May/June 2022
BRING SUNSHINE
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I TA L I A N S T Y L E MODERN
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at Rosewood Miramar Beach 1759 South Jameson Lane, Montecito CA 93108 | (805) 900 -1010 Los Angeles | San Marino | Montecito | Since 1932 | www.Laykin.com
The Finest Montecito & Santa Barbara Homes Presented by
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N E W L I S T I N G • T o r o C a n y o n P a r k R d • O f f e r e d a t $ 2 7, 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 P re p a re t o v e n t u re b e y o n d t h e o rd i n a r y… P e rc h e d o n a k n o l l c o m m a n d i n g ± 42 a c re s , p ro m i s i n g p r i v a c y, s e re n i t y a n d b re a t h t a k i n g 3 6 0 - d e g re e v i e w s o f S a n t a B a r b a ra ’s m o u n t a i n s a n d t h e Pa c i f i c O c e a n . The s w e e p i n g o c e a n v i e w s s p a n a l o n g t he s p a r k l i n g C e n t ra l C o a s t f ro m P o r t H u e n e m e i n Ve n t u ra a l l t h e w a y u p t o H o l l i s t e r R a n c h a n d b e y o n d . Tr u l y n o t h i n g c o m e s c l o s e i n c o m p a r i s o n . C h a n n e l i n g t he p e a c e f u l b e a u t y o f t he w o r l d re n o w n e d A m a n Re s o r t s , l o c a l l y q u a r r i e d s t o n e w a l l s m e e t w i t h d i s a p p e a r i n g g l a s s w a l l s t o f ra m e e v e r y v i e w a n d i n v i t e t he n a t u ra l b e a u t y i n t o t he ho u s e s e a m l e s s l y.
Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information. *#1 individual agent based on sales volume & units in the Santa Barbara MLS & worldwide for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices based on production for 2020 and 2021.
N E W L I S T I N G • 18 8 5 J e l i n d a D r i v e • O f f e r e d a t $ 15 , 7 5 0 , 0 0 0 S ho w c a s i n g i m p re s s i v e i n t e r i o r s c a l e , i n s p i r i n g o c e a n , i s l a n d a n d m o u n t a i n v i e w s , a n d a j a w - d ro p p i n g t ra n s f o r m a t i o n , t h i s t u r n k e y E n n i s b ro o k e s t a t e s u c c e s s f u l l y p a i rs t ra d i t i o n a l M e d i t e r ra n e a n a rc h i t e c t u re w i t h c o n t e m p o ra r y re f i n e m e n t . Th e ± 1. 77 - a c re e s t a t e b o a s t s a 6 b e d + o f f i c e , 7 f u l l / 3 h a l f b a t h re s i d e n c e , p o o l c a b a n a , p o o l a n d s p a , b u i l t - i n B B Q , d u a l g a t e d e n t r y, a n d g o rg e o u s g ro u n d s f l a n k e d b y h e d g e s f o r a d d e d p r i v a c y. B o t h t h e e s t a t e a n d g u a rd g a t e d c o m m u n i t y o f f e r e x c e p t i o n a l a m e n i t i e s a n d a p re m i e r l o c a t i o n , l o c a t e d w i t h i n t h e s o u g h t - a f t e r M o n t e c i t o U n i o n S c ho o l D i s t r i c t .
Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information. *#1 individual agent based on sales volume & units in the Santa Barbara MLS & worldwide for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices based on production for 2020 and 2021.
RELAXATION
IS CALLING
36 STATE STREET, SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA 805.882.0103 · MAJORELLESPA.COM 8 | MAY/JUNE 2022
EXPLORE THE NEW PASEO NUEVO
and our collection of local, regional and national retailers and restaurants
Open 11am to 7pm Daily PaseoNuevoShopping.com
@ShopPaseoNuevo
651 Paseo Nuevo, Santa Barbara CA 93101
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TIMELESS CLASSICS FOR THROUGHOUT
THE YEAR
AD “A Central Coast Boutique”
ORCUTT | LOS OLIVOS | PASO ROBLES | PISMO BEACH
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A romantic bed and breakfast, steps from West Beach and The Funk Zone
805-965-3586 | theeagleinn.com
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SANTA BARBARA ATHLETIC CLUB 520 CASTILLO STREET 805.966.6147
CATHEDRAL OAKS ATHLETIC CLUB 5800 CATHEDRAL OAKS ROAD 805.964.7762
OFFER VALID FROM MAY 1, 2022 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2022. MENTION THIS AD TO REDEEM. VALID FOR NEW MEMBERS ONLY. ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY.
COMING SOON . . .
arm to Paper SWEET WHEEL FARMS • SANTA BARBARA AGRICULTURE & FARM EDUCATION FOUNDATION • SUMMERLAND RICO • PERSON RYAN GALLERY • LETTER PERFECT STATIONERY
Enjoy Scandinavian Food, Pastries, High Tea & Custom Event Orders 1106 STATE STREET | ANDERSENSANTABARBARA.COM | 805-962-5085
May/June 2022 Editor in Chief & Publisher OTTOCINA RYAN Art Director JOHANNA SMEDS Director of Photography SILAS FALLSTICH Brand Partnerships & Advertising Lead LINDSEY GARRISON Deputy Editor & Marketing Manager DELANEY WILLET Writers MORGAN ALLEN, EILEEN BETTINGER, ANNA CONSTANTINO, SOFIA DEEB, KIM HASHEMI, ALEXANDRA LEE, EMMA McDONNELL, ALEXANDRA SHAROVA, CELINE WALLACE Photographers JARED FIX, JON PREMOSCH Intern INGRID SIGFSTEAD
ON THIS COVER
Photographer JON PREMOSCH Stylist DELANEY WILLET Model CHRISTINA ZAPOLSKI with L.A. Models Hair & Makeup JA'NICE RAMOS Location ROSEWOOD MIRAMAR BEACH Mara Hoffman swimsuit & coverup, The Webster Laykin et Cie jewelry
Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine is published by Santa Barbara Life & Style, Inc. 26 West Mission Street #5, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 For distribution, advertising and other inquiries: info@sblifeandstyle.com santabarbaralifeandstyle.com
CONTENTS
May/June 2022
IN EVERY ISSUE
PROFILES
21 | BEHIND THE SCENES
46 | WOMAN OF THE WATER
The making of our sunniest issue yet!
22 | BEACH YOU TO IT!
Sand in your toes is even better with these splendid sidekicks.
Allora by Laura hosts international photographer Bobbi Bennett’s newest designer surfboard series.
48 | RING MASTER
Generational jeweler Erik Laykin crafts modern decadence at Laykin et Cie’s Rosewood outpost.
24 | SEASIDE STANDARDS
Stylize summer the Santa Barbara way.
98 | 48 HOURS
Sweat, sip, shop, repeat.
DINING 26 | TASTE OF SUMMER
Los Alamos’ Norman plates the Valley’s winning produce.
32 | THE INSIDE SCOOP
McConnell’s small-batch ice creams recall the good ol’ days.
52 | JANE OF ALL TRADES
Jane Seymour’s storied career continues to ramp up as she revisits her longtime home, Santa Barbara.
FASHION 54 | RIVIERA ESCAPE
A leisurely stay at El Encanto.
66 | SUMMER FRIDAYS
Laykin et Cie’s brilliant gems shine even brighter oceanside.
38 | THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER High end seafood strikes a street food balance at Broad Street Oyster Co.
WELLNESS 42 | FRUIT FIRST
Reduce bloating and reclaim your body with this simple tactic.
Summer Fridays, page 52
TRAVEL 76 | LEADERS IN SUSTAINABLE LUXURY Eco-friendly initiatives in the hospitality industry are the new five-star seal of approval.
80 | BODRUM: LUXURY EDITION
Clubby beaches and azure seas reveal a side of Turkey you’ve never imagined.
86 | NATURAL SELECTION
Aboard an intimate yacht, Galapagos wildlife touring is that much more alluring.
92 | STATELY SIPS
The Estate Yountville remixes wine country’s vineyard retreat.
96 | CLUBHOUSE
Fasano Fifth Avenue perfects stealth opulence in an exclusive location.
18 | MAY/JUNE 2022
DANCEKIDSFUN FOR EVERYONE Join our exciting and fun -themed dance camps and classes -this summer!
SINCE 1998
Choose from a variety of dance camps for children 3-10 years old! Dance classes include Ballet, Jazz, Creative Movement, and Parent and Me. Perfect for children 2-10 yrs old. TWO LOCATIONS TO CHOOSE FROM: - State of the Art Private Studio - Carrillo Community Center in Santa Barbara
CONTACT: Leslie Sokol-Director Dancekidsfun@gmail.com (805)312-8089 Learn more on our website- DANCEKIDSFUN.COM
— LUSH GARDENS AND SWEEPING OCEAN VIEWS OFFER THE IDEAL VENUE FOR YOUR WEDDING OR CELEBRATION. BELMOND.COM
800 ALVARADO PLACE, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93103 | 805 845 5800 | BELMOND.COM/ELENCANTO
SB LIFE & STYLE snapshots
Love in Bloom: Romance is in the air as sweet summer breezes give way to wedding season (see our blog for inspiration for the big day).
BEHIND THE SCENES Guilty Pleasure: Shoot days call for prosecco (in gummy bear form, of course) from Bristol Farms.
Get Outdoors: April showers bring mustard flowers to welcome the season at Sweet Wheel Farms.
Boasting Brasserie: Elevate your spring appetizer game with Blistered Peas at Coin & Candor, Four Seasons Westlake’s California-style brasserie. Follow @sblifeandstyle for daily behind the scenes content, new restaurants, events, getaways, and more...
@ S B L I F E A N D S T Y L E | 21
SB LIFE & STYLE covet & crave
Beach You To It!
SLATHER SOME SPF AND HIT THE SAND WITH THESE SUNNY STAPLES. by DELANEY WILLET
1
Serena & Lily Sling Chair For backyard barbecues and beach bashes, Serena & Lily procures the ideal chic lounger.
