Sophisticated Living Louisville January / February 2025 by Sophisticated Living Magazine

{Louisville’s Finest}

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Jan/Feb 2025

INSIDE: The 2025 Sophisticated Giving Charity Register

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©2025 Lenihan Real Estate, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty Logo are service marks licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC and used with permission. Lenihan Real Estate, LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. Any services or products provided by independently owned and operated franchisees are not provided by, affiliated with or related to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC nor any of its affiliated companies.

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{Louisville’s Finest}

{Lexington’s Finest}

Jan/Feb 2025

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Jan/Feb 2025

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on the cover(s)

Louisville: Louisville cover caption: Nice day for a white wedding. Bridget Williams and Matthew Cottrell married in Antarctica during a voyage aboard the Lindblad National Geographic Endurance. Photo by Dan Westergren, Lindblad Expeditions Lexington: Aperture Cellars and Devil Proof founder and winemaker Jesse Katz. Photo by Rachel Weill

62 Rock & Rolls Rolls Royce Spectre

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24 33 38 40 44 46 52 55 56 62 68 70 73 77

Horse Sense Rooted Let’s Hear it for the Boys Storming the Castles Better Together Always En Vogue Of Note... New Year, New You Cuffing SZN Going for the Gold Rock & Rolls Does Aging Accelerate During Specific Decades? Piste de Résistance The Beat Goes On Sophisticated Society

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EDITOR - IN - CHIEF Bridget Williams ______________________________________________ ASSOCIATE EDITOR EMERITUS Kay Matton ART DIRECTOR Jason Yann CONTRIBUTORS Writers Patti Bailey Victoria Chase Matthew Cottrell Colin Dennis Elliott Greene Andre James Photographers Tony Bailey Robert Burge Chad Henle Justin Jordan Kate Leichhardt Bill Wine EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Claire Williams ADVERTISING SALES OFFICE 502.582.6563 ______________________________________________ CEO/PUBLISHER Eric Williams Sophisticated Living is published by Sophisticated Living, LLC, P.O. BOX 1229, Prospect, Kentucky 40059 USA. All Rights Reserved. Sophisticated Living is published six times a year. All images and editorial are the property of Sophisticated Living, LLC and cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission. Annual subscription fees are $25.00; please add $5 for subscriptions outside the US. Single copies may be purchased for $5 at select fine retail outlets. Address all subscription inquiries to: Sophisticated Living, PO Box 1229, Prospect, KY 40059. To order back issues or reprints of 100 or more, call 502.582.6563.

SLMAG.NET

T H E LIMIT ED EDITION

Giulia Quadrifoglio Super Sport Only 275 will ever be produced. This is your only chance to own a piece of automotive history

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I RIS LAW P HOTOGRAP HED IN N EW YO R K CI T Y

From the Editor-In-Chief Following an 18-month engagement, Bridget Williams and Matthew Cottrell were married on Snow Hill Island in Antarctica on November 26, 2024, during a nine-day voyage aboard Endurance, part of the National Geographic | Lindblad Expeditions fleet. The ceremony marked the second time that day the couple “took the plunge,” having earlier jumped hand-in-hand into the zero-degree waters of the Weddell Sea. Consequently, their wedding photos benefitted from the tightened skin attributable to polar plunging. For their nuptials, the seasick-prone bride, relieved that she’d survived crossing the infamous Drake’s Passage, gained enough sea legs to walk the gangway onto the ice of Snow Hill Island in an ivory-colored off-therack sheath dress purchased a few days before the voyage, which she paired with an 80s-era fur coat, and white “hiking” boots, wool socks and beanie, all found on Amazon. Doing double duty as something both borrowed and blue was a lapis lazuli ring from her now sister-in-law that had belonged to her late mother. So as not to cause an international incident by introducing Photo by Daniel R Westergren, Lindblad Expeditions non-native plant pollen into the Arctic desert environment, the bride carried a bouquet of tissue paper flowers she made earlier that day. For the handsome groom’s first rodeo on his seventh continent, he took a cue from the locals—Adélie penguins gathered at the periphery—and wore a trim black suit, striped shirt, and boat-issued Muck Boots. Both bride and groom donned a mandatory life jacket until Lindblad Endurance Captain Oliver Kruess granted a special exception permitting them to be removed for the ceremony. Lisa Werner, a 2024 Grosvenor Teacher Fellow and preK-8th grade music teacher at St. Bruno Parish School in Dousman, Wisconsin, graciously learned to play Mendelssohn’s Wedding March and Here Comes the Bride in record time for the event. The couple met the enthusiastic educator and trombonist on the first day of the trip and were thrilled that she was quite eager to likely become the first person to play a packable, plastic, purple trombone on the White Continent. Patrik Svarcmyr, the Endurance’s Hotel Director, and Captain Kruess invoked the authority granted by Neptune, the spirit of Shackleton, and the presence of penguins, seals, whales, shipmates, and friends to declare the couple now and forever one. ““It’s wait, wait, wait, until it’s go! go! go!” said Svarcmyr, explaining how our wedding—something we’d inquired about just a few weeks before the sailing (and got the green light from our daughters before proceeding)—would unfold. We were already four days into the trip when having survived crossing Drake’s Passage with a minor bout of seasickness, thanks to Scopolamine and uncharacteristically calm seas (Matthew is fortunate to never succumb to motion sickness), we learned just before embarking on a gourmet six-course “Shackleton’s Culinary Journey,” which told the story of Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton, an Anglo-Irish Antarctic explorer who led three British expeditions to the Antarctic through a creative culinary lens, that our wedding ceremony would take place after dinner. The boat would pull up to the ice edge at Snow Hill Island, a popular stop because of its Emperor Penguin rookery and a wooden hut built in February 1902 by the main party of the Swedish Expedition. After the other guests disembarked, Patrik said we would go last, with our bright orange jacket-clad shipmates serving as witnesses. We ended up having about 20 minutes to get ready, meaning that any time for getting cold feet would be left to when we were standing on the ice. While it was as cold and windy as one would expect during summer in Antarctica, I swear I could feel the ice melt beneath our feet as we basked in the warmth of a moment both of us had long awaited.

Bridget Williams, Editor-In-Chief

bridget@slmag.net @SOPHISTICATED_BRIDGET 20 slmag.net

Photo by Dan Westergren, Lindblad Expeditions

Patrik Svarcmyr, the Endurance’s Hotel Director, (left) and Captain Oliver Kruess (right) Photo by Fiona Wardle, Lindblad Expeditions Photo by Dan Westergren, Lindblad Expeditions

Photo by Fiona Wardle, Lindblad Expeditions

slmag.net

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Several rescued thorougbreds are enjoying a happy retirement on the 70-acre equestrian estate, dubbed "Second Chance Farm.”

HORSE SENSE Interior designer Ron Wolz puts a twist on traditional equestrian design. Written by Bridget Williams / Photos by Kate Leichhardt

Just about the time I began wondering why someone would choose to live in a place generically described as "the middle of nowhere," I turned into the drive and immediately understood. In the early morning light, the scene resembled an impressionist painting. Sunlight danced across drops of dew on the grasses of the undulating fields where horses grazed languidly. A few amiable geldings acknowledged my arrival by interrupting their morning munching to stand at the four-board fence and solicit a scratch on the muzzle, a request that I happily obliged.

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The centerpiece of the 70-acre equestrian estate, dubbed "Second Chance Farm," in honor of the rescued thoroughbreds who've hit the retirement jackpot here, is a gracious Tim Wintersdesigned home, a perfect combination of traditional aesthetics with a contemporized floor plan that takes full advantage of the views. "I appreciate the understatement of it," commented interior designer Ron Wolz of Bittners, who took cues from the architecture— including arched doorways and transom windows—to create spaces that put a fresh spin on equestrian-inspired design. "The casual elegance feels so appropriate for how my clients live," added Wolz.

The principal suite opens to a cozy paneled library outfitted in a clubby Ralph Lauren-esque aesthetic.

slmag.net

Wolz chose a botanical print linen for the drapery and captain's chair upholstery in the eat-in kitchen.

Able to accommodate large gatherings but with seating areas oriented to accommodate intimate conversation, the living room is outfitted in a timeless blue and white color scheme, expressed in a mix of floral and ticking stripe patterns.

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A lively chinoiserie wallpaper in a powder room

The Bittners-made dining table incorporates a subtle inlay of the homeowners' initials in the center.

Cream grasscloth wallcovering provides subtle textural interest in the principal bedroom. Faux bamboo bed from Bunny Williams Home.

slmag.net

A metallic paper on the dining room’s ceiling amplifies the traditional chinoiserie paper on the walls. Bittners-made dining table.

A traditional damask wallpaper graces the walls of the foyer. The placement of a wide corridor draws the eye to a wall of windows at the back of the home overlooking the pasture and woods beyond. A Moffat long-case clock stands at attention outside the entrance to the dining room, one of several fine antiques sprinkled in with modern-made heirlooms, including a round Bittners-made dining table with a subtle inlay of the homeowners' initials in the center. A metallic paper on the ceiling amplifies the traditional chinoiserie paper on the walls. Able to accommodate large gatherings but with seating areas oriented to accommodate intimate conversation, the living room is outfitted in a timeless blue and white color scheme, expressed in a mix of floral and ticking stripe patterns. The pinstripes continue in the vestibule of a powder room before giving way to a lively chinoiserie wallpaper in the water closet. Wolz chose a botanical print linen for the drapery and captain's chair upholstery in the eat-in kitchen. Hunter green 28 slmag.net

cabinets, stone countertops, and a mosaic backsplash behind the sink in the combination laundry room and butler's pantry belie the charming space's practical function. An adjacent powder room marries wallpaper from Ferrick Mason to a J. Tribble vanity. The principal suite continues the blue and white theme, one of Wolz's favorites and a combination he says will perennially be in style. The Victorian-era design of the faux bamboo bed from Bunny Williams Home aligns with neighboring antique pieces. Cream grasscloth wallcovering provides subtle textural interest. The room opens to a cozy paneled library outfitted in a clubby Ralph Lauren-esque aesthetic, i.e., saturated color, wool plaid, brown wood, velvet, brass, and an oriental rug. The project represented Wolz's first collaboration with the clients, who are exceedingly pleased with how it all came together. "I am very grateful that our paths crossed," said the wife. "We look forward to enjoying living in these beautiful spaces for a very long time." sl

A channel tufted bed is the centerpiece of the guest bedroom.

