Opulence Summer Issue 2018 by Adriana Naylor

SUMMER 2018

SUMMERTIME TRAVEL THE LIVING IS EASY

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CAUGHT UP IN THE MOMENT

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SAND DOLLAR DREAMS IN SEA ISLAND

Nestled along the silky Georgia shore sits a sweet sanctuary, Sea Island, where luxury meets southern charm.

LIVING ONE NIGHT AS A VENETIAN ARISTROCRAT

Be whisked away aboard a private gondola as a palace gala guest overlooking the Grand Canal in Venice.

WILDLIFE SAFARI

Weird and wonderful.

Opulence Summer 2018

FROM THAILAND WITH LOVE

Thailand, the land of smiles, will forever change your travel game.

WELCOME TO

uberge is truly a treasured destination, located directly on the white sand beach of the Atlantic and offering an unparalleled standard in luxury living. From sunrise to sunset, Auberge offers the best in premium beachfront living. Spend mornings pampered at our state-of-the-art spa and fitness center, mid-day lounging in poolside perfection and evenings enjoying delicious bites at our James Beard award-winning restaurants. EXCEPTIONAL BUYING OPPORTUNITIES NOW AVAILABLE FOR THE SOUTH TOWER North Tower over 90% sold. 2200 North Ocean Blvd.

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305

(954) 908-2085

AubergeBeach.com

Oral representations cannot be relied upon as correctly stating representations of the developer. For correct representations, make reference to this brochure and the documents required by Section 718.503, Florida Statutes, to be furnished by a developer to a buyer or lessee. This Condominium is developed by PRH FAIRWINDS, LLC (“Developer”) and this offering is made only by the Developer’s Prospectus for the Condominium. Developer, has a licensed right to use the trade names, marks, and logos of: The Related Group, Fortune International Group, The Fairwinds Group, and Auberge Resorts, LLC. Auberge Resorts LLC and its affiliates (the “Auberge Group”) are not related to, affiliated or associated with, or a partner in the business of the Developer. No representation, warranty or guarantee is made or implied by the Auberge Group with respect to any statement or information made or provided about the Condominium. Neither the Auberge Group, nor any of its directors, officers, employees, or agents has or will have any responsibility or liability arising out of, or related to, this publication or the transactions contemplated by this publication, including any liability or responsibility for any statement or information made or contained in this publication. Auberge® is the registered trademark of Auberge Resorts, LLC and used by license agreement. In the event the Auberge® license should lapse, this Condominium and any hotel affiliated with this Condominium will not be permitted to use the name Auberge®. The managing entities, hotels, brands, artwork, designers, contributing artists, interior designers, fitness facilities, amenities, services, and restaurants proposed are subject to change at the Developer’s discretion. The Developer is not incorporated in, located in, nor a resident of, New York. This is not intended to be an offer to sell, nor a solicitation of an offer to buy, condominium units in New York or to residents of New York, or any other jurisdiction where prohibited by law. Any art depicted may be exchanged for comparable art at the Developer’s discretion. Consult the Prospectus for all terms, conditions, specifications, and Unit dimensions. Reproduction for private or commercial use is not authorized. 2016 ® PRH FAIRWINDS, LLC, unless otherwise noted, with all rights reserved.

66 18 RARE VINTAGE WHISKY NEW LIQUID GOLD

TAKING THE KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL

38 HEAVEN ON EARTH: BALI

48 MOONSHINE

NATION The art of creating cornbread in a bottle

52 EVERY STEP 22 GET CRACKINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; For Stone Crabs

28 MOONSHINE OVER MANHATTAN Make room, vodka. A new spirit is moonlighting on the top shelf.

30 SIP THE ALLURE OF ALLAIRE The story of three entrepreneurs daring to share the top shelf of spirits

Opulence Summer 2018

SHE TAKES Master Designer Perla Lichi steps it up with an array of grand stairways

56 FOOD TREKKING Six Sumptuous Experiences to Spice Up Your Travels

60 PIXELMANIA Campau Style

YOU DREAM IT, WE FIND IT, YOU CHARTER IT

Title Here

92 141 features (continued)

HORIZON PUBLISHING

68 GARDENS OF MIAMI 72 A KALEIDSCOPE OF

EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER & OWNER Jayne Hammond, President

BEJEWELED EYE CANDY

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER David Hammond CREATIVE DIRECTOR Adriana Naylor artdirector@internationalopulence.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: John D. Adams Stephanie Bonilla Jana Soeldner Danger James Espey, OBE Steven Joseph Alena Klenot Dale King & Julia Hebert Kristen Mager

92 SPELLBINDING MARINE BEINGS

departments Gadgets & Novelties

Investment

Dishing With The James Beard Foundation President

Anti-Aging

36, 42

Women’s/Men’s Grooming Scientific Advances

43, 83 96

Robert A. Newman Clifton Thuma Mark Spivak Kelly Villasuso Beth Watson Mary & Hugh Williamson Salk Institute

PROOFREADER Suzanne Shaw GENERAL COUNSEL Barry Weiss bweiss@csiinternational.com International Opulence Magazine is published quarterly by Horizon Publishing LLC. Copyright © 2016. All rights reserved. Horizon Publishing LLC, 6700 North Andrews Avenue, Suite 400, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 – Vol. 8, No. 2, Summer 2018 (ISSN # 2157-5274)

Subscription Rates: $40 per year, $10 per issue. For subscription inquiries or change of address, contact the subscription department, (954) 308-4300 Ext. 4312, Fax: (954) 331-6028. Horizon Publishing, LLC, its affiliates and contributing writers have exercised due care in compiling the information contained herein, but with the possibility of human or mechanical error, cannot assume liability for the accuracy of this data. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in part or in full in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording and any information storage and retrieval system without first obtaining permission from the publisher.

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2018

Gadgets & Novelties

INSTANT MINI PHOTO PRINTING CAMERA

This point-and-shoot camera instantly prints wallet-sized photographs. www.hammacher.com $119

STEWART GOLF X9 FOLLOW

The X9 Follow is the latest generation of the multi-award winning X-Series from Stewart Golf. Originally launched in 2003 as the X1 Remote, the X-Series is recognised as one of the world’s finest remote controlled machines. www.stewartgolf.com £1,499.00

TESLA WATCH

The Tesla Watch goes with your steampunk aesthetic. With a weatheredbrass look, leather strap and two faux vacuum tubes with red LEDs inside, everybody will ask you the time so they can see your watch. Just remember to follow the answer with, “... 1875.” www.thinkgeek.com $69.99

THE INSPIRATION ARCHIPOD

This spherical pod creates an environment conducive for creative working with an interior that conveys a sense of space that belies its compact external dimensions. The frame is constructed from timber and clad with Western Red Cedar shingles. The walls are double insulated, plastered, and painted, resulting in a seamless 12 1/2' diameter x 8 1/4' high interior space with no visible joints. www.hammacher.com $40,000

OPULENCE

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OPULENCE

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BY STEPHEN JOSEPH KEELER

INVESTMENT

CHOCOLATE: SWEET COMMODITY FOR INVESTORS willing to pay increasing prices for a daily dose.

RELENTLESS DEMAND = SAVVY INVESTMENT Chocolate confectioners are taking note. With the increased demand comes higher cost, and higher candy bar prices at many chocolatiers in the developed world, like Hershey. Regardless, consumer demand continues to soar worldwide, prompting increased efforts – sometimes as dire as cocoa-bean smuggling in Ghana – to garner supplies of the commodity. In September, cocoa futures reached a 32-year high, spiking to $3,259 a ton for December delivery and predictions that it could reach $4,000 a ton in short order.

“B

uy cheap, sell dear” is the timehonored phrase for basic, rational investing. What we don’t know, of course, is when the object of our investment desire is closer to cheap or dear. And when that object happens to be the cocoa bean, the core ingredient for chocolate, sometimes you need to take into account the irrational demand for the sweet stuff. Some cocoa experts don’t think that demand is just a trickle. They’re thinking more tsunami. As incomes, transportation infrastructure, safety and production capacity improve across the world, people who never had access to quality chocolate before are now satisfying their sweet tooth in prodigious numbers. In India, for example, by some estimates, eight out of every 10 people have never had chocolate in their lifetimes – yet now they do – and they’re

With the expanding marketplace and pentup demand outstripping supply of cocoa beans, some investors are making untraditional moves into the rich traditions of the sweets business. That is the goal behind BBX Capital’s recent acquisition of Hoffman’s Chocolate and several other peer brands in the United States, according to Jarett Levan, President of BBX Capital and BBX Sweet Holdings. “Everybody loves chocolate,” Jarett said with the enthusiasm of a not-infrequent-indulger of the sweet stuff. “Even though the price of cocoa beans continues to rise, people still want quality chocolates.” It’s a luxury they’re not willing to give up. “When you wrap the experience of eating great chocolate in the tradition, quality and perfection of a long-standing community company such as Hoffman’s, chocolate lovers will always be loyal customers.” But it wasn’t just a love for chocolate that brought BBX Capital into the space. They were first exposed to Hoffman’s when they ran BankAtlantic BankCorp, which BBX sold in 2012. Consistent, positive cash flow and a near recession-proof business were no less attractive. “The customer base for chocolates and candy is large, with great variety.” Jarett

informs us. “However, it’s also fragmented, with lots of small confectioners. So it’s given us an opportunity to be creative, giving the customer great value, which differentiates our chocolate, while at the same time achieving economies of scale in the manufacturing process by making intelligent, high-quality acquisitions and streamlining operations.”

CONFECTION COMMERCE BBX wasted no time in implementing its plan, acquiring three chocolate companies across the country within the past year. By the end of this year, they’ll have over 2,000 square feet of production and warehouse capability, purchasing over 1.5 million pounds of chocolate each year. By rolling up companies that don’t compete with each other, BBX can take advantage of shared marketing and warehouse opportunities to improve operating margins which, on their own, the companies could never have achieved. The distribution side of the company is where tradition helps the chocolate business. “We have a well-regarded wholesale brand in Williams and Bennett, with large customers such as Nieman Marcus and Home Goods,” Jarett said. “Hoffman’s is our flagship retail brand; we have four stores throughout Palm Beach County, and are known for supporting the community with rich traditions. “Ultimately, our legacy is about creating memories,” Jarett said. “We can’t see every customer’s face when they open a gift of chocolates. So we work hard to ensure everything from our ingredients to the wrapper delights the customer and bonds us to them, adding to the pleasure of their day. “Our customers love pairing events, and tonight is Ladies Night at our factory,” Jarett said, running out the door to get to the site. “We’re pairing wine with chocolates. Gotto go prep the room.” And he calls it work. Not a bad investment strategy. Summer

2018

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dishing with the James Beard Foundation

“WILL TRAVEL FOR FOOD” “Travel is an important part of my food life,” wrote James Beard in the introduction to one of our favorites of his many books, Beard on Food. I think many of us can relate to his sentiments when planning our vacations. In fact, whenever Beard traveled to a new city, the first places he visited were the food markets and local restaurants; not the museums and cathedrals. After all, what better way to experience a new place than through the cuisine or a dish in the place where it originated—and what better way to experience a city than to taste the best regional dishes from the best local chefs? This inextricable link between travel and food inspires our national food tour, Taste America, which is entering its fourth consecutive year of bringing our Foundation around the country to shine a spotlight on some of our nation’s most dynamic food cities. This year our honoree All-Star chef is multiple James Beard Award winner Tom

Colicchio, who joined us at the James Beard House in New York City a few weeks ago to kick off the festivities for 2016, and from September 22 through November 5, we’ll be traveling to Boston; Charleston, SC; Chicago; Kansas City, MO; Los Angeles; New Orleans; Phoenix; Portland, OR; Twin Cities, MN; and San Francisco, with a team of AllStar chefs that includes Dan Barber, John Besh, Scott Conant, Amanda Freitag, Jose Garces, Alex Guarnaschelli, Stephanie Izard, Gavin Kaysen, Anita Lo, and Missy Robbins. These chefs will be traveling around the country, and each will be paired with a local chef in one of our Taste America cities. In each city, we will also be hosting free cooking demonstrations and Q&A sessions with many of these chefs at select Sur La Table stores in those cities. Sur La Table will also hold cooking classes featuring recipes from the James Beard Foundation’s cookbook, James Beard’s All-American Eats, at select stores on the tour.

We’re so excited to be taking the James Beard House dining experience on the road again this year with such an incredibly talented group of chefs. I hope you’ll join us in a city near you! You can find out more about our events, including a full roster of participating chefs, at jbftasteamerica.org.

THE JBF RESTAURANT FINDER Even if you can’t make it to one of our Taste America events this year, we’ve made it easier to find great restaurants whenever you travel. One of the first things I do when I go to a city is look up who all of the James Beard Award winners, nominees, and semifinalists are so I can visit as many of them as I can. I am thrilled that this information is now all in one place on our website so that anyone can do the same. Be sure to check out jamesbeard.org/restaurant-finder the next time you’re planning a trip!

JAMES BEARD’S SICILIAN-STYLE TOMATOES As James Beard Foundation members know, as summer turns into fall, I look forward to eating tomatoes from my husband’s garden. While I love a simple tomato salad, I also love looking to James Beard’s books for different ideas about what to do with the tomatoes. In the headnote for this recipe, he writes that these tomatoes gently cooked with fresh herbs and spices are “unusually good,” and I have to agree. 6 firm, ripe tomatoes 1 teaspoon salt ½ cup olive oil ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil

3 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 teaspoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper ½ teaspoon allspice

Remove the tops of the tomatoes and rub the tomatoes with salt. Lightly squeeze the tomatoes to loosen the pulp, then put them, cut-side-down, onto paper towels.

Recipe adapted from James Beard’s American Cookery. Find more recipes at jamesbeard.org.

Opulence Summer 2018

Pulse the oil, parsley, basil, garlic, cinnamon, pepper, and allspice in a blender or food processor to combine. Pour the mixture into a heavy skillet. Place the tomatoes, cut-side-down, into the mixture, and simmer over medium-low heat until cooked through but not mushy, about 30 minutes. Right the tomatoes and spoon the pan juices over them to serve.

