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HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS | 7

Publisher

Otis W. Jones

Editor-in-Chief CathyLyn Brooks

Associate Editor Mark Rosas

Editorial Manager Linda Blythe

Sr. Creative Director Jessica Scott

Creative Director Randy Dunbar

Art Director Adam Garfio

Contributing Writers CathyLyn Brooks

Keverne Denahan Danielle Renda Rory Lovern James Riven

Caroline Day

Alexander Marais Franco Salzillo Dean Gregory

INQUIRIES: ADVERTISING

STORY SUBMISSION EDITOR

advertising@hillsviewsandvalleys.com |

submissions@hillsviewsandvalleys.com

topstory@hillsviewsandvalleys.com

Hills Views & Valleys is published quarterly by Big Cities Media, L.L.C. and distributed on newsstands in reader friendly areas such as businesses and boutiques, hotel rooms, and restaurants. The opinions expressed in our published works are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the opinions of Big Cities Media, LLC or its Editors.

Big Cities Media, LLC 311 N Robertson Blvd. Suite 696 Beverly Hills, CA. 90211 All rights reserved. © 2021 Big Cities Media, LLC No part of any Big Cities Media, LLC work may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher.

PUBLISHER’S NOTE Dear Gentle Reader,

"My aspiration was to create a stylish, useful magazine that could serve as inspiration for people actively looking to upgrade their life."

nce more, on behalf of Hills Views & Valleys, it is my honor and privilege to unveil the most recent edition of this lavish publication. HVV continues to research, identify, and profile the most luxurious brands and the powerful history of the people and stories behind them. In the quest to bring to our readership the most influential, most dynamic, and most desired aspects of a life well-lived, heartfelt thanks goes to our exclusive brand partners who have played such a great role in this achievement. As this publication has grown so swiftly, and is now distributed nationally, the momentum continues to build with each passing day. HVV has attained and surpassed goals set at the inception, and each day brings greater accomplishments. Though the past year faced challenges shared with the world, it was a year of tremendous growth in so many ways. I am proud of the contributions of the writers, the photographers, the graphic designers, and other media professionals who have all risen to meet the challenges of the global situation, while giving their best to the magazine for the pleasure of the readership. My sincere thanks go out to each and every one involved in this detailed publication. Every personal and professional contribution has led to this moment in time, and I recognize that I could not have arrived here on my own. As I look forward I am excited to think of what the future holds and with each issue the path becomes more thrilling. As the best in life continues to intrigue and inspire, my commitment to the readership only deepens. It has been a pleasure to create this issue and I look forward to positively influencing your life and times, now and in the future.

Gratefully yours,

Otis W. Jones Founder / Publisher

12 | HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS

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Hästens Hästens iconic iconic blue blue check check is aissymbol a symbol forfor ourour philoso philoso phy: phy: to create to create a bed a bed so so perfect perfect it makes it makes youyou more more awake. awake. What What youyou feelfeel when when springs, springs, horsetail horsetail hair, hair, wool wool fibers, fibers, cotton, cotton, flaxflax and and wooden wooden joints joints cooperate cooperate is the is the fruit fruit of nearly of nearly 170170 years years of relentless of relentless work. work. Because Because that’s that’s what what it takes it takes to build to build a platform a platform forfor a better a better day. day.

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EDITOR’S LETTER To Our Readers,

s editor in chief of this magnificent publication, I continue to learn and grow as the brand partnerships and collaborations that move the magazine forward are forged. As a lifelong learner, the inspiring stories and magical histories delivered speak volumes, and it is a pleasure and honor to contribute to Hills Views & Valleys. With every issue I am taken with the stunning photography and the details imparted to the readership. I want to take every trip, live in each hotel, taste every cuisine, drive every fine automobile, and sip the finest spirits as they are presented with each edition. Someone is quoted as saying that happiness is not a destination, but a mode of transportation. Those words perhaps mean even more today, as everyone deserves the most wonderful daily life that is possible. It seems that is often overlooked, and perhaps even more recently, as we have faced and overcome some unexpected challenges this past year and a half. Yet during all of this uncertainty, the writers and media professionals forged ahead to demonstrate that resiliency is a part of us all. In HVV, they show that life is not just to be lived, but also to be gloriously experienced along the way at every turn of the road. Sometimes it feels like the world spins too fast, and we would be well served to slow ourselves a bit and savor the selections that truly make life worth living. My thanks are extended to all who have magically transformed ideas and images into thought provoking text and breathtaking visual works. For your enjoyment, this issue is filled with supreme and secluded travel, distinctive and delectable edibles, inimitable shopping, blissful personal wellness, and avante garde automobiles that are, in many ways, dreams come true. To your best life...

CathyLyn Brooks Editor-in-Chief

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DEPARTMENTS HAUTE CUISINE

LIFESTYLE & CULTURE

TOP DRAWER

ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN | LUXURY ESTATES | PEOPLE & PLACES LUSCIOUS LOCALES | HEALTH, WEALTH & WELLNESS DESTINATION LUXE

Haute Cuisine

24 | HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS

PHOTO CR EDIT : AZ M ER A R ESTAUR ANT , GHAN A

Exciting Flavors! GLOBAL STOVE BECKON IN WEST AFRICAN CUISINE

by KE V E RNE DE NA HA N

immering on the forefront of global palates are the flavors of West African cuisine. Known to few, but enjoyed by the discriminating diner, this experience of flavors is having its own moment. From a local restaurant in Ghana, to a well-known Chef in America, and including an intrinsic earthenware dish that is used by all, the time is now to discover this unique gastronomy. Read on to explore the spices and flavors that are distinctly West African and contribute to this distinctly exceptionally diverse cultural cuisine. West Africa, a region also known as the Gold Coast, is ripe with wonderful, rich flavors influenced by the long history of the continent. The cuisine is influenced by the foods of French and Arabic culture as well as that of the English and a bit of the Dutch influence tossed in for good measure. Chinese and Indian traders brought spices, oranges, lemons, and limes to the continent and they remain a strong influence on the foods still consumed today. A main component is the use of fufu, which translates as ‘mash’ or ‘mix.’ Fufu is cooked and pounded with cassava and plantains. This soft and doughy mixture is a West African staple that is a basic food of the Akan ethnic groups in Ghana and other African countries. It is pounded together using a mortar and pestle, and eaten with liquid soups and many other dishes. According to locals Cassandra of Xposé Afrique, and a Ghanian local, Samuel Ameyaw Ntiamoah, it is the story behind the flavors, spices, and well known dishes of the region that are not often shared. Every style of cooking has HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS | 25

Haute Cuisine

It is well known that food brings people together across all c o n t i n e n t s, t e l l s v i v i d c u l t u r a l s t o r i e s, a n d s e r v e s t o c r e a t e m e m o r a bl e l i f e m o m e n t s. their particular ‘go-to’ ingredients and a look into the history and significance of this genre is fascinating. Generally speaking, there are foods popular with various tribes in and around Ghana, as well as in the region as a whole. As in many countries, soups and stews are the heart of many meals. Various groups enjoy such warming dishes as Abenkwan, a soup of palm nuts, Nkatenkwan, a delicious peanut butter soup, and hot pepper soup to name just a few. Cassandra added that, “Different kinds of stews, such as okro stew, and soups are eaten by everyone regardless of tribe, creed, and religious persuasions.” Essential to the cuisine preparation is the asanka, an earthenware dish with ridges inside that comes with a wooden pestle. Similar to a mortar and pestle, it is an essential grinding pot for vegetables and spices when creating soups and stews. It has also been heralded as an eco-friendly cooking and serving vessel used in the art of enjoying an authentic African experience. Samuel offers a recommendation for a restaurant in Ghana that has an appealing atmosphere, wonderful people, and provides an unforgettable adventure with this cuisine: Azmera. According to Azmera Chef Nana Krobea Asante, “Across West Africa, soup is one of the dynamic dishes we boast of. Today a little Pepper Soup with Snails, tomorrow some Dry Fish Light Soup, or Goat Meat Light Soup. And that's a little bit of how we do things over here; the cultures and tales may be different, but at the heart of it we are still one people connected by this big continent." Pepper, ginger, garlic blended with onion, nutmeg, curry, and bay leaves are spices that are top of mind when comparing recipes with anyone from the region. Heading back to America, HVV spoke with Chef Eric Adjepong, who is a first-generation Ghanaian-American, and was born and raised in New York City. He was a finalist on Bravo’s Top Chef, Season 16 and also a contestant on Top Chef All-Stars in the following season. He revealed to HVV his flavors of choice, and what influences him as a Chef. “My favorite spices 26 | HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS

are coriander, nutmeg, and berbere. I also use ginger garlic purée as a base in many of the dishes I cook. Most of my childhood memories around the kitchen start off with the smell of garlic and ginger either being blended or cooked off. It’s a base that my mother still makes to this day. Sometimes she’ll add an onion to the purée, but it’s the perfect base for any sauce, marinade, or vinaigrette.” The West African menu is a cardiologist's dream. Vegetables are a large part of any West African meal. Commonly consumed are black-eyed peas, eggplant, pumpkin and other variants of squash, okra (or okro), and an impressive amount of both farmed and foraged green leafy vegetables. Baobab leaves, pumpkin leaves, sweet potato leaves, rosella leaves, and cassava leaves are also integral to the meal. While the raw leaves contain cyanide in their natural state, they are blanched in boiling water to remove the toxins before serving. In a West African kitchen, black-eyed peas are the foundation of the popular fried snack called akara fritters. Starchy vegetables, such as sweet potatoes are often served with meats and vegetables to counteract the spiciness of hot pepper dishes. The tubers and root vegetables are most often boiled and then pounded as in the ubiquitous accompaniment, fufu. Seafood is plentiful along the coast and can take center stage with such delights as Spicy Peanut Shrimp and Swahili Fish Stew. Often meats and seafood are combined in the same dish though seafood is one of the most common sources of protein in the region that actually employs nearly one-quarter of the workforce. Dishes are flavored with dried and smoked fish and sea elements are used to flavor a great many sauces, stews, and other recipes in much the same way that bacon and anchovies are used in other cuisines of the world. Often flaked and fried in oil, or cooked in a sauce base of hot peppers, onions, and tomatoes, along with various spices and water create a delectable and subtle flavor palette.

PH OTO CR EDIT: AZ M ER A RESTAUR ANT, GH AN A

HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS | 27

Haute Cuisine

CHEF ERIC ADJEPONG

Often flaked and fried in oil, or cooked in a sauce base of hot peppers, onions, and tomatoes, along with various spices and water create a delectable and subtle flavor palette.

Meat has become a larger part of their diet than in the past, and savory dishes such as beef kabobs and meat pies compete with lamb stews and popular street foods such as Afra or Dibi, made with lamb or other bush meats. Street vendors stand ready with this amazingly simple, yet incredibly delectable dish that can be served as an appetizer or main course. Bite-sized pieces of lamb are brushed with oil, salt, and pepper to marinate as a sauce of onions, oil, mustard, salt, pepper, and sugar is simmered. The griddled or grilled meat is cooked to perfection and served with the mustard sauce and a French baguette. Oui! Suya is a popular and spicy grilled meat kabob that is enhanced with peanuts and other complimentary spices and is also sold by street vendors as a snack, or served as an evening meal using beef or chicken as the protein in this main dish. To complete a meal, many popular desserts are derived from the cultural influences of the past as well. Malva is a pudding covered in a creamy, sweet sauce of cream, butter, vanilla and sugar. The pudding is cake-like, much like Sticky Toffee Pudding of British 28 | HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS

PH OTO CR EDIT : NHUR I BASHIR

fame, and is often flavored with apricot jam. Tropical fruits, a moist lime cake, and fritters, or what we know as doughnuts, are everyday accompaniments. For celebration days and festivals, seffa is a traditional dessert with a Moroccan influence consisting of vermicelli or couscous, with a savory sauce and a topping of icing, sugar, cinnamon and ground almonds. It is well known that food brings people together across all continents, tells vivid cultural stories, and serves to create memorable life moments. Adventure awaits those who stray from the beaten menu to explore the nuances of West African cuisine. Let the spice of life include the unforgettable spices of West African cuisine in your dining experiences.

West Africa, a region also known as the Gold Coast, is ripe with wonderful, rich flavors influenced by the long history of the continent.

CURRIED CORN BISQUE WITH PAN-SEARED SALMON AND STEAMED CLAMS.

PH OTO CR EDIT: CHEF ER IC ADJ EPONG

HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS | 29

Haute Cuisine

Four of the World’s Top Dessert Magicians Transform Life’s Greatest Pleasure! by CATHYLYN BROOKS

Sweet is the universal language of culinary delights. Around the world, there is not a soul who does not ogle a dessert tray, a spectacular pastry display, or a magnificent cake. But in recent times the art of delicious desserts has been elevated visually, technologically, and in terms of inventive designs and flavors.

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HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS | 33

Haute Cuisine

rom Spain hails the award winning Chef Xavi Donnay who has served as supervisor of patisserie at the Monument Hotel, and presided over the sweet kingdom at Barcelona’s 3-star Michelin restaurant, Lasarte. His high-flying career has touched down in Paris, London, Spain, and Hong Kong, and his desserts are notably influenced by the Asian experiences discovered along the way. A trailblazer in the field, he was awarded the title of Best Pastry Chef in the World at the Best Chef Awards in 2020. His desserts take taste and design to the limit as he pushes the envelope with dishes that include sculptures reminiscent of perfectly placed glowing planets, or a tantalizing sculpted dessert that combines peanut, tamarind, banana, and toasted butter into a stylized form evocative of a Renzo Piano architectural accomplishment. His sweet and savory Black Sesame Gianduja is artistically flecked with edible gold and is truly memorable. His interpretation of petit fours delivering the fresh flavors of fruit and delectable chocolates are the new frontier in taste and presentation.