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Aperture Estate Vineyard Photo by Andy Katz

ROOTED

Photographer Andy Katz and his son, winemaker Jesse Katz, embrace l'art de vivre through unique expressions of their craft. Written by Bridget Williams / Photos courtesy of Aperture Cellars "It's a keeper!" globetrotting photographer Andy Katz said he'd exclaim when he was confident he'd captured "the shot." During a recent conversation amid the Farrow Ranch vineyard in California's Alexander Valley in Sonoma County, he joked that the phrase also applies to the day his son Jesse was born. Well before Jesse marked his first trip around the sun, he accompanied his father on an assignment in Japan, the first of many adventures, which included a near-death experience with a charging rhino in Africa and quite a bit of time galivanting through some of the world's most famous vineyards. The latter imprinted upon young Jesse a fascination with wine and, more importantly, the soil that imparts "good juice" with its unique characteristics. As an eight-year-old, Andy recalls flipping through a book of black-and-white portraits by Yousuf Karsh and deciding at that moment that he wanted to be a photographer. In the 1960s, an early assignment sent him around the globe without a clear itinerary and per diem that today would barely cover your morning latte. Listening to Andy tell it, the adventure seems both intoxicating and wholly unfathomable in today's hyper-connected world. His skill as a raconteur is as evocative as his photography, an oeuvre encompassing

more than 14 coffee table books (a dozen of which are devoted to wine), record albums cover for the likes of the Doobie Brothers and Dan Fogelberg, and features in museums and galleries worldwide. In 2005, he became Sony's First Artisan of Imagery. "Beauty is everywhere; you just have to wait for the right light," said Andy. Similarly, Jesse recalls being laser-focused on becoming a winemaker, a fascination stretching back to an idyllic childhood sprinting through and occasionally sleeping amid vineyards in Europe and South America. Seeing a vineyard through his father's expertly focused lens and later being offered a taste of wine from the same site gifted him a unique ability to communicate terroir. After graduating from CSU-Fresno, Jesse worked in the cellar and vineyards at Bodega Noemia in Patagonia, Argentina, whose oldest malbec vines were planted in the 1930s. Their lowtech approach to the craft included destemming grapes by hand and stomping them à la I Love Lucy. Jesse went on to apprentice at Bordeaux's Pétrus and Napa's Screaming Eagle before becoming America's youngest head winemaker at 25 with Lancaster Estate and Roth Winery in Sonoma County, where he was given the opportunity to design a winery from the ground up. slmag.net

Aperture’s tasting room at dusk Photo by Rachid Dahnoun

Jesse launched Aperture Cellars (aperture-cellars.com) in 2009, initially purchasing top-tier grapes from the hills of Sonoma. In 2012, he also created a cult wine project called Devil Proof, focusing on single-site, dry-farmed malbec and malbec blends. After nearly instant and ongoing acclaim for his releases, in 2016, Jesse decided to build his own winery, selecting Sonoma's top AVA's for what he saw as its potential to be a vaunted cabernet region but in slightly cooler areas for the varietal. An ulcer-inducing bank loan enabled the purchase of a 75-acre vineyard and another 40 acres for the winery complex and estate vineyard (including a block of vines planted in 1912) located 10 minutes outside the charming town of Healdsburg. Touring the 24,000-square-foot winery complex with Jesse and Hillary Sjolund, Aperture and Devil Proof 's Director of Winemaking, I was struck by its lab-like cleanliness and eyepopping array of high-tech tools (one of the most advanced in the United States). Starting with a very advanced de-stemmer, the grapes move on to an optical sorter that captures a whopping 1200 photos-per-second of the grapes while infrared technology identifies fruit that's been sunburned or otherwise damaged and kicks it out so that only the best grapes make the journey to the fermentation tanks via a pump that's so gentle it is the same type used to relocate fish from one pond to another in nurseries. The tricked-out tanks boast automated pump-overs, temperature 34 slmag.net

control, and oxygen injection, all of which can be controlled via laptop or smartphone. In addition to creating wines with finesse and mouthfeel, the big-ticket investment in technology has been offset by reduced staff overhead and significant savings on water usage (ninety-eight percent of the water used by the winery is recycled for use in irrigation and landscaping). While the technology minimizes human error and increases efficiency, it's still up to the winemaker's expertise to create something special with the raw materials. "It's our purpose to express the uniqueness of each vineyard in the glass," said Hillary. Jesse singled out Aperture's ability to do automatic pumpovers, which has taken their creativity to another level because the frequency (as much as one minute every hour for the first five days) would have been impossible to do manually. "We are textural winemakers," said Jesse, adding that he and Hillary are constant collaborators, tasting daily and making subtle tweaks to get the desired outcomes. Over a few days, what I found endearing about Jesse was his quiet confidence and lack of wine snobbery. Speaking to our small group with widely varying wine expertise, he could switch on a dime from drilling down into the minutia of soil types to using a sports metaphor to help explain Aperture's approach, remarking, "It's no different than training at an optimal level to get each muscle fiber to fire optimally."

Devil Proof bottles

The architecture of Aperture’s production winery is designed to complement the tasting room. Photo by Adam Potts

Aperture’s architecturally stunning tasting room was designed by architect Juancarlos Fernandez with a central ceiling feature designed to look like the aperture of a camera lens. Photo by Aubrie Pick

Aperture tasting room Photo by Aubrie Pick

slmag.net

Winemaker Jesse Katz walking between rows of grapevines at Farrow Ranch. Photo by Rachid Dahnoun

Winemaker Jesse Katz with his team in the Aperture tasting room enjoying the fruits of their labor. Photo by Aubrie Pick

Winemaker Jesse Katz Photo by Rachel Weill

Today, Aperture's vineyard holdings encompass over 200 acres in six distinct vineyards. Jesse first visited one of these, Farrow Ranch, a decade before purchasing it as he was invited to dinner there by a family friend. Accessed at the end of a narrow dirt road, the Farrow home sat at the bottom of a bowl-like valley where the open trellis system of vines gave way to dense forest. Walking the site, Jesse recognized a block of dry-farmed malbec thriving in volcanic soil. The site is the source of Devil Proof's Farrow Ranch Malbec; Jesse's malbec, now grown on three distinct sites, has garnered the lion's share of his 19 100-point scores from five different wine critics. I am by no means an oenophile, but even as an amateur, my first sip of Devil Proof was eye-popping for its nuanced layers of aromas, flavors, and mouthfeel. The Devil Proof moniker and the unique black-and-white image on the label derive from a father-and-son trip to Cuba, where Andy captured the now iconic photograph of a Cuban woman languidly smoking a cigar. Jesse recounts being told by the locals, "'If you live well and drink well, the devil can't get ya.' Like, you're devil-proof." Only around 1,000 cases of Devil Proof are made in the years the crop is deemed worthy, and the bottles 36 slmag.net

are quickly snapped up by those who sign up for an allocation notice at devilproofvineyards.com. Sold in sets of three, the presentation case is designed to mimic a cigar box Jesse had as a child and used to store his prized collection of coins picked up around the world. "Jesse can recall the contours of a vineyard like a parent knows their child's face," said Andy. At Farrow Ranch alone, Jesse has dug 86 soil pits to create a detailed soil map that helps guide decisionmaking. Working with his mentor and consulting viticulturist Phil Freese, Jesse utilizes technology in the vineyards, employing NDVI imagery analysis to measure plant vigor and biomass vine by vine and taking appropriate actions to strengthen crops, ward off diseases, or determine watering and fertilization schedules. While I can appreciate a good vintage, I love the why behind a wine even more, and Aperture is Jesse's heartwarming homage to his father and their enduring bond. The centerpiece of the guest experience is an architecturally stunning tasting room designed by architect Juancarlos Fernandez with a central ceiling feature designed to look like the aperture of a camera lens. Inside the tasting room, the walls are adorned with Andy's large

Aperture’s Soil and Site Series wines

Many of the 130 guest bungalows at the Montage Healdsburg, an event space, and a yoga lawn are integrated into areas of superhigh-density vine plantings laid out by Jesse Katz. Photo by Christian Horan Photography

Rockpile Ridge Vineyards Photo by Rachid Dahnoun

format photos. The winery frequently holds immersive sensory experiences with local chefs that transcend the act of sipping by celebrating the delicious bounty of Sonoma County. Jesse is a consulting winemaker for a handful of handpicked clients, including the Montage Healdsburg (montage. com/Healdsburg), a luxury resort that opened in January 2021. Before they broke ground on a single guest room on the 258acre property, Katz "cherry-picked" 15.5 acres to plant vineyards bearing malbec, merlot, petite verdot, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon and sauvignon blanc grapes that are used to create private label releases. Many of the 130 guest bungalows at the Montage Healdsburg, an event space, and a yoga lawn are integrated into areas of super-high-density vine plantings. These vines are carefully tended to by hand as heavy machinery would disrupt the resort's bucolic atmosphere. "From the outset, we were aligned in our desire to do nothing but the best, and the ownership listened to all of my crazy ideas," Jesse recounted. In 2024, the Montage Healdsburg launched Surveyor, their private estate-bottled wine. The inaugural release, available exclusively to guests and residents of Montage Healdsburg

(montageresidenceshealdsburg.com), consists of a 2021 cabernet sauvignon and a 2021 sauvignon blanc, both harvested from Montage Healdsburg's estate vineyard and bottled at Aperture. If you want to fully immerse yourself in Sonoma's wine culture during harvest, book a facial or body scrub at the Montage's 11,500-square-foot spa and try to resist the temptation to taste tantalizingly aromatic products made from grape skins and seeds. One can draw parallels between photography and winemaking: a dedication to the craft, a pursuit of excellence, tempered hubris and obsession, and heaps of patience. Both Andy and Jesse lean into technology as a tool to augment their skills rather than as a crutch to mask shortcomings. Jesse said that his dad doesn't own Photoshop in the same way he hasn't acidified, fined, or filtered any of his red wines. Continuing that train of thought, Andy quickly jumps in, adding, "You can't do anything good by taking shortcuts" and "You can't rely on your last success for lasting happiness." However, as a proud father, he also emphatically proclaims that Jesse can make good wine in his sleep. And, after spending a few days with both Andy and Jesse, I'm reminded that healthy roots are essential to more than just winemaking. sl slmag.net

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Compiled by Bridget Williams

LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE BOYS

A few of our favorite men’s jewelry pieces, from classically elegant to edgy

This page, clockwise from top left: Lagos diamond tag amulet ($1,990). Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Diamond Cellar in Nashville, Clarkson Jewelers in St. Louis and lagos.com. Chopard Ice Cube pendant in ethical rose gold ($6,460). Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis and chopard.com. Effy Jewelry men’s 925 sterling silver blue sapphire pendant ($1,256; effyjewelry.com). Walters Faith Quentin black gold and black diamond band ($4,890; waltersfaith.com). Michael M Tetra diamond band ($4,350). Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati and michaelm.com. Krik Kara Scroll Wheat engraved wedding band ($3,890). Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Genesis Diamonds in Nashville and kirkkara.com. David Yurman Streamline two-row band ring in titanium with black diamonds ($1,950). Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers and Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville and davidyurman.com. Pamela Love’s Alev bracelet ($240), is part of a collaborative collection with Turquoise Mountain to create a series of handcrafted jewelry made by Afghan artisans (pamelalove.com). Patcharavipa Allumette bracelet ($5,850; patcharavipa.com). Grown Brilliance Cuban link bracelet ($2,225; grownbrilliance.com). Chris Ploof Designs Damascus cuff (chrisploof.com). Verraggio two-tone gold and diamond bracelet. Available through Genesis Diamonds in Nashville and verragio.com. Seal & Scribe hand engraved cufflinks ($5,000; sealandscribe.com). Aurelia Demark single Lion cufflink ($185; aureliademark.com). LÖF Fritz bangle ($5,000; lofjewellery.com). Luis Morais gold Maille bracelet with screw lock closure ($10,320; luismorais.com). Opposite page: Pieces from VRAM’s new men’s jewelry collection, priced from $1,300 (vramjewelry.com)

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STORMING THE CASTLES An alternative to day-tripping, AMERON Neuschwanstein Alpsee Resort & Spa offers a more leisurely and luxurious way to experience a storybook Bavarian village with two castles.

