®
Life of the Business Traveler.
Launching Non-Profit
Travel; It’s a Fundamental Nature
Dec 2009/Jan 2010 S T R AT E G Y T R AV E L S . CO M
On Site: Cape Town, South Africa
®
Life of the Business Traveler.
Conferencing with
Pelican Bay Outruns the Stereotype of Conferences…
Need a Rush? Head to the Alley of Crocodile Dundee
Mark Seliger and His Reasons to Photograph All
Florida’s Prime 5-Star Quarter Involves Clubbing
The 3 Wise Motives to Kick-Back PLUS: Travel News, Fashion, Souvenirs, and more…
IN EVERY ISSUE
FEATURES
38
Who is Mark Seliger? An artist whose photographs are familiar to many, Seliger currently lives and works in New York City. Having shot over 100 covers for nationwide magazine, his art and demeanor travels around the globe and through the minds of many.
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Michael Kors; Not The Label, The Designer Kors says that fashion needs to be sexy, glamorous, fun, and flirty. It should live for the moment, even if you are traveling or getting your travel looks ready for the next out-of-town business meeting. “Get excited about going out and dance around the house when a great tune comes on,” he says. Who better to explain this way of living than Michael Kors?
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7 EDITOR’S LETTER 8 10 12 14 16 24 26 30 44 46 49 50
TALKING POINTS News Staying Connected to the World of Business Translations Multi-Cultural Communications at its Best Travel Needs Fashion, Accessories, and Souvenirs COLUMNS Corporate Travel Budget Locating a Bargain, a Deal, a Hunt that Works for You and Your Family, If and When They Tag Along Business Class Airlines, Hotels, Car Service, and Perks Non-Profit Travel Are you tired of too much of me, me, me? What about living for someone else for a change? Conference Concierge Where to Stay, Eat, and Play While Conferencing 5-Star Quarters Traveling With and To Panache The Fit Traveler How to Spa, Golf, and Stay in Shape While Traveling Citified Restaurants, High Culture, and Hot Spots Kick Backs Identifying the World’s “Kicking” Reds, Coffees, and Cigars Adrenaline Junkie Our Must-Haves Adventures Before You Depart; Don’t Leave Paradise Without Taking a Chance at Life
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mavian Arocha SENIOR EDITOR Amy Day TRAVEL EDITOR Ivette Mendez SENIOR WRITER John Buchanan COPY EDITORS Alicia Barnes and Anthony Williams EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Jonathan Kreel, Timothy Tuohy, and Mike Whitfield, CPT ART AND PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Juan C. Liranzo CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS AND ARTISTS Nathaniel S. Butler, Annmarie Burnette, Brian Harkin, Mark Hill, Morgan Khatani, Brad Shorr, and Sebastian Smith Sales Director Bill Johnson For more information on advertising, call 770.434.0150 West Regional Manager Steve Yarborough WEB DEVELOPER Avion Technologies PRINT MANAGEMENT Fry Communications National Distributor Comag Marketing Group, LLC Circulation Consultant Magazine Communication Consultants REPRINT MANAGEMENT The YGS Group For reprints, please call 717.399.1900 x176 DISTRIBUTION STRATEGY TRAVELS is published twelve times a year online, and has six key methodologies for its bi-yearley distribution. CONSUMER SERVICES For more information on subscriptions, call 800.883.1387 and/or visit, www.strategytravels.com. Published by: Strategy Magazine, LLC 2625 Piedmont Road, Suite 56-370, Atlanta, GA 30324 Vol. 1, No. 1
Š 2009 Strategy Magazine, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use,
without permission of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. Photo credits are not given to improperly identified photos.
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Editor’s Letter
On Fire
If You Could Ask For Anything—What Would You Ask For?
Patience. Defined by Wikipedia, patience is the ability to endure waiting, delay, or provocation without becoming annoyed or upset, or to persevere calmly when faced with difficulties. Did you know that patience could possibly be the common denominator between Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam practices? Everybody, almost everyday says, “Patience is a virtue.” Yet, many of us lack this piece of nobility. Whether it be the child who wants his candy bar, now, the 30-year old who feels her life is incomplete because she isn’t married with children, or the 42-year old who wants to retire at age 50, we are all guilty of being impatient within our lifetime. So how can we develop patience? In my quest to answer this question for all of us, I googled the words: how to get patience. The first response was given by www.coping.org and to my surprise I found: Steps to develop patience in the pursuit of personal growth and change. Filled with excitement to find some practical assistance, I clicked on the webpage and encountered the title of my question in violet-blue letters. Once I clicked to find the answer, I found a blank page, after another blank page, after another. Wait and you will be blessed are words from Proverbs; pausing to hear the wisest action we can take.
That’s how we receive clear direction. Human reasoning can help us understand to keep in step with the timing of our lives. “Seize the moment” is our culture’s philosophy, but, “wait and have patience,” should be a new path to follow. Maturity is the ability to postpone pleasure and one of the ironic blessings that follow this timetable is the understanding that difficult people and situations can be endured with inner confidence and peace. So why bring up the topic of patience in the inaugural issue of STRATEGY TRAVELS? Easy. Simple. When traveling, we all need patience. When in business, we all need patience. With the launch of a new magazine, under the pressures of our current economy, we need patience. However, patience is misconceived as the waiting game, rather than how you behave in the process of waiting. How will you behave? How will we behave? Know that patience is difficult, but the time spent waiting will prove productive, purposeful, and beneficial. “Now” is a good time to start practicing this important discipline and piece of wisdom. And remember, it’s not just wisdom, it’s wise applications that make and define all of us as we get to the other side of the storm.
Mavian Arocha Editor-in-Chief
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Talking Points News
Increases Expected in Airfares,
Notably in Business Class; Hotel Rates Likely to Decline Globally with Asia Pacific as the Exception According to the most recent American Express Global Business Travel Forecast, pent up trip demand coupled with supply base changes are likely to cause rates to slightly increase in most travel categories by the end of 2010. Business class airfares in particular are expected to increase in line with reduced capacity and on-going business demand for international travel. The Forecast was produced by eXpert insights, the newly created research practice of American Express Business Travel’s Global Advisory Services. Utilizing telepresence and teleconference technologies, the 2010 Forecast was presented during a virtual press event connecting people face-to-face from New York, NY, Brighton, UK and Mexico City, MX, demonstrating the virtual meeting options to be available through American Express Business Travel’s virtual meetings eXpert solution. The existence of these travel alternatives and changes in business policies underscores the new emphasis on measuring the return on investment in business connections and shifted focus on getting more trips out of the same budget. “As the world begins to show signs of emerging from the recession, businesses are adapting to a fundamental shift in thinking focused on proving the value of travel and every employee connection,” says Hervé Sedky, Vice 8 | STRATEGY
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President and General Manager, American Express Business Travel. “Heading into 2010, companies will need to consider the impact of these changes in mindset, particularly as projected rate increases in key travel categories gain momentum.” In Latin America there has been upward pressure on rates as some carriers proactively reduced the number and size of aircrafts servicing some routes and consolidated others. Increases that may have been possible through these measures are challenged, though, as capacity at alternative, less expensive airports increased, online travel agencies entered the market, and business travelers increased usage of car rental or bus. This will likely continue to have an impact in 2010, with projected airfare changes ranging from negative three percent up to two percent. Hotel rates are expected to continue to decline, similar to North America, should hotels have a more difficult time managing capacity. After a 7% reduction in business travel in 2009 in the Asia Pacific region, growth for the major countries serviced by American Express in the region is expected to be six percent in 2010 overall as much of the region escapes the protracted recession in North American and Europe. For more information, visit www.corp.americanexpress.com.