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HILLS, HILLS VIEWS, VIEWS&&VALLEYS VALLEYS | 35

Haute Cuisine

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Winner of the best pastry chef award at XAVI DONNAY, 39-YEARS OLD, IS THE HEAD PASTRY CHEF The Best Chef Awards AT THREE-STAR MICHELIN LASARTE RESAURANT IN 2020 BARCELONA SPAIN HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS | 37

Haute Cuisine

n Paris, Pierre Hermé hits new heights with his classic pastries and macarons. In fact, in 2017, his raspberry macarons soared beyond the clouds on a journey to the International Space Station. Here on earth, and employing the Italian meringue method to create his delicate macarons, among the selections Hermé offers at Maison Pierre Hermé Paris is the glorious Ispahan, a macaron biscuit with rose petal cream, raspberries, and litchis. Of course, his work isn’t all macarons. Known for subtle flavoring and his consideration of sugar as a seasoning rather than as a primary ingredient, Hermé is heir to a fourthgeneration Alsatian pastry-making tradition. He apprenticed with Gaston Lenôtre and served as Head Pastry Chef at Fauchon before opening Maison Pierre Hermé Paris with Charles Znaty. In 2016, the World’s 50 Best Restaurants named him the World’s Best Pastry Chef. He was also named the 4th most influential French person by Vanity Fair in the same year. Inspired by global essences, among his recent creations are Tarte Infiniment Vanille, a perfect sphere skillfully made with shortbread pastry, and cake soaked with a heavenly trio of vanillas; vanilla, vanilla ganache, and mascarpone cream sourced from Tahiti, Mexico, and Madagascar. Chocolate lovers are indulged with delightful confections such as his Carrément Chocolat. Consisting of velvety soft chocolate cake, smooth chocolate cream, chocolate mousse, and dark chocolate crisp, this elegant square of dessert harmony is perfectly encased in a thin layer of dark chocolate. For those who really like chocolate, there is Ultime, a purely divine creation of Infiniment Chocolat shortbread biscuits, Madagascar vanilla ganache, smooth Pure

38 | HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS

Origin Belizean dark chocolate cream from the Cayo District, Xibun Plantation, and delicate thin layers of dark chocolate. For those who enjoy a nuttier taste with chocolate, there’s 2000 Feuilles, an inverted puff pastry delicacy. The rectangular pastry looks so light it appears as though it could float, yet the airy confection holds caramelized puff pastry, flaky hazelnut praline, and hazelnut praline mousseline cream.

HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS | 39

PIER RE HER MÉ BEGAN HI S C A REER AT THE AGE OF 14 AS A N APPR ENTI CE TO G ASTON LENÔTR E.

ISPAHAN a macaron bi scui t wi th rose p etal cream, rasp ber r i es, and li tchi s

IN 2 0 1 6 , PI E R R E H ERMÉ WAS AWARD ED T HE T IT LE OF WO R L D ' S B E ST PA ST RY C HEF BY T HE WO RLD 'S 50 B EST RESTAUR AN T S A N D T HE FO U RT H MO ST INFLU ENTIA L FR E N C H PE R SO N IN T HE WO RLD BY VANIT Y FAIR .

TARTE INFINIMENT VANILLE a s h o rt bre ad pa st r y an d cake s o ake d wi t h a he a ve nl y t rio of vanill a s; vanilla, vanill a gan ache , an d mas carpo n e crea m

HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS | 41

Haute Cuisine

lso based in Paris, renowned culinary artist Christophe Michalak, along with his wife Delphine, launched their Michalak Paris brand in 2013, and now operate three patisserie boutiques. f Self-described as advocates of “modern pastry,” Michalak presents beautiful desserts created with seasonal ingredients. Ever innovative, the former Hôtel Plaza Athénée pastry chef focuses on the use of natural dyes created from fruits or vegetables, and spins his sweet creations from raw sugars ranging from simple sugar cane to cherished Muscovado sugar. Creating chocolates and cakes is Christophe’s focus, while Delphine handles the photography and communications, and the pair chooses packaging, names, and shop décor as partners. Michalak’s new artisanal chocolate collection won hearts on Valentine’s Day with a gor-

42 | HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS

geous, textured collection. Shaped like a soft, pale pink heart cushion, the Coeur Fleur de Cassis included a crispy gianduja, fluffy almond cake, and a mix of black currant and lychee cream and compote. Michalak’s Saint Valentin chocolate double hearts praline box featured an unforgettable selection that included pecans in milk chocolate and hazelnuts enrobed in dark chocolate. Adorable puffy marshmallow bears were coated in praline or rich chocolate, along with the must-have tres chic and Chanel inspired, black currant, lychee hearts. Not to be missed are the signature cakes available at his shops, such as the fresh-from-the-garden-tasting Cheesecake Fraise Rhubarbe, velvety Chou Vanille Fraise, lemon or almond cake confections, and the decadent flourless Hazelnut Gianduja Cake with caramelized hazelnuts and fondant milk chocolate icing.

COEUR FLEUR DE CASSIS

A CRISPY GIANDUJA, FLUFFY ALMOND CAKE, AND A MIX OF BLACK CURRANT AND LYCHEE CREAM AND COMPOTE

HILLS, HILLS VIEWS, VIEWS&&VALLEYS VALLEYS | 43

2005 WORLD CHAMPION PÂTISSIER, AS PART OF THE FRENCH TEAM

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C HRIS TOPHE MICHAL AK 2013 B EST PASTRY CHEF OF THE YEAR

HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS | 45

Haute Cuisine

LEFT TO RIGHT:

JORDI RO CA WITH B ROTHERS, JOAN AND JOSEP

eturning to Spain, Jordi Roca is the master of sweets at El Celler de Can Roca, the Gerona restaurant owned and operated by Jordi and his older brothers, Joan and Josep Roca, who handle cuisine and wine, respectively. Jordi received the coveted World’s Best Pastry Chef Award at The World’s 50 Best Awards in 2014. The same year, he was named Prix au Chef Pâtissier by the International Academy of Gastronomy. He describes his role in the restaurant as making, “…desserts, postres in Spanish, not cake.” While training with Welsh pastry chef Damián Allsop, in charge of the desserts section at El Celler de Can Roca in the late 90s, Jordi gained his passionate appreciation for the intricate and exquisite task of shaping distinctive and irresistible desserts.

46 | HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS

In his work there is the exceptional beauty of a Macadamia rose, with pink grapefruit and lychees artfully positioned in a simple white bowl, and the minute artisanal perfection of his Orange Colourology. Vibrant with flower petals, a nearly ephemeral blown sugar sphere holds passion fruit, orange, sweet carrot, and granita. For a cooler delight, A Trip to Havana is a mystical ice cream creation contained in dark chocolate, designed to represent a fine cigar. Having learned that ice cream absorbs scents, Jordi, along with his father, created a type of water pump that infused cigar smoke into his ice cream maker for nuanced flavor. Creating edible aromas is a process that’s vitally important to Jordi, who created his dessert Eternity based on the Calvin Klein perfume of the same name.

A TRIP TO H AVA N A A MYSTICAL ICE CREAM CREATION CONTAINED IN DARK CHOCOLATE

HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS | 47

www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com 48 | HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS

THE

ROLLS-ROYCE CELLARETTE: A bespoke WHISKY and cigar chest

HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS | 49

Haute Cuisine As was Klein’s inspiration, Jordi began with notes of bergamot, tangerine, vanilla, basil, and orange. The dessert features vanilla cream, basil sauce, orange blossom gelée, maple syrup jelly, tangerine slush, and bergamot ice cream. Creating desserts as sensuous as they sound, this quartet of exceptional pastry chefs are profoundly

innovative and artistic. Their dessert creations are nearly as beautiful to see as they are to taste. To sum it up the inimitable Charles Shultz perhaps said it best. “All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.”

PH OTO CR EDIT: J OAN PUJ OL

Jordi Roca awarded inaugural WORLD’S BEST PASRTY CHEF in 2014 from Restaurant Magazine 50 | HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS

EL CELLER DE CAN ROCA PHOTO CREDIT: W I M JAN SEN

HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS | 51

All you need is love. But a little choco late now and then doesn’t hurt.

- Charles

52 | HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS

M. Shultz

-THE WAY OF TEA-

Top Drawer

DESMOND MERRION The art of

Bespoke Clothing by JAMES RIVEN

54 | HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS

eet Desmond Merrion. With thirtyseven years in the trade of bespoke tailored clothing, menswear and women’s tailored fashions are quite literally in his heritage.

Nearly four decades of his stellar craftsmanship and hand tailoring stand proudly on their own; his destiny had perhaps been patterned from the days of his early childhood. His father was an accomplished and highly regarded engineer, a sewing machine engineer, in fact. His mother was an extremely talented teacher and manager in a large and wellrespected sewing firm in England. His maternal and paternal grandmothers were both lifelong staff members in a dominant sewing house in the area where his family lived. Their contentment with the profession is rare by today’s standards, and the household conversations he recalls were very much centered about the topic of tailoring. Desmond is quoted saying that, “With three generations involved in bespoke tailoring, although I didn’t know it, my career path was always going to be obvious.”

the finest silk thread available; and last, but not least, entirely pressed and finished by hand, these carefully attended to details are the hallmarks of a truly bespoke garment. Merrion offers to the world his unique and rare talents in designing and constructing bespoke clothing for discriminating clients. He uniquely offers perhaps the most opulent bespoke suit in the world to the privileged set; Desmond Merrion literally hand fashions his exclusive Supreme Couture Bespoke garments. Beginning at £50,000 (USD $70,775) the garments are entirely stitched by hand. No machinery touches the clothing. The fabric utilized is super 200’s cloth embedded with the choice of stylishly appropriate 24k pure gold stripes, or pure platinum striping. The world’s most rare fiber, vicuña, is also available to be used to design and implement the Supreme Couture Bespoke Suit.

Along with his “piece de resistance,” his tailoring house as well provides bespoke services, in a more Entirely hand cut, entirely hand trimmed, entirely expected range, for patrons foregoing the precious stitched by hand, with hand stitched buttonholes metal embellishments and the total and complete that welcome genuine horn buttons attached with hand craftsmanship. HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS | 55

...the epitome of sartorial perfection.

BESPOKE. The term is essential, and entirely meaningful, to those fortunate enough to revel in the luxury of something that is created in a fashion that far exceeds the term custom.

Merrion describes the process that he has practiced over nearly four decades as the representation of ‘the epitome of sartorial perfection, requiring at least three fittings, to create a high end, bespoke one of a kind piece that’s unique to you.’

bespoke tailoring borrows a bit from the realm of mathematics and art to achieve this perfection of fit and beauty. The measurements are set to perfection and the pattern is hand designed for subsequent use and alterations. There is a practiced art to having an eye for the absolute perfect fit of a garment when deciding on aspects that are variable such as sleeve and hem lengths, contour, and the perfect drape of the fabrics. Desmond Merrion is that artist.

If you have never had a garment tailored in this disciplined fashion, you owe it to yourself to experience the way a garment will perfectly fall and drape on your frame. It is the feeling that each and every movement is relaxed and lithe, and there is Today, Desmond Merrion remains one of the no feeling of constraint from your clothing. It is most sought-after tailors on the international a feeling of freedom that once experienced, is not fashion and events scenes. His clientele seek him easily forgotten. from the boardrooms of industry, halls of commerce, Along with bespoke suits and tailored jackets and the workrooms of fashion for his integrity and for men and women, his services include perfectly commitment to his craft. He has a web address of crafted dinner suits, wedding suits, shooting suits, https://desmerrion.com and welcomes new patron tailored jackets and overcoats. The fine art of inquiries. HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS | 57

Top Drawer

Stalking the Landscape of Remarkable Timepieces The Pasha de Cartier watches are unmatched in craftmanship and sophistication by DANIELLE RENDA

he epitome of luxury, there’s hardly a timepiece crafted with such exquisiteness and designed with more gusto than that of a Cartier watch from the Pasha de Cartier Collection. A symbol of fierceness and class, which denotes the brand’s identity, wearing a Cartier wristwatch, is an ode to a milestone in fashion history. French watchmaker and founder Louis-Francois Cartier was the first designer to popularize the wristwatch for men—an accessory worn daily by one-third of Americans, according to market research firm NPD Group. The earliest model, which first allowed men to wear the face of a watch on their wrist using a strap,

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was the Santos in 1904, inspired by Cartier’s friend, Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont. Before this point, men wore watches as a pocket accessory and women wore them around the neck as jewelry—and since, Cartier’s soughtafter watches have gleaned the wrists of high-profile names, from John F. Kennedy to Princess Diana, and Angelina Jolie to Gary Cooper. The Pasha de Cartier emerged years later in 1985, and from the start it became a symbol of strength and power, and much of this was due to its size and look. Aesthetically, the watch differed from Cartier’s namesake pieces. While Cartier’s Santos watch varied from 27.5 millimeters to 31.4

millimeters, the Pasha measured 38 millimeters, and where Santos featured a flat, square bezel, the Pasha featured a large, round bezel with four large Arabic numerals on its face. But the watch had to be more than impressive; the origins of the Pasha stem back to 1931, when Thami El Glaoui, the then-pasha, or governor, of Marrakesh, Morocco, ordered a Cartier watch, requesting for a level of water resistance that was unusual at the time. To be expected from company that remained forward-focused from its start, Cartier made it happen. In the 1980s, watch designer Gerald Genta with the intent to create something sporty that also preserved Cartier’s traditional elements crafted the updated Pasha watch. Genta’s creation ultimately succeeded, and the Pasha went on to garner a cult-like following over the years. In 2020, Cartier was prompted to relaunch the Pasha de Cartier Collection, and also introduced two new key designs: a more delicate 30-milimeter women’s version and a mightier 41-milimeter chronograph version for men. Today, the ultra-classy watches of Pasha de Cartier’s offer a level of function and sophistication that’s unmatched, with functionalities such as interchangeable straps, personalized engraving and a sapphire case back. The design of the watch also provided Cartier with the means to experiment more with craftmanship and function. But most importantly, the story of Cartier continues to live on through each of its creations, and bringing its world-class reputation to wearers’ wrists. One of the watches in the Pasha de Cartier Collection, pictured left, features the brand’s signature panther, which has continued to symbolize the brand to this day. Offering handwound movement caliber 9625 MC, which promises a 72-hour power reserve, it allows wearers to keep track of time as they need to, when they need to. The 9.9-milimeter-thick piece is also water-resistant up to 100 feet, ensuring that it’s built to last. The brilliant face features marvelous marquis-cut emerald eyes and an onyx nodes—the panther’s signature—with golden-steel diamondshaped hands and sapphire crystal. The panther’s origins are also marked in history: it was born through a partnership between then-lovers, Cartier and Jeanne Toussaint, a Parisian style icon known for her love of leopard skin, which adorned her home, and earned her the nickname “La Panthère” by Cartier. The iconic symbol first appeared on rings in 1935 and has since become the jeweler’s staple. Retailing for $154,000, each watch, many of which are designed with an Art Deco theme like this prized piece, undergoes a complex manufacturing process and is hand-assembled and meticulously polished to perfection. Change out the strap as you wish, though included is a semi-matte black calfskin strap and a second strap in shiny, black alligator leather. Select from the 18- karat yellow gold or 18-karat rhodium-finish white gold. The Pasha de Cartier Chronograph watch, pictured right, may appear more simplistic in design compared with the previous watch, but its appeal lies in its functionalities. Not only is it made to last, but it’s made to last for a long time. This watch features 1904-CH MC Cartier Manufacture movement with automatic winding, along with a sapphire black case, and is available in steel or gold. For the wearer’s convenience, Cartier’s QuickSwitch system, which permits the wearer to activate the watch, is located underneath the case and discretely blends into the watch’s design, and it starts with a single push. The bracelet of the watch can also be easily adjusted without the need for tools, using Cartier’s SmartLink system. Its extravagant face features a seven-sided crown set with a faceted black synthetic spinel, a satin-brushed silver dial, black steel sword-shaped hands with luminescent material and sapphire crystal. Retailing for $9,000, it’s water-resistant for up to 328 feet. HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS | 59

Top Drawer

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ROLLS-ROYCE

& BOVET 1822 AN ARTISTIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL COLLABORATION

by JAMES RIVEN

he engineers of both luxury houses have combined forces to present the owners of the bespoke Rolls-Royce Boat Tail vehicles with a pair of reversible tourbillion timepieces. These magnificent devices can be housed in a perfectly created dashboard display, removed for individual wear on the wrist, or as a standalone table, pendant, or pocket watch. HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS | 61

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Each meticulously crafted chronometer is designed with a 5 day power reserve in an 18kt white gold case specifically engineered to resist the imperceptible vibrations of the Boat Tail motor coach. Legendary Swiss handcrafted production meets bespoke automobile grandeur in a moment of historical, and horological, significance. Discover the Rolls-Royce Boat Tail super luxury motor vehicle. Hand built by over 2,000 skilled men and women.

