MAY-JUN 2026 by Haute Living San Francisco

THE TRAVEL ISSUE

Festival Napa Valley Patron Trip to Hong Kong and Shanghai

Plus the rise of private villas; the UK’s most evocative country house hotels; five Greek hotels to book this summer; a culinary journey through Paris’ most iconic tables; private air travel to wine country; San Francisco Opera honors director Matthew Shilvock; the V Foundation Sonoma Epicurean Auction; and more.

The Grand Penthouse at 181 Fremont is the boldest statement and foremost triumph of luxury living ever seen on the West Coast. It represents new pinnacles of design, scale, refinement and grandeur. The Grand Penthouse occupies the entire top floor of 181 Fremont, the tallest residence in San Francisco at over 700 feet. It offers 360 degree sweeping floor-to-ceiling panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Marin, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge, the East Bay, the Pyramid, the Salesforce Tower & Park, and the San Francisco skyline in its entirety. There is only one highest residence in San Francisco — one place where you wake above the clouds, above the bridges, above it all, and call it home.

www.181FremontGrandPenthouse.com

California Lifestyle Collection

1 BLANDING LANE

4 BEDS | 4 BATHS | 3 HALF-BATHS | ±4,996 SQ. FT

$24,900,000

4 BEDS | 4 BATHS | 3 HALF-BATHS | ±4,996 SQ. FT $24,900,000

Discover a newly constructed coastal estate where world-class design meets the most iconic views in the Bay Area. Perched on the coveted tip of Belvedere Island, this 5,000± sq. ft. residence—formerly known as 465 Belvedere Avenue—o ers an unmatched vantage point with sweeping panoramas of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco skyline, Bay Bridge, Angel Island, and the East Bay.

Designed by acclaimed architect David Kotzebue, the home reﬂects a perfect balance of modern elegance and timeless sophistication. Every element has been thoughtfully considered—from handcrafted white oak ﬁnishes and cedar ceilings to Spanish stone accents and soaring 18-foot vaulted ceilings.

The heart of the home is a stunning great room with ﬂoor-to-ceiling glass doors that open onto a dramatic stone terrace. The outdoor living space features a 46-foot inﬁnity edge pool, fully appointed pool house with wet bar and appliances, and a state-of-the-art outdoor kitchen—ideal for entertaining against a backdrop of endless water views.

Inside, a chef’s kitchen awaits with Italian marble, custom oak cabinetry, dual dishwashers, a six-burner Miele range, and Sub-Zero refrigeration. The luxurious primary suite boasts breathtaking views and a spa-inspired bathroom with steam shower, marble soaking tub, and a custom walk-in closet.

Additional en-suite bedrooms o er private terraces and panoramic views, creating a resort-like experience for family and guests. Every level of the home is connected to outdoor space, maximizing natural light and indoor-outdoor living.

With top-rated schools, world-class amenities, and limited access to Belvedere Island, this is one of the most exclusive and desirable addresses in California.

4,996

Discover a newly constructed coastal estate where world-class design meets the most iconic views in the Bay Area. Perched on the coveted tip formerly known as 465 Belvedere Avenue panoramas of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco skyline, Bay Bridge, Angel Island, and the East Bay.

Kotzebue, the home reﬂects a perfect balance of modern elegance and timeless sophistication. Every element has been thoughtfully considered—from handcrafted white oak ﬁnishes and cedar ceilings to Spanish stone accents and soaring 18-foot

Set on a 0.38-acre lot surrounded by open space and lush trees, this private retreat is just minutes from Tiburon’s vibrant downtown, two prestigious yacht clubs, ferry service to San Francisco and Angel Island, and scenic bayfront paths. With top-rated schools, world-class amenities, and limited access to

4 BEDS

California Lifestyle Collection

1BLANDINGLANE

CaliforniaLifestyleCollection

$24,900,000

Discover a newly constructed coastal estate where world-class design meets the most iconic views in the Bay Area.Perched on the coveted tip of Belvedere Island,this 5,000± sq.ft.residence—formerly known as 465 Belvedere Avenue—o ers an unmatched vantage point with sweeping panoramas of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco skyline, Bay Bridge,Angel Island, and the East Bay.

4 BEDS | 5 BATHS | 2 HALF-BATHS | ±8,131 SQ. FT.

4 BEDS | 5 BATHS

$19,880,000

Designed by acclaimed architect David Kotzebue,the home reﬂects a perfect balance of modern elegance and timeless sophistication.Every element has been thoughtfully considered—from handcrafted white oak ﬁnishes and cedar ceilings to Spanish stone accents and soaring 18-foot vaulted ceilings.

$22,888,000

The heart of the home is a stunning great room with ﬂoor-to-ceiling glass doors that open onto a dramatic stone terrace.The outdoor living space features a 46-foot inﬁnity edge pool,fully appointed pool house with wet bar and appliances,and a state-of-the-art outdoor kitchen—ideal for entertaining against a backdrop of endless water views.

Inside,a chef’s kitchen awaits with Italian marble,custom oak cabinetry,dual dishwashers,a six-burner Miele range,and Sub-Zero refrigeration. The luxurious primary suite boasts breathtaking views and a spa-inspired bathroom with steam shower,marble soaking tub,and a custom walk-in closet.

Additional en-suite bedrooms o er private terraces and panoramic views,creating a resort-like experience for family and guests.Every level of the home is connected to outdoor space, maximizing natural light and indoor-outdoor living.

Featured in Architectural Digest, this world-class residence showcases panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, the skyline of San Francisco and Sausalito. This magnificent masterpiece in a dramatic setting on the most prestigious location is comprised of a ±8,131 sq .ft. home on a ±0.67 acre lot, featuring 4 bedrooms and 5.5 baths. This architectural work of art was designed by architect Charles Gwathmey, with spectacular outlooks from every corner of the expansive 4-level floor plan. The primarily vertical organization of this home takes advantage of its sloped site on the southern coast of Belvedere Island. The uppermost level contains a 3-car garage with glass doors, an elevator which descends to a courtyard, a detached one bedroom, one bath guesthouse and a spacious wine cellar. The remaining levels of the main house are situated between two large retaining walls, which follow the natural contours of the site and splay outwards towards the Bay. The house’s compact organization within the precinct formed by the retaining walls ensures privacy. An interior circular stair winds around an elevator and forms the cylindrical focal point of the house’s massing. A barrel-vaulted ceiling articulates the living and dining room at the entry level of the main house, and a large deck projects towards the Bay to extend the space into the landscape. 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, a study and a two-story entertainment room occupy the intermediate floors, while a media room, a beautiful wet bar, a full bath with steam shower and sauna on the lowest level open onto a spacious outdoor terrace with a pool, whose “infinity edge” of water establishes a poetic connection to the Bay. The interior floors are limestone and wide plank Bubinga wood and cabinets are lightly stained maple. The exterior is clad in gray stained cedar, with a curved standing seam zinc roof. All exterior windows, doors and decks are teak, all terraces are beige/gray flamed limestone pavers and the retaining walls are painted warm white stucco. This is one of the very rare large size newer contemporary homes on Belvedere Island on south and west facing waterfront.

Featured in Architectural Digest,this world-class residence showcases panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay,the Golden Gate Bridge,the skyline of San Francisco and Sausalito.This magnificent masterpiece in a dramatic setting on the most prestigious location is comprised of a ±8,131 sq .ft.home on a ±0.67 acre lot,featuring 4 bedrooms and 5.5 baths.This architectural work of art was designed by architect Charles Gwathmey, with spectacular outlooks from every corner of the expansive 4-level floor plan.The primarily vertical organization of this home takes advantage of its sloped site on the southern coast of Belvedere Island.The uppermost level contains a 3-car garage with glass doors,an elevator which descends to a courtyard,a detached one bedroom,one bath guesthouse and a spacious wine cellar.The remaining levels of the main house are situated between two large retaining walls,which follow the natural contours of the site and splay outwards towards the Bay.The house’s compact organization within the precinct formed by the retaining walls ensures privacy.An interior circular stair winds around an elevator and forms the cylindrical focal point of the house’s massing.Abarrel-vaulted ceiling articulates the living and dining room at the entry level of the main house,and a large deck projects towards the Bay to extend the space into the landscape.3 bedrooms,3 baths,a study and a two-story entertainment room occupy the intermediate floors,while a media room,a beautiful wet bar,a full bath with steam shower and sauna on the lowest level open onto a spacious outdoor terrace with a pool,whose “infinity edge”of water establishes a poetic connection to the Bay.The interior floors are limestone and wide plank Bubinga wood and cabinets are lightly stained maple.The exterior is clad in gray stained cedar,with a curved standing seam zinc roof.All exterior windows, doors and decks are teak, all terraces are beige/gray flamed limestone pavers and the retaining walls are painted warm white stucco.This is one of the very rare large size newer contemporary homes on Belvedere Island on south and west facing waterfront.

With top-rated schools,world-class amenities,and limited access to Belvedere Island,this is one of the most exclusive and desirable addresses in California.

California Lifestyle Collection

1 BLANDING LANE

445 BELVEDERE AVENUE BELVEDERE

4,996

Magni cent Masterpiece

cent Masterpiece

Featured in Architectural Digest, this world-class residence showcases panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, the skyline of San Francisco and Sausalito. This magnificent masterpiece in a dramatic setting on the most prestigious location is comprised of a 0.67 acre lot, featuring 4 bedrooms and 5.5 baths. This architectural work of art was designed by architect Charles Gwathmey, with spectacular outlooks from every corner of the expansive 4-level floor plan. The primarily vertical organization of this home takes advantage of its sloped site on the southern coast of Belvedere Island. The uppermost level contains a 3-car garage with glass doors, an elevator which descends to a courtyard, a detached one bedroom, one bath guesthouse and a spacious wine cellar. The remaining levels of the main house are situated between two large retaining walls, which follow the natural contours of the site and splay outwards towards the Bay. The house’s compact organization within the precinct formed by the retaining walls ensures privacy. An interior circular stair winds around an elevator and forms the cylindrical focal point of the house’s massing. A barrel-vaulted ceiling articulates the living and dining room at the entry level of the main house, and a large deck projects towards the Bay to extend the space into the landscape. 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, a study and a two-story entertainment room occupy the intermediate floors, while a media room, a beautiful wet bar, a full bath with steam shower and sauna on the lowest level open onto a spacious outdoor terrace with a pool, whose “infinity edge” of water establishes a poetic connection to the Bay. The interior floors are limestone and wide plank Bubinga wood and cabinets are lightly stained maple. The exterior is clad in gray stained cedar, with a curved standing seam zinc roof. All exterior windows, doors and decks are teak, all terraces are beige/gray flamed limestone pavers and the retaining walls are painted warm white stucco. This is one of the very rare large size newer contemporary homes on Belvedere Island on south and west facing waterfront.

OLIVIA HSU DECKER OWNER/PUBLISHER

This issue is an emotional one for me, as the cover story about Gordon Getty and the story of Susan Williams on her late husband, Robin Williams, were close to my heart. I met Robin a couple of times in Paris, the first time at the celebration of Lance Armstrong’s victory in the Tour de France. He told me jokes about Tiburon-Belvedere. It was one of the saddest moments when I heard of Robin’s suicide. I went to his Tiburon home and placed flowers at his front gate, along with dozens of other fans. Our editor-in-chief’s interview with Robin’s widow, Susan Schneider Williams, seeks to understand his life and death. Susan’s dedication to the beloved comedian and actor’s impact was immeasurable and gives Robin’s legacy new meaning. Susan spoke to Teresa about the details and complexity of the Lewy body dementia Robin suffered.

Spring is here, and it’s our annual fashion issue again! The timing is perfect as the de Young Museum holds its first major exhibition of notable costume collections in over 35 years, more than 100 pieces “reflect San Francisco’s longstanding tradition of selfexpression through fashion,” according to the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. Please read our cover story by Laurie Jo Miller Farr, “100 Years of Fashion in San Francisco,” and visit the exhibit which runs through August 11.

OLIVIA HSU DECKER

OWNER/PUBLISHER

OLIVIA HSU DECKER OWNER/PUBLISHER

CELL 415.720.5915

OLIVIA

HAUTE LIVING,

OLIVIA HSU DECKER

OWNER/PUBLISHER

HSU DECKER OWNER/PUBLISHER

HAUTE LIVING SAN FRANCISCO AND NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

CELL 415.720.5915

WWW.HAUTELIVINGSF.COM

HAUTE LIVING, SAN FRANCISCO

HAUTE LIVING SAN FRANCISCO AND NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

WWW.HAUTELIVINGSF.COM

CO-OWNER OF GOLDEN GATE SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

24 OFFICES SERVING SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA OLIVIA.HSUDECKER@SOTHEBYSREALTY.COM

Our cover story subject, Gordon Getty, is truly an original Renaissance man. I’ve met Gordon dozens of times over the last 35 years, since we were both on the board of the now-defunct Marin Opera in early 1990s. Gordon is larger-than-life, not because of his billions, but because of his big personality and openhearted generosity. He inspired my pledge of $5 million to Festival Napa Valley for the Olivia Decker Power of Music Series. Gordon announced his $5 million matching grant when he hosted a dinner at his home to welcome me and others as new board members of Festival Napa Valley in November 2019. His grant was for five years and matched anyone who donated to festival during that period. My donation fulfilled his remaining grant within less than three years. Gordon was impressed and donated another $5 million matching grant in January 2023. At nearly age 90, Gordon’s long, rich life is iconic and fascinating. It’s truly interesting to read even a glimpse of his vast world.

We added fashion news articles on new trends, accessory angles on fashion accents, a fashionable journey from stylist and film producer/director Antonio Contreras, and the winter whites of diamond and pearl jewelry. Plus, there’s a profile on Bay Areaborn Yetunde Beutler who brings clean wellness to fashionable skin care products through her company, Essènci. We even feature a trendy travel article on hotels incorporating your favorite fashion designers, such as Dolce & Gabbana® , Missoni, Armani, Dior® , and Gucci®

THIS IS OUR ANNUAL TRAVEL ISSUE, AND THE TIMING COULD NOT HAVE BEEN BETTER. IN EARLY April, I returned from Festival Napa Valley’s 2026 Patrons Trip, an extraordinary journey through Hong Kong and Shanghai that blended art, cuisine, hospitality, and cultural immersion. Shanghai is my birthplace and remains one of my favorite cities in the world. My apologies if our 18-page cover story on page 16 feels like a generous overdose of China. Otherwise, I hope you enjoy every moment of it.

Opera in early 1990s. Gordon is larger-than-life, not because of his billions, but because of his big

For those yearning to escape to intriguing destinations, this issue offers no shortage of inspiration. We feature a helicopter skiing adventure through Italy’s Aosta Valley, where untouched powder, soaring peaks, and unforgettable descents create the ultimate alpine experience (page 39). We also travel to Finland’s Lake Saimaa for a serene retreat centered on nature, wellness, culture, and exclusive stays (page 40). Elsewhere, we explore how luxury travel is shifting from traditional resorts to private villas, where space, privacy, and tailored service are redefining the experience for affluent travelers (page 36). We also visit Costa Palmas, where the beauty of the Sea of Cortez meets private residences and superyacht access (page 54).

We also profile Daydreamers founder, Bay Area entrepreneur Katina Bajaj, who is a clinical psychology researcher, author, speaker, and creator. You must read this article to understand why, although daydreaming seems to be not doing anything, it works the brain to make myriad connections through creativity and help us with burnout and stress.

If you are all dressed up and looking for fabulous events and trips to go, please check out our three pages of events taking place in March and April in San Francisco. Better yet, come visit Villa Tardieu in South of France near Monaco, which is for sale in our Haute Residence section.

We also profile British fashion designer Marchesa’s co-founder, Georgina Chapman. I met at her at a 2019 fashion show for San Francisco Opera Guild’s annual fundraiser. I won the bid to go to New York Fashion Week, where I visited her at the Marchesa atelier. Georgina returned to Fashion Week this year. Her flowing, colorfully floral gowns are so feminine and romantic. I think the world would be much more peaceful if every woman dressed in Marchesa!

Our hotel coverage includes my favorite Bvlgari Hotel Roma, a remarkable property that unites imperial design, Roman heritage, and exceptional hospitality in one of the city’s most luxurious landmarks (page 58). We also take a closer look at five destinations across Greece, where philoxenia the spirit of warm hospitality blends ancient culture, dramatic landscapes, and timeless Aegean beauty into immersive travel experiences (page 68). In England, historic country house hotels invite guests into aristocratic estates where romance, history, gardens, spas, and grand halls come together with modern luxury (page 66).

In this issue, we also profile Hawi Awash and Yema Khalif, co-owners of YEMA, a high-end urban streetwear fashion store in Tiburon, just a few doors from my Haute Living lounge on Main Street. The story of how they met and created YEMA is as powerful and as colorful as their clothing. Yema emigrated from a refugee camp in Kenya to the U.S.; Hawi was a refugee from Ethiopia. They started YEMA after they met at Dominican University in San Rafael, and they donate a portion of YEMA’s profits toward education for kids in Africa. They are the only other minority owners, like me, in Tiburon’s Main Street shops. I hope you shop at YEMA whenever you are in Tiburon and meet this creative and generous couple.

In this issue’s Haute Events, I cover the San Francisco Opera’s 100th anniversary concert and a dinner with the artists. This one-night-only centennial celebration featured a program spanning San Francisco Opera’s first century with the San Francisco Opera Orchestra and Chorus; conductors Eun Sun Kim, Sir Donald Runnicles, and Patrick Summers; and 15 vocal soloists who have been active on the opera stage for decades. The concert included projected archival imagery from 100 years of San Francisco Opera history. Founded in 1923, San Francisco Opera is only the third American opera company to reach the centennial milestone.

For Haute Cuisine, we report on the Michelin-starred SingleThread, which celebrated its 10th anniversary while expanding to Kyoto and introducing new Sonoma concepts (page 76). We also preview Oceania Sonata’s intimate 18-seat French dining sanctuary, where master chefs are creating what promises to become a landmark at-sea culinary experience debuting in 2027 (page 82). Another feature explores Parisian cafés and restaurants that continue to preserve the city’s literary, artistic, and cultural heritage through timeless French gastronomy. The story brought back many culinary memories from the 13 years I owned Château de Villette near Paris.

As a luxury lifestyle magazine with purpose, we proudly support dozens of charitable events each year. In this issue, we spotlight Bay Stage Arts Soirée, presented by Red Curtain Addict, which united opera, ballet, jazz, and theater in an immersive celebration of Bay Area performing arts (page 98). We also cover the Pebble Beach Food & Wine, where world-class chefs and vintners gathered for tastings, dinners, and seminars benefiting children’s educational programs in Monterey County (page 99).

Another fascinating profile in this issue is the world-renowned writer Amy Tan, whom I have known for over 35 years. I sold her the home where she found inspiration for her latest book, The Backyard Bird Chronicles, a beautifully illustrated work on the fascinating world of birds in her backyard. Amy has not stopped surprising the world with her creativity since her first novel, The Joy Luck Club, became a bestseller and was turned into a successful movie. Her second novel, The Bonesetter’s Daughter, was adapted into a dramatic San Francisco Opera production. She, Dave Barry, and some other writers performed with her band, Rock Bottom Remainders, for charity, showing her amazing musical talent!

One other Haute Event this issue is my beloved Festival Napa Valley. Please read Jennifer Boden’s interview with Festival President Rick Walker on this 17th season’s upcoming programs, July 14–23. Highlights this year include the Arts for All Gala fundraiser at Nickel and Nickel with a special dinner by chef Charlie Palmer, a concert headlined by 8-time GRAMMY® award winner Carrie Underwood on July 16, and the Olivia Decker Power of Music concert of Matteo Bocelli on July 15. Young Bocelli has an amazing voice like his father, Andrea. He will perform a mix of classic and contemporary songs. The Manetti Shrem Opera on July 21 will be Don Pasquale, starring Lucas Meachem, Alexey Lavrov, Serena Saenz, and Xabier Anduaga. Both concerts go on stage at Charles Krug Winery in St. Helena. While you attend Festival Napa Valley, please check out the vineyard estate for sale in this issue’s Haute Residence at www.3265SodaCanyon.com.

My “Power of Music” series with Festival Napa Valley featured acclaimed violinist Nancy Zhou at The Duckhorn Portfolio, with proceeds supporting music education (page 100). We also celebrate ArtSmart’s 10th anniversary gala honoring philanthropist Maria Manetti Shrem (page 102). San Francisco Opera honored General Director Matthew Shilvock for a decade of leadership while raising funds for the company (page 104). Additional coverage includes Community Music Center’s Spring Gala at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco (page 106), Dress for Success San Francisco’s sold-out 20th anniversary Disco Ball supporting women’s economic mobility (page 108), and Sonoma Epicurean, which raised $3.5 million for V Foundation for Cancer Research through luxury experiences and auctions (page 110).

Our July-August issue is our official kick-off for summer. We feature a lot of food, wine, and travel stories, too. Enjoy reading it!

Please relax and enjoy our Travel Issue as it carries you to some of the world’s most intriguing and exquisite places.

I hope you enjoy all the colorful and joyful articles in this issue. I am sure they will stop the winter rain from dampening your spirit!

Olivia Hsu Decker

Our July-August issue is our official kick-off for summer. We feature a lot of food, wine, and travel stories, too. Enjoy reading it!

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, Haute Living Magazine, San Francisco and Northern California Cell: 415.720.5915

I hope you enjoy all the colorful and joyful articles in this issue. I am sure they will stop the winter rain from dampening your spirit!

Our July-August issue is our official kick-off for summer. We feature a lot of food, wine, and travel stories, too. Enjoy reading it!

I hope you enjoy all the colorful and joyful articles in this issue. I am sure they will stop the winter rain from dampening your spirit!

Founder and co-owner of Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty with 22 Offices Serving the San Francisco Bay Area www.SanFranciscoFineHomes.com, Olivia@SanFranciscoFineHomes.com

Francisco’s

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PUBLISHER + EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Olivia Hsu Decker Olivia@HauteLivingSF.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Michelle Restante Michelle@HauteLivingSF.com

DIGITAL MARKETING DIRECTOR Krisha Chhaganlal Krisha@HauteLivingSF.com

LUXURY AND CHARITY EVENT AMBASSADORS

Jennifer Boden, Aubrey Brewster, Jennifer Raiser, Claudia Ross, Adam Routledge, and Olivia de Santis

HEALTH & WELLNESS AMBASSADOR Lydia Graham

LUXURY AUTO AMBASSADOR Tim Lappen

INVESTMENT AMBASSADOR Charles R. Johnson

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Krisha Chhaganlal, Laurie Jo Miller Farr, Becca Hensley, Fran Endicott Miller, and Kevin O’Connor

ADVERTISING SALES

Sydney Reyes Sydney@HauteLivingSF.com Advertise@HauteLivingSF.com

SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION INQUIRIES

Olivia Hsu Decker Olivia@HauteLivingSF.com

THE TRAVEL ISSUE

12 HAUTE CALENDAR

This summer brings a calendar of can’t-miss events.

16 COVER STORY

Festival Napa Valley patrons embark on an extraordinary Hong Kong and Shanghai journey blending art, cuisine, hospitality, and cultural immersion.

HAUTE TRAVEL

34 Ultra-luxury real estate evolves toward active living, as surf-driven communities like Cabo Real blend wellness, performance, and connection into everyday life.

36 Luxury travel shifts from resorts to private villas, where space, control, and tailored service redefine how affluent travelers experience privacy, comfort, and time.

39 Heli-skiing Italy’s Aosta Valley delivers untouched powder, soaring peaks, and unforgettable descents, where friendship, precision guiding, and alpine beauty define the experience.

40 Finland’s Lake Saimaa offers a serene escape of nature, wellness, culture, and exclusive stays, where happiness is shaped by simplicity, space, and stillness.

44 Travel with purpose transforms journeys into deeper connection, access, and perspective, where meaning, culture, and nature shape experiences beyond traditional luxury itineraries.

48 Santa Barbara’s American Riviera blends golden light, coastal beauty, and refined hotels, offering a timeless escape of beaches, culture, and understated West Coast luxury.

52 JSX’s Napa route redefines Wine Country travel with seamless private aviation, connecting Los Angeles to Napa through ease, comfort, and time regained.

54 Costa Palmas redefines North American coastal luxury, blending Baja’s Sea of Cortez beauty with private residences, superyacht access, and world-class dining.

HAUTE HOTEL

58 Bvlgari’s Rome hotel brings the maison home, uniting imperial design, Roman heritage, and high jewelry-level hospitality in an ultra-luxury city landmark.

62 Sttupa Estate Napa Valley reimagines intimate luxury with five poet-inspired suites, restorative wellness, and deeply personal hospitality overlooking the vineyards of Stags Leap.

66 English country house hotels invite guests into aristocratic estates where history, romance, and modern luxury meet across storied gardens, spas, and grand halls.

68 Greece’s islands and cities embody philoxenia, blending ancient culture, dramatic landscapes, and warm hospitality into immersive stays defined by place, people, and timeless Aegean beauty.

72 Sleep is one of travel’s new luxuries, and these wellness retreats—from Thailand to Colorado—transform rest into a sciencebacked, restorative global experience.

ON THE COVER

View of Hong Kong from Victoria Peak

Photo: Florian Wehde

FIVE GREEK HOTELS TO BOOK THIS SUMMER

CULTURAL ODYSSEY THROUGH HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI

Festival Napa Valley Patron Trip to Hong Kong and Shanghai

THE NEW SIGNALS OF WEALTH

HAUTE AUTO

92 Ferrari unveils the sold-out F80 hypercar, a 1,200-horsepower hybrid redefining performance, racing heritage, and the brand’s ultimate supercar legacy era.

93 The Monaco Grand Prix returns June 2026: racing, royalty, yachts, celebrities, nightlife, and the world’s most glamorous sporting weekend experience.

94 HAUTE RESIDENCE

On exclusive Belvedere Island, a beautiful newly renovated Warren Callister designed residence blends mid-century architecture, and new modern design in a serene setting.

HAUTE EVENT

HAUTE CUISINE

76 SingleThread celebrates its 10th anniversary with expansion to Kyoto and new Sonoma concepts, deepening its farm-driven, hospitality-first philosophy across global destinations.

79 Hestan Napa blends restaurant, wine bar, and cookware, as Chef Dommen brings French technique, seasonal Napa inspiration, and signature dishes from One Market into a refined culinary experience.

80 Travel for the table: six exceptional destinations where world-class restaurants inspire journeys planned around legendary, hard-tobook dining experiences worth crossing continents to secure.

82 An exclusive preview of Oceania Sonata’s 18-seat French dining sanctuary, where master chefs unveil a 2027 at-sea culinary landmark experience.

84 A Bay Area collaboration between Malibu Farm Tiburon and LIOCO Wines celebrates provenance, pairing seasonal cuisine and cool-climate wines in story-driven dining experiences.

86 Parisian dining is an immersion into history and ideas, where iconic cafés and restaurants preserve literary, artistic, and cultural heritage through timeless French gastronomy.

90 FEATURE

In San Francisco, wealth signals shift from display to discretion, prioritizing space, access, time, and quiet influence over conspicuous consumption and excess.

98 Red Curtain Addict’s Bay’s Stage Arts Soirée unites opera, ballet, jazz, and theater in an immersive celebration of Bay Area performing arts.

99 Pebble Beach Food & Wine’s 15th anniversary gathered worldclass chefs and vintners for coastal tastings, dinners, seminars, and charitable celebration.

HAUTE CHARITY

100 Festival Napa Valley’s intimate Power of Music series pairs world-class violinist Nancy Zhou with fine wine and cuisine at The Duckhorn Collection.

102 ArtSmart marks its 10th anniversary with an intimate San Francisco gala celebrating mentorship, young artists, and a decade of impact.

104 San Francisco Opera honors General Director Matthew Shilvock’s decade of leadership with an intimate gala celebrating his artistic legacy and impact.

106 Community Music Center’s Spring Gala at the Ritz-Carlton celebrates music education, honors leaders, and raises record-breaking support funds for programs.

108 Dress for Success San Francisco marks 20 years with a sold-out Disco Ball Gala raising $420,000 for women’s economic mobility.

110 Sonoma Epicurean unites top chefs and vintners, raising millions for V Foundation cancer research through luxury experiences, auctions, and immersive wine country events.

HAUTE AMBASSADOR

112 Jet lag decoded: how circadian rhythms, chronotypes, and targeted travel strategies reduce fatigue across time zones and restore performance faster.

114 A six-year dream birthday yacht celebration, long postponed and reimagined, finally sets sail in spectacular, glamorous style on San Francisco Bay.

118 Demystifying wine through storytelling, virtual tastings, and winemaker access, Lexi Stephens builds an inclusive, modern community redefining how wine is experienced.

120 Contingency planning made simple: organizing financial, legal, and insurance documents ensures your family can access vital information and protect your legacy.

