Polo Lifestyles June 2024: Rafael Nadal's Enduring Legacy

RAFAEL NADAL

AN ENDURING LEGACY OF GRIT, DETERMINATION & HUMILITY

THE SUMMER DIET INSPIRED BY ANCIENT OLYMPIANS

WHEN TO LISTEN TO THE DEVIL ON YOUR SHOULDER

10 HABITS THAT AGE MEN MORE QUICKLY

THE NEW "IT LIST" FOR LUXURY RESORTS FROM MEXICO TO THE MASAI MARA

THE #1 THING TO NEVER SAY DURING A TOAST

WHY WE ACTUALLY HATE PEOPLE-PLEASERS

FERRARI'S CHARLES LECLERC MAKES HISTORY AT THE MONACO GRAND PRIX

SIX THINGS TO AVOID GIVING A HOST(ESS)

MAKING POLO DREAMS COME TRUE IN ATLANTA

Ambassador Claude-Alix Bertrand Publisher

Joshua Jakobitz Editor-in-Chief

William Smith Copy Editor & Contributor

Claire Barrett Head of Photography

Dana Romita Luxury Real Estate Contributor

Amritlal अमृत Ascension Contributor

Tom Landry Design Contributor

Polo Photographers

Katerina Morgan

Justine Jacquemot

Irina Kazaridi

Helen Cruden

Matias Callejo

Kathrin Gralla

Dr. Michael J. Snell Lifestyles & Luxury Automobile Contributor

Joey Velez Wellness Contributor

Jamillah Scott Polo Contributor

Raphael K. Dapaah Art Contributor

Brand Representatives

Dr. Michael J. Snell - NYC

Miriam P. Owens - NYC

Stanley Pierre-Etienne - Hispaniola

Contributing Photographers

Xavier Merchet-Thau

Aubrey Chandler

Eric Carré

Eva Espresso

Rob Miskowitch

Margarita Crotto

Polo Lifestyles is a publication of HT Polo Publishing Co. 995 Detroit Avenue, Suite A Concord, CA 94518

Cover photo of Rafael Nadal in Madrid Courtesy Getty Images

Content Copyright © Polo Lifestyles 2024 All Rights Reserved. For information or to advertise Contact marketing@pololifestyles.com Read online at www.pololifestyles.com On Instagram & Facebook @pololifestyles

A proud partner of Issuu, NZ Polo Open, House On Third U.S. Polo Assn., The Impression and Mixam

INANDA POLO CLUB

Nedbank International Polo Cup

Inanda Patrons Cup

Africa Polo Open

POLO DE PARIS

Tournoi de la Ville de Paris

130e Open de Paris

26e Open de Dames

POLO CLUB DOMAINE DE CHANTILLY

Coupe PGH

Polo Nations Cup

Paris Games Polo Challenge

COWDRAY PARK POLO CLUB

British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup

British Ladies Open Championship

POLO CLUB DE DEAUVILLE

Coupe D'Argent

Coupe D'Or

Coupe de Bronze

Ladies Polo Cup

GUARD'S POLO CLUB

Cartier Queen's Cup

Out-Sourcing Royal Windsor Cup

MIAMI BEACH

Miami Beach World Championship

SCOREBOARDS & COCKTAILS

LA TROPHEE BOURBON

POLO LIFESTYLES EDITORS & CONTRIBUTORS

Raphael

Jamillah

Automobile lovers delight in Modena, page 86

Monaco's own LeClerc wins big at home, page 63

The "It List" of Luxe Resort properties, page 122

Never say this when you're giving a toast, page 96

RAFAEL NADAL

SHOW OF HANDS: WHO AMONG US DIDN’T GET EMOTIONAL LISTENING TO RAFAEL NADAL’S SPEECH FOLLOWING HIS DEFEAT IN THE FRENCH OPEN? HIS VERY PUBLIC MOMENT OF SELF-REALIZATION – SPANNING FROM A DECADES-LONG CAREER OF INCREDIBLE WINS TO THE SIMPLE AND UNAVOIDABLE ASPECT OF AGING – IS A LESSON IN HUMANITY AND HUMILITY.

We watched the live stream from Roland-Garros over the brunch table here in Northern California with the time difference. When Rafa had said his final “Merci beaucoup” and the live feed cut, our publisher shared an anecdote about Nadal I had heard before, but forgotten. Many years ago, in Monte Carlo, between tennis matches, Rafa left the group of players, coaches and close traveling partners to go find a bar playing “his team’s futbol match.” Back in the days (not THAT long ago!) before live streaming, it was common practice to go into multiple bars or restaurants, inquiring about the possibility of watching a certain match on the televisions.

Anyway, Rafa had found a bar across the street from the café where the others were gathered discreetly. Upon the end of the game, Rafa emerged from the bar to a crowd of fans, worked his way through them sans security and spotted the other players and friends across the street. Rafa crossed three lanes of traffic, dodging cars and trucks to pop into the café. “Hola chicos, como estan?” That was Rafa, always going to the extra mile to make everyone feel special, the publisher recounted.

It was again evident on Monday afternoon at RolandGarros that Rafael Nadal makes everyone feel special. All the top players were in the stands to watch him play. Fifteen thousand spectators crowded into the stadium, some without seats. The fans erupted in his moments of triumph and sat in stunned disbelief at the outcome. And then they gave him a standing ovation until he grabbed his bags and walked off the clay at Roland-Garros, probably for the last time.

This month, we held publication until we could confirm the cover story, “Rafael Nadal: An Enduring Legacy of Grit, Determination and Humility.” We hope you find it as inspirational as we do.

Best,

Josh Jakobitz Editor-in-Chief josh@pololifestyles.com

Beyond first class is a class of one.

INNOVATION EXISTS PURELY TO SERVE YOUR COMFORT, SAFETY AND CONVENIENCE VIA MULTIPLE SENSES. A VIRTUAL VOICE ASSISTANT LISTENS TO SERVE YOU.

LIGHTING AND FRAGRANCE SUBTLY SOOTHE YOU.

A spectacular race deserves a spectacular prize in a one-of-a-kind case #monacograndprix

"Merci beaucoup..." an adoring crowd gives a standing ovation for the King of Clay, possibly one last time

Clay court-inspired Christofle eggs are just the thing for Roland-Garros fans in your life

The port of Monaco filled up in advance of the Monaco Grand Prix

A picnic for everyone involved in the journey and set up

Following their appearance in Wellington, the Sussexes landed in Lagos to take in a match at the Lagos Polo Club

Partnering with Ritz-Carlton Yachts to present the Mercedes AMG F1 official vehicle in a way like no other

rivieraequisports

The artistry of equestrian photographs never ceases to amaze

white and blue for Memorial Day weekend or any weekend

rafaelnadal

christofle

Click and comment on our choices... Tag @pololifestyles . We will share noteworthy comments with you next month.

Design group House On Third joined Polo Lifestyles as quarterly design contributors

Another supernatural event is set to happen when a super-bright comet passes near Earth

Summer temperatures are loading... and loading... and loading... do you have your Taittinger?

Is it even summer if you're not putting

et

on ice and heading somewhere warm?

When you want to impress, Richard Mille has the timepieces to get you there moetchandon

Moet

Chandon

Superb in intricately cut and placed fabrics by the one and only Oscar de la Renta

Monaco's own Charles LeClerc won the Monaco Grand Prix, much to the delight of Prince Albert II

Just hanging out waiting for the sun to come up

donatellaversace

Bella Hadid in Cannes wearing Versace couture

richardmille

TROPHEE BOURBON

LA SAISON FRANCAISE

Trophée Bourbon results from Day 3

Tédélou, Eternal J, and Rinidia Polo Teams were the three winners of the day.

After this third day of qualification, only the Italian team, Rinidia Polo Team, remained undefeated… For the other teams, except HN Polo Team and Kazak who will play their second match on Tuesday, the standings were reset to zero with one win and one loss each.

The upcoming matches will therefore be crucial to stay in the race.

ALL THE RESULTS:

Mungo 6 - 10 Tédélou

Eternal J 8½ - 4 Le Pommeray

Animales Polo Team 7½ - 10 Rinidia Polo Team

LA TROPHEE BOURBON

LA SAISON FRANCAISE

LA TROPHEE BOURBON

LA SAISON FRANCAISE

LA TROPHEE BOURBON

LA SAISON FRANCAISE

LA TROPHEE BOURBON

LA SAISON FRANCAISE

LA TROPHEE DU BOIS LIEUTENANT

Octogone-Mungo Wins La Trophée Bois Lieutenant

The second and last final of the day had a very different scenario from the first one, as it required an extra chukker to decide the winner! And it was Juan Cruz

Greguoli who secured the victory for the Octogone-Mungo team by scoring the golden goal after several minutes of play in the extra chukker!

BPP : Oriental Libra (Durazno x Penny),j14 year old mare owned and

played by Pierre Henri N’Goumou (La Roxana)

MVP : Juan Cruz Greguoli (Octogone Mungo Polo Team)

Progression Octogone-Mungo : 0-2 / 0-3 / 3-2 / 4-4 / 5-4 (OT)

LA TROPHEE DU BOIS LIEUTENANT

LA TROPHEE DU BOIS LIEUTENANT

LA TROPHEE DU BOIS LIEUTENANT

CARTIER QUEEN'S CUP 2024 GUARDS POLO CLUB

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PABLO RAMIREZ / COURTESY GUARDS POLO CLUB

Cartier Queen’s Cup Day 6

Talandracas 13 – 12 La Magdeleine

White Crane 11 – 9 Cibao La Pampa

The first overtime of the 2024 Cartier Queen’s Cup occurred Saturday afternoon, May 25. A thrilling game, almost an exact copy of last year’s final, resulted in a win for Talandracas.

However, Edouard Carmignac’s squad had to work hard for this victory as La Magdeleine were a tough and committed opposition. With both teams level

(2-2) at the end of the first, the lead then switched between teams almost chukker by chukker.

At the half-time break it was Alexandre Garese’s La Magdeleine who were leading, 6-4. Talandracas then fired through four goals to give them the lead (8-6) at the end the fourth. This was edge-of-theseat polo for players and spectators alike.

La Magdeleine’s problems increased in the fifth when Facundo Fernandez Llorente was sent to the sin bin for two minutes. Incredibly, Talandracas could not take advantage of player superiority,

although they did find a goal later in the chukka. So with the scores reading 9-8 in favor of Talandracas there was all to play for.

The teams did not disappoint, seven goals were scored in the sixth chukka. Talandracas were still ahead, 11-9, with four minutes left on the clock. La Magdeleine then delivered an impressive comeback, scoring four goals in as many minutes. With the clock ticking down, Alejandro Muzzio won the throw-in and fired a shot up to Pablo Pieres. He lost the ball but Muzzio was there to fire through

CARTIER

the equalizer to ensure extra time. The seventh chukka had a few minutes of up and down play before Talandracas were awarded a penalty. Pieres fired this through to make it two out of two for Carmignac’s team.

The second game of the day was another tussle between two evenly matched sides. Alexie Calvert-Ansari’s White Crane won the game 11-9, but Juan Pepa’s Cibao La Pampa fought them every step of the way. The latter were ahead after two chukkers (3-2), only to lose their advantage at the half-time bell; the score-

board was reading 5-4 to White Crane. The scores were all tied 6-6 in the fourth and now the pressure was on both sides to push ahead.

The fifth chukker belonged to Cibao La Pampa, firing through three goals to none in reply from White Crane. However it was a very different story in the sixth. As Tommy Panelo said to Polocam TV in his post-match interview: “The fifth chukker was really bad. We needed to go for it [in the sixth].”

Go for it they did, not only scoring five goals but stopping Cibao La Pampa from

scoring either. This goal-rush gave White Crane their first win with a scoreline of 11-9.

FERRARI'S CHARLES LECLERC MAKES HISTORY IN MONACO

MONTE CARLO, MONACO — CHARLES LECLERC SAID HE HAD TEARS IN HIS EYES IN THE FINAL LAPS OF THE MONACO GRAND PRIX, WHICH HE FINALLY WON AFTER YEARS OF HEARTBREAK.

Leclerc, born and raised in the principality of Monaco, had twice before failed to convert pole position into victory but made it third-time lucky.

He led the race from start to finish to end that run on Sunday, finishing ahead of McLaren›s Oscar Piastri and Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz.

Leclerc said after the race he had been thinking about his father, Herve, who

died in 2017 before he made it to Formula One.

“No words can explain that ... it’s such a difficult race,” Leclerc said immediately after the win. “The fact starting twice on pole and couldn’t make it, makes it even better. It means a lot. It’s the race that made me dream of becoming a Formula One driver.

“It was a difficult race emotionally, 15 laps from the end I was hoping nothing happens, already the emotions were coming. I was thinking to my dad ... obviously he had given everything for me to be here, it was a dream of ours to race here and win, it’s unbelievable.”

On top of the memory of his dad, Leclerc’s godfather Jules Bianchi was also front of his mind. Bianchi died in 2015

from injuries he sustained at the Japanese Grand Prix the year before.

It was the recommendation of Bianchi, who was set to drive for Ferrari, which brought Leclerc into the company’s junior program and set him on the path which led him to the Italian team in 2019.

Leclerc was welling up near the end and had to remind himself there was a race still to finish.

“I think where I struggled the most to contain my emotions was during the last 10 laps of the race, more than on the podium,” Leclerc said.

“I realized actually two laps to the end that I was struggling to see out of the tunnel just because I had tears in my eyes, and I was like ‘f--- Charles, you

CHARLES LECLERC MAKES HISTORY IN MONACO

cannot do that now, you still have two laps to finish,’ especially on a track like Monaco, you have to be on it all the way to the end.

“It was very difficult to contain those emotions, those thoughts again of the people that have helped me get to where I am today.

“It’s only a win. The season is still very, very long. It’s 25 points like any other win. However, emotionally, this one means so much.

And I think the fact as well that we’ve started twice from pole position in the past and that we couldn’t manage to get the win for one reason or another, that we couldn’t really control, not in our control, makes this one even more so special.”

