Traveler and Tourist - The Wanderlust Issue (Jul/Aug 2021)

traveler and tourist Issue 18 jul-aug 2021

the wanderlust issue

editor’s note

Jul/aug 2021

editor’s pick

Welcome to the July-August Wanderlust edition of Traveler and Tourist magazine!

Our issue this month takes you from Lake Geneva in Wisconsin to beautiful resorts in Italy, Laguna Beach to Mexico City, Los Angeles to some of the latest UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and then some travel options for music lovers and beach seekers.

Learn more about campervan travels, seasonal gifting ideas, outdoor recreation options, globally inspired culinary creations and libations, reading recommendations and more.

Interact with us on all our social media channels from page 28 and listen to our Spotify play list curated just for this issue.

While there, also click on the link on page 29 to sign up for a free download of 31 salad recipes inspired by our travels near and far.

As always, the monthly giveaway of a bag full of travel related goodies is up for grabs. To enter, simply sign up to receive the magazine alert directly to your email inbox. If you’ve already subscribed, then you are already entered to win the monthly goody bag…that simple!

And if you know someone that should be subscribing to the magazine then send them to www.travelerandtourist.com today to get in on all the travel inspiration they need.

Here’s wishing you and yours a fantastic summer to fall season with loved ones near and dear, close or far.

For now, please enjoy the wanderlust edition of Traveler and Tourist. Stay well. Be safe.

Ruksana Hussain

Joseph Maria Olbrich, Ernst Ludwig House, 1901, detail Entrance Portal, © Gregor Schuster

Founder and Publisher: Ruksana Hussain Creative Director: Parker Shatkin Editorial Assistant: Ruqaiyah Hussain Cover photo: Mexico City Photo by Ruksana Hussain

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just a tease...

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jul/aug 2021

IN THIS ISSUE on our radar midwest destination Design district

Laguna Beach, pg 20

West coast destination Plan a vacation health on the go international destination Restaurant review Liquid inspiration Special focus Culinary delights Weekend getaway Shelf esteem

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Mexico City, pg 32

Traveler and Tourist magazine is published online in California, USA and distributed digitally to subscribers worldwide. No portion of this magazine can be reproduced in any form without prior written consent from publisher. All information gathered within is considered to be reliable,but accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed. ISSN 2576-5175.

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on our radar

Seasonal Surprises A few of our fun picks to indulge in over the next few months...

The Hard Seltzer Cocktail Book

The original cocktail book to make your bubbly boozy beverages even boozier! An ice-cold, sparkling hard seltzer is a tasty, low calorie, refreshing treat on its own.

And now, these canned beverages are getting a mixeddrink makeover, thanks to The Hard Seltzer Cocktail Book: 55 Unofficial Recipes for White Claw® Slushies, Truly® Mixers, and More Spiked-Seltzer Drinks. Easyto-make recipes include Aperol Spritz-o-Clock, Fizzy Fuzzy Navels, Watermelon Sugar Slushy, Millennial Cosmo, Fizzier French 75, Summer in the City Manhattan. Truly LIIT (Long Island Iced Tea), Lemon Drop It Like It’s Hot, Lost in the Jungle Juice and much more. This is everything you need to add a little snap, sparkle, and pop to your favorite cocktails.

Grain Traders LA

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Serving healthy-but-delicious food that accommodates many dietary preferences (gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugarfree) while also offering plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans, the focus of the menu at Grain Traders LA is nourishing dishes composed of whole grains, fresh vegetables, beans and legumes, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins, which are sourced locally, utilizing grass-fed, free range, and organic.

Executive Chef Gisela Salazar-Golding uses slow, intentional processes and professional techniques, such as sous-vide, baking, grilling, and fermenting, to bring out the best flavors of quality produce. Dishes include Yellowfin Tuna Tataki, Certified Angus Beef, Gochujang Tofu Steak and Tricolor Quinoa Hainanese Style.

jul/aug 2021 Justin Vineyards & Winery’s Isosceles Flagship Wine

Inspired by the First Growth wines on the Left Bank region of Bordeaux, most notably Chateau Margaux, Founder Justin Baldwin began his career in the wine industry in 1981. He purchased JUSTIN® Vineyards & Winery, the 160-acre parcel and immediately planted three of the five principal Bordeaux grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.

In 1987, grapes from the Estate resulted in the first wine homage to Margaux, a wine that would later become the iconic ISOSCELES Bordeaux-style blend. Today, ISOSCELES, the “Left Bank” expression and icon of the JUSTIN portfolio, is over 25 years old and is complemented by its Bordeaux-inspired “Right Bank” counterpart, JUSTIFICATION.

2021 Limited Edition Grill Box

Featuring everything from skin-on salmon (so easy on the grill) to mahi mahi and even scallops and planks which pair perfectly together, this is great for an outdoor summer dinner. The Vital Choice Limited Edition Grill Box 2021 contains sustainably wild-caught sockeye salmon and mahi mahi, along with Atlantic scallops and wildly popular deluxe salmon burgers. And to get you in the barbecue mood, it includes Rustic Blackening Blend and alder grilling planks.

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on our radar

Valdo Marca Oro Brut Prosecco DOC

With a well-balanced structure, matched with an aromatic, fruity fragrance, Valdo Marca Oro Brut Prosecco DOC, made with 100% Glera, is the perfect pairing for your next meal. Straw yellow in color, with a fine perlage, and a crisp fruity palate, this wine’s strengths are its versatility and freshness. From fried calamari, soft Italian cheese or a focaccia with prosciutto crudo, to sushi, tempura or thai noodles, the bubbles and acidy of Prosecco will balance out these fat, oily and spicy foods. Whether you want to stay close to the roots of this sparkling wine and pair your flute of Prosecco with Italian delicacies or branch out and enjoy some international cuisines, this wine has you covered.

Get Supr

For a caffeine boost without the jitters, try Get Supr’s instant coffee which is hemp-infused coffee. Their instant coffee packets make it easy to incorporate into your daily life - whether that is throwing a stick in your purse for your midafternoon boost between meetings or packing sticks for traveling so that you always have a smooth energy option. Get Supr is not just another coffee brand – it allows you to bring wellness on the go. And for those who are down with just coffee sans the chillness of hemp-extract but need on-the-go support, Get Supr has a stick for that too.

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jul/aug 2021 Kodak Instant Cameras + Portable Printers

The classic, timeless brand currently offers three distinct products that deliver high-quality photos that are fingerprint-proof, waterproof and a last a lifetime – perfect for any vacation, backpacking or camping trip with friends and family.

The Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro allows you to shoot and print high-quality photos anytime and anywhere.

After taking fabulous shots, you can print them directly from your Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro OR connect with any mobile devices via Bluetooth and print straight from the photo gallery! The Kodak Mini Shot is also available in a 2 x 3 inch size.

With the Kodak Dock Plus, you can print your favorite pics instantly from your mobile devices. Using a reliable and stable Bluetooth connection, this instant photo printer can help you save timeless memories.

Connect your Kodak Mini 3 Square Retro to any mobile device and get your favorite pics in print wherever you are. Make sure to always keep your favorite snapshots so you can revisit them later. It uses a stable wireless connection that can be easily paired to your device. This portable printer is also available in a 2 x 3 inch size (Kodak Mini 2 Retro).

Skyroam Solis Lite

This hotspot is the simple way to solve wifi worries, as it delivers a fast, 4G LTE connection, shareable on up to 10 devices at once, all for one low flat rate worldwide. It comes with Skyroam’s patented VirtualSIM™ technology, so users always get the best local connection at home, on the go and while traveling. The Skyroam Solis Lite pairs with the Solis WiFi App, which enables users to buy WiFi and easily set-up and manage their hotspot. The combination of Solis Lite and Solis WiFi App provides digitally enthusiastic travelers with a unique solution to engage in all their favorite connected activities and services anywhere on the map. It’s an easy set-up via the Solis WiFi Mobile App, no SIMs are needed, and you can simply register and choose your WiFi. m (Images provided by respective brands)

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midwest destination

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Create Travel Memories in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin 11

midwest destination A popular resort city in the Midwest, Lake Geneva provides a gorgeous backdrop for some fond travel memories to be created or revisited. Here are a few ways to make your trip even more memorable…

Stay and Play Your options for stay in the area are many but a few to consider include The Abbey Resort, the only full-service resort on the shores of Lake Geneva and the only protected marina on the lake, and The Ridge Hotel, a contemporary property that has an onsite restaurant, Crafted Americana, a modern space to dine in featuring contemporary dishes and refreshing cocktails.

Lake Lawn Resort is centrally located in Delavan and you can use the championship golf course here, Calladora Spa or boat rentals, all located on over 2.5 miles of shoreline on picturesque Delavan Lake. Sunrise and sunset are a must-see if you’ve chosen this spot for your stay during your visit.

And finally, there is the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, a year-round vacation destination. Opened in 1968 as the Lake Geneva Playboy Club Hotel, the lush property served as a luxury escape for Midwest travelers. The first Playboy Club Hotel to open in the U.S., the resort brought a touch of glamour to the small lakeside community. The Frank Lloyd Wrightinspired hotel featured opulent design elements including an indoor swimming pool complete with a connecting passage to the outdoor pool area, two championship golf courses and a ski lounge designed in the shape of two interlocking snowflakes. But recent renovations have seen an update to all its guest rooms, golf courses, ballrooms and other amenities.

When it comes to activities, a crisp autumn morning with Lake Geneva Cruise Lines for a tour along the lakeshore is only expected if visiting here. One of a few places remaining Enjoy dinner and views at The Hunt Club steakhouse. Previous page: Outdoor relaxation at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa.

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jul/aug 2021 in the United States where mail is still delivered by boat, the Lake Geneva Cruise Lines’ Walworth continues to deliver mail to lake homes via their distinctive boat houses between the months of June and September. You can learn about the history, architecture, and geography on Geneva Lake while taking in some of the most gorgeous properties with a lakeview.

If local history is your cup of tea, then touring Black Point Estate and Gardens evokes a time and place when urban Chicago families escaped to Wisconsin to spend summer days entertaining guests on the wraparound porch or sailing on Geneva Lake. Tour the elegant trappings of this magnificent summer estate built by Chicago beer baron Conrad Seipp in 1888 as a family getaway from the heat and bustle of the city. It’s quite the peek into another life and time.

Visit the Geneva Lake Museum’s collection of Potawatomi Native American artifacts, history of

the Northwestern railway and the technology of Yerkes Observatory. Many more of the museum’s exhibits are time capsules that capture the essence of Geneva Lake and its people. And for a fun evening performance Tristan Crist Magic Theatre might be a spot to head to. Master illusionist Tristan Crist presents magic up-close and personal and is truly a unique entertainment destination.

Be sure to spend some time exploring downtown Lake Geneva. Browse the unique shops and discover many galleries, boutiques and giftshops. Pop into New World Wine Shop to see a collection of unique boutique wines sold by Jerry “JT” Sibbing and Terry Conell, better known in town as The Wine Guys.

Bring your sweet tooth to Geneva Gifts for a bit of home-made cream and butter fudge and browse the store that has been an area staple since the 1950s.

Lake Geneva School of Cooking is a downtown cooking school that offers entertaining culinary classes for the cooking enthusiast, whether novice or

One of many well-appointed rooms at Maxwell Mansion offer another option for accommodation in the area.

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midwest destination

Black Point Estate and Garden gives you a sneak peek into another place and time.

gourmet. Emphasizing culinary essentials, Chef John provides an opportunity for guests to experience hands-on preparation and demonstrations, which allows visitors to develop their own creative cooking talents. You get to cook with chef and team guiding you through the process and then everyone sits down for a meal together.

More of an outdoorsy person? A scooter tour with Lake Geneva Scooter Tours is recommended. With all the beautiful hills, rustic roads, and lakeside rides in the Geneva Lakes area, it’s perfect for scootering.

Buzz around Lake Geneva’s favorite scooter-friendly back roads to get out of town and into the scenic spots including Fontana Beach, Flatiron Park and Edgewater Park in Williams Bay. Walk or hike the shore path, the public footpath that weaves in and out of the woods and along the shoreline, to learn more about the area. As you meander along the lakefront, learn about the rich history of the area in addition to the beautiful homes, estates, public parks, and beaches.

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And if an adrenaline-inducing activity is what you seek then this sky-high adventure is fun for the whole family – no experience necessary! Lake Geneva Canopy Tours features guided tours through eight zip lines, five sky bridges and a 1,200-foot-long racing zip line. The company is Travel Green Wisconsin certified, with year-round availability for large groups and families.

Dine and Wine All that activity will make you hungry so remember some of these spots for sustenance between sightseeing. The Hunt Club here offers an upbeat and lively atmosphere for drinks, appetizers, and a delicious steak dinner within the 100-yearold historic Crane farmhouse. The menu has an expansive variety of house made dishes including dry-aged New York Strip and several seafood options. Pour a glass of wine and admire the

jul/aug 2021 panoramic views of the Gary Player golf course and the western shore of Lake Como, Geneva Lake’s neighboring body of water to the north.

