Nestled in the heart of horse and wine country, Residences at Salamander is a curated collection of 49 built-for-sale estate homes within the grounds of the 340-acre Forbes Five-Star rated Salamander Middleburg, and just steps away from the charming and historic village.
Here, we believe that all aspects of daily living should be as effortless and convenient as possible. Owners enjoy superb amenities, family-friendly activities, professional concierge services, rental management and preferred rates within the Salamander Collection. Ownership also offers privileges at acclaimed local venues including golf, wineries and more, creating a range of experiences and a vibrant lifestyle.
48. HUNT: MIDDLEBURG SOUL
HORSES, LAND AND FAMILY (NOT NECESSARILY IN THAT ORDER) ARE VALUED MORE THAN WEALTH OR POSITION IN THIS EXCLUSIVE VIRGINIA COMMUNITY.
BY DALE LEATHERMAN
CONTENTS / FEATURES
28. ASPEN’S LEGACY
The Resnick Center for Herbert Bayer Studies recently opened at Aspen Meadows Resort, displaying an important tribute to the iconic artist’s career.
BY JILLIAN DARA
34. BACKSTORY: IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS
Intricate elements of Charleston’s history were transposed into a mural by Georgia-based artist Jill Biskin for Hotel Bennett’s curved rotunda.
BY JILLIAN DARA
38.
A TOTAL ECLIPSE
Half Moon is a landmark of world-class hospitality in Jamaica, with three unique lodging experiences.
BY JUSTINE AMODEO
60 A NEW DAWN
At Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club, a multimillion-dollar renovation has created a Caribbean paradise that is elegant, refined and playful. BY JUSTINE AMODEO
68.
JUST DESSERTS
Pastry chefs at Salamander properties are creating artistic concoctions almost too beautiful.to eat.
WORLD TRAVELER
A tribute to awardwinning photographer Blaine Harrington III, who pointed his lens at everything from the Carnivals in Rio to the wildlife and tribespeople of Africa.
CONTENTS / DEPARTMENTS
12. WELCOME LETTER
16. A VIEW FROM THE GREEN
The PGA Tour’s Valspar Championship at Innisbrook’s famed Copperhead Course
18. CULINARY: THE FAMILY REUNION
Come as friends, leave as family at the country’s preeminent culinary celebration of color and excellence. BY JESSICA FARTHING
22. EAT & DRINK: A TOAST TO CHAMPAGNE
With a storied history, and world-renowned flavor, it’s no wonder that the sparkling beverage is more popular than ever. BY JESSICA FARTHING
24. GIVING BACK: A NEW HOME
The U.S. Park Police horses will soon have modern stables on the National Mall. BY ERIN ZILIS
74. EXPERIENCE SALAMANDER
From the heart of horse and wine country to the turquoise hues of the Caribbean Sea, discover the unique character and exceptional destinations in the Salamander Collection.
82. INSIGHTS: SEVEN QUESTIONS WITH JOAN COORE
Discover how Half Moon’s interior décor and design manager found her way from garment manufacturing to dreaming up the resort’s spaces. BY ASHLEY RYAN
Welcome to the latest issue of SALAMANDER.
As many of you know, hospitality is my third act in life and certainly the happiest and most fulfilling. Beginning with my very first resort, Salamander in Middleburg, Virginia, my vision for a guest’s experience was always larger than simply creating a traditional resort experience. It was about creating an experience where guests felt at home – and not just any home.
I wanted each person to feel like they had been welcomed into my own home where they were respected and appreciated. As we grow the Salamander Collection, we have continued this promise and created a true community.
It is this sense of belonging, and the ability for guests to be themselves, that brings guests back to Salamander time and time again. Within these pages, we hope to inspire you with the beauty, culture, connection, comfort and acceptance of Salamander.
Whether you are in Aspen, Anguilla, Montego Bay, Washington DC, Tampa Bay, Charleston or Middleburg – when you feel accepted and surrounded by my personal brand of comfortable luxury, you know you’ve arrived at the Salamander Collection.
Welcome home,
Sheila Johnson Founder and CEO Salamander Collection
Every year, the world’s finest golfers and thousands of fans descend on Innisbrook’s famed Copperhead Course to play in the PGA TOUR’s Valspar Championship. The tournament has been staged at the resort for a quarter of a century and has raised hundreds of millions of dollars for area charities. Here, two-time champion Sam Burns hits his tee shot on the 16th hole, which is the start of the infamous Snake Pit trio of holes – among the hardest closing holes on the PGA TOUR.
JOSEPH
CULINARY
Inspirational and Immersive
COME AS FRIENDS, LEAVE AS FAMILY AT THE COUNTRY’S PREEMINENT CULINARY CELEBRATION OF COLOR AND EXCELLENCE.
By JESSICA FARTHING / PHOTOS By CLAY WILLIAMS
In the summer of 2022, for the second consecutive year, Salamander Collection played host to top-tier chefs, food writers and culinary professionals at The Family Reunion – a joyous celebration of diversity in the hospitality community and part of the Food & Wine Classic series of events.
Held at Salamander in historic Middleburg, Virginia, guests enjoyed inspiring panel discussions, cooking demonstrations and recreational activities on 340 acres in the heart of the state’s wine country. The days also featured celebratory family-style meals with guests mingling with award winners and celebrity talent like Rodney Scott, Carla Hall, Mashama Bailey and Robin McBride.
A few years ago, James Beard awardwinning chef and author Kwame Onwuachi approached Salamander Founder and CEO Sheila Johnson with a mission to inspire future culinary professionals. Onwuachi
envisioned a well-rounded experience that brought friends together that would leave them feeling like family.
As the only African-American woman to wholly own a Forbes Five Star resort and the co-founder of Black Entertainment Television, Johnson deeply understood the need to showcase diverse talent in the industry. The Family Reunion was a success its first year and evolved to be even more intimate and joyful in its second.
“We celebrate Black and Brown professionals in the food industry from chefs to beverage professionals to food writers, while throwing one heck of a party at the same time,” Onwuachi said.
There’s a community feel to the four-day event, a bonding as attendees experience incredible dishes and explore the history of food’s development. As if the educational itinerary wasn’t enough, there is also axe throwing, wine tasting, mixology classes and even some zip lining, while each evening featured
energy-driven musical entertainment and lots of dancing.
Not satisfied at just discussing elevating a new generation of culinary superstars, The Family Reunion also created a culinary school scholarship. Applicants send essays that are all read by Onwuachi. “I’ll be picking a new person for this year and that’s exciting,” he said.
Putting together this event is one of the highlights in Johnson’s career. “I’m so proud to partner with Kwame and Food & Wine and delighted that my resort can provide a platform for thoughtful discussion about inclusion,” she said. Onwuachi is just as proud. “It’s so important that we get to share this experience and break bread, dance and laugh together,” he said. “It’s rejuvenation.”
THE FAMILY REUNION
August 17-20, 2023 Middleburg, VA salamanderhotels.com/familyreunion
FOOD & WINE: THE PREMIER EPICUREAN EXPERIENCE
FOOD & WINE proudly returns to Salamander Hotels & Resorts for the 3rd annual Family Reunion, an immersive experience that includes the culinary industry’s top talent. The Family Reunion nurtures, develops, and celebrates racial and ethnic diversity within the next generation of culinary and hospitality professionals, and FOOD & WINE is honored to be a part of this mission. For the latest in restaurant intel, cooking advice, wine picks, travel inspiration, and more–from the undisputed global culinary resource, find us at FoodandWine.com, @foodandwine across social, and on newsstands everywhere.
