Gio Journal - Issue 6 - Milo Ventimiglia

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Chronograph measuring elapsed time from 10 minutes down to 1/100th of a second

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Ref. CT2 - Centigraphe Case and bracelet in Gold, also available in Platinum or Titanium Manual winding movement in 18 K rose Gold Geneva made

“I invented and made it”

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“I invented and made it”

INVENTED AND MADE FOR THE PAST FOUR DECADES, FRANÇOIS-PAUL JOURNE HAS BEEN CREATING INNOVATIVE WATCHES THAT MARRY HIS DEEP KNOWLEDGE OF THE HISTORY OF CHRONOMETRY WITH MODERN INGENUITY TO CONQUER AGE-OLD HOROLOGICAL CHALLENGES.

The F.P.Journe Manufacture building

The Maison F.P.Journe Miami

François-Paul makes it a point to use his unmatched technical skills to create watches that honor traditional processes and craftsmanship with ultimate precision, performing many tasks manually and assembling each watch individually- not in a production line. Each watch is completed entirely by one watchmaker, from assembly through testing. While this isn’t the most cost or time efficient process by any means, it creates a direct relationship between each watch and its watchmaker and this traditional way is the only way François-Paul sees fit to complete his watches. Every day, FrançoisPaul himself is at his bench, creating the next F.P.Journe innovation.

Because of the intensive manual work performed on the watches and the one-to-one production method, F.P.Journe produces fewer than 900 pieces per year.

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While creating never before seen avant-garde movements, F.P.Journe keeps traditional assembly techniques and philosophies alive, including the ultimate goal of chronometry- precision. François-Paul Journe remains the designer and master watchmaker of his eponymous brand along with being the majority owner and president, giving him freedom and independence to create and release the watches he, the watchmaker, desires. Along with fabricating 95% of all watch components, the Manufacture owns their own dial and case-making facilities, further controlling and integrating the process from conception to production. Beneath the F.P.Journe logo on each watch is the line ‘Invenit et Fecit’, Latin for ‘Invented and Made’. Through FrançoisPaul’s extensive control and the full integration of the production process, F.P.Journe confidently states that their watches are entirely conceived and created in the Geneva workshops.

Yet François-Paul manages an impressive innovation streak: 26 distinct calibers have been released in the 20 years since the company’s founding! Of these, 7 have won awards at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) including 3 Golden Hands, the most coveted prize and the most of any watchmaker.

F.P.Journe exists in a state of balance between history and modernity, art and horology, with all four being important and indivisible from the watch. François-Paul has said he does not wish to create what has been produced before, but his watches have authentic historical ties. The innovations reimagine the function, design, and purpose of the watch. By starting the conceptualization of a watch with a design of the dial, design garners an importance comparable to technical excellence.

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Miami +1 305 993 4747

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VERTICAL ENDEAVORS IN 1977, A 20-YEAR-OLD FRENCH WATCHMAKER EMBARKED ON AN ATYPICAL QUEST — TO CREATE HIS OWN TOURBILLON, NOT TO SELL OR SHOW, BUT TO PROVE TO HIMSELF THAT HE WAS ABLE. NEARLY SIX YEARS LATER FRANCOIS-PAUL COMPLETED THIS FIRST WATCH, A TOURBILLON POCKET WATCH WITH A SPRING DETENT ESCAPEMENT. IN 1999, THE 1ST WATCH BEARING THE NAME F.P.JOURNE IS, A TOURBILLON NATURALLY, THIS TIME FITTED WITH A CONSTANT FORCE MECHANISM, THE REMONTOIR D’ÉGALITÉ. THE PURPOSE OF THE REMONTOIR IS TO MEDIATE THE POWER DELIVERY FROM THE MAINSPRING TO THE ESCAPEMENT BY RELEASING ENERGY ONCE PER SECOND TO THE ESCAPEMENT, AVOIDING THE INEFFICIENCIES OF A WOUND SPRING.

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20 years after, François-Paul revolutionized the tourbillon by rotating it 90 degrees. Mounted perpendicular to the rest of the movement, the 30 seconds tourbillon remains true to the original concept of the tourbillon, to counteract the concept of gravity on the escapement. In a pocket watch, a traditional tourbillon performed this task, however, on the wrist, the most common positions of the wrist leave the tourbillon operating horizontally.

By being placed vertically, the functions of the tourbillon remain

constant with equal amplitude whether the watch lies flat with a pin buckle or is placed on its side when fitted with a folding clasp.

The tourbillon rotates in 30 seconds, faster than the usual time of one minute, making the technical prowess even more visually astonishing. Surrounding the cage, a cone-shaped mirror-polished ring concentrates light, reflecting the tourbillon cage. A second reflector was created on the movement side to provide light around the tourbillon cage.

— THE 4N ROSE GOLD BRIDGES THAT FORM THE DIAL ARE DECORATED WITH “CLOUS DE PARIS” GUILLOCHE F E A T U R E S A N 48 - H O U R P O W E R RESERVE AT 12 O’CLOCK AND SMALL SECONDS AT 6 O’CLOCK; THE REMONTOIR D’ÉGALITÉ IS LOCATED AT 7 O’CLOCK. THE 42 MM CASE IS AVAILABLE IN PLATINUM OR IN 18K 6N GOLD. LIKE ITS PREDECESSORS, THE VERTICAL TOURBILLON FEATURES A REMONTOIR D’ÉGALITÉ FOR CONSTANT FORCE AND A TIME DISPLAY AT 3 O’CLOCK IN GRAND FEU ENAMEL TO REMIND THE VERY FIRST F.P.JOURNE TOURBILLON POCKET WATCH.

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LETTER FROM the EDITOR

SEEING CLEARLY IN 2020 These days, it seems everyone is not only chasing happiness, but also evaluating exactly what it is, what it means, and how to know when they’ve found it. I’ve come to the realization that, for me, happiness means gratitude. When I wake up every day grateful for all that I have, and all the bad stuff that I don’t have, it’s hard not to be happy.

People often ask me where I get inspiration for all that we cover in Gio. “From everywhere and everyone one I meet,” I always say. Inspiration typically happens when you least expect it (and never when you really need it), like at boxing class, while sitting in traffic, while grabbing your dry cleaning… Each issue, we interview inspirational entreprenuers and brand leaders, as well as actors, philanthropists, chefs, restaurateurs, designers, architects and so many more. We loved catching up with the incredibly talented Milo Ventimiglia. We can’t get enough of his TV show, This Is Us, and we’ve already watched The Art of Racing in the Rain on demand multiple times. Also intriging is the former governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, with whom we had a tête-à-tête. Don’t miss either one of these terrific profiles.

Our pages are brimming with inspiring travel stories, too—fabulous journeys from Costa Rica to Japan, Bali and the Galapagos to Delhi, India. Five-star all the way! We hope you enjoy this issue as much as we loved putting it together. Here’s to a happy and inspiring 2020!

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR , TRAVEL & BEAUTY EDITOR---------- BETH WEITZMAN CREATIVE DIRECTOR------------------------JOHN RUSSO EXECUTIVE EDITOR---------------BONNIE DAVIDSON SENIOR CONTRIBUTING EDITORS ---------MARIE LOOK

------------------------------------------MISTY MILIOTO

ART DEPARTMENT ART DIRECTOR-------------------

RYAN CARANDANG

RETOUCHING-------------------------------- JASON BUSH PRODUCTION ARTISTS----------------------

RENE LOPEZ ------------------------------- JOANN ORZECHOWSKI

PARTNERSHIPS & MARKETING ADVERTISING --------------------CHARLENE LASKIN ---------------------------------- FREDERIC FOURNEL PUBLIC RELATIONS -------------BMP BEVERLY HILLS

ONLINE DEPARTMENT WEB EDITOR---------------------------- MISTY MILIOTO WEB DIRECTOR--------------------RYAN CARANDANG WEB PRODUCTION---------------------------ADVANTAGE VIDEO CONTENT-------------------------------TAS LIMUR

Sincerely yours,

Beth Weitzman

Gio

ISSUE No. 6

Editorial Director, Travel & Beauty Editor Email me at beth@giojournal.com Follow me @beth_weitzman

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2018©GIO JOURNAL, INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ALL CONTENT IS THE PROPERTY OF GIO JOURNAL, INC AND/ OR THE RESPECTIVE PHOTOGRAPHERS, WRITERS, ARTISTS, ADVERTISING AGENCIES AND ARE PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARK LAWS.

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CONTENTS 31 LOOKINGgood

07 ............................. DRAWN TO FASHION: BIL DONOVAN 11 ...............................................................INDIE BEAUTY BEST 15 ..........................................................GIRL POWER: BOYS LIE 19 ...................................DRESSED TO THRILL: REID SCOTT 21 ....................ANGEL IN DISGUISE: JONATHAN TUCKER 23 ....WALK ON THE WILD SIDE: JORDANA WOODLAND

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27 ..........RALLYING CRY: MAXIMILLION COOPER & EVE 29 ................................................ LOVING SPIRIT: LISA RUEFF 31 .......................... LEADING LADY: ANGELLA NAZARIAN 35 .................FORWARD THINKERS: VISIONARY WOMEN 41 ................... A CUT ABOVE THE REST: PERFECT LOCKS

TABLE OF CONTENTS CONTENTS

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45 ............................................................. TUBS WITH A TWIST 51 ...........................FLOATING FIESTA: ATLANTIS EVENTS 59 ....................URBANE REVIVAL: HOTEL CALIFORNIAN 67 ...........DISTINCT DESTINATION: RANCHO VALENCIA 75 ...........................24 HOURS IN PARADISE: ANDAZ MAUI 79 ............................... HAWAIIAN HAVEN: HOTEL WAILEA 85 .................... SKY-HIGH STYLE: PARK HYATT CHICAGO 91 ............ BLUE IS BEAUTIFUL: JW MARRIOTT CANCUN 97 ...................................A TALE OF TWO JAPANESE CITIES: .THE RITZ-CARLTON HOTELS, KYOTO AND TOKYO 111..................................................................SANCTUARY NOW:

SHANGRI-LA’S - EROS HOTEL, NEW DELHI 117........................... PEAK OF LUXURY: SNOWPINE LODGE 121...... ISLES OF ELEGANCE: BARBADOS AND ST. LUCIA 129...... PURE WOW!: W COSTA RICA – RESERVA CONCHAL 139............................................C’EST LA VIE: NEW ORLEANS 149.............................LIVING LEGACY: IMMORTAL ESTATE 153........................................IT’S A TRUE ICON: COINTREAU 159............................... WINE & DINE: NAPA AND SONOMA 169....WILD RIDE: WE BOARD ECOVENTURA’S THEORY 183........................... CALIFORNIA’S OTHER WINE REGION: TEMECULA VALLEY 193................................................ DINING: FIG RESTAURANT 197............................................................... DINING: PRICELESS 201.................................................................. DINING: LUTHUN 203......................................................................DINING: BENNO 205...........................................DINING: ORTZI RESTAURANT 207................CULINARY TRIO AT LAS VEGAS VENETIAN 211.....................................ROSE & THORN/DOUBLE BARREL 213......................................... DESIGN: INTERIOR DIALOGUE 219............................... TOUCHSTONES OF ITALIAN STYLE: LAMBORGHINI LUXURY SURFACES 225......................................................... FIBER RICH: COYUCHI 231.........................MASTER OF THE MANSE: SCOTT HALE

FEATURES

237.................EMOTIONAL APPEAL: MILO VENTIMIGLIA 245...........STILL KILLING IT: ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER 251......................TWO FOR THE ROADTRIP: JASON LEWIS AND LIZ GODWIN 265........................ DRIVE: JAMES MASLOW, ROME FLYNN, BRETT DIER, KELLAN LUTZ, CHRIS WOOD 277.................... RAISING ALISHA: ALISHA WAINWRIGHT 281.............................YOUNG AND RESTLESS: JEFF KENNY 283.....................THEIR OWN THING: NICO TORTORELLA 285...............ALIVE & WELL AND LIVING HER BEST LIFE: TORREY DEVITO 289................. EXPOSURE: EMERGING PHOTOGRAPHERS 299..................................MAN OF STYLE: TOMMY DIDARIO 301......................................................................... CHUCK JAMES

305........BRAINS AND BODY BEAUTIFUL: BROOKE ENCE 309..................................................................... CONTRIBUTORS

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PHOTOS OF MILO VENTIMIGLIA, ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER AND JASON LEWIS BY JOHN RUSSO

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DRAWN TO

FASHION Meet Bil Donovan, the most famous fashion illustrator in the world.

INTERVIEW BY { BETH WEITZMAN PORTRAIT BY { SARA HANNA ILLUSTRATIONS BY { BIL DONOVAN

Appointed the first artist-in-residence for Christian Dior Beauty in 2009, renowned fashion illustrator Bil Donovan fills every one of his works with glamour, luxury, style and a slightly abstract sensibility reflective of his creativity, as well as his background in fine art. His client list includes many of the world’s leading luxury and lifestyle brands, including Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, Vogue and Mercedes-Benz. Donovan is also a gifted teacher who imparts knowledge based on years of experience to students at Fashion Institute of Technology and the School of Visual Art, both in New York City. We recently caught up with him at a benefit for the Georgia Breast Cancer Coalition where, for the second year, he volunteered to paint portraits of attendees to raise money for the charity.

When did you first realize you had a gift for illustration?

Drawing, to me, was magical. As a child, I was fascinated that a crayon to paper could conjure up an image out of the imagination. I loved drawing, but my observational and draftsmanship skills were in need of fine-tuning. My passion informed my thirst for knowledge and developing those skill sets. So, after graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology with a degree in fashion illustration, I enrolled in continuing education classes at the School of Visual Arts. I took classes in the illustration department for six years in drawing, oil painting, watercolor, acrylic, color and design, to name a few. During this period, I realized I had made major strides in my work and my skill sets were solid.

Are there similarities between illustration and fashion?

All creative endeavors overlap, whether it is draping on a dress form or making marks on paper. Inspiration, together with a unique vision, filtered thought creativity and intuition shape the work.

How did you connect with Christian Dior?

Vogue booked me for a special event with Dior in December 2008. I wore a suit and created fashion portraits of Dior’s couture special clientele. It was a huge success, and the clients and Dior were very happy.

Two amazing women were responsible for bringing me into the world of Dior—I call them my fairy godmothers—[beauty publicist] Dianne Vavra and [marketing consultant] Brooke Travis.

How did it feel to be appointed Christian Dior Beauty’s first artist-in-residence?

Beyond my wildest dreams. It’s an

incredible honor to be associated with such a renowned and legendary house.

It was a monumental shift in my life and career… I attempt to honor that history work that is elegant, glamorous, spirited and

What are some highlights of working with Christian Dior? for the Dior Suite at The St. Regis New York.

I did a historical fashion timeline of Dior’s legendary designers, including the maestro

Christian Dior, of course, Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan and Gianfranco Ferre. [Another] time, under the guidance of Dianne Vavra, I did 22 portraits of beauty editors from all of the magazines. I met this incredible beauty

The Costume Institute. I had to read the email twice for fear I was misreading. The curator,

Do you have any other favorite brands with whom you’ve worked?

Harold Koda, was retiring, and they wanted to

St. Regis, I illustrate their signature cocktail, the

and photography of the work he had acquired

bloody mary, for all the locations; illustrations

for the collection—Armani, Versace, Givenchy,

for a catalog for Graff; an animation for

Valentino, to name a few. This was a dream

L’Occitane; NYFW for New York magazine;

job, aside from the deadline of three weeks

Luxure magazine, where I get to illustrate the

to complete everything. Certainly one of the

couture collections; The Washington Post ;

most important commissions of my life, and

Harper Collins; and South Coast Plaza.

the time restraints put me in a bit of a panic.

present him with a special book of illustrations

I froze, thinking this work had to be my best,

What project are you most proud of ?

I can’t screw up, all of the usual suspects of

About four years ago, I received an email

insecurity that whisper in your ear from time

request from Raul Martinez, the corporate

to time. Experience has taught me that if you

creative director of Condé Nast, inquiring if I

allow preciousness to dominate the work, then

would be interested in illustrating 12 couture

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[I was] commissioned to create a large painting

fashions for [The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s]

friend.

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luxurious.

and style icon, Sara Brown, who is now a good

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and standard of excellence of Dior by creating

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the work is DOA. I needed to trust my vision and intuition—and I did. The pieces are some of the best work I’ve done, and I am ecstatic to have my work included in the permanent collection of the Costume Institute of The Met.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?

My students. It’s important to share knowledge as it was shared with me. The students are incredible, and I have a good working relationship with each student. I make it a point to know their names and work, so that I can guide them as needed. I treat them as professionals and expect the same, and it works. They are passionate and inspirational, and I admire and adore them.

What do you hope students take away from your classes?

Integrity in their work and to never lose sight of their passion, wherever it may lead. To push the limits and explore possibilities. Talent is a gift.

The artist needs to take responsibility for that gift and nurture it through practice, study and experimentation.

How did you get involved with the Georgia Breast Cancer Coalition?

Through a wonderful, talented woman,

[photographer] Sara Hanna, who I met at a Dior Saks Beauty Event. We just connected and began talking about art and charity work

and Sara asked if I would ever consider doing portraits to raise money for the charity. Of course, that was a no-brainer. I think artists have a responsibility to give back through volunteering and charities. I love the organization and the women involved. Each one is charming, stylish and lovely, plus we raise funding and have a great time.

How was your experience at the recently branded Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead, where the GBCC event was held?

The Waldorf Astoria is a beautiful hotel. It harkens back to another era of timeless elegance and style. This location blends a modern approach and yet retains that allure and standard associated with the Waldorf. My room was a beautiful suite and one of the most comfortable beds I’ve experienced. The staff are wonderful, attentive and efficient. And it has a great gym, which I always look for in a hotel. And fantastic cuisine, hence my need for the gym.

Did you get a chance to do anything else fun in Atlanta?

Sara brought me to Umi, where we had an

amazing dinner, followed by cocktails at Himitsu, the adjacent private speakeasy. It was an incredible evening.

Favorite thing about Atlanta?

The women knock me out. Funny southern charm, wit and style.

What inspires you?

Moments in time. Watching a beautiful woman enter a room. Couture—the fabrication, draping and designs that are visual sculptures, drawing from life. Nature, color, shadows, light, texture and, most of all, a blank sheet of paper ripe with possibilities.

What’s next for you?

You are the first publication I have shared this info with. I’m so excited!

I am chair of the Frances Neady collection of fashion illustration at FIT’s Special Collections. It is an incredible treasure trove of original fashion illustrations from the turn of the century to today. At the illustration [at the Neady collection in 2020]. I will also have a solo

Fashion Illustration: The Visionaries A Century of Illustrations from the Frances Neady Collection

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR

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show of work in September 2021 in Bath, outside of London.

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moment, I am soliciting new work and working on a show of fashion

Society of Illustrators, 128 East 63rd St., New York, NY Jan. 7-March 7, 2020 10

INDIE BEAUTY BEST From CBD-rich creams to fine fragrances, these five new beauty brands are the ones to watch. AJA MANGUM BY {

Nature of Things Who: JP Collett, entrepreneur; Jamie Leilani Pelayo,

former marketing executive and content producer for

Vogue, LVMH and Violet Grey; Kendra Mark, CBD guru

What: Natural wellness collection with broad-spectrum CBD; $36-$150 Where: Newport Beach, Calif.

When: September 2019 Why: CBD goes high-class with indulgent, restorative soaks and body balm. A dab on temples miraculously stops the onset of pesky dull headaches.

Mission statement: “Our mission is to educate our consumer on the healing

power of Earth’s botanical and mineral medicinals through the experience of our incredibly potent, proprietary formulations. And as a brand that

includes broad-spectrum CBD in our products, we want to move away from the gimmicky marketing associated with the ingredient at the moment and truly work to normalize it, because of how effective it is in helping our bodies’ endocannabinoid system to function better.” natureofthings.com

27 Rosiers Who: Stephanie Meeus and Kevin le Roux, roommates and

LVMH alums

What: Nontoxic skincare products and supplements that enhance from the inside out; $39-$65

Where: Paris, France When: June 2019 Why: Supplements continue to trend, and the fuss-free

cleanser, serum and moisturizer delivers stellar “I woke up like this” skin on their own.

Mission statement: “After working for big cosmetic brands for

so long, we wanted to create something different, something that still gave consumers that luxury feel, was effective, but was not toxic to the skin.” credobeauty.com

Who: Adam Hochschuler, former product developer/brand

What: Home fragrance designed to celebrate self-expression;

$42

Horowitz and the sharp, jewel box packaging are pure luxury.

Mission statement: “The ability to celebrate and truly honor what

you’re feeling, whatever that mood may be, was intriguing to me.

Whether you’re feeling like you need some alone time, or you’re getting ready to go out and want to feel your most confident, or you’re feeling a

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Where: Dallas, Tex. When: January 2019 Why: Heavenly scents custom-blended by perfumers like Sarah

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manager at Neutrogena, Mattel Inc. and Campbell Soup Company

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Moodcast Fragrance Co.

little mischievous, there’s a fragrance that celebrates each and every one of those different moods.” neimanmarcus.com 12

HoliFrog Who: Emily Parr, publicist, and Majeed Hemmat, former director at Moschino

and vice president of sales at Emanuel Ungaro

What: A line of face cleansers loaded with nutrients and formulated to

properly prep skin for those three-figure serums and moisturizers; $36-$42

Where: New York, NY When: September 2019 Why: Whether skin is thin, thick, greasy, dry, acneic or ultrasensitive,

there’s an appropriate cleanser to gently, thoroughly strip away grime while replenishing what day-to-day life can suck away.

Mission statement: “HoliFrog is an intellectual wash-first progressive

skincare line. Clinically effective and multifunctional washes that put your skin first. They’re all we make, because they’re all you need.” dermstore.com

Cultus Artem Who: Holly Tupper, jeweler and former Wall Street

executive

What: Luxurious fragrances created by an independent perfume house; $550-$580

Where: San Antonio, Tex. When: April 2019 Why: Those with discerning taste and deep pockets

appreciate the artfully crafted and thoughtful fragrances.

Mission statement: “In creating Cultus Artem, I wanted to

step back from today’s predilections for mass production

and disposable possessions and capture the beauty of a bygone era, when luxury was as much about the alchemy of raw materials and hand-craftsmanship as unhurried artistry. Each of the fragrances serves as a reminder of a more refined era, when people took time for the rituals associated with personal style, and is created using traditional methods and responsibly sourced natural materials.” cultusartem.com

Veronique Gabai Who: Veronique Gabai, former Estée Lauder beauty and a refillable candle, all inspired by Côte d’Azur, Gabai’s birthplace; $39-$990

highlighter, Gabai captures the effortlessly chic vibe of the south of France.

Mission statement: “I want to bring people a moment of pure

pleasure and joy, welcoming everybody in… adding beauty to everyday life. Isn’t that what true luxury is all about?”

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Where: New York, NY When: September 2019 Why: From the delectable fragrances to the radiant

ISSUE No. 6

What: Nine unisex scents, jewelry, makeup, body creams

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executive

veroniquegabai.com

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Girl Power

Millennial besties Leah O’Malley and Tori Robinson have launched Boys Lie, an athleisure company that inspires every young woman to live strong—with or without a boyfriend.

WRITTEN BY {

MISTY MILIOTO

Although they knew each other as teenagers, Leah O’Malley and Tori Robinson weren’t close until nearly a decade after high school. They reconnected, began comparing notes on their recent breakups, instantly became best friends and soon decided to start an edgy apparel company named Boys Lie. “Leah had reiterated the phrase ‘boys lie’ more than a couple times and it resonated,” notes Robinson. Those two words were exchanged in group texts, Instagram captions and phone conversations, often in reference to their exes, who were also best buds. “To be honest, in a twisted way, heartbreak became our muse,” continues O’Malley.

“Everything we’ve been through inspired us to take our pain and turn it into something beautiful.”

Boys Lie, a line of hoodies, tops, bottoms and bodysuits, is built on the premise that men don’t determine a woman’s worth. Each item represents healing, confidence and empowerment, and fans include Ariana Grande, Halsey and Noah Cyrus. Here, the two brains behind the brand share their thoughts on inspiration, dating and what’s next for Boys Lie.

TR: We try to take powerful words we stumble across, list them out together and push for the ones that resonate with us on more than a personal level. Every day is a battle to make another stride toward our goals and, in the process,

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LO: Most of our graphic inspiration comes from simple words or phrases used throughout our daily conversations. I cannot stress this enough: Our lives often feel like a roller coaster, and routine is not something we’re used to. We always find ourselves writing down ideas or saving photos for inspiration the moment we think of or see them. We both have a section in our notes app, which we turn to during moments of artistic writer’s block.

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TR: When Gigi Hadid wore the It’s All Lies, Darling sweatsuit.

There may or may have not been some tears of joy and screams shared around. I think for the both of us, sharing the highs and lows has been something super cool. It’s also been cool seeing some celeb fans of the brand and building relationships with them. Gaining support from girls like Ming Lee Simmons and Noah Cyrus, and then having them genuinely want to be a part of the brand’s growth, makes me smile regularly. It feels good to know Leah and I aren’t the only ones who have had ups and downs in relationships, and it’s exciting to see the domino effect the brand can have on others in such positive ways.

What inspires the messages printed on your clothes?

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What has been the most exciting moment for you during this journey?

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we’ve lost a lot. We take the losses as seriously as we take our wins, and we just try to grow from both the negatives and the positives as much as we can. All of our inspiration has come from relationships with friends, best friends, family members, exes and even the brand’s fans.

How would you each describe your personal style?

TR: I would describe my personal style as whatever my mood is, paired with confidence. It’s like when someone asks me my favorite color, some days it’s neon yellow and some days it’s black. The people around me have definitely helped me round out my personal style, too. I have so many friends and family in the fashion and cosmetics industry. Everyone I surround myself with has such a unique IQ for style that I enjoy bouncing off of what I see and putting my own spin on it. In part, it’s what has helped us create such a diverse color scheme and eyecatching designs right off the bat. My personal style changes and adapts as I do in my environment. It’s a living thing.

LO: Tori and I have never been afraid to be bold, sexy, funky and chic. Our personal styles have evolved so much throughout the years. But right now, I can say that we are both into comfortable streetwear. I also enjoy being different and wearing something that other people would think is strange. If someone thinks what I’m wearing is weird, I automatically think it’s cool.

Do you have a new Fall/Winter 2020 line?

TR: We do have a [new] line coming out. We are going to begin launching new products every month and will be discontinuing a majority of our restocks. All of our items will be discontinued

after the initial drop per month. Like our previous dating histories, we find it best to move forward and not dwell on past experiences, just learn from them.

What is your go-to look for a hot new date?

TR: I strongly believe in our comfort clothes and being able to switch them around to something that is more chic. We recently dropped this 1-800-BOYS LIE T-shirt that I am obsessed with, and it pairs so nicely with a blazer, jeans and heels.

LO: I think the most important thing when going on a hot new date is making sure you are dressed head to toe in whatever makes you uniquely you. My go-to first date outfit usually consists of jeans, a leather jacket and booties.

What do you think about today’s dating scene?

TR: Today’s dating scene is so confusing and misleading in my point of view. My boyfriend and I met at Coachella a few years ago, and we would hang out randomly through mutual friends.

I’ve tried the whole dating app thing, but it gives me weird anxieties. What I do think is good about dating apps and social platforms like Instagram is that it does give you potential to meet someone you may not ever come across in your day-today. What’s cool, too, is Leah has had one of these dating app success stories with her current boyfriend, and I love that both our boyfriends get along really well together.

LO: Today’s dating scene can either be extremely bizarre or really beneficial. Honestly, for me it was super beneficial.

However, I know a ton of friends who have gone on countless dates, all through an app, but haven’t had much luck. It’s

almost a shame that I can’t really imagine a world where you had to organically meet your partner in public without even planning it.

What is your best fashion advice for a woman going through a tough breakup?

TR: I think the best style advice for any woman is to be comfortable in who they are and whatever they choose to wear. We are all healing in our own ways and although what we wear doesn’t establish who we are, it can make us feel more like ourselves. Be confident in what you put on, even though others might see it differently. You are you and, at the end of the day, the only person you will have is you. Love yourself.

You deserve it.

LO: We’ve started pushing for lifestyle concepts and created a blog on our site called “Girl Talk,” where girls can share their stories anonymously. We were so excited for this feature because there’s nothing like a badass Boys Lie story. We’ve gotten great feedback from it so far. It’s also a blast to read

Any final thoughts?

TR: Boys Lie is a movement. It’s a motion of self-development and uniting people to stand together when they feel heartbroken. As cliché as it sounds, it’s so easy to put hatred out to the world, and social media can make it easy to highlight our insecurities. While I know the name Boys Lie might be interpreted as negative, it’s really meant to be an expression of self-worth that speaks to how Leah and I have both realized the way we deserve to be treated.

LO: Boys lie, men don’t.

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TR: We hope to open up to more retailers, do some collaborations and really also grow the line to develop into something more lifestyle.

LO: This might sound crazy, but I would design for myself and Tori, three years ago. It was around the time that we were both going through two really tough breakups. Personally, I really needed that inspiration or boost of confidence that Boys Lie brings. With that being said, I honestly wouldn’t change a thing, because that’s also when Boys Lie became a discussion. If it weren’t for those tough times of heartache and pain, we would have never had the inspiration to create something like this.

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What are your future plans for Boys Lie?

If you could design for anyone, past or present, who would it be and why?

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LO: To all the women out there: Wear whatever you want to wear. Don’t let the pressures of society fuel your mind into thinking you have to be anyone else but yourself. If you are going through a tough breakup, just try and tell yourself that now is your time to shine.

these crazy stories sent in. We aim to put together a couple of compilation videos where girls can actually record themselves while sharing their story. Tori and I also want to be able to share our own experiences with our customers. Sharing stories is one of the best ways to bond, and it will allow us to create a community—a Boys Lie army.

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DRESSED TO

Thrill

COAT BY { EMPORIO

ARMANI

SWEATER BY { ZARA

PANTS BY { HELMUT

LANGE

SHOES BY { PRADA

Funny, scary and sinister on television and in the movies, actor Reid Scott is looking impeccably stylish after his most recent feature film release, Black and Blue.

INTERVIEW BY { MISTY MILIOTO EDITED BY { BONNIE DAVIDSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY { TONY DURAN “I never thought that I was funny,” says actor Reid Scott, who got his big break on the ABC sitcom It’s All Relative, and went on to make ’em laugh playing

a girl’s best buddy on TBS’ My Boys, a self-centered monologue writer in Amazon Original feature film Late Night, and a slimeball political operative on HBO’s Veep.

“There’s a lot of similarity between comedies and thrillers because you are trying to elicit a physical response. In comedy, you’re trying to get people to laugh. And in thrillers, you’re trying to get people scared. And both are really hard to do.”

Scott had no problem evoking a mix of emotions when he played a hunky oncologist on Showtime’s dramedy The Big C, or a nice-guy doctor battling a monstrous, human-inhabiting alien in sci-fi blockbuster Venom. He has two more opportunities to thrill audiences in his latest projects: Why Women Kill, a limited series for CBS All

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ISSUE No. 6

Access; and recently released action thriller Black and Blue.

What inspired your interest in acting?

way to understand their language is to try it.” So I

professors at Syracuse University, and she exposed

me get an agent, and I moved to New York.

My dad’s mom was one of the first female English me to theater and reading plays as literature at a

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young age. I never really thought I would pursue it as a career until it was time to decide what to do in college. I didn’t know what I wanted to do, so I thought, “I’ll go to film school.” So I actually started off splitting my time at Syracuse between film school and studying theater, but really thinking I would end up writing or directing. I was pulled into acting more at the behest of a phenomenal professor at Syracuse who said, “If you really want to be a director, you need to understand the actor’s language. And the only 19

was in a couple of plays. That same professor helped

What was your first job in showbiz?

I did a pilot for Steven Levitan, creator of Modern

Family. It didn’t get picked up, but it was my first real professional paying gig. This was the first time that I was actually on a real production on a real set. The good people at ABC said, “If you move to L.A., we’ll get you some more work.” So I packed my bags and drove across country and booked another pilot called

It’s All Relative for ABC, which ended up getting picked up, and it ran for a full season.

What kind of role do you most like to play?

If you could work with any director or actor, who would it be?

sinister stuff. Horror is my favorite genre. I love horrors and thrillers

a tie between him and Gene Hackman. My dad was a big film buff

and good old-fashioned, hard-boiled detective noir. [Dan Egan on

and, growing up, he would point at them and say, “Watch these

HBO’s Veep] was a great character to play. He was such a prick. He

guys. They are just awesome.” They were strong, masculine leading

was so dark. He had all these faults and you wanted to laugh at

guys, but they had sensitivity, and they were both so funny. I don’t

him. You were sort of rooting for him in a way, but you also wanted

know if either of them was ever in a straight-up comedy, but there

to see him fail. He was a modern-day Sisyphus. That was really fun.

is nothing more charming than Paul Newman in Cool Hand Luke.

I certainly have a penchant for playing darker characters, more

My favorite actor of all time was Paul Newman. Actually it may be

And I think Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor is one of the best comedic

What’s the difference between working on a TV series and a film?

performances of all times. They were masters. As far as directors, I

out there, you’re slipping into your wardrobe, you’re getting into

You directed a theatrical production of The Elephant Man in L.A. back in 2012. Do you have any other directing projects planned?

hope Quentin [Tarantino] isn’t serious about retiring.

TV versus film, the day-to-day isn’t so different. You’re getting

character in front of cameras. In terms of cultivating a character, I really enjoy working on a character over a long period of time, as you get to do on a series. There’s something so fun about

One of my running partners, Josh Close (he’s also an incredible

every episode and every season, peeling back another layer and

actor) and I are writing a technological thriller that we think people

discovering something to take things further. Veep was exceptional

will really dig, and we are directing that together.

because we did smaller seasons; we went out on our own terms.

Contrasting that, on a film, there is also something that’s a different challenge to come in hot, to dig down deep and as fast as you can

Do you support any charitable organizations?

Oceana is one of my favorites. The work that they’re doing is

on a character because you know you only have a month to work on

paramount and it’s incredible. I got to go with them to lobby

this thing. It’s fun to parachute in, do your thing, then get out.

Congress about five or six years ago. It was terrifying but also really an honor. I love the fact that they walk the walk.

How was it to work with Mindy Kaling on Late Night?

She is all about authenticity. It was immediately apparent upon my first reading of the script. She said, “These are some of the ideas I

As an avid skier, what are some of your favorite resorts?

Vail is my favorite. Vail has my heart. I spend a lot of time there. I

have for the character,” and I said, “Oh my God, I know this guy. I’ve

know it like the back of my hand. That’s my happy place. I also like

worked with some version of this guy for the last 20 years.” I sort

Mammoth in California, but there’s just something about Colorado.

of made Tom [Campbell] an amalgamation of two really wonderful guys, but I’ve definitely worked with those spoiled, nepotistic, misogynistic white beards. I really loved the journey that he got to go on. It was important that we didn’t just paint him with one brush as a white, privileged asshole. He is intelligent and emotional. He has depth. Mindy absolutely knew who he was. We just clicked with it. I saw her vision.

Can you describe your leading man role in Why Women Kill?

I’m always looking for something that is a bit of a departure from what I’ve done before. Eli is an out-of-work writer who had success but is currently in a very deep rut. He is very much the beta, and his wife is the alpha. That was intriguing to me, to do this gender role reversal. It was exciting for me to play a role that put the woman on the pedestal and the guy is content to back her up. There’s a lot more to it, but, as we move through the season, Eli has a very dark past that comes to the surface. Marc Cherry writes these really rich, really fun, very erratic characters—and it’s a limited series, we’re only doing 10 episodes—but when he showed me the trajectory of our storyline, I get to do so much with this character because he covers so much ground. Those roles don’t come around a whole lot.

What aspect of the recent film Black and Blue are you most excited about?

It is an indictment on police corruption and police brutality. I love New Orleans [where the film is based and shot]. It’s a city that’s been through so much, and it deserves so much more than the hand it’s been dealt, both by the politicians in charge and the media coverage of certain aspects of it. It was fun to shine a light on some of that stuff. It was an opportunity to be in a movie with a strong female. Naomie [Harris] is a phenomenal actress, and she and I got on so well that I really wanted to work with her and Frank Grillo. He’s such a classic tough guy, but he’s also really smart. It was fun to be in some of the more badass scenes with him. It’s a good, classic cop thriller, but it also says something too. It will stick with you a little bit.

SWEATER BY { ZARA

Angel IN DISGUISE Best known for his work as a bad guy on HBO’s Westworld, DirectTV’s Kingdom and Showtime’s City on a Hill, actor Jonathan Tucker is especially evil in the reboot of Charlie’s Angels.

INTERVIEW BY { MISTY MILIOTO EDITED BY { BONNIE DAVIDSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY { TONY DURAN

Jonathan Tucker admits it took guts to turn down early admission to Columbia University in order to pursue acting. “My parents and my manager who represented me until she retired, a run of 22 years, supported my decision to defer a year,” says the Boston native. “And when I spent that year unemployed following a slowdown in work after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, I focused on acting classes and building a community in Los Angeles. If I could survive a year of unemployment, I knew I could make it.”

Indeed he has. Audiences first noticed Tucker in feature films The Virgin Suicides and The

Deep End, followed by Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Sleepers and many more. His resume also includes a host of guest appearances on television shows, and pivotal and starring roles on popular series, including NBC’s The Black Donnellys and Parenthood, DirecTV’s Kingdom, Starz’s American Gods, HBO’s Westworld, FX’s Snowfall and Showtime’s City on a Hill.

Now, Tucker plays a villainous character in Charlie’s Angels, a remake of the 2000 film that was based on the 1970s TV series, directed by Elizabeth Banks.

What kind of roles are you mostly drawn to?

I’m interested in fully realized, authentic characters.

Everybody is interesting. Everybody has a story to tell. [My favorite was] Kingdom’s Jay Kulina. He was a young man who could do anything at any moment, and that’s a dream character for an actor. For every role I’ve had the honor of playing, I’ve been denied a hundred other opportunities. We press on. The secret to any success is never losing enthusiasm for the process. If you’re doing something for a result in the future, then you aren’t doing it.

How were you able to juggle two roles— unhinged MMA fighter Jay Kulina on Kingdom and trickster Lyesmith on American Gods?

It becomes critical that you settle into their physicality, and I’ve found that the Alexander Technique drops you into and pulls you out of those roles efficiently.

What’s going on with your character, Major Craddock, on Season 3 of Westworld?

Having lost the war, Craddock is now fighting for the values of an Old South, and that gives me a sense of pride that I don’t often see in other evil men—a perverted sense of nobility.

Tell me about your character, Matt McDonald, on Snowfall.

Matt brings a bit of the audience’s reaction into the storyline of Snowfall by finding humor in the outrageousness of the story—one based on the true story of the CIA dealing narcotics to South Central Los Angeles in the 1970s.

How has it been working with Kevin Bacon on City on a Hill?

Kevin and I shot Sleepers in 1995. It’s been a thrill to see him again, and I wish we had shared scenes.

How did you prepare for your role in Charlie’s Angels?

This was about leaning back and into the wardrobe, jewelry, hair and makeup, and letting silence be a tool.

If you could work with anyone, past or present, who would it be?

Tom Hanks does stellar work and is an honorable man.

That’s how I’d like to be remembered.

I’ve enjoyed traveling domestically the past few years, appreciating how extraordinary the geographic and cultural landscape of America is.

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What is your favorite travel destination?

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Who do you most admire, professionally speaking?

Gio

Christian Bale today. Marlon Brando on stage decades ago. [Alejandro González] Iñárritu and [Javier] Bardem.

Do you have a favorite quote?

“You just have to throw deep, baby” — Ken Stabler.

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WALK ON THE

Wild Side

BY { RACHEL MADISON HILL PORTRAIT BY { JOHN RUSSO

At a very young age, Jordana Woodland fell in love with the art of dressing and the ritual of boudoir.

Appropriately, she grew up to be the founder and creative director of lifestyle brand Le Marché by NP and its house collection, Naked Princess, a beloved line of effortlessly chic loungewear, lingerie and beauty products. “Le Marché by NP isn’t just a brand, it’s a curation of a life well loved,” says Woodland, whose celebrity fans–including Cindy Crawford, Petra Nemcova and Mindy Kaling–wholeheartedly agree. Woodland’s mission is to make the shopping experience inclusive, dynamic and empowering for all women. Clearly, she has succeeded. Here, she shares some of her favorite things.

Marissa one-piece by Norma Kamali, $135, at frwd.com “Show off those legs in this high-cut Norma Kamali.”

Leopard print belt, $95, at thekooples.com “Perfect to liven up a pair of jeans.”

Bar silk skirt in python, $299, at aninebing.com

Penelope V-neck dress in rust zebra, $399, at aninebing.com

“I love this python print skirt, which can be dressed up or down.”

“Inspired by vintage ’80s dresses, this mini V-neck dress with a bold zebra print and long sleeves is perfect for fall.”

Elsy Belt Embossed Croco, $250, at veronicabeard.com “Every woman needs a good black belt.”

Leopard print silk sleep mask, $50, at slip.com “This is a must for uninterrupted beauty sleep!”

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Shower cap in The Minx, $43, at shhhowercap.com “A must-have for maintaining that perfect ‘next day’ hair.”

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Women’s Nike Air Max 98 PRM, $110, at nike.com “Love these new Nikes. They keep me light on my feet.”

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EVE

MAXIMILLION COOPER

RALLYING WRITTEN BY { BONNIE

DAVIDSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY { JOHN RUSSO

CRY

Partners in life and philanthropy, racecar diver Maximillion Cooper and rapper Eve support projects to help at-risk youth through their Gumball 3000 Foundation.