2
Teressa Foglia Merritt Hat As one of the most respected modern milliners, Teressa Foglia has perfected laidback luxury. TERESSAFOGLIA.COM
S E R E N A A N D L I LY.C O M
5
3
Zimmermann Pattie Plunge Chain Swimsuit A swimsuit with the sophistication of an evening gown, this one piece will elevate any beach look.
Mara Beauty Sea Kale Sunscreen Serum Protect and improve your skin with this sun defense oil, made to hydrate the skin with a concoction of sea kale, hemp, and vitamin C. T H E M A R A B E AU T Y.C O M
ZIMMERMANN.COM
6
4 Cult Gaia Roksana Tote The Roksana Tote is big enough to hide your kids’ beach toys without interfering with your outfit. C U LTG A I A.C O M
22 | MAY/JUNE 2022
Gucci Flora Skateboard Gucci has turned couture ride-on with this board, meant for the streets. GUCCI.COM
modern A M O D E R N B O H E M I A NaB O UTIQUE
bohemian boutique
å mødërñ bøhëmïåñ bøütïqüë
Free People Frankies Bikinis Mavi Jeans Day Daydreamer Dreamer Montce Swim Capri Blue Le Salty Label Tiare Hawaii Kariella the Label
KARIELLA.COM KARIELLA.COM
NEW LOCATION:
214 214 EE OJAI OJAI AVE AVE OJAI, OJAI, CA CA 805.798.9331 805.798.9331
3823 SANTA CLAUS LN CARPINTERIA, CA 805.318.9032
@SHOPKARIELLA 451451 EE MAIN MAIN STST VENTURA, VENTURA, CACA 805.641.0079 805.641.0079
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SB LIFE & STYLE this season
SEASIDE STANDARDS A CURATION OF FRESH FINDS FOR SUMMER by ALEXANDRA LEE
NAILED IT
Summer nails, meet Springtide. For a new standard in manicuring, this oneof-a-kind salon offers Santa Barbara’s best and most advanced technologies in nail care. No chemical smell, no acrylic dust, fewer toxins—finally! That’s the HAPPY VALLEY pledge of owner Heather Greene, who’s New to the Santa Ynez Valley: a destination curated one of the cleanest mani-pedis for luxury fashion, curated by none on the market. Operating with stringent other than Pearson Turnbull and Spencer hospital-grade hygiene policies, along with McGee, owners of favorited lifestyle store ethical and safe labor standards for nail Santa Ynez General. Featured designers technicians, a trip to the nail spa has never of the spring collection include Etro and been healthier or happier. Springtide’s Rosie Assouline, as well as sought-after vegan polish and gel colors are ranked Australian labels Matin Studio and ESSE. eight-toxin free or better, in accordance It’s the Valley’s first, let alone only, luxury with safer standards. Even their soaks, store with such a wide range of designers. scrubs, and lotions are formulated without Pearson remarks, “Even though we're in a chemicals. Now, getting nails done can be town of only 4,000 people, I wanted to offer your guiltless pleasure. something to our clients that they couldn't find anywhere else…something none of their friends would have.” SYG also recently debuted their own private label, a core collection of high-quality basics, such as polos and sweatshirts, for both men and women. With a soft opening in the fall, the full clothing assortment is now on display.
24 | MAY/JUNE 2022
GET SKINTIMATE
For the glowing “I’m on vacation” skin you’ve always dreamed of, prestige line Retrouvé has your fix. Performance-driven, the brand is a unisex line created by expert Jami Heidegger, who previously owned Kiehl’s, and her husband Klaus. Thorough is an understatement for the quality of Retrouvé’s products—even airless packaging preserves and prevents oxidation to the highest degree. Skin concerns from dullness and discoloration to fine lines and wrinkles can all seek salvation amongst this range of products, each guaranteeing that coveted smooth, supple glow. Antioxidantpacked ingredients include vitamins C & E, marine extracts, peptides, and oil from avocados grown sustainably on Jami and Klaus’s own Malibu farm. Free of artificial colors or fragrances, sulfates, parabens, and talc, Retrouvé is gentle to skin while providing quick, evident results. An SBLS cult favorite: the Nutrient Face Serum.
VITAMIN SEA
SUMMER WATER
If tequila is the summer spirit of choice, there’s no better place to start than with Lalo: tequila created by none other than Don Julio’s grandson. From the highlands of Jalisco, the brand’s single line of tequila blanco is amongst the most pristine and high-quality on the planet. Distilled only twice and produced without the use of additives or barrels, this tequila is Eduardo “Lalo” Gonzalez’s mission to showcase the true essence and flavors of agave, without cutting corners. Enjoy luxurious aromas of rich dulce de leche and cinnamon, and taste hints of tropical fruit while sipping it neat or on the rocks. Our recommendation to experience the full flavor profile? Serve with fresh lime juice and a splash of hard seltzer for a makeshift margarita. A new addition to the shelves of many Santa Barbara bars, try Lalo at Loquita, the Lark, or El Encanto.
BOHEMIAN BLISS
Shop the coveted Santa Barbara bohemiancool style at Kariella’s new Padaro Beach location, freshly opened in April. A collection of the best in swim, Kariella carries popular brands such as Frankies Bikinis and Montce Swim, while also offering a plethora of other summer necessities. Activewear, accessories, intimates, and even cookbooks and cocktail kits can be found at this one-stop-shop for all of your warm-weather essentials. Other brands to look out for include Free People, Maaji, Le Salty, Flying Monkey, and more. With original locations in Ojai and Ventura, this new storefront is quite literally one block from the beach…grab a new bikini and go soak up some vitamin D!
With bikini season swiftly approaching, Santa Barbara is luckily home to an abundance of designs. For architectural styles and unique cuts, shop Mikoh—with neutrals, olive greens, and hues of blue, the current collection is reminiscent of the Mayan Riviera’s bright waters and vibrant jungle. Designed by true natives, UC Santa Barbara is alma mater to Kalani Miller, onehalf of Mikoh’s sibling power duo. Deep Blue Bikini Co., a line of local handmade swim, features warm-toned bikinis crafted for adventure and exploration in a variety of ribbed textures and shiny fabrics. Coco Cabana’s website is your mecca for standout swimwear: Swarovski embroidered sets, bikini bottoms with attachable waist chains, you name it. Locally founded online boutique Butterflies & Bikinis features designer swimwear from Agua Bendita to Vitamin A, and specializes in the Brazilian bikini. “I need them all'' moment guaranteed.
@ S B L I F E A N D S T Y L E | 25
SB LIFE & STYLE dining
Taste of
SUMMER SKYVIEW LOS ALAMOS’ NORMAN BRINGS A NEW SEASON OF FLAVORS TO THE TABLE by MORGAN ALLEN | Photographs by SILAS FALLSTICH
S
et on a vineyard-covered hill above the commotion of the 101, Skyview Los Alamos gazes down on me from the gravel parking lot at the base of the slope. I begin my ascent towards the sky, guided by a line of palm trees planted along the driveway. What I find at the top can only be described as the exact opposite of what you imagine hearing the words “roadside motel.” From green cacti contrasted against stark white and brown modern ranch style buildings, to copper and gold accents, the property exudes simplistic beauty.
26 | MAY/JUNE 2022
Compressed Beet Salad Cast Iron Cornbread Aperol Spritz @ S B L I F E A N D S T Y L E | 27
28 | MAY/JUNE 2022
Norman restaurant itself radiates eclectic elegance, fusing the refinement of an upscale resort with the welcoming warmth of a local pub. Natural light bathes a room of plush circular booths, intimate tables, and a line of bar stools in burnt orange, turquoise, white, and royal blue. Wide windows transform the restaurant into a looking glass, illuminating the beautiful mountain scenery and stellar sunset views. I start with a drink from Norman’s newly launched line of specialty mocktails. Created by popular demand, each concoction delivers an authentic taste of the best cocktails, without the buzz. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a fun drink then drive back to Santa Barbara. My first mocktail is Bright Eyed, a light green mixture of non-alcoholic gin, mint leaves, lime juice, agave, and cucumber elderflower soda, topped with a cucumber spiral. The carbonated kick awakens my taste buds, cleansing my palate in preparation for Chef Dustin Badenell’s spring menu.
Spicy Paloma Apricot & Goat Cheese Crostini
Evolving with the seasons, Badenell creates a menu using only ingredients sourced from the farms around Norman, relying on the abundance of the land to inspire fresh dishes year round. To ensure rich options for food sensitive individuals like myself, the menu is designed with vegan, gluten free and dairy free alternatives in mind, providing a delicious culinary experience for every customer.
@ S B L I F E A N D S T Y L E | 29
“EVOLVING WITH THE seasons, CHEF BADENELL CREATES A MENU USING ONLY ingredients SOURCED FROM THE FARMS AROUND NORMAN.”
