NOV-DEC 2025 | THE HOLIDAY ISSUE by Haute Living San Francisco

LA DOLCE VITA

For the Holidays

CELEBRATE THE SEASON IN ITALY’S MOST ROMANTIC CITIES

PLUS HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2025 MONACO YACHT SHOW;THE 2025-26 SEASON OPENERS OF THE SAN FRANCISCO AND NEW YORK OPERAS;YEAR-END NOTABLE CHARITY EVENTS, INCLUDING BASIC FUND, SAFE & SOUND, ADDICTION EDUCATION SOCIETY, THE ONE MIND MUSIC FESTIVAL, THE MONTE CARLO CHARITY BALL, THE SONOMA WINE AUCTION, AND THE SAN FRANCISCO FALL SHOW—AND MORE!

An Evening on the Stage

Honoring Maria Manetti Shrem

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

6 PM Cocktail Reception

7 PM Dinner and Program

War Memorial Opera House

Co-Chairs: Maria Castellucci and Maryam Muduroglu

Mark your calendar for an unforgettable evening on the stage of one of the world’s grandest opera houses!

Join us for cocktails, dinner, and special musical performances on stage as we honor Maria Manetti Shrem for her extraordinary support of San Francisco Opera Guild, San Francisco Opera, the arts, and music education in our community.

Tickets and Information

sfopera.com/Stage-Dinner sfoguild@sfopera.com • (415) 565-3204

CaliforniaLifestyleCollection

California Lifestyle Collection

1 BLANDING LANE

BELVEDERE

Magni cent New Construction with Breathtaking Views of San Francisco Bay

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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 Belvedere Island, this is one of the most exclusive and desirable addresses in

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

SANCTUARY WITH UNMATCHED VIEWS AND SERENITY ON SAN FRANCISCO BAY

4 BEDS | 4 BATHS | 1 HALF-BATH | ± 5,099 SQ. FT. $25,950,000

A very rare, brand-new waterfront masterpiece combines luxury with breathtaking, unobstructed views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, Sausalito, and Mt. Tam. Perched dramatically on the edge of Belvedere Island’s prestigious west side, 46 Cliff Road is a true architectural triumph. The five-bedroom, 5,099-square-foot home is designed with the highest craftsmanship and structural integrity. This modern, and spacious coastal sanctuary features corner glass walls and expansive, tall, wall-to-wall Fleetwood glass doors open onto sprawling terraces for indoor-outdoor living. This cliffside retreat offers unmatched views, timeless design, and serenity within a unique paradise for buyers seeking extraordinary experience of the best waterfront living. With elegance, comfort & waterfront Perfection, every room in this stunning home offers Golden Gate views. Inside, you’ll find grand interiors with 10-foot to 14-foot ceilings, a floor-to-ceiling fireplace, and wide plank, vertical grain white oak flooring. The deluxe primary suite with a spa-like bathroom features a freestanding soaking tub, a glass shower, a double vanity, and a spacious walk-in closet. The dramatic gourmet kitchen has vertical grain white oak cabinets and a Vadara Blanco Venato quartz countertop. The expansive waterfront terraces feature an outdoor kitchen, 3 firepits, a stainless steel spa and a lounge area perfect for relaxation. Whether you’re relaxing by the shore, taking a peaceful walk along the coastline, or watching the waves roll in, this exclusive beachfront oasis provides ultimate in tranquility and privacy. Other amenities include a private guest suite, ipe wood deck, stainless steel cable railing, a desk/seating area to enjoy the amazing views, a large full bath, a laundry room, and a full kitchen. There is Warmboard radiant heating throughout. Norstone natural lava stone veneer was selected for its beauty, strength, and durability for exterior cladding. There is solar power generation, an EV charger, an entry fountain with a lawn, ample. two-car garage and three off-street parking spaces.

Offered at $29,500,000 | Visit 46CliffRoad.com for details, photos, and video.

Offered at $29,500,000 | Visit 46CliffRoad.com for details, photos, and video. Olivia Hsu Decker | SanFranciscoFineHomes.com Call or Text: 415.720.5915 | Olivia@SanFranciscoFineHomes.com Lic.# 00712080 46CliffRoad.com

OLIVIA HSU DECKER

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.

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.

OWNER/PUBLISHER

CELL 415.720.5915

HAUTE LIVING SAN FRANCISCO AND NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

HAUTE LIVING, SAN FRANCISCO AND NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

WWW.HAUTELIVINGSF.COM

OLIVIA HSU DECKER

OWNER/PUBLISHER

OLIVIA HSU DECKER OWNER/PUBLISHER

CELL 415.720.5915

OLIVIA HSU DECKER OWNER/PUBLISHER

OLIVIA HSU DECKER

OWNER/PUBLISHER

HAUTE LIVING, SAN FRANCISCO AND NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

HAUTE LIVING SAN FRANCISCO AND NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

CELL 415.720.5915

OLIVIA HSU DECKER

WWW.HAUTELIVINGSF.COM

OWNER/PUBLISHER

HAUTE LIVING SAN FRANCISCO AND NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

HAUTE LIVING, SAN FRANCISCO AND NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

CELL 415.720.5915

WWW.HAUTELIVINGSF.COM

HAUTE LIVING, SAN FRANCISCO AND NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

WWW.HAUTELIVINGSF.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.

I am thrilled to present to you our annual Holiday Issue, filled with inspiring travel and hotel features to help you plan your holiday getaways—trips to renew, recharge, and celebrate the coming year. This issue also highlights several charity events we proudly sponsored over the past two months, reflecting the spirit of giving that defines this special season.

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® .

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.

The adventure began in Verona, a magnificent city steeped in history. We explored its museums and ancient castles, wandered its cobblestone streets along the river and up the hillside, and attended a breathtaking tribute concert to Luciano Pavarotti, performed by Andrea Bocelli, Plácido Domingo, and José Carreras at the legendary Verona Arena—a Roman amphitheater built around 30 AD that still hosts performances nearly two millennia later.

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 cover story recounts my recent journey through Verona, Sorrento, and Positano and a visit with my dear friend Giovanni Russo at his exquisite, private island, Isola Li Galli, off the coast of Positano.

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.

From Verona, I experienced my own “Come Back to Sorrento” moment in that romantic seaside town overlooking the Bay of Naples. Giovanni’s gracious hospitality at his deluxe Bellevue Syrene made our stay unforgettable. We enjoyed three stunning suites with terraces opening to a straight-line view of Mount Vesuvius. The famous volcano’s eruption in 79 AD buried Pompeii and Herculaneum. We strolled through Piazza Tasso, visited the Cloister of San Francesco and Villa Comunale, and dined cliffside at Bellevue Syrene’s restaurants. Our visit to Positano and Isola Li Galli that followed truly reflected my passion for historic and artistic destinations—a quintessential la dolce vita experience.

Another highlight in this issue is our exclusive coverage of the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show. Yachting continues to evolve, with a new generation of enthusiasts demanding innovation and sustainability. Featuring over 120 superyachts, dozens of events, and more than 30,000 visitors, this year’s show fills 12 pages of stunning visuals and stories in this issue. But Monaco’s allure extends beyond the harbor—it is also home to dazzling charity galas, such as the Monte Carlo Grand Ball of Princes and Princesses, which we attended this year again to support the Princess Grace Foundation.

CO-OWNER OF GOLDEN GATE SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

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

To complete your holiday inspiration, we bring you the latest trends in fashion, jewelry, watches, cars, food, and wine, along with our Holiday Gift Guide—perfect for celebrating in style.

As this year comes to a close, my wish is simple: may our magazine bring you pleasure during moments of rest and reflection. Life is beautiful. Enjoy the sunset, the moonrise, the forests, and the mountains: they cost nothing yet enrich everything. Let’s cherish this precious life, free of division and full of gratitude.

CO-OWNER OF GOLDEN GATE SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

24 OFFICES SERVING SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA

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.

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!

CO-OWNER OF GOLDEN GATE SOTHEBY’S

OLIVIA.HSUDECKER@SOTHEBYSREALTY.COM

CO-OWNER OF GOLDEN GATE SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

OLIVIA.HSUDECKER@SOTHEBYSREALTY.COM

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

Thank you for sharing our journey. We wish you a joyful holiday season and a healthy, successful 2026!

Olivia Hsu Decker Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, Haute Living Magazine, San Francisco

and Northern California

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!

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!

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

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!

ANNUAL PRINT SUBSCRIPTION

Unlock the best of San Francisco’s luxury lifestyle with purpose with Haute Living’s yearly subscription. Dive into the city’s culture, arts, and exclusive events.

Get 50% off yearly subscriptions. Promo Code: ‘HLSF’ HauteLivingSF.com/magazine or scan below:

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

COPY EDITOR

Karen M. Smith

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, Adrienne Faurote, Joel Goodrich, Becca Hensley, Farah Makras, Fran Endicott Miller, and Toni Sutherland.

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SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION INQUIRIES Olivia Hsu Decker Olivia@HauteLivingSF.com

Luxury Lifestyle with Purpose

ON THE COVER Positano center harbor with The church of Santa Maria Assunta features a dome made of majolica tiles dates back to thirteenth-century Byzantine era and the view of Li Galli Islets in the distance

H AUTE HOSPITALITY

40 Ross Ranch celebrates special moments and elevates them for lifetime memories.

10 HAUTE CALENDAR

This year’s festive holiday season delivers beloved spectacles.

14 COVER STORY

Let HLSF publisher Olivia Decker’s adventures in Italy inspire your next la dulce vita holiday vacation.

20 HAUTE FASHION

The Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2025 collection offers bold silhouettes and soft, autumnal textures.

30 HAUTE JOAILLERIE

Sparkle this holiday season with these bejewled masterpieces.

32 HAUTE TIME

A. Langee & Söhne, Bvlgari, and Ulysse Nardin unveil the magic of timekeeping in these stunning watches.

36 HAUTE BEAUTY

Dior opens its first permanent Dior Spa in the USA.

38 HAUTE SHOPPING

The holiday season offers a plethora of extraordinary gifts to show your loved ones how much you treasure them.

42 Sea Ranch invites you to slow down, relax, and live lightly on the land.

44 Each Rocco Forte Hotel stands as a rare example of deeply personal luxury.

H AUTE HOTEL

48 Rekindle the heyday of Rome with modern luxury and historic gravitas at Hotel Hassler.

52 Enjoy sightseeing in the car of your dreams at these hotels.

56 Looking for a place to stay in San Francisco? You won’t do better than these fabulous suites.

60 Populus Hotels are where guests indulge in comfort while participating in an act of environmental restoration.

62 Rosewood Sand Hill captures the rare intersection of power, privacy, and luxury.

HAUTE AUTO

66 The Maserati GranCabrio Trofeo reminds you that driving can still stir the soul.

67 This hybrid SUV will take you from London to the seaside with aplomb: the Range Rover Sport Autobiography PHEV.

68 Rugged on the outside, refined on the inside: check out the MercedesBenz G-Class.

HAUTE EVENT

HAUTE CHARITY

70 The 2025 San Francisco Fall Show’s theme of “Paradise Found” reminds us that paradise is a state of mind.

72 The BASIC Fund Transforming Lives Luncheon raises nearly $1.7 million supporting K-8 scholarships.

74 Safe & Sound’s Blue Ribbon Celebration, Blue Skies of Hope, raises over $1 million to support low-income children.

77 The Addiction Education Society’s 4th Golf Tournament honors Chuck and Dane Johnson.

78 Monaco’s Grand Ball of Princes and Princesses immerses guests in a fairy-tale atmosphere of beauty, music, dance, and charity.

80 One Mind Music Festival raises a recordbreaking $4.1 million to support mental health initiatives.

81 Sonoma County Wine Celebration raises nearly $1 million to fund children’s literacy initiatives.

82 FNV’s Olivia Decker Power of Music program teams with Freeman’s | Hindman for a fundraising concert at Filoli.

HAUTE EVENT

84 The 34th Monaco Yacht Show debuts a record number of new superyachts.

96 Sullivan Rutherford Estate’s reception and luncheon combine wine, artistry, and hospitality.

98 Tennis legends past and present gather for a glamorous gala before an exciting tournament.

PAGE 38, HAUTE SHOPPING

100 The grand openings of Bourbon Steak Restaurant and The Eighth Rule bar celebrate San Francisco’s effort to revitalize Union Square.

104 The New York Metropolitan Opera opens the season with an innovative, new opera by San Franciscan Mason Bates.

106 A magnificent performance and glorious after-party promise a splendid season at the San Francisco Opera.

108 Opening night launches the 48th Mill Valley Film Festival, bridging artistry and impact.

HAUTE AMBASSADOR

112 Does fundraising frustrate you? Jennifer McCrea’s book teaches you to change your perspective to make it more satisfying.

114 With help from the “elves” at Nieman Marcus San Francisco, Aubrey masters the art of holiday gift giving—and you can, too!

118 Four young sommeliers are leading the next generation in the appreciation of wine.

120 Not married? Unmarried couples need to take the proper steps to protect their assets and their loved ones.

HAUTE HOTEL

California Lifestyle Collection

5 BEDS | 5 BATHS | 1 HALF-BATHS |

$29,500,000

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.

A very rare, brand-new waterfront masterpiece combines luxury with breathtaking, unobstructed views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, Sausalito, and Mt. Tam. Perched dramatically on the edge of Belvedere Island’s prestigious west side, 46 Cli Road is a true architectural triumph. The five-bedroom, 5,099-square-foot home is designed with the highest craftsmanship and structural integrity. This modern and spacious coastal sanctuary features corner glass walls and expansive, tall, wallto-wall Fleetwood glass doors that open onto sprawling terraces for indoor-outdoor living. This cli side retreat o ers unmatched views, timeless design, and serenity within a unique paradise for buyers seeking the extraordinary experience of the best waterfront living. With elegance, comfort & waterfront perfection, every room in this stunning home o ers Golden Gate views. Inside, you’ll find grand interiors with 10-foot to 14-foot ceilings, a floor-to-ceiling fireplace, and wide plank, vertical grain white oak flooring. The deluxe primary suite with a spa-like bathroom features a freestanding soaking tub, a glass shower, a double vanity, and a spacious walk-in closet. The dramatic gourmet kitchen has vertical grain white oak cabinets and a Vadara Blanco Venato quartz countertop. The expansive waterfront terraces feature an outdoor BBQ center, plumbing forthree firepits, a stainless steel spa, and a lounge area perfect for relaxation. Whether you’re relaxing by the shore, taking a peaceful walk along the coastline, or watching the waves roll in, the beachfront oasis provides the ultimate in tranquility and privacy. Other amenities include a private guest suite, Ipe wood deck, stainless steel cable railing, a desk/seating area to enjoy the amazing views, a large full bath, a laundry room, and a full kitchen. There is Warmboard radiant heating throughout. Norstone natural lava stone veneer was selected for its beauty, strength, and durability for exterior and interior wall cladding. There is solar power generation, an EV charger, an entry fountain made of natural stone, a large level lawn, a two-car garage, and three o -street parking spaces.

O ered at $29,500,000 | Visit 46Cli Road.com for details, photos, and video.

EVENTS CALENDAR

CURRENT

THROUGH NOV. 23

SF Broadway | Stereophonic

The show invites the audience to be immersed with fly-on-the-wall intimacy in the powder keg process of a band on the brink of blowing up. With original music, this is the most Tony Award®winning show of the year and the most Tony Award-nominated play of all time. In association with A.C.T. Curran Theatre, 445 Geary St. broadwaysf.com

THROUGH DEC. 7

Berkeley Rep |

A compelling, tender, and funny tale of the Webb sisters’ return to their childhood home in an English seaside town. West Coast debut following acclaimed West End and Broadway productions. Berkeley Roda Theatre, 2015 Addison St., Berkeley. berkeleyrep.org

THROUGH MARCH 1, 2026

Legion of Honor | Manet & Morisot

The first major exhibition dedicated to the artistic exchange between French Impressionists Édouard Manet, a great pioneer of modern painting, and Berthe Morisot, the only woman of the movement to exhibit under her own name. Legion of Honor, 100 34th Ave., famsf.org

“With the kids jingle-belling / And everyone telling you / Be of good cheer … It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” Once again, the festive holiday season delivers beloved spectacles. The Nutcracker ballet has charmed audiences since its 1944 U.S. debut in San Francisco. Handel’s oratorio Messiah is a stunning, large-scale production featuring a rousing “Hallelujah” chorus. Cinematic favorites come to life with the San Francisco Symphony. At San Francisco Opera, powerful music and themes strike a chord with audiences. Drink it all in—and so much more.

BY LAURIE JO MILLER FARR

NOV. 4

San Francisco Symphony | Itzhak Perlman

Violin Recital

Returning for his 80th birthday season and accompanied by longtime recital partner, pianist Rohan De Silva, Perlman has been widely known for six decades for his warm sound, welcoming demeanor, and unparalleled virtuosity. Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave. sfsymphony.org

NOV. 5, 2025 - JAN. 19, 2026

Safeway Holiday Ice Rink

Outdoors in Union Square, presented by Kaiser Permanente, this cherished holiday tradition returns for its 18th season. The grand opening is Nov. 5 at 5 p.m. to welcome the city’s muchanticipated winter attraction. Open daily 10 a.m. - 11 p.m., early close at 9:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. unionsquareicerink.com

NOV. 11

Olivia Decker Power of Music Series | Sisters in Harmony at Sutton Tower

Festival Napa Valley presents an exclusive evening in New York City, celebrating the release of Dear to Us, the dazzling debut album on Pentatone by violinist sisters Hina and Fiona. Joined by acclaimed pianist Rohan De Silva, the rising virtuosos perform selections from their new recording amid breathtaking views high above the city with a reception featuring wines from Far Niente. festivalnapavalley.org/calendar/sisters-inharmony-at-sutton-tower

NOV. 13

GLIDE Annual Holiday Jam

Holiday Jam has always been more than a concert. For four decades, it has been a movement of music, justice, and love that sustains our mission and community. Marking 40 years, the celebration returns to the Tenderloin at The Warfield. 982 Market St. glide.org/holidayjam

Safeway Holiday Ice Rink

Matisse’s Jazz Unbound

Itzhak Perlman

NOV. 13 & 14

San Francisco Symphony | Danny Effman’s Music from the Films of Tim Burton

A unique concert experience, lending music and visuals to celebrate the 25-year partnership of two of Hollywood’s top creators, plus a live performance by Danny Effman. Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave. sfsymphony.org

NOV. 14-30

San Francisco Opera |

He’s arrogant. He’s disobedient. He’s becoming the most powerful being in creation, and he’s about to wreak havoc on heaven. Based on the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West, this action-packed opera combines high-energy music and text with puppetry, dance, Peking opera, and Buddhist sutras in a much-anticipated world premiere. War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave. sfopera.com

NOV. 14 - DEC. 21

Berkeley Rep | Jessica Huang’s

The world premiere of a multigenerational triptych that blends historical drama with supernatural encounters, weaving moments of surprising humor into a powerful portrait of belonging and resilience. Peet’s Theatre, 2025 Addison St., Berkeley. berkeleyrep.org

NOV. 16

St. Regis San Francisco Art of Tea with Celebrity Chef Kathy Fang

In honor of her new cookbook, House of Nanking: Family Recipes from San Francisco’s Favorite Chinese Restaurant, Kathy Fang curates a bespoke Art of Tea menu exclusive to the elegant St Regis Tea Salon. Tradition blends with innovation, featuring savory bites and sweet offerings. Meet Fang, enjoy her thoughtfully crafted menu, and connect through food, culture, and storytelling. Guests receive a signed cookbook. opentable. com/r/astra-san-francisco

NOV. 19

San Francisco Opera Guild | An Evening on the Stage

This year’s event honors Maria Manetti Shrem for her extraordinary support of the San Francisco Opera Guild, San Francisco Opera, the arts, and music education in our community. Maria Castellucci and Maryam Muduroglu co-chair an elegant gathering at War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave. sfopera.com/opera-guild

NOV. 20-22

San Francisco Symphony | Vivaldi’s

Violinist Alexi Kenney joins the Great Performers Series in a Baroque-inspired program that includes a selection from Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos. Pre- and post-concert conversations are presented. Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave. sfsymphony.org

NOV. 20, 2025 - JAN. 18, 2026

Cirque du Soleil ECHO

Experience the magic. Poetry, stagecraft, daring acrobatics, and cutting-edge technology come together to explore the delicate balance between people, animals, and the world we all share. Under the Big Top at Oracle Park. cirquedusoleil.com

NOV. 22 - DEC. 21

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair

For the 41st season, Victorian London comes to life in a world of dramatic street settings, music halls, theaters, pubs, dance parties, charming shops, and colorfully costumed characters. New experiences include an Alice in Wonderland pantomime. Open Saturdays and Sundays, plus Friday after Thanksgiving. Cow Palace, 2600 Geneva Ave., Daly City. dickensfair.com

NOV. 25

San Francisco Symphony Film with Live Orchestra |

Sarah Hicks conducts Ang Lee’s live-to-picture with the San Francisco Symphony. The film features an Academy Award-winning score and tells the story of two warriors who cross paths with a thief. Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave. sfsymphony.org

NOV. 28 & 29

San Francisco Symphony Film with Live Orchestra | : In Concert

Greta Gerwig’s Barbie live-to-picture features a Grammy Award-nominated score. In this 2023 comedy, Barbie and Ken have the time of their lives in Barbie Land until they go to the real world and discover the joys and perils of living among humans. sfsymphony.org

NOV. 29 - DEC. 28

Panto in the Presidio |

Now in its fifth year, it’s a production of childlike wonder in magical Neverland starring Peter, Wendy, Captain Hook, Tinkerbell, and the Lost Boys. Join Panto traditions of booing the villains, cheering the heroes, and singing along to popular songs played by a live band. Presidio Theatre, 99 Morago Ave. presidiotheatre.org

Cirque du Soleil ECHO

DEC. 3

San Francisco Symphony | Christmas with the Count Basie Orchestra

A testament to the enduring power of jazz to transcend generations and inspire audiences everywhere. This 18-time Grammy-winning group joins the San Francisco Symphony strings in a swinging holiday program. Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave. sfsymphony.org

DEC. 4-21

Broadway SF |

The Christmas Episodes is a comedy celebrating 20 years of holiday fun with love, laughter, and cheesecake! An only-in-San Francisco tradition at the Curran Theatre, 445 Geary St. broadwaysf.com

DEC. 5 & 6

San Francisco Symphony | Handel’s

An instant classic following its 1742 premiere, this stunning, enduring work has been a holiday tradition around the world ever since. Jane Glover leads the SF Symphony and Chorus in this perennial favorite. Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave. sfsymphony.org

DEC. 5-28

San Francisco Ballet | Classicists know and love Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. Children adore the magic Christmas tree, blizzard of waltzing snowflakes, and dancing bear. History buffs appreciate the 1915 setting against a backdrop of old San Francisco. Tomasson’s beloved holiday tradition is a cornerstone of Bay Area holiday traditions. War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave. sfballet.org

DEC. 11 & 12

American Bach Soloists | Handel’s

Featuring a stellar cast of vocal soloists, American Bach’s annual tradition of performing Handel’s Messiah in this historic setting perennially provides a treasured holiday evening event in a beautiful space. Grace Cathedral, 1100 California St. gracecathedral.org

DEC. 12 & 13

DEC. 13, 20, 22, AND 23

Grace Cathedral | Sing You a Merry Christmas & more

A holiday sing-along for families and children is an interactive performance for all. Tag along with the toys of St. Nicholas’ workshop as they search for the true meaning of Christmas on a joyous expedition of discovery following festive clues and decking the halls with all the favorite Christmas carols. Also, on Dec. 15, A Brass and Organ Christmas with The Bay Brass performs; and on Dec. 19, Soulful Joy performs. Grace Cathedral, 1100 California St. gracecathedral.org

DEC. 13, 14, 20, 21 & 23

Grace Cathedral’s Choir of Men and Boys | A Cathedral Christmas

Since 1947, the choir has celebrated the coming of Christmas, performing exquisite classic carols and sacred masterpieces. Ring in the season with this glorious, nationally recognized choir, accompanied by full orchestra and the 7,466-pipe organ. Grace Cathedral, 1100 California St. gracecathedral.org

DEC. 16-28

More than a musical, it’s a state of mind. Winner of 10 Tony Awards, audiences enter a world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur, and glory. Orpheum Theatre, 1192 Market St. broadwaysf.com

DEC. 19 & 20

San Francisco Symphony Film with Live Orchestra |

Experience the beloved holiday hit on the big screen with John Williams’s exuberant score performed live. Starring an adorable Macaulay Culkin, this hilarious and heartwarming comedy is holiday fun for the entire family. Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave. sfsymphony.org

DEC. 20

San Francisco Symphony | Holiday Brass

Feel the power and precision of the San Francisco Symphony brass section as they fill the space with a festive mix of classical and popular holiday favorites. Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave. sfsymphony.org

San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus | Holiday Spectacular

A sparkling holiday concert of classics, bold new works, and fabulously queer twists. From the timeless charm of Irving Berlin and Elton John to the iconic flair of Cher, Madonna, and Lady Gaga. Golden Gate Theatre, 1Taylor St. broadwaysf.com

DEC. 13-23

A Chanticleer Christmas

Chanticleer’s 48th Bay Area season celebrates the most wonderful time of year in stunning venues with performances in Petaluma, Oakland, Sacramento, Mill Valley, Santa Clara, Berkeley, San Francisco, and Carmel. From the candlelit chant procession to the triumphant gospel conclusion, beautiful music spans centuries, from classical to carols. chanticleer.org

DEC. 31

SFJAZZ | Dirty Dozen Brass Band

Ring in the New Year in New Orleans-style. A national treasure steeped in both the past and the present celebrates 50 years as a New Orleans institution and welcomes 2026 with a rollicking party like no other. SFJAZZ Center, 201 Franklin St. sfjazz.org

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

SF Gay Men’s Chorus

France | 12 minutes from Monaco

VILLA TARDIEU

One of the most prestigious estates in South of France can be yours

Price Upon Request

Built in 1930 as the private residence of French President André Pierre Gabriel Amédée Tardieu, this spacious villa with 18,300 square feet of living space is considered one of the most prestigious estates on the Côte d’Azur. Twenty-two acres of rare land with amazing landscaping cover an entire hill situated only 12 minutes from Monaco in the best microclimate of France. The estate offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea and mountains.

Prime minister and president of France between 1929 and 1932, Tardieu was a dominant figure in French political life and possessed a strong intellectual reputation. He withdrew from political life in 1934 and settled permanently in this villa until his death in 1945. Tardieu was known for his love of luxury and modernity. Nicknamed “The Miraculous,” he chose this Annonciade hill location in 1928, the most temperate location in France, to have his villa built. Tardieu entrusted the design to the world-renowned Art Deco architect Pierre Patout, decorator of the Île-de-France and Normandie ocean liners. Patout’s design includes long horizontal lines accentuating of curves and bends, walkways, and a rooftop terrace conceived like a bridge—architectural characteristics of the “Paquebot style.” This specific aesthetic, combined with the personality of its owner, naturally led Villa Tardieu to be nicknamed “The Commander’s Head.”

While the architecture of this white, sleek, modern villa stands out from the traditional Belle Époque villas of Menton, the interior decoration proves equally refined. As president of the Society of Decorative Artists, Tardieu called upon the finest designers. Beyond Patout’s architecture, the entire interior and the furniture were designed by Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, known as “Art Deco’s greatest artist.” In 2011, a desk designed by Ruhlmann from this villa and which belonged to Tardieu sold for $4 million at Christie’s auction. Throughout the house are original crystal ceiling lights and wall lamps created by worldrenowned craftsman René-Jules Lalique. Edgar Brandt designed the ironwork in the staircases. Ruhlmann also designed the Grand Library, a gift from the French Senate. The office, a gift from French President Georges Benjamin Clemenceau, and the dining room were also designed and signed by Ruhlmann.

Villa Tardieu also features a 148-foot long, heated swimming pool; a beautiful, 1,615-square-foot guest villa; a 2,300-foot driveway with ample parking; and a private heliport. (The villa is 25 minutes from world-renowned beach resort Saint-Tropez and 45 minutes from ski resort Courchevel by helicopter.) This magnificent villa entertained some of the world’s most influential artists, politicians, and royalty, including Sir Winston Churchill, French President René Coty, actress Mary Marquet, and many royal families of Europe. Other famous former owners included SAS Prince Rainier de Monaco and Monaco real estate tycoon Jean-Baptiste Pastor.

Please visit VillaTardieu.com.