California Lifestyle Collection

408 GOLDEN GATE AVENUE

4 BEDS | 5 BATHS | 1 HALF-BATHS | ±4,890 SQ. FT

$28,000/month

Luxury Fully Furnished Rental with Pool Spectacular contemporary style home designed by renowned architect Daniel Hunter AIA, built in 2003 and renovated in 2014. This unique home with view of downtown Tiburon, Corinthian Island, two yacht clubs, Belvedere Cove, and Angel Island features lush tropical gardens, a dramatic entry bridge, foyer with living room, an o ce, and staircase with curved glass walls descends to huge open-ﬂoor plan dining/family room/kitchen with high ceilings and wall to wall glass doors on both sides. Luxurious primary suite, two en-suite bedrooms, sitting room, and media room with full bathrooms can serve as a bedroom. O pool level, there is a detached guest quarter with a full bathroom, a beautiful pool with a huge lounging terrace for outdoor entertaining, and a level turf athletic green lawn. Amazing turnkey home for Belvedere on the best block at the end of Golden Gate Avenue. Also o ered for fully furnished rental at $28,000 per month.

Spectacular contemporary style home designed by renowned architect Daniel Hunter AIA, built in 2003 and renovated in 2014. This unique home with view of downtown Tiburon, Corinthian Island, two yacht clubs, Belvedere Cove, and Angel Island features lush tropical gardens, a dramatic entry bridge, foyer with living room, an o ce, and staircase with curved glass walls descends to huge open-ﬂoor plan dining/family room/kitchen with high ceilings and wall to wall glass doors on both sides. Luxurious primary suite, two en-suite bedrooms, sitting room, and media room with full bathrooms can serve as a bedroom. O pool level, there is a detached guest quarter with a full bathroom, a beautiful pool with a huge lounging terrace for outdoor entertaining, and a level turf athletic green lawn. Amazing turnkey home for Belvedere on the best block at the end of Golden Gate Avenue. Also o ered for fully furnished rental at $28,000 per month.

BELVEDERE Luxury Fully Furnished Rental with Pool

4 BEDS | 5 BATHS | 1 HALF-BATHS | ±4,890 SQ. FT $28,000/month

Luxury Fully Furnished Rental with Pool

EVENTS CALENDAR

CURRENT

THROUGHOUT MAY AND JUNE

Oracle Park | San Francisco Giants

Catch baseball in 24 home games versus Padres, Pirates, White Sox, D-backs, Nationals, Cubs, Athletics, and Braves. 24 Willie Mays Plaza. mlb.com/giants

THROUGH MAY 24

A.C.T. | HAMNET

The U.S. premiere of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s “elegant and beguiling” (London’s Evening Standard) stage adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s best-selling novel. ACT’s Toni Rembe Theater, 415 Geary St. act-sf.org

THROUGH MAY 25

47th Annual San Francisco Decorator Showcase

An extraordinary Queen Anne-style Victorian residence at 2315 Broadway in Pacific Heights is transformed by top interior and landscape designers. Built in 1897, the home spans nearly 10,000 square feet. Benefiting San Francisco University High School Financial Aid Program. decoratorshowcase.org

THROUGH JULY 26

de Young | Monet and Venice

Experience Monet’s vision of the famed Italian city, which he visited only once. Organized with the Brooklyn Museum, the first show dedicated to Monet’s Venetian cityscapes since their debut over a century ago. Golden Gate Park, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive. famsf.org

THROUGH AUG. 2

From Half Moon Bay to Healdsburg, spring turns into summer and the San Francisco Bay Area is blessed with outstanding museum exhibitions, ultra-popular outdoor festivals, live theater, opera, ballet, jazz performances, rainbow pride…plus the crack of a bat at Oracle Park, too. Happy Father’s Day!

BY LAURIE JO MILLER FARR

Legion of Honor | Drawn to Venice

Spanning the Renaissance to the Rococo period, this exhibition celebrates the vitality and originality of the arts in Venice and the Veneto region through more than 30 drawings and prints. Lincoln Park, 100 34th Avenue. famsf.org

MAY

MAY 2 - SEPT 20

Legion of Honor | The Etruscans: From the Heart of Ancient Italy

The Etruscans thrived for almost a millennium before the rise of the Roman Empire. Nearly 200 examples of exquisite sculpture, gold jewelry, ceramics, and the longest-surviving piece of Etruscan writing. 100 34th Avenue. famsf.org

MAY 6 - 24

ATG | Hell’s Kitchen

A Broadway musical success from 17-time Grammy Award® winner Alicia Keys, featuring new songs and her greatest hits. “Thrilling from beginning to end – a rare must-see,” says The New York Times. Orpheum Theatre, 1192 Market St. us.atgtickets.com

MAY 7

SFJAZZ Gala | Milestones: Celebrating Miles & Trane at 100

A celebratory evening honoring the centennials of Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Honoring guitar icon George Benson with an SFJAZZ Lifetime Achievement Award. Concert, cocktails, dinner, entertainment, and after-party. SFJAZZ, 201 Franklin St. and City Hall. sfjazz.org

MAY 9

5th Annual Half Moon Bay Wine & Jazz Festival

Fifty California wines, craft beer & cider garden, food, and great music. Get a commemorative stemless wine glass, tasting tickets, and wristband to explore up and down historic Main Street. 12 - 5 p.m., performers TBA. hmbwineandjazzfest.com

MAY 11

Chase Center | Demi Lovato

It’s Not That Deep Tour with special guest ADÉLA brings high-energy dance-pop to life, marking her first major headlining run in three years. chasecenter.com

Femme au chapeau

HAMNET

Half Moon Bay Mainstage

Half Moon Bay, Paula West

Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience

MAY 13

San Francisco Opera Guild | The Art of the Fashion Runway

Haute Living San Francisco is proud to be a media sponsor for the Runway Show and Luncheon showcasing the latest fashion trends. Proceeds benefit San Francisco Opera Guild Education Programs, ensuring the future of music education for tens of thousands of students across Northern California. Neiman Marcus, 150 Stockton St., sfopera.com/FashionShow

MAY 15 - 17

ATG | Blue Man Group

Rhythmic artistry, groundbreaking technology and immersive audience interaction. Classic favorites plus a new character, Rockstar. Three performances only. Curran Theatre. 445 Geary St. us.atgtickets.com

MAY 16 - 17

Marin Irish Festival

Beltane marks summer’s arrival with Irish music, dance, food, and cultural traditions. Seven stages for live performances, open jam sessions, Gaelic sports demos, and an Irish craft marketplace. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Lagoon Park at Marin County Fairgrounds, 110 Armory Dr., San Rafael. marinirishfestival.com

MAY 16 - 18

5th Annual Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience

A busy weekend featuring seminars, experiences, and a grand tasting with more than 150 local and international wine producers plus bites from chefs. Outdoor concert, VIP dinner, win- down pool party, pizza + pinot party, and more. Various venues. healdsburgwineandfood.com

MAY 16 - SEPT 13

SFMOMA | Matisse’s Femme au chapeau: A Modern Scandal

In 1905, Henri Matisse sent shockwaves through the art world with Femme au chapeau. The portrait of his wife, Amélie, painted in bold color and loose brushstrokes defied convention. 151 Third St. sfmoma.org

MAY 20

Stanford’s Bing Concert Hall | Renée Elise Goldsberry

She gained stardom in the original Broadway cast of Hamilton. Now, Renée and her backup singers produce a high-energy, nondenominational journey reminiscent of a good old-fashioned revival. 327 Lasuen St., Stanford. live.stanford.edu

MAY 22 - 24

BottleRock Napa Valley

The first taste of summer returns. Three days of music + food + wine + craft brew + art with a red hot musical artist lineup and a sizzling culinary stage. Headliners: Lorde, Foo Fighters, Backstreet Boys. Marriott Bonvoy® American Express® Card Members have access to an exclusive lounge. Napa Valley Expo. bottlerocknapavalley.com

MAY 28 - JUNE 21

San Francisco Opera |

Rossini’s exuberant comedy features some of opera’s most joyful music, delighting audiences for over 200 years. Benjamin Manis conducts this effervescent score in director Emilio Sagi’s flamenco-inspired production. War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave. sfopera.com

MAY 28 - JUNE 21

ATG | The Phantom of the Opera

Jealousy, madness, and passions collide. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s romantic, haunting, and soaring score in one of the most beautiful productions in history. playing to over 160 million people all over the world. Orpheum Theatre, 1192 Market St. us.atgtickets.com

Nancy Zhou

JUNE

JUNE 1

San Francisco Symphony | Yo-Yo Ma

The celebrated cellist joins San Francisco Symphony conducted by James Gaffigan for one night only. Elgar’s Cello Concerto is an urgent elegy, a late-life affirmation of Englishness. Also Mozart’s majestic Jupiter, his final symphony. Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave. sfsymphony.org

JUNE 3 - 4

Stanford’s Frost Amphitheater | Paul Simon

What a remarkable career: 12 Grammy Awards, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame, and Songwriters Hall of Fame. 351 Lasuen St., Stanford. live.stanford.edu

JUNE 4 - 6

Napa Valley Auction Weekend

A weekend of special events: Vintner-Hosted Welcome Dinner, Napa Valley Barrel Auction (Robert Mondavi Winery), Vintner-Hosted Dinners, Live Auction and Dinner Celebration (Inglenook). Proceeds benefit youth mental health programming in Napa Valley. collectivenapavalley.org

JUNE 6 -7

Union Street Festival

Come to Cow Hollow for the Union Street Association’s weekend street fair, one of the city’s largest. 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Food, crafts, entertainment and more from Fillmore to Gough streets. sunsetmercantilesf.com/unionstreetfestival

SF Opera Guild. The Art of the Fashion Runway

SF Opera, The Barber of Seveille

JUNE 7 - 27

San Francisco Opera | Elektra Music Director Eun Sun Kim conducts Richard Strauss’ expressionist masterpiece, replete with one of the largest orchestras in the repertoire. War Memorial Opers House, 301 Van Ness Ave. sfopera.com

JUNE 14 - AUG. 16

Stern Grove Festival

Celebrating 89 years of free outdoor summertime music on Sunday afternoons in the amphitheater, this is the nation’s longest-running non-profit festival. The 2026 artist lineup opens with Peter Cat Recording Co., features SF Symphony on July 12, and closes with Al Green. 19th Avenue at Sloat Boulevard. Reservations required. sterngrove.org

JUNE 20

Presidio Theatre | Stewart Copeland: Have I Said Too Much?

A spoken word tour: world-famous drummer and founder of wildly successful 80’s rock band, The Police, a multiple Grammy-winner and Rock n’ Roll Hall of Famer. 99 Moraga Ave. presidiotheatre.org

JUNE 20 - 21

The 72nd Annual North Beach Festival

Food art, activities, blessing of the animals, kidfriendly zone, entertainment and live music at the popular outdoor event over Father’s Day Weekend. More than 200 vendors, now expanded to over 11 blocks. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. both days. dothebay.com/events

JUNE 26

San Francisco Opera | Pride Concert

San Francisco Opera Orchestra celebrates LGBTQIA+ composers, performers, and anthems. Featured artists TBA. War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave. sfopera.com

JUNE 27 - 28

Pride Celebration and Parade

One of the largest LGBTQ+ gatherings in the nation marks its 56th year, bringing together over one million people. The 2026 theme is “Resistance in Action!” Parade begins at Embarcadero on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. along Market Street to Civic Center. sfpride.org

Diana Ross, Stern Grove

Girl Talk Chromeo, Stern Grove

Odyssey

Through Hong Kong and Shanghai A Cultural

festival napa valley patron trip

BY LATIFE HAYSON AND OLIVIA DECKER

Olivia Decker, Judith Caldwell, Rick and Karen Walker, Evita Zhang, Christina Maxwell, and Sienna Peck at Hong Kong Art Basel

Opening Patty

Art exhibition at Hong Kong Convention Center

Festival Napa Valley

is known for bringing world-class performers and emerging talent to Napa Valley each summer, where music, food, and wine converge across the region’s most iconic settings. For its patrons, that experience extends beyond the stage into a deeper engagement with culture, community, and place.

At the Festival’s 2025 Arts for All Gala, an extraordinary opportunity was unveiled: a journey to Hong Kong and Shanghai, extending that same spirit abroad. What followed was not simply travel, but a thoughtfully curated immersion into the high-octane energy of Hong Kong and the historic elegance of Shanghai.

For those fortunate enough to join, this once-in-a-lifetime journey unfolded with remarkable access and intention, bringing together a distinguished group of patrons, cultural leaders, and supporters of the Festival. The result was a masterclass in travel: a nine-day immersion into Asian contemporary art, historic landmarks, and exceptional culinary experiences.

Our journey began at the Island Shangri-La in Hong Kong, a sanctuary set high above the city’s Central District. Elevated above the density of the streets below, the hotel offered a sense of calm that contrasted with the energy just beyond its walls. The trip opened with a welcome dinner at the Michelin-starred Summer Palace, where a refined menu showcased classical Cantonese cuisine with impeccable technique. Wines from The Donum Estate of Napa Valley were thoughtfully woven into the evening, offering a subtle connection back to Napa Valley while grounding the experience in a shared language of hospitality.

Mona Tavss, Olivia Decker, Farah Makras, Latife Hayson, and Carolyn Chang

Evita Zhang, Rick Walker, Olivia Decker, Jose Luis Nazar, and Sienna Peck at The Asia Society Hong Kong Center gallery tour

Hilary Vartanian, Olivia Decker, and Judith Caldwell at an Art Central private gallery tour

Private sunset cruise around Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbor on a wooden junk

Kristen Sorensen, Danny Tran, Mona Tavss, and Simone Chao

That same evening, guests stepped into the global art world with an invitation-only opening of Art Basel Hong Kong and a private tour of M+, marking the start of Art Basel Week. We mingled with international artists, curators, and collectors amid gallery installations throughout the museum’s dramatic public spaces.

The following days blended the ancient with the avant-garde. Mornings began with laps in the outdoor pool and Tai Chi sessions at Yen Wellness, offering a moment of breath and alignment before each day’s program unfolded. From there, the city revealed itself in layers.

On March 24, a private ascent via the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak revealed sweeping views of Hong Kong Harbor, the island, and its defining skyline. This was followed by a tea tasting and lunch at Lock Cha, Flagstaff House, where rare teas were presented as ritual alongside a curated dim sum experience.

Afternoons were anchored in contemporary art, with curator-led access to Art Basel Hong Kong and Art Central, offering insight into emerging voices and the broader forces shaping the global art market. A stroll along Hong Kong Harbor’s historic waterfront led us to the Central Piers, where ferries, traditional junks, and modern vessels converge against a backdrop of skyscrapers and mountains.

From there, we boarded Aqualuna, a historic wooden junk boat, for a sunset cruise. The contrast was immediate: the rhythmic creak of timber set against glass and steel. As the iconic red sails unfurled, we moved into the harbor just as a colossal red sun dipped behind the skyline. With the Symphony of Lights beginning and reflections dancing across the water, the moment felt cinematic—less a tour than a living tableau.

Wray Armstrong and Wayne Hu at the Peninsula Hotel Aviation Lounge dinner Welcome reception at Sir Elly’s Terrace at Peninsula Shanghai

Latife Hayson, Evita Zhang, Olivia Decker, and Simone Chao

Kathleen and Jose Luis Nazar at the Happy Valley Race Track

Stuart Sweeney and Christina Maxwell at the Happy Valley Race Track

Karen and Rick Walker and Olivia Decker at Happy Valley horse race

The evening concluded with dinner at Yung Kee Restaurant, an institution established in 1942 and integral to Hong Kong’s culinary identity. En route back, we passed through the city’s most iconic nightlife district, alive with densely packed bars, lounges, and restaurants.

On March 25, we visited Man Mo Temple, where coils of incense hang overhead and rituals honoring the gods of literature and war continue amid the modern city. On foot, we explored Hollywood Road’s antique shops and galleries, as well as Tai Kwun, a former colonial prison and courthouse reimagined as a major cultural destination.

Lunch followed at Michelin-starred Bo Innovation, where a multi-course tasting menu merged modern culinary technique with artistic expression, often drawing inspiration from contemporary art and global culture.

That evening, we experienced the legendary Hong Kong Jockey Club with exclusive member-level access. From a private suite overlooking the racetrack, we dined and placed bets amid the electric rhythm of race night, hosted by the distinguished Chao family. Festival Napa Valley Board member David Shimmon—who owns a horse racing team— turned a modest 50 Hong Kong dollar bet into a 5,000 Hong Kong dollar win, sharing the excitement (and winnings) with the table.

Our final morning in Hong Kong offered a choice between bespoke tailoring appointments and consultations with Chinese medicine and acupuncture specialists. Some of us opted instead for the city’s exceptional couture consignment boutiques. Hong Kong remains an unparalleled destination for shopping, from luxury designers to expertly crafted alternatives.

Happy Valley Race with Jockey H. Bowman

Carolyn Chang and Farah Makras at Sir Elly’s Terrace reception

Latife Hayson, Christina Maxwell, and Stuart Sweeney at Sir Elly’s Terrace reception

David and Mary Beth Shimmon on wooden junk Aqualuna at Hong Kong Central Pier

Steve and Kate Fike, Kristen Serenson, and Danny Tran at Sir Elly’s Terrace reception

Steven Lin concert at Aviation Lounge before welcome dinner at Peninsula Hotel

Rick Walker and Olivia Decker with performers Steven Lin, Alyona Marenchuk, and Christina Maxwell at the Aviation Lounge dinner

Brooke Spelman, Steven Basart, Steven Lin, Sienna Peck, and Olivia Decker at concert reception at Aviation Lounge

An intimate luncheon hosted by J.P. Morgan professionals offered a candid discussion on global finance, art collecting, and the evolving relationship between capital and culture. Particularly compelling was the firm’s focus on financial literacy for the next generation of Private Bank and Wealth Management clients, as well as its Passion and Pursue division, which finances art, yachts, and other luxury assets.

That afternoon, a private, auction house–led tour of Art Basel Hong Kong provided insider access to select presentations and curatorial insights. The evening concluded with a private gallery walkthrough at the Asia Society Hong Kong Center—set within a restored 19th-century military compound—followed by a farewell dinner at AMMO.

On the morning of March 27, a short flight brought us to Shanghai, a city that unfolds like a horizontal tapestry of history. Often called the “Paris of the East,” it juxtaposes past and future with striking clarity. We checked into The Peninsula Shanghai, an Art Deco landmark overlooking The Bund, where historic architecture lines the Huangpu River.

From Sir Elly’s Terrace during our welcome reception, the contrast was breathtaking: behind us, the neoclassical grandeur of the 1920s; across the river, Pudong’s futuristic skyline, built largely within the past three decades.

Performers Alyona Marenchuk, Steven Lin, and Christina Maxwell at Shanghai Peninsula Hotel’s Aviation Lounge

Brooke Spelman, Steve Basart, and Andy and Hilary Vartanian at Sir Elly’s Terrace reception in Peninsula Shanghai

Shanghai Yu Yuan Tourist Mart

Wayne Hu lead the group tour at Hexin Pavilion and garden

Shanghai Museum, the home of the most significant collection of ancient bronzes and ceramics

Shanghai City God Temple

The view of Hong Kong from Victoria Peak

and

performance

Private dinner

musical

at House of Rong, I. M. Pei’s former family residence

Kathryn and Craig Hall, Olivia Decker, Alyona Marenchuk, Sienna Peck, Teresa Kepic, Frank Naeymi-Rad, and Rick Walker at Michelin-starred Cheng Long Hang restaurant

Craig and Kathryn Hall found Hall Wine on the menu of House of Rong, former family home of I. M. Pei

The evening featured a concert by Steven Lin, Christina Maxwell, and Alyona Marenchuk, followed by dinner at the Aviation Lounge. Distinguished guests included Brooke Spelman Deputy U.S. Consul General in Shanghai, the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Steven Basart, the Director of EU Chamber of Commerce in China plus Wary Armstrong of Armstrong Music Art.

On March 28, we explored The Bund’s grand architecture before visiting the Yu Garden, a masterpiece of Classical Chinese landscape design. Lunch at Lost Heaven on the Bund showcased Yunnan cuisine, rich with bold spices and herbs drawn from China’s diverse culinary traditions. That evening, we dined at House of Rong, the former family residence of I. M. Pei, the remarkable mansion with beautiful garden has since been transformed into a boutique hotel and dining destination.

On March 29, we traveled to Zhujiajiao, a historic water town where canals, stone bridges, and preserved merchant homes evoke life in pre-modern Jiangnan. Lunch at Ahu Luh Zhujiajiao Dining Room highlighted regional ingredients and traditional techniques. Dinner at Michelin-starred Cheng Long Hang featured Shanghainese specialties, including seasonal hairy crab, accompanied by traditional music.

Temple at Yu Garden in Shanghai

Zhujiajiao Water

Town Canal

COVER STORY

Farewell dinner at Heavenly Jin Hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant in the Shanghai Tower

Chinese Opera was performed at the farewell dinner at the Shanghai Tower Heavenly Jin Hotel

Our final day included a private visit to “The Louis,” a ship-shaped Louis Vuitton destination, and the Shanghai Museum East, home to significant collections of ancient bronzes and ceramics. Lunch at Café Grey Deluxe, set high above the city, offered sweeping views and a cosmopolitan menu. A guided walk through the French Concession followed.

The journey culminated with a sunset reception and dinner at Heavenly Jin, perched on level 120 of Shanghai Tower. With panoramic views and an elegant culinary program, the evening was further elevated by a private Chinese opera performance—an unforgettable finale.

Beyond the exclusive access and exceptional programming, what lingered most was the profound sense of hospitality at every turn. From the care at Island Shangri-La and The Peninsula Shanghai to the warmth of our local guides, the experience transcended language.

It offered a lens into a region where ancient traditions coexist with a dynamic, forward-looking spirit. In Shanghai especially, that entrepreneurial energy is seamlessly woven into the fabric of daily life.

We returned not only with extraordinary memories, but with a deeper appreciation for the universal language of generosity and the vibrant pulse of Hong Kong and Shanghai. As Festival Napa Valley looks ahead, it continues to define itself not only as a presenter of world-class performance, but as a curator of cultural experiences on a global stage.

To learn more about Festival Napa Valley and future Patron Trips, visit www.festivalnapavalley.org.

Theresa Kepic with Chinese Opera performer

View of Huangpu River and The Bund

The Endless Summer, Reimagined

Inside the High-Tech Luxury Surf Revolution

BY CLAUDIA CASTILLO ROSS

IN THE WORLD OF ULTRA-LUXURY REAL ESTATE, THE DEFINITION of a destination is undergoing a radical shift. While infinity pools and private helipads remain standard, a new wave of “active longevity” has taken hold among the global elite. The market is moving away from passive resort experiences and toward high-performance living. Leading this shift is Cabo Real Surf Club, a private residential enclave in Los Cabos that replaces the quiet desert retreat with the energy of North America’s first private Endless Surf wave basin.

This evolution resonates on a personal level. For years, summer meant driving to Malibu with my two sons, my nephew, and a rotating group of their friends for surf lessons. We loved the culture, but the logistics were demanding. Hours in traffic led to cold water, inconsistent waves, and conditions that were often far from ideal. On many days, the ocean simply did not cooperate. The result for beginners was less time riding waves and more time getting knocked around in the surf.

That contrast is what makes Cabo Real feel like such a breakthrough. Instead of unpredictable conditions, the experience is controlled and consistent. At the center of the community is a wave basin capable of producing hundreds of customizable waves per hour. It delivers something rare in surfing: reliability.

The team behind Cabo Real brings both legacy and innovation. The project is a partnership between the Sanchez Navarro family, who played a foundational role in shaping Los Cabos, and Meriwether Companies, where Michael Schwab is a key figure. As founder of Big Sky Partners and an early investor in wave pool technology, Schwab has been involved in the category from its early stages.

“I quickly realized how well a surf basin ties into a private community focused on wellness and multi-generational living,” Schwab explains. “That was the moment it clicked.”

His background reflects that perspective. Raised in Atherton and shaped by a decade in San Francisco, Schwab approaches development with a long-term mindset. He emphasizes investing in bold ideas, strong partnerships, and patient execution. The result is what he describes as “surf on demand,” where ideal conditions are no longer dependent on nature.

The design of the residences reinforces that philosophy. The Surf Casitas, created by Mexico City-based firm Sordo Madaleno, combine modernist architecture with materials that reflect the surrounding Baja landscape. The homes are designed to feel integrated with their environment rather than imposed upon it. The first release sold out immediately, with professional surfer Erin Brooks among the early

buyers. The homes feature four- and five-bedroom layouts that prioritize views of both the ocean and the mountains.

Meriwether is extending this concept beyond Cabo. The company has broken ground on Coral Mountain Desert Club in La Quinta, California. Spanning 400 acres, the development includes a partnership with Thermal Beach Club to create a 48-chamber surf lagoon, set to be the largest pneumatic wave basin in the United States.

While Cabo centers on beachfront living, Coral Mountain is designed around the desert landscape. It includes a golf course by David McLay Kidd, known for Bandon Dunes, and emphasizes a quieter, more contemplative environment. Schwab describes it as a counterbalance to urban life, noting the calm and stillness that define desert evenings.

Despite the emphasis on surf technology, Schwab underscores that the real focus is community. “The strength of any community comes from the connections between its people,” he says. The surf basin is one of several shared spaces where those relationships form, but it is not the sole driver of value. The long-term appeal lies in how people live together within the environment.

That philosophy is reflected in the broader infrastructure. Cabo Real integrates both surf and golf as equal components of the lifestyle. The Robert Trent Jones II course is undergoing a major renovation, ensuring it meets the same standard as the surf experience. Wellness is another core element, with facilities that include hydrotherapy, altitude training, and cold immersion, all designed to support an active lifestyle.

The market response has been strong. Cabo Real has already secured more than $200 million in sales reservations. Homesites begin at $1.3 million, while turnkey Surf Casitas start at $2.75 million.

Cabo Real Surf Club and Coral Mountain Desert Club are not simply residential developments. They represent a new category of lifestyle-driven real estate, where performance, wellness, and community are integrated into daily life. For anyone who has spent time waiting for the right wave in cold, unpredictable conditions, the appeal is clear. The perfect wave is no longer a matter of timing. It is a matter of where you live.

The Rise of the Private Villa

Why Luxury Travelers Are Rethinking the Resort

BY FRAN MILLER

LUXURY TRAVEL ONCE REVOLVED AROUND A CORNER SUITE, a spa treatment, and a concierge who secured the impossible dinner reservation. Resorts perfected the experience with plush linens, a welcome amenity, and attentive pool staff. And while that formula still holds power, affluent travelers are shifting the definition of luxury travel. Space has become the signal of status. And thus, the fully staffed private villa takes center stage.

Across the Caribbean, Mexico, and Europe, affluent travelers are opting for standalone estates over traditional resort stays. Seekers can find properties in St. Barts, along the shores of Lake Como, and throughout the Mediterranean that function as selfcontained sanctuaries, complete with private chefs, house managers, housekeeping teams, and concierge support. The experience rivals five-star hospitality, minus the shared environment.

Sabrina Piccinin, founder of Haute Retreats, has had a front-row seat to this evolution. Her firm curates fully staffed villas worldwide, pairing clients with estates that align with their design sensibilities, lifestyle preferences, and service expectations. But the broader story, she emphasizes, is less about real estate and more about redefinition.

“Luxury used to be defined by labels and landmarks,” Piccinin says. “Today it’s defined by how effortlessly a trip fits your life— space, comfort, privacy, and the ability to do things on your own schedule. The biggest shift is that time feels more valuable than ever, so travelers want experiences that are seamless and truly personal.”

PRIVACY IS ONLY THE BEGINNING

Exclusivity has always fueled luxury. What has changed is how it manifests. In a resort setting, even the most rarefied experiences are communal by design. The infinity pool, the beachfront, the spa lounge; these spaces are curated beautifully, but they are shared. A villa eliminates that dynamic entirely. The pool belongs to one group. The terrace hosts one dinner. The sunset unfolds without background conversations from neighboring loungers.

Still, Piccinin argues that privacy is not the sole driver. “Privacy is part of it, but the deeper reason is control,” she explains. “In a villa, guests aren’t adapting to a property’s routines; everything adapts to them. That sense of freedom is what people remember.”

Control in this context means more than security gates and private entrances. It means dictating the cadence of the day. Breakfast at eleven. A spontaneous boat outing arranged that morning. Dinner shifted an hour later because the conversation by the pool ran long.

SERVICE THAT ADJUSTS

Luxury resorts excel at consistency. Their service models are engineered for volume and executed with discipline. Villas operate differently. They are responsive by design. In a fully staffed estate, the chef modifies menus to accommodate new dietary preferences midweek. A concierge secures a local guide or arranges a private yoga instructor with minimal notice. Cocktails appear precisely as requested because the staff

serves a single household, not hundreds of rooms. In other words, the infrastructure bends toward the guest, rather than the reverse.

“Service has become more tailored,” Piccinin says. “Guests expect expertise—chefs who can cook to preferences, allergies, wellness goals, or cultural traditions—and concierge support that’s proactive and discreet. The best service is when guests feel cared for, but never interrupted.”

