VOL. 10 NO. 2
Indonesia’s New Artisans The Sporty Side of Barcelona Mayan Spirit in Mexico
California Living Fairmont Unforgettable. Since 1907.
(A guide for the rest of us) #M y C a l i M o m e n t
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CONTENTS
VOL. 10 NO. 2
FAIRMONT M AG A Z I N E
CONNECT WITH FAIRMONT by following this icon to insider tips and exclusive offers for Fairmont Magazine readers. ———
46 CALIFORNIA LIVING We celebrate California at Fairmont’s eight hotels and resorts, from Southern California to the Bay Area. By Renée Morrison
SPECIAL OFFE R ILLUSTRATION: NATHALIE CUSSON (SCOOTER DESIGN INC.)
*PROMOTION EXCLUDES FAIRMONT HERITAGE PLACE, GHIRARDELLI SQUARE. VALID UNTIL APRIL 15, 2016. ONE CREDIT PER ROOM.
Cover Story
Mention #MyCaliMoment at the front desk during your stay at a Fairmont hotel in California and receive a $20 food and beverage credit.*
ON THE COVER: photographer: Neil Mota; stylist: Jay Forest; hair & makeup: Jessica Lablanche; assistant photographer: Kane Ocean; model: Melizanne (Dulcedo); t-shirt: Helmut Lang (at Holt Renfrew); production: Rodeo. THIS PAGE: surf instructor Paul Brandlin; photographer: Xavier Girard-Lachaîne. FA I R M O N T M AG A Z I N E 7
CONTENTS
62
38 Departments 12
COMMUNIT Y 14
PRESIDE NT’S LETTE R
Features
16
CONTRIBUTORS
34
RE FRAMING THE EMIRATES
19
CHECK IN
Award-winning photographer Steve McCurry’s portraits of Arab women present a modern picture of the UAE.
Travel, fashion & lifestyle.
By Jasmin Legatos
Art branches out in Vancouver.
89
CHECK OUT
38
FLEX IN THE CIT Y
Fairmont Connections
Long known for its nightlife, Barcelona is sporting a new reputation as a health and fitness destination.
fea turing
JAK ARTISANS
81
A new generation of makers is turning the Indonesian capital into a home for carefully crafted goods inspired by tradition.
See what’s on the menu at chef Marcus Samuelsson’s Bermuda restaurant.
By Sophie Woodrooffe
86
70
Find out which iconic Fairmont hotels are getting a refresh.
THE SPIRIT OF MAYAKOBA
88
From honeybees to whale sharks to grasshopper gorditas, experiencing the Mayan Riviera means letting nature take the lead. By Joanna Fox
FA I R M O N T M AG A Z I N E 8
Mix up a Pomegranate Paloma with a recipe from Fairmont’s new cocktail menu.
87
PHOTOS: ERICA KNECHT (JAKARTA); ANDRÉ DOYON/RODEO (CANDIES); GUNNAR KNECHTEL (BARCELONA)
62
ISSN 1925-4121
20
News & Promotions
By Natasha Mekhail
In Paris, during the Age of Enlightenment, Pierre Jaquet Droz regularly presented his creations to Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette. Grande Seconde Circled Mother-of-Pearl, ref. J014013227 White mother-of-pearl dial. 18-carat red gold case and ring set with 88 and 248 diamonds. Self-winding mechanical movement. Power Reserve of 68 hours. jaquet-droz.com
COMMUNITY
FAIRMONT GOLD FLOOR PROPERTY
Share Your Memories Check in with us wherever you are.
UNITE D STATES BERKELEY Claremont Club & Spa, A Fairmont Hotel BOSTON Fairmont Copley Plaza
Spending the evening in style & history. @FairmontCopley @natashalarousse
CHICAGO Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park DALLAS Fairmont Dallas
@F a i r m o n t H o t e l s
HAWAII Fairmont Orchid MAUI Fairmont Kea Lani NEWPORT BEACH Fairmont Newport Beach NEW YORK The Plaza, A Fairmont Managed Hotel PITTSBURGH Fairmont Pittsburgh SAN DIEGO Fairmont Grand Del Mar SAN FRANCISCO Fairmont Heritage Place, Ghirardelli Square SAN FRANCISCO Fairmont San Francisco SAN JOSE Fairmont San Jose
Spectacular night! #Fireworks #Summer #Arizona @FairmontScotsdl @twigpic
SANTA FE Fairmont Heritage Place, El Corazon de Santa Fe SANTA MONICA Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows SCOTTSDALE Fairmont Scottsdale Princess SEATTLE Fairmont Olympic Hotel SONOMA Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
Starting the day off right with #brunch at @figsantamonica with family #sundayfunday @FairmontMiramar @sunnyside14
TELLURIDE Fairmont Heritage Place, Franz Klammer Lodge WASHINGTON Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown
CANADA BANFF Fairmont Banff Springs
#Sunrise #Canoe #LakeLouise @FairmontCLL @andr3wz94
CALGARY Fairmont Palliser CHARLEVOIX Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu EDMONTON Fairmont Hotel Macdonald JASPER Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge LAKE LOUISE Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise MONTEBELLO Fairmont Le Ch창teau Montebello MONTREAL Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth MONT TREMBLANT Fairmont Tremblant Great day to hit the pool. #HappyHour @FairmontWhistlr @GoalSpank
OTTAWA Fairmont Ch창teau Laurier QUEBEC CITY Fairmont Le Ch창teau Frontenac TORONTO Fairmont Royal York VANCOUVER Fairmont Pacific Rim
#Fairmont Mag Share your moments using the magazine hashtag and your post may be selected to appear in the next issue.
VANCOUVER Fairmont Hotel Vancouver VANCOUVER Fairmont Vancouver Airport VANCOUVER Fairmont Waterfront VICTORIA Fairmont Empress WHISTLER Fairmont Chateau Whistler
#FairmontLeChateauFrontenac
Spent the afternoon at @ThePlazaHotel and totally had a Princess Mia moment! Perfect setting for princess lessons. @CaseyGalasso
WINNIPEG Fairmont Winnipeg
A week in paradise at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club @PrincessBermuda @daringgourmet @FairmontBeijing
Fantastic location. We look forward to returning to this hotel @FairmontDubai @PALMSTAR_London
Amazing dinner @FairmontStA clubhouse. Excellent staff, cuisine & best views of St Andrews/sunset. @FairmontStA @ScottishPA
COMMUNITY
ASIA BALI Fairmont Sanur Beach, Bali BEIJING Fairmont Beijing JAIPUR Fairmont Jaipur #Kite #Beach #Fun @FairmontSanur @thenaturalcook
JAKARTA Fairmont Jakarta KUNSHAN Fairmont Yangcheng Lake MAKATI CITY, MANILA Fairmont Makati NANJING Fairmont Nanjing SHANGHAI Fairmont Peace Hotel SINGAPORE Fairmont Singapore
MEXICO, CARIBBEAN AND BE RMUDA
What a relaxing view over the bay of Monaco from the Fairmont. #Luxury #Hotel @FairmontMC @olielo_travels
BARBADOS Fairmont Royal Pavilion
#K22 soft opening today at @FairmontJakarta @carvenyang
HAMILTON Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, A Fairmont Managed Hotel RIVIERA MAYA Fairmont Mayakoba SOUTHAMPTON Fairmont Southampton
EUROPE BAKU Fairmont Baku, Flame Towers BARCELONA Fairmont Rey Juan Carlos I, Barcelona I really appreciate the new marina here at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club. Look how well my boat fits now! @PrincessBermuda @MikeGasior
HAMBURG Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten, Hamburg KIEV Fairmont Grand Hotel Kyiv LONDON The Savoy, A Fairmont Managed Hotel MONTE CARLO Fairmont Monte Carlo
You’ll find me under the palm trees. @FairmontBAB @elle.by.l
MONTREUX Fairmont Le Montreux Palace ST ANDREWS Fairmont St Andrews
Site visit to the upcoming #FairmontCitystars SharmElSheikh @FairmontHotels
MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA ABU DHABI Fairmont Bab Al Bahr AJMAN Fairmont Ajman CAIRO Fairmont Heliopolis CAIRO Fairmont Towers, Heliopolis
Spending time behind the scenes with the Fairmont team in #Cairo #Egypt @FairmontNileCi
CAIRO Fairmont Nile City
IN DEVE LOPMENT
DUBAI Fairmont Dubai
AMMAN Fairmont Amman
DUBAI Fairmont The Palm
AUSTIN Fairmont Austin
MAKKAH Fairmont Makkah Clock Royal Tower
CHENGDU Fairmont Chengdu
MASAI MARA Fairmont Mara Safari Club
FUJAIRAH Fairmont Fujairah
MOUNT KENYA Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club
ISTANBUL Fairmont Quasar Istanbul
NAIROBI Fairmont The Norfolk
MOSCOW Fairmont Pekin Moscow
ZIMBALI Fairmont Zimbali Lodge
RIYADH Fairmont Riyadh
ZIMBALI Fairmont Zimbali Resort
SHARM EL SHEIKH Fairmont Citystars
FOR RESERVATIONS
TAIYUAN Fairmont Taiyuan
PHOTOS: INSTAGRAM, TWITTER
Sharm el Sheikh Jet lag has me up at 3:30am... prime time for my own “private” #gym. @FairmontSG #WomenWhoLift #Singapore @sylvia_nardone
PLEASE VISIT FAIRMONT.COM
Gotta love the rooftop lounge #FairmontPeaceHotel @DougLCarr
@TheSavoyLondon #FairmontBabAlBahr
#FairmontTowersHeliopolis
PRESIDENT’S LETTER
Dear Readers,
A very warm welcome to Fairmont
and thank you for checking in with us. In this issue we bring you the blue skies, beach waves and endless sunshine that California is known for, as only Fairmont Hotels & Resorts can. After all, Fairmont was born in California and is synonymous with life in the Golden State. For a taste of the true
California lifestyle, this issue takes you to our eight statespanning Fairmont properties, from the wine-rich Sonoma Valley to the beaches of Santa Monica. With expert advice on everything from achieving a flawless glow to skillfully upgrading your tennis serve, allow us to be your guide to all that is California cool. We would also like to introduce you to our two recent additions. The first is one of America’s most distinguished hotels, Fairmont Grand Del Mar in San Diego, set amidst the natural
beauty
of Los Peñasquitos Canyon
Preserve. The second puts the Fairmont touch on a true US icon, the muchanticipated Claremont Club & Spa, A Fairmont Hotel. Opened exactly 100 years
CA LI FOR NI A MOM ENT Instagram or tweet
ago, this architectural landmark has been a prominent symbol in the Bay Area community for generations. As a steward of some of the world’s most historical hotels, including New York’s The Plaza and The Savoy in London, Fairmont is honored to restore and preserve this historic hotel for the next gen-
yourself, as Jennifer has,
eration of travelers. The results of its multi-million-dollar investment are absolutely
with our special California
incredible and we cannot wait for our guests to cross the Golden Gate bridge for
edition, using the hashtag
#M y C ali M om e nt The most creative entries will be published in the next issue of Fairmont Magazine.
a visit. While we’ve put a spotlight on California in this issue, the magazine is also packed with much more to inspire your sense
of adventure.
Wherever that next journey takes you, make it count.
Jennifer Fox President, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts F A I R M O N T M A G A Z I N E 14
PHOTO: XAVIER GIRARD-LACHAÎNE (INSTAGRAM)
SHOW US YOUR
UNCOMPROMISED PERFORMANCE FOR HOME COOKS AND CHEFS ALIKE SINCE 1925
Cookware | Bakeware | Tableware | Accessories
National Account Manager, High Net Worth Media
CONTRIBUTORS President, Content Marketing Raymond Girard
Executive Vice President, Content Marketing
VOL. 10 NO. 2 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Natasha Mekhail fairmontmagazine@spafax.com
EDITOR I A L
Neil Mota P H O T O G R A P H E R Montreal, Canada-based photographer Neil Mota has snapped fashionable people and products for clients that include Sid Lee, Sony, ELLE and Experience, Bombardier’s private jet magazine. Mota drew on his 15 years of fashion and beauty portraiture for his first Fairmont Magazine assignment, turning his camera on California living (cover and p. 46). Fresh off a family trip to New York City, Mota is still experiencing wanderlust: “I would love to go to Africa next.”
Associate Editor EVE THOMAS
Renée Morrison
French Editor VIOLAINE CHARESTSIGOUIN
DIGITAL EDITOR When she’s not at work on Fairmont Magazine, Renée Morrison is busy as a writer and editor for Mercedes-Benz magazine, Expe rience and enRoute magazine online. For “California Living” (p. 46) she traveled to the Golden State to investigate the enviable West Coast lifestyle, sipping an equal number of green juices and craft cocktails in between surf and yoga sessions. “The clichéd Californian might not exist, but I definitely had fun trying to become one,” she says.
Digital Editor RENÉE MORRISON Editorial Intern KYLE MOONEY Copy Editor MELISSA EDWARDS Fact Checker TARA DUPUIS Proofreader JANE PAVANEL ART Art Director GUILLAUME BRIÈRE Graphic Designer MARIE-EVE DUBOIS Photo Researcher JULIE SAINDON
Production Director JOELLE IRVINE Production Manager JENNIFER FAGAN CONTR IBUTOR S
Steve McCurry
Erica Knecht
PHOTOGRAPHER Since the release of “Afghan Girl,” Steve McCurry’s iconic 1984 National Geographic cover photo, the Philadelphia native’s photojournalism has earned him an unprecedented four first-prize World Press Photo awards, among other industry accolades. This issue of Fairmont Magazine showcases images from his recent 7 Princesses exhibit in Dubai (p. 34) – a stunning collection depicting powerful Emirati women from a photographer famous for capturing the humanity of his subjects.
PHOTOGRAPHER Jet-setting photographer Erica Knecht was only too eager to capture the art and artisans of her adopted home of Indonesia for “Jakartisans” (p. 62). “This place has stolen my heart,” Knecht says – quite a statement for someone who has lived in seven countries, including India and Japan. While admittedly charmed by the capital city, Knecht was also enchanted by the simpler life while visiting the Java Mountain Coffee plantation. “My big-city kids were fascinated by rural life.”
Amelie Beaulieu, Nathalie Cusson, Robert Dennis, André Doyon, Jay Forest, Joanna Fox, Xavier Girard-Lachaîne, Shinan Govani, Erica Knecht, Gunnar Knechtel, Dominique Lafond, Jasmin Legatos, Steve McCurry, Neil Mota, Tinashe Musara, Hilary Phelps, Marielou Théorêt, Laurent Valencia, Annie Vickers, Sophie Woodrooffe © Copyright 2015 by Spafax Canada Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission of the publisher is prohibited. Fairmont Magazine is published twice per year by Spafax Canada Inc. Points of view expressed do not necessarily represent those of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject all advertising matter. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return or safety of unsolicited art, photographs or manuscripts. Printed in Canada.