Sorrento Positano Verona

For the Holidays

BY OLIVIA DECKER

MY RECENT RETURN TO ITALY WAS AN UNFORGETTABLE immersion in la dolce vita ! Haute Living, San Francisco details my visit to Verona, a historical city of Shakespearean fame, where I attended the glittering tribute concert to Luciano Pavarotti at the Verona Arena, a magnificent Roman amphitheater; my romantic, whimsical journey to Sorrento and Positano on the Amalfi Coast; and an afternoon of natural beauty and serenity with my friend on Li Galli, his private island. Share in my rediscovery of these most romantic of places in Italy and let them inspire your own la dolce vita trip as you plan your holiday travel.

Sorrento

My fascination and love for Italy started when I was 13 years old, way before I set foot in the country. I’ve loved Italian opera since I was a kid listening to it on radio. I started performing in school concerts in junior high, singing opera arias and famous Italian songs such as “Torna a Surriento” (Come Back to Sorrento) composed by Ernesto De Curtis with lyrics by his brother, Giambattista De Curtis. Visiting Sorrento was a dream for me for many years, until it became reality in 1995, when I was invited by a friend to attend a wedding in Sorrento with her. At the wedding with over 500 family members and guests of the newlyweds, I met the host of the wedding party,

Sorrento Marina Piccola with view of Vesuvius

father of the groom Giovanni Russo. Our friendship has lasted 30 years. Sorrento was one of my second homes for many years: every time I visited my two châteaux in Paris and Aix-en-Provence, I would also visit Giovanni in Sorrento and his island, Li Galli, off the coast of Positano. Since I sold the châteaux in 2012, I hadn’t visited Sorrento much until I hosted a concert in June 2023. My trip this October to Sorrento was my “Torna a Surriento” moment, and it brought back the wonderful, magical memories of the days I spent in Sorrento during my frequent visits over the years.

Sorrento is a beautiful city located on the high cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples. Located on the Sorrentine Peninsula, it’s within easy access from Naples and Pompei. The city is widely known for its beautiful ceramics, lacework, marquetry woodwork, limoncello, citrus fruit, olives, charming shops, restaurants, and cliffside hotels. The Sorrentine Peninsula has views of Naples, Vesuvius, and the Island of Capri. The narrow Amalfi drive connecting Sorrento and Amalfi is the world’s most renowned scenic road and runs along the high cliffs above the Tyrrhenian Sea. Ferries and hydrofoils also connect the city to Naples, Amalfi, Positano, Capri, and Ischia.

Sorrento has a long history stretching thousands of years before it fell under control of the Roman Republic. An inscription shows that Roman Emperor Titus Caesar Vespasianus, in the year after the earthquake of 79 AD, restored the town’s clock tower and architectural decorations. The most important temples of Sorrento were those dedicated to Athena and of the sirens. In mythology, according to the Greek historian Diodorus Siculus, Sorrento was founded by Liprus, son of Ausonus, who was king of the Ausoni and the son of Ulysses and the siren Circe. In the pre-Roman age, Sorrento was influenced by Greek civilization: this can be seen in its plants and in the presence of the Athenaion, a great sanctuary also, according to the legend, founded by Ulysses and originally devoted to the cult of the sirens. The myth of the sirens has been loosely associated with Sorrento and the mermaids who settled in the Li Galli islands near Punta Campanella, enchanting the sailors who sailed those waters.

In the 19th century, Sorrento developed into a key agricultural, tourism, and trade center for the South of Italy. A route connecting Sorrento to Castellammare di Stabia was opened under the reign of Ferdinand II (18301859). In 1861, Sorrento was officially annexed to the new Kingdom of Italy. In the following years, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast confirmed their status of one of the most renowned tourist destinations in the world. Famous artists, writers, musicians who visited and lived in Sorrento included Lord Byron, John Keats, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Charles Dickens, Richard Wagner, Henrik Ibsen, Friedrich Nietzsche, Walter Scott, and Russian writer Maxim Gorky. Sorrento was also the birthplace of renowned poet Torquato Tasso, and the city center plaza is named Piazza Tasso. There is also the Villa Aster in Sorrento, next door to Hotel Bellevue Syrene where Lord Aster lived. Songs that have featured Sorrento prominently have included “Torna a Surriento” and “Caruso,” a song composed in Sorrento in the summer of 1985 by singer-songwriter Lucio Dalla. Both songs are world-famous and performed everywhere in the world.

The position of Sorrento was very secure, protected by deep gorges. The only exception to its natural protection was 984 feet on the southwest side, where it was defended by walls. The modern town follows that line. The arrangement of modern streets preserves those of the ancient town. The site of one of the largest villas is now the Hotel Vittoria, under the terrace of which is a small theatre found in 1855. An ancient rock tunnel descends from the terrace to the shore. Another suburb sits below the town and on the promontory to the west. Under the Hotel Bellevue Syrene are substructions and tunnels hewn through the rock.

Bellevue Syrene pool and terrace with view of Vesuvius

We toured the tunnels which are now beautifully restored grottos by Bellevue Syrene Hotel to serve as party space. My friend and I were spoiled by Mr. Russo, who graciously hosted us at his Bellevue Syrene in three luxurious suites with luxurious amenities and terraces boasting straight views of Vesuvius and the Bay of Sorrento. Visit it on www.Bellevue.it and make plans to stay at this heavenly hotel in Sorrento.

Sadly, my trip was too short. I am listening to Luciano Pavarotti singing “Torna A Surriento” as I write this article and look forward to my next visit.

Sorrento’s Festive Must-Dos

PIAZZA TASSO CHRISTMAS TREE & LIGHT DISPLAYS

Sorrento’s main square becomes the glowing heart of the town, with nightly music and locals gathering beneath the towering lit tree.

VIA SAN CESAREO HOLIDAY MARKET

The old town’s narrow shopping street transforms into a festive lane of limoncello tastings, nativity figurines, and local artisan gifts.

SORRENTO MUSICAL NATIVITY (PRESEPE)

Intricately crafted nativity scenes—some mechanical—are displayed in churches and tiny workshops, a treasured Sorrentine tradition.

TRADITIONAL SORRENTINE HOLIDAY SWEETS

Bakeries offer delizia al limone, struffoli, and rococò cookies.

MARINA GRANDE NEW YEAR’S FIREWORKS

Locals gather along the railings overlooking the water to watch the bay light up in spectacular bursts over the fishing village’s harbor.

BASILICA DI SANT’ANTONINO CHRISTMAS CONCERTS

Live choral and orchestral performances in the historic basilica bring festive music to the heart of Sorrento.

Visit sorrento-coast.it for more information.

Bellevue Syrene spa and wellness center

Positano & Isola Li Galli

My trip to Sorrento included a visit with my dear friend, Giovanni Russo, on his island Li Galli where I first visited in 1996 after Giovanni purchased the island from the Rudolf Nureyev Foundation upon the choreographer’s passing. Over the years, I visited many times and enjoyed all Giovanni’s improvements, which transformed the island to include modern comforts and luxury: eight bedrooms, each with baths, in the tower and in the villas; a wedding chapel; two fully equipped professional kitchens; two spacious dining terraces with stunning views; two saltwater pools; a helicopter pad; a marina with a boat house equipped with a spa and gym; and vast gardens growing vegetables and fruits for island guests. A staff of seven prepare and serve all meals and provide all services. The entire property enjoys amazing views in all directions. The island has been a truly magical paradise since the transformation.

The only privately owned, habitable island in Italy, the Li Galli archipelago sits just off the coast of Positano and is on the way to Capri and the Sorrento Peninsula. Li Galli consists of three small islands: Gallo Lungo, Rotonda, and Castelletto. The islets are both nearby yet inaccessible, except for invited guests. According to mythology, this archipelago was once inhabited by sirens who famously bewitched passing sailors with their

songs, causing them to ground their ships or become lost at sea. Only clever Ulysses and Jason, with their hearty band of Argonauts, were able to escape the spell of the sirens’ song. From this ancient legend came the historic name of the Li Galli islets: Le Sirenuse, in honor of their legendary sirens.

The largest of the Li Galli Islets, Gallo Lungo, has been inhabited since Roman times and is home to a number of archaeological ruins hidden among the lush Mediterranean landscape of brush, wild herbs, and colorful flowers. The fame attached to the Li Galli islets flourished once more in the 20th century when this beautiful and historic archipelago caught celebrity attention. In 1924, renowned Russian ballet dancer and choreographer Leonide Massine bought the islands and built a sumptuous villa. Massine’s spectacular retreat was renovated in 1937 by famed architect Le Corbusier, who added a panoramic terrace with a breathtaking view of Capri’s iconic faraglioni and a number of other terraces with delightful overlooks of Positano and the entire Amalfi Coast. In the 1980s after Massine died, Russian ballet superstar Rudolf Nureyev purchased the archipelago. He hosted many international celebrities, including Sophia Loren, Franco Zeffirelli, and Jacqueline Kennedy with Aristotle Onassis. Recent years have seen many other celebrity visitors, including Harison Ford and Andrea Bocelli with his wife, Veronica. I also rented Li Galli to Kathleen Kennedy, the president of Lucasfilm, and her husband, producer Frank Marshall, when they celebrated

Li Galli view toward Capri

Li Galli sitting room next to dining room

Li Galli living room with view of Positano on one side and view of Capri on the other side

Positano on Amalfi Coast and view of Isola Li Galli

their 29th wedding anniversary with their guests who included director Steven Spielberg with wife Kate Capshaw and several Star Wars movie directors and producers. George Lucas was the best man at the Kennedy-Frank wedding at the historic San Pietro Chapel in Positano over 30 years ago.

With unspoiled natural beauty and captivating, historic mystique, the Li Galli islets are among the most legendary islands along Italy’s coastline. My visit was brief but so relaxing, and it was wonderful catching up with Giovanni at his magical home. My friends Joel Goodrich and Asher McInerney, who visited the island for the first time, were blown away by this unique property and told me if the island came up for sale, it should be listed at $1 billion. But Li Galli is not for sale and is only available to rent for special occasions. View pictures at www.LuxuryItalianIsland.com.

At end of afternoon, we returned to Positano, which is totally a different world from the natural beauty and serenity of Li Galli. Positano’s vibrant harbor was full of tourists and boats; the colorful streets were packed with shoppers and sightseers even on a Thursday afternoon in October. We visited the Church of Santa Maria Assunta on the main square, which is a 10th century church famous for its colorful majolica tiled dome and its connection to a 13th century Byzantine icon of the Black Madonna. It’s a prominent landmark in Positano, often seen in pictures, and a popular spot for weddings. We walked the narrow streets and bought some lemon-themed gifts from the charming ceramic stores. Sadly, we didn’t have the time to visit Ville Treville just outside the center of Positano near the hotel Il San Pietro. The villa was Franco Zefferelli’s Positano home for over 40 years. Giovanni Russo purchased it in 2010 and renovated it into a fabulous 15-room hotel. I sold it for him in 2012 to my billionaire neighbor in the Bay Area. Both Ville Treville and Hotel San Pietro are top vacation destinations and wedding and celebration venues on Amalfi Coast. Check them out on VillaTreVille.com and IlSanPietro.com

Positano Holiday Highlights

CLIFFSIDE VILLAGE GLOW

Positano’s pastel houses sparkle with lights cascading from the mountain down to the sea.

BOUTIQUE SHOPPING ON VIA DEI MULINI

Holiday gifting with hand-stitched sandals, linens, ceramics, and local artisan treasures.

PIAZZA DEI MULINI CHRISTMAS MARKET

A cozy cluster of artisan stalls selling hand-painted ceramics, limoncello, and holiday sweets—small, local, and full of Positano charm rather than a large Alpine-style market.

CHURCH OF SANTA MARIA ASSUNTA

Visit the iconic, majolica-tiled dome and its nativity displays.

SUNSET A PERITIVO ON SPIAGGIA GRANDE

Golden hour hits differently with the Amalfi cliffs as a backdrop.

Visit positano.com for more information.

Positano stores of beautiful lemon-themed ceramics

Christmas in Positano

Olivia Decker, Asher McInerney, and Joel Goodrich on boat from Positano to Li Galli

Verona & Legendary Tenor Pavarotti’s Tribute Concert

Nicoletta Mantovani, the widow of legendary tenor Luciano Pavarotti, and the Luciano Pavarotti Foundation organized an amazing, celebratory tribute concert for Pavarotti’s 90th birthday on September 30 at Verona Arena. The concert featured Andrea Bocelli, Plácido Domingo, José Carreras, Vittorio Grigolo, Jonathan Tetelman, Angela Gheorghiu, Laura Pausini, and more. It was my very belated return to Verona Arena after my first concert of the opera Aida there in 1980.

My magazine’s luxury event ambassador and friend, Joel Goodrich, and I arrived in Verona on September 29 and settled into the Due Torri Hotel, a historic leading hotel in the heart of the city. (Visit their fun website at DueTorriHotel.com.) The following day, we visited the magnificent 17th century Palazzo Maffei Casa Museo at Piazza delle Erbe, a hidden gem housing an impressive art collection spanning the Renaissance to Modernism. We walked the towers of the impressive Verona castle by the river and the Castelvecchio bridge which was built in 1376 on the orders of Antonio and Bartolomeo della Scala as shown by an epigraph inside the tower. We joined Maria Manetti, Mauro Aprile Zanetti, and David and Marybeth Shimmon for dinner at the stunning palazzo Cittadella and attended the Pavarotti celebration concert at Verona Arena, a Roman Amphitheater originally built around 30 AD.

Located in Verona’s center at the Piazza Bra, the arena is the third largest in Italy after Rome’s Colosseum and the Amphitheatre of Capua. It measures 456 feet long and 360 feet wide and accommodates 25,000 spectators in 44 tiers of marble seating. The ludi (shows and gladiator games) performed within its walls were so famous that they attracted spectators from far beyond the city. The current two-story façade is

actually the internal support for the tiers; only a fragment of the original three-story outer perimeter wall in white and pink limestone from Valpolicella remains. The interior is very impressive and is virtually intact; it remains in use today for public events, fairs, theatre, and openair operas during the summer season.

Verona is the largest city in Northern Italy: it covers an area of 550.58 square miles and has a population of 714,310. It is one of Italy’s main tourist destinations for its artistic heritage, several annual fairs and shows, and the world-renowned opera season in the Verona Arena. Between the 13th and 14th centuries, the city was ruled by the Della Scala family under the rule of Cangrande Il della Scala. It experienced great prosperity, becoming rich and powerful surrounded by new walls and Castel San Pietro. The Della Scala era is preserved in numerous monuments around Verona, and we visited them during this trip.

Two of William Shakespeare’s plays are set in Verona: Romo and Juliet (which also features Romeo’s visit to Mantua) and The Two Gentlemen of Verona. It is unknown if Shakespeare ever visited Verona or Italy, but his plays have lured many visitors to Verona and the surrounding cities. Verona was also the birthplace of Isotta Nogarola, who is said to be the first major female humanist and one of the most important humanists of the Renaissance.

In November 2000, the city was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Verona preserved many ancient Roman monuments (including the magnificent arena) in the early Middle Ages, but many of its early medieval edifices were destroyed or heavily damaged by the earthquake of 1117 AD, which led to a massive Romanesque rebuilding. Verona is scheduled to host the 2026 Winter Olympics closing ceremonies, if you’d like to make a trip to attend and visit beautiful, historical, artistic Verona!

Verona Duomo interior

Verona’s iconic bridge Scaligera was built around 1355 on 3 pillars in red & white marble and brick with an upper crenellated section

Verona’s Seasonal Splendor

PIAZZA BRA CHRISTMAS MARKET

The square glows beneath the Verona Arena with wooden Alpinestyle stalls selling ornaments, mulled wine, and artisanal gifts.

JULIET’S BALCONY BY CANDLELIGHT

Visitors leave love notes and wishes on the courtyard wall—even more poetic in the winter hush.

NATIVITY MUSEUM & ARENA PRESEPI EXHIBITION

Intricate nativity scenes from around the world are displayed inside the Roman amphitheater—dramatic and deeply atmospheric.

VERONA’S WINTER FLAVORS

Warm pastas like tortellini di Valeggio, holiday pandoro (which originated here), and rich Amarone wine tastings in cozy

EVENING STROLL ALONG THE ADIGE

The riverfront lights twinkle beneath medieval stone bridges, perfect for slow walks and quiet romance.

Visit visitverona.it for more information.

enotecas

Andrea Bocelli performs at Pavarotti’s 90th birthday tribute concert at Verona Arena

Holiday market at Piazza delle Erbe in Verona

Verona’s Roman amphitheater

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BY ADRIENNE FAUROTE

Chanel High Jewelry

Embrace Your Destiny ring in 18K white gold, diamonds, and one pearshaped diamond, price upon request;available at select Chanel boutiques nationwide and 800-550-0005

Fancy Vivid Orange and Fancy Vivid Yellow Emerald Cut

Line

set in yellow gold, price upon request; available at Graff salons and graff.com

Madison Ave, New York, NY 10065 and newyork.madison@buccellati.com

Mikimoto Les Pétales Collection White South sea cultured pearl earrings with diamonds in 18K white gold, price upon request;available at select Mikimoto boutiques

Graff

Diamond

bracelet,

Gucci

Protecting Marine Life, Protecting Our Planet

While our ocean’s greatest threats are caused by people, we can also be its greatest champions. Join us in protecting our shared future.

As the world’s largest marine mammal hospital, The Marine Mammal Center advances ocean health through rescue, rehabilitation, research, and education. By caring for marine mammals, we gain unique insights into the health of the ocean, which is inextricably linked to human health and the health of our planet.

MarineMammalCenter.org/HauteLiving

TECHNICAL TRIUMPS

The A. Lange & Söhne Richard Lange Jumping Seconds and 1815 Tourbillon return with ravishing new dials.

BY ANDRE FROIS

FEW WATCH MANUFACTURERS ARE AS ADMIRED AND DISCUSSED today as A. Lange & Söhne. Recently, Haute Time has been tracing the brand’s remarkable trajectory — shaped by inventive watchmaking and punctuated by extraordinary milestones.

Now, with the unveiling of two new timepieces, we have the perfect opportunity to revisit some of Lange’s most ingenious technical achievements, including the stop-seconds, zero-reset, jumping seconds, and remontoir mechanisms.

The first is the 1815 Tourbillon, limited to 50 pieces. It returns with a white-gold dial that has been painstakingly enameled black and housed in a 39.5 mm platinum case. Named after founder Ferdinand Adolph Lange’s birth year, the 1815 collection debuted in 1995 following the brand’s revival, while the collection’s first tourbillon appeared in 2014 in platinum and pink gold versions. This latest release marks the fifth 1815 Tourbillon and the 12th Lange timepiece to feature an enamel dial.

The enameling of this watch is a tip of the hat to enameled A. Lange & Söhne pocket watches of the 19th and 20th centuries. Enameling is a delicate craft prone to failure, and the name Grand Feu literally translates to “big fire.” Each dial requires around 30 layers of enamel, applied and fired at high

PHOTOS COURTESY OF A. LANGE & SÖHNE

1815 Tourbillon

temperatures in a dust-free workshop over the course of several days. These details are framed by the collection’s signature railway-track minute scale.

The dramatic black dial is matched by the meticulously black-polished finish on the tourbillon bridge and cage. This technique, which involves sliding a component against a tin plate with fine paste until it achieves a mirror-like gloss, produces one of the most unforgiving yet beautiful surface treatments in haute horlogerie

For this enamel dial iteration of the 1815 Tourbillon, careful handchamfering is required to prepare the throne of the tourbillon one misstep can forsake days of enamel work. This process contributes to the hundred-plus individual steps required for each dial, often stretching into weeks of work.

Inside beats the manual-winding caliber L102.1, offering a 72-hour power reserve. Like its predecessors, it features Lange’s in-house balance spring and is adjusted in five positions to meet the brand’s exacting chronometric standards. True to Lange’s codes, untreated German silver plates and bridges are decorated by hand, while the tourbillon is anchored with a diamond endstone in a screwed gold chaton.

The watch also incorporates two historic Lange patents that are cornerstones of the manufacture. First off, the stop-seconds mechanism, which was debuted in the relaunched brand’s first collection in 1994, halts the tourbillon for precise time setting. Secondly, the zero-reset function, which was first introduced in the 1997 Langematik, sends the seconds hand back to zero when the crown is pulled, and also turns this watch into a chronograph of sorts. Together, they facilitate the easy and precise setting of the 1815 Tourbillon.

The second release is the Richard Lange Jumping Seconds, limited to 100 pieces, with a pink gold dial inside a 39.9 mm white gold case. This collection pays tribute to Richard Lange — Adolph’s eldest son and a key innovator in watch spring alloys — and draws inspiration from Johann Heinrich Seyffert’s celebrated Chronometer No. 93.

Its defining feature is a jumping seconds display, where the seconds hand advances in precise one-second steps rather than sweeping. A mechanical watch’s seconds hand usually tells time through a sweeping motion, but a star-shaped gear, in this instance, converts the natural oscillation of the escapement into 60 discrete jumps per minute.

The seconds register dominates the dial at 12 o’clock, overlapping the smaller hours and minutes subdials. At their intersection sits a clever triangular indicator that turns red ten hours before the power reserve runs out, reminding the wearer to wind the movement.

Powering the watch is the in-house caliber L094.1, equipped with both stop-seconds and zero-reset functions, as well as a constant-force escapement with remontoir spring. In simple terms, the remontoir acts like a pacemaker: it evens out the delivery of energy to the balance, keeping the “heart rate” of the movement uniform. The principle of resonance states that two coupled oscillating systems will synchronize to the same frequency, so it’s akin to two runners trying to keep pace if one sprints or slows, the other helps correct the rhythm.

First unveiled in 2016, this is the fourth Richard Lange Jumping Seconds and also the fourth Lange watch to feature a pink gold dial. As always with Lange, every element is finished to the highest standard, right down to the engraved balance cock arguably the house’s most recognizable flourish, and a signature of German horological artistry.

Richard Lange Jumping Seconds

BRONZED

Bvlgari unveils the Bronzo GMT and Chronograph at Geneva Watch Days 2025, introducing bronze to the iconic Aluminum collection.

BY ADRIENNE FAUROTE

FOR GENEVA WATCH DAYS 2025, BVLGARI EMBRACES BRONZE, debuting its first-ever use in the Bvlgari Aluminum collection. The brand has introduced Bvlgari Bronzo, a thoughtful dialogue between heritage, innovation, and the inevitable passage of time, all wrapped in Bvlgari’s signature Italian elegance. This isn’t merely a material change. The Bvlgari Aluminum story began as a rebellious offspring of the original Bvlgari Bvlgari watch, launched in 1975 with its distinctive engraved bezel that spelled out the brand’s name 14 times. By 1998, the Aluminum model redefined luxury by pairing lightweight aluminum with durable rubber, blending sporty chic with graphic simplicity. Its 2020 revival added an automatic mechanical movement, solidifying its place among modern icons. Now, in 2025, bronze steps into the spotlight, evoking ancient alloys while embracing the collection’s ethos of unexpected materiality.

As Jonathan Brinbaum, managing director of Bvlgari Watches, eloquently puts it: “The essence of the Bvlgari Bvlgari lies in the alloy of materials. Initially designed in aluminum and rubber, the model here explores bronze, an association of historical significance in watchmaking, rarely used by Bvlgari. This material is not only resistant but, above all, alive. Over time, its patina will evolve, making each watch unique and personal. Its raw appearance, both masculine and elegant, as well as the exceptional work on the metal, already gives it an iconic aura.”

First up is the Bvlgari Bronzo GMT, a 40 mm traveler’s dream measuring 9.70 mm thick. Its design prioritizes functionality with a dualtime complication that’s as intuitive as it is stylish. The black dial features a central 24-hour GMT disc with a day-night indicator, allowing effortless tracking of a second time zone. White indices punctuate the face, while the sandblasted rose gold-plated hands — hours, minutes, and GMT — add

warmth against the cool bronze tones. A date window sits at three o’clock, and the central seconds hand ends in a crisp white lacquer tip. Powering this is the in-house automatic calibre B192, a 4.10 mm-thick movement vibrating at 28,800 VpH (4Hz) with a generous 50-hour power reserve. The case back and crown, crafted from sandblasted titanium with black DLC treatment, underscore Bvlgari’s commitment to durability and contrast.

For those who crave speed and precision, the Bvlgari Bronzo Chronograph offers a more dynamic temperament in a slightly larger 41 mm case (12.35 mm thick). This model transforms the base design into a performance-oriented piece, with a matte black dial featuring azuréfinished chronograph counters for added texture and depth. A tachymeter scale encircles the dial, perfect for measuring velocities, while the rose gold-plated hands — again with Super-LumiNova — include a central chronograph seconds hand with a white lacquered tip. The date appears between four and five o’clock, and small seconds add to the chronograph’s utility. At its heart beats the automatic calibre B381, 6.90 mm thick, with a 42-hour power reserve and the same 4Hz frequency. Like its GMT sibling, the chronograph employs sandblasted titanium elements with black DLC for the crown, pushers, and case back, enhancing the overall robustness.

PHOTOS

COURTESY OF BVLGARI

A NEW FREAK

Ulysse Nardin unveils a new Freak during Geneva Watch Days 2025: the Freak [X Crystalium].

BY ADRIENNE FAUROTE

IN 2001, ULYSSE NARDIN REDEFINED WATCHMAKING WITH the launch of the Freak, a timepiece that shattered every convention of traditional horology. Eschewing hands, dial, and crown, it featured a movement that directly told the time — ultimately becoming a hero watch for the brand that continues to evolve. At Geneva Watch Days 2025 this September, Ulysse Nardin pushed boundaries further with the Freak [X Crystalium], a masterpiece blending cutting-edge mechanics with hightech decorative artistry limited to just 50 pieces worldwide.

The Freak’s story began in the 1980s under the visionary guidance of Dr. Ludwig Oechslin. While the watchmaking industry embraced quartz technology, Ulysse Nardin charted a different course, creating the Astrolabium Galileo Galilei — a mechanical marvel capable of mapping the night sky, earning a place in the Guinness World Records as the most complicated watch ever made. This spirit of bold innovation culminated in the 2001 debut of the Freak, the most intricate time-only watch in history and the first to incorporate silicon technology. With over 20 patents, the Freak sparked a revolution in 21st-century horology, introducing highperformance, ultra-precise timekeeping that transformed the industry. Introduced in 2019, the Freak X brought this maverick DNA into a more accessible form, incorporating a crown for winding and setting while retaining the iconic one-hour flying orbital carousel. The Freak [X Crystalium] builds on this legacy, blending avant-garde mechanics with a groundbreaking material innovation: the Crystalium rotating hour disc.

At the heart of the Freak [X Crystalium] lies its most striking feature — a rotating hour disc crafted from Crystalium, a material that

redefines decorative artistry in watchmaking. The process begins with ruthenium, a platinum-group metal ten times rarer than platinum, prized for its durability and luster. Through a meticulous, multi-day vapor-deposition crystallization process — akin to frost forming on glass — ruthenium transforms into a fractal-like crystal structure. Each disc is unique, displaying shimmering textures and microscopic complexity that cannot be replicated.

To enhance its visual impact, the Crystalium disc is finished with a warm rose gold PVD coating and hand-applied black varnish for subtle shading, creating a dynamic interplay of light and depth. This is not mere decoration, but a bold leap into next-generation craftsmanship, merging scientific precision with raw esthetic expression.

The Freak [X Crystalium] is powered by the in-house automatic calibre UN-230, featuring a silicon balance wheel and escapement crafted at Ulysse Nardin’s dedicated SIGATEC silicon lab. The movement is a mechanical theater, with a flying carousel where the bridge serves as the minute hand, completing a full rotation every hour. The Crystalium disc, acting as the hour hand, rotates once every 12 hours, with its pointer positioned beneath the movement. This seamless integration of engineering and esthetics creates a mesmerizing display of time in motion.

Housed in a black DLC-coated titanium case with a matching bezel, black hour indicator, and minute bridge, the watch exudes a bold, modern presence. A ballistic-textured black rubber strap complements the design, providing a perfect backdrop for the radiant Crystalium disc, which glows with rose gold hues and intricate visual depth.

MECCA THE BEAUTY

INSIDE THE FIRST PERMANENT DIOR SPA IN THE UNITED STATES:THE DIOR SPA NEW YORK.

BY ADRIENNE FAUROTE

It’s safe to say it was a Dior summer this August in Manhattan as the Maison opened the doors to the newly reimagined — and highly anticipated — House of Dior flagship boutique at East 57 th St. and Madison Ave. And while the House of Dior flagship is already a major moment for the brand, it doesn’t stop there. As a part of the New York City expansion, Dior has also revealed its first-ever permanent Dior Spa in the United States, nestled within the House of Dior flagship, dedicating an entire floor to wellness for the first time in its U.S. history.

