John Craig
fall/winter 2024 CONTENTS DEPARTMENTS FEATURES
SEIZE
THE DAY
Life getting too serious? It’s time to relax, refresh, renew—and look great doing it. p. 42
32 FALL STYLE GUIDE
Stock up on the season’s hottest gear whether your destination is the Strip, the slopes or the sand.
56 SKI SANTA FE
New Mexico’s capital is a famed center of arts, culture and fine dining. But skiing—who knew?
64 HOW HARD CAN 5 MINUTES BE?
New workouts promise lasting benefits while offering both brevity and simplicity. The price? Truly intense effort.
68 LAID-BACK BAJA
Still with a quiet vibe, the peninsula south of California now has wineries that demand connoisseurs’ attention.
18 Memo
John Craig is excited to celebrate all things fall with you.
21 The John Craig Guide
Emanuel Berg shirts… Ghurka fine leather goods…Ranger Station fragrances…and more.
28 Automotive
Alfa Romeo’s electrifying future starts with the new Giulia EV.
the cover:
On this page:
38 Leading Man
Jeremy Allen White isn’t shy about peeling down to his Calvin Kleins. But no other underwear model matches his charm, complexity and proven acting chops.
60 Seaworthy
Where truly memorable destinations call to the nautical adventurer, stellar docking facilities are only the beginning.
72 Grooming
Women have been getting facials for years. Could it be that they’re onto something?
On
Sportcoat by Castangia, sweater polo by Robert Barakett, pocket square by Edward Armah, pants by Meyer. Photo by Greg Hinsdale.
JOHN CRAIG
Jacket, polo and pants by Greyson, sneakers by Santoni. Photo by Greg Hinsdale.
JOHN CRAIG
theMEMO
Dear Friends,
We use the term “snowbirds” affectionately in Florida. Given to a group of seasonal residents who flock to the Sunshine State for at least one month between September and May each year, our fair-weather neighbors increase the population by 5 percent. Just over 1 million snowbirds start their annual migration in late September, especially to our coastal communities like Ponte Vedra Beach, Jupiter and Naples.
Snowbirds, like their avian counterparts, bring new life to Florida during the fall, winter and spring months. As temperatures cool, our posh beach towns are reinvigorated with life, laughter and excitement. Homes are opened up after the respite of summer; friends who haven’t gathered in months resume their lunches, bridge clubs and standing golf dates. The height of the season is, of course, the holidays when extended family converges and festivities are in full swing.
Our team is constantly thinking of and buying for our faithful and loyal customers, year-round and seasonal alike. We consider all aspects of their year. What special events will they need clothing for? Maybe the L.B.M. car coat for the weekend trip to New York City? Or the camel Sand sportcoat when he pops the question over dinner. How about the statement-piece Etro dinner jacket for New Year’s Eve at Sea Island? What outfit will be etched into their memories forever when thinking of the most important moments of their lives? We care about those details and those moments. They are special.
From Canali and Samuelsohn to Greyson and Peter Millar, our fall ’24 lineup is spectacular and worthy of our special friends and all of those magical moments. Even the mundane. From our staple Waterville quilted vests in a vast array of autumn colors to the Castangia suit that will mark the happiest day of your life, we have curated a fall wardrobe just for you whether you want fun and festive or slightly under the radar or somewhere in between.
More than anything, we cannot wait to see you, hear about your summer adventures and travel with you through this next season of time in Florida and beyond.
Happy Fall, y’all!
H. Craig DeLongy, Blair DeLongy Sanchez, and The John Craig Family
John Craig
JOHNCRAIGCLOTHIER.COM
WINTER PARK, 407.629.7944
132 Park Avenue South
Monday–Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
THIRD STREET, NAPLES, 239.434.2115
1258 Third Street South Monday–Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday–Saturday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
SAWGRASS VILLAGE, PONTE VEDRA, 904.686.1501
280 Village Main Street, #950 Monday–Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
HARBOURSIDE PLACE, JUPITER, 561.406.6858
135 Breakwater Court
WATERSIDE SHOPS, NAPLES, 239.596.5374
5434-1 Tamiami Trail North Monday–Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
THE EQUESTRIAN HOTEL, OCALA 352.647.9090 8510 NW 17th Lane Monday–Thursday:
Editor In Chief RITA GUARNA
Creative Director STEPHEN M. VITARBO
Fashion Director BLAIR DELONGY
Style Director ALAN CHAMBERS
Senior Associate Editor DARIUS AMOS
Assistant Editor KIRSTEN MEEHAN
Contributing Editors EVERETT POTTER, DONNA ROLANDO
Contributing Photographers GREG HINSDALE, BRAD YOUNG
Group Publisher LIZETTE CHIN
Associate Publisher CHARLES GARONE
Production Manager FERN MESHULAM
Advertising Services Director JACQUELYNN FISCHER
Production Artist CHRIS FERRANTE
Accounting KASIE CARLETON, URSZULA JANECZKO, BRUCE LIBERMAN, STEVEN RESNICK
Published By
Chairman CARROLL V. DOWDEN
President & CEO MARK DOWDEN
Senior Vice Presidents LIZETTE CHIN, RITA GUARNA
Vice Presidents NIGEL EDELSHAIN, THOMAS FLANNERY, NOELLE HEFFERNAN, MARIA REGAN, STEVEN RESNICK
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JOHN CRAIG
theGUIDE
Winning SPORTSWEAR
Just like John Craig, the family behind Jack Victor knows a lot about looking good. Behind its third-generation chief executive, Alan Victor, the Montrealbased brand has grown exponentially since it was founded in 1913; however, it has stayed true to its mission of designing timeless menswear for a sophisticated wearer. Recently, Jack Victor has expanded into sportswear. They have created an elevated line that pairs perfectly with the sportcoats and suits everyone knows and loves. When you visit John Craig, ask about our favorite Tupper polo, an extraordinary knit made of organic cotton and mulberry silk. With its flattering fit, the garment is perfect to wear on its own, but thanks to a specially designed ribbed collar, it’s also ideal to wear with a sportcoat or suit. Visit one of our stores today and give Jack Victor Sportswear a try.