RARE VINTAGE WHISKY â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

THE NEW LIQUID

GOLD BY JAMES ESPEY, OBE

Opulence Summer 2018

n the uncertain world of 2015, wealthy investors are looking to spread their risk by selecting a wide range of investments from shares to property and also high-value items such as rare paintings, watches and fine wine. More recently, they are starting to discover that old vintage whisky is becoming an extremely popular asset class, showing exciting growth in a low inflationary environment.

Discerning investors have always enjoyed both the social and fiscal advantages of investing in fine wines, such as first growth Bordeaux and top burgundies like Domaine Romanee Conte. Indeed, until recently, it was an investor’s dream, and as a consumable, exempt from capital gains taxes in countries where this is applied. Three interesting negatives have slowed down, almost to a standstill, growth in fine wine in recent years. Firstly, China was a burgeoning market and gift giving of fine wine, slightly akin to bribery at times. Top clarets and burgundies were being bid for at auctions all over the world by the wealthy Chinese.

“While the concept of liquid investment is not new, Scotch is becoming a popular bet with limited editions changing hands for six figure sums. Buyers are typically businessmen from America, Europe and Asia, and the rise in value is attributed to scarcity. Andy Simpson, a founder of Rare Whisky 101, a brokerage firm, said that blended whiskies from the 1950s could fetch more than £26,000 (circa $40,000).” Men’s Journal on March 4th said that whisky has become a collector’s item, an investment portfolio and an extremely valuable commodity. There is escalating international demand and decreasing supply is driving increasing serious returns. According to information from The Platinum Whisky Investment Fund, the top whiskies have appreciated

The Chinese Premier Li Keqiang is stamping down on corruption vigorously and, as a result, the sale of fine wine has dropped dramatically. A second problem with wine is the concern with counterfeiting, and there have been a number of cases in recent years of people being convicted of passing off inferior wine as first growth claret. A third negative is that fine wine needs to be stored in climatecontrolled conditions to preserve its value and, on some occasions, the wine is corked or suffering from some other problem. On the other hand, whisky can be kept safely in reasonable conditions, as long as it is looked after properly and in a place where the temperature is reasonably constant.

A SHORTAGE OF GOOD VINTAGE WHISKY Whilst I am primarily involved with Scotch whisky, I have worked in the total industry for many years and have followed the growth of whiskies globally. Ten years ago, bourbon was stagnant in the USA, and today not only is it in short supply but more importantly, consumers are searching out the best bourbons for their private collections and investment. Prices are rising rapidly. Good vintage Japanese whiskies are becoming very popular and it is almost a cult drink today. Old Canadian whiskies are growing in appreciation and importance. I would suggest that readers should follow The Whisky Magazine Index, which has tracked the explosion in the auction scene that has taken off in the UK, U.S., Europe and Asia. In Scotch whisky, The Macallan has been ranked top for five years, though it is now being challenged by the prices of Karuizawa, a Japanese brand and, of course, in the USA by Van Winkle. Let me quote from a few recent articles – The Times (UK), Friday February 20th, 2015.

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While the concept of liquid investment is not new, Scotch is becoming a popular bet with limited editions changing hands for six figure sums.

in value from 130 percent to a staggering 230 percent in a few years.

INTERNET AND AUCTIONS There is clearly a growing interest in collecting rare whisky through live or Internet auctions, but in addition, there are special trading platforms, such as BottleSpot, one of the first markets designed specifically for trading liquor online. The site now exists as a

A CAVEAT There has been a lot of talk recently about non-aged whiskies. If you wish to drink non-aged whiskies, do so, but I would guard against investing in anything without a vintage, which will guarantee its true history. A number of whisky brands are pushing nonaged brands because the reality is they have run out of aged stock and they are stretching what they have by being more flexible. I am also wary of over fancy packaging, a problem which I believe has affected the sales of cognac. If I am paying a lot of money for something I value, be it an old watch or painting or a bottle of Scotch, I want to know its true pedigree and feel comfortable that I have not been duped.

THE LAST DROP Whilst of course I may be biased, I have had the privilege of working with and creating some of the great brands in our industry, such as Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Chivas Regal 18 and The Classic Malts. Seven years ago, however, I decided to form a company The Last Drop Distillers Limited with the slogan “before there is no more.” In a nutshell, big companies, understandably, are interested in volume and good luck to them. On the other hand, I want The Last Drop to be the world’s most exclusive spirits company and therefore we are hunters seeking the odd barrel or two tucked away in a cellar somewhere.

mix of vendors who have listed over 100,000 bottles this past year and a half and there is also a growing interest from private sellers who are actively listing their collections.

HERE IS MY ADVICE If you are interested in the whisky phenomenon, start by buying two bottles of whatever you like, the idea being to drink one with your discerning friends and sell the other, which will more than pay for both after a few years. I predict growth of a true vintage whisky of repute of at least 25 percent per annum for the foreseeable future. If you are a serious investor, then set aside whatever you deem appropriate financially, take advice and invest in good old whisky stock of all types now. I also believe that in the next few years old grain whiskies from different regions will grow in importance and value because of the unique balance, flavour and taste profile – I call them the gems of tomorrow.

Opulence Summer 2018

Our first release was a 1960 whisky blend of only 1,347 bottles, all since sold. Our second release was 478 bottles of a 1950 cognac and there are 20 bottles left. Our third release was 388 bottles of a 50-year-old whisky, voted by The Jim Murray Whisky Bible and the Whisky Advocate as the best Scotch whisky in the world in 2014 – all have been sold and essentially they have all doubled in value in a very short space of time. We have just released 592 bottles of a 1965 (48-year-old blend) that The Jim Murray Bible has voted the best Scotch whisky in the world for 2015 with yet another 96.5 score. The good news is 180 bottles are available in the USA through our importer www.infiniumspirits.com

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO? I am very confident that for a long time ahead investment in Scotch whisky will do extremely well. It is a fun and rewarding investment and also a hobby which essentially is part of one’s social life. You can make money out of your investment, you can enjoy it with your friends or you can do both. What fun to be with like-minded people and have an evening enjoying the very best whiskies of all types from all over the globe.

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GET CRACKINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Opulence

Fall 2016

he coveted stone crab season in South Florida is in full swing since October 15 – reminding me of my inaugural experience at the legendary Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami Beach… I take my seat next to Stephen Sawitz, COO of the legendary Joe’s Stone Crab eatery and great grandson of its iconic founder Joseph “Joe” Weiss for an interview. We gaze up at a large vintage photograph hanging over the dining area picturing Joe and his wife Jennie standing on a dirt road in front of their modest seafood and specialty diner in 1918. The pastoral scene resembles a more tropical version of Grant Wood’s American Gothic oil painting (without the pitchfork). Thom Mozloom, PHOTO COURTESY OF AMPARO FONTANET a longtime family friend of the founding family who has joined us for lunch, remarks on how ALL IN THE FAMILY South Beach back then looked nothing like the “sexy” Miami we know to- “About 101 years ago, my Hungarian-born day. This is because when Joe’s Restaurant great grandfather, Joe Weiss, was a waiter in first opened after the turn of the century, it New York,” said Sawitz. “He was an asthmatwas one of the first businesses to exist on ic and his doctor recommended he check the island of what was then unincorporated out a warmer climate. So he borrowed Dade. Stone crabs were not on the menu. $50 from his life insurance policy and took Instead, locals and fishermen came in for a a train down to scout out Miami Beach. I remember him saying he chose South taste of Joe’s fish sandwich and fries.

Beach because breathe better.

could

“Joe dreamed of opening his own restaurant one day. First, he would run a lunch stand at Smith’s bathing casino, a winter resort spot where vacationers would rent lockers to change into their swimsuits — the long ones with the stockings so iconic to the period — before going in the ocean or pool. His wife Jennie, a restaurant cook, and son Jesse eventually came down by train. In 1918, the family moved into a bungalow near the casino on Biscayne Street — a home that soon also became Joe’s Seafood.” For eight years, Joe’s was the only restaurant on the beach to serve seafood This attracted a diverse crowd of patrons and social elite, including Will Rogers, Amelia Earhart, Gloria Swanson, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and notorious Chicagoan mobster, Al Capone, who dined under an assumed name, Al Brown. Joe’s son Jessie once said, “My mom was a tough old broad. She reminded me of some of those old Zane Grey books, where the madam is tough as hell but all heart. If she didn’t like you, she wouldn’t let you in. Let’s say a man was married and coming in with his wife.

PHOTO CREDIT :AP PHOTO/LYNNE SLADKY

Eugene Green holds up a plate of stone crabs while working in the kitchen at Joe’s Stone Crab restaurant in Miami Beach. Green has worked for the restaurant for over 40 years. Joe’s Stone Crab has been family-owned from the start when it opened in 1913 as a mom-and-pop fish house. Today, it’s a must-stop spot where wearing a bib over fine-dining attire is the norm.

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to know that Joe’s Stone Crab will always remain true to its roots as a tried and true local family establishment. Stone crab season runs from October 15 to May 15 – during which getting a table is well worth the wait at Joe’s Miami Beach location at 11 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139. But if you can’t wait, there is a takeaway service nationally and internationally. GET CRACKIN’!

PHOTO CREDIT: AP PHOTO/LYNNE SLADKY

Stephen Sawitz, co-owner of Joe’s Stone Crab restaurant, stands next to a photograph of his great-grandfather Joe Weiss, the founder of Joe’s, at the restaurant in Miami Beach, Fla.

Then, another time, he’d try to come in with his girlfriend — out! She’d just as soon say, don’t bring your tramp friends in here.” Jennie knew of the nefarious rumors surrounding “Mr. Brown.” One day she said to him, “I must tell you something. If I don’t like somebody, I don’t allow them to come in here, but you’ve always been a gentleman, and anytime you want to come into this restaurant you can.” “That’s basically how the restaurant operates,” said Sawitz. “If you’re behaving, you’re fine.” Capone showed his gratitude by sending Jennie a truck full of flowers every year for Mother’s Day.

MOVING ON UP As Joe’s popularity rose, the couple decided it was time to expand. They built Joe’s current location with an apartment upstairs where the family lived. Today, the apartment is used as an administrative office for bookkeeping, but Sawitz can still remember spending time upstairs with his grandfather Jessie. “I can still picture him fast asleep on that bed with a book lying open on his chest and wearing disheveled glasses.” It’s also been said that Joe’s grandmother would watch the dining floor from her apartment window, and if she saw empty plates sitting at a customer’s table too long, she’d personally go downstairs to take care of it. “Stone crabs became known in the late ’20s because my great grandparents brought them into the restaurant. They were a very unique item to South Florida because they

Opulence Summer 2018

were pretty much only found down here,” said Sawitz. “We were the first restaurant serving them that I know of. Fishermen didn’t know what they were or if they were even edible, so they just left them in the water.” In 1921, entrepreneur James Allison built an aquarium at Fifth Street and Biscayne which opened on New Year’s Day. Allison invited a Harvard ichthyologist down to research the mysterious crustacean. The marine scientist visited Joe’s one day for lunch and brought along a burlap sack full of live stone crabs. “Have you ever cooked these?” he asked Joe. He hadn’t. But in an effort to try, Joe threw the crabs into a pot of boiling water. It worked! “In addition to boiling stone crabs, Joe came up with something that’s just as important: the mustard sauce for dipping,” said Sawitz. “It is the exclamation point for the stone crab. Our recipe for the mustard is so simple it’s not even funny and it has stayed the same all this time. Here are the ingredients: Hellmann’s Mayonnaise, Colman’s dry mustard powder, Worcestershire sauce, A1 Steak Sauce, light cream, and salt to taste if you’re inclined.” Joe’s diners are so in tune with these distinct flavor profiles, they are usually the first to point out a deviation in the recipe. “Imagine how you would react if Mickey Mouse changed something,” Sawitz joked. With Miami in constant flux, it’s comforting

STONE CRAB FACTS To ensure the continued survival of the species: • Only one claw may be removed so the crab can defend itself. • Egg-bearing females are not allowed to be declawed. • The crabs are captured in baited traps. No spears or hooks are allowed. • Four inches from the first joint to the tip is the minimum legal size, that’s about two ounces. • A colossal can weigh 25 ounces or more.

Other interesting notes: • The large crusher claw can exert extreme pressure. As much as 19,000 lbs. per square inch. • Stone crabs exhibit carnivorous feeding behavior. Sometimes in traps they resort to cannibalism! • The claws make up half the weight of the whole crab, they are removed by carefully grabbing from the rear and twisting. • The crab is returned to water and the claw regenerates. It takes between 12 to 24 months to reach legal size again. • In 1963 stone crabs cost 30 cents a dozen wholesale.

T h e t r a de a sso c ia t io n re pre se ntin g t h e m o st pre st ig io us priva t e c lub s Pr o t e c t i ng a nd D e f e nding t he Rig h ts o f Pr i v a t e Clubs Pr o v i d i ng Inno va t ive Tre nds a nd B e st Pr ac t ic e s f o r P riva t e Clubs D e l i v e r i ng Re so urc e s f o r E f f e c t i v e Club G o ve rna nc e

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Summer Kitchen THE

PERFORMING ART IN THE LANDSCAPE

PHOTO COURTESY OF AL WHITELY

BY MARY AND HUGH WILLIAMSON

Opulence Summer 2018

itchen design has been evolving since man first placed rocks around the fire to avoid sparks on loincloths. In the last 50 years, interior kitchens have gone from being utility spaces located adjacent to the laundry room to what can be delightful, luxurious entertainment spaces. So, too, can outdoor cooking areas be transformed to well-appointed and beautiful additions to the landscape. Summer Kitchen possibilities have progressed from a simple grill and perhaps a small fridge to dazzling and beautifully equipped stages for what can be theatrical and entertaining culinary performances! Whether they are acted out by you, your staff or your caterer, guests can be charmed by the presentation of seemingly effortless culinary delights, with the added glamor of flickering fire, and well-designed and dramatically lighted stage sets.

A LITTLE HISTORY The Southern Summer Kitchen developed from antiquity, such as from the cooking spaces of ancient Greece, the Middle Ages and strides made during the Renaissance. For example, the Colonial kitchen outbuilding was separated from the main house to avoid added heat in the summer, as well as to mitigate cooking odors. That concept still applies in the south. The Colonial outbuilding was also often the repository of serving implements, and sometimes weapons. Located near a well, it served as a cannery and staff quarters. While early stoves utilized wood or coal, today we have the luxury of gas lines. Of course, some outdoor grilling aficionados insist on charcoal! And running water has replaced wells – a must for the perfect summer kitchen!

