ON Travel 2020

The Travel issue issue no. 99

TRAVEL 2020

M AGA Z I N E

Grand Universe Lucca, Autograph Guatemala’s Casa Palopo South Andros, Bahamas Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale Playa Largo Resort & Spa

featuring

C U R AÇ AO Picturesque, cove-like beaches, multi-colored European architecture, and unique natural beauty

INNOVATIVE DIRECT MEDIA 7274 Elm St, Frisco, TX 75034-5748

ON TRAVEL

THE FUTURE of CLEAN IS HERE Texas Health Center for Diagnostics & Surgery

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Generosity of space. Millions of twinkling lights and our soaring 48-foot Christmas tree.

Hundreds of enhanced cleaning protocols. Boundless family-friendly holiday events, from snow tubing and ice skating to our brand-new I Love Christmas Movies™ immersive pop-up experience featuring ELF™, THE POLAR EXPRESS™, and more!

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THE MOST SATISFIED PATIENTS HIGHLY SATISFIED PHYSICIANS

Texas Institute for Surgery has assembled the finest team of medical professionals along with the most advanced technology to meet your surgical needs. Our state of the art surgical hospital provides the best services as well as the personal care and convenience of a small facility. With one of the lowest patient-to-staff ratios in the area, our health care professionals and staff play a key role in the successful outcomes of our patients. Listed below are a few of our specialties.

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contents issue no. 99 | TRAVEL 2020

MAGA ZINE

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26

40

46

50

ON Our List

Ask the Expert

The Future of Clean is Here

ON Beauty

ON Call

42

48

54

ON Style

ON Our Troops

Morning Ritual

19 Featured Destination Curacao

Editorial Staff Publisher PAUL RIDDLE

Nebraska Furniture Mart

28 ON Travel

No Place Like Home

Fiona Wright, MD

Richard Jackson, MD

ON the Table

54

28

Creative Director KRISTEN KENNEY Associate Publisher TONY WILLIAMS Editor-in-Chief CARRIE TEMPLE Senior Copy Editor TROY R. THOMAS

Contributing Photographers JONATHAN BORBA EDUARDO GATO

19

SARAH GUALTIERI JIM MOSS

Advertising Office: Phone: 972.596.8686 Fax: 972.596.9056 ON Magazine is published by Innovative Direct Media, Ltd Co President, Paul Riddle: PaulRiddle@InnovativeDirect.net Subscription Inquiries: ON Magazine 5566 Main Street # 207A, Frisco, TX 75034 PO Box 1267, Frisco, TX 75034 or call 972.596.8686 © 2020 Reproduction in whole or in part of ON Magazine is strictly prohibited.

All rights reserved.

42

ON The Cover CURACAO | PHOTO BY EDUARDO GATO

LandPlan’s Custom Lot Collection

Only 1 of the Coveted Woodland Farm Estates Home Sites Remain!

In addition to the premier location and natural beauty of the lots, homebuyers choose LandPlan’s communities for their attention to architectural detail.

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in Fairview

2 acre lot priced at $520,000 Exclusive 2 acre lot in a rural setting just minutes from big city conveniences.

Located in Lovejoy ISD. Just a short commute from major employment centers and also only minutes from the shops and restaurants at the Village of Allen, the Fairview Town Center, and historic downtown McKinney.

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Mention this ad and receive a $5,000 allowance for closing expenses* *Offer good until November 30, 2020 ON magazine | Travel 2020 | 7

ON Our List

by CARRIE TEMPLE

Barebones String Lights $65

Backyard Camping ENO Appalachian Trail Hammock $70 Kelty Sequoia Tent $329

Backpacker’s Pantry Mac and Cheese $9.95

Leatherman G10 Multitool $170 REI Mug $20

Vortex Diamondback Prism Binoculars $230 Maglite Flashlight $13

8 | ON magazine | Travel 2020

Big Agnes Cabin Creek Double Sleeping Bag $290

THE RESOURCES OF A TOP PEDIATRIC HEALTH CARE SYSTEM. THE RESILIENCE OF A CHILD.

Children’s HealthSM works with families to face the tough stuff head-on. And this time is no different. We’re taking every precaution to keep you safe.

See how we’re keeping your family safe at childrens.com/covid19.

ON Our List Walker Family Goods CO. Louie Sling $42

Safe Travels Play it safe this holiday travel season: stock up on comfortable masks, hand sanitizer, and vitamins. Pack it all in a crossbody bag that’ll never be shoved under a grimy airplane seat or grubby overhead bin.

Ritual Vitamins $30

Christy Dawn Sustainable Masks 3-Pack $20

By Humankind Aluminum Hand Sanitizer with Reusable Pump $15

Play the Stress Away

M

aking its way from Australia, Wild Dough is introducing the fun and imagination associated with playdough to the states with a handmade delight that’s perfect for sensory quarantine activities and stress relief.

Wild Dough is a non-toxic playdough that’s lovingly crafted by our friends down under.

Created by a mom, it’s super soft, deliciously scented, and available in a variety of vibrant colors that appeal to both young 10 | ON magazine | Travel 2020

and old alike. Choose from the colors of the rainbow, neon brights, and even glitter!

The recipe is unique to the company and is not your hard store-bought variety. If cared for properly, the dough can last easily for as long as six months and soft enough for little hands to manipulate independently.

With the current pandemic having us spend more time at home, Wild Dough arrives just in time to occupy your little one for hours.

Plus, squishing and rolling playdough can

not only be fun but also help them relax, focus their attention, and relieve stress (it’s great for parents and teachers too!)

In addition to being loads of fun, the power of playdough both at home and school has been proven by educators to support early childhood learning and language development. Spark your child’s imagination with this wonderful tactile learning experience. wilddoughco.com

A STYLE THAT LOOKS GOOD ON YOU It’s more than four walls, it’s your home, your special place in the world.

Find all the essentials and the pieces that make it perfectly yours at Nebraska Furniture Mart. Your home for affordable prices on furniture, flooring, appliances and electronics, all in one store.

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ON Our List

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ON Trend:

Glamping

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1. Stuart Weitzman Sondra Ankle Boot $650 2. Gucci Wool Socks $250 3. Veronica Beard Cargo Shorts $230 4. Acne Studios Cotton Flannel Shirt $450 5. Catbird 14 kt Gold Charm $88 6. Isabel Marant Radji Bag $590

12 | ON magazine | Travel 2020

EWINGBUICKGMC.COM | 972.964.7400 6425 DALLAS PKWY, PLANO, TEXAS 75093

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OUR FAMILY IS WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.

ON Our List

Send Love

2020

has been a year like no other. Many of us have missed milestone events, including weddings, graduations, birthdays, and even the passing of loved ones. Social isolation has left many of us feeling alone and hopeless.

While there are many things we have missed out on, Little Love Jar is grateful to be able to allow people to come together in a truly magical way.

The idea behind Little Love Jar is to rally around the people we care about and surround them with love and joy. We do this by collecting messages from the people who love them most, then blast them with pure

A Global Palate

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ravel the world, one snack at a time with Universal Yums. Each month features a selection of unique snacks from a different country. From tangy bacon and lime chips from Columbia to sweet clotted cream fudge from England, every box is an adventure.

Subscriptions start at $13.95 Universalyums.com

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love- a jar full of personalized, heartfelt messages.

Whether your loved one is far away from home, suffering an illness, missing out on an important event, or could use a little extra TLC, Little Love Jar will connect and uplift the people you care about most.