Written by Bridget Williams / Photos of AMERON Neuschwanstein Alpsee Resort & Spa by Wolfgang Stahr Nestled into an alpine valley with complementary castles perched atop Lake Alpsee on opposing hillsides, it's hard to imagine a more storybook setting than the Bavarian town of Schwangau near Füssen in Allgäu. Annually, nearly two million visitors queue up to peek at the ornately furnished state rooms of Hohenschwangau Castle (hohenschwangau.de/en) and a small portion of Neuschwanstein Castle (neuschwanstein.de/englisch/ tourist), built by the famously eccentric King Ludwig II of Bavaria between the years of 1869 and 1884. Most visitors make a quick in-and-out stop in the village, which is a shame as they miss the opportunity to experience the beauty of this little hamlet after the castles close and the crowds disperse. In the shadow of the castles and enveloped by the Allgäu Alps on the banks of Lake Alpsee, the 4-star AMERON Neuschwanstein Alpsee Resort & Spa (ameroncollection.com/en/neuschwansteinalpsee-resort-spa), part of the Althoff Hotels family, is a full-service resort opened in 2019. The sprawling property represents a 40 slmag.net

masterclass in seamlessly integrating old and new. A trio of listed historic buildings — Alpenrose, Jägerhaus, and Schlosshotel Lisl—are joined by the newly built Galeria and Seehaus wings to comprise 136 rooms and junior suites, conference and event facilities, an extensive spa and fitness center overlooking the lake, several restaurants, and the Museum of the Bavarian Kings (the former site of a grand hotel). The rhythm of the disparate elements comes together in an aesthetic harmony that the Europeans know how to intuitively orchestrate flawlessly. The contemporary lobby's stone floors recall the surrounding mountaintops' exposed granite peaks. At the center of the sprawling space, a seating area with plush velvet upholstery welcomes guests to relax in front of the fireplace. In keeping with the AMERON brand's commitment to uniqueness, guest rooms in each building present distinct personalities. Guests lodged in the listed historic buildings experience romantic, fairy-tale interiors complete with canopied beds, period-correct antiques, print-on-print wallpaper, and ornate drapery.

Neuschwanstein Castle

Beer garden of the Schloss Bräustüberl

Hohenschwangau Castle

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4 elements spa pool with waterfall and view of the Alpsee

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Deluxe room

Lisl Restaurant

Jägerhaus room

Lisl Terrace

The contemporary lobby's stone floors recall the surrounding mountaintops' exposed granite peaks

Lisl Restaurant

The Museum of the Bavarian Kings. Photo by Bridget Williams

The transition from old to new takes place via underground passageways and glass-covered pathways, AMERON's interpretation of a wormhole. In contrast to the fussiness of a bygone era, the clean lines of the new resort buildings would undoubtedly appease the aesthetics of legendary avant-garde German architects Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius. Here, the guest rooms bend towards the tenets of Bauhaus interior design: functionality, simplicity, and craftsmanship. Continuity of contrasts extends to the culinary offerings with a host of unique gastronomic concepts. Seasonally inspired contemporary Bavarian alpine cuisine procured from local producers is available at Lisl Restaurant, serving a buffet-style breakfast and fine dining in the evening. Schloss Bräustüber delivers an authentic German beer garden experience with meats, sausages, and cheeses originating from regional butchers and cheesemakers. Go all-in on authenticity by washing down your brezel with a freshly tapped pilsner from the town's King Ludwig Brewery. Fun fact: The first Oktoberfest in Munich on October 12, 1810, commemorated the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I, the grandfather of Ludwig II) to Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. Open seasonally, the terrace of Alpenrose am Se is the ideal place to enjoy a cocktail or a signature "King Ludwig

Glace Royale" sweet treat while surveying the glassy waters of Lake Alpsee. Ludwig Bar is a comfortable gathering place for a regionally inspired craft cocktail or light meal that combines international influence with regional ingredients and specialties. After a day of exploring castles or hiking the trails accessed via cable car atop Tegelberg mountain (tegelbergbahn.de/en), the resort's 4 Elements spa complex, encompassing an indoor pool, Finnish and bio-saunas, experiential showers, ice fountain, quiet lounge areas, and a well-equipped fitness center, is an ideal place to unwind. Face and body treatments incorporate proprietary ARAMO ELIXIR anti-aging products. An ideal visual representation of words like "idyllic" and "picturesque," it's easy to see why the region was the chosen home of Bavarian kings. While Hohenschwangau Castle was merely the summer residence of Maximillian II (and much smaller inside that it appears from its hilltop perch), his son Ludwig II, whose known eccentricities are still fascinating today, created his fantasy vision of an impenetrable year-round fortress based on Christian kingship in the Middle Ages as his power and relevance as a monarch crumbled beneath him. History lovers will relish in the luxury of time afforded by a stay at AMERON Neuschwanstein Alpsee Resort & Spa to do a deep dive into the short but fascinating history of the Kingdom of Bavaria and the House of Wittelsbach, one of the oldest dynasties in Europe. sl slmag.net

Compiled by Bridget Williams

BETTER TOGETHER

Fine jewelry that’s twice as nice with a two-stone design.

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This page, clockwise from top left: Akaila Reid stud earrings ($1,900; akailareid.com). Alison Lou Jewelry Double Cocktail drop earrings ($3,750; alisonlou.com). Marie Mas Aura ring ($4,937; mariemas.com/en-us). Mara Hotung Jewels peridot and tourmaline ring ($9,786; gemvoyager.com). Tanya Farah Jasmine Bloom bypass hoop earrings ($7,600; tanyafarah.com). Guita M lapis lazuli and opal drop earrings ($6,000; guitam-jewelry.com). MATEO pearl and diamond cluster drop earrings ($9,880; mateonewyork.com). Jacquie Aiche pavé diamond teardrop + baguette pink tourmaline open ring ($12,100; jacquieaiche.com). Clara Chehab Sienne Elemental stud earrings ($1,890; clarachehab.com). İTÄ Txirimiri Danza ring ($4,500; itajewelry.com). Opposite page: "In Reverse" sunstone & Tahitian natural color cultured pearl earrings from Assael ($44,000). Available through Diamond Cellar in Nashville and assael. com. Boochier Jewelers Lucky Pup necklace with diamond and sapphire accents ($3,590; boochier.com). Jonne Amaya ear climber ($1,200; jonneamaya.coom). Aurelia Demark small Fleur Toi Et Moi ring ($4,285; aureliademark.com). Mason and Brooks Fine Jewelry Tortuga pendant ($2,050; masonandbrooks.com). Suzanne Kalan one-of-a-kind Toi et Moi emerald and double baguette diamond ring ($12, 800; suzannekalan.com). slmag.net

Photo by Eric Laignel

ALWAYS EN VOGUE

For over a century, Hôtel Plaza Athénée has remained at the pinnacle of luxury hotels in Paris. Written by Bridget Williams

One can imagine the spirits of past Paris' haute couturiers as gossamer threads, gently tugging at the hearts and pocketbooks of contemporary fashionistas, drawing them en masse to the storied hôtel particuliers lining Avenue Montaigne in the 8th arrondissement. From the balcony of my Prestige Suite in the Hôtel Plaza Athénée (dorchestercollection.com/paris/hotel-plaza-Athenee), I sipped a latte from a delicate bespoke Jaune de Chrome porcelain teacup while my eyes slowly surveyed the scene like an iPhone camera’s Pano mode. The early morning sun casts a painterly, dappled glow, making it easy to see why the City of Lights has seduced creative types for centuries. I first focus on the Eiffel Tower, its steel skeleton serving as a backdrop for the legendary hotel's iconic red awnings and window boxes laden with similarly hued geraniums from spring until late summer. My gaze casts down to the lobby's revolving door, where the omnipresent assemblage of some of the world's most covetable supercars attracts a similarly perennial gaggle of oglers. Craning my neck a bit, I can see eager early risers already queuing outside Dior (30 Avenue Montaigne), keen to be first in the door to soak up the fashionable fantasy offered by the ethereal five-floor showroom, Christian Dior's first boutique, which reopened in 2022 after two years of construction. Sufficiently caffeinated, I head back into the opulence of my temporary abode, opulently outfitted in a manner that fully bolsters the Francophile fantasy, with sumptuous fabrics and furnishings punctuated with French marquetry and ormolu selected by designer Marie-José Pommereau. 46 slmag.net

Next, I head off to the gym, part of the world's first Diorbranded spa when it opened in 2008, where I almost felt bad for sweating on the supremely chic Dior-branded yoga mats, thinking they'd look just as good mounted on the wall as art. The recently refreshed labyrinth-like spa, which reopened in 2023 in a soothing cream and taupe colorway with discreet gold accents, now boasts larger treatment rooms, including one for couples and a designated beauty room for hair and makeup services. The Dior Light Suite features a light therapy booth, the first in Europe, which employs LED lights scattered across the ceiling to harness the sun's power to influence the body's circadian and chronobiological rhythms response to help fight stress, combat jet lag and increase energy. My last stay at Hôtel Plaza Athénée was close to 15 years ago. Upon entering the circular lobby, the intoxicating scent of fresh flowers emanating from arrangements in cone-shaped vessels affixed to the marble columns created a moment of déjà vu and a pleasant realization that while much has changed, what makes the property iconic hasn't. I like to imagine that Christian Dior would feel the same. Long before the Dior name became synonymous with luxury fashion, he was purported to have strolled along Avenue Montaigne, stopping in front of Hôtel Plaza Athénée and pledging to himself that when he launched his own house, it would be located on this celebrated stretch of pavement. In fact, Dior presented his inaugural collection at the Hôtel in 1947.

Lobby of the Hôtel Plaza Athénée Photo by Francis Amiand

La Galerie at Hôtel Plaza Athénée Photo by Mark Read

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Haute Couture Suite Photo by Mark Read

There are two distinct personalities within the eight-floor hotel. Floors one through six are outfitted in Haussmannian style. In September, the property revealed 49 renovated rooms by acclaimed French interior design firm Moinard Bétaille on its fifth and sixth floors, including the legendary Royal Suite. Designed to resemble true Parisian apartments, each room and suite offer a different layout, ensuring no two rooms are alike. Six new color palettes have been designed to bring a touch of freshness and softness to the property amidst its 18th-century backdrop. The Virginia creeper plant that adorns the façade of the hotel's iconic interior courtyard – La Cour Jardin – appears throughout the design, from moldings and mosaics to the embroidery of cushions, carpets and moiré silks. In contrast, guestrooms on floors seven and eight were created from reconfigured staff quarters fifty years ago in a distinct Art Deco style and refreshed during COVID by Parisian duo Bruno Moinard and Claire Bétaille. Blond and whited solid oak is punctuated with pops of "Plaza Red." Each guest room is uniquely sized, so furniture is similarly styled but bespoke to remain proportionally pleasing. A curated selection of coffee table books and framed fashion photos from vaunted photographers lend an apartment-like feeling to the intimately sized rooms. Luxurious grey-white marble bathrooms with graphic veining are an amenity shared with the more traditional accommodations. Arguably, the most exciting change in recent years has occurred in the culinary sector. The COVID closure of 2020 prompted management to rethink their entire food and beverage program. After a 22-year run with Alain Ducasse at the helm in the kitchen, Hôtel Plaza Athénée created waves when they decided to roll the dice 48 slmag.net

on Jean Imbert, a 42-year-old Top Chef France winner who'd yet to earn a star. Given Imbert's experience working at hotspots in Miami and St. Tropez and celebrity clientele that includes Pharrell and Beyoncé, Justine Klar, Communications Manager at Plaza Athénée, said that in addition to Imbert's culinary prowess, hotel management appreciated the chef's VIP connections in the influencer age. Rather than follow in the footsteps of Ducasse, Imbert chose to boldly forge his own path, working in a methodical fashion to completely overhaul all the restaurants, most dramatically the gastronomic one, which was reborn in an avant-garde style as Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée. The theatrically designed experience begins with the decor. If you ever wanted to know what it was like to dine at the Court of Versailles, reserve one of the 16 coveted seats at the room's central marble table, where you will experience traditional cuisine served with succinct choreography. Guests are privy to ample interaction with chef Imbert, who purposefully leaves a little ambiguity on the menu descriptions for an element of surprise. The Plaza Athénée's garden restaurant menu is now appropriately veggie-forward with a Mediterranean bent. Throughout the year, the space evolves to host seasonal events championed by chef Imbert, including an open-air summer cinema series with a corresponding menu inspired by a given film. In winter, an alpine chalet with a long table for 20 is erected alongside the garden's La Cour Jardin ice rink, where a lucky few can partake of fondue and Champagne. Fans of Emily in Paris will recognize the scene from the Agence Grateau holiday party in the second part of Season 4, proof positive that the quest for relevancy never rests.

La Cour Jardin Photo by Mark Read

The theatrically designed experience at Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée begins with the decor.