F A I R M O N T M A G A Z I N E 16
mimi.quaile@spafax.com
Sales Account Specialist Michelle Richardson michelle.richardson
Nino Di Cara
@spafax.com
Senior Vice President, Content Strategy
Sales Assistant
Arjun Basu
Kelly Basdeo kelly.basdeo@spafax.com
Senior Director, South America Business Development Spafax Medios Y and Client Strategy Publicidad Ltda. Courtney MacNeil
Senior Strategist, Luxury and Lifestyle Brands Christal Agostino
Account Manager, Luxury and Lifestyle Brands Celyn HardingJones
ASI A SINGAPOR E Spafax Airline Network Pte, Ltd.
Deborah Mogelberg deborah.mogelberg @spafax.com
A DVERTISING PRODUCTION Ad Production Manager Mary Shaw mary.shaw@spafax.com
Production and Circulation Coordinator Stephen Geraghty
Geraldine Lee
stephen.geraghty
geraldine.lee@spafax.com
@spafax.com
EUROPE LONDON Spafax Inflight Media Phil Peachey
phil.peachey@spafax.com
MIDDLE EAST DUBAI Spafax Dubai
Nick Hopkins nick.hopkins@spafax.com
NORTH A MER ICA CANADA Media Director
Laura Maurice
PRODUCTION
Mimi Quaile
laura.maurice@spafax.com
National Sales Manager
SPAFAX.COM Toronto 2 Bloor Street East, Suite 1020 Toronto, ON M4W 1A8 Canada +1 416 350 2425 Fax +1 416 350 2440 Montreal 4200 Saint-Laurent Blvd., Suite 707 Montreal, QC H2W 2R2 Canada +1 514 844 2001 Fax +1 514 844 6001
Chief Executive Officer, Spafax Niall McBain
Tracy Miller
Executive Vice President, Media
tracy.miller@spafax.com
Katrin Kopvillem
FRHI HOTELS & RESORTS
Vice President, Public Relations & Partnerships Alexandra Blum
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer William R. Fatt
Manager, Public Relations & Partnerships
President & Chief Operating Officer
Kaitlynn Furse
President, International & Fairmont Brand
Patricia Courtney
Michael Glennie
Jennifer Fox
Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer Michelle Crosby
Senior Vice President, Marketing Sean Taggart
Vice President, Fairmont Brand Jane Mackie
Coordinator, Public Relations Administrative Assistant to the President International & President Fairmont Brand Sue Moore
FRHI Hotels & Resorts RBC Centre, 155 Wellington St. W., Suite 3300 Toronto, ON M5V 0C3 Canada +1 416 874 2600, fairmont.com, frhi.com
VOL . 10 NO. 2
FAIRMONT MAGAZINE
CHECK IN T R AV E L , FA S H I O N & L I F E S T Y L E
CONNECT Save on your next stay at Fairmont Monte Carlo, p. 88. ———
MONAC O
Must Sea
PHOTO: LAURENT VALENCIA
W H AT ’ S I N S I D E
Gourmet Candy ( P. 20), Stackable Jewelry ( P. 22), Tomboy Chic ( P. 23), Nairobi Street Style ( P. 24), Cycling Getaways ( P. 26), Ginger Skincare ( P. 27), High-Tech Ski Gear ( P. 28), Sleep Tips ( P. 29), Tequila Grows Up ( P. 30), Chef Marcus Samuelsson ( P. 31), D.C. Road Trip ( P. 32) F A I R M O N T M A G A Z I N E 19
Walk into the neo-baroque Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, on its cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, and you might feel as though you’ve stepped back into the time of Jacques Cousteau and his pioneering marine expeditions. The legendary explorer was the museum’s director from 1957 to 1988, helping to curate a collection that includes over 6,000 aquatic specimens on display in painstaking recreations of their natural habitats. You’ll also find a rotating display of ocean-inspired artwork, of which past insta llations have i ncluded Da m ien H i rst’s vitrine- enclosed sharks and an enormous octopus by Huang Yong Ping. In the permanent collection, peruse fossils, pearls and model ships collected by founder Prince Albert I on his oceanographic explorations between 1885 and 1915. And, in the Whale Room, climb to the mezzanine to stand eye-to-eye with a collection of suspended sea mammal skeletons, among them a fin whale weighing 2.8 tons. Renée Morrison
—
CHECK IN
THE DISH
Candy Crush The gummy bear gets a grown-up makeover at these gourmet candy shops. By Eve Thomas Photo by André Doyon
ASSISTANT PHOTOGRAPHER: MARIELOU THÉORÊT; PRODUCTION: RODEO
F
rom designer donuts to the cupcake craze, it’s clear a sweet tooth doesn’t have to stop at childhood – and now candy makers are catering to full-sized tastes. Dylan’s Candy Bar helped pave the way in 2001, when Dylan Lauren (daughter of designer Ralph) opened the brand’s New York City flagship, which now welcomes about 2.5 million visitors a year – including bridal parties and baby showers – stocking over 7,000 types of treats, from lollipops to licorice, as well as candy-themed cosmetics, clothing and jewelry. In California, Sugarfina’s stores look more like Tiffany boutiques than sweet shops, with pretty blue boxes showcasing 24k-gold-dipped marshmallows and cordials bursting with single malt Scotch. Over in Canada, newcomer Squish stocks over 100 crowd-pleasing gummies packed with big-kid flavors like mulled wine and chili pepper (pictured: cherrywatermelon hearts). They also tick dietary boxes with select confections certified organic, vegan and GMO-free. What a sweet idea!
CONNECT Plan a sweet wedding spread with Fairmont, p. 82. ———
dylanscandybar.com; sugarfina.com; squishcandies.com
FA I R M O N T M AG A Z I N E 20
6:37PM The moment you toasted new friends and old favorites. Experience what happens when elite Fairmont mixologists join forces to craft a cocktail menu. Visit our bar and lounge, and let us serve you a refreshing new idea or two from around the world. See how the classics were reborn at fairmontcocktails.com
CHECK IN
T R AV E L O G U E
01 01 BIRKS Muse ribbon bangle in 18k gold, US$2,700, birks.com 02 – 04
02
TIFFANY T square bracelet in 18k rose gold, US$5,000; T cutout cuff in 18k yellow gold and white ceramic, US$8,500; Atlas hinged bangle in 18k rose
03
gold, US$6,800, tiffany.com
04
05 TORY BURCH Logo bangle in gold, US$95, toryburch.com 06 – 07
05
BLEU COMME LE CIEL
06
US$350; rose gold bangle, US$165, bleucommeleciel.com
Mixed Metal
07
Once a fashion faux pas, these stackable bangles and cuffs prove that the rules around matching metallics have lightened up. Photo by André Doyon FA I R M O N T M AG A Z I N E 22
STYLIST: TINASHE MUSARA/FOLIO; ASSISTANT PHOTOGRAPHER: MARIELOU THÉORÊT; PRODUCTION: RODEO
Silver bangle,
CHECK IN
ACCENTS
UNO DE 50 The Pearl of Guadalquivir ring, US$125, unode50.com ORIGINAL BTC Large globe pendant lamp, US$1,498, anthropologie.com
BURBERRY Brit Rhythm Eau de Toilette, US$64, sephora.com
CONNECT Shop London’s best looks with a stay at The Savoy, p. 84. ———
SWIMS Windsor trench, US$539, swims.com
PRETTY BALLERINAS Ella black snake moccasin, US$240, prettyballerinas.com
His for Her London ladies skip the dresses in favor of tailored looks borrowed from the boys.
SAINT LAURENT FW15
NUDESTIX Magnetic Eye Color in Moon, US$24, nudestix.com
The Beaufort Bar at The Savoy, A Fairmont Managed Hotel
TIFFANY & CO. CT60 Chronograph 42 mm watch in stainless steel on black alligator strap, US$6,750, tiffany.com
MARC JACOBS Enamored Hi-Shine Nail Lacquer n°134 Lola, US$18, marcjacobs.com
DEVI KROELL Beluga metallic gold crocodile clutch, US$11,000, devikroell.com
FA I R M O N T M AG A Z I N E 23
KOMONO Vivien sunglasses in Black Gold, US$60, komono.com
CHECK IN
STREET VIEW
NOMADIC MA ASAI MARKET
The Village Market
Limuru Road at The Village Market
CONNECT
NU
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UN
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DN
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AV E
LA GE
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Stay at one of Nairobi’s most stylish addresses, p. 85. ———
UN
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Fairmont The Norfolk
D N
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K A ZURI BEADS The Village Market
LI M
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ME DITE RRANEO G IG IRI
Kenya Cool Fashion designer Sonu Sharma and her looks from the runway
Tap into Nairobi’s modern style scene with shopping picks by Sonu Sharma, fashion designer and founder of Kenya Worldwide Fashion Week. Interview by Renée Morrison
S
onu Sharma always knew that fashion was her calling, and after moving from Delhi to Nairobi nine years ago, she assumed the role of ambassador to Kenya’s budding fashion scene, launching in 2010 what would become Kenya Worldwide
Fashion Week. For her own label, Just Like That Ltd, Sharma creates modern looks using traditional African textiles. It’s all about mixing over matching , she says: “Nairobi is a melting pot of cultures, and that’s reflected in our fashion.”
FA I R M O N T M A G A Z I N E 24
United Nations Crescent at United Nations Avenue
Find the Maasai Market at The Village Market on Fridays and at various other locations throughout the week.
KAZURI Beaded necklace by @lizbriggsdesigns, etsy.com
BE ST FOR
One-of-a-Kind Souvenirs “The Maasai Market is the best place to find African artifacts and curios in Nairobi. Its name comes from a Kenyan tribe, but it stocks items such as clothing, bedding and ornaments from all over Africa. Artisans often pick up on mass-produced trend items and create their handmade alternatives: beautiful leather bags, shoes, tablecloths, bowls, candle holders. It’s the perfect spot for picking out a unique gift – or a souvenir of your own.”
BE ST FOR
PHOTOS: GABRIELLE TAVER DE JESUS (MAASAI MARKET); PRAISE SANTOS (STREET STYLE)
Beaded Jewelry “Kazuri, which means ‘small and beautiful’ in Swahili, makes some of my all-time favorite accessories. Their beaded necklaces and bracelets are so colorful but can be worn with almost every outfit, dressed down or dressed up. What’s more, all the beads are made with fair-trade ceramic and painted by hand, so a Kazuri piece is more than just a piece of jewelry – it’s like a little piece of Kenya.”
ZABBADESIGNS African Ankara print shoes, zabbadesigns.com
BE ST FOR
Bold Outfits “My love of African fabrics with bright colors and bold patterns always attracts me to local talents. Muhoho Kenyatta, the president’s son, runs a fashion label called Nomadic, which mainly caters to the younger crowd. It’s all about comfy, eye-catching pants made from printed cotton Kanga fabric.” BE ST FOR
Post-Market Mealtime “After a long day of shopping, I like to dine on the patio at Mediterraneo Gigiri, which has great Italian cuisine, whatever you’re craving. The restaurant’s warm decor really makes you feel like you’re on the streets of Florence, and the seafood, pasta and vintage wine list are excellent. My favorite dish is the Petto di Pollo alla Kiev: a fried, garlic-butter-stuffed chicken breast served with mashed potatoes.” FA I R M O N T M AG A Z I N E 25
Kenya Worldwide Fashion Week brings out local street style, like these looks snapped at jewelry brand Soko’s storefront during Nairobi Fashion Market.
CHECK IN
THRILL SEEKER
The Wheel Deal
CONNECT Explore Fairmont’s BMW bike-loan program, p. 84. ———
Discover your next destination by bike with these tips from Fairmont insiders. By Renée Morrison
THE TIPS BEIJING “The Biking Tour of the Hutongs smartphone app from Fairmont Beijing has an audio option, so you can sit back and take in the moment while listening to a description of streets and markets during a two-, four- or six-hour tour.”
THE G EAR
Apple Fu, Chief Concierge, Fairmont Beijing Store snacks or maps in a lightweight tote that hooks onto your bike rail and detaches with the touch of a button. MEC Division Pannier/Tote, US$57, mec.ca
BALI “My favorite bike trail is the three-mile-long beach path from Matahari Terbit Beach to Mertasari Beach. Try it early in the morning – Sanur is famous for its magical sunrises, which earned it the nickname Morning of the World.”
Cycle in style while protecting your eyes from UV rays. Lacoste Neon Sunglasses, US$136, lacoste.com
Keep your smartphone accessible but securely mounted to the handlebar or stem of your bike. Delta Bicycle Smartphone Holder, US$25, deltacycle.com
Ideal for both busy urban streets and scenic trails, the BMW Cruise Bike offers a smooth ride thanks to its efficient design and Suntour suspension system.
50 THE STAT
Percentage of citizens who cycle to work in Copenhagen, the world’s most bike-friendly city.
Gde Wirama, Guest Services Manager, Fairmont Sanur Beach, Bali
VANCOUVER “Starting at Fairmont Pacific Rim, cycle south on Burrard Street, which leads you over the Burrard Street Bridge. At the other end, stop to look behind you for a clear view of downtown Vancouver.” Vanessa Voss, Bike Butler, Fairmont Pacific Rim
FA I R M O N T M AG A Z I N E 26
PHOTO: CHRIS CRAYMER (PEOPLE)
THE TRE ND
IN BALANCE
CHECK IN
CONNECT Try ginger in four zingy Fairmont cocktails, p. 85. ———
Ginger Snap Kick your beauty routine up a notch with a daily dose of ginger. By Eve Thomas Photo by André Doyon
TRY IT OUT 01 GO ENERGY FOR THE SKIN Ginger Face Serum, US$30, gogingerpeople.com 02 KERSTIN FLORIAN Ginger Bath & Body Oil, US$56, kerstinflorian.com
W
hen it comes to superfoods, ginger is as powerful as it is piquant. Whether you’re slicing it into a stir-fry or steeping it in hot water, Zingiber officinale has health benefits that range from breath freshener to digestion aid. So it’s no surprise that the versatile root also works wonders when applied externally. “Ginger brings a warming, invigorating effect to the skin, which leads to improved blood circulation,” explains Thea Nuang, director at Fairmont Singapore’s Willow Stream Spa, which uses the root in a body scrub and massage oil as part of its Ginger Renewal treatment. The team behind The Ginger People took the ingredient’s f lexibility to heart when they expanded their 25-year-old range of zesty ginger chews and sodas to include
03 SAJE NATURAL WELLNESS The King & I Refreshing Body Lotion (200mL), US$23, saje.ca
01
02
03
the beauty brand GO, calling it “the first skin care line to improve skin circulation.” Cleansers, serums and healing balms combine organic ginger essential oil and ginger extract, along with other powerful ingredients, including antimicrobial tamanu oil, and willow bark, a natural form of salicylic acid. The best part about adding ginger to your beauty routine? Its sweet, spicy scent. For maximum aromatherapy, try it head to toe with The King and I body lotion from Saje Natural Wellness or Kerstin Florian’s Ginger Bath & Body Oil. Top it all off with OGX’s repairing shampoo, which contains Hawaiian awapuhi ginger. Ginger is a natural hair softener and is said to stimulate hair growth, so expect results that get right down to the roots.
