, exercise, play, and ongoing learning / stimulation of the mind.

GUT-BRAIN AXIS

For years I struggled with cystic acne, chronic stomach pain, brain fog and lethargy. I went to medical specialists, aestheticians, and no one had answers. I tried accutane, peels, products, diets, antibiotics, and nothing helped long term. It wasn’t until I understood the gutbrain axis and its direct effect on skin.

What did I learn in the end of my suffering and beginning of total well-being? The health of our gut microbiome manifests in different ways, both on our skin and inside our bodies. Chronic conditions look like eczema, psoriasis, acne, rosacea, joint pain, bloating,

fatigue, for others, the body may fight silently for years until it can no longer fight, then it “breaks.” These preventable diseases include diabetes, cancer, arthritis, depression, dementia, heart disease, and the list goes on.

EXPLANATION OF MICROBIOME

The microbiome are microorganisms (fungi, bacteria, protozoa and viruses), whose jobs are to aid in digestion, regulating hormones, producing vitamins and boosting our immune system.

The microbiome is an intelligent life force that works with us to maintain our bodies. While complex, there are also simple ways in which we can nourish our gut, and ultimately giving ourselves the gift of health, vitality and beautiful skin.

PARADIGM SHIFT

The antiquated belief that skin was a disposable tissue is debunked, and we now know that it has the ability to repair and heal. I would like to share a story that will bring to life an example of plasticity of the skin and the gut-brain axis.

There was a veteran pilot named Jack, who had flown all over and in extreme conditions. One of his assignments was to fly through a canyon, and every time he flies through he gets herpes blisters and must see the doctor to get medication to treat it. In his neverending search for answers, he was referred to a hypnotherapist. During his session, it was revealed that one day, when Jack called in sick to work, his friend, also a pilot, filled in for Jack. During his flight, Jack’s friend crashed and died. Every time Jack would fly through the canyon, he was plagued with guilt of his friend’s death and then the immediate manifestation of visceral skin reactions. After this realization, Jack was able to work through these feelings with a

therapist, and ultimately heal his body. Jack once again was able to fly through the canyon without further reactions.

What does this mean to you? It shows us the relationship between the gut, brain and skin. Our feelings and emo-tions can have an adverse effect on what happens topically and internally. These symptoms can, when caught early enough, be treated looking at the root cause of the disease.

SKINCARE TIPS

I became an Aesthetician out of my personal desire to find a solution to my adverse skin conditions. It led me on a path to researching products and ultimately the root cause; my gut. I learned that taking probiotics, eating fermented food and eliminating stress were all parts of the equation. What excited me the most was learning I could manipulate the microbiome of the gut, which “fixed” my skin issues. I also learned that our skin also needs probiotics to nourish the face-specific microbiome.

Columbia Skincare is revolutionary. After my personal 20-year quest to find the “perfect” skincare, I learned about the strain-specific bacteria used in the Columbia line and was amazed. I put all my products aside for 30 days and just used the Columbia Concentrate and Complex - I was amazed. When I tried using my old products, my skin didn’t agree. That was all I needed to know. If you’re over 35, you need to pay close attention to the medicinal and effective ingredients that your skin needs to flourish. It is also imperative to seek out certified microbiome friendly products.

Remember, we can’t do it alone. Let’s connect, share and help each other. Take a moment today to evaluate what is working and not working in your life - from skincare to what you eat. You hold the key to your health…and good skin!

Colette Brown has been a licensed clinical aesthetician since 2001. She is the Director of Education at Columbia Skincare where she leads the professional products division. In her role, she oversees education and treatment protocol training and supports research and development with new product development. Brown possesses a deep passion and understanding of the healing benefits of topical probiotics and how they contribute to the overall health and wellness of the skin’s microbiome. Based in Beverly Hills, Brown has a Bachelor of Art in education, is a certified holistic practitioner through the Kresser Institute, a licensed phlebotomist, and has certifications in advanced skin care procedures. Her past articles include, "Inner Glow: Bringing Energy Healing to Clients" and "Retail Religion." For more information, visit www.columbiaskincare.com

Whether traveling on business or for pure indulgent R&R, Zero George delivers Charleston’s premier boutique hotel experience.

When guests at our award-winning Zero George Hotel kept telling us they wish they could stay longer—much longer—we listened. Now, in addition to our hotel, we proudly offier the Residences at Zero George—luxury that entices you to linger. Five exquisitely designed private residences available for up-to-twelve month extended stays, with all the indulgence and amenities of a boutique hotel at your fingertips. Live like a local, luxuriate like a guest.

MY HOME IS MY CASTLE

THE DREAM COTTAGE CREATING

A CONNECTION BETWEEN THE PAST AND PRESENT, DELIVERING THE PERFECT COMBINATION OF CONTEMPORARY AND MODERN LIVING.

An Interior Design Paradise in the French Alps

By Katelyn Rutt Photography ©Essential Home

The French Alps are synonymous with nature and well-being, surrounded by trees, mountains, snow when the weather allows, contemplate the most beautiful landscapes that exist. If we want to relax and be in peace, it is perhaps one of the best options we have, it is a location that, despite being attracted

by many tourists, is invaded by the peace and quiet of nature. This house could not fail to do justice to the superb beauty of the French alps, full of disparities that combine perfectly, cozy and large, classic and modern, with incredible views full of hills. Better than a tour of the alps, only a tour of this incredible mansion.

LIVING ROOM

Starting with the living room, perhaps one of the smallest rooms in the house with the intention of making the experience much cozier. Since the house only consists of a single room, the living room doesn't have strong reasons to have large dimensions, since it won't be used by many people. In neutral tones, earth tones and some plants, nature is perfectly connected. Comfort doesn't end with the amazing Elo family from the Night Fever Collection designed by Draga & Aurel in partnership with Essential Home and DelightFULL. The Elo sofa with a geometric look follows the same modern and irreverent look that incorporates the power of music through its sophisticated geometric look, making it the perfect piece for any space. Complementing it are the Elo armchairs and Caprice side tables from the same collection. As a support in the living room, the incredible Edith sideboard from Essential Home also does not go unnoticed.

KITCHEN

The kitchen, contrary to the other rooms, presents dark tones in both marble and wood. This way, the golds are highlighted because they contrast with these opposite tones, which makes us pay more attention to details. The kitchen, besides being luxurious and modern, gives us an air of sophistication that few achieve, being such a small room, makes us want to elaborate on the cooking and present really beautiful and sophisticated dishes. The McCarey bar chair designed by Masquespacio for Essential Home stands out in this room, an irreverent and modern bar chair and at the same time comfortable. To highlight the bright and golden lamps by DelightFULL.

OFFICE

An office is essential in a house where we can spend just a weekend or a long season, and we had the best example during the recent pandemic. A multifunctional office that can be used for work, but also for other more secluded moments that require concentration and quiet, such as reading a book. This office meets all these parameters, serving as a library as well, with the imposing Arne desk, it's a stunning piece of mid-century furniture that will make a great addition to any home office. It adds a touch of luxury with gilded brass details and a particularly elegant velvet upholstery on the front, working alongside walnut wood. It is the perfect piece for design lovers who want a piece from the past with all the luxury of the present.

BAR

Still on the first floor, we have the conviviality and party area, the bar. The bar is an area that promotes joy and fun, in dark tones boasts with the great presence of gold, both in lighting and in the details of the chairs. The white marble on the floor and walls with huge white veins brings a refined air to this room. The huge wall where they store and display the expensive drinks, lit with leds in each square, shows a more pompous side to this bar. The two key pieces of this area is the majestic lamp by DelightFULL and the Kelly bar chairs in a new version, one of Essential Home’s best sellers.

BEDROOM

Finally, on the second floor we have the bedroom, with two distinct areas, the sleeping area where you have the bed accompanied by the bedside tables and the living area, composed of the latest Essential Home armchairs and a center table from the collection of Carlo Donati, an incredible Italian product designer. The Hadly armchair reflects the best of mid-1930s style, bringing a sense of timeless refinement that only such an impeccable design could accomplish. Wooden legs and armrests pair beautifully with a customizable fabric for the seat and a pattern on the back that reminds us of the joys that art deco and vintage can bring to our homes.

Essential Home is the epitome of bohemian retro design.

Its mid-century modern lines merge from important historical references from the 30s and 60s. The harmony of masculine and feminine, classic and contemporary, high and low, is integral to the brand’s sense of style.

Cindy Shaoul’s Art Inspires Dreams of the Past in the Future

ART INSPIRES. SOMETIMES IT INSPIRES BY EVOKING MEMORIES, OTHER TIMES IT INSPIRES BY CREATING DREAMS ABOUT THE FUTURE. ARTIST CINDY SHAOUL’S UNIQUE BLEND OF IMPRESSIONISTIC AND ABSTRACT PAINTINGS DO BOTH.

Shaoul’s stunning, quintessential New York street scenes paint a dreamy sense of place and style. Her romantic Plein-Air series of outdoor cafes, cobblestone street corners, and iconic New York City moments set the imagination on fire. Her Bride and Heart series makes you want to fall in love. Each Shaoul painting sparks daydreams of luxurious long lunches with old friends, long arm-in-arm flaneur-esque urban strolls on summer days, and the light-headedness of falling in love. Shaoul sets the scene and then hands it over to the viewer to imagine and live the intimate interactions.

Shaoul is drawn to subjects that mean something to her personally but their popularity show they clearly resonate with many others. With her Brides series, Shaoul paints exotic forms with expressive

and highly textural brushstrokes that are full of intense color in a style that is loosely inspired by artists of the French Impressionist movement such as Renoir, Degas, and Mary Cassatt. Shaoul adores how Degas’ ballerinas embody such fluid movement and tries to replicate that in her own work. In her success, the viewer can feel the energy and passion that burst off Shaoul’s canvases.

