LUXURY WORLD LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
Rolex. Uncontested in both performance and reputation. Mickelson: Once again, proving he is different. Congratulations, Phil on your third Masters victory.
ROLEX. A CROWN FOR EVERY ACHIEVEMENT
Rolex. Uncontested in both performance and reputation. Mickelson: Once again, proving he is different. Congratulations, Phil on your third Masters victory.
ROLEX. A CROWN FOR EVERY ACHIEVEMENT
OCT 29 - NOV 1
Bermuda Championship Port Royal Golf Course, Southampton, BER • Purse: $4,000,000
NOV 5 - 8
NOV 12 -15
Memorial Park Golf Course, Houston, TX • Purse: $7,000,000
Masters Tournament Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, GA
NOV 19 - 22
The RSM Classic Sea Island Resort (Seaside), Sea Island, GA • Purse: $6,600,000
DEC 3 - 6
DEC 11 - 13
Mayakoba Golf Classic El Camaleon Golf Club, Playa del Carmen, MEX • Purse: $7,200,000
QBE Shootout Tiburón Golf Course, Naples, FL • Purse: $3,600,000
Lanto Griffin $1,350,000 Tyler Duncan $1,188,000
JAN 7-10
JAN 14 - 17
JAN 21 - 24
JAN 28 - 31
FEB 4 -7
FEB 11 - 14
FEB 18 - 21
FEB 25 - 28
FEB 25 - 28
MAR 4 - 7
MAR
APR
Associated with the rich and famous, yachting has become one of the best-known lifestyle options available to the super rich. A synonym of exclusivity, independence and privacy, yachting is now an activity available for those who not only want to buy their own yachts but hire them. Leonardo DiCaprio, Rhianna, Jay-Z and Beyonce are all known to rent yachts much like those of Yacht Charter Greece for weeks at a time, hosting private parties and enjoying the anonymity that being on the open waters can give them away from the press.
“For me it’s always been about the freedom,” says Mike Simpson, an avid sailor and yacht aficionado. “The sea represents the ultimate freedom to me – you can just cast off and you’re your own master.”
The appetite for yachting has been on a steady increase as more and more people look to vacation in safer arenas away from crowds and bustling cityscapes. Of course, the luxuriousness of yachting has always been popular with celebrities, the super rich and the upper class. And for those who own them, it can signify wealth and status.“Owning a yacht means something exclusive,” says Sebastiano Pitasi, a sales yacht broker. “Most of the time we are talking about a really unique masterpiece built to satisfy the owner’s wish to own something fully customized. A yacht is probably one of the most expensive hobbies an owner may have, but it’s for sure one that will create unforgettable moments.”
“The finest example of Yachts in our area. They are designed to streamline through and through.”Exclusive Collector
The Perfect Guide your Perfect Weekend
A super yacht is not actually defined by its price. Instead, what makes a super yacht is its length with 79 feet and up as a base figure (although some get much bigger). The average value of a super yacht is $10 million with a reported 4,476 people around the world owning one. The top countries of those who are high-net earners that own super yachts? The United States is at the top with 33%, with the United Kingdom following at 11%, Italy at 5%, Australia at 4% and Russia at 3%.
Many of the biggest yacht builders are Dutch and German, including Vitters Shipyard, Oceanco, Feadship Royal Dutch Shipyards and Amel Holland as well as Blohm + Voss and Lurssen. Other builders are Italian, English and American including Sunseeker, Perini Navi and Shipyards.
It’s important to look into the backgrounds of the previous owners and the economies of running a ship of this size.
Crews can consist of between eight and 35 members but can go as high as up to 50 or 60; for every 10 meters of boat there should be between two and four crew members, so this number can add up quickly.
It takes between 12 and 36 months to build a super yacht in order to fit specifications and personal design and style. 9 Yachting
When owning a yacht or renting them it’s important to map out where they want to go and whether or not the waters will be deep enough for it. Yachts can’t go to Turks and Caicos, for example, because the water is too shallow for them; whereas the south of France and Newport Rhode Island have quite deep harbors and so are frequent places for yachts to visit. Fueling – the cost and where to refuel – is also something owners and renters need to consider.
