With every season of herein, we delight in being home and away, and attempt to spotlight ways our readers can enrich their lives. This issue takes us on a culinary adventure in Bozeman, Montana, whisks away to the bustling metropolis of São Paulo, Brazil, a city of contrasts and endless discoveries, and profiles Carl Cheng, a fascinating artist whose thoughtprovoking installations challenge our perceptions of nature, technology, and the environment, and much more. We hope you love the issue as much as we enjoyed putting it together. As always, enjoy the journey herein.
SET SAIL ON A JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY
With the freedom to immerse yourself in life’s exceptional experiences, explore unexpected hideaways, and stir curiosities that inspire deeper connections. Marvel at the beauty of the world through fresh eyes.
Marriott Residences Owners can enjoy a 5% fare savings on voyages with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. For reservations, call (833) 716-7500 or contact your travel professional.
global Sailing in Style | 76 image by edgardo contreras
14
Global
*ATHENA’S WISDOM
Celebrated designer and author Athena Calderone is redefining the art of contemporary living.
26
São Paulo
*STYLISH IN SÃO PAULO
Exploring Vila Madalena, São Paulo’s trendy, bohemian enclave.
36
Park City Utah
*ON MOUNTAIN TIME
By winter, it’s a skier’s paradise in Park City and Deer Valley—but there are adventures to be enjoyed, year-round..
44 Singapore
*SINGAPORE SOUJORN
Bustling with Michelinstarred restaurants, luxury shopping, and astounding architecture, this city-state is a colorful microcosm.
56
Siari
*NATURAL WONDER
Perched above the Pacific, this new luxury development has been designed to celebrate and preserve the land, sea, and culture that surround it.
68 Global
NATURE NEVER LOSES
The first in-depth survey of contemporary artist Carl Cheng catapults his ethos and artwork to the forefront.
76
Global
SAILING IN STYLE
Adding two new custom superyachts to its fleet, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers more odysseys in iconic destinations
88
Greece
*MUST-DO’S IN COSTA NAVARINO
Just three and a half hours drive from Athens, the Messinia Region is home to the stunning Costa Navarino.
96 Montana
*MOUNTAIN HIGH
Showcasing the owners’ background and skill working with global flavors, Shan is a cozy Bozeman tavern that’s already received national acclaim.
104
Arizona
*ARIZONA’S GODFORSAKEN WINE
How Los Milics Vineyards and the 48th state are transforming pleasure for wine enthusiasts around the world.
116
Morocco
*MOROCCO’S RED GOLD
The remarkable journey of saffron, an intense spice that has long been synonymous with wealth and luxury.
124 LES NOUVEAUX
126
LIST OF RESIDENCES
130
Dubai / São Paulo / Singapore / Tokyo
WELL & GOOD
Explore some of the world’s most iconic destinations for coastal living.
132 Houston
JOY OF OWNERSHIP
A new Marriott
Residence in Space City redefines elegance.
each story in herein shares a location with one or more of these residences .
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GLOBAL DESIGN DIRECTOR & CREATIVE PROCESS
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Published by: NMG Network 41 N. Hotel St. Honolulu, HI 96817
At dusk, the entrance to Los Milics Vineyards beckons you to a unique Arizona wine experience in the high desert. Image courtesy of Los Milics Vineyards.
hello
A welcoming gesture
designer and author
Athena’s
Wisdom
multihyphenate creative athena calderone is inspired by everyday beauty , as well as her travels to locales like vienna opposite page : image by brett warren above : image by jenna saraco
She is many things—an interior designer, author, and founder of lifestyle brand EyeSwoon—but above all else, Athena Calderone is stylish. She effortlessly employs textures, form and function, conjuring up spaces that feel timelessly chic yet always au courant. Behind all her work is an unwavering commitment
text by kathryn drury wagner
images courtesy of athena calderone
celebrated
athena calderone is redefining the art of contemporary living .
to detail and a deep appreciation of design history. Whether she is serving as a creative director; penning a James Beard awardwinning cookbook, Cook Beautiful, or a best-selling interior design tome, Live Beautiful; or collaborating with companies like Crate & Barrel, Calderone’s modern take on design and the power it holds to shape our lives has earned her a much-deserved following. We spoke with Calderone about her brand, business, and passions.
herein magazine : How would you describe your aesthetic, and do you find that it’s a constant or that it unfolds in new ways as you move through life?
athena calderone : I never want to be stagnant in my quest for beauty. For this reason, describing my aesthetic in words is challenging as it’s ever evolving. One constant is that I always want my design and my homes to feel collected and curated, to have a bit of the unexpected while retaining a level of restraint and sophistication.
herein : The words “explore” and “curiosity” come up a lot in relation to your design philosophy. What does this look like in terms of your creative process?
ac : I am always looking to educate my eye, continually research varied periods in design, and discover something new. This spirit of inquiry often leads me down unfamiliar streets, where I stumble upon unexpected restaurants, museums, or furniture galleries—like Galerie Romain Morandi in Paris. It is in the heart of the historic neighborhood of Saint-Germaindes-Prés, and I first passed by on a day they
were closed and took multiple images of the striking pieces styled in the window. Later I returned and fell in love with Romain’s curation, even purchasing a Viennese desk for my Tribeca apartment. Kismet encounters like this are essential to my evolution as a designer and creative. You never know how it will translate into your work but therein lies the beauty and magic of discovery.
herein : Tell us about your favorite time of day for artistic inspiration.
ac : The mornings are the most creative for me, especially the morning light in Amagansett and how it dances on the walls as I sip my coffee, the sounds of the birds and cicadas in my yard, and the light reflecting off the pool water. The constant horns and sirens in Tribeca are most certainly not inspiring to me but I suppose we need contrast!
herein : Your design practice goes beyond the visual—encompassing scents, textures, sounds, the written word, and flavors. How do you nourish your own creativity?
ac : In the same way my creative life is more than one thing, so too is the source. But tapping into that creative space is something I constantly need to remain conscious of. I need to have space to dream but our worlds have become so structured and scheduled, which is in direct opposition to a creative life. For me, cooking is essential. I don’t think when I am cooking. It’s like active meditation, as are working out and yoga. I have even pulled back on social media this year and been strict with myself to allow weekends to truly be a weekend.
athena calderone with one of her rugs in collaboration with beni rugs . image by william jess laird .
herein : Your dinner parties are the stuff of legend. Do you have any advice on how homeowners can imbue more beauty into their own entertaining moments?
ac : Look to Mother Nature and what’s happening outside with the season to inform your table. Fruits and vegetables from the farmer’s market simply placed on the table can also make an elegant impact. Perhaps you incorporate elements from the menu. For a fall table, I champagne grapes cascading over the lip of a pedestal, or petite pears with their leaves still clinging to them sprinkled down the table. And don’t forget candlelight (lots of it!) to create a dreamy, warm atmosphere that encourages conversation long into the night. Intimate gatherings at home should always feel special and beautiful but also casual to the core.
herein : Do you have a favorite travel destination?
left : calderone researchs varied periods in design history , discovering inspiration to create something new , such as in her tribeca apartment
ac : I attribute my love of flavor, texture, and design to my travels—three things that all work in tandem in my life. My Tribeca apartment, for example, sparked an exploration of the functionalist period, leading me to Vienna, where I delved into its decorative arts and architecture. This informed my collection, Salon, with Beni Rugs; the MAK’s [Vienna’s Museum of Applied Arts] glass ceiling inspiring the symmetrical geometry and modern framing for the designs.
In Paris, the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, by Auguste Perret—the first Art Deco building in the city—captivated me.
This year, I returned to Copenhagen to finalize our Tribeca apartment plans with architect Danielle Siggerud. That city’s epicurean renaissance and minimal design aesthetic continue to inspire me. Vienna, Paris, and Copenhagen are all deeply intertwined with food and design, which form the core of my philosophy.
herein : Your designs seamlessly flow in and out of historical, vintage references into contemporary influences. Tell us about these contrasts in your design practice.
ac : I am always looking back to look forward. Recently, I’ve become enamored with the materiality of 1920s and ’30s design and how I can translate elements rooted in the past—parchment, lacquer, or silver leaf— into a modern context. There is beauty in the unexpected juxtaposition of these pieces set against the contemporary—a coming together of old and new. It’s not a
formula or a studied ratio, but I’m always seeking this balance in every space. Moving into my historic Tribeca apartment, which has such a majestic Art Deco presence, activated a shift in my personal research, predilections, and obsessions. My new collection of furniture, lighting, and décor for Crate & Barrel celebrates the geometries, layered edges, streamlined silhouettes, and monolithic proportions that I saw on my travels throughout Europe.
I wholeheartedly encourage others to think eclectically, mix woods, and contrast shapes and periods from different places and eras to develop their own collected aesthetic, which has always been the cornerstone of my approach to interior design.
herein : Lastly, what current trends are you most captivated by?
ac : I have been drawn to the elegant and timeless allure of lacquer lately. Its sheen feels sensual and evocative of a bygone era. Aside from its elaborate decoration, I am intrigued by its incredible history and the labor-intensive, 20-plus step process used to create it.
True lacquer is impenetrable—resistant to water, acid, and even heat to a certain extent. I am deeply attracted to the glam of the high gloss finish. It feels classic but also new, sophisticated, and elegant. You only need to look back at the beautiful Parisian homes of Yves Saint Laurent to see why. Lacquer feels like a material that is often forgotten but continuously reborn and needs to be resurfaced and considered again.