A Purpose Driven Marriott? Delta’s Lease Extension at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport “Delta is pleased to have reached an agreement with the City of Atlanta on a lease extension at Hartsfield-Jackson that will maintain the airport’s position as the leading airport in the world and ensure the continued growth of air service in Atlanta,” says Delta Air Lines CEO Richard Anderson. “Atlanta and Delta are successful because we have worked hand-in-hand for nearly 70 years to distinguish our hometown airport as one known for its convenience, efficiency and competitive costs. We have been fortunate to work with a long line of visionary leaders including Mayors Hartsfield, Young, Jackson and Franklin who understood that Atlanta’s economic prosperity and growth is directly tied to Hartsfield-Jackson’s more than $20 billion annual economic impact. “We look forward to working with the city administration and the city council on finalizing the legislation and moving forward with the development of the Maynard Holbrook Jackson, Jr. International Terminal.” The agreement is subject to the finalization of definitive documents and approval by the Atlanta City Council and Delta’s Board of Directors. For more information, visit www.delta.com.
Marriott Hotels & Resorts does away with casting calls, glamorous models and impeccably staged scenes to let real guests help define the iconic hotel brand. Loyal, high performing guests, recruited via Twitter, Marriott Rewards and hotel general managers, are lending their names and faces to the brand’s newest awareness and advertising campaign called “The Driven.” The Driven campaign breaks through the clutter of hotel advertising by focusing on real guests and their reasons for choosing Marriott Hotels & Resorts, a full service, upscale brand within the Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) portfolio of 18 brands. There’s never been a time when results or performance are more critical—and Marriott’s newest offerings are designed to keep travelers operating at their peak while on the road. From our genuine care service standards to innovative lobby and menu updates, Marriott Hotels & Resorts understands and meets the unique needs of The Driven. “We chose focused, demanding, on-the-go professionals to tell their story of Marriott Hotels & Resorts because they represent our core customer. No one can speak to the experience and benefits at Marriott better than the customers themselves. That’s what this campaign is all about,” says Deborah Fell, senior vice president, Marketing Strategy and Integration. “In their own words, these travelers describe how our new product updates—such as adaptable lobbies for working and relaxing, innovative dining and menu options, and 24-hour fitness centers—help them stay on top of their game. The hotel staff is a key part of the message too, as they are driven to deliver for our guests every day.” The multi-year campaign was developed by Marriott Hotels & Resorts agency of record mcgarrybowen in New York. The first phase in the U.S. and Canada includes out of home advertising, such as airports, and online advertising. A new website, www. WhereTheDrivenGo.com, includes fast-paced videos narrated by the featured guests who take viewers through the changes occurring at hotels worldwide. The campaign will go global early next year. Guests can participate in future ads by signing up at http://yourmarriottstory.com. strategymagazine.com STRATEGY
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Talking Points Translations
Marketing Cheat Sheet for Español If traveling to Spain or Bogota, Columbia bring some chills to your spine, and you happen to fear the networking session after you attend a marketing presentation, here are a few terms to keep you in track without having to open your English/Spanish dictionary. And remember, multi-cultural communications at its best starts with effort.
blicitario u p / g n i s i t adver encia agency / ag bumerán e d to c fe e / g effect boomeran a / propagand l a i c r e m com / caro expensive directo in / t c e r i d in uenciar fl in / e c n e to influ nzamiento la / g n i h c n lau uesto bajo p u s e r p / t e low budg mensaje / e g a s s e m to e / por minu t u n i m r e p e / persuadir d a u s r e p to producción / n o i t c u d pro nce reach / alca
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logan slogan / es stratégico e / c i g e t a r st subliminal / l a n i m i l sub jeto target / ob
BRAVE IDEAS ENVISIONED
i ndust r i a l d e s i g n + b r a n d d e v e l o p m ent
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Talking Points Travel Needs
A brooch is the easiest accessory to round out your individual style. This season, add various looks to your wardrobe by adorning your hair, dressing up your jacket, and pinning one to your purse. Oh yes, and we forgot to mention that brooches are also a perfect souvenir for you, our your boss…
Get a Brooch produced by Milo Senallé
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Adler Pavot brooch in titanium set with diamonds; available at www.adler.ch.
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Starfish brooch with rose cut white diamonds and rubies adorned by a black rodium finish; available at Levinson Jewelers, for more information visit www.levinsonjewelers.com.
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Vera Wang Diamond Stem Flower Brooch with Black Feathers; available at select Mayors Jewelers, nationwide and the Vera Wang Bridal House, NYC.
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Carla Amorim brooch; available at Leigh & Co., Vero Beach, for more information call, 888.241.6944.
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Wedge heels, platforms, chunky spikes, and even rubber soles unite to give us more reasons to walk and tour with style.
Highs and Lows
produced by Milo Senallé
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gold, open-toe wedge bow pump by GIUSEPPE-ZANOTTI.
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round–toe leopard wedge boot by GIUSEPPE-ZANOTTI; available at Giuseppe-Zanotti boutiques, New York and Bal Harbour and for more information, visit www. giuseppe-zanotti-design.com.
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casual day sneaker by KENNETH COLE; available at Kenneth Cole boutiques, nationwide.
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rocky mountain, diagonal-zip boot by KENNETH COLE; available at Kenneth Cole boutiques, nationwide.
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imprimer, black patent leather round-toe wooden wedge boot by BARBARA BUI; available at Barbara Bui boutique, New York and for more information, visit www.barbarabui.com.
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satin sandal with patent leather and pvc straps and embroidered ornament by CHANEL; available at Chanel boutiques, nationwide.
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round-toe lambskin and patent calfskin wedge laced highboot by CHANEL; available at Chanel boutiques, nationwide.
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Corporate Travel Budget
Sweet Home
Alabama Traveling with your spouse is wonderful when you’re vacationing, but sometimes, notice the word, sometimes, it can be a drag when your schedule is booked with meeting after meeting. Spouses may believe it’s their turn to gather your attention, but as you sit on the other side of the court, your attention is directed toward your clients. What’s a busy executive like you going to do, without having to spend a fortune? Simple. Opt for the B-B-B, also knows as the “Budgeting” Bed and Breakfast way… If you’re from New York or Houston, say, or Los Angeles or Chicago, a trip to the South can be almost as exotic as a trip to New Delhi. In restaurants, men actually stand up when ladies leave the table. The veranda isn’t just a place to park yourself in a rocker, it’s a way of life. It can be tough being judged by the creaminess of your camellias, but that’s the South: another country. If you check into any of the long-established, long-loved bed and breakfasts and don’t check out conquered by 14 | STRATEGY
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the culture of cordiality, the problem—Southerners are too polite— is maybe, just maybe, you’re a city slicker. The bed and breakfast experience is unique and truly is ideal when traveling for business with your spouse. You get the benefits of living at home with service that rivals the best hotels. The finest bed and breakfasts are small and privately owned. The owners/ hosts live in the same home and do everything they can to make sure your stay is a pleasant one. If the walls at Treasure Island Bed and Breakfast in Pell City, Alabama, weren’t so discreet, they’d tell a tale of private and exclusive vacationing as a civic duty, and of romantic honeymooners creating the perfect foundation for marriage. Treasure Island lounges on a ridge of long needle pines at a lake-breeze-catching elevation of 500 feet at Logan Martin Lake. This four-room inn is in a quasi-country, quasi-suburban setting of forests and natural gardens. A stay at Treasure Island is Southern, or rather, very Southern, and it’s all good. Every time
you turn around, the hosts, Lillie and Earl Hardy, are offering you a snack or a beverage. In this case, the owners are gourmet chefs, and their skills make meals truly enjoyable. Warmth, coziness, and good food aren’t the only benefits received when staying at Treasure Island, though. The Hardys fill you in on local tourist attractions, restaurants, hiking trails, and other interesting things to do during your stay. There is fishing, swimming, and boating on the shore of Logan Martin Lake. The highest point in Alabama at Cheaha State Park can be reached by nearby hiking trails. Guests also partake of the views of the picturesque Noccalula Falls, where the beauty of nature abounds. And while guest rooms are hardly models of anticipatory decorating, they basically get the look right: antique iron beds, Tiffany lamps, and glamour chairs. The inn supplies its guests with a distinctive experience, whether it is an opportunity to melt into nature or consume the spectacular mountain, lake, and forest views. Sleeping in this sumptuous setting means first-class pampering. St. Clair private airport is 15 minutes from Treasure Island Bed and Breakfast. For more information, call 205.525.5172. S strategymagazine.com STRATEGY
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Business Class
Welcome Premium Voyageur
In April 2009, Air France started selling the first tickets in the Premium Voyageur cabin on daily flights to New York (first flight on October 25, 2009) and Tokyo (first flight on November 16, 2009). Air France customers can now book seats in the Premium Voyageur cabin on flights to Beirut and Singapore for travel as of December 28, 2009 and to Bei16 | STRATEGY
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jing and Hong Kong as of January 18, 2010. Air France will also be offering a second daily flight equipped with the Premium Voyageur cabin to New York and Tokyo starting December 2009. The Premium Voyageur cabin will gradually be extended to
more flights and will be available on the entire Air France international long-haul network served by Boeing 777s, Airbus A340s, and A330s by the end of 2010. The Premium Voyageur cabin offers its passengers a very high level of comfort, with: 40% additional space compared with economy class, with on average
Greater comfort and competitive fares is their new slogan; Air France has begun to lead the way for business travelers around the world.
