The Purist Spring Issue 2025

Page 1


LIVE FROM NEW YORK!

MARY ELLEN MATTHEWS TOASTS 50 YEARS OF SNL WITH DREW BARRYMORE, EMMA STONE, PEDRO PASCAL, MICK JAGGER, AND MORE

MINDFUL TRAVEL GUIDE

TOP RESORTS AND RETREATS AROUND THE WORLD

SURFER STORIES

KELLY SLATER AND THE ART OF ZEN

PETER SOM’S FAMILY STYLE COOKING

THE WELL Bay Harbor Islands is more than a high-end home. It’s 400,000 square feet of spaces and services surrounded by tranquil beauty to help you live a healthier, balanced everyday —It’s fresh-pressed juice at your doorstep, a weekly massage in your living room, yoga on the terrace, workouts in your private gym, a breakthrough session with your nutritionist, restored sleep, new meditation practices, fitness in body, mind and spirit—your home for personal wellness.

E DITOR ’ S LETTE R FOOD FOR THOUGHT

“With

great pain, comes great wisdom.”

—Ecclesiastes

For my first Purist podcast, I enlisted the great Dr. Wendy Suzuki, neuroscientist and professor of neural science in Arts and Science at NYU, to break down what fascinates me most: the brain. Suzuki is that rare scientist who speaks simply about the most complex organ that controls memory, thought, emotions and every bodily function. She discusses with me how to achieve a squeaky-clean brain, and how to make the brain strong.

“Think of it as a muscle,” she has often told me, and through a good Mediterranean diet (eat the rainbow), good sleep (a minimum of eight hours), positive affirmations (“I have a beautiful brain”), and most importantly, physical activity, you can grow and strengthen the brain. Why is exercise so critical? Because at any age, you can create new brain cells in the hippocampus, which forms and retains memory. The more new brain cells you have, the better protected your memory is from aging and from neurodegenerative diseases. I also learned about the science behind why women fall in love after a good neurotransmission release through a sexual experience, and men, well, fall asleep.

My favorite takeaway was the importance of making time to relive the most joyous moments of your life in what Suzuki coins “joy conditioning.” By changing one’s outlook and actively conditioning the mind to retrieve and relive good memories, especially when you get caught in a negative loop or something fearful happens, you can raise the bar on your happiness and create an optimistic attitude and cognitive nimbleness, which fosters compassion, empathy and giving to others. Happiness is a choice. She also covers the superpowers of anxiety in her latest book, Good Anxiety There’s so much more she tackles—from the importance of socialization milestones and prosocial behavior to social discomforts and challenges that shape the brain, as well as the psychological principle that the good things in our lives are made even better when we have a negative contrast—so check out my new podcast on our website or Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.

Harmony Hotel and Sendero are my favorite surf hotels in Nosara, Costa Rica.

Courtesy of Harmony Hotel, inset by Diana Frank
@cristinacuomo @thepurist

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FEATURES

65 LIVE FROM NEW YORK!

Photographer Mary Ellen Matthews toasts

Saturday Night Live’s 50th anniversary with a new coffee-table book that delivers one blast of joy after the next. From Drew Barrymore to Pedro Pascal, the stars all smile for her.

74 WAVES OF INSPIRATION

Surfing champ Kelly Slater on risk, resilience, competition and creativity

“It was the honor of a lifetime to work with one of your rock ’n’ roll heroes,” says Matthews of Mick Jagger [May 2012].

“He was hitting a note in a song. Another moment of exuberance and joy.”

Mrs Momma Bear.
Photography by Black Pixel Productions

MINDFUL TRAVEL

22 THE PERFECT GETAWAY

A next-level wellness retreat at Valley Rock Inn

24 INTO THE HEART OF INDIA

A heavy dose of holistic healing at Six Senses Vana and Six Senses Fort Barwara

26 MINDFUL TRAVEL DIRECTORY

Your Purist-approved guide to the best in travel

37 EDITOR’S PICKS

Cristina Cuomo’ s must-haves for all of your spring journeys

MINDFUL

38 SPRING RESET

Meditation expert Donna D’Cruz ushers in the season of renewal.

39 FLORAL MAGIC

Botanical beauty from Aerin Lauder

A tranquil reset at Six Senses Vana

40 FASHION PROTECTION

Ludwig Heissmeyer talks innovation, style and sustainability at Mackage.

42 ART AND SOUL

How strategic giving empowers the arts

43 A NEW GUIDING LIGHT

Broadway’s Susan Stroman leads Guild Hall into a bold new era.

HEALTH

45 JOIN THE CLUB

Wave Social Wellness taps into community for deep well-being.

46 INFLAMMATION FIGHTER

A powerful new supplement, ProleevaMax, addresses chronic pain and inflammation

SPACE

50 SUSTAINABILITY BY DESIGN

Innovative homes meet seamless eco-conscious living with Barnes Coy Architects.

52 PURE PROPERTY

Not-to-be-missed Hamptons real estate

54 CLASSICAL COMPOSITION

Architect Pamela Glazer finds the flow in a Southampton pianist’s home.

VIBRANT

56 HOST A SPRING HERBAL TEA TASTING PARTY

Pour yourself a mind and bodyboosting cup.

FOOD IS MEDICINE

60 GATHER AROUND

Peter Som celebrates the joy of breaking bread together in his debut cookbook, Family Style

PLAY

76 AT A GLANCE

Your go-to spring events calendar for Aspen, NYC and Miami

80 NUMEROLOGY A by-the-numbers look at actor Timothée Chalamet

Carmel Brantley
Unwind at Palm Beach’s The Colony Hotel

OCEANA MEMORY CARE —

ONLY

AT INSP

ĪR If a loved one is dealing with memory loss, you may feel like joy is slipping away. But we can help you see things differently. Oceana Memory Care is an exclusive program at Inspīr designed to nurture whole-person wellness, foster meaningful connections, and create moments of joy every day.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16TH | 2-4 PM TUESDAY, MAY 6TH | 2-4 PM RSVP by scanning the QR code. If you have any questions or for more information, contact the InspĪr team at eventsch@inspirsl.com or call 646.907.1500.

EDITORIAL

Founder + Editor Cristina Cuomo

Executive Editor Ray Rogers

Features Editor Jim Servin

Associate Editor + Photo Editor Jenna Lebovits

Senior Wellness + Beauty Editor Amely Greeven Beauty + Fitness Editor Beth Landman

Wellness Editor Fernanda Niven

Contributing Health Editors Dr. Jeffrey Morrison,The Morrison Center; Tapp Francke Ingolia, STANDwellness

Copy Editor Michèle Filon

Research Editor Jill Malter

Editorial Interns Aislinn MacArthur, Juliet Watstein

Contributing Food Editor Peter Som

Special Project Editors Jenny Landey,TR Pescod

Contributing Fashion Editor Gretchen Gunlocke Fenton

Contributing Writers Dr. Samantha Boardman, Isaac Boots, Donna Bulseco, Candace Bushnell

Anne Chaisson,Alina Cho, Camille Coy, Christopher Coy, Chris Cuomo

Michaela Kennedy Cuomo, Dr. Gerry Curatola, Donna D’Cruz, Dimitri Ehrlich

Melissa Errico, Pamela Fiori, Marisa Fox, Steve Garbarino, Dr. Limor Goren

Linda Hayes, Seth Herzog, Nancy Kane, Dr. Gail King, Dr. Frank Lipman, Dr. Lea Lis

Michael Mailer, Myles Mellor, Kevin Menard, Roxanna Namavar, Dr. Eunice Park

Dr. David Perlmutter,Annelise Peterson, Kelly Posner Gerstenhaber, Dr. Christina Rahm

Leora Rosenberg,Tracee Ellis Ross, Hal Rubenstein, Jim Shi, Brooke Shields, Biet Simkin

Jolene Star, Dr. Stacie J. Stephenson, Julia Szabo, Abby Tegnelia, Edwina Von Gal

Tess Weaver, Regina Weinreich, Constance C.R. White, Sarah Wragge

DESIGN

Contributing Design Director Ben Margherita

Contributing Art Director Mikio Sakai

Contributing Designer Seton Rossini

Web Managers Tarin Keith, Aubrée Mercure

Contributing Photographers Melanie Acevedo, Camilla Akrans, David Bellemere, Justin Bettman, Cass Bird

Brian Bowen Smith, Natalie Chitwood, Bob and Dawn Davis, Gregg Delman

Victor Demarchelier, Mikey DeTemple, Sophie Elgort, Francine Fleischer

Marili Forestieri, Diana Frank,Todd Glaser, Morgan Maassen

Roberto Matteo Marchese, Mary Ellen Matthews, Miller Mobley, Ryan Moore

Nino Muñoz, David Roemer, Matt Sayles, Peggy Sirota, Simon Upton, Cathrine White

ADVERTISING

Publisher Helen Cleland, helen@thePURISTonline.com

Chief Revenue Officer Andrea Greeven Douzet, andrea@thePURISTonline.com

Head of Partnerships Nicole Levy, nicole@thePURISTonline.com

Executive Sales Directors Tova Bonem, Michelle Johnson, Eden Williams, Rosalind Zukowski

Luxury Art Sales Director Lisa Rosenberg

Aspen Publisher Alexandra Halperin

Aspen Media Consultant Cheryl Foerster

MARKETING

Director of Marketing Ilene Frankel

Event Photographer Kristin Gray

OPERATIONS

Chief Financial Officer Caryn Whitman

Production Direction Digital Workflow Solutions

Purist is distributed in New York City, the Hamptons, Aspen, Miami, Palm Beach, Los Angeles, and now in Chicago and Scottsdale.

For advertising inquiries, please contact sales@thePURISTonline.com

For editorial inquiries, please contact wellness@thePURISTonline.com

For production inquiries, please contact production@thePURISTonline.com

Follow us on Instagram @thePurist and Facebook.com/puristonline www.thePURISTonline.com

33,000-SQUARE-FOOT HALL OF SCIENCE AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

STATE-OF-THE-ART TURF FIELD

One that is trail blazed by leaders who are taught how to think, not what to think, in an environment that promotes intellectual risk taking. 21st-century spaces and innovative programming

SCHEDULE A PERSONAL TOUR

Pre-K 3 to Grade 12 Saddle River, NJ • 201-327-4050

SADDLERIVERDAY.OR ODAY

Financial assistance and transportation are available.

MINDFULTRAVEL

Courtesy of Casa de Campo
Teeth of the Dog, Casa de Campo’s award-winning golf course, features 18 challenging holes set against the rugged, coral-lined landscape of La Romana, Dominican Republic.

The Palm Beaches Perfected

THE PERFECT ESCAPE

Welcome to Valley Rock Inn, a soul-expanding, next-level wellness retreat located just outside of Manhattan. BY RAY

You need not travel around the globe for a top-tier wellness reset. A mere 30 minutes from the George Washington Bridge you’ll find Valley Rock Inn, a sublime country retreat where mindfulness guides every step of the journey. Set in the foothills of the Ramapo Mountains, with 70,000 acres of wild parkland surrounding the property, the brainchild of 1stDibs founder Michael Bruno offers a calming haven for overworked, overstressed New Yorkers and beyond. Bruno, whose vision for the luxury design space resulted in a multimillion-dollar disruptor business, has now trained his sights on the wellness world with Valley Rock Inn. That same passion he brought to the retail world he now channels into helping people reach their own full potential at this Shangri-la near the village of Sloatsburg, New York, just down the road from Tuxedo Park.

A lifetime of leaning into his intuition has led Bruno to one success after the next. Valley Rock Inn’s inception was no different. “Three summers ago, I was on the ferry crossing to our summer house in Maine,” he says. “My mom and I often meditate together, and we decided to meditate as we crossed. I went upstairs to be in the open air. As we

meditated, I heard a voice say, ‘Now is the time.’ This made it clear to me that it was the moment to continue a spiritual journey I had started many years earlier.”

Find your own spiritual path on the many trails and lakes in every direction, just a little ways off the property. On the premises, there’s a state-of-the-art fitness center, a 75-foot lap pool, a fleet of bikes, two restaurants, 21 bohemian-luxe guest rooms designed by Lisa Bowles, and 14 historic buildings that once made up a portion of the village and now create a walled garden. Delight your senses with an art gallery, an organic market, and an herb and edible flower garden.

At the retreat center, the signature two-night, three-day Exploring Consciousness seminar is offered by the Monroe Institute. But you’ll also find retreats and workshops ranging from $50 to $2,000, centered around mindful journaling, breath work, numerology, energy and yoga. “All of the retreats we offer are about self-discovery,” notes Bruno. “Through taking time to explore my consciousness, my beliefs have opened up and allowed me to see and experience a world I had no idea was there. I hope people who come to a retreat here will experience a new perspective for themselves.” valleyrockinn.com

Courtesy of Lux Productions and The Valley Rock Inn
All on-site retreats blend hiking, yoga, meditation and breath work to nurture body and mind.

Sanctuary of wellbeing: Six Senses Fort Barwara, a beautifully restored 14th-century palace

INTO THE HEART OF INDIA

Seeking wellness and healing in Mother India, at Six Senses Vana and Fort Barwara.