So, who are the top celebrities that have had the luxury of owning super yachts? Well let’s start with P Diddy, who purchased his 195 foot-long super yacht for $72 million from the executive chairman of Google. With a nightclub on board and an Aqua Glide water slide, he’s hosted parties with guests including Beyonce and Kanye West.
Then there’s director Steven Spielberg’s Seven Seas; an 86 meter yacht he purchased from Dutch Builder Oceano with exterior and interior styling done by Nuvolari Lenard.
One of the most famous luxury yachts out there has to be the Necker Belle; previously owned by Richard Branson and named after his island – the Necker Belle is a 32 meter catamaran designed for socializing with water toys, accommodations and a massive sundeck.
Of course, some celebrities tend to choose a luxury yacht charter experience instead of purchasing it outright. That includes the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio who charters the boat Topaz when he’s looking to escape the limelight of Hollywood and has hosted various parties on it. The 483 feet super yacht is also home to conference rooms and a state-of-the-art gym as well as two helipads. So is yachting the ultimate luxury? Enjoyed by celebrities, entrepreneurs and the ultra-rich, yachting is certainly a fantastic experience and one that is incompa-
Are you struggling with those pitch shots around the green, whether to hit it high or low, make it stop quickly or skid and roll? Here’s my prescription for making the shot selection and execution process as simple as possible.
In fact, what I love about this shot is that you can basically use the same technique, then just change ball position and clubs to create all the shots you need from 30 yards and in. No more confusion on set-up or execution
Here we go. Set up, keep it clean!
Stance narrow, just inside hip width (Photo 1)
Front foot dropped back and flared slightly, this will help your body rotate through the shot
Ball position for standard shot, just slightly back of center Center of sternum over ball
Place more pressure onto your lead foot
Handle of club pointing just slightly forward of belly button.
From a nice, compact but balanced set up position, swing your arms back and allow your trail arm to fold until your hands are just off your rear pocket, as I’m doing in Photo 2.
Now more than ever, Golf is a mental and physical escape, an outdoor workout that can do your wellbeing a world of good. Strategy, technique and patience, all working together to hit a tiny white ball. The illustrious golf destinations included on our hot list are dedicated to the longevity and love of the sport of golf. These resorts have the facilities and deep expertise to help you focus both body and mind as the primary means to lowering handicaps, reducing repetitive injuries, and ultimately enjoying the game for a lifetime.
Even the most jaded golf junkie won’t grow tired of the ample options on offer at Arizona’s We-Ko-Pa Golf Club. The two courses (Cholla and Saguaro) are extremely different. Normally at a 36-hole facility, you find similar layouts with matching routing and design features and they’re often planned by the same designers. That’s not the case at We-Ko-Pa. The distinct courses are incredibly different and boast their own features, flavor, feel, and playability. Facing Covid era protocols head on, both courses have been impeccable in welcoming guests with enhanced sanitation. Best of all? You can truly lose yourself in the landscape here; you won’t find a single home, road, condo, gas station anywhere near the golf course.
“Located only 20 minutes from the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, our lushly land- scaped oasis offers spectacular views of Arizona’s majestic Four Peaks and iconic Red Mountain alongside the free- owing Verde River.” -Scott
Scott Miller’s celebrated Cholla course offers more of a traditional desert challenge. There are some spicy forced carries, clear landing areas and potential snafus are always well defined so you know to avoid at all cost. Hole 8 is an outstanding downhill dogleg right par 5. The 15th is a true risk versus reward drivable par 4, and all of the par 3s have striking character instead of just a golf hole for the sake of a golf hole.
After cinching the 2019 North American Golf Resort of the Year by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, one would think 2020 has been dire for Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club. On closer inspection,what we learned is quite the opposite. Fairmont Chateau Whistler’s 3-Course Golf Vacation package provides accommodation for two nights and golf for two adults at the guest’s choice of three fantastic Whistler golf courses. Guests may choose to play rounds at Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Nicklaus North Golf Course, Whistler Golf Club or Big Sky Golf Club during their stay.
“Golf is about how well you accept, respond to, and score with your misses much more so than it is a game of your perfect shots.”