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Architecture & Design

Dynamic Design Duo Are Saving Meaningful Architecture …ONE BUILDING AT A TIME

by CATHYLYN BROOKS

here is interior design, and then there is “interior design.” Rarely is there seen the humbling and vital act of preservation combined with a stellar career that promotes and venerates the essence of the industry. Ron Woodson and Jaime Rummerfield have been making design history for over two decades by combining opulence with stylish living for fortunate, high profile clients. To say they are award winning does not come close to describing their work. With over 150 features in leading design and style publications, their accomplishments are a testament to their talents. Their synergy overdelivers with settings and designs that take your breath away, yet feel remarkably welcoming and comfortable. As authors of the design digest High Style, published by Chronicle Books and installed on Oprah Winfrey’s list of top design volumes, Ron and Jamie are widely recognized, yet remarkably accessible. Jaime earned a Bachelor of Science in Design at the College of Architecture at Arizona State University. Her expertise is in the history of design, furniture eras, and interior design. Her proficiency in design and architectural preservation is showcased in her attention to the significant works of famed architects Donald Wexler, Richard Neutra, Carl Jules Weyl, Myron Hunt, Clarence J. Smale, and Gordon Kaufman.

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Architecture & Design

Jaime Rummerfield and Ron Woodson wandrdesign.com 68 | HILLS HILLS,VIEWS VIEWS, & VALLEYS & VALLEYS

Ron hails from a family steeped in creativity. As the son of a noted jazz musician and from a family life filled with exposure to international experiences, his creative side was ignited and well fed. His design style is a blend of classic and modern, with a wonderful dash of the lavishness of Hollywood. His formal education combines a degree in Finance from CSULA together with studies at the renowned Interior Design Program of UCLA. His work has been featured around the world in design and lifestyle publications, and he is a requested guest on television, radio, and podcasts. An adventurous traveler, his style continues to emerge as the world beckons to his passion for wanderlust, and gives back in both the pleasure of travel and the imprint each destination leaves upon his creative mind. Notably, the design powerhouse of Woodson and Rummerfield are also the principals and co-founders of Save Iconic Architecture (SIA). Through their experiences in the design trade over the past several decades, they witnessed firsthand the peril that historic and relevant architectural properties face on a regular basis. With today’s disposable society, there is often little regard for the superior examples of design innovation and excellence from the past and, secondarily, the craftsmanship of days gone by. With a love of the history that is the core of their profession, they could no longer stand idly by. They moved to create their foundation to save what remains and to commemorate the talents of their predecessors. Through their foundation, their preservation projects have touched the revered works of Richard Neutra, Donald Wexler, and James Allen Walter and continue on. The goal of Save Iconic Architecture is simple. To preserve and protect iconic architecture and to celebrate the art and design that sets these structures apart from modern day construction. SIA is a nonprofit organization with the goal of saving significant buildings, be they residential or commercial, before they are simply lost forever. The foundation’s mission is to raise awareness and move others to act to preserve threatened architecture and meaningful artistic structures through a 3-pronged strategy of land-marking, preservation, and advocacy and awareness. SIA nominates properties across the country and shepherds them through the processes and HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS | 69

paperwork needed to obtain historical designation. In this endeavor, SIA develops and maintains trusted partnerships with the communities, the cities, conservancy organizations, and historians. In the act of preserving the buildings, SIA provides teams of skilled professionals to produce appropriate repairs where needed. SIA pledges to donate materials as may be required to maintain targeted iconic properties, and continues to advocate against demolition of culturally and artistically significant properties. Through educational programs to engage public awareness of the issues SIA faces, the founders hope to prevent further “crimes against architecture,” In reaching out to design students through home tours, preservation homes, and internships for those sharing these core beliefs, SIA commits to further advocate and support local city, county, state and federal programs, and legislation designed to protect historical landmarks. A current example is their quest 70 | HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS

to save the legendary Standard Hotel built in 1962 in Los Angeles; a visual centerpiece of the Sunset Strip. The hotel is the quintessence of mid-century design style and worthy of historical recognition. Their website is located at www.siaprojects.org. A brief look will illustrate the importance of this work, and may break your heart to see what has been, quite literally, wasted. One need not be an architect or artist to appreciate the revolutionary works of design that once touched everyday lives and the passion with which the properties were designed and implemented in the pursuit of excellence. To lose sight of, and discard, the accomplishments of outstanding contributors to the history of expansion and progress is to foolishly abandon what has been a key factor in the development of structural properties across this nation. Respect for the past is essential to the present. And reverence for the work of others can only enrich the work of those who follow in the footsteps of the leaders.

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H ills Views & Valleys wishes to express deep appreciation to Horacio Pagani for taking time away from his very busy life to share with HVV how his childhood set him, and the remarkable automobiles that he would create, on the “road to his dreams.” 74 | HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS

HORACIO PAGANI THE MAN BEHIND THE MACHINES

by RORY LOVERN

s Leonardo da Vinci was fascinated in his lifetime by the phenomenon of flight, Horacio Pagani has been planning his automotive works since his childhood. While da Vinci is acclaimed for reconstituting technical inventions into something new, in many ways, the same can be said of the exclusive, and magnificent, works of Pagani and his fine hypercar firm. Hypercar is a term that was coined in 1999 to describe the Zonda when it was presented at the Geneva Motor Show. A hypercar is an entirely new way of conceiving a supercar; it is something beyond the supercar concept. Vehicles are created as bespoke automobiles and are tailored to their owner’s desires, while inspired by the finest scientific and design research available to integrate into absolutely every detail. Inspired by Leonardo da Vinci, the intersection of art and science is the core philosophy of the firm and is the basis of the Pagani DNA. In the world of automobiles, few men have had such an impact on design and performance as Horacio Pagani. His pioneering use of carbon fiber and his passion for the arts has greatly advanced the world of performance road and track cars. If there were ever to be a Mount Rushmore of supercar legends, Horacio Pagani would surely be carved into the granite cliff. His story is a captivating one. A man from humble beginnings, Pagani is now the designer and manufacturer of some of the most highly sought after hypercars in the world. His company, Pagani Automobili S.p.A., more commonly referred to as Pagani, has created the most strikingly beautiful hypercar lineup of any motoring company on earth. Experts fill publications raving about the beautiful lines of carbon fiber and the mechanical properties of advanced composites developed by Pagani, the Mercedes-Benz power plant, and the use of state-of-the-art materials and technologies. With vehicles as incredible as those produced by Pagani, one could easily become entranced by the magnificence of the machine, and overlook the man himself.

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From Left to Right: Christopher, Cristina, Horacio and Leonardo Pagani

We wanted to know more about the man behind these incredible machines. HVV is honored to share what Horacio Pagani graciously revealed in this interview about his childhood inspirations, the obstacles he has overcome to realize his dream, his family, and the future of automotive excellence. HVV: Tell me about that first moment when you decided, "Yes, I am going to build the world's next great supercar, and here is how I will do so." The idea of building a car, the idea of designing and manufacturing supercars, I think, came to me when I was really a kid, when I was about 10-12 years old. I had this ideal, this strong conviction, and when I first built the model of the Mara,* a small scale maquette, which is now on display at our museum, I already knew, back then, that this would be my job, my life. In 1991, after the Gulf War, the situation of the supercar market was critical. At that time I was working at Lamborghini, but I had essentially lost my job because everything had stopped completely. At that precise moment, when I had basically lost all the work from my main client, I decided that it was the right time to push forward with the Fangio project. The Zonda project, in fact, was initially called Fangio F1. It was during that very complicated period that I made this decision, and I think I was right in taking it. Major decisions are normally made at difficult times, not when everything is going smoothly. 76 | HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS

HVV: You and your wife, Cristina, arrived in Italy in 1982 with only a couple of bikes. Did her willingness to help you pursue your dreams inspire your future work? Yes, of course. My wife has been a great help and support in undertaking this adventure in Italy. For instance, Cristina helped me translate books. I didn't know English and, since she was studying English at the time, she could help me translate many texts that were fundamental for my study. Many of these texts were difficult to find, or existed only in English, so she would find the only books available and translate them for me. Of course, she was also very supportive when we started the first company. HVV: Family. What does this mean to you, and how has it influenced your decision making process from the '80s until now? Family has always been very important for me, and it still is. I have always made the most strategic and difficult decisions in my life together with my children. For example, when they were less than ten years old, we decided together, actually it was almost entirely their decision, not to accept a proposal from a major local car manufacturer to buy our supercar project. They encouraged me to push ahead with our car project, and even today my sons, Christopher and Leonardo, are the most important reference point for all decisions.

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HVV: Did your parents, Mario and Marta, ever get to see your first car, the Fangio F1? If so, do you recall their reaction? Fortunately my parents got to see the Zonda, and that was a great source of happiness. My mother came to Italy in 1999, even though she was already ill, and I picked her up at the Bologna airport and brought her home. Sadly, she passed away the following year, but she was really happy to see the project. My father also got to see this entire adventure. When he first came to the factory and saw that I was working on a car, something that seemed so complicated to him, he said to me, “Are you sure this is what you really want to do? Why don’t you do something easier, like making candy?" (Pagani laughs easily, as he fondly recalls this moment.) HVV: Do you recall Chris and Leonardo’s first reaction once they came to understand that their dad builds supercars? Did their opinion have an influence or impact on the path or direction of the Pagani brand? Leonardo and Christopher have been involved in the project since they were children. They were very young when they started to help me in building the car. I remember Leonardo, when he was very young, getting on his bicycle to go and program the cycles of the autoclave. He has always been interested in the more technical and technological aspects of the process. Both of them have always given me a hand with everything, and have handled it all in a very natural way. When they started school, for example, they used to come to work in the company during the summer holidays. They would arrive and clock in on time. They had the opportunity to gain this type of experience, and adapted to everything very naturally, even as children. Their greatest involvement was in the design and construction of the new factory,* where they were responsible for the entire project. Everyone has always had their own passion and inclination. As I said, Leonardo is more inclined towards the technical and production aspects, while Christopher looks after the whole area of human relations, contact with the public, and with people. For this reason they also studied different disciplines, but together they complement each other very well. *(The new Pagani headquarters is just a short distance from the original factory, and houses the production Atelier and the Horacio Pagani Museum.) HVV: Is it true that you ride a bicycle to work? Yes! Absolutely. Even when I was in Argentina I used to cycle to work at my workshop every day, and when I arrived at Lamborghini, I still always went to work on my

bike. Even today, since I live about three kilometers from the company, a very short distance, I still come here very often by bike or even on foot. And that’s why I consider myself rich, in the sense that I am very lucky to be able to do this! HVV: If you could have pursued any other field or passion, what would it have been? Let’s say that if I hadn’t done this job I would probably have been a musician, maybe a pianist; and I would certainly have become a conductor, because I have always been passionately interested in that area. HVV: How do you envision the future of automobiles? Are we moving into an all EV world, or do you believe there will still be a place for combustion engines? I think that a small electric car for getting around in the city, where there is a higher concentration of people, is an excellent practical solution. In fact, the ideal would be to park your car outside the city in large car parks and from there, take public transport or rent these small cars. With cars that don't necessarily have to go very fast, but can easily reach 60 km/h, which is sufficient for their purpose. From this point of view I find the electric car a very interesting solution. It is likely that electric and hydrogen cars will be used increasingly in the future, but I think it will be a slow process, because energy is still produced mainly from polluting sources, despite the huge efforts of all governments to try to produce energy derived more and more from alternative sources. If we are talking about supercars, we have to say that they are cars that are normally used very little. With ours, for example, customers drive an average of two thousand kilometers a year, and no more. So I don’t think they can be considered the cause of pollution of the planet. I’m not just talking about ours, but all supercars. Nevertheless, all the manufacturers are working on hybrid and electric cars, and we are doing it too, even though no customer has ever asked us to. So I believe that, if they are well designed, there will be room for these cars too. HVV: Many people around the world admire you. Who do you admire? My hope is that the effort I have made to achieve certain things in life can be useful to others, especially if they can avoid making the same mistakes as me. I am inspired by so many people every day. Every day, in fact, I come to know really interesting people, important or not, known or unknown, it doesn't matter; but people who have done things, who are an important point of reference. And there are thousands and thousands of them, because I’m always looking for people like these. HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS | 79

HVV: What would people be surprised to learn about you? Um ... maybe they would be surprised to find out that I am a normal, ordinary person, just like anyone else. That I was very mediocre at school and had to work very hard at everything. For example, I still have to work very hard to realize my dreams and to make this company a success. So that’s probably the main surprise. HVV: We know that Leonardo da Vinci was a source of inspiration when you started out. If he were alive today, what would you ask him? Leonardo has been my point of reference, my mentor, since I was a little boy. Five hundred years ago, Leonardo said that art and science were two disciplines that could walk hand in hand. For me, as a young boy who loved art, and was also very attracted and very curious about scientific subjects, it was a great revelation, and also a great inspiration, to read what Leonardo said. I talk to Leonardo every day; I have a constant connection with him. I feel that he is alive and we often go for walks together where we tell each other our stories. He helps me more than I help him! HVV: Did you name your son Leonardo after Leonardo da Vinci, the person who inspired your creations? Yes, I named Leonardo after Leonardo da Vinci, obviously! But it’s also a nice name. (He chuckles.) HVV: Do you have an art collection? And, if so, which artist do you relate to the most? I don't have an art collection, apart from cars, which are works of art to me. However, I do have a collection, perhaps one of the most complete collections in the world, of books by Leonardo da Vinci, which also includes a very limited series of all the codices and all the works still in existence, together with probably, another thousand books about him! HVV: What are some of your favorite cars, and why? I love beautiful cars. In these 130-140 years of automotive history there have been thousands and thousands of cars, but only a few have really left their mark. Among racing cars, I love the Porsche 917, the Ferrari P4s, and, likewise, I love the Mercedes W196. Among road cars, I think the two most beautiful cars ever made are the Miura and the Jaguar E-Type. I think those cars are at the top of the list. Other cars that I love, and that I find really beautiful, are all the Mercedes cars, and maybe that’s something that has stayed with me since I was a child. To me, they have always been extraordinary cars, for example the 300 Gullwing. But there are so many other beautiful cars, including Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini, Jaguar, and Toyota. 80 | HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS

PAGANI MUSEUM

THE

VIA DELL'INDUSTRIA, 26, 41018 SAN CESARIO SUL PANARO MO, ITALY HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS | 81

Photo Credit: Pagani Of Beverly Hills

HVV: What would you most like to be remembered for ? I've never worried about being remembered. What really matters to me is that the things I've started, together with the people who have given me a hand, as well as my family, can go forward smoothly; and that the experimental journey we’ve been on so far, can also continue because there are so many people working in our company and it’s only right that this story should keep going.

you hold dear, is truly the best that life can offer. To love what you do is to never work a day in your life, and the Pagani family has achieved a dream that is elusive to many. We are proud to tell his inspirational story of hard work and perseverance. We salute the passion that has brought the finest in automotive beauty and technology to the world, and know that the road will continue to rise up to meet the Pagani dynasty in the future.