Stylish in
São
Paulo
With its skyscrapers and sprawling business districts, São Paulo City is often hailed as South America’s financial powerhouse. But within this Brazilian city’s more buttoned up, corporate exterior lies a heartbeat of creativity–the neighborhood of Vila Madalena–located in the Pinheiros district in the western part of the city.
Once a quiet, upper class suburb, this neighborhood is now a buzzy center
text by lise alves
contemporary sculptures at gallery millan image by julia thompson
for the city’s vibrant culture, with plentiful restaurants, trendy shopping, a thriving art scene, and lively nightlife.
“Vila Madá” as it is commonly referred to by Paulistas and tourists alike, has a culinary landscape that is perpetually evolving.
Newly opened Clandestina , for example, highlights the vision of renowned Brazilian chef Bel Coelho. It focuses on valuing Brazilian food culture and native ingredients. The menu includes dishes such as duck gyoza with tucupi and jambu sauce; quark cheese tortellini with mushrooms and toasted onion sauce; and snapper with vatapá sauce with fennel salad.
vila madalena ’ s thriving culinary scene includes clandestina , which highlights the vision of renowned brazilian chef bel coelho image courtesy of clandestina
top : guilhotina bar has made best - of lists worldwide image courtesy of guilhotina bar bottom : komah bakery pays homage to korean café culture image by lais acsa
Michelin-starred restaurant Corrutela also keeps the focus on the regional cuisine, working with local farmers, and sustainably sourced fish and meat. It even produces its flour in its own mill.
For a café meal, Komah Bakery blends traditional Korean flavors, in a contemporary way, with a wide variety of pastries, sandwiches, coffees, and breads.
At her namesake bakery, renowned pastry chef Marilia Zylbersztajn serves mouthwatering pies and cakes.
Vila Madalena has earned a well-deserved reputation for the best nightlife in the São Paulo. On Rua Apiscuelta (“rua” means road or street in Portuguese), you’ll find dozens of bars to suit any taste. By dusk, the bars start filling up, with people spilling out onto the streets, drink in hand, for a festive atmosphere.
If you prefer something quieter, check out Madeleine Jazz Bar , a little further down the street. The bar offers a cozy, sophisticated vibe, with an incredible selection of wines from a cellar full of exclusive labels. It is also one of the best places in the neighborhood for excellent live music.
On the northern end of the neighborhood
The Astor and SubAstor are the places to go. One of the best traditional bars in São Paulo, the Astor became so famous that it has expanded with two additional venues in different parts of the city. But don’t remain on the ground level at The Astor; the real treasure here lies one level down at The SubAstor. It looks like a 1950’s speakeasy and has one of the best Bloody Marys in the city. To find it, go down the staircase hidden behind velvet curtains at the end of the Astor.
On the outskirts of Vila Madalena, across the Faria Lima Boulevard, you will find a bar that was voted as one of the World’s 50 Best Bars for three consecutive years: Guilhotina Bar . A favorite among São Paulo’s serious cocktail aficionados, Guilhotina encourages interaction between customers and bartenders, who are always ready to make excellent suggestions. But Vila Madalena is not just about culinary adventures, and culture in this vibrant neighborhood thrives. Though it came to fame with its famous graffiti, the neighborhood has some of the best art galleries in the city.
Galeria Millan has been active since 1986, and often features exhibitions by
leading Brazilian artists, including Alex Červený, Bob Wolfenson, and Tunga. The gallery has two exhibition spaces, both on Rua Fradique Coutinho.
With striking spaces designed by architects Lina Bo Bardi, Ruy Ohtake and Felippe Crescenti, the Raquel Arnaud gallery is considered a forerunner in the contemporary art world. It represents nationally and internationally recognized artists such as Waltercio Caldas, Carlos Cruz-Díez, Arthur Luiz Piza, Maria Carmen Perlingeiro, and Carlos Zilio.
Vila Madalena is also home to talented fashion designers and entrepreneurs, many of whom focus on sustainable methods of production.
left : image courtesy of uma right : some of the eco - friendly luxury designs at osklen feature an unusual material : a leather made from the amazonian fish pirarucu image by breno da matta
For example, Baims features cosmetics and skincare that is vegan, cruelty free, and in beautiful packaging made from bamboo, glass, or aluminum. Another sustainable style leader, Osklen , was started by Brazilian designer Oskar Metsavaht. The line uses organic cotton and silk, hemp fiber, and Amazonian jute. It also turns the tough, leatherlike skins from the Amazonian fish pirarucu into luxury handbags and other accessories. The fish is a food staple in Northern Brazil and the skins were previously being discarded.
UMA and Flavia Aranha both use organic cotton and other natural fibers, harvested by family farmers and naturally dyed with Brazilian plants and herbs, to make their clothing.
Also, don’t miss Luiza Perea , a boutique located in the heart of the neighborhood. The designer’s shoes are all made by hand from soft goatskin leather, resulting in beautiful shoes that are also extremely comfortable.
So, even if you are in São Paulo for business, be sure to take time off to visit and experience all the effervescence that is Vila Madalena.
image courtesy by pedro vannucchi
On Mountain Time
Within less than an hour’s drive from Salt Lake City, Utah’s indisputable mountain town queens, Park City and neighboring Deer Valley, promise year-round exploration opportunities and authentic Western fun alongside stellar dining, shopping, and cultural entertainment.
Park City is the largest ski and snowboard resort in the United States, where more than 40 lifts connect over 330 trails across
images by deer valley resort
7,300 skiable acres. Just two miles away, Deer Valley offers up over 100 Wasatch Mountain trails. It skews even more luxe, and nearly a third of the trails here are groomed, hitting that sweet spot for beginner and intermediate level skiers. For the 2025/2026 ski season, Deer Valley will add an additional 2,900 acres of skiable terrain.
But this part of Utah beckons for not only for winter adventures, but also for yearround escapes, in the form of hiking, mountain biking, e-biking, freshwater swimming holes, and a whole lot more. And with all the strollable delights of a classic Western mountain town along Park City’s Historic Main Street, you could easily spend your days restauranthopping and shopping in the fresh air, too.
For a stay with slope style and a true sense of place, the ski-in/ski-out The St. Regis Deer Valley beckons for après-indulging with a heated mountainside pool and new restaurant, La Stellina, which opened during the summer of 2024 on the first floor of the Snow Park Residences. Chef Matt Harris (also of another local favorite, Tupelo Park City) hit the road throughout Italy and tapped the country’s home cooks for generations of knowledge to create La Stellina’s menu. Warm up with incredible homemade pastas like the pappardelle Bolognese and classics, too, like the bone-in
pork chop saltimbocca wrapped in prosciutto. Park City’s historic Main Street plays out like a moveable feast. For a romantic meal, head to the Italian country farmhouseinspired setting (think rough-hewn beams and terrazzo tiles) or grab a seat on the pretty outdoor patio at Grappa. At the top of Main Street, it’s a favorite for generous charcuterie plates and classics like calamari fritti.
Fire-cooked wagyu beef and sizzling elk loin are served up in the cozy ambiance of Firewood
And just off Main Street, Handle taps the region’s seasonal bounty in dishes that range from stone fruit with labneh, to mushroom Bolognese and bison short ribs.
Put the bow on another excellent Park City evening with the speakeasy surrounds of craft distillery, Alpine Distilling, where a range of botanical spirits conjure the woods, berries, fruits and roots of Utah’s distinct mountain terroir.
Once the lifts stop spinning for the day, après vibes permeate through Park City. The High West Saloon–at the base of Park City’s Town Lift and said to be the world’s only ski-in gastro-distillery–crafts divine gin, bourbon, and rye cocktails, and has hearty Niman Ranch schnitzels and cast-iron trout on the menu.
If you’d rather sip directly from the source, the High West Distillery, in Wanship, about 25 minutes north, offers distillery tours and tastings. It’s perched at roughly 7,000 feet in the Wasatch Range on the grounds of Blue Sky Ranch.
Deer Valley’s dining options skew lowerkey but also offer something for everyone. Grab a table on the deck overlooking the mountains of Deer Valley for a casual lunch at Deer Valley Café, a market/ restaurant that has a great range of gluten-free and vegetarian offerings, as well as a cult-favorite turkey chili that makes for an ideal takeaway meal.
Or make your way to the Silver Lake Lodge, mid-mountain, where Royal Street Café usually has elk chili on the menu and does a mean burger.
below : the brass tag serves cocktails , as well as food sourced locally
right : the utah symphony and utah opera decamp to the mountains during the summer months , when the deer valley music festival comes to town with twiceweekly performances
For shopping, Park City’s the place to be, whether you’re looking for a special piece of artwork or something to bring a little Western flair to your wardrobe.
In the historic Main Street district, galleries like Meyer Gallery within the building of an erstwhile bank, and Gallery MAR, draw collectors from around the globe. Create PC is a more casual collective with pop-up exhibits showcasing works by local artists from across Summit County. Mark your calendar for the last Friday night of the month, when a gallery stroll will take you to about 15 galleries.
In the winter, the biggest cultural event in Park City is, of course, the worldrenowned Sundance Film Festival every January, which plays here as well as at venues in Salt Lake City and Sundance Resort. You can also catch indie screenings during the Park City Film Series, at the Art House Cinema. That single-screen, nonprofit theater specializes in independent, foreign language, and documentary films in the historic Jim Santy Auditorium.
The Utah Symphony and Utah Opera decamp from Salt Lake City to the mountains during the summer months, when the Deer Valley Music Festival comes to town with twice-weekly performances. And the Latino Arts Festival in June celebrates
cultures from such countries as Perú, Mexico, Chile, Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina through music, film, food and more.