Other options include Oakfire, where you can savor fresh and simple dining with plentiful openair, lakeside seating in these parts, and Sprecher’s Restaurant & Pub, where you can experience an assortment of Wisconsin-brewed beers, craft gourmet sodas on tap from Sprecher Brewery and imaginative specialty cocktails from the full bar from this business that is passionate about preparing locally sourced ingredients in their scratch kitchen.

For lunch, head to Popeye’s Galley and Grog, which opened in 1971 and has been family owned since, serving a small menu featuring great burgers, homemade chili, fresh chopped coleslaw, and, of course, lots of ice-cold beer. Today, the family tradition is alive and well, serving delicious eats with beautiful views of the lake. Another option, open seven days a week, year-round for lunch and dinner, is Tuscan Tavern & Grill, which specializes in pastas, steaks, fresh seafood, and artisan stone oven pizzas. The rustic atmosphere of the restaurant welcomes guests for a relaxing dining experience. And for coffee, Avant Cycle Café is the locals’ go-to spot for sipping coffee and tuning bikes - a combination of coffee, bikes, and the community makes this a special stop.

Finally, there is PIER 290. Bill Gage, third generation steward of Gage Marine, realized shortly after taking the reins of the family business that he would like to add a neighborhood friendly restaurant to the many lake-centric services the 140-year-old company provides. He teamed with restaurateur and designer Patrick Hurd to create PIER 290. The Gage Marina property went through a three-year complete overhaul.

The restaurant was designed to give a warm, comfortable lake feel with the use of many antique nautical pieces, various doors, boards, bricks, fixtures, and other recovered items from all over the Lake Geneva area.

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Top left: Black Point Estate and Garden Bottom left: Lake Geneva Scooter Tours provide another avenue to explore the area.

(Images by Ruksana Hussain)

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design district

Verdura Resort Introduces New Villas, Sports Academies and Sicilian Secrets

Not that we needed any more reasons to head to Italy this summer but here’s just one more to add to the never-ending list of whys we’ve been sitting on over the last few months. You are welcome.

Rocco Forte Private Villas

Verdura Resort launched the first 20 branded Rocco Forte independent villas, overlooking the resort’s sparkling bay. The new villas guarantee ultimate privacy and security for those who seek exclusive accommodation, combined with the unique services that have made Verdura Resort famous throughout the Mediterranean. Set on the hillside of the resort’s expansive grounds, the 3- and 4-bedroom villas have large private pools set in landscaped gardens.

Designed and styled by Olga Polizzi, their architecture is inspired by Sicily’s natural beauty and incorporates the characteristic features of a traditional Sicilian ‘baglio’ building: wooden beams, flat roofs, and external stairs.

Ideal for multigenerational stays and groups of families and friends.

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Rocco Forte Private Villa

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Rocco Forte Golf Course

Verdura Resort’s Spectacular New Golf Course

After a significant renovation project, Verdura Resort’s new East Course, their second 18hole course, will be ready to unveil nine holes in August, with the second nine scheduled for completion in October. World-renowned golf architect Kyle Phillips has returned to the site of his original design in Sicily to work his magic again. The signature ninth hole offers trademark, incredible views across the Mediterranean, while asking some serious questions of accuracy, strategy, and distance control with a slight dogleg design. Keen golfers can enjoy 27 holes in total in August, with 36 returning in the autumn.

Sicilian Secrets with Pierfilippo, Verdura Resort’s ‘U Canuscituri’

U Canuscituri in Sicilian means ‘a connoisseur of the island’.

Pierfilippo, Verdura Resort’s U Canuscituri, hosts weekly outdoor lectures at the resort and shares a hidden side of Sicily with guests. Passionate about sharing his deep love and knowledge of his home, this local insider introduces guests to local communities, new flavors, and fresh ways to explore and enjoy Sicily’s beauty and bounty and can arrange special experiences around the island. Spend the day exploring small villages on the Sicani Mountains, and learn the history of the Sicanians, thought to be the oldest inhabitants of Sicily with a recorded name. Visit the archaeological site, the museum, and meet shepherds, bakers, farmers, agronomists, and artists to discover the history of the region and unlock the local secrets.

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design district Fun for the Family: Sports Academies with the Stars Verdura Resort is home to nine fun sports activities and academies this year. Children can enjoy training with football coaches from Juventus, as well as trying their hand at fencing, beach volleyball and rugby. Verdura Resort’s Golf Academy is led by a team of PGA professionals whilst the Junior Academy is coached by Giacomo Dovetta, rated one of the world’s top 50 junior coaches by US Kids Golf.

Alternatively, put your best foot forward with some hip-hop dancing or improve your moves with Karate and Muay Thai.

Sports academies for children and families

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Partnership with Treedom

‘Foresta Verdura Resort’ is now enriched with 680 new plants, bringing the 230-hectare park’s count to 7,700 trees, including prickly pear, olive, orange, pomegranate and lemon varieties. To reinforce its commitment to the environment, Verdura Resort has partnered with Treedom, the first web platform in the world that allows individuals to plant a tree remotely and follow its growth online. As part of this initiative, the resort will help support the local farming communities in which the trees are planted, as they are able to use the fruits from the trees as a food resource or for income. Guests can also donate an orange tree and follow its lifecycle.

jul/aug 2021 Rocco Forte Hotels

Founded by Sir Rocco Forte and his sister Olga Polizzi in 1996, it is a collection of 15 luxury hotels and resorts with a unique character. All hotels are iconic addresses, both historic and modern, carved out of magnificent buildings in exceptional locations.

Run by a family that has been involved in hospitality for four generations, the hotels are characterized by a distinctive approach to service, which ensures guests experience the best of the destination and surrounding areas. Rocco Forte Hotels includes Hotel de la Ville, Hotel de Russie, Rocco Forte House, Rome; Hotel Savoy, Florence; Verdura Resort, Sicily; Masseria Torre Maizza, Puglia; The Balmoral, Edinburgh; Brown’s Hotel, London; The Charles Hotel, Munich; Villa Kennedy, Frankfurt; Hotel de Rome, Berlin; Hotels Amigo, Brussels and Hotel Astoria, St. Petersburg.

Verdura Resort

Part of Rocco Forte Hotels and member of The Leading Hotels of the World, Verdura Resort overlooks the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean from the southern coast of Sicily.