Fashion, fast cars and philanthropy are the driving forces in Maximillion Cooper’s life. All three passions converged in 1999, when the British designer, entrepreneur, motor sportsman and street-culture enthusiast invited about 50 of his best jet-set friends to join him on a 3,000-mile road trip across Europe, stopping only for glamorous parties in different cities en route. Dubbed Gumball 3000, the joyride of McLarens, Ferraris and Bentleys instantly zoomed to international fame. Today, Cooper’s brainchild has evolved into not only an annual luxury automobile rally, but also a $300 million lifestyle brand and global entertainment company, with licensing deals and collaborations for video games, watches, energy drinks, special edition cars, footwear and apparel sold in thousands of retail stores worldwide.

Prior to each Gumball 3000 rally, the foundation holds an Online Charity Grid, whereby participating teams vie to raise the most money for charity. The winner gets to start the rally in pole position. In addition, during each Gumball 3000 tour, the foundation hosts a live auction in partnership with Christie’s.

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“I believe it’s the responsibility of every human to make the world a better place,” declares Cooper. “If an individual, community or even nation needs help, it should be an obligation of those in a position to help to do so. The network that the Gumball 3000 Foundation represents not only has funds to help those less fortunate, but our collective voice can help make a bigger difference through changing the thought and process of governments and corporations.” gumball3000foundation.org

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“We wanted to utilize this unique network and our voice as a youth culture brand to support worthy causes and help bring positive change to low-income communities,” says Cooper, whose main focus is on investing in recreation, education and infrastructure.

As CEO, Cooper is in the driver’s seat of the foundation, working closely with the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, the Tony Hawk Foundation, Usher’s New Look, Project Wreckless and Laureus Sport for Good, among others. The foundation supports “some incredible projects,” he continues.

“But for me, personally, growing up skateboarding, I’m particularly proud to support the Tony Hawk Foundation and their efforts to create high-quality, public skateparks in low-income communities. Tony is a great friend of mine, and his tireless dedication to the sport as both an athlete, ambassador and icon is hugely inspiring. His foundation not only encourages youths to be active and healthy, but skateparks are spaces where they meet other creative, like-minded individuals, form communities and together build self-confidence and awareness of the sometimes misunderstood sport.”

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Phenomenal success prompted Cooper to shift his altruism into overdrive in 2013, when he established the Gumball 3000 Foundation, a charity that channels the collective means and influence of the rally’s 5,000-plus high-net-worth participants—including supermodels, rockstars, movie stars, sports legends, royals, dotcom giants and other captains of industry— to benefit underprivileged youth around the world. By his side is his wife, Eve, the Grammy-winning rapper, actress and host of ABC’s The Talk, whom he met at the 2010 Gumball 3000 rally and married in 2014 in Ibiza, the final stop of that year’s rally.

“Not only do we have the ability to fundraise, but our network of celebrity members has the ability to open doors and create opportunities where politicians are often unable.”

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LISA RUEFF

LOVING

Humanitarian Lisa Rueff is on a personal mission to spread love around the world, one heartshaped piece of jewelry at a time.

WRITTEN BY { BONNIE

DAVIDSON

SPIRIT

“I am driven by love and purpose. Every day, I wake up wanting to make the world a more joyful, heart-centered place to be,” declares Lisa Rueff, whose heart-shaped necklaces, heartopening yoga and meditation retreats, and heart-and-soulful fundraisers comprise Collective Hearts, the company she cofounded with Jennifer Freas in 2017. “I lead passionately with the hope of spreading more visible kindness, unity and generosity.”

Back home in Sausalito, Calif., Rueff continued her spreadthe-love activities. She taught yoga; designed fundraisers for individuals and organizations in need in the Bay Area; and created Sparked, a board game designed to inspire uplifting, thought-provoking conversation. When she saw the national mood shift in 2016, she “realized there needed to be more visible love in the world,” she says.

Love has always made Rueff’s world go ’round. Growing up, her role models were Tinker Bell (“I was mesmerized by her magical, wish-making abilities”), Florence Nightingale (“I learned about her selflessness, so I proudly volunteered as a candy striper at my local children’s hospital”) and Audrey Hepburn (“I was awestruck by her graceful ease and sparkling, joyful essence, as well her lifelong dedication to philanthropic and humanitarian work”).

Her solution was to sketch out the shape of an open heart, which her jewelry maker friend Amy Nordstrom handcrafted into a 14-karat gold-filled necklace. As soon as Rueff placed it on her neck, the response was overwhelming. Friends, family, neighbors and strangers on the street asked where she had gotten it and where could they get the same one. Today, the Collective Hearts delicate open-heart design comes in an array of necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets; in 14-karat solid gold, gold-filled and sterling silver. Fans include Bobbi Brown and Esther Perel.

Appropriately, a portion of all sales benefit the Jacmel Children’s Center and other worthy organizations that support causes close to Rueff’s heart.

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Rueff, herself, is overjoyed when someone buys or receives a Collective Heart as a gift. “Giving is an ultimate expression of selfless love,” she says. “And at the end of the day, all that matters is love.” collectivehearts.co

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While working in the port town of Jacmel, Rueff met Bonite Afriany, a Haitian nurse who was feeding several hundred displaced children daily, providing medical care and distributing clothing at a tent city set up on her own property. Touched by Afriany’s selflessness, Rueff launched a massive fundraising campaign to turn her friend’s dream into a reality. In 2014, the doors opened on the Jacmel Children’s Center, a home and school for Haitian orphans.

The deep emotional appeal of this simple shape makes perfect sense to Rueff. “Hearts are the universal symbol of love,” she explains. “With so much division in our news cycle, people are grateful for opportunities to see and experience more love in the world. Because it is a larger-than-life heart shape with a delicate frame, it’s incredibly welcoming and noticeable and even powerful. And for the wearer, a tangible reminder when they look down or see themselves in a mirror, to lead with love.”

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As a young adult, Rueff followed her idols’ examples. She embarked on goodwill missions to remote regions of Southeast Asia and India, and volunteered to help survivors of the 1995 earthquake in Kobe, Japan. Fifteen years later, she “felt compelled” to go to Haiti after the catastrophic 2010 earthquake that nearly destroyed the island nation. “I truly felt like the more I was giving, the more I received. There is something so replenishing about making a difference and uplifting the life of others going through a challenging time,” she says.

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ISSUE No. 6

Gio DOING GOOD 31

Leading Lady With her powerful curiosity, thirst for learning and desire to help others, Angella Nazarian is a natural-born leader and an inspiration to women around the globe. The co-founder of the fast-growing, impact-driving Los Angeles-based nonprofit Visionary Women, she is a beloved mother, wife, friend, philanthropist, noted speaker and bestselling author. Her four books—Life as a Visitor, Pioneers of the Possible: Celebrating Visionary Women of the World, Visionary Women and her latest, Creative Couples: Collaborations That Changed History (Assouline, October 2019) continue to show, by example, that anything is possible. We were recently honored to have a tête-à-tête with this most impressive woman.

INTERVIEW BY { BETH

WEITZMAN

You’re an inspiration to women all over the world. Who or what inspires you?

I am most inspired by people who have managed to push

past their own limitations and have become better versions of themselves in the process. This has been the focus of my research writing for the past 15 years.

How has your background in psychology and teaching impacted all you do today?

It is so incredible to see that in every step in my journey I

have honed some skills that I have used in forging ahead. I used to be a professor of psychology for 11 years—teaching leadership studies, women’s studies and social psychology.

When I began writing my books, I used the very same lens of a researcher and psychologist to identify the characteristics that make people thrive and impact their community.

When did you first realize you had an interest in writing?

Believe it or not, I never thought of myself as a writer. It was

in my mid-30s, when I was moderating personal development women’s groups, that I asked every member to pick up a new skill. I did this along with them and picked writing. After a year and a half of attending writing classes, I came to see that I had something to say. Everyone in my class, including my teacher, encouraged me to publish my first book… And here we are today with my fourth book.

Have you always been a naturally curious person?

If you ask my closest friends and my husband what is the trait that best describes me, they would say that, above all, I have this thirst for learning. I actually gave a commencement keynote based on the very idea of curiosity. Curiosity enriches us, both personally and professionally.

Do the qualities of curiosity and leadership tend to be linked?

Not necessarily. I know many curious and brilliant people who lack leadership skills. However, all great leaders are not only curious, but also have an ability to motivate and inspire others around them.

What qualities and values do visionary women have in common?

Visionary women tend to tailor their life around their strengths and, contrary to most people, are not too

concerned about their weaknesses. They also know how to bring together a group of like-minded people to work toward their vision. Finally, most successful women have a deep belief that they can surmount the challenges that come their way, so they more readily undertake challenges.

What did you find most surprising about the many iconic visionary women profiled in your book?

It was surprising to see that the most iconic women seem

to have two contradictory skills. They had great social skills, which makes sense because many of them had to handle a diverse group of people. However, they also cared less about what people thought of them. This is because, in order to break boundaries, one has to withstand criticism and resistance.

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FRONT

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BACK

What inspired you to co-found Visionary Women, a nonprofit women’s leadership organization?

Did you learn any lessons while researching these dynamic couples?

inspiring people. So, shortly after writing my second book, I

but I gained such insight on how we tend to project our

came upon this idea of inviting the women I meet through my

own needs and create our own dynamics in a relationship,

research to speak in L.A. I was discussing this idea to my best

for better or for worse. Another big takeaway is that

friend, Lili Bosse, who at the time was the mayor of Beverly

partnerships are much more prevalent than we think in

Hills. It didn’t take more than a minute—she was all in on

our culture, and it is for a very good reason. When the

co-founding this platform with me. The exponential growth

partnership is right, one plus one equals four!

Storytelling seems to be one of the most impactful ways of

Each couple seems to have their unique partnering style,

of our nonprofit is due to the hard work of so many people, including the talented and brilliant women on our board and committees.

You are involved with so many philanthropic causes. What drives you to give so much of your time?

Having a greater purpose has been a cornerstone of my

What is the mission of the organization?

life. In fact, it is an important source of my happiness and

VW is a unique nonprofit community focused on engaging

fulfillment. It feels profoundly good to know that the work we

conversations with innovative leaders and funding high-

do has meaning, that we can affect lives.

impact initiatives for women and girls. We not only bring top change-makers to speak to our community, but we also fund a vast range of initiatives through our sponsorship and membership dues.

In 2018, you received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.

And in 2019, you were awarded the Visionary Award in Arts and Culture in philanthropy by C-Suite Quarterly magazine. What does this type of recognition mean to you?

What’s next for the organization?

I am so incredibly honored by these accolades. In many ways,

Visionary Women has essentially come up with a new way of

it is a validation that I am on track, that I am finally making a

philanthropy. We don’t hold fundraisers, luncheons or gala

difference. But all in all, I usually don’t think of these honors

dinners, yet in a short three and a half years, we have raised

once the event is over. A very wise person once told me not

over $1.5 million, all of which will be distributed to various

to take accolades or criticism too seriously.

women and girls’ initiatives. We hope that in the coming years we make VW into a national nonprofit and a movement.

What’s your secret to juggling all that you do?

I feel that we all have multifaceted lives and if we think clearly

In your latest book, Creative Couples, you feature stories of 15 couples who motivate each other, work together and change lives as a team. How did you select these couples?

I wanted to choose couples who had both a romantic and

and manage our energy effectively, we can do a great deal.

I have also found that rest and meditation and connecting with the people I love are also important to feeling balanced and happy.

professional relationship in order to see how their personal and professional lives were affected. Of course, I also wanted to pick couples who, through their collaboration, changed 20th-century culture. Finally, I wanted to pick pairs

How many hours of sleep do you get/need?

I tend to sleep six hours. It seems to be the right number of hours for me!

who displayed different power dynamics and relationship styles, because we learn so much from the diversity of their relationship.

Workout of choice?

Dance. Music and movement make me happy. When I turned 40, I decided to learn flamenco dance, and I am still taking

What common threads did you uncover?

classes twice a week.

commitment to the relationship were the most important

You’ve accomplished so much, but what’s something that you have yet to conquer that is on your list?

Their stories showed how a shared mission in life and a factors to the success of the partnership. There is no question that even the most compatible partners faced

There is so much I want to do and experience. I want to help to learn a new language. I am open to new challenges and

their relationships.

possibilities.

What was most surprising?

Best advice you can share with Gio readers for getting the most out of life?

I was surprised to uncover my own stereotypes on relationships. The chapter on Salvador Dalí and his wife, Gala,

I have felt happiest when I was mindful of bringing a certain level of awareness to my life—noticing the beauty of my

for 52 years; Dali even wanted to be buried next to her in a

surroundings, being grateful of all that I have, and practicing

chamber where they could hold hands. However, the two

being an open-hearted person.

did not have sexual relations. Obviously, there were other reasons for the two of them to stay in the marriage and

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was the most surprising. They lived and worked together

ISSUE No. 6

grow Visionary Women into a national organization. I want

flexibility to growth seemed to have had more success in

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challenges, yet those that displayed an openness and

remain so close. I won’t give more away, because it is truly a surprise.

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PHOTO BY RACHEL MURRAY/GETTY IMAGES FOR VISIONARY WOMEN

Visionary Women’s Lili Bosse, Thea Andrew, Angella Nazarian, Nadine Watt, Nina Kotick, speakers Cleo Wade and Gloria Steinem, Karen Murphy O’Brien, Shelley Reid, Price Arana and Laura Fox attend Visionary Women Celebrate Gloria Steinem in Conversation with Cleo Wade at the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel on November 18, 2019

FORWARD

THINKERS

Visionary Women, an L.A.-based non-profit organization dedicated to empowering, uniting, and advocating for women and girls, is having a major impact locally and globally.

WRITTEN BY { BETH

WEITZMAN AND MISTY MILIOTO

Founded in 2014 by noted speaker and bestselling author Angella Nazarian, former mayor of Beverly Hills Lilli Bosse, philanthropist Veronica Smiley, and former United States Ambassador to the Bahamas Nicole Avant, the Los Angeles-based non-profit organization, Visionary Women, has donated more than $1.2 million to women-centered organizations. While fundraising is an important facet of the organization, Visionary Women also provides a unique platform to highlight relevant issues affecting women and girls today; creates a forum to advance leadership of women and female empowerment; supports women’s initiatives both globally and locally; builds a dynamic network of women leaders from around the country; and unites influential women with various organizations worthy of attention.

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Nazarian’s four books—Life as a Visitor, Pioneers of the Possible: Celebrating Visionary Women of the World, Visionary Women and the latest, Creative Couples: Collaborations That Changed History—show, by example, that anything is possible. “I am most inspired by people who have managed to push past their own limitations and have become better versions of themselves in the process,” she says. “This has been the focus of my research writing for the past 15 years. Shortly after writing my second book, I came upon this idea of inviting the women I meet through my research to speak in L.A. I was discussing this idea to my best friend, Lili Bosse, who at the time was the mayor of Beverly Hills. It didn’t take more than a minute—she was all in on co-founding this platform with me. The exponential growth of our nonprofit is due to the hard work of so many people, including the talented and brilliant women on our board and committees.”

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Andrews attend Visionary Women Honors Demi Moore in Celebration of International Women’s Day

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on March 8, 2018

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Bosse, who first met Nazarian more than a decade ago, says she immediately fell in love with her soul. “It was an instant connection heart to heart,” she says. “I met Shelley through Angella. I am grateful for these two amazing women.” As the former council member, two-time mayor of Beverly Hills, and current chair member of many commissions, committees, foundations and boards, Bosse has served the community for more than 25 years. Her driving force? “I am an only child of Holocaust survivors,” she says. “I learned at a very early age to value community and live a life of meaning and purpose.”

Growing up in Beverly Hills has also helped to make Bosse the person she is today. She says she has found her passion in a worldfamous city with a small-town feel, which welcomes people with open arms. “I love the people in our city,” she says. “[They are] open hearted, kind and visionary. Our city inspires me every day to believe in the magic of possibilities.”

It’s no wonder that Bosse is an inspiration to women—as well as men—in L.A. and well beyond. The source of the inspiration she

shares comes from others who are kind and willing to try things that have never been done before.

Meanwhile, president of Visionary Women, Shelley Reid, first met Nazarian and Bosse prior to the formation of the organization.

“Both Angella and Lili are the most gracious, kind and inspiring women, so, for me, it was an immediate ‘I need to know these women,’” she says. “[They had] a genuine desire to create a forum for discussion and a place for women to gather and learn from one another, to be with other like-minded women and collectively have the opportunity to meet and hear from leading female change-makers, contribute to our community, effect change and make an impact by helping women and girls.”

After graduating from law school, Reid became involved with the entertainment business. She has held senior management positions at a number of leading television networks and studios, such as MGM, Fox Television Studios, Scripps Networks, Hearst Entertainment and Disney. Since 2017, she has served as U.S. head, business and corporate strategy of Green Pavilion Limited,

PHOTO BY RACHEL MURRAY/GETTY IMAGES FOR VISIONARY WOMEN

Nina Kotick, Lili Bosse, Shelley Reid, Demi Moore, Karen Murphy O’Brien, Angella Nazarian and Thea

a U.K. company that produces premium dramatic television programming. “I have been fortunate to have a career in television, since it is such an exciting time and changing so much that every day I learn something new,” she says. “I think that [open communication] is key to any successful career, along with a passion for what you are doing.”

Reid, who is a noted speaker for both educational and professional organizations with a special interest in topics relating to mentoring—and women particularly—in arts, culture and education, is an inspiration for many others around the world. It’s no wonder that she is the perfect fit for her role within Visionary Women. So who inspires her? In the past, it was always people with energy and work ethic. “Today, I find myself being more inspired by people who are giving, kind and self-effacing but committed to quietly making a change and helping those less fortunate,” she says.

PHOTO BY RACHEL MURRAY/GETTY IMAGES FOR VISIONARY WOMEN

Karen Murphy O’Brien, founder and CEO of Murphy O’Brien, an integrated public relations, social media and influencer marketing firm, and board member of Visionary Women, has known Nazarian for more than 20 years through their mutual

involvement with the Bel-Air chapter of the Young Presidents Organization. When Nazarian first approached O’Brien to explain her concept for a unique non-profit organization founded by and for the benefit of women, O’Brien was immediately intrigued.

Visionary Women holds a Salon Series—four to six yearly events— that bring together nationally recognized leaders with Los Angeles’ most influential women and can be attended by up to 400 invited guests. The Salons are open to the public for $75. In addition, the organization attracts major sponsors, such as Gucci, Aston Martin and Merrill Lynch, for various Salon Series.

The organization’s overhead is minimal, so more than 90 percent of the money it generates goes directly to charitable organizations. “I immediately jumped in and offered to help position our first few Salons in the media marketplace,” O’Brien says. “That led to an invitation to join the VW board, which was a no brainer. Less than four years later, we are now an organization that has granted over $1.9 million to local and global initiatives benefiting women and girls. Visionary Women goes full circle and is a movement taking L.A. by storm.”

Honoree Patricia Arquette and Maria Bello onstage during Visionary Women’s International Women’s Day Honoring Patricia Arquette and Rosanna Arquette on March 7, 2019.

presents a discussion with pioneering artist Judy Chicago, on Sept. 4, 2019.

When O’Brien first joined the board, she was tasked with developing and launching the Visionary Women grants program and committee. Since then, the organization has granted significant money to worthwhile and life-changing organizations including Chrysalis, The Downtown Women’s Center, Indego Africa, Alexandria House, Step Up and the Sundance Institute. O’Brien and her award-winning firm spearhead the ongoing PR and positioning efforts for Visionary Women.

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In the fall of 2018, Visionary Women and Los Angeles-based non-profit organization Chrysalis partnered to launch the In Her Honor program, which helps homeless women get job training and counseling in order to prepare for, find and keep employment.

The program provides women with a variety of support services, from resume writing and one-on-one practice interviews to transportation and professional attire for interviews.

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Anyone interested in joining Visionary Women can choose from two levels: the Leadership Circle ($5,000 annual tax-deductible contribution) and the Visionary Circle ($1,000 annual taxdeductible contribution). Both memberships include an invitation to all Salon events and to the annual Visionary Women meeting.

Leadership Circle members receive one complimentary guest per Salon, reserved seating and an invitation to the annual meeting with the Visionary Women’s Executive Committee. Meanwhile, Visionary Women’s Under 35 membership ($200 annual membership dues) is a way for future female visionaries under the age of 35 to connect and achieve their full potential through philanthropy, professional development and unique networking

events. This membership includes an invitation to Visionary Women’s members-only events, an invitation to Visionary Women’s Under 35 social and philanthropic events, attendance to one complimentary Salon, a member profile on the website and more.

A common thread among the members, Bosse says, is that they are all change-makers. “They understand the strength of women empowering women, and they value making a meaningful difference in the lives of women and girls,” she says.

Monumental moments since the inception of Visionary Women have been many, such as speakers and honorees including Demi Moore, Gloria Steinem, Judy Chicago, Cherie Blair and former United States Ambassador to Austria, Sweeney Hunt. For Reid, the Salon that really hit home was a recent one where “the female president of our sponsor Aston Martin shared a very personal story; you could hear a pin drop,” she says. “[Also memorable] was the Salon on sex trafficking, hearing the stories of survivor Wilhelma ‘T’ Ortiz Walker Pedigrew and swimmer Diana Nyad.”

These Visionary Women offer advice for all women. “Trust your voice and know that your uniqueness is your strength,” Bosse says.

“Above all, never give up. Your authentic self is always enough.”

Reid says that it’s important to have faith in yourself. “It is important for us to know that our sixth sense will guide us to the right decisions,” she says. “Trust your instincts. As women, I think we have been afraid to do that. We look for approval, and we have to get out of that cycle. [Also] don’t be afraid to ask another woman you admire for advice.” visionarywomen.com

PHOTO ON THIS PAGE BY RACHEL MURRAY/ GETTY IMAGES FOR VISIONARY WOMEN

Visionary Women’s Soraya Sarah Nazarian and Lili Bosse attend Visionary Women

Shelley Reid, Annette Besnilian and Carolyn Powers

Giselle Fernรกndez and Candace Bushnell

The amazing support for Visionary Women at the cocktails and conversation

PHOTO ON THIS PAGE BY PRESELY ANN/ GETTY IMAGES FOR VISIONARY WOMEN

with Candace Bushnell: Is The Sex In The City? on October 2, 2019

Angella Nazarian and Lili Bosse chat with guests

Shelley Reid addresses the crowd

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CUT ABOVE THE REST WRITTEN BY { MARIE

rooted in a HINDU RITUAL of HUMILITY, Perfect Locks WEAVES HOPE, strength AND COURAGE into HAIR PIECES FOR adults and kids in need.

LOOK

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orn and raised in Bangalore, India, Priyanka Swamy was familiar with tonsure, the Hindu ritual in which a woman selflessly shaves off her hair and offers it to a higher power in order to achieve spiritual enlightenment. A decade ago, she realized that as this centuriesold tradition was being performed every day in temples throughout the country, devotees were sacrificing their gorgeous tresses, and Priyanka had a light bulb moment. She and her husband, Gautama, founded Perfect Locks, a Bay Area-based company that fashions high-quality hairpieces—clip-ins, wigs, weaves, extensions and more—out of strands sourced from Hindu temples.

Part of their mission is to empower women, men and children in need, including those who are undergoing cancer treatment, by donating wigs and offering financial support. Perfect Locks is dedicated to “helping people, making them look good and feel great about themselves,” Gautama explains. “We are very passionate about helping others, whatever they might be going through.”

“To date we’ve donated approximately $20,000 to various organizations and charities,” Gautama says. “Since donating hair is a selfless act without ego, it’s important that our company gives back to those in need of support. We want to help people in whatever way we can.” perfectlocks.com

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Stylists for the likes of Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez and Kelly Rowland have turned to Perfect Locks to bring their clients’ haute hairdos to life. Yet the Swamys say the most rewarding part of their work is helping those

who are struggling with medical conditions or other adversity. Each month, they donate five wigs to the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in Oakland to boost patients’ confidence and morale. They’ve partnered with organizations including American Red Cross, Monument Crisis Center in Concord, John Muir Health in Walnut Creek, Cancer Support Community of San Francisco and the Look Good, Feel Better Foundation. In addition, Perfect Locks regularly holds events to raise awareness for important causes, such as troubled youth, obesity and survivors of kidnapping.

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“The hair is as natural as possible and has not been compromised by chemicals, silicone or other additives many other companies use to make the hair appear soft to the touch,” Gautama says. “Additives can have an impact on quality, leading to tangling, matting, shedding and other issues related to the longevity of hair extensions.”

Though they launched Perfect Locks with only sew-in weaves and bulk hair, Priyanka and Gautama now offer a vast range of types and styles, such as steam-permed weaves, clip-in bangs, tape-in extensions and toppers, often available in straight, wavy or curly textures. In 2017, the company threw open the doors of a 2,600-square-foot showroom in Walnut Creek, northeast of San Francisco.

“We wanted to create an experience where people can touch and feel the hair in person,” Gautama says. “We also have a hair salon, where we can guarantee the quality of hair and service, so you can feel confident in your purchase and feel great about yourself.”

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Dedicated to perfection, Perfect Locks collects the silky, thick, lustrous human hair; hand-sorts, disinfects and washes it multiple times; and conditions it before and after it’s made into any product. The hair is guaranteed to be 100-percent authentic virgin (chemically unprocessed) and remy, meaning all strands have intact cuticles and are kept aligned, root to tip, in the same direction they grew naturally. The result is a radiant mane that not only looks and feels natural, but is also long-lasting and able to be styled.

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TUBS WITH A

TWIST RELAXING, REJUVENATING, MEDITATIVE, ROMANTIC… BATH LOVERS WILL ADORE THESE FOUR OUT- OF-THE- BOX SOAKS. WRITTEN BY { ANGELA

FAIRHURST

FUSION RESORT CAM RANH Find your Zen in a five-star wellness retreat between Cam Ranh and Nha Trang in Vietnam.

The Fusion Resort Cam Ranh, an all-spa-inclusive beachfront property on Vietnam’s South Central Coast, recently debuted The Hideaway, a new resortwithin-the-resort on the sheltered western slope of an immense sand dune, with 50 secluded new onebedroom villas.

“With The Hideaway, we didn’t want to simply add more of the same thing,” explained Remco de Hoog, the property’s chief design officer.

Instead, we’ve built an entirely new property with its own identity, its own atmosphere, and its own unique facilities.” The Hideaway embraces an environment dedicated to ultimate wellness with a rejuvenating and down-to-earth lifestyle, all in natural, picturesque surroundings. A stay at The Hideaway includes the same signature features as the main property: “anywhere, anytime” breakfast service, daily spa treatments at no extra cost, and complimentary wellness activities, such as yoga, tai chi and meditation.

With a modern design and natural color palette, the villas have open floor plans. Privacy seekers can close the curtains, while free spirits can leave them open. Floating hammock bathtubs, designed by De Hoog, are the focal point of the spacious bathrooms. To test the strength of the design, Fusion founder Marco van Aggelea jumped

conditioner and body soap, while tilting shelves hold rolled-up towels. A comfy chair and small cocktail table beside the tub provide bubbly. fusionresorts.com/fusionresortcamranh

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a sweet place to relax alone or with a companion and a glass of

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integrity. Custom-made porcelain dispensers contain the shampoo,

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up and down in the first tub to be installed, confirming its structural

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After undergoing a multimillion-dollar modernization, Sanctuary Cap Cana , which occupies 20 tropical acres on the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic, celebrated its grand reopening in January 2019. The centerpiece of the project is two impressive new towers containing 140 additional suites.

The renovation, overseen by Carmen and Laura Carrillo of Carrillo Projects Co., extends to every corner of the exclusive resort, including all guest accommodations and extraordinarily relaxing public spaces.

The resort resembles a cliffside Spanish Colonial town, with a replica of an authentic castle housing private Castle Island Suites, some facing a lush garden, others facing the sumptuous Caribbean Sea, and some with access to a private island.

Refreshed décor includes rich wood accents and rattan furnishings in living rooms, while minimalistic bathrooms highlight nature in its purest form, with wall-to-wall coralline stone, double above-counter vanity sinks, and a floorto-ceiling tub-side window that literally lets you soak up the tranquil Caribbean scenery. sanctuarycapcana.com

SANCTUARY CAP CANA Escape to an adults-only, all-inclusive spa resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

GRAND HYATT TAIPEI Opened almost 30 years ago, the first international luxury hotel in Taiwan’s capital city is now a modern marvel.

In the heart of Taipei’s vibrant commercial center, the iconic Grand Hyatt Taipei recently underwent a monumental renovation, stripping bare all 850 rooms and suites,

restaurants, bars, meeting spaces and club facilities and reconstructing them as a luxurious, contemporary

Goose down duvets, ample windows, textured walls, suites that feel like apartments, and rooms that elicit exclamations of “wow” from guests are hallmarks of the hotel’s brand-new day. Guest rooms range in size

The new Presidential Suite is a 2,379-square-foot masterpiece apartment, featuring legendary views of the iconic Taipei 101 Tower. The nearly 250-square-foot master bathroom has Statuario marble tiles, an extra-deep,

high-back Villeroy & Boch soaking tub with spa jets, and a mirror that transforms into a television. hyatt.com/

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from 355 to 430 square feet at the grand deluxe level to more than 893 square feet in an executive suite.

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Parisian design firm Didier Gomez Design executed the project, striking a balance between East and West.

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Taiwanese hotel.

en-US/hotel/taiwan/grand-hyatt-taipei/taigh

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W SOUTH BEACH The iconic beachfront landmark hotel makes its presence known on the sunny shore of Miami, Florida.

The fashion-forward continue to meet, mingle, eat and sleep at W South Beach, where 408 W-branded residences include the newly redesigned E-Wow Penthouse and E-Wow Ocean Escape suites. The 20 floors of oceanfront lodging were

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The hot spot hotel of South Beach sits at the center of Collins Avenue, within walking distance of clubs, shops, parks

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integrated lifestyle experience—just what you want from a luxury hotel in the Miami sun.

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designed by the acclaimed team of Costas Kondylis, Anna Busta and Paula Hayes.

The master bath at W South Beach’s E-Wow Ocean Escape suite features a monochromatic color scheme contrasted

and all the action. Mod and classy, lively and private, W South Beach mixes spontaneity with structure in W’s fully

with dark hardwood floors and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Bathrooms are adorned with black and gray veined Cipollino marble vanity countertops and high-end chrome fixtures. Spacious walk-in showers and full-sized sleek Japanese-style soaking tubs are outfitted with Bliss® Spa amenities. “Smart” features allow guests to control lights, temperature and in-mirror television, as well as activate the high-tech toilet, all with the touch of an iPad. marriott.

com/hotels/travel/miaws-w-south-beach

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fiesta WRITTEN BY { JOHN

DE LA VINA RUSSO

PHOTOGRAPHY BY { JOHN

All aboard an Atlantis crui se, a fun-f illed gay-cation on a lu xuriou s ship chartered by the premier tour operator for LGBT travelers.

I

had heard about cruises exclusively for gay and lesbian singles and couples arranged

by Atlantis Events, and they sounded amazing—with oceans of entertainment, activities, parties, food and fun en route to awesome destinations. To see for myself what it was all about, I signed up for Atlantis’ seven-day Mediterranean cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s massive Oasis of the Seas. Our departure point was Barcelona, with ports of call in Mallorca, Spain; Provence, France; and Naples and Rome, Italy.

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The 16-deck vessel, with a capacity to hold 5,400 passengers, is like a small city. “Wow” is the the first word that comes to mind. With 21 options for dining, a humongous gym and fitness center, a full-service spa, hair salon and nail salon and enough stores to keep even the most seasoned shopper busy, I was a bit overwhelmed. Not to mention the various venues for theater, live music, dancing and Broadway-caliber shows. I loved the Flowrider surfing experience; it was definitely the highlight of the trip. The sports staff arranged pickleball and table tennis tournaments. Each night there were themed circuit parties with DJs and a spectacular light show. Really took me back to 1987! Lots of fun dancing the night away in the middle of the ocean! Such a fabulous place to be with your friends, enjoying life! atlantisevents.com

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TOP TIPS FOR HAVING A BON VOYAGE

• If time allows, take a hop-on/hop-off bus tour, available in most major cites around the world.

• Do not go with someone you just started dating; it will definitely end in disaster. Trust me on this.

• Pay for the most expensive internet plan and drinks package. You think you won’t need it, but you will.

• Relax. Find a quiet area on one of the top decks, bring your headphones, iPad and sunscreen. Try to disconnect from the world.

• Do not stay in your cabin! Go to the specialty gatherings. You will meet so many fun people who are there to have a great time!

• For day trips, bring comfortable walking shoes (not flip-flops), a sweatshirt and small backpack.

• Book excursions prior to getting on the ship. The best excursions sell out fast and you don’t want

• Do not eat only in the main dining room. Try the specialty restaurants on board, as Atlantis has some incredible chefs.

• Bring extra canvas duffle bags for all the stuff you said you wouldn’t buy.

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• Enjoy the entertainment on the boat. Atlantis gets first-rate comics, singers, musicians, cabaret acts, theatrical productions, drag performers and DJs.

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to miss opportunities to see and experience new things. To avoid surprises, ask if the excursion requires extreme physical activity.

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• Arrive a day early at the port of embarkation.

The last thing you want to do is miss the boat because your flight was delayed.

• Stay hydrated. Drink a ton of water.

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URBAN

REVIVAL THERE’S NOTHING TYPICAL ABOUT THE NEW HOTEL CALIFORNIAN, AN ULTRA-LUXURIOUS SEASIDE RETREAT IN THE CITY OF SANTA BARBARA, LOCATED AT THE INTERSECTION OF FUNKY AND CHIC. WRITTEN BY { BETH

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mere two hours from Los Angeles and only 20 minutes from the Santa Barbara Airport, the Hotel Californian has a playful, contemporary attitude perfectly suited to its location in the Funk Zone—the five-block former warehouse district that’s morphed into the center of all that’s hip and happening in Santa Barbara. Bonus: The hotel and, in fact, the entire area is very pet-friendly. You can bring your canine bestie just about everywhere.

Originally built in the Spanish Revival architectural style in 1925, the hotel was forced to close a little more than a week after its grand opening, when a massive earthquake devastated much of the city. But Santa Barbara and Hotel Californian were thoughtfully reconstructed with an aura of affluence and creativity. The hotel flourished into the 1950s, until businesses on lower State Street began to decline in the aftermath of World War II. Fast-forward to 2017, when Hotel Californian reopened after nearly a decade of planning. Part of the prestigious Preferred Hotels & Resorts, it’s the dream project of visionary owner and developer Michael Rosenfeld, who aimed to recapture the town’s distinctive mindset.

Comprised of 121 guest rooms in three separate buildings, located on three corners at the intersection of State and Mason streets, the hotel feels like a small community. The Moorish-themed, delightful interior design by renowned L.A. designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard (whose clients include Rebecca Romijn and John Stamos, Christina Aguilera, Tommy Hilfiger, Kylie Jenner and Edward Norton) is remarkable.

Blending Hollywood glamour and fearless exotica, it feels at once inspiring and homey. Bespoke furnishings and quirky details, such as concrete tile wainscoting (with more than 1 million tiles in 30 different designs), gilded snake sconces and custom in-room cocktail bars are just the beginning. Guest rooms are finished in four color schemes—yellow, terra-cotta, emerald green and eggplant—and feature patios, verandas and balconies. The hotel brings high style to State Street and attracts the Hollywood elite, creatives as well as those who appreciate creativity.

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The main Mason Building consists of two three-story structures housing the lobby, the Djinn library bar (a lounge hideaway with inventive cocktails, tarot cards and vintage board games), a large outdoor courtyard with seating, 58 guest rooms and Blackbird, the hotel’s 70-seat indoor/outdoor bar and restaurant serving Mediterranean and contemporary American cuisine with a focus on local ingredients. The new culinary team—Executive Chef Travis Watson, Chef de Cuisine Paul Osborne and Pastry Chef Ronald Viloria— oversees all food and beverage offerings at Hotel Californian.

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The Mason Building is also home to the 1,700-square-foot Isla boutique, featuring a laid-back California vibe with imported Tunisian tile, vintage hand-wrought iron light fixtures and hand-embroidered drapery by Vaughan Fabrics. Isla carries Maris Collective’s signature mix of luxury fashion, locally crafted homeware, seasonal swimwear and Santa Barbara-made jewelry, including Sheryl Lowe's line of bracelets, necklaces and rings. Exclusive designer labels include LNA, Moussy, Equipment, Merlette, Mara Hoffman and more.

Additionally, Maris Collective debuted the first permanent collection of resortwear brand Figue, offering caftans, beach totes and sandals.

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Last but definitely not least, the State Building is home to the 1,700-squarefoot Alcazar Presidential Suite—with two bedrooms, two and one-half baths, two outdoor decks, a full bar, a hospitality kitchen and direct access to the hotel’s 3,700-square-foot rooftop event space.

The State Building also features a street-level gourmet cafe and market, dubbed Goat Tree, offering delicious craft coffee, salads, sandwiches, paninis and personalized picnic baskets that are perfect for a day at the beach or on a trip to the Santa Barbara wine country. There’s also a 4,200-square-foot plaza lawn, where guests often gather, adjacent to a 3,000-square-foot ballroom. Special hotel and private events are held in this popular indoor/outdoor space.

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On the Southwest corner, the Californian Building is a four-story structure that has been completely rebuilt behind the 1925 façade. It houses 62 guest rooms with balconies offering views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez mountains, interior courtyards and paseos. A highlight is the Tan-Tan rooftop deck, a two-level retreat with 360-degree views of the mountains and sparkling coastline, for the exclusive use of hotel guests. On the fourth floor, there is a pool, Jacuzzi and large observation deck with chaise lounges. On the fifth floor, comfy seating and sundeck lounging is a perfect spot to watch the sunset. Food and beverage service is available on both levels, and this is where the hotel holds many events throughout the year. The space is also available for private event bookings and can accommodate up to 180 guests.

The Californian Building also is home to the spectacular Spa Majorelle, a 2,500-square-foot Moroccan-inspired spa wonderland featuring a geometric blue-and-white tile lounge; four treatment rooms, including one couples suite; and men’s and women’s steam rooms.

Open both to hotel and nonhotel guests, customization is at the heart of the offerings, which include Moroccan-inspired aromatherapy and signature experiences, such as salt massages, baths, and face and full-body treatments. In addition, a salon offers blowouts, up-dos, makeup applications and mani/pedis; and an 800-square-foot fitness center with state-ofthe-art Technogym equipment surrounds a ground-level relaxation courtyard.

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Throughout the three buildings, guests can relax and socialize around multiple paseos, gardens, fountains and open plazas planted with bougainvillea. Hotel Californian hosts unique events throughout the year, such as the recent Howl event (Nov. 12, 2019) celebrating the Beaver Moon with craft cocktails, a personal tarot card reader and Val-Mar Records spinning vinyl.

On Wine Down Wednesdays, guests can enjoy half-priced wine bottles at Goat Tree. First Fridays, which began in November, features live music and cocktails under the sun. Goat yoga and silent disco yoga are also part of the dynamic programming.

Stay tuned to the hotel’s website for upcoming events, such as Mix & Mingle Mixology.

Of course, Hotel Californian is right in the middle of all the action in the Funk Zone, the city’s liveliest area that boasts an array of wine tasting rooms (Margerum Wine Company, Riverbench, Municipal Winemakers, Potek, Pali Wine Co., Santa Barbara Wine Collective, etc.), cocktail bars (the recently opened Pearl Social and

Test Pilot), amazing restaurants (at the hotel and, nearby, Loquita, Oku Asian, The Lark, Brophy Brothers on the harbor, Shalhoobs BBQ), shop-worthy boutiques (Merchant for custom jewelry, clothing, books, candles and gifts) and cultural mustsees (the new MOXI—Wolf Museum of Exploration and Innovation and, seasonally, Art Walk on Sundays). The central location of the hotel assures that guest experiences go far beyond the boundaries of the property. Plus, there’s easy access to the train station; a waterfront brimming with sailboats, kayaks and surfers; the beach only steps away; and close proximity to the Urban Wine Trail, State Street shopping and Stearns Wharf.

The hotel will be rolling out exciting package offerings for 2020, including Red Carpet on the American Riviera and the opulent Take the Train Package. No matter if you come for a weekend or a week to this year-round playground, you’ll leave not only relaxed, but inspired by the place, the people and the overall experience. 36 State St., Santa Barbara, 805.882.0100, hotelcalifornian.com

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DISTINCT DESTINATION Ninety miles south of Los Angeles, in Rancho Santa Fe, my beloved pooch and I were swept off all six of our feet at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa. WRITTEN BY { BETH

WEITZMAN

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riving up to the porte-cochère at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, we were welcomed by a friendly bellman who escorted me, along with my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Lucca, to the check-in hacienda, where a glass of wine (for me) and doggie treats and adorable branded bandana (for Lucca) were waiting. The rustic design, reflective of the beautiful Rancho Santa Fe area where the property is located, bestowed an immediate sense of calm. In just minutes, we were checked in and ready to enjoy all the resort has to offer—which is a lot.

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Celebrating its 30th anniversary and recent ranking as the No. 1 resort and hotel in California (and No. 5 best resort in the United States) by U.S. News & World Report, Rancho Valencia, the only Relais & Châteaux property in Southern California, is the epitome of laidback luxury—understated and sophisticated. Ninety miles south of Los Angeles and only 30 minutes north of downtown San Diego, it is spread over 45 Mediterranean-inspired acres of lush gardens, rolling hills, lantern-lit trails, olive groves and citrus trees. Far from the hustle and bustle, there’s plenty of room to wander.