Skuna Bay Salmon 30 | MAY/JUNE 2022
I begin with the popular starter of roasted cauliflower, mighty cap mushrooms, toasted almonds, and shishito peppers laid across a bed of green romesco and chili garlic oil–a presentation of color and vibrancy that culminates in an explosion of flavors and textures. Each bite marries the sensation of energy and comfort, leaving a kick of fire from the chili garlic oil lingering. Paired with my second mocktail, a sunset in a glass mixing Lyre’s Italian Orange, non-alcoholic Freixenet, tonic water, and adorned with a dehydrated orange, I feel my palate settle into the bliss of spring. Mid sip of Sunset Spritz, the Spring Salad is placed before me, characterized by the pop of pink candy cane beets amidst a blend of simple mixed greens. Tossed in a honey mustard vinaigrette and accented with a citrus spice fusion of tajin toasted cashews, the salad is refreshing and light, the perfect pairing for a warm day lounging poolside. The capstone of my meal is the vegan entree–a beautiful crescent shaped display of spaghetti squash, artichoke hearts, roasted parsnips, and sundried tomatoes atop a spread of basil walnut pesto, garnished with a lemon zest. One bite and I understand why this dish is one of Norman’s most popular; its melody of ingredients produces a warm, sweet, and savory mixture, an experience of ultimate vegan comfort food. The sun dried tomatoes give a kick of salt to the dish, emphasizing the richness of the pesto flavor and complementing the sweetness of the parsnips. My last drink plays on a whiskey sour, complete with whipped egg white foam atop the blend of lemon juice, Monday nonalcoholic whiskey, Lyre’s Italian Orange, and pomegranate juice. The contrast of white foam to purple liquid offers a sour yet gentle and round mouthful, sweetened to perfection. I descend back to my car, refreshed and satiated, the vibrancy of Chef Badenell’s light, citric, and warming melody of flavors, an embodiment of springtime breeze in each delicious bite, lingering on my lips. *
@ S B L I F E A N D S T Y L E | 31
32 | MAY/JUNE 2022
inside The
SCOOP
McCONNELL’S ICE CREAM GETS BACK TO THE BASICS By EILEEN BETTINGER
| Photographs by SILAS FALLSTICH
W
hen it comes to reliving our fondest memories, some scents are more special than others: the hint of sunscreen melted into a beach towel from last July, the distant whiff of charcoal from a neighbor’s kettle grill, and the sugar-coated smell of freshly baked waffle cones. Walking into McConnell’s is like walking into a lifetime of warm summer nights, and the gentle current of vanilla-scented air conditioning is enough to remind me that you can never really outgrow the excitement surrounding ice cream. McConnell’s, a family-run ice cream parlor, dairy, and treasured “treatery,” has spent
the past 70 years building community around ice cream, crafting their flavors with sustainable partners and practices. The secret ingredient? Natural flavors made from scratch. Their sweet cream base, created with only milk, cream, eggs, and cane sugar, is an exceptional canvas for both sweet and savory flavors, yet also good enough to enjoy on its own. It’s the difference between the home-made and store-bought taste harnessed in a single scoop. Getting back to the basics not only makes for better ice cream, but it’s also a way of celebrating the company’s roots. When the brand was established in 1949, founders Gordon “Mac” and Ernesteen McConnell committed
@ S B L I F E A N D S T Y L E | 33
against artificial flavors, dyes, and sweeteners, even though making everything from scratch would be more difficult. Sourcing ingredients from Central Coast farms, McConnell’s chose sustainability long before it was trendy. When Michael Palmer and his wife Eva Ein adopted the business in 2012, they worked to keep this labor of love alive. “We didn’t want to wash away the Santa Barbara pride around McConnell’s,” explains Palmer. “In a sense, we try to make it seem like nothing has changed.” The way Palmer and Ein have preserved the identity of McConnell’s while improving its products helps sustain both old and new generations of customers. It also establishes a certain timelessness around the business. From the script-font logo to their bond with Central Coast farming, Palmer says, “This is who McConnell’s has been forever.” While honoring their founder’s original philosophy makes McConnell’s a genuine enterprise, the business’s authenticity truly comes through in the ice cream itself. Using only a few ingredients enhances the natural profiles in various jam, coffee, or chocolate inclusions. In fruitier flavors, the essence of real berries is retained in each bite. McConnell’s strawberry ice cream, for example, tastes amazingly like actual strawberries, because it is. Every flavor exclaims a level of freshness that catches you by surprise in the best way possible. Eureka Lemon and Marionberries is the choice scoop for the warm weather approaching. The sweet-zesty lemon is what I imagine the sun might taste like if it ever gifted us a piece of itself in an ice cream flavor. It’s not the intense, sweltering sun beating down in the middle of the day, but more like an
34 | MAY/JUNE 2022
“EVERY FLAVOR EXCLAIMS A LEVEL OF FRESHNESS THAT CATCHES YOU BY SURPRISE IN THE BEST WAY POSSIBLE.”
@ S B L I F E A N D S T Y L E | 35
36 | MAY/JUNE 2022
“OTHER FLAVORS ARE EQUALLY TRANSPORTIVE. EARL GREY TEA AND SHORTBREAD COOKIES IS AROMATIC, JUST LIKE THE STEAM THAT CONDENSES ON YOUR FACE WHEN YOU SIP A MUG OF THE REAL THING.”
edible sunrise, the kind that warms its way up your back on a slightly colder morning. Other flavors are equally transportive. Earl Grey Tea and Shortbread Cookies is aromatic, just like the steam that condenses on your face when you sip a mug of the real thing. For those looking for something classic, my favorite could-eat-a-wholepint-in-one-sitting flavor is Sweet Cream Caramel Brownie. A single spoonful delivers ribbons of soft salted caramel and fudgy house-baked brownies nestled in the brand’s signature sweet cream base, this time, spiked with a bit of vanilla. Something about the juxtaposition between the sweetness and saltiness, interspersed by the chewy yet smooth and velvety texture, makes for a decadent but never cloying mouthful. Maybe the magic lies where seemingly opposite flavors converge, either way, it’s an experience I find myself searching for in other pints of ice cream when I can’t get my hands on McConnell’s, of course, I never have any success. McConnell’s is a special brand because the business embraces the process behind making ice cream in a way that is inclusive and heartfelt. Years of effort devoted to making the best ice cream possible has equally been an investment in the Santa Barbara community. Looking ahead, the brand is eager to release its dairy-free line in grocery stores, but most of all, McConnell’s hopes to continue building great experiences, capturing the beauty of what is simple and honest. *
@ S B L I F E A N D S T Y L E | 37
Oysters Oysters 38 | MAY/JUNE 2022
THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER BROAD STREET OYSTER CO. IS FOR THE SURFER-TYPE AND FOODIE ALIKE by ANNA CONSTANTINO | Photographs by SILAS FALLSTICH
S
o, we meet again. Spiny purple needles jut towards me as the platter spins clockwise, ten tangerinecolored tongues delicately resting in the caverns of a live sea urchin. Most people have a love-hate relationship with uni; it’s got to be the right time and place. Luckily for me, this is the perfect place. I’m lulled into a summerstate-of-mind by mambo music and sunshine at Broad Street Oyster Company, when this spiny beauty appears.
The esteemed joint, created by seafood purveyor and restaurateur Christopher Tompkins, originated as a traveling pop-up concept landing in the Malibu Village. Understandably so, the sea-shack gained feverish popularity for its delectable offerings and whimsical charm, leading the team to settle in the space. Broad
Street Oyster Co. now also graces State Street, nestled in Kim’s Service Department, a gathering mecca in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. Boasting a variety of raw bar items, classic seafood fare (including their famous lobster rolls), and caviar service, the menu pays homage to the fruits of the California coast. I head to the ordering window past the neighboring Shaker Mill bar, the surrounding walls embellished with fisherman decor and knick knacks, not to mention a faux shark taxidermy jutting from the wall (because buck heads are so passé). I’m greeted by the friendly staff who graciously take me through the menu. My attention is pulled to a vintage television on the counter; I pause, taking a moment to chuckle at the deliberate irony of a
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Spongebob episode playing while I read over the caviar service. I order a feast-for-one in an attempt to seize a solo Saturday. People-watching on the patio becomes my afternoon hobby, as I chat with the neighboring bar-goers who suggest I order tequila to shoot with oysters. Minutes later, a gargantuan platter loaded with ice lands on the table. Everyone deserves to relish in a little splendor from time to time; or perhaps “little” is improper diction. After all, a Seafood Tower of live sea urchin, wild caught jumbo shrimp, oysters, Caribbean stone crab claws, and sturgeon caviar is nothing short of extraordinary. “I hope you brought friends,” jokes my server. I rotate the saucer gawking at each detail wedged in the ice, eagerly selecting my first endeavor: the caviar. I assemble a bite with all the fixings–a house-made potato chip, crème fraîche, chives, pickled onions, and a heaping spoonful of sturgeon roe. Textures melt in my mouth accompanied by a burst of flavor, encapsulating my first round of appetizing bites. I harness a crab claw and break apart the shell, dunking the juicy meat into a mustard sauce. Bites of jumbo shrimp plucked from the ice goblet intermingle with crab, flying shell, and a tangy cocktail sauce to top it all off. I snack on Clam Strips rotating between a rainbow of sauces, a fried delight bringing a sense of comfort. As if my seafood tower wasn’t the main event, the notorious Lobster Roll arrives. The roll encapsulates the spirit of Broad Street Oyster Co., the claim-to-fame attracting visitors from all over the coast. It’s not hard to understand why–what’s better than a rich, butter-slathered lobster roll? I suppose the answer is two lobster rolls. Albeit, the second one arrives chilled with mayo, chives, and uni on top. Hot butter drips down the toasted brioche bun; one bite, and I’m in heaven. I switch to chilled, delighted by the uni’s burst of flavor enhancing the rich lobster in perfect fashion. Despite drifting into a food-coma, I nosh on the final gems on my tower. An exquisite half-dozen oysters glisten on ice. I throw a few back with a spritz of lemon, sinking deeper into my chair as the time passes. A lively buzz fills the streets as dusk approaches, the cheers of bar-goers and chimes of passersby are in perfect tune with the mambo. The sky dims to pink as I am lured for a stroll, savoring my quintessential outing for one last moment. There’s nothing left to do; it appears the world is my oyster. *
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“HOT BUTTER drips DOWN THE TOASTED BRIOCHE BUN; ONE BITE, AND I’M IN heaven. I SWITCH TO CHILLED, delighted BY THE UNI’S BURST OF flavor ENHANCING THE RICH LOBSTER.”
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SB LIFE & STYLE wellness
fruit FIRST
I TRIED FOOD COMBINING FOR A WEEK AND BLOATING IS A THING OF THE PAST by MORGAN ALLEN | Photograph by SILAS FALLSTICH
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here’s always a trendy and fabulous diet circulating, and for the past few years, I’ve heard bits and pieces on one of the latest: food combining. Yet unlike most fad diets, food combining isn’t a “diet” in the way most diets are defined.