Hills Views & Valleys could not agree more. In following one’s dreams, and overcoming whatever obstacles lie along the path, Horacio Pagani is a shining example of what a meaningful and productive life is all about. Having intelligent and caring children to be proud of, and to have the joy of working side-by-side with those you love and with whom you have instilled the values

"I am inspired by so many people every day. Every day, in fact, I come to know really interesting people, important or not, known or unknown, it doesn't matter..."

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THE ONLY AUTHORIZED PAGANI DEALERSHIP OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

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CHRISTIAN DIOR Diamond & Onyx Wrist Watch CHRISTIAN DIOR $35,000 Diamond & Onyx CHRISTIAN Wrist Watch DIOR Diamond & Onyx $35,000 Wrist Watch Christian Dior captures the imagination of the genteel with its Diamond & Onyx Wrist Watch. The vintage time piece abounds with opulent diamond and onyx stones, exemplifying both splendor and refinement. Framed in stainless steel, the elegant instrument is adorned with Christian Dior captures a Christian Dior insignia.the imagination of the genteel with its Diamond & Onyx Wrist Watch. The vintage time piece abounds with opulent diamond and onyx stones, exemplifying both Christian Dior refinement. captures theFramed imagination of the splendor and in stainless genteel its Diamond & Onyx Wrist Watch. steel, thewith elegant instrument is adorned with The vintageDior time piece abounds with opulent a Christian insignia. diamond and onyx stones, exemplifying both splendor and refinement. Framed in stainless steel, the elegant instrument is adorned with a Christian Dior insignia.

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AUDEMARS PIGUET Royal Oak Diamond Watch AUDEMARS PIGUET Price available upon request Royal Oak Diamond AUDEMARS PIGUET Watch Royal Oak Diamond Price available upon request Watch

For the regal in spirit, the Royal Oak Diamond Watch from Audemars Piguet embodies luxury and resplendence. The 18K white gold timepiece with diamond stones features a sumptuous blue rubber band offering comfort and cultivation. The diameter of the instrument is a symmetrical 37 mm with a thickness of 12.5 mm. For the regal in spirit, the Royal Oak Diamond Watch from Audemars Piguet embodies luxury and resplendence. The 18K white gold timepiece with diamond stones features a sumptuous blue rubber band offering For the regal in spirit, theThe Royal Oak Diamond Watch comfort and cultivation. diameter of the instrument from Audemars Piguet embodies luxury and resplenis a symmetrical 37 mm with a thickness of 12.5 mm. dence. The 18K white gold timepiece with diamond stones features a sumptuous blue rubber band offering comfort and cultivation. The diameter of the instrument

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PATEK PHILIPPE Diamond and Mother of Pearl Watch Price available upon request Patek Phillipe personifies beauty and craftsmanship with its luxurious Diamond and Mother of Pearl Watch. The time piece features an 18K white gold dial with 156 radiant diamonds (.93 carat) as well as a luminous Tahitian black mother of pearl inlaid with gold Roman numerals. The sublime instrument is finished with a comfortable brown leather strap exuding refined elegance.

CHOPARD Elton John 38mm Diamond Chrono Watch $45,000 Exemplifying the flamboyance and sophistication of its namesake, the Chopard Elton John 38mm Diamond Chrono Watch serves as a choice timepiece selection. A limited edition wristwatch, with only 200 in existence, the accessory features a dial diamond of 216 carats and a complementary diamond buck of 87 carats. The band, constructed of black alligator/crocodile, offers flexibility up to 8 inches with an elegant deployant buckle. The pre-preowned, water-resistant, Swiss instrument remains in Excellent condition and is numbered and signed with a “Chopard” and “Elton John AIDS Foundation” insignia as well as the musician’s own autograph.

www.vintagesignedjewels.com HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS | 85

Lifestyle & Culture

Scotch Whisky The Wedded Bliss of Wood and Grain by JAMES RIVEN

isge beatha. No, that is not an extremely bad typographical error. It is actually a pretty well known term among aficionados of Scotch whisky. Also no, the word whisky is not misspelled in this case, but more about the ‘e’ in a bit. Uisge beatha is the Scottish-Gaelic translation of ‘water of life.’ Uisge means water and beatha means life. It is a literal translation from the Latin phrase ‘aqua vitae.’ Over the years, common usage transitioned the term to simply uisge and became known as ‘whisky.’ Now, back to the missing ‘e.’ If your dram is from the USA or Ireland, then the spelling is whiskey. For spirits from Japan, Scotland, and Canada, whisky is all you need. And all you need, indeed. Celebrations of life have been traditionally marked with a toast and a few fingers of the finest Scotch whisky. While other countries are distilling fine entries into the market, it is the verdant Lowlands, hardy Highlands, and jagged islands of Scotland that excel in the alchemy of whisky. In fact, to be called scotch, it must be from the rugged land of the plaid and the thistle. Since the 15th century the hearty Scots have been warming themselves with a ‘wee dram’ during their

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long and frosty winters. The first attempts were local to farms and villages using surplus grains, likely not very refined, and derived entirely from a single still pot. Mass production was virtually impossible and these potions were truly the original single malts. Among the first distillers to be licensed to produce Scotch whisky was Macallan in the year 1824. While produced in Scotland, the brew derives its essence from materials from other countries, such as the casks selected for aging. In a single malt whisky, as in other spirits, the cask is the most essential factor in the quality and taste of a scotch. Also of particular note is the color of the spirit. Whiskies derive their coloring from the wood of the barrels in which they are aged. As each tree is carefully selected for crafting into a cask, it imparts various flavors and colors into the whisky. At Macallan, and other top distilleries, the effective management of maturation and hand-selection of wood casks leads consistently to a superior product. For a special occasion, or just because you deserve it, from the Macallan distillery, there is an array of spirits designated the Fine and Rare Collection that has grown to become the largest assembly of vintage-dated, single malt whiskies in the world. These bottles can be enjoyed now, or passed down to future generations to be enjoyed or cherished forever.

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Lifestyle & Culture On Christmas day in 1887, the first drop of liquid gold flowed from the Glenfiddich distillery built by William Grant and his 9 sons. It had taken a year to complete, but it was a Christmas joy to be able to celebrate the day in more than one way. The distillery continues under the management of the family and is among the largest of the family owned distilleries in bonnie Scotland. William Grant & Sons has received the ‘Distiller of the Year’ award from the International Wine & Spirit Competition and International Spirits Challenge 13 times over the past 14 years, most recently in 2020. Leading the company’s brand is Glenfiddich, ranked the best selling single malt scotch in the world in 2016. In 2017, The Balvenie took a prize among the top 10 best whiskies. For the collector and the connoisseur, William Grant & Sons offers limited edition Girvan First Batch Distillation from casks filled in 1964, and the magical Snow Phoenix; a once in a lifetime blend of all the whisky, between 3 and 50 years old, recovered after a heavy snow destroyed the warehouse where the whisky was being aged. Private and rare vintages have also been bottled for the Queen Mary 2, the legendary Concorde, and the Royal Danish Wedding to cater to the privileged set.

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For the ultimate in luxury spirits to commemorate the private, or special grand, events in life, HVV presents a brief guide to simply the finest additions to your most memorable moments.

Glenfiddich 14-Year-Old SRP $49.99 Glenfiddich 14-Year-Old is matured for 14 years in ex-bourbon American Oak casks. This bourbon barrel reserve is a celebration of American spirit, paying tribute to the shared history of American and Scotch whisk(e)y and the American Oak ex-bourbon barrels that are the backbone of the single malt Scotch whisky industry.

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Glenfiddich Grand Cru 23-Year-Old

Monkey Shoulder

SRP $299.99

BLENDED MALT SCOTCH WHISKY SRP $32.99

This exclusive Glenfiddich expression has been matured for 23 years in American and European oak casks and elegantly finished in rare French cuvee casks. The finest flavors from Scotland and France have been fused together through the art of experimentation, to redefine moments of celebration and create a new and extraordinary drinking experience.

Refreshingly approachable and tailor made for mixing, Monkey Shoulder’s commitment to the unconventional is bringing great Scotch to a new generation. Monkey Shoulder is made from 100 percent malted barley – not a drop of grain is used – and aged exclusively in first-fill Bourbon barrels for exceptional smoothness.

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The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14

The Balvenie Doublewood 12

SRP $74.99

SRP $59.99

The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14 year old single malt Scotch whisky has been matured in traditional oak whisky casks for 14 years, and then ‘finished’ in casks that previously held Caribbean rum. To create the ideal finish Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE filled American oak casks with his own blend of select West Indian rums. When he judged the casks to be ready, the rum was replaced with the 14 year old spirit and the wood was put to work adding the final touches. The result is an exceptional single malt Scotch whisky with the traditional smooth, honeyed character of The Balvenie married with notes of toffee and a hint of fruit, with a warm, lingering finish.

2018 marked the 25th anniversary of The Balvenie DoubleWood, aged 12 years. This milestone is not only a testament to the craftsmen who have dedicated their working lives to making The Balvenie the handcrafted way but to the skill of our Malt Master who throughout his over 55 year career has changed the face of the Scotch whisky category which earned him an MBE in 2016. DoubleWood 12 was launched in 1993, using a process designed by our Malt Master David Stewart in 1982, now commonly known as 'wood finishing'. To make The Balvenie DoubleWood, David Stewart MBE takes whisky that has spent at least 12 years in traditional whisky casks, American Oak ex-bourbon barrels and hogsheads, and moves it to Spanish oak ex-Oloroso sherry casks for an additional nine months.

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THE CELLARETTE EPITOMIZES TRUE ROLLS-ROYCE STYLE: precision engineering, exquisite hand craftsmanship and a breath-taking presentation of luxury. The Rolls-Royce embellished holder can adapt to different bottle sizes, with the bottle held in place magnetically by a polished aluminum fastener, ensuring safe stowage of any one of the client’s preferred refreshments.

Lifestyle & Culture FRACTIONAL JET OWNERSHIP

THE SKY'S

THE LIMIT! by ALEXANDER MARAIS

ne does not have to be an MVP to realize and enjoy the benefits of private air travel. In today’s world, the limitations and regulations of commercial air carriers can offend the sensibilities of many and restrict the effectiveness of proper time management for all. Patrick Mahomes understands timing, teamwork, and making the right move at the right time. As the award-winning star quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, he knows all the right moves to make. For private and efficient transportation, he turned to Airshare, one of the featured fractional jet firms highlighted herein; all of which proudly provide VIP service and safety for their passengers. Private jets have long been the realm of only the uber, uber wealthy. But now, a fractional ownership of private jets is making the joys and freedoms of private transportation blissfully possible, without the dreary obligations of maintenance, pilot salaries, staff, insurance, hangar rental, and the like. Jumpstarting this unique segment of the luxury travel industry was NetJet. This titan in the private aircraft industry introduced the first fractional ownership programs in 1986. Fractional jet ownership is a dynamic and pragmatic option for those dreaming of a more personal form of travel, but eschewing the responsibilities that can dampen the avionic pleasures of private jet transportation. Sold in increments of time, each share promises the owner a select number of hours, or days, for which the plane becomes theirs. HVV presents some available options for joining this elite club of high-flying travel aficionados.

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AIRSHARE: The company bestows unlimited hours, straightforward pricing, hourly savings of up to thirty percent, and a twenty-four hour dedicated service team through its fractional jet ownership program. It also uniquely offers the courtesy of share purchases being divided per day, not per hour. As a result, the clientele of Airshare have unlimited time spans on their personal flights on a day-today basis. In the words of Airshare’s President and CEO, John Owen, “Airshare’s focus is on safety, simplicity, and productivity. Our customers rely on us to increase their produc-

Patrick

Mahomes Kan s as City Chiefs Q uarterb a ck us es AirSh are for private and efficien t tran s portation .

Private jets have long been the realm of only the uber, uber wealthy. But now, a fractional ownership of private jets is making the joys and freedoms of private transportation blissfully possible. tivity and ensure they always get home in time for what matters most.” Privileged patrons understand the value of time and the luxury of privacy. Fractional ownership delivers both in the most carefree manner possible to many who choose to travel the world for business, or for pleasure, in the most serene and civilized manner possible. HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS | 95

Lifestyle & Culture

NETJETS: The originator of the fractional jet ownership program. They remain one of the most robust company models, having led the charge for the last 35 years. The company maintains a stable of 760 aircraft models internationally, and flies approximately 450,000 clients a year. Benefits include guaranteed availability of the jet based on your requested date and time, and a free upgrade to the next available cabin class should your jet become unavailable for any reason. No positioning fees are levied, and they provide an extensive maintenance team to ensure maximum safety and quality performance for each trip. With exclusive

The American firm has led the way in the luxury private jet industry since 1964 and was the first to offer fractional ownership in 1986.

access to over 5,000 airports internationally in over 200 countries, the available destinations are quite extensive. The American firm has led the way in the luxury private jet industry since 1964 and was the first to offer fractional ownership in 1986.

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PLANESENSE: For remote and exclusive destinations, turn to PlaneSense. With the firm’s fractional jet ownership program, you are guaranteed access to the company’s entire fleet of aircraft, an option not always available in many other program plans. They have logged over 400,000 client usage hours and offer access to over 2,500 airports worldwide. In the words of the founder, George Antoniadis, “…[PlaneSense] success lies in

delivering maximum freedom of movement, comfort, and familiarity while ensuring that every single flight reaffir ms our owners’ decision to join our program.”

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ROLLS-ROYCE

Escapism Luggage Range

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars introduces Black Badge variant to its Escapism luggage range starting at $30,000

rolls-roycemotorcars.com/en_US/boutique.html

The new Black Badge luggage is comprised of a five-piece collection (48hr Weekender, 24hr Weekender, Holdall, Tote Bag and Organiser Pouch), which can be purchased individually or as a full set.