22 Premium Voyageur seats available over a surface area which used to occupy 40 economy seats; greater personal space with a fixed-shell seat, which reclines to 123째. The 48 cm seat width, 10 cm leather armrests and 97 cm seat pitch for extra legroom offers optimum comfort. Air France is the first European airline to offer a fixed-shell seat in an intermediary
cabin; highly competitive fares to all destinations on offer. Plus, a full-fare ticket in the Premium Voyageur cabin (which is modifiable and refundable) will earn passengers 25% additional Flying Blue miles compared with a full-fare ticket in the economy cabin. For more information, visit www.airfrance.com. S strategymagazine.com STRATEGY
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Business Class
Focused and
Clear
Text by Ivette Mendez
Did you know coasting Crystal Coast defines serious talks with executives at the local wine bar and day trips through marshes? Today’s businesspeople are acting out-of-the-box, not just thinking…while golf has always been significant to getting any deal signed, traveling out of town is the new golf range. When it comes to the Crystal Coast, staying in a hotel room is just not an option. For the ultimate experience of the North Carolina coastline, the ideal living situation is to rent a vacation home for one, two, or even four weeks… and simply work from here. Homes come with as many as 12 bedrooms, guaranteeing complete privacy and isolation for a family or group of friends who want to get away together. A particular favorite is a six-bedroom home with panoramic Intracoastal Waterway and ocean views considered “one in a million.” The pool, hot tub, and bedroom decks all have breathtaking views of the water, making it impossible to leave. The homes are categorized according to size: there are Sand Castles, Island Sand Castles, Oceanfront Cottages, Oceanfront Duplexes, Second Row Cottages, Middle Row Cottages, Sound Front Cottages, and condominiums. After a few days of relaxing by the pool and sleeping in with your
bedroom’s deck doors open to listen to the sound of the ocean, it’s time to go out and explore all the activities on the coast. The town of Beaufort is known for being one of Blackbeard’s old hangouts. Recently, the Queen Anne’s Revenge, his ship was discovered a few miles offshore. For an experience given only to a privileged few each year, dive down and visit the famed pirate ship. After visiting the ship, stop and take a breath while walking through the shops and restaurants in the town. Beaufort Estate Jewelry & Bead does custom-designed jewelry and sells antiques. One hour is not enough time to look at all the impressive jewelry in the small, indiscreet store. And when it gets too hot to walk around, the Cru Wine Bar and Store is the ideal place to sit down, have a cheese plate, and taste some wines or Champagnes. They even make their own chocolate using Costa Rican techniques. After tasting almost every wine in the bar, dock your yacht outside the Front strategymagazine.com STRATEGY
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Business Class
Street Grill for a view of the ocean and a spectacular seafood dinner. The Sautéed Backfin Crab Cakes are soft and blend perfectly with the Key Lime Mustard Aioli. And even when you think you are full, it won’t be a surprise when you finish a plate of decadent chocolate cake layered with cheesecake. But activities on the coast range beyond just eating and sitting around the pool. To get a view of an uninhabited island, take a kayaking trip around Hammocks Beach Island. The two-hour tour takes you around the island, through marshes, and can stop at certain spots for kayakers to walk around and experience the natural surroundings. Another necessary stop is Shark Tooth Island, where hundreds of sharks’ teeth lie hidden in the sand. Going home with at least two or three teeth as souvenirs is a normal occurrence. The tours can go as long or as short as visitors want, and they can be guided or alone. To satisfy your appetite after your trip, a quick stop at Flipperz Family Bar & Grill will do the trick. The flounder served on their fresh sourdough bread is so generous, you have to eat most of it with a fork. They definitely know the sun’s ability to build up a large appetite. For a completely different and unexpected panoramic of the coast, a horseback riding trip is neces22 | STRATEGY
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sary. The horses take you through a trail in the woods, and after about five minutes of riding through trees, there emerges miles and miles of untouched marsh. For a second, it is easy to forget you are in the United States, much less North Carolina. The shocking scenery deserves an entire roll of film for itself. Then, clean off from the horseback riding, and let someone else take care of your afternoon relaxation. The Ocean Club Spa is a full-service European-style health spa with executive health retreats, weekly wellness programs, detox, weight-loss regimes, and mind and body rejuvenation programs. In the relaxation
room, an individual specialist will do a foot soak before your treatment. The rooms are so peaceful, it takes quite an effort to not fall asleep, even during a facial. Treatments include a Beachwalk and Leg Relief Wrap, where algae are used to mask your legs, and a Toning Seaweed Wrap, which detoxifies the body. They also have hydrotherapy treatments and daylong retreats. For wine and food lovers, Beaufort has an annual Wine and Food Weekend. Taking place in the spring, chefs from all over the country meet in town with wine distributors and present food demonstrations and wine tastings. The dinners, usually starting at about $90 per person, take place in the small, quaint restaurants all over town. The Crystal Coast cannot be seen in a weekend, and a week is barely enough to take in all that the town has to offer. But with new flights coming directly from Atlanta to New Bern, visiting can become a tradition. For more information, visit www.crystalcoastnc.org. S
Business Class Columns
Dialing for Car Service is Easy;
Leave To Tradition
For over 30 years, New Yorkers have trusted Dial 7 car and limousine service to provide unbeatable, around-the-clock transportation.
