UPSCALE â„¢
AUGUST 2019
CHEFS & THEIR CULINARY DELIGHTS Highlighting three of the Top 5 restaurants in the Continental Restaurant Awards 2019
LUIS DE BASTO
BENTLEY EXP 100 GT
The DeBasto, a lifelong lover of art, cars, and architecture, is one of the great behemoths of the superyacht industry
Bentley Motors celebrated its 100th birthday introducing the Bentley EXP 100 GT
E x p e r i e n c e T h e Di f f e r e n c e w w w. u p s c a l e l i v i n g m a g . c o m
FEATURES 11 Chefs and Their Culinary Delights Mirazur Restaurant, The Test Kitchen and Central Restaurant
PROFILE 18 Luis De Basto Meet the Superyacht Designer creating World-Class Architecture 22
Terry Pheto Actress, Producer and the latest family member of Swiss watch-making brand, Longines
TIMEPIECES 26 The Octo Obsession, Why time is now on Bulgari’s side
JEWELRY 27
Luxury Jewelry Collection Annoushka Hidden Reef Collection, Avakian Tosca, David Morris Forest Berry Collection, Melanie Georgacopoulos Nacre Collection, Moksh Ladakh Collection, Muzo Argyle Pink Diamonds, Nada G-Heritage & Heirlooms, Omni Privé Gecko Brooch, and Roland Krainz Happy Circle rings.
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AUTOMOBILES 32 Bentley EXP 100 GT Celebrating its Centenary 34 DeTomaso P72
YACHT 36 McConaghy Adastra A 140’ Trimaran 38 The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Marriott International Debut
GOLF 42 Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay Luxury Golf Resort Tour
JETS
TRAVEL
82 Bombardier Learjet Liberty Light Jet on sale for $9.9 million
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What’s New! Hotel de Paris, The Ritz-Carlton NY, Mandarin Hotel Lago Di Como, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, Soneva Fushi Villa 37
84 Alaka’i Skai Rotorcraft Aiming to Revolutionize Air Travel
50 Kubili House Leaving a Lasting Legacy 56 Canyon Ranch For the Wellness Visionary 62 Cape Santa Maria Resort in the Bahamas The Most Beautiful Home Resort in Beautiful Bahamas 64 Wilkommen to Vienna A City of Art, Culture and Music 66
Spectacular Snow & Ski Resorts Airelles Courcheval France, Dunton Hot Springs Colorado USA, Giardino Mountain Switzerland, Gstaad Palace Switzerland, Hotel Kristiana Austria, La Reserve Geneve Switzerland, Les Chalets Du Mont D’Arbois French Alps, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort Pennsylvania USA, Scarp Ridge Lodge, Colorado USA, Suvretta House St Moritz
WINES + SPIRITS 78 A Chat with Erik Segelbaum He Knows Wine! 83
5 of The Most Expensive Whiskies in the World Macallan 64-year old in Lalique, Yamazaki 50 year old, Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute, Glenfiddich 1937 Rare Collection, Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23 year old Bourbon Whiskey
COVER The annual World’s Best 50 Restaurant Awards sponsored by S. Pellegrino and Acqua Panna is regarded as the most celebrated international restaurant award in the industry. Take a look at these 3 top restaurants awarded by country...Pg 11
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10-15 SEPTEMBER 2019 CANNE S - V I E U X P OR T & P OR T C A N TO
1ST EUROPEAN ON WATER BOAT SHOW & THE LARGEST EXHIBITION OF NEW SAIL BOATS IN THE WORLD
Motor boats are remaining in the
9x12 pouces YFC-Upscale-UK.indd 1
NEW
Sailing boats are heading for
VIEUX PORT
PORT CANTO
CANNES
CANNES
23/04/2019 17:52
F E A T U R E
Chefs and Their Culinary Delights
| By HelĂŠne Ramackers Photographs Supplied
The annual World’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna is regarded as the most celebrated international restaurant awards in the industry. Upscale Living magazine highlights three of the Top 5 restaurants in the Continental Restaurant Awards 2019 as awarded by country.
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F E A T U R E
Mirazur
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F E A T U R E
MIRAZUR MENTON, COTE D’AZUR
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n 2006, Mauro Colagreco established Mirazur in Menton in an unusual 1930’s Modernist building, with sweeping views of the Mediterranean. Just six months after opening, Colagreco received the ‘Revelation of the Year’ award, a brand-new category to recognize his merits from Gault Millau and in less than a year, his first Michelin star. In 2009, Mirazur officially became one of the best restaurants in the world listed in The S.Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurant list. The list has become the most anticipated indicator of the best places to eat globally. In the same year, Colagreco was also awarded “Chef of the Year” by the prestigious Gault & Millau restaurant guide - the first non-French chef ever to have received this title. In 2010, Mirazur gained four toques Gault&Millau Guide to France 2010, on February 2012 Mauro Colagreco was awarded his second Michelin star and a prestigious third star in February 2019. Mirazur was declared No 1 at The World’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards 2019, marking the first time France has received the number one position since the awards started in 2002. Italo-Argentinian Mauro Colagreco is Chef Patron of restaurant Mirazur, with training at the Gato Dumas hotel school in Buenos Aires, where he worked in some of the city’s most prestigious restaurants including Catalinas, Rey Castro, Mariani, and Azul Profundo. In 2001, as a newly qualified chef, Colagreco headed to France and took an internship with Bernard Loiseau, where he remained as demi-chef de partie until Loiseau’s death in 2003. He then worked in Paris and held the positions of sous-chef de cuisine to Alain Passard at l’Arpège, demi-chef de Partie at Alain Ducasse at the Hotel Plaza Athénée, finally spending a year at Le Grand Véfour. Mirazur’s south facing position provides the perfect environment for Colagreco to grow a vast vegetable garden, harvest his own avocados from a two hundred-year-old tree and pick the best and ripest fruit from the citrus orchard. Perhaps Colagreco’s most celebrated characteristic is his ability to seamlessly marry the land and sea. His menu draws comfortably from local seafood found in the Bay of Menton, delicacies from the region and produce from his own private gardens and orchards. Mauro Colagreco’s cuisine defies categorization. His dishes embrace the surroundings in a unique and all-encompassing way. Mauro’s skill lies in his sensitive balance of taste and flavor, allowing each magnificent ingredient of its place. His attention to detail even considers the effects of the air in the restaurant. www.mirazur.com
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F E A T U R E
The Test Kitchen
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F E A T U R E
THE TEST KITCHEN CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
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laiming the 44th position as well as the Best in Africa is the world-famous The Test Kitchen in Cape Town, South Africa. To win a place within The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards Top 100 and indeed the Top 50 is what any world-class chef aspires to and The Test Kitchen’s Luke Dale Roberts is no exception. “Since its inception in 2010 I’ve always wanted to feature on the list, it really has become an excellent reflection of who is making waves in the international food arena”, says Luke who was placed at 50th in 2018, 22nd in 2016, 28th in 2015, and 48th in 2014, – the only chef ever in Africa to have his restaurant feature four times. 2015, 2016 and 2018 also saw The Test Kitchen win Best Restaurant in Africa, an impressive accolade indeed. With The Test Kitchen’s 44th place on the World’s Best 50 Restaurants list, and once again being heralded as the Best Restaurant in Africa, Luke is certainly in a stellar gourmet company and the week-long event is a veritable melting pot featuring the best in the kitchen. “Going to the awards has been a real highlight for me these past few years; can you imagine having so many incredible chefs in one space? It’s pretty mind-blowing”, says Luke. At The Test Kitchen in Woodstock in Cape Town, the Dark and Light Rooms experience continues to delight the limited number of diners (only 41 guests are seated per evening) with their complex epicurean offering. Dressed by Sandalene Dale Roberts, Luke’s wife, and business partner, in many of her own furniture designs and featuring walls clad with charred wood, the Dark Room is an ultra-cool seating area where mixology-style cocktails and appetizers create a sultry mood for Luke’s magnificent food. A gong announces the time to move to the Light Room, where the epicurean adventure (there are 21 courses in total) really commences. The experience is understandably booked out months in advance thanks to its marriage of food theatre and artistry that despite its complexity stays true to the essence of the ingredients used. Reservations at The Test Kitchen are made three-month in advance via The Test Kitchen’s website www.thetestkitchen. co.za. Bookings are open quarterly from 08h00am (South African time) on the 1st of the following months: December, March, June, and September. They no longer take reservations via e-mail, however, they will still be able to assist telephonically + 27 (021) 447 2337. www.thetestkitchen.co.za
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F E A T U R E
Central Restaurant
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F E A T U R E
CENTRAL RESTAURANT PERU, SOUTH AMERICA
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irgilio Martinez is a world-renowned Peruvian Chef and restaurateur. Considered a member of the Peruvian Chefs organically formed movement at the forefront of spreading Peruvian cuisine globally, Virgilio’s philosophy and cooking style is based on exploring everything there is “outside”, and this is the primary goal pursued by his research NGO Mater, Iniciativa. Through his cuisine, he showcases Peruvian biodiversity and the importance of the social and ecological environments through the creation of his very unique food concepts. A passion for discovery is what initially led Virgilio into the culinary world. He found that being a cook would allow him to travel the world while realizing his curiosity for experiencing different cultures. Virgilio finally wanted to develop his own view of Peruvian food, so he started a new journey. In 2009, Virgilio returned to Peru and opened his own restaurant Central. In 2013, Mater Iniciativa was co-founded by Virgilio and his sister Malena. Mater was created as a research, interpretation and experimentation center in order to be able to learn more about Peruvian ingredients in their place of origin. Over time, Mater has successfully expanded its purpose beyond its originally focus of food studies with scientists & biologists. The NGO now works with anthropologists, neurologists, ceramists, biologists, fashion designers, etc. Mater Iniciativa allows Virgilio, in his own words, to “keep organized and to bring meaning to his dishes”. Through the work of Mater, Virgilio is able to portray a deep connection to nature, social ecosystems and relevant cultural traits with his menu. Virgilio’s dishes are not just a food statement, they are a showcase, and a story of the adventures and offers of Peru. Virgilio’s first restaurant, Central, opened its doors in 2009 in Miraflores, Lima. Central uses the theme of Altitudes to inform guests on the diverse ingredients Peru has to offer. The full 16-course experience allows visitors to experiment ingredients from altitudes from -25m to 4050m allowing them to experience a unique Peruvian adventure. “The building block of Peruvian cuisine is its diversity. When you travel to different regions you will understand different areas will feature cuisine built on different dishes or execution of ingredients.” In 2018, Central closed the operation in Miraflores and relocated to Barranco, the Bohemian district of Lima. Virgilio describes Barranco as the cultural center of Lima. The decision to move his critically acclaimed restaurant came as he wanted to be more immersed in an upcoming area that was aligned with his values of exploration and development. https://www.centralrestaurante.com.pe/ http://materiniciativa.com/
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P R O F I L E
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LUIZ DE BASTO Meet the Superyacht Designer Creating World-Class Architecture By Dellvin Roshon Williams
“We welcome every challenge to create an extraordinary design, and not only from our yacht clients,” says Luiz de Basto, head of the Miami-based DeBasto Designs studio, the brand responsible for the award-winning 90m Oceanco yacht DAR. “If they (clients) are happy with their yacht, why not work with the same team on the new house, or airplane, or vice versa?”
“Umbrella House,” de Basto continues, “is made of fold-down walls that create terraces, more than doubling the area of the house. It’s called Umbrella because of the central volume suspending the roof, containing the bathroom and technical equipment, the only enclosed area of the house. Other than that, there are no other walls. Where we need furniture, the walls fold up to create overhangs providing shade.”
DeBasto—a lifelong lover of art, cars, and architecture, is one of the great behemoths of the superyacht industry. He has consistently delivered over 200 custom yachts of all sizes for the world’s finest shipyards, for over three decades. Residential design and architecture, however, have long been a mainstay in his work. And his most recent project, a series of homes in Hawaii, come about as close to yacht design philosophy for a home as it gets.
The connections between the design of superyachts and high-end residential spaces are anything but serendipitous. Take, for example, de Basto’s treatment of glass structures and technology on the sea. From his work on Oceanco’s 90m DAR to their 105m Vector, or the 90m Cosmos, glass superstructure and paneling are not only used to enhance yacht exteriors but annihilate the boundaries between jaw-dropping, delicate interior spaces and exceptional panoramic access to the surrounding environment.
“At the beginning of my career,” de Basto tells Upscale Living, “I worked on residential, and commercial building projects, but the work in yacht design took over. The option of doing residences has always been a part of my practice, but we only do them when our yacht clients request us to do so. We just finished 3 houses on the big island. A former yacht client, and friend asked us to design the interiors.”
And while glass is not their dominant feature, the spatial layout of the two other homes boast large, open-air spaces around a courtyard because it keeps very cool, breezy weather most of the time; shoes are never worn inside the house; one is always barefoot (as one would be on a superyacht). “That said,” referring to the selection of materials and finishing, “we tried always go for soft to the touch surfaces, natural tones (colors come from the lush greenery, blue ocean, black lava) and wood with typical carving invoking petroglyphs and local heritage.” The design process is always similar regarding spatial planning in a way that reflects the client’s lifestyle.
One home in particular, “Umbrella House,” is a modern, relaxed take on a home design made of pre-fab components and shipped in a container and assembled on location. The interior design and décor of the two other properties reflect decorative furnishings and motifs taken from Hawaiian heritage and culture.
“We want to listen to our clients and understand their requirements, family habits, preferences, and work from there: no matter if it’s yachts or resi-
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dences. There are differences in materials and building processes. Regulations for a yacht or land construction operate at different levels of detail and precision, costs, logistics, transport and so forth.”
Awards. The family went out on a one-year adventure through the Pacific. They enjoyed the experience so much that upon return the studio was asked to design their home in Denver. So, “I think it’s a natural choice.”