A Toast to Champagne
WITH A STORIED HISTORY, EXCLUSIVE PRODUCTION PROCESS AND WORLD-RENOWNED FLAVOR, IT’S NO WONDER THAT THE SPARKLING BEVERAGE IS MORE POPULAR THAN EVER.
By JESSICA FARTHING
No other drink embodies celebration as well as Champagne; from the moment that the cork is popped, the festivity begins. Around the world, Champagne is used to toast a new year, honor significant achievements and mark special occasions. It even christens the first launch of new ships, said to bring good luck to future voyages.
As legends go, the creation of Champagne can be traced back to a young monk named Dom Pérignon, a Benedictine in the Hautvillers Abbey monastery in France. In the 1600s, he mistakenly created bubbles during wine production, thanks, in large part, to refermentation as a result of the Champagne region’s cold temperatures. Upon trying a glass, he supposedly said, “Come quickly, I am drinking the stars.” Though he later tried to rid his wine of the accidental bubbles, there is no doubt that his discovery played a role in the birth of the industry.
Over the years, other large Champagne producers advanced the winemaking process and increased the drink’s popularity. The widow Barbe-Nicole Clicquot of Veuve Clicquot made innovations that sped up production, allowing her to take over a significant portion of the market. Near the end of the Napoleonic wars, she smuggled her wine into Russia, creating a large
“
VINTAGE IN CHAMPAGNE IS BACK, JUST LIKE IT HAPPENS IN FASHION”
—JOSE
CURCI, RESORT MANAGER AT SALAMANDER RESORT & SPA IN MIDDLEBURG, VA.
demand in the transcontinental country as well. Her breakthrough in manufacturing remained a secret for years, much to competing houses’ chagrin.
While it has been a long time since the widow cracked the code and created a sparkling wine that people were clamoring to find, neither Champagne’s prominence nor its popularity has faded over the years.
Hotel Bennett, Salamander’s luxury hotel on King Street in Charleston, South Carolina, boasts an elegant, pink-hued bar named Camellias, perfect for a light bite in between meals or a slice of the signature cake after a night out. It serves numerous bottled and by-the-glass Champagnes and cocktails and the bar offers luxury with an approachable feel. Camellias has an extensive list of entrylevel bubbles to the high-end grower Champagnes.
Camille James, the lead bartender in Camellias, was inspired by the bar’s floral namesake in the creation of its signature drink, the “Pink Perfection.” She started by producing a light and refreshing prickly pear puree with just the right amount of sweetness, paired with the hotel’s locally distilled vodka. St. Germain adds the perfect light and airy notes of elderflower and the drink is topped with high quality Champagne’s effervescence and colorful edible flowers, capturing the delicate style of Camellias perfectly.
In addition to creative new ways to enjoy Champagne, part of the beverage’s current appeal is due to a resurgence in trends of the past. “Vintage in Champagne is back, just like it happens in fashion,” says Jose Curci, resort manager at Salamander Middleburg, in Virginia. “Beverages follow trends just like culture.” The resort changed its glassware to
maximize the flavor of the sparkling wine; instead of more familiar flutes, it drew on the education from Champagne growers and now uses 1950s-style coupe glasses. The shape of the glass allows for the aroma of the sparkling wine to develop further, bringing out the true flavor while also reducing interference from the bubbles.
Salamander Middleburg mirrors its locally sourced food movement with its choice in sparkling wine, Greenhill Winery’s blanc de blancs. Made exclusively from white grapes with flavors of crisp green apple, pear, lychee and minerals, the blend is created just a few miles down the road in Northern Virginia’s wine country. It’s even included in the rooms’ minibars, for guests to access easily.
Champagne differs from other sparkling wines such as Italian proseccos and Spanish cava based on the region in which it is produced. In order for a beverage to be true Champagne—a designation granted by the Comité Interprofessionnel du vin de Champagne, an organization associated with the French government that is responsible for protecting the name and reputation of the term—it must be grown only in the Champagne province in northern France, in the chalky limestone subsoil that keeps the vines watered throughout the year. The area’s harsh, wet climate gives the wine unique characteristics, though the traits still vary from house to house.
Joyful occasions, formal or casual, are all more jubilant with Champagne. Whether picking a certified Champagne or enjoying a crafted sparkling wine, the ritual of popping the cork and sharing a toast makes any event seem more noteworthy.
YOU WANNA PEACH OF ME
Noelle Verrusio shares the recipe for this fan-favorite drink served inside Camellias, the Hotel Bennett’s signature champagne bar. The cocktail is loosely based on an Aperol Spritz, a summer classic. Once known as an “Italian sunset in a glass”, the hotel’s version might be more akin to a southern summer sunset served in a swanky spot.
2oz fresh peach puree
2oz Aperol
1/2oz fresh squeezed lemon juice
3oz champagne
Start by carefully filling a wine glass with crushed ice, and carefully layer the peach puree, Aperol, and lemon. Champagne is poured slowly over the top, and the drink is carefully stirred to incorporate all the flavors. Garnish with a hefty slice of orange and a few edible flowers and you’ve got a peach of drink you won’t soon forget.
ANDREW CEBULKA
A New Home
THE U.S. PARK POLICE MOUNTED UNIT WILL SOON HAVE MODERN STABLES ON THE NATIONAL MALL.
By ERIN ZILIS
If you’ve been to the National Mall in Washington, D.C., you’ve seen the officers and horses of the U.S. Park Police Horse Mounted Unit—one of the oldest and most beloved equestrian units in the U.S.—who provide a friendly guiding equine presence. The horses most recently resided in simple wooden stalls that were erected to celebrate America’s bicentennial Independence Day celebration in 1976. Originally built as a temporary shelter, the facilities were outdated and inadequate for today’s needs. But thanks to the efforts of the Trust for the National Mall, in partnership with the National Park Service, the horses will soon have new stables and an education center to welcome the public, designed by architect Tasos Kokoris.
Salamander Collection Founder and CEO Sheila Johnson, who is the Trust for the National Mall Board of Directors Vice Chair, served as Campaign Chair for the project, one which is close to her heart. The horses that are part of the unit are donated by private citizens to serve, with the promise those owners will take care of the horses when it’s time for them to retire. Johnson donated her horse, Chief, to serve in the unit in 2019. “Sheila Johnson has provided incredible vision and leadership in the campaign to build a new home for
Salamander Collection Founder and CEO Sheila Johnson with Chief, the horse she donated to the unit, and U.S. Park Police
SALAMANDER WASHINGTON DC
Launched in early September 2022, the elegant Salamander Washington DC is just minutes from the new stables and the exciting attractions and restaurants in the new District Wharf. Featuring a grand sense of arrival, the hotel’s elegant and bustling lobby and lounge opens onto one of DC’s most attractive and intimate outdoor spaces, replete with firepits and waterfront views. Many of the property’s 373 beautifully designed rooms, spacious suites, also overlook the Potomac River and Tidal Basin, while the spa is widely considered the finest in the District. Under the Salamander brand, the hotel features elevated service levels, an inviting and warm atmosphere and is undergoing an exciting enhancement program in 2023. Improvements will include a renovation of the hotel’s suites, the remodeling and reopening of the club lounge, re-concepting and redesign of its signature restaurant and grand lobby lounge, renovation of the acclaimed Salamander Spa and activation of the hotel’s unique outdoor spaces. For reservations and more information, visit SalamanderDC.com.
