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MIAMI BEACH
Miami Beach World Championship
TRIPLE CROWN ARGENTINA
Abierto de Argentina
ASPEN VALLEY POLO CLUB
St. Regis Snow Polo World Cup
ST. MORITZ
Snow Polo World Championship
KITZBUHEL
Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup
GAUNTLET OF POLO
C.V. Whitney Cup
The USPA Gold Cup
The U.S. Open Polo Championship
The U.S. Open Women's Polo
AUCKLAND POLO CLUB
NZ Polo Open 2025
SCOREBOARDS & COCKTAILS
TORTUGAS & THE TRIPLE CROWN
POLO LIFESTYLES EDITORS & CONTRIBUTORS
Joey
Dana Romita
The oversize bag trend we just love, page 116
Avoiding food-borne illness this holiday, page 90
Your chemical reaction to coffee explained, page 80
The coldest place on earth is a hot destination, page 154
BACK IN JULY, A FRIEND ASKED TO INTRODUCE ME TO A WRITER. SHE HAD JUST SELF-PUBLISHED HER FIRST BOOK. SURE, I SAID, HAVE HER SEND ME A COPY AT THE OFFICE. TWO DAYS LATER, I OPENED A PACKAGE ON MY DESK AND FOUND A COPY OF “THE POWER OF FAITH,” WITH A LOVELY NOTE AND INSCRIPTION ON THE INSIDE COVER PAGE.
Great, I thought, another self-help book, what was my friend thinking? I took the book home and put it in my reading pile on my nightstand. As the pile shrunk, grew, evolved and changed over the past few months, it finally made it to the top just as I was approving content for the November gratitude issue. I read it one Sunday morning not too long ago in one sitting, and – let me skip to the punchline – I think it is required reading for the holiday season. If you’re on my gift list, there is a good chance you’ll be getting a copy wrapped in beautiful paper and tied with a bow.
While I certainly don’t want to give the whole book away, the story brought me to tears of frustration but also consistently drew me back to a place of gratitude and thankfulness. I sent the author, Erika Vaval Rosenthal, a message that same day, asking to speak with her. When we connected, I had to, on one hand, apologize for taking so darn long to read her book, but on the other hand, I told her the timing was providential.
Not only did it fit exactly into what I was envisioning for the November issue of Polo Lifestyles, but it also shone a spotlight on the incredible problems facing healthcare in the United States. Erika’s experience in and out and back into the hospital system in Florida – and nearly dying in the process – is a vignette into the lives of countless victims of the broken system, commandeered by big pharma and insurance companies. I ended my chat with Erika by encouraging her to send her book to Tyler Perry and other movie execs.
And so as we gather around tables and TVs this holiday season with friends and loved ones, it’s my hope and wish for you to reflect upon the things for which you are most thankful and live in a spirit of grounded gratitude.
Polo Lifestyles and a pool day during Northern California's late October summer
dubaistyle4ever
AM-PBS polo team #becauseshematters Polo in Dubai
Ready for the weekend or any weekday in St-Barth with a fun Moke vehicle
f1
Closing out the iconic triple header in style at the Interlagos Brazil Grand Prix #brazilgp
lucchese
Click
Lahore Polo Club is home to some fastpaced and hard-working polo matches @raffayshaikh89
Estee Lauder Companies appointed Stephane de la Faverie as president and CEO effective January 2025
U.S. Polo Assn. shirts are designed for champions on and off the polo fields
The vintage 2015 is an act of creation, from first impression to lingering trace
Windhorses visiting Schloss Drachenburg for Fest der Fantasie in Germany
ABIERTO DE TORTUGAS ARGENTINE
TRIPLE
CROWN 2024
PHOTOGRAPHY
THE 40-GOAL ARGENTINE POLO SEASON
On the last day of qualifying for the 84th Tortugas Country Club Open, they faced each other on court 7 of the local club, La Dolfina Saudi, with Adolfito Cambiaso returning to the starting lineup, against La Hache Polo Team, which suffered the loss of Pablo Pieres, replaced by Lorenzo Chavanne.
The victory went to the Cañuelas team by 12-11 but it was not enough (they had to win by at least two goals), and in this way Hilario Ulloa’s team will play the final of the tournament against Ellerstina Yellow Rose.
The “semi-final” was a hard-fought affair. With Cambiaso back and Pieres out, it seemed that La Dolfina was going to make it to the final, but a memorable match by Tomás Panelo, well accompanied by Hilario, the debutant Lorenzo -key in the end- prevented them from doing so.
ABIERTO DE TORTUGAS
ARGENTINE TRIPLE CROWN 2024
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATERINA MORGAN / POLO LIFESTYLES
La Hache was always on the winning side to reach the decisive match, but four consecutive goals (three by Adolfito and the other by Cambiaso (n), put the score at 12-10 for Cañuelas, which put them through to the final. But with less than 40 seconds left until the final bell, a brave move by Lorenzo Chavanne gave La Hache the goal they needed to reach the final and face Ellerstina.
With the victory of La Natividad, who won with great authority by 21-9 last Saturday, the finalist was Ellerstina Yellow Rose, who with equal points in the group leadership, remained in first position after having achieved victory against La Natividad in the previous date.
ABIERTO DE TORTUGAS
ARGENTINE TRIPLE CROWN 2024
PHOTOGRAPHY
KATERINA MORGAN / POLO LIFESTYLES
ABIERTO DE TORTUGAS
ARGENTINE TRIPLE CROWN 2024
ABIERTO DE TORTUGAS
ARGENTINE TRIPLE CROWN 2024
ABIERTO DE TORTUGAS
ARGENTINE TRIPLE CROWN 2024
ABIERTO DE TORTUGAS
ARGENTINE TRIPLE CROWN 2024
WHEN YOU Don't Sleep Well YOUR BRAIN STARTS EATING ITSELF
UP TO 70 MILLION AMERICANS ARE SLEEP-DEPRIVED. BUT THOSE HOURS OF LOST SLEEP ADD UP TO A BIGGER HEALTH DEFICIT THAN YOU MAY REALIZE, SAYS SLEEP MEDICINE SPECIALIST NANCY FOLDVARY-SCHAEFER, DO, MS.
During lab experiments, the brain cells that destroy and digest worn-out cells and debris go into overdrive in mice when they are chronically sleep-deprived.
In the short term, this might be beneficial – clearing potentially harmful debris and rebuilding worn circuitry might protect healthy brain connections.
But it may cause harm in the long term, and could explain why a chronic lack of sleep puts people at risk of Alzheimer’s
disease and other neurological disorders.
“Sleep is foundational to health and wellness,” Foldvary-Schaefer says. “We know that getting enough sleep and getting enough good sleep is necessary for cardiovascular health, metabolic health and even brain health.”
Exactly how is a lack of sleep harmful to your health? Let’s take a look at what happens to your body when you don’t get enough rest.
WHY LACK OF SLEEP IMPACTS YOUR BODY
There are lots of reasons why you need sleep. It allows your body to:
• Conserve and store energy.
• Repair and recover from daily activity and injuries.
• Rest, reorganize and re-catalog your brain.
“Sleep is an active process for every organ of the body, including the brain,” Foldvary-Schaefer says. “We need sleep so we can restore nutrients, clear toxic materials and recharge for the next day.”
Even missing as little as 1.5 hours can have an impact on how you feel, causing short-term problems like:
• Lack of alertness.
• Memory problems.
• Moodiness and agitation.
• An inability or unwillingness to participate in normal daily activities.
“During periods of sleeplessness, hidden health hazards accumulate that can’t be covered up with concealer or reversed with caffeine.” Foldvary-Schaefer notes.
“Everything from your cardiovascular system to your immune system feels the impact.”
The health effects of sleep deprivation
Beyond feeling groggy feeling and sleeping past your alarm, sleep deprivation affects many parts of your body and brain. So, what exactly happens when you don’t get enough ZZZs? Let’s take a look at the many possible effects of sleep deprivation.
FATIGUE AND A LACK OF ENERGY
If your internal batteries feel depleted by the early afternoon, that’s a clear sign of lack of sleep — and no, a late-day cup of coffee won’t cure it. “If you wake up in the morning and you aren’t refreshed, and you feel exhausted or are yawning excessively during the day, those are all signs of insufficient sleep or another sleep disorder,” Foldvary-Schaefer states.
Sleep deprivation causes fatigue, low energy and excessive sleepiness, which can affect your ability to do things you love and simply complete day-to-day tasks.
POOR BALANCE AND COORDINATION
If you’re stumbling through the day with fewer than seven hours of sleep, you’re likely to start literally stumbling. A 2021 study found that sleep deprivation had a significant negative effect on gait (the way you walk), while other studies have found that a lack of sleep can affect your sense of balance. Both can put you at risk for accidents, falls and injuries.
MOOD CHANGES AND MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES
It’s no big revelation that a night of bad sleep can make you feel irritated, emotional and short-tempered the next day. And chronic sleeplessness can quickly morph into mental health concerns.
“Mood disorders like depression and anxiety are also connected with chron-
ic insomnia and sleep deprivation,” Foldvary-Schaefer cautions.
For example, research shows that people with insomnia are twice as likely to experience depression. It also shows that about 80% of people with depression experience insomnia. In other words, sleeplessness can be a symptom of mental health issues, but it can also be a contributor to them, which creates a frustrating chicken-and-the-egg cycle.
FORGETFULNESS AND NEUROLOGICAL CONCERNS
Wait, where did I put my keys? A lack of sleep affects your ability to remember and react, which can cause your brain to go blank on the most routine of tasks. Deep stages of sleep are responsible for learning and memory. These include rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and deep nonREM sleep (also known as Delta sleep or slow-wave sleep, or SWS).
“When sleep is interrupted or cut short by going to bed too late or not getting
eight hours in bed at night, your brain isn’t able to properly catalog its memories,” Foldvary-Schaefer explains. She points to studies that show that students who pull all-nighters don’t do any better on their tests the next day: “Even though they’ve put in more hours, they’ve deprived themselves of the sleep that was needed to really ingrain those memories into their brains,” she says.
Sleep deprivation can also cause neurological disturbances like:
• Blurred vision
• Memory lapse
• Poor reaction time
“Deep sleep allows our brains to clear the toxins that accumulate during our waking hours,” Foldvary-Schaefer explains, “so that we don’t develop neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.”
Research shows that this process takes seven to eight hours (and sometimes more). In other words, if you’re losing sleep, so is your brain.
CHANGES IN YOUR APPEARANCE
If you’ve ever walked into the office and been told, “You look tired!” (Ugh, rude) you know what we mean: When you don’t get enough sleep, it can show on your face. Sleep deprivation can cause:
• Dark undereye circles
• Drooping eyelids
• Pale skin
• Red eyes
• Swollen/puffy eyes
There’s also a link between lack of sleep and an increase in the amount of cortisol in your body. Cortisol can break down collagen, the protein that keeps skin smooth, which means a lack of sleep could mean more wrinkles.
A WEAKENED IMMUNE SYSTEM
When you burn the candle at both ends, your immune system takes a hit. You may be more prone to getting sick and slower to bounce back from viruses like
the cold or flu. That’s because when you sleep, your body produces cytokines, proteins that send signals to other cells to keep your immune system functioning (which is a good thing!). But when you’re sleep-deprived, your body instead starts to make more white blood cells. This creates an imbalance that weakens your immune system over time.
“After consecutive days of not getting enough sleep, you may start to become more susceptible to certain illnesses,” Foldvary-Schaefer explains. “Plus, as lack of sleep affects your immune system’s ability to fight against illnesses, it may take you longer to recover.”
WEIGHT GAIN
In the short term, even a couple of bad nights’ sleep can make you feel hungrier — especially for sweets and snacks. And chronic sleep deprivation is a risk factor for weight gain and obesity.
Why? Lack of sleep disrupts these key hormone levels in your body:
• Ghrelin signals to your brain when your stomach is empty and it’s time to eat
• Leptin, which is released by your adipose tissue (body fat), helps your body maintain its normal weight on a long-term basis
• Cortisol is your body’s “stress hormone,” produced and released into your bloodstream by your adrenal glands
Lack of sleep makes it harder to lose weight, too. A review of studies on sleep deprivation and weight found that people who got enough high-quality sleep were more likely to be successful in their weight loss efforts than people who were sleep deprived.
HIGHER STRESS LEVELS
Are you stressed because you can’t sleep, or are you having trouble sleeping because you’re stressed? This is another “Which came first?” scenario with the same result: You, mega-frazzled and unable to catch that shut-eye you so desperately need. It all comes back to
cortisol, the stress hormone: Sleep deprivation may raise cortisol levels, which can contribute to weight gain, heart disease, anxiety, signs of aging and so much more.
“On the other hand,” Foldvary-Schaefer says, “a good night’s sleep naturally reduces cortisol levels.”
GREATER CHANCE OF CAR ACCIDENTS
Sure, you wouldn’t drive while drunk, but would you drive while exhausted? You shouldn’t. Sleep deprivation puts you at a higher risk for car accidents. Driving after 20 hours without sleep is like driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08%, the legal limit in most U.S. states. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that drowsy driving accounts for thousands of crashes, injuries and fatalities each year.