Departing the spectacular vistas and adventures in Park City and Deer Valley is never easy. But when you’re ready to take some western mountain vibes home with you, you have options.
Snag the perfect pair of handcrafted boots or a custom hat at Park City’s Main Street outpost of famed Aspen, Colorado boutique, Kemo Sabe.
Or opt for a Park City original at Burns Cowboy Shop, where cowboy culture gets distilled to its essence. The family-owned western business has been a landmark along Main Street and passed down through generations since its founding in 1876.
This is where Kevin Costner was outfitted for his character John Dutton in the drama series Yellowstone. You can pick up a hat inspired by that character and browse bolo ties, turquoise and silver jewelry, western buckle belts, and all kinds of other accouterments conjuring Utah’s mountain and western life.
They’re sure to remind you or someone you love of the Wasatch range and spirit long after you’ve left this storied place.
As an icon rises along the Vanderbilt Beach skyline, it represents a rare expression of perfection—the only Ritz-Carlton-branded residences in Naples, recently named the best place to live in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report . It’s a marriage that brings together masterfully crafted residences, 50,000 square feet of sublime amenities, the endless charms of Naples, and the thoughtful service of The Ritz-Carlton.
Singapore
Soujorn
Fondly nicknamed as the “Little Red Dot,” because it appears so small on a world map, the vibrant citystate of Singapore is only 290 square miles. But this well-manicured garden city packs in so much to explore.
One of the buzziest openings this year is New Bahru. Housed in a former high school, it has become an enclave of over 40 Singapore brands, from fashion and wellness, to arts and food. Explore paper art studio PeiPer and design studio Beyond the Vines (famed for its “dumpling” bag), then enjoy a meal at Coconut Club, a popular nasi lemak restaurant serving local favorites such as seafood laksa and beef rendang.
text by kenneth sz goh
A hotbed of homegrown fashion and lifestyle designers, Design Orchard is a retail/talent incubation space in the heart of Orchard Road, an area that is also a mecca for luxury brands. Design Orchard offers more than 100 brands, with everything from fashion and accessories, to home furnishings, and beauty products. After shopping, score a well-earned rest at the building’s rooftop garden, which overlooks the junction of Cairnhill and Orchard Roads, the closest attempt at mimicking Tokyo’s Shibuya scramble crossing.
Como Orchard blends shopping and dining options. Check out Club 21, an emporium that carries renowned labels like Thom Browne and Jacquemus, as well as cult Japanese and Korean labels. Foodies are in for a treat with exquisite coconut and orange-shaped trompe l’oeil cakes and viennoiserie at French pastry chef Cedric Grolet’s eponymous first Asian outpost. Another standout: the sizzling barbecued meat served with a plethora of side dishes at Cote Korean Steakhouse.
Art aficionados should visit the National Gallery Singapore, housed in one of the country’s colonial landmarks, the former City Hall and Supreme Court. The gallery is home to the world’s largest collection of modern art from Singapore and Southeast Asia, spanning 8,000 pieces. Zero in on the DBS Singapore Gallery, which chronicles Singapore’s history through
over 300 pieces of artwork by renowned artists such as Georgette Chen, Chua Mia Tee, and Liu Kang. Then head up to the gallery rotunda, a little-known, two-story art history library capped with a towering dome ceiling and soaring columns.
While art is food for the soul, don’t miss Odette, on the ground floor of the National Gallery, which is one of the three restaurants in Singapore anointed with three Michelin stars. Chef Julien Royer serves contemporary French cuisine with Southeast Asian inflections, such as the Kampot pepper-crusted pigeon. Service is impeccably intuitive, too.
A two-minute walk from the National Gallery is a stately cluster of colonial buildings that flank the Singapore River in the Central Business District.
Embark on a walking tour guided by the plaques bearing historical information on buildings, and pop into the Asian Civilizations Museum, which focuses on artifacts and traditions from the region.
To better understand Singapore’s rich heritage, dive into the immersive exhibitions at the National Museum of Singapore, which covers the city-state’s transformation from a Straits Settlement to a bustling metropolis. Fort Canning Park, located behind the museum, is a tranquil hilltop space with a historical British fort and Christian cemetery (The great-great-great-great-grandmother
top : the vibrant street food scene in singapore image courtesy of signapore tourism
board bottom : new bahru is a former school turned creative hub image by finbarr fallon next spread : singapore ’ s changi airport features an incredible waterfall image by palu malerba
left : marina bay sands
image by ethan p right : the
buddha tooth relic temple
image by jason goh
of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has a memorial plaque here).
Inside the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, the stunning La Brasserie is acclaimed Swedish chef Bjorn Frantzen’s take on casual French dining. Highlights include the whiskey flambé beef and steak tartare, both prepared tableside on a trolley.
While Singapore is home to over 50 Michelin-starred restaurants, hawker food is the cornerstone of the local food scene. An efficient starting point to experience Singapore’s hawker culture, which was inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2020, is Maxwell Food Center near Chinatown. It houses more than 50 hawker stalls, many of them run by second- and third-generation owners. Make a beeline to Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice—one of the most fêted stalls on the island—for its rich and aromatic rice cooked in chicken stock and served with poached chicken. Other gems here include Zhen Zhen Porridge for its Cantonese-stye congee and Mr. Appam for crisp and fluffy South Indian pancakes made using fermented rice batter.
A stone’s throw away, South Bridge Road exemplifies Singapore’s multicultural landscape. The palatial Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, housing the said artifact, sits alongside Sri Mariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore, established in 1827. The national monument has an intricately crafted gopuram (monumental tower) adorned with brightly painted Hindu deities. Every October or November, the temple hosts Theemithi, a fire-walking festival, where devotees walk
across a fire pit. Rounding up the heritage street is another national monument, Jamae Mosque, a worship spot for Tamil Muslims from South India that dates to the 1830s.
Singapore has no lack of stunning skyscrapers—case in point: Marina Bay Sands, designed by the famed architect Moshe Safdie. The futuristic complex is crowned with a surfboard-like Skypark Observation Deck on the 56th story, providing one of the city’s best vantage points of the cityscape and Supertree Grove at the neighboring Gardens By The Bay.
The Esplanade-Theaters on the Bay is another architectural marvel, a performing arts center that regularly hosts concerts and other performances. The dome-shaped building, emblazoned with spike-like aluminum sunshades, resembles the popular but deeply divisive “king of fruit”: durian.
Enjoy dinner at Michelin-starred restaurant Labyrinth. Chef Han Li Guang gives time-honored local recipes an inventive contemporary touch. The restaurant pioneered chili crab ice cream and continues to push boundaries with dishes such as Hainanese chicken rice donabe.
Finish the evening up by heading to Parkview Square, with its imposing art deco architecture. The office building, which is an oddity among the sea of sleek commercial buildings in the Bugis area, houses one of Singapore’s grandest bars, Atlas. The opulent offerings include an extensive gin collection. Or try the Boterismo Fizz, a cognac and calvadosspiked carbonated concoction, to end your Singapore sojourn on a high.
home
A haven worth savoring
siari / global
artistic renderings courtesy of thor urbana
Natural Wonder
Sometimes, not knowing which direction to turn is a good thing. At Siari, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Residence in the Riviera Nayarit region of Mexico, one simply can’t go wrong, with four ecosystems, including an oldgrowth jungle, volcanic cliffs, mangrove estuaries, and a pristine beach.
Slated to open in the first quarter of 2025, Siari is tucked within the private community of Nauka, about 45 minutes north of Puerto
text by kathryn drury wagner
artistic renderings courtesy of thor urbana
Vallarta on Mexico’s Pacific Coast side. The 800-acre site will feature 42 private Ritz-Carlton Reserve residences and 90 suites of a Ritz-Carlton Reserve hotel.
Siari reflects a philosophy of sustainable hospitality, explains Jaime Fasja, founder and co-CEO of Mexico-based Thor Urbana, the owners and developers of the project.
“If you are coming to Siari, to this region of Mexico, it’s because you want to understand the culture, the sense of place,” he says. “Siari means ‘green’ in the local Huichol language.” That translated to a low-density approach that blends the buildings into the natural space, as well as a commitment to preserving the natural resources as much as possible.
“The Riviera Nayarit is a unique part of Mexico,” says Fasja. “It’s like Hawaii and Costa Rica had a baby. It is one of the most beautiful and swimmable beaches in the country, coupled with amazing jungle and mountains.” The main goal for the architects, Mexico City-based Bernardi + Peschard Arquitectura, he says, was “Don’t mess it up.” The architecture had to be integrated, with the structures seeming like they had always been there.
To protect the site’s 200-year-old trees and endangered species, a team of 20 in-house environmentalists, biologists, and nature experts were hired. Their first matter of business was to identify the key flora and fauna. “The architecture came after that,” says Fasja. “It was, how can we ensure the architecture fits within the landscape? This
is a live project. It’s not just building; it’s how do you educate the next generation?”
The eco-team will remain after the property opens, and help guide guests on activities such as tours of the estuary and hikes through the forest or to the volcanic preserve.
“It’s important that they are always onsite, making sure we don’t damage the mangroves or harm the animals that live on the property,” says Fasja. “We think this education aspect is important.” He also notes that the underwater ecosystem includes humpback whales coming through in January through March during their yearly migration from the northern, colder waters of the Pacific Ocean to the southern waters to give birth.
Snorkeling will be a popular activity, notes Fasja, as “You can go out a couple hundred feet and the water is still only up to your waist,” he says.
For the construction of the buildings, Bernardi + Peschard went with a colored concrete in an earthy tone that resembles the color of the earth in the area, to blend the structures in with the mountains. Similarly, the terraces are covered with greenery. Materials were sourced locally as much as possible, says Fasja, such as the stone used for flooring.