Better BASICS
The John Craig team consistently sources the latest trends from around the globe, but it also recognizes that every man needs timeless essentials in his wardrobe. Emanuel Berg’s 4Flex shirt stands out as the perfect solution—offering more than just a basic dress shirt. Crafted in Poland with the best Italian mills, this collection is designed with modern professionals in mind. Its fabric, both breathable and flexible, allows for ease of movement and all-day comfort. Wrinkleresistant and available in a variety of sleek, modern cuts and colors, the 4Flex shirt effortlessly adapts to a busy schedule, transitioning seamlessly from business meetings to evening gatherings. It redefines the classic dress shirt, blending sophistication with practicality.
Dining GETS HIP
You’re a man who not only appreciates the best products, but you also value a memorable experience. Just like John Craig, Warren-American Whiskey Kitchen provides both. Now open at The Collective in Naples, the ultra-hip restaurant features an ingredients-driven menu with spins on traditional American cuisine such as bourbon brined pork chop and seafood
Bolognese. After eating, enjoy one of their cocktails or sip a fine, rare or limited-run whiskey in their adjacent lounge and soak up the super chic experience. Warren-American Whiskey Kitchen, 111 10th St. S., #104, Naples, 239.330.2611; warrennaples.com
The A–Z list
John Craig, Current and Carter & Finley are proud to feature more than 75 designer brands! Visit us to find your favorites and discover new collections.
AG
ALAN PAINE
ANDERSON’S BELTS
ATELIER MUNRO
BALLIN
BLUE INDUSTRY
BRACKISH
BRAX
CADDIS CALDER
CANALI
CARROT & GIBBS
CASTANGIA
DIBIANCO
DL1961
EDWARD ARMAH
EMANUEL BERG
ETON
EYEBOBS
FAHERTY
FRADI
GREYSON
HAGEN
JACK BLACK
JACK VICTOR
JACOB COHEN
JOHNNIE-O
KENTON MICHAEL
KITON
L.E.N.
L.B.M. 1911
MAGNANNI
MANTO
MARTIN DINGMAN
MAURIZIO BALDASSARI
M-CLIP
MEYER
MICHAEL’S
MIZZEN + MAIN
OLUKAI PAIGE
PANTHERELLA
PERSOL
PESCAROLO
PETER MILLAR
PIG & HEN
POLO BY RALPH LAUREN
PT TORINO
ROBERT BARAKETT
ROBERT GRAHAM
ROBERT JENSEN
SAMUELSOHN
SAND
SANTONI
SARTORIO
SAXX
SECRID
SMATHERS & BRANSON
STENSTRÖMS
STONE ROSE
WATERVILLE
W.KLEINBERG
ZANELLA
CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT
Peter Millar’s story began with a cashmere sweater and the idea to offer this garment in 24 distinct colors. Both color and cashmere are the essence of Peter Millar. And innovation in high-quality menswear means always searching for ways to make the best, better.
Crafted in London from the finest Italian yarns, Peter Millar’s artisan-crafted cashmere sweaters build on the legacy of the brand’s inaugural design and represent the pinnacle of its pursuit of luxury innovation. Peter Millar’s latest Crown Crafted collection takes a thoughtful, comprehensive approach to the fundamentals of modern menswear. Anchored in quiet colors and understated designs, with exceptional fabrics and uncompromising function, the versatile styles showcase a refined simplicity in tune with modern life. You can find the entire collection this season at John Craig stores.
IN THE BAG
You travel with premium shirts and sportcoats, but you wouldn’t pack everything in a sweaty gym bag, right? For almost 50 years, Ghurka has been crafting fine leather goods that are understated yet sophisticated and, most importantly, are made to outlast almost anything that they carry. Call it functional luxury. Stop by our stores to see the latest collection of bags— weekenders, totes, messengers and more—and start packing in style.
Beyond The BEACH
Orlebar Brown does more than create sophisticated swim trunks—the Chanelowned brand makes the beach more fashionable, vacations more vibrant and holidays more enjoyable. It’s clear why James Bond himself wore them while poolside. All swim trunks come in playful patterns and are made from ethically sourced, high-quality materials. This season, find Orlebar Brown’s full line of swimwear, relaxed polos and shirts—as well as the James Bond-inspired 007 Collection—at John Craig. Stop by and give them a try!
PETER MILLAR
“THE UNITED STATES BLUES”
For the SENSES
A sharp look can make a good first impression, but a great scent is almost guaranteed to create a lasting one. Nashville-based Ranger Station brings fine American craftsmanship to the world of luxury fragrances. Take, for example, the unique and calming Santalum scent. It’s made with Australian sandalwood and boasts a rosy note that makes people stand out.
In fact, all of Ranger Station’s unisex perfumes, candles and sprays are comprised of the best quality, honest ingredients to create bold, long-lasting fragrances—and great lasting impressions. You’ll also feel good knowing that Ranger Station uses sustainable packaging.
