”Your Quintessential New York Escape… „
Chronograph measuring elapsed time from 10 minutes down to 1/ 100 th of a second
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 COM PLETED 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.
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 FEATURES AN 48-HOUR POWER RESERVE AT 12 O’CLOCK AND SMALL SECONDS AT 6 O’CLOCK; THE REMONTOIR D’ÉGALITÉ IS LOCATED AT 7 O’CLOCK. usual
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.
17.12.19 16:45
Our summer issue is packed with some the globes most iconic faces and amazing places.
From my favorite actress Mariska Hargitay to the iconic Jane Fonda, and of course Tennis Superstar Carlos Alcaraz. This issue has been one of my favorites!
We continue to travel the globe to showcase the most luxurious and unique resorts from Japan to Los Cabos, Mexico. Gio Journal is always dialed into the best of the best!
John Russo Founder/ Creative Director
CREATIVE
EXECUTIVE
PHILANTHROPY
ART DEPARTMENT
ART
PRODUCTION
DIRECTOR
WEB
55 AN EXCEPTIONAL CULINARY EXPERIENCE: GRAND VELAS LOS CABOS
65 .... EXPERIENCING RICHNESS: HOTEL SEIRYU KYOTO
71 ....................... EXPERIENCE ULTIMATE RELAXATION: NOBU LOS CABOS
75 BLENDING ULTIMATE JAPANESE HOSPITALITY: INTERCONTINENTAL OSAKA
81 A JOURNEY THROUGH THE SENSES: MESM TOKYO
87 ................ THE GREENEST OF GREEN: 1 HOTEL WEHO
93 ................TAKE ME AWAY: FOUR SEASONS LOS CABOS
Mariska Hargitay’s Joyful Heart Foundation is providing a light at the end of the tunnel.
INTERVIEW & PHOTOGRAPHY BY { JOHN RUSSO
PRODUCED BY { KEN WALLER FOR PHOTOHOUSE PRODUCTIONS
HAIR BY { CHRIS MCMILLAN
MAKEUP BY { GEORGI SANDEV
LOCATION { PHOTOGRAPHED AT THE BACCARAT HOTEL NYC
What inspired you to create your foundation?
When I started on Law & Order: SVU in 1999, I began learning about the statistics of sexual violence. Although those statistics have changed over the years—and any number more than zero is unacceptable to me—they’ve remained devastating. Keeping in mind that these crimes are still woefully underreported, as of today, every 68 seconds someone in this country is sexually assaulted. One in nine girls and one in twenty boys under the age of eighteen experience sexual abuse or assault. I was astonished that more people weren’t talking about those numbers, or more specifically, that people weren’t talking about them all the time.
Sexual assault is a crime of power, one person exercising power to take away someone else’s bodily autonomy. I wanted to create a foundation whose purpose was not only to support survivors in healing from that experience, but to engage our society in that support. The first and most urgent task was of course to encourage conversation about these issues, to bring them out of the darkness where they thrive. It was important to create a discussion that could then be harnessed, shaped and directed to bring lasting change. As with artists who look at work they created or initiated years ago, the passage of time brings new insights about the origin of their work. In the same way, I will always be on a journey of discovery about the many threads that came together to begin the process of conceiving the foundation in my mind and heart.
Talk about the work the foundation is doing. Currently, the Joyful Heart Foundation is focused on three main areas of service: Policy & Advocacy, Awareness & Outreach, and Healing. Under Policy and Advocacy, we spearhead initiatives such as End the Backlog, aimed at eradicating the backlog of rape kits in the United States. We are also engaged in a new initiative to combat Image-Based Abuse, working with other advocates to create policies that address and eradicate this rapidly growing form of abuse.
In our Awareness & Outreach efforts, we foster conversation around these difficult issues by engaging with our community through live events, social media platforms and our virtual book club.
Additionally, we prioritize healing through our Heal the Healers grant-making program, providing crucial support to those on the front lines of addressing trauma, and promoting wellbeing within our communities. These grants reach people nationwide who work directly with survivors and are at risk of burnout because of the effects of vicarious trauma.
A success story about a person, or several people, who the foundation has helped. Every rape kit represents a survivor. Testing kits signals to survivors that they matter, that what happened to them matters. It would be easy to say that rape kits—and the lives they represent—“fall between the cracks.” But that makes it sounds like it’s accidental, like some kind of oversight or mishap. It isn’t. Rape kits are not tested because assumptions are made about the victims, foregone conclusions are reached about the possibilities of winning cases, and because of a host of other reasons that embrace primitive, pervasive and damaging attitudes about those who have been harmed. End the Backlog validates and champions survivors every day because the initiative directly counters those attitudes and misconceptions. Through our Six Pillars of Rape Kit Reform, we have worked alongside legislators, advocates, and survivors to pass over 100 laws throughout the country that have a direct effect on survivors and their communities. These laws all work in tandem to bring the rape kit backlog to an end, to ensure that every kit is tracked and tested, and that every survivor can access the information about the status of their kits.
For me, an aspect of this work that is both deeply inspiring and one which requires the most faith, is that we will never hear all the success stories that result from what we do. But what a gift and privilege to be engaged in communicating, directly and indirectly, to those who have been harmed that their healing is our priority.
Sterling K. Brown triumphs as Xavier Collins in Hulu’s hit show “Paradise”
PHOTOGRAPHY BY { JOHN RUSSO
INTERVIEW BY { KEN WALLER
GROOMING BY { KATHY SANTIAGO
STYLING BY { CHLOE TAKAYANAGI THE WALL GROUP
VIDEO BY { KEN WALLER MEDIA
What drew you to the role of Xavier Collins in “Paradise”?
Xavier’s a man of action. He’s not as comfortable with his emotions and words, so he has a very different way of navigating the world, of navigating his pain, as compared to Randall Pearson. I thought he was someone that folks hadn’t seen me play already. And I found that very interesting.
Can you tell us about your experience working with Dan Fogelman again, especially after your successful collaboration on “This Is Us”?
I love Dan. He’s a great writer and an even better man. He’s very confident! And I think his confidence creates space for other people to contribute. He doesn’t feel threatened by much. And I think that’s why the collaboration works as well as it does.
Who has been the most influential person in your career, and why?
Hmmm…good question! I could say a tie between my mom and my dad, but I won’t. My dad’s sheer love for tv and film have to be a major influence, along with mom’s unwavering support, but I’m going to choose someone else.
If it wasn’t for my Stanford professor, Dr. Harry J. Elam Jr., I wouldn’t be an actor. He was the first person that made me realize that a career in the arts was not a waste of time. That it was valuable. That the stories we put out into the world mean something. And to receive that validation from someone who looks like you, that you respect tremendously, made all the difference in the world.
If you could star in a remake of any classic film, which would it be and why?
Let’s see…Out of Sight, Let’s Do It Again, The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly…I’m thinking out loud here…I’d go with Let’s Do It Again. One of the great comedy caper flicks ever made! Hilarious! Entertaining AF! And unapologetically BLACK! Plus my pops loved this flick, so I’d be smiling the whole time I was making it!
What excites you most about being a part of the “Invincible” universe?
Invincible is the shit! If you’re not hooked after watching that pilot…then I don’t know what to tell you! And there’s something really fun about being the disrupter! Sure, every kid wants to be the good guy, but as you get older you realize bad guys have more fun!
Are there any upcoming projects you’re excited about that you can share with us?
We got a lot going on right now! I filmed an independent movie called, “Is God Is”, written and directed by Aleshea Harris, which I think is pretty special. It’s an all Black cast led by two outstanding actresses, Kara Young and Mallori Johnson! Trust! They are going to blow people away!