INCREASED RISK OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
Not getting enough sleep also hurts your heart. Sleep deprivation can lead to hypertension (aka high blood pressure). And one study found that people diagnosed with sleep deprivation have a higher risk of hypertensive heart disease, which is the result of long-term unmanaged high blood pressure.
Plus, untreated sleep apnea and other chronic sleep disorders put you at a higher risk for health conditions like arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythm), obesity and Type 2 diabetes, which can all contribute to cardiovascular disease.
“Studies on these topics are all evolving, but there’s a lot of evidence to suggest that short sleep — meaning less than seven hours on average for adults — is harmful to your health,” Foldvary-Schaefer says.
INCREASED RISK OF OTHER HEALTH
ISSUES
Chronic sleep deprivation is associated with an increased risk of other conditions, too.
“When your body doesn’t get the restoration it needs, that leads to a buildup of toxins and inflammatory markers that we believe underlie the development
of a number of chronic diseases,” Dr. Foldvary-Schaefer warns. Not getting enough sleep raises your risk for:
Alzheimer’s disease: “Sleep deprivation over the lifespan increases your risk of cognitive impairment and dementia,” Foldvary-Schaefer says. Studies show that adults who regularly sleep for six hours or less per night accumulate toxins in the brain that can lead to Alzheimer’s disease.
Pre-diabetes: sleep deprivation can lead to higher-than-normal blood sugar levels, which can ultimately turn into glucose intolerance and insulin resistance.
Thyroid and other hormonal issues: your body needs plenty of rest so that it can properly produce hormones via the endocrine system. Sleep deprivation can cause abnormal thyroid function and growth hormone secretion, specifically for kids and young adults.
SLEEP DEPRIVATION AFFECTS KIDS, TOO
There’s good reason to teach kids healthy sleep habits from an early age: Chronic sleepiness in kids and teens has seriously dangerous effects on their development. A lack of sleep can lead to:
• Behavior problems
• Impaired learning
• Poor concentration
• Decreased school performance
HOW MUCH SLEEP DO YOU NEED?
Unless you’ve really been making a point to get enough sleep, chances are high that you’re not getting enough. Recent studies show that at least 30 percent of American adults are sleeping less than seven hours per night. But most people need at least that much, according to a report from the National Sleep Foundation. It breaks down sleep recommendations into nine age-specific categories, with a slight range that allows for individual preferences:
• Adults, 65+ years: 7 to 8 hours
• Adults, 26 to 64 years: 7 to 9 hours
• Young adults (18 to 25 years): 7 to 9 hours
• Teenagers (14 to 17 years): 8 to 10 hours
• School-age children (6 to 13 years): 9 to 11 hours
• Preschool children (3 to 5 years: 10 to 13 hours
• Toddlers (1 to 2 years): 11 to 14 hours
• Infants (4 to 11 months): 12 to 15 hours
• Newborns (0 to 3 months): 14 to 17 hours
HOW TO COMBAT SLEEP DEPRIVATION
If you eat well and exercise regularly but don’t get at least seven hours of sleep every night, you may be undermining
all of your other efforts. And we’re not being dramatic! Sleep isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.
“Adults need seven to eight hours of sleep each night — not just once in a while,” Foldvarey-Schaefer says. “If you’re not getting that, you’re likely chronically sleep deprived. It’s the most common cause of tiredness in our society today.”
HERE’S HOW TO START TAKING STEPS TO GET BETTER SLEEP:
Shift your bedtime back. Start going to bed just 15 or 20 minutes earlier. Then, after a couple of days, add another 20.
Create a nighttime routine. Practicing “sleep hygiene” can help normalize your sleep schedule.
Skip the nightcap. Alcohol can disrupt your sleep cycle more than you realize.
Break your bad habits. Easier said than done, right? But it’s doable. Power down an hour before bed by turning off your tech and putting an end to “revenge bedtime procrastination.”
Tried everything and still can’t seem to wake up well-rested? It might be time to bring in the professionals. If you snore (or suspect you do) or otherwise just can’t seem to get a good night’s sleep, make an appointment to chat with a healthcare provider. They may recommend a sleep study to rule out any sleep disorders and get to the root of the problems — so that you can finally start getting the beauty rest that you reserve.
EDITOR'S PICK: LAMBORGHINI REVUELTO
Think of the all-new Lamborghini Revuelto as a combination of styles stretching back decades. It blends the big-nosed Murcielago with the hips of a Diablo. The scissor doors and wedge shape come from the Countach. There are plenty of nods to the past, but unlike any bull before it, the Revuelto is a plug-in hybrid. Its mid-mounted V-12 gets help from three electric motors—two on the front axle and another one mounted to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission in the rear— for a total output of 1001 horsepower. While this may cause some purists to wail, Lamborghini promises that additional electrification only enhances the supercar experience.
This bull is no ballerina when it comes to performance. The mid-mounted 814-hp 6.5-liter V-12 is naturally aspirated and screams up to a 9500-rpm redline. Of the three electric motors integrated into the powertrain, two drive the front wheels, while the third is integrated into the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and assists the V-12 gas engine on the rear axle. The total output of this powertrain is 1001 horsepower, the most of any Lamborghini ever. That's also the most horsepower from any plug-in hybrid, knocking the 986-hp Ferrari SF90 Stradale from the top spot. We haven't tested a Revuelto yet, but after our first test drive, we estimate it will reach 60 mph in just 2.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 218 mph. From behind the wheel, the Revuelto's acceleration feels intense, with the electric motors giving an instant surge of power off the line and the V-12 howling as you explore the depths of its power band. Handling is sharper and more agile than in the outgoing Aventador. The Revuelto benefits from a rear-wheel steering system and a torque-vectoring system which gives it more stability in corners and makes it easier to nip apexes. When we get a chance to test the Revuelto on our home turf, we'll update this story with more driving impressions and test results.
Why are Mummies so Rare? 15th Century Victorians routinely Stole and Ate Mummies for Presumed Health Benefits
FEELING ILL? IN 15TH-CENTURY EUROPE, THE REMEDY FOR YOUR HEADACHE, STOMACH AILMENT, OR CANCER MIGHT COME WITH A SIDE OF EGYPTIAN MUMMY.
For centuries, embalmed bodies were prized across the continent not for their historical value, but for their purported medical benefits. Here’s the surprising reason that people once craved, and ate, mummies.
HOW DID PEOPLE START EATING MUMMIES ?
The practice of consuming parts of ancient Egyptian mummies—and, later, embalmed corpses of all kinds—began in the 11th century. What started it all, writes historian Karl Dannenfelt, was a series of mistranslations and misunderstandings.
The gory story hinges on one word: mumia. Prized for its healing qualities, mumia was a substance found on a single Persian mountainside where it seeped from black-rock asphalt. Named after the local word for wax, “mum,” the substance was used for a variety of medical purposes and gained a reputation in the Arabic world as expensive, precious, and effective.
But when Western Europeans began encountering the Islamic world and translating its texts, a single mistranslation led to widespread confusion about the meaning of mumia. According to Dannenfelt, a variety of 11th- and 12th-century translators incorrectly identified mumia as a substance exuded from preserved bodies in Egyptian tombs.
Part of the confusion came from the word mumia’s similarity to the word mum-
my—and also the fact that some ancient Egyptian mummies were embalmed using asphalt. Scientists now know that only some mummies were made with that process. But Western Europeans, fascinated by ancient finds in Egypt, ran with the concept—and mumia became associated with embalmed bodies instead of precious asphalt from a Persian mountain.
MEDICAL CANNIBALISM
Mistranslation and medical misunderstandings now combined with another fallacious, but longstanding, belief: that the human body contained properties that could heal other humans.
For generations, humans had practiced what is now known as medical cannibalism in a bid for better health. From the belief that gladiators’ blood could heal epilepsy to the use of human fat in homemade remedies, medical cannibalism was alive and well in medieval Western Europe. With the arrival of mumia, by then also called mummy, medical practitioners believed they’d hit upon a new source of healing products made from the human body.
Mumia was prescribed for everything from headaches to heart attacks—and a run on mummies followed. Suddenly, people were ransacking Egyptian tombs not just for jewelry or pottery, but for the bodies within, and canny salesmen began collecting and selling mummies. Demand quickly outpaced supply, leading to a brisk trade in fake mummies. Body snatchers and unethical tradespeople began turning fresh cadavers and the bodies of executed criminals, enslaved people, and others into “mummies” in an attempt to capitalize on the craze.
Body snatchers would “steal by night the bodies of such as were hanged,” wrote one observer, who noted the bodies were then embalmed with salt and drugs, dried in an oven, then ground into powder that apothecaries added to their home remedies.
VICTORIANS AND EGYPTOMANIA
Though skepticism about mumia grew throughout the centuries, the fascination with mummies only rose.
Egyptomania was so pronounced in England during the Victorian Era that mummy unwrapping became a popular pastime in lecture halls, hospitals, and even private homes in the 19th century as British men returned home from archaeological expeditions, colonial postings, or sightseeing tours with bodies they’d looted from Egyptian tombs. Despite a ban on the export of antiquities, Europeans continued seeking out mummies both to satisfy their curiosity and provide components for medical remedies. It wasn’t until the late 19th century that the use of mumia finally died off.
Still, the world’s fascination with ancient Egyptian “remedies” remains. For proof, just look at the skin care shelf in your local store, where “magic” creams and other skin care items use ancient Egyptian motifs in their advertising material. We may no longer eat the byproducts of mummies to stay healthy, but the mystique of ancient Egypt remains as strong as ever.
SCIENCE DECODED
Should you get an X-ray MRI or CT Scan?
BY CATHERINE PEARSON / SPECIAL TO POLO LIFESTYLES
WHAT DIFFERENTIATES AN XRAY FROM AN MRI OR A CT SCAN? AND WHY DOES YOUR DOCTOR CHOOSE ONE OVER THE OTHER? WE BREAK IT DOWN.
All three are a type of imaging scan. You can have both x-rays and CT scans completed within minutes.
All three imaging tools can be used to help with the diagnosis of one or more medical conditions. You need to remain still for all three tests according to the instructions given by the technologist.
However, they also have several major differences.
1. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN X-RAY AND A CT SCAN?
While the difference between CT scan and x-ray is minor, it’s also significant. Doctors use x-rays to detect dislocations and fractures of bones as well as detect cancers and pneumonia. However, CT scans are a type of advanced x-ray devices doctors use for diagnosing internal organ injuries, using x-ray images of the structure and a computer.
X-ray machines in some cases fail to diagnose problems with muscle damage, soft tissues or other body organs, but with the CT scan, it’s entirely possible.
x-ray images are in 2D, while CT scan images are 3D. The CT scanning machine rotates on an axis and takes various 2D images of an individual’s body from multiple angles. Then, the computer will place all the cross-sectional images together on its screen, resulting in a 3D image of the body’s inside, revealing the presence of injury or disease to the doctor.
2. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CT SCAN AND AN MRI?
X-rays and CT scans both use a small dose of ionizing radiation to produce images.
An MRI scan, however, doesn’t work this way. It uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create the images instead of ionizing radiation. So, you are not exposed to radiation when you have an MRI scan, unlike a CT scan or x-ray. The MRI applies a magnetic field, lining up each of the protons in your body. The radio waves are applied in short bursts to these protons, relaying a signal the MRI scanner picks up. Then the computer processes this signal and creates a 3D image of the examined body areas. The diagnostic images of a CT scan are taken typically quicker than an MRI scan. For instance, a CT scan, as with x-rays, often takes five minutes or less while MRIs can take 30 minutes or more.
Doctors also use MRIs and CT scans for different reasons. A CT scan is very helpful in diagnosing severe injuries of the chest, head, spine or abdomen, particularly fractures. They’re also useful in pinpointing the location and size of tumors.
An MRI, however, often does a better job at diagnosing problems in the joints, soft tissues, ligaments and tendons. Doctors will often order an MRI to scan the spine, brain, breasts, muscles, abdomen and neck. They’re an excellent tool for evaluating spinal ligaments.
3.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN MRI AND AN X-RAY?
As mentioned, x-rays expose you to ionizing radiation. MRI machines don’t emit this radiation. X-rays take mere minutes while MRIs can take 30 minutes or longer — up to a couple of hours — depending on what the doctor is looking for.
X-rays are limited to scanning for only a few body ailments. MRIs are more versatile, and doctors use them for examining many medical conditions. For example, x-rays are used more for examining broken bones, but they can also help detect diseased tissue. MRIs are better for evaluating soft tissues such as tendon and ligament injuries, brain tumors or spinal cord injuries.
Bold Imagination in Modern Fashion
BY MICHAEL SNELL, PHD. / LUXURY CONTRIBUTOR
THE NEW YORK CITY BALLET’S FALL FASHION GALA HAS BECOME ONE OF THE MOST HIGHLY ANTICIPATED EVENTS ON THE CULTURAL CALENDAR, BRINGING TOGETHER THE WORLDS OF HIGH FASHION AND BALLET IN A DAZZLING FUSION OF ARTISTRY.
The 2024 edition, held in the grand Lincoln Center, once again exceeded expectations, with couture designs, stunning choreography, and an elite gathering of art and fashion enthusiasts. A night when performance art met sartorial brilliance, the Gala was a visual and emotional feast that highlights the timeless relationship between movement and design.
