FALL 2018 PRINT ISSUE

UPSCALE ™

FALL 2018

THE FANTASTIC FOUR ANNIA JENKINS CYNTHIA HIGHTOWER-JENKINS JANNIE SANFORD DEVE SANFORD

KEVIN RICHARDSON DESTINATIONS MONT ROCHELLE VISIT CROATIA

LUXURY MACHINES -FLYING DAGGER 50M SUPERYACHT -DUCATI MULTISTRADA 1260 S -ALFA ROMEO’S 191 MPH GIULIA QUADRIFOGLIO

P h o t o c o u r t e s y o f O w e n B i l l c l i ff e

THE LION WHISPERER

MARK CUBAN 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

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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

PROFILE 30 Christopher Cope The Vice President Sales & Marketing of Raleigh Enterprises shares with us his love for the Sunset Marquis and his Kevin Richardson Foundation

INTERIORS 34 Furniture Pieces Extraordinary furniture pieces from the industry most elite 40

Interior Designer, Joan Behnke Creating a harmonious interior experience

ART & CULTURE 36 Prize Lots Upcoming and past auctions from Bonhams elite pieces

FEATURES 12

Mark Cuban The famous entrepreneur sits with our Dallas Editor, Deve Sanford to discuss his passion, failures and his greatest achievements

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Flying High with the Fantastic Four Celebrating the lives of three amazing and successful women all over the world kicking off our global journey in Dallas, Texas

62

Kevin Richardson, The Lion Whisperer

Sat exclusively with our Travel Editor, HelĂŠne Ramackers, about what it takes to ensure the preservation and protection of these magnificent beasts

JEWELRY 26

Fine Jewels Beautiful design pieces from luxury brands such as Van Cleef & Arpels, David Webb, Mikimoto Pearls

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TRAVEL 68 Mont Rochelle Franschhoek, Cape Town South Africa 72 Croatia Experience Luxury with Croatia’s natural wonders this Fall 76 Wyndham Desert Blue Experience the Presidential Lifestyle in Las Vegas 80

Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest Modern Luxury

MACHINES

REAL ESTATE

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Ducati Multistrada 1260 S The Ultimate Sport-Touring Machine

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Alfa Romeo 191 MPH Giulia Quadrifoglio Should the new Giulia Quadrifoglio Alfa Romeo be the next Bond Car?

Live auction - Celebrity, Eddie Murphy’s former home at live absolute auction

RESTAURANT 82 Castagna Restaurant Decadent Dining in Portland, OR

SPIRITS

The Art and Style of Bovet’s Recital 22 Grand Recital

83 The Barbadillo Versos 1891 Amontillado The World’s most expensive Sherry

GADGETS COUTURE 24

AH-Men The most sought after products to get you through the season

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AH-Women Fashion & Accessories for the upcoming season

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Gin & Kilts Two Scottish brands have decided to setup a collaboration, gin and kilts. What could possible go wrong?

84 Luxury Gadgets The perfect items for your home; from Stealth Luxury Gaming Table by 11 Ravens, Even’s H3 headphones to Goldgenie 24k

CRUISE 56

cover

Crystal World Cruise Luxury Living

“I learned from all my failures but never let them stop me. I realized it didn’t matter how many times I failed. When I was living in an apt with 6 guys and sleeping on the floor, how much worse could it get?

So failure never got in my way.”

YACHTS 60

Flying Dagger Superyacht Rossinavi debut stunning 50m Superyacht, Flying Dagger 7 Upscale Living Magazine | FALL

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OUR CONTRIBUTORS Heléne Ramackers is a freelance journalist who enjoys interviewing local and international celebrities but thinks she has found her calling amongst the travel writing fraternity. A creature comfort girl at heart, she loves all things opulent. When she’s not fantasizing about her next leopard sighting, she thrives on taking photographs of her family and loves capturing the beauty of sunrises, sunsets, rainbows and the magnificence of the full moon.

Dubai-based journalist and Upscale Living contributor, Dellvin Roshon Williams, is a luxury lifestyle content writer and brand messaging, strategist. The rakish raconteur has penned world-class editorial features for US and Middle Eastern titles such as Haute Time, Luxury Hoteliers, Debonair, and Watch 1010. He specializes in Haute Horlogerie, elite travel: super yachts and luxury private aviation, and has a penchant for all things cognac.

Raj Gill is a Freelance Journalist, and has had work published in Suitcase, Elite Traveler Magazine, Haute Living, The Telegraph, The Daily Mail, The Sunday Herald, Scotland Now, The Good Spa Guide, Inspire Magazine and many others. Online Ms. Gill’s work has been published in Travel Mood, IFashion Magazine, Huffington Post UK, the Luxury Travelers Guide.com and others.

Tracy Ellen Beard is a freelance writer and photographer based in Vancouver, Washington. She contributes to Luxe Beat Magazine, Wander With Wonder, and several other magazines. Her stories focus on luxury and adventure travel, fine dining, wine, nonprofits, and alternative medicine.

Influenced by her international upbringing & travels, the importance of being culturally aware resonated with Deve Sanford at an early age & continues to lead her down her career path. Creating a solid career reputation & building on her success she began incorporating more of her personal aspirations into her life & now dedicates her free time in supporting organizations that transforms the lives of women and children in developing countries.

Upscale Living ALINA ROSA LEYVA PUBLISHER / PRESIDENT / FOUNDER

publisher@upscalelivingmag.com 786-760-9133

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Alina Cabral

EDITOR

Natalie King

ASSISTANT EDITOR FASHION EDITOR

Karen Comin Lisa Marie Valentino

BEAUTY EDITOR

Suzanne Luccie

TRAVEL EDITOR

Heléne Ramackers

HOME + DECOR EDITOR

Daniella Ichi

FEATURE EDITOR

Eric Fuentes

TIMEPIECE + FINE JEWELRY EDITOR

VP OF SALES

Anthony Demarco

Rich Murowski MurowskiRich@aol.com 630-980-6570 | 630-202-1912

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

CONTRIBUTORS

ART DIRECTOR

Diane Cassidy, Natalie Cabrera Louisa Coy, Sophia Z. Lewin Heléne Ramackers, Jarone Ashkenazi, Jake Bright, Deve Sanford, Dellvin Roshon Williams, Tracy Beard, Raj Gill, Debbie & William Kickham Michelle Tarkalson

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Michael Vincent, Shane Tarkalson

WEB DEVELOPMENT

Sébastien Moisan

MARKETING & RESEARCH

Louisa Anderson

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Julianne Altmore

DISTRIBUTION ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

Anthony Leyva Jacklyn Dana

Publisher - publisher@upscalelivingmag.com Editor - editorial@upscalelivingmag.com Sales & Advertising - rich.murowski@upscalelivingmag.com

Debbi Kickham is a former Editor of Robb Report Magazine and has been a professional travel and lifestyle journalist for 30 years. She is also the author of the travel bestseller, The Globetrotter’s Get-Gorgeous Guide, which is the world’s first beauty book for traveling women. Debbi’s favorite travel accessory is her husband Bill, an attorney and expert editor.”

Jarone Ashkenazi has expanded his writing portfolio to cover luxury travel, goods, unique experiences along with restaurants and lifestyle articles for numerous websites.

From luxury hotels, all-inclusive resorts and VIP experiences, Jarone has written about exclusive properties only offered to the discerning traveler and consumer.

Jarone spends his free time traveling, playing sports and is always up for an adventure.

Jake Bright is a writer and award winning author. He focuses primarily on global business and technology, but also finds some time to cover the biz and tech of performance cars and motorcycles.

Copyright 2018 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

M ain Office 786-760-9133 Sales 630-980-6570 www.upscalelivingmag.com

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F E A T U R E

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F E A T U R E

ARK CUBAN

“I learned from all my failures but never let them stop me. I realized it didn’t matter how many times I failed. When I was living in an apt with 6 guys and sleeping on the floor, how much worse could it get? So failure never got in my way.” | BY DEVE SANFORD

One of the greatest entrepreneurs of our time, Mark Cuban undoubtedly has been gifted with the Midas touch, but don't think for a minute any of his successes have gone to his head. Mr. Cuban is as humble, as he is accomplished, and among the lists of his many impressive achievements, what he holds most dear is his family. This endearing quality speak volumes to why he is so successful. Mark Cuban never assumes he knows everything, he follows his instincts but doesn't let it get in the way of reality. Recently celebrating his 60th birthday, what could possibly be the next venture for the American businessman, investor and owner of the Dallas Mavericks? Well, whatever it may be, one thing is for certain, it's going to be good!

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house or business to make it more efficient and simpler. There are always new opportunities!

WHEN YOU COME UP WITH A BUSINESS IDEA, DO YOU GENERALLY KNOW IF IT’S GOING TO BE A WINNER? WHAT DO YOU LISTEN TO FIRST: YOUR GUT, YOUR HEART, YOUR BRAIN? Start with my gut then do the work. It’s a process. The hardest part is not to let excitement get the best of me. I have to be brutally honest with myself and understand how someone could beat me. If I still think I can crush it, I go for it.

DO YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR PROCESS FOR SETTING AND ACHIEVING PERSONAL GOALS? I try to learn everything I can. I don’t want someone to know more than me about the process or product.

I

n an exclusive interview, Upscale Living Magazine explores what Mark's vision is for the future and what it takes to turn dreams into reality.

PRETTY EARLY ON IN YOUR LIFE YOU BECAME AN ENTREPRENEUR, WHAT DO YOU ATTRIBUTE THIS TO?

I’m going to bet it was because my dad was always clear that if I wanted something, I had to work to earn it and I wasn’t old enough to get a job.

So, once I got started, I just always enjoyed starting businesses, even as a kid.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO SEE FROM THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS AND HOW CAN YOU HELP THEM? I don’t have a plan there yet…….. I’m working on it!

OUT OF ALL THE IDEAS, PRODUCTS AND SERVICES YOU HAVE CREATED, IF YOU COULD ONLY CHOOSE ONE TO WORK ON, WHICH WOULD IT BE AND WHY? I would do voice activation integration and development or AI (Artificial Intelligence) driven projects.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE MOST IMPORTANT INNOVATION TODAY?

EVEN THOUGH YOU’RE REMARKABLY SUCCESSFUL, DO YOU STILL FIND YOURSELF SEEKING MENTORSHIP FROM OTHERS?

AI (Artificial Intelligence)

No. Not really. Not now. Not earlier. I always challenged myself to learn things on my own.

SINCE MOVING TO DALLAS COULD YOU HAVE EVER IMAGINED THE GROWTH THAT THIS CITY HAS UNDERGONE?

HOW WE BOUNCE BACK FROM OUR SET-BACKS AND FAILURES IS OFTEN THOUGHT AS CRITICAL TO SUCCESS. WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS STARTING OUT AND DO YOU HAVE ANY PARTICULARLY MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE THAT HAS COME FROM FAILURES? I learned from all my failures but never let them stop me. I realized it didn’t matter how many times I failed. When I was living in an apt with 6 guys and sleeping on the floor, how much worse could it get? So failure never got in my way.

IF YOU WERE A START-UP NOW, WITH NO MONEY, HOW MIGHT YOU APPROACH LAUNCHING A BUSINESS, AND DO YOU THINK THE INTERNET HAS LEVELED OR HINDERED THE PLAYING FIELD FOR YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS? I would find new tech areas I could create value in. I would be the best Alexa programmer and integrator I could be. Same with Google home.

Same with Alexa and Google for cars. Then I would ask anyone I talked to if they wanted to buy Alexa from me and have me integrate their 14 Upscale Living Magazine |

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Yes. Dallas has an incredible energy and it’s an amazing place to live!

WHAT’S THE MOST POSITIVE CHANGE DALLAS HAS UNDERGONE? Every day it becomes increasingly diverse and that makes us a stronger community.

PRIOR TO YOUR PURCHASE OF THE DALLAS MAVERICKS YOU WERE A CO-FOUNDER OF BROADCAST.COM, WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU NEVER FORECASTED FROM THE WORLD OF MULTIMEDIA AND STREAMING ON THE INTERNET? I thought what we see today would have happened ten years ago.

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM MARK CUBAN IN THE FUTURE? To be as good a dad as I possibly can be and to try to win more championships with the Mavs!

F E A T U R E

with the

FANTASTIC

FOUR MUA: Keenya Madison and Jordan White Photographer: Cy Davison of Beyondreach Media Private Plane Courtesy of George Reich at Addison Airport, TX

Annia Jenkins

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Cynthia Hightower-Jenkins

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Deve Sanford

Jannie Sanford

F E A T U R E

From L to R: Deve Sanford and her mother Jannie Sanford, Annia Jenkins and her mother Cynthia Hightower-Jenkins

I

It has often been said, that women propel the direction in which a society progresses.

We live in an era of transformative growth and one of the most profound social transformations has been in the lives of women. They have made, and are making groundbreaking contributions in the business world, and have successfully become recognized as an unparalleled force within the global economy. Redefining the word “mogul,” today’s modern businesswoman is not designated by the size of her company, or if she’s at the top of the Forbes List of Women CEO’s. Today, the word takes

on a new meaning. The contemporary mogul is defined as being the best version of yourself, and elevating that to whatever it encompasses.

In observance of the modern mogul, Upscale Living Magazine is celebrating the lives of these women by interviewing women entrepreneurs all over the world. Kicking off our global journey, Dallas, Texas will be the first stop, with our very own editor, Deve Sanford and her mother Jannie Sanford, joined

by Annia Jenkins and her mother Cynthia Hightower-Jenkins.

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From L to R: Annia Jenkins and her mother Cynthia Hightower-Jenkins

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Interview with CYNTHIA HIGHTOWER-JENKINS AND ANNIA JENKINS, Owners of All Things Beautiful & Co.

What is your vision for All Things Beautiful & Co.?

Our vision for “All Things Beautiful & Co.” is far broader than we could possibly relay within the limitations of this interview, but in a more general scope, our vision is to continue to offer up an encouraging aura for our clientele who find themselves requiring either personal or business re-branding or any of the other very unique customized services that we offer. In addition, we envision our company advancing towards being held in the highest regard for providing a utopic level of service for a genre of clientele whose signature mantra is ‘impress and be impressed beyond comprehension.’

Do you consider your company to be more trend driven or traditional?

“All Things Beautiful & Co.” is multi-tactical in its innovation and approach regarding its clientele and the resolutions that we conclude for them. It offers an eclectic co-mingle of trend, traditional and often times, even a little futuristic. Our services span several focuses, including branding and concept development, unfathomable event and special occasion production, professionalism training, and our Luxury Concierge services encompasses; image, styling-design, interiorscaping and LifeStyle coaching which allows us to use the full range of our unencumbered creativity.

What is the cornerstone of your brand identity?

We believe the cornerstone of our brand to be genuine ingenuity without borders.

What’s your strategy for brand extensions?