I filmed a dark comedy with Natalie Portman and Jenna Ortega tentatively entitled The Gallerist! It’s got a wonderful ensemble and a diabolical premise. Should be a lot of fun. That’s directed by Cathy Yan.
And currently, I’m working on Voltron! Which is really cool because it’s a cartoon I grew up watching, and hopefully it’ll be something I can enjoy with my kids. Also, the Hulu series “Washington Black” should be out this year.
Are there any roles or genres you haven’t explored yet that you’d like to?
Sure! Rom coms, horror, noir, whatever! Great stories are genre agnostic. They exist in all spaces. Film and television. I just want to work with great creatives that have clear visions. Whether it’s Jeymes Samuel, Ari Aster, Chris Nolan or Gina Prince-Bythewood…when the vision is clear, the story has a greater chance of resonating with its audience.
What has been the most significant change in Hollywood since you started your career?
I’d have to say streaming. The way we consume our media. It tends to be a much more individual experience than communal. Before streaming, the theater was where you saw most of your movies, and certain nights were your go-to’s for your favorite tv shows. Now you have to ask yourself will this movie do better in the theater or on the platform? Will I wait to watch this with my wife, or just go ahead and take it down right now? The convenience is undeniable. But the shared experience is sacrificed.
If you could go back in time for 1 hour to any period in history. Who would you spend that hour with and why?
Oh boy…one hour…this is very hard…I almost said Paul Robeson rehearsing Othello with Uta Hagen, but that sounds too hifalutin (along with the word hifalutin)!
I’m going to go back to 1979 just to hang out with my dad as an adult, and watch him with 3 year old me. So many of my memories of him have faded overtime, but the feeling of love has never gone away. I would love to witness it up close. That would be an hour well spent.
In 100 years, when an acting student researches your career, what is the most important thing you want them to know about you, your career and your life?
Jeez…I feel like I’m Inside The Actor’s Studio or something. Good questions! I’d like to be remembered as someone who was honest. In his craft and his life. As someone who loved acting and loved life. As fearless. I want to do everything, and hopefully, do it fairly well. That would be cool.
Icon Jane Fonda continues to defy age.
At 87 and no signs up stopping, she is committed to self improvement and accepts responsibility for her past mistakes. And she adamantly encourages other women on the far side of middle age to stay both active and fashionable in order to live their best lives. “We are, after all, the fastest-growing demographic in the world,” says the eternally youthful icon. I am so in awe of Jane and everything she has accomplished in her life. She is the definition and embodiment of the word ICON.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND INTERVIEW BY { JOHN RUSSO
EDITED BY { BONNIE DAVIDSON
STYLING BY { CHRISTINA EHRLICH
HAIR BY { JONATHAN HANOUSEK
MAKEUP BY { DAVID DE LEON
LOCATION { 1 HOTEL WEST HOLLYWOOD
JANE FONDA
You always look glamorous at events, but how do you dress when you’re not in the spotlight?
Fitness is such a passion for me, and I spend so much time working out, walking or hiking, so I tend to spend all day in the clothes that I wear to work out. And I just like to throw things over that will make them look fashionable. They may be workout clothes, but I’m making a fashion statement at the same time. Functionality and comfort, but also a little pizazz.
Which of your movies would you like to make into a sequel?
I want to make a sequel of 9 to 5 because the challenges facing office workers today are even more severe than they were in the 1970s.
Is there anyone who you would love to work with?
I wish I could work with director Paul Thomas Anderson. I think he’s a genius.
Have you ever worked on a project and later in your career thought, “What the hell was I thinking?”
I made a film very early in my career called In the Cool of the Day, which was really bad. I’m not sure if it was even released, but Peter Finch and Angela Lansbury were in it, so I wasn’t alone in my error.
If you were able to go back in time and have a doover, which part of your past would you choose and what would you change?
I wish, when I was in Vietnam in 1972, that I had not gone alone or gone to that gun site and allowed myself to be seated [on a North Vietnamese antiaircraft gun installation]. I still would have gone, but would have changed those parts of my trip.
If you had to give advice to young actors who are trying to achieve success in Hollywood what would you tell them?
I would tell them to never give up.
If you could tell someone who has passed away one thing, who and what would that be?
It would be my mother and I would say “I forgive you and I love you.”
To learn more about Jane follow her at@janefonds
Tennis superstar Carlos Alcaraz finds Happiness on and off of the court.
INTERVIEW & PHOTOGRAPHY BY { JOHN RUSSO
GROOMING BY { MICHAELA LIMUR
STYLING BY { CRISTINA CIMINO
PRODUCED BY { NICOLA ARZANI
LOCATION { TURIN, ITALY
Do you ever get Nervous when you step on the court to play a Grand Slam final?
Nervous? Of course! Before the Wimbledon final last year it was really difficult before coming to the court. I am working with a psychologist [Isabel Balaguer from the University of Valencia] and I told her before the warm-up, I am incredibly nervous! I was nervous since breakfast. So two hours before the final I put my headphones on. Calm music, breathing slowly. I was in the gym at Wimbledon, lying on a physio table. It probably looked as if I was sleeping but I was just controlling my emotions, trying to calm myself and my muscles. I was there for more than 30 minutes. And then when I stepped on the court for the final I was still nervous. But at least I had warmed up well, had planned well, and this helped me to trust myself in the match.
A lot of your matches, especially the finals on big stages come with a huge amount of pressure. How you do maintain calm and handle the moment?
In the final game at Roland Garros [the French Open], I was shaking. The same is true at the Wimbledon final last year. My legs, my hands. It is a difficult moment and you have to trust yourself. Everything I think in that moment is: Go for it. If you miss it, you miss it. Don’t hold back. Don’t regret. Play positive. Go aggressively. Play your game. It’s OK to miss — that happens. It has even happened to Federer who was 40-15 on service in the fifth set and lost [against Djokovic in the epic 2019 Wimbledon final]. Top players in every sport have lost in important moments. But if you try and you miss, you are going to learn from it. If I hadn’t lost the matches I lost in 2022, I would never have achieved what I achieved. I learnt from every defeat. You have to learn from the moments you live.
I am sure almost every interview questions is about tennis, but tell me something I do not know, like do you like movies?
The Rocky films, I love Rocky IV, the one where Rocky beats Ivan Drago after Drago has beaten Apollo Creed.
What do you think young players can learn from you?
Honestly, I don’t know what juniors can learn from me. Probably the joy that I’m playing with. It seems like I don’t feel the pressure anytime. I play all the points in the same way. Being aggressive, having no fear of going to net. Hitting big shots. I’m going to say that.
You play with Babolat, the Pure Aero 98 frame, what do you like about it?
What I like about the racquet, I feel like I have a lot of power, and at the same time I have a lot of control over the ball that I’m hitting, That’s what I wanted when I started playing with this racquet. Before this one, I could hit with a lot of power, I could hit great shots, but I couldn’t control the ball as much as I wanted. I started to play with this one, and I didn’t miss the power that I like to play with, and at the same time I have control. So probably those players are feeling the same way as me.
What is it about the hard court season and eventually playing in New York at the US Open?
I love playing on hard courts. Playing in New York suits very well to my game, my personality. The people here are passionate about tennis, they have a lot of energy that they bring to the matches, to the court, and I love it. So probably here is where I play some of my best tennis.
What do you want for your future?
I want to sit at the table with the Big three, but from what I have experienced, I’d choose happiness over massive success. Because happiness is already success.
To learn more about Carlos Alcaraz follow him @carlitosalcarazz
K A N D I B U R R U S S
Kandi Burrus helps introduce Othello to a whole new generation of fans with Denzel, Jake and Molly.