An Art Deco masterpiece opened in 1936, Le Relais at Hôtel Plaza Athénée is one of the most famous brasseries in Paris.

View from the balcony of a Prestige Suite Photo by Francis Amiand

Living room in a newly renovated Art Deco-inspired duplex suite. Photo by Mark Read

The Dior-branded spa reopened in 2023 after a refurbishment. Photo by Matthieu Salvaing

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Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse in Le Meurice

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The Dalí-inspired and Philippe Starck-designed environs at Restaurant Le Dalí in Le Meurice. Photo by Bridget Williams

Christian Dior's iconic New Look Bar jacket is said to have been inspired by Le Bar at Hôtel Plaza Athénée. Photo by Tina Hillier

An Art Deco masterpiece opened in 1936, Le Relais at Hôtel Plaza Athénée is one of the most famous brasseries in Paris. The décor, which includes a chandelier classified as a monument by the French government, derives inspiration from the liner SS Normandie. We spent a lingering lunch surrounded by the power suit set, sampling cuisine with a pronounced sense of tradition, including Imbert's "My Grandmother's Terrine. I indulged in beef tartare, prepared tableside, accompanied by Pont Neuf potatoes, thick-cut fries that get their moniker from the city's oldest bridge, where pommes frites were once sold. For generations, La Galerie, open from breakfast until late night, has served as the hotel's beating heart and is where the pulse of fashion week is taken outside the runway. However, I preferred the quiet of the afternoon, where the leisurely lull is accompanied by a harpist. Time didn't permit a nightcap at Le Bar, but a daytime peek inside, revealing original wood paneling contrasted with a contemporary haute couture-inspired lighting installation and a bar resembling an ice sculpture, was enough to envision why there's almost always a line to get in on the weekends. The allure is long-standing: Christian Dior's iconic New Look Bar jacket is said to have been inspired by the space. A partnership with Dom Perignon provides guests access to rare bottles, which Klar described as "the price of a little apartment in Paris." During the day, Terrace Montaigne restaurant in front of Le Bar is the place to be for people watching and partaking of a new seafood, oyster bar and Champagne experience.

As part of The Dorchester Collection, guests of Hôtel Plaza Athénée gain entrée into an exclusive array of distinct properties lined by an unwavering commitment to quality at all touchpoints. Equally iconic, the Plaza's Parisian sister, Le Meurice (dorchestercollection.com/paris/le-Meurice), was the city's first palace hotel when it opened opposite the Tuilleries gardens in the 1st arrondissement. The opulent décor is wonderfully eccentric; over the years, architect Jean-Loup Roubert, interior designer Charles Jouffre, designer Philippe Starck, and his daughter, visual artist Ara Starck, have lent their unique perspective to interiors that deftly meld classical and contemporary styles. A gastronomic tour de force, Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse bears 2 Michelin stars for haute cuisine inspired by authentic dishes served in a dining room reminiscent of the sumptuous Salon de la Paix at the Palace of Versailles. I was equally enamored of the dramatic and lively Dalí-inspired and Philippe Starck-designed environs at Restaurant Le Dalí, a fitting backdrop for a celebration of local and seasonal French cuisine. Although it's often said that "what's old is new again," the Hôtel Plaza Athénée has never fallen out of fashion, drawing in a steady stream of luminaries like moths to a flame since it opened in 1913. Never willing to rest on its gilded laurels in a quest to meet its motto as "The palace of tomorrow," Hôtel Plaza Athénée continually reinvests in enhancing the guest experience and elevating the property's online allure with a savviness that would make Emily Cooper proud. sl slmag.net

Of Note... New Year, New You Compiled by Colin Dennis

Pajamas can positively impact sleep quality by helping regulate body temperature, promoting relaxation through comfort, and signaling to the brain that it's time to wind down, ultimately leading to easier sleep onset and better sleep quality. Opting for breathable materials like cotton, bamboo, or silk is generally recommended over synthetic fabrics that can trap heat and moisture. Dandy paisley silk pajamas from Yves Delorme ($795; usa.yvesdelorme.com).

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Countless studies have shown that a sauna’s dry heat promotes sweating, improves circulation and cardiovascular health, and enhances relaxation, which may translate to better sleep. From ThermaSol, the Ventura indoor sauna cabin features curved, waterfall-like benches and a veneered ash interior. A silk-printed glass wall allows natural light to filter through (thermasol.com).

The SOPHIA Fitness Mobile Set from PENT is designed to seamlessly blend style and functionality. Built to order, the setup can encompass dumbbells, kettlebells, compact fitness accessories, exercise mats, and fitness balls ($11,885; pentfitness.com).

It may seem that a soak in frigid water may not be good for you. Still, studies have shown otherwise, with benefits from reducing inflammation to improving mood. Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro ($9,699; sunhomesaunas.com).

Red light therapy uses specific wavelengths of light thought to stimulate energy production in the cells and reduce inflammation. From Mito Red, the patent-pending MitoADAPT™ Mega 3.0 Series with dual chip multi-wavelength design provides eleven different possible modes, allowing users to determine which combinations of wavelengths are having the most significant impact on helping them reach their goals ($4,999; mitoredlight.com).

Real-time health data is always in reach with the Samsung Galaxy ring (shown in titanium silver). A trio of sensors offer a discreet way to monitor health metrics like heart rate, sleep patterns, and activity levels ($399; samsung.com).

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SB Winemaker's House & Spa

Travel has been linked to stress reduction and can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Studies have shown that resveratrol, wine’s “super ingredient,” may lower blood pressure, control cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and even boost brain power. Combine the benefits of both at SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites, the luxury boutique hotel by Argentina’s first female winemaker, Susana Balbo, and her daughter, Ana Lovagilo Balbo. Their new Wine Immersion Program offers a complete sensory journey through a comprehensive exploration of Mendoza’s rich wine culture through the legacy and insights of the Susana Balbo family. From private winemaking expeditions—featuring behind-thescenes visits to some of the region’s top wineries—to in-suite wine-based wellness treatments, tastings in the hotel’s intimate tasting room, and an aromatic evening turn-down service in iconic wine egg tub, every detail is designed to celebrate the finest of Mendoza’s wine world within SB Winemaker’s House’s elegant setting (rates start at $1,663 per night base on double occupancy; susanabalbohotels.com).

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Fitness boxing is a high-intensity workout that engages the aerobic and anaerobic systems, torching as many as 800 calories an hour, depending on intensity. Modest Vintage Player limited edition floral leather heavy punching bag ($399), strap-up boxing gloves ($135), and hand wraps ($35; modestvintageplayer.com).

CUFFING SZN

A symbol of wealth and status in ancient times, ear cuffs have newfound popularity, and the genderless jewelry is perfect for those who don’t want the long-term commitment of a piercing. Compiled by Bridget Williams

This page, clockwise from top left: Mazarin Eboris ear cllip ($1,320; mazarin-paris.com). Tiffany T1 ear cuff in rose gold with diamonds ($9,000; tiffany.com). Guzema Chainfall ear cuff ($1,450; guzema.com). Patcharavipa Lune Sucré ear cuff ($5,240; patcharavipa.com). MACADAM Quadra open enamel ear cuff ($3,750; voilamacadam.com). Jacquie Aiche Sophia teardrop shaker ear cuff ($4,125; jacquieaiche.com). De Beers white gold Dewdrop ear cuff ($2,100; debeers.com). Bondeye Jewelry Wave ear cuff ($600; bondeyejewelry.com). Type Jewelry LEGGO 2.0 diamond ear cuff ($1,600; typejewelry.com). Anita Ko Cosmo ear cuff ($7,875; anitako.com). Nouvel Heritage VENDÔME double pearl ear cuff ($1,700). Available through ReisNichols in Indianapolis, Ylang-Ylang in St. Louis and us.nouvelheritage.com. Ippolita single pavé Squiggle ear cuff ($1,395). Available through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis and ippolita.com. State Property Arcan Markeli triple ear cuff (thisisstateproperty.com). Shahla Karimi Le Corbusier Puff Set double ear cuff ($1,360; shahlakarimi.com). slmag.net

A woman dancing flamenco in Seville’s Plaza de España. Photo by S. Kuder.

GOING FOR THE GOLD A two-week adventure through Spain and Portugal was nothing short of luxurious. By Christy Marshall / Photography courtesy of Luxury Gold I am a tour newbie. Once decades ago, while living outside Glasgow, I schlepped to Paris with a slew of Scottish schoolteachers. They brought their own tea and marmalade. They got cranky. Frequently. The hotel was old... and cold. It was one of those okay-but-not-sogreat experiences. Except for a spectacular safari in Kenya, I've sidestepped group outings ever since. Little did I know what an incredible difference tapping a company like Luxury Gold makes. The trip, titled "Spain and Portugal Travel in Style," involved visiting nine cities in two countries over 13 days. It's not for the faint of heart. But then again, when Luxury Gold is at the helm, stamina, not bravado, is the key. Several of the 22 others on this jaunt already knew. One couple was on their fifth Luxury Gold tour. Others had already taken the company's trips to Italy, Croatia, Poland, England, and Scotland. Before we packed our bags to go home, some signed up for a trip to Egypt. But then again, what's not to love? You travel first class, you stay in five-star hotels, the food is divine, you get private tours of the sites and cities, and every possible detail is handled by the tour concierge. Luxury Gold’s parent, The Travel Corporation, was founded in 1920 by hotelier and restauranteur, the late Stanley Tollman, and his wife, Bea, then living in the fishing village of Paternoster, South Africa. Last July, Travel Corporation, which now holds more than 56 slmag.net

40 travel and tourism brands and hotels, was purchased by Apollo Funds of New York. The tour stands apart from others because of all the posh details: Being picked up by a driver in a black town car to go to the airport, then from the airport to the hotel and at the end, back to the airport and from the airport to my St. Louis bungalow. It's the luxury of having every reservation made, every room ready, of never hauling my luggage a step further than my hotel room door. No lines. Anywhere. Having proud local citizens give us either bus or walking tours (or a combination of both) at every destination. It's the ease of boarding a Mercedes version of a Greyhound bus, flitting you from one province, city, site, or even restaurant to the next. At a time when international travel can be an unpleasant mixture of annoying and exhausting, all those little things add up to a lot. The Luxury Gold approach offers total immersion into the country and its culture. The kingpin of the trip is the guide or concierge, the magician who eases away any and all rough edges, never fusses, never gets rattled, keeps a sharp eye out for pickpockets, and both entertains and educates. For us, her name was Sonia Santos. With an almost encyclopedic knowledge of the regions, she kept us enthralled hour after literal hour with history, data, statistics, anecdotes, local eccentricities, and even gossip. I now know the average alcohol consumption, cigarette users, and age longevity for Spaniards. She educated us on all things both Spanish and Portuguese. A guide for the past 28 years, Sonia spent five years at the university earning her tourism degree.

Madrid, Spain Image by Sergio Martínez

Ruins of the Roman theater in Mérida, Spain at sunset

The Coach Museum in Lisbon, Portugal Photo by Zoran Karapancev

Paella in Valencia, Spain

Pastel de Nata, a Portuguese egg custard tart pastry.

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Alhambra palace, Granada, Spain

The lobby of the Hotel Colón Gran Meliá in Seville

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Constructed on a plateau that overlooks the city of Granada, Spain, the Alhambra palace and fortress was built largely between 1238 and 1358.