Founded by the ever-fashionable Sarah Jessica Parker in 2012, the Fall Fashion Gala has, over the years, elevated the already world-class New York City Ballet to new creative heights by commissioning renowned designers to create costumes for new ballet works. The 2024 gala featured leading designers from around the globe that collaborated with choreographers to produce unforgettable visual spectacles on stage, highlighting combining the grace of ballet with the bold imagination of modern fashion.
HIGH FASHION MEETS BALLET
This year’s Gala presented a dynamic mix of classical and contemporary ballet pieces, with each one featuring custom-designed costumes that embodied both elegance and innovation. Fashion designers Thom Browne, Prabal Gurung, and Pierpaolo Piccioli (of Valentino) were among those tasked with designing
pieces that could not only dazzle but also accommodate the dancers’ movements with ease.
Browne’s costumes for a contemporary ballet piece were a masterclass in structure and avant-garde style, with tailored silhouettes in dark palettes that contrasted sharply with the fluidity of the choreography. Gurung, in his signature celebration of color and fabric, presented flowing, ethereal designs in rich hues, with intricate drapery that mirrored the delicate movements of the dancers. Piccioli brought his trademark Valentino aesthetic to the stage, blending opulence with a minimalist edge, using deep reds and golds to evoke a regal yet modern sensibility.
Each costume design reflected the unique collaboration between designer and choreographer, merging the technical requirements of ballet with the artistic
2024 NYC BALLET FALL FASHION GALA
vision of haute couture. It’s a challenging balance to strike, but one that has become the hallmark of the NYC Ballet Fall Fashion Gala—a symbiotic relationship where the dancers’ bodies become living canvases for fashion masterpieces.
A STAR-STUDDED AFFAIR
As is tradition, the 2024 Fall Fashion Gala attracted a who’s who of the fashion and arts worlds, with celebrities, designers, and patrons of the arts gracing the red carpet in their finest. Sarah Jessica Parker, the evening’s honorary chair and longstanding advocate for the arts, dazzled in custom Oscar de la Renta, embodying the spirit of the night with her blend of classic elegance and modern flair.
The guest list also included luminaries such as Anna Wintour, whose influence on the fashion world added gravitas to
the event, alongside Zoë Kravitz and Anne Hathaway, who were seen mingling with fashion icons and ballet aficionados. The Gala not only serves as a night of high fashion but also as a vital fundraiser, with proceeds supporting the Ballet’s performances, education programs, and outreach initiatives. It is a glamorous night with a deeply important mission— preserving and nurturing one of the world’s leading ballet companies.
CHOREOGRAPHIC AND ARTISTIC INNOVATION
While the fashion takes center stage at the Gala, the choreographic artistry on display is equally celebrated. The 2024 performances showcased the Ballet’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of dance while remaining grounded in its storied history. Choreographers such as
Justin Peck and Sidra Bell created works that challenged the dancers both technically and emotionally, blending traditional ballet forms with contemporary, experimental movements.
Justin Peck’s piece, set to a minimalist score by Philip Glass, played with themes of repetition and contrast, where the dancers moved in stark, geometric formations before breaking into more fluid, emotionally charged sequences. Sidra Bell, known for her boundary-pushing approach to movement, presented a new work that explored identity and transformation, with an emphasis on the interplay between light and shadow. The dancers, clad in flowing gowns designed by Prabal Gurung, seemed to blur the line between the real and the abstract, their movements enhanced by the sweeping, expressive costumes.
THE INTERSECTION OF DANCE AND FASHION
One of the most compelling aspects of the Ballet Fall Fashion Gala is how it highlighted the intersection of two art forms—dance and fashion—that, at their core, are both about expression, movement, and emotion. Fashion, like ballet, tells a story through form, texture, and color, and the Gala offered a rare chance to see these two worlds collide in perfect harmony.
For the dancers, the costumes become more than just an aesthetic addition, they inform the movement and feel of the performance. Flowing fabrics enhance the graceful turns and lifts, while struc-
tured, avant-garde designs emphasize the precision and strength of the dancers. The Gala provides a platform for designers to think beyond traditional runway shows, pushing them to create garments that not only look stunning but can withstand the physical demands of world-class ballet.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
The 2024 NYC Ballet Fall Fashion Gala was a stunning reminder of how collaboration across artistic disciplines can produce something truly exceptional. The marriage of fashion and ballet brings fresh creative energy to both fields, and this year’s Gala demonstrated that the relationship between movement and design is as dynamic and alive as ever.
Looking ahead, the Ballet continues to pioneer new works and collaborations, and the Fall Fashion Gala remains a vital part of its future. As fashion continues to evolve, so too will the Gala, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible when two of the world’s most expressive art forms join forces. This year’s event was not just a celebration of the past and present of ballet and fashion, but a glimpse into the exciting innovations yet to come.
In a city known for its cultural dynamism, the NYC Ballet Fall Fashion Gala stands as a shining example of how art can inspire, connect, and move us—both literally and figuratively.
EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR BODY WHEN YOU TAKE A SIP OF CAFFEINE
For many, a caffeine fix is key to starting the day – we explain the biological changes that begin with morning tea or coffee
WE’RE A WORLD FUELED BY CAFFEINE. IN THE UK ALONE, WE DRINK ABOUT 100 MILLION CUPS OF TEA A DAY, ACCORDING TO THE UK TEA & INFUSIONS ASSOCIATION; AND, SAYS THE BRITISH COFFEE ASSOCIATION, SOMEWHERE IN THE REGION OF 95 MILLION CUPS OF COFFEE. AND THAT’S BEFORE WE EVEN MENTION ENERGY DRINKS.
Yet the health advice surrounding caffeine can sometimes be confusing. A study published in the journal BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine found that pregnant women should cut out caffeine completely to help avoid miscarriage, low birth weight and stillbirth. This is in
contradiction to the current guidance in the UK, which states that a daily caffeine intake equivalent to two cups of medium-strength coffee (200mg) is safe for pregnant women.
What is undeniable is that caffeine brings about a biological change in our bodies. We asked Thomas Sanders, a Professor of Nutrition & Dietetics at Kings College London, to explain the process, from the moment a drop of elixir passes our lips.
8AM: THE FIRST SIP
For those of us who require a caffeine fix to get out of bed in the morning, reaching for the cofee or tea pot is second nature. In terms of what happens from then, caffeine’s effects will naturally depend on how much you consume, and the type of person you are. So best to read the timings in this article as a guide rather than an exact timetable.
As a general rule, the average half life of caffeine in the body is roughly between five and six hours for healthy adults. “The important thing to stress is that there is quite a lot of variation in the individual response to coffee; some of that might be genetic, and there may be also gender differences in the way we break down coffee as well,” says Sanders.
8.05:
THE PLACEBO EFFECT
There are few things more pleasing in life than the first sips of coffee, which seemingly make you feel more awake by the second. However, that immediate alteration in your mood is likely to be a placebo rather than a biological change, especially if you’re in the routine of consuming caffeine every morning.
“To feel the effects of coffee, you’ve got to let it absorb into the bloodstream,” says Sanders. “What you’re feeling at this stage is only likely to be a psychological effect.”
For many, a caffeine fix is key to starting the day – we explain the biological changes that begin with morning tea or coffee
8.20: THE ENERGY BOOST
This is where things get interesting. It takes approximately 20 minutes for caffeine to be absorbed into your bloodstream, so by now you should be starting to feel the positive effects.
“The first thing you experience is an increase in heart rate,” says Sanders. “If you’re in a low state of arousal, it will give you a slight lift, which is why many people come to rely on their cup of coffee in the morning.” It’s also why people with heart conditions, such as arrhythmia, are advised to avoid drinking a strong morning pick-me-up.
Within these 20 minutes, your mental performance has already improved; you will feel more alert, switched on and able to tackle tasks. The flow of coffee into the bloodstream causes adrenaline to be released, activating our ‘fight or flight’ mode. This can actually sharpen our vision too, which probably explains why the morning spreadsheets feel easier after a flat white or two.
(Sanders says your concentration levels probably continue to improve incrementally from here, topping out at around an hour. It really depends on the quantity of caffeine you’ve had, and your metabolism.)
Also at the 20-minute mark comes one of the most enviable – and fleeting – effects of caffeine: what Sanders called “a rush of euphoria.” It’s why your colleagues are happiest when they have a flat white in their hand.
8.30: NATURE CALLS
Caffeine is a diuretic, so around half an hour after your morning cup, you may feel the need to urinate (this can happen as quickly as five minutes after you’ve drunk it). However, a study has found that a small cup has no links to dehydration, meaning those who consume coffee in moderate amounts don’t need to overcompensate with extra water.
“People who have bladder or prostate problems might want to be more careful when they have a cup of coffee, as the diuretic effect could be more potent,” says Sanders.
9.30: THE EFFECT ON YOUR GUT
If coffee is your caffeine of choice, this is the moment when you might feel rumblings in your midriff.
The compounds in coffee stimulate the bowel, resulting in waste being pushed out faster than usual. So, says Sanders, 60-90 minutes after consumption, you may feel a “bit of a cramp in the gut,” indicating it’s time to pay another visit to the office facilities.
This happens with decaf coffee, too – it’s a substance within coffee itself, rather than the caffeine, that causes the rumblings. But don’t assume it’s a negative consequence. “Coffee drinking has been associated with a lower risk of colo-rectal cancer – and one view is because of its effect on gut motility,” says Sanders.
Coffee has also been shown to lower the risks of type-two Diabetes. A Harvard study showed that people who increased their coffee intake over a four year period had 11 percent lower risk of the disease than those who didn’t increase their coffee consumption.
There is a debate in the medical community about the extent to which coffee can irritate our stomach acids. “For some people, black coffee can increase gastric secretion of acid; but not always. The evidence is equivocal, although some people do say if you’ve got an acidic stomach, avoid black coffee,” says Sanders.
11AM: THE DREADED CRASH
You’ve powered through your morning meeting, blitzed through your inbox and even found the time to water your rather sorry looking desk plant. You feel invincible. That is, until you start to feel an aching tiredness creeping in. This, my friends, is the caffeine slump.
“If you had your first cup of coffee at 8am, it’s likely that the effect on your body will have completely worn off by 11; you need regular hits of it to maintain these effects,” said Sanders.
Signs of a caffeine crash include headaches, excessive tiredness, an inability to concentrate, and irritability. That task that you euphorically promised to complete this morning is suddenly looking much less appealing...
12PM: THE CRAVING
The beginning of the end, if you will. For while the caffeine has left your system, it’s still very much on your mind.
“When you’ve been consuming something for a while, the receptors in your brain adapt,” says Sanders. “These take a bit of time to get back to normal after you’ve removed coffee from the system, as there’s an expectation that you’re going to get another hit, and that’s going to wake you up.”
This expectation is what leads many of us to reach for an afternoon cup, starting a vicious cycle well into the afternoon.
Due to the caffeine content, it’s widely agreed amongst experts that consuming coffee late in the day can disrupt sleep. One study, published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, found that caffeine consumed six hours before bed still impacted sleep – even if participants no longer felt the effects.
Of course, a poor night’s sleep can only mean one thing; a strong coffee in the morning. And so, the bleary-eyed cycle continues.
15 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW
Your iPhone Can Do for You
NO MATTER HOW LONG YOU’VE USED AN IPHONE, THERE ARE ALWAYS NEW (OR NEWTO-YOU) FEATURES TO DISCOVER. AND STUMBLING UPON A TIME-SAVING TRICK AFTER SO MANY YEARS IS, QUITE FRANKLY, A DELIGHT.
Here are 15 tips and tricks that Polo Lifestyles staffers rely on all the time. If you don’t already know about them, we hope they make your life a lot easier.
Identify plants or animals. If you take a photo of a plant, flower, tree, or animal, you can find out exactly what it is by tapping the Info button on the bottom of the screen; if your iPhone knows what it is, a symbol with stars will appear at the bottom of the photo. The metadata details will tell you what the plant or animal is and will also give you an option to look up more information about it.
Transform your phone into a portable white noise machine. In Settings, go to Accessibility > Audio & Visual > Background Sounds and choose from sounds such as Ocean, Rain, and Stream. We’ve tested this ourselves and with babies, and the sounds are soothing for all.
Ask Siri to read things to you. Open the Safari app and then command Siri to “read this” or say “I want to listen to this page.” You can also tap the Page Settings button on the left of the address bar and tap Listen to Page. You have the option to adjust the speaking speed as well as pause.
Schedule a text to send later. If you don’t want people to know you’re awake at all hours of the night, schedule your messages to send at more, uh, normal hours. Open a chat, type your text, and then tap the + on the left side of the message field. Select Send Later, then choose a day and time for your scheduled message to be delivered.
Keep people out of your private tabs. If you’ve been away from Safari for 15 minutes, your iPhone can require authentication before displaying your private tabs. That’s handy if you often let other people use your phone and would like to keep some browsing habits private. To enable the feature, go to Settings, tap Safari, scroll down, and switch on the toggle for Require Face ID to Unlock Private Browsing.