“We wanted to evoke a harmonious lifestyle that would mirror the elements of the surrounding ecosystem,” says Fasja. “With open-air views of the amazing sea and ensuring that materials, textiles,
top : the penthouse of a private residence at siari boasts both ocean and mountain views
and finishings were inspired by the ancient Mexican culture and surrounding community.”
Menus highlight the local Nayarit cuisine; wellness programs tap into traditional healing modalities; and art pieces from local artisans are featured throughout the property. In addition to using solar panels, water capture is another eco-friendly design component. “We are working to capture the water during the rainy season, which takes place from July until the end of September, and save that to use during the dry season, minimizing the amount of fresh water needed for landscaping and outdoor areas.”
An organic farm at the property will provide fresh produce. Fasja says that the project has also focused on working with the surrounding community, aiming to address transportation and housing needs and improve the standards of living for workers.
The overall effect at Siari is a verdant retreat from the rest of the world, and accordingly, some parts of the resort will purposefully have areas without cell coverage or Wi-Fi service. “So, if you’re at a sunrise yoga class on the beach, you can truly unplug and reconnect with yourself, the people you are with, and your surroundings,” says Fasja.
Siari also has a meditation glass house and a stargazing observatory, where the night
sky can be appreciated without the light interference found in many other locales.
Overall, the layout is designed to be walkable. “For me it was important that you can experience it by foot and didn’t have to be transported by golf cart,” says Fasja. “Yes, if you want to, they will pick you and take you anywhere, but we made sure it was an easy walk from the public areas – such as the adult pool, the family pool, the spa, the restaurants—to the private spaces, that it is a pleasant walk, shaded by trees. The history of all those trees is going to be explained throughout the property, too.”
“Our view is that we are only here temporarily,” he muses. “Before us and after us there is great natural surroundings, and we want to make sure we are good stewards of it during the time we are there.”
the property was designed to be easily walkable from public spaces , like the main building seen here , to the private residences and hotel spaces
Nature Never Loses
Quietly yet radically, artist Carl Cheng has been working under the radar for six decades. But that is changing, thanks to the first indepth museum survey of his art. “Carl Cheng: Nature Never Loses” debuted at the Contemporary Austin, where it will be on exhibit until Dec. 8, 2024. Then it will tour to the Institute of Contemporary Art, University of Pennsylvania (Jan. 17 to April 6, 2025); Bonnefanten in the Netherlands (May 9 to Sept. 28, 2025);
text by kathryn drury wagner
carl cheng ’ s “ erosion machine no 4”, 1970 plexiglas , metal racks and fittings , plastic , water pump , led lights , black light , pebbles , four erosion rocks , and wood base courtesy of the artist and philip martin gallery , los angeles . image by jeff mclane .
Museum Tinguely in Switzerland (Dec. 3, 2025, to May 10, 2026); and conclude at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (Sept. 26, 2026, to Feb. 28, 2027).
Alex Klein, head curator and director of curatorial affairs at The Contemporary Austin, spearheaded the exhibition.
“This is a real labor of love,” she says. “We’ve been working on this for four and a half years.” Klein had first discovered Cheng’s work during her time at LACMA, where she became aware of his role in the experimental photography scene of the 1970s in Los Angeles.
In 2020, she invited Cheng to do a survey. They met remotely for two hours, every Monday, for two years. “We went project by project, year by year, through his work,” she says. “I had an amazing curatorial fellow who helped me create a big taxonomic structure for his work. This is an artist who never really had consistent gallery or institutional support. So, we had to go back and do that archival process.” Her work included documenting his past public and installation work, pieces that have not been seen since they were originally presented.
Ninety percent of the sixty-plus objects in Nature Never Loses came directly out of Cheng’s studio in Southern California. Curation was challenging, Klein notes.
Cheng often creates kinetic work that moves or makes sound, and frequently chooses unconventional and organic materials such as avocados. Some of his art is ephemeral and made to disappear.
Some such works were restored, such as “Sand Rake Art Tool”, from 1978, that creates a site-specific, large-scale sand drawing. “There are so many other works that still need to be restored,” Klein says. “Carl is 82. He’s got a lot left in him to give. I am hoping that, while there is still time, some of these other important artworks can be restored and that this show will provide visibility toward that.”
Cheng, she says, “is an artist that defies categorization. I often describe more the thematic aspects of his work, looking at the intersections of identity, technology, and ecology. He’s very responsive to the times he is in, and to new materials and tools–to new ways of making artwork.”
His sculpture series “Erosion Machines” encapsulates many of the aspects of Cheng’s work. In creating it, he experimented with ideas of erosion, and how humans both alter and are altered by the environment. With the effects of climate change escalating, his art takes on a new sense of urgency.
Cheng has a dual background in industrial design and art, which informs his perspective, says Klein. “He was also
top : artist carl cheng . image by e bialobos
bottom : documentation of carl cheng ’ s “ santa monica art tool ,” 1988 courtesy the artist
above :
“ nowhere road ,” 1967
film , molded plastic , and plexiglas collection of beth rudin
dewoody , los angeles image by robert wedemeyer .
right :
“ alternative tv #3,” 1974
plastic chassis , acrylic water tank , air pump , led lighting and controller , electrical cord , aquarium hardware , conglomerated rocks , and plastic plants courtesy the artist and philip martin gallery , los angeles . image by ruben diaz
heavily influenced by Marcel Duchamp. And he traveled extensively in Asia and Southeast Asia in the early 1970s, which liberated his ideas of where art needed to be located, what it needed to be made of, and how it could be made. So, he’s within certain trajectories of non-Western art practices, looking at those ideas that art doesn’t have to be bought and sold, that it can fade away or erode. He wouldn’t want to lay claim to those ideas but they get incorporated into his practice.”
As part of his artistic practice, starting in 1967 Cheng created an alternate identity, an anonymous entity called “John Doe Co.” It can be seen, for example, in his 1972 work “Art Tool Paint Experiments (Paint Dipper in Display Box).” John Doe Co. reflects Cheng’s humble and modest personality, his concerns about corporate culture and the Vietnam War, and his experiences as an Asian American.
“He is both prescient and completely of the moment,” says Klein, noting that Cheng explored concepts of the Anthropocene before there was even a term for that.
“He’s a Californian; he’s grown up watching the farmland turn into suburban wasteland. He’s using the same lacquer paints as the
Finish Fetish artists are using. He’s asking different questions of land art than the land artists but he’s contemporaneous to many of them. He’s working alongside other artists but coming to a different conclusion.”
Klein says she hopes that art audiences leave the exhibition feeling the generosity in Cheng’s work.
“His art inspires the viewer to think outside the box,” she says. “What if our technology was organic and biomorphic, instead of computer chips and rigidity? What if we rethought our foundational technologies and approaches to the environment?”
Cheng, she notes, has influenced many younger artists—even if they weren’t fully aware. “There are people who are inheritors of his practice,” she says. Examples include Jes Fan, who works with organic materials and unstable materials, and Josh Kline, whose recent show at MOCA featured melting ice to comment on climate change.
“I think he’s an unacknowledged predecessor that I am very excited for people to discover,” she says. “He’s not an easily identifiable artist but such an important linchpin for a lot of the pressing concerns of our moment and the way artists are working today.”
“ early warning system , 1967-2024 ” fabricated plastic , electronics , projector , wheat , wooden base , and radio tuned to local weather station collection of san francisco museum of modern art purchase , by exchange , through a gift of michael d . abrams .
Sailing in Style
When the 629-foot, custom-built superyacht Evrima departed from the port of Barcelona, bound for Nice on October 15, 2022 with 298 guests, 246 staff, and 1,800 bottles of Moët & Chandon in tow, it represented a new era in luxury travel.
That maiden voyage of the original vessel in The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection fleet signaled the first at-sea guest excursion hosted by a high-end hospitality brand. Applying the prestigious hotelier’s servicesavvy ethos to transoceanic tours, the collection tenders an intimate, personalized encounter for seafarers seeking the wonder of exotic places, while enjoying a refined ambiance along the way. The results are a luxury cruise for the cruise-averse—dense with amenities and devoid of congestion.
Since Evrima’s debut—a name which means “discovery” in Greek—the 149-suite superyacht has ventured to a list of enviable locales, from renowned yachting playgrounds to secluded coves, islets, and hidden harbors. Summer routes might traverse the beaches of the Greek Isles, Portofino, Croatia, the Amalfi Coast,
Spain’s Balearic Islands, and the idyllic French Riviera. In winter, visitors can chart a course for the lush tropical turf of Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe, Barbados, St. Barts and Turks and Caicos.
With two new custom superyachts, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s reach is expanding, and a bevy of bespoke 5-to-10 night itineraries include coastal havens like the British Isles, the Baltic Sea, the fjords of Iceland and Norway, as well as destinations in the Asia-Pacific region.
With a generous space-to-guest ratio and nearly one crew per guest, the onboard experience is an elevated one in every sense of the word—from the physical spaces to the exclusive amenities and tailored touches. Each luxury suite integrates creature comforts: a private ocean-view terrace, floor-to-ceiling windows, double vanity bathroom, and a suite ambassador always on hand. In addition to all-hours in-suite dining, travelers enjoy five unique dining concepts designed by culinary artists such as three-Michelinstarred chef Sven Elverfeld and James Beard Award recipient Michael Mina.