It is unclear whether the trend of yacht designers designing for longstanding clients is a trend, but it is definitely a staple of the DeBasto brand. And as he recalls, a few years back, the studio did the interior of the 42m Troy-marine expedition yacht, “The Big Blue”—also a finalist at the World Superyacht 21 Upscale Living Magazine | AUGUST
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TERRY PHETO
Actress, Producer and the latest family member of Swiss watch-making brand, Longines By HelÉne Ramackers Photographs courtesy of Longines
An Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2005 for the South African film Ttotsi, catapulted Terry Pheto into the limelight at the beginning of her acting career. Her role as Miriam in the film is far removed from the Terry we see today – a polished leading lady in films; as actress, producer and the latest family member of Swiss watch-making brand, Longines. TERRY, TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF. I was born and raised in the Vaal Triangle, south of Johannesburg in a little township called Evaton. That’s where I went to school. At the age of 20, I moved to Soweto to pursue an acting career. I was discovered by a talent scout from Moonyeenn Lee while doing a theatre play in Soweto. One thing led to another; one audition after another and one day I was walking the red carpet in Los Angeles. The first film I starred in - Tsotsi, had won an Academy Award! That’s my three-lined version; it’s a lot more colorful though – I’ve been around for 38 years and I’ve been in the industry for more than fifteen years. YOUR TSOTSI WIN WAS FOURTEEN YEARS AGO! WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER ABOUT THE NIGHT? It still feels like it happened just the other day, even though it was fourteen years ago. No-one can prepare you for it, especially being a young, upcoming artist, whose dream is still to perform in Grahamstown at the Market Theater or at the State Theater. I never imagined that something like this would happen, or at least not that early in my career. Not that I never dreamt of it; obviously it’s a lot to take in. It’s like a grand entrance into the industry. The spotlight is firmly on you while you’re trying to find your feet in the industry. A lot of blessings come with that, but also a lot of pressure and responsibility. I’m glad I’ve had a great support structure from the word go. WHO IS YOUR SUPPORT STRUCTURE? My family has always been my support structure. No matter how popular or successful I got, you don’t mess with my Mom - she doesn’t tolerate any diva-like behavior. My agent/manager has been the greatest
mentor in my career. She’s very old-school; that really helped, because it was never about the popularity, it was always about the work. I keep checking myself and to stay on the path that I want to be on. I am still working towards the goal – I achieved a lot in the beginning, but there is still a long race ahead. I wanted a career more than a hit. It’s not easy to get a hit. The first film I starred in might have won an Oscar, but I didn’t win an Oscar for best actress. I can still do that on my own. I didn’t get into the industry purely to win awards; even though it is great to be celebrated by the industry and your peers. The more you win, the more you want to win, and the more opportunities will be there for you, the more will be expected from you. It’s just a matter of getting back to work, getting back to set and finding another project. I was doing industrial and educational theater when I got the role in Tsotsi. I had a full-time job as an actor, and I was given a break to go and film. After that, I went back to doing theater. Then I was given other opportunities for film and television. I was very careful because Ttotsi was an older character than me, I knew that the next role had to be something young, to play my age and have fun. I always tried to find a balance between film and television during the formative days of my career, understanding that film didn’t come every day; you were lucky to be in a film once a year. The South African film industry was still up and coming and there weren’t a lot of movies, especially for women. I was also very fortunate to audition for international films, where I worked with Diane Kruger & Joseph Fiennes in Goodbye Bafana and Tim Robbins & Derek Luke in Catch a Fire. These were the first three years as a working actor. This put a bigger understanding that you realize this is a circle, this is my circle of people I work with. You just keep it going and look for more work opportunities, hopefully landing a lead actress role instead of a supporting actress. Before you know it, you’re starring opposite Idris Elba in the film Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom! We thank the gods for him (laughs).
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HE’S CERTAINLY SOMETHING FOR HE EYE. WHAT IS HE LIKE AS A PERSON? He’s such a kind, generous, sensitive man. I think that makes him a brilliant actor. He’s an extremely nice human being. And very grounded. He’s won an award for the Sexiest Man Alive. I kept on wondering – does he know he’s Idris Elba because he kept on acting like a cool, English guy. YOU JUST FORMALIZED A GLOBAL BRAND RELATIONSHIP WITH SWISS WATCH-MAKING BRAND, LONGINES, AS A FAMILY MEMBER. Longines started engaging with me about two years ago, very elegantly courting me. They invited me to Paris for an introduction to the brand and to see how they operate. I was ‘of course! Who says no to Paris’?! Paris is always a good idea. The following year, they invited me to the French Open as a guest and a friend of the brand. Of course, I said yes!
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The courting was beautiful. I also did my research, and being a Kate Winslet fan, who is a Longines Ambassador of Elegance, I knew that this was a right fit for me. This is definitely the direction I would take should I pick a watch brand. The same way Kate would pick a script. I believe I’m the first South African to have this wonderful privilege, being a Longines Family Member. YOUR RECENT VISIT INCLUDED A TOUR OF THE LONGINES HEADQUARTERS AND FACTORY. Yes, we officially signed. I went to visit the Headquarters in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, where I met the entire team and I got to see how this beautiful brand is built – who are the people behind the scenes, who are the people that are putting the watch together that I’m wearing, where it’s all made. It’s such a beautiful experience and I’m really honored to be part of it.
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Longines is one of the biggest and oldest watch brands in the world. Visiting the museum and seeing how some of the watches were made, it was honestly overwhelming. To see how people work there, having been there for a very long time, it’s a very good story to tell for any brand; once you’re there, you don’t want to leave. YOU WERE INVITED BY LONGINES TO ATTEND THE PRESTIGIOUS PRIX DE DIANE CHANTILLY HORSE RACE. We went to Paris for that. It’s been a very fun and fulfilling journey with Longines and I’m absolutely thrilled about the future and growing with the brand. DESPITE BEING INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED, YOU STILL STAY LOYAL TO YOUR COUNTRY BY WEARING SOUTH AFRICAN DESIGNERS. It’s important that when I get given the opportunity to take one person with me, or take
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something with me; it’s a way to ground me, but also a way to celebrate a big moment or achievement with someone else. You can’t always have a plus one ticket, so the best thing for me to do is to showcase our wonderful talent, which we have in abundance in South Africa. I’ve been working with Marianne Fassler since day 1 – from the Oscars to today, for special occasions, I love her work, I love her brand, it’s easy for me to go back to her as I know I will stand out anywhere in the world. People will stop and ask ‘who are you wearing’? It’s such a natural thing for me to do, I don’t even think twice about it. It’s part of my plan and ritual – I take a bit of home with me everywhere I go. It’s great to have such a relationship with someone who really gets you – what works for you, what’s flattering. I’m rooted at home, even though I have these wings that can take me all over the world. YOU HAVE TRAVELED TO A NUMBER OF COUNTRIES. WHICH HAVE LEFT A LASTING IMPRESSION AND WHY? My most recent visit to Switzerland’s Saint-Imier was incredible; the experience more than anything. You can experience the world as one thing, but to experience the world with the amazing company really puts it on another level altogether. This trip made me fall in love with Switzerland again, because of the beauty and the kindness of the people. I spent about ten days in the South of France, in a small little village called Èze. It was honestly like finding myself in a storybook and I’m this character walking along the streets. It’s a Medieval village that has been preserved as it was back then. YOU ARE AN ACTRESS AND A FILM PRODUCER. ARE THERE EXCITING PROSPECTS / PROJECTS ON THE HORIZON? I’ve always tried to balance my acting, producing and behind the scenes work. The important part of the film is the people that you work with. The Film is not like a photoshoot where you arrive, leave again, re-touch the photographs and have them ready a few days later. With film, you are involved for a minimum of two or three years. I will be telling an authentic South African story with heart. Pre-production has commenced already; we start filming in November. https://www.instagram.com/terrypheto/
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T I M E P I E C E S
The Octo Obsession
WHY TIME IS NOW ON BULGARI’S SIDE
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he Italian word finissimo, when translated to English, means superfine, however, the term superfine has two slightly different meanings. One definition is “something of especially high quality,” and the other means “a fiber or instrument which is very thin.” Bulgari managed to create record-breaking timepieces that are stunning examples of the combined definitions, and watch enthusiasts around the world are continuously throwing their hands up in praise. The original Bulgari Octo has been an official part of the brand’s watch collection since 2012; roughly thirteen years after Bulgari acquired the Gérald Genta label (and about one year after LVMH acquired a major stake in Bulgari). Gérald Genta, for those unaware, was one of the world’s foremost designers of luxury watches. In his day, Genta was – artistically speaking – largely responsible for the designs of some of the watch world’s most iconic watches such as Omega’s Constellation, Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak, IWC’s Ingenieur, and Patek Philippe’s Nautilus. And while Genta passed away in 2011 at the age of 80 – a year before the Octo was released to the public – it’s clear his design legacy is carried on through the artisans and craftspeople currently working inside Bulgari’s walls. But how in a watch collector’s eyes did the Bulgari Octo go from being a beautifully designed homage to Gérald Genta’s work to a record-breaking piece of “Haute Horlogerie”? In a nutshell, it did so by taking something of especially high quality and making it very thin; you know, making it superfine. In other words, it did so by creating the Finissimo. The first record-breaking Octo – the Octo Finissimo Tourbillon – was launched by Bulgari at the 2014 edition of the Baselworld Watch and Jewelry Fair in Basel, Switzerland, and almost immediately it seemed as if a new era of the “ultra-thin” watch was born. Containing
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at the time the thinnest tourbillon movement ever made, the caliber of the Octo Finissimo Tourbillon measured a mere 1.95mm in thickness, which, when put into perspective, is smaller than the head of a pin. However, the watch, like Rome, was certainly not built in a day and required some creativity from its designers as well as its watchmakers in order to make it work. At Baselworld 2016, Bulgari followed up with another Octo Finissimo – this time in the form of a minute repeater – and broke another record in the process by using a caliber measuring a mere 3.12mm; a feat which is extraordinarily unheard of for that type of complication. In 2017, just one year later, the brand followed suit with the introduction of the Octo Finissimo Automatic, which used an in-house movement measuring a slim 2.23mm and coming in at a total of 5.15mm for the entire case thickness. Like the Finissimo versions prior, the outer appearance of that year’s record-setting timepiece was also monochromatic, which was part of the appeal to those who might not normally have been drawn to a timepiece created by what many would consider being more of a high jewelry brand. And while Bulgari, for just a minute, looked like they were content with the three highly regarded versions of the Octo Finissimo they had created up to that point, their design team, headed up by Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani, had other plans. At both the 2018 and 2019 editions of the Baselworld fair, records were shattered yet again. The limited-edition Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Automatic was released in 2018 and the Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT Automatic was released earlier this year, all to the adoring roars of those who jumped on the Bulgari bandwagon early on. For those who may be wondering why a label as established as Bulgari cares about records in the first place, consider taking a look at the icons already within Bulgari’s ranks: the Bulgari Serpenti, for example. The Serpenti line
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is about as recognizable as any model of any watch, anywhere in the world, and remember that the Serpenti was designed for women. But while Bulgari has had some success with several of the watch models the brand has designed for men, it was the excitement of the Octo Finissimo and the records that it broke year after year (and continues to break) that introduced Bulgari’s watches to a whole new world of watch collectors, connoisseurs, and yes, even novices. Every major watch forum had ongoing threads dissecting the new calibers, and social media networks – particularly Instagram – were aflutter with wrist shots taken live as the new models were introduced. And maybe, just maybe, that’s another reason why the Octo Finissimo has been as accepted in the watch community as it has, for a brand that isn’t Rolex or Patek Philippe; because the watch, in fact, belongs to this generation. It’s not a reboot or a reissue. It wasn’t released originally in 1985 only to be out now in a different type of metal with a different colored dial. It genuinely belongs to the 2010s, which in turn, means it belongs to the Instagram generation, and it is that generation who is adding to its notoriety in a way that no other has thus far. There’s really no stopping Bulgari now, and if the brand is excited about that feeling, they should be. They’ve earned their stripes amongst even the world’s most difficult-to-please watch critics, but their successes didn’t come easily, nor did they come overnight. Bulgari can hold its head high for all of the work they put into establishing themselves as a serious watch brand. Many of their Octo Finissimo models – record-breaking or not – are modern-day icons recognizable to anyone who has even the slightest knowledge of watches. And that alone should be enough for the brand to believe that time, indeed, is very much on their side. | B Y BA R BA R A PA LUM B O
Courtesy of Graziela
J E W E L R Y
| By Smitha Sadanandan
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BerryLicious London-based David Morris’ collection of Forest Berry fine jewelry is inspired by the delicious fruits. The easy-to-wear pieces – in the English forest tones of blue lapis lazuli, green chrysoprase, black onyx and Akoya pearls – are crafted in 18k rose gold. The luscious Forest Berry bead features a feminine diamond flower, boasting a blue sapphire as its focal point. The collection is fashion-forward with Forest Berry bangles and the trio bangles being highly stackable. Allowing the jewels to be styled in any way, the bouquet and trio cluster earrings, trio pendant and rings are perfect pairings to add a pop of color any day. | davidmorris.com
Lapel-Friendly Gecko
