2019 Top Media Highlights Port Ferdinand Yacht & Beach Club Residences Saint Peter’s Bay Resort & Residences
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Dan Neil on the quietly legendary Jetta GLI—which turns 35 this year D9 FASHION
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OFF DUTY THE WALL STREET JOURNAL.
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Airport, Sweet Airport New terminals you’ll want to spend time in D4
Saturday/Sunday, May 4 - 5, 2019 | D1
Love Your Gut
BY ALEKSANDRA CRAPANZANO
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T’S RARE that doctors tell you to eat more of what you like—rarer still that they give you research to back up this fabulous prescription. “Our grandmothers told us, ‘You are what you eat,’ that we should eat a balanced diet, etc. But the science behind this idea was quite limited,” said Dr. David Artis, Michael Kors Professor of Im-
munology and director of the Roberts Institute for Inflammatory Bowel Disease and director of the Friedman Center for Nutrition and Inflammation at Weill Cornell Medicine. “What has happened in recent years is that 21st-century technologies are finally caught up and are educating us about how different diets have an impact on human health and our microbiota.” That last term refers to beneficial microorganisms that live in the gut, the skin and the upper respiratory system. “It’s worth re-
minding ourselves that the word microbiota didn’t exist 15 years ago,” Dr. Artis added. “This is truly a revolutionary concept in our understanding of human health and disease.” Though often used interchangeably with “microbiota,” the term “microbiome” describes the collective genetic material of microbial communities and how these microorganisms potentially function together in a particular environment—in Please turn to page D10
Inside
A PASSION FOR PITS Décor trends worth a comeback? Some designers vote for sunken living rooms D6
POLO? YOLO Learn the game of kings in Barbados—plus four more educating vacations D5
ROLL OUT THE WELCOME MAT Warm-weather dining calls for unstuffy placemats. These woven discs deliver D6
NEON SIGNS OF SPRING Fashion had some extremely bright ideas this season. Here’s how to wear them D3
BEN GILES
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Good health begins there, after all. Fortunately, what our interior ecosystem needs to thrive is what springtime provides: a bounty of beautiful produce
YO U R PA S S P ORT TO P U R E LU X U RY £100 UK $100 USA €100 Europe
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Set sail to Bajan bliss by Julia Zaltzman
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ombining ultra-spacious villas with a worldclass marina, wrapped up in Bajan finery, Port Ferdinand Yacht and Beach Club Residences make for the ideal exclusive getaway for yacht owners. Available for both residential purchase and an exclusive vacation, the Barbados resort is widely perceived to be one of the 21-mile long island’s finest harbour-front resorts. Often referred to as the ‘Platinum Coast’, the west coast of the island is not only renowned for its calm and clear waters but also the exclusive selection of restaurants and resorts. Its proud inhabitants, hospitable nature and unrivalled scenery attract the yachting fraternity from far and wide over the course of the winter season, but a year-round warm climate makes for a luxurious getaway any time of the year. Barbados is located in the Lesser Antilles of the West Indies. Situated along the affluent North Western tip, Port Ferdinand offers prime real estate and accommodation just outside the main tourist hotspots of the island. Geared towards those with a more aquatic leaning, it boasts a full-service marina and yachting community, as well as a collection of two five-bedroom luxury harbour-front villas. Every detail of the Port Ferdinand residences has been carefully considered for maximum comfort and leisure, from the oversized indoor/outdoor living spaces to the yacht slips which come as standard with each residence. In addition to sweeping panoramic views of Barbados’ preeminent yacht marina and the Caribbean Sea, it offers a wealth of amenities including waterfront eateries, a fitness centre and 1.4 acres of pristine golden sandy beaches. The Sandbox Tree Spa affords a range of signature treatments and retreat packages, using the highly prestigious and renowned Bamford Botanical Product range. Named after a distinctive tree that is indigenous to Barbados, one of which can be found right next to the spa, the Sandbox Tree Spa is located in a corner of the lush natural gully that cocoons the marina. Treatments can be carried out in the spa, within the gully or in-suite in the Port Ferdinand homes. They include back, neck and shoulder massages, pregnancy massages, sports massages for runners or cyclists, reflexology and hot and cold stone massages. Facials, exfoliations, manicures, pedicures and waxings complete the whole-body experience, from head to toe.