“Take a dip!” cheered our jovial guide, Deepak, as I submerged in the cool, clear rushing waters of the holy Ganges river. Four ceremonial dunks underwater with chants of “Jai Ganga Maiya” (meaning “Praise to the Mother Ganges”) after each, and I had absolved myself of my sins, or so Hindus who gather from all over India believe. I felt exhilarated, a lightness of being as I floated through the streets of Rishikesh after, passing women in a rainbow of brightly colored saris, and sidestepping “holy cow shit,” as Deepak would call out repeatedly, from the sacred cows who ambled along the riverbanks. Deepak was our guide from Six Senses Vana. He’d taken scores of guests on this Rishikesh excursion over the years, and we were the first who actually wanted to get into the river for the ceremonial cleansing, he noted. Inspired, he also put on his swim trunks and followed suit. It’s an experience I couldn’t imagine missing out on.

There’s magic to be found around every corner in India, if you’re willing to participate. We meditated in small shallow caves on the banks of the Ganges, hiked along the aweinspiring foothills of the Himalayas and made a new friend in a tenacious monkey who hitched a ride on our car windshield en route to the abandoned Beatles ashram. India is a place I’ve returned to over the years for milestone celebrations (basking in the awesome wonder of the monumental Taj Mahal on my 50th) and Ashtanga yoga studies in the southern Indian city Mysuru. This time, I came on a mission: seeking wellness, nature and healing for a friend who I sensed needed some heart-opening after her husband of 45

years passed away. That the trip came wrapped in a cloak of luxury courtesy of two Six Senses properties was just a bonus.

Our first stop: Six Senses Vana, a 21-acre oasis of calm, quiet healing, right in the heart of bustling Dehradun. While each Six Senses property has an element of wellness and sustainability, Vana has been LEED-certified platinum since 2015, and in October 2024 was certified to be 100 percent in compliance with GSTC, Global Sustainable Tourism Council. It is squarely focused on health and positioned as it is in the foothills of the Himalayas, offers a unique combination of Ayurvedic and Tibetan therapies that you won’t find in many other places. My welcome treatment was a calming traditional Tibetan oil massage called ku nye, utilizing hot stones and acupressure along the meridians—a soothing balm after the overnight flight to Delhi and 5 1/2-hour drive to Vana.

I managed to pack in what felt like a few weeks’ worth of activities during my six-day stay. Excellent daily 7AM yoga was followed by doctor consults and visits with acupuncturists and Tibetan and Ayurvedic healers. I had always wanted to try the in-water shiatsu-based treatment called Watsu, wherein a practitioner cradles your body, moving you around a warm pool as if you were a baby in the womb. It felt gentle and reassuring—and brought unexpected tears of gratitude for my own mom. My travel companion raved about the clarity she felt after a 45-minute meditation with her eyes trained on an open flame as the group chanted “Om” the entire class.

The communal dining at Anayu (which roughly translates as “nourishment/food for life” in Sanskrit)—where traditional

Indian thalis are tailored to your specific dosha, or energetic constitution— and at the indoor/outdoor restaurant Salana gave a chance to convene with other guests, each sporting the white pajamas that come freshly laundered to one’s room daily. Around the dinner table, we broke house-made gluten-free bread with an interior designer from Sag Harber, an Upper East Side mother of Indian heritage who came to Vana with her parents, and a pair of doctors from Boston, all enjoying curries, pastas and salads so fresh and flavorful you forgot it was healthy. Much of the produce is grown on-site or sourced from local farmers. (Vana takes pride in partnering with and supporting local communities.) I wholeheartedly feasted here, and still left several pounds lighter.

There was quiet alone time to stroll the exquisite grounds and listen to birds sing or watch families of monkeys swing from trees. One of my most cherished moments came in the early evening chill after a full day of healing therapies and vigorous physical activities (including HIIT circuit training with a private instructor). Sitting on a swing, a soft shawl over my shoulders for warmth, while gazing upon a bodhi tree, I thought about Buddha finding enlightenment. I’ve got a long way to get there, but this felt just about as close to nirvana as I’d yet experienced.

Some of the most impactful experiences happened off-campus. At the start of the week, I took a hike high up in the hilltown of Mussoorie, forest bathing at the Benog Wildlife Sanctuary with the snow-capped Himalayas in the near distance. It was just my guide Deepak—a knowledgeable young man who grew up in the area—and me hiking to a deserted temple, passing by barking deer, black-faced monkeys and the tell-tale sign of the elusive leopards who roam these hills: droppings with quail bones sticking out, remnants of the previous night’s meal. We sat and silently meditated on the mountaintop, to the chanting of the Gayatri mantra: “Om Bhur Bhuva Swaha,” a prayer to the divine light and wisdom guiding people toward enlightenment. “It’s not just about getting to the top,” said Deepak. “It’s about connecting guests with nature. There is an energy in nature, like the Buddha found enlightenment under the bodhi tree.”

The wellness journey ended with our excursion to nearby Rishikesh, with a front-row seat to the daily Aarti prayer ceremony along the riverbank. A cadre of Hindu priests in burgundy and yellow garb conducted an awe-inspiring

choreographed evening, brandishing gold serpent-shaped incense holders aflame while singing prayers to a rapt audience.

Afterward, Deepak had something special in store. He recalled me telling him earlier in the week about my friend’s husband’s passing and had arranged a private prayer ceremony to honor the loss. After chanting with the priest, we were each given a plate full of flowers surrounding a lit candle. We placed them in the water, and watched them float downstream, an offering to the holy river for his safe passage.

Six Senses Fort Barwara

Next stop, Rajasthan. After a quick flight to Jaipur, we headed on to Six Senses Fort Barwara, passing fields of vibrant yellow mustard plant flowers, for a few days of pampering and wildlife. The property alone is worth the trip: a fabulous 14thcentury fort that’s been meticulously turned into a luxury palace, with a gorgeous pool in the courtyard (evening laps in the moonlight felt like a spiritual experience), and rooms that were fit for a king and queen. Ours had an outdoor shower built right into the suite’s bathroom, and a patio off the living room with a swinging sofa—a perfect spot for a siesta. One afternoon, we climbed 650 steps to the Chauth Mata temple just behind the property, where a local family was celebrating wedding nuptials. The little kids sheepishly asked for selfies with the two American visitors—which led to the teens and eventually the parents and grandparents wanting in on the action. Within minutes we were invited to dance with the wedding party, and happily jumped in, much to everyone’s delight. I had the distinct feeling it was a moment we would all be talking about for years to come.

The main draw, however, was 30 minutes off-premises: a tiger safari in Ranthambore National Park. We’d been advised that we might not even see a tiger, so maybe not to bother. Fort Barwara’s general manager encouraged otherwise, and organized a last-minute private jeep journey, during which we saw not just one, but five of the magnificent beasts: a 6-yearold male known as Charger, one of the two females in his harem, Riddhi, and the pair’s three cubs. There was one wow after the next on this entire journey, but watching Charger gallantly stride along the dirt road mere feet in front of our open-air vehicle was a majestic crowning to our magical time in India. sixsenses.com

The Ayurveda Center at Six Senses Vana

TOP WELLNESS RESORTS AND RETREATS

Purist’s guide to the best luxury getaways around the globe.

AUSTRIA

Aqua Dome

Escape to this spa-focused hideaway for sound bowl sessions, thalassotherapy (therapeutic use of seawater), a kids sauna menu, anti-cellulite treatments and seven luxury saunas. aqua-dome.at/en

BRAZIL

FASANO ANGRA DOS REIS

After a trek up Pico do Frade or a cruise around the archipelago’s 300 islands, decompress with a guided meditation beneath a waterfall, or indulge with Costa Brazil skin care products (and check out

its sister property in Rio de Janeiro). fasano.com.br

COSTA RICA

Harmony Hotel Nosara

Go low-key in the surfing town of Nosara, where you can enjoy organic juice bar visits and the Healing Center’s renewal programs. harmonynosara.com

Sendero Hotel & Villas

A hidden gem nestled in Nosara, Sendero is an eco-friendly boutique hotel offering a peaceful escape, with plenty of yoga, surf lessons and vibrant jungle surroundings. senderonosara.com

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Casa de Campo

Experience unparalleled luxury at Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, with a storied golf course, diverse dining, and the Caribbean’s No. 1-ranked course per Golf magazine. Indulge in gourmet dining across different cuisines and opportunities to rejuvenate at the state-of-the-art spa, or unwind on pristine private beaches. casadecampo.com.do

Punta Cana

Find your perfect moment of rest at this Caribbean paradise, where lush

living meets nature. Enjoy pristine beaches, worldclass golf, eco-friendly adventures and fivestar accommodations. puntacana.com

FIJI

Six Senses Fiji

Sleep on a Naturalmat organic bed in one of 24 villas located on Malolo Island. There is a full-service marina, a surf school, and 60 luxury residences. sixsenses.com

FINLAND

Arctic TreeHouse Hotel

Experience a traditional Finnish sauna and ice-

Courtesy of Casa de Campo
Minitas Beach Club at Casa de Campo

The Lodge at Woodloch embraces a philosophy of pesonal awakening. Find the opportunity to shift from your everyday and re-focus on yourself. Reconnect with your creative and stress-relieving outlets that will continue to benefit you long after you depart The Lodge at Woodloch.

Premier wellness, perfectly close. go beyond your horizon.

swimming in an Arctic Circle forest, where you may catch a glimpse of the northern lights while staying in cozy rooms and suites. arctictreehousehotel.com

FRANCE

Aman Le Mélézin

This winter retreat features a Thai massage room, an authentic stone hammam, snowshoeing, electric snow-biking on a MoonBike, tobogganing and ski-in/ ski-out access in Les Trois Vallées. aman.com

Six Senses Residences

Courchevel

Located in the largest linked ski area in the world, Francophiles may consult with a ski concierge to help navigate the mountain, and later receive a Kneipp footbath therapy treatment after a long day on the slopes. sixsenses.com

GERMANY

Brenners Park-Hotel + Spa

Automobile lovers will enjoy the vintage car fleet, but Brenners’ true calling card is its extensive medical care—detox and weightloss programs, aesthetic dentistry, naturopathic diagnostics therapy, a specialist ophthalmologist, physiotherapy and more. brenners.com

Schloss Elmau

Hidden in the Bavarian Alps near Munich, Castle Elmau (built in the early 1900s) is perfect for all ages, whether you’re looking for a cultural getaway, ski safari

or a luxurious spa retreat. Make sure to explore the traditional Chinese medicine treatment. schloss-elmau.de

GREECE

Amanzoe

Relish the agricultural beauty of Greece and witness the nearby harvesting of olives and pomegranates. Hop in steam and cold-plunge pools before sipping cocktails inspired by the 12 Olympian gods. aman.com

ICELAND

The Retreat Spa at Blue Lagoon Receive in-water massages while immersed in revitalizing geothermal salt water, detox in the steam cave and take in the mineral-rich spa treatments. bluelagoon.com

INDIA

The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra Dine in the shadow of the Taj Mahal, indulge in a full-body massage using aromatic attar oils or venture to Fatehpur Sikri, the ancient architectural marvel of the Mughal Empire. oberoihotels.com

Six Senses Fort Barwara

Housed in a 14th-century fort in Rajasthan, this meticulously renovated luxury property is fit for a king or queen, and just 30 minutes to a spectacular tiger safari in Ranthambore National Park. Relax in private men’s and women’s spas. sixsenses.com

Six Senses Vana

An oasis of healing in the foothills of the Himalayas, this wellness-focused luxury retreat combines Ayurvedic and Tibetan modalities. sixsenses.com

INDONESIA

NIHI Sumba by Chris Burch

For a minimum of three nights, engage in philanthropic work with the Sumba Foundation, embark on a spa safari, go deepsea fishing and visit the chocolate factory. nihi.com

Pinnacles Lodge on Telo (Telo Islands)

Calling all surfers! More than 20 different breaks lie near Pinnacles with consistently good waves for all levels. After a satisfying day in the ocean, hit the spa for a deep-tissue massage. pegasuslodges.com

ITALY

Aman Venice

Japan’s ryokan-inspired onsen resort, Amanemu

Aman offers guests a private box at the opera at Teatro La Fenice, breakfast in a boat on the canal, oxygen face treatments and rooms featuring works by some of Italy’s greatest artists. aman.com

Palace Merano

With a philosophy built on “harmony for body and mind,” and an extensive list of medical and wellness treatments, the Merano is sure to leave patrons feeling balanced and renewed. palace.it

JAPAN

Amanemu

Centered around the onsen (Japanese hot spring) tradition, Amanemu is designed with natural mineral-rich waters, a

thermal spring garden and Watsu pool (for aquatic bodywork). aman.com

KENYA

Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp

Engage in a true wildlife experience at this nature conservancy, which has its own anti-poaching team, a working ranch and community-driven initiatives to help support the neighboring Samburu and Laikipia Maasai tribes. elewanacollection.com

MALDIVES

Six Senses Laamu

Six Senses is involved in a conservation program and received the first BlueGreen360 Resort of the Year award. Here, guests will find surf lessons, Ayurvedic treatments and an organic garden. sixsenses.com

Soneva Fushi

Don’t miss the astronomical dinner cruise, eco-friendly surfing, or guided snorkeling trip with a marine biologist. Hidden within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and home to a variety of exotic and incredible

marine life. the resort is part of the Soneva brand, which also includes the Aqua (luxury yacht), Jani (overwater villas) and Kiri (ecoluxury villas in Thailand). soneva.com