Our strategy for brand extension with respect to All Things Beautiful & Co. began at the company’s onset and was

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From L to R: Deve Sanford and her mother Jannie Sanford

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Interview with JANNIE SANFORD AND DEVE SANFORD of Dbrand Distribution How do you assess the luxury industry today?

The luxury industry has changed quite a bit; even over the last decade. Today, there are so many more choices available.

Thanks to the digital world, consumers are very well informed about what is happening all over the globe and tend to want to follow the latest trends.

What do you feel has been the key to your success with Dbrand Distribution?

Dbrand Distribution has always taken an active role in building cultural bridges between the east and west. Linking the two has remained a fundamental principal that our business has relied upon for the past 10 years. The importance of mirroring what is happening in the digital market has been the key to our success.

In simplest terms, it’s about accessibility.

People have become more aware about what is happening and what is available around the entire world. It’s our job assess those de-mands and meet those needs.

Long term vision for Dbrand Distribution?

Every year we launch creative initiatives to engage the consumer and we would love to expand on that in terms of unique collaborations and partnerships. Our long term vision is to grow our portfolio of partner brands all over the world with a concentration in the Middle East and Asia.

What’s your overview of luxury goods market in the Middle East/GCC? The GCC luxury market is estimated at $ 7.6 billion with a growth of 11.8% and it’s only getting bigger.

This market is innovative but at the same time knows a lot of changes: social, economic and cultural.

At a consumer level, we have seen a shift from a consumer focusing on the price to a consumer looking for choice and more recently to one looking for a

unique shopping experiences. Today, the consumer is looking for width and depth in the choices, therefore the return of the multi-brand stores with a more specialized offer. The Middle East luxury market is very promising and is becoming a center of attention. This market benefits from a diverse young population, (mostly expats) with shopping rooted in the culture and traditions.

Dream client to collaboration?

We would love to work with businessman, Adrian Cheng. What he has been able to achieve in re-defining retail spaces and experiences is unparalleled and the way of the future. He has single handedly created a contemporary Chinese culture with his K11 Art Foundation and Art Malls.

Who are some of the notable clients you’ve worked with?

We have had the opportunity to work with so many wonderful clients and each one of them have been special to us.

Some of our clients include large hotel/ resort groups, celebrities and designers.

What’s an objective you aim to achieve at Dbrand Distribution?

Our main objective is to continue building brands with passion and excellence by delivering and providing unique and exceptional experiences in the luxury retail market. We also aim to be continually engaged in giving back to the global community.

How does Dbrand Distribution describe luxury?

For us luxury does not have a straight forward definition. Luxury is complex. It no longer relies on great craftsmanship.

For this generation, the definition of luxury has become multi-faceted. It’s not about the cost of an item, it’s about the message it relays. A couture gown that took 4000 hours to hand embroider at an atelier has just as much “wow” factor as a t-shirt with an encrypted message by a media influencer.

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AH-MEN

The most sought after products to get you through the season! |BY LISA ALONNIE

Men’s Bentley Eyewear glasses are created in cooperation with Estede Austria, a bespoke eye creator based out of Austria. Only 13 new models were added to the collection, all of which can be ordered in a combination of 60 different colors and materials.

Burberry Brown Vintage Check Print Cotton Loafers featuring an almond toe, gold-tone metal chain detailing, blue leather trims, a brown vintage check print, a leather insole and a low stacked heel

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Aquascutum Broadgate Trench Coat in Navy features a single-breasted cut with a full club check lining and side concealed pockets. This coat is the ideal weather guard wardrobe and perfect for layering over suits.

J E W E L S

The Webb Panther Necklace from Kingdom Collection carved emerald drop, cabochon emeralds, brilliant cut diamonds, 18k gold and platinum

Van Cleef & Arpels Rose De NoĂŤl Clip Small Size Brooch 18k Yellow Gold

Yoko London Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Ring Set in 18k White Gold

Fine JEWELS

David Webb Diamond Carved Crystal, Black Enamel Chimera Bangle.

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Mikimoto Women’s Metallic Twist 11mm White Cultured South Sea Pearl, Diamond and 18k White Gold Pendant Necklace.

F A S H I O N

AH-WOMEN

Fashion & Accessories for the upcoming season |BY LISA ALONNIE

Max Mara Resort FW 2018 Large Lady Dior bag in Black Canyon Grained Lambskin FW 2018 Cruise Collection

L.R. Bernardo Luna Bow Shooties (Anthropologie $198); Rooney Slides by Cecelia New York ($198) Matt Bernson Studio Slides ($228) 28 Upscale Living Magazine | FALL

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Chloé Asymmetric Cotton-Blend Twill Cape in Dusky Red

P R O F I L E

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P R O F I L E

CHRISTOPHER COPE VICE PRESIDENT SALES & MARKETING OF RALEIGH ENTERPRISES | BY DEVE SANFORD Tell us about your background and what led you to Raleigh Enterprises?

I’ve been with Raleigh Enterprises for almost 9 years. I originally began as the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Sunset Marquis Hotel.

4 years ago, at the request of the owner, I created the corporate marketing department for Raleigh Enterprises and now oversee marketing and sales for the 4 companies. Prior to joining Raleigh Enterprises, I spent the previous 19 years holding various roles within the hospitality/hotel industry in sales and marketing such as director of sales, managing director for North America and Vice President of Sales & Marketing.

Please share a few details about each of your companies?

Sunset Marquis is an upscale, independent, boutique hotel. We cater to a variety of travelers and are mostly known for celebrity clientele, primarily from the music industry but also from the film and television industries.

Advertising, fashion and corporate travelers make up the bulk of business. Guests enjoy peace and tranquility of Sunset Marquis, and since it sits on 3 1/2 acres, almost all their time on property is spent outside where they can enjoy the very best of Southern California, the weather! This is what truly sets us apart from the competition consisting of big-box, highrise hotels in the area. Our restaurant features al fresco dining as well, so you really are able to enjoy everything good about LA, sans noise and paparazzi, thanks to our design and vigilant security measures to keep guests safe and secure in our grounds.

Marketing has always been a balance between generating awareness while maintaining the intimacy expected from our guests, some of whom have been staying with us since the 70s and 80s. It has required us to walk a fine line in terms of what we say and who we mention.

Our celebrity clientele love the anonymity and it’s vital we keep that in mind at all times.

Instead of dropping names we prefer to talk about the experiences people have when staying with us, such as our Live @ Sunset Marquis

summer music series, and the luxurious amenities and attention to detail we provide, with zero pretension.

Raleigh Film & Television Studios has a truly unique history. Originally founded over 100 years ago by film greats Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, we originally purchased the real estate in the late 70’s. At the time, it was to be razed to make room for a K Mart shopping center. But upon inspecting the facility, our founder, George Rosenthal, just couldn’t bring himself to let it happen. Instead, he invested in the future and it now features 13 sound stages and more than a hundred state-of-art office and post production facilities, housing some of the biggest names in the industry today. It’s rich history includes several significant movies and numerous long-running television shows.

Rosenthal, the Malibu Estates, was borne from George’s passion for wines. Originally a working ranch for horses, over time it became home to our grape vines, resulting in Rosenthal Wines becoming the first wine maker in Malibu and trailblazing the way to establishing Malibu as a significant player in the California wine production landscape. Our 250-acre estate is located within four miles of the ocean at 1450 feet above sea level within a perfect microclimate for growing high-quality grapes.

Rosenthal was designated its very own American Viticulture Area: Malibu Newton Canyon A.V.A. No other wines in the world include grapes grown within the mini-microclimates of Malibu-Newton Canyon.

We feature two labels; Rosenthal and Surf Rider, the former using only Rosenthal grapes and the latter combining Rosenthal grapes while sourcing others from areas of California like Paso Robles. At harvest they are picked by hand, then aged in the finest French Oak barrels. Distribution of our wines is only available via our membership club and direct sales to the public at our tasting room on Pacific Coast Highway. Varietals grown on the estate include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Viognier and Chardonnay.

File Keepers is a document storage company with ancillary units including paper shredding and document scanning services to complement the various needs of our customers and clients. File Keepers has been in business for over 35 years and serves businesses of all types throughout the greater Los Angeles area. Many clients from production studios to the top legal firms in LA to hospitals, accounting firms and school districts represent our largest client base.

The portfolio of core businesses within Raleigh Enterprises is so diverse and operates under a wide range of holdings, from your perspective what attributes do you think have led to the success of your core businesses?

Our businesses operate with the primary philosophy being a focus on service. We realize that regardless of the business, we operate within primarily commoditized industries.

With that in mind, it is simply a matter of doing the right thing for our customers and clients, always. We operate as a family and many of our clients have been with us for decades.

And in addition to the exemplary service we provide, the reason they stay with us is because we treat them as our family too. It’s far too easy for companies to lose site of service in deference to profits. Profits are important of course, but there has to be a balance and our employees are empowered to make smart decisions to mitigate the impact that any inconvenience might caused our customers. Ultimately, every company will have a hiccup and it’s the way we respond to those mistakes that sets us apart from our competition, and ultimately what will ensure our clients keep coming back to us.

From what principle do you attain your personal success?

It has always been my personal expectation that companies treat their employees with respect and dignity, so in turn, this is my philosophy as it results to how I deal with people in work or on a personal level. I learned a long time ago that, as much as we say we need to keep business and personal friendships separate, the fact of the matter is that work is an integral

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P R O F I L E part of our lives and it’s impossible to separate the two. I am proud when past employees contact me for references or personal advice because then I know they respected me, and they know I respected them as well. So from both a business and personal standpoint, my “Rule of 3” includes: 1. Treat people, and your staff, with respect and dignity. We all want it and realize it’s earned over time, but ultimately it starts here.

2. Get to know people. What are their personal interests and hobbies? It’s impossible to connect with people if you know nothing about them.

3. Provide people the tools that enable them to be better and achieve greater success.

What is the biggest challenge facing Raleigh Enterprises in the coming years?

The landscape of business as a whole is changing. We are entering a 4th industrial revolution of sorts. How we work, the way we purchase goods and services, and the way we connect with potential customers is constantly evolving and developing new vehicles for distribution and communications.

Regardless of the industry, all of our companies will see dramatic shifts in how people consume the goods and services we provide. It’s essential that we change as well, including how we interact with them and respond to their changing needs.

In the hospitality space, we face increased competition and a considerably different expectation from a new type of consumer in terms of Millennial travelers and what they want and expect in a hotel experience.

In the file storage space, we face a decreasing client base. So many new businesses are technology focused with objectives to use less and less paper and have a limited carbon footprint on the earth. They use an increasing amount of technology to fulfill these types of needs so it’s incumbent upon us to find new ways to grow revenues through acquisitions and expanding our business services.

In the studio space we face a changing filming environment from physical to electronic content development, along with an expanding based of non-traditional production companies such as NETFLIX, Hulu and Amazon. As technology advances, the question in front of us is whether big studios and sound stages even have a role in the future of entertainment and media development.

In the wine space we face increasing environmental concerns and distribution challenges.

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It is incumbent upon us to look at ways to mitigate our own impact on the environment, and we’ve already begun to see changes such as a movement away from cork. Ultimately we must look ahead to find ways we can be more efficient and produce a smaller carbon footprint of our own such as decreased use of bottles and embracing alternative distribution methods.

How closely do you follow trends within your sector, and what trends do you hope to set within your business?

We are continually assessing what’s trending in our respective industries. Those who do not pay attention will ultimately fail. It is important we understand the difference between what’s trendy and what’s actually changing though.

For us, the trends vary from business to business, but our focus is always to ask questions of our clients. Specifically we ask them what their pain points are and what we can do to overcome these challenges with them. From there it is incumbent upon us to provide a means to satisfy those needs. We should never become complacent and never assume we know what our customers want or need. We are not in their shoes and we must collaborate with our clients to ensure there’s a win-win result for us both.

Some of your partnerships have led to international projects, how important is it for Raleigh to be competitive on a global level?

Raleigh Enterprises is a privately owned company. While international development and expansion isn’t an unrealistic expectation for us, ultimately we are focused on doing what is best for our companies and our employees, while maintaining an acceptable work-life balance for everyone. There is no point in working 80 hours per week for years and not enjoying the fruits of your labors. This is a fundamentally important aspect of working at Raleigh Enterprises.

What are some ways you feel your company challenges convention through creativity?

By being a privately held company, we are much more agile in terms of what we can do and how we do it. We are not burdened by boards of directors or other bureaucracy that inhibits us from doing what we think is the right thing for our companies. At File Keepers we developed an app for small businesses and private individuals to use our services more easily. Traditionally a company that only focused on enterprise level clients that stored thousands of boxes with us, we now have a way to work with smaller storage clients in a much more effective, efficient, and less expensive way. This has also enabled us to open new distribution lines for attracting new client types. We make

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similar investments in all of our companies all of the time. It goes back to providing our customers and clients the greatest level of service and experience possible, and continually looking for new ways to do business that’s responsive to our changing business environments.

How does Raleigh Enterprises align business activities with serving the local community?

Raleigh Works with a variety of organizations within our various companies. Our primary focus has been on educational related matters, most notably when we can serve children in early education environments, and help to provide them with the tools they need for their own kind of success. We regularly support initiatives introduced by our own employees as well, since some of the best and most needy organizations are grown from within our local communities and as a Southern California grown company this really should be our focus.

How do your marketing initiatives look today, and how have they evolved with the rise of social media channels.

Electronic commerce commands our attention in everything we do from a marketing, sales and advertising standpoint. Social media is without a doubt the primary communication vehicle people use to find and consume information that is important to them. We have to understand first who our customers are. Second, where our customers go to get the information they want. And finally, what kind of messaging is going to resonate with them. If a business does not earmark the bulk of their advertising and marketing budget to focus on e-commerce and social media marketing they will ultimately fail. Social media is now a core component in all our marketing strategies and endeavors and all companies should strongly consider hiring someone for this role to be the voice of the company, not just simply someone that posts content on their portals.

How do you see Raleigh Enterprises’ services evolving in the future. What are your long term objectives/goals?

Our goal is always to be first in service. First in service, along with the fulfillment of the purchase, will always result in success. With this in mind we are looking to expand our portfolio into businesses where we’ve already seen and continue to see success. This includes real estate as a primary focus of course, but specifically within our core businesses of hotels, office space and studio space, the latter designed to provide services for industries of rising importance, such as gaming and live music venues.

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FURNITURE pieces EXTRAORDINARY FURNITURE PIECES FROM THE INDUSTRY’S MOST ELITE Coffee Table Manuka brass pole by Brabbu Design Forces www.brabbu.com A design and jewelry element in polished brass by Pullcast Jewelry Hardware. https://pullcast.eu

Rave

Chinese Hardstone Cloisonne enamel and lacquer screen. www.1stdibs.com

J

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Chair Andes Red by Brabbu Design Forces www.brabbu.com

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Ravel Ceiling Light by Castro Lighting. www.castrolighting.com

Brabbu Batak Armchair. www.brabbu.com

Monumental Peony Jar. www.1stdibs.com

Jonas Van Put Contemporary Daybed Sofa. www.1stdibs

A George II Black, Gilt and Red Painted Pagoda Form Display Cabinet.