Growing up in an artistic family, Shaoul was always surrounded by someone close to her making art. Her first direct connection to creating art came in high school but it took off in college when she was inspired by influential mentors and her travels around the world.

“When I paint to my music, my brush lands on the canvas with immediate rhythm and style. I want the Bride to have a dazzling

explosion of variable life to symbolize the future. The rhythm's surprise excites me while creating these pieces, and I aspire to bridge what I’ve learned in school with my passion for exuberant abstraction and depth of color into the essence of her figure and spirit,” commented Shaoul.

Shaoul’s travel inspiration is evident in all of her work, from her cafe scenes to her Stepping Out series. Each work harnesses a spirit of romance and luxury. It is almost as if you can hear the conversations of the intimate duo conspiring over a latte, or better yet, a spritz.

In her Dripping Dot series, it is as if the viewer is joyously caught in a downpour of luxury color and style. The Chanel images are the height of haute-couture but Shaoul’s modern style makes it

cool for all ages. One imagines a night out on the town in Paris or St. Tropez, a night you never forget or ever want to end.

Her sexy but sweet brides, with their arms behind their backs but their bold dresses, are highlighted by metallic gold and brilliant colors that would perfectly compliment any fancy boudoir.

Shaoul’s work can be found in private and corporate collections worldwide. Since her first group show at Parsons School of Design in 2009, she has been showcased internationally – from Italy to South Korea – and shown at various art fairs nationwide, including Miami, Palm Beach, Dallas, and New York. Shaoul has had numerous solo exhibitions and has become a favorite of celebrities such as Emma Roberts, Lily Collins, Ashley Park, Catherine Deneuve, and John Malkovich.

LA TRAVIATA

OPERA CAROLINA’S 73RD SEASON WILL RETURN WITH A FOCUS ON ICONIC WOMEN IN OPERA, AND A DAZZLING PERFORMANCE BY ONE OF CHARLOTTE’S OWN LEADING LADIES.

By Katelyn Rutt

Although April will mark her professional debut as Violetta, Melinda Whittington is no stranger to La Traviata. The plot follows the tragic romance of the courtesan Violetta and upper-class Alfredo, and the struggles of love amidst societal and familial pressures. The role was actually one of the soprano’s first at Brevard Music Center—but it’s been 11 years, 25 operatic productions, and more than a hundred performances since.

“Probably more than any other character I’ve portrayed, Violetta is just so real, so complex,” Whittington says. “My voice has grown and changed so much since then, especially after having two children, so I wasn’t sure what it would feel like to come back to it.”

Whittington says the role is seemingly written for two different sopranos. Act 1 is suited to a lighter, coloratura soprano with long runs of fast-moving and stratospheric high notes. Acts 2 and 3 feature a heavy orchestra and require sustained sound and intense stamina.

“Violetta has such depth, both dramatically and vocally,” Whittington says. “I am naturally more of an Act 2 and 3 Violetta, so Act 1 is the most challenging for me.”

Even so, the vocalist tackles unfamiliarity with her trademark gusto and passion for storytelling through song.

“My favorite part is probably the opening of Act 3, where Violetta is on her deathbed, re-reading the letter from Germont followed by the gut-wrenching aria,” Whittington says. “It's fun to play with lots of vocal colors, and the melody's interplay with the oboe is so beautiful and haunting.”

Whittington first joined Opera Carolina after finishing her master’s degree at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. The company served as a launching pad for the vocalist, providing chorus openings and small roles. Soon, Whittington began auditioning for Opera Carolina’s leading ladies and eventually accepting travel opportunities—like singing on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera as one of 20 semi-finalists from the country and performing at the Wolf Trap Opera.

“My fourth role, singing Tatyana in Eugene Onegin, was one of my dream roles and was actually one of the three productions in which I had been a chorister when I first came to Charlotte,” Whittington says. “I could remember looking at the woman who played Tatyana back then with stars in my eyes, dreaming of making my own career happen. And there I was on the same stage, same opera, and same production of that opera even.”

What’s more, the Tatyana performances were over Whittington’s very first Mother’s Day weekend with her newborn son Isaac.

“Singing a very challenging leading role while feeding and waking every few hours each night is definitely not for the faint of heart,” Whittington says. “But it gave me such a sense of accomplishment to know that I could do the balancing act I've always dreamed of—being both a performer and a mother. My husband and son were even able to be backstage with me and celebrate after. Isaac was in an ‘I <3 opera’ onesie of course.”

Whittington says her close-knit relationship with Opera Carolina allows her to take on at least one local role per year—providing the soprano with a break from her grueling travel schedule. But no matter where her journey takes her, Whittington says she is always excited to return home.

“For a decade now, Opera Carolina has been my home company,” Whittington says. “Every time I get to sing with my OC family, it's a privilege and a joy.”

See La Traviata live at the Belk Theater on April 20, 22, and 23. Tickets can be purchased at operacarolina.org.

BUBBLY & BRAHMS

THE CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA REVIVES ITS ANNUAL GALA AFTER A THREE-YEAR HIATUS AND INTRODUCES THE STAR OF ITS 2023 CLASSICAL SERIES

By Katelyn Rutt

Festivities were in abundance at the Nov. 5 gala, which welcomed symphony supporters to a cocktail hour, dinner, concert featuring Rhiannon Giddens, and reception with Port City Shake Down. The event raised more than $550,000 to support the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra’s (CSO) annual fund and mission—uplifting, entertaining, and educating the communities of Charlotte-Mecklenburg and beyond. Founded in 1932, CSO is the oldest continually-operating symphony orchestra in the Carolinas and a cornerstone of the local arts and culture scene.

“It felt so good to be able to gather together again with our CSO family after such a long time,” President and CEO David Fisk says. “It was like a homecoming for us.”

The evening also honored two community leaders and long-time symphony advocates, Charles Bowman and Michael Marsicano. Giddens, a classically-trained opera singer, 2022 Grammy winner for Best Folk Album, and North Carolina native captivated her audience at the post-dinner concert. Attendees swayed to a lively banjo arrangement of Giddens’ “Spanish Mary,” and later the vocalist and orchestra wooed the crowd with a dreamy rendition of “La Vie en Rose.

“I knew Rhiannon previously and have seen what an amazing talent she is,” Fisk says. “So I was particularly excited to be able to share that with Charlotte.”

Fisk, who joined the organization during the pandemic, describes his first few months as “strange.” He says he entered a deserted Uptown with vacant offices and initially met most of the CSO team on Zoom.

“But despite all of the challenges that the pandemic brought to us, we were able to keep the music playing,” Fisk says. “I’m so incredibly proud of how our staff and musicians pulled together, with absolute dedication, to forge new pathways forward.”

The team dreamed up their first-ever virtual concerts, explored new locations for outdoor performances—like Truist Field, NoDa Brewery, and even one of their musician’s backyards for the successful “al Fresco” series— and performed for frontline workers at local hospitals. As a newcomer to Charlotte, Fisk says he enjoys being in a city that is constantly growing and changing, and part of an organization that is committed to doing the same.

“Many of these opportunities would not have been possible had we not had to creatively adapt to the challenges of the pandemic,” Fisk says. “CSO has the unique chance to grow alongside the city, expand our deep roots in the community, and adjust to today’s obstacles—really meet people where they are.”

And even after a little more than 90 years, CSO is just getting started. Principal Viola Ben Geller says he is overwhelmed by the talent of the organization and the support of its community and has bright hopes for the future.

“I’m specifically looking forward to this season, as we’re in the middle of a music director search,” Geller says. “So essentially we’re seeing the best and brightest conductors with some of the most compelling musical offerings of all time.”

Perhaps the highlight of CSO’s 2023 Classical Series? February’s Brahms Symphony No. 4—a hauntingly beautiful symphony featuring Grieg’s piano concerto—with guest conductor Joshua Weilerstein.

“I’ve never been to Charlotte before, so I’m very excited to be meeting the orchestra for the first time and get to know the city,” Weilerstein says. “It’s always a thrill to make music with a brand-new group of people. This was one of the most intensely passionate pieces that Brahms ever wrote.”

According to Weilerstein, Symphony No. 4 represents “the end” for the German composer. It was not only Brahms’ final symphony but also his last major orchestral work. An apocalyptic sound is woven throughout its four movements, alluding to the deepening fissures and cracks Brahms witnessed that later resulted in the breakdown of European society.

“At the same time, it is a piece full of love and warmth that makes Brahms’ music so irresistible to us,” Weilerstein says. “To put it briefly, it is a symphony that encompasses the entire gamut of human emotion, and its intensity makes it unforgettable to hear live.”

See Brahms Symphony No. 4 live at the Belk Theater on February 10 and 11. Tickets can be purchased at charlottesymphony.org.

CHARLOTTE CONNECTICUT East Coast Design Services

Specializing in eco-friendly, sustainable, luxury interior design.

claudiajosephinedesign.com | claudia@claudiajosephinedesign.com

Natasha Silver Bell MEET

SILVERBELL COACHING HAS QUIETLY BEEN PROVIDING PRIVATE CONCIERGE CARE, CRISIS MANAGEMENT, AND INTERVENTION TO CLIENTS AT ALL STAGES OF LIFE.