“THIS PROJECT REPLACES AN OUTDATED FACILITY WITH A STATEOF-THE-ART SPACE, WHERE THE HORSES CAN BE PROPERLY HOUSED, CARED FOR AND EXERCISED.”
—SHEILA JOHNSON, FOUNDER AND CEO OF SALAMANDER COLLECTION
the horses on the National Mall,” says Catherine Townsend, President and CEO of the Trust for the National Mall. “The new Horse Stables and Education Center is funded entirely by private philanthropy, and simply would not be possible without her leadership.”
The new facility was built at the location of the recently demolished stables, between the Korean War Memorial and the D.C. War Memorial on the south side of the Mall. The modern, environmentally sustainable building contains horse stables and a new visitor and education center that welcomes the public to engage with and learn about the horses and their history on the National Mall.
Additionally, the project creates a new pathway connecting the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial directly to the
National Mall. This “Path to Hope” allows for easier navigation and accessibility between the two areas.
“This project replaces an outdated facility with a state-of-the-art space, where the horses can be properly housed, cared for and exercised,” says Johnson, “The education center will welcome visitors to learn about the history and importance of the Mounted Unit.”
A total of 14 stalls, including a medical paddock, provides space for the horses housed onsite. Covered shelters and a heated wash and tack room complete the stables. The building includes a permanent office for the U.S. Park Police who are assigned there.
The education center includes information on the horses, a self-guided tour and a history of horse-mounted
patrol operations on the Mall, along with two public viewing paddocks with double fencing for visitors to safely observe the horses.
The Trust for the National Mall, the Mall’s nonprofit fundraising partner, raises funds from private citizens and corporate philanthropy to restore, preserve and enrich the National Mall. Principle support for this project, which includes the establishment of a long-term maintenance and programming fund, was provided by several generous donors, including Wells Fargo and Johnson.
The new building is slated to open in the Summer of 2023, well in advance of the nation’s 250th anniversary of independence in 2026.
To learn more about this project go to nationalmall.org
Left: An overview of the new Horse Stables and Education Center; right; Sheila Johnson and a member of the Park Police
Aspen’s Legacy
THE RESNICK CENTER FOR HERBERT BAYER STUDIES RECENTLY OPENED AT ASPEN MEADOWS RESORT, DISPLAYING AN IMPORTANT TRIBUTE TO THE ICONIC ARTIST’S CAREER.
By JILLIAN DARA
Recognizing the rich legacy of Herbert Bayer, the polymathic artist who designed the 40-acre Aspen Meadows Resort campus, the Resnick Center for Herbert Bayer Studies opened in June of 2022 at the Aspen Institute with perhaps the most important tribute to Bayer to date.
“The visitor shift has been astonishing,” says Lissa Ballinger, Acting Director of the Resnick Center for Herbert Bayer Studies. “People are having meaningful and profound experiences in there—not running in and running out.”
Herbert Bayer
The inaugural exhibition was dedicated to the evolution of Bayer from a magazine designer to an advertiser, painter, photographer, sculptor, interior designer and architect—immersing gallery visitors into the many chapters of his career—in a center that spans 7,000-square-feet. The displays showcase Bayer’s work from his native Austria to landing in the states in New York to his first work in Aspen, depicting owls into Aspen trees and eventually, light refractions and Bauhaus motifs.
Though this particular installation is only on display until April, a new exhibit will open in June 2023. “Concept of a Visualist: Herbert Bayer’s World Geo-Graphic Atlas” examines Herbert Bayer’s 1953 World Geo-Graphic Atlas, a landmark work of visual education and modernist design. Commissioned by Walter Paepcke to mark the 25th anniversary of Container Corporation of America, the World Geo-Graphic Atlas was first presented at the 1953 International Design Conference at the Aspen Institute. In the 70 years since its
Left: Moon Bridge, 1974, Acrylic on canvas, Collection of the Aspen Institute, Gift of Barry A. Berkus Above: Deposition, 1940, Oil on canvas, The Aspen Institute, Gift of Javan and Britt Bayer
publication, the Atlas has come to occupy a key place within graphic design history. The exhibit, which can also be viewed in other Aspen Meadows campus locations, is a collaboration with art historian Benjamin Benus, Associate Professor at Loyola University New Orleans and Bayer expert Bernard Jazzar.
Born out of Walter Paepcke’s vision to create a cultural utopia, Bayer supported the growth of modern Aspen, says Ballinger on the artist’s work upon his arrival to Aspen in 1946. “The connection between the Bauhaus and a ski town is a unique correlation that isn’t replicated anywhere else in any ski town in the world period,” says Ballinger.
Though the Aspen Institute is dedicated to preserving Bayer’s legacy, showcasing Bauhaus-inspired architecture and exterior sculptures, Bayer’s work can be viewed all around Aspen. His work includes iconic posters and pamphlets—Bayer was commissioned by Paepcke to promote Aspen—to designing the first Sundeck on top of Aspen Mountain, and completing renovations of the Hotel Jerome and the Wheeler Opera House.
“He helped to support the growth of Aspen as we know it today—a cultural hub,” says Ballinger.
ASPEN MEADOWS RESORT
Set on 40 beautiful acres surrounded by picturesque mountain views, Aspen Meadows Resort is a secluded sanctuary where nature integrates with art. The original home of the Aspen Institute and the birthplace of the Aspen Idea (a balance of mind, body, and spirit), the resort brings Aspen’s past and present to life with ongoing special programs, unique art and history, and ample access to the outdoors and mountain recreation. Part of the Salamander Collection, Aspen Meadows has undergone a multi-million-dollar renovation project to upgrade all guest rooms—98 all-suite accommodations.
Aspen Meadows is rich in art, architectural and cultural significance. In the early 1950s, Walter Paepcke, the founder of the Institute, commissioned Bayer to transform farmland into a secluded destination where visitors could take a step back from their hurried lives and reflect upon a variety of important issues they faced. Describing the
property as a “total work of art,” Bayer wove outdoor walkways through his landscape architecture to remind visitors of their relationship with nature, mind and body - which became known as the Aspen Idea. The grounds are rich with Bauhaus architecture and outdoor sculptures, and there is also an extensive collection of artwork found inside every building.
Michael Suomi, president of Suomi Design Works, a hotel design studio, worked with the resort to revamp the 98 guest suites. The inspiration? Aspen’s roots in Bauhaus-inspired architecture.
“Suomi Design Works approaches every project with significant time and energy spent both understanding the site, stakeholders and locale, as well as crafting a unique narrative-based concept, out of which the design grows,” Suomi says.
“[In Aspen,] there exists a very rich history of Bauhaus-inspired buildings, artworks and furnishings, many by Herbert Bayer and other notable founders of the Bauhaus school, which became the basis out of which we developed our concepts for the resort’s room renovation,” he continues. “Our design builds upon the Aspen Institute’s unique legacy and storied origins and is meant to feel as a continuation of the that history.”