INTERVIEW BY { KEN WALLER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY { JOHN RUSSO
PRODUCED BY { PHOTOHOUSE PRODUCTIONS
MAKEUP BY { MAYELY PAEZ
HAIR BY { RAY CHRISTOPHER
STYLING BY { DANIEL HAWKINS
LOCATION { BELLA VISTA ESTATE, SANTA BARBARA CALIFORNIA
Flying high on the success of Othello, which has broken the record for the top-grossing play in Broadway History, Kandi is proving to be unstoppable by going for the EGOT. With Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal starring in Othello, the sky is the limit. Othello is more than just a financial success; it’s a bold reimagining of a centuries-old tragedy.
You have always been driven towards success, how did you start your career?
Music & Acting has always been my first love. Signing a record deal at the age of 16 with : under So So Def Recordings launched me into business mode early. I had to navigate learning on the job without a mentor. Meaning sometimes hiring the wrong people, signing agreements that may not of have had the best financial gain, etc… , I didn’t want to be the typical story of a kid who had success & then was broke later. Luckily I loved to read, & I read a few financial books that talked about needing multiple sources of income in order to be a Millionare & stay a millionaire. Those books triggered my mindset of setting up multiple lanes for myself to make money.
What was your first job?
I’ve never had a job. Honestly, I wanted to work, but my stepdad told me he didn’t want me to, because he just wanted me to focus on school. Then, I got my record deal when I was 16 years old. Our group Xscape put out our first single before my senior year, so I went into my senior year with a No. 1 record on the R&B chart. From there, I haven’t stopped.
Can you give advice to parents who want their child to succeed?
I always say to stop telling your kids they have to wait until they graduate from high school or college to go after their dreams. When I was in high school, my drama teacher took our class to audition for a community theater play. That opened my eyes. I was like, “Wait, what? So, I don’t have to just do the school play?” Nobody ever really tells you that you can actually go and apply for those things, start performing in different places, recording your music, putting your stuff up online, or auditioning for TV, film, music, everything, as a kid.
Who has been your biggest inspiration in life?
My mother has been my biggest inspiration. She always believed in me, even when I had doubts. When I was hesitant about taking risks in my career, she reminded me that “If you can conceive the thought, you can make it happen”. Her unwavering support encouraged me to embrace every opportunity & go after every dream.
Can you tell us about your charity?
Yes, we help single parent families through my organization Kandi C.A.R.E.S because I was once a child in a single parent home & I understand the need for support in that area. We have lots of women that we’ve helped that come back & volunteer for our food drives & community give backs. I also have people who received scholarships from Kandi C.A.R.E.S that send us pics & letters after graduating college.
Life and business can be difficult, how do you keep going?
I embrace setbacks: They’re part of the path.In my early days, I had a project that I believed would make a big impact. When it didn’t connect as expected, it was a tough moment. However, that experience taught me that setbacks can be valuable. They encouraged me to reflect and adjust, ultimately leading to better outcomes in the future. Each challenge can offer lessons if you’re open to them.
You are always so positive and have a great outlook on like. How do you maintain this energy?
When people feel good about themselves, they’re empowered to make positive changes in their lives. Feeling confident and empowered is essential to living a happy life.
To learn more about Kandi Burruss follow her at @ Kandi
Austin Nichols goes Big in “I know What You Did Last Summer”
PHOTOGRAPHY BY { JOHN RUSSO
INTERVIEW BY { TERI MAUREL
STYLING BY { RAYMOND AVALOS
GROOMING BY { THEA ISTENES
FOR EXCLUSIVE ARTISTS USING AUGUSTINUS BADER
LOCATION { 1 HOTEL WEST HOLLYWOOD
Let’s talk about, “I know what you did last summer.” When you read the script, what were your initial thoughts?
When I first read the script, I immediately thought that the balance of old blood to new blood was perfect. Hahaha. No pun intended. What I mean is, we get just enough of the original world and characters that we love combined with new characters to ignite some fresh excitement. The art of the reboot is not easy. And I think they did an excellent job. I also know that Jennifer (director) was very adamant about not being too careful with these characters’ lives. She wanted to go big and bloody and make a splash. And I think she crushed it. I didn’t have any doubts about taking the role, per se, I was thrilled to get the call, but I was curious about the character’s motivation. There was a certain amount of secrecy about the ending, as there should be with a movie like this. So I just wanted to speak with Jennifer and get some clarity about my character, Pastor Judah, and learn as much information as possible so I could do my job the best I could.
Are you a fan or horror films?
My relationship to Horror Films is a little odd. I don’t watch a lot of them. But when a good one shows up, I fall in love. I have a lot of respect for the genre and especially directors that know how to craft them. It is not easy. With many tv shows and movies, there is a lack of style. You can have a basic plan and show up and rehearse the actors and shoot it. But with horror, it has to be much more specific. The storyboards, camera work, lighting, editing, and music all work together to design a great horror film. It is very very difficult. The director and the team have to know exactly what they want to accomplish every moment of the shoot!
Are there any roles or genres you haven’t explored yet that you’d like to?
I’ve always been obsessed with playing soldiers. I have dipped my toe in that pond, but I don’t feel like I have ever fully immersed myself. I would love to find something that I can sink my teeth into.
How did you mentally get into your character, your thought process, specifically with IKWYDLS?
For Pastor Judah, I studied for eight weeks with monks in the Basque region of Spain… Hahahaha. Just kidding. There was no time for that. I was on a plane to Australia right away. My research was about religious leaders, in positions of power, that may or may not take advantage of that power. There were some articles and photos that were very helpful, but I can’t be too specific cause I don’t want to get in trouble. But my character was based on a variety of different people that have been in the news over the last decade. Wink Wink.
You previewed your directorial debut SALAMANDER KING to rave reviews. How did this project come about?
Thank you! The Salamander King started as an idea, by my friend, Drew Mackintosh, a writer who lives in Austin, TX. I said it should be a half hour workplace comedy. But after having a lot of doors slammed in our faces, we got tired of waiting, and decided to go make an Indy Feature. It was a labor of love. We bootstrapped the whole thing, much like the story of our beloved characters. The Salamander King is an underdog sports comedy about a beat up public golf course that is about to be wiped off the map. An eclectic group of endangered species all work there and are desperately trying to protect their home and their identity. It’s a feel-good comedy for everyone! I can’t wait for the world to see it.
If you could model your career after an accomplished director, who would it be and why?
Ron Howard. No doubt. He is my hero. He started as an actor. He has made every genre of movie there is. And well! So many directors get stuck in one genre because the business feels more comfortable when you stick to what you know. There is less risk. But Ron Howard is a great example of a director who can slip seamlessly into any zone and make something artistic AND financially successful.
If you could star in a remake of any classic film, which would it be and why?
Remake of any classic film? Does it have to be a classic? I would want to remake something pulpy and weird and not remembered. Like an obscure B or C movie from the 70’s. I love the Grindhouse thing that Tarantino and Rodriguez were inspired by. Here’s an idea. What about SWITCHBLADE SISTERS (1975).
To learn more about Austin Nichols, follow him @ austinnichols
Actor Luke MacFarlane shows his creative side through Woodworking on Hallmark’s “Home is where the Heart is”
PHOTOGRAPHY BY { JOHN RUSSO
INTERVIEW BY } KEN WALLER
PRODUCED BY } PHOTOHOUSE PRODUCTIONS
LOCATION } LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
GROOMING BY { JASON SCHNEIDMAN
STYLING BY { GABRIEL LANGENBRUNNER
What drew you to Hallmark movies, and how has your experience been working on so many of them?