If the mood strikes, superyacht guests can partake in various offerings from each day’s fresh schedule: a sunset stretch, meditation session, sommelier-guided wine tasting, or entertainment ranging from jazz ensembles to guest lecturers, celebrity speakers, and naturalists. Solace seekers might stop in for a Black Diamond Facial at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, or head to the Humidor, outfitted with a Macallan bar cart, Davidoff cigars, and an array of reserve-list whiskies.
From wandering wild spaces to art appreciation, there’s plenty to do when the anchor drops, too. Voyagers have the opportunity to participate in on-shore excursions and explore the landscape, heritage, cuisine, and pastimes of each locale. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s destination experts arrange small group excursions, as well as private or fully custom tours that highlight the heart and soul of a city or village while leaving room for unscripted moments. At each stop, weather permitting, the superyacht’s marina-style platform offers direct access to ocean recreation via kayaks, snorkeling, sailboats, and paddleboards.
The second and third superyachts in the collection, respectively, Ilma and Luminara boast a blend of open-air social spaces and cozy enclaves, with additional walkable
areas, ample sunning spots, and higher-end suite options. Like their predecessor, Ilma and Luminara also incorporate a pool, a signature Ritz-Carlton Spa, world-class dining, Ritz Kids program, and an impressive cache of vintage and contemporary wines.
Graced with the Maltese word for water as its name, the 224-suite Ilma embarked on its maiden sail along the Mediterranean Sea from Monte Carlo to Rome in September of 2024. Spanning 790 feet, Ilma’s interiors draw inspiration from Malta’s mythology, geography, history, and native fauna. In the roomiest of its eight Owner’s Suites, a 721-square-foot terrace houses a whirlpool and outdoor shower for seaside soaking.
Among five creative culinary experiences on board are the contemporary Italian fare of Seta su Ilma by chef Fabio Trabocchi, known for his Michelin-starred flagship restaurant, Fiola, in Washington DC. Chef Michael Mina created a pan-Latin menu at another of the yacht’s restaurants, Beach House, which has indoor/outdoor spaces and an especially good tequila selection.
Launching in spring of 2025, the 226-suite Luminara is The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s foray into the Asia-Pacific region. It offers itineraries encompassing 28 ports across 10 countries, including
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam; Puerto Princesa, Philippines; Seoul, South Korea; Osaka, Japan; and Bangkok, Thailand. Its name derived from Latin origin, meaning “light,” Luminara’s 794 feet of luxury lounging provides an airy, elegant retreat for up to 452 guests. From the multifarious communal areas encouraging connection to private oceanview terraces in each stateroom, Luminara strikes the perfect balance of socialization and serenity.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has an all-inclusive fare, which covers everything from the all-suite ocean-view accommodations and dining to gratuities, onboard entertainment, and Wi-Fi access.
Whatever the eventual destination, a leisurely voyage aboard Evrima, Ilma, or Luminara delivers graceful immersion into top-notch places, charming communities, and vibrant cultures—all under the impeccable care and opulence synonymous with The Ritz-Carlton.
Marriott Residence Owners can enjoy a 5% fare savings on voyages with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, currently booking on all three superyachts. For reservations, call The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection at (833) 716-7500, email miresidences@ritz-carltonyachtcollection.com or contact your travel professional and mention “Marriott Residences.” Visit ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com for more information.
Must-Do’s in Costa Navarino
With diverse activities, local festivals and an evolving calendar of events at The Westin Resort, Costa Navarino and The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort, you’re never short of things to do in this enchanting corner of the southwestern Peloponnese.
visit one of the most beautiful beaches in greece According to legend, Hermes hid 50 stolen oxen from the sun god Apollo in a cave above a beach known today as Voidokilia, meaning “ox belly.” Climb the hill to the cave and visit Old Navarino Castle for mesmerizing panoramic views of the turquoise waters.
If you prefer a slower pace, the sheltered bay is also an idyllic swimming and sunbathing location. Top tip: visit in the morning and bring a picnic as there’s no amenities nearby. Sample the local Greek cuisine
text by rosanna langton , marriott bonvoy traveler
costa navarino | voyage
voidokilia beach , costa navarino image by anatolijs laicans
left : the picturesque town of pylos , greece image by georgios kritsotakis
right : view of the golf course at costa navarino image by eqroy
Choose from a range of authentic dining experiences and take advantage of the fresh seafood served daily at beachfront restaurant Barbouni where dining is as much a feast for the eyes, as the stomach.
explore the historic town of pylos
Most famous as the site of the Battle of Navarino in 1827 which turned the tide for Greek independence, the historic importance of this small coastal town spans the ages.
Visit Ancient Pylos (current name of the area is the village of Chora) to be transported to ancient Greece at the ruins of the Palace of Nestor and discover more about the area at its hilltop museum, inside a former Turkish fortress.
hike to polylimnio waterfalls
The cascading pools at Polylimnio Waterfalls are one of Messinia’s best-kept secrets. After a short 30-minute drive, follow the roar of water to find the largest falls—but are you brave enough to jump in?
Top tip: pack trainers or sturdy sandals and don’t forget to wear your swimsuit as there are no changing facilities on site.
wander down the promenade at gialova village
This quiet seafront promenade is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxed lunch, search for souvenirs or simply cool down with an ice cream and enjoy an unobstructed view across Navarino Bay. Pure bliss.
test your skill on world - class golf courses
It’s no surprise that Costa Navarino hosts several premier golf tournaments each year, including the Aegean Airlines Pro-Am. The Dunes Course and Bay Course offer golfers an opportunity to experience two of Europe’s top golf courses in one spectacular location.
First-timers and those who want to improve their handicap are all welcome at the Navarino Golf Academy.
follow in the footsteps of heroes
Discover the birthplace of the Olympic Games with a trip to Olympia, a one and a half hour drive from Costa Navarino. See where the first Olympians trained and competed for more than 1,000 years to honor their gods.
recharge with a healing massage at anazoe spa Ancient wisdom meets modern science in a series of signature treatments at the multi-award winning Anazoe Spa.
The Healing Massage Remedy by Hippocrates uses local techniques recovered from clay tablets discovered at the nearby Palace of Nestor and organic products made from its herb garden to create a complete sensory experience.
toast the sunset at anax lounge
Kalamata-distilled Old Sport gin brings local flavors to the classic G&T at Anax Lounge in The Romanos Resort. Choose from its indigenous-inspired menu and celebrate an unforgettable adventure as you watch the sun fade into the Ionian Sea.
eat & drink
A nourishing pastime
montana / arizona / morocco
image courtesy of shan
at shan , dishes are meant to be shared
Mountain High
When Jarrett Wrisley opened his eighth restaurant in a nook of Montana’s Rockies region, he envisioned creating a small, mountain tavern in Bozeman. So he named it Shan—the Chinese character for “mountains” or “mountain range.”
Shan marks Wrisley’s first culinary venture in the United States after a decades-long tenure as a restaurant owner across Thailand and China, which included 11-year-old Soul Food Mahanakorn, its sister eatery, Soul Food 555, and an iteration in Hong Kong called Soul Food Thai. Wrisley also made his mark in Bangkok with the Roman trattoria Appia and several locations of a Neapolitan pizza parlor, Peppina.
The pandemic, however, brought Wrisley’s hospitality empire to a screeching halt. It especially battered Thailand, “because it’s a country whose largest industry is hospitality and tourism,” Wrisley says. “Bangkok went from having five to six million tourist
arrivals per month to zero, for almost three years. That was a tough pill to swallow.”
So, Wrisley, a Pennsylvania native, moved back stateside to rebuild his life with his wife and fellow restaurateur, Candice Lin, and their then-4-year-old son, August. They settled into a house in Montana that’s nestled right next to the mountains, looking out onto the Bridger Range. It reminded Wrisley of the hinterland mountains in Asia, calling to mind also its regional cuisines.
That landscape inspired the first iteration of Shan, which operated as a supper club out of the couple’s home. “I was cooking food from the north of Thailand, and from the southwest of China, which straddles a mountain range in Sichuan and Yunnan,” Wrisley says of the meals he served during the supper club.
But Wrisley soon realized he couldn’t easily source many of the staple Thai ingredients he’d become used to while cooking abroad. In Thailand, for example, “the food is heavily reliant on a lot of different kinds of herbs, fresh fish, shrimp paste, and fresh coconut milk. I cannot get any of these things here,” Wrisley says. So, when Wrisley and Lin began to transform a location that had once been a cafe into a restaurant in late 2022, he looked to what Montana’s local ranchers and farmers could offer for the menu.
By April 2023, Shan was born. And just over a year after its soft opening, that humble mountain tavern was honored as a finalist for Best New Restaurant at the 2024 James Beard Awards. It wasn’t a distinction Wrisley set out to achieve. “I think the way it came about is just because it’s a good restaurant, and it wasn’t something I jumped into,” he says, referring to the restaurant’s earlier iteration as a supper club.
When Shan first opened in Bozeman’s vibrant Cannery District, it could fit roughly 40 diners in a space inspired by Japanese izakayas, with dimmed amber lighting and a view into Wrisley’s buzzing kitchen that made for a cozyyet-lively atmosphere. Wrisley would invite “30 people one night, 40 the next,” until word of mouth had every seat in the house full. By the summer of 2024, Shan underwent an additional, twoweek renovation that doubled its dining room space to accommodate as many as 85 patrons and created more room for local beers and wines behind the bar.
Unique to Shan is its extensive wine program with as many as 90 bottles on offer at any one time. Wrisley says this sizable beverage program was important at Shan, as he’s been “a huge wine nerd for a very long time.” His affinity for wine pairings had him seeking out mostly organic and all-natural wines from smallfamily producers. He notes, “There’s no industrial wines, and everything is designed to accommodate the food,” which influenced putting a lot of sparkling, orange, and light-bodied red wines on the list.