By Phoebe Jonas

Photography: Nick Mele @nickmelephotgraphy

Hair & Make-up: Sofia Beskasnova @palmbeachmakeup

Styled by Ralph Lauren New York

On location at Brazilian Court Hotel Palm Beach

Sitting down to chat with Natasha Silver Bell, Founder and CEO of internationally renowned SilverBell Global (SBC Global), Silver Bell is eager to illuminate the work she and her colleagues do on the front of addiction, eating disorders, and mental health. Six-foot-three in heels, with a clientele that includes some of the most prominent families in the world, the fact that Silver Bell isn’t a household name speaks to her integrity— and exemplifies the values of the company she built from the ground up in 2012. Today, SBC Global provides private Concierge Care / Coaching, Crisis Management, and Intervention to clients at all stages of life from its worldwide network of signature Leadership Teams in New York, Los Angeles, Dubai, London, Sweden, France, and Ireland. Specially designed “LifeTeams” (curated by Natasha herself) work in partnership with SBC’s resource bank of Behavioral / Health, Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Therapists, and Diagnostic Clinicians to chart clients’ and families’ roadmaps to sustainable health and healing.

Working with individuals struggling with substance use and mental health disorders is not for the faint of heart. No wonder clients and families alike point to Natasha’s deep empathy and steely strength: prerequisites to helping clients chart a path out of their physical, emotional, and psychological anguish. A grateful father speaks of “Natasha’s truly caring investment in our son.” Describing meeting Natasha as “a gift,” a now sober client says, “I had already been to numerous detoxes and three rehabs, been arrested for drug possession, and overdosed once. Natasha went above and beyond…. With a lot of tough love and the necessary steps, she brought me back from my downward spiral toward death. Today, I feel alive…happy with myself, free of substances, and fearless of the future because I know I can handle anything that comes my way.”

Time is of the essence: accidental drug overdose is currently the leading cause of death in the United States for those under 50 years old. Yet, despite these stark numbers, Silver Bell is determined to leave no stone unturned on the pathway to hope. One such pathway is Youth Prevention Mentors (YPM), created in partnership with co-founders Maks Ezrin and eminent psychiatrist Dr. Rami Kaminski. Recognizing the importance of early detection and the peer-mentorship model,

“YPM’s mission is to help young pre-addicts and their families avoid the destruction and devastation of substance use and addiction,” Natasha explains. YPM’s one-on-one mentors, youth workshops, family coaching, parent workshops, and integrative, clinically supported drug testing and education interrupt the traditionally progressive trajectory of substance use, supporting the family system to mitigate, slow down, and course-correct harmful behaviors.

Natasha’s success lies in her ability to soften the jagged edges of crisis and find “openings of grace” - entry points for hope, healing, and change. An avid reader of all things spiritual, she distills SBC’s philosophy of care with a favorite quote from Thomas Merton: “Perhaps I’m stronger than I think I am.” For clients and families alike, SBC’s steadfast commitment to championing the human spirit continues to change –and save - lives.

I would not have such a positive view of recovery if not for Natasha and the team she selected for me.

Having a companion made me feel like I had an advocate, mentor, and friend with me during the time I felt most vulnerable and misunderstood. It was such a comfortable and effective experience that I can’t imagine a more successful model for recovery. She saved my life.

~Mary Francis Gorsuch

Whether initially contacted by a client’s partner, parents, friends, or the client themselves, SBC establishes a fruitful partnership with the identified family system, providing empowerment, education, and encouragement. “We provide a safe, judgment-free space for clients and families to seek, discuss, and consider what is best for them.” Instead of advising families, SBC works in tandem with them. “I never want our expertise as specialists in the field to overshadow the experience of those living and interacting with their loved ones,” Silver Bell explains. At the heart of SBC’s signature approach is a beautifully balanced partnership: Honoring the client while restoring hope into the family system to discover new pathways towards health and healing.

“Trauma does not happen to us; trauma happens within us.”

“I’m so grateful to Natasha for pointing us in this direction. Our son is having an extraordinary, enriching, challenging experience, and so are we.”

~ A, mother

SBC’s concierge-level care allows for moment-by-moment assessment, empowering coaches to pivot their approach when necessary. Yet, despite its efficacy, Natasha recognizes that the SBC Coaching methodology of customized, high-touch, meaningful care is neither affordable nor accessible to everyone who needs or wants it. “Addiction doesn’t discriminate, so why should privilege determine access to effective care?” After consistently taking pro-bono cases over the years to correct this imbalance, Silver Bell was moved to find a more scalable solution. So, in October 2022, with co-founders Aaron Gershenson and Phillipe Grinstein, Silver Bell launched The Inservice Foundation to “provide SBC-level care to individuals for whom the cost of such care has traditionally been prohibitive.” Inservice beneficiaries apply independently or may be nominated to receive services such as hourly coaching and companion-care integrated with as-necessary clinical providers. Experiencing the SBC difference for the first time, an Inservice

beneficiary remarked, “if I had this level of support years ago, I’d be a recovery coach by now.”

A pioneer in the recovery space, Natasha has refined the art of coaching into a proprietary methodology. But, with equal parts prairie and small-town USA in her blood, she always keeps it real: “At the end of the day, whatever we do has to be effective.” And indeed, it is. The SBC model of wrap-around support partnered with top-of-the-line clinical providers has proven so effective that, early in 2021, an SBC Global Outcome Study (on target for publication in early 2024) was commissioned to track and measure its success.

A highlight of SBC Global’s success is the Coach Development program, fostering SBC Coaches’ personal and professional development through meaningful collaboration, education, and ongoing training with leaders in the field. Anchored by Silver Bell’s conviction that “Trauma does not happen to us; trauma happens within us,” the Coach Development program provides training in various modalities, including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Somatic Integration. SBC’s Coach Development Program is at the vanguard of a shift in recovery science: the recognition that coaching plays a pivotal role in achieving and

sustaining meaningful recovery. Workshops slated for 2023 include Phase Two of therapist and Trauma-Training Educator Lou Lebentz’s Trauma-Infirmed Coaching certification, with coaches building on skills learned in Phase One. In addition, Natasha is thrilled to welcome Deb Dana, founding member of the Polyvagal Institute and developer of the signature Rhythm of Regulation Clinical Training Series, and Lindsay Chester, LCSW, addiction treatment/DBT Skills integration specialist, adjunct professor at Colombia University, and the Founder and Clinical Director of City Behavioral Health.

In the twelve years since establishing SBC, Natasha’s passion for helping others harness grit and grace to overcome challenging situations has only grown. Inspired in early 2021 to make the transformative spirit of SBC available to a broader audience, Natasha piloted the creation of SBC Retreats. With a signature blend of sophisticated, luxurious destinations, curated wellness experiences, and exclusive workshops from best-in-class clinicians, SBC Retreats are fast becoming a favorite for those seeking to restore their bodies and nurture their minds.

This summer, SBC Retreats presents East Meets West: A Restorative Wellness and Mental Health Retreat hosted at the Falcon Hotel at Castle Ashby, Northamptonshire, ancestral home to Lord Spencer, 7th Marquess of Northampton. A collaboration with esteemed psychotherapist and (with Lord Northampton) co-founder of The Falcon Hotel, Lady Tracy Northampton, East Meets West brings together the brightest minds in Eastern and Western wellness practices for seven days of healing on the breathtaking grounds of Castle Ashby, known for its abundant natural beauty and powerful energy vortexes. Planned offerings for 2023 include Holistic Healing in Dubai and Meditation & Sound in Sagaponack, NY.

Natasha Silver Bell’s fourteen years of sobriety and over a decade of leadership in the health and recovery space have taught her that “our truth always heals.” From trauma to harmony, isolation to connection, and secrets to truth, Silver Bell’s path mirrors that of her clients. Silver Bell is modeling a message of hope. “I want individuals and their friends, families, and loved ones struggling with substance use and mental health issues to know the path forward exists, even if they haven’t found it yet.”

“Natasha revives countless struggling people with an abundance of grace, elegance, compassion, and humor. She is firm but ever so kind, putting the well-being of her clients before anything else. Natasha was once a stranger I looked to for help at the lowest point of my life, and she quickly became a trusted mentor. Now, with five years of continuous sobriety under my belt and a life that extends out before me that I cannot wait to live, she remains a steadfast and lifelong friend.”

~ C, five years sober

Natasha is a trailblazer, writing each new page of her story from a deep appreciation for chapters past. In the twelve years since establishing SBC, Silver Bell has seen her ancestor’s fierce courage echoed daily in the fearlessness of SBC clients. She never questions their destiny: “Everyone deserves peace and harmony.”

With that, Natasha Silver Bell is off to meet with another family, grateful for the opportunity to help them create their own peace and sanctuary.

VERY ITALIAN, ERY FRANCIACORTA

An extraordinary region, stretching into the Alpine foothills, rich in art and natural treasures. A desire to grow grapes in harmony with its environment, in line with natural and sustainability principles. An ancient culture yielding premium wines accompanies toasts and tastings, providing pleasure, lightness and joy. An inimitable lifestyle recognized across the world; a unique wine that adds sparkle to every moment Welcome to Franciacorta.

STAUD RESORT 2023

The collection started with an obsessive reaction to the shape of a spiral: a free flowing, swirl that represents connection, life and continuous energy.

We were inspired by the organic movement in this ancient, yet timeless shape, and what it can evoke. It exudes this relaxed energy, a natural elegance that lends itself to where we are headed with this collection: blending a California daydream with urban sophistication.

Resort crosses two seasons; therefore, we treated this collection as a bridge.

Starting with our brand DNA of organic materials, sculptural elements, and shapes, we combined them with a free-styling approach, equally polished and adventurous. We dressed up our girl, but with ease. She’s going places and ready for anywhere and anything; from hitting the pavement to the sand.

The Western elements in the collection evoke a feeling of exploration, and an attitude in the styling. These accessories contrasted with clean suiting strengthen the dichotomy of the two. Mini dresses are emblazoned with an abstract and sophisticated beaded motif, paired with a boot rather than a stiletto, again emphasizing this unrestricted energy.