Pictured with Prince Albert II of Monaco

MAKING POLO DREAMS

COME TRUE IN ATLANTA

JAMILLAH SCOTT

POLO CONTRIBUTOR

@EQUESTRIAN_NOIRE

POLO, A SPORT TRADITIONALLY DOMINATED BY MEN, IS UNDERGOING A TRANSFORMATIVE SHIFT DUE TO THE UNWAVERING RESILIENCE OF WOMEN COMMITTED TO GENDER INCLUSIVITY.

Despite historically facing challenges such as limited opportunities, unequal resources, and societal biases, women in polo have not only overcome these hurdles but also thrived. Earlier this

year, Shariah Harris became the first Black woman to compete in U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship, a testament to her indomitable spirit. The emergence of women›s polo teams is a beacon of hope in this change. These initiatives not only empower female athletes but also address the challenges they face, laying the groundwork for a legacy of equity and opportunity. They are a testament to the potential of women in polo and the future they are shaping for themselves in the sport.

In the small suburb of Milton, approximately 30 miles outside of Atlanta, Georgia, Jared Schatz watched his daughter, Noa Carter-Schatz, enjoy a cherished birthday gift—a package of horse riding lessons. Three years later, Noa picked up a

mallet for the first time and took it to the field with innate fearlessness and grace. As an onlooker, Jared saw more than just his ten-year-old enjoying her favorite pastime; he saw her potential.

Recognizing this, Jared knew that traditional paths and resources available to wealthy patrons of the sport were beyond his reach. Nonetheless, he was undeterred. Leveraging the knowledge shared by other players and online videos, Jared helped build a program for Noa to develop quickly. In 2023, determined to allow Noa to compete on a more advanced level, Jared created the Atlanta Women’s Polo Team (AWPT). Unlike other teams, AWPT allows up-and-coming players to play with more seasoned ones—this teaches flexibility and adaptability as

different players bring varying styles and strategies to the field. For example, this Spring, Noa played with her mentors, Fátima Balzano and Kimberly von Stade, along with youth rider Ava Rose Hinkson; Lucas Arellano trained and coached this team. The team’s growing reputation has bolstered excitement among other regional players eager to sign up, develop their skills, and play.

Jared credits the Atlanta polo community with helping him get started by teaching him the intricacies of polo, locating affordable equipment and horses, and securing fields for practice. AWPT has successfully functioned as both a training ground for Noa and a community hub for other aspiring female players. “Noa is a shy kid, but opens up when she plays polo,” Jared recalls. “I knew I had to do everything I could to support her passion and create a platform for other girls like her to excel in this sport.”

Noa has emerged as a standout player, gaining recognition in local tournaments, and earning praise for her skill and sportsmanship. Now, at thirteen

years old, her journey is still unfolding, but the foundation laid by her father and AWPT has already made a significant impact. This year, she has participated in the Youth Polo Training Foundation (PTF), the National Youth Tournament Series (NYTS), and the La Bourgogne Women’s Invitational, showcasing her talent and dedication. Her proudest moment was when her pony Lucy won Best Playing Pony at PTF. Later this year, Noa is scheduled to play in the Aiken Polo Club Women’s Challenge and the Atlanta Women’s Challenge, further demonstrating her commitment to the sport and the team’s potential for success.

Ultimately, Jared’s greatest reward is not the accolades Noa may achieve but the strong, compassionate, and determined individual she is becoming. His story is an enduring legacy, inspiring others to recognize and nurture the potential in those they love, regardless of their obstacles.

Jared’s aspirations extend far beyond creating a polo team as a competitive platform for his daughter. He envisions

a future where polo is a sport of equal opportunities, where gender is not a barrier but a strength. His efforts are not just about his daughter, but about sparking a broader movement, inspiring other parents, and young girls to take up polo, expanding the network of young female polo players, and advocating for more women’s tournaments and better support for female players at all levels of the sport. His vision is a beacon of hope for the future of polo.

As Noa and her teammates continue to ride towards new horizons, they do so knowing they are part of something bigger than themselves—a movement that champions equality, breaks down barriers, and paves the way for future generations of female polo players. AWPT is a testament to the power of commitment and the potential for change.

For more information about the Atlanta Women’s Polo Team, contact manager@ atlantawomenspolo.com

THE SUMMER DIET

INSPIRED BY ANCIENT GREEK OLYMPIANS

THROUGH THE AGES, HUMANS HAVE FUELED THEIR MOST PHYSICALLY DEMANDING EFFORTS WITH MEATY PROTEINS.

Ancient Greeks loaded up on red meat before Olympic contests, and medieval knights recovered from war with venison and pork. The tradition continues today, with world-record-setting weightlifters breakfasting on chicken thighs, eggs, and bacon.

But experts recommend that the modern, average person eat several other foods before and after tough workouts, even if the knights may have tossed them from their castle windows.

THE MISSING INGREDIENTS

During exercise, blood carries the nutrients we’ve consumed to our strained muscles, where they’re absorbed. “We are

what we eat,” says Keith Baar, a molecular exercise physiologist at the University of California, Davis. “And when we exercise, we’re more of what we just ate.” With proper nourishment, our muscles perform better, exercise feels easier, and we recover faster.

The ancients weren’t exactly wrong about protein. It’s critical in forming the building blocks of muscle tissues during exercise and afterward, when the fibers are beaten up and need repairs. But many athletes and weekend warriors focus too much on protein, says David Nieman, who leads research on exercise and nutrition at Appalachian State University’s Human Performance Lab. “Unfortunately, a lot of people still act like protein is everything,” he says.

Carbohydrates matter just as much, especially for cardio workouts. (And high-fiber carbs, in particular, tend to support long-term health compared to carbs with

fewer nutrients.) “We’ve known since the 1960s that the muscles want carbs,” Nieman says. After we eat carbs, they’re converted into something called glycogen, which is stored in muscles until it’s needed for energy. “The research is so strong, you’d be foolish not to use it,” Nieman adds.

But the best exercise fuel you’re not eating may be fruits, nuts, dark greens, and other plants. They’re full of essential nutrients like folate, magnesium, and vitamins A, D, and E, which can reduce stress and inflammation from exercise. Yet most Americans don’t get enough. “Over 90% of our recommendations for many people come down to eating more whole plant-based foods,” Nieman says. For light exercisers, “everything else is minor.”

For people who are just trying to meet the minimum exercise recommendations of 150 minutes per week, try to follow

the baseline, daily recommendations for vegetables, protein, and carbs. It doesn’t really matter whether you eat them before or after your workout, experts agree.

For more intensive exercise, though, you’ll want to adjust nutrition before and after—or your workout could involve more rigor than vigor.

BEFORE YOUR WORKOUT

POWER UP WITH NUTS AND BERRIES

You may be surprised to find a ream of sports nutrition research pointing to a humble bowl of blueberries and almonds. Many ancient warriors overlooked these foods, but they offer an unusually high variety of polyphenols, compounds found in plant-based foods that reduce inflammation from prolonged workouts. Blueberries, especially wild ones that you can find frozen, have this effect in competitive cyclists and untrained athletes alike. Their polyphenols are antioxidants, meaning they counter harmful molecules caused by inflammation during exercise—like firefighters putting out flames. This speeds up the recovery process. Jenna Stangland, team dietitian for the

Minnesota Timberwolves, infuses the NBA players’ diets with polyphenols, she says; the Timberwolves’ second-best regular season in franchise history was powered by blueberry vinaigrettes, added recently to the team’s salad station. (Stangland is also an advisor to Momentous, a supplement company.)

Nieman also has found that snacking on about 40 almonds per day for four weeks before heavy exercise contributed to less muscle damage. In a study this year, people who ate almonds for two weeks weren’t as sore after running 30 minutes downhill. Because almonds are high in calories, stay very active when upping your intake.

Decades of research support the general health benefits of polyphenols, but their role in exercise is a recent discovery. “They’re the future of sports nutrition,” Nieman says.

EAT A SLICE OF SOURDOUGH TWO HOURS BEFORE

For tough exercise, increase your intake of carbs above the minimum guidelines. Swimmer Michael Phelps set a world record after having three slices of sugar-covered French toast (plus a

five-egg omelet). However, Phelps isn’t your average human. Healthier sources of carbs are chickpeas, lentils, and sourdough bread. They take longer to digest, providing a slow, steady release of energy to fuel exercise later in the day. Aim to have these types of carbs about two hours before working out, says Elaine Lee, a kinesiologist who directs the University of Connecticut’s Human Performance Laboratory.

EAT A BANANA IMMEDIATELY BEFORE

Carbs with more sugar and less fiber, such as bananas, get broken down faster. If you time them just before or during your sweat session, the body can use them right away. (Bananas, a high-carb, polyphenol-rich fruit, promote recovery as well as sports drinks according to Nieman’s research.)

Stangland likes honey for her players because it contains the right mix of simple sugars for energy. “I give out honey sticks right before tipoff and at halftime,” she says. Eating these foods too early, by contrast, “can cause blood sugar to crash before exercise,” Baar says. “Then your performance will be very poor.”

SATE YOUR HUNGER WITH EGGS

You may benefit from combining pre-workout carbs with protein, such as eggs or Greek yogurt. Because protein is more filling than other foods, it overcomes a big obstacle to exercise: hunger. “You’ll feel sated for longer, which can play a role in how you perform,” Baar says.

Vegetarians, worry not; recreational athletes do just as well with plant-based protein compared to meat. Lentils pack ample amounts. “We have some players who prefer plant protein,” says Stangland. Brown rice and pea protein powder is the perfect mix for them, since these two plant powders combined provide all of the amino acids that support exercise.

CONSIDER COFFEE AND COLLAGEN AN HOUR BEFORE EXERCISE

Research supports only a few pre-workout supplements, found in food, as safe and effective for athletic performance. One is caffeine. Fewer studies point to a protein called collagen for reducing joint pain; mixing it with orange juice, an hour

before exercise, may increase absorption. (Stangland makes a pre-game “watermelon collagen shot” for her players, especially the ones who are more prone to tendon injuries.) Amy Bream, an adaptive CrossFit athlete from Nashville, says collagen has helped her back pain. “It’s in my coffee every morning,” she says.

AFTER YOUR WORKOUT

REFUEL WITH SWEET POTATOES 1 TO 4 HOURS AFTER

Post-exercise, it’s key to start replacing the fuel that was exhausted—especially the glycogen—to prepare for future workouts. Lee, who coached and rowed at the NCAA division 1 level, recommends combining high-fiber carbs, protein, dark greens, and hydration within 1 to 4 hours after exercise, saying, “That’s when your tissues are most metabolically active.” Sweet potatoes are ideal as the carb portion, offering plenty of fiber and nutrients such as polyphenols and electrolytes, good for rehydration. Stangland serves the Timberwolves sweet potatoes at least twice per day. “It’s great for them, and they like them—a win-win,” says Stangland.

IF YOU’RE OLDER, HAVE PROTEIN IMMEDIATELY AFTER

Protein can be enjoyed when convenient throughout the day. Scientists used to think you had to eat it right after the gym to gain muscle, but recent studies find that the timing makes little or no difference in healthy younger people. Seniors benefit more from protein immediately following exercise, Baar says, because their bodies target it better to the muscles at this time. Another strategy that helps with protein absorption: chewing food thoroughly and opting for ground meats instead of steaks, Baar says.

DON’T OVERDO IT WITH THE VITAMINS

It’s possible to get too many antioxidants, including vitamins. If consumed post-workout, they could block the benefits of exercise. Studies show that athletes supplementing with excess vitamins C and E have more inflammation and molecular stress during their recoveries. But that’s no reason to skip your veggies. It’s next-to-impossible to reach this threshold from food alone, experts say. Many studies do support taking a post-workout supplement called creatine, based on a

natural compound in muscle cells. Taken daily, it boosts recovery and performance in weightlifting and high-intensity interval training.

EXPERIMENT WITH RECOVERY SHAKES AND OTHER COMBINATIONS

“We don’t yet have a magic shake” for exercise recovery, Lee says. “Everyone has a different tolerance for what they can eat and how much.”

But you can test one dietary change at a time to see how it affects your performance and recovery. Maybe try having a post-workout, polyphenol-rich bowl of almonds, blueberries, and greens—an AB&G instead of a PB&J—each day to see if it improves your exercise over two weeks. If you measure your heart rate during and after exercise, keep track of the answers to questions like: can you push your heart rate higher than before the change? Or achieve the same workout at a lower heart rate? Afterward, does

your heart rate return to normal faster than usual?

Stangland makes a different recovery shake for every player on the team, with extra carbs for Edwards’s all-out performances, for instance. Like all of nutrition science, ultimately “it’s a customization,” Lee says. “You have to find what works for you.”

6 THINGS TO AVOID BRINGING A HOST(ESS)

IT ALL COMES DOWN TO KNOWING YOUR HOST OR HOSTESS WELL

THE SUMMER IS UPON US, WHICH MEANS OUR CALENDARS ARE QUICKLY FILLING UP WITH FESTIVITIES TO CELEBRATE THE SEASON. WHILE YOUR FIRST THOUGHT MAY BE TO RESEARCH DELICIOUS RECIPES TO WHIP UP A DISH FOR THE OCCASION, WE URGE YOU TO ALSO THINK ABOUT THE HOSTS OF THE PARTIES YOU’RE ATTENDING.

Although any token of appreciation is sure to be acknowledged, not all host gifts will be met with enthusiasm. That’s why we chatted with two etiquette experts about things to never buy a host— and what to purchase instead.

FLOWERS THAT AREN’T IN A VASE

While buying a bouquet for your host is a lovely gesture, if the blooms are not trimmed and in a vase, it actually gives them more work than reward. “You don’t want to put the host in the position of having to search for a vase as they are

greeting guests or preparing food for the party,” says certified etiquette trainer Suzy Lins (AKA The Manners Maven).