F A I R M O N T M A G A Z I N E 27
CHECK IN
TOOL KIT
MEASURE TRACE The Action Sports Tracker mounts onto your skis or board to measure speed, turns, distance and airtime, then sends the results to your smartphone so you can track your progress, US$200, traceup.com
CONNECT Hit the slopes at Fairmont ski destinations, including Banff, Canada, p. 82. ———
Snow Pro
LISTE N POC Receptor Bug Communication Audio Helmet lets you set the soundtrack to your next descent with a smartphonecompatible remote control and powerful Beats by Dr. Dre speakers, US$230, pocsports.com
Ski season just got a lot cooler with high-tech gadgets designed for the slopes. By Renée Morrison
CUSTOMIZE
CAPTURE
FOLSOM custom skis are handmade in Colorado according to your ski style, which is determined via a thorough online questionnaire or even a video analysis of your skills, US$900 and up, folsomskis.com
ZEAL HD Camera Goggle records 1080-pixel, HDquality video of your most impressive moves while offering 100-percent UV protection via antifog lenses, US$399, zealoptics.com
PROTECT SEIRUS HeatTouch Torche Component Gloves keep hands toasty by providing up to six hours of warmth through a battery-charged Flexible Fusion heat panel, US$395, seirus.com
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THREE STEPS
CONNECT Have your best rest at home with Fairmont linens and pillows, p. 85. ———
Sleep on It
BIO London, UK-based writer Harriet Griffey is a trained nurse and the author of numerous books, including I Want to Sleep and I Want to be Calm (available at select Fairmont hotels). Of her own sleep habits, she admits, “I go everywhere with earplugs and a hot water bottle, even when I visit friends.” PHOTO: DAVIES AND STARR (I WANT TO SLEEP)
harrietgriffey.com
Get a good night’s rest, even when on the go, with help from author and sleep expert Harriet Griffey. By Eve Thomas 01
02
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Forget the frills
Check your tech
Build up to bedtime
If you’re flying overnight, get a window seat (away from the bustling aisle) and forego all in-flight entertainment, even meals, in favor of shut-eye. You’ll be thankful when you land – at which point Griffey recommends staying as close as possible to the schedule of your new destination. “Take a walk in the daylight, then go to bed early.”
While some experts ban laptops and smartphones from t he b e d ro om completely, Griffey says audio-based sleep and meditation apps can be great for snoozing. Just put them on a timer so they don’t wake you up later, and don’t e x p o s e y o u r s e l f t o l i g ht from digital screens (which interferes with melatonin production) late at night.
“People will say, ‘I had warm m i l k a nd a l avender bat h , but still can’t sleep. What am I doing wrong?’ You have to look at the 24-hour cycle, not just the hours before bed,” says Griffey. That means paying attention to factors like diet and exercise throughout the day – and being patient while awaiting results. “Don’t forget, it takes time to recalibrate.”
FA I R M O N T M AG A Z I N E 29
CHECK IN
THE DRINK
Tequila 101 Learn to appreciate the mature side of Mexico’s famed spirit. By Eve Thomas
sommelier (who can also help pair your meal with over 200 types of tequila, in place of wine). Or go ahead and order a cocktail like the Pomegranate Paloma or a classic margarita, served over ice. After all, there’s really no wrong way to drink tequila, whether you sip it or shake it up, but knowing where it comes from – and how to spot quality – will help you appreciate this complex spirit all the more. FA I R M O N T M A G A Z I N E 30
CONNECT Try out Fairmont’s Pomegranate Paloma recipe, p. 88. ———
PHOTO: STOCKFOOD/VINCENT NOGUCHI PHOTOGRAPHY
P
ut down that shot glass. Unplug the blender. Tequila is having its moment, but you’ll need to set aside the college-party clichés if you want to savor the Mexican spirit like a pro. First off, learn the lingo. Tequila comes from agave, an aloe-like plant that must grow for at least eight years before it can be harvested by specially trained jimadores. If a label reads 100-percent de agave, that means nothing is added that could affect color or flavor. Meanwhile, a tequila’s maturation is signaled by reposado, for those aged up to a year in wooden barrels or tanks, or añejo, for those aged up to three years. For example, after 14 months in American oak, a bottle of Casamigos Añejo will pick up hints of spice, caramel and vanilla, as well as a light amber hue (making it a favorite of Casamigos co-founder George Clooney). Another vital tasting note: When you’re ready for that very first sip, skip the salt and lime. Tequila fans treat the spirit like a fine whiskey, serving it neat and at room temperature. Try a tasting f light at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess’s Mexican restaurant, La Hacienda, put together by a dedicated tequila
CHECK IN
QUESTIONNAIRE
What’s Cooking? Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson dishes on bucket lists, Bob Marley and Bermudian pepper sauce. Interview by Eve Thomas BEST WAY TO GET TO KNOW A CITY — I love biking
around. You can do as much research as you want, but you’ve got to get off the tour bus and get in and DO! That list in your phone doesn’t mean anything unless you check it off. MY NEXT VACATION IS — In London. It’s so international, and in that way it reminds me of New York. I always learn something when I visit. CONNECT I love going to Shoreditch, and the parks there are Find out really beautiful. what’s on the WHEN TRAVELING, I WEAR — Something with menu at pockets, and definitely something I can sleep in. Marcus’, p. 81. ——— It’s all about comfort. WHAT’S IN MY CARRY-ON — My iPad, work stuff, good travel magazines. I also like to look at content from Africa, like Afripedia, so I’m always learning. JET-LAG REMEDY — Even when I’m beyond tired, I try to push through with a run and an ice-cold shower. FAVORITE CITY — That’s hard. I would say New York, but I also love Tokyo because there is a sense of it operating 24 hours. I’ve been so many times but I still haven’t eaten through all the cuisines. FAVORITE MUSEUM — MoMA, because I spent so much time working right across the street at Aquavit. I also like the Studio Museum in Harlem. BEST SHOPPING — Some Western cities all become the same mall, but in African cities like Joburg or Addis you get the brands from Paris and London, and the young community is also adding their own tribe colors. Africa vintage! BEST PLACE TO PEOPLE WATCH — Nothing beats Lenox Avenue in Harlem. There are tons of style cues.
Chef Marcus Samuelsson at Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, A Fairmont Managed Hotel
FAVORITE FOOD SOUVENIR — I love pickles and hot sauces. They always give a sense of what was there before. DREAM TRAVEL COMPANION — It would be really fun to travel with Bob Marley. I would get to listen to him perform, hear his philosophy and play soccer with him. We would probably miss a lot of planes. I don’t know if he would show up on time, but we would have a lot of fun at the airport. FAVORITE BERMUDA FOOD DISCOVERY — Can’t beat the sherry pepper sauce! We have it in a couple of dishes at Marcus’, and in a cocktail, too. BEST PLACE IN BERMUDA TO TAKE A SELFIE — On a fishing boat, of course! It’s beautiful everywhere in Bermuda so there’s always a great background for a photo.
BIO Born in Ethiopia, raised in Sweden and based in New York, celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson is the author of the memoir Yes, Chef, a judge on Chopped and the newest face at Bermuda’s Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, A Fairmont Managed Hotel, where he helms Marcus’ restaurant. marcusbermuda.com
F A I R M O N T M A G A Z I N E 31
Annapolis; Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown (left)
DAY T R I P
9:00 AM
The State House START THE DAY by letting the chefs pack a picnic for you at Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown. Then it’s a quick drive to Annapolis, Maryland (about 35 miles from the hotel), as part of Cadillac and Fairmont’s curated road trips program. The State House (left) is a great meeting place for groups – you can spot its dome almost anywhere in town – and a perfect way to begin a trip through US history. It is the oldest state capitol still in continuous legislative use, and, to this day, the dome is held together entirely with wooden pegs and iron straps. msa.maryland.gov; fairmont.com/fscapesdc
Spinnaker racing
Capitol Idea See the sites beyond Washington, D.C. in this road trip through American history. By Hilary Phelps
US Naval Academy
10:00 AM
Old Town Alexandria
“Swimmers,” Kathy Beynette, at the Torpedo Factory Art Center
F A I R M O N T M A G A Z I N E 32
THIS HISTORIC Virginia neighborhood by the Potomac River is a great spot for antiquing and early American architecture, as well as for modern draws, including the Torpedo Factory Art Center – home to the largest collection of publicly accessible artist studios in the country. Check out the 82 studios and six galleries, then head to Carlyle House Historic Park to enjoy your Fairmont picnic (available through in-room dining). torpedofactory.org; visitalexandriava.com
PHOTOS: ROBERT DENNIS (GEORGETOWN, FAIRMONT, MOUNT VERNON, FOUNTAIN); KATHY BEYNETTE/TORPEDO (PAINTING); ALAMY (SPINNAKER); MOUNT VERNON LADIES’ ASSOCIATION (ACTS OF CONGRESS)
12 :00 PM
THE UNDERGRADUATE college of the US Navy is a Maryland must-see, offering a rare glimpse of the midshipmen’s vigorous daily routine and noontime formation, but be sure to take your passport – everyone 18-plus needs photo ID to get on the “yard.” Head to the Herndon Monument, an obelisk-shaped memorial that is central to the Plebe Recognition Ceremony. Take a boat tour down the Severn River and you will be treated to the best views of the harbor and spinnaker sailboat races. usna.edu; cruisesonthebay.com
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DAY T R I P
2 :00 PM
Mount Vernon DELVING INTO the life and times of George Washington, America’s first president, means more than a history lesson. Entrance to Mount Vernon, the most-visited historic estate in the country, grants you access to attractions and activities, including the main mansion (where original furniture remains), a distillery (where Washington made whiskey), a pioneer farm (with live demonstrations) and the Tombs, the final resting place of George and Martha Washington. To complete the experience, dine at the inn’s restaurant where dishes are inspired by early American cuisine. Try the peanut soup! mountvernon.org
The Mansion at Mount Vernon; The Acts of Congress
6:00 PM
3
WAY S T O GORGE LIKE GEORGE
CONNECT Recreate this D.C. road trip with Cadillac and Fairmont, p. 84. ———
01 ANDREW’S BBQ JOINT Washington famously mentioned “a Barbecue” in a 1769 diary entry. Sample the best of it at this Union Market eatery. andrewevansbbqjoint.com Honey Wheat Walnut Bread
02 ART AND SOUL The buttermilk pancakes at this Capitol Hill hotspot are a savory
Loggia Lounge FOR A SWEET evening, park the car and retreat to Fairmont’s Loggia Lounge, overlooking the lush courtyard, and enjoy two hotel specialties: Honey Wheat Walnut Bread and the BeeTini, each made with honey from the rooftop hives. Located in the city’s West End, the hotel isn’t just a part of history, it’s where history is made. Keep an eye out for visiting heads of state (and Hollywood celebrities). fairmont.com/washington F A I R M O N T M A G A Z I N E 33
salute to the Mount Vernon staple. artandsouldc.com 03 PIE SISTERS OF GEORGETOWN Taste the founding father’s favorite fruit in a slice of cherry pie at this family-owned bakery. BeeTini
piesisters.com
Reframing the Emirates Steve McCurry’s visual profiles of women
present a modern picture of the UAE. By Jasmin Legatos
For more than 30 years, photographer Steve McCurry has brought the world haunt-
ing portraits of war, conflict, ancient cultures, vanishing traditions and contemporary society. His work, notably his 1985 cover of National Geographic depicting an Afghani girl with piercing green eyes, is amongst the most recognizable images in the history of photojournalism. Last November, the American photographer trained his lens once again on women living in a traditional society – this time in the United Arab Emirates. Over 14 days, he photographed 20 influOPPOSITE Hanan Hassan,
ential women across the seven Emirates in a joint collaboration with Dubai’s The Empty Quarter
a writer and cultural academic, atop the
Gallery. “He is the king of light,” describes the gallery’s managing partner, Safa Al Hamed.
mountains in Ras Al Khaimah,
The resulting exhibition, dubbed 7 Princesses, which ran this spring, revealed a modern vision of
the northernmost emirate.
Arab women. From an Etihad Airways pilot to an entrepreneur who opened a school for children with learning disabilities to a women’s rights activist, the subjects are accomplished individuals from all walks of life. The work also highlights some of the UAE’s most important landmarks, such as the Burj Khalifa skyscraper and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, as well as iconic landscapes like the desert dunes of Sharjah and the barren mountaintops of Ras Al Khaimah. “I want people to really see what the UAE has to offer and then to come and see it for themselves,” says Al Hamed. “The country is a peaceful one and it is open and modern, but we still respect our culture and religion.” FA I R M O N T M A G A Z I N E 35
FROM TOP Fashion designer Abeer Al Suwaidi, pictured with a falcon, the emblem of the UAE, at Fairmont The Palm, Dubai. Photojournalist and children’s book author Alia Al Shamsi at the dhow building yard in Umm al-Quwain.
The Empty Quarter Gallery Founded in 2008, The Empty Quarter is one of the Middle East’s pre-eminent fine art photography galleries and a cultural partner of Fairmont hotels in the UAE. Featuring the work of both established photographers and emerging talent, it showcases a variety of contemporary pieces, with a particular emphasis on the Middle East. The gallery is co-owned by Safa Al Hamed and Saudi Princess Reem Al Faisal, a photographer in her own right whose work has appeared in exhibitions around the world, from Houston to Singapore. F A I R M O N T M A G A Z I N E 36
FROM TOP Alia Al Mur, events manager at The Dubai Mall, high above that city’s glimmering nightscape. Shahrazad Al Rais, of Sharjah, among the emirate’s desert dunes.