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Now a recognised global brand for the elite, Nikki Beach Worldwide opened its doors in Port Ferdinand in 2018. The brand new club sits on 1.4
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acres of pristine beachfront property, marking the entry of the first luxury beach club property in Barbados and the 14th location for the brand. This intimate beach club location consists of a restaurant, pool and beach access with oceanfront seating for up to 200 guests. Stretching along the shores of the ocean with an elevated location to ensure spectacular water views throughout the entire property, the beach club welcomes yacht owners and guests with direct waterfront access. A frequent water shuttle service is also available. Guests at either Port Ferdinand, or its sister resort, Saint Peter’s Bay, are invited to bathe in the sun at Nikki Beach, Barbados. Not complete without offering fine fayre, a new stylish bistro—Dockside—has also flung open its doors at Port Ferdinand, offering high-quality meals using fresh quality ingredients in a relaxed dockside setting. Run by renowned local chef Barbados born Larry Rogers—and his wife Michelle—both Dockside and Rogers are fast elevating Barbadian cuisine and service to a world-class standard. Along with its rich amenities and legendary Bajan service, Port Ferdinand is a true home away from home for discerning travellers and homeowners, as well as yacht and beach lovers alike. Residents and guests can be as active or relaxed as they wish thanks to an array of facilities and activities, including a water sports centre, golf simulator and entertainment centre, gym and personal training facility, indoor and outdoor kids’ programmes, not to mention business and conference facilities. The fun also extends to the wider surrounding area, and Port Ferdinand’s professional personal concierge staff will arrange a wide range of memorable activities, such as swimming with the turtles, snorkel trips, diving experiences, candlelit dinners in high-end restaurants, or private catamaran cruises and fishing charters. International access makes for convenient arrivals and departure any time of the year, and whether purchasing for private or commercial use the Port Ferdinand Residences provide a degree of unrivalled luxury on arguably the most popular island within the whole of the Caribbean.
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The best travelers know that when you’re in an aquatic destination, you miss a crucial part of the experience if you don’t get out on the water. By Maya Kachroo-Levine on April 15, 2019
Waking up to an ocean view every morning is incredible—so is taking a dip in an infinity pool overlooking the beach. But none of it compares to being on the open water—diving off a boat, taking in the panoramic ocean views, and hearing the waves crash beneath you. Of course, taking a luxury, multi-destination cruise is one way to hop around a certain part of the world. But if you’re not someone who loves spending days at a time on the water, why not choose a stunning location or hotel where you can charter a private yacht right nearby? Some of your go-to spring and summer spots might have a nearby marina that you’ve overlooked all these years. Or perhaps you’re seeking out a new beachfront town specifically for the enviable yachts and easily accessible marinas. Whether you’ve sailed extensively in the Caribbean or are heading to Western Australia for the first-time to yacht through the oceanic expanse, we’ve compiled some of the best international yachting destinations for you to consider this year. These eight locales definitely need to be at the top of your spring and summer travel list.
North Western Barbados Located along the exclusive North Western tip (just off the tourist-filled path), Port Ferdinand Yacht & Beach Club Residences offers prime real estate and accommodation. Their full-service marina and yachting community can provide 60-foot berths with every residence. Charter your yacht for a day on the water to experience views of Barbados’ yacht marina and the Caribbean Sea.
9 surprisingly affordable luxury vacations you can take this spring Maya Kachroo-Levine 3/4/2019
While it might seem like travel prices continue to rise, some of the most sought-after destinations in the world are actually getting more accessible. From finding luxe hotels at record prices on the HotelTonight app to scouting great flight deals from Scott's Cheap Flights email newsletter, the digital age is making luxury destinations affordable for the everyday traveler. You no longer have to spend like the 1% to vacation like it. But you do need to know where to go, what travel services will score you the best deals, and when to target certain destinations. Click through the slideshow above. For those looking for a luxury getaway without spending thousands on a flight, here are nine destinations to target this spring.
Barbados Spring is when the Caribbean islands compete for luxury clientele which makes for some excellent deals. And some islands take great care to reward early bookers; Five-star hotel Port Ferdinand Yacht & Beach Club Residences is offering 30% off spring villa bookings.