With this in mind, she says that if flowers are your gift of choice, just make sure to bring them in some sort of container. If you’re in a pinch, running to your local T.J. Maxx or HomeGoods will do the trick, as both retailers stock a bounty of pretty and inexpensive vases. If, however, you’ve planned your gift ahead and want to go all out with a vase they’ll treasure forever, investing in a piece of chic pottery is a lovely gesture and will instantly elevate grocery store flowers.

HOME DÉCOR OR ARTWORK

Although we love the idea of giving your host something they can use to decorate their home, it really boils down to how well you know them. After all, as Lins points out, home décor and art preferences are very subjective. “Everyone’s style is unique, and you don’t want to put the host in an uncomfortable position of pretending to like something you picked out for their home,” she says.

If you know certain things about your host—for example, that they collect MacKenzie-Childs’ Courtly Check pieces—it would be a thoughtful gesture to bring them something from that line. Or, if you know they love candles, bring them a luxe one as a host gift.

On the topic of candles, Nick Leighton, Emmy Award-winning journalist and co-host of etiquette podcast Were You Raised by Wolves, says they’re actually the most universally enjoyed host gift. “The best gifts are the ones that are thoughtful and the ones that signal that you’ve been paying attention to your host’s likes, needs, and desires,” he says. “But when in doubt, a nice candle is generally your best neutral option with the widest appeal.”

FOOD THAT YOU EXPECT TO BE SERVED

Unless the party you’re going to is a potluck, Lins says not to bring food items that you expect to be served right then and there. “They most likely already have the menu set,” she says. “Plus, a gift

should be something for them, not everyone at the party.”

Leighton tacks onto this noting that “When it comes to host gifts, it’s important to remember that it’s indeed a gift for the recipient to do with as they please and there shouldn’t be any expectation that your gift will be used or served at the event you’ve been invited to. (This is why perishable food items like desserts are always tricky if your host didn’t request them.)”

Since there are so many wonderful food gift ideas, though, Lins says that if you do bring a food item, just let them know that it’s for them to enjoy at their leisure. “Most people rarely buy gourmet chocolates for themselves, so a gift of chocolates is a nice treat for the host to enjoy

after the party,” she says. (We recommend the Compartés 10- or 20-Piece Signature Truffle Gift Box Sets, $35-$55.) If they drink alcohol, she adds that a bottle of their favorite wine or spirit is a nice gift, as well. And if they don’t drink alcohol but love a special beverage, opting for a non-alcoholic wine, like French Bloom Le Rosé ($40), is sure to please.

On the other hand, there’s always the option to skip perishables and instead give them a gift that they can use with one of their favorite beverages or cuisines. For example, if you know your host loves coffee or tea, a decorative mug (like the cult-favorite Festive Bistro Tile Monogram Mug, $14, from Anthropologie) filled with artisan cocoa, coffee, or teas is a sweet idea. If they love wine, surprising them with a set of Estelle Colored Glass Wine Glasses ($85) is bound to make them beam.

ANYTHING THAT SEEMS LAST-MINUTE

This may seem obvious but it happens so often. “Something clearly from the gas station [or grocery store] on the way is

to be avoided,” Leighton says. “Rare is the gas station that has a great selection of thoughtful gifts, although if you know your host really loves lottery scratchers, you might have found a loophole.”

Another loophole? Knowing how to package something well. Even if you buy something last-minute, if it’s presented in a nice gift bag with tissue paper artfully displayed, it will look more intentional. Still, it’s best to avoid any cheap host gifts. Instead, consider spending at least $20. While there’s no set host gift monetary value, gifts in the $30 to $75 range tend to be most popular.

A GIFT CARD

A gift card might seem like a thoughtful idea since it gives the host the option to buy what they actually want, however, Lins says that it often translates as last-minute or simply gauche.

“Giving a host a gift card as a gift can have the appearance that you are paying for your meal,” she says, noting to save the gift card for birthdays or holidays if you really want to gift one.

ANYTHING THAT ISN’T A GOOD FIT FOR THE HOST

The most important thing to consider when buying a host gift is the host themself. “Do they not drink? Then bringing a bottle of wine isn’t a great choice,” Leighton says. “Are they vegan? Then a beeswax candle isn’t ideal.”

Essentially, you don’t want to buy your host a gift that they won’t get any pleasure out of—or worse, one that could unintentionally offend them. For example, while a Porter Road delivery might seem like the ultimate high-end food gift, for a vegetarian, it would come off as insensitive. (That said, if your host loves delectable steak cuts and impressive BBQ, the brand has much to offer!) Similarly, if your host is dairy-free, a Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream Pint Club Subscription (decadent as it may be) probably won’t be well-received.

All this to say, when searching for the perfect gift for your host, think about them first and foremost. From there, set your spending limit and shop accordingly.

DR. MICHAEL SNELL / LUXURY & AUTOMOBILE CONTRIBUTOR

CAVALLINO CLASSIC MODENA

MICHAEL SNELL

LUXURY & AUTOMOBILE CONTRIBUTOR

@AGNELLO_1

MODENA, ITALY THIS INTERNATIONAL CONCORSO D’ELEGANZA ANNUALLY CELEBRATES THE LEGACY OF ENZO FERRARI IN THE VERY CITY WHERE HIS LEGENDARY JOURNEY BEGAN.

The boutique event has truly become a magnet for collectors and enthusiasts

worldwide, drawn by the rich historical and cultural significance of classic cars. A true and sublime tribute to automotive excellence and culinary artistry, as well as a celebration of the legacy of Enzo Ferrari.

Set in the middle of May, the fourth edition of the exclusive Concorso reaffirmed its status with an impeccable showcase selection of 30 curated cars at a venue like no other. Modena is a cultural time capsule that transports its visitors into historical exclusivity, but this event wowed attendees with the gastronomic delights of Massimo Bottura at Casa Maria Luigia.

The warm hospitality at the picturesque backdrop was compliments of Massimo and Lara Bottura. This year’s event seamlessly integrated many remarkable elements including the timeless elegance of Riva boats, the sound of Bang & Olufsen, and the celebrated wine of Ferrari Trento, the official toast of Formula 1®.

Esteemed guests included the presence of Ing. Piero Ferrari, along with his daughter Antonella and grandchildren Enzo and Piero. Additional honored guests included Sebastian Vettel, Jean Arnault and Zita D’Hauteville, among others. Luigi Orlandini, Chairman and CEO

CAVALLINO CLASSIC MODENA

of Cavallino, highlighted the enduring mission since its inception in 1978, which has been to preserve and promote the rich history and passion of Enzo Ferrari and the masterpieces that have originated from Maranello.

“The greatest of automobiles, the finest of people, and the most beautiful of settings —The Cavallino Classic! Ours is a great responsibility,” Orlandini said. “Through our mission, the Concorso d’Eleganza, which originated in Palm Beach and now

spans three continents, is set to uphold stringent and objective standards in car evaluation. Our team strives to make each event increasingly unique, enjoyable, international, and accessible to all generations.” Renowned judges, many from the United States, meticulously assess the vehicles, determining the distinguished winners.

The 2024 accolades were bestowed upon the 1971 365 GTB4 (chassis #14405) for Best of Show Gran Turismo, the 1954

Ferrari 250 Monza (chassis #0466) for Best of Show Competizione, and the 1997 Ferrari F50 (chassis #107125) for Best of Show Ferrari Classiche Certified. The activities also featured captivating experiences including a parade in the center of Modena, a visit to Enzo Ferrari’s birthplace, and a journey along test drivers’ routes to Maranello. The grand finale at Casa Canossa featured a Michelin-starred lunch poolside, which was the idyllic conclusion to the celebration.

CAVALLINO CLASSIC MODENA

THE #1 THING TO NEVER SAY DURING A TOAST

ETIQUETTE EXPERTS WEIGH IN ON THE THREE ELEMENTS EVERY TOAST SHOULD INCLUDE WHEN IT'S YOUR TURN TO RAISE YOUR GLASS

HAVE YOU EVER FELT LOST FOR WORDS WHEN TASKED WITH PREPARING A TOAST FOR A WEDDING OR GUEST OF HONOR AT A PARTY? OR WORSE, HAVE YOU BEEN AT A PARTY OR EVENT AND FOUND YOURSELF WONDERING WHETHER YOU’RE EXPECTED TO GIVE A TOAST AND YOU HAVE NOTHING PREPARED? YOU’RE NOT ALONE:

We’ve all suffered through trying to say something meaningful, not clichéd, and we’ve also endured the discomfort that comes from wondering whether we should say something at all.

When it comes to event etiquette, there is almost no worse feeling than not being prepared for public speaking—or not knowing what’s expected. To ensure you never feel caught off guard or stuck not knowing the right thing to say again,

we tapped etiquette expert and author Elaine Swann, author and gallerist Emily Eerdmans, and historian Michael DiazGriffith to answer our top questions about giving toasts.

The best part: Their advice on giving a great toast is rooted in their goal of making etiquette approachable and un-intimidating for all, so putting these tips into action is sure to feel natural.

“Today, etiquette is less about how you use your knife and fork and more about how you can show up at your very best and treat people with love and kindness and compassion,” says Swann. “If we’re doing that, then we’re practicing great etiquette.”

Here, the need-to-know secrets to giving a memorable toast at any event, plus advice on how to behave when the toasts given are in your honor.

When should I be prepared to give a toast?

Elaine Swann: The best way to know whether to prepare a toast is when you’ve been asked by the host of the event.

Some obvious instances are at a wedding or a holiday gathering among family. At those types of occasions, it’s a good idea for the host to give a toast or designate a person to give a toast if they want that to be part of the occasion. But with family, it’s a good idea to be prepared to speak casually even if you have not been asked. I think this holiday season we will see even more people coming back together and we should be prepared for a toast that goes around the room.

We also see toasts given when someone is being honored for some sort of accomplishment. The best way to determine whether you might give a toast even when you have not been asked is if the person being honored is very close to you or if you have inside information that can help illuminate the occasion or how they have been able to achieve this recognition.

When should I absolutely not chime in on the toasting?

ES: Do not give a toast if you are inebriated. Do not give a toast if you do not

know the person of honor well. Do not give a toast if you are attending the event as someone’s ‘plus one.’

When giving a toast, what should I do and say?

ES: I have a very specific approach. The first thing you should always do is stand. You do not have to tap your glass. Hold your glass or cup or mug in your hand—it does not matter which hand. If you do not know everyone in the room, introduce yourself with your first and last names and state how you know the person of honor.

From there it’s natural: Make a simple and short positive statement about the individual or the occasion. When you’re finished, raise your glass, and say a salutation like ‘cheers’ or ‘here’s to so-andso’—whatever works for you.

Michael Diaz-Griffith: For experienced toast-makers, it is sufficient to gather your thoughts at the table before giving your toast, but no matter your level of ex-

perience, you should be certain you know the aim of your toast before clinking your glass. For more formal or profound settings, such as award dinners or wedding receptions, you should feel free to use notes, but do yourself a favor and follow one of two formats: Either give yourself bullet points and extemporize from those throughout or write your toast verbatim, in your normal speaking voice, and read it exactly as written (or better, memorize it).

Do not attempt to mix methods; that can lead to awkward pauses that increase your nerves. (And even a smooth transition from one register to another is unwelcome when making brief remarks.)

When giving a toast, what should I never do or say?

ES: First, you should never give a toast from a seated position. As far as what to avoid saying, don’t bring up the negatives or make fun of the honoree’s downfalls. It’s alright to be humorous but not at the expense of the person you are toasting.

Most importantly: Don’t make it about yourself! Keep it focused on the person being honored or the occasion itself.

Emily Eerdmans: A toast is not about you: it›s about sharing appreciation or gratitude to someone or something else. I emphasize this because that is where most toasts go wrong—someone goes on about themselves which frankly gets boring after 30 seconds or so.

How long should my toast be?

ES: Be mindful about the amount of time – keep it minimal as it does not take much to make a positive impact on the occasion. A good toast is anywhere from 60-90 seconds. Think of it as an extended elevator pitch.

EE: Remember, brevity is the soul of wit. Two or three minutes may not sound very long, but it is longer than you think.

And when should I plan to give my toast?

ES: For formal events, the moment will be established. At less formal events,

especially at home, I suggest one of two moments: before the meal itself, and you can say something like, ‘Before we begin, I would like to acknowledge…” or during a transition, after dinner and before dessert or between dinner and drinks in another room. If you’re at a restaurant, you could aim for that lull between when orders are placed and when you are served to set the tone for the occasion.

MDG: When the timing of a toast is not set, I give it at (1) the end of the beginning or (2) the beginning of the end of a dinner or cocktail party. It is important

to read the room to ensure you’ve picked an appropriate moment. Are you drawing from the energy that has built up in the room? Are you making remarks as a way of injecting energy into the gathering? Are you setting up an event or concluding it? All are valid, but it is important to know your goal and assess the room accordingly.

How should I behave when the toasts are in my honor?

ES: The honoree should not be prepared to give a toast. Number one, when people

are raising a glass, we do not raise a glass to ourselves. The person honored should sit there, make eye contact, and keep their hands to themselves. Nod, smile, say thank you.

You should also not clap for yourself. We do these things because we feel awkward. It can be awkward to have all that attention. Keep hands clasped together leave in your lap and enjoy the moment. And remain seated. Instead, maintain eye contact with the person speaking and give yourself permission to be honored.

WHY WE ACTUALLY HATE PEOPLE-PLEASERS

Never saying "No" comes with a steep price

IT MIGHT MAKE YOU POPULAR, BUT IF YOU TEND TO PUT OTHER PEOPLE’S NEEDS AHEAD OF YOUR OWN IT COULD HAVE SERIOUS MENTAL AND EVEN PHYSICAL CONSEQUENCES. YOU NEED TO STOP BEING SO NICE ALL THE TIME.

There’s something seductively addictive about being a kind, generous, thoughtful human. A good friend to all, a reliable shoulder to cry on, the ultimate trooper.