MEXICO

Auberge Chileno Bay

Resort at Los Cabos Auberge patrons have access to an aromatherapy steam room, Himalayan salt room, hydrotherapy pools, plus reflexology, handcrafted smoothies from El Molino Coffee shop and a Tom Fazio-designed golf course. aubergeresorts. com/chilenobay

Four Seasons Punta Mita

This pet-friendly resort offers yacht charters, tennis, a lazy river, the Apuane Spa’s tequila and sage stone treatment, surfing lessons and more. fourseasons. com/puntamita

One&Only Palmilla

Enjoy One&Only’s yoga garden, art classes and tequila tasting or hit the 27-hole Jack Nicklausdesigned golf course, basketball court, and tennis

and pickleball courts. oneandonlyresorts.com

MOROCCO

Amanjena

After a day exploring the souks, unwind in one of the hotel’s two hammams with a foot recovery treatment and warm argan oil head massage. aman.com

The Oberoi Marrakech

Located on 28 acres of Mediterranean orchards with views of the snowcapped Atlas mountains, The Oberoi offers authentic Moroccan cooking classes, private aerial tours of the Sahara desert and Ayurvedic spa treatments. oberoihotels.com

PORTUGAL

Monchique Resort & Spa

In addition to spa massage and facial treatments, Reiki, acupuncture and shiatsu are on the menu at this oasis of tranquility in the Monchique Mountains. Try the nearby village’s famous mineral water. With a high pH, at 9.5, it’s considered one of the highest alkaline waters available in Europe. monchiqueresort.com

Six Senses Douro Valley

Stay in a renovated 19thcentury manor house and receive specialty spa treatments, enjoy wine cruises, and participate in the tradition of stomping grapes. sixsenses.com

PUERTO RICO

Dorado Beach, a RitzCarlton Reserve

The resort features a 5-acre nature-inspired spa, the hotel’s historic 11-mile Rockefeller Trail, a bamboo and stone muscle melt, massages in an open-air tree house, and HydraFacial treatments. ritzcarlton.com

The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort

Enter the Iridium Spa for a tropical reflexology massage before embarking on an active day discovering the island’s beaches, waterfalls and rainforests. marriott.com

RWANDA

One&Only Gorilla’s Nest Engage with rare and majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat while staying in chic, modern accommodations. oneandonlyresorts.com

SOUTH AFRICA

Kubili House

A luxurious private residence set inside Thornybush Game Reserve provides incredible wildlife viewing during the day, with an in-house concierge and chef at your beck and call. kubilihouse.com

The oceanside Amatara Welleisure Resort in Phuket, Thailand

ST. BARTH

Christopher St. Barth Hotel

This eco-friendly resort supports the ARTIREEF project to restore the reef of Pointe Milou, while its Sisley Spa delivers phytoaromatic treatments based on plant extracts and essential oils. hotelchristopher.com

Hôtel Le Toiny

Explore the coconut grove, tamarind field and pineapple orchard before hitting the luxury boutique and Serenity Spa Cottage. letoiny.com

Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa

At this elegant, chic beachfront retreat, guests can indulge in an exclusive La Mer sea-based facial treatment and support the Coral Restoration St. Barth initiative to revitalize the local marine ecosystem. lebarthelemyhotel.com

SWITZERLAND

The Chedi Andermatt

This skier’s paradise is located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, with an awardwinning 25,833-squarefoot spa and health club, and a signature Tibetan Relaxation Lounge for a restorative après experience. thechediandermatt.com

7132 Hotel

Relax in the award-winning thermal baths made from 60,000 slabs of Vals quartzite, and listen to live jazz on the Steinway concert grand. 7132.com

TANZANIA

Chem Chem Safari Lodge

Engage in an unforgettable wildlife experience nestled in the heart of Tanzania’s Tarangire National Park. With its safari adventures, sustainable practices and community initiatives supporting local Maasai communities, guests will enjoy an authentic, immersive escape. chemchemsafari.com

THAILAND

Amatara Welleisure Resort

Try Amatara Detox treatments with Chi Nei Tsang (detoxifying abdominal massage), colon hydrotherapy, lymphatic drainage treatment, naturopathic consultation and a therapeutic coffee or chlorophyll cleansing treatment. amatara.com

Six Senses Samui

This Six Senses sanctuary offers 67 private villas, integrative mind healing, a fitness boot camp, an authentic Thai farm, yogic detox and Thai boxing. sixsenses.com

TURKS + CAICOS

Como Parrot Cay

Set on its own private island, this luxury resort is famed for its world-class spa, Como Shambhala Retreat offering Asian-inspired treatments including Ayurvedic approaches and aromatherapy, an outdoor Jacuzzi garden and Japanese baths. comohotels.com

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, DUBAI

Atlantis, The Palm

Visit the award-winning spa for personalized skin care programs or floating treatments, restaurants by celebrity chefs, and the new Wavehouse equipped with a surfable wave pool. atlantisthepalm.com

UNITED STATES ARIZONA

Mii Amo, Sedona

Set among the beautiful Red Rocks, Mii Amo guests practice stargazing, chanting and Native American-inspired therapies. They may also attend art classes, golf clinics and intensive boot camp. miiamo.com

COLORADO

Aspen Meadows Resort

Located on 40 stunning acres beside the Roaring Fork River, Aspen Meadows Resort is a secluded sanctuary in Aspen’s historic West End. Enjoy a self-guided scenic walk through the Herbert Bayer-designed property, considered a Bauhausinspired “total work of art.” aspenmeadows.com

HAWAII

Lumeria Maui Lumeria offers patrons all the wonder and adventurous activities expected of beautiful Maui, while also maintaining a focus on wellness with organic farm visits, meditation sessions and more. lumeriamaui. com

MONTANA

The Ranch at Rock Creek Experience ranch life by glamping on a 19thcentury homestead with the entire family. Find fly-fishing, archery, art in nature, photography, forest bathing, wildlife viewing, and cross-country skiing at Discovery Ski Area. theranchatrockcreek.com

NEW YORK

Baker House 1650

This boutique bedand-breakfast in the Hamptons offers English gardens, three pools and a modern spa amid the 17th-century Cotswoldsinspired architecture. bakerhouse1650.com

A cozy living room at The Ranch Malibu

Shou Sugi Ban House

This 13-room retreat in the Hamptons embodies wellness and healing arts with a focus on holistic living, nutrition, fitness, meditation, hydrotherapy and face/body care. shousugibanhouse.com

Topping Rose House

A restaurant by JeanGeorges Vongerichten, a pool, and health and spa facilities are among the rejuvenating highlights of this luxury Bridgehampton location. Bicycles are also available for guests, and yoga classes are held right in-house. toppingrosehouse.com

The Hedges Inn/The Colony Hotel

Devotees of The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach will have a new Hamptons version—a reinvention of East Hampton’s

13-room The Hedges Inn—for spa treatments and health amenities. thehedgeseasthampton. com

Canoe Place Inn

The recently reimagined inn, with its tranquil setting, beautifully designed guest rooms and marina access, offers a boutique stay with rich history and modern appeal. Its full-service spa offers clean-beauty treatments that include massage, body detox and lymphatic drainage. canoeplace.com

Montauk Yacht Club

Recently revitalized, the historic waterfront property welcomes guests with breezy, coastal-inspired design, elevated dining and a full lineup of wellness and recreational amenities. montaukyachtclub.com

Valley Rock Inn

Just an hour from New York City in Sloatsburg, New York, the Valley Rock Inn offers a serene escape where nature, wellness and design meet. Tucked between state parks, this boutique retreat features restored 19th-century houses, an organic market, farm-to-table dining, an eclectic menu of personal development workshops, curated fitness and outdoor adventures. valleyrockinn.com

UTAH

Amangiri, Canyon Point

Enter a spa based on the healing traditions of the Navajo and receive flotation therapy or a crystal sound bath. Yoga classes are offered for all ages, including children, and personalized family sessions are available. aman.com

PSYCHEDELIC

HEALING Atman Retreat

Located on a historic 18th-century property off the shores of the Montego Bay Lagoon in Jamaica, gain emotional clarity and insight at one of the four-day experiences, which include preparation, a psilocybin ceremony, integration support and body-based practices and treatments. atmanretreat.com

Beckley Retreats

Spring-clean your psyche and heal alongside a world-class team of facilitators at one of Beckley’s signature five-day programs in the Netherlands or Jamaica. A seamless blend of global wisdom traditions with clinically informed approaches to psychedelic care makes this one of the best plant medicine retreats in the world.

beckleyretreats.com

Rythmia Life Advancement Center

Nourishing farm-totable meals, luxurious amenities and community connection awaits at this all-inclusive retreat in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Accelerate your personal growth and self-discovery with up to four optional ayahuasca medicine ceremonies. All stays include special extras like dance therapy, massage, hydrocolonic cleanses, breath work and more. rythmia.com

Six Senses Fiji, nestled on Malolo Island

Aro Ha in Glenorchy, New Zealand

Embark on a wellness adventure surrounded by the beauty of New Zealand nature. Hike on mountain trails and at the edge of lakes, and visit the spa for daily massages. aro-ha.com

The Ashram in Calabasas, California

Discover inner and outer strength through fitness classes, meditation and nutrition while on retreat at the main location, or on one of its seasonal retreats (this year’s locations include Mallorca, Iceland and the Camino de Santiago in Spain). theashram.com

Cal-a-Vie Health Spa in Vista, California

Choose from various mind/ body/spirit-focused classes, receive a vibrational tune-up and learn mindful eating. cal-a-vie.com

Canyon Ranch

Voted America’s Most Outstanding Wellness

Resorts of 2024 by the Michelin Hotel Guide, with locations in Tucson, Lenox, Massachusetts, Woodside, California, Las Vegas, Nevada, and Fort Worth, Texas, each with world-class wellness menus. canyonranch.com

Coco Loco Eco Resort in Chinandega, Nicaragua

Surf, practice yoga, surf, meditate, repeat. And if

RETREAT MODE

Targeted programs for total renewal.

you’re feeling philanthropic, participate in community work with a local nonprofit, Waves of Hope. cocolocoresort.com

Como Shambhala Estate in Bali, Indonesia

Located by the artists’ town of Ubud, Como Shambhala provides a resident nutritionist, qigong (rhythmic breathing with tai chi-like movements) and a water purification tour. comohotels.com

Gaia Retreat + Spa in Brooklet, Australia

Gaia, co-founded by Olivia Newton-John, serves organic produce and offers a personal trainer, art therapy, astrology and tarot readings, a naturopathic clinic, and private transfers to Byron Bay for surfing. gaiaretreat.com.au

Goddess Retreats in Bali, Indonesia, and Hakuba, Japan

Find four specialized

retreats for women only: Surf, Snow (Japan), Fitness, and Bali. All focus on nutrition, allow personal customization, and offer a robust range of treatments. goddessretreats.com

Lanserhof

A world-renowned collection of medical wellness resorts featuring advanced treatments like cryotherapy, regenerative medicine and IV nutrient therapy. With locations in Austria, Germany, the U.K. and an upcoming site in Spain, guests undergo tailored programs focused on regeneration and longevity via cutting-edge therapies. lanserhof.com

The Lodge at Woodloch

Personal awakening is the order of every day at The Lodge, nestled in the Poconos, 90 minutes from New York City. Choose from 50 unique classes and offerings, including inspirational guest speakers

(from nutrition and life coaches to healers). thelodgeatwooloch.com

The Ranch

Go for a complete health reset, based on the principles of movement, mindful nutrition, wellness in nature and human connection. With two spectacular locations—in the Hudson Valley, and Malibu—restoration and recovery are as important at The Ranch as building strength and endurance. theranchlife.com

Rancho La Puerta, Mexico

Seek solace in the various wellness offerings at the Rancho: acupuncture, water shiatsu, nutrition consultations, chanting, sound healing, tai chi and guided meditation. rancholapuerta.com

SHA Wellness Clinic in Alicante, Spain, and Costa Mujeres, Mexico

The Intensive Detox + Optimal Weight program includes personalized diets, detox hydroenergetic healing sessions and a personal trainer. The clinic’s second location on the coast in Mexico offers the same luxurious wellness services in a tropical setting. shawellness.com

Find a comprehensive list of resorts and retreats at thepuristonline.com.

The Snow Room at The Lodge at Woodloch
Courtesy of The Lodge at Woodloch

EDITOR’S PICKS

Cristina Cuomo’s spring travel favorites for a chic and rejuvenating getaway.

“SkinSips is hydration on the go—and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and cellulite!” SkinSips lemon-flavored 30 pack, skinsips.com

“Travel dries out the skin, and Cocoloco has the best natural products to combat that.” CocoLight, cocolocobodycare.com

“My

favorite trips to take are surf trips. Essentials to pack are a wetsuit, surfboard and some must-haves like these.”

“No need to compromise pleasure when traveling.”