Serving the entire Tri-State area, Dial 7 specializes in service to and from LaGuardia, JFK and Newark airports. Whether in a hurry to the airport or having an out-of-town meeting to Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, or anywhere else, they are safe and very comfortable. They have access to a fleet of over 600 new Lincoln Town Cars, Mercedes Benz and Ca-
dillac luxury sedans, as well as the most luxurious selection of stretch limousines and SUVs available. They have recently added mini-vans, large vans, and party buses for large group needs. Their rates are always affordable and up to now, their drivers have always courteous and professional. For more information, visit www.dial7.com. S
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Non-Profit Travel
Huey’s Time Outlined Time off in South Africa not only changed Dee Dee Huey’s perspective on her drive at work, but her journey in life… “Many companies and friends are joining to investigate the words: non-profit travel. I took that chance and spent the last nine months of my life in the country of South Africa working on a wide variety of volunteer work in the community. I decided to engage in this volunteer experience thinking I would help change other people’s lives. Little did I know; this experience, this radical change has completely altered my life. One of the places we worked at is called, EP Children’s Home. It was a home for 104 children from the eastern province. Our mission was to help provide guidance in school and teach life skills; in other 24 | STRATEGY
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Text by Dee Dee Huey, Photos by Loretta Wang
words, we showed children how to be a normal child in their broken world. We also worked at a home for around 150 children who have cerebral palsy, fetal alcohol syndrome, Down’s syndrome, and other disabilities. Sharing love with children who are largely forgotten and ignored was the prime operation. We participated in activities with them such as taking them outside, coloring, singing, designing jewelry and crafts, etc. We also spent time loving on the nurses who work 12-hour shifts. After spending a week teaching in the high schools of Somerset East in South Africa to educate on HIV/ AIDS, I was nervous, yet eager to help prevent and
stop HIV/AIDS in the community. We met with the schools and orchestrated a non-profit Christian organization that is based out of South Africa to help lead the programs, and stayed in local houses throughout the town in order to fully experience the authentic journey. The grand idea was to have one American and one South African volunteer in each home to show the families that different races can mix. South Africa has the highest percentage of people who are infected by HIV and AIDS. On the last day of the week they had the chance to get tested for AIDS, which was an overwhelming experience of emotion. The awful anticipation was filled with powerful rejoicing, yet confusing letdowns. Being back in the states has been difficult; my heart is forever altered. Immersion into North American culture has been abrupt, eye opening, and really hard to grasp. Daily, my soul aches to be able to see the people of Jeffrey’s Bay; not a moment goes by when they are not on my heart. I will never be able to sum up my time in Africa; it changed me, broke me, and grew me. I not only saw the mighty hands of our Creator come to a part of Earth that has nothing, but that part of Earth made a lifetime impact on me. I was faced with the harsh realities of a fallen world; daily we looked into the sorrowful eyes of poverty, the bondage of prejudice, the pain of abandonment, and the sorrow of death. If you ever get the chance to go oversees and work with a nonprofit organization you should jump at the chance; it is a life changing experience you will never experience in America. Your friends will notice your chance; your family will be speechless; and even your business world will shaken…” S
Conference Concierge
Conferencing at
Pelican Bay Text by Ivette Mendez
Calm Waters and Unsurpassed Dining Make the Perfect Recipe When Conferencing in Grand Bahama Island or Lucaya While it is easy to take a vacation and easy to relax while on vacation, but when it’s time for conferencing, there may be a need to relax when the pressures start to rise. Factual relaxation involves surrounding yourself with a certain atmosphere, and Grand Bahama Island provides just that type of experience. Oh yes, and we forget to mention they recently built The Canal House, a five story building offering a total of 30,680 square feet of highly flexible meeting and function space, opening in early 2010. Investing over $7 million in the development of the conference center, it includes a new breakfast and special function restaurant of 3,120 square feet an intimate, ballroom style meeting room with wrap around balconies
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Conference Concierge
of 3,110 square feet and four additional meeting rooms, each offering 655 square feet. Two of their smaller meeting rooms can be combined into one room of 1,310 square feet, and one will serve in as a boardroom style space. Pelican Bay at Lucaya is indeed, the ultimate peaceful destination for business or pleasure; plus, they can keep your spouse entertained when you’re off conferencing. With suites offering views of the Bell Channel Bay, private balconies, and patios, but nothing beats the king-sized four post beds that make it impossible to wake up in the morning. And if you want to linger in bed a little longer, the Pelican Bay staff leaves breakfast pastries and breads, along with the New York Times, in a specially designed pass-through access box in your door. Other amenities include cloud-like bathrobes and inroom espresso machines; both perfect for lounging on the balcony chairs during the beautiful sunrises over the clear blue waters. The rooms’ furnishings
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from around the world and European architecture make each room a truly unique escape. For those who want a cozier experience, the hotel also has a 90-room inn with spacious rooms and balconies. Once you are able to pry yourself away from the business agenda, choose one of the many activities on the island to experience the Bahamas. Fishing, including Bonefishing, a popular activity among the locals. A chartered excursion can be arranged for bonefishermen, whether novice or expert. Swimming with the dolphins at Unexso is an awe-inspiring experience, mostly because everyone leaves with a kiss and hug from one of the dolphins. Scuba diving, kayaking, horseback riding, and boating are just a few of the other activities that provide for a look at the island’s beautiful untouched scenery and clear waters. And let’s not forget the reason for visiting the island in the first place, Lucaya Beach is walking distance away from the hotel, along with several other secluded beaches around the island; finding a live
starfish might not be as hard as one might expect. For breakfast, guests are welcome to a complimentary al fresco continental breakfast served poolside. Lunches and dinners though take on a whole new meaning at Sabor Restaurant and Bar. Rushing in and out for a quick bite does not do their meals justice; instead, it’s best to spend a couple of hours drinking, and savoring their infamous means. Sabor’s chef freshly prepares each garlic herb escargot, crusted grouper, shrimp, and crab cakes to perfection. Casual during the day and candlelit at night, the poolside ocean view scenery blend perfectly with the fresh ingredients: the only problem is finding enough time to taste every one of their dishes. Massages and spa services can also be arranged for in-suite service. As one of the finest boutique resorts on the island, Pelican Bay is also minutes away from The Port Lucaya Marketplace and luxury shops. For more information, visit www. pelicanbayhotel.com. S
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5-Star Quarters
Long Live Salvaged History
Going to the limit is the mission statement for Hotel de Charme Les Airelles. They are soon to hit the season of snow and startling sights, which is ideal for their recent renovation. Long known for its old world charm and beautiful setting nestled in the heart of the Jardin Alpin in the French Alps, the five-star Hotel de Charme Les Airelles has recently undergone an extensive renovation reclaiming its throne as one of the most exclusive ski resorts in the world. Designed in the spirit the grand chalets of the past, it is ideally situated at the foothills of the mountain with effortless access to the pistes via Gloriette and the Relais des Skieurs. The $31 million renovation includes a new wing with luxurious suites in alpine-style dĂŠcor, in addition to refurbishments to all its guestrooms totaling 47 rooms, 12 suites; a new Pierre Gagnaire for Les Airelles Restaurant; redesign to the classic La Table du Jardin Alpin; additions to the Valmont for Les Airelles Spa, and launch of the new Valmont hair 30 | STRATEGY
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care system, and a new ice rink lending charm to this old-world retreat. The newly expanded 9100 sq.ft.Valmont Pour Les Airelles Spa, features new waterfalls, indoor and outdoor whirlpool baths, snow cave, a scented jet shower, fruit juice and herb tea bar, five soundproof booths with a shower, and one with a balneo and solarium. Guests will find the latest generation fitness room, a team of physiotherapists, a beautician, and a hairdresser, all outfitted with redesigned spaces. In addition, Valmont is launching their new hair repair treatment system that will be available exclusively in the Valmont Pour Les Airelles Spa. The hair care line includes hair repair shampoo, mask, moisturizing/nourishing oil, serum, and a
revitalizing cure made to order for all types of distressed hair. The new Pierre Gagnaire for Les Airelles Restaurant will serve a unique culinary experience under the helm of star chef Pierre Gagnaire, ranked among the best in the world. The stunning 28-seat restaurant is styled in a Sissi décor with majestic views of the slopes. Hermès china, Puiforcat silverware, and glassware from et Cristal Saint-Louis, add luxury and style to the table settings. And to complete the rich and exclusive atmosphere, the Gallery Lelong in Paris will provide art pieces on loan. The redesigned La Table du Jardin Alpin restaurant specializes in gastronomic French cuisine. The restaurant’s new spaces open onto the sunny valley that has direct access from the pistes via Gloriette and the Relais des Skieurs. Guests
can expect a warm welcome on the terrace with mulled wine, cold buffet, roasted meats, and their famous dessert buffet. To add to the cozy atmosphere of the Coin Savoyard, with its small lace curtains, old fir tree wood and stained glass windows, the restaurant has included a large stone fireplace. Guests can taste specialties from the region such as exceptional cheeses and meats that can be cooked directly on the wood fire. Les Airelles also features a business center, meeting space, children’s program, fitness center, pool, ski-in/ski-out facilities, and WiFi access. The property is located five minutes from Courchevel Airport, 30 minutes from Moûtiers Rail Station, and is a two-hour drive from Geneva and Lyon International Airport. For more information, visit www.airelles.fr. S strategymagazine.com STRATEGY
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5-Star Quarters
Let’s Go
Clubbing
Holiday parties are knocking at the door, and if you’ve listened to all the advice your psychologist has provided regarding stress, you’ll remember that taking some time to recuperate, before the storm, is well deserved and healthy. But don’t settle for just an average escape route. Add a virgin private beach and a personal concierge at your fingertips, sprinkle a dose of exclusive luxury, mix in superb quality, and you’ll find utopia at The Club at Hammock Beach. The Club at Hammock Beach, a $150 million, 12-story destination resort, is situated on 2.4 miles of private beach frontage between Daytona Beach and St. Augustine, Florida, and comprises superb amenities, stunning architectural design and a level of personal service as impressive as its physical setting. All accommodations feature colorful views from each private balcony, which overlooks the ocean and the golf course. You’ll instantly feel miles away from the rest of the world, free to enjoy the many luxuries of The Club. Kitchenettes with granite countertops, sumptuous living areas and complimentary high-speed Internet access make you feel right at home. 32 | STRATEGY
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Master baths offer deep tubs, separate glass-enclosed showers and separate lavatories. Upon arrival at the resort’s outdoor gate, something different happens here. A personal concierge greets members and guests.
