Bold Magazine Spring 2014

BOLD

2014

|

BOLDMAGAZINE.CA

MEXIcO’s MAGIc MOMEnt PUERTO VALLARTA RIVIERA NAYARIT RIVIERA MAYA

+ Sensational Miami

GURDEEP AHLUWALIA AT THE GRAND VELAS RIVIERA MAYA

BEHInD tHE scEnEs WItH

$5.95

AVIONERS HAVE THE RIGHT ®

TO FLY

DURING

PEAK

SEASON

® / TM Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. ‡ All other trademarks are the property of their respective owner(s). ≈ Current as of April 1, 2014.

Rewards points, for a maximum ticket price of $350. To receive the 15,000 bonus RBC Rewards points which will appear on your first statement, your application form must be received by May 31, 2014 and approved by us. this offer. Other conditions apply. For complete terms, conditions and restrictions that apply to the RBC Rewards program, visit: rbcrewards.com or call 1-800-769-2512.

Start flying on your terms, with no blackout periods, no seat restrictions and 130 airlines to choose from ≈.

Experience the freedom to fly with Avion and get on the plane you want, when you want. ®

Apply for the RBC Visa Infinite‡ Avion card and get your first short-haul flight on us with 15,000 welcome points†. Visit rbc.com/avion or call 1-800-769-2511. ®

®

AVIONERS CAN DO THAT

Subject to availability. Some restrictions may apply. For complete terms, visit rbc.com/travelredemption. † To get a short-haul flight to any adjoining province/state in Canada or the U.S, you will need a total of 15,000 RBC Additional cardholders, as well as cardholder(s) with existing RBC Royal Bank travel rewards credit cards, applying for or transferring to an RBC Visa Infinite Avion card as of the offer eligibility period, are not eligible for

2

3

A JOURNEY IN THE MAKING

Editor and Founder, Bold Magazine marlon@boldmagazine.ca

With this issue, we celebrate our 3rd Anniversary. I can’t help thinking how far we have come and how much more grown up we are as a magazine.

At 35,000 feet, en route to Madrid, I spent time revisiting past issues, from the very first one back in the fall of 2011, up to the present. As I flipped through the pages, so many memories resurfaced: like the first time we landed our first celebrity on the cover, finding ways to head to New York and shoot the cover and taxing our way through the traffic-choked streets of Manhattan, doing the interview.

Reliving the excitement of knowing that we had secured distribution through Chapters and the Air Canada VIP lounges - was simply priceless yet one can say that these behind the scenes happenings are a small part of the journey - that do take place in order to publish a magazine, in an industry that is notorious for having startup publications fold within six months of its conception.

BOLD magazine has become a platform that brings to you, people you have yet to meet, places you have yet to visit, food you have yet to try, and ideas you may not have considered.

Every issue and every story delivers innovative design, controversial figures, emerging talent, thought-provoking ideas, and breathtaking destinations.

Thus, it is only fitting that as we celebrate our 3rd Anniversary one of this emerging talents graces our cover: Gurdeep Ahluwalia, the young, driven and ambitious television host for TSN Sports. As Kate Browning puts it “There’s much to be learned from the robust energy of a dynamic 30-year-old, ambitious, finger-on-the pulse, Toronto celebrity; with a tuned in foresight and vision of where his life is destined to go.”

If there is one thing I have learned from this process in this journey, is that you don’t wait for opportunities, you have to create them for yourself, challenge yourself to see what you’re capable of creating and more importantly, that in order to get here and to pay it forward, one needs to surround oneself with a group of creative and inspiring individuals - like I have - that believes and shares your dreams.

And it’s this infectious passion to think big and to pursue your own opportunities that has made the hard work and late nights bringing you this issue worth it.

I hope you enjoy reading as much as we have enjoyed putting together for you.

Where I am GoInG next Insight Vacation’s Bohemian Rhapsody: Prague, Vienna and Budapest.

4

5

34 MAKING IT Behind the scenes with Gurdeep Ahluwalia.

Kate Browning finds out what it takes to make it as a rising star in the competitive world of television.

MEXICO’S MAGIC MOMENT

40 52 46

rIVIErA NAyArIT A LITTLE PIECE OF PARADISE

Under trekked, the Riviera Nayarit is an Indigenous treasure emerging like most luxury Mexican finds; rugged & worthy of international recognition. Dave Cox ventured to this magnetic location to unearth a trove of glittering delights.

EPICUREAN ADVENTURES IN

rIVIErA MAyA

Alison Kent recreates the inspired harmony of Mexican ingredients, Canadian beef and exceptional wines served in the spectacular setting of El Dorado Royale, Karisma Hotels & Resorts in Riviera Maya.

OLD SPIRITS REVIVING

PuErTO VAllArTA A renaissance is underway in this resort city on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Michele Peterson explores an old world born again.

Photo on this page: Beach by Skott Snider at the SLS Hotel p. 24

6

7

4

PublIShEr’S NOTE MAkING It!

fOOTNOTES

16

CARRY ON

18

TABLE TALK

24

Inspired by National Geographic’s adventurous spirit and by the inner explorer in all of us, this beautiful luggage combines the style, functionality, and durability essential for any journey.

Kate Browning and Tishan Baldeo uncover an emerging foodie scene in some of Philadelphia’s most happening neighbourhoods.

14

Wherever your globetrotting takes you this spring, Gustavo Reid shares with you essential looks that will keep you chic and sleek 24/7 – whether you’re strutting down the boulevard or dancing the night away.

20 22

HOTEL COUTURE

Thanks to a red-hot food scene, innovative hotel projects, and an explosive art and design scene, this beach city is buzzing more than ever.

Meagen Drillinger reports.

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

GLOBE TROTTER

THE INSIDER’S VIEw OF MIAMI

Photo on this page: The James Royal Palm Beach Experience p. 24

8

12

CONTrIbuTOrS

Lea Puechel checks in with Globe Trotter Rodrigo Esponda, Head of the Mexican Tourism Board in Canada. His thoughts on Mexico, Life and Café.

What is it about these hotels in Korea that put travellers in the mood? Michael Reyes takes a look at the intimate side of hospitality.

Unspoiled. Uncommon. Unforgettable.

Nicaragua offers memorable experiences for every traveler: beaches on both the Pacific Coast and Caribbean Sea, eco-luxury resorts, fascinating colonial cities, volcanoes, islands, rain forests and much more. There are many adventures to be had in Nicaragua.

With convenient flights from Canada on Avianca and Copa Airlines connecting to Managua, Nicaragua offers travelers a wide variety of unique and authentic travel experiences – creating an unforgettable getaway.

Discover your new Central American destination at www.VisitNicaragua.ca

9

marlon moreno

publisher

+ founder

gustavo reid

vp, co-founder

antonio pendones

creative director, co-founder editorial

kate browning editor

magda de la torre america’s editor

michael reyes deputy editor

international contributing editors lea puechel

david sendra

jr designer johann ting styling laly felix makeup artist zaida olvera web development rahul a nair advertising@boldmagazine.ca

647.780.8082

executive directors michelle anne moreno josé a. moreno

correspondence

22 Meadowvale Rd. Toronto ON M1C 1R8 advisor guillermo cruz rico

BOLD MAGAZINE is published four times a year by Sovi Media.

Opinions expressed in BOLD MAGAZINE are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the publisher or advertisers.

BOLD MAGAZINE does not assume liability for content. boldmagazine.ca Inspiration for Travellers For Advertising, Promotion, Reprints and Sponsorships inquiries: publisher@boldmagazine.ca Phone: + 1 647 780 8082

@BOLDmagazine

facebook.com/boldmagazine

instagram.com/bold_mag

pinterest.com/boldmagazinecan

ON THE COVER

GURDEEP AHLUWALIA

Anchor/Host/Reporter, TSN. Toronto, Ontario.

Photo shot on location at the Luxury Resort Grand Velas Riviera Maya www.velasresorts.ca © SOVI Media.

Shot exclusively for BOLD magazine by tishan Baldeo Hair and Make up by Zaida Olvera

CONTrIbuTOrS ALIsON kENt BASED IN: Toronto.

REPORTED FROM: El Dorado Royal Spa + Resort for “Epicurean Adventures in Riviera Maya” p. 52 Only in Playa del Carmen: you can savour empanadas and huaraches at the unassuming Dani Boy restaurant - made-to-order with love and care.

Alison Kent is a food & travel writer, culinary consultant, recipe developer, best-selling cookbook author and certified chef based in Toronto.

Follow her adventures on Twitter @Alicatchef

MEAGAN DRILLINGER BASED IN: New York REPORTED FROM: Miami for “THE INSIDER’S VIEW OF MIAMI” p. 24 Miami’s Indelible Impression: The people and the energy, pulsing to a very Latin beat.