Suomi says the artwork is original hand embossed photographs taken and developed by noted Bauhaus photography Prof. Franz Berko while he was living in Aspen in the 1960s.
Staying true to the Bauhaus aesthetic means that the resort’s room renovation incorporated the Bauhaus color palette of primary red, blue and yellow, as well as restoring special “legacy” furniture and decor, such as Saarinen tulip tables and Bertoia bird chairs.
There’s also hidden stories within the walls—or in the case of Aspen Meadows, the floor. “At our guestroom entry foyers, we integrated a unique type of highly durable textile flooring into our terrazzo tile where we recreated an iconic pattern by Anni Albers, who was one of the Bauhaus’ original students,” Suomi reveals. “Much of Anni’s original textile designs are featured at the Aspen Institute, [a world-renowned nonprofit for humanistic studies located in Aspen.]”
JASON DEWEY
from entryway to living room
Clockwise from left: a view of Aspen Meadows at dusk; Plato’s outdoor dining deck; one of the resort’s renovated living areas; a suite’s transition space
IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS
INTRICATE ELEMENTS OF CHARLESTON’S HISTORY WERE TRANSPOSED INTO MULTIPLE MURALS BY GEORGIA-BASED ARTIST JILL BISKIN FOR HOTEL BENNETT’S TWO-STORY ROTUNDA.
By JILLIAN DARA
The second-story of Hotel Bennett’s Rotunda showcases the top of a soaring chandelier and mural entitled “Coastal birds in flight.”
Located just steps from Marion Square, Hotel Bennett may symbolize contemporary Charleston with its rosy-hued Champagne lounge, grand columns and luxury amenities, but as opulent as the obvious is, guests with a discerning eye will recognize the past is paid due respect.
During the hotel’s construction, Design Continuum, the property’s interior design team, sought out Athens, Georgiabased artist Jill Biskin to commission a 360-degree panoramic view of the 18th century Charleston Harbor spanning the curved panels of the hotel’s rotunda. Biskin recalls the request to create this period piece as four murals in the style of Zuber, who since 1797 led the scenic technique of fashioning hundreds of wood blocks into a cohesive, and sprawling, painting.
“I did a lot of research,” says Biskin, who was already comfortable working on large-scale, painting stage scenery, including for opera sets in New York City. For style, this included a visit to the Cooper Hewitt and Metropolitan Museum to meet with curators who pulled the entirety of Zuber collections they had accessible. And for context, Biskin peeked into the past through the likes of a 1774 English painting and original etching based on the View of Charles Town from 1775.
The challenge, she says, was figuring out how to layer stencils on seamless linen, which she used to replicate the Zuber style. “I’ve used stencils for many years but there were hundreds of stencils involved, some eightfeet long. I took it beyond the depth of that technique,” says Biskin, who adds that there was no brushwork involved. “I used a spray gun to create the subtle blue transitions in the sky and the reflections in the water.”
This detail, though, is what drives Biskin, as she appreciated the intricacies of the panorama. “I’ve always loved painting architecture, so I really enjoyed going into the spires of the historic churches and painting the tiny details—the tracery of the churches, the windows, the light fittings.”
She also detailed the facets of 18th century ships that she stenciled in the forefront, garden gates from the grounds of the
Artist Jill Biskin captured scenes of Charleston’s history to wrap around the ground floor of the Hotel Bennett’s Rotunda, including this look across Charleston Harbor toward the city’s famed Customs House.
Richmond Plantation, two dogs on the front lawn belonging to Hotel Bennett’s owner, Michael Bennett, and seasonal butterflies, inspired by her own garden that was in spring bloom during the time of painting. “I enjoyed transposing those elements into the murals,” says Biskin, adding that altogether she dedicated a year to the project.
The Rotunda mural actually spans two stories, while the second floor showcases the sky and birds native to the area. There are also three additional murals from Biskin showcasing Charleston gardens in the hotel’s Observatory room on the ninth floor. The murals in their entirety are worth checking in for, but if you’re simply in town for the day, they can also be viewed before a glass of bubbles at Camellias.
There are three murals of Charleston’s “Secret Gardens” in the rooftop Observatory Room at Hotel Bennett.
A mural detail depicting a Nankeen Kestrel
A TOTAL ECLIPSE
HALF MOON IS A LANDMARK OF WORLD-CLASS HOSPITALITY IN JAMAICA, WITH THREE UNIQUE LODGING EXPERIENCES. By JUSTINE AMODEO
For nearly seven decades, Half Moon in Montego Bay, Jamaica has served as the chosen retreat for royalty, presidents, celebrities and generations of guests seeking to escape to their private oasis
Supported by the spirit and optimism of dedicated Jamaican professionals, Half Moon is rated as Jamaica’s finest resort and renowned for providing sincere and authentic service excellence.
This landmark of world-class hospitality in Jamaica offers a triumvirate of distinct, unique lodging experiences. The most recent addition, Eclipse at Half Moon, has set new standards in the Caribbean and is a stunning luxury resort experience.
Guests can also enjoy two other distinct choices: Founders Cove at Half Moon, which incorporates the iconic sections of Half Moon that were developed by the original owners of the property; and Rose Hall Villas which each feature multiple bedrooms, a living and dining room, outdoor living space and private pool. Each villa comes with a butler, housekeeper and a cook.
Framed by the glistening Caribbean Sea to the north and the lush hillsides to the south, Eclipse at Half Moon is one of the most luxurious additions to the Caribbean in a generation. The property features 57 spacious accommodations, two restaurants, three bars, a market café, a sweeping infinity-edge swimming pool, and private beachfront with a natural swimming cove.
Designed exclusively for the luxury traveler by the renowned design firm Hart Howerton, the resort embraces the rich history of the Caribbean and Jamaica’s natural beauty. The enclave’s Great House, inspired by the island’s distinctive culture and style, features elegant shutters, vibrant colors and local artwork. A sweeping arrival experience is framed by a large Guango Tree, also known as a Rain Tree, one of over 70 trees that were carefully re-planted to ensure mature natural surroundings. For relaxation and restoration, guests can also enjoy Fern Tree, A Salamander Spa, which is the most luxurious in the Caribbean and features two dramatic overwater bungalows for massage treatments and yoga classes.
The addition of Eclipse was part of an extensive plan to add numerous contemporary amenities to accompany the legendary Half Moon’s classic offerings, which include a Robert Trent Jones, Sr.-designed golf course, and the Sugar Mill restaurant – consistently rated as Jamaica’s best.
For more information about Half Moon, visit HalfMoon.com.
PHOTOS ON THIS SPREAD: JACK HOLLINGSWORTH
AUTHENTIC DESIGN
SALAMANDER ASKED SUSAN WILLIAMS, PRINCIPAL DESIGNER OF SW INTERIOR DESIGN PROJECTS, ABOUT THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE RECENTLY RENOVATED HIBISCUS SUITES IN FOUNDERS COVE AT HALF MOON
SALAMANDER: What’s changed from the original design?
SUSAN WILLIAMS: The newly remodeled Hibiscus Suites are part of the storied Hibiscus neighborhood of Founders Cove. While the buildings were not the original buildings built 50 years ago, they are located on the old site. The 68 suites are all on the beach with beautiful lawns that face the sea. They have been redesigned in a traditional 1960s Half Moon style
with a black and white color palette and clean lines. We opened up the wall that faces the sea so that every single room has a view out onto its own veranda. The former rooms featured dark stained wood and heavy floral curtains and different multi-colored prints. Now they have uncluttered draperies and clean lines.