B
FLEX IN T HE CITY Long known for its nightlife, Barcelona is sporting a new reputation as a health and fitness destination. By Natasha Mekhail Photos by Gunnar Knechtel
arcelona is a city with two speeds. There’s the Gothic Quarter pace, where the fun is in meandering through its twisted streets, turning a corner when a medieval doorway catches your eye, and changing course at a column left behind by the Romans. Then there’s the La Rambla pace, characterized by the endless rush of people who populate the cafés, tapas bars and nightclubs of the pulsating strip from morning coffee to after-hours cocktail. But today I’m resolved to track down the city’s elusive third gear, and I’m told I’ll find it along Avinguda Diagonal, the multi-lane thoroughfare that bisects the city from mountains to Mediterranean. It’s 9 p.m. and, with my sneakers laced up, I set out for the ample avenue just in time to catch the start of Barcelona’s fitness golden hour – the time when temperatures dip low enough that city dwellers can voluntarily break a sweat. And sure enough, they come: In-line skaters and runners take to the long, straight sidewalks, their fluorescent footwear a blur in the glow of the streetlights. Beside them, the slim profiles of road bikes zip through the cycle lanes. I join the joggers on the pavement where, along the way, I spot more nocturnal creatures – these ones shooting hoops and lobbing tennis balls on courts lit by flood lamps. The Catalonian capital has long held a reputation as a city of languid living and nightlife. And while both still hold true (one need only count its Michelin stars or witness the pedestrian traffic at 5 a.m. for the proof), another side of Barcelona has quietly emerged: that of a health-conscious, fitness-loving city. It means visitors are discovering a new dimension to their Catalan experience, one in which they can still have fun – but then burn it all off at the end. The cool early morning hours bring a repeat performance of the nighttime
fitness ceremony, and nowhere is Barcelona’s sporty side more evident than from the 14th-floor window of my room in the Fairmont Rey Juan Carlos I. Directly below lies Royal Fitness & Spa, home to one of the top sports medicine facilities in Europe, and its pool, where guests are swimming morning laps. In the distance, I make out Barcelona’s soccer stadium, where the joke is that the roars following FC Barcelona goals can register on the Richter scale. To the right lies the Royal Polo Club Barcelona, where riders are warming up the horses. A constellation of tennis and paddle courts marks the club’s perimeter. The polo club and hotel’s shared grounds form one of the largest green spaces in the city, and the scene is about as far from either the Gothic Quarter’s slo-mo vibe or La Rambla’s bacchanal as you can imagine. “Before and after the Olympics, you saw two different Barcelonas,” Josef Ajram tells me later in the day over a coffee in the hotel lobby. Tall, lean and tattooed from the neck down, Ajram looks more like a rock star than a stockbroker who moonlights as a fitness guru (and counts more than 200,000 Twitter followers). His “Where Is the Limit?” club assists its members in achieving their fitness goals – and then setting more ambitious ones. Ajram explains that, prior to 1992, Barcelonians were fairly sedentary. But with the introduction of Olympic infrastructure, such as bike lanes and improved sidewalks – not to mention the inspiration of having the world’s best athletes flood the city – the collective mindset began to change. Those like Ajram, who came of age in the nineties, got mobile. One of the biggest cultural shifts was toward cycling: Relatively scarce pre-Olympics, bike commuters today number about 80,000. Ajram, who is an Ironman triathlete and marathon runner outside of his finance job, has a prosperity-linked philosophy when it comes to the effect of sport on a population’s psyche.
FA I R M O N T M AG A Z I N E 38
Part of the Olympic infrastructure of the 1990s, widened streets with bike lanes led to the rise in popularity of cycling. Now 80,000 Barcelonians commute by bike.
The new city was finished in 1900 after only 50 years – and once done, life expectancy doubled. Barcelona was literally designed around health. ...
CLOCKWISE The Fairmont Rey Juan Carlos I’s garden setting borders the Royal Polo Club Barcelona; athletes receive training and sports medicine at the on-site Royal Fitness & Spa; a rider works with a horse at the polo club.
CLOCKWISE The pool at Fairmont Rey Juan Carlos I provides a cool invitation to fitness; Carlos Gella and Pere Sauret lead trekking tours through the Serra de Collserola mountains; Josef Ajram is Spain’s work-hard/ play-hard guru.
F A I R M O N T M A G A Z I N E 41
Barcelona’s city grid is eye candy from above. Wide streets help traffic flow, whether it’s car, bicycle or pedestrian.
“During the financial crisis, people really discovered sports here,” he says, “the idea being that if they go running for 45 minutes, their thoughts are clearer. They set goals and achieved them. They understood that if you could do that in sport, you could do that in life and in business. You can start down a new career path and improve the economic recovery of the country.” Carlos Gella might just be the embodiment of Ajram’s theory. The former
PHOTO: BLOM UK/GETTY IMAGES (AERIAL)
CLOCKWISE A stained-glass ceiling in Art Nouveau residence-turned-museum Casa Amatller; Gaudí designed the rooftop of Torre Bellesguard to resemble a
executive switched his career during the recession. Today, he still works parttime as a business consultant, but when he’s not taking meetings in a suit and tie, he’s in Oakleys and hiking boots running Scenic Walking Barcelona in the Serra de Collserola mountains that border the city to the north. This low-lying range holds 186 miles (300 kilometers) of trails and, on our morning hike, Gella and his guiding partner, Pere Sauret, take me rambling along the summit. On the way, they point out the tracks of wild boars, the fruit on the fig trees and even a piece of artillery left over from the Spanish Civil War. “Barcelona was the last city to fall to Franco,” Gella says. Sauret explains that such interpretive treks are known as excursionismo, a popular Spanish pastime. “It means so much more than just walking,” he says. “It’s about discovering nature, the country and history, learning as much about the plants you encounter as about the cathedrals you see along the way.” From up here, we can take in the whole city and get a sense of how it came to be: how the Llobregat River from the Pyrenees traveled down to form a delta, creating a fertile valley at the edge of the Mediterranean on which the first inhabitants settled. We can see the highway, which follows the same route as Via Augusta, the original Roman road. In the city center is Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia cathedral, now in its 133th year of construction. When completed, it will be Barcelona’s tallest building. “Gaudí’s only restriction was that the height not exceed the mountain which God built,” says Gella. But as fascinating as all the sights taken together is the actual physical grid of the city, its square blocks as defined as a checker board – something that can only be appreciated from above. During the industrial revolution, nothing existed outside the Gothic Quarter, which was then a walled city. The stifled inhabitants suffered the effects of medieval sanitation and water systems. The average lifespan was 35. In 1850, city architect Ildefons Cerdà was commissioned to come up with a plan for Barcelona’s expansion that would see life expectancy increase. What followed was the construction of an unprecedented grid of long, continuous streets running north-to-south and east-to-west that meant pedestrians could finally walk (or run, or bike) unhindered by the old labyrinthine alleys. Each housing block formed a square around a central courtyard garden. These patios de manzana were designed to give everybody in the city access to a green space. The height of each block was restricted to provide each apartment, even those on the ground floor, with a minimum of sunlight each day. The new city was finished in 1900 after only 50 years – and once done, life expectancy doubled. Barcelona was literally designed around health.
dragon; in the Gothic Quarter, kids play in streets that date back to the time of the Romans.
I feel honored when I find out that executive chef Claudio Aguirre and chef de cuisine Antonio Nunes from the Fairmont will accompany me and a small group of hotel staff on a market tour. That’s before I learn that the FA I R M O N T M AG A Z I N E 43
personalized service is not just for visiting journalists, but for any interested guest. Chef is testing out a new program aimed at introducing visitors to the healthful benefits – and joys – of the Catalonian larder. The first stop is Mercat del Ninot, newly re-opened after a five-year renovation. Inside, we find that, in an analogy for the city itself, the formerly crowded aisles have been replaced with spacious passages, and every stand redone. The most significant change is the introduction of tasting counters at the stalls. So, whereas before tourists could have a look and maybe pick up a few items to squeeze into their mini-bar fridge, now they can sit and sample on the spot. For a taste, we head to one of Aguirre’s favorites, Barra Perelló, a specialist in olives and anchovies dating back to 1898. It’s only 11 a.m., but the chefs order a bottle of local cava (you can’t be healthy all the time!) and a selection of stuffed olives. This guided visit is not just a show for tourists. Aguirre really buys from this market for the hotel. He loves the Barra Perelló anchovies, rich in omega-3s and packed with protein. He describes how the family removes the tiny bones by hand and cures the fish in a process that can take months. It’s a labor of love that is revealed in the salty, oily flavor and a texture that melts on the tongue. Next we travel to Boqueria. The market off La Rambla is a major tourist draw, but locals shop here too. Everything you need to know about it can be summed up in its numbers, which our guide, market president Salvador Capdevila, cheerfully lists off to us on his fingers as we stroll its busy lanes: 175 years old, 6,000 square meters, 20,000 different products. He points to historic photographs that show Picasso eating at a stall, and to a set of windows behind which the king of molecular gastronomy, Ferran Adrià, kept a discreet test kitchen in the elBulli era. “The amount of fish sold here in one day equals that sold in Paris in a month,” Capdevilla exclaims proudly. In fact, Spain is the largest consumer of fish after Japan. Cholesterol-lowering fish is a healthy choice at meals, and chef Aguirre reminds us that Mediterranean preparation methods tend to skip the sauce, grilling seafood and vegetables with just a brush of olive oil to let their subtle flavors come through. Condiments, meanwhile, tend to be little more than a squeeze of lemon. The Catalan diet is healthy without even trying to be. THIS PAGE,
To illustrate, Aguirre leads the gang out again the following day in Part
FROM TOP With its
Two of the chef excursion, this time to the hotel’s own off-site kitchen garden. There, we meet 86-year-old Josep Maria, a farmer who looks remarkable for his age and still tends to the produce and herbs he grows. After touring the fields, we all head back to the farm’s entrance area where the chefs have laid out a picnic on a long table under the shade of a large tree. I recognize the breads, cheeses, cold cuts and anchovies from our market visits and the chefs have topped up the meal with sausage, tortilla española and fresh beefsteak tomatoes grown on site. Suddenly, out comes the porrón, a decanter that, when tipped toward the holder’s mouth, delivers a long stream of wine. Chef asks if I’d like some cheese and sends back a mountain of runny Queso de La Serena on a thick slice of bread. I protest, but after the first delicious bite, quickly gobble the rest down. Of everything I’ve done in Barcelona, this day is the most memorable. The food, sun and company feel like the essence of Catalonia. But I’ve eaten a tad too much, and a nagging voice inside reminds me that between this outing and dinner plans, I won’t have time for a run today. As I express this lament to Blanca Aguirre, a member of the hotel team who joined the excursion, she places a hand on my shoulder and delivers the final word on Barcelona’s third speed that had, until now, eluded me: “The meaning of health,” she says, “is happiness.”
low calorie count relative to other cocktails, gin and tonic is considered a “skinny drink,” and you can find Barcelona’s best (officially: they won a competition) at Boca Chica, where a G&T involves dry ice; at Flax & Kale the titular ingredients factor prominently into its healthy menu.
FA I R M O N T M AG A Z I N E 44
CONCI ERG E BARCELONA
S TAY Fairmont Rey Juan Carlos I, the latest European addition to the Fairmont portfolio, is a modernist icon designed by renowned Barcelona architect Carlos Ferrater. Its lush garden setting, among the largest green spaces in the city, makes the hotel a true haven from the bustle of the Catalan capital. fairmont.com/barcelona
DINE Fairmont’s The Terrace restaurant, helmed by Claudio Aguirre (pictured), provides the ultimate al fresco dining experience. Its newly installed Argentinian-style barbecue has inspired a menu of churrasco meats as well as Spanish fare, such as octopus and Spanish sausage. Your selections arrive at the table still sizzling on a mini charcoal grill.
DO
ABOVE A highlight of the Fairmont chef tour, the newly renovated Ninot market features the freshest farm- (and sea-) to-table finds.
GUILTLESS INDULG E NCES
A healthy new arrival on the city’s food scene is Flax & Kale and, as the name suggests, you’ll find the vegetarian- and vegan-friendly menu chock full of superfoods. But this fare is anything but bland, featuring Spanish and comfort food staples reimagined in fresh new ways. teresacarles.com
For fine dining from a different perspective, head to the top of the Torre d’Alta Mar. Lunchtime is ideal to both take in a light version of chef Albert Dolcet’s elaborate, seafood-rich tasting menu as well as mid-day views of the raucous human theater on Barceloneta Beach. torredealtamar.com FA I R M O N T M AG A Z I N E 45
Everybody knows Sagrada Família, but Gaudí and his architectural contemporaries have many other sites with all of the presence and none of the crowds. Recently opened to the public, the Gaudí-designed home Torre Bellesguard has a dragon theme, with its rooftop recreating the shape of the mythic creature. Casa Amatller, meanwhile, designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch, is the latest of the Art Nouveau houses along Passeig de Gràcia to open as a museum. For a personalized foodie adventure, speak to the concierge at Fairmont Rey Juan Carlos I about joining a chef on a trip through city markets or to the farm where the hotel’s produce is grown. On the way, stop in cava country to sample the crisp Spanish sparkling at its source. You’ll take home Catalonian products, recipes and unforgettable memories.
C alifornia Living
Starting at the new Fairmont Grand Del Mar, we celebrate California at Fairmont’s properties from Southern California to the Bay Area, tapping into its experts for insider tips on how to make the most of your Golden State getaway – even once you’ve arrived back home.
California Living
Part 1
A P R I M ER By Renée Morrison Photos by Xavier Girard-Lachaîne
What is it about the California lifestyle that makes the rest of the world envious? I can think of a handful of answers as I pull open the balcony doors of my room at Fairmont Grand Del Mar to find a sun-lit scene of landscaped lawns and palm trees, a crystal-clear pool and a backdrop of mountains topped with modern, glass-facade homes. But there’s a plethora of opinions as to what the pillars are of California culture. Is it about the simple life or the stardom, the green juice or the gourmet meals, the low-maintenance or the lavish? On a morning hike in Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, led by San Diego native and naturalist Dylan Jones, I’m introduced to the Golden State in its purest form. Jones is a human encyclopedia in the very best way, pointing out native species and the local history surrounding them. “Rub this leaf and take a whiff,” he says, handing me a piece of white sage. I do as he says, deeply breathing in its potent scent. “It was used by the indigenous Kumeyaay in cleansing rituals performed in the area thousands of years ago. This is still a very spiritual zone, and lots of people come here to reflect and meditate.” As we pass over sturdy boulders jutting out above a small waterfall, the sound of trickling water below us, I can’t imagine a better spot to get grounded.
Later that afternoon, I take in a different herbal scent as I’m covered in aromatherapy oils – Peru balsam, basil, lime and sunflower – and nutrient-dense mud (the same type that makes up the canyons I’d explored, the therapist informs me) during my Renaissance treatment at the hotel spa. The luxurious modern-day ritual involves lying in a high-tech waterbed that envelops me in weightless bliss. I’m very aware that I’ve headed to the opposite end of the spectrum from my canyon trek – the kind more likely to appeal to a Hollywood celebrity than a nature buff.
