UPSCALE ™
APRIL 2017
l if e s t y l e ■ fa shion ■ l u x u r io u s watc he s ■ ya c h ts ■ r e a l e s tat e ■ pr i vat e j e ts ■ w ine s + spir i ts ■ e pic u r e Luxury Lifestyle
$9.99
41
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
D E PA R T M E N T
LIFESTYLE 17
7 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
Fashion
Style Fashion for HIM
19
Fancy Foot Work
20
Fashion
Jackie Kennedy’s Capri sandals Style Fashion for HER
28
Exclusive Resorts for the Best Spas
31
Elegant Pearls
33
Classic Three-Hand Watches
37
The New Age of Business Jets
39
The All New 2017 Panamera
41
Four Seasons Resort Lanai
The Best Treatment & Wellness Distinctive Designer Pearls With an innovation twist
Business at the speed of sound
Hawaii’s Exclusive Island Adventure
www.upscalelivingmag.com
47
The New 2017 Bugatti Niniette 66
The perfect yacht for two
49
Capri Trunk
51
Home Trends
65
Destination Australia
71
May The Spirits Be With You
74
A Fresh Cigar
77
Truffles & Foam Rocket Science
85
Hi-Tech Gadgets
Royal Trunk & Co. Must Have’s for your perfect home Three Perfect Destinations Down Under A Look at the Top 8 Spirits
A Look at the Top Humidors A Collection of Upscale Living Top Picks Molecular Gastronomy Dining Sports The Most Elite Gadgets for the Savvy man and woman
D E PA R T M E N T
15
9 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
www.upscalelivingmag.com
Carmen Dell’Orefice
Timeless Beauty
21
All At Sea with BEN FOGLE
58
Luxury Safari Destinations
Upscale Living Alina Rosa Leyva
PUBLISHER / PRESIDENT/FOUNDER
publisher@upscalelivingmag.com 786-760-9133
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Natalie King
COPY EDITOR
Michael Luz
ASSISTANT EDITOR FASHION EDITOR
Allie Mendoza Lisa Marie Valentino
BEAUTY EDITOR
Suzanne Luccie
TRAVEL EDITOR
Anthony Barbosa
HOME + DECOR EDITOR
Daniella Ichi
FEATURE EDITOR
Eric Fuentes
TIMEPIECE + FINE JEWELRY EDITOR VP OF SALES
Smitha Sadanandan & Anthony Demarco Rich Murowski MurowskiRich@aol.com 630-980-6570 | 630-202-1912
DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL SALES
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
CONTRIBUTORS
ART DIRECTOR
Vincent Fabris vincentfabris@gmail.com 786-910-5718 Diane Cassidy, Natalie Cabrera Louisa Coy, Sophia Z. Lewin Ava Roxanne, Angela Sara West, Alina Rosa Leyva, Anthony DeMarco Helen Ramackers, Priscilla Pilon, Neil MacMillan, Karen Berliner
Michelle Tarkalson
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Michael Vincent, Shane Tarkalson
WEB DEVELOPMENT
Fable Communications
MARKETING & RESEARCH EXECUTIVE
SUBSCRIBE to our MONTHLY Digital Magazines
OPERATIONS MANAGER SPECIAL EVENTS PUBLIC RELATIONS DISTRIBUTION ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
Luisa Anderson Julianne Altmore Anthony McKay Anthony Leyva Jacklyn Dana
Publisher - publisher@upscalelivingmag.com Editor - editorial@upscalelivingmag.com Sales & Advertising - sales@upscalelivingmag.com
Copyright 2017 Upscale Living Magazine. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of Upscale Living Magazine and ADMS Publishing Group, LLC. Neither the publisher nor the advertisers will be held responsible for any errors found in the magazine. The publisher accept no liability for the accuracy of statements made by advertisers. Ads in this publication are not intended as an offer where prohibited by state laws. www.upscalelivingmag.com
www.upscalelivingmag.com
General 888-485-1114 Sales 630-980-6570 www.upscalelivingmag.com
11 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
WWW.UPSCALELIVINGMAG.COM
upscale_23.495x31.115.indd 1
12/12/2016 14:12
Perry Jewelers Brokerage of Fine Jewelry 354 Faunce C orner Road Nor th Dar tmouth, MA 02747 (508) 993-9600 | (508) 993-9630
P R O F I L E
15 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
www.upscalelivingmag.com
P R O F I L E
CARMEN DELL’OREFICE
Timeless Beauty | By Helene Ramackers
W
hen the discovery of her exquisitely beautiful looks catapulted her onto the cover of Vogue magazine at the tender age of 15, there was not much she could do but ride the wave of success. Take this sustained career seven decades on and at 85 years old, Carmen Dell’Orefice is regarded as the oldest working model in the world. With her silver hair framing her perfectly chiselled features, she is every photographer’s dream. Her piercing hazel eyes seem to look right into your soul. Carmen’s rise to fame and not much fortune is well documented. From humble beginnings when she was discovered by a photographer’s wife at the impressionable age of 13 to signing an exclusive and lucrative contract with Vogue earning her $7.50 per hour, she has what it takes to continue this legacy for many more years. The longevity of her career stems from hard work and perseverance. As the product of an Italian violinist father and a Hungarian dancer mother, her too tall and overly skinny physique could have resulted in just another gangly teenager tale, but instead she became the muse of Salvador Dali. She posed topless for him at age 13, earning her $12 per hour. Dismissing any sleaze or exploitation, she was pleased to be able to put food on the table. Her penniless upbringing was anything but a walk in the park. ‘I was a sad child,’ she recalls. ‘We were so poor that my mother would often leave me in a foster home until she could raise enough money to rent rooms for us.’ With an absent father, Dell’Orefice’s modelling certainly helped alleviate their impoverished situation. Earning $60 a week, she put herself through private school and paid for her own orthodontic braces. Three marriages and one daughter later, she is outspoken about a lot of things, including ageing and the benefits of plastic surgery. In a Vogue interview a few years back, she was quoted as saying ‘if you had the ceiling falling down in your living room, would you not go and have a repair?’ In an interview published in Luxury London last year, she told Olivia Sharpe ‘Age means nothing to me. I am, however, aware of the responsibility that comes with representing an aging generation. A child of The Depression, my mother supported us with work in the theatre until she lost that, too. Then she would take me down to 80 Wall Street where she would pay $0.50 for a job kit—a card with an address on it and the description of a job that was vaguely within reason of your skill-set. And since we couldn’t afford a baby-sitter, I went with my mom on every job, whether that meant working for a wedding caterer or cleaning an office. It showed me how terribly unglamorous life can be.’ Despite the many upheavals and loves lost, the supermodel has always been comfortable in her own skin. “I’ve always been mindful of my age and how I earn my living,” she says. “When I was 40, I was 40. I didn’t want to be 20. I’ve always done my job – to mirror the look of that respective year. That is precisely why it has always felt wonderful to stand in front of the camera.”■ | Courtesy photo. 16 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
www.upscalelivingmag.com
F A S H I O N
His STYLE BY ROBB ANDERSON
“Keep your looks relaxed and polished with the latest men’s Spring/Summer 2017 accessory and fashion trends.” (1) Colorful Nixon Watches (2) Skipper Hybrid True Navy Blazer with fiery red Tec Flex Polo, Cloud Dancer Cotton Blend Pants and off-white Pierre Nappa TechFlex (3) Ale Excel Basic SS Jersey (4) Ron Dorff “Urban Viking” sneakers (5) Made in Global “San Telmo” backpack
17 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
www.upscalelivingmag.com
F A S H I O N
T
FANCY FOOT WORK
If there’s one thing that is a must to acquire on a trip to Capri – it’s a pair of the handmade, custom-fit sandals that Jackie Kennedy made famous in the Sixties. Who can forget the inimitable shots of her strolling the Italian island’s cobblestone walkways, looking oh-sochic? 19 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
he tony streets of Capri boast several sandal-makers, but the most prestigious company is Amedeo Canfora on the sun-splashed Via Camerelle. Today it is owned and operated by Costanzo Canfora, whose grandfather, Amedeo, in 1946, founded the company. Amedeo Canfora’s shoe business shot to international prominence back in 1962, when Jackie Kennedy, visiting the island as First Lady, made a midnight visit to Canfora, while on a trip to the Amalfi islands. She apparently was traveling with friends, who suggested that she procure a pair of the elegant sandals that Canfora was known for – and which the store had previously made for Princess Margaret and Grace Kelly. “Mrs. Kennedy came around midnight -- she was a size nine – and she ordered several pairs of sandals, which we shipped to her,” says Costanzo Canfora today, inside the tiny shop. “My grandfather made her a style especially for her, called the ‘K.” That style consists of a webbed design of silver interlocking chains, which today would cost about 220 Euros – about $300. After that, “She kept ordering our sandals, from a store in New York called Veneziano Boutique on Madison Avenue.” Inside the store, there are several large photos of Mrs. Kennedy gracing the walls, which were taken that memorable night when she stopped by the sandal boutique. There’s also a fascinating store log book – number 19 to be exact – which displays the page where Mrs. Kennedy had her right foot traced, so that Amedeo Canfora could know her precise foot measurements. The page says, in Italian, “Wife of President Kennedy” at the top, and also her foot’s measurements – 22 ½ being her measurement from her big toe to her little toe, and 23 centimeters over her arch. “She returned several times, after she married Onassis,” says Costanzo. Today, Amedeo’s two daughters, Angela and Rita, still handmake the sandals in the same way that they always have, sitting in cramped quarters surrounded by a sea of Italian leather, shoe boxes, wooden foot lasts, and staple guns. If you want a pair of authentic Canfora Capri sandals, all it takes is a visit to the shop in Capri, to order from scores of gorgeous styles, or a visit to the internet at www.canfora.com. In the shop, your feet will be measured, and then you can select the style you want or mix-and-match colors to any combination. All told, it takes only about 20 minutes for Angela or Rita to create your custom sandals, with three choices of heels. “The combinations are unlimited, based on the many colors and stones,” says Costanzo. “It’s unbelievable how many styles we offer.” On the internet, simply state your size and preferred heel. The ‘K’ in gold or silver is the bestseller, says Costanzo, but other glamorous styles abound, from the ‘Gail’ sandal with a simple T-strap, to the bejeweled ‘Sophie’ bearing fake rhinestones, even to sandals with little bell charms attached
www.upscalelivingmag.com
– so everyone can hear you coming. Prices start at about 100 Euros ($136) and go up to about 350 Euros ($478) for the most expensive pair, in crocodile. The store ships internationally via UPS, and promises you’ll receive your sandals in anywhere from four to 15 days. No matter what you pay, the sandals are a great investment, says Costanzo. “We care about each small detail, and we have customers who return wearing sandals they purchased 20 years ago.” The success of Canfora has also inspired a host of imitators claiming to be the original Capri sandal. “What is the old saying?” says Costanzo. “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” The competition is fierce. At some of the other sandal shops in Capri, there are prominent signs in their store window, where leather sandals are on display, advising “No Photos.” That’s to make sure that no one steals their designs. Besides Mrs. Kennedy, Canfora has sold its sandals to other fashion mavens, including supermodel Naomi Campbell, Princess Caroline of Monaco, and socialite Ivana Trump. “Sooner or later,” says Costanzo, “They all buy from us.”