This luxurious wellness haven, perched on the top floor of the boutique, is a testament to the House’s commitment to redefining beauty through cutting-edge science and timeless French sophistication. Designed by the visionary Peter Marino, the Dior Spa New York is a sanctuary where bespoke treatments and advanced technology converge to deliver an unparalleled experience of rejuvenation and indulgence.

The spa is a culmination of a state-of-the-art haven, New York’s unparalleled energy, and a celebration of Christian Dior’s legacy, inspired by his belief that true beauty radiates from meticulous care and an impeccable appearance. And if you’ve ever visited the Dior spas in Paris, the Dior Spa New York feels like a little piece of Paris in the heart of Manhattan.

The Dior Spa New York introduces a curated menu of face and body treatments that marry scientific innovation with the House’s signature savoir-faire. The standout is the Haute Couture Treatment, a 90-minute facial exclusive to this location, co-created with renowned American master esthetician Sarah Akram. This transformative protocol combines technologies like cold-laser, ultrasound, micro-current, cryotherapy, and oxygen infusion. Paired with Dior’s premium skincare products and masterful massage techniques, the treatment lifts, tones, and revitalizes the skin, leaving it luminous and visibly rejuvenated. This bespoke experience is a pinnacle of luxury wellness.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JONATHAN TAYLOR

The spa’s facial offerings also include three signature rituals: the Golden Aura, which imparts a radiant glow through oxygen therapy; Dior Powered by Hydrafacial, delivering intense cleansing and hydration;and the Kobi-Dior, a sculpting treatment that plumps and lifts via micro-aspiration and stimulation. For the body, four iconic treatments focus on enhancing contours and skin vitality. The star among them, the New Look treatment, reimagines Dior’s iconic silhouette through a lymphatic drainage protocol enhanced by Icoone technology. This advanced machine boosts micro-circulation, stimulates collagen and elastin production, and promotes lipolysis, resulting in firmer, smoother skin and refined curves.

Dior’s exploration of light therapy takes center stage in the exclusive Dior Light Suite, a treatment room designed to harness the emotional and physical benefits of light. Four unique protocols — Recharge, Recover, Rest, and the New York-exclusive Happiness — rebalance energies, enhance mood, and even resynchronize sleep cycles. The Happiness ritual, developed in collaboration with sleep specialist Dr. François Duforez, stimulates serotonin and dopamine production over 90 minutes, fostering emotional balance and a profound sense of well-being. These treatments, performed in four distinct light ambiance tailored to New York’s dynamic lifestyle, elevate the spa experience to a holistic journey.

The spa has four treatment rooms — three single and one double — designed as tranquil havens. Infrared mattresses, weighted antistress blankets, and cryo-effect sleep masks enhance every session, enveloping guests in comfort and calm. The sensory experience is further elevated by an ambient fragrance crafted by Francis Kurkdjian, the perfume creation director at Christian Dior Parfums.

Beyond treatments, a dedicated beauty room offers custom makeup looks inspired by creative and image director for Dior Makeup, Peter Philips, while a boutique showcases Dior’s finest fragrances, including La Collection Privée, and exclusive pieces like Rouge Premier, L’Or de J’adore by Jean-Michel Othoniel, and Miss Dior by Eva Jospin.

Christian Dior once said, “I dreamed of making women not only more beautiful, but also happier.” The Dior Spa New York embodies this vision, blending cutting-edge technology with the artistry of French luxury to create a sanctuary of bespoke wellness. From the precision of its treatments to the elegance of its design, this new destination redefines what it means to indulge in beauty.

Dior Prestige La Micro-Lotion de Rose Advanced Formula, Dior Prestige Le Nectar Intégral, Dior Prestige La Crème, and Dior Prestige Le Concentre Yeux

Dior Beauty skincare expert and ambassador, Sarah Akram

GR EEN FOR THE SEASON

From Marie Lichtenberg’s French design with a touch of rule-breaking bravado, this emerald locket bracelet in 18k yellow gold makes a statement. Drawing inspiration from the 1970s, the designer, the former fashion editor at French Elle—also does something exotic, perhaps Egyptian, with this stunning piece.

($18,520.00)

TIME TRAVELER

Cartier expands its Santos de Cartier Collection with the Santos de Cartier in titanium and Santos de Cartier black dial. Light sleekly riffs off the brand’s timeless, no-punintended design. Sporty but indestructible, stylish but bold, the watches embody understated elegance. ($9,300)

GIFT GIVING AND RECEIVING: IT’S A LOVE LANGUAGE WE ALL SPEAK FLUENTLY, ESPECIALLY DURING THE HOLIDAYS. WE’VE CURATED SOME SUPERB OPTIONS FROM OUR LITTLE BLACK BOOK OF BE RIBBONED OFFERINGS. READY TO SHOP?

BY BECCA HENSLEY

BOTTLED POETRY

Calistoga’s historic Larkmead, known for its estate-grown Cabernet and other Bordeaux varietals, produces veritable meditation in a bottle. Its Three Cheers & Three Years gift set ($350) holds three vintages (2020, 2021, and 2022 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon) awash in lush berry fruit, dark cocoa, sage, and warm baking spices, ideal for the season. The black linen gift box seals the deal. Price includes two-day complimentary shipping.

TRENDSETTING CARRY

One of the fashion world’s top-ranked bag brands, Patricia Nash designs bags inspired by her travels. From her Discovery Collection, the Serafina Frame Bag in suede oversized coin purse frame bag concept in three colors (black, maroon, or oxblood).

Crafted from full-grain leather, it has a kiss lock closure with delicate rosebud clasps. ($369)

LIQUID FRUITCAKE

From Baldacci Family Vineyards, opt for the 2019 Thomas Collection. This three-bottle fantasy of classy depth exudes flavor profiles of crèmede-cassis meets fruitcake, perfect for Christmas. This exclusive set showcases the pinnacle of Baldacci’s Cabernet Sauvignon—intense, expressive, and cellar-worthy— elegantly presented in a wooden gift box worthy of its legacy. ($1,000)

FACE-TIME TUSCANY

When you love the land, it gives back to you. Just ask Seed to Skin Tuscany, an Italian skincare brand that combines homegrown ancestral knowledge with indepth scientific research. The brainchild of naturalist Jeanette Thottrup, astonishingly clean, and measurably effective, Seed to Skin products hail from her farm-cumwellness retreat near Siena. Made on site and overseen by a top scientist and unrivaled herbalists, the luxurious products deliver transformation within 30 days—if not sooner. Give your beautiful friend The Results Bundle (and buy one for yourself).

Proven to evince improvements in skin elasticity, plumpness, and smoothness and to boost collagen, the trio includes The Alchemist (a spray serum), The Cure (a moisturizing complex), and The Midnight Miracle (a nourishing night oil). Products arrive in stunning green bottles with perfume flagon vibes. ($615)

BARISTA POWER

Who needs Starbucks when the TRU fully automatic espresso machine can harness 19 bars of pressure and includes a built-in precision burr grinder can be used at home? Put this one under the tree to ensure perfect espresso every time. ($499)

A timeless and mesmerizing party purse, the Stardust sequin bag by Frances Valentine has a Pied Piper effect. The whole world surrounds the woman who carries this shoulder bag, sheathed in light-catching gold and champagne sequin appliqué. ($395)

Ross Ranch

A luxurious retreat for unforgettable celebrations in Knights Valley

BY CLAUDIA ROSS

NESTLED IN THE HEART OF KNIGHTS VALLEY, SONOMA COUNTY, Ross Ranch stands as a unique venue that seamlessly blends natural beauty with sophisticated elegance. This enchanting property, home to the esteemed Ross Ranch & Vineyard Winery, invites guests to immerse themselves in an experience that transcends the ordinary. With sweeping vineyard views, playful wildlife, and a commitment to quality, Ross Ranch offers not just a backdrop, but a vibrant tapestry of stories waiting to be woven.

At Ross Ranch, guests are welcomed into a world where fine wine and nature coexist in perfect harmony.

Attendees can indulge in the award-winning wines while enjoying the serene company of the ranch’s diverse animals. From playful peacocks to majestic horses, the inviting presence of the ranch’s inhabitants enhances the experience, offering a delightful connection to the land.

Ceremonies at Ross Ranch are thoughtfully designed to bring out the beauty of the surroundings. Imagine exchanging vows beneath a sprawling oak tree, its branches offering a natural canopy that creates an intimate sanctuary. The seating arrangement embraces a gentle semicircle, allowing guests to feel part of the celebration, enveloped by the love that fills the air. This design

approach honors the land’s rhythm, fostering a profound sense of connection between the couple and their guests.

From the moment guests arrive, every detail is designed to enchant. As they step onto the property, they are greeted with handcrafted welcome packages that include delicate handheld fans for warm days and Ross Ranch wines served in elegant glassware adorned with seasonal blooms. A beautifully designed welcome sign, inspired by the couple’s personal touches, sets a tone of warmth and sophistication, ensuring that the celebration begins with a heartfelt embrace.

The transition from the ceremony to the cocktail hour is a seamless journey marked by elegance and grace. Guests are invited to mingle in a scenic vineyard setting where a modern bar glimmers at the edge of the vines, enticing conversations and laughter. As the golden hour casts its spell over the landscape, the atmosphere becomes a luxurious blend of conviviality and serenity.

Dining at Ross Ranch is an experience unto itself. Under the stars, guests enjoy a refined poolside dinner where the shimmering water reflects the elegance of the evening. Tables are adorned with exquisite details: smoky glassware, whimsical plates, and lush floral arrangements that echo the surrounding beauty. The carefully

curated color palette, featuring moss green and taupe-blush accents, creates a sophisticated yet inviting ambiance. Each place card, tied with a delicate ribbon, serves as a reminder of thoughtful design, bringing continuity to the event’s aesthetic.

As dusk descends, the celebration gracefully shifts to the barn, a venue that beautifully blends rustic charm with contemporary elegance. Thoughtfully curated décor enhances the barn’s natural appeal, transforming it into a stylish lounge ideal for ongoing festivities. At the heart of this enchanting space, a stunning cake adorned with delicate fondant ribbons and surrounded by vibrant florals stands as a centerpiece of playful sophistication, beckoning guests to savor its sweet delights.

With espresso martinis in hand, guests dance, share stories, and step outside to gaze at the stars—each moment a poetic reflection of the joy experienced throughout the day. The barn, with its warm ambiance, becomes the heart of the celebration, fostering connections that last long after the final toast.

The magic of Ross Ranch is brought to life through the seamless collaboration of a talented team of creatives. From visionary planners to skilled chefs, each member shares a commitment to crafting an unforgettable experience. Every detail, every flourish, is imbued with intention, ensuring that the event feels both luxurious and effortlessly curated.

Ross Ranch is more than just a venue; it represents an invitation to slow down, celebrate deeply, and let beauty unfold across a weekend of meaningful moments. From the first sip of Ross Ranch wine to the final starlit conversations, this exquisite property captures the essence of love and celebration, creating memories that are cherished for a lifetime.

Location: Distinct Locations, Double R Ranch, @distinctlocations

Photography: Kreate Photography, @kreate_photography

Planning & Design: L’Relyea Events, @lrelyeaevents

Floral: Cherries Flowers, @cherriesflowers

Rentals: Encore Event Rentals, @encoreeventrentals

Wine: ww.rossranchwine.com

NESTLED ALONG CALIFORNIA’S STUNNING COASTLINE, Sea Ranch is a sanctuary where nature and community harmoniously coexist. With breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and rolling hills, it’s a place that truly embodies the philosophy of living lightly on the land. The Sea Ranch Lodge has recently embraced this ethos, introducing innovative programs and offerings that elevate the experience for visitors while remaining deeply connected to sustainability and local culture.

At the heart of this transformation is Chloe Tula, the Lodge’s inaugural wine director, whose journey from orchestral harpist to certified sommelier brings a unique perspective to the wine program. After discovering her passion for wine during a transformative trip to France, Tula enrolled in WSET classes and honed her skills at Little Saint in Healdsburg. Now at The Sea Ranch Lodge, she has expanded the wine list from 70 to an impressive 120 selections, focusing on local vintners and sustainable practices. Tula is dedicated to creating a wine program that reflects the unique sense of place that is Sea Ranch, inviting guests to explore adventurous varietals that surprise and delight.

The Sea Ranch Lodge serves as a vibrant hub for community and visitors alike, offering a unique blend of relaxation, adventure,

Living Lightly on the Land

The tale of Sea Ranch

BY CLAUDIA ROSS

and culinary delight. As you step into the Lodge, you’re greeted by a warm, welcoming ambiance that invites you to unwind and reconnect with nature. With stunning architecture that harmonizes with the surrounding landscape and designed recently by famed San Francisco designer Nicole Hollis, the Lodge is an ideal base for exploring the natural beauty of Sea Ranch.

Emphasizing a commitment to sustainability, the Lodge has launched a series of new programs designed to enhance guests’ connection to the land. One of the most exciting additions steered by Tula is Vino & Vinyl, sessions in which handpicked wines from local and regional wineries are paired with classic vinyl records. This unique experience not only tantalizes the palate but also creates an intimate atmosphere that encourages guests to relax and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

In addition to the Vino & Vinyl sessions, the Lodge hosts Sip Like a Somm experiences, where guests can refine their palates and learn about the nuances of various wines from knowledgeable staff. These interactive sessions celebrate the art of winemaking and the rich culture of the surrounding Sonoma and Napa regions. Through these programs, the Lodge fosters a deeper appreciation for local wines and their unique characteristics, inviting guests to embark on a delightful exploration of flavors.

Chloe Tula

The culinary offerings at The Sea Ranch Lodge further highlight its commitment to sustainability and farm-to-table dining. With daily lunch specials and weekend brunch, guests can savor dishes crafted from ingredients sourced from The Sea Ranch Farm. This emphasis on local produce supports the agricultural community while ensuring that every meal is fresh, flavorful, and reflective of the region’s bounty. Guided farm tours allow guests to learn about regenerative farming practices and participate in activities such as picking their own vegetables, creating a memorable connection to the land.

The Lodge has also introduced the Sustainable Living at Sea Ranch custom package, offering a thoughtfully curated, threenight stay that immerses guests in the local environment. This package includes a family night kit with board games and artisan chocolates as well as a farm-fresh breakfast basket featuring local produce, yogurt, and coffee from The Sea Ranch Lodge. Guests can also enjoy personalized farm experiences, including tours and workshops, making it easy to engage with the natural beauty surrounding them.

As part of its commitment to wellness, The Sea Ranch Lodge offers in-home spa treatments that rejuvenate both body and mind. These services are complemented by thoughtful gifts capturing the essence of Sea Ranch, such as mushroom candles and artisanal confections. This holistic approach to wellness reflects the Lodge’s dedication to providing a comprehensive experience that nurtures guests in every way.

The sense of community at Sea Ranch is palpable. The Lodge serves as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike, fostering connections over shared meals, exceptional wines, and engaging events. Whether it’s whale watching along the rugged coastline, hiking scenic trails, or simply enjoying a leisurely dinner at the Lodge, Sea Ranch offers a wealth of experiences that encourage guests to connect with nature and each other.

The Lodge also hosts wine events every Wednesday, featuring wine pairing dinners that allow guests to explore various varietals while mingling with fellow wine enthusiasts. These communal experiences create an atmosphere of camaraderie, where friendships blossom over shared bottles and laughter fills the air. While I was there, PEAY was the winery of choice. Guests were invited to a tour of the local winery followed by a wine pairing dinner in The Lodge.

At its core, Sea Ranch is more than just a destination: it’s a lifestyle rooted in sustainability and deep respect for the land. The Sea Ranch Lodge epitomizes this philosophy, making a concerted effort to live lightly on the land while providing guests with unforgettable experiences. With its stunning natural beauty, commitment to community, and innovative programming, the Lodge invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and embrace the art of living lightly.

For those seeking a unique getaway that transcends the ordinary, The Sea Ranch Lodge promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the beauty of the land and the richness of its community. So, pack your bags and prepare for a journey filled with adventure, relaxation, and the chance to truly connect with the essence of Sea Ranch. Whether you’re hiking through scenic trails, enjoying a delicious meal made from local ingredients, or sipping wine while listening to classic vinyl records, Sea Ranch offers a wealth of opportunities to embrace the best of coastal living.

The Rocco Forte Formula

How a family legacy continues to shape luxury hospitality

BY FRAN ENDICOTT MILLER

AT A TIME WHEN MANY HOTEL EMPIRES ARE STEERED BY boards and balance sheets, Rocco Forte Hotels stand apart—still guided by the personal vision, instinct, and involvement of the family who founded the brand. For the Fortes, luxury hospitality is more than a business; it’s a multi-generational legacy defined by passion and a distinctly European sensibility.

Founded in 1996 by Sir Rocco Forte and his sister, designer Olga Polizzi, Rocco Forte Hotels has become synonymous with discreet glamour and service rooted in tradition. The brand’s signature lies in its ability to combine cosmopolitan elegance with an intuitive sense of place, whether in a restored 19th century palazzo in Palermo or a stylish townhouse hotel in Mayfair. Today, the next generation of Fortes—led by Lydia and Charles, with Irene consulting on wellness offerings—is shaping the brand’s evolution, preserving its independence while expanding its relevance for a new era of travelers.

A LEGACY REIMAGINED

Sir Rocco Forte, knighted in 1994 for services to the British hospitality industry, is the son of the legendary Charles Forte, whose empire once included more than 800 hotels. When Granada took over the original Forte Group in the mid-1990s, Rocco Forte and Olga Polizzi decided to begin anew, building a smaller, high-end collection that would marry British polish with Italian warmth. The first hotel to bear their imprint was the Balmoral in Edinburgh, followed by properties in Brussels, Florence, St. Petersburg, and beyond.

The company remains family-owned, a rare structure in an industry dominated by international conglomerates. This

independence allows the Fortes to make decisions based on expertise and intuition. They handpick properties, often in landmark buildings, and oversee everything from design to dining.

THE DESIGN DNA: OLGA POLIZZI

No Rocco Forte hotel looks the same, and that’s by design. Polizzi is the group’s director of design, bringing a refined eye to each project and often collaborating with local artisans to imbue properties with a sense of cultural authenticity. Her interiors mix contemporary furnishings with classical references: velvets and marbles with modern sculpture, antique mirrors with pops of color.

From the rooftop suites at Hotel de Russie in Rome, with their panoramic views over the Villa Borghese gardens, to the lemon-hued guest rooms at Villa Igiea in Palermo, Polizzi’s hand is everywhere, ensuring the hotels feel personal rather than corporate.

IRENE FORTE: WELLNESS WITH DEPTH

If Sir Rocco is the strategist and Polizzi the stylist, then Irene Forte is the soul of the brand’s modern wellness philosophy. Educated at Oxford, she brings a holistic mindset to the company’s spa programs, which she oversees as Wellness Consultant. She’s also built a brand of her own: Irene Forte Skincare, an award-winning Italian skincare line, clinically proven and formulated with ingredients grown on the organic farm at Verdura Resort in Sicily. The range is available at leading U.S. retailers, including Bluemercury, Cos Bar, and BeautySpace, and features as the exclusive bath amenity line across all Rocco Forte Hotels.

Irene Forte

Irene created her eponymous skincare line to reflect the same values at the heart of Rocco Forte Hotels: exceptional quality, integrity, provenance, and a deep sense of care. Each product unites time-honoured Mediterranean botanicals with advanced dermatological science to deliver luxurious, highperformance skincare.

Spa treatments at Rocco Forte Hotels integrate this philosophy: tailored, ingredient-focused, and designed to restore and achieve results. At Verdura Resort’s Irene Forte Spa, guests can enjoy immersive programs blending skincare with nutrition and movement, while city hotels like Hotel de La Ville in Rome or Brown’s in London offer more condensed but equally curated experiences. The goal isn’t surface-level glow, but cellular-level renewal—delivered with the same precision that defines the brand’s hospitality.

“While working full-time at Rocco Forte Hotels, I saw a clear opportunity to elevate natural skincare through scientific innovation,” says Irene. “With a beautiful organic farm at Verdura and access to rich Mediterranean botanicals, I had the ideal foundation—but I needed the right scientific partner to bring true efficacy. After extensive research, I met Dottoressa Francesca Ferri, a pioneer in the medical use of plant extracts with over 40 years of experience in clean cosmetics. Her deep expertise aligned perfectly with my vision: to create natural skincare guided by dermatological science. Following years of development and testing with Rocco Forte Spa therapists, we launched a clinically proven, certified vegan line inspired by the Mediterranean diet and powered by ingredients from our organic farm. Each formula pairs performance with sensorial luxury: gentle yet effective, allergen-screened, and certified for sensitive skin. From the start, I was equally focused on purpose. Sustainability is core to our brand, and I’m proud that Irene Forte Skincare is now B Corp certified.”

LYDIA AND CHARLES: STRATEGY AND STEWARDSHIP

Irene isn’t the only next-generation Forte shaping the brand’s future. Her siblings, Lydia and Charles, also play key roles within the company. Lydia, educated at Oxford and Cornell, oversees food and beverage strategy across the portfolio. She has helped elevate the group’s culinary offerings, securing collaborations with renowned chefs and refining the identity of each hotel restaurant—from Sicilian seafood at Fulvio Pierangelini’s Florio restaurant in Palermo to classic British cuisine at Charlie’s in London.

Charles, meanwhile, works on development and investments, helping to identify new opportunities for growth without compromising the brand’s independence. As global luxury becomes increasingly homogenized, his role is to ensure that Rocco Forte Hotels remain both rare and relevant. That means measured expansion—into culturally significant cities like Milan and Shanghai, rather than into mass-market destinations—and a continued focus on family-led governance.

A EUROPEAN IDENTITY, A GLOBAL OUTLOOK

Currently, Rocco Forte Hotels has 15 properties across Europe, with new openings in the pipeline for 2025 and beyond. Each property is distinct, yet unmistakably Forte: high-touch service, artful interiors, and an elegant atmosphere. Staff are trained not just to serve but to anticipate, and the mood is often more that of a refined private home than a luxury chain.

This consistency is perhaps the brand’s most quietly radical achievement. At a time when many luxury hotels pursue spectacle or strive to cater to every demographic, the Fortes remain confident in their identity. Their success is built not on scale, but on substance—and on the belief that a hotel should be as emotionally resonant as it is visually impressive.

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF ROCCO FORTE HOTELS

A LIVING LEGACY

Rocco Forte Hotels isn’t just a family-run business; it’s a family philosophy made tangible. While competitors expand into branded residences and lifestyle sub-labels, the Fortes stay focused on something more elusive: soul.

With the next generation now firmly at the helm—guided by the principles of the last but unafraid to innovate—the brand stands as one of the rare examples of luxury that feels both deeply personal and durably modern. Whether through Irene’s commitment to ethical skincare, Olga’s aesthetic discernment, or Sir Rocco’s strategic foresight, the Fortes continue to redefine what family-run hospitality can look like in the 21st century.

“Rocco Forte Hotels has always been a true family business, and that’s what sets us apart,” adds Irene. “Every decision is shaped by care, integrity, and long-term vision—not short-term gains. Each part of the company has been created or touched by a member of the family, and that’s what gives it its soul. It’s a brand that truly reflects who we are.”

A Stairway to Heaven: My Night at Rome’s Legendary Hotel Hassler

BY BECCA HENSLEY

FROM THE AMPLE TERRACE OF MY SIXTH FLOOR, JEWEL box of a bijou guest room at the legendary Hotel Hassler, I can see the Eternal City unfurl in all its glory. Almost decorative, muted with colors of ancient stone, and awash with architectural swirls, Rome’s cityscape looks like a huge, silky swatch of paisley fabric cast down from the heavens. Perched pinnacle-like, Hotel Hassler sits atop the Spanish Steps, looking down. It’s like a portal, or as the hotel itself says, “the stairway to heaven.” Clutching a room service-delivered Aperol spritz, I feel as fortunate as a Michelangelo angel frozen forever in a ceiling fresco here. I could flutter in this celestial spot all night.

As it turns out, though, I’ve got dinner reservations at the seventh floor Terrace Bar, just a quick stairway up from my room. So, eventually, I have to tear myself away, though not before reveling in the fact that my room lies next to the magnificent Presidential Suite San Pietro, Audrey Hepburn’s favorite haven when she stayed here. We actually share a terrace, though there’s

a divider for privacy. Being so close to that suite (where scads of other famous folk have stayed) somehow gives me a smattering of glitterati status all my own. I just feel her vibes.

Intimate, exclusive, currently with 87 rooms (which include 21 suites), and a Leading Hotel of the World®, Hotel Hassler opened in 1893. As the only grand hotel in Europe that remains privately owned and managed full-time by family, it has been led for six generations by the Wirths—consummate Swiss hoteliers. Now standing at the helm, twins Roberto Wirth, Jr. and Versuschka Wirth took over management after their father’s death. They carry on the family tradition. Working side-by-side in complementary roles, they ensure Hotel Hassler stays relevant to present times, while also keeping the hotel’s historical gravitas as it foundation. Thank the Wirth twins for increased attention to sustainability efforts and modern additions to the hotel’s amenities, such as the expansive Amovero Spa, which will open in 2026, complete with a pool and state-of-the-art fitness room.

THE ROOMS AND SUITES

Rooms tastefully combine classic and contemporary touches. Mine was a bedazzlement of silk-sheathed walls in jewel tones, a pampering marble bathroom, mosaic tiles, lavish linens and textiles, and polished mahogany wood. For a special occasion, check into the Hassler Penthouse, a 4,305-square-foot, eighth-floor suite that offers stunning views across Rome’s skyline. The two-bedroom suite features two panoramic terraces in Travertine marble, a grand piano, and a fully stocked cocktail bar area in its elegant living room. Private butler service goes without saying. Alternatively, choose the Penthouse Villa Medici Suite, situated on the hotel’s seventh floor. Its astonishing terrace stretches 1,614 square feet to hold a balcony and terrace with a gazebo, fireplace, sunbeds, and an LCD flat screen TV.

DINING AND DRINKING

The grand marque attraction for epicureans is Hotel Hassler’s Imàgo, the hotel’s sublime, Michelin-starred restaurant featuring inventive plates, ever Roman but with a twist, by chef Andrea Antonini. Try the chef’s elevated Roman style artichoke, porcini, and goat cheese gnocchi and sea bass. As mentioned, the seventh floor Terrace Bar draws guests up for the sunset, happy hour snacks or light suppers, and provocative cocktails. Salone Eva, the hotel’s all-day restaurant opens to the garden-like Palm Court in summer, while Carmen’s Bar, formerly known as the Hassler Bar, kindles thoughts of heyday Rome in all its glamorous, lavish glory. Think: red leather upholstery, subdued lights, and gilded mirrors.

SERVICE

Gracious, helpful, coddling, kind, white-gloved to the max, and exclusive. A special shout-out to the concierge team: they can do anything.

MORE ON THE LOCATION

Literally a step from the Spanish Steps, minutes from the Trevi Fountain, seconds from Piazza di Spagna, near the Villa Borghese and the Barcaccia fountain, and close enough to carry your shopping bags back from famous Via Condotti, Hotel Hassler could not be in a better location.

From Lobby to Lamborghini: Hotels That Let You Drive the Dream

BY BECCA HENSLEY

WHO WOULDN’T WANT TO STEER A PICNIC-PACKED FIAT

Topolino along the curvy Amalfi Coast or ride through Ireland’s County Kerry in a 1937 Buick Phaeton as dramatic as a bygone movie star? You don’t have to be a motorhead to appreciate the allure of exploring a city or region from the seat of a fancy car. These days, more and more hotels are jumping on the bandwagon to offer the keys (or use) of coveted automobiles sure to enhance their guests’ stay. As proffered amenities, these snazzy vehicles clearly outshine the usual five-star fare from bathrobes to turndown.

Pack your driving gloves and collect the keys at these topnotch hotels around the world.

At Treville Positano, enveloped in the former home of beloved Italian film director Franco Zeffirelli, you’ll leave your extravagantly elegant suites—one of just 16 total—to gallivant alongside the Tyrrhenian Sea for the day. At the wheel of a whimsical, mint-green electric Fiat Topolino, maneuver through narrow streets and deftly take the Amalfi Coast’s adrenalinecharging hairpin turns. Available on a complimentary basis and conveniently charging outside reception, the chic two-seater car boasts classic Italian styling with a notable glass-top design.

Choose your suite at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills based on the car that comes with it. Depending on the selected suite

category, guests may book a signature suite experience to gain complimentary access to a range of custom luxury vehicles, including a Bentley GTC, Ferrari Roma, or Lamborghini Urus. Ideal for exploring star-studded Los Angeles, the cars are provided in partnership with Beverly Hills Car Rental.