Since opening in 1989, Rancho Valencia has attracted some of the most celebrated entertainers, politicians and business leaders, including Bill Gates, Bill Clinton, Michael Jordan and Rene Russo. The all-suite resort has undergone a $30 million property-wide renovation, while keeping the original Spanish hacienda feel intact.

No wonder it has earned the AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five-Star accolades.

Adjacent to the check-in hacienda is a well-stocked boutique (you’ll probably walk out with a few new outfits, purse and all), and culinary and imbibing spots.

Open for lunch and dinner, the equestrian-themed Pony Room is designed with a mix of wood, leather and iron, reflecting a sense of rugged masculinity. With a bar, outdoor terrace and fire pits, it is the first California establishment to offer sparkling wine on draft, plus high-end wines on tap, handcrafted cocktails and a wide selection of spirits, including more than 150 tequilas. In the evening before sunset, don’t be surprised to see hotair balloons flying on the horizon.

Meanwhile, the resort’s elegant Veladora offers coastal Mediterranean farm-to-table dining inside and outside. The restaurant features oversized wroughtiron chandeliers accented by a $1 million colorful Damien Hirst art piece made of hundreds of butterflies.

Additionally, Rancho Valencia’s wine cave and private dining room is complete with a vaulted brick ceiling, 500-pound antique entrance doors from a ranch in Jalisco and a private patio overlooking the eucalyptus grove.

Total serenity and privacy are found in 49 all-suite hacienda-style casitas, which average 1,000 square feet and feature custom furnishings, high beamed ceilings, private patios (some with fireplaces and whirlpools) and spacious bathrooms with Talavera tiles, deep soaking tubs, glass-enclosed showers and Barcelona-based Natura Bissé citrus-scented bath products. Furnishings include Spanish-inspired carved wood furniture, lamps made from hand-painted ceramic vases and hand-woven rugs made in Mexico. The ultra-plush beds dressed with down comforters and fluffy pillows guarantee a good night’s sleep. A plush doggie bed and set of bowls were provided for Lucca. She ran right to the bed, jumped on and nestled into her new favorite place on earth.

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We began our stay with a delicious lunch at the Pony Lounge, where we indulged in the hummus with veggies; RV ahi poke with avocado, sesame seeds, ginger, cucumber and crispy wonton; the Rancho burger made with Brandt beef, crispy pancetta, shaved lettuce, tomato, “the sauce,” house-made pickles, Kennebec fries and black truffle aïoli. The views over the 8,400-squarefoot croquet lawn are lovely.

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The resort has a strong focus on health and wellness, so I scheduled a treatment at the 1.5-acre Spa at Rancho Valencia. It features outdoor elements, such as a private Duet Suite, lap pool and sun gardens; and indoor amenities, including seven treatment rooms with private patios (five with outdoor, deep soaking tubs and rain showers), two couples rooms with fireplaces, private patios, outdoor showers and tubs for two; a Vichy shower room; two manicure and pedicure rooms; and a plunge pool circuit.

Meanwhile, the expansive menu of beautifying and healing treatments for mind, body and spirit—massages, body wraps and scrubs, and facial treatments—incorporate Natura Bissé and ISUN skin and body care products.

I chose the Balancing Gemstone Massage, which incorporates four aromatic, herb-infused massage oils applied in a special sequence, a cooling quartz crystal wand, a facial rejuvenation, a raindrop herbal-oil therapy and a luxurious back massage. It was delightful.

When it comes to total relaxation, the full-service pool adjacent to the spa features plush cabanas (available by reservation), chaise lounges and Mediterranean tiles dotted with lavender, navy and coral. The pool bar, Rein, offers a variety of handcrafted cocktails, salads (the lobster Cobb is a must), ahi sashimi poke style, classic ceviche and a selection of freshly pressed paninis. The menu can also be enjoyed in the spa cabanas, on lounge chairs or at the bar.

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An innovative fitness and wellness program makes keeping up—and even advancing—fitness routines easy. The full men’s and women’s fitness facilities include a large state-ofthe-art gym with top-of-the-line strength equipment and weights. The Balinese-style, indoor-outdoor Serenity Yoga Pavilion impresses with 1,000 square feet of space and glass folding doors that open up to a water-surrounded platform from where the instructor leads. There’s also a spin studio, plus additional fitness studios offering 97 fitness classes per

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week, with everything from meditation to Power Blast and TRX. The steam rooms, saunas and Whirlpools are sheer perfection postworkout. Fitness classes are complimentary for spa and resort guests, and are all concluded with a fresh cold-pressed juice or protein shake.

Rancho Valencia, which has been rated Southern California’s No. 1 tennis resort by Tennis magazine since 2008, offers 18 resurfaced tennis courts. The bougainvillea and citrus groves are a scenic backdrop for two European red-clay courts and 16 plexi-pave championship courts.

Terrific certified tennis instructors are available for private or group lessons. Seriously, they are the best. After an invigorating match, fresh towels and iced lemon water are available to enjoy courtside.

I highly recommend biking around the property, taking in the fresh air, lush landscape and coastal views. Rancho Valencia has formed a luxury bicycle partnership with the premium Italian cycling brand Pinarello, so beginners, as well as cycling enthusiasts, love taking a spin around one of San Diego’s most esteemed cycling communities. A Pinarello expert from the company’s San Diego showroom is available for custom fittings, too.

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The new customized integrated health and wellness program, called the Wellness Collective, features a robust calendar of intimate workshops, enlightening lectures and activities based on the cutting-edge science of epigenetics.

Rancho Valencia partnered with Lifewellness Institute, the premier wellness center in San Diego, to provide tools for sustainable changes in overall health and wellbeing. The program is available to Rancho Valencia spa members, as well as guests and locals, at three-, five- or seven-day retreats that include accommodations; wellness consultations; daily meals of spa cuisine; personal training and private fitness; unlimited yoga, Pilates, spin, barre and TRX classes; a daily customized 90-minute spa therapy, a

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welcome wellness gift; and lectures by industry experts. All participants have the opportunity to schedule one-on-one time with Dr. Lee Rice, founder of the Lifewellness Institute.

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Another distinctive Rancho Valencia offering, the Porsche Test Drive program, comes courtesy of its partnership with Porsche of San Diego. New models—the 2019 Porsche 718 Boxter convertible and the 2019 Cayenne—are available for one complimentary four-hour drive per guest, per day. The resort’s super knowledgeable concierge can help plan your route—perhaps down Highway 101 to the beaches of La Jolla, through Temecula’s wine country or to the Gaslamp Quarter of downtown San Diego for a date night.

Golf enthusiasts can play on more than 80 courses in the San Diego area. Among them, the famous Torrey Pines Golf Course, home to the 2008 US Open, is only 10 miles away, and you can borrow a set of the resort’s Callaway Golf clubs gratis. For the ultimate golfing getaway, the Callaway VIP Experience ($10,000 per person) includes a two-night stay at Rancho Valencia, chauffeured transportation, all meals at award-winning restaurants throughout San Diego County, custom fitting and instruction for a full day at the Ely Callaway Performance Center, a round at Del Mar Country Club, personalized golf balls and more.

For those who enjoy the excitement of San Diego’s horse racing season, Rancho Valencia has partnered with Del Mar Thoroughbred Club to offer guests a special VIP Behind the Scenes Race Day Package that includes an overnight stay in a Rancho Valencia casita for up to four guests, a reserved table in the Turf Club following a personal tour of the stables, a meet and greet with the jockeys in the paddock, an exclusive trip to the Winner’s Circle and more.

While the landscape, accommodations, cuisine, spa and partner amenities are all pretty epic, the star of the show here is the impeccable level of hospitality—which is extended even to pets. Over our weekend, Lucca was welcomed with open arms and large smiles everywhere on the property. She was allowed to join me in most places, including the restaurants, where she ordered from her own doggie menu—shepherd’s pie, Rin Tin Tin tartare and morning risers made with scrambled eggs and potatoes were among the options. Plus, there’s a special in-room doggie tapas menu.

There are also plenty of places for pets to play, as well as petfriendly shopping, grooming and pet-sitting nearby. Lucca knew she was on vacation and had the time of her life, which, of course, made me very happy, too. 5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe, 866.233.6708, ranchovalencia.com

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PARADISE A short but oh-so-sweet stay at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort.

WRITTEN BY { ERINN

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ecently, my husband and I had the pleasure of spending 24 glorious hours at the surfside Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort. We arrived at the luxury retreat, set on 15 Pacific Oceanfront acres, and walked right into the warm welcome of resort staff, who instantly made us feel at home. The lobby area beckons and mixes business with pleasure; it gracefully leads guests from the check-in desk to the lounge, a marvelous space with ocean views and low-profile, Asian-inspired décor.

Rainy afternoons are spent right here, sipping fabulous cocktails, playing cards and lounging on the daybeds.

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Like all of the resort’s 301 accommodations, including 35 suites and 11 luxury villas, our room was large and well-appointed, with modern wood furnishings, a soothing neutral color palette and a private lanai. The spa-like bathroom was relaxing, with its oversized rain shower—perfect after a day at the beach. Spacious twoto four-bedroom villas have private plunge pools or hot tubs, gourmet Miele kitchens and Viking outdoor grills.

I could see coming back with a larger group, relaxing and entertaining with all of the resorts’ amenities at your fingertips.

One thing you can count on in Wailea, the resort community on the south shore of Maui, is water, water everywhere—and the Andaz doesn’t disappoint. Three terraced infinity pools cascade down the hillside to the beach. Plus, there’s a lagoon pool and an adult tranquility pool for guests 18 and over, so you’re always assured privacy and serenity.

Food is appropriately ambrosial at five outstanding on-site bars and restaurants, which feature local, farm-to-table flavors of the Hawaiian Islands. Last spring, Jonathan Pasion, the former chef de cuisine, was named the winner of the Good Taste Series annual global culinary competition put on by the Hyatt brand.

Not to be missed is Ka’ana Kitchen, where old-world Hawaiian flavors combine with modern culinary techniques to produce award-winning dishes, and Morimoto Maui, where we enjoyed an absolutely fabulous meal of Japanese fusion fare. I highly recommend the Thai curry snapper along with a selection of super-fresh raw fish. Also to be enjoyed are Lehua Lounge, poolside for epic ocean views, idyllic sunsets, tasty cocktails and live entertainment; and Bumbye Beach Bar, perched on the edge of the lagoon pool—great for lunch and island-inspired beverages. Super-convenient is Mokapu Market, where you can grab and go with locally sourced snacks, wine, bubbles and locally crafted beer and gelato, 24 hours a day!

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A beautiful architectural property and wonderful service paired with delicious cuisine and a great location make the Andaz a standout among the grand Wailea resorts. I look forward to returning here again next time we are in Maui. 3550 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, HI, 808.573.1234, andazmaui.com

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Another highlight of our stay here was discovering the lush 1.2-mile path along spectacular Mokapu Beach. It’s perfect for a morning run or sunset stroll.

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Indulgences don’t end with the culinary offerings. We opted for some much-needed relaxation at the award-winning `Āwili Spa and Salon, where we enjoyed a couples massage; a perfect experience. The spa itself is sublime and was our first stop after the flight. With hot and cold stone plunge pools and a heavenly quiet room to unwind after the services, we felt completely refreshed and ready to explore the property. I love the way they pay attention to every detail, including the fragrance in the air, which was otherworldly.

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Hawaiian

HAVEN Maui’s Hotel Wailea debuts new Celebration Suites and an accompanying romantic package.

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A new set of Celebration Suites have recently been created specifically for milestone moments, such as honeymoons, anniversaries, microweddings, babymoons or simply romantic getaways. All 12 of the suites, located on the top floor of the property, feature 720 square feet of space, vaulted ceilings, panoramic ocean views, 108-squarefoot private lanais, Italian granite countertops by Bianco Romano, custom-crafted rich Hawaiian ohia wood cabinetry, doors and details, and European whitewashed oak hardwood planks. There are also kitchenettes with Wolf microwaves and SubZero refrigerators and freezers, flat-screen TVs in the bedrooms and living rooms, premium linens and bedding, deep soaking tubs and showers, and Molton Brown bathroom amenities.

PHOTO BY JOHN RUSSO

he only Relais & Chateaux luxury boutique resort in Hawaii, Hotel Wailea is an ultraromantic, adults-only escape offering privacy and elegance. Perched 300 feet above the sea, it features 72 oversized one-bedroom suites set in a sprawling tropical landscape of lush gardens, cascading waterfalls and winding pathways; plus, a pool that overlooks three Hawaiian islands, with residential style cabanas and an apothecary-style bar.

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This fall and winter, the creative team behind The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea—which specializes in using fresh island-to-table fare from local farms and fishermen—is rolling out new experiential culinary offerings to engage guests in the island’s adventurous spirit. Offerings include an updated schedule of cooking classes at The Chef Kitchen that incorporates seasonal fall flavors like winter squash, pumpkin, earthy greens and herbs into traditional Hawaiian dishes. For a truly luxe experience, try the Champagne and caviar pairing event that includes sustainably harvested sturgeon caviar from artisan provider Black River Caviar and the rosé and brut varietals of Laurent-Perrier Champagne. Or, for the adventure-minded, book the luxury fishing expedition experience ($4,225 for two) that includes a day on the Pacific in a private, chartered 52-foot limited production Buddy Davis Sportfisherman

PHOTOS ON THIS PAGE BY JOHN RUSSO

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Celebrated interior designer Marion Philpotts Miller, of Philpotts Interiors, worked with owner Jonathan McManus to customize every detail. Designer decor and original artwork from McManus’ personal collection is unique to each suite, further imbuing the suites with their own aesthetic.

PHOTO BY JOHN RUSSO THIS AND PHOTO TO THE RIGHT BY JOHN RUSSO

THIS PHOTO PROVIDED BY HOTEL WAILEA.

luxury yacht, followed by a romantic sevencourse dinner in the Treehouse, where a private chef prepares your catch tableside.

Other experiences at Hotel Wailea include cruising in a Tesla Model X, the house vehicle available within the Wailea area; vintage cruising in a ’57 Porsche 356 Speedster reproduction (six hours for $322); eco-friendly electric bicycle rentals; water sports equipment rentals at Wailea Beach, including snorkels and masks, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards; beach picnics; tropical mixology classes; poolside poke classes; kiteboarding lessons; sunset sailing; and wellness offerings, such as private and floating sound baths, and complimentary yoga, aerial silks and group fitness classes set in a 5,600-square-foot studio elevated above the crystal blue Pacific Ocean.

And the spa? Expect ancient Hawaiian healing traditions incorporated into relaxing spa treatments that provide an authentic connection to Hawaii’s land, people and cultures.

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PHOTOS ON THIS SPREAD PROVIDED BY HOTEL WAILEA.

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PHOTO BY AARON SCALES

And for the ultimate romantic getaway, be sure to book The Celebration Suites Experience (starting at $8,215 per couple).

It includes five or more nights in a new Celebration Suite, a personal concierge for customizing romantic experiences, a private treehouse dinner for two, a couple’s paradise retreat massage, daily cabana rentals and breakfasts, and a bottle of Laurent-Perrier Brut Champagne paired with a tropical fruit platter upon arrival. Suites start at $1,299 per night, 555 Kaukahi St., Wailea, Maui, 808.874.0500, hotelwailea.com

SKYHIGH

STYLE CELEBRATING ITS 40-YEAR ANNIVERSARY IN 2020, PARK HYATT CHICAGO COMMEMORATES FOUR DECADES OF FABULOUS AS THE BRAND’S FIRST HOTEL. WRITTEN BY { BETH

WEITZMAN

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hether for business or pleasure, it’s always a delight to stay at a Park Hyatt .

The brand, which celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2020, brings together elegance and sophistication with modern design and amenities to provide the utmost in comfort and convenience. One of my favorites is the Park Hyatt Chicago, the founding Park Hyatt hotel, which opened in 1980.

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Centrally located steps off Magnificent Mile—the city’s hub of culinary, shopping, dining and cultural attractions—Park Hyatt Chicago, designed by Lucien Lagrange Architects, occupies the first 18 floors of the Park Tower building overlooking the famous Water Tower Clock, Lake Michigan and Chicago’s Gold Coast. Fine finishes and thoughtful details

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are evident throughout, from guest rooms to the plush common areas. An extensive collection of original black & white photography by local artists impresses at every turn. And despite its bustling location, the hotel offers an oasis of calm. Thoughtfully furnished guest rooms—198 rooms, 13 suites, a 1,900-square-foot presidential suite and 1,400-square-foot custom-designed Bottega Veneta Lake Suite—offer the comfort and sophistication of a Chicago pied-a-terre. All guest accommodations are spacious and boast comfy window seats offering stunning views. Bathroom also impress with Le Lebo amenities, makeup area, two-sink vanity made of imported marble, flat-screen TV, glassenclosed showers and indulgent soaking tub with views of the Chicago skyline or Lake Michigan. Even complimentary pressing of up to two items is included. of up to two items is included.

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For pampering, NoMI Spa delights guests with customized massages, body therapies and facials (including HydraFacial).

Keeping your fitness routine in check while here is easy. For starters, a fitness concierge is available to help with selecting gear, providing detailed trail maps for walking or running, as well as GPS watches. Especially nice in the colder months when outdoor activity is limited, the 24 hour StayFitTM 7,000-square-foot fitness center offers stunning views of the city skyline through the floor-to-ceiling picture windows, stateof- the-art cardio and strength equipment, flat-screen televisions and monitors, complimentary bottled water and fruit, and freshly scented cold towel service.

Views can even be seen while swimming laps in the three-lane, indoor exercise pool. three lane, indoor exercise pool.

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Fine food and good libations are offered at the seventh floor NoMi trio of offerings—NoMI Kitchen, NoMI Lounge, and NoMI Garden, all named for their iconic location on North Michigan Avenue. Skyline views are seen from just about every seat. Executive Chef Eric Damidot recently took helm of the kitchen and continues the restaurants’ French flair and emphasis on dishes featuring seasonal, local produce and ingredients. NoMi Kitchen is the three meal a day (plus decadent weekend brunch) go-to spot for locals and visitors alike. For solo biz travelers, NoMi Lounge, with is relaxed atmosphere and bar, is a choice spot. The sushi is downright craveable! This outdoor rooftop bar is another great option when weather is cooperating. Serving up Southern French-inspired light fare, delightful French wines by the glass and creative cocktails amid a gorgeous backdrop and 30-foot bar.

Thanks to NoMi Kitchen, Park Hyatt Chicago is the best room service I’ve ever had. Since the restaurant is located on the seventh floor its easy access to the rooms allows for super-quick service, meaning super-fresh, just rolled sushi and sizzling hot dishes.

An added bonus to the already awesome offerings here is complementary morning coffee and tea in the lobby and courtesy car to nearby locations.

Part of the The Park Hyatt’s 40th anniversary celebration is a continued collaboration with National Geographic. A newly launched Park Hyatt hub on the National Geographic website features branded content and interactive map with all the Park Hyatt locations around the world, allowing travelers to take a self-guided tour of Insta-worthy spots ahead of time to help in their trip planning.

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blue

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Along with a refreshed look, the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa is reborn with a fresh ethos dubbed “New Point of Blue” and a focus on total mind-body wellness.

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ith frequent nonstop flights from major U.S. and European cities, captivatingly swimmable turquoise waters and a delicious climate, the Mexican Caribbean draws visitors back to Cancun time and time again. Now there’s yet another reason for luxury travelers to return to this paradise on the Yucatan Peninsula—the $40 million, head-totoe renovation of the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa and its New Point of Blue concept.

Inspired by an excerpt from Popol Vuh, a work of Mayan literature chronicling the creation of humankind, designers Martha Gaos and Claudia Gonzalez of G+G Interiorismo have brought an authentic sense of place to the project. The result is modern, yet reflective of the area’s indigenous culture.

Each element of the resort has been carefully thought out to deliver a sense of serenity and harmony.

“With every activity at the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa, we like to ensure that we keep wellness in mind with thoughtful gestures,” says Tiffany Holmes, the hotel manager. “This has also become very personal to me, as I have been on a yearlong journey to wellness. As a frequent traveler myself, I know that air travel can be uncomfortable. We wanted the wellness departure gift to remind those travelers that they can do a few simple things to continue their own personal wellness journey anywhere, at any time, including being at 30,000 feet.”

The property’s new Micro Break package is a three-day, preset itinerary for chilling out. After a friendly bienvenido at check-in, guests are whisked away for a quick 30-minute meditation to jumpstart their vacation Zen. Then it’s off to dine at one of the complex’s 10 international restaurants.

Everything is included, from morning fitness classes and cabana rentals to a jungle boat excursion through the mangroves and a pasta-making class.

Luxe accommodations, a mini massage, healthy continental breakfasts, a $75 daily food and beverage credit and airport transfers are also part of the deal.

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The resort’s 35,000-square-foot spa embraces the Mayan vibe in an ultra-modern setting, with breathtaking views of the sea from the large adultsonly indoor swimming pool. Treatments and therapies are designed to soothe and balance mind, body and spirit. The Hunab Ku Ritual, a traditional

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All 447 ocean-facing guest rooms and suites have been reimagined in a color palette of ocean blue and sand, with herringbone-pattern floors made of natural materials. Locally crafted wood furniture features textiles showcasing the traditional crossstitch embroidery typically seen on the attire of the ancient Yucatan people, with patterns that incorporate sacred Mayan spiritual symbols, such as hummingbirds, quetzals and four-petal flowers.

Sumptuous decor in the suites also includes gorgeous ceramic tile floors and rugs reminiscent of coral reefs. Artwork made by local craftspeople consists of fossils and amate bark paintings. In the amplesize bathrooms, blue and white marbled art above freestanding soaking tubs depict aerial views of cenotes, the sandstone sinkholes found throughout the region. Granite vanity tops with double sinks, rainfall showers and luscious aromatherapy amenities further elevate the comfort level.

Sweetening the experience are small but meaningful touches, such as a signed note card from turndown attendants; a nifty Tips for Travelers card with the precise amount of water to drink per hour of flight and suggestions for sitting positions in airplane seats; and a TSA/customs-friendly wellness departure gift.

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Mayan massage, includes healing strokes and an abdominal massage technique to enhance energy flow. The Ichtaca Mayan is a secret treatment designed to help connect with nature and the cosmos; it facilitates total tranquility with an herbal body scrub, followed by a full Mayan massage focusing on the tensest parts of the body.

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Kicking up the wellness experience another notch, there are sunrise yoga classes, beach bootcamps and classes at the fitness center. A special purification ceremony performed by a shaman is intended to release negative energy by burning special herbs.

Plus, vitamins C and D come courtesy of sunshine aplenty, with two outdoor pools, private beachfront cabanas and daybeds.

Special perks awarded to guests who upgrade to Club 91 rooms, located on the 12th and 14th floors, include express check-in and check-out services, preferred spa reservations and exclusive access to the Club 91 Lounge, an inviting space for relaxation and socializing, where breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, an open bar and after-dinner pastries are offered daily.

When in Mexico, drink margaritas. This resort makes that easy, with a menu of 150 variations on the cocktail, including classic, modern, fusion and exotic recipes that call for tequilas (silver, resposado and anejo) and mezcals, plus beetroot, black tea and serrano chili, among other unexpected ingredients.

Dining here is a special treat. There are a total of 10 world-class culinary options from which to choose at the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa and its neighboring sister property, the Marriott Cancun Resort, including Gustino Italian Grill, Sedona Grill, Mikado Japanese Teppan Yaki, Sasi Thai, Sacbé Beach Shack and Champions Sports Bar. The New Point of Blue’s emphasis on rejuvenation “encompasses everything from the healthy snacks and meals offered as a part of our ever-evolving culinary program, to the holistic spa experiences that were inspired by ancient treatments and remedies of the Mayan culture,” says Dominick Esposito, director of food and beverage. “The idea is for guests to fly home feeling refreshed and re-energized, and that’s achieved by offering light, locally inspired dishes and cocktails.” Misión cumplida!

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TWO JAPANESE CITIES A TALE OF

WE CHECKED IN TO THE RITZ-CARLTON HOTELS IN TOKYO AND KYOTO AND FOUND THAT EACH ONE IS AS SPECIAL AS ITS RESPECTIVE CITY. WRITTEN BY { BETH

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ike modern-day Japan in comparison to the country’s imperial past, the current capital of Tokyo is vastly different from the former capital of Kyoto. One is a bustling center of commerce, and the other is steeped in formality and tradition. Still, both retain the distinctive charms of The Land of the Rising Sun. Similarly, The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo, and The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, differ in aesthetics, but both offer stellar guest experiences and the personalized services for which The RitzCarlton brand is famous.

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The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo

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Tokyo, with its storied history, varied city districts and unique culture, is a travel destination unlike any other. Located in the heart of Tokyo Midtown, The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo occupies the top nine floors of a 53-story tower— the city’s tallest building—in the core of Roppongi. This chic, happening area serves as the capital’s entertainment, diplomatic and design-related business hub.

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Once beyond its gleaming glass façade, guests enjoy 360-degree views of Tokyo, including Tokyo Tower (recognizable from its appearance in the 2013 movie, The Wolverine), the Imperial Palace garden, the Marunouchi district and Mount Fuji. Boasting 247 guest rooms, including 35 suites and Ritz-Carlton Club Level rooms, the hotel is nothing short of spectacular. I had the pleasure of staying in one of the Club Level Rooms, which includes access to the Club Lounge. With five food presentations each day, starting with breakfast and ending with dessert and cordials, along with free-flowing libations, this room upgrade option is highly recommended. Looking out on epic views, sipping on a glass of Champagne while awaiting my room to be readied was a pleasure.

Accommodations are hallmarked by contemporary East-meets-West decor and all kinds of luxuries one would expect at The Ritz-Carlton, including Frette linens and featherbeds, deep soaking tubs, rain showers, two Sony BRAVIA televisions, a CD and DVD player, and complimentary water at turndown. The oversized, marble bathrooms are delightful, and feature amenities from Asprey Purple Water collections.

When it comes to dining, The-Ritz Carlton, Tokyo continues to impress. Towers, the hotel’s contemporary grill concept led

by Chef de Cuisine Franckelie Laloum, features incredible seasonal dishes with views to match. The clean-lined decor of dark woods, leather seating and abstract metallic sculptures provides the perfect backdrop for the locally sourced ingredients which are the stars of the culinary delights that follow. Notable dishes include mouthwatering Akaushi prime rib, poultry pie with foie gras and a bounty of seasonal, locally sourced seafood selections.

Meanwhile, Azure 45, the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, features modern French-style cuisine with a Japanese twist from Chef de Cuisine Shintaro Miyazaki. Situated on the

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Showcasing spectacular contemporary chocolate and pastry creations, La Boutique is located adjacent to Azure 45, also on the 45th floor. The signature fruit-shaped cubed cakes, which come in a rainbow of hues and flavors that change seasonally, are not to be missed. Sleek interiors feature black wall partitions and a monochrome striped floor.

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45th floor, the restaurant offers mesmerizing views of the Tokyo skyline. Recently renovated, the elegant haven of rich Japanese textiles, warm woods, wash wall panels and intimate curved seating sets the stage for a most memorable meal.

Recommended is the Experience Chef Miya’s “à la minute” inspiration omakase tasting menu, featuring the most succulent seafood, fresh meats and vegetables.

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Also on the 45th floor, The Bar offers a sophisticated scene in which to imbibe before or after dinner. It features incredible views, live music, shareable plates and signature cocktails. Order the Diamond is Forever martini, which comes garnished with a one-carat diamond.

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Other dining options include Hinokizaka, which serves up authentic Japanese cuisine. Designed into four distinct sections—kaiseki, sushi, tempura and teppanyaki—each area has distinguishing decor that evokes a fine balance between the art of Japanese cooking and the modern Eastmeets-West ambiance. For a unique experience, reserve the private chef’s table or the Japanese teahouse. Guests who are looking for casual meals, signature cocktails or traditional afternoon tea will find it at The Lobby Lounge.

Finally, The Ritz-Carlton Cafe and Deli is a relaxed spot for morning coffee, an afternoon snack or an evening dessert. It’s located within the inner courtyard of the Tokyo Midtown shopping center, so it’s also a great place to take a break from retail therapy.

Speaking of therapies, the hotel’s 21,528-square-foot spa, located on the 46th floor, is a stunner. Upon arrival, tranquility sets in immediately, thanks to panoramic skyline views. A large menu of facial and body treatments make it easy to stay for hours, even a full day. The special Sakura body treatment uses ESPA products personalized

to each guest’s needs, and includes a foot ritual, full-body massage and facial massage with rose quartz crystals and scalp massage. This award-winning day spa features an indoor lap pool, dry sauna, steam sauna, nine treatment rooms, a 1,076-square-foot spa suite, a fitness studio and more.

Tokyo Towers, where the hotel resides, offers a nice selection of shopping and dining options. It’s a great spot to buy locally make clothing and gifts. But a quick cab or train ride away is Ginza, a high-end commercial district in Chūō, Tokyo, that is akin to Fifth Avenue in New York City and Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, and home to virtually every premier brand name on the planet for fashion, beauty and technology, not to mention more than 4,000 places to eat and drink (including 24 Michelinstarred options).

Ginza Six is the district’s largest shopping complex. It deserves several hours of your time. The architecture, the detail and the design are breathtaking. Truly, it’s one of the most beautiful shopping centers I’ve seen. The super-luxe, modern shopping mall houses the most famous food and designer brands (Dior, Rolex and Valentino, to name a few). Chill out on the rooftop garden with views of Ginza and the Tokyo Skytree. Finish the experience at the Noh Theater (located on the basement level).

Shrines and temples, many centuries old, are scattered throughout the city, offering a peaceful respite, a moment to absorb and participate in the local culture. Visitors may join in by making an offering and saying a prayer for good luck and fortune. Not-to-miss spots include the nearby Fukutoku Shrine and Meiji Shrine, one of the most popular, located in Shibuya.

This Shinto shrine, surrounded by Yoyogi Park, is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken. Also memorable are Sensōji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest, a historic landmark that was built to honor Kannon, the goddess of mercy; and Zojoji Buddhist Temple, surrounded by tall towers, including Tokyo Tower.

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Tokyo Midtown 9-7-1, Akasaka, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, +81.3.3423.8000, ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/japan/tokyo

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Any trip to Tokyo isn’t complete without a visit to the Tsukiji Fish Market—the world’s greatest fish market. Located in Toyosu, the best chefs and restaurants from around the world source their fish here. At auction, a single tuna can sell for up to $30,000. Fruits, vegetables and housewares are also available.

Around the corner, Banya Seafood Barbeque is a fun spot for lunch; you pick your fresh fish, vegetables and meats, and cook them up right on your table.

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The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto

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Just a two-hour ride away via bullet train, the city of Kyoto is known for its history and gorgeous Zen temples, palaces, stunning landscapes and gardens. Considered the cultural heart of Japan, it has 10,000 shrines, 17 world heritage sites and dozens of time-honored traditions and ceremonies still practiced today. Close to Kyoto’s popular downtown areas Gion and Kawaramachi-dori, The RitzCarlton, Kyoto, is a one-of-a-kind magical riverfront resort. With a focus on a sense of place and unique guest experiences, this property offers authentic and attentive service at every turn. It’s a bucket list kind of place!

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Designed by Remedios Design Studio, the interiors of the hotel reflect the cultural heritage of the city and incorporate five key principles: utage (festive), seido (serenity and movement), miyabi (elegance), hana (splendid) and nagomi (harmony). A fusion of traditional and contemporary Japanese style, The RitzCarlton, Kyoto, represents the character and aesthetic of a traditional machiya townhouse and courtyard.

The interior features patterned motifs created by local artisans that are complemented with Zen gardens and water features, including a centerpiece, two-story waterfall located at the heart of the property. Shippo patterns—traditionally regarded as a lucky design element in Japan—are woven throughout, including on the walls of the entrance and guest room doors.

An extensive collection of contemporary art inspired by The Tale of Genji, a classic novel written by Murasaki Shikibu in the 11th century, is on view throughout the property. Guests can learn more about the 409 works by 80 artists, most of them local, by taking a complimentary tour.

Most of the 134 guest rooms and suites have breathtaking views of the Kamogawa River and the Higashiyama Mountains. Deluxe rooms feature contemporary interiors; Deluxe Garden rooms are even more spacious and boast Japanese motifs and views of Zen gardens; the Luxury rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows with natural views of the river and mountains. Meanwhile, 17 luxurious suites include the Garden Terrace Suite with floor-to-ceiling windows and a private Zen garden terrace deck; the Garden Terrace Suite Tatami with traditional tatami mats, a futon, Japanese gardens and mountain views, and a private balcony; the Corner Suite Tatami with old Kyoto views; the Suite Tsukimi with private garden, a traditional moonviewing deck, dining area and study; the Suite Kamogawa with views overlooking the river and mountains; and The Ritz-Carlton Suite, with a private dining room and fireplace.

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Impeccable food and beverage options are also a highlight of The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto. Mizuki, designed by Design Studio SPIN (which also designed La Locanda and The Bar) blends traditional Japanese influences within modern spaces. Dishes consistent with Kyoto’s renowned spirit of craftsmanship entice all five senses and follow the philosophy of “Go-mi, Go-shiki, Go-ho,” meaning five flavors, five colors, five cooking methods. The restaurant features four types of cuisine, each offering different and memorable guest experiences: kaiseki mizuki (small plates of Japanese traditional haute cuisine presented on tableware designed by contemporary artists); sushi mizuki (elegant and refined super fresh sushi courses prepared Edo-style and served on a 33-foot table surfaced in Wajima lacquer—I enjoyed some of the best and most unique sushi I’ve ever eaten here); tempura mizuki (a Michelin-starred restaurant where the chef prepares tempura directly in front of guests); and teppan mizuki (teppanyaki cooking prepared in an open kitchen using an iron griddle).

While it’s hard to be in Japan and eat anything other than traditional fare, Italian cuisine with a modern twist is found at La Locanda. The impressive private dining room, which was once a two-story villa, features very special wood that is more than 700 years old. It’s another way that The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, aims to preserve the cultural heritage of Kyoto. Meanwhile, Camera Del Gusto is La Locanda’s

walk-in cellar that offers carefully selected charcuterie and cheeses from around the world. And at La Vetrina Della Boutique, La Locanda diners will enjoy watching cakes, macarons and other tempting desserts being prepared in an open kitchen.

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An international selection of fine wines; innovative specialty cocktails, including the La Locanda martini and pickled mojito; domestic and international beers; and a selection of seasonal small plates are found at The Bar. The stylish and modern space features a 360-degree wine cellar that houses more than 250 wines and can be seen from any seat in the restaurant.

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An enjoyable afternoon tea experience is found at The Lobby Lounge. This open and inviting space is surrounded by contemporary art and views of the entire lobby. In the gallery and library space, guests can enjoy afternoon tea, light snacks and desserts while discovering Japanese arts that are laid out for viewing on bookshelves. The Lobby Lounge Terrace boasts a cascading waterfall and serves up a tasty menu, including an incredible, notto-be-missed Wagyu burger (the best ever!).

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The resort is also home to one of the few Pierre Hermé Paris boutiques in all of Japan.

In addition, each of the restaurants features a variety of exquisite desserts prepared by Pierre Hermé Paris, creator of Haute Pâtisserie. The offerings are tailored to each of the resort’s food and beverage venues to mirror the cuisine.

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Pampering happens at The Ritz-Carlton Spa. The healing atmosphere features a flowing waterfall; seven treatments rooms, including one spa suite; a relaxation room; a steam room; a dry sauna; a 24-hour fitness center with Technogym equipment; and a 20-meter swimming pool. Treatments feature spa products from ESPA, made from high-quality botanical essences and marine actives. Book the Kyoto Bamboo Ritual, which consists of a massage using warm bamboo sticks and oils. Your therapist will choose from six different types of bamboo sticks—that differ by thickness, length and shape—to best suit your body and its condition. The resulting relaxation lingers for hours. An entire day could easily be spend here.

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The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, offers an extensive array of curated activities that allow guests complete immersion in Kyoto’s culture; experiences are booked through the activities concierge team. During our stay, we enjoyed the Kyoto by Rickshaw Experience. Since the late 1800s (the Meiji period), the rickshaw has been used for transportation all over Japan. Guests who choose this activity don traditional attire (for women, that means a kimono, and hair styled with colorful clips and flowers) and are chauffeured around the beautiful old streets of the city in a rickshaw. Our tour guide was full of knowledge. It was a trip highlight.

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Although it begins very early in the morning (6 a.m.), a guided bike tour is definitely worth the pre-dawn wake-up call. The ride goes through calm city streets to iconic places, such as Kiyomizu Temple, Shimogamo Shrine, HeianJingu Shrine and Fushimi Inari Shrine, known for thousands of torii gates. Other memorable activities available for booking through the guest activities team include the art of sushi making, art of kyo-karakami paper craft, practicing the movements of a samurai warrior, sake tasting, Japanese wrapping art, miniature Zen garden making with a master gardener, and more! Taking advantage of these activities really enhances the overall experience, and understanding of the history and traditions practiced here.

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Cherry blossom season, usually from the end of March through the first two weeks of April, is the most beautiful time of year to visit Kyoto, when the trees are in full bloom and their delicate pink flowers are cause for great celebration. In addition, for thousands of years, Kyoto has been the site of three major annual festivals: Aoi in May, Gion in July, and Jidai in October. Book reservations well in advance if these festivals are of interest. No matter when you visit, though, take it from someone whose time here was far to short: Give yourself a minimum of four days to enjoy this enchanting city. I am already planning my return!

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Kamogawa Nijo-Ohashi Hotori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, +81.75.746.5555, ritzcarlton.com/kyoto

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Serenity NOW AMID THE CAPTIVATING CHAOS THAT DEFINES INDIA’S CAPITAL CITY, SHANGRI-LA’S – EROS HOTEL, NEW DELHI IS A PERFECT POCKET OF PEACE. WRITTEN BY { BONNIE

DAVIDSON

I’m convinced that drivers in Delhi are taught to place their hands on the steering wheel not at 10 and two, but at 10 and horn. The beep-beeping of cars, tuk tuks, motorcycles, mopeds and pedicabs formed a relentless soundtrack during my recent visit to the teeming metropolis (population: more than 20 million), which is as notorious for its traffic-snarled streets and smog as it is famous for its colorful bazaars, spicy street food and centuries-old mosques, monuments and forts. Exploring this culturally rich and chaotic city means experiencing sensory overload, but I found sweet serenity at Shangri-La’s – Eros Hotel, New Delhi, a five-star property where you can tune out the rest of the world while dining, drinking, sleeping and luxuriating like a Mughal emperor.

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Centrally located, yet cloistered behind a manicured lawn and guarded grand entrance, the hotel is convenient for both business and leisure travelers. It’s close to historical sites, including India Gate, Lotus Temple and the Jantar Mantar observatory; all government buildings, foreign embassies and Rashtrapati Bhavan, the presidential palace; and premier shopping and dining at Connaught Place. For sightseeing further afield, the gracious staff will promptly hand you bottled water (a necessity for visitors who want to avoid a nasty case of “Delhi belly”) and summon a clean, comfortable taxi (or the hotel’s own courtesy car, if available). You’ll be whisked off to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Qutub Minar; Humayun’s Tomb, the burial site of the second Mughal emperor; the 17th-century Red Fort; Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest and most impressive mosques; or bustling Chandni Chowk, the jam-packed market area where you can buy everything from tiny carved elephants to elaborate wedding clothes, and where personal space isn’t really a thing.

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Crowds and chaos disappear, however, the moment you enter the gleaming white marble lobby of Shangri-La’s – Eros Hotel, New Delhi, with its enormous floral displays and air-purifying plants, glittery chandeliers and signature art piece—a mural intricately inlayed with onyx, mother-of-pearl, lapis lazuli, tiger’s eye and seashell. Here, the Hong Kong-based multinational hospitality group Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts takes great pride in its state-of-the-art air and water filtration systems, not to mention green initiatives, such as replacing all plastic (straws, stirrers, packaging) with biodegradable paper and bamboo. What a joy to find this tranquil, eco-friendly oasis in one of the most populous (and, sadly, one of the most polluted) cities on the planet!

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Refurbished in 2018, 320 spacious guest rooms and suites are furnished in soothing hues of silver, dove gray and muted beige. Beds are firm, sheets are supersoft and a pillow menu satisfies all personal preferences. In most rooms, a glass-enclosed shower acts as a room divider, separating the sleeping area from the marble bathroom; for privacy, shower curtains are lowered with the touch of a button. Powerful water pressure, plenty of fluffy bath towels and moisturizing bath products further elevate the comfort level.

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On the top two floors of the hotel, Horizon Club rooms come with additional perks, such as cushioned window seats, so you can gaze out at the city’s leafy diplomatic district, iconic landmarks, and swooping birds of prey; L’Occitane toiletries; late checkout privileges; complimentary suit pressing and shoe shine service; use of a meeting room for two hours per day; and access to the chic Horizon Club Lounge, a private lounge where power breakfasts, evening cocktails and canapes are served amid an aura of exclusivity. The most opulent accommodation of all is the lavish, 2,345-square-foot presidential suite, a twobedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom pied-aterre with a deep soaking Jacuzzi, living room, dining area, guest washroom and kitchenette.

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The hotel’s food and beverage program is also exceptional. High-end street food and soothing glasses of warm masala chai are the specialty at Mr. Chai, a lobby level café/tea shop that’s open 24/7.

Barrel-aged cocktails and negronis raise spirits nightly in the lively Grappa Bar. And three on-site destination restaurants mean there’s really no reason to leave the property for lunch or dinner.