Pagoda Red. www.pagodared.com 35 Upscale Living Magazine |

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C U L T U R E

UPCOMING STUDIO OF JOOS DE MOMPER THE YOUNGER (Antwerp 1564-1635) A winter landscape with travellers passing through a village; and A landscape with travellers on a path, a village beyond 21.5cm (8 7/16in). diameter (2) £ 10,000 - 15,000 US$ 13,000 - 20,000 www.bonhams.com UPCOMING FRANCIS CAMPBELL BOILEAU CADELL RSA RSW (British, 1883-1937) 'The Model – Peggy Macrae' 30 x 25 in. £ 150,000 - 200,000 | US$ 200,000 - 260,000 www.bonhams.com

PRIZE LOTS

UPCOMING 1954 KAISER DARRIN 161, CHASSIS NO. 1611249 US$ 140,000 - 180,000 | £ 110,000 - 140,000

SOLD NAVAL GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL 1793-1840 Three bars, 4 Novr 1805, Basque Roads 1809, Gaieta 24 July 1815 (S.Wriford, Midshipman.). Toned, extremely fine.

Sold for $18,009 www.bonhams.com 36 Upscale Living Magazine |

161ci OHV Inline 6-Cylinder Engine Single Downdraft Carburetor 90bhp at 4,200rpm 3-Speed Manual Transmission with Overdrive Independent Front Suspension – Live Rear Axle 4-Wheel Drum Brakes. *Only 435 produced. Beautifully Restored. Winner AACA Senior Badge. A legend of 1950s motoring. www.bonhams.com

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C U L T U R E SOLD ROBERT SELDON DUNCANSON (American, 1821-1872) Young America signed and dated “Duncanson 1846” (lower left) oil canvas.

15 3/4 x 12 1/4 in. unframed.

Painted in 1846 www.bonhams.com Sold for $22,500

SOLD THE EXTRAORDINARY HONEYWADSWORTH FAMILY JOINED OAK AND PINE “HADLEY” CHEST WITH DRAWER. Massachusetts. Early 18th Century Sold for $30,000. www.bonhams.com

SOLD A FINE AMERICAN PARCEL PAINT DECORATED GILTWOOD AND MARQUETRY INLAID SIDE CHAIR Executed by Herter Brothers, New York, most likely commissioned for the Mark Hopkins Residence, San Francisco Circa 1878 Sold for $23,750 www.bonhams.com

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I N T E R I O R

D E S I G N

Joan

BEHNKE

Creating a Harmonious Interior Experience

| BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS

Photographs courtesy of Karyn Millet

Good taste is timeless when it comes to interior design. This is a belief deep-rooted in the ethos behind Joan Behnke’s design acumen. It is no surprise that she is the favored interior designer of many celebrities and high-profile clients.

Y

ou are a world-renowned interior designer. Did you have an influence in your youth that shaped your career path?

My family shared cultural experiences in all forms with me from literally the time I was born. Music was always on in the evening, museums were a regular form of entertainment, going to the theatre was part of our life. Art classes were provided as extracurricular activities and we traveled a great deal. My family certainly exposed me to beautiful cultural experiences.

When and why did you decide to become an interior designer?

I was always designing various things from carpets to clothes, to dorm rooms for friends and my older sister. It was second nature, so I didn’t think of it as a career until I had worked in advertising, and in an architecture office. After the birth of my first son, my parents encouraged me to go back to school to get an interior design degree. They could tell that it was a moment in time that I could explore something that they knew all along I would excel at. I was mature enough to take their advice and the design classes were like candy; they didn’t feel like work and it was a passion that I finally could connect to a career.

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D E S I G N

“I always tell younger designers that being ethical and respectful of clients’ trust and their money will provide opportunities in the future.

I think remaining humble is the best approach.”

You started your design firm Joan Behnke & Associates in 1999 and nineteen years later, you are still going strong.

What and who inspires you?

My design sense was fairly well established from the time I was growing up in San Francisco. My parents had Japanese antiques and so I was always drawn to the Wabi Sabi, Japanese aesthetic.

I tell all my designers in my office to read, “In Praise of Shadows”. It is an old book for architects and designers written from the Japanese point of view. The author describes aesthetically how a bowl of white rice in a beautiful black lacquer bowl is more beautiful because of the high contrasts in color and texture. This is just one example of how to take design to a different intellectual level, that affects aesthetic decisions. There are of course many people along the way that have provided inspiration, but I try and go back to the basics.

What are / have been your biggest challenges in your career?

I unexpectedly became a single mom, when I was finishing design school and very quickly had to support myself and my two boys. I had planned on making design a career but easing into the profession a little more slowly than what transpired with two children under the age of four. To prove myself, I had to work very hard, which sometimes entailed long hours that kept me away from being with my kids. I was in survival mode, with one clear desire, to provide a life similar to the one I had growing up, and that meant being able to provide opportunities to travel internationally; to make them worldly and expose them to the 42 Upscale Living Magazine |

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I N T E R I O R

different cultures. Hopefully, they can pass the same passion on to their own children one day.

Important lessons along the way?

I always tell younger designers that being ethical and respectful of clients’ trust and their money will provide opportunities in the future.

I think remaining humble is the best approach.

The favorite part of your job?

I love the front end and very back end of the projects. The front end is getting to know the clients and heavy on designing. The middle is a tremendous amount of organizing, paper work and follow through. The best part of the middle can be working with the individual trades people and working through problems.

The back end is the installation and it is having a chance to see all the hard work come to fruition. Our goal is always to exceed our clients’ expectations and we have been really fortunate to work with some incredibly appreciative clients over the years, which makes all of the hard work absolutely worth it.

What is the best thing about being an interior designer?

The best thing about our work is that every day is different and that every day is about creative problem solving. It keeps you on your toes, never gets boring and can be very rewarding.

And the worst?

The worst thing is being caught emotionally in the middle of people that expect that the interior design will fix all their personal problems.

We have had the privilege of working on some very large homes and the risk is that couples stop communicating when the homes get too large. At that point I remind them to go camping and share a tent.

Tell us about your home (s), what is your decorating style and do you have a favorite room (s) in your house?

We work on every conceivable style of home from modern to rustic to fancy French, etc...

Our style relates to the architecture and the desire of the clients and infusing a sense of uniqueness with custom elements. We do not like things overdone or too fussy. My own home is filled with art, both large and small, that I have collected from all the places I have visited in the world and of course Japanese an-

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tiques. The art I bring home are little pieces of an adventure that you get to keep as shortcuts to reliving your travels.

What key pieces in your home can you not live without?

I have one piece of art that gives me great pleasure. I bought it many years ago at a side walk art sale and it is a charcoal of a little Moroccan boy asleep on a ledge. I have often said that if the house caught on fire I would grab this piece. I have no idea if it is worth anything, but the quality of the drawing is impeccable. That along with personal memories of my children would be carried out the door.

Do you have different taste in interior design of your partner / husband and how do you negotiate / solve that amicably?

My husband completely defers to me with regard to furniture and fabrics. I always include him, but he tends to just let me make those decisions. As far as the art selections, sometimes we end up with two pieces if we cannot decide what to bring home. They represent a shared experience, so it is fine with me if it is not my first choice.

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D E S I G N

Talk us through a timeless interior design style.

I think timelessness is about quality and neutrals. If you don’t want something to go out of style, keep to neutral colors.

They always can be accented with pillows, art and accessories. Quality is important because if something is made well, you want to hold on to it. If it is poorly made, you are always reminded that it is just that. I would rather have fewer items that are special and of high quality than a bunch of junk.

How important is it to accessorize?

We finish out our homes with accessories /art and they can be personal items from someone’s own collection or additional items we have found and recommend. They help to make a house into a home and reflect the overall style of the house. It is hard to find good accessories and also not to select the same ones again and again. It is always a bit of a battle at the end of the project.

I love items from around the world, but we do not warehouse items for this purpose.

Is there a right and wrong when it comes to decorating? Please explain.

I think we all know when something is done right and you fold down the corner of a page in a magazine because everything just works in the photograph.

Personal taste is obviously a factor, but there is a universal language that is not about outrageous taste or shocking the eye. There have been some designers 44 Upscale Living Magazine |

that aim to start trends. The question is how lasting are those designs? Good taste, well done homes have longevity and don’t go in and out of style.

How does one keep things modern / timeless without having to break the bank?

One way to keep budgets under control is to find good pieces that need to be refurbished or reupholstered. Bringing a piece back to life by changing the finish or finding a new wonderful fabric and reupholstering the item can really help with starting out on a budget. I found two chairs on the sidewalk recently that a neighbor was giving away. I had two more made identically and selected some great leather and made them for my son’s home. They cost a fraction of buying something new that was of a lesser quality.

Do you believe in repurposing dated pieces or should one just shop for new ones?

I very much believe in repurposing older items. Upholsterers can change the shape of an arm, the back height, the density of a cushion etc. It is much more ecological as well. Case pieces can be altered with new finishes and new hardware. It is a creative process and if the piece is no longer good for you, find someone else that will appreciate it. It is always nice to donate items.

You have done some exquisite interiors, for celebrities and high-profile

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clients. What challenges did you face and how did you overcome / embrace them?

The risk of becoming famous is that you start to believe you are more special than others. Tom Brady and Giselle Bündchen are the nicest people in the world and I would do anything for them. They have managed to remain humble and kind despite their fame. I consider them friends. Wealthy clients that are self-confident are fantastic.

They let you do your best work and trust in themselves that they have made a choice to hire you based on solid decisions.

What ethos do you have behind your designs?

I see interior design like sculpture and want the experience for the end user to be much more than walls, finishes, layouts, furniture, fabrics and lighting.

It is about the whole of the design. It is ideally conceptual and intellectually driven and aesthetically surprising. It is a tall order we put on our design process in our office, but worth it in the end, as it is an exploration into a more evolved deeper sense of commitment to the process. A finished home should feel like a symphony; beautiful individual contributions that complement each other, creating a harmonious experience.

Have there been projects that you have declined? If yes, why?

Taking on a project is like a blind

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date unless it is for a client that you have worked with on a previous job. You do your best to assess the challenges and potential joys versus difficulties. The best clients trust who they have hired and let you do your work without getting too overly involved.

Describe yourself in three words.

Creative, hardworking and curious.

You travel for business, and hopefully pleasure too. Which have been your favorite places to travel to that have left a lasting impression?

I have been fortunate enough to travel to many wonderful places. I have a weakness for Sardegna, Italy. It is a very special island that has lasting memories for me when I worked commuting from LA to Italy monthly. I could be dropped off on the island, blindfolded, and know I was there.

The smells are particular to the island, the people are fantastic, the crafts are amazing and the architecture is one of a kind and so free of symmetry. I also love many parts of Asia, particularly Myanmar. I spent three weeks there a few years back and loved the fact that my email didn’t work, credit cards were useless, and I was able to be fully present without the distractions of our modern world. The beautiful Buddhist temples of Bagan were a pristine setting that only made the people, food and experience all the more magical.

What do you do for fun?

I have many fun things that I do, travel, spending time with my family and friends and very important are my dance classes.

I have been a student of dance since I was

D E S I G

very young and studied it very seriously through college and for years after. I currently take contemporary, ballet and hip-hop classes each week.

If you hadn’t become an interior designer, what would you have become?

I would be a dance choreographer. When I watch professional companies, I look for spatial designs that I can apply to interiors and I am sure I would do the reverse if I was a choreographer.

Any exciting plans on the horizon?

I am traveling to southern Spain in the fall to experience the beauty of Andalusia and the Alhambra. It has been on my list for some time to see and very excited to experience it firsthand.

Traveling to places I’ve yet to visit provides an opportunity to meet local artisans and expand my awareness of the craftsmanship of the region, as well as the resources. It truly is an education and I look forward to the process of discovering new inspirations. www.joanbehnke.com  About the photographer | An award-winning photographer, Karyn Millet’s images of luxury homes and commercial buildings have appeared in the nation’s leading travel, design and architecture publications. Her photographic artwork has garnered four solo shows and she has photographed four books, including The Well-Dressed Home (Clarkson Potter) and The Accidental Photographer: Dare to Do Something Different (Bellus Press). She is currently working on her fifth book. Leading hospitality venues including The Beverly Hills Hotel, Montage Resorts, The Grand Del Mar, and The Beverly Hilton are among her clients with many installing her vivid images in their hotels. A recipient of the illustrious “Stars of Design” Award for Photography, Millet is an inveterate traveler and explorer who is always looking for the perfect shot, be it a home, resort or special undiscovered beach. CBS LA named Millet one of the “Best Photographers to Follow on Instagram.” In 2017, she launched the Instagram magazine, Krush iMag, a 10-page glimpse at decorating and style trends.

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T I M E P I E C E S

The Art and Style of

Bovet’s Récital 22 Grand Récital | BY DELLVIN ROSHON WILLIAMS

P

urists that they are, Maison BOVET are without question, one of haute horlogerie’s finest brands .

Fusing a respect for heritage and tradition with virtu-

osic, highly evocative design language and exceptional movement, the watchmaker is world renown for turning watchmaking orthodoxy on its proverbial head. So it is only fitting that what BOVET reveals with the Récital 22 Grand Récital Tourbillon Ref. R220001, is not only the manufacturer’s most complicated timepiece to date, but a visual continuum of superior artisanal and artistic craftsmanship.

To appreciate the complexity of its architecture, some context is needed: Récital 22 is the third stanza of Pascal Raffy’s homage to the poetics of mechanical movement. Recall the revolutionary import of the 2016 Récital 18 Shooting Star Tourbillon with its groundbreaking asymmetrical case and astronomical indications. Followed by the 2017 Récital 20 Astérium, complete with the angular casing of the Récital 18, but an original, patented double-faced 10-day flying tourbillon with night sky annual calendar, astronomical indications, sapphire rear dial, and blue quartz dome. Cue Pascal Raffy, Owner of Bovet 1822.

“BOVET has always been about uniqueness”, he trumpets.

“Its mechanical skills and sensitivity to the fine arts remain nearly two centuries after the House was born. BOVET is very much attached to true watchmaking values; the artisan is the key contributor to expressing our sense of time in the most beautiful way. Our fundamentals are deeply linked to bringing more collectors to the necessity of preserving and strengthening virtuosi skills in a globalized world.”

But this has always been a constant in the narrative of original, fine watchmaking—from the Bovet brothers’ nineteenth century Silk Road odyssey to the founding of Palais chinois in

T I M E P I E C E S

Fleurier, Switzerland. Having assumed leadership of the brand in 2001, Raffy has continued garner somewhat of a cult-like following among collectors. When asked how he would characterize his contribution to the growth the brand, the one-time pharmaceutical executive was very clear.