SALAMANDER: Can you tell us about some of the design details of the new Hibiscus Suites?
SUSAN WILLIAMS: We’ve decorated the suites with locally sourced straws, weaves, canings and white and ebony furniture. The straw rugs are made locally from khus khus grass, and the handles of all the furniture and the light fittings are made from local wicker. The panels in the bars and wardrobes are also made from local grasses and wickers and have
replaced the old wooden panels. We’ve used local craftspeople in the design so that guests have a feeling of being in Jamaica and not anywhere else.
SALAMANDER: Are there specific artists you worked with?
SUSAN WILLIAMS: All of the art in the rooms was done exclusively by Jamaican artist Shane “Dready” Aquart. He does very simplistic, warm, computer-generated art.
STEWARDS OF THE BEACH
Through its sea turtle program, Half Moon continues to invest in the environment through sustainable practices and education, particularly with the Hawksbill Sea Turtle.
Hawksbill sea turtles are the most endangered sea turtle population in the world. Female Hawksbill turtles return to the same nesting grounds they were born to lay their eggs, migrating long distances to nest, where they lay anywhere from 130 to 160 eggs before covering their nest before returning to the sea. Typically, eggs will hatch in about 60 days. The most dangerous time of their lives is when hatchlings make the journey to sea, while they’re prey to crabs and birds.
This is where Half Moon plays an important role in the sea turtles’ safety. By being present at the time of hatching, guests and staff increase the chance of survival for these tiny beings. Through a partnership with Oracabessa Marine Trust, Half Moon offers staff training in the sustainability of the environment to preserve marine life. Staff who are trained are also licensed as wardens through the National Environment Planning Agency (NEPA), which allows them to enforce regulations under the Wildlife Protection Act, to create habitats for new life.
In 2022, Half Moon beaches held 46 nests, 4,033 eggs, and helped 3,847 hatchlings successfully make it to sea.
MIDDLEBURG SOUL
Horses, land and family (not necessarily in that order) are valued more than wealth or position in this exclusive Virginia community.
By DALE LEATHERMAN
Piedmont Fox Hounds huntsman Jordan Hicks and whippers-in Johnny Dean and Michelle Leigh Nagle hacking in with their hounds.
Middleburg, Virginia, and its close-knit community of highprofile horsemen and women might have remained out of the public eye if it weren’t for President John F. Kennedy. Families had lived here for generations, raising their children to ride before they could walk, compete at horse shows, and foxhunt through expansive estates. But then the charismatic young President and his wife Jackie, an avid rider, decided to lease a local farm. The press followed, and soon alerted the world to the millionaires, celebrities and ordinary folk
enjoying their rustic lifestyle a mere 50 miles from the Washington Beltway.
EQUESTRIAN LEGACY
Middleburg’s history is inextricably tied to the horse. In the 1730s what is now the Red Fox Inn & Tavern provided lodging on the Ashby Gap Road (Route 50), a day’s horseback ride from Alexandria to the east or Winchester to the west. By the turn of the century the inn was surrounded by large farms, and wealthy residents embraced foxhunting, a passion inherited from their British forbearers.
The Civil War was a crushing blow to that lifestyle, but after the war the area’s favorable foxhunting conditions drew new landowners with the wealth to rebuild. They became the “old guard” whose descendants now ride over the same countryside.
Long-time residents regret the passing of more recent “good old days,” when local icons such as Theo Randolph, revered as the “first lady of foxhunting,” served as master of the Piedmont Fox Hounds, the oldest hunt in the U.S.; and billionaire philanthropist Paul Mellon raised
Cricket Bedford on her horse, Roanie Pony; below, Piedmont foxhounds scaling a coop in the hunt field
champion Thoroughbreds at his nearby Rokeby Stables. But life is unchanged in ways that count. The upscale shops and restaurants in historic buildings along Middleburg’s main street are flourishing. Not far from the town’s lone traffic light, roads narrow and pavement gives way to gravel scored with hoofprints. The distant Blue Ridge Mountains are a backdrop to sprawling farms with gated entrances. Horses graze in pastures stitched together by miles of board fences and stone walls, their lines interrupted by coops and panels for riders to jump cross country.
OLD AND NEW
“All of the traditional equestrian activities in the area are thriving,” says Cricket Bedford, a real estate professional who grew up in Middleburg and rides with the Piedmont Fox Hounds, as did her late father, Erskine Bedford, a beloved joint master of PFH. “The hunt fields are a wonderful mix of old and new people. We’ve lost some great leaders like Paul Mellon and Theo Randolph,” she says, “but new folks are stepping into their shoes. Shelby Bonnie, Mrs. Randolph’s grandson, has taken over her farm and is a joint master of Piedmont. He’s a great example of the next generation carrying on. State senator Jill Vogel and her family own part of the former Mellon estate and host the Piedmont Fox Hounds’ Thanksgiving Day meet, a tradition held by the Mellons for decades.”
Under the management of some sage elders and new blood, equestrian events like the Upperville Colt & Horse Show are going gangbusters, and steeplechase races at Middleburg and Great Meadow attract large crowds, according to Bedford. Polo has expanded in the area, with the addition of many new polo fields and opportunities for new enthusiasts to learn the sport. The area is home to many devotees of three-day eventing, a sport combining dressage, crosscountry and show jumping.
The eventing community includes former Olympians Karen and David O’Connor, who now train other riders; candy heiress Jacqueline Mars, who is a major supporter of the sport and owns top competition horses;
EQUESTRIAN EVENTS
MIDDLEBURG SPRING RACES (steeplechasing, Glenwood Park, Middleburg) APRIL 15, 2023
VIRGINIA GOLD CUP (steeplechasing, Great Meadow) MAY 6, 2023
TWILIGHT POLO (Great Meadow) MAY 27 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 17, 2023
UPPERVILLE COLT & HORSE SHOW (show jumping, Upperville) JUNE 5-11, 2023
GREAT MEADOW
International (eventing) AUGUST 24-27, 2023
NSLM POLO CLASSIC PRESENTED BY MARS EQUESTRIAN (Great Meadow) SEPT. 10, 2023
VIRGINIA FALL RACES (steeplechasing, Glenwood Park, Middleburg) OCTOBER, 2023 (TBD)
INTERNATIONAL GOLD CUP (steeplechasing, Great Meadow) OCTOBER , 2023 (TBD)
and several active international riders. Many riders have been coached by James “Jimmy” Wofford, winner of two Olympic silver medals in eventing, now one of the sport’s top trainers. He lives at Fox Covert Farm with his wife Gail, a former joint master of the Piedmont Fox Hounds.
“We love the area’s natural setting, the horses and the atmosphere,” says Gail. “When we moved here in the 1970s there were fewer than 20 Piedmont Fox Hounds landowners. They were old Virginia foxhunters who understood the value of preserving open space and cover for wildlife.
“Middleburg was a sleepy little town with a lot of horses and horse-crazy people until the Kennedys and actress Elizabeth Taylor [who was married to the late Senator John Warner] arrived,” she recalls. “When it became portrayed as the ‘Horse Capital of the World’ many people thought they wanted to live here. They bought big places and turned everything into lawns, disrupting the wildlife habitat--and then discovered they preferred life in the city.