Navigate Napa Valley in style. Auberge du Soleil, Napa’s original boutique hotel and a gastronomic haven, keeps a fleet of Mercedes Benz automobiles available for guests on a first come, first served basis. Provided for four-hour intervals, ideal for sightseeing and quick trips to nearby towns, the car collection includes various models of Mercedes, even a luxurious G Wagon.

Exuding the most coddling country house vibes, Sheen Falls Lodge, part of the Relais & Châteaux collection, anchors a 300-acre estate in County Kerry, just minutes from the charming town of Kenmare. A hospitable hideaway where activities like falconry are the norm, its gasp-worthy 1947 Phaeton captivates even when parked. Take it to town for sweater shopping or on a chauffeured joy ride along part of the Ring of Kerry.

Big Sur ’s Post Ranch Inn partners with Lexus to offer guests sophisticated forays through the redwoods and along the riveting Pacific coast. A perfect match for the Post Ranch experience, the cars excel in attention to detail, casual elegance, and comfort. Lexus

PHOTO: COURTESY OF ACQUALINA

Acqualina’s luxury car experience

Hotel Wailea, roadster

owners who book an overnight stay receive one three-course lunch for two at Sierra Mar Restaurant.

On glimmering Lake Como, dazzling Il Sereno Lago di Como lures guests to über opulence with 40 suites designed by Patricia Urquiola, each with views of the water. Enjoy a convoy of like-minded souls as you whisk along Lake Como’s banks to visit towns like Bellagio and Menaggio in one of the hotel’s three stunning Maseratis.

Immerse in heyday Miami flair at Acqualina Resort & Residences at Sunny Isles Beach. Home to the largest collection of Rolls-Royce vehicles of any luxury property in the world, the swish retreat pampers guests with three swimming pools, peerless restaurants, and unforgettable five-star service. Test drive the vehicles or simply pose for an Instagram photo sure to bring envy to your peers.

On earthy Tofino, an island in Canada’s British Columbia, it only makes sense to drive something modern and better for the environment. To whit, Wickaninnish Inn proudly collaborates with Volvo to give guests the opportunity to experience the brand’s luxury hybrid SUV. Test your wheels on drives to the Pacific Rim National Park and beyond.

Shades of Elvis-era, Pacific glam happen at Maui’s exclusive, adults-only Hotel Wailea, Hawaii’s only Relais & Châteaux property. There, you can grab your ukulele and take the wheel of a sleek 1957 Porsche 356 Speedster reproduction, sublime for finding the island’s best viewpoints and beaches. Choose from four classic colors: blue, red, ivory, or silver.

The Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel does everything splendidly. You’ll want to forego sightseeing to stay in, nosh at three-Michelin-starred restaurant La Pergola, and partake of various pools and the world class gym. When the “Gran Turismo” urge niggles, choose to test spin the vehicle of your dreams—a McLaren, Ferrari, or Lamborghini—along the city’s famous roads. As a newly minted expert, you can explore the region’s nature, historic sites and vineyards.

At various Four Seasons hotels around the world, take the wheel of a Lucid, one of the most advanced luxury cars on earth, for a guiltfree, local expedition and driving experiences. Consider Four Seasons Austin or Four Seasons Boston, where concierges supply driving maps, tons of insightful information, themed driving itineraries, and more. You’ll love these state-of-the-art, award-winning sedans.

Four Seasons Hotels, Lucid

Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills suite rides

Wickaninnish Inn, Wick-Car

Seven of San Francisco’s Sweetest Suites

A curated look at the suites that set the city apart

BY FRAN MILLER

SAN FRANCISCO OFFERS NO SHORTAGE OF EXCELLENT hotels. From historic landmarks to contemporary high-rises, the city accommodates every kind of traveler. But for those seeking a more elevated experience—spaces where design, privacy, and service align at the highest level—it’s worth looking beyond the standard rooms. The city’s finest suites aren’t just larger; they’re sharper in every sense. They reflect the personalities of their neighborhoods, the visions of their designers, and the expectations of guests who don’t settle for average.

Whether perched above the Financial District or anchored on Nob Hill, these suites deliver something distinctive: views with intent, layouts with purpose, and elevated amenities. These are not simply places to sleep; they are places to arrive.

THE WINDSOR SUITE AT THE WESTIN ST. FRANCIS

The Westin St. Francis has hosted its fair share of dignitaries over the decades, but only one suite bears royal distinction. Named in honor of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, who stayed here after a state dinner in 1983, the Windsor Suite is the grande dame of the hotel’s accommodations. Spanning 1,900 square feet, the suite balances historic gravitas with modern comfort. A marble foyer sets the tone, leading into a light-filled bedroom framed by twin bay windows, a generous sitting room, and a dining area complete with butler’s pantry and open bar—perfect for small hosted gatherings or spontaneous toasts. Panoramic views stretch across the city and bay, best enjoyed from one of the suite’s two lounge areas or while unpacking in the

expansive walk-in closet. An optional second bedroom and bath add flexibility for families or entourages. Guests also receive personalized pre-arrival concierge service, fresh flowers, a bottle of Chateau Montelena, and a custom-stocked minibar, plus Club Lounge access and on-demand transportation. Regal, but refreshingly unpretentious.

THE PRESIDENTIAL SUITE AT THE RITZ-CARLTON, SAN FRANCISCO

At the Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, the Presidential Suite isn’t just a room—it’s a private urban estate with a front row seat to the city’s skyline. With views of the Financial District, this suite pairs refined interiors with a 1,200-square-foot terrace overlooking the Transamerica Pyramid and beyond. Inside, there’s space to entertain: a formal dining room with seating for six, a wet bar, a personal wine cellar, and a whirlpool bath that looks out toward the city. Thoughtful touches abound such as Frette linens (choose 100% linen or 1,000-threadcount jacquard cotton), dual flat screens with premium sound, and a guest bath off the spacious foyer. Need more room? A connecting Club Executive Suite brings the total capacity to six guests. All Presidential Suite stays include Club Lounge access, with curated culinary presentations throughout the day, from light lunches to evening desserts. The perks continue with complimentary pressing, personalized wake-up service with coffee or tea delivered in-room, and access to the Business Lounge. Equal parts stately and stylish, it’s The Ritz-Carlton at its most relaxed and most impressive.

The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco Presidential Suite balcony

The Westin St. Francis Windsor Suite bedroom

GOLDEN GATE TERRACE SUITE AT FOUR SEASONS

HOTEL SAN FRANCISCO AT EMBARCADERO

Few suites in San Francisco deliver a sense of place quite like the Golden Gate Terrace Suite at the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero. Located on the 38th floor, this one-bedroom retreat opens onto an 800-square-foot terrace with sweeping views of the city’s most iconic landmarks—the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge, Alcatraz, and Coit Tower—all in one cinematic frame. Inside, the 1,200-squarefoot suite blends understated elegance with thoughtful functionality. The living room features a dining table for six, a spacious work desk, and a sleek, private bar stocked with premium local spirits (upon request). A marble-clad bathroom offers a deep soaking tub and walk-in shower, while a separate powder room keeps things comfortable for guests. Touches like Codage Paris bath products, down bedding, and twicedaily housekeeping add polish, while round-the-clock, in-room dining and concierge service ensures your every need is met. At night, as the bridges light up and the fog drifts across the bay, this suite becomes one of the most transportive places in the city.

THE PENTHOUSE SUITE AT THE FAIRMONT SAN FRANCISCO

This awe-inspiring suite is not just a hotel room; it’s a storied palace in the sky, where history, luxury, and architectural grandeur converge in perfect harmony. High atop Nob Hill, the Fairmont’s Penthouse Suite reigns as the city’s most extraordinary hotel accommodation. Spanning 6,000 square feet across the entire eighth floor, it’s more private residence than suite, one with a colorful past and unmatched sense of occasion. There’s a Moorish-inspired billiards room with ornate, tiled walls; a two-story, gold-leaf-domed library with a hidden bookshelf passage to the rooftop; and a terrace that surveys the city and bay. The formal dining room seats 60. Originally designed in the 1920s, the space blends architectural drama with residential warmth. Three bedrooms, a grand salon with a piano, and a full chef’s kitchen are just the start. Guests enjoy 24-hour butler service, curated pantry provisions, and even access to a personal chef, trainer, and chauffeur. This is where U.S. presidents have stayed and the United Nations Charter took shape. It’s an address that continues to host the world’s most discerning travelers in unparalleled style.

THE LOUNGE SUITE AT THE BATTERY

Within San Francisco’s most intriguing private members club, you’ll find one of the city’s stealthiest hospitality options. The Battery doubles as a Small Luxury Hotel of the World, with 14 rooms, two Michelin keys, and design by Ken Fulk. Largest is the 625-square-foot Lounge Suite with an urbane mix of industrial heritage and plush, modern style. Exposed brick, warm hardwoods, and vintage accents frame the loft-like space anchored by a king bed and inviting sitting area. A freestanding soaking tub elevates the marble-clad bathroom, while oversized windows draw natural light across the interiors. Checking in here isn’t just about the suite; it’s about instant access. As a hotel guest, you’re automatically a Resident Member of The Battery for the duration of your stay, meaning you can slip into the club’s private areas without skipping a beat. Enjoy the whimsical Green Room, the black-and-white cerused oak Musto Bar, or the Library with its pink onyx bar. These imaginative gathering spots become part of your stay. For travelers seeking a suite that doubles as a gateway into one of San Francisco’s most dynamic social circles, the Lounge Suite delivers comfort and cachet.

Fairmont San Francisco Penthouse Suite billiards room

Lounge Suite at The Battery

THE PALACE HOTEL PRESIDENTIAL SUITE

With soaring ceilings, original carved fireplaces, and vintage chandeliers, the Palace Hotel’s Presidential Suite channels the grandeur of a bygone era while offering every modern comfort. Spanning 2,200 square feet across seven rooms, the suite wraps the corner of Market Street with expansive windows and elegant sightlines. A marble foyer leads into a stately living room and formal dining room—both graced with fireplaces and designed for entertaining—while a baby grand piano adds a touch of drama. The media room, outfitted with plush sofas and a large plasma screen, provides a more relaxed gathering space. The king bedroom, dressed in Frette linens and soft neutral tones accented with ocean blues, connects to a marble-clad bath featuring a glassenclosed rain shower and deep spa tub. Inlaid hardwood floors with custom rugs run throughout, while a fully equipped kitchen and guest bath complete the residence-style layout. Ideal for a private escape or a soirée for 20, the suite embodies the storied elegance of the Palace, a hotel that has hosted presidents, dignitaries, and the United Nations’ earliest delegates in its nearly 150-year history.

THE PRESIDENTIAL SUITE AT THE ST. REGIS SAN FRANCISCO

High atop the city’s premier arts district, the St. Regis San Francisco’s Presidential Suite is as refined as its surroundings. Occupying the top floor with 3,200 square feet of living space, the one-bedroom suite offers panoramic views framed by floor-to-ceiling windows. A marble-clad master bath with soaking tub and spray jets complements the king bedroom, dressed in Frette linens and calming metallic hues inspired by the California Gold Rush. An additional guest bath adds convenience, while bespoke amenities—including Dyson® hair dryers, REN skincare, and Sodashi lotions—set an elevated standard for self-care. Designed for both privacy and entertaining, the suite includes a spacious living room, formal dining area, and a baby grand-worthy sense of occasion. A full kitchen and dedicated butler service ensure seamless hosting and thoughtful gestures—whether arranging morning coffee with the sunrise or delivering an unexpected necessity with trademark St. Regis discretion. Pair this with the hotel’s celebrated amenities such as nightly sabering rituals, a destination bar, fine dining, and adjacency to SFMOMA, and the Presidential Suite becomes more than a penthouse perch. It’s the consummate St. Regis experience: discreet, indulgent, and distinctly San Francisco.

St. Regis San Francisoc Presidential Suite office

The Palace Hotel Presidential Suite bedroom

Lyford Cay

6 BR | 4/2 BA | 5,743 sf | $9,950,000

Villa Solara. Mediterranean-style residence with timeless architecture and contemporary finishes. Walking distance of the Lyford Cay Club. Gated. Property ID G3FHFF nick.damianos@SIRbahamas.com +1.242.376.1841

Governors Harbour, Eleuthera

25 Acres | Pink Sand Beach | $7,900,000

Jhade Beach. North of Governors Harbour, 700-ft. pristine pink sand beach, 1,400-ft. frontage on Queen’s Highway. Secluded natural setting. Private. Property ID 64184 thomas.marrazza@SIRbahamas.com +1.242.551.9431

Marsh Harbour, Abaco

10 BR | 10,000 sf | 1.25 Acres | $6,900,000

Villa Tatutina. Turnkey, Boater’s Paradise, 130’ dock, boatlift, 152’ on harbour. Property ID 62261 lana.rademaker@SIRbahamas.com +1.242.457.0406 mitzi.pearce@SIRbahamas.com +1.242.577.5438

Cable Beach, Nassau

Private Beach | 3 BR | 3 BA | 3,172 sf | $4,295,000

902 Aqualina. Exclusive new development, Ultra-Luxury Living. Ocean Views. Infinity Pool, Tennis, Fitness Centre and Full-Time Concierge. Gated. Property ID 62667

samira.coleby@SIRbahamas.com +1.242.376.6248

Populus Hotels and the Future of Carbon-Positive Hospitality

Where architecture, art, and ecology converge

BY FRAN MILLER

IN DENVER, IT LOOKS LIKE A GROVE OF WHITE ASPENS. In Seattle, it rises from a century-old timber-and-brick landmark. These are the first two properties by Populus Hotels, the carbonpositive brand by Urban Villages, and together they’re rewriting the rules of urban hospitality. Each property is distinct. One is newly built; the other is reborn. But both share an audacious goal: to give more to the planet than they take. Populus Denver and Populus Seattle don’t just minimize environmental impact; they offset it entirely, ultimately creating a positive one. The result is a new category of luxury, warm and grounded, where guests can indulge in comfort while participating in an act of restoration.

THE ROOTS OF A MOVEMENT

Urban Villages, the Denver-based real estate and hospitality developer behind Populus, has long specialized in projects that merge sustainability with community vitality. The company’s founders understood early that architecture could be regenerative

and that a building could function like a living system, sequestering carbon and supporting biodiversity.

Populus Denver was the first manifestation of that philosophy. Opened in 2023, the 265-room hotel was designed by Studio Gang, the renowned Chicago architecture firm led by Jeanne Gang. Its striking white façade is punctuated by oval-shaped “eyes,” inspired by the bark of Colorado’s native aspen tree, Populus tremuloides Those signature windows aren’t just sculptural; they shade interiors, frame the city, and filter the intense mountain light.

The building’s entire lifecycle was modeled for carbon impact, from the concrete mix to the roofline. It was the first hotel in the United States to be declared carbon positive, meaning it sequesters more carbon through forest and soil restoration projects than it emits through construction and operation. That impact is tangible: more than 70,000 Engelmann spruces have been planted in Colorado’s Gunnison County, part of the hotel’s ongoing “One Night, One Tree” initiative.

Entry, Populus Seattle; Credit: Ric Stovall

WHERE DESIGN MEETS ECOLOGY

Inside, the interiors resemble a hike through an aspen grove, from the earthy tones of the “forest floor” lobby to the bright, airy palettes in guest rooms and the green-saturated rooftop “canopy.” Materials include reclaimed snow fencing from Wyoming, beetlekill pine, recycled leather veneer, and mycelium (mushroom) leather panels that breathe like organic fabric.

Art throughout the hotel celebrates local ecosystems and indigenous culture with curated works by Colorado artist Katherine Homes and Cheyenne and Arapaho painter Brent Learned. Elevator soundscapes feature birdcalls recorded in Rocky Mountain National Park. Even the lighting mimics the dappling of sunlight through leaves.

Dining follows the same philosophy Pasque, the ground-floor restaurant, takes its name from a native wildflower and serves zero-waste, seasonally driven dishes rooted in the Mountain West. Upstairs, Stellar Jay spreads across a lively indoor-outdoor rooftop, where wood-fired cooking and pollinator-friendly landscaping create a sense of dining amid the treetops. Both restaurants operate under a regenerative agriculture model, and one percent of sales funds local sustainable farming grants.

SEATTLE’S COUNTERPOINT: A LANDMARK REBORN

If Denver is the brand’s bold architectural debut, Populus Seattle represents its most soulful evolution. Here, the concept of carbon-positive hospitality finds expression in history and restoration rather than new construction. Occupying the Westland Building, a 1907 brick-and-timber warehouse in Pioneer Square, the hotel demonstrates the power of adaptive reuse—saving the embodied carbon of an existing structure while giving it a vibrant new life. Instead of demolishing, architects retained Douglas fir beams, car decking, and brick walls, restoring them with reverence. A skylight, long covered, now channels daylight through the building’s core, connecting guests to the sky above.

THE FOREST WITHIN

While the structure honors its early 20th-century origins, the interiors immerse guests in the biophilic richness of the Pacific Northwest. The lobby surrounds G(host) Forest, an installation by artist Isvald Klingels, composed of fallen trees and living plants that double as habitat. A multi-story moss wall climbs toward the

skylight, while lush planters and glass-wrapped spaces bring the feeling of a rainforest indoors.

In the restaurant Salt Harvest, chefs Conny Andersson and Jonathan De Paz (whose résumés include Eleven Madison Park and The French Laundry) create menus that express the region’s maritime and agricultural bounty: smoked oysters, vegetables from nearby farms, and meats roasted over a wood-fired hearth. The Salt Harvest solarium, enclosed in glass and greenery, transforms dinner into an immersive experience. It’s like dining within the canopy of a forest. Upstairs, Firn, the hotel’s rooftop bar, pays homage to the compacted snow that becomes glacial ice, offering inventive cocktails inspired by the Pacific Northwest landscape. Views sweep from Pioneer Square’s rooftops to Elliott Bay, making it one of the city’s most atmospheric perches.

ART, LIGHT, AND LOCAL LIFE

More than 300 works of art, curated with ARTXIV, showcase Pacific Northwest artists like Andrea Heimer and Joe Feddersen alongside international creators. Murals, installations, and mixed media pieces echo the tension between city and wilderness that defines Seattle’s identity. While Populus Denver established the “One Night, One Tree” ethos, Seattle deepens it. The property partners with King County’s Forest Carbon Program and draws 100% of its electricity from renewable sources. Every detail is part of a measurable carbon accounting system.

More importantly, Populus Seattle was conceived within the larger RailSpur development by Urban Villages—a reimagined network of historic alleyways that will host local chefs, artisans, and community events. The hotel’s own Library and Art Rooms extend that vision, serving as neighborhood gathering places as much as guest amenities.

TOWARD A CARBON-POSITIVE FUTURE

With Seattle and Denver now open, Populus has positioned itself at the forefront of a movement that blends hospitality, architecture, and environmental ethics into a single, elegant experience. Future projects are expected to follow suit, each one shaped by its local ecosystem and community rather than a corporate template. If the first two properties are any indication, this is the new direction of urban luxury: hotels that act like forests, breathing life into cities, filtering light through beauty, and stealthily giving back more than they consume.

Populus Denver entry

Stellar Jay rooftop terrace at Populus Denver

Silicon Valley’s Iconic Clubhouse Rosewood Sand Hill

The urban retreat charms both business and leisure travelers with resort amenities and relaxed luxury

BY KRISHA CHHAGANLAL

FRAMED BY THE GOLDEN FOOTHILLS OF MENLO PARK AND the distant rise of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Rosewood Sand Hill unfolds like a California daydream. Mornings bring espresso on sunlit terraces beneath redwoods; evenings, the scent of oak smoke drifting from Madera’s open kitchen. Here, business conversations blend with leisure escapes where world-shifting ideas are exchanged beside weekend travelers and locals drawn by its design and world-class amenities.

Every Rosewood property is built around a philosophy called “Sense of Place,” and at Sand Hill, that philosophy breathes through every corner. The interiors, conceived by renowned designer Nicole Hollis, reflect the natural beauty of Northern California from the palette of redwood bark and golden hills, the textures of handmade pottery, and the understated sophistication of glass and stone. Locally crafted ceramics from Stanford artists sit alongside sculptural lighting and bespoke textiles, complemented by striking floral installations by Flowers by Edgar, which bring a sense of seasonality and vitality throughout the resort. From the mountain views framed by each private terrace to the art that celebrates regional talent, Rosewood Sand Hill isn’t simply in the Bay Area; it wholeheartedly embodies it.

ACCOMMODATION

At Rosewood Sand Hill, accommodation transcends the typical hotel stay. Amid 16 lush acres and sweeping views of the Santa Cruz Mountains, the property unveils a collection of newly reimagined residential villas, designed to deliver the feel of a private estate within a full-service resort.

There are six villas: Ridge House, Redwood House, Verde House, Orchard House, Valley House, and the Summit House. Each presents a distinct personality and layout, from two- to threebedroom configurations, and is ideal for multigenerational stays, creative retreats, or high-end travel. The most expansive villa, Summit House, spans over 3,200 square feet.

Inside, the design reflects the Bay Area’s natural beauty using walnut wood floors, plaster walls, Calacatta marble fireplaces, and deep green cabinetry accented by Brendan Ravenhill’s custom lighting. Outdoors, Arterra Landscape Architects has surrounded each villa with native plantings, sculptural water features, and relaxing porch swings to take in the views. Each villa offers tailored experiences from private yoga to chef-led dinners.

For all other accommodations, the hotel’s 121 rooms and suites deliver the same elevated elegance, each with a private terrace or balcony overlooking gardens, the pool, or the Santa Cruz Mountains.

CUISINE

As much as Rosewood Sand Hill feels residential in its comfort, it remains a social landmark for Silicon Valley’s inner circle. Madera, the hotel’s cornerstone restaurant led by executive chef Roman Petry, sits at the center, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and open terraces that beautifully frame the mountains, overlooking the redwood trees and the iconic resort pool. It’s a prime spot for executives and power players. Many locals note it’s “where everything happens,” with business dinners, post-work meetups, and discreet deal-making that take place in Madera’s private dining rooms.

Rosewood Sand Hill pool

Madera bar at Rosewood Sand Hill

Ma dera restaurant at Rosewood Sand Hill

Ros ewood Sand Hill

villa living room

The restaurant focuses on hyper-local sourcing, with every ingredient sourced from nearby farms whenever possible. Olive oils pressed in nearby groves, honey harvested from small apiaries, and seasonal produce from family farms form the foundation of every dish, creating an authentic farm-to-table luxury dining experience. Embracing a seasonal menu, the changing dishes are not by the calendar, but by each ingredient’s life cycle.

Next to Madera, the bar and terrace have long served as the peninsula’s unspoken meeting ground. On certain evenings, the crowd shifts from boardrooms to bar stools, from VCs and founders to regulars, mixing business and leisure in a sophisticated atmosphere.

THE SPA

The hotel’s Asaya Spa stands as the centerpiece of Rosewood Sand Hill’s wellness experience. Opened in February 2025, the spa has already earned high accolades, recently named North America’s Best Resort Spa and California’s Best Resort Spa at the 2025 World Spa Awards. The spa is designed as a sanctuary of restoration and balance, combining modern innovation with tranquility. Guests can choose from an extensive menu of treatments, including exclusive facials developed by Dr. Barbara Sturm.

The spa’s architecture mirrors the property’s signature design philosophy, refined yet approachable. A hydrotherapy circuit features a hemlock Finnish sauna, basalt- and limestone-clad steam room, and a beautiful outdoor courtyard lounge that invites relaxation. Inside, beautifully appointed treatment rooms include the duet Redwood Suite with a hinoki soaking tub and private patio. Beyond its therapies, Asaya also offers a lash and brow studio and an elevated nail experience using luxury products from Margaret Dabbs and EviDenS de Beauté.

LIFESTYLE

Rosewood Sand Hill’s sense of community extends beyond its guests. The property’s Lifestyle Membership, one of the most coveted in Silicon Valley, grants members access to the resort’s pool, fitness center, and Asaya Spa, along with monthly treatments, curated events, and exclusive gatherings that blend wellness, networking, and culture. It’s not simply a membership; it’s access to a like-minded community of entrepreneurs, executives, and local tastemakers who treat the property as an extension of their home base.

For guests who favor personalization over endless options, Rosewood Sand Hill partners with Saks Fifth Avenue’s Fifth Avenue Club, offering by-appointment styling and curated wardrobe consultations in an intimate on-property suite. The experience goes beyond retail; it’s built on relationships, craftsmanship, and access to exclusive pieces selected specifically for the resort’s clientele, all reflecting how Rosewood Sand Hill bridges luxury and lifestyle.

Moreover, another distinct experience at Rosewood Sand Hill is its perfume atelier led by internationally trained perfumer Kori Shaw. Guests can book private sessions to design a custom scent, blending natural ingredients for a rare, creative, and sensory experience.

CONCLUSION

From the newly reimagined villas to the conversations that unfold behind Madera’s glass walls, Rosewood Sand Hill captures the rare intersection of power and privacy. Here, design, discretion, and distinction converge and continue to define not just the standard of Silicon Valley luxury, but the atmosphere that surrounds its most influential minds.

PHOTOS: COURTESY

Madera restaurant at Rosewood Sand Hill library

A private pool cabana Rosewood Sand Hill private dining terrace with fireplace

Maserati GranCabrio Trofeo: Turning Heads across New York

From the streets of Manhattan to the Hampton beaches

BY ADAM ROUTLEDGE

IT WAS A CLASSICALLY HOT AND HUMID MANHATTAN SUMMER’S DAY, where above the sound of the honking yellow taxis boomed the roar of the Maserati GranCabrio Trofeo—newly revamped and upgraded after a five-year hiatus. While excited, I was also slightly skeptical as to how much fun it would be driving a $223,000 Italian convertible into Manhattan from JFK airport. After all, what is an open-top Italian grand tourer doing in the concrete jungle of Manhattan? Spoiler: It thrived.

Even with what eventually turned into one of the heaviest downpours I have driven in over the last couple of years, I have to say, the all-wheel drive GranCabrio handled the copious amounts of water collecting on the highway very well and got me safely into the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel just in time for the sun to appear on the other side. With a right swipe across the animated Maserati on one of the numerous center console screens, the roof folds back in 14 seconds—at speeds of up to 31mph—a great party trick and very handy during the New York summer showers.

The Maserati GranCabrio is the drop-top sibling to the GranTurismo coupe, boasting a 3.0 liter twin-turbo V6 “Nuttuno” engine that churns out 542 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. While the streets of Manhattan were not the ideal place to test out the eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox that moves the large Italian piece of art from 0-30mph in 3.5 seconds, they were an ideal, echo-y setting to make enough noise to turn nearly all the heads in the vicinity faster than the Wimbledon final.

While driving the Maserati around the busy streets of Manhattan felt like piloting a yacht through a somewhat too small marina, seeing the exterior design reflected in the endless building windows really highlighted how the GranCabrio is a masterclass in elegance with a long hood, muscular haunches, and the iconic trident grille that on a few occasions even intimidated a taxi driver or two into yielding. You know you are driving something quite special when the first question the valet at The Twenty Two New York asks is “What do you do for a living?”

The next morning as I extracted myself from the city’s clutches and drove east toward the Hamptons via the Long Island Expressway, the Trofeo came into its

element. Similar to other Maseratis I have driven, the GranCabrio has a self-titled base model, the performance-oriented Trofeo, and the all-electric Folgore. With traffic thinning, it was time to engage “sport” mode to get the V6 roaring like Pavarotti. The acceleration is ferocious yet refined, with only a small amount of turbo lag that quickly turns into a seamless surge that pins you back as the exhaust burbles a symphonic growl.

Despite a top speed of a claimed 196 mph, I settled for a more gentlemanly cruise with the roof retracted, allowing me to focus my experience on the deep red of the extended full grain leather interior and enjoy the Sonus Faber 3D audio system which, as I mentioned in a previous Maserati review, is genuinely one of the better sounding car audio systems I have ever heard. The handling is sublime with adaptive suspension that soaks up potholes like a sponge, steering that is precise without being twitchy, and Brembo brakes that hauls it down from any speed with drama-free confidence—the last part being a particular bonus appreciated by regular drivers of Italian super cars.

Engaging “Corsa” mode lowers and stiffens the suspension enough to sharpen everything up for twisty back roads and, of course, the track. The difference between “Comfort” and “Corsa” modes in the GranCabrio really accentuates the car’s dual personality: a refined cruiser on the highway but a spirited performer when provoked.

While practicality isn’t the point of this car, it served well as a long weekend getaway car. With the roof up, the trunk space is 310 liters, which in English means a few carry-on bags and backpacks; but naturally with the roof down most of the time, the back seats assumed the task of storing luggage. The authentic four-seater does make it possible to travel with family and friends while enjoying the luxuries of a performance cabrio. However, the rear seats, while theoretically for humans, are better suited to designer handbags or perhaps a dog or two.