Photography by: Quinn Photography Studio

Collaboration: Tara Quinn

Hair: Yama with Airbar Palm Beach

@airbarpalmbeachgarden

Styling: Margaret Bastick Luce on location at The Four Seasons Costa Rica Papagayo Peninsula

Bags this season enhance each look with a feeling of purpose but are adaptable to time and place. They both hold the things you need and say something about who you are. We continued to explore our core materials, but with a new twisted feeling.

This season’s shoes mirror their wearer’s personality. Through a range of flats, heels, and boots, we take our girl throughout her day, complementing her

wardrobe with a spectrum of materials: cowhide, metal, wood and feathers. This footwear collection is a reaction to both the end uses of a resort collection, as well as our girl desiring a wide range of styles from us.

This season always comes back to a spiral, an idea that comes around and doesn’t have a hard edge, always blended. Refined without restriction.

A Glittering Heritage

By Katelyn Rutt

Deep in the Land of the Sky, David Webb’s roots produced an eye for the whimsical, the dramatic, and the highly original. Plus, how one Charlotte-based jeweler brings the legacy full circle by carrying the eponymous brand in the designer’s home state

“I had a tremendous feeling of art in me. I wanted to be an archaeologist, a ceramist, or a jeweler. Jewelry won out.”

- David Webb

Asheville may be best known for its gentle mountains and storied Biltmore Estate, but the city also shaped one of the greatest American jewelry icons, David Webb. Infamous for his animal-inspired bracelets, geometric necklaces, and inventive use of gemstones, pearls, and diamonds, Webb dove into the untapped potential of artistic jewelry and collected more than a few celebrity clientele including Elizabeth Taylor and Jacqueline Kennedy.

Following his sudden death in 1975, the designer left behind an archive of 40,000 jewelry illustrations—allowing future generations a small insight into the mastery of Webb’s mind.

“The David Webb pieces embolden and empower women and give them a feeling of somehow being connected to the past,” Tiny Gods Owner Mary Margaret Beaver says. “While also offering confidence

that the piece they are wearing by this brand will forever be with them and beyond.”

When Beaver left a 20-year career in the jewelry industry to chase the dream of opening her own store, Tiny Gods, she never imagined her passions would connect her with the opportunity to participate in the legacy of such an iconic heritage designer.

“It has long been a dream of mine to own a piece of David Webb jewelry, and more importantly, to connect my clients with this immaculate and special brand,” Beaver says. “When I opened Tiny Gods two years ago, I didn’t think that I would have the great privilege of bringing this collection back to North Carolina by way of my jewelry store.”

Tiny Gods offers an unparalleled collection of glittering jewelry sourced from around the world. Designed with incredible craftsmanship, emotion, and significance, each of Beaver’s sourcings is mindfully selected for her Charlotte clientele and beyond. But, despite the many unique items she comes across on a daily basis, the jeweler’s David Webb pieces are her favorite for their timelessness— and the thought that each lucky wearer gets to take part in a story that spans more than half a century.

“Dreams can come true,” Beaver says. “These are collector's pieces that are bold and feminine at once. It is an absolute privilege and joy to be able to share my passion for discovering and sourcing the best in fine jewelry from all over the world with my other passion—my clients.”

IT WASN’T CARTIER

“A little-known fact is that the Nail collection originated with David Webb, not Cartier. One of the most famous jewelry designers, and one who never had his own brand, was Aldo Cipullo. He and David Webb were working on a collection called ‘Tool Box’ in 1970, and shortly thereafter Cipullo left David Webb to design for Cartier. Cartier introduced their Nail collection a year later.” - Beaver

HIS FIRST DESIGN

During a three-year apprenticeship with his uncle, Webb created his first design—a copper ashtray signed with a spider in its web. Some speculate this was the start of the designer’s affinity for animal-themed motifs.

TAKING OFF

By the age of 23, Webb had opened a shop in New York City. And by 25, Vogue was at his doorstep, requesting to photograph his earrings for the cover of their fall issue.

A MASTER OF HIS TRADE

Webb was the Houdini of gold. He was known for going on weekly trips to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and studying Egyptian and Incan artifacts, among others, in order to create alloys with a patina of ancient gold.

CELEBRITY ATTENTION

In 1962, Webb was selected by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy to design the official Gifts of State for the White House. The jeweler created a collection of paperweights, including a special coral paperweight for President Kennedy. Elizabeth Taylor was commonly seen wearing David Webb jewelry in her films and fell in love with Webb’s iconic bangle bracelet—now known as the Elizabeth Taylor Makara Bracelet. The brand was also donned by Barbara Streisand, Princess Grace of Monaco, the Rockefellers, and the Vanderbilts. In recent years, celebrities like Amy Adams, Beyonce, and Jennifer Lawrence have styled David Webb pieces at high-profile events.

ESCAPE

TO SEE, TO SEEK, TO JOURNEY

pg. #90 Montego Bay, Magnificence at Round Hill Hotel and Villas pg. #98 The Unveiling of RH Guesthouse in New York.

“

Montego Bay Magnificence at Round Hill Hotel & Villas Jamaica

THIS CARIBBEAN ISLAND RESORT HAS HOSTED ROYALTY, THE KENNEDYS AND HOLLYWOOD'S A-LIST ELITE

By Merilee A. Kern, MBA All images Courtesy of Round Hill Hotels & Villas

Out of Many One People.” This is Jamaica’s multiracial roots-driven national motto that is represented on the country’s Coat of Arms. It is this spirit of togetherness—of united “oneness” irrespective of race, class, religion age or gender—that has helped Jamaica endure as a revered tourism destination decade after decade. Indeed, this hugely hospitable 4,411 square mile Caribbean Island attracts throngs of visitors to its cities, coasts, rivers and mountain ranges each year.

One of my personal favorite regions attracting tropics-oriented travelers the world over is Montego Bay. As Jamaica’s second largest city, this revered destination has evolved into a tourism beacon reportedly boasting the country’s largest number of hotel rooms. This, in addition to a spectacularly wide range of sports activities, attractions, restaurants, shopping and entertainment options. This city, the capital of Saint James Parish on Jamaica’s north coast, also serves as a major cruise ship port and boasts numerous beach resorts and private villas.

While prolific with hotel, resort and villa accommodations, one luxury area property stands in a class of its own: Round Hill Hotel and Villas. Situated on a lush 110-acre peninsula just west of Montego Bay, this storied boutique resort boasts a historical, celebrity-laden pedigree upheld only by the best-in-class. Having recently experienced my own private villa getaway at the destination, I learned first-hand why Hollywood, sports and political A-listers from around the globe flock to this private oasis—one offering guests a secluded, service-focused experience in luxurious island accommodations mere steps away from some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean.

In addition to the 36 Ralph Lauren-designed oceanfront guest rooms in the “Pineapple House” section of the property, Round Hill also notably boasts a selection of 26 private two-to-six-bedroom Villas—most with private pools. Each comes equipped with its own dedicated staff that will prepare daily breakfast and cater to other guest needs.

I had the decidedly good fortune of staying in Villa 16—a spectacularly appointed, sprawling private accommodation with a breathtaking panoramic view of the sea and mountains beyond. This premium luxury villa is one of the largest on property, featuring six of Round Hill’s largest and most expansive suites that, all combined, accommodate up to 14 people quite comfortably.

This private island paradise, replete with landscaped tropical gardens, is the epitome of indoor/outdoor living whether wining and dining, lounging or slumbering. Its expansive pool and surrounding deck is outfitted in classic blue and white lounge chairs, umbrellas and a gazebo. Other favorite features among the various rooms are two lower level bedrooms with see-through windows that peek into the pool; an open-air game room with pool table, ping pong table and wet bar; my own upper floor private master suite with a central balcony proffering magnificent sunset views; and a

detached guesthouse with its own private infinity plunge pool. Lavish appointments like four poster beds, marble bathrooms and thoughtfully curated art further the multi-sensory experience.

So utterly spellbound by the Round Hill surroundings and staff, I endeavored to connect with Josef Forstmayr—the property’s Managing Director, who, in this role, has been welcoming guests to the property since 1989. Forstmayr was kind enough to share a bit of his own perspective on what makes this property unique and enduringly beloved by so many.

MK: What are a few aspects of the property that set it apart from other comparable private villa and luxury resort options in the area?

JF: For one, the legacy and heritage of our villas through the decades sets them apart from other seemingly similar options on the island. Round Hill and its villas stand alone for having hosted countless icons, such as John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy, Sir Noel Coward, Errol Flynn and Ian Fleming to name a few—and even royalty. Each villa has so many rich stories to tell, which guests are able to connect with during their stay and become a part of that rich and storied history. Second, our staff goes out of their way to not only provide premium levels of service, but also forge meaningful interpersonal connections with guests. I’ve been told time and again that the staff’s gracious hospitality and warm spirits are a major reason that guests continually return to Round Hill. Also, our resort’s familial spirit and culture of “togetherness” truly sets Round Hill apart, which is the culmination of many unique factors: The history that founders John and Liz Pringle forged since the 1950s; the countless icons that have frequented the resort; our conscientious staff; our majestic surroundings; and more. When guests stay at Round Hill, they are not just staying at a luxury resort but one that allows them to embrace and immerse themselves in a deep and meaningful cultural experience.

MK: Any interesting or unexpected facts about the property?

JF: Well, there are many, but one fun fact that people might not know is that the famed movie “How Stella Got Her

Groove Back” starring Angela Bassett, Taye Diggs, Whoopi Goldberg and Regina King, among other A-listers, was filmed at Round Hill. Our spectacular Villa 11 served as the backdrop for part of the film. Famed American fashion designer, philanthropist and billionaire businessman Ralph Lauren, who owns multiple of our villas, not only designed the Cocktail Bar but also the décor of our collection of hotel rooms.