Meagan has a passion for Mexico.

Her next stop: Puerto Vallarta.

She is on twitter @drillinjourneys

DAvE COx BASED IN: Toronto REPORTED FROM: Riviera Nayarit, for “RIVIERA NAYARIT: A LITTLE PIECE OF PARADISE” p. 40 Indelible Riviera Nayarit Moment: Releasing baby turtles into the ocean.

Dave Cox is a Visual and Content Creator for Digital Coconut.

Follow him on Twitter @digital_coconut

MICHELE PEtERsON BASED IN: Toronto and Guatemala REPORTED FROM: Puerto Vallarta, for “Old Spirits Reviving Puerto Vallarta” p. 46 what didn’t make it into the story is: the singing along with the mariachi band at Hacienda San Angel Gourmet restaurant while watching the sunset over Banderas Bay. Michele Peterson is currently in Guatemala, researching luxury spas. She is an iPhone app author with a love of food, eco-adventure and sun destinations.

Twitter @atastefortravel

MICHAEL REyEs Deputy Editor at BOLD magazine.

For almost a decade, Michael Reyes has lived and worked on four continents, engaging intercultural dialogue while providing an international following with necessary insights on how best engage travel. A freelancer for various international publications including Wallpaper*, Monocle, Vogue UK, Travel & Leisure, our new Deputy Editor brings with him a commitment to ensuring our magazine provides our readers bold, unpredictable material.

12

IT’LL TAKE YOU 4,466 KILOMETRES TO CATCH YOUR BREATH Nature took its time in crafting its masterpiece, and so the Canadian® between Toronto and Vancouver takes no shortcuts in showing you the most grandiose landscapes: the immensity of sky and field, lake and mountain.Three days and four nights on board are hardly enough! Dine in elegance and have memorable encounters with other travellers, indulge in entertainment, savour the relaxing ambiance of the scenic dome, enjoy attentive service, and dream under the stars.

®Registered trademark owned by VIA Rail Canada Inc. ™Trademark owned by VIA Rail Canada Inc.

13

FOOtnOtEs

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

MUST HAVE FOR HIM Whether you’re travelling close to home or jetting to an exotic destination, find yourself fully prepared to explore your getaway dressed in these dashing finds.

1 PARkE & ROnEn sWIM tRUnks Retail $115 Available at parkeandronen.com HoltRenfrew and Holtrenfrew.com

2

1

LEGEnD sUnGLAssEs BY FEntO Retail $159 Available at Fentoshop.com

3 2

4

5

3 MIstURA PORtUGUEsE cORk WALLEt Retail $259 Available at Misturacanada.com

4 sMARt tURnOUt tOtE Retail $250 Available at smartturnout.com

5 GALEt | sHARks & RAckEts LOAFERs (DARk BLUE) Retail $415 Available at HoltRenfrew, Holtrenfrew.com and Galet.com

14

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

MUST HAVE FOR HER Hunting down notable pieces, eco-friendly products, and travel items to enhance your vacation is easier this spring and summer. Take a sneak peak at our hand-picked items with your holiday in mind.

1 FERRO YELLO PUI FRAME WAtcH Retail $279 Available at Misturacanada.com

2

5

4

1

cHAnDLER cORAL LOAFER EAstLAnD sHOEs 1955 cOLLEctIOn Retail $160 Available at eastlandshoe.com

2 3

3 nEOn cLUtcH - MILLY Retail $385 Available at millyny.com and at FentoShop.com

4 FEntO sUnGLAssEs Retail $179 Available at FentoShop.com

5 sHORts MULtIPRInt - MILLY Retail $385 Available at millyny.com and at Holt Renfrew

15

FOOtnOtEs

16

CARRy ON

Practicality, durability and unique appeal best describe travel cases worth investing in. National Geographic Explorer Luggage offers functional products guaranteed to join you in style.

Signature.ca

T h e D a y s Yo u R e m e m b e r

Discover Mazatlán, Mexico with Signature Vacations!

Whether you are looking to enjoy a family vacation, an affordable escape to an all inclusive resort, or a luxurious holiday in Mexico’s “Pearl of the Pacific,” Signature Vacations is dedicated to helping you find your paradise in beautiful Mazatlán.

For more hotels & destinations, visit Signature.ca

Exclusive to Signature • All Inclusive

Mazatlán, Mexico

Riu Emerald Bay ★★★★★ Mazatlán, Mexico

Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay All Suites Resort & Spa ★★★★★

17

LIVE IT TO BELIEVE IT

FOOtnOtEs

TABLE TALK

fOllOW yOur huNGEr through

PHILLY images by tishan baldeo | words by: kate browning

“PhiladelPhia is the city of food.

WhateVeR youR cRaVing, Philly can satisfy - all you need is the name of the Right stReet.”

Whatever your craving might be, Philly can satisfy - all you need is the name of the right street. So what better way to get to know the best of the city than by the meal. When visiting Philly, let your tour guide be your stomach and your mantra be “I am feeling hungry for”.

A sOlId bREw dock street brewing Co. in #CedarPark 701 s. 50th street, dockstreetbeer.com

This Zagat rated microbrewery was founded in 1985 by brewmaster Rosemarie Certo. It upholds Philadelphia’s long tradition of great brewing, producing unfiltered and unpasturized batch beers full of those necessary vitamins and nutrients. Nothing in this brewpub is stylized.

Look for your draft options - both “Current” and “Upcoming”- on the chalkboard above the bar and printed on simple paper sheets on your table. Look for the fuel that fires their incredible wood oven pizzas stacked near the bathroom, just beyond which you’ll find the door to the brewery. Not only does Dock Street Brewing Co. set the standard for microbreweries, they establish trends for the industry. Their successful experimentation includes “Crackle & Squeeze,” featuring fresh squeezed lemons and cracked pepper, as well as a collaborative brew with the

18

Four Seasons, the savoury “Truffle Ale.” For your beer education, a brewery tour comes with a tasting sheet as refined as a vintner’s. My trip to Dock Street Brewing Co. was the first time I considered the appearance, bouquet, and finish of my pint.

A NAP AfTER bREAKfAsT at Honey’s sit N’ Eat in #GraduateHospital 2010 south street, honeyssitneat.com

This neighbourhood staple, and one of Philly’s many BYOBs, is known particularly for its breakfasts which are locally-sourced, southerninspired, and just-like-home-cooked (but likely better). From their pies all the way down to their mayo and jams, it’s from scratch. Be prepared to fight your way in, however, as the rest of the city knows about this spot too. I took their yellow checkered menu, with its photos of a skillet and cup of coffee as a sign I was going to get a good breakfast. Their menu features variations of Challah french toast: straight up; under eggs benny; or sandwiching their Honey Cristo - that is, two steamy slabs on either side of double smoked ham and swiss cheese, and topped with two sunny side eggs. Their buttermilk pancakes are the stuff of Sunday morning cravings. Honey’s even has its own version of the skip scramble, appropriately titled “The Breakfast Bomb,” pancakes stuffed with scrambled eggs and “any” breakfast meat, all

smothered in maple syrup. Perhaps the best part, though, is that with almost all of their breakfasts, you can choose from fresh baked corn muffins or biscuits, cheese latkes, or good old fashioned grits as your “side.”

dElICIOUs CUREd MEATs le Virtù in #EastPassyunk 1927 East Passyunk Avenue levirtu.com

Le Virtù is nestled on East Passyunk Ave. in South Philly, a street with so much going on, it’s considered a neighbourhood. Le Virtù showcases local ingredients and imports from the Abruzzo region in central Italy. Best of all, it offers one of Philly’s finest selections of charcuterie - most of which is cured in their own cellar. Executive Chef Joe Cicala trained in Salerno, Italy with 3-Michelin star Chef Pietro Rispoli and brought his expertise back to Philly to develop the menu.

Making an appearance on our charcuterie platter, which Cicala personally presented to our table on the terrace: salami nostrano (fermented one year), wild boar salami, capicollo, and pancetta - a perfect pairing on a hot evening with a chilled glass of Trebianno D’Abruzzo. Le Virtù has recently wrapped construction on their patio, having transformed an old grass lot into an exquisite outdoor terrace with the help of Philly-based sustainable landscapers, Urban Jungle. Their terrace is now an urban oasis with intimate seating and an herb wall, and they plan to install an outdoor projection screen for films and soccer games, as well as a fire and water fountain.