-Dr Bob RotellaProviding PGA TOUR players, spectators and sponsors with prestige hospitality during THE PLAYERS, the Clubhouse is a robust social hub during the other 51 weeks of the year.
Fairmont Pacific Rim and Fairmont Chateau Whistler have also unveiled a new partnership with BMW Canada and Sea-to-Sky Exotic Cars to offer guests a four-day signature drive experience. In addition to luxury hotel accommodation, the package, aptly named Life is a (Luxurious) Highway, includes exclusive access to an all-new BMW X7, the largest and most luxurious vehicle to be added to the BMW collection in the brand’s history.
“What we’re seeing at this property is encouraging and proof of the enduring appeal of golf,” observes Nick Droulis, Director of Golf at Fairmont Chateau Whistler, on a dedicated call with us to address how his team has adapted to moving forward. “More and more, we are seeing established, elite athletes who, shut out of their league sports due to Covid protocols, are crossing over to golf as a way to stay sharp.” Turns out this “crossover” new audience misses the highly competitive environment of their sport; they are flocking to the greens at Fairmont Chateau Whistler to find refuge in the monastic discipline of perfecting a putt, or the technical virtuosity required for a swift, solid drive down the fairway.
An Audubon-certified course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., the Fairmont Chateau Whistler course drapes along the foothills of Blackcomb Mountain, traversing creeks, granite outcroppings and ancient Douglas fir. So what happens when your clientele suddenly has all the time in the world to escape into nature to perfect their swing? “We’ve never seen such a spike in interest and bookings for trainers and instructors,” Droulis enthuses. “It’s remarkable, the support we’ve received from repeat guests.”
Home of THE PLAYERS Championship, and backdrop to PGA TOUR headquarters, TPC Sawgrass is one of the world’s most famous golf courses. The Stadium Course sports one of the most recognizable and challenging holes on the PGA TOUR — the iconic par-3, 17th hole, featuring an island green. Golf enthusiasts yearn to play not one but two PGA TOUR championship courses at
the club, both designed by beloved architect Pete Dye and built to challenge top pros, while at the same time providing amateurs with the ultimate golf experience.
THE PLAYERS Stadium Course is known for having three of the most challenging finishing holes and one of the most centerfold worthy holes in the world – Hole 17 and its iconic island green. Allowing recreational golfers access to a level of play typically reserved for PGA TOUR players, a round here wins you bragging rights for the year.
The beloved 77,000 square foot Mediterranean Revival-style Clubhouse features panoramic views of the 9th and 18th holes and serves as an architectural centerpiece.
17 Golf TipsHaving a patio in your backyard is a great space to use when the weather allows. It’s the perfect area to entertain and enjoy. But, like any area of the home, they can often use an update. An old and outdated patio is not one you’ll want to spend time enjoying.
Patio maintenance is one of the first steps to creating a better outdoor living space. From there, a lot comes down to how you use your patio and what your style is. If you’re looking for a few ideas, here are ways you can improve your patio.
While patios require less maintenance and upgrades than other areas of the house, it’s smart to evaluate your space at least once a year to see what improvements you can make. Not only will this help you enjoy your patio more, but it can also help its longevity. “Redecorating a patio can feel like a monstrous task, but there are some basic areas to focus on to have your patio looking new without investing lots of time and money,” Rachel Craig, PR & communications at LampsUSA, said.
If you want a backyard patio you can’t wait to spend time using, here are a few ideas to improve it:
Eliminate Weeds In Patio Cracks
·Install A Lattice Patio Cover
·Power Wash A Patio
·Invest In Patio Furniture
·Build An Outdoor Kitchen Add Potted Plants
1. Make Patio Repairs
Patios that have cracks, chips and fading is likely no place you want to spend time. Unfortunately, all these damages can occur as your patio ages. One way to make sure your patio is in great shape is by making repairs as soon as you see it’s needed. The average cost to repair a patio or pathway is $1,226, with most homeowners spending between $777 and $1,360 depending on the type of repair that’s needed.
3. Install A Pergola
2. Eliminate Weeds In Patio Cracks
A common problem in patios is weeds. They can come up easily between bricks or in cracks of the cement. This is not something that makes your patio look good. You can easily get rid of tall weeds by pulling them out yourself regularly. Or, mix a solution of one part salt and two parts boiling water as a natural weed killer. Pour over the weeds on your patio and they should die within a few days.