WHAT ELSE TO BRING OME FROM CAPRI
There’s an old saying that no trip to Capri is complete without three souvenirs: Capri sandals, limoncello liqueur, and local perfume. After you purchase your Canfora sandals, and a bottle of the famous lemon beverage, head down the street to Carthusia, which has two perfume stores in town along with its factory. Here, you can purchase the specialty fragrance that was first created in 1380 by nearby monks at the Monastery of St. Giacomo. Indeed, “Carthusia” is the Latin word for “cloister.” Today, the limited production, and handmade methods used by the Carthusian monks are still in practice. The brand’s bestseller is the Fiori de Capri, with its notes derived from lily of the valley along with carnations. Other scents include Aria de Capri containing the essences of lemons and oranges, and, for men, Mediterraneo, containing citrus and green tea. Perfumes and fragrances cost around 65 Euros. Carthusia also just introduced lip balms selling for 9 Euros each (about $12). Just sampling the merchandise is quintessentially Italian -- their fragrance strips, which you can spritz to your heart’s content – are beautiful, colored depictions of female characters from the nearby Teatro di San Carlo in Naples. The opera house even has its very own Carthusia fragrance, called Prima, which is a mix of bergamot and rose. www.Carthusia.it
F A S H I O N
Her STYLE BY ROBB ANDERSON
“The most chic and colorful fashion trends for the chic and elegant woman for our Spring/Summer 2017. (1) Too Faced Heart Highlighter 2017 Summer Makeup Collection (2) Marc Jacobs Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner (3) Thom Browne and Fulton Spring 2017 outfit (4) Gucci Bamboo Perfume (5) Dolce & Gabbana medium Lucia bag in printed leather (6) Yves Saint Laurent Volupté Tint-in-Balm
20 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
www.upscalelivingmag.com
P R O F I L E
21 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
www.upscalelivingmag.com
P R O F I L E
BEN FOGLE ALL AT SEA WITH
| By Angela Sara West
Y
ou could say that this TV presenter/writer/adventurer is rather well travelled… as roving correspondent for a glossy magazine, assignments took him to East Timor, the Falklands, Japan, Nepal, Zambia and beyond the Arctic Circle. He’s travelled extensively throughout Latin America, as well as to far-flung and exotic destinations such as Fiji and Tahiti. Closer to home, BBC’s Castaway 2000 saw him marooned on an uninhabited Scottish island for a year and marked the birth of his broadcasting career. Daredevil explorer, Ben Fogle, talks to Angela Sara West about his relentless, often highly-precarious travels, and his unexpected, newfound love for cruising.
22 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
www.upscalelivingmag.com
P R O F I L E
H
is appetite for adventure has seen him tackle some of the most hostile environments on earth. He’s survived extreme climes, tropical diseases (requiring chemotherapy) and being bitten by a rabid dog. From racing across the punishing Antarctic to the South Pole and swimming with crocodiles Down Under, to running marathons in the Sahara desert, climbing volcanoes and flying fighter jets... who’d have thought this adrenaline junkie had a fear of heights?! Fronting TV programmes including Wild in Africa, Extreme Dreams and New Lives in the Wild, Ben films extensively abroad and, as a special correspondent for NBC News, he reports from all over the world. “I travel weekly for work and most of my filming commitments are overseas. I spend a great deal of time in the USA for NBC. From Mongolia to Scotland to Abu Dhabi... I never tire of travel. Each trip brings fresh experiences, new people and different cultures. I’m very lucky to do what I do.” During his gap year, Ben helped at an orphanage and turtle conservation project. “I have very fond memories of my gap year. I spent time in Ecuador, Bolivia and Peru. I went for a year and stayed for three! They were some of my most formative experiences and my time in Latin America changed both my outlook on life and its course.” Ben’s numerous epic challenges include rowing across the Atlantic with Olympian, James Cracknell, setting the British pairs record. What motivates him to attempt such feats? “Learning and discovering. I like to push my own boundaries, both mental and physical,” he says, and reveals he keeps fit by running wherever he can. “It’s a great way to discover new places, to get lost in a city. I have run just about everywhere in the world.” Good pals with the Royals, he’s even walked on the wild side with them, tracking lions in Africa. “I was very lucky to spend time in Botswana with Princes William and Harry, and was enormously lucky to go to the Royal wedding!’ Ben also took part in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations. “It was extraordinary and such a privilege to be a small part of. It was like being in a film... the crowds, the parties, the atmosphere... the weather! My most memorable moment, out of sight of the Queen, the cameras or even the public, was 20 boats spontaneously singing ‘God Save the Queen’, while a lone army drummer tapped on his drum, water dripping from his nose. Stirring stuff...” Ben’s European escapades include paragliding over the Italian Dolomites and skating across Sweden. “I’m fluent in Spanish and French and a huge fan of Europe. It offers a rich and diverse mix of landscapes, history, food and cultures… from classic Southern Europe’s beautiful ports and gastronomy, to Northern Europe’s smorgasbord of architecture, which is hugely underestimated… I’m outdoorsy and it’s fantastic. The fjords, seen from a height, show a different perspective, and were a highlight for me. I’ve also scuba-dived all over the world but the high point remains diving between the tectonic plates in Iceland.” As Celebrity Cruises’ Destination Expert, Ben set sail to create some unique European shore excursions. “I share Celebrity Cruises’ passion for fantastic destinations and my ‘Great Adventures’ offer an eclectic mix of culture, history, famous sights and wildlife, often off the beaten track. Adventure is anything out of the ordinary... a little bit different. I like alternative travel, tipping it on its head, and enjoy revisiting places and seeing them from a different perspective. I love taking the road less travelled.” These opportunities to enhance port-of-call visits include triathlonthemed trails in Croatia (biking/swimming/sea kayaking in the Adriatic), a wildlife encounter snorkelling with Norwegian salmon, a Sicilian gastronomic tour and a speedy RIB (rigid-inflatable boat) ride through the Stockholm archipelago. “Whether discovering a destination through food, nature, architecture or cultural heritage, I hope they help people to explore and get out of their comfort zone. Seeing a place through the eyes of a local makes for an immersive, possibly once-in-a-lifetime, magical experience.” He admits that, as an adventurer, cruising seemed a strange choice for him. “I first went to Malta, Sicily and Naples, then across land to Posi23 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine | www.upscalelivingmag.com
tano on the stunning Amalfi Coast. I didn’t think cruising was for me as I stereotyped it… I thought it was for a much older demographic and was all about the ship, but I was really surprised by its diversity, the fact that I could find escapism on board, little corners to disappear to… I thought I wouldn’t enjoy being on a ship as, rather than being up high, I like to be close to, or even IN the water, touching it, tasting it... But I loved seeing the majestic coastlines, immersing myself in different cultures from one day to the next and not being at the mercy of the ship.” Ben says cruising takes you to cities you wouldn’t usually visit. “In a time-poor age, you can maximise your time by sailing through the night, then maximise shore time, getting a real taste for a place and some fantastic photography. Photos are evocative and a great way for me to remember places, especially as I travel so much. I usually use the camera on my iPhone. I’m also inspired by literature on my travels.” He has also taken his young children cruising. “It’s important for me to share the world with my family. Cruising from Southampton’s great if you have kids. It’s a joy to bypass airports. I know all the tricks for fast-tracking at airports but it’s a different story when you take youngsters! Boarding at Southampton’s a joy, with your rooms right there, nannies and kids’ clubs, pools, lots for children to do... Celebrity Cruises cater well for kids, while my wife and I enjoyed the spa! There’s a good balance on board. A cruise makes for a great family holiday.” His earliest holiday memory? “Going to Canada, where my father is from. I spent every summer there from the age of one. Happy, happy memories of swimming, fishing and building camps on the Canadian lakes.” He says his favourite things to do on holiday are relax, read and catch up on sleep. Hotel or villa? “Villas, with friends, are fun! My parents have
P R O F I L E
With the whole world his playground, Ben recommends Italy for food, Iceland for night life, New Zealand for wine, Botswana for a warm welcome and Bolivia for culture. His favourite hotels include Oxford’s Malmaison, Portugal’s Hotel Farol in Caiscais and Antigua’s Carlisle Bay, while his favourite restaurant is one of the world’s most celebrated, Heston Blumenthal’s Dinner at London’s luxurious five-star Mandarin Oriental Hotel Hyde Park. Ben has plenty of travel tips. “Pack light. I only ever travel with hand luggage. I don’t think you can travel as frequently as I do if you have travel bugbears… I often fly twice a week. You have to sit back and embrace the whole thing. The more relaxed you are, the more you’ll get from the experience. Assume the journey is all part of the adventure. To avoid jet lag, switch your clock to the time at your destination as soon as you board the plane and stay awake until night time.” He says travelling has taught him patience and resourcefulness. “I got caught in Ethiopia during Iceland’s volcanic eruption. To get home, I ended up flying from Addis Ababa to Beirut, then taking a boat to Italy, where I got a taxi to Paris and then Eurostar. It took three days and cost me a fortune, but I made it home two weeks ahead of everyone else stuck in Egypt.” His favourite airlines? “British Airways and Air New Zealand. Air Kenya has to get a mention, too.” He’s also a fan of travel guides. “Playing it by ear can be fun, but research definitely helps to enhance an experience.” Finally, with all this travelling, does he worry about his carbon footprint? “I do, and I try to offset it as often as I can!”
a holiday home in Florida. I’d love to buy a property overseas, preferably in Portugal where my wife and I got married. Somewhere on the Costa Do Sol…” As a keen horseman, where does he head to divulge in this passions? “Riding is good anywhere but the Brazilian Pantanal and Namibia remain highlights.” For pure escapism, Ben heads to Cornwall, the Outer Hebrides or Austria. The destinations still on his wish-list? “Space, Madagascar and Easter Island… in no particular order.”