try. The model is built upon a team approach that revolves around the concept of a personal concierge who serves the guest from booking right through to arrival and departure—all backed by a team of service personnel.
In a bold move to reinvent service in the resort industry, Ginn Hospitality, created by the developing and management company Ginn Clubs and Resorts, is translating the innkeeper model to a broader scale than has ever before been attempted, while redefining and refining the club vacation. The cornerstone of this new level of service is a horizontal management model that’s never been used in the indus-
The Club at Hammock Beach management team has eliminated tipping and replaced it with a daily service charge from which team compensation is drawn. They strongly believe it’s about building personal relationships with each of their guests in order to provide a superior resort experience in a private club setting; they have married the best aspects to create an unparalleled vacation experience.
With 148 luxury three- and fourbedroom condominiums and 126 one-bedroom suites owned by club members, a guest at The Club at Hammock Beach is actually staying in someone’s home. The personal concierge acts as the host to a guest, contacting him or her prior to the trip to ascertain arrival time and needs and interests in advance, just like preparing to host company in one’s home. When guests arrive at the front door, the personal concierge already has checked them in, greets them with a registration packet and the keys to their room, offers them a beverage, gives them a tour of The Club
and escorts them to their room— all while their car is being parked and their luggage taken to their room seamlessly by guest service team members. Once the guest is settled in a suite, the personal concierge becomes that guest’s conduit to all resort experiences throughout the stay. Armed with a wireless PDA that serves as both a phone and Internet access, each personal concierge can book tee times, schedule spa treatments, change reservations and even order merchandise from The Club’s retail outlets for delivery to the guest’s suite—all in real
time. And the personal concierge can even enter data about the guest’s preferences, needs and interaction with team members so that subsequent team interactions with that guest can build upon knowledge placed in the guest’s profile and history. The personal concierge will also call guests upon their return home to obtain feedback about the visit. Aside from this personal assistance, The Club has created countless amenities, including nearby golf courses; a nine-hole putting course; a multi-level water and swim pavilion; direct beach strategymagazine.com STRATEGY
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5-Star Quarters
access; a 22,000-square-foot spa and fitness center; the Seaside Grille fine dining restaurant; the Ocean Bar; Loggerheads Lounge, which features a piano bar; a cappuccino and espresso bar in the Grand Lobby and a Grand Event Lawn. The Club’s multi-level water pavilion features a lagoon, two waterfalls, a lazy river, a spiraling water slide, a whirlpool, a bar and grill, and two pools—all against the breathtaking backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, making it every water lover’s paradise.
Treatments include Swedish, aromatherapy, therapeutic, warm stone, reflexology and pre-natal massages. In addition, three large wet rooms offer a wide range of seaweed and lasotherapy treatments. When it comes to facials, guests can select from a broad menu, featuring specialty facial masks and exfoliating facial treatments. They can also opt for eye and lip treatments or a variety of manicures and pedicures. And, if they desire several services, all of them are available in combination treatment packages.
Guests at The Club at Hammock Beach’s spa and fitness center will revel in the holistic approach the staff takes to their guests’ wholebody wellness. All services are centrally scheduled for each guest by his or her personal concierge, in order to help ensure that the staff administering spa treatments, workout regimes and other services work in tandem to meet a guest’s life fitness goals and maximize the health benefits.
The spa uses Pevonia Botanica’s line of face, body and spa care products exclusively for all of its treatments. And when not pampering guests in the spa, Club staff members can give them a makeover in the full-service salon, serve them wellness cuisine in one of the resort’s restaurants or guide their workout on the cardio and strength machines in the 3,929square-foot fitness center.
No matter a guest’s age or fitness goals, The Club’s staff has everything needed to customize a program that’s perfect for each guest’s desires. The 9,919-square-foot spa features seven large dry-treatment rooms, five of which have canopied access to the outer deck for couples’ and outdoor massages.
Whether getting in shape or staying in shape, guests will enjoy working out on four total-body trainers, six flexideck treadmills, two recumbent bikes, one upright bike, two rowing machines and 13 strength stations. Each new piece of equipment includes a touchsensitive screen on which guests
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can either watch television or surf the Internet. That is, if they’re not already lost in the beautiful panoramic views of fountains, lagoons and scenic bridges seen through the floor-to-ceiling windows that envelope two sides of the center. Personal trainers assist guests in customizing a circuit for their needs and help coordinate their workout with whatever spa services they’ve selected. After a workout, guests can kick back and relax their muscles in the steam chamber and sauna, or they can step it up with t’ai chi, yoga, Pilates or spinning classes in the 836-square-foot aerobics room. And for early birds who want to start their day with a refreshing workout, there are even yoga classes on the beach at sunrise. From dawn to dusk, you’ll find a wide range of activities. Paddle the local waters by kayak, explore the adjacent preservation areas or join the staff for an evening of scheduled fun. You can also walk and bike along miles of quiet paths, then head for the pool for some R & R. Whether it’s kayaking or bronzing in the sun, family fun or romantic rendezvous, The Club at Hammock Beach is a place of fun and rejuvenation. For more information and reservations, visit www.hammockbeach.com. S
Who is Mark Seliger? A 15-Minute Time-Traveling Conversation Between Mavian Arocha and Mark Seliger
As an artist whose photographs are familiar to many, Mark Seliger’s work has been included in many international exhibitions and is seen throughout the pages of Condé Nast Publications. Mark Seliger is an editorial photographer who was born and raised in Amarillo, Texas. He currently lives and works in New York City, and served as the Chief Photographer for Rolling Stone, where he shot over 100 covers. Seliger’s award-winning (and often eyebrow-raising) photographs of musicians, actors, politicians, authors, comedians, and athletes bring to life almost every celebrity who mattered within the 90s and 2000s. Seliger is renowned for researching his subjects; he comes up with unexpected, imaginative ways to depict these personalities, going the extra mile to create an unforgettable image. Whether a clownish Jerry Seinfeld costumed as Buster Keaton or a candid Mick Jagger in a world-weary close-up, there is nothing formulaic about Seliger’s approach. 36 | STRATEGY
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His work is exhilarating in its range, from sexy to broadly humorous, poignant to compelling. Seliger has published several books, Lenny Kravitz/ Mark Seliger, Physignomy and When They Came to Take My Father—voices of the Holocaust, and his most recent work, In My Stairwell. “When I first saw the stairwell, it struck me as a blank canvas-nondescript and stripped of any concept,” states Seliger. Somewhere around the turn of the century, the building operated as a horse stable for a women’s correctional facility. And had never really been renovated past the point of laying down plywood to cover the stable floors and some pseudowalls to divide a room. “I bought the building in 1996 and had to gut the entire thing in order to bring it up to code. It was during the demolition that I discovered the stairwell, which used to be an elevator shaft and, above it, a skylight
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that was critical—it dictated the lighting,” comments Seliger. “No artificial lighting was used in any of the portraits and even late afternoon sessions were hopeful with pushing film. Given the fact that I was dealing with available light, I had to depend on extremely long exposures to achieve the proper depth of field,” he adds. “In the perfect world, I would have wanted for all my talents to travel with me to another... country, per say, but that was out of the question. Instead, the stairwell Mark Seliger was an avenue to mentally travel with everyone.” He wanted to create an eclectic mix of people that would be timeless. He immediately thought of the Brooklyn Academy of Music, which seemed like the perfect fit with his series. “I wasn’t interested in who is mainstream or “cool,” but rather I was interested in creating a collection of images that would help preserve artists who have made a contribution of incredible magnitude,” he explains. With the help of his producer, Jennifer Hutz, Seliger created a setting for individuals considered iconic in their fields—people who have truly succeeded in becoming artistic mainstays. “I dragged them into the raw construction site and took some portraits,” he laughs. “Next came the pho38 | STRATEGY
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tos of David Bowie, Willie Nelson, and Julia Roberts, which were taken as an afterthought while I was shooting other projects at my studio. I began to realize the stairwell was one of the most honest places in which I had ever photographed. Subjects had the freedom to become whatever they wanted and everything that happened was equally relevant.” Seliger receives recognition of the mysterious, procreative power of his subjects and has symbolized creativity since the dawn of new art. The urge to embody the originality, humanity, or any creative aspiration in the form of photography is as basic as the artist’s urge to sing his favorite tunes. Seliger will say, lightly, that he inevitably “falls in love” with his models the moment they walk into the set. Spoken by another, the phrase would be unremarkable, but for a man who chooses his words with meticulous care, it is telling. Whatever we give ourselves over to has immense power to hold us, and Seliger is the most attentive of men. So completely he enters his project, he and his subject become engaged in a consensual relation, a mutual give and take that is more like love than anything else.