Brooches made a fashionable comeback on the red carpet earlier this year. The pin surely is in, but this one-off design from Los Angeles-based Omi Privé is not for the fainthearted. Jewelry designer Niveet Nagpal has created an assortment of men’s jewelry for his brand – and amongst them is a lapel-friendly gecko named Alexis. “Extremely inspired by the unique color-changing properties of Alexandrite gems” Niveet set about collecting them over a span of five-six years. “Finer quality Alexandrites are extremely rare, and not well known to many people, which makes each mesmerizing design more valuable.” Niveet bought a parcel of rough Alexandrites from the Lake Manyara region in Tanzania on one of his gem buying trips in 2008. “Several years later, with the smaller rough pieces I had left, I decided to make a brooch – a chameleon because alexandrite has color-change properties when viewed in different light. However, as we went through the design and crafting process, the shape and size of the rough dictated more of a lizard or gecko.” It took his team nearly eight months to finish. Some wax carvings and iterations were made, some were scrapped until the right shape and movement for the gecko brooch was achieved. “As the tail and limbs are fully articulated, it is quite a design and engineering feat,” adds Niveet. The biggest challenge, he admits, was creating the piece with some delicacy, movement, and detail, while still making sure it is durable enough to be worn often and last long. The rough natural color-change Alexandrite and diamond gecko brooch, handcrafted in 18k white gold, has black rhodium detailing and black diamonds. Seven rough gems align to form the torso, while two round green tsavorites sparkle as the eyes, and a round ruby is set culet-up to depict the gecko’s lashing tongue. | omiprive.com
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Stunning Nacre
For a while now, Greek designer Melanie Georgacopoulos has been busy designing jewelry using mother-of-pearl (MOP), or nacre, produced by mollusks as an inner shell layer and also makes up the outer coating of pearls. “I like to keep challenging myself and surprising my clients, therefore I decided to start working with MOP since it’s the next closest thing to a pearl, yet so different in appearance and the way it is handled.” Her focus has been to create very minimal jewelry in order to highlight the beauty of each color of mother-of-pearl (MOP) and also use the biggest sizes available in each color. It was important for Melanie to strip away any unnecessary elements, keep clean lines and guide the viewers eye to the iridescence of each nacre sheet. “The pearls used are primarily for functional reasons, to keep the piece in place when worn, instead of being the highlight of the piece. For this collection, my main aim was to use jewelry elements – gold, pearls, MOP – but in such a way that the finished piece is not immediately identifiable as jewelry, it sits between jewelry and sculpture, intriguing the viewer as to how it can be worn,” she explains. She sources MOP from far and wide: the white and golden MOP from Australia, where the biggest South Sea pearl production exists, and the darker MOP from Tahiti, where Tahitian pearls abound. Melanie’s first solo exhibition in ten years ‘Nacre,’ held earlier this year at the Karin Wimmer Contemporary Art in Munich, Germany, showcased pieces from each of her five MOP centric collections, while also offering jewelry enthusiasts an insight into the wide and varied world of mother-of-pearl. | melaniegeorgacopoulos.com
DREAMY PEARLS India-based Moksh’s beautiful new Ladakh collection is inspired by founder Milan Choksi’s travels. The collection references colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind in Ladakh – an ethereal land with surreal and awe-inspiring landscapes. The rugged Himalayas, snowcapped peaks, blue skies, verdant green valleys, River Indus and the Buddhist Stupas – are all part of the creative palette. “Each of these elements are represented in the jewels by either a gemstone, a form or arrangement,” says Milan. Delicate Japanese Keshi pearls glisten alongside a fine sprinkling of pink or blue sapphires and emeralds. Available in two different lengths, the necklaces are crafted in 18k yellow gold, and accented with round and baguette diamonds. Moksh is available on Moda Operandi. | w:mokshjewellery.com
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Precious Heirlooms Lebanese jewelry designer Nada Ghazal has launched a limited-edition collection, Heritage and Heirlooms, as part of the Beirut Design Week. The designer will showcase the new pieces in a bespoke installation as part of the 8th edition of the exhibition that is dedicated to the theme ‘Design and Nostalgia.’ Nada G Fine Jewelry’s new line has four designs in various sizes, with only 50 pieces of each being made for the occasion. Set with champagne diamonds, the 18k gold bracelets melds the old and the new through an amalgamation of vintage gold jewelry designs worn by Nada’s ancestors. The Mabroumeh, Majdouleh, Dome oval and Dome round bracelets are based on the show’s theme and is inspired by the designer’s memories of witnessing heirlooms being passed on from one generation to the next. “I grew up in a very close-knit traditional Lebanese family who like most Lebanese families are connected to their heritage and proud of their history. A tradition, I have witnessed so many times is mothers gifting their daughters’ heirlooms they’ve been given by their mothers before, as if to pass the torch forward and continue this tradition,” says Nada. | nadag.com
Enchanting Reef Jewelry has long been influenced by the sea and its hidden secrets. British jewelry designer Annoushka Ducas, creative force behind the brand Annoushka, has just released her latest collection Hidden Reef that draws upon textures found in the reef – coral and rock under the sea. “I decided I had to make a collection that honors the intense variety of life on the seabed, this unique ecology that we so rarely get to see,” says Annoushka. The Hidden Reef collection made in 18k yellow gold and set with sapphires includes a hoop, ring, dangler earrings, studs and a cuff. An ode to life beneath the waves and a quiet reminder of the need to preserve and protect the sea’s delicate habitat, the collection dwells on plant-life burnished by the motion of the waves and patterned surfaces of rocks. Pink and orange sapphires are clustered in organic formations that mimic the movements within the reef. The exquisite open cuff, featuring fine gold filaments and accented with orange and pink sapphires, envelop the wrist like coral fronds, while the ring comprising multiple, moving bands of textured gold and sprinkled with sapphires, is reminiscent of a shell structure. www.annoushka.com
Circle of Happiness
The Happy Circle by NYC-based jeweler Roland Krainz features an assortment of platinum rings set with ceramic and diamonds. An earlier collection of bridal rings needed a makeover and ceramic accents provided the muchneeded pop of color. The rings are available in six ceramic colors – two hues of blue, red, white, green and bronze. “The ceramic used in the collection is similar to that used in the dental industry.” Roland, who enjoyed playing with Lego building blocks as a child, discovered he could build on the previous collection and make something new, fun and beautiful by adding a ceramic halo around the diamonds. “With my jewelry, you can create different things together; build something new and beautiful. That’s how the Happy Circle was born,” adds the designer. | jagnewyork.com
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Encore Jewelry lovers rejoice! Muzo Emerald Colombia and Argyle Pink Diamonds-Australia have brought out the Green Jewel Collection, Encore, in lush tones of green. Colombian emeralds, the highest valued in the world, have color and clarity found in emeralds nowhere else in the world. No less magical, Argyle pink diamonds remain an enigma. The handmade one-of-a-kind high jewelry pieces in a palette of intense greens juxtaposed with dazzling pinks comprise exquisite pendants, necklaces, rings and earrings. The first collection launched two years ago had large statement pieces, while this new edition has smaller, but finer gems that translate beautifully into 23 jewels – the piece-de-resistance, the Earth Magic Pendant, has already found a new owner. “The Earth Magic Pendant has the extraordinary gem-quality emerald, the best to have emerged from Muzo’s mines in 30 years. This gem was so precious that we would not handle it with bare hands during the design and manufacturing process. Combined with the two exceptional Argyle pink diamonds tender stones, it is the crown jewel of this collection. It was immediately purchased by an esteemed international collector as soon as it was unveiled in Hong Kong at the collection’s debut,” says John Glajz, Argyle Pink Diamonds authorized partner. | muzo.com
Stylish Ode To Puccini A strong sense of style flows through Avakian’s Tosca Collection unveiled at Cannes 2019 this summer. Heavily influenced by the Belle Époque era, the collection references strands of pearls and the then popular ‘garland’ style, using gems to narrate the visual poetry. The line also takes inspiration in part, for its name, from Italian opera composer Giacomo Puccini’s incredible work – Tosca. Glamour and opulence also serve as inspirations for Maison Avakian. “Tosca by Puccini was the first opera I watched growing up and one that remains vividly etched in my memory. I wanted to create a line that was reminiscent of that era, but while keeping the playful aspect which is found in all our creations,” says Haig Avakian, Vice President. Tosca earrings and rings are rendered in three variations, each comprising a changeable element. The transformable Tosca ruby earrings are offset with mother-of-pearl and white diamonds, and shiny pink gold on the opposite side. The Tosca sapphire earrings are set with blue sapphires and white diamonds with mother-of-pearl and shiny white gold on the reverse side, while the Tosca white diamond iteration is adorned with mother-of-pearl and white gold. The earrings come with matching rings. | avakian.com
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BENTLEY EXP 100 GT CELEBRATING ITS CENTENARY | BY JARONE ASHKENAZI
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his past July, Bentley Motors celebrated its 100th birthday introduced the Bentley EXP 100 GT at The Home of Bentley in Crewe. Reimagining Grand Touring for the future, the EXP 100 GT embodies the luxury brand’s vision of the future of luxury mobility while being a sustainable autonomous and electric vehicle. The emotionally intelligent AI enhances the experience, whether driving or being driven autonomously and reasserts itself from the company’s deep beautifully styled automobiles. With a predicted 700km range, the zero-emissions powertrain puts sustainable innovation at the forefront with the use of exquisite materials and superior craftsmanship. Some of the sustainable materials used in the luxury vehicle include exterior paint ‘Compass’ made from recycled rice husks and 5,000 year-old Copper Infused Riverwood, which are seamlessly integrated with the British Farmed Wool carpets and embroidered cotton interior surfaces to create supreme luxury.
craftmanship its sleek and muscular exterior provide glimpses to the companies historic past and drive for the future. A new design aesthetic, light is core to the design and function of the car which is harvested from the surrounding environment via an innovative glass roof. Presenting an expressive dynamic and dramatic exterior lighting on its illuminated matrix grille and Flying B mascot The battery-electric powertrain, with intelligent power and charge management powers four motors that offer a 0-100 km (0-60 mph) time of less than 2.5 seconds, a top speed of 300 kph (186 mph) and maximum torque of 1,500 Nm.
Pushing the moniker as the world’s most sought-after luxury brand, the cars’ presence and impressive exterior proportions includes an on-board Bentley Personal Assistant (visualized using illuminated crystal from Cumbria, England) to maximize comfort and even monitor driver and passenger’s well-being (tracks eye and head movements, even blood pressure). The personalized experience from the Bentley Personal Assistant AI based on five modes: Enhance, Cocoon, Capture, Re-Live and Customize. Whether driving or being driven autonomously its Adaptable Biometric Seating can be configured in three different ways with biometric sensors which monitor temperature, passenger position and environmental conditions. Made from lightweight aluminum and carbon fiber, it features round headlights that overlap the grille in a nod to the famous Bentley Blower, the famous R-Type Continental haunch at the rear and the graceful body hint at famous models of past classics. Drawing on 100 years of expertise in luxury design and
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DE TOMASO P72 | BY JARONE ASHKENAZI
F
ounded by Alejandro de Tomaso in Modena in 1959, De Tomaso Modena SpA came to prominence producing various prototypes and racing cars and then in the 1970s and 1980s with limited runs of luxury coupés and saloons. Following majority ownership by Ford and liquidation in 2004, Hong Kong-based Ideal Team Ventures purchased the company for €1,050,000. Fifteen years later they are back with their first retro-styled sports car called the P72. The limited-edition P72 supercar was introduced at the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed to much aplomb. A homage to the P70 – a Carrol Shelby built, and Peter Brock styled race car of the 1960s – Jowyn Wong designed the visually stunning vehicle to meld the 60s and 70s with cutting-edge technology and luxury finishes. Combining modern elements with the classic shape, the curvy body is built on a custom-made carbon fiber monocoque chassis constructed based on the Intensa Emozione sports car. Upholstered in diamond-stitched leather, the highlight of the interior is the opulent baroque gold display along with analog and digital instrumentation to recall the calls inspiration. It also features an open linkage gearshift lever – the car is manual transmission, although no drivetrain or performance specs have been released –finished in copper. The limited production will be just 72 cars with an anticipated base price for the P72 of approximately €750,000 (about $841,000). They are currently accepting Registrations of Interest via soft deposits on their website here.
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MCCONAGHY ADASTRA 140’ TRIMARAN |By JARONE ASHKENAZI
With over 50 years building some of the world’s best and most luxurious racing or performance luxury yachts, McConaghy introduces the Adastra 140-foot, designed by John Shuttleworth. Launched in and built-in McConaghy'S Zhuhai Facility in 2012, the long-range ocean voyaging yacht, winner of The Worlds Superyacht Awards Winner in 2013, is up for sale again for $12 million. 36 Upscale Living Magazine | AUGUST
The futuristic-looking spaceship on the water was built for a sophisticated ocean voyaging family providing a level of craft and style unforeseen prior. Following numerous trips across the Atlantic and many other voyages, the custom-built low fuel-consumption wave-piercing-hulled superyacht is ready for its next owner. Adastra features a 16-meter beam, 1.12-meter draft, and displacement of 49 tons while able to hold nine guests with five to six crew members on board. Powered by a 1,150 hp Caterpillar C18 straight-six turbo diesel and a backup pair of 110 hp Yanmar diesel engines, it has a max speed of 22 knots and a cruising speed between 16 and 17 knots.
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At cruising speed, the luxury vessel is able to cover 4,000 miles. Created for both strength and weight reduction – Superstructure is carbon fiber with Nomex honeycomb core, the hull is Glass/ Kevlar foam sandwich and the interior is light-weight oak cabinetry using honeycomb panels – it also provides the level of sophistication and comfort expected for a yacht of this class. Its beam creates a spacious saloon on the main deck through a panoramic window with a lounge, dining table and its navigation system. To access the large sunbed on the foredeck, the forward-facing doors allows
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for max relaxation on the sea. On the aft deck, the dining area is to starboard while a sofa and bar to port. The aft section also houses the full-width owner’s suite designed by Hong Kong–based interior designers Jepsen Design. Further design in the interior of this luxury yacht includes curved windows and custom built-in furniture to match the curved ceilings. Light-colored wood is matched perfectly with the white furniture and ceilings, the result of more than five years of design with the previous owners Prospective buyers will be able to get a glimpse of this one-of-a-kind trimaran on July 25 and 26 at Fort Lauderdale’s Seahaven Marina. For more information click here. 37 Upscale Living Magazine | AUGUST
2019 www.upscalelivingmag.com
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Marriott International Debuts
THE RITZ-CARLTON YACHT COLLECTION |By JARONE ASHKENAZI
With the launch of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C will combine the lifestyle of The RitzCarlton’s luxury resorts with the casual freedom of a yachting vacation. Aboard custom-made luxurious yachts, travelers worldwide can book immersive itineraries aboard one of three lavish cruising yachts for voyages from seven to 10 days. The new yacht cruise brand calls for three yachts, each able to accommodate up to 298 passengers in 149 suites, along with two dedicated Owner’s Suites. While the regular suites each have their own private terrace, the opulent 1700-square foot Owner’s Suites comes with their own private whirlpools.