Immersed in a 230-hectare park, it has 203 elegant rooms and suites as well as 20 new Rocco Forte Private Villas, nestled on the hillside that gently slopes towards the resort’s private coast, which is over 1.8 km long. The resort’s restaurants and bars celebrate Mediterranean cuisine using seasonal ingredients typical of the island, accompanied by an extensive wine list. The Verdura Spa is an exclusive refuge with a holistic approach to health and well-being: four thalassotherapy pools, two saunas, a hammam and a wide range of personalized treatments and programs The resort also has a convention center. On site there are championship golf courses, designed by Kyle Phillips and leading figures of the Rocco Forte Sicilian Open in 2017 and 2018 (European Tour stage), making Verdura the golf destination par excellence in the Mediterranean.

The sporting offer is further enriched with six tennis courts, a 60-metre infinity pool, a football pitch, an equipped gym offering a full program of fitness and meditation activities, as well as jogging paths that wind through the estate’s olive and citrus groves. m

(Photos provided by Rocco Forte Hotels)

Verdura Resort

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west coast destination

Experience Laguna Beach Like A Local 20 www.travelerandtourist.com

jul/aug 2021

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west coast destination

Celebrated as an artists’ colony and vibrant beach town, Laguna Beach has forged an iconic personality as a California original. It is home to more beachfront hotels than any other city in the state, offers pristine beaches and hidden coves aplenty, more than 100 restaurants to enjoy local fare, and almost as many shops and boutiques.

And all of this located along just seven miles of coastline.

Enjoy an insider’s perspective with a behind-the-scenes tour of the world-famous Pageant of the Masters, indulge in lunch at Laguna beach’s original homestead – The Ranch at Laguna Beach, evoke your inner artist with a plein-air painting workshop taught by local artists overlooking the blue Pacific, and relax under the sun, with your toes in the sand and the ocean.

Enjoy the oceanside at Laguna Beach all year through. Previous page: Sandy spots provide a little escape from the crowds.

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jul/aug 2021

If you are planning on travels to California then one of the coastal cities to visit is Laguna Beach – the seaside gem is known for its miles of ocean, beautiful coves, and environmental preservation efforts. It is also known for the arts and one of the annual events you’ll hear about here is the Pageant of the Masters, which is held during the summer months.

With amphitheater style seating, this is a unique show hosted by the Festival of the Arts, where world-famous artworks are stunningly recreated in largescale format, with real people ‘starring’ as models. The whole operation, from set design to props, cast and crew to final performance, is quite awe-inspiring and a highly recommended activity if you are headed to these parts.

Top Left: Pageant of the Masters is a must visit.

Bottom Left: Stop by The Ranch for a relaxing meal.

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west coast destination

Golf course views at The ranch at Laguna Beach.

Other arts, music and culture venues include the Laguna Art Museum, Laguna Playhouse, Laguna Beach Chamber Music Society and Bluewater Music Festival.

The city is also host to an annual plein air painting festival where some of the country’s best plein air painters are invited to participate in the weeklong festivities. A plein air painting tradition that dates back more than 100 years, this is a great opportunity to visit Laguna Beach and this year the event will be held in October.

Of course, being located by the ocean comes with its perks so enjoying the many hidden coves and little secluded spots along the shoreline are a must. Give yourself plenty of time to indulge in what the city is most known for – the water, fresh air, sunny weather, great beaches, greenery everywhere and a vibrant beachside lifestyle.

The Ranch at Laguna Beach should be your destination of choice for some time away from the beach to indulge in golf, (Images by Ruksana Hussain)

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Above: Many relaxing spots along the coastline to enjoy a serene moment. Below: Delicacies enjoyed at The Ranch.

spa treatments and good locally harvested food. Spend a day here to indulge in a morning hike, hearty brunch, live music, and dinner with s’mores among other delights. Or simply bring a book and enjoy a leisurely sip.

For more planning tips and to chart out your next visit to the area, head to Visit Laguna Beach for the latest recommendations on what to see and do while there. m

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Plan a Vacation

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jul/aug 2021

Hit the Open Road in a Budget-Friendly Travellers Autobarn Campervan With the pandemic fading, the economy booming, and people feeling burned out after a very long year, many have now moved their focus to their wellbeing. For some, that means taking some time for themselves before they head back to the office or take on a new job. For those seeking perspective, there’s nothing like a road trip to give you the space and time for reflection. A Travellers Autobarn campervan rental is a great way to get out there, while still managing your finances responsibly. Not only do they offer their own accommodation as an alternative to hotels or campsites, but they are also a cost-effective option to car rentals (which, due to scarce inventory, are skyrocketing in price this year), and you can save even more money by preparing meals for yourself in the self-contained kitchens.

Travellers Autobarn has convenient pick-up centers in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas—prime kick off points to make your way to idyllic outdoor destinations like Death Valley National Park, Sequoia and King’s Canyon National Parks, Yosemite National Park,

and more)— and its well-equipped campervans are exceptionally affordable. Unlike most car rental companies and other campervan rental companies, only Travellers Autobarn offers unlimited free mileage, so there won’t be any surprises at the end of your journey. On top of this, they have some great deals, with discounts available on rentals.

Of the multiple vehicle options, the Kuga campervan is the most popular model for adventuring— sleeping up to three comfortably, and providing a kitchen space with microwave, fridge, sink, and gas stove—all powered by solar panels (meaning less need to stay at a powered campsite to recharge the batteries for your fridge and lights).

And, if you need any more inspiration to hit the road, Travellers Autobarn has plenty of amazing itineraries to plan your next trip.

Hit the open roads the next few months with a campervan suited for your outdoor adventure! m

(Photo provided by Travellers Autobarn)

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mar/apr 2021

31 globally inspired salad recipes free download now available on traveler and tourist 29

health on the go

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Pedego Your Way to Health With Electric Biking for Outdoor Recreation Electric biking as an activity, mode of travel or leisurely hobby has taken on a new life over the last few years and the pandemic saw an increase in users going by the jump in retail sales and growth in stores that North American brand Pedego has witnessed in 2020. In business for over a decade now, the company offers 18 different electric bike options suited to riders’ personal needs and preferences and its many stores across the country offer everything from sales and rentals to tours and accessories.

Pedego electric bikes offer the flexibility of choosing whether you pedal or not by simply using the twist-and-go throttle for instant speed. You can use Pedal Assist to help you pedal over hills and breeze through headwinds, go up to 20 MPH (the legal limit in most states) and up to 60 miles on a battery charge, or further if you pedal, and it only costs about 25 cents in electricity to charge the battery. This takes up to three hours to charge the battery if it is

jul/aug 2021

on empty and all you do is simply plug it in like a laptop. How convenient!