A LITTLE MODERN DRAMA Our South Florida climate offers the opportunity to entertain in the great outdoors for most of the year. Carefully planned menus can allow for early preparation of every course, affording your ability to finish

the presentation with a flourish on your grill; a spectator sport entertainment. Bringing the idea of the interior kitchen island to the summer kitchen gives you added flexibility, whether it is used for prep space, a bar or a buffet station. Counter or bar stools for your island give your guests VIP seating for your grand performance. There are many other items to consider for your summer kitchen, and they are not just about hardscape: a refrigerator, sink, perhaps an oven or warming oven, grill, burners, work surfaces, cutting board, lighting, storage for glassware, dishware and utensils, seasonings, wine and bar accoutrements. Tablescape elements should also be considered. Also contemplate a sound system, and maybe a weather-proof screen for festive sporting event gatherings. You may have an opportunity for a covered space, and would then want to include an extraction hood. An herb garden folded into the plan provides garnishes for your presentation, and sculpture and fountains contribute to the ambience, as well. Available outdoor lounge seating and dining furnishings have come a long way, and examples range from simple to opulent. The Summer Kitchen should look beautiful whether in use or not, just like a pool setting. Avoid the predictable and utilitarian, and focus on an interesting mix of garden, kitchen and home theatre components. It can be accomplished on a balcony easily… It is simply a matter of scale. You won’t need as much storage for balcony iterations, as an interior kitchen is likely to be close by. For any application, large or small, your design professional will incorporate kitchen planning guidelines that ensure a convenient and efficient installation that fits your South Florida lifestyle. Photo Credit: Darren James Interiors www.darrenjamesinteriors.com

SOUTH FLORIDA MARGARITA GLAZED RIBS While planning to engage in Performing Art in the Landscape, there are shortcuts to reduce the effort and maximize the result – like with the following easy and delicious recipe: 1 cup chili sauce 6 shots Tequila (We recommend Familia Camarena Tequila) 4 shots Rose’s Lime Juice 3 bottled jalapeño slices, or more to taste Whiz in blender (Makes enough for 40 ribs…augment amounts as necessary!) Prepare the sauce mixture in advance, brushing onto pre-cooked ribs* as they sizzle just for a finale on the grill. Provide additional sauce as a table condiment. Serve with cubed prepoached** vegetables, such as, eggplant, onions and peppers, threaded onto skewers that have been soaked in water, and brushed only with a good olive oil. Grill the skewers alongside the ribs. The result is a crowd-pleasing spectacle, with relaxed hosts enjoying the evening! *Pre-cook the ribs in a water bath, at 300 degrees for four hours. Cut ribs apart. When ready to “wow” your guests, brush with sauce and grill until accompanied vegetable skewers show those beautiful grill marks. **Pre-poach the vegetables in a small amount of water in the microwave for three minutes. Let cool, and cut into bite-sized pieces. Thread onto skewers. When ready to grill, brush with olive oil. AN EVEN EASIER APPROACH Many of our favorite eateries will, with a little planning and notice, produce a prepared feast, suited for a flamboyantly orchestrated flambé finish, lending itself to splendid plating and a theatric occasion. But there is a great satisfaction in planning, preparing, and serving a brilliant production in your landscape.

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2018

Opulence

MOONSHINE OVER MANHATTAN BY KRISTEN MAGER

Make room, vodka. A new spirit is moonlighting on the top shelf. Bottled in geometric Art Deco-style glass, Manhattan Moonshine is the first luxury moonshine to hit the market. And it’s making a smooth entrance into the elite New York restaurant and speakeasy scene, where hipsters and anyone with fine taste belly up to the bar for posh Prohibition-style libations. Crafted by founder Will Kehler and master distiller and author Ian Smiley, Manhattan Moonshine is a modern throwback to the underground cocktail culture of the 1920s. “When people hear moonshine, they think of something illegal, cheap, low-quality, and high-proof that’s made out of the hills,” said Kehler. “Today, it’s just another name for white whiskey. What we’re doing is very different from other moonshines out there. We’re putting ours in the hands of the most talented bartenders and mixologists—anyone using new ingredients in creative ways.”

THE BACKSTORY Kehler, a longtime whiskey aficionado, tried moonshine a few years ago. From that first sip, he set out to mix a premium recipe of his own—one that didn’t have the grassy harshness of corn so typical of others on the market.

Setting itself aside from other white whiskeys, the newcomer on the market is based on a four-grain blend primarily of oats and rye. All grains are sourced from resident farmers in New York, which helps the local economy and ensures that the spirit is consistently made from the highest-quality, freshest ingredients possible. Handcrafted in small batches, the production process takes about two weeks from grain to bottle. And, because the moonshine is aged for less than one hour in oak barrels, it doesn’t host the heavier barrel flavors like oak and smoke. With its exceptionally soft taste and versatility, Manhattan Moonshine is the perfect stand-in spirit for your favorite martini, Moscow Mule, or Mai Tai. “It caters to the modern crowd and many first-time whiskey drinkers,” said Kehler. This makes it a favorite on the rocks or in almost any cocktail, whether it’s mixed with simple grapefruit juice, tonic water, or exotic ingredients such as lavender, black walnut peel, or saffron.

MODERN MOUNTAIN DEW Every detail of Manhattan Moonshine—from the sourcing to the distillation to the bottling—adds to the distinctive impression of the high-end label. Rather than the typical Mason jar, the modern hooch bedazzles in a vintage Chanel-like bottle from the Art Deco days. And, a little secret: The label was designed to wash off so you can save the decorative bottle as a decanter long after the whiskey is gone. Look for Manhattan Moonshine in fine Manhattan establishments and soon available in the Bronx and Long Island. Visit manhattan-moonshine.com for more recipes and information.

MIX UP YOUR COCKTAIL MENU WITH MANHATTAN MOONSHINE FLY AWAY WITH THE “AVIATION” 2 oz. Manhattan Moonshine 1⁄2 oz. Fresh lemon juice 1⁄4 oz. Luxardo maraschino liqueur 1⁄4 oz. Crème de Violette Add all ingredients to a shaker over ice and shake hard, then strain into a martini glass and garnish with a lemon peel.

Opulence Summer 2018

LIFT YOUR SPIRITS WITH “LADY JANE” 1 egg white 2 ounces Earl Grey tea infused Manhattan Moonshine 3⁄4 ounce lavender simple syrup 3⁄4 ounce fresh squeezed lemon juice Lavender sprig for garnish Add all ingredients except the garnish to a cocktail shaker and shake without ice. Open shaker, fill with ice and shake once more.

SIP THE ALLURE OF ALLAIRE

Opulence

Fall 2016

The story of three entrepreneurs daring to share the top shelf of spirits

BY KRISTEN MAGER

eet the bold and sexy Allaire Collection Privée. Tethered in handcuffs, this vodka, rum and tequila threesome poured into the Miami market last December, raising the bar for sophisticated cocktails.

Produced by The Bar Company, this premium spirit is the brainchild of three cousins who set sail along the French Riviera. The entrepreneurs—Santiago, Javier, and Andres—who choose to go by their first names, were celebrating the success of their tortilla business in Mexico—when they embarked on launching a luxury line of spirits that lived up flavor-wise to their authentic culinary expectations. “You see handcuffs connected to briefcases in movies to protect something of value,” Santiago said. “We wanted our customers to know that, with Allaire, you’re unlocking something really special.” Built on the values of quality, elegance and uniqueness, the brand carries out its founders’ tradition of delivering excellence to the food and beverage industry. From production to packaging, Allaire caters to the hardworking and taste-making generation that values million-dollar experiences. “Our customers appreciate the finer things in life, whether it’s cars, boutique hotels or fine art,” said Santiago. “As consumers ourselves, we wanted to create something completely original from anything on the market. Through Allaire cocktails, we are bringing together friends who expect the same attention to detail.”

WHAT’S IN A NAME? The name Allaire is a combination of allure and billionaire. The founders say it lives up to its moniker with selectively sourced ingredients. Grains for the vodka come from the heart of the Polish plains and are filtered in crystalclear water. Handcrafted in small batches, the vodka is distilled six times and then filtered five rounds before bottling to perfection. The Mexican tequila starts with 100 percent select blue weber agaves that are

“You see handcuffs connected to briefcases in movies to protect something of value,” Santiago said. “We wanted our customers to know that, with Allaire, you’re unlocking something really special.” gradually cooked to the exact sweetness called for in the proprietary recipe. It’s then aged in bourbon casks and filtered until it reaches a smooth agave flavor and signature crystal hue. Allaire rum is distilled from fermented molasses born of the best sugarcane in Barbados. It’s then aged for a minimum of

three years in oak barrels and filtered to a pure tone like its spirit sisters. “Since the vodka, tequila and rum come from different regions of the world, we decided to tie them together with a symbol that speaks to each one,” said Santiago. The anchor represents the pure water feeding the vodka; the hook links to the stronger, more vibrant tequila. And the trident— a symbol the cousins selected before knowing the connection—happens to be the national emblem for the island rum’s home, Barbados. Outfitted in elegant glass with gold and black adornments, each bottle alone symbolizes an affluent lifestyle. Together, they make a statement—here’s something different. “We took exemplary care in packaging,” said Santiago, who shared that the golden handcuff sealing each case of three was designed to be a bit disruptive.

UNLOCK THE ALLAIRE ALLURE You can find the Allaire Collection Privée on the menus of fine and fashionable bars and restaurants in Miami, New York and Los Angeles markets. Look for it in other leading markets coming soon. Visit www.allaireprivee.com. Summer

2018

Opulence

TAKING THE

Kentucky

Bourbon Trail BY CLIFTON THUMA

Opulence Summer 2018

Ancient buffalo carved paths through the wilderness that led Americans to new frontiers. One such trail led to the banks of the Kentucky River where Buffalo Trace Distillery has been making bourbon whiskey the same way for more than 200 years.

ears ago, I visited a bourbon distillery in Clifton, Kentucky. It was the name thing. What a dreary place. It was gritty with patched siding, weathered roofs — just dust and rust. ‘This is where my ‘Clifton’ bourbon is from?’ I thought. The foreman showed me around. He explained that the United States got into Scotch whisky after WWII, but then shifted in preference to vodka. Bourbon sales fell heavily. A few years later, new owners removed the Clifton whiskey inventory, the copper stills and closed it down. My how things have changed since 1981! In an attempt to revive the bourbon industry, in 1999 the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) started a marketing promotion called the Kentucky Bourbon Trail tour (kybourbontrail.com). The purpose was to give visitors a firsthand look at the art and science of crafting bourbon, and to educate them about the rich history and proud tradition of the state’s signature spirit.

THE ORIGINS OF BOURBON According to historians at the KDA, the love for bourbon began in the 1700s with the first settlers of Kentucky. Like most farmers and frontiersmen, they found that getting crops to market over narrow trails and steep mountains was a daunting task. They soon learned that converting corn and other grains to whiskey made them easily transportable, prevented the excess grain from simply rotting, and gave them some welcome diversion from the rough life of the frontier. Since then, generations of Kentuckians have continued the heritage and time-honored tradition of making fine bourbon, unchanged from the process used by their ancestors centuries before.

WHAT’S IN THE NAME? How did bourbon get its name? Guests on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail tour learn that one of Kentucky’s original counties was Bourbon County, established in 1785 when Kentucky was still part of Virginia. Farmers shipped their whiskey in oak barrels — stamped ‘from Bourbon County’ — down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to New Orleans. The long trip aged the whiskey, with the oak wood giving it the distinct mellow flavor and amber color. Soon, say experts at the KDA, whiskey from Bourbon County grew in popularity and became known as bourbon whiskey. In 1964, Congress officially recognized bourbon’s place in Kentucky’s history — and its

COLONEL EDMUND HAYNES TAYLOR, JR. As a descendant of two U.S. presidents, James Madison and Zachary Taylor, you might say that E.H. Taylor, Jr. had ambition in his blood. While Madison went down in history as the “Father of the Constitution,” E.H. Taylor, Jr. earned a legacy as the “Father of the Modern Bourbon Industry.” He purchased what is now the Buffalo Trace Distillery in 1870 and called it the “O.F.C.” (which stood for Old Fashioned Copper) because he said the finest whiskey was made in that type of still.

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Opulence

tries to the world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail tour in the last five years alone. New facilities are being built and old ones restored to meet the demand for high quality bourbon. (Even my old Clifton distillery is being rehabbed!) Whiskey fans love the backstory — to see where these bourbons are made. (I was definitely an early adapter!)

Buffalo Trace Bourbon pouring out of barrel future — by declaring it a distinctive product of the United States. Or, as bourbon distillers like to say, “America’s Official Native Spirit.”

WHAT OFFICIALLY QUALIFIES AS BOURBON? The ‘grain recipe’ of bourbon is up to the distiller, although it must be at least 51 percent corn. The water the distiller uses for the fermentation of the ‘mash’ affects the flavors of the distilled liquid, too. The result is a clear, high-alcohol distillant (the ‘white dog’), which is aged in new, charred, white oak barrels. The bourbon is then cut with water from 125 proof (62.5% alcohol) to between 100 and 80 (the legal minimum) for bottling. Water is why you want to go around visiting different distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. The Appalachian Mountains drain into aquifers that cross Kentucky’s deep underground, passing through limestone and gravel. This mineral-rich water comes up in small springs across much of the state. Early settlers discovered that the springs in central and eastern Kentucky made for better whiskey. (The limestone filters out the dissolved iron, which would cause a sulphuric residue.)

BOURBON FOR AFICIONADOS Today, Kentucky is experiencing a renaissance in ‘high-end’ bourbon. Famous brands your great-grandfather would have imbibed are sharing the tony boar shelves with new, small-production bottlings. These are very fine drinking indeed.