Lifestyle & Culture

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CALIFORNIAN WINEMAKERS LOOKING TO THE RHÔNE FOR INSPIRATION

by FRANCO SALZILLO

lthough California alone is the fourth largest wine region globally, we can’t deny French wine’s importance and influence. From Bordeaux, we’ve got the famous Cabernet Sauvignon, the juicy Merlot, and to some extent, the gentle Sauvignon Blanc. From Burgundy, we inherited the elegant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The most planted grapes in America have a French heritage. Of course, French wine is as varied as wine can be, and amongst the most cherished styles, you’ll find the fermented grapes coming from the Rhône Valley. The arid and wild wine region champions the aromatic white grape Viognier, and the inseparable red team led by Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre. Despite the fact that Rhône varieties comprise less than 4% of California’s rolling hills, the Golden State has huge Rhône fans.

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THE RHÔNE RANGERS

Central Coast’s Paso Robles is the hottest spot for RhôneThe Rhône Rangers is America’s leading style wine in the state, where the weather and soils are not organization promoting Rhône wine styles dissimilar to the Rhône basin, but fantastic wine hails from the favoring the twenty-two Rhône native grapes famous Napa Valley and Northern Sonoma. led by Syrah, or as the organization calls it, the BRINGING IT HOME 800-pound gorilla. Talented American grape growers and winemakers are Wines made from Syrah are full-bodied and layered with distinctive spice aromas reminiscent taking inspiration in the Rhône Valley, but they’re not imitating; of black pepper and a rustic, yet elegant taste. they’re making the style their own. The ripe flavors, proper of When blended with its stable-mates, Grenache, California’s warmth, show on the nose and palate and contrast and Mourvèdre, the wine really brings out the greatly against their French counterparts marked by austerity and tartness. decadent flavors of the red-soiled Rhône. California’s Rhône wines are marvelous at the table, pairing seamlessly with equally wild and intensely flavored food, including lamb, barbecue, smoked brisket, boar, venison, slowcooked meat, and hearty stews. When not even the boldest Cabernet is up to the task, there’s the Rhône, and the pairings are heavenly. Expand your palate and give Rhône wine styles a chance; you might find yourself falling in love with the category’s untamable, rustic charm. One thing is for sure; you’ll never see this wine in the same way.

TRY THESE FABULOUS RHONE-INSPIRED CALIFORNIA WINES: Darioush Signature Viognier, Napa Valley, CA Variety: Viognier Nose: Honeyed white peaches, saffron, and white flowers. Palate: Dry, with immense depth and a long, perfumed aftertaste. Average Price: $52

Tablas Creek Vineyard Esprit De Tablas, Paso Robles, CA Variety: Mourvèdre, Grenache, Syrah, Counoise. Nose: Blackberries, tobacco, spaded earth, and sweet hickory smoke. Palate: Medium-bodied, nuanced, with an intense mid-palate and a spicy finish. Average Price: $57

Cayuse Vineyards Bionic Frog Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, WA Variety: Syrah Nose: Black raspberries, black pepper, withered violets, and smoke. Palate: Full-bodied and coated with a tight acidic backbone. Average Price: $359

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Elegance

E V E R Y D AY, F O R E V E R Y O N E

13720 GRAMERCY PLACE | GARDENA, CA 90249 WWW.SAVGOURMET.COM

Discover the world’s best wines Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) is the world’s largest and most inﬂuential wine competition. Now into its 19th year, DWWA is renowned internationally for its rigorous judging process and calibre of judges, including recognised Master Sommeliers and Masters of Wine from across the globe.

California: red wines of recognition

The 2021 competition saw its biggest year to date, with 18,094 wines tasted from 56 countries. California’s red wines took centre stage with two coveted Best in Show medals and five Platinum, all receiving 97 points. ‘We were impressed with the overall quality of wines entered from the US,’ said Master Sommelier Ronan Sayburn, Regional Chair for the US and Acting Co-Chair. ‘Pinot Noirs were stand-outs as were some elegant Zinfandel blends from areas such as Dry Creek Valley,’ he said. Here you’ll find some of the highest-scoring wines from California, with almost 350 more from the US to be discovered on awards.decanter.com • Rooted in regionality, wines awarded a medal at DWWA are judged by regional specialists that evaluate the wines based on typicity, quality, style and price. Wines are re-tasted up to four separate times in the judging process.

Trefethen, Cabernet Sauvignon, Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley 2018 97 Best in Show

Hahn Family Wines, Lucienne Smith Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands 2018 97 Best in Show

For the second year running, this Oak Knoll Cabernet carried the Best In Show torch for Napa, underlining the fact that this spot in the Valley seems to be ideal for mingling Napa’s diagnostic generosity and depth with an expressive ﬁnesse and an approachability which both appeals to our judges and chimes with the wine world’s zeitgeist. The wine is still dark black-purple, and the aromatic currant and berry fruits are blue, tender and enticing, with skilled and seamless oak integration. On the palate, the wine has weight and depth, but what you really notice in this 2018 vintage is its purity and inner energy; the weight and depth follow on after, but don’t overwhelm from the start. The seamless integration of acidity and brisk tannin, too, is another mouthwatering hallmark - of skilled winemaking, or the place? Who’s to say? Alc 14.2%

This year’s exceptional Pinot Noir quartet is completed by this striking wine from the Santa Lucia Highlands -- a long and scenically beautiful fillet of land lying on the landward side of the Santa Lucia Mountain Range next to the chill waters of Monterey Bay, and alternately fog-chilled and breeze-freshened during summer. The Pinot is dark and sweet-scented, with discreet spice and refined black cherry; there’s a peony allure to give it lift, too. It’s vivid and mouth-filling yet structured, poised and fresh, too: a Pinot that proves that the natural wealth which derives from California’s light and soils can work superbly in delivering Pinot of both nuance and sensual charm. Alc 14.5%

Long Meadow Ranch, Pinole Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley 2017 97 Platinum

Frei Brothers, Reserve Merlot, Dry Creek Valley 2018 97 Platinum

Ken & Derek, Crowdpleazin Zinfandel , Dry Creek Valley 2019 97 Platinum

Clos du Val, Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2018 97 Platinum

A nose of rich dark fruits with hints of maraschino cherry, marzipan, smoked meats, and toast. Rich and lush with an open, round palate, with ﬁne cotton tannins and a delicacy to the ﬁnish. Alc 13%

Nicely perfumed with layers of red ﬂoral elements and a spectrum of just-ripe red fruits. Big, succulent black fruit on the velvety soft and mouth coating palate, with a wonderful textural element. Very inviting and charming. Alc 14.5%

Sweet, warm, perfumed, and enticing: very attractive. Dimpled plum scents. A lovely perfumed plum and violet palate with gentle cinnamon, vanilla, and clove oak spice with refreshing acidity. A super wine. Alc 14.5%

Polished aromas of lovely ripe dark fruit and chocolatey spicy oak, with ﬂoral and herbal notes. An expressive and fresh palate with purity of fruit, juicy tannins, and a solid length. Approachable now and will age well. Alc 14.5%

@decanterawards

DECANTER ADVERT 2021.indd 1

TREFETHEN HISTORIC WINERY

Visit www.decanter.com/decanter-awards to learn more

18/08/2021 16:03

California: red wines of recognition

HAHN ESTATE

• Rooted in regionality, wines awarded a medal at DWWA are judged by regional specialists that evaluate the wines based on typicity, quality, style and price. Wines are re-tasted up to four separate times in the judging process.

Trefethen, Cabernet Sauvignon, Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley 2018 97 Best in Show

Hahn Family Wines, Lucienne Smith Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands 2018 97 Best in Show

Long Meadow Ranch, Pinole Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley 2017 97 Platinum

Frei Brothers, Reserve Merlot, Dry Creek Valley 2018 97 Platinum

Ken & Derek, Crowdpleazin Zinfandel , Dry Creek Valley 2019 97 Platinum

Clos du Val, Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2018 97 Platinum

@decanterawards

Visit www.decanter.com/decanter-awards to learn more

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Lifestyle & Culture

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CIGARS AN EASY GUIDE TO

THERE'S NO VIRTUE WITHOUT VICE by FRANCO SALZILLO

s Mark Twain said, “Eating and sleeping are the only activities that should be allowed to interrupt a man’s enjoyment of his cigar.” If you’ve lit a few cigars in your life, you know what Mr. Twain meant. There’s immense pleasure in puffing on a stogie. Not all cigars are the same, though, so knowing the basics is key to understanding the complex world of wrapped tobacco leaves. Here’s an easy guide to get you started: THE WRAPPER, THE BINDER, AND THE FILLER. A cigar is made of three parts: the wrapper, the binder, and the filler. The wrapper or the outer leaves give cigars their color, from green to red to dark brown, and here’s where you find the terms claro, colorado, maduro, or oscuro. The wrapper matters because 75% of a cigar’s flavor and aromas come from the thin outer leaves. The darker the color, the higher the oils and sugar, meaning sweeter and stronger flavors. Shade-grown tobacco is generally lighter, and thus, milder. Tobacco plants exposed to the sun and heat are darker and stronger in flavor. The filler gives a cigar its strength, meaning nicotine levels. Quality fillers comprise whole leaves tucked tightly within the binder and can come from different countries. The strength, though, depends on the types of leaves used.

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Lifestyle & Culture The leaves growing closer to the ground are called volado, and since they don’t get much sunlight, they’re mild. The middle leaves, called seco, have medium strength while the higher leaves, the ones with the most sun exposure, are called ligero and make robust cigars. The wrapper's color and the filler’s strength are painted in the cigar maker’s palette and these aspects allow producers to create a myriad of styles of all flavors and strength levels. THE SHAPE. For cigars, the color, and strength are essential, but the size and shape matter too. First, there’s the ring gauge, measured in 64ths of an inch. The thinnger the cigar, the fewer filler leaves, and the more you enjoy the wrapper's flavors. Larger Gauges are all about the filler's flavor. THE LENGTH. Finally, there’s the length of the cigar, and that depends entirely on time. As they say, “Smoke what you have time to enjoy.” A 6-inch, 42 ring gauge Corona might take you 45 minutes to appreciate, while a 7-inch 48 gauge Churchill might take you over an hour. HERE ARE SOME FABULOUS STARTER CIGARS TO GET TO KNOW:

Romeo Y Julieta Capulet, Churchill Medium strength, mild, caramel Wrapper: Connecticut Shade Filler: Honduras and Nicaragua Length: 7 in Ring: 50

Perdomo Reserve 10th Anniversary Champagne, Robusto Medium strength, flavorful, coffee Wrapper: Connecticut Shade Filler: Nicaragua Length: 5 in Ring: 54

Montecristo No. 2

Medium strength, fragrant, espresso, almonds Wrapper: Ecuador Sumatra Filler: Dominican and Nicaragua Length: 6 in Ring: 52

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“The Rolls-Royce Cellarette, the latest addition to the Rolls-Royce Connoisseur’s Collection, offers our clients new ways to enhance their lifestyle beyond the experience of their Rolls-Royce motor car. Historically, Cellarettes were used to secure wine and spirits. This bespoke chest can be configured to stow aperitifs or digestifs, dependent on the client’s preferences, alongside prized cigars, in a spectacular fashion.”

Nicholas Abrams, Bespoke Designer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

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The Rolls-Royce Cellarette is available to acquire through Rolls-Royce dealerships, with prices starting from $61,085 excluding local taxes. HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS | 113

Luscious Locales

SOHO HOUSE The Private Club Life Around the Globe; From Mykonos to Los Angeles, and Beyond

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by JAMES RIVEN

cattered around the world there are 27 private homes set in elegant properties in the most sophisticated travel destinations. Called Soho House, the properties began in 1995 with one single property, founded as a member’s only club in the Soho district of London, and as a place for people in the creative industries of film, media, and the like to gather to socialize and exchange ideas. Called Soho House, it was aptly named because that is what it was, a house, a home. The collective has grown to also include an assortment of restaurants, workspaces, cinemas, sleeping quarters, and spas that are both quite elegantly fitted and uniquely designed. Each property is distinctively decorated and inspired by the city surroundings and the décor is only the finest. The trademark swimming pools and bars are replete with

attractive energetic young professionals set on enjoying life to the fullest. This home away from home concept for the jet-setting glitterati reaches across the globe from their dramatic location in West Hollywood, California to the newest jewel in the Soho House crown that has opened on the heavenly island of Mykonos, Greece. Part of each establishment’s consistent appeal is that attention to detail is never spared. Soho House West Hollywood affords stunning views of the sparkling city, courtesy of its occupancy of the two top floors of the prestigious address of 9200 Sunset Boulevard. An impressive, marble staircase leads members to the penthouse floor, complete with an elaborate, rooftop garden with a retractable roof, a beautifully appointed restaurant with authentically coastal, Baja inspired menus, and a thoughtfully designed lounge. HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS | 115

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SOHO HOUSE,

W EST H O LLYWOOD , CA

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Luscious Locales

SO H O ROC HOUS E MYKONOS, GR EECE

Christened the ideal gathering spot, Soho House of WEHO is completed with a fully equipped screening room with its own bar installation and is available for private events. Soho House West Hollywood is a stellar example of how to live well. The details that punctuate the setting are displayed in fine points such as the imported Pear Cider from Sweden, and specific in-demand variations on dining options such as plantbased, gluten-free, and vegetarian diet styles. Entrees range from fine, Milanese-style rigatoni dishes and delectable filet mignon, to hearty, old-fashioned comfort dishes like American Mac-and-Cheese. It’s clear that as much as Soho House West Hollywood is about grandeur and entertainment, it has embraced the more humble touches of comfort we all crave.

the property. The native design and décor of Soho Roc House takes inspiration from nearby Scorpios and the casual, yet stylish, island lifestyle found on Mykonos. The soothing décor features polished plaster flooring scattered with natural jute rugs, warm wall tones, and earthy wood trims and shelving. Accented with linen fabrics, ceramic lighting, and woven wall décor, the feel is of island simplicity and sophistication. The property has a fully operational hotel, complete with 45 rooms, an organic, Mediterranean-themed restaurant, and an outdoor gym, spa, and pool area. Soho House members and guests are given priority admittance to Scorpios, where the rituals of sharing in the glorious sunsets over the sea are among the greatest moments for visitors to this tranquil haven.

As for all Soho House properties, Soho Roc House A sister establishment, based in Mykonos, Greece, was recently added to the collection and called Soho Roc is reserved for club members and their guests. NonHouse is nestled in a sheltered cove on the southern tip members may book stays in the bedrooms of such equipped homes via the Soho House website, and of the idyllic island above Paraga and Paradise beaches. are granted access to all of the facilities for their stay. Hidden away, yet close to the active city centre and Membership information is available on the web address nightlife, the stark and simple architecture is a dramatic of www.sohohouse.com and membership is delightfully contrast to the soothing azure Aegean Sea that surrounds within reach.