If you want a little bit of shade over your patio, consider installing a pergola. These structures can be placed over your patio to provide a little bit of shade and elegance to your outdoor living space. A pergola is an investment, however. The average cost to install a pergola is between $2,000 and $15,000.
The trail across Calabria is nearly 34 miles long with a variety of landscapes to enjoy.
The Italian region of Calabria is bookmarked by two seas with mountains and beaches in between. And now a new trail has opened that will allow hikers to explore Calabria from coast to coast and experience the stunning nature that it’s known for.
The Kalabria Coast to Coast trail connects the town of Soverato on the Ionian Sea to the town of Pizzo on the Tyrrhenian Sea, Lonely Planet reports. The trail is about 34 miles long with a range of landscapes and difficulty levels from medium to medium-high, so people of differing abilities and athleticism can enjoy it.
According to Lonely Planet, the trail was created by the Kalabria Trekking association in an effort to create “an emotional and sensorial journey” to the heart of Calabria, where hikers could discover the region’s local traditions and more. Along the path there is a wide variety.
of flora and fauna for nature lovers to spot, while history buffs will appreciate Calabria’s past as part of Magna Graecia, giving the region more than a millennium of history and culture to learn about.
According to Lonely Planet, the trail was created by the Kalabria Trekking association in an effort to create “an emotional and sensorial journey” to the heart of Calabria, where hikers could discover the region’s local traditions and more. Along the path there is a wide variety of flora and fauna for nature lovers to spot, while history buffs
Mountains & Beaches
will appreciate Calabria’s past as part of Magna Graecia, giving the region more than a millennium of history and culture to learn about.
The Kalabria Coast to Coast trail is divided into three main stops averaging nearly 12.5 miles each. Hikers will be able to contact Kalabria Trekking volunteers by phone in case they are in need of assistance at any point throughout their trip. Tourists are also encouraged to check in and out of the trail so their trip can be supervised and they can easily be found in case of an emergency.
To add an extra element of fun to the trail, there’s also a passport that allows hikers to mark their progress with stamps from each town and village along the way. This passport dedicated to the Kalabria Coast to Coast also provides trekkers with discounts at both restaurants and hotels. The passport is free, but a voluntary contribution is appreciated.
This trail is not the only recent project launched in Italy to help outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the country a little bit more. A new 87-mile cycling path is underway to allow bike riders to explore the entire perimeter of Lake Garda.
Meanwhile, a new hiking path is being built to connect all 25 of Italy’s national parks. For more information on the Kalabria Coast to Coast trail, visit Kalabria Trekking’s official website.
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Going forward, 2021 is an opportune time to implement Feng Shui’s fusion of art and science into rewriting the story of your home. With an emphasis on re-imagining your future for greater abundance, the kitchen is a great place to start. Since the kitchen provides vital nourishment for your body and soul, scribing a fresh narrative per Feng Shui’s tenants will lift your mood, engage you in favorable experiences, and encourage positivity.
To begin, stand in the heart of your kitchen and ask, “What is the tale my kitchen space is presently telling?”
Listen to what your accoutrements, color choices, cabinets, and counter tops are saying. Be inspired; with just a few changes, your kitchen can truly become the heart of the home. Implement these thoughtful shifts to create an enriching visual impact.
Pantone’s trending fall/winter 2020/2021 colors are luxurious hues that speak of harmony, wellness, creativity, and pragmatism. Neutral tones combine well with the bold palettes of Magenta Purple, Ultramarine Green, Amberglow, and Sandstone, so that your kitchen’s personality is deliciously revealed. From painting an accent wall to adding accessories from these trend-forward hues, your space becomes a successful, transformational story.
Kitchen Feng Shui
Feng Shui honors the Five Elements of Nature — wood (spring), fire (Summer), earth (in between summer and fall), metal (autumn), and water (winter). The kitchen that incorporates these essential elements is in the ultimate harmony.