Each candle comes in a reusable cocktail glass and is accompanied by an artisan cocktail recipe card. Stop by any of our stores to find your perfect Ranger Station scent.
Ask Mr. Etiquette
Craig DeLongy explains how to sail through life without giving offense.
My office has switched to a business-casual dress code. What does that mean for footwear?
—Puzzled in Ponte Vedra Beach
You can wear a classic polished shoe, monkstrap or loafer with an open collar sport shirt and tailored pants, or perhaps try a sneaker. Skip the running shoes and go with a fashion sneaker—many of which are just as comfortable as your trusty pair of gym sneakers. Pair your footwear with a matching belt—try a multi-colored, braided belt that can catch the color of the sneaker.
Hot in THE KITCHEN
The fashions at John Craig aren’t the only things heating up this season—the dining scene is on fire, and Omo by Jont is as hot as any restaurant. Eating here is culinary adventure, and the French-Japanese tasting menu concept is the brainchild of Michelin-starred chef Ryan Ratino. He leads a kitchen that uses locally sourced ingredients to create unique dishes and gastronomic memories. Recent highlights include foie gras doughnuts and steamed milk-fed pork belly. And the experience goes beyond the exquisite prix fixe menus—each course is served in separate rooms, including the belly-busting pastry parlor. Omo by Jont, 115 E. Lyman Ave., Winter Park, 321.972.5225; omobyjont.com
In-Store SPECIAL EVENTS
Don’t miss the following special events and trunk shows happening at John Craig stores. Trunk shows are an opportunity to meet representatives of your favorite brands and have clothing, shoes and other items custom-made. All shows below take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. unless noted.
WINTER PARK
Oct. 4–5: Castangia and Camessi
Oct. 11–13: 51st Winter Park Autumn Art
Festival & Sidewalk Sale and W. Kleinberg
Oct. 25–26: Canali, Mel Gambert shirts and Greyson
CURRENT
Oct. 11–13: 51st Winter Park Autumn Art
Festival & Sidewalk Sale
Nov. 8–9: Atelier Munro
PONTE VEDRA
Nov. 1: Canali, Emanuel Berg and L.E.N.
Nov. 2: Castangia, Emanuel Berg and L.E.N.
Nov. 3: John Craig Private Reserve and Emanuel Berg
Nov. 4: Samuelsohn and Mel Gambert
Nov. 5: Atelier Munro
JUPITER
Oct. 9: John Craig Private Reserve and Atelier Munro
Oct. 10: Samuelsohn, Emanuel Berg, Ghurka and Peter Millar
Oct. 11: Canali and Emanuel Berg
Oct. 12: Canali, Emanuel Berg and L.E.N.
DOWNTOWN
Oct. 23–24: Peter Millar
Oct. 30: Canali, Emanuel Berg and Citizens of Humanity
Nov. 13: Samuelsohn, Camessi and L.E.N.
Nov. 20: Castangia, Camessi and Magnanni
Nov. 22: John Daniel, Mel Gambert shirts and Ghurka
Nov. 23: John Craig Private Reserve, Ghurka and Mel Gambert shirts
OCALA
Nov. 1–2: Canali, Castangia and Camessi
Nov. 8–9: L.E.N.
Nov. 27: John Craig Private Reserve
WATERSIDE SHOPS NAPLES
Oct. 21: John Craig Private Reserve, Emanuel Berg, Ghurka and Brax
Oct. 22: John Craig Private Reserve, Emanuel Berg, Ghurka and Peter Millar
Oct. 28–29: Canali and Camessi
Nov. 11–12: Samuelsohn, Camessi shirts and L.E.N.
Nov. 18–19: Castangia, Emanuel Berg and Magnanni
Leading THE CHARGE
Alfa Romeo’s electrifying future starts with the next-generation Giulia EV.
Italian automaker Alfa Romeo may never replicate the needfor-speed bravado that oozes from famed Modena showrooms, and that’s just fine. That’s because its top brass isn’t necessarily interested in chasing the zero-to-60 records set by luxury sportscar manufacturers—they’d rather take the lead heading into the electric vehicle (EV) era.
And they’re motoring in the right direction, rolling out the next-generation Giulia—the company’s first electric performance sedan available in the U.S.—in 2025. (The first-gen, gasoline-powered Giulia only had slight design tweaks throughout its 10-year history.) More significant than any cosmetic change, however, are the Giulia’s venture to the EV stage and parent company Stellantis’s new STLA EV platform, which is based on the one used for the ’25 Dodge Charger EV. (Yes, the Hellcat people.) This modular platform allows manufacturers to adjust parameters such as wheelbase, length and height in cost-effective ways.
Three Giulia EV trims are on the horizon (though it was unclear at presstime if the internal combustion engine, or ICE, version will be discontinued). Each EV will use an 800-volt electrical architecture that’s believed to have up to 435 miles of range in rearwheel-drive form. The system will be fast-charging, replenishing the battery from 10 to 80 percent power in less than 18 minutes.
The base trim will make roughly 350 horsepower, while the mid-range Veloce should hover near 800 ponies. The third variant will be an electrified version of the brand’s iconic Giulia Quadrifoglio. The ICE Quadrifoglio says “arrivederci” in 2025, but Alfa Romeo will reintroduce the model with a hybrid, allwheel-drive powertrain. It’s rumored that a combined 2.9-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 engine and electric motor system will make up to 1,000 hp. That’s double the output recorded by the most recent non-EV Giulia Quadrifoglio, and it’s matched by only a handful of other EVs on the market.