“That said, we have newcomers
who understand the culture and are supportive,” she adds. “Several local organizations educate them about how to conserve their land and historical sites, such as the Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area, and the Goose Creek Association. The Virginia Outdoors Foundation and the Piedmont Environmental Council set up conservation easements for landowners in exchange for tax benefits.”
Generous donations from locals have preserved and expanded Middleburg’s National Sporting Library and Museum, a world-class research facility with more than 20,000 books and periodicals and about 800 pieces of art.
SADDLE UP
Equestrian art, much of it by local artists, decorates the resort interior and the 14,000-square-foot stable. Set on 25 acres, the equestrian center contains 22 large, airy stalls; two tack rooms, wash stalls and a function room for classes, parties and corporate events. A 120- by 240-foot arena lies nearby, along with riding trails through 340 acres.
“We have 11 resident horses and ponies that are used in our riding and horsemanship programs,” says Equestrian Director Ashley Farrell. “Stalls are available for short-term boarding by horse owners coming into town to compete, foxhunt or enjoy the Middleburg countryside on horseback. Guest horses also arrive for a rest during a long hauling trip, to be in wedding photos or just for relaxing and pampering,” she explains. “While their owners are at the spa, their
You don’t have to be a local or a horse owner to enjoy equestrian activities in Middleburg, thanks to Sheila Johnson and her Salamander Resort & Spa. Johnson was drawn to Middleburg by her daughter’s love of horses. Her daughter became a successful show jumper, attended the local Hill School (now home to the Sheila Johnson Performing Arts Center) and polished her riding skills on her mother’s Salamander Farm between Middleburg and Upperville. When Johnson decided to build the resort (opened in 2013), there was no question that it would be inspired by the surrounding equestrian community and 200 acres of the resort’s property were placed into a conservation easement.
horses can have their own spa day with a bath and massage.”
Thousands of resort guests visit the equestrian center every year for a trail ride, riding lesson, horsemanship program, pony ride or to stable their horses, according to Farrell.
One of the center’s cherished residents is Cupcake, an 11-year-old miniature horse who appears in the resort’s lobby and living room every weekend. “She gets braided and dolled up to visit with our guests from 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. every Friday and Saturday afternoon,” says Farrell. “Guests love cuddling with her and taking pictures. She’s quite a ham and loves the attention. Cupcake is also available to attend weddings, private dinners and corporate events.”
The equestrian center offers private riding lessons, walking trail rides and a variety of horsemanship and children’s programs, with reservations required. The facility is open year-round 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, but activities are limited in January and February to trail rides and horsemanship programs Friday through Sunday.
THE HUNT BREAKFAST
Hunt breakfasts are an American tradition. Often close to midday, participants return to the farm where the hunt originated, take care of their horses, and gather in the home of their hosts for sustenance and a rehash of the day. Bacon and eggs are never part of the hunt breakfast. Virginia ham biscuits often are, but the menu is entirely up to the hosts. For instance, Bryce Lingo offers Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey to several hundred guests at his Orange Hill Farm before the hunt. Back at his home afterward, riders are served “Barn Chiller Punch,” a mix of orange juice, lemon juice and tequila with mint. The main course is Julia Child’s recipe for beef bourguignon, served with salad and roasted fall vegetables. To add to the convivial atmosphere, Lingo says: “I always have a piano player.”
ERIC STEIN
World Traveler
During the production of this magazine, award-winning photographer Blaine Harrington III tragically passed away while working in Cape Town, South Africa.
Salamander wanted to continue with this story and highlight his spectacular work, which repeatedly won him Travel Photographer of the Year.
Blaine pointed his lens at everything from the Carnivals in Venice and Rio to the wildlife and tribespeople of Africa. Here is what he said about some of his incredible images.
Many of the extraordinary subjects photographer Blaine Harrington III photographed over 45 years he also experienced. He ran with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain; jumped off the highest bungee jump in the world in Queenstown, New Zealand; plunged into the icy water with the Polar Bear Club on New Year’s Day in Boulder, Colorado; scuba dove on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and off Cozumel in Mexico.
OMO VALLE / ETHIOPIA
“These four boys from the Bena tribe were shot in the Omo Valle, in southern Ethiopia. The Omo Valle tribes all use body paint to adorn themselves with patterns. This was one of 20 images that won the SATW Travel Photographer of the Year prize in 2022,” said Harrington.
“I’ve photographed everything from icebreakers in arctic Finland to Turkish baths in Istanbul to stock exchanges in Singapore and Hong Kong to tango dancing in Buenos Aires,” said Harrington. “My goal for life: go everywhere, meet everyone, try everything.”
A five-time winner of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) Travel Photographer of the Year (he won the silver prize four times and the bronze prize two times) as well as many other prestigious international travel photography competitions, Harrington worked on assignment for most major news, business and travel magazines. With over 45 years in the business (including working in Amsterdam, New York, Paris and Zurich), Harrington had expert knowledge of Europe, as well as most regions in the world.
VENICE / ITALY
“Taken during the Venice Carnival, I was drawn to this woman’s beautiful costume and love the line created with the green on the dress (with the black background). Shooting it with gondolas behind makes the photo instantly recognizable as Venice. I have photographed a number of carnivals and festivals around the world over many years, and they are included in my self-published photo coffee table book: ‘Festivus Maximus: The biggest and most beautiful of the World’s Top Festivals and Carnivals,” he said.
MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK / UGANDA
“Photographed in Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda, I wanted to combine the giraffes with the huge thunderhead cloud behind, to give the scene scale,” he said.
COYOTE BUTTES / UTAH-ARIZONA BORDER
“The state of Utah features every kind and color of rock imaginable. This formation, called The Wave, is one of the most famous. Very remote and hard to find, the number of hikers who can enter it are regulated daily because of its fragile environment. It is much smaller than you might imagine. The formation, Coyote Buttes, Paria CanyonVermillion Cliffs Wilderness Area, is located on the Utah/ Arizona border. Here, a hiker gets an up close look,” said Harrington.
To see more images, visit www.blaineharrington.com.
AT AURORA ANGUILLA RESORT & GOLF CLUB, A MULTIMILLION-DOLLAR RENOVATION HAS CREATED A CARIBBEAN PARADISE THAT IS ELEGANT, REFINED AND PLAYFUL.
By JUSTINE AMODEO
A NEW DAWN I
n Latin, Aurora translates to dawn while in Roman mythology and Latin poetry, it represents the goddess of dawn.
And now today, in Anguilla, a new dawn shines upon a storied property that has fresh life under the ownership of a renowned businessman and philanthropist.
Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club is a freshly crafted Caribbean paradise created for the most discerning travelers. Set on the idyllic white beaches of Rendezvous Bay, the 300-acre property is owned by Richard M. Schulze, the founder of Best Buy. Following a multimillion-dollar renovation, Aurora Anguilla formally opened in 2022 to international acclaim.
Surrounded by turquoise waters and the shimmering sunsets of the island, Aurora spans over 300 acres and has two distinct resort areas: Rendezvous Bay offers a quieter pace and the property’s signature reflection pool, while Merrywing Bay is home to the resort’s stunning new amphitheater and activity park.