Like an experienced fisherman with a good pull on the line, Seliger manages to keep a constant play of communication and awareness—a subtle tension— between himself and his subjects. Although charged with powerful physical and sexual energy, the photographs remain somehow chaste. Like Matisse’s figures, whose contours are often left open because the light eats them away, Seliger’s figures are always complete in their partiality. Those who value creativity more than style, and imagination more than titillation, probably will have little difficulty with his portfolio; however, some will find his images and the subjects he represents a little too edgy. But the viewfinder is not the only tool that Seliger likes to experience. He had no intention of starting a band or making an album when he started writing songs. He simply wanted to experience writing a song and recording it, and to have some fun with it. Seliger’s songs are refreshing and original, with a modern-country/pop style that lends itself easily to strong crossover potential, containing elements of traditional country, folk, pop, alternative, bluesinfused rock and Latin influences, layered over poetically intelligent lyrics. The hard-earned final result, the debut album of Rustry Truck titled “Broken Promises,” speaks for itself. Guest artist involvement
aside, the songs contained on this stellar offering are definitely Mark Seliger’s own voice and vision, and are brought to life. Even upon first listen, the material conveys the superb musicianship and inspired songwriting that has already begun to garner Rusty Truck significant attention and critical acclaim. A survey of Seliger’s career shows a unity and consistency throughout his work that is rare when approaching such a variety of subjects. By pulling his subjects out of context, focusing on their personalities while removing background information, Seliger has modernized photography. His images are imbued with a simplicity and elegance; yet, they also reveal a fascination with decay. Often, his inclusion of threads, dust and dirt, along with wires and other elements from the photo shoot, are left within the frame of the photograph. Seliger thus successfully challenges typical notions of beauty, giving dignity and nobility to cast-off objects and other unusual items. Exploring different printing options has also been a paramount concern for Seliger. Always striving for the best presentation of his work, he has become a master printer, revitalizing the platinum-palladium process as well as working with new techniques. The combination of innovative photography and meticulous printing has made Mark Seliger one of the most significant photographers of our century. S strategymagazine.com STRATEGY
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Michael Kors; Not The Label, The Designer You’re not likely to see anything too weird on Michael Kors’ runway. The designer of upscale American sportswear is known for his understandable, saleable collections with up-to-the-moment elements. He travels around the world for inspirations and themes, but stays true to his Americano fashion-forward train-of-thoughts. Fashion should be sexy, glamorous, fun and flirty. It should live for the moment, get excited about going out and dance around the house when a great tune comes on. Who better to explain this way of living than Michael Kors? Michael Kors works for all his fans—old, young, rich or poor. The designer, who refers to himself as “the oldest young designer in New York City,” is always preparing a new launch, whether it be handbags, perfume or sexy and glamorous outfits. “You have to do what you do and evolve it for the world at large so your customers feel relevant,” he states in a recent interview at Saks Fifth Avenue, Bal Harbour. “You’ve never arrived in fashion. People are al40 | STRATEGY
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ways changing their minds.” Constantly up against designers such as Carolina Herrera, Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs and Ralph Rucci, Kors says the biggest honor is being recognized amongst them. He explains, that people “get the whole picture of what I was trying to do. When we put on a fashion show, we send men and women down the runway together,” he says. “It’s supposed to be a slice of life, and in real life there are couples, and there are older people and younger people.” Michael Kors was born and raised on Long Island, a suburb of New York City. He attended The Fashion Institute of Technology, where he studied fashion design. Kors began his career in fashion at the age
Text by Milo Senallé of 19 designing and merchandising a collection for the renowned boutique Lothar’s in New York City. The success of these clothes caught the attention of the fashion press prompting Kors to strike out on his own. In November of 1997, Kors was named the first women’s readyto-wear designer for the house of Celine, a division of LVMH, Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, and in February of 1999, he was named Creative Director for the house, and given the additional responsibility of overseeing all women’s products and creative imaging. When Kors completed his contract with Celine after showing his 13th Collection in Paris, he was hungry and ready to move forward to fo-
cus solely on his namesake fashion house. Since he moved back to America full time, Kors obviously dumped the baguettes and became inspired by his homeland, hot dogs and all. In 1981 the Michael Kors label was formed; his first women’s collection was launched at Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue, amongst other stores. Since his collection was established, it has never strayed from Kors’ initial vision of chic, luxurious American sportswear. In June of 1999 Michael Kors received the most prestigious award in the fashion industry the CFDA Award for Womenswear Designer of the Year. In
Michael January of 2002, the company launched a full scale men’s collection, which had previously been a capsule men’s wear line launched in 1997. The line received a fantastic response and in 2003, the CFDA bestowed Kors with the distinct honor of Menswear Designer of the Year. Michael Kors has also done very well as a destination designer—taking inspiration from the decadent vacations of the rich and famous and then offering the clothes they wished they’d had in time to wear.