Elmer T. Lee joined what is now the Buffalo With so many options now Trace Distillery as a maintenance engineer for visiting, a bourbon ama- in 1949 after serving as a Radar Bombardier teur or aficionado may in World War II. He became the distillery's first Master Distiller. need help choosing which distilleries and tasting rooms to experience. Opulence spoke with David Nichols of Louisville’s Mint Julep Tours (mintjuleptours.com) for recommendations. “We work with the KDA and other partners in meeting the demand for distillery tours. We offer the smaller distilleries on the Craft Trail, too,” Nichols said. “Anytime is great to tour, but the autumn and springtime are especially beautiful here in Kentucky.” Several times a week, Mint Julep has a public tour of two distilleries and a tasting. With transportation, guide, admission fees and lunch, the tour is $139.

BOURBON 101 Bourbon labels tell you a lot if you know the lingo: ‘Straight’ bourbons state how long they were barreled (at least two years). They cannot have any other spirits, caramel coloring or flavorings added. ‘Blended’ bourbon is half straight bourbon mixed with vodka-like ‘neutral grain spirits’ and additives to ‘smooth’ it out.

THE TRACE TOUR The Trace Tour begins with an engaging video of the history of Buffalo Trace Distillery. You will then walk amidst the path of rolling bourbon barrels and enjoy the alluring smell and atmosphere of bourbon sleeping inside the aging warehouses. Then you will go inside the renowned Blanton’s Bottling Hall where you will see signature bourbons being filled, sealed, labeled, and packaged—all by hand.

Members of the KDA are pleased that Kentucky Bourbon is receiving the American recognition it deserves. Bourbon is a signature industry that has helped create 9,000 jobs, generating more than $125 million in tax revenue each year and is a growing international symbol of Kentucky craftsmanship and tradition. In 1984, Blanton’s namesake bourbon was Bourbon tourism is skyrocketing, too, with nearly the world’s first ever Single Barrel Bourbon 2.5 million visitors from all 50 states and 25 coun- sold commercially. 34

Opulence Summer 2018

All tours are complimentary and include a tasting of some of our award-winning products. All visitors are welcome to walk in and there is no need to make a reservation unless you have a group of 25 or more. Please contact reservations@buffalotrace.com for booking large group tours.

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OPULENCE

anti-aging

BY DALE KING AND JULIA HEBERT

PROACTIVE ANTI-AGING WITH STEM CELL IMMUNOTHERAPY “A stem cell is a cell that has the ability to replicate itself and turn into another type of cell. Most people think all stem cells are embryonic. A little known fact

Dr. Dipnarine Maharaj

opular anti-aging methods don’t always help to minimize detrimental effects of advancing maturity. “Taking antioxidants to ward off disease is a good start, but ingesting too many can compromise your health,” said Dr. Dipnarine Maharaj, M.D., MB, ChB, FRCP (Glasgow), FRCP (Edinburgh), FACP, founder and medical director of the South Florida Bone Marrow/Stem Cell Transplant Institute in Boynton Beach, Florida. “Even too much exercise can prove harmful; moderation is important.” Over-the-counter serums and anti-wrinkle creams may seem effective, but only to a point. “And plastic surgery provides only a temporary fix; plumping treatments using injections from one’s own fat cells have a built-in damaging element. Cells sourced from fat are already inflamed, and inflammation is a major contributor to the aging process,” Dr. Maharaj said.

AN IMMUNE SYSTEM TUNE-UP So what’s left to reset biological clocks? “I have developed a method to achieve successful aging by using a person’s own adult stem cells,” said Dr. Maharaj. “Our goal is to reach age 100-plus with no major health issues.” Imagine the human body as a car. “You can focus on the exterior, keeping it polished and shiny, or you can concentrate on the most important part, the engine. Without a working engine, the car does not function. The immune system is the engine that drives the body’s health and wellness,” said Dr. Maharaj, 36

OPULENCE

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2018

is that embryonic stem cells have no current practical clinical applications.” — Dipnarine Maharaj, M.D.

THE ROLE OF STEM CELLS A specialist in oncology/hematology and bone marrow transplantation, Dr. Maharaj strongly advocates for the stem cell collection process. “Storing these cells by freezing them in a cryobank is probably the most proactive health-related decision anyone can make to ensure successful aging,” he said. Anyone can take advantage of this immunotherapy. Dr. Maharaj points out how a tested patient’s immune system ranked “low” in nearly every category. “This person has cancer,” he said. But no dread tinges the doctor’s optimistic tone. The test result “is an example of a person who fits the high-risk profile. We target treatment to boost immune function and slow accelerated aging.” For 30-plus years, Dr. Maharaj has performed stem cell/ bone marrow transplants for patients with blood disorders, leukemia and other cancers. “Once reintroduced into a healthchallenged body, stem cells have the remarkable potential to develop and grow into many different specialized cell types. They circulate through our blood to repair tissue and organ damage.”

a pioneer in stem cell and transplant therapy. To measure how well a person’s immune system is functioning, Dr. Maharaj uses a sophisticated blood test to examine innate and adaptive parts of the body’s protection system which includes more than 100 cellular markers. The process examines areas that standard blood tests do not and creates an Immune Risk Profile (IRP) that can range from zero – no imminent likelihood of disease – through mild, moderate and severe. “A person with a severe risk probably already has a disease, with the onset possibly occurring as many as 20 years ago,” said Dr. Maharaj. Those with a clean IRP have a healthy immune system, at least for now. We collect the patient’s adult stem cells for storage in case they are ever needed to restore health.

Dr. Maharaj also performs a ‘root cause analysis’ to point out possible causes for the weakened immune system. Once the deficiencies are corrected, the procedure continues with the gathering and storage of adult stem cells. Then he prescribes a maintenance plan to keep the immune system on track. “The era of quick fixes and patchwork medicine is gone,” he said. “Patients are savvier than ever. They want solutions that address the root of their problems with a focus on proactive measures to safeguard their health and longevity. The best tool a person can have in their anti-aging toolbox is a healthy immune system.” Dr. Maharaj can be contacted at 561-752-5522 or info@bmscti.org.

Summer Scents

For Her For Him

Royal Princess Oud is a magnificent woody floral with Iris at the heart and oud at the base. Available on www.creedboutique.com and select retailers. Eau de Parfum 250ml. $670

Hanae Mori. The Limited Edition Butterfly bottle - a treasure of fragrance that lifts the heart like the exquisite creature that is its namesake. Available at www.hanaemoriparfums.com. Eau de Parfum 100 ml. $175

Carven L’Absolu. Capture the essence of the Carven woman: chic, cool and captivating. L’Absolu is available at Saks Fifth Avenue. 100ml EDP Natural Spray. $120

HM. Created from more than 50 essences, HM, Hanae Mori’s first fragrance for men, was a collaborative creative effort with her two sons, Akira and Kei, for its debut in 1998. HM is available at select retailers and www. hanaemoriparfums.com. Eau de Parfum 3.4 oz. $107

Erolfa Marine/Fresh. This nostalgia-filled fragrance is a universal ode to Creed family memories of sailing the Mediterranean: sparkling seas, salty air and citrus-scented breezes.

Summer Summer 2016 2018

Opulence Opulence

Opulence Summer 2018

A mere hour and a half from Jakarta, Indonesia, Bali is a lush, green, wellmanicured island with one side situated in the Java Sea and the other in the Indian Ocean. The ocean is bath warm and the surf calm, but the sand is a little rough so wear shoes. I lost my beach flip-flops, only one surfaced.

Heaven on Earth: Bali BY ALENA KLENOT

Summer

2018

Opulence

Built for the gods, the animals, the flowers and absolutely everything that lives around them, the temples are new and old, full of history. I visited one of the Bali Royal Family houses in Kuta. The Royal family, generous and respected, invite the local villagers to work in the houses and on the grounds. The workers are constantly renovating the palace in exchange for food, their childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s schooling or instruction in music, dance and local arts. The Royal family and their village work in unison as one big happy family. The Royal palace is adjacent to the village temples, which are full of old and young residents, communing and praying. Men and women must wear a long saraf to cover their legs and head. The tourists are dressed by village volunteers before entering the palace grounds. There is magic in old Bali, a world of spirits. The islandÂ is 90 percent Hindu with temples everywhere. The Balinese build them for the spirits, the gods, the animals, the flowers and absolutely everything that lives around them. The temples are new and old, full of history. The construction never stops.

Opulence Summer 2018

WHAT TO SEE IN BALI Too many people think that Bali offers just blue water and beautiful beaches. In fact, the island is replete with stunning landscapes, including volcanic mountains, forever-green rice terraces, and breathtakingly high waterfalls, especially in the areas of Kroya, Kembar and Kucuk. You can hike every day and never see it all, but take a guide just to be safe! Be certain not to miss the Bali elephant safaris and the picturesque rice fields. Try the local food and visit the Bali markets with their lively streets where local vendors specialize in the needs of the simple rural lifestyle. Sheaves of dried tobacco, spices

and livestock fill the senses. I love these scenes. While they lack western hygiene (dirt is everywhere, refrigeration is absent and the buzz of flies is a background hum), the smell of the market is heavenly rich and putrid at the same time.

LIFESTYLE AND FASHION I arrived at a new resort, built one year ago, with all the modern luxuries. They have their own Nikki beach beside the blue ocean. Bali has great malls, but vendors have no air conditioning in their shops. All are open, just like at the old Royal palaces. I got lucky in my search and found some great local Bali fashion designers and artists. The Collection in Nusa Dua Island is a great shop with fashionable and unique items, including handbags and shoes made of recycled rice bags and high-fashion T-shirts adorned with intricate bead work.

Bali is a magic island, you must come and see. You will find almost everything you desire! Summer

2018

Opulence

anti-aging

The Secret of Oleander and Good Skin BY ROBERT A. NEWMAN, PH.D.

Not long ago, I received a bottle of Nerium Age-Defying Night Cream shortly after it had been in gift bags at the Academy Awards. I was intrigued by Nerium's key ingredient, an extract from the oleander plant shown in blind studies to dramatically reduce the appearance of wrinkles, discoloration, and improve texture and firmness. I was impressed with the results after using the product. And I found study reports showed 93 percent of participants experienced statistically significant improvement in the appearance of wrinkles. 97 percent showed improvements in radiance, and 72 percent showed improvements in discoloration. Nerium owns its own patented oleander fields. But what I was curious about was the plant's safety. If a plant is potentially poisonous when ingested, is it safe for topical use? Nerium Biotechnology’s Chief Science Officer spoke in detail with me about it. “Major factors contributing to natural aging of skin tissues include oxidation, inflammation and reduced capacity for ‘self-renewal’ of skin cells and supporting structural proteins, such as collagen and elastin. Our skin is exposed daily to an insult of free radicals, whether from pollution, excessive exposure to chemical irritants or ultraviolet rays of the sun,” said Dr. Newman. “As we age, the natural defense systems in skin tissue that help protect us from these insults are reduced. Aging of skin tissue also involves inflammation that is not adequately controlled, as well as an age-dependent decline in the ability of skin tissue to replenish itself with healthy epidermal cells.”

Opulence Summer 2018

HOW NERIUM WORKS “Nerium’s age-defying products act to reduce oxidative injury to the skin. The product works as a potent antioxidant fighting free radicals and improving skin’s defense system. The increase in natural defense mechanisms results in an enhanced expression of superoxide dismutase (fighting free radicals) and the skin’s number one defense molecule… glutathione.” “Our research has shown strong evidence and support for cell protection and renewal. These findings validate the product’s ability to help reduce the appearance of aging.” “The safety of Nerium’s products should also be stressed. The phytochemicals (plant derived molecules) within aloe and oleander are well known, and their beneficial

Firming

roles in helping protect and restore skin tissues have been well documented. The content of the plant molecule oleandrin is extremely low in Nerium products, there is no toxicity associated with the topical use of this unique molecule. Continued assessment of consumer feedback also attests to the safety and efficacy of Nerium products.” Below are before-and-after photos of real people who used Nerium. To learn more, go to www.aging.theneriumlook.com. To purchase Nerium, go to www.mynerium.com.

ROBERT A. NEWMAN, PH.D.

Professor Emeritus, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Chief Science Officer: Nerium Biotechnology, Inc.

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

Wrinkles Texture

women’s beauty & Accessories 1. Fekkai Blowout Collection Primer: Sealing Serum and Hair Refresher each $19.99. The Frederic Fekkai Salon is located in the Brazilian Court Hotel in Palm Beach. Ask for Pierre Matta.

2. The Bulgari Le Gemme Collection Celebrating “The Essence of the Jeweler,” $310 100 ml at Bulgari stores and Bulgari.com.

3. Chantecaille Rose De Mai Face Oil Infused with high concentrations of the rare Rose de Mai. Ask for Elle Glass, esthetician at Frederic Fekkai Salon in Palm Beach. $185.

4. Big O Key Ring Bangle Signature leather clasp allows for quick removal at the valet. Available in 17 colors. $55 at www.o-venture.com.

5. CREED Royal Service – Autographed by Olivier CREED Presented in a sculptural handblown 6.8 ounce glass decanter with a numbered leather collar and signed by Mr. Creed. $1,750.00. Available at www.CREEDboutique.com.

6. Tria Laser 4X The first FDA-cleared hair removal laser for at-home use just got better, producing laserdiode results in half the time on legs, arms, upper lip and other areas. $449 at Sephora, Triabeauty.com, Bloomingdale’s, Barneys, ULTA and QVC.

7. PMD – Personal Microderm System Easy-to-use, professional grade aluminum oxide crystal exfoliation system sloughs away dead skin cells and regenerates your skin for a glowing complexion. $159 at www.getpmd. com, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and ULTA.

7. 4.

Summer

2018

Opulence

BY JOHN D. ADAMS

Venice is a floating monument to faith and dreams. It’s a magical place where anything seems possible. How else to explain the audacity of will required to erect a civilization atop 117 tiny islands, connected by canals and linked by bridges? Italian husband and wife team Matteo Della Grazia and Daniela Mencarelli, owners of Discover Your Italy, exemplify this spirit of passion and mystery. “We specialize in custom-made itineraries in Italy,” explained Matteo in his musical Italian accent. “It is our passion to create a very specific experience for every client based on their interests, where they’ve already been, what they want to see and, of course, what they want to experience.”