A full day of feasting begins at Tamra, a big, bright dining room with quirky design elements (rolling pins, dangling ropes), where the concept is “the world on your platter.” Breakfast offerings range from light and wholesome (coconut water, bircher muesli) to rich, heavy and spicy (sweet lassi, mutton stew, wok-fried chicken in Szechuan sauce). At lunchtime and dinnertime, food from every region of India, as well as Southeast Asia, Japan, Europe and the United States, is prepared and served at a multitude of buffet tables and interactive cooking stations. The air is fragrant with curry and tamarind, and the number of choices, each one more tantalizing than the last, is mind-blowing. Fortunately, smiling servers are always on hand to help you navigate the tandoors, chaats, parathas and naans, dim sums, pastas, grilled meats, sushi rolls, soups, salads and, for dessert, vast display of pastries and Indian sweets.

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Another marquee dining room, Sorrento is the recipient of the Golden Q award from Ospitalita’ Italiana, ensuring compliance with the highestquality standards for Italian hospitality. Artisanal fresh pastas, Neapolitan pizzas and rustic familystyle dishes are specialties of the house.

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Nearby, diners savor the best of Yunnan, Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine at Shang Palace, the Shangri-La brand’s signature Chinese restaurant. Chef Ye Hai Jun, the resident dim sum master, makes magic with delicate little dumplings filled with such things as prawns and Qiandao Lake caviar. Beijing duck is artfully carved, sliced and plated tableside; in keeping with tradition, its crisp golden skin is accompanied by a dish of sugar for dipping. And when my deep-fried mud crab in pixan chili sauce arrived at the table, the shells coated with spicy fermented chili bean paste proved too slippery and messy for me to crack in public (licking each entire finger wouldn’t be polite), so our charming server came to the rescue. Within seconds, he skillfully extracted every morsel of succulent claw and leg meat, then presented it to me in the crustacean’s hollowed-out body. Bravo.

Fitness and beauty routines need not be interrupted while staying at Shangri-La’s – Eros Hotel, New Delhi. You can use free weights, strength and cardiovascular training equipment in the gym around the clock. There are indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, separate saunas and steam rooms for men and women, and a full-service beauty salon. Plus, a 25-meter outdoor swimming pool, encircled by gardens and greenery, provides refuge from the heat and humidity.

On a personal note, my stress was totally vanquished and inner peace was restored at Chi, The Spa at Shangri-La, a 20,000-square foot den of Zen with soft lighting, the sound of trickling water, and a menu of massages, facials, body treatments and Ayurvedic rituals designed to free your chi (life force).

After a welcome cup of green tea, I began my Taste of India Retreat, a two-hour wellness journey that led me straight to, well, shangri la.

First, a body scrub with crushed coconut shells left me with the feeling that every past, present and future patch of dry skin was sloughed away. Then came a soothing, herbal-oilscented abhyanga massage, a traditional Indian technique of long and short strokes and pressure point manipulation. “To increase circulation and lymphatic flow,” whispered my therapist. All I know is that I was lulled into dreamland. Finally, I floated into an adjacent room for a shirodhara treatment. I laid down on a table and, above my head, a big copper pot was dangling. From this shiny vessel, warm oil began drizzling onto my chakra—my third eye—and continued for the next 30 minutes, literally melting away every single thought, both good and bad, that popped into my mind. It was miraculous. I entered the spa feeling jet-lagged and preoccupied. I left relaxed, rejuvenated, alert and ready to tackle another fascinating day in Delhi.

19 Ashoka Road, Connaught Place, New Delhi,

shangri-la.com/en/newdelhi/erosshangrila

PEAK of

Perfect powder in winter, wildflower fields in spring, alpine streams in summer, brilliant foliage in fall— and the new Snowpine Lodge year-round—attract four seasons of outdoor enthusiasts to the southeastern corner of Utah.

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t the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon and snuggled in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains, Alta has been a playground for skiers, hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, birders and nature lovers for decades. Now, those who like a little pampering with their outdoor pursuits can check into the first luxury year-round resort in town, Snowpine Lodge, a modern reimagining of the historic lodge that has occupied the site since 1938.

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The Snowpine Lodge is the brainchild of real estate developer Brent Pratt, who acquired the property seven years ago. After a $50 million renovation designed by his daughter, Courtney Pratt, the resort has four new floors and 78 rooms, 19 of which maintain an Alta tradition of bunk beds. Each floor has a cozy living room area with comfy couches, sumptuous throws and glorious views of the mountains. Rooms have a rustic feel, with contemporary, comfortable furniture, neutral-tone textiles, barn-style doors, antiques, beautiful light fixtures and local art. Thanks to its own lift and ski lockers, as well as access to all mountain recreation, Snowpine Lodge is the height of convenience.

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Locals and visitors are invited to enjoy the elevated cooking of Chef Shawn Smith, who is at the helm of the lodge’s two dining establishments. Trained at the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, his presence at Snowpine Lodge ensures the food here surpasses the typical ski lodge grub. Chef Smith says his menus feature “approachable cuisine using trusted quality products.” He likes to cook in the same style that he eats.

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The Gulch Pub showcases creative takes on comfort food (pickle-brined fried chicken, nduja pizza, Calabrian chili sausage) using locally sourced ingredients. The most popular craft cocktail after a day on the slopes is the soul-warming El Santo, a mix of Oaxaca mezcal with fresh lemon and lime, an amarena cherry, Old Bay salted rim and Laphroaig rinse.

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Swen’s is a casual yet sophisticated eatery featuring a globally inspired, seasonally changing menu, thoughtfully chosen wine list and well-rounded selection of beers. Swen’s features private and communal tables, an open kitchen and floor-to-ceiling windows that make the most of the jaw-dropping vista.

The Stillwell Spa is a place for rejuvenation of mind and body, with six treatment rooms, a full-service salon, sauna, steam room, indoor grotto and men’s and women’s lockers. Certified professionals offer a range of services, including massages, facials, waxing and other beauty treatments. A signature facial,

Polished Perfection, relieves the effects of a highaltitude environment and targets the signs of aging by incorporating lavender and ginger essential oils.

The peel uses layers of enzymes that exfoliate the skin, leaving it renewed and radiant. Nourish and Balance is a head-to-toe treatment, beginning with a cleansing lime and ginger foot scrub followed by an Elemis body nectar nourishing wrap, and finishing with a relaxing scalp and facial massage.

The spa also includes an oxygen bar, where guests can detoxify the body and cleanse the blood after a day of breathing Alta’s alpine air. Sessions are available for 10, 20 or 30 minutes. There’s a relaxation room with cozy seating areas for use pre- or post-treatment, and day passes are available.

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In addition, members of The Snowpine Club, a private lodging and recreation organization, are entitled to a host of exclusive amenities and services, such as access to a club lounge, two weeks of both peak winter and summer accommodations in Club Suites and private round-trip airport shuttles. Free ski tune-ups, ski valet and lockers, complimentary continental breakfasts, beverages and snacks are also available in the ski locker room. snowpine.com

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Located on the second floor of the Snowpine Lodge, The Nest is Alta’s first fully stocked game room, providing guests of all ages a lively place to hang out and enjoy friendly competition as they play foosball, pool, ping pong, Pac-Man, board games and more.

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elegance ISLES OF

In Barbados and St. Lucia, jewels in the Elegant Hotels collection provide warm hospitality, relaxed luxury and all the comforts of home.

WRITTEN BY { BETH

WEITZMAN

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ith eight high-end Caribbean hotels— seven on Barbados, one on St. Lucia— the folks behind Elegant Hotels know a thing or two about genuine hospitality. Guests feel at home at each property in the brand’s portfolio of traditional, adults-only and all-inclusive resorts: Colony Club, Tamarind, The House, Crystal Cove, Turtle Beach, Treasure Beach, and Waves Hotel & Spa on Barbados; and The Landings Resort & Spa in St. Lucia.

At all Elegant Hotels, guests enjoy an array of complimentary services and activities, such as breakfast, WiFi, fitness center and classes, and water sports like kayaking, sailing, snorkeling, windsurfing and stand-up paddleboarding.

Beach and pool ambassadors provide constant attention and are at your service with everything from sunscreen to chilled fruit popsicles. In addition, with the Dine Around Program in Barbados, all-inclusive guests have the opportunity to dine at any the four other all inclusive properties. There is a supplemental charge if a guest is staying at a non-all-inclusive but would like to dine at an all-inclusive.

Barbados Bound I recently had the pleasure of visiting Barbados, an independent British Commonwealth nation in the eastern Caribbean, known for its breathtaking beaches and crystal blue water, lush gardens and plantation houses. The House, located on the western Platinum Coast of the island, was my home away from home for three lovely, relaxing days. The serenity I found at this luxe adults-only retreat was a most welcome break from my hectic city life.

On-property dining options include the lobby lounge, the oceanfront deck, private beach cabana or in-suite. All day and nighttime menus are available as well as room service 24 hours. Complimentary daily Champagne breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails are served in the lobby lounge right off the main living room overlooking the pool and beach. Adjacent is Daphne’s, combining the fine Italian menu of its famous London counterpart with island flavors and fresh seafood (the lobster pasta was among the best I’ve ever had).

There’s also the 1703 Mount Gay Rum Bar on-site, which is the perfect spot for sundowner cocktails. Another dinner option is the Laguna Restaurant, the nearby Colony Club’s signature eatery, serving up an international feast with fresh local seafood, prime cuts of beef and produce seasoned with island and global spices.

Follow with a decadent rum-and-chocolate pairing at the Rum Vault. Off-property dining is also wonderful, especially lunch at oceanfront Round House, which serves local specialties with American and British details using fresh local ingredients.

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All-inclusive excursions, both on and off the property, include cultural and historical tours, beach cricket and neighborhood walks.

For an additional fee, guests can take island safari tours highlighting iconic spots, such as the Caribbean’s oldest windmill; rum tours; catamaran cruises; horseback rides on the beach; cave tours; and submarine trips. For travelers seeking something extra special, the LX by The House package is the answer. It includes polo lessons, a private rum tasting and tour, a VIP shopping experience, luxury airport transfers, a three-hour sunset catamaran sail and the option to fly to the neighboring islands of Mustique or the Grenadines. 888.996.9948, eleganthotels.com/the-house.

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Rest and relaxation are in order in the light and bright guest accommodations, where it’s easy

Days can be spent relaxing poolside (which I did) or lounging on the beach, one of the best on Barbados’ west coast. The staff has the knack of knowing exactly when to come by to see if another cocktail or snack is desired. They’re perfectly attentive, but not intrusive.

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Designed to emulate a chic Caribbean beach house, the charming 34-room, all-suite haven exudes comfort and sophistication. Checking in was a breeze. Without a formal front desk, the super-quick process was carried out by a personal property ambassador from the comfort of a plush white couch in the living room. Whether you want an ice-cold cocktail, a beachside massage or an offshore excursion, the ambassadors can make it happen. Other extra-special touches at The House include a complimentary 30-minute jet-lag revival massage and welcome drink; a daily Champagne breakfast, afternoon tea and evening canapés.

to feel at home. Each features soft ivory linens, feather-topped beds, iPod docking stations and marble bathrooms with rain showers and a full tub with body jets in each room. Large patios or balconies are the perfect spot for reading a book while sipping wine and taking in the views.

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Sensational St. Lucia St. Lucia’s unique topography, ecology, fresh cuisine, hospitable locals and luxe accommodations set the stage for both relaxation and outdoor adventure. Part of the Windward Islands and the Lesser Antilles in the West Indies, it is a 14-mile-wide, 27-milelong nature-lover’s paradise, featuring 19,000 acres of mountainous, tropical rainforest and 29 miles of trails.

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Elegant Hotels’ property on the island, The Landings Resort & Spa, is situated on Rodney Bay, near the northern tip of St. Lucia. The condo-style resort, perched on 19 beachfront acres, features well-appointed one-, two- and three-bedroom villa suites from 900 to 2,300 square feet, all centered on a private yacht harbor exclusive to The Landings’ owners and guests. Private crewed yacht charters for evening sails and dinners can be arranged.

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In addition to the full range of Elegant Hotels’ perks, an extra all-inclusive option adds meals (full American breakfast, lunch and dinner), beach snacks and unlimited deluxe beverage service (some restrictions apply).

Imposing in size but comfortable in nature, the elegant five-story grand pavilion houses the reception area, The Palms restaurant and The Viscount bar on the first level; and the spa and the fitness center on the second. A threestory waterfall made of indigenous dark green andesite stone, walls clad in coral rendering handmade by Guyanese artisans, and custommade alabaster and coral chandeliers reflect the natural setting and local culture.

The super-spacious villas are outfitted with high-end appointments, including Miele appliances and Liebherr refrigerators. Whether you are traveling alone, with your honey, bestie or entire family, having a fully accessorized kitchen is a welcome feature, as are the washer and dryer. Opt to take advantage of the Personal Pantry, where you are able to preorder your favorite foods, snacks and beverages, and have them delivered to your suite prior to arrival. Splurge and reserve a chef for a night (or two) via the resort’s Chef-En-Suite program and enjoy fresh island cuisine in the comfort of your own villa dining room. After dinner, chill out in the large living room and enjoy beautiful vistas of the beach, harbor, lagoon or channel.

Perhaps indulge in a dessert wine on one of two large balconies or landscaped terraces in the front and back of each villa. Some even come with a private plunge pool. An added benefit of ground-level accommodations is the ability to walk right out to the beach or the The Beach Club restaurant where you can enjoy live music in addition to your main meals while gazing at the sunset each evening, with a specialty cocktail in hand.

Boasting fine finishes in stone, porcelain ceramics and top-quality hardwoods complemented by rattan furnishings and island-inspired artwork and accessories, the villas feel very homey. Retire in the evening into pure serenity—many of the villas feature four-poster beds in the master bedrooms and all have large, marble en-suite bathrooms. I truly enjoyed starting the day by indulging in room service set up on my private balcony. It’s vacation, after all. Why not?

Menus in all of the resort’s restaurants showcase fresh seafood, organic vegetables, herbs and fruit from local farmers and markets, with Caribbean and Mediterranean influences. You can never go wrong with the day’s fresh catch or the region’s famous spiny lobsters. The resort’s theme nights, such as Taste of Lucia, Family Style Night and Seafood Night, are quite popular and feature large buffets.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at The Beach Club, located at the water’s edge, just off an 800-foot stretch of white-sand beach. Here, a large breakfast buffet delights guests in the morning, and a Caribbean menu with Mediterranean and Asian influences wows at lunch, in the afternoon and at dinner. For lunch, the chicken roti with local spices and chutney is delish, as is the ceviche. The pizzas are great, too. For dinner, the crustacean menu features lobster Thermidor, grilled lobster and lobster Provençal. From the main menu, Thai-style crispy popiah, shrimp and lobster cocktail; and surf and turf are great selections. At the Beach Club is The Turquoise Beach Bar, serving a premier selection of rums and specialty cocktails, such as the popular Sweet Euphoria and the Green Flash, which can also be found on The Beach Club menu.

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Callaloo Beach Bar and Grill, situated directly on the sand, is where you can often find bartender extraordinaire Ellijah and Chef Arturo Eduardo Avila Zarraga serving up great food and tons of fun. Don’t be surprised when they break out in song, serenading guests with old-time tunes. The casual spot is great for an afternoon light snack, a cold drink or full meal filled with St. Lucia’s farm-to-table offerings.

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Late afternoon or in the evening, enjoy a tapas-style menu filled with canapés, caviar and a wide array of sophisticated libations at The Viscount Lounge, which overlooks the marina, followed by dinner at The Palms. An open-air patio with a dramatic view of the marina is a romantic setting for the inventive Mediterranean menu of fine meats, fresh fish and seafood cooked on a lava stone grill. Tasty starters include scallop crudo, Greek-style calamari and tabbouleh with hummus.

Delicious entrees include fisherman’s pot en croute (brimming with fresh fish, scallops, shrimp and mussels), lentil ratatouille and salmon kabobs.

Be sure to save room for desserts like baklava, panna cotta and peanut butter cheesecake.

Recreation is year-round in St. Lucia. Swim in the ocean right off The Landings’ pristine beach or in three outdoor pools (including an adultsonly serenity pool); take out a sailboat; or play human-size chess on the sand, tennis on two courts or golf at the nearby St. Lucia Golf & Country Club. Get close to nature at nearby Pigeon Island National Park, where the landscape includes two beaches and a lookout point with panoramic views of St. Lucia’s northwest coastline. We opted for a guided snorkel

tour, including rental gear, and we saw an impressive array of brighthued fish. There are also moderately difficult hiking trails, as well as more leisurely walking paths and military ruins (most notably Fort Rodney), around Pigeon Island, which was once the site of battles between the British and the French. Learn a bit about St. Lucia’s history at the Interpretation Centre. While here, we enjoyed a local-style lunch at Barnacles beachfront eatery. Situated in an 1750s old cellar and featuring beautiful stone archways, the bar and restaurant grill serves Creole food, fresh-caught seafood and great beers. You may see the owner walking around, showing off live octopus. He and his entire staff exude warm St. Lucian hospitality and provide quick service.

Calling all avid hikers: The Pitons, a pair of volcanic peaks, beckon.

You can challenge yourself by hiking to the summit of Gros Piton, the taller of the two. At almost 3,000 feet above sea level, this is one challenging mountain. Whether you reach the top or ascend only partially, the views are incredible. Trekking through the rainforest is also a popular activity; meanwhile, adrenaline junkies can take a zip line above indigenous treetops, exotic flora and fauna (an open-air tram is a more down-to-earth alternative). You may even encounter rare birds, like the gorgeous St. Lucia parrot. With all that to choose from— plus parasailing, deep-sea fishing, sailing, jet-skiing and other aquatic activities (all of which can be chartered through The Landings’ Water Sports Concession)—days can be as action-packed as you’d like.

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In the evenings, should you want to venture out, nearby Rodney Bay Village is filled with nightlife and dining options. Real estate investments with rental pool opportunities are currently available for sale at The Landings Resort & Spa. 866.252.0689, landingsstlucia.com

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Beyond dining, fun in the sun and outdoor adventure, check out The Landings’ 7,000-square-foot spa. With eight serene treatment rooms (including one couple’s room and some with outdoor hydrotherapy terraces), several relaxation rooms, a fitness gallery and a full-service salon, multiple visits are in order. There’s a wide array of locally inspired and Natura Bisse treatments, facials, body treatments and massages. When it comes to working out, the fitness center, with free weights, a multitude of cardio equipment, yoga, body sculpting and kickboxing classes, is top-notch.

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WOW

Living la Pura Vida is easy at the W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal, a stunning new resort on the northern coast of one of the happiest places on the planet.

WRITTEN BY { BETH

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T

here’s a reason why Costa Rica tops the Happy Planet Index.

Residents believe in pura vida, Spanish for “pure life”—which means they’re filled with optimism and gratitude, and never allow themselves to get bogged down by small-stuff stresses.

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In keeping with the Central American country’s characteristic spirit of joy, the W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal has recently joined a growing list of W Escape resort destinations around the world. Located mere minutes from renowned surfing spot Tamarindo, this is the first W Hotel in Costa Rica. The magical experience begins upon arrival, as guests are ushered along an avenue of 2,000 bursera simaruba trees. Suddenly, the signature W logo, cut out of a bright red wall that curves around the valet area, comes into view. This dramatic entrance is reminiscent of the bullrings in which the national pastime is played out. (In keeping with the practice of pura vida, el toro’s life is always spared here.)

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Overlooking the Pacific Ocean and sugar-white sand beaches, the eco-friendly resort is nestled between mangroves within a 2,300-acre nature reserve in Guanacaste. Costa Rica is rich in biodiversity, so don’t be surprised if you see a monkey, raccoon and assorted other wildlife roaming the property. The serene, tropical paradise exudes luxury and customization at every turn, with gorgeous design details throughout.

Designed by Mister Important Design, along with W Hotels’ in-house design team and Ronald Zurcher Architects, W Costa Rica takes architectural and design cues from the naturally beautiful landscape and local culture.

The indoor-outdoor Living Room—W Hotels’ spin on a traditional hotel lobby—is an architectural wonder. With floor-to-ceiling stone and wood panels, a connecting hallway mimics the lines of a marimba, the traditional Costa Rican percussion instrument. Towering wooden structures resemble the province’s namesake guanacaste trees. A large wooden pillar is carved with the textures and patterns of the Costa Rican pineapple—a global symbol of hospitality and one of the nation’s most important commodities. Looking out to the Wet Deck, an outdoor extension of the Living Room, you can’t help but marvel at the view.

GUEST ROOMS AND SUITES

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For added relaxation, all of the suites at W Costa Rica boast plunge pools, plus multiple additional opportunities to embrace the outdoors. For example, the Sunset Treehouse Suites, nestled deep within the mangroves, can accommodate groups of six to 16 by connecting several adjacent rooms and suites. This private hotel-within-a-hotel category features an in-suite foosball table, a portable Bose speaker, 55-inch smart TV and ample living space with plush lounge seating. Spacious counters are perfect for personalized culinary creations and libations prepared by the resort’s talented chefs and expert mixologists. There are private plunge pools and balconies overlooking the ocean as well. And then there’s the Extreme WOW Suite, which features a large faceted wood wall, an expansive living room and bar, a state-of-the-art entertainment system, fully stocked bar, master bedroom with private entrance, private pool and a cloud-shaped oversized bed that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. The best part, though, is the suite’s glass doors, which completely open to the wraparound deck, creating the ultimate indoor-outdoor space.

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Each of the hotel’s 150 guest rooms and suites are thoughtfully designed with bold colors, clean lines and spa-style bathrooms. Inspired by the woven basket nests of the indigenous oropendola birds, curvaceous wooden headboards cradle each bed, while pillow-top mattresses, fluffy goose-down duvets and 350-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets encourage a good night’s sleep. Guest room walls feature natural wood and abstract floral murals. A miniature surfboard, made by local manufacturer Cheboards, hangs on the wall above a cocktail prep station—convenient for mixing drinks to enjoy on the open-air balcony. The well-appointed marble bathroom features double vanity and showcases handpainted patterns inspired by Chorotega pottery.

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ACTIVITIES Of course, R&R is the order of the day. The hotel’s signature AWAY Spa offers massages, body wraps, facials, mani/pedis and makeup services. In a nod to Costa Rica’s more than 1,500 species of butterflies, six beauty pods built like cocoons provide the perfect spot for mani/pedis. The AWAY Spa Bar offers a full detox/re-tox experience. It’s a social spa space in which guests can mix and mingle, with or without a glass of Champagne or a craft cocktail. This is my kind of spa!

Six treatment rooms, women’s and men’s locker rooms, a steam room, an outdoor pool and a relaxation area round out the allure.

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Another relaxing place to spend the afternoon is at either or both of the W pools and the beach. The WET Deck, located right off the Living Room area, is itself a design wonder. The multilevel deck is peppered with smartly designed chaise lounges and individual cabanas, all overlooking the lush forest, with the Pacific Ocean peeking through the trees. Local design inspiration is apparent from the edgeless hot tub (located within the sparkling pool) and the interiors of the sunken WET Bar, which features mosaic interpretations of the mandala-like wheels of colorful Carreta Tipica oxcarts. Swim up for a cocktail, and enjoy snacks and lunch served anywhere on the WET Deck. The menu features health-conscious comfort food (avocado toast with crispy garlic and seabass ceviche with leche de tigre and lime), as well as indulgences (lobster tacos), complemented by specialty tropical cocktails like the Watermule (Ketel One, watermelon juice and ginger beer), plus Champagne and wine, of course.

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A 10-minute walk or quick golf cart ride from the WET Deck is the Zona Azul Beach Club, which welcomes both guests and nonguests. It’s named for the blue zone—five regions of the world known for the longevity of their residents. This destination-within-a-destination features an Olympic-size pool, elevated bar, a lounge and leisure deck lined with cabanas and chaise lounges. A specialty cocktail list includes a Bloody Gazpacho (Ketel One, local tomato and chipotle blend, Salsa Lizano) and Rose of Althea (Ron Flor de Caña Coco, watermelon juice, hibiscus syrup). At the Zona Azul Beach Club restaurant, dishes from the five blue zones (Italy, Japan, Greece, California and Costa Rica) comprise the menu of beach snacks (guacamole and plantain chips, mussels a la Chalaca, and crispy seafood with prawns, squid and octopus); wings, smoked barbecue pork ribs, ceviches, salads, and family-style entrees, such as the flash-fried whole catch of the day, a whole chicken, and a 12-ounce Angus beef burger with bacon, cheese, pickles, lettuce, tomato and crispy onion. For dessert, the Super Cookie is a chocolate macadamia cookie topped with vanilla, chocolate, pistachio and hazelnut ice cream.

The beach club also offers high-energy entertainment, late-night cocktails and direct access to Playa Conchal (including complimentary paddleboarding, kayaking and snorkeling). A jet-skiing tour right off the beach is a must.

Soon, guests will be able to zip line directly from the hilltop of the WET Deck to the beach club—a perfect spot to watch the sunset.

When it comes time for working off the calories, the fully equipped FIT gym is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and boasts panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the vast nature reserve. Guests may also take advantage of Reserva Conchal’s 18-hole, Robert Trent Jones II golf course, with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean on one side and lush forests on the other. This 71par championship course, with perfectly placed lakes and ravines, provides players of all skill levels with a one-of-akind eco-golf experience. Golf rentals and lessons are also available.

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Near the resort, Playa Flamingo offers activities, such as zip line and aerial adventure parks, horseback riding, ATV excursions, catamaran rides, fishing, snorkeling and jungle exploration. In the dry season (December through April), majestic humpback whales migrate through the area, while leatherback turtles nest along the nearby beaches.

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In addition to the Zona Azul Beach Club restaurant, there are several other options for delicious cuisine and handcrafted cocktails made with fresh, seasonal ingredients at W Costa Rica. International tapas and libations come with killer views, bold beats and a social vibe at The Living Room. Be sure to go at night, when the tree-like structure becomes an illuminated art installation. Inspired by the tails of Costa Rica’s fabulous hummingbirds, it is decorated with 9,000 recycled white, blue, green and brown glass beer bottles. All lit up after dark, it is especially dazzling.

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Right off the Living Room, Cocina de Mercado offers LatinAmerican and Mediterranean fare, plus grab-and-go options.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this open-market concept boasts a large show kitchen, pizza counter and griddle station with an air-conditioned dining room and outdoor terrace.

Breakfast includes an extensive juice bar, matcha bowl, avocado toast, corn pancakes, banana bread toast and eggs with local spicy sausage. Lunchtime features starters such as a local cheese and charcuterie board, salads, tuna poke and a vegan power bowl with quinoa, chickpeas, beetroot, avocado and sweet potato with mustard dressing. A user-friendly menu identifies dishes that are vegan, contain dairy, soy, nuts and the like. For dinner, grilled meats, potato and veggies sides are the stars, alongside flatbreads and pizzas. Dessert is another highlight, with specialties such as tres leche, dulce de leche and molten chocolate cake.

Meanwhile, Latitud 10° Norte, named for the shared latitude of Thailand and Costa Rica, serves up Thai-inspired cuisine in a more formal environment. This is where you’ll want to wear a slightly dressier outfit. Open only for dinner, the experience begins at a social bar table for interactive drinks where a mixologist whips up speciality cocktails right in front of you.

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This truly special restaurant uses locally sourced, rare ingredients to create a remix of traditional Tico fare and offers an expertly curated wine list, exclusive cocktails, after-dinner drinks and table-side finishing plates. The atmosphere is chic and inviting.

Signature starters include shrimp chorreada with mangostán, uchuva, passion fruit, sweet bell pepper, red curry vinaigrette and avocado; chicken and truffle galantine with bone marrow, chicharrón, peanut sauce and squid ink potato; and Wagyu carpaccio with spicy bread crumbs and toasted cashew. Main courses includie red snapper chifrijo with chicharrón; braised short rib with cashew, praline and pumpkin purée; lobster rondon with soba pasta, oyster mushrooms, asparagus and seafood broth. For dessert, arroz con leche (coconut Thai rice, mango, lemongrass sauce) and Piña (pineapple carpaccio, peppermint chimichurri, coconut, black sesame ice cream) are absolute musts. I am still dreaming about this meal—it’s worth the entire trip.

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PERSONALIZED PACKAGES AND EXPERIENCES The I’m All In Package includes gourmet meals and snacks from the property’s five restaurants; alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, including a wide selection of sommelier-curated wines, premium spirits and signature cocktails; in-room MixBar snacks and nonalcoholic beverages; and exclusive access to W events.

(Package starts at $300 for two guests per night as a supplement to the room rate.)

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Once-in-a-lifetime luxury bespoke offerings, curated by the W Insider, further elevate the experience at W Costa Rica. Anything guests can imagine is on offer—the sky’s the limit.

We had the time of our lives on our adventure, which began with a thrilling TomCar offroading experience with Viva La Costa Off Road Adventures. It doesn’t get better (or safer) than these super-high-end off-roading vehicles originally designed for the Israeli military.

Two- and four-seater vehicles are available, and all are equipped with a Yeti cooler filled with fresh water, a Pelican dry box, a wash-down tank, motocross goggles, and a helmet and dust mask to keep your face clear of dust and dirt.

Beach towels are also provided. Our trail took us to Conchal beach for a luxury private beach party like no other, presented by the amazing W Costa Rica F & B team in coordination with W Insider. We enjoyed a full bar, a grilling station for super-fresh seafood and meats, and a table full of salads and sides while looking out to the beach and blue waters of the Pacific Ocean and listening to awesome tunes by a live DJ. For anyone looking for a spot to celebrate any occasion with a group of friends, this is the absolute ultimate choice.

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While it was hard to beat our TomCar/beach party experience, on another day we ventured to Hacienda El Viejo, where we enjoyed an authentic Costa Rican lunch and a rum distillation and mangrove boat tour. That evening, sunset cocktails and dinner on the sand were in order at Pangas beachfront restaurant in Tamarindo. This popular spot serves up epic sunset views and a rib-eye and lobster surf and turf cooked on your own 500-degree lava stone.

Because anything done by the W Insider is of the highest level, bar-hopping in town (talk about getting VIP service) came next.

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Other W Insider excursions include a visit to Cheboards, where you can create a personalized surfboard (with advance planning, you can also order a board before your arrival, use it during your stay, then ship it back home); surfing lessons; luxury boat excursions; and more. No matter what you choose, the W Insider will personalize the experience to make it truly yours. While the trip had to come to an end, the memories will last until I return to create new ones.

wcostarica.com

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C ’est la

Vie HISTORIC CHARM MEETS MODERN - DAY AMENITIES IN THE BIG EASY. WRITTEN BY { MISTY

MILIOTO

As many will attest, New Orleans has a certain magnetism— perhaps it’s even a bit animalistic on Bourbon Street—and the soul and warmth of the city, its food and its people are captivating.

Today, the city is as intriguing as ever, thanks to a bevy of new hotel developments and improvements, world-class restaurants, music venues and bars, art galleries and more. A new $1 billion airport terminal with three concourses recently opened with several new direct flights to and from cities including Denver, Austin, Louisville and Philadelphia.

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Where to Stay The recently opened Maison de la Luz is a distinctive guest house from Atelier Ace—designed in partnership with the acclaimed Studio Shamshiri, with architectural renovation by EskewDumezRipple—that offers a bespoke experience. The six-story hotel features 67 resplendent guest rooms, guest-only access to a private breakfast room, living room and dining room, and dedicated concierge. Silk-tasseled room keys, hand-embroidered linens, sculptural snake shower handles and refined custom tile work enhance the nuanced interiors.

Maison de la Luz also is home to Bar Marilou, which has a separate entrance from the hotel and a private speakeasy within. Located in the former law library of the old City Hall Annex, the bar pays tribute to its history with an extensive, curated selection of books ranging in genre and edition. It’s the first U.S. venture for venerated French hospitality group Quixotic Projects, which is known for acclaimed Parisian venues such as Candelaria, Le Mary Celeste, Les Grand Verres, Glass and Hero. Expect refined French touches paired with classic cocktails, flavorful small plates and a bit of mischief. Rooms from $389 per night, 546 Carondelet St., maisondelaluz.com,

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Meanwhile, the historic Le Pavillon Hotel—a AAA Four Diamond hotel located in the heart of the Central Business District—has recently undergone a lavish renovation. Historically known as the Belle of New Orleans, the glamorous hotel holds a large collection of antiques and features a rooftop pool. Le Pavillon beckons with a towering, ivory exterior accentuated by two 15-foot limestone statues greeting guests through the porte-cochere. The renovated lobby now provides a sense of arrival with elegant blue and gray hues paired with bold colors, and brass and crystal embellishments. The large-scale refresh follows the transformation of Le Pavillon Hotel’s 226 guest rooms and seven signature suites. Each suite is named after and designed around well-known New Orleans streets. For example, the Napoleon Suite features prized artwork and antique

furnishings, intricate stained glass and a bathroom with one of Napoleon Bonaparte’s Carrera marble bathtubs; polished green marble counters, walls and flooring; golden sinks; a dual head walk-in shower; and a bidet. The Frenchmen Suite, meanwhile, is reminiscent of New Orleans’ iconic music scene. It boasts a baby grand piano and mounted saxophone; album covers from jazz artists such as the Neville Brothers, Harry Connick Jr. and Jelly Roll Morton; and original sheet music as decor. The hotel’s transformation also includes the addition of a new French restaurant, Bijoux, and the reinvention of the lobby bar, Cachette 1907, featuring hand-crafted, specialty cocktails and a vintage Brunswick mahogany bar surrounded by a railing from the Grand Hotel in Paris. Rooms from $2,000 per night, 833 Poydras St., 504.581.3111, lepavillon.com

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Historic Uptown is in for a treat with the opening of Hotel Chloe later this year. The boutique hotel will feature 14 rooms, including two suites, a restaurant with an adjoining lobby bar, a pool bar and intimate gardens throughout. Housed in a historic Queen Annestyle mansion, which was built as a private home in 1891, Hotel Chloe will have 13-foot ceilings, hardwood floors and original fireplaces. With interior design by Sara Ruffin Costello, the well-appointed guest rooms will feature custom-designed and antique furniture, luxury bedding, flat screen televisions, a locally sourced minibar, walk-in showers and clawfoot tubs, and custom bath and body products. This is the first hotel project by hospitality group LeBLANC+SMITH (the team behind notable New Orleans restaurants Sylvain, Meauxbar, Cavan and Longway Tavern), so the food and beverage program—helmed by acclaimed New Orleans Chef Todd Pulsinelli—is sure to be top notch. 4125 St. Charles Ave., hotelchloe.com

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Where to Eat French brasserie Couvant recently opened in the Eliza Jane Hotel in the Central Business District, featuring a six-seat raw bar and French fare from Executive Chef Elliot Cunniff.

Housed within the building’s original bitters factory, the space features a black-and-white tiled floor in the front lounge with barstyle seating overlooking Magazine Street. A 17-seat bar made of oak and repurposed newel posts rounds the corner and connects the front lounge to the modern dining room, which is outfitted with saddle-brown leather, channel-tufted banquettes; unique local art pieces; exposed stone flooring; globe lighting; and mosaic tile accents throughout. For drinks, be sure to check out The Press Room, the hotel’s intimate living room-inspired lounge with antiques and books, typewriters, and leather and multihued velvet seating.

Another delight is the Bisous Wine Bar, a seasonal courtyard experience offering a rotating selection of unique wines paired with seasonal raw bar options, hors d’oeuvres, cheese and charcuterie.

315 Magazine St., 504.882.1234,

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In the Warehouse District, the newly opened Gianna is an Italian restaurant from Link Restaurant Group with James Beard Award-winning Executive Chef Rebecca Wilcomb at the helm. The menu reflects rustic Italian cuisine rooted in Louisiana tradition and technique, with fresh pasta and wood-burning oven specialties. The interior features decorative fabric wall finishes, metal shelving and a zinc-topped, horseshoeshaped bar in the center of the dining room.

Commissioned artwork, including an Ashley Pridmore sculpture and a 20-foot-long mural of an octopus, adorns the space. Guests here will enjoy daily antipasti, housecured meats, locally farmed produce, Gulf seafood and more. The beverage program highlights curated Italian wines, and a variety of imported and housemade Italian liqueurs. 700 Magazine St., 504.399.0816, giannarestaurant.com Another fabulous New Orleans chef, Justin Devillier, and his wife, Mia FreibergerDevillier, have opened their third restaurant, Justine, in the French Quarter. The restaurant, designed by locally based Farouki Farouki, combines the sophistication of a Parisian brasserie with the playfulness of New Orleans’ most lively district. The multiroomed restaurant features an intimate back dining room with a mural by local artist Ellen Macomber and an outdoor dining area lush with greenery. The menu highlights dishes like fois gras torchon, soupe à l’oignon gratinée, bouillabaisse, coq au vin and Moroccan spiced-beef ribs.

Grab one of the three raised round booths inside with custom felt divider screens to enjoy a private perch from which to enjoy the scene. In the antique-brass and smokedmirror embellished bar room, screen-printed portraits of Ernest Hemingway and Edgar Degas watch over the room, while a 6-foottall, 19th-century cast-iron statue of a female muse stands as the focal point. 225 Chartres St., 504.218.8533, justinenola.com

Where to Drink Business partners Melissa Coleman and CeCe Colhoun have brought a stylish, highly photogenic coffee and matcha bar to New Orleans, dubbed Drink Beauty.

The complex drinks are mixed with unusual ingredients, such as tumeric, beetroot powder, goji berry and CBD oil, to make them as healthful as they are intoxicating. Other surprises, such as butterfly pea flower and rose, result in drinks that are special experiences in themselves. The pink-and-white, Instaworthy space sparkles with a giant flower mural, neon lips hanging over the beverage bar and a pink La Marzocco espresso machine. An added bonus?

There’s also a makeup counter selling the exclusive beauty brand, By Terry—the only location in New Orleans to do so—along with Rodin and Edward Bess.

3424 Magazine St., 504.766.0873

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For something a bit stronger, head to the newly revamped Henry’s Gin Bar at NOPSI Hotel, New Orleans, in the Central Business District. The city’s first and only gin bar, aptly named for New Orleans’ notoriously law-abiding saloonkeeper and inventor of the gin fizz, Henry C. Ramos, the bar serves more than 50 gins representing nine regions and two gin varietals (Old Tom and Geneva). Curated under the direction of Executive Chef Neal Swidler, the menu features signature gin cocktails, a build-your-own martini option, a selection of beer, wine and chef-inspired small plates. Grab a spot at the bar or in the communal space throughout the lobby, and enjoy weekly live music.

317 Baronne St., 504.962.6500, nopsihotel.com

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Newly opened in the Central Business District, Espiritu Mezcalería & Cocina celebrates the food, drinks, history and culture of Mexico with agave spirits at the forefront. It’s also the official home of the Mezcal Society, a club dedicated to the appreciation of agave spirits. Join a mezcal tasting guided by Master Mezcalier Jason Mitzen, including a flight of three mezcals accompanied by information on how the mezcal is made, who makes it and the flavor notes.

520 Capdeville St., 504.267.4975, espiritunola.com

A new wine bar has opened in the Lower Garden District called Claret, offering more than 25 wines by the glass, 30 domestic and imported craft beers, and an extensive craft cocktail list created by Bar Manager Craig Seaman and Wine Director Lizzie Lenson. Executive Chef Marcus Woodham has curated a wide-ranging, housemade charcuterie program and an extensive cheese selection from around the globe. Opt for the outdoor patio area with retractable roof.

1320 Magazine St., 504.766.9425, claretnola.com

What to Do Enjoy a day in City Park at the newly expanded Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden. The six-acre expansion brings the garden to 11 acres among a mature landscape of pines, magnolias and live oaks surrounding two lagoons. The garden now features more than 90 sculptures, most of them donated to the New Orleans Museum of Art by the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Foundation. There’s also an outdoor amphitheater and stage, pedestrian bridges and walkways, a new gallery and an outdoor learning environment.

1 Collins Diboll Circle, 504.658.4100,

noma.org/sculpture-garden

For a fun night out, head to the Fillmore at Harrah’s New Orleans.

This new 22,000-square-foot live music venue honors the historic traditions of Fillmore music halls around the country and showcases incredible state-of-theart production, vintage poster art, VIP amenities and more. Wrought iron gate segments and clapboard sidings are used throughout the venue, alongside local influences such as gas street lanterns, street tile signage and local art displays.

6 Canal St., 504.881.1555,

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The new Sazerac House Museum recently opened on the corner of Canal and Magazine streets, just a few hundred yards from the original 1850 Sazerac Coffee House site. The nearly 200-yearold buildings now house artifacts and information about the spirited history of the iconic Sazerac cocktail, as well as many other original New Orleans brands. Guests also will learn how New Orleans has shaped the bourbon and rum industries, and the overall American cocktail culture of the city.

101 Magazine St., 504.910.0107,

sazerachouse.com

ART SMART

These must-see local artists add a touch of whimsy to any New Orleans visit.

Studio Amanda Talley For Amanda Stone Talley, painting is an exercise in the transmutation of light and energy into a three dimensional plane. The reaction to colors and action mark-making are intended to transport the viewer to a realm of undulating vibrational rhythms. “Each painting represents my journey to a plane of consciousness that guides my brush and favors circular momentum,” she says. “I offer my heart and hands to move in tandem with the consistent flow of intelligent infinity. Inspiration is ever present and universal for those who choose to witness it.”

1382 Magazine St., 504.595.3136, amandatalley.com

Amanda Stone Talley

Longshore Studio Gallery Ashley Longshore’s artwork, which focuses on pop culture, Hollywood glamour and American consumerism, has been compared to the work of Andy Warhol. In addition to paintings, she creates sculpture and furniture. Meanwhile, her performance art consists of working with live models, filming and editing footage, and then projecting images onto painted bodies. This creative dynamo also recently wrote a book, I Do Not Cook, I Do Not Clean, I Do Not Fly Commercial.