F A I R M O N T M A G A Z I N E 47
FROM TOP Famed architect Addison Mizner, known for building resorts in the style of Mediterranean palaces, inspired Fairmont Grand Del Mar’s design; pre-dinner cocktails are best enjoyed on the terrace of Le Salon at Addison.
California Living
CLOCKWISE Once equipped at Rusty Del Mar, surfers (and their apprentices) cross Ocean Avenue and head straight for the water; 4,000-acre Los Peñasquitos (“little hills”) Canyon Preserve attracts hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders; surfers wait to spot a worthy wave on the horizon.
FA I R M O N T M AG A Z I N E 48
PHOTOS: XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
“It’s all about balance,” says spa director Jim Croghan when I ask about what guests are seeking when they book a spa treatment, or a stay, at Fairmont Grand Del Mar. “When in balance, we feel vital and vibrantly alive.” I inquire about clean eating – does being a good Californian mean living off kale? – and he points out that “the hotel has plenty of healthy offerings, but it also serves a great burger.” I test out the theory the next day, only instead of a burger, I order a hearty breakfast burrito filled with eggs, bacon, cheddar and potatoes and pair it with a bright green, freshly blended fruit and vegetable smoothie. The energy comes in handy when, by noon, I’m alternating between paddling out to catch waves and wiping out on them during a surf lesson at the beach in nearby Del Mar. Instructor Paul Brandlin of Rusty Del Mar is exactly what you’d imagine a California surfer to look like, and when I ask about his pedigree, I’m admittedly expecting the “born to
surf ” story and so I’m caught off guard when he tells me otherwise. “I had an office job, but I didn’t love it, so I quit and went back to giving surf lessons at Rusty’s” he says, pulling me further out to sea on my board. “I’m happy to do it until I find a 9-to-5 that I’m passionate about. Surfing is a hobby of mine, so this feels like a vacation.” With his deep tan and sun-bleached blond hair, it’s tough to picture him in a boardroom and not the board shop, and suddenly I’m trying to imagine the other surfers around me swapping their wet suits for power suits after the lunch hour. I wonder: Could it be that most real Californians are somewhere in between the carefree-bohemian and hard-pressedexecutive clichés that we construct, living in a happy medium we can all aspire to? No time to contemplate. Brandlin spots a perfect wave behind me and I hop up on my board, firmly planting my feet and evenly distributing my weight. Finally riding all the way back to shore, it occurs to me in an instant that Croghan might’ve been right: Life in California is all about finding your balance.
CALIFORNIAN SPECIAL
Fairmont Grand Del Mar’s relaxation pool, an adultsonly sanctuary, is just one of four heated pools. Other PHOTOS: XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
options include one for children with a wading area and another with an outdoor pool bar. F A I R M O N T M A G A Z I N E 49
T H E B E S T WAY T O OW N A SECOND HOME IN SAN FRANCISCO There is nothing like it in the city. Our Private Residence Club offers an affordable and smart way to secure your piece of the city for a fraction of the cost. The location is a national historic landmark property with sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay, residing within the newly revitalized Ghirardelli Square. Owners are granted invitationonly membership in Fairmont’s President’s Club Circle, which offers VIP access and service at Fairmont’s legendary hotels and resorts around the world. Spacious, well-appointed two-and three bedroom residences are available. EXPERIENCE THE PRIVILEGES OF OWNERSHIP FOR YOURSELF. INQUIRE ABOUT A PREFERRED INTRODUCTORY STAY. RESERVATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS NECESSARY.
PREVIEW GALLERY OPEN DAILY | 415.292.1000 | FAIRMONTATGHIRARDELLI.COM
This advertising material is being used for the purpose of soliciting the sale of fractional ownership interests. This is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation to buy to residents in jurisdictions in which registration requirements have not been fulfilled, and your eligibility and the resorts available for purchase will depend upon the state, province or country of residency of the purchaser. Brokers must accompany their client(s) and/or pre-register them on their first contact with the Sales Gallery in order to be eligible for a broker commission. Broker, JMA Properties, Inc. CA BRE #01157751. Restrictions and limitations apply.
California Living Part 2
Instagram or tweet a shot of yourself with this magazine cover, using the hashtag #MyCaliMoment for a chance to have your photo appear in Fairmont Magazine.
PA RT 2
See page 14 for details.
A GUIDE FOR THE R EST OF US By RenĂŠe Morrison Portraits by Neil Mota
Dreaming of the laidback outlook, athletic ability and sunkissed glow that seem to come naturally to locals? ClichĂŠ or not, here are 25 tips for adopting that coveted Cali lifestyle.
FA I R M O N T M AG A Z I N E
01
LEAR N YOUR A, B, SEAS BAIL
The jump off your surfboard to avoid an imminent wipeout. PADDLE BATTLE
The race to out-paddle other surfers to catch a good wave. REELING
When a wave keeps going and allows for a lengthy, smooth ride. SPIT
The water that sprays out of a barreling wave. Ask the concierge at Fairmont Grand Del Mar to arrange a solo or group surf lesson at Rusty Del Mar. rustydelmar.com
FA I R M O N T M AG A Z I N E
California Living
12
FAIR MONT EXPERTS
help you detox, de-stress and destroy on the tennis court FA I R M O N T
Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
FA I R M O N T
Heritage place, ghirardelli Square
Wine Not?
Sommelier picks
Claremont Club & spa A FA I R M O N T HOTEL
FA I R M O N T
WELCOME TO
san francisco
california
KIDDING AROUND Hip spots for little ones and
FA I R M O N T
san jose
B E ACH BE AUT Y Time to glow
FA I R M O N T
Miramar hotel & bungalows
fea turing
FA I R MONT PROPERTI ES
FA I R M O N T
Grand Del Mar
to check off all the boxes on your California to-do list
FA I R M O N T M AG A Z I N E
ILLUSTRATION: NATHALIE CUSSON (SCOOTER DESIGN INC.); WARDOBE: TOP & BOTTOM: ZARA
8
FA I R M O N T
Newport beach
The golf course at Fairmont Grand Del Mar, designed by acclaimed
02 PERFECT YO UR SWIN G
course architect Tom Fazio.
Fairmont Grand Del Mar golf director Shawn Cox shares how to step up your skills on the turf. 01. Beginners often worry about how far back to bring their club
before impact, but it’s more important to focus on the “classic finish” where the club ends up between your ears and you are up on your back toe at the end of the swing. 02. On chips and pitches (relatively short-distance shots), keep your chest and torso moving through impact so that your wrists don’t try to scoop the ball. 03. Keep your eyes on the hole while practice swinging. This will help you envision the ball’s trajectory and calculate your length of stroke. Fairmont Grand Del Mar’s PGA-certified teachers have innovative tools – from high-speed cameras to the Trackman and SAM Puttlab, which both use Doppler
03 UPG RADE YOUR BEACH ESSE NTIALS 01 KERSTIN FLORIAN Sun Protection SPF 30, US$44, kerstinflorianusa.com 02 JANE IREDALE So-Bronze Bronzer, US$42, janeiredale.com
04
BR EATHE EASY Preparing for an important business meeting or just looking to relax after a long flight? Elisabeth Halfpapp, executive vice president of mind-body programming at Exhale Spa, prescribes a four-step breathing exercise to help you decompress.
SIT CROSS-LEGGED or in any comfortable seated position with your hands resting lightly on the tops of your knees, palms open. KEEP YOUR EYES SOFT or closed, being conscious to keep your ears over shoulders and shoulders over hips. Your chin should be parallel to the floor. FOCUS ON INHALING for four counts and then exhaling for four counts, bringing in new energy and breathing out tension. REPEAT for 60 seconds, aiming to build up to 10 minutes. Kick off your stay at Santa Monica’s Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bugalows with a Core Fusion class at on-site Exhale Spa.
03 VILEBREQUIN Large Canvas Beach Bag, US$140,
05 GO RED 32 Winds Hirsch Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, 2010 “This Pinot is not too heavy and has lots of interesting elements that reveal themselves over a meal.” – Marc Irving, sommelier at Santé, Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
vilebrequin.com FA I R M O N T M AG A Z I N E
PHOTOS: NEIL MOTA (PORTRAIT); XAVIER GIRARD-LACHAÎNE (02, 09, 20); INSTAGRAM @PACKINGDISTRICT AND @SOUTHCOASTPLAZA (19); MICHAEL LAYEFSKY (12); WARDROBE: TOP & BOTTOM: CALVIN KLEIN (PORTRAIT)
Radar and Ultrasound technology – to analyze and perfect your technique.
California Living
0 7 CO O LIF Y PL AY TIME These indie outings in San Francisco, suggested by Fairmont regional public relations director Michelle Heston, will impress the little and big kids in your life.
06 SME LL LIKE A STAR Available at Le Labo’s two Los Angeles boutiques, Musc 25 is a bright and musky unisex fragrance created to represent the City of Angels. lelabofragrances.com
MISSION
826 VALENCIA
BOWLING
PIRATE
SMITTEN ICE
CLUB
SUPPLY STORE
CREAM
“MBC is an eclectic,
“A group of true
“Liquid nitrogen is
retro bowling alley
San Francisco
used to make your ice
that serves good food
bon vivants runs this
cream right in front
and awesome craft
off-the-wall store,
of you – the nerdiest dessert in California.
cocktails, so it’s a
and all proceeds
hit with both kids
benefit their free
Enjoy it in Patricia’s
and parents.”
tutoring center.
Green, an urban park
mission
How cool is that?”
just next door.”
bowlingclub.com
826valencia.org
smittenicecream.com
Overlooking San Francisco Bay, Fairmont Heritage Place, Ghirardelli Square offers affordable second-home living in two- and three-bedroom residences, ideal for families. Each unit features a gourmet kitchen, fireplace, dining area and living room for a “home away from home” stay.
08 EAT YOUR VEGGIES "The Santa Monica Farmers Market is just steps away from the hotel. Some of my favorite growers are Garcia Farms, for ripe avocados, and Tutti Frutti Farms, for their juicy heirloom tomatoes.” – Chef Yousef Ghalaini, Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows
10 PAMPER YO UR P O O CH HEALTHY SPOT
TOP DOG BARKERY
The grooming list at this modern pet center reads more like a spa menu, with treatments ranging from a soothing oatmeal scrub to a signature blueberry facial. Santa Monica; Newport Beach
Show them you care with a “barkday cake,” available in flavors like peanut butter, pumpkin, apple-n-oats or sweet potato, topped with doggie frosting and a personalized message.
healthyspot.com
Newport Beach topdogbarkery.net
09
…THEN INDULGE The lemon-ricotta pancakes at Santa Monica’ s FIG Restaurant, served with blueberry butter, are a favorite of tourists and locals alike. figsantamonica.com
11 EQUIP YOURSE LF WITH ARM CANDY Bring back a shiny souvenir from your trip to Fairmont Heritage Place, Ghirardelli Square. Try HELPERS HOUSE OF COUTURE for rare vintage finds, GIGI + ROSE for dainty rings and necklaces, or MASHKA for boho-chic statement pieces made with gems and metals.
Dogs and cats get VIP treatment at Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows. Phone ahead to mention that you’ll be accompanied by a furry friend and the hotel will arrange for your room to be stocked with a pet bed, bowls and complimentary treats. FA I R M O N T M AG A Z I N E
MASHKA Sterling silver and 8k-gold vermeil lilypad necklace, US$110, mashka.com
12
CONQUER THE COURT You might have mastered your serve and backhand, but to really shine on the court, you’ve got to deliver an amazing smash off a lob. “It’s the easiest shot to hit down and put away,” says Roselani Bareis, tennis director at Claremont Club & Spa, A Fairmont Hotel. Firstly, don’t wait until the ball is over your head. “If you do, you may be out of position, off balance and unable to smash the ball effectively.” 01. Receiving a lob generally means that
your opponent is in a defensive position and is throwing the ball up just to stay alive in the point. Take advantage. 02. As your non-dominant hand goes up to track the ball, get your feet into position so your body can shift its weight into the shot. 03. When your body weight moves forward, the release point with your arm is in front of your body for wrist-snap and racquet-head acceleration. Thinking “front-head,” not “overhead,” will let you time the ball properly and put it away.
Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray, US$27,
With 10 courts, Claremont Club & Spa, A
bumbleandbumble.com
Fairmont Hotel offers lessons taught by USPTAcertified professionals for all experience levels.
13
F I N D P E AC E & LOV E
The University of California, Berkeley, was the center of the Free Speech Movement in the 1960s. Join a student-led tour of the historic campus or take in the view from atop the 307-foot-tall Campanile clock tower, which celebrates its 100th birthday in 2015. visitors.berkeley.edu Request complimentary chauffeured transportation to the campus through the concierge at Claremont Club & Spa, A Fairmont Hotel. FA I R M O N T M AG A Z I N E
14 D O THE TO USLE For windswept tresses that look like you’ve spent the day at the beach, spritz Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray (which contains moisturizing seaweed and kelp) on dry or damp hair. Let it dry naturally or use a diffuser.
California Living
15
JUICE IT “Fountain Restaurant’s Superblend juice is made with powerful ingredients to give you an energy boost while helping to rid your body of toxins.”
16
BILBERRY
GOJI BERRY Helps support the immune system
Known to improve eye health, including retina disorders
HIBISCUS
ACAI A super antioxidant
Increases endocrine
that contains lots of fiber
function and could lower blood
– Executive Chef Anthony Hsia, Fairmont San Jose
pressure
A LWAY S B E C L O S I N G Fairmont San Jose’s food and beverage director Christopher Pageaud has seen many a Silicon Valley deal sealed over lunch. We asked him the best time to dine, if you’re going in for the close: “Just a little before the lunchtime rush, say, 11:30 am. It allows for a clearer mind and more focused conversation. Plus, not only will you receive your waiter’s full attention, you won’t be too hungry to talk business.”
17 REVERSE SUN DAMAGE Turn back the clock on aging, sun damage, minor acne and uneven pigmentation with LumiFacial and LumiLift facials, which harness the skin-saving benefits of LED light therapy, at Fairmont San Jose’s Tova Day Spa.
18
F L AU NT LO CAL D E N I M Los Angeles-based brand Re/done sources vintage Levi’s – perfectly worn-in and faded – then takes them apart to re-stitch them into modern silhouettes. shopredone.com
1 9 SH O P HI GH & LOW Fairmont Newport Beach concierge Keilaine Ruiz offers her top picks for great shopping in and around Orange County.
20
SHAK E IT UP Take your homemade cocktails up a notch with tips from Fairmont Grand Del Mar mixologist Humberto Ramirez. ANAHEIM PACKING DISTRICT
SOUTH COAST PLAZA
BEST FOR : its food court. The hipster
BEST FOR : designer boutiques
hangout offers everything from poutine
(Dior, Marni) and department stores
to homemade maple bacon ice cream.
(Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue).
anaheimpackingdistrict.com
southcoastplaza.com
Guests staying at Fairmont Newport Beach can take advantage of complimentary shuttle service to and from South Coast Plaza four times daily. FA I R M O N T M AG A Z I N E
01. Invest in a silicone ice ball mold. Not only is an
ice ball impressive, but it also takes longer to melt, keeping your drink cold without diluting it. 02. To get your ice crystal-clear, bring water to a boil before pouring it into the mold, then transfer it to the freezer immediately. 03. Instead of artificially flavored alcohol, choose bitters, herbs and fresh fruit to add different tastes to your cocktails.
24 RECREATE A TIKI FAVORITE Entertain dinner party guests with this summer-inspired recipe by Jacob Dale, bartender at Fairmont San Francisco’s famed Tonga Room tiki bar. THE BUG ZAPPER 1 oz St. George Botanivore Gin ½ oz Clément Première Canne Rhum ¾ oz fresh lemon juice ¾ oz simple syrup ½ tsp Emperor Norton Absinthe
Shake with ice and serve in a rocks glass, garnished with a mint sprig. tongaroom.com
GET A SA FE GLOW
2 5 RO CK O N
Save your skin from sun damage by opting for a faux tan courtesy of St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse, available with application at Fairmont San Jose’s Tova Day Spa. The lightweight foam is easy to apply evenly and results in a golden glow that lasts for days. www.sttropeztan.com
Get inspired with a playlist of iconic hits by California bands of then and now. The Eagles
Hotel California
Weezer
Beverly Hills
Sublime 22 PICK A SIDE IN SAN JOSE GOOGLEPLEX
VS
There are no formal tours of the headquarters, but you can stroll through the campus to spot quirky installations (don’t miss the famous Android lawn statues) or one of the company’s self-driving cars. 1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy., Mountain View
Santeria
Phantom Planet APPLE CAMPUS
Green Day
California
When I Come Around
Red Hot Chili Peppers Techies from all over make the pilgrimage to Cupertino’s Apple Campus just to stand on the same soil that Steve Jobs did. Don’t leave without a souvenir tee (“iVisited”) from The Company Store.
Guns N’ Roses The Beach Boys
Dani California Paradise City
California Girls
1 Infinite Loop, Cupertino
Coconut Records
West Coast
Learn more about Silicon Valley inventions at The Tech Museum of Innovation, located right next to Fairmont San Jose. On weekends, head to The Bungalow at Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, where an ultra-stylish
23 GO WHITE
Failla Chardonnay, Hudson Vineyard, Napa Valley, 2012
“Rich and creamy with hints of pineapple and spiced citrus, this wine is elegant yet playful enough to accompany any sunny day.” – Victoria Young, sommelier at Addison, Fairmont Grand Del Mar
FA I R M O N T M AG A Z I N E
crowd gathers in a space that feels less like a typical bar and more like the coolest house party you can imagine. Mingle around the pool table, communal table or outdoor fire pit to the sounds of a live DJ.
WARDROBE: TOP: BCBG, BOTTOM: RAG & BONE (COURTESY TNT STORE)
21
10:16
AM
The moment you met your match.
Whether you’re celebrating a special event overlooking gorgeous San Francisco Bay, relaxing at the top-ranked Claremont Spa or enjoying a plethora of recreational activities at our private club, our hotel surrounds you with the finest San Francisco has to offer. For the epitome of distinction and glamour, make Claremont Club & Spa—or any of Fairmont’s 70+ properties worldwide—your home base for dazzling adventures. Gateway to your moment in over 20 countries. fairmont.com
California Living
1 2 4
Part 3
H OT ELS CA LIF OR NI A STAY
1
2
3
FAIRMONT SONOMA MISSION INN & SPA fairmont.com/sonoma
CLAREMONT CLUB & SPA, A FAIRMONT HOTEL
5
6
7
8
5 6 7 8
DINE
DO
With its own source of thermal
Savor the seasons of Sonoma
Take a VIP, sommelier-led
water, this resort makes for a
in the seven courses of Santé
tour of nearby wineries
revitalizing retreat after a day spent
Restaurant’s ever-evolving
with the Sommelier
Chef ’s Tasting Menu.
Apprentice Package.
exploring local vineyards.
Set at the foot of Claremont
Enjoy farm-to-table cuisine –
Canyon in the Berkeley Hills,
along with breathtaking views
a day on the tennis courts by
this regal 19th-century hotel
of the San Francisco Bay – at the
treating yourself to a therapeutic
claremontresort.com
is a Bay Area landmark.
hotel’s on-site restaurant.
massage at Spa Claremont.
FAIRMONT SAN FRANCISCO
Fairmont’s historic flagship
Nibble on house-cured charcuterie
Sign up for one of the daily yoga
hotel has hosted presidents,
at Laurel Court Restaurant & Bar,
or pilates classes at The Active
royalty and legendary artists
then sip tiki cocktails at the famed
Sports Club at Nob Hill, or jog
like Ella Fitzgerald.
Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar.
down to the Pier 39 promenade.
fairmont.com/san-francisco
4
3
Help sore muscles recover after
FAIRMONT HERITAGE PLACE , GHIRARDELLI SQUARE
This Private Residence Club in
Try celebrity chef Jonathan
Shop Ghirardelli Square’s stylish
San Francisco offers second-home
Waxman’s new on-site restaurant
boutiques, including the newly
living in two- and three-bedroom
– and save room for dessert at
opened Les Mechantes and
fairmontatghirardelli.com
residences, ideal for families.
Le Marais Bakery & Bistro.
Bluxome Street Winery.
FAIRMONT SAN JOSE
A short drive to beaches, wineries
Six on-site restaurants cater to any
Relax and catch some rays at the
and golf courses, this Silicon Valley
craving, from seafood (Mccormick
hotel’s Rooftop Pool & Gazebo,
fairmont.com/san-jose
hotel is a prime choice for business
& Schmick’s) to steak (The
travelers and leisure seekers alike.
Grill on the Alley).
high above the hustle and bustle of the city.
FAIRMONT MIRAMAR HOTEL & BUNGALOWS
Surf, swim or celeb-spot at this
At FIG, enjoy dishes
Explore the coast,
seaside escape, which boasts an
made with organic
from Santa Monica
fairmont.com/santa-monica
A-list guests.
FAIRMONT NEWPORT BEACH
In upscale Orange
On-site bambù restaurant
County, this hotel is ideally
is set within a stunning four-story
located near beaches, theme
atrium filled with lush
oasis, after a long day
fairmont.com/newport-beach
parks and shopping malls.
palms and orchids.
of retail therapy.
FAIRMONT GRAND DEL MAR
This San Diego area resort
Renowned chef William
Tee off at the Tom Fazio-designed
has the charm of an old-world
Bradley adds contemporary
golf course, or find bliss via one of
Mediterranean estate combined
French flair to locally sourced
the spa’s signature touch
with modern amenities.
ingredients at Addison.
therapy treatments.
fairmont.com/san-diego
impressive pool and regular
ingredients straight from the Santa Monica Farmers Market.
FA I R M O N T M AG A Z I N E 60
Pier to Venice Beach, on a complimentary BMW rental bike.
Kick back at the Palms Pool & Cabanas, a third-floor urban
5:21PM The moment California welcomed you home. Live the coveted California lifestyle at The Villas at Fairmont Grand Del Mar, where ownership comes with spacious interiors, impeccable finishes and an enviable array of amenities—a Five Star spa and salon; Addison, Southern California’s only Five Star/Five Diamond restaurant; and membership at the private The Grand Golf Club—with none of the hassles of a vacation home. Not many of these luxury fractionalownership properties remain—request your private tour of The Villas now by contacting 1 888 583 8088 (toll free in North America) or visiting villasatfairmontgranddelmar.com
jAKArTIsaNS A new generation of makers is turning the Indonesian capital into a home for carefully crafted goods inspired by tradition. By Sophie Woodrooffe Photos by Erica Knecht
OPPOSITE Ceramic artist Ayu Larasati in her studio in the Jakartan suburb of Bekasi.
F A I R M O N T M A G A Z I N E 62
FA I R M O N T M AG A Z I N E 63
CLOCKWISE Jakartans hit the streets once a week on Car Free Day; street performers operate oversized ondel ondel puppets; Dia.lo.gue Artspace is a home for modern artisans; Car Free Day street food includes delicacies like tempe goreng. OPPOSITE Designer Chitra Subiyakto, co-founder of Sejauh Mata Memandang, shows off her take on batik fabric.
PHOTOS: XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
I’
m strolling down the middle of Jalan Sudirman, one of the busiest roads in Jakarta, but today I’m not worried about traffic. In fact, the only vehicles crossing my path are antique bikes from a local cycling club. In the distance, a cook attends to a bubbling wok on his pushcart while neat stacks of tempe goreng (fried tempeh) cool beside him. Closer by, two street performers operate ondel ondel, giant puppets said to ward off evil spirits, and a group of young boys slows down to watch. I slow down, too. The spectacle is hard to resist, and I won’t have a chance to stand in this spot for another seven days. Jakarta’s weekly Car Free Day was launched in 2007. Since then, every Sunday morning, sections of Jalan Sudirman and Jalan Thamrin, two of Jakarta’s main arteries, are closed to traffic, and roughly 100,000 residents pour into the streets to soak up a few tranquil hours of pedestrian freedom. The shutdown is no small feat in this metropolis of 10 million – imagine New York City closing Fifth Avenue – but it’s an example of a special brand of creativity flourishing in this rapidly modernizing city. As the mid-morning heat intensifies, I head south on Sudirman and back toward my hotel, Fairmont
Jakarta, for another taste of tranquility. The newest five-star hotel in the Indonesian capital, the streamlined concrete tower stands unobstructed in the affluent Senayan neighborhood, f lanked by the Senayan National Golf Club. Looking out toward the skyscrapers of the city’s central business district, this new building seems worlds apart from the city rush. Its exterior matches the elegant simplicity within, overseen by Japanese design firm Kajima. Throughout the hotel, from headboards to throw pillows, subtle decorative touches stand in contrast to what’s typically considered the symbol of Indonesian aesthetic, the florid patterns of batik textiles. But as I soon discover, even batik is ready for reinterpretation. Chitra Subiyakto, co-founder of the fashion line
Sejauh Mata Memandang (“as far as the eye can see”), is happy to divest me of my batik bias. I first encounter her textiles in Harper’s Bazaar, then meet her in person at Dia.lo.gue Artspace, located near the hotel in the trendy Kemang district. Dia.lo.gue cleverly translates to “he/she, you and me” in the local Betawi language, and indeed the exhibition space’s goal is to foster communication between people about art and design. Seated in the back,
FA I R M O N T M AG A Z I N E 65
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT The art-filled lobby of Fairmont Jakarta includes both Japanese and Indonesian influences; ceramics from Ayu Larasati; a closer look at the work of Papermoon Puppet Theatre. OPPOSITE Larasati’s ceramics are as beautiful as they are functional.
looking out at a reflecting pool in the zen-like courtyard, Subiyakto and I dive into a conversation about the past and future of textiles in Indonesia. The motifs typical of batik – repeating patterns of isosceles triangles, birds and f lowers – are complex and lace-like. Subiyakto’s knowledge of these traditional designs is prodigious, but she keeps today’s lesson simple: “The young generation still thinks that batik is a pattern,” she says. “But it’s actually the name of the technique and therefore open to interpretation.” By way of illustration, she points to her kebaya (the blouse worn over a sarong), from her own “Noodle Bowl” collection. It is stamped with little roosters and totally devoid of the usual prismatic patterning. Instead of being worn the ordinary way, cinched at the waist, the silken fabric cascades open and free over her delicate frame. Working within the established method but not limiting herself to its conventional motifs, she explains, gives her the freedom to experiment. In 2009, Fauzi Bowo, then-governor of Jakarta (who was also behind Car Free Day), issued an appeal to Jakartans to wear batik as a means of fostering cultural pride. From there Batik Fridays became Indonesia’s answer to “wear your jeans to work day.” Since then the fabric has actually become a popular choice for everyday wear as opposed to a strictly ceremonial garment. For Subiyakto the revival has become something of a mission. “I wanted to inspire the young generation,” she says. She’s talking about her patterns, but she’s touching the whole movement of Jakarta’s modern artisans – outward looking, brought up on social media, attempting to navigate their customs while toying with tradition. Jakarta’s youth-driven, modern aesthetic is difficult to pin down, but its ambassadors are getting easier to find. I first meet Ayu Larasati while browsing her mugs and dinnerware at one of Dia.lo.gue’s weekend pop-up markets. Back at her studio
increasingly, entrepreneurs to manufacture their own designs. Curated markets, from the one at Dia.lo.gue to the hipster haven Pasar Santa, are also expanding. (“There are so many now, it’s almost overwhelming!” Larasati exclaims.) But these markets aren’t simply helping artisans sell their wares – they are encouraging them to break the rules and evolve their craft. “When you say Indonesian ceramics, you would think of the low fire,” says Larasati, referring to the traditional method of “cooking” the clay over open wood fires, which hardens it into the porous containers sold in villages throughout Java and Lombok. The earthen vases, like batik, tend to be decorated with geometric patterns and animal figures. Larasati, by contrast, creates bespoke designs using a gas kiln, resulting in more durable products. This tendency to embrace custom while playing with artistic influences, she explains, is a defining ingredient of Indonesia’s up-and-coming generation of artisans. “A lot of them are already exposed to the West. They’ve been to the outside and are coming back and trying to mix.” While Larasati’s technique is new to Indonesia, her materials remain local. She uses clay from Sukabumi, which lends a distinctive earthy color to her works – soft blues, speckled grays, and no-two-alike small batches of mugs, bowls and teapots. “I’m trying to keep my ceramics small and intimate. As an art form, ceramics are very personal.” This ethos, which leaves room for artists to explore
in the quiet suburb of Bekasi, Larasati tells me she moved back to Jakarta last year after spending a decade in Toronto, Canada. While she had always longed to return, she reveals that she couldn’t have made her living as a ceramic artist in Jakarta until now. “Growing up, there was more pressure to do something more practical, where you could make money,” she says. Now, she tells me, maker-spaces such as Indoestri (which dubs itself a “melting pot of inspirational studio and well-equipped shop”) in West Jakarta hold workshops encouraging crafts enthusiasts and,
F A I R M O N T M A G A Z I N E 67
their personal taste, isn’t about appropriating Western techniques and styles. Take, for example, Maria Tri Sulistyani, who founded Papermoon Puppet Theatre in 2006 then built it up with her husband Iwan Effendi. Both are visual artists and are pushing beyond the ordinary forms of puppetry, like the ondel ondel I encountered on Car Free Day. Rather than adhering to the traditional format of Javanese wayang kulit, or shadow puppetry, in which two-dimensional figures are backlit against a screen, the pair have added elements of teater boneka, a kind of informal children’s puppet theater. The atmospheric lighting and dreaminess that pervade their performances allow the artists to fully explore more serious themes and subjects,
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Fairmont Jakarta’s executive chef Andrew Zarzosa; gado gado, a typical
JA K A RTA
Indonesian dish, reimagined at the hotel’s Spectrum restaurant.