Aiming to transform the luxury cruising industry by bringing the legendary five-star service and ambience of its resorts to sea, “we are thrilled to offer guests a new way to create memories with The Ritz-Carlton,” said Lisa Holladay, Global Brand Leader for The RitzCarlton. “From the yacht’s design, to programming onboard and ashore, every aspect of the voyage has been carefully created to embody the signature service and casual luxury of a Ritz-Carlton resort.” Set to take seas in February 2020, reservations are now open for the inaugural season of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. With accommodations, onboard activities and entertainment, multiple dining venues and water sports
|By JARONE ASHKENAZI
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included other signature experiences like spa treatments, immersive excursions and a culinary experience at Aqua, the yacht’s signature restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Sven Elverfeld can be added to guest’s packages. The first yacht will be named Azora, meaning “sky blue”, will measure 624-feet and will stop at both signature and iconic destinations around the world including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, Latin America, Canada and Northeastern United States. Ranging from seven to 10 nights, voyages include an itinerary packed with unique programming at each destination. | Photo courtesy of Marriott International.
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39 Upscale Living Magazine | AUGUST 2019 www.upscalelivingmag.com
Dumont JETS | Dumont MRO | Volo Direct
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MAINTENANCE UPGRADES PAINT INTERIOR
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We’re ready to fly when you are. +1.302.317.3310 info@dumontgroup.com www.dumontgroup.com Wyvern Wingman Certified Operator
G O L F Photo by Christopher Michel, under a Creative Commons License
LUXURY GOLF RESORT TOUR ENTER THE RITZ-CARLTON HALF MOON BAY
| BY JORDAN FULLER Photos courtesy of Christopher Michel and The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay
Photo by Christopher Michel
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G O L F
While Pebble Beach and Bandon Dunes get most of the press dedicated to West Coast, oceanfront golf resorts, you’d be doing yourself a disservice to overlook the Ritz-Carlton resort at Half Moon Bay. Located about an hour’s drive south of San Francisco, it’s a transportive experience. Featuring two golf courses with incredible oceanside scenery, a gorgeous hotel that’s been called the “most beautiful hotel” in California by Architectural Digest, and friendly, attentive staff, the Ritz-Carlton goes the extra mile to deliver a truly luxurious and otherworldly getaway. GOLF The Old Course, designed by legendary golfer and designer Arnold Palmer, opened in 1973. The American parkland-style golf course has a great routing that offers a wide variety of wind directions and tests every facet of your game. It culminates with one of the most gorgeous holes in the world, the 405- yard par 4 18th. A slight left-to-right dogleg tailor-made for a baby cut like Arnold himself used to hit, it’s perched atop the coastal cliffs with the ocean roaring below. There’s a fire-pit patio above the 18th green, and resort guests often gather in the Adirondack chairs around the fire to watch golfers finish their rounds. A birdie on the last will garner a nice round of applause! When the sunset approaches, a bagpiper takes to the grounds to serenade guests and golfers alike, lending to the Old-World Scottish feel of the resort. The Ocean Course debuted in 1997, four years before the stunning luxury hotel was added to the property. Golfers will appreciate that the resort was a golf club first and a resort second, as no concessions were made in the building of the golf courses. Many resort courses feature just one great oceanside hole, but the rest of the oceanfront property is reserved for housing. That’s not the case here, as nearly every hole features a beautiful ocean view. The Ocean Course is consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public courses. Arthur Hills designed it to evoke an old-school links course, and it’s a masterpiece. The manicured tees, greens and fairways give a distinctly upscale feel to the course, but beyond the green oases are beautifully browned out native grass areas and dunes. The stretch of holes 15-18 is one of the finest crescendos you’ll find anywhere in the world. All four run alongside the ocean, so you’ll
want to avoid hooking the ball into a watery grave. The par 3 seventeenth comes closest to the ocean, with the green perched atop a cliff. Faders of the ball will need to aim out over the ocean and hope they don’t double-cross - use your rangefinder to increase accuracy - though the winds blowing in usually help steer the ball to safety. The pace of play usually slows down on these last four holes, but no one minds. It’s a time to enjoy the scenery, pose for pictures and take in the majesty of the lovely setting. The 16th hole, probably the most popular spot for a photo op, has been used many times for commercials and engagement pics. The course offers high-quality TaylorMade clubs for rent and both tracks are designed for walking. Professional caddies are available to help you navigate the idiosyncrasies of the fairways and greens. The only drawback is the lack of a driving range, but there’s a chipping and putting green available for warming up. THE RESORT Just say your name once on the way in and you’ll be greeted warmly by the friendly and attentive staff the rest of your stay at the incredible resort hotel. It’s more than worth the splurge for a fire-pit room, where you can relax in Adirondack chairs on your own private terrace overlooking the breathtaking, panoramic ocean views. You’ll be able to make oceanfront smores as the sun goes down and bagpipes ring out throughout the property. It’s a lovely combination of beachfront camping and 5-star luxury, surrounded by a golf course that even junior golfers can take advantage of. Spa services including massages, facials, waxing and an ever-changing, seasonally based “secret spa menu” are offered on-site. There are three dining options offered at the hotel, each one taking advantage of seasonal local cuisine to provide memorable experiences. Navio is a refined seafood restaurant with elegant, ocean-inspired decor and menu. Saturday farmer’s markets and Sunday brunch highlight weekly special offerings. The Conservatory is a more relaxed option, feeling more like an upscale beach house. High-end comfort food and clever craft cocktails highlight the menu; the Casked Negroni is a particular standout. But as long as the weather cooperates, the real gem is the outdoor Ocean Terrace. Dotted with fire pits, cooled by oceanfront winds and soundtracked by crashing waves, the Ocean Terrace is the perfect place to spend hours sampling from the craft beer and cocktail menu, raw bar and grill. The sunset over the ocean and endless sky will linger in your memory long after your stay.
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WHAT’S NEW “Bringing you the finest places around the world is what we love to do here at Upscale Living magazine. In keeping with this tradition, we are focusing on introducing you to new kids on the block or accommodation establishments with a relooked lease on life. Grab your travel diary as you want to get to these places as soon as possible!”
| BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS
44 Upscale Living Magazine | AUGUST 2019
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HÔTEL DE PARIS
MONTE CARLO, MONACO Founded in 1864, Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo has been welcoming guests for over 150 years. Following a fouryear renovation program, Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo is now writing the next page in its history at the heart of a new Monte-Carlo, creating the most exclusive experience in Europe. The meticulous modernization of this iconic hotel started in 2014, with the vision to articulate and further define the founder François Blanc’s dream of “a hotel that surpasses everything”, thus perpetuating the legend into the 21st century. Partial deconstruction, reconstruction, the harmonization of spaces, the design of new areas, creation of exclusive suites and the evolution of gastronomy; the transformation of Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo was entrusted to architects Richard
Martinet and Gabriel Viora, who dedicated themselves to enhancing and preserving the timeless spirit of the building. In May 2017, Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo revealed the first stage of the transformation - the revived Rotunda Wing, showcasing new rooms that further elevate the standard of the hotel with a minimum size of 34 m2, using the most refined materials available. On the 8th floor, Le Grill restaurant followed and was transformed with a mix of modern warm blue hues and contemporary furnishings, creating a feeling of being suspended between the earth and the sky. In addition, the new Hair spa Rossano Ferretti also opened its doors. In November 2017, the sumptuous Princess Grace Suite was inaugurated by H.S.H Prince Albert II and Princess Stéphanie - it is the most exclusive suite in
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Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo to date. In June this year, the famous Le Bar Américain unveiled its new-refreshed look, by interior designers David Collins Studio with a new terrace that opens onto the sea and Place du Casino. The new Monte-Carlo Suite followed – found at the heart of the hotel, it prolongs the “luxury gaming” experience of Casino de Monte-Carlo for the most prestigious players on the planet seeking discretion and even more personalized service. To complete the transformation, Suite Princess Grace was joined by Suite Prince Rainier III, the largest suite in the hotel with 6,458 square foot of refined luxury, perfectly positioned as a rooftop villa. https://www.montecarlosbm. com/en/hotel-monaco/hotel-paris-monte-carlo
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THE RITZ-CARLTON NEW YORK NEW YORK CITY, NY
Inspired by New York City’s glamour and the sights and sounds of the world’s most iconic parks, The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park announced the completion of its full hotel reawakening. Thoughtfully weaving New York City’s style and spirit through each space, the reimagined luxury hotel has debuted a new social dining experience with Contour, as well as added wellness and fitness areas. These offerings complement the hotel’s redesigned Club Lounge, La Prairie Spa, and guest rooms and suites. “The transformation our hotel has seen over the course of this past year truly redefines luxury in Manhattan,” said Winfred van Workum, general manager of The RitzCarlton New York, Central Park. “Combining a bold vision and inspiration with our legendary service, the vibrant 46 Upscale Living Magazine | AUGUST
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energy of the city and Central Park shines through each of the spaces and provides a renewed oasis in the heart of New York City.” Upon entering the hotel, a new all-day gastro lounge draws you into the heart of the lobby’s transformation, where the rhythm builds through three distinct rooms for a day to night cocktail and culinary experience. Each space flows in sophisticated yet playful design of plush banquettes, marble accents, New York-inspired artwork, and a variety of seating arrangements – secluded and sociable. Connecting the two lounge areas is a vibrant bar where accents of marble, bronze, and gold are complemented by a bold Matisse sketch that stretches across the ceiling, a lending inspiration for Contour’s namesake. An emphasis is placed on the artisanal beverage experience
at this New York City lounge with impressive handcrafted classic cocktails and seasonal infusions. Striking presentations provide a moment of wonder including the shareable Honey Ginger Infusion, aged for up to seven days in honeycomb, grapefruit, and ginger. Along with its all-day menu, Contour offers breakfast daily in a comfortable setting for a quick meal to start the day or a stylish atmosphere for a morning meeting. In addition to the exciting design transformations, new moments have been created through the reawakening that is aimed at immersing guests in the essence of New York City life and the world of luxury that The Ritz-Carlton is renowned for. www.ritzcarlton.com/centralpark
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MANDARIN HOTEL LAGO DI COMO LAKE COMO, ITALY
Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como opened in April 2019, following the renovation of the historic lakefront property. The hotel is surrounded by natural beauty, enjoying a private, serene setting on the sunlit shores of the lake, nestled within verdant botanical gardens. The property is in Blevio, one of the loveliest villages in the region, within easy reach of Milan and Malpensa International airport, while central Como and the region’s many attractions are all close by. The 19th Century Villa Roccabruna is at the heart of the resort which features 21 rooms, 52 suites and two private, stand-alone villas. Acclaimed interior designer, Eric Egan, has overseen the refresh of the resort’s accommodation and public areas, creating a sense of modern Italian elegance and subtle oriental charm.
The lush botanical gardens that surround the resort are home to more than 50 different species of plants, trees and flowers. Italian landscape designer, Patrizia Pozzi, chose materials and styles that refer to the neoclassical elements of the original Villa and gardens, creating a verdant setting that provides places for private relaxation and escape. Acclaimed Executive Chef Vincenzo Guarino and his experienced team oversee the restaurants and bars at Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como, offering an authentic cuisine based on traditional Mediterranean dishes, inspired by local seasonal produce. CO.MO Bar & Bistrot, with its spacious terrace overlooking the lake, is the ideal place for informal dining at any time of day, and for a traditional Italian aperitif or after-dinner drinks created by expert mixologists. Contemporary fine
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dining restaurant, L˜ARIA, is tucked away within a lakefront building in the heart of the gardens, serving Vincenzo Guarino’s creative expression of Mediterranean cuisine. Extending out from the shoreline, the resort’s swimming pool and spacious sundeck float on the lake. Guests can bask on sun loungers by the pool while enjoying refreshing drinks and snacks at the Pool Bar throughout the day. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como is a wellness destination in itself. Inspired by the pristine water of the lake, it offers its own distinctive selection of heat and water experiences and Mandarin Oriental’s recognized holistic approach to wellbeing. https://www.montecarlosbm. com/en/hotel-monaco/hotelparis-monte-carlo
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WALDORF ASTORIA MALDIVES ITHAAFUSHI MALÉ, MALDIVES
Waldorf Astoria’s first post in the Maldives welcomed guests starting July 1, 2019. Only a 30-minute journey from Malé International Airport via the resort’s fleet of four yachts, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi stretches across three private islands and consists of 122 villas. Each of the beach (39), reef (24), and overwater (56) accommodations features an infinity pool, a dining gazebo, and an outdoor deck with a swinging daybed. Extra privacy-seeking guests can opt for the 32,000-square-foot Ithaafushi Private Island that combines two villas, five swimming pools, an overwater spa, an entertainment center with a cinema, as well as a dedicated team of chefs. Or select one of the two Stella Maris Ocean Villas, one-bedroom duplex accommodations with floor-toceiling windows. With 11 specialty-concept venues, Waldorf Astoria offers 48 Upscale Living Magazine | AUGUST
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the largest selection in the Maldives. The hotel also produces its own still and sparkling water as part of sustainability efforts. The 107,000+ square-foot spa comprises of 10 overwater and garden treatment villas. Art selection highlights herons, native birds to the Maldives, as a symbol of balance and calmness. Among the 25 sculptures dotted around the botanical garden are two ‘yoga herons’ in tree and lotus poses. A dedicated spa buggy picks up guests from their villas to enjoy a menu of 30+ treatments that are based on earth, water, fire, and metal. The extensive menu of treatments includes Asianinspired therapies focusing on relaxation or rebalance. The Signature experience is a 90-minute Starlight Ocean Massage that is only available 9-10:30 p.m. Another highlight is a Carol Joy facial that includes 24-carat gold to calm and hydrate the skin.