FACTBOX: Ben’s highly-acclaimed series Through Hell and High Water won a prestigious RTS award and he has also written six ‘Sunday Times Bestseller’ books. Further details can be found at: www.benfogle.com. Ben’s ‘Great Adventures’ for Celebrity Cruises: www.celebritycruises.co.uk/ cruises/benfogle/great-adventures.aspx. He is an ambassador for WWF, Médecins Sans Frontières, Tusk, Centrepoint and the Prince’s Trust. He is also a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and patron of The Royal Parks Foundation. © Angela Sara West 2017 www.angelasarawest.com 24 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
www.upscalelivingmag.com
S P A S
27 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
www.upscalelivingmag.com
S P A S
for the
EXCLUSIVE RESORTS
Treatment & Wellness | By Ava Roxanne Stritt, Spa Travel Gal
M
ost of us have enjoyed a spa treatment or two and in my case... well who’s counting? Sometimes we need something special to assist us to fill a need on our wellness journey. Those of us that frequent spas know the journey can be difficult. There are many so-called spas on every corner of town, so where do you go for something special? Something that you have not experienced before in quite the same way. Something I like to call a Goblet List item - a luxury experience that must be completed over and over again - an experience that really checks that virtual box. Create your own Goblet List below with my list of exclusive resorts for the best spa treatments and wellness experiences ever! 28 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
www.upscalelivingmag.com
S P A S
THE SPA AT THE GRAND VELAS RIVIERA MAYA Undescribable is what was stuck in my mind as I was led into this spa. Even as the lovely tea ceremony began before my time there, I was almost frozen still. I was not expecting to be so blown away by the design, decor and function of the spa at the Grand Velas Riviera Maya. The hydrotherapy area had literary blown my mind and I tried to find a word
for the breathless awe I felt. I was with another travel writer and many times they look to me to see my reaction to any spa location, but I could not speak. For a moment, I felt sad, knowing no words could do it justice. But I traded that feeling for spa travel nirvana as we were led into the first part of the hydrotherapy circuit. The spa attendants here redefined the job. Only in the historic RomanIrish thermal baths in Baden-Baden, Germany, have I ever seen more attendants available to care for guests and definitely these were much more gentle. They helped us slip off our robes at each of the hydrotherapy stations and led us like quiet lambs to the next. Each station was unique and warranted a slight explanation by the attendant as we slipped into the warmth of a steam chamber or the chill of an ice room. The $15-million spa at Grand Velas is this region’s largest spa, and it definitely embodies cultural authenticity. The extensive menu centers around seven travels -- using a journey through ancient Mexico as the base of your experience. Treatments blend the finest modern amenities with the top ancient practices, and the herbs and items used in each spa treatment center around ingredients important to their Mayan culture. I was so relaxed before my Bacal Massage. It is an authentic Mayan body treatment using local corn, one of the Mayan culture’s most sacred plants. Then detoxifying honey exfoliated my skin and an essential oil was massaged into my body using Mayan corncobs for additional pressure pure Mayan Zen.
The Golden Door Experience The Relaxation Lounge at The RitzCarlton Charlotte Sometimes relaxation comes without an appointment. Guests of The Ritz-Carlton Charlotte can find Zen any time of the day at their new coed Relaxation Lounges. Here guests can relax, meditate, and gather. This lounge encourages shared or private experiences via large, user-friendly sectional furnishings and smaller seating areas. The decor includes walls drapes in shimmering bronze along with matching bronze drum end tables. Plush Moroccan rugs and flickering candlelight aid in helping you melt down into the extremely comfortable chairs. This lounge is located near their wonderful spa and amazing pool area. Unscheduled a day while you are in town and include a stay at The Ritz-Carlton Charlotte. Grab a great book like “The Woman in Cabin 10” by author Ruth Ware and create an unscheduled day of your own. Detaching from media is the new luxury.
29 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
www.upscalelivingmag.com
What if you could both transform yourself and the world at the same time? When you visit The Golden Door or purchase their amazing ginger cookies or skincare items in store or online, 100% of the net profits go to organizations that transforms a child’s life. The Golden Door resort is a faraway getaway even though it is in California. This Asian-inspired resort features a welcome tea ceremony, a beautiful koi pond, Japanese gardens, meditation, yoga, cycling and the list goes on. But there’s even more to this special destination. It offers a variety of allinclusive programs that you can customize to meet your health goals. This can span fitness classes, personal training, healthy gourmet food, quiet walks through the bambo garden, exciting hikes to the mountain top or classes to help you learn a new skill, like archery. Part of your daily routine will make you feel like the crown princess of Japan - a daily in-room massage and a daily facial in the spa. When at the Golden Door, there is no need to attend to many of your daily needs yourself, since they are handled for you - thus more time to focus on your wellness activities. Your clothes are provided, most go make-up free and with a massage to deal with your muscles there is not much left to do. How luxurious is it to know that your face will be cleansed for you daily with a custom facial. Sign me up again! This place aims to refresh your body, mind and soul!
S P A S
Jupiter Beach Resort’s Outdoor Oasis For those outdoor lovers, the best part of a beach trip is the ocean breeze. What better way to experience this than in a hammock by the beach at Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa’s new Hammock Garden. This hammock garden is part of the resort’s private sand dune area, which overlooks the stunning Atlantic Ocean and is shaded by beautiful overarching mangroves. It’s the perfect place to kick back with a cocktail and feel the ocean breeze in your hair. The garden is adults-only. Head to the spa early in the day for a Signature Massage then take your pick from one of the six hammocks available for your own personal outdoor spa lounge day complete with real ocean sounds - no soundtrack required.
Pritikin Longevity Center What is more luxurious than taking care of yourself. Taking time for oneself is also a new luxury. Schedules come and go, but your health needs to be maintained. The Pritikin Longevity Center is considered one of the most respected health resorts in the world; even doctors vacation here, because the programming is based on hundreds of studies that back up their results. Do not worry, there is time here for a spa gal’s usual activities. After your amazing time on their clay tennis courts, you can retreat to the spa. But don’t think this is some boring health resort with only lectures. Pritikin is located at a luxury resort with golf courses and awesome clay tennis courts and multiple pools. Of course the resort boasts an exquisite spa, and guess what? A massage is included with each guest’s immersion package at the Trump Spa at the Trump National Doral. My massage was
one of my top wellness experiences of the year. I went in asking for the usual relaxation pressure massage. When asked if there were any issues, I mentioned my shoulder. Two orthopedic surgeons have been trying to get me to have surgery for a SLAP tear for over a year - physical therapy had not helped. I had given up, so I was not expecting what happened next. The massage therapist ask me if I wanted her to fix it. I said yes not expecting much relief. Today I still have no pain or muscle memory of that prior issue. You can expect me to be buying a plane ticket to Miami to search for this gal out again soon. The wellness continues, since each guest gets a personalized health plan to take home, so the effects can last a lifetime, far after you leave. After spending only three days at Pritikin, I lost almost a pound a day (the healthy way), learned a ton about my health, became more aware of my choices and have more energy than I’ve felt in years. Having control of my wellness journey feels so empowering and yes - luxurious too! 30 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine | www.upscalelivingmag.com
J E W E L R Y
Elegant PEARLS
Distinctive Designer Pearls & Pearl Jewelry perfectly suited for the lifestyle of beauty and elegance she lives.
31 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
www.upscalelivingmag.com
W A T RT A C V H EE LS
THREE-HAND
WATCHES
WITH AN INNOVATIVE TWIST | By Anthony DeMarco
The watch industry is a world anchored in tradition where historic brands tout their heritage almost as much as their new products. However, the thing that has kept the watch industry prolific is innovation. The success of the Swiss watch industry in producing present-day mechanical wonders has kept it relevant and prosperous. The proof is in its results. During the past 30 years the Swiss watch industry has produced more mechanical watches in more styles with more functions than in the entire history of horology that preceded it. With all the innovation one must occasionally wonder; does anyone still make a classic threehand watch? The answer of course is yes. The most simplistic of watches in the most classic style are also the beneficiaries of this explosion of innovation. Below are examples of three hand watches (some with a date window) that are both classic in style and innovative in design, materials and function. H. MOSER & CIE. ENDEAVOUR CENTRE SECONDS AUTOMATIC
33 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
Updated with dynamic curves and revamped lines, this 40mm watch brings simplistic beauty and technical prowess to the classic three-hand watch. There are 18k red and white gold models. The dial of the red gold model is crafted in the brand’s signature fumé or in a deep, mysterious “midnight-blue” fume, both with a sunburst pattern and a brown alligator strap. The white gold model is available in the brand’s signature fumé dial and a black leather strap of in a “funky blue” (sky blue) fumé dial with a kudu leather strap. The watch is powered by the automatic HMC 200— the latest addition to the Moser collection of calibers that was designed, developed and produced entirely in-house by proudly Swiss manufacturer. Decorated with Moser double stripes, the caliber has a three-day power reserve. www.upscalelivingmag.com
W A T C H E S CHOPARD L.U.C XPS TWIST QF FAIRMINED The Swiss luxury brand has been a pioneer is producing luxury products in a sustainable ways. This ultra-thin watch (7.2mm thick) is made with ethically produced and sustainably sourced 18k rose gold. The slate grey dial is stamped with a sunburst texture inspired by the raw composition of gold nuggets extracted from mines. A small seconds subdial provides a subtle asymmetric appeal. The 40mm case features satin-brushed finishes on the sides, and a polished case-back and bezel. It is available in a limited edition of 250 pieces.