Opulence Summer 2018

LIVE LIKE A ROYAL: ATTEND A GALA AT A VENETIAN PALACE What better place than Venice to experience a magical event of your own? For centuries Venetians steadfastly believed that anything is possible. Who could argue with that? If you live on hundreds of waterlogged marble pillars, every aspect of normal life becomes a challenge to overcome with style and panache. No roads. No cars. No trash service… They have never bowed to trends or conventions. Indeed, they have often defined innovation -- from eyeglasses, to (gasp) uncorseted dresses and platform shoes. Matteo enthuses about one of their company’s carefully planned, elegantly executed events built upon the magic and majesty of Venice. “For one night in Venice, guests will live the life of a noble Venetian aristocrat as they are whisked away aboard a private water taxi to a gala dinner set in a palace overlooking the Grand Canal.

LIVING ONE NIGHT AS

A VENETIAN ARISTOCRAT BE WHISKED AWAY ABOARD A PRIVATE GONDOLA AS A PALACE GALA GUEST OVERLOOKING THE GRAND CANAL IN VENICE

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It will be an evening of total sensory experiences while guests linger over cocktails and dinner in this extremely unique historic mansion that has welcomed legendary Alisters from today’s Hollywood set to the doges of Venice and Italian nobility.”

“FUORITINERARIO” Fuoritinerario is a word created by Matteo and Daniela to describe their company. Derived from a combination of Italian words, it literally means “Off the Beaten Path.” Perhaps in Venice’s case, you could say: “off the beaten canal.” Everything here seems oneof-a-kind. Venice’s food is a miracle of originality. “The Lonely Planet” describes Venice’s cuisine: “Garden islands and lagoon aquaculture yield specialty produce and seafood you won’t find elsewhere – all highlighted in inventive Venetian cuisine, with tantalizing traces of ancient spice routes. The city knows how to put on a royal spread, as France’s King Henry III once found out when faced with 1200 dishes and 200 bonbons…” Transportation is, by necessity, different too. There are no roads, no cars. And if you want to travel Venice in style, the only name to

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know is “Riva.” Riva is to motorboats what Ferrari is to automobiles. Completely handmade, highly-burnished, detailed wood, incredibly fast with an amazing design, this icon has been popular with the Jet Set since the 1950s. If you’re really looking for an experience that screams Italian style, travel Venice Lagoon in a Riva. Matteo offers a variety of Riva excursions unmatched in Venice.

WE ARE VENETIANS So now. As we have lazed along Venice’s Grand Canal, we can literally reflect upon the majesty of this aquatic place. We have

enchantingly experienced royal dinners in ancient, grand ballrooms; raced to sumptuous banquets aboard a Riva; gloried in the hidden nooks and crannies…We have experienced Venice. Indeed, Matteo also mirrors the pride and passion that embrace Venetian culture: “Our job is to share the Italian culture with travelers. It is very important to shape and design itineraries with that kind of Italian style. A style famous all over the world.” For more information, please visit www. discoveryouritaly.com

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Moonshine Nation: The Art of Creating Cornbread in a Bottle BY MARK SPIVAK

oonshine is corn whiskey, traditionally made in improvised stills throughout the Appalachian South. While quality varied from one producer to another, the whiskey had one thing in common:

It was illegal because the distiller refused to pay taxes to the U.S. government. Many moonshiners

were

descendants

Scotch-Irish immigrants who had fought in the original Whiskey Rebellion in the early 1790s.

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hey brought their knowledge of distilling with them to America along with a profound sense of independence and a refusal to submit to government authority. Today many Southern states have relaxed their laws and now allow the legal production of moonshine—provided that taxes are paid. Yet many modern moonshiners retain deep links to their bootlegging heritage, bonds that go back generations or even centuries.

Mark Spivak, author of Moonshine Nation

Moonshine Nation is the definitive book on the true American spirit. The first part chronicles the history of moonshine from the Whiskey Rebellion to the present day; the second half consists of profiles and interviews with modern, legal moonshiners. Spivak traverses the back roads of North Carolina with Junior Johnson, the legendary bootlegger and NASCAR driver; travels to Asheville to spend time with Troy

“People think this moonshine revival is a trend, but it’s really an American love affair.” — Sheila Balentine, wife of distillery owner Spencer Balentine

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Confiscated moonshine. Moonshiner Junior Johnson with his restored bootleg car, a 1940 Ford. Ball of Troy and Sons, the country’s only professional female moonshiner; visits the small distillery of Spencer Balentine, whose father ran moonshine in Western Kentucky; and logs time in a shed with Cody Bradford of Howling Moon, the descendant of three generations of men who made and sold corn whiskey. At the conclusion of the book, Spivak provides a list of American moonshine producers — a list that was probably incomplete as soon as it was printed, given the current popularity of corn whiskey. What is it about moonshine that has struck such a resonant chord in our modern imagination? Spivak probes this question in his interviews, and comes up with a variety of interesting answers. “America has always been captivated by outlaws,” says Cody Bradford. “Look at Jesse James and Billy the Kid. People love that stuff. Just look at Popcorn Sutton.” Sutton was the moonshiner from Central

Casting, a foul-mouthed loner in a plaid shirt and overalls who spent his life defying the law. In his profile of Sutton, Spivak postulates him as the man who lived the life others only dream of: flouting authority, sticking his middle finger at society, and totally in charge of his own destiny. He speculates that Sutton was a role model to everyone who felt they lacked control over their lives, and provided a model for others to live out their fantasies. Over and over, what emerges is the fact that moonshine is a basic part of our national heritage. Sheila Balentine, Spencer’s wife, put it succinctly: “People think this moonshine revival is a trend, but it’s really an American love affair. You either love it or you hate it. Most people, they just love it.” The appeal of corn whiskey was summed up more clearly by Joe Michalek, president of Piedmont Distillers. Michalek moved to North Carolina in the 1990s and quickly became

fascinated with the culture of moonshine. One night, at a blues jam session out in the woods, he was offered a taste from a jar of homemade peach moonshine, and was amazed by the smoothness of it. Michalek was hooked. He eventually convinced Junior Johnson to partner with him on a line of legal products, Junior Johnson’s Midnight Moon, which is now the best-selling moonshine in the country. “Moonshine has been made in North Carolina and around the country for decades,” Michalek says. “For centuries, actually. Our customers are buying into the American heritage. It’s the history and the intrigue. And while a lot of people may buy it initially because of the intrigue factor, we’re getting our repeat business because of the juice in the jars. “Our demographics tell us that the entire category of moonshine isn’t a regional thing. It’s an American thing. What comes back to us is that the people who engage in our brand are all over the board — 51 percent male, 49 percent female, representing virtually every group and ethnic category out there. It’s people from the South, of course, but also Oregon and Washington, New Hampshire, Texas and California. It goes from bikers to bankers. Our customers look like America.” Moonshine Nation: The Art of Creating Cornbread in a Bottle, by Mark Spivak; Lyons Press, 2014; paperback, 253 pp., $16.95.

New moonshine still at Troy and Sons in Asheville, North Carolina. 50

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Every Step She Takes

BY JOHN D. ADAMS

Master Designer Perla Lichi steps it up with an array of grand stairways

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“There is no elevator to success. You have to take the stairs.” – Zig Ziglar

aster interior designer Perla Lichi and I are discussing how she leaves no space untouched; how her gifts for magical thinking extend to every corner of a house. We are under a stairway. Not, perhaps, since Busby Berkeley has anyone heaped such adoring attention upon the design and aesthetic beauty of interior design’s utilitarian necessity — “the Staircase.” Like that master film director/choreographer of groundbreaking classics “Footlight Parade,” “Gold Diggers of 1933,” and “Dames,” Lichi appreciates that stairways offer unexpected opportunities for artistic and dramatic effect.

STEP IT UP Where some see the staircase as a strictly functional feature best left to the shadows, Perla sees a stairway to heavenly delights. “It’s just another way to infuse a grand home with the elemental personalities of the owners. It’s got to be in there, so I embrace the challenge! What do we absolutely see and use every day? Our stairs. I love transforming the staircase into a beautiful sculpture. It’s a central part of the house, so

why not step it up and create a fascinating focal point?”

STEP BY STEP For a home in Kenya (this page, lower left), Perla took advantage of a “very straightforward, against-the-wall, stairway.” Perla opted to give the most attention to the balustrade, handrail and newels. She selected a breathtaking, hand carved mahogany, aged and gilded in silver leaf. “The color, texture, the detailing of the wood and iron…we made a statement with these because that large space could handle the ‘weight’, of a heavier design. To me, it almost becomes a tapestry,” Perla said. At a Star Island home (page 112), an aweinspiring double staircase commands center stage. It is one of Perla’s favorites and boasts a unique hourglass design that our old filmmaker Berkeley would have appreciated. “I think this is a magnificent staircase. The shape is unique. We were fusing a variety of styles here. For the ceiling we chose to hand paint a Marrakech-inspired damask texture. But the scrollwork throughout the wrought iron is more Mediterranean.” Most designers would likely have pulled back on the iron detail work since there would be so much of it. Not Perla. “We went for it!” she enthused. “The space is so grand we wanted to go all out. The volume is there and the house just called for it. Since it is centrally located between a piazza and the main sitting room, this staircase is very sculptural and had to become a major architectural art piece. To me, it had to be a jewel given proper attention to the details.”

STEP ASIDE Many designers can step aside for Perla, who is all about exploiting every square inch of space. Which brings us back to under the staircase. It isn’t white, like most you see. The entire breadth and width under

Left page: Graceful wrought-iron railings enhance a grand staircase. Photo by Craig Denis Left: Hand-carved, silver-leafed mahogany details blend into a tapestry of design. Photo by Craig Denis

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this white lacquered staircase is bejeweled in dramatic silver leaf. “It’s like adding a ring to your finger,” she explained. “Above is a silver dome and crystal chandelier, which looks like it is cascading down like rain… This is my funky house. Look closely at the railing. We designed that on an angle. Most of the time the design runs straight up and down. We angled the design to look almost as if you have taken a horizontal painting then angled it upward.” No staircase design story would be complete until we speak a bit about “the stringer.” That is the piece that covers the sides of your risers and treads. And it is another area that is often left featureless. For one house in South Africa, Perla’s unprecedented use of heavy carving and silver leaf serves a

Above: Three-story spiral features silverleafed hand carving. Photo by Craig Denis Left: Crystal chandelier cascades down like rain. Photo by Craig Denis

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purpose besides just being a showstopper. “That stairway is a spiral three stories high,” she remarked. “So you have 300 feet of space tunneling around connecting the three stories.” Each level branched off, creating a variety of ceiling heights creating a visually chaotic tableau. Perla needed to pull attention away from the confusion of ceilings. “So we made the stringer the star of the show. It is customdesigned gypsum, made by hand, first by carving a wooden mold then pouring the gypsum. Finally, each piece is hand molded to the other, making sure there would be no breaks or seams. Then an artist came in and silver leafed and antiqued it.” We walk out from underneath the staircase and head for the front door. Looking back, I pause to admire the staircase with a deeper appreciation of Perla’s imagination and energy. She truly makes the ordinary extraordinary. Learn more about Perla Lichi online at www.perlalichi.com

Above left photo: White lacquer stairway transformed into a sculptural centerpiece. Photo by Butchworx Photography Right: Grand stairway enhances classic look of this ocean side mansion. Photo by Kim Sargeant

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FOOD TR EK KIN G BY KELLY VILLASUSO

Six Sumptuous Experiences to Spice Up Your Travels

t takes more than just an inspiring destination to get 51 million American leisure travelers to pack a suitcase, according to the World Food Travel Association — the leading authority on food and drink tourism. It takes the prospect of sensoryenriching, knowledge-enhancing food and drink experiences at — or in the vicinity of — said inspiring destination. In the world of food and drink travel, it is no longer simply about “location, location, location”; it just begins there.

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A glut of delicious gastronomic experiences are at-the-ready for the adventurous and discerning food trekker — from conventional to gourmet or exotic; from pre-planned to fully customizable — regardless of longitude. The world is (somewhat overwhelmingly) your proverbial oyster, so Opulence handpicked six sumptuous experiences to spice up your travels.

Plaza de Armas de Lima, Perú

EIGHT-DAY PERUVIAN NATIONAL-TREASURE TREK Peruvian cuisine has been gaining international popularity since the early 2000s, fueling culinary tourism to Perú among both food trekkers and renowned chefs. Indulge in the bountiful, indigenous ingredients of some of the country’s national treasures: ceviche, Seafood ceviche, a national dish Pachamanca from the Andean pisco, and pachamanca. Traverse Perú on an eight-day, tried-and- of Perú region consists of meats, including guinea pig, potato, corn and true luxury trek through Lima, Pisco, Paracas, Cachiccata, and Cusco broad beans with Taste Vacations. Savor the artistry of global culinary masters and local artisans while immersing yourself in the culture and land- See “April in Paris Perú” on page 74 to experience a more custommarks of the “land of abundance.” ized approach to touring the coastal region of Perú, including Lima Learn more: www.tastevacations.com/peru-food and Paracas.