Despite a long list of modern-day bells and whistles—carbon fiber accents, a 10.25-inch touchscreen running Maserati’s MIA infotainment, heated and ventilated seats, a neck warmer for open-top chills, and comprehensive safety tech like adaptive cruise, lane keep, blind-spot monitoring, and all-around parking cameras that made it possible to street park in Sag Harbor—the Trofeo still prioritizes passion.

Heading back to JFK and weaving through traffic—at the speed limit of course— felt bittersweet as I was nearing the end of my time with the car. The Maserati GranCabrio Trofeo doesn’t feel like just a car; it’s something of an experience blending Italian flair with usable performance. For the well-heeled buyer or collector looking for something more soulful than a Porsche 911 Cabriolet or slightly less ostentatious than a Ferrari Roma Spider, it’s definitely a very strong contender.

In a world of ever-increasing electric vehicles and growing emission restrictions, it is a great reminder that driving can still stir the soul. Sure, the screen does burn the hell out of your finger whenever you want to use any technology when the roof is down on a hot day and the price could buy you a vacation home in a lesser-known Italian village, but I really would recommend this car. For those weekends when you want to escape with the top down or if you just want everyone in the city to turn around and give you a stare, the Maserati GranCabrio Trofeo is a must-do driving experience.

Range Rover Sport Autobiography PHEV

Luxury that goes the distance from the Corinthia to the Cotswolds

BY ADAM ROUTLEDGE

I’M LUCKY ENOUGH TO HAVE DRIVEN AND OWNED NEARLY EVERY model of Range Rover over the years, excluding the Range Rover II (P38a). Yet driving a new one for the first time still gives me that boyish excitedness with a mix of patriotic thrill. This time it was the new Range Rover Sport Autobiography PHEV—that’s plug-in hybrid electric vehicle for those still clinging to their carburetors—the latest iteration of the sportier model within Jaguar Land Rover’s luxury SUV lineup. It’s not just a car; it’s a statement and a lifestyle, a rolling embassy of British engineering prowess wrapped in leather and aluminum (that’s aluminium in English) with a nod to the ecowarriors who insist we save the planet one silent mile at a time.

Nearly every single person I knew who saw me pull up in the Range Rover Sport asked if they could look inside, and everyone had incredible feedback on how luxurious the interior looks and feels. That says a lot about the brand and how it is still viewed today across England. Even at the Corinthia London Hotel, where I stayed for the first few days with the car, it was strategically parked out front for all guests and passersby to see. For a hotel that is the bastion of understated opulence where the doormen eye your vehicle with the scrutiny of a Savile Row tailor, this, again, says a lot.

During those few days in London, I drove exclusively with the electric motor, which drives very smoothly. Even by the end of my two weeks with the car however, it was still hard to grasp the lack of noise when starting it up. Every other Range Rover I have driven starts with a roar, so many times when I had to shift into drive to prove to myself that the car was running. I guess this is the silent future…

After posing in London, it was off to Bigbury-on-Sea in Devon for a spot of coastal contemplation and a real test drive, experiencing everything from the 20mph congested roads of central London to the M4 and M5 motorways to single lane country lanes and river crossings. The adaptive air suspension soaked up motorway undulations and country lane potholes with the aplomb of a well-trained butler ignoring a faux pas. But here’s where the sarcasm creeps in: for all its off-road heritage, the Sport PHEV handles twisty B-roads with surprising agility, thanks to rear-wheel steering and active roll control. Yet, on Devon’s narrow lanes—those hedgerow-lined corridors where tractors lurk like ambush predators—the vehicle’s sheer width (over two meters with mirrors) demands the concentration of a chess grandmaster.

First impressions? The exterior is, predictably, a masterclass in restrained aggression.

This 2025 model, in its Autobiography guise (starting at $120,325), sports a Carpathian Gray finish that gleams like a well-polished brogue under London’s perpetual drizzle. It’s my favorite current color in the Jaguar Land Rover lineup, hence why my new Defender had to be the Carpathian Edition. The PHEV badging is subtle: no garish green accents here; it’s not a virtue-signaling Prius. Measuring just over 4.9 meters long, it’s imposingly large without descending into American truck territory. The redesigned front grille, with its slimmer LED headlights, gives it a squint that’s equal parts predatory and polite, as if it’s apologizing in advance for overtaking you on the morning commute.

The Autobiography trim elevates it to near Range Rover full-fat levels with a 13.1-inch touchscreen dominating the dash like a minimalist altarpiece. Pivi Pro infotainment is intuitive enough for even the most technophobic peer of the realm. The Meridian sound system, with its 29 speakers and 1,430 watts, turns the interior into a mobile Royal Albert Hall. Rear passengers aren’t short-changed either: heated seats, climate zones, and enough legroom for a guardsman in full regalia. Storage? Ample, with a 647-litre boot that swallowed my long-haul luggage without complaint. The PHEV’s battery pack, nestled under the floor, doesn’t intrude unduly, though it does shave a bit off the cargo space compared to its nonhybrid siblings—a small price for that smug feeling of zero-emission motoring.

The transition to hybrid mode is seamless: no drama, just a polite hum as the petrol engine awakens. My only quibble with the drive experience is that, on a few occasions when really putting your foot down, it seemed to struggle a little switching from electric drive to the power of the combustion engine. For now, I will blame it on my driving skill, as it’s not enough to put me off owning one at all.

Under the bonnet lurks a 3.0-litre inline-six petrol engine paired with a 38.2kWh battery and electric motor, delivering a combined 543 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. On paper, it claims 0-60mph in 4.7 seconds, which is a serious shift for such a large and comfortable car. While I didn’t test this explicitly, it feels true with a top speed limited to 140mph (though who needs more on the A303?). In electric mode, it promises up to 51 miles of silent running, which I used all around London and around Estelle Manor as the valet was kind enough to charge up the battery between uses and clearly more used to charging EVs than I am.

In summation, the Range Rover Sport Autobiography PHEV is a triumph of British ingenuity, blending electrification with unapologetic luxury. For those who demand versatility without compromise, it’s peerless. On this trip, it ferried me from urban elegance to seaside solitude and countryside splendor—a proper British road trip with more roundabouts than the American mind can comprehend. If you’re in the market for an English thoroughbred that’s gone green without losing its gallop, look no further. Just don’t expect it to brew your tea—though, knowing Land Rover, that’s probably an option pack away.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Let’s take a quick look at the G family. Mercedes currently offers the G-Wagon in three different models:

G 550 SUV (a three-liter six-cylinder turbo with hybrid assist) with 443 HP, 413 pound-feet of torque and a 0-60 mph time of 5.3 seconds, arriving with a base price of just over $148,000

G 580 with EQ Technology SUV (with four electric motors) with a combined 579 HP, 859 pound-feet of torque and a 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds, with a base price of over $161,000

AMG G 63 SUV (an eight-cylinder twin-turbo V-8) with 577 HP, 627 pound-feet of torque and a 0-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds, with a base price of over $186,000

The G-Wagon I test drove was of the electron type as I was most interested in how similar to or different from its ancestors the big e-ute was. Spoiler alert — I was very pleasantly surprised.

First impressions: it is more luxurious than the previous models I’d driven. Not surprisingly, it is quieter than its forebears as there is little sound emanating from the propulsion system. The wind noise is about the same as with earlier versions, no doubt because the concept of “aerodynamics” is hardly applicable to a vehicle with such a high profile, an upright front clip and a vertical windshield. Twenty-inch wheels with off-road tires add to the roadway sound but the cabin is nicely insulated and the music from the excellent sound system adds further aural pleasures.

My G 580 was Polar White with Sage Gray leather interior, a very nice, subdued combination. With a number of quality touches — highly-detailed leather seats, wooden accents, satin-finished metal on many surfaces and a number of interior upgrades — the SUV was quite elegant, equally at home offroading and cruising downtown.

BY TIM LAPPEN

Mercedes purportedly created the “Geländewagen” (the German word for “all-terrain,” or “cross-country vehicle”) in response to a suggestion of the Shah of Iran in the early 1970s. The Shah apparently wanted a higher-quality military vehicle and Mercedes presciently decided that there was a market for it. Not long thereafter, Mercedes realized that there could be a civilian market for the “G-Wagon” but, due to a variety of reasons, it only was available in the U.S. for many years through a grey-market importer, not via the American Mercedes-Benz dealer network. The G-Wagon joined the official North America Mercedes family in 2002, and it’s been a hit ever since.

Now, some many decades years later, that SUV (with an emphasis on “utility”) is still highly recognizable as the shape basically has remained the same. Squared-off, with little attention given to aerodynamics but with amazing ground clearance, and the purpose-built look of an off-road warrior combine nicely to announce this SUV’s arrival. However, a “kinder and gentler” aura now surrounds the car since, in place of the well-known performance-sounding burble, one G-Wagon variant now emits more of a hum since it has gone completely — wait for it — electric. But don’t let the relative quiet of this SUV fool you as it is every bit a performer as its petrolholic relatives.

Though it may just be a rumor, I have heard that some owners actually take their G-Wagons off-roading. That would make sense since, the portal axles (which allow the rear differential to be much higher above the ground) give the vehicle an amazing amount of ground clearance, almost ten inches. And with its sealed electric motor and battery packs, the G-Wagon is not as susceptible to a mid-river failure.

Any story on the G-Wagon would not be complete without the mention of the famous “tank turn” (denoted the “G-Turn” in Mercedes parlance). Of dubious utility for most drivers, it nevertheless is quite fun and is the trick that onlookers request most often. With the proper drivetrain settings (preferably on soft dirt or a wet surface), the front and rear wheels on one side go forward and both wheels on the other side go backwards, which gives the big SUV the ability to pivot pretty much on its own axis.

Added to the base price on “my” G 580 were ash trim in the interior, 20” 10-spoke aerodynamic alloy wheels, the “night package” (which provides a blackout of various trim pieces), and a few other niceties, all of which together added approximately $17,050 to the total cost.

If a utilitarian luxury vehicle (or luxurious utility vehicle — reader’s choice) is of interest to you, this is a good option as the quality, fit, finish, performance, and drivability are excellent. Though carpool stickers are joining the buggy whip in the annals of motor vehicle lore, it still is nice to show one’s enviro-cred with a plug instead of a gas filler and the absence of an exhaust pipe.

The 2025 All-Electric G 580.

California Lifestyle Collection

408 GOLDEN GATE AVENUE

BELVEDERE

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.

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

Luxury Fully Furnished Rental with Pool

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.

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.

Paradise Found

A celebration of art and elegance at the 2025 San Francisco Fall Show

BY CLAUDIA ROSS

ON OCTOBER 15, THE LEGENDARY OPENING NIGHT GALA OF the 2025 San Francisco Fall Show unfolded like a dream, welcoming over 1,700 guests into a realm brimming with creativity and luxury. Honorary co-chairs Dee and Tommy Hilfiger graced the event, with Dee dazzling in a stunning floral Gucci dress that perfectly captured the evening’s vibrant theme. This year’s “Paradise Found” theme, designed by the talented Riccardo Benavides, transformed the venue into a lush oasis overflowing with glittering treasures and exquisite finds from distant lands, inviting attendees to bask in the beauty of art, antiques, and design.

Guests stepping into the gala were enveloped by a kaleidoscope of colors and styles that reflected the essence of autumn. The atmosphere buzzed with the excitement of fashion as attendees showcased extravagant outfits adorned with feathers, sequins, and bold prints. Rich malachite and emerald greens echoed the lush landscapes that inspired the evening’s theme. Tommy Hilfiger captured the spirit of the night perfectly when he remarked, “If we can fulfill a dream, then it works,” reflecting on how he and Dee approach their home design.

The culinary experience was equally impressive, thanks to McCalls Catering & Events, renowned for their exceptional service and gourmet delicacies. The menu boasted their iconic lamb chops alongside a lavish selection of caviar from Caviar & Co., complemented by a worldly array of internationally inspired bites. Guests were treated to a whimsical dessert bar featuring delightful treats like root beer floats and a vibrant candy station where they could curate their own sweet souvenirs to take home. The combination of exquisite food and enchanting ambiance created a true feast for the senses.

Among the distinguished attendees was Suzanne Tucker, chair of the San Francisco Fall Show, who expressed her joy in welcoming guests to the 43rd edition of this celebrated event. “This year’s show leads you to ‘Paradise Found’—an invitation to dream and explore the splendor of art and design,” she shared, highlighting the show’s commitment to showcasing both exotic and vibrantly colorful pieces. Tucker also acknowledged the invaluable support of benefactors such as Yurie and Carl Pascarella and Diane B. Wilsey, whose dedication has been instrumental in the event’s continued success.

Zac Posen, the executive vice president and creative director of Gap Inc., made a striking entrance accompanied by fashion icons Vanessa Getty and Becca Bloom, both elegantly styled in Gap Studio. Their presence added to the evening’s allure, merging high fashion with the rich world of fine art and design.

The Fall Show is more than just an exhibition; it celebrates the intimacy people develop with the objects with which they surround themselves. As Kendall Wilkinson beautifully

articulated, it forms a “meaningful relationship between individuals and the objects they choose to curate and craft.” Each piece on display tells a story, reflecting moments and memories gathered over time and inviting collectors and admirers to explore their own interpretations of paradise.

As guests mingled amid the stunning displays, they were encouraged to ponder their definitions of paradise. “Is it a place? An experience? Can you touch it?” asked Ken Fulk, humorously noting that finding the server with the “caviar bumps” was part of his own paradise experience for the night.

The San Francisco Fall Show stands as the leading international art, antiques, and design fair on the West Coast, inviting attendees to escape into an oasis of creativity and culture. This year’s theme, “Paradise Found,” conjures visions of tropical beauty from the vivid colors of Paul Gauguin’s Tahitian landscapes to Henri Rousseau’s lush jungles. The event reminds us that paradise is not merely a destination but a state of mind—an experience that can be discovered in every corner of our lives.

As the evening came to a close, gratitude filled the air, particularly from Dee and Tommy Hilfiger, who expressed their heartfelt appreciation for everyone involved in making the night a success. Their new book, Hilfiger Homes, was highlighted as an exploration of their personal spaces, further intertwining the realms of art, design, and lifestyle.

The 2025 San Francisco Fall Show was a celebration of the beauty that surrounds us—a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of creativity, heritage, and imagination. That night gave us a renewed appreciation for the art that enriches our lives, forever reminding us that paradise is indeed where we find it.

Alexis Traina, Jack Calhoun, and Kathy Hilton Riccardo Benevides and Pam Preston

Suzanne Tucker, Tommy Hilfiger, and Dee Hilfiger

Komal Shaw

BASIC Fund Transforming Lives Luncheon at St. Francis Yacht Club Raises $1.7 Million in 9 Minutes!

BY OLIVIA HSU DECKER PHOTOGRAPHY DREW ALTIZER

HELD ON OCTOBER 7 AT THE HISTORIC ST. FRANCIS YACHT Club in San Francisco, the 2025 BASIC Fund Transforming Lives Luncheon honored the tremendous achievements of BASIC Fund students, families, schools, and supporters.

The luncheon featured several remarkable keynote speakers. After a brief welcome by Board Chairman Jim Herbert, attendees heard from three-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author Thomas Friedman, Red Bridge founder Orly Friedman, and Capital Group Chair and CIO Martin Romo. The Friedmans spoke about the expanding future of education through new political and technological lenses, while Romo explained his own family’s experience with scholarships and how a single investment in his mother’s education made a multigenerational difference. In an extraordinary feat of personal philanthropy, Romo—who also serves on the BASIC Fund Board of Directors—announced that he would match all donations made at the luncheon, bringing the total raised to nearly $1.7 million.

Thanks to the BASIC Fund Board of Directors and the luncheon’s corporate sponsors—Prologis, Capital Group, Makena Capital Management, KPMG, and Bank of San Francisco—all funds raised will go directly to early learning scholarships for low-income children.

Basic Fund students

Basic Fund Chairman Jim Herbert, Ronnie Lott, Osiel Perez, and Vander Resend

Kay Casey and Sonya Simril, principal at St. Leo the Great School

“The BASIC Fund has helped thousands of Bay Area children and can help thousands more. It’s a remarkable story.”

- Arthur Rock, Co-Founder & President Emeritus

“It’s such a simple program. Make the money available. Don’t judge where the kids should go—the parents judge. Be open to all types of schools that are doing a good job.”

- Jim Herbert, Board Chairman

“Because of the BASIC Fund, I was fortunate enough to receive a strong education throughout my 12 years of schooling, and [I] am on track to graduate from a four-year university at Santa Clara University.”

- Marta Lopez Melgar, Basic Fund scholar

“A BASIC Fund scholarship has had a profound impact on our family by making quality education accessible and affordable during financially challenging times. It has allowed our children to attend a nurturing school that aligns with our values, where they feel supported, inspired, and eager to learn.”

- Billings Family

Since being founded in 1998, the BASIC Fund has disbursed or committed over $200 million in total scholarship funds, with additional funds of $31 million committed to the foundation. The BASIC Fund has provided scholarships for nearly 30,000 lowincome, preschool-to-eighth grade students across the Bay Area to attend the private schools of their choice. These scholarships have transformative effects: 98% of BASIC Fund alumni graduate from high school, and they are five times more likely to graduate from college. Since 2023, the annual Transforming Lives Luncheon has celebrated the extraordinary achievements of these students as well as the generosity of BASIC Fund supporters and partner schools. For information and to donate, please visit BasicFund.org.

Osiel Perez, Mary Signor, Pia Castillo, and Vander Resend

Mary Del Santo, Basic Fund CEO Rachel Elginsmith, and Olivia Hsu Decker

Sergio Rodriguez and Beatrice Banos Ulloa

Orly Friedman and Tom Friedman

Shekinah Eliassen, Carolyn Chang, Eleni Kounalakis, Jorge Maumer, Farah Makras, Jennifer Walske, and Sobia Shaikh

Blue Skies of Hope: Safe & Sound’s 2025 Blue Ribbon Celebration

BY FARAH MAKRAS

PHOTOS DR EW ALTIZER PHOTOGRAPHY

UNDER THE ORNATE CEILINGS OF THE PALACE HOTEL’S grand ballroom, more than 400 of San Francisco’s most dedicated civic leaders, philanthropists, and advocates gathered on October 17 for the Blue Ribbon Celebration, Safe & Sound’s annual gala in support of children and families across the Bay Area. This year’s theme, “Blue Skies of Hope,” perfectly captured the spirit of the evening—one of optimism, compassion, and collective action to ensure every child grows up safe, supported, and loved.

A NIGHT OF PURPOSE AND UNITY

The celebration opened with an inspiring welcome from emcee Betty Yu, who set the tone for an evening filled with gratitude and generosity. “Because of all of you, Safe & Sound brings hope and strength to children and families in this community that we love,” she told the audience. Serving as event co-chairs, Farah Makras and Wayne Osborne brought warmth and poise to the stage as they thanked attendees for their continued dedication. “It’s truly an honor to stand with you in support of Safe & Sound and our mission to provide every family with the hope and opportunity to lead a happy and healthy life,” shared Makras, a member of Safe & Sound’s board of directors.

Willie Brown, Brooke Jenkins, Farah Makras, Art Agnos, and Eleni Kounalakis

Osborne, a former board co-chair and long-time champion of the organization, reminded guests of Safe & Sound’s reach and resilience: “Over 90% of the families we serve are low-income, and 20% are experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Last year alone, we supported nearly 14,000 children and caregivers.” Together, he and Makras recognized the evening’s generous sponsors, including The Polk Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley, Topher and Sloane Conway, and several anonymous benefactors whose leadership made the night possible.

THE POWER OF HOPE

One of the evening’s most powerful moments came when Dr. Pegah Faed, Safe & Sound’s CEO, took the stage to deliver an inspiring address about the importance of prevention and the transformative power of community. “Hope isn’t something we wait for—it’s something we create,” she said. “Because when parents are supported and children feel safe, those moments build the foundation for life.”

Dr. Faed’s speech underscored both the urgency and the impact of Safe & Sound’s work. Each day, 127 children in California are

confirmed victims of abuse or neglect, yet through early intervention, education, and support, Safe & Sound has helped reduce child abuse in San Francisco by 64% over the past two decades. She also acknowledged special guests in attendance, including Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, and former San Francisco Mayors Art Agnos and Willie Brown, all of whom have played pivotal roles in building a stronger, safer city.

MUSIC, MEANING, AND MOMENTUM

The evening flowed seamlessly with moments of inspiration and joy. Acclaimed singer-songwriter Miko Marks moved the room with her soulful performance of “Feel Like Going Home,” a heartfelt tribute to the security and love Safe & Sound helps families find every day. Dinner followed as guests bid enthusiastically in the live auction led by the ever-charismatic Liam Mayclem. Auction packages ranged from a VIP suite to see Billie Eilish at Chase Center and a game night with the 49ers to an exclusive Bvlgari High Jewelry Experience in New York, and a five-night artistic escape trip through France inspired by Van Gogh. Each bid represented another act of generosity toward a safer future for Bay Area children.

Farah Makras, Pegah Faed, and Wayne Osborne

Alexis Alexander embraced Pegah Faed after her emotional testmony

STORIES THAT INSPIRE

One of the most emotional highlights came when Alexis Alexander, a Safe & Sound parent and member of the organization’s Parent Advisory Committee, courageously shared her family’s story of struggle and resilience over the last 30 years. Her words brought the mission to life, reminding everyone why their support matters so deeply. Moments later, the Fund-a-Need appeal ignited the room as guests raised their paddles to support essential programs from trauma-informed care and counseling support to holiday gifts for children in need. By evening’s end, Safe & Sound surpassed its fundraising goal, raising over $1 million to expand its reach and ensure that more families across San Francisco and the Bay Area can access the vital resources they need to thrive.

TOGETHER FOR EVERY CHILD

As the night came to a close, Betty Yu and Dr. Faed returned to the stage alongside Mayclem to thank the audience for their extraordinary generosity. “Together, we can do whatever it takes to make sure that every child grows up safe, protected, and loved,” said Yu. Guests then stepped into the marble-lined foyer, where a live band played under soft lights—the perfect conclusion to an evening that celebrated not only philanthropy, but also the enduring power of community. With record-breaking support and hearts full of purpose, the 2025 Blue Ribbon Celebration reaffirmed that when San Francisco comes together, every child can dream under clear, blue skies. For details and donations, please visit SafeAndSound.org.

Generous bidders included Dakota Hileman, Joel Goodrich, Navid Armstrong, Shelby Milanez, Robert Richards, Ian Raz, and Charles Baker II

Liam Mayclem, Pegah Faed, and Betty Yu

Participants,

Addiction Education Society’s 4th Annual Fundraising Golf Tournament

BY TONI SUTHERLAND

ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2025, THE ADDICTION EDUCATION SOCIETY teed off in style at their fourth annual golf tournament, a vibrant event held in loving memory of Chuck and Dane Johnson and raising funds for the Addiction Education Society.

Students enrolled in AES programs delve into crucial topics such as the development of addiction, identifying risk factors, mastering coping strategies, and honing refusal skills. Chuck’s unwavering dedication to a world with fewer individuals battling addiction inspired AES to craft two comprehensive prevention curricula: “Neuroscience of Addiction” and “How Did This Happen to Me?”

The impact of AES has been profound, reaching over 22,000 students across the Bay Area and beyond, spanning 25 schools and empowering 137 teachers with essential training. “If only I could go back in time and speak to my younger self, helping them truly grasp and absorb what I now understand about this disease. In my youth, I felt indestructible and believed I knew it all,” said Chuck Johnson. All proceeds from the tournament go toward educating the Bay Area’s adolescent population, thanks to all the big-hearted sponsors and volunteers helping to showcase the community’s vibrant spirit.

Notable figures from the sports world rallied for the event: Larry Baer represented the Giants, and Russ Issaccson and John Payne added their presence on behalf of the NFL Alumni. The gathering of these generous individuals added a touch of prestige and camaraderie to the day’s proceedings, further highlighting the community’s support for the cause championed by the Addiction Education Society. Thanks go to major sponsors Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry, Franklin Templeton, Chi Fu Investments, The Giants, NFL Alumni, Jenny Johnson Family Foundation, and many more.

Please visit AddictionEducationSociety.org.

Mohn Louis, Strand Kimberly, Collins Ryan, and Bustamante Villa

Jason Pearl, Bill Schlough, Larry Baer, Dylan DiProsperis, Toni Sutherland, and Ken Logan

Toni Sutherland, Michael Conte, and Larry Baer

Vanessa Lo, Cristina Johnson, Kathy Claussen, Daniel Dadoun, and Kate Wineroth

ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST GLAMOROUS CHARITY EVENTS: THE MONTE CARLO GRAND BALL OF PRINCES AND PRINCESSES

BY JOEL GOODRICH PHOTOGRAPHY

ATTRACTING A GLITTERING CROWD OF INTERNATIONAL GUESTS, this annual gala is one of Monaco’s major events organized under the high patronage of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco in honor of the Princess Grace Foundation. The event features extraordinary opera, ballet, symphonic, and dances performances by acclaimed artists. This gathering of global elegance invites high profile guests, Monaco’s social elite, international businesspeople, luxury brands, and a selection of influential media who take part in a never-seenbefore celebration of glamour and beauty.

The princely Grand Ball takes place in some of world’s most famous venues: Hôtel de Paris in Monaco, Burj Al Arab in Dubai, Jumeirah Capri Palace on Capri Island, Carlton in Cannes, Cipriani in Venice, etc. The splendorous event must be experienced firsthand: it’s a real-life fairy tale that immerses guests in a dream space. Celebrating this glorious evening is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, unforgettable for any guest, and a momentous event for royalty.

Sophistication, elegance, and ineffable aesthetic fill the Grand Ball of Princes and Princesses. An exclusive gala for lovers of luxury and grand parties, it touches the hearts of its guests with joy and romance. Leaving everyday life behind, this ball makes its guests embark on a

magical quest for beauty. Inhabited by fairies and angels, the halo of the night leaves reality behind to embody an illusion of ideal grace that feels like a magical, royal spell. The ball operates as cultural platform, building bridges between people of various heritages, continents and generations.

Held last year at the Hotel de Paris and this year at Sporting Monte-Carlo Club with the theme “Sail into Royalty,” the Grand Ball was an enchanting journey through fairytale magic, royal highlights, and elegance, immersing the guests into a surreal fantasy world evocative of royal balls. Conceived by lyric soprano opera singer and philanthropist Delia Grace Noble, who has sung La Boheme with Andrea Bocelli and performed internationally, the ball benefits the Princess Grace Foundation which provides help to children in hospitals as well as cultural activities. The magical Grand Ball featured a majestic setting where guests danced in an imaginative and lavish setting with mesmerizing music, celebrating worldwide, royal traditions and cultural riches. The prestigious event recreated the refined and timelessly artistic ambience reminiscent of Louis XIV’s soirées, offering guests a surreal experience filled with wonder beauty and luxury, synonymous with Monaco’s grandeur.

Princes and princesses

Delia Grace Noble presented Louis XIV with princes and princesses

Ballet dancers at the Royal Ball

Joel Goodrich and Olivia Decker at Monte Carlo Royal Ball.

Joel Goodrich with Louis XIV, princes, and princesses

Reception line at the ball entry

Over $4.1M Raised to Advance Mental Health Research at 31st One Mind Music Festival, Featuring Train

BY JENNIFER BODEN

LEADERS IN SCIENCE, PHILANTHROPY, BUSINESS, AND entertainment united at Staglin Family Vineyard in Napa Valley for the One Mind Music Festival. Held September 13, the event welcomed 450 guests and raised more than $4.1 million—the most in the event’s history. Proceeds from the event benefit One Mind™, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to harness the power of science and lived experience to improve mental health outcomes for individuals, families, and society.

This year ’s festival blended a groundbreaking Science & Innovation Symposium with premier wine tastings, curated culinary experiences, and a live performance by Grammy-award winning rock band Train. “For the past 31 years, One Mind has championed initiatives to break down stigma and advance innovations that empower people facing mental health challenges to thrive,” said Brandon Staglin, co-founder and Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer of One Mind. “The organization has fueled scientific breakthroughs by funding 54 boundary-pushing scholars, accelerated innovation by supporting 37 mental health start-ups, and forged partnerships with more than 150 global companies to improve mental health in the workplace.”

The festival began with the Science & Innovation Symposium, which brought together scientists and visionaries to spotlight revolutionary innovations shaping the future of mental health. A keynote was presented by Dr. Regina Dugan, president and CEO of Wellcome Leap Inc., and Dr. Susanne Ahmari, program director at Wellcome Leap, associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and 2018 One Mind Rising Star Award recipient.