ALTIPLANO MANUAL-WINDING 38MM AND ALTIPLANO SELF-WINDING 43MM The two models—one manual-winding and the other self-winding—are inspired by the aesthetic characteristics of the first Antiplano ultra-thin Piaget watches launched 60 years ago. It includes applied gold hour-markers and a central cross, in tribute to the origins of the line. Each features a sunburst dial in the historical Piaget blue, a deep shade somewhere between cobalt and midnight blue. Slim baton-type hands finish the look that is typical of this line. The 43mm diameter of the self-winding model features the historical “Piaget Automatique” on the dial that appeared on the first ultra-thin timepiece by Piaget. It is powered by the caliber 1200P (2.35mm thick). The Piaget Altiplano 38mm-diameter model is powered by the inhouse manual-winding calibre 430P (2.1mm thick).
BAUME & MERCIER CLIFTON MANUAL 1830 Its classic appearance of the Clifton Manual 1830 conceals the innovation of its new inhouse mechanical movement BM12-1975M, which incorporates the brand’s exclusive “TwinSpir” system. It consists of a novel hairspring combined with an inertia-type balance wheel that enhances the watch’s precision, limits sensitivity to magnetism in the environment (which can negatively affect a watch’s performance) and ensures greater resistance to shocks and vibrations. Baume & Mercier, part of the Richemont group, is the first brand in the company that used Richemont’s Research & Innovation center to produce the movement. The 42mm 18k red gold case timepiece houses a white dial with a traditional three-hand display enhanced by a date window at 3 o’clock.
ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL DATEJUST 41 Just add a date window to the classic three-hand watch and you and you have the Oyster Perpetual Datejust. The newest model of this timepiece is available in 904L steel or in white Rolesor (a combination of 904L steel and 18k white gold), featuring an 18k white gold fluted bezel. A variety of dials is available for both versions. It includes the classic Rolex Cyclops date lens at 3 o’clock and comes with a 904L steel Oyster or Jubilee bracelet. It is powered by the 3235 Manufacture Rolex automatic movement with a 70-hour power reserve.
34 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
www.upscalelivingmag.com
J ET TR SA V E L
BUSINESS at the Speed of Sound
THE NEW
The AS-2 Jet
AGE OF
BUSINESS
JETS | By Neil K. MacMillan
The S-512 Jet
T
hese days, business is done at light speed. Or as fast as you can press a key on your computer. In a world where decisions are acted on in seconds, when you have to be somewhere in a hurry, the days of flying coach are gone! We’re not at the point of one key transport, but new aircraft are bringing us closer. Welcome to the emerging world of supersonic business aircraft! Spike Aerospace under the leadership of Vik Kachoria, is leading the collaboration to build the world’s first supersonic business jet. The S-512 will comfortably seat 12 to 18 passengers in a multiplex digital cabin featuring a panoramic view of the outside and the ability to work with interactive maps, images or documents. With a cruising speed of Mach 1.6 and a top speed of Mach 1.8 and a projected range of 6200 nautical miles the S-512 promises to be on the cutting edge of business aircraft technology. The aircraft will cost approximately 100 million dollars and should be available in 2020. Aerion Corporation and Airbus are surging ahead with their own supersonic business jet. The Aerion AS-2 is expected to have a cruising speed of Mach 1.4 and a top speed of 1.5. The AS-2 will seat eight pas-
37 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
www.upscalelivingmag.com
J E T S
The Gulfstream G-650
Virgin Galactic Mach 2.2 sengers in comfort and with seats comparable to be best in commercial aviation. The aircraft is sound proofed to minimize engine and flight noise. The AS-2 will debut in 2021 and be available in 2023. Aerion expects the aircraft to cost 120 million dollars.
Approximate cost of the aircraft varies with the options the purchaser desires. The G-650 is already available and is based on over sixty years of experience in the manufacture of business aircraft. A variety of options are available based on the personal and business needs of the customer.
Colorado based startup Boom Technology with Virgin Galactic is developing a business jet that promises a speed of Mach 2.2 and will be the fastest civil aircraft in the world. The aircraft will have a range of 9000 nautical miles with a tech stop not requiring deplaning on any flight over 4500 nautical miles. In addition to commercial models Boom technology plans to manufacture the Mach 2.2 in VIP private jet models as well.
Business aviation has reached the supersonic age and as we cross the threshold to higher and faster more and more options will beckon the business traveler and those who transport them.
Gulfstream is the name everyone thinks of when they think of business aircraft. Started as an off-shoot of Grumman aircraft by Roy Grumman to provide high speed business aircraft with the robust characteristics of the firm’s vaunted naval fighters. The firm’s newest addition to its legendary business aircraft line is the Gulfstream G-650. The G-650 has a top speed of .925 and a maximum range of 7000 nautical miles. The aircraft seats up to 19 passengers and can sleep ten. Gulfstream is a division of General Dynamics Corporation and is based in Savannah, Georgia.
Gulfstream sales representatives can be located in all fifty states and throughout the world. Spike Aerospace is based in Boston Massachusetts. They may be reached by phone at 1-617-338-1400 or at spikeaerospace.com. Aerion Corporation calls Reno, Nevada home. They may be contacted at info@aerioncorp.com or by phoning 1-775-337-6682. Boom Technology can be contacted at boomsupersonic.com. 38 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
www.upscalelivingmag.com
A U T O M O B I L E S
The All New 2017
A
PANAMERA PORSCHE
s a porsche enthusiast, I can’t express the excitement I felt when the new 2017 Porsche Panamera, which has been redeveloped from the ground up, was presented in Berlin by Porsche CEO Oliver Blume. “We have tapped into the segment of luxury sport sedans with the Panamera. Since it launched in 2009, over 150,000 units of the Panamera have been sold. The new model represents a completely redeveloped automobile – with new engines, a new design and new technologies. Furthermore, we are now manufacturing the second generation of the vehicle entirely at our Leipzig production site. To this end, we have invested a sum of 500 million Euros – which includes a completely new body manufacturing facility,” Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG, emphasized. The design language of the new Panamera creates a link to the Porsche 911 through its even more dynamic flyline and by using specific 39 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
design elements of the iconic sports car. “An observer will immediately recognize the coupélike roof line, but it is much ‘faster’, even more dynamic and includes a new side window look that emphasizes the coupe-like side view even more,” said Michael Mauer, Head of Style Porsche AG, who explained the design objectives that were set for the new model: “The new Panamera can be identified as a Panamera at first glance, but also as the new Panamera. Its strengths have been reinforced, its weaknesses have been eradicated and above all its distinctive character has been preserved.” The new twin-turbo engines of the Panamera are more powerful than before, and thanks to the new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK II) they are up to 16 percent more fuel-efficient according to the New European Driving Cycle. The Panamera will launch with two engines: the 550 hp Panamera Turbo and the 440 hp Panamera 4S. Both models will be equipped with all wheel drive as standard. To provide an even larger spread between
www.upscalelivingmag.com
supple ride comfort and agile handling, the Panamera now offers features such as the new three-chamber air suspension, rear axle steering and the new electronic 4D Chassis Control chassis management sys-tem. Many new assistance systems also enhance ride comfort as well as safety. In the new Panamera, Porsche is also introducing a future-oriented display and control concept. The new Porsche Advanced Cockpit with its smartphone-like user interfaces and configurable LED screens impresses with its intuitive functionality. Furthermore, the new Porsche Communication Management (PCM 4.1) offers an entirely new range of connectivity by its intelligent digital functions and online services. In the new Panamera, Porsche Connect is being introduced in all models. It extends existing vehicle functions by adding digital services and apps such as those used to control certain vehicle functions remotely by smartphone – and others to make more efficient use of the driver’s time on the go.
JG5600-23
American Designed Custom Chronograph
JorgGray.com
T R A V E L
41 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
www.upscalelivingmag.com
T R A V E L
FOUR SEASONS RESORT LANAI Hawaii’s Exclusive Island Adventure | By Rahim
“It
is almost impossible to compete with the views from our selection of specialty suites, which all are on the oceanfront side, overlooking Hulopo’e Bay and the Pacific. To complement that serene ambiance, each suite features commissioned artwork and artisan furnishings unlike anywhere,” explained Tom Roelens, General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Lanai. In an interview, we discussed the history of the property, recent renovations, toptier suites, unique dining options, signature spa treatments and much more.