I’ve been working with Hallmark for over ten years now. I have made 14 movies, and one of the best things about working with Hallmark is that they grow with you and adapt to you. When the opportunity came along to work on a new show with Hallmark, they grew with me and adapted to me. So, I’m showing one of my passions: woodworking and home renovation.
What inspired you to start woodworking, and how did you learn the craft?
My interest in woodworking started with my family—my dad and my grandfather. You know, they were both busy guys. My grandfather was an architect. My father never had enough time—he was a doctor. But we built boxes, and it started there. It’s something that’s always been in my bones. I look at things, and I wonder how they’re made. And I want to make things that are my own.
Can you describe some of your favorite pieces that you’ve created? It’s funny. I’m making things and giving them away more and more. And sometimes, I wish I could have all get back together again and see how they’ve changed and developed. Sometimes, my favorite things are just things that are precise and small. I’ve become obsessed with making tiny boxes, and they’re not super complicated, but anything is precise, well done, and beautiful—and some of my favorite things to do.
Who are some of your biggest influences and inspirations in the acting world?
I am always drawn to actors who can balance public and private figures. I’ve always been a huge fan of Billy Crudup. I don’t know how he does it, and he’s so good as an actor. I don’t know how it constantly changes. Every single time I see a new performer, I’m amazed. Like, who is that guy? Thank God for IMDb and the internet because I’m constantly watching TV and looking people up, and I truly am just out of curiosity about how this person came into the world. What’s their story? Did they go to school? Did they learn this on the streets?
Luke is featured with Creator and Executive Producer Jessica Sebastian.
How did you and Matthew Rhys (who played Kevin Walker) develop the chemistry that made your characters’ relationship so believable?
Brothers and Sisters was such pivotal experiences in my career. And also now, just looking back at, like, television, how progressive it was that I was playing one half of a gay couple on TV, two series network, regulars who got married and adopted children and had a child by surrogacy that was so progressive.
I also look back at that time on TV. It was 22 episodes. It was network television. It was just a different way of doing things. Right now, in television, we have streamers and digital media, and there are so many other ways to enter the business. So I look back at big shows like Brothers and Sisters, the amazing Sally Field, Calista Flockhart, Rachel Griffiths, Rob Lowe, and like, wow… they assembled all these people in this big, classy family show. I miss it, and I miss Matthew Rhys, I am not ashamed to say he is, hands down, the best actor I have ever worked with.
they assembled all these people in this big, classy family show. I miss it, and I miss Matthew Reese. I am not ashamed to say he is, hands down, the best actor I have ever worked with.
What do you consider your proudest achievements so far, professionally or personally?
I guess I get a little cheesy. One of my proudest achievements is being able to call myself a dad. When that’s thrown in with all the other aspects of my life, including my work as an actor and my work as a woodworker, it’s a whole new inspiration to draw from.
To learn more about Luke follow him @ten_minutes_younger and watch him on the Hallmark channel, “Home is where the Heart is”
Nathon Fillion finds gold as Guy Gardner in Superman
PHOTOGRAPHY BY { JOHN RUSSO
INTERVIEW BY { KEN WALLER
GROOMING BY { KATHY SANTIAGO
STYLING BY { LUCA KINGSTON
VIDEO BY { KEN WALLER MEDIA
You’ve worked with James Gunn on several projects, from “Slither” to “The Suicide Squad.” How has your working relationship evolved over the years?
I would say that first time was probably the most important because we developed trust, and a friendship. Since then, and I don’t want this to come across as just “hyping up my buddy”, but the facts are the facts- His projects simply become more and more impressive. What I see is more people coming to the understanding I came to so many years ago- that James is, for so many reasons, extremely good at his job.
Gunn has a reputation for bringing out the best in his actors. What’s something unique about his directing style that keeps you coming back?
He is at the same time specific about what he wants, and open to finding something in the moment. He takes his job seriously, but doesn’t take himself seriously. For years, we’ve been doing a bit where he roasts me mercilessly, and it entertains me to no end. Where I come from, only those close to your heart can do that safely, and James is very adept at keeping you safe.
Your portrayal of Guy Gardner in “Superman” is highly anticipated. What drew you to this character, and how did you prepare for the role?
This is a popular idea, that an actor is drawn to a role. I wasn’t drawn to it, it was gifted to me. “You are going to be Guy Gardner.” It’s a lightning bolt. In an instant, you know you’re going to be in another Gunn movie, have that incredible experience, and a chance to do something special with a unique and unusual character.
I read up on Guy, asked James about which comics to reference, and then started to piece together something that made sense of Guy to me. I also drew a lot of inspiration from Estelle Getty (Sophia) in the Golden Girls.
Guy Gardner is known for his brash personality and signature bowl cut. How did you approach bringing his attitude to life on screen?
Playing a character with flaws is very rewarding. Flaws are extremely informative. Dig into the flaws and you’ll find gold. Or a gold tooth.
You’ve played heroes before, but Guy Gardner is a bit more… abrasive. What was the most fun and most challenging part of embodying him?
The most fun was flying. But a flying harness is really, really uncomfortable. So is wearing a wig. By the end of a shoot, all you can think about is getting it off. Strange that the most fun bits are at the same time mild forms of torture.
PHOTOGRAPHY & INTERVIEW BY { KEN WALLER
INTERVIEW BY { TERESA MAUREL
LOCATION { GRAND VELAS LOS CABOS
What inspired you to join Grand Velas Los Cabos?
I was inspired by the commitment to exceptional service and the emphasis on creating memorable experiences for guests. Grand Velas Los Cabos stands out for its dedication to quality and its stunning setting, which aligns perfectly with my passion for hospitality.
What sets Grand Velas Los Cabos apart from other luxury resorts?
What truly sets Grand Velas Los Cabos apart from other luxury resorts is the perfect combination of an outstanding level of service and an exceptional culinary experience, all within our all-inclusive model. We’ve redefined what it means to dine at an all-inclusive resort, offering a variety of world-class, chef-led restaurants that cater to every palate. From innovative tasting menus to authentic Mexican flavors, every meal is crafted with the finest ingredients and attention to detail. Our culinary offerings, paired with personalized service, ensure that every dining experience feels exclusive, elevating the overall stay to one of unforgettable luxury and flavor. Our property features Cocina de Autor, a recent recipient of a MICHELIN star, led by two MICHELIN star chefs, Sidney Schutte and Francisco Sixtos, and six other gourmet restaurants.
What are the most popular amenities and activities for guests?
Guests often rave about SE Spa at Grand Velas Los Cabos, which is renowned for its holistic approach to wellness and relaxation; the spa features a wide array of treatments inspired by ancient healing traditions and Mexican cultures leaving guests feeling restored and rejuvenated. Complimentary weekly activities such as cooking classes, sip and paints, and tequila tastings are also very popular. Another standout feature is our Baby Concierge, designed to provide seamless care for families traveling with young ones. From cribs, baby bottles, and toys to babysitting services, our Baby Concierge ensures that parents and little ones have everything they need for a stress-free stay. In addition to these offerings, seasonal activities like Santa’s arrival in a helicopter add an extra layer of adventure and exclusivity for those looking to explore the sea, the resort’s luxurious 55 ft. Azimut ‘Bella Yacht’ is available for private charters, allowing guests to experience the beauty of the coastline in complete comfort and style.
Can you describe the dining experience at Grand Velas?