You might not realize this but there are some surprising health benefits to electric cycling. You can burn up to 500 calories per hour, and lose or control weight while improving fitness, and it can help reduce your blood pressure and cholesterol, even help fight cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Regular cycling boosts a body’s defenses, reduces stress, and promotes relaxation. Plus, commuting by electric bicycle is one of the easiest ways to fit exercise into your daily routine because it doubles as transportation while still allowing you to arrive at work fresh and not sweaty — plus, it’s green. And fun!

Speaking of commuting, navigating parking and traffic are easier on an electric bike. With no DMV, no gas stations, no car insurance, and no car payment, Pedego riders discover a huge savings at the end of every month — while loving the ride the entire time. You could also use more motor on the way in to work to stay cool and then use less motor

and more exercise on the way home. Electric cycling is a great workout, burning up to 500 calories per hour, and it works out your day’s frustrations and stresses.

There are amazing bike paths in most cities that take cyclists off the roads and along scenic routes.

If you’d like to try out Pedego, bike rentals are available on daily and hourly rates, and many locations offer guided tours too including in France, Italy, Mexico, Canada and at stores throughout the U.S. Pedego manufactures 18 high-quality, innovative models, including cruisers, tandems, commuters, fat-tire bikes, mountain bikes, cargo bikes and an ingenious electric folding bike so you are bound to find one that suits your requirement.

You are looking at a green alternative for transportation, regular exercise and recreation, accompanied by hundreds of color combinations, and other personalization options to choose from. A win-win for your health and for you! m (Images provided by Pedego)

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international destination

Take Me to Mexico City

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jul/aug 2021

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international destination The capital of and largest city in Mexico is a cultural treasure that has had many smitten over the years on their first visit.

Most travelers to Mexico City find their way back again soon. It is the oldest capital city in the Americas and built by the Aztecs. It is also home to multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites if that’s of interest when you plan your visit – that includes the historic center or Centro Historico and Xochimilco or floating gardens. There’s a lot to do and see across the many neighborhoods so let’s get started building up that itinerary!

Mexico City is the Angel of Independence on Paseo de la Reforma which was styled somewhat after the Champs-Elysees in Paris and you will see that from the views all around. Avenido de los Insurgentes is another famed avenue to visit should you have the time. Recommended for a day trip is the Mexican pyramids at Teotihuacan, where you can climb to the top of the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon and walk along the Avenue of the Dead to see where the Aztec civilization flourished.

You could spend a day or more just within the historic center. There’s Zocalo/Plaza de la Constitucion with the Metropolitan Cathedral, which is a Spanish-era structure, and the National Palace. You can walk along the ancient Aztec temple ruins at Templo Mayor discovered only in the 1970s by workers digging for underground cable work. It’s pretty neat walking along a bustling part of the city and then stopping by this integral part of history amidst it all One of the most recognized images of 34 www.travelerandtourist.com

Colorful boats at Xochimilco. Previous page: Teotihuacan Pyramids.

jul/aug 2021

Murals grab your attention everywhere.

Chapultepec Park has the castle atop the hill that’s now a museum and shares a glimpse of the regal life of yesteryears. Be shutter-ready to take all the pictures you want especially along the stairways, gardens and from the balcony. The city is mesmerizing from that vantage point and you can see why the castle was located there. Also in this park is the National Museum of Anthropology which easily takes day to cover all galleries, enjoy the café and gift store, and also spend some time adoring the central water sculpture around which the museum is built.

Known for its architecture is the Palacio de Bellas Artes, a museum and theater starring white marble. Museo Soumaya has the largest private collection of original Rodin sculptures outside of Paris along with a considerable Dali collection. It has a rather futuristic design 35

international destination

Another acclaimed mural at University of Mexico/UNAM.

and can be sighted from miles away given it’s strikingly imposing shape. It is located in Polanco, as is Colleccion Jumex, a contemporary art museum which has the largest private collection of contemporary art in Latin America. Another venue where you’ll want to spend a few hours.

In fact, there is no dearth of museum, galleries and concert venues in Mexico City so you will have to be strategic with your time to cover as many as you can or pay attention to a select few. Of course, visiting all the way here, you must include a few venues that feature 36 www.travelerandtourist.com

murals by Diego Rivera, and spend time in Coyoacan, where he lived with this wife Frida Kahlo. Many works by them are easily accessed by the public and considered an extremely valuable contribution to the national arts and history. A double-decker bus called Turibus covers many of these sites with descriptions in multiple languages. You can also hire local guides for private or group trips to better acquaint yourself with the city, its culture and heritage.

Speaking of getting to know the city better, local delicacies are one way to

jul/aug 2021 accomplish that and a foodie tour with Eat Like a Local Mexico Food Tours is a great experience to invest in. Women-owned and led, the tour takes you through multiple locations where you can stop and taste everything from pulque and tortas to street corn and homemade eats, churros and birria and more.

Your guide is local and extremely knowledgeable on all things Mexican culture and cuisine and will accommodate any special requests along the way.

Other spots to wine and dine at include Amaya wine bar for a relaxed evening in or El Balcon del Zocalo for views of the main square and an equally enticing meal. Head to Masala y Maiz for Indian-Mexican fusion lunch fare, Contramar for fresh seafood, and brunch at Gran Hotel CDMX, as well as dinner at Bellini for a celebratory meal at a revolving restaurant or simple but delicious fare at La Casa de Tono. Stack up on all the sweet rteats you can under one roof at Dulceria de Celaya and positively make time for the customary coffee at Sanborns. m

The architecture at the Postal Palace is stunning.

(Images by Ruksana Hussain)

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restaurant review

Arth Bar + Kitchen’s Modern Indian Cuisine and Innovative Cocktails Pioneering a new movement of modern Indian cuisine, Arth Bar + Kitchen introduces Indian fare in a completely new way in Los Angeles.

With its contemporary atmosphere, eclectic dishes, and innovative cocktails, and conveniently located right in the heart of Culver City, the restaurant is the brainchild of Founder & Partner Mihir Lad, an engineer by trade, but with an entrepreneurial spirit. Partner & Executive Chef Sagar Ghosh’s creative flair and culinary techniques stem from being trained by some of the world’s most renowned chefs, time spent in kitchens in some of the finest restaurants in Kolkata, Pune, Miami, New York, Buena Park and Tustin. The restaurant is designed by interior designer Atithi Prajapati who focused on creating a light and contemporary atmosphere mixed with

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wood tones and warm touches of India, featuring a full bar, chef counter, open kitchen, dining room, and two patios.