SPACE AS A STRATEGIC ASSET

Square footage is rarely a deciding factor when booking resort rooms, yet it sits at the center of the villa movement. Multiple master suites allow several couples to coexist comfortably. Expansive terraces create room for long lunches and late-night conversations. Private gyms, cinema rooms, and spa spaces preserve routines without having to leave the property. For multigenerational families, this layout changes the equation entirely. Resorts often fragment groups. Some guests head to the spa, others to the beach club, still others to separate dining venues. In a villa, shared spaces function as anchors rather than meeting points to coordinate.

“A villa lets you live together properly, especially families and groups, without feeling like you’re ‘managing logistics’ all day,” Piccinin notes. “You can have slow breakfasts, kids can nap, friends can gather by the pool, and everyone still has their own space. It feels natural, not scheduled.”

DINING WITHOUT CONSTRAINTS

Even the most celebrated resort restaurants require advance planning. In a villa, dining revolves around the household. The chef sources ingredients locally and designs menus around preference

and mood. One evening might center on a seafood grill served al fresco. Another could unfold as a multi-course tasting with curated wine pairings. There are no reservation windows to secure, no dress codes to consider.

For younger affluent travelers—particularly those planning milestone birthdays or group getaways—the villa doubles as a design-forward stage set for curated moments.

“Many younger travelers are very intentional,” Piccinin says. “They care about design, wellness, and meaningful experiences more than formality. They love a villa as a base for moments that feel private and authentic, whether that’s a chef-led dinner, a boat day, or a simple morning routine that feels like home, just elevated.”

THE FIRST-VILLA EFFECT

The most revealing insights often come after a client’s inaugural stay. “They often say, ‘I didn’t realize how much I needed this,’” Piccinin shares. “People are surprised by how quickly they relax when everything is under one roof and handled well. And they’re surprised by how much more quality time they get, because the environment makes it easy.”

The psychological shift is significant. With logistics absorbed by staff and space fully controlled, guests redirect attention

toward each other. The environment encourages presence without forcing programming.

A QUESTION OF FIT

None of this diminishes the appeal of a legendary resort. Iconic properties continue to deliver extraordinary experiences, particularly for shorter stays, urban destinations, or travelers who enjoy social energy and culinary variety within walking distance.

The choice between villa and resort increasingly depends on intention. Is the goal to gather, to celebrate, to inhabit a destination fully with a defined group? Or to dip into a city’s pulse, sample multiple venues, and engage with a broader social scene?

If Piccinin were to distill the villa’s defining advantage, she does so succinctly: “Space and freedom, with real service behind it. A private villa gives you the comfort of a home and the support of a great hotel, without the shared environment.”

In 2026, luxury is less about being recognized in a lobby and more about designing a stay that aligns precisely with one’s life. For many affluent travelers, the fully staffed villa answers that mandate, offering autonomy, discretion, and the rare privilege of occupying an entire world, even if only for a week.

LE DOLCE NEVE

Heli-Skiing the Valle d’Aosta

BY KEVIN O’CONNOR

THERE IS A MOMENT BETWEEN LIFTOFF AND LANDING WHEN the world below becomes something else entirely. Ski resorts, lifts, and groomed runs fall away, replaced by a vast, unbroken silence. The helicopter banks, and the Matterhorn fills the window, sharp against a cobalt sky. My friend shouts something I cannot hear over the rotors, grinning like a man fully awake. In Italy, I am with three close friends, Michael Klein, Paul Wade, and Tom Alakari, sharing an experience unlike any other. Some moments stay with you forever. Heli-skiing is one of them.

That first drop in the Valle d’Aosta defined the trip. Four longtime skiers, we had talked about doing this for years. Italy finally made it happen, and none of us have been the same since.

ITALY’S SECRET KINGDOM OF SNOW

Set between Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, and Monte Rosa, the Aosta Valley is one of Europe’s most spectacular regions and its heli-skiing capital. While much of Europe restricts the sport, Italy embraces it. Drop zones span from Gressoney and Valgrisenche to Courmayeur, Cervinia, and La Thuile, each offering distinct terrain and conditions.

We met our guides before dawn in Cervinia. Certified professionals, they reviewed snowfall and avalanche reports before selecting our drop zone. That process sets this experience apart. You are not choosing runs, you are being led into the mountain.

THE FIRST DROP

Minutes from Cervinia, we landed near 3,900 meters. The Matterhorn loomed on one side, Monte Rosa on the other. Below us stretched 2,300 vertical meters of untouched powder. There is nothing comparable in resort skiing. No tracks above, none below, just four friends waiting for the guide’s signal. When it came, we dropped. The sound of laughter echoing across the snow is something I will never forget.

We skied in stages, pausing to regroup and take in the terrain. A natural halfpipe carved by the valley, the shifting shadow of the Matterhorn, the scale of it all. By the time we reached the valley floor, we were exhausted and already asking for more.

DAY TWO: LA THUILE AND THE RUTOR GLACIER

The next day brought us to La Thuile near the French border. Surrounded by peaks and linked to La Rosière, it allows you to ski between Italy and France in a single run.

The Rutor Glacier, rising to 3,486 meters, delivered one of the trip’s highlights. Its 2,140 meter descent transitions from open alpine terrain to forest below. The upper slopes are forgiving, while the lower sections demand focus, making it ideal for a range of abilities.

We also skied Becca Bianca and Mont Freduaz, ending one run across the French border with vin chaud before returning to Italy for dinner. Pasta, more pasta, and stories retold as if we had not all lived them together.

THE ART OF THE DAY

Heli-skiing here is remarkably simple. Guides track conditions, select terrain, and manage safety. You meet at dawn, fly, ski, and if conditions allow, repeat. Multi-day packages offer several flights daily, often based out of Cervinia.

You do not need to be extreme, but you must be a strong, confident skier able to handle variable off-piste conditions. The guides handle the rest.

THE EVENING AFTER

Evenings are part of the experience. This is Italy, where food matters. Fontina risotto, braised beef, and a glass of Barolo feel well earned after a day like this. By the third night, we had a ritual. Shower, table, first pour, then replay every moment. The mountain gives you the stories. The table is where you tell them.

HOW TO PLAN YOUR TRIP

Fly into Turin, Milan, or Geneva, then drive to the valley. The season runs from late November through April, with peak conditions from January to March. Book early, especially for groups. On our final morning, we stood outside before sunrise, watching the Matterhorn turn from black to pink to white. No one spoke. Nothing needed to be said.

Heli-skiing the Aosta Valley is not just a trip. It is a reminder of what mountains truly are: wild, beautiful, and, for a brief moment, entirely yours.

Find Your Inner Finn in Finnish Lakeland

BY LAURIE JO MILLER FARR

FINLAND DID IT AGAIN. YEAR-IN AND YEAR-OUT, THE Nordic country is recognized as “The World’s Happiest Country.” So, how can a visitor get a recipe for happiness, if only for a week or two? According to the Finns, the five main ingredients are a connection to nature, local food, cottage life, natural relaxation, and cultural experiences…and they know just where to go for all this—Lake Saimaa. When the purpose of your trip is to experience deep tranquility at a luxurious wellness retreat, Finnish Lakeland has the answer.

INTRODUCING LAKE SAIMAA

Villa Rauhalinna (meaning ‘Peace Castle’) on Lake Saimaa is an extraordinary exclusive escape on the shores of Finland’s largest lake. Formed by melting glaciers at the end of the Ice Age, Lake Saimaa is an ancient labyrinthine archipelago where thousands of islands provide a precious habitat for the endangered Saimaa ringed seal.

WHY LAKE SAIMAA IS

‘THE

HAMPTONS OF FINLAND’

Today, Lake Saimaa is the most prestigious summer destination for wealthy Finns, sought after for authentic Finnish calm, a soothing summer life, high-end lake cuisine, boating, and traditional sauna bathing. Think of the Hamptons, perhaps. Just substitute the Atlantic Ocean for Lake Saimaa and swap out traffic jams for tranquility.

A SUMMER DAY ON LAKE SAIMAA

Grab a basket. Long summer days come without nights in this part of the world. Be guided by nature and pick your own superfood. Mushroom foraging in the forest is an ancient practice handed down by Finnish grandmothers and their grandmothers’ grandmothers.

Go exploring. Astuvansalmi Rock Paintings are the treasure of Lake Saimaa where several dozen prehistoric drawings survive from around 3000 BC.

Get wet. Just jump in anywhere; the water’s safe and clean. Take out kayaks and canoes from the beach or steer a boat through the archipelago around thousands of islands and tiny islets to catch glimpses of wildlife and waterlife. Or stay dry hiking and biking. Equestrians will want to ride through the woods on the back of the good-natured Finnhorse, Finland’s own national breed.

See seals. For the Saimaa ringed seal, this habitat has been home for 8,000 years—give or take. The precious creature is Finland’s poster child for “sisu,” meaning gutsy. If they could talk, they’d tell us about having come back from the edge of extinction. The population of 580 fresh water seals is now thriving. Get out on the serene lake with an expert guide for the chance to spot one or two ringed seals that cannot be seen anywhere else on earth. But there’s more to the story…

Villa Rauhalinna on Lake Saimaa

LAKE, LAND, AND FOREST

A paradise for food lovers, Lake Saimaa holds the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2024. Finland’s D.O. Saimaa label for Designation of Origin guarantees locally sourced ingredients that meet the highest quality standards. One of the region’s standouts is vendace, a small flavorful fish found in abundance in Lake Saimaa and praised by local chefs.

SUMMER OPERA AND MUSIC FESTIVALS

Savonlinna Opera Festival in the heart of the Lake Saimaa region is one of the most illustrious fixtures in the Finnish cultural calendar. Imagine world-class opera at a medieval lakeside castle under the never-setting sun of the magical Nordic summer.

Built in 1475, Olavinlinna Castle is set on an island illuminated by the white nights of the Finnish summer during July’s month-long festival. Blessed with excellent acoustics and a covered auditorium in the courtyard, the festival attracts 70,000 international music lovers annually. Festival-goers are treated to world premieres, classical works, as well as visiting productions from esteemed opera houses like La Scala, Royal Opera HouseCovent Garden, and the Bolshoi Theatre.

Mikkeli Music Festival at Lake Saimaa during the first 10 days of August is another one of Finland’s prestigious classical music festivals. Symphony orchestras, national top artists, and international stars appear during the first 10 days of August. London’s Philharmonia Orchestra is on the program in 2026, stating, “A trip to Finland wouldn’t be complete without music by Sibelius. Enjoy two of the composer’s best-loved works – the tone poem Finlandia and his Second Symphony – in the idyllic settings of Mikkeli.”

Villa Rauhalinna

Villa Rauhalinna, Lakehouse Terrace

Villa Rauhalinna, Main Villa Terrace

STAY AT VILLA RAUHALINNA

Sometimes the best moments are the quiet ones. Drop in by helicopter, chauffeured car transfer, private yacht, or even by steamship. Complete privacy is guaranteed along two miles of shoreline set in Rauhalinna’s 250-acre historic estate.

At Villa Rauhalinna, the grandeur of a bygone era plus absolute exclusivity is what it’s all about. The entire estate, with its elegant suites and guestrooms, is reserved solely for private stays. There’s accommodation for up to 20 guests across three buildings, offering a rare combination of privacy, heritage, and contemporary comfort. Handcrafted woodwork, carved surfaces, and carefully restored architectural flourishes reflect time, skill, and quiet dedication. Every room holds elements of craftsmanship that invite you to look and listen closely to the dialogue between old and new, grounded and refined. Within the historic walls of Villa Rauuhalinna, meals are surrounded by beauty and the ornate dining hall becomes the heart of every gathering.

Villa Rauhalinna rates start at $23,500/night including staffing and meals. Choose from curated experiences and encounters that disrupt routine, cannot be replicated elsewhere, and leave personal meaning that outlasts the trip itself. rauhalinna.com

GETTING TO FINNISH LAKELAND

The Lake Saimaa region is easily accessible from Helsinki. Either rent a car for a scenic road trip or take a three-hour direct train ride to the charming city of Mikkeli. Private boat access is also available. Savonlinna Airport (SVL) is the closest airport to the Rauhalinna estate, a 15-20 minute drive, and Lappeenranta Airport (LPP) is 60 miles away.

Mikkeli Music Festival

Villa Rauhalinna, Boat Pier

Saimaa Ringed Seal

Blue Parallel, Brazil Private Helicopter Iguazu Falls

Luxury Travel With Purpose: Meet the Magicians Pulling Off the Impossible

Emmanuel Burgio and Elizabeth Gordon are magicians. One trip at a time, they pull off the impossible for sophisticated world travelers wanting the luxury of privacy to feel the soul of faraway places.

BY LAURIE JO MILLER FARR

WHEN WE TRAVEL WITH PURPOSE, WE TURN TRIPS INTO meaningful experiences. So rather than asking “where to” here’s a question worth considering first: Why do I want to go?

Trips that start with an honest answer to this question become something we remember for years. It could be about understanding a place from the inside rather than skimming the surface. Maybe it’s about appreciating an ancient civilization or embracing something that won’t exist for future generations. Perhaps it’s about wildlife in their natural habitat. Or spending time with friends and family without daily digital distractions. Knowing what you’re actually seeking changes everything about how a trip unfolds.

The best travel with purpose is thoughtfully arranged by someone with a genuine love for a place. They will have unlocked access you couldn’t have found on your own. Yes, there are beautiful hotels to sleep in and incredible meals to be savored. When the day delivers purpose, the creature comforts land differently.

Travel with purpose also means that you return home with a shifted perspective. There are the stories you’ll tell, a feeling of being connected, and a sense that the world is more fascinating than it was before you left.

BLUE PARALLEL

Twenty-three years ago in New York City, word-of-mouth had spread about long weekend escapes to Machu Picchu, exclusive trips that marked the beginnings of Blue Parallel. The footprint expanded to feature more “wow” moments and world heritage sites. Founder & CEO Emmanuel Burgio was born in The Netherlands, educated in the South of France and London prior to a career shaped on Wall Street. His wife is Argentine and they call Uruguay home.

“Luxury travel is about going beyond the surface of a destination to foster a deeper understanding and connection with the people, the culture, and the place. Whether exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites in private, spending time with expert naturalists in remote ecosystems, or building genuine connections with local and Indigenous communities, these journeys should offer rare access while ensuring a positive impact. Through these relationships and access, travel becomes more meaningful, offering not just memorable experiences, but a greater sense of context, respect, and connection to the places we visit.” — Emmanuel Burgio, Blue Parallel

Left: Emmanuel Burgio, Founder & CEO, Blue Parallel

Right: Elizabeth Gordon, Co-founder & CEO, Extraordinary Journeys

Both founders are inspired by an international upbringing paired with a love of discovery. Here’s a sampling of purposeful—and ultimately, private— luxury travel arranged by people with a passion for creating meaningful experiences in special places.

ESSENTIAL SOUTH AMERICA BY SMALL PRIVATE JET

Can you carve out three weeks to travel by private jet discovering the depth and diversity of South America? Blue Parallel consults with each guest to build a customized journey encompassing natural marvels and cultural insights. Possibilities? A private scuba diving day in the Galapagos Islands. Explorations of Patagonia’s iconic Torres del Paine. A meditation ceremony with a renowned shaman in Peru’s Sacred Valley plus a Vistadome train to the 15th-century Incan citadel, Machu Picchu. A helicopter excursion over thundering Iguazu Falls. An intimate salsa lesson in a colonial-era home in Cartagena. An indigenous expert-led course on survival techniques in the Brazilian Amazon.

Traveling by small private jet transforms how a journey unfolds, embracing deeper exploration while preserving time, comfort and privacy. When the itinerary is designed entirely around you, pacing and experiences are shaped by personal interests and preferences.

LIGHTHOUSE ON A NORWEGIAN FJORD

If a remote retreat is the purpose, Norway has the answer. Lighthouses serve as a powerful metaphor for navigating life’s rocky challenges. Arrive by helicopter to a private island less than a mile long where an 80-year-old restored lighthouse feels utterly removed from the world.

The experience is quietly refined, with a wood-fired hot tub, sauna, and a natural seawater pool. Witness the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site, Geirangerfjord. Other days are spent kayaking or exploring wildlife by guided RIB boat through the archipelago, or crabbing with your chef along the private shoreline. A dedicated team ensures seamless service for a party of up to eight guests.

ISLAND BUYOUT IN A PANAMA ARCHIPELAGO

Every tropical island paradise has its own daily rhythm. At Islas Secas, 20 miles off Panama’s Pacific coast, you set your own pace… with your guests, of course. The Gulf of Chiriquí has 14 islands— only one is inhabited and it’s all yours for a private party of up to 28 in its seven casitas. Perched on the cliffs with endless ocean views,

Blue Parallel in Panama, Islas Secas private beach

Blue Parallel, Private Lighthouse in Norway

Extraordinary

the 8,300-square-foot Casa Cavada with infinity pool is the most spectacular private residence in Central America. Terraza is an openair beachfront restaurant beside a Hemingway-inspired bar and library at the luxury eco-lodge that runs entirely on solar energy.

Think private plunge pools, reef dives, snorkeling, sports fishing and birding trips, ceviche lunches on deserted beaches, and whalewatching. As a bonus: this is one of the world’s best places to see two populations of migratory humpback whales breaching and blowing—right from the porch of your casita.

EXTRAORDINARY JOURNEYS

Born in Kenya and raised in France, Elizabeth Gordon’s career took her to Namibia and Argentina, fostering an unconventional sense of home. She and her mother, Marcia, combined creativity and travel experiences spanning continents and decades to form Extraordinary Journeys. Africa is a speciality, particularly safaris in Kenya, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

“The most interesting ultra-luxe rentals right now do not feel over the top at all. Whether it is a private villa or a full camp buyout, the experience is designed to feel easy and grounded. You are still having dinner under the stars, still walking barefoot, still letting days unfold naturally. The real luxury is freedom, knowing everything is quietly supported behind the scenes. When it is done well, it never feels like a production. It just feels effortless.” — Elizabeth Gordon, Extraordinary Journeys

VAST PRIVATE CONSERVANCY IN KENYA

You want to be in the right place at the right time. Expect the unexpected. Be ready for those pinch-me-now Out of Africa sensations. Get used to unscripted moments, such as hippos emerging from a watering hole or early morning big cat sightings

from the basket of a hot air balloon drifting above Maasai Mara National Reserve. Kenya is where the modern safari was born.

From July through September, see wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles on the move by the hundreds of thousands in the Great Migration. After a pre-dawn departure for a safari drive, a day’s activities may include guided walking safaris, horseback riding, camel safaris, mountain biking, fishing, lazy lunches and fireside chats. Later on, after the traditional African sundowner, gourmet dinner is served al fresco in the bush. Craft your itinerary. Misty gorilla forests, elephants gathered in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro, towering Serengeti and Ngorongoro giraffes on the savanna, or sailing Kenya’s sunsplashed Swahili Coast on a multi-day dhow cruise.

In addition to ultimate wildlife viewings, a bonus of being in one of Kenya’s conservancies is the opportunity to connect with indigenous peoples. Guests visiting community or conservation projects will see how tourism dollars are reinvested.

Where to stay? Lorien Mara, with an understated safari style and a strong sense of place, starts at around $10,000 per night. Ol Jogi, in a vast private conservancy offering total privacy, runs about $17,000 per night. With exclusive access to the Serengeti ecosystem, Serengeti House across the shared border with Tanzania, typically runs $20,000 to $30,000 per night, depending on group size.

AFRICAN SAFARI CAMP BUYOUT

Extraordinary Journeys is witnessing a rise in demand for full ultra-luxe camp buyouts, perhaps 20 rooms at a time. As a plus for guests, this effectively creates a private wilderness estate for the duration of a safari. These buyouts can run anywhere from $40,000 to $100,000 per night, depending on season, staffing, and aviation, often with helicopters on-site so guests can move freely, going wherever curiosity takes them.

Journeys, Little Kulala Wilderness Safaris

Importantly, even at this scale, these experiences remain authentic without feeling flashy or overproduced. While the logistics are precise and detailed, their execution is designed to stay completely in the background. Nuances of barefoot luxury are carefully maintained, so yes, there are dramatic dinners under Africa’s wide open starry skies.

JAPAN’S TRADITIONAL CULTURE

Walk the legendary Samurai trail to step back in time. Contemporary travelers unlock the secrets of the historic Nakasendo Trail where noble warriors tread 1,200 years ago, encountering authentic Edoperiod throwbacks in post towns along the way.

Click your fingers and the 21st century disappears. A samurai might recognize this place where local laws prohibit cars on the main street and hide all signs of modern life such as power cables and phone lines. Of particular interest is a 4.5-mile section of the original road between Magome-juku in Gifu Prefecture and Tsumago-juku in Nagano Prefecture.

Zenagi is a private retreat within a restored 300-year-old threebedroom kominka in Japan’s Kiso Valley. Offering a buyout that’s ideal for families, this residence with a dedicated butler is the perfect base for guided walks. Explore traditional waystations surrounded by timeless rural landscapes of cedar forests and waterfalls. Take a pilgrimage to the Sacred Mountain. Appreciate green tea culture and forest bathing at its source. Meet a local woodturner. Paddle down an emerald green river with your expert guide followed by lunch on the beach. Fully tailored stays combine cultural immersion, artisan encounters, and serene time in-residence.

Blue Parallel (blueparallel.com)

Extraordinary Journeys (extraordinaryjourneys.com)

Extraordinary Journeys, Nomad Sand Rivers Lodge, room view

Extraordinary Journeys, Natural Selection, Meno a Kwena, Botswana

Extraordinary Journeys, Chikwenya, Zimbabwe

The American Riviera Awaits

Santa Barbara has always been one of California’s most coveted escapes

BY FRAN MILLER

THERE IS A PARTICULAR QUALITY OF LIGHT IN SANTA Barbara that makes even the most well-traveled take notice. It’s golden and generous. And paired with the region’s Mediterraneaninspired architecture, expansive beaches, and the enveloping Santa Ynez Mountains, no other locale in the United States does so convincingly evoke the aesthetic of the European Riviera. The nickname — The American Riviera — is not hyperbole.

What makes Santa Barbara genuinely exceptional, however, is the ease with which it holds its contradictions. It is simultaneously sophisticated and bohemian, easygoing and energetic, intimate in scale yet grand in ambition. The 101 carries you into a seaside tableau of red-tiled rooftops, bougainvillea-draped walls, and cobalt water stretching to the horizon. This is a place engineered, it seems, for pleasure. For the unhurried morning espresso on a sun-warmed terrace. For the long, salt-air walk along the waterfront. For a delicious bottle of local Pinot shared with friends.

It is little wonder, then, that those fortunate enough to live anywhere in the world so often choose to call Santa Barbara home. But if we can’t live there, we can certainly visit. Just a few hours down the coast, yet worlds away in temperament, the transition from the Bay Area is nothing short of restorative. This is the road trip California was made for: the Pacific to your right, the mountains rising to your left, and one of the state’s most beautiful destinations waiting just ahead.

Whether you’re seeking a romantic retreat for two or a sunsoaked escape for the entire family, Santa Barbara delivers. Its hotels are among the finest on the West Coast. Its dining scene is now one of the state’s most compelling. And its natural beauty — those mountains, those beaches, that light — remains stubbornly, gloriously unchanged. Welcome to the Riviera. Your room awaits.

WHERE TO STAY El Encanto

No Santa Barbara hotel so perfectly captures the spirit of the city as El Encanto. Timeless and romantic, it’s located high in the hills and has been welcoming guests for more than a century. Hollywood golden age luminaries like Clark Gable, Hedy Lamarr, and Carole Lombard were known to have sought its discretion and charm.

Spread across seven terraced acres of Mediterranean-style gardens, the property’s 90 individually styled bungalows and suites are scattered among flowering pathways and a 100-year-old wisteria vine that drapes itself in lavender blooms over the historic lily pond each spring. No two accommodations are alike — choose the warm earth tones of a Craftsman bungalow or the clean white stucco of a Mission-style suite, most with private balconies or patios, all outfitted with exceptional amenities.

The grounds reward exploration. Meander garden paths to the original 1928 wishing well, or simply settle into a chaise lounge

beside the infinity-edge pool and let the panoramic view of the city and ocean do its work. If wanderlust strikes, take a complimentary bike past the Santa Barbara Mission and along the Cabrillo Bike Path. Additionally, the house car will deliver guests anywhere within three miles, which covers the beach, the Mission, and downtown’s celebrated wine tasting rooms.

At The Dining Room and Terrace, a favorite of locals as well as resort guests, Chef Joel Viehland helms a kitchen devoted to the seasons and the Central Coast, where locally sourced ingredients become elegant dishes, enjoyed against some of the most enviable views in the city.

The boutique spa rounds out the experience with signature treatments including the Midsummer Night’s Wellness Journey and coastal-inspired rituals, complemented by yoga classes, personalized wellness programming, and sailing excursions aboard a 50-foot Catalina yacht in partnership with the Santa Barbara Sailing Center.

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

This hotel is actually located in Goleta, with downtown Santa Barbara, the Riviera, and nearby wineries within easy reach. Yet the offerings at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara rarely compel you to leave the property. Set across 78 acres, Bacara unfolds like a Mediterranean village with whitewashed villas housing guest rooms and suites, each recently refreshed with a lighter, more contemporary coastal sensibility. Many rooms open to private terraces, where the ocean air and the steady cadence of waves define the atmosphere.

The resort’s greatest asset is its direct access to the beach, a rarity in this part of the coast. The shoreline here is dynamic, shaped daily by tide and season. In summer, the sand stretches wide and golden; in cooler months, the landscape shifts, revealing a more rugged beauty that feels entirely its own.

Three saltwater pools anchor the outdoor experience, each with a distinct personality. The Cabana Pool offers a more social scene, with fully appointed cabanas, while the Resort Pool frames uninterrupted ocean views. For something more secluded, the adults-only Spa Pool sits adjacent to the 42,000-square-foot spa, where treatments like the Bacara Signature Massage incorporate hot stones and herbal compresses. The spa has also introduced the futuristic Aescape AI Massage experience, a technology-driven treatment using precision robotics to deliver a customized, remarkably consistent massage.

Lulio, the resort’s Greek-inspired signature restaurant, transitions throughout the day from a relaxed breakfast setting to a lively evening space. O Bar & Terrace serves as a social hub, with its striking circular bar. A new café concept adds a more casual option, offering pastries, coffee, and light fare alongside curated goods from local purveyors.

Days here can be as structured or as unhurried as one prefers. Sunrise yoga on the bluff, guided hikes along the property’s nature trails, tennis clinics, and a well-equipped fitness center provide ample activity. As evening settles in, guests gather for the resort’s sunset ritual, a complimentary sangria toast that invites everyone to mark the close of another fabulous day along the coast.

El Encanto Grounds

Santa Barbara Harbor

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara

Rosewood Miramar Beach

And then there is Rosewood Miramar Beach. Within the tony Santa Barbara enclave of Montecito — long a sanctuary for Hollywood royalty, global tastemakers, and those fortunate enough to call it home — this magnificent 16-acre beachfront estate, inspired by Europe’s grand hotels, sets the standard for coastal California luxury. Guest accommodations are residential in feel and impeccable in finish. Rich textiles, deep soaking tubs, luxurious bath amenities, and fully stocked minibars make settling in effortless.

Arrival alone signals that something exceptional is underway. Dozens of white roses greet guests at the central Manor House, where a carved staircase pays homage to celebrated Southern Californian architect Paul Revere Williams. Curated soundtracks drift across restaurant terraces and pool decks. Hammocks and fire pits are scattered among twinkle-lit old-growth trees. Two expansive, cabana-lined pools — one devoted to families, one to tranquility — flank a great lawn upon which Adirondack chairs angle toward the Pacific. The beach itself is butler-staffed, with complimentary chairs, umbrellas, and water sports equipment.

Caruso’s, the resort’s signature waterfront restaurant, is among the most coveted reservations on the entire coast. Designed to evoke the stern of a grand yacht, it is the domain of Rome-raised Executive Chef Massimo Falsini, whose Southern Italian soul animates a menu of pastas, land, and sea — all paired with an exceptional wine program. Just above, the Miramar Beach Bar serves classic cocktails against a backdrop of reliably spectacular sunsets. For more casual meals, The Revere Room — named for Williams himself — features

hand-painted Gracie chinoiserie wallpaper, chevron wood floors, and French doors that open to the ocean breeze.

Shopping here is as much a draw as the ocean. The resort now hosts an extraordinary assemblage of posh boutiques, including permanent outposts of Brunello Cucinelli, Loro Piana, Chanel, Bottega Veneta, and the effortlessly cool French label Jacquemus, making it one of the most refined open-air retail experiences on the West Coast.

DON’T MISS

Lotusland

Hidden within the residential streets of Montecito, Lotusland is an extraordinary 37-acre estate widely regarded as one of the top ten botanical gardens in the world. A visit here is unlike anything else the American Riviera has to offer.

The vision of Madame Ganna Walska, a Polish opera singer and passionate eccentric who purchased the property in 1941 and devoted the next 43 years of her life to its creation, Lotusland is less a garden than an obsession made magnificent. Twenty-five distinct themed gardens unfold across the grounds, each a world unto itself: the dreamlike Blue Garden, the whimsical Topiary Garden, a horticultural clock ringed by succulents and topiary animals, a Japanese Garden of quiet beauty, and the famous Water Garden, where lotus blossoms drift across what was once a swimming pool. Over 3,500 plant species, many rare or endangered, inhabit the estate.