S TAY Built from the ground up, designed by awardwinning firm Kajima and located in the prestigious Senayan district, Fairmont Jakarta is redefining luxury in the city with its 488 rooms and suites. fairmont.com/jakarta
DINE
like Indonesia’s political history. The duo summed up their position in a recent interview with The Huffington Post: “Though Papermoon is not really creating a performance in the traditional form, we too want to share and talk about the values and ideals and choices of Indonesian people.” The result is both entirely Indonesian and unabashedly novel.
Located on the 22nd floor with an unobstructed view of the central business district, Fairmont Jakarta’s gastrobar, View, offers some of the best fusion cuisine in the city. Its menu is a playful melange of distinctly European and Indonesian flavors. For Jakarta in a glass, try a Kecombrang Sour, made with an extract of the red ginger lily, at hotel bar K22. Also on the 22nd floor, it offers sweeping views that include nearby temples and Gelora Bung Karno stadium.
So perhaps it’s this unrestrained creative optimism that’s
driving Jakarta’s artists to experiment so freely – not just in the local aesthetic but in all aspects of society. At Spectrum, Fairmont Jakarta’s open-kitchen restaurant, I meet American chef Andrew Zarzosa, a newcomer to Jakarta who is embracing his outsider status in the name of culinary invention. A week prior, he took his largely Indonesian team to Pasar Puri, a nearby market, to encourage them to “play around” with local ingredients and to unleash their creativity. Excitedly, he whips out his phone and shows me an Instagram photo of their best finds: chayote squash, like a plump pear dressed in tomatillo clothing, and the long aromatic roots of baby onions. I discover the essence of this creativity in the restaurant’s signature salad. Inspired by gado gado, a distinctly Indonesian dish famous for its sweet peanut dressing and mixed vegetables, it is, in the chef ’s hands, treated like an art piece. The standard boiled egg is cooked sous-vide for an hour then fried so that it’s crispy on the outside, runny on the inside. Carrots, peas and lettuce are arranged just so on a brushstroke of peanut sauce – a bold untangling of the iconic dish’s celebrated mess of vegetables. Even the rectangular serving plate is custom designed by Kevala Ceramics in Bali, so that presentation and flavor combine to highlight another aspect of Indonesia’s coming of age. I take a second bite and taste the new Jakarta.
DO In Indonesia, regular massages and reflexology treatments aren’t considered a luxury – they are encouraged for their medicinal benefits. Book an appointment at the hotel’s Willow Stream Spa, which offers a signature massage mixing Balinese and Thai techniques. Head to the Kemang neighborhood to visit Dia.lo.gue Artspace, which sells upmarket contemporary crafts by local artisans, including textiles from Sejauh and ceramics by Ayu Larasati. dialogue-artspace.com Sign up for a workshop at Indoestri and learn how to master the art of textiles, woodworking, machinery or finishing. Stop by their café for a cold brew made from One Fifteenth Coffee. indoestri.com FA I R M O N T M AG A Z I N E 68
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THE SPIRIT O F M AYA K O B A From honeybees to whale sharks to grasshopper gorditas, experiencing the Riviera Maya means letting nature take the lead. By Joanna Fox Photos by Dominique Lafond
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Fairmont Mayakoba’s lush setting, including 240 acres of tropical forest and lagoons, lets guests explore five ecosystems by foot, bicycle and boat without leaving the property.
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oneybees swarm around the crowd in dizzying numbers, but no one looks worried. They’re quite small, about the size of a common housefly. One disappears up my sleeve and I laugh. Normally, opening a hive surrounded by unprotected onlookers would be a terrible idea. But this is not your average apiary. We are on the Riviera Maya in Mexico, home to endangered melipona bees, famous for their exceptional honey and the fact that they don’t sting. A local Mayan biologist has just pried open one end of the hive, fashioned from a hollowed-out log and sealed with a plug of round wood and beeswax. Inside, paper-thin pods form a natural barrier, each honey-filled balloon pressed up against the next. The presentation in a sheltered garden at the Fairmont Mayakoba resort’s Willow Stream Spa comes on the heels of a honey-collecting ceremony performed by a member of the nearby Chunhuhub Mayan community. The melipona bee is sacred to the Mayans. Its pollen and honey have been used for thousands of years as medicine to treat everything from cataracts to skin infections and even infertility. “We have the melipona beehives here because we want everyone to know that these bees are endangered,” explains spa director Roselia Flanders. “These bees can only fly five kilometers, so if we cut down the jungle and they can’t find flowers, they will die. We want to create a consciousness about the bees and about the Mayan people.” The hives are just one of the many projects undertaken by Fairmont Mayakoba with the aim of preserving local cultural traditions and the natural environment. The initiatives have set the resort apart in the Mayan Riviera and earned it several accolades, including recognition as a Rainforest Alliance Verified hotel, but the commitment to the natural world is best observed at ground – or canal – level.
FROM TOP LEFT Melipona beehives, fashioned from hollowed-out logs, are as unique as the stingless bees themselves; honey is used in hotel spa treatments and cuisine. OPPOSITE The resort features lagoons and nearby white sand
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beaches, as well as five swimming pools.
The hotel’s commitment to the natural
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world is best observed at ground – or canal – level. ...
CLOCKWISE Crabs and turtles are some of the 300 kinds of fauna found on the property; flora includes an herb garden; waterways mean getting around the resort in style; a lancha boat serves as a taxi along the seven miles of canals.
Mayakoba means “village over water� in Maya, and the property sits on one of the largest underground rivers in the world. ... F A I R M O N T M A G A Z I N E 74
Located within 240 acres of tropical forest intersected by trails, meandering waterways, mangrove trees and beach dunes, Fairmont Mayakoba feels as much like a sprawling, private nature reserve as a luxury resort. Mayakoba means “village over water” in Maya, and the property sits on one of the largest underground rivers in the world. These cenotes, or subterranean caves, are revered by the Mayans. They release fresh springwater into Mayakoba’s seven miles of canals, creating a brackish habitat where fresh and salt water meet. I get a firsthand look at the property’s five ecosystems from the canopied backseat of a lancha boat as it winds its way through a network of canals. “Once you’re in Mayakoba, you respect the rules,” explains my guide, Francisco, as we glide silently along. “No fishing, no diving and no feeding the animals.” I look out at the protected mangrove forest (a natural barrier against hurricanes), the mangled trunks twisting their way out of the water and up the banks, and search for signs of some 300 species, including fish, turtles, birds, crabs, iguanas and crocodiles. Francisco helpfully points them out as we pass: a group of tiny turtles clambering onto a nearby rock, a cormorant stretched out on the limestone bank. As a school of fish swims alongside the boat, I get ready for the next day’s animal encounter. Bright and early the next morning, I meet Alonso Ortiz in the hotel lobby and he quickly ushers me into an awaiting van for the drive to nearby Cancun. Ortiz can’t contain his excitement: We’re going to swim with whale sharks. He’s Fairmont Mayakoba’s ecology and corporate social responsibility (CSR) manager, overseeing all of the property’s environmental and social initiatives, from recycling and coral reef programs (see p. 76) to working with the local communities and villages.
Our excursion today is only possible at certain times of year, when the whale sharks migrate to warmer waters. “It’s something very unique to this area. Whale sharks are the biggest fish in [the world], averaging 12 meters long,” Ortiz says. He can see the idea of swimming with something so large frightens me (despite my bravery in the face of bees), so he assures me they feed on plankton. “Don’t be worried, they’re really friendly. They swim very slowly and they’re just looking for food. We’re way too big for them anyway!” Once in Ca ncun, we board a small boat with our guide, Sebastian, and head out into the expanse. Things move slowly at first, until somebody suddenly spots the sharks. The boat pulls ahead of them as we hurry to strap on our flippers and snorkel gear. Sebastian tells me it’s illegal to touch them, but, if I swim close enough to their dorsal fins, I will be swept up in their wake and can glide along behind. As he pushes us into the cerulean abyss, my fear dissolves into complete wonder as this enormous creature emerges, its skin a dark shade of gray with glowing yellow spots and stripes. We swim along together, my shoulder two inches from its side. On the boat ride back to shore, Ortiz and I smile at each other, exhilarated and speechless.
THIS PAGE AND OPPOSITE Setting out to snorkel with whale sharks off the coast of Cancun; the sharks average 40 feet (12 meters) long, but are considered friendly and feed mainly on plankton.
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tretching 700 miles (1,125 kilometers) from the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico to the Honduran Bay Islands, the Mesoamerican Reef is the largest coral reef in the Western Hemisphere and home to numerous kinds of corals, including the endangered elkhorn, one of the most important reefbuilding corals in the Caribbean. Over the past few decades, rising sea levels, warmer water temperatures, extreme weather, pollution and agricultural runoff have been threatening the elkhorn’s natural barrier. In 2013, Fairmont Mayakoba partnered with the NGO Oceanus, A.C., a nearby marine conservation association, to help support the rebuilding of the local reef by creating F A I R M O N T M A G A Z I N E 76
elkhorn nurseries in strategic sites along the Mexican coastline. Oceanus, A.C. rescues broken coral fragments that are still alive, breaks them into smaller pieces to maximize the living tissue and puts them into PVC structures that are placed in the sea. Because it can take up to 10 years to see any results (coral grows extremely slowly), Fairmont Mayakoba’s long-term commitment is essential to the program’s success. Headed by Alonso Ortiz, Fairmont’s ecology and CSR manager, the program makes the resort the first to support local reef restoration. It even has its own elkhorn nursery site, where guests can see the program in action and help out by planting their very own fragments.
We swim along together, my shoulder two inches from the whale shark. On the boat ride back to shore, Ortiz and I smile at each other, exhilarated and speechless. ...
THIS PAGE Craft beer from Mexican labels like Calavera gets paired with Mexican “tapas” at La Laguna restaurant. OPPOSITE An insect-tasting menu includes fried maguey worms, a type of edible caterpillar that is a staple of traditional
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Mexican cuisine.
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“I’m a really bad Mexican. I don’t drink tequila and I don’t dance!” says Daniela
Daniel, as we sit down later that evening at La Laguna, one of the hotel’s four restaurants. Daniel is the public relations manager and she’s joined me for another rare (up until now) treat – a beer tasting. “This is an experience for our guests to try a handcrafted beer from a small company representing Mexico, with ingredients from Mexico,” she says. The Calavera microbrewery is based in Mexico City, and their award-winning beers range from Witbier, a light, Belgian-style wheat beer flavored with coriander seed, to a dark imperial stout made with chilies. Each beer is paired with a perfect bite of food – grouper ceviche, prosciutto with brie, a smoked blue marlin tostada – and it’s a refreshing reminder that there’s a lot more to drinking culture in Mexico than margaritas. After sampling four beers, I have enough liquid courage to tackle the next tasting: insects. Although Daniel recounts fond childhood memories of buying bags of dried grasshoppers on the streets of Mexico City and snacking on them like a bag of chips, I’m slightly wary. When our insect degustation arrives, it’s plated beautifully: a mini blue corn gordita is overflowing with dried grasshoppers, ant eggs are folded into a tiny taco, and the maguey worms (the ones you find at the bottom of a mescal bottle) are fried with garlic and served with a creamy jalapeño sauce. “I never thought I would say this,” I tell Daniel, between bites, “but I definitely recommend the ant eggs.” On my last day at Mayakoba, I’m invited back to the Willow Stream Spa to experience the Honey in the Heart treatment. The name comes from a Mayan blessing: “All good things. No evil. Honey in the heart. Thirteen thank-yous.” It’s designed not only for relaxation, but to teach guests about the melipona beehives and other nature programs. After being covered with honey and wrapped up, rinsed and massaged, I’m given a cup of the coveted light gold liquid. The taste is delicate, floral and slightly tropical – like all honey, it’s a reflection of the surrounding environment. The Mayans say honey reminds us of the sweetness in life. As I look over the breathtaking Mayakoba expanse from the rooftop deck of the spa, this small sip is also a reminder of the importance of preserving it. F A I R M O N T M A G A Z I N E 79
Fairmont Mayakoba is situated within 240 acres of lush, tropical forest intersected by crystalclear waterways, nature paths and a stunning oceanfront. Its sprawling design means tranquility is paramount, with 401 rooms featuring both beachfront and lagoon casitas. Set apart from the hotel, Fairmont Heritage Place, Mayakoba, offers fully furnished three- and four-bedroom luxury residences for sale. fairmont.com/mayakoba-riviera-maya
DINE Through a brand-new Fairmont partnership with world-renowned chef and restaurateur Richard Sandoval, El Puerto, Brisas, La Laguna and the Lobby Lounge area have been redesigned to introduce four completely new culinary experiences. From Latin fusion to contemporary Mexican cuisine, Sandoval aims to create memorable meals that are as appealing and diverse as the hotel itself.
DO Home to Mexico’s PGA Tour, El Camaleón boasts an impressive 18-hole, par-72 golf course that ranges from spectacular seaside greens to mangrove-lined fairways. Solo Buceo is one of Cancun’s most trusted outfits for snorkeling and diving, offering tailor-made excursions and friendly, experienced guides.
Vol. 10 No. 2
News & Promotions
CONNECTIONS SCAN THIS CODE with your smartphone or visit fairmont.com/ momentsoffer to find more special offers and save on your next Fairmont stay. ———
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FOOD & DR I N K
MEET MARCUS' In May 2015, Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, A Fairmont Managed Hotel welcomed Bermuda’s first and only restaurant helmed by a celebrity chef: Marcus’, an airy eatery opened by Ethiopiaborn, Sweden-raised chef Marcus Samuelsson. If you haven’t heard of Samuelsson’s Red Rooster Harlem, a hotspot that introduced Swedo-African comfort food to New Yorkers, then you’ve seen his face on Food Network shows like Iron Chef and Chopped. Now, his awardwinning cuisine has hit the sandy shores of Hamilton Harbour, where sweeping ocean views and original artwork by Andy Warhol and Liu Ye vie for guests’ attention – though the food is still the main attraction. The menu at Marcus’ is every bit as diverse as its creator, and features a heavy Bermudian influence. Find fish chowder “bites” served with rum aioli alongside Ethiopian staples such as beef kitfo (a variation of tartare). All in all, it’s a reflection of the chef’s multiethnic upbringing and insatiable appetite for travel. fairmont.com/hamilton-bermuda F A I R M O N T M A G A Z I N E 81
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SWE ET WE DDING TRE NDS
After 10 years as a wedding planner, Alice Fay of Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park knows a thing or two about how to throw a party. Here are some of her top trends. DIY The biggest change in wedding planning over the past decade is that it’s much more personalized. People want something new, like serving candy instead of cake.