Chef Ghosh showcases his contemporary flair starting with small plates such as Kolkata Fish Fry: Asian seabass in cilantro parsley marinade served with fries and mustard sauce and Old Monk Drunken Wings: Oriental style ruminfused chicken wings. He also made sure that Arth Bar + Kitchen highlighted the open kitchen by featuring a chef counter and one of the city’s only fully visible tandoor ovens, so guests can watch as he prepares each dish, including the Bharwani Kumbh: stuffed mushroom caps, Angari Murgh: chargrilled chicken in yoghurt marinade, and Pistachio Lamb Chops

jul/aug 2021 The entrees are the heart of the eclectic menu and features classic Indian dishes prepared in chef ’s own special way. Think Lobster Moilee: lobster cooked in sweet coconut milk, turmeric and curry leaves, Nalli Nihari: tender whole lamb shank, and Lamb Yakhni Biriyani: a Kashmiri style lamb biriyani served with yoghurt sauce. He also offers a special selection of thoughtful sides to complement each of his dishes, including Chili Cheese Naan: stuffed cream cheese and chili bread, and Onion Chili Bread: whole wheat bread topped with onion and chili.

Knowing all too well how Angelenos appreciate a proper cocktail, Arth delivers an impressive and innovative list with choices such as East India Trading Company comprised of Bacardi White Rum, vanilla liqueur, lychee, pan leaf, eucalyptus, bitters and soda water, Mira Meets Pedro showcasing Nosotros Reposado Tequila, Cointreau, tamarind, spicy bitters, Jal-jeera, Himalayan salt and Indian chile, and Spiced Oaxacan consisting of 20 Los Vientos Mezcal, cinnamon-infused sweet vermouth, tobacco bitter, orange and a cinnamon stick. For the non-boozy clientele, Arth offers zero proof cocktails such as Indian Detox, Herbal Spritz and Tamarind Blast.

(Photography by Tonelson)

The desserts here are delicate and delicious for the perfect finish. The Gulabo is a rose petal compote stuffed in fried dough balls soaked in rose syrup, the Mango Chambord Kulfi includes Indian style Chambord liqueur and mango ice cream, and the Assorted Cannoli features a Kesar Elaichi Shrikhand, Butterscotch and Chocolate Cannoli that can be shared with the table, although you can rest assured sharing might not be on your mind once you see the beautifully plated and served culinary creations from the tandoor and kitchen at Arth! m

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Endless Summer

liquid inspiration

Ingredients: 1 oz white rum 1 oz pineapple juice ½ oz honey syrup ¾ oz lime juice 3 oz Kona Tropical Punch Method:

Combine all ingredients, except Kona, to a cocktail shaker with ice.

Shake for approximately 30 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.

Strain the cocktail into the pineapple.

Fill the pineapple with crushed ice.

Top with Kona Tropical Punch (approx.

3 ozs).

Sipping on This Season’s Flavors

Pineapple Preparation:

For a well-prepared pineapple vessel, you want to remove the pineapple meat from around half the pineapple (approx.

1.5-2 inches deep) and leave around 1/2 inch of meat on the sides. You don’t want to cut too much or too close to the sides as this will diminish the structural integrity of the pineapple.

Some fun beer + seltzer cocktail recipes from Kona Brewing Co. are perfect for sunny climes. With the many seltzer options available now, these recipes take the seltzer drinking experience to the next level and are a delicious standout at any gathering.

Spiked Tropical Punch Popsicles Ingredients: 12 oz Kona Spiked Island Seltzer, Tropical Punch (one 12 oz can makes approx. 6 standard popsicles) Fresh pineapple (thinly sliced or small chunks)

Li Hing Mui powder to garnish

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Method: Pour the seltzer into popsicle molds, filling halfway up.

Gently drop the fresh fruit into the popsicle molds and fill the mold rest of the way up with seltzer. Insert popsicle sticks. Freeze for 1-2 hours or until popsicles are firm.

Remove popsicles from freezer and sprinkle Li Hing Mui powder on top to garnish.

Serve on the popsicle stick or drop in a glass to allow for melting.

jul/aug 2021

Big Pau Hana Cocktail Ingredients:

2 oz Kona Big Wave Golden Ale 1.5 oz strawberry or berry vodka .5 oz Chambord Liqueur 2 oz cranberry juice 1 oz raspberry simple syrup 3 dashes of peach bitters (or any flavor)

Method:

Lightly stir and strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.

(Images provided by Kona Brewing Co.)

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special focus

Five Sites in the Arab and Europe Regions Inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List The World Heritage Committee recently inscribed five cultural sites, including one transnational property, in Saudi Arabia, Austria, Belgium, Czechia, France, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on UNESCO’s World Heritage List during its 44th session held online and chaired from Fuzhou (China). These included: Saudi Arabia, Himā Cultural Area Located in an arid, mountainous area of southwest Saudi Arabia, on one of the Arabian Peninsula’s ancient caravan routes, Himā Cultural Area contains a substantial collection of rock art images depicting hunting, fauna, flora and lifestyles in a cultural continuity of 7,000 years. Travellers and armies camping on the site left a wealth of rock inscriptions and petroglyphs through the ages and until the late 20th century, most of which are preserved in pristine condition. Inscriptions are in different scripts, including Musnad, Aramaic-Nabatean, SouthArabian, Thamudic, Greek and Arabic. The property and its buffer zone are also rich in unexcavated archaeological resources in the form of cairns, stone structures, interments, stone tool scatters and ancient wells. This location is at the oldest known toll station on an important ancient desert caravan route, where the wells of Bi’r Himā date back at least 3,000 years and still produce fresh water.

Austria / Belgium / Czechia / France / Germany / Italy / United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, The Great Spa Towns of Europe The transnational site of The Great Spa Towns of Europe comprises 11 towns, located in seven European countries: Baden bei Wien (Austria); Spa

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The Lighthouse when the sea level is going low, Gilles Vilquin, © DRAC Nouvelle-Aquitaine

(Belgium); Františkovy Lázně (Czechia); Karlovy Vary (Czechia); Mariánské Lázně (Czechia); Vichy (France); Bad Ems (Germany); Baden-Baden (Germany); Bad Kissingen (Germany); Montecatini Terme (Italy); and City of Bath (United Kingdom). All these towns developed around natural mineral water springs. They bear witness to the international European spa culture that developed from the early 18th century to the 1930s, leading to the emergence of grand international resorts that impacted urban typology around ensembles of spa buildings such as the kurhaus and kursaal (buildings and rooms dedicated to therapy), pump rooms, drinking halls, colonnades and

jul/aug 2021

Scrovegni Chapel, Interior, Comune di Padova, Gabinetto Fotografico dei Musei Civici di Padova, © Comune di Padova Settore Cultura, Turismo, Musei e Biblioteche

galleries designed to harness the natural mineral water resources and to allow their practical use for bathing and drinking. Related facilities include gardens, assembly rooms, casinos, theatres, hotels and villas, as well as spa-specific support infrastructure. These ensembles are all integrated into an overall urban context that includes a carefully managed recreational and therapeutic environment in a picturesque landscape. Together, these sites embody the significant interchange of human values and developments in medicine, science, and balneology.