Lelubé ultra-glide water-based lubricant, lelubepleasures.com

“Mackage designs the best travel coats.This one is light and stylish and easy to pack or wear on the plane.” ALINE-CO 3-in-1 convertible jacket, mackage.com

“The Women formula has all the vitamins and minerals I need, and is especially helpful to stay optimally healthy while traveling.” Women hair growth nutraceutical, nutrafol.com

“Traveling can disrupt sleep, and oHHo’s full-spectrum CBD gummies ensure solid rest.” Blackberry hush gummies, weareohho.com

“Great travel tote. Light and chic.” Two-tone bag, eleventymilano.com i Surfing anywhere is my favorite destination.

M I N DF U L

Move forward and align with the natural rhythm of rebirth.

SPRING RESET

Welcoming opportunities to reimagine and reconnect. BY DONNA D’CRUZ

Spring arrives as a whisper, urging us to shed the past and embrace renewal. It is a sacred invitation, a time to cleanse our hearts, minds and spirits. This season of rebirth is not just about decluttering our spaces, but about awakening to the life we are meant to live.

As Rumi reminds us: “Don’t go back to sleep. The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you.”

Spring nudges us to reimagine, to reflect on where we’ve been and step forward with purpose. The Vedic tradition aligns it with Kapha season, a moment to shake off stagnation. Taoist teachings remind us that, like rivers breaking through winter ice, our energy, too, is meant to flow freely.

Pearl S. Buck captured its essence perfectly: “The winter is gone, the trees are in blossom, and all around us the old earth is renewing its youth.” In the 17th century, Anne Bradstreet opined: “If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant.”

A true reset is not just about letting go, it’s about what we call in. Spring cleaning isn’t only for our homes, it’s for our hearts. This is the moment to lovingly release old patterns, relationships and beliefs that no longer serve us

Here’s a simple ritual to help you do this: Write down what you wish to release. Thank these experiences for their lessons. Safely burn the paper, watching as the energy transforms, carrying your intentions into the universe. As the Buddha reminds us: You can only lose what you cling to.

This brief meditation helps ground, release and invite renewal:

1 Find stillness. Sit comfortably, spine straight. Inhale deeply, exhale tension.

2 Breathe with intention. Inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for six. Repeat for one minute.

3 Visualize renewal. Picture yourself in a field of wildflowers, sunlight warming your skin. With each inhale, invite golden light into your being. With each exhale, let go of what no longer serves you.

4 Affirm your new beginning. Silently repeat: “I release the old. I welcome renewal. I am ready.”

Our bodies mirror the rhythms of nature. Just as the earth blossoms anew, we, too, crave renewal at the close of winter. Support this by:

Drinking warm lemon water to cleanse the system

Eating fresh, seasonal foods

Moving mindfully through yoga, qigong or simple stretching

Spring is more than a season; it is an awakening, a call to move forward with courage, to create the life that is waiting for you. You are not bound by the past—you are the creator of your present.

This is your time. This is your season.

Tune in for weekly Dip Into Bliss meditations every Thursday with Cristina Cuomo and Donna D’Cruz on Instagram, @donnadcruz1 and @cristinacuomo; donnadcruz.com

FLORAL MAGIC

A seasonal celebration of timeless artistry and botanical beauty. BY JENNA LEBOVITS

In a perfect pairing of heritage and contemporary flair, AERIN and luxury linen house D. Porthault have joined forces for a limited-edition collection that reimagines the classic Fleurs du Vent design. Cosmetic bags, sleepwear and linens burst with vibrant hues and the artisanal craftsmanship that captures the essence of the South of France.

“I have always admired Porthault, and some of my earliest memories of home include their iconic patterns,” says Aerin Lauder, founder and creative director of AERIN. “I was so honored to visit their company archives and discover the vintage Fleurs du Vent design. Reimagining the print together in a way that

felt perfectly on brand for both of us was a dream come true.” The capsule is available exclusively in the United States at AERIN and D. Porthault stores and websites.

Also in full bloom this season is Living With Flowers, Lauder’s latest book from Rizzoli. She opens the doors to her homes, revealing how flowers breathe life into every room—a personal passion passed down to her by her grandmother, Estée Lauder, and mother, Jo Carole Lauder. From fresh, understated bouquets to bold, whimsical accents, Lauder’s book is a must for those who, like her, believe flowers make everything better. aerin.com

Aerin Lauder, at home in Palm Beach
Fleurs du Vent bed linens, from $305

FASHION PROTECTION

Ludwig Heissmeyer, Senior Vice President of Design and Product Development at Mackage, brings elegance and innovation to the sustainable outwear brand.

JIM SERVIN: How does fashion enhance wellness?

LUDWIG HEISSMEYER: Fashion can highly impact one’s self-confidence, self-expression, overall motivation and even health. Mackage’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection, The Elements, combines functionality, protection, craftsmanship and design to create luxury outerwear that is comfortable as well as beautiful. All garments are crafted to protect from the elements while using breathable and lightweight materials or construction. Stretch and convertibility add comfort and versatility.

JS: The Elements also represents an intersection between fashion and the environment. What aspects of nature influenced the collection?

LH: The collection was inspired by the four elements: earth, fire, air and water. They are fundamental building blocks and energies that comprise the world around us. Nature is at the very center of it all, and therefore the inspiration itself, guiding the color palette, silhouette and overall approach to design. Nature’s often unpredictable weather patterns challenged the design team and me to create highly functional garments that are suitable for the dynamic climates of spring and summer. Most pieces can be converted and layered in many ways. Implementing and developing sustainable practices and technologies continue to play a huge role when designing any collection to protect and preserve natural resources and ecosystems.

JS: You’re a native of Germany who moved to New York and graduated from FIT. Do you get out to the Hamptons much?

LH: New York City has become my home and source of inspiration. It is as fascinating as overwhelming at times. An

escape into nature is not just welcomed but needed. The Hamptons offer such a getaway, year-round. During the winter months, I enjoy strolling through the tree-lit villages, while I prefer the calm of

Shelter Island during the summer. Driving down Old Montauk Highway and seeing the ocean peek through from time to time is just stunning.

JS: What role does wellness play in your personal and professional life?

LH: I have noticed that it is the little things that keep me energized, such as taking a moment to breathe, being mindful of my surroundings, incorporating a 30-minute stretch and meditation routine in the morning vs. long gym workouts and trying to spend as much time as possible in nature. I respond very well to a routine, despite my often hectic day-to-day and demanding travel schedule. Personal downtime is very important, and luxury is space and silence. Once recharged, my family and friends take over!

JS: What is your favorite thing to do on a rainy spring day?

LH: I used to dread going out in the rain, but now that I work at an outerwear company, I look forward to rainy days, no matter the season, to wear our beautiful pieces. There is a sense of pride and joy in experiencing the collections firsthand. A stroll in the park or even the commute to work becomes a meaningful experience.

JS: What directions do you see fashion, and your career, taking in the future?

LH: Luckily, fashion is unpredictable in many ways. That’s what makes it so elusive. I find myself very much engaged and excited by my current role. Working at Mackage challenges me to approach design from a different angle. I am still learning about many technical aspects of outerwear, and enjoy working in an ever-changing environment. If I am moving forward and creating, I am happy, no matter what the future holds. mackage.com

Courtesy of Mackage
Evelina 2-in-1 long lamb leather coat with removable sleeves in earth brown, $2,090
Melda 3-in-1 quilted jacket in light military, $990

STRIKING DESIGN. POWERFUL ENGINE. EVERY CONVENIENCE. THE 2025 BMW X5 IS READY FOR YOUR ADVENTURE.

Wherever you’re headed, the 2025 BMW X5 will get you there in style. Peak comfort, dreamy sanctuary colors, standard smart safety features and available hands-free driving, the BMW X5 models stay ahead of the curve so you can stay present in the moment.

There are no limits to confidence when you’re driving a BMW X5. Enjoy the precision of Dynamic Damper Control, standard on all models, or your choice of Adaptive M Suspension or 2-Axle Air Suspension, available on select models.

This is the Ultimate Driving Machine.®

Test drive your BMW at BMW of Southampton, where you can expect us to exceed your expectations.

ART AND SOUL

Anne Chaisson, the former executive director of HamptonsFilm, extols the virtues of philanthropic giving.

Did you know that more than 67 percent of total charitable giving comes from individual and small family foundations? Philanthropy has the power to transform artists’ lives, bringing about meaningful change. Strategic philanthropic support empowers organizations and individuals through initiatives that align with their values, building a support ecosystem that provides the necessary funding to sectors that will change the face of humanity.

Everyone has heard of organizations that have been supporting multiple philanthropic sectors for education, health, entertainment, religion and the environment for over 75 years, such as the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and the Ford Foundation. Familiar philanthropic names are emblazoned on arts buildings all over the country, including David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center and the Getty Center in Los Angeles.

The fastest growing sectors of giving by small family foundations and individuals are arts and culture at roughly $25 billion, and environment and animal causes at $21 billion, reshaping how philanthropy can encourage and showcase meaningful change.

Throughout my 12-year tenure as the executive director of HamptonsFilm, the nonprofit institution that presents the annual Hamptons International Film Festival, new initiatives and awards were carefully implemented to support filmmaking artists and their projects by aligning a patron’s cause-related passions with the global and local films being written and produced. The Compassion, Justice and Animal Rights Signature program, and the Giving Voice to the Voiceless award funded by Zelda Penzel, highlighted films addressing these issues and showcased how one can affect change in their daily life.

Philanthropic support also led to mentorship by Academy Award-winning writers to a female screenwriter through the Melissa Mathison Award, named after the late screenwriter of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, and the

Sherzum Award to acknowledge stories about LGBTQ+ individuals, showing the challenges and successes of the communities represented. Other local initiatives include Bay Street’s Luigi Caiola Musical Theater Fund supporting new musical theater works, and the Guild Hall William P. Rayner Artist in Residence program, which offers artist collectives the time and space to research, experiment and develop new ideas and projects.

The power of contribution is amplified when approached with a strategic mindset. Researching organizations, understanding their mission and evaluating their effectiveness can help ensure your donations lead to significant change. Finding the right person to guide you through the multitude of arts nonprofits is vital in helping to attain the vision you have for your giving. There are relatively few companies that provide this type of guidance, but there are many nonprofit professionals, such as executive directors or board chairs of current and former successful nonprofits who understand how to assess an organization’s infrastructure, how it stays true to its mission and how to find opportunities for enhancement. When considering an adviser, research the person’s experience, values, financial acumen and how transparent they are about all of the above.

By supporting arts and cultural organizations, you invest in the heart of society, enrich your community and provide opportunities for emerging artists. Whether through direct funding or supporting initiatives that foster artistic innovation, your involvement helps keep the arts thriving and accessible.

Philanthropy is a commitment to creating a better world. When considering your next philanthropic endeavor, keep in mind the profound impact you can have and embrace the opportunity to be a force for good—transform lives, uplift communities, and leave a legacy that celebrates the very best of humanity, and most importantly, feeds the soul.

GUILD HALL’S NEW GUIDING LIGHT

Celebrated Broadway director Susan Stroman takes on the role of academy president at East Hampton’s historic theater. BY

When Susan Stroman—or Stro, as she’s called— was hard at work on last year’s Broadway hit Left on Tenth, a rom-com based on Delia Ephron’s memoir, produced by Daryl Roth, she was called upon to follow Eric Fischl’s 10-year term as Guild Hall Academy of the Arts president. This was a big ask: Perhaps the busiest artist in theater, the winner of five Tony Awards for choreography and directing, and currently directing Smash, a new musical which just opened on Broadway, Stroman responded: “After I launch Smash, I can give Guild Hall all my time.” On April 22, recently christened Academy of Arts president Stroman hosts Guild Hall’s annual spring fundraiser at the Rainbow Room in New York City.

Stroman’s mission: to ensure the arts’ place in East Hampton, where she now rents a house after having owned two. Her love of the ocean, of sitting at Main Beach after 4PM and snacking or gathering with friends, was not East Hampton’s only allure. Growing up in Delaware, she always had music at home. Her father played piano and was a great storyteller. “I had no choice but to become a choreographer and theater director,” she says. “Now, to have a theater that encompasses all the art forms, including visual arts, music, dance, is a dream to me.”

During the pandemic, when arts centers closed down, towns closed down, Stroman says, adding that “theaters

are the soul of the community.” In 2021, as people could come together, Guild Hall invited her to explain how musicals are created, resulting in a three-night event at the historic venue. First was The Producers, with Matthew Broderick and Nathan Lane attending, and Mel Brooks projected in, the former East Hampton resident a god looming over the stage. Stroman won Tonys for directing and choreographing the 2001 musical. Next came Little Dancer, a ballet performance based on the Degas sculpture, and then a big Gershwin tap show, Crazy for You—Stroman’s first Tony win for choreography, in 1992. Each night featured performances, videos and a lesson in theater. “Learning how musicals are made was more entertaining for audiences than just singing a song,” she says. “I am a storyteller who tells in dance and music. I’m fortunate; I can do a serious story about second chances for a woman surviving cancer, a funny story about two swindling producers, then pure entertainment.”

“Smash, ” she notes, is “meta, about creatives trying to put on a musical about Marilyn Monroe, and what it takes to create something, whether creating a musical or something in their own lives. In the best of all possible worlds, all goes well—until something goes awry. That’s where the humor comes in.” guildhall.org

Susan Stroman

H EALTH

This season, step outside and soak in the beauty of cherry blossoms—nature’s uplifting symbol of hope and renewal.