Littlelovejar.com

FOLEY CUSTOM POOLS

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With over 30 years experience, we bring a high level of creativity and expert craftsmanship to every single job. Whether you’re looking for a contemporary statement or a tropical oasis,

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Autograph Construction is a local company that offers complete home & business maintenance services autograph construction specializes in professional services such as: Gutters & Downspouts Gutter Guards & Leaf Screens Attic Insulation & Radiant Barrier Attic & Soffit Ventilation Vinyl & Aluminum Siding Carpentry & Painting Metal & Shingle Roofing Tile & Slate Roofing Flat Roof Systems Skylights & Solar Tubes Windows & Doors Concrete & Driveways Patio Covers Arbors & Pergolas Decks & Balconies Repairs & Carpentry Sprinklers & Drainage Brick & Masonry Autograph Construction is a family owned, diverse & local company.

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Quality is our Signature.

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18 | ON magazine | Travel 2020

Feel It For Yourself in

CURAÇAO

T

he sunny ABC Island of Curaçao, famed for its picturesque, cove-like beaches, multi-colored European architecture, and unique natural beauty, sets the stage for an unforgettable getaway from Dallas.

Recently named one of the best islands in the Caribbean in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards, the tiny yet bustling nation offers endless choices for every type of traveler. Located in the Southern Dutch Caribbean about 40 miles north of Venezuela, Curaçao is home to a diverse heritage, with 55 cultures represented in its population of 160,000 island residents. With its unique cactus-filled landscape, friendly residents celebrated for their welcoming, “live and let live” attitudes, and world-class diving, Curaçao remains one of the most exceptional islands in the world.

Whether it’s checking out the larger-than-life street art murals, exploring 300-year-old forts and the capital city of Willemstad, or sampling local staples at one of the island’s late-night food trucks, Curaçao provides no shortage of sensational backdrops.

Those seeking adventure and fresh-air experiences will get their fix hiking Mount Christoffel, riding ATVs, taking a floating yoga class or kiteboarding, making Curaçao an ideal destination for a socially distant escape. Paired with exciting cultural experiences and a cosmopolitan roster of trendy restaurants and cafes, Curaçao is a hidden gem that invites you to “Feel it For Yourself.”

For more information, visit www.curacao.com/en.

ON magazine | Travel 2020 | 19

Historic Charm and Modern Sophistication Alive at

AVILA BEACH HOTEL

school to a private hospital - and exquisite charm has made it a favorite among royalty.

Known for its stunning white sandy beach and authentic soul, Avila Beach Hotel features some of the island’s most luxurious and modern accommodations. Even with its fabled past, this beachfront oasis has kept up with the times and features renovated guest rooms in its Ocean Front Blues Wing, Octagon rooms, and La Belle Alliance buildings.

AL-FRESCO DINING

For casual waterfront dining, Schooner Bar & Terrace, Restaurant The Pen, and Avila’s Blues Bar & Restaurant offer no shortage of delicious food, amazing views, and live music.

HISTORICAL ELEGANCE

Perfectly situated on the fringes of downtown Willemstad, Avila Beach Hotel holds the honor as the oldest operational hotel in Curaçao. Fully embracing Curaçao’s “Live and Let Live” attitude in true Dutch fashion, this classic and sophisticated hotel is where The Netherlands’ royals regularly call home when they’re in town. Established in 1780, the property’s rich history - transitioning from a house for English governors to a boarding 20 | ON magazine | Travel 2020

Once the backyard of the governor’s villa, The Pen is a unique semi open-air restaurant with an exceptional, internationally inspired menu with a Caribbean twist. Next door, Schooner Bar & Terrace is said to serve one of the best keshi yena variations on the island. Keshi yena literally translates to “stuffed cheese” in Papiamentu, Curaçao’s local dialect. The stuffed

gouda rind is filled with flavorful spices and chicken, then served warm with rice, beans, and plantains.

On Thursdays, seek out Avila’s Blues Bar & Restaurant for live jazz. With music by the likes of B.B. King and John Coltrane, the international musicians play from their perch while diners soak up the stunning views from below. The pitched roof makes for ideal acoustics and gives travelers the opportunity to interact with locals.

BEYOND THE BEACH

For a quintessential romantic getaway, honeymoon or couples retreat, Avila Beach Hotel is the perfect spot to recharge and reconnect. Guests can escape the hustle and bustle with curated experiences including customized outdoor massages with a sea view, unforgettable dinners on the beach, Rolls Royce rides, and more.

Beyond that, the executive team’s passion for the arts has manifested in popular cultural events, standup comedy and theater shows, and concerts featuring talented jazz, blues, classic and pop musicians.

When not exploring the island or unwinding by the pool, guests have access

to the full-service spa, three restaurants, four bars, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and an infinity swimming pool. However, travelers return year-after-year for the personalized attention and familiar smiling faces of the Avila employees who have worked tirelessly to create the welcoming family-like atmosphere felt throughout the resort.

seaside neighborhood of Pietermaai is quickly capturing the attention of discerning travelers and is often compared to Miami’s artsy Wynwood neighborhood.

The BLVD is the place to grab a bite or waste the day soaking up the sun, and Punda is the home of Curaçao’s most scenic buildings.

FUN FACT: A PHOTOGENIC BEAUTY

As innovation and sustainability are pillars for Avila’s team, the resort has invested in regenerative programs throughout the local community. From working with local dive shops to enhance the on-site reef to planting trees in Haiti and offering complimentary reef-safe sunscreen to hotel guests, the team goes above and beyond to give back. One of its most established partnerships is with Pack for a Purpose, an organization that encourages travelers to transport school supplies, books, clothing and toys in their suitcase, which are then donated to the local Oranje School, Schotborg School and Kolegio Don Sarto School.

Avila Beach Hotel’s warm, white sands and expansive private beach set the stage three years ago as a backdrop in the iconic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue.

The shoot took place all around Curaçao and Avila served as the home base for the production team, crew, photographer, and world-class models, including Vita Sidorkina, Rose Bertram, Samantha Hoopes, Barbara Palvin, and Myla Dalbesio.

EXPLORING THE CITY

The centrally located resort is just a hop, skip and jump away from the trendy, up-and-coming district of Pietermaai with the highest density of restaurants and bars on the island, the Mambo Beach BLVD, and the Punda area of Willemstad – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The

GIVING BACK TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

For more information or reservations, call (800) 747-8162 or visit www.avilabeachhotel.com.

ON magazine | Travel 2020 | 21

A Paradisiacal Dream in Curaçao:

DREAMS CURAÇAO RESORT, SPA & CASINO

BON BINI! (WELCOME) Nestled along the sandy beaches of Piscadera Bay, Dreams Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino invites discerning travelers to experience Curaçao’s unique Dutch-inspired culture and rich history. With its prime location along the island’s south-western coast near one of the region’s most acclaimed dive sites, this newcomer provides a sleek jumping-off point for guests to explore this ABC island’s European flair.

A mere 15 minutes from Hato International Airport, Dreams Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino’s central location beckons adventure seekers, beach lovers, and visitors seeking unrivaled R&R in the southern Caribbean.

MODERN ACCOMMODATIONS

The 197 spacious rooms and suites, which range from a Deluxe Island View Suite to the Preferred Club Presidential Suite, 22 | ON magazine | Travel 2020

each feature a private furnished balcony or terrace with sweeping views of the turquoise Caribbean Sea, lush gardens or the tropical island. At this stylish all-inclusive, which debuted in December, 24-hour room service and stunning seascapes are a given. Families have a choice of optional connecting rooms, as well as in-room amenities designed with kids in mind.

INTERNATIONAL DINING

Along with two private beaches, and as part of its elevated all-inclusive service, guests have access to seven internationally inspired dining outlets featuring gourmet cuisines from all corners of the globe.

Barefoot Grill is known for its poolside bites, Coco Café serves specialty coffee, teas, and snacks for guests on-the-go, and Oceana offers locally inspired Caribbean seafood in a picturesque oceanfront setting. Also available is World Cafe for

all-day dining, Italian-inspired Portofino, marked by its outdoor terrace illuminated by the soft glow of dangling string lights, and Seaside Grill with a casual yet elegant setting offering steaks and other grilled specialties.