The Luxury Gold goal is "to take you on a silver tray to the best places we can," Sonia said. The trip started in Barcelona. There, we explored all things Gaudi and toured the spiral-laden Sagrada Familia Cathedral, a Gaudi-inspired plan now (theoretically) being executed by (living) architects. Next, we bussed to Valencia after stopping for a seven-course lunch at the Michelin-starred L'Antic Moli restaurant in La Galera, where we also consumed (a considerable amount of) locally harvested wine. One of the highlights of the drive through Valencia's Ciutat de les Arts Y De Las Ciències (City of Arts and Sciences), a collection of stunning buildings including the L'Oceanogràfic (the aquarium), The Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía (the opera house), Hemisferic (planetarium/IMAX theater), Museu de les Cièscience Principe Felipe (science museum), L'Agora (covered event space) designed by Félix Candela and Santiago Calatrava, the same architect who created the Oculus at Ground Zero in New York City. In Granada, a guide led us patiently through the Alhambra Palace, built by the Moors in the 13th century. That night, we stayed at the Hospes Palacio de los Patos, a palace-turned-hotel that was truly palatial with its marble floors and wood-carved ceilings (all making it feel a bit like living in the Alhambra). With no rest for the weary, we were up and out the following morning to travel to Córdoba (where we walked through Mezquita and the Jewish Quarter) and then on to Seville, affectionately referred to as

the "Soul of Spain." That city may have been my absolute favorite. Aside from the gorgeous hotel, the Colón Gran Meliá, we spent hours exploring — and learning by doing. There was the flamenco lesson before sitting down for a performance by the professionals. The next day, we trekked to the local market (Mercado de Abastos), where we made the best paella I've ever eaten (and where the chef warned us against ever, ever adding chorizo to the dish). On the eighth day, we crossed the border into Portugal. En route, we stopped for lunch to hear a performance of local men in a group singing Cante Alentejano. This genre of traditional twopart singing, originating in southern Portugal, has been added to UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Once in Lisbon (Sonia's hometown), we stayed at the Pousada de Lisboa and explored the city. A not-to-be-missed attraction was the Museu dos Coches (Coach Museum), which made me roll my eyes when I first read it. Foolish me. It was spectacular. Who knew coaches could be so intricately made, ostentatious, beautiful, and uncomfortable? But as wonderful as it was to see them, they came in a strong second to the Pastel de Nata. This Portuguese egg-yolk custard tart dates to before the 18th century and is basically a crème brûlée in a puff pastry made from a recipe held fast to the heart by the monks living atop a nearby hill. Afterward, we explored the National Palace of Queluz and headed out on our own to shop and dine. slmag.net

The city of the Arts and Sciences in Valencia, Spain. Photo by Melinda Nagy

At the São João Evangelista Church in Évora, the walls are covered with polychrome tiles from the seventeenth century. Photo by Hector Christiaen

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The wine cellar at Convento de Espinheiro hotel in Evora, Portugal

Before ending our trip to Madrid, we stopped at Évora (another UNESCO World Heritage Site). We explored the town, toured the cathedral, and tasted Portuguese wines at the Herdade de Calada vineyard. We shopped and shopped, buying cork (purses, shoes, bottle stoppers), espadrilles, tiles, and jewelry, among other native wares. We spent the night in the simply spectacular Convento do Espinheiro, a 14th-century monastery and convent reborn as a gorgeous hotel that opened in the early 2000s. Back on the bus, we stopped at Mérida to tour the Roman ruins before motoring on. From our base in Madrid at the Hotel Fénix Gran Meliá, we had two days to explore, walk through the city, tour the Prado Museum, explore the maze-like Old Town, and do more shopping, eating, and learning. By the time we were done, we had traveled 1,700 miles on the bus. In a casual survey, everyone agreed that this trip (an $8,000plus investment) was worth every penny. Universal praise came for the hotels, the bus, and the various events, but especially for Sonia. Aside from her incredible knowledge, she always treated us with gifts. With a mischievous grin, she'd announce, "I have a little surprise for you," and follow it up with chocolate treats on the bus and local pastries. There was the night we met for champagne before dinner. There was Café Carajillo, a coffee drink with brandy

at one of the gas stops. She texted us her favorite sangria recipe. And then later for gazpacho. She led us to the Lisbon marketplace to join the locals for shots of cherry liqueur. When one young couple from Perth asked to go to a vineyard to buy a bottle of the rare Spanish sherry PX (Petro Ximénez), Sonia made it happen, and they returned ecstatic with two — circa 1931. The simple fact that a hat owned by one of the women on the tour, which was lost at one site and still made its way back to her, is proof positive of Sonia's skills. As one earlier tour member mentioned, she felt protected with Sonia in charge. "She's like a German shepherd," the woman said. For a group with an age range spanning early 50s to mid-70s, the notion of someone else being totally in control and casting an ever-vigilant protective eye had a luxurious ring to it. Built into the delight of the trip was the process of total strangers (from Australia, Canada, New York, California, Maryland, Virginia, Florida, and Texas) almost instantly morphing into an ad hoc group of friends. Every single person was funny, kind, welcoming, smart, interesting, and primed for an adventure. "I know that I'm doing a good job when you are mingling," Sophia said. "You started as strangers — and you end as a family." And I know now that group travel, with the right company in charge, is as good as gold. sl For more information visit luxurygold.com. slmag.net

Brener Green Spectre

ROCK & ROLLS

Rolls Royce remains relevant by keeping its white-gloved hands rooted in its heritage and a heavy foot on accelerating bespoke customization. Written by Matthew Cottrell / Photos courtesy of Rolls-Royce No one actually needs a one-off vibrant yellow Rolls Royce Spectre, or a Twilight Purple Cullinan II. Still, for those with the wherewithal to purchase one of these half-million-dollar-plus bespoke odes to luxury, it sure is fun to know that the sky is the limit for customization. As finely tailored as a Savile Row suit, throughout 2024, the British marque has paraded a bevy of its latest bespoke creations to events around the globe, most recently the Las Vegas Concours at Wynn Las Vegas. The resort owns the largest fleet of Rolls-Royce Phantoms in North America, with 10 extended-wheelbase Phantoms specifically designed for the resort to chauffeur its highest caliber guests. Sophisticated Living was invited to be among a select group of media to experience a condensed version of Rolls-Royce's "White Glove" training program for the finest chauffeur education in driving and etiquette before getting behind the wheel of some of their latest creations in nearby Red Rock Canyon and the Vegas strip. The tradition of having specially trained chauffeurs pilot RollsRoyce goes back nearly a century ago, when tycoons and maharajahs, who imported the cars from England, requested the company provide training for everything from personal presentation to the 'champagne stop,' a unique braking technique that halts the vehicle with such smoothness that nary a drop of bubbly is spilled by the passengers. While it's a bit of an anomaly in an era of autonomous cars, as we all know, one of the most self-indulgent ways to enjoy a RollsRoyce is from the backseat (and a full twenty percent of the 6,000 Rolls-Royce cars delivered annually are strictly chauffeur driven). Witty Englishman Andi McCann leads the White Glove training program. After a brief history lesson, McCann provided 62 slmag.net

an abbreviated version of the invitation-only course Rolls-Royce offers to those who drive their VIP clientele, demonstrating how to move with grace and precision even before the engine starts. "Striving for perfection is a basic component of luxury," remarked McCann. "Everything you do must be sharp, effortless, professional, and safe." In short, we learned that a professionally trained Rolls-Royce chauffeur knows everything from the preferred elevation of their clients' headrests to knowing whether to use the vintage or non-vintage champagne setting in the backseat Coolbox. After two hours of classwork, I found myself behind the wheel of the Rolls-Royce Spectre Semaphore. This one-of-one commission made its global debut at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, this past August. If the attention-grabbing yellow paint job wasn't arresting enough, the bonnet boasts a dramatic 'Marbled Paint Spill' graphic that took 160 hours to perfect. Keeping McCann's guidance top-of-mind, I ease myself behind the wheel, taking notice of the interior, a combination of Bespoke Lemon Yellow and Citrine Yellow on the seats, the Starlight doors, and above the instrument panel. It blends into the contrasting Grace White and Slate Grey hues with Lemon Yellow stitching. The SPIRIT operating system, an advanced digital interface that allows for extensive personalization within the car's interior, allowed the dials to complement the motor car's yellow colorway. I relax into the seat, gently grasp the wheel at 9- and 3-o'clock, and glide away, instantly acknowledging that even those who choose to be driven shouldn't deny themselves the pleasure of piloting this beauty for themselves on occasion.

The bonnet of the Spectre Semaphore boasts a dramatic 'Marbled Paint Spill' graphic that took 160 hours to perfect.

Rolls-Royce chauffeur instructor Andi McCann providing White Glove instruction in the Red Rock Canyon.

Turchese Blue Spectre

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Twilight Purple Cullinan II

Having familiarized myself with the nuances of the Spectre, it was time to try my skills with the Cullinan Black Badge Series II, the next iteration of the luxury SUV that brings the marque's hallmark "magic carpet ride" to any terrain. The acceleration of the 592 horsepower V12 is effortless and quiet, with the selfleveling air suspension constantly adjusting to road conditions to provide a remarkably smooth ride. The uniquely patterned cabin seating, mated to the Twilight Purple bespoke paint job, features a glass dashboard panel that uses backlighting through tiny pinpricks to create an ambient effect and a small vitrine with an illuminated Spirit of Ecstasy. It is hard to imagine that Rolls-Royce could improve the legendary ride and comfort of its decadent automobiles, but the age of electric vehicles has done just that. The Spectre BEV exhibits a level of smoothness that flattened the legendary Red Rock roads, and the electric motor's instant torque leaves you wanting more. After all, who wouldn't want the finest, smoothest, and quietest automobile to also whisk you away at near sports car acceleration? Rolls has once again reset the standard for luxury automobiles. 64 slmag.net

Arrayed on the green of the Wynn Golf Club Like a peacock fanning out its train, Rolls-Royce's candy-colored lineup for the Las Vegas Concours also included a Brener Green Spectre, an Emerald Cullinan, and a Turchese Blue Spectre. The diversity of the display comes on the heels of the brand opening Private Office New York this past September in the Meatpacking District. It's the latest creative outpost in a network that already includes Shanghai, Dubai, Seoul, and the 'original' Private Office at the home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood. Available by appointment, it allows North American clients to interact directly with a US-based designer and specialist client experience manager. "Our investment in this office is in response to the steadily increasing engagement we see from our North American clients in this region, constantly challenging our designers to create and develop even more exciting and ambitious commissions," said Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “If you’re on time, you are late,” McCann stressed during our briefing. Staying ahead of the game has made Rolls-Royce a benchmark for luxury vehicles since Charles Rolls and Henry Royce established the brand in 1904. sl

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DOES AGING ACCELERATE DURING SPECIFIC DECADES? A Deep Dive into Aging with Dr. Carl Paige

By Dr. Carl Paige, co-founder and CMO of Medical Transformation Center Do you ever feel like the tick-tock of the aging clock is in overdrive or that everything in your body seems to be breaking down simultaneously? It's not your imagination. A study released by Stanford Medicine shows that many of our molecules and microorganisms dramatically rise or fall in number during our 40s and 60s. To understand and adopt habits that can slow down the aging process, we turned to Dr. Carl Paige for insights. A familiar voice on these pages, Dr. Paige has over four decades of experience and is recognized for his expertise in innovative treatments such as peptide therapy and research-based regenerative medicine techniques. He is also a co-founder of Louisville's Medical Transformation Center, a respected regional hub specializing in integrative cellular and regenerative medicine. SL: Dr. Paige, tell us the key findings of the Stanford Medicine study. Dr. Paige: The key finding aligns with what I've shared with patients and witnessed over the years - mainly that aging accelerates at a nonlinear rate. It can rapidly increase at specific "inflection points" or average ages, like the 44 and 60 shown here. While these critical ages did result from a robust study, it's important to remember that they are averages from 108 participants. While informative, there are always ways any research could be more representative or contain fewer variables that could skew the results. Also, lifestyle changes and other factors can slow down or even reverse some aspects of aging. SL: Share what happens at 44 and 60 according to the research. Dr. Paige: Within this study sample, there were critical periods associated with aging and related conditions: • Cardiovascular disease and lipid and alcohol metabolism changes clustered around 44. • Immune regulation and further carbohydrate metabolism decline occurred around 60. Some of the variables used to conclude that rapid aging happens near 44 and 60 included: • Transcriptomics (how DNA expresses itself) 68 slmag.net