One essential note: advance reservations are required, and tours sell out weeks ahead. Plan accordingly — this one is worth it.

Rosewood Miramar Beach Manor House Grand Foyer

SANTA BARBARA ICON: THE STONEHOUSE RESTAURANT, SAN YSIDRO RANCH

Set inside a 19th-century citrus packing house on the storied and bucolic grounds of San Ysidro Ranch, The Stonehouse is that rarest of things: a restaurant that locals love just as fiercely as the guests who travel specifically to dine here. Rough-hewn beams, creekside views, lush gardens, and a wood-burning fireplace set a scene of timeless California elegance. It’s refined, yet deeply relaxed. An upper ocean-view terrace, draped in twinkling lights, feels like dining at the edge of the world; another al fresco terrace is lined with frangipani and bougainvillea.

The kitchen’s philosophy is rooted in place rather than trend. Chef Matt Johnson draws from the Ranch’s own organic gardens and citrus groves, letting the estate itself set the menu. (Stroll the grounds before dinner and you’ll find rows of Meyer lemon trees, fresh herbs, and a garden filled with seasonal produce.) The result is classic California luxury: deeply satisfying rather than restlessly experimental. Tableside preparations of Steak Diane and Duck à l’Orange keep the flame of old-world elegance alive, and the Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning wine cellar ensures every pairing rises to the occasion.

After dinner, sneak into The Speakeasy, a Prohibition-inspired hideaway of handcrafted cocktails, rare spirits, and live music nightly. It’s an unexpectedly cool coda to a magnificent evening.

Lotusland

Rosewood Miramar Beach Miramar Beach Bar

Rosewood Miramar Beach, Caruso’s Dining Room

Wings Over Wine Country

Why JSX Is Redefining the California Luxury Escape

BY CLAUDIA ROSS

THERE IS A CERTAIN KIND OF TRAVELER WHO UNDERSTANDS the journey is not something to be endured but rather the first sip of the experience itself. I am that traveler, not as someone passing through Wine Country but as someone who lives here and welcomes visitors. The vineyards beyond my ranch are not a destination. They are home, Ross Ranch. That perspective makes JSX’s new Napa route, and its invitation to DoubleR wine club members from Los Angeles, feel especially compelling.

I have been flying JSX for years, long before it became an open secret among luxury travelers. When my boys were young and we lived in Lafayette, JSX was part of our family rhythm. Traveling with kids, dogs, and surfboards could have been chaos at a commercial terminal. Instead, it was seamless. No lines, no stress, just a private lounge, our dogs Rocco and Snoop at our feet, and wheels up before anyone grew restless. JSX turned travel into part of the fun. Those trips remain some of my most treasured memories.

Life evolves. My boys have grown, and I now live full time in Wine Country. These days, I fly south to Los Angeles to visit my son at USC. The route has reversed, but my loyalty has not. JSX is still the only way I want to travel. No logistics, no friction, just ease.

For friends and neighbors coming up from Los Angeles, this new Napa route is a game changer. I watch people endure long drives or navigate LAX just for a weekend among the vines. There is a better way. JSX’s service from Santa Monica to Napa eliminates the friction between

a Brentwood address and a Yountville dinner reservation. You arrive with time and energy to enjoy it. And here, that difference is obvious.

The concept is simple. Thirty passenger aircraft, private terminal lounges, no lines, and boarding within minutes. JSX operates from FBOs, so the experience begins at the curb. Frequent flyers know this is one of travel’s best kept secrets.

As JSX marks its tenth anniversary, it is introducing the ATR 42-600. Beyond comfort, the environmental impact matters. The aircraft expands access to smaller regional airports and reduces fuel burn and emissions by up to half. It is sustainable luxury grounded in real engineering.

Comfort remains uncompromised. Business class legroom, complimentary cocktails and snacks, checked baggage, and Starlink Wi-Fi ensure a seamless experience. Whether you are working in the air or simply unwinding, JSX has considered every detail.

For those traveling with dogs, JSX now offers Whole Hearted treats from Petco, along with custom cookies at select lounges. A new aircraft featuring a Golden Retriever livery adds a playful touch. As someone whose black Lab has logged countless JSX miles, it feels fitting

At its core, JSX understands something legacy carriers have forgotten. Luxury is about time. Every minute saved is a minute returned to what matters. Living in Wine Country, I know how meaningful that is. JSX makes getting here feel the way travel always should.

The East Cape Standard

Costa Palmas Rewrites the Rules of Ultra-Luxury

BY CLAUDIA ROSS

EUROPE HAS ALWAYS HELD THE MONOPOLY ON COASTLINE mythology. The Côte d’Azur. The Amalfi Coast. Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda. These are places that do not just offer beauty. They offer a way of being. A philosophy. An ease that money alone cannot manufacture. For decades, North America, home to the world’s greatest concentration of ultra-high-net-worth wealth, has had no true equivalent. Until now.

As a luxury travel writer, I am privy to some of the most exclusive and extraordinary hotel experiences on the planet. I have learned to recognize the difference between a place that is simply beautiful and a place that stops you, that gives you what I can only call a sense of place. A feeling that you were meant to be exactly here, in this light, at this table, with these people. Costa Palmas gave me that feeling. Twice.

My first visit was five years ago. What I found then was already remarkable. What I found on my return was something else entirely, a transformation so complete and so considered that I found myself genuinely moved. The growth and transformation were not just physical. They were felt. Welcome to Costa Palmas, a 1,500-acre private enclave on the East Cape of Baja California Sur, and quite possibly the most consequential piece of luxury real estate in the Western Hemisphere.

The distinction begins with geography. This is not Cabo. The East Cape sits along the Sea of Cortez, which Jacques Cousteau

famously called “the richest sea in the world.” Unlike the Pacificfacing peninsula that draws spring break crowds, these waters are calm, crystalline, and swimmable year-round, warm enough for children in December and clear enough for snorkelers who could spend a lifetime below the surface and never exhaust what lives there. The feel is off the grid. The sophistication is anything but.

What Irongate has built here is less a resort than a private civilization. Costa Palmas is anchored by two of the most coveted hospitality flags on earth: the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Los Cabos at Costa Palmas and Amanvari, the first Aman property ever to open in Mexico. Together, they set a tone that is immediately legible to anyone who has slept in a Kyoto ryokan or watched the sun set from a private terrace in Mustique. This is that tier.

The real estate proposition itself is unlike anything in the Americas. Residences face the Sea of Cortez from the front. Behind them, a 300-slip marina, the only private full-service superyacht marina in the region, capable of accommodating vessels up to 280 feet, creates what developers call a dual-access lifestyle. Oceanfront in the front. Superyacht in the back. It is a geometry of privilege that simply does not exist elsewhere in North America.

The design language is equally considered. Rather than imposing a singular aesthetic, Irongate assembled a global collective: Martin Brudnizki Design Studio from London,

JSa Architects from Mexico City, Elastic Architects from Greece, and Guerin Glass from New York. The villas are inflected by Oscar Niemeyer’s philosophy of sensual curves and spatial fluidity, with free walls, open plans, and the sense that a room breathes. The result is what the developers call “Elemental Luxury,” a living dialogue between nature’s hand and human touch.

Then there is the food, and this is where Costa Palmas truly captured my heart. The table here is a cultural institution, not an afterthought. Nancy Silverton, recently named Outstanding Chef at the 2026 James Beard Awards, brings Mozza to the East Cape. Michelin-starred Ludo Lefebvre offers Delphine, a chic Frenchinspired beach club that somehow feels both inevitable and transporting in this golden Baja light. It was there, sitting with two of my closest girlfriends, that I looked around and said exactly what I was thinking: Who needs the South of France when this is literally in our backyard? Estiatorio Milos arrives with its global prestige intact, and Zest, the smallest restaurant in Baja, tucked into the executive chef’s private garden at the Four Seasons, seats just twelve guests for a nine-course tasting menu. These are not amenities. They are reasons to return.

The Members Only Club extends the ecosystem even further, with dedicated restaurants, curated programming, and Aventura, a team of guides whose collective expertise runs from deep-sea diving to mountain biking. Children roam. Adults exhale. The 45-minute drive from San José del Cabo International Airport is, in its own way, the last friction you will encounter.

Costa Palmas is not pitching itself as a vacation. It is positioning itself as a legacy, a generational gathering place for families who have been everywhere and are finally ready to arrive somewhere. As CEO Jason Grosfeld puts it, “At Costa Palmas, we think about luxury as a gateway to freedom, quality, and personal fulfillment.”

For me, after two visits separated by five years and a world of change, that fulfillment is not abstract. It is the warmth of that Baja afternoon at Delphine. It is the conversation with my girlfriends that lingered long after the meal. It is the quiet realization, somewhere between the sea and the sunset, that this is the kind of place you do not just visit. This is the kind of place you find your way home to.

& working studio

Gallery Sausalito represents a curated collection of more than 12 artists working in a variety of mediums.

UPCOMING EVENTS Visit website for complete list and show duration.

June 6th: 4:00pm to 8:00pm Reception: The Biggest Small Works Show

October 17th: 4:00pm to 8:00pm Reception: Modern Landscape Exhibit

Email us to schedule your private gallery showing.

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Bvlgari Hotel Roma: Finally!

BY FRAN MILLER

SOME THINGS MAKE SO MUCH SENSE THAT YOU WONDER what took so long. Bvlgari, the Roman jeweler of stunningly beautiful objects, has been dressing the world’s most glamorous wrists and necks since 1884, all while operating hotels everywhere from Bali to Beijing. That Rome itself didn’t have its own Bulgari Hotel until just recently was nearly a crime. Perhaps the brand was waiting until it could do it properly?

Properly, it turns out, means a transformed 1930s building at Piazza Augusto Imperatore in Campo Marzio, redesigned by ACPV ARCHITECTS Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel with the material confidence that suits the impressive address: imperial marble, bold color, architecture that nods to Rome’s past. The 106 rooms and suites carry a color palette drawn from the city itself, and the whole property has the feeling of something inevitable. This is, after all, where Bvlgari first surfaced.

The 47 suites range from well-appointed to mansion-like. The Bvlgari Suite tops out at more than 3,000 square feet, with a private dining room, a bar, and a direct sightline to the Mausoleum of Augustus. It’s a view that has been around for two millennia and still hasn’t gotten old. At approximately €38,000 a night, it is almost certainly the priciest room in the city, and it is sized accordingly. This is a suite for people who don’t want to simply stay in Rome; they want to live it fully.

Bvlgari Suite

View

Deluxe Suite

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Six dining and drinking venues means there is no excuse to leave the property, though with the Spanish Steps, Pantheon, and Via Condotti all within walking distance, leaving is also very easy. Il Ristorante – Niko Romito anchors the food program on the fifth floor, with Augustus’s tomb as a backdrop and Romito’s characteristically precise, Italian-to-its-bones cooking as the draw. The chef’s Dubai outpost has produced some of the best pizza outside Naples; what he does with Roman ingredients on Roman soil is a genuinely interesting question. The Bvlgari Bar (black marble, Murano glass details hand-blown with gold dust by Barovier & Toso, the whole thing lit like jewelry) was made for aperitivo hour, an institution Rome takes very, very seriously. Il Caffè brings a lighter, ground-floor energy unique to the property, while the Champagne Bar, Bvlgari Lounge, and rooftop La Terrazza fill in every remaining hour with appropriate ceremony.

The spa runs to more than 1,500 square meters of marble columns and colored light, built to evoke the Roman bathhouses that were once this city’s social infrastructure. A 20-meter pool, eight treatment rooms, and an Augustinus Bader treatment menu make it the kind of place that reframes an afternoon of inactivity as a cultural experience. Which, in Rome, it arguably is.

There is something so deeply fitting about all of this. Bvlgari spent more than a century making Rome famous everywhere else in the world, its stones and metals carrying the city’s DNA to Tokyo, Dubai, Milan, and beyond. That it has finally turned that gaze back on its own birthplace is a reckoning of sorts. Rome has always been the source. Now it has the hotel to prove it.

Il Ristorante

Sttupa Estate Napa Valley: A New Chapter for One of Wine Country’s Most Intimate Retreats

BY KRISHA CHHAGANLAL

THERE IS A MOMENT, SOMEWHERE BETWEEN THE GATED DRIVE and the first breath of valley air at the top of the hill, when you realize you have arrived somewhere genuinely remarkable. The character here has been shaped over decades, with privacy and human connection at its core.

Travelers seeking that kind of experience found their way to Poetry Inn, a private hillside hideaway overlooking the Stags Leap District. Now the storied property begins a new chapter as Sttupa Estate Napa Valley.

Arriving at Sttupa Estate feels less like checking into a hotel and more like discovering a private residence perched in the hills. A discreet sign along Silverado Trail marks the entrance, where a private gate opens to a winding drive that climbs quietly upward. At the top, guests are welcomed by estate ambassadors and uninterrupted views of the Valley. Reserved exclusively for overnight guests, the adults-only retreat offers five expansive suites and a level of privacy rarely found in Napa Valley.

THE

PHILOSOPHY BEHIND STTUPA ESTATE

The estate’s new name reflects a deeper philosophy behind the property’s evolution. In Buddhist tradition and across much of South and Southeast Asia, a stupa is a sacred site intended for reflection and spiritual connection between people and the natural world.

For Managing Partner Juan-Pablo Torres-Padilla, the concept captures exactly what the property represents.

“A stupa is a unique place that enables some type of deeper energy connection between nature and humans,” Torres-Padilla explains. “A place to reflect, reconnect, and restore.”

Torres-Padilla and his family group acquired the property in 2024 after an extensive search throughout the valley. Born in Mexico, educated in France, where he found his love for wines, and now based in Marin, he has traveled to nearly 60 countries and visited dozens of boutique inns before finding the perfect one that met his vision. “I visited more than twenty properties across the valley,” he recalls. “But I didn’t find anything as unique and exceptional as this place.”

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COURTESY OF SETH DANIEL, J MEDIA

Robert Frost Suite Private Terrace

Rather than dramatically reinventing the estate, the new ownership chose a thoughtful, gradual approach, preserving what guests have long valued while enhancing the experience through expanded wellness and culinary offerings, along with a more intentional approach to hospitality.

Torres-Padilla describes hospitality with the clarity of someone who has studied it globally, identifying three distinct traditions through his travels. European hospitality offers exceptional execution but can feel exclusionary. American hospitality matches that execution, though often with a more transactional tone. In contrast, hospitality in Mexico and much of Southeast Asia exudes genuine warmth, the belief that making a guest happy is the reward itself. The soul before the system. His goal for Sttupa Estate is to bring together the best of all three, creating what he calls “generous hospitality.”

THE SUITES AT STTUPA ESTATE

All five suites, named after celebrated poets: Emily Dickinson, Walt Whitman, e.e. cummings, Robert Frost, and Robert Louis Stevenson, each offer its own layout, character, and vantage point over the valley.

Ranging from roughly 950 to 1,450 square feet, the suites were originally designed by renowned architect Howard Backen, whose work helped shape many of Napa Valley’s most iconic properties. Backen, who passed away last summer, designed the inn around a singular idea: intimacy at a human scale.

Wood-burning fireplaces anchor the spacious living areas, while expansive marble bathrooms feature deep-soaking tubs, double vanities, and private terraces. One of the estate’s most distinctive elements, the indoor-outdoor showers overlooking the vineyards, quickly becomes one of the most memorable aspects of the stay.

Designed with careful attention to sightlines and proportion, the outdoor shower offers complete privacy while leaving you fully open to the sky and the valley below. According to staff, it is the most photographed feature on the property.

Sttupa Estate Lounge with dining space

Sttupa Estate Entrance

Breakfast served at Sttupa Estate

Lounge Terrace with view of Napa Valley

BREAKFAST ABOVE THE VINEYARDS

Breakfast at Sttupa Estate stands apart. Guests begin the day with an indulgent three-course breakfast prepared and curated by Executive Chef Jim Leiken, whose experience in Michelin-starred kitchens is evident in each dish.

Breakfast is often served in the suite or on the private terrace, where a seasonal menu begins with freshly baked pastries, coffee or tea, fresh orange juice, and turmeric-ginger shots. A second course might feature Straus yogurt with poached huckleberries and housemade granola, or multigrain oatmeal with toasted nuts and quince compote. For the final course, heartier dishes include avocado toast with poached organic eggs and smoked salmon or buttermilk waffles with strawberry balsamic compote and vanilla chantilly, all enjoyed as the valley slowly wakes below.

THE ESTATE’S APPROACH TO WELLNESS

Wellness at Sttupa Estate feels like a natural extension of the property’s philosophy of restoration. Available for overnight guests only, the spa experience begins with a calming chamomile shot before guests settle onto a heated treatment table in a beautifully appointed spa room.

Treatments are guided by an experienced therapist whose decades of practice are immediately evident in the intuitive, personalized approach to each session. Bodywork may incorporate restorative massage, exfoliating scrubs, or facials, while every lotion, oil, and botanical product used during treatments is personally curated and tested for its clean, holistic ingredients.

Guests can also book immersive experiences, including Reiki and sound-healing sessions, guided meditation, private yoga, and Pilates classes. Guests can also take a self-guided hike through the surrounding hillsides. Outside, a serene pool and hot tub overlook the valley, offering another serene way to enjoy and unwind.

Sttupa Estate, Aerial View of the Lounge Terrace and Pool

Walt Whitman Outdoor Shower

Emily Dickinson table and chairs with outdoor view

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF SETH DANIEL, J MEDIA

DINING AND EXPERIENCES AT STTUPA ESTATE

Sttupa Estate sits just minutes from The French Laundry, Bouchon Bistro, Ad Hoc, Bottega Napa Valley, and Bistro Jeanty, making dinner plans easy to plan. The estate’s team works closely with guests prior to arrival to curate personalized itineraries, secure sought-after restaurant reservations, and arrange exclusive winery visits.

Guests also have access to experiences tied to the estate’s ownership, including private tastings at Sullivan Rutherford Estate, known for its acclaimed Napa Valley Merlot, and exclusive tastings of Loco Tequila, a super-premium agave spirit produced by the same family.

For those who prefer to remain on the property, Sttupa Estate can arrange private-chef dinners, hand-selected wine pairings, and bespoke culinary experiences with rotating Michelin-caliber guest chefs, allowing the estate itself to serve as the setting for intimate evenings.

And for those who value privacy and personal space above all, the entire estate can be reserved exclusively. All five suites, private chef dinners, curated wine and tequila pairings, wellness programming: the full Sttupa experience, entirely your own.

NAPA VALLEY’S QUIET LUXURY

In a region known for grand resorts and constant indulgence, Sttupa Estate offers something far more rare: intimacy, stillness, and the feeling of being genuinely cared for. With only five suites, a profound sense of privacy, and a philosophy of hospitality rooted in warmth and intention, it is not simply a place to stay in Napa Valley, but a place to return to yourself.

Sttupa Estate Lounge view from couch

EE Cummings Suite Bedroom

Sttupa

Grand Retreats: The Finest Country Estates in England

BY BECCA HENSLEY

HAVEN’T YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO WALK INTO A JANE Austen novel or an Agatha Christie mystery? Stride through the corridors of an imposing home with the characters or sit down to sup at their table? Endowed these days with a touch of fanciful romance, the concept of the English country house dates back to Tudor times. These extravagant residences, set amid bucolic surroundings, were retreats where the aristocracy gathered for social events and celebrations. Stately mansions, they were places to flee the hubbub of urban life and seek tranquility in nature. Today, you can still sequester yourself in a leafy fantasyland full of follies and mysterious nooks with friends and family. You may not come to hunt like bygone aristocrats, but spas, gourmet dining, swimming pools, and other activities await.

Write your own plot when you book into one of these extraordinary estates in the English countryside.

CHEWTON GLEN

In Hampshire, on the rim of the primordial New Forest and a short walk from the sea, this privately owned country house hotel anchors 130 pastoral acres. Though it offers classically opulent rooms, as befits its 18th-century heritage, it differentiates itself accommodation-wise with its spectacular treehouse suites, one large enough for 12 guests. Explore beehive-laden gardens, orchards, and parkland enlivened by 158 varieties of trees. Tee off on the 9-hole golf course, relax in the spa

(voted Europe’s best), enjoy one of two pools, or take joyful classes in the chef-led cookery school.

COWORTH PARK

There’s much to love about Coworth Park, part of the Dorchester Collection. An 18th-century estate that spreads across 240 acres in verdant Berkshire, its proximity to both London and Heathrow makes it rousingly appealing for weekenders, travelers, celebrators, and overnighters yearning to attend a polo match (it’s the only UK hotel to have its own fields). With a Georgian mansion at the retreat’s heart, some 60 rooms dot the grounds. A world-class spa unravels the knots, a pool beckons, and three restaurants—including Adam Smith’s Michelin-starred Woven—provide sustenance.

MATFEN HALL

Join a soignée crowd at Matfen Hall, a country estate with Gothic undertones situated near Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland. Feeling more remote than some of the rural house hotels in the south of England, Matfen delivers that longed-for sense that you’ve timetraveled—or at least been conveyed far beyond the boundaries and behaviors of city life. Replete with a 27-hole championship golf course, a spa, and elevated restaurants, this Northumberland hideaway has a history that dates back to the 13th century. Its eyepopping great hall, with its huge stained-glass window and vaulted ceiling, stands out as the hotel’s pièce de résistance.

LUCKNAM PARK

In Wiltshire, not far from Bath on the verges of the Cotswolds, this Palladian mansion and its elegant sprawl of 500 tree-abundant acres have seen scores of city dwellers come and go. It welcomes visitors via a mile-long chute of lime and beech trees, enveloping them upon arrival in a glorious sanctuary. With just 42 unique rooms, a topnotch spa, the coveted Michelin-starred Restaurant Hywel Jones, and activities ranging from falconry to duck herding to archery, this hideaway is worth the two-and-a-half-hour drive from London.

BEAVERBROOK

Lord Beaverbrook, whose name sounds like a character in a children’s story, once owned this illustrious late-Victorian mansion in the Surrey Hills. Now you can walk the grounds of the French château–esque property, a 470-acre, copse-filled green lung with formal gardens taming the leafiness, a pool, and a nature-based health club and spa designed by stained-glass artist Brian Clarke. Guest rooms are spread across several buildings, including the main house, a coach house, and “The Village,” a collection of standalone cottages, whimsically appointed—and ideal for families. Choose from Japanese, Italian, or elevated English fare at the retreat’s several atmospheric restaurants and bars.

CLIVEDEN HOUSE

On the River Thames and nearly four centuries old, this grand home in Buckinghamshire lords over 376 acres of National Trust grounds. Cliveden remains one of the United Kingdom’s toniest house hotels. Privately owned and a member of Relais & Châteaux, it’s steeped in history, including time as the home of Nancy and Waldorf Astor and as the site of the notorious Profumo affair. With period furnishings, a vast art collection, contemporary amenities, and a staff that manages the razor’s edge between chummy and formal service, this stunner welcomes families and honeymooners alike. Swoon over the rooms named for former guests, including Charlie Chaplin, Winston Churchill, and Rudyard Kipling. The Cliveden Dining Room serves up sophisticated French cuisine by chef Chris Hannon.

Lucknam Park

Coworth Park, Drawing Room Conservatory

Philoxenia: Greece’s Most Exclusive Offering

BY BECCA HENSLEY

GREECE. IT’S EVERYTHING YOU IMAGINE: INSANELY BLUE waters, soul-satisfying food, ancient history, and uncanny architecture. It’s wine, beaches, sunsets, archaeological digs, cobblestoned streets, and boat trips among scores of diverse islands, each with its own allure and personality. But the gift a tourist to Greece brings home tops all of these virtues: the experience of having been welcomed—genuinely welcomed—and embraced. The Greeks call it philoxenia, their deep-seated ethos that translates to “love of strangers,” but goes beyond classic hospitality to include true kindness, generosity, and connection with visitors. You’ll find the effects of philoxenia on every island and in every type of establishment and interaction, from restaurants to hotels to impromptu conversations on a hike.

Some places we love . . .

ATHENS

The quintessential destination for culture buffs, Athens is best known for the Acropolis and the Parthenon, its trademark sites. But it’s also awash with world-class museums and buzzy neighborhoods like Plaka and Koukaki. Sandwiched among a trove of Athenian

treasures, Anthology of Athens, a Leading Hotel of the World, offers an intimate stay in contrast to the city’s bustle, with just 18 suites. It embraces a philosophy of hospitality meant to delve beyond mere sightseeing, unveiling Athens at a deeper level. Stay here for programs such as Anthology Dialogues—sessions that showcase subjects like ancient Greek philosophy.

Room to Book: Overlooking the Temple of Olympian Zeus, with contemporary interior flourishes, the Premium Panorama Suite with balcony exudes the ultimate sense of place.

RHODES

In the southeastern Aegean Sea near the coast of Turkey, Rhodes draws tourists enthralled with Old Town Rhodes, Europe’s secondoldest inhabited medieval city. Be among the first to stay at Amoh, a Luxury Collection Resort, a newly opened bolthole set on a secluded peninsula near Lindos. Offered as a hideaway amid nature with private beach access, it tempts with elevated dining and a spa inspired by Greek herbal traditions.

Room to Book: The 2,000-square-foot Rhoda Presidential Suite, which has expansive sea views and a private pool.

Anthology of Athens

SANTORINI

The epitome of Cyclades daydreams, this romantic island boasts blue-domed churches with whitewashed facades, gumdrop-hued buildings woven into cliffs, an evocative caldera, black-sand beaches, and arguably the world’s most peerless sunsets. Take it all in at Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection, an eye-popping playground perched above the cobalt-colored Aegean Sea. In the tranquil village of Imerovigli, this 23-room chic hotel has it all: an infinity pool, taverna-style restaurant, butlers, and sweeping views of the caldera. Room to Book: The Infinity Suite with Pool features a huge outdoor terrace and private pool.

CORFU

Greece’s own “Emerald Island,” Corfu boasts one of the lushest landscapes in the region. Visit for its UNESCO-listed Venetian Old Town, pristine beaches, and Italian-inspired gastronomy. Pack your best Jackie O wardrobe to channel her star power at Domes Miramare Corfu, a Luxury Collection Resort, built by the Onassis family in the late 1960s. In residence, you’ll immerse yourself in Corfu’s distinctive culinary culture, including olive oil and wine tastings. The hotel, a beacon on Corfu’s Old Town coastline, also earns praise for its farm-to-table Greek restaurant, Makris. Room to Book: Opt for the Beachfront Emerald Suite, which puts you steps from the sand.

MYKONOS

Jetsetters with a penchant for beach clubs and all-night parties à la South Beach or the Hamptons will love Mykonos for its see-and-beseen vibe—though the island also seduces slow travelers in search of lazy repose amid idyllic nature. For quieter stays in a tranquil refuge 15 miles from the buzz, choose Kalesma, situated to showcase both sunset and sunrise views. Designed to reference a traditional whitewashed Cycladic village, it dots a hillside with 52 rooms, suites, and villas, each with 360-degree views of Delos and Ornos Bay. Room to Book: Designed to accommodate a family of four or three adults, the spacious Kalesma Suite with Sea View and Private Pool feels like your own Mykonian pied-à-terre.

PHOTOS:

PAROS

Cosmopolitan and picturesque, Paros feels less hedonistic and more soulful than some islands—though it still offers a lively nightlife for those in search of it. Just a ferry ride from Mykonos, its prime real estate is Naoussa, a heart-melting fishing village filled with lively tavernas, galleries, and shops. With hidden beaches, undeveloped land, vineyards, and ongoing archaeological digs, Paros maintains a deep connection to Greek legends. On the lesser-traveled west side of the island, Andronis Minois offers its own design-centric take on Cycladic architecture. An art lover’s lair, the hotel edges the Aegean Sea and features a spa, indulgent pool, and a locally sourced restaurant with a terrace overlooking the water.

Room to Book: Ideal for families, the Minois Blu Suite Sea View features a private pool.

CHIOS

Near the coast of Turkey in the North Aegean Sea, Chios differentiates itself with mastic trees, a UNESCO-celebrated monastery, and evocative medieval villages. Abundant citrus groves perfume the air, and the sea glistens a deep blueberry hue. Throw a house party for 20 when you take over one of Greece’s poshest villas: The Eugenes–Kambos Estate. With space for 20 guests, it features 10 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms. A dedicated staff ensures all your needs are met. Expect a gym, screening room, gardens, swimming pool, and ample communal space.

Room to Book: Choose one of the seven bedrooms in the main house or one of three in the guesthouse.

CRETE

You could spend years exploring Crete, Greece’s largest island. A peerless destination with varied terrain such as the Samaria Gorge and renowned beaches like Elafonisi, the island also brims with Minoan history. At Phāea Blue, a member of SLH, you can experience one of the island’s most coveted luxury stays, positioned right on the beach. Set on the Elounda coast, it’s small, swish, and elegantly appointed to offer understated barefoot luxury.

Room to Book: The Island Suite Seaview offers ocean vistas and a private pool.