France, Cordouan Lighthouse The Lighthouse of Cordouan rises on a shallow rocky plateau in the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the Gironde estuary, in a highly exposed and hostile environment. Built in white limestone dressed blocks at the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries, it was

designed by engineer Louis de Foix and remodeled by engineer Joseph Teulère in the late 18th century.

A masterpiece of maritime signaling, Cordouan’s monumental tower is decorated with pilasters and gargoyles. It embodies the great stages of the architectural and technological history of lighthouses and was built with the ambition of continuing the tradition of famous beacons of antiquity, illustrating the art of building lighthouses in a period of renewed navigation, when beacons played an important role as territorial markers and as instruments of safety.

Finally, the increase of its height, in the late 18th century, and the changes to its light chamber, attest to the progress of science and technology of the period.

Its architectural forms drew inspiration from ancient models, Renaissance Mannerism and the specific architectural language of France’s engineering school École des Ponts et Chaussées.

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special focus

Joseph Maria Olbrich, Ernst Ludwig House, 1901, detail Entrance Portal, © Gregor Schuster

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Germany, Mathildenhöhe Darmstadt The Darmstadt Artists’ Colony on Mathildenhöhe, the highest elevation above the city of Darmstadt in west-central Germany, was established in 1897

by Ernst Ludwig, Grand Duke of Hesse, as a center for emerging reform movements in architecture, arts, and crafts. The buildings of the colony were created by its artist members as experimental early modernist living and working environments. The colony was expanded during successive international exhibitions in 1901, 1904, 1908 and 1914. Today, it offers a testimony to early modern architecture, urban planning, and landscape design, all of which were influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement and the Vienna Secession. The serial property consists of two component parts including 23 elements, such as the Wedding Tower (1908), the Exhibition Hall (1908), the Plane Tree Grove (1833, 1904-14), the Russian Chapel of St. Maria Magdalena (1897-99), the Lily Basin, the Gottfried Schwab Memorial (1905), the Pergola and Garden (1914), the “Swan Temple” Garden Pavilion (1914), the Ernst Ludwig Fountain, and the 13 houses and artists’ studios that were built for the Darmstadt Artists’ Colony and for the international exhibitions. A Three House Group, built for the 1904 exhibition is an additional component.

jul/aug 2021 Italy, Padua’s fourteenth-century fresco cycles The site is composed of eight religious and secular building complexes, within the historic walled city of Padua, which house a selection of fresco cycles painted between 1302 and 1397 by different artists for different types of patrons and within buildings of diverse functions. Nevertheless, the frescos maintain a unity of style and content. They include Giotto’s Scrovegni Chapel fresco cycle, considered to have marked the beginning of a revolutionary development in the history of mural painting, as well as other fresco cycles of different artists, namely Pietro and Giuliano da Rimini, Guariento di Arpo, Giusto de’ Menabuoi, Altichiero da Zevio, Jacopo Avanzi and Jacopo da Verona. As a group, these fresco cycles illustrate how, over the course of a century, fresco art developed along a new creative impetus and understanding of spatial representation. m

The Roman Great Bath and Abbey - City of Bath, © Colin Hawkins

Cultural Rock Arts in Himā Najrān, Dr Majeed Khan,

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culinary delights

Healthy Summertime Plant-Based Recipes Though June was National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month, that shouldn’t stop you from learning more about plant-based cooking the rest of the year. Jill and Jeffrey Dalton have everything you need in their cookbook Plant Based Cooking Made Easy which features over 100 life-saving, whole food plant-based recipes that are gluten-free, refined sugar & oil free, low in sodium, and full of scrumptious flavors. It offers wholesome takes on everything from common comfort foods to international favorites. The couple knew, after making the switch to a whole food plant-based diet and experiencing profound changes in their own health, they needed to share the power of a plant-based diet with the world.

Together over the past 5 years they have been creating the popular cooking show from their home kitchen in Cary, NC. Jill hosts the show and shares her mastery for creating tasty and easy to prepare recipes that incorporate all the leading research on plant-based nutrition. Jeffrey works behind the scenes writing, designing, filming, producing, and supporting the technical aspects of the show. Find out more about them on their website. Meanwhile, enjoy two recipes from the book: 46 www.travelerandtourist.com

jul/aug 2021

Ingredients 4 cups broccoli 8 ounces sliced mushrooms 1 red onion, sliced 3 cloves garlic, minced 1-inch piece ginger, minced 2 carrots, shredded 1/3 cup cashews 4 tablespoons rice wine vinegar 3 dates ½ cup water Light sodium soy sauce (optional) Preparation 1. Turn burner on high heat.

2. Add a few tablespoon water to the pan.

3. Add the onions, garlic and ginger and sauté for a few minutes.

4. Add the broccoli, mushrooms, carrots and cashews and sauté for about 5 minutes.

5. While that is cooking add the rice wine vinegar, water and dates to a blender and blend until smooth.

6. Pour the sauce over the entire mixture and sauté for just a couple more minutes.

7. Add a couple tablespoons of low sodium soy sauce (optional).

8. Serve over rice or cauliflower rice.

Peach Tart Serves 8-10 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 35 minutes

Broccoli & Mushroom Stir Fry Serves 4 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients Crust 2 cups almond meal or almond flour 1 cup pitted Medjool dates Filling 3–4 ripe peaches 1 teaspoon arrowroot powder 2 dates ¾ cups water

Preparation 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. 2. Add the crust ingredients to food processor and blend until mixture starts to stick together.

3. Pour into a tart pan and press mixture into the bottom and sides of the pan.

4. Slice peaches in half and twist sections in opposite directions and remove the pit.

5. Slice halves into thin slices, setting aside one of the halves.

6. Add that half of a peach, arrowroot powder, 2 dates and water into a blender and blend until smooth.

7. Pour two-thirds of the blended mixture into the tart crust.

8. Layer peach slices on top of this mixture, fanning the slices out, starting at the outside and working your way to the center.