Create gestures that you can trigger with your voice. The iOS accessibility features can replay any series of touch actions when you give a voice command. Imagine mapping out an entire, tedious action that you do frequently in an app, such as manually entering information to move through screens, or having a command that scrawls your signature or draws a picture. Go to Settings, tap Accessibility, and then tap Voice Control. Toggle it on, and then tap Commands > Create New Command. Enter your desired command phrase, tap Action, and then tap Run
BY SARAH-LOUISE KELLY / SPECIAL TO POLO LIFESTYLES
Custom Gesture. Use your finger to create the gesture on your home screen, and your phone will replay it when you say the trigger phrase. Note: We found that Voice Control would respond to anyone using the commands, so maybe turn this one off when you aren’t using it.
Quickly remove the background from photos. Tap and hold any picture stored in the Files app, and then tap Quick Actions > Remove Background. iOS creates a duplicate of your original photo with no background—perfect for further editing in another app. You can use the same trick with several photos, too.
Use two fingers to select all. Just swipe down to select all to mark every item as read or mass-delete items within apps like Messages, Mail, Notes, and Reminders. This action also works in some third-party apps, such as Telegram, but there is no support yet in others, like Gmail.
Copy or translate text with the camera. Open the camera app and point your phone lens at a block of text. An icon with three lines in an outlined square appears at the bottom-right corner. Tap the icon, and it captures the text with the option to copy, select all, look up, translate, or share.
Look up laundry-care icons. After you take a photo of a laundry-care label, tap the Info button at the bottom of the page
and tap Look Up Laundry Care. The results will show you what each specific label means.
Lock apps you don’t want people to open. You can protect specific apps with Face ID, which is useful if you have a kid who regularly uses your phone and you don’t want them playing games or sending accidental e-mails. Long press on the app and select Require Face ID to enable it.
Keep people from snooping through your phone. A setting called Guided Access keeps your phone locked to one app, which is particularly useful when you’re letting kids play with your iPhone. In Settings, tap Accessibility > Guided Access to activate the feature, which prevents whoever is using your phone from exiting an app and opening another one. Just remember to turn it off once you get your phone back.
Become a faster photographer with Camera shortcuts. Swiping left on your iPhone’s lock screen opens the Camera app by default (though you can also change that shortcut to something else in iOS 18). It’s much easier to shoot photos by pressing the physical volume button on the side of the phone instead of tapping the Shutter button. Swiping the Shutter button to the left shoots a bunch of photos in a row, a function known as burst mode, while holding down the Shutter button shoots video without your having to swipe into video mode.
Shaving a second off the time it takes to snap a photo or record video can be precious when you’re capturing something fleeting, like fast-moving kids or pets.
Limit screen time for specific apps. Wasting too much time mindlessly scrolling TikTok or Instagram? You can turn on a setting that restricts your access to those apps. Within Settings, tap Screen Time, and then tap Add Limits > Add Limit. You can select an entire app category, such as Social, or you can set limits on specific apps by tapping the category and then selecting apps within those categories. Tap Next in the top-right corner and then choose how much time you’ll allow yourself to spend in those apps. You can give yourself more time on weekends if you want by tapping Customize Days.
Move a group of apps to another page on your home screen. When you’re curating your iPhone home screen, moving apps one by one to a different page can be tedious. You can move a group of apps over at the same time: Just long-press an app, tap Edit Home Screen, and then grab the app you want to move. While still holding your finger on the screen, tap on each app icon you’d like to move with it, and the iPhone will grab them all.
AVOID ILLNESSES FROM BACTERIA IN FOOD THIS SEASON
HOW TO NAVIGATE HOLIDAY DINNER PARTIES
Food-borne illnesses are on the rise in the United States, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which issued a food safety alert this week about an E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders. This outbreak has caused at least 49 illnesses across 10 states, including one death.
A specific ingredient has not been confirmed as the cause, but the US Food and Drug Administration has said investigators are looking at slivered onions or beef patties on Quarter Pounder sandwiches as possible sources of contamination.
This alert comes after a high-profile outbreak of listeria infections linked to Boar’s Head liverwurst and other deli meats. These cases resulted in dozens of hospitalizations and at least 10 deaths. I wanted to know about food-borne
illnesses and what can be done to improve food safety practices. What are the most common causes of food-borne infections? Why are certain infections, such as E. coli and listeria, especially problematic? What symptoms do people experience? And what should people do to reduce their chances of contracting food-borne illnesses?
To help me with these questions, I turned to wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen. Wen is an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at George Washington University. She previously was Baltimore’s health commissioner, with responsibilities that included overseeing food safety.
KH: What are the most common causes of food-borne infections?
LW: There are several bacteria, viruses and parasites that can cause food-borne infections.
The most common food-borne infection is caused by norovirus, which causes about half of all outbreaks of food-related illnesses in the US. This virus spreads easily through food and drink and from person to person through sharing utensils or touching objects that an infected person has touched and then touching your mouth.
The most common bacteria that causes food-borne illness is the Campylobacter bacteria. These infections are commonly caused by eating raw or undercooked poultry. Other common bacterial infections include salmonella, E. coli and listeria.
KH: Why are certain infections, like E. coli and listeria, especially dangerous?
LW: E. coli is one of the many types of bacteria that live in humans’ and other animals’ intestines. There are hundreds of strains of E. coli. One in particu-
lar, called O157:H7, can be especially dangerous, and there are outbreaks of this strain every year in the US. This is the strain that has been implicated in the McDonald’s outbreak.
This strain produces a toxin that can damage the lining of the intestinal wall and cause severe infection and bloody diarrhea. Many patients will recover after bouts of abdominal cramps and diarrhea, but some can develop a complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome that can lead to kidney failure and even death.
As for listeria, it commonly is associated with improperly processed deli meats and unpasteurized milk. It is not particularly dangerous to most healthy people, but infection can have very serious consequences for certain groups of individuals, including older people, babies and those who are immunocompromised. There are also specific and serious dangers for pregnant women; listeria infection can result in miscarriage, stillbirth and preterm labor.
KH: What symptoms do people experience if they contract food-borne infections?
Wen: Common symptoms are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Some individuals may also develop fevers, body aches and other flu-like symptoms. Depending on the organism involved, there may be other symptoms, such as bloody diarrhea in the case of O157:H7.
LW: How is food-borne infection treated?
Wen: This depends on the organism causing the infection. Most infections resolve on their own. Patients need supportive treatment with hydration but do not need specific therapy. Some benefit from antibiotics. Then there are some infections, notably O157:H7, where antibiotics are not used and in fact could worsen illness. Individuals experiencing severe abdominal cramping and bloody diarrhea or who are unable to keep down fluids should seek medical attention.
CNN: What should people do to reduce their risk of food-borne infections?
Wen: The outbreaks that make the news can give the impression that all foodborne infections are associated with restaurant or store-bought food. That’s
true for a small number of cases, but most others occur at home, in our everyday lives.
Since norovirus is the most common cause of food-borne infection, let’s talk about norovirus prevention first. It’s crucial to wash hands often and well with soap and water. If this is not available, try to use hand sanitizer after touching commonly touched surfaces prior to touching your mouth.
People who have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps or other symptoms that could indicate norovirus should not prepare food and should not be around others in public spaces, such as school and work.
Undercooking meat and fish is another common cause of food-borne infections. Different products require different temperatures to ensure that they are cooked through. For instance, chicken, turkey and other poultry should be cooked to 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
Fish should be cooked to 145 F (63 C).
Always be aware of what containers and utensils you are using with raw meat. Don’t use these on other products, which then become contaminated with the bacteria from the raw meat.
Another possible cause of food-borne illness is not washing produce. Vegetables and fruits should be washed, even if they end up getting peeled. The best way is to rinse them under running water. Do not use dishwashing liquid or disinfectants.
Storage is an area to keep a close eye on, too. Two hours is the limit for keeping food safe outside the refrigerator or freezer. However, if you are outdoors and the temperature is very warm, that is reduced to one hour.
Also, do not drink unpasteurized milk or consume products made from unpasteurized milk. And pay attention to local advisories. Local health departments will keep you updated on possible food-borne illnesses associated with local stores and restaurants.
THE DARK SIDE OF BLUE LIGHT
Its Eerie Effects on Sleep and More
ALTHOUGH
IT IS ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY, BLUE LIGHT CAN AFFECT YOUR SLEEP AND POTENTIALLY CAUSE DISEASE.
Until the advent of artificial lighting, the sun was the major source of lighting, and people spent their evenings in (relative) darkness. Now, in much of the world, evenings are illuminated, and we take our easy access to all those lumens pretty much for granted.
But we may be paying a price for basking in all that light. At night, light throws the body’s biological clock—the circadian rhythm—out of whack. Sleep suffers. Worse, research shows that it may contribute to the causation of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity
WHAT IS BLUE LIGHT?
Not all colors of light have the same effect. Blue wavelengths—which are beneficial during daylight hours because they boost attention, reaction times, and mood—seem to be the most disruptive at night. And the proliferation of electronics with screens, as well as energy-efficient lighting, is increasing our exposure to blue wavelengths, especially after sundown.
LIGHT AND SLEEP
Everyone has slightly different circadian rhythms, but the average length is 24 and one-quarter hours. The circadian rhythm of people who stay up late is slightly longer, while the rhythms of earlier birds fall short of 24 hours. Dr. Charles Czeisler of Harvard Medical School showed, in 1981, that daylight keeps a person’s internal clock aligned with the environment.
IS NIGHTTIME LIGHT EXPOSURE BAD?
Some studies suggest a link between exposure to light at night, such as working
the night shift, to diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. That’s not proof that nighttime light exposure causes these conditions; nor is it clear why it could be bad for us.
Exposure to light suppresses the secretion of melatonin, a hormone that influences circadian rhythms. Even dim light can interfere with a person’s circadian rhythm and melatonin secretion. A mere eight lux—a level of brightness exceeded by most table lamps and about twice that of a night light—has an effect. Light at night is part of the reason so many people don’t get enough sleep, and researchers have linked short sleep to increased risk for depression, as well as diabetes and cardiovascular problems.
EFFECTS OF BLUE LIGHT AND SLEEP
While light of any kind can suppress the secretion of melatonin, blue light at night does so more powerfully. Harvard researchers and their colleagues conducted an experiment comparing the effects of 6.5 hours of exposure to blue light to exposure to green light of comparable brightness. The blue light suppressed melatonin for about twice as long as the green light and shifted circadian rhythms by twice as much (3 hours vs. 1.5 hours).
In another study of blue light, researchers at the University of Toronto compared the melatonin levels of people exposed to bright indoor light who were wearing blue-light–blocking goggles to people exposed to regular dim light without wearing goggles. The fact that the levels of the hormone were about the same in the two groups strengthens the hypothesis that blue light is a potent suppressor of melatonin. It also suggests that shift workers and night owls could perhaps protect themselves if they wore eyewear that blocks blue light. Inexpensive sunglasses with orange-tinted lenses block blue light, but they also block other colors, so they’re not suitable for use indoors
at night. Glasses that block out only blue light can cost up to $80.
LED BLUE LIGHT EXPOSURE
If blue light does have adverse health effects, then environmental concerns, and the quest for energy-efficient lighting, could be at odds with personal health. Those curlicue compact fluorescent lightbulbs and LED lights are much more energy-efficient than the old-fashioned incandescent lightbulbs we grew up with. But they also tend to produce more blue light.
The physics of fluorescent lights can’t be changed, but coatings inside the bulbs can be so they produce a warmer, less blue light. LED lights are more efficient than fluorescent lights, but they also produce a fair amount of light in the blue spectrum. Richard Hansler, a light researcher at John Carroll University in Cleveland, notes that ordinary incandescent lights also produce some blue light, although less than most fluorescent lightbulbs.
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM BLUE LIGHT AT NIGHT
Use dim red lights for night lights. Red light is less likely to shift circadian rhythm and suppress melatonin.
Avoid looking at bright screens beginning two to three hours before bed.
If you work a night shift or use a lot of electronic devices at night, consider wearing blue-blocking glasses or installing an app that filters the blue/green wavelength at night.
Expose yourself to lots of bright light during the day, which will boost your ability to sleep at night, as well as your mood and alertness during daylight.
Beyoncé Launches
Cé Lumière Fragrance
Cé Lumière is Beyoncé's follow up to Cé Noir
FOLLOWING THE SUCCESS OF HER 2023 FRAGRANCE CÉ NOIR, BEYONCÉ RETURNS WITH AN EXCITING NEW LAUNCH: CÉ LUMIÈRE.
Building on the allure of its predecessor, Cé Lumière promises a radiant olfactory experience, housed in a stunning golden bottle that exudes elegance and sophistication.
In 2023, Beyoncé introduced Cé Noir, a sweet amber floral fragrance that captivated fans with its mirrored silver bottle and warm, sensuous notes. Now, with Cé
Lumière, the artist takes a new direction, shifting from darkness to light, and presenting a fragrance that reflects warmth, brightness, and a golden allure.
With Cé Lumière, Beyoncé invites her fans to embrace a new kind of radiance.