Valley in Costa Rica

COSTA RICAN RAINFOREST–SENSUOUS SOJOURN Your senses — and your intellect — will be heightened with a half-day sojourn at Villa Vanilla Plantation in the Central Pacific rainforest east of Quepos, Costa Rica. Engage in sensory therapy as you smell, taste, and touch some of the world’s most intoxicating and expensive flavors: vanilla, true Ceylon cinnamon, cocoa, allspice, turmeric, and black pepper. A meandering tour of the organically farmed plantation, led by manager Henry Karczynski, is as stimulating to the mind as it is to the

Vanilla bean plant

Tumeric is a spice and antioxidant that supports your body’s immune system

senses, bested only by the in-house pastry chef’s epicurean delights in the “Flavors of the World” tasting. Learn more: www.rainforestspices.com Summer

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Historic parliament building in the city center of Victoria, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

A GOURMET FORAY INTO CANADA’S “GARDEN CITY,” VICTORIA If Canada does not come to mind when seeking out gastronomic adventures, you should think again — particularly about Victoria, capital of British Columbia. At the southern end of Vancouver Island, Victoria is one of the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest, making it a rich cultural experience and a melting pot of flavors for culinary explorers. Unravel the intricacies of local traditions and dishes, taste the accomplishments of top artisans-of-fare, and reveal the viticulturist in you at some of Vancouver Island’s

Salmon from British Columbia

Afternoon tea at the Butchart Gardens

wineries with Edible Destinations by Epitourean. Under their tutelage, the culinary treats and cultural riches of the Garden City will have you singing “Oh Canada”! Learn more: www.epitourean.com/master/607/Grand-Victoria Culinary-Retreat

Grand Canyon National Park

CANYONS, COWBOYS, AND KICKIN’ CUISINE IN THE WILD WEST

Prepping chilies in Arizona

Neither pup tents nor pop-up trailers are necessary for this adventure into America’s “wild west.” All you need is Black Tomato’s itinerary in hand and your wanderlust to experience the jaw-dropping grandeur of the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Sedona, and Tucson. From a private picnic inside the canyon and a romantic dinner overlooking it at historic El Tovar, and a fish-for-your-lunch 58

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Grilled chicken breast spiced with chili peppers and rosemary

expedition on the lake followed by a peaceful stay at a desert retreat; to a private barbecue under the stars at a real dude ranch, your inner gastro-cowboy (or girl) will surely be delighted. Yeehaw! Learn more: www.blacktomato.com/destinations/usa/canyons-andcowboys-in-the-wild-wild-west

The Global Vipassana Pagoda is a Meditation Hall in Mumbai, India

A LIFE-CHANGING JOURNEY THROUGH INDIA, ONE EXOTIC TASTE AT A TIME Craving something more exotic … more immersive? Epicurious Travels will lead you on a 14-day, well-appointed journey through India, fulfilling your every desire. The journey will balance the heady, bustling thrill of Delhi and Mumbai, with the slightly less intense yet equally enticing cities of Lucknow, Agra, Rajasthan, Jaipur, Ranthambore, and Shahpura Bagh. Your thirst for distinct flavors, smells, and sights will be sated as you indulge on korma and kababs in Lucknow, scrumptious home cooking during your luxury homestay in Shahpura Bagh, a delicious lassi in Jaipur, and

Indian, Rajasthani, Gujarati Curd Curry in a copper bowl

Indian colored spices at local market

a picnic en route to Ranthambore, to name a few delights. A true highlight: lodging at Aman-i-Khas safari camp on the edge of Ranthambore National. Learn more: www.epicurioustravels.com.au/journeys/tasting-indiawith-christine-manfield

Railay beach in Krabi, Thailand

AN 11-DAY DISCOVERY: CULINARY TRADITIONS AND INGENUITY IN THE LAND OF SMILES With a history dating back 40,000 years, Thailand — the Land of Smiles — has had plenty of time to perfect its culinary traditions. North, south, east, or west, you will experience the mastery such a rich history creates in both its diverse Thai cuisines and in its architectural grandeurs. Your journey, with the guidance of Zicasso, will allow you to experience special tasting and cooking classes, shop in the local market with an acclaimed chef, learn to cook — and sample — Royal Thai Cuisine, tour a

Royal Thai Cuisine

Fish curry

cashew nut factory, and dine in some of the country’s most luxurious and, at times, ingenious restaurants, such as three-Michelin-star Alzamendi at Iniala. Your unforgettable passage through Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Khum Lanna, and Phuket will leave you with a grateful palate and, of course, a smile. Learn more: www.zicasso.com/luxury-vacation-thailand-tours/tastethailand-culinary-tour Summer

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PHOTO BY PAUL MOBLEY

BlueManGroup

PIXELMANIA CAMPAU STYLE Meet Mike Campau, Hollywoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CGI Go-to Guy* BY JOHN D. ADAMS

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Geometric Trails

re you looking closely? You don’t want to miss anything. And with any Mike Campau image, you’ll want to look for hours. Campau’s works are truly visionary, exceptionally unique, and dance between the lines of fantasy and reality. Through his amalgam of traditional photography and computer-generated imagery (CGI), Campau compels us to rethink the boundaries of the real and the unexpected.

MASTER OF ILLUSION It takes an illusionist years and thousands of hours of trial and error to make the impossible seem effortlessly possible. It was no different for artist Mike Campau. You don’t become a digital wizard overnight. He always played around with art in one form or an-

Living Sculptures

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Motion in Air

other but couldn’t reconcile a paying career with it. Working as a digital photo retoucher, Campau immersed himself in the fledgling world of computer aided visuals. “I developed a good understanding of how to work with the first versions of Photoshop,” remembered Campau. “I began to come across very rudimentary 3-D rendering programs comprised of just very basic shapes and simple shading tools… At that time it was just a hobby and I really enjoyed it. But I recognized the advantages of using that kind of package once the technology developed and improved.”

ZEN AND THE ART OF CGI Fast-forward 15+ years. CGI capabilities make those original programs look like cave drawings. Under Campau’s mastership, he corrals, sculpts, and lights multitudes of computer pixels, breathing life into virtually anything that can be imagined. Campau stresses the importance of balance between traditional photography and computer generated imagery. “Sometimes I use it to be over the top surreal and it becomes a matter of the viewer wondering ‘How did he do that?’ or ‘What is real and what is not?’ And then some of my work is overtly, obviously completely CGI.” 62

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Motion in Air

Whether it is a personal project or collaboration with clients and other artists, Campau begins each project by visualizing the end result first. “Sometimes I use CGI because it is just quicker and more budget conscious than a physical photo shoot. For instance, if we wanted an image of a car sliced in half, to

try to do that in studio would be a massive, expensive undertaking. But I can go in and create a computer generated image of it and it saves all of that labor, time and money. “Other times, I want to achieve something that just wouldn’t be possible through traditional photography. You have no

limitations when working with CGI. There are no physics or logistics involved. With my Motion in Air pieces, I could have had those sculptures built and brought into the studio. Instead, I created those forms digitally, maintaining a freedom to change or adapt them any way I saw fit…” For his Living Sculptures series, Campau created varied CGI shapes and then introduced a human element — clothing — to them. “All of the sudden these undefined, formless objects become characters, each now imbued with movement, life and personality… And that’s the important yin

Living Sculptures

and yang of using CGI and photography… Knowing when to use it and when not to.”

shadow somewhere between the physical and the ephemeral.

Whether behind a camera or in front of a computer screen, Campau is always enthusiastic about the next project, the next digital challenge. We can be assured that he will offer us an impossible dream, an orchestrated magic between light and

See more of Mike Campau’s work at www.mikecampau.com * Mike Campau is the artist who created the 3D CGI paint art on the cover of this issue of Opulence. Summer

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Sand Dollar Dreams in

SEA ISLAND BY KRISTEN MAGER

Nestled along the silky Georgia shore sits a sweet sanctuary, Sea Island, where luxury meets southern charm. Equally spaced between Jacksonville and Savannah, Sea Island is one of four barrier islands that make up the Golden Isles of Georgia. Beautiful backdrop to about 600 private cottages and worldclass resorts like The Cloister, the coastal paradise promises gems at every salty footprint along the way. For natives and jetsetters alike, this five-mile long, quarter-mile wide slice of heaven has been the picture-perfect canvas for memories and traditions since the late 1920s.

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Rick and Marie Wackenhut of Palm Beach, Florida, have been seasonal residents since 2003, after falling in love with the island’s charm and rich amenities. “Sea Island’s as elegant and opulent as they come,” said Marie. ”And you don’t have to leave for anything. Everywhere you turn, there are treasures — from the driftwood in the sand to the fourstory tranquil grotto in the spa. It’s really quite charming.”

RICH WITH NATURE Like the picturesque island itself, the one-way ride in and out is simply breathtaking. A cruise over the causeway from St. Simons Island reveals spectacular green marshlands, which are unspoiled and pristine. “The island has allowed for development over the years but let nature be the priority,” said Page Aiken, a seventh-generation native and associate broker of Sotheby's International Realty.

HOTEL MAKES HISTORY Before the 1920s, Sea Island was largely uninhabited until Ohio native Howard Coffin had the idea to turn it into a beach resort. Coffin recruited Addison Mizner, one of Palm Beach’s renowned architects, to design the Mediterranean-style Cloister hotel, which opened in October 1928. That year, Coffin brought in his cousin Alfred W. Jones to run the resort. In 2010, Sea Island Acquisition, LLC, obtained all of the assets of Sea Island Company. For generations, The Cloister

has been the heart of the island, bringing families and friends together for meals, activities, and special celebrations. It underwent an extensive renovation in 2006 and is the only hotel in the world to have received the Forbes Five-Star Award for eight years in a row. The resort’s Lodge, the Georgian Room restaurant, and the full-service spa have also received the prestigious Forbes award. Before long, Sea Island evolved into a premier meeting destination for dignitaries and presidents. In fact, President Bush hosted the 30th G8 Summit at Sea Island in June 2004, and the leaders of the world’s major industrial democracies converged on the relaxed, exclusive Georgian island.

ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES From ocean kayaking to horse-riding on the beach to bagpiper harmonies at sunset, Sea Island offers endless activities to appeal to everyone from the casual sports enthusiast to the socialite. The 65,000-square-foot Cloister Spa features 23 treatment rooms and a delicious menu of body treatments and fitness classes, including cycling classes and yoga. Palm trees and water features create a tranquil waiting area or grotto that puts you into the heart of nature. “A walk through the indoor garden transitions you from the busyness of life to a world of mindfulness and meditation,” said Marie.

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“We designated each room as a land Marco Polo would’ve explored and what artifacts he would’ve found.” – Marie Wackenhut

Those looking to soak in some vitamin D and relax can head over to the Beach Club, located near The Cloister. Private cabanas and poolside service make for a pampering retreat where you’ll find three pools and a splash pad for the little ones. A movie theater and ice cream parlor are sweet perks. And then there’s Camp Cloister, which spoils with fun and educational activities for kids ages 3 to 14.

GOLF AND GAMING GALORE One of the biggest draws to Sea Island is the second-to-none golf experience. The isle’s golf club ranks fourth of the 75 best Golf Resorts in the U.S. and features three spectacular 18-hole championship courses. “Professional golf has had a significant impact on the visibility of Sea Island," says Page. “The island hosts a PGA event each year and developed a world-class teaching facility that's attracted many young golf pros. One of the game’s top teachers, Davis Love Jr., started the Sea Island teaching program in the late 70s. His son, Davis Love III, Zach Johnson, and Jonathan Byrd all play here." The resort offers a full-service tennis program and is one of the only resorts in the U.S. to offer squash facilities with two international softball courts and one North American hardball doubles court. The Sea Island Shooting School also ranks among the nation’s best.

GLORIOUS COTTAGE LIFE Unlike most communities where the homes are sequential, Sea Island requires a treasure map of sorts to find your way. Every cottage is numbered by the order in which it was built—whether it’s along the main stretch or off a feeder path lined in live oaks and moss. It’s just one of many carefully thought out touches that truly make the island magical. It also shows the lineage of residents, which was important to founders.

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After the Wackenhuts bought cottage #302 in 2003, they embarked on decorating it in a Marco Polo theme that carries throughout. The six-bedroom, nine-bathroom classic Mediterranean cottage features high volume ceilings, a barrel-style roof, and glorious poolside lanai with fireplace. “We designated each room as a land Marco Polo would've explored and what artifacts he would've found," said Marie. “Some are exotic, some are unique. We used our own experience and then we did a lot of research on the Silk Road, where ancient merchants like Marco Polo embarked for good trade and fortune. It was very fun to do and we enjoy taking our friends on an adventure through our home.” As you enter the home, an Imperial Chinese living room greets you. With banked glass and arched walls, the home's hub is where ocean breezes drift in, creating an airy, heavenly space. The dining room flows into the living room and represents India. An expansive gourmet kitchen houses a large island, where the couple enjoys hosting cooking demonstrations while friends gather around the bar. A British-Empire-style family room sits off of the kitchen, and Rick’s office is encased in beautiful cherry wood. The Wackenhuts also added a comfortable media room upstairs with reclining, lush chairs. "Comfortable living areas and the way the house flows bring family and guests together and is a reflection of the heart and soul of Sea Island," said Page. To learn more about Sea Island, visit seaisland.com. See additional Wackenhut home photos at right (some exterior photos are general island images).

Nestled along the silky Georgia shore sits a sweet sanctuary, Sea Island, where luxury meets southern charm.

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GARDENS of Miami BY MARY AND HUGH WILLIAMSON

he Villagers, a non-profit Miamibased organization that focuses on the preservation of historic structures has published a stunning book entitled “Gardens of Miami”. It does not disappoint. An impressive “coffee table book”, this tome is not the typical “armchair gardener” offering. Instead, this work celebrates the South Florida natural habitat, with its lush vegetation. Nearly infinite textures, shapes, sizes and shades embrace the influence of our native environment, as well as the many species that have come over the years to seem native. The plant environment is portrayed as a collective “historic structure” to be preserved, and certainly follows The Villagers’ mission. Gardens of Miami is much more than it portends and is an effort of grand proportions. The masterful photography by Steven Brooke highlights daytime venues that radiate with sunlight, and it catches a magical glow in evening shots. The crisp narrative of Elaine Mills and Julie Petrella Arch succinctly captures the mood of each entry as the examples change character from page to page. Some gardens appear to be happenstance, growing as if nature were the sole designer. Others appear planned and formal, while still utilizing plantings that have adapted to the hydrology and geography of our state, and because of that adaptation to our conditions need little care. This celebratory book includes examples of numerous subtropical treasures….our beloved palms as well as hammocks and mangrove swamps, with beautiful applications for our South Florida lifestyles. At the same time it encourages the preservation of the habitat of our threatened wildlife.

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Pictured here is an impressive Thai Buddha fountain, embellished with cultivated flowers and nestled in lush greenery that includes ginger.

GIVING NATURE HER DUE Rather than illustrating applied “afterthought” landscape solutions that are dominated by buildings and hardscapes, the many dramatic and beautiful gardens pose man-made additions to the environment incorporated as a minor feature. They are “tucked into” the luxuriant growth that dominates the thesis. There is a prominent deference to the majesty of the flora that we are so blessed to have all around us. Examples of cultivated floral additions appear as well, including classic garden favorites often in containers, and well-tended hedges, but they all seem to give a nod to the overriding theme of local subtropical splendor. They meet the “wilderness” halfway; the best of both. Most of the color, however, is found with native and adopted flowering plants and trees, shrubs and vines; bougainvillea, orchids, heliconia and anthurium. But sparkling foliage prevails, with all its drama and diverse textures.