“BOVET heritage is based on tradition, a deep concern for detail, and a sense of taste for the most beautiful expression of time and watchmaking skills. BOVET innovations and the 15 patents filed since 2001 illustrate my constant quest for perfection. This is what guarantees both the prosperity and long-term future of the House. Let me give you one historical and one contemporary example.”

“First, the patent of a chronograph dating back to 1889 indicating hours, minutes and seconds or, on demand, the time of a second-time-zone.

To create this double functionality, a true flyback mechanism was invented 14 years before the inaugural flight of the Wright brothers. Second, the six patents of the Braveheart Tourbillon also come from this philosophy. To respect the soul of the pocket watches, I wished to display the second at 6 o’clock on both faces of the timepieces. To succeed, three patents were filed for the sole tourbillon, and one exclusively for the co-axial seconds’ display mechanism.

The spherical differential gear on the stem of the winding system enabling the gear ratio to be doubled, and the number of crown rotations required to obtain the 22 days of power reserve, were also halved.”

This makes the Récital 22, a combination tourbillon, perpetual calendar, and tellurium, all the more impressive. The astronomical theater is presented in a Tellurium-Orrery. The sun represented by the flying tourbillon, whose carriage bridge evokes fiery rays. While the hemispherical earth rotates on an axis entirely its own, displaying the hours on a natural 24-hour cycle, a spherical moon orbits the earth according to the exact length of its synodic period: 29.53 days.

Were that not enough, the beauty of the sun is heightened only by the tourbillon carriage that has been raised above the surface of the movement. Its original patented construction, characterized by its central attachment, endows the piece with a parallel arithmetic of exquisite chronometry and unrivalled transparency. The five arms of the titanium carriage bridge surrounding the regulating organ is a three-dimensional representation of the sun that showcases the finish of the bridge’s five arms. Rotating once every sixty seconds allows the tourbillon to indicate the seconds by a hand—affixed directly to the carriage wheel—and travels over a scaled twenty-second sector.

What is more, the surface of the earth, represented by a hemisphere, is engraved with delicately-wrought, meticulously executed handpainted maps of oceans, mountains, deserts, and forests. Récital 22’s standout feature, however, comes in the form of a 2017 technique introduced by BOVET in which artisans began to incorporate luminescent substances into miniature paintings, thereby making the earth radiant in the dark. Successive layers of trans-

parent lacquer are then applied to the globe before finishing.

But it’s not just the artistic detailing that makes Récital 22 a complex mechanical marvel. A patented double-sided flying tourbillon regulates its manual 17DMO3-TEL caliber; sprung balance and escapement enhances are place on either side of the central attachment to enhance the timepiece’s overall mechanical and aesthetics, making the tourbillon’s attachment to the movement practically invisible; and an in-house manufactured variable-inertia balance wheel ensures the accuracy of the movement oscillating at 18,000 vibrations per hour with a minimum of 472 parts.

Available in 18K pink gold or 950 platinum, the 5-grade titanium case’s design was inspired by the shape of a writing slope. Turn the watch over, and you can peer through its large sapphire crystal. The viewer is also entreated to a vast bridge decorated with Côtes de Genève, around the tourbillon’s axis. The Récital 22 Grand Récital is a 60-piece a limited edition with alligator or leather strap, 46.30 mm in diameter and 19.60mm in height.

If Raffy is right, that true luxury means “uniqueness of design, clear identity, and ultimate finishing limited quantity”, then, the overall architecture of the Récital 22 timepiece delivers on impeccable hand-crafted quality and exclusivity. Not only is it virtuosic and elevatory, it opens a new window to three-dimensional interpretations of time displays. A true modern, mechanical marvel.

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M O T O R C Y C L E S

DUCATI MULTISTRADA 1260 S The Ultimate Sport-Touring Machine | BY JAKE BRIGHT

For motorcycle manufacturers, getting the sport-touring equation right can be an elusive affair. There’s either too much sport, making long treks feel like endurance rallies. Or more commonly, the design favors touring comfort—at the cost of aggressive styling and performance.

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If there is an optimal balance of sport meets touring, Ducati found it in the Multistrada 1260S. The bike is versatile, eye-catching, wrapped with loads of ride enhancing tech­— and with 158 horsepower, hauls some serious hiney.

I discovered this testing a Multistrada for a week from New York City to Connecticut. The bike’s Italian name translates to “many roads”. So from Tribeca to I-95 to twisty seaside routes, I took the bright red Ducati on as many paths as possible.

M O T O R C Y C L E

THE BIKE The heartbeat of the Multistrada 1260S is its 1262cc, twin-cylinder, electronically fuel injected Testastretta motor. The engine’s 158 ponies are complimented by 95 ft/lbs of torque.

At $20,995, the 1260S is one of seven Ducati Multistrada variants. There’s a smaller 950cc model ($13,995) the base 1260 ($18,695), most expensive Pikes Peak bike ($24,995) and two dirt friendly Enduro versions.

For a couple grand extra the 1260S brings more comfort and performance tech than the standard Multistrada 1260. That comes first in Ducati’s digital Skyhook Suspension package, which allows riders to adjust damping on the fly, and for passengers specifically.

The 1260S also adds Ducati’s Quik/ Shift (DQS) for upshifts on the 6-speed transmission at full-throttle sans clutch.

It has cornering ABS—which allows for angled anti-lock braking through arced turns. The Multistrada 1260S also has Ducati’s Traction and Wheelie Control EVO, which can be turned off for those with an affinity for burnouts and front wheel popping.

From the bars and dash, the Ducati allows for multiple options to digitally program the bike’s handling characteristics.

Operators can make it easy by selecting one of four preset riding modes: Sport, Touring, Urban, or Enduro. Touring softens up the suspension and brings motor output down to Medium.

Urban brings the engine down to 100 horsepower and softens the ride even more. Enduro reduces ABS, nixes Wheelie Control, and stiffens the rear shock. And Sport—where I kept the

1260S most of the time—delivers full engine torque and horsepower and optimizes suspension for aggressive riding.

And all these settings (and more) can be managed on a smartphone using Ducati’s updated Link app.

On comfort and convenience side, the Multistrada 1260S has cruise control and a pocket detectable, electric key fob—so you to jump on the bike, press the start button and go, without inserting anything. One of my favorite non-tech features was the bike’s windscreen, which can be adjusted up for more wind-protection by hand while riding.

For a little more cash, there are additional comfort and convenience options for the Multistrada—like heated grips or luggage racks—through Ducati’s Urban and Touring Pack upgrades.

THE RIDE When it comes to the performance, Ducati’s Multistrada 1260S has a very welcome split personality. You can ride the bike as tourer or daily commuter in relative quiet and comfort—albeit with the panache of the Multistrada’s hallmark Ducati design.

In any riding mode—at low to mid RPMs—the Testastretta motor runs so quietly and smoothly its power can be deceiving. I learned this early cruising out on I-95. In 6th gear, from 60 to 75 mph, the bike is so quiet and smooth there were several times I thought I’d stalled it.

So the Ducati Multistrada 1260S can be comfortable and tame, but turned naughty in an instant. You can spank this bike and when you do it lights up and performs superbly in acceleration, high speeds, hard braking, and cornering. It’s a rare and welcome dichotomy for one motorcycle to possess.

NITPICKS After a week riding the Multistrada 1260S it’s a stretch to suggest anything major for Ducati improve. I generally harp on manufacturers to put 400 pound plus motorcycles on a diet, but the bike’s 467 pound dry-weight is actually relatively light for a twowheeler packing a 1200cc plus motor.

Of course, shedding a few pounds would only add to the Multistrada 1260S’s sport capabilities, though the bike currently feels lighter than spec weight out on the road. My two small suggestions for Ducati would be a little more stopping power from the rear brake and a few millimeters more surface area on the rear brake pedal— which I found a bit narrow. That’s it.

THE SKINNY Ducati’s Multistrada 1260S offers an optimum balance of touring and sport capabilities in a stylish design package that sets it apart from the crowd. If you want a motorcycle you can tour on comfortably with a passenger one day—then hang with your sport bike pals on the next—it could be the ideal machine.

On each occasion, a throttle grab awoke Ducati’s signature roar and sent the bike flying toward three digits on the speedo.

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A U T O M O B I L E

ALFA

ROMEO’S

191 MPH GIULIA QUADRIFOGLIO Should be the next Bond Car | BY JAKE BRIGHT

Alfa Romeo’s Giulia Quadrifoglio should be in the next James Bond film. Not in some bit part—central casting should bump Aston Martin and give it the lead.

Bond cars often possess button activated superpowers. At the turn of a dial, the Quadrifoglio transforms from sport sedan to a turbo snorting, rail-cornering, 191 mph track car.

That’s what tech, digitization, and clever engineering can infuse into an automobile these days.

To get there Alfa Romeo enhanced its Giulia base model. The Turin based manufacturer adorned it with the company’s legacy racing emblem—the four-leaf clover (or Quadrifoglio in Italian)—and added an all-aluminum, 505 horsepower twin-turbo V-6 engine that delivers 443 foot pounds of torque.

The 3800 pound rear-wheel drive car puts power to pavement through an 8 speed automatic transmission and 11 inch wide Pirelli skins. Drivers have the option of passive auto or banging out gears on paddle shifters or the mid-console stick.

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The Giulia Quadrifoglio’s central nervous system is its DNA drive mode system—a computer controlled from a mid-console dial—that’s wired into multiple sensors all over the car. This digital brain offers four driving modes that instantly synchronize default settings of engine output, power delivery, brakes, and suspension.

On the tame end of the spectrum, Advanced Efficiency mode curbs the engine for maximum fuel consumption and optimizes electronic stability control systems (EST and ASR) for safety. Natural mode is the comfort setting for daily driving.

Switch to Dynamic and the car delivers more aggressive braking, steering, and engine performance.

And then there’s that last setting on the dial: Race mode. This is the option that belongs in a 007 chase scene. One where Bond flicks a switch, floors it, and drops a pack pursuing assassins in lesser performance cars.

Alfa Romeo’s description for Race mode is that it “activates the over-boost function, opens up the two-mode exhaust…and delivers sharper

A U T O M O B I L E

brake and steering feel with more aggressive engine, transmission, and throttle…”

From a driver’s perspective, when you click into the mode it transforms the entire car into a track craving beast. The Giulia Quadrifoglio instantly growls, grips harder, and feels energized.

From acceleration, to steering, to braking the responsiveness of the vehicle is immediate, aggressive, and tight. A nudge on the pedal thrusts you back in the seat. Stomp on it off a light, nail the brakes, or crank the wheel laterally and the Quadrifoglio’s full performance stats come to life: 0-60 in 3.7 seconds, high 11 quarters, 191 mph top speed, 1G corners, and 60 to 0 in 99 feet—according to Alfa Romeo and reviews.

On public streets, the Quadrifoglio in Race mode is both exhilarating and a bit scary.

Hammer the pedal and the Alfa Romeo’s exhaust screams and turbos pop. From a standing stop the car hits 80 mph in several eye blinks. On the highway, 75 becomes 120 before you know it. I throttled and threw the car into some tight corners expecting it (and me) to sway or fishtail. It didn’t. The Giulia Q turned on a dime and accelerated forward.

The only offset to the thrill of this car’s peak performance is the fear of flashing lights and massive tickets. And that’s the great thing about Alfa Romeo’s Giulia Quadrifoglio versus a full on super-car. If Race mode becomes too much, just turn it off.

Twist the DNA knob back to N or A and in tenths of a second your back to driving a fourdoor sport sedan with hooks for a baby-seat in the rear.

That a car with this performance level is also a realistic daily driver is pretty remarkable.

In addition to testing the Quadrifoglio’s speed credentials, I dialed it down and used it as a grocery getter, around-towner, and actually did strap in a car-seat for daycare drop-off and pickup. It was all doable and realistic.

The Quadrifoglio’s other tech—8.8 inch widescreen, GPS and infotainment system, and 360 degree airbags, parking and blindspot sensors—enhance the car’s versatility and safety.

As for gripes, or things I’d change, there’s not much. As a 6,2” guy, the windshield integrated housing around the Electrochromic rear-view mirror was a bit vision impeding. Perhaps Alfa

Romeo could engineer it up into the roof for us taller folks.

Final takes on Alfa Romeo’s Giulia Quadrifoglio? The $75 to $80K, car could fall into a category of its own—somewhere between its luxury sport sedan peers such as BMW’s M3 and Cadillac’s ATS and full on supercars.

This is probably why the 2018 Italian four-door received 5 stars from Car and Driver and Car of the Year accolades from Motor Trend.

Sport sedans like the Giulia Quadrifoglio and Audi’s RS 3 could start putting pressure on expectations for supercars. On performance stats and acceleration, the Alfa Romeo’s only hundredths back some of the most desired exotics for hundreds of thousands of dollars less.

So if you want an Italian sport sedan that’s faster than its peers—is a realistic daily-driver track and autocross machine—and that touches supercar performance for a fraction of the cost, the Giulia Quadrifoglio may be your good luck charm. 

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GIN & KILTS | BY RAJ GILL

Two Scottish brands have decided to set up a collaboration, gin and kilts what could possibly go wrong.

Increasingly brands are setting up collaborations with fashion designers to boost sales.

One such example is the recent union between Scottish drinks brand Caorunn Gin (pronounced “ka-roon”, Gaelic for Rowan Berry) and the rising star of Kilt making Siobhan MacKenzie.

Caorunn is approaching eight successful years and in that short time has won multiple awards. Most recently, a Gold Award for ‘Scottish Gin Destination of The Year’ at the very first Scottish Gin Awards.

Simon Buley, Gin Master, created this true Scottish gin in 2009, and has been hand-crafting Caorunn ever since. The work began when a 1920s copper berry chamber was transplanted to the distillery, this led to Simon scouring the area for natural ingredients that grew locally and had a significant Celtic link. He is involved in every step of the process ensuring that every bottle of Caorunn is of the highest standard.

Critically acclaimed Scottish fashion designer, Siobhan MacKenzie is making strides in a male dominated industry.

Traditionally kilt making is left to the men folk. MacKenzie brings her own set

of special skills, and as a result her unique kilts stand out from the crowd. And this is what attracted the gin makers to set up the collaboration. Siobhan is a pioneer in the fashion world and put her knowledge and life experience to good use to help promote the gin brand.

She was given the task of producing a special bespoke kilt to celebrate Caorunn’s contemporary tartan which is officially registered by The Scottish Tartan Authority.

The traditional kilt dates back to the 1720s, Mackenzie offers a unique twist on this by contrasting multiple fabrics and colours. Born and raised in The Black Isle in the Highlands of Scotland, her Highland heritage and Clan Mackenzie roots inspired her Graduate Collection and have remained a firm inspiration transcending throughout the brand.

Her innovative design flair mixed with an exclusive Made in Scotland brand ethos reinvents the kilt, tailoring & knitwear into a contemporary Scottish Fashion Label.