Kalesma

Phāea Blue

Chasing Sleep: Science, Rituals, and How Hotel Spas Can Help

BY BECCA HENSLEY

WE ALL KNOW WE FEEL BETTER WHEN WE SLEEP. WE’VE seen our pets slumber lazily for hours—it’s normal. It’s what nature intended to renew our bodies, re-sharpen our minds, heal us, and refill our vessels. According to science, sleep reduces stress, keeps your heart and cells healthier, improves memory, helps maintain a proper weight, reduces inflammation, ameliorates depression, and keeps us alert during the day. Even power naps help. Studies show that people who get 7 to 8 hours of sleep simply function better. Conversely, a lack of sleep contributes to low sex drive, fogginess, and fatigue. It impairs judgment and can lead to illnesses ranging from diabetes to heart disease.

So, how do we get to sleep? The solutions are varied, from snacking on a banana to keeping all electronic devices far out of reach. Many suggest exercising vigorously each day, adopting strict sleep rituals (such as reading by soft light or immersing in a hot bath each evening), staying on a consistent sleep schedule, and relaxing to the scent of calming herbs such as lavender. Darkness is paramount, and a clear head is the goal. But sometimes we need more help. Spas in hotels across the world acknowledge our desperation to snooze well, and many have created programs or treatments to help us

take control of our slumber. We’ve collected a few to sweeten your prospects of dreams—and a better tomorrow.

Amid the serenity of the Poconos in Pennsylvania, sleep might come more easily than it does in the city. The Lodge at Woodloch, a peerless, adults-only luxury spa resort, takes advantage of that head start to ensure guests experience the perfect night’s snooze. From an eight-choice pillow menu to Humming Meditation classes, the all-inclusive resort sets a sleep-inducing standard. Other sleep aids include guided nature walks meant to activate and soothe the senses, a Restful Retreat Spa Treatment (a massage and swaddle), a midday power nap meditation that promises to guide you into a REM sleep state, and a Silent Night Yoga class beneath the stars to seal the deal.

Located in tropical Thailand’s Koh Samui, Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa has been a game changer for those seeking healing and a lifestyle pivot. Integrating ancient Eastern curative traditions—fortified with Western medical research— and modern therapeutics, the sanctuary operates with a stellar team of medical doctors, yoga teachers, fitness trainers, massage therapists, meditation guides, and life-enhancement mentors. Woven throughout, Traditional Chinese Medicine plays an instrumental

Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa

role. The retreat guides guests to salubrity with 19 customized wellness programs, from Comprehensive Detox to Women’s Health. Kamalaya’s Sleep Enhancement Program has been highly touted, offering massage treatments, bioresonance therapy, nutritional guidance, and nutraceutical and herbal therapies to promote healthy sleep for years to come.

Circadian health and flights across the pond never felt so good. Be among the first to visit (and fall asleep at) The Newman, which opened its doors in London’s Fitzrovia neighborhood in February. Deeply committed to embodying the true meaning of turndown, the hotel offers an in-room sleep wellness drawer designed to support genuine rest and restoration. This DIY sleep experience serves as a trove of sleep-inducing delights, with offerings from the plant-based wellness brand Kloris, including Sleep Time botanical patches, soothing aromatherapy mist, and full-spectrum CBD gummies. Adding to the mix, apothecary-forward formulations from anatomē help—from Cornish lavender and Roman chamomile sleep blends to magnesiumand zinc-based reset and relax tablets, as well as a lavender candle.

The Newman’s sleep wellness drawer features plant-based wellness brand Kloris

The Newman

The Lodge at Woodloch

So you thought St. Barth’s was about long nights on the dance floor or lounging on the deck of a yacht. Turns out that Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa, along with Le Barth Villas, wants to tuck you in for a good night’s rest instead. In partnership with Dr. Franck Baudino’s Saint-Barth Longevity, the hotels offer three-, five-, seven-, and fourteen-day programs customized to your sleep habits (or other prioritized needs). These tailored stays begin with a comprehensive health-mapping process. Bespoke expert consultations follow, with suggested sleep treatments such as cold plunges, spa therapies, dietary changes, and stress-regulating practices.

Head to a hot spring—and in the case of Pagosa Springs in Colorado, the deepest geothermal hot spring in the world. Abundant with minerals known to relax muscles, calm the nervous system, and boost the immune system, this mountain town’s Mother Spring fuels three downtown locations. Its five-star showpiece, The Springs Resort, has 157 guest rooms and more than 50 hot spring–fed pools that dot a hillside by the river. Experience the spa’s various sleep-inducing treatments and the resort’s Deep Sleep Journey, a

compilation of medical research, soaking circuits, and healthful tips that result in a deeper snooze. From a cell phone sleep sack and a bedside lavender sleep stick to guided immersion rituals, amenities at the resort support your efforts. While open to day guests, resort guests have exclusive 24-hour access to the healing waters.

Just a few minutes from the great citadel city of Machu Picchu, Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel draws from Andean tradition to enhance and complement guests’ wellness experiences. Embracing the philosophy that sleep begins from a profoundly spiritual and sensorial place, the hotel offers the Sumaq Wellness Journey, which blends ancient rituals with modern comfort. Expect crystal aura cleansing ceremonies led by a local shaman, guided meditation, mantras, and a prana breathing exercise designed to calm the mind and prepare the body for restorative sleep. Detox breakfasts and nutrient-rich Peruvian superfoods define the day, while aromatherapy baths, eucalyptus steam showers, and lavenderinfused self-care kits support a restful night’s sleep.

Le Barthélemy

Lyford Cay

6 BR | 6/2 BA | 7,700 sf | Turnkey | $15,950,000

Dilly Dally – newly renovated on an oversized lot; double-height living, seamless indoor–outdoor flow, expansive terraces; exquisite materials throughout; guest cottage, 2.5 car garage, elevated ocean views.

Property ID 65897

nick.damianos@SIRbahamas.com +1.242.376.1841

Farmers Hill, Exuma

Private Beachfront | 6 BR | 3,650 sf | $3,500,000

Sandcastle Breakwater Drive. Elevated island property set along a private stretch of powder soft sand, embraced by swaying palms and panoramic turquoise waters. Heated Pool + Swim-up Bar. 23,551 sf Lot.

Property ID 66671

jacqueline.lightbourn@SIRbahamas.com +1.242.359.2225

Harbour Island, Eleuthera

4 BR | 4 BA | 5,151 sf | $5,999,000

Bay View Narrows. Luxury island living in the exclusive northern area of the island. Unparalleled panoramic views of both the Atlantic Ocean and the Bay. 60kW diesel Generator, water cistern and pool on lush 0.5 acres.

Property ID 66289 colleen.carey@SIRbahamas.com +1.242.818.6038

Russell Island, Eleuthera

200' Oceanfront | 3 BR | 1.08 Acres | $2,799,500

Elevated Oceanfront Estate. 200 feet of elevated water frontage. Private 3 BR, 2 BA, 2,000 sf residence with open-concept floor plan. Sweeping views. Lush, mature garden.

Property ID 65135 colleen.carey@SIRbahamas.com +1.242.818.6038

A Decade of SingleThread

Chef

Kyle Connaughton on farming, hospitality, and the philosophy that has guided this remarkable restaurant for ten years

BY FRAN MILLER

TEN YEARS IN, SINGLETHREAD HASN’T JUST ENDURED; it has deepened. Since opening in Healdsburg, California in 2016, chef Kyle Connaughton and his wife, farmer Katina Connaughton, have built one of the most subtly radical restaurants in the world: a threeMichelin-starred inn and farm where the harvest dictates the menu, the hospitality feels like a dinner party, and the goal, above all else, is to tell the story of today. As SingleThread marks its 10th anniversary, the vision is expanding, from a new hotel concept in Healdsburg, The Selvedge, to the recent opening of SoNoMa at the Capella Kyoto, the brand’s first international step. I was fortunate to connect with Chef Kyle for this special anniversary Q&A, where he shared his thoughts. His answers, as you’ll read, are as warm and considered as the experience he and Katina have spent a decade perfecting.

Q: As you approach SingleThread’s 10th anniversary, what surprised you most about sustaining a three-Michelin-starred vision over a decade?

A: I think the most surprising things have been the people and this amazing team that’s come together over all of these years that has really built the SingleThread vision and what it is, and the hospitality alongside us. Many of our team have been with us since the beginning—some for seven, eight, nine, now even ten years.

You start with a vision that came from us, and then you bring together a team that layers in their own talents, abilities, and perspectives, creating something that’s so much greater than what you could have ever imagined on your own.

I’ll also say that one of the most surprising things has been how many guests return—coming back at different times of the year or over several years—to experience different seasons and go deeper each time. We’ve developed these really meaningful relationships. Oftentimes in restaurants, guests may check a box, visit once, and not return, but we’ve been very fortunate to build lasting relationships with guests over time.

Q: “The story of today” has been a through line for the restaurant. How has that philosophy evolved as you’ve grown?

A: You know, I think that’s a saying we didn’t necessarily open with, but it was always something we knew we were doing. It’s become a way to distill what SingleThread is and what the experience feels like for the guest. And as a chef, every day I want to tell the story of the farm because we’re receiving that harvest each morning, and Katina is telling her story through her ingredients and flowers, saying this is what’s ready and in peak season.

So we’re really telling a story of place and of time within that place. Ultimately, we want guests to feel connected to that moment—the moment they’re sharing at the table, who they’re with, and the experience of being in Sonoma with us.

Q: Your farm dictates the menu rather than the other way around. How do you keep that closed-loop approach intact as you scale?

A: Well, you know, this is about focusing on our farming and having that be the guiding light and we really only are able to grow relative to what our agricultural production is and we do that all at hand scale, but we’re actually able to do that within Healdsburg and in a way that sustains growth. We don’t compromise our agricultural practices and we’re able to do this in such a way we are able to sustain more than just SingleThread. There’s enough produce to supply our farm store and other chefs and friends that we have.

Kyle & Katina Connaughton

Q: You talk about thoughtful growth. How do you expand while keeping the heart and soul of the SingleThread intact?

A: Well, that’s really the key to it all. We want to grow because we want to expand what we’re doing, what we’re offering to our guests, and allow them to go a little bit deeper. We want to challenge ourselves creatively and explore and try new things. This amazing team who’s been with us for so long also wants growth and opportunity. It’s really not about opening up restaurants all over the place. We have a real criteria to everything that we do which starts with: How does this make us better? What do we learn? How is this going to create an opportunity creatively? So we have quite a long criteria for even small things that are outside of the restaurant, and the number one thing is really all about how that helps SingleThread become a better restaurant.

Q: Japan is your first international step. How did that decision come about and how do you balance Kyoto’s heritage with Northern California seasonality?

A: The decision to open SoNoMa was not taken lightly. It actually wasn’t something we were actively looking for. It was something that came to us as an opportunity that aligned perfectly. It was proposed to us and we had many conversations about the philosophy and the direction of the Capella Hotel in this 800 year old historic neighborhood, and about the heritage and the season of Kyoto. I went to many mentors and friends within Kyoto to get their advice in terms of how they felt about this project and everything along the way felt right. We had nothing but support. We’re very lucky and very fortunate to be able to bring what it is that we do to Kyoto. So now we’re telling “the story of today” within Kyoto, but through the SingleThread lens. It really opens up the opportunity and the possibility for our teams in California to experience living and working in Japan, and bringing our team from Japan to California. It allows the two restaurants to be mirrors of each other and to really create inspiration and creativity, and to celebrate the common ground that we have which is seasonality, intentionality, warm hospitality, support of good food systems and the artisans and crafts people who work with us and whose stories we tell every day through the menu.

Q: What parts of SingleThread are absolutely non-negotiable? What would never change no matter where you go?

A: What’s non-negotiable for us, and what is the core of SingleThread, is our hospitality. In Japanese, this concept is omotenashi, a style of hospitality that’s very thoughtful and is always thinking about the guest and what is best for the guest. That’s what we focus on. SingleThread and now SoNoMa are not restaurants where we say, okay, sit down and sit back and let us perform for you. It’s really about thinking about the guests and saying this is our home and you’re in our home. This is a dinner party. This is a conversation between chefs and farmers and sommeliers and service professionals who create this experience and guide it in a way that you want it to go. We do that and really tell that story of Sonoma every day at home. In Kyoto we’re really bridging that gap in telling that story of Kyoto and opening up our guests minds and hearts to what’s happening all around them.

Q: Omotenashi is so central to Japanese hospitality. How are you making the concept your own while staying true to your Sonoma roots?

A: Kyoto is such an amazing place for hospitality and omotenashi. It’s where we draw so much inspiration. We want guests to feel the wine country lifestyle that we have in Sonoma. Both Kyoto and Sonoma both lead with heart, and with this warm sense of hospitality. So for us it feels very familiar and very fluid and we want to feel that connectivity. So we focus on the things that are the same rather than the differences and we really find common ground within that hospitality while still making sure the guests feel completely relaxed. At SingleThread Kyoto, you’re in our Japanese home.

Q: You recently opened a new hotel concept, in Healdsburg, The Selvedge, which Katina has described as posh and punk. How does that idea show up for the guests in real terms?

A: We take a lot of inspiration from the British designers in particular Vivian Westwood who started her career as a designer of clothing for a punk rock era in London in the 1970s and then became this incredible haute couture designer who never lost that edge. That’s how Katina and I feel. We’re able to have this very elevated experience that we create but still have fun and this idea of the sort of punk side isn’t just about rebellion or anything like that. It’s about being true to who you are and really letting that show through. That inclusivity has always been a guiding light for me and Katina, so even if we do something that’s really elevated, at the same time we want it to feel real. We don’t want things to feel like luxury for the sake of luxury. We want things to feel that they’re very tangible and very personal.

Q: When it comes to running a three mission star operation, what does human sustainability mean for you and your team?

A: For us it’s really about focusing on mentorship across

training, and it really always comes down to sharing with our team the why behind everything we do, from the smallest detail, to why we do or approach anything in the way that we do. You know, while we’re here to execute our work at a very high level, at the same time, we’re here to teach and to share and to mentor. I think ultimately, the legacy of SingleThread, and of what Katina I do, is train industry leaders.

Q: With a global expansion on the horizon, why invest further in Healdsburg? What makes this home base so special to you?

A: Healdsburg is special to us for so many reasons. We dreamed of one day owning a restaurant and farm in Healdsburg when we got married near here when we were 23 years old and so, you know, it’s really truly our home. It’s where we farm. It’s where we live. It’s where we work, and where our community and our friends and our family are. Of all the traveling and different places we’ve lived in the world, in Japan and Europe, it is really truly our home and it’s where we feel that we are truly from. What we always want to do is share the best of what Healdsburg and Sonoma are with our guests through our ingredients, through the other farms and farmers, and artisans. And certainly through the farm, but also through that Sonoma wine country way of life, of caring about food and seasons and people and hospitality and enjoying that lifestyle. It’s not just about what we do; it’s about where we live, and that friendliness and that spirit and that care that exists. People here take the things that they do very seriously, but they don’t take themselves so seriously, so when guests come we don’t want them just to feel like they need to come in and out. Healdsburg and Sonoma County are places that you should spend multiple days. You really need to relax and decompress into it. And so there’s many different ways that we can show them the region, whether it’s meals with us or having wine at wineries owned by our great friends, or going on a hike in the Redwoods. We just want guests to be able to experience all that Sonoma has to offer.

Wagashi

Late Winter Dessert.

Renowned Chef Mark Dommen Leads Team at Hestan Napa

BY JENNIFER BODEN

HESTAN NAPA IS PART RESTAURANT, WINE BAR, AND HIGH-END cookware boutique. A Napa Valley resident with an impressive culinary lineage, Chef Dommen honed his craft under industry titans Hubert Keller, Gray Kunz, David Burke, and Jean-Louis Palladin. His cooking approach is rooted in classic French techniques, yet modern influences are woven throughout his menus.

As Executive Chef at San Francisco’s One Market Restaurant for over 20 years, he earned a Michelin star from 2008 to 2012. Now, Chef Dommen is bringing his trademark culinary style back home to Napa. In this exclusive interview, he shares details about his inspirational backyard garden, favorite dishes on Hestan’s menu — and reveals which beloved One Market classics you can indulge in again.

WHAT CAN GUESTS LOOK FORWARD TO WHEN VISITING HESTAN NAPA?

The Hestan name stands for uncompromised quality and attention to detail. Leading the team here is a dream come true, and Napa guests can expect a comprehensive experience when they sit down for a meal. My primary job is to ensure the menu is consistent and exciting, and that the food is executed properly. Along with that, we also want to make sure we give our guests great service and take care of all their needs.

WHICH ONE MARKET DISHES ARE ON THE MENU?

The One Market classic currently on the menu is the Chickpea Fries. The only thing I changed was the aioli we are serving it with.

Another guest favorite is the Butterscotch Pudding from the dessert menu. Something for our long-time fans to look forward to, it will appear at some point in the future.

FAVORITE DISHES THAT ARE STAPLES ON THE MENU THIS YEAR?

A few are Grilled California Endive, the Calamari a la Plancha and Liberty Farms Duck Breast. I like the grilled endive because it’s not something I normally see on a restaurant menu.

The grilling softens the bitterness, and it’s served topped with toasted breadcrumbs for texture and a salsa verde with plenty of anchovy for a pop of umami.

Calamari a la Pancha is my favorite way to cook and eat calamari. Searing it quickly gives it a great flavor while maintaining a tender texture. That, paired with a green apple-jicama salad and a yuzu kosho vinaigrette, is like a cross-cultural symphony in your mouth. I could eat this dish every day without getting tired of it.

The Liberty Farms Duck Breast with a beet jus and mushrooms is a popular dish and pairs beautifully with red wines we love to pour.

HOW DOES YOUR HOME’S BACKYARD GARDEN IN NAPA VALLEY INSPIRE

YOUR WORK?

My garden keeps me connected to the seasons. If it’s growing in my backyard and ready to harvest, it should be on my menu at Hestan Napa. That connection also fuels a constant curiosity. I love working with fresh herbs, especially unexpected ones. For example, this year, when I was seed shopping for my garden, I came across narrowleafed Papalo seeds, which has a similar flavor profile to cilantro. This is an herb I’m unfamiliar with, so I’m growing it. Similar situation with vegetables. I enjoy growing vegetables that are difficult to find or not readily available. To me, this is the most inspiring because, as a chef, you want to use unique ingredients and offer your guests something they can’t get anywhere else.

Liberty Farms Duck Breast with baby turnips, carrots, pearl onions, hedgehog mushrooms and beet jus

Hestan Napa

Chef Mark Dommen

A Table Worth the Journey: Six Restaurants Worth Your Trip

BY BECCA HENSLEY

WE TRAVEL FOR MYRIAD REASONS: WORK, RELAXATION, festivals, shopping, sightseeing, and to visit friends. But have you ever traveled for a meal? Just one meal at a legendary restaurant? I know people who spend days—even weeks—scheming to score a reservation at a restaurant with a waiting list of a year or more. Once they nab it, and only then, do they buy their plane tickets and plan the rest of their trip. For these gastronaughts, the pursuit of fine dining is a passion, a hobby, and a raison d’être. If that sounds like you, these six moreish destinations have a table with your name on it. Chengdu’s snazzy Upper House Chengdu is compelling enough for its artful old-meets-new architecture, a tranquil haven in China’s fourth-largest city. But one step into Chef Steven Tang’s one-Michelin-starred and Michelin Green-starred Mi Xun Teahouse, and you know that long flight was worth every hour. Presenting a commanding vegetarian tasting adventure, grounded in zero-waste principles, seasonality, and sustainability at its source, the restaurant complements each course with a curated tea pairing. Recommended Dish: Handmade Spinach Noodles with Dandan Sauce

Bread lovers will get their fill at two-Michelin-star-awarded Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac, a plummy epicurean bolthole in glamorous Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo, a member of Leading Hotels of the World. The convivial restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine with dazzling results and an upmarket edge. You’ll be gobsmacked by its “gosh-wow” 19-bread-studded trolley, which starts the show with a bang. Choose from irresistible options such as pesto focaccia, fougasse, squid ink bread, and gluten-free varieties. Recommended Dish: The grand finale dessert trolley, with more than ten choices, completes the experience.

Did you know Mexico’s posh Velas Resorts brand not only boasts two Michelin-starred restaurants, but offers them both as part of the all-inclusive nightly rate? Partake in multi-course tasting menus at Cocina de Autor at Grand Velas Los Cabos and/or Grand Velas Riviera Maya after a day of play. In the Riviera Maya, the one-starred Cocina de Autor deeply reflects the region—with a twist—under the tutelage of Chef Nahúm

Le Tartare de Sar at Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac

Velasco and celebrated chefs Mikel Alonso and Bruno Oteiza. Two-Michelin-star chef Sidney Schutte and Chef Francisco Sixtos lead the Cabo culinary program, utilizing Schutte’s European techniques and perspective while centering regional Mexican ingredients.

Recommended Dishes: Cocina de Autor Riviera Maya: It’s Nut Butter (foie gras and pecans); Cocina de Autor Los Cabos: Yellow corn velouté

They call Patrick O’Connell the Pope of American Cuisine. As the chef and proprietor of The Inn at Little Washington, a sublime retreat in a diminutive Virginia town, O’Connell presides over a 24-acre expanse of gardens, farmland, an intimate hotel, and his signature restaurant. Profusely awarded, he earned the James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019 and was among the first to receive a Michelin Green Star. Currently, the restaurant holds two Michelin stars. Whimsical and unconventional, and led by a distinct sense of humor (even the chicken coop boasts a chandelier), O’Connell’s makes dining not just moreish, but riotously fun. With rooms fashioned from what was once a garage and several outbuildings, the experience includes delightful moments—such as an expert presenting cheese from a mooing cow cart that speaks only in puns.

Recommended Dish: Lamb Carpaccio with Caesar Salad Ice Cream

You’ll work up an appetite roaming the 614 acres of parkland and gardens at spectacular Ballyfin, a splendid country house hotel set within a restored Regency mansion in County Laois, Ireland. A storied destination for gourmet travelers, Ballyfin draws inspiration and ingredients from its own walled garden for the hotel’s oneMichelin-starred State Dining Room, which offers seasonal, locally driven menus. Some guests borrow from the hotel’s trove of historic costumes to dine in the candlelit restaurant amid mirrors, chandeliers, sconces, and curry-colored walls.

Recommended Dish: Smoked Haddock

It’s palate-pleasing enough simply to be in the Champagne region sampling its eponymous bubbly, but the experience reaches new heights at the five-star Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa, home to its sought-after Michelin-starred Le Royal. Set in a former coaching inn frequented by Napoleon on his journeys to Reims for coronations, the exquisitely executed restaurant feels like a gilded palace chamber, as glittering as a jewel box. Look for imperial bee motifs and subtle tributes to the key women in Napoleon’s life—think Josephine. Helmed by Christophe Raoux, who earned Meilleur Ouvrier de France (French Craftsperson of the Year) in 2015, Le Royal offers three prix fixe menus: Effervescence (with Champagne pairing), Discovery (a surprise tasting curated by Chef Raoux), and Signature (paired with seven wines from renowned Champagne houses and local growers).

Recommended Dish: Red Mullet with clam, sea urchin juice, and grated pressed caviar

Handmade Spinach Noodles with Dandan Sauce at Upper House Chengdu

OCEANIA CRUISING : SUR LA TABLE

Dining Experience Ever Created at Sea

BY KEVIN O’CONNOR

THERE ARE FORTY PEOPLE IN THE ROOM, AND EVERY ONE OF them knows they are witnessing something rare. Candles are lit, wine has been poured, and at the front of a private dining room, four of the finest French chefs in the world are preparing to explain why the most extraordinary restaurant they have ever conceived will not open until August 2027, and why that wait, they promise, will be entirely worth it.

The occasion is an intimate preview dinner hosted by Oceania Cruises, offered to a select group of guests as a first glimpse of La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France: a reservation-only, eighteen-seat fine dining sanctuary set to debut aboard Oceania Sonata, the line’s next-generation flagship. Known as the world’s leading culinary and destination-focused luxury cruise line, Oceania is creating nothing less than a shrine to French culinary heritage, an experience rooted in technique, tradition, and the bold idea that the finest meal of your life might be served at sea.

Steve Odell, Oceania’s Chief Sales Officer and a member of the founding team, reflects on the brand’s evolution over the past twenty-three years. “When we started Oceania Cruises,” he says, “we knew we didn’t want to be everything to everyone. We wanted to

focus on a few things and do them exceptionally well. Culinary was always at the center of that vision. Tonight is the natural evolution of it.” Following Sonata’s debut in 2027, four additional ships in the same class are planned, signaling a long-term commitment to this elevated culinary direction.

Eric Barale, Executive Culinary Director and a member of the Maîtres Cuisiniers de France, speaks with both precision and emotion. “This is not only an achievement, but a mission,” he explains. “It is about passing down French tradition, technique, and savoir-faire to the next generation.” For Barale, La Table represents the ultimate expression of that mission, a place where French gastronomy is not only preserved but celebrated, refined, and shared in its purest form. His colleague, Executive Culinary Director Alexis Quaretti, describes the project as deeply personal. A member of the Maîtres Cuisiniers de France, he sees the restaurant as more than a dining venue. “It’s more than a restaurant,” he says. “It’s something meaningful.” The menu will evolve seasonally, shaped through collaborations with master chefs from around the world. Each iteration will bring new perspective while remaining anchored in what Quaretti calls “our tradition, our future, our DNA.”

Chef Eric Barale and Chef Alexis Quaretti

Oceania Sonata Dining Room

Oceania Cruises Unveils the Most Exclusive French

La Table will be the first restaurant at sea to receive the official seal of approval from the Maîtres Cuisiniers de France, an honor never before granted to a maritime venue. The organization, one of the most respected culinary institutions in the world, is known for its rigorous standards and its commitment to preserving French culinary excellence. Membership is earned through mastery and dedication, a distinction that carries significant weight within the global culinary community.

Also present at the dinner is Chef Jean-Louis Dumonet, president of the organization’s U.S. delegation. Having served in the role for two decades, he speaks about mentorship and legacy with quiet authority. “We are here to give what we have learned,” he says. “The next generation will be better than us because we give them everything.”

Then, the food arrives.

Quaretti introduces the evening’s menu, a celebration of spring and seasonality. It begins with a corn velouté, layered with charred corn and a delicate jus, paired with a carefully selected wine. A seafood salade follows, dressed in dashi and composed with the precision of a still life. The progression continues with black bass, paired unexpectedly with red wine sauce. “We don’t usually pair black bass with red wine,” Quaretti notes, “but you will see why it works.”

The main course, an imperial beef, is presented as a ceremonial centerpiece, a slow, meticulous preparation that nearly caused a moment of tension in the kitchen but ultimately arrives perfectly executed. The meal concludes with a rhubarb and strawberry dessert, finished with champagne sabayon and cream, an elegant ending that feels both deliberate and inevitable. Each course is paired with wines selected by Oceania’s sommelier, underscoring the equal importance of the beverage program.

La Table does not stand alone. It is the culinary crown jewel of Oceania Sonata, a ship designed to redefine luxury cruising. Scheduled to debut in August 2027, Sonata represents the most ambitious project in the company’s history. At 86,000 gross tons and 922 feet in length, the ship will accommodate just 1,390 guests, offering one of the most generous space-to-guest ratios in its class.

Every accommodation is a veranda stateroom or suite, including new categories such as the Horizon Suite and Penthouse Deluxe Suite. Interiors are designed with a residential sensibility, soft tones, layered textures, and a sense of openness that prioritizes comfort over spectacle. The overall philosophy is simple: spaces should feel like thoughtfully designed homes rather than transient environments.

Sonata’s inaugural 2027–2028 season will span the Mediterranean and Caribbean, connected by transatlantic crossings. Each itinerary is curated to balance iconic destinations with lesser-known discoveries, appealing to travelers who value both experience and pace. For those eager to experience La Table at launch, reservations are already anticipated to be highly competitive.

La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France will debut in August 2027 aboard Oceania Sonata. With just eighteen seats and a concept rooted in rarity and excellence, it promises to be one of the most sought-after dining experiences at sea, and perhaps anywhere.

Vista Suite

Oceania Spa & Gym Sundeck

Oceania Sonata ship

From Vine to Table

How two like-minded California brands — LIOCO Wines and Malibu Farm Tiburon — are rewriting the rules of the modern dining experience.

BY CLAUDIA CASTILLO ROSS

IN CALIFORNIA, THE MOST COMPELLING CULINARY STORIES ARE rarely told on a single plate. They begin in the soil, in fog-laced coastal valleys and sun-warmed ridge lines, and travel through the hands of farmers, winemakers, and chefs to the table. This journey, this unbroken thread between land and feast, is the foundation of one of the Bay Area’s most exciting new dining collaborations between Malibu Farm Tiburon and LIOCO Wines.

The partnership brings together two brands that might seem to occupy different worlds. One is a celebrated farm-to-table restaurant set above the waters of Tiburon. The other is a quietly influential winery sourcing from some of California’s most exceptional cool-climate vineyards. Spend time with the people behind each, however, and the connection is clear. Both share a devotion to provenance, restraint, and the belief that the best ingredient is the one grown closest to home.