4537 Magazine St., 504.333.6951, ashleylongshore.com

Tony Mose

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As one of the most collected artists in Louisiana, Tony Mose uses his creativity to tell a story. His evolving Coronation Series of figurative work on canvas and wooden doors is inspired by the lives of everyday people he sees—from a woman at the bus stop to a couple at a restaurant—recreated through Mose’s visual eye. “I have an uncanny talent for storing images in my mind and recalling the image as well as the story I thought it was telling,” he says. “It is the patron or viewer’s discretion to pick up where I left off and create their own story in which the painting lives on through them.” In addition to figurative paintings, Mose also includes abstract art and landscapes in his body of work.

3935 Magazine St., 225.202.6405, esomart.com

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Ashley Longshore

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ESOM Gallery Art by Tony Mose

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L I V I N G

L E G AC Y SONOMA VALLEY WINERY IMMORTAL ESTATE IS PRODUCING TOP-TIER WINES WITH A STORIED PAST AND AN EXCITING FUTURE.

WRITTEN BY {

MISTY MILIOTO

L

ocated on the Sonoma side of Spring Mountain in the Mayacamas Mountains, the 165-acre winery

previously known as Hidden Ridge Vineyard—and now known as Immortal Estate—produces wines that are consistently rated 90+ by industry critics. The original vineyard, developed by Lynn Hofacket and Timothy Milos in 1990, had long produced stellar cabernets. In 2018, Tim Martin purchased and renamed the property. With his partners—including Colorado developer Randy Nichols; MLB pitcher Justin Verlander and his wife, Kate Upton; NFL quarterback Alex Smith and his wife, Liz Smith; and defensive end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Ndamukong Suh— he is further elevating the vineyard’s already-high standards by producing some of the finest-quality wines in the region.

Martin was very young when he developed a love of wine, which was always a part of his Italian family’s special gatherings while he was growing up. Later, he worked in restaurants and began learning about the wine he was offering to customers. “The more I learned, the more I wanted to learn,” he says. “So, in 1996, I decided to leave a nice career in the restaurant world to dive full time into wine.”

He joined Lail Vineyards under the tutelage of Robin Lail, whose family has been in wine for more than 100 years. “[She] took me under her wing and taught me everything about how to run a successful winery,” says Martin. Eleven years later, he left to start Tusk Estates and promptly rose to prominence in wine country.

What attracted him to Immortal Estate, he says, was the tremendous opportunity to not only expand what the previous owners had started, but also to take it to the next level. “Timothy Milos was already making award-winning wines off the property,” Martin

He remains under the radar, but [he has] spent time with all the great winemakers in Napa and Sonoma.”

special place in Martin’s heart. “Lynn Hofacket passed away around the same time as my father,” he says.

“So, this is a tip of the cap to both of these men. Lynn

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The winery, as well as its iconic jellyfish logo, hold a

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learned a lot from him over the past couple of years.

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says. “Timothy is a brilliant wine wizard, and I have

handcrafted this wine with his bare hands for a few years. And while he is no longer with us, the work of his hands remains, so part of his spirit lives on.

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My father is the reason I became an entrepreneur; he always

believe the Great Pyramid is 53 degrees,” Martin says. “You’re

pushed me to follow my dream, to go for it and to take risks,

no longer allowed to plant on anything at any more than 15

to really live my life. His spirit of risk-taking and dreaming

degrees. This allows a unique fruit flavor profile. Our grapes are

continues to live within me, and it’s what inspired the spirit of

stressed and have to work harder than a vineyard on flat land.”

Immortal. I, too, am making wines that I hope someone will open and drink long after I am gone, but the spirt of my hard

The vineyard features 25 different blocks on 50 planted acres,

work is sealed in that bottle.”

allowing Immortal Estate to harvest from multiple areas.

Milos is then able to create incredible blends with many layers

And the jellyfish logo? When Martin was researching the idea

from these different cabernet blocks. The two main labels—

of immortality, he stumbled across the immortal jellyfish, a

Impassable Mountain ($303 per bottle) and Slope (previously

small species found in the Mediterranean Sea and the waters

branded as 55 Degrees Slope, $97 per bottle)—existed prior

off Japan, which reverts back to a juvenile state after reaching

to Martin’s purchase of the winery. “Impassable Mountain

sexual maturity. “[The jellyfish] reminded me of my own

represents the best of the best from the vineyard,” he says.

father,” Martin says. “I am in a way carrying his sprit within

“Slope is that second tranche of wine, which is extraordinary

me, and hopefully passing that on to others. We all want to

as well. From there, we have third and fourth tranche juices

make our mark on the world, and we are all where we are at

we don’t use. Our goal is to make the best the property can

in life because someone invested a part of themselves in us;

produce, without risking quality to gain quantity.”

they took a chance on us. The immortal jellyfish became our iconic symbol of that spirit. The spirit of sharing and caring,

The names of the wines are also rooted in the terrain. Impassable

which is ultimately what wine is about. We call these moments

Mountain, which received a rare 100-point rating for its 2013

in life ‘immortal moments,’ and wine is something that seems

vintage from influential wine critic Robert Parker, was named

to create treasured moments amongst family and friends.”

based on an old Sonoma stagecoach map. “The road actually went through the property and, right where the vineyard sits,

Immortal Estate has a prime location on very steep slopes,

it reads ‘Impassable Mountain,’” Martin says. “When you’re up

some of which reach 55 degrees. “For a visual perspective, I

at the vineyard, it definitely seems impassable, especially for a

horse and carriage. We have to take a 4X4 now to get to the vineyard, which is part of the charm.” Slope, rated one of the Top 100 Wines of the year by Wine Spectator in 2014, gets its name from the vineyard’s unusual topography.

As for taste, Impassable Mountain features dense characters, both savory and sweet, with layers of black fruit, raspberry, vanilla, clove, cocoa nib, tarragon, cedar and black tea.

Meanwhile, Slope is dense, ripe and powerful with layers of blackberry, toast, brown sugar, allspice, cassis, dark chocolate, Earl Grey tea, mint, anise, sugar cookie, chai and tarragon.

“Both of these wines are going to age extraordinarily, meaning 20 to 30 years easy,” Martin says. “That being said, I think they are also beautiful now and I always encourage people to try wines both young and old. Impassable Mountain is a wine for special moments. It’s rare and definitely something you want to pull out when the time and moment suit the wine.

The Slope is meant for more everyday drinking, not that those moments aren’t special, but it’s crafted to be great now with any moment or event.”

In all, Immortal Estate is proving that a Sonoma cabernet can stand up against the best cabernets in the world. “Robert Parker giving the 2013 100 points and Jeb Dunnuck giving the 2014 99 points speaks for itself,” Martin says. “You can work a lifetime in wine and

wonder, then greatness will most likely elude you. Our goal is greatness bonded together with consistency to create a lasting legacy.”

vineyard. In addition to replanting new cabernet clones, as well as malbec and cabernet franc, there are plans to release a future estate rosé as well as a sauvignon blanc. “Immortal is my newest child, and I am one proud papa,” Martin says. “This is a wine that is still under

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In terms of future plans, Martin says there are some exciting things happening at the

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Consistency is what makes you great, and, like any amazing artist, if you’re a one-hit

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never achieve those scores, and Immortal has been getting critical acclaim since 2008.

the radar because we just officially launched it this year under the new branding. It’s a wine people should definitely [look for], because it’s one of the best wines you’re just now reading about—I can promise you that. Our story is just being written, and it’s going to be a really fun and exciting one to follow.” immortalestate.com

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C O I N T R E A U :

IT’S A TRUE ICON PRODUCED IN ANGERS, FRANCE, FOR 170 YEARS, THE LUSCIOUS ORANGE LIQUEUR IS NOW IN THE HANDS OF ITS FOUNDER’S GREAT- GREAT- GRANDSON. WRITTEN BY {

NADINE JOLIE COURTNEY

W

hen you think of the Loire Valley, wine springs to mind. After all, the so-called Garden of France is the country’s third

largest wine producer. However, here in Angers, France, a medieval riverfront city in the Loire, liqueur is king.

To be specific, Cointreau.

The distinctive orange liqueur—made with bitter and sweet orange peels from places as far flung as Brazil and Africa—is a core ingredient in more than 350 classic cocktail recipes. Without Cointreau, some of the world’s most iconic drinks wouldn’t exist. No cosmopolitan. No sidecar. No white lady. No (say it isn’t so!) margarita.

The brand began in 1849 at the height of France’s belle epoque, as a family-run business started by brothers Edouard-Jean and Adolphe Cointreau. Former confectioners, the brothers made their name creating a cherry-flavored liqueur called guignolet, which enjoyed tremendous popularity. It would be more than 30 years, however, before the orange liqueur synonymous with the name Cointreau was born.

When Edouard-Jean’s son Edouard joined the family business in 1875, he retooled the company’s focus, pivoting toward the then trendy orange fruit and creating his own recipe: a perfectly balanced crystalline blend of bitter and sweet orange peel-infused liqueur that became the iconic Cointreau. While it was originally known as triple sec, the brand has distanced itself from the name over the years, instead focusing on the originality of the Cointreau product.

Today, Cointreau remains a family business firmly rooted in Angers, with sixth-generation heir Alfred Cointreau proudly upholding the once local, now global family business.

“Everybody in Angers knows Cointreau,” says

works at the distillery—it’s in the culture of the city, in the landscape, and people are proud of that. But when you travel, you can go in Vietnam, you can go into the find a bottle of Cointreau.”

In fact, though Cointreau now produces more than 14

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middle of nowhere, and if you have a bar, wow—you can

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of Edouard. “Everybody has a relative or a friend who

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Cointreau, heritage manager and great-great-grandson

million bottles yearly, sending them to every corner of the globe—“Aux Quatre Coins Du Monde” is written on the bottle—each bottle is still distilled in one spot: at home in Angers, where it began.

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The Spirit’s World When workshopping his vision for the family brand at the turn of the 20th century, Edouard Cointreau believed advertising would be critical to the future of the spirits industry. He commissioned a series of visually striking posters from renowned artists like Henri Gustave Jossot and Charles Loupot to market Cointreau around the world; the resulting images are on display at the museum in the Cointreau headquarters.

Inside the Instagram-perfect locale—complete with an orange cocktail truck at the entrance, petanque courts and, naturally, orange walls—visitors will find the instantly recognizable belle epoque posters, as well as Cointreau’s first commercial ad, a film produced in 1899 by the world’s first filmmakers, the Lumière brothers.

Guests curious about the behind-the-scenes workings can also tour the distillery itself, where more than 14 million bottles of Cointreau are produced each year, distilled in 19 vast red copper tanks inside a room that smells faintly of orange peel and sugar. (You might also be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Carole Quinton, Cointreau’s master distiller and official “nose,” as she quality-controls.)

After touring the museum, distillery and bottling room, the proverbial pot of gold awaits: the tasting room, stacked with bottle upon bottle of Cointreau, bien sûr, ready to be enjoyed.

Tours of the Cointreau Distillery are open to the public and start from 12 euros, tasting included. Tours can be booked via phone only: + 33 (0) 2 41 31 50 50.

Cosmopolitan Created by Toby Cecchini in 1988 at The Odeon in New York City’s Tribeca, the cosmopolitan is one of the world’s most iconic drinks. Made with Cointreau, Cecchini created an updated version of the cosmo for the Cointreau Cocktail Show in Paris in June 2019. Here’s the insider recipe:

Toby’s Cosmo With a Twist recipe: 1.5 oz Blanche d’Armagnac 1 oz rhubarb syrup .75 oz fresh lime juice .5 oz Cointreau ISSUE No. 6 LIVING GOOD

Shake, double-strain up into chilled coupe, no garnish.

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.5 oz 1:1 mix of Sirop d’Orgeat Giffard and concentrated Calpico

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DISHING WITH THE

COINTREAU SCION Sixth-generation family member and Cointreau brand heritage manager Alfred Cointreau talks about his favorite drinking spots, the resurgence of craft cocktails in France and why, at 4 years old, his daughter already knows how to shake a cocktail.

What does being a heritage manager entail?

Part of my job is to educate people to mixing cocktails. In France, we make the most beautiful wine in the world, the most beautiful liqueurs, most beautiful Champagne—and French people do not want to mix. For example, a sidecar—with Cointreau, cognac and lemon—you mix Cointreau and cognac, so for a French person it’s, ‘Wow, what are you doing?’ If you taste a royal sidecar, I am sure you will ask for a second one, but when you are comfortable in something, you don’t want to move. It’s one of my hats—to educate the French population about cocktails.

What’s your favorite bar with the best cocktails?

Quinary in Hong Kong. Copperbay in Paris. I really like Mexican culture, and one of my favorite bars in the world is Elemento in Mexico. It’s the type of bar that preserves the Mexican culture, but also they are in the trend of the cocktails.

Do you feel that Cointreau has influenced Angers?

Bah, oui. Two years ago, we asked in the street: What is the company who represents best your region? More than 70 percent of people say Cointreau. It was not a question with choices, it was an open question! People in Angers are really proud of Cointreau, and we are really proud because it’s a family choice to preserve

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the authenticity and to keep the distillery in the best place.

Do you hope your children will continue into the business?

Alors , I will do as my grandparents and my parents did. I will not put the pressure, but you can…influence the culture. The first one, she’s 4 years old, she already knows how to shake a cocktail; and the second one, she’s 1 year old, and I gave her a soft toy. It’s a shaker.

What do you wish people knew about Cointreau?

Bah, that it is still produced in Angers, I’m really proud of that. Do you know what is an anagram? It’s when you switch the letters.

What is the anagram for Cointreau? “It’s a true icon.” Everybody knows the Cointreau bottle, but you now have a different angle to see it. That translates perfectly to what is Cointreau. Cointreau is a true icon.

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WINE DI N E AND

Always top-notch destinations, Napa and Sonoma Valleys now offer even more luxury accommodations, deluxe wine tastings, divine dining and posh activities.

MISTY MILIOTO

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On a recent trip to California wine country, a whole new world unfurled with much ado about wine,

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BY {

miles, this enviable locale is home to incredibly fresh farm-to-table cuisine, welcoming locals and

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dining and an overall sense of place. In addition to the rolling hills of vineyards that stretch for starry nights that are just perfect for enjoying its world-famous cabernet sauvignon. Here’s a look at what’s new in California’s most sought-after wine country destinations.

Where to Stay

If you’re starting out a trip to Napa Valley with a stop in San Francisco, be sure to check out the new Hotel Zoe—a luxury boutique hotel located in Fisherman’s Wharf from Noble House Hotels & Resorts. You can expect to find an elegant and authentic local experience, thanks to the hotel’s multimillion-dollar reimagination inspired by opulent yachts found in exotic ports throughout the Mediterranean. The hotel presents an unrivaled style—designed by Paletteur, a San Franciscobased interior design firm—influenced by the vibrant cultures of San Francisco and other international crisp, clean interior and exterior accentuated with palette. Guest rooms showcase glass framed showers, refined tiled floors, handcrafted stone bathroom vanities with polished chrome hardware design, Hotel Zoe features an outdoor courtyard with fireplaces and a 24-foot-tall metal sculpture, “Zoe,” designed by Shawn Man Roland. Inside the main lobby, guests will find Bar Zoe, offering small bites from the on-property modern Italian

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and modern artwork. In addition to the sleek interior

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warm wood tones, linear elements and a muted

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cities. High-quality craftsmanship is evident in the

restaurant Pescatore Restaurant & Bar.

Guest rooms from $180, 425 North Point St., San Francisco, 415.561.1100, hotelzoesf.com 160

Napa Valley’s first Four Seasons Resort & Residences will begin accepting reservations in 2020. The Calistoga-based resort features 85 guest rooms—all with mountain and vineyard views, plus private outdoor spaces. Located near the Petrified Forest, all of the guest rooms include a piece of petrified wood furniture.

The decor also includes local touches, including a map of Napa Valley designed by St. Helena-based artist Nick Cann. In addition to an on-site vineyard and tasting space, the property boasts an eight-room spa with steam pods (hammocks are suspended above geothermal pools so guests can absorb the heated vapor). Yes, please!

400 Silverado Trail N., Calistoga, 800.819.5053, fourseasons.com/napavalley

In Calistoga, be sure to book a stay at The Francis House, opened last year. The former family home of prominent local merchant James H. Francis, the landmark building is steeped in history and prestige. Initially built in 1886, The Francis House is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Proprietors Dina and Richard Dwyer — she an interior designer and he a real estate developer and general contractor — stumbled upon this unique house in 2015. Over the next three years, the duo carefully restored and redesigned the house, with its gorgeous French Second Empire architecture, preserving its former glory.

The inn offers contemporary luxury and, with only five guest rooms, the privacy, comfort and highly personalized service can’t be beat. The rooms exude old-world Parisian elegance, thanks to customized leather headboards, antique desks and brass luggage racks, chandeliers and polished modern amenities such as Toto heated toilets and heated floors. The adults-only inn also features a salon library, a stunning outdoor pool, an infrared sauna and salt room, and bar billiards. Guest rooms from $550, 1403 Myrtle

St., Calistoga, 707.341.3536, thefrancishouse.com

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Sonoma’s Harmon Guest House, an environmentally friendly hotel by Piazza Hospitality in Healdsburg, which opened in 2018 and features 39 guest rooms—including six Founder’s Suites that feel like you have your own private wing—plus a rooftop terrace with fire pit and bar, a pool, and modern architecture and design by San Francisco-based David Baker Architects.

Each guest room features all-glass showers, window nooks for working or dining, a selection of commissioned artwork from emerging California artists, custom Fireclay tiles made in California from recycled materials, cast concrete vanities and tubs by Sonoma Stoneworks, and a private balcony or patio. The palette features warm neutrals—white oak floors, golden yellows, blacks and navy—to make airy rooms that are sophisticated and comfortable. David Baker Architects also designed most of the furniture, including the casework, beds, side tables and window seats. The Rooftop at Harmon Guest House, a sophisticated lounge on the upper level of the hotel, is Healdsburg’s only publicly accessible rooftop bar, and it’s the perfect perch from which to watch the sunset. Guest rooms

from $249, 227 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707.431.8220, harmonguesthouse.com

Vista Collina Resort, a Meritage Collection property, opened in 2018 and delivers a new way to discover Napa. Set amid 11 lush acres, the resort features Tuscan-style decor; a Village with nine tasting rooms from local wineries and breweries (including Trinitas Cellars, Jayson by Pahlmeyer and Napa Smith Brewery); a locally sourced, artisanal market; and a spacious community lawn for picnics and private concerts. The 145-room hotel includes 39 suites with fully equipped kitchens just a short drive from downtown Napa. Meanwhile, The Food & Wine Center features an exhibition kitchen where on-site cooking classes are offered with rotating guest chefs and bakers. The on-site Fivetown Grocery offers a taste of the five towns that make up Napa Valley, with options such as housemade pasta and sauces, smoked barbecue and freshly baked bread. While you’re here, be sure to schedule a wine tasting at Jayson by Pahlmeyer. The Jayson Flight ($35) features a selection of the current release Napa Valley and Sonoma Coast wines. The resort also offers a state-of-the-art Fitness Center & Motion Studio, a luxe pool with 10 cabanas and access to the resort’s sister property The Meritage Resort and Spa’s Spa Terra— located in a 22,000-square-foot underground cave.

Guest rooms from $400, 850 Bordeaux Way, Napa, 888.965.7090, vistacollinaresort.com

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Where to Drink

Bouchaine Vineyards, the oldest continuously operating winery in the Carneros District, recently opened a new Visitor’s Center, renovated its tasting room, expanded its production facilities and added a new 2,100-squarefoot outdoor terrace. The new 5,000-square-foot Visitor Center overlooks the historical existing winery building and is designed in a semicircle to maximize the views of the vineyards and surrounding hills. The facade matches the existing buildings that are clad in wood milled from historic redwood tanks. As such, 80-year-

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old redwood planks from Martini & Prati wine tanks

The owners behind Peju Province Winery in Rutherford recently opened the new Calmére Estate

were repurposed into the

Winery and Tasting Room in Carneros. The name Calmére comes from the French words for calm

vertical shade fins on the

(calme) and sea (mer), reflecting the serene location and views of San Francisco Bay. The winery,

new building. Cut from one

located on a 100-acre estate, features design materials like reclaimed wood paneling from an oak

tree, the Tasting Room bar

tree on the owner’s vineyard. Book a tasting on the deck for panoramic views while enjoying a flight

is made from reclaimed

of five wines ($35 per person) and discover the terroir of Carneros.

solid cypress slabs, and

2750 Las Amigas Road, Napa, 707.302.1160, calmereestate.com

provides an inviting view of the large terrace with Carneros views just beyond. The outdoor terrace, a lovely spot for a relaxed wine tasting, is surrounded by two water features, landscaped gardens, comfortable sofas and armchairs, and multiple fire pits. 1075 Buchli Station

Road, Napa, 707.252.9065, bouchaine.com

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The Donum Estate is one of the best wineries in Sonoma County—thanks to its impeccable singlevineyard, single-appellation pinot noir and chardonnay from the Los Carneros, Russian River Valley and Anderson Valley vineyards—but also its extensive sculpture collection. Winemaker Dan Fishman oversees the winery’s prized varietals, inspired by a Burgundian grand cru model. Meanwhile, the sculpture collection at Donum features nearly 40 contemporary outdoor sculptures worth more than $100 million. Artists on view include Ai Weiwei—his art is on their label to honor the Chinese animal zodiac—plus Yayoi Kusama, Tracey Emin, Anselm Kiefer, Mark Manders and others. In 2017, the winery opened Donum Home, a 3,800-square-foot hospitality space for private, personalized tastings, designed by San Francisco-based MH Architects. The estate also just finished construction of its state-of-theart winemaking facility—also designed by MH Architects— bringing winemaking, grape-growing and hospitality all onto the property. The new production facility is able to produce 12,000 cases of wine, anticipating the future when the estate’s vineyards will reach full production. 24500 Ramal Road, Sonoma, 707.939.2290,

thedonumestate.com

the Napa Valley and American West through its wines: Double Lariat, Light Horse, Reata (the Spanish word for lariat) and Whiplash. The best experience, though, is to book a tasting with the on-site therapy mini horses (call for pricing).

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winning winemaker Linda Trotta will continue making the wines. The winery pays homage to the rich ranching tradition of

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Jamieson Ranch Vineyards, which was founded in 2011, is soon to relocate its tasting room. In the meantime, award-

707.254.8673, jamiesonranchvineyards.com

repurposed as a chandelier. The comfortable space, empty of pomp and circumstance, is full of character and exquisite tasting experiences. Taking an unconventional approach to winemaking, Prisoner works with impassioned growers to

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Cult label The Prisoner Wine Company opened its first tasting outpost at the end of 2018. With a retro-futuristic feel, the space features salvaged iron and wood. Accents include a life-sized skeleton installation and a diesel tank

source varietals from vineyards and appellations across California to create wine blends that amaze the palate. Try The Line-Up Tasting ($45 per person), featuring four bold wines, or the Makery Experience: Wine & Food Pairing ($125 per person), featuring a selection of limited release wines paired with seasonal bites. 1178 Galleron Road, St. Helena,

877.283.5934, theprisonerwinecompany.com 166

Where to Eat

Originally home to the Grape Vine Inn—where local farmers and vintners of the 1960s and ’70s gathered for a martini after work—this spot was transformed into Brix Restaurant and Gardens more than 20 years ago. A staple in Napa Valley, the restaurant is the only one with an on-site vineyard in Napa Valley (the Kelleher Family Vineyard), and it has recently undergone a top-to-bottom renovation. Situated on 16 acres, the dining space now spills outside and offers views of the surrounding Mayacamas Mountains. The menu changes daily, but it always spotlights farm-to-table cuisine—including soups, salads, burgers, seafood and housemade pasta—that draws inspiration from the restaurant’s extensive gardens.

7377 St. Helena Hwy., Napa, 707.944.2547, brix.com Thomas Keller, the chef behind the landmark restaurant The French Laundry, has made his first foray into modern Mexican fare with the opening of La Calenda in March 2018. Chef de Cuisine Kaelin Ulrich Trilling creates tacos, tamales and enchiladas with ingredients—now also including a number of traditional Mexican herbs and chiles—sourced from the French Laundry Culinary Garden. La Calenda also works with several Mexican artisans to source its crockery, such as handblown recycled glassware from Oaxacan studio Xaquixe. Try one of the margaritas, made from a selection of more than 30 mezcals and tequilas, or a handcrafted house beer, “El Chefe,” made with local corn. The wine list includes varietals from the Valley of Guadalupe and the Santo Tomás Valley in Mexico. 6518 Washington St., Yountville, 833.682.8226, lacalendamex.com A new indoor/outdoor wine, dining and design concept by Restoration Hardware dubbed RH Yountville opened in late 2018 in the heart of Napa Valley. The compound consists of five contemporary yet classically inspired structures: the indoor/outdoor restaurant surrounded by 100-year-old olive trees and featuring glittering rococo crystal chandeliers, fountains and a soaring glass roof; the historic masonry building (now a two-story wine vault); the trellis-covered outdoor living rooms; a barista bar; and a boutique design gallery showcasing artistic installations of RH Interiors and RH Modern Collections. 6725 Washington St., Yountville, 707.339.4654, restorationhardware.com

What to Do

Napa Valley’s first wine history museum and tasting salon opened this past summer in a landmark Victorian home, named 1881 after the year the home was built. The museum features a collection of winemaking artifacts, such as decanters, vineyard tools and labels from the 18th and 19th centuries. A 240-square-foot wallpapered map of Napa Valley from 1895 covers the ceiling, anchored by a 48-light Baccarat crystal chandelier. Visitors can explore photos and stories to learn about all 16 subappellations of Napa Valley and the pioneers who first settled and planted grapes in Napa. Tasting experiences are also offered, with a sampling of wines from the coldest growing regions in Napa paired with wines from significantly warmer areas.

7856 St. Helena Hwy., Oakville, 707.948.6099, 1881napa.com

Carneros Resort and Spa recently completed a $3.5 million renovation of its 5,919-square-foot spa, which includes a new entrance, guest reception and retail space, an expanded relaxation area, and newly-designed treatment rooms and suites. The new space features nine indoor treatment rooms, including a new couple’s suite and a studio suite, while the reimagined spa menu includes new treatments, such as the Body Botany massage (90 minutes for $270). 4048

Sonoma Hwy., Napa, 707.299.4900, carnerosresort.com

The Culinary Institute of America at Copia is a newly opened epicurean destination in downtown Napa. Here, guests can take hands-on cooking classes, attend informative wine tasting seminars and participate in private wine tasting experiences. CIA at Copia also offers several dining outlets, an upscale lifestyle store, a one-of-a-kind museum and more. The new food hall offers everything from wood-fired pizzas and dim sum to gourmet cheeses and charcuterie. Classes (prices vary) range from hourlong chef demonstrations and lectures to two-hour wine tastings, and food and wine pairing exercises. Be sure to also try the tastings and wine-and-food pairings at the K. LAZ’s tasting room, featuring customized experiences designed by Kerrin Laz, former wine director of Dean & DeLuca ($90-$350 per person).

500 First St., Napa, 707.967.2500, ciaatcopia.com

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departs from McKinstry Street Station in downtown Napa the heart of Napa Valley. The train stops at a number of wineries, including Castello Di Amorosa, Domaine Chandon, Hall and Turnbull. The views along the way include rolling vineyards through the charming towns

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to St. Helena and back, taking visitors right through

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The Napa Valley Wine Train is a must-do when visiting wine country. The three-hour, 36-mile roundtrip journey

of Oak Knoll, Yountville, Oakville and Rutherford. For the best bet, book a dining journey (prices vary), complete with a gourmet meal onboard the train. 1275 McKinstry

St., Napa, 800.427.4124, winetrain.com 168

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Wild RIDE 169

From swimming with sea lions and penguins to spotting blue-footed boobies, my adventure in the Galapagos Islands aboard Ecoventura’s newest yacht, Theory, was a life-changing experience.

WRITTEN BY { BETH

WEITZMAN

PHOTO BY ECOVENTURA

PHOTO BY YOLANDA ESCOBAR

PHOTO BY RENATO-GRANIERI FOR ECOVENTURA

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s someone who tends to get seasick, I was a bit apprehensive about spending seven nights and eight days on a boat. But Theory is not just any boat. It’s a 20-passenger luxury mega-yacht, one of only two such vessels to be named a Relais & Châteaux.

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PHOTO OF BLUE-FOOTED BOOBIE BY HARRY SKEGGS

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PHOTO BY ECOVENTURA

So at my friend’s urging, we booked a trip with Ecoventura, a company that leads eco-expeditions in the Galapagos Islands aboard Theory and its twin sister ship, Origin. The result? An absolutely five-star, once-in-a-lifetime experience. And thanks to the Scopolamine patch, even with occasional rockiness at night and in the dining room, I never felt sick.

In the Beginning

As is the case with many exotic destinations, it’s a bit of an ordeal to get to San Cristobal Island, the easternmost island in the Galapagos archipelago, which is the departure point for Origin and Theory. The only flights to the island are from Ecuador’s two major airports—Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito and José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport in Guayaquil. My friend and I landed in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, two days before sailing.

Although Ecoventura offers one complimentary night at an airport hotel, we chose to stay at Casa Gangotena, a Relais & Châteaux property in the city center.

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The morning of embarkation, we flew from Quito to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, on San Cristobal Island, aboard Avianca Airlines. Our flight had been booked and coordinated by Ecoventura, and check-in was a breeze. An Ecoventura representative met us and the other expedition guests in the departures area and ushered us directly to the gate. When we landed at the small airport on San Cristobal Island, we were met by our Ecoventura naturalist guides, Fernando and Sofia, who, along with the yacht’s 13 crew members, served as our very attentive and knowledgeable hosts for the weeklong trip on the Pacific Ocean.

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We enjoyed walking around the town on our one full day there, then retreated to the hotel to relax over cocktails on the rooftop deck, followed by dinner in the main dining room. The hotel, staff and service were lovely.

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All Aboard

After a five-minute car ride from the airport, we arrived at the dock, where we spotted the first of the hundreds of sea lions we’d encounter on this trip, as well as bright red crabs crawling on the rocks, and we spent a few minutes taking it all in. From there, we took a motorized Zodiac inflatable boat to Theory, the newest yacht in the Ecoventura fleet. It’s a stunner—even more striking than it appears in photos.

In 2000, Ecoventura invested in making its luxury expedition yachts greener by installing solar panels to offset carbon emissions, and considerably reduced the use of plastics on board. As a result, Ecoventura was the first recipient of SmartVoyager ecological certification and is certified by Rainforest Alliance Best Practices. Theory and Origin are built with naval steel and designed to minimize environmental impact. Their curved bows cut through waves, providing for smooth sailing and less drag, and resulting in reduced fuel consumption. Fixed stabilizers reduce rolling and lessen the likelihood of seasickness.

We climbed aboard and went straight to the main dining room, where most of our meals were served (some meals were also served alfresco on the sundeck) at marble-top tables for two to 10 diners. With plenty of large windows, it’s a welcoming and cozy space in which to enjoy a locally inspired buffet lunch of Ecuadorian delights and sustainable seafood, with special emphasis on local shrimp, offered in various preparations during the trip.

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Then we checked into our deluxe staterooms, which impressed me beyond my expectations. All 10 cabins are on the lower Beagle deck; two cabins have interconnecting doors, and two accommodate triples with a third pull-down bed. The modern-design rooms are light, bright and feel surprisingly spacious. Ours had two twin beds (which convert to a king for couples) separated by a nightstand with universal docking station, USB and plug charging, and clock. Beds have a memory-foam mattress and are dressed in fine linens, a comfy comforter and soft pillows. Two large windows (with retractable black-out curtains) provide expansive views of the water, morning to night. The modern bathroom features a nice-size rainfall shower, dual-flush toilet, single sink, plush towels, hair dryer, and biodegradable hand soap, body wash, shampoo and conditioner in dispensers. The sectional closet has drawers for folded clothing, as well as waffle bathrobes and slippers for use during the journey. There’s also a safety deposit box in which to keep valuables, and an espresso maker and tea kettle. A corner nook serves as a vanity with stool and lighted mirror, and next to that is a flat-screen TV with preloaded movies.

PHOTOS ON THIS PAGE PROVIDED BY ECOVENTURA

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After lunch, we attended a welcome briefing and short safety drill. Clearly, the Ecoventura team takes very seriously the safety of its passengers, as well as the protection of wildlife, islands and oceans.

PHOTOS ON THIS PAGE PROVIDED BY ECOVENTURA

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PHOTO PROVIDED BY ECOVENTURA

Away We Go

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Each day, at least two excursions kept us busy without overwhelming us, and we did tons of wildlife viewing. Only one species, the waved albatross, migrates, so you really can’t go wrong no matter the time of year you go. Galapagos hawks, fur sea lions, penguins, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, flightless cormorants and more are seen any time of year. Despite the location near the equator, the Galapagos Islands offer a cool, subtropical island climate, nestled in the Pacific dry zone.

June to December is known as the cooler, dry season, and December to May is the warm, wet season, when you can expect short but strong bouts of rain and warm, moderate temperatures.

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In the Galapagos, you get to experience nature at its purest and most pristine. The islands—many inhabited only by animals—are highly protected and strictly managed, so as not to disturb the wildlife. The National Park Service gives each boat an itinerary, which must be strictly followed, and each spot we visited seemed like we had it all to ourselves.

Rarely did we encounter another group touring the same site. Humans are required to stand a minimum of six feet away from the animals.

On our first afternoon, we took an excursion to La Galapaguera Cerro Colorado, a tortoise reserve on the southeast of San Cristobal, where we saw tortoises of all sizes and ages. Our guides explained their evolution and the threats posed by invasive species and habitat loss. The National Park’s breeding program was established to ensure that these endangered amphibians do not become extinct. Along the trail, we also spotted a San Cristobal mockingbird and Calandrinia plant, both native to the island.

Before setting sail, I hadn’t realized how much interaction we’d have with the guides. During casual conversations at meals, evening briefings and enrichment lectures, as well as on excursions, their knowledge was inspiring and their passion contagious.

Back on the yacht, we freshened up before a welcome reception with the captain and crew in the lounge area, adjacent to the bar. Without a doubt, this is a luxury experience, but casual attire is always on point. As they did each evening, the guides reviewed what we’d seen that day and previewed where we’d be traveling the next day. The briefing was always followed by a delicious three-course dinner. Open bar—cocktails, beer, red, white and sparkling wine—is included. Only super-premium wines or spirits are subject to an additional charge.

As we wined and dined, we sailed to Genovesa Island, otherwise known as bird island. The yacht travels mainly at night, at speeds of 12 to 14 knots, which facilitates maximum daytime exploration. The cuisine throughout the journey was very impressive—three-course dinners featuring super fresh seafood, meat and vegetarian options. After dinner, we wandered around the boat and checked out the small but mighty fitness center, which is equipped with a treadmill, elliptical, free weights and yoga mats; the boutique, which sells local handicrafts, sundries and gift items; and the library, with its selection of publications, some rare, dedicated to the Galapagos and Charles Darwin. We then retired to our stateroom for a quick email check (each room comes with one-device WiFi access; usage for additional devices is available at an extra charge) before heading to bed for a good night’s rest.

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PHOTO BY RENATO-GRANIERI FOR ECOVENTURA

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Each morning, a buffet breakfast is available any time prior to the excursion, which usually leaves around 8 a.m. We enjoyed our first wet landing via Zodiac at Darwin Bay, on a gorgeous coral sand beach, where we were awed by the array of birds, including red-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls and lava gulls. A forest of Opuntia cacti and mangroves provided a safe place for Great frigatebirds to perch; it’s a pretty cool sight when a male, looking to attract a mate, inflates a red pouch on his chest. On the beach, we were spellbound by a playful mama sea lion and baby, communicating in their own language. Our guides explained that it’s not uncommon for a mama to temporarily leave her baby on the shore while she goes searching for food. If she doesn’t return, another female typically will not offer assistance to the little one.

Humans, even the naturalists, are prohibited from getting involved—all in the name of letting nature take its course.

Wednesday brought us to another geological wonder, Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island, the youngest and least disturbed in Galapagos.

Formed by active volcanoes along the coast, it’s considered one of the most pristine ecosystems, with all its wildlife indigenous. Even though we’d already seen many sea lions, we were still awed by the mama-andbaby interactions. We also saw loads of marine iguanas basking on the shore, their dark skin camouflaging them against rocks. Here, we also experienced the most epic snorkeling among sea lions and penguins; beneath us, iguanas were feeding along the bottom of the ocean. The memory will stay with me forever.

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That afternoon, we had a dry landing at Prince Philip’s Steps, a steep path on Genovesa Island, known as one of the most spectacular places in Galapagos for bird-watching. Our guides pointed out red-footed boobies nesting in Palo Santo trees, Nazca boobies nesting right off the

Lunch was another beautiful buffet aboard the yacht. Then we headed ashore to Dragon Hill (Cerro Dragon), to take in panoramic views of the bay and island landscape. We spotted a few flamingos in the lagoon and our guides pointed out a variety of tropical trees and vegetation.

On a walking trail, we spotted Darwin’s finches, Galapagos flycatchers, and sandpipers, among others. We also encountered large yellow land iguanas, strikingly different from their marine cousins, resting in the sun. These iguanas, which are native to the Galapagos, were once part of the Station’s breeding program. Since the animals are protected and not bothered, they don’t bother humans, either. Then, we returned to the yacht for our evening briefing, dinner and some stargazing on the upper deck. The dark sky was filled with bright stars. Really beautiful.

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Lunch was a delicious BBQ, and the chef demonstrated how to make Ecuadorian ceviche on the yacht’s sundeck, where we relaxed after we ate. Featuring two double daybeds and three cocoon-style chaise lounges, seating at tables, a bar, six-person Jacuzzi and plenty of shade, the sundeck was my favorite spot on the yacht.

The following day’s excursion was to Black Turtle Cove (Caleta Tortuga Negra), where we rode in the Zodiac through a series of beautiful coves and inlets surrounded by mangroves. We saw plenty of sea turtles, schools of white-tipped reef sharks and golden cow-nosed rays. Being so close to the animals was magnificent.

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We returned to the yacht, donned wet suits and grabbed snorkel gear.

On a deep-water snorkeling experience, we saw a variety of brightly colored fish and sea turtles. The yacht supplies five double kayaks, one single kayak, two stand-up paddleboards, wet suits, masks, fins and snorkels and beach towels for guest use at no additional cost. There is also a glass-bottom Zodiac boat for guests who opt out of snorkeling at any given time during the sailing.

trail, and storm petrels. We also had the good fortune of seeing a rare short-eared owl.

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PHOTOS ON THIS PAGE BY YOLANDA ESCOBAR

The afternoon excursion was to Urbina Bay on Isabela Island, where we saw the aftereffects of volcanic activity. We were wowed by a diverse collection of animal species, including Galapagos land iguanas, marine iguanas, Darwin’s finches, pelicans, flightless cormorants, and the occasional giant Galapagos tortoise. We explored for a while and returned to the vessel for the nightly briefing, drinks, dinner and afterdinner stargazing on the upper deck.

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Later that night, we crossed the equator and arrived in Elizabeth Bay by the next morning. We hopped aboard a Zodiac, zipped through mangroves and saw more penguins, sea lions and an array of birds.

We navigated to Tagus Cove, where pirates and whalers as early as the 1800s carved graffiti onto the rocky cliffs. We had the option of exploring the shoreline of the secluded cove by kayak or paddleboard to see more penguins, boobies, pelicans and other seabirds; or go for a fastpaced hike to a saltwater lagoon and scenic view of the ocean, lava fields and volcanic formations. While all of that sounded delightful, I opted to spend this time kicking back on a daybed on the upper deck with a cocktail in hand, observing the Great frigatebirds alongside the yacht.

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That night, we crossed the equator for the third and final time as we sailed toward the geographic center of the archipelago. On Friday, we arrived to a wet landing in Puerto Egas on Santiago (a.k.a. James) Island, where we strolled along the shoreline, observing sea life swimming in tide pools and marine iguanas feeding on exposed green algae. During mating season, green and red algae give the typically black marine iguanas beautiful coloration of bright yellow and orange. The walk ended at the grottos—deep, clear pools of water, where we encountered fur sea lions, once on the verge of extinction. Before returning to the yacht, we snorkeled along the beach.

Our after-lunch excursion was to the surreal-looking, dark red beach of Rabida Island. A short trail led to a saltwater lagoon with a few flamingos. Again, we saw marine iguanas, mockingbirds and Darwin’s finches—and we remained in awe. Over one dozen species of finches live on the islands. As the story goes, observing them contributed to Charles Darwin’s ideas that formed the basis for his theory of evolution.

That evening for dinner, a large social dining table was set up on the sundeck and we enjoyed BBQ lobster, chicken and tuna, baked potato and veggies. Delish. After dinner, one of the guests and some of the staff played guitars, and the festivities soon turned into a fun, impromptu dance party.

On Saturday morning, we found ourselves among other boats anchored in the lively harbor of Academy Bay. We disembarked at Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, the social heart of the Galapagos (population: 24,000). We visited the breeding center Centro de Crianza Fausto Llerena and Charles Darwin Research Station, where we learned about conservation efforts and observed hatchlings and miniature tortoises that, when grown, will be repatriated by the National Park. The newest exhibit honors Lonesome George, the last Pinta Island tortoise, who tragically died in 2012. With his species now extinct, Lonesome George has become a worldwide icon, emphasizing the importance of efforts to preserve and protect endangered wildlife. We also learned about Diego, a saddleback tortoise whose species was minimized to a mere 14 individuals before he was transported to the Galapagos from the San Diego Zoo. He has since fathered hundreds of tortoises. Afterward, we strolled through town, where we sampled Ecuadorian chocolate ice cream and locally grown coffee, and shopped for handmade souvenirs.