Wood: Family photos, herb garden, and plants, plus, wooden floors, tables, and cabinets. Wood represents strength, dynamic creativity, exponential growth, and engagement. Colors: green, blue, and purple
Fire: The stove is considered the most important wealth feature of your home. Keep it sparkling clean as it is the Alchemist, transforming your food into vital nourishment. Even if you do not cook on all four burners, every day rotate turning on each burner as, in Feng Shui, it is said to usher in money from multiple resources. Candles are always a nice fire element addition to the kitchen to add balance when the other elements are also at work.
Colors: red or orange
Earth: This element creates a sense of safety, protection, and sustainability. Having a terracotta-colored runner (secured with carpet tape), ceramic pottery, and Himalayan salt lamp (the latter cleanses the air) promises life’s sweet pleasure which is Earth’s spice of life. Colors: brown, golden yellow, taupe, and clay
Metal: Mixing up your hardware finishes, and/or installing a new back splash in one of the metallic options sets the stage for synchronicity, a keener imagination, and cosmic inspiration. Color: pastels, white and silver/gray.
Water: In Feng Shui, this fluid element influences your career, of being on the right life path. Consider placing art depicting a flowing river, the endless abundance of the ocean, and/or a waterfall pouring into the kitchen. The kitchen faucet taps you into infinite reserves of well-being, rejuvenation. Colors: black, navy, aqua
Pairing colors with like temperatures always results in harmonious color combinations. For example, pairing cool hues like blues and greens together always works well. Or pairing a mix of warm neutrals, such as a soft beige with a rich brown or a deep shade or orange, will be equally pleasing to the eye.
Going forward, 2021 is an opportune time to implement Feng Shui’s fusion of art and science into rewriting the story of your home. With an emphasis on re-imagining your future for greater abundance, the kitchen is a great place to start. Since the kitchen provides vital nourishment for your body and soul, scribing a fresh narrative per Feng Shui’s tenants will lift your mood, engage you in favorable experiences, and encourage positivity.
To begin, stand in the heart of your kitchen and ask, “What is the tale my kitchen space is presently telling?”
Listen to what your accouterments, color choices, cabinets, and counter tops are saying. Be inspired; with just a few changes, your kitchen can truly become the heart of the home. Implement these thoughtful shifts to create an enriching visual impact.
The Kitchen’s narrative must have a specific language, and a descriptive rhythm and flow. An excellent approach to translating intentions into reality are plants, specifically auspicious ones, and an herb garden.
1. The Lucky Bamboo denotes wealth, strength, and due to its resilience, it is said to bless you with a quality of life.
2. Jade’s rounded, green leaves symbolize growth, renewal and resemble exquisite jade stones, a sacred symbol of wealth. They are easy to maintain.
3. An indoor Herb garden provides fresh basil, oregano, and cilantro within reach. Plus, they have long been considered plants of prosperity.
With just a few of the above-mentioned suggestions, you can edit your kitchen to have a more inviting vibe that encourages positivity, creativity, and harmony – something we all need moving into 2021.
It’s the end of the world as we know it. No matter where you live or what you do, COVID-19 has forced a new way of life. These challenging times have brought about an opportunity for change, which is the precursor of growth. As such, we expect to see positive shifts in healthcare reform, personal and public hygiene, travel, technology, and home design. As we evolve together as a society on a large scale, we retreat as families and individuals. Our homes (our sanctuaries) have become makeshift offices, schools, restaurants, spas, gyms, movie theaters, and conference rooms. People value their homes now more than ever and continue to be reminded how beneficial they are to our well-being. Architects and designers are seeing an uptick of interest in areas of design that can better both our athome lives and the environment. Efficient power and water, indoor/ outdoor spaces, UV sensors, roof terraces, solar panels, urban farming, re-imagined floor plans, EPA-friendly products, and a more hygienic atmosphere are some of the widespread upgrades expected in residences across the globe. Thoughtful design in architecture is top of mind as indoor and outdoor living takes new shape.
As we see longevity in the workfrom-home model, a home office is a must-have. Not just any old makeshift home office, but a defined, technologically equipped, sound insulated, private space. The windows will be large allowing for natural light and a connection to the outdoors. The new home office will act as a private communication room with good acoustics and great lighting for virtual work meetings.