“The best dining experiences today are about transparency, knowing where your food comes from, who grew it, and why it matters.”

A FARM BY THE BAY

Malibu Farm was never meant to become an empire. When chef and cookbook author Helene Henderson opened a small counter-service café on the Malibu Pier, the idea was simple: serve honest, locally

sourced food in a beautiful setting. The restaurant’s whole-food, vegetable-forward approach, inclusive of all dietary preferences, resonated quickly. What began as a modest café has grown into a collection of highly regarded restaurants across the country.

Malibu Farm Tiburon, which opened in May 2023, is Henderson’s first Northern California location. It carries all the hallmarks that made the brand a leader in the sustainable dining movement. Located at 9 Main Street, the two-story space offers sweeping views of the San Francisco skyline, Angel Island, and the bay. It includes open-air dining rooms, a full bar, a grab-and-go coffee shop, and a private event space that has quickly become one of Tiburon’s most sought-after venues. Ingredients are sourced primarily from Northern California farms, and the menu follows the seasons with precision.

Chef Chris Ball leads the kitchen, bringing both respect and creativity to Henderson’s philosophy. His menus reflect a deep awareness of the region, from the crab boats in the bay to Sonoma’s duck farms and the citrus groves of the Central Valley. His cooking shows restraint and confidence, allowing high-quality ingredients to speak for themselves.

“Malibu Farm Tiburon is Helene’s vision translated into a Northern California vernacular, the same soul in a new landscape.”

THE WINEMAKERS’ WINERY

LIOCO Wines holds a distinct place in California’s wine world. Founded by Matt and Sara Licklider, the winery has built its reputation on restraint rather than spectacle. They focus on sourcing from exceptional cool-climate vineyards, partnering with growers who share their values, and allowing the terroir to guide the final product. The wines are fresh, precise, and expressive of place.

Their sourcing map highlights some of California’s most nuanced regions. A Sauvignon Blanc from Lolonis Vineyard in Redwood Valley. A Rosé Reserve from Cole Ranch. A Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley. A Pinot Noir from the Santa Cruz Mountains. A Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma Valley. Each wine reflects its origin, and together they form a thoughtful portrait of California.

This philosophy of listening to the land and prioritizing transparency makes LIOCO a natural partner for Malibu Farm. Both ask the same question of their ingredients: what is this, and how do we honor it?

WHERE IT ALL COMES TOGETHER

The collaboration reaches its fullest expression at the table, particularly during intimate multi-course wine dinners. These events pair Chef Ball’s five-course menus with LIOCO’s wines and offer something increasingly rare, a meal with a clear point of view.

Each dish is designed alongside its wine pairing. A seared diver scallop with preserved Meyer lemon and basil oil is matched with LIOCO’s Sauvignon Blanc, its brightness balancing the richness. A Liberty Farm duck breast escabeche with pickled shallots, grilled apricots, and toasted hazelnuts meets the Cole Ranch Rosé Reserve in a study of acidity and fruit. By the time a prosciutto-wrapped lamb mosaic is served with a Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir, the meal unfolds like a narrative told course by course.

What sets these dinners apart is the presence of the people behind the work. Matt and Sara Licklider speak about their vineyards with genuine enthusiasm. Chef Ball shares his sourcing decisions with openness and clarity. The atmosphere feels less like a traditional restaurant and more like an ongoing conversation, set against one of the most striking views in the Bay Area.

The Malibu Farm and LIOCO collaboration arrives at a moment when diners are seeking more than just a meal. Across the region, the restaurants and producers earning loyalty are those offering not only quality, but also a clear and meaningful story. Where it came from, who made it, and why it matters. It is a shift that favors honesty over pretense, and it suits both brands well.

For Malibu Farm Tiburon, the partnership represents a natural evolution. Since opening, it has positioned itself as more than a place to eat. It is a place to understand what California grows and produces, and what it looks and tastes like when handled with care. With the bay just beyond the dining room and stories of vineyards unfolding at the table, that understanding becomes something more than information. It becomes experience.

Which is exactly the point.

A Taste of Paris

A culinary journey through the city’s most iconic tables where some of the world’s most celebrated cultural heritage took shape.

BY MICHELLE RESTANTE

IN PARIS, A TABLE IS NEVER JUST A PLACE TO DINE, IT IS A stage upon which history, art, and literature unfold. The city’s most iconic cafés and restaurants have long served as salons of ideas, where painters lingered over wine, philosophers argued into the night, and writers found their voice between courses. To dine in these establishments is to partake in a continuum of culture, where the past is not preserved behind glass, but alive in the clink of glasses, the patina of marble tables, and the enduring rituals of French gastronomy.

LE PROCOPE

13 Rue de l’Ancienne Comédie, 75006 Paris

Established in 1686, Le Procope is widely regarded as the oldest café in Paris and a birthplace of Enlightenment thought and revolutionary discourse. Its gilded interiors and chandeliers recall a time when figures like Voltaire and Napoléon Bonaparte gathered within its walls.

The menu reflects its grand heritage, offering classic French dishes such as coq au vin, onion soup, and rich traditional desserts rooted in centuries-old recipes. Dining here is an immersion into

intellectual history, where every mirror and portrait seems to echo conversations that shaped modern Europe.

Le Procope’s enduring allure lies in its ability to balance theatrical elegance with authenticity. It is not merely a relic, but a living institution — one that continues to serve both cuisine and conversation in equal measure. www.procope.com

LE POLIDOR

41 Rue Monsieur le Prince, 75006 Paris

Tucked into the Latin Quarter, Le Polidor offers a rare authenticity, its interiors virtually unchanged since 1845. This was a haunt of literary giants including Ernest Hemingway and James Joyce, who found inspiration in its unpretentious atmosphere.

The cuisine is similarly grounded featuring hearty, traditional dishes such as boeuf bourguignon and lentil stew served without flourish. Communal tables encourage conversation, echoing the café’s origins as a gathering place for thinkers and students. Le Polidor resists the temptation to modernize, preserving instead the quiet dignity of its past. It is a reminder that luxury, in its truest form, can be found in authenticity. www.polidor.com

Gros Escargots de Bourgogne at Le Procope

Les Deux Magots, frequented by Ernest Hemingway in the 1920s (above), remains a landmark of literary Paris.

LES DEUX MAGOTS

6 Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés, 75006 Paris

Few cafés embody the literary soul of Paris quite like Les Deux Magots. Since the late 19th century, it has been synonymous with intellectual life, hosting figures such as Ernest Hemingway, JeanPaul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir.

The café’s terrace, perpetually animated by the rhythm of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, invites guests to linger over a café crème or indulge in a croque monsieur, simple pleasures elevated by their surroundings. The china, the uniforms, and the cadence of service all remain reassuringly unchanged, preserving the café’s storied identity.

There is a certain romance in sitting where existentialism was debated and literary movements quietly took shape. Here, Paris reveals itself not through spectacle, but through continuity. www.lesdeuxmagots.fr

Le Polidor

CAFÉ DE FLORE

172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris

Across the boulevard, Café de Flore stands as both rival and counterpart to Les Deux Magots. Established in the late 19th century, it became a hub for avant-garde thinkers and artists, its name now inseparable from the intellectual fabric of Paris. Signature offerings include rich hot chocolate, buttery tartines, and impeccably brewed coffee and are less about innovation than ritual. The true luxury here is time: time to observe, to reflect, and to participate in the quiet theater of Parisian life.

The café’s enduring mystique lies in its paradox. It is at once a global destination and a sacred site of philosophical inquiry — a place where past and present coexist with effortless grace. www.cafedeflore.fr

CAFÉ DE LA PAIX

5 Place de l’Opéra, 75009 Paris

Overlooking the Palais Garnier, Café de la Paix embodies the grandeur of Second Empire Paris. Since its opening in 1862, it has attracted luminaries such as Victor Hugo and Oscar Wilde.

The setting is opulent boasting gilded ceilings, frescoes, and an atmosphere that recalls the elegance of a bygone era. The menu leans toward refined French classics, from seafood platters to delicate pastries, each dish presented with meticulous attention to detail.

Dining here is a sensory experience, where architecture, cuisine, and history converge. It is Paris at its most theatrical, a celebration of the city’s enduring love affair with beauty. www.cafedelapaix.fr

At Auberge Ravoux, Vincent van Gogh spent his final days, turning a modest inn into a quiet witness to the end of an extraordinary artistic life.

Auvers-sur-Oise, 95430 (just outside Paris)

At the edge of Paris, in the quiet village of Auvers-sur-Oise, Auberge Ravoux feels less like a restaurant and more like a preserved moment in time. Known as the final residence of Vincent van Gogh, the inn is where the artist spent the last 70 days of his life, producing an astonishing body of work before his death in 1890.

The dining room, still evocative of the 19th century with its modest wooden tables and linen cloths, serves simple, rustic fare inspired by the era — bread, cheese, wine, and seasonal countryside dishes that echo what Van Gogh himself would have known. There is a poetic restraint here; the cuisine does not seek to dazzle but to honor the quiet rhythms of a bygone artistic life.

To dine here is to feel the proximity of genius, an intimacy heightened by the preserved attic room upstairs, bare and haunting. The experience transcends gastronomy, becoming a pilgrimage into the soul of Post-Impressionism. www.maisondevangogh.fr

To traverse these tables is to journey through the intellectual and artistic evolution of Paris itself and, in many ways, beyond its borders. Each café and restaurant offers more than a meal; it offers a narrative, a connection to the minds that shaped modern culture. In a city defined by its devotion to beauty and ideas, the act of dining becomes an art form, one best experienced slowly, thoughtfully, and always with a sense of history close at hand.

Café de Flore

Café de la Paix

AUBERGE RAVOUX

California Lifestyle Collection

408 GOLDEN GATE AVENUE

rooms open onto a spacious 1,000+ square foot waterfront deck for gracious outdoor entertaining. The full floor luxurious master suite upstairs includes a fireplace, 2 walk-in closets, an o ce area with huge view window, and a terrace overlooking the Bay. Wide plank French light oak floors are throughout the entire home. Almost every room enjoys spectacular views of the Bay, San Francisco, Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito, Mount Tam, and beyond.

BELVEDERE Luxury Fully Furnished Rental with Pool

4 BEDS | 5 BATHS | 1 HALF-BATHS | ±4,890 SQ. FT $28,000/month

There is a gated garden and a 2-car garage plus ample street parking. Belvedere is recognized as the safest community in the Bay Area, and West Shore Road is a wide ﬂat street for ample space for biking, walking, and parking. It is also the best yachting location on San Francisco Bay, with easy access to Corinthian Yacht Club and San Francisco Yacht Club. Belvedere Park and downtown Tiburon are just a short distance away, where you can catch ferry services to San Francisco and Angel Island, and enjoy a dozen great restaurants including Michael Mina’s Bungalow Kitchen, Malibu Farm and Le Petite Left Bank bistro. For details and pictures please visit www.55WestShore.com.

The New Status Signals of Wealth

Why the Most Affluent Are Opting for Subtlety Over Show

BY FRAN MILLER

THERE WAS A TIME, NOT SO LONG AGO, WHEN WEALTH WAS more overtly displayed. Loud designer logos, the latest and greatest sports cars, and trophy properties purchased for headline value were de rigueur. But the signals have evolved. Today’s most affluent households (particularly in San Francisco, where tech fortunes mature at hyper-speed) measure status by something else entirely: control— control of time, of space, of access, and of discretion.

SPACE IS THE ULTIMATE FLEX

The new luxury begins with breathing room. Not necessarily a 20,000-square-foot estate, but acreage without adjacency. Luxury reveals itself in wide hallways, negative space, and homes designed for light and separation rather than proximity and overt display. In Northern California, architectural firms like Backen & Backen have built reputations on restraint—structures that feel expansive without ornamental excess. Travel follows the same logic. Increasingly, affluent travelers are choosing control over theatrics, such as through fractional aviation with companies like NetJets. The modern status symbol is not the suite; it’s the square footage between you and everyone else.

LOGO WITHDRAWAL

The conspicuous consumption era has given way to textile literacy. A sweater from Brunello Cucinelli or Loro Piana communicates

through luxe fiber, not logos. The Row, for instance, has built an empire on precision tailoring with almost no visible branding. This isn’t minimalism for aesthetics’ sake—it’s fluency. Luxury insiders sometimes refer to this as “logo withdrawal,” a deliberate retreat from overt branding in favor of material excellence. The new elite assume recognition among their peer group; they don’t require validation from strangers. The confidence lies in knowing that the right audience can identify the small Cucinelli monili at twenty paces.

RADICAL EDITING

Wealth used to accumulate. Now it edits. It’s about one exceptional watch from Patek Philippe, selected for generational continuity, rather than a wardrobe of timepieces. It’s about a wine cellar built around verticals of Screaming Eagle rather than dozens of impulse auction buys. Even travel is curated differently. Luxury might mean fewer destinations and longer stays, such as returning to the same villa in Tuscany each summer. The new status symbol is one’s relationships with artisans, vintners, and chefs. Quality has eclipsed quantity so completely that excess now reads as insecurity.

ACCESS OVER OWNERSHIP

The hierarchy has shifted from possession to permission. Ownership still matters, but access carries more social currency. Prized are invitation-only wine allocations and memberships in private culinary clubs. Early participation in venture rounds before a company hits its IPO is a feather in the cap. In the Bay Area especially, intellectual access rivals material display. The ability to fund the next AI breakthrough or serve on a foundation board shaping regional policy carries more weight than a new sports car ever could. The power lies in being proximate to influence.

WELLNESS AS INFRASTRUCTURE

Another subtle signal: health systems built into daily life—cold plunges integrated into primary residences, in-home Pilates studios, concierge medicine with advanced diagnostics, and performance coaches on retainer. The modern affluent individual is investing heavily in vitality and longevity. It is a forward-looking form of luxury. A diamond signals success achieved; a comprehensive longevity protocol signals decades yet to come.

TIME AS CURRENCY

Perhaps the clearest marker of wealth today is calendar sovereignty— leaving August unscheduled, traveling off-season by preference, or designing businesses that allow geographic fluidity. Time flexibility communicates something money alone cannot: optionality.

UNDER-THE-RADAR PHILANTHROPY

In San Francisco, overt extravagance often clashes with cultural norms. Influence tends to move through more under-the-radar channels, such as foundation endowments, strategic donations, board service, or research funding. The emphasis is on impact rather than applause. This restrained approach reflects a broader pattern: the most powerful players increasingly prefer to operate quietly.

THE ANTI-ALGORITHM LIFESTYLE

The final layer may be the most contemporary: not performing for the feed. Not chasing viral restaurants. Not broadcasting every vacation. Not dressing for visibility metrics. Choosing discretion has become a luxury in its own right.

DECODING THE NEW STATUS SIGNALS

These new status signals are subtle by design. They may require context to decode, but they speak in the language of margin: space between homes, hours left unscheduled, fabrics without logos, memberships without press releases. In San Francisco, where generational fortunes have been built in two decades, this recalibration makes sense. When wealth accumulates that quickly and that publicly, the impulse to flaunt it eventually gives way to something cooler and more controlled. Wealth no longer needs to announce itself; it is selfevident to those who understand the cues.

TO INFINITY AND BEYOND

The New Ferrari F80 – 1,200 Horsepower –799 built – $4m (if you’re lucky!)

BY KEVIN O’CONNOR

THERE ARE EXACTLY SIX SUPERCARS IN FERRARI’S HISTORY THAT carry the full weight of the brand’s eighty-year obsession with speed, beauty, and a refusal to compromise. The 288 GTO. The F40. The F50. The Enzo. The LaFerrari. And now, completed, sold out, and already entering legend before a single delivery, the F80.

Named to mark Ferrari’s eightieth anniversary, it deliberately echoes the F40, created for the company’s fortieth. The comparison is unavoidable. The F40 is still considered by many to be the greatest Ferrari ever built, raw and unapologetically mechanical. The F80 answers a different question: what does the ultimate Ferrari look like when shaped by Formula 1 electronics, Le Mans-winning engineering, and extreme aerodynamic science? The result is extraordinary. Ferrari’s halo cars arrive roughly once a decade, each distilling everything the company has learned in racing. They are not built for volume or profit, but to prove what is possible, and the F80 pushes that idea further than ever.

At its core is a 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged V6, the Tipo F163CF, derived from the 499P that won Le Mans in 2023 and 2024, producing 900 horsepower on its own. Three electric motors add another 300, including two on the front axle for all-wheel drive and one integrated with the transmission, similar to an F1 MGU-K system. Combined output reaches 1,200 horsepower, making it the most powerful roadgoing Ferrari ever. The performance figures are staggering: zero to

62 mph in 2.15 seconds, zero to 124 mph in 5.75 seconds, and a top speed of 217 mph. More telling is its aerodynamic force, generating 1,050 kilograms of downforce at 155 mph through a complex underbody, S-Duct airflow system, and active rear wing that together create grip comparable to dedicated race cars.

The technology runs deep. Ferrari developed the electric systems entirely in-house, including e-turbos that eliminate lag. The braking system uses advanced carbon ceramic materials for major gains in strength and thermal performance, and even suspension components are 3D printed. This is less a road car adapted from racing and more a race car made barely street legal. Visually, it sits between prototype racer and road machine, designed under Flavio Manzoni with futuristic surfaces and clear references to icons like the Daytona and F40. Every surface serves a purpose.

Inside, the asymmetric cockpit centers the driver, with a minimal interface and a single display, feeling closer to a single-seater than a grand tourer. Ferrari will build 799 units, all sold before reveal, with secondary prices already exceeding $6 million. In the collector world, its status is secure. The F80 does not try to outdo the F40 on its terms, it redefines them. Where the F40 was raw, the F80 is precise. Where the F40 demanded control, the F80 delivers it. It stands as the best Ferrari the company can build today, and a clear marker of how far the prancing horse has come.

AN insider’s guide to the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix

BY KEVIN O’CONNOR

THE 2026 MONACO GRAND PRIX RUNS JUNE 5 TO 7 ON THE storied Circuit de Monaco, 78 laps of the narrowest and most demanding track in Formula 1. It winds past casino terraces, harbor yachts, and a global crowd of celebrities and power players. If you have never been, this is the year. If you have, you are already planning. No race carries Monaco’s royal imprint. Since 1929, the Grand Prix has been under the patronage of the Grimaldi family. Prince Louis II, Prince Rainier III, and Prince Albert II all shaped its legacy. The winner still receives the trophy from the Sovereign Prince, a tradition dating back to William Grover-Williams. Under Rainier, Monaco became more than sport. His marriage to Grace Kelly elevated it into global glamour. Today, Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene remain closely involved, joined by the extended Grimaldi family. Watching the podium ceremony in Port Hercule is to feel nearly a century of tradition.

THE CIRCUIT & THE EXPERIENCE

At 3.337 kilometers, Monaco is the shortest circuit in Formula 1 and the most unforgiving. Nelson Piquet compared it to riding a bicycle around your living room. There are no runoff areas and no margin for error. Corners like Sainte Dévote, Casino Square, the Tunnel, and Rascasse demand absolute precision.

Qualifying is everything. Passing is nearly impossible, making pole position decisive. Watching from a yacht or terrace as cars scream past just meters away is one of the most visceral experiences in sport. Where you stay defines the weekend. Hotels like Hôtel de Paris and Hermitage are exceptional, but the harbor is where Monaco comes alive. For us, it was RH3, the flagship yacht of RH. Arriving in Port Hercule and stepping aboard as engines echo across the water explains why people return. The yacht is not just accommodation. It is the center of gravity, where mornings begin over coffee and nights end after Jimmy’z.

At 38.7 meters, RH3 reflects RH’s design philosophy. Once white and grey, she was repainted Phantom Grey with champagne accents, now one of the most striking vessels in the harbor.

Monaco draws a crowd unlike any other. It is part paddock, part film festival, part global summit. Over the weekend we crossed paths with Catherine Zeta-Jones, Michael Douglas, Kylian Mbappé, Chris

Two-time F1 world champ Fernando Alonso glides by in his

Atlassion Williams Team racer Alex Albon sets up the next corner in his FW46

Race winner and local boy Charles Le Clerc heads to the checkered flag in his Ferrari SF-24

Gayle, Odell Beckham Jr., Winnie Harlow, Jared Leto, and Anya Taylor-Joy. Regular attendees include Jeff Bezos, Dua Lipa, Naomi Campbell, and Heidi Klum. This is not name-dropping. It is the texture of Monaco, where worlds collide.

No Monaco weekend is complete without the Red Bull Energy Station. Built on a barge in Port Hercule, it is Formula 1’s most extraordinary venue, with DJs, open-air decks, and a swimming pool suspended above the sea. When a Red Bull driver wins, the tradition is a swan dive into the pool, a moment that defines the weekend.

Team hospitality offers a different vantage point. Ferrari delivers atmosphere and cuisine, McLaren precision and polish. Access includes paddock entry, garage tours, and live strategy briefings that transform the race into a chess match.

Dining and nightlife are part of the theater. Amazónico MonteCarlo blends Latin American and Asian cuisine in a vibrant setting near Casino Square. Buddha-Bar offers a grand, atmospheric experience with exceptional food and music. For over fifty years, Jimmy’z has defined Monaco nightlife, with world-class DJs and nights that stretch into sunrise.

RACE DAY & THE VERDICT

Sunday transforms Monaco. As engines fire and the lights go out, the Principality becomes an arena. Watching from a yacht deck as cars race inches from barriers is unforgettable. When the checkered flag falls, two traditions follow: the winner’s leap into the harbor and the chorus of yacht horns echoing across the water.

I have attended major sporting events worldwide. Nothing compares to Monaco. It is not just the greatest Formula 1 weekend. It is the greatest sporting weekend on earth.

Book early. Secure hospitality. Say yes to every invitation. And if you are offered a place on a yacht deck as the race begins, accept before they finish asking.

The grand viewing stand at Port Hercule

Aston Martin AMR24

A Home of genuine architectural pedigree designed by Charles Warren Callister

BY OLIVIA HSU DECKER PHOTOGRAPHY HARRISON MCCULLOUGH

ON THE QUIET SIDE OF EXCLUSIVE BELVEDERE ISLAND, 45 BELLA vista Avenue presents a rare and resonant opportunity. This is a home of genuine architectural pedigree designed by Charles Warren Callister, one of the defining voices of mid-century California architecture originally conceived as a 3-bedroom, 2 1/2-bath home, the property has undergone a meticulous, design-forward transformation into a 4-bedroom, 3-bath residence, expanding both its functionality and livability while remaining deeply faithful to Callister’s original vision. Every intervention has been executed with restraint and respect—preserving the home’s defining architectural language, from its clean structural lines to its warm material palette and seamless connection to the surrounding landscape and all the refinements of contemporary living.

Callister, who established his celebrated practice in Tiburon in 1950 and spent five decades shaping the residential landscape of Marin County, was known above all for his expressive use of natural materials, his deep affinity for natural, minimalist architectural principles, and his conviction that great architecture begins by listening to the land. At 45 Bella Vista, that philosophy is immediately present: the home belongs to its site as naturally as the

surrounding gardens and the light that moves across the lagoon through the day. The remodel honors this legacy in full, with beautifully crafted mahogany trim throughout in a refined, handcrafted joinery tradition that speaks directly to Callister’s well-documented design sensibility.

The first floor unfolds as a single, generous open floorplan with kitchen, dining, and living spaces flowing together with the effortless grace of a home designed for both the quiet morning and the wellset evening. Floor-to-ceiling wall-to-wall windows frame the lush surroundings, living views from every angle: the garden, the Belvedere lagoon, and the Tiburon hills beyond. A large walkout deck extends the living space outward into the landscape, dissolving the boundary between inside and out in the manner that made Callister’s homes so enduring. Beyond the main structure, a walkout garden and pavilion extend the property into the landscape, a gracious outdoor room for year-round living in the mild Belvedere climate. A bedroom and full bathroom on this level provide flexibility for guests or a home office.

From the main level, a signature circular oak staircase, one of the home’s most arresting architectural moments, rises with quiet elegance

to the upper floor. Upstairs, three bedrooms and two bathrooms are arranged with the kind of thoughtful privacy that distinguishes a welldesigned home from a merely comfortable one. The primary suite is the crown of the upper level. Generous, serene, and with its own private deck to the views of the lagoon and Tiburon hills, the primary bedroom suite provides the solace we seek from a days end and gives this home its particular sense of repose as natural light moves effortlessly through the interiors, illuminating carefully curated finishes and refined spatial proportions. The result is a home that feels both timeless and contemporary—equally suited for quiet daily living or sophisticated entertaining.

The setting itself is irreplaceable. Belvedere Island, one of the most exclusive residential communities in the entire Bay Area, offers a way of life that is as close to private as the Bay Area allows: quiet streets, immediate access to the water, top-rated schools, and the easy walking access to charming downtown Tiburon’s waterfront fine dining, shopping, Ferry services to San Francisco and Angel Island plus two world class yacht Clubs at Corinthian and San Francisco Yacht Club and the nearby parks and waterfront paths. 45 Bella Vista sits on the leeward side of the island, sheltered and peaceful, with its views oriented across the calm of the lagoon, a distinction that gives the home a particular quality of stillness rare even by Belvedere standards. This rare combination of architectural significance and walkable lifestyle is seldom found.

This is a home that rewards those who understand what they are looking at. The work of a master architect in an irreplaceable location, remodeled with intelligence and restraint, this unique home is perfect for the discerning buyer who values design integrity, provenance, and place, this is more than a home—it is a lasting work of art.

Renovation Enhancement by Moso Design Inc.

• Reconfigured layout for a more functional, open design; removed fireplace and small, closed-off kitchen

• Converted den to a 4thbedroom and changed ½ bath to full bath (was 3b/2b now a 4b/3b)

• New custom kitchen cabinets, Thermador built in refrigerator, gas cooktop and oven/micro, Miele dishwasher, Zephyr beverage cooler, Plywood kitchen cabinetry with slim shaker painted doors, Cabinet interior tray pullout shelves, Dovetailed drawers

• New electrical, recessed lighting, chandelier and light fixtures

• New plumbing, plumbing fixtures (Riobel plumbing fixtures)

• Rohl single basin porcelain sink, bathtub, vanities, mirrors, toilets and tile showers with glass doors, built in storage closets

• Blackout window shades and drapery in all bedrooms

• New engineered wood flooring throughout and tile bathrooms, new closets in bedrooms

• Replaced all interior doors and hardware with custom solid core

• New duct work and thermostats

• New drywall and insulation

• New driveway apron, landscaping updates, including sod

• Refinished/repaired decks

• Notable Charles Warren Callister architectural details to include the unique exterior cornice , the V-shaped bay with a frameless corner window and the master craftsmanship of the tree trunk inspired wood spiral stair

45 Bella Vista Avenue, Belvedere offered at $3,588,000 www.45BellaVista.com

Photography: Harrison McCullough, 530.440.9997

Inside the Bay’s Stage Arts Soirée

BY OLIVIA HSU DECKER

RED CURTAIN ADDICT IS REDEFINING HOW THE BAY Area experiences the performing arts, bringing audiences and institutions together in ways that feel both intentional and immersive. Hosted by the platform, The Bay’s Stage Arts Soirée gathered a curated mix of the region’s leading arts organizations for a night that blurred the lines between disciplines, audiences, and the experience itself. Opera, ballet, symphony, jazz, chorus, and theater unfolded not in isolation, but in conversation, with the moody, speakeasy ambiance of Local Edition setting the tone. What emerged was more than a showcase. It was a carefully orchestrated celebration of the Bay Area’s cultural landscape, one that felt elevated yet unexpectedly intimate.

“We think about the arts as something living and evolving,” said Kari Coomans, Founder of Red Curtain Addict. “It’s not just about attending a performance. It’s about creating a way for people to discover it, understand it, and feel connected to it in a deeper, more lasting way.”

Performances transitioned seamlessly, highlighting the region’s range of talent, from the precision of San Francisco Ballet School to the commanding presence of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, alongside the richness of the San Francisco Philharmonic, Opera Parallèle’s contemporary storytelling, the energy of Healdsburg Jazz Festival, and the theatrical flair of Transcendence Theatre Company. Between sets, artistic leaders offered insight into their work, adding a level of access rarely found in traditional settings.

Guests moved through the space with ease, cocktails in hand, enjoying Hendrick’s Gin, Duckhorn Vineyards wines, and bites from Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak and Steph Curry’s The Eighth Rule. What lingered most was the atmosphere, defined by movement, conversation, and connection. At its core, the soirée reflects Red Curtain Addict’s broader ambition to build a multiplatform ecosystem that makes the arts more connected, accessible, and relevant for modern audiences.

Daru Kowakowski, Joel Goodrich, Kari Colmans, and Olivia Decker

Red Curtain Addict founders Kari and Parker Coomans

Stella Heath from Healdsburg Jazz Festival

SF Gay Men’s Chorus performing at the Soiree

Lalita Perez Acosta, Lena Goldstein, Joshua Choi, Kristen Klehr, and Cionne Ware

Nora Quattrin and Kristi Symon

PEBBLE BEACH FOOD & WINE CELEBRATES CULINARY EXCELLENCE ON THE COAST

BY JENNIFER BODEN

PEBBLE BEACH FOOD & WINE MARKED ITS 15TH YEAR by bringing together 150 world-class chefs, vintners and mixologists to California’s iconic Monterey coastline from April 9–12. From grand tastings and educational seminars to rare pours and exclusive dining, guests experienced the magic of this premiere event. Highlights included:

Opening Night, hosted by Jonathan Waxman and featured more than 20 acclaimed chefs serving inventive bites alongside premier wines from over 90 distinguished wineries.