Relative to the property’s origin, it was originally a part of Lord Monson’s Round Hill Estate, which was a sugarcane plantation. The plantation grew coconuts and pimento before Jamaica-born entrepreneur John Pringle turned the property into his dream boutique resort. This it has become for throngs of others since. And, while Round Hill will always maintain its historical iconic pillar, we are in the process of updating and refreshing our collateral materials and website with an exciting new photo shoot. Our brand new website to be launched this year.

MK: Having served as Round Hill’s Managing Director since 1989, what is your own personal favorite aspect of the property?

JF: The people. It may be cliché to say, but the people truly make Round Hill what it is. The staff consistently upholds the resort’s standard of luxury, while having fun and creating an unmatched atmosphere of excitement and happiness. Round Hill’s guests come with an open-minded attitude looking to experience everything the resort has to offer; especially different cultural offerings, and to feel wholly taken care of. Without our world-class staff and distinctive brand of island hospitality, Round Hill would not be the iconic destination it is.

This caliber of award-winning service is not by accident. Rather, our property team—even those who have been with the resort for many years—not only receives ongoing training from our own property leaders, but also from a number of other companies we bring in to reinforce training on how to exceed guest expectations. Round Hill has always been known as a resort with warm and friendly staff who go above and beyond for our guests, which is why our repeat guest factor is so high.

As well, we are always finding ways to incorporate the latest technology into the guest experience in an organic way to add and elevate convenience. We recently launched a new mobile app, for instance, that allows for a more seamless arrival and on-property experience, where guests can complete a mobile check-in, make pre-arrival requests and learn more about

on-property programming both before and during their stay.

We are also continually evolving our amenities to cater to changing guest demands. For example, given the rise in requests for pickleball, we recently decided to convert two of our tennis courts into pickleball courts to provide an extra activity that our guests can enjoy on-property.

We also look for new ways to enhance the arrival and departure experience for travelers. As one case in point, guests staying in one of our “Signature” or “Estate” Villas also enjoy access to the Club Mobay VIP airport service, whereby a representative will expedite them through the airport upon arrival and departure for a stress-free experience. Club Mobay also provides guests with access to a VIP lounge equipped with snacks and refreshments.

In my own personal experience on-site, I can say that Round Hill’s accommodations, décor and amenities blend timeless comfort with state-of-the-art convenience. This, combined with an unrivaled service standard, allows guests to settle into a resort that genuinely feels like their own home-away-from-home—whether vacationing for pleasure or visiting for remote working needs. One stay of your own and it’ll surely become crystal clear why this dreamy destination has endured for decades as the crème-de-la-crème of a luxury Caribbean Island vacation.

“

THE UNVEILING OF RH GUESTHOUSE NEW YORK

By Kelli Delaney Kot @KDHamptons

This is not a hotel. This is our house, and you are our guest. Everything is designed for your privacy and comfort,” is the tenet whispered at the breathtaking new RH GUESTHOUSE in New York City. The pristine property is an integration of services, surfaces and spaces designed to erase the chaos of the outside world. Globally renowned as a curator of design, taste and style in the luxury lifestyle market, RH the Company offers collections through its retail galleries, source books and online at RH.com. With the recent opening of RH Guesthouse New York, travelers seeking privacy and luxury will experience a first-of-its-kind level of hospitality. Accessed through a secure private entrance, the intimate property features just six guest rooms, three guest suites, and RH Chairman & CEO Gary Friedman’s private residence occupying the entire top floor, which is available for booking at certain times. Each of the Guest Rooms and Suites include: two full bathrooms, a freshly stocked gourmet pantry, an in-room gym and exclusive use of the rooftop garden, pool & dining terrace with panoramic views of Downtown New York, the Freedom Tower and the Hudson River.

RH Chairman & CEO Gary Friedman shares, “The RH Guesthouse has been designed through a lens of privacy and luxury. Privacy is the one thing everyone has given away on social media, and the one thing the internet has taken away, as you can access anyone online. We believe privacy is going to become a large and important market, and the RH Guesthouse has an opportunity to define that new market with an unseen-before level of design, quality and hospitality.”

Located in the Historic Meatpacking District and only steps from the RH New York gallery, RH Guesthouse occupies a restored and reimagined triangular loft building constructed in 1887.

A study of balance, symmetry and perfect proportions, The Guest Rooms and Suites are meticulously designed and exquisitely fitted like a bespoke suit. European-oak walls, floors, ceilings and moldings flow seamlessly into two full bathrooms clad in warm, vein-matched Italian travertine slabs. A wall of classically detailed south-facing soundproof windows and architectural lighting illuminate every detail, ensuring a room that glows day or night. Enjoy an afternoon snack in your personal gourmet pantry filled with a selection of charcuterie, crudités, berries and a fresh baguette.

For guests who desire the ultimate “wow factor” look no further than “The Residence”, a spectacular 2,600-squarefoot, full-floor private penthouse. The open-concept design features 11-foot coffered ceilings, elegant boiserie walls, Corinthian columns and herringbone floors. A monolithic Italian-travertine fireplace and chef’s kitchen with a stainless-steel La Cornue range anchor each end of the spectac-

ular space, framing a hand-carved travertine dining table with seating for eight. Against a backdrop of European oak, guests can luxuriate on upholstered Loro Piana–cashmere seating, and host meals prepared by a personal chef as they take in cinematic views of the Meatpacking District and downtown cityscape. Curious about the cost of this level of luxury? “The Residence” rate starts at $30K with a two night minimum.

The Guesthouse also features The Dining Room & Terrace, a dramatic live-fire restaurant serving a wood- grilled Australian Wagyu ribeye, fresh-carved rotisserie chicken, a whole branzino cooked over Japanese Binchotan charcoal and the house favorite, a wood-grilled avocado with 15 grams of Petrossian Imperial Kaluga Caviar. Thirsty? Head down to the Champagne & Caviar Bar, located in the Guesthouse cellar, a luminous 32-seat experience serving the highest grades of Petrossian Caviar and a curated list of some of the world’s finest champagnes to pair it with.

Don’t fret about your champagne and caviar binge, work out any time in the privacy of your room with stainless-steel and walnut kettlebells, dumbbells, leather yoga blocks, mats and a Bosu ball. And after a big night out in “the city that never sleeps,” be rest assured that YOU will, as you slip into a FreshBedTM and enter a thermo-regulated microclimate scientifically proven to support deep and restorative sleep.

The Rooftop Garden, Pool & Dining Terrace at RH GH transports you to an architectural oasis of sculpted hedges and London plane trees where one can enjoy a morning breakfast, afternoon lunch or candlelit dinner during spring, summer, fall or winter with motorized and heated TUUCI® umbrellas. A 40-foot mosaic infinity pool beckons with Italian-travertine daybeds above vein-matched travertine slab decking. Soak in the sunset over the city as you immerse yourself in a spa pool perched on the building’s edge. Ahhh… New York, New York!

RH Guesthouse New York is located at 55 Gansevoort Street. For more, visit RHGuesthouse.com

started here. This bite

The Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove Showroom is a creative and collaborative space. Chef demonstrations and interactive products will inspire you, while knowledgeable consultants will guide you through your entire kitchen project. Delicious moments, spent cooking with the ones you love, start here.

TASTE

EPICUREAN ADVENTURE

pg.#106 The Chef's Table - Chef Michael Giai. – pg. #110 The Allure of the Mocktail.

CHEF MICHAEL GIAI, EXECUTIVE CHEF OF THE ARTISAN RESTAURANT AT THE DELAMAR HOTEL IN WEST HARTFORD, CT.

“

I love transforming simple raw food into something beautiful.”

“You can start with something as simple as a potato, and to look at it, you say it is not very nice, but in the kitchen you can create anything you want.”

The Chef’s Table

by Marci Moreau

EVER WONDERED WHAT DINNER IS LIKE AT HOME

FOR THE TOP CHEFS? JOIN MARCI MOREAU AND LUX LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE AS WE ASK SOME OF THE COUNTRY’S MOST PASSIONATE CHEFS, WHAT DOES YOUR TABLE LOOK LIKE?

WHAT IS YOU FIRST MEMORY OF FOOD?

My first memories of food are all about my home and my mom. Mom is French and she loves food. Her cooking is very diverse so I learned a lot. I would walk into the house and try to guess what she was cooking by smelling the aroma and food.

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR FOOD JOURNEY?

HOW DID YOU GET TO THE ARTISAN RESTAURANT IN WEST HARTFORD, CT?

My first job was far from my home. I was 17 years old and took a summer job far from my home at La Chèvre d’Or, a beautiful place overlooking the Mediterranean Sea in France. I lived there all summer and learned so much.

I then went to school and earned a Bachelors in culinary arts and a Masters in hospitality management and I went to work at restaurants, and casinos. I was working in Geneva, Switzerland and my friend was going to America to work and asked me to come and I said, sure. I was twenty three years old and left France to work at the Wheatleigh Hotel in Lenox, Massachusetts, near Tanglewood.

I worked there and became sous chef but the best thing that happened there was I met my wife Valerie, she was the pastry chef. We got married and moved back to France and had four daughters. All my daughters were born in France.

My wife and I opened a restaurant in our village, in Puimichel, in France. It is a very small beautiful village, only 200 people. There are lavender fields everywhere. The nature is so beautiful and the nature becomes part of your life. When my wife and I got married our wedding cake was chocolate and lavender.

We named our restaurant, Nouer. It means tied together, connections, or knot, because our restaurant was the heart of the village. It was where all the people came together and connected. My daughters were always at the restaurant, they would help and cook and everyone knew them. For my family food ties everything together.