Food combining focuses not on the food itself, but on the way in which food is consumed and digested. It emphasizes ideal pairings of food groups for optimal digestion, which claim to increase energy, weight loss, and metabolism. As
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a certified health coach, I usually stay as far away from diet culture as possible, but this intrigued me. With no restrictions on portions, no labeling of food as good or bad, no fasting, and no cutting out food groups, I found myself wondering if it was too good to be true? Was the combination of food on my plate really that life changing? I decided to test it out. For the next week, I committed to food combining to see what the hype was all about.
Kai Linz ring, Allora by Laura
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The basic rules look something like this:
1. Fruit first, meaning fruit should be eaten on
its own and on an empty stomach, allowing 30 minutes to an hour for the fruit to digest before moving to another food group.
2. Protein and starches do not mix. For each meal, pick one or the other.
3. Leafy greens and vegetables are neutral and can be mixed with any of the food groups.
4. Mix healthy fats with starches, not proteins. 5. Eat light to heavy throughout the day, making dinner the most dense meal.
Seems simple enough, right? Using these five rules as my guide, I prepped my mind and my fridge for a week of food combining.
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lemon water and fresh fruit, and ate a combo of starches or proteins with vegetables and leafy greens for lunch and dinner. I have to admit, even those first days, I found comfort in the routine of it all, and felt a sense of ease knowing what to expect as the week progressed. Thursday I noticed something new after my meals–I wasn't bloated. Usually, after any meal, no matter what I eat, my stomach balloons. It had become something I accepted, and when it suddenly didn't happen, I was amazed, shocked even. Not only were these meals making me feel full and satisfied, I no longer felt the heaviness and bloat that typically plagued my body postmeal. Instead, I felt light and energized, almost rejuvenated from my meals. By Friday I was riding the high of bloat-free meals, feeling so strong. Now it was time for the big test: dining out. Friday was a busy day for me, and I ended up eating on the go while I was out and about. At first, I was worried about finding food that aligned with my food combining commitment, and dreading that my meals would leave me feeling bloated and uncomfortable again since I wasn’t making them at home. But, I was happily surprised with how easy it was to find options. For breakfast, I ordered an acai bowl and asked for cacao nibs instead of granola. For dinner, I grabbed sushi with friends and ordered a cucumber roll, a veggie roll, and edamame.
Monday morning began in my usual way. I woke up, made my bed, drank warm water with lemon, and reached for a banana as I headed out of the house to hot yoga. Post yoga, I made my first food combining meal: a fruit bowl. I cut up an assortment of apples, blueberries, strawberries, and mango, topping it off with cacao nibs, cinnamon, and a drizzle of honey. I was surprised to feel full and satisfied after my fruit bowl, and remained satiated until lunchtime. For lunch, I made a stuffed sweet potato with avocado, sauerkraut, lettuce, and everything but the bagel seasoning. Dinner looked like a salad with garbanzo beans, cucumber, asparagus, and hummus. Again, both lunch and dinner filled me up and left me feeling great. I ended the first day with a cup of ginger tea and a piece of dark chocolate before bed.
By Sunday, I was fully enjoying my little routine, looking forward to my fruit bowls in the morning and craving greens at night. I couldn't believe the week had gone by already, the whole process had felt, well, easy honestly. Food combining seemed natural to me.
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday followed the same routine. I switched up my meals naturally, but always began my day with warm
Which, when I thought about it, made total sense. Food combining principles essentially come from the way our ancestors ate. Meals
were eaten light to heavy based on accessibility. Berries and fruit were easy to harvest and eat first thing in the morning, starches and proteins took longer to grow, hunt, and prepare, so they were eaten later in the day. My body was aligning with its roots. So, upon completing an entire week of food combining, I concluded several things.
1. Eating meals light to heavy through the progression of
the day makes me feel less sluggish and lethargic in the afternoon.
2. Fruit first is a game changer for digestion. Not only does fruit in the morning give me a rich burst of vitamins and energy, it also helps detox my system in the morning.
3. Combining the compatible foods in meals makes it easier to digest the food, decreasing that post-meal bloat and discomfort.
4. Mix healthy fats with starches, not proteins. 5. Eating out is easy to do while food combining, and adaptations are simple to ask for.
I know food combining isn't for everybody. There is controversy over the topic, and it's important to acknowledge that. While technically there is no scientific proof on the benefits of food combining, I personally felt my body responding to it and noticed better digestion and improvement in the way I felt overall. If you notice no change in your body or benefits from trying food combining, then don’t feel pressure to do it. Yet if it works for you and makes you feel better, then great, make it part of your lifestyle. Nobody knows your body better than you, and the only thing you can do, to know if something will be good for your body or not, is to try it and see. *
SB LIFE & STYLE profiles
WOMAN of THE WATER
PHOTOGRAPHER AND ARTIST BOBBI BENNETT TEAMS UP WITH MONTECITO’S ALLORA BY LAURA TO DISPLAY HER COVETED CUSTOM BOARDS by DELANEY WILLET
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obbi Bennett classifies herself as a thematic artist, changing her style every six years to coincide with her own evolving sensibility. Decades into her photography career, Bennett has expanded into her most successful and unique endeavor thus far: custom collectible and rideable surfboards, and the burgeoning designer collection is currently on display for purchase at Allora by Laura.
Bennett’s rideable line, Stoked Surfboards, debuted last July under a trademark of the same name, making Bennett the only trademarked female surf company in the country, amongst the already-few female shapers worldwide. “My priority is to feature female surfers. I donate primarily to SurfRider and women’s organizations. This is all very much about empowering women.”
Bobbi is working with an HBO producer to tell her story, “Laura’s one of my best friends. I have been curating the and those of the amazing women who surf her art. During store for about seven years,” Bennett divulges. Her artistic filming, Bennett traveled to Hawaii and collaborated with presence within the boutique, and the Allora Loves Art Trickster, an Alaskan apparel company, to create a board series, is nothing new. Customers and locals are already which has already been reordered by the company and familiar with Bennett’s self-described “socially-conscious, will be featured in their upcoming runway show. but sexy,” signature aesthetic. As a Southern California resident with 25 years of international exhibitions “I feel like, right now especially, I have three things going under her belt and her own gallery next door to Lucky’s, on at once. There are multiple exhibit openings, the Bennett feels that surfboards are a natural extension of fashion element of the boards, and keeping up with the her medium. newer demand for the rideable pieces. Laura is the first stop with my designer series. The show is going to move The expansion into surf, Bennett admits, is “big time trial around. A gallery in Malibu already wants it.” and error, but [the boards] end up looking amazing.” The leap was never planned, as is the case with life’s greatest Bennett’s inaugural designer series began with a woman’s coincidences. Her first board sold for five figures within nude back branded with the Chanel logo plastered on a half an hour, prompting Bobbi to question if this success board shown in Malibu. The buyer searched high and could be a fluke. “I made a few more and they kept low for a double-C board, a complicated task when selling. I showed at FestForums and it blew up. Dennis licensing for the brand interferes with Bennett’s art, Quaid bought two boards and commissioned another. rendering rideable designer boards out of the question. The Beach Boys commissioned a piece, as did the new Bennett identified a loophole through this interpretative Montecito Bank and Trust location, so you can go visit “branding” on bodies. that piece, stylized around One Thousand Steps Beach, on the Mesa.” Demand soon seemed inevitable, begging “In the wake of the #MeToo movement and the building Bennett to shift her focus and energy into this outlet. conversation around racism, I wanted to promote different cultures, with a splash of something designer.” During COVID, as a result of tireless work and extended Bennett’s newest works feature women and men of hours at home, “the whole thing absolutely took off.” various ethnicities, both nude and clothed, swathed in Bennett broadend her horizons once again, venturing the world’s most notorious brands. “I’m experimenting into a more complex rideable board. “Doing rideable with neon, too. It’s campy, it’s poppy, but it’s all also a boards is a huge learning curve. I needed to perfect commentary. Those boards are beat to crap and redone, shaping and use a different resin…but I had the time, so they are also fully recycled.” After touring her designer and my partner assisting me.” The process, which began series wherever it may be called, Bobbi has no plans of with a collection of five boards, is rife with hoops to jump slowing down. With a lifetime of ideas and stunning through to deliver a functional, fashionable finished form. visuals, and even more eager customers, in her back “Production is really slow–two months start to finish, but pocket, Stoked Surfboards is only getting started. * when these talented women and up-and-coming female surfers tell me they are the best boards they have ever Stoked Surfboards will be exhibited at Allora by Laura beginning May 7. surfed, it’s all worth it.”
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Erik Laykin at Caruso's 48 | MAY/JUNE 2022
RING MASTER ERIK LAYKIN BRINGS EQUALLY PROGRESSIVE AND HISTORIC JEWELRY LINE LAYKIN ET CIE TO ROSEWOOD MIRAMAR BEACH By KIM HASHEMI | Photographs by JON PREMOSCH
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few steps into the Rosewood Miramar Beach lobby and a reflection from a diamond necklace catches my eye. Like a moth to a flame, I’m drawn to the sparkling cases of Laykin et Cie jewelry, one of Rosewood Miramar Beach’s newest retail additions. Exquisitely unique in character and expression, handcrafted with restrained elegance, the pieces are far beyond the designs that seem to be on repeat these days.