T R A V E L
W
ith the renovation complete, tell me a little bit about the “launch” of the Four Seasons Resort Lanai, its location and the history behind its incredible transformation. Even before setting foot on Lanai, our guests can experience the Four Seasons lounge in the Honolulu airport. Upon arrival at the Lanai airport, guests continue their first-class experience by being picked up in luxury vehicles and greeted at the front door with the Hawaiian hospitality. Whether guests are returning to Four Seasons Resort Lanai or visiting for the first time, they will enjoy an abundance of new, unique feature throughout the property. The recent renovations are the most significant made at the resort since Four Seasons management began in 2005. When you walk into the lower lobby and see the 19th-century whale tooth necklace on display, you know you are in a special, even spiritual place. Authentic Hawaiian art and cultural interpretations are everywhere on property, which bring aspects of Polynesian life and legends back to life. Guest rooms feature a number of custom pieces created for the resort, including original woodcut designs by Hawaiian artist Dietrich Varez and reproductions of pen-and-ink drawings by Don Blanding dating from the 1930s. Dora De Larios, one of America’s leading clay artists, was commissioned to create a set of large-scale architectural sculptures for the resort that depict vivid scenes of the ocean, classic hula dancers, fishermen and outriggers. The resort also showcases pieces such as a vintage Hawaiian ivory pikake blossom lei, as well as 19th century Micronesian Gilbert Island shark tooth swords. Improvements to the resort are constant, and while we preserve our island authenticity, we continually integrate contemporary amenities essential to Four Seasons Resort Lanai’s five-star reputation. Our rooms offer features such as intuitive lighting and a 75-inch television panel, with wristband keys that allow maximum flexibility during activities on island. With regards to the specialty suites, what are some of their most luxuri43 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
www.upscalelivingmag.com
T R A V E L
ous features, and how have you balanced local and regional influences with a more modern, technological touch? It is almost impossible to compete with the views from Four Seasons Resort Lanai’s selection of specialty suites, which all are on the oceanfront side, overlooking Hulopo’e Bay and the Pacific. To complement that serene ambiance, each suite features commissioned artwork and artisan furnishings unlike anywhere. Each suite has an authentic double Japanese soaking tub, in-mirror television screens above the hand-carved stone bathroom vanities, Honduran mahogany floors, wool hand-woven carpets, and Lakota wallpapers from Nepal. The Ali’i Royal Suite, which is 2,700 square feet and sleeps up to eight, includes a drop-down television screen, as well as binoculars fitted on a tripod for watching the Spinner Dolphins frolic in the water. The Hulopo’e Suite and Manele Suite, which are 1,300 square feet and sleep four, all have a living room, indoor and outdoor dining areas, and also have binoculars fitted on a tripod for a closer look at the wildlife in the bay. The suites amenities include a private golf lesson with a PGA golf pro and two complimentary 75-minute spa treatments. In the Ali’i Royal, Kapihaa and Hulopo’e Presidential suites guests can also enjoy a luxury vehicle for use during stay, a complimentary Pool Sanctuary and the refreshment center includes eight wine choices selected by the Resort Sommelier. What are some of your favorite dishes and drinks across One Forty, Nobu Lanai and other on-site dining options? I have many favorite dishes – from the Burrata & Papaya Salad, Arugula and Sweet Balsamic Vinaigrette with Candied Macadamia Nuts at Malibu Farm to the endless number of sushi and sashimi choices at Nobu Lanai. My favorite dessert is the Wake Me up Coconut (coconut ice cream with two espresso shots) at VIEWS at the Manele Golf Course. One of the best things about our dining options is that they are all so unique, offering our guests a wide range of options, experiences and even, views. Although we are a small island, our wine selection is second to none. We have a wine list of over 700 bottles in 140 Restaurant. 44 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
www.upscalelivingmag.com
T R A V E L
F
or the couple looking to completely relax and rejuvenate, what kind of signature spa treatments might you recommend? The Suite Serenity is perfect for couples who want to experience their spa treatments together. This is a four-hour Hawanwana experience that takes place in a private treatment suite, starts with a combination of massage, body treatment or facial, and finishes with an in-suite meal of culinary delights as the guests continue to relax. Beyond the resort, what are some of the most popular activities to enjoy on the water and on the island more generally? Although the island of Lanai is small, our guests never run out of things to do. We like to think of ourselves as Hawaii’s exclusive island adventure. Relaxation is close at hand with a lagoon-style free-form central pool featuring a cascading waterfall and two whirlpools. Set apart is an adults-only retreat, where waterfalls and lava rock grottos echo Lanai’s dramatic cliffs. And our handy Do Not Disturb markers ensure that quiet time at the pool stays that way – guests can simply flip the stones over when they are ready to order light refreshments or book dinner later that evening. For privacy, guests can reserve one of our eight Sanctuaries scattered throughout the pool area, with their comfortable couches and oversized lounge chairs, as well as spa treatments, private dining and more. Other guests go down to the beach to snorkel or take a yoga class, while some use the fitness center or take advantage of fitness activities such aerial yoga. pilates, cycling, meditation, healthy lifestyle lectures and cardio-inspired workouts. Fitness instructors can be booked for private training sessions or fitness assessments. Off-property, guests may try horseback riding, clay shooting or off-roading. Touring Lanai City, with its charming visitors center, shops, and local flavor is another popular excursion. Helicopter rides are our newest activity on the island. The tour is two hours and tours remote rock formations, waterfalls and valleys on both Lanai and neighboring Maui and Molokai. High above the crashing surf of Hulopo’e Bay, the Signature Jack Nicklaus Manele Golf Course is one the premier 18-hole layouts in Hawaii, with a reputation for excellence in design and playability. Built on lava outcroppings, the course features three holes on cliffs which use the Pacific Ocean as a water hazard. The five-tee concept challenges the best golfers – tee shots over natural gorges and ravines must be precise. This dramatic, unspoiled natural terrain is a stunning backdrop, and every hole 45 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
www.upscalelivingmag.com
T R A V E L
offers majestic ocean views, overlooking Maui and Kaho’olawe. During the winter, you may even catch spectacular sightings of whales, right from the fairways. Highly personalized golf instruction is offered, allowing guests the opportunity to learn the game or the more experienced golfer to improve their drives, pitches or putts.â–
46 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
www.upscalelivingmag.com
Y A C H T S
S
The New 2017 BUGATTI NINIETTE 66
upercar manufacturer Bugatti has joined forces with Monacobased yacht builder Palmer Johnson to create a new collection of yachts ranging between 50 and 88 feet and has come up with the latest limited edition, The Bugatti Niniette 66, a two-person yacht inspired by the successor of the Buggatti Veyron, the
Chiron. This Bugatti Niniette 66’s features both an open deck and interior cabins replete with carbon fiber and leather, but a naturally blue-colored wood, morta oak wood can be found on the deck. Also on the deck, one can enjoy a fireplace, a jacuzzi, a sun pad, and a champagne bar.. Would you truly expect any less? The sleek craft is capable of cruising along at 44 knots, plus its got a shallow draft, only about 2.7 feet, providing ample maneuvering options to all the regular ports of call with traditionally shallow waters. Ready to experience the new superyacht? I know I am, but we will have to wait for its launch scheduled for March 2018. More at www. bugattininiette.com.
47 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
www.upscalelivingmag.com
Specifications: Bugatti Niniette 66 Length Overall: 20m Beam: 6.5m Max Draft: 0.83m Main Engines: Man V8 - 1000 Propulsion System: MJP water jets Engine Controls: Joystick control Ride Control: 2 interceptors Hull Type: Stabilized mono hull with sponsons Naval Architecture & Engineering: Palmer Johnson Exterior Styling & Interior Design: Bugatti, Palmer Johnson & AA+ Classification: CE Category B Material of Hull & Deck: Carbon composite Max Speed: 44 knots Fuel capacity: 2200 liters
EVENTS
Sonia Figueroa and Will Meyer.
Meyer Davis
THE RELATED GROUP HOSTED MEYER DAVIS BOOK SIGNING, SNEAK PEEK TOUR OF THE PARAISO BEACH CLUB The Related Group hosted an exclusive event at The Paraiso District’s stunning bay front sales gallery with Will Meyer, co-founder of New York-based Meyer Davis Studio, and Michael Schwartz, James Beard Award-Winning chef. The event provided a sophisticated crowd of future residents, brokers, and media with a sneak peek look at the development’s twostory Beach Club, which is slated to open this fall. The Paraiso District is an 11-acre, four luxury towers master planned community that is currently taking shape in East Edgewater. | Photo Courtesy of Alberto Tamargo Max L. Donzi and Alex Hernandez.
Jorge Regalado, Jennifer Lopez and Jose Manuel Santoveña.
Chris Shares and Christian Tupper.
Michael Schwartz and Genesis Davila Miss Florida USA 2017.
Mali Parkerson and Belinda Andretti.
Silvia Ferri
48 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
www.upscalelivingmag.com
G A D G E T S
Royal Trunk & Co
CAPRI TRUNK
C
apri Trunk, a beautiful 1920s wardrobe trunk reinterpreted as a beautiful bar corner. Inspired by the island of Capri with its breathtaking scenery and iconic style, this gorgeous model is handcrafted in Italy by Royal Trunk & Co experienced artisans, preserving, with every
49 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
product, their bespoke exclusivity. The Capri Trunk is covered with fine leather, solid brass hardware, and approximately 1,500 handhammered tacks along the edges. Its interior reveals a multifunctional bar which includes an elegant tablet holder, a fold-down shelf for preparing your favorite cocktails, a
www.upscalelivingmag.com
speaker system, and a glovebox. Furthermore, you can enhance the Capri trunk for accessories, making it truly unique. Choose from a multi-temperature wine cellar with two detachable air vacuum heads.
Vacation Rentals Private Islands Luxury Resorts Luxury Yacht Holidays
www.dreamexoticrentals.com (866) 293-9061 - Toll Free North America (786) 293-9061 - Local/International (786) 293-5974 - Fax
H O M E S
1
2
HOME TRENDS
The facinating world of home dĂŠcor trends.Here are some that must be part of every home. |1| Maison Valentina Koi Bathtub |2| Vismara Design Mahjong Table |3| Contemporary Luxury compact Wine |4| BarBrabbu Kansas Bar Chair
4 3
51 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
www.upscalelivingmag.com
ARCHITECTURAL PLANNING J. Armando Leyva 253-653-6815
When blazing a path, we suggest starting with the floor.
i nf i ni ty l wv.com
T R A V E L
Luxury
safari destinations | By HelĂŠne Ramackers
H
Having been privileged to have gone on safari numerous times, I can safely say that it is one of the most incredible experiences you can have in your life. Imagine waking up early enough to see the sun rise over the bare branches of a thorn tree with the aroma of fresh coffee finally jolting you out of your slumbering state. The beautiful sight of a leopard walking past your game range vehicle while taking in the sights and sounds of the bush. Pair that with five-star indulgence, tailoring to your every need. Upscale Living magazine went in search of luxurious places that will cater to everything your heart desires.
58 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
www.upscalelivingmag.com
T R A V E L
andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania, Africa Perched on the rim of the beautiful Ngorongoro Crater in northern Tanzania, sits andBeyond’s most breathtaking accommodation offering, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. Transporting you to a bygone era of elegance, each of the thirty stilted handcrafted thatch and mud suites has been adorned with exquisite antiques, grand decorative lights and chic African treasures. Large gilt mirrors are illuminated by beaded chandeliers while raw silk curtains billow in the cool swirling early morning mists of the Crater. You won’t have to leave your opulent suite to get a birds eye view of your awe-inspiring surroundings – the floor-to-ceiling glass windows in your bedroom, bathroom and sitting room all boast vistas of the Crater. Do venture out to encounter the rich wildlife experience that this region of the Masaai has to offer. Here, you might see the Masaai and cattle living amongst the wildlife. There are the fresh springs and large soda lake within the Crater and you might catch seasonal sightings of flamingo on the soda lake. The crater floor is renowned for its high concentration of predators as well as sightings of the black rhino and magnificently tusked elephants. This is Africa at its finest. http://www.andbeyond. com/ngorongoro-crater-lodge/ | Photos courtesy of AndBeyond.