When it comes to food, the menu style at Shan “encourages people to order five or six things and share it,” Wrisley explains, recommending that a party of four pick “a stir-fry vegetable, a soup, a piece of protein, maybe a curry, and a noodle” to get a proper sampling. Wrisley’s current favorite menu item is the cumin lamb noodle, a Western Chinese dish. “It’s local Montana lamb that has been braised with a little bit of cassia and star anise, and a lot of cumin and chilies, and I make what is essentially a ragu,” he says. “Then we have knife-cut thick, chewy noodles that we stir fry with the lamb and cilantro, more
chef jarrett wrisley
sources meat from local montana ranches next spread : the interior of shan calls to mind the casual izakaya of japan
chili, a little bit of Sichuan peppercorn, and a lot of chili oil. I think it’s just delicious.”
As the restaurant has boomed in popularity, it has come to employ 20 people and rely on 10 partners and purveyors to supply Shan with beef, chicken, fish and other proteins, as well as gourmet mushrooms. Other interesting menu items include a Thai beef jerky with coriander and Sriracha; a salad of smoked tofu, black vinegar and fried peanuts; as well as sticky tamarind ribs. Shan also offers a selection of local meats from the grill, with the menu telling customers to “ask your server” for what’s on offer that night.
Shan is not intended to hew precisely to Thai and Chinese culinary traditions, but rather reflects the couple’s past experiences, as they venture into their present–and future.
it ’ s hard to pick just one dish from shan ’ s menu of noodles , curries , stews , soups , wok dishes and barbecued meats
text by elizabeth krecker
of los milics vineyards
Godforsaken
Arizona’s Wine
Towering, weathered-steel monoliths hug a meandering walkway through Arizona’s high desert. A mysterious, dark-windowed building peeks through the monoliths.
I walk inside its doors to find a glistening dining room filled with warm wood,
images courtesy
how los milics vineyards and the 48 th state are transforming pleasure for wine enthusiasts around the world .
an early champion of arizona wines , pavle milics is the winemaker and founder of los milics vineyards
comfortable seating, and a spectacular view of grapevines surrounded by desert hills. Thus begins my day at Los Milics Vineyards, in one of the most obscure wine regions in the U.S.: Arizona’s Sonoita American Viticultural Area (AVA).
the history of arizona wine
Although there were likely attempts at winemaking in the early years of Spanish and Italian immigration into the Southwest, productive winemaking did not begin until miners and cowboys brought a thirst for wine into the new Arizona territory during the late 1800s.
Then, in 1914, a prohibition law was passed in Arizona, now the 48th state in the U.S., that surpassed all others in its severity – even medical and industrial uses of alcohol were banned. So harsh was Arizona’s law that after Prohibition ended in 1933, commercial winemaking in Arizona remained illegal for nearly 50 years.
Then a cowboy from Montana who became a soil scientist in Napa Valley, Gordon Dutt, PhD, brought together scientists from Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah to research the grape growing and winemaking possibilities of the southwestern mountain states during the 1970s.
The success of this research brought legal winemaking back to Arizona in 1980 allowing Dutt to purchase land in Sonoita and start one of Arizona’s first commercial wineries, Sonoita Vineyards. Many more winemakers, vineyards, and a two-year viticulture and winemaking program followed, and Arizona today now hosts more than 120 licensed wineries. Some of the state’s finest wines hail from Sonoita-Elgin, home of the Sonoita AVA.
a great partnership : pavle milic and mo garfinkle With a father from Montenegro and a mother from Colombia, both with careers in hospitality, Pavle Milic emigrated to the U.S. where he began his own career in the food and wine trade. Life led him to Napa Valley where his interest further evolved.
Milic later partnered with Charleen Badman, a chef he met while working at the famed Rancho Pinot Grill in Scottsdale. In 2009, the duo began their own tiny bistro in Old Town Scottsdale with a handful of small tables, a menu with healthy Arizona-grown ingredients, and an Arizona-only wine list, the first in the state. FnB Restaurant quickly earned multiple honors.
With the opportunity to get to know some of Arizona’s finest winemakers, Milic began to play with winemaking on the side under the tutelage of Kelly and Todd Bostock of Dos Cabezas Wineworks.
A few years later, Milic waited on a table of six who ordered a bottle of his Los Milics Vineyards’ wine, one he’d called Oliver’s. after one of his sons.
One of the ladies at the table asked Milic what his plans were for his wines. Milic answered that he and his wife would raise their kids, retire to buy 5 acres in Sonoita, hopefully afford crappy wine equipment, and age gracefully by working outside.
After their dinner, one of the men at the table pressed his business card into Milic’s hand and offered to partner with him. Milic smiled, but thought to himself, “Yeah, whatever.” He had looked for funding when he and Badman first opened FnB to no avail.
A few weeks later, Morris (Mo) Garfinkle visited FnB again, and Milic saw that Garfinkle was serious. Garfinkle asked Milic for just one thing in exchange for his partnership: to be involved in both the winery’s development and its winemaking. Without a moment’s hesitation, Milic said “yes.”
Together, the two found additional financial resources, invested in high-end architecture with Phoenix-based Chen + Suchart Studio, partnered with top talent, invested in winemaking equipment, then built a stunning tasting room replete with an executive chef to serve wines from all over the world alongside their own wines paired with awardworthy appetizers, lunch, and dinner.
“I could tell from the fortuitous beginning with Pavle that he would be a great partner and this would be a great partnership,” said Garfinkle.
the stars of sonoita
With mostly obscure wine grape varieties planted in both their Sonoita and Willcox AVAs, Kelly and Todd Bostock have adjusted their winemaking prowess with each new vintage. Now, Dos Cabezas WineWorks uses primarily large barrels and tanks for fermentation and aging to make their food-friendly wines.
The Bostocks’ mentor—as well as mentor to virtually the entire Arizona winemaking community—is Kent Callaghan. Callaghan Vineyards 1993 Buena Suerte was the first Arizona wine to be lauded by Robert Parker of The Wine Advocate.
“We’re getting more and more people who are amenable to planting grapes that actually work here, than that are easily marketable,” observes Callaghan. Because who are the
real stars? Not the people: the grapes. Arizona’s early modern winemakers tried planting grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and had only fleeting success. Arizona’s high elevation, rocky soils, hail, late spring and early fall frost, and intermittent rain gave popular grapes success only once every fifth year or so. If at all.
Today, Arizona features more than 80 wine grape varieties. If one of these grapes happens to have a bad year, winemakers have plenty of other equally interesting grapes to fill in the gaps.
According to Kelly Bostock, “We started with a lot of Rhone varieties based upon what we found pleasurable to drink. Which makes sense when you are naïve about what to plant. What really makes sense is to plant what will grow well here.”
Los Milic Vineyards has planted mostly obscure grape varieties in their two vineyards, including Graciano, Teroldego, Vranac, and Vermentino.
the future of arizona wine
Just 17% of Arizona’s land is privately owned. Given the plethora of towns and cities, never mind the altitude, water, and land limitations of grape growing, this leaves little left for wine grapes. Nonetheless the Arizona wine industry continues to grow.
“I’ve always been an advocate of the less is more approach,” says Callaghan. “We need to produce the best possible wines with the least amount of inputs, given our inherent water issues and the impact of climate change. The only path forward, in my opinion, is toward smaller production, ever higher quality wines.”
Morocco’s Red Gold
One of my favorite autumn meals is Morocco’s golden-hued chicken tagine. Much like a stew or casserole, it’s a surprisingly easy dish to make, involving some sautéed onions and carrots topped with chicken, preserved lemon, and sour green olives, and then slow-cooked for an hour. The magic is all in the stock which contains a traditional blend of spices like cinnamon, cumin, and harissa with a good pinch of deep red saffron, the world’s priciest spice. It is the latter that gives the dish its golden color, honeyed aroma, and deliciously intense sweet-savory flavor.
As I catch that first heady whiff of it when I lift the lid of the tagine—the food shares its name with the traditional clay pot it is cooked in—I often think about the ingenuity and extraordinary human effort involved in bringing this taste sensation to my kitchen.
The saffron I most recently bought was from Taliouine, a small village, which sits along a rock-strewn riverbed of Morocco’s awesome Anti-Atlas mountains. To reach it, you have to drive an hour and a half east of the walled city of Taroudant and then climb into the eroded, mineral-rich mountains which turn pink and mauve as the sun sets. It does so early in October and at 4,000 feet, the air
text by paula hardy
image
quickly turns cold. Everyone gets to bed early here, because they’ll need to be up for the harvest at the first call to prayer, around 4 a.m.
Saffron has been grown here for at least 500 years, brought by Arab and Jewish traders from the eastern Mediterranean and Iran. Iran still produces nearly 90% of the world’s crop, but Moroccan saffron is considered among the world’s best as it contains higher levels of safranal – the organic compound responsible for the spice’s intense floral aroma and superpower antioxidant properties.
Talouine’s 20 Amazigh (Berber) saffronfarming families hand-pick the majority
of Morocco’s crop when the tiny Crocus sativus blooms in a brief two- to three-week window in October. Then, the women of the village rise with the stars, wrap themselves in brightly-colored woolen shawls and head out into fields, spending the dawn hours plucking tiny buds and filling wicker baskets.
It’s a race against time to gather all the buds before the petals open and expose the valuable stamens to the heat of the sun. But the flowers
bloom so fast, with new ones breaking through the earth as fast as the women gather them. They move quickly trying not to tread on any of the flowers, singing and joking despite the back-breaking work. The harvest not only brings the community together, but also earns half the annual income of the village.