We had the restaurant for seven years then went to Ireland where I was the Executive chef of two restaurants. But part of our plan was to come to United States to be close to Valerie’s family. I came to the Artisan restaurant from Ireland.

The Artisan Restaurant feels like home to me. It is European inspired New England cuisine and Farm to table. Farm to table is the way of life in France.

It is very important to see things growing, the gardens and the animals, the goats and the sheep, and to see the farms and get to know the farmers. You need to understand the seasonality and cycles of food. And we do that at the Artisan. We have our own garden to grow seasonal vegetables and I source our food from the best farms and local food vendors in the area.

DINNER AT YOUR HOUSE? WHAT DOES YOUR TABLE LOOKS LIKE?

All my children are there. We cook dinner together whenever I am not at work. My daughters like all kinds of food and they love to help. They love fish and duck and we make homemade pasta and pizza. I share all my knowledge with them, teaching them the techniques, and all about the ingredients. After a while I don’t have to do anything and they do it all.

I also like putting together lots of little bites and charcuterie for the table.

Crudités and dips, diverse foods with lots of color. And olives. In France we had olive trees in our garden and we harvested the olives and made our own olive oil. I like to use natural and organic foods at my table. In France, organic and natural foods are easy to find. It is very important to see where your food comes from.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SEASON FOR FOOD?

I love fall and late spring. In the fall I love cooking with mushrooms. They are so connected to the earth and so good for you. And in late spring and the beginning of summer I love cooking with eggplant, and tomatoes. I love all the colors of spring and all the vegetables.

WHY THE FOOD INDUSTRY?

Ever day is different, and always evolving. There are always different techniques and different foods to work with all the time. To me, cooking is about sharing and getting to know people. Food is very intimate so when you share food you get to know people the best.

WHAT IS A FAVORITE FOOD OR INGREDIENT YOU LOVE TO WORK WITH?

Herbes de Provence. It is a mixture of dried herbs and it makes every dish special. I usually use thyme, rosemary and marjoram. My mother still makes it today. She harvests the fresh herbs and dries them and mixes it together and whenever she comes to visit from France she brings it as a gift for everyone. It is a very special gift. It is a honor if you receive this gift.

Reminds me of childhood and it is important to me because I am far from home.

THAT FEEL-GOOD FEELING

THE ALLURE OF THE MOCKTAIL MORNING AFTER

By Katelyn Rutt

Life sans hangover has genuinely never been easier. With a plethora of alcohol-free drinks on the market, and boozeless options on the flip side of most menus, the spirit-free world is your oyster—whether you’re sober, sticking to new goals, or simply curious.

Forget writing off the finale of your weekend to headaches and dehydration. Trust us, the morning after has never felt so good.

MEET THE OG THE MOCKTAIL

This cocktail-style beverage can be transformed to suit any taste palate and doesn’t lack an ounce, save the alcohol, of the elegance of its boozy counterpart. What’s more? Mocktails are typically inexpensive and filled with alternative liquids like coconut water or fresh juice, which means bonus points for hydration.

After gaining momentum in the past few years, this niche has expanded to include spirit-free wines, beers, and more. Plus plenty of non-alcoholic drinks that feature functional health benefits.

SÈCHEY · CHARLESTON

Nestled on King Street, this dreamy bottle shop is wrapped in exposed brick and elegant shelf displays. The store offers a selection of alternative, functional, and non-alcoholic options for mindful drinkers.

LUX SELECTS

APLÓS // A citrusy, hemp-infused beverage that calms, uplifts, and is delicious served neat or on the rocks.

MOCKINGBIRD SPIRIT // Bursting with cinnamon and vanilla, this tequila-inspired blend contains ashwagandha for mental and physical health.

IDLEWILD · CHARLOTTE

You won’t find a menu inside this cozy NoDa bar. Far from cookie cutter, the hotspot customizes each drink to their customers’ moods—including plenty of flavorful mocktail combinations sure to delight.

THE BREAKERS · PALM BEACH

Set prominently on the ocean, this hotel bar is a hidden gem for incredible mocktails. Our choice? The Ginger Basil Grapefruit Spritzer, with vitamin C and antioxidants. Or the Coconut Lavender with fresh coconut water.

ÉPERNAY · NANTUCKET

As the island’s only Sommelier-owned and operated store, it’s a must-stop before a weekend of fun. The shop carries all kinds of wine, beer, and spirits, as well as plenty of non-booze drinks to accommodate just about any preference.

LUX SELECTS

LEITZ // This adaptation, with flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and citrus, closely rivals any favorite bottle of rosé.

ANGOSTURA // With a pour of club soda, and a dash of juice, you’ll have a flavorful mocktail ready to garnish and serve.

TBAR NYC · THE HAMPTONS

This seaside mainstay features a robust and elevated drink list. The menu changes often, with seasonally-inspired beverages that can be adapted into non-alcoholic forms. Frequented by A-listers, this bar is what dreams are made of.

HEADLINERS

Celebrity-owned brands stealing the spotlight

BETTY BUZZ

While her husband may have made a splash in the gin scene, Lively’s foray into alcohol-free mixers is both whimsical and refreshing. The infamous non-drinker designed her products with a retro spin, each featuring clean ingredients and natural juice.

KIN EUPHORICS

Bella Hadid

As a conscious sipper and beverage connoisseur, the model co-created the brand from a desire to bring ritual back to the art of the drink. Shop a variety of pastel, cosmic-inspired cans, and made-to-mix bottle blends. Or purchase the kit to sample them all.

LUX SELECTS

DREAM LIGHT // Infused with adaptogens, nootropics, and botanic mushrooms, this made-to-mix bottle is the ultimate nightcap.

HIGH RHODE // This gently-caffeinated beverage contains Rhodiola Rosea, 5-HTP, and GABA to stimulate conversation and positive energy.

DE SOI

Katy Perry

Co-founded by the famous singer-songwriter, the brand and its alcohol-free apéritifs are ready-to-serve—preferably in a pretty glass with a garnish. Each product contains adaptogenic ingredients like bay leaves, Earl Grey, and rose.

ATHLETIC BREWING COMPANY

J.J. Watt, Lance Armstrong, and David Chang

As the leading non-alcoholic craft beer company, the brand has an investor list filled with athletes and celebrities. Its mission to provide a non-lifestyle-compromising beer has expanded its facilities in Connecticut and California.

LUX SELECTS

CERVEZA ATLETICA // A nutty lager with hints of malt, and is perfectly paired with tacos.

BLUEBERRY MOSAIC // A tapestry of berry flavors for a dry and crisp IPA imitation.

ALL OUT // An extra-dark brew with smooth and rich touches of chocolate.

112 www. LuxLifestyle-magazine.com

BMW XM

The most powerful SUV ever produced by BMW M.

The XM is marking its first standalone model appearance since the M1 of the 1970s. It’s the largest M model ever made, the division’s first with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, and most importantly, its most powerful car ever produced by BMW M.

BMW M GmbH is bringing extra momentum to the transformation towards locally emission-free mobility with the presentation of its first – ever high-performance model with electrified drive system. The BMW XM brings together cutting-edge drive system technology with a spectacular vehicle concept. This high-performance car dressed in Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) clothing is fitted with a newly developed plug-in hybrid system delivering maximum output of 480 kW/653 hp (generated by the combination of a combustion engine with up to 360 kW/489 hp and an electric drive system with up to 145 kW/197 hp).

The M HYBRID system in the BMW XM consists of a new V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology and an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission. Power is channelled to the road via the all-wheel-drive system M xDrive. The combination of an electric motor and eight-cylinder engine produces immense, instantaneously available power sustained throughout the rev range, resulting in an intoxicating performance experience. Added to which, the first-ever plug- in hybrid model from BMW M GmbH also enables pure-electric driving over a range of 82 – 88 kilometres (51 – 55 miles)* in the WLTP cycle.

The BMW XM shares its drive concept of an eight-cylinder combustion engine supported by an electric motor with the newly developed endurance racing car from BMW M Motorsport. The BMW M Hybrid V8 will go racing in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in North America in 2023 at venues including Daytona. The following season, it will power BMW M Mo-torsport’s return to the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

You've never held such force in your hands. The XM is equipped with a plug-in hybrid powertrain: a 4.4-liter BMW M TwinPower Turbo V-8 engine, paired with a high-performance electric motor, delivering a new sensation of power and torque. And with BMW's intelligent M xDrive system, this SUV is ready to forge paths in time and space.

Give rise to grandeur and set your legacy in motion, this BMW M is sculpted, angular and aggressive,

courtesy of BMW USA

Images

POWER IN THE

Kelli Delaney Kot @KDHamptons

Leave the skis and snowboard behind and explore your favorite winter wonderland in comfort and style riding on a MoonBike, the slick new electric snowbike that features a ski up front and a track at the rear. The bike is amazingly agile and boasts a small motor powered by a pair of removable batteries which will allow you to hit speeds of 28 miles per hour! Thanks to MoonBike’s high-efficiency propulsion motor, it can be ridden in both fresh snow and on groomed trails. With an innovative design, MoonBikes blur the lines between transportation and recreation to provide a truly unique experience.

The idea for MoonBikes grew in entrepreneur Nicolas Muron's

mind in 2015, at his grandparents' home in the small village of Saint-Nicolas-de-Véroce, in the French Alps. That winter, Muron made a simple observation which ignited his invention: in the summer, mobility solutions are infinite (car, bike, scooter, skateboard etc.), while the winter season is is too reliant only on cars and snowmobiles, which have a large impact on the environment. “With my passion for the outdoors and my background in engineering

I wanted to offer a new solution to get around, explore, or have fun.” The mountain and tech lover set out to build a solution, the MoonBike, which is now the coolest news to hit the hottest slopes around the globe.