59 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
www.upscalelivingmag.com
T R A V E L
Cliff Lodge, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, Sabi Sand, South Africa Situated in the Sabi Sand Reserve in South Africa is Sir Richard Branson’s private game reserve, Ulusaba. A short walk from the Main House at Rock Lodge, two magnificent suites at Cliff Lodge is the ultimate in safari luxury and extravagance. Accommodating a maximum of five adults and four children when booking both, you have exclusive use of your own chef and private vehicle for game drives. You also have full use of a private gym and spa treatment room. The unparalleled views from your terrace are amazing and you can spot animals drinking at the waterhole from this vantage point. Game drives are legendary at Ulusaba and as you traverse over 13,500 hectares of unchartered territory, you will never see the same animal twice. According to a recent post on his blog, Sir Richard had a wonderful time on his last visit when the very rarely seen painted wolves were spotted on his game drive. Kids that stay at Ulusaba are welcome to join the Cubs Club, where the ranger and tracker team make it loads of fun for them to learn about tracking and conservation. http://www.virginlimitededition. com/en/ulusaba/the-lodges/cliff-lodge | Photos courtesy of Virgin Limited Edition.
60 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
www.upscalelivingmag.com
T R A V E L
Lions Sands Ivory Lodge, Sabi Sand, South Africa With a cue from Mother Nature in their design acumen, Lion Sands Ivory Lodge blends in seamlessly with the surrounding bush environment. Building a lodge ‘of the earth’ with natural materials meant the incorporation of wood, thatch, water, sand and modern elements such as glass and steel. The aesthetically pleasing look is in keeping with the Lion Sands properties theme of sophisticated midcentury architecture. The interiors are bold and edgy with highly textured finishes to create an utterly sensory experience. The dimensions of the Villas are vast in size – starting from 1560 sq ft to the proportions of the Fish Eagle Villa at 3500 sq ft. With a maximum of twenty guests, you might only encounter your neighbor in passing on a game drive. Forming part of an ecosystem which is home to the largest concentration of wild animal species in the Southern Hemisphere, Lion Sands prides itself on outstanding game sightings. Couple this with ethical and responsible conservation management and you will realize that the animals are highly accustomed to the presence of humans. With no human threat, close proximity can be achieved as long as there is respect for the animals and their environment. https://www.lionsands.com/our-lodges/ivory-lodge/ | Photos courtesy of Lions Sands Ivory Lodge
61 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
www.upscalelivingmag.com
T R A V E L
Eagles Crag Lodge, Shamwari Game Reserve, Port Elizabeth, South Africa The premier lodge at Shamwari Game Reserve, Eagles Crag Lodge is the pinnacle of luxury and privacy. Throw in some spectacular scenery of the surrounding rock faces and you might catch the incredible sight of eagles soaring. Sheltered deep in one of the valleys on Shamwari Game Reserve and the encircling cliffs, this is a haven of tranquillity and style. With nine luxury suites accommodating two guests per room, you will find a myriad of activities to undertake in this malaria free area. Stretching over five of South Africa’s seven biomes in the Eastern Cape Province, this could be the perfect safari for you. At Shamwari, you can do bird watching or embark on a game drive. One of the big drawcards is the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuaries where the vision of actress and conservationist Virginia McKenna and her late husband Bill Travers is carried out in the programme to ‘Keep Wildlife in the Wild’. Another worthwhile place to visit is the Ian Player Rhino Awareness Centre, opened in 2012. The centre’s focus is to raise awareness of conservation and preservation as the rhino numbers are dwindling at an alarming rate due to the increasing greed of poachers. https://www.shamwari.com/luxury-safaris-lodges/eagles-craglodge/ | Photos courtesy of Shamwari Game Reserve.
62 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
www.upscalelivingmag.com
T R A V E L
Singita Pamushana, Zimbabwe, Africa With only six suites and one villa on a vast 130,000 acres of private reserve, you will not see another person for miles. Welcome to Singita Pamushana. Situated in southeastern Zimbabwe, the wildlife that roams the plains is sure to make a lasting impression on you. The prolific rhino population is increasing and thanks largely to the conservation efforts of Singita Pamushana, not a single rhino has been lost since 2007. For intimate encounters with wildlife, you have come to the right place. From the 1000 year old rock art sites to the fishing and game viewing from a boat safari, there will always be an activity to pursue. Singita Pamushana boasts one-of-a-kind bathrooms in massive suites, all with outdoor and indoor showers. You can put your feet up in the spacious lounge area or take a snooze on your sumptuous bed with vistas of the reserve. Or take in the panoramic views from your very own private plunge pool. Reminiscent of the ruins of Great Zimbabwe, the organic shaped buildings at Singita Pamushana bear testament to the here and now. Incredible detailed stonework lays the foundation for interiors that are bold and contrasting to the landscape surrounding it. Dollops of color add character to the oversized suites where thick walls and meticulous thatching ensure that your comfort is not compromised. https://singita.com/lodge/singita-pamushana-lodge/ | Photos courtesy of Singita.
63 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
www.upscalelivingmag.com
T R A V E L
Destination Three Perfect Destinations Down Under
Sydney
| By Priscilla Pilon
Destination Australia needs a good couple of weeks to scratch the surface and an entire month to fully appreciate all its nuances. Recently I visited the dynamic city of Sydney and two outstanding, out of the way locations – Hayman Island and Wolgan Valley on a whirlwind tour Down Under. Where to Stay ...
Shangri-La
Elegant Asian inspired décor and warm hospitality are standard at all of the Shangri-La hotels and Sydney’s location is no exception. After a long travel day, I appreciated the pot of tea upon arrival kept hot in an adorable wicker hamper upon arrival. With the room on the Executive Floor I continued to be pampered with access to the private lounge for premiere guests with breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour, Sydney’s Opera House and the Sydney Bridge. World-class breakfast options and afternoon teatime made my stay even more special. Evening cocktails at BLU Bar on the 36th floor are a “must do” for both the views and the tastiness of the libations served there. Shangri La’s specialties at their romantic fine dining restaurant Altitude offers interesting options, including local favorites like Rock Octopus with black squid ink. https://www.shangri-la.com/hotels/shangri-la-hotel-sydney/
65 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
www.upscalelivingmag.com
Four Seasons
The superb location is convenient for business folks and tourists alike. Although the rooms are in need of a bit of a face-lift, the views of Sydney Opera House astounded me. The new executive lounge is well worth the splurge. Lounge 32 access is reserved for guests in Club rooms and includes buffet breakfast, all-day refreshments, evening hors d’oeuvres, a generous open bar, private check-in, a personal Concierge and valet pressing. Alex, the bar manager at the award-winning Grain Bar poured me a creative cold concoction which wowed me, a true cocktail aficionado. Celebrity chef Mark Best put forth a tasty eclectic lunch at his acclaimed bistro, Pei Modern featuring fresh, local and sustainable produce. http://www.fourseasons.com/sydney/
What To Do...
Sydney Bridge Climb
Sydney
n c d
T R A V E L
Sunrise or sunset, a walk to the top of Sydney’s Bridge with BridgeClimb is thrilling. Knowledgeable guides take small groups of adventurers, safely harnessed in, on a vertical walk up the 1332 steps to the summit. Climbers are rewarded with panoramic views of the beautiful cityscape and harbor. Souvenir photos are available upon return to the base – printed or on a memory stick. http://www.bridgeclimb.com
Sydney Opera House Tour
Due to its unique and bold architecture, the iconic building is one of the most photographed landmarks in the world. Inside visitors will marvel at how the shape of the structure plays into the way music is experienced. The history behind the building and design is fascinating. https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/visit/tours.aspx
Dining Waterfront - From Upscale to casual and local, a plethora of dining options exist at Sydney's
nouvelle waterfront development King Street Wharf.
Nick's Bar & Grill
Nick's Bar & Grill especializes in Mediterranean char grill fish and meats. http://www.nicksbarandgrill.com.au
The Malaya
The Malaya – upscale South East Asian cuisine, small plates to share. http://www.themalaya.com.au
Authentically Australian Eleven Bridge, a Relais & Chateaux restaurant
is part of award-winning chef Neil Perry’s uber successful Rockpool Group. Signature dishes like the native abalone (large sea snails) panfried and drenched in brown butter and the whole partridge steamed in bread are “must taste” entrees. http://www.rockpool.com/elevenbridge/
66 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
www.upscalelivingmag.com
T R A V E L
HAYMAN ISLAND
Where to Stay Must Do's
One&Only Hayman Island
Australia has seven states, each with substantial coastal waters that vary tremendously. However, Queensland wins top prize for the UNESCO-designated Great Barrier Reef. The One&Only Hayman Island is a sophisticated, yet laid-back resort in Queensland on a private island amidst 3,000 kilometers of coral reefs. The resort is accessible only by boat or helicopter, adding to the feeling of remoteness and seclusion. I arrived by plane at Hamilton Island and was whisked away from baggage claim by the staff who brought me to a luxury yacht and plied me with champagne and delicious treats for the short boat ride to the resort. One&Only signature warm hospitality extends to the rooms where every amenity imaginable is provided in the rooms. The chic modern oversized rooms (suites) were wellappointed and quite comfortable right down to the high thread-count sheets and towels. My room (#143) terrace fronted the pool and had a swim ladder so I could access the pool directly from my porch – fun!
Dining & Drinking Dining at One&Only Hayman Island is always interesting. If one of the seven unique bars and restaurants fail to captivate you, private dining can be arranged on the beach or a location of your choosing.
Private Dining
My private dining choice included a romantic five-course degustation menu of epic proportions, accompanied by vintage Perrier-Joet champagne under the stars at Coconut Beach. It was one of the most memorable dining experiences of my life.
Themed Restaurants and Bars
Bar Fifty is a nifty indoor/outdoor lounge with a nightlife feel. I highly recommend the refreshing Sunset Spritz with sorbet, blood orange, beefeater gin, aperol, and sparkling wine. Amici, an Italian influenced restaurant specializes in wood-fired pizza – the truffle is to die for! I was treated to a special seat at Bamboo’s Teppanyaki table where chef Neil delighted me and the other guests with his knife-handling and culinary skills – a meal and a show. www.oneandonlyresorts.com/one-and-only-hayman-islandaustralia
67 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
www.upscalelivingmag.com
Private seaplane excursion
Nothing better than a bird’s eye view of the breathtaking aerial views of Bait, Hardy Reef, Heart Reef and the most exquisite of all, the Outer Reef.