Mackenzie says, “I was filled with inspiration on how to take the Caorunn tartan forward in a way which emulates the beauty aesthetic form of the Caorunn bottle.”

every bottle of Caorunn Gin. We are proud others are able to take inspiration in what we do. I strongly believe in championing Scottish craftsmanship and Siobhan is the perfect example of what makes it so special.”

When asked if the union has been a successful one, Simon goes on to explain, “This is not the first time we have collaborated with Siobhan, last year we had a pop up bothy at Glasgow airport, where travelers could sample Caorunn and also purchase a bottle with a limited edition mini tartan kilt designed by Siobhan. The activation was so successful for both parties we decided to work together again.

This time we’ve focused on championing Scottish craftsmanship. Siobhan took inspiration from the handcrafted process each bottle of Caorunn goes through, and then created a new contemporary Caorunn kilt with an urban edge.

Consumers and the fashion world are already very engaged with Caorunn as we are a super-premium gin and present at luxury events, but I do believe we have reached an even wider audience with this unique partnership.”

So as collaborations go this has proved to be a successful one for both brands. 

Simon Buley, continues, “The terroir, the process and the people ensure passion, innovation and tradition are poured into

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C R U I S E

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C R U I S E

CRYSTAL WORLD CRUISE Luxury Living | BY DEBBI K. KICKHAM AND WILLIAM D. KICKHAM, ESQ.

Cue the violins to Mozart’s “A Little Night Music” written in 1787.

Why? Because when Crystal Cruises serves afternoon tea, Mozart is often in attendance. Yes, many cruise ships hold afternoon tea – but Crystal’s Mozart Tea event is far, far different. First, it features a violinist and pianist who not only play Amadeus, but other great composers of his era. There are more Viennese pastries than you can shake a scone at, including Linzer and Esterhazy Slices, Dobosh torte, and hot apple strudel. But the piece de resistance? The servers are outfitted in period 18th-century attire, with floral waistcoats, breeches, and buckled shoes. It’s a show-stopping, photoopportunity event, and just the thing to expect on Crystal Cruises, which is definitively one of the most upscale ‘small’ cruise lines sailing today.

Crystal is a luxury, all-inclusive line, winning cruise awards too numerous to mention, and my husband Bill and I recently sailed almost a month on Crystal’s Serenity (it holds 1,070 passengers). Everything across the spectrum was as superb as the Mozart Tea. 57 Upscale Living Magazine |

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We took an extended cruise from Charleston, S.C., to Maui, Hawaii, and were delighted to discover the many advantages of sailing more than the typical 10-14 days. One highlight: You can really come to know Crystal’s first-class entertainers -- and yes, make sure to schedule lunch or dinner with them.

What a treat! We got to know one of the singers, who invited us backstage to her show on Broadway (Aladdin.) This never would have happened if we had not booked an extended sailing aboard Crystal (which became our second home) and come to know other passengers and entertainers, on a gradual and lovely day-by-day basis.

In fact, longer, extended cruises are a hot new trend in the industry. Tom Stieghorst, Senior Cruise Editor at Travel Weekly, says that Baby Boomers, who are now retiring at the rate of about 10,000 per day, previously only had the time and money to take approximately seven-day cruises. Now, he explains, that audience of passengers has matured, and aspire to enjoy longer cruises, with a World Cruise being a pinnacle. If you really want the top-tier of accommodations, it’s $218,375 per person to take a World Cruise on Crystal Cruises and stay in the best suite in 58 Upscale Living Magazine |

the house -- the Crystal Penthouse Suite.

Having sailed on Crystal for a 25day sailing, we now yearn to take a World Cruise – as so many sophisticated travelers do -- remaining on board for about three months, and experiencing all kinds of special events. It is so easy to adapt to ship life -- spending all day cruising, wining and dining, visiting the spa and gym -- or just reading a book or taking a power nap. Crystal also has impressive, high-end enrichment lecturers who discuss everything from politics to world affairs, along with a fabulous “Hollywood Theater” where you can sit – with popcorn -- and watch a first-rate movie. And of course, you will meet other like-minded guests, where you can share anything from investment tips, travel recommendations, and diet advice. It’s the world’s best country club.

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD Another area where Crystal excels is the superior cuisine that is readily available throughout the day in a wide variety of venues.

For example, for dinner, the Main Dining Room offers the full plate of five-star treatment. Executive Chef Franz Weiss told us how all cuisine can be ordered gluten-free,

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vegan, kosher, and vegetarian.

Debbi often opted for a special low-fat meal: Salad with sweet balsamic reduction instead of fattening dressing; dry-grilled fish; baked potato; and a wide array of vegetables. Dessert? One night, we had special-ordered a lowfat carrot cake (sans cream cheese frosting) that was, stalks down, the very best we’ve ever eaten – anywhere. We also ordered Nutella crepes that fully sated our chocolate-hazelnut cravings.

Even unusual requests are handled with aplomb: Once, Chef Weiss was asked to serve both male and female Dover sole to a guest. He used vegetables to create a necktie on one filet, and a skirt on the other, and the guest was delighted.

Being an all-inclusive luxury cruise line, all of your spirits on Crystal are included in the price of your fare, including the finest wines.

“We have a few thousand bottles of wine on board,” says Mario Da Silva, the head sommelier.

For a truly distinctive, private treat, book the Vintage Room, where, for a minimum of $2,600, you will dine on gourmet cuisine paired with vintage wines of your choice.

One family traveling aboard Crystal rented it to watch a football

game, and paired their favorite wines with hot dogs, cheeseburgers and onion rings. “They had a blast,” says Mr. Da Silva.

FANCY FOOTWORK With so much superior cuisine, it’s wise to pace yourself, lest you experience the anecdotal weight gain of one pound per day on less sophisticated, mass-market cruise ships.

Of course, you can dance, dance, dance – and that’s where Crystal’s exemplary Ambassador Dance Host program shines. This upscale service is available on very few cruise lines nowadays, and it’s a symbol of a bygone era from the golden days of cruising. Crystal hires several men who are professional ballroom dancers, and their ONLY job is to dance with the single ladies, at various venues, throughout the day. Says Cruise Director Gary Hunter: “The Dance Host program is very successful. We have a lot of ladies who love to dance, and having that op-

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portunity here simply adds to the whole Crystal experience.” In fact, adds dance host Dennis Love from Australia, “Sometimes husbands come up to us and ask us to dance with their wives, as they themselves are not dancers.”

And have you heard of Mama Lee? She’s a household name on Crystal. Why? She’s been living on the ship for the past nine years. Mama, who is in her 80s, is a legend on board, an avid dancer (and even has her own fan club).

When she’s not socializing with other passengers, or doing needlepoint, she’s jitterbugging and having the retirement of her life.

Which brings us to another octogenarian: Julie Andrews is the Serenity’s godmother, and her photo is prominently displayed in the lobby.

Julie would most definitely sing the praises of Crystal Cruises, and we also heartily admit: Their cruises are a few of our favorite things.  www.CrystalCruises.com 59 Upscale Living Magazine |

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Y A C H T S

Rossinavi debut stunning 50m Superyacht

FLYING DAGGER | BY DELLVIN ROSHON WILLIAMS

Flying Dagger, is the stunning 50m project from luxury

Based in the coastal city of Viareggio, the second largest

Italian yacht builder, Rossinavi. Though technically a water

in Italy’s Lucca province, the ROSSINAVI brand builds

jet boat, the fully custom designed yacht launched for sea

superyachts 50m and above. The story, however, began

trials in April of this year in Viareggio, and was officially unveiled to the public at the Monaco Yacht Show. With exterior design from the Venice-based Enrico Gobbi of Team

at the Rossi shipyard of the 1970s. Brothers Claudio and Paride Rossi’s expert knowledge of materials and metals fabrication became world renown for overseeing, sourcing, and approving every sheet of metal. The firm went on to

for Design, the robust silhouette is marked by a sporty,

achieve spectacular success as a subcontractor for the in-

semi-displacement aluminium hull and superstructure.

dustry’s finest shipyards in the 1980s. As time would tell,

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Y A C H T S

the brand ultimately left the subcontractor space in 2007. Then, in what can only be described as a boss move, Rossinavi debuted the 54m motor yacht, South, the following year. And they haven’t looked back since.

So, back to Flying Dagger. Accentuated by minimalist Lazzarini Pickering Architetti-designed interior, Flying Dagger was conceived to experience the water from all sides. The main salon features three floor-toceiling glass doors maximize on-board viewing; a grand master bedroom comes with private terrace; four spacious external decks are spread across three floors allow for entertaining, dining and relaxing; and, along the main deck, a sprawling sundeck features a metallic and woven metal canopy that protect from sunlight.

Flying Dagger’s design also incorporates the latest research development on noise and vibration reduction. Noise and sound propagation performance can be stands side-by-side with any full displacement yacht. Flying Dagger is a boat that is built to be fast. With a travel range of 3,300 nautical miles, a top speed of 31 knots and cruising speed of 24 knots, said design elements make the yacht incredibly versatile. Flying Dagger also boasts an 8.85m beam below the 500 GT mark, a draft of 2.19m, and has three MTU 16V 2000 M96L (2,600 hp) diesel engines.

Able to accommodate 10 guests in 5 cabins and a crew of 9, Flying Dagger is perfect for both long cruise navigations as well as for shorter trips.

Furthermore, the shallow draft, the water jet propulsion and the airconditioned engine room enable the vessel to perform best in the Caribbean waters. Rossinavi has evolved from a materials subcontractor to one of the world’s most important bespoke shipbuilders. Its minimalist, yet remarkably stylish and reliable construction have become the hallmark of each vessel. Flying Dagger comes of the heels of their 63m Utopia IV launch in Pisa earlier this year.

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F E A T U R E

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KEVIN

F E A T U R E

RICHARDSON The Lion Whisperer | By Heléne Ramackers

W

ith an innate love for animals that started when he was a young boy, Kevin Richardson should be lauded for his conservation prowess with lions, hyenas and leopards. Best known as The Lion Whisperer, he spoke exclusively to Upscale Living magazine about what it takes to ensure the preservation and protection of these magnificent beasts.

that pose a threat or conflict to man, they always lose this battle. As I was growing up in Orange Grove, more and more people caught wind of the fact that I was the one to bring all the sick, injured or baby birds to. Before I knew it, my parents’ home became a rehabilitation and rescue center for these birds. Birds that could be released were released and those that couldn’t stayed. Before long people in the neighborhood were referring to me as ‘The Bird Man of Orange Grove.’

KEVIN, TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I had no idea of the path I was about to travel down when I met Tau and Napoleon. All I knew back then was that I needed to see them again and again after the first encounter. I didn’t have a clue of the world I was about to enter, but immediately knew that this was my calling. I visited Tau and Napoleon every day for the first six or seven months whilst still working at the gym, not knowing where this would lead.

I grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa, in a suburb called Orange Grove. My fondness for animals was established at a young age and started with raising a baby bird with my father.

I have always felt a connectedness with animals which made me want to become a vet. I didn’t get into veterinary science with my matric results so instead, did a BSc with the intention of reapplying. Ultimately my BSc led me down a different path and having completed it, majoring in Anatomy and Physiology, I decided to pursue a career in the exercise field including exercise physiology.

YOU HAVE HAD A LONGSTANDING LOVE FOR ANIMALS, STARTING AS ‘THE BIRD MAN FROM ORANGE GROVE’.

After raising the baby bird with my father at such a young age, birds became very close to my heart and still are. I’ve always admired how this species has managed to live closely with man and yet remain free. Sadly, this is not the case with all bird species and like other animals

THEN, IN 1998, YOU MET 7-MONTH OLD LION CUBS TAU AND NAPOLEON AT THE LION PARK IN JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, AND YOUR FATE (AND THEIRS) WAS SEALED.

When I initially got offered a part-time job at The Lion Park and then a full-time one, I grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

Back then, before the internet and social media were at our fingertips, information could not be gathered as quickly and therefore much of what I learnt about lions and their behavior was through my interactions of trial and error.

WHEN AND HOW DID YOU BECOME ‘THE LION WHISPERER’?

A photographer had heard about me and asked to do a photo shoot around 2006/2007. The pictures were then sold around the world to various news agencies and before I knew it, there were headlines calling me ‘The Lion

Whisperer.’ The name stuck and soon people were asking about this lion whisperer. The more I told people that I wasn’t a lion whisperer in the true sense of the meaning, the more it stuck. Eventually a friend, who had a marketing background asked me why I was so opposed to being called ‘The Lion Whisperer’ as it differentiated me in the marketplace and was instantly recognizable. He told me people don’t remember people’s names, but by titles like ‘The Lion Whisperer’ they do. So, I decided I’d give it a try.

YOU ARE THE ENVY OF MANY PEOPLE; HOWEVER, YOUR JOB COMES WITH CERTAIN RISKS. APART FROM BEING EATEN ALIVE, WHAT ARE THE DANGERS YOU ARE FACED WITH ON A DAILY BASIS? Naturally, the main risk people think I face is being injured or killed by the animals I interact with. This was probably more of a real threat in my earlier, formative years as I was learning a lot in a short space of time with no mentor to bounce things off. Having worked now with lions, leopards and hyenas for two decades, the risk factor does reduce but is always there and something I don’t take lightly.

My interactions with the animals in my care, gives them a better quality of life in captivity.

The whole world is becoming more conscious about our connectivity with animals and nature; this is no different with these predatory animals. Gone are the days that we should tolerate animals being put in cages, given food and water and think that’s good enough. They need so much more than this and the issue when you are keeping animals such as lions in captivity makes it that much more complex.

There are so many viewpoints surrounding this issue like with most things in the world today.

FOR YOU, THE BENEFITS PROBABLY FAR OUTWEIGH THE DANGERS.

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F E A T U R E Yes, they do, otherwise I wouldn’t do it. There are some people that argue that my interactions send the wrong message and may encourage people to go and pet a lion or even buy a lion as a pet, but what I have seen is that my platform gives me a powerful voice to speak on behalf of the lions, the messages that need to be portrayed.

For instance, I don’t think I’d be doing this interview if it weren’t for my intimate relationships I have with the animals. When we analyze the comments and messages we receive on a daily basis, one can immediately see the positive impact that we are having on educating people to the plight of the captive and wild lions in the world.

Many people from around the world write in to tell us that if it wasn’t for me, they would’ve had no idea lions were being bred in South Africa for tourists to pet and walk with and that they later got sold off to be hunted in what’s known as ‘Canned Lion Hunting.’ They also tell us they didn’t know that wild populations of lions were so severely threatened and that their numbers had declined to such alarming levels. Again, information that would not have been relayed if it wasn’t for what I do.

Furthermore, we have seen unintended positive consequences of my relationships with the animals, such as a man paralyzed in combat writing to us to tell us that if it wasn’t for my YouTube videos, he would’ve committed suicide and that the videos have brought him such joy, inspiration and purpose.

HOW DID YOU MANAGE TO BUILD THIS INCREDIBLE BOND WITH YOUR LIONS? Like any relationship, it takes time and effort.