What could be wrong with that? Well, in fact, these traits could be detrimental to your physical and mental health.

Because when compassion tips into you being a “people-pleaser”, the impact can become dangerous, even life-threatening.

WHY (TOO MUCH) PEOPLE-PLEASING MAY BE BAD FOR YOUR HEALTH

Stress is coming at people-pleasers from all angles. There is the tendency to live on perpetual high alert and be acutely sensitive to the feelings of others, while not vocalizing your own needs and opinions.

Hence you become entangled in a state of false existence. Some experts call it ‘masking’ – when a person camouflages their authentic self.

But living in this suppressed emotional state can lead to long term health issues like depression, anxiety, exhaustion,

poor sleep, burnout – and even heart issues, high blood pressure and cancer.

We all deserve esteem. But people pleasers undermine themselves, absorbing blame and guilt, and endorsing the sense that they are less important than the rest.

It’s not unusual either for people pleasers to find other ways to cope, like slipping into addictions or taking medication to support their stifled feelings.

Tanya Bardsley, 42, is a mother of four and a businesswoman. As a child, after being badly bullied at school and feeling cripplingly isolated, she adopted chronic people-pleasing behavior.

“I just wanted to be liked, and this transferred into my adult life. I’d never say no to people or opportunities, and constantly found myself in situations where I felt deeply anxious.

Every time I was there for someone else, I was chipping away at my own selfworth. Work piled up (Tanya appears in Housewives of Cheshire), I was running my businesses, going out all the time, being a mum and drinking too much booze to calm me down.

“I was in a terrible state. I looked haggard, I was wracked with anxiety and my heart was racing to the point where I thought I might have a heart attack –but still I kept trying to please everyone else. There were times when I felt so unhappy, I considered taking my own life.

“Then when I was 39, I had a seizure and collapsed. In retrospect it was the best thing that happened to me. I knew I had to change, so I saw a psychiatrist.

“I am now so much happier. I’ve cut back on my workload. I eat healthily and I don’t drink but, mostly, I have put in strong boundaries for myself. If I can’t do certain things or show up for people, I simply don’t.

“I wouldn’t say it’s always easy but I know that the alternative is a dark place. I firmly believe that if I hadn’t turned my life around, I wouldn’t be here.”

IS IT ALL TO DO WITH PAST EXPERIENCES?

The experts agree that people pleasing tends to be a response to what has previously happened to you, and is adopted as a coping mechanism.

It could be a learned reaction: maybe your mother was a people-pleaser; or you found yourself in a situation where you had to go along with the norm to fit in.

Rejection is a factor: perhaps a parent put you down continuously, or a lover made you feel worthless, or school kids waited behind the bike sheds after the last bell to bully you.

Anger could be a thread in your story: if you grew up in a volatile household you may be more prone to avoiding conflict, or if a depressed sibling regularly had meltdowns, it’s possible you quickly learned to keep schtum.

Tiffany McLean, 48 is a personal and professional coach and admits she has been a people pleaser since infancy. As the youngest of three children, she always felt on the sidelines.

“I once heard my dad jokingly say to a

friend that I was a mistake,” she remembers, “My parents already had a boy and a girl, and I felt like an extra. I adopted the role of being the pleaser because I wanted everyone to accept me. I never caused any bother, in fact I wanted to fade into the background.

“This transferred into my adult life. I was always the follower, not the leader. In every relationship I was constantly complying; getting caught up in things I didn’t want to do. At work I took on more than I had the capacity for. I’d stay late, never say no to whatever was thrown at me and even though I knew I deserved it, I never asked for a pay rise.

“A typical trait for people pleasers is resentment and at that time I had bucket loads because I felt so put upon.

“In my 40s I was at burnout and very unhappy. Then a colleague introduced me to a book called Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown. I renamed it ‘The Art of Saying No’. It was a gamechanger for me. I read it from cover to cover and it made me evaluate what was most important to me and if I was spending my time on the right things.

“I realized I’d spent decades looking after everyone else and facilitating the belief, ‘Oh Tiff is exhausted but never mind, she’s still breathing so let’s ask her to do more’. For the first time in my life, I started prioritizing me!”

IS PEOPLE-PLEASING A ‘GENUINE’ DISORDER?

The DSM lists Dependant Personality Disorder in a “cluster” of conditions along with Avoidant Personality Disorder and OCD. The traits listed are characteristic of people-pleasers: sensitivity to criticism, reliance on the approval of others, passive behavior, an aversion to decision-making.

But, while people-pleasing can be embedded in someone’s psyche, it is recognized more as an informal label used to describe a spectrum of behavior.

Most psychologists are more interested in the “why” behind its origins. Lara Waycot is a BACP-registered integrative therapist who says, “Some of my clients recognize this in themselves, and they are the ones who are open to doing something about it. Other clients, who have been acting in this way since they were little, don’t know any different.

“If you have been trying to satisfy others for most of your life, you won’t have a strong sense of yourself. It can be devastating to realize at a mature age that you don’t know who you are, or what you want.

“For those caught up in this mind set, there is a higher chance of being involved in destructive relationships or manipulated by others.”

HOW TO BREAK FREE

A people-pleaser is a highly tuned self-critic. But it’s important to remember, this belief originates from a difficult place and has been influenced by

It’s only when you believe in your own value that the confidence to instill boundaries and stand tall can happen. So, the best starting point is to recognize what happened to you, why it happened and the fact you adopted this persona to help you cope with life. In short, it is not your fault.

The self-worth that has been lacking for so long must gradually be rebuilt, and while validation previously would have come from external sources; now it needs to be sought internally.

It’s only when you believe in your own value that the confidence to instill boundaries and stand tall can happen. Often people pleasers think that if they are not pleasing then they are being selfish.

Writer and feminist Corinne Maier recently stirred the hornet’s nest when she encouraged women to be more selfish and “minimize the time you devote to others.” Social media flies the flag for young women to put themselves bang up front, but what are the consequences for

elbowing the rest out of the way?

Simone Bose says, “Being selfish is a difficult concept. But perhaps we need to reframe that word. Selfishness can be a good thing if you are working out what you personally need to be fulfilled.

But equally, for some of us, being considerate and helpful is a top priority.

“It comes down to balance – intense selfishness or excessive people pleasing both take us into extreme territory and that usually doesn’t work out well.

“As a therapist, I always encourage my clients to have a go at making changes slowly. Practice being more assured and saying no when you are pulled into doing things.

“It will feel scary at first, but it’s important to sit with that discomfort and not push it away. If change is a gentle process, I find that people can tolerate the micro pain; they get through it and then they are ready to go again.

“But however hard it might feel, if you really want to evolve, you must face the discomfort and understand how best to manage it.”

Waycot says it’s often the reaction of others which complicates matters, “They are so used to having you on hand, it might be difficult for them to accept the new you.

But being assertive about what you want doesn’t mean being aggressive. For example, you might say that you’d rather not go to that party and explain the reasons why (too tired, you won’t know anyone) but you’d love to meet up for dinner next week – and then you suggest the restaurant.”

The final word comes from Tiffany McLean. “All those years I craved affirmation, then when I learned to value myself, my self-respect grew. Interestingly, the more confident I became, the more respect and recognition I got from others too.”

GOLDA ROSHEUVEL

celebrates the cultural impact of Queen Charlotte in "Bridgerton"

DEAREST READERS, “BRIDGERTON” SEASON 3 IS NOW STREAMING ON NETFLIX, AND ACTRESS GOLD ROSHEUVEL (QUEEN CHARLOTTE) IS OPENING UP ABOUT THE STORY BEHIND THE SCENES.

Amidst the storyline and unique musical ensembles, fans have been enamored with the cast’s glamorous 19th-century looks, which Rosheuvel says helps her get into character.

“The feeling is she has arrived — and I say that when I look in the mirror and kind of go, ‘Yep, she’s arrived,’” the actress said revealing how long it takes to dress in Queen Charlotte’s ensembles. “I suppose, in that regal way, it’s a real ceremony of getting ready, and the jewelry is the last cherry on the cake of presenting this character to the cameras on the day of filming. So it really is a kind of ceremonial ritual in a way, and I think that really lends itself to that regal queen-like, throne-like, monarchy scenario that she’s in.”

Though Rosheuvel spends two and a half hours getting into Her Majesty’s accouterments, she appreciates the attention to detail by the hair and costume departments for each look. One of the most striking things about the show is its diversity. From the classical renditions of pop culture songs to the diverse cast and crew, Rosheuvel expressed a deep appreciation for the show’s inclusive and attentive nature.

“[Shonda Rhimes is] very passionate, as we all are, of telling stories that people can relate to, stories that represent the world that we are living in,” Rosheuvel explained. “People need to relate to characters, and I think Shonda has the Midas touch for that kind of stuff. … She’s a genius in that way, of really allowing the audiences in and allowing the characters out. I think that’s the reason why this show works.”

“It was very important for [the hair designer] to deal with different Black textures to really celebrate my Blackness through the wigs of Queen Charlotte,” she said, revealing that her first meeting with the hair designer made her cry. “Nobody had ever had those conversations with me as an artist, a Black artist.”

Beyond her regal appearance, Rosheuvel’s character has become such a fan favorite that Netflix released “Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story” last year, between seasons 2 and 3. The spin-off served as a prequel that gave viewers an in-depth look into Queen Charlotte’s early beginnings. Exploring topics of race, love and mental health, Queen Charlotte’s story holds a deeper meaning for the actress.

“As a biracial artist, there’s this really unique blend of both my parents actually. Obviously with the color of my skin, you get to see my father, obviously with the history of Queen Charlotte being a biracial woman, you get to see that history, but the kind of inner core of her is my mom,” she said. “So I’m at this really beautiful point in my career where I can celebrate both of my parents in a really unique way.”

Just as the character’s regal British etiquette and sense of humor reminds the actress of her mother, Rosheuvel explained how Queen Charlotte is an ode to Hollywood’s Black queens like Angela Bassett.

“All of these iconic Black women that we see now that are up front and center in these stories for Black women,” she said. “I think all of them are incorporated in Queen Charlotte somehow.”

RAFAEL NADAL

AN ENDURING LEGACY OF GRIT, DETERMINATION AND HUMILITY

THERE WILL BE NO MAGICAL RUN, NO AGE- AND INJURY-DEFYING PUSH INTO THE DEEP END OF THE COMPETITION; INSTEAD THEIR WILL BE AN ENDURING LEGACY OF HUMANITY, KINDNESS AND HUMILITY THAT ACCOMPANIED THE WORLD'S MOST-FAMOUS SPANISH TENNIS PLAYER THROUGHOUT HIS ILLUSTRIOUS CAREER.

Rafael Nadal, who ruled the red clay of Roland Garros as no one ever imagined someone could, exited the French Open for what is likely his final time early Monday evening, May 27, showered with an outpouring of love

RAFAEL NADAL

SAID AN EMOTIONAL "MERCI BEAUCOUP" TO ROLAND-GARROS

and admiration he earned during a nearly two-decade reign, over a tournament that became as much a part of his identity as anything in sport has for any athlete.

The end officially arrived at 6:28 p.m., with a final miss off the Spaniard’s racket, forced by Alexander Zverev, who prevailed 6-3, 7-6, 6-3.

In reality, it was over far earlier than that, during the first shots of the match when it became clear that, despite all the talk of magic and possibility, this version of Nadal, though still capable of flashes of his old self, was something far different than the one who won 112 of 115 matches and 14 championships here.

An emotional Nadal addressed the capacity crowd at Stade Roland Garros, his voice brimming with the mixed emotions of achievement, disappointment, acceptance and gratitude.

“I’m happy that I finished healthy, and I was ready for more,” said Nadal, not long after the match. He battled injury after injury the past two years. He has endured hip surgery, tears and strains to muscles in his hip and abdomen.

“I wake up one day and feel like a snake bit me, the next day a tiger,” he said. Nadal, who started playing tennis at age 4, became of the King of Clay and ruled the Roland-Garros tournament for years. That larger-than-life title and incredible legacy coupled with his storied humility and determination have fueled his popularity among tennis fans for years.

RAFAEL NADAL'S

VERY PUBLIC MOMENT OF SELF-REALIZATION IS A LESSON IN HUMANITY, HUMILITY AND GRATITUDE

Nadal, the champion, became very much Nadal, the human, last Monday afternoon at Roland-Garros. But the once-untouchable tennis star's very public moment of self-realization - injuries, aging, pain and loss - didn't end in defeat, personal or professional.

Rather it was the culmination of his preparation to play the French Open one last time. He never gave up hope that all the work he was putting in might somehow allow him to get his body in shape to play at the tournament that means more to him than any other. And he did that.

“If it’s the last time I play here, then I am at peace with myself,” he said. “I tried everything for two years to be ready for this. I lost, but that is part of the business.”

More than 15,000 fans packed into every nook of Court Philippe-Chatrier. Novak Djokovic was there. So was Iga Swiatek. Carlos Alcaraz came to watch as well.

A clump of two-dozen that is used to getting choice seats clogged the entryway to the president’s box. In the upper reaches of the stadium, fans crouched on stairways. In the fancy areas, the luxury suites and club rooms, the bartenders had little to do, their customers too focused on the thing everyone wanted from this day — the last glimpses of Nadal bull-whipping his forehands, short-hopping volleys off the dirt, and skipping his way into those roof-raising windmill fist-pumps in the court where he has had more occasion to do them than anywhere else.

For more than an hour, there wasn’t

much of any of that, then suddenly there was plenty, a glorious burst of vintage Nadal running around his backhand to blast a forehand and push Zverev deep, perfectly set up for the soft drop shot into the open court. There was an ace down the throat of Chatrier. And here he was, serving at 5-4 to draw even at a set apiece, ready to send the message that he was prepared to “die on the court,” as he always put it.

Prior to the match, Nadal had spoken about his biggest concern facing Zverev — the world No.

4 and the most fit and in-form player at the top of the sport — in the first round. He’d been playing well in practice, moving with a freedom he hadn’t felt in

months, and feeling in moments like he had the level of the best players in the world.