As more people work remotely and newly acquired behaviors become more permanent, the functionality of the home is getting an upgrade. Flexibility is one of the top priorities for luxury homeowners who find themselves with multiple spatial needs. Therefore, the popular open floorplan concept is predicted
to morph into re-imagined layouts with clearly defined spaces. Look for separate entrances, extended foyers, and mudrooms to act as a barrier from the outside world. These areas work as ‘drop zones’ where shoes can be removed, and hands can be sanitized before entering the sacred space of the home.
Look for vast improvements in air filtration systems, and further progress in home automation connectivity.
Designers are also harnessing the power of UVC light, which has been proven to kill airborne viruses, as a tool to help stop the spread and multiplication of viruses like COVID-19. Along with UVC disinfecting lamps that can be placed around the home, Smart UV has designed portable UV light sanitizing devices to take on the go.
This is the time to evaluate and alter the layout and functionality of outdoor spaces. “We need to be able to move around in nature, and because of COVID-19, we have learned that our front and backyards are the safest places to do so,” said architect Sybille Zimmermann, the founder of L.A.-based Studio Zimmermann. As indoor/outdoor living grows in popularity, alfresco dining and entertaining areas are getting some muchdeserved attention.
From vast, sweeping patios with gorgeous seating areas to hefty outdoor kitchens replete with pizza ovens, built-in WiFi grills, stainless steel appliances, and coordinating dining tables, designers are making our post-coronavirus outdoor dreams come true. At the same time, they are bringing the surrounding landscape to life by integrating elements like water features, fireplaces, stone walkways, and custom lighting. The new luxury home will include a rooftop terrace retreat outfitted with a cozy seating area, lush greenery and planters, and trellises or canopies creating a space to relax and enjoy the fresh air and views, further extending the indoor/ outdoor living concept.
“The Design of the Spaces we inhabit impacts on the way we feel, perform and behave.”
-Oliver Heath
When it comes to interiors, hygiene is a top priority. Nonporous surfaces are gaining ground due to their antibacterial properties. High quality Caesar stone quartz counter tops are environmentally responsible and available in designs that imitate marble and granite. These types of surfaces are flexible, allowing for several different applications around the home including office desks and workstations. Other hygiene products that are trending include Monogram professional cook tops, ovens, and refrigerators which feature WiFi connectivity with app-controlled settings that reduce the need to handle surfaces. Another welcome change in the kitchen, wet bar, and bathroom will be the addition of copper fixtures, sinks, and bathtubs, due to the metal’s sanitary properties. “Kitchen and bathroom sinks are among the most frequently used items in the home, so opting for a copper sink can play a powerful role in maintaining a truly sanitary environment. It is a beautiful, sustainable, and highly practical material,” said Naomi Neilson, founder and CEO of Native Trails. Touchless faucets and Duravit bidets are seeing sales skyrocket as they allow for hands-free healthy hygiene.
This is the time to evaluate and alter the layout and functionality of our spaces. We need to be able to move around comfortably in our own homes.
Villa Valentin is located on a private hilltop overlooking the Mexican Pacific Ocean in beautiful Riviera Nayarit, Mexico.
Villa Valentin is the perfect combination of amazing ocean views and the lush tropical outdoors. Ocean breezes and spectacular sunsets create a serene, resort-style experience all within a private residence.
This eight-bedroom, eight-bathroom luxury villa has been featured in numerous international design and destination television shows, newspapers, and magazines, such as Ellé Decor Italy. Its laid back and relaxing bohemian-style interior blends traditional Mexican architecture with modern amenities to establish a oneof-a- kind property. Villa Valentin combines natural beauty and architecture with sybaritic lifestyle.
Riviera Nayarit is one of Mexico’s renowned travel and vacation destinations because of the five-star services, adventures, and attractions offered in the area. Villa Valentin sits in the ideal secluded location while still being close to conveniences. It combines the advantage of hilltop privacy and security with a relaxing stressfree place for year-round living, or as an ideal vacation home. Not only is this estate private, but is also protected from city noise. Although it is in a quiet area, it is still a quick drive into Sayulita’s main town square or the stunning beaches.
Villa Valentin features remarkable hand-crafted construction from the area’s top tradesmen. The attention to detail speaks for itself, from the distinguished inlaid stone floors to the hand-crafted traditional palapa ceilings.