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THE INVISIBLE WALL SYSTEM

Goldbrecht’s Invisible Wall - occasionally imitated, never equaled. Proven and tested since 1992, with over 60,000 units installed in over 60 countries. Featuring many beautiful innovations that you would only expect from Goldbrecht.

310.988.4455 info@goldbrecht.com goldbrecht.com

YOUR

DREAM HOME AWAITS

B U I L D

T O

S U I T

1690 SUMMITRIDGE DR BEVERLY HILLS, CA 90210:

10 BEDS | 15 BATHS | LOWER LEVEL GLASS AUTO GALLERY | 20 CAR PKG ACCESS | 30,000 SQ. FT | $34,950,000 This is a fantastic development opportunity, on large 3.17-acre lot, with apx. 376 feet of frontage in prime Beverly Hills 90210. This multi-million dollar setting has panoramic, jetliner, canyon & city views, extending from Downtown Los Angeles Basin to Century City. Seller will deliver this iconic home, currently under construction, by renowned hillside builder, Sanam De Loren & Associates, for $34,950,000 completed and delivered in twenty-four months. The plans are also in revision for a 10,000 - 15,000 sq. ft home, tailored to your specific desires, if you prefer. Three acres of land, completed plans, permits, also available, as is, under construction for $4,995,000. Additionally, these plans have been grandfathered in, giving this three acre lot a priceless value.

ANDREA ALBERTS BEVERLY HILLS, CA 9665 WILSHIRE BLVD, BEVERLY HILLS, CA 90212 https://andreaalberts.com/ (310) 777-5105

(917) 495-3800

ANDREA.ALBERTS@SOTHEBYS.REALTY CA DRE# 1741898

Luxury Estates

INDEED! THE SOURCE FOR LUXURY HOMES AND VILLA RENTALS AROUND THE GLOBE by CAROLINE DAY

ravel is one of the most rewarding, restorative, and memorable pleasures in life. Nothing comes close to the excitement of a new destination, new and exotic foods, and welcoming locales. Except perhaps the comfort and ultimate privacy that comes with a stay in a beautifully curated luxury home, apartment, or villa. The ability to feel like a denizen, and not a tourist, is priceless; the quiet that one can wake to on a terrace overlooking the shimmering waters of the Mediterranean, or sensing the bustle of the locals of Russian Hill in San Francisco become moments imprinted in our memory bank forever. To be able to live like a local is to immerse oneself in the essence of a city in a way that a stay in a hotel will never evoke. The founder, and former CEO Greg Marsh, came to be inspired to create One Fine Stay after a trip to Pisa, Italy where a tip from a local friend led him off the beaten path to Piazza delle Vettovagilie. His realization that he would have never experienced, and enjoyed, the city in the same way had he not had the connection with a resident, began the travel adventure that today is One Fine Stay, and is now available to privileged travelers worldwide. One Fine Stay is the place to visit to explore and plan your next holiday. Whether for a few days or for months,

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the service stands ready with a large selection of hand selected homes and villas. In over 50 global destinations and with a growing list of over 5000 properties to choose from, their ‘Destination Experts’ are available to guide you based on your personal interests and requirements. All properties are owned and fashionably decorated by stylish principals and One Fine Stay does not accept all residences into the program. Each owner and home are vetted and personally inspected to be included in the hand-picked offerings. The requirements for acceptance are rigorous, the properties must be authentic to the locale, and most importantly, they are only located in the most desirable and prestigious locations. The properties are each prepared with professional housekeeping services and fitted with high quality linens and toiletries. To help you feel at home, you are greeted upon arrival by staff that will provide any service or arrange any activity that you can imagine during your stay. Services such as child care, reservations for dining or entertainment venues, cooking classes, celebration cakes and festive décor, private drivers, wellness activities, and more are yours for the asking. Personal chefs can be arranged for the ultimate privacy, for freedom from daily meal preparation, or to host a special

event. The Concierge Service Teams are available to assist guests around the clock. A glance at the worldwide destinations will have you reaching for your travel bag. The top destination is London and there are many enviable lodgings offered. Of note is a charming home in The Royal Borough of Knightsbridge that is spacious, professionally decorated, and perfectly located, just a two-minute walk from Herrod’s. If you prefer Soho for proximity to Oxford Street shopping and the world famous ‘tube,’ there are pages of offerings to select from. In whatever fine section of the city you choose to stay, rest assured that the residences are located in the most excellent locations for leisurely walks to iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, The River Thames, Big Ben, and more. London is your oyster, and so is the rest of the world. Paris beckons us all at one time or another and One Fine Stay does not disappoint in the homes and apartments available to truly experience Parisian life. But venture south of the ‘City of Lights’ to Cannes and St. Tropez for villas that can accommodate from as few as 2, to as many as 30 people, to celebrate private special or spectacular moments in life, or simply to vacation.

Villas are perched on the verdant hills above the beach at Cannes and moments away from the lively and glamorous city. Many boast infinity pools and all share stunning views of the azure sea. Sip a glass of Provence rose’ and ponder your plans for an exciting evening. In St. Tropez, another jewel along the French Riviera, a villa host and personal concierge will ensure you discover the finest delights of St. Tropez. With traditional French architecture exteriors that often include pleasant garden and floral areas, imagine a fresh air stroll before a breakfast of rich coffee and local croissants to start the day. Set out to explore the quaint hilltop villages and the countless historic vineyards of the region. Craving Italian? Book the former home of Gore Vidal that is nestled into the striking cliffs of Ravello on the Italian Riviera commanding breathtaking views across the dramatic Amalfi Coast. If you prefer the calmness of a lake, Lake Como is a delightful and upscale spot for a getaway. The region is a waterfront haven replete with fabulous local restaurants and chic boutiques. Villas there deliver unparalleled views across the glistening lake with the majestic mountains as a backdrop. Bellissimo! Stateside, if the ‘City by the Bay’ is the place to leave your heart but you can’t abide another hotel room, the

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Luxury Estates

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options are intriguing and sumptuous. The homes are well situated in fine neighborhoods such as Pacific Heights, Russian Hill, and The Marina View District to name a few. From The Marina Overlook enjoy stunning views of the Palace of Fine Arts and the bustling downtown San Francisco city center. The Richmond District will find you in a pleasant residential setting at the edge of Presidio Park, and among laid-back cafes and restaurants. Depending on your pleasure, One Fine Stay will match your desires with their opportunities. More choices abound for a stay in the ‘Big Apple’ or the ‘City of Angels.’ From a charming Brooklyn brownstone to a chic Manhattan pied-à-terre, the sky's the limit as New York is among the most popular city destinations on One Fine Stay. The vast Los Angeles terrain offers up even more variety as the city sprawls from the stately Hollywood Hills to the quaint canals of Venice and from the legendary Malibu Colony to pristine Beverly Hills and to the valleys beyond. Shopping, surfing, museums, spas, parks, galleries, musical venues, clubs, and theaters are tucked into every region to entertain and delight no matter where you stay. Recently acquired by Accor Hotels the company is committed to a $70 million investment in One Fine Stay to expand and enhance operations. Chief Marketing Officer Amanda Dyjecinski tells HVV that; “We continue to see an increase in demand for private travel experiences. The increase in demand for private homes with their own exclusive amenities, swimming pool, bar, kitchens, gardens etc., coupled with a need for transparent information to provide confidence in booking, will continue to be important decision drivers in the steady and cautious return to normality post-pandemic.” In addition to the shorter-term vacations, availability for monthly durations is also offered and works particularly well for those in relocation mode, in remodeling status, or for those visiting family for a longer term. With the acquisition by Accor Hotels, One Fine Stay has become a part of ALL, Accor’s loyalty program, meaning that guests of One Fine Stay can utilize points accrued and earn points with travel booked via this upscale service. The web address for One Fine Stay is https://www.onefinestay.com. With safety in mind, the properties are carefully attended to in light of the pandemic and are increasing in popularity as experienced travelers seek out more privacy and sophistication in their journeys. And let’s face it, after the last year or so, what we all can use is some quality time away with the ones we care about in the most fabulous apartments, homes, and villas in the next dream destination on our travel bucket list. Bon voyage!

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Premier Sotheby's International Realty is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdraw without notice. No statement is mode as to accuracy of any description. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. The buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information. Based on information from the Florida Association of REALTORS®" as of 07/26/2021 and/or other sources. Display of MLS data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by the MLS. The Broker/Agent providing the information contained herein may or may not have been the Listing and/or Selling Agent. This is not intended as a solicitation if your property is currently listed with another broker. PA Million Dollar Guild, CLHMS, CRS, GRI, SRES, ABR, CDPE

Destination Luxe

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BVLGARI H O T E L S HAN GHAI A Roman Gem Set on a Scenic Riverbank by JAMES RIVEN

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he Bvlgari story began in 1884 when Greek silversmith Sotirio Bulgari opened his first workshop on the winding streets of Rome. Soon he cast aside traditional designs of jewelry making in the quest for more distinctive and daring designs. And indeed, that is for what Bvlgari is known for; striking designs executed in the most luxurious materials and methods, be it for watches, jewelry, accessories, and now hospitality. Bvlgari continues to set the standards of opulence in remarkable ways around the world for travelers with refined sensibilities. Bvlgari Hotel Shanghai rests on the riverbank of Suzhou Creek, just minutes from the Bund and Shanghai City Centre. The dramatic hotel provides

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sweeping views of Pudong’s impressive skyline, and skillfully balances nature with contemporary design and historical architecture. The intimate ambiance of the 82 rooms, 19 of which are exquisite suites, occupy the top eight floors of a 48-story skyscraper that is also home to The Bvlgari Residences. While only a short distance from the famed museums of People’s Square, the hotel is nestled in a neighborhood accented with private gardens, heritage buildings, and art galleries. Sophisticated Shanghai has been known as the ''Pearl of the Orient'' since the 1930’s, and is a corner of the world where the glitterati mingle with upwardly mobile urbanites, narrow abodes are shadowed by soaring modern architecture, and the esteemed traditions of the

culture thrive. Every Bvlgari room and suite introduces to guests the essence developed by Master Perfumer Jacques Cavallier. The fragrance ‘Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts’ was exclusively created for the Bvlgari Hotels amenities line. The signature scent displays a fresh elegance, distinctly Italian, with middle notes of roots, leaves, flowers, and bark that lingers with bottom notes of Calabrian bergamot and ginger. Bellissima! Rooms are furnished in stylish and lavish Italian elements with floor-to-ceiling windows and the highest standards of comfort imaginable. Walk-in rain showers, exquisite fittings, and 24-hour butler service for suite residences. The Bvlgari Spa and Fitness Centre is an expansive 2,000 square meter retreat to serenity where the balance of body, mind, and spirit are attended to in graceful Italian style. Superior La Mer skin products are integrated with rituals inspired by the principles of ancient and traditional Chinese medicine. Enjoy a dip in the 25-meter light-filled indoor heated swimming pool, or a healthful private sauna. The Bvlgari signature boutique Il Cioccolato specializes in hand-crafted chocolate delicacies. Each chocolate ‘gem’ is perfectly executed with the utmost in technique and style, as are all Bvlgari products, and use only the finest ingredients found locally or from around the world. The maȋtre chocolatiers create spectacular delights that are as beautiful to see as they are to enjoy. For the finest in Italian designed accessories, timepieces, and jewelry, the Bvlgari Boutique features current collections, as well as the works that have endured over the decades and for which Bvlgari is famous among the privileged and powerful cognoscenti. The Bvlgari Hotel Shanghai offers five marvelous bar venues. The rooftop La Terraza, with breathtaking views of Shanghai’s dazzling skyline, is designed with elegant teak decking, ivory cushioned arm chairs, curtained cabanas, and candle-lit lanterns. Reminiscent of the Italian garden at the original Bvlgari Hotel in Milan, Il Giardino is a lush garden setting that adjoins The Lounge for cocktails al fresco or private parties. The Lounge is a step back in time to the Dolce Vita era in Italy. Furnished in low-slung leather sofas, dark marble, and draped with dramatic bespoke light fixtures in Bvlgari’s signature Maglia Pantheon pattern, the vibe is HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS | 131

Destination Luxe

nostalgic, yet contemporary. With a fireplace for chilly nights and a warm glow, walls hung with sixties-era portraits of Italian celebrities reflect the unabashed glamour of halcyon days. The Whisky Bar is attached to Bao Li Xuan, the twice Michelin-starred, fine dining Chinese restaurant, and is the perfect stop for a post-prandial cocktail. Contemporary Flos lamps and modern Maxalto leather armchairs divine the feel of a private club. A luminous 132 | HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS

ivory onyx bar houses and displays an extensive collection of elite whiskies and spirits in a coveted range of vintages. The Bvlgari Bar is stunning in design with a dramatic hand-hammered bronze bar topped with mirrored steel. Lustrous chrome and black leather furnishings and a dramatic panorama from the private outdoor terrace complete the experience, as the bar shares the 47th floor with Il Ristorante-Niko Romito.

In a perfect partnership with the celebrated Chef Romito, known widely for his three-time Michelin starred establishment Reale in Abruzzo, Italy, he brings his craft of contemporary Italian cuisine to the cosmopolitan shores of Shanghai for the first time. The menu, the ambiance, and the views will take your breath away, as will each and every detail and element of this masterfully designed Italian hotel. Witness the understated merger of both classic

and contemporary Chinese and Italian aesthetics for a modern, yet elegant collaboration at the Bvlgari Hotel Shanghai, where a guest experience is made flawless with Bvlgari’s innovative luxury service concept of informality that is impeccable. When in Rome… perhaps it is captivating Shanghai?

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HVV HOLIDAY for t he

GIFT GUIDE

C hi c and

Distinguished Woman

Buccellati Diamond

Antique French Old Mine Cut Diamond White Gold Ring

“tulle” ring, 18 karat White Gold

J.S. Fearnley

$13,500

Jack Weir & Sons Price available upon request

Carved Agate, Sapphire & Diamond Ring by Suzanne Belperron Pat Saling Jewel Collection

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Price available upon request

Cartier Onyx Panther Brooch Paul Fisher Jewelry

$149,000

BULGARI Diamond, Emerald Serpenti Necklace

Yafa Signed Jewels

$275,000

Mid-Century Diamond and Platinum Bridal Rings, Circa 1950 Jacob’s Diamond & Estate Jewelry

$39,000 Each The world of luxury jewelry is exciting, expensive, and a little bit elusive sometimes - this means that in order to procure some truly amazing pieces, you have to know where to start looking. With a plethora of options available to you, it can be somewhat cumbersome to select the ideal piece for that special woman in your life, especially if she’s a jewelry aficionado with style to spare. Hills Views & Valleys has handpicked several options that truly stand out in any crowd, and these gorgeous works of art will undoubtedly impress even the most cultured and chic women. Presented to us by The Palm Beach Show Group, this gift guide includes several one-of-a-kind pieces that promise to enhance your jewelry collection for years to come.