Practice sets, though, are one thing. Making the right decisions and executing the shots under the pressure of a Grand Slam with the eyes of the world watching, knowing the consequences of the slightest misses — that’s something that only comes with the kinds of matches Nadal has not played in nearly two years.

Ultimately, that is what doomed him on a chilly and dreary afternoon and evening under the roof on Chatrier. In the moments when he’d nearly always found his best tennis and made the right decisions and the most courageous of shots — when he served to draw even, then battled into a do-or-die tiebreaker — they weren’t there.

He hit serves that became easy chances for Zverev to go on the defensive, and groundstrokes into the middle of the court that Zverev pounded for winners.

The big German needed just four points to square up the set at 5-5, then rode his killer serve and jumped on two ill-advised drop shots from Nadal to take a two-set lead and turn the end into a matter of time and details.

“For me it was difficult to show a much better level than today,” said Nadal. “But that’s something that is 100 per cent normal when you are not playing tournaments in a row, when you are not playing these kind of matches since almost two years, it’s normal that your level is not like this, because in the end you need to practice this, and the only way to practice this is competing.”

When Zverev rocketed a backhand service return past a charging Nadal to get the crucial break of serve in the third set, a stadium that had throbbed only minutes before as the Spaniard fought to extend his French Open life just a little longer, fell nearly silent. Respect for the champion; love for the human.

It was end of something, not a life, but something that felt like a vital part of so many people’s lives for so long, was coming.

Then, the match was over, but the man - the human - will long live on. His humanity and humility converged as he struggled to find the right words to address the press and fans.

“Bonjour a tous... The feelings that you made me feel here are unforgettable,” he said to the adoring crowd. “Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. Merci beaucoup.”

After a long ovation, and more chants of “Rafa…Rafa…”, he gathered his bags and slung one over each shoulder and started for the tunnel, pausing near the baseline for a wave in each direction before moving on.

If all goes as planned Nadal will be back at Roland Garros before too long, to play the Olympic tournament in July.

THE BIGGEST HOTEL

PRICE TAGS OF 2023 INCLUDE TWO ALL-INCLUSIVE STAYS — A WELLNESS RETREAT IN MEXICO AND A SAFARI LODGE IN KENYA — AS WELL AS A PRIVATE ISLAND GETAWAY IN AUSTRALIA, A HAWAIIAN RESORT THAT USED TO BE A FAVORITE OF STEVE JOBS, AND A 13TH-CENTURY CONVENT TURNED LUXE AMALFI COAST HOTEL. HERE, THE BEST NEW STAYS STARTING AT $1,300 A NIGHT OR MORE.

ANANTARA CONVENTO DI AMALFI GRAND HOTEL, ITALY

Housed in a 13th-century Capuchin convent, Anantara Convento di Amalfi’s church has been meticulously main-

tained, as have its Arab-Norman cloisters, where a Franciscan friar leads walking meditations and luxury wedding ceremonies between the cliffs and the sea. Inside, convent benches still line simple, dimly lit halls, inspiring quiet moments of contemplation, though the bougainvillea-draped exterior corridors are just as appealing. Convento is built high into a cliff overlooking one of the most beautiful sections of the Amalfi Coast, serving a sparkling blue view that’s best enjoyed by day from the infinity pool or a table at La Locanda della Canonica, where pizza by legendary Neapolitan pizzaiolo Gino Sorbillo is plated on colorful ceramics. By night, yachts light the dark waters below, adding to the romance of fine-dining restaurant Dei Cappuccini, where chef Claudio Lanuto creates tasting menus using fresh seafood and vegetables from the on-site monks’ garden. The sea is also on display from the outdoor gym and each of the 52 beige-and-white rooms and suites — where reflections of the sapphire

Mediterranean offer the only pop of color, save for bowls of bright yellow Amalfi lemons. The only exception is the Suite del Priore (formerly home to the convent prior), with a ceiling covered in preserved frescoes above the four-poster bed. The serene neutral color palette extends to the spa, which includes a hammam and uses Valmont skin care products. Amalfi’s town center is a short walk away, and the hotel arranges some of the area’s most breathtaking excursions, from private sunset cruises and scenic hikes to helicopter tours. From $1,401/night.

ANGAMA AMBOSELI KIMANA, KENYA

In the south of Kenya, everybody looks for elephants, but it’s the birds you notice first: lilac-breasted rollers, graycrowned cranes, turacos, kingfishers, and hornbills. The wildlife is as varied and eye-catching as the landscape, which is dominated by the spectacular

ANANTARA CONVENTO DI AMALFI GRAND HOTEL

Mount Kilimanjaro. No wonder highend safari operator Angama chose this spot for its new lodge, a follow-up to the game-changing Angama Mara, which opened in 2015. The new property, with its 10 spacious suites, sits in the private Kimana Sanctuary, a 5,700-acre tract filled with wildlife, including antelope, buffalo, elephants, giraffes, impalas, and warthogs. With an infinity pool, excellent farm-to-fork cuisine, and a bar lounge, Angama Amboseli makes for a plush home base for forays into Amboseli National Park. From $1,650 per person, all-inclusive.

BULGARI HOTEL TOKYO

“We bring the art of Italian living wherever we go,” Silvio Ursini, executive vice president of Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, told me at the opening of the Bulgari Hotel Tokyo. The 98-room property, which occupies the top five floors of the 45-story Tokyo Midtown Yaesu tower, is the eighth in Bulgari’s small, luxurious portfolio (a ninth, in Rome, opened in

June). It feels like a Roman holiday in Japan — where both arigato gozaimasu and grazie mille are completely acceptable ways to thank someone for a glass of Champagne.

Guests can choose from an Italian restaurant helmed by Niko Romito, an acclaimed chef born and raised in Italy, or an eight-seat omakase counter from chef Kenji Gyoten, known for his Michelin three-starred restaurant in Fukuoka, Japan. The hotel’s design is a pastiche of Japanese artistry. In my room, the ceilings were hand-painted with five layers of gold paint by local craftspeople and were second only to the alluring black granite bathtub. My favorite Italian design piece was the one I visited each morning, when I would take the elevator to the 40th-floor and plunge into the spa’s 15,000-squarefoot pool. Its floor is breathtaking, made of mosaic tile and Venetian glass in an entrancing shade of green that glimmers gold when natural light shines through the water. From $1,700/night.

CURTAIN BLUFF, ANTIGUA

Tucked away on Antigua’s southwest end, this 72-room property recently unveiled a multimillion-dollar renovation that combines old-school elegance with modern flair. It’s evident in the details: the rattan chairs from the ‘80s that have been re-lacquered; the classic turquoise and green bedding now juxtaposed with contemporary tiling. This delicate dance between welcoming the new and continuing the legacy of late founders Howard and Chelle Hulford is what makes Curtain Bluff one of the most coveted resorts on Antigua.

The resort’s new two-story state-of-theart wellness center is a hideaway, complete with an infinity pool overlooking the ocean, an expanded fitness center, and a yoga pavilion. After your massage, retreat to the upper balcony to take a dip in the cliffside Jacuzzi. The resort’s most popular suites have been outfitted with marble soaking tubs and large walk-in showers that leave you feeling energized

ANGAMA AMBOSELI

and ready for the day. Guests will still find all the familiar amenities that make Curtain Bluff so special: four full-size tennis courts, delicious CaribbeanFrench dishes at restaurants Sea Grape and Tamarind, and a host of sports and water activities for families. Be sure to carve out time to sample the resort’s international wine cellar during a tasting

with head sommelier Glouster St. Ville. From $1,850/night.

KONA VILLAGE, A ROSEWOOD RESORT, ISLAND OF HAWAII

Kona Village, once a celebrity haven on Hawaii’s Big Island, shuttered in 2011 after an earthquake off the northeast-

ern coast of Honshu, Japan, generated a devastating tsunami, and reopened this past summer as part of the Rosewood Hotels & Resorts’ portfolio. When my husband and I arrived eight days into Kona’s new chapter, we met return guests — the old resort amassed a hefty cult following, counting Steve Jobs among its biggest fans — eager to revisit their old rooms. Sure enough, you can still book the six legacy hales that survived the tsunami, though along with the 144 new stand-alone villas, these have been upgraded by designer Nicole Hollis with improvements that include palapa-shaded decks, outdoor showers, and Hawaiian accents such as fans, hats, paddles, and kapa-printed pillows. We spent one afternoon on a sailing canoe, gliding three miles out into the Pacific, and followed that with a soak in the 82-foot Shipwreck Pool. At around 3 p.m. a cart brimming with bright-green coconuts came around, which we drank from in a sumptuous blackstone hot tub. We feasted at the four restaurants and bars — each of which has its own mai tai recipe, by the way — starting our day with Hawaiian malasada donuts at Moana and ending it with wood-fired local ahi tuna at Kahuwai Cookhouse, our toes in the sand as we watched the sunset. From $1,800/ night.

NORTH ISLAND OKAVANGO BOTSWANA

North Island Okavango’s greatest luxury is its exclusivity. Set amid tall ebony trees on the edge of a lagoon frequented by elephants and hippos, the idyllic camp has just three tents — and it’s really a stretch to call them “tents,” though their roofs are indeed made of canvas. Each luxurious suite has 850 square feet of indoor space — living room, bar area, one-and-a-half bathrooms — and 650 square feet outside. They all have indoor and outdoor showers as well as a soaking tub with lagoon views. While the furnishings are carefully chosen, the decor — contemporary African baskets, fine woodwork, flat-weave rugs — never steals attention from the stunning surroundings. That all-too-rare feeling of immersion in nature continues when you’re out on safari. North Island, part of the Natural

BULGARI HOTEL TOKYO

KONA VILLAGE A ROSEWOOD RESORT

Selection portfolio of camps and lodges, sits in a section of the Okavango with few other safari camps, so you’ll rarely see other tourists. Wildlife is plentiful — on my trip, I spotted not just lions and leopards, but also sitatungas, an unusual amphibious antelope. And because of North Island’s prime location in the Okavango Delta’s neck, there are year-round opportunities to travel both on land and by water, either by the local dugout canoes called mokoro or by motorboat, which are ideal for viewing hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife. The solar-powered camp’s design honors its environment in other ways, too: North Island Okavango’s tents and the network of decks on which they sit can be totally deconstructed, with no permanent trace on the fragile ecosystem. And because the surrounding concession belongs to a community trust, a portion of the revenues directly supports five nearby villages. From $1,395 per person per night.

ONE&ONLY AESTHESIS GREECE

On the Athens Riviera, 10 miles from the city center, Greece’s first One&Only seems to float along the tranquil Saronic Gulf. Spacious “residences,” designed for families and groups of friends, unfold onto private stretches of beach, and waterfront bungalows have wooden docks and ladders that descend to the water. The stay is more akin to a Mykonos vacation than a city break, yet I could get to the Acropolis in less than an hour. Though the tavernas and wine bars of Athens beckoned, I was reluctant to miss any meals at the resort, where chef Paco Morales — known for the

Michelin three-starred Noor, in Córdoba, Spain — has a pop-up that serves chicken croquettes topped with ras al hanout mayo and delicate, flash-fried calamari stuffed into a brioche. The food wasn’t the only luxury: The country’s first Guerlain Spa, where I indulged in an ultra-hydrating facial, made it even harder to leave the resort. From $1,620/ night.

PELORUS PRIVATE ISLAND, AUSTRALIA

The Indigenous Manbarra people, custodians of Australia’s Palm Islands for millennia, believe this small, northeastern archipelago was formed when the Rainbow Serpent emerged from the Queensland tablelands and lay down in the ocean. The islands, strewn across the Coral Sea, are the vertebrae of its spine. On the northernmost island, known as Pelorus, North Palm, or Yanooa, an $8-million property with five lavish residences has opened, promising the most exclusive – and inclusive – accommodation on the Great Barrier Reef. Access to this isolated idyll is by helicopter (30 minutes) or motor yacht (five hours) from the Queensland city of Townsville. At the southwestern tip of a 1,000acre tropical island, guests are greeted with chilled towels and Champagne before hosts Grant Logan and Kate Hawkins settle them into their reclusive hideaway. The modernist pavilion-style building features an infinity pool and generous interior spaces of neutral tones and native timbers to ensure the eye is always drawn to the saturated blues and greens of your playground: the Coral Sea. Days are as active or sedentary as you desire, with every imaginable water toy – Jet

ONE&ONLY AESTHESIS

PELORUS PRIVATE ISLAND

Skis, Seabobs, water bicycles, and a motorboat – at your disposal for island or outer reef explorations. Craving company, a spa treatment, or a quick lesson in marine science? Sibling resort Orpheus Island Lodge, a short speedboat ride across the strait, has a restaurant, day spa, and marine research center. From $13,067 per night for two people.

SHA WELLNESS CLINIC MEXICO

Wellness culture reaches its apex at Sha Wellness Clinic, open since January 2024 in Costa Mujeres, Mexico, just north of Cancun. The 100-room property, with 35 privately owned residences, offers an all-inclusive, immersive wellness experience in four- to 21-day programs. Guests engage in wellness therapies, ranging in scope from the medical –intravenous oxygenation, for instance – to the therapeutic, like Shiatsu massage. Upon arrival, each traveler receives a state-of-the-art evaluation, assessing everything from body composition to vascular age to muscular strength, to determine specific wellness needs. My own four-day Rebalance & Energize program included sessions with a Chinese medicine specialist for acupuncture and energy healing; a consultation with a head nutritionist for a meal plan; various overall health assessments with the clinic’s physicians; a Tibetan sound bowl session; and a water-based treatment called the hydroenergetic detox, in which I was wrapped in seaweed and massaged by machine. Shamadi, the nutrition-focused fine-dining

venue, serves sophisticated, multicourse menus both inside and outside, on a terrace overlooking the sea. (A second restaurant, Earthy, focused on live-fire cooking, is set to open soon.) When they aren’t meeting with the clinic’s trained professionals, guests are also welcome to use the property’s hydrotherapy circuit, infinity pools, and fitness facility, or snorkel at the largest coral reef in the Northern Hemisphere. During my stay, a swim with a school of stunning barracuda, shimmering in Caribbean sunlight, proved particularly restorative. Four-night program from $5,600, all-inclusive.