MoonBike

founder Nicolas Muron, 36, grew up in Paris and splits his time between the MoonBikes offices in Annecy, France and Boulder, Colorado.

HOW LONG DID THE WHOLE PROCESS TAKE TO CREATE THE MOONBIKE?

Nicolas Muron: I worked at this concept for years, applying my engineering knowledge and love of snowboarding and the outdoors to create what is essentially a hybrid between a snowmobile and an electric bike. After much research and testing, we partnered with Michelin and Bosch to build the two first batches of MoonBikes in France to ensure quality and safety and officially launched in 2018.

WHAT IS YOUR ENGINEERING BACKGROUND AND WHAT INSPIRED THE NAME MOON-BIKES?

Nicolas Muron: My background is in aeronautical engineering at Dassault Aviation. I worked on designing business jets, military aircrafts, and drones. The name MoonBikes was inspired by NASA’s Rovers - my goal was to make MoonBikes similar in numerous waysminimalist in design, ultralight weight, electric, and as silent as space. Furthermore, the moon is white like snow, and beloved by everyone.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR JOURNEY TO CREATE MOONBIKES?

Nicolas Muron: The first three years I was designing the MoonBike by myself in my kitchen and garage! I had tons of issues and failures while creating the propulsion system at first but finally succeeded… the system now is two times more efficient than the standard snowmobile system and tech patented. I love having the great team that I do now to face the challenges that arise while we grow as a company - it’s a fantastic adventure.

WHERE ARE MOONBIKES CURRENTLY MOST POPULAR? WHERE CAN WE RIDE THEM IN THE US?

Nicolas Muron: MoonBikes are the most widely available in Europe since that is our birthplace, but we have a presence in close to 20 countries around the world. We currently are in ten U.S. cities at resorts and certain ski and e-bike retailers. In November, MoonBikes became available to guests of The Resort at Paws Up in Montana, our newest partner, as a special excursion experience for an exploration ride through the Resort’s 60 square miles of forested winter wonderland. We will be announcing others soon for the winter season.

ARE MOONBIKES ALLOWED ON MOST SKI SLOPES?

Nicolas Muron: Right now, MoonBikes are only allowed on ski slopes for utility purposes for resort staff. We are working with several ski resorts in the U.S. who want to diversify their winter activities and offer MoonBikes as a fun and sustainable addition. Our goal is to have more ski resorts offer MoonBikes Parks, which are designated where riders can get the experience on a closed track or trail and rent MoonBikes like they would skis or snowboards.

WHAT ARE THE BEST CONDITIONS FOR MOONBIKES?

Nicolas Muron: The MoonBikes have a top speed of 28 mph and the ability to handle powder up to 12 inches deep. The low center of gravity and light weight, under 200 lbs with a single battery, make it extremely easy to ride, and the 28-inch width makes it easy to transport. It can run up to 3 hours with two batteries in temperatures as low as -13°F so it's equally as capable in the French Alps as it is in the Rockies, or just cruising through a snow covered field.

124 www. LuxLifestyle-magazine.com

ARE THERE UPCOMING MOONBIKES EVENTS SCHEDULED FOR THE WINTER SEASON?

Nicolas Muron: We will be attending CES Las Vegas and Outdoor Retailer in 2023. We will also be holding public demos throughout the US and Europe this upcoming winter. Please keep an eye on our social media to find out more about our demo schedule @moonbikesmotors.

WHERE CAN MOONBIKES BE PURCHASED PRIVATELY?

Nicolas Muron: We’ve had an overwhelming response to online sales through our website moonbikes.com with customers who want to own one themselves. The number of bikes that will ship to North America is limited so anyone in the market wishing to buy one should act quickly. We recently opened our first American office in Colorado. The bikes cost $8,900 (excl. tax and shipping from the French Alps where they are made), and can be ordered on our website (www.moonbikes.com) and delivered to the customer's door. Enjoy the ride!

LUX LOCATIONS

CHARLOTTE & THE CAROLINAS HAMPTONS

Weltons Tiny Bakeshop:

A Tiny Space Doing Big Things!

By Kelli Delaney Kot

With lines out the little front door, Weltons Tiny Bakeshop recently opened at 682 King Street with the vision of supplying naturally leavened, seasonally inspired, and European influenced sweet treats to the downtown Charleston community. Owners Hannah and Zachary Welton share, “These four walls will be an extension of our ethos behind Weltons Fine Foods – with the use of domestic flour, heirloom grains, and the loveliest of Lowcountry produce, dairy, and proteins.”

A place where you can snag a piece of honey pie, kougin amman, and tiny sourdough loaf to take home. A place where you can get naturally leavened focaccia by the slice made with Anson Mills whole grain flour or a canele de bordeaux. A place for us to call home to throw our own wood fired pizza parties on the back patio and down the alley way.

“Y’all, we can’t wait for you to indulge with us.”

@weltonstinybakeshop

Opening Summer 2023 Costa

Overlooking the Cooper and Ashley Rivers in Charleston’s iconic Harleston Village neighborhood and inspired by coastal Italian cuisines, Costa will integrate the local and regional fare found along the Italian coast from Liguria to Sicily. Led by Zero Restaurant + Bar Executive Chef Vinson Petrillo, Costa will pay homage to Petrillo’s Italian heritage and offer unexpected flavor combinations. With a background leading some of New York’s finest restaurants, including Caviar Russe, Abe & Arthur’s and Prospect, a Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient, Petrillo’s innovative cuisine and technical expertise will bring elements of whimsical nostalgia and surprise to each dish. Envisioned by Glen & Company, Costa will boast a bright interior with modern light fixtures, natural wood textiles and earthy, blue tones along with an expansive patio for alfresco dining. It is sure to become Charleston’s hottest dinner destination.

Complementing Costa and located next door, Alcove Market, led by 2022 James Beard Semifinalist Executive Chef Orlando Pagán of sister concept Wild Common, will offer a menu of fresh pressed juices, smoothies, and health-conscious cuisine along with convenient grab-and-go style foods. Both will offer plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy al fresco waterfront dining.

LIMANI

The most anticipated restaurant opening in Charlotte, Limani. Located at 6902 Phillips Place Ct. Charlotte, NC, 28210.

Recently Opened in SouthPark - The House of Alexander McQueen. Distinctive for its innovative and uncompromising expression of unbridled creativity. Founded in 1992 by Lee Alexander McQueen. The Alexander McQueen culture is the juxtaposition between the feminine and the masculine, fragility and strength, romance and rebellion, man and machine. Under current Creative Director Sarah Burton the House produces critically acclaimed collections driven by a highly personal vision and a respect for both experimentation and time-honoured craftsmanship.

A Mediterranean seafood restaurant focusing on traditional Greek specialties. Ingredients as sourced from across the Mediterranean region as well as locally. www.limani.com

CHARLESTON CHARLOTTE & THE CAROLINAS HAMPTONS

PALM BEACH

SERPENTINE JEWELS

Serpentine Jewels opened its doors to its first brick-and- mortar location, the Serpentine Townhouse in Greenwich, Connecticut. The 2,000 square foot, two-story private salon will provide a highly curated, beautifully designed and inviting space for clients to meet with the brand’s Founder and Designer, Ali Galgano, who has made a name for herself as the go-to jeweler for bespoke fine jewelry and cutting-edge bridal creations.

Pre-Pandemic, Galgano, a certified Gemologist, would often bring her design concepts, loose gemstones and diamonds to clients’ homes, or her New York City studio, where she also conducts private appointments. With the influx of New Yorkers moving to Fairfield County full- time – and herself a resident of nearby Westchester – Galgano saw an opportunity to bring the ‘Serpentine Experience’ to life locally.

Says Galgano, “Greenwich is the cultural center of Fairfield and Westchester counties.

I have been a resident of the area for a long time, and I’ve noticed how Greenwich has evolved - it’s becoming more and more cosmopolitan. Our clients, many of whom are former New York City residents, are expecting a city-like atelier experience and Greenwich felt like the perfect home for our new Townhouse.”

In addition to a meeting place to envision her clients’ custom jewels, the Townhouse will also be home to Serpentine’s new ready-to-wear collection. The line features a range of elevated classics – perfect for holiday gifting. The Townhouse will also play host to local talks, workshops and educational events for the community.

The Townhouse was designed by Galgano and NYC-based interior designer Danielle Richter. It houses a minimalist environment featuring antique and modern furnishings sourced from all over the world, evoking the experience of visiting a reimagined Parisian couturier. The multilevel townhouse boasts a jewelry gallery displaying Serpentine’s latest collections, a private space for viewing exceptional gemstones and diamonds, as well as a rotating collection of art from international artists alongside covetable pieces from local curator, Gilles Clement.

Adds Galgano, “We have always dreamed of a space where our Serpentine community could gather. We are thrilled to be in the heart of Greenwich as the newest destination for custom fine jewelry in town and active members of the community.” Visit www.serpentinejewels. com to learn more.

THE CANOE PLACE COMEBACK

THE OLDEST INN IN AMERICA GETS A HAUTE HAMPTONS MAKEOVER.

by Kelli Delaney Kot @KDHamptons

Canoe Place is a treasured Long Island landmark founded in the 17th century as the Canoe Place Inn. For hundreds of years, Canoe Place became known as the “First Stop, Out East” – where friends, families and cultures have gathered for generations in the Hamptons. Canoe Place is located in the town of Southampton, in the revitalized waterfront hamlet of Hampton Bays. The comfortable, welcoming community—known for its natural beauty and friendly residents— features more waterfront than any other area in the Hamptons.