In Fall 2004, Kors unveiled his collection, MICHAEL Michael Kors, with an unprecedented launch in over 350 stores nationwide. The MICHAEL Michael Kors collection included women’s and men’s ready to wear, accessories including handbags and small leather goods, men’s tailored clothing, dress shirts, neckwear, and timepieces for both women and men. Kors first signature fragrance for women, Michael Kors was launched in September of 2000 and has consistently been in the top three within every door it is offered. Following the success of the women’s fragrance, in September of 2001 Kors launched his men’s signature fragrance collection. The first Michael Kors flagship store, at 974 Madison Avenue in New York City opened in September of 2000. In February of 2002, an Asian flagship was opened in Tokyo’s Ayoma district and in August of 2004, the company opened its West Coast flagship at 360 North Rodeo Drive, which unveiled a new retail format, giving customers the ultimate luxury shopping experience. In September of 2004, the company opened its third Collection boutique in the United States at The Americana in Manhasset, New York, while the list of boutiques continues to grow. We all know how much Michael Kors loves Hollywood and his current fixation is how actors live their lives off screen. In his program notes revealed at his shows, Kors said he was dressing the American thoroughbred. From the ski slopes to the city streets to some of the finest parties in town, these clothes are for the high stepping cultured crowd. Celebrities who have worn Kors’ clothes include Jennifer Lopez, Charlize Theron, Catherine 42 | STRATEGY
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Zeta Jones, Sharon Stone, Madonna, Barbra Streisand, Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelica Huston, Sigourney Weaver, Liv Tyler and Rene Russo, who Kors worked with on her wardrobe for the 1999 remake of The Thomas Crown Affair. In today’s uncertain climate there is some debate as to whether fashion would opt for fantasy or conservatives, but according to Michael Kors, America was the balm for the soul of this season. As Kors prepared his new Spring/Summer 2010 collection, there was more to his collection than simple fabric with earthy colors. On a crisp floor level runway, girls snaked their way past the smoldering actress Rosario Dawson and, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Douglas, who were able to do his and her shopping as menswear shared the walk with the biggest name girls. The show opened with the ultimate golden girl, Carolyn Murphy, in khakis and a cropped, single-breasted jacket, closely followed by Carmen Kass in a floor-length camouflage-print georgette dress. Minis walked past on tempo as Dolly Parton sang about her rival Jolene. The casual luxe American ‘country girl done good’ look, was Kors vision for this year’s statement and he promotes this look for women who want to have any man wrapped around her finger. Tones of nutmeg, khaki, neutral, black and white made the simple life seem sexy and set off tans perfectly. From the big bikini model Kass wore to the long khaki dress trimmed in brown crochet, this collection appeals to women of all ages, all shapes, and all budgets. Michael Kors is involved in numerous charitable organizations, serves as an Executive Vice President and is on the board of, The Council of Fashion Designers of America, and although he has been in the top tier of fashion stars for a couple of decades, but he’s reached superstar status only in the past year as one of the judges in Project Runway. Viewers who wouldn’t know the difference between empire waist from a shirtwaist loved his often funny and sometimes sarcastic comments about the creations paraded in front of him. Eager to give aspiring designers a chance to break into the notoriously difficult-to-crack fashion world, Michael Kors is proud to serve as a judge, but most importantly an industry mentor charged with selecting and molding the budding designers from around the world. S strategymagazine.com STRATEGY
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The Fit Traveler
Tee Time Anyone? The World, a private residential community at sea, is introducing their new Golf Voyages. The floating village offers golfing trips that last two weeks in country clubs and courses all over the world. The 2009 excursions visited courses in Europe and Morocco. From December 4 to December 20, golfers will be along Spain’s Mallorca Coast at the Golf de Andratx course in Palma de Mallorca. While in Morocco, players will experience the country’s oldest course, the Royal Golf d’Anfa. Other stops on the voyage include Malaga, Casablanca, and Tangier. Each package includes three rounds of golf per person, starting at $12,350. For more information, visit www.residensea.com
Sporting Out the Spa With the life of most of the heaviest hitters around the world, there are times when it seems as though days become more like movie stills than reality. Such responsibility and a fully contracted marriage to the corporate industry, with an ironclad prenup at that, meetings upon meetings become a routine that is practically scripted, accompanied by a soundtrack of cell phone ringtones and the chimes of new e-mails arriving in the inbox, constant instant messages, and the never-ending chain of voicemails that inevitably follow each call ignored. The people behind Continuum’s the Sporting Club anticipated the need for a method to break this monotony and bring spirituality, sensuality, and energy back to the minds and bodies of its members. Walking into the reception area, expect your nose to be filled with an air of incense, but do not assume that this is a traditionally set spa. A taste of new age oriental influenced feng shui has become the standard—The Sporting Club has its own standards. With an industrial vibe that captures the more cosmopolitan and less talked
about urban edge of South Beach, a breath of upper crust gray and white chic hits you as soon you step through the doors. There is something ironically comforting and arguably calming about walking down the stainless steel steps from the lobby to the actual spa area itself, but the edges and corners begin to curve once you enter the treatment area. Rose petal covered floors, scented candles and dim lighting allow for all stresses and anxiety to disappear, or at least hide inside your spa locker. Once you Velcro the towel beneath your arms prepare for your eyes to lay back in a semi-permanent daze. Take a few moments to lounge in the Jacuzzi or maybe lounge about in the steam room to completely clear your mind and begin treatments. A Pevonia aligned spa, only botanic ingredients are used in the creation of vitamin rich nourishing products for practically any skin type. Treatments such as the Luminous “C” & “Sea” Facial, Gentleman’s Facial and Rosacea Facial can either focus on a general rejuvenation of the skin or tackle an isolated problem. For the rest of your body, a Full Body Seaweed Wrap or a Deep Tissue Massage will prove that beauty treatments go much farther than skin deep. Besides the spa treatments, the Sporting Club offers group classes for personal fitness that include everything from Tae Boxing to Beach or Rooftop Yoga, or you could take advantage of the fully equipped gym, clay tennis courts, or rooftop pool, not to mention 1000 feet of beach just a few steps away. Whichever activity or treatment you decide to pursue, let your senses drown in the urban edge of it all. A laid back mellowness can be sought everywhere, but here it is not just serenity—it’s SERENITY NOW!
Citifed Restaurants
Active Ingredients Found in Absinthe It was once a wormwood-derived spirit embraced by masters such as Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec, and even Hemingway; today, Absinthe is better known in some circles as the restaurant and bar located in the heart of Boca Raton at the Boca Center. This 240-seat fine dining restaurant and bar is housed indoors and outdoors on the ground level of the Boca Center Marriot, but is far from your ordinary hotel dining experience. Absinthe has gained a local reputation as a business and leisure hot spot drawing patrons seeking its casually refined atmosphere, impeccable service, and of course, cuisine. The décor is warm and inspired by the color of the restaurant’s namesake elixir. Warm hues of green are evident throughout with natural wood, tying it all together. At the heart of the space is an exposed rotisserie that stands as the centerpiece, visually and aromatically. The exposed wine closets are also dual purpose; functionally they house hundreds of hand selected wines, but also serve as architectural features to create privacy and an air of romance between booth seating. The sum of its parts is a well-executed atmosphere to present the chef’s menu. 46 | STRATEGY
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Chef Esteban Arguedas is a rising star in South Florida’s culinary community. He first gained tenure at the PGA National Resort & Spa in West Palm Beach and now as Executive Chef at Absinthe. At Absinthe, he’s wisely created a menu with palatable favorites for every taste, but also spliced in some risky dishes and spices for the more adventurous diner. The combination is equivalent to an American contemporary style with a French brasserie flare. Whether stopping in for happy hour on the elegant porch or for pre-dinner cocktails, the bar has something for everyone. While a variety of absinthe is available,
the beverage menu also has a great range of signature cocktails often mixing in local fruits and spices such as in the Mango Bella (fresh pureed mango with vanilla rum, fresh citrus, and a dash of nutmeg). The adventurous drinker should try their signature drink, The Sin Car. This variation of the Parisian sidecar is a mix of brandy, Cointreau, fresh lemon and orange, shaken and finished with a drop of Absente’ (pastis liqueur). The result is a refreshing labyrinth of flavor suitable for even the savviest connoisseur. The appetizer menu offers a variety of accompaniments for
Craving Authenticity With its diverse blend of influences and ingredients, Peruvian cuisine has been the source of many culinary inspirations and creations worldwide. Fusing together African, Arab, Chinese, Italian, Latin, and Spanish appetizing elements, the fare gives you a taste of all these foreign, exotic locales without one stamp in your passport. At El Gran Inka, deeprooted Peruvian customs meet new-world charm, making each meal feel like a journey to the ruins of Machu Picchu and the Lost City of the Incas. Nazca paintings and tribal masks confine historical tales as they haunt the crimson walls of the eatery, and bamboo placemats, along with rosewood chairs, accompany the glossy wooden tables.