Hefty battery packs make the new Giulia EVs heavier than the ICE models, but Alfa Romeo will utilize lightweight carbon fiber material to reduce weight where needed. As the 114-yearold company has done in the past, it emphasizes the driving experience and will outfit the new Giulia EVs with standard luxuries such as lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking and level 3 autonomous driving. For comfort and convenience, the cabin will feature vegan leather upholstered seats, a 14-speaker audio system, a large touchscreen infotainment system (expect a major upgrade from the 8.8-inch screen offered in the ICE Giulia) and other refined details associated with Italian automaking.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia EV is expected to start at $60,000.
An Italian Tradition
Since 1850 Castangia has endeavored to create the finest menswear by hand in Sardinia according to Italian sartorial tradition. Creating beautiful garments in contemporary styles and fits, Castangia has brought the handwork of classic menswear to a modern clientele throughout its storied history. Today, Castangia is managed by the 6th generation descendant of Castangia’s founder. Alberto Grilletti, CEO of Castangia, continues his family’s legacy for fine tailoring, managing a factory of trained craftsmen and artisans.
In an era of mass production, Castangia remains dedicated to quality, craftsmanship, and tradition, never straying from its mission to provide the finest suiting at all costs. That’s why Castangia is the longest running sartorial factory in all of Italy; it’s why Castangia still outfits the best dressed in the 21st century; it’s why Castangia can claim to be older than Italy itself. Castangia isn’t just about what immediately meets the eye. It’s about what you don’t see, as well. It’s about the 25 hours of handwork, and hundreds of operations that culminate in a Castangia sartorial masterpiece. This is Castangia.
FALL STYLE GUIDE
Stock up on the season’s hottest gear whether your destination is the Strip, the slopes or the sand. Photography by BRAD YOUNG
JOHN CRAIG FALL/WINTER 2024
Clockwise from top left: Jet-Set jacket by Robert Graham, python belt by L.E.N., shirt by Emanuel Berg, quilted dopp kit by Martin Dingman, paisley shirt by Eton, stretch belt by Anderson’s, denim by DL1961, leather roller carry-on by Ghurka, quarter-zip by Gran Sasso, polo by Robert Barakett, leather flask by Ettinger, blue suede loafers by DiBianco, reversible pocket round by Edward Armah.
JOHN CRAIG FALL/WINTER 2024
Clockwise from top left: reversible vest by Waterville, cashmere quarter-zip by Peter Millar, full-zip sweater by Maurizio Baldassari, python belt by L.E.N., micro corduroy five-pocket pants by Marco Pescarolo, patchwork snakeskin belt by W. Kleinberg, suede vest by Peter Millar, woven shirt by Jack Victor, five-pocket pants by Peter Millar, blue suede loafers by Santoni, leather camouflage cigar holder by Martin Dingman, reversible pocket square by Edward Armah, crewneck sweater by Gran Sasso, mock turtleneck sweater by Jack Victor, suede sneakers by Santoni.
HAGEN CARMEL,CA
SIMPLY STYLISH SHIRTINGS
St. Barth vibes
JOHN CRAIG FALL/WINTER 2024
Clockwise from top left: drivers with interchangeable bearings by Riomar, sweater polo by Jack Victor, soft leather duffel by Pineider, cashmere hoodie by Peter Millar, needlepoint wallet by Smathers & Branson, performance shirt by Peter Millar, sandals by OluKai, sunglasses by Persol, sweater by Faherty, crocodile belt by L.E.N., five-pocket pants by Brax, swimsuit by Stone Rose.
Leading Man
JOHN CRAIG FALL/WINTER
SHAMELESS?
Jeremy Allen White isn’t shy about peeling down to his Calvin Kleins. But no other underwear model matches his charm, complexity and proven acting chops.
Lovable, charming—and deeply dysfunctional. Too emotional to be a true “bad boy,” but too messy and jagged to be the boy next door.
Philip “Lip” Gallagher, the character played by Jeremy Allen White for 11 seasons on Showtime’s comedy-drama Shameless , was a complicated fellow not every tousled hunk could hope to make us believe in, yet White pulled it off with apparent ease. Known for a casual energy offset by hypnotizing charisma, the 33-year-old White has quickly become one of the hottest new actors in Hollywood.
Originally from Brooklyn, N.Y., White grew up with the stage. He took dance lessons throughout elementary school, then at 13 decided to pursue acting. His high school was the Professional Performing Arts School in Manhattan, and he landed his first role in the 2006 movie Beautiful Ohio . The next few years brought other small parts in movies and TV shows, until in 2011 he snagged the role of “Lip,” the second-oldest child of the hyper-dysfunctional Gallagher family. Shameless ran for 11 seasons, concluding in 2021. In a 2023 Vogue interview White said he still had “much to prove.”
He’d already begun to prove himself further—with the leading role in The Bear , an FX/Hulu show launched in 2022 about a Michelinstar restaurant chef returning home to work in his family’s beefsandwich shop. That show was met with immediate acclaim from
both audiences and critics. White won an Emmy, a Golden Globe and a Critics Choice Award for his performance. Nearly overnight, he became a household name and a powerhouse star.
In his personal style, White has been described as “effortlessly offduty.” He lives in hand-distressed denim, rumpled button-ups and his all-time favorite sneaker: the white Nike Cortez. Even when more “dressed” he embodies a high-low sensibility—at the LA premiere of Season One of The Bear he paired a relaxed gray jacket and pants with a white T-shirt, along with those white sneakers again. At the 2024 Critics Choice Awards in Santa Monica, decked out in a Saint Laurent suit, he wore a shirt and pants that were tailored loose.