Sustainability is a key focus for Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi. Guest touchpoints include wood key cards; Salvatore Ferragamo bathroom amenities in refillable marble containers; a weekly presentation by the resident marine biologist to raise awareness about the marine life; and a coral adoption program. The Waldorf Astoria Young Discovery Park, a water park for young guests, and the Lagoon Pool are ideal for families looking to enjoy a variety of activities with ease. Other facilities include the beachfront, 40-meter Mirror Pool; the Ocean Pavilion, a fully-equipped fitness center; and a combined water sport and PADI dive center. https://waldorfastoria3.hilton. com/en/hotels/maldives/ waldorf-astoria-maldivesithaafushi-MLEONWA/index. html
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SONEVA FUSHI VILLA 37 BAA ATOLL, MALDIVES
Soneva, the world-leading luxury resort operator, unveiled its newest villa at Soneva Fushi, a 20,000 squarefoot five-bedroom villa, located on the sunrise side of this private island resort in the Baa Atoll of the Maldives. Villa 37’s main highlight is its 36-foot-tall viewing tower that features a dining table called the Moonlight Table. This viewing tower is now the tallest point on the island and the ideal spot from which to take in panoramic views, sunrises, sunsets, and stargazing. The maximum occupancy for this villa is ten adults, or eight adults and four children. This villa is very different from Soneva Fushi’s other villas in terms of its design and architecture and has set the benchmark for all new and renovated villas at Soneva Fushi. The master bedroom features a dressing room with a
daybed, indoor and outdoor showers, and an outdoor bathtub. The support pillars in the open-plan dining, kitchen and living areas were constructed from upsidedown tree trunks, with the roots branching out across the ceiling. The lights above the bar are suspended from the ceiling on gnarled vines. The kitchen comes with its own wine fridge, minibar and a fully stocked pantry. The living room features a curved daybed lined with wooden fish. The villa also features a library, sauna, steam room, pool table and foosball table. There’s a 3,700-square-foot pool that wraps around the entire front of the villa, which includes a 270-square-foot children’s pool and a water slide.
a Soneva villa. Soneva made history by being the first and still the sole developer to offer luxury homes to foreigners in the Maldives. The villas become part of the resorts’ accommodation pool when owners are not in residence, earning them a strong cash yield, with capital prices appreciating by approximately 9% per year. Other benefits of being an owner include 20% savings on food and beverage, as well as on all flight transfers to/ from Malé. The villa is also fully maintained by the resort, which includes repairing and replacing furniture, fixtures, lighting, gardening, and cleaning. www.soneva.com
Villa 37 is also the latest addition to the Soneva Villa Ownership program, allowing returning guests to own
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Leaving A Lasting Legacy at the Magnificent
KUBILI HOUSE | By Heléne Ramackers Photographs courtesy of Kubili House and by Heléne Ramackers
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When Johannesburg-born New York businessman and Kubili House owner Julian Koski together with his wife, master chef and jewelry designer Aida, decided to build their summer vacation home in South Africa, they dreamt big. Not big in an incongruous way, but large enough in scale to leave a lasting legacy for their nine-year-old twins, Leo and Tess.
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’m seldom at a loss for words. Arriving at the grandeur of Kubili House in the Thornybush Game Reserve, Hoedspruit, South Africa, has left me speechless and in search of superlatives. No words can describe the magnificence of this dwelling, let alone define the splendor of each and every space that this property occupies. Since the age of 23, Julian had dreams of one day returning to Africa and building his own home on the African savannah; this idea stayed with him right through his Wall Street career. After selling his company, Julian and Aida made the decision to start building their dream home. Through their numerous trips to Africa, the couple knew exactly what they wanted to build and how they were going to construct it, thus conceptualizing the architecture and design for Kubili House. “Julian calls himself a closet architect”, Tina Rennie, general manager of Kubili House tells me. “After visiting the area where Kubili House is now situated four years ago, and seeing this pristine piece of land for sale, he grabbed the opportunity with both hands to realize his dream. With a drawing in his pocket of what he envisioned, he set to work with architect Eric Grobler, putting his ideas into size and perspective, including a few supplements added by the draftsmen.” A two-night three-day family stay has been arranged for us and we occupy Villa 1 and 2. The Villas are extremely spacious, 2,690 sq ft each, with the dreamiest bedrooms, most spectacular bathrooms, a heated pool on your outside veranda and all the creature comforts you can possibly imagine. The interiors are the handiwork of Jacques Erasmus from Hemelhuijs. Taking two-and-a-half years to build, the house opened to the public on December 2018. There is an air of familiarity and old-world charm when you study all the detailed pieces that make an impression – the Zen-inspired Kyoto bell fireplace dome, reminiscent of Buddhist Temple bells, sized at three meters wide in solid brass weighing over 1,5 tons on the outside pergola definitely catches the eye. 52 Upscale Living Magazine | AUGUST
The low-slung Donna Karan chairs create a very elegant look to the lounge and dining area were custom-made for Julian. With influences from all over the world, the art of layering is emphatic in creating attention to detail throughout Kubili House. Apart from the presence of general managers Tina and her husband, Wayne Dickenson, as well as butler Welcome Mahanuke, the discretionary service at Kubili House astounds me. During our stay, I never saw the chefs, despite enjoying the most delicious food for breakfast, lunch, High tea and dinner. Twice daily game drives are conducted by Nick Kleer, wildlife photographer & freelance guide from Kleer Exposure with Doctor Morake as the senior tracker. Thornybush Game Reserve is ample in s ize – 37,066 acres, so encounters of the animal kind are best left in the hands of a qualified ranger and tracker team. Our sightings include giraffe, a very shy leopard, and the most magnificent sunset. Did I mention the fluffy big-eyed hyena pups waiting outside the den for mom to return, and the Monwana lion pride? An important aspect of the construction of Kubili House is their limited eco-footprint. Operating on geothermal control, the eco-based system maintains the air-conditioning, underfloor heating and underfloor cooling. “It’s extremely efficient,” says Wayne. “Because it’s eco-based, it saves on electricity – it works through a giant heat pump that controls the origin of it. It is noisereducing as well; we have no compressors on the outside of the building. Aesthetically it looks fantastic because there is nothing on the side of the building that will create noise and detract from the stunning architecture. It is definitely the way forward. It is adaptable; you can add solar energy to the geothermal as part of the system.” Reverse osmosis is used for the water system, ensuring completely pure, drinkable water. Modified with special filters, the system is almost maintenance-free. Wastewater goes into a fusion plant where it gets processed so that the grey water goes back into the dam. There is no water wastage at Kubili House – they irrigate from the dam back into the gardens. The gardens on top of the villas create an energysaving in themselves. Perennial red grass, found in some parts of Kruger National Park, adorn the roofs of the villas. Blowing in the wind, it’s got a beautiful tinted red color. The perennials are planted in channels a meter wide on the outskirts of the rooftops, creating a cooling effect i n t he rooms. “Julian didn’t want a quick build,” Tina explains, “he wanted a thorough build. Because of the presence of the dam, the foundations had to be sunk very deep and on the boma side, they are 5 meters
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into the ground. The dam was empty when the building started but has since filled up and the elephants love coming for a drink or a swim in the warmer months.” The entire process of constructing Kubili House came with almost no hiccups, except for the havoc caused by a pack of wild dogs chasing an impala into the pool. “He lived to tell the tale”, Tina laughs. “We loved being involved in the behind-the-scenes work and because Julian is very organized, we had a program pertaining to every room: we unpacked the whole house with him. It was done in stages. We would dress up a room, e.g. villa 3 & 4, as they are similarly furnished. A truck would be sent here with all the furniture and we would start unpacking – it was such fun! Once one room was completed, we moved on to the next one.” It is our last morning at Kubili House. “Mom, Dad, the elephants are here!” my daughter calls. As I want to tell her to ‘keep 54 Upscale Living Magazine | AUGUST
it down’ I realize we are the only guests, adding to the magical experience that is resplendent here, where the feeling of reconnecting with nature is so overwhelming, we can easily take up residence forever. Tina accompanies us through the reserve with Nick driving us to our road transfer for Hoedspruit Airport. After checking in for our Airlink flight back to Cape Town, we anticipate a smooth journey home on the extraordinary Airlink Embraer E-190. Two aircraft arrive sequentially, one going to Johannesburg and one to Cape Town. We are on the first plane and as I look out the window after take-off, I gaze down at the verdant landscape disappearing from my vantage point, hoping to be back soon. *** Thank you to Kim Beyers and Natalie Sokolich from KB Representation for arranging our stay. Our sincere gratitude to Julian and Aida Koski for allowing us into your incredible home. Views expressed are the authors’ own.
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AIRLINK HOW TO GET THERE Airlink – Airlink is a privately owned and funded entity. It operates as a Regional Feeder Airline and franchisee of South African Airways using its own visible brand intellectual property. Connecting travelers to more than 55 routes within southern Africa and St Helena island. Route Specific Information: Direct scheduled flights from Cape Town and Johannesburg to Hoedspruit. With an all Jet service, Airlink provides a Business Class service from Cape Town, styled in the manner of a European intra-continental service. Connectivity: Through our alliance with SAA, travelers can connect conveniently, effortlessly and seamlessly, with SAA, their
Partner airlines and other carriers throughout Southern Africa and the world. Frequent Flyer Program: Airlink is a member of South African Airways Loyalty program Voyager. Discover more: www.flyairlink. com Book Direct: https://www.flyairlink.com/destinations/flights-tohoedspruit
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CANYON RANCH For the Wellne s s Visionary | By DEBBI K. KICKHAM
Photographs courtesy of Canyon Ranch
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Who doesn’t struggle with their weight? Very few people. And if you have a (walk-in) closet filled with investment-quality couture clothing, it’s all the more reason to stay the same size. I do all I can to stay a size 4 at the ripe old age of 63 – and it’s my other fulltime job (in addition to travel-writing). That’s why I love – no, make that LOVE – going to a world-class, awardwinning spa destination such as Canyon Ranch. Everything about this spa is organized so that you either slim down or stay svelte – and it’s done in the most pleasurable way possible. You can motivate your spirit, and do lots of exercises – but most important – you can enjoy delicious cuisine – and dine completely guilt-free. In my book, that’s a winner. GET YOUR KICKS FROM GREAT DIET CUISINE There is a wealth of reason to visit Canyon Ranch (I visited the spa in Lenox, Massachusetts). But it is pure joy to travel and visit a destination where you don’t have to worry and feel the anxiety about every calorie. At Canyon Ranch, they have kicked out all the calories, made smart substitutions, and best of all, listed all the fat grams, protein, salt, sugar and more on the menus. That means you can make extremely wise food choices. You’ll still have a delicious meal – and you will probably lose pounds. “Every recipe is nutritionally analyzed,” says Dan Hardy, Executive Chef. “The process makes the menu development take longer – but that’s what makes Canyon Ranch what it is. Everything is GMO-free, and we use as many organic ingredients as we can.” Indeed, one of my most-favorite-ever foods on the menu is the Southwest burger, containing 352 calories, 14 grams of protein and 9 grams of fat. In a word, it is scrumptious – and it’s on the lunch menu every day. The vegan burger is made with corn, oyster mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, oats used as a binder, a Southwest spice blend, and onions. It is served on a potato roll with avocado (yum!) and with a house-made pickled relish. Another delight for your appetite is the chocolate-hazelnut chia pudding, which Chef Hardy says “is a guest favorite” containing no eggs, only a small amount of sugar, and which has “a silky mouthfeel.” He adds, “We want to provide good, tasty food, and plant-forward cuisine.” He added that the resort only uses organic coconut oil or extravirgin olive oil (no nut oils); honey or maple syrup instead of white sugar, and that “We order specialty products for guests all the time.” Those items might include kosher chicken, 2% lactate, special cereals, or honey from a favorite flower. The resort also features a special department to handle all of your culinary requests. In other words, you can eat petite at Canyon Ranch and love every bite.
There’s also an entire medical department. “Many guests work with our nutritionists and medical team,” says Chef Hardy. “It’s an extra service we provide, which sets us apart.” For example, I met with an exercise physiologist to discuss how I can stay thin in my old age. His recipe? Get on the elliptical from time to time (to ease sciatica pain); do as many weight repetitions as possible on the Nautilus machines; and if I want to lose weight, keep the daily calorie counts down to 1,000. (Not easy, but possible). TASTE WITHOUT WAIST I wish I could eat at Canyon Ranch every day, as it makes life so darn enjoyable, especially the part about, well, eating. Adds Chef Hardy: “We use very little butter and just a little sugar. In fact, the sugar we use is honey, or maple syrup, organic cane sugar, molasses or fruit juice concentrate. Plus we use low-fat sour cream and cheese, and our own in-house mayonnaise made with yogurt, canola oil and eggs.” Then there are the Canyon Ranch classics that are uber-popular, which bring back repeat guests over and over. These include a Chicken Milanese with yogurt mayonnaise, breading and crushed nuts; miso soup (“People rave about it,” says Chef Hardy); chicken pot pie (“It’s amazing); and a fantabulous baked cauliflower. Hold onto your saute pan – it’s made with a little extra-virgin olive oil and baked at 300-degrees in an oven for an hour. “It elevates something so basic,” says Chef Hardy. “It’s complex and nutty.” All the pastries are made in house – can you say ‘strawberry scone?’ – and the burger meat and lamb come from local farms. Two bread bakers make every day’s selection of cranberry-pecan; olive; artisan wheat; gluten-free; potato buns; and pizza shells. And let’s not forget the quinoa and millet bars – just 130 calories each – featuring dried cherries, pumpkin seeds, quinoa, almond butter, and rice syrup. Best of all, they’re gluten-free. And here’s the best tip of all. Canyon Ranch serves hot-fudge sundaes -- yogurt-ice cream that served with a delicious “fudge” made my Wax Orchards. Everyone adores this treat, and it’s low-calorie and vegan. You can even purchase it here: https://waxorchards.com/ So, in other words, you can continue your Canyon Ranch regimen – while in the comfort of your own kitchen. Enjoy!
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lidia bastianich Owner of Del Posto Restaurant and So Much More By Tracy ellen beard Photos courtesy of Natalie Black Photography and Del Posto
Lidia Bastianich is an American/Italian celebrity chef, TV host, restaurateur and partner in the new Italian marketplace Eataly. She is an icon in the food industry, a mentor to new chefs and a talented woman that thrives on nurturing others. Lidia and her family own and operate five restaurants including Del Posto, a Michelin-star restaurant with Executive Chef Melissa Rodriguez at the helm.
partnered together, opened an Italian/American restaurant and hired a professional chef. Over the next ten years, Lidia worked as the sous chef and increased her culinary knowledge. She and Felix had a daughter, Tanya, and purchased a second restaurant. The foursome visited family in Italy as often as possible. Lidia would contact chefs she read about and admired in Italy and would work sideby-side with them during her visits. She also attended culinary courses in America to improve her overall knowledge about food and the hospitality industry. The couple sold their two restaurants and opened Felidia, their first restaurant to showcase the regional food they loved and ate in Italy.