The festival’s featured concert by Train was made possible through the generous support of JaM Cellars. The packed tent came

Staglin, president of Staglin Family Vineyard; and their son, Brandon Staglin, co-founder & Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer at One Mind.

Train frontman and lead singer, Pat Monahan, performed signature hits like “Drops of Jupiter” and “Hey, Soul Sister.”

alive as the band powered through signature hits like “Drops of Jupiter” and “Hey, Soul Sister,” keeping the dance floor full from start to finish. Between songs, lead singer Pat Monahan highlighted the importance of mental health in every community and commended attendees for their contributions.

Guests savored an acclaimed wine-tasting reception featuring over 70 premier vintners from Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley, and more, paired with gourmet hors d’oeuvres from chef Dustin Valette of Valette restaurant in Healdsburg.

Later in the evening, VIP ticket holders enjoyed a four-course dinner under the stars, crafted by Italian-born veteran chef Angelo Auriana. During the VIP dinner, One Mind also recognized Armand de Maigret, estate manager of Screaming Eagle Winery, with the prestigious Honored Vintner Award, celebrating his dedication and contributions to the festival each year.

Next year ’s 32nd Annual One Mind Music Festival will take place on Saturday, September 19, 2026.

Wellcome Leap’s Dr. Susanne Ahmari (left) and Dr. Regina Dugan (right) give a keynote during the Science & Innovation Symposium.

Chef Angelo Auriana’s first course, barbabietole, capesante

(L-R) Dr. Kathleen Pike, CEO of One Mind; Pat Monahan of Train; One Mind co-founders Shari and Garen Staglin; their grandchildren; their daughter Shannon

The wine tasting reception featured over 70 wines from Napa and Sonoma Valleys, the Pacific Northwest, and more.

VIP guests delighted in a four-course dinner curated by Italian-born chef Angelo Auriana, paired with wines by Staglin Family Vineyard.

Sonoma County Wine Celebration Raises Nearly $1 Million

BY JENNIFER BODEN

THIS YEAR’S SONOMA COUNTY WINE CELEBRATION (SCWC), held September 19 and 20, raised nearly $1 million. The proceeds will fund children’s literacy initiatives, with a key focus being on K-3 Innovation’s K-3 Proficiency Project. Since the auction’s inception, more than $44 million has been raised for nonprofits in Sonoma County.

WINE DINNERS SEPTEMBER 19 TH

Bricoleur Vineyards hosted the SCWC Welcome Reception and Rooted Insider Experience on Friday, September 19, followed by two DineAround Dinners. An Evening in Carneros at Gloria Ferrer featured their wines along with those from Donum Estate and Cline Family Cellars, paired with delicious dishes to highlight the unique character of Carneros. The Vine-to-Table dinner at The Matheson spotlighted the wines of Aperture Cellars, Bob Cabral Wines, Browne Family Wines (home of CIRQ & CHEV), Pride Mountain Vineyards, and Valette Wines paired with a four-course dinner crafted by chef Dustin Valette.

Another Dine-Around Dinner with a New Orleans-inspired theme was hosted by Flambeaux Wine on Thursday evening at their vineyard estate in Dry Creek Valley. It featured select wines from their family’s personal cellar, paired with a variety of traditional Louisiana dishes prepared by chef Gareth Owens of Parish Café.

SONOMA COUNTY WINE CELEBRATION LIVE

AUCTION SEPTEMBER 20 TH

More than 200 guests attended this year’s Sonoma County Wine Celebration Live Auction on Saturday at the beautiful grounds of Cline Family Cellars. The day started with a wine reception, then guests enjoyed lunch under the tent where auctioneer John Curley led this year’s auction, presenting 22 live lots.

Support throughout the auction tent for this year’s Fund-A-Need began with very generous donations of $50,000. Paddles continued to be raised for donations ranging from $500 to $15,000 from live auction guests, with additional donations continuing to be received after the event.

AWARDS

The Wine Business Leadership Award was presented to Alexandra O’Gorman, Vice President of Community Relations at Foley Family Wines & Spirits. Michael Haney, general manager of Browne Family Wines who recently stepped down from his position as executive director of Sonoma County Vintners after serving 11 years, was also honored. Both he and O’Gorman were presented with certificates of special congressional recognition by Congressman Mike Thompson and on behalf of Congressman Jared Huffman.

“These two are most deserving of this,” said Thompson. “They have had so much to do with the success of the wine community in Sonoma County.” He went on to share his thoughts about the SCWC events and attendees, “This is a community that not only makes fantastic wine, not only does great work that is important to our community, our economy, and the environment in which we live, but this is a community that gives back.”

Sonoma County Wine Celebration Live Auction

(L-R) Michael Haney, Congressman Mike Thompson and Alexandra O’Gorman at Sonoma County Wine Celebration

(L-R) Ryan Prichard, Flambeaux’s Winemaker, Flambeaux Wine owner Art Murray and James Spain at Sonoma County Wine Celebration

Sonoma County Wine Celebration Live Auction

(L-R) Liz Thach, MW, Julie Rothberg, Monica Lopez, Alexandra O’Gorman and Emily Martin at Sonoma County Wine Celebration

Olivia Decker Power of Music Series Exclusive Concert at the Magnificent Filoli Gardens

BY OLIVIA HSU DECKER PHOTOGRAPHY DREW ALTIZER PHOTOGRAPHY AND DAVID GARCIA

ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2025, FESTIVAL NAPA VALLEY, THROUGH its Olivia Decker Power of Music Series, partnered with Freeman’s | Hindman Auction House, The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, and Filoli to present an exclusive evening at the famed Woodside estate—celebrated for its English Renaissance gardens and grand Georgian revival architecture. Guests gathered to honor the legacy of Gordon and Betty Moore with a program celebrating fine wine, cultural dialogue, and world class music.

The evening opened in Filoli’s garden court, where guests mingled and enjoyed wine from Rancho Coyote Vineyards, including their 2020 Pinot Noir, 2021 sparkling rosé, 2022 sparkling Blanc de Noir, and 2024 rosé.

Inside Filoli’s recently restored grand ballroom—adorned with sweeping murals, crystal chandeliers, and gilded trim—the program continued with a conversation on the Moores’ Mountain Meadow collection. London antiques expert Tim Corfield and Aileen Lee, Chief of Programs at The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, offered insight into the furnishings, antiques, and artwork soon to appear at auction through Freeman’s | Hindman.

The evening culminated in a luminous piano recital by Steven Lin, prize winner at the Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Competition. A prodigy who debuted with the New York Philharmonic at the age of 13, Lin delivered a captivating program featuring Mozart’s Twelve Variations on “Ah vous dirai-je, Maman” K.265, Debussy’s Clair de Lune, and Chopin’s Polonaise in A-flat Major, Op. 53 “Heroic.”

Among the notable guests joining Olivia Decker were Sarah Anderson, Leigh Braglia, Rosalyn Chen, Stephanie Chung, Aaliya Dadabhoy, Analia Earhart, Samira Ghazvini and Pasquale Esposito, Daru Kawalkowski, Lisa Keith, Robert and Susan Kresek, Katie and Peter Mondavi, Jr., Jacqui Pio Roda, Jessie Prohaska and Michael Cuffe, Carol Sato, Steven and Farah Schow, Victoria Tai, Hilary Vartanian, and Rick Walker as well as Ben Fisher, Julia Fitzgerald, Kristin Ryan, and Adam Veil of Freeman’s | Hindman.

The event beautifully reflected Festival Napa Valley’s mission and the Moores’ enduring contributions to science, culture, and community—celebrating art, music, and philanthropy in one of California’s most storied estates.

Steven Li concert at Filolis

Samira Ghazvini, Pasquale Esposito, Olivia Decker, Carol Sato, and Jes Anthonis

Steven Lin, James Garcia, and Olivia Decker

Peter Mondavi, Steven Lin, Katie Mondavi, and Rick Walke

Adam Veil, Julia Fitzgerald, Kristin Ryan, and Ben Fisher

Lisa Keith and Daru Kawalkowski

Rosalyn Chen, Jacqui PioRoda, and VictoriaTai

Yacht Show night view at Port Hercule

Monaco Yacht Show 2025

Where excellence, innovation, and sustainability redefine the yachting experience

BY OLIVIA DECKER AND JOEL GOODRICH

THE 2025 MONACO YACHT SHOW TOOK PLACE ON SEPTEMBER 24-27 IN PORT HERCULE and was attended by more than 30,000 visitors and over 120 superyachts. A third of this year’s fleet were unveiled as world premieres, the highest number since the Show began in 1991. The show is divided into two main exhibition areas: afloat and on the quayside. Afloat, nearly 120 superyachts, including around 40 world premieres, and over 60 tenders were exhibited by the most renowned builders and brokers in the market. Quayside, nearly 560 handpicked companies presented their products and services in the yachting industry, including designers, naval architects, equipment suppliers, yacht service providers, and tender manufacturers.

The Monaco Yacht Show is renowned for the exceptional quality and impressive size of its superyachts. The event attracts private visitors interested in purchasing or chartering superyachts as well as market experts. The show is also committed to promoting innovative and sustainable solutions for yachting. The MYS is organized under the high patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco.

Gaëlle Tallarida, managing director of Monaco Yacht Show, announced “The 2025 Monaco Yacht Show has once again confirmed its unique role as the world’s essential annual gathering for large yachting, accompanying every stage of the yacht ownership journey. Each private visitor enjoyed a complete and immersive experience: discovering world premieres, meeting designers and shipyards, exploring technological and sustainable solutions, and refining the personalization of their future yacht. Exhibitors particularly praised the exceptional quality of the private clientele, a testament to the show’s attractiveness and relevance worldwide. The MYS remains the point where dreams and expertise converge, while the exchanges at the Monaco Yacht Summit reinforce its role as a strategic platform—placing the client experience and the industry’s future at the heart of every journey.”

The 2025 Monaco Yacht Show placed the visitor experience at the very heart of the event. On Wednesday, September 24, the exclusive opening day reserved for invited guests, attendees explored the exhibition areas, while the dockside area remained accessible only to private clients, offering them a privileged journey along the quays of Port Hercule to discover superyachts and tenders in all their splendor. Throughout their visit, participants met shipyards, designers, naval architects, brokers, and specialist suppliers and immersed themselves in the latest innovations, technologies, and sustainable solutions that are transforming and shaping the future of the superyacht industry.

Yacht Style publisher Gael Burlot and Haute

Living publisher

Olivia Decker

The highlight of this first edition was the Blue Wake™ Awards presented at the Grand Opening Night of the MYS. The awards recognized outstanding initiatives across five categories: TYKUN for hydrogen propulsion, Tai Ping for biodegradable carpets, Deasyl for low-carbon fuel, Sanlorenzo for fuel-cell-powered yachts, and SilverYachts for recyclable aluminum catamarans. In partnership with the Water Revolution Foundation, Blue Wake is already establishing itself as a benchmark initiative, further cementing the Monaco Yacht Show’s role as the global showcase for responsible yachting.

Blue Wake provided a clear reference point for identifying companies committed to sustainability, allowing visitors to envisage how these solutions might be integrated into their own yacht projects. It illustrated the sector’s crucial transition toward sustainable yachting—a shift in which the industry has been actively investing for several years. It enables visitors to discover environmentally sustainable solutions across the entire event, explore cutting-edge technologies, meet industry leaders driving positive change, and discover practical solutions to reduce the environmental impact of yachting. By fostering a more inclusive and dynamic platform, Blue Wake empowers exhibitors and visitors alike to take part in shaping a more sustainable future for the industry.

Lürssen celebrated 150 years of yacht building at Monaco Yacht Show with a photographic book by Jarmo Pohjaniemi

MONACO YACHT SUMMIT: A STRATEGIC FORUM FOR YACHTING

The Monaco Yacht Summit brought together designers, technical experts, exhibitors, and private clients to address the industry’s key issues: technological innovation, environmental transition, and investment strategies around yacht ownership. Launched by the show’s opening conference on Wednesday morning, the program featured eight roundtables co-hosted with Superyacht Times, the exclusive “Becoming an Owner” session with Spear’s Magazine, and 20 expert talks led by designers and Blue Wake exhibitors. The day concluded with a screening of Ocean with David Attenborough, attended by director Toby Nowlan.

The Monaco Yacht Summit provided participants with direct access to the expertise of industry leaders, real-world insights into their own projects, and tangible solutions for yacht acquisition, construction, or charter. The structured, pragmatic program aligned with both client expectations and market realities.

EXCEPTIONAL SUPERYACHTS AND THEMATIC SPACES FOR A COMPLETE IMMERSION

The dockside area along the quays of Port Hercule showcased 120 superyachts, including 50 new 2025 models and 20 yachts launched in 2024. This unique selection represents the very pinnacle of global

The newest Patrice Pastor development, Mareterra, in Monaco Harbor Water Revolution Foundation presented Science Driven Blue Carbon Investment at the Monaco Yacht Show

Videoworks CEO Maurizio Minossi presented Generative AI at the Monaco Yacht Show

yachting with an estimated value of €4.3 billion (source: SuperYacht Times) and nearly 60% of the fleet less than two years old, perfectly illustrating the exclusive and exceptional character of the Monaco Yacht Show—the stage of choice for the industry’s world premieres.

Private clients enjoyed complete immersion into the luxury yachting universe, discovering outstanding designs, bespoke interiors, and cutting-edge technologies, while concretely considering acquisition, charter, or new-build projects. Visitors experienced yachting in all its dimensions through the thematic exhibition areas. The Parvis Piscine and the Upper Deck Lounge highlighted luxury decoration and interior design, combining refined aesthetics, optimal comfort, and bespoke solutions. These spaces showcased ultra highend products and services, reflecting exceptional craftsmanship while also promoting the latest superyachting destinations. Quai Albert Ier and Darse Sud featured refit shipyards, marinas, and cuttingedge technology, ranging from onboard smart systems to the latest propulsion and navigation solutions, giving visitors a clear insight into the innovations shaping today’s yachts.

The Yacht Design & Innovation Hub immersed visitors in the future of yachting. Sixteen designers and naval architects presented their avant-garde concepts, while immersive 3D and interactive journeys (Immersive Experience and Innovation Deck) showcased the trends set to shape tomorrow’s superyacht industry and the evolution of onboard technology over the coming decades. Located at the very heart of the show alongside the superyachts afloat, this hub was an unmissable destination for owners, future buyers, and professionals involved in yacht construction projects.

The Adventure Area, spanning Quai Jarlan and Quai Antoine Ier, presented 57 tenders, a curated selection of innovative water toys and 23 luxury vehicles—a comprehensive showcase of leisure and lifestyle experiences associated with yachting. These areas reflected the Monaco Yacht Show’s commitment to presenting the very best in yachting culture: elegance, performance and thrill-seeking, all essential to the private client experience. The Tribute to Yachting exhibition invited visitors to pause amid the bustle of the show, reconnect with the very essence of yachting, and experience a sensory and emotional journey where sea, light, and savoir faire met.

With 29,956 visitors, the 34th Monaco Yacht Show once again confirmed its status as the world’s benchmark for yachting. The show delivered a complete immersion into the superyacht world, offering direct access to experts, shipyards, and sustainable solutions. Exhibitors particularly praised the quality of private visitors, many of whom came with serious intentions to discuss acquisition or newbuild projects, demonstrating exceptional commitment and focus. This edition also shone a spotlight on the responsible technologies and practices shaping the future of the industry.

SUPERYACHTS OF NOTE

The Breakthrough

Most notable yacht this year is the 390-foot mega yacht Breakthrough, the world’s first hydrogen-powered, 7,247-GT superyacht with five decks above the waterline and two more below, 14 slide-out balconies, seven opening platforms, 15 bedrooms, two offices, a basketball court, multiple libraries, cinema, gym, a four-level owner’s townhouse, an underwater “Nemo” lounge with windows into the sea, and a 27-foot pool with a glass floor that can rise and transform the space. Powered by triple MTU engines that propel her to a cruising speed of 14 knots and a top speed of 17 knots and with special energy system storing just 543 kWh, the Breakthrough’s advanced fuel cell technology allows for a full week of silent, zero-emission operation at anchor or clean cruising at 10 knots. Its design brilliance is matched by its pioneering powertrain. ABB integrated a 3-megawatt hydrogen fuel cell system into its onboard DC grid and paired with 3.2-megawatt Azipod propulsion units. Cryogenic liquid hydrogen stored at -423°F feeds the system, while a methanol-to-hydrogen reformer adds flexibility. For extended voyages, HVO-capable MTU generators serve as backup. “The brief was to build the greenest and most environmentally advanced yacht ever built, without compromise… the best yacht ever built,” says Jamie Edmiston, CEO of yacht broker Edmiston, who listed the yacht for sale at a reported $645 million price tag. He is looking for another eco-friendly billionaire buyer: rumor has it that Bill Gates backed out of purchase.

Exploring the future of superyacht propulsion, Nuclear Horizons Summit

Falcon Tenders’ The Art of Arrival booth at the Adventure Area

Modular nuclear reactor concept at the Concept Hub

Falcon Jet booth at Upper Deck

The Italian Sea Group presented Tecnomar tenders for Lamborghini

Mega yachts at the dock Haute

The Valor

Another eye-catching mega yacht is the Valor. Canadian Entrepreneur Bobby Genovese has taken delivery of this new 261-foot explorer, a vessel that blends cutting-edge environmental technology with uncompromising luxury. Built by the Dutch shipyard Feadship, the six-deck hybrid yacht with its military-inspired profile and groundbreaking propulsion system, the Valor stands out as one of the most distinctive launches of the year. The owner, a repeat Feadship client with ambitious plans for global cruising, requested a yacht design that would be recognizable even from outer space. The designers at De Voogt Naval Architects delivered a vessel shaped by strength and purpose. The Valor’s dreadnought bow and boldly painted hull numbers give it a commanding presence reminiscent of naval ships, underlining its dual identity as both a luxury home-at-sea and a serious explorer capable of facing the harshest conditions.

The Valor carries a Bureau Veritas Young Ice 2 notation, thanks to a two-meter-thick ice belt that wraps above and below the waterline, enabling safe passage through ice as thick as 30 centimeters. The yacht is specifically designed for polar travel, allowing the owner to fulfil his dream of navigating the Northwest Passage. Complementing this rugged build are advanced heat exchangers and energy recovery systems that ensure efficient operation even in extreme climates.

Where the Valor truly breaks new ground is in its propulsion. Instead of traditional engines and auxiliary generators, the yacht relies on a diesel-electric setup linked to a DC power grid with four variablespeed generators feeding into a water-cooled lithium-ion battery bank rated at 5.34 megawatt-hours. Solar panels mounted on the mast add renewable energy to the system. The result is the ability to operate for up to 48 hours in complete silence with zero emissions. When running on hydrotreated vegetable oil biofuel, which will be tested during her trials, the Valor can reduce carbon emissions by as much as 90%.

Designed by Bannenberg & Rowell, the interior mixes mid-century and vintage elements with bespoke pieces from George Nakashima, Linley, Pollaro, and Silver Lining. One of the most striking features is the staircase, a sculptural centerpiece assembled from over 48,000 individual components, including stone and bronze. Guest accommodations include six spacious cabins on the main deck, while the entire owner’s deck is dedicated to the billionaire’s private retreat, complete with panoramic views, Jacuzzi® , dressing room, office, and even a grasscovered relief area with a shower for his three golden retrievers.

Leisure amenities continue across the Valor’s six decks. A large contra-flow infinity pool measuring more than eight meters in length dominates the main deck, while a second Jacuzzi with surrounding

sunpads takes pride of place on the sundeck. A beach club with oversized fold-down doors opens directly to the sea, with storage for water toys, diving equipment, and fitness gear. An elevator serves every level of the yacht, ensuring smooth access from the sundeck to the beach club below.

Performance is provided by twin Schottel EcoPeller Azimuth thrusters, giving the Valor a comfortable cruising speed of around 10 to 11 knots and a range of approximately 5,000 nautical miles. Advanced stabilisation from Quantum Marine ensures comfort in all conditions, making long expeditions more enjoyable for guests. The Valor’s combination of polar capability, zero-emission operation, and bespoke luxury not only signal a bold future for explorer yachts but also demonstrate how personal vision, environmental responsibility, and five-star comfort can come together in a single extraordinary vessel.

The I Dynasty

One of the top superyachts for sale at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show was the I Dynasty, but only by appointment while it was anchored off the port. My contributor, Joel Goodrich, and I were invited to tour the yacht on September 28 by the I Dynasty’s yacht broker, Merle Wood. We enjoyed a detailed tour that included visiting the amazing engines built by Rolls-Royce. The 101-meter yacht, built by German shipyard Kusch Yachts and delivered in 2015, features amenities like a beach club, cinema, gym, salt water pool, spa, and interiors designed by Massari Design. The I Dynasty is on the market for sale at €240 million and offered by Merlewood.com.

To meet the owner’s requirements for accommodating guests, Monaco-based design studio, The A Group, turned to the newly established Passenger Yacht Code (PYC) setting industry standards for yachts with a guest allowances of up to 36 passengers. While adhering to more stringent regulations for safety and materials, the original brief for a multi-generational yacht could be fulfilled. The I Dynasty, designed under the new code, features a displacement steel hull and an aluminum superstructure. With a beam of 16.85 meters (55.28 feet) and a draft of six meters (19.69 feet), the yacht boasts an internal volume of 4,437 gross tons.

The exterior design is characterized by sleek lines and a contemporary profile. Glass not only enhances the visual appeal but also serves as a structural element. The yacht’s silhouette is punctuated by distinctive glass “shark fins” that provide both a windbreak and a visual transition from the robust horizontal lines of the lower decks to the towering mast above. These fins are

Superyacht Valor

One of superyacht I Dynasty’s expansive walkways

Superyacht I Dynasty’s Rolls-Royce engine room

Superyacht I Dynasty main salon with Murano chandelier

Superyacht I Dynasty dining room

One of superyacht I Dynasty’s expansive walkways

more than mere aesthetic devices; they are integral to the yacht’s innovative design, allowing for floor-to-ceiling windows that bathe the interiors in natural light.

The I Dynasty’s expansive, walk-around side decks are generously proportioned to allow for strolls around the vessel and to soak in the ocean view. The ample use of glass continues here, facilitating a connection between the interior and exterior spaces and ensuring guests never feel disconnected from the marine environment. The exterior living areas have been thoughtfully designed to cater to all weather conditions, with hidden glass doors and windows that can easily transform open spaces into sheltered havens. This versatility ensures that the yacht’s outdoor offerings are always inviting, whether basking in the sun or seeking refuge from the elements.

At the stern, an engineering achievement is revealed in the form of a floodable tender garage. This multifunctional space can house a custom Pascoe limousine tender, which is deployed through a sophisticated system meticulously engineered in collaboration with Kusch Yachts. When the tender is at sea, the garage transforms into a vast pool deck, complemented by natural illumination and ventilation from a sizeable starboard-side shell door designed for the launch of a Riva. Even when the tender is in use, children can enjoy a safe swimming area, thanks to a clever design feature that prevents water from sloshing, ensuring a serene pool experience.

The interior design features warm, honey-colored woods, and madrone burr veneers. The main saloon boasts a patterned parquet floor, reflecting Studio Massari’s preference for formality and sophistication over carpet. Designed for the owner ’s preference for cruising with large parties, the salon offers various seating areas, a games table, a well-stocked library, and a baby grand piano. The grand staircase, a visual link to the upper saloon, enhances the sense of connection. Complemented by a custom, five-meter chandelier from Simone Cenedese of Murano, it adds light and a sense of verticality

Adhering to the rigorous PYC requirements, the yacht’s interior is not just visually appealing, but it’s also a technical marvel.

Creative solutions, like beautiful stamped or woven leathers and non-combustible plaster, replicate the look of mahogany while meeting the fire safety standards of the international yacht code. Gold leaf accents and tray ceilings add luminosity throughout the I Dynasty, and the sealer used ensures compliance with the PYC’s fire safety regulations. The I Dynasty embodies the essence of a multigenerational luxury yacht. With 11 well-appointed cabins, the yacht caters to the privacy and comfort of up to 20 guests in cabins laid out across the main and upper decks. The owner’s suite, crafted with exquisite materials and state-of-the-art amenities, is owner’s vision of a lavish maritime retreat. The VIP cabins provide guests with fine linens and elegant furnishings. Additional guest cabins are designed with equally plush accommodations and sophisticated décor.

The I Dynasty features a diesel-electric powerplant incorporating Rolls-Royce equipment and five engines managed to match the yacht’s electrical load demand. This system minimizes fuel consumption and exhaust emissions by generating power strictly based on current needs.

With a top speed of 16 knots, the I Dynasty showcases exceptional maneuverability, thanks in part to dual RollsRoyce Azipulls and a bow thruster. This combination enables a comprehensive dynamic positioning mode, useful for stationkeeping in deep waters or delicate sea beds and optimizing the positioning of the yacht’s tender and side-boarding platforms in varying sea conditions. The yacht’s efficient, diesel-electric powerplant and intelligent power management systems prioritize long-range cruising with minimal environmental impact, offering a maximum range of 7,000 nautical miles at 14 knots.

Designed for endurance and sustainability, the I Dynasty can undertake extensive voyages with reduced fuel consumption and emissions. Equipped with advanced stabilizing technology, inherent in its naval architecture, the I Dynasty’s heavy displacement and robust steel construction contribute to a smooth and stable experience at sea, enhancing guest comfort during cruising and at anchor.

Revolution Foundation award at opening night

Monaco Yacht Club entertainer serving champaign with Olivia Decker

Olivia Decker and Joel Goodrich at Monaco Yacht Show

Winemaker Jeff Cole, Oaxacan Artists Jacobo and María Ángeles’, and Krisha Chhaganlal

Sullivan Rutherford Estate: An Event of Artistry & Excellence

BY KRISHA CHHAGANLAL

ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, SULLIVAN RUTHERFORD ESTATE hosted an intimate gathering celebrating the intersection of fine wine, world-class artistry, and hospitality excellence, beginning with a rare creative experience led by celebrated Oaxacan artists Jacobo and María Ángeles. Their intricate alebrijes, hand-carved and vividly painted wooden figures, have been exhibited internationally, including a large-scale installation at Rockefeller Center in New York. Guests at the event were guided through a private painting session, creating their own pieces under the artists’ personal mentorship.

At noon, the estate opened its lawn for an elegant reception and luncheon. Winemaker Jeff Cole, General Manager Joshua Lowell, Director of Sales and Client Relations Erin Callahan, and Managing Partner Juan Pablo Torres Padilla hosted a multi-course seasonal luncheon prepared by Executive Chef Jim Leiken of Poetry Inn Napa Valley. With nearly three decades of experience alongside culinary icons Daniel Boulud, Michael Anthony, and Cindy Pawlcyn, Chef Leiken crafted a menu that reflected the terroir and spirit of Sullivan’s wines—served among the vines and golden hillsides of Rutherford.

Guests were also treated to a special tasting of Loco Tequila, an ultra-premium agave spirit celebrated for its craftsmanship. Sara Rowan, general manager of Loco Tequila USA, unveiled the collaboration between Loco Tequila and the Ángeles family: four distinct bottle designs, each representing a creature found in the

agave fields: a coyote, a serpent, a hummingbird, and a bat. Each bottle is paired with a matching alebrije, symbolizing the seamless blend of Mexican artistry and agave tradition.

During dessert, guests savored Loco Ámbar, a rare blend of Loco Blanco aged in four distinct barrels: French oak, Pedro Ximénez sherry, tawny port, and Irish whiskey, creating a profile both agaveforward and complex.

Callahan took a moment to acknowledge the heart behind the estate’s excellence—its hospitality team. From Jill Trego, the estate’s head concierge and experience curator, to Eddie Gutierrez, head of hospitality, and team members Laura Cropper, Maya Moreno, Cuquita Dalla Brea, and Sonia Pulido, every detail reflected their dedication to creating an unforgettable experience for guests. Collectors also had the rare chance to acquire a handpainted three-liter 2017 J.O. Sullivan Founder’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, the only bottle hand-painted by Jacobo Ángeles, and a limited three-pack of 2015 J.O. Sullivan Founder’s Reserve Merlot, each bottle signed by the Oaxacan artists, as well as by Winemaker Cole and Chef Leiken.

Among the notable attendees were Sonya Molodetskaya, Laura DePasquale, MS, Hugo Colpart, Elmy Bermejo, Elmy Bermejo Jr., Scotti Stark, and Agnes Cohade, all sharing in a day that celebrated the artistry and hospitality at the heart of Napa Valley.