White’s 2024 kicked off with an ad campaign for Calvin Klein, a brand he serves as a global ambassador. The video, which shows White stripping down to not-so-incidental skivvies and ending up on a red couch atop an NYC rooftop, reportedly took less than 48 hours to generate “almost $12.7 million in media impact value.” (Such value, Google says, is “a proprietary algorithm created by Launchmetrics to measure and benchmark the impact of all media placements....” OK.) But the power of this subtle and talented player (does anyone know him by the acronym JAW?) may yet be measured more in rave notices than in muscle buzz. He’s got still more to prove.
Seize THE DAY
Life getting too serious? It’s time to relax, refresh, renew—and look great doing it.
by GREG HINSDALE
Shot on location at THE HOME OF ZIAD AND LARA KHOURY, WINTER PARK; PADGETT MCCORMICK, REALTOR
Photography
Overcoat by Luigi Bianchi Mantova, sweater by Gran Sasso, shirt by Stenströms, tie by Bigi, pants by Marco Pescarolo, shoes by Officine Creative.
JOHN CRAIG
This page: sweater by Gran Sasso, shirt by Gherardi, pants by Citizens of Humanity, bracelet by Spivey. Opposite
page: sportcoat by Etro, sweater by Gran Sasso, shirt by Gherardi, pocket square by Edward Armah, pants by Marco
Pescarolo, belt by Martin Dingman, shoes by Officine Creative, luggage by Ghurka.
This page: vest by Waterville, sweater by Stenströms, shirt by Peter Millar, pants by Maurizio Baldassari, belt by L.E.N.
Opposite page: sportcoat by Luigi Bianchi Mantova, sweater by Gran Sasso, shirt by Calder, pocket square by Edward Armah, pants by Peter Millar, belt by Magnanni, shoes by DiBianco.
JOHN CRAIG
This page: sportcoat by L.B.M. 1911, shirt by Emanuel Berg, pants by Brax, belt by Martin Dingman, shoes by DiBianco, bracelets by Spivey, umbrella by Pasotti. Opposite page: jacket by Emanuel Berg, shirt by Jack Victor, pants by Marco Pescarolo, belt by DiBianco, bracelets by Spivey.
This page: sportcoat by Canali, shirt by Emanuel Berg, pocket square by Edward Armah, pants by Brax. Opposite page: overshirt by Maurizio Baldassari, shirt by Emanuel Berg, pants by Citizens of Humanity, belt by Anderson.
This page: sportcoat by Etro, shirt by Emanuel Berg, pocket square by Brackish, pants by Canali. Opposite page: suit by Luigi Bianchi Mantova, shirt by Hagen, pocket square by Edward Armah, belt by Magnanni, shoes by DiBianco.
SKI SANTA FE
New Mexico’s capital is a famed center of arts, culture and fine dining. But skiing—who knew? By Everett Potter
I had arrived in Santa Fe with no expectations of great skiing. Sure, I had spent time up north in Taos, the latter-day hippie town still redolent of Georgia O’Keeffe and native pueblos, with a reputation for notoriously steep slopes and laid-back locals. Part of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, it’s in very rugged terrain not far from New Mexico’s boundary with Colorado.
But Santa Fe? That first time I visited, skiing was the last thing on my mind. Santa Fe’s reputation was as an elegant and artsy high desert city, the cultural hub of New Mexico, a sophisticated mélange of great food, architecture and art galleries. All of that was indeed there. This is that rarest of cities, a beautiful place of uniquely American culture infused with strong Native American and Mexican influences. A place—did I mention?—located in a high desert. Sure, there were mountains around it. But a ski mountain?
Still, I had packed my skis and boots on this preliminary visit and flown west. I spent a night in the city, eating fantastic food at the famous Coyote Cafe, and in the morning I drove northeast, bent on visiting the lone ski mountain outside the city, Ski Santa Fe. This was my first real experience of what “high desert” means—high as in a city that lies at 7,200 feet above sea level. Ski Santa Fe is only 16 miles from the city, yet the drive up was a journey. The landscape was bone-dry, with sagebrush and cacti, and I wondered what on earth I’d been thinking. But soon enough, pockets of snow started appearing, and then the landscape became blindingly white as I ascended.
The mountain loomed above me at the base village, which already sits at 10,300 feet, and the snow was seriously deep. I booted up and made my way up via the Tesuque Lift, which seemed to go on and on, straight into a deep blue New Mexico sky. The moment that took my breath away came when I got off at the top, at a dizzying 12,075 feet. This was not your typical ski-area vista. It was closer to the view from an airplane, except that it was better, hypnotic and panoramic, and yes, above the clouds.
The mood was also not your typical ski vibe. There were no hard chargers here. Instead, it was mellow and seasoned. Like the group of grizzled guys in Dead T-shirts I met that first time years ago, outfitted in retro equipment that would fail to make the style cut in Aspen or Vail. They were a small group of locals who were all veterans of the fabled 10th Mountain Division, the guys trained to fight in the Alps in World War II. Today Ski Santa Fe is still mellow, but there’s a whiff of well-heeled LA in the air as Californians head for this enormous stash of dry desert powder.
Thankfully, all this bliss does not translate to crowds. Getting here, especially from the East Coast, takes work. It’s usually a two-flight minimum to reach Albuquerque, followed by a drive to Santa Fe.