The name, which translates from French as “Light,” captures the essence of the fragrance — a luminous, captivating scent that balances intensity with softness. The blend of bright citrus, deep florals, and sensual musks creates an elegant and versatile fragrance that transitions seamlessly from day to night.
The fragrance opens with a lively combination of Madagascar black pepper
and Italian mandarin, providing a sparkling, spicy citrus burst. This bright introduction gives way to a heart of jasmine Sambac absolute and rhubarb, adding a floral richness balanced by a subtle tartness. The scent finally settles into a smooth, warm base of Indonesian patchouli and skin musk, delivering a comforting and intimate finish.
The new scent is now available for pre-order on Beyoncé’s official website in the U.S. and Canada, priced at $160 for a 50 ml Eau de Parfum, with shipping scheduled for November 2024.
POLO LIFESTYLES COVER STORY
MILEY CYRUS PUTS THE 'TUDE IN GRATITUDE
MILEY CYRUS’ FITNESS ROUTINE MADE HEADLINES EARLIER THIS SUMMER WHEN SHE REVEALED THAT SHE WEARS HIGH HEELS WHILE EXERCISING, PART OF A PRACTICE SHE CALLED “FEMINIZING THE WORKOUT SPACE”. WHILE SOME PEOPLE QUESTIONED THE SAFETY (AND SANITY) OF SUCH AN ENDEAVOR, FOR CYRUS THE UNORTHODOX METHOD MAKES PERFECT SENSE. “HEELS ARE SUCH A STAPLE IN MY PERFORMANCES THAT IT’S EXTREMELY FUNCTIONAL FOR ME. PRACTICE HOW YOU PERFORM IS MY MANTRA,” SHE EXPLAINED. “YOUR WORKOUTS SHOULD BE SUPPORTIVE AND DESIGNED TO YOU SPECIFICALLY.”
Cyrus wasn’t wrong in thinking this might come in useful one day. Training in heels, it turns out, was perfect practice for when it came time to hike up to the Hollywood sign for her latest Gucci fragrance campaign. Set against the backdrop of the infamous Los Angeles landmark, the dreamy Tyler Mitchell-shot images see Cyrus frolicking, in heels, around in a flower-filled world.
The scent being celebrated is Gorgeous Orchid Eau de Parfum, the latest offering from the Gucci Flora franchise that Cyrus has been the face of since 2021. In a world that moves so quickly, full of blink-andyou’ll-miss-it trends and faces that come and go, having a partnership with this kind of longevity is really meaningful to her. “Loyalty and gratitude are often lost in our industry. It’s important for me to create long-lasting relationships built on a strong foundation to support our journey together,” says Cyrus. “Collaboration and respect are everything.”
We caught up with Cyrus ahead of the launch of Gorgeous Orchid to find out more about the fragrance, what it feels like to finally be recognized for her creativity, and the healing power of movement.
How was the experience of filming the campaign and working with creative director Sabato De Sarno? Do you have any standout memories from the day?
Miley Cyrus: Dancing to Britney Spears in front of the Hollywood sign with Sabato was the highlight for me. It was a dream, we laughed so much and had so much fun together and the imagery reflects that.
What does Gucci Flora Gorgeous Orchid smell like to you? How would you describe it?
Miley Cyrus: Timeless. The scent is ageless. It smells so sweet and innocent but there is also something sophisticated and sexy about it. I love how it is light and easy but present and recognizable.
Is fragrance an important part of your self-expression and the way you express your identity?
Miley Cyrus: A scent is a connection to memory; I love when a smell brings me back to a specific time. The vanilla reminds me of my younger self and the floral notes always make me think of my grandmother.
Has your relationship with fragrance evolved throughout your life?
Miley Cyrus: I think I was one of the youngest girls in my class to start wearing perfume. My mom and I usually matched and we loved to
smell the same. Anything she would buy I would ask her to get two… one for me and one for her.
Gucci Flora Gorgeous Orchid is described as embodying the “essence of a dream coming true”. At this moment in time, what would be your biggest dream come true?
Miley Cyrus: My creativity being celebrated and loved around the world still feels like a dream to me. Not a day goes by that I don’t count my blessings and do a gratitude check. Being able to write music and tell stories professionally is so amazing.
Gucci Flora Gorgeous Orchid is meant to inspire women to live their own way – what does living your own way look like and mean to you?
Miley Cyrus: It has evolved and changed over the years, just like we all do. Right now it means prioritizing my peace, my power, my prayers and my purpose.
The campaign was filmed against the backdrop of Los Angeles and features Hollywood landmarks – is LA a place where you find a lot of creative inspiration?
Miley Cyrus: I’ve lived here now for most of my life, I’m so inspired by the energy of the city, the people, the warm air, and my memories attached to the town!
Who’s had the most impact on you in terms of beauty, style and the way you look?
Miley Cyrus: My grandmother Loretta. She’s always been a beauty queen. I’ve looked up to her my whole life. She was always so well dressed, had her own personal style and the biggest hair. She was also incredible at doing her own make-up.
The fragrance and campaign touch on topics of self-love and empowerment. Are there things you do to put self-care into practice?
Miley Cyrus: Taking time for myself, being in nature, spending time with quality people, and spending moments in quiet are crucial for my heart and mind.
Lots of people were very interested when you recently spoke about ‘feminizing’ the
workout space and exercising in heels. Why is that something you felt you wanted to do?
Miley Cyrus: Joyful movement is healing. I think it is more important to enjoy your days and have fun than to follow any sort of concrete routine. Heels are such a staple in my performances that it’s extremely functional for me. Practice how you perform is my mantra. Your workouts should be supportive and designed
to you specifically. It’s not only about breaking down muscle but about building from the inside out.
A lot of gyms are geared towards standard practices and the same complicated
machinery but I rarely use anything more than my own body weight. My exercises focus on stability, mobility and inner strength. Glamour inspires me so I usually listen to someone fabulous like Cher or
Tina Turner and welcome their spirit into my movements, so I dance and move like them and when I want to build any muscle I add very minimal weight to those poses and it creates functional gains.
FASHION & STYLE
BEST HANDBAGS FOR 2025
BEST STREET STYLE FROM SS25 SHOWS
SLAY THE HOLIDAYS
OVERSIZE BAGS FOR THE WIN & ALL THE OTHER BEST HANDBAGS FOR 2025
PRACTICAL AND PURPOSEFUL, AS WELL AS ONE OF THE MORE ACCESSIBLE ENTRY POINTS INTO OWNING LUXURY FASHION, HANDBAG DESIGN IS TIMELESS.
Until human beings evolve to have pouches or grow more arms, the necessity to have a bag to carry things will always be with us. While much of fashion is concerned with innovation, nowness, and newness, handbags thus present a challenge for designers to create pieces that both function as timeless, practical
companions and signifiers of an artful awareness of contemporary aesthetic culture – all while fitting these pieces holistically into the vision of their collection as a whole.
Handbags also continue to be the revenue anchor for the major fashion houses, and, especially as luxury faces difficult financial headwinds among changing market conditions, bags provide a key investment category.
Coach dug into the archives and playfully supersized some of its most iconic hardware details, while Ferragamo went in a similarly voluminous direction with new oversized versions of its Hug bag.
Fendi and Simone Rocha both defied the expectation that bags need to be quiet and versatile, going big on texture and embellishment for handbags in the same way they did across their ready-to-wear.
While Alessandro Michele’s first runway show for Valentino took the brand into his own distinct aesthetic universe, the handbags got a few new details but largely stayed close to the house’s triedand-true classic staples, anchoring us in heritage as we get to know this next aesthetic chapter.
Beginning with underwear and building across an entire wardrobe through a very Demna perspective, Balenciaga’s collec-
tion featured both minimal and angular classics as well as cleverly layered riffs on the act of haphazardly stuffing clothes into your bag as you race to catch a flight.
OVERSIZE BAGS
OVERSIZE BAGS
BEST STREET STYLE SNAPS
Street Style that Stopped our Photographers in their Tracks
Spring 2025 brought the best of street style from every major fashion capital, with editors, stylists, influencers, and celebrities lighting up the streets with looks that blended personal expression and high fashion. Across Paris, Milan, London, and New York, the energy outside the shows often rivaled the magic happening on the runways.
London proved once again why it is renowned as a hub of forward-thinking eclecticism, with surreal ensembles and casual-cool looks mingling with aristo-
cratic nods, reflecting the city’s unique balance of tradition and modernity. Meanwhile, Milan’s street style showcased its deep connection to classic luxury, with subtle tweaks on timeless elegance and rebellious experiments breathing new life into the city’s rich design heritage.
In New York, personalities from all corners of the fashion world gathered, upholding the city’s reputation for bold, expressive style that sets trends for the seasons ahead. Paris, of course, balanced the timeless and the daring, with pow-
erful personalities concocting a mix of newly iconic designer pieces and personal flair, creating a dynamic dialogue between the atelier and street culture.
Captured by photographers who are always right there in the action, these street style moments not only reflect the distinct spirit of each city and the individuals who shape its community, but also the evolving conversation in global fashion. Here are the highlights from across the season.
CURATED BY @STYLEBYCHRISTINAALBINA
'TIS THE SEASON TO SLAY
Your 2023 Holiday Party Outfit Guide
THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS PURE MAGIC—FROM TWINKLING LIGHTS TO FESTIVE GATHERINGS, IT’S THE TIME OF YEAR WHEN JOY FEELS JUST A BIT MORE TANGIBLE.
But between family dinners, office parties, and whirlwind travel plans, curating the perfect outfit for each occasion can be a
challenge. The secret? Striking the perfect balance between stylish and functional— because let’s be real, no one wants to feel uncomfortable after that second slice of pie.
Whether you’re dressing up for a blacktie event, aiming for chic professionalism at the office soirée, or keeping it cozy for travel days, we’ve got you covered. Our curated fashion guide ensures you’ll shine this season with ease, elegance, and just the right touch of glam.
HOLIDAY FASHION TRENDS: FESTIVITY MEETS STYLE
From plush velvet minis and silky slip dresses to dazzling metallics, sequins (all the sequins!), and cozy-yet-stylish knits,
holiday fashion truly hits differently. And because the festive season stops for no one, we’ve scoured the best party-ready looks to make sure you’re prepped for every invitation that lands in your inbox.
FORMAL DINNER PARTIES:
Elevate your look with a statement piece— think velvet suits, gowns, or elegant tuxedo jackets. Pair with sleek heels and understated jewelry for a timeless yet striking ensemble.
OFFICE HOLIDAY SOIRÉES:
Show off your chic side with a metallic mini dress, a tailored blazer, and a kitten heel. Add bold accessories for that extra festive flair—and yes, it’s your time to shine as the best-dressed colleague.
TRAVEL DAYS:
Keep it cozy without sacrificing style. A soft cashmere set or elevated loungewear paired with trendy sneakers will have you arriving in comfort and in style. Bonus points if you accessorize with a luxe scarf or statement tote.
A SEASON TO SPARKLE
With so many outfits to choose from and so little time, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa—or dabbling in a bit of everything—our holiday outfit guide ensures you’ll look radiant at every gathering. And don’t forget the office party—it’s practically your duty to be the most fabulous one there.
So, darling, embrace the sparkle, indulge in the glam, and make every event a moment to remember. ’Tis the season to shine bright and slay—one soirée at a time.
THE SHOWSTOPPER GOWN:
At the heart of this look is an embellished halter-neck gown that glistens with delicate crystal detailing. The intricate beading creates a diamond pattern, catching the light with every move, ensuring all
eyes are on you. This dress is both classic and bold, giving off major winter wonderland energy with a couture edge.
THE LUXE OUTER LAYER:
To combat chilly nights without compromising on style, layer with a double-breasted coat in a soft,neutral tone. Its tailored silhouette adds structure and sophistication, complementing the ethereal quality of the gown. The coat drapes elegantly over the shoulders, adding a polished, effortless vibe.
STATEMENT ACCESSORIES:
The look continues to shine with standout jewelry—delicate drop earrings featuring a mix of green and yellow gemstones, and stacking rings that glimmer in soft rose gold tones. These accessories bring a touch of warmth to the winter palette while adding subtle dimension to the overall look.
ELEVATED FOOTWEAR :
Step into the spotlight with black stiletto heels adorned with an oversized mesh bow—a playful yet dramatic detail that makes a bold statement. These shoes ground the look with a hint of whimsy and add just the right amount of flair.
CHIC ARM CANDY:
No holiday outfit is complete without a handbag that stands out. This tweed shoulder bag in blush and black hues is the perfect companion—classic with a twist. Its subtle nod to heritage fabric combined with a festive palette creates a refined and playful juxtaposition.
FINAL TOUCHES:
Shield your eyes (and your mystique) with sleek black oval sunglasses—ideal for those daytime events that turn into evening celebrations. These shades add a cool, nonchalant vibe to an otherwise glitzy ensemble, balancing the overall look with an air of sophistication.
Whether you’re attending a black-tie gala or an intimate cocktail gathering, this outfit guarantees you’ll arrive with grace, glamour, and confidence. The combination of shimmering details, luxurious fabrics, and statement accessories makes it the ultimate holiday look—one that will have you sparkling long past midnight.