What culinary options do guests have? Our dining experience is exceptional, featuring a range of gourmet restaurants that celebrate local and international cuisines. We prioritize fresh, local ingredients, enhancing the authenticity of every meal. Guests at Grand Velas Los Cabos can enjoy seven distinct gourmet restaurants, including authentic French fare at Piaf, Italian at Lucca, Mexican at Frida, or a ten-course tasting menu at Cocina de Autor, which recently received one MICHELIN star in the inaugural MICHELIN Guide. Culinary offerings go above and beyond with distinctive experiences such as Michelin Dinners Under the Stars, a luxury experience that guests can boo,k which includes a beachside dinner with open flame cooking.
What do you believe is the true essence of luxury, especially in a place like Grand Velas Los Cabos?
The true essence of luxury lies in the attention to detail and the ability to create unforgettable moments. It’s about offering guests personalized service that anticipates their needs and desires, all within the breathtaking context of nature.
What is the one dish or drink that consistently surprises guests and becomes their new favorite?
One dish that consistently surprises guests and becomes their new favorite at Cocina de Autor is the Beetroot dessert; its vibrant color and the unique balance of earthy and sweet flavors, paired with fresh and contrasting ingredients, create a multi-sensory experience that celebrates local ingredients and culinary ingenuity. Another standout is the Elderflower dessert, which showcases the delicacy of elderflower with a perfect balance of freshness and elegance, transporting diners to a garden of refined aromas and flavors. For drinks, the various Mezcalita creations often take the spotlight. Guests are continually impressed by the handcrafted mezcal paired with flavors like Jamaica, passion fruit, spicy pineapple, and vanilla, offering a perfect blend of fresh citrus and a smoky, salted rim. Each variation provides a unique yet authentic mezcal experience, leaving a lasting impression.
PHOTOGRAPHY & INTERVIEW BY { KEN WALLER
LOCATION { HOTEL SEIRYU KYOTO
What inspired you to join Hotel Seiryu Kyoto?
I was appointed The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu GM in July 2024. I was drawn to this hotel’s location and charm with its historical value. No other hotel combines the modern and classical atmosphere of a renovated elementary school that has been the community’s favorite for over 90 years. Kyoto is a beautiful city with over 1,000 years of history and rich culture. I’m honored to serve as the general manager of this wonderful city.
What sets Hotel Seiryu Kyoto apart from other luxury resorts?
We believe that Seiryu’s unique hotel stay value and the hospitality of its staff set it apart from other luxury resorts. We have been rewarded with the highest achievements in service.
2022 Forbes Travel Guide 2022 Four-Star award
2023 Forbes Travel Guide 2023 Four-Star award
2024 Forbes Travel Guide 2024 Four-Star award
2024 Joined The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW)
2024 One Michelin Key
We are proud to have maintained a four-star rating in the Forbes Travel Guide hotel category since opening(2022), a testament to our commitment to hospitality. Moreover, in 2024, we became a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, a prestigious association representing the finest luxury hotels worldwide. As a cherry on top, we were honored with the coveted Michelin One Key in 2024.
Our success can be attributed to our unwavering dedication to providing exceptional experiences to our guests. From historic accommodations to personalized services, we strive to create unforgettable memories for every visitor. Our commitment to quality has garnered us a loyal customer base and numerous accolades within the industry.
What are the most popular amenities and activities for guests?
We offer a variety of activities that allow our guests to experience the real Kyoto! Among them, the performance by the Maiko from Kyoto in the guest lounge is very much appreciated by our guests. While there are few opportunities to meet the Maiko, we offer guests the value of a unique Kyoto experience by allowing them to see their performances and take photos with them.
Can you describe the dining experience at Hotel Seiryu Kyoto? What culinary options do guests have?
The latest noteworthy news is that we have started a sushi bar at the library. Guests can enjoy sushi and sake in a casual atmosphere. We just started this service in October as a limited service for hotel guests, and it has been well received. We are planning to expand the service to include our visitors in the future. Also, a partner French restaurant (BENOIT Kyoto) is on site. This partner restaurant serves exquisite French cuisine.
What do you believe is the true essence of luxury, especially in a place like Hotel Seiryu Kyoto?
Both hardware and software create luxury, and we believe that the value of our hotel lies in the luxury created by our location, the value of our historical buildings, and the hospitality of our staff.
One of the hotel’s attractions is its ability to offer a luxurious stay that allows guests to spend their time in various ways, whether relaxing inside the hotel or exploring the many Kyoto landmarks within walking distance.
We are also highly rated by our guests for our small size (48 rooms), which allows us to provide personalized hospitality to each guest.
For our guests, luxury is also about experiencing richness. Our hotel is the closest luxury hotel to the World Heritage Site Kiyomizu Temple (8-minute walk). We hope to continue to offer many more hotel stays that take advantage of our location and allow our guests to experience history.
What is the one dish or drink that consistently surprises guests and becomes their new favorite?
Japanese breakfast is valued not only for its delicious taste but also for its beautiful appearance. One of its characteristics is to “express the four seasons. By using seasonal ingredients, decorating dishes with seasonal flowers and leaves, and utilizing seasonal furnishings and utensils, guests can enjoy the beauty of nature and the changing seasons at the dining table.
With its elegant beauty, taste, and high cultural value, Japanese food was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013.
Our hotel also attracts guests to feel the essence of Japanese food in the morning by offering authentic Japanese breakfast.
To learn more about Hotel Seiryu Kyoto. https://www.princehotels.com/ seiryu-kiyomizu/
PHOTOGRAPHY BY { KEN WALLER
INTERVIEW BY { TERESA MAUREL
LOCATION { NOBU LOS CABOS
For someone who has never experienced Nobu Los Cabos, what are three key moments or experiences you would recommend to truly understand its essence?
As for the experiences we offer at Nobu Hotel Los Cabos, I highly recommend the Sushi Class at Nobu Restaurant with Chef Omar. It’s incredible and iconic, as the foundation of all Nobu hotels began with the restaurants. A visit to Esencia Spa for one of our treatments is a must and I would especially recommend the Esencia Treatment--our signature. Another experience I personally recommend is enjoying a Sunset Cocktail at M Bar. In my opinion, it’s the best spot to watch the sunset and complement it with one of our signature cocktails.
Beyond the exceptional cuisine, what other sensory elements (design, ambiance, service) contribute to the overall “Nobu feeling” at this location?
The architecture at Nobu Hotel Los Cabos is unmatched. It is inspired by Baja California Sur while incorporating all of the brand’s Japanese details. Our Zen Garden, especially the colors, allows rest, luxury, and serenity throughout your stay.
The luxury hospitality landscape is constantly evolving. What are some of the most exciting trends you’re seeing, and how is Nobu Los Cabos adapting or innovating to meet them?
The big trend, and a very important pillar within Nobu, is personalized service. Our priority is getting to know your guests in advance and making them feel at home in a special way. Our efforts in maintaining unmatched customer satisfaction is essential to our operations
Running a luxury resort of this caliber requires exceptional leadership. What are some of the key principles that guide your approach as General Manager?
A great leader consists of exceptional communication skills, their ability to work as a team, and their willingness to guide everyone to success. Creating and most importantly, maninting, an atmosphere of trust and collaboration.
What is your personal favorite spot or experience within Nobu Los Cabos, and why?
Our restaurants! The gastronomic offerings we have at Nobu Hotel Los Cabos are unparalleled. From Mexican cuisine to Italian, Japanese, and Mediterranean, each with its own unique essence and style.
If Nobu Los Cabos were a feeling, how would you describe it?
A relaxing zen in a luxury setting
INTERCONTINENTAL OSAKA
PHOTOGRAPHY { KEN WALLER
INTERVIEW BY { MICHELLE MAUREL
LOCATION { INTERCONTINENTAL OSAKA
What inspired you to join InterContinental Osaka?