Most notably — and perhaps most popular with locals — Dreams Curaçao features an on-site brewery dubbed The Crafty Iguana Brew Pub, named after the island’s infamous residents. Here, comfort food such as burgers, hearty piles of nachos, and glazed wings are best enjoyed with local microbeers. Rounding out the resort’s culinary portfolio is a collection of three additional bars that serve top-shelf spirits, ideal for pre-dinner drinks or catching the sunset.

STAY TO PLAY

An oceanfront oasis, Dreams Curaçao’s lagoon-style and infinity pools are the nerve center of the hotel for guests to lay & lounge. The Dreams Spa by Pevonia offers rejuvenating massages and relaxing body treatments in its indoor and outdoor rooms. The resort also includes a fully equipped fitness facility, a National Geographic and PADI-certified dive center, and a large casino with a bingo hall and the only poker room in Curaçao. While on-property, guests can enjoy dance lessons, cooking and cocktail classes, Euro-Bungee, Spanish and Papiamentu lessons, snorkeling, water polo, big-screen movies, beach soccer, volleyball, and more.

Together with the Explorer’s Club for kids, this resort brings the brand’s signature UnlimitedLuxury® getaway to life.

THE PREFERRED CLUB

For an added touch of luxury, guests can opt to join the Preferred Club, which includes enhanced amenities like a private Preferred Club lounge, upgraded mini-bar, and a pillow menu.

For more information, visit https://www.dreamsresorts.com/ en_us/resorts/curacao/curacao.html ON magazine | Travel 2020 | 23

Culture and Design on The Other Side

RENAISSANCE CURAÇAO RESORT & CASINO

Nestled in the heart of downtown Willemstad, Renaissance Curaçao Resort & Casino is the ultimate spot to unwind and enjoy the island’s year-round 86° temperatures from the comfort of a beachside chair by the resort’s infinity pool.

Edging the shimmering ocean, Renaissance Curacao Resort & Casino offers scenic luxury in historic Willemstad. With picturesque city and ocean views, the resort’s vibrant facades — with colors seemingly stripped from Curaçao’s memorizing sunsets — match the colors of Handelskade Street just a short walk away.

CHIC REDESIGN

Following a redesign earlier this year, the 237 guest rooms now boast a blend of urban and natural elements, including local ceramic art and vibrant yet subtle colors that provide a welcoming presence. Guests can enjoy a sophisticated palette that is both crafted for a relaxing workspace or private refuge away from home. The clean design lines, sky blue accent walls, wood detailing, geometric light fixtures, and modern bathrooms round out the fresh, reimagined rooms.

24 | ON magazine | Travel 2020

Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by a larger-than-life ChiChi doll, a national symbol of family and love, which was hand-painted by the artists at Serena’s Art Factory. The inviting new lobby and modern restaurant were redesigned to evoke a nautical feel with sleek and airy white interiors and rope-inspired details accentuated by turquoise and seafoam green touches. Renaissance Curaçao is also excited to have unveiled an enhanced look to its Infinity Beach Club. Guests can relax in the refreshing infinity pool with beachside cocktail service and stunning Caribbean Sea views. At night, they can try their luck in the newly designed Wind Creek Carnival Casino.

TO INFINITY & BEYOND

Visitors can punctuate an unforgettable day with distinctive fare at Renaissance Curaçao’s on-property restaurants or grab a chaise lounge on the “shore.” The second-story infinity pool resembles one of Curaçao’s distinct beaches, complete with natural ocean water, palapas, and swaying palms. Visitors can also indulge at the Blue Lobby Bar and Blue Bar Terrace with refreshing cocktails in a relaxing ambiance, or get their caffeine fix from the on-property Starbucks.

CENTRALLY LOCATED

Located just steps away from the iconic Queen Emma Floating Bridge, Renaissance Curaçao provides easy access to the

island’s most Instagrammable locales. It’s home in Otrobanda, meaning “The Other Side,” is one of four distinct districts in Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Otrobanda has recently become a hub for eclectic street art and colorful houses characterized by the distinctive European-inspired architecture. The property also sits adjacent to Rif Fort, a seaside plaza with dozens of fashionable stores, craft shops, and delectable restaurants such as Porto. Just a five-minute walk and guests can enjoy authentic island dishes like keshi yena, locally caught red snapper, and Cuban banana soup at Restaurant & Cafe Gouverneur de Rouville.

SAFETY FIRST

After an unprecedented time for the hospitality industry as a whole, Renaissance

Curaçao reopened with enhanced Hygiene and Safety protocols. The staff all completed mandatory training as outlined

by Marriott’s “Commitment to Clean” protocols, ensuring guests and staff have a comfortable, safe visit without sacrificing on hospitality.

With an ideal location, updated design, inviting amenities, and safety assurance, Renaissance Curaçao makes for a safe, much-needed getaway for locals and travelers alike. Whether it’s a comfortable remote working environment or to unwind in a tropical setting, travelers can expect the same top-notch service and experience.

For more information or reservations, call (888) 778-4722 or visit www.renaissancecuracao.com.

ON magazine | Travel 2020 | 25

Ask the Experts NFM

by CARRIE TEMPLE

G

|

YETI AND TRAEGER POP-UP SHOP Jonathan Loyd & Jon Williams, Sales Managers

photograph by JIM MOSS

rilling and chilling unite at a special Pop-Up Shop, Cold Smoke Outpost. Located near the Center Entrance of NFM, this shop features must-have products from YETI and Traeger.

How long will the YETI/Traeger Pop-Up be going on?

JL: We have our Pop-Up Shop open through the holiday season.

What Traeger products are available at the Pop-Up? JW: This new Pop-Up room is genuinely unlike anything NFM has ever created! You will be transported and immersed into a camp-side oasis, filled with all things Traeger, including some new models and accessories you won’t find anywhere else. Be sure to come visit this Pop-Up near the Center Main entrance next to cashiering.

What YETI products are available at the Pop-Up? JL: We have the complete assortment of YETI products, from water bottles, ramblers, travel mugs, can insulators, and the iconic YETI coolers. We have several different colors available and a bunch of varieties of the coolers to meet every need, from soft coolers, hard coolers, and even ones with wheels! Our new Pop Up Shop has a vast selection to choose from so you can pick the perfect YETI product for you.

What’s the most popular YETI item?

JL: The Tundra Haul Hard Cooler is the one that springs to mind. It has all the features that YETI is known for, along with handy Neverflat wheels that are puncture-resistant and an aluminum arm that tracks left or right that makes it easy to tow behind you without catching your feet or heels. It has a Fatwall design on the cooler walls that hold up to two inches of insulation and uses commercial-grade pressure-injected foam in the walls; this helps make sure your ice stays ice! It’s super portable, with easy to hold handles along the lip, and the wheels make it a perfect travel cooler for football games, backyard parties, or even camping trips, all for only $399.

JONATHAN LOYD

“YETI products are virtually indestructible. It’s a big part of the brand’s appeal, but everything about the products is engineered to be tough and functional.”

Rambler 20 oz Tumbler $29.99

How is the quality of YETI products superior to other ice chests and stainless-steel cups/ water bottles?

JL: YETI products are virtually indestructible. It’s a big part of the brand’s appeal, but everything about the products is engineered to be tough and functional. For instance, the

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Tundra Haul Hard Cooler $399.99

Rambler 14 oz Mug $24.99

“You will be transported and immersed into a camp-side oasis, filled with all things Traeger, including some new models and accessories you won’t find anywhere else.”

Pro 780 Pellet Grill $999.99

JON WILLIAMS

coolers have extra thick insulation walls to keep stuff cold longer, heavy-duty rubber latches that won’t bust, a freezer-quality gasket that blocks out heat and locks in the cold, and a cool hinge system that prevents the hinge from breaking. The tumblers are all BPAfree, dishwasher safe, and the bottles are all built to use the samesized lid, so any YETI accessory works. That kind of strength and adaptability makes any YETI product a winner in my book.