The resort’s luxurious and spacious accommodations include ocean view
Island Suites with wraparound terraces and private Jacuzzis. For larger groups or families, the resort also has three- and five-bedroom villas, as well as private 6,300-square-feet Estate Homes which include a dedicated butler and private pool. The resort features six stellar restaurants, including D Richard’s, which is the island’s only steakhouse, and the famed Tokyo Bay Japanese
restaurant. All the dining outlets are served by the resort’s own Farm, which features two hydroponic greenhouses. And, of course, it offers a beautiful, 27,000-square-foot spa, and the island’s only golf experience: the stunning 18-hole International Course, recently re-designed by Greg Norman and a new nine-hole short course called Avalon Links, also a Norman design.
AURORA ANGUILLA AIR CHARTER SERVICE
Designed exclusively for Aurora Anguilla guests, Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club launched its Air Charter Service in December 2022. Available as a travel option to and from the resort, they depart from both Westchester County Airport in New York and Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport in Florida and arrive in Anguilla at Clayton
J. Lloyd International Airport. Utilizing commercial jets purchased by Aurora Anguilla owner Richard M. Schulze, this unique program from both destinations provides extraordinary convenience and flexibility for guests visiting Anguilla. To learn more about the air charter program page, please visit: auroraanguilla.com/fly-direct/overview.
BANKIE BANX’S THE DUNE PRESERVE
No visit to Anguilla is complete without stopping by The Dune Preserve, a cultural landmark of western Anguilla just steps from Aurora Anguilla’s Rendezvous Bay suites. For years people have associated Anguilla’s famous reggae artist, Bankie Banx, with his seaside spot, a rickety beach bar refitted with hanging boats and pieces of wood that sprawl across the beautiful white sand of Rendezvous Bay. Peppered with fun trinkets and treasures from the Caribbean Sea and all over the world, The Dune Preserve serves up excellent drinks and entertains with exceptional funky live reggae tunes. The Dune is also home to Bankie Banx’s annual Moonsplash Festival, and a line of unique homemade rums. Bankie Banx himself performs on Wednesday nights (starting at 9:45 p.m.) and his son Omari Banks often takes to the stage as well.
ALONG THE BEACH
AVALON LINKS
Launched in November 2022, Avalon Links is a nine-hole layout that complements the resort’s recently re-mastered International Course. This world-class short course, designed by Greg Norman, features eight par three holes and one par four, and offers panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. The course unfolds with a variety of shot angles, distances, and carefully integrated design elements to make it playable and fun for accomplished and novice golfers alike. The new experience complements Aurora’s alreadyacclaimed 18-hole International Course, also designed by Norman and recently reopened after significant improvements.
Aurora’s International Course
Just
DESSERTS
PASTRY CHEFS AT SALAMANDER PROPERTIES ARE CREATING ARTISTIC CONCOCTIONS ALMOST TOO BEAUTIFUL TO EAT.
Sometimes it’s worth saving the calories and skipping the dessert. But sometimes it’s not. The artful creations from pastry chefs in the Salamander Collection are so beautiful you’re going to want to capture it on IG before digging in. Just try taking one bite, we dare you. Here are some of the standouts.
WHERE: PLATO’S: ASPEN MEADOWS RESORT
WHAT: The Bayer, created by Executive Pastry Chef Aleece Alexander
THE CHEF SAYS: “The inspiration is, of course, the beautiful Bauhaus artwork from Herbert Bayer that is on display at Aspen Meadows,” says Alexander. “The dessert features a collection of mini gateaux squares and rectangles, layered with mousse, cremeux, gelee and cake, in primary colors on a black cookie. Developed to celebrate a building opening on campus, it was such an instant hit that it’s never left the menu since. It even appeared on the cover of Edible Art Magazine.”
WHERE: LA PÂTISSERIE AT HOTEL BENNETT
WHAT: Chocolate Duchess (old name for an eclair), created by Executive Pastry Chef Rémy Fünfrock
THE CHEF SAYS: This classic French dessert is found in every Pâtisserie (pastry shop) and Boulangerie (bakery) across France. The traditional filling is a chocolate pastry cream. I use a much more creamy chocolate filling from a Crème Anglaise poured over pure Caraibe chocolate from Valrhona. After 24 hours of crystallization, the texture of the cream is incomparable. The Duchess is then glazed and garnished with toasted coco nibs.
WHERE: PACKARD’S AT INNISBROOK
RESORT
WHAT: The Chocolate Dome, created by Chef Brandy Merola
THE CHEF SAYS: “We created this dessert to provide guests with a fun, interactive and tableside experience,” says Merola. “It is a chocolate dome filled with Valrhona Manjari Grand Cru 64% mousse, dark chocolate cake and caramelized hazelnuts, melted with fleur de sel caramel.”
ANDREW CEBULKA
COURTESY OF PACKARD’S
WHERE: HARRIMANS VIRGINIA PIEDMONT GRILL, GOLD CUP, MARKET SALAMANDER, AND ONLINE (SHIPPED NATIONWIDE)
WHAT: Salamander Signature Cake created by Executive Pastry Chef Jason Reaves
THE CHEF SAYS: “At Salamander, our signature cake not only tastes amazing; it lets all your guests know that you have amazing taste,” says Reaves. “With six alternating layers of luscious dark chocolate devil’s food cake, pumpkin chocolate chip cake and cream cheese buttercream, this utterly indulgent treat is finished with candied hazelnut crunch and dark chocolate glaze.”
WHERE:DELMARE AT HALF MOON
WHAT: Soursop Cassata created by Chef Oshane Robinson
THE CHEF SAYS: “This dessert offers a fusion of Italian and Caribbean flavors. The concept was to take the cassata, a traditional Italian dessert, and infuse a Caribbean flavor into it. In this case, we chose soursop as it has a subtle flavor.”
SCOTT SUCHMAN
WHERE: HARRIMANS VIRGINIA PIEDMONT GRILL: SALAMANDER MIDDLEBURG
WHAT: Hidden Stone created by Executive Pastry Chef Jason Reaves
THE CHEF SAYS: “This dessert is inspired by my upbringing growing up on Hidden Springs Farm (family farm) which had a running joke that it should have been named Hidden Stone Farm because of how many rocks and stones were encountered when trying to repair fencing,” says Reaves. “The idea with this dessert was to hide it in plain sight by making it look like something that it was not. In this case, the stone is actually made from chocolate that is filled with a blueberry olive oil cake, milk chocolate custard, a crunchy chocolate layer, and blueberry compote.”
WHERE: SALAMANDER WASHINGTON DC
WHAT: Chocolate Moist Cake with Cranberry
Compote created by Executive Chef Andrew Roche
THE CHEF SAYS: “What is special about the chocolate cake is that it’s the only recipe where the ganache gets baked in the oven. To prepare the dish, the cake and the ganache are each baked twice. Each separately first and then together as one. This is a technique that is not used frequently in pastry. It is also gluten free which makes it extra moist and bursting with flavor.”
EXPERIENCE SALAMANDER
From the heart of horse and wine country to the turquoise hues of the Caribbean Sea, discover the unique character and exceptional destinations of the Salamander Collection.