A JäGERsCHNIzTEl and make that outdoors: frankford Hall in #fishtown 1210 frankford Ave frankfordhall.com

Frankford Hall is a good ol’ modern German

beer garden and local watering hole in the heart of Philly’s Fishtown district. It’s full of playful takes on its Bavarian forefathers: picnic tables, a fire pit, ping pong tables, a German menu served from a window in the brick walls of the outdoor courtyard, and - oh yes, beer. Frankford Hall pour its 10+ draft beers (a great selection of imports and locals) into proper half and full litre steins. If a litre at a time doesn’t do you, they also offer a 5L keg can of DAB Dortmunder Lager. They serve warm soft pretzels with cheese sauce, a variety of sausages with sauerkraut or red cabbage, German potato salad, and true blue pork jägerschnitzel and spätzle. I highly recommend Frankford Hall for carbo-loading.

A lAsT MEAl fare in #fairmount 2028 fairmount Avenue farerestaurant.com

Fare, on the opposite side of Fairmount Ave. to the East State Penitentiary, lays out on their seasonally varying menu what they have to offer, “Organic. Local. Sustainable. Artisan. Crafted.”

They serve the healthy fused with the delicious for brunch, lunch, and dinner, so you leave satisfied without having to unbuckle. At lunchtime, you can choose from “Smalls,” salads, mains, sides, and desserts and they even have a kids menu! The food speaks for itself; so I’ll let it. A winning starter is the Crispy Tuna Roll with avocado, pickled ginger and tamari vinaigrette, as is their Gingered Beet Salad with walnut chutney and ricotta over baby arugula.

Their Fish Tacos are a diner’s favourite (I surmised from the many plates being delivered around me), filled with mahi, citrus slaw, and served with delicious arroz y frijoles - or, black beans and brown rice. I decided on the tacos, which I scarfed down alongside a great local beer, Victory Summer Love. I dined at Fare on my birthday and considered the meal my first treat yourself gift.

“fRankfoRd hall is full of Playful takes on its BaVaRian foRefatheRs: Picnic taBles, fiRe Pit, Ping Pong taBles, a geRman menu seRVed fRom a WindoW in the BRick Walls of the outdooR couRtyaRd, and - oh yes, BeeR.”

19

FOOtnOtEs

GLOBE TROTTER

rodrIGo esponda CasCajares retraCInG W ords

by

L ea p ueCheL

|

p hoto

by

hIs

mexICan route

t Ishan b aLdeo

our contributor lea Puechel chats with Rodrigo esponda, director of the mexican tourism Board in canada and exposes a personal journey that maps out canada’s place in mexico’s future.

20

T

here’s nothing extraordinary in rodrigo Esponda’s home life. “I wake up very early and exercise in the morning. I like to run, bike and swim.” Coffee is the first thing in his itinerary before spending time with his children and heading to work.

Work has become less roundabout in the past few months; however, injecting spontaneity and thrill has been his mandate. As Director of the Mexico Tourism Board in Canada, Rodrigo is more than an administrator or manager. His imagination and creativity is providing an existing market a steady incline for Mexican tourism.

Since November 2011, Rodrigo has dedicated his time to establish Mexico as a top destination for Canadian travelers.

A perceptive businessperson, Rodrigo’s astute analysis of Canadian travel sniffed out the importance of Mexican tourism to the Canadian consumer. “In Canada, there are 33 million people and there are 1.6 million people who travel to Mexico. Alternately, the United States, a nation of 300 million people, sees 17 million people welcomed in Mexico. The disparity in these figures is very large,” explains Rodrigo.

Backed by a well-oiled team, the dilemma was tackled head on, and of course, a solution has seen extraordinary results for unilateral benefit. What Rodrigo and his team found was that “every strategy for bringing to Mexico more tourism had already been reduced to a single North American market. The U.S. approach did not work in Canada,” says Rodrigo. “For instance, we analyzed the travel routes between Canada and Mexico. The length of travel is often three times longer between Canada and Mexico which obviously creates challenges for our Canadian tourists.”

Rodrigo had some observations regarding the Canadian traveler. “Canada is a country of sincere travellers,” says Rodrigo.

“I don’t think Canadians know how inspiring they are,” he adds.

His thoughtful strategies for tourism show he is not only a smart marketer but has an understanding of how to speak to the Canadian traveler; a group of people he’s come to understand, a society he interacts with, and a market he believes adds a different element to Mexico’s tourism and trade culture.

Rodrigo’s path to tourism followed an uncommon route, much like the itineraries he encourages travelers to embark on. Born in the nation’s capital, he lived in Mexico City studying architecture and urban development until his early twenties. As is often the case, the young graduate wanted to start his own company, for which he sought the counsel and mentorship of a family friend. Rodrigo’s life path would not include architecture, rather he was sought out as an aide in the government tourism agency.

At the time, the agency encountered a number of internal issues requiring youthful, forward thinking energy pierced through expired tactics and models. Fortunately for him, he was young, and forward thinking. Reluctant to change a career path before he had one, a twenty-minute meeting virtually set him on another path. His mentor was convinced by the eager young man, calling his assistant and instructing him to “take Rodrigo to sign some papers.” “That’s how I started working in tourism,” he explains.

In 2000, Rodrigo moved to New York City to complete a Master’s degree, and continued to work while studying. “The Mexican Tourism Board was newly created and I was interested in a new position I’d seen announced. I prepared my application and after three months was told that I was eligible to apply. It was a step-by-step process. Again, I needed to send more papers and take an exam. At that point, more than six months had passed since I first applied. I did the interview and after yet another month, I heard back that I’d been given the job.”

Resilience in the face of abrupt change fueled Rodrigo, and the culture change only provided the energy to inject the agency with ideas and strategies for increasing the visibility of Mexico as a viable travel destination. “I was actually really impressed by the cultural change. I was amazed by the pace of the city and the competitive environment.”

“In New York, the first thing I learned was that I had two

minutes to connect professionally, compared to the Mexican style of spending a good portion of any professional meeting discussing family, adding a personal note to the atmosphere. In New York there was no room for personal notes in the atmosphere. This forced me to really plan ahead and prepare, and now I really appreciate this way of doing business.”

The cultural dissimilarities Esponda has encountered on his professional journey seemingly add to the strategy of intercultural dialogue and appreciation he chooses to highlight in marketing Mexico. “There are as many unique languages, cultures and foods in Mexico that foreigners tend to believe are the same, but that’s the richness of Mexico that I encourage travelers to explore.” These routes to intercultural dialogue are evident in the Canadian traveler, he notes. “The Canadian market is known to be open to absorbing, participating and broadening an awareness of new destinations.

Canada is a nation as diverse as Mexico with native communities and with urban centres as complex and multicultural as Canada’s largest: Toronto. The inclusivity of the Canadian identity offers Mexico a colourful template for the inquisitive explorer.”

When Rodrigo talks about Mexico, he speaks as though he just recently fell in love with the country. He talks about its food, its culture, its landscape, and its architecture. “Mexican architecture is a unique way of shaping the space with colours. Even if we create something modern, we go back in time and take with our structures the colours and shapes that will forever reflect our civilization into the future.” His argument is clear when admiring ancient Aztec, Maya ruins or award winning, internationally notable post- modern design; the essence of Mexican creativity always remains palpable.

One might wonder whether homesickness badgers a person immersed in the mythology of their home country. Rodrigo recalls initially longing for the tastes and flavours of Mexican cuisine, and equally crazing the Mexican way of life. His philosophy for life, however, makes it possible for him to feel at home anywhere he is called to represent those flavours and ways of life. “My idea is to simply keep an open mind about my situation. You can always be in your own country and not feel at home. Projecting my country abroad always keeps me connected to it” he says.

Success in the tourism business is attributed to an analytical mind and notably, an ability to adapt. He takes a direct and clear approach to leading a team, which makes him stand out in the tourism sector. “I ensure my team’s happiness by simply asking, because I can’t be physically present as often as I’d like, I need to listen and I can’t micromanage.”

There’s a sense of honesty found in the tone and attitude Rodrigo exudes, that sets his direct leadership style apart. Everything from a conversation about the cup of coffee we are drinking can begin as simple as how bold the coffee tastes to the politics surrounding that same cup of coffee and back to the beautiful sights and sounds in the southern Mexican region where the country’s best coffee is produced. He describes how “interesting it is to see small producers and communities joining efforts to produce and export the coffee in a very sustainable ways.”

Rodrigo chooses his luggage in the same way he claims to lead his proven business model: “I think luggage is just like life. We tend to carry too many things that we don’t need.” His unique interest in intercultural dialogue, patience in understanding the nuances of the Canadian consumer positioned against other cultures he’s worked with in his tourism business, and the confidence he invests in the Canadian traveler to his country, represent a man who does a great service to enriching cultural dialogue between these two emerging nations. In a post NAFTA era, it’s visionary partners that both nations need for continuing to move our societies forward.