• Proteomics (the study of the interactions, functions, and compositions of proteins in your blood) • Metabolomics (the analysis of sub-cellular metabolism) • Cytokines (which are associated with inflammatory process modulation - though research shows that interpretation of cytokine markers is much more complex and further study is needed to use these effectively in clinical practice) • Lipidomics (how fat is stored and metabolized) • Gut, skin, oral, and nasal microbiomes While these findings align with what I have observed in my early clinical practice of 25-plus years, when you engage in preventative care (before 44, ideally as early as early adulthood), you begin supporting your body's regenerative capacity and cellular efficiency. If you're over 44 or 60, don't let these inflection points demotivate you, becoming an excuse for poor health choices. You can commit to a healthier shift at any age! SL: We've heard you talk many times about nutrition, specifically the PaleoMediterranean Diet. How important is good nutrition to healthy aging? Dr. Paige: Incredibly important! Good nutrition is the foundation of good health. Focusing on a nutrient- and calorie-dense food can fuel our bodies to function optimally at any age. At MTC, we recommend and personally follow the Paleo-Med Lifestyle. It offers a balanced and sustainable way of eating. Among other things, it promotes the consumption of healthy fats, like those found in avocados and nuts, and clean-sourced animal and plant proteins. By adopting even a few principles of the Paleo-Mediterranean approach, you can experience significant improvements in your overall health. SL: What about alcohol consumption? Dr. Paige: The key to alcohol is moderation. Some aspects of minimal-to-moderate alcohol intake could be beneficial. Consider the type of alcohol being consumed. If you choose to drink alcohol, we recommend: • Clear, low-calorie, filtered, and, if possible, organic spirits. • Wines that are clean, organically sourced, and sulfite-free, such as no-additive red or low-sugar white wines.

SL: Switching gears to exercise, how important is having a regular exercise routine as we age? Dr. Paige: Regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining function as we age: • Engaging in weight-bearing resistance training can help combat the loss of muscle mass and strength and promote better mobility and balance. • Physical activity supports flexibility, joint mobility, elasticity, and reduced stiffness. • It's important to slowly increase things incrementally for sustainable, safe results. • Diverse and compound movement exercises that include hiking, dance, yoga, pilates, and breathwork drastically reduce your risk of falling, a key indicator of death due to any cause as you get older. • We recommend non-invasive regenerative devices like EmSculptNeo, which eliminates visceral fat cells and promotes muscle growth through targeted muscle contractions to comprehensively strengthen your core, quads, and other large muscle groups. It can help improve ambulatory ability, posture, balance, and stability. SL: Let's move from taking care of our body to taking care of our brain. What can we do to slow down or even reverse age-related cognitive decline? Dr. Paige: People can often experience a decline in cognitive function as they age, with memory and attention being the most commonly affected areas. We are seeing promising avenues of research that include regenerative treatments like peptide therapy, various supplements, and lifestyle changes. One peptide has been found to increase BDNF (brainderived neurotrophic factor) in older adults, supporting the growth and maintenance of neurons and thereby improving memory and cognitive function in animal studies. Others have been shown to have neuroprotective effects, shielding the brain from damage and promoting healthy brain function. SL: How do you feel about using supplements for cognitive health? Dr. Paige: High-quality supplements can help maximize brain function and provide beneficial nutrients to assist cognitive function. A few recommendations: • RegenaBrainHealth supplies the building blocks for brain phospholipids, the key structural components of neuron synapses. Our blend facilitates cellular energy production, mitochondrial functioning, and antioxidant protection. • DIHEXA specifically works through BDNF stimulation to help facilitate new blood vessel growth in the brain, the formation of new synapses, and the plasticity of existing neuronal connections - all essential processes for learning and memory. • Ketone Esters provide direct and efficient brain fuel to boost energy and concentration levels, plus diminish carb cravings, • RegenaDUltra is a powerhouse for your bone, immune and cardiovascular health.

Dr. Carl Paige

Before using supplements, evaluate sourcing and purity. Also, remember that your primary care physician or other specialist should always approve your personal regimen. SL: What would you like readers to remember the most from this article? Dr. Paige: We have seen patients achieve astounding health transformations by combining tools and insights from traditional medicine with integrative regenerative and cellular medicine. These changes elevate functioning, social relationships, professional and exercise performance, sexual health, and general quality of life. Our Age Smart Guide is a free 30-page download all about the future of optimal aging (get at https:// medicaltransformationcenter.com/age-smart-guide-download/) for those who want to learn more! sl Editor's note – You can read the Stanford Medicine study at the following link: https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2024/08/massive-biomolecular-shifts-occur-in-our40s-and-60s--stanford-m.html

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Lone Mountain Ranch

PISTE DE RÉSISTANCE

We’ve rounded up a few of the best destinations offering the ultimate winter escape. Written by Bridget Cottrell

Experience an authentic Montana winter escape at Lone Mountain Ranch, where premier slopes, star-lit sleigh rides and an exclusive new social club await / First homesteaded in 1915, Lone Mountain Ranch (lonemountainranch.com) has symbolized the American West for over a century. Originally serving as a cattle ranch, boys' camp, and logging operation, the property underwent a skillful transformation into a luxury guest ranch in 2014 by Auric Road. Across 148 acres of untamed wilderness, the ranch offers 25 private log cabins - including a grand log home, Ridgetop, housing groups of up to 18 with six bedrooms. During the winter, guests can ski over 50 miles of world-class cross-country and backcountry Nordic ski trails at the ranch, where knowledgeable guides, dependable snow, and a wide range of trails offer something for all levels, from beginner to hardcore athletes. A short shuttle ride away to the Northwest corner of Yellowstone or to the Gallatin National Forest, guests will have access to backcountry tours of varying difficulty, ranging from easy rolling trails to more advanced glides ideal for practicing telemark turns. Just seven miles up the road is Big Sky Resort, where visitors can experience the most expensive downhill skiing in America with on-demand transport from the ranch. Guests will be spoilt for choice for winter adventures, from snowshoeing the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem, dog sledding, and winter fly fishing. Ending the day in the atmospheric saloon, ranch guests can trade stories of adventures with newfound friends, warming up with an aperitif. For an unforgettable meal, Horn & Cantle offers a sense 70 slmag.net

of Montana cuisine at its most elevated, with ingredients grown locally and sourced from Montana purveyors. A must-do during the winter season is the Sleigh Ride Dinner, legendary among locals and travelers alike, taking visitors out to a remote Gallatin Cabin for an unforgettable night of food and live entertainment. The property's newest addition, Auric Room 1915, is a unique social club concept. It promises its members and guests exclusive access and a unique insight into the history and culture of the century-old ranch and its surroundings. Inside, guests will find a supper club with private booths, banquettes, an intimate bar, a private kitchen, and a cigar terrace with sweeping views of Lone Mountain Ranch. Winter Discovery all-inclusive rates at Lone Mountain Ranch start from $1,000 per cabin per night. Rates include accommodations, food, and activities. Alcoholic beverages and select activities are extra. At Europe's largest ski destination, experience elevated luxury with a winter escape to Ultima Courchevel Belvédère / Ultima Collection invites guests to ski to new heights in Courchevel at Ultima Courchevel Belvédère. The chalet hotel includes 13 four- and fivebedroom residences, with high-level luxury services ranging from a private chef experience to dedicated ski butlers and massage therapists, transfers to Courchevel 1850, and extravagant breakfasts. Exquisitely situated on the Belvédère slopes between Courchevel 1850 and La Rosière forest, each chalet features an expansive living space and balcony or direct outdoor access. Located at the heart of Europe's largest ski region, Les Trois Vallées, over 372 miles of maintained ski runs lie on the doorstep of

Ultima Courchevel Belvédère

the residences. It's a seven-minute transfer journey to the city's bars and restaurants. Non-skiers can take to the town of Courchevel to explore refined boutiques, dining, and entertainment. After a day of adventure, guests can rejuvenate in the spa, which features treatment rooms, an indoor and outdoor pool, a state-of-theart hammam, a jacuzzi and sauna, a fitness room, and a beauty salon. Bespoke treatments and programs with leading wellness experts are available upon request, accompanied by the latest innovative products from Swiss Perfection. Private jet and helicopter transfers can easily be arranged to Courchevel Altiport and Chambéry Aerodrome. Ultima Courchevel can also be reached comfortably by car or with luxury pre-booked transfers from Geneva and Lyon international airports. Rates at Ultima Courchevel Belvédère start from €7,400 (approx. $8,120) per night, including breakfast, Champagne welcome and VIP amenities, shuttle service within Courchevel, Ski Butler, access to the spa, complimentary parking and complimentary mini-bar with soft drinks, tea, and coffee. Head to the hills of chocolate-box megève for an alpine break to remember at Cœur De Megève with a new exclusive alpine culinary offering / Located in the Haute-Savoie region of the French Alps, in the shadow of Mont Blanc, Megève has been attracting the skiing elite for almost a century. On the main pedestrian street, steps away from the church square and the ski lift, the super chic hotel Cœur de Megève (coeurdemegeve.com) from the renowned Leitmotiv Hotel Group, has been given a second lease of life by famed interior designer Sybille de Margerie.

Cœur de Megève

Reimagining the original ski chalet, de Margerie designed a contemporary mountain lodge made of brushed walnut paneling, soft furnishings, and vibrant colors. Its 39 rooms and suites come in different shapes and sizes; some have open-plan bathrooms, others have terraces overlooking the village, and family rooms sit up in the attic beneath a sloping ceiling. Megève continues to be regarded as one of the most popular winter escapes, offering a wide range of winter activities from ski to dog sledding, winter markets, and historic hiking trails. The ski area surrounding Megève is extensive – 445 km of slopes as part of the 'Evasion Mont Blanc' lift pass, including the spa town of St Gervais plus 275 miles of slopes in Les Contamines. Confident skiers can reach the highest point, Cote 2000, while Mont d'Arbois is well suited to beginners. After an activity-fueled day in the mountains, guests can relax in Le Spa Tata Harper, a relaxing space consisting of two treatment cabins, which can be converted into a large duo cabin, along with a sauna, sensory shower, and nail bar. This season, the hotel is embarking on a new culinary chapter in partnership with the world-renowned Beefbar. Guests will find classic dishes that have built the Beefbar name, including Japanese Kobe beef and traditional dishes, creatively using locally sourced ingredients. Open every day for lunch and dinner, the newly renovated restaurant will embrace Megève's tradition, featuring cozy banquettes decorated in warm red, green, and ochre tones. Beefbar Megève promises a chic new après-ski offering, a vibrant addition to a winter escape at the ever-popular resort. Rates at Cœur de Megève start from €350 (approx. $385) per night on a B&B basis. slmag.net

L’Apogée Courchevel

Indulge in caviar and constellations with the brand-new chalet at the heights offering from L'Apogée Courchevel / Part of the prestigious Oetker Collection, L'Apogée Courchevel(oetkercollection.com/ hotels/lapogee-courchevel/) is in the heart of Courchevel's exclusive Jardin Alpin. Since opening in 2013, it has been recognized as one of the most stylish Alpine retreats for the most discerning travelers. This ski-in/ski-out hotel features 55 elegantly designed rooms, providing the most spacious accommodations in all of Courchevel. Brand new for the 2025 season, L'Apogée Courchevel is introducing Chalet at the Heights, a refined adventure where guests can indulge in a unique alpine experience featuring exquisite dining under the stars. The journey begins with a 30-minute snowmobile or groomer ride through picturesque scenery to a hidden refuge. Here, a Petrossian House caviar tasting awaits, enhanced by Ruinart Blanc de Blancs champagne or exceptional vodka, each bite complemented by the quiet of the mountains. As the evening draws to a close, guests can choose their descent - either gliding gently down the snow on a snake-glide or riding the snow groomer back to the hotel shuttle, savoring the serenity of the immaculate landscape. This exclusive experience promises to elevate a winter escape with exceptional sophistication and charm. Additionally, the hotel has two brand-new restaurant offerings this season. Inspired by L'Apogée Courchevel's sister property in the French Riviera, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Giovanni's invites guests to indulge in authentic Italian flavors, offering a menu of timeless classics reimagined with delicacy and flair. Carmen, a Spanish tapasstyle restaurant, provides the perfect setting for an aperitif or a light dinner while enjoying an intimate counter-side experience. Nightly rates start from €2,670 (approx. $2,877). Rates for Chalet at the Heights start from €2,200 (approx. $2,370) for 2 people, up to a maximum of 10 people. 72 slmag.net