JOIN THE CLUB

At the new Wave Social Wellness in Southampton, emphasis on community enhances robust, cutting-edge treatments. BY

PURIST: Wave Social Wellness Club, as stated on your website, aims “to provide a space for clients to access longevity rather than the perfect anything.” What is the difference between the goals of longevity vs. perfection?

LISA ZALOGA, CO-FOUNDER: Our vision at Wave has always been to create a space where guests can access long-term preventive and sustainable health. By changing the narrative around wellness as a means to the “perfect” body or a fight against the clock, we aim to offer treatments, classes and programming geared to keeping you doing what you love doing longer.

PURIST: Tell us about the new, exciting offerings at Wave Social Wellness.

LZ: Stephanie (Esposito, Wave Wellness co-founder) and I had always dreamed from the start of including all we are passionate about under one roof. Wave’s second location in Southampton has a 1,000-square-foot movement studio within, where in addition to heated and non-heated yoga, functional movement and fitness classes, we will be launching Wave Length Recovery classes, the first of its kind, a full-body stretch and recovery class performed on an infrared PEMF mat. This technology helps in muscle, bone, joint, brain and mitochondria function. We are very excited about our 18-person infrared sauna and coldplunge suite, where we will be offering guided experiences within for members. We also added a private Contrast suite, where guests can enjoy the benefits of hot and cold therapy, solo with a recliner or for up to three people. Our RecoveryTech suite is a wellness tech dream, offering biohacking opportunities with motion loungers, a full-body

several treatments.

seven-wavelength relight device, leg compression, PEMF, neuro-acoustic sound therapy and, coming soon, AirWAVE, our mild hyperbaric chamber. PURIST: A new location is an opportunity to expand and refine the Wave brand. How is the Southampton location accomplishing this?

LZ: This new expanded concept offers 4,000 square feet dedicated to restoration and longevity, with community and social experiences at the center. Our goal is to go beyond self-care to create “wellness better shared” through membership. Research has shown that one of the anchoring ingredients found in blue zones (a region in the world where people are claimed to have exceptionally long, healthy lives beyond the age of 80) is community. Locals, visitors and seasonal residents are all part of the fabric at Wave. We have the additional space in Southampton to really dive into social wellness through curated conversations, small group coaching, group classes and wave frequency treatments.

PURIST: What’s an ideal wellness treatment menu for summer readiness?

LZ: We recommend combining three powerful detoxifying treatments to get the lymph flowing and the body recharged: a 90-minute combination of lymphatic drainage with wood sculpting, followed by our 30-minute full-body compression, a 30-minute infrared sauna for detoxification with our castor oil-magnesium wrap, and finally, a cold plunge for tightening the skin.

PURIST: What developments can we look forward to in wellness, and how will those be found at Wave Social Wellness Club?

LZ: The introduction of hyperbaric oxygen therapy will be a game changer in the worlds of recovery and longevity. We are excited to debut the first cabin on the East End—more coming soon. With science-backed technologies ever evolving, Wave intends to stay ahead to keep our community well informed and healthy. wavewellnesshamptons.com/southampton

The LemiFloat, a heated chromotherapy water massage bed, is utilized in
Contrast therapy (alternating between hot and cold) boosts circulation, reduces muscle soreness and speeds recovery.

INFLAMMATION FIGHTER

Say goodbye to oxidative stress. A new formula from ProleevaMax provides relief.

Finally, a treatment for chronic inflammation addresses its root causes, while alleviating debilitating symptoms.

ProleevaMax, a meticulously crafted supplement, is the result of a deeply personal mission, born from the desire to relieve the suffering of a loved one—in this case the founder’s wife, who suffered from breast cancer. What makes ProleevaMax the gold standard in inflammation relief? The secret lies in its advanced blend of clinically proven ingredients, each chosen for its unparalleled ability to restore balance to the body. Here’s what makes ProleevaMax the real deal:

5-HTP: Fights the fatigue, pain, stiffness and anxiety that come hand in hand with chronic inflammation.

Resveratrol: A veritable shield that offers antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant protection, while supporting heart and brain health.

Boswellia Extract: An ancient remedy, now backed by science, that quells inflammation and provides lasting relief for chronic conditions.

Choline L-Bitartrate: Backed by clinical evidence, this powerful anti-inflammatory reduces key markers of inflammation.

Curcumin: Revered for centuries, this potent antiinflammatory and antioxidant is a crucial weapon in the fight against chronic inflammation.

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA): A multifaceted powerhouse enhances the immune system while offering better sleep, antianxiety, and blood pressure-lowering benefits.

With a holistic blend of clinically backed ingredients, ProleevaMax fights pain and inflammation at the source.

L-Arginine HCl: Vital for a robust immune response, it ensures the body is primed to combat inflammation.

L-Glutamine: The body’s most abundant amino acid is essential for protein synthesis and fueling a healthy immune system.

L-Serine: This critical player in the production of immunoglobulins and antibodies bolsters the body’s defenses.

Matcha Green Tea Powder: Rich in catechins and amino acids, matcha is a potent antioxidant that shields cells from damage and lowers the risk of chronic disease.

Panax Ginseng Root Powder: This is an adaptogen that fights inflammation and boosts the immune system, helping you stay resilient.

Piperine Black Pepper Extract: It enhances the absorption of key nutrients while acting as a powerful antioxidant and immune booster.

Vitamin B6: Essential for the optimal functioning of the immune system, this wonder nutrient ensures the body’s defenses are always at their best.

Supported by clinical research, ProleevaMax doesn’t just provide temporary relief, it fundamentally changes how the body handles inflammation. By targeting oxidative stress, a key driver of inflammation and related chronic diseases, ProleevaMax helps you reclaim your health in a way no other product can. Incorporating ProleevaMax into your daily regimen is more than just a step toward better health—it’s a transformative experience. proleevamax.com

Courtesy of Prolee vaMax

SPACE

Perfect for unwinding after a long day, this stainless steel and acrylic-walled spa was created by architect

Pérez,

Architects, in collaboration with Diamond

Its soothing warmth and modern design enhance any outdoor space.

Courtesy of Diamond Spas
José Fernando Vázquez
AIA, H:M
Spas.

SUSTAINABLE BY DESIGN

Christopher Coy, co-founder and principal of Barnes Coy Architects, reveals details from a drawing board rich in eco-friendly integrity.

In incorporating elements of sustainable architecture to our design practice, Barnes Coy Architects is focused on light and energy. I’ve always designed houses that respond to the landforms and conditions of the site, and one of the first things I do is determine how sunlight moves across the site, how to form the space to best capture light and views. Designing a house to capture the most light and regulate temperature through design is a sustainable practice that informs the details, such as new materials and tech.

In our recent work, we have employed advanced LED recessed ceiling lights that have a tiny aperture, which emit as much light in the room as lights with four times the aperture size. They are barely noticeable in the daytime.

We don’t compromise our design to address these challenges, and continue to design houses tailored to the clients’ lives. We also design for shade on the south- and west-facing facades to reduce solar heat gain. Additionally, we consider the orientation of the sun when positioning solar panels for productivity, and use energy-efficient glass systems that minimize heat loss and gain. Geothermal heating and cooling systems draw upon the latent energy in groundwater instead of fossil fuels. Our house High Desert

in Palm Springs features 112 large solar panels that provide 100 percent of the electricity consumption. Our houses always employ smart house systems that efficiently control energy consumption.

When it comes to exterior terraces and outdoor kitchens that would have been typically built with stone, we now use large porcelain panels, offering a more sustainable choice than quarried materials transported from distant locations. I love the look of porcelain, because we can customize tone and texture to mimic a range of natural stones or any shade of concrete. Last year, we finished construction on the first house in North America to feature large-format porcelain panels, textured and colored to resemble light concrete as the exterior cladding. This was especially important on this waterfront site, due to harsh weather and the salt air.

We see sustainability, which presents a new situation in every site, as design inspiration. The shape of our houses comes from an understanding of the site and collaboration with the client. We nicknamed a recent oceanfront house “Glass Dune” because the form was designed to evoke a sand dune, an architectural response to its environment. barnescoy.com

Michael Mundy
The solar-powered High Desert home, located in Palm Springs, California, exists in perfect harmony with the natural landscape.

TIMELESS

Ornare Hamptons

PURE PROPERTY

A flock of Hamptons favorites are on the market, but not for long. By Nancy Kane

A modern masterpiece, designed by Stelle Lomont Rouhani, and newly constructed in 2023, 77 Dune Road in Bridgehampton offers the best of both worlds, situated between the Atlantic Ocean and Mecox Bay. With views from every vista, the 5-bedroom home features glass walls that take in light from every direction. This chic beauty features over 5,000 square feet of well-designed space for entertaining on three floors. Beate V. Moore of Sotheby’s International Realty has the listing, asking $29.5M. Completing the home is a spacious gym and 2-car garage with charger, generator and eco-friendly solar panels, and an ocean-side gunite pool.

In Bridgehampton South, 70 Matthews Lane has come to market with a 7-bedroom estate, produced

From top: Courtesy of Hedgerow and Brian Bailey, Richard Taverna
70 Matthews Lane, Bridgehampton
77 Dune Road, Bridgehampton

by interior designer James Michael Howard in collaboration with McAlpine Architecture. With three levels of living space, a gorgeous great room with 30-foot beamed ceilings, dramatic dining room and gallery with custom fireplace, all with plenty of natural light, the state-of-the-art kitchen has a 10-seat breakfast area and its own fireplace (as does the primary bedroom’s sitting area). Four guest suites, including a secondary primary with roof terrace, await upstairs, and an elevator connects the lower level, where you’ll find two more guest suites. Break out the popcorn for the tiered theater. There’s also a gym and a large recreation room with a fireplace and a custom billiards table. Outside, pristine, lush estate grounds with stone walls and specimen trees surround the expansive heated pool and spa. A covered cabana area with a pool house, an outdoor fireplace and a built-in kitchen means you will never want to leave—but if you do, you’re midway between the beach and beautiful Bridgehampton Village, so there are lots of options. Asking $18.95M, the home is listed with Gary DePersia of The Corcoran Group.

Redefining “turn-key,” this renovated and fully furnished (by The Brooklyn Home Company) property at 8 Lincoln Avenue in the bucolic Springs section of East Hampton entices buyers ready for a spring move-in. Listed with Rylan Jacka of The Agency, and asking $2.695M, this delightful home has 4 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms and is situated on a quiet lane, perfect for privacy. The modern architecture is matched with open, functional living spaces including large cathedral ceilings and a chef’s kitchen, while the en suite bedrooms offer space for family and guests. There’s also a gym, a bonus room and a 2-car garage, a heated pool, a fire pit and a landscaped backyard—ideal for

a summer getaway or a year-round residence.

In East Hampton Village, Douglas Elliman’s Martha Gundersen and Paul Brennan have a special property at 67 Hither Lane, asking $17M. With 6 bedrooms and 7 1/2 baths, this worldclass estate commands a tony address just minutes from ocean beaches and the historic Maidstone Club. A treelined, enclosed driveway welcomes you to the home, which features three main outdoor pavilions and a heated glass-roof atrium connecting the main house to the outdoor dining area via sliding glass walls.

Outdoor living is a breeze with a 12foot granite-clad kitchen and woodburning fireplace, its floating hearth anchored by a 25-foot infinity-edge, gunite saltwater pool and spa. Inside, natural light pours in through glass curtain walls and soaring ceilings,

revealing architectural details such as lacquered paint finishes, antique bronze hardware and handcrafted glass handles. A grand foyer leads into an open-concept living roomdining room-family room, while the kitchen features Wolf and Miele appliances, an attached butler’s pantry and a lounge area.

Screen the latest films in a media room with a projection theater, wet bar and motorized blackout shades. The primary suite features its own private sculpture garden, spainspired bath with mirrored TV and heated stone flooring. Guest suites are en suite with Duravit baths and generous closets. A gym, wine room, sauna and 2.5-car heated garage round out the amenities in this spectacular abode. An impeccably curated modern art collection is even available upon request.

67 Hither Lane, East Hampton
8 Lincoln Avenue, East Hampton

The four-level home harnesses passive solar energy with south-facing windows and cooling double-tint glass.

CLASSICAL COMPOSITION

Architect Pamela Glazer hits all the right notes in a commission for a concert pianist in Southampton.

A sleek 6-bedroom, 6,000-square-foot home in Shinnecock Hills, the second residence of a classical pianist based in New York City, brought to the fore the ingenuity and style of architect Pamela Glazer, whose work on the project began with the challenge of an abandoned concrete foundation that the client wished to keep. “I think the person who built the foundation wanted to manipulate the site enough to get the house higher than natural grade to get a better view,” says Glazer. The architect’s eclectic residential and commercial properties over the years have ranged from the elegantly minimal Swarovski offices in Manhattan to the modern Hampton Bays Cowfish restaurant, its jutting glass open-air pavilion resembling a docked ship, to a wide-ranging portfolio of luxurious, sustainable homes and inspired renovations.

Here, the directive, as always with a Pamela Glazer project, was to find the flow. “How the house flows is very important—how the rooms relate to each other. How it works when you have guests, how it works when you’re home alone, all the different scenarios. Then the aesthetics fall into place,” says Glazer. “If a house isn’t properly organized, it’s very hard to make the rooms flow from one to another.”