I was assigned to the opening of this hotel as part of a task force. The moment I stepped inside, I felt a connection. Sometimes, it’s all about chemistry—not just with people but also places and buildings. While we have a few other InterContinental Hotels, this one has a soul I haven’t seen in Japan before. I felt connected from the beginning, and I consider myself lucky to be part of the opening. It feels like a birth; everything is new, the team is new, and I also fell in love with the Osaka area. Osaka has become my home, and this hotel is a significant part of my life. I’ve spent 11 years in Osaka, and this hotel has remained constant. Every general manager might say this, but it’s true—it’s not just about the general manager. It’s about the incredible individuals we surround ourselves with. They are all passionate people. Creating passion in what you do is essential, as well as ensuring that the guest is at the center of every conversation while fostering an environment where our team members can grow and enjoy their work in hospitality.
We offer an intimate luxury here at InterContinental Osaka, but our service level truly sets us apart. This is reflected in our recognition of return guests, many of whom come from Japan, Asia, and Europe. Once people get connected and hooked on Japan, they want to return and feel at home here. We also have some long-term residents, and we try to recognize them and their preferences. I’m not a fan of the term’ mission,’ but I’ll use it in this context because hospitality is about pleasing people you don’t know. At InterContinental Osaka, we strive to understand our guests, much like one reads a book. Luxury, to us, is about choice. We believe in giving our guests the choice of how they want to be treated, and this is how we set ourselves apart in the luxury landscape, not just in Osaka but hopefully in Japan. This approach allows us to blend the intimate Japanese hospitality that our Japanese guests expect with a more open and adventurous experience for first-time visitors to Osaka. This level of engagement is only possible because we focus on who we deal with and empower our team members.
That’s an excellent but complicated question because it relates directly to what I mentioned. What specifically are guests looking for? That’s precisely the kind of question we ask our guests. If someone is visiting Japan for the first time, we want to ensure they have different experiences to discover through local tips. Our concierge team excels at this, but it’s not just them; you can also enjoy a nice 15-year-old whiskey at the bar and chat with our bartender, who will share some of his recommendations. First-time guests value the layers of experience. For example, we ask them if it’s their first time in Japan. If they haven’t been to Kyoto or Kobe, we’ll make sure they have the opportunity to see the main attractions with a local touch. We can facilitate connections or provide recommendations for local guides and restaurants, ensuring they receive exceptional service outside the hotel. Now, when it comes to returning guests, it becomes even more interesting and complex. They often use the InterContinental Osaka as their hub to explore the city, as we are conveniently located near Kyoto, Kobe, and Nara. We can even introduce them to lesser-known spots, such as Awajishima. We’ve arranged unique experiences, like staying in a mountain monastery, which our repeat guests thoroughly enjoy.
Can you describe the dining experience at InterContinental Osaka? What culinary options do guests have?
Never trust a skinny concierge or a skinny general manager regarding food. I love food; it genuinely excites me at Pierre. Our restaurant is exceptional and isn’t very objective because I have such an affinity for it. As the general manager, I can confidently say it is a remarkable restaurant. We’ve maintained a Michelin star for eight consecutive years, which is uncommon in Osaka. This long-standing achievement speaks to our culinary team’s dedication to using the best local ingredients. We often talk about fusion, but I believe it’s more about the harmonious combination of local ingredients with what we call “savoir-faire” in French, especially as Pierre is a French restaurant. For example, we utilize high-quality olive beef, seasonal types of seaweed, and specific leaves available only at certain times of the year. What makes Pierre unique is the collaborative spirit of our team. It’s about teamwork; the chefs engage in conversations about the dishes rather than strictly adhering to one person’s recipes. There is a lot of consultation and testing—not just for taste but also for presentation. After 11 years at this hotel, I can proudly say we have many returning guests who look forward to our new seasonal menus. Maintaining our Michelin star for eight years is truly an achievement, and the seasonality of our products is crucial to this success.
What do you believe is the true essence of luxury, especially in a place like InterContinental Osaka?
Our 11-year history in Osaka underscores what defines us as a luxury hotel. Building a reputation takes time, and our confidence stems from that history. The InterContinental Osaka has all the elements of a luxury hotel: a prime location, spacious rooms, and the advantage of timeless design. You wouldn’t realize that the hotel is 11 years old; it maintains a fresh and inviting atmosphere that feels new even after all this time. The design incorporates elements from Singapore and Australia, shaped by the talented Hashimoto-san, known for his work in our meeting areas and bar. Luxury delivers the most memorable stay by anticipating guests’ needs and offering unique experiences tailored to them. While we have all the typical elements of a luxury hotel, what truly distinguishes us is our staff’s training in putting the guest at the center of everything we do.
What is the one dish or drink that consistently surprises guests and becomes their new favorite?
The olive beef definitely stands out. From the first time guests have had it, they are often pleasantly surprised by its unparalleled quality. Our chef is meticulous about sourcing; he knows exactly where the beef comes from. Regarding drinks, it’s hard to pin down just one standout because we offer around eighty types of gin. Following the immense popularity of Japanese whiskey.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY { KEN WALLER
INTERVIEW BY { MICHELLE MAUREL
LOCATION { MESM TOKYO, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION
What inspired you to join MESM Tokyo?
I leveraged my 25 years of experience in operations and management across multiple global hotel brands to join a significant initiative: the opportunity for Nippon Hotel Co., Ltd., A subsidiary of East Japan Railway Company (the world’s largest private railway company), to partner for the first time with Marriott International, the world’s largest hotel chain. This collaboration aimed to introduce a new modern luxury brand from Japan to the world. It has been six years since I joined Mesm Tokyo, and I take great pride in the fact that Mesm Tokyo, part of Marriott Groups & Autograph Collection," is a brand that gathers uniquely selected independent hotels, each reflecting originality and passion through their design and expression, offering guests an exceptional and one-of-akind experience.
First of all, mesm comes from the word mesmerize, meaning to enchant or captivate as if by magic. At Mesm Tokyo, we deliver a unique, creative experience that enchants all five senses of our guests in a sophisticated environment. As mentioned earlier, Marriott Greflects9’s Autograph Collection is a brand that brings together carefully selected independent hotels, each with unique design and expression reflecting originality and passion. Under the concept of TOKYO WAVES, mesm Tokyo distinguishes itself as a hotel that constantly embodies Tokyo’s evolving, cool pulse and spirit. An example of this experience is the digital piano installed in every guest room. We call it The Mark,", and it allows our talents (hotel staff) to play the hotel’s original melody, the "mesm Jingle, inviting guests into the world of me. Guests can also enjoy playing the piano themselves or use it as a Bluetooth® speaker for automatic playback, offering an experience unlike any other, which has been highly praised by many of our guests. We also take pride in the breathtaking view of the Hamarikyu Gardens, a historic site with over 300 years of history and prestige, and the stunning Tokyo waterfront. Wrapped in the wavelengths of Tokyo, where tradition and innovation merge, mesm Tokyo offers an inspiring and creative experience that captivates the heart, providing a truly unique hotel stay where guests can experience a side of Tokyo like no other.