Back in their modest, earth-rammed homes, baskets of flowers cascade onto low tables. Cups of sweet saffron tea are poured and passed around, and a plate of toasted almonds is set out. Then begins the laborious work of pinching each bud open and delicately plucking the inch-long, orange-red saffron stamens from their stem. The women place these carefully in a dish, while discarded petals fall to the floor slowly covering everything in an indigo cloud. To see it, you think you’ve somehow found your way into a fairy tale.
It takes 150 crocuses to produce enough stamens for a single gram of saffron – just double the generous pinch I added to my tagine – and 150,000 to produce a kilogram, which takes nearly 40 hours of work.
The planting process is not easy, either: The hybridization of the wild white and violet crocus that created Crocus sativus rendered the plant sterile, meaning each season the bulbs must be dug up, divided, and replanted to survive. This work is done by the men of the village in August and September. They pray the spring rain is generous and summer is hot and dry, which is what the plant likes, but this is becoming more uncertain as climate change plays havoc with farming patterns everywhere.
After all that, it’s no wonder that post-harvest Saffron Festival, usually in late October or
early November, has the air of huge party. Thousands of people stream into town, stopping traffic in the main street, enjoying folk music and dancing, and mobbing the tea stand at the House of Saffron in the village center. Nearby, in a big white tent, farmers set out their precious crop on trestle tables with other artisanal products: argan oil, almonds, apples, and cactus honey, which are also produced here. Here you can buy PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) saffron for a song, while world markets currently price the spice at U.S. $3,000 per kilo, although some years this can rise to as much as $10,000 for a kilo. That makes these golden stamens more valuable than gold.
No wonder then that saffron is synonymous with wealth and luxury. Since antiquity, it has been used to spice the feasts of sultans and Mughals, kings and queens, literally turning their risottos, paellas, and pilafs gold. It has dyed the clothes they wear, and is the color of Buddhist robes. It is used in Indian weddings for make-up. The Amazigh of Taliouine use it to ward off the evil eye, dying
their carpets and painting their ceilings with it. Alexander the Great reportedly used it to treat his war wounds and Cleopatra bathed in it to lend her skin a golden glow; the Romans used it to dye hair and fingernails, and for perfume, potpourri, and mascara.
The science world is interested too, with saffron’s organic compounds, such as crocin, crocetin, and safranal, being researched for their potential to treat depression, Alzheimer’s, and hypertension.
But saffron’s primary use remains in the kitchen, adding a Midas touch to everything from Indian candies and Iranian ice-cream, to Swedish saffron buns, Spanish paellas and Italian liqueurs.
So, when you taste your first Moroccan tagine, consider the journey of those golden threads that were collected on a high Atlas mountainside at dawn and plucked by a human hand to land in your simmering pot, assailing you with that unmistakable savory, honeyed scent. It is a feast literally fit for a king.
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Explore Marriott International’s collection of branded residences
the residences at arbora , a luxury collection resort & spa in da nang , vietnam
Les Nouveaux
Providing sophisticated living experiences in some of the world’s most exciting and picturesque destinations, Residences by Marriott International is embracing newly coveted destinations for luxury living. From urban centers like Detroit; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; to the smaller but thriving Bozeman, Montana, as well as scenic resorts in Da Nang, Vietnam, and Canada’s British Columbia, the following projects are designed to offer premium amenities for high-end lifestyles.
Inspired by Saudi Arabia’s rich Najdi heritage, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Diriyah, will be The Kingdom’s first RitzCarlton Residences. A central feature of the Diriyah Gate project, the development aims to elevate the area’s cultural and historical significance while enhancing Diriyah’s global appeal, with the Turaif UNESCO World Heritage Site as a key highlight. Scheduled to open in 2025, it will offer 15 elegantly designed villas with three- to five-bedrooms, courtyards, and distinctive interiors.
As the second tallest building in Detroit, Hudson’s is poised to play a significant role in revitalizing downtown Detroit and enhancing its appeal as a vibrant urban center. The 45-story skyscraper will house the first EDITION Hotel in the Midwest, and The Residences at The Detroit EDITION, featuring 97 high-end residences, designed by Yabu Pushelberg. One- to four-bedroom condos, priced from $550,000 to over $3 million, will become available in 2027.
Scheduled to open in 2026, The Residences at Arbora, a Luxury Collection Resort
& Spa in Da Nang, Vietnam, will be the first Luxury Collection Residences in Asia Pacific. This meticulously planned development features 12 hotel villas, 63 residential villas, 74 residential sky villas, each with a private elevator and pool. In addition to access to two distinct restaurants, and wellness offerings, the property, with 220 hotel rooms, is also close to renowned golf courses, Montgomerie Links Vietnam and BRG Danang Golf Resort.
Canada’s first standalone Ritz-Carlton Residences will be built at Predator Ridge in British Columbia’s picturesque Okanagan region, marking Western Canada’s inaugural location for the luxury brand when it opens in 2026. Surrounded by 36 holes of championship golf, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Predator Ridge will be positioned as the community’s “crown jewel,” with 24 homes in the all-season golf course community perched on a hilltop overlooking Okanagan Lake, about 30 minutes from Kelowna International Airport.
Montana’s first Autograph Collection, Hotel Bozeman & Residences, will be the only upscale option in Montana’s fastestgrowing city when it opens in early 2025. This new development will bring upscale accommodations and amenities to Bozeman, with its 120 guest rooms and 34 residences that blend hotel and condo living. The property will feature Bozeman’s first fullservice spa, a 2,500-square-foot fitness center, two restaurants, two bars, and nearly 7,000 square feet of event space.
the residences at arbora , a luxury collection resort & spa in da nang , vietnam
saudi arabia / detroit / vietnam / canada / montana
United States & Canada
* arizona
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Dove Mountain
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Paradise Valley, The Palmeraie
british columbia
The Residences at the Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler
The Residences at the Westin Bear Mountain Victoria Golf Resort
california
The Residences at The St. Regis San Francisco
The Residences at The West Hollywood EDITION
The Residences at The Westin Monarche, Mammoth Lakes
The Residences at The Westin Verasa Napa
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, San Francisco
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Los Angeles
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Lake Tahoe
W Residences Hollywood
colorado
Beaver Creek Lodge, Autograph Collection Residences
The Residences at The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa, Avon
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Bachelor Gulch
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Vail
The Sky Residences at W Aspen
district of columbia
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Georgetown
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Washington, D.C.
florida
JW Marriott Residences Clearwater Beach
The Residences at The Miami Beach EDITION
The Residences at The Tampa EDITION
The Residences at The St. Regis Bal Harbour
The Residences at The St. Regis Longboat Key
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Bal Harbour
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Coconut Grove
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Fort Lauderdale
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Key Biscayne
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Miami Beach
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Orlando, Grande Lakes
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sarasota
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Singer Island
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sunny Isles Beach
W Residences Fort Lauderdale
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W Residences South Beach
Waterline Marina, Autograph Collection Residences
georgia
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Atlanta
The Residences at The St. Regis Atlanta
W Residences Atlanta — Downtown
hawai ‘ i
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Kapalua
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikīkī
Renaissance Residences Honolulu
illinois
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Chicago
The Residences at The St. Regis Chicago
maryland
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Baltimore
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Chevy Chase
massachusetts
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Boston Common
The St. Regis Residences, Boston
W Residences Boston
michigan
The Residences at The Westin Book Cadillac, Detroit
minnesota
The Residences at The Westin Edina Galleria
The Residences at Ivy, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Minneapolis
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, New York, Central Park
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, New York, NoMad
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, North Hills
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Westchester
The St. Regis Residences, Rye
W Residences New York — Downtown
ontario
The Residences at The St. Regis Toronto Downtown
The Residences at The Westin Trillium House, Blue Mountain
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Toronto
oregon
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Portland
pennsylvania
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Philadelphia
quebec
The Residences at Delta Hotels by Marriott, Beaupré
The Residences at the Westin, Mont-Tremblant
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Montreal
texas
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Dallas
W Residences Austin
W Residences Dallas — Victory
* utah
The Residences at The St. Regis Deer Valley
virginia
The Residences at The Westin Virginia Beach
coming soon
New locations opening between 2024 to 2026
california
Beverly Hills
Santa Ana
florida
Estero Bay
Miami
Naples
North Fort Myers
Pompano Beach
Sarasota Bay
Tampa
West Palm Beach
massachusetts
Boston
ohio
Cleveland
tennessee
Nashville
utah
St. George
virginia
Reston
International
belize
Alaia Belize, Autograph Collection Residences
bermuda
The Residences at The St. Regis Bermuda
cayman islands
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Grand Cayman
china
Bulgari Residences Beijing
Bulgari Residences Shanghai
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Guangzhou
W Residences Guangzhou
costa rica
El Mangroove, Autograph Collection Residences
W Residences Costa Rica — Reserva Conchal
cyprus
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Limassol, Cyprus
dominican republic
The Residences at The Ocean Club, a Luxury Collection Resort, Costa Norte
egypt
The Residences at The St. Regis Cairo
* greece
The Residences at The Westin Resort, Costa Navarino
indonesia
The Residences at The St. Regis Bali
Bulgari Residences Bali
The Residences at The St. Regis Jakarta
W Residences Bali — Seminyak
israel
The Residences at Jaffa, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Tel Aviv
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Herzliya
jordan
The Residences at The St. Regis Amman
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Amman
W Residences Amman
kazakhstan
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Almaty
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Astana
malaysia
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Kuala Lumpur
The Residences at The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur Marriott Residences Penang
mexico
Zadun, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Residence
The Residences at Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort, Los Cabos
The Residences at The St. Regis Mexico City
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The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Mexico City
philippines
The Residences at Westin Manila Sonata Place
The Residences at Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort
portugal
The Residences at the Pine Cliffs Ocean Suites, A Luxury Collection Resort
The Residences at Sheraton Cascais Resort
W Residences Algarve
puerto rico
The Residences at The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort
Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Residence
qatar
The Residences at The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island, The Pearl Qatar
marriott
(“ marriott ”).