SHINTA MANI MUSTANG, NEPAL

There are still wildly beautiful and enchanted pockets of the world to discover, and this new property — imagined by celebrated interior designer Bill Bensley — is right in the heart of one: the ancient Kingdom of Mustang in Nepal, close to the border of Tibet. From the outside, this U-shaped structure, built using local Baglung stone, resembles a monastery. But inside, thanks to Bensley’s historical research and taste for rich color and pattern, it feels like an elegant, colorful palace. Large public spaces are appointed with a mix of antique Mustang treasures, lampshades decorated with cascading yak hair, and pops of orange and yellow. When not on daily excursions to nearby temples and villages, guests can visit the resort’s spa, which is overseen by a

doctor of traditional Tibetan medicine. Each of the 29 rooms has a spacious bathroom — many with deep tubs — as well as woven tiger rugs on the polished black wood floors, and felt blankets from a Nepal-based workshop that supplies Hermes. But none of it can begin to compete with the view of Mount Nilgiri through the floor-to-ceiling windows. From $1,800/night, with a five-night minimum. Accessible hotel.

SINGITA MARA RIVER TENTED CAMP, SERENGETI, TANZANIA

The most low-key property in Singita’s illustrious East African lineup is also the most exclusive. Singita Mara River Tented Camp is one of only a few permanent camps in the sought-after Lamai wedge, a spit of savanna sequestered from the vast Serengeti National Park by the Mara River. Reopened after a complete rebuild that saw infrastructure from the old camp cleverly repurposed, the camp is sexy and sustainable, and channels the adventurous spirit of a mobile operation — while still provid-

ing every imaginable creature comfort. Over 20 African designers and makers were commissioned to add their creative stamp to the new camp. The six wellspaced tents have king-size beds, outdoor tubs, and beaded Maasai artworks by Sidai Designs, an Arusha-based female collective.

The chic interiors are done in bold blues and reds, inspired by traditional Maasai blankets. Compact design solutions like mobile wardrobes add to the clutter-free vibe; there’s even a canvas-clad mini-bar stocked with local beers, homemade fruit cordials, Champagne, and vegan chocolate. Like all Singita lodges, the hub of the camp is a bar where smoothies, cappuccinos, and craft cocktails are served by the 100-percent Tanzanian staff. The camp’s prime riverfront site guarantees frontrow seats to all the predator-prey action during migration season, but sightings remain impressive year-round, thanks to plentiful resident plains game, including herds of buffalo and elephants, and all the big cats. Suites from $2,045 per person per night.

SOUTHERN OCEAN LODGE, KANGAROO ISLAND, AUSTRALIA

When Southern Ocean Lodge first opened on an island off the coast of southern Australia in 2008, it set the bar for all-inclusive eco-lodges in Australia with its spectacular setting, striking design, and precise yet easygoing hospitality. But the resort burned to the ground in one of the devastating bushfires of 2020. Sheltering underground with smoke seeping into their bunker, longtime managers John Hird and Alison Heath vowed to rebuild. Their employer, Baillie Lodges, agreed, and the lodge reopened this past December. The 25 terraced suites have been updated to include soaking tubs, double vanities, and master controls for zoned lighting. Furnishings are smartly positioned — I could count the night stars through the floor-to-ceiling windows from bed — and the suites have also been angled to provide maximum privacy and views of the surf on the beach below. Chef Tom Saliba makes ample use of island ingredi-

ents, like hand-fed partridges, which he barbecues, and mushrooms for whipped tofu with panisse at breakfast. The lounge features a 1970s-style central fireplace and plenty of comfortable seating, but perhaps its greatest charm is a wide-open bar generously stocked with ingredients, a cocktail book that guests are encouraged to use to mix their own drinks, and bar accoutrements. The wine cellar is filled with southern Australian bottles to wander in and grab. The expanded spa now includes warm pools and cold plunges, plus a sauna, and those looking for adventure can book guided tours to spot fur seals and endangered sea lions. From $2,213/night.

TANDA TULA SAFARI CAMP, GREATER KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA

At this reimagined camp in the

Timbavati, one of South Africa’s lesser-known private nature reserves, there are 180-degree views of the Nhlaralumi River, which is dry for much of the year, allowing for feet-in-the-sand sundowners and barbecues after immersive game drives. Part of the Greater Kruger region, the reserve is known for guaranteed, year-round sightings of leopards lurking in riverine thickets, large herds of buffalo, packs of wild dogs running free, and numerous prides of lions — including rare white lions. But perhaps the real luxury of choosing this intimate camp is that you’ll rarely bump into other safari cars while exploring the ecosystem, unlike reserves located inside Kruger that can be overrun with tourists. The interiors of the nine off-grid suites channel a strong sense of place through homegrown design that feels refreshingly modern, while still honoring the intricate patterns of traditional Tsonga motifs. Everything is

steeped in the colors of the surrounding bush — including the deep aubergine of the purple pod cluster leaf, an indigenous tree. Sleek, statement bathrooms lead to open-air showers, private plunge pools, and incredible views. The service feels easy and intuitive, whether you’re arranging a massage in your suite or ordering lunch on your deck. Menus are in sync with the seasons and champion fresh produce grown by small-scale local farmers. Uplifting people is part of Tanda Tula’s DNA: through the work of the property’s foundation, your stay helps fund educational opportunities and scholarships for bright young minds, as well as an adult literacy program for staff. Suites from $1,338 per person per night.

THE PENINSULA LONDON

The Peninsula brand, which operates a 96-year-

TANDA TULA SAFARI CAMP

THE PENINSULA LONDON

old flagship in Hong Kong as well as properties as far-flung as Beverly Hills and Istanbul, spent 35 years looking for the right address in London. They found it on a prime corner overlooking Wellington Arch, in the heart of Belgravia. The eight-story building, its Portland-stone facade a nod to British craftsmanship, opened to the public in 2023. The timing couldn’t have been better — or worse — depending upon how you look at it, as the British capital is experiencing a luxury hotel boom. So what sets The Peninsula London apart?

That location, for one. I was able to walk to Harrods and Buckingham Palace

in 15 minutes, and yet still feel tucked away from the fray, thanks to the quiet courtyard, anchored by two 120-year-old Japanese maple trees, and the subterranean, forest-themed spa. The 190 rooms, designed by Peter Marino to soothe with their neutral, calming tones, start at a very generous 549 square feet. But the biggest perk might be the in-room technology, a Peninsula signature, so seamless I could charge all of my devices on a bedside table (some cord-free) without unpacking an adapter.

If some parts of the hotel lean classic, others skew more whimsical, including the rooftop Brooklands Bar & Restaurant

by Claude Bosi, themed around race cars and aviation (even if you don’t eat there, have a peek at the replica Concorde suspended from the dining-room ceiling). And Canton Blue, the formal Chinese restaurant, is a true feast for the eyes with its displays of suspended porcelain cups, plates, and antique musical instruments. Full from the excellent soup dumplings and Peking duck, I left my table at 11:30 p.m. — and the room was still abuzz.

From $1,600/night.

FASHION & STYLE

LOUIS VUITTON CRUISE COLLECTION

GUCCI CRUISE COLLECTION

FACE EQUITY IN THE WORLD OF QUICK FIXES

LOUIS VUITTON CRUISE COLLECTION

GUCCI CRUISE

Dressing the era's It Girls

IN 1899, A YOUNG ITALIAN MAN NAMED GUCCIO GUCCI WENT TO WORK AS A PORTER AT THE SAVOY HOTEL IN LONDON. DURING HIS TIME THERE, HE KEENLY OBSERVED THE HOTEL’S UPPER-CLASS CUSTOMERS AND THEIR RAREFIED TASTES.

He studied everything they wore and carried, and became so enamored with the idea of traveling well that he eventually returned home to Florence to start his own leather accessories business. The house of Gucci was founded in 1921. From there, its history—as depicted in a silly movie starring Lady Gaga and Adam Driver a few years ago—went a bit like this: The company flourished, spiraled out of control, tanked, rose again, and flattened out before finally getting back on top.

Today, Gucci is at another turning point. It has a talented new creative director, Sabato De Sarno, who is working hard to beat a path forward in the midst of an uncertain economy and a murky fashion landscape. Critics have been wary of his more subdued vision for Gucci. They think it’s too safe or too straightforward. But in May in London, not far from where Guccio Gucci learned about the power of aspiration, De Sarno upped the ante on his strategy—a vision that might not be about high-fashion fantasy or spectacular glamour, but instead about dressing the era’s new It Girls.

The Gucci Cruise 2025 show was held inside the gargantuan Tate Modern, which De Sarno and his team decorated with live plants and greenery. (After the show, the brand planned to donate it to garden-focused community projects throughout London.) Models descended a winding concrete staircase designed

by Herzog & de Meuron and through the runway space in front of front-row guests like Dua Lipa, Solange, Kate and Lila Moss, Arca, and Little Simz.

The clothes were a mix of some of De Sarno’s favorite codes and silhouettes— short shorts, minis, mod-ish jackets, and fluid, sexy gowns—and newer propositions like swishy jeans with fringe encircling the thighs and ditzy blackand-white floral prints on gabardine.

De Sarno likes to play with movement and texture, and this season felt more varied in terms of the ways he executed those techniques, using details like 3-D laser-cut organza and hand-molded sequins. There were cheeky odes to classically British style, like tartans and plaids and punkish creeper shoes, as well as fresh iterations of the 1970s-era Gucci Blondie bag and sheer pussy-bow blouses for an added touch of nostalgia.

What is

FACE EQUITY? LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS; NOT QUICK FIXES

MUCH LIKE THE MOMENT WHEN THE WIZARD OF OZ MOVES FROM BLACK-AND-WHITE TO TECHNICOLOR, THERE IS A NEW AWAKENING IN AESTHETICS, AND EVERYONE IS DOROTHY.

The road to beautification is paved with an increasing array of possibilities, from facials, threads, and needles to lasers, surgery, and a sonic wave or two. It’s hard to know what to do—and what’s going to have the most enduring results. For a long time, quick fixes have reigned supreme: temporarily erase a wrinkle with a neurotoxin; lift a sagging cheek with filler. But everything has its limits. Now the strategy is shifting, as is the key question: Are you solving a problem in the here and now or investing in your

future appearance? In other words, are you building face equity?

Dermatologist Shino Bay Aguilera uses that term, face equity, which he says is about differentiating between staving off the aging process by “renting” and investing in what you already have by “buying” to replenish bone, tissue, and fat. To do the latter, he’s increasingly turning to bio-regenerative treatments like Renuva, an injectable substance derived from purified human fat that comes from…cadavers. These fillers work differently from hyaluronic acid injectables because they trigger the body’s own fat to return, “replacing like with like,” he says. He also uses Sculptra, a poly-L-lactic acid filler that stimulates collagen, to “preserve and imitate the architecture of the bone,” and Radiesse, another biostimulator, to address changes in collagen and elastin. As Aguilera

puts it, “I can see my patients age more slowly with them.”

Proceeding with caution—and knowing the difference between aesthetic fads and long-term solutions—has never been more important. Formerly trendy procedures like microblading have even begotten their own corrective treatments. Brow specialists Kristie Streicher and Eric Podnar have developed a service to remove oddly fading pigments used in permanent or semipermanent treatments intended to create fuller brows. And buccal fat pads, a much discussed topic on plastic surgery TikTok, are now more likely to be cautiously repositioned rather than removed entirely, so patients can get softly sculpted cheeks without losing precious fat.

Both plastic surgeon Sam Rizk and cosmetic dentist Michael Apa describe

BUY; DON'T RENT WHEN IT COMES TO BEAUTY

a landscape of overzealously injected fillers gone wild—or, more accurately, heading south. “Fillers have a role to play conservatively, to fill dents in places like the temple,” Rizk says. “But filler never migrates up. It always goes down.”

Rizk now recommends that at least half of his deep plane facelift patients dissolve their filler before surgery to get a more durable result. He says that the average age of those patients has dropped from 55 to 45, in part because many hit the so-called filler wall, and the other noninvasive fixes they were seeking, particularly to keep the jawline defined and the neck tight, were no longer doing the trick. Rather than considering this surgery a dramatic overhaul, he now calls it “a preservation lift.”

It would be ideal, Apa says, “if every doctor and specialist were all on the same page and looking at people

through the same lens. Most of the good ones know what controls what.” In Apa’s world that means understanding the importance of the teeth, which he says control the lower third of the face and naturally shift over time. He often sees patients whose teeth have shifted who have also had so much filler put into their lips, cheeks, and nasolabial folds that they report that they’ve “lost their smile.” “The only thing a cosmetic dentist can do then is catch the entire mouth up to where the face is, to rebuild the bite,” he says.

At home there is a long game to play, as well. Prescription retinoids and topical retinols are not sexy, but they have stood the test of time for a reason. Not only can they improve fine lines, pigment, texture, and acne, they have been shown to thicken the deeper layers of the skin. There is a common misconception that retinoids thin the skin; in fact, they do the opposite, which makes your complexion look

healthier over time—unlike, say, a hyaluronic acid–based moisturizer, which will deliver only a quick fix. And a few new entrants, including Dr. Few Clean Retinol and Dr. Diamond’s Metacine InstaFacial Emulsion, make the case that glamorous vitamin A can exist. Looking into the future, there is currently a lot of excitement about exosomes—bubbles on the outside of cells that help them communicate and function optimally—and while they may be the buzziest new ingredient in skincare, the jury is still out on topical efficacy.

It turns out there is no free lunch in aesthetics. The best route is to take cautious steps at the right time and with the right providers. The key to building face equity is always to be mindful of the overall picture. “There should be no fashionable trend of how someone’s face or teeth look,” Apa says. “It should always be that quiet luxury.”