21

FOOtnOtEs

HOTEL COUTURE

What is it about these hotels in Korea that put travellers in the mood?

Michael reyes takes a look at the intimate side of hospitality.

Moai Pension

Location: Gapyeong, an hour and a half from central Seoul. Frequented by urbanites seeking repose from the frenetic pace of South Korea’s sprinting generation. Ideal for: Ferry rides, and Namiseom island escapes. nod to the Past: Scene of the battle of Kapyong, a major battle of the Korean War. What We Love: Tranquil décor, de-cluttered atmosphere, and bright yellow exterior exuding uplifting relaxation.

Leads: Treat yourself to a stroll through the Metasequoia footpath on Namiseom island. Visit the Song Museum, home to a collection of international and ethnic musical instruments. Details: Each private stay residence includes a stand-alone swimming pool and a kitchen useful for preparing fresh, locally harvested meals.

Haevichi Hotel & Resort Jeju

Location: Jeju Island. Ideal for: Catered party getaway. nod to the Past: Experience Korean traditional Jimjilbang spa therapy in the resort’s Spa Ara. What we Love: State of the art game rooms equipped with the latest in Korean gaming culture therapy, State of the art movie rooms, and premium concierge service. choice Bite: ‘Hanoru’ or white roe harvested from Baekrokdam at the base of Mt. Halla. Details: One of Jeju’s finest, spectacular views are a major sell for this hotel/ resort. Volcanic scenery makes this an under- represented destination.

Paradise Hotel Busan

Location: Busan, South Korea. Ideal for: Tax-free casino, Busan Bay shopping, seafood dining. nod to the Past: Jagalchi is one of the country’s oldest fish markets. Beomeosa Temple exquisitely maintained echoes a rich Buddhist history as does Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, one of the oldest and most revered in the country. What we Love: One of Asia’s biggest international ports, and most resplendent bay lights up above Mt. Geumjeongsan framing Gwangan bridge. Remember to: tour the city’s Japanese colonial heritage hidden inconspicuously in the architecture of the city. Superior quality seaweed is a must to stock up on. choice Bite: Fine Italian, French and continental cuisine at Le Sommet, Escoffier & Collavini. Details: Steps from Haeundae beach, Shinsegae Centum City (the world’s largest luxury department store and renowned museums, Busan is a destination worth exploring.

shilla Hotel Jeju

Location: Jeju Island easily accessible from Seoul, Busan.

Ideal for: Quick breakaways from daily life. nod to the Past: World Heritage Site Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes. What We Love: The Shilla Spa, Hinoki sauna.

Tamper beds deliver a warm water flow promoting healing and relaxation. Fine EU therapeutic skin care products including Thalgo, Algotherm, Anubis. choice Bite: Cheongjee Fine Dining, and Hinode Japanese cuisine. Find the finest Korean fare accented by artisanal Jeju cuisine including fresh seafood, and urchin.

22

23

Art | food | pAddle boArds Meagan drillinger covers all the stops you need to know for an unforgettable Miami stay.

Images courtesy of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau

24

M

iami is rising in the ranks as an international jet-set destination. The

city by the sea, home to one of the nation’s largest Cuban populations, has world-class beaches, sizzling nightlife, eye-popping culture and gourmet cuisine. Miami was put on the international jet set map back in the 1950s

“The city by the sea has world-class beaches, sizzling nightlife, eyepopping culture and gourmet cuisine.”

and 1960s, when it embodied the Art Deco architecture movement in historic South Beach.

Since then, it has always been a popular beach getaway for U.S. East Coast dwellers. The Miami of today, though, has far outgrown itself, pulling in interest from international hoteliers, artists and chefs. The city is poised to rub elbows with the likes of New York and Saint-Tropez. If you are in town on a quick getaway, here is a rundown of what you need to know to get the most out of Miami.

25

INSIDE miami mIamI Is spLIt off Into severaL seCtIons: North, South, West and Downtown. Inside these sections are a handful of neighborhood, each of which has its own flare. If you are flying into town for a quick stint, here are the neighborhoods that might be most appealing to you.

downtown On the mainland, Downtown Miami is where the money is made.

This financial center is a hub for international business and draws cultural crowds to the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts.

wynwood Arts district Speaking of culture, the up and coming Wynwood Arts District is packed with galleries and urban murals.

little hAvAnA south beAch Perhaps the number one reason why tourists flock to Miami. This beachside stretch of Art Deco buildings, swanky hotels, restaurants and colorful characters has been the draw to Miami for decades.

Miami has a beat that pulses to an entirely Latin rhythm. The city’s overwhelming Cuban population has made Little Havana their outpost – a slice of the Caribbean in mainland United States.

Saturated with Cuban culture, Little Havana’s Calle Ocho is lined with restaurants featuring Latin specialties.

MiAMi beAch Touching South Beach and the historic Art Deco district, Miami Beach still reflects its swinging ‘60s past. Hotels, restaurants, shops and 1950s- and 60s-era apartment buildings give the neighborhood a unique vibe.

bAl hArbour If you are looking to up the level of luxury, this is the destination for you. The calmer, upscale residential community is known for its Bal Harbour Shops (think Gucci, Fendi, Roberto Cavalli and more), and world-class hotels like the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort.

sunny isles beAch Popular among French-Canadians and Europeans, this beach community is laid-back and completely casual. Travelers can find a mix of accommodations, from motels to the Trump International Beach Resort Miami.

26

“Miami has a beat that pulses to an entirely Latin rhythm.”

WHERE to stay Picking a hotel in Miami is a daunting task, with names like Ritz-Carlton, SLS and Morgans, to name a few, along the same stretch.

But whether you’re in Miami for business or pleasure, there is sure to be a hotel for all tastes and budgets. Here are some of our favorites. sls hotel south beAch

slshotels.com Celebrities and scenesters make up the clientele at this uber-posh seaside hotel. And with a first class roster behind the scenes, it isn’t hard to see why (think Lenny Kravitz and Philippe Starck on design, José Andrés on tapas and LeBron James poolside). With 140 rooms, guests can be as in the public eye or behind closed doors as they choose.

Jw MArriott MArquis

jwmarriottmarquismiami.com If you’re in town on business, but still looking to stay in style, you are staying at the JW Marriott Marquis. The hotel has 313 guest rooms, state-of-the-art technology, a pool, spa and an outpost of Daniel Boulud’s DB Bistro Moderne. Travelers are not at a loss for activities at this hotel, which has its own billiard room, virtual bowling, media room and a 10,000-square-foot NBA-approved basketball court.

the JAMes royAl pAlM

jameshotels.com/miami The young, sexy and SoBe seekers will feel right at home at The James Royal Palm. Set on A-list Collins Avenue, The James Royal Palm brings that classic Miami Art Deco flavor to the table, with a refreshing, youthful and modern luxe touch. The James has its own private beach club complete with cabanas, lounge chairs, umbrellas and attentive service. The hotel is also home to a spa, two restaurants and is within walking distance to trendy Lincoln Road.

sonestA hotel & suites coconut Grove

sonesta.com/coconutgrove In the heart of Coconut Grove, the hotel is close to CocoWalk, known for shopping, dining and nightlife. Most of the 225 rooms and suites have ocean views and private balconies.

st. reGis bAl hArbour

stregis.com If you have some money to burn, and a need for a high thread count, you will be staying at the St. Regis. Across the street from the exclusive Bal Harbour shops, this resort is all about pampering and indulgence.

27

WHERE to eat “From melty Cubano sandwiches with frosty brews, to white linens and lengthy wine lists, Miami’s culinary scene has absolutely exploded over the last few years.”

From melty Cubano sandwiches washed down with frosty brews, to white linens and lengthy wine lists, Miami’s culinary scene has absolutely exploded over the last few years.

Surely prior to your Miami getaway you will be calorie counting so you can squeeze into that skimpy bikini, but when you ctually get to the destination it is time to cut loose and explore the dizzying array of culinary offerings.

wynwood Kitchen + bAr

db bistro Moderne

locAl house

If you are staying at the JW Marriott Marquis (or even if you aren’t), this is a restaurant that you would be sorry to miss. DB Bistro Moderne serves up a mix of traditional French bistro cooking with decidedly American undertones. Chef Daniel Boulud’s newest restaurant does its Manhattan counterpart proud, while still appealing to the Miami palate. There is a wide selection of international wines, as well as a menu of seasonal flavors.

wynwoodkitchenandbar.com Foodies and design buffs alike will flock to this laid-back, hipsteresque spot. The indoor/outdoor warehouse-style restaurant (we said it was hipster) is surrounded by an original mural by Shepard Fairey. Diners will tuck into brasserie style cuisine while sipping on creative cocktails.