What sets a Traeger Grill apart from the rest?

JW: To me, three main things elevate the Traeger above the competition.

Versatility – Traeger’s 6-in-1 grilling strategy allows one to smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ with pure hardwood flavor.

Hundreds of recipes ready to access on the app will take you on a delicious and stress-free culinary journey.

Consistency – Cook your food to the correct internal temperature and your Traeger do what it’s made to do. Time after time, after time.

Timberline 850 Pellet Grill $1,799.99

What grill is the best choice for the avid home cook?

JW: There are three series of Traegers. Pro, Ironwood, and Timberline. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, a Traeger is uniquely built to accompany endless grilling needs. Come on in to store to understand the differences better, as we will do our best to connect you with the Traeger that will best meet your needs. The holidays are coming fast, so let’s get to mealing and grilling!

Community – I have found over the years that Traeger community enthusiasm for the brand is unparalleled. There have been numerous times in my four years at NFM where Traeger owners will go out of their way to interrupt and take over my sale! It’s funny; they literally can not help themselves, wanting to share their experiences with the grill. I have yet to have this type of reaction with any of our many other grills on the floor.

Texas Pop-Up Shop located at the Center Entrance near Cashiering.

That collective enthusiasm and community is the subtle push that led me to purchase my Traeger. I’ve had mine for over two years and wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s a joy to daily share something you own yourself and truly believe in.

Nebraska Furniture Mart 5600 Nebraska Furniture Mart Dr, The Colony, TX 75056 nfm.com ON magazine | Travel 2020 | 27

ON Travel

A Journey Through the Eras:

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he fascinating, medieval city walls that surround Lucca, Italy, are welcoming its first full-service luxury hotel when the Grand Universe Lucca, Autograph Collection, opens in the heart of its historic old town this winter. Standing stylishly and overlooking Piazza del Giglio and Piazza Napoleone, the former 16th century palazzo will debut a masterfully renovated design, fueled by an

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Grand Universe Lucca, Autograph

arts and music-focused concept that is beautifully evocative of the city’s past and present.

delicate wall tapestries will pay homage to the region’s vineyard patterns

Grand Universe Lucca will add 55 superbly furnished rooms and suites. The hotel’s interiors will masterfully blend timeless elegance and contemporary comforts, inviting guests to a journey through the eras. Colorful silk textiles drawn by earthy shades of grape red, pine green and Tuscan sun yellow, reflect the city’s famous silk production heritage, while

La Storia (History) Recent findings show that the actual foundation of the hotel dates back to the roman period, circa 200 BC. A majestic palazzo of the Paoli family during the Renaissance in the mid 18th century, the site was turned into a monumental hotel – Hotel Universo e Tosca, opened in 1857 -- that became a

destination for artists, poets, philosophers and royalty from around the world. Opera composer Giacomo Puccini was said to be a frequent guest in between performances at Teatro del Giglio. The property closed in 2015 and has since undergone a meticulous restoration inspired by its storied, colorful past.

Posizione (Location) Grand Universe Lucca stands in front of the Teatro del Giglio and adjacent to Piazza Napoleone, a cultural gathering place for artists and some of the biggest names in music. Each July, the Lucca Summer Festival is hosted here, with the likes of Elton John, Green Day, Bob Dylan, and Imagine Dragons, lighting up the piazza. North American travelers anticipating a return to Italy in 2021 can look forward to performances by Celine Dion, John Legend, and Ben Harper, among others, during next year’s Lucca Summer Festival.

Cibo e Bevande (Food & Beverage) The hotel will offer several dynamic culinary outlets, each positioned to become destinations in themselves, with names that justify

the brand story and complement the guest journey. Located at the ground hall, the Symphony Lounge will invite guests to relax between outings, with a piano player to enliven past eras with live performances. At Legacy Restaurant, cuisine will encapsulate the local traditions of Lucca, with redefined recipes and fine wines. The hotel’s highest point, Sommita Rooftop Bar, will offer a unique place to gaze and admire the city’s landmarks and monuments from above.

Destinazione (Destination) Lucca embodies a vivid blend of history – a testimony to past times, kingdoms and dominions. Today it is known for the wellpreserved Renaissance walls encircling its historic city center. Broad, tree-lined pathways along the tops of these massive 16thand 17th-century ramparts are popular for strolling and cycling, with Grand Universe Lucca offering guests branded cruisers to enjoy the city on two wheels.

workshops, to pastry making, to honey and olive oil tastings and pairings. Offering an immersive food and wine experience that includes two wine tasting sessions and an olive oil and honey tasting, guests can book the “Tuscan Wine & Olive Oil Experience” package, valid through September 30, 2021 and starting at €2050.00 per room, inclusive of accommodations for three nights. Nightly leisure rates start at €250.

For more information, please visit www.granduniverselucca.com.

Esperienze (Experiences) Paying homage to the city’s rich culinary traditions, guests can indulge in a variety of experiences that range from pasta

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ON Travel

Color, Culture & Community:

Discover Guatemala’s Casa Palopo

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asa Palopó is perched above spectacular Lake Atitlán — famous for its natural beauty, three mesmerizing volcanoes and 12 colorful Mayan villages that dot its shores, each with its own personality. The private home turned boutique hotel offers just 15 uniquely decorated guest rooms, adorned with colorful walls, Latin American artwork and handwoven textiles made in Guatemala — all perfectly complemented by breathtaking views. It is the first and only Relais & Chateaux property in Guatemala, guaranteeing an escape as exclusive as it is unique.

The picturesque property reopened to international travelers on September 18th, launching a series of initiatives to help the local indigenous community prepare to safely welcome back tourists while rebooting the local economy that so much depends on it.

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Together with the Pintando Santa Catarina Palopo Project – of which Casa Palopo is a key fundraiser and through which the neighboring village of Santa Catarina Palopo has been undergoing a colorful transformation — the hotel has installed antibacterial gel stations in key traffic areas, including the town’s main entry points, the dock (for boat arrivals), and the main square. It is also worth noting that at the start of the pandemic, the hotel donated fabric to the town’s locals for mask production, and aided in the distribution of 800+ food and hygiene kits to help support locals when the economy came to a halt.

To encourage guests to shop local and help stimulate the local economy, Casa Palopo is offering its guests “Community Credits” whereby 10% of the amount of their nightly rate, per night, is given back to the guest in vouchers to spend on locally

produced items, such as woven goods. The hotel is also inviting vendors, such as local textile weavers, to set up “pop-ups” on the property for these transactions to take place, ensuring temperature checks and social distancing to keep guests and locals safe.

New Experiences: A paradisiacal escape surrounded by some of nature’s most beautiful wonders, Casa Palopo is taking advantage of its expansive outdoor areas to offer guests new private experiences. Among these experiences is a Guatemalan tea time set up under a canopy that gives way to panoramic views of the lake and volcanoes, with delicacies prepared by new Executive Chef Alvaro Perera.

Reimagined Spaces: Casa Palopo is also leveraging its unique configuration to offer guests a more private experience. The main hotel, home to 12 rooms and suites, is adorned with colorful stucco walls and Latin American artworks and relics. They are currently selling one of its wings — housing rooms

4, 5 and 6 — as “La Casita” (which means small house). When booking “La Casita” the library – a common area between the rooms – is converted into a private living and dining room for the exclusive use of that party, offering a great option for multi-generational families or guests traveling in small groups or “pods”.

Buyout Packages: Travelers can currently book the entire property, which consists of the main building and three-suite villa (complete with its own infinity pool), for just $5,555 per night, plus taxes. What’s more, the package includes a family style breakfast with all the Guatemalan fixings, a tortilla bar experience led by a local, personalized activities, and exclusive use of all amenities, including the hotel’s two pools and water toys such as kayaks and paddle boards.

Nightly rates for individual bookings start at $197 per night, plus 32% taxes and fees.