What I find lacking in the world today, is the ability of people to commit and persevere at something. This pertains to jobs, relationships, exercise and so many other things. We live in a world of instant gratification and if we don’t get what we want, we simply make excuses and move on. It should come as no surprise that a relationship that spans 20 years, took 20 years to nurture and build, just as it would with a human.

YOU SEEM TO HAVE A VERY SPECIAL BOND WITH MEG & AMY. WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITES (I KNOW, IT’S LIKE HAVING A FAVORITE CHILD) I have a special relationship with Meg and Amy, however there are many other lions in the pride that I also share an incredible connection with. It just so happened that these two ladies have been a hit with the people. They seem to have an ‘on screen charm’, whereas some of the others aren’t as good on camera. And yes, truly there are no favorites.

I WOULD LOVE TO KNOW WHAT THE LION’S MANE FEELS LIKE – IS IT SOFT AND FURRY, OR COARSE? AND THE COAT? A lion’s mane is rather wiry and course. The coat is pretty much like that of a short haired dog when they are adults and it is more fluffy when they are cubs. They lose this softness when they are around twelve months or so.

THE BLACK LEOPARDS! THEY ARE ABSOLUTELY MAGNIFICENT! Yes, they are, but I think that like most unusual color variations, people obsess. I often say that if the world only had black leopards and a normal color variant popped up, people would go crazy. It’s human nature to gravitate towards the unusual or unique.

YOUR TAKE ON CUB ENCOUNTERS AND CAPTIVE BREEDING THAT EVENTUALLY TURN INTO CANNED LION HUNTING? This is a subject very close to my heart. For many years, I was unwittingly playing a part in this industry. Without thinking too much about it, I started working with lions, lions that were part of the petting industry. What many people don’t realize, including myself at the time, is how big this industry really is. You will hear many stories as to what happens to the cubs and surplus lions, some so convincing that you most probably will buy into them. I was sucked in very quickly myself and my relationships with the animals didn’t help me.

In many ways, people almost always assume that because they see you with an animal in a picture must mean that it’s your animal. The fact is that this is far from the truth and this complicates matters even further, because you can never just take a step back and analyze things objectively as you are emotionally involved.

Invariably there are people higher up making business decisions and the animals fall into this decision-making process. People always like to simplify things and I’ve been asked many times as to why I remained at a place that was involved. The answer is simple. I had forged bonds with many, many animals over the years and I wasn’t prepared to just walk away without taking them with me. With no money to buy the animals, to build enclosures and land to put them I was pretty much stuck with two real options. Leave or stay. I decided to stay as I thought that I could effect change. Sadly, I was wrong as the demand for cubs to be petted in South Africa is simply too great.

Unfortunately, there seems to be no appetite from the South African government to more strictly regulate the breeding of lions in captiv-

ity and instead seem to condone or turn a blind eye to the ever-increasing facilities that breed lions. Currently there’s an estimated 260 lion breeding facilities in South Africa, with around 7,000-8,000 lions being kept (some argue closer to 12,000) and yearly around 1,000 lions bred in this industry get hunted in varying degrees of ‘canned’ hunts. These words are taboo in the pro lion hunting circles and the preferred term is ‘captive bred’ lion hunt.

There’s an old saying that says, ‘you can put as much lipstick as you want on a pig, but at the end of the day it’s still a pig.’ So, by the same vein, if a lion is hunted that doesn’t stand a chance of evading the hunter, no matter how small or big the area or whether the lion is human imprinted or not, it’s still in my opinion ‘canned.’

A big issue for me though in this whole industry, are the lies tourists are told when they pet and walk with these lion cubs. Story upon story is told, from mothers neglecting cubs to facilities saying that they keep all the lions they breed and offer for petting. At the end of the day, they don’t hold up to scrutiny, however are enough to placate the tourist asking the questions and thus the demand continues.

If one purely does the maths, you’ll soon realize that there simply cannot be enough good homes for surplus lions to go to and eventually will find their way into the lion bone trade and/or ‘canned’ hunting trade and/or facilities where the lions welfare become a huge concern. Saying you are keeping all the lions you breed is not a good enough answer, because at the rate lions breed, you will be sitting with a huge problem in no time at all and then have the added expenses of having to care for them properly, which costs run up very quickly.

Economically it makes no sense and businesses simply don’t operate that way. Therefore, welfare of these animals becomes a major concern.

HOW CAN THE KILLING OF THESE BEAUTIFUL BEASTS STOP? The demand needs to stop, but this is a really big ask as we have so many role players in this industry.

First, there is the breeding of lions for the petting and walking with lions industry. Parallel to this, we have lion farmers breeding lions for the trophy hunting industry and also the lion bone trade. Lion bones are sold legally to the Far East as substitutes for tiger bone.

Sometimes they are passed off as tiger bones. In July 2018, the Department of Environmental Affairs in South Africa upped the quota of lion skeletons for export from 800 to 1,500. This is to supply the increasing demand in countries such as PDR Laos, Thailand, Vietnam and China for the bones for ‘traditional medicine.’

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F E A T U R E TELL US WHAT IS IT LIKE TO SPEND

TIME WITH THESE MISUNDERSTOOD

SCAVENGERS?

It’s worth pointing out that hyenas are not just

scavengers, and in many wilderness areas, hunt

more than they scavenge. In many cases, they

hunt more successfully than lions.

Photos Courtesy of Leticia Cox

I had the same dim view of hyenas, as many

people out there, until I got the opportunity

to work with some. I quickly understood that

I was dealing with a highly intelligent animal.

This inspired me to read up as much as I could

on them. I was surprised to learn how sophis ticated and complex their society actually was,

and that they weren’t just these pesky, smelly

scavengers put on earth to give lions a hard

time and be a villain to filmmakers.

My views on them changed overnight and since

my first encounter, I’ve been making it part of

my mission to show people a side of hyenas

they can warm up to and grow to love. I’ve

noticed a mega change in people’s views and

when I post pictures of hyenas nowadays, I can

sometimes get the same amount of people lik ing the picture as that of a lion.

There is also alongside this, the wild lion market where trophy hunters come out to hunt wild lions throughout Africa. Currently the quota for wild lions is around 10 per year in South Africa.

YOU ARE SEEN BY YOUR LIONS AS ‘PART OF THE PRIDE’ AND YOU ALSO PUBLISHED A BOOK WITH THAT TITLE. WHERE CAN WE GET OUR HANDS ON A COPY? The book is available on Amazon and people can download two free chapters from the book from my foundations website, www.kevinrichardsonfoundation.org WHY SHOULD PEOPLE NOT DO WHAT YOU DO? I have never said people shouldn’t do what I do, however, I’ve always cautioned that the relationships and experience I have, has spanned decades and the commitment I’ve made to the lives and well-being of these animals is for the remainder of their lives. Many people don’t think long-term when they delve into working with or keeping animals and this extends to domestic pets as well. Many simply act on a whim and don’t think about the consequences of their actions. My intimate approach to working with the animals does require a certain chutzpah and understanding of risk and that’s why I would advise against doing what I do.

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I SUPPOSE YOU END UP WITH LOTS OF DIRTY CLOTHES WHEN YOU ARE ROLLING ABOUT WITH YOUR PRIDE. ARE LIONS SMELLY CREATURES? HAVE YOU CONSIDERED GETTING A DETERGENT SPONSORSHIP? Ha ha! Yes, getting dirty is part of the job. If you’re one of those people that always wants to be clean, then this is not for you. Lions, leopards and hyenas actually don’t smell bad at all. There are several myths out there as to how foul they smell, however this is normally when they’ve been devouring a carcass. Hyenas have some bad habits just like domestic dogs and love to roll in putrid smells, vomit and other interesting behaviors. However, they also love to bathe and do so whenever water is available.

A detergent sponsorship is an excellent idea!

I have been fortunate enough to have the clothing brand Craghoppers sponsor me. The gear they supply me with is comfortable, functional and tough; it stands up to the punishment it gets given. But alas, even these garments have a short lifespan when working with lion and leopard. The hyenas are easier on the clothing but love to chew on my shoes; thankfully the shoe brand Zamberland came to the party there.

YOU ARE A SOUGHT-AFTER SPEAKER AND HAVE TALKED ABOUT YOUR CONSERVATION EFFORTS IN MANY COUNTRIES. WHICH COUNTRY HAS LEFT A LASTING IMPRESSION AND WHY?

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I’m always fond of visiting countries around the world as it makes you appreciate what you have in your own country. So often we moan about all the problems we have here, only to travel and discover that things are not as bad as they seem. Traveling puts things into perspective. I’m not sure I have a favorite as each country offers something special, but if I really had to choose, I’d say Italy is very high up there, especially Rome, because of the archaeological remnants of ancient Rome all around the town interspersed with the modern architecture. You can almost feel and smell gladiators fighting lions and tigers in the Coliseum and can only let your imagination run wild as to the types or lives people led back then.

IN 2018, YOU LAUNCHED THE KEVIN RICHARDSON FOUNDATION, A CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN TO PRESERVE HABITAT AND PROTECT LIONS. HOW CAN PEOPLE GET INVOLVED IN THIS WONDERFUL INITIATIVE? The Kevin Richardson Foundation has been an initiative close to my heart for many years. I always wanted to set something up that could make a real difference in the conservation arena. The foundation has four main aims: to empower/educate people, especially communities on the fringes of wilderness areas and allow them to see tangible benefit from protecting wildlife systems, to acquire and protect habitat for wildlife as habitat loss is probably the single biggest threat to wild animals, to create a community of lion conservation collaborators worldwide and to maintain and protect the sanctuary and help bring an end to ‘canned’ hunting.

The first project we kicked off was the Land4Lions campaign, which is a Thundafund crowdfunding campaign to raise money to purchase the land the sanctuary currently resides on and to purchase the land surrounding it, which currently is home to wild lions too. We have seen such a tremendous response to this campaign and hope that instead of just being a one-off campaign, that it could become a movement in the future.

ANY EXCITING PROSPECTS FOR THE LION WHISPERER ON THE HORIZON? There are many things happening as a result of the formation of the Foundation, including working with some great organizations and people like The AfriCat Foundation in Namibia, doing great work to conserve and protect the wild lions in the Etosha region and with HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco who has an incredible passion for South Africa, its people and its wildlife. www.lionwhisperer.co.za www.kevinrichardsonfoundation.org

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Photo courtesy of Jackie Badenhorst

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MONT ROCHELLE FRANSCHHOEK, CAPE TOWN SOUTH AFRICA

| BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS Photographs courtesy of Virgin Limited Edition and by Heléne Ramackers

Surrounded by the most breathtaking mountains in Cape Town’s Franschhoek valley, Mont Rochelle sits firmly perched amongst the vineyards, making it the ultimate getaway for wine drinkers and foodies alike.

It goes without saying that when Sir Richard Branson purchases a property anywhere in the world to add to the very exclusive Virgin Limited Edition collection, you can be assured of the very best of everything – location, setting, accommodation, food, wine, you name it.

Mont Rochelle is no exception. After becoming part of the VLE collection in 2014 and a recent refurbishment, guests come from near, far and wide to savor the best that this pristine property has to offer.

We arrive on a Friday afternoon to a warm welcome at Mont Rochelle by Elizma Stone, Deputy General Manager. She takes us through the reception area, past Miko restaurant and down the newly installed wooden stairs, past the gym, down to the Vineyard Wing, where we are staying in the Cap Classique Suite.

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Being the largest rooms at Mont Rochelle and with only two Cap Classique Suites, it is the ideal accommodation for our family of three. Our daughter is staying in the lounge area, where an extra bed has been brought in for her, while my husband and I are staying in the Master suite. The two Cap Classique Suites differ slightly in configuration and color accents – we are staying in the room with smidgens of green.

Staying in Franschhoek, hailed as the food and wine capital of South Africa, it would be remiss not to venture into town to dine at one of the award-winning restaurants, just a stone’s throw away. Elizma establishes our meal preferences, makes suggestions, secures a reservation, and at dinner time, we are transferred to our restaurant of choice in the Mont Rochelle courtesy vehicle. This is perfect for diners who enjoy a glass or two of wine and would rather not drink and drive.

Back at Mont Rochelle, our room has been turned down for the night and the complimentary mini-bar snacks have been replenished. Our daughter indulges in a bit of television before bed and after a relaxing shower with the wonderfully fragrant Africology products, she is off to dreamland.

I follow suit shortly and it doesn’t take me long to fall asleep.

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After a good night’s sleep, we head up the stairs to Miko, where we enjoy a delicious breakfast. A buffet, consisting of baked goodies, assorted homemade jams, yoghurts, cereals, fruit, juices and a selection of hot breakfast to order – after our daughter has her fair share of croissants, she opts for the American style pancakes with blueberries, toasted almond and maple syrup. My husband and I choose our preferred English breakfast; but exclude the optional black pudding choice.

We packed in such a hurry that we neglected to bring our swimwear and can kick ourselves as we have our own pool, which is heated in winter. Instead, we move the lounger from the veranda onto the lawn and from every single vantage point, it’s like a painting unfolding in front of you. I could sit here all day.

We are having lunch at the Country Kitchen, which is a short walk or a quick drive from the main building. The Country Kitchen is adjacent to the Mont Rochelle wine cellar, making it a favorite wine tasting destination for wine connoisseurs.

The atmosphere at the Country Kitchen is happy and relaxed, with many patrons preferring to sit outside in the brilliant sunshine. Picnics, weather permitting,

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also prove to be very popular, judging by the number of guests returning with blankets and picnic baskets. The menu at the Country Kitchen is varied; our daughter and I share the Elgin buffalo wings while my husband tucks into the delicious vegetable soup for starters.

For main course, our daughter orders the perfectly prepared CK burger with fries, while my husband and I thoroughly enjoy the grilled rump steak, mine with mushroom sauce and his with Madagascan green pepper sauce.

For dessert, my husband has the malva pudding with Amarula ice cream and my daughter and I end our meal with the smoothest vanilla ice cream. The food is perfectly prepared by Mont Rochelle’s Head Chef, Shane Louw.

A walk back to the main building has us taking in the wonderful scenery of the vineyards, the mountains and the activities on offer. We pause by the two horses grazing on the greenery and my daughter challenges my husband to a game of chess. With many lawn games, including croquet, giant dominos, building blocks, bowling and astroturf tennis courts, you will never get bored.

Dinner is a gastronomical feast at Miko and my husband and I order the crispy smoked paprika

squid for starters and for main course, we all enjoy the simply grilled beef fillet with a side order of fries and my husband’s fillet comes with mash, bacon and gravy. Another outstanding meal in an exquisite setting.

A visit to Mont Rochelle isn’t complete without meeting the resident cat, Blom (Afrikaans for flower). She is either browsing around the gardens or having a siesta somewhere nice and warm.