MANSION OF THE MONTH
PICACHO LANE ESTATE
880 PICACHO LANE, MONTECITO, CALIF., 93108
EXEMPLIFYING THE CASUAL ELEGANCE OF THE MONTECITO LIFESTYLE, THIS HOME HAS IT ALL.
Perfect for entertaining or as a private escape, this estate offers both sophisticated and meticulously appointed rooms, as well as the ability to live as a family home perfect for entertaining. Situated on 3.5 lushly landscaped acres (2 legal parcels with compound potential) and irrigated by private well, the home sits atop coveted Picacho Lane. Offering expansive ocean and mountain views from within
the home as well as from patios, bedroom balconies and exterior entertaining areas. Designed with a versatile floorplan, the 5 bedroom main house and 2 bedroom + office/gym guest house were recently built with meticulous attention to detail, highest-quality finishes and well-designed spaces throughout.
Incorporated into the design are 5-car garages accessed from 2 gated driveways, a separate home theater, lower level ‘bunk room’, 2 laundry rooms, abundant storage options, separate mechanical room with easy access to all systems, temperature-controlled wine room with glass ceiling visible from main level den, gour-
met kitchen with spacious butler’s pantry offering additional appliances, dumbwaiter for easy transport up or down, and 2 outdoor dining BBQ areas. Additionally, there are floor to ceiling wood-and-glass pocket doors with pocket screens upstairs and down, opening up to the gorgeous sunrise-to-sunset views.
The exterior offers a sports court (plenty of room to expand to full tennis court), bocce court, raised beds, organic orchards producing hundreds of pounds of fruit each year, children’s play structures, rolling and flat lawns, and privacy in all directions.
MANSION OF THE MONTH
• Main House: 9,789 sqft, 3BD-6BA
• Guest House: 1,466 sqft, 2BD-2BA
Caretaker’s House: 1,071 sqft, 2BD-2BA
• 34+/- Acres, two parcels
• 10 Minute drive to Canyon Road, Santa Fe Plaza, restaurants, museums and other downtown attractions
• Gated entry and Savant Pro Smart System (security surveillance)
• Private well
• Auxiliary spaces include: Theater, gym, craft, office and library
• State-of-the-art equine facilities and amenities including: 8-stall stable, riding arenas, well-equipped tack room, wash stall, paddocks, feed storage, developed bridle paths, and pastures.
• Outdoor in-ground pool, spa, and cabana 9-bay detached garage
• Luxurious interior finishes include: Diamond plaster walls, wrought iron hardware, Italian stone tile flooring, ceramic tile, marble, and hardwoods including hickory and quarter-sawn oak. Various ceiling treatments throughout.
• Sweeping Jemez Mountain and sunset views
• Private
Barker Realty
MANSION OF THE MONTH
VILLA NEO ST-JEAN ST-BARTHÉLEMY
ST-BARTHÉLEMY
EMBRACE THE VIBE OF ST-JEAN BEACH
SET HIGH ABOVE THE ICONIC ST. JEAN BEACH, VILLA NEO IS AN AWARD-WINNING SIX-BEDROOM ESTATE OFFERING PANORAMIC VISTAS AND UNPARALLELED LUXURY. IDEAL FOR EXTENDED FAMILIES OR GATHERINGS OF FRIENDS, THIS TWO-LEVEL MASTERPIECE SHOWCASES AN EXPANSIVE MAIN-LEVEL DECK BOASTING OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES, A MOVIE SCREEN, AND ONE OF THE
ISLAND'S LARGEST POOLS—A SPRAWLING 108-FOOT OASIS, COMPLETE WITH AN OVERFLOWING JACUZZI.
Villa Neo is fully air-conditioned and thoughtfully designed. The first floor hosts two kitchens, one of which is a chef's dream, a spacious living room, a media room, and a dazzling entertainment room. Two bedrooms, including one of the premiere suites, open onto the deck, while a third enjoys a tranquil garden view. An elegant glass staircase leads to the upper level, home to an office, an additional premier suite and two connecting guest bedrooms with ocean views and private
terraces. Each of the six bedrooms boasts a beautifully appointed en-suite bath, with soaking tubs and generous dressing rooms in the premier suites.
Additional features include a fitness room, hammam, ample parking, and an elevator servicing both floors. Enjoy state-of-theart technology, including Home Assistant control via iPad.
This incredible villa is conveniently located just minutes from the beach, shopping and restaurants and can only truly be appreciated in person. Villa Neo is your gateway to a lifestyle of sophistication and serenity, offering the epitome of luxury living in the heart of St. Barthélemy's paradise.
PRICE 47,000,000 €
BEDROOMS 6 / BATHROOMS 6 FULL / 2 HALF
EXTERIOR 0.63 ACRES
Listed by Sothebys International Realty (SIR) St-Barths +590
LOS ANGELES LUXE
An extraordinary estate perched atop Bel Air, it redefines luxury living with unparalleled sophistication and breathtaking views of Los Angeles and Century City. This meticulously crafted residence, which took over five years to complete, epitomizes opulence with 12 bedrooms and 17 baths.
Every corner of La Fin exudes extravagance, from its grand glass-walled entryway and a majestic 44-foot crystal chandelier to a sprawling formal living room adorned with shimmering chandeliers and hand-carved stone latticework around a monumental fireplace.
The estate’s lower level dedicated to entertainment and wellness, featuring a state-
of-the-art wine cellar with a stunning Murano glass installation, a climate-controlled cigar lounge, and a sleek vodka tasting room. A fully equipped fitness center includes a climbing wall, Peloton bikes, steam room, and a spa, while a sound-proof cinema with motorized Belgian leather seating promises cinematic indulgence.
Upstairs, the private quarters offer respite with a lavish primary suite boasting floor-to-ceiling lacquered Italian oak walls, a Portuguese marble fireplace, and boutique-worthy walk-in closets. The spalike bathroom showcases bookmatched Calacatta gold marble, and a soaking tub carved from a single block of stone.
Outdoors, La Fin transforms into an oasis of relaxation and entertainment with motorized Fleetwood pocket doors blurring the line between interior and exterior spaces. The infinity-edge pool overlooks a 23-foot retractable LED screen and an outdoor bar with swing seats, while a fire pit lounge provides warmth and ambiance.
On the rooftop, a deck with built-in seating, a fire pit, and a spa offers panoramic views, ensuring every moment is a celebration of luxury and privacy. Security features such as fingerprint technology, an on-site caretaker residence, and a dedicated security command center provide peace of mind in this unparalleled retreat in the heart of Bel Air.
THE COLDEST PLACE ON EARTH WAS 2024'S HOTTEST DESTINATION
JASON EVANS / SPECIAL TO POLO LIFESTYLES
IT WAS A BRIGHT, SUNNY AFTERNOON DURING THE RECENT SUMMER SEASON IN ANTARCTICA WHEN THE SEABOURN PURSUIT CRUISE SHIP RAMMED INTO A SHEET OF SEA ICE IN HANUSSE BAY. THE SHIP PLOWED FORWARD, ICE CRUMBLING BENEATH ITS BOW, UNTIL IT WAS EMBEDDED SEVERAL HUNDRED YARDS INTO THE FROZEN SEA WATER.
The 250 passengers on board the Pursuit went out on their balconies and leaned over the side of the decks to see what was happening.
But there was no Titanic-like rush to the lifeboats. Instead, passengers
went down to the gangway and began filing off the boat to take a walk around on the ice. This was no accident. It was a planned experience, complete with a table containing glasses of champagne to toast their arrival in Antarctica.
Among the passengers strolling around on the ice sheet were Greg and Susana McCurdy, a pair of retired Las Vegas police officers. Susana is now a part-time travel agent, and the McCurdys are spending their retirement hitting as many exotic locations as they can.
After grabbing their champagne glasses, the McCurdys unfurled a small banner that read “7th
Continent Antarctica 2024,” and posed for a picture. With this trip, they had joined a small but expanding group of people who have stepped foot on every continent on the planet.
Susana says she has seen a change among her clients recently. “They want more authentic, more bucket-list items, especially after Covid. They’re just not waiting anymore … And Antarctica is near the top of everyone’s list.”
A BUCKET-LIST DESTINATION
The surge in travel to Antarctica started well before the post-Covid travel boom.
The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) has been tracking the number of tourists to visit the white continent since the early 1990s. Back then, around 7,000 people would visit every year.
The numbers have really exploded in the past half decade or so. In the winter of 2017, just under 44,000 tourists visited Antarctica. This year, that number surpassed 122,000 visitors. And they’re coming in such numbers because travel to the Earth’s coldest continent has never been easier — or more luxurious.
A couple of decades ago, Antarctic travel meant visiting on smaller ships, many of them former “ice cutters” from Russia, Canada and other polar nations. It was anything but a luxury experience.
Robin West, Seabourn’s vice president and general manager of expeditions, took his first trip to the region in 2002. He says many of the boats back then
were equipped with bunk beds and shared bathrooms. “You put your name on a board for spaghetti or lasagna every night,” he said.
Few of the ships even had windows to see outside. The experience today is quite different.
Colleen McDaniel, editor-in-chief of Cruise Critic, credits Lindblad and National Geographic cruise lines with opening up Antarctic travel to more visitors about a decade ago.
“They were really the pioneers in bringing the Antarctica experience to a more traditional traveler. But those initial sailings were less luxurious than we see today,” McDaniel said.
“Lately Ponant, Silversea, Seabourn and Scenic have made huge leaps with that top-of-the market luxury experience, offering incredible onboard suites, exceptional dining and even spas. Cruise
lines like Quark are creating products for adventure-seekers, offering things like cross-country skiing and camping.”
ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS
The swelling tourism numbers have some experts sounding the alarm about the environmental impacts of the spike in visitors.
A 2022 study published in the journal Nature found that the snow in Antarctica is melting faster because of tourist visits to the continent. The black soot that comes out of cruise ship smokestacks settles on the ice and attracts sunlight, causing tons of snow to melt prematurely. Ecologists also say the growing human presence in Antarctica is causing carbon dioxide levels to spike in an area of the planet that is not used to it.
Few of the ships even had windows to see outside. The experience today is
quite different.
Colleen McDaniel, editor-in-chief of Cruise Critic, credits Lindblad and National Geographic cruise lines with opening up Antarctic travel to more visitors about a decade ago.
“They were really the pioneers in bringing the Antarctica experience to a more traditional traveler. But those initial sailings were less luxurious than we see today,” McDaniel said.
“Lately Ponant, Silversea, Seabourn and Scenic have made huge leaps with that top-of-the market luxury experience, offering incredible onboard suites, exceptional dining and even spas. Cruise lines like Quark are creating products for adventure-seekers, offering things like cross-country skiing and camping.”
Cruise ship operators say they are keenly aware of their environmental impact. Passengers receive detailed instruction about not bringing any outside food or other contaminants with them for Antarctic landings. They are instructed
to never lie down in the snow and to maintain distance from animals to prevent human-borne bacteria and viruses from infecting the wildlife.
The countries that conduct tourism and research in Antarctica have signed what is known as the Antarctic Treaty. It says that no one should build permanent structures in the area for tourist use. Put another way, there are no hotels in Antarctica. Recently, IAATO began keeping track of fuel consumption by cruise ships in the Antarctic region and some operators are now using electric propulsion when they can in an effort to cut down on soot and CO2 emissions.
MORE WAYS THAN EVER TO ACCESS THE CONTINENT
Meanwhile, cruise lines have invested billions of dollars in recent years on specially built luxury expedition ships.
Both the Seabourn Pursuit and its sister ship, the Venture, feature a luxurious spa, nine restaurants and eight lounges and bars for the roughly 250 passengers
on board. Each of the 132 cabins has large glass doors and a balcony, allowing travelers to easily stand outside as the majestic icebergs float by.
For an extra fee, passengers can book a spot in one of the onboard submarines or explore the Antarctic waters in a kayak. And passengers need not worry about the frigid temperatures as they are given specially designed cold-weather gear guaranteed to keep them warm and dry as they wander among the penguins and seals.
Lately, a new category of Antarctic travel has even cropped up.
Operators including Celebrity, Norwegian and Princess now offer “cruise only” visits that allow passengers to see Antarctica without actually touching down on the pristine and fragile tundra.
These visits often feature larger boats and are typically more affordable. IAATO says that back in 2017, about 7,000 passengers visited Antarctica on
a “cruise only” voyage. This past season, that number topped 43,000, an increase of more than 500%.
“These mainstream lines provide a more budget-friendly way to travel to the region – even if you’re not actually dis-
embarking in Antarctica,” Cruise Critic’s McDaniel says. “And while you won’t be able to see penguins or seals as close as you would with a landing, you’ll still see them. You also might see whales and plenty of bird varieties.”
Whether on one of the fancy new luxury boats or the cruise-only experience, a trip to Antarctica is a chance to see another world — from the majestic beauty of the icebergs and glaciers to the playful wanderings of the penguins — and it has never been easier to visit.
In Search of
of the Holidays is The Best Part Wine
FAVORITE WINES FOR THE FESTIVITIES AHEAD
EWILLIAM SMITH @willismith_2000 COPY EDITOR & CONTRIBUTOR
ACH YEAR, NOVEMBER’S WINE FEATURE IN POLO LIFESTYLES HIGHLIGHTS WINES IDEALLY SUITED FOR THE HOLIDAYS AND THE MEALS TO BE ENJOYED AS FRIENDS AND FAMILY GATHER.