Then there’s the fact that Ski Santa Fe has no lodging on the mountain.
This is not an especially hard thing
to take—nearby Santa Fe has some of the best lodging in the Southwest.
I’ve loved staying at Bishop’s Lodge, part of Auberge Resorts, just outside the city. It epitomizes the subtle luxury found in Santa Fe. Think adobe casitas of varying sizes, a natural desert setting on a hillside and views that go on and on. The kiva fireplaces in the rooms, woven textiles, terraces and local artwork, make it a welcoming and warm getaway, among the reasons that the resort is ranked one of the top 10 in the world by Condé Nast Traveler.
You’re spoiled with choices when it comes to luxury in the city, thanks to the major brands that have taken over some of the most venerable properties. Hotels like the Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi, Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado and The Inn of the Five Graces are all on par. Even the four-star hotels in Santa Fe are exemplary in what they offer, from the Inn & Spa at Loretto to the Inn of the Turquoise Bear. I’m partial to La Fonda on the Plaza. Filled with Native American artworks and a member of Historic Hotels of America, it epitomizes Santa Fe’s mid-20th century history. It’s also next to the Plaza, home to the 400-year-old Palace of the Governors and lots of galleries, cafés, antiques shops, restaurants and boutiques.
Any of these properties would be perfect as the base for a trip to Ski Santa Fe. The resort’s lack of crowds is also attributable to its size. It has just seven lifts and 86 trails on 660 skiable acres. Head over the Colorado border, and you’ll discover that Telluride has 19 lifts, 148 runs and 2,000 acres of terrain. Steamboat and Vail dwarf those numbers. Any skier in search of the mega-mountain experience would head elsewhere.
Ski Santa Fe attracts a fraction of the skiers of its Colorado brethren, which is OK with me in a time of long lift lines and overcrowded mountains. It was carefully designed to maximize its compact acreage, with roughly 20 percent beginner, 40 percent intermediate and 40 percent expert. Take the Santa Fe Super Chief quad up, and you can do a great warm-up run, taking Crossover to Muerte, which brings you to Spruce Bowl, where you can grab what’s left of the morning’s fresh snow. Heading out for blues and veering off for a black run is accessible. Slip into the trees, and there’s excellent glade skiing, most of it black-diamond and double-black-diamond runs.
On the way down the mountain road for après-ski, it’s worth booking time at Ten Thousand Waves, a legendary spa modeled on a Japanese-style onsen. The spa has a bevy of pools, soaking tubs and a menu of treatments.
As for dining, Santa Fe is one of the great food cities in the country. I’m partial to Luminaria Restaurant at the Inn & Spa at Loretto, the fare at the legendary Coyote Café and the Latin-infused cooking at Sazón.
Santa Fe is so seductive that you wish every ski town—presuming to call Santa Fe that for just a moment—had the same flair. It’s also an ideal place to come with a non-skiing spouse, partner or friends, who can wander up and down Canyon Road on a gallery hop or visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. Yet this is the perfect pairing of untrammeled high desert powder and a luxurious Southwestern lifestyle for those who ski. So when friends ask you why you’re not heading to Colorado or Utah instead to hit the slopes, please just smile mysteriously. Don’t give this secret away.
5 GREAT PORTS
Where truly memorable destinations call to the nautical adventurer, stellar docking facilities are only the beginning.
When you travel the seven seas, there are countless ports and marinas to which to navigate your yacht. They’re beautiful and shipshape, and each provides facilities that cater to captains, crews and passengers. But if you’re about more than just the nautical life, you’ll want a port of a particular sort: one that combines irresistible charm and character at the dock with surrounding destinations that promise a fulfilling holiday, whether you’re stopping by for a day trip or planning an extended stay with family and friends. These five won’t disappoint:
Dubai Harbour Marina, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It wasn’t long ago that fishing and dive boats lined the shores of this once-modest Middle Eastern village. Today, thanks to the discovery of oil and advances in technology, Dubai is the seventh most populous city in the region, and visitors may have better luck spotting a Fortune 500 tycoon than a fisherman. The best of the best arrive in the coastal city by boat, conducting their superyachts into the Persian Gulf before docking at this marina. Dubai has several great yacht berths along the shore proper as well as berths with direct access to the city’s man-made, palm-shaped islands. Dubai Harbour Marina is one of the crown jewels, with roughly 700 berths that can accommodate some of the world’s largest superyachts (up to 525 feet long). Once docked, visitors can explore the city, which is teeming with shopping, dining (there are 80+ Michelin-star restaurants in Dubai) and entertainment possibilities. Be sure to visit the top of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and take in 360-degree views of the city, sea and desert before bidding adieu to Dubai.
Marina Port Vell, Barcelona, Spain.
With a wealth of historic charm and modern appeal, Barcelona is considered by both moguls and jet-setters one of the world’s premier travel destinations. It’s the capital of Spain’s Catalonia region and the country’s second-largest city. The prestigious nautical hub is a preferred home port for superyacht owners, featuring 151 berths for luxury vessels up to 623 feet, 24-hour security, dining options, a nightclub, a salon, a supermarket and more. The port is located in the heart of the city, providing visitors close access to Barcelona’s 30 Michelin star restaurants, world-class fashion and jewelry retailers, historic architecture and storied athletic competitions. The biggest sporting event in 2024, however, is taking place back at Marina Port Vell, the dedicated home base of the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup. This year’s iteration of the renowned regatta concludes Oct. 27.
Port de Saint-Tropez, Saint-Tropez, France.