Ultima Gstaad

Ultima Hotel Gstaad reopens with new wellness concept from augustinus bader, seed to skin and workshop gymnasium / Reopened this past November in time for the 2024/2025 ski season with a brand new wellness offering, Ultima Hotel Gstaad (ultimacollection.com/en/ collections/ultima-gstaad) is one of the most exclusive luxury hotels in the pristine Alpine village of Gstaad. In the heart of the Swiss Alps, this ultra-luxury retreat combines the charm of traditional alpine architecture with contemporary elegance. The property is home to 11 suites and six private residences showcasing a blend of traditional Swiss architecture and modern design, combining ultraluxury amenities, rustic warmth, and state-of-the-art technology to provide a secluded and refined escape. Each suite, reminiscent of a private chalet and designed to make guests feel at home, features lavish marble en-suite bathrooms, walk-in wardrobes, offices, spacious lounges, and modern technology. The new wellness offering at Ultima Hotel Gstaad blends the premium, science-led skincare of Augustinus Bader with organic Seed to Skin treatments from Tuscany. Meanwhile, the experts at Workshop Gymnasium elevate guests' personal well-being journey with personalized fitness experiences for guests. The extensive facilities include a Finnish sauna, steam room, indoor and outdoor jacuzzis, a 15-meter swimming pool, four spa treatment rooms, a double treatment room, a fitness room, and a beauty salon. To refuel after the day's adventures, Ultima Hotel Gstaad Restaurant, headed up by Head Chef Andrea Franceschi, serves seasonal dishes with a focus on local Swiss produce, or guests can head to the heart of Gstaad, known for its gourmet dining scene. This ultra-luxe hotel offers flawless service and alpine elegance just moments away from the main slopes, the ideal destination for skiers, walkers, and mountain lovers. Rates at Ultima Hotel Gstaad start from CHF 1,200 (approx. $1,406) per night, including an a la carte breakfast. sl

THE BEAT GOES ON Seviche celebrates a quarter-century on Bardstown Road. Written by Bridget Williams / Photos courtesy of Seviche

Chef and restaurateur Anthony Lamas, proprietor of Seviche (sevicherestaurant.com), which is celebrating a quarter-century of operation in 2025, says he dreamed of being a professional drummer as a child. While that dream didn't pan out, he's had the opportunity to cook for plenty of musical luminaries and says his restaurant operates much like a band, with each member of his team having to keep the beat during each evening's "performance" to create a dining experience that's nothing short of a sweet symphony. "I'm only as good as my team," he stressed. Lamas says he arrived in Louisville from San Diego in the winter of 1994 with "a couple of flannels, a pair of jeans and my Vans." His move was prompted by a desire to be close to his young son, whose mother is a Louisville native. Lamas, who grew up without his father, said he was resolute that his own son would not have the same experience. "I arrived without a clear plan, but I had my boy, and that's all I needed," Lamas recounted. Three weeks after his arrival, Louisville experienced a historic blizzard, underscoring that Kentucky cuisine wasn't the only thing that differed from California and prompting Lamas to add a heavy coat to his sparse wardrobe. As a chef in California, Lamas' experience was rooted in Pacific Rim-style cooking, which melds French technique with elements of Asian and Hawaiian island cuisines and loads of fresh produce. After

working as a sous-chef at Lilly's and then the Oak Room, he was offered his first Executive Chef role at Timothy's on East Broadway. A self-professed "Latino-mutt," Puerto-Rican / Italian on his father's side and Spanish/Mexican on his mother's side, Lamas said his culinary style has been heavily influenced by heritage and travel. At Timothy's, he had the leeway to start introducing his now iconic take on fusing Southern and Latin cuisines, quickly establishing himself as a chef to watch. Lamas said a significant change from California, where fresh produce is abundant year-round, was learning to cook with the seasons based on what's available locally. He still beams when recalling his first glowing review in the Courier-Journal, penned by Susan Riegler, who, Lamas points out, is still a familiar face in the Seviche dining room. While the accolades sparked his confidence, working for someone else left him feeling like "an artist with one arm." Lamas and a partner opened Jicama on Bardstown Road in 2000, just a month after Lamas married his wife (the couple have since added two more sons to their family); five years in he took over the space, renaming it Seviche. Way back then, Lamas recalls, "No one was doing chimichurri – people referred to it as 'that delicious green sauce.'" Far from shtick, Lamas says that the fusion of Kentucky and Latin cuisines is grounded in the similarity of ingredients such as corn, tomatoes, and greens. One of the most obvious, he pointed out, is that "Southerners have cornbread, Latinas have corn tortillas." slmag.net

Photo by Eric Williams

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During our late afternoon interview, as the staff started gearing up for the evening service, every employee that filed by had an amazingly long tenure for an industry with an eye-popping turnover rate. I asked several of them what keeps them around, and nearly all responded with some version of "I've never been given a reason to leave," which Lamas is exceptionally proud of. While he admits to having his Gordon Ramsey-esque outbursts early in his career at the helm, Lamas said he is glad that the kitchen environment has evolved to be more compassionate and team-oriented and jokes that he can't watch shows like The Bear because it gives him PTSD. He also cites quitting drinking cold turkey a decade ago for giving him clarity and stamina. While not quite regulars, my husband and I have likely eaten our weight in Guacamole a la Mesa (with extra helpings of mojo sauce mixed in) at Seviche and have noticed the same people at the bar on nearly every visit. Such a strong cohort of regulars has meant that approximately sixty percent of the menu is recognizable from day one. What this doesn't amount to, Lamas stresses, is that he is resting on his flavorful laurels. "As a chef-driven restaurant, the Ostiones a la Lamas you order today will taste as delicious as the first time you ordered them, even if that was two decades ago," he explained.

Seviche’s nightly specials list is where Lamas continues to fan the flames of creativity and celebrate the best of what’s local. Seviche's success and longevity, and Lamas' accolades, including being a three-time James Beard Award semi-finalist, have opened numerous doors for Lamas, who recently finished taping his 40th episode of Bar Rescue, where he serves as a culinary expert. For the past nine years, he has partnered with Danny Wimmer to crank out 800 to 1,000 meals a day for the VIP areas at Wimmer's hugely popular music festivals in Louisville and Daytona Beach. He has lent his celebrity touch to food and wine festivals from coast to coast and at local charity events big and small. Seviche's notoriety as Louisville's acclaimed rapper and singer Jack Harlow's favorite local haunt has helped keep the restaurant in the spotlight, constantly being tugged at by openings in nearby NULU. With age comes wisdom, and Lamas has worked hard to achieve a work-life balance, including indulging his passion for restoring historic Volkswagens. Age can also bring about perspective and gratitude, something Lamas exudes in spades. "The City of Louisville fully embraces its restaurant culture, and I am grateful and humbled to have benefitted from this love from day one." sl slmag.net

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SOPHISTICATED SOCIETY

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A Celebration of Science, 6pm, Louisville Science Center; kysciencecenter.org/programs/celebration-of-science St. X Green & Gold Social, 6pm, Omni Louisville; saintx.com/support/green-gold-social Leather, Lace & Timeless Taste, 7pm, Logan Street Market; 721mintit.com Restaurateur’s Gala, Savor at River House; kyra.org Needle and Thread:A Holocaust Memorial in Music, Movement, and Stitches, 7pm, University of Louisville’s University Club Ballroom; jewishlouisville.org/event Maryhurst Bowling for Hope, 6pm, Ken Bowl Lanes; givegab.com/campaigns/bowling-for-hope-2025-i-presented-by-civil-giving Mortgage Bankers Assoc. of Louisville Awards Gala, 6pm,The Olmsted; mbalou.org JA Inspire to Hire, Kentucky Exposition Center; kentuckiana.ja.org/events/index

February

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Imagine! For Francis Parker School, 6pm, Mellwood Art Center; francisparkerlouisville.org/imagine/ Groovy Gala for DeSales, 5:30pm, DeSales High School; desaleshighschool.com St. Albert the Great Viking Gala, 6pm, Louisville Marriott East Louisville Ballet “A Time Remembered” performance + remembrance dinner; louisvilleballet.org/remembrance-dinner/ Wrapped in Red Gala, 6pm, Louisville Marriott Downtown; redcross.org 27th annual Louisville Jewish Film Festival; jewishlouisville.org/the-j/j-arts-ideas/film-festival/ Black History Month Celebration at Gilda's West, 1720 W.Broadway, Suite 205 11:30am-1pm SPARC Hope Gala, Seelbach Hilton; sparc-hope.org/yearly-gala/ RaiseRED Dance Marathon, 6pm, Swain Student Activities Center; raiseRED.org MOLO African Village Gala, 7pm, Muhammad Ali Center; eventbrite.com/e/2025-molo-village-african-gala-tickets-1069097813339 KET February Fanfare: Winter Wonderland, 7pm, The Olmsted; ket.org/event/february-fanfare-2025/ Red Tie Gala, 6pm, Louisville Marriott Downtown; rmhc-kentuckiana.org/redtiegala/ Special Olympics Polar Plunge; soky.org/louisvilleplunge

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Photos by Ashley Stinson

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GILDA’S NIGHT

Douglas Riddle and Chad Cobb of Bittners transformed the parking lot of Gilda’s Club into an elegant event space for the 20th annual Gilda’s Night, chaired by Julie Hohmann. The event honored the six founders of Gilda's Club Kentuckiana: Susan Moremen, Sharon Receveur, Earl Dorsey, Jennifer Lang Cottingham, Lindy B. Street and Dale J. Boden. The event was emceed by Angie Fenton, a member of Gilda’s Club who shared her own journey with cancer.

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1) Hope Entwistle, Taffy Beam 2) Alex Barber, Carrie Jewkes, Tonya Cook 3) Woo Speed, Mark Wourms, Patty Johnson, Jenny Cottingham, Joanne O'Malley 4) Andre and Niki Zdanow 5) Karen Savitz, Liz Tafel, Michele Oberst, Kelly Maxwell 6) Chris Burns, Michael Sugar, Juhee Mian 7) Michelle Hower, Brittney Thompson 8) Julie McDonnell, Julia Falcioni 9) Dr. Sean Murphy, Trish Murphy

Kristen Pawlak, DDCD

Creating Beautiful Homes Throughout Louisviie and the Suuounding Areas

Owner | Interior Designer

Photos by Bill Wine

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DAVIS JEWELERS + DAVID YURMAN

Davis Jewelers hosted a sip & shop event with David Yurman at Angel’s Envy Distillery.

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1) Erica Samelson, Kristen Jensen 2) Steve Breinger, Michele & Don Diffenderfer 3) Becky Jarman, Regional Sales Director at David Yurman Jewelry, Ashley Davis Sigman, Vice-President of Davis Jewelers, Kathy & David Brooks 4) Scarlett Shine, Shae Beckwith, Beth Graham 5) Viki Diaz and Dr. Tami Cassis surveyed the necklace selections. 6) Heather Fleming & Ben Marcum 7) Amy & Greg Taylor 8) Kris & Rocky Rawlins 9) name

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FILLIES FASHION SHOW

The Filles Inc. hosted an evening of dinner, live music by The Crashers, and a fashion show by Carl Meyers & Tom James at the Ice House.