This year is no different. I am grateful for the opportunity this past year to explore hundreds of wines that were either new to me or had been gone from my repertoire for a while.
The outcome of that drudgery, dear reader, is a lineup of three wines I am recommending for celebrating and ushering out 2024. From a fun imitator of a French classic, to a rare and unusually complex Italian white, to one of Napa’s stellar Cabernet Sauvignons, I hope you find joy and camaraderie in opening these bottles.
Each year, I anticipate the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau like a kid at Christmas. It’s not necessarily about the quality of the wine that might arrive in the U.S. from the year’s harvest., but it is about using the occasion to celebrate the way in which wine has contextualized and enriched the human experience for millennia. From the farmers tending the vines to the glass held in your hand, we celebrate the initial arrival of another year’s bounty.
WILLIAM SMITH / POLO LIFESTYLES
SCRIBE WINERY NOUVEAU OF PINOT NOIR 2024
The godfather of Beaujolais Nouveau, Georges Dubœuf, recently posted on social media that some, “50,000 cases filled with French flair and joie de vivre,” were headed for the U.S. And while I am certain to grab a bottle, it was another social media post from Sonoma’s Scribe Winery that drew my attention – the release of their 2024 Nouveau of Pinot Noir. After all, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and so, off I went to Scribe, just as we were going to press.
I have been a fan of what Scribe has been doing for many years and last year
wrote about their still rosé, thankfully available in kegs and on tap at some of my favorite restaurants. But visiting their vineyard brought back memories of a time some 15 years ago, before their simply elegant and historic hacienda was restored – which now houses the tasting room – and the vista from their Knoll tasting area was more rustic and the vines less abundant and verdant. The impromptu trip was well worth it… the 2024 Nouveau, the first wine release of the 2024 season, is a stellar wine and qualitatively far exceeds any French Beaujolais Nouveau I have ever encountered.
The grapes for the Nouveau come from Scribe’s vineyard in Carneros that undergo full carbonic fermentation with native yeasts and the wine is “bottled unfined, unfiltered, and without sulfur.” Unlike a more traditional Beaujolais Nouveau that shows up unabashedly with a nose and palate of just-picked fruit, Scribe’s rendition is fully complemented on the nose with the earthiness of autumn. Light to medium bodied – it’s zippy and resplendent with cranberries and pomegranate on the palate. Individually numbered bottles underscore the limited production of this fall gem.
In Search of Solace Festive Favorites for the Holidays
Like Beaujolais Nouveau, there isn’t anything I would not pair with this wine because whatever you happen to be serving for the holidays, serving the Nouveau feels like a jubilant marking of the season. Still, think oven-roasted pork loin with cranberry chutney and roasted brussel sprouts with pecans and lardons. As my host at Scribe, Natalie, shared with me, this wine, “Has a bite… it’s a bit al dente.” Natalie and I also agreed that while you might initially serve Nouveau fully chilled, it truly evolves as it comes to room temperature.
BRUNO GIACOMETTO ERBALUCE DI CALUSO 2022
One of the most exciting importers of Italian wines is The Piedmont Guy. Nearly all my most-favorite Italian wines tasted in the past year were sourced and imported by them and always with a focus on the highest quality from family-owned producers. Bruno Giacometto’s Erbaluce di Caluso fits right in line with these observations.
Erbaluce is an ancient grape variety that has been grown in Piedmont for over 400 years. Its obscurity is the result of its being grown only in Piedmont and, even
then, in vary small amounts – by one account, just 340 hectares of Erbaluce are planted (about 840 acres) which is about .75 percent of all wine grapes planted in the region. In other words, it is a rare wine that emanates from this grapeand finding Giacommeto’s spectacular rendition feels like hitting the lottery.
Erbaluce has been used to create a wide variety of wines, and here Giacommeto displays a bespoke handicraft in eschewing the usual extended skin contact during fermentation, and instead, allows for a longer period of time in stainless steel tanks and aging on lees derived from natural yeasts. The result is a gorgeous and complex wine that drinks exceptionally well now, but will also age wonderfully for a decade or more.
The wine making techniques add a luminous golden straw color to the wine and aromas of sea air mingled with floral notes and hints of sage and green apple. On the palate, that sea air manifests in a bright salinity, complemented by distinct mineral notes and subtle lemon zest. It’s the lushness in the mouth that really makes this wine stand out. While fresh and bright, it also has ample texture
and weight, so much so that I immediately moved from my rather-generic tasting glass to a voluminous balloon glass where this wine opened up to even greater enjoyment.
Enjoy this wine at your holiday tables much like a more traditional, fuller bodied chardonnay, with a roasted turkey, herbed-sausage stuffing, and roasted and caramelized butternut squash.
ACKERMAN FAMILY VINEYARDS 2021 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
When I think of the approaching winter and the meals to be savored with friends and family, this oenophile gravitates to Napa Valley and it’s bold and haunting reds. One of the wines I’ve been pleasantly haunted by over the past few years is Ackerman Family Vineyard’s Cabernet Sauvignon from their estate in Coombsville.
Founded in 1994, 15 years before Coombsville would become the 16th AVA in the Napa Valley, the Ackerman’s had a vision for creating responsibly farmed fruit and turning it into wines that would rival those of Bordeaux. They began sustainable farming practices in
Ackerman Family Vineyards
2003 and earned their certified organic label in 2009. It’s this same care for the land that emerges from the small production of exceptional wine from this family owned, boutique winery.
In my own cellar, I have treasured bottles of the 2016 vintage of Ackerman’s Cabernet Sauvignon and tasting that vintage anew for this month’s wine feature was like a warm embrace from an old friend. Deep aubergine in hue, comforting aromas of leather, cedar, and wet earth are offered up.
And on the palette, time in the bottle has created well-balanced tannins and an expressive mouthfeel with bramble berries, currants, and hints of tobacco with a
long finish. If you are lucky enough to find the 2016, I recommend it highly.
Ackerman’s Web site is currently offering both the 2017 vintage (which earned a very respectable 92 from Wine Advocate) and the 2021. One of the things that keeps me anchored to Ackerman’s Cabernet Sauvignon is their ability to deliver a wine of consistent quality as a small producer.
The 2021 is exceptional and complex, even in its relative youth. Full bodied and bracing with energy and tamed tannins, a rich mouthfeel is chock full of fully ripened blueberries and plums. Wonderful now, it will age incredibly well.
I would recommend decanting the 2021 for 30 minutes prior to serving and I relished enjoying mine in my vintage Vitis Cabernet glass from Riedel. This is an elegant wine elevated even further by the right decanter and stemware. It would pair perfectly with a simple, slow-braised beef roast, rich and creamy potatoes dauphinoise, and caramelized heirloom carrots.
As you gather with loved ones for the holidays, may your days be merry and bright and may your many meals create that special occasion to break out your best crystal and enjoy these delicious wines.
As always… Salud!
Left to right: Bruno Giacometto Erbaluce di Caluso 2022, Ackerman Family Vineyards 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon and Scribe Winery Nouveau of Pinot Noir 2024
ASCENSION
HEAL YOURSELF AND HEAL THE WORLD
SPIRITUALITY FAITH QUESTIONS GROWTH · FOCUS
The Celestial Mandate for a Radical Transformation in Devotional Living
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances others.” – Nelson Mandela
TIME TO BE HERD
HONOR THE DELICATE NATURE OF OUR WILDLIFE
KINGDOM COME
RENEWAL
AMRITLAL अमृत ASCENSION CONTRIBUTOR
@monarch_visionary
IN THIS MONTH’S ASCENSION COLUMN, WE INVITE YOU TO PARTAKE IN THE RESTORATION OF THE WORLD’S WILDLIFE HABITAT BY EMBARKING UPON YOUR OWN PATH OF SELF-ACTUALIZATION THROUGH SERVICE TO THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.
Inspired by the life mission of Nelson Mandela to establish a Rainbow Nation, the most multi-ethnic government ever formed, we explore the consciousness of the elephant kingdom and discover how this majestic species has inspired cul-
“Human activities have devastated our wildlife. Human ingenuity can help to save it. Pollution, climate chaos, habitat loss, and exploitation of nature, have pushed a million plant and animal species to the brink of extinction. This is horrifying in itself. It is also a direct threat to the health and livelihoods of billions of people around the world –particularly the most vulnerable.
As the theme of this year’s World Wildlife Day reminds us, digital technologies can help to turn things around. Already, satellites are helping to track animals under threat. And data is charting wildlife migration and land use, supporting efforts to protect them.
When used responsibly, sustainably and equitably, digital technologies have
tures throughout the ages with spiritual wisdom.
As Gaia’s Ascension awakens warriors to their role of service, we highlight two elephant conservation organizations as we partner with Creation Africa Experiences to bridge emerging consciousness leaders to the heartbeat of our Motherland to raise our genetic vibration as we serve the resurrection of our promised land.
EMBRACE YOUR ORIGINS
“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” – Nelson Mandala
Scattered through sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and Southeast Asia, elephants are the largest land animals of our era. Living up to 70 years in the wild, elephants are a keystone species with one
the potential to revolutionize conservation. But they are a tool in our arsenal, not a silver bullet. We still need concerted efforts by countries, companies, and individuals to help pull the world’s wildlife back from the brink and build a just, sustainable future.
At this year’s Summit of the Future, Members States will discuss our proposals to develop new metrics to complement gross domestic product. Activities like overfishing and forest clearance increase GDP while devastating nature. Complementary metrics can provide balance, by measuring the things that really matter to people and planet.
I also urge countries to take urgent action to drastically reduce emissions, adapt to climate extremes, prevent pol-
of the most closely knit societies of any living species. Elephants naturally form a matriarchal fission–fusion society, where several related females with offspring form complex social living groups that are only separated by death or capture.
Most contemporary ethologists view elephants as one of the world’s most intelligent animals on Earth, with brains that weigh 11 pounds and have 300 billion neurons. Similar to human brains in functionality, elephants have three times as many neurons. Elephants demonstrate self-awareness, and concern for dying and dead individuals of their kind.
The intelligence of elephants is compared with that of primates and cetaceans and they communicate by touch, sight, smell, and sound and use infrasound and seismic communication over long distances.
lution, and put the brakes on biodiversity loss, including recognizing the role Indigenous Peoples play in protecting biodiversity.
Developed countries must invest in biodiversity and climate action in developing countries. And all governments must create new national climate plans that align with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, as well as national biodiversity strategies that implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
We depend on nature. Let’s show that nature can depend on us – and act now to protect it.”
Antonio Guterrez, Secretary General of the United Nations
ASCENSION
HEAL YOURSELF AND HEAL THE WORLD
SPIRITUALITY FAITH
QUESTIONS GROWTH · FOCUS
Elephants represent symbols of luck and prosperity, wisdom, long life, memory and vitality, as well as loyalty, protection and perseverance. Elephants have special significance in Africa and Asia, where they are native. The Hindu god of beginnings, whom people worship at each new turn of their lives, Ganesha is believed to be a remover of obstacles. In China, the elephant is a symbol of strength and wisdom. Lord Buddha is often portrayed as an elephant; his mother is believed to
have had dreams of an elephant before his birth. The Ashanti people of modern-day Ghana revere elephants as their reincarnated leaders.
Elephants inspire us to invoke our ancestral wisdom as a source of inner strength, and to harness the power of celestial forces as we fulfill our prophetic destinies. The elephant’s temporal lobe, which is associated with memory, is larger and denser than that of humans, and experts claim that elephant’s genetic memory
last for five generations, which allows for communal knowledge to outlive any one generation to serve the survival of the herd.
An estimated 70,000 African elephants are killed each year for their tusks, one every 15 minutes, which are sold in the illegal ivory trade as a symbol of wealth or prestige. In the past century, approximately 90% of African elephants have been wiped out leaving an estimated 415,000 wild African elephants alive today from an estimated 12 million. Asian elephants are also under threat, having declined by at least 50% in the last three generations. There are only around 50,000 individuals remaining in the wild. As their habitat changes, fragments and is lost to human settlements and agriculture, populations of Asian elephants are finding it harder to follow their traditional migration routes to reach water, feeding and breeding grounds, often forcing them into dangerous contact with humans.
TIME TO BE HERD
“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” – Nelson Mandala
Finding our voice after a spiritual or healing crisis is critical to the emergence of our soul and the realization of our role in crystallizing the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. Faced with the emotional disturbance of our own extinction, rising from the darkness of our own depression, we realize the glory of a greater kingdom which calls for our virtuous expression.
In 2018, as animal welfare advocate Tania Cheater began her recovery from her battle which breast cancer, she returned to her motherland, South Africa, where, from the soil of the Earth and the call of the wild, she was imparted with a vision of service that sparked her soul with hope and purpose.