Bookings and/or inquiries can be made to reservaciones@casapalopo.com.

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ON Travel

17th Annual

Lone Star Christmas at Gaylord Texan Resort

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or many, the holidays may look and feel a little different this year, whether it’s canceled family Christmas plans, a big vacation that’s been put on hold, or just a lack of cheer. Enter the 17th Annual Lone Star Christmas event at Gaylord Texan Resort, here to save the Christmas spirit. New events, old favorites, and the larger-than-life decor will have the resort brimming with joy.

The full lineup of Christmas programming will include brand-new events; marquee pop-up exhibition, “I Love Christmas Movies”, 50,000 square foot outdoor holiday lanterns attraction, Yuletide Bright; and a Build-Your-Own Snowman experience made with REAL snow in addition to fan-favorite activities including Snow Tubing, Ice Skating, Gingerbread 32 | ON magazine | Travel 2020

Decorating, Elf on the Shelf Character Breakfast, and more.

The resort’s four and a half acres of indoor atriums will be magically decked out with two million twinkling holiday lights, 15,000 shimmering ornaments, a Polar Express themed miniature train set specially designed by Lionel Trains, strolling entertainers, and a brand-new 52-foot tall towering Christmas tree which features its own light show.

A myriad of festive events and activities will include: I Love Christmas Movies Anchoring Christmas fun is I Love Christmas Movies, an exclusive multi-sensory pop-up exhibition in collaboration with Warner Bros. Consumer Products allowing guests to experience beloved holiday movies,

including THE POLAR EXPRESS™, A CHRISTMAS STORY™, ELF™, NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION™, and THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS™, in a completely new way. All designed with social distancing measures at the forefront, as guests young and young-at-heart navigate the multi-sensory exhibits, they will enjoy 15 fully immersive scenes complete with replicas of film props, audio clips and more, making participants feel as if they have stepped into part of the actual story.

Yuletide Bright Evoking a heart-warming feeling of Christmas, the enchanting Yuletide Bright outdoor holiday lanterns attraction will display over 50,000-square-feet of colorful, glowing holiday-themed lanterns, characters and scenes for visitors to journey through outside; under the Texas stars.

Additional Holiday Favorite Activities Guests can take a thrilling ride down the Snow Tubing hill made with real snow, glide on the Ice-Skating Rink made with real ice, enjoy snowy fun in a Build-YourOwn-Snowman activity using real snow (brand new this year!), take a spin on the Christmas Carousel, flex their critical thinking skills in two holiday-themed Escape Rooms, divulge in a delicious buffet at the Elf on the Shelf Character Breakfast, and complete holiday-themed

For more information on the I Love Christmas Movies exhibition, visit ILoveChristmasMoviesExperience.com.

This year for the first time, advance online reservations will be required for all ticketed events.

As the safety of its guests and STARS (employees) is of paramount importance, the Lone Star Christmas event has been developed in accordance with Marriott’s “Commitment to Clean” program, and

with enhanced protocols and social distancing measures. Programming will also operate in consideration with the latest local, state and federal legislation.

Additionally, Gaylord Texan Resort recently received Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR accreditation, the gold standard for prepared facilities.

The program verifies that the resort has implemented best practices to prepare for, respond to and recover from outbreaks and pandemics.

Visit GaylordTexanTickets.com and enter Promo Code JOYFUL to receive: 50% OFF TICKETS TO WARNER BROS. PICTURES “I LOVE CHRISTMAS MOVIES” EXHIBITION.

art in the Christmas Craft Studio. In addition, the resort will also offer Photos with Santa by DEI; Build-A-Bear Workshop®; Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Traditions, a live retelling of the Christmas Classic ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas; a Mistletoe Mile Scavenger Hunt; and more.

All events begin November 13th, 2020 and run through January 3, 2021.

To purchase tickets to the full lineup of Lone Star Christmas events, or to book holiday room packages, visit www.ChristmasAtGaylordTexan.com.

Events begin 11/13/20. Offer valid between 11/13-11/26, 11/29-12/4, 12/612/11, 12/13-12/18, 12/20-12/25, 12/27-1/3. Offer valid for listed dates only, thru 1/3/21. Not valid with any other discounts or offers. Tickets must be purchased online. Limit of 10 tickets per purchaser. Not retroactive.

Other restrictions may apply. Discount based on 50% off GENERAL ADMISSION ticket pricing and valid for all dates mentioned in the promotion. Limited number of tickets available on select dates.

$5 OFF TICKETS TO YULETIDE BRIGHT OUTDOOR HOLIDAY LANTERNS ATTRACTION. Events begin 11/13/20. Offer valid between 11/16-11/19, 11/30-12/3, 12/7-12/10, and 12/14-12/17. Offer valid for listed dates only, thru 12/17/20, with limited number of tickets on select dates. Not valid with any other discounts or offers for this event. Tickets must be purchased online. Limit of 10 tickets per purchase.

Not retroactive. Other restrictions may apply.

ON magazine | Travel 2020 | 33

ON Travel

An Untouched Paradise in South Andros, Bahamas

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ptly nicknamed ‘The Sleeping Giant’ by locals, Andros is The Bahamas largest, but least inhabited island, with more than 90 miles of beaches without footprints and dense mangrove forest. It’s home to the world’s third largest barrier reef and greatest number of blue hole ocean caves. This off-the-beaten path escape is ideal for fishing and boating enthusiasts, divers, and anyone looking to disconnect from the every-day and immerse themselves in the gorgeous, untouched, natural surroundings. From folkloric legends like the chickcarney and lusca monster rumored to live in the depths of the blue holes, to unique experiences like bush medicine tours, cave diving, private island hopping, and more, Andros is nothing like your typical Bahamas vacation. The island is accessible via 20-minute flight from Nassau and even has its own international customs with direct lift (commercial or private charter) via Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport in just under an hour.

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Caerula Mar is a boutique luxury resort that debuted in February as South Andros’ first hotel in more than two decades and the island’s only five star property. The

resort’s 18 Clubhouse Suites and six 1-and 2-bedroom private villas are made with sustainable, natural materials and designed to evoke a sense of barefoot luxury where nature is the star of the show. The suites feature spacious outdoor living areas steps from the shoreline, while the villas tout touches like ocean-view reading nooks, Jonathan Adler furniture, and blown-up vintage black and white photographs of island locals. Bryan and Sarah Baeumler, a Canadian couple famous for their HGTV hit fixer-upper shows, discovered the once-abandoned property while on a family boating trip and decided to purchase it instantly, transforming it into one of the most luxe getaways in the region.

photos by William Torrillo, unless otherwise noted

Guests can start their morning at a charming café called Switcha (named for a Bahamian staple drink similar to limeade) where fresh smoothies, coffee, and matcha lattes are served in a chic, tropical setting.

By day, Driffs outdoor lounge and pool bar is the perfect spot to cool off with a cocktail and nibble on lighter fare that features the day’s fresh catch. By night, guests can opt for a more sophisticated setting at Lusca — the island’s first fine dining restaurant — where Caerula Mar’s chef Sebastian Perez has designed a menu concept that changes nightly based on what’s available and in season.

If guests want something special, all they have to do is ask. The property’s intimate ambiance allows them to really cater to guests every whim. This also includes personalized airport pick ups and if you’re lucky, perhaps even a boat ride with the owners. When they want to unwind, travelers can take advantage of the resort’s boutique spa, kayak or paddle-board along the crystal-blue waters, or hop on a complimentary beach cruiser and explore the local area.The property works with all local tour operators and has helped improve Andros’ economy by aiding local businesses. To help guests reach total seclusion even more safely and securely, the hotel offers a ‘Caerula in Style’ package that includes five nights of private villa accommodations, round-trip private flights from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, all meals and transfers for up to 8 guests.