Highly lauded by the film industry in the 1930’s, the jewelry company flourished after being discovered by Hollywood celebrities like Darryl F. Zanuck of 20th Century Fox Studios, Jack and Harry Warner of Warner Bros. Studios, the Disney family and all of their stars, producers and directors. A partnership with I.Magnin, the number one high fashion retailer on the West Coast for women at the time transpired when buyer, Mary Ann Magnin was sailing back on the Queen Mary from one of her Europe buying trips and noticed a Laykin et Cie brooch Virgina Zanuck and a few other Hollywood celebrities were wearing. Putting the initial plan of having a European jeweler in the department store on hold, Laykin et Cie took its place as the luxury California brand–becoming the first independent company inside I.Magnin. An
immediate success, the partnership lasted 50 years with Laykin et Cie growing with the stores, moving the company from a Los Angeles to global brand. I meet Erik Laykin, the current owner of the company, at a diner in Santa Monica, the city where he grew up when Laykin et Cie was founded and operated by his grandparents Solomon W. Laykin, Irving Laykin and business partner Allen Walker. Erik shares that he’s coming from a meeting for his other business venture, Global Data Risk where they help companies with complex risk management protocols, geo political risk and investigations around intellectual property. Intrigued by where the lines of these two contrasting industries collide, we dive deep into conversation about legacy, luxury and innovation. From a young age, the Laykin family encouraged a curiosity for art which naturally propelled Erik’s fervor for painting, fashion, music, jewelry, and myriad other art forms. An original thinker and curious at heart, an interest in technology sparked in his early 20s, putting the plan of working in the family business on a hiatus. As the industry of internet and computers emerged, Erik created
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d’Offay dress On Christina Malia Mills bikini On Angelina & Natalia Gigi C Bikinis
a consulting business in the internet development space in the mid 1990s, building websites for notable clients like Warner Bros., Disney, and Sony Pictures. Erik eventually made a slight pivot (inspired by a nudge from his aunt during brunch) to venture into intellectual property, which resulted in his company Online Security–a robust investigative practice. Fully immersed in the world of technology, his passion for jewelry only grew, eventually bringing him back to the world of Laykin et Cie in 2016, to breathe life back into the company after 15 years of dormancy, to continue on the family legacy and expand its footprint to the most sought-after destinations of California and beyond. “My dream was always to bring it back,” Erik shares. Having had a career in assisting corporations, government agencies, and businesses of all sorts in protecting their intellectual property all around the world created an understanding of the abstractions and value of intellectual property, similar to the jewelry business. Naturally, the topic of luxury is a common thread during our conversation. Erik explains, “Luxury is intangible and experiential. Price tags are irrelevant. What’s relevant is the experience and the aesthetic.
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“‘Luxury is intangible and experiential. Price tags are irrelevant. What’s relevant is the experience and the aesthetic.’” The most precious thing that we have as human beings is time, it’s a finite resource. Among the things that contribute to luxury is the care my team and sales people give to the customer. That's luxury to me.” Erik’s vision for Laykin et Cie to become the quintessential California lifestyle luxury brand is furthered by the new perfume collection developed by Erik himself, which resembles each store location’s environment, physical expression and ethos. The scent of the Montecito perfume reflects the seashore and foliage up and down the Santa Barbara coast with citrus top notes, tangerine, lemon, and orange and base notes of musk and cedarwood for a grounding and earthiness. With customer relationships and quality at the forefront, paired with Erik’s business acumen and devotion to the arts, Laykin et Cie’s legacy continues on in both traditional and innovative ways. *
resort boutique
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JANE of ALL TRADES AFTER OVER FIVE DECADES IN THE SPOTLIGHT, JANE SEYMOUR VISITS HER FORMER HOMETOWN FOR THE SANTA BARBARA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL by DELANEY WILLET
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s. Seymour requires no introduction, but in the interest of humoring you with her towering resume, the award-winning English-born actress has graced the screen (big and small) in over 150 roles, led dozens of successful entrepreneurial efforts, cultivated a remarkable collection of multimedia art shown internationally, and championed multiple philanthropic causes, including her own Open Hearts Foundation.
“My mother’s message is reflected in the foundation’s mission, and carries me through all of my endeavors. She insisted, ‘Everyone has challenges. Accept it, open your heart, and reach out. When you have purpose, love comes into your life.’ That is something by which I have always lived,” Seymour muses. Recently, she returned to Santa Barbara, a destination in which love entered her life for decades as she raised her family in the area. Seymour premiered her lead role in Ruby’s Choice, as a woman navigating dementia, at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, and cannot help but revisit the joy her many years in the American Riviera brought. “The viewing was absolutely electrifying. People laughed and cried. I saw old friends, even an old husband!” she recounts with a raucous laugh. “To watch it in a room with people who actually care is a completely transformative experience. I feel like I’m going home when I go to Santa Barbara, so it was a magical place to show this film, which has become so close to my heart.” Jane arrived in Santa Barbara in its relative infancy, a small town of escape to those in Hollywood, when held against the cultural hub it’s become. “My son
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was three or four when we rented out there, 35 years ago. It was so lovely that my husband “‘I feel like I’m going home when I go [David Flynn] and I bought on Lilac Drive. It to Santa Barbara, so it was a magical was such a beautiful estate. The kids attended place to show this film, which has Laguna Blanca and Montecito Union schools, David played polo at the club. The problem was become so close to my heart.’” that I was working and traveling; I spent most of my life in a car and barely saw anything! I would leave before dawn and return after dusk, “I wanted to chase a venture that was not a in the darkness.” license. It is something produced from myself, by my hands, in my home. I’m interacting Seymour admits the only reason she left the directly with the public.” Whether found north “heavenly” coastside was not by choice. “I turned or south on the coast, home has always been 40 and, through the divorce, I lost everything, closely linked to Seymour’s work. Last month, including the house. Malibu became my new Jane opened her home to hundreds of guests, home.” Yet, Jane knew her relocation down throwing a gala to raise funds for her own the Pacific Coast Highway did not mean good Open Hearts Foundation. “During COVID, riddance. “I come up the road often and see my we benefitted 22 women’s and children’s friends. The greatest memories, and friends, I foundations, offering aid and volunteers. In 11 have in my life still live in Santa Barbara.” years since Open Hearts’ founding, it has been my mother's initial message of love that has Since her departure, Seymour has devoted pushed me along.” herself even further into the many facets of her career, particularly expanding her footprint in Seymour’s latest undertaking is a crime mystery fine art. “After the divorce, [my role as Medicine dubbed Harry Wild, in which Seymour depicts Woman lead] Dr. Quinn saved me financially an English professor who “drinks her red wine and emotionally, but art was my outlet.” and has whatever man she feels like. I’m so Seymour tried her hand at watercolor painting proud of it!” she divulges. Rather than touting and delved into acrylics, oils, and sculpture this as Seymour’s second (or third) act, it is to ease her mind. What began as therapeutic rather the logical step in an ingenious career, became profitable, and quickly revered, leading which perfectly showcases a woman with Seymour to become an official artist for the centuries worth of talent, packaged neatly into Olympics, exhibited at the Guggenheim, and a a few decades. She sees Santa Barbara’s own mobilized one woman show, coveted globally. recent expansion into the spotlight similarly, Jane’s art can be found at her studio in Westlake regarding the attention as inevitable. In Village, housing 4,000 pieces. Recently, Seymour comparing the town’s decades-long evolution took the business one step further, turning her with her own, Seymour quips matter-of-factly, prints into limited edition scarves and pajamas, “Everything looks fabulous and beautiful, as it her penultimate dream–wearable art. always has!” *
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SB LIFE & STYLE fashion
On Arianna:
On Hailey:
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RIVIERA escape Photograps by JARED FIX | Producer & Stylist OTTOCINA RYAN | Models ARIANNA BARRON & HAILEY HILDENBRAND BENET with Wilhelmina | Hair & Makeup JA'NICE RAMOS Location EL ENCANTO, A BELMOND HOTEL
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Montce bikini, Kariella
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On Hailey: Heidi Merrick bikini Dôen blouse On Arianna: Jeune Otte dress AERIN backgammon board
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Deep Blue Bikini Co, bikini Seventy blazer, Allora by Laura
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Zimmerman dress
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Heidi Merrick bikinis & pants
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Kariella dress Amanu sandals
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Jeune Otte playsuit Amanu sandals Heidi Merrick hat
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FRIDAYS Photograps by JON PREMOSCH | Stylist DELANEY WILLET | Models CHRISTINA ZAPOLSKI & NATALIA LaLONDE with L.A. Models, ANGELINA ANDERSON with Two Management Hair & Makeup JA'NICE RAMOS | Location ROSEWOOD MIRAMAR BEACH
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Laykin et Cie earrings
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Laykin et Cie necklace
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On Angelina
On Christina
On Natalia
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SB LIFE & STYLE travel
LEADERS in
SUSTAINABLE LUXURY
SUSTAINABILITY IS NOT A TREND, BUT THE FUTURE FOR THESE LOCAL BUSINESSES AND PROPERTIES by ALEXANDRA LEE
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iodegradable, energy efficient, eco-friendly, clean. All buzzwords we’re used to hearing on an everyday basis, yet luxury and sustainability are not two words that usually commingle; often, it’s perceived that environmentally conscious practices will come at the expense of opulence, functionality, and aesthetic. As Santa Barbara is in a unique position to exist in harmony with the abundant natural beauty of the American Riviera, the tide is changing as the luxury sector recognizes environmental protection is less a marketing ploy and more a requirement for the success and wellbeing of business, Earth, and humanity as a whole.
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Photo by Jared Fix
KOPU
SUN AIR JETS
Imagine a world where plastic no longer crowds the ocean more than fish, and where mountains are shaped by trees rather than heaps of garbage. Santa Barbara based Kopu Water is revolutionizing the notorious reputation of bottled water, replacing harmful single-use plastic with recycling-friendly (and reusable) aluminum. According to Kopu founder Justin Mahy, luxury too often comes at the expense of the earth, and they’re taking every step to change this for good. Kopu’s topquality water, decadent yet smooth with champagne-like bubbles, reflects their belief that purity is synonymous with luxury. As the most sustainable bottled water on the market, Kopu’s newest line is sourced domestically from untouched artesian springs in the Cascade mountain ranges of Oregon. This source not only cuts greenhouse gasses through lack of transport emissions, but almost completely eliminates packaging waste with its reusable aluminum bottles–which, as Mahy explains, effectively keeps the recycling industry afloat. If you think glass bottles are friends of the environment, think again—glass actually has a negative recycling value, resulting in more landfill waste. Plastic bottles never break down—they’ll degrade into smaller and smaller pieces forever, clogging our waterways. 75% of the aluminum ever created, however, is still in circulation today. So, next time you order a refreshing chilled bottle of water at a hotel or restaurant, pick Kopu—better water, for a better earth.