Monty’s rAw bAr seAfood restAurAnt bAr And Grill Looking for laid back and local? A Coconut Grove institution, Monty’s has been serving straight up seafood for the past 30 years.

While there is an indoor dining room, most people opt for the outdoor raw bar, which is a scene in itself with plunky calypso music and a popular happy hour. localhouseofi.com The restaurant scene on South Beach’s popular Ocean Drive is sometimes a bit overwhelming, as waiters stand on the sidewalk and try to lure passersby in. For something a little more low key, but with a whole lot more character, check out Local House. The style here is beach shack-chic, with reclaimed wood, distressed mirrors and an open-air feel. The food is deliciously fresh seafood with a long list of cocktails.

WHAT to do With its Caribbean climate, the thing to do in Miami is be outdoors. Take a tour of its historic neighborhoods, sprawl out on the sand or see some of the many outdoor art exhibitions. deliGht in Art deco Before foodies and culture vultures got wind of Miami, visitors were coming to see the historic and buzzed about Art Deco design in Miami Beach and South Beach. The Miami Design Preservation League (www.mdpl.org) offers tours of the historic district (and all other areas of the City of Miami Beach). Tours are conducted by local historians and architects and provide an introduction to Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival and the Miami Beach Architectural Historic District.

28

wynwood wAlls Museums are fine and well, but when you’re in a destination like Miami where the sun is more of a draw, why not visit a museum that is outdoors? Wynwood Walls (thewynwoodwalls.com) is an outdoor Street Art Museum with 12 murals by 15 international artists. It took to the streets in 2009 as part of Art Basel and has remained open to the public (and free) since.

Art bAsel If you are lucky enough to plan your trip to Miami around Art Basel, here are a few things to keep in mind. Art Miami, the city’s modern art fair, will return for the 24th year in December. This year is has been expanded to include two additional contemporary art fairs: CONTEXT, in a 45,000-square-foot pavilion next to Art Miami in Wynwood; and Aqua Arts Miami at the Aqua Hotel on Collins Avenue in South Beach.

Go wild Even the outdoorsy types will find something to do in Miami. ShakeA-Leg (www.shakealegmiami.org) on Biscayne Bay is a non-profit organization that employs their extensive water sports offerings for good: working with physically, developmentally and economically challenged children and adults, they use the marine environment as an educational and therapeutic tool. Shake-A-Leg offers activities ranging from paddle boarding, to sailing, to full two hour Zodiacs boat tours- for the intrepid travelers. Zodiac tours include more than 40 miles of bay to visit historic Miami and Miami Beach sights like Celebrity Mansions, the Port of Miami, Cape Florida Lighthouse and more. Along the way keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, stingrays, sharks and manatees.

foodie frenzy Connoisseurs of haute cuisine (or, frankly, anyone who likes to eat) will want to explore Miami Food Tours (www.miamifoodtours. com). These three-hour culinary adventure takes gourmands through South Beach combining food and drink tastings with historical, architectural and cultural factoids. Travel through five different restaurants and cafés in South Beach, passing by the tourist traps and heading right for the local watering holes. Stops include Miami Nouvelle cuisine, authentic ethnic eatieries and a Kosher Ice Cream factory.

WHERE to sHop Glitterati from across the U.S. and Latin America all call in Miami to make the most out of the scene. The city is jam packed with designer labels and what’s hot off the runway.

Miami is the perfect spot to pick up exactly what the celebs are wearing, and here are the best places to do it. lincoln roAd This pedestrian walkway in South Beach is home to some of the world’s most famous chains. The streets are flanked with shops, restaurants and bars and it pulls in quite the after-hours crowd.

bAl hArbour shops Those with deep pockets will relish in this luxury Mecca. Catch up with your old friends Alexander McQueen, Diane von Fürstenberg and Marc Jacobs, among others.

desiGn district Touted as a local neighborhood, this 12-block area was once known for household wares, but is slowly gaining a reputation in the apparel world.

29

Gurdeep Ahluwalia

Words by Kate Browning \\\

Photography: Tishan Baldeo

Suit Christopher Bates Shirt Gotstyle Watch Boss Watches Location Grand Velas Riviera Maya Luxury Resort, Presidential Suite

32

I

t’s Monday evening. Gurdeep Ahluwalia and I are sitting on the wooden stools of a pool side bar at the Grand Velas Riviera Maya. On this muggy December day, we sip Mexican cocktails while his home city Toronto shovels itself out from under a storm. Gurdeep deserves this break. It’s been a busy few months for the new full time TSN anchor and reporter, who’s travelled a long road quickly to land this role.

Casually dressed in shorts and a t - shirt and complimentary hotel slippers, he notes “If you had told me when I was starting out how much I would have to overcome, how much I didn’t know about the industry at that point, it probably would’ve scared me into something more practical, … But because everyday I learned something new and adapted to my environment, it was a slow, steady learning and building process.” he quips and takes a bite of his duck salad.

Gurdeep is a self-made man; one who’s set himself apart in this age of self-starters. What has separated him from countless classmates, colleagues and competition isn’t simply talent, I realize after spending several days with him on this trip to shoot his cover, but an intuition of the best route to take. “my mentality is that there’s so much to learn out there, there’s so much you don’t know--there’s so much more that I don’t know than I do know, and I always want to learn as much as I can. I want to soak in as much I can,” he says.

The strategy of soaking it all in and being “a utility guy” has worked. Over the last four and a half years at Toronto’s CP24, Gurdeep has turned himself into a household name. Starting off part time in weather and traffic in 2009, he willingly worked every gig asked of him, and ended up as a host for CP24 Breakfast, becoming one of the station’s preeminent personalities.

Lately, there’s been even more buzz about Gurdeep after the announcement came in November that he’d be moving over to TSN full time, a goal he describes as his long-time “end game.”

“When I used to pipe dreams in my basement, watching in high school all the hockey coverage and see the pros do it on TV, that was always what I wanted. I always wanted to be in sports, and TSN’s number 1. They’re who I ultimately wanted to work with ... it was always the plan.”

When one considers the patchwork route of his relatively few years in media, it may seem predestined that he ended up at TSN; but a more realistic assessment suggests that he was built for this.

When he speaks of starting out, he’s referring to the days of being 23, interning at The Score Television Network and The Hockey News, while working part time at TSN, and living in his parents’ basement in Etobicoke.

He takes a quick bite of a taco. “I didn’t know if it was necessarily going to lead anywhere or go anywhere, or if it was going to work out,” he says.

The fortuitous irony is that his decisions to stay in the game after crushing disappointments and establish realistic goals with carefully mapped out plans helped him create his own opportunities.

When one looks at his track record, setbacks and all, it’s no wonder people see in Gurdeep, a first generation success story of humble ambition, and fierce determination.

He doesn’t shy away from talking frankly, regardless of whether or not it’s in his favour.

Fresh out of McMaster University, Gurdeep immersed himself in the game, fighting for his place in the world. His first day on the job as a TSN writer, saw Gurdeep thrown head first into an industry notorious for separating the sinkers from the swimmers.

He vividly remembers the producer announcing “I need 30-second vosot of Sundin, B-roll.’ And I said, OK. And I had no idea

what a 30-second vosot with B-roll was,” he says with a laugh.

Fortunately, many generous people have stood between Gurdeep and his success. The producer must have seen the confident void in the eager young man’s eyes, and explained exactly what and how Gurdeep was to produce; 30 seconds of voice over/sound on tape, accompanied by 30 seconds of footage of the then Toronto Maple Leafs Captain, Mats Sundin.

“There were a lot of days like where I had no idea what I was getting into, and I just slowly learned it,” he adds, over the rising voices of increasingly boisterous vacationers.

To stare down a tough industry, not knowing which steps will lead to your end goal, while dealing with the embarrassments that come with starting out would deter a lot of people from moving forward. Yet two botched auditions, long and irregular hours, and an incredible amount of on-the-job learning, in the end, only fueled Gurdeep’s progress.

Finding his own job opportunities also helped. In 2009, while working at Daytime, and after an unfortunate first interview the previous year, he took another shot at joining the CP24 team.

“CP24 was splitting from CityTV, they used to simulcast, share content and they were part of a shared family. And City went to Rogers and Bell got 24,” he explains.

“Because of that, a light went off in my head and this comes down to making your own breaks. I thought, now they can’t simulcast so they need more people; they need more production, they need more on-air, they must be looking. Nothing was posted but they must be looking. So I called [the producer] back and I said, ‘Hey, remember me? I auditioned a while ago.’ and I went back, second audition this time, and I rocked it.”