The in-room items and amenities are realized through collaborations with Japanese brands embodying craftsmanship and a global outlook. As mentioned, each room features a digital piano provided by Casio Computer Co., Ltd., a renowned Japanese electronics manufacturer known worldwide. In addition, we offer mesm Tokyos, original specialty coffee made from high-quality single-origin beans carefully selected from four continents and roasted in-house by Sarutahiko Coffee. This specialty coffee shop values traceability and sustainability. Guests can enjoy this coffee brewed by hand-drip and experience making matcha in their rooms with matcha provided by Maiko no Cha Honpo, a Kyotobased tea shop, stimulating all five senses. We offer bath amenities in the bathrooms created in collaboration with BULK HOMME. This skincare brand focuses on delivering new value
for men’s skin worldwide by pursuing the basics of men’s skin care. These mesm Tokyo original amenities appeal to the senses of smell and touch. Additional unique touches include milk candies packaged in collaboration with the iconic Peko-chan from Fujiya, 99.99% pure original Epsom salts by NEHAN TOKYO, an original midnight blue calligraphy pen, and a kimono-style bathrobe made of soft knit fabric that also serves as pajamas—all part of our commitment to environmental sustainability. We also provide towels made from a special type of yarn by Asano Nenshi Co., known for being 1.5 times more absorbent and highly quick-drying. Furthermore, to reduce waste from disposable toothbrushes, we offer BUBBLE MOUTHWASH," a gum-care product developed in partnership with the Toyo Carbonic Laboratory. These items, created through collaborations with companies that share our values, provide an experience that delights all five senses for guests from around the world. mesm Tokyo also hosts a live event called " Showcase" every night, where artists freely express themselves through musical performances. In this space, filled with various performances regardless of genre, hotel guests can immerse themselves in the passion of the artists and the raw sound, experiencing it with their eyes, ears, and skin. This sensory experience will thrill all five senses. mesm Tokyo is located in the waterfront area of Takeshiba, just a five-minute drive from Ginza, a well-known shopping area, making it an ideal location with excellent access to Tokyo’s popular landmarks. Among the activities offered, the water bus that departs from the dock below the hotel is especially popular with international guests, as it provides easy access to areas like Asakusa, Ryogoku, Odaiba, and Toyosu.
Can you describe the dining experience at MESM Tokyo? What culinary options do guests have?
On the 16th floor, we have a Che Chef’s Eatre, which offers authentic French cuisine in a "bistronomy" style. In the lively setting of an open kitchen, which acts as a stage, dishes are crafted with the extra touch from the curiosity sparked by the flowing sounds, aromas, and vibrant atmosphere. These creations are brought to life by Culinary Meister Koki Kumamoto, who has won prestigious awards, including the 64th Prosper Montagné International Culinary Competition, along with his team. On the same floor, there is also the bar and lounge Whisk," which is themed around the concept of an artist atelier. Here, guests can enjoy original mixology cocktails inspired by "art" and partake in an afternoon exhibition themed around famous artworks from around the world, all designed to stimulate the senses.
What do you believe is the true essence of luxury, especially in a place like MESM Tokyo?
At Mesm Tokyo, we believe that the essence of true luxury lies in creating a relationship of mutual & respect between the hotel and its guests, which enriches life through personalized experiences and meticulous attention to detail, offering a refined lifestyle. Of course, we strive to provide services that meet the expectations and desires of each guest, but we also aim to harmonize an urban yet creative atmosphere in line with the concept of TOKYO WAVES. Beyond luxurious amenities and modern design, one of the attractions of Mesm Tokyo is the hospitality and heartfelt service provided by our staff, whom we refer to as talents. The talents greet guests with a unique gesture—placing their hand over their left chest. This greeting is inspired by the curtain call of a theater, enhancing the anticipation of the special moments about to begin. The talents are also dressed in stylish, all-black uniforms designed by Yohji Yamamoto BANG ON!, embodying a fashionable yet approachable presence. We hope that the sense of excitement and the creative, special atmosphere experienced during a stay at mMesmTokyo will leave our guests with an unforgettable memory.
As mentioned above in point 4, mesm Tokyo features a Chef. The restaurant, led by Executive Chef Kumamoto, has received numerous prestigious international awards. Here, you can enjoy dishes based on classic French culinary techniques, with sauces that bring out the ingredients’ natural flavors, utilizing high-quality produce from around the world. Guests are invited to enjoy a journey through the senses with our exquisite gastronomic experience, available for both lunch and dinner. I recommend Chef KumaKumamoto’ssommé soup, which he crafts carefully, dedicating time and effort to create a refined flavor. This signature dish, made with Chef KumaKumamoto’sret recipe, is a clear soup that leaves a deep implTheo taste. The simplicity yet profound depth of flavor results from Chef Kumamoto’s skills honed through crafting every element from scratch. The lunch and dinner experiences are enriched with theatrical touches that befit the restaurant’s name, Theatre. The course menus, designed in collaboration with theater companies, offer a storyline that unfolds with each dish, bringing surprise and delight to guests, especially those visiting for the first time.
For more information, visit: https://www.mesm.jp/en/
1 HOTEL WEHO CONTINUES TO PROVE ITSELF AS A GREEN OASIS IN THE HEART OF WEST HOLLYWOOD.
PHOTOGRAPHY { JOHN RUSSO
INTERVIEW BY { TERE MAUREL
LOCATION { 1HOTEL WEHO
Can you give us a brief background on yourself and how you found your way to working at 1 Hotel West Hollywood?
I studied Hotel, Restaurant, and Travel Administration in school, which set the foundation for what’s now been over 20 years in the hospitality industry. Throughout my career, I’ve worked across both luxury and lifestyle hotel brands, including W Hotels, The Hollywood Roosevelt, , Fairmont, and more recently opening of Santa Monica Proper and Hotel June. What has kept me passionate is seeing how the industry continues to evolve. Hotels have become vibrant, experience-driven spaces that bring people together through design, atmosphere, and a sense of community. That is what drew me to 1 Hotels. The brand’s commitment to sustainability, wellness, and creating meaningful guest experiences felt like a perfect fit for where I am in my career and what I value as a leader.
Have you worked in other roles in the hospitality field?
After graduation I worked my way up the ranks starting in F&B and then moving to the Rooms side. Over the years I think I have touched almost every role that a hotel holds in some capacity but the majority of time before becoming a GM was spent heavily involved in Operations.
Can you tell us the brand philosophy at 1 Hotel West Hollywood?
At 1 Hotel West Hollywood, our philosophy is all about reimagining luxury through a connection to nature. Inspired by the landscape and energy of Southern California, we’ve created a space that’s both comfortable and refined, where eco-conscious practices and warm, attentive service go hand in hand. Everything from the materials we use to the experiences we offer is rooted in a respect for the environment and the local community. It’s about offering guests a meaningful, memorable experience while also being mindful of our impact.
What makes the property different from staying at other City Properties in Los Angeles?
One of the things that really makes 1 Hotel West Hollywood stand out is the sense of calm and connection to nature you feel the moment you arrive. While we’re set along the Sunset Strip, the property feels like an escape, with incredible views of the Hollywood Hills and Downtown LA. The design is inspired by the natural beauty of Southern California, with floor-to-ceiling windows, native greenery, and reclaimed materials throughout. It’s a space where you can truly unwind without ever feeling removed from what makes LA exciting. That balance between city energy and a grounded, relaxing atmosphere is what makes the experience so unique.
What about your property keeps guests returning for multiple stays?
What brings guests back to 1 Hotel West Hollywood is the genuine sense of comfort and care they experience here. The team puts a lot of thought into making each stay personal, whether it’s remembering small details or finding little ways to make someone’s experience even better. There is always something new to discover, from wellness classes and seasonal events to thoughtful programming that makes each visit special. Combined with the calming design, incredible views, and easy access to everything LA has to offer, it creates an atmosphere that guests are drawn to again and again.
How have you maintained such a high level of consistent perfection in an ever-changing hotel market? Is there a secret to your success?