a story in herein shares a location with one or more of these residences .
singapore
The Residences at The St. Regis Singapore W Residences Singapore, Sentosa Cove
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Singapore Cairnhill
south korea
Marriott Residences Daegu
JW Marriott Residences Jeju
thailand
The Residences at The St. Regis Bangkok
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Bangkok
turkey
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Bodrum, Epique Island
Le Méridien Residences, Bodrum
JW Marriott Residences Istanbul Marmara Sea
The Residences at Caresse Residences, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa
The Residences at the Sheraton Istanbul Esenyurt
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Istanbul
turks & caicos
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Turks & Caicos
united arab emirates
Bulgari Residences and Mansions Dubai
The St. Regis Residences, Downtown Dubai
W Residences Dubai — The Palm
united kingdom
Bvlgari Residences Knightsbridge
W Residences London
The Residences at the Westin London City
vietnam
Marriott Residences Grand Marina, Saigon
coming soon
New locations opening between 2024 to 2026
azerbaijan Baku
bahamas Eleuthera
belize Ambergris Caye
* brazil
Sao Paulo
costa rica Papagayo
dominica Portsmouth
dominican republic Cap Cana
egypt Cairo
guyana Georgetown
jamaica
St. Thomas
kazakhstan Astana
* mexico
Costa Mujeres
La Paz
Los Cabos
Nayarit
Puerto Vallarta
Riviera Maya
San Miguel de Allende
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* morocco Marrakech
oman
Muscat portugal Lagos
puerto rico
San Juan
qatar
Doha
saudi arabia
Red Sea
Riyadh
serbia Belgrade turkey Istanbul
united arab emirates
Dubai
united kingdom London
vietnam
Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh City
Danang
more at marriottresidences.com
Well and Good
The recent development of luxury residential properties within culturally rich neighborhoods in Chicago, Dubai, São Paulo, Singapore and Tokyo provide Owners with the opportunity to immerse themselves in local arts, cuisine, and history while enjoying the comforts of modern living. These projects offer residents exclusive access to world-class amenities, vibrant social scenes, and unique experiences.
The Residences at The Tokyo EDITION, with its 12 penthouses and rooftop terrace boasting stunning views of Tokyo Tower, can be found in Toranomon, a growing upscale neighborhood in Tokyo. It’s a popular destination for art enthusiasts, renowned for its blend of modern architecture and rich cultural heritage, and boasts a diverse array of art galleries showcasing both traditional and contemporary works. Those include Tokyo Node, a collection of exhibition spaces, restaurants and a rooftop garden; Azabudai Hills Gallery, featuring emerging and established artists; and the Mori Art Museum, located in nearby Roppongi Hills.
Residents of W Residences São Paulo have easy access to cultural attractions in the heart of São Paulo, Brazil, making it a great choice for those who appreciate art and history. Only minutes away are the Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP), featuring an impressive collection of Western and Brazilian art. Ibirapuera Park is a large urban park with beautiful gardens, museums, and
cultural events, while Mercado Municipal de São Paulo is an historic market with a variety of food stalls, shops and events worth a visit any time of day. Teatro Municipal de São Paulo is a stunning opera house and theater providing classical performances, while soccer fans will love the Museu do Futebol, a unique museum dedicated to the history of football in Brazil.
Dubai’s Al Barsha South neighborhood is home to several large shopping malls, including Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Hills Mall, offering a wide range of retail, restaurants, and entertainment options, but Owners at Marriott Residences Al Barsha South, Dubai are also conveniently located near the Dubai Museum, Jumeirah Mosque, the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood, and more modern Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, massive Dubai Mall and towering Burj Khalifa.
Residents of W Residences Singapore –Marina View have easy access to an array of attractions and experiences, including Gardens by the Bay, a stunning waterfront park featuring Supertrees, OCBC Skyway, and the Cloud Forest conservatory. Merlion Park is a popular attraction, with its iconic Merlion statue. Nearby, Chinatown and Little India are vibrant neighborhoods with temples, restaurants and markets. For more high-end shopping, there’s Orchard Road. Singapore’s night markets, including Shiok Shiok Night Market, famous for its authentic Thai dishes, are must visits for foodies.
dubai / são paulo / singapore / tokyo
marriott residences al barsha south , dubai
Joy of Ownership
For decades, Houston’s skyline has been a testament to the relentless pursuit of oil and gas riches. Yet Sunny Bathija, a leading figure in the city’s real estate scene, has a new vision for the nation’s fourth largest city. His unlikely muse? A sleek, oceanfront condo in Miami.
Like many others, Bathija and his wife, Latika, were attracted to Miami during the pandemic as a tropical escape and invested in a vacation home at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sunny Isles Beach. The 52-story tower became a flagship for Marriott International’s portfolio of luxury branded residences when it was completed in 2020.
Initially drawn to the property for its stunning views, modern design and impeccable service, Sunny found himself captivated by the building’s vibrant social scene and sense of community.
“When we walked into The Ritz-Carlton Residences and saw what they were doing, it was something we wanted to be part of,” says Sunny, the founder and CEO of Houstonbased real estate development company Satya. “The pride of ownership of being part of The Ritz-Carlton definitely appealed to us.”
Bathija’s acquisition of a coveted condo in the curvilinear-shaped glass-clad tower wasn’t just a personal indulgence. It became a chance to immerse himself in the world of branded luxury high-rise living. A seed was planted. Could Houston, a city traditionally dominated by sprawling singlefamily homes, embrace a similar lifestyle?
Seeing a growing desire for luxury living experiences that transcended the traditional, Bathija made a bold decision to bring a taste of Miami’s condo culture to the Bayou City with a distinctly regal address, the first branded residence in Houston for St. Regis.
It’s a brand Bathija is certainly familiar with, having also purchased a condo at The St. Regis Residences, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami, slated to be the tallest residential ocean-front tower in the neighborhood upon completion sometime in 2027.
Initially thinking he and Latika would spend the winters in Miami, “we were using it much more than we thought we would,” Bathija says, traveling to Miami on weekends.
Shedding its spring break reputation, Miami has undergone a metamorphosis over the past two decades. Once known for neon lights and raucous energy, it now boasts a sophisticated sheen.
“Miami is not what Florida used to be,” says Latika, who helps market Satya’s developments. “It’s become a city where people go to live.”
The Bathijas were among the first Owners to move into The Ritz-Carlton Residences in Sunny Isles Beach. There was just one problem: It was during the height of the pandemic and furniture orders were severely delayed. “I had a beautiful balcony, I had beautiful views, but I didn’t have a place to sit and enjoy it,” Sunny says. The General Manager moved quickly
to help make it more liveable. “We were blown away by the experience and the graciousness. They really went way beyond what they needed to do for us.”
Filled with light and accented by luxe finishes and materials, the two- to fourbedroom homes and four top-floor penthouses offer spacious floorplans with ocean, city and Intracoastal views, well-appointed Italian kitchens outfitted with Caesarstone quartz countertops and Gaggenau appliances.
For the interior of their own threebedroom, four-bathroom home, Sunny and Latika turned to Artefacto, a renowned Brazilian furniture maker whose designs reflect the contemporary flair of northern Italy, the sensuality of southern France, the simplicity of Asian design, and the casual and spicy vibes of Brazil.
Upgrades included a new powder room, closet, wood paneling, ceiling fans, drapes and blinds, and dimmers to warm up the space. To complement the views and not distract, materials in rich neutral-toned tones like beiges, blues and grays, white marble floors, and layered organic textures were chosen to foster an overall sense of calmness.
“We wanted it to become more of a space we could enjoy and lounge around,” Sunny says. “We were not going to entertain a lot of people in Miami, so we made it more homely.”
The design of the St. Regis and RitzCarlton Residences “absolutely changed my way of thinking,” he says. “There were things I didn’t think we could do in condos. Bringing in some of the influences
from Miami has definitely improved what I’m able to do in Houston today.”
In 2027, Houston’s Inner Loop will welcome The St. Regis Residences, Houston, a 35-story triangular-shaped high-rise development by Satya and managed by St. Regis in Asbury Place. Owners will enjoy unobstructed views of River Oaks, Memorial Park, and downtown, and have private access to the Buffalo Bayou Trail, a pool, fitness center, cognac room, golf simulator, boardroom, butler assistance, a concierge, and valet parking.
The Bathijas plan to downsize from their current 7,000 square-foot home and move into one of the 95 planned homes at the St. Regis Residences. The property is expected to attract empty nesters — “people who like to travel, but don’t want a big house to maintain,” he says.
Privacy will be a major selling point. With no hotel on site, amenities will be exclusive to Owners and not shared. Private elevators will lead directly to each residence. “The people who are going to live here are going to be from a tier of life that is very private,” Sunny says.
Born in Chennai, India, Sunny built a portfolio of commercial centers, hotels and apartments worth nearly a billion dollars across Houston, a fortune which started with gas stations and retail centers.
He was inspired to move to Houston after an uncle promoted the potential for success in the United States. “It turned out to be the land of opportunity for me,” he has said. Now it’s an opportunity for Houston’s luxury housing market, as well.
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