For more info www.caerulamar.com

photo courtesy of Caerula Mar

photo courtesy of Caerula Mar ON magazine | Travel 2020 | 35

ON Travel

Set Sail on Your Next South Florida Getaway

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yatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale is a modern, upscale escape located in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale’s bustling business and entertainment district — complete with city skyline views, a cutting-edge design, and an unbeatable location. Placing its guests right at the center of it all, the deluxe, urban property is a premiere getaway for business and leisure travelers looking to experience South Florida and everything the area has to offer. The hotel offers proximity to museums and art galleries, local beaches, shopping, and some of the area’s best restaurants, and nightlife.

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Inspired by Fort Lauderdale’s iconic yachting culture and waterfront location, the hotel’s design and decor feature colors, accents, and shapes designed to emulate ships, the city’s intricate canal systems, and life on the water. Upon entering the property, guests are greeted by check-in desks designed to look like ship hulls and a grand light fixture with sparkling reflections that represents an abstracted ship as if it were being seen from beneath the water’s surface. 238 stylish rooms & suites, including a spectacular two-bedroom penthouse suite feature sweeping skyline and park views. Pro tip: as you head to the lobby elevators on your way up to your room, be sure to grab a mini bottle of Laurent Perrier from the Champagne vending machine.

At the lobby-level Harborwood Urban Kitchen and Bar, a buzzing social hub with doors that open right onto bustling Las Olas Boulevard, Executive Chef Greg McGowan offers a menu of classic American comfort food with a sophisticated, international twist. Travelers can kick back with one of the hotel’s themed cocktails,

like the ‘Set Sail Spritz,’ while nibbling on signature bites like pork belly lettuce wraps, Argentinian-style pulled chicken empanadas, and a namesake Harborwood burger with house-made tomato bacon jam.

The bar is flanked by a library with bookshelves reminiscent of boat rigging with shelf locations designed in an abstract grid of Fort Lauderdale’s canal system while a mural on the restaurant’s back wall depicts the city’s intricate canals and waterways designed in the shape of a woman’s face.

Dining here is almost as relaxing as spending the day at sea.

On the hotel’s 8th floor, take advantage of a sleek swimming pool and the Elev8 bar, which serves light bites and cocktails with colorful mural backdrops. Relax on a lounge chair, toast by the fire pits at sunset, or reserve a Peloton bike for a private poolside spin session. Regardless of how you enjoy it, spend your Fort Lauderdale vacation in style at this chic new hotel in one of the city’s best locations.

Visit Hyatt.com.

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ON Travel

Beach, Bliss, Boats & Bungalows:

Playa Largo Resort & Spa

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ust an hour south of Miami, yet a world away, Playa Largo Resort & Spa, an Autograph Collection Hotel, was the first new resort built in the Upper Keys in more than 21 years. Sitting on what used to be America’s largest pineapple farm, Playa Largo occupies 14 pristine waterfront acres and draws on its natural surroundings for continued inspiration.

The design-focused guest rooms bring the outdoors in with a signature beach-chic feel noted by indigenous materials like driftwood, coral rock and capiz shells incorporated throughout. A soothing palette of tropical blues, calming neutrals and sweeping Florida Bay views round out this resort’s sophisticated accommodations.

With something for everyone, from the beach bum who wants to soak up the sun in a hammock, to the adrenaline junkie who would rather spend the day parasailing or diving Key Largo’s offshore reefs, Playa Largo allows guests to tailor their experience to best suit their vacation style. They also have access to complimentary beach cruiser rentals, basketball, tennis and bocce ball courts, a freeform pool, water sports rentals and a private marina. To disconnect, the winding nature trails are perfect for a mid-morning walk or jog, while Ocean Spa aims to achieve mind-body balance and restoration through its organic, island-inspired treatments, massages, and special formulated scrubs.

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look no further than Sol by the Sea, the open-air restaurant peering out over the private dock and marina. Fill up on linecaught grouper or mahi-mahi and handshaken cocktails like the Dragon Fruit Mojito, a crowd favorite. For a memory even more unforgettable, book a Water Table, a special toes-in-the-water culinary experience. The resort also provides Star Gaze S’Mores Kits for purchase, complete with throw blankets, Adirondack chairs, wine & a charcuterie board.

Tropical Dining Key Largo offers several culinary gems, but guests have their pick of three modern on-property restaurants including La Marea, which translates to “The Tide” in Italian. Here, innovative chefs have pushed the depths of traditional Mediterranean cuisine, pulling in both local flavors and hints of European flair.

Taking cue from Florida’s early Spanish explorers, Las Olas Ceviche Bar is a lively restaurant and late-night hangout serving Peruvian-style ceviche, along with sushi and sake. Outfitted with a family style driftwood table and plenty of televisions, the relaxed lounge vibe is the ideal spot to retreat to after a day spent on the water.

If cotton candy colored skies and Instaworthy sunsets are what you dream of,

The Hammocks Nestled between Florida’s rare natural hammocks and oversized gumbo limbo trees are The Hammocks, which include 10 two-story bungalows and a threebedroom Beach House. With names like “Islander,” “Driftwood” and “Day Dreams,” the individual villas are perfect for families or small groups seeking privacy and seclusion. Airy master bedrooms, spacious en-suite bathrooms, oversized soaking tubs, fully-equipped kitchens and private porches are other features of each unit in The Hammocks. This exclusive area also has its own private entry, nature trails and a personal Bungalow Ambassador. Whether a sea plane arrival is on the itinerary or guests want to pre-stock their fridge, the Bungalow Ambassador will be at guests’ beck and call with a simple text message.

For more information or reservations, call (305) 853-1001 or visit www.playalargoresort.com.

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ON Healthcare Our goal is to provide the safest possible healing environment for our patients.

Texas Health Center for Diagnostics & Surgery already has a comprehensive infection prevention program in place, and we are very excited about adding the robot to our infection prevention bundle, which also includes hand hygiene, antibiotic stewardship, and education.

The Future of Clean is Here

Texas Health Center for Diagnostics & Surgery

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exas Health Center for Diagnostics & Surgery is paving the way to a safer, cleaner future with a LightStrike Germ-Zapping Robot. This futuristic machine eliminates hard-to-kill viruses, bacteria, and superbugs using an intense burst of UV light. “Our goal is to provide the safest possible healing environment for our patients. Texas Health Center for Diagnostics & Surgery already has a comprehensive infection prevention program in place, and we are very excited about adding the robot to our infection prevention bundle, which also includes hand hygiene, antibiotic stewardship, and education. LightStrike room disinfection is an

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additional step we are taking to enhance the safety of our patients, which is our focus and priority,” said Larry Robertson, hospital President. As superbugs have become increasingly resistant to traditional cleaning chemicals and antibiotics, this new technology is paramount in reducing healthcare associated infections caused by microorganisms such as Clostridium difficile (C.diff), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE).

Nicole Garner, Director of Infection Prevention/Quality/ Lab/ Employee Health at Texas Health Center for Diagnostics & Surgery, gave us more insight into how this powerful technology ensures patients and staff’s safety.

How does the LightStrike use UV light to sanitize rooms?

Xenex uses pulse-xenon lamps that create broad-spectrum UVC light, which is different from the narrow spectrum light created from mercury vapor or LED systems. The wavelengths that are most effective at deactivating viruses are 200-240 and 260-270. Because our robot generates UVC light across the entire germicidal spectrum, we create these more efficient wavelengths. Xenex has tested directly against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and the robot is able to deliver a 99.99% reduction in viral load in 2 minutes.

Can you explain how the system is operated?

The hospital environmental service staff operates the Xenex robot without disrupting the hospital operations. The mobile robot has different disinfection cycles ranging from 5 - 10 minutes and can be placed in any room for disinfection. The room is prepped by cleaning and opening all items to be exposed to the light. The robot is positioned in the room and controlled by a pre-configured touch screen for that area. The staff starts the cycle and leaves the room. Staff returns once the process is complete and moves the robot to the next needed location.