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Destination Luxe

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CRYSTAL

CLEAR THE BACCARAT HOTEL OF NEW YORK CITY REFLECTS THE FINEST IN HOSPITALITY by CATHYLYN BROOKS

ising from a perfect Midtown Manhattan location, The Baccarat Hotel opulent, yet discreet, entrance demands attention. A seamless linear structure designed with inset glass and metal accents that pull and project light through a 125- foot wide glass curtain, emits the warm glow of superior hospitality. The illuminations from within beckon to the skillfully designed interiors conceived by Paris based Gilles & Boissier. The public spaces are filled with custom furnishings and intriguing, previously unreleased, works from the archives of Baccarat. The fittings of the 114 beautifully appointed rooms and suites are inspired by the décor and designs of the global luxury brand. A quietly sophisticated and calming palette is composed of platinum, steel, champagne, and ivory. Every floor and room offers serene privacy and features floor to ceiling windows, meaningful use of technology, signature linens commissioned from Mascioni, pristine cloud-white marble baths, and, of course, Baccarat crystal accents abound. As Baccarat crystal craftsmen live by the mantra, “The best that can be done, not the best that one can do,” so does the staff and every aspect of stewardship at The Baccarat Hotel. Considered artisans of service, the hosts, concierges, chefs, and bartenders are the finest in their fields. The traditions of discretion and politesse are the hallmarks of the firm, and are on display with every interaction and nuance.

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Destination Luxe The hotel combines the grandeur of modern excellence with the old world charm of a fine Parisian hotel. The public spaces, including the ballrooms and private meeting areas, display sophisticated opulence, yet feel welcoming and comfortable. The Bar is reminiscent of the grand long bars of decades ago, with natural wood walls defining the spaces. The ceiling is barrel vaulted and inspired by the royal stables of Versailles, and the glittering crystal chandeliers and lamp lighting is reflected in the rich woods and elegantly mirrored and glass surfaces. Naturally, all libations are skillfully crafted and served in Baccarat crystal vessels. Guests from around the world gather and enjoy a full range of beverage services as well as Alsatian-inspired cuisine presided over by Culinary Director and Two Michelinstarred chef Gabriel Kreuther. The plush and premier Grand Salon glows from within through a rippling curtain of clear glass revealing cascading chandeliers that watch over lush lounge-style seating covered in posh velvets and Jouffre silk. The Grand Salon is renowned for their

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signature Afternoon Tea service, which now features a Petit Prince Children’s Tea. Evenings are punctuated with enchanting Parisian-style pomp and circumstance applied to spirits, specialty cocktails, and wines, and The Grand Salon uniquely proffers the largest list of champagne offerings in the United States. Above it all with views of the city is Le Jardin, an alfresco setting replete with elongated trees, topiaries, blooming floral displays, and an ivy clad treillage wall. A new brunch menu is designed to please every palate with sumptuous selections. Sample the remarkable Sidecar Royale crafted with Louis XIII Cognac, Grand Marnier Quintessence, Lemon, and Gold Leaf. The Library pays homage to the treasured hotel guest with a display of over 250 journals bound in white leather. Numbered from 1764, the year that Baccarat was founded, to the present, guests are encouraged to inscribe an entry on any of the numbered pages to celebrate the art of written sentiment, and leave a mark in time from the writer for others to discover.

The hotel combines the grandeur of modern excellence with the old world charm of a fine Parisian hotel. HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS | 139

Destination Luxe

Spa La Mer is the first dedicated spa by the famed and sought after brand known for incomparable skin care based on bio-fermentation. Bathed in ambient light and sounds inspired by the sea, Spa La Mer offers moments of peace and renewal in secluded private treatment rooms. A fitness center and heated checkerboard bottomed pool, lined with cabanas inspired by the Côte d’Azur, completes the onsite experience. For local jaunts, a luxury car service can be available in style in the hotel’s vintage Citroen automobile. In the manner of the brand of the finest crystal the world over, the private Parisian pied-á-terre living of The Baccarat Hotel has been named among The 50 Best Hotels in the World by U.S. News & World Report, placed on The Gold List of Condé Nast, given the Five Star Award bestowed by Forbes Travel Guide, earned the coveted AAA Five Diamond Award, and countless more. With crystal chandeliers aglow, the many fine facets of The Baccarat Hotel are reflected in the sparkling glass and fine crystal that is the heart of the Esprit de Baccarat. That spirit of service is what guides the flagship hotel in the constant pursuit of perfection. 140 | HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS

The Baccarat Hotel is reflected in the sparkling glass and fine crystal that is the heart of the Esprit de Baccarat.

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THE

EQUESTRIAN WORLD

RIDES AGAIN! Masterful Horsemanship on Display by CAROLINE DAY

s 2021 rounds the backstretch, spectacular displays of the coordination of man (or woman) and the magnificent talents of horses will be demonstrated to the world once again. The Breeders' Cup, The World Equestrian Games, and The FEI World Cup Finals will serve up the highlights for sporting, and betting, enthusiasts this year and into 2022. Here’s what you will want to know about three of the equestrian world’s biggest events on the calendar. THE BREEDERS' CUP As in its namesake, the breeding industry is the foundation of essentially all equine aptitude. In the early 1980’s, Breeders’ Cup founder John Gaines, along with a prominent group of breeders from central Kentucky, had a vision. Their goal was to demonstrate what a horse was truly the best, year after year. Since 1984 the world’s finest thoroughbreds have competed in the Breeders’ Cup World Championships to claim a winning spot to be recorded in history. Held annually in the United States, the Breeders' Cup often ranks alongside the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes in terms of overall attendance and popularity. All horses participating must be nominated to compete in the championships, and it all starts, of course, with the stallions. Annually, stallions from North America are

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nominated for the Breeders’ Cup. The nomination is for the upcoming breeding season and the fee is equal to the stud’s advertised breeding fee. Once nominated, and once the stallion has “covered” mares, all foals from that season are then eligible to be nominated the year that they are born. Nominated foals generate approximately six times the value at sales than nonnominated offspring. International stallions can also participate in the nominations, their fees are based on their home in the Northern or Southern Hemispheres, and progeny are also eligible to be nominated in the year of their birth. What began in 1984 as a single-day event now spans two full days. The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) has ranked the Breeders' Cup’s Classic (4th), the Turf (10th), and the Mile (12th) events among the best in the world. While it is often one of the most popular horse racing events of the year, the total possible attendance at any given event can be impacted by the size of the hosting track. In 2018, the addition of the Juvenile Turf Sprint brought the total amount of prizes to $30 million, an amount that is among the highest in the racing world. Legendary jockey Mike Smith has 26 Breeders’ Cup wins, while Juddmonte Farms and their $17,135,820 in winnings tops the list of owners to prove their dominance at the competition.

In the steady gaze of the horse shines a silent eloquence that speaks of love and loyalty, strength and courage. It is the window that reveals to us how willing is his spirit, how generous his heart. – Author Unknown

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Held annually in the United States, the Breeders' Cup often ranks alongside the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. 146 | HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS

On the offspring side of things, Breeders’ Cup sire Galileo has brought in almost $14 million in earnings from the Breeders’ Cup - the highest of any horse by far. This year’s Breeders' Cup will be held November 5-6, 2021 where “the surf meets the turf” at the picturesque Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in Del Mar, California. With a history dating all the way back to the 1930s, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club has experienced growing attendance and is truly a “bucket-list” event for those who thrill at the thunder of hooves and the roar of the crowds. Both the Breeders’ Cup and the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club are proud to claim membership in the Thoroughbred Safety Coalition, which is dedicated to setting standards for safety, track conditions, medical care for the horses and the riders, and to enforce accountability while creating a culture of respect for the 350 year old tradition of horse racing. WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES 2022 A showcase of equestrianism on a global scale, the World Equestrian Games take place every four

years in the middle of the summer Olympic calendar. Since 1990, the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) has organized the games, and the games run for approximately two weeks.Riders represent the best of the world in each event and, like the Olympics, undergo a very stringent qualification process. The FEI World Equestrian Games are the pinnacle in equestrian sport and are one of the two Olympic qualifying events for the disciplines of dressage, eventing, show jumping, and para-equestrian dressage. Other events include combined driving, endurance riding, reining, show jumping, and vaulting. The 2022 World Equestrian Games for jumping, dressage, paradressage, and vaulting will be hosted by Herning, Denmark and will be held August 3 – 15, 2022. The 2022 World Championships for eventing and driving will be held by Pratoni del Vivaro in Italy, the venue established in Rome for the 1960 Olympic Games. The World Championships in the Olympic and Paralympic fields of jumping, eventing, dressage and para-dressage will serve as qualifiers for the Paris 2024 event.

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FEI WORLD CUP FINALS An international competition featuring the world’s best jumping and show horses, the FEI World Cup Finals began in 1978 and now feature 14 different leagues located across the globe. Visionary Swiss journalist Max E. Ammann developed the initial concept behind the FEI World Cup Finals and, along with long time corporate sponsor Volvo, has shepherded it to where it is today. In order to qualify for the World Cup Finals, riders participate in one of 132 events with the best advancing to the final rounds. Of all participants that attempt to qualify, only about 45 riders are selected for competition. For 2022, the FEI World Cup Finals will return to the German city of Leipzig to host the competition from April 6-10. The competition was last held in Leipzig in 2011 and featured the same four events, jumping, dressage, driving, and vaulting. More recently sponsored by Rolex since Volvo’s departure in 1999, the event is now also supported by rival watchmaker Longines. “All in good sport,” as the saying goes.

The FEI World Equestrian Games are the pinnacle in equestrian sport and are one of the two Olympic qualifying events for the disciplines of dressage, eventing, show jumping, and para-equestrian dressage. 148 | HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS

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Provident Jewelry has been family owned and operated since opening the door of our original location in West Palm Beach, Florida in 1993. Over the past 27 years, we have expanded to seven locations in Florida becoming one of the most respected and trusted buyers and sellers of fine estate jewelry, rare gems and luxury timepieces in the country. Discover the perfection and professionalism offered by Provident Jewelry by visiting one of our exquisite showrooms in West Palm Beach, Naples, Jupiter, Fort Myers, Palm Beach, and Wellington.

WEST PALM 561.833.7755 150 | HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS

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People & Places

GoS

WATCHES:

EXCELLENCE EXEMPLIFIED by DEAN GREGORY

or more than a decade, Patrik Sjögren, the Swedish founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Gustafsson & Sjögren, GoS Watches, has created resplendent collections of Scandinavian influenced timepieces, reflecting seamless, sophisticated elegance. Sjögren unveiled his first collection in 2008, drawing upon the synergy of bladesmith mastery and superior watchmaking skills. As such, the founder relishes in constructing utilitarian works of art, deeply rooted in the ancient Scandinavian craft tradition.

Based in Linköping, Sweden, the location of the firm enables the brand to draw upon the rich history and natural beauty of its ancient homeland in creating timeless watches. The company has elevated working with Swedish tool steels to a high art in forging a medley of watch components in Damascus steel such as cases, dials and bridges. Exceptional craftsmanship “at the bench” is demonstrated in the hand-made, blemish-free parts for each timepiece, including crowns, movement parts and dial components. In 2019, during Dubai Watch Week (DWW), Sjögren himself gave masterclasses to interested DWW participants as well as was invited to become a member of the esteemed Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) Academy in Switzerland. The latest watch from Sjögren and GoS, the Norrsken, which is Swedish for 'Northern Lights', captures both the essence of the signature brand approach as well as the beauty and majesty of the natural phenomenon, characterized by radiant green lights dancing across the sky. The timepiece offers the discretion of either a Damascus steel dial or a hand-guilloché dial, while a hand blown index ring, made of Swedish crystal, fosters an extraordinary degree of luminescence to pass through its clear surface, rendering the dial with vivid green tones.

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People & Places

MATT

GABLER REVOLUTIONIZING ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONISM by DEAN GREGORY

att Gabler grew up in a family of creatives in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. His family's creative expression ranged from writing, designing, and most importantly, painting. This deep and formative immersion into various artistic realms from birth was heavily influential in Gabler's life. After years of experimenting, studying, traveling, and absorbing the presence of creativity around him on a daily basis, Gabler cultivated and refined his unique creative vision. This enabled Gabler to achieve ultimate freedom through his artistic expression and relentless energy in dedicating his life to revolutionizing abstract expressionism for subsequent generations of artists. As a result, Gabler discovered a grander purpose than simply changing the genre itself, but in utilizing the genre to convey a message - a message that anyone can understand. His paintings feature depictions, emotions, and more that showcase scenes in our lives or scenes from our minds, which we may not always understand upon the first encounter.

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As his viewers are immersed in each painting, it feels as though the images and messages have been personalized for that moment. His collectors attribute his artworks to nurturing a new sense of wonder in their lives, while injecting rejuvenating and youthful exuberance into a stale world. At the bright, young age of 23, Gabler already has been featured in over 15 national exhibitions and won five national awards for artistic excellence. Matt Gabler's work will be an enlightening presence and a creative force in the art world for years to come. Artist Statement: "My paintings all have a story to tell. Whether that be through color, texture, or figures; they all have a story that we can relate to. I, as an artist, am in charge of extracting said stories and detailing them well enough for people to understand. In the process, I put the canvases through as much pain as we go through in our lives to help us all process, learn, and grow together."

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M i a m i

B l u e s

Originator of three genres of contemporary American art UPCOMING BURKHARDT ART EXHIBITIONS AND EVENTS: @ DTR Modern Group Exhibition/October 2021 - March 2022 @ Delray Beach Public Library Solo Retrospective/September 18-December 18 2021 @ Manolis Projects/Art Basel/Miami/December 2-2021 @ Palm Beach Design Showroom/Burkhardt/Calicchio Opening/January 12, 2022 @ Palm Beach Yacht Club/February 2022 @ Leonard Tourne Gallery/New York City/November 2021-February 2022

ARTIST@RONBURKHARDT.COM 158 | HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS

917.328.2614

PALM BEACH AND NEW YORK

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The Metropolitan Museum of Art New York City, New York

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao Bilbao, Spain

Louvre Museum Paris, France

The National Gallery London, England

The British Museum London, England

Musée d'Orsay Paris, France

Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, Netherlands

National Gallery of Art Washington, D.C.

State Hermitage Museum Saint Petersburg, Russia

Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía Madrid, Spain

Gagosian Gallery Beverly Hills, CA

Uffizi Gallery Florence, Italy

HOFA Gallery London, England 160 | HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS

The Art Institute of Chicago Chicago, Illinois

Vatican Museums Vatican City

The Museum of Modern Art New York City, New York

Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam, Netherlands

Smithsonian American Art Museum Washington, D.C.