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1) Chelsa Bowles, Mackenzie Schutte 2) Tracy Sturgill, Lisa Lias, Paula Bishop 3) Sandy Merritt, Cherieth Smith, JoAnn Haner, Lauren Stemen 4) Morgan Moore, Jill Ramsey 5) Maggie Kapp, Karen Ogden, Mason Forrest, Darlin Hruska 6) Phyllis Casper, Ollie Jones, Melissa Doggett 7) Sidonna Cox, Wendy Hall 8) Hayley Harrlow, Jane Rudnick 9) Melanie Kernodle, Ally Duncan

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Photos by Chad Henle

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A CELEBRATION OF 65

River Fields celebrated 65th of environmental stewardship with a dinner and a live auction at Locust Grove. Guests were treated to a premiere of a new short video about River Fields by Kertis Creative.

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1) Sarah & Jim Haynes 2) Allan Mauser & Jean West 3) Richard & Bonnie Ciresi, Alan, Bea & Dylan Rosenberg 4) Nancy Naxera, Suzanne Whayne, Terri & Steve Bass 5) Bill & Connie Schleuning 6) Blair Bell, LeeAnn Cunningham 7) Sierrra Enlow, Jessica Harding 8) John & Sally Cunningham

Photos by Chad Henle

SPONSOR 4 SUCCESS

Soledad O'Brien was the guest of honor and keynote speaker at the "Sponsor 4 Success - A Generous Night of Giving Gala" held at the Louisville Water Tower, which exceeded its fundraising goal of $75,000 to benefit underserved youth.

1) Cordelia & Lamont Chandler 2) Butch Moby, Kara Mackey 3) Wesley & Andrea Brown 4) Estella Smith, Wendy Smith, 5) DaMarrion Fleming, Davin Belt 6) Karla Wright, Carla Ogburn 7) Andrea Williams, Melanie Chesser 8) Nicole Yates, Joann James, Dana Johnson, Cheryl Guess

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Photos by Chad Henle

SNOW BALL

This 35th annual black-tie event, held at the Omni Louisville Hotel, raised funds for Norton Children’s Hospital’s neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) at Norton Children’s Hospital, Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital and Norton Clark Hospital.

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1) Chris Toph, Marina Fuchs 2) Marita Willis, Corenza Thompson 3) Davd Ramage, Kathy Cox, Shannon Cogan 4) Andrew & Lindsey Bird, Kristin Mickmillin 5) Tonya Stockhammer, Kristin Shapira, Shane Shaps 6) Rebecca Switzer, Dr. Stephanie Altobellis 7) Dean Brooks, Kris Bryant MD 8) Dr. Helen & Shervin Dashti

Photos by Bill Wine

CELEBRATION OF YPAS

Held at The Pointe, the event celebrated Louisville's Youth Performing Art School with student performances, dinner from the Mayan Cafe, and silent and live auctions.

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1) Kimberly Reyes, Love Eden, Dereon Simpson and Emily Thomas 2) Paul and Brett Friedman with Alyssa and Chris Ashley 3) Kandi Walker,Sandra Rivera, Alyssa Ashley, YPAS Board President Sarah Dewberry and Jessica Siegel 4) YPAS Department Head / Piano Director Lora Ruttan and YPAS teacher/ theater Katie Blackerby 5) Paul and Brett Friedman with Alice Alt and John Broyles 6) Finnegan Broyles, Olivia Haddox, Noah Crase, Milo Kroll and Lena Hanson 7) Brad Lambert and Angie Tobias 8) Jennifer Fuchs with Craig and Colleen Cotham 9) Rachel and David Stack

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Photos by Bill Wine

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LEGACY CELEBRATION

The largest fundraising event of the year for Boys & Girls Haven, the dinner and auction honored the memory philanthropic spirit of Terra Morey Boone and Anne Geher Discher with the presentation of the Nicholas X. Simon Altruism Award.

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1) Amy & Chris Whelan 2) Rebecca Winning and Sahar Gohar 3) Merry Dougherty, Chief Executive Officer Amanda Masterson, Joanne Caridis and Leroy Brown 4) Peggy & Steve Diebold 5) Michael & Kristin Earls with Alex & Jeff Spoelker 6) Nancye & Mark Hinton 7) Kristen & Charles George 8) Jessica & Kevin McCarron 9) Nicole Mertes & Dalton Driesbach

LOUISVILLE

Climb MARCH 23, 2025 | LYNN FAMILY STADIUM HOW TO PARTICIPATE Climb: Climb 984 stairs along Lynn Family Stadium to see the world and yourself from a whole different perspective. Stroll: Enjoy a stroll as we cheer on our climbers, learn about lung health, and enjoy family-friendly activities! This option is great for individuals rehabilitating after an injury, parents with children in a stroller or participants preferring a less-strenuous option.

An After Party featuring food and an Award Ceremony! Fastest Climber in Each Division | Top Fundraising Climbers and Teams in Each Division Grit & Grace Award | Most Spirited Climber and Team | Best Dressed Team | & More!

Thank you to our local sponsors!

www.climblouisville.org

@lungkentucky

Photos by Bill Wine

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BUTTERFLIES IN MOTION

This 10th annual event once again brought together the city’s most generous individuals to create themed tables inspired by movies or TV shows. During the event, it was announced that Kosair for Kids was donating $1M towards the launch of a capital campaign to update the Heuser Hearing Clinic.

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1) Libby Parkinson, Brad Broecker, Debbie Woods 2) Claire Martin, Kyle Klingenfus, Andrea Aram, Allison Zimmerman, Alicia Mercke 3) Kirstin Jackson, Kim McLaren, Ginna Matson, Michelle Black White, Sarah Hook, Mary Sullivan, Judge Lauren Ogden, Mandy Ellinger, Katherine Halloran and Krystal Bronson 4) The Barbie movie theme table 5) Angie Williams, Matthew Biesel, Antje Bishop, Jem Elwood, with Julia and Martha Biesel 6) Mary Ellen Weaver, Peggy Duane, Kay Matton 7) Event auctioneer Elizabeth Monarch with Lonnie Gann 8) Brian & Monique Baker 9) Brad Broecker, Shannon Cogan

Photos by Weasie Gaines

IMPACT 100

The Louisville chapter of Impact100 awarded CASA of the River Region, Granny’s Birth Initiative, Imagination Library of Louisville, Lincoln Foundation, and West End School each with a $100,000 Impact Grant and Central Adult Learn-to-Swim, Kentucky Harvest, and Parks Alliance of Louisville each with a $9,667 Merit Grant for a 2024 total of $529,000 donated to nonprofits in Jefferson County, Kentucky. Impact100 Louisville announced the grant winners at its Annual Awards Event, held this year at The Olmsted. The event also highlighted the $2,058,000 that the Louisville chapter has donated to the local nonprofit community in just five years.

Photos by Yazmin M. Torres

FOUNDER’S DAY LUNCHEON

Nearly 200 hundred people gathered to celebrate and support the Family Community Clinic (FCC) at the organization’s Founder’s Day luncheon Nov. 13. The event honored co-founder Mary Lee Fischer’s milestone birthday and the positive impact the clinic is making in the community. Mary Lee and George Fischer founded the clinic in 2011 when they were in their 70’s, demonstrating it’s never too late to make a difference! Their son and Former Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer spoke at the event, and two of the clinic’s multilingual interpreter volunteers also received award recognitions.

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Impact 100 1) Carol Hensley, Marita Willis 2) Enidza Torres, Laurel Mallory, Maria Gurren, and Nancy Moss-Weir from The Imagination Library, one of the five $100,000 Impact Grant recipients 3) Impact100 Louisville Co-Founder Dani Kannapell, Diane Kyle, Clarice Rogers 4) Kim Hansford (left) and Angela Singla (right) presentingto Arielle Eugene, President of Granny’s Birth Initiative, one of the five $100,000 Impact Grant recipients 5) Impact100 Louisville Co-Founder Carey Goldstein, Kim Heinzen, Skylar Smith

Photos by Bill Wine

TOCQUEVILLE SOCIETY

Kent and Kathy Oyler hosted a cocktail reception at their home for the Metro United Way’s Tocqueville Society. Sponsored by Baird and FORVIS Mazars, Dr. Dawn and Stacey Wade, founders of West End Gin, were the featured speakers. 7

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1) Lauren Coulter, Metro United Way Director Of Individual Giving, Sarah Santee and Lenae Stansky 2) Metro United Way Chief Development Officer Jeremy Jarvi, Metro United Way President and CEO Adria Johnson with Christy and Jerry Henderson 3) Judi Petty, Metro United Way Chief Brand Officer Melody Murphy, Metro United Way Director Of Individual Giving, Sarah Santee, Metro United Way President and CEO Adria Johnson and Metro United Way Director, Development Operation Donna Wooten 4) Metro United Way Director of Corporate Giving Matt Simons and Metro United Way Chief Financial Officer Phillip Bond 5) Daniel Jarboe and event co-host Kent Oyler 6) Event co-host Kent Oyler, Metro United Way President and CEO Adria Johnson and event co-host Kathy Oyler 7) Former Metro United Way President and CEO Joe Tolan, Terry Tolan and Metro United Way Chief Financial Officer Phillip Bond 8) Metro United Way Chief Policy Officer Liz McQuillen and Dr. Karen Cost 9) Metro United Way Chief Brand Officer Melody Murphy and Logan Pichel

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Photos by Tony Bailey

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MUHAMMAD ALI HUMANITARIAN AWARDS

The 11th annual event, which took place 50 years after Muhammad Ali’s famous Rumble in the Jungle fight with George Foreman, celebrates people whose contributions to social justice, human rights, and peacemaking unify communities around the world. Proceeds from this event support the Ali Center’s initiatives, programs, and exhibitions.

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1) Charlot Magayi, founder of Mukuru Clean Stoves received the Core Principle Conviction award 2) Deja Foxx, winner of the Confidence Award 3) Nile Rodgers, winner of the Global Citizen Award 4) Shah Chowdhury winner of the Dedication Award 5) Mohammad Yasir, winner of the Dedication Award 6) Bryan Stevenson, winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award 7) Gabriel Rollins, Muhammad Ali Center Council of Students 8) Dawne Gee, winner of the Kentucky Humanitarian Award 9) Sophia Kianni, winner of the Giving Award

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Photos by Bill Wine

GARDENS GALA

Sponsored by Whittenberg Construction, The Glenview Trust Company, Republic Bank, Suntory Global Spirits, Schmidt Associates, and Margaret & James Bell this cocktail buffet and silent disco event at the Waterfront Botanical Gardens provided guests with a first look at Gardens Aglimmer while supporting the organization’s mission to educate, inspire, and enhance appreciation of the relationship between plant life and a healthy environment.

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1) Tim Corrigan, Kelley Abell and David Huber 2) Kathy Oyler, Board of Directors with Waterfront Botanical Gardens, Kent Oyler and Margaret Bell, Chair of the Waterfront Botanical Gardens Board 3) Scott and Shannon Budnick, Ja and Amy Hillebrand with Clay and Loren Stinnett 4) Frances and Charles Scholtz with Kim Staffieri 5) Logan Pichel, Director of Development for Waterfront Botanical Gardens Lori Kay Scott, Dixie Pichel and Phillip Koester, President and CEO of the Waterfront Botanical Gardens 6) The Waterfront Botanical Gardens pathways featured spectacular light displays. 7) Scott Neff and Michelle Wells 8) Hope Gardiner and Matthew Boone Gardiner, member of the Waterfront Botanical Gardens Board of Directors 9) Lisa and Guthrie Zaring

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Get started by contacting the Foundation today! 502.585.4649 stewardship@cflouisville.org