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SKI STAYS
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From Quebec’s Laurentians to Colorado’s Telluride village, Fairmont offers luxury accommodations in eight of the world’s best ski destinations, including packages and facilities that let you enjoy your stay to the fullest. After a day on the Canadian Rocky Mountain slopes,
soak sore muscles in the outdoor hot tub at Fairmont Banff Springs, or, at Fairmont Chateau Whistler, cruise from the crest of Blackcomb straight into the cozy Wildflower Restaurant, a perk of the hotel’s ski-in, ski-out location. fairmont.com/explore/ski
Drinks Wine is still offered, but people are putting far more thought into craft beers and cocktails, especially those with bourbon.
DESIG NE R G ETAWAY At FAIRMONT HOTEL
Digital Video presentations and slide shows are out, thank goodness! Because of social media, most guests have already seen the relationship grow. But custom hashtags are a great way to share photos while you’re waiting for the professional shots to come in. fairmont.com/chicago
VANCOUVER, shoppers can take advantage of a package that offers accommodation on the prestigious Fairmont Gold floor (including exclusive lounge access), a private session at designer boutiques such as Christian Dior and Louis Vuitton, celebratory bubbles
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and a personalized designer luggage tag.
Learn about Fairmont San Francisco's fabled past – from early days amidst the rubble of the 1906 earthquake, to the opening of the famed Venetian Room in 1947 – in the hotel's lobby-adjacent Heritage Hall. Installed in 2014, the Centennial tribute features more than 100 archival images, including this shot from 1965. fairmont.com/san-francisco FA I R M O N T M AG A Z I N E 82
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LEFT TO RIGHT John Paul Romeo, Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows; Nader Chaabane, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac; Grant Sceney, Fairmont Pacific Rim; Erik Lorincz, The Savoy; Tom Hogan, Fairmont Singapore
PHOTOS: HUBERT KANG (BARTENDERS); SAN FRANCISCO HISTORY CENTER/SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY (FAIRMONT SAN FRANCISCO)
Classics. Perfected.
POMEGRANATE PALOMA Casamigos Reposado Tequila, Cointreau
VSOP BOULEVARDIER Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey, Remy Martin VSOP Cognac, Campari
RIGHT WORD Bombay Sapphire Gin, Lillet Blanc, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
FAIRMONT OLD FASHIONED Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Mount Gay Black Barrel Rum
SPARKLING COLLINS ROYALE Belvedere Vodka, Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne
PERFECT MARTINEZ The Botanist Islay Dry Gin, Cointreau, Sweet Red Vermouth
When it comes to bartending trends, Fairmont has always led the way in its world). In addition, they revived some favorites from yesteryear, iconic bars at hotels like The Savoy and The Plaza. Now, with an elite team of including the Boulevardier and the Old Fashioned. Each of “the classics” and international mixologists, as well as a hand-selected group of “the revivals” blend selections from a curated list of premium global spirit partners, Fairmont is launching a foundation set to spirits with perfected preparation techniques. The bartenders #F airmont C ocktails shape global cocktail culture for years to come. The group of also decided which premium spirits would be best enjoyed neat. bartenders came together over three days last June at Liquid Kitchen in Seattle, The team isn’t stopping there, either. Their mission: to be educators, recognized Washington. There, they perfected the recipes for classics such as the G&T and craftspeople and cocktail historians, and to pass along their wisdom to hotel the Negroni (the most commonly ordered drinks at Fairmont bars around the staff and guests alike. fairmontcocktails.com FA I R M O N T M AG A Z I N E 83
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SHOP LONDON Stylish guests from Katherine Hepburn to Marilyn Monroe have long found their way to The Savoy, A Fairmont Managed Hotel, and it remains the perfect base for a London shopping spree. Browse designer boutiques in Knightsbridge and Mayfair, a short walk or taxi ride away from the London landmark, or peruse the beautifully packaged teas, accessories and handmade pastries offered at Savoy Tea, an on-site shop whose fabric-covered walls are inspired by London’s Edwardian shopping arcades. fairmont.com/savoy-london
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FITNESS
REINVE NTING THE WHE E L As a pioneer in responsible tourism for 20 years, Fairmont implemented its complimentary bike rental program to let guests tread lightly on the environment while staying active during their travels. Select Fairmont hotels offer BMW Cruise Bikes (available in child and adult sizes) for exploring the city or the countryside with the whole family. fairmont.com/bmw
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At Fairmont Washington D.C., Georgetown, hit the open road and explore nearby states with the F-Scape Road Trip package, which includes a Cadillac rental, itinerary and picnic for two. fairmont.com/fscapesdc
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SAFARI CE NTRAL Fairmont The Norfolk’s lush tropical gardens and stately Lord Delamere Terrace are just two of the standout features that have earned the property its nickname of “the hotel that built Nairobi.” Having encouraged the city’s growth since opening its doors in 1904, this Kenyan gathering place remains as popular with locals as it is with safari-going visitors.
FOOD & DR I N K
4 AMA- ZING G ING E R COCKTAILS 01
At Fairmont Grand Del Mar, ginger liqueur and muddled strawberries are the star ingredients in the lobby lounge's San Diego Mule.
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Enjoy a Tonic #2 (that’s rum, gentian root, lemongrass, ginger, parsley and lemon) at Anti:dote, the new bar at Fairmont Singapore. fairmont.com/singapore
LUGGAG E RE PAIR At FAIRMONT PEACE HOTEL and FAIRMONT BEIJING, guests have access to a
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MUST HAVE
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Fairmont San Francisco’s Laurel Court Restaurant & Bar serves a house-infused Manhattan Spiced Vermouth, with orange zest, cloves, cranberries, allspice and fresh ginger.
24-hour repair service for Rimowa suitcases. Contact the front desk for the emergency phone number and a technician who speaks Cantonese, Mandarin and English will come to the hotel to repair (or replace)
Fairmont’s new signature scent, created by New Yorkbased fragrance house Le Labo, will soon be available in candle form for purchase online through the Fairmont store. The scent, a custom blend of internationally sourced ingredients such as cedar leaf, rose essence, cinnamon, clove and patchouli, celebrates Fairmont’s diverse destinations. fairmontstore.com
your Rimowa luggage. fairmont.com/beijing;
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The Spiced Ginger Press at Fairmont Banff Springs' Rundle Lounge, made with spiced rum, lemon juice, ginger purée, soda, lime and orange juice, packs a punch. fairmont.com/banff-springs
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The thread count of Fairmont’s signature striped sateen linens, available online through the Fairmont store, along with duvets, pillows and mattresses fit for a Presidential Suite. fairmontstore.com FA I R M O N T M AG A Z I N E 85
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SPOTLIGHT
Stewards of Restoration Fairmont polishes and preserves some of the world’s most storied hotels.
Bringing a sacred tradition – afternoon tea at The Palm Court in The Plaza, A Fairmont Managed Hotel – into the 21st century was no easy task for culinary director Geoffrey Zakarian and architect Thierry Despont. They not only had to fulfill the NYC dreams of international guests, but also satisfy New Yorkers who considered the hotel their own. So out went traditional trays and tablecloths and in came more greenery, glass and a brand-new bar serving cocktails inspired by the hotel’s history (including a nod to their former tiki bar). The result: you’ll want to stop by twice in one day, for a leisurely brunch, then an afterdinner drink. fairmont.com/the-plaza-new-york
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Throughout 2016, all 432 rooms at Fairmont Rey Juan Carlos I, Barcelona, will be refurbished, and the lobby given a spectacular head-to-toe makeover. fairmont.com/barcelona FA I R M O N T M AG A Z I N E 86
PHOTOS: LAUREN COLCHAMIRO/FLYTOGRAPHER (01); GUNNAR KNECHTEL (02); LORNA ROBERTS/ALAMY (06); STEFAN DIDAK (07)
01 THE PALM COURT
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03 QUE BEC CITY’S CASTLE With its copper roof and fairytale turrets, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac isn’t simply a must-visit for anyone looking to experience Old Quebec – its striking profile is synonymous with the city itself. But even icons can use a refresh, and a $75-million renovation was undertaken in 2014 to give the hotel a dose of contemporary style. Book a stay in one of the redesigned guest rooms, indulge in a treatment at the urban spa, or dine at one of its three new restaurants: smart-casual Bistro Le Sam, 1608 Wine & Cheese Bar or Champlain Restaurant, where the menu is built around local ingredients and inspired by FrenchCanadian heritage dishes.
Revamped since its days as The Cathay, when it was the most glamorous hotel of 1930s Shanghai, Fairmont Peace Hotel is still an Art Deco masterpiece. fairmont.com/peace-hotel-shanghai
06 REGAL RETREAT 1,363 — The number of guest rooms at Toronto's renovated Fairmont Royal York, which plays host to the Queen and other members of the British Royal Family when they are in town. The monarch generally stays in the Royal Suite and has an entire floor reserved for her party. fairmont.com/royal-york-toronto
DID YOU KNOW? In 1936, a state law prohibited the sale of alcohol within
fairmont.com/frontenac-quebec
a one-mile radius of the University of California, leaving the Claremont
04 NEW MACDONALD
without a bar. Thankfully, one student decided
With 2015 marking Fairmont Hotel Macdonald’s 100th anniversary, the Edmonton hotel is undergoing an extensive renovation that will include the addition of a Fairmont Gold floor – an exclusive hotel within a hotel – as well as upgrades to all of its Signature Suites, set to be unveiled in December 2015. fairmont.com/macdonald-edmonton
to measure the distance on her own, discovering that the steps of the hotel were just a few feet over the
07 WELCOME TO THE CLUB
one-mile radius. A bar was opened there right away, and the
Perched in the Oakland-Berkeley hills and overlooking San Francisco Bay, Claremont Club & Spa, A Fairmont Hotel has been a landmark since first opening in 1915. Its famous Garden Room was a draw, bringing in acts such as Count Basie, Louis Armstrong and Tommy Dorsey in the 1930s, as well as other greats throughout the decades, while the hotel’s immaculate grounds and tennis courts, part of a members-only club that still exists today, have catered to local families for generations. Now, as it joins the Fairmont family, a complete renovation will update the hotel’s facilities while preserving its character and protecting its legacy. claremontresort.com F A I R M O N T M A G A Z I N E 87
woman was awarded free drinks at the Claremont for the rest of her life.
fairmont.com/momentsoffer
CONNECTIONS
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TIFF Lightbox
FOOD & DR I N K
POMEG RANATE PALOMA Fairmont’s newest spirit partner is Casamigos, George Clooney and Rande Gerber’s own brand of 100-percent de agave tequila. Try it in this updated Paloma, one of six core cocktails to be served at hotels worldwide as part of Fairmont's revamped cocktail menu, featuring premium spirits from Rémy Cointreau, Moët Hennessy and Brown-Forman. 1 oz Casamigos Reposado Tequila 1 oz Cointreau 1 oz POM pomegranate juice 3/4 oz fresh grapefruit juice 1/4 oz fresh lemon juice 2 dashes Angostura bitters Garnish half kosher (or coarse) salted rim, half lemon wheel
E N T E R TA I N M E N T
STARGAZING IN TORONTO Toronto-based celebrity correspondent Shinan Govani pens a column for Hello! Canada and covers Hollywood news for Vanity Fair. Here are his insider picks on where to spot the stars during the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), from September 8 to 18, 2016.
BYBLOS
SOHO HOUSE
TIFF LIGHTBOX
This swanky
Celebs galore
A popular star-
Mediterranean
congregate at the
spotting venue, the
restaurant, housed in
Canadian offshoot of
TIFF headquarters
the city's 170-year-
this world-spanning
are where press
old Storys building,
club. Visits to the
conferences happen
is where Al Pacino
hotspot, with its many
for all the biggest
held court during last
intimate nooks, can
films. Keep your
year’s TIFF. Be sure to
feel like a glam game
eyes peeled and
try the rib-eye steak,
of hide-and-seek,
the likelihood of
served with za'atar and
featuring everyone from
a Gyllenhaal or
smokey eggplant. It's a
Jennifer Lawrence to
Cumberbatch sighting
diva of a dish.
Julia Roberts.
will be off the charts.
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repare a deep half-salt rim on a P collins glass and set aside. In a pint mixing glass, measure in spirits, juices and bitters. Fill mixing glass with ice and shake vigorously. Strain over fresh ice into prepared glass. Garnish with lemon wheel. Makes one cocktail.
PROMO CODE
P40M
The mere mention of Monte Carlo evokes images of glamor and elegance, which is exactly what guests at Fairmont Monte Carlo have enjoyed since 1975. To celebrate the hotel’s four decades of decadence (and recent $45-million renovation), the iconic Riviera resort overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean Sea is offering a 40-percent discount on stays until January 2016.
casamigostequila.com
FLY TOG RAPHE R Available at over 32 Fairmont locations worldwide, this service lets you hire a local photographer to professionally snap your holiday. Fairmont guests get bonus photos at no extra charge and insider access to shoot locations.
fairmont.com/monte-carlo
flytographer.com/fairmontmemories
FA I R M O N T M AG A Z I N E 88
ILLUSTRATION: GUILLAUME BRIÈRE
40TH ANNIVE RSARY PROMO
FAIRMONT MAGAZINE
CHECK OUT VA N C O U V E R , C A NA DA
Bright Idea It was almost a decade ago that Omer Arbel, creative director of Canadian design house Bocci, first envisioned “16,” a tree-like armature of stainless steel topped with LEDlit glass leaves. Arbel put it on hold while he experimented with glassblowing techniques and worked on various sculpture and lighting projec t s , i nclud i ng h i s sig nat u re 14 Series pendant lights (now a design cult item the world over). Eventually, a deeper understanding of glass craft and component design helped Arbel bring “16” to life, and it was finally unveiled in March of 2015 at the entrance to Vancouver’s Fairmont Pacific Rim. “‘16’ is an exploration of the deceptively simple process of pouring and layering hot glass,” says Arbel, who adds, “there is a charming analog rawness to this piece.” The futuristic trees stand between 13 and 30 feet, mirroring the sleek, modern lines of the hotel and the natural beauty of Vancouver’s backdrop of sea and mountains.
—
Renée Morrison
F A I R M O N T M A G A Z I N E 89
Fairmont Grand Del Mar, San Diego
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