Are all areas of the hospital sanitized using the LightStrike?

The inpatient unit and the operating room are the areas we concentrate on primarily after these public and office spaces are rotated. Disinfection with the Xenex robot is currently being phased in through the entire facility. Phase one included the operating room, while phase 2 included the disinfection of all inpatient rooms. Other areas will include high traffic public areas and storage areas.

As winter approaches and a surge in COVID cases is expected, what other cleaning and sanitizing measures are being taken? What else does the hospital’s infection prevention program entail?

Our staff and EVS team remains dedicated to keeping patients safe while in the hospital. Frequent disinfection of hightouch areas, universal masking, and hand hygiene are a few of the critical measures to prevent the spread of the flu or covid (and other infections). The infection prevention program includes vaccinations for preventable illness (such as the flu), appropriate use of personal protective equipment (preventing infections from spreading), and evidence-based prevention strategies (that’s how we found the Xenex robot).

How does employing the LightStrike robot improve the turnaround time for treatment rooms? Does this enable you to treat more patients than before?

The system adds a little time to the cleaning process. The robot can only inactivate a virus if the virus is directly exposed to the radiation. Therefore, the inactivation of viruses on surfaces may not be effective due to blocking UV radiation by soil, such as dust, or other contaminants such as bodily fluids. This requires our cleaning staff to perform their normal procedures and then utilize the robot as an additional cleaning layer.

Even after the COVID pandemic is over, do you see technology like the LightStrike becoming more commonplace in hospitals, schools, and other public settings?

I do see more facilities using this UV technology; it’s a great option because it is quick, easy to operate, mobile, and effective at deactivating multiple organisms that can cause illness.

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No Place Like Home Photos by Jonathan Borba

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Photos by Jonathan Borba unsplash.com/@jonathanborba ON magazine | Travel 2020 | 45

What's so About Weight Gain?

By Fiona Wright, M.D.

For all of us, weight gain is not so FABulous, but instead is a continuous challenge!

So what am I referring to when I say Weight Gain is FAB? This is the acronym for three very common causes of weight gain that get commonly overlooked.

If you’ve gained weight during the COVID-19 pandemic, you aren’t alone. The “Quarantine 19”, referring to the weight gain some people have experienced since stay-at-home guidelines went into effect, has become a serious issue. Most believe that the disruption of their daily routine and eating habits are the culprits for their weight gain.

While this can be true, for many it is only half the story!

Many of my patients struggle with losing weight despite eating well and exercising. For others, they notice that some areas of their body respond better to their efforts than other areas.

Maybe you’ve seen a noticeable loss in your legs and arms, but not your waist. So why does this happen?

We used to think that maintaining a healthy weight was a simple equation. If you needed to lose weight, you were told to simply “eat less and exercise more.” These days, however, we know that it’s more complicated than that. In fact, there are almost endless factors affecting our ability to lose weight, including underlying health conditions, food allergies, chronic stress, and gut microbiome issues - just to name a few!

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F A B

is for Fatigue. is for Allergies. is for Bacteria.

Fatigue and Weight Gain Although diet and exercise programs usually dominate the weight loss headlines, research suggests that your sleep habits may be just as important. Everyone should get 7-8 hours of restful sleep a night, as sleep is a critical component of weight management. The sleep-weight relationship can be understood in terms of your energy stress pathway. The energy pathway represents the effects of sleep on your energy and fatigue/stress levels throughout the day. A reduction in either the quantity (# of hours) or quality of your sleep results in reduced energy levels which puts more stress on your mind and body. Research shows that cravings for sweets and energydense foods increase when we are tired, probably because our brain is seeking quick energy sources. Not only are we likely to eat more when sleeping poorly, we are also likely to eat higher calorie foods that promote weight gain.

The Solution? I offer a non-addictive supplement to alleviate or reduce insomnia. With consistent positive patient feedback, the specific dosage combination of melatonin, 5-HTP, GABA, L-theonine and valerian, provides strong support to help sleep, stress and the immune system.

Sleep research has also shown that several metabolic hormones are disrupted when you do not get enough sleep. A pair of appetite hormones called ghrelin and leptin—regulating our feelings of hunger and fullness, respectively—are affected by sleep in precisely the way that you’d expect to cause weight gain. Ghrelin levels increase with poor sleep, producing more hunger. Leptin levels reduce, requiring more food to feel full.

The Solution? When you are hungry, choose slow burning carbs like whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetable.

Also, snack on more high quality proteins, such as nuts, soy and beans.

How Do Food Allergies Cause Weight Gain?

If you struggle with losing weight despite eating well and exercising, then consider investigating food allergies. Along with hormone imbalance and poor intestinal health, I find the connection between food allergies, or more importantly food sensitivities, and weight gain to be quite common. At our clinic we routinely see patients losing 10 or 15 pounds in a few months simply by eliminating food allergens. Over the course of a year many patients lose as much as 20-30 pounds!

Food allergies and food sensitivities are often lumped together. However, there are critical differences between the two. Food sensitivities are a “delayed” allergy response created

by IgG antibodies. When speaking of “allergies” most doctors and patients alike usually think of the immediate allergy reaction involving an antibody called IgE antibody and histamine.

This reaction happens in seconds to

minutes to a few hours, and is the reaction seen with hives and hay fever type allergies.

The delayed food allergy response is sneaky and difficult to recognize.

The reaction generally takes 12-72 hours to really get going. If you feel discomfort, bloating or lethargy after eating a particular food, then you may be experiencing a food sensitivity (IgG allergy) to a certain food.

Food sensitivities occur when the body is unable to digest certain compounds, especially proteins found in items like milk, eggs, wheat or soy.

Once your body ingests these foods, you experience those uncomfortable symptoms.

Added to this allergy effect, the inflammatory hormone cortisol will rise in response. The body naturally makes cortisol to control inflammation.

Unfortunately, cortisol also increases blood sugar. With chronic food allergies, the persistent inflammation will stimulate ongoing cortisol production and fat will begin to accumulate around the midsection leading to an “apple” shaped body.

The Solution? Inflammation is one of the biggest drivers of weight gain and disease in America. With Food Sensitivity Testing and removing your inflammatory food allergens, I continue to be amazed at the outcomes! For many it is the key to helping you lose weight.

How to Fix your Gut and Lose Weight There are about as many bacteria in an average human body as there are grains of sand on a mile-long stretch of beach. The mix of bacteria that flourishes in each of us makes up our microbiome. And the majority of these bacteria are located in the intestines. It is true that what you eat affects your gut bacteria, for better and for worse. These changes in your gut bacteria or microbiome cause weight gain.

So how do your gut bugs affect your weight? Gut bacteria breaks down food. Some “bad” bacteria are better able to chop food into the smallest

pieces that get digested, add calories to the body and thereby tend to increase weight. This gut bacteria can also make substances that get into your bloodstream and affect your body chemistry, causing inflammation. When you have more of those kinds of bacteria, it is harder to lose weight.

A recent study found that the ratio of two types of bacteria in your intestines may determine how much weight you lose when given a particular diet. These two bacteria are Prevotella, which digests fiber and carbohydrates, and Bacteroidetes, which people who eat more animal protein and fat have more of. The study showed that those with a highfiber, whole grain diet for 26 weeks carried more Prevotella in their intestines and lost 5.1 pounds more body fat than those with more Bacteroidetes in their intestines.

Another study showed that people who are overweight lack diversity in the types of gut bacteria they have.

As a result, they have higher levels of inflammation in their body. We also know that some species of intestinal bacteria, such as Bifidobacteria and Akkermansia can reduce

this inflammation and prevent weight gain by maintaining a healthy gut barrier and prevent inflammatory chemicals (from the environment and food) from passing from the gut into the bloodstream.