THE SPARK IGNITES Lidia’s memories and love for food began at age four or five when she lived in Istria, formerly Histria, the largest peninsula in the Adriatic Sea located near Croatia. Her grandmother would ask her to get a branch of rosemary or some basil from the garden. Lidia says, “I was her little helper; and whether I was picking tomatoes in the summer or helping to make sausages in November, I had fun doing it.”
Lidia shared, “I did what I knew best, and that brought attention from the press, Julia Child and James Beard. People began to ask, ‘Who is this woman cooking all kinds of Italian food like risotto, gnocchi and other dishes you only find in Italy?’” Julia Child wanted to know how to make risotto, and we became friends. She invited me to her show, and I met the producer. He said, “Lidia, you are pretty good; how about a show of your own?” THE MENTORING CONTINUES
After the communist party took over her hometown, Lidia and her family escaped to a refugee camp in 1956. In 1958 Lidia was 12 years old; and with the aid of Catholic Relief Services, she and her family immigrated to Astoria in Queens, New York. Lidia reminisced about how her family continued to cook the best that they could even though they could not always get the ingredients they wanted. As a young girl, she assisted in the kitchen when her mother got a job as a seamstress, and eventually, Lidia landed a job in a bakery.
After almost 50 years in the industry, Lidia is an icon. Her friendship with Julia Child lasted throughout the years, and Lidia exclaimed, “Julia Child had the character and spirit to stimulate Americans in the simplest ways. She taught them how to handle products, and this is how I remember my grandmother and how I like to connect with food. Every chef should give food respect as it is always about the product.”
THE PASSION GROWS The years went by, and Lidia continued to pursue jobs in the food industry during her college years. She met Felix Bastianich, and they married and had a son, Joe. It was Felix’s dream to own a restaurant, and so they
Lidia has starred on Public Television for more than 20 years. The first series was released in 1998 and was called Lidia’s Italian Table. Her current series, Lidia’s Kitchen, is in its 7th season. She is an author of 12 cookbooks, including her newest one, Felidia: Recipes from my Flagship Restaurant, which will be released in October, 3 children’s books and her
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On my recent trip to New York, my friend, Gina, and I had the privilege of dining at Del Posto. We did not have the opportunity to meet Executive Chef Melissa Rodriguez as she was not on-site the night we dined. Lidia says, “Melissa is a stable, dynamic, motivated, passionate chef. She has the respect of her team and has excellent technique. She attended the Culinary Institute of America, respects tradition and understands the simplicity and straight-forwardness of Italian food. Melissa combines all the above with her artistic techniques and presentation.” Lidia shared that Melissa can create intense flavors and that her pasta dishes do not require multiple ingredients to be appreciated. She is a master. Lidia declared, “Del Posto is like a beautiful hotel or villa in Italy with amazing service, lovely linens and formal china. The restaurant is a representation of Italy at the top of its game.” THE FEAST BEGINS Dinner at Del Posto was divine. The evening began with a greeting from Marta at the front of the house and finished with her hailing us a cab at the end of the evening. Everything from the elegant decorations, stunning tableware and magnificent piano added to the atmosphere of the exceptional dining experience. Service was friendly and impeccable, and the food, well, we just kept ordering. I have dined at several Michelinstarred restaurants, but Del Posto was my first Italian establishment, and it was spectacular. Dinner started with a skewer of prosciutto, melon, basil and mozzarella perched upon a cup of cantaloupe soup with lemon verbena syrup. This simple yet delicious first course paired with a glass of 2006 Champagne Corbon Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Avize Brut created an inspirational launching pad for the evening. The following dishes ranged from Carpaccio di Gamberi, a course that the server and I jokingly referred to as spot prawns on steroids in the best way possible, to Branzino con Guanciale and finished with a variety of tasty desserts. Spot prawns appeared in every part of the Carpaccio from the zabaglione and gelee to the oil and prawns themselves. Tarragon oil set off the dish, and the polenta chips added a crunchy texture. The Branzino, or sea bass, arrived with cured pork jowl, chicory and Meyer lemon. The fish was tender and flaky, and the cured pork and lemon added salt and brightness. Joe, our sommelier for the evening, paired each dish with wines from around the world. We began with Champagne from France and ended with an assortment of delicious Amaro digestives from Italy. THE DISHES DELIGHT
memoir. Lidia partnered with Oscar Farinetti when they opened Eataly in New York. This incredible Italian marketplace boasts a variety of restaurants, retail shops, numerous eateries and a cooking school. Eataly is now in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Chicago, Boston, and two locations in New York. The newest Eataly will open soon in Toronto. Lidia’s family owns several restaurants, and each one expresses a different side of Italy. In her current career, Lidia enjoys mentoring, nurturing and working with the chefs and staff at each of the restaurants. THE RESTAURANT FLOURISHES
We enjoyed our entire dinner at Del Posto, but my favorites were the pasta dishes. The first was Fazzoletto di Seta, a handkerchief pasta with herbs, mussels and saffron. Second, my ultimate love was the Corona Ripiena di Toma e Tartufo Nero, a crown-shaped pasta filled with toma cheese and black truffle. The pasta was al dente, the cheese was creamy, and the truffles elevated the dish to a ten on my culinary scoreboard. Third, came the meaty Agnolotti di Coniglio. These small pillows of pasta arrived filled with braised rabbit and topped with Taggiasca olives and Parmigiano Reggiano. Our final pasta was the Garganelli al Ragu Bolognese, quill-shaped pasta tossed in a pork, veal and tomato sauce. THE LEGACY CONTINUES Each course at Del Posto arrived meticulously designed with intense flavors, magnificent colors and attention to detail. These dishes transported me back to days in Italy when I feasted at delicious restaurants that overlooked bustling plazas and seaside waterfronts along the Amalfi Coast. The entire evening took me back to my favorite regions in Italy. Lidia and her staff bring regional Italy to America through delectable cuisine and hospitable service.
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CAPE SANTA MARIA RESORT IN THE BAHAMAS The Most beautiful Home Resort in Beautiful Bahamas Beach
| By Tim Cotroneo
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The question for those considering a Cape Santa Maria Resort vacation: “To what lengths would you go to experience one of the most beautiful beaches in the world?”
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ape Santa Maria Resort is located on Long Island. We aren’t talking about the island next to Brooklyn and Queens in New York. Cape Santa Maria’s Long Island is an 80-mile-long sliver located 190 miles south of Nassau in the Bahamas. General Manager Matt Brear believes that there is a special element that connects most of his guests. “It’s a challenge to take that extra flight in a small airplane to get here. This place attracts like-minded individuals. They are seeking a sense of adventure,” Brear said with a smile. AN UNTOUCHED PARADISE Another word that Brear uses to define his dreamy workplace is untouched. This island of 3,000 residents didn’t have electricity until 1992. Whereas Cape Santa Maria Resort does have WiFi, the resort’s 40 bungalows do not include telephones or television sets. This aura of being removed from the bustle back home is by design. Another part of the Cape Santa Maria grand plan is delivering breathtaking ocean views. All of the resort’s whitewashed bungalows are roughly 20 steps from a crescent-shaped white sand beach. Beyond the beach is something you won’t find anywhere else on the planet. “The first day I arrived it was raining. On the second day, I woke up to bright sunshine and looked out at our beach. I thought I had died and gone to heaven,” Brear recalled. SUPER NATURAL BLUE Brear describes the ocean he and his guests experience each day as “so blue and clear it doesn’t look natural.” This is the ultimate payoff for the vacationer who seeks adventure, takes the extra flight, and is looking to unplug. The growing buzz regarding Cape Santa Maria’s epic beach has not gone unnoticed. Each year the percentage of new and returning guests ticks up a notch. Since 1991 guests have reveled in the resort’s back to nature feel, the fresh seafood served at the Beach House Restaurant, the legendary Pina Coladas, and the epic sunsets that are both mesmerizing and unforgettable. Eventually, the secret gets out and things change. “The Long Island of today is like the developed Caribbean islands were 20 years ago. Our guests feel like they are somewhere else, like another part of the world. But this unaffected paradise vibe won’t last forever,” Brear said. DISCOVER BEFORE IT’S DISCOVERED Brear was asked if he had any advice for vacationers who are hearing about his resort for the first time. “This island is going to be discovered soon. Come to Cape Santa Maria while it’s still untouched,” https://www.capesantamaria.com/en-us
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T R A V E L
WILKOMMEN TO VIENNA
A CITY OF ART, CULTURE & MUSIC | By Rebecca Underwood
Vienna, Austria’s glorious capital is located on the banks of the mighty River Danube and close to the borders of Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. Vienna’s historic center features imposing castles, opulent buildings reflecting Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architectural styles, beautiful verdant parks, and the late 19th century Ringstraße. The center of Vienna was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001 and in 2018 a study undertaken by the Economist Intelligence Unit ranked the city as the best in the world for its quality of life. The city, which is crammed with art museums, places of interest and popular attractions continues to draw more than 6.8 million tourists every year. 64 Upscale Living Magazine | AUGUST
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y explorations of Vienna’s rich cultural heritage began at the dazzling Hofburg Palace, which was the center of the Habsburg monarchy from 1273 to 1918 and includes the Imperial Treasury where the Imperial Crown of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation, which dates back to the 10th century, is displayed. The glittering treasures include the Imperial Austrian Crown, which was made for Emperor Rudolf II in 1602, the Imperial Cross, the Holy Lance and an extensive collection of elaborate coronation vestments. Also on display is one of the world’s largest emeralds and of course it is absolutely mesmerizing. The Hofburg Palace is also the principal venue for the world-famous Silvesterball, which will be celebrating its 50th anniversary on 31 December this year. Keen to develop a deeper understanding of the Habsburgs I headed for the Imperial Apartments, which served as the residence of Emperor Franz Joseph and Elisabeth, Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary, who was affectionately known as Sisi. The 24 rooms offer the visitor an opportunity to take a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era and with 24 rooms crammed with twinkling crystal chandeliers, beautiful furniture, statues, and works of art, there is much to admire. The Sisi Museum, also within the Hofburg complex, celebrates the life of Empress Elisabeth and exhibits include many of her personal possessions and portraits, which capture her beauty. Seeking a place to relax, I headed for another popular attraction, which is a short stroll away, within the Hofburg Palace complex. The Imperial Butterfly House, which was once a retreat for Emperor Franz Josef I and Sisi, the Empress of Austria, is a tropical oasis, housed within a beautiful Art Noveau palm house, provides the ideal spot to take a seat when a busy itinerary affects the feet. 400 free-flying, colorful butterflies flutter around past waterfalls, settling on exotic plants and enticing all visitors. Due to its impressive musical legacy, which stretches from the era of Viennese Classicism up to the beginning of the 20th century, Vienna is known as the city of music and has been home to many celebrated composers of international recognition. Birthplace of Schubert, Strauss, Schoenberg, and Berg, Vienna also became home to Beethoven, Haydn, Brahms, Mahler and Mozart. To appreciate Vienna’s musical heritage I attended an exceptional performance of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at Karlskirche on Argentinierstraße. St Charles Church, one of Vienna’s many architectural gems, was completed in 1739 and features the most beautiful cupola. The High Altar, which has undergone renovation, captures the viewer as it has regained its original colorful grandeur. The frescoes within the cupola represent the glo-
ry of Saint Charles Borromeo, the patron saint of the Habsburg Emperor Charles VI, and it is a spectacular sight. In 1741 Vivaldi died in Vienna and he was buried a few meters away from Karlskirche, which is the ideal venue for such a stirring concert, expertly performed by the Orchestra 1756 on period instruments. Following the concert and in search of a tasty bite to eat, I headed for the Café Motto am Fluss located on Franz Josefs Kai, beside the Danube. Whilst admiring the view and watching the various vessels sailing sedately by I sampled the delicious Asparagus Risotto, which was served with aplomb, and accompanied by a glass of 2017 Gruner Veltliner Belle Naturelle, it was a firstclass dish. For a more formal affair, the Restaurant Motto is Fluss, on the floor below, serves an outstanding dish of crispy pork, glazed in Tong Hao, chili, honey and served with spicy carrot and a glass of 2017 Chardonnay Juris enhances the flavors to another level. There is a wide selection of hotels in Vienna but for those seeking space, peace and privacy the Aparthotel Adagio is ideal. The property is located on Uraniastrasse beside the Danube with tram stops right outside and the historic city center is within walking distance. Facilities include a fitness center, a sauna, private indoor parking, complimentary Wifi and a self-service laundry room. My spacious one bedroom air-conditioned apartment featured a huge balcony overlooking the Danube and it was the ideal spot to relax with a tipple after a full day of explorations. The lounge featured contemporary furnishings including a plump sofa and footstool with a huge television/ radio and the kitchen included all the gadgets required to rustle up a breakfast. There is a supermarket with an excellent deli just a short hop and skip away but as my cooking skills are rather lacking I succumbed to a late lie-in and opted for the scrumptious hot and cold buffet breakfast and made plans for the day. Another of Vienna’s major attractions is St Stephen’s Cathedral and I took a leisurely stroll beside the Danube and then made my way to Stephensplatz. Founded in 1137 the cathedral is an outstanding example of Gothic and Romanesque architectural styles and features a multi-colored opulent roof consisting of 230,000 glazed, patterned tiles, which, when flooded in golden sunlight is a magnificent spectacle. On the south side, there is a mosaic of the double-headed eagle which represents the empire, once ruled by the Habsburgs. St Stephen’s Cathedral is the resting place of Frederick III, the first Emperor of the House of Habsburg. His tomb is adorned with 240 statues and is a fine example of medieval workmanship. The cathedral, which was constructed in limestone, soars 446 feet high and the south bell tower is a principal feature in Vienna’s skyline. It is said that the composer Beethoven realized the extent of his deafness when he noticed
birds flying out of the bell tower and did not hear the bells ringing. Strolling back towards my hotel and feeling peckish I spotted the Hard Rock Café on Rotenturmstraße. I was swiftly escorted to a table in the British section and as I devoured the delicious baby back ribs and sipped on my sparkling blackberry sangria I tried, to no avail, to avoid being distracted by a spellbinding collection of memorabilia, which includes Mick Jagger’s military-style coat worn during the Steel Wheels/Urban Jungle Tour, Ian Anderson’s (of Jethro Tull) flute convair, John Entwistle’s (of The Who) bass guitar, the Moody Blue’s Minimoog synthesizer and signed photographs of the Beatles, the piccolo trumpet played on Penny Lane, and Sgt Pepper’s horn arrangement, signed by the Fab Four. I raised my glass to the outstanding talent of Lennon and McCartney and, reflecting on their lyrics, to the wonderful city of Vienna: ‘And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make’. ‘TOP TIP’- FLIGHTS TO VIENNA ‘Fly the flag’ with British Airways direct from London Heathrow to Vienna. Opt for business class, which includes a guaranteed aisle or window seat, 2 x 32 kilos checked baggage, a dedicated check-in area and access to the BA lounge. For more information visit britishairways.com ‘TOP TIP’ - AIRPORT TRANSFERS AND LOCAL TRANSPORTATION Book private airport transfers for London Heathrow and Vienna. Take advantage of a reliable and punctual first-class service. Prices are all-inclusive and guaranteed in advance, so you can sit back and relax upon arrival. Visit blacklane.com ‘TOP TIP’ – ATTRACTIONS AND GETTING AROUND Purchase a Vienna Pass, which includes entrance fees to more than 60 attractions. For more information visit viennapass.com and for getting around a Vienna City Card valid for 24,48 or 72 hrs includes access to all public transport and discounts on a wide variety of attractions and more. Visit viennacitycard.at ‘TOP TIP’: THE VIVALDI FOUR SEASONS CONCERT AND THE IMPERIAL BUTTERFLY HOUSE For more information and tickets visit www. concert-vienna.info/ and schmetterlinghaus.at
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R E S O R T S
SPECTACULAR SNOW & SKI RESORTS
LET IT SNOW | BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS Photographs supplied
Inspired by the first snowfall on Cape Town’s Matroosberg Reserve, Upscale Living Magazine’s Travel Editor went in search of the most spectacular snow and ski resorts throughout the world. Best start planning those end of year vacations now before it’s all booked out.