As usual, we returned to the yacht for lunch and, again, I opted to relax on the sundeck while other guests took a short ride to a lava tunnel, then to Los Gemelos, a pair of large, deep craters with vibrant plant life. They also stopped at a privately owned hacienda, where giant tortoises—some weighing more than 500 pounds—roam freely in their natural habitat.

Our final dinner aboard was the most unforgettable of them all. The other guests and I, now good friends, reminisced about the amazing experiences we shared on and off Theory. The next day, we had a dry landing and visited the interpretation center beach, with sea lions everywhere, and we had lunch in town before heading to the airport.

While the trip inevitably had to end, the memories we made will endure for all of us…forever. 800.633.7972, ecoventura.com

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PHOTO OF PENQUIN BY YOLANDA ESCOBAR

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PHOTO OF SWALLOW TAILED GULL BY YOLANDA ESCOBAR

california’s W I N E R EGION A treat for oenophiles and foodies, Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country is gaining recognition and growing in popularity.

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FAMILY-OWNED AND OPERATED DOFFO WINERY IN TEMECULA

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Aged and elegant estate varietals, as well as fresh and fruit-forward young wines, are produced here. Meanwhile, impressive blends consist of the complex, the harmonious, the proprietary and the avant-garde. Sparkling wines range from the classic methode champenoise to easily drinkable fruit- or nut-spiked bubbles. It all adds up to some seriously good juice. Vineyard and winery tours, and seated and vertical tastings, emphasize wine education.

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Many Temecula Valley wineries have on-site restaurants in which to experience the pleasures of food and wine with inspiring vineyard views. From open-air casual to white-tablecloth fine dining, and from farm-to-table to classic fare, the restaurants are as appealing as the wine producers in this quickly growing area.

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mere 60-minute drive from San Diego, Orange County and Palm Springs, and a 90-minute drive from L.A., picturesque Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country welcomes nearly 3 million visitors each year. With rolling hills, high mountains and a geography perfect for growing grapes, the viticultural region’s more than 40 wineries—including small artisan and limitedproduction cellars as well as large producing estates—are thriving.

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PECHANGA RESORT AND CASINO

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Aside from wineries, the area is home to the Historic Old Town Temecula Foodie District, as well as natural landmarks, such as the Temecula Creek, one of the last free-flowing rivers in Southern California. The Pacific Ocean lies just 22 miles over the Coastal Mountain Range west of Temecula Valley. The valley’s unique microclimate makes for a general pattern of morning mist, warm midday sun, cooling afternoon breezes and cooler nights. In fact, the name Temecula is derived from the area’s largest Native American ancestral village; it has come to mean “land where the sun shines through the mist.” A hot-air balloon ride or a horseback ride through the vineyards is a great experience. Tip: The annual Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival (May 29-31) attracts 40,000 attendees over three days to enjoy balloon glows, liftoffs, wine tasting and live entertainment.

During a recent two-night visit, I stayed in Pechanga Resort and Casino’s newly renovated resort tower, in a deluxe room with a large outdoor terrace. The hotel is the largest resort casino in California and one of the largest in the U.S. Conveniently located on 400 acres between Old Town and the wineries, it provides easy access to all Temecula attractions. All 1,090 guest rooms and suites boast luxurious appointments including grand master baths. A 200,000-square-foot casino, 20 dining venues and bars, including the AAA Four Diamond-awarded Great Oak Steakhouse (renowned for 100-percent prime black Angus beef and a 900-plus bottle wine list), Journey at Pechanga championship golf course with a pro shop and a restaurant,

and a full-service Spa Pechanga with a salon, sundeck and swimming pool all add to the resort’s allure. Meanwhile, the 1,200-seat Pechanga Theater features A-list performers, while the 270-seat Comedy Club at Pechanga hosts stand-up comedians. The Casino Cabaret features nightly live music and dancing, and the Eagle’s Nest nightclub (located on the rooftop) provides panoramic views of the Temecula Valley skyline. Silk, also at Pechanga, is Southern California’s largest megaclub.

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My friend and I kicked off our weekend getaway with dinner at Pechanga Resort and Casino’s fine-dining restaurant, Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar. Umi, which means “sea” in Japanese, serves up super-fresh sushi, sashimi, nigiri, rolls, oysters on the half shell, seafood platters and specialty cocktails.

Our dining experience started with poke tacos made with raw ahi tuna, cucumber, avocado, wakame, red onion, sesame oil and wasabi tobiko in crispy wonton shells with pineapple relish. Other shared appetizers included salmon carpaccio and hamachi crudo. Everything was delicious.

While an array of entrees, like crispy whole fish and steamed Alaskan king crab leg, were alluring, I opted for the sushi rolls. The Temecula Fire Roll— made with spicy tuna, crab, avocado, cucumber, spicy aioli, eel sauce and shishito pepper tempura—was especially tasty. And since I couldn’t stop thinking about the crab, I ordered the spicy king crab roll. The king crab came fully dressed with cucumber, avocado, hamachi, masago, togarashi, eel sauce, chipotle aioli and micro greens. Really impressive.

UMI SUSHI & OYSTER BAR AT PECHANGA RESORT AND CASINO

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THOM CURRY, TEMECULA OLIVE OIL COMPANY OWNER

Since neither of us gamble, we turned in after dinner so we’d be fully rested for a full day of exploring. The next morning came quickly and began with breakfast at the hotel’s Journey’s End. Overlooking the gold course and surrounding Temecula Valley, the casual American eatery is open for breakfast and lunch.

The huevos rancheros were super satisfying with two eggs, beans, crisp tortillas, cumin crème, roasted jalapeño, chicken, ranchero sauce, and a cilantro and onion mix. Satiated, we headed out for a taste of Temecula.

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First stop: an olive oil ranch tour with Temecula Olive Oil Company owner Thom Curry, a family-owned and operated company founded in 2001. The sustainable agriculture ranch features a wide variety of olives with which it produces unique blends of handpressed California olive oils. The tour included learning about how the olives are harvested and how the oil is made. I found it interesting that the zero-waste company runs all of its farm equipment on olive oil. Any oil not extracted during the first pressing is used to make soaps, chocolates and other products. The tour concluded with an extraordinary olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting experience. An array of varieties are available for sale here, as well as at the Old Town location, online and at tasting rooms throughout SoCal, including the newest location at The Original Farmer’s Market in L.A.

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TEMECULA OLIVE OIL COMPANY

BOTTAIA WINERY

Next up, we headed to BOTTAIA Winery for a wine and cheese pairing. The modern tasting room, restaurant and pool club is gorgeously designed to enhance the appreciation of wine in an elegant space.

Inspired by professional tasting rooms in Italy, luxury hotels and high-end dining rooms, the tasting areas provide exclusive access for a limited number of guests in small groups. We indulged in the seated tasting and charcuterie pairing ($55 per person), which included a guided tasting of five preselected, high-quality estate wines paired with a charcuterie plate. The wine was excellent, as was the food and service. Truly top-notch.

A really cool feature: the Pool at BOTTAIA features private cabins and chaise lounges, a poolside cafe and full-service cocktail bar, loungeside service and shaded tables.

THE SPA AT PECHANGA RESORT & CASINO

After such a decadent afternoon, we decided to chill out and relax at the Spa at Pechanga.

The oasis of Zen boasts 10 therapy rooms, steam/sauna, a state-of-the-art gym, and a full-service nail and hair salon. Body treatments, massage therapy, skincare and salon services are all on offer here. I booked the Great Oak Purification Treatment. This purification ritual starts with grounding aromas, followed by a dry-brush exfoliation, and a warm sage and lavender-infused clay wrap. A scalp massage with chia seed extracts and jojoba oil lends further tranquility to the experience. It concludes with a full-body Himalayan salt stone massage using warm oil infused with native white sage, and topped off with a specialty tea made with rosehip. It was the perfect topper to the day.

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After relaxing for a while in the spa’s spacious relaxation room, we decided to check out Old Town Temecula. Exuding authenticity at every turn, with majestic gateway arches, vintage boardwalks, iconic lampposts and historic structures, reminiscent of Old Town Scottsdale, the eclectic foodie district boasts a wide array of upscale white-tablecloth restaurants, contemporary and industrial bistros, and cafes—plus artisanal food emporiums, wine tasting rooms, and unique specialty stores and boutiques, all clustered in a compact, 12-block, pedestrian-friendly community.

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For dinner, we headed to The Nightingale in Old Town—so named after Aesop’s fable, The Nightingale and The Sparrow. As in the story, the restaurant takes a humble approach to growing and constantly improving. The made-from-scratch menu and thoughtfully curated wine list were anything but humble, however, and we indulged in curried hummus (house naan, tomato, cucumber and Kalamata olives); Margherita pizza (fresh mozzarella, marinara and basil); halibut (fennel, roasted leeks, mushrooms and kumquat); and seared pork chop (with cauliflower puree, maple bacon jus and romesco). The restaurant is beautifully designed with an open kitchen, large bar and wine room as focal points. A truly memorable dining experience is found here.

Just when I thought I couldn’t eat another thing on this trip, E.A.T. Marketplace in Old Town, known for yummy vegan doughnuts and other delectable bakery items, beckoned for breakfast. I opted for the plant-based rancheros made with roasted yam and seasonal greens, wheat chorizo, black beans, Sonora sauce, organic corn tortilla, avocado and housemate cashew crema. Yet again, another fabulous meal.

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E.A.T. MARKETPLAC E IN OLD TOWN

DOFFO WINERY

To round out our stay, we stopped by a few more wineries before heading back to the city. The first stop was Doffo Winery, a family-run winery with roots in Argentina and Italy. After decades of building the winery to what it is today—by planting vines of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc—founder Marcelo Doffo has now entrusted his life’s work to his three children, Damian, Brigitte and Samantha. Damian took us on a personalized tour, and it’s clear he and his sisters are passionate about producing quality wine and entertaining visitors. A motorcycle collection can be admired while sipping MottoDoffo Royal Tinto—a proprietary red wine blend with a one-of-a-kind hand-painted artwork by Makoto Endo on every label.

Next, we popped over to the Palumbo Family Vineyards & Winery. This family-run vineyard is committed to smallbatch, handcrafted wines made from estate grapes. The 13-acre winery is home to Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Sangiovese varietals. Nicholas Palumbo, along with his wife Cindy and their four children, produce 2,500 cases per year, and the boutique feel and artisanal quality can be tasted in every bottle. Expect full-bodied reds in both singlevariety bottles as well as a few special blends, such as the popular Meritage, dubbed Tre Fratelli.

PALUMBO FAMILY VINEYARDS & WINERY

LEONESS CELLARS WINERY AND RESTAURANT

Finally, we ended our tour with lunch and wine pairing at Leoness Cellars. Rated as the No. 1 Winery Restaurant by USA Today’s 10 Best Reader’s Choice and Best Restaurant of the IE for four consecutive years, The Restaurant at Leoness Cellars provides an exceptional alfresco dining experience. The welcoming design, including a palette of beige and black, provided the perfect backdrop for the seasonal menu of salads, seafood, pastas, flatbreads and luscious desserts. Here, we enjoyed a special tasting menu, which included oysters with caviar and Champagne; scallops with radish and an Asian-inspired sauce; tuna tartare; halibut with black beans, corn and tomato topped with crispy onion rings; bacon and Grana Padano duck fat fries (for which the restaurant is known); and filet mignon with mushrooms and asparagus. For dessert, amazing strawberry meringue. The wine, meanwhile, was on par with some of the best I’ve had. All around, a truly impressive experience. On our way out, we browsed the wine accessories and fun homewares in the gift shop.

As we embarked on our road trip back to L.A., all I could think was how lucky we are to have a place like Temecula so close to home! We’re already planning a return visit to check out the bevy of places we didn’t get to see over our quick weekend.

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FIG R ESTAU R A N T

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ocals and visitors alike flock to FIG Restaurant, set in the surf-modern, relaxed California atmosphere that is Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, for fun times, delicious culinary creations, perfectly mixed cocktails and a varied wine list. It’s an ideal venue for myriad occasions—business meetings, get-togethers with friends, date nights or large family gatherings. Executive Chef Jason Prendergast’s menu features super-fresh, heritage-inspired dishes, shareable plates and tableside offerings. He sources ingredients from the nearby Santa Monica Farmers Market, as well as local California foragers, ranchers and fishermen. In fact, he can tell you where livestock was raised and what it ate, the name of his fisherman and the precise spot where the day’s catch was caught. For real! A wide array of offerings for breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch mean you could dine here multiple times a week and not have the same thing twice. On a recent Thursday evening, the bistro was busy but not insane; the vibe was perfectly chill.

For starters, we chose the wood-fired margarita pizza (the foraged mushroom pizza with Taleggio cheese, wild arugula and summer truffles is also very popular); and super fresh Omega Blue Baja kanpachi

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with fennel, strawberries, Fresno chiles, matcha and masago. Next came the salads.

They all sounded so good, it was hard to choose, but we were delighted by the stone fruit salad with Glacier goat cheese, Santa Barbara pistachios, Scarborough Farm’s greens and golden balsamic vinaigrette; Bloomsdale spinach with warm pancetta vinaigrette, cured egg and garlic crumbs; and heirloom tomato with burrata, pickled pearl onions and basil white balsamic. Pasta dishes were incredibly tempting—Dungeness crab spaghetti alla chitarra, Maine lobster rigatoni, corn agnolotti—but we were already filling up, so we jumped right to the entrees. We loved the Alaskan halibut with Sun Gold tomatoes, basil and olive oil and duck breast with sage spaetzle and braised endive. Other guest favorites include the Mary’s Chicken with white corn, peppers, okra and chicken jus, and Aspen Ridge braised short rib with herb gnocchi and Thumbelina carrots and spring peas.

On-the-side musts are wood-oven roasted veggies, including squash, asparagus, broccoli de cicco and mushrooms. An amazing cheese selection (more than 25 varieties) and charcuterie menu are on offer every night; Tuesdays through Sundays, FIG’s very own fromager, Eric Brazel, curates the cheese and charcuterie board with his international and domestic faves. Not to be missed: FIG AT FIVE, a nightly happy hour (5-6 p.m.), when most menu items, including some of chef’s favorites, are half-price. 101 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA, 310.319.3111, figsantamonica.com

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WRITTEN BY { BONNIE

DAVIDSON

PHOTOGRAPHY BY { NOAH

FECKS

The sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the finest dining destinations in far-flung locales have been transported to PRICELESS – An International Culinary Collective in New York City.

Welcome to Zanzibar, London and Kitakyushu on the Hudson.

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The fine arts of gastronomy and mixology—not to mention lighting, sound and interior design—are all on display at PRICELESS – An International Culinary Collective. Created by Mastercard in partnership with creative branding agency Spring Studios, the multisensory, immersive venue hosts a rotating roster of worldrenowned dining establishments from around the globe. With impeccable attention to even the most minute detail, the eateries are reconstructed on the fifth floor of Spring Studios—home of New York Fashion Week—in the Lower Manhattan neighborhood of Tribeca. Brick by brick, boardwalk slat by boardwalk slat, from rugs to ceiling fans to the sights and sounds of nature, the original locations literally pop up with their ambiance intact, their famous chefs in the kitchens and beverage directors overseeing the bars. “With PRICELESS, we are reinventing experiential dining to create a feast for all your senses by completely immersing you in the environment of these world-renowned locales,” says Raja Rajamannar, chief marketing and communications officer of Mastercard. In residence at PRICELESS until January 21, 2020 are The Rock from Zanzibar, Tanzania; Terazushi from Kitakyushu, Japan; and Lyaness from London, England. (Peruvian superstar chef Pia León completed the fall residency of her Lima hotspot, Kjolle, in November 2019.) Stay tuned for the next lineup of immersive culinary experiences. The preferred method of payment at PRICELESS is Mastercard (but cash is also accepted).

All other credit cards can be left at home. 6 St. Johns Lane, New York, NY, 212.257.5615, restaurant.mastercard.com

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THE ROCK

Accessible by foot at low tide and by wooden boat when the water rises, The Rock is revered not only for its African cuisine with an Italian twist, but also for its spectacular setting—on a rock a short distance from the shore of Zanzibar. When in residence, the restaurant’s New York City incarnation includes a palm tree roof and sandy walkway; a video of the turquoise Indian Ocean, simulating the view outside the real restaurant; a soundtrack of birds swooping and waves hitting the seaweed-strewn beach; and the scents of salt air, moss and beechwood. Donning traditional Tanzanian attire, servers present a six-course tasting menu ($135) including Swahili carpaccio of kingfish with beet root, coconut milk-lime dressing and pili-pili; potato gnocchi with Zanzibar vanilla butter, kungu manga and potato leaves; and a medley of grilled seafood—spiny lobster, lobster claw, jumbo prawn, octopus, calamari and Diver scallops. A selection of South African wines, beers, cocktails and mocktails completes the transporting experience.

TERAZUSHI

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Sushi genius and Instagram phenom Chef Takayoshi Watanabe (aka #sushibae) of Terazushi, in Kitakyushu, Japan, packs up his custom knives and takes them, along with his entire kitchen team, to a 12-seat sushi counter at PRICELESS for months at a time. Wearing his signature bow tie and weilding a formidable 27.5inch curved blade, Chef Watanabe-san turns slicing raw fish into performance art, giving diners front-row seats to the precise preparation and plating of each morsel on a 15-course omakase menu ($395). Buttery blobs of red uni on maguro tartare are topped off with Osetra caviar and sprinkled with shiso flowers. Abalone is steamed in sake and served with kimo sauce. Meticulously cut pieces of nigiri sushi include kombu-infused Spanish mackerel, Japanese sardine, black-throated perch and vinegared gizzard shad.

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LYANESS

From the grain in the green marble curved bar to the view of the River Thames projected onto the windows, Lyaness at PRICELESS is a doppelganger of the original, award-winning bar in Sea Containers, London’s luxury South Bank hotel.

“When I first walked in, it was a surreal experience,” marvels Chef Ryan (“Mr. Lyan”) Chetiyawardana, who has come to New York City to mix experimental cocktails with the same rare ingredients—such as koji, purple pineapple and milk wine— that brought him fame across the pond. Intricately crafted libations include Jade Cobbler (ONYX, green mint, burnt honey, peach, lime), a concoction described on the menu as “green, layered and easy drinking”; and Prelude (Grey Goose, purple pineapple, grass, Æcorn dry aperitif, lactic soda), described as “herbal, aromatic and rich.” To accompany these magic potions, elevated bar bites include Wagyu beef hotdogs, giardiniera tempura with ponzu and whipped avocado, and oysters on the half shell in blackberry-agave mignonette.

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LUTHUN E A S T V I L L AGE , N E W YOR K C I T Y

WRITTEN BY { BONNIE

DAVIDSON

PHOTOGRAPHY BY { KATHRYN

SUELLENTROP

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After working together in some of the world’s most acclaimed restaurants— Lespinasse and Café Grey in New York City, El Bulli in Spain, and Lyle’s and The Fat Duck in the U.K.—chefs Nahid Ahmed and Arjuna Bull have teamed up to open Luthun, an intimate showcase for the duo’s modern global cuisine.

In this 600-square-foot, brick-lined space with an open kitchen and colorful spices from Chef Ahmed’s personal collection on display, 29 lucky diners (including nine at the chef’s counter) are treated to five-course and 10-course tasting menus, with equal attention paid to vegetarian options. Each elevated dining experience begins with an exquisite amuse-bouche, perhaps a fushka—a crisp, bite-size pani puri (Indian snack) filled with sprouts, tamarind, ginger, sugar snap peas and edible flowers. Monkfish is plated with jackfruit and okra in a puddle of Thai green curry. Squid shares a bowl with cucumber, coriander, avocado and Amazonian chili. Fresh bright red and yellow tomatoes are tossed with rose, rhubarb and onion. For dessert, a cup of frozen yogurt with berries packs the tongue-tingling punch of granita made with sansho peppercorns.

Surprise! 432 E. 13th St., New York, NY, 646.454.9484, luthun.com

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WRITTEN BY { ANGELA

FAIRHURST

PHOTOGRAPHY BY { EVAN

SUNG

T

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he Beaux Arts-style Evelyn Hotel opened as Hotel Broztell in 1905, was rechristened the Gershwin Hotel in 1992 and, under the new ownership of Triumph Hotel Group, was lovingly renovated and renamed in honor of Evelyn Nesbit (the turn-of-the-20th-century “It” girl) in 2014. In this historic, landmarked building, three new restaurants are now welcome additions to New York City’s booming culinary neighborhood known as NoMad (north of Madison Square Park). Acclaimed Chef Jonathan Benno, formerly of Per Se and Lincoln Ristorante, is the mastermind behind Leonelli Focacceria e Pasticceria, an Italian bakery and café in the lobby; Leonelli Taberna, a chic Roman-inspired trattoria with an accompanying cocktail bar and lounge; and fine dining room Benno, the star of the bunch. The focus at Chef Benno’s eponymous destination for foodies is the Mediterranean coast, particularly where Northern Italy and Southern France meet at Liguria and Provence. Guests can select three-, four- or five-course prix fixe menus, plus a wine-pairing option. Highlights include Rohan duck served with sauteed foie gras, spring onions, cherries and dandelion greens; and agnolotti del plin, filled with duck and foie gras. With an astonishingly high staff-to-patron ratio, the service, like the food, is impeccable.

7 E. 27th St., New York, N.Y., 212.451.9557, bennorestaurant.com

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M I DTOW N, N E W YOR K C I T Y

WRITTEN BY { ANGELA

FAIRHURST

PHOTOGRAPHY BY { DAVID

COWAN

R

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enowned James Beard Award-winning chef Jose Garces’ Basqueinspired restaurant, Ortzi NYC, is located on the ground floor of the Luma Hotel—a new boutique hotel tucked between Times Square and Bryant Park, close to all the action yet far enough away to maintain a chic nonchalance. Bringing the culinary traditions of the mountainous coastal region that straddles Spain and France to Midtown Manhattan, the chef prepares cazuelas (cooked in a clay pot), tapas, pinxtos, conservas, crudos, grilled meats and seafood (plus Spanish ciders, sherries and wines by the glass) all day in the informal wood-paneled lounge and bar area.

An intimate 50-seat dining room with an open kitchen and brick oven is the setting for dishes including albóndigas piperade with a poached egg; habas, a fava bean salad; and roasted Spanish octopus. As for signature cocktails, Ortzi bartenders mix up variations on the gin and tonic, with surprise elements such as rose, grapefruit, cucumber, saffron and spice.

120 W. 41st St., New York, N.Y., 212.730.8900, ortzirestaurant.com

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A N E X C I T I N G N E W A R R AY O F C H E F - D R I V E N R E S TAU R A N T S O P E N AT T H E

V EN ETI A N L AS V EGAS R E SORT

WRITTEN BY { BETH

WEITZMAN

For several years now, Las Vegas has been steadily raising its culinary game. Recently, an exciting new wave of chef-driven restaurants have come to town (and more on the near horizon), with the most excitement at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. If you’re a foodie and you haven’t visited in a while, it’s time to roll back into Sin City.

Gone are the days when Vegas dining meant only Rat Pack-style restaurants that specialized in steaks and martinis, and flashy celebrity chef restaurants where the celebrity chefs were rarely there. These days, noteworthy chefs are very much present at new restaurants inside iconic hotels. We recently saw the opening of Best Friend, from Roy Choi, at Park MGM; and Vetri Cucina,

by Marc Vetri, at Palms Casino Resort. But leading the charge is The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, with its central location on the Strip, remodeled casino floor, multiple pools, spacious suites, personalized service and more than 40 restaurants—the most offered under one hotel roof anywhere in the world.

The impressive array includes Bouchon (Thomas Keller’s modern French restaurant), Chica (the restaurant by Latina celebrity chef Lorena Garcia, known for its Venezuelan, Peruvian, Brazilian, Mexican and Argentinian-influenced menu), Sugarcane (showcasing globally inspired small plates from the raw bar, grill and traditional kittchen, where faves include mini Maine lobster rolls, hamachi crudo and king crab legs), Black Tap (crazy-good craft burgers, salads, super-sized creative milkshakes, craft beer and cocktails, imagined by Vegas veterans Chris Barish and chef Joe Isidori), Yardbird Southern Table & Bar (southern comfort food with a modern twist), and Once (from L.A. chef Ricardo Zarate, a one-of-akind Peruvian Nikkei dining experience).

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New to The Venetian is Matteo’s Ristorante Italiano by Angelo Auriana, who worked with Pierro Selvaggio at Valentina when he came to the U.S. many years ago. With an already huge L.A. following, the restaurant is the brainchild of restaurateur Matteo Ferdinandi and Chef Auriana. Their goal: to create a memorable dining experience that’s as indulgent as it is approachable. Mission accomplished. Chef Auriana has developed a mouthwatering Northern Italian menu filled with memorable recipes passed down through generations of Italian kitchens and inspired by the original The Factory Kitchen in L.A.’s Arts District. Locally sourced ingredients pair with fresh seafood, like Mediterranean sea bass and top-quality slow roasted pork belly, sending taste buds soaring.

Within an industrial-chic environment, diners feel as though they’ve been transported to an authentic Italian trattoria in Italy. When it comes to pasta, this is the place; watch in awe as it’s made to order right in front of you. Don’t miss the mandilli di seta, a delicate pasta with basil and almond pesto.

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Another recently opened hot spot by restaurateur Matteo Ferdinandi and Chef Auriana is sixth+mill ristorante—a not-to-be-missed pizzeria and bar located in the outdoorinspired St. Mark’s Square in the Grand Canal Shoppes.

Grab a patio table or seat at the bar, and experience the most fabulous aromas and prepare your taste buds for craveable flavors. Hand-crafted Neapolitan-style pizzas feature spectacular sauce made with three varieties of tomatoes imported from southern Italy. Part sweet, part tangy and 100-percent perfection. Baked in special Italian pizza ovens, the crust is a delightful combination of airy and chewy. Pasta specialties such as Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe and entree favorites including chicken parm with San Marzano tomato sauce, mozzarella and parsley oil are also seriously, delish. Dining here is worth the trip to Vegas (or its original L.A. Arts District location) alone!

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From the other side of the globe, Chef Alan Ji’s Mott 32, the famed Hong Kong restaurant, offers both Cantonese and Szechuan fine-dining delights. Designed by Hong Kong-based Joyce Wang Studio, this is the third Mott 32 restaurant in the world (and the first in the United States). Pairing classic Chinese elements and New York industrialism with a nod to Las Vegas style, the stage is beautifully suited for the modern take on traditional Chinese cuisine. The restaurant opened less than a year ago, but is already legendary for its 48-hour Peking duck, with its golden, crackly sweet skin and moist meat, served with paper thin pancakes and all the garnishes. The impressive menu brims with tea and specialty cocktail selections, as well as a vast array of wines. Starters, such as handmade dim sum, Peking-style spicy crispy duck rack, crispy roasted pork belly, crispy Szechuan chicken and Buddha Jumps Over the Wall soup set the meal in

the right direction. The entree selection is incredible; it’s hard to pick. In addition to the Peking duck, highlights are wok-fried Maine lobster, whole Dungeness crab, signature smoked black cod and baked Alaskan king crab legs. Not-to-be-missed is the new Dim sum brunch, a new spin on the classic, offering innovations like egg siu mai, a dumpling filled with a whole soft quail egg.

Later this month, Momofuku founder and chef David Chang will open his L.A. phenom, Majordōmo Meat & Fish, also at The Venetian. Diners will enjoy California cuisine inspired by the varied food cultures for which L.A. is known. Chang will also open Moon Palace across from Majordōmo with a menu of Tastys, sliders made with beef or Impossible burgers served on King’s Hawaiian rolls— sure to be delish! Grand Canal Shoppes, 3325 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV, venetian.com

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ROSE & THORN AND

DOUBLE BARREL CLUB L O D O ,

D E N V E R

WRITTEN BY { CHRISTINE PHOTOGRAPHY BY { JOHN

CARPIO RUSSO

I

n downtown Denver’s bustling LoDo neighborhood, Shawn and Alexandra Ellis are the masterminds behind a new upstairs/downstairs restaurant and bar concept. At street level, Rose & Thorn is a stylish outpost for upscale Latin street food, such as duck taquitos, coconut ginger ceviche, mofongo, pork belly carne frita, a selection of arepas, and a whole 30-pound suckling pig (available on Fridays and with 48 hours notice; serves 6). In the bar area, tequilaforward craft cocktails are chilled by artisanal ice that has been infused with sweet, aromatic and refreshing ingredients at the in-house ice laboratory. Available a la carte, flavored cubes include rose petal, blueberry sage, prickly pear, smoked paprika poblano, black garlic maple, celery coriander or chai tea. Guests who venture down to the basement level enter Double Barrel Club, an underground Cuban-style rum speakeasy where exposed brick walls, vintage black-and-white photographs and subtle lighting capture the sultriness of 1959 Havana. Rum flights provide the opportunity to sample more than 70 aged spirits, and rum-soaked cocktails benefit from the on-site ice laboratory’s frozen creations. To complement the premium libations, authentic Cuban family-style dishes include ropa vieja (stewed beef), lechon asado (roast pork, black beans and rice) and bacalao (salted cod). Habitues may want to purchase a rum locker, which also provides access to an elegant private lounge with dedicated waitstaff and bartenders. Salud! 1433 17th St., Denver, CO, 303.367.3533, roseandthornlodo.com

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dialogue INTERIOR

E R I N N VA L E N C I C H I S B R I N G I N G T H E B U S I N E S S O F I N T E R I O R D E S I G N I N T O T H E 2 1 S T C E N T U R Y. INTERVIEW BY { BETH PORTRAIT BY { GUS

L

WEITZMAN DERING

ike many of her industry peers, Los Angeles-based interior designer Erinn Valencich felt overwhelmed by paperwork and

frustrated by outdated procedures for project management. She longed for a 21st-century tool that could streamline the interior

from place to place, why couldn’t she invent a platform to bring digital technology to the design space? Although she had zero related Having recently raised $4 million of seed money from major venture capitalists in L.A. and Silicon Valley, Valencich launched StyleRow in September 2019. Here, she gives us the inside story on her latest

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experience, Valencich was not deterred. In fact, she was emboldened.

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showrooms and clients. If Uber could change the way people go

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design business and make life easier for designers, architects, vendors,

entrepreneurial endeavor.

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You’ve run a successful interior design firm for 16-plus years. You’re the visionary behind ERINN V., a 90-piece line of luxury furniture handcrafted in California and available at fine to-the-trade showrooms. You have collaborations with brands, such as Baldwin Hardware, Fine Art Lamps and Creative Touch Rugs. Why develop StyleRow?

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The digital IQ of the design industry is far behind the times.

I was fed up with the paper-heavy workflow, and moving data manually from one platform or app to another to another, just to get the project done. I know how hard it was to attempt to streamline my business through software that wasn’t built for design professionals and always fell short. That’s when I decided to build an operating system for the design industry that pulls it all together. That is what StyleRow does.

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“

The interior design industry is badly in need of new technology, and with their experience in the space, Erinn and her team knew exactly what needed to be built. It’s their vision for the space that got us excited to back StyleRow as they modernize the industry.”

-Scott Nolan, Founders Fund

How exactly does StyleRow solve the industry’s outdated ways?

Designers end up spending about 80 percent of their time doing administrative duties, order processing, scheduling and logistics, and only 20 percent on creative. Luxury furnishings brands sell to designers and architects via fax and archaic methods. Sharing products digitally with clients and design teams is difficult and not efficient; there is no e-commerce in high-end furnishings either. Purchasing is overly time-consuming and so much time is lost tracking things down. My goal was to make technology easy and accessible for the luxury design market and help designers and architects streamline their workflow by creating one platform to do everything they need to do. StyleRow is designed to follow the entire design process—starting with a digital product library that allows designers to save all their favorite items to shop later—moving into budgets and presentations, through sourcing in our tradeonly marketplace and sharing product with clients in a beautiful, digital presentation. Our software tracks all the communication and gives designers a mission control from which to run their projects all the way through invoicing and order management.

How does StyleRow speak to the next generation?

Millennials are sourcing online first, and by 2025 [they] will be 75 percent of our workforce. Clients are getting younger, too, and they demand digital tools to interact with their projects. If brands don’t provide an easier, better way for their designer-customers to engage with them, they run the risk of becoming obsolete. That is the way it is in every industry, but home furnishings has been slow to adopt. But they are. The industry knows it’s time to let go of the fax machine and move ahead—fast.

Tell us more about the projects functionality on StyleRow.

What came next?

What else will be found on the platform?

What was it like raising your first pre-seed round of $600,000?

Our projects tool rolls together the visual reference of a Pinterest board with communication tools, and replaces Excel and Keynote/ PowerPoint. StyleRow lets designers do the entirety of their project in one window, instead of moving data back and forth, back and forth between these other systems. The amount of time lost by repetitively building out the same project in a different format, based on the point in time you are at in the project, is mind boggling. Now, once the data is in there once, you can easily filter and get whatever view you need, without having to re-do all your work over and over again.

StyleRow features editorial-style brand and product profiles, showroom tours and storytelling videos. Which helps designers shop for product from their desk. Storytelling really matters in the luxury space and these days clients really want to know how the sauce was made, so we are giving them a window into this magical world of makers, artists and artisans.

What were some of your initial challenges?

As an entrepreneur for more than 16 years, I had always been self-funded. In the beginning, I was very hesitant to ask for money. I found someone to help me fundraise, which led to some dead ends. But in the process, I learned how to pitch, create a deck, ask for investment and, most importantly, get the word out.

I told everyone I knew about what I was doing and asked if they knew anyone who could help.

What was your first success, the first sign that StyleRow could become a reality?

“

It was really hard. I know the design business really, really well. I know what the platform needs to do, and I know the workflows as a designer, a showroom and a vendor, because I am all of them. But what I didn’t have was tech experience. I had no experience running a development team or what code looked

StyleRow delivers the ultimate, much needed, cutting-edge technology that coordinates simplicity and cohesiveness between design professional, manufacturer, retailer and client to the design industry. I liken their accomplishment to what Dollar Shave Club did to grooming, and Uber did to ride sharing. It makes one wonder how the industry has managed without it.”

-Mark Levine, co-founder, Dollar Shave Club

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like, so I knew I needed to stack my team with that experience.

Thankfully, with a sharp CTO and smart investors in our early stage—we raised a little bit of money, around $117,000—we started building the product. Five months later, we had a demo that I was able to show potential investors and really demonstrate what I was talking about. At that point, it was a lot of pounding the pavement, leveraging every contact and network possible.

It’s massively time-consuming. Fundraising is a full-time job. I talked to at least a hundred people to raise that first round. Even

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After a year of getting essentially nowhere, I was fortunate to speak on a panel with Barclay Butera at WestEdge [Design Fair], and meet his head of media, Laiza Cors. After hearing more about my idea over lunch, she suggested I speak to the guys at the tech startup where her husband worked. I met with the co-founders of CREXi, a platform that did for commercial real estate what I wanted to do for design.

They took a fragmented industry with backwards workflows and created a software allowing commercial realtors to put all their buildings for sale on one platform, while also offering back-office workflow tools for the brokers and realtors to connect.

The two guys behind it, Mike DeGiorgio and Erek Benz, are amazing.

I remember the moment when they said, “We get asked all the time to help founders and, honestly, we don’t have time. But this idea is amazing and we want to help you.” They then completely changed my trajectory of whom I was talking to and what I was doing. They took me under their wing. That was a huge win.

They connected me with TulaCo, the company that built their platform. I met the co-founder, Steve Lackenby. He loved the idea so much he pretty quickly agreed to become my CTO. The TulaCo guys personally invested and started building the platform. I was so fortunate to have met them, as Mike and Erek introduced me to all of their investors in L.A., plugging me right into the tech scene here, which laid the foundation for future meetings in San Francisco.

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with my almost two decades of industry expertise, being a woman helming a software company (who hadn’t built one before) in an archaic industry still mailing checks and talking about faxing forms, many investors weren’t interested because I wasn’t a “technical founder.” Meaning, I wasn’t writing code myself.

Despite the negative feedback, how were you able to persevere?

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I knew it was the right idea. I knew that every designer I spoke to was desperate for a better way to work, so I just had to find the right investors that loved design and got the space and saw the massive opportunity to bring this behemoth industry online. I don’t know these people, so you end up having to have many phone calls. It’s kind of like dating. You go out a few times to figure out if there’s common interests and goals. They have to like you, they have to love your idea. But then they have to think that you are solving it the right way and that they believe in your ability to execute.

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At that point, how far along was the product?

After closing our pre-seed, we went right into building our Product Library, which lets designers save product they love in one place, allowing their entire team to access their personal database. We also started building the marketplace side of the site, so that we could pull in a brand’s catalog and configure products. Early on, we onboarded 90-plus top furniture brands and showrooms. Gina DeWitt, the president of Kneedler Fauchère was (and is) a huge supporter. I presented to heavy hitters, names like Donghia, Dakota Jackson, Hellman Chang, Quintus, Kravet, Stark, Minotti. I went in and just told them in simple terms, “This is what I’m building for our industry. Support me, please. Here are all the benefits that you’re going to get.” Most of them responded so genuinely, with comments like, “Thank you for building this. Someone needed to tackle this mountain, to do it right and to do it for the whole industry.”

Congrats on closing your second round of funding. How did it compare to the first?

I kept a huge Google doc of everyone I’d ever talked to and what they thought, what they said. Are they interested? A lot of them say, “I love this, but you’re too early for me right now. Come back when you’re not just selling an idea; when you have the product built; when you have your revenue; when you have your first customer … I heard it all. Every investor has their own restrictions and requirements about what they want to see.

I went back to all of them. Ultimately, what an investor wants to see is progress. They want to see that you can build something and you’re going to do what you say. So, for our seed round, I was able to show that 90-plus top brands and 900 of the top design firms in the country, who purchase nearly a billion dollars of product a year, signed up and were saying, “Thank you for building it. You’re going to change my life.”

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I feel so fortunate to have secured L.A.-based Jesse Draper of Halogen Ventures as our lead investor. She invests exclusively in female founders, and is a big believer in the industry and StyleRow. I’d been courting her for almost two years. Once she was in and leading the round, things moved a lot faster, with others willing to give it another look. Next in was Dollar Shave Club co-founder Mark Levine, which led to other big names like Scott Nolan, at Founders Fund—one of the biggest venture funds in the world based in San Francisco; Leah Busque, the former CEO and founder of TaskRabbit; and Chris Howard from Fuel Capital. We suddenly went from having about $1.5 million committed to just a few days later, being overcommitted and having to turn investors down. We capped the round at $4 million.

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Tell us about some of your big-name investors.

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TOUCHSTONES

OF

ITALIAN STYLE Like the legendary high-performance sports cars from the company founded by Ferruccio Lamborghini, ceramic tiles created by the automobile entrepreneur’s son, Tonino, are stunning to behold, impeccably engineered and coveted by the international design cognoscenti.

WRITTEN BY {

BONNIE DAVIDSON

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Part of the luxury lifestyle brand created in 1981

by Tonino Lamborghini, son of sports car visionary Ferruccio Lamborghini, Tonino Lamborghini Luxury Surfaces consists of 14 collections inspired by prominent Formula One racing circuits, including Indy, Interlagos, Le Mans, Long Beach, Marina Bay, Monte Carlo, Montréal, Silverstone, Nürburgring and Estoril.

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From the same design DNA that first produced the most drool-inducing Italian speed kings of the road comes the Tonino Lamborghini Luxury Surfaces line of ceramic tile—high-end wall and floor coverings that, for the first time, are available to designers and consumers in this country through Tile Doctor, the exclusive agent in the United States.

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BATHROOMS

Designs range from dramatic geometrics to abstracts, street art to marble- and granite-like veins, bold and flashy to neutral and serene.

Elements linked to luxury sports cars—carbon, steel, shiny wood, copper and rose gold— are incorporated into some of the designs.

Individual tiles inscribed with the iconic image of a charging bull—the logo of the Lamborghini family, said to represent consistency, fortitude and power—are strategically placed on each wall, floor or other surface.

Born in Cento, Italy, in 1947 into a family famous for its achievements in the mechanical and automotive sector, Lamborghini took off in his own direction in 1981. “At the time, I was assisting my father in the family group, but I felt

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ENTERTAINING

the need to do something exclusively of my own, different from the world of engines,” he said. “I have always been interested in design and accessories. I really liked brands like Gucci and Hermès and I was inspired by them to create an activity with signature branded products. Just as Gucci was inspired by the equestrian world with iconic elements, such as a bracket or a bite, I took inspiration from the bearing, the piston, the springs, the suspensions.”

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His nascent luxury hospitality brand, Tonino Lamborghini Hotels and Resorts, is geared toward the world’s most demanding clientele. The first exclusive properties are all located in China—Suzhou, Kunshan, Huangshi and Changde. Plans are in the works to expand further across Mainland China, as well as into Cambodia, Macau and Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands.

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Thus, Lamborghini entered the luxury world with his characteristic sky-high standards, uncompromising spirit and razor-sharp focus on innovation. His eponymous company went on to introduce not only ceramic tiles, but also Tonino Lamborghini-branded watches, eyewear, smartphones, perfumes, furniture, clothing, sports accessories, golf and utility carts, beverages and energy drinks, cafes and restaurants, and, most recently, fivestar hotels and real estate projects.