There’s much to be learned from the robust energy of a dynamic 30 year-old, ambitious, finger-on-the pulse, grassroots Toronto celebrity; with a tuned in foresight and vision of where his life is destined to go.

Family is also an instrument of Gurdeeps success. He introduces his flock, names, ages, and anecdotes easily roll off his tongue, framed by an enormous smile. “I have pictures!” and shows me his 3 nephews. “Family, I would say first and foremost, is the biggest rock,” he says. “They put me in a position to succeed.”

There’s much to be learned from the robust energy of a dynamic 30 year-old, ambitious, finger-on-the pulse, grassroots Toronto celebrity; with a tuned in foresight and vision of where his life is destined to go.

Gurdeep is a rare individual within whom the desire for career fulfillment is matched by a genuine appreciation for family.

Gurdeep spends well over a half hour of our conversation talking about his older brother and long time “moral compass,” his sister-in-law and her family, his three nephews, and his parents, two individuals who’ve shown him the value of sacrifice and hard work.

“I’m very inspired by my parents. And they’ve done everything for my brother and I. People always say, ‘Oh, you’ve worked so hard to get where you’re at’, and I have, but it pales in comparison to what my parents have done. You know, uprooting their lives, moving to another part of the world they’ve never been to.”

“I know that I would not be doing what I’m doing now if my parents weren’t able to send me to the university that I went to, and put me in a situation where I can make the right choices to get

33

Suit without Prejudice Shirt Haight & Ashbury

34

“Family, I would say first and foremost, is the biggest rock. They put me in a position to succeed�

T-Shirt and Trousers Christopher Bates

35

where I’m at,” he says.

“They treat each other so well and they’re so loving, and I’m just impressed, I’m blown away by that. I don’t have anyone in my life like that. I don’t think I’ll ever have someone like that who I’ll just never be sick of, and see all the time,” he admits.

He jokes, “You should put them on the cover. We’ll make this all about them.”

Connecting with his Punjabi Sikh background and community was something his parents instilled in him from childhood. For a personality with such an intimate presence in the public eye, the line between his fans, peers and those he admires, Gurdeep believes one’s integrity outshines the glitz and fame that the industry can bring.

“It’s a really proud thing for me that people in the community tell me, when they stop you on the street and they look you in the eye and they say, ‘I just want to tell you when I see you on TV it just makes me feel so proud that someone in our community is out on TV and speaking so well and making us look good.’ And that touches me when people say that because that’s not why I got into it, but that a really nice by-product of what I do,” he says.

Gurdeep recalls that when he was younger, there weren’t that many Indo Canadians on TV. “I remember when I was a kid, there weren’t that many Indian people on TV. The only one that I can really remember is Monica Deol from MuchMusic’s Electric Circus. It was such a proud thing for all Indian people Monica Deol was on TV. Everyone would say, ‘Oh Monica Deol, we’re so proud, she’s on and she’s so beautiful, and she’s making us look good, and the name is an Indian name, and she’s making it known. And now it’s not so groundbreaking anymore, obviously… but still has that sort of effect on people, I think.”

The reality that parts of Canadian society are still accustomed to white Anglo-Saxon names being the sole representations of our identity shown on TV motivated Gurdeep to engage his community’s representation on a larger scale. In response to TSN choosing two anchors of South Asian descent, Gurdeep and his colleague Nabil Karim, co-hosted SportsCentre this past February. Not surprisingly, Twitter erupted in bursts of racism, however, there was more to the story than was covered.

Gurdeep reflects that the anchor choice was not a statement on TSN’s part, rather a routine decision based on schedules and availability that became a national incident when several malicious and racist tweets cropped up in response.

“The one part of the story I think was under covered was all of the support. I think for every racist or negative tweet I got, I probably got 5 of support.” Gurdeep contemplated responding to some of the tweets, but he didn’t. “The really interesting thing that happened is that Twitter started policing itself. You had people retweeting other people’s offensive tweets, and then people turned into Twitter police and start attacking the person who had made the offensive comment.” he adds.

The story made headlines. Gurdeep says he received requests for interviews from media outlets across the country, both in print and television-- he even had one request from an outlet in New York. The story quickly took on a life of its own, and morphed into a question of racism in sports media.

Deferring to the guidance of his teams at TSN and CP24, Gurdeep navigated the onslaught of media requests and the spotlight that was suddenly thrust upon him like an old pro. He chose only to do a radio interview alongside Nabil with Dave Naylor for TSN Drive, and leave the matter to rest.

“Is that the sort of attention I want to be bringing to myself and my career? No! If it was accolades for a piece I had done, or an interview I had done, or some work I had done… great. Absolutely.

I’m all over it,” he explains.

“But if anything it sort of lit a fire underneath me and I said, You know what, I want to be a part of this wave of change. I want to be part of the group of young broadcasters that opens small town Canada’s eyes, that gets them used to us, and to make, quote unquote, uncommon names-- like Nabil’s name, like my own

36

For a personality with such an intimate presence in the public eye, the line between his fans, peers and those he admires, Gurdeep believes one’s integrity outshines the glitz and fame that the industry can bring. name-- household names in Canada. And for the ones that are going to come after us, to make those names not sound so strange to people who haven’t grown up necessarily with people of our background.”

“It’s something,” he says. “It’s a small movement and I hope to be a part of it. ...That was really a big part of my motivation to try and get into TSN full time, and luckily enough 7 months after this incident, it happened.”

Gurdeep is regularly invited to do motivational speaking for youths - from elementary schools to fourth year university seminars.

While younger audiences are captivated by his stories of who he’s met working in the same building as MuchMusic (read: Lady Gaga in a stairway), older audiences look to him for guidance as they set out into a cut-throat working world.

The advice he gives them? “You’ve gotta bury your ego,” he says. He brushes wet hair off his forehead and leans back on the couch in the lobby. We’ve had to dash inside to escape a sudden rainstorm. “Because no one’s going to hand you a job right out of school that’s well-paying, you have to put in the time.”

Not dissimilar to the advice he was given by TSN’s President at the beginning of his career at the network: “pay your dues, cut your teeth.”

And that’s the same advice he’s taken to have achieved his lifetime goal by the age of 30: work hard, work smart, and set yourself apart.

ART DIRECTION

Antonio Pendones PRODUCTION

Gustavo Reid MAKE UP AND HAIR

Zaida Olvera BEHIND THE SCENES:

Bowen Mei LOCATION

Grand Velas Resort, Riviera Maya rivieramaya.grandvelas.com AIRLINE PARTNER

Sunwing Airlines FASHION PARTNERS

Christopher Bates GOTSTyLE The Academy Showroom

37

Riviera Nayarit

A LITTLE PIECE OF PARADISE words And photoGrAphy by dAve cox

Mexico has always been an attractive destination, with an endless amount of villages, cultures, foods and traditions to discover.

38

P

Under trekked, the Riviera Nayarit is an Indigenous treasure emerging like most luxury Mexican finds; rugged & worthy of international recognition. In recent years, the Riviera has quietly welcomed Mexican and international visitors drawn to its breathtaking views, healing seas and abundant gifts. dave cox ventured to this magnetic location to unearth a trove of glittering delights.

P

39

J

anuary in Toronto isn’t quite paradise. Leaving the beautiful city in the darkness of winter, if even for a night at the Riviera Nayarit, is an opportunity most would likely not decline. For many, Mexico remains a trustworthy destination of “a far off land” not quite so far away. Mexico has always been an attractive destination, with an endless amount of villages, cultures, foods and traditions to discover. Tourists flock to Cancun’s beautiful beaches, tranquility permeates the air in La Isla Mujeres, the streets of Guadalajara bustle at all hours of existence, and the echoes of a colonial past resonate with each step on a cobblestone street in Tlaquepaque.

Until now, Riviera Nayarit has remained an enigmatic destination, an enticing mystery. Setting off to explore this next destination is an openness that despite anticipating an equally enthralling location is the likelihood of discovering something else, something unique to Nayarit.

Tucked between the Pacific Ocean and the Western Sierra Madre Mountains, Riviera Nayarit boasts a coastline that stretches for almost 200 miles. It is easily accessible from both Puerto Vallarta and Tepic International Airport. Puerto Vallarta welcomes me, as does Richard Zarkin, my generous host. Richard drives for less than ten minutes, and before I know it, we arrive in Riviera Nayarit. There’s nothing else to do for a while but absorb the fresh mountain air and ocean breeze before pulling up to the large gate of our first destination, Imanta Resort.

Visualize for a moment stepping into a prehistoric landscape, a breathtaking sight seen for thousands of years but species long gone, and by the ancestors of people who remain calling Imanta ancestral homes.