Which is exactly what she is doing today, sitting pretty in the pot that houses a plant. She meows her disdain when our daughter touches her shoulder, so remember to avoid rubbing her shoulder should you be lucky enough to encounter her during your stay at Mont Rochelle. http://www.virginlimitededition. com/en/mont-rochelle ** Views expressed are the author’s own.

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TRAVEL TIPS: The closest international airport is Cape Town International Airport, which is an easy, scenic 45-minute drive to Mont Rochelle.

Mont Rochelle is the perfect destination to visit year-round – winter (June through September) has temperate, sunny days with the occasional snow-capped mountains while in summer (December through February) it can become quite warm.

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CROATIA

EXPERIENCE LUXURY WITH CROATIA’S NATURAL WONDERS THIS FALL

| By Jarone Ashkenazi

DALMATIA COAST Dalmatia is the region on the Eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea, mostly characterized as a coastal region with its coves, secluded beaches, islands and inlets. Its warm sea and picturesque landscapes consist of four areas: Zadar, Sibenik, Split and Dubrovnik. The coast is a paradise for yachtsmen, divers and sailing enthusiasts and also is a great destination for nature lovers.

Photo courtesy of Boris Kacan

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ituated at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe, on the Adriatic Sea, Croatia is an incredible fusion of sea, islands and highlands. Croatia is the one-of-a-kind destination for diverse travelers, whether it’s families, friends, honeymooners, romantic getaways, or those looking for the ultimate party experience, outdoor adventures, or simply just relaxation.

While the majority of visitors’ flock to Dubrovnik and the island of Hvar in the Dalmatia region, Croatia is home to 10 regions – Istria, Kvarner, Dalmatia-Zadar, Dalmatia-Šibenik, Dalmatia-Split, Dalmatia-Dubrovnik, Lika-Karlovac, Central Croatia, Slavonia and

the City of Zagreb - and thousands of neighboring islands spanning a coastline of 6278km 3,625 miles, each offering moderately continental climates and several ecoregions. In the fall months, the weather is mild allowing visitors to still enjoy all the sites and outdoor activities available in the country and has the added benefit of not having as many tourists and being busy. Along with the colors of fall, and festivals celebrate everything from food to movies, music and sailing, experiences in Croatia range from 10 UNESCO sites, luxury hotels, eight vast national parks, elegant city centers, and a vast number of museums.

Northern Dalmatia has a litany of historic towns, jewel-like waters, rugged limestone mountains where sailing enthusiasts can explore unpopulated islands – must-see is the nautical paradise which is Kornati Islands the archipelago off of Zadar. With a terrain made up of picturesque islands and rugged mountains paired with a number of old-world castles and quiet ports and three UNESCO World Heritage sites, Central Dalmatia is the most action-packed and diverse part of Croatia. Spend time in the medieval walled UNESCO protected town of Trogir, visit the Diocletian’s Palace in Split and experience the glitz and glamour in Hvar town, the island’s hub and busiest destination. Hvar Island, famous since the antiquity because of its important strategic and nautical position, is Croatia’s most happening and sunniest island. Visitors familiar with five-star luxury features secluded getaways, will enjoy the mild climate, abundant cultural attractions and a robust nightlife scene. Famous for its pleasant Mediterranean climate and lavish summer parties, it is a town of a unique cultural and historical heritage and surrounded by turquoise waters.

Photo courtesy of Ivo Biocina

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T R A V E L DUBROVNIK OLD TOWN

(credit: Ivo Biocina)

Southern Dalmatia is a region to be explored by beach seekers and history buffs where tourists and visitors should walk the old city walls and forts and experience some of the most spectacular sunsets in the world.

In Southern Dalmatia, Dubrovnik and Dubrovnik Old Town – the highly photographed location seen throughout the world – visit Rector’s Palace and wander through the limestone streets, baroque buildings and the glisten from the Adriatic, all inspiring a sense of awe and beauty. And for those Game of Thrones’ buffs, King’s Landing was also filmed in Dubrovnik.

Photo courtesy of Ivo Biocina Advent in Zagreb. Photo courtesy of ZmlinaR Photography

ADVENT IN ZAGREB In Zagreb, the capital and largest city by population, neohistoricism and art nouveau architecture is seen throughout the city giving it a special charm. A mix of young and old, religious and secular, restaurants, cafes and bars, the city has a rich cultural life and the heralded Advent in Zagreb, which has been named (by European Best Destinations) the best three-times in a row as the best Christmas Market in Europe. Broken into three parts, Gornji grad (Upper Town), Donji grad (Lower Town) and Novi Zagreb (‘new Zagreb’), Zagreb is known as the city of museums as there are more of them per square foot than any other city in the world.

Among the many exciting museums in the city, one that is a must-go is the Museum of Broken Relationships, a global crowd-sourced project with permanent museum outposts in Zagreb and Los Angeles. Located in a baroque Kulmer palace in the Upper Town, the museum takes visitors on an emotional, heartbreaking and comical journey through a vast number of broken relationships.

KOPAČKI RIT PHOTO

Photo courtesy of Mario Romulic

In central Croatia, just north and east of Zagreb, features some of the countries most beautiful rural scenery. Lying in the valleys of the rivers Sava, Drava and Mura and home to numerous castles and Baroque towns, central Croatia is sprinkled with thermal and mineral water springs.

Home to Kopački Rit, a nature park and wetland area covering a total of 238 hectares, is one of the largest natural wetlands in Europe and has remained primarily intact, due to its inaccessibility to portions of the park, since the olden times.

Along with large herds of deer and wild boars, over 300 different species of birds are found at the park included rare and protected species like the white-tailed eagle and black stork. Tour the park on an excursion boat and traverse over swampy waters and get lost in the wetlands, forests and diluvial fields.

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PARK

Photo courtesy of Ivo Biocina

For the adventurous traveler, Croatia’s flatlands, hilly Northern region and a number of deep caves and lakes throughout, provides ample opportunities for exploring. Head out to Plitvice Lakes National Park and marvel at the park’s 16 lakes which flow beautifully into cascading waterfalls and sea-glass pools below. The UNESCO World Heritage Site can provide visitors with plenty of walking trails, an abundance of plant life, 160 species of birds to the wolves, brown bear and lynx and a bright fall foliage. For those a bit more adventurous, just 25 miles from Zadar, Paklenica National Park marks a destination for soft-adventure activities such as hiking, camping and cycling. Comprised of two dolomite limestone canyons called Velika (big Paklenica), and Mala (small Paklenica), activities in the park include: rock climbing lessons along with an abundant number of trails for cycling, hiking and walking.

WINE REGION PHOTO Deeply rooted in Croatia is their flourishing wine industry which has a history dating back to the Ancient Greek settlers some 2,500 years ago. With 300 geographically defined wine districts, their two primary wine regions are Primorska Hrvatska (“coastal Croatia”) and Kontinentalna Hrvatska (“continental Croatia”) which are divided across smaller vinogorje (literally, “wine hills). The indigenous grape variety – Tribidrag (also called Crljenak), has recently attained a massive uptick due to the research to identify the roots of Zinfandel and its popularity in the United States.

Photo courtesy of Fabijanic

Running from Istria in the north to Dalmatia to the south, Primorska Hrvatska is lucky to have long, hot dry summers and mild, short, wet winters which is particularly well suited to wine production. Where on the north coast the focus is on fruity dry wines and bold dry reds, further south in Dalmatia the islands and hillsides have a large variety of microclimates and use of indigenous grapes. Central Croatia (Kontinentalna Hrvatska) region experiences typical continental climate with cold winters and hot summers leading to concentration on production of white wines with the widely planted Graševina, which yields light, crisp, refreshing, mildly aromatic wines.

FOOD Croatia’s burgeoning wine scene is paired with a cuisine that is unique to every region and its culinary tradition. The cuisine is unique to each region of the country, allowing guests to have a taste of past and present influences along with local staples like the Zagorski Štrukli. A combination of old-word cuisine deriving from various cultures that have influenced the region with modern cuisine allow for a wonderful foodie experience. Using locally-sourced ingredients and sharing similarity with Italian, Austrian, Hungarian, and Turkish cuisine, Croatian cuisine is heavily influenced by the sea and its local produce.

Emphasizing the countries development of the local gastronomical scene, three Croatian restaurants have attained a Michelin-star one-star rating.

Joining Monte in Rovinj, which received one star in 2017, was: Pelegrini based in Šibenik, 360º situated in Dubrovnik which received their star in 2018. Pelegrini abides the philosophy of unique experiences through fine dining, which is achieved through a gastronomic menu and deriving influences from French, Austro-Hungarian, Ottoman and Ve-netian cuisine. Set within the great walls of Dubrovnik, 360º overlooks the port and has deep roots in Mediterranean cuisine where chef Marijo Curić puts twist on locally sourced produce from Croatian regions.

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Photo courtesy of Ivo Pervan

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Photo courtesy of Sasa Halambek

ISTRIA WINE REGION PHOTO The western most region of Istria is the Adriatic Sea’s largest peninsula and features rolling hills and valleys, hilltop villages, vineyards and olive groves. As the world’s 2nd best olive oil region, it is a gourmet destination and also boasts the Istrian forests boast three sorts of black truffles, as well as the big white truffle. Those traveling in Fall are in luck as Truffle hunting season runs from October–December.

AD. The region of Istria has been a top olive oil growing region for decades producing with some of the finest award-winning olive oils in the world. Their status as a top producer of olive oils was recognized by Flos Olei, the only extra virgin olive oil world guide, which included 77 oils from Croatia, 11 more than last year, with two hailing from the Dalmatia region, and 75 from Istria in their guide.

Another notable product from Croatia is its award-winning olive oil production, with olives being a symbol of Istria since circa 50

With so much to choose from, Croatia is a destination that should be on everyone’s radar – no matter what age or interest – from cul-

ture, history, epic food adventure, old world European charm, or relaxing and enjoying an easy Mediterranean holiday — there’s always something for everyone who visits.

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Experience The Presidential Lifestyle

WYNDHAM DESERT BLUE | BY RICHARD AVILLON

Enter a world where intuitively designed suites and gracious touches combine, creating unforgettable vacations as unique as you and your loved ones. CLUB WYNDHAM® Presidential Reserve is an exclusive program that brings you upscale vacation experiences in luxurious Presidential Reserve Suites®, situated in some of the most desirable locations, including the Wyndham Desert Blue in Las Vegas.

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yndham Desert Blue is a premier playground for all ages. Combine the convenience and stature of an urban luxury hotel with all the space and amenities of an elite resort, and then set it down in the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic destinations. The end result would be Wyndham Desert Blue, a striking resort with 76 Upscale Living Magazine |

comfort and fun built right in. With an ideal location just off the world-famous strip, it’s the perfect place to stay while you create your own brand of fun in the glitz and glamour that is Las Vegas.

While Presidential Reserve benefits are exclusive for CLUB WYNDHAM Presidential Reserve members, anyone can experience the premier resort offerings at the Wyndham Desert Blue by booking a vacation through Wyndham Extra Holidays.

Marrying the best things Las Vegas has to offer, this new resort has it all. At Wyndham Desert Blue, you’re just one mile from the 24hour party of The Strip and right next door to casino gaming at the Rio Las Vegas Casino.

This means you’ll have enough peace and quiet to rest up in your bathtub once you get back to your room. It also means you won’t have to wrestle as much traffic when you venture outside the city to see the many sights Las Vegas, Nevada has in store.

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At Wyndham Desert Blue, spacious studio and one-bedroom standard resort suites comfortably sleep up to four guests and range from 440 to 557 square feet. Studios feature one king bed with a queen sleeper sofa or just two full beds. One-bedroom suites feature one king bed and a queen sleeper sofa. Both offer a partial kitchen, separate living areas and beautiful furnishings. Upgrade to the onebedroom resort suite for a separate dining area and views of the strip.

Two-bedroom presidential suites featuring comfortable accommodations are 1330 square feet and can sleep up to eight people. Each unit has a fully equipped kitchen, complete with microwave, dishwasher, granite countertops, upgraded appliances, stove, oven, refrigerator, and sink, in-room safe, ceiling fans, vaulted ceilings and queen sofa sleeper. In-suite washer and dryer and Jacuzzi are standard amenities in the two-bedroom presidential suites.

From Wyndham Desert Blue, explore the world-renowned Las Vegas restaurants, try a

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few table games or catch the show of a lifetime.

Paris, New York City, pyramids, magnificent fountains and fire shows await your arrival.

Also, be sure to take a trip outside city limits to witness the man-made majesty of Hoover Dam, behold the natural splendor of Red Rock Canyon and breathe the cool mountain air of Mount Charleston.

Everyone is a VIP at Wyndham Desert Blue.

In the equally energetic and laid-back spirit of Las Vegas, top resort amenities include two outdoor swimming pools, a wading area, and a pair of outdoor hot tubs. Of course, it wouldn’t be Vegas without places to relax with family and friends before going out. For times like these, guests are welcome to rent poolside cabanas with mini fridges, fans, and TVs. There’s also a poolside bar, fire pit, game room, and full fitness center, all at your service.

As a CLUB WYNDHAM Presidential Reserve Member, you will enjoy guaranteed access to Presidential Reserve Suites, customizable stays featuring exclusive services and special amenities, and exchange privileges in The Registry Collection® program along with access to its Travel Concierge Service. Explore Presidential Reserve membership, and give your loved ones the inspired accommodations they deserve.

ELEGANT COMFORTS RESERVED FOR YOU If you have an appreciation for presidential vacation accommodations and feel that your friends and family deserve those same privileges each and every time they travel, Presidential Reserve was designed with you in mind.

Through this exclusive program, you will enjoy upscale vacation experiences in luxurious Presidential Reserve Suites® in some of the most desirable travel destinations. You will also have the ability to customize each presidential stay with exclusive services and amenities, creating new one-of-a-kind memories every time. You and your family deserve the best accommodations, now and in the future. When nothing but the best will do, the answer is Presidential Reserve.

VACATION BENEFITS As a Presidential Reserve Member, you have the privilege of relaxing in a plush Presidential Reserve Suite® with all the comforts of home with upgraded presidential style. In addition to the fabulous accommodations available at a number of attractive locations, we are pleased to offer you additional benefits once you arrive.

PRESIDENTIAL ARRIVAL When staying at a Presidential Reserve Resort, the first thing you will notice when you enter your unit is what we call the Presidential

Arrival, a series of welcoming preparations designed to delight your senses from the moment you step inside. The package includes special touches, from soft lights and soothing music to premium coffee, high-end bath amenities and comforting robes.

SPECIAL ON-SITE AMENITIES To help you customize your vacation, we have arranged for special on-site amenities at Presidential Reserve Resort locations to be exclusively available to Presidential Reserve Members. These services, which are available for an additional fee, may include daily housekeeping, an in-room personal chef or convenient pre-stocking of groceries.

RESORT-SPECIFIC SERVICES Finally, nothing adds to a vacation quite like local flavor. With that in mind, many Presidential Reserve Resorts arrange special services for a fee that take advantage of opportunities in the local area, helping make your stay presidential class.