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Beaches, Boats, and Bliss in Barbados BILL SPRINGERAPRIL 16, 2019
I’m almost embarrassed to admit that the part of my job that involves reporting on many of the most luxurious oceanfront resorts and residential communities in the world comes with a long and luxurious list of perks. However, I wasn’t expecting to be personally escorted through customs like a VIP when I arrived in Barbados. And I wasn’t expecting a gleaming, ice-cold air-conditioned BMW sedan to be waiting to take me to Saint Peter’s Bay on the west coast of this outermost Caribbean island either. But that was only the beginning . In fact, after the several days I spent in a large residence overlooking the beach at Saint Peter’s Bay, and at nearby Port Ferdinand that boasts elegantly modern villas clustered around a state-of-the-art marina, I felt like I’d discovered a whole new world of Caribbean luxury travel. The fact is, I did…sorta. Turns out, I was one of the first American journalists to visit these two resorts recently that many American boat and beach lovers may have never knew existed. Until now.
Saint Peter’s Bay
Barbados has a rich history as a vacation destination where the exotic and supersonic Concorde made regular round trip flights from London. And while some things may have changed since then. The blue water, white sand, and the warm people of Barbados haven’t. The island’s relatively close proximity to the east coast of the US hasn’t changed either. And when I experienced resort’s spectacular views and great amenities for myself, I felt like I was being let in on a very special secret.
But that’s only part of the story. First off, the villas feature spacious floorplans, full kitchens, enormous balconies, and spa like bathrooms. And unlike any other medium-sized resort I’ve ever seen, each upper unit is also equipped with what the locals call a “bikini elevator.” By that I mean that each building has an elevator that owners and guests use to access their unit from private parking areas in the back. But each unit also has access to a semi-private “bikini elevator” adjacent to their waterfront patio that provides direct “bikini” access down to the beach and the pool. The resort also offers excellent dining at the Gazebo Bar and Grill. I was told the staff also organize regular barefoot barbeques so owners and guests can mix, mingle and enjoy the sunset. And of course, not only is the beach equipped with loungers and umbrellas, there’s a fully staffed watersports team that can provide everything from towels and snorkel gear, to helping organize private diving or wakeboard trips, and more. And the “kid’s zone” is also there to help kids have fun (and parents enjoy a little relaxation too).
The only things Saint Peter’s Bay didn’t have were a super-luxe spa and a full-service marina. But that’s okay. All that and more is available at Port Ferdinand just a short drive or water taxi ride away.
Port Ferdinand
A residential resort development like Port Ferdinand is quite rare in the Caribbean for many reasons. First, not too many high-end residential communities in the tropics can offer such spacious, and especially well-built waterfront villas. And none that I know of also come with the private boat dock (for every villa) that can accommodate yachts up to 90-feet-long. The same can be said for the views. Each villa in the community has a view of the marina and a view of the beach and the open ocean that’s just a short walk or boat ride away.
In fact, this could be the ultimate island community for a passionate boat owner. The slips are some of the best-built I’ve ever seen, and the whole marina-based development was brilliantly designed to allow for copious amounts of individual storage on the first/dock level of buildings, and ocean views out over the boats from the villas too.
Meanwhile, owners, guests (and visitors from Saint Peter’s Bay) can enjoy a long list of spa treatments at Port Ferndinand’s Sandbox Tree Spa. The dishes prepared by the rockstar chef of the stylish Dockside at 13/59 restaurant take casual fine dining to the next level. And Nikki Beach Barbados is part of Port Ferdinand too. That means possible for owners and guests to go out for a day of world class fishing in the morning, and then chill with music, dining, dancing and of course, a glass of rosé at Nikki Beach all afternoon.
If I haven’t convinced you just how special these resorts are yet. Maybe this will. I’ve never seen more high quality construction in the tropics…ever. And according to Barbados native Philip Tempro, (the experienced owner and developer of both properties) that’s no accident. He takes great pride in the projects he’s developed on his home island. In fact, he looked me in the eye when he told me that he “builds for the long term,” and that was obvious everywhere I looked.
So, if you’re looking to escape to a place that combines quality construction, natural beauty andtop notchamenities, do yourself a favor and book a ticket to Barbados. For more information, visit stpetersbaybarbados.com and portferdinand.com