RENEWAL COMMUNITY SUPPORT EXPLORATION · ENERGY
Held dearly by many as our collective Motherland, Africa is considered the birthplace of humankind and the origin of human history, culture and civilization. The roots of humanity are traced to the essence of this great continent, and can be felt not only in her soil but witnessed through the natural wonders of her animal and plant kingdoms. It was Tania Cheater’s vision to deliver this sense of deep awe, appreciation and interconnectedness to those lost in the woes of the civilized society to heal form their emptiness and to welcome the birthing of a depth of perception of life’s great majesty that would inspire the calling to serve as a steward for all sentient life forms that flourish upon the face of this great Earth.
As Tania Cheater’s path of ascension began to crystallize into the material plane, she established her family agency Creation Africa Experience, to bridge her vision to fellow journeyers, inviting awakening souls to partake of the grand beauty of our ancestral homeland and to rekindle the eternal ember of our heart that fuels our pursuit for inner peace and harmony.
CLEAR THE RESISTANCE TO PEACE
“I was not born with a hunger to be free. I was born free. Free in every way that I could know. Free to run in the fields near my mother’s hut, free to swim in the clear stream that ran through my village, free to roast mealies under the stars and ride the broad backs of slow-moving bulls. As long as I obeyed my father and abided by the customs of my tribe, I was not troubled by the laws of man or God. It was only when I learned that my boyhood freedom was an illusion, when I discovered as a young man that my freedom had already been taken from me that I began to hunger for it.” – Nelson Mandala
Once you realize your spiritual freedom has been overwritten by powerless laws, your soul ascends as you live to restore balance to natural kingdoms. From the depths of our bones, within the core of our soul, lies a faint yet unforgotten dream, an ancient song of hope and fully lived prosperity. In harmony with this ancestral melody, sings our Mother’s heartbeat, the Divine Will for all life to co-exist in full appreciation of her profound gift. Only when we are true to our soul’s purpose, can our minds be freed from the limitations of living in a system founded upon mechanisms of false separation. Only when we are finally whole, can we truly experience the Earth as she is meant to be received.
The South African Apartheid, which lasted from 1948 to 1994, was a legalized system of racial segregation that humiliated and shamed blacks, demoting them as lower class foreigners in their own country, based on the claim that the African race was at a much later stage of evolutionary development. The Apartheid, which means separateness in Afrikaans, required that blacks live and socialize in separate, lower status, areas from whites and use separate public facilities, mandated contact between the two groups would be limited, and limited economic status. Blacks were not allowed to vote or engage in politics and were reduced to hard cheap labor for whites.
Born in 1918, the great-grandson of Ngubengcuka, the glorious king of the Thembu people, Nelson Mandela was a man of strength and conviction, with powerful and unwavering vision. South Africa’s first black president, Nelson Mandela dedicated his life to fighting for justice, equality and freedom. A political prisoner, from age 45 to 71, he rose up to become South Africa’s first black president as his persistent protests left behind
a legacy of peace and dignity.
“My dream would be a multicultural society, one that is diverse and where every man, woman and child are treated equally. I dream of a world where all people of all races work together in harmony.” The South African word Ubuntu captures Mandela’s greatest gift: his recognition that we are all bound together in ways that are invisible to the eye; that there is a oneness to humanity; that we achieve ourselves by sharing ourselves with others, and caring for those around us. This idea also extends to our relationships with the non-human world of rivers, plants and animals.
Nelson Mandela achieved his dream of “a rainbow nation, at peace with itself and the world” on May 10, 1994 when he was inaugurated President of the free democratic and multi-racial South Africa. In harmony with his vision, the ministers of state were blacks, whites, Indians, Coloreds, Muslims, Christians, communists, liberals, conservatives. Apart from three Indian Muslims, there were two Hindus in Mandela’s government. Never had such a cabinet been seen in Africa or elsewhere.
December 5, 2013 marks the 11th year since Nelson Mandela ended his profound legacy of carving a path for peaceful and respectful coexistence between the many tribes and races of the Earth.
PEACE WITH NATURE
“I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can only rest for a moment, for with freedom come responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not ended.” – Nelson Mandala
ASCENSION
HEAL YOURSELF AND HEAL THE WORLD
SPIRITUALITY FAITH
QUESTIONS GROWTH · FOCUS
Founded in 1977, one of Africa’s oldest wildlife charities and a leading conservation organization, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) embraces all measures that complement the conservation, preservation and protection of wildlife. Working across Kenya, SWT projects include anti-poaching, safeguarding the natural environment, enhancing community awareness, addressing animal welfare issues, providing veterinary assistance to animals in need, rescuing and hand rearing elephant and rhino orphans, along with other species that can ultimately enjoy a quality of life in wild terms when grown.
As the human population expands, pushing wildlife to the very brink of extinction and wild habitats to the edge of destruction, SWT is determined to reverse the effects of the past and prevent the effects
of the present, in the hope for a better future for both wildlife and mankind.
SWT is best known for its work with elephants, operating the most successful orphan elephant rescue and rehabilitation program in the world. While the Orphans’ Project is the heart of the organization, it cannot exist in isolation and over the last 46 years the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust has developed an extensive, multi-faceted approach to conservation to ensure a greater and long-lasting impact for wildlife.
Through SWT’s Aerial, Anti-Poaching and Mobile Veterinary Units, they actively safeguard the natural environment and providing immediate assistance to wild animals in need. SWT’s renowned Orphans’ Project responds to and rescues orphaned baby elephants, rhinos and
other wild species across Kenya, so that they might enjoy a life back in the wild when grown.
Community Outreach engages with local people living alongside wildlife, while their Saving Habitat initiative is focused on securing irreplaceable wilderness areas so that animals will always have space to roam.
Working alongside the Kenya Wildlife Service, the Kenya Forest Service and local communities their multifaceted approach to conservation is underpinned by our collaboration with local communities bordering Kenya’s National Parks. Working alongside Kenya’s local people is paramount in securing a safe and bright future for both wildlife, humans and reducing human-wildlife conflict.
RENEWAL COMMUNITY
SUPPORT EXPLORATION · ENERGY
Located in Northern Thailand, Elephant Nature Park is a leading elephant rescue and rehabilitation center, established by the esteemed elephant rights advocate, Saengduean Chailert, known as Lek, in 1995. As the first elephant sanctuary of its kind in Asia, the park has rescued and cared for elephants who were once subjected to cruel practices such as street begging, elephant riding, and circus shows. Many of these elephants have suffered both physical and psychological injuries.
At Elephant Nature Park, herds include blind, crippled, orphaned, and senior elephants who have been given the opportunity to live freely in natural surroundings, where they are treated with love and respect. Educational programs aim to raise awareness among visitors about the challenges facing the endangered Asian elephant and the importance of protecting this keystone species.
Beyond being an elephant sanctuary, the park also houses hundreds of other rescued animals such as dogs, cats, horses, buffalo, cows, pigs, birds, goats, and more. Elephant Nature Park believes in promoting a harmonious relationship between humans and animals, and their work is founded on the principles of compassion and empathy.
RETURN TO THE MOTHERLAND
“Africa is not just a place, it’s indeed a feeling. Africa is the heart of the world, and there are only few of us who have been touched by her. Africa defines our souls and people can feel it, people just know.” - General Sani Abacha
Imagine awakening to the heartbeat of the Earth, unspoiled, untainted, purely witnessed through the orchestration of life’s movement and sentient evolution.
As your imagination awakens your deeper yearning to experience life’s natural wonder, the animal and plant kingdom also await the moment that you remember, for here you belong, in this space of oneness, here in the warmth of our Mother’s love, empowered by a vision of what is to come as you ascend to the throne of your cosmic heart.
We are all-related, regardless of race or species. Humans share 50% of our DNA with most animals and even trees, including 98.8% with chimpanzees and 90% with elephants. The electrical fire generated as we embody conviction in our pursuit of peace and harmony within the planetary kingdoms unravels our inherited transgressions (traumas), to release the inner Christ light, biophotonic emissions from our DNA, which raises our genetic vibration to both fuel the inner vision that drives the evolution our intelligence, and empower our path beyond the veil of separation.
Creation Africa Experiences is dedicated to designing travel experiences that not only showcase the breathtaking beauty of Africa but also deeply immerse journeyers in its vibrant landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultures. Each journey is meticulously architected with an unwavering focus on detail and personalization, ensuring that every aspect of your soul’s adventure is tailored to exceed your expectations and resonate with your personal interests and desires.
Creation Africa Experiences craft luxurious journeys into the wild heart of Africa, where initiates experience the allure of South Africa through personalized, travel adventures that pamper the senses and foster a deeper connection with nature. Through an unforgettable Safari into the majestic landscapes and captivating wildlife of the Motherland, initiates are de-
livered into the womb of Mother Earth’s graceful embrace to gradually release any resistance from receiving the healing, guidance and empowerment they seek to fully embody their highest purpose in service of their calling.
Creation Africa Experiences has hand selected their network of Safari partners in South Africa, and bases their selection process on a premium service, accommodation and experience offering for their initiates as well as being an environmentally responsible business. The ethos of Safaris is based on the foundation of environmental sustainability and protection. Initiates enjoy nature and majestic wild animals in an authentic and protected natural habitat made possible through eco-tourism and conservation park establishments. Every Safari partner contracted supports a conservation or local community upliftment project. Many of the Safari partners have established and drive their own conservation and/or local community upliftment projects and offer initiates an experience to directly get involved with hands on conservation projects, including protecting South Africa’s highly endangered Rhinos.
In support of wildlife conservation, Creation Africa Experience is contributing 20% of any booking that references Polo Lifestyles magazine donation to elephant conservation organizations.
“It always seems impossible until it is done.” – Nelson Mandela
Initiate your journey home: www.creationafricaexperiences.com
MOLD YOUR MIND
"THE MENTAL BREAK-DOWN" PODCAST IS NOW ON ALL STREAMING PLATFORMS
FINDING YOUR TRIBE KEYS TO ESTABLISHING A STRONG SUPPORT SYSTEM
WHEN PEOPLE WIN AN AWARD OR ARE INTERVIEWED AFTER AN AMAZING PERFORMANCE, THEY TYPICALLY ACKNOWLEDGE THE SAME THING THAT LED THEM TO THIS SUCCESS, WHICH IS OTHER PEOPLE.
Often times, you will hear these individuals thanking God, family and friends, their supporting team, and even the fans. After thanking these individuals, it's common to hear, “I could not have done it without these people”.
The importance of having a strong support system cannot be understated. They help you through the good times, through the bad times, help you discover different solutions to the various problems you encounter, they tell you what you need to hear; you need people around you to help you get through this life.
Finding your tribe is a key component of living a resilient life.
Support is not one-size-fits-all and there are many different ways to support an individual: emotional, practical, and reflective support.
Emotional support consists of managing disappointments while also celebrating the successes. This can come in the form of a hug or telling the person what they did to contributed to the success. Research shows that displaying positive body language and providing positive encouragement when possible are critical elements to emotional support.
Practical support is when an individual provides solutions, advice, or financial means to help an individual. While this type of support can be beneficial, research suggests that this type of support actually decrease maturity level in children because they feel they have less ownership over the experience itself, which may decrease experiential learning.
Finally, there is reflective support. This includes reflecting on the positives, finding focus for development, and learning opportunities from more challenging experiences. Asking open ended questions to allow others to reach
conclusions for themselves with their help.
ESTABLISH YOUR SUPPORT SYSTEM
To establish a strong support system or seeing who is currently in yours, there are a few things to consider.
First, you want to identify those qualities and characteristics that you would like someone to have. For me, the three things I look for are accountability, honesty, and providing insight rather than solutions. I want someone to hold me accountable to my actions, someone who is going to check in on me to make sure I am following through on my goals, someone who is going to tell me my actions are not matching my words, but doing so in a challenging rather than “personal attacking” kind of way.
I want someone to be honest with me. I do not want you to tell me what I want to hear, I want you to tell me what I need to hear because that is what will help me make the changes I need to make.
I want someone to provide insight rather than tell me what the solution is. Allowing me to figure out the solution on my own is what is going to help me
THOUGHTS MATTER
grow is going to benefit me more in the long run, but it is beneficial to have that person to think things though and bounce ideas off of someone.
Next, you want to identify who you can go to and for what. For example, if I have good news that I want to share, I want to go to someone who is going to help me celebrate the good news rather than someone who is going to make it all about them.
If I need help solving a problem, I am going to go to that person who is going to help me figure out a solution rather than the person who is going to give me a solution. Knowing who to go to when can help enhance the connection you have with that individual, can help you maintain or increase life satisfaction,
and can help you develop more effective solutions.
Finally, you want to ask those individuals a part of your support system what they need from you. Having a strong support system is not a one-sided relationship. You want to be there for them just as much as you want them to be there for you. Having a conversation and asking the question, “What do you need for me?” can help you maximize your support to that person.
Some people want to be told what the solution is, some people just need to vent, everyone likes to be supported differently. Just because you like to be supported a specific way, does not mean that that person wants the same. Asking and understanding how others would
like to be supported cannot only help you support them the best you can, but can also challenge you to learn different styles of support.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Being resilient is often misunderstood. People tend to view “being resilient” as doing everything on your own. However, true resilience involves other people. You need other people in your life. Going through life and having shared experiences with other people can enhance the level of joy you experience and can help you manage the tough times more effectively because you have someone else there with you.
Think about who is in your circle, who you might want in your circle, so that you can get the support that you need.