For more information about CLUB WYNDHAM or vacation rentals through Wyndham Extra Holidays: www.clubwyndham.com www.extraholidays.com

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E S T A T E

A U C T I O N | Eddie Murphy former home

LOS LAGOS

Neighborhood of Granite Bay, California DeCaro Auctions International has announced it will auction the former home of actor Eddie Murphy in the highly desirable Los Lagos neighborhood of Granite Bay, California at live absolute auction on Saturday, October 27, 2018. Located on 2.5 acres of land, this sprawling estate features a 12,600 square foot main residence consisting of seven bedrooms, eleven bathrooms, and a ten-vehicle garage, in addition to a 5,200 square foot guest home consisting of three bedrooms, six bathrooms and a three-vehicle garage. Both are equipped with sweeping views of Folsom Lake and lushy landscaped grounds enhanced by vistas of the Sierra Nevada foothills.

Build in 1998, the home’s amenities, down to the finest details, heighten its sense of luxury. From the Vantage lighting system and the handmade artisan wall finishes to the in-floor heating, elevator and extraordinary custom furnishings, this estate is complete with only the finest finishes. Grand stairways lead from the magnificent great room with floor to ceiling windows and rotunda ceiling. The main home is complete with formal dining room, great room, sitting room with fireplace, gourmet kitchen with butler’s pantry, upper level entire wing master suite and individually themed customized children’s bedrooms. In addition, the estate includes a 12-seat theater, arcade parlor, and billiard room. The guest home, build in 2004, is equipped with a 1,200 square foot commercial quality gym, private office, lighted tennis and basketball courts, as well as a pool. The home is being auctioned fully furnished, including a rare Schimmel Pegasus Piano.

For aditional information on this auction call 1.800.332.3767

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2018 www.upscalelivingmag.com

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Modern Luxury

KEMPINSKI HOTEL CORVINUS BUDAPEST | BY JARONE ASHKENAZI

Located in the city center of Pest in the district of Belváros and next to Erzsébet Square, the five-star Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest was designed by renowned Hungarian architect, Dr. József Finta. Opened in 1992, the hotel was a significant symbol of Budapest’s re-emergence on the European stage, and when it began renovations in 2013, they aimed to give new life and distinction to the building.

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hen first entering the hotel, the revamped ground floor creates not just an inspired design statement, but it also embodies the very essence of the Kempinski experience which is focused on the four pillars of its ethos – beauty, gourmet, culture and savoir-vivre. With the 80 Upscale Living Magazine |

intent to meet the expectations of luxury hotel guests in the 21st century, the renovation project stays true to the past while adding elements of modernity. Following the reconstruction of the lobby, the comprehensive modernization continued in the first-floor event area, the former ballroom and the associated halls in 2017.

presents a soft color palate of gold, platinum and grey paired with warm dark brown wood.

Guests staying in these rooms will enjoy a meticulously-designed place of comfort with a cozy seating area, a light-enhanced separation of functions within the room and shades which guarantee a good night’s sleep.

The hotel is comprised of 351 rooms including 35 suites and at the beginning of 2018 on three guest floors 27 Premium Grand Deluxe Rooms and 10 Suites have been rebuilt from top to bottom. The renovation of these units was part of an EUR 8.5 million investment that also included the soft refurbishment of a further 126 rooms and three suites on these floors.

The ultimate in Corvinus luxury, the Corvinus Collection Suites 730 and 830 ensure a true royal experience. Four re-designed Executive Suites translate the Kempinski joie de vivre as the 57-sq meter suite, offers a spacious living room, bedroom with a king size bed and an elegant bathroom offering both a shower and bath. When in the sleekly designed space, guests are treated to a stunning vista of Erzsébet Park and the Ferris wheel named Budapest Eye.

The design-savvy sensibility of the modern traveler’s expectations is met when walking into the new Premium Rooms and Junior Suites as noted British designer Alex Kravetz vision

“The idea was to create a place to stay by combining a mix of luxury and residential styling with a considered understanding of the guests’ requirements. Pieces from the hotel’s

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“The idea was to create a place to stay by combining a mix of luxury and residential styling with a considered understanding of the guests’ requirements”

own art collection grace the newly redesigned rooms and suites,” said General Manager, Mr. Stephan Interthal.

The Kempinski Hotel Corvinus and its Gastronomic Quarter Downtown Budapest is the city’s lifestyle hub with its lounges and terraces extending onto the pedestrian-trafficked Fashion Street. With various dining options at the property, culinary highlights feature a diverse selection of specials like the: Benediction - Stylish Upscale Brunch Experience in The Living Room, the ÉS Bisztró Buffet Breakfast and Sunday Family Table, specialty coffee, sandwiches and pastries at ÉS Deli, and craft cocktails mixed the right way at Blue Fox The Bar, a burgeoning cool hotspot.

The casual yet innovatively designed ÉS Bisztró serves contemporary Hungarian-Viennese dishes encouraging diners to re-think the traditional sequence of courses and in the summer also on its summer terrace, people-

watching is accompanied by live music at the weekends. In Nobu Budapest, guests can enjoy and explore chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa’s newstyle Japanese cuisine intertwined with South American flavors.

Guests experience ultimate relaxation at Kempinski The Spa, a 525 sq-meter haven, whose philosophy is to restore body’s natural equilibrium by drawing on the elemental wisdom of nature. With a large variety of Elemental Herbology rituals, treatments and massages are tailored to each guest’s individual needs. Guests can consult with the therapists to determine which type of treatment – relaxation, rejuvenation or re-energizing – is right for them and their desired outcome. Delivered in its natural state, sun-dried, ground and filtered, Hungarymud, introduced by Kempinski The Spa in Budapest, is a rich healing mineral mud sourced from a natural reserve of South East Hungary and used in treatments and products for the face, body and soul.

Their signature treatment, the 80-minute Hungary Holistic Treatment includes a dry body brush, body wrap, mini facial or scalp massage, back, neck and shoulder massage and makes use of healing effects of the Hungarymud. The spa also features a fitness center, a recently upgraded sauna area, a tepidarium, and an indoor pool as well as a health bar.

“Guests who visit our hotel will be welcomed with a good mix of qualified, well-trained and competent staff plus a quality product and service at all times,” said General Manager, Mr Stephan Interthal. “People leaving us should turn around and have the desire to return, that’s our ambition.”

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R E S T A U R A N T

CASTAGNA Decadent Dining in Portland, Oregon | BY TRACY ELLEN BEARD

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CASTAGNA RESTAURANT

O

ver the last ten years, Portland, Oregon, has experienced an exponential increase in the number of new highend restaurants. With the influx of new dining options, only the best have withstood the test of time and Castagna is one of them.

THE TEAM Owner Monique Siu opened Castagna 18 years ago, and today Executive Chef Justin Woodward indwells the heart of the kitchen. He has fashioned multiple menus for diners to choose from; but if you desire a superior culinary adventure, order the chef ’s tasting menu paired with Wine Director/Sommelier Brent Braun’s specially selected beverages.

This dynamic chef/sommelier duo works closely together to create combinations boasting magnificent dishes paired with a variety of wines and libations. Chef Woodward said, “I like to keep things seasonal, and I try to be creative with our flavors and our presentation.

I have fun with our plate-ups and always want to keep us on our toes.”

The team at Castagna is not only known in the Portland area but also is recognized by the culinary world at large. Chef Woodward shared with me that he has not intentionally labored to receive awards; however, he is thrilled to have been nominated for the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef Northwest award for the last four years, and for the Foundation’s Rising Star Chef award in 2013. He chuckled and said, “I just keep doing what I’m doing.”

Brent also has a claim to fame. He received StarChef ’s 2018 Rising Star award and was 82 Upscale Living Magazine |

named one of Food & Wine Magazine’s Sommeliers of the Year in 2017.

EXTRAVAGANT DINING The chef ’s tasting menu is usually a dozen courses, but I know from experience that many courses include more than one bite-size delight.

Initiating the event with a glass of bubbly, I settled in for a night of feasting.

The meal commenced with a selection of “snacks.” The falafel of halibut mousse with bib lettuce and violet mustard was flavorful with a rich abundance of textures, while the Shigoku oyster from Hood Canal bathed in chicken consommé was a decadent gift from the sea.

The following course, albacore tuna with rice sake, fresh almonds and wasabi was light and refreshing. Brent brilliantly paired the dishes above with everything from a light sake and pear cider, to a bright and tasty orange wine.

AN EDUCATION IN WINE SELECTION Brent joined me for a few moments, and I asked him, “With the vast number of wines in the world, how do you choose for a chef ’s tasting menu?” He explained that he has a kind of rubric in his head that a wine or libation must meet.

Brent said, “Chef Woodward’s food is focused and elegant without a ton of components on the plate.” When Brent selects wines for the menu, he said he asks himself these questions: “What would work with that dish? What is interesting? What is from a region not overly represented? What is not too classical of a pair-

FALL 2018 www.upscalelivingmag.com

ing? And finally, what is a special wine that is either underrepresented or highly represented and therefore allocated so that normal consumers don’t ever get to try it.”

THE FEASTING CONTINUES The dinner progressed with a course of summer beans in an aromatic cream, squid with society garlic blossom, and a stunning piece of Salish Sea halibut wrapped in Swiss chard over tomato, fava beans and a ramp sauce. The foie gras spread like butter over the huckleberry muffin, and summer botanicals and a white alpine strawberry adorned the plate featuring squab. Brent married the squab with a Beaujolais, and then we moved on to a curii “giro” Valencia Alicante with spicy black pepper notes which perfectly complemented the herbaceous beefsteak.

Dessert courses arrived with rhubarb and a buckwheat tuile, strawberry cream cheese tarts, and shards of honeycomb custard with almonds and almond paste. The final treat was mind-blowing, a caramelized potato skin ice cream with buttermilk granita and aged sherry vinegar, all topped with toasted meringue pieces.

Monique’s secret to staying in business is selecting first-rate talent for her team. Both Chef Woodward and Brent fancy trying new things ensuring that food offerings and libations are always delicious and innovative. Whether you are a first-timer or a regular at Castagna, book your next culinary adventure with this inventive team and take pleasure in what they dream up for the upcoming seasons. 

W I N E

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S P I R I T S

THE WORLD'S MOST EXPENSIVE SHERRY | BY RAJ GILL

T

ipped to be the most expensive sherry in the world the Barbadillo Versos 1891 Amontillado at $10,000 a bottle, was created for a specific reason.

Manuel Barbadillo was gifted the cask by his father as a christening present, pretty unusual present for a new-born, not quite so for this family, and the fact that it has taken on such a great value, just goes to show it was a shrewd decision. The Barbadillo brothers were all given one cask of the amontillado sherry each and it became known as “las botas de los ninos”.

The barrels remained untouched, and locked up in the family run sherry bodega in Sanlucar de Barrameda.

Manuel made his family proud, not only did he work in the family business for over five decades, he was a philanthropist, a poet and perhaps his dealings in the political arena are what made his family truly proud, he was the Mayor of Sanlucar. Sadly he passed away in 1986 and ever since the family have been brainstorming ideas on how to commemorate this great man. They found the perfect tribute with Versos 1891.

At $10,000 a bottle, to keep it exclusive, just 100 bottles of this sherry were produced to honour the memory of Manuel. The name is a reflection of Manuel’s literary interests, it can be loosely defined as the back page of a

book. The bottle is a hand blown crystal glass decanter crafted by renowned Portuguese glassmakers, Atlantis, who shaped it to resemble an inkpot, reflecting Manuel’s love of art and poetry. The bottle also includes platinum plating in the collar and Versos is etched in gold leaf on the glass. It comes packaged in its own leather case, made by Spanish craftsmen who also produce fine leather work for various companies including Louis Vuitton, also included is a serving ‘pipette’ which resembles the poet’s pen.

wards, they then decided to search their own cellars to see if they could make a product to challenge the sherry market. Tim, continues, “We were lucky that our cellars here in Sanlucar de Barrameda have high levels of humidity, which is the perfect condition necessary for the slow and balanced ageing process of old sherries. And we decided to scour our cellars to find something to shake up the sherry industry.”

So the question on my mind is apart from the trappings is this sherry really worth the $10k price tag. I chatted with Barbadillo’s UK Director, Tim Holt to get the lowdown on what it is that makes this liquid so precious. “Sherries, unlike other wines, require tremendous time and patience, in order to produce something truly special, and a great example of this is the Versos 1891,” he says.

Holt breaks it down for me, he says, “Versos 1891 is a sherry which is full of intensity, it is incredibly long on the palate, it has got a beautiful, full pungent nuttiness, and you can tell the great the age of the wine, by the sheer intensity and depth of flavour and it just goes on forever.”

He goes on to explain, “When Manuel received the cask in 1891, the sherry was already considered to be an old Amontillado. It was aged in an old American cask and watched over by many generations, before they decided to bottle it.”

The company looked to the whisky industry, where the main players were unearthing aged whiskies and selling them from $19K up-

And the taste?

Tim’s passion for the company, for the sherry itself are very clear to see, his face lights up and eyes shine when he discusses the brand.

Versos 1891 is unique and limited, the main buyers have come from the UK, Asia, Russia, Mexico, Spain and Australia.

So if you have a spare $10k laying around and sherry is your tipple of choice, then Versos is a good investment, as it can only rise in value.

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G A D G E T S

STEALTH LUXURY GAMING TABLE BY 11 Ravens. This unique, oneof-a-kind brand which is based in Los Angeles makes some of the finest, game tables in the world can cost anything from $13,000 to above $50,000 and are customizable to any design theme. These luxurious pieces make an amazing collection and add great value to interior designing.

LUXURY GADGETS The perfect item for your home

EVEN’s H3 HEADPHONES provides a personalized sound customized to the unique way you hear in each ear. EVEN headphones have global distribution, from the U.S. to the UK and Japan.

EVEN creates the ultimate listening experience by combining the power of technology, sound and emotion with guidance from a team of musicians, sound engineers, software and hardware engineers. www.weareeven.com.

GOLDGENIE 24K GOLD EMBELLISH IPHONE is the brand new addition to the Apple line up of iPhones which the company believe will be named the Xs and X Plus. The “Billionaire” iPhone Xs as it will be called will be limited to only 23 and numbered 1 – 23, each one will be stamped with the Gold standard Assay Hallmark at Goldsmiths Hall in London. In addition the Billionaire iPhone will include the top membership tier for the the Goldg-enie Concierge service, giving access to a 24/7 365 day VIP service where any request to complement clients lifestyles can be catered to by their very own dedicated concierge team. Goldgenie pioneered the art of applying 24k Gold and other luxury finishes to several prestige car brands such as Roll Royce Bent-ley, Aston Martin and Lexus, them evolved into customising Apple, Blackberry and HTC smart phones along with other technology products such as iPads, and the iMac. 84 Upscale Living Magazine |

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