BUILDING ON OUR HERITAGE From formal gardens, pool environments, waterfront settings and sculpture gardens, this edition salutes the concepts long ago brought to bear by Charles Deering, James Deering, Marion and David Fairchild, George Merrick and others who recognized that the Miami experience is like no other. The authors introduce us to notable gardens and botanical centers in and around Miami. These resources provide visual enjoyment and the opportunity for further study of archaeological and nature preserves, as well as an education on endangered plants and habitats. It is pointed out that Florida gardening history can continue to inspire us going forward. The history of ornamental gardening and a review of the principles that it has traditionally employed is eloquently outlined in the book’s introduction, penned by Joanna Lombard. It is worth reading and rereading. Mediterranean art and architecture always seem to look right at home in South Florida, due in part to the “common denominator” palms. Our omnipresent Mediterranean Revival residences

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Vizcaya is a study in classic, formal design, Miami “Style”

This “Mediterranean” wall sets the tone for this garden.

Art objects, decorative mosaic walls and fences that show the reader some local creativity.

and parks with Moorish influences and seemingly age-old “ruins” are exquisitely illustrated within the pages of this volume, but there are other cultures that are shown to be right at home as well. The serene Asian influence is a good example, and one that finds an important place in this book.

BRANCHING OUT Pages that feature “old world” and other traditional themes are punctuated by contemporary applications, including a few Bohemian surprises. There are art objects, decorative mosaic walls and fences that show the reader some local creativity and are departures from the expected.

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This book will serve not only to heighten awareness of Miami Gardens with all their variety, but perhaps to inspire the reader to create a unique habitat in their own corner of South Florida. Gardens of Miami is available at www.thevillagersinc.org/ projects-the-garden-book. $60

Mary and Hugh Williamson reside in Bluffton, South Carolina, where their environment includes cultivated gardens adjacent to their nature preserve.

A small gift can impact the lives of children for many generations to come. Giving children healthy futures is the only priority at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Foundation. Through Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, we are committed to advancing pediatric care through research and innovation, bringing hope and healing to children with complex health issues. By gifting a percentage of your retirement savings, life insurance or estate plan, you can create a lasting legacy of wellness and happiness in the lives of children for many years to come. Please consider Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in your estate planning. For more information call 786. 624. 2870.

Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Foundation 3100 Southwest 62nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33155 give.nicklauschildrens.org

Jayden , 3, was diagnosed with cancer of the right eye and has required surgery, chemotherapy and radiation

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Nicklaus Children’s Hospital’s Advanced Pediatric Care Pavilion. Equipped with the most advanced tools and technology, our pavilion also offers private patient room accommodations to support families of children with critical care needs. It is home to Neonatal (NICU), Pediatric (PICU) and Cardiac (CICU) critical care units, as well as Neurology/Neurosurgery and HematologyOncology units. All created with the goal to deliver the compassionate care we are known for – one that is centered around the family and child. Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. For Health. For Life.

A KALEIDOSCOPE OF BEJEWELED EYE CANDY

An exclusive interview with Australian designer Colin Heaney

n the easternmost point of mainland Australia lies Byron Bay, a small beachside town celebrated as the capital of Aussie-land’s relaxed ‘haute bo-ho’ lifestyle capital. Any given morning, you may catch a glimpse of resident Colin Heaney as he paddles out on his surfboard to catch a wave. And on any given night, you may see him in the vibe at one of the town’s many dance parties. What you may not have guessed is that in between dawn and dusk, Colin returns to his home-based art studio and becomes engrossed in transforming photographs of nature into unrecognizable, vibrant, pixel-perfect designs that he’ll then transfer to luxurious silk fabric before scurrying off to his cutting room to create a custom pattern for a stunning handsewn kaftan or yoga ensemble. Even more remarkable is that Colin Heaney started his career not in fabrics, but in glass – and then fine china. All the while, his unique – and now iconic – style is uncannily recognizable across all his platforms.

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Left and Top Right: Examples of Colin Heaneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s handmade silk kaftans. Bottom: An example from his Art of Phoenix yoga clothing line.

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“The fact that my work is recognizable in different mediums surprised me! When I switched from glass to fabric, I had random people tell me that they saw some clothes that looked like my glass – without knowing it was my work,” said Heaney, who was born in Vancouver, Canada, moved to Pomona, California, at age 8, and then at 18 left for a surf trip to the Pacific that landed him in Australia in 1968. He fell in love with the uncrowded surf and the laid-back community and decided to call Byron Bay home. Heaney has been honing his remarkable creativity ever since.

THE UNEXPECTED ARTISAN “When I was young, I had no idea what I would end up doing, but it was not art!” Heaney said with a chuckle. “My mother was very creative, but no one ever mentioned the possibility of making your living from art. When I arrived in Australia, my world opened up. One of my friends taught me leatherwork, and I discovered I could make my living from creative craftsmanship. I have made candles, furniture, surfboards and then launched into glass when I was 34. Glass it is a magic material. It is worked as both a liquid and a solid, and when it is liquid, it requires absolute awareness at all times. It is like a meditation that goes on all day.” Heaney worked in glass for 25 years and had gallery exhibitions in Australia, Europe, Japan and the United States. And then, out of the blue, Heaney started entertaining a new medium.

THE MOVE TO FASHION “One morning, I woke up early with nothing to do, so thought I would try to use Photoshop to make an invitation

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for a dance party,” Heaney recalled. “I started playing with a photograph of my bedroom, and the next thing I knew it was 11 p.m. When I woke the next day, I couldn’t wait to continue my exploration. Over the next months, I would do glass by day and use every extra available moment to work in Photoshop. I researched and found I could do digital printing on fabric. It was appealing to print on something that is both three dimensional and animated. Learning about the fashion world was challenging, and discovering the tricks of the trade by trial and error was, in retrospect, crazy!” Heaney looks at colors in nature and sees the harmony. “Colors have a very clear effect on my nervous system; they can relax or excite me. When I am designing, I create without a plan and let the feelings the colors induce be my guide. I suppose I am looking for beauty as I create,” he said. “The process is more ‘joytaking’ than painstaking. I enjoy making silk kaftans because they make women look and feel like a goddess. I have had many women cry when putting one on, they feel nurtured, centered and beautiful.”

CASA BLU What’s Heaney’s most treasured accomplishment? His answer might surprise you. “My favorite accomplishment is the house I designed and built called ‘Casa Blu.’ I worked on the finishes, all the curves, the textures, mosaics and painting. All of the bathroom taps and basins were made by me in glass. I worked with many friends who are artists and craftspeople to make Casa Blu truly unique. Together we made sculptured bathtubs, vanities and furniture. Some day I may return to glass, but for now I am concentrating on my ‘Art of Luxury’ kaftans and my “Art of Phoenix” yoga line. I would one day love to design a boutique hotel. Anyone interested?” View more Colin Heaney silk kaftans at colinheaney.com or his yoga apparel line at artofphoenix.com.au.

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LOVING VINCENT The world’s first fully painted feature film

he pioneering film Loving Vincent brings the paintings of Vincent van Gogh to life to tell his remarkable story. More than 80 professional oilpainters traveled from across Europe to the Loving Vincent studios in Poland and Greece to hand oil paint each of the film’s 62,450 frames.

Why painting animation? Writer-Director Dorota Kobiela explained, “It is the best way I can imagine to tell Vincent van Gogh’s story. There have been many biopic films about him, but every time his paintings were there merely

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as a prop. In Loving Vincent, his paintings (130 of them) are the main character – his paintings are telling the story. Like Vincent said in his last letter to his brother: ‘We cannot speak other than by our paintings’. ” As remarkable as Vincent’s brilliant paintings was his passionate and ill-fated life – and mysterious death. No other artist has attracted more legends than Vincent van Gogh. Variously labeled a martyr, a lustful satyr, a madman, a genius and a layabout, the real Vincent is at once revealed in his letters and obscured by myth and time. Vincent himself said in his last letter: ‘We cannot speak other than by our paintings.’ “We take him at his word and let the paintings tell the real story of Vincent van Gogh,” Kobiela said.

THE EPIPHANY BEHIND LOVING VINCENT How did Kobiela come up with the creative idea of creating a feature film out of animated painting? “It all started when I was in the moment of crisis in my life,” Kobiela said. “I had just finished a directing course in film school and was working in animation, but I was really missing painting. I felt that I needed to combine these passions and strike out on my own path. “We are painting each frame of the film with oil paints on canvas - trying to keep as

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close as possible to his technique and style,” Kobiela continued. “Painting animation is normally done by 1-2 painting animators, so to create a feature film in the traditional way would take decades. We decided to train painters in animation instead of involving animators – this way we were able to create a much larger team. We also developed special Painting Animation Work Stations (PAWS) to simplify the process of animation. Of course all these are just tools to aid the painters, the most important thing for our film is the talent and skills of our painters, and their ability to transfer frames into Van Gogh painting style and bring his paintings to life.” Loving Vincent was first shot as a live action film with actors and then hand-painted over frame-by-frame. The final effect is an interaction of the performance of the actors playing Vincent’s famous portraits, and the performance of the painting animators, bringing these characters into the medium of paint. Loving Vincent stars famous faces to match the famous paintings they portray…here is a synopsis:

STORY OVERVIEW France, Summer 1891. Armand Roulin (played by Douglas Booth), a feckless and directionless young man, is given a letter by his father, Postman Joseph Roulin (Chris O’Dowd), to hand-deliver to Paris. He is to deliver it to the brother of his father’s friend Vincent van Gogh, who, they have just heard, killed himself. Armand is none too pleased with the mission: He is embarrassed by his father’s association with Vincent, a foreign painter who cut off his ear and was committed to the local asylum. In Paris there is no trace of the brother. His searching leads him to the paint supplier, Pere Tanguy (John Sessions), who tells him that the brother died shortly after Vincent, apparently destroyed by the death of his older brother.

Armand resolves to wait, during which time the villagers tell him different theories of why Vincent took his life and who is to blame. While in Auvers-sur-Oise, Armand stays at the Ravoux Inn, where Vincent stayed for the last 10 weeks of his life, and where on July 29, 1890, he died of a bullet wound to his abdomen. Here Armand meets the innkeeper’s daughter, Adeline Ravoux (Eleanor Tomlinson). While he awaits Doctor Gachet’s return, Armand also interviews Doctor Gachet’s housekeeper, Louise Chevalier (Helen McCrory), the Doctor’s daughter, Marguerite Gachet (Saoirse Ronan), and by the river where Vincent often spent his days he meets the Boatman (Aidan Turner).

Pere recounts how the brother helped Vincent on this incredible transformation from a down-and-out at 28 who had failed at three careers and was living in a barn in the mining district of the Borinage in Belgium with a bunch of books and no idea what to do next, to the new artistic sensation of Paris at the time of his death 10 years later. After hearing this story, Armand believes he may have misjudged his father’s friend, and really wants to know why, after such struggle, Vincent chose the moment of impending success to take his life: Pere has no answer to this. So Armand journeys on to Vincent’s final destination, the quiet village of Auvers-sur-Oise, an hour outside Paris, to meet Doctor Paul Gachet (Jerome Flynn), Vincent’s doctor in his final weeks, to find the answer. The doctor is away for a couple of days.

Armand gets the sense that the truth is being hidden from him, and feels like a pawn in overlapping village feuds. Armand is determined to root out the truth, for his father, for Vincent’s memory, and for himself. A run in with the local police, an unexpected encounter with a second Doctor, and finally his much anticipated meeting with the mercurial Doctor Gachet, lead to unexpected and heartrending revelations, but also to Armand understanding and appreciating the passionate and surprising life of Vincent van Gogh. In Europe and Asia, film distributors for Loving Vincent have been firmed up; however, a U.S. distributor and release date have yet to be secured, but filmmakers speculate a release here sometime in 2017. For more information, visit www.lovingvincent.com. To view the movie trailer visit: southfloridaopulence.com/loving-vincent

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BY JOHN D. ADAMS

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LIVING ONE NIGHT AS

A VENETIAN ARISTOCRAT BE WHISKED AWAY ABOARD A PRIVATE GONDOLA AS A PALACE GALA GUEST OVERLOOKING THE GRAND CANAL IN VENICE Fall 2016

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WE ARE VENETIANS So now. As we have lazed along Venice’s Grand Canal, we can literally reflect upon the majesty of this aquatic place. We have

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TIES OF A FEATHER BY MEL JAY

Artist Lucille Houting handcrafts bowties using cage-free peacock, pheasant, duck and other feathers found in South Carolina. “My 12 Gauge Ties make a new fashion statement in menswear in the form of ‘wearable art,” Houting said. “The naturally beautiful feather ties are perfect for any season. They show off a man in a tuxedo or as a sportsman’s accessory for someone who really wants to stand out. One can be dressed up or down wearing these unique ties.” To find Houting’s unique bow ties, you can visit many fine retail establishments in the Charleston, South Carolina area, or contact Lucille Houting on www.esty.com/shop/12gaugeties.

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COSTA RICA

WEIRD & WONDERFUL

WILDLIFE SAFARIS BY JANA SOELDNER DANGER

COSTA RICA

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liding in a small boat at midnight on a river in Borneo. Witnessing families of gorillas playing, foraging, building nests and breastfeeding their babies. Catching sight of an elusive, fleet-footed jaguar running on the Pantanal in Brazil. Tracking footprints, crushed grass and animal warning cries to search out a tiger in India. Watching adorable meerkats peek out of their dens, then begin to tumble and play together as the rising African sun warms their bodies. And listening to the nocturnal croaking of red-eyed tree frogs in the darkness of a tropical night in Costa Rica.These are just a few of the lifechanging experiences awaiting animal loving world travelers in 2017.

BORNEO

Proboscis monkey

ENTERING THE ZONE UNKNOWN “Inspired by this call to adventure, the traveler sets forth on their adventure, first crossing the threshold to enter a zone unknown — a foreign land where they are unfamiliar with the landscape, the culture, the language, and/or the people [and native animals!],” said Michael Bennett, Ed.D., of the Transformational Travel Collaborative, who focused his doctoral research on the critical elements of adventure travel experiences that lead adults to transformational learning.