A private jet that’s environmentally friendly? Enter Sun Air Jets, a private aviation company pioneering sustainability through renewable energy. Located out of Van Nuys and Camarillo, this exquisite and luxurious boutique jet service is one of the first to use Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), crafted out of organic and renewable materials instead of traditional petroleum, reducing carbon emissions up to 23%. For the emissions that it does produce, Sun Air reduces its footprint by working with carbon offset company TerraPass, balancing its output with other sustainable solutions such as expanding wind farms and methane digestion. A certified Green Aviation Business, not only are the jets themselves centered around sustainability, but Sun Air’s 62,000-foot hangars feature a solar roof system and electric vehicle charging stations. Ever wondered how people live so close to airports, with the constant roar of departing planes? Sun Air addresses noise pollution, taking part in the Quieter Nights Program in an effort to avoid unnecessary noise for the surrounding communities. According to Mary Brehm, Director of Business Development at Sun Air, sustainability within the aviation industry has faced false negative perceptions, due to the slow adoption and lack of trust surrounding the new technology of SAF. Achieving sustainability has long been regarded as an almost impossible feat within the aviation industry, due to its massive carbon footprint—all the more reason to prove this stereotype wrong. With increasing awareness and technological advancements on the horizon, the sky is most definitely the limit.
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SAN YSIDRO RANCH Tucked in the winding back roads of Montecito, San Ysidro Ranch features some of the most cutting-edge sustainable practices within the global hospitality industry. From electric golf carts and lawn mowers to a Nespresso pod recycling program, the property has no limit on creative methods to reduce its environmental impact, all the while giving back to less fortunate communities. If you’ve visited this Ty Warner property, you’ve surely taken in its abundance of citrus trees and sprawling gardens, which, as it turns out, are not just for show. Much of SYR’s fine dining production is sourced immediately through its organic herb gardens and onsite citrus groves, which are also incorporated into spa remedies. For food that can’t be grown at the property, SYR sources fresh fish from Santa Barbara’s own Kanaloa, the first ISO-certified seafood company in North America. They’re careful to serve purple sea urchin instead of red, which feeds on kelp forests—restoring natural ecosystems through our diet. As the first hotel in the world to feature Boomerang, a self-bottling water system for guests, the property is tackling single-use plastic and waste through several wavelengths. Even its used soap bars, body wash, shampoo, and conditioner are donated to underdeveloped countries through the Clean the World program. Find electric car charging stations for every parking spot. SYR is the definition of achieving sustainable hospitality without skimping on modern luxury. How are they looking even further into the future? Installation of purple line water for irrigation, elimination of nonreusable plastic by 2023, and more energy-saving alternatives. A trip into the future is customary at San Ysidro Ranch—take it from General Manager Ian Williams: “We are committed to a more sustainable future “SYR IS THE DEFINITION OF ACHIEVING and believe we all have a responsibility to protect SUSTAINABLE HOSPITALITY WITHOUT our native ecosystem and SKIMPING ON MODERN LUXURY.” the planet.”
Photo by Silas Fallstich
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OJAI VALLEY INN Similarly taking great strides in the art of sustainable hospitality is the luxurious, sprawling Ojai Valley Inn. One of Southern California’s best kept secrets, the hotel features a golf course, multiple pools, a tennis court, Spa Penthouse, and destination dining. These lavish amenities, however, don’t exist without cutting-edge sustainability technology. The frontrunners of Ojai Valley Inn’s efforts include a state-of-the-art system for watering golf courses, organic herb and vegetable gardens, energy-efficient pools, a single-use plastic free initiative, and even a waterless pedicure. The Farmhouse, the Inn’s epicurean culinary destination, sources most of its fresh, organic produce from on-site gardens, and the Spa Cafe has transitioned to biodegradable-only take-out containers. Stop by the spa, which even offers a “Mindful Pedicure” to leave you and the environment in the most nourished and healthy of states. The hotel’s Green Initiative features several subsets from Green Golf and Edible Ecosystem to Outdoor Education, Guestroom Conservation, and more. Electric car charging stations can be found throughout the sprawling property, and even the pools are energy efficient in their heating. Lighting is designed to cut off energy use during daylight hours, a genius addition for any California property. Ojai Valley Inn operates as if it’s running its own small city—which, in a way, it is. If this charming hippie town isn’t already on your list, the Ojai Valley Inn should be reason enough to visit…and while enjoying its gorgeous features, feel confident that you’re giving back to the environment. *
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: BODRUM Luxury Edition
The Villa Living Room
Bodrum Edition Private Spa Cabana 80 | MAY/JUNE 2022
A DELVE INTO TURKEY'S TURQUOISE COAST REVEALS RICH CULTURE, FOOD, AND UNPARALLELED SERENITY by ALEXANDRA SHAROVA
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hen planning a luxe beach getaway scenes of Positano and the Maldives often come to mind. Instagram posts with turquoise waters and striking designs flood in like movie scenes. However, for those intent on exploring the latest and greatest— from game-changing wellness practices to restaurants du jour around the world—there’s a new location on the hot horizon. Bodrum is taking over the passports of oligarchs and influencers alike, one vacation at a time. Nestled in unexpected Turkey—renowned for its history, spices, museums, and of course, unmatched home decor shopping—Bodrum provides a refreshing take on luxury escapes for seasoned travelers who have grown tired of default destinations. And it’s no surprise that it’s gaining popularity fast—the city is nestled amidst three coastlines: the Black Sea to the north, the Mediterranean Sea along the south, and the Aegean Sea on the west. Talk about a triple threat.
After exploring the capital, I needed a change of scenery, something exotic yet familiar. Enter, the Bodrum Edition perched in the breathtaking Turkish Riviera. The Edition’s reputation precedes the location, delivering chic contemporary minimalism and every gadget and accommodation I never knew I needed, in a 108-room property. From my first step into the lobby, which provides a glimpse of the sea—a preview of what’s to come—I know I am going to love my stay. My room is the perfect balance between tech-friendly and minimal comfort with its open-concept, dipping tub, and of course, a balcony whose unmatched view of the bay (grande sailboat and all) is inviting me to lounge. I grab a bottle of chilled rosé and oblige, taking in the day’s remaining sunlight from a cloud-like chaise. Sunset rolls in shortly, and though the transforming sky is hard to pull away from, dinner calls. A complimentary golf cart shuttle service whisks me to Brava, the hotel’s signature al fresco restaurant that marries chef Diego Muñoz’s Peruvian roots with local seafood in contemporary fashion. Seated along the water with a reflecting moon’s glow I feel an indescribable sense of calm—the ambiance is effortlessly romantic. My pisco sour arrives waking me from
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Turkish Breakfast at Kitchen
The Villa Living Room
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The Spa
a daydream-like state, yet its forward-facing jam, honey, and sweet butter. Although being lavender notes prolong my relaxed mood. I stuffed for tanning isn’t ideal, I make my way enjoy a sea bass ceviche in creamy coconut down to the private beach and snag a lounger sauce and the finest slices of boiled octopus for right in front of the water. Pro tip: go early if my appetizers, which are ideal representations you want to avoid the third row. of the menu's use of fusion. For my entree I go light with the Whole Cauliflower, expecting it An array of language buzzes behind me (French, to be mediocre—because when is cauliflower Russian, and broken English intermingle the main attraction…but this is something creating their own unique tune), while the else. Grilled to perfection and draped in a DJ plays relaxed electronic beats at the Beach blanket of flavor thanks to a heavy coat of Club, where champagne flows throughout the parmesan, lemon, and a mustard-esque aioli, cabanas. The ruckus fades into the distance as it has me googling potential recipes to recreate I make my way out into the water, diving into back home. As I finish my meal, the space the pristine calmness. I feel like I’m in a novel, begins to really liven up with music, laughter, like something Fitzerald would write if he was and dancing. This is the ideal place to start a alive today. I spend the day switching between night out. swimming in the sea to reading and indulging in one too many alcohol-infused ice cream In keeping with my attempt to take advantage flavors, which are custom made at the resort. of the Edition’s emphasis on wellness, I wake up early for an outdoor yoga class on the deck Thanks to the helpful concierge and an onoverlooking the infinity pool below. There’s site entertainment specialist I get several something indescribable about practicing recommendations of where to go in the city. I under the sun with 360 degrees of serene take a car into town and stroll through shops views. Feeling zen as can be, I make my way and around the marina, where billionaires to Kitchen, where a daily complimentary parade their yachts that could pass as breakfast is served. From associates taking mansions on water. I arrive at Zuma for a solo business meetings to models snapping dinner at the bar. The scene is reminiscent of selfies, the beachside restaurant is bustling Nobu, but the food…oh it’s so much more with conversations, chic looks, and the than show. Music is blasting and it’s clear that irresistible aroma of Turkish baked goods. I’m for most this is just the takeoff point for a long immediately handed a mimosa upon arrival, night ahead. Two lychee martinis and several and though health and wellness was the rolls later I head back to the Edition, and into plan, I am on vacation. Having fallen for the the unparalleled comfort of my room. local specialty back in Istanbul I can’t resist a Menemen—scrambled eggs with a rich tomato “I FEEL LIKE I’M IN A novel, LIKE and pepper mix. I add SOMETHING Fitzerald WOULD WRITE an element-inspired green juice (water) and IF HE WAS ALIVE TODAY.” obligatory pastries with
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The Beach Bar
“I SPEND THE DAY SWITCHING BETWEEN swimming IN THE SEA TO reading AND INDULGING IN ONE TOO MANY ALCOHOL-INFUSED ice cream FLAVORS, WHICH ARE custom MADE AT THE RESORT. ”
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The Beach Bar The Beach Bar
After yet another hearty breakfast, which included wellness shots, juice, an obligatory menemen order, Turkish coffee, and Turkish delights, I take a stroll through the property and along the beach before my much-anticipated massage. I opt for a Balinese massage with stretching, suggested for its tension-release and help with post-flight soreness. The spa is impeccable; chic, minimal—as if Apple played a hand in its design—yet there remains an undertone of inviting warmth. My private room is clad in tranquil white marble and equipped with a daybed and dipping tub. We begin the session by establishing the right pressure, and for once it’s strong enough for my knots. As my masseuse works through strategic points, my typically tightening back relaxes, and I fully melt into the experience. My body and her hands move in a sort of union, with her leading the dance. In my state of euphoria, I head to the Hammam to wrap up my spa experience.