The Solution? The best way to restore healthy bacteria for overall health and weight loss is to include bacteria (probiotics) in your food through a nutritious, varied diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, and other whole foods. Foods rich in helpful probiotics include sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, tempeh and even dark chocolate! For those that can consume dairy, live culture yogurt and goat’s milk are also beneficial. But for those who do not find these foods very appetizing, then a multi-strain probiotic supplement is the answer!

However, to get the appropriate solution for you, it is important to consult with a physician trained in functional medicine and digestive health. They will be able to evaluate your bacterial colon health and make the best recommendations.

With a Happy, Healthy Gut, you can have a Happy, Healthy Weight and a Happy You!

Fiona W Wright, M.D. is the founder of Skin M.D. and Beyond and TruAge Wellness Center. Over the last 22 years, she has received numero numerous awards for the care she provides, and has earned a reputat reputation as one of the premier physicians in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area.

Wright has been featured in several NBC News Health Reports Dr. W and is recognized for her expertise and honest opinions.

To learn more, visit us at: www.SkinMDandBeyond.com w www.TruAgeMD.com w ON magazine | Travel 2020 | 47

ON Our Troops

H

High Order Solutions, LLC

igh Order Solutions, LLC. (HOS) is a veteran-owned and veteran-focused business in Frisco that provides business solutions for all industries. Their focus recently earned HOS both The American Legion State of Texas and National recognition as The Small Employer of The Year.

The HOS story started with three of the original four founders serving together with the Army EOD Group in Iraq doing CounterIED operations. While deployed together, the three veterans talked about building a company focused on Counter-IED Research and Development projects that could leverage their Iraq experience once they demobilized. It took another year for all of them to come back together and start building on their ideas. During their R&D period, the team began adding consulting and support services for Atlassian products and Project Management to their capabilities.

to be able to offer support on a wide range of Agile and DevOps capabilities. Along with the consulting side of their house, they continue to provide training and assistance to our Veterans.

In order to better serve our Veterans, High Order Solution is finalizing the formation of a non-profit, VetsDesk. VetsDesk will be able to better empower Veterans through even more training, both technical and non-technical, and assist with job placement.

Veterans who complete their training through VetsDesk will be given top priority for any currently open positions at High Order Solutions and leverage relationships with current customers and other recruiting agencies. highordersolutions.com | 972.294.7014

Recognizing that there was a need to assist their fellow veterans, the HOS team added training to share their knowledge and expertise.

They then helped veterans use that new knowledge by offering internships that came with the possibility of being hired on or assistance in finding technical or Project Management positions.

High Order Solutions has built an impressive client base over the years, including several Fortune 500 companies and several locally owned small businesses. Their team has grown to consist of both veteran and civilian team members. Still, the mission remains the same, to continue to assist veterans by providing free training, internships, and job placement services, as well as assistance for veteran-owned start-up and existing businesses.

Today, HOS provides more than just Project Management and Atlassian product support. They have expanded their capabilities 48 | ON magazine | Travel 2020

Pictured left to right: Brian McClung – VP Operations William West – State Adjutant Jenn McClung – Atlassian Administrator Michael Davis – Atlassian Administrator Tony Felker – President Frisco Chamber of Commerce Patrick Schaeffer – Atlassian Team Lead

now open Come explore a new outdoor entertainment, dining, and shopping destination for all ages. Featuring NFM, Scheels, Galaxy Theatres, Andretti Indoor Karting & Games, The Homestead and much more. There’s something new to discover every time you visit.

EXPLORE EXPERIENCE ENJOY 5752 Grandscape Blvd., The Colony, TX 75056 Visit Grandscape.com

http://www.seeklogo.net http://www.seeklogo.net

ON CALL

Richard Jackson, M.D.

NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES nhstheoriginal.com/ 5027 W Lovers Ln | Dallas, TX 75209 (214) 350-5027

Neighborhood Services is my favorite place to eat in Dallas.

I enjoy reading Dean Koontz and David McCullough.

Photo By Jill Broussard

Dr. Richard Jackson is a neurosurgeon on the Medical Staff of Texas Institute for Surgery, and has been practice in Dallas since 1982. Board Certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgeons since 1984, he is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. His Specialties and Clinical Interests include microsurgery of the brain and spine, herniated discs in the cervical and lumbar spine, tumors of the brain and spine, pituitary tumors, Chiari malformation and peripheral nerve surgery.

My favorite place to vacation is my lake house on Cedar Creek Lake.

Dr. Jackson’s Accolades: D Magazine, “Best Doctor in Dallas,” 2001-2012; Texas Monthly, “Super Doctors,” 2006-2008, 2012; US News & World Report “Top Doctors,” 2011; Selected by peers as “Most desirable to care for a loved one” in the “Guide to Top Doctors.”

On my bucket list: Play golf at Augusta (Masters) and learn to play a musical instrument.

THE SEINE AT BERCY by Paul Cezanne, 1878

50 | ON magazine | Travel 2020

ON magazine | SHOP 2019 | 47

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Dr. Wright, Eventually I may be ready for surgery, but until then, how do I fix my Double Chin?

‘It’s a Zoom thing’ - and most of us don’t like what we see on screen! Online meetings have people fretting over the appearance they project, and the area under the chin is no exception as it shows excess fat – the dreaded double chin!

Whether it’s due to genetics, increased weight or simple aging, fat under the chin can be hard to get rid of and a frustration for many! No matter the view, “the double chin” can detract from an otherwise balanced and harmonious face – leading to an older and heavier look! For years, liposuction or surgery were the only options to eliminate the double chin. However, now you can take the “double” out of your chin with TruSculpt iD, ThermiSHAPE and the Secret-RF! When I was interviewed by NBC Evening News for the latest in Non-Surgical Neck Contouring, I explained that for those who do not like needles, ThermiSHAPE is a revolutionary non-surgical chin sculpting procedure. It supplies comfortable radiofrequency heat to the deeper layers of skin. It melts away small pockets of unwanted superficial fat and tightens loose skin to recontour your jawline back to your youthful days!

For those who do not suffer from sagging skin but have larger and deeper pockets of fat, then TruSculpt CONTOUR is your answer! As a specialty handpiece on the body shaping device TruSculpt iD, this stand-alone treatment is an excellent choice to reduce stubborn areas of fat in the chin and jowls.

Our patients begin to see visibly noticeable reduction in just the first treatment with no surgery and with no downtime!

The Secret-RF is the final step in your Neck Rejuvenation! It can effectively treat aging neck lines and wrinkles along the jowls with the supercharged combination of Micro-needling and Radiofrequency Energy (RF). This revolutionary combination has clinically proven to jump-start collagen production and tighten skin. The gold coated microneedling of the SecretRF system gently pierces the skin and delivers RF energy underneath the top layer of skin, creating effective heating to give a true tightening to the skin. The result: excellent firming, lifting and texture improvement to your profile!

Unsure where to start?

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Call us today! We understand that everyone has different concerns, so our dedicated specialists take the time to get to know you and your skin. Recommendations are customized to address these concerns.

We’ll develop a carefully tailored treatment to allow you to take control of your appearance and empower you to look great and feel confident!

SkinMDandBeyond.com | RxBeautyBar.com | TruAgeMD.com | 6517 Preston Rd, Plano, TX 75024 | 972-608-0808

ON The Table

Morning Ritual

by CARRIE TEMPLE photo by SARAH GUALTIERI

Open the windows.

Greet the day.

Open a tin of matcha.

Inhale: sweet, grassy tea leaves.

Exhale: tension, worry.

Heat a cup of water in a kettle.

In a small bowl, scoop a teaspoon of matcha.

Pour almost boiling water over the tea and whisk.

Pause.

Serve with cream, honey, or nondairy milk.

Give thanks.

54 | ON magazine | Travel 2020

THE GREATEST.

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And this innovative new take on the RX comes with an equally sophisticated dealership experience. It’s the personal service, respect for your time and commitment to your comfort and well-being that make Park Place feel like Your Place.

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