EXPLORING ECOSYSTEMS Interest in wildlife safaries around the world has soared, not only for the experiential thrill of entering the secret worlds of animals in their native habitats, but also for the transformational educational

BORNEO

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experience to better understand sustainability and eco-responsibility in a way that helps local emerging economies shift from exploitive practices to those that promote conservation and preservation. Here are some of the travel experiences waiting for adventurers:

COSTA RICA The vibrant red-eyed tree frog (see page 78), the inquisitive Coatimundi and the jovial-looking but slow sloth enchant wildlife seekers in Costa Rica. “This is an ideal gateway experience for a wildlife adventurer,” said Josh Cohen, director of Wild Planet Adventures based in California. “It has so many different ecosystems, all in close proximity to each other.” Adventurers can visit 12 distinct ecological zones within an area the size of New Hampshire. Costa Rica has more plant species than all of Europe, and thousands of wildlife species.

BORNEO In a Borneo nature trek (see page 79), guests can experience the oldest rainforest in the world and one of the only remaining natural habitats for endangered orangutans and proboscis monkeys, as well as creatures that could be straight from a fairytale, like the wide-eyed tarsier. You can also visit the remote Maliau Basin, a recently discovered pristine, untouched area known as the “Lost World.”

INDIA Travel to one of the few places left in the world where tigers can be seen in the wild. These beautiful, fearless felines spark the imaginations of many adventurers. Track them by listening to animal warning cries and hunting for footprints and bloodstains in the grass. “It’s authentic tracking,” said

Cohen. “A mystery unfolds before your eyes and suddenly you see the tiger.”

try also has a few remote and little-known reserves where rarer animals live..

Wild Planet Adventures assists with animal preservation here, as well. For example, it helps pay to vaccinate sheep against hoof and mouth disease, which had been killing them in large numbers. In exchange, shepherds agreed to stop poisoning leopards, which were preying on some of the sheep. “The leopards are now living in harmony with the shepherds,” Cohen said.

Watch habituated (those that no longer feel threatened by humans) meerkat colonies, search for black-maned Kalahari lions, chimpanzees and cheetahs, and perhaps catch sight of the extremely rare panogolin (a scaly anteater), as well as aardvarks and aardwolfs, a type of hyena.

JAPAN Watch white macaques, or snow monkeys [like the curious little guy shown at right], relaxing in natural hot springs on the slopes of the Japanese Alps near the Nagano Prefecture on a Viator tour. Travelers are most likely to see the fascinating creatures in the Jigokudani Monkey Park during the colder winter months when the animals prefer to enter the warm pools.

BRAZIL In Brazil, explore both the Pantanal, one of the world’s largest wetlands, as well as the Amazon rainforest. “The area has the highest density of jaguars in the world, and they come out to hunt caimans (small crocodiles),” Cohen said. “They’re one of the most coveted sightings, and they’re challenging and difficult to see.” Sail around the Taiama Ecological Reserve station. You won’t be able to set foot on this river island, because no humans are allowed there, but you may well spot some jaguars. “It takes 10 hours to circumnavigate,” Cohen said.

SOUTH AFRICA AND UGANDA Many tourists visit South African national parks in search of the “big 5”: lions, leopards, buffalos, elephants, and rhinos. But the coun-

INDIA

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INDIA

In Uganda, adventurers will travel sideby-side with scientific researchers into the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where they may see tree-climbing lions and mongooses. They can also watch habituated gorilla families nursing their babies, foraging for food and going about other daily activities. “We have exclusive access to research station trails, and our travelers get to witness the gorillas in a wide variety of behaviors,” said Cohen. “We work side-byside with researchers and provide funding to discourage poaching. After 16 years of the program, there hasn’t been a single gorilla poached.”

WILD PANDAS IN CHINA Who doesn’t love pandas? The Minshan Mountains of the Sichuan Province of China are the last wild habitat of these entrancing creatures, and you may be able to get up close and personal with some of them on a tour with Natural Habitat Adventures.

BAHAMIAN SWIMMING PIGS No one knows exactly how pigs got to the Exuma Islands of the Bahamas. Some say sailors left them. Others think they swam from a shipwreck. Whatever their origin, today they delight visitors to Big Majors Cay by swimming out to meet their boats, hoping to be fed. Exuma Water Tours will help you get acquainted with the friendly creatures.

JAPAN

Japanese snow monkey

BAHAMAS

SOUTH AFRICA

BRAZIL

BRAZIL CHINA

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from

THAILAND

With Love BY STEPHANIE BONILLA

Thailand, the land of smiles, will forever change your travel game. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a reason, after all, why so many people choose to make it their permanent residence after visiting. I know I was tempted to stay long term when I first visited! If you ever venture to this remarkable country, here are some of my favorite things to see and doâ&#x20AC;Ś 88

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WALK WITH GENTLE GIANTS Elephant Nature Park is a rescue and rehabilitation center for abused or orphaned elephants. Their mission is not only to provide a sanctuary for these gentle giants, but to educate visitors on the plight of this endangered species. There is a dark side to elephant tourism that most of us are unaware of. If you’re ever interested in learning why you shouldn’t ride an elephant, this is the place to visit. You’ll not regret seeing this wonderful pachyderm haven. Your entrance fee allows you to feed, bathe and play with these magical creatures, making you an elephant trainer for the day! There isn’t a more humbling experience than roaming freely alongside these magnificent animals.

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Ever watch Leo DiCaprio’s movie The Beach and imagine yourself sitting on the sand, looking out into the distance at dramatic limestone cliffs peeking their heads out of glimmering turquoise waters? Yeah, we all have. So if you find yourself in Phuket, you MUST hop on a boat and explore the surrounding islands. There are island hopping tours offered all throughout the island, allowing you to live in a postcard for the day.

ISLAND HOP

DINE IN THE SKY

They say you can never feel more like a Disney princess than paying a visit to Magic Kingdom. Well, that may be true until you go to Tiger Kingdom in Chiang Mai. You will never feel more like Princess Jasmine than laying face to fur with a real tiger. There’s no experience more exhilarating than hanging out in a cage with 5-6 carnivorous killing machines — let alone laying with them, touching them and even playing with them. If you’re incredibly concerned about animal abuse and this just doesn’t feel right, then it probably shouldn’t be on your list. If you’re skeptical and want to see for yourself, go give a tiger a high five.

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Although very Hangover 2-esque, you should definitely experience one of Bangkok’s sky-high restaurants that offer guests a bird’s-eye view of this magical city. Teetering on the expensive side, this might be the most money spent on a meal during your stay. However, the amazing views and ambience are worth the splurge. These skyscrapers are typically built to allow the restaurant to be completely exposed, with no walls or structures blocking any views. You’ll really feel on top of the world here.

HUG A TIGER

CYCLE — BANGKOK STYLE

Bangkok is a vibrant city, offering a wide range of cultural activities and historical attractions. Although this colorful metropolis is mostly known for its lively nightlife, there are plenty of daytime places to explore. One of the best and most unexpected experiences is partaking in a city bike tour. You can experience Bangkok like a true local, going off-the-beaten path into local temples, vegetable and flower markets, and surrounding slums. Activities vary by operator, but learning the proper way to enter a temple, fold a lotus flower and eat a grasshopper are some of the standard elements of each tour. You will be traversing a city that houses over 10 million people and has one of the busiest rush hours in the world. But when in Bangkok…right?

BECOME A HANG WITH BUDDING MONKS COOK Self-proclaimed Thai food lovers in the states have never truly experienced Thai food unless they’ve been to Thailand — specifically, until having taken a cooking class there. Some of the best cooking classes are offered in Chiang Mai, teaching students how to make traditional Thai dishes. You’ll shop for ingredients at local markets, cook a number of different meals, and likely get to take swigs of Thailand’s local beer as you devour it all.

No temple in Thailand lacks majesty, making it difficult to choose which ones to visit. Wat Kanlayanamit, also known as the “best friends” temple, is one temple you won’t want to miss! Unlike the more well-known temples, this house of worship has no crowds and no designated number on one of those “10 must-see temples in Thailand” lists. In fact, you will rarely find this sanctuary on any list. Visited mainly by locals, this is where you’ll get to experience the most authentic Buddhist rituals and practices. Surrounded by monks dressed in their bright orange robes, the experience will feel otherworldly. The penetrating chants will follow you long after you’ve left. It’s an indescribable event, and one you truly have to experience to understand its greatness.

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The Portrait

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M A R I N E BY BETH WATSON

B E I N G S

of Bonaire

y entrée into photography was happenstance. On January 30, 2000, my family’s excitement was reigning high – it was difficult to keep our emotions in check. Super Bowl XXXIV had arrived, our beloved St. Louis Rams were playing – and we were going to the game. To document the memorable day, I took along my first digital camera, a Canon G2. The St. Louis Rams won Super Bowl XXXIV by defeating the Tennessee Titans 23-16. After the Super Bowl, it was great fun uploading images to the computer, editing, printing and sending them electronically to family and friends. This gave me much enjoyment. It was new and exciting. This encouraged me to take my photography skills a bit further and try to figure out how to use the dials and buttons on the camera. What did it all mean? I had no clue. It was all very confusing. I wanted to investigate.

GOING NAUTICAL Coincidentally, our family began diving in 2000. After our first dive trip, I purchased a housing for my Canon G2. The switch had been flipped and I was excited to experience the world of underwater photography. The next six months were spent reading anything I could get my hands on, trying to learn all I could about photography. My head was going to explode. Our next dive trip was in six months; I had to be ready. My photography skills and learning stagnated over the next several years. Then one day in 2007 changed everything. There was something different about a photo I took of a vibrant fish. I liked it for starters, that was unusual. I am my own harshest critic. The composition looked good. It had vivid colors. The eye was sharp with highlights to boot. This image was an inspiration for me to dig deeper, learn more, experiment and to improve my skills. Not Aqua Fire

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The realm of diving and photography is fascinating to me. Photography is a niche that allows me to express my creativity that fuels the artistic part of my soul. – Beth Watson

realizing it at the time, but eventually I would become a huge fan of “negative space.”

GOTTA LOVE IT The realm of diving and photography is fascinating to me. Photography is a niche that allows me to express my creativity that fuels the artistic part of my soul. My objective is to create unique, impactful, thought-provoking imagery. I enjoy the challenges of photographing wideangle reefs and wrecks, but also have a deep adoration for the creatures in the sea – like the spectacular sea life shown in these spreads that I had the privilege to photograph in Bonaire. This Dutch island offers world-class scuba diving and allows divers to go at their own pace, selecting when and where to dive next.

The Cryptic

The Stare-Down

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COMPASSION FOR THE SEA Having compassion for my subjects and respecting our fragile ocean environment is important. My goal is to produce unique, creative and thought-provoking imagery, showcasing the beauty and wonders of the sea. The most important aspect is to raise awareness to the importance of conserving and preserving the health and vitality of our ocean environment. Editor’s note: Beth Watson has received national and international recognition for her photography, has been widely published and selected for juried art exhibitions. To see more of her work, visit www.bethwatsonimages.com.

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Scientific

Advances

CONTRIBUTED BY THE SALK INSTITUTE

SALK SCIENTISTS SOLVE BIOLOGICAL MYSTERY OF DNA ORGANIZATION

Researchers image 3D genome in nucleus of living human cell for the first time

tretched out, the DNA from all the

nation of DNA and proteins – in the nucleus

cells in our body would reach Pluto.

of living human cells.

So how does each tiny cell pack a

two-meter length of DNA into its nucleus, which is just one-thousandth of a millimeter across?

In the tour de force study, described in Science on July 27, 2017, the Salk researchers identified a novel DNA dye that, when paired with advanced microscopy in a

The answer to this daunting biological rid-

combined technology called ChromEMT,

dle is central to understanding how the

allows highly detailed visualization of chro-

three-dimensional organization of DNA in

matin structure in cells in the resting and

the nucleus influences our biology, from

mitotic (dividing) stages. By revealing nu-

how our genome orchestrates our cellular

clear chromatin structure in living cells, the

activity to how genes are passed from par-

work may help rewrite the textbook model

ents to children.

of DNA organization and even change how

Now, scientists at the Salk Institute in La

we approach treatments for disease.

Jolla, California, and the University of Cali-

Ever since Francis Crick and James Watson

fornia, San Diego, have for the first time

determined the primary structure of DNA

provided an unprecedented view of the 3D

to be a double helix, scientists have won-

structure of human chromatin – the combi-

dered how DNA is further organized to

allow its entire length to pack into the nucleus, such that the cell’s copying machinery can access it at different points in the cell’s cycle of activity. With their 3D microscopy reconstructions, the team was able to move through a 250 nanometer (NM) x 1000 nm x 1000 nm volume of chromatin’s twists and turns, and envision how a large molecule like RNA polymerase, which copies DNA, might be directed by chromatin’s variable packing density, like a video game aircraft flying through a series of canyons, to a particular spot in the genome. Besides potentially upending the textbook model of DNA organization, the team’s results suggest that controlling access to chromatin could be a useful approach to preventing, diagnosing and treating diseases, such as cancer.

A new technique enables 3D visualization of chromatin (DNA plus associated proteins) structure and organization within a cell nucleus (purple, bottom left) by painting the chromatin with a metal cast and imaging it with electron microscopy EM). The middle block shows the captured EM image data, the front block illustrates the chromatin organization from the EM data, and the rear block shows the contour lines of chromatin density from sparse (cyan and green) to dense (orange and red).

IMAGE CREDIT: SALK INSTITUTE

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Boca Like Never Before Via Mizner, offering a luxurious lifestyle complemented by sweeping ocean and golf course vistas, boutique shoppes and restaurants, and access to Via Mizner Golf & City Club â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all anchored by the legendary Mandarin Oriental and The Residences at Mandarin Oriental. Live above it all.

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The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Boca Raton (The Residences) are not developed, sponsored, owned, offered or sold by Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group or any affiliate thereof (MOHG), and MOHG makes no representation, warranty or guaranty of any kind regarding The Residences.The developers and owners of The Residences use the Mandarin Oriental name and trademarks subject to the terms of revocable licenses from MOHG which may expire or be terminated. ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THIS BROCHURE AND TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. Branding and Marketing by Conway + Partners