The lure of the French Riviera dates back centuries, as voyagers have long ventured here to enjoy the year-round temperate climate and a sky as blue as the sea. That attraction continues today, with vacationers, socialites and celebrities all rubbing elbows along France’s heaven-on-earth Mediterranean coastline. Many gather at Saint-Tropez, an artists’ haven known for its cobblestone squares, nightclubs and beaches. Its famed port was once a fishing village, but yachts now outnumber fishing vessels. Today, there are 734 berths that can accommodate craft up to 246 feet. (You won’t find massive cruise ships using the moorings here!) Yacht enthusiasts can take advantage of the marina’s posh Saint-Tropez Lounge Club, which features a bar styled by Riva and a panoramic terrace outfitted by Roche Bobois. Beyond the shoreline activities, the Côte d’Azur’s famed city is home to centuries-old attractions such as the Citadel, wineries, restaurants and fashion boutiques.
Marina Grande, Capri, Italy.
Oh, the places you’ll go when on holiday in Italy—Naples, Positano, Amalfi, Rome, and the list goes on. Though travel to any of the mainland destinations is always special, to captain a vessel to the island of Capri makes for an extraordinary excursion. The visually stunning Marina Grande is a port rich in Italy’s nautical culture, where recreational boaters share pristine waterways with fishing and charter boats. Superyachts up to 180 feet long are welcome here too, and they can dock at the 300slip Marina of Capri. The marina opens the door to the Italy experience: Minutes after you disembark from your craft, you’ll have some of the finest cafés, restaurants and artisan shops all within reach. Toward the center of Capri is the Piazzetta, a famous square that is abundantly blessed with chic coffee shops, swanky cocktail bars and Hollywood royalty.
Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong, China.
This port on the South China Sea has long been one of the world’s busiest, with a rich heritage that combines Chinese and Western influences. (It was a British colony until 1997.) On any given day, one will observe as many container ships transporting goods on the water as tourist-filled cruise vessels and fishing junks. And in recent years, Victoria Harbour has become an elite destination for yachting. For instance, a new marina at the Lantau Yacht Club opened during the global pandemic and drastically improved the coastal infrastructure. It features 148 typhoon-proof berths that are suitable for superyachts up to 328 feet. Those who arrive at Victoria Harbour, either for business or pleasure, have hopes of capturing the panoramic night view and skyline. From there, the city is rich with historic and contemporary points of interest, from groundbreaking restaurants and first-class shopping to cutting-edge architecture and landmarks of the renowned local film industry.
How Hard Can 5 MINUTES BE?
New workouts promise lasting benefits while offering both brevity and simplicity. The price? Truly intense effort.
We all extol the virtues of pushing ourselves to the limit. But when did you last actually do it?
That’s what a new kind of workout now demands. These exercise routines—many of them only five to 10 minutes long—are blissfully simple, often requiring only a single piece of equipment, such as a kettlebell or a dumbbell, and just one or two kinds of motions. In them, your only adversary is yourself. But what they lack in duration and complexity comes roaring back with a vengeance in intensity. Their proponents promise long-term results in stronger muscles and a tighter physique. Men’s Health magazine calls such workouts “five minutes of hell,” and publishes several explanatory videos showing you just how-to—if you’re up for it.
New York-based fitness trainer and entrepreneur Mathew Forzaglia created one such workout, and in fact focuses many of his programs on similar formats: low time investment with high intensity. You might push yourself to do as many “clean and push press” repetitions (bringing a weight up from the ground to your shoulder, up over your head and then back down
again) as you can in five minutes; you might time to see how many “racked squats” (performing a standard squat while holding a weight) you can do in 45 seconds. The point is to use that brief time to totally max out.
“Short, high-intensity workouts have been found to be more effective in burning fat and building lean muscle,” Forzaglia says. “Because the duration is so short, you can push the intensity harder. They also boost your metabolism and increase both muscular and cardiovascular endurance.”
Whatever their muscle-building prowess, are they good for you long term? Evidence is accumulating that they are. According to a 2022 article in European Heart Journal, adults who incorporate short bouts of vigorous exercise into their routines later experienced a lower incidence of both heart disease and cancer than those who didn’t.
Says Forzaglia: “These workouts are popular now because you don’t need a lot of time or equipment to be effective. You can do a short, intense workout anywhere. You also can add them to the end of a longer workout as a finisher, to keep things fresh and challenging.”
Why not compete against yourself in a short, high-intensity workout? Not only will it sculpt muscle and burn fat, it also will let you test your limits and knowledge of your body. Are you up for the challenge?
JOHN CRAIG FALL/WINTER
Laid-Back BAJA
Still with a quiet vibe, the peninsula south of California now has wineries that demand connoisseurs’ attention.
As a young man with a refined palate and a taste for adventure, Tommy Cox would often drive south from his home in San Diego, crossing into Mexico through Tijuana and motoring on for another 60 miles into the Guadalupe Valley, in the upper reaches of the Baja California peninsula. It was the early 1980s, and the valley was a sleepy destination, out of sight and mind for even the most avid oenophiles. Though winemaking history ran deep in the region—the first vineyards had been planted in the 1600s—a modern industry had yet to take root. Cox could count the local wineries on one hand. Much of what they poured was flabby and forgettable, high in alcohol but low in interest.
“A lot of it was like cooking wine, the kind of stuff that blows your tongue out,” Cox says. “So I didn’t spend too much time drinking it.”