The Inn recently underwent a pristine restoration of the entire property, which includes 20 guest rooms, five rebuilt guest cottages, a 350-seat private event space, and 100-seat chic restaurant on nearly six meticulously landscaped acres. Canoe Place blends the comforts and intimacy of a Hamptons home with the amenities of a boutique seaside resort, all meticulously designed as a gathering place for visitors and residents. The property’s interiors and public spaces designed by acclaimed

Onsite amenities include: a heated pool, fitness center, private boat slips, exclusive beach shuttle, an outdoor bar, and a full-service spa by ONDA Beauty which offers facials, massages, energy healing, and body treatments. “I, along with the entire ONDA team, am so thrilled to be partnering with the storied Canoe Place,” shares co- founder Naomi Watts. “We’re enchanted by the history of the property and can’t wait to share it with our beloved fans.”

Convenient to both New York City and the rest of the Hamptons hamlets, the comfortable, private property is the ideal destination for everything from epic celebrations to impromptu gatherings.

Brooklyn-based Workstead are an homage to its storied past, featuring art from local and internationally renowned painters and sculptors.

CHARLOTTE & THE CAROLINAS HAMPTONS

NANTUCKET PALM BEACH

Poised to be the East End’s next great restaurant, Good Ground Tavern at Canoe Place Inn is open daily, and inspired locally. The tavern is the latest in a series of openings invigorating the classic, canal-front enclave in Hampton Bays. Helmed by Relais & Château veteran Chef Ülfet Ralph, Good Ground offers Mediterranean inspired cuisine, centered around open fire cooking, house-made pastas and pizzas. Working in partnership with the East End community of farmers, artisanal makers and fishermen, the rhythm of the seasons are the driving force behind the menu. A tribute to field and sea, the menu is sectioned into snacks, small plates, mains, pasta, pizza and sides, allowing for the perfect combination of bites for any time of day.

“The East End’s fertile soil and bountiful waters have so much to offer that my mind races with endless possibilities,” says Executive Chef Ülfet Ralph. “I am excited to simply grill whole fish caught that morning over our wood burning grill with olive oil and herbs. That’s something I could eat every day.”

Don’t skip a cozy breakfast in the beautiful blue and white breakfast room, or a signature nightcap tucked away in the private study, featuring its original brick fireplace and reminiscent of the Inn’s days as a speakeasy.

Dating back to 1679, Canoe Place has lived many lives as a gathering place. From Teddy and Franklin D. Roosevelt to Cary Grant and Lucille Ball, Albert Einstein, and Babe Ruth. Canoe Place has played host to American history through the ages: From a coaching inn occupied by British officers during the Revolutionary War, to a speakeasy of the prohibition era, and a nightclub of the 80’s - Canoe Place has now returned to welcome a new generation.

Located at 239 Montauk Highway, Hampton Bays, NY; (canoeplace.com)

CIAO! Sant Ambroeus has opened a second Hamptons location at 66 Newtown Lane in East Hampton. The coveted Milanese-style coffee bar and restaurant has 11 other locations, including their haute hotspot in Southampton Village, as well as in New York City, Palm Beach, Milan, and more.

CHARLESTON

AKA WEST PALM

695 SOUTH OLIVE AVENUE, WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33401

CHARLOTTE & THE CAROLINAS HAMPTONS

The brand-new AKA is bringing AKA’s signature style and luxurious modern hospitality to the heart of the business district in West Palm Beach. AKA West Palm features sophisticated suites and residences that will elevate any stay in South Florida. Designed by the renowned Claudio Salazar of RootsDNA, the interiors are soothing with surrounding waterways and sunlight focused on clean lines and elements of wood and stone. Amenities include breathtaking water views, a private resident’s lounge, a chic pool deck, Technogym fitness center with Excite Live line, a spa for your pet, and exclusive conference space and amenities. All within walking distance to amazing restaurants, cultural attractions, and top notch shopping.open-air shopping and directly across Intracoastal.

LET’S MAKE A DIFFERENCE

The World Championship Equestrian Triathlon is a family-friendly event that delivers thrilling equestrian competition as top polo, hunter jumper, and dressage athletes come together on one showground. This year’s title sponsor is EyeCandy. This is the must-attend equestrian event of the season. Purchase your tickets at www.bgcpbc.org

Proceeds from the 2023 World Championship Equestrian Triathlon support Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club of Wellington, one of 17 Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County.

The money raised has a lasting impact on the children and teens served at the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club of Wellington, providing them with the foundation they need to thrive and grow.

In addition to providing healthy meals and a safe and secure environment, donors generosity assists in offering academic support to help mitigate any achievement gap that may hinder these children from thriving. Support for social-emotional trauma is also an important part of our program especially seeing that trauma experienced by Club members may include exposure to stressors and potential triggers to abuse at home.

Last year in one day the event raised nearly $500,000 for the Boys & Girls Club of Wellington.

NANTUCKET

PALM BEACH

PUT YOUR BEST FACE FORWARD

Renowned Hamptons dermatologist, Elliot Weiss M.D., has teamed up with @hydrawellness at their luxurious new Worth Avenue location in Palm Beach. Dr. Weiss will offer customized private client appointments, bringing the highest level of expertise and artistic techniques to Palm Beach with injectable treatments and Botox / neuromodulators in a tranquil spa setting.

JULIEN FAREL RESTORE

SALON

The newest outpost for Julien Farel Restore Salon is in Palm Beach - catering to all who live & visit the incredible world of Palm Beach! Located at 225 Flagler by the Breakers.

Julien has styled some of the most powerful people across the globe such as Kate Moss, Greta Gerwig, Catherine Deneuve, Salma Hayek and Richard Gere.

His passion for architecture, fitness, and aesthetics, along with his profound concentration and attention to detail captures the subtle nuances of one’s essence in order to create a signature, indefinable look that could only be described as Julien Farel. Book your appointment at 561-655-8004

For a consultation and more details visit: www.elliotweissmd.com or appointments@elliotweissmd.com

Elliot Weiss, M.D. [Palm Beach + Southampton] 125 Worth Ave, Suite 203, Palm Beach, Florida (631) 953-5882

A LITTLE CHEER

We all enjoyed a little cheer this holiday season. On a cold rainy night we gathered at BD Jeffries stunning store in Charlotte N.C. for a festive evening. Bently’s buds & brews flower and tap truck provided gorgeous flowers to create your own bouquet. Legion Brewing provided the beer. Raffle giveaways were gifted by Anne Neilson Fine Art Gallery, Malak Jewelers, BD Jeffries, Toccare Day Spa and a gift certificate to the new Limani restaurant located in Phillips Place Charlotte as well as New York City.

“The Power of Food” evening was held at the beautiful West Hartford CT. Delamar Hotel. Executive Chef Michael Giai of the hotel’s Artisan restaurant prepared a decadent dinner focusing on the powerful and healing properties, that food can provide. Floral arrangements were provided by Lane & Lenge florist, located within the hotel. Guests gathered for passed hors d’oeuvres and champagne by the fireplace in the lobby. Heather Wright a hotel employee played the piano beautifully. After the cocktail hour the evening proceeded to the Artisan restaurant. We were all entertained by Kyle O’Connor on guitar and vocals and enjoyed the Chef’s dinner.

IF YOU HAVEN’T, YOU SHOULD

By Margaret Bastick Luce

HONKY TONK AND LUXURY WRAPPED INTO 36 HOURS…

Music has always moved me, so when my son expressed interest in touring Vanderbilt University Blair School of Music, I jumped at the chance to visit a city I had never visited and patted myself on the back for the singing lessons from the age of six which clearly paid off. Making the most of our whirlwind trip, I selected The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel in the heart of Nashville, for our stay. The Joseph Hotel is a delight! Featuring amazing art found around and threaded throughout the guest experience. The combination of local culture, contemporary design, terrific staff, delicious cuisine, a divine rooftop pool, and the gym filled with my favorite palestra from Milano, Techno Gym, make it a must-stay when visiting Nashville.

The lively streets are filled with honky tonk hot spots, music bursting out of every doorway, great coffee, bachelorette parties, cowboy boots, and jean shorts. Taking in cultural centerpieces like the Frist Art Museum located in the historic post office and noting the Nashville Symphony Center and thriving parishes. We walked across the bridge to pop by the patio of The Mockingbird to say hello to a friend who had just moved from Brooklyn. This chic diner with classic American comfort food and a global spin was a lovely surprise. It got me thinking, what if my son spent his college years in Nashville? I could pack my hiking boots and explore the Great Smokey Mountains.

Wasting no time, day one was a wrap. As we meandered back, we envisioned room service ensconced in a beautiful hotel room with our favorite shows and an early night ahead of our tour of Vanderbilt. Up early, having a quick sprint on the treadmill, a coffee to go, and hopping in an Uber, greeted by the lush landscape with mountains in the background, made for the ultimate campus pictorial. Having seen so much in a short hop to this lovely city, we were happy to return to our hotel and reflect on this welcoming community and how fortunate we were to spend time together.

From takeoff to landing, Conrad left a trail of knapsacks, jackets, and earbuds but surely found his way; all in all, this mother-and-son trip was a ten. Setting aside the thought that this is a chore and turning this change in season for my son into an adventure. Noticing how connected we are, how much fun we had, experiencing the finer things in life, and how much he appreciated this time. We are meant to be where we are meant to be!

DAILY AFFIRMATION:

If You Haven’t, You Should…make time for that special getaway; life is fleeting, so take the precious moment, jump, stay light on your feet, and be ready to bounce!

Art in The Joseph Nashville

M Luce Nashville Symphony

M Luce Rooftop The Joseph Nashville

Conrad The Joseph Denim Rooftop Restaurant