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Photographs courtesy of Rare Earth Retreats and by Heléne Ramackers
AIRELLES COURCHEVAL, LES AIRELLES COURCHEVAL, FRANCE
A historic palace and a magnificent hotel, nestled at the heart of the superlative Savoyard resort town of Courchevel, Les Airelles promises and delivers the very best in hospitality for an unforgettable stay in a luxurious and comfortable haven. Built in the prestigious Jardin Alpin domain and on the edge of the 1850 Courchevel ski slopes, lavishly decorated and appointed, yet warm and relaxing, the Palace greatly resembles a 19th century Austro-Hungarian castle and every detail is a harmonious blend of intimacy and authenticity. The magnificent combination of warm colors, elegant materials, sophisticated decor, coffered ceilings, dream-like murals, and stained glass windows all contribute to make the luxury hotel a timeless cocoon, a winter abode that evokes a sense of a home away from home.
550m2 penthouse apartment. A spacious Spa fashioned in partnership with the prestigious skincare and cosmetic brand La Mer guarantees a time to unwind and relax in a unique atmosphere. Les Airelles also offers a cozy friendly bar and three restaurants, including “Pierre Gagnaire for Les Airelles,” a restaurant with two Michelin stars, which welcomes you to its sumptuous setting. Everyone deserves to experience the magic, and considering that the best memories tend to be those we share with our loved ones, your mountain luxury hotel is also a phenomenal playground for children with an arcade, ice rink, cinema, and heated treehouse. https://lesairelles.airellescollection.com/en/ home/
This enchanting property with unique architecture welcomes you to its exquisite 32 bedrooms, 15 suites, and a private four-bedroom 67 Upscale Living Magazine | AUGUST
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DUNTON HOT SPRINGS DOLORES, COLORADO - USA
Dunton Hot Springs is a small and exclusive resort nestled deep in the San Juan Mountains of the Colorado Rockies. The property is a restored ghost town set in an alpine valley on 1,600 acres of land, just across the mountain from Telluride. It is made up of 12 luxurious log cabin accommodations and an extra tent suite, in addition to natural mineral hot springs that have been curing body and soul for centuries, to unwind after long days of heart-pumping adventure. Guests can partake in a variety of winter activities including crosscountry skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, ice climbing up a frozen waterfall, heli-skiing, and more. At Dunton River Camp, the summer-only tented camp just four miles downriver from Dunton Hot Springs, guests can explore the area in wintertime with Dunton Destinations’ Winter Wonderland experience, featuring a day of cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice 68 Upscale Living Magazine | AUGUST
skating and horse-drawn sleigh rides pulled by the resort’s beautiful Percheron horses, with time to relax by the fire with a hot beverage in the farmhouse. For guests seeking a more “elevated” experience, Dunton can take them out on a Nordic Ski Adventure on the High Meadows, which starts with an exciting Snow Cat ride up to 10,000 feet for an exhilarating day of crosscountry skiing and snowshoeing. Thriving on contradictions, hand-hewn log cabins are exquisitely furnished, a life-worn saloon serves food of startling quality, lung torturing trails are followed by pampering massages and sensuous hot springs shimmer beneath snowbanks. http://www.duntondestinations.com/hotsprings/
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GIARDINO MOUNTAIN
CHAMPFÈR - ST. MORITZ, SWITZERLAND Escape this winter season with Giardino Mountain, a luxury retreat nestled in the picturesque town of Champfèr near St. Moritz. The ultimate winter wonderland, the 5* Swiss retreat is known as one of Europe’s most beautiful mountain hotels. Dating back to 1913, the building was also a former 18th-century girls’ boarding school and retains typical Swiss architecture and traditional Engadiner paintwork. Alpine chic meets Mediterranean nonchalance in the 78 rooms & suites and no two rooms are the same due to the historical structure of the hotel. Perfect for winter sports enthusiasts of every age, Giardino Mountain harnesses the snow in a plethora of activities. With not only numerous skiing and sledding trails for all skill levels, but Giardino Mountain also offers paragliding, winter horse riding, snow park, ice skating, heli-skiing, snowshoeing and stunning walking routes.
Guests can dine from an array of culinary experiences from the property’s two Michelinstarred Ecco St. Moritz gourmet restaurant, located in a former chapel, to the sophisticated regional cuisine at Hide & Seek or Stüva, a traditional Engadine restaurant with rustic wooden panels and hearty Graubünden specialties. After a long day of activities, guests can unwind at Giardino Mountain’s dipiù spa with bespoke Ayurveda wellness and therapeutic programs inspired by holistic practices. The spa features a relaxation area with a pool, sauna, steam bath, and jacuzzi. With its space and elegant design, the dipiù spa is a welcoming retreat to renew body and mind. https://giardino-mountain.ch/
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GSTAAD PALACE
GSTAAD, SWITZERLAND Ninety stylishly decorated rooms and suites await you at Gstaad Palace. Whether double rooms or the spectacular penthouse suite with three bedrooms - only high-quality materials were processed everywhere. In addition, all are equipped with the latest technical requirements. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the Swiss Alps. From the Walig hut, which is located 1,700 meters above Gsteig, you have an impressive view of Gstaad and the Saanenland. The privately run Gstaad Palace with its rich history in southwestern Switzerland hosts their winter program from 20 December 2019 to 8 March 2020. Spend the holidays in luxury every year, the Christmas fairy (with a little help from one of the finest event designers in Switzerland) transforms the Gstaad Palace into a sparkling winter wonderland, filled with all the delights the Christmas holidays have to offer.
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Decorated in the lavish fashion of the season, Gstaad Palace welcomes you to celebrate the most magical of holidays. On 24 December, while the grown-ups indulge in drinks and mingle by the Christmas Tree at the Lobby Bar and then savor a gourmet meal at the Grand Restaurant, the little ones enjoy their very own Christmas party – complete with decorating the Children’s Christmas Tree and special kids’ activities to make for an unforgettable Christmas Eve. Many esteemed guests have made it a special family tradition to spend Christmas at the Gstaad Palace, and it is their greatest pleasure to provide the background to these cherished moments. If you can’t make it in time for the festivities, the decorations will be up until 30 December! https://www.palace.ch/
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R E S O R T S
HOTEL KRISTIANIA LECH, AUSTRIA
Hotel Kristiana is Lech’s hidden gem, and whilst it looks like a traditional Austrian ski chalet on the exterior, the interior reveals a spectacularly curated contemporary art collection to rival any world-class museum and unique interior design. Owned and run by the Schneider family since 1968 the Kristiania is a true home-from-home, with authentic Austrian hospitality at its heart. The hotel was founded by Othmar Schneider, born in Lech in 1928 and a former Olympic Gold medal-winning skier, and today it is run by his daughter Gertrud Schneider. The Kristiania has 29 guestrooms and suites, all decorated with individual artistic elements based around a particular piece of art, and with incredible views of Lech and the surrounding mountains. From Alpine chic to Chinese, to Ralph Lauren meets Heidi, the rooms are full of beautiful and colorful fabrics, together with original artwork and antiques,
lending a unique quality to each room. The hotel’s art collection consists of more than 200 contemporary paintings, sculptures, original prints and tapestries by both emerging and established artists such as Max Cole, Roy Lichtenstein, Max Bill, and Sam Francis. Guests staying at the Kristiania are spoilt with a selection of quirky butler services - including a ski butler, a bath butler and even a reading butler who will source guests’ favorite reading materials and books ahead of their arrival. There is also a ski nanny for younger guests and a D.O.G Dog service for those who can’t leave their pet pooch at home. https://www.kristiania.at/en/13/default.aspx
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LA RESERVE GENEVE GENEVA, SWITZERLAND
La Réserve Genève Hotel and Spa is ideally located on the shores of Lake Geneva in a residential suburb just over three miles from the town center and two miles from the Geneva International Airport. A cleverly concealed reserve of happiness available only to those in the know... This 5-star hotel-spa was designed as a lodge in a world beyond time, reminiscent of a lost paradise on the outer edges of a legendary Africa. A spa, four restaurants, 73 rooms and 29 suites that tell a story of a wonderful journey. A warm, relaxed atmosphere, with a magical view over the waters of the Lac Léman beyond the park. Some places just exude a mysterious power, as if the waves of positive harmony created a feeling of plenitude, of a natural connection with the inner self. La Réserve Genève - Hotel and Spa is one of these. Whether for a night 72 Upscale Living Magazine | AUGUST
or a few days, it procures a delicious sensation of feeling at home right from the first moment. Nestled in a tawny-colored leather club armchair in front of a monumental fireplace in winter; or lazing in the sun beside the pool in summer. Before hitting the slopes in winter, both beginners and experts can take part in La Réserve Geneva’s Necens Spa special Fitness Preparation Program to prepare muscles for the upcoming black diamond runs, improving their overall ski performance. The Winter Lodge at La Réserve Geneva opens each winter for the holiday season with exclusive use to diners and guests of the hotel and spa. https://www.lareserve-geneve.com/en/
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LES CHALETS DU MONT D’ARBOIS, MEGEVE, A FOUR SEASONS HOTEL MEGEVE, FRENCH ALPS
After meticulous renovations of the rooms and the spa of EUR 10 million, Les Chalets du Mont d’Arbois, Megève, A Four Seasons Hotel, the historic 5-star hotel of the Edmond de Rothschild family, will open on December 13, 2019 as a Four Seasons experience. Complementing the existing Four Seasons Hotel Megève, which opened in December 2017, this new addition will extend the exceptional offerings of Four Seasons in Megève, marked by its quality and service. “The guest experience will be enhanced even more with expansive, beautifully appointed chalets as well as a Michelin-starred dining experience at Prima, now officially under the Four Seasons brand. Together with the Baroness Ariane de Rothschild, we have elevated the history, elegance and charm of Megève to extraordinary new heights.” said Christian Clerc, President of Worldwide Hotel Operations, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.
Ideally located, 2 minutes away by car from the Mont D’Arbois ski slopes, Les Chalets du Mont d’Arbois, Megève, A Four Seasons Hotel are named after Benjamin and Ariane de Rothschild’s first three daughters. Each chalet highlights the Rothschild “art of living” with its distinct decoration. Chalet Eve and its traditional style, were bought by Edmond de Rothschild in 1960, hosting the inauguration of the family’s very first hotel renovation. Chalet Noémie was built in 1927 by Henry Jacques Le Même and was initially the family’s private chalet. It features a classic luxury decor. Finally, Chalet Alice, built in 2005 has a bohemian, yet modern chic soul, and can be integrally privatized. https://www.fourseasons.com/megevechalets/
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NEMACOLIN WOODLANDS RESORT FARMINGTON, PENNSYLVANIA, USA
Situated on 2,000 acres, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, located in the Laurel Highlands of Southwestern Pennsylvania, features luxurious guestrooms, suites, townhomes, and luxury vacation homes, including the Falling Rock boutique hotel. The resort is ideal for families looking for a winter adventure without having to leave the country. Nemacolin offers countless winter activities for guests of all ages such as dog sledding, snowshoeing, snow tubing, downhill, and cross-country skiing. Located just 20 minutes from Frank Lloyd Wright’s legendary Fallingwater residence, the area is a pilgrimage site for architecture and design aficionados. The resort features an antique car museum, multiple food outlets from a tavern to the five-star Lautrec and is home to an art collection valued at more than $45 million which includes more than 1,000 individual works of art by the likes of Fernando Botero, Frank Stella and George Hetzel. 74 Upscale Living Magazine | AUGUST
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort’s focus on food and service is at the heart of everything they do. The eclectic collection of restaurants traverses elegant Five Star to refined farm-inspired, borrowing from both modern cuisine and the foods indigenous to Allegheny Mountain heritage. Unwind in the expansive Woodlands Spa and Holistic Healing Center. Nestled in a secluded setting at Nemacolin’s Horizon Point, the Holistic Healing Center focuses on integrative methods designed to help guests achieve life balance and wellness and offers a portfolio of workshops, treatments, classes, and seminar. The center’s holistic approach allows individuals to evaluate every aspect of their lifestyle including mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. https://www.nemacolin.com/
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SCARP RIDGE LODGE
CRESTED BUTTE, COLORADO, USA Eleven Experience’s flagship property delivers a rare combination of an authentic mountain town setting alongside some of the world’s most exclusive cat-skiing. Located in the heart of Crested Butte, dubbed Colorado’s last great ski town for its historic charm and soulful spirit, Scarp Ridge Lodge feels like a European ski chalet with Rocky Mountain style. With five King en-suite rooms and a children’s bunkroom with seven bunk beds, guests will feel right at home. Offering thrill-seeking travelers the chance to combine staying in an authentic mountain town setting with some of the world’s most exclusive adventurous winter activities led by expert guides, you will find it all at Scarp Ridge Lodge. Each morning, one of Eleven’s private custom-designed snowcats will be waiting at the front door to whisk guests to 1,000+ acres of exclusive ski terrain in nearby Irwin and private use of two mountain cabins.