for a tan, not good for making the most of the day—I force myself to make the most of the serene bay before me and get a complimentary paddleboard to explore. The tranquil water is ideal for paddling. I pass stunning sailboats on my way out of the cove, creating the most picturesque scene— it’s like a painting from a Mediterranean escape. I lounge on my board in a neighboring water cave below a line of mansions overlooking the cliff, before returning back to shore. The views are surreal, from any angle, and I soak up every last bit as the sun begins to roll below the horizon. While I never expected the Turkish Riviera to replace the French or Italian, it has not only exceeded my expectations but deepened my love for the culture-rich country. Heading back to the airport, I pass beaches and mountains that I feel in my soul need to be explored—it’s clear that next summer the Bodrum Edition is a must on my travel itinerary. *
Although post-massage I dose off by the infinity pool—great
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natural
SELECTION
AN ECOVENTURA LUXURY EXPEDITION YACHT VOYAGE OFFERS INTIMATE INTERACTIONS WITH GALAPAGOS WILDLIFE by OTTOCINA RYAN
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s the sun rises over the Galapagos, a sea lion swims up to my window, playfully leaps into the air like it's the best day of its life, then jets under the yacht. Exactly the nudge I needed to get out of bed.
We assemble acai bowls at the breakfast buffet and sit amongst the guests we met yesterday afternoon. “Which animal are you most looking forward to seeing?” is the go-to icebreaker. “Hammerhead sharks!” doesn’t make me many friends. Apparently the acceptable answer is penguins. I redeem myself by agreeing we use the onboard gym as a swimsuit drying area and overflow luggage storage. Neither of which are necessary as our cabins are perfectly situated and accommodating…but neither is the gym when we snorkel twice a day.
Melissa Odabash bikini top
At 8:30 sharp we set off in two pangas to San Cristobal Island. Me and Johanna, the sixteen other passengers (couples of all ages, girls’ trips and families, spanning several nationalities), and the naturalists Sofia and Fernando. We disembark on a white sand beach teeming with life. Sea lions nurse their young. Scarlet crabs scuttle over black rocks. White tipped reef sharks and diamond rays patrol the shallow crystal water. All nonchalant as if they’ve never been threatened by a human, enabling us to observe their natural hunting, mating, and eating habits. I lay on
Photo by Ecoventura Galapagos
My friend Johanna and I pad upstairs to the Darwin deck of Theory, one of Ecoventura’s two 142’ luxury expedition yachts. Each allows maximum twenty guests, barely justifying calling it a cruise. For the next eight days, the floating Relais & Châteaux hotel is our retreat amidst the Galapagos archipelago, notably where Charles Darwin developed his natural selection theory. 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the volcanic islands are host to the most bizarre, hearty, friendly animals I’ve ever encountered. In the hands of Ecoventura, we get to experience and learn about the Galapagos, while coming back to bright coastal interiors, wood floors, airtight safety measures, top notch service, and panoramic ocean views.
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the sand and a finch hops up to me as if we are the same species. Welcome to the Galapagos. Throughout the week we explore a few undeveloped islands–the same as they were centuries ago when only animals, pirates, and Charles Darwin walked the beaches. Our personable guides shed an encyclopedia of knowledge about the endemic species, transplanted animals, and plants. Fernando is from the Galapagos and Sofia has been a naturalist since 1987, when female naturalists were as rare as hammerhead shark sightings. She shares, “All the species here are opportunistic. They do what they have to to survive, even the typically vegetarian iguanas will eat birds.” On Espanola, red and turquoise "Christmas" iguanas, some well over 20 pounds, sprawl on boulders, hug each other for warmth, waddle across our paths, and never flinch when I sit beside them. We learn Iguanas were Darwin’s least favorite. He thought they were ugly and threw them into the water by their tails (so not allowed anymore). They’re my favorite though. I’m just as excited by the hundreth petite dinosaur as the first.
Each island offers a different ecosystem and we encounter new creatures daily. The animals are always welcoming, as if to say, make yourself at home, we’ll be over here if you want to take photos. Our camera rolls increase by a hundred photos when we spot a pair of penguins posing on a rock beside a sea lion and a crab. Bonus: Fernando offers his wildlife photographer expertise for getting the best shots. On Bartolome we snorkel with penguins and turtles. I dive off the panga, head first into a rainbow of fish. I wear just a bikini, everyone else opts for the supplied wetsuits. The water’s warm enough without them. Besides, who wants to dress like shark bait? Everyone else. Not me. I’ve learned a thing or two about natural selection. Returning to Theory after each outing mimics checking into a five star hotel. Scarlett the concierge hands us fresh juice and collects our snorkeling gear. Between adventures Johanna and I read on the daybeds, the sun searing through our SPF 30. We also soak in the hot tub at the bow of the yacht and jump from the upper deck. The staff anticipate every need–bringing our favorite drinks unprompted, returning sunglasses I forgot, steaming our dresses for us. When WiFi cuts out, manta rays springing from the expansive ocean bring me back to how incredible this splattering of islands is and that to-do’s can wait.
We spot several blue footed boobies incubating eggs. Red footed boobies and blue footed boobies nest on almost every island. The birds choose their mates based on vibrancy of foot color—turquoise toes show optimal health from eating copious amounts of sardines. Foot fetishes span species, The food onboard is impressive, and plentiful (it is a apparently. I’m even more intrigued by baby nazca cruise after all). BBQ lunches with fresh ceviche on boobies–fluffy white creatures, so dead set on the sun deck, sunset hors d'oeuvres and cocktails prevailing as only children that they always eat (The Wolf is a must-try), four-course white their younger siblings. When they get hungry in their adolescent “THE ANIMALS ARE ALWAYS welcoming, AS IF weeks, they plunge TO SAY, make yourself at home, WE’LL BE OVER their heads down their parents' necks to lap up HERE IF YOU WANT TO TAKE photos. ” the food stored in their throats. It’s wild.
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Blue footed boobie
Marine Iguanas
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tablecloth dinners highlighting Ecuadorian specialties, and a snack bar, complete with a vase of Dramamine we never needed. Pre dinner each evening we bring our cocktails to the salon for a briefing of tomorrow’s activities, always leaving room for surprises. One night as dessert is served, murmurs flutter through the room that Galapagos Sharks are swarming outside. One by one, we abandon our creme brulee and gather at the stern, mesmerized by 30 sharks flashing through the water after flying fish. We navigate at night, falling asleep to the wake and brilliant stars, in anticipation of awakening to a new island, usually not a boat in sight. The exception: day five I open my eyes to dreamy pastel skies and a harbor off Santa Cruz. Every boat seems to have a pet sea lion lounging on the deck. We take a bus to the highlands to see giant tortoises; the desert and beach landscapes we’re used to segue into lush overgrowth. The gargantuan toothless creatures lumber about, munching grass and guavas, sleeping under bushes, wading through ponds, fighting over who gets to sleep under the bush... we’re easily amused by their mundane habits. On the way back, we walk through a lava tunnel, learning more about how the islands formed. We spend the last day on North Seymour Island. The air is thick with the scent of palo santo and several bird species’ mating calls. The post-apocalyptic landscape is covered with dry trees inhabited by frigate birds wooing potential mates with red pouches ballooning from their necks, the only color on the island. That afternoon, we snorkel amongst an acrobatics performance put on by turtles, vibrant fish, and sea lions. It’s not so much the exotic nature of the animals as it is their playful and relaxed demeanor that makes them unforgettable. Dolphins jumping into the sunset with enthusiasm (best watched from the shower window), 60 black tipped reef sharks sleeping on the seafloor, penguins waddling across lava rocks...at each anchor it's something new and incredible. And, on Theory you don’t necessarily have to leave bed to see it. * ecoventura.com
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STATELY THERE’S NOTHING TO WINE ABOUT AT THE ESTATE YOUNTVILLE by
E
KIM HASHEMI
nvision a weekend where your itinerary involves noteworthy wines, dining at restaurants with more culinary star power than anywhere in the country, and indulging in curated rejuvenating and inspiring activities, all within your own 1.5 square mile playground.
SIPS
festival style playground of experiences, beginning with a savory one. The tempting aroma of woodfire pizza lures us into Ottimo, celebrity chef Michael Chiarello’s take on an Italian mercato–a foodie’s paradise. House-made oils, seasonings and local decor fill the shelves and we select a few keepsakes to take home, along with a batch of the mercato’s famous fresh mozzarella and pizza to enjoy on the patio while golden light peeks through the Mayacamas Mountains.
A quick jaunt from Santa Barbara Airport brings us to the charming town of Yountville, a tight-knit community of 3,000 residents nestled in the heart of renowned Napa Valley wine country. Our home for the weekend is The Estate Yountville, the span of 22 historic acres A short walk and we’re in a chocolate lover’s dream, (where some of the first vines were planted in the region the award-winning Kollar Chocolates glasshouse in 1870), which offers up three luxurious properties showroom. My olfactory senses heighten and my along with myriad activities and culinary delights. sight is set on the edible works of art. Chocolate barks, rochers and bonbons with captivating geometric With crisp glasses of JCB bubbly in hand from the designs encapsulate inspiring flavors like Napa Valley gracious front desk host, we stroll to our bungalow-style Zinfandel with Dark Chocolate Ganache, making abode within Vintage House, an airy, elegant space for an unparalleled chocolate tasting experience. featuring a wood burning fireplace, private balcony, and carefully curated art and vino-cultured details. We encounter other friendly travelers on our stroll around We set out to explore V Marketplace, The Estate’s the expansive yet intimate property, there’s a refreshing
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The Estate Spa
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sense of presence and carefree nature. We observe fellow visitors immersed in vineyard experiences and unique activities like learning the art of Sabrage.
wines–a convergence of both old and new flavors along with accouterments of Castelvetrano olives and Marcona almonds.