The Getty Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles County Museum of Art Los Angeles, California

Saatchi Gallery London, England

Tate Modern London, England

Fine Arts Museum Basel Basel, Switzerland

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Boston, Massachusetts

Egyptian Museum Cairo, Egypt

*Many exhibitions will be subject to Covid-19 restrictions—please check on the respective museum website before visiting

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People & Places

SIMONIDA PAVICEVIC AN EXPERT’S GUIDE TO BUYING ART AT ART BASEL

by DEAN GREGORY

n anticipation of Art Basel 2021, we have a conversation with Simonida Pavicevic, specialist art advisor, curator and cofounder of the House of Fine Art Gallery (HOFA). Having attended Art Basel annually for many years and with HOFA exhibiting this year at Art Miami, she gives us her thoughts on the world’s most prestigious art fair as well as her top tips for visiting collectors. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN GOING TO ART BASEL?

“Well, Art Basel is the most important art fair in the world. I lived in Basel, Switzerland, for a while and also went to university studying art there. So I started attending Art Basel as a young art enthusiast many years ago in 2006.” HOW LONG HAS HOFA BEEN GOING TO ART BASEL AND HOW HAS YOUR PRESENCE IN MIAMI GROWN OVER THE YEARS?

“I have been going to Art Basel for many, many years and I am a huge supporter of the show. HOFA itself has been exhibiting at Art Miami since 2019. The Miami event attracts the world’s wealthiest art collectors in North and South America. Though HOFA has a gallery in Los Angeles, being at Art Miami in 2019 really helped us reach new clients and expand our presence in America.” WHY IS ART BASEL SO IMPORTANT?

“As I mentioned earlier, Art Basel is the most prestigious and most important art event on the calendar. Its brand, reputation and reach are unmatched. So, of course, every gallery wants a chance to be at Art Basel. Another reason why attending is such a big deal is that galleries can only participate by invitation.” WHAT MAKES ART BASEL SPECIAL?

“Well, Art Basel is very selective. It showcases the best artworks by the world’s best artists, attracting the best galleries and art collectors. The location in Miami is also part of the beauty of Art Basel. The warm Miami weather and the open air set-up of the event make it a very special experience.” 162 | HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS

WHAT WERE YOUR BEST MOMENTS FROM ART BASEL OVER THE YEARS?

“My best moment is usually the VIP preview that’s held one day before the event opens to the public because that’s when the best artworks in the exhibition are unveiled for the first time and it’s always a surprise to see which items made it into Art Basel. The VIP preview is reserved for the best and most reputable art collectors and their clients. They get to see the artworks first and to make their selections before everyone else.” WHAT ARE SET TO BE THE HIGHLIGHTS IN 2021?

“There’s a lot of anticipation and accumulated expectation from clients, collectors and galleries because Art Basel 2020 was cancelled due to COVID-19. So, seeing the important artists and artworks included this year will certainly be the highlight of the event.” WHAT WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF MIAMI IN 2019 FOR YOU?

“2019 was HOFA’s first appearance at Art Miami. So, being there as a gallery was a big deal. As a collector, I also look out for artworks to buy for investment and for my personal collection, and from the perspective of an art collector; the highlight of Art Basel 2019 was the ‘Banana on the Wall’ showcase by artist Maurizio Cattelan. Titled ‘Comedian’, it was a funny piece, which actually sold for $120,000. It was certainly what everyone was talking and joking about. It became the main conversation piece of Art Basel Miami Beach 2019.” WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TIPS FOR ART COLLECTORS AT ART BASEL THIS YEAR? “When it comes to collecting art, there’s really no rule about what to buy and what not to buy. Collecting art is a very personal affair. It’s about what you like as a collector and what appeals to you. However, there are a few tips I always share with clients.”

Specialist Art Advisor, Curator and cofounder of The House of Fine Art Gallery (HOFA). London, England

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People & Places

Impatient Nation by Angela Santana, 2018

First, know that whatever you can buy at Art Basel is a good investment because attendance is by invitation only and Art Basel is known to attract the best artworks and artists. So, collectors can be sure that whatever they buy at the fair is a good catch. However, collectors need to work within their budgets and be proactive. It’s important to do some research beforehand as most artworks are sold out not long after the show begins.

Take the time to explore the whole of Art Basel to understand what’s available. I usually give my clients a guided tour of the fair. Some galleries release a program of what they’ll exhibit before the event. This can be helpful in choosing which item to buy but not all galleries do this. That’s why it’s important to go round the fair grounds to see important galleries and artworks for yourself.

III

Choose art that appeals to you; art that has the sort of visual impact and presence you want. The visual impact of the artwork on the collector is actually the first and most important thing. It’s all about how the art makes you feel and the visual moment that happens between you as a collector and the artwork.

“As a gallery, we only represent artists we believe in, artists whose works show potential to grow in value over time. This year, we’re bringing the artworks that have been most requested by our clients and collectors. We’re bringing popular artists whose works are highly in demand right now. HOFA will have 2 booths at this year’s Art Miami and we’re curating a very big show with wellestablished, younger contemporary artists such as Ilhwa Kim, Fabio Viale, and Joseph Klibansky. We’re also bringing Swiss artist Angela Santana who we recently signed and the popular pixel artist Invader whose works are soaring in value right now. The rest will be a pleasant surprise.” WHAT WILL BE THE HIGHLIGHT OF HOFA AT ART MIAMI THIS YEAR?

It’s also useful to research the artist, the story and inspiration behind the art, what message the artist was trying to get across through the work, where else the artist is exhibiting, and of course, the price of the artwork.

“We’re bringing our best international artists to Art Miami this year and like I said earlier, we’re planning a very big show. Two of our headline artists are Angela Santana and Ilhwa Kim. Angela is a Swiss artist based in New York. Her artistic style is very remarkable and her work has been attracting a lot of attention in the art world. And, Ilhwa Kim, who is a Korean artist, is one of the most popular artists we’ve signed so far. Her creations are unique, and she just had a very successful solo exhibition at our gallery in London.”

Bear in mind that art is to be experienced. You’re not going to collect art and lock it away somewhere. You want to buy something you’ll enjoy looking at and experiencing because that’s what matters.

" When it comes to collecting art, there's really no rule about what to buy and what not to buy. Collecting art is a very personal affair. "

IV V

WHO IS HOFA BRINGING TO ART MIAMI AND WHY WERE THEY SELECTED?

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Take the time to explore the whole of Art Basel to understand what’s available. I usually give my clients a guided tour of the fair.

KOUROS BY FABIO VIALE, 2020, WHITE MARBLE WITH PIGMENT

AMALGAMATION A BY ANGELA SANTANA, 2021

THE THINKER BY JOSEPH KLIBANSKY, 2019, BRONZE, SPRAY PAINT, EDITION OF 8

INVADER BY MLGA-03, 2017_18, CERAMIC TILES ON PERSPEX, SIGNED & DATED ON REVERSE WITH ID CARD

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People & Places

A LOOK AT:

or Fabian Perez, the purpose of art is to perpetuate beauty. ‘That is what I am always striving for. God created the world and embellished it with the wonders of nature. I think it is the artist’s job to embellish it with his work." “I am constantly fighting for a more romantic world, one where the woman and the man have defined roles and power isn’t always the goal." Pausing, he says, “I would like to say that it is not important what you have, but how you enjoy it."

Mostly he works in the mornings and in the early afternoon, when the light is best. Usually he uses acrylic paint, so that he doesn't have to wait for it to dry. "My paintings are dark, because I try to only give an idea. Not every detail I prefer to paint the moods in color, so the viewer gets a sense of what is being felt. Painting is a wonderful way of communicating with people. It can be hard to explain everything that I feel and, in some way, people understand when they look at my art better than I could ever say it" He likens painting to music and this is particularly evident in his Flamenco pieces, where the dancer creates complex rhythmic patterns. “I compare color and technique with music and rhythm, the subject matter and composition with lyric and poetry. I want to invite the viewer to remain in front of my paintings, not feel rejected by them. The longer they linger, the better my chance to communicate with them. When music is gentle, people will listen to it. I take things that people like to look at and then they see more deeply into it."

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Health, Wealth & Wellness

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Health, Wealth & Wellness

bsolutely nothing is more important than good health. Many things in life are precious and cherished, but most are meaningless without a robust mind and body to enjoy the activities and pleasures in life. The SHA Wellness Clinics were founded by Alfredo Bataller Parietti who, after receiving a worrisome diagnosis, was fortunate enough to meet a physician with a deep understanding of nutrition and integrative medicine. Following his guidance, his health was dramatically recovered through the healing powers of proper nutrition and the consumption of healthy foods. His commitment to sharing and spreading this valuable knowledge has led to, along with the support of his family, truly stunning and unique locations that integrate age-old wisdom with the latest advances in innovative medicine. The mission of SHA Wellness is to help people to live longer and live better through a comprehensive approach to health. SHA is a life-transforming experience for guests to recognize not just the absence of disease, but to understand how to live in an optimal state of physical, mental, and spiritual health in harmony with their environment. Teams of renowned experts in the fields of nutrition, preventative medicine, anti-aging, genetics, holistic medicine, dermo-aesthetic medicine, regenerative medicine, physical activity and sports, dentistry, psychology, bioenergetics medicine, cognitive medicine, and more come together for the privileged clients at SHA for the sole purpose of improving their lives. The setting is dramatically beautiful surroundings designed in the finest fashion possible. A world leader in health and wellbeing, SHA Wellness Clinics are specifically located in warmer climates, integrated with nature, and in proximity

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Health, Wealth & Wellness to the healing sea. Every detail is thoughtfully designed with minimal impact to the environment and a focus on natural materials with respect for the local terrain. They are the perfect prescription to slow the spinning of the world and to begin a personal journey toward revitalization of body and soul. A visit to SHA Spain is a visit to the Baraller family’s former holiday home. Located in one of the most picturesque locations on the Mediterranean Sea, it is blessed with 330 days of sunshine per year. The clinic is nestled near the charming village of Altea, not far from the Altea Yacht Club, and lies near a land and maritime natural park that is home to one of the primary ornithological reserves in Europe. With distinctive and striking Mediterranean style and stepped buildings tethered to cantilevered bridges, it is surrounded by gardens that join the property to the natural surroundings. The extensive use of natural textures and materials in the interior designs creates calm and relaxing spaces that are connected to open areas and breathtaking views. Several sophisticated suite and residential options are available to choose your spacious surroundings for the duration of your selected health program. Across the Atlantic, built to be the healthiest homes on earth, SHA Residences rest on a stretch of white, sandy beach north of the Riviera Maya across from Isla Mujeres. Just offshore is the largest coral reef in the northern hemisphere with the greatest number of protected marine species in the world. Sand, sea, and sun, combined with contemporary architecture and a sophisticated design aesthetic, will merge with sustainable practices to minimally impact the environment and will offer truly complete immersion in the SHA Wellness Clinic lifestyle. To live in luxurious surroundings, to be catered to for every whim, to have your perfect diet finely tuned and beautifully presented in a setting that abounds with the glories of nature is truly a wellness lifestyle. Life is cherished and robust health is treasured. Learning how to extend the capacity of one’s health, on absolutely every level, in this most celebrated fashion, is perhaps the most precious gift on earth.

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SHA is a life-transforming experience for guests to recognize not just the absence of disease, but to understand how to live in an optimal state of physical, mental, and spiritual health in harmony with their environment.

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A DEPTH OFVISION “Now more than ever, we must prioritize the health of our planet. We embrace the challenge and are committed to doing our part to make a lasting change.” - PATTY PERREIRA

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TAMBOUR STREET DIVER

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L’ÂME DU VOYAGE: A Journey Beyond the Surface Louis Vuitton welcomes the Street Diver family to its iconic Tambour range

This year, this iconic watch has been re-imaginedin the form of the Tambour Street Diver, taking Louis Vuitton into the realm of high-end sports watchmaking with a timepiece designed to go from the gym to the club, the beach to the office. Robust and edgy with a decidedly sporty outlook, the Tambour Street Diver brings together all the requirements of a traditional dive watch while retaining the colorful, creative and unconventional style Crafted from a single block of metal and larger elements that have always been central to the House. at the base than at the top, the unique shape of the Encapsulating the energy and richness of city life, Tambour was inspired by a drum. With applied horns that seamlessly integrate the case and strap, the the Tambour Street Diver is vibrant, bright and offers position of the hours are indicated on the caseband something for everyone in a chic, ultra-modern package. by the 12 letters “L-O-U-I-S-V-U-I-T-T-O-N”. The Challenging the codes of more utilitarian timepieces, it Tambour has, in two short decades, become an iconic was born as a watch with an urban outlook rather than as a traditional diving instrument, yet its underwater and instantly recognizable watch. credentials have not been compromised. Like all great designs, the Tambour case is timeless By looking beyond its surface, the sportier aspects and adaptable and, over the past 19 years, has taken on various forms from spectacular high jewelry of the Tambour Street Diver are revealed. From the masterpieces to the acclaimed Tambour Horizon screw-down crowns and 100m of water resistance, to the connected watch, via models boasting the most generous coatings of Super-LumiNova on dial elements complications such as 2020’s Tambour Curve Flying and inner rotating bezel, all bear witness to the functional practicality of this Swiss-made highly crafted watch. Tourbillon Poinçon de Genève. he new Tambour Street Diver is everything that Louis Vuitton symbolizes – high artisanal quality, multi-functionality, creative ingenuity and the freedom of expression. It continues the House’s horological journey into the unexpected, one that began in 2002 with the launch of the Louis Vuitton’s very first watch.

The Tambour has, in two short decades, become an iconic and instantly recognizable watch. HILLS, VIEWS, & VALLEYS | 187

TAMBOUR STREET DIVER PACIFIC WHITE A 39.5mm polished, stainless-steel case houses a white dial with small-seconds at 6 o’clock, royalblue accents and rose-gold-plated hour and minute hands, all coated in Super-LumiNova. Presented on a white rubber strap with navy logo. Quartz movement.

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ABOUT LOUIS VUITTON Since 1854, Louis Vuitton has brought unique designs to the world, combining innovation with style, always aiming for the finest quality. Today, the House remains faithful to the spirit of its founder, Louis Vuitton, who invented a genuine “Art of Travel” through luggage, bags and accessories which were as creative as they were elegant and practical. Since then, audacity has shaped the story of Louis Vuitton. 188 | HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS

TAMBOUR STREET DIVER BLACK BLAZE A 44mm stainless-steel case coated in black-PVD and pink gold houses a black dial with smallseconds at 6 o’clock, Super-LumiNova-coated hands, numerals and indexes and pink-gold accents. Presented on a black rubber strap with black or gold buckle. Automatic movement.

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Faithful to its heritage, Louis Vuitton has opened its doors to architects, artists and designers across the years, all the while developing disciplines such as ready-to-wear, shoes, accessories, watches, jewelry and fragrance. These carefully created products are testament to Louis Vuitton’s commitment to fine craftsmanship. For further information: louisvuitton.com HILLS VIEWS & VALLEYS | 189