So Glazer set to work, integrating client needs with practical considerations. At the top of the client’s—and architect’s—wish list was extending the foundation to accommodate an 18-by-25-square-foot music room. A

The kitchen is a seamless blend of flow and function.

Steinway grand piano is the focal point of the performing space, where a wall of glass doors opens onto a patio, for guest overflow during concerts. “It was the room I needed to add and make special, because the original plans for the house didn’t allow for any kind of scaled space,” Glazer says.

Eco-friendly elements of the home include solar energy (“It’s passive solar, because everything faces south,” says Glazer), cooling double tint on windows and porcelain deck pavers, which have a minimal carbon footprint. “I’ve hiked in the Himalayas, in Patagonia and the Alps,” she says. “As an outdoor person, you become sensitive to how fragile our ecosystem is. As architects, we have the power to offer better solutions.”

Born and raised in Baltimore, with an architecture degree from the University of Maryland, Glazer, a long-time resident of Manhattan and peripatetic designer with extensive experience in both public and private sectors, moved out to Southampton in 2005 and opened her own architecture firm to immediate enthusiastic response. The mother of two adheres to a whole foods diet and enjoys hiking locally on the weekends. “Every Sunday, my husband and I get up and do somewhere between 5 and 10 miles,” Glazer says. “A few weeks ago, we did one called Bay to Bay—8 1/2 miles from the Peconic Bay to the Shinnecock Bay, with trails through the Red Creek area.” Her other favorite Hamptons activity: a long sunrise swim on the Peconic. pamelaglazer.com

Italo Boreggio Paulino

V I B R A N T

Dr Stacie Stephenson

HOST A SPRING HERBAL TEA TASTING PARTY

A guide to sharing freshly made, healthful brews. By Dr. Stacie Stephenson

Gorgeous spring weather and the earliest spring herbs and flowers mark the perfect time to gather friends and family for a delightful fresh herbal tea party. While black blends may be a staple at a traditional English tea, herbal teas have a wider variety of flavors (and nutrient profiles). It can be fun to sip and compare herbal teas you may have never considered trying before.

Inviting people to share in your herbal tea tasting, with a tea party theme, can be an enjoyable social spring activity that gives you an excuse to brew up multiple pots of different herbal teas. Create a memorable and healthful experience for your loved ones, and find some new favorites for yourself. Here is your guide to planning, setting up, brewing and serving.

Planning and Setting Up the Tea Party

Your first consideration: Where will you host your tea party? Do you have room on your property, in your yard (or garden, as the English say) or on a patio? You could also host your party at a pretty park or other outdoor area. You only need space for tables, chairs for your guests, electricity for hot water and storage for appetizers.

Next, consider your decor. You could go traditional, draping tables with lace tablecloths, vintage napkins, real silverware, small plates and fancy platters. If you have a favorite set of fine china, pretty teapots or a tea service you rarely use, this is an opportunity. If you don’t own these, many thrift stores and antique shops have vintage teapots and teacups with saucers. If you don’t have a matching set, that’s OK. A variety of vintage china cups and saucers can be charming. Or go more contemporary, with sleek, minimalist linens, basic white or Asian-styled plates and cups, and plenty of fresh spring flowers in clear or brightly colored vases.

Collect five different teapots so you can brew all your teas simultaneously. You can also make these one at a time for a series of tastings.

Also, consider food pairings for your teas. Traditional English tea choices include cucumber sandwiches, smoked salmon canapes, egg salad sandwiches, and scones with clotted cream and fruit jam, or present a platter of macaroons or individual tea cakes, mini cupcakes, petitfours or a spring-themed cake.

Why not try a healthier theme? I like choices such as rolled smoked salmon, fresh green salad, seasonal fruits with yogurt and local honey, raw almonds or walnuts, and a tray of baby

vegetables with a selection of dips made with healthful ingredients like plain yogurt, hummus and minced olives.

When inviting your guests, suggest traditional tea party attire, complete with spring hats and lace gloves, or keep it casual. If any friends have herb gardens, suggest they bring along a bundle of their home-grown bounty, which you can feature as one of your teas.

Preparing the Teas

As your guests arrive, put bunches of fresh herbs in each pot while boiling water. Most garden herbs make interesting teas, even those typically used in savory dishes. You could try lavender, oregano, basil, parsley or whatever is fresh and ready in your herb garden (or from the market). Or, try any of these five teas.

For all teas, use the same brewing process: Pour boiling water over the herbs to fill the teapots. Let them steep for 10 to 20 minutes. Delicate fresh leaves only need about 10 minutes, whereas flowers and roots need closer to 20 minutes.

After steeping, pour the tea into individual cups. Serve with cream (or almond or oat milk) and honey; don’t forget spoons for stirring.

As your guests try each tea, encourage discussion. Which does each guest prefer? Which ones aren’t popular? What would guests like to make at home? Do guests have ideas for other herbs or herbal combinations? Another interesting topic of conversation (and an important feature of herbal teas) are the nutritional benefits. You might make a card to place in front of each teapot, noting the health advantages of that type of tea. Or, tell people as you serve each tea “course” what benefits they will be getting. I’ll include this information in the following list of six herbal teas to consider for your event. Are you ready to brew some tea?

Dandelion Root Tea

Few plants characterize spring like dandelions. You may not like dandelions coming up on your lawn, but if you don’t spray them with pesticides, you can make the dandelion flowers into a delicious tea that is also healthful and full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Pluck the flowers from the stems, rinse them well, and add to your teapot.

Tea from dandelion roots is also known for helping to cleanse the liver, so it’s perfect if you are doing a spring cleanse. Dig up the roots, clean them well, and roast them

in the oven at 350 degrees until they turn golden brown, before steeping them in hot water for 20 minutes. Sip and enjoy their coffee-like flavor. (You can also use the fresh young dandelion leaves before they produce a flower as a spicy addition to your salad.)

Blue Violet Tea

Like dandelions, violets are often considered weeds in lawns, but they make a beautiful blue tea rich in vitamin C that gently helps to flush the lymphatic system and reduce puffiness. Violet tea can also relax and calm the mind, and clear the respiratory system if you are trying to shake a cough or congestion from spring allergies. To make your tea, add bunches of flowers and leaves plucked from the stems of violet plants. If you don’t spray your lawn, use the ones that pop up alongside the dandelions. Use about equal amounts of petals and leaves plucked from the stems.

Mint Tea

Mint can take over an herb garden, but the benefit is the potential for a lot of delicious mint tea! Whether you grow it in your backyard or buy a bunch of fresh mint leaves at your local market, rub a few sprigs between your palms to release their aroma and flavor before adding them to your teapot. Enjoy the refreshing, energizing flavor. Mint tea can calm an upset stomach because it contains compounds that relax the digestive tract and relieve bloating and nausea.

Rosemary Tea

Rosemary is an herb often associated with savory dishes like roasted chicken or potatoes, but it makes a subtle and enjoyable tea. Rosemary is easy to grow in the garden, and is also typically available fresh in grocery stores. Rub the spiky sprigs between your palms to release their aromatic compounds before adding to a teapot. Like most herbs,

rosemary contains potent antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative stress and can help protect you from inflammation.

Cilantro Tea

Not everyone loves cilantro, but if you are one of those people who don’t think it tastes like soap, you might enjoy fresh cilantro tea. Cilantro spoils quickly, so if you’ve purchased a bunch for a recipe and didn’t use it all, tea is a good way to prevent your cilantro from going to waste. It’s also a good way to use up a big garden harvest. Gently crush a handful of sprigs before adding to a teapot. Cilantro is full of antioxidants and vitamins A, C and K, as well as the minerals potassium and manganese, and folate, an essential nutrient, so it’s a nutritional powerhouse.

Spring Green Tea

While it’s not herbal, spring green tea, called guo lu in China, comes from the tea plant’s first harvest of spring buds. It has a delicate, fresh flavor and lots of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, so while it does have a small amount of caffeine, its health benefits can protect you from inflammation and potentially ward off chronic diseases.

One final benefit of a spring tea party is the de-stressing effect and mood boost you will get from seeing friends in person after a long winter, during which many of us did not have the opportunity to socialize very often. There is a lot of research on the mental and physical health benefits of social contact, friendship and support.

However, if you are not quite up for that, I get it. You can still brew fresh herbal teas simply for your own quiet enjoyment. Try sipping your tea outdoors on a beautiful spring morning or evening, and let the warming weather and the emerging flowers and leaves lighten your mood and inspire you to turn over a new (herbal) leaf this season. drstaciestephenson.com

Bob & Dawn Davis Photography & Design
Harvest the season’s freshest herbs for a nutrient-rich, uplifting tea party.

FOO D IS MEDICINE

Lychee, a tropical delicacy, is rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C and flavonoids.

GATHER AROUND

Come together and dig into a tantalizing three-course meal excerpted from Purist contributing editor Peter Som’s debut cookbook, Family Style.

“Growing up, I tried not to sit next to Grandma at big dinners. I know that sounds bad, but hear me out. As much as it is an honor to sit next to the matriarch of the family, it’s also a curse. Whenever I sat next to her, Grandma would keep piling food on my plate, nonstop. The moment I’d pause for a break, she’d look at me with alarm. ‘Why are you not eating? Do you not like it? Here, have some more fish—it’s so good—and some sauce for the rice. Ayyiah, eat, eat! You’re too skinny. We also still have your favorite shrimp dish coming out—ayyiah, where is it? Let me ask the waiter.’ I eventually

learned how to mime eating—taking the smallest morsel of food with my chopsticks and chewing for an extended amount of time. As long as this motion was maintained in Grandma’s peripheral vision, she’d have no cause for alarm. I would like to add that this rarely worked, and I would invariably waddle away from the table overly stuffed. The lesson here: You can’t fool Grandma. These dishes are fit to be part of any meal, whether a Tuesday dinner after work or a Saturday party for 10. They require no miming, and you can sit next to whomever you like.”

Lychee Lime Pavlova

My mom remembers that in Macau during WWII (where the family temporarily relocated from Hong Kong), people would sell things from door to door, and one time Grandma bought a huge package of fresh lychees—quite the special treat during wartime. The family hugged the edges of the newspaperlined table (to catch all the juice) and happily ate, gratefully

SERVES 8 TO 10

INGREDIENTS:

MERINGUE

¾ cup white sugar

5 large egg whites, at room temperature

Kosher salt

2 teaspoons cornstarch

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 300 F.

peeling back the hard coral peel to reveal its creamy white fruit. This recipe features the fresh honeyed bite of lychees and a swirl of whipped cream, along with the meltingly tender crunch of meringue. It’s a messily elegant grand gesture of a dessert, perfect for feeding a crowd gathered around any table (newspaper not required).

1½ teaspoons white vinegar

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon rose water

TOPPING

1 (20-ounce) can lychees, cut in half, plus 2 tablespoons syrup from the can

2. Draw a 9-inch circle on a sheet of parchment paper, turn the parchment upside down and place on a rimmed baking sheet.

3. To make the meringue, put the sugar in a food processor and pulse 10 to 12 times, until it is very fine.

4. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine the egg whites and ⅛ teaspoon salt and mix on low speed until the eggs are foamy and start to get fluffy. Increase the speed to high and beat until medium peaks form, 5 to 6 minutes. Slowly add the fine sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, and whisk for 6 to 7 minutes, or until the mixture is glossy, smooth and stiff.

5. Using a silicone spatula, gently fold in the cornstarch, vinegar, vanilla and rose water. Mound the mixture onto the parchment in the center of the circle, then mold it into a round shape using the pencil line as a guide. Use a spatula or offset spatula to create

1 teaspoon white sugar

Juice of 1 lime, plus grated zest of 2 limes

1 cup heavy cream, chilled

1 tablespoon powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon honey

Mint leaves, for garnish (optional)

swirls and a very shallow dip in the middle. Place in the oven and immediately turn the temperature down to 250 F. Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to prop the oven door ajar and allow the meringue to cool in the oven for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.

6. In a small bowl, add the lychees, syrup, white sugar and lime juice and stir to combine. Set aside to macerate.

7. In the meantime, wipe the mixer bowl clean and fit with the whisk attachment. Add the cream and whip on medium speed until soft peaks form, about 2 minutes. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla and zest of 1 lime and whip until stiff peaks form, about 1 minute.

8. To assemble, transfer the meringue to a serving platter. If the meringue starts to crack, don’t worry—just arrange the pieces on the platter. Top with the whipped cream, then use a slotted spoon to spoon the lychees atop. Drizzle with the honey, finish with the zest of the remaining lime, garnish with mint leaves (if using), and serve.

Chickpea Bourguignon

When you’re in the mood for rich flavors without the heavy baggage, this dish does the job in spades. This vegetarian riff on the French classic beef bourguignon has all its hallmarks, but now we’re rolling with tender chickpeas and ditching the beef. It’s hearty and rustic and something I’ll make on Sunday and eat all week, and just like the original, the flavors develop and deepen as they mingle, so double-win in my book.