With each winding turn there is suspense building until we hit a second gate that invites us through a street guarded by ancient oaks, rising towards the sky as exalted by our admiration for their grandeur. Fortu-

“imanta is a retreat from the pressures and stressors of modern life, a modernity that foils the attraction it’s namesake implores. translated from spanish, imanta’s derivative ‘iman’ or magnet perfectly engenders the pull of this seaside luxury resort. “ 40

nately, we enter the resort, graciously accepting traditional hibiscus nectar, and are advised to show restraint in plunging into the vast ocean; newly hatched turtles are being released into life. Guided by guardians of these precious creatures, I walk cautiously towards the beach, and take my first look at Imanta, a perched vision, and a beautiful Mexican sight honouring the ancient gods on whose land it sits.

Spanning 12 years, Imanta opened in 2010, with 12 individual villas spaced in perfect composition around the hacienda like surroundings. Individually named compounds are perfect for families, and a range of guests travelling alone or staffed. Alex, Imanta’s impeccably dressed Director of Sales casually lists recent notable guests in a failed attempt to impress. I’m already at a loss. The re-

sort needs no mention of A - list guest to take anyone’s breath away.

Villas are built of rocks excavated from the hillside. High ceilings add a feel of luxurious space; rooms large yet inviting and warm. The décor is clean and modern, complimenting the rich brown hues of its surroundings. The local artisanship is fairly incorporated in the villa’s furnishings as well: towel racks made of dried tree branches and beautifully polished tree trunks promoting the integrity of sustainability.

Imanta’s head chef, Olivier DeBoise, introduces himself as a classically trained French chef with Mexican roots. The flavours of these two worlds define the character of his dishes, and introduces me to the marriage of his fresh, locally grown ingredients infusing the perfect amount of boldness and subtlety to his fare. His scallops

with a hint of fennel. Oh my! I’m left without any doubt that Chef DeBoise ferments his plates with authentic passion and refinement.

The Imanta staff is friendly, available and attentive; a completely undescriptive nod to their hospitality. Throughout my stay, I was encouraged to feel at home, and relish in the treatment they so kindly afforded.

Imanta is a retreat from the pressures and stressors of modern life, a modernity that foils the attraction its namesake implores.

Translated from Spanish, Imanta’s derivative Iman or magnet perfectly engenders the pull of this seaside luxury resort. Relaxation and serenity is an escape Imanta provides, a setting where one can choose to do absolutely nothing or a little bit of everything. Located just 30 minutes away from the hotspots of San Pancho & the

41

42

In Riviera Nayarit, past and present, luxury and authenticity exist side by side. Here a fisherman prepares a catch of the day that turns into a simple yet gourmet feast at Restaurante Alberca in Isla de Mexcaltitรกn (above).

Images by Tishan Baldeo.

43

until now, Riviera nayarit has remained an enigmatic destination, an enticing mystery.

Altamira Bar & Reflecting Pool

bohemian village of Sayulita. Banderas Bay is also a nearby spot where you can witness the yearly spectacle of the humpback whales on their migration, or head to the Marieta Islands, a natural park where you can seek out birds and other wildlife gravitating towards their natural setting celebrating peace, tranquility and repose.

Towards the end of my recoiling stay, I decide to take in the sites while hiking along the property with my trustworthy guide turned travel companion. I decide to take his recommendation and be challenged by “Expedition Light,” a brisk hike directing us into dense vegetation, up monkey hill where the promise of endless vistas and sights are unlikely to disappoint. Chris whispers that he

44

“saw an eagle here yesterday on a hike.” There’s no doubt in my mind that life is abundant here!

We hike down before the setting sun reveals a sky dotted with millions of diamonds, and as I’m focusing on my steps, Chris taps me on the shoulder; completely matter of fact “Look up. There’s an eagle.”

We make our way to Imanta, and are offered a café before we are to travel to St. Regis Punta Mita, our second stop pulling our trip in another enchanting direction. I know I must switch gears to see another side of Nayarit’s eco-luxury. Luckily, the St. Regis Hotel chains is of one of the most recognized luxury brands in the

world, born from the travelling society of New York City’s aristocracy at the turn of the 20th century. The first St. Regis Hotel opened in 1904, and currently there are 31 properties evoking the integrity the Starwood Hotel Chain has labored to be recognized for.

Keeping to the spaciousness St. Regis Hotels are renowned for, the room dedicated to BOLD is no exception, an opulent space fit for exceptional retreat. The St. Regis opened in January 2009, with 89 guestrooms, 31 luxury suites, a presidential suite and plenty of incredible ocean views pampering guests.

Boasting access to a full gym, tennis courts, and a 5km running trail alongside its two signature Jack Nicklaus golf courses, the surrounding make the St. Regis a perfect spot for exploring and enjoying the spectacular sights of the Nayarit Peninsula.

Steeped in the tradition of other St. Regis hotels across the world, this one is no different, hosting many weekly events reminiscent of the original hotel’s charm.

The champagne ritual that takes place every Friday at 6pm sharp offers guest the opportunity to meet and mingle. Guests impressively serenade the hotel aisles with a cacophony of accents, and laughter mingles with the sweet fragrance of paradise diffused through out.

Dinner is a cause for gossip, and I soon find out why. The five – star Diamond Carolina restaurant is one of only four in all of Mexico, and the Chilean Sea bass proudly wears its five stars well, paired with a Chenin Blanc Chardonnay blend from Casa Madero, Mexico’s oldest winery.

With the backdrop of a sunset’s hues painted across the sky in the most enchanting tones, the Riviera Nayarit won’t be an experience I’ll soon forget.

45

ld Spirits Reviving

P uerto

Vall arta A renaissance is underway in this resort city on Mexico’s Pacific Coast.

Michele Peterson explores an old world born again.

46

Seasoned travelers are returning

N W

E S

20.6667o N, 105.2667o W

to the whimsy of Old Town Vallarta’s re envisioned infrastructure where the thrill of the new is becoming equally charming as the old.

Puerto Vallarta

Los Muertos Pier at night.

Designed by Mexican architect Jesus Torres. Š Puerto Vallarta Tourism Office

Images courtesy of the PV Tourism Office.

Los muertos pIer A soaring structure designed by Mexican architect Jesus Torres was built at a cost of $2.4 million USD. Since opening in January 2013, this revitalized Old Town beach now shares a prototype landscape including a fantastic waterfront where modern landing docks and ferry boats transport travellers to the hidden beaches of Yelapa. Unlike other contemporary waterfronts, however, the pier was designed to evoke the romance of the sea with its motif of an unfurled sail. The pier has joined the ranks of notable contemporary Mexican architecture like the church of Our Lady of Guadalupe poised to become another new icon for Puerto Vallarta.

Los Muertos Pier pier was designed to evoke the romance of the sea. The plan worked.

47

48

Before the debut of John huston’s

1964 film The Night of the Iguana, Puerto Vallarta was a quiet fishing village on the Pacific Coast where the states of Jalisco and Nayarit met.

When Elizabeth Taylor came here to keep an eye on richard burton while he was filming with Ava Gardner, the publicity around the movie and its stars put Puerto Vallarta on the map.

Images courtesy of Puerto Vallarta Tourism Office.

49

neW beaCh hIdeaWay A once-vacant piece of land on Las Glorias beach morphed into what is now Secrets Vallarta Bay Resort and Spa. Situated within easy walking distance of El Malecón, this adultsonly, all inclusive property affords all the charm of customary hospitality sprinkled with luxurious amenities. Expectedly, elegant suites, precious ocean-views and sinfully abundant fresh foods highlight your stay. Paying homage to the nation’s Indigenous roots, Mayan cooking classes educate guests in the culinary evolution of Mexican cuisine and indigenous Mesoamerican ingredients. Salsa lessons and beach yoga are a perfect occidental pairing to any modern resort. Golfers appreciate complimentary green fees at three nearby championship courses. The Preferred Club upgrades the privilege with access to the exclusive lounge or escapes to private outdoor jacuzzis.

musIC sCene Image by Graham Mattock

Craft beer arrIves The tradition of beer making in Mexico dates back to 1542 when Emperor Carlos V of Spain gave Alfonso de Herrera permission to establish cerveceria in the Americas. It didn’t take long before Mexico quickly established its reputation as a nation of beer lovers, and big labels like Corona, Sol and Victoria soon emerged as Mexican brand ambassadors. Recently, the seasons have turned on the hugely successful exports and there’s a surge of interest in small-batch, craft beer. One of the newest destinations for artisanal beer aficionados is Los Muertos Brewing in Puerto Vallarta’s zona romantica. With its cheeky labels and street front location in Old Town, Los Muertos Brewing is Puerto Vallarta’s first brew pub and offers artisanal beers served in a classic Mexican cantina setting. Sip a Mexicana Rubia, a lightbodied pale ale or, if you’re feeling adventurous, go for an Anillo de Fuego, a chile-infused ale that’s perfect paired with tomatl (tomato) juice.