Langford Island
A short launch ride with a freshly packed gourmet picnic lunch to Langford Island is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. Here, I was one of only a handful of visitors to the uninhabited sandy spit. I dined under the shade of a nautical umbrella, sipped chilled champagne, watched majestic sea turtles surface for air, and swam with fish whose brilliant colors rivaled those of the most vibrant rainbow.
Seaside Spa Treatment
The spa is a beautiful oasis on the resort. However, I opted to take full advantage of nature’s bounty and booked my massage en plain air beachside. My massage therapist Torrie applied the perfect amount of pressure to ease the tension out of my body and to rid me of jet lag. Gently breathing in and out while ripples of waves crashed the shoreline was the most relaxing way to unwind.
Wolgan Valley
Where to Stay
Dining & Drinking
T R A V E L
The Country Kitchen
The restaurant is a casual café overlooking the pool and spa area. We loved sitting outdoors on the patio when not too hot and enjoying bistro-type food and delicious homemade cookies and strawberry smoothies served in glass milk bottles for dessert.
The Wolgan Dining Room
Emirates One&Only
Authentically Australian, Emirates One&Only surpassed all my expectations for a luxury nature wildlife experience Down Under. Situated on a 7,000 acre preserve tucked away in between the Wollemi and Gardens of Stone national parks, this property offered me an up close and personal view of indigenous mammals and birds from the front porch of my upscale accommodations. Individual fresh, modern and light villas are styled with natural woods and stones in keeping with the Grand Blue Mountain habitat surrounding them. All are equipped with private indoor/outdoor plunge pools, dream closets, and romantic fireplaces.
The dining room offers upscale cuisine in a grand room centered on an enormous stone fireplace. The goal for the chef ’s team is to serve fresh products and wines from local farmers of the Greater Blue Mountain and nearby regions. Guest celebrity chefs like Neil Perry host progressive gourmet degustation dinners in the dining room and outdoor venues under the stars several times a year.
Must Do's
Horseback Trail Ride
Signature Wildlife and SunDers Drive
Beginners like me need not fear the rugged terrain and experts will enjoy an even more robust ride if desired. My trail ride guide chose a strong but silent mare to lead the way from the stables over the rolling hills, through the running creeks and along the beautiful ridgelines. Tip: Use small branches with leaves while riding to swat away the persistent pests during hotter black fly season.
Experienced guide Jack picked our small group up in a fourwheel-drive vehicle for an unforgettable tour around the main western loop track of the property. He taught us how to tell the difference between a Wallaroos (dark brown and tan), and a Wallabies (reddish and smaller) and Kangaroos (largest of the marsupials). We also learned interesting facts like Kangaroos have an excellent sense of smell but poor eyesight. Sundowner (sunset) cocktails and hors d’oeuvres are part of the excursion and with expansive vistas as selfie backdrops, happy hour has a whole new meaning.
Gourmet Picnic at the Panoramic Deck
A true nature lover, I was in my glory when the staff dropped me, and one of my best mates, off in the middle of the reserve along the southern track at the Panoramic Deck for a scenic picnic lunch with the prettiest view of the Wollemini National Park in front and the Gardens of the Stone National Park behind us. We sat under the shade of an enormous ancient gum tree, sipping glasses of pink bubbly while munching on a gourmet lunch in utter awe that we had this special place to ourselves. https://www.oneandonlyresorts. com/one-and-only-wolgan-valley-australia/About
68 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
www.upscalelivingmag.com
TAKE
UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE
ANYWHERE & EVERYWHERE
w w w. u p s c a l e l i v i n g m a g . c o m 888.485.1114  630.980.6570
W IT N R E A V+ E S L P I R I T S
MAY THE SPIRITS
BE WITH YOU A look at the Top 8 Spirits | By Neil K. MacMillan
S
pirits have been with us since geniuses whose names are lost to history first figured out that you could ramp up the potency of alcohols such as wine, beer or any organic fermented fruit or grain juice by distilling the fermented product. Each time you distill the product you take out more impurities and boost the alcohol content. Let’s face it, spirits are big business and there is hardly a nation in the world that doesn’t produce them. We’re not talking about the well liquor at Joe’s Tavern. What are the drinks of the ultra-elite?
8 7 6 5
In eighth place for most expensive spirit Diamond Jubilee Scotch whiskey by Johnnie Walker will set you back £ 100,000 or $165,000. Only sixty bottles of this 60-year-old whiskey were crafted by the distiller. One was gifted to Queen Elizabeth II the remainder were sold with the proceeds donated to the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship fund. The bottle is a diamond shaped Baccarat decanter with a sterling Britannia collar featuring a half carat diamond. It was aged in Oak barrels made from oak on the queen’s Sandringham estate. Number seven on our list The Dalmore 62-year-old scotch was once the most expensive whiskey in the world. Only 12 bottles were made featuring the sterling stag head. It can be yours for £ 125,000 or $200,000. At number six, Royal Salute’s Tribute to Honour is blended from some of Royal Salute’s oldest whiskeys, all of which are over 45 years old. Twenty-one bottles were crafted by master blender Colin Scott to pay homage to the Honours of Scotland, the oldest crown jewels in Great Britain. It will cost you £ 125,000 or $200,000. Fifth from the top of the list is the Macallan M. It bounced The Dalmore 62 from the pedestal as most expensive whiskey when a single decanter sold at auction for £381,620. Four decanters are known to exist. Two are held in archive by the distiller and the third was pre-sold to an Asian collector.
71 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
www.upscalelivingmag.com
4 3 2 1
Can you part with a cool $1,000,000? If so, you might be able to purchase a 2007 limited edition bottle of Mendis Coconut Brandy. Aged in specially made wooden Halmilla casks and distributed by Luxe Coterie. The bottle was signed, dated and numbered by founder W.M. Mendis. It earns the number four spot in our list. I have to say our number three choice surprised me. Scottish Diva will set you back a million dollars. Most of the value is in the bottle which is adorned with gemstones and crystals. The vodka is triple ice filtered through Nordic birch charcoal followed by filtering through sand peppered with precious and semi-precious stones. Blackwood Distillery also includes Swarovski crystals running through the center of the bottle that you can garnish your drink with. The number two spot is held by Henry IV Heritage Cognac Grande Champagne. At $2,000,000 this isn’t a cognac for poseurs! The 100-year-old cognac comes in a gold, sterling and platinum bottle studded with 6,500 diamonds. Only 10 cl are decanted into the 8 kilogram bottle. It is one of the rarest drinks on the planet. We’ve made it to the pinnacle of the spirit list! That calls for a drink! That drink could be Tequila Ley’s Pasión Azteca. Much of the 3.5 million dollar price tag comes from the white gold and platinum diamond encrusted bottle designed by renowned Mexican artist Alejandro Gomez Oropeza. The world’s most expensive tequila is also the priciest drink on the planet! Sip it slowly and savor it. Special occasions call for special libations and these are in a class of their own! The prices reflect a collector’s market and that is to be taken in to consideration. Time will tell if the list will change and the chances of some or all of these being available are quite slender. Will you savor any of these? I hope you will and will accord each the time and respect they deserve. Cheers!
Any list is subject to change and these entries may have changed price since the compilation.This list is current to the best of my knowledge.
W I N E
62 Upscale Living Magazine |
+
S P I R I T S
Issue 41 www.upscalelivingmag.com
T R A V E L
C I G A R S
A FRESH CIGAR A look at the top humidors. | By Neil K. MacMillan
I’m not a cigar smoker and haven’t been for decades. In the days when I did indulge I appreciated a good cigar, but so many things can affect the flavor of even the finest cigar. Humidity is the usual culprit. If you’re a cigar aficionado or you’re a neophyte in the world of cigars you want a good humidor. As a neophyte myself I went to the source for all things dealing with cigars; Cigar Aficionado magazine. Those of you who relish a fine cigar may dispute these findings, but isn’t it helpful to have them if you’re debating the purchase of a humidor?