Villa Valentin is a unique 8 bedroom private resort which is situated in jungle surrounds overlooking the ocean, capturing the cool sea breezes and spectacular sunsets while watching the whales cruise by.
Villa Valentin
All eight bedrooms have stunning views of either the ocean or tropical forest. Four of the of the bedrooms are crowned with exquisite brick-domed high ceilings. The full size kitchen features three sets of folding doors which open the kitchen to the large outdoor living area, ideal to host large events or intimate gatherings.
Villa Valentin’s outdoor living area includes a full bar, saltwater pool, and grand terrace. The outdoor palapa provides a nice shaded spot next to the full bar for relaxing with a cocktail, dining, or to use as a work out area all while experiencing the dazzling views and refreshing ocean breezes. The grand terrace is the ideal spot for outdoor living and entertaining. You can enjoy a colorful, picturesque sunset every evening at Villa Valentin.
This property is currently generating solid rental income capturing the wedding market and private special events. The new owner can decide to continue with the current business model or make this special Villa their own private residence.
One of the key learnings from this pandemic has been the value of adaptability, in our personal lives and in business. Those of us used to driving into an office every day had to be flexible with our daily routine and learn to work from home. Schools had to adjust to educating their students virtually. We also saw large corporations flex their capabilities to meet urgent needs around the world. Fashion labels like Ralph Lauren and Prada reconfigured their production facilities to produce face masks and isolation gowns. Other companies adapted by making ventilators, hand sanitizer and soap at their manufacturing plants. In ordinary as well as unprecedented times, businesses that are flexible and pivot at the right points have a distinct advantage over those that don’t. In order to move forward successfully in this new reality, there are several core factors businesses will need to consider:
It’s essential to address evolving market needs. No market remains the same indefinitely. Consumer needs continuously change and markets fluctuate, which means companies must be ready to pivot in order to meet those changes. A great example is DuPont. It began as a manufacturer of gunpowder as far back as the Civil War. In fact, they supplied much of the gunpowder to the Union Army. The market changed after the war and throughout the ensuing years, DuPont reinvented itself many times to become the multi-industry powerhouse it is today.
Technology demands adaption. Advancements in technology are continually requiring companies to adapt their business models. Netflix disrupted the DVD rental market when it brought its streaming service to the market. While the company was once in the DVD rental business, it adapted as technology advanced. It forever changed the way we consume entertainment, while Blockbuster failed to be flexible and ceased to exist.
Another example of technology driving adaptation is Microsoft. Updating its software programs like Word and Adobe used to be done by purchasing and installing a CD. As cloud-based technology advanced, the company changed its business model to subscription-based software that is more easily and frequently updated.
Brands need to keep up with changing times. The strongest brands consider their relevance, market and competition, and adapt over time. What makes a brand unique and special today, won’t necessarily make it that way 10, 30 or 50 years down the road. Changing customer needs mean companies should update their brand promise when it’s warranted. Brand language, logos and differentiators also change over time. Organizations that are flexible are more likely to keep their brands relevant without changing who they are at their core.
Products must be kept relevant. From phones to cars to toothpaste, products are changing all the time to meet shifting needs. Ten years ago, we didn’t see many electric vehicles on the road. Today, we see charging stations popping up across the country and long-established automotive companies diving into the electric vehicle market with gusto. They are adapting to market and environmental demands for cleaner transportation. It’s a great example of how companies must continually re-evaluate their product offering and pivot at key times to remain relevant.
It’s vital to monitor the changes coming ahead. No one has a magic crystal ball. Predicting change and what will be needed to adapt to it is not an exact science. That’s why organizations that are set up to strategically adapt their approach, processes and actions are at a distinct advantage. Even when the unpredictable happens, they can better alter their course to respond and remain relevant. We are in unprecedented times that not only call for demand but adaptability. Whether an organization is dragged into it kicking and screaming, or whether it is leading the charge and positioning itself to respond even faster to future changes, will determine its success. When it comes to adapting to change, you don’t want to be the 1,000 ton aircraft carrier . . . you want to be the speedboat that can turn on a dime.