MANSION OF THE MONTH

A PARISIAN APARTMENT

PARIS, ILE-DE-FRANCE

MANSION OF THE MONTH

GRANDEUR EN PARIS SUNLIT & ENCHANTING GARDENS

IN A GRAND, 18TH-CENTURY ‹HÔTEL PARTICULIER›, A SUNLIT APARTMENT OF APPROXIMATELY 857 SQ. METERS (10,050 SQ. FT.) OPENS ONTO A WEST-FACING GARDEN ADJOINING ANOTHER GARDEN, BELONGING TO AN ART COLLECTOR.

The ground (U.S. 1st) floor, overlooking the garden on one side, the private, cobbled courtyard on the other (331 sq. meters, 3,561 sq. ft., ceiling height 4.5 m.) encompasses an entrance hall, a spectacular 90 sq. meters living room with four French windows opening onto the garden,

her study overlooking the garden, his study overlooking the garden, a library overlooking the garden, a bedroom with bathroom and dressing room, overlooking the garden, a winter garden opening onto the garden, a guests› cloakroom and powder room.

The first (U.S. 2nd) floor (334 sq . meters, 3,594 sq. ft., ceiling height 4.1 m.) enjoys a salon, a primary bedroom, a bathroom plus dressing room (or additional bedroom), another bathroom, plus dressing room, three further bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms.

In the basement (269 sq. meters, 2,894 sq. ft., ceiling height 3.9 m.): a formal dining room, a family dining room, a professional kitchen, a cold room, a wine

cellar, a laundry room, a boiler room, a wood storage room, a very large fitness or screening room (not equipped) and a large, high-ceilinged storage rooms. It has a private elevator from the basement to the first floor.

Adjoining, two fully enclosed garages in the court, and an 88 sq. meters, three bedrooms apartment for staff with a separate entrance. Possibility to buy a 200,39 sq. meters French Carrez Law apartment. asking price: € 5,000,000.

This unique property enjoys prime location, in the most sought-after area of Paris. It is in absolutely perfect condition and exquisitely decorated in the most perfect taste.

PRICE $41,304,348 or 38.000.000 € EUR | BEDROOMS 5 BATHROOMS 5 FULL |10,050 Sq. Ft.

MANSION OF THE MONTH MANSION OF THE MONTH

76 CLIFF ROAD, TORBAY

Redefining luxury on a grand scale, this iconic architectural marvel delivers. Occupying a vast 3850sqm oceanfront landholding designed to capture the unimpeded 270-degree ocean panorama from Whangaparaoa all the way to the beautiful silhouette of Rangitoto Island, this is the epitome of artful living.

Private and secure, the expansive 550 square-meter Spanish limestone clad concrete and masonry residence has been designed by esteemed architects Fearon Hay to maximize the Hauraki Gulf views through extensive glazing while providing shelter and seclusion.

Natural light bathes the super-sized entertainer’s open plan living space anchored by the exquisite kitchen with new Nero

Marquina island bench, Poggenpohl cabinetry, premium Gaggenau and Sub Zero appliances. The scale and form of the living areas are simply breath-taking with double height ceiling which creates a true sense of space and grandeur.

Double height glazing with sliding glass panels ensures an uninterrupted connection to the panorama and the exterior hosting terraces where you can follow the sun and appreciate the exceptional private position. A heated 25m lap pool cast to the edge of the elevated stone terrace impresses with its extensive water horizon.

Sleeping accommodations are thoughtfully arranged for privacy and tranquility and include a guest suite with kitchenette. Each bathroom is stunning and unique

in design, sporting Boffi and Ritmonio tapware.

As you would expect of a property of this caliber, only the most exceptional amenities have been selected. A Rotex system provides endless hot water for the home, basalt floors and pool. The home also comes equipped with a temperature-controlled 1400+ bottle wine cellar and triple internal garaging.

There is no need to fight traffic to head to a beach when this resort-style estate is circa 20 minutes from Westhaven Marina and has beaches on its doorstep - Ladder Bay is a two-minute walk, while Long Bay and Waiake Beach are also a stroll away. This is an unsurpassed lifestyle masterpiece.

76 CLIFF ROAD, TORBAY

AUCKLAND, AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND

PRICE $14,750,000 NZD

BEDROOMS 4 | BATHROOMS 3 FULL AND 1 PARTIAL | INTERIOR 5,920 SQ FT. | EXTERIOR 0.95 ACRES

Located in Agni, Ayline is situated just a brief stroll from the picturesque bay and its famous beach-front restaurants. The villa showcases a unique blend of Corfiot and Venetian architectural influences fused with modern aesthetics. Two distinctive features are the windows that amplify the panoramic views and the stone used on the façade and exterior walls, which was sourced directly from the property’s grounds. Each stone was meticulously hand-shaped by a skilled craftsman and fitted together like pieces of an intricate puzzle.

Ayline is on two levels and the living spaces are enhanced by exquisite interior design featuring contemporary French and Italian furnishings.

Initially planned for nine bedrooms and seven bathrooms, the property has been modified and currently consists of six exceptionally comfortable and impeccably designed bedrooms. The remaining three rooms have been repurposed to meet various needs. One of the rooms now serves as a spacious office with its own private entrance, offering panoramic views of the surroundings. Another room has been transformed into a gym, with stunning sea vistas and lastly, the third room serves as an additional office or library area.

On the lower ground floor, you’ll be captivated by the artistic atmosphere of the dual-purpose space—a dynamic art gallery meticulously designed to replicate a museum ambiance, allowing for the effortless rotation and change of exhibited art. At the push of a button, the room turns into a cutting-edge home cinema featuring state-of-the-art

audio-visual systems for a cinematic experience rivaling that of a professional theater.

The spacious living/dining area and kitchen, with large, sleek-framed windows and soaring beamed ceilings, is filled with abundant natural light, openness, and airiness. All these spaces provide access to the outdoor areas and the pool.

This beautiful property has direct access to the sea via a private jetty. Imagine being able to step out of your home and have the coastal waters just a few steps away.

Ayline is surrounded by an expansive Mediterranean garden unveiling a wide variety of flora, including over 50 olive trees and more than 100 diverse species of flowers, shrubs, and trees such as fig, pistachio, pine, pomegranate, jacaranda, lemon, orange, robinia, and kumquat. The abundant stone terracing across the property provides delightful outdoor living spaces. The pool area features 285sqm of terraces, some of which is covered by automatic bio-climatic pergolas. These areas provide an ideal relaxation and open-air dining setting while immersing in the picturesque views.

The infinity pool, strategically situated, gives the illusion of merging as one with the sea offering a sense of infinite space. Steps from the pool area lead first to a yoga and meditation spot with a panoramic sea view, followed by a waterside deck designed for sunbeds and access to the boat jetty.

In Search of Solace Great Wines that Fly Under the Radar

Hidden Gems

AN ALEXANDER VALLEY FAMILY LEGACY SHINES IN TWO BEAUTIFUL, BROODING REDS

WILLIAM SMITH / POLO LIFESTYLES

WILLIAM SMITH

@willismith_2000 COPY EDITOR & CONTRIBUTOR

I’VE WRITTEN MANY TIMES ABOUT HOW GREAT WINE CAN BE FOUND EVERYWHERE, BUT FINDING IT REQUIRES SOME EFFORT (AND PERHAPS EVEN THE GUIDANCE OF A FAVORITE WINE WRITER).

What you find in your local grocery or specialty store is the result of a myriad of decisions by many different parties about many different issues and, sorry to be the spoiler, but quality and taste are often not foremost among the considerations that have landed that particular bottling on the shelf before you.

This imperative to explore and successfully make an end-run around the

over-commercialization of the world of wine often yields incredible finds. This month, I share one such find in Kelley & Young Wines in California’s Sonoma County.

Since 1858, the Young family has farmed nearly 300 acres in the Alexander Valley that now comprise the Robert Young Vineyards. Certified sustainable practices are put into deft use in growing a dozen varietals, including Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Merlot, Malbec, and Zinfandel.

And while you may have never heard of the Robert Young Vineyards, plenty of the heavy hitter names that are familiar – Duckhorn, Simi, and Chateau St. Jean – know the family operation quite well. About 95 percent of the fruit grown on the Robert Young Vineyards are sold to larger producers.

In Search of Solace Great Wines that Fly Under the Radar

Robert Young Estate Vineyards, established by the family in 1997, utilizes most of the remaining fruit to create an array of impressive wines. Kelley & Young purchases a small amount as well and creates wines that are not the focus of Robert Young Estate Vineyards, namely Sauvignon Blanc, two rosé wines made from a blend of traditional Bordeaux grapes, Zinfandel and Malbec. A 2019 bottling of Pinot Noir with grapes sourced from the Russian River Valley indicates that Kelley & Young is branching out beyond the confines of the family’s heritage property.

Kelley & Young was established in 2007 by Jim Young and his late-wife Kathleen Kelly Young and remains a small, family-run boutique winery with an efficient tasting room based in the town of Cloverdale, about 18 miles north of Healdsburg. Th ey sell their wines directly, including through a wine club, which translates to a severely limited distribution (and, if I might underscore, why wine features like this are an important player in tout-

ing the extraordinary producers that fly under the radar screen).

Kelley & Young’s 2017 Malbec ($63 USD at www.kelleyandyoung.com) is sensational and fulfills every expectation of what you want from this varietal. First, it is gorgeous in the glass – completely opaque and the color of a ripe plum with bright luminosity around the edges. On the nose, expectedly and deliciously full of ripe fruits like bramble berries and black currants with a hint of black pepper. On the palate, it’s luscious and bold. There is nothing shy in this bottling, but its also quite nuanced with lots of ripe dark fruits on the front end with earth, leather, and even a bit of smokiness on the long and lush finish. This is one of those wines I want around, so this tasting prompted me to buy another six bottles to have for that perfect grilled steak evening.

The 2017 Zinfandel is another praiseworthy bottling ($50 USD). Spice and zing sing on the nose, with dark cherry and cassis profiles. I tasted this wine over a period of time and found it bene-

fited from ample time (about 30 minutes) to open up and might even benefit from decanting, After opening up, it was delicious and spicy on the palate and medium-bodied, leading to a lighter enjoyment of ripe cherries, a hint of dark chocolate, and a hint of oak from its nearly 20 months spent aging in French oak. This is also a food wine, paired exceptionally well with a selection of cheeses one afternoon with friends, and would be exquisite with a rich pasta dish of pappardelle and wild boar ragu.

If you need yet one additional reason to seek out Kelley & Young, let it be the heart that infuses what they do. In 2021, co-founder Kathleen Kelley Young lost her battle with colorectal cancer, prompting her family to honor her memory with creating the Kathleen Rose Fund with the American Cancer Society, which raises money that directly supports colon cancer research, education, and care. In the words of the immortal Mr. Stephen Sondheim, “I’ll drink to that.”

As always, Salud.

THE END FOR WINE & SPIRITS MAGAZINE AND WHY IT MATTERS

As someone engaged in wine journalism and that also has an abiding love for wine itself, I’ve spent a fair amount of time the past several weeks contemplating the demise of one of the wine world’s most important publications, Wine & Spirits.

Quietly, on May 10, and with a post to the magazine’s website, Editor and Publisher Joshua Greene announced the end of the magazine’s existence as a print publication and shared a few thoughts on what may come next. The message itself was sobering.

The reasons for the magazine’s shuttering, as described by Greene, were numerous, including the broader challenges to print publications generally. But much of what seems to have led to the shutdown cuts across broader concerns in the world of wine itself – a softening of demand by consumers, the concomitant challenge to the marketing budgets of producers both big and small, and the role of wine journalism and wine reviews that maintain an integrous distance between independent journalism and the need for ad revenue.

Wine & Spirits prided itself on a unique (and blind) panel process for reviewing wines and to a deeper exploration of the context of a bottling – its history and sense of time and place. Their annual Top 100 Wineries in the world was a highly coveted honor for producers and frequently included small, relatively unknown producers.

Whatever comes next for Wine & Spirits and for Joshua Green, an exceptional writer and reviewer, the death knell for the print publication and its journalistic style is worrisome. For my part and for Polo Lifestyles, we are committed to publishing independent monthly wine features that tell a story and that share a narrative about people, place, and time…all experienced through fabulous bottlings of wine.

Salud.

ASCENSION

HEAL YOURSELF AND HEAL THE WORLD

SPIRITUALITY FAITH QUESTIONS GROWTH · FOCUS

The Celestial Mandate for a Radical Transformation in Devotional Living

“He that findeth his life shall lose it; and he that loseth his life shall find it.”

– Lord Jesus Christ

ALIVE BOLD & TRANSFORM THE WORLD

AMRITLAL अमृत ASCENSION CONTRIBUTOR

@monarch_visionary

S THE SPIRIT OF JUNETEENTH STIRS THE UNYIELDING SPIRIT OF THE COLLECTIVE SOUL, THIS MONTH WE INVESTIGATE THE COSMIC POWER THAT DRIVES THE EVOLUTIONARY TRANSFORMATION THAT RIPPLES ACROSS SPACE AND TIME IN FULFILLMENT OF HUMANITY’S COLLECTIVE SOUL DESTINY.

When the fire of your heart invokes within you the passion to rise to your part, how do you unshackle yourself from the chains of society to raise an army as you decode your divine prophecy? How far can your message travel, as you allow your divine blueprint to unravel? How wide

YOUR PROPHECY IS WRITTEN, AS YOU ARE SPIRITUALLY RISEN

Burned at the stake at age 19, on 30 May 1431, by the English Catholic Church for heresy - acting against the words of God - Saint Joan of Arc, the Maiden of Orléans, answered the call of her own prophecy, inspiring King Charles VII to claim his crown, despite his rumored illegitimacy, and the French army to rise victoriously, from a state of apathy.