Luncheon at Sullivan Rutherford Estate

Creative experience led by Oaxacan artists Jacobo and María Ángeles

Hand-painted three-liter 2017 J.O. Sullivan Founder’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, the only bottle hand-painted by Jacobo Ángeles

Elmy Bermejo Sr, JP Torres Padilla, Hugo Colpart, Vicky Laury

Magnum of the Coeur de Vigne

Laura DePasquale, JP Torres Padilla, Sherene Melania, Sonya Molodetskaya, Eduardo Gonzalez, Calida Romero, and Elmy Bermejo Jr.

Atmosphere at Luncheon

Loco Tequila collection

Hand-carved and vividly painted wooden figures

JP Torres Padilla, Joshua Lowell, Jeff Cole, and Erin Callahan

Patrick Rafter, Joao Fonseca, Jenson Brooksby, Alex Michelsen, Francisco Cerundolo, Taylor Fritz, Reilly Opelka, Alex de Minaur, and Andre Agassi

Black-Carpet Glamour AT Opening Night Gala at Laver Cup 2025

BY KRISHA CHHAGANLAL

PHOTOS DR EW ATLIZER PHOTOGRAPHY

ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2025, SAN FRANCISCO SET the stage for more than just world class tennis tournament. Before a single serve was struck at the Chase Center, the city played host to an evening of glamour and celebration: the Laver Cup Opening Night Gala. Held against the vibrant backdrop of the bay, the gala transformed the traditional pre-tournament dinner into a glittering, black-carpet affair where sport, style, and society came together.

The night brought together tennis royalty and global luminaries in a way few events can. Rod Laver, the man who inspired the tournament, walked the black carpet to resounding applause. Alongside him were legends like Roger Federer, John McEnroe, and Andy Roddick, each reminding guests of the lineage of excellence that makes the Laver Cup more than just another team event.

Current stars, from Carlos Alcaraz to Alexander Zverev, arrived in sharp tailoring, while Team World counterparts, including Taylor Fritz and Alex de Minaur, swapped sweatbands for tuxedos. The transformation was striking: familiar faces from center court reimagined as modern style icons, pausing for flashes of the camera before stepping into the candlelit venue.

Among the highlights was Roger Federer’s thoughtful perspective on what the gala represents. For him, the night is about more than polished photographs or speeches; it’s a rare opportunity for players to step away from the competitive grind and share a moment of unity. In a sport defined by individual pursuits, the Laver Cup offers an unusual chance to be part of something collective, and the gala is its most visible expression of that spirit.

As the evening unfolded, guests enjoyed a gourmet dinner paired with fine wines and accompanied by live music that filled the grand hall with energy. The gleaming Laver Cup trophy commanded attention from its display, surrounded by eager photo-seekers and first-time participants experiencing the magnitude of the event.

Just days after the black-carpet glamour of the Opening Night Gala, the energy carried into the Chase Center where Team World defied early odds to capture a 15–9 victory over Team Europe. The underdogs turned champions, led by standout performances from Taylor Fritz and Alex de Minaur, sealed their third title in four years. The Laver Cup further cemented San Francisco’s reputation as a world class stage for professional sports.

Tony Godsick and Steve Zacks

Melissa Stark

Eugenie Bouchard

Stan Smith and Marjory Gengler Smith

Tony Godsick, Rod Laver, and Roger Federer

Michael Chang and Amber Liu Chang

Rod Laver and Susan Johnson

Tim Henman and Yannick Noah

Huge crowd in front of The Westin St. Francis for the opening

Grand Openings of Bourbon Steak Restaurant & Bar by Michael Mina and THE Eighth Rule Bar by Steph Curry at The Westin St. Francis Union Square

BY OLIVIA HSU DECKER

PHOTOGRAPHY DREW ALTIZER

ON OCTOBER 7, CHEF MICHAEL MINA AND FOUR-TIME NBA champion and entrepreneur Stephen Curry celebrated the grand openings of their Bourbon Steak restaurant and The Eighth Rule bar inside the lobby of the landmark Westin St. Francis on Union Square. The evening began with a grand cable car arrival on Powell Street as Mina, Curry, San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie, Westin St. Francis General Manager Clif Clark, and Strategic Hotels & Resorts CEO Andre Zotoff rolled up to Union Square in true San Francisco style. In lieu of a ribbon cutting, a giant silver bison ridden by cowboy West Walker marked the opening in unforgettable fashion. Notable guests included Michael Mina, Steph Curry with wife Ayesha Curry, E-40, Michelin-starred chef Dominique Crenn, San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie, SF District 3 Supervisor Danny Sauter, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, Union Square Alliance CEO Marisa Rodriguez, former SF Mayor Willie L. Brown Jr., and members of the Golden State Warriors. They celebrated with live jazz, dance performances, and signature dishes from Bourbon Steak San Francisco, including Wagyu steak, truffle cavatelli, and caviar twinkies. At The Eighth Rule, MINA Group Beverage Director Anthony Attanasio poured bourbon-forward cocktails and rare spirits for the celebration.

Warriors star Stephen Curry’s first-ever hospitality business and the revival of celebrity chef Michael Mina’s modern steakhouse drew over 500 guests inside the lobby location, formerly known as Compass Rose, where I used to hang out when I was the assistant manager at Grand Hyatt Hotel on Union Square 35 years ago. The restaurant, Bourbon Steak, and adjacent whiskey bar, The Eighth Rule, officially opened for business at the Westin St. Francis in San

Francisco on October 10. This same location is where Mina opened his first Michael Mina steakhouse two decades ago. Mina operates 11 Bourbon Steak locations across the U.S. but hasn’t had one in San Francisco since 2016, when it originally closed at this same Westin St. Francis lobby location.

Bourbon Steak will serve Michael Mina’s renowned dishes, such as tuna tartare mixed tableside with a quail egg, Asian pear and habanero-sesame oil, lobster pot pie, wood-grilled steaks, Bourbon Steak’s version of steak tartare, a potato cake with tartare, Wagyu torched at the table, and caviar twinkies as dessert, plus a cart rolled around the dining room offering fresh fish that can be grilled and served with three sauces. New to the San Francisco steakhouse is a six-person dining experience, which is only available by reservation and limited to two per night. The new Bourbon Steak will also have its own Bourbon Lounge with drinks and dishes like burger and tuna toro “cigars” and a cocktail version of the tuna tartare with pine nutinfused rum, Campari, lemon, spiced Asian pear syrup, and optional habanero dust. The lofty, elegant space, designed in classic Art Deco style, was built in 1904. The newly renovated 120-seat dining room has a custom marble floor, walnut millwork, green velvet curtains, booths, and a huge grand center bar.

Stephen Curry’s bourbon bar, The Eighth Rule, is a 40-seat, reservations-only bar where Curry’s bourbon brand, Gentleman’s Cut, will be served. The Mina Group will operate the bar. Mina and Curry have been planning this bar business since they met in 2017, when Mina teamed up with Curry’s wife, Ayesha Curry, to open San Francisco barbecue restaurant International Smoke. The Eighth Rule

“As my team and I have worked tirelessly to bring the evolution of Bourbon Steak back to the Westin St. Francis, I have felt a sense of overwhelming gratitude thinking about the early days when I was just cutting my teeth as a new chef in this incredible city. I still pinch myself that I had the opportunity to be the young chef here in San Francisco, a city that has never lost its magic and continues to turn out the most amazing chefs and restaurants in the world. The goal of opening Bourbon Steak here, alongside The Eighth Rule with my friend Steph Curry, is to continue to celebrate the grandness in a way only San Francisco can. These spaces are dynamic. They’re showcasing ingredients, product, and talent in new ways. They’re designed to bring people together in a spirit of community. I am forever grateful to this city, and at this point in my career I am so blessed that I get to come back with the goal of giving something back to the place that has always been there for me.”

- Michael Mina, Chef and Owner, The MINA Group

Brooke Jenkins, Willie L. Brown Jr., and Marisa Rodriguez

Cable car arrival of Michael Mina, Stephen Curry, Mayor Daniel Lurie, Clif Clark, and Andre Zotoff

Carl and Yuri Pascarella, Zaza Pachulia, and Mike Kitts

Danny Sauter, Andre Zotoff, Michael Mina, Mayor Daniel Lurie, Brooke Jennkins, Clif Clark, and Marisa Rodriguez

Katherine Keon, Dominique Crenn, Michael Mina, Jim Newman, Ayesha Curry, Stephen Curry

“With the eighth rule, we wanted to create a space that feels like those rare moments you never forget. Just like a great bourbon, it’s about slowing down, being present, and celebrating with the people who matter most. We want those who come into the space to find their own rule of what matters most to them, while sharing a glass. That sense of connection is what makes this place so special.”

- Steph Curry, Partner, The Eighth Rule

is decorated in velvet, leather furnishings, and amber lighting. It will offer two menus from Mina Group’s beverage director, Anthony Attanasio. A six-course, omakase-style cocktail tasting focuses on Curry’s Gentleman’s Cut whiskey line, a truffle-vanilla whiskey sour, or a seasonal highball. An à la carte drinks menu includes cocktails such as a honeydew-thyme gin sour and a Calabrian chili tequila highball. The bar will also be stocked with rare whiskies, such as Weller Antique, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel, and Bruichladdich.

Bourbon Steak Restaurant & Bar by Michael Mina, The Eighth Rule by Stephen Curry, and Chotto Matte opened in 2023, offering a luxurious, elevated Japanese-Peruvian dining experience, stunning rooftop views, and a vibrant lounge with live DJs on the Macy’s Building. They are a part of the City of San Francisco’s focused efforts to revitalize Union Square. Both make perfect spots for returning to Union Square for intimate gatherings and lively nights out for fine dining. In 2007, three years after Mina opened his steakhouse at this same amazing Union Square location, it earned two Michelin stars. It later moved to the former Aqua space, where I first met Mina when he started his career as sous chef for Aqua’s owner, Charles Condy, who was my real estate client in 1986. Mina now runs an international food empire and hospitality group with more than 30 restaurants around the globe, from Pabu Izakaya in San Francisco and Bungalow Kitchen in Tiburon on the same block of my Haute Living Magazine lounge to Michael Mina in Las Vegas and Mina Brasserie in Dubai.

Please visit Bourbon Steak and The Eighth Rule at 335 Powell Street, San Francisco.

Bernd Liebergesell, Brooke Jenkins, Clif Clark, and Marisa Rodriguez

Brandon and Danielle Shorenstein at the opening of Bourbon Steak

Abby and Nick Salzman and Corporate Natalie

Sergio Azzolino, Jean-Charles Boisset, and dancers

Joel Goodrich, Navid Armstrong, and Mason Bates at opening night celebration

San Franciscan Mason Bates’ The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay premiereS at New York Metropolitan Opera’s 2025-26 Season

BY JOEL GOODRICH

A MIX OF NEW YORK, SAN FRANCISCO, AND INTERNATIONAL glitterati gathered for the much-anticipated premiere of Mason Bates’ second opera, The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay, at the always-glamorous Metropolitan Opera Opening Gala on September 21. Following New York Fashion Week, the crowd included a superchic group of San Francisco opera aficionados and philanthropists including Navid Armstrong, Stephanie Block, Joel Goodrich, Andrew Hinek and Keith Wetmore, Michael Hormel, Farah Makras, Sharon Seto, and Mary Beth Shimmon, along with Haute Living, San Francisco magazine publisher Olivia Decker, landscape designer Jarrod Bauman, and award-winning fashion film producer Antonio Contreras.

Based on the Pulitzer Award-winning novel by Michael Chabon, the performance was extraordinarily powerful and greeted at the end with a rousing 15-minute standing ovation—a stunning tribute to San Franciscobased composer Mason Bates. Following his first groundbreaking opera, The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs, the opera world was fascinated to see what the next work from this gifted young composer would bring.

The celebration continued with the gala dinner after the performance and an after-party for Mason at the Mandarin Hotel, hosted by Andrew Hinek (a member of the board of the Metropolitan

Opera) and Keith Wetmore, followed by a luncheon the next day, hosted by Joel Goodrich at Metropolitan Club, one of New York’s most historic private clubs.

BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE CREATION OF THE OPERA Winner of the 2019 Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording, 2017 Musical America Composer of the Year, the 2012 18th Annual Heinz Award in the Arts and Humanities, and numerous other awards, Mason Bates’ inspiration for the opera stemmed from his fascination with Michael Chabon’s Pulitzer Prize–winning novel, which he saw as having “all the ingredients for a great opera.” Drawn to its themes of heroism, creativity, love, and exile, Bates was captivated by how the story’s blend of comic book fantasy and historical tragedy could be expressed musically.

In his own words: “This is a sprawling American epic with many entry points—comic books, WWII, the swinging ‘40s—but at its heart, it’s a simple story. Two cousins, desperate to get their family out of Nazi-occupied Prague during the World War II, create an anti-fascist superhero and, in the process, transform American culture. The mix of passion, love, art, and war is the stuff of opera!”

His experience as both a symphonic composer and an electronic musician provided him with the tools to reimagine the narrative for the stage. Over nearly eight years, Bates and librettist Gene Scheer distilled the sprawling novel into a two-act work that balances emotional depth with cinematic energy, capturing the operatic potential Bates recognized from the start.

The opera follows two Jewish cousins in 1940s Brooklyn—Joe Kavalier, a refugee and magician who escapes Nazi-occupied Prague, and Sammy Clay, a writer struggling with his sexuality—as they create a comic book superhero, “The Escapist,” who fights fascism abroad and repression at home. Their collaboration becomes a means of survival and self-expression against the backdrop of World War II and the rise of American pop culture. The story shifts between three worlds: the danger of Nazi Europe, the bustling energy of New York, and the vivid imagination of their comic book universe, brought to life through animated projections behind the singers.

To capture this multidimensional setting, Bates turned to what he calls “symphonic electronica,” fusing a traditional orchestra with electronic sound design. The score weaves together swing-era jazz, Jewish liturgical motifs, mandolin, harp, and prerecorded synthesizer textures to evoke the contrasting tones of realism and fantasy. The opera opens with a haunting electronic blast symbolizing Nazi Germany’s menace, soon layered with acoustic instruments that bridge the human and technological. Bates’ dual identity as a classical composer and DJ (“DJ Masonic”) enables him to blend these worlds seamlessly, expanding the sound palette of the Metropolitan Opera in ways never before attempted.

The integration of electronica also introduces new challenges for performance. At certain moments, Met music director Yannick Nézet-Séguin must synchronize the orchestra with a fixed electronic beat, yielding the usual conductor’s control to the rhythm itself. Yet this technical innovation underscores the opera’s core message: art as liberation, invention, and defiance. As the Met’s season opener, Kavalier & Clay represents both a creative leap for Bates and a broader statement about opera’s evolution—embracing new sounds, modern narratives, and the boundless possibilities of storytelling through music.

Mason Bates and entire cast

San Francisco attendees at New York Met Opera opening

San Francisco attendees at Metropolitan Club luncheon

Antonio Contreras, Stephanie Block, Olivia Decker, Navid Armstrong, and Joel Goodrich at Met Opera House

Olivia Decker and Joel Goodrich at Met Opera opening gala

Matthew Shilvock, Jennifer Bienaimé, Isabel Rhee, Barbara Wolfe, and Jack Calhoun

A Night to Remember: The San Francisco Opera’s Grand Opening Gala

BY CLAUDIA CASTILLO ROSS

ON THE EVENING OF SEPTEMBER 5, 2025, I HAD THE DISTINCT honor of attending the San Francisco Opera’s annual Opera Ball, a soirée that epitomizes the city’s opulence and cultural vibrancy. As a guest of Chanel and Andrea Schnitzer, I was surrounded by an atmosphere rich with elegance and anticipation, setting the stage for an unforgettable night.

The event, held at the majestic City Hall, was themed “Palazzo,” an homage to the season’s opening performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s Rigoletto. The décor, meticulously crafted by J. Riccardo Benavides, transformed the historic venue into a Renaissance court, evoking an ambiance of grandeur that was palpable from the moment I stepped onto the red carpet. Guests, adorned in stunning black and white and jewel-color-themed attire, were greeted by a chorus of jugglers and court jesters, noblemen and ladies-in-waiting, all befitting of the evening’s theme.

Among the glittering ensemble of San Francisco’s elite, the excitement was palpable as we eagerly awaited the grand opening of the Opera’s 103rd season. The anticipation surrounding the performance of Rigoletto was electric. The opera house was a visual feast, adorned with intricate floral garlands reminiscent of the comedy and tragedy masks, a nod to the evening’s theatrical centerpiece. The performance itself, featuring an international cast led by the mesmerizing tenor Yongzhao Yu, was nothing short of spectacular. As the story of the tormented court

jester unfolded, the audience was spellbound by the haunting melodies and dramatic narratives woven by Verdi.

Despite the two-and-a-half-hour runtime, the opera was welcomed with such positivity—a reminder of the evening’s commitment to excellence. During intermissions, the buzz of excitement filled the mezzanine as attendees exchanged compliments on the opera, celebrating the artistry and elegance that defined the night.

After the curtain fell on the breathtaking performance, the festivities continued. Guests made their way back to City Hall for the after-party, where DJ heyLove provided a lively soundtrack that drew a younger crowd to the dance floor.

The Opera Ball is not merely a fundraising event; it embodies the spirit of community and philanthropy that fuels the arts in San Francisco. With proceeds supporting the Opera’s artistic initiatives and educational outreach, the evening served a higher purpose beyond the glamor and glitz.

The opening night of the San Francisco Opera was not just a gala; it was a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to culture, creativity, and community.

With the enchanting melodies of Rigoletto echoing in my mind and the vibrant energy of the gala and its patrons, I can confidently it was an evening of elegance, drama, and sheer joy—the perfect prelude to a captivating season ahead.

Matthew Shilvock and Maria Manetti Shrem

Oran and Maryam Muduroglu

Forrest and Terri Tiffany

Riccardo Benavides

Fishkin

Mill Valley Film Festival Celebrates Its 48th Year with a Cinematic Opening Gala

BY OLIVIA DECKER AND KRISHA CHHAGANLAL

THE MILL VALLEY FILM FESTIVAL RETURNED IN LUMINOUS fashion this October, marking the start of its 48th year with an opening night that balanced cinematic prestige with Northern California charm. Guests arrived under an autumn sky and stepped onto the red carpet as the evening began. The atmosphere was celebratory yet understated, true to Mill Valley’s signature blend of sophistication.

A POETIC BEGINNING

The festival’s first screening, Hamnet, directed by Academy Award winner Chloé Zhao, set the tone for the days ahead: thoughtful, moving, and visually exquisite. Centered on love, grief, and the origins of artistic legacy, the film unfolded with the emotional precision audiences have come to expect from Zhao’s work. Lead actress Jessie Buckley delivered a performance of rare depth and grace, anchoring the film’s meditative rhythm and earning a standing ovation.

Following the screening, Zhao and Buckley took the stage for a post-film conversation, reflecting on storytelling as both art and responsibility. The exchange, heartfelt and spontaneous, captured the intimacy that has long defined MVFF’s connection with its audience.

AN EVENING OF CONNECTION

Director-producer

Ben McKenzie and film subject Morena Baccarin from Everyone is Lying to You for Money at closing night party

After the screening, guests made their way to the opening night gala at Marin Country Mart, where the celebration continued in true Mill Valley style. The outdoor event brought together filmmakers, patrons, and friends of the festival for an evening of exceptional food, fine wine, and conversation. Guests enjoyed tasting stations from local restaurants and vendors, each offering small bites that showcased the region’s vibrant culinary scene. The evening embodied the artistic camaraderie and community that have long defined the festival.

CONTINUITY AND CHANGE

This year’s opening also carried a sense of transition, honoring the enduring vision that has shaped MVFF’s global reputation. For decades, the festival has championed independent storytelling and inclusive voices, curating programs that reflect not just art but the evolving consciousness of cinema itself. As it embarks on its next chapter, the festival remains firmly rooted in its original ethos: that meaningful stories told with integrity, empathy, and imagination have the power to move culture forward.

Mark

at opening night screening of Hamnet with Jessie Buckley and director Chloé Zhao

Tribute to Spike Lee with Spike Lee and Delroy Lindo

THE DAYS AHEAD

With its elegant opening and meaningful tributes, the 2025 Mill Valley Film Festival began on a confident note, setting the stage for an inspiring week of film and conversation. Over the next 11 days, audiences experienced premieres, panels, and discussions bridging artistry and impact. If opening night was any indication, this year’s festival once again proves that cinema, at its finest, is not simply watched but felt.

48TH MILL VALLEY FILM FESTIVAL SPOTLIGHTS

Opening night screening of Hamnet, October 2: The story portrays a young woman with a mystical, spiritual connection with nature—a healer—who meets a young man, a Latin scholar and glovemaker’s son. Their powerful bond of love is ignited in ways fated to resonate through history. There is a living authenticity to director Chloé Zhao (Nomadland, MVFF43) and her exceptional cast’s imagining and rendering of this 16th century story. Rooted in a deep sense of humanity and human experience, it speaks across time and does great justice to Maggie O’Farrell’s brilliant novel of the same title. Actress Jessie Buckley (Women Talking, MVFF45) embodies Agnes with a powerful, elemental heart and humanity, a perfect foil to actor Paul Mescal (The Lost Daughter, MVFF44) as the scholar who was destined to write plays like Hamlet (a spelling interchangeable with his son’s name, Hamnet). Exquisitely filmed in rural England, this story of love and loss, parents and children, and inspiration and creativity is profoundly moving.

Spotlight on Jessie Buckley, October 3: It has been less than 10 years since Irish actress Jessie Buckley, presented with the MVFF Award, achieved her breakthrough movie role as a young woman determined to make it to the stage of the Grand Ole Opry in Wild Rose (2018), for which she was nominated for BAFTA and British Independent Film Awards. She was a Gotham Award nominee for her role in I’m Thinking of Ending Things (2020) and received a Best Supporting Actress Oscar® nomination for The Lost Daughter (2021). She won the 2022 Best Actress in a Musical Oliver Award for her role as Sally Bowles in Cabaret

Metallica Saved My Life screening with director Jonas Åkerlund and Metallica co-founder/drummer Lars Ulrich, October 9: In 1992, I had the pleasure of selling a three-acre Novato estate to singer James Hetchfeld and selling a Mt. Tiburon mansion with amazing views to drummer Lars Ulrich, who lived there until 2020. They were both aged 28 at the time, but already successful rock stars as co-founders of Metallica. I remembered seeing them at their homes instead of on stage where they performed loud, heavy metal music in black leather, chains, and tattoos, which was a bit scary for me as I was a fan of classic Italian opera. But in person at their homes, they were super sweet and wonderful young men, very different from their stage personas.

My reunion with Lars at the Mill Valley Film Festival reception followed the centerpiece program premier of Metallica Saved My Life and was very emotional. Lars did not appear to have changed since 1992: young, slim, brimming with vibrant energy, and friendly. He chatted nonstop with fans. For over 40 years, Lars and Metallica have been an important, leading Bay Area band. I have not attended their concerts, except for Salesforce’s DreamFest fundraising concert for Benioff Children’s Hospitals and their collaboration with San Francisco Symphony in two remarkable concerts which were huge events where a heavy metal rock band performed together with the classic San Francisco Symphony orchestra.

In this documentary, director Jonas Åkerlund covers the bases, from the band’s formation in 1981 to its induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but this is less a story of the group than of the community that has grown around it. Phenomenally diverse and accepting, it developed organically,

Spotlight on Tonatiuh, Kiss of The Spider Woman, with director Bill Condon

Actress Rose Byrne attends a spotlight screening of her film If I Had Legs I’d Kick You

Writer and director Hikari at her closing night feature film Rental Family

Metallica Saved My Life director Jonas Åkerlund and Lars Ulrich

arising out of the band’s tours and online culture. In one testimonial after another, the fans act as ambassadors, describing how this kinship changed the lives of people sometimes dispossessed, stigmatized, or isolated. The most touching tributes come from some of the most unlikely sources, as one devotee after another shares the tectonic, life-affirming impact of Metallica. The documentary is not only a must-see for fans but also provides ample evidence to the uninitiated that Metallica is not just a rock band. It’s a San Francisco musical culture that changed and saved lives.

Tribute to Spike Lee, October 11: Mill Valley Film Festival presented clips and conversation with the inimitable Spike Lee. For over 45 years, Spike Lee has been carving out an indelible place in cinema with a tireless and endlessly curious work aesthetic that includes documentaries, narratives, episodic series, music videos, short films, and more. His debut feature, She’s Gotta Have It (1986), brought a shot of adrenaline into the American indie scene, while his latest, Highest and Lowest (2025), cements his place as a poet of New York City and a storyteller of immense range and style.

Spike Lee’s production company, 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks, nurtures and mentors aspiring actors and craftspeople in all realms of filmmaking. His work transcends genres and tidy categories; it is bold and funny and challenging and unclassifiable. The tribute was unforgettable and worthy of Spike Lee’s Mill Valley Film Festival Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Closing night feature film Rental Family with Brendan Fraser and writer/director Hikari, October 12: The closing night film, Rental Family, was an amazing treat! The story takes place in Tokyo and is about a unique Japanese industry where people lacking family or friends or colleagues can hire actors to play those roles. Brendan Fraser’s (The Whale, MVFF45)

enormous talent for playing empathetic characters is put to brilliant use in this crowd-pleasing comedy drama. An actor who has lived in Tokyo for seven years, where parts for Americans are few, Philip (Fraser) is grateful when he gets a gig to play a mourner at an actual funeral. The job is his introduction to professional mourning, and Philip signs on full-time. However, his compassion for his clients, coupled with his own deep loneliness, creates chaos in their homes and his hiring agency when he develops emotional connections and crosses boundaries with “clients.”

With her second feature, writer-director Hikari (37 Seconds, MVFF42) achieves a tricky and perfect balance between laughs and poignancy in a film that celebrates the power of human connection. Fraser is simply phenomenal as a man who rediscovers his own need for kinship through this unusual employment opportunity, particularly as father of adorable 10-year-old Mia. This is a movie you must see, and I am not going to spoil the story here.

Originally from Osaka, Rental Family director Hikari is an awardwinning writer, director, and producer with a professional background as a dancer, singer, painter, and photographer. Her debut feature, 37 Seconds, won the Panorama Audience Award and the CICAE Art Cinema Award at the 69th Berlinale. Her television credits include the pilot for Emmywinning series Beef and for Tokyo Vice. She also wrote and directed short films, including Tsuyako, her USC thesis film which won over 50 awards, including DGA Student Award for Best Female Director. She’s currently developing Made in Utah, based on her experience as an exchange student, and an adaptation of Jules and Jim

The closing night party at Elk Lodge in San Rafael with filmmaker VIP reception, outdoor garden dinner, and live music for dancing concluded the 48th Mill Valley Film Festival on October 12.

Director Ruslan Khromin and actress Mariia Emelianova from the movie White Crow attend the closing night party

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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.

The Generosity Network

It’s not just about the money.

BY LYDIA GRAHAM

AGAIN, IT IS THAT TIME OF YEAR WHEN GIVING IS TOP OF MIND. We reflect (hopefully, with gratitude) on what we have received this past year and how and to whom we want to give. With their steady stream of year-end asks, nonprofits remind us, too, less we forget. Besides personal one-on-one holiday giving, the most obvious giving opportunity available to us is to support the nonprofits that inspire us. There are as many nonprofits as there are varied causes, approximately 1.8 million in the U.S. alone and 10 million worldwide, so staying focused on where you invest your time, energy, and resources has the potential not only to enrich your life but the lives of many others.

Many readers of Haute Living, San Francisco are involved with nonprofits either as philanthropists, board members, and/or volunteers ranging from a local PTA to a place of worship to a small or larger nonprofit. But few of us know how to fundraise our causes well. These roles can provide plenty of life-enhancing possibilities when approached in committed, true partnership. And, if you have founded and/or are leading a nonprofit, it is important to explore new ways to develop deeper, more rewarding relationships with these partners.

THE GENEROSITY NETWORK

One person who knows a thing or two (and much, much more) about giving, generosity, and our relationships with nonprofits is Jennifer McCrea, a local Marin resident. With more than 35 years in development, she began her career at universities (Case Western Reserve University, Washington University in St. Louis, and Dickinson College). As a young professional in these roles, she initially and enthusiastically tackled her fundraising goals employing

the typical development approaches and quickly became discouraged to the point of almost leaving the field. There had to be a better way, she thought, so she began forging new paths and trying new tactics and tools. To her relief and surprise—they worked.