The Taste of La Mar Dinner, brought Gastón Acurio, Kaoru Chang, Jesús Delgado, Victoriano Lopez, and Diego Oka together for a standout culinary experience.

The Art of Asian Cuisine, hosted by Shota Nakajima, Pablo Mellin, Dale Talde, and Roy Yamaguchi.

The highly anticipated 75 Years of Jonathan Waxman Dinner honored his milestone birthday, as four of his closest friends—Jimmy Bradley, Joey Campanaro, Paul Kahan, and Michael Symon—stepped into the spotlight to carry forward his vision.

The signature event of the weekend, the Saturday and Sunday Tasting Pavilion drew crowds eager to sample the best of the festival.

Eisele Vineyard: A Napa Icon hosted by winemaker LouisClément Prats and technical director Sarah Prior. Through a guided tasting, guests explored how its alluvial soils at the base of the Palisades Mountains, paired with organic and biodynamic practices, shaped its unique character.

Fifty Years of Grace Family Vineyards: Guests joined founder Dick Grace and proprietor Kathryn Green for an engaging conversation about the estate’s journey and values that shape each bottle

Rose & Arrow: The Geology of Good Wine. Winemaker Felipe Ramirez discussed how dramatic geology and meticulous craft converge to create wines that are dramatic, textural, and vibrant.

A Legend Revives: Royal Tokaji’s Managing Director Charlie Mount shared wine and the story of how the historic Tokaj wine region was revived.

The festival offered a unique opportunity to experience the very best in food, wine, and hospitality, while also supporting the philanthropic efforts of the Pebble Beach Company Foundation.

Walk-Around Wine Tasting featuring Santa Lucia Highlands Wine Artisans hosted by Chef Nyesha Arrington.

Press Napa Valley Chef Philip Tessier

Bites at Opening Night hosted by Chef Jonathan Waxman

Walk-Around Wine Tasting La Mar team and Chef Diego Oka

Duckhorn Collection at Paraduxx hosted Festival Napa Valley Olivia Decker Power of Music Concert

BY OLIVIA HSU DECKER

PHOTOGRAPHY DAVID ORTEGA

FESTIVAL NAPA VALLEY PRESENTED AN ELEGANT afternoon of music and wine on March 15 at The Duckhorn Collection at Paraduxx. The event, part of the Festival’s Olivia Decker Power of Music Series, brought together exceptional artistry, fine wine, and the signature hospitality of Napa Valley in an intimate setting. Internationally acclaimed violinist Nancy Zhou headlined the performance, captivating guests with a program that balanced technical brilliance and expressive depth. Her repertoire ranged from Bach’s Partita No. 1 for Solo Violin to works by Ysaÿe and Bartók, culminating in John Corigliano’s The Red Violin Caprices. An encore by Fritz Kreisler provided the perfect finishing touch. Guests were welcomed into the sunlit space with a glass of Duckhorn Vineyards North Coast Sauvignon Blanc, served alongside artisanal cheeses and charcuterie. Throughout the afternoon, wines including Paraduxx Proprietary Red Blend, Napa Valley Merlot, and Goldeneye Gowan Creek Pinot Noir

were paired with a seasonal tasting menu by executive chef Dominic Orsini. Each pairing underscored the craftsmanship and balance that define The Duckhorn Collection. The occasion marked the first program of its kind at The Duckhorn Collection at Paraduxx, which opened to the public in June 2025. In partnership with Festival Napa Valley, the event offered guests an experience that harmonized culture, cuisine, and a sense of place - a celebration of Napa Valley’s enduring connection between art and wine.

Among the distinguished guests were Janette Brooks, Judith Caldwell, JT Connor, Olivia Decker, John Pollak, Joanne Dickenson DePuy, Isabel Freeman, Margaret Karl, Nanette Olsen, Roger Snow, Elizabeth Patel, Maria Pelayo, Jacqui and Ryan Pio Roda, Jag Soni, and Mindy Spencer. For upcoming and past Olivia Decker Power of Music Series, please visit https://FestivalNapaValley.org/Programs/ olivia-decker-power-of-music-series/

Jag Soni, Jesse Powell, Margaret Karl, Olivia Decker, and Rick Walker

JohnPollock, Olivia Decker, Nanette Olsen and Roger Snow

Jacqui Pio Roda and Ryan Pio Roda

Judith Caldwell, Janette Brooks, Elizabeth Patel

Olivia Decker and Nancy Zhou

ArtSmart 10th Anniversary Gala honoring Maria Manetti Shrem

ARTSMART CELEBRATED ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY WITH a luminous gala on April 6, 2026, at the historic University Club of San Francisco, bringing together an intimate circle of artists, Maria Manetti Shrem Mentors, students, and distinguished supporters. The evening featured a festive reception, a concert program blending world‑class performance and personal storytelling, and an exclusive post‑concert dinner for sponsors and special guests— honoring a decade of ArtSmart’s transformative work advancing young artists through mentorship, access, and community.

Maria Manetti Shrem, Ahmad Mayes, Aniyjah Garrett, Latonia Moore and Steve Garcia Lopez attend ArtSmart’s 10th Anniversary Gala honoring Maria Manetti Shrem

Maria Manetti Shrem with Students From Children’s Day School

Ahmad Mayes Erica Xiaoyan Guo Mario Rojas Maria Manetti

Shrem Latonia Moore Steve Garcia Lopez and Aniyjah Garrett

Kari and Parker Coomans

Trent Norris Romana Bracco and Jack Calhoun

Sonia Moore Latonia Moore and Tejal Shah

Lilian Tsai, Kristi Symon and Leticia Martinez

Julianne Casper, Tejal Shah, Andrea Fitanides

Celebrating Matthew!

The man who has guided San Francisco Opera with artistry and conviction for a decade

BY FRAN MILLER

ON THE EVE OF ST. PATRICK’S DAY, SAN FRANCISCO’S opera faithful gathered not in the gilded halls of the War Memorial Opera House, but in the intimate elegance of the Green Room within the adjacent Veterans Building. The space, for one shimmering evening, was precisely the right size for a celebration this personal. Celebrating Matthew! was the name on the invitation, and there was no ambiguity about the honoree: Tad and Dianne Taube General Director Matthew Shilvock, the man who has guided San Francisco Opera with artistry and conviction for a decade.

The black-tie fundraiser marked a pair of extraordinary milestones: Shilvock’s tenth year as General Director and his twentieth year of dedicated service to the Company. It was, by every measure, an evening befitting the occasion: intimate yet grand, celebratory yet purposeful, and suffused throughout with the musical splendor that has defined his tenure.

Guests arrived to cocktails on the terrace overlooking City Hall, its illuminated dome a fitting backdrop for a night celebrating civic and cultural stewardship, before being ushered inside for a dinner and musical program that reflected the very spirit Shilvock has long championed. Baritone Lucas Meachem, sopranos Sofia Gotch and Mary Hoskins, and San Francisco Opera Center Artistic Director Carrie-Ann Matheson at the piano brought warmth and beauty to an evening that felt celebratory and deeply personal.

“Matthew’s vision and passion have propelled San Francisco Opera forward, strengthening our community and inspiring creativity. Thanks to his leadership, we’ve seen remarkable artistry on our stage,” said Jack Calhoun, President of the Board of Directors.

The evening also served a vital philanthropic purpose. Proceeds will endow the General Director’s Creativity Fund, a legacy initiative that Shilvock will personally direct in support of creativity and innovation, the twin pillars he has championed across two decades with the Company.

Born in Kidderminster, England, and educated at Christ Church, Oxford, where he wrote his thesis on Baroque composer Jean Baptiste Lully, Shilvock arrived in San Francisco in 2005 and worked his way through the ranks under the mentorship of then-General Director David Gockley, before being appointed the Company’s seventh General Director on August 1, 2016. The decade that followed has been nothing short of transformative. Shilvock has stewarded world premieres of landmark American operas — John Adams’ Girls of the Golden West and Antony and Cleopatra (the latter dedicated to Shilvock by the composer), Bright Sheng’s Dream of the Red Chamber, and Huang Ruo’s The Monkey King — along with the commission or co-commission of ten operas in total, including Kaija Saariaho’s Innocence, which made its American premiere in San Francisco. In 2019, he made the visionary appointment of conductor Eun Sun Kim as Music Director, a partnership that led the Company through the upheaval of a global pandemic and into a triumphant Centennial Season.

As the final notes faded and guests enjoyed the last of the evening’s toasts, what remained was the unmistakable sense that this had been more than a party. It was a city acknowledging a debt of gratitude to a man who arrived from England two decades ago and chose, through his work and his vision, to make San Francisco’s cultural life his life’s work. For Matthew Shilvock, the ovation continues.

Jerome Dodson, Matthew Shilvock, Paul Pelosi and Jack Calhoun

Matthew Shilvock, Jacqueline Erdman and Christian Erdman

Peter Carpenter, Jane Carpenter, Matthew Shilvock, Peggy Nute, Boyce Nute and Valerie Crane Dorfman

Matthew Shilvock and Dede Wilsey

Community Music Center’s Spring

Gala Strikes a Deep Chord at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco

BY KRISHA CHHAGANLAL

ON MARCH 14, COMMUNITY MUSIC CENTER WELCOMED supporters, artists, civic leaders, and members of San Francisco’s philanthropic community to The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, for its 2026 Spring Gala, an evening that moved with polish but never lost sight of its purpose.

The program began with a cocktail reception before unfolding into a banquet dinner, awards, a scholarship auction, live performances, and dancing, all in support of the organization’s longstanding mission to make high-quality music education accessible regardless of financial means.

There was intention in the way the night was built. Guests were welcomed by the sound of Community Music Center’s Children’s Chorus in the lobby, with additional reception performances by Teen Jazz Orchestra member Eliot Valz and faculty member Javi Jiménez setting an immediate tone of warmth and artistry before dinner even began.

The main program was emceed by Kari Lincks Coomans, founder and CEO of Red Curtain Addict, whose presence tied the evening to the broader Bay Area performing arts community. Opening remarks from Board of Supervisors President Rafael Mandelman, alongside the presence of civic figures including Connie Chan, David Chiu, and Scott Wiener, reinforced how deeply the Community Music Center is woven into the cultural life of San Francisco.

The gala also paused to recognize those whose commitment has helped sustain that mission over time. Ronald Gallman, Sharon L. Litsky, and John F. Sampson were honored with the 2026 Gertrude Field Community Impact Award, a fitting moment in a program

Hélène Edelman and Roger Woods

Amethyst Sallinger and Joel Goodrich

PHOTOS DREW ALTIZER PHOTOGRAPHY

that consistently returned to the people behind the institution as much as the institution itself.

What appears to have made the evening resonate most, though, was its rhythm. CMC Mariachi brought an early surge of energy to the ballroom. The Children’s Chorus returned later in the evening for a tribute to members of the CMC community lost over the past year.

Merit scholar Laura Chen performed during dinner, while student Angel Rosales offered a testimonial that added a personal, lived dimension to the organization’s impact. Those moments gave the gala shape, moving it beyond ceremony and into something more felt.

As the evening continued, the fundraising momentum rose. Jonathan Moscone stepped in at the last minute to lead the paddle raise, helping drive what Community Music Center later reported as a record-breaking result. After dessert, pianist Elizabeth Dorman performed, followed by a string quartet from the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra that earned a standing ovation.

The night closed on a celebratory note with Le Jazz Hot Quartet, featuring CMC alum Cullen Luper, carrying guests onto the dance floor. By the end of the evening, the gala and online auction had raised more than $430,000 to support tuition-free programs, slidingscale tuition assistance, and scholarships.

In the end, what defined Community Music Center’s Spring Gala was not just elegance, though there was certainly plenty of that at the Ritz-Carlton. It was the sense of continuity running through the night: students, alumni, faculty, supporters, and city leaders all gathered around the same idea, that music belongs in the life of a city when it is truly open to everyone.

Parker Coomans, Kari Lincks Coomans, Navid Armstrong, and Joel Goodrich

David Seto, Sharon Seto, and Rafael Mandelman

John Dains, Donna Liu, and Julie Rulyak Steinberg

Erik Erickson, Lauren Erickson, Kenzie Ferguson, and Ed Gogel

Dress for Success San Francisco Celebrates Two Decades at The Disco Ball Gala

BY KRISHA CHHAGANLAL

THE SOLD-OUT ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AT TERRA Gallery raised $420,000 and reminded San Francisco exactly why this organization has been the Bay Area’s quiet engine of women’s economic mobility for 20 years.

Melissa arrived at Dress for Success San Francisco with two children, a small backpack, and, as she described it, the courage to believe life could be different. A single mother, immigrant, and survivor of domestic violence originally from Mexico City, she held a Master’s degree in Science and was starting over from nothing. On April 18, she stood before a sold-out crowd at Terra Gallery as living proof of what happens when the right support finds the right woman at the right moment.

It was exactly the kind of moment that reminds a room why they showed up. The Disco Ball Gala, Dress for Success San Francisco’s signature annual fundraiser, marked the organization’s 20th anniversary with 350 guests, a luminous roster of honorees and civic leaders, and $420,000 raised in support of women’s economic mobility across the Bay Area. It was the most successful gala in the event’s history.

Left: David Seto, Mark Rhoades, Wendy SooneBroder, Anne Cochran Sutton, Heidi Imbus, Rita Moreno, Tina Kwok, Annette Farmanfarmaian, Fernanda Fisher, Erin Badillo, Sharon Seto, Kenzie Ferguson, Stephanie Block, Vicky Wong, Joel Goodrich, Farah Makras, Marisa Rodriguez, and Antonio Contreras

Below: Melissa Camacho

TWENTY YEARS OF IMPACT

When Dress for Success San Francisco opened its doors in 2006, it served 21 women. Today, that number exceeds 19,000 across the Bay Area, all reached through career wardrobe support, one-onone coaching, resume preparation, skills training, and community programming provided entirely free of charge. In 2025, its most impactful year on record, the organization served 1,345 women. The anniversary gala was a moment to honor that growth and recommit to the work ahead.

The movement itself has deeper roots. In 1997, law student Nancy Lublin used a $5,000 inheritance to open the original Dress for Success boutique in the basement of a Manhattan church. That founding impulse, practical, human, and grounded in the belief that every woman deserves access to opportunity, now drives more than 152 affiliates across 30 countries. The San Francisco chapter has carried that mission faithfully for two decades, growing from a modest local program into one of the Bay Area’s most respected workforce development organizations.

“For 20 years, we have supported women as they build careers and financial stability,” said Executive Director Erin C. Badillo. “Seeing this community come together at The Disco Ball is a powerful reminder that when women have access to opportunity and support, they create lasting change for themselves, their families, and our region.”

THE EVENING’S PROGRAM AND GUESTS

The gala was chaired by Sharon Seto, marking her final year after eight years of co-chairing the event and helping shape it into one of the organization’s most established and successful fundraisers.

Honorary Co-Chairs Rita Moreno and Fernanda Fisher brought one of the night’s most memorable moments during the live auction, when they spontaneously offered to host a private dinner for six at their homes. The addition sparked a surge in bidding, with the experience expanding to include wine from The PlumpJack Group, an overnight stay at the Palace Hotel, and chocolates from Timothy Adams.

The program continued, emceed by Janelle Wang, with remarks and appearances from Eleni Kounalakis, Rafael Mandelman, Joanie Bily, and Renee Surcouf.

Three leaders were also recognized for their work advancing opportunities for women across the Bay Area. Hilary Newsom, president and partner of The PlumpJack Group, received the 2026 Beacon Award, presented by Anne Cochran Sutton. She was joined by Kenzie Ferguson, vice president of Delta Dental Community Care Foundation and corporate social responsibility at Delta Dental of California, and Marisa Rodriguez, CEO of Union Square Alliance. Dinner was served by McCall’s Catering and Events, with dishes including pinot noir braised beef short rib and quinoastuffed pipian squash, alongside wines from Wente Family Vineyards, a longtime supporter of the organization. Late-night sliders and grilled cheese, sponsored by Bank of Marin, kept the evening going well past the formal program.

THE IMPACT IN PRACTICE

What Melissa shared on stage wasn’t just a story. It was the result. After coming to Dress for Success San Francisco following a period that included living in a shelter with her children, she received career wardrobe support and one-on-one coaching that helped her rebuild with direction and confidence.

Today, she is the co-founder of Home Support and Companionship, a San Francisco-based worker-owned cooperative employing 10 people and serving 24 clients, with plans to expand this summer as part of Vivid Life, a worker-owned home care initiative in California.

She is also continuing her education, having earned two scholarships at City College of San Francisco, and is preparing to transfer to San Francisco State University, where she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Public Health.

“Dress for Success didn’t just give me clothes. It gave me confidence, dignity, and hope,” she said.

Her remarks were met with a standing ovation. Among those in the audience, Hilary Newsom later described her as “her hero.”

After 20 years, this is the result that Dress for Success and the Disco Ball Gala help make possible.

Saul Sugarman and Stephen Magyari

Fernanda Fisher, Rita Moreno, and Sharon Seto

Hilary Newsom, Anne Cochran Sutton, Mark Rhoades

Marisa Rodriguez, Vicky Wong, and Hilary Newsom

Joanie Bily

Carolyn Chang, Mary Beth Shimmon, and Farah Makras

V Foundation for Cancer Research Sonoma Epicurean Event Raises $3.5M

BY JENNIFER BODEN

THE EVENT BROUGHT TOGETHER SONOMA COUNTY’S MOST renowned chefs, wineries, and passionate supporters on March 26th–29th. 100% of event proceeds are dedicated to labs of top scientists at prominent cancer centers nationwide. Since its debut in 2022, Sonoma Epicurean has raised nearly $17 million. Weekend highlights included:

Thursday, March 26th featured the Vintner Showcase Reception at Montage Healdsburg, followed by a selection of fine-dining Vintner Dinners hosted at Aperture Cellars, Silver Oak Cellars, Bricoleur Vineyards and Skipstone Wine. Thursday’s festivities concluded with the After Party at Roof 106 at The Matheson on the Healdsburg Square.

Friday, March 27th offered Epicurean Experiences, where guests had their choice of a fully immersive activity such as The Mind-Body Luncheon with Live Well Lead Well at Montage Hotel, Culinary Theater with Chefs Charlie Palmer and Dustin Valette at Appellation Healdsburg, and golf at the renowned Santa Rosa Golf Club. Friday concluded with the Epic Party at Bacchus Landing in historic Healdsburg, with live music, an array of food and wine stations from notable chefs and vintners, and the Case for Research wine auction featuring Gary Farrell, Rodney Strong and Stonestreet.

Saturday, March 28th began with Conversations for a Cure, where guests heard from three V Foundation-funded grantees about their groundbreaking work across a range of cancer types and research focuses.

The main event on Saturday evening was the Gala & Auction at wine country’s premium destination, Montage Healdsburg. The Gala was hosted by award-winning ESPN SportsCenter anchor and cancer thriver Jay Harris and recognized two honorees, Ariel Ungerleider Kelley, J.D., MBA, and Shoshana Ungerleider, M.D., distinguished Sonoma County leaders whose work bridges public service, healthcare, and nonprofit innovation.

The auction’s top lot featured a six-night, seven-day private villa experience at Zapotal Golf and Beach Club in Costa Rica, plus a private dinner for 12 at Lando Estate hosted by Sonoma County vintners Sam Lando and Tony Lombardi.

Chefs Charlie Palmer and Dustin Valette at wine-paired luncheon at Appellation Healdsburg

Discussing groundbreaking work across a range of cancer types and research focuses with V Foundationfunded grantees

Jay Harris recognizes Ariel Ungerleider Kelley, J.D., MBA, and Shoshana Ungerleider, M.D. with a grant in memory of their father Steven Ungerleider.

Other top lots included: a FIFA World Cup 2026™ experience in a private suite at Levi’s Stadium and a luncheon for four at Quivira Vineyards, including a vertical of Quivira Anderson Ranch magnums; a seven night stay in luxury villa located in the prestigious Mas Nou Golf area of Castell-Platja d’Aro on Spain’s Costa Brava, plus a private Century Tour & Tasting for 8 People at the Ridge Lytton Springs Estate; and an exclusive VIP Formula 1 Grand Prix experience in Miami or Las Vegas, including a Weather Wines tasting for six at the private Church Vineyard Estate in Los Carneros.

The excitement continued through the Fund-a-Need paddle raise and in total, the event raised over $3.5 million for lifesaving cancer research. The 6th Annual V Foundation Sonoma Epicurean is set for March 11th-14th, 2027.

or Visit SanFranciscoFineHomes.com | Lic.# 00712080

Lydia Graham is a passionate advocate of healthy living. She has launched and positioned health and wellness-related companies, products, technologies, and organizations receiving more than 100 awards nationally and internationally. Her focus in the health sector is specifically on healthy living, aging, and longevity. She is a partner and investor in several nationally recognized brands. Graham envisions the possibility people can enjoy life at 95 as much as at 25 and that the steps we take each day matter on our heallh journey.

Take the “Lag” out of Jetlag

Enjoy Every Moment of Your Trip!

BY LYDIA GRAHAM

NOTHING IS MORE FRUSTRATING THAN GOING ON YOUR DREAM vacation only to waste the first few days at your destination feeling subpar. By the time you have adjusted, it is over, and when you get home, you lose a few more good days upon re-entry. Generally, recovering from jetlag takes one day per time zone crossed. Can this be avoided? Maybe not entirely, but it is possible to minimize the effects of jetlag by understanding it more fully and taking preemptive steps.

WHY JETLAG?

Air travel across time zones creates a “forced circadian desynchrony” or disorder. We each have our own bio-time or circadian rhythms driven by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), a group of about 50,000 cells in the hypothalamus in the brain. When we sleep and when we wake is determined by two major factors: our circadian rhythm and a chemical substance, adenosine which builds up in our brains throughout the day creating a “sleep pressure” or urge to sleep as its levels become higher as we near bedtime. Humans and animals have a circadian rhythm. In humans, our eyes detect patterns of light and dark, and these light cues are the strongest signal in setting our internal circadian clock. When these patterns change significantly from our normal routine, we disrupt our rhythms.

Artificial light, shift work, all-nighters, and late-nights interrupt our natural rhythms but the most hard-felt impact and disruption we notice immediately is from air travel across multiple time zones. These rhythms not only affect our sleep cycles but there are circadian rhythms for most of our bodily systems: immune, hormonal, heart and lung function, digestion, and metabolism. These additional rhythm disruptions place stress on our overall health when we travel.

AIR TRAVEL AFFECTS EACH OF US DIFFERENTLY

While we all have a circadian rhythm approximating a 24-hour cycle, we do not all operate on the same rhythm. Therefore, the first rule of managing jetlag is to “know thyself” and your unique body clock

or chronotype (e.g., a classification of the general timing of your biological clock).

Michael Breus, a.k.a. America’s Sleep Doctor, identifies four chronotypes in his book, The Power of When and in his TED talks on YouTube. Air-travel across time-zones affects each of us differently based on our chronotype. Learn which group you fall into here (https://sleepdoctor.com/pages/chronotypes/chronotype-quiz).

WHEN YOU SCHEDULE YOUR FLIGHT MATTERS

When crossing more than three time zones, Breus offers these observations and recommendations if you have the flexibility to adjust your flight times to minimize jetlag according to your chronotype:

Dolphins, the insomniacs or light sleepers, “suffer terribly and experience pure misery the first two or three days in a new time zone.” He suggests, ‘scheduling flights even long ones, during daylight hours. On red-eye flights, consider taking a sleeping pill.’

Lions, the super-early risers, “suffer traveling west but do better traveling east.” ‘For an overnight flight,’ he recommends, ‘flying out in the late evening; it’s slightly better to arrive very early in the morning.’

Wolves, the nocturnal, night-oriented folks, “suffer traveling east but do better traveling west.” Ideally, he says, ‘take the last plane out (midnight) to sleep better in-flight.’

Bears represent 50 percent of the population; our world revolves around them. Bears “suffer equally flying east or west but not as severely other chronotypes…unless they drink alcohol.” Breus suggests, ‘schedule a convenient overnight flight. Avoid alcohol and move in-flight to combat the effects of immobility.’

GENERAL GUIDELINES TO MINIMIZE THE “LAG”

These time-wise hacks below are from Breus’ book. They are based on data he gathered in his private practice and informed by NASA guidelines for multiple time zone travel for pilots. He says, “if you are only traveling one or two time zones, follow strategies for day one only or not at all.”

TRAVELING EAST, OR PHASE ADVANCE (WAKING EARLIER, GOING TO BED EARLIER)

Enroute:

‘Day of Flight: No caffeine at all. Adjust watch to new time zone. Inflight: After two hours on plane, attempt to sleep for remainder of the flight. Wear eye mask and ear plugs. Cannot sleep? Wear sunglasses and avoid light.

Upon Landing: Put on sunglasses.’

At Your Destination:

‘Day One: Wear sunglasses until 12:00 pm, then take them off; get as much direct sunlight as possible, especially between 1:30 and 4:30. Stuck inside? Take 10 min. sunshine breaks every hour. OK to have caffeine upon arrival but no later than 3:00 p.m. Eat all meals on your new schedule even if you are not hungry. No naps. OK to use a sleep aid the first night. No setting alarms—sleep in as long as you can the next morning.

Day Two: Sunglasses upon waking; wear until 10:00 AM. After 10:00 get as much direct sun especially between 11:30 to 2:00 PM. Stuck inside? Take sunshine breaks every hour. Caffeine OK but no later than 3:00 PM. Eat all meals on new time zone even if not hungry Exercise in the afternoon (outdoors is ideal). No naps.

Day Three: Should feel normal by now but wear sunglasses before 9:00 AM and get direct sunlight hourly after 9:00 AM onwards.’

TRAVELING WEST, OR PHASE DELAY (WAKING UP LATER; GOING TO BED LATER)

‘Day of Flight: No caffeine before flight. Set watch to new time-zone. Wear sunglasses all day until flight.

Inflight: As soon as you are comfortable, don eye mask, ear buds and listen to an audio relaxation program, then attempt to sleep. Use a sleep aid if flight is long enough. No caffeine in flight. Wear sunglasses until the last two hours of the flight. Then take them off and get as much sunlight as possible through the plane window or close-up artificial screen exposure.

Day One: Sunglasses off, get as much direct sunlight as possible, especially in the evening. Use screens at night until bedtime. No naps. No caffeine after 6:00 pm. Exercise before noon. Eat all meals on your new schedule even if you are not hungry.

Day Two: Get as much direct sunlight morning through evening. No caffeine after 3:00 PM. Exercise in the morning. Eat on new schedule even if not hungry.’

Another great resource is The Jet Lag App® https://www.Timeshifter. com. It is the most downloaded and highest rated jetlag app worldwide. It will create a jet lag plan in less than a minute you can begin to follow at least two days before departure.

OTHER HELPFUL TRAVEL TIPS

Hydrate before, during and following long haul flights. Minimize alcohol and caffeine in-flight (one drink in the air is equivalent to two on the ground). Alcohol and caffeine are dehydrating and will interfere with your sleep.

Drink bottled water from the beverage carts inflight. Why? Lab tests on galley and lavatory tap samples have revealed microscopic life above U.S. government limits you do not want to drink. Avoid drinking tea or coffee made from galley water and you might consider using your bottled water when brushing your teeth.

Move during your flight even in your seat. Particularly problematic is sitting for extended periods on a plane due to the potential for deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the legs).

Wearing compression socks even on cross country flights helps avoid post travel clots, ankle swelling and fluid retention which can cause unnecessary fatigue. You will be surprised how much difference this small hack makes. And it is not just for older adults.

Take healthy snacks on the plane like unsalted nuts (if you are not allergic), healthy bars, fresh fruit like bananas, apples, crudité with hummus, trail mix or paleo granola, or nut butter packets. For those practicing intermittent fasting or fasting, the flight and transit time might be the perfect time to fast.

SLEEP AIDS

What you may have deducted in reading so far is that the timing of when you do what you do is paramount. Most important is managing light exposure but timing applies to sleep aids too. Melatonin is a natural hormone produced by the pineal gland. As a supplement, it is hailed for its ability to help shift your time clock. If timed properly, it can help you transition faster but if taken at the wrong time, it can shift you the wrong way. When traveling east (phase advance), melatonin taken in the evening (before 1:00 AM) will shift your clock earlier. When traveling West (phase delay), taking it in the morning (after 1:00 AM) will shift the clock later. Fast-release forms work best. It is highly individualized so experiment, but melatonin is never a replacement for managing light exposure and will not help you sleep once you have adjusted. Check with your physician on the use of sleeping pills.

EATING AND EXERCISING

Eating and exercising upon arrival will help shift your biorhythm when done at the appropriate time for adaptation to your new zone.