“We encounter other friendly travelers on our stroll around the expansive yet intimate property, there’s a refreshing sense of presence and carefree nature.”
Continuing on our culinary daydream, we reserve for two at Chef Michael Chiarello’s critically acclaimed Bottega, known for fusing elements Back at our sensory playground, curated spa of Napa Valley and Italy. Our table is abundant experiences await at The Estate Spa. Complete with with traditional family recipes with bold Italian an in-suite soaking tub and fireplace, the treatment flavors along with exemplary wine pairings from room is my personal sanctuary for the hour and I’m the rotating list of both classic and impossible-to- in a trance as the masseuse releases the tension in find wines. Tip: order the Spaghetti alla Sophia my neck and shoulders. Alternating between the Loren, a simple yet memorable dish created sauna, eucalyptus steam room and cold plunges for actress Sophia Loren on her 80th birthday. post-treatment and ending with a warm tea, I’m in a heightened state of presence and rejuvenation. The hotel phone buzzes the next morning, our private Audi transfer arranged by Vintage House is The soothing morning hum of birds slowly lifts us out downstairs for a quick journey to Ashes & Diamonds of a deep rest, and we enjoy our final morning with for a taste of the region’s wine. Our Grand Cuvee hot coffee on the patio. We hop on our bikes to explore flight includes four limited-release single-vineyard the town, stopping at the flourishing vegetable garden
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WHAT to PACK WINE & DINE PREREQUISITES
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F LY W I T H W I N E G R A N D E 12-B OTTLE SUITCASE $369
Undoubtedly, your most precious cargo will be those prized new bottles of Cabernet. Let the wine therapy continue post-weekender with this genius luggage: cleverly designed with wine-shaped foam cavities, you can stash any combination of up to 12 bottles…safe travels! flywithwine.com
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Vintage House Lobby
S O L AWAV E S K I N C A R E WA N D & S E R U M K I T $181
Take your facial on-the-go with this superpower skincare tool, which amplifies the benefits of your standard jade roller times three. Red LED light therapy and microcurrent energy reduce the appearance of fine lines, dark circles, and blemishes while de-puffing and energizing the skin. What can’t it do? solawave.co
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E T R O P R I N T E D S I L K- C R E P O N MAXI SHIRT DRESS $2,110
Pack a dress that’s as bold as the Petite Sirah you’ll be fawning over. In fruit-forward tones, this vibrant, flowy frock will let other wine connoisseurs know “she’s here to stay.” net-a-porter.com Vintage House Pool
that grows many of the local restaurants’ produce, the renowned French Laundry restaurant, the first Bouchon store for a delectable pastry, and the Restoration Hardware restaurant to savor a sapid meal amongst luxurious decor. The intimate and peaceful appeal of a small yet abundant town like Yountville makes for a city where travelers can indulge in dishes created by renowned chefs, enjoy the most noteworthy wines in the region, and find moments of tranquility, all within a few mile radius. And with its variety of luxurious accommodations, curated experiences, and convivial service, The Estate offers something for all. * theestateyountville.com
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B O T T E G A V E N E TA PAT E N TL E AT H E R M U L E S $920
For shoes that deserve a toast of their own, enjoy a taste of summer with these aquamarine stunners–they’ll provide the eye candy for other tasters. Pairs expertly with Etro Silk-Crepon Dress & a bottle of bubbly. net-a-porter.com by ALEXANDRA LEE
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CLUB HOUSE
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NEW YORK PRIVATE MEMBERS CLUB AND RESIDENCE FASANO FIFTH AVENUE BLENDS EXCLUSIVITY AND LUXURY by EMMA McDONNELL
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he Upper East Side is home to the classy and chic—the crème de la crème of New York society. Here, one of the most coveted experiences in terms of real estate is having a view of the park, and by park, I mean the park: Central Park. Located directly on Fifth Avenue and capturing these elements is New York’s newest private club and luxury residence, Fasano Fifth Avenue. Since its opening, it seems as though the Fasano is the best-kept secret. In other words, if you know, you know. Catering to a certain clientele and exclusive to invite-only members, this sought-after New York establishment radiates luxury. On brand with its exclusive aura, the facade of the Fasano is elegant, blending in alongside the Upper East Side homes. Behind this sophisticated exterior, lies clubhouse suites and duplex residences, the two available options. I arrive at 815 Fifth Avenue ready to immerse myself in all that this luxurious establishment has to offer. Immediately, I am greeted by a doorman who takes my bags with ease and ushers me into the reception. Once the door closes, the hustle and bustle of the city disappears and one can take in the warmth and quiet of the Fasano. It’s the perfect balance of privacy in the heart of a metropolis. A tranquil haven.
The reception can only be described as cozy, yet classic. The hotel staff embraces my arrival with a friendly welcome and informs me of the available amenities throughout the course of my stay; a gym and an outdoor terrace, a bar, and restaurant. I peek down the hallway, and straight down lies Baretto, the bar and restaurant available to members only. My brief glimpse tells me that the experience will be unique.
is a dreamy, marble heaven, with the perfect setup for a relaxing bath and shower, as well as excellent lighting for a mirror selfie. 7 o’clock hits and I make my way downstairs to Baretto, choosing a corner seat, close to the bar yet also the perfect location for people watching. There is only one other table being served during my evening here, emphasizing the exclusive, quiet nature of this establishment. I sip my margarita and listen to the smooth jazz, taking in the ambiance. Lush velvet in shades of orange, yellow, and brown contrast a rich blue sofa that lines the wall of the restaurant. Above this, the walls are covered with vintage black and white photos of celebrities and icons, elements of a bygone era. Following drinks, I head out for an evening stroll along Fifth Avenue, taking in the noise of city life and chill breeze, before returning to the private beacon.
After check-in, I take the elevator up to my floor. The doors open and I’m greeted by shiny, lacquered black walls which give the Once in my room, I close the blackout curtains, turn out the feeling of a secluded, anonymous hideaway. I make the short lights, and crawl into bed. As I doze off, my mind wanders to walk to my room, where a selection of delicious macarons and a the delicious macarons I was greeted with upon arrival…and view overlooking Central Park welcome me. I immediately feel also of how elegant and exclusive this establishment is. Fasano taken care of. The interiors are beautiful and truly give a home- Fifth Avenue is incredibly chic, with every amenity one could away-from-home feel, excellently curated by French architect require. You can eat, sleep, work, and play all under the same and designer Thierry Despont. Everything that one could need roof, in the perfect location. What more could one ask for? throughout the duration of their stay is provided; the room even comes equipped with an espresso machine. The bathroom fasanofifthavenue.com
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48 HOURS
DAY 1 BREAKFAST
The newest Rustic Canyon Family restaurant, The Dutchess, has graced Ojai with delectable breakfast offerings alongside their Burmeseinspired dinner menu. Pick from their selection of artisan breads, pastries (scones, cookies and cakes galore), and sandwiches to enjoy with a cup of Bonito coffee. @thedutchessojai
DAY 2 BREAKFAST
Start your weekend sunnyside-up at Santa Barbara Public Market’s newest resident, Little Heart Cafecito, from the creators of Corazon Cocina. Opt for the Ranchero Breakfast Tacos with skirt steak and eggs, or satisfy your sweet tooth with a Churro Latté. @littleheartcafecitosb @santabarbarapublicmarket
SHOP
Suit up for the sunshine at Kariella, a modern bohemian boutique on Santa Claus Lane. Snag the latest summer styles of sunglasses, sundresses, and designer swimsuits from Frankies Bikinis to Bond-Eye Swim. @shopkariella by ANNA CONSTANTINO 98 | MAY/JUNE 2022
SWEAT
Learn to box like a pro at Mayweather Boxing Studio’s new La Cumbre Plaza location. Their combination of boxing and HIIT exercises provides a challenging and rewarding full-body workout. By the end of class, you’ll feel like a champion. @mayweatherfitsantabarbara
in Santa Barbara
TASTE
The Funk Zone’s newest tasting room has landed —Hotel Californian’s The Society: State & Mason. Sit back and lounge as you sample dynamic wines from the Foley Family Wines portfolio, intermingled with curated bites and pairings from Executive Chef Travis Watson. @hotelcalifornian
STAY
Elevate your wardrobe and home at True Love Always in Montecito, a carefully curated lifestyle boutique with goods from around the world. Fall in love with their array of apparel, accessories, and household gems. @tlagoods
Serenity meets luxury at San Ysidro Ranch, an esteemed destination boasting a garden getaway in the foothills of Montecito. Enjoy a candlelit al fresco dinner at Stonehouse accompanied by soothing strums of acoustic guitar and wafting scents of garden lavender. Afterward, tuck into your bungalow-style cottage for a night of rest under the canopy beds. @sanysidroranch
LUNCH
DESSERT
SHOP
Wish you were beer! A sunny Saturday in Santa Barbara calls for Third Window Brewing Company’s taproom and kitchen, with a menu ranging from lagers to IPAs. Delight your appetite with their famous wagyu smashed cheeseburgers, good enough to keep you coming back for seconds. @thirdwindowbrewing @thirdwindowkitchen
SIP
The delightful ambiance at Sunstone Winery’s provençal courtyards and picnic grounds pair perfectly with their versatile selection of wines. Enjoy their tasting menu alongside charcuterie bites and truffled grilled cheeses. @sunstonewinery
Donut worry–Kin Bakeshop has dessert covered. Paying homage to traditional Korean desserts and ingredients, the bake-shop serves mochi donuts, rotating flavors on a weekly basis. Opt for a classic such as the ferrero rocher donut, or step outside your comfort zone with yuzu, Thai tea, or black sesame. @kinbakeshop
C O N C E P T T O C R E AT I O N INTERIORS | LANDSCAPES
JODIGDESIGNS.COM
805-453-1119
JODI@JODIGDESIGNS.COM
@JODIGDESIGNS
(805) 565-1724
sanysidroranch.com