Since then, McCrea has gone on to successfully counsel, teach, and mentor nonprofit leaders worldwide. She designed and led the course “Exponential Fundraising” at the Hauser Center for Nonprofit Organizations at Harvard University and shares all this wisdom in her book (along with co-authors Jeffrey Walker and Karl Weber), The Generosity Network, for those of us who cannot attend. If you are involved with nonprofits in any capacity or are leading your own nonprofit, this volume is a treasure trove and a wonderful resource for finding greater satisfaction and success in your nonprofit endeavors.

While the book was written in 2013, it is timeless. To follow, here are a few key takeaways and excerpts to set you on a path of embracing transformational fundraising and true meaningful partnership with the nonprofits you love.

IT IS NOT JUST ABOUT MONEY

Most traditional approaches to fundraising for nonprofits focus on salesmanship and the strategies and tactics commonly used by salespeople. This may leave both giver and receiver unfulfilled and leaves a lot on the table that otherwise could be rewarding to both.

The Generosity Network uses the broadest possible definition of fundraising, referring to “the activation of all resources in support of worthy goals, projects, organizations, and visions.” It shifts us out of transactional to transformative ways of thinking.

Jennifer McCrea

Transactional approaches, by their nature, often invoke emotions of fear, dread, and distrust. The philanthropist might fear “They see me as a walking checkbook.” As well, they may secretly harbor questions like “What if people are only nice to me for my money?” The fundraiser, on the other hand, fears asking for help (the language of dependence, which is not recommended) and hates being in a weaker position and caught in a power imbalance. Fundraisers may frequently feel like they are begging. In transactional thinking, too, there is such a focus on money that “other resources are equally underactivated [such as] time, creativity, and networks of relationships.” This is not a win-win.

There is a better way. What if fundraising could be fun? (Note: they point out its first three letters.) You are kidding, right? What if it could be “a vehicle of transformation—personally, organizationally, socially, and even globally?” As a philanthropist, imagine how you would feel if a fundraiser sat down with you and authentically asked, “What are you doing in life that really interests you?” Or “What gets you going in the morning?” Or “Do you have a dream that excites you?” Or “How do you want to make a difference with your life?” Wouldn’t that be a refreshing place to begin a relationship versus immediately being presented with a long, boring, logical, fact-backed pitch about a cause or organization?

As a fundraiser, doesn’t this sound like a less intimidating place to start a conversation or meeting (and a lot more fun)? You are a guide “helping people use the act of giving as a means of self-discovery.” The key is that this relationship is authentic from the start. From there, all other things flow (and if your goals are not aligned, you have not wasted your time and theirs). You, as the fundraiser, can refer them to an organization that better serves their life goals. Regardless of the outcome, this is a win-win as “true generosity is rooted in relatedness.”

The fundraiser might think, “But what about rejection?” The Generosity Network philosophy does not see a no as rejection:

If your goal is larger than just directing resources to your own cause—if your goal is to guide people to look inside themselves and discover what they truly care about as part of their personal journeys to transformed, more meaningful existence—then there is no possibility of rejection. What masquerades as “rejection” is just the flow of resources into a different channel. Instead learn to take a different mindset—to recognize that your acquaintance’s self-discovery is a victory for the world, not a rejection of you and your organization.

Fundraising is, above all, a form of connection. And the greatest gift (as a fundraiser) we bring to our partners is not just the chance to support important work but rather the opportunity to join and build a community of people who are joyfully discovering their unique gifts and applying those gifts to meet specific challenges.

HOW YOU TELL YOUR STORY MATTERS

Nothing inspires more than a good story. It is how humans have connected for millennia. But somehow, when faced with the daunting task of fundraising, we shrink from the challenge: “most of us still lead with information about what our organization does, rather than with a story that shows why it matters.” It is important, as one student of McCrea’s Exponential Fundraising course noted, “the key is that they [must be] stories of impact—narratives that illustrate the powers of our programs to create change.”

For powerful storytelling in the service of social change, the book references the well-known work of Marshall Ganz in what he calls “the public narrative” which breaks down into three elements:

1. Story of Self: “Why you were called to what you have been called to.

2. A Story of Us: What your constituency, community, or organization has been called to—its shared values, purposes, goals, vision linking your personal experiences with those of others, including the people you hope to serve.

3. A Story of Now: This is the urgent challenge, or threats our shared community now faces, the choices it must make, and the hope to which we can aspire. This is a call to action.

How to create your own public narrative is broken down in easy-to-follow steps. However, the authors remind us that “your story is simply a door opener—a way to invite the other person to begin sharing something of him or herself.” They remind us the ultimate goal is about authentic and balanced connection.

STAY IN TOUCH

It sounds simple, but this is where many nonprofits and fundraisers fail to deliver. They rely on the organization’s “impersonal, generic communiqués to become the only time donors hear from them, and they neglect the importance of deepening connections with current donors.” Here the book gives pages of advice on how your nonprofit can “organize for connection.”

CONCLUSION

The Generosity Network is a how-to for anyone involved in nonprofits. It is so chock-full of incredible advice that all I can do here is just to tease you to go further. Additional subjects discussed are:

• How to use metrics

• Insights into how to have a great first meeting, then a second

• The ask: right and wrong ways to say “join us”

• Community building tools (lots of advice and great ideas here)

• Building an empowered, collaborative board

• Keeping your board energized

• Other boards to consider adding (advisory boards, ad-hoc boards, donor boards, expert boards, partner organization boards, etc.).

At the end of the day, what does success look like? McCrea and her team would say, “Success is not a large and powerful organization, a collection of awards and trophies, or even a series of encouraging metrics recording improvements in some social problem. Rather, success is a dynamic, fluid condition of ever-increasing openness, creativity, and power, which enables nonprofit organizations and those who lead them (as well as those who are involved) to continually evolve, change, and grow, bringing hope and better lives to people around the corner or around the world. It is a journey of discovery that never ends.” And if that is not inspiring, I don’t know what is.

Learn more at jennifermccrea.com/book or visit Amazon books.

Wishing you a happy generous holiday season!

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 as 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

Aubrey’s Top 5 Gifts to Give for the Holidays

BY AUBREY BREWSTER

I LOVE THE HOLIDAYS! THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON GIVES ME and those I come across those warm and fuzzy feelings, and I cannot help but be in a more kind and giving mood. One can feel that same spirit from others: a special time when people are more empathetic, giving, and vibrating on that same jovial energy.

Keeping that spirit up may be a tad challenging amid busy holiday work. Decorating the house with the stockings hung with care and planning those yuletide soirées may leave little time to shop for the perfect gifts, so I put in place a little elvish magic to help get those packages under the tree!

Mastering the art of gift giving came easy: I have the joyous elves at Neiman Marcus San Francisco do all the work! Just a bit of organization is all I need to get it all accomplished effortlessly. Everything goes on a spreadsheet—names, addresses, gift names, SKU numbers, sizes, and prices—so I can easily keep track of who’s receiving what and for reference for the next year. It becomes a shopping list to print for reference while I make gift selections for Santa’s helpers to shop.

When it comes to holiday gift giving, a bit of help is all I need to get the gifts on the sleigh and off to the lucky recipients! For decades, the management team at Neiman Marcus San Francisco has personally shopped all my gifts, crowned them beautifully with bows, topped them each a personal Christmas note from Ed and me, and shipped them out for on-time delivery every year, freeing up my time for hosting holiday

Aubrey Brewster

Santa and Aubrey Brewster

festivities. And guess what? This very special and marvelous service is now available to you! To inquire about having Neiman Marcus SF assist you with your holiday shopping, ask for any department manager or see Personal Shopping on Level 2.

Over the years, my top gifts to give for the holidays from Neiman Marcus have evolved into some favorite, tried-and-true oldies-butgoodies and traditions: the large three-flavor annual NM popcorn tin and the decadent NM lemon vodka cake have been much-anticipated holiday gifts to many friends. The big jar of miniature (and infamous) NM chocolate chip cookies accompanying their Christmas bonuses have been a yearly holiday tradition for our lovely building staff. And for 2025, you’ll find some new favorites that I’m excited to share with you.

FOR HIM | GIORGIO ARMANI VELVET NOTCH LAPEL DINNER JACKET

Known for his timeless elegance, the late fashion guru and style icon Giorgio Armani understood that classics never go out of style. A man’s wardrobe isn’t complete without them, and an elegant velvet dinner jacket is no exception. The epitome of Italian elegance, they are smart, chic, and classic and work with most body types.

This dinner jacket will serve him time and time again. My Ed’s favorite go-to dinner jacket is a velvet Loro Piana dinner jacket he had made in rich royal blue with black satin lapels. He always receives compliments on it. Pair it with tuxedo trousers and tuxedo shirt with a velvet bow tie, evoking old Hollywood ritz for those black-tie events, or with casual pants and button-up shirt, turtleneck, or tee for a casual night out.

With all the fabulous November and December holiday soirées, the office get-togethers, and cozy restaurant date nights, the Giorgio Armani velvet notch lapel dinner jacket will be his favorite piece year-round. To complement the velvet dinner jacket, our model, Geno Murphy (LOOK Model Agency), is styled with a white tuxedo shirt paired with black tuxedo trousers, both by Giorgio Armani. Please see Rosemary McCarthy in Neiman Marcus’ men’s department for inquiries.

FOR HER | THE DAVID YURMAN STAX CHAIN LINK COLLECTION

In 1980, sculptor-turned-jeweler David Yurman introduced his collection with a refreshing and new interpretation of fine jewelry, changing the trends of fashion with his now-iconic twisted cable-inspired pieces. From there, his innovations have not failed to impress even the most discriminating tastes.

The epitome of elegance, simplicity, and understated style, the David Yurman Stax collection evokes glamor without pretention. The Stax chain link necklace lays upon the décolletage with flexible ease and majesty. The 18-inch (7mm wide), 7.08-carat pavé diamond chain link necklace is set in 18-karat white gold. The 7mm wide pavé chain link cuff style bracelet in 18-karat gold has a total of 1.21 carat weight and to complete the suite. Indulge in the Stax 4.5mm pavé chain link ring (1.21 carats also in 18-karat gold).

To inquire about the David Yurman Stax collection, see your NM San Francisco personal shopper or client advisor Cathe Picconi in fine jewelry. To complement the David Yurman Stax collection, our model, Sophia Lee (LOOK Model Agency), is styled in Giorgio Armani. Please see NM San Francisco Giorgio Armani specialist extraordinaire, Rodger Rajeshinde, for inquiries.

Giorgio Armani Velvet

Notch Lapel Dinner Jacket with model:

Geno Murphy, LOOK Model Agency

David Yurman Stax diamond chain link collection with model: Sophia Lee, LOOK Model Agency

FOR KIDS | NEIMAN MARCUS’ KID’S 2-IN-1

DOLLHOUSE AND PLAY KITCHEN BY TEAMSON

Kids these days have it made! My generation had some cool playthings, but toys nowadays are elevated. If only this play set were available in my day—who knows, I could’ve been a world-famous top chef! This dollhouse and play kitchen has two interchangeable sides—a play kitchen on one, a three-level dollhouse on the other—measures 23.5 inches tall by 18.8 inches wide, and is made of wood and plastic with whimsical details throughout.

The play kitchen boasts a microwave oven flanked by two shelves, a sink with faucet, refrigerator, cooktop, and oven. The play kitchen’s accessories include a pot with lid, skillet, and spatula set. The five-room (bedroom, bathroom, dining room, living room, and patio) dollhouse’s accessories include a bed with a pillow and blanket, potted plant, dining table and two chairs, bathtub, toilet, and a side cabinet with sofa. For inquiries, see associate Martha Jarvis on Level 5 (in the kids department) or your personal shopper.

FOR THE HOME | DOLCE & GABBANA BLU

MEDITERRANEO ELECTRIC KETTLE BY SMEG

This is for the fashionista or fashionisto who takes teatime seriously. Based in Guastalla near Reggio Emilia, Italy, Smeg emphasizes its Italian roots in retro mid-century elegance and quality design. From one Italian design leader to another, Smeg has collaborated with fashion icon Dolce & Gabbana to bring us the Blu Mediterraneo collection. Styled in classic Mediterranean blue, the pattern evokes ninth century majolica pottery, adding Old World glamour and European midcentury sensibility to any kitchen aesthetic.

The seven-cup (1.7 liter) electric kettle features a 360-degree, slip-resistant swivel base, allowing the kettle to be placed in any position. The gray cord is one meter long (3 feet, 3.37 inches) and offers ease in countertop placement. It features a gentle lid opening with a “soft opening” system and removable, washable stainless steel limescale filter. With the automatic kettle shut-off (when the kettle reaches 212 degrees Fahrenheit/100 degrees Celsius), you’ll feel at ease when wondering if you left the kettle on.

If tea isn’t your bag, the Smeg/Dolce & Gabbana Blu Mediterraneo collection also offers an manual espresso machine, a milk frother (with hot chocolate function), and coffee bean

grinder. To complete the look, the Blu Mediterraneo collection offers a citrus juicer, toaster, and even a gas stove and one-door refrigerator for the diehard enthusiast. For inquiries, see associate Martha Jarvis on Level 5 (in the epicurean department) or your personal shopper.

FOR THE HOST | BELLA CUCINA ARTICHOKE LEMON PESTO (23 OZ. GRANDE SIZE)

I’m generally not one for store-bought pesto, especially since it’s an absolute breeze to make and fresher, too. However, the Bella Cucina artichoke lemon pesto is superb, and the “grande” size accompanied with the clever wooden spoon atop the jar makes for an impressive gift for the hosts of those holiday soirées this season. It’s so good that it was even once featured as one of “Oprah’s Favorite Things,” and it may very well be one of yours, too! It’s ideal to keep a couple jars on hand in the pantry for easy hors d’ourves when guests come knocking.

For a quick and hot nosh to go with those holiday libations, brush banquette slices with butter, toast on a sheet pan at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes (or until golden), remove from the oven, spread each slice with a tablespoon of the Bella Cucina artichoke lemon pesto, top with shredded fontina or Gruyère cheese, return to the oven and bake until golden and bubbly (about six minutes), serve hot from the oven, and take all the credit! Or for a quick one-skillet supper during the busy holidays, heat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Season one chicken cut into eight pieces and seasoned with salt and pepper. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a 12-inch oven-proof (preferably cast iron) skillet over medium high heat, add the chicken skin down, and cook three minutes until brown. Turn chicken and repeat. Smother the chicken with a 23-ounce jar of Bella Cucina artichoke lemon pesto, bake for 45 minutes or until the juices run clear when cut near the bone in the thickest part of the thigh. Serve alongside creamy polenta or with your favorite side dish.

Bella Cucina’s pesto also comes in a sample box featuring their sundried tomato, classic basil, and the “Olivada” olive pestos in a collection of three six-ounce jars. For epicurean inquiries, see NM associate Martha Jarvis on Level 5 or your personal shopper.

Kid’s 2-in-1 Dollhouse and Play Kitchen by Teamson (back)

Dolce & Gabbana Blu Mediterraneo electric kettle by Smeg

Bella Cucina artichoke lemon pesto (23 oz. grande size)

HAUTE

GIVE A GIFT OF HOMEMADE

Receiving a marvelous gift from my top five gifts to give for 2025 may be fabulous, but there’s something about receiving a homemade gift from the heart that just hits differently, knowing that someone spent time thinking of you and sharing their coveted recipe, taking the time to source the ingredients, preparing a delicacy, and beautifully wrapping it with care—just for you! Baking holiday treats can be a cumbersome and gargantuan feat; I have friends who spend a week baking dozens and dozens of holiday cookies for their Christmas cookie tins to send out to friends and family, and I absolutely cherish (and look forward with great anticipation) in receiving that beautiful cornucopia of goodies. But one doesn’t always need to spend that much of an effort in showing their holiday spirit. This tried-and-true, easy, no-cook rocky road fudge recipe makes for the perfect homemade holiday gift alone and a fabulous addition to that holiday cookie tin as well!

INGREDIENTS

~ 3 cups (2 x 12oz bags) Guittard semisweet baking chips

~ 1 14 oz can Carnation sweetened condensed milk

1/4 cup heavy cream

~ 1 teaspoon Nielsen-Massey vanilla extract

~ 2 teaspoons sweet butter

~ 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

~ 1 cup walnuts (broken into pieces, but not chopped)

~ 26 Kraft brand large marshmallows, cut into 4

HAUTE

AUBREY’S QUICK & EASY ROCKY ROAD FUDGE

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Lightly spray an 8 inch by 8 inch square baking pan with PAM cooking spracy, then line with parchment paper, set aside.

2. Using kitchen shears, cut 26 regular (not mini) marshmallows into four pieces (the sticky edges when cut help the marshmallows to bind well with the fudge). Set aside.

3. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, add condensed milk, heavy cream, butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until combined until just hot.

4. Stir in chocolate chips. Continue to stir until chocolate chips are just about melted but tiny pieces remain.

5. Remove from heat and continue to stir until chocolate mixture is warm to the touch but not hot (about the temperature of warm bath water/90 degrees Fahrenheit).

6. Stir in walnuts, then stir in marshmallows a few at a time so they don’t clump together. Don’t overmix, as not to dissolve marshmallows.

7. Spread evenly into prepared baking pan.

8. Refrigerate four hours or put in the freezer for one hour (if you’re in a hurry) until firm to the touch.

9. Cut around the perimeter of the pan with a sharp knife to loosen the fudge from the pan, then cut into desired-size pieces. Wrap with cellophane.

10. Store in refrigerator.

Aubrey’s quick and easy rocky road fudge

Left: Marshmallow cutting technique Top right: Aubrey’s quick and easy rocky road fudge

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.

The Next Generation of Sommeliers: Redefining Wine Culture

The Happy Body

BY CLAUDIA CASTILLO ROSS

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

BY CLAUDIA CASTILLO ROSS

A TALE OF TWO VALLEYs

Couture & Caviar: A Tale of Opulence and Sustainability

BY CLAUDIA CASTILLO ROSS

IN THE VIBRANT WORLD OF WINE, A FRESH GENERATION of sommeliers is redefining the landscape, weaving together tradition and modernity through their innovative approaches and passion for storytelling. These individuals are not merely custodians of fine wines; they are curators of experiences, fostering connections and advocating for sustainability while appealing to a diverse clientele that includes a growing number of younger wine enthusiasts.

BY CLAUDIA CASTILLO ROSS

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.

Marco Buffa, a sommelier at Clementine in Yountville, traces his roots to Tuscany, where wine is integral to daily life. “From a young age, I was curious about its aromas and how it complemented food,” he recalls, showcasing how personal experiences fuel a profound love for wine.

Lastly, Austin Corey, a sommelier at the two-Michelin-starred restaurant Enclos, discovered his passion through bartending. “I fell in love with helping guests find new cocktails and drinks,” he shares, illustrating how his background in mixology seamlessly transitioned into a love for wine.

The journeys that led these sommeliers to their current positions are as varied as the wines they serve. Chloe Horton, wine director at Solage Auberge Collection, began her career as a reservationist at Spago in Beverly Hills. Reflecting on her early experiences, she states, “I realized that wine was something that could be my ‘in’ to an affluent lifestyle.” Her determination propelled her to simultaneously complete the WSET and Court of Master Sommeliers programs, earning her the title of Certified Sommelier.

Derek Stevenson, the lead sommelier at Four Seasons Napa Valley, found his calling during culinary school. “I realized the kitchen aspect of restaurants wasn’t my favorite,” he explains, leading him to immerse himself in the world of wine.

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.

As for curating unique wine selections, the process is both an art and a science for these sommeliers. Stevenson focuses on quality, asking, “Is this a good wine?” His curated list caters to both casual drinkers and connoisseurs, balancing offerings from Truss and Michelin-starred restaurant Auro. He emphasizes the importance of understanding clientele, ensuring the wine list meets diverse tastes.

AS A WINEGROWER AND WINEMAKER MYSELF IN KNIGHTS

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

Horton echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the need for a balance between local Napa wines and exceptional selections from Burgundy. “We need to have a dominant Napa list, but also offer the very best of Burgundy,” she notes, keen on ensuring that every guest finds something enjoyable at an accessible price point.

At its core, The Happy Body is more than just a workout; it is a lifestyle that emphasizes the importance

sourcing,

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.

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.

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.

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 to wines have become overall consensus overdeliver, and when not want a Napa Cabernet do not have enough which doesn’t pair and spirits buyer down to personal

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

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.

At Solage in Calistoga,

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 my opinion, I have I can bring an extraordinary Kelly. At Protégé where Kelly is always there don’t love expensive

program’s emphasis on

Buffa highlights the importance of authenticity in a wine list, stating, “A great wine list reflects the location, local culture, and the chef’s vision. It should invite every guest—from beginners to collectors—to explore something memorable.”

Meanwhile, Corey emphasizes collaboration within his team, stating, “We look for wines with interesting stories that guests can relate to,” which enhances the dining experience through compelling narratives.

As the demographic of wine drinkers shifts, attracting a younger clientele becomes paramount. Stevenson observes that young drinkers seek wines with compelling stories. “They want a wine that tastes phenomenal and shows a sense of place,” he asserts. Corey adds that younger guests are more interested in personal narratives than in traditional reputations. “As they explore wines, they will eventually try more traditional options,” he predicts, highlighting the importance of connecting with guests on a personal level.

To cater to this audience, all four sommeliers create relaxed, approachable environments. Buffa explains, “Younger guests don’t want the old-fashioned image of fine dining.” This commitment to a more inclusive atmosphere cultivates a sense of comfort, making wine more accessible and enjoyable for all.

Horton adapts her service based on guest preferences, understanding that some diners crave interaction while others prefer a more subdued experience. “It’s a tricky game,” she admits, but one that ultimately enhances the guest experience.

The sommeliers have also observed significant trends within the wine landscape. Stevenson notes an increasing emphasis on education, as many new drinkers are eager to learn about wine. This curiosity aligns with Horton’s perspective on showcasing local Napa wines while introducing guests to the world of Burgundy.

Corey highlights a shift toward mineral-driven chardonnays, a refreshing departure from the more traditional buttery styles. “Guests are looking for crisp, mineral-driven wines,” he states, reflecting evolving palates.

In pairing wine with food, this new generation of sommeliers is unafraid to experiment. Stevenson embraces unconventional pairings, while Buffa enjoys creating harmony between food and wine without overwhelming either. “A great pairing should feel natural,” Buffa advises, highlighting a modern approach to wine service that prioritizes guest experience.

Sustainability stands as a shared value among these sommeliers. Stevenson passionately supports sustainable wineries, highlighting organic and biodynamic producers on his list. “Sustainable practices improve the earth year after year,” he emphasizes.

Corey echoes this sentiment, advocating for producers who prioritize environmentally friendly practices. “Exploration is the most important part, as global warming is changing which grapes

thrive best in certain areas,” he explains, underscoring the need for adaptability in sourcing. Horton, too, prioritizes sustainability in her selections, ensuring that her wine list reflects a commitment to responsible sourcing.

Storytelling remains a vital component of the wine experience. Stevenson views it as one of his top responsibilities, ensuring guests understand the flavors and histories behind the wines they enjoy. Horton tailors her storytelling approach based on guest engagement, balancing knowledgeable service with approachability. “Some people are coming into dinner after three wine tastings and are over the human interaction, while others want to know everything,” she explains, illustrating the importance of adaptability in service.

Buffa believes that storytelling helps guests connect emotionally with their wine. “I’ve been developing short ‘elevator pitches’ concise ways to share what makes a wine special,” he adds, creating memorable experiences that resonate long after the meal.

Corey emphasizes the importance of simplifying complex wine concepts for guests. “Bringing wine to the guest in a simpler way is key,” he asserts, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Collaboration among sommeliers is vital in this competitive industry. Stevenson participates in tasting groups and industry events, fostering a sense of community and knowledge sharing. “We discuss everything from new wines to interesting regional changes,” he shares. Corey sees room for growth in collaboration, particularly in sharing hard-to-get wines among restaurants. “We should strive to make fellow restaurants succeed,” he advocates, emphasizing inclusivity within the wine community.

Education remains a cornerstone of their careers, and all sommeliers stress the importance of ongoing training. Horton encourages aspiring sommeliers to engage consistently in learning, while Buffa encourages sharing wine stories with friends to deepen knowledge and understanding. “Consistent education is what keeps me moving forward,” he reflects. As these sommeliers pave the way for the future of wine, their passion, innovation, and commitment to sustainability promise to reshape the industry. They are not only enhancing wine culture but also inviting a new generation of wine lovers to join the conversation, making wine not just a beverage but an experience that connects people across generations.

This new generation of sommeliers is making significant strides in transforming the wine landscape. Through their passion for storytelling, commitment to sustainability, and innovative approaches to wine selection, they are shaping a vibrant future for the industry. Their journeys illustrate the evolving nature of wine culture, making it more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. As they continue to engage and educate diverse clientele, the world of wine is undoubtedly in good hands.

Chloe Horton

Marco Buffa

Austin Corey

Derek Stevenson

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.

Helping Unmarried Partners Navigate Estate Planning

BY CHARLES R. JOHNSON, WEALTH DIRECTOR, FIDUCIARY TRUST INTERNATIONAL

WHILE MARRIAGE IS COMMON IN THE U.S. TODAY, MANY couples choose to remain unmarried partners. However your relationship is structured, it’s important not to overlook the role financial and estate planning plays in your life.

For the most part, U.S. laws continue to focus on protecting the interests of married spouses—and there still aren’t many legal regulations in place to address and protect those of unmarried couples, who may need to take certain steps to level the playing field in terms of estate planning protections and considerations.

Proper estate planning is vital for anyone who wishes to protect their assets and loved ones. If you are not married, your assets may not transfer the way you intend unless you take steps to ensure your wishes are articulated legally by your will or revocable trust.

ESTATE PLANNING DOCUMENTS THAT OFFER ESSENTIAL PROTECTION

Unmarried couples can help protect themselves and their significant others through clear, comprehensive, and detailed estate planning documents to ensure their wishes are carried out. The following legal documents can give unmarried individuals’ domestic partners the authority to oversee their affairs in an emergency:

Durable power of attorney: A trusted individual of someone’s choosing is given the authority to handle financial affairs in an

emergency, such as paying bills, accessing savings, or filing tax returns. If unmarried partners have separate accounts, they will both need durable power of attorney documents to access each other’s finances if they become incapacitated.

Advanced healthcare directive: This document, sometimes referred to as a “healthcare proxy,” designates trusted individuals to make all medical decisions on someone’s behalf in the event of incapacitation. Specific healthcare wishes and directives for the selected representatives to implement can be listed in detail in these documents.

Will: Perhaps the best-known estate planning document, a will establishes who will inherit any assets in an individual’s name in the event of their death and also who will serve as the guardian of minor children in the event of their death or incapacitation.

Individual revocable trusts: Unmarried partners can also transfer ownership of some or all assets to individual revocable trusts. In these documents, each partner can name themselves as trustees and ensure they remain in complete control over their assets and affairs. Furthermore, if either of them becomes incapacitated, the successor trustees they name to oversee the trusts if they are unable to do so can step in and automatically manage their partner’s affairs, in accordance with their wishes. If properly funded, individual

revocable trusts can help protect an unmarried partner’s assets from being relegated to the probate process.

In addition to the above estate planning documents, unmarried couples should be sure to clearly title any joint assets. Language is crucial to prevent potential litigation. Joint assets, particularly homes, can be titled as “joint tenants with rights of survivorship” or “tenants in common.” Joint rights of survivorship titling helps ensure homes and other assets will be automatically passed onto the other partner in the event of death—however, assets titled as tenants in common will only pass on according to the terms of an individual’s will, so unless a will specifies that an ownership interest should be transferred to a surviving owner, it may become part of a probate estate.

And, for retirement savings accounts, beneficiary designations supersede any designations of transfer in a will, so unmarried couples should ensure they are current.

CLEARLY COMMUNICATE INTENTIONS WITH PARTNERS AND FAMILY MEMBERS

Communication about your wishes regarding health care decisions, the disposition of your assets, and other financial matters is a critical part of the planning process. This involves communication between you and your partner and clear communication of your intentions and desires to your children or other family members—especially if you anticipate that what’s laid out in your estate planning documents may not align with your family’s or partner’s expectations.

This is particularly important in situations where potential beneficiaries may have competing interests or strong beliefs about who the rightful

inheritors should be. While these may be difficult conversations, getting everything out in the open and your wishes clearly articulated and discussed may make things immensely easier on your partner.

For unmarried couples, estate planning may be a somewhat complicated and nuanced undertaking. But with proper planning, both you and your partner can better ensure that both your individual and joint assets are ultimately distributed appropriately and efficiently according to your wishes.

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.

Charles R. Johnson

Wealth Director | 628 286 8403

charles.r.johnson@ftci.com

One Franklin Parkway, Bldg 920, 1st Floor San Mateo, CA 94403

fiduciarytrust.com

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