50

Spend an evening enjoying a socio cultural novelty; a concert by the Puerto Vallarta Men’s Chorus, Mexico’s first gay men’s choir.

Their inaugural performance, conducted in Spanish and English, was held at Teatro Vallarta in the heart of downtown Puerto Vallarta with subsequent concerts repeatedly sold-out to raving crowds. Lead by Toronto’s Bob Bruneau, the choir adds to the tapestry gay men’s choruses from around the world, sending an important social message of pluralism and empathy

Los Muertos Brewing is Puerto Vallarta’s first brew pub and offers artisanal beers served with cantina flair.

GuIded marKet tour

© Michele Peterson

Cooking classes with Chef Mavi Graf

Culinary travellers remain convinced that markets offer an instant immersion into the colours and flavours of a country’s culture.

Puerto Vallarta has three authentic food markets, each with its own personality. The best way to experience them is in a guided market tour and cooking lessons led by Chef Mavis Graf of Arte Culinario. Chef Graf relishes traditional and contemporary Mexican flavours and her tours explore hidden culinary haunts, meeting fishmongers, butchers and fruit vendors along the way. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at bustling food stalls, then enjoy a cooking class featuring appetizer, entrèe and dessert and wine pairings. You can also purchase Arte Culinario’s popular salad dressings, infused vinegars and meat rubs to enjoy at home. These 100% preservative-free products are also available at the Saturday Market Co-Op in Old Town Vallarta, a new addition to the food market scene.

1 2 3 4

1

Chef Mavi Graf of Arte Culinario.

2

Spices: Mustard Seeds, Seafood Rub, Dill weed, Garam Masala, Fenugreek, Curry, Turmeric, organic Tarragon available at Arte Culinario.

3

Octopus Salad.

4

Sea Bass Medallions.

Images © Cristina Lugo

TrAVEl PlANNEr Official Puerto vallarta Tourism: www.visitpuertovallarta.com

secrets vallarta Bay resort and spa www.secretsresorts.com/vallarta-bay-puerto-vallarta

Los Muertos Brewing www.losmuertosbrewing.com

Arte Culinario Market tours Visit www.saturdaymarketpv.com or www.arteculinario-mavigraf.com

51

EpicurEan advEnturEs in

RivieRa Maya Words by Alison Kent | Images by Canadian Beef

Alison Kent recreates the inspired harmony of Mexican ingredients, Canadian beef and exceptional wines served in the spectacular setting of El Dorado Royale, Karisma Hotels & Resorts in Riviera Maya.

52

W

e approach Las Fuentes Culinary Theatre on one of many golf carts that silently whizz about the El Dorado Royale Resort property, as a mariachi band kicks off the evening with a lively musical greeting.

Dressed in our finest resort attire for such a special occasion, we walk the red carpet to the front door with flutes of sparkling wine in hand.

Whisked to our tables, we peer around in anticipation as to what delights the evening’s program has in store. The stage is set for what will assuredly be a spectacular event – and a bedazzling culmination to what has been a memorable week of culinary experiences. This is the ‘Gourmet Inclusive’ Gala Dinner at El Dorado Royale, Karisma Hotels & Resorts in Riviera Maya.

This particular ‘GI’ is the pinnacle event of the inaugural Canadian Beef Culinary Series held in conjunction with California’s Jackson Family Wines. The GI program is designed to offer a selection of interactive tastings and tutorials for foodies, with a rotating spotlight on renowned chefs from some of Canada’s top restaurants.

On the second week of the month throughout 2014, visiting chefs cook their favourite beef recipes and which are thoughtfully paired with stellar wines, all in breathtaking tropical settings.

Daily activities include a Kick-off Beach BBQ, accompanied by live music, lovely wines and warm breezes that send aromas from sizzling charcoal-grilled beef wafting through the air (inside skirt, New York, and chuck eye roll… to name but a few cuts). The festivities also include a Tricks of the Trade Event & Tasting and a Cutting Demo & Cooking Class.

Visiting chef for this first series is Ottawa-based Louis Charest; with a list of accolades and achievements as long as my arm, he knows his way around a kitchen. Executive Chef at Rideau Hall since 2007, Charest regularly creates meals for the Governor General, heads of state, government officials and visiting dignitaries.

We are in good hands. He is the first of many talented Canadian chefs in the series that includes Paul Rogalski (Rouge and Bistro Rouge, Calgary), Antonio Park (Park Market and Park, Montreal).

El Dorado Royale Executive Chef, Erik Peters and his morethan-capable team of cooks work alongside Chef Charest for the event. Marty Carpenter – Executive Director and Certified Chef de Cuisine at Canada Beef is also on-hand to support this debut Culinary Series. I caught up with Carpenter beachside for a chat about the Gourmet Inclusive Chef Series.

Chef Louis Charest

El Dorado Royale Spa Resort

by Karisma is located in the heart of the Riviera Maya on 450 acres and provides more than a mile of sandy beaches along the Mexican Caribbean. Room service is available ‘round the clock, and there are a dozen restaurant options (seven are designated ‘GI’ – indicating a focus on exceptional epicurean cuisine served a la carte) and gourmet corners, including Rincón Mexicano for culinary offerings from all regions of Mexico, Santa Fe Grill for superb grilled octopus salad, and the Health Bar for a wide array of healthful dishes, fresh juices and smoothies.

Thirsty? Guests can try their best to make it to all fifteen bars and lounges (a couple of beach bars have swings!) with mixologists stirring, shaking and blending everything from martinis to mojitos, manhattans to margaritas.

Chef Marty Carpenter

53

Dressed in our finest resort attire for such a special occasion, we walk the red carpet to the front door with flutes of sparkling wine in hand.

A look At the GAlA Dinner menu ————

First Course Beef tenderloin tartare flavoured with capers and za’atar – with a flaxseed-infused spin on this traditional Middle Eastern spice blend. Served alongside a tangle of shredded jicama and mango, a perfectly poached quail egg, and cilantro aioli.

PAireD With

“We want to create a unique and topnotch offering that, from a GI experience, people can take away with them,” Carpenter says. “We want to see guests return home with some great information and having learned something they didn’t know beforehand. Beef is often a confusing category in the grocery store, and potentially in the kitchen, so if we can give them a head start, we’re pretty happy.”

“We are bringing to the forefront some cuts that a lot of guests would have never experienced or seen before. Things like skirt steak, which is a very big item here in Mexico, for example. If we can demonstrate and show some different ideas with it here, then it lends itself to some gourmet creations back in Canada.”

Simply stated, pairing beef and wines creates an exceptional partnership. Jackson Family Wines Sommelier, Dana Aguero, is certainly up for the beef-and-wine pairing challenge, deftly matching Beef Short Rib Ravioli in Jalapeño Beurre Blanc with a 2010 Hartford Court, Russian River Valley Chardonnay – equally buttery and with lively acidity to cut through the richness.

Jackson Family Wines has been an active part of the GI program for more than a year now, featuring wine masters and interactive wine experiences on a monthly basis. ‘Sips in the Sand’ and ‘Wine Around the World’, anyone?

If you’re seeking an exceptional culinary experience while vacationing in Riviera Maya that’s both remarkable and compelling, consider indulging in the Gourmet Inclusive Canadian Beef Culinary Series at El Dorado Royale – it’s an edible adventure you won’t soon forget.

2011 Matanzas Creek Sauvignon Blanc from Sonoma County.

————

seConD Course Moist and flavourful fall-off-the-bone beef short ribs rubbed and marinated overnight in an intricate chili powdersteeped spice blend before braising and barbecuing PAireD With 2012 Freemark Abbey Chardonnay from Napa Valley ————

thirD Course Layered spiced beef skirt steak with Canadian beer beurre blanc and dried cranberry refritos PAireD With 2011 Arrowood Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma County ————

Fourth Course Beef shank osso bucco braised in Mexican mole sauce, served with Cheddar cheese and mixed mushroom tamale, and the most luxurious huitlacoche aioli PAireD With 2008 Tenuta di Arceno Chianti Classico Riserva – top pick ————

Dessert Maple sabayon with macerated fresh fruit and toasted

Simply stated, pairing beef and wines creates an exceptional partnership.

54

55

Our Signature Experiences allow you to get the most out of every destination

56

Insightvacations.com

Stay connected #insightvacations #insightmoments @insightvacation | @insightcan

57