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KITCHENS / DINING ROOMS

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In addition, Tonino Lamborghini has his eye on branded luxury residential properties, which are a growing international trend. He’s currently working with Chinese developer Oriental Pearls on Tonino Lamborghini Residences Dubai, a 4.6-millionsquare-foot Royal Pearls master-planned community located in Dubai’s Meydan One district.

Construction is underway on the development, which represents a total investment of $6 billion; the first of four phases is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2020, with total completion by 2024.

All 7,500 premium residences will be completely outfitted with Tonino Lamborghini products, including ceramic tiles in the bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms and common areas. Also in development is a 65-story branded residential beachfront tower in Marina de Camboriú, one of the most exclusive luxury holiday resort areas in Brazil.

The goal is for residents to enjoy a complete Tonino Lamborghini lifestyle experience. “I hope my clientele understands my personal vision behind all my branded products,” Lamborghini said, “to spread the passion and spirit of Italy with unique and distinctive products, inspired by Italian industrial design and the Lamborghini family mechanical heritage.” Che bella vita! tiledoctor.com, lamborghini-tiles.com

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FIBER

RICH Organic, sustainable and ethically sourced cotton sheets and

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towels from Coyuchi provide a luxurious night’s sleep, healthy

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home and promise to protect the planet.

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hristine Nielsen was a true pioneer in organic cotton. In 1991, unable to find home

textiles made of organic cotton in North America, she created her own company, Coyuchi, with the vision of bringing sustainably sourced, ethically made, high-quality, organic cotton goods into homes everywhere. Nearly 20 years later, Coyuchi’s product line—bedding, towels, sheets, duvet covers, sleepwear and baby wear—is still made according to the founder’s belief that you don’t have to sacrifice luxury to shop responsibly. All items are made of organic fiber grown according to the highest USDA and international standards. The result is natural fiber items that are super soft and devoid of harmful chemicals. In addition, Coyuchi is a pioneer in the subscription services space, having developed an organic linen subscription program before such programs were commonplace. After trying out Coyuchi linen sheets for ourselves, we’re hooked.

Here, we chat with Eileen Mockus, CEO and life-

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long lover of fine textiles.

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What is your background in textiles?

What are the brand’s core values?

Growing up in a household where my mother and five sisters all

Luxurious comfort without compromise. Driven by a deep

sewed, I’ve been passionate about textiles from the very beginning.

reverence for nature and a desire to fill homes with sustainably

I earned a B.S. in textile and clothing from UC Davis, and an M.S.

sourced, ethically made goods, Coyuchi has been committed to the

in business administration, with an emphasis on small business and

highest standards since 1991. From organically grown fiber and

entrepreneurship, from San Francisco State University. My years

Global Organic Textile Standard-certified manufacturing to the

spent at iconic companies [North Face, Patagonia, Pottery Barn

latest water-recycling methods and circular business practices, we

Kids and PB Teen] allowed me to expand my deep knowledge of the

are committed to creating the highest-quality linens in the most

technical side of the textile business, working in fabric development,

innovative and environmentally sustainable ways.

materials testing, product development and sourcing. During this

What is Coyuchi’s design inspiration and philosophy?

piqued my interest in organic cotton and inspired my pursuit for

Coyuchi started in Point Reyes Station, and it’s no coincidence that

better, cleaner textile-processing methods.

the origin of organic food, slow food and life with intention all stems from Marin County. Inspired by the relaxed luxury of California’s

The challenge of making high-quality products in a way that is

it—our aesthetic embraces the tones, textures and calming energy

respectful to the people who make them, and the Earth we all

of those peaceful places where water meets land. There’s a relaxed

share, drew me to Coyuchi, and continues to guide my vision for

lifestyle that we’d like our customers to feel. Our expertise in home

the company as it grows. I was inspired to join the team when

textiles is grounded in the education, experience and guidance of

the company was expanding the assortment. At the same time,

our product development team, all of whom hold degrees from

e-commerce was expanding and created this unique opportunity

prestigious textile design schools. Coyuchi is an active member of

to interact directly with the customer. It was an opportunity that

Textile Exchange (TE) and has been a proud supporter of the Chetna

appealed to my desire to work with great materials and be part of a

Organic Farming Cooperative—an ethical textile and fashion value

shift in consumer behavior and sustainability.

chain community—for more than 10 years.

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coastlines—the colors, attention to detail and the desire to protect

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What inspired you to join Coyuchi?

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time, my visits to manufacturing facilities in Europe and Asia

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What makes Coyuchi’s cotton exceptional?

Natural fibers are the best performance fibers for sleep, for bathing and for the home, and using organic fiber and processing is our way of ensuring we have the safest product for our customers. All organic fiber is grown according to USDA organic standards (the National Organic Program, or NOP) and we follow the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) for processing.

GOTS ensures the product is made organically and the processing is nontoxic and low-impact on the environment. We’ve recently adopted the Made Safe standard for a portion of our assortment as another verification that our product is safe for our customers.

We want to avoid harmful chemicals, such as flame retardants, formaldehyde finishes and heavy metals in dyestuffs. We are about to launch an organic GOLScertified latex assortment—a breathable, supportive alternative to traditional down or synthetic fillers. Each Coyuchi latex pillow is uniquely protected by 100-percent GOTS-certified organic cotton and filled with naturally derived, 100-percent GOLS-certified organic Dunlop latex foam. Organic latex resists the growth of mold and mildew while repelling allergen-filled dust mites, providing superior ventilation for a timeless pillow with customizable support. We also follow the Climate Beneficial Wool for wool products, meaning we work with farms through Fibershed to sequester more carbon into the soil than released. Lastly, we team up with 1% For The Planet to donate 1 percent of our earnings on certain products to give back to the Fibershed fund.

Why are organic linens and towels better for people and the planet?

Organic textiles ensure that you are wrapping yourself up in safe and pure fibers. Conventional linens and towels are created with softeners and pesticides that affect our hormonal health, respiratory health, [and] some of

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these chemicals have even been linked to cancer. Not to mention the harm it causes farmers and factory workers who touch each product (as well as the soil and wildlife).

We want to ensure that no one has to sleep in sheets made with this list of toxic chemicals deemed too harmful to use by GOTS, like formaldehyde, phthalates and endocrine disruptors. Purchasing organic cotton supports more than just cotton, it affects the entire ecosystem of organic farming. Organic farming creates 60 percent less output of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases than conventional cotton. We believe that if you are going to create a brand-new product, it has to be done ethically and with respect to the planet.

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Tell us about the Coyuchi For Life program.

Each year, the U.S. generates 21 billion pounds of postconsumer textile waste. All that (nonorganic) waste—and the raw materials and manufacturing that go into replenishing those discarded resources—releases toxins into the environment and contributes to climate change. Coyuchi For Life is our simple, circular solution to this growing problem, offering an organic linen subscription program that closes the loop on home textiles. Fresh sets of organic sheets and/or towels arrive at our subscribers’ homes in increments of six, 12 or 24 months, with rates starting as low as $5 per month. As soon as the new sets arrive, subscribers simply send their previously loved linens back to us in the packaging provided. That’s where our partners at the The Renewal Workshop step in with the most innovative, sustainable methods to renew, upcycle or recycle these returned linens. They may be laundered using an Earth-friendly waterless process, then mended, specially packaged, discounted and sold as “refreshed” at our brick-and-mortar Point Reyes Station store. Or, if they have issues that can’t be fixed, like a large, centrally placed tear, offered to artisans and independent designers who upcycle textiles into new products like bags, clothing and accessories. We imagine a world where landfills are linen-free, and all living spaces are furnished with thoughtfully designed, organic sheets and towels that never lose their usefulness.

Have customers been receptive to the idea?

The team grappled with the hesitancy of consumers to accept “renewed” linens as the clean, sanitary products they are.

There was the possibility that “used” linens might not be embraced so easily. But the stringent standards and efficiency of our partners at The Renewal Workshop quickly put our minds at ease. Thus far, our consumers have been receptive to luxury organic linens with extended lifecycles. The response has confirmed a definite interest in alternative payment plans, purchasing used product at our brick-and-mortar location in Point Reyes Station, and a willingness to support a circular economy through closed-loop initiatives.

What’s next for Coyuchi?

Our Coyuchi For Life pilot program has recently expanded into our new 2nd Home service, which invites all customers to send their used Coyuchi linens back to us for repurposing in return for a discount toward a future purchase—no subscription necessary. Launched in 2019, 2nd Home is our next step in circularity, and we are continually exploring possibilities for innovation and expansion. Our goal for the future is to develop new Coyuchi product out of 100-percent recycled materials—using the returned fabrics from both programs. We are also working on being completely plastic-free with the goal of fall 2020.

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As founder of Sybarite Lifestyle Management, Scott Hale’s expertise lies in running every aspect of his high-net-worth clients’ domestic lives.

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MADISON HILL DAVIDSON

Scott Hale lives to serve and serves to live. A graduate of Cornell University’s prestigious School of Hotel Administration Management and a veteran of luxury hotel brands Four Seasons and Regent International Hotels & Resorts, he also served as a Beverly Hills estate manager and the managing director of a national domestic staffing firm before following his bliss by launching his own company, Sybarite Lifestyle Management, in 2003. Sweating the small stuff, the gigantic stuff and everything in between—so that his high-profile clients don’t have to—is now Hale’s mission.

In Southern California and on the East End of Long Island, timecrunched, high-net-worth individuals rely on him to hire and fire their butlers, nannies, chefs, chauffeurs, housekeepers, gardeners and other household staff; help them buy an exotic motorcar or sell museum-worthy artwork; plan a fundraiser or furnish a Tuscan villa. In other words, a client’s needs, no matter how far-reaching, is Hale’s command.

Have you always enjoyed the luxury lifestyle?

of our clients share the same challenge of being pressed for

my love of travel and fine dining to my appreciation of architecture

leverage our clients’ time, thus freeing them to focus on what is

I recall having always been attracted to the finer things in life, from and interior design. Growing up in the Washington, D.C., area, I always wanted to know what the interiors of the beautiful estates and townhomes surrounding me were like. One summer, my best friend and I created a catering company while we were on break from school. We orchestrated dinner parties for neighbors, and I delighted in every aspect of this, from preparing the food to setting the table and serving the meal. I knew from this very early age that

Have you ever made a seemingly impossible request come true?

A client asked me to meet her at her home in Bel Air to discuss a

project she wanted me to manage. When I arrived, she walked me to the edge of a bluff overlooking a neighboring parcel of land and explained that she had purchased that property and intended to host an event there eight months later. The lot had a midcentury

What inspired you to create Sybarite Lifestyle Management?

disrepair. My task was to demolish the existing residence, remove

Seasons and Regent International Hotels & Resorts), I frequently

transform the grounds into a garden in which she could host her

met very interesting guests [who had] exacting expectations and requests. My exposure to such guests was limited by their typically brief length of stay and I yearned to develop more long-term professional connections than what was possible in a hotel environment. During my years at the Regent Wall Street, 9/11 happened. This event led me to reflect upon my career path, and I decided to pursue my passions relative to private service. I transitioned from hospitality into domestic service, which afforded me the opportunity to apply my knowledge and expertise within the intimate and highly personalized setting of my clients’ homes.

I was immediately hooked and have never looked back since establishing my company. I feel that I am enjoying the career that I was always destined to have.

Can you describe your company and its services?

I established my company to be a unique service provider in the arsenal of clients who lead busy, complex and peripatetic lifestyles.

Clients often have domestic staff based between multiple residences. Sybarite is available to assist with projects outside the expertise of a client’s core domestic team or to augment resources during peak seasons or unique circumstances, such as the acquisition of a new home and a related move. Frequently, we assist with projects that have a timeline for completion, ranging from a few weeks to a few months. Our clients share our desire to

home that had been sitting empty for decades and had fallen into the swimming pool, restore historic hardscape in the gardens and guests. The task of converting this lot into a site suitable for such an event was no small request, as permitting alone would typically take as many months as the total timeline given for project completion.

I began by securing an expediter who expertly navigated the arduous process of permit approval. Likewise, an architect, general contractor, expert stonemason and landscape architect were selected and a plan for achieving the client’s vision was developed. Construction began within weeks, and the property was transformed from a neglected and overgrown tangle into a breathtaking sanctuary in the heart of Bel Air. My client was thrilled with the results, and the grounds are lovingly referred to as her own personal Central Park in the middle of Los Angeles.

What challenges do you face in the domestic service industry?

Finding domestic team members who possess a service heart

and embody hospitality is essential for structuring a successful domestic team. Sourcing such individuals remains a challenge. It is critical to hire individuals who embody and embrace the work principals that are common to both Sybarite and our clients. It is an art to connect individuals from very different socioeconomic backgrounds and have them share a symbiotic relationship within a residential setting. Creating a team that seamlessly supports and

get things done expeditiously and accurately.

serves the principals is a very rewarding endeavor, and I love that it

What distinguishes Sybarite Lifestyle Management from other concierge services?

employee.

for high-net-worth individuals who require assistance with

Our client base spans the country. Los Angeles, New York, Chicago

I designed Sybarite Lifestyle Management to serve as a resource

anything in their lives emanating from their residences. A home is meant to be an oasis, serving as the core of daily life. Sybarite is available to handle the multitude of tasks required for the smooth ISSUE No. 6

such disciplines as domestic staff training, household and grounds

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and consistent operation of a sophisticated residence, including

on an as-needed/project basis. This type of service was previously

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important to them.

I wanted to have a career in the service industry.

During my years in luxury hospitality (I worked for both Four

maintenance, as well as home renovations, vehicle fleet care, event planning and travel management, to name a few. We serve this specialized market by providing our customized residential services unavailable and extends far beyond that of a traditional estate manager, concierge service or personal assistant. Previously, individuals had to hire dedicated staff to serve the needs that

has the potential to change the lives of both the employer and the

Do you work exclusively in one city?

and Aspen are markets where several of our clients have homes.

We have developed a solid nationwide professional network that supports our operations, and we are available to assist clients with projects anywhere they may have a need. I founded my company in Beverly Hills but relocated its headquarters to the East End of Long Island in late 2018 to bring our renowned services to residents of the Hamptons.

To what do you attribute your success?

From a very young age, my parents instilled a tremendous work ethic in me while encouraging me to pursue my passions. My early jobs in the hospitality industry exposed me to the art of service

Sybarite provides on a contract basis.

and how to create memorable experiences for guests. I enjoyed

Who are your clients?

I’ve always been resourceful and delight in discovering new ways to

worked incredibly hard to achieve their success. They all want to

my reputation as a dependable, professional and loyal individual to

Our clients are very successful high-profile professionals who have realize their dream of living the lifestyle that they desire. All

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time. Regardless of resources, one cannot buy time. However, we

the camaraderie with colleagues who hailed from around the globe. make a positive impact on the lives of those around me. I consider be the cornerstone upon which my success has been built.

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EMOTIONAL

APPEAL Beloved This Is Us star Milo Ventimiglia doesn’t mind making viewers cry, and he does it again inThe Art of Racing in the Rain.

INTERVIEW BY { MISTY MILIOTO EDITING BY { BONNIE DAVIDSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY { JOHN RUSSO STYLING BY { ILARIA URBINATI

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MILO VENTIMIGLIA

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n uncanny ability to tug on viewers’ heartstrings as the flawed family patriarch Jack Pearson on NBC’s This Is Us has earned actor Milo Ventimiglia three Emmy nominations, a Critic’s Choice Award and the adoration of TV viewers everywhere. While fans anxiously await each new episode in the hit drama series’ fourth season, Ventimiglia’s performance in the Fox 2000 feature film, The Art of Racing in the Rain, now available on DVD and streaming services, is also prompting them to reach for the tissues. An adaptation of the international bestselling novel by Garth Stein, the story follows the ups and downs in the life of aspiring Formula One racecar driver Denny Swift (played by Ventimiglia), his wife Eve (Amanda Seyfried) and daughter Zoe (Ryan Kiera Armstrong), as seen through the eyes of their golden retriever, Enzo (voiced by Kevin Costner). Off camera, Ventimiglio is a patriot and humanitarian. He visits military bases with the USO and is involved with the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, an organization that supports service members returning home from overseas.

What initially drew you to acting?

was my idea, not his. And I think what I do love

on TV, and I saw people laughing and I saw people

good person who has, at times, done bad things.

When I was a kid, I used to watch plays and things crying. The idea of impacting people emotionally kind of stuck. When I was younger, I had a drama teacher who said I was good at it and other people said I could make a career out of it. Now, 24 years later, I still haven’t been kicked out of Hollywood.

about Jack is that he’s deeply flawed, but he’s a But he has this hopeful quality about him where he wants the best for those he loves. It gives him purpose.

Jack is an all-around family man. Do you hope to have a family of your own someday?

What types of roles do you most like playing?

I come from a really great family with my mom and

it is about finding the truth in the men that I play,

the family I was born into. If there was a guarantee I

It varies. The older I get, the roles change. For me, understanding what their wants are, what their lives are to be and trying to make their experiences as real as they can be, so the audience believes what the character is going through.

my dad, and my older sisters. I got very lucky with could have that, then sure.

What have been your favorite roles over the course of your career?

Usually I like to focus on the roles that I’m playing.

What can viewers expect from Season 4 of This Is Us?

So right now, Jack Pearson is my favorite. A year

dive deep into the human condition, commonality

in the future or too far in the past with anything. I

with hope, which is what I love about the show. It’s not just trying to force tears out of someone. It’s about getting someone to feel, to relate and to and difficult and challenging. But we’re all here, and we’re all in it. So hopefully we can all look out for one another.

such as Adam Sandler, Nicole Kidman, Sylvester Stallone and Amanda Seyfried. There are so many great actors and directors and writers that I’m lucky enough to work with.

Speaking of that, what was it like to work with Sylvester Stallone in Rocky Balboa and Creed II, and Nicole Kidman in Grace of Monaco?

In what ways are you similar to or different from your character, Jack Pearson?

Incredible. They are titans of our business and

problem. We kind of look the same. The mustache

much work in is really inspiring.

I think we are both hopeful. I don’t have a drinking

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understand that life itself is beautiful and wonderful

more enjoy spending time with other great actors,

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and family, and it’s emotional. But it’s emotion

Rain, that was my favorite. I don’t really go too far

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A lot of tears. That’s kind of what the show is. We

ago, when I was working on The Art of Racing in the

they are deeply artistic. Watching them expect of themselves and the group because they put so

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What can you tell me about your most recent movie, The Art of Racing in the Rain?

It’s about a racecar driver and he has a dog, and the film takes place over the course of the dog’s life, from when he’s a puppy until he’s old. The film is narrated by the dog as he watches his owner go through auto racing, meeting a woman, falling in love, having a family, going through the ups and downs of life and how you get through those down times.

What was it like working with a dog as a co-star?

Amazing, actually. We had a 9-year-old dog for the later years, a 2-year-old for the younger years and a whole bunch of puppies. It was a different discipline for me.

Dogs are trained to go from this place to this place and to sit down and then they get a treat. But what I needed very much was a scene partner. So it was a lot of conversation between myself and the trainers so I would have a dog that was emotionally connected to me, and I was emotionally connected to [him]. So it wasn’t just like a robot going from one place to the next.

What do you hope viewers take away from the movie?

I think the understanding that there is

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something bigger operating around

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us other than the world we exist in.

That the universe is looking out for us, and the mystery of life—where it comes from and where it goes—is great and beautiful and nothing to fear. It’s a positive, heartfelt, lifeaffirming kind of movie.

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You also have a production company. How do you choose which projects to take on?

I have partners, and we all collectively try to look at what we want out in the marketplace—the stories we want to tell and the writers we want to work with, because it’s important to all of us. They are human stories about struggles and greatness and everything in between.

How does acting make you a better producer or vice versa?

The broadening and understanding and the

entirety of what production is. As an actor, you focus a lot on yourself and maybe your scene partner. As a producer, you have to focus on everyone and everything. So one definitely does inspire the other. As an actor, you understand that you can’t be so selfish; that you actually have a moving machine around you that you are immersed in. As a producer, you’ve got to have the right people in the right positions and allow them to do their jobs and inspire them.

Why is it important for you to work with veterans through the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America and visit with troops on USO tours?

I think it’s a community that is, at times, white-

hot in the headlines, and then people forget that we have this fighting force of men and women in uniform and their families that sacrifice a lot for everyday freedoms and way of life and safety and security of the country that we live in.

Are there any other charitable organizations that you support?

I took a trip with Red Nose Day in April and spent some time with kids in some pretty horrible places. I was inspired to see the work that they’re doing to help kids in impoverished places. Pretty much anything to help a kid out and the veteran community—that’s where my heart goes.

What do you like to do for fun?

Fun is a relative word, isn’t it? I work for fun.

Who or what inspires you?

My mom and my dad. My friends. Other people I work with and other people I’ve never met. I find inspiration in a tree that’s stood on a street that I’ve passed for the last 24 years. That inspires me.

That’s impressive.

What would you like to be remembered for?

Being a good person.

What message would you like to give your fans?

I appreciate you all. I’m sure I’ll disappoint you, but hopefully not too often.

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KILLING IT

A Arnold Schwarzenegger made an unforgettable Terminator, and The TerminatoR made Arnold Schwarzenegger a megastar. Now, in Dark Fate, he’s back as the muscular cyborg—just as fierce, violence-prone and sexy as ever.

EDITED BY { BONNIE

DAVIDSON

PHOTOGRAPHY BY { JOHN

RUSSO

“I’ve known him since 1983, so that’s 35 years or so,” says Arnold Schwarzenegger, referring to James Cameron, director of

the original Terminator and producer of Dark Fate —the man responsible for his career-defining role of a lethal cybernetic

organism. “God, I feel old!” Schwarzenegger’s chief of staff, sitting nearby, giggles. “I was born in ’84,” he confesses. “Listen to this guy,” says Schwarzenegger, grinning. “Not even born when I made the first movie!”

At home in California, the five-time Mr. Universe and seven-time Mr. Olympia, now 72, has a plate of chocolate brownies in front of him and a Cuban cigar between his teeth. An expensive-looking cigar. “I did a shoot for Cigar Aficionado magazine

yesterday and they sent a box over,” he says, sounding genuinely grateful. A bodybuilder from Austria, Schwarzenegger

arrived in the United States in the late 1960s with little more than his muscles and ambition. Soon, he was appearing on screen in films—including the daft comedy Hercules In New York and classic noir The Long Goodbye —but it was Cameron who made him a movie star by casting him as a dispassionate predator from the future in 1984.

Donning shades and leather jacket, Schwarzenegger stunned audiences with his powerful performance as the sentient

mechanical warrior from 2029 in the original The Terminator. Seven years later, when he returned in Terminator 2: Judgment

Day, his murderous robot had morphed into the protector of Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) and her son John (Edward

Furlong). While Schwarzenegger would go on to deliver other memorable performances—and be elected governor of California—he is forever identified as the iconic T-800. So, when Cameron returned to the franchise, along with Hamilton, to make Terminator: Dark Fate, Schwarzenegger’s involvement was also essential.

He was reluctant to say too much about the new movie prior to its release—except that this time around, the Terminator reveals more humanity than in the past. Still, he was frank and funny during our recent interview. “The beautiful thing about Arnold is that he is always lifting people up,” said Gabriel Luna, who plays the newest Terminator, the REV-9. “It’s

one of his great qualities.” During the shoot, the two men worked out together every day; Schwarzenegger tried to help the younger actor sculpt his physique and embody a lethal machine. After all these years, Schwarzenegger is still killing it.

a totally different story and it has Jim Cameron’s

seen Yul Brynner in Westworld and the way he played

fingerprints all over it. Also, Linda Hamilton’s. So, it’s kind of like going back to the old days of The Terminator. And have ever had. More unique action. And the visual

that role was so powerful and so believable that I wanted to play it exactly the same way. So that was my motivation: Brynner! That’s why, when I met Jim Cameron for the first time, and I told him what needed

effects are unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

to happen, how the Terminator has to act, how he

What was it like working with Jim and Linda again?

Did it transport you back to 1984?

offered me the role! I’d gone to talk to him about

It was just nice to all work together again. It was

really well and that was that.

Not so much ’84, more a combination of ’84 and ’91.

has to carry himself, how he has to behave, Cameron

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it has more action in it than any of the other Terminators

had played a machine and it was fun to do that. I’d

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great. I remember that it was really the first time I

I just tell them it’s another Terminator movie with

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How do you describe Terminator: Dark Fate to fans?

playing Reese [the human time-traveler], that was the idea. But then Jim realized I could play the Terminator

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Linda has said that on the first movie she was a bit of a “snotty New York actress.” Is that how you remember her?

To be honest with you,

I couldn’t really tell you that, because I literally paid no attention to anybody in the first movie. I lived in my own kind of shell, because I was the Terminator, you know? I came to the set, I did my scenes, then I split. I didn’t talk to anybody, deliberately.

Also, my character doesn’t meet Sarah Connor until the second half of that movie. After that, all I remember is that whenever I’d walk into a room, she’d run from me. That whole first movie, whenever I walked in somewhere, she’d run out the other side of it. [He laughs.] It’s not like we hung out. Also, you know, I was

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made up a certain way—my eyebrows were burned off, I had a wig on, spiky and burned, my face was all burned, my eye had already gone. I guess it wasn’t my best look. So, I don’t think she was probably in the mood to hang out either. It

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was all work, work, work. I remember her more from the second one. We had dinner the day before we started shooting, and I was so impressed with how much she had changed herself. It was incredible. I was so impressed with the shape she was in. Then, when we started shooting, I saw the way that she handled the weapons very well and she was so refined and intense. It was great.

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How has your relationship with Cameron evolved over the years?

I’ve known him since 1983. Cameron and

I clicked right away. And I think it was not necessarily because of anything else, other than we were both like kids and liked similar things. We were both into knives. He knew which company made what knife. So did I. So, we talked about the difference between a handcrafted knife and a hard-mounted knife. And swords, Samurai swords, and how they have been folded seven times.

It was all that stuff. We both knew a lot about weapons. And then motorcycles.

Oh, God... After we had finished filming, in the morning, after filming all night, Jim and I jumped on our motorcycles and went on a ride. Ever since then, we still go on motorcycle rides together at the weekends.

He still has his Harley-Davidson. And I still have the old Harley-Davidson from

Terminator 2 that he gave me as a birthday gift. He was always just a great friend. And we always just loved working together. We did the Terminator movies and we did True

Lies , and it’s always been so much fun.

How did you find working with director Tim Miller on Terminator: Dark Fate?

I just admired him. I loved what he did on

Deadpool. I had a meeting with him and [at the time] he was going to do a second

Deadpool. I said, “I want to be directed by you.” And he ended up dropping out of Deadpool 2 and he moved over to the

Terminator and I was really happy about that. We had a really good rapport. He was always very encouraging and very much into communicating with the actors. He’s a guy who really sees the whole thing as a team effort—and that’s what a movie like this needs. He was like that with everybody on set. He works with everyone together, it’s very collaborative. And it works. What he has done with this movie is great. It’s at 110 percent in terms of energy. The way he “We’re going to bring Linda back, and she’s excited about all of those things, and I was delighted with how they all played out on set. I thought he was fantastic.

What can you tell us about your role in this one?

I don’t want to tell you because it will spoil the movie, but I can tell you that I am

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ARNOLD S C H WA R Z E N E G G E R

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going to be a big part of the story.” I was

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pitched it to me was great, too. He was like,

still the T-800, but I have become more humanized than in any of the other ones.

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How did you find working with Gabriel Luna?

quickly how right they were. At the inauguration,

played the liquid-metal T-1000 in Terminator 2]. He

everyone has great hopes for you and thinks you are

Gabriel reminded me a lot of Robert Patrick [who was the leaner, meaner version of me, the Terminator that is not relying on just strength and speed, but is relying on other abilities. Even more abilities than the T-1000 had. The REV-9 is the most sophisticated model that you can get. The way that is forged is quite shocking—what he is capable of doing. It was in my interests, and the movie’s interests, that Gabriel was in his best shape. He didn’t have to be huge, but he had to have a great musculature, to be very fast, very flexible. He trained two, three hours every day, and it was very important that he did that training in the most efficient way. I wanted to do everything in my experience, having been a part of bodybuilding for more than 50 years, to have him learn everything that I have learned in a short period of time, because he didn’t have 50 years to get there. So, I worked out with him in the morning. We talked about training and

everyone celebrates, everyone congratulates you, going to solve all the problems, because that’s what we promise on the campaign trail, right? But then it’s the real work. And now, all of a sudden, you realize, wait a minute, it’s one thing to say that I’m going to solve the education problem, but it’s another one to now have 120 legislators. All of a sudden you have these obstacles. Every idea you come up with, they fight you. They vote it down, or they don’t bring the legislation down to your desk in time. Everything becomes a major battle and everything is being looked at through a political lens. I realized that even though we got a lot of things accomplished, they were right about how difficult it is. You sign one bill and half the people attack you. You sign another bill and the other half attacks you. If it’s pro-workers, then the Republicans get pissed off. If it’s probusiness, then the Democrats get pissed off. If you

diet and all that stuff and he was a great student.

do something for students, then the teachers union

We’ve heard you sometimes like to have a sweet treat for breakfast. Do you have a sweet tooth?

80 percent, which I enjoyed before I ran for governor,

believe in health and fitness [he puffs on his cigar]

your fans aren’t. Automatically you lose that support.

Well, yeah… [He holds up the plate of brownies.] I

and a vegan diet. But, yes, I do have a sweet tooth.

And I do like, every so often, some Schnapps. They

gets pissed off. You go from having a popularity of to straight away a popularity of 40 or 50 percent because all of a sudden, the people who used to be That’s just how politics is. It’s nothing to do with me or anyone else… I have to say that I really enjoyed

are all my vices.

being able to lead this state for seven years and

Tim Miller said he always saw the first two movies as Sarah Connor’s story, not John’s. Do you agree?

economy in the world. It was a great honor and it was

point of the story. And it’s Jim’s writing. Jim is very

If you could go back in time and change one thing, what would it be?

It is about Sarah Connor. She’s always been the focal good at making the guys look very heroic in a movie, but he feels that women don’t end up looking heroic in movies because people don’t write them that way. And it’s very important to him. Jim makes more effort than probably anyone else in the Hollywood community to write women as heroes. That’s his writing craft. And in the first and second and now this movie, Sarah is such a great hero. And that’s because Linda can sell it. You can have a great script, but it doesn’t work if Linda can’t sell it. And she is so strong in this movie. And so is Natalia [Reyes] and Mackenzie

the greatest job that I’ve ever had.

I think there was a time in America when there were battles about whether we should go with electric vehicles, or should we go with natural gas, or with hydrogen, or gasoline or diesel—which direction should we go? And it would have been great if we had, 100 years ago, gone in the direction of electric.

Because then the rest of the world would have gone in that direction and it wouldn’t be in as much of a mess as we’re in today, environmentally. Even though there are some who think that this is not

What do you remember about the day of your inauguration as governor of California?

every year because of pollution. So, if I could be a

to me after I was sworn in. A Democratic governor,

it’s very difficult to turn that ship around.

Gray Davis, who I had just beaten, and a Republican

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change; I’m talking about the pollution that has been

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a thing… I’m not even talking about global climate

of them sell that so well. But Linda is so strong.

Gio

[Davis]. All of them are very heroic characters and all

to be in charge of what was then the sixth largest

What I remember is that two governors came up

governor, who was one of the people who encouraged me to run and had helped me to get elected. They both came up to me afterwards and said, “Enjoy this day. Because it’s the last time you’re going to have fun in this job.” [He laughs.] I remember walking away, to my advisors and to my family, and I shook my head and said, “I cannot understand why in politics you have such negativity.” But I realized very

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created because of fossil fuels. Millions of people die Terminator who could time travel, I would go back and convince them of a green energy future, because now

Anything you’d like us to pass on to James Cameron?

Just wish him good luck with that Avatar movie,

because that’s going to be a great, great story. I’ve seen them, several times, filming the underwater stuff, the most difficult kind of stuff, and it looks extraordinary. You know, whenever anyone mentions my favourite movies, ones that I’m not involved with, I say Titanic and Avatar. He is fantastic.

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ROADTRIP When model-turned-actor Jason Lewis and his travel companion, actress Liz Godwin, go on a cross-California adventure, they leave Hollywood glitz behind, but bring style and class to every stop along the way. { JOHN RUSSO HAIR AND MAKEUP BY { ROB SCHEPPY AT THE ONLY AGENCY STYLING BY { ADAM BALLHEIM AT THE ONLY AGENCY PHOTOGRAPHY BY

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meet five of Hollywood’s most AMBITIOUS YOUNG ACTORS, whoSE DIVERSE interests—music, activism, Pokémon, WATCH COLLECTING—are fueled by THE SAME PURE passion WITH WHICH THEY PURSUE projects AND push BEYOND their comfort zones.

INTERVIEWS AND WRITING BY { MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY BY { JOHN

RUSSO BALLHEIM, THE ONLY AGENCY GROOMING BY { MICHELLE HARVEY, OPUS BEAUTY, USING ORIBE AND DRUNK ELEPHANT SHOT ON LOCATION AT { CHEQUERED FLAG INTERNATIONAL

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KLEIN LEVI’S LEATHER JACKET BY { DUNHILL LONDON BLACK COMBAT BOOTS BY { ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA JEAN JACKET BY {

JA M E S M A S LOW James Maslow’s (@jamesmaslow) alter ego on Nickelodeon’s hit show, Big Time Rush, grew up in Duluth, Minn. In real life, the 29-year-old actor and singer hails from La Jolla, Calif., which is much closer to the setting of the series that chronicled the misadventures of four hockey players-turned-boy band stars—and, in the process, rocketed Maslow to fame. Although the show concluded in 2013, Maslow has proved he’s no one-hit wonder, releasing his debut solo LP, How I Like It, and many an infectious pop single. He is the current host of The CW’s global talent show, The Big Stage, and appears in My Boyfriend’s Meds, a comedy starring Jason Alexander and Brooke Shields, due for a February 2020 release.

Where are you more in your element—in the studio or on a stage?

On a stage, hands down. There’s nothing like watching fans sing back the lyrics to a song that I wrote.

Did you feel any pressure to make your solo music sound similar or different to Big Time Rush?

I’m not sure that it was a pressure necessarily, but I

was definitely excited to create music that was more personal. Different than BTR. The freedom of getting to write about whatever I wanted was and still is exciting.

What are your music goals for the next year?

I’ll be launching a new music project from Brazil in September and plan on taking that, as well as my solo stuff, on tour much more consistently next year.

Do you have a favorite type of project?

If I had to pick a genre to do for the rest of my life, it would probably be comedy, as it’s simply the best quality of life. Less taxing than drama and action, both physically and mentally. But I doubt I would be as fulfilled as an actor if I didn’t get to do it all. No actor wants to play the same character forever.

What attracted you to your hosting role on The Big Stage?

Honestly, I wanted to challenge myself to do something new. I’ve always had a bit of a knack for public speaking and thought that hosting would be a proper fit. It’s a ton of fun.

How do you unwind when you’re not working?

SoCal, I try and get to the beach as often as possible. and re-center.

I’m definitely a car guy and am slowly building my watch collection. My favorite car is my ’72 Ford Bronco that I’ve rebuilt from a rust bucket to the

500-horsepower, fuel-injected badass she is today.

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Any guilty pleasures when you have time for retail therapy?

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It’s always been one of the best ways for me to unwind

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Well, I just got back in from surfing. When I’m home in

And I currently have two solid timepieces (a Breitling and a Panerai) and have my eyes on a third that I may snag by the end of the year. If money were no object, I’d be designing my beach house in La Jolla right now!

But no worries, I fully plan on earning that one day.

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ROM E F LY N N Native Illinoian Rome Flynn (@romeflynn) is on top of the world. At 27 years old, the multitalent already has a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series for his work on CBS’ The Bold and the Beautiful, and he holds his own in scenes with Academy Award winner Viola Davis in the ABC drama How to Get Away With Murder (which has returned for its sixth and final season). As a frequent collaborator of Tyler Perry, he appeared in the filmmaker’s box office hit A Madea Family Funeral and his OWN crime drama The Haves and the Have Nots. Most recently, Flynn showed off his musical chops as one-half of a singing duo in Hallmark Channel’s A Christmas Duet.

How did it feel to win an Emmy?

I’m excited for my family to watch something PG with me in it that

win. But then this overwhelming feeling of validation kind of settled in,

Hallmark for the musical aspect, because I’m working on music of my own

Initially, I was in total shock. There was 1 percent of me that believed I would

doesn’t involve murder in some way! It was such a pleasure working on

because I wrote the scenes that I was nominated and ultimately won for.

right now. You also don’t see many black leads in romantic comedies on

Were you nervous before filming your first scene with Viola Davis?

anomaly to see black, brown and Asian leads in the genre.

million times and here is a million and one! I love every choice she makes

Do you have a dream project or collaboration?

I have said I am lucky and humbled to work with Viola Davis about a

film and TV, so I am excited to be a part of shifting that so it won’t be an

Was it always a goal of yours to work with Tyler Perry?

and everyone involved with the creative direction of the MCU has done an

appreciation for him, and not just for our personal friendship, but what

the projects they’ve released.

Working with Tyler Perry was a dream. I have so much admiration and he’s done to further the diversity in film for people of color. To me, Tyler is the epitome of living the American dream. He built himself up from being

amazing job with keeping great acting and storytelling at the forefront of

What is your personal philosophy on fitness and health?

I work out four to five times a week. I also play basketball three to four

in life. Nothing but love for my brother.

times a week. I have a great personal trainer, Amoila Cesar. I live by the

Did you enjoy singing, as well as acting, in Christmas Duet?

the most fit person in the world, but for self-confidence.

philosophy that fitness and mental health are connected—not to become

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homeless to being one of the most influential people in show business and

love to somehow be a part of it, maybe as Johnny Storm. I think Kevin Feige

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I have many! I am obsessed with the Marvel Cinematic Universe and would

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onscreen. I’ve become more grounded and present since working with Viola.

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BRETT DIER

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BR ETT DI ER Canadian Brett Dier (@brettdier) made TV audiences swoon on The CW’s romantic dramedy Jane the Virgin as detective Michael Cordero Jr., the on-again, off-again love interest of Gina Rodriguez’s titular character, right up until the show concluded its five-season run in July 2019. Now the 29-year-old actor—who is also a musician, collector of vintage Pokémon trading cards and devoted fiance to fellow thespian Haley Lu Richardson—is showing off his comedic skills in Season 2 of ABC’s Schooled, the 1990s-set spinoff of the hit series The Goldbergs. Dier plays Charlie “C.B.” Brown, a high school teacher looking to connect with his students—and maybe also another teacher, Lainey Lewis, played by A.J. Michalka.

When did you move to Los Angeles?

In 2014. And I actually moved here to be with the love of my life, Haley Lu Richardson. I moved here with no job lined up, I just took the risk, packed everything and followed my heart.

A month later, I got Jane the Virgin.

What’s it been like to switch gears from Jane the Virgin to Schooled?

Well, when I signed up for Jane the Virgin, I was the romantic, supporting, loving police officer. … Justin Baldoni (who played Rafael) and I were more of the serious characters, and our job was to provide a lot of the drama for the show. Which, honestly, was very difficult for me, because I love comedy so much, and all I wanted to do was bounce off the walls and do handstands. … C.B. is a lot closer to the handstand guy I’m talking about. And the tone of The Goldbergs and Schooled is a lot more animated. This role just came at the exact time that I wanted/needed it to. I’m learning how to just let loose and let go onscreen. ...

I’m going from having [had] to reel it in for three and a half years to letting it all go and seeing how far I can take it but still remain grounded.

How else would you describe C.B.?

C.B. is a passionate, quirky, goofy child-man. All he wants to do is inspire students to be the best that they can be. To conquer their insecurities and to bring everybody together.

Are you two similar in any way?

There are a lot of similarities to C.B. and me. First off, I love Pokémon, I collect action figures, and I watch cartoons. C.B. is on the same level as me with those things. His passion to bring people together and to be a light for people in some way is something I really resonated with and related to. C.B.

What do acting and making music have in common?

I think both require a good ear. ... A lot of acting is listening, remaining present, and it requires a certain focus. I think I started piano at such a young age, it naturally helped me get in tune with myself.

If money were no object, name your next total splurge.

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music requires that same type of focus. I also believe, since

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exaggerated world.

Gio

feels like a piece of my heart turned into a character in an

You’re going to think I’m joking when I say this, but I can assure you this is no joke. I would buy every single first-

edition, sealed Pokémon booster box on eBay and buy out everybody’s collection.

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K EL L A N LU TZ Kellan Lutz (@kellanlutz) captured many a moviegoer’s attention in an early role as brawny vampire Emmett Cullen in the five-film Twilight franchise, which was based on Stephanie Meyer’s book series and became a global phenom. In the decade since then, the actor, model, activist and outdoor enthusiast has further cemented his identity as a leading man who brings both charisma and kinetic energy to every project—action sets in particular. Cases in point: Lutz has worked opposite Bruce Willis in Extraction, alongside John Travolta in Speed Kills, and with Taraji P. Henson in What Men Want, among other memorable films. The 34-yearold, who married TV host and model Brittany Gonzales in 2017, next inhabits the character of Ken Crosby in the Dick Wolf-produced CBS series FBI: Most Wanted, the first spin-off in a predicted FBI franchise.

What training/research did you do for FBI: Most Wanted?

I have been lucky enough to have played military roles before in several films and HBO’s Generation Kill. For those roles, I did serious, intense training, and it really aided the backstory of my FBI: Most Wanted character. And, luckily, they wrote him as just that—ex-military. He’s also great with techy stuff, which I love in my own life. I love the role, because not only is it a brand-new character, but there are elements that already feel comfortable and familiar about him. I’m excited to continue to build him as the series unfolds.