Fast-forward to the present. As the owner of San Diego Baja Tours, offering guided excursions throughout the peninsula, Cox makes the Guadalupe Valley trip more frequently than ever. But the journeys have evolved. The tastings too. In recent years, an influx of investment and winemaking talent has remade the valley. A highway now splits the valley, forming what is known as the La Ruta del Vino, an upgrade to the dusty roads that Cox once traveled. And more than 100 wineries now dot the landscape, producing vintages of great variety, complexity and distinction.
What remains the same is the low-key atmosphere. Not for nothing has the Guadalupe Valley gained a reputation as an easygoing answer to Napa, bottling the pleasures of a world-class wine region without the traffic jams and crowded tasting rooms, and at a fraction of the cost.
“In the decades since I started visiting, the difference in the wines is night and day,” Cox says. “But the area itself still has that friendly, welcoming and relaxed vibe that drew me to it in the first place.”
For all its growth, the valley also retains something of a frontier spirit, fueled by
vintners who are eager to experiment, shaping their own vivid regional style. Climate and geography help provide that freedom. Hot by day, cooled by coastal influences at night and underpinned by stony, fast-draining soil, the valley shares traits with winemaking regions in Spain, Portugal and southern France, and avails itself to many of the same varietals.
All of this makes the valley a fitting setting for alluring properties such as Adobe Guadalupe, a winery-and-boutique hotel where Chilean-born vintner Daniel Lonnberg oversees an eclectic, awardwinning portfolio that spans from Cinsault, Mourvèdre and Syrah to Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc.
An equally wide palate awaits nearby at Duoma, where culinary school grads Carla Maria Figueroa Torres and Eliecer Rodriguez Arroyo produce food-friendly Moscatel, Nebbiolo and Grenache blanc, among others that pair wonderfully with Baja-Med cuisine.
Perhaps no winery is more emblematic of the valley than the Solar Fortún, a family-owned operation with a backstory that speaks to broader changes throughout the region. Established in 2007, Solar Fortún began as a hobbyist’s side project for José Alberto López, an astrophysicist turned gentleman farmer who soon turned over the winemaking duties to his UC Davis-educated son, Santiago. Solar Fortún’s first plantings were a mix of Bordeaux and Rhone varietals, giving Santiago a lot of room to roam. In time he discovered that the Bordeaux varietals were more vintage-dependent, where the Rhone grapes were more consistent, regardless of what each season brought. So he began to focus on the latter.
“Before I came on, a lot of wines in this region were big and fruit-forward, in the Napa style,” Santiago says. “We are not trying to make what other regions make. We are shifting toward lighter, fresher wines, and arriving at our own clarity of style.”
THE WINES OF BAJA CALIFORNIA
Solar Fortún, 2020 Mourvèdre, $28
A full-bodied red with tantalizing notes of violet and black pepper, this vintage is terrific with grilled meats.
Adobe Guadalupe,* Uriel Rosé, $24
Notes of cherry and berry brighten this food-friendly rosé, which lands lightly on the palate with refreshing acidity.
Duoma “Duo,”* $17
A unique blend of Grenache blanc and Moscatel, Duo offers hints of mint and orange flower that give way to a clean, easy-drinking finish.
*Editor’s Note: The lack of a vintage is not a mark against the wines, merely a sign that they are blended from grapes from different harvests.
Opposite page, the wines of Baja. This page, clockwise from top, the vineyard of Solar Fortún, baja grapes at harvest, Adobe Guadalupe Vineyard, Adobe Guadalupe Cellars.
equestrianhotel.com | wec.net
Grooming
FACE TIME
Women have been getting facials for years. Could it be that they’re onto something?
In 2024, it’s no longer a newsflash that men have skin in the game—the skincare game, that is. Forbes reported earlier this year that the global male grooming market, which accounted for $80 billion in 2022, is estimated to grow to $115 billion by 2028—and skin care amounts to 47 percent of that mountain of moolah. As for the specific issue of facials, which women have been getting for many years, evidence is starting to suggest that it’s one more thing they’ve been right about.
A 2023 study in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, acknowledging that this is an area with “very scarce data available,” found a facial skincare treatment produced measurable relaxation in key physiologic areas—cardiac by 13 percent, respiratory by 12 percent and muscular by 17 percent—compared with a resting state. Could it be that the benefits of getting a facial go beyond mere aesthetics?
Some experts advise scheduling a facial from a licensed professional every month. A facial is a noninvasive skincare treatment that usually includes cleansing, moisturizing and exfoliating, perhaps in addition to other treatments that address your skin’s specific needs. Serums, creams and exfoliants are professionally
applied for maximum benefit. The treatment hydrates, plumps and repairs skin. Facials are a proven way to reduce hyperpigmentation (patches of darker skin, such as sun spots or age spots) and lessen the amount of oil your skin produces, in addition to helping balance surface pH level (a likely reason your skin may be sensitive or irritated).
A facial cleans out dirt and oil you can’t reach with your at-home routine, no matter how advanced, via massage, steam or special products. It is, says Amanda Kanaan, a medical aesthetician affiliated with the Cleveland Clinic, “like a big drink of water for your skin. After a treatment, your skin will look healthy, hydrated and radiant.”
Such skincare treatments also help to increase blood circulation, says Kanaan, and good circulation in turn “helps to kill bacteria and promote cell regrowth, which is very important for collagen production.” Collagen, of course, fights the good fight to keep your skin as elastic and wrinkle-free as possible as you age.
If you’re positive that you don’t have time for such a restorative deep cleanse once a month, be warned: Being good to your face can be habit-forming.
JOHN CRAIG