DAVIDOFF NUMBER 1 THUYA: This humidor retails for $4,923.99. It can hold 140-170 cigars. Humidity is maintained by two proprietary passive units. This humidor features a tray, dividers and a lock and key. The Thuya dos not have a hygrometer. Davidoff maintains the quality of its humidors alleviates the need for one. Davidoff is well known for the quality of their humidors and the Thuya is no exception. Cigar Aficionado gave this humidor an A+. DANIEL MARSHALL SERIES 1999: priced at $595.00 came in second with a rating of A by Cigar Aficionado. It holds 165 cigars. It uses a Credo 70 passive device made especially for Daniel Marshall and features a magnetic marking calendar, dividers, a digital hygrometer, lock and key, brass plaque, distilled water and five Daniel Marshall cigars. MANNING WALNUT AND MYRTLE RADIUS: drew a solid A rating from Cigar Aficionado. Using a proprietary passive device that releases humidity at the sides rather than the top. This prevents moisture dripping on the cigars. The humidor costs $1350 and features a tray, dividers and a lock and key. ELIE BLEU LA FLOR DE ALBA: although Elie Bleu is renowned for their humidors, this humidor suffers from marquetry that is less than perfect. This is likely due to the increased production of this humidor. Functionally it lives up to Elie Bleu’s reputation. The $2000 humidor features two passive units proprietary to the company, dividers, lock and key, and an analog hygrometer. Humidity can be controlled through adjustable vents. Cigar Aficionado gives this unit an A- rating. It holds 100 cigars. MICHEL PERRENOUD THE CLASSICAL ORIGINAL: with a capacity of 10 cigars, stylistically, the pyramid shape of this humidor is unique. It has two passive units that are proprietary to Perrenoud. It features trays and dividers. The lid is heavier than most and can pinch fingers if lowered slowly rather than dropped. The $3750 humidor keeps the cigars fresh and at the proper humidity. The Classical Original earned a rating of A-. 74 Upscale Living Magazine |
Issue 41 www.upscalelivingmag.com
C I G A R S PROMETHEUS AMBOYNA BURL: This humidor has a mahogany interior and two passive units proprietary to the company. It holds 150 cigars and features a tray, dividers, a digital hygrometer, a brass plaque and a lock and key. The units are located in the lid of the box. It retails for $1650, and garnered an A- rating. BOCEPHUS CUSTOM: This humidor holds 150 cigars and will cost approximately $2450 depending on what exotic woods the customer wants. It uses one Sikar device. The interior is Spanish cedar and features include a tray, dividers, and an analog hygrometer. It can be ordered through select tobacconists. The Bocephus Custom received a rating of A- and was the best of the custom boxes. LIBERTAD/MICHAEL BARBER HARLEY-DAVIDSON EXECUTIVE HUMIDOR: With a Spanish cedar interior and a capacity of 300 cigars, the H-D executive uses two passive devices proprietary to Cooper’s Classic Car and Cigar Systems. This is the heaviest humidor of the lot and runs approximately $7900. It features a tray, dividers, an analog hygrometer, two leather pouches, and a lock and key. The box’s appointments are fashioned from HarleyDavidson motorcycle parts. The humidor is pre-seasoned by Barber. The top tray is held in place with Velcro. It earned a B+ rating DUNHILL SYCAMORE AND MACASSAR: The British tobacco firm of Dunhill comes in with a humidor costing $1200 which utilizes a proprietary passive device. The interior is mahogany veneer. It uses a spring scale to weight the box in lieu of a hygrometer. It has a capacity of 100 cigars. The unit keeps the cigars dryer than others, but this is in keeping with British preferences. Dunhill earns a B+ rating. C. A. O. ARTIST SERIES POMME DE TERRE: depending of options and materials this humidor will retail for $8,000-$10,000 and will hold between 100 and 200 cigars. It utilizes two Credo precision 70 passive units. With a Spanish cedar interior, it features a triple tray system, dividers, an analog hygrometer and Lock and key. The unit required more attention than the others and the humidity fluctuated. The lid is heavy and could cause problem later in the humidor’s life. Cigar Aficionado give this unit a B+. The bottom line? You the customer has to decide what the right humidor is for your smoking needs. All of the humidors listed above are quality units, but just as your taste in cigars is unique to you, your choice of a humidor will be as well.
75 Upscale Living Magazine |
Issue 41 www.upscalelivingmag.com
C UT R L IA NV AE RL Y
TRUFFLES FOAM ROCKET SCIENCE
A collection of upscale top picks molecular gastronomy dining spots
| By Karen Holly Berliner
T
here is a science to everything. Chemistry, biology and physics make their way into every facet of living and while that’s all well and good, not everyone is a scientist. Enter food and dining. Put these two forces together and you have the makings of pure magic. In this spirit, Upscale Living invites you on a molecular dining flight, where science and food collide in a most magnificent way. Be wowed by the likes of cocktails in ice spheres, disappearing transparent, spherical ravioli, hot gelatins, faux caviar and pleasing sensory awakening oddities of this sort. Heureux l'expérimentation and bon appétit!
77 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
www.upscalelivingmag.com
C U L I N A R Y
Fiola, Washington, DC The Cherry Blossom cocktail at Fiola uses molecular gastronomy to create a vanilla flavored "cloud" of aroma inside of the glass. The smoke is poured from a decanter where dry ice particles await. Hot vanilla tea is added that will initiate the chemical reaction of turning the solidified CO2 (dry ice) back to gas, adding a vanilla flavor that pairs to perfection with the cocktail (cherry blossom syrup, vodka and lime). Two foams are on the menu currently, one with the pastas and a parmesan emulsion as a cockle or “ocean� foam for a halibut dish, which features sea vegetables and flavors, made into a broth and foamed up. Fiola Offering a sophisticated menu inspired by the regional cuisines of Italy and a nationally recognized wine program and centrally located between the White House and the Capitol, Fiola offers culinary masterpieces. http://www.fioladc.com/
78 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
APRIL 2017 www.upscalelivingmag.com
C U L I N A R Y
The Musket Room, Nolita, NY At this New Zealand inspired dining spot, enjoy an oyster dish where liquid nitrogen is used during preparation and a confit egg yolk is used in the chicken and the egg dish. Not your grandmother’s cherries jubilee. Chef and Co-Owner Matt Lambert, a New Zealand native who honed his skills working in some of New York’s top kitchens (Public, Double Crown, and Saxon & Parole among others), The menu celebrates the evolution of New Zealand cooking, from the country’s Old World traditions and Asian influences to its authentic farm to table ingredients sourced from the restaurant’s back garden. http://www.musketroom.com/
79 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
www.upscalelivingmag.com
C U L I N A R Y
Del Posto, New York, NY Molecular Bread Service For the cream ball, Battenkill Valley cream, crème fraiche, salt, calcium lactate and iota carrageenan are combined. This mixture is whipped until it is just about over-whipped, then this is piped into balls and placed into a sodium alginate bath. The balls sit in the bath for no more than one minute and are then transferred to a bath of cream. They are removed from the bath when served, topped with salt, pepper, a bit of cream, and extra virgin olive oil. Iota carrageenan is a seaweed derivative that acts as a stabilizer, and calcium lactate aids in the spherification process. The sodium alginate bath is also a stabilizer: it creates a film around the balls to help them hold their shape. Created by Mario Batali, Joe Bastianich, Lidia Bastianich and partner/Executive Chef Mark Ladner in October of 2010, Del Posto exudes European luxury partnered with innovative Italian cuisine. Del Posto is proud to hold the coveted Relais & Chateaux distinction, a 5 Diamond Award from AAA, and the Grand Award from the Wine Spectator. http://delposto.com/
80 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
www.upscalelivingmag.com
C U L I N A R Y
Saint Germain, Norfolk Virginia A molecular concoction awaits you here; “Beets by J”, Lunazul Blanco/ sweet beet/ Campari and lime. A colorful salad of sunflower shoots/duck hearts”/ smoked cipollini onion / buttermilk dressing / sunflower seeds / compressed cucumber / hydrated basil seeds / radish / celery / fresh basil and mint. Grand molecular finale-“Dessert Textures” chocolate popover/ cherry compote/ chocolate gel/ orange blossom ice cream/ almond soil Saint Germain is a modern American restaurant in Downtown Norfolk. The chef artfully fuses old New Orleans charm with molecular gastronomy, using components that might very well be generated by a chamber vacuum or a rotary evaporator. Who knew? http://www.saintgermainnorfolk.com/
81 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
www.upscalelivingmag.com
C U L I N A R Y
Commonwealth, San Francisco Call it progressive, call it molecular, call it what you will, the end product is a hit. Pictured is a foie gras crusted in granola with vanilla pudding and blackberries. The foie gras torchon is made by curing it, cooking it sous vide, and then rolling it in a mixture of honey and steel cut oats. The vanilla pudding is made with cream, vanilla, and thickened with tapioca starches. The grilled Romano beans with marble potatoes, yogurt, dill, and horseradish starts with beans that are grilled covered with horseradish and oregano and cut into squares. A dill gel with gellan gum is made along with yogurt dipped into liquid nitrogen and then encapsulated that with the dill gel. For a heartier dish, choose the young hen with shelling beans, squid ink mole, and prawn cracker whereby the hen is sous vide and then roasted. Added to this is mole with dried peppers, nuts, seeds and squid ink. The crackers are made by pureeing shrimp with a stock made from their heads and tapioca starch. The dough is then steamed, dehydrated and finally fried to produce airy crackers. Science, indeed. Commonwealth is a Progressive American restaurant located in the heart of San Francisco’s Mission District. Executive Chef Jason Fox showcases dishes incorporating modern techniques and diverse culinary approaches. http://www.commonwealthsf.com/
82 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
www.upscalelivingmag.com
C U L I N A R Y
Celebrity Chef Jason Santos, Boca Raton Resort & Club - “A Nitro to Remember” Boston-based celebrity chef Jason Santos visited the Boca Raton Resort & Club in early February of this year and as part of the resort's new Artists in Residence program, this "Hell's Kitchen" contestant shared his love of molecular gastronomy, hosting “A Nitro to Remember” cocktail and dinner event. Some of the highlighted molecular treats were a frozen lychee margarita with yuzu foam and chili ginger, pan seared sea scallops with cauliflower puree, golden raisin compote and Marcona almond crumble. Warm butterscotch fondant banana ice cream, butterscotch anglaise with fresh raspberries calvados completed the meal with chemistry and finesse. Boca Raton Resort & Club http://waldorfastoria3.hilton.com/en/hotels/florida/bocaraton-resort-and-club-a-waldorf-astoria-resort-BCTRCWA/ index.html
83 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
www.upscalelivingmag.com
C U L I N A R Y
Atelier Crenn, San Francisco In Dominique Crenn's upscale atelier in San Francisco, molecular gastronomy is featured both subtly and in full presentation. Look for inventive courses bathed in foamy bubbles, playfully served on wooden logs. Visually unique and enticing to the taste buds. Atelier Crenn is the labor of love product of celebrated Chef Dominique Crenn, a 2 star Michelin chef in San Francisco’s Cow Hollow district. Artful and progressive fine French cuisine keeps this master of gastronomy busy at the helm. Her molecular courses are an outstanding representation of the May/December romance between traditional and modern day dining. https://www.ateliercrenn.com/
84 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
www.upscalelivingmag.com
T E C H - G A D G E T S
Ehang Passenger Drone - The Ehang Passenger Drone concept is to create an all-electric helicopter that navigate itself to a destination with being the passenger.
HI-TECH GADGETS
The Vertu Aster Leaf was created from unique hand crafted leather by Carina Sohl. The stunning Raspberry leaf embossed leather is complemented by gorgeous engraved leaf designs on the titanium pillow, side and back plate; also the Grade 5 Titanium metalwork is brushed and polished to perfection. Asking price $9,500.00
Utopia by Tournaire Headphone is one of the most prestigious and most expensive headphone set in the world coated with gold 750 thousandths and 6 karats diamonds. Utopia by Tournaire will be limited exclusive and numerated pieces.
85 APRIL Upscale Living Magazine |
www.upscalelivingmag.com