We understand there’s a story behind your character’s name…

Yes, the producers were really cool with letting me choose my

character’s first name—Kenneth, and Ken for short, in honor of my grandfather, Kenneth Theesfeld.

What is it about being outdoors that you love most?

I love being active, and being out in nature is the absolute best. I makebelieve for a living, so even if the project is based on real events, there’s still an element of “pretend” in it, and when I’m out in nature, it just feels so pure and real. And it’s just my personality to be adventurous. It’s like oxygen to me. I love going to new places, doing new things, experiencing new experiences. Travel is a big passion of mine—road trips, etc.

Any destinations that top your list?

I just want to see as much of the world as I can. I moved around a lot as a kid, so I never got too comfortable in one place. It shaped who I am today. My wife, Brittany, and I stayed at the Alila Villas Uluwatu in Bali, which was breathtaking, and the Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland was maybe my favorite of all time!

What are a few causes you’re passionate about?

I’m a natural fighter against injustice. I guess that’s why I like playing the hero role so much. I have a big heart for children and animals. So I’m very passionate with helping and working with the children’s hospitals, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Saving Innocence, Soi Dog Foundation,

It was great! It was so fun having her on set with me. We did have a few scenes together, but she played the wife of the antagonist, so she wasn’t on my side. She looks so amazing on camera. I kind of tricked her she’s so freakin’ talented.

What’s been your favorite project to date?

Generation Kill will always be stamped in my mind for many amazing

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into doing this project with me, and I hope she continues to do more—

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What was it like working with your wife on Divertimento?

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Compassion International, CRE Outreach.

memories. I never had any frat years in college, and this was it for me. A bunch of us from that amazing HBO show are still very close to this day.

Thirty guys plus myself living and working in Southern Africa, playing pretend Marines—shooting guns, driving Humvees—what more could a 21-year-old, newly turned actor ask for?

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CHRIS WO OD Actor Chris Wood’s (@christophrwood) onscreen time has ranged from PBS’ period drama Mercy Street to HBO’s Emmy Award-winning series Girls to The CW’s Containment and The Vampire Diaries. Fans of Supergirl, also on The CW, recognize him as Mon-El, who had a twisty-turny relationship with the titular heroine, played by Melissa Benoist (Wood’s real-life fiancée). After closing out Supergirl’s third season, the 31-yearold actor, who studied musical theater in North Carolina before moving westward, took some time to pursue other interests, including writing and directing a short film, The Stew; cheering on his beloved Yankees; and founding a mental health awareness nonprofit that, in only two years, has donated $350,000 from the sale of branded merch to mental health organizations.

What have you been working on since leaving Supergirl?

myself starting to respond with, “Oh, I don’t mind, I can talk about it.” Just

my nonprofit, IDONTMIND. I needed a break from acting, and I’m excited to

been admitting there was a problem, so how could I get help? Only when I

Since leaving Supergirl, I’ve devoted all my time to writing and working on get back in the saddle now that I’ve taken some time off. I’m really working to keep myself in a selective mindset so I don’t end up feeling stuck again.

I’m in development on a feature I wrote—which is incredibly exciting, but I’m

that tiny switch in my response to people changed everything. I hadn’t admitted that I wasn’t okay could I even start to look for ways to get better.

Why did you start your own organization, IDONTMIND?

not able to talk about it yet—and have been writing other projects.

Fast-forward a few years into my healing. I was starting to work with

Why did you want to make your short film, The Stew?

Every approach I’m seeing caters to the insiders, to people who already

power back. I had to do something that felt good to make, and give myself

that maybe we needed to try something different in order to reach more

So, The Stew came about in a moment of trying to take that creative permission to take risks and to tell stories the way I wanted to tell them, regardless of what other people thought. I made something really quirky

mental health organizations so I could give back, and I just kept thinking: know mental health is a problem and needs attention. It occurred to me people. ... If it’s true that 1 in 4 people in the world will experience mental illness in their life, then we’ve all been close to someone who has suffered.

and unique, which I’m proud of in spite of any flaws.

And that means we can all relate and we should all be able to talk about it.

Does being an actor influence your writing and directing?

working to defeat stigma by inspiring conversations. The idea is that the

shifted almost entirely to acting. Not consciously, it’s just what happened.

everything in our power to get people talking.

actor, I had been very fortunate to have had so many opportunities, and I had been working more or less nonstop for a solid few years, but I wasn’t

I landed on this idea, that people talk more about what they’re wearing

and create content was only growing stronger.

than how they’re feeling. And I thought, “Oh, I can just try and use that

Why is mental health so important to you?

and it’s in your face and people will feel too scared of it. Too little, and

and depression. My coping mechanism was to shut it down and not talk

what it means, which starts a conversation. We chose a style [of T-shirt,

A while back, I had an impossibly tough year that left me juggling grief about it. When people would ask how I was, I just ended the conversation and said I was fine. For a couple of years, that was how I operated. And it was terrible. I didn’t really start to heal until the first time I decided to actually be honest about what I was feeling and what I had been through.

Instead of shutting people down when they asked how I was, I heard

as an asset.” It has everything to do with style and message. Too much, it lacks punch and meaning. So we chose a name that makes you ask

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getting the same rush out of acting that I used to, and my need to write

How is your organization different from other nonprofits focused on mental health?

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I never stopped writing, but I was really only doing it for myself. As an

more we talk about mental health, the more we normalize it, so we do

Gio

I grew up writing and making short films, and by college my focus had

So I founded IDONTMIND in 2017. It’s a mental health awareness campaign

sweatshirt, cap and other items emblazoned with “IDONTMIND”] that’s minimal and can easily fit into your everyday wardrobe. It’s not clearly about mental health. We want to appeal to people’s curiosity. We hope to make it interesting for people to buy, wear, share, talk about, post about and generate a dialogue.

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ALISHA Alisha Wainwright’s leap from pre-med to promising Hollywood newcomer is paying off big-time.

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ollywood might have lost actress Alisha Wainwright to a career in medicine, but fate stepped in when the college science major happened to take a theater class. “I think it was called Acting for Non-Majors,” says the 30-year-old Florida native. “I don’t remember being particularly impressive, but I do remember enjoying that kind of artistic expression.” Following her graduation with honors from the University of Florida, Wainwright scrapped her plans to become a dermatologist (“I didn’t really have the stomach for medicine,” she recalls) and headed west to Los Angeles. She’s been steadily building her resume, appearing on television shows, including Fox’s Lethal Weapon, ABC’s General Hospital and, most recently, the final two seasons of Freeform’s Shadowhunters (based on The Mortal Instruments, a series of young adult fantasy novels by Cassandra Clare), in which she played a headstrong werewolf. Now audiences can catch her opposite Michael B. Jordan in Netflix’s sci-fi series Raising Dion; Wainwright plays Nicole Reese, a single mother who discovers her young son has superpowers. All in all, it seems the actress does not regret the decision to trade in scrubs for scripts. “I think acting was always in the back of my mind,” she says. “I just took the long route to get there.”

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What was it like to move cross-country to chase your dream?

The first six months were incredible. I met so many new

people and really thought I’d have it easy because a few good

Do you remember the first time you were ever recognized in public?

I don’t, but I’m sure I made it super awkward.

opportunities came my way. But the initial good luck didn’t last long, and I found myself struggling to have meaningful friendships and find work. It took a long time for me to find my

Where do you hope your career takes you next?

I would love to get back into stunts work, so I’m hoping my next

people.

job will require some action.

How did you land the role on Shadowhunters?

Is there another actress whose career you’d like to emulate?

call for the role and hearing that I was what they were looking for

successful acting career, she started a company worth $1 billion.

was amazing. I was aware of the devout fanbase, but it’s surreal

How incredible!

Being cast in Shadowhunters was so exciting. I went to a casting

I love the direction Jessica Alba’s career took. After a very

once you become a part of it. One of my favorite aspects of

Shadowhunters was the stunt team. They loved to teach us, and we were very eager students. I picked up boxing and muay thai while working on the show and I still keep up with it, although I might be a little technically rusty.

If you could go back in time, is there anything you would do differently?

I think all the steps taken in life bring you to where you need to

be, so as much as I’d love to redo a mistake, I would probably just make it again because the lesson needs to be learned.

What attracted you to Raising Dion?

I had just wrapped Shadowhunters and my team sent me the pilot of Raising Dion and I taped for it. I really gravitated towards

What’s the most memorable trip you’ve ever taken?

Oh, there are so many trips that have a special place in my traveled along the East Coast and then spent three months in

Also, of course I wanted to be a part of a show where the star

Melbourne. I learned so much about indigenous culture, as well

was a supernatural little black boy. [My character] Nicole is a

as Asian culture, and the country is beautiful. A highlight was

big dreamer who faces reality as a widowed mother of a special

when I worked on a live-aboard boat, so I could scuba dive in the

young boy. Nicole navigates the trials of parenthood alone once

Great Barrier Reef for a few weeks. Australia is really a melting

her husband, Mark, passes. She struggles to balance everything

pot and an easy country to navigate if you’re looking for a long-

once Dion begins to develop superhuman abilities, creating a

term trip.

hectic day-to-day in which she strives to protect him.

Michael is great as a producer and actor.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I’m perfecting a few of my baking recipes at the moment. Next thing I want to tackle is croissants.

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What is it like to work with Michael B. Jordan?

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heart. I guess I would say the six months I spent in Australia. I

already know the challenges of raising a child on your own.

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the material because I was raised by a single mother, and I

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Russian-born newcomer Jeff Kenny has perfected an American accent, competed as a ballroom dancer and auditioned for Spielberg—and he’s just getting started.

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LOOK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY { JOHN

RUSSO

YOUNG ANDRESTLESS

Creativity is all in the family for actor, dancer and musician Jeff Kenny. Born in Russia to an artist mother and a trumpet-playing physicist father, his older brother is, like him, a world champion ballroom dancer, and his younger sister is a pianist who was recently accepted to Parsons School of Design. Based in Los Angeles, the 27-year-old calls himself the “glue of the family” whenever conflicts arise. “I always had the ability to encourage everyone to work together and resolve any life challenges in peace,” he explains. On screen, his characters are not as easygoing. He played a violent mental patient in the psychological thriller Harper Finch and a stoner physics genius who must save humanity in Manifest Destiny Down: Spacetime, both from indie producerdirector Jonathan Baker. The latter, an absurdist satire, had its premiere at the 2019 Independent Filmmakers Showcase.

What was your childhood like?

[I was] attending Aiglon College in Switzerland.

Republic. I studied the Meisner technique,

It was my dream to be able to sound American,

extensive on-camera training, dancing, singing,

through hardship, so we had to be creative

and I did everything I could to make it a reality.

the Alexander technique, stage combat … I

I’ve always had a great ear, and by integrating

acted, wrote or produced over 20 short films,

with Americans, watching TV and listening, I

giving me a base for my move to Los Angeles.

was able to perfect it. The last little touches on

Shortly after my arrival, I was lucky to enroll in

particular sounds I still had slight struggles with

fantastic classes locally at Scott Sedita Acting

were polished, thanks to an amazing dialect

Studios, where I took on-camera drama, sitcom

coach, Patrick Munoz, who I was blessed to

and scene study.

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of possibilities. My mom would host fun trivia

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out of paper and car models out of wood. My

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my own toys by building planes and kites grandparents spent time with us outdoors, camping, hiking, skiing, exploring, and it definitely made me see the world as a land nights with questions about art, history, philosophy and logic, which definitely ignited

Now I have an impeccable American accent, can do a Russian accent if need be, and everyone assumes I am from California unless told

When and how did you enter the world of competitive dance?

My first dancing experience was when I was

otherwise. And even after I tell them, they think

only 4 years old. I was a part of and performed

I am trying to trick them and that it’s the other

in a traditional Russian dance circle club called

studied in Switzerland and the U.S.

way around, that I learned some Russian words.

Donskiye Kazachki. Later I moved on to ballroom

Did you grow up speaking both Russian and English?

How did you get interested in acting?

classes, started to compete weekly worldwide.

After [taking] filmmaking classes, where [I] had

I danced all 10 dances, five of which are Latin

to learn acting, writing, camera operation,

(samba, cha-cha, rumba, paso doble, jive) and

familiar with English grammar, pronunciation

lighting and editing skills, and participating in

the other five Standard European (slow waltz,

school plays, I got accepted to an acting for film

tango, Viennese waltz, slow fox, quickstep).

my brain to seek self-improvement and push my limits. I left home when I was 18, and then

I grew up speaking Russian, and although I was

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meet shortly after my arrival to Los Angeles.

was extremely challenging. I had a pretty thick accent … which was frequently made fun of while

dancing, and after group and one-on-one

program at Prague Film School in the Czech

What is your background in music?

My parents signed me up for private piano classes when I was 5, and I studied music for the next six years. I have taken drum classes in high school and also djembe in college. When I was little … I started writing my own stories and poems, which eventually led to rap exploration. I enjoy listening to hip-hop artists, such as Yelawolf, as to me, good rap/hiphop, just like film, is about storytelling. Each song transports me into another world with its own feelings, situations and emotions. After moving to Los Angeles, I wanted to work on my vocal and singing skills and recorded a surprise Frank Sinatra album for my dad’s birthday.

How did you land the role in Manifest Down Destiny: Spacetime?

The role found me. The director and I got to know each other working together on another project, a short film called Harper Finch , which is raising awareness about

mental illness and has gotten in over 12 festivals.

He had me in mind when Manifest Destiny Down:

Spacetime was written. My character is an intelligent, adorable, stoner, self-absorbed, kind-hearted genius; he struggles with mental challenges, such as OCD, narcissism, panic disorder, paranoia, agoraphobia, derealization and depression… I really enjoyed tapping into his world, exploring, finding and connecting with characteristics, motivations, desires, addictions, point of view, dreams, fears, hopes and drives in myself.

Who do you admire?

I really admire J.K. Rowling. She was a struggling single mother on state benefits, fighting constant rejection, believing in herself and ultimately writing, in my opinion, the absolutely genius Harry Potter series, selling 450 million books and acquiring a worth of more than $1 billion. I also look up to Benedict Cumberbatch, Bradley Cooper, Liam Neeson and Matthew McConaughey. Their acting technique is … in-the-moment and captivating to watch.

What would be your dream job?

I recently auditioned for the part of Riff in Steven Spielberg’s new film adaptation of West Side Story, and being a part of a project like that, where I could combine all of my skills, such as dancing, singing and acting, and work with such a legendary director, would be amazing.

What do you like to do in your free time?

My favorite museum is the Norton Simon Museum [in Pasadena]. I find something new each time I go. There is nothing better than to sit and breathe in an artist creation; and they have a wonderful garden. I also like to read, play volleyball, skateboard, snowboard, surf, golf, bowl, play darts, meditate, play pool, take karate and boxing classes, ping pong, tennis, drive on PCH, work out in the park, run, ride my BMX.

What are your career goals?

The real richness is not having a nice car, house, comfort, but having the ability to change the world and leave a permanent footmark in history. I would like to be a part of meaningful projects that share good messages, inspire, make people think, question, explore and hopefully get interested enough to engage themselves in artistic journeys of their own.

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EDITED BY { BONNIE

WITH EXCLUSIVE ARTISTS MANAGEMENT USING HARRY’S STYLING BY { PASCAL

MIHRANIAN

Actor, model, author and beautiful human Nico Tortorella is proud to be a gender nonconformist—and exercises their right to defy labels.

NICO

s a passionate advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community, Nico Tortorella prefers the pronouns they and them, often speaks openly about their own sexual fluidity (“My nonbinary identity is infinite,” they says) and explores life outside the gender binary on their popular podcast, The Love Bomb. A former Ford model-turned-actor, they are best known for roles on ABC Family’s Make It or Break It and TV Land’s Younger. Next, they will star in a still-untitled but highly anticipated sci-fi series—the third spinoff of AMC’s The Walking Dead, scheduled to air in 2020. In the meantime, Tortorella is following up their first book, a poetry collection called all of it is you, with a memoir, Space Between.

Why did you write a memoir?

This is the next iteration of my art. The ability to heal through storytelling. Only once we have the courage to go back and re-evaluate our programming are we able to move forward with new perspective. My hope is that readers will be able to do just that. We all have the power to write our own stories and, in return, rewrite.

What prompted you to explore the fluidity of your sexuality and gender identity?

Life. People. Movement. Energy. The human condition.

The social media revolution. Sex. Bodies. Education. Trust.

Curiosity. Freedom. Pain. Addiction. Healing. Family. And most importantly, love in all its forms.

NICO TORORELLA

How does your idea of beauty intersect with gender identity?

I know it sounds cliché, but it starts with inner beauty, always. Self-love.

Who are some of your favorite designers?

God. The universe. Nature. All of it is you.

Meditation. Chaos. Peace and conflict. Then that reflects outwardly.

You famously wore a black Christian Siriano dress to the GLAAD Media Awards in 2018, and you have a great fashion sense. How would you define your personal style?

In the moment, always. Contradictory. The past and the future as now.

Fleeting. Temporary. Political.

Any advice for someone who is in the process of self-exploration?

Nothing is fixed. Try it all, you don’t have to be one thing for the rest of your life. Play. Pause. Stop. Rewind. Fast-forward. Play again. Amen.

What’s next for you?

More everything.

ALIVE&WELL AND

LIVING

HERBEST INTERVIEW BY { MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY BY { JOHN

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LIFE

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alk about range: Torrey DeVitto is one of those rare actresses who can portray a conniving, self-absorbed antagonist as easily as she can a sweet, good-natured girl next door. Cases in point include her turns on TV as deranged nanny Carrie on The CW’s One Tree Hill, antiheroine Melissa Hastings on ABC Family’s Pretty Little Liars and, currently, the noble but often conflicted Dr. Natalie Manning on NBC’s medical drama, Chicago Med. The daughter of Billy Joel’s longtime drummer, Liberty DeVitto, and Mary Torrey (a close friend of singer-songwriter Stevie Nicks), 35-year-old DeVitto stretched her creative muscles early, trying modeling in her teens before segueing to acting and eventually landing standout roles in series like The CW’s The Vampire Diaries and Lifetime’s Army Wives. Chicago Med —which ended last season on a life-or-death cliffhanger for DeVitto’s character—has returned for its fifth season. “I can safely reveal that she is still alive,” DeVitto says. Yes, but does she get back together with Dr. Will Halstead (Nick Gehlfuss)? “You will have to watch and see,” she demurs. In the coming months, fans can also get their DeVitto fix on Hallmark Channel’s movie Write Before Christmas, and Divertimento, a thriller scheduled for a 2020 release. Offscreen, she devotes time to hospice work and advocating for the end of sexual assault.

Known to Chicago Med viewers as a pediatric emergency room physician who may or may not have survived a car accident last season—and one-half of the formerly engaged doctorcouple dubbed “Manstead”— actress, musician and former model Torrey DeVitto’s television and film career is the picture of health.

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What was it like growing up in a musical family?

I grew up in a very loud household. … After school, I would come home to [my dad] blasting records, to him and my mom dancing

Your Chicago Med character, Natalie, plays the violin, just like you in real life. How do you feel about that?

I remember I was sitting with [co-star] Nick Gehlfuss on set and

in the living room to whatever music he was playing, or to him

our showrunners came over to ask me if I really played violin and

playing. … My father would run into my room, wanting to play

if I would want to for the show. It was a no-brainer for me. I have

me some new music, or some old music I hadn’t heard yet. As a

always wanted to marry my two worlds of music and acting but

young girl with boys on her mind, I didn’t want to be bothered,

never found the right role to do so. I love my role as Natalie and

but now as an adult, I miss and crave those moments. … My mom

this show so much that I knew it was the perfect fit.

could play piano, as could her mother. I would accompany my grandma—her on the piano, me on the violin—during holidays.

Are there any other similarities between you and Natalie?

Sometimes Natalie’s life will start blending with mine and I will

Is music still a big part of your life?

wonder if our writers have bugged my home. In all seriousness,

Music is very nostalgic for me. It can make me laugh and feel joy

Natalie and I are very similar. I am just more of the laid-back,

from memories or sometimes cry, missing parts of what was back

twirling, crystal-carrying version of her.

when I was younger. I always find it to be so amazing that music can do all that. It literally brings people together and evokes so many feelings.

How do you like being part of romantic duo on TV?

I just love seeing everyone’s responses to our #Manstead love story. It’s so fun to be a part of a duo that people love that much.

Were you close with Alexa Ray Joel (Billy Joel’s daughter) when you both went on tour with your parents?

Yes, growing up, Alexa and I were on tour a lot together and were

And, luckily, Nick is like a brother to me. It definitely helps that I got paired with one of the most solid dudes to be in this willthey-won’t-they saga.

very close when we were kids. We even formed a little club that included my little sister, Maryelle, and made T-shirts for it. We were always playing dress-up and running around. I have a lot of good memories with Alexa in them.

Which role are you most often recognized for?

I still get recognized mostly for playing crazy nanny Carrie on

One Tree Hill. That character is going to haunt me forever, I think, which I am not mad about in the slightest. She was one of my

What was your first modeling job?

favorites to play.

City. They thought I was a little too short for them, but would fit

What is your dream project?

Christie Brinkley got me a meeting with Ford Models in New York great with their Miami location. So I went out to Ford Models in Miami with my parents and signed with them. One of my first jobs

Something that challenges me and scares the hell out of me. I really would love to get back into theater again.

was a shoot for Abercrombie & Fitch. Which is funny because toward the end of high school I was on one of their posters up in the store, and then when I moved to L.A., I was in dire need of a

How would you describe your personal style?

My style is very eclectic. My mother always taught me growing

job, so I got hired working the cash register at their Topanga Mall

up that you don’t have to break the bank to look fabulous. Words

location.

I still live by. I am definitely a mood dresser, that’s why packing for trips is so hard! I have committed to vegan fashion for the

Why did you turn to acting?

last five years, which has really been a lot of fun, finding and

When I was modeling in Miami, a photographer told my mom she

supporting designers who are cruelty-free. Some of my favorites

thought I was pretty shy in front of the camera and thought that

for shoes and handbags are Vaute Couture, Beyond Skin,

taking acting classes would help open me up. My mom helped

Bhava Studio, Angela Roi, Matt & Nat, Bourgeois Boheme and,

me find an acting studio in Winter Park, Fla., where we lived,

of course, Stella McCartney. And for clothes, I love Reformation

called Zoe and Company. I fell in love with it. Ever since I was

and Christy Dawn. Both are ethical companies with great mission

little, I knew I loved to perform. I was always putting little shows

statements. My other go-to lately has been Aritzia. I have been

on for my family, mostly for my sisters. Once I saw the musical

really into blazers, high-waisted jeans and leotards.

Les Miserables , I would perform all of Eponine’s parts to anyone who would watch. I attribute me wanting to act to that musical. until I started acting class when I was 15.

Which organizations and causes are important to you?

I am the ambassador for the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, and an inpatient care volunteer for a hospice in

funeral home one day. I also am on the board of directors for

myself up deep to get where I need to get to for whatever scene

an incredible organization called SafeBAE, a survivor-founded

I am doing. I never feel more alive than on the drive home after

youth-led organization whose mission is to end sexual assault

I did work that I am proud of. That feeling of exhaustion after

among middle school and high school students. Being a young

putting your heart on your sleeve and your emotions into a

teen is so difficult, and when you’re at such an impressionable

character is like no other. I absolutely love it. I love getting messy

age, it is so important to learn about consent and sexual assault

and guttural with my work and reacting off of whoever is working

in a safe environment with no judgment, just open ears, and

with me. I can’t imagine doing anything else.

that’s what SafeBAE does.

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about my hospice work and have hopes of owning my own

I love telling stories. I love accessing my emotions and opening

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L.A. and Chicago, and absolutely love it. I am very passionate

What do you love about acting?

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But I didn’t really understand that that’s what I wanted to do

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Style

When fashion and lifestyle expert Tommy DiDario talks, who wouldn’t listen?

Television personality, social media influencer and lifestyle expert Tommy DiDario has his finger firmly on the pulse of pop culture, fashion, grooming, travel, health, wellness, fitness and everything else currently trending. A frequent makeover magician on The Rachael Ray Show and commentator on Entertainment Tonight, he has a few other major projects in the works. He recently sat down with us to dish about what he likes to wear and which celebrities dress the best.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY { JOHN RUSSO INTERVIEW BY { CHARISSE CALALANG EDITED BY { BONNIE DAVIDSON

How do you define your personal style?

I’m sophisticated meets street-casual with a little mix and matching in between. I love a well-tailored, gorgeous suit and geek out when I find the perfect color or pattern (my burgundy speckled wool winter suit and baby blue linen suit are two of my favorites), but I also love a more streetcasual vibe. Bomber jackets, fitted dark denim and combat boots, and Henleys are also some of my go-tos. I then love combining the two and rock Vans with a suit, or a Henley with dress pants. The most interesting style to me is when people

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dress according to their mood. We all are made up of multiple layers and sometimes I want to be preppy, other times classier, and some days I want to feel super sexy. So, style is

authentic to her creative self. While the outfits may not always be what some consider typically beautiful, they are unapologetically her and, in my opinion, she can pull off anything. One day she’s Old Hollywood glam, the next day she’s rocking a meat dress. I love it!

Who is your favorite designer?

I don’t have one favorite, because I don’t think a singular person can define an entire style. Style can’t be wrapped up under one name. There are many designers who I admire and love: Tom Ford, Ralph Lauren, Ferragamo, Lagerfeld.

owning all the different slices that make up the Tommy pie.

But, truth be told, I find the most inspiration from browsing

Which noteworthy male do you feel exemplifies the word “style”?

brands all the time. I’m one big mix of high-end meets fast

because he doesn’t constrict himself to wearing just one

What are your three wardrobe essentials?

Ryan Reynolds. I have always been a big fan of his style,

type of thing. He will rock a three-piece suit on a red carpet while the next day wear a denim or bomber jacket and a cool pair of fitted chinos. He’s that mix of street and sophisticated, which I so identify with in terms of how I like to dress. He’s not afraid to take a risk, but also is so aware of who he is and stays true to that.

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And which noteworthy female?

Lady Gaga. She owns who she is and dresses in ways

different stores and even discovering new designers and fashion. I connect more with brands, rather than designers.

My Steve Madden boots in both brown and black. They’re only $100 each, so I buy a new pair every fall and nothing beats them with a pair of fitted dark denims (which is my No. 2). And No. 3, a black V-neck fitted tee. This is the perfect going-out look and my “I want to look effortlessly cool and channel James Dean” look.

DiDario’s Favorites Decade for fashion: Old Hollywood,

1930s-1940s. Least favorite is the 1970s.

Bell-bottoms stress me out.

J. Crew or Gucci: J. Crew

Brown or black: Black

Rolex or Timex:

Rolex, because…why not?

Jeans or chinos: Dark denim

With or without a shirt on Instagram: Both

Stylish movie:

Singin’ in the Rain

Car:

Mercedes…so sexy!

City: Paris

DESK

from the

On and off screen, Hollywood heavy hitter Chuck James is making strides for the LGBTQ+ community.

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s a founding partner at ICM Partners, powerhouse agent Chuck James has made a name for himself by representing megatalents like Oscar-winning actress/director Regina King, 16-time Emmy winner Meredith Vieira, actress Megan Fox and Queer Eye’s Karamo Brown. At the same time, he has established himself as a leader in the LGBTQ+ community by opening doors, empowering the next generation of entertainment pros to be out and proud, and helping to launch and support initiatives industry-wide.

How did you get started as an agent?

I got [a job] on a terrible independent movie called

Big Bad John from a job board posting at SMU in Dallas, where I went to college; the notice said they were looking for film PAs. I realized from day one that I had no interest in being on a set and talked my way to getting hired to do postproduction for the producer, which brought me to L.A. I got a job as an outside script messenger at William Morris.

Later, that led me to ICM and the agent trainee program, where I became an agent in the Motion Picture Department.

What is ICM Partners’ LGBTQ+ initiative and what inspired you to start it?

incredible summer interns came to my office and employees and allies. I thought about it and knew we didn’t, and realized that not only did we need something in place immediately, but that every agency should, too. When I got into the business, with my sexuality at work, and now younger people coming into the company are open and demanding, which I so applaud. Our initiative seeks to uplift LGBTQ+ voices, both internally and externally, to encourage positive change to the landscape of our business and industry.

Our company mandate is to provide resources, support and mentorship within our company while

Acknowledged, the ability to have full transparency, and accurately portrayed as we actually live.

LGBTQ+ performers have unique abilities and talents, because often their journeys have been so tough and confusing. All of these life layers make incredible actors. This also goes for people on the business side, especially when needing a thick skin to survive.

Over the years working in Hollywood, what’s the most surprising thing you’ve encountered?

That reputation and loyalty are everything. People in this industry never forget it, because the struggles are so profound and real. Even now, I still think that I can count on one hand (maybe two) who I won’t do business with. And trust me, they definitely know who they are.

On a separate note, you have been dubbed ICM’s style mentor. How would you define your personal style?

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I was so afraid of being outed or being associated

How do you hope to see the LGBTQ+ community represented over the next five years in Hollywood?

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asked if we had a group or forum for LGBTQ+

the needs of the LGBTQ+ community at large.

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It came out of necessity, really. Two of our

encouraging philanthropic endeavors that target

I would define my style as classically original. I have always tried to stand out, but not stick out, with fashion, especially in the workplace, even though working in the entertainment industry, one is given a bit of freedom to bend the rules.

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brains and body

BEAUTIFUL Athlete, actress, influencer and entrepreneur Brooke Ence kicks butt in all that she endeavors.

INTERVIEW BY { MISTY

MILIOTO

Brooke Ence is a real-life superhero. Following spinal fusion surgery on her C6 and C7 vertebrae in 2017, the champion CrossFit athlete continues to train, work and play hard, and to inspire her more than 1.3 million Instagram followers to stay pumped and passionate about achieving their own goals. As an actress, she flexed her muscles as an Amazon warrior in Wonder Woman and Justice League, and played herself in the Netflix documentary The Redeemed and the Dominant: Fittest on Earth . Her next television appearance, in the physical challenge show Ultimate Tag , airs on FOX early in 2020. As an entrepreneur, Ence launched Naked Training, a fitness program and app; Ence Wear, an ahtletic apparel line; Athia, a skincare line; and a signature line of FNX dietary supplements. Plus, she is an endurance bicyclist and the co-host of the popular podcast “Between the Reps With Brooke Ence & Jeanna Cianciarulo,� a frank weekly discussion of health, fitness and lifestyle.

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How did you first become interested in fitness and health?

I have always been very active. I grew up

What can you tell us about the new FOX competition show, Ultimate Tag?

I am a tagger in the cast; [we] are all athletes.

doing numerous sports [gymnastics, softball,

The goal for the taggers as a team is to

swimming]

stay

basically get in the way of the contestants as

competitive and perform well, I had to maintain

they navigate their way through these huge

a healthy lifestyle and good nutrition.

obstacle courses. There was a lot of parkour

and

dance.

In

order

to

and gymnastics involved, which was a really

What motivates you to continue on your fitness journey?

great experience, having to move and adjust on the fly. I think all my years as a dancer

Well, I believe that self-discipline is far more

helped, because I do have that ingrained

important

is

awareness of my body and how it moves.

fleeting. Everyone (including me) has days

That being said, it was incredibly challenging

where

motivated.

and beat the shit out of me! Thankfully, we

Training is hard. Eating right is hard, and if you

had a wonderful team helping us prepare and

are relying on motivation alone, you most likely

recover, because it really was very intense.

than

they

just

motivation. simply

Motivation

aren’t

won’t be able to reach your goal. Self-discipline is what has gotten me through those cold mornings that I just wanted to stay in bed or the nights out with friends when I wanted one more drink but knew I had an early training session.

When and why did you launch the Naked Training fitness program and app?

We first started Naked Training in May 2018.

We realized that there were a lot of competitor programs out there, but no one was focusing

How do you push through difficult times?

on programs for the everyday athlete, [who]

illness,

through

Our programs are unique in that they are

difficult times by focusing on the goal I want

more structured than your typical competitor

to reach and having a great team to support

program. Constantly varied is the enemy of

me.

real strength progression. The focus of our

We

all

go

through

personal

difficult

issues.

I

times—injury,

push

has different needs than a games competitor.

programs is to build structurally balanced

How often do you work out, and what is your regimen?

athletes that will stay injury-free over the

My training really varies depending on where

higher volume than most athletes can recover

I am at in my life. If I am ramping up for a

from and include movements that shouldn’t be

competition, I typically train twice per day in

done in high doses for most people. By building

the morning and evening. My sessions are

a real foundation of strength, controlling the

anywhere from one to two hours, six days per

volume and providing well-rounded programs,

week. On my rest day, I will swim or ride my bike.

we are constantly hearing from our athletes

Over the last year or so, I have been recovering

about how good they feel and how they are

from a spinal fusion and stem cell therapy in

setting personal record after personal record.

both of my shoulders. My training has been

Right now, we have about 2,500 members of

very much focused on regaining strength and

the Naked Program.

long haul. Competitor programs typically have

mobility in a safe way. These days, I usually train one to two hours once per day and often throw in a bike ride or a run.

Can you describe the Athia skincare line?

The products are specially formulated to

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ISSUE No. 6

target the potential skin issues [resulting]

307

Do you follow a special diet, and do you have any guilty pleasures?

from

My diet is somewhat standard—protein and

of

carbs and lower fats. I try to eat at home so

acids, vitamins and essential minerals to

I know how my food has been prepared and

cleanse, moisturize, detoxify and brighten.

can manage portions the way I need to. I get

Additionally,

a lot of my meats from Trifecta, a food-delivery

masterfully formulated to provide healthier

company. They come cooked and ready to

skin by fighting free radicals and other

eat, which simplifies my shopping and food

harmful bacteria while replenishing the skin’s

prep. Guilty pleasures? I love diet root beer. I

essential good bacteria. I truly love all of the

know it’s loaded with chemicals and artificial

products because they work together to

sweeteners, so I try not to have it too often,

create overall great skin.

high

levels

of

high

activity.

Athia

products use highly concentrated amounts antioxidants,

our

electrolytes,

probiotic

amino

technology

is

but sometimes it just sounds so good! That and veggie chips, I can eat those all day long if I’m not careful!

Why do sales of Athia products support She’s the First?

At Athia, we believe that all young women

How did you get involved in acting?

deserve to have the best opportunities life can

I majored in dance and theater in college. I

offer and should not be held back by geography

have always loved being on stage and taking

or circumstance. She’s the First supports this

on a routine or persona. My first film role was

cause by donating to organizations, giving

in Wonder Woman. It was a really unique

scholarships, and providing a community to

experience, and I learned so much about the

support and encourage the young women of

industry and about myself as well.

our world.

Can you tell us about your FNX signature supplement line?

FNX has been a reputable company for quite some time. I have used and liked their products in the past. When they approached me about doing a signature line, I was thrilled. I knew it would be top-of-the-line and that they would make great partners. We launched my Resilience collagen protein in May 2019. It comes in three flavors: berry, brownie batter and unflavored. Each serving has 20 grams of high-quality collagen protein and 3 grams of L-Leucine—an essential amino acid for protein synthesis. Leucine can also regulate several cellular processes, such as protein synthesis, tissue regeneration and metabolism. It is somewhat difficult to find in a supplement in the concentration that we offer, particularly at our price point.

Who or what inspires you in life?

I was and still am inspired by my parents. Growing up, I watched how dedicated and hardworking my parents were—and still are. They were both able to grow a business from nothing and provide a life for my siblings and me. I have seen them overcome adversity with integrity and grace. They inspire me to be true to myself and to never give up.

What do you like to do for fun?

I enjoy going on long bike rides, going to acting class, spending time with friends, reading and drawing. I also really enjoy going to the grocery store in my “me” time. It helps me relax and just kind of disconnect from business mode. I can spend a

BROOKE ENCE

long time wandering Whole Foods, but I usually only buy food for that night and maybe the next morning, because Trifecta sends me a shipment of meat every week.

What songs would be on your ideal workout playlist?

“Bass Cannon” by Flux Pavilion, “Stand Off” by MEMBA, “Summer” by Modestep, “Wobble” by Crankdat & Tisoki, “Pour Over” by Vintage Culture, “Fuel” by Metallica, “M.A.A.D City” by Kendrick Lamar, “Humble” the Skrillex remix, “Last Resort” by Papa Roach, “Get Low” by Dillon Francis, “Need You” by Dillon Francis, “KIKA” by 6ix9ine and “Truth Hurts” by Lizzo.

What’s next for you?

Right now, I am really focused on growing the launching a new line for the fall season. Athia is some really great new items coming out soon. The Naked Program is always being updated and new programs created for our subscribers. My line of FNX

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constantly testing new products, and we have

Gio

businesses that I have in place. Ence Wear is

collagen protein and greens is wonderful, and we training every day and getting stronger every day.

It’s amazing to think that this time last year I could barely lift my arms. Now I am able to lift overhead again pain-free. Whether or not I compete in the

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are working on adding to it. As far as my fitness, I am

next year is really up to my doctors and coaches, so we will see. I also have a script that I am looking at for a role in an independent film. I’m not sure what will come of it, but it seems like a great opportunity.

brookeence.com

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John Russo

Gio Creative Director John Russo is one of the top celebrity photographers in the world. He’s spent more than two decades photographing the likes of Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow, Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio and Julianne Moore. His work has graced the covers of Vogue, Elle, Glamour, Esquire, and Harper’s Bazaar, and advertising campaigns for brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, Hugo Boss and Gucci. One of his current projects, 100 Making a Difference, is a book chronicling 100 philanthropists and humanitarians—including Malala Yousafzai, Maria Shriver, Drew Brees, Sugar Ray Leonard and Cindy Crawford—and the charities and causes they support. Originally from Ventnor, N.J., John now lives in West Hollywood, where he can often be found on the courts, perfecting his tennis game. @johnrussophoto

Angela Fairhurst

Angela Fairhurst is a veteran television and event producer, content creator and travel journalist. Luxury hotel bathroom obsessed, she began writing a column for PeterGreenberg.com that launched in March 2013, bringing the bathroom to the forefront of travelers minds. Two years ago, she added another column, Luxe Lodgings, focusing on special features in upscale hotels. Both are found at LuxeLavs.com, along with @JauntTV and JauntTV.com for experiential travel images, articles and video vignettes.

Bonnie Davidson

Jason Bush

CONTRIBUTORS

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ISSUE No. 6

Jason Bush has been visually oriented since his childhood in Oklahoma, and he fell in love with photography while living in Chicago. He moved to Santa Barbara to study photography, and has lived and worked in Los Angeles for close to a decade.

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Gio Executive Editor Bonnie Davidson is a longtime journalist specializing in food, fashion, travel, arts and entertainment, and luxury lifestyle.

The former editor-in-chief of a group of publications for affluent visitors to New York City, she also edited the official program of the Tony Awards; worked on staff at Cosmopolitan and GQ; and has contributed articles to national magazines, newspapers and websites. She and her husband Michael relocated from Manhattan to New York’s Hudson Valley, where deer and wild turkeys regularly wander past her home office’s window.

Aja Mangum

A freelance beauty and fashion editor, Aja Mangum’s work has appeared in Bloomberg Businessweek, Bloomberg Pursuits, Men’s Fitness, Refinery29, Brides and more. Prior to freelancing, she held various titles during her 10year tenure at New York magazine, and her final role was beauty and market editor.

Rachel Madison Hill

Rachel Madison Hill grew up in Los Angeles, in a family of music and entertainment industry pros, surrounded by some of the most creative and influential people around.

A natural curiosity about what makes people tick led her to conduct celebrity interviews for Gio. In her free time, she likes to explore the culinary offerings of other cities.

CONTRIBUTORS Misty Milioto

Based in New Orleans, Misty has spent the past 18 years as a writer and editor working with magazines across the U.S. She is an avid traveler who loves uncovering amazing experiences in luxurious destinations around the world.

She also enjoys writing about food and libations, art and culture, design, shopping, spa treatments and living life in the moment.

Nadine Jolie Courtney

Nadine Jolie Courtney is an L.A.-based freelance writer covering luxury travel, royalty and the lifestyles of the 1 percent.

A former magazine editor, her freelance work has appeared in Town & Country, Robb Report and Angeleno, and she regularly creates digital content for Town & Country, Vogue and Architectural Digest. Author of the best-selling guide Beauty Confidential, her fourth book, AllAmerican Muslim Girl, was published in 2019 by FSG Books for Young Readers. @nadinejoliecourtney (IG), @nadinecourtney (Twitter)

Marie Look

Marie Look is a writer and editor based in Los Angeles with a background in lifestyle content for print and digital magazines. She specializes in covering luxury, travel, entertainment, wellness and technology. Her work has been featured by C Magazine, Haute Living, the Modern Luxury magazines and others. When she’s not writing, she’s training for her next half marathon or exploring a different neighborhood in L.A. @marielook

Erinn Valencich

Gio ISSUE No. 6

Tas Limur

A Los Angeles-based artist specializing in photography and video production, Tas Limur was born and raised in Bangladesh and he received his education in Manchester, U.K., before moving to the United States. When Tas is not behind a camera, he plays bass guitar in a progressive rock band called Kolm.

CONTRIBUTORS

Los Angeles-based designer Erinn Valencich has a keen understanding of the classic California lifestyle. The granddaughter of a fine cabinetmaker and daughter of an architect, her approach to design underscores the importance of craftsmanship and livability. Erinn’s custom 90-piece furniture line, ERINN V, is handcrafted in California and available at fine to-the-trade showrooms around the country. In addition, her signature collaborations with lifestyle brands include Baldwin’s new Hollywood Hills by Erinn V hardware collection.

She’s been featured in Elle Décor, Architectural Digest, Town & Country and House Beautiful. @erinnvstyle

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