9. Pour remaining peach mixture over the top.

10. Bake for 35 minutes.

11. Take out of the oven and let cool thoroughly before removing it from the tart pan.

(Images provided by Plant-Based Cooking Made Easy)

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weekend getaway

Travel Inspiration for Music Lovers and Beach Seekers After more than a year of being cooped up, human mobility is being restored and summer ushers in a new era in travel. There’s still uncertainty about getting to international destinations, but our domestic gems are seeing increased interest amongst the wanderlust seekers. Here are a few destinations to relax, celebrate, and recharge.

Nantucket, Massachusetts Nantucket has always been a summer favorite thanks to its picturesque coastline, great food, and impeccable accommodation offerings. Life House, Nantucket, opened in August 2020, is a coastal Federal-style mansion housed in the historic Century House, a former luxury bed and breakfast and the oldest continually operating inn on Nantucket. The 1833 building on Cliff Road, at one of the highest points on the island, was once a personal retreat for Captain Robert Calder in between whaling expeditions before he opened it up to travelers in 1870. Life House has redesigned it to honor the building’s history with the idea of keeping it “a nonchalant innkeeper’s humble abode”, as Captain Calder had intended. The property features 14 guest rooms, a 300-square-foot living room and kitchen where guests can enjoy breakfast and cocktail hour, and a 675-square-foot private garden lounge to just relax. Life House Nantucket has been awarded Condé Nast Traveler’s HOT LIST 2021, Travel + Leisure’s IT List 2021, and Architectural Digest AD Hotel Awards 2021.

Denver, Colorado Denver is for (music) lovers! Aside from the great outdoors that have lured travelers for decades, a booming food scene, and world-class museum exhibitions, this summer Denver is opening the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre to more than 70 events. Most of the program on the schedule is music-centric with concerts by domestic and international performers: from the Colorado Symphony Orchestra to Rufus Du Sol, Louis The Child, and Reggae’s sensations Rebelution. What better way to celebrate Summer than a post-pandemic concert? Life House, Lower Highlands, opened in November 2020, is a 16-key Victorian industrialist frontier dwelling located in the buzzy neighborhood of Lower Highlands in Denver.

The property’s design draws inspiration from Victorian Industrialism, the contextual 1800s design movement that

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jul/aug 2021

defined the neighborhood, and the natural landscape of the Wild West. Just like its environs, where Victorian-era homes are juxtaposed to ultra-modern buildings, Life House, Lower Highlands layers dusty floral patterns -- crafted in House of Hackney fabrications -- within a contemporary industrial building shell. Badlands dusty grays with saturated mustards, rusty reds, and deep hues of bluebell are paired with rich, honey-colored leathers and cowhide detailing pulled from the natural landscape of Colorado wild nature. The guestrooms are a collection of accommodations catering to the discerning traveler: spacious King Suites are paired with luxury bunk chambers, perfect for friends and families traveling together (for a concert perhaps?). The custom bunks feature fullsize beds in different configurations with well-appointed bathrooms with double sinks, a custom dressing bench, and a flex wardrobe unit to maximize space. Life House, Lower Highlands’ culinary offering highlights locally sourced ingredients and seasonal fare. The on-property restaurant, aptly named Wildflower, celebrates the Western landscape with a veg-forward tapas style menu that pays homage to the neighborhood’s Italian and Mexican roots. Life House Lower Highlands has been awarded Condé Nast Traveler’s HOT LIST 2021 and Travel + Leisure’s IT List 2021.

Life House is a collection of technology-forward, incredibly well thought-through boutique hotels with

properties in Miami, Nantucket, Denver’s Lower Highlands, and opening three more in the next few months. The brand—which, notably, is the first lifestyle hotel company to ever be fully backed by Silicon Valley— also has a mobile app that allows guests to check in and opt into its social network directly through its app. The social network gives guests the opportunity to interact with each other, along with locals who’ve been vetted by the community. Basically, a hotel built for COVID-proof interactions. Life House has built a proprietary technology stack that not only powers the complex operations of a hotel but enables its staff to deliver a luxury hospitality experience. Much like Uber built software to make it very easy to hire and train drivers to be great, Life House has built software that makes it easy to hire and train on-property staff to be highly effective at delivering a world class guest experience without extensive training. Whether that’s through a mobile housekeeping application that walks housekeepers step-by-step through the room cleaning protocol or a guest experience iPad app that automates early check-in / late check-out decision making, VIP upgrades and amenities, and allows staff to focus on service rather than consummating transactions. The result is a personalized service that’s not behind a desk and a more seamless operation, all at a great value to travelers and a more reliable operation for hotel owners. m (Images provided by LifeHouse)

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shelf esteem

Flavors of the Sun: The Sahadi’s Guide to Understanding, Buying, and Using Middle Eastern Ingredients Releasing this September is the first cookbook from beloved Brooklyn specialty grocer Sahadi’s—winner of the James Beard America’s Classics award—Flavors of the Sun is a comprehensive guide to vibrant Middle Eastern ingredients, with more than 120 accessible recipes that will inspire you to embrace time-tested seasoning blends, spices, and staples.

Author Christine Sahadi Whelan is a fourthgeneration co-owner, graduate of the Institute for Culinary Education, and lifelong traveler and tastetaster. In Flavors of the Sun, her expertise and palate shine in everything from Harissa Mac and Cheese and Chocolate Chunk Halvah Cookies to Berbere Shrimp and Za’atar Bread. Rich, colorful, inviting images of the dishes and ingredients make it a perfect introduction for home cooks and a resource for seasoned chefs. Flavors of the Sun is for fans of Plenty, Zahav, and The Arabesque Table, loyal Sahadi’s customers, and anyone interested in tapping into the flavors that have sustained the business since 1898.

From sumac to Urfa pepper, pomegranate molasses to preserved lemons, Flavors of the Sun is focused on a few dozen wildly versatile flavorings and ingredients used throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean.

Broken down into five flavor profiles that characterize the region’s cuisine—Bright, Savory, Spiced, Nutty and Sweet—the book features simple, impactful recipes for every course of the meal in each category, including some of the store’s most popular dishes and Sahadi family favorites. You’ll also find tips on technique, pairing notes, suggestions for sourcing the highest-quality ingredients, and tons of “no-recipe recipes” to foster flavor intuition, so you can mix and match with confidence. A great addition to your cookbook collection this season! m

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(Images courtesy publisher)

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Photo by Annie Sprat

© Traveler and Tourist jul-aug 2021