Consistency really comes down to culture. We have built a team that genuinely cares, not just about service, but about creating real connections with our guests, our community, and the environment around us. Staying committed to our core values, whether it is our focus on eco-conscious practices, meaningful programming, or thoughtful personalized service, has helped us to remain consistent and authentic. There is no one secret to success, but I believe it starts with leading by example, investing in the team, and staying true to the values that define 1 Hotels, creating a hospitality experience that is rooted in care and connection.
Tell us about some of the unique curated experiences the property offers?
We love offering experiences that feel thoughtful and restorative, and that reflect the spirit of the property. Guests can take part in our Mindful Mixology Master Class where they learn to craft cocktails using seasonal, fresh ingredients in a way that’s both creative and intentional. We also host regular sound bath sessions that give guests a chance to slow down, reset, and connect with themselves in a deeper way. In addition, we’ve partnered with Alo Moves to host community run clubs, offering a fun and energizing way to explore West Hollywood. We try to offer moments that feel authentic to the property and give guests different ways to connect, unwind, and enjoy their time with us.
The entry outdoor green area is spectacular, how is t his space offered to guests? Can they rent it for private events?
Garden is one of my favorite parts of the property. Even though we’re in the middle of West Hollywood, it feels completely removed from the city. Surrounded by olive trees, native plants, and trailing vines, the space has this quiet, natural beauty that guests really respond to.
It’s open from the afternoon into the evening for cocktails and small bites, and we host DJ sessions on Fridays and Saturdays that bring a fun, laid-back energy to the space. The garden is also available for private events, offering a versatile setting that works beautifully for gatherings of any size, from intimate dinners to larger celebrations.
To learn more about 1 Hotel West Hollywood follow them @1hotel.weho
FOUR SEASONS RESORT & RESIDENCES LOS CABOS AT COSTA PALMAS IS A WORLD AWAY.
INTERVIEW BY { KEN WALLER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY { JOHN RUSSO
LOCATION { FOUR SEASONS RESORT & RESIDENCES
LOS CABOS AT COSTA PALMAS
Having worked at other FS properties globally, what makes this property special?
Every hotel is unique. Four Seasons Resort and Residences Los Cabos at Costa Palmas is my sixth property the brand, and it is one of the most beautiful properties we have within our portfolio. The design, the materials used, and the quality of the facilities are singular. On a personal level, it is very special for me as it is my first time working in a Spanish-speaking country after living the majority of my life in Europe and the USA. Spanish is my mother tongue so I am really reconnecting to my roots here.
Can you tell us the brand philosophy at Four Seasons Costa Palmas?
For guests seeking an ultra-exclusive beach escape off the beaten path, Four Seasons Resort & Residences Los Cabos at Costa Palmas is a world away from the crowds and anything but the Golden Corridor, providing guests with unrivaled access to the pristine treasures of the desert, mountains and sea. That’s because we embrace the gift of nature. The essence of elemental luxury is woven into our suites, retreats, and residential accommodations. We work in partnership with Mother Nature to provide a diverse range of sustainably-led dining options – from farm-fresh produce to day-boat seafood. Built in harmony with the beach, we unlock the endless potential and possibility of the East Cape and invite guests to discover a sense of play, wonder and imagination.
What makes your property different from staying at other luxury Properties in Los Cabos?
Los Cabos is one of the most glamorous destinations in Latin America. Almost every luxury hospitality brand is currently in the market. Our Resort offers something that no other resort in the market can offer and it begins the moment you leave the airport and drive in the opposite direction of the Cabo crowds.
We are located within the exclusive Resort community of Costa Palmas on the East Cape of Los Cabos. Surrounded by unending nature, it is a true escape. Tucked along two-and-a-half miles of swimmable beach, which is the largest in Cabo, we sit at the base of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains and offer the only private marina in the market. Our remote location is a dining destination unto itself with 13 different dining and drinking experiences including Zest, which is the smallest restaurant in Los Cabos with only one table and one seating per night.
What is it about your property that keeps guests returning for multiple stays?
Besides the beauty of the design and facilities, our private location and delicious restaurants, the kindness of our employees is undoubtedly our main asset. The combination of Mexican hospitality and Four Seasons guest-centric culture delivers a genuine warmth and care that lives in the heart long after you’ve checked out.
We have stayed at the world’s top city hotels, and I must say your property exceeds expectations. How have you maintained such a high level of consistent perfection in an ever-changing hotel market?
The Four Seasons culture is very strong and there is a deep sense of belonging from all the employees to the brand. We are a family and no matter where we go, we share the same values and we implement the same high standards of quality and service, always respecting the local identity of the destinations. Four Seasons is governed by the Golden Rule, to treat others like you would like to be treated, and it is at the heart of everything we do.
We know our guests and we genuinely care about them. Once they start travelling with us, they stay with us. There is a sense of belonging also for them; they know they will be taken care of, and we know their preferences and indulge in personalizing their stays with us in every destination.
Tell us about some of the unique curated experiences the property offers?
There is truly something for everyone here. This is paradise for anyone who is seeking a chance to slow time a little and reconnect with themselves and those around them. From supreme relaxation to thrilling adventure, we’ve got you covered.
I mentioned Zest a little earlier. It’s one of one. The nine-course Chef’s tasting menu is an incredibly elevated experience – the fact that it is only available for one lucky couple or group that evening means it books up months in advance.
Our food and beverage in general is truly incredible. We offer the only Latin outpost of famed Mediterranean restaurant, estiatorio Milos, Mozza Baja by James Beard award-winning Chef, Nancy Silverton, Delphine Day Club at Costa Palmas features food from Michelin-star Chef, Ludo Lefebvre, and so much more. We even have our own nightclub, Chiki, which feels like stepping inside an ornate jewelry box of mosaic tiles, designed by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio.
Our full-service private marina gives our guests direct access to UNESCO Marine Heritage Site, Cabo Pulmo, which Jacques Cousteau referred to as “the aquarium of the world,” just 45-minutes from our Resort. We also offer daily excursions from the marina including sunset cruises, deep sea fishing expeditions, and water taxi rides to various destinations within the Costa Palmas community.
Oasis Spa is an award-winning spa and wellness center that delivers innovative and healing treatments. We’ve just launched the Vagus Nerve Toning Massage uses techniques that specifically target the vagus nerve, which is the main nerve in your parasympathetic nervous system. We also offer a two-day program, the Tata Harper Sensorial Beauty Retreat, created by the queen of green beauty herself, Tata Harper, which harnesses the healing powers of the East Cape’s vast landscape with the power of her skincare line to promote long-term well-being from the inside out.
Last, but not least, our location on the East Cape gives us access to so many bucket list style adventures. You can swim in spring-fed waterfalls, off-road through desert dunes, swim alongside the biggest fish in the sea, the majestic whale shark, and so much more.
Golf enthusiasts will fall in love with our 18-hole championship course designed by Robert Trent Jones II which features desert and ocean views, dunescapes and fairways that unravel down hillsides.
Direct flights to and from the main cities of the U.S., Canada and Mexico usher in and out more than 500 flights per week. We have also recently partnered with Aero semi-private jets which offers guests complimentary private terminal access, 24/7 concierge service, elevated culinary offerings, full open-bar service, and dedicated customs and passport control. There is no better time to visit us!
To learn more about Four Seasons at Costa Palmas follow them @fsloscabos and @CostaPalmas.
Milestones are set beside the road not to commemorate how far you’ve come, but to mark the distance to the destination ahead. At Preferred Hotels & Resorts SM , we are proud to celebrate five decades of travel and hospitality. It’s a landmark that comes amid great change in how, where, and why we travel. Thank you for taking this journey with us.