SALAMANDER MIDDLEBURG/VIRGINIA
Located on 340 picturesque acres in the scenic foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Salamander Middleburg’s elegant yet cozy design reflects the traditional style found in the Virginia countryside. Its natural setting, within the village of Middleburg, is ideal for both relaxing and enjoying a range of outdoor pursuits, including zip lining, hiking and biking. The Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond resort also features a full-service equestrian center, a world-renowned spa offering calming treatments to refresh both body and mind, as well as a variety of dining opportunities which highlight fresh ingredients from Virginia’s Piedmont region. (salamanderresort.com)
EXPERIENCE SALAMANDER
SALAMANDER WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON, DC
Salamander Washington DC is just minutes from the exciting attractions and restaurants in the new District Wharf. Featuring a grand sense of arrival, the hotel’s elegant and bustling lobby and lounge opens onto one of DC’s most attractive and intimate outdoor spaces, replete with firepits and waterfront views. Many of the property’s 373 beautifully designed rooms, spacious suites, also overlook the Potomac River and Tidal Basin, while the spa is widely considered the finest in the District. Under the Salamander brand, the hotel features elevated service levels, an inviting and warm atmosphere and is undergoing an exciting enhancement program in 2023. (salamanderdc.com)
EXPERIENCE
SALAMANDER
ASPEN MEADOWS RESORT
ASPEN, CO
Blending nature, art and authenticity on 40 acres of rolling meadows and beautiful groves in the Aspen’s West End, Aspen Meadows Resort is a secluded sanctuary for visitors and guests designed to reinvigorate mind, body and spirit. The resort features 98 Bauhaus inspired guest suites while the grounds are rich with architecture and outdoor sculptures. The resort is also home to the Aspen Institute, allowing guests access to ongoing special programming, and hosts the Institute’s Aspen Ideas Festival. (aspenmeadows.com)
EXPERIENCE SALAMANDER
AURORA ANGUILLA RESORT & GOLF CLUB
RENDEZVOUS BAY, ANGUILLA
Set on the idyllic white beaches of Rendezvous Bay in Anguilla, the 300-acre Caribbean paradise is elegant, refined and playful. The 178-suite resort offers a collection of world-class amenities, including seven restaurants and lounges serviced by an incredible hydroponic farming operation, a 27,000-square-foot spa, and the renowned Aurora International Golf Club, which includes the stunning 18-hole International Course and Avalon Links, a new nine-hole short course. Both layouts were designed by Greg Norman. (auroraanguilla.com)
ZURI WILKES
EXPERIENCE SALAMANDER
HALF MOON
MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA
Considered one of the Caribbean’s most iconic destinations, Half Moon features three distinctive resort experiences: Eclipse at Half Moon, Founders Cove at Half Moon, and Rose Hall Villas by Half Moon. In total, Half Moon offers 210 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, including 27 villas, along two miles of beachfront and a wide variety of unique and awardwinning amenities and activities, including numerous restaurants and bars, Fern Tree – a Salamander Spa, a Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed golf course, fitness center with 11 flood-lit tennis courts, equestrian center, children’s village, water sports and more. (halfmoon.com)
EXPERIENCE SALAMANDER
HOTEL BENNETT
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
Known as the “Queen of King Street,” Hotel Bennett also overlooks Charleston’s iconic and historic Marion Square. In its unmatched setting, the hotel seamlessly combines stately elegance and tasteful luxury with colonial charm and southern hospitality. It features 180 luxurious guestrooms and suites, the signature Gabrielle restaurant featuring stunning views of the city’s most famous park, and a stylish champagne bar called Camellias. The hotel also includes a spectacular rooftop pool and bar with cabanas, a luxury spa, a French patisserie, and a variety of grand event and flexible meeting spaces. (hotelbennett.com)
CHANDLER WILLIAMS
EXPERIENCE SALAMANDER
INNISBROOK RESORT
TAMPA BAY, FLORIDA
This 900-acre retreat is one of the country’s most celebrated golf resorts. It is home to four championship courses, including the top-rated Copperhead course, which welcomes the world’s finest players each March during the PGA TOUR’s Valspar Championship. In addition to golf, the resort offers plenty of other activities for the whole family, including 11 clay tennis courts, lakes for fishing and six swimming pools—including the Loch Ness Monster Pool with waterslides. It also features a Salamander Spa with outdoor yoga terrace, and numerous restaurants, including Packard’s Steakhouse. (innisbrookgolfresort.com)
SEVEN QUESTIONS WITH JOAN COORE INSIGHTS
Discover how Half Moon’s interior décor and design manager, a position typically not found at most properties, found her way from garment manufacturing to dreaming up the resort’s spaces.
By ASHLEY RYAN
It’s been 20 years since Joan Coore became executive housekeeper at Half Moon, Salamander’s luxury resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Though she had an extensive background in the hospitality industry, her journey eventually led her to take over Half Moon’s upholstery shop, a highly unusual internal department.
“Many times, housekeepers have a hard time maintaining things due to heavy traffic and non-durable materials,” Coore says. “I had knowledge of sewing and now I was in housekeeping so I could marry the two and pick the right things. So, it was fun doing that.”
In the years since, Coore has been promoted to interior décor and design manager, giving her the chance to help design and maintain the rooms at the property. Here, she discusses the path that led her to Half Moon, and why she enjoys her work so much.
SALAMANDER: What does your current position entail?
JOAN COORE: I maintain all of the rooms at Half Moon. When something has to be changed or upgraded, I help oversee the changes, and make the adjustments accordingly.
S: What do you enjoy most about your job?
JC: I am allowed to be creative and that is what I really like. I love creating things and problem solving, and this job is full of that.
S: Is it true that you make furniture and draperies on-site at Half Moon?
JC: The woodwork shop reproduces a variety of furniture for the hotel. We also have to maintain the property so the woodwork shop is there not just for décor, but for the entire property—doors, windows, whatever it is that needs to be done. We do import fabrics and then we make our drapery from scratch, as well as sofa upholstery.
S: Tell us about the clothing label you used to run.
JC: I worked as a sales rep for a garment manufacturing company, Rose Knits, which made T-shirts. And when my husband joined me in Jamaica two and a half years later, we bought the business. I had a little bit of sewing experience as a child with my mother, but once we took over the factory, it was a different ballgame because now I needed to know how to grade a pattern from small to medium to large. So, I was forced to go and learn how to do this. From there, I was able to make my own clothing designs. We did mainly beachwear and resortwear, which was sold to the shops on the north coast.
S: How did you begin working on the design side of things at Half Moon?
JC: Three weeks after I got here, the lady who was running the upholstery shop left. I had a background in garment manufacturing so they asked me if I could do the upholstery shop. I was executive housekeeper and I took on the job and did both for a number of years, from 2002 to 2007. Then, we decided two departments was too much for me alone so I took on the design role and I’ve been doing that ever since.
S: What makes you feel most accomplished when working at Half Moon?
JC: When a guest walks into a room, they might not realize what design work went into it for it get to that stage. I see problems as a challenge, and I have to come up with a solution of how we’re going to fix something and make it look good.
S: What activities do you recommend for those visiting the island?
JC: To tell you the truth, I am a homebody and I don’t really go too many places outside of Half Moon very often – although there are lots of beautiful attractions surrounding the resort. However, I did recently go to Ahhh Rasnatango Gallery and Garden and I really enjoyed it. It was a very peaceful place; it’s up in the hills and the art there—there are lots of things to appreciate.