Immortalized as a martyr for her devoted sense of purpose and valiant sacrifice, Joan has been portrayed in countless cultural works over the past half-millennial, ranging from literature, music, paintings, sculptures, and theater. In the 1920s, she served as a powerful icon in

can your heart sense ripple, when fueled by an intention to liberate our people? How deeply can your vision penetrate, as your spiritual sense of self elevates?

How many souls can you guide home, as you beacon your expres-

the US Women’s Suffrage movement. During the two-year period, from being granted her own small military force and ultimately burnt at the stake, Joan’s demonstrated courage, bravery and defiance created such a profound ripple in human consciousness to impact future ages, that her birth was undeniably destined to evolve human consciousness.

In the years leading up to Joan’s birth, a number of vague prophecies were raised into collective consciousness regarding a young virgin maiden who would rescue France. At the time of her incarnation in 1412, the Hundred Year’s War, a brutal conflict between the English and French Royal houses over the throne of France, was in its 75th year.

sion of divine embodiment, birthing yourself into a reality that resonates with the blessings of your self-realized true identity? As an awakened spiritual monarch, how do you establish a world founded on love, compassion and the harmonious flow of ancestral star wisdom?

RENEWAL COMMUNITY

The longest war in recorded history, within this period of immense darkness during the Middle Ages, five generations of kings from two dynasties fought for the throne of France, the dominant kingdom in Western Europe.

The prophecy by the Arthurian sorcerer Merlin, who claimed that “France will be lost by a woman and saved by a virgin from the oak forests of Lorraine,” so perfectly fit the description of Isabeau of Bavaria’s adulterous portrayal that when the 17 year-old virgin Joan, possessed by visions, made her second attempt to meet with the Dauphin of France, his heart was more welcoming to the potential of her prophetic fulfillment.

Convinced of her testimony, where others feared heresy, despite her lack of military training, on 27 April 1429, Charles VII gave Joan an army to lead into the siege of Orléans, which ended 9 days after her arrival. Further supportive of the resonance-matching aspects of quantum reality, evidence supports that Joan had no awareness of these prophecies until after her announcement of her divine mission.

ACCEPT YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS ARE BEYOND COMMON RECEPTANCE

At the age of 13, Joan experienced her first vision of a saint. She continued

“In the end, it comes down to values. We want the world our children inherit to be defined by the values enshrined in the UN Charter: Peace, Justice, Respect, Human Rights, Tolerance, and Solidarity. All major religions embrace these principles, and we strive to reflect them in our daily lives. But the threats to these values are most often based on fear. Our duty to the people we serve is to work together to move from fear of each other, to trust in each other. Trust in the values that bind us, and trust in the institutions that serve and protect us.”

- Antonio Guterrez, Secretary General of the United Nations.

JOAN OF ARC

ASCENSION

HEAL YOURSELF AND HEAL THE WORLD

SPIRITUALITY FAITH

QUESTIONS GROWTH · FOCUS

to hear voices, identifying them as those of St. Michael the Archangel, St. Margaret of Antioch and St. Catherine of Alexandria.

These voices told her that she was destined to save France, to go on mission to find the Dauphin and have him crowned as king. After meeting with the local lord and traveling through hostile territory, Joan made it to the Dauphin.

Illiterate and with no formal education outside of taking care of animals, household duties, and religious activities, there was no indoctrinated resistance to Joan’s inner reality that compelled her through mystical experiences, allowing her to inspire the French troops in what would become a sharp turnaround to the long-lasting war.

In addition to leading her to the future king of France, when offered a

sword by the Dauphin, Joan refused and shared the location of an ancient sword, described to her by spiritual guides, to be found hidden by the altar of St. Catherine’s at Fierbois. Even the priests were completely unaware of the hidden sword when it was retrieved for the future saint. In addition to her holy sword, which she never used to draw blood or engage in combat, Joan also carried a great white banner flag, blessed at the Church of Saint-Sauveur at Tours, painted upon with images depicting the Lord Jesus Christ coming into power and glory.

The English, on the other hand, who experienced defeat by the French under Joan’s leadership, were convinced that she was being guided by demonic forces. When tried by the pro-English church, Joan was accused of heresy, witchcraft and dressing like a man. Officially

demonstrating the false authority of the church, which condemned the virgin heroine who displayed supernatural divine abilities in service of her country, Pope Benedict XV of the Roman Catholic canonized Joan of Arc as a saint on 16 May 1920.

Joan of Arc clearly represented a powerful threat to the church, demonstrating the spiritual power of the divine feminine, the potential for a simple peasant maiden to inspire a nation, the return of the matriarch, and clear defiance of the status quo.

Joan’s rapid transformation in self-identity, due to her immense courage, resolute conviction in her calling, fearless bravery and devoted love for her king and countrymen, allowed her to encompass powerful qualities that not only rallied armies into battle, but continue

RENEWAL

to inspire countless activists, artists and innovators through the heavy swamp of self-doubt and sense of powerlessness.

RAISE A SELF-REALIZED ARMY OF LOVE WARRIORS

“You have been in a state of hallucination thinking that you are a mortal, struggling and suffering. Through meditation you come in contact with your Real Self and forget what you thought you were.”

– Yogananda Parmahansa

Referred to as “the Father of Yoga in the West,” Yogananda Parmahansa, born January 5, 1893 in Gorakhpur, India, arrived in the United States in September 1920, as a delegate to the International Congress of Religions, held in Boston. Living in a small room at the YMCA, Yogananda began lecturing in various Boston-area venues on his “scientific”

approach to God-knowledge and on the ultimate unity of all religion, quickly attracting a large and enthusiastic following.

In 1920, Yogananda founded the SelfRealization Fellowship, with the first center established in Boston, to “disseminate among the nations a knowledge of definite scientific techniques for attaining direct personal experience of God.” By 1924, Yogananda undertook a transcontinental tour, finally landing by the end of the year in Los Angeles, to spread his message farther afield. There, he established the fellowship’s world headquarters in 1925. Various additional temples, meditation and spiritual living communities were developed across the globe by his disciples.

Yogananda emphasized the underlying unity of the world’s great religions and taught universally applicable methods

for realizing the cosmic creative power. To serious students of his teachings, he taught the soul-awakening techniques of Kriya Yoga, initiating more than 100,000 men and women during his thirty years in the West.

EMBODY YOUR ABILITY TO TRANSFORM THE REALITY

“Kriya Yoga is no ordinary breathing exercise: It is the highest known technique of pranayama, by which you can consciously control the life force in the body and thereby attain cosmic consciousness.”

- Paramahansa Yogananda

Yogananda help disseminate to the world sovereignty and independence through the power of breath, allowing his students to disentangle themselves from the mental constructs of enslavement to false institutions by realizing

YOGANANDA PARMAHANSA

ASCENSION

HEAL YOURSELF AND HEAL THE WORLD

SPIRITUALITY FAITH QUESTIONS GROWTH · FOCUS

their own role in the inner kingdom, the kingdom of the cosmic heart. Translated as the “Path of Action,” Kriya Yoga is a powerful and transformative system that combines meditation, breath control, and self-discipline to accelerate spiritual growth and inner awakening.

Kriya Yoga refers to the actions taken to purify the body and mind and cultivate a deeper connection with the divine. This path emphasizes the importance of self-effort and disciplined practice. Through consistent and dedicated action, one can experience profound inner transformation and self-empowerment that establishes adherences to a value system of independence, growth and collective transformation.

One can experience numerous physical, mental, and spiritual benefits through the regular practice of Kriya Yoga. Physically, it enhances vitality, strengthens the nervous system, and improves overall health and well-being. Mentally, it cultivates clarity, focus, and concentration, increasing creativity and mental sharpness. Spiritually, Kriya Yoga helps to awaken the dormant spiritual potential within and deepen one’s connection with the divine.

The human vessel is a cosmic receiver for powerful universal energies that can only be accessed through the evolutionary self-attunement process. Through the individual drive to become, collective evolution can be rapidly attained for exponential growth and transformation that spreads contagiously.

CREATE SYSTEMS OF RIGHTEOUS DEFIANCE THROUGH ALIGNMENT WITH THE LIGHT OF CONSCIOUSNESS

“Rather than attacking the system, liberate the souls that uphold it.”

The role of many of the world’s saints has been to beacon messages of love, compassion, perseverance, and independence from the oppressive institutions that seek to divide and conquer, poison and dis-empower, control and humiliate, by demonstrating the cosmic force that is accessible to us all when we are aligned with the inner power that compels our thoughts, perceptions, decisions and actions into the light of our soul’s salvation.

Rather than deconstructing the old, inner transformations within the heart of darkness gradually ripple outwards, like cancer, inspiring a cascade of changes that support the flow of power to areas diseased by the weaknesses of spiritual ignorance, self-enslavement and self-persecution.

By establishing a value system that boldly promotes the adherence to the ancient lineages of spiritual wisdom, we can collectively serve the sovereignty and sanctity of all life, to establish a foundation for future generations to continue to unravel the brilliance of their souls in service of our collective evolution and growth. The Waldorf education, based on the educational philosophy of Rudolph Steiner, the founder of anthroposophy, employs a holistic educational style that intends to develop a pupil’s intellectual, artistic, and practical skills, with a focus on imagination and creativity.

Initially established in Stuttgart, Germany in 1919, it is now the largest independent school movement in the world, with more than 1,200 independent schools and nearly 2,000 kindergartens in 75 countries, as well as over 500 centers for special education in more than 40 countries.

An Austrian occultist, social reformer, esotericist and mystic, many of Rudolph Steiner’s ideas influenced the pedagogy of the original Waldorf school and still

play a central role in modern Waldorf classrooms: reincarnation, karma, the existence of spiritual beings, the idea that children are themselves spiritual beings, and eurythmy.

Imagine a world where children are free to believe in their visions and guidance, where mental illness is not a label for those with a unique purpose upon this Earth. As we investigate the accomplishments of mystics, saints, yogis and spiritual activists to radically transform the limitations of human consciousness, perhaps we shall converse more openly regarding the future of our children’s health and the potential for a liberated world where our senses are free to compel us into a more empowered and harmonious state of existence.

RUDOLPHE STEINER

MOLD YOUR MIND

"THE

MENTAL BREAK THROUGH" NOW ON SPOTIFY

THE ART OF SELF-CONTROL

LISTENING TO THE DEVIL OR THE ANGEL ON YOUR SHOULDERS

COACH JOEY VELEZ MENTAL WELLNESS CONTRIBUTOR @velezmentalperformance

ONE THING WE SHOULD ALL BE ABLE TO AGREE ON IS THAT WE HAVE EXPERIENCED TIMES WHERE WE DID NOT KNOW WHICH VOICE TO LISTEN TO: THE ANGEL OR THE DEVIL. WHILE I MAY NOT BE THE MOST SPIRITUAL PERSON, THE METAPHOR COULD NOT BE TRUER.

When it comes to decision-making, when we have no clue what to do, our minds offer up solutions for both arguments. But which one do you listen to? There are times when we know we should listen to the Angel because it’s the most logical sense, but then there are those other times when we listen to the Devil because it sounds more exciting.

How do you know which one to listen to? Well that depends on what you want to achieve. The Devil can help you chal-

lenge yourself and push you beyond your limits, but it can also get you in trouble and cause you to lose sight of your goals.

SELF-CONTROL IS A SKILL

Before moving to Texas last August, I had spent the previous six months on a structured workout plan that included specific lifting days, but also specific nutritional guidelines to follow. Shout out to my boy Chris because, man, did it pay off.

I dropped 30 pounds and 15 percent body fat in that time, I was at my lowest weight since my early 20s, and I was feeling darn good about myself. When it came to eating sweets or drinking with my friends, the Angel always prevailed and helped me stick to my plan.

Fast forward to present day and guess what… those 30 pounds are back and I feel a lot more disappointment in myself losing all that progress. What changed? I started listening to the Devil. I could not keep from the sweets, overeating started to become more and more prevalent, even the yearly character strength test I take told me that my “self-control” trait went from #5 all the way down to #17 (out of 24). I had let myself down, I had reverted back to old eating habits, and worst of all, I knew I had it in me but

that did not make a difference.

The way our brains work is that what we say and think about is going to influence our emotions, our physiology, and our behaviors in that moment. For me, telling myself to “just eat the cookie” shifted my focus away from my goals and onto the craving of what I was about to eat, caused me to let down my inhibition, and caused me to eat nonstop until I was passed the point of being full.

What I was doing in the months before Texas was telling myself, “You do not need it,” or “Is it in your plan?” which led me to experiencing a sense of accomplishment and redirected my attention to what I could eat in that moment.

Sometimes it is not as easy as just listening to the Angel, but if you create a process to fight these counterproductive thoughts and remember why you do what you do, that is what will help you maintain control when you need it.

IMPROVING YOUR SELF-CONTROL

Building self-control takes practice, but can be enhanced through a three-step process: breathing, self-talk and awareness of your core values. First, taking a deep breath can go a long way in grab-

THOUGHTS MATTER

bing control. Taking controlled, rhythmic breathes using your diaphragm not only help manage the fight-or-flight response of the nervous that often kicks into gear when the Angel and Devil are fighting for our thoughts, but your breath can also be used as a mental reset to help get your thinking brain back online.

Second, you can use your self-talk to redirect your attention to where you want it to go. Just like I did with asking myself, “Do you need it?” or “Is it in your plan?” your self-talk can be used as

a reminder or the fuel you need to keep you from relinquishing control to your thoughts.

Finally, and what might be the most powerful, is identifying what your core values are. Your core values are what guide you each play, and they also play a huge role in the decisions you make. For example, one of my core values is that actions speak louder than words. I can use this value to help stick to my nutrition plan because I know I can do it, I have done it before, but it is about doing that action now.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Writing this column was just as much for me, as it was for you. My self-control has been lacking lately, so this column was a way for me to get myself back on track, while also giving you insight into how you can enhance your self-control. I am a firm believer that you will always be your biggest competition, no matter what the performance is. If you can learn to win, or at the very least, manage the battle within, then nothing can stop you.