SERVES 4 TO 6

INGREDIENTS:

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

2 medium carrots, sliced ¼ inch thick

1 large white onion, diced into 1/2-inch pieces

5 garlic cloves, minced 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon white or yellow miso

4 or 5 thyme sprigs

2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed

7 ounces frozen pearl onions

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1 cup dry red wine

1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth

2 bay leaves

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

8 ounces button or baby bella mushrooms, sliced

¼ cup roughly chopped flat-leaf parsley

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a Dutch oven or large skillet with high sides, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the carrots, onion, garlic and smoked paprika, season with salt and pepper, and saute until the onion is soft and the carrots are just tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste, miso and thyme, stir to combine, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the chickpeas, pearl onions and flour, and stir. Season with salt and pepper. Add the wine, broth and bay leaves. Cover and

Hearty, fiber-rich chickpeas are packed with plantbased protein.

simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes, then uncover and cook for another 10 minutes, or until the sauce is reduced and the chickpeas are tender.

2. In the meantime, in another skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the mushrooms and saute for 7 to 8 minutes, or until they’re crispy and browned.

3. Remove and discard the bay leaves from the Dutch oven. Add the mushrooms and parsley, stir to combine, and serve.

Charred Carrots With Gochujang Honey Butter (aka Gala Carrots)

This recipe came to me under duress. It was the first Monday in May, in the early 2000s, and as an up-andcoming fashion designer I had been invited to the Met Gala. The blindingly high-octane glamour and setting were intoxicatingly unreal. That, combined with the gilded gloss of the outfits worn by very fancy people, preening in the riotous orbit of the paparazzi, was both beautiful and terrifying. I was to attend alone—no model or starlet to accompany and fuss over—just me, sweating in my tux. I got through the evening, and instead of going to the afterparties, I hailed a cab and escaped home.

Starving, I kicked off my patent loafers and opened my fridge to find a bunch of week-old carrots in a bag. I turned on the oven, tossed those lonely carrots with olive oil, and threw them in the oven to roast. Little did I know

SERVES 4

INGREDIENTS:

1½ pounds carrots (about 15 carrots), trimmed (use multicolored carrots for an extra-pleasing presentation)

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

2 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons gochujang

½ cup roughly chopped toasted hazelnuts (optional)

1 teaspoon grated orange zest

Flaky sea salt, for finishing Flat-leaf parsley leaves, for garnish (optional)

1. Preheat the oven to 450 F with a rack in the top third of the oven. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut any larger carrots in half lengthwise and put them all on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with the olive oil, season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon pepper, and use your hands to mix so that the carrots are evenly coated, then spread out in a single layer. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, tossing the carrots and rotating the pan halfway through, or until the carrots are tender and just charred in spots.

2. While the carrots are roasting, in a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the honey, butter and gochujang, and microwave for 1 minute, or until the butter is melted. Whisk to combine.

3. When the carrots are done, remove them from the oven and immediately pour the gochujang mixture atop, then use tongs to toss so the carrots are thoroughly coated. Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle the hazelnuts atop, if using, finish with the orange zest and flaky sea salt, and garnish with fresh parsley, if you like. Serve warm or at room temperature.

From Family Style by Peter Som. Copyright © 2025 by Peter Som. Reprinted by permission of Harvest, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

that I had turned the oven not to 400 F but to 450 F. Well, happy mistake because the carrots were tender, deliciously charred in spots and caramelized. I drizzled honey and gochujang on them and, leaning against my kitchen counter at 11PM, happily ate them all up. Sweet, spicy, crunchy, tender perfection. It was my own after-party, and at that moment I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. And so, gala carrots were born. I’ve made this dish hundreds of times—each time as delicious as that first night.

This recipe doesn’t require duress (or fancy dress, for that matter)—in reality all you need is some fridge and pantry staples, a roaring-hot oven, and a watchful eye. While I ate this as my main course post-Met Gala, rest assured that these carrots will be the perfect side dish to any dinner all year long, including the first Monday in May.

Sweet, spicy and perfectly charred— these crunchy carrots pack bold flavor.

Debut episode: Brain Matters

Dr. Wendy Suzuki, neuroscientist and Dean of Arts and Science at New York University, discusses the neurobiology of love and delves into the brain and all the things we can do to make it stronger as we age.

F E AT U R E S

“What’s better than a good laugh? It’s so good for the soul.”
—Mary Ellen Matthews
Melissa McCarthy as Mother Nature on Saturday Night Live, May 2017
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARY ELLEN MATTHEWS

LIVE FROM NEW YORK

In celebration of SaturdayNightLive’s 50th anniversary and Mary Ellen Matthews’ new coffee-table tome, TheArtoftheSNLPortrait, Puristcaught up with the East End photographer whose images of the icons of the day have become iconic themselves.

and really

Mary Ellen Mat thews; inset by Oz Rodrique z
Emma Stone channels the late, great Gilda Radner [November 2011]. “She’s a huge fan
wanted to do this tribute,” says Mary Ellen Matthews, shown above.
“I

feel so lucky that I got to work with Betty White [May 2010]. She was so gracious and such a badass with that boombox!” says Matthews.

Click. Click. Click. “Now give me ‘all knowing,’” calls out photographer Mary Ellen Matthews as her camera shutter clicks furiously. She’s encouraging Melissa McCarthy to bring Mother Nature vibes to a shot on the set of Saturday Night Live. “Perfect! Yes, yes, that’s it!” she cheers. In the comedian’s arms is my white rabbit Siouxsie, being used as a prop—and giving me a frontrow view of the creative process in action on the 17th floor at 30 Rockefeller Plaza.

Matthews and I have been friends for decades, since right after she took over from her mentor Edie Baskin, who originated the SNL bumpers, the shots of the host and musical guests that appear in between commercial breaks. “Is Siouxsie ready for her close-up?” she called and asked one day. “I’ll send a car.” I was happy to oblige for the concept of the comedian as Mother Nature in a spring season Mother’s Day show. “I liked the idea of having her hold some sort of forest creature and I thought of your little Siouxsie, and it was so fun to watch Melissa work with her,” Matthews recalls.

“She was so gentle with her, making sure that she’d be safe in the shoot.”

In the words of the great British fashion designer Paul Smith, “You can find inspiration in everything—and if you can’t, look again.” This could easily describe Matthews’ eagle-eyed approach to the creativity she brings to screens every week as the staff photographer for Saturday Night Live A longtime resident of both Manhattan’s East Village and Springs in East Hampton, Matthews is always looking for her next big idea, whether that’s keeping a pal’s pet bunny in the back of her mind, paying attention to the wheat-paste poster snipes plastering the streets of her downtown neighborhood, or taking in that famous light and natural beauty of the East End while tooling around the Hamptons in her old Mercedes wagon, surfboards jutting out of the back window. “I’m never not looking,” she admits.

How much space in her brain does this work occupy— does she wake up dreaming of it? “It kind of is always on

my mind because I love doing it so much, and I always want to do the next thing better than the last thing. Am I dreaming of it? I mean, even in this conversation we’re having now, I just thought of something, like somebody’s dreaming of something—that’s a great idea. I haven’t used that before.”

The results of her quarter-century of shooting the zippy colorful commercial break bumpers have been collected in a new book, The Art of the SNL Portrait (Abrams), which debuted at No. 5 on The New York Times Best Sellers list. To flip through the exquisitely designed book is to find one moment of joy and wonder after the next—some outrageously funny (Will Ferrell pushing up daisies or multiple Larry Davids screwing in a lightbulb), others astounding in their quiet beauty (we’re looking at you, dreamy Frank Ocean and bright-eyed Billie Eilish). A voracious culture vulture, Matthews is always soaking up inspiration from life, be it rock ’n’ roll, fine art or just the ethos of classic New York cool.

“Even after I leave this job, I don’t think I’ll stop thinking of ideas for more imagery for the show. I’m constantly absorbing things that are happening around me and art that’s being produced all the time, whether it be different movies or new technologies, stuff that we’re seeing on Instagram, or I might just look through my old photo and art coffee-table books,” she says. “I’m always diving back into those because to look forward is to also look back; that’s the true place of inspiration—the greats that have come before us.”

To wit, one season she turned to copies of old Interview magazine covers for a pop art look. The image of Drew Barrymore on Purist’s cover hails from that era. “Taking a look at all those years of those absolutely iconic, fabulous Interview magazine covers and the art that Richard Bernstein created; he was the artist who did those covers. I have his book, and of course Warhol, I was just leaning into pop art as a reference and kind of experimenting with that look.”

In the book, you’ll also find images of Casey Affleck in a take on a Caravaggio painting she’d seen at the Met that week—with a comedic twist, he’s holding a red telephone; John Mulaney cast as Patti Smith in Robert Mapplethorpe’s Horses cover portrait; McCarthy as both twins in a bizarrely hilarious take on the classic Diane Arbus photograph; and Tina Fey and Amy Poehler as, yes, Simon and Garfunkel. “We were howling with laughter when they walked out on the set [in period-perfect wigs

Straight-up genius: Matthews cast Andy Samberg as a martini olive.
“You just can’t believe this is your job. To be able to work with this kind of talent and team of creatives is a dream come true.”
MARY ELLEN MATTHEWS

and ’staches, courtesy of the stellar hair and makeup artists on staff]—we just couldn’t stop laughing,” she recalls. “You know, you just can’t believe this is your job. To be able to work with this kind of talent and this team of creatives is a dream come true.”

The coolest job in the world happens to be inhabited by one of the coolest people in the room. As SNL overlord Lorne Michaels says of Matthews: “She’s both an artist and a star.” In her trademark cowboy boots and jeans, voluminous waves of auburn hair spilling out of a cowboy hat, she’s got a magnetism and charm that puts her subjects at ease—a winning trait, considering she often has but 20 minutes of their time in a jam-packed week up at SNL

“The atmosphere helps,” she concedes, “because it’s on a Thursday afternoon and the studio is in full swing. There’s a lot of chaos around us and a lot of energy; the musical guest is rehearsing at the same time. So, there’s a lot of adrenaline already.” Yet even without all that, she’s a natural at coaxing her subjects into giving their best. Take it from her good friend, SNL Weekend Update co-anchor Colin Jost. “I’m biased because Mary Ellen is one of my favorite people in the world, but the fact that she shoots all the new cast members for their SNL headshots and manages to put us all at ease when we have no idea how to pose for photos is a not only a creative feat but also a saintly service.”

Even her homes are chock-full of creative flourishes—a sexy, red-brick-walled rock ’n’ roll lair in the East Village, with stacks of magazines and books piled high around her purple velvet couch, and a charming bungalow in

Springs similarly laden with art books, quirky yard sale finds (she has a particular knack for spotting singularly kooky and fabulous amateur paintings), and outdoor sculptures handcrafted from a wildly talented group of friends who come for “summer camp”—“People will pitch a tent in the backyard and we make a sort of outdoor living room area.”

Growing up in Madison, New Jersey, the youngest of five children, Matthews was always a creative type—and an athlete (a gymnast and swimmer: “You could always find me flipping off a board somewhere,” she recalls). She had early exposure to photography through her father’s basement darkroom, the intoxicating fumes of the photo developer chemicals catnip for the budding shutterbug. “I loved spending time in my dad’s darkroom with him. I remember we went to the Bronx Zoo when I was around 7, and he took a picture of a tiger walking toward us through the bars of the cage, and I couldn’t wait to see the photo. And when it developed in the fixer, when the image got revealed, it was just so magical to see what I saw and then it was there in the print, coming to life.” Winning a family photo contest with a shot of a flagpole was an especially formative moment. “He encouraged us by putting the camera in our hands. I still have his Rolleiflex, too. It’s in my office at SNL.”

Like many creative types, she had a longing for the bright lights of the big city, just across the river. “We used to go in as kids to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree every year. We’d all pile in and go together as a family. I guess it was kind of in my DNA, just the excitement of the city. I remember entering the Holland Tunnel and getting

“I just loved his willingness to let the bear drag him off—he submitted to his fate,” says Matthews of Pedro Pascal [February 2023], whom she found “absolutely full of charm.”

so excited when we crossed that border and I saw that sign that said New York City. I loved the idea of so much going on across the river there and dreamt of being a part of it, but never did I ever dream to be a part of Saturday Night Live and its family and its legacy.”

To this day, that thrill of living in the city is still very much alive in her. “Every day walking out into the East Village, just as soon as you open the front door, there’s this blast of energy and people and optimism of what the day is going to bring.”

The iconography of Manhattan is a natural fit for her work on SNL, a show that’s so closely identified with and rooted in New York—whether that’s filming Josh Brolin, facing backward astride a horse in Times Square, or casting Megan Thee Stallion in a riff on Attack of the 50 Foot Woman, brandishing the Empire State Building in her clenched fist. Even her beloved pup Daphne gave a new twist on a New York classic when she got a starring role on the show bumpers during the COVID lockdown era—Matthews

had the pooch sporting John Lennon round specs and the “New York City” font T-shirt from the ’70s-era Bob Gruen image. “We were all quarantined on our own and I thought it would be just hilarious to use her as a subject,” she recalls.

She’s also made it a point to shoot at some of the city’s classic spots while filming the show’s opening title sequence. “We’ve gone to so many iconic spots: The Odeon, Lucien, Grand Central’s Oyster Bar and the Chelsea Hotel”—where Matthews, sporting a glam, glitter-flecked suit jacket, had an intimate private book party in a chic back bar after a sold-

out live Q&A with SNL alum Rachel Dratch at Barnes & Noble in Union Square. “I love old-school spots like Raoul’s, Indochine, and of course the Chelsea Hotel, because there’s the sense of that history of cool.”