The area receives an average of 450 inches of snow per year and its cold-smoke powder is legendary. Eleven Experience’s expert team of guides know where to find the deepest powder runs and wide-open alpine bowls. Guests can also explore the alpine terrain on a backcountry skiing adventure or learn a new skill and ice climb the surrounding peaks on an intensive course. Two on-mountain cabins, outfitted with fireplaces, dining areas and seating spaces provide guests with a comfy place to warm up, recharge, and kick off après. Back at the lodge, a steamy rooftop hot tub is the perfect setting to relive the day’s highlights. https://elevenexperience.com/scarp-ridgelodge-colorado-winter/
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SUVRETTA HOUSE
VIA CHASELLAS, ST. MORITZ With impressive turrets and a Belle Époque exterior standing out against the rugged valley landscape, Suvretta House (translated directly as ‘house above the woods’) is one of Switzerland’s most iconic heritage hotels. Set in a pristine private estate, the hotel is steeped in history and remains firmly on the map as one of Europe’s finest retreats. Suvretta House was built by Swiss hotelier Anton Bon, and was originally designed to provide a tranquil and exclusive retreat set apart from the nearby buzz of St. Moritz, which as the birthplace of winter tourism in the mid-19th century, attracted the great and the good to see and be seen.
The hotel opened its doors over 100 years ago and is still owned by the fourth generation of founder Anton Bon’s family, and run by husband and wife team Peter and Esther Egli. The 181-room hotel has its own private ski lift giving exceptionally easy access to the Engadine Valley’s 217 miles of piste, 136 miles of cross-country ski trails and 93 miles of winter walking paths. The spa at Suvretta House offers a range of treatments to soothe tired muscles after a long day on the slopes, including the ila Signature Treatment and the ila Back and Shoulder Recovery. https://suvrettahouse.ch/en/startpage-winter/
With the likes of Evita Peron, King Farouk of Egypt and the Shah of Persia visiting for the winter months, the destination soon became a jet-set hub of cosmopolitan glamour, and to this day remains one of the most decadent and glamorous mountain resorts in Europe. 76 Upscale Living Magazine | AUGUST
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HIGHLANDS & CASHIERS NORTH CAROLINA
MOVING MOUNTAINS
TRUST • INTEGRITY • STABILITY • LONGEVITY
828.526.1717 meadowsmountainrealty.com 488 Main Street, Highlands | 2334 Cashiers Rd, Highlands 132 Hwy 107 S, Cashiers
WHITESIDE MOUNTAIN
© 2019 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc. ® Equal Housing Opportunity.
P R O F I L E
A Chat with ...
ERIK SEGELBAUM He Knows Wine!
By Tracy ellen beard
Food & Wine Magazine deemed Erik Segelbaum as one of the top nine sommeliers in 2019. Erik is one of less than 600 people in the world that holds an Advanced Sommelier Certificate through the Court of Master Sommeliers. He is a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) through the Society of Wine Educators and a Wine and Spirits Locations Specialist (with distinction) for both port and Champagne. In other words, Erik knows wine. 78 Upscale Living Magazine | AUGUST
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I
n an exclusive interview with Erik, we discussed his “sink or swim� transition into the wine world, preferred pastimes, favorite Tuesday, Saturday and special event wines, SOMLYAY LLC, newest projects, exceptional wine values, and his food and wine philosophy. HOW DID YOU LAND IN THE WINE INDUSTRY? At 13 I secured my first kitchen job, and over the next nine years I moved up to Chef de Cuisine at Founders, the finedining French restaurant at the Park Hyatt in Philadelphia. Chefs tend to drink a lot; and as I matured, I changed from drinking alcohol just for the sake of drinking alcohol to drinking it for flavor. In my early career, the restaurant sommelier often gave me good wine left over from tasting events or ones designated for removal from the cellar list. I drank and cooked with these wines.
P R O F I L E
At 22 I had the opportunity to move to South Beach in Miami and work at an experimental luxury boutique hotel. The concept chef was bringing in his entire team, so there was a position for me as a first-line cook, which was well below my current status, or I could opt to run the front of the house (FOH). The FOH position typically requires one third as many hours as I was putting in as a chef and pays three times the money. With all of my student loans, I figured I could do FOH for a while. To prepare, I studied and took the Introductory Sommelier Exam and passed. Within a few months of my passing the exam, the head sommelier and the wine director left — one quit and the other was fired. Suddenly I was the only one with any formal education about wine. I quickly realized that the more wine knowledge I had, the more money I’d make. Life was crazy. I was responsible for the restaurant’s wine, bar and penthouse programs. It was my job to participate in the South Beach Food & Wine event; and when famous chefs arrived, I paired their foods with delicious wines. I got thrown into the industry, I love it, and I have had an incredible career ever since. HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR TIME WHEN YOU ARE NOT WORKING?
DO YOU HAVE ANY EXCITING CURRENT PROJECTS? I have many. However, two of the most interesting are Wine Riot 2.0. and my participation with a new bed and breakfast and their wine bar. I am the new host for Wine Riot 2.0. In the past, the event focused on an abundance of wine drinking, and now we focus on wine education through wine tasting. During the three-hour event, attendees can visit a number of tables. - There are varietal-based tables where they find selections of the same grape varietal from different countries. Tasters increase their understanding of how that grape changes throughout regions of the world. - Next, visitors can stop at a regional table where they will find tastings of several wines from a specific region. Tasters might learn what a Super Tuscan is or discover facts about different designations for Chianti. -Finally, attendees can stop at a table and learn general wine concepts like the difference between dry and sweet wine, or how to distinguish between the old-world and new-world wines.
I love being with my fiancée Ryann Deering. We both work in the wine and hospitality industries and we cherish our TV + couch + cuddles time. I like to keep active and I enjoy snowboarding, traveling and cooking. I often throw elaborate dinner parties for eight or more people, and I own enough service for 12-14 plated courses without repeating a vessel.
My second project is assisting a family-owned construction company in the opening of their new bed and breakfast and wine bar in Sperryville, Virginia. I am working with them to create an incredible wine bar program.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE TUESDAY, SATURDAY AND SPECIAL EVENT WINES?
- Portugal is delivering incredibly delicious wines for excellent value at every price point.
That is a hard question to answer because my favorite changes based on the seasons, my mood, the time of day, my disposition and whether I have been traveling. However, it is safe to say that riesling is always the answer. On a Tuesday I might choose a reasonably priced Washington State dry riesling, on a Saturday maybe a more expensive Washington State riesling or one from Alsace, Germany or Austria. On a special occasion I might break out a 20-, 30or even 50-year-old riesling from Germany or Alsace; but to be fair, my Tuesday night wine might be more expensive than what other people would have on hand. I also love Sicilian reds.
-South Africa has some excellent wines.
WHAT IS SOMLYAY LLC? I hate to use the word, but basically I am a beverage, wine, and hospitality consultant. There are three arms to SOMLYAY LLC.
CAN YOU RECOMMEND ANY GREAT “NEW” WINE FINDS?
- Washington State has many quality wines at a substantial value. - Incredible things are happening in Australia. The Mediterranean varietals are thriving in the McLaren Vale region and several other parts of the country. - Several sparkling wines from Tasmania rival Champagnes. WHAT IS YOUR PHILOSOPHY OF WINE AND FOOD? Drink what you want and eat what you want. Relax about it. What I want to say is, there are millions of wines, so why not drink what you want and choose your meal around it. The difference between a good pairing and a great pairing is patience between the sips and bites.
- I work with brand new and existing businesses in the hotel and restaurant community. I write beverage programs, help organize cellars and wine lists, and offer training. - I assist suppliers and buyers in improving their operations, and I teach suppliers how to build bridges to buyers. - I help my private clients with dinner parties, wine events, private education events, employee parties, cellar building and management, or anything else related to wine and hospitality. 79 Upscale Living Magazine | AUGUST
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J E T S
BOMBARDIER LEARJET’S LIBERTY LIGHT JET |By JARONE ASHKENAZI
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xpected to enter service in 2020 the six-seat Learjet 75 Liberty is a reworking of Bombardier’s eight-seat Learjet 75 that entered service in 2013. Offering the only Executive Suite in the light jet category, added flight range will actually come at a cost significantly less than prior Learjets.
Giving travelers in the sky the added leg-room to spread out a bit in the company’s longest cabin, the two-seat Executive Suite at the forward of the cabin features a pocket door 82 Upscale Living Magazine | AUGUST
between the cockpit and ample space between the rear cabin. Bombardier also claims that its Executive Suite provides the quietest flight experience while offering travelers on-the-go Gogo ATG 4G connectivity to get an ample amount of work up in the sky. Representing a step up in the light jet segment for the established Learjet fleet which has logged 25 million flight hours overall, it presents more light jet operators than ever to access the platform. With a flight range of 2,080 nautical miles, 40 nautical miles longer than the Learjet 75’s, nonstop flights from Las
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Vegas to New York, Seattle to Washington, D.C., and Mexico City to San Francisco can be easily achieved. Using Honeywell TFE731-40BR engines, Liberty will provide a maximum flight altitude of 51,000 feet with a Mach 0.81 top speed and a Mach 0.79 cruise speed. The jet features a Bombardier Flight Deck with a new Garmin G5000 avionics upgrade. The jet is also certified for Federal Aviation Administration Part 25 regulations, unlike other light jets. Asking price: $9.9 million.
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5 Of The Most Expensive Whiskies in the World Made from fermented grain mash, whisky (or whiskey) is a distilled alcoholic beverage with a history dating back to the 15th century when distillation spread to Ireland and Scotland. As whiskies mature in wooden casks, generally made of charred white oak, the actual age of a whisky is only the time between distillation and bottling. Starting from grains such as barley, corn, rye and wheat and then going through the process of extraction to coloration, this smooth brown/auburn alcohol can fetch a fair penny for these high-end whiskies. | By JARONE ASHKENAZI
Yamazaki 50-year-old
Macallan 64-year-old in Lalique
In its one-of-a-kind, Lalique crystal decanter the Macallan 64-year-old in Lalique is the oldest Macallan’s single malt scotch whisky. Sold for $464,000 at auction in 2010 with all the proceeds from the sale were donated to charity: water, this one-of-a-kind scotch is presented in a stunning one-of-a-kind decanter. Produced from three sherry-seasoned Spanish oak cask, the first was filled in 1942, the second in 1945, and the third in 1946, it is bottled at 42.5% abv.
Dekanta, a family-owned company based in Japan who specializeS in high-end Japanese whisky presents the Karuizawa 50-Year-Old 1965 Single Cask Bourbon ($52,000). Distilled in 1965 and bottled in 2016, the Japanese whiskey is a single malt with a cask strength of 62.6% alcohol content. The unique expression was matured in sherry casks prior to the distilleries’ doors closing in 2003 and bottled by La Maison Du Whisky. Packaged in a box that included a book, pictures and other collectible Karuizawa memorabilia, only 199 bottles have been produced making it one of the most collectible single cask whiskies on the market.
Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute
Beginning at 21 years of age, this range of whiskies is the only scotch whisky collection that begins at that prestigious range. Taking its name from the 21 Gun Salute, each flagon is meticulously handcrafted by world-famous artisans at Wade taking five to six days to produce. The ultra-premium 62 Gun Salute is named actually for the 62-gun salute fired for royal anniversaries and contains a blend of whiskies at least 40 years old. Painted and inlaid with 24-carat gold its fruit notes mix with dark chocolate and a powerful taste of orange and nutty flavors with a long finish.
Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23-Year-Old Bourbon Whiskey Glenfiddich 1937 Rare Collection
Spending 64 years in the cask and only 61 bottles produced, the Glenfiddich 1937 Rare Collection is a true rare whisky. The rich walnut color presents a bold nose of burnt heather, tender poached pears in chocolate toffee leading to a smooth oaky taste with bitter chocolate. The pure single malt scotch whisky has a warming finish rich with fruit and robust oak.
This 23-year aged 96.5 proof whiskey uses corn, wheat, and barley in its reserve product versus corn, rye, and barley which most bourbons are made from. The deep amber red bourbon makes its way into the infamous Pappy Van Winkle bottle through a careful and expensive distilling method. Carefully selected barrels, which give an added three years of aging, give birth to this woody-flavored bourbon with a sweet caramel finish.
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J E T S
ALAKA’I SKAI ROTORCRAFT Aiming to Revolutionize Air Travel |By JARONE ASHKENAZI
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he world’s first hydrogen-pzeroemission air mobility product may just be the way people get around in the future. The six-rotor hydrogen fuel cell-powered electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL) Skai from Alaka’i Technologies was announced in May of 2019. Aimed to combat the environmental issues with air travel and the limitations of battery technology, this would be the first-ever hydrogen fuel cell power in an aircraft.
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Designed for a pilot and four passengers, although rumors are later versions could be autonomously operated by a grounded pilot, it will alleviate some real-world concerns such as traffic congestion, air pollution and delivery of aid and supplies to hard-to-reach locations and during/after natural disasters. While they have initiated its test program with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the timeline for a working prototype is up in the air. The five-person vehicle with a 1,000-pound max payload will reportedly be able to fly up to 400 miles with zero emissions thanks to its
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hydrogen- powered engine. The rotorcraft, not a helicopter because it lacks a tail rotor, is designed to make air mobility both accessible and environmentally sound according to Bostonbased startup. With four props off the rear and two in front, the innovative and minimalist design optimizes luxurious comfort with ergonomic leather seats, ambient lighting and, an Alcantara headliner. With 180-degree panoramic views and rotors placed strategically to minimize vibration and noise in the cabin, passengers can also charge their devices at each seat.