cocktails or main course. The French onion tart is a tasteful pairing of sweet caramelized onions with brie on a flaky crust; the sweetness of the onions balanced by the melted brie. Another feature on the menu is a variety of seafood appetizers ranging from an ahi tuna tartar to Pernod (pastis liqueur) scented mussels. Dinner at Absinthe is a wellbalanced marriage of land and sea offering everything from clams, salmon, and halibut to pork, duck, and of course, the rotisserie chicken. The chicken alone is worth a visit. This crispy, yet succulent version is lightly seasoned and served
with garlic mashed potatoes and creamy spinach; comfort food done right. The dessert of choice is the Neapolitan of crème brulee. This chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry trio with its toasted layer of caramel is an apropos ‘cherry-on-top’ to any meal. Absinthe is no longer just an elixir to stimulate the minds of past artistic masters; it’s now the latest sinful escape for minds of all kinds. Absinthe is located at 5150 Town Center Circle, Boca Raton, FL. For reservations, call 561.620.3754. Visit online at www.absintheboca.com. S
Yet the most authentic artifact El Gran Inka has to offer is their delectable dishes. Ceviche de Mariscos combines fresh sea bass, octopus, shrimp, and squid steeped in a marinade of garlic and lemon juice while Parihuela, a traditional Peruvian seafood soup, joins giant pieces of juicy lobster and mussels with fish and is sure to arouse as a 100 percent pure aphrodisiac. Meat paramours can enjoy Lomito con Camarones featuring tender sirloin with jumbo shrimp or Aji de Gallina, slices of chicken dabbed in a creamy almond sauce with parmesan cheese, served with rice and boiled potatoes. El Gran Inka has locations tucked away all over South America in Costa Rica, Chile, Columbia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Panama. Now with its two restaurants in Key Biscayne and North Miami Beach, El Gran Inka is undoubtedly receiving acclaim here in the states. For reservations or more information, call 305.940.4910. S
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Citifed High Culture and Hot Spots
After-Dark in LA Times
Los Angeles nightlife isn’t just about clubbing and bar-hopping. The city holds a host of other activities to make your after-dark hours exciting. Don’t want to hit up a club in West Hollywood? Not in the mood to party? Got your spouse in tow? No problem. There are plenty of places to have late-night fun that don’t involve knockin’ ‘em back at the bar, shakin’ your groove thang on the dance floor or rockin’ out at a local live music venue. Artsy Darksy LA hosts a self-guided Downtown Art Walk every second Thursday of the month, while San Pedro’s version is aptly named First Thursday gallery walks. In Chinatown, you can tour the eclectic galleries on Chun King Road and then pick up some antiques or souvenirs at nearby shops.
Hiking and Stargazing Looking for a more fitness-oriented way to celebrate the dark? Drive up to Griffith Park for a night hike (the park is open until 10 p.m.). Follow the hike with stargazing at the Griffith Observatory.
The Beach After Dark The beach also welcomes nighttime visitors, especially in places like Malibu and Dockweiler Beach. Bring something to grill at one of the public barbecue pits. If your visit happens to fall during a
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full moon, stick around for a while and wait for the tide to recede. You’ll often find silver dollars revealed in the sand by the moon’s luminescence.
the Westside present live entertainment until sixty strokes after midnight. Blues and folk bands, open mics and poetry readings are plentiful.
Making Late-Night Waves If standing on the shore has you yearning for the open sea, a dinner cruise is the perfect activity after dark. With spectacular vistas of the city lights and an uncluttered view of the horizon a dinner cruise is one of LA’s most romantic evening excursions. Just make a reservation with either Hornblower Cruises & Events in Marina del Rey or Spirit Cruises & Yacht Parties in San Pedro.
Finish It Off Sweet From an Italian piazza serving gourmet gelato to a yogurt shop with a cult following, new flavors are spicing up life in the San Fernando Valley. A little bit of Italy has come to Tujunga Village in Studio City, and locals are cheering. The Gelato Bar pairs billowing clouds of colored gelato, with a European-style coffee bar. To experience the yogurt that has Leonardo di Caprio, Kate Hudson, and Lindsay Lohan lining up for more, visit Pinkberry. The tangy, stiff, fat-free South Koreanstyle dessert is wowing palates citywide, but its Valley location provides all the perks without the pangs of a 20-minute wait and a $65 parking ticket.
PM Coffee Break Need a jolt of caffeine to make it past midnight? A local coffee house is often the perfect place to relax in a low-key environment with a few friends. Many in
Kick Backs
s k c i K r o f g n i l e v a Tr Finding true kick-_ _ _ reds, cigars, and coffee is a fret in itself. However, we invite you to dive into the globe-filled oasis of our excitement that lasts till the last drop and puff.
Reds
: Frögenbeerenauslese (FBA) may be a tongue-twister of sorts, but it has arrived and Leap’s Frog is excited to introduce their latest faux-German wine (replacing Leapfrögmilch) that is a Napa Valley interpretation of the famous German dessert wine known as Trockenbeerenauslese. Defined as “dry selected berries,” a genuine Trockenbeerenauslese is made from specially selected grapes that have been left on the vine to reach full maturity and that have been blessed by Mother Nature with the “Noble Rot” known as Botrytis cinera. The resulting wine shows bright aromas of caramelized peach and fig that waft over a bed of spice and white flowers. Rich—even viscous — flavors of candied apricot, honeycomb, and citrus blossoms are balanced by a fresh mineralogy that keeps the wine lively on the palate. Try with a cheese plate for a new take on the classic wine-and-cheese pairing.
Cigars
: Perfection takes time. For the Rocky Patel Decade, it’s the perfect blend 10 years in the making. The silky Decade showcases a gorgeous, dark Sumatra wrapper surrounding a secret blend featuring only the finest tobaccos in the world. The result is a rich and toasty medium- to full-body smoking experience. Complexity, balance, and elegance earned the Rocky Patel Decade ratings of 91, 92, 93 and 95 points—an instant classic. Wrapper: Sumatra Binder: Secret Filler: Secret Sizes: Robusto: 5 x 50 Toro: 6 ½ x 52 Torpedo: 6 ½ x 52 Lonsdale: 6 ½ x 44
Coffee
: They are a wholesale coffee roaster; however, that shouldn’t stop you from buying what you really want. Queensport Coffee uses 100% Arabica beans in all of their coffee blends. In fact, there is not a robusta in the warehouse. These blends have been crafted to highlight the rich texture of elegant coffee, perfectly roasted. Each coffee is roasted within a day of your order and sent out immediately in 4-ply valve bags, guaranteeing you a wonderful coffee experience. For more information, visit www.queensportcoffee.com. strategymagazine.com STRATEGY
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Adrenaline Junkie
Risky Business You’ve done the basic whitewater rafting with your Boy Scout buddies, but it’s now time for an upgrade. Travel down the in Africa with crocodiles; just make sure to keep your hands and feet in the raft at all times, or... maybe not.
50 | STRATEGY
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Between July and January, rafting in the awe-amazing Batoka Gorge below Victoria Falls produces all the rapids you could hope for, with names like Highway to Hell, Stairway to Heaven and Mother. Do they sound familiar? If you make a wrong move, even in the calmest stretches, crocodiles still cruise below the surface. And the monkeys; not in the water, but on trees of course, provide an occsasional sprinkle. Don’t forget your passport as it will be the ticket between Zambia and Zimbabwe, plus it will assist and make matters more smooth for identification purposes. Ouch. Death toll: About 30 per year (mainly from crocodiles).