Right now, she’s still in the thick of SNL’s 50th anniversary season, but summer is just around the corner, which means a chance to de-stress and paddle out at Ditch Plains. “We are on hiatus during the summertime, so after a punishing season, it’s so gratifying to exhale out East. To be able to get on that first wave at the end of May is such a gift. To stay in shape and get ready for the next season and maintain your mental and physical health is so important in order to keep the creativity at the highest level.” She also turns to Jimmy Minardi’s Surfer Yoga classes and Main Beach workouts to whip herself back into top form.

Wellness factors very much into her work as well: “I mean, what’s better than a good laugh? It’s so good for the soul to let go and find joy in everything, even if you’re struggling,” she notes. “I’ve been trying to find the comedy in difficult moments, just keeping a lighter side of life. Comedy is so important. It’s about giving each other joy, and that’s what I’m trying to do in these images—provide some lightheartedness or whimsy in this everchallenging world around us.”

All images from The Art of the SNL Portrait (Abrams) by Mary Ellen Matthews. © 2025 Mary Ellen Matthews

A laugh riot with Will Ferrell, May 2009
Matthews shoots Sarah Silverman dusting the NBC sign, October 2014.

“brought

Janelle Monáe [October 2013]
the showbiz vibe and such joy with that exuberant gesture,” says Matthews.

WAVES OF INSPIRATION

In an excerpt from Claudia Lebenthal’s Surfer Stories: 12 Untold Stories by 12 Writers About 12 of the World’s Greatest Surfers, 11-time World Surf League champ Kelly Slater opens up to South African champion Shaun Tomson about lessons learned in and out of the water.

Kelly Slater has an interesting take on the nexus of competition and creativity. In surfing, there is a tug -of-war between competitive surfing and free surfing—surfing as an artistic and soulful endeavor unencumbered by rules, points and judging, compared with surfing as a means to achieve victory over an opponent. Some think of competition as mechanistic, without creativity, but Kelly sees his path differently.

“N o one really thinks of competition as creativity,” he says. “But I’ll tell you, I feel like I was really creative competitively to be able to win as much as I was in different ways. I hate to think that, on one level, my competition record is like my best addition to the surf world. But it taught me a lot about myself, and it taught me a lot about problem-solving. What’s this challenge I have with this person? What’s this hole I’ve dug for myself here? How do I get myself out of it? There are so many times I’ve been in this situation where I’m like, ‘If I just incrementally get back in this thing, I’ll win.’”

But losses have gotten to him. In retrospect, he has adopted a philosophical perspective, viewing defeat as a learning experience. There are a couple of losses that have even been more profound to him than the wins. Dealing with the disappointment of defeat has be en part of his learning and development. Every wave, every loss, every win is all part of a process of improving himself—not only as a surfer, but as a person.

But beyond the contest stats and the creative competing is the purely inspirational surfing that is often overlooked, if that can be possible. He revolutionized backside tube-riding, particularly at Pipeline. He created an entirely new drop-knee, grab-rail style that enabled him to take off far later than anyone ever before, stab the rail of the boards into the face, and slow down mid-face, holding and changing his line through the tube, turning a disadvantage into a strength. The biggest change in surfing, the fundamental shift from the all-power movement of the ’70s and ’80s, was his power-and-release approach, which entirely opened

up surfing above the wave. Kelly was one of the first to regularly incorporate the aerial as a functional maneuver in his repertoire as a result of this seismic shift in his approach. He single-handedly boosted surfing into this new age; there is surfing B.K. and surfing A.K.

Riding the tube is an art form. Kelly has this special gift of slowing down time and finding his way out of se emingly impossible situations. Kelly created a whole new art form in the ’90s with a relaxed fearlessness and casual bravado, accelerating through impossible sections, at home in the eye of the hurricane.

“The tube is really the eye of the hurricane in the water,” he says. “But then you have the foam ball or tube monster, as we call it, always trying to get you, and if you can flirt with that and play with that, that’s really the ultimate barrel ride—to be able to ride on the foam ball and have your tail drift out and still have the wave pushing you along. It’s really the ultimate feeling of surfing.”

It seems there is a trend on the pro surfing tour to surf much more upright, with a more stiffened lower back, but Kelly is all rubber-like flexibility that in essence mirrors his approach to life. His style comes naturally. It is instinctive.

“S tyle is what naturally comes out of your body. I think to be concerned about style is kind of egocentric, to be honest with you, if it’s anything forced—if you’re trying to make it look a certain way, whether you’re going out at night and the clothes you wear, or if you are riding a wave and the way you hold your hands and your arms. If you’re doing anything besides what comes naturally, it ’s not real. It’s not you. When you’re surfing, you see the wave, you stand up, you get from here to there, and the way you get from here to there without thinking about it, that’s your style, and that’s what you should stick with.”

Listening to Kelly speak, calm and unhurried, one gets the impression of thoughtfulness, humor and a sense of history. He is complex, quite guarded, severely analytical internally, humble on the exterior yet with a desire to be at the center of attention, whether in a surf contest final or just sitting on a bench with a guitar entertaining a

raucous crowd throughout the night. He is goal-oriented but performance-focused, and this seems to be one of his secrets. He doesn’t have a rigid, structured plan of physical training and coaching building him toward winning the title. He has the curiosity and humility of a lifelong learner—always striving for more and to be better. Kelly lives right in that moment and that decision, and letting go of structure and the ending seems to give him peace, confidence and energy. But even with all his experience and this positive mindset, he still feels the pressure.

“I think athletes who are able to win big tournaments all have this thing where they can do it better or bigger, faster or whatever,” he says. “There’s always this constant yearning to better your performance and go somewhere you haven’t gone.”

Life has changed for Kelly now, with a baby son with his longtime partner, Kalani Miller, and a retirement announcement...although a short time later he was back competing again at Teahupo’o, and still beating some of the world’s best with an age-defying performance. It was the world’s shortest retirement. Why is Kelly still doing it, with almost everyone he knew long gone? What keeps him motivated after 56 wins and over $3 million in prize money? What keeps him going, year after year, contest after contest, when he has seemingly nothing left to prove?

He still has that intense desire to win, to show he’s still up there with the best. That fire, he freely admits, doesn’t burn quite as fiercely as before. But he still wants to progress and improve. For Kelly, being a surfing great isn’t the methodical process of beating an opponent, but rather a deep desire to show the world how good he really is—he clearly doesn’t define his surfing by contest scores but by his own impossibly high internal standard, and he seems determined to keep raising that standard. And he is searching for new inspiration.

In this complex world of ours, where we are always thinking, calculating, planning and analyzing, it is reassuring to know that for us surfers, hidden inside the tube is a simple place where we can let our instincts take over, where we can react rather than plan. It is a rare refuge where we are truly disconnected from the confusion of the world, from our cellphones, social media and computers. This is where Kelly Slater lives, in the moment, in a world of flow, where sensations are sharpened, the immediacy of life is brought into focus and all that matters is to reach for the light that is shining ahead, pulled along by an invisible hand, absolutely and unequivocally confident that it will take him to where he needs to be.

Surfer Stories: 12 Untold Stories by 12 Writers About 12 of the World’s Greatest Surfers by Claudia Lebenthal © 2025 by Regalo Press

Kelly Slater

In

celebrate

AT A GLANCE

Spring’s must-attend events across Miami, Aspen and New York City.

MIAMI

APRIL 17-24

OUTshine Festival

Don’t miss Florida’s internationally acclaimed LGBTQ+ film festival, presenting the best in queer cinema. The 27th edition of OUTshine will feature more than 65 films over eight days, highlighting culturally diverse films that offer contemporary perspectives on the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender experience. Ticket prices vary. Various locations across Miami; outshinefilm.com

MAY 2-4

Miami Grand Prix

Feel the adrenaline at the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, where the world’s top drivers take on the high-speed Miami International Autodrome with cutting-edge racing, electrifying fan zones and luxury hospitality in the heart of South Florida. Tickets prices vary. Miami International Autodrome; formula1.com

ASPEN THROUGH JUNE 16

Jasper Marsalis: Einschub Experience the innovative artistry of Jasper Marsalis, where his latest exhibition explores the intersections of sound, sculpture and visual abstraction.

Marsalis invites viewers into a dynamic, thoughtprovoking space that challenges traditional narratives. Free admission. Aspen Art Museum, Aspen; aspenartmuseum. org

JUNE 20-22

Aspen Food & Wine Classic

Enjoy a weekend of epicurean adventures at Aspen Food & Wine’s three-day festival in support of the Southern Smoke Foundation and No Kid Hungry. The event brings together top chefs, new presenters, worldclass winemakers and beverage experts for

cooking demonstrations, panel discussions and top-flight wine tastings.

Tickets from $2,950. Grand Tasting Pavilion, Aspen; classic.foodandwine.com

JUNE 26-29

JAS June Experience

Swing into summer at Jazz Aspen Snowmass’ June music festival, where renowned musicians bring electrifying performances to intimate venues across downtown Aspen. From jazz legends to rising stars, this multiday festival delivers an unforgettable mix of sound and style. Tickets from $62. Downtown Aspen, jazzaspensnowmass.org

April,
LGBTQ+ cinema at the renowned OUTshine Festival against the vibrant backdrop of Miami.

STAND WITH SURVIVORS

For 38 years, The Retreat has been a lifeline for survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and sexual abuse across Long Island.

From free emergency shelter, legal advocacy, counseling, and a 24-hour hotline, The Retreat provides safety, hope, and a way forward.

Federal funding cuts directly impact The Retreat's ability to help survivors find safety and support. In fact, 40% of The Retreat's budget may be impacted. Help us help survivors today! Every dollar donated, every Retreat Boutique purchase, every action fuels hope. Scan the QR Code to Donate Today!

NEW YORK

APRIL 17

Earth Day 2025 Festival

Sustainability takes center stage at the Earth Day 2025 Festival, where activists, artists and ecoconscious brands come together to inspire change. Featuring interactive exhibits, speakers and live performances, the event highlights solutions for a greener future. Free admission. Union Square; earthdayinitiative.org

MAY 7-11

Frieze New York

Explore groundbreaking contemporary art at Frieze New York, where leading galleries from around the world showcase cuttingedge works by today’s most influential artists. The event features exhibitions, talks and special projects. Tickets from $55. The Shed; frieze.com

MAY 9-13

TEFAF New York

Step into the world of art and elegance at TEFAF New York, a premier fair showcasing an

extraordinary selection of fine art, antiques and modern design. The show features top international galleries and expertly curated works. Tickets $60. Park Avenue Armory; tefaf.com

MAY 19

Dance Against Cancer

Witness the power of movement at Dance Against Cancer, in which world-class dancers unite for an evening in support of the American Cancer Society, combining artistry with purpose. Tickets from $70. New York City Center; nycitycenter.org

JUNE 4-15

2025 Tribeca Film Festival

Delve into the art of storytelling at the annual Tribeca Film Festival. One of the largest platforms of its kind, the Tribeca Film Festival delivers immersive experiences, groundbreaking cinema and star-studded premieres. Tickets from $60. Various locations across New York City; tribecafilm.com

From top: Andrej Lisakov, Branislav Rodman
Immerse yourself in music, art and good eats at the annual Jazz Aspen Snowmass festival.
World-class art and powerful performances inspire change at the Earth Day 2025 Festival in New York City.

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The Hamptons for Buyers, Sellers, Renters & Investors

NUMEROLOGY

A by-the-numbers look at actor Timothée Chalamet, Academy Award nominee for his role in the Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown.

20

The actor had to put in a significant amount of work in order to properly portray Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown. This meant that he had to gain 20 pounds in order to appear more Dylan-esque.

1

Chalamet was the first solo male star to grace the cover of British Vogue He made history in 2022, affirming his status as a style icon.

80

At 22, Chalamet was the youngest actor in 80 years to receive an Oscar nomination for Best Actor, when he was hailed for his role as Elio Perlman in 2018’s Call Me by Your Name

2

The actor is bilingual. His father was born in France. Even though he grew up in New York City, he is fluent in French and English.

132 MILLION

A Complete Unknown earned over $132 million in global box office, making the Dylan biopic No. 7 on Billboard‘s list of music biopics with the highest worldwide grosses.

“I do find that there’s a fine balance between preparation and seeing what happens naturally.”

15

23

Chalamet has played roles in 23 different movies, many of them the leads in such feature films as Lady Bird, Little Women, Beautiful Boy, Dune: Part One and Dune: Part Two

40

He sang 40 Dylan songs for the soundtrack of A Complete Unknown He performed these while also playing guitar and harmonica.

11

He has been nominated for 15 total major awards, including two Oscars, four Golden Globes, three Critics Choice Awards, three British Academy Film Awards, and three Screen Actors Guild Awards. 3

Chalamet donated his earnings from A Rainy Day in New York in light of allegations made against Woody Allen, the film’s director. The actor publicly stated that he would be giving his entire salary across three charities: Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund, the LGBT Community Center in New York and RAINN, an anti-sexual violence organization.

Though he played minor roles previously, Chalamet won his first highprofile part in a major movie 11 years ago as the son of NASA pilot Cooper, played by Matthew McConaughey, in Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar

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