Plan to Exercise Anywhere Anytime: Pack a bag like a jumbo Ziplock with arm and leg bands, a yoga strap and a tennis ball which feels great on the trigger points of tight muscles. Prior to traveling, download or bookmark videos or workouts with these bands if you do not know how to use them.

Even if the hotel where you are staying has a gym, having a personal yoga mat for stretches, poses, stomach crunches or floor exercises is ideal. If you do go to the hotel gym, sanitize the mat, or put a towel over it before using it. My favorite travel yoga mat is Manduka’s Yogatoes Yoga Mat Towel (https://www.manduka.com/products/yogitoes-yoga-mattowel?variant=39460974624826). There is something creepy about exercising on the floor of a hotel room where countless strangers have walked so ask for extra bath towels to put under your mat or an extra sheet to use during your stay which works even better (that will give you space to move).

Grab those running shoes for running or walking. Vet the surrounding area with locals especially if you are going alone. Some hotels even have an activity person who can run with you if you ask.

Plan exercises you can do without equipment to allow more flexibility in when and where you work out. Squats are one of the best overall exercises, as are lunges. Consider a flight of stairs an invitation for cardio; push-ups if you have your mat and stretches. Side stretches, runner’s stretch, arm circles, and standing figure fours do not require a mat. Make a list or plan your travel routine with a trainer before you leave.

Eating While Traveling: Eat on your new time zone even if you are not hungry. Every meal does not need to be special or huge. Locate restaurants catering to your individual preferences and dietary needs. Substitute vegetables for starches or ask for steamed veges, and broiled or baked meats or fish if you eat those. If a meal is one of your special vacay splurges, enjoy it. Start over tomorrow.

Remember consuming too many glasses of wine or cocktails will dehydrate you, disturbing both your sleep and blood sugar (the two can be connected) as they add calories and sugar. You will feel better and enjoy the next day’s activities more if you limit your intake; plus, you will look better too.

Upon arrival, find a market to buy additional water, nuts, fruits, and healthy snacks to supplement the hotel mini bar. Depending on your location, order online for pick-up or delivery or find the nearest healthy corner market and walk there.

CONCLUSION

May these guidelines, hacks and tips help you enjoy every minute of your next trip!

Note: Nothing in this article constitutes medical advice. Please consult your physician if you have questions before undertaking any trip, physical activity, or dietary changes.

Aubrey Brewster, a bon vivant and man-about-town, is a. product of his environment. His affinity for cooking, fashion, and entertaining was inherited from summer vacations shared in Charleston, West Virginia with his southern belle model-turned-hostess grandmother. It should come with no surprise that Brewster followed in his grandmother’s footsteps, with an inherent talent for hosting legendary parties. He is often listed among San Francisco’s best dressed. Aubrey is a San Francisco native, traveler, and food and lifestyle blogger (aubreyabouttown.com). He resides in San Francisco with his husband, Edward. Aubrey can be found enjoying afternoons lunching with friends at Neiman Marcus and some of San Francisco’s favorite haunts when not hosting or attending events.

Aubrey About Town Anchors Aweigh on the San Francisco Bay

BY AUBREY BREWSTER

PHOTOS DREW ALTIZER PHOTOGRAPHY

IT WAS SIX YEARS IN THE MAKING—SIX YEARS OF DREAMING, DETOURING, postponing, and ultimately, arriving at a moment that felt all the more magical for the wait.

To begin, I must take you back to late November 2019, when I found myself in the familiar and utterly delicious process of conceptualizing my annual birthday celebration. For me, this ritual is never simply about hosting a party—it is about crafting an experience, building a world, and inviting guests to step into a moment of fantasy, elegance, and delight.

Ideas were flowing freely, each more extravagant than the last.

At one point, I was captivated by the notion of a Maharaja-inspired fête. I had even discovered a company that specialized in creating large-scale props capable of producing a near life-sized elephant—imagine greeting guests perched atop such a magnificent creature, draped in opulent textiles, making a grand and theatrical entrance. It would have been spectacular, unforgettable…perhaps slightly impractical. After all, what does one do with a seven-foot elephant after the final guest departs? A follow-up Dumbo-themed soirée, perhaps? The mind does wander.

Then there was the “New York, New York” concept—a dazzling transformation of Neiman Marcus San Francisco’s fifth floor into a glittering homage to Manhattan. I envisioned an immersive skyline, bustling with theatrical touches: a muscled model cheekily channeling Times Square’s infamous Naked Cowboy, halal cart and hot dog vendors adding street-side charm, Bergdorf Goodman-inspired window displays nodding to Neiman’s storied sister store, and a towering, ten-foot Lady Liberty presiding over it all with dramatic flair. It would have been bold, ambitious, and undeniably fabulous—but also a production of enormous scale.

As the 2019 holiday season approached, I shifted my focus to festive entertaining and, as I often do, immersed myself in the timeless glamour of Hollywood’s Golden

Aubrey Brewster

San Francisco Bay

Aubrey with his guests

Age. One evening, continuing my cherished Christmastime tradition, I watched Singin’ in the Rain (1952, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Directed by Stanley Donen & Gene Kelly, starring Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds).

Gene Kelly’s iconic performance was, as always, utterly mesmerizing. But this time, it led me further—into a full cinematic deep dive.

Film after film, I found myself enchanted by Kelly’s artistry, until I stumbled upon a title I had somehow never seen before: Anchors Aweigh. And just like that, everything changed.

Directed by George Sidney for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and MGM Animation, (starring Gene Kelly & Frank Sinatra) Anchors Aweigh was a delight from start to finish, but it was the groundbreaking dance sequence featuring Gene Kelly and Jerry Mouse (of the animated series Tom & Jerry) that truly captivated me. It was whimsical, inventive, and pure joy—a seamless blend of live action and animation that felt decades ahead of its time. I couldn’t get enough. And in that moment, inspiration struck like a spark across still water.

A nautical-themed soirée.

At first, I imagined transforming Neiman Marcus into a mid-century naval yard set straight out of Hollywood. But then I paused—why recreate the illusion when I could embrace the real thing? Why not take the party to the water itself?

The idea evolved instantly.

Not a naval yard. Not a warship. Something far more glamorous.

A yacht.

A floating soirée on the San Francisco Bay—Hollywood glamour meets maritime elegance. Now that felt like a moment.

With excitement building, I began my search and quickly discovered Luxe Cruises & Events in Alameda, a company whose fleet of vessels was as charming as it was refined. Each yacht bore a name inspired by varietals of wine—Chardonnay Commodore, Cabernet Commodore, and beyond—each one promising its own unique experience.

After touring their fleet, I selected the Pinot Noir Commodore, a stunning 91-foot, two-deck yacht that could comfortably accommodate my guest list of 70-plus. The team at Luxe was exceptional, seamlessly handling logistics, catering coordination, and every detail in between. With the menu selected, the contract signed, and the date set—March 24, 2020—we were ready to set sail.

Or so we thought.

In late December 2019, reports began to emerge from abroad of a mysterious outbreak. At first, it felt distant, almost abstract. But as January unfolded, the situation grew more serious, prompting the United States to declare a public health emergency by the end of the month. By early March, San Francisco had confirmed its first cases.

Even then, few of us fully grasped the magnitude of what was to come.

It was just one week before the event when my phone rang.

On the line was then-Mayor London Breed. Her tone was warm, but her message carried weight. She shared that, following discussions with health officials, San Francisco would soon enter a mandatory shelter-in-place order. For the safety of the city, large gatherings would not be possible.

“I had the perfect dress for your party,” she said. Had.

The word lingered.

And just like that, Anchors Aweigh was postponed. Ever the optimist, I rescheduled for May 24, convinced that the situation would resolve quickly. Surely, by then, life would return to normal. But as we now know, May came and went, and the world continued to navigate an entirely new reality.

Roman Gronkowski, Tracy Chen, Ian Raz

Anchors Aweigh Party Revelers

SF District Attorney Brooke Jenkins & Antonio Contreras

96.5 KOIT’s DJ Billy Vidal

Dr. Edward Winger & Aubrey Brewster

Time passed. Seasons changed. I hosted a variety of gatherings in the years that followed, each with its own charm and creativity. And yet, Anchors Aweigh quietly drifted into the background—never forgotten, simply waiting.

Before I knew it, six years had passed.

Then, this past December, as I once again began dreaming up my birthday celebration, inspiration returned with renewed clarity. Several concepts emerged, each enticing in its own way.

One particularly strong contender was a sequel to one of my most talked-about events: Purely Paradise, a 2017 luncheon that transformed the Rotunda at Neiman Marcus into a lush tropical escape. I envisioned Return to Paradise, complete with orchid leis flown in from Maui, a vibrant poke bar, and a custom-built tiki lounge that would transport guests to island bliss.

But timing, once again, had other plans.

With key members of the Rotunda team embarking on exciting new chapters—Katrina Parlato heading to New York to lead Bergdorf Goodman’s food and beverage program, and Executive Chef Erik Harrelson stepping into his dream role with the San Francisco Giants as the team’s chef—the venue was in transition. It simply wasn’t the right moment for such a large-scale production.

I briefly pivoted to an evening disco ball in the Veranda ballroom at San Francisco’s Four Seasons Hotel—a glamorous, Studio 54-inspired affair. I had already ordered chic chrome archways and dazzling décor elements, envisioning a night of shimmer, sparkle, and high-energy revelry. But despite its allure, the logistics and timeline for setting up the event proved less than ideal.

And then, like a perfectly timed encore, the answer returned.

Anchors Aweigh.

The concept that had once been postponed was suddenly, unmistakably, the right choice. A dancing dinner cruise—elegant, immersive, and effortlessly glamorous.

I reached out to Luxe Cruises & Events once more, and they welcomed me back as though no time had passed at all. I was introduced to their wonderful events director, Jewell Chung and Luxe’s Captain Morgan Proescher and together we revisited the fleet. This time, we selected their newly remodeled Merlot Commodore, the sister vessel to the Pinot Noir Commodore—a 91-foot, two-deck yacht featuring a dining deck, dance floor, and fully stocked bar.

It was perfection.

Contracts were refreshed, the menu was elevated, and just like that, Anchors Aweigh was officially underway once more.

And when the evening finally arrived, it exceeded every expectation.

The weather was nothing short of divine—calm waters, gentle breezes, and a warmth that invited guests to linger on the bow and upper deck, taking in sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay. Guests arrived at Pier 40 in their most glamorous attire, stepping aboard the stunning Merlot Commodore with anticipation and delight. They were welcomed dockside by Captain Arlan Skaggs and greeted by the fabulous crew with trays of French champagne and exquisite Peking duck spring rolls—a delicious prelude to the evening ahead.

From there, the culinary journey unfolded beautifully. A lavish display of Royal White Sturgeon caviar from The Caviar Co. (making sure the galley was fully stocked with a kilo for good measure) invited indulgence, while thoughtfully curated grazing stations by Luxe Cruises’ executive chef Francisco Lopez and his team paid homage to San Francisco’s rich culinary heritage. Guests feasted from the prime rib

Betty Yu, Alesandra Mier Keys, Roman Gronkowski, Tracy Chen, Tom Schoenherr, Ian Raz, Jorge Maumer

Petra Higby & Alex Higby

D’Arcy Drollinger, SF Mayor London Breed, Aubrey Brewster, Victor Ruiz-Cornejo

Sanam Baiani, Vasily Vein, Clara Shayevich

SF District Attorney Brooke Jenkins & Marc Corsi

Sean Peak & Marisa Rodriguez

carving station, “The Chinatown” station featured an array of dim sum, Chinese chicken salad, and X.O. cognac prawns with jasmine rice, while “The Wharf” offered seafood-inspired selections, including decadent lobster ravioli.

With more grazing displays on the second deck, all grazing stations throughout the decks were highlighted in elegant aquatic décor of silver fan corals, wooden boat anchors, gold seahorse statuary and a 3-foottall gold wooden whale tail I created to accentuate the center of the Chinatown station.

Dozens of stunning floral arrangements by farmer & florist Bonnie Lummis (Moonseed Farm) were beautifully displayed throughout the yacht along with chic chrome supper lamps that lite the way on the upper deck’s highboy tables.

It was a feast—elegant, abundant, and deeply rooted in the city I call home and topping off was a delectably scrumptious berries ‘n cream birthday cake beautifully decorated with a chic golden anchor mimicking the event’s logo masterfully created by cake extraordinaire Henry Awayan of Whisk Cake Creations in Alameda.

Meanwhile, the energy aboard the yacht was electric. Guests danced beneath the stars to irresistible beats spun by 96.5 KOIT FM’s legendary DJ Billy Vidal, while others captured the moment against a dazzling seven-foot chrome star backdrop—a nod to the glamour that defined the evening. Keeping it a family affair, the photobooth that captured guests joy was operated by DJ Billy Vidal’s wife Leticia Worthington of Picture Your Events.

As the yacht glided across the bay, laughter echoed, glasses clinked, and the night unfolded in a symphony of joy and celebration.

And for those who simply weren’t ready for the magic to end, the festivities continued with an unofficial afterparty at the newly remodeled Big 4 at the iconic Huntington Hotel—a perfect final note to an unforgettable evening.

Among the glamorous guests in attendance were an extraordinary array of San Francisco’s most notable figures, including politicians SF District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, former SF Mayor London Breed, former Walnut Creek Mayor Bill Armstrong and his wife Navid Armstrong, Secretary of Homeland Security Annemarie Conroy, members of the press KTVU Fox 2’s Betty Yu, NBC Bay Area’s Jessica Aguirre, and ABC 7’s (retired) Carolyn Tyler and her partner Gary Love, actor and owner of SF’s iconic club OASIS (and first drag laureate of San Francisco) D’Arcy Drollinger, Fashion, society, and cultural tastemakers filled the decks, alongside industry leaders, philanthropists, and creatives—from Neiman Marcus Brand Experience Alesandra Mier Keys and NM Visual Director Camille Macasu, Manager Cartier San Francisco’s Ian Raz to The Caviar Co.’s Petra Higby and her husband expert mariner Alex Higby, to Union Square Alliance president Marisa Rodriguez and her husband wealth manager Sean Peak, California Public Policy DoorDash Victor Ruiz-Cornejo to Tom Schoenherr and his wife socialite Tracy Chen, socialite Daru Kawalkowski, comedian Stephanie Block, Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing realtor Joel Goodrich, Liz Curtis, socialite Clara Shayevich, Jorge Maumer, filmmaker Antonio Contreras, Steve Walske and his wife, author/socialite Jennifer Walske, and countless others who brought their own sparkle to the evening.

It was a celebration not only of a birthday, but of resilience, creativity, and the joy of finally bringing a long-awaited vision to life.

Because sometimes, the most beautiful moments are the ones that take time.

And darling—this one was well worth the wait.

Steve Walske, Jennifer Walske, Betty Yu, Jorge Maumer

Michael Mazzocone, Dr. Edward Winger, Navid Armstrong

Liz Curtis, Sophie Azouaou, Marisa Rodriguez, Jessica Aguirre, Joel Goodrich

Anchors Aweigh Party Revelers

Rooted in California and having earned her degree at UCSB, Claudia Ross is living her best life in Knights Valley after leaving behind a career in public relations as the founder of Cross Marketing and former director of Harper’s BAZAAR and Marie Claire. She has worked with the world’s most iconic luxury brands. The owner and vintner of Ross Ranch, a working farm and vineyard producing a farm-totable experience, Ross now enjoys sharing thoughtful insights into the world of wine country life, both socially and agriculturally.

Rooted in California and having earned her degree at UCSB, Claudia Ross is living her best life in Knights Valley after leaving behind a career in public relations as the founder of Cross Marketing and former director of Harper’s BAZAAR Claire. She has worked with the world’s most iconic luxury brands. The owner and vintner of Ross Ranch, a working farm and vineyard producing a farm-totable experience, Ross now enjoys sharing thoughtful insights into the world of wine country life, both socially and agriculturally.

The Happy Body

The Art of the Virtual Pour

Embracing The Happy Body: A journey to wellness and strength.

How wine educator Lexi Stephens is redefining the tasting room — one intimate, screen-side session at a time.

BY CLAUDIA CASTILLO ROSS

Couture & Caviar: A Tale of Opulence and Sustainability

BY CLAUDIA CASTILLO ROSS

A TALE OF TWO VALLEYs

BY CLAUDIA CASTILLO ROSS

Long before the rest of the world discovered the appeal of gathering over a screen with a glass in hand, Lexi Stephens had already sensed something the wine industry had been slow to recognize: that the most powerful gateway to a great bottle is a great story. The Los Angeles–based wine educator, content creator, and founder of the Lexi’s Wine List community has spent the better part of a decade dismantling the formality that keeps so many people from truly falling in love with wine — and she has built a quietly devoted following of 52,000 around that singular mission. Stephens’ origin story reads like a classic love affair. A trip to Tuscany ignited a passion that would reshape her entire career trajectory — from global wine marketing to on-premise sales to consulting for some of Los Angeles’ most acclaimed dining establishments. She holds a WSET Level 3 certification, earned with distinction, but she is refreshingly candid about what drives her content: not credentials, but connection. “Wine is about connection,” she says, “and it’s much easier for people to connect with wine when it feels relatable and authentic.”

FOR THE PAST 15 YEARS, I HAVE BEEN ON A TRANSFORMATIVE journey with The Happy Body program, a holistic approach to fitness that not only reshaped my body but also revitalized my spirit. My path to discovering this life-changing exercise regimen was not straightforward. After suffering a debilitating back injury from a car accident 25 years ago and battling with my (ideal) weight for years, I was desperate for a solution that would not only alleviate my pain but also help me regain control over my health.

excellent pairing, a stunning vineyard experience, or a memorable talking point they can share with a friend,” says Lexi Stephens.

That philosophy is the engine behind her Wine Tasting Club, a membership community built around monthly virtual tastings hosted alongside boutique winemakers themselves. Each session is anchored by a partnership with a small-production winery — most recently, California’s Paper Planes Wine, whose winemakers joined Stephens for a live tasting on May 29th. June promises something even more personal: Stephens will feature the Ranch Red Blends from Ross Ranch her very own label offering members a rare and intimate glimpse into the wine she makes herself. Members can opt into curated two-to-three bottle shipments, always priced under $100 before shipping, but the digital gathering remains open to all — no auto-ship obligation, no penalties for skipping a month. It is, in every sense, wine education on the drinker’s own terms.

“Tasting notes can be personal and subjective — not everyone will taste what I taste. But I believe more people can resonate with an

HAUTE COUTURE AND CAVIAR MAY SEEM LIKE UNLIKELY companions, but they share striking similarities going beyond their association with luxury. Just as haute couture represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship and artistry in the fashion world, caviar embodies the epitome of culinary refinement. Both are synonymous with elegance, exclusivity, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Few delicacies evoke the same level of opulence and fascination as caviar. From the shimmering pearls to the delicate burst of flavor, caviar has long been hailed as the epitome of culinary refinement and luxury. Among the esteemed purveyors of this exquisite delight, Haute Caviar Company stands out as a champion of ethical sourcing, sustainability, and uncompromising quality. Just as haute couture represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship and artistry in the fashion world, Haute Caviar Company embodies a similar dedication to

It was a friend who first introduced me to The Happy Body, passionately sharing her experience and the profound impact it had on her life. Skeptical yet intrigued, I decided to take the plunge. I drove 60 miles three times a week for eight weeks to Palo Alto, where I had the opportunity to learn from the master himself, Jerzy Gregorek, creator of The Happy Body program. That decision marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life—one filled with strength, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose. At its core, The Happy Body is more than just a workout; it is a lifestyle that emphasizes the importance of balance, strength, and overall well-being. The program combines elements of strength training, flexibility, and mindfulness, creating a

comprehensive approach that addresses both physical and mental health. The philosophy promotes the idea that true fitness is achieved when one aligns one’s body and mind, fostering a sense of harmony that extends beyond the gym.

AS A WINEGROWER AND WINEMAKER MYSELF IN KNIGHTS Valley, Sonoma County, I am always looking to support local wineries when dining out. Whether in Silicon Valley or Napa Valley, I do my best to select unique, exceptional wines to support my wine community. When I travel abroad, it’s all about the local fare. When in Italy, I look for the best Barolo; in Spain, a Rioja Gran Reserva; and

Jerzy Gregorek emphasizes the importance of functional movement: exercises that mimic everyday activities, allowing the body to perform optimally in daily life. This approach resonated with me, especially as someone who had endured chronic back pain. The exercises were designed not just to build muscle but also to enhance mobility and stability, ultimately leading to a stronger, more resilient body.

What distinguishes Stephens in an increasingly crowded landscape of wine content is her insistence on featuring the human being behind the label. Her selection criteria begins not with a wine’s rarity or price point, but with whether its story will resonate. A grower Champagne and a $20 Trader Joe’s find can occupy

finer things in life, are we now seeing caviar on so many not just for special occasions? “When enjoying caviar, you meant to be a special occasion,” says Suppes. Like couture, wearing the absolute best, and with caviar, it sets the tone Most recently on a lunch date with her son, Michael Suppes, The Village Pub, they dined on caviar and champagne. collectors’ thing, it’s a mindset of wanting to indulge in no matter one’s age.

As I embarked on my journey with The Happy Body, I was initially overwhelmed by the variety of movements and techniques. However, under Gregorek’s expert guidance, I learned to embrace the process. Each session was tailored to my individual needs, allowing me to progress at my own pace while ensuring that I was safe and supported.

The program’s emphasis on mindfulness transformed my relationship with exercise. I learned to listen to my body, recognizing its signals and respecting its limits. This newfound

To deliver the very best, Lisa Simon, a visionary entrepreneur with a passion for the finer things in life, founded the Haute Company which has become synonymous with excellence industry. Simon’s journey began as a young restaurateur York, managing two of the largest champagne and caviar

the United States while completing her college degree.

my opinion, I have I can bring an extraordinary Kelly. At Protégé Kelly is always there don’t love expensive At Montage in his wines by telling be found first locally. and local clientele, James Beard Award robust and different opinions and flavor ‘house palate’ and approaches.” For their most treasured wines the power of relationships. has potential to be more value in using our guests that can When talking wines have become overall consensus overdeliver, and when not want a Napa do not have enough which doesn’t pair and spirits buyer down to personal At Solage in Calistoga, that guests travel from

equal standing in her world, provided both deliver on quality — and ideally, on narrative. “I love to feature unique and diverse winemaker stories,” she notes. “That’s always a bonus when the juice is good too.”

Stephens is equally forthright about the future she envisions for the industry. She believes the luxury wine market’s next frontier lies not in cellar allocations or auction floors, but in the digital spaces where the next generation of drinkers is already spending their time. “The wine industry as a whole is behind on this,” she says, referring to social media and influencer marketing. “I think now is the time to tap into the newer generation through digital consumer engagement.” It is a perspective born not from trend-watching, but from years of direct dialogue with her own community — a feedback loop that shapes everything she researches, recommends, and pours.

For those who have yet to pull a chair up to one of Stephens’ virtual tastings, the experience is less classroom than fireside conversation: warm, informed, and thoroughly unpretentious. In a category that has long guarded its pleasures behind layers of technical vocabulary and quiet gatekeeping, Lexi Stephens offers something increasingly rare — an open door, a good bottle, and someone genuinely delighted to share both.

WINE TASTING CLUB

• Monthly virtual tastings with boutique winemakers

• Private global community of wine lovers

• Opt-in shipments, 2–3 bottles, under $100

• Members-only discounts & retreat access

• All sessions recorded

MAY TASTING

Lexi will host the winemakers behind Paper Planes Wine for a live virtual tasting on May 29th.

JUNE TASTING

Lexi uncorks Ross Ranch’s Ranch Red Blends — handcrafted by Claudia Ross. www.rossranchwine.com

Lexi Stephens Laura, Kyle, Noah, and Ella Gabriel

Charles R. Johnson, Wealth Director, is responsible for developing investment and trust relationships with families and organizations. He works closely with the trust and tax planning group to help clients determine optimal asset allocation and transfer strategies. Before joining Fiduciary Trust, he worked for Rockefeller Capital Management, an independent financial services firm offering global family office, asset management, and strategic advisory services to ultra-high net worth families, institutions, and corporations. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from the University of Southern California. He works closely with the Addiction Education Society nonprofit.

Do you have a financial contingency plan?

BY CHARLES R. JOHNSON, WEALTH DIRECTOR, FIDUCIARY TRUST INTERNATIONAL AND LESLIE GILLIN BOHNER, CHIEF FIDUCIARY OFFICER AND GENERAL TRUST COUNSEL

IF SOMETHING WERE TO HAPPEN TO YOU, WOULD YOUR FAMILY know who to contact and where your financial information and documents are located? Do you have your “contingency plan” in place?

Having your finances in order is only helpful to your family members if they know where to look. By organizing your financial information and estate planning documents and informing your family where everything is stored, you’re making it simpler for them to assist you if you’re ever unable to manage things yourself. It also will streamline the process of settling your estate after your death. If you become incapacitated or pass away without fully documenting your assets and financial accounts, those assets could then be overlooked and not pass to your heirs the way you intend. In fact, if your heirs don’t know about a particular investment account or life insurance policy, and it goes unclaimed, the assets may end up with your state treasurer through a process known as escheatment. According to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, there currently is an estimated $70 billion worth of unclaimed property held by state treasurers across the United States.

To ensure your family can access your financial details, and to simplify their lives, consider creating a file of important documents, account information and key advisors. With everything organized in one place, your family will be able to locate important paperwork

quickly whenever needed. Think of it as a resource that provides quick access now, while delivering peace of mind for your family in the future.

Whether it’s a binder, a folder in your home safe, or you set up a password-protected digital location, here are the key components to include in your contingency plan file.

LIST ALL YOUR FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS

A complete list of all your bank and investment accounts, and up-todate contact information for your advisors, is essential in case of an emergency. In the face of unexpected illness or accident, quick access to financial resources can make a significant difference in managing expenses, understanding accounts or arranging care. If your financial details are scattered or unclear, it could delay critical decisions or create stress for your loved ones. Your list should include:

Investment accounts

All retirement account details: IRAs, Roth IRAs, 401(k), pensions

Bank checking and savings accounts, including safe deposit boxes

Credit card accounts and outstanding loan statements

List of bills and expenses that are set up on autopay and from which account

Clear organization provides peace of mind knowing that assets are accessible when needed most. It’s also a good idea to include a contact list of your financial advisors, attorney, accountant and other relevant professionals. This will make it easier for your loved ones to reach out and get the support they need.

ACCESS TO ALL YOUR PASSWORDS

Nearly every financial account, credit card, computer or phone requires a password. If your spouse or heirs don’t know your passwords, they’ll be locked out, which can cause big headaches. Gather and store all electronic passwords in a secure format. Storage methods range from low-tech to high-tech and depend upon the level of security you require. There are several digital “password wallet” apps available online that make it easy to list and store all your passwords. Whichever method you choose, ensure that someone can access your computer and accounts if you are unable to do so.

YOUR PROPERTY DEEDS AND TITLES

Titles for real estate and vehicles tend to get misplaced and forgotten. But if your heirs need to sell the property or get an updated appraisal, they’ll need the title. Make sure all titles, including for burial plots, are stored within your file.

ESTATE PLANNING DOCUMENTS AND POWERS OF ATTORNEY

Your file should also contain copies of your will, trusts, business agreements and powers of attorney for health care and financial decisions, along with contact information for your estate planning attorney, named executor and trustees. If the originals of any of these documents are maintained at your attorney’s office, or in a safe deposit box, include that information to ensure easy access when needed. If you have named someone as Agent under a power of attorney, make sure that person knows that they are named and understands their responsibilities. This information tells family members what your wishes are for endof-life care, the transfer of your assets and which attorney or trustee to contact after death.

INCLUDE ALL INSURANCE INFORMATION

Your insurance can’t help your family if they can’t locate your policy number or don’t know the carrier. Keep copies of all policies and insurance cards in your contingency plan file, including agent contact information, for life, health, long-term care, home, vehicle and other applicable insurance.

COPIES OF IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTS

Make extra copies (front and back) of your driver’s license, passport and Social Security card for the file. The fact that you carry these with you leaves them vulnerable to misplacement or loss.

PREPARATION MEANS UPDATING AND COMMUNICATING

Once your contingency plan file is in place, let your close family members know it exists and where you keep it. Imagine the relief they will feel knowing that all the necessary information is readily available.

As you add new accounts or your life changes, revisit your file annually to ensure it remains accurate and relevant.

You can’t plan for every circumstance in your life, but you can be prepared for uncertainty. With a contingency plan file, you and your family can have peace of mind knowing that they can face unexpected events with certainty.

Charles R. Johnson, Wealth Director, Fiduciary Trust International is responsible for developing investment and trust relationships with families and organizations. He works closely with the Trust and Tax planning group to help clients determine optimal asset allocation and transfer strategies.

Leslie Gillin Bohner, Fiduciary Trust International oversees the administration and delivery of trust services and leads a national team of Fiduciary professionals.

Charles R. Johnson

Wealth Director | 628 286 8403 charles.r.johnson@ftci.com One Franklin Parkway, Bldg